Hong Kong: Beijing meeting concludes

Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his unanimous election as President of the Peoples Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the country.

As the first session of the 14th National Peoples Congress concluded this morning, with all agenda items successfully completed and key officials of state institutions endorsed, Mr Lee gave his congratulations on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Hong Kong people, saying the session demonstrated peoples aspiration, support, trust and reliance.

He also congratulated all elected and endorsed national leaders, and commended their profound knowledge, rich experience and visionary leadership with a people-oriented approach.

Addressing the closing meeting, President Xi said the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has embarked on an irreversible and historic journey, and that China must firmly promote high quality development while always putting the people first, better coordinate development and security, make solid efforts in advancing the implementation of one country, two systems and the cause of national reunification, and strive to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Mr Lee noted that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, has been leading the country in making world-renowned achievements. The country has ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieved the historic mission of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarked on a new journey towards fully building a great modern socialist country and achieving the second centennial goal.

Furthermore, President Xi said that the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau are part and parcel of the building of a strong China, and that people must fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold one country, two systems, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong, Macau people administering Macau and a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to governing Hong Kong and Macau in accordance with the law; and support the special administrative regions in developing the economy, improving peoples livelihood, and better integrating into national development.

Mr Lee stated that he was most encouraged by President Xis speech, stressing that Hong Kong has always been a witness, participant and contributor in advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The victorious conclusion of this years two sessions manifests the peoples aspirations and forges consensus for the new era, boosts the confidence and motivation in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, embarking on a new journey, and advancing the development of the CPC and the country, he highlighted.

Emphasising the close bond between Hong Kong and the motherland, the Chief Executive made it clear that the city will resolutely ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of one country, two systems and leverage its strengths to meet the countrys needs.

The Hong Kong SAR will play a more extensive and effective role as a participant and contributor in building a modern socialist country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, and will actively dovetail with national strategies and more proactively integrate into the overall development of the country, he added.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Iran arrests over 100 for involvement in students' poisoning

Xinhua) 15:47, March 12, 2023

TEHRAN, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Interior Ministry said on Saturday more than 100 people in 11 provinces have been arrested on charges of involvement in the recent incidents of student poisoning at the country's schools.

The ministry announced the arrests in a statement published on its website, listing the provinces as Tehran, Qom, Zanjan, Khuzestan, Hamedan, Fars, Gilan, West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan, Kurdestan and Khorasan Razavi.

The statement noted for some of the arrestees who used poisonous substances as a "mischievous" way to escape classes, and the authorities have given them necessary warnings and instructions.

Some other arrestees are individuals with "hostile motivations," the statement added, noting they sought to cause fear and anxiety among people and students. The authorities are investigating them to find out if they are connected to terrorist groups.

More than 700 students in over 30 schools across Iran have fallen victim to mysterious poisoning cases since Nov. 30, 2022 when the first case was reported in the Qom province. Most of them were soon released from the hospital after receiving treatment, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Monday urged law enforcement to pursue anyone responsible, vowing to give maximum punishment to the perpetrators.

The Iranian Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday its investigation revealed that the diffusion of certain "stimulant substances" among students led to their poisoning symptoms in some schools over the past weeks.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie)
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President Biden is calling legislation targeting transgender people in Florida close to sinful.

Its just terrible what theyre doing, in the Sunshine State, Biden said on Monday in a preview clip from The Daily Show. Biden sat down for an in-depth interview at the White House with guest host Kal Penn, the Comedy Central show announced.

The Harold & Kumar go to White Castle actor  who made the jump from Hollywood to politics as the White Houses associate director of public engagement under former President Obama  asked Biden about his evolution on marriage equality and what the federal government can do to protect LGBTQ Americans, especially trans kids who are dealing with all these regressive state laws right now.

I can remember exactly when my epiphany was, the president replied.

Biden, 80, recalled being a senior in high school being dropped off by his father and witnessing two well-dressed men in suits kissing one another.

Ill never forget, I turn and looked at my dad. He said, Joey, its simple. They love each other. 

Its just that simple. It doesnt matter whether its same-sex or a heterosexual couple, you should be able to be married. What is the problem? Biden said.

Transgender kids is a really harder thing, Biden told Penn. Whats going on in Florida is, as my mother would say, close to sinful.

GOP lawmakers in Florida have introduced a slew of bills to roll back the rights of LGBTQ communities. The newly proposed House Bill 1421 in the state would outlaw gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries.

In his sit-down with Penn, Biden said, Its not like, you know, a kid wakes up one morning and says, You know, I decided I want to become a man, or I want to become a woman, or I want to change. I mean, what are they thinking about? Theyre human beings. They love. They have feelings.

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Its cruel, Biden said.

And the way we do it is we make sure we pass legislation like we passed on same-sex marriage  you mess with that, youre breaking the law, and youre going to be held accountable, Biden said.

In addition to the interview with Biden  his first with The Daily Show as president  Penn will take viewers on a special tour of the Oval Office on Mondays show, Comedy Central said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Joe Biden sought to reassure the public about the the health of the U.S. banking system on Monday, following the stunning downfalls of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.

Americans can rest assured that our banking system is safe, Biden said in a statement at the White House. Your deposits are safe. Let me also assure you we will not stop at this; well do whatever is needed.

But the panic had clearly not yet abated. The stocks of some regional banks took big hits on Monday, including First Republic, whose shares were down more than 63 percent as of early afternoon (marking a 78 percent decline over the past month). Meanwhile, Bank of Hawaii was down 20 percent on Monday, while PacWest Bancorp had plummeted 29 percent.

President Biden Says Saving Silicon Valley Bank Helped Economy Breathe EasierBut Not All Experts Agree https://t.co/Or7fCLjjdV pic.twitter.com/5H99GJLFRG  Forbes (@Forbes) March 13, 2023

The government has guaranteed all deposits in Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, with Biden saying that customers will have access to their money as of today. That includes small businesses across the country that bank there and need to make payroll, pay their bills and stay open for business, Biden said.

The president also sought to distinguish the action taken by his administration to that of the approach taken by his predecessors in bailing out financial institutions in 2008. This is an important point: No losses will be borne by the taxpayers, Biden said. The government is using a pool of money that financial institutions had previously paid into to rescue the fallen banks, hence the distinction, though some observers still consider the intervention a bailout.

Biden further vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the banks collapses. The managers of these banks will be fired, he said. No one is above the law.

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California regulators closed Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after depositors scrambled to withdraw their money. The panic started after the 40-year-old bank last week announced a major loss on a portfolio of bonds that spooked investors and, within 48 hours, SVB had collapsedthe largest bank failure since the 2008 crash. On Sunday, regulators also closed New York-based Signature Bankthe third biggest failure in the history of the U.S. banking systemas turmoil spread through markets in the wake of SVBs collapse.

They knowingly took a risk and when the risk didnt pay off investors lose their money, Biden said Monday. Thats how capitalism works. He also said he would ask Congress and bank regulators to bolster rules in order to make it less likely this kind of bank failure would happen again.

As Biden made his plea for calm, markets remained jittery on Monday morning, with stock futures falling and the price of gold spiking as investors looked for safe havens. The stocks of several banks, including First Republic, Charles Schwab and Bank of Hawaii, were halted Monday morning.

The fallout was also being felt in Europe, where shares took a beating. The British government announced on Monday that it had brokered a deal for HSBC to buy SVBs U.K. business in a bid to protect the British tech sector.

Adversaries of the Biden administration have wasted no time in turning the crisis into political capital. I dont remember banks collapsing under Trump, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted Sunday, apparently forgetting the FDICs reported 16 bank failures between 2017 and 2020.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) took a different approach, contrasting the Biden administrations swift action in response to the crisis with its perceived inaction over the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. They give money to Silicon Valley Bank, Greene tweeted. They give money to Ukraine. But no money for East Palestine.

Biden pushed back on some of the criticism on Monday, arguing that Donald Trump was partly to blame for Silicon Valley Bank's collapse because the former president had loosened regulations.

During the Obama-Biden Administration, we placed tough requirements on banks to make sure the crisis we saw in 2008 wouldnt happen again, Biden's account tweeted. Unfortunately, my predecessor rolled some of those back.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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President Biden is expected to prohibit oil and gas leasing across the entirety of the United States' territory in the Arctic Ocean, an administration official confirmed on Sunday.

Mr. Biden intends to announce the new declaration on Monday, the official told CBS News. It will come during the first day of his upcoming trip to California, which will see the president visit San Diego to discuss AUKUS, the nuclear submarine partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, before traveling to Monterey Park to discuss gun violence in the city where 11 people were shot and killed at a dance studio in January.

The Biden administration will also announce its plans to issue new rules protecting more than 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska from oil and gas leasing when the president unveils his Arctic drilling declaration, the administration official said. The anticipated protections will extend to the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas.

When taken together, the areas covered under both conservation actions will include more than 16 million acres of land and water in Alaska. The administration hopes these restrictions will serve as a "fire wall" that will block future gas leasing and expansion across federal lands and waters in the U.S. Arctic Ocean and on the North Slope of Alaska, the official said, a region that is rich in petroleum and currently the focus of a mounting national controversy.

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. / Credit: ConocoPhillips via AP, File

Drilling regulations will be unveiled as climate activists wait for Mr. Biden to issue a decision on the Willow project, which the administration official said is coming soon. The project, introduced by the petroleum refinery company ConocoPhillips, would allow for drilling across a federal oil reserve in the North Slope of Alaska called the Willow oil field. According to ConocoPhillips, the Willow project could potentially yield up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day, equating to about 1.5% of the total U.S. oil production.

There is bipartisan support for the Willow project, the Associated Press reported last week, adding that some indigenous groups in the area also support the proposed drilling plan for its potential economic benefits. While ConocoPhillips originally proposed five drilling sites in the Willow oil field, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management said in February that reducing that number to three sites would be a "preferred alternative."

Still, the proposed drilling project has come under fire from environmental advocates, whose concerns about how the Willow project could drive up carbon emissions and contribute to ongoing climate change sparked a viral social media trend, #StopWillow, last week.

Climate advocates argue that even three drilling sites would produce an estimated 278 million tons of greenhouse gases over the course of 30 years, which is ConocoPhillips' proposed timeline for the Willow project. That emissions volume is roughly the same amount two million cars would generate over the same time period.

Trading of more than 12 regional bank stocks halted amid Silicon Valley Bank collapse

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President Biden and Democrat lawmakers praised the decisive action by federal financial agencies on Sunday to protect Silicon Valley Bank depositors and shore up the financial system ahead of markets opening on Monday.

The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them, Biden said in a statement Sunday, adding he would deliver remarks on how to protect the banking system on Monday.

I am firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again, he added.

The Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced in a joint statement on Sunday that depositors of the Silicon Valley Bank will be able to access all of their funds on Monday.

Democrats lauded the decision, saying that it will not only protect the bank, but its customers and workers who relied on the bank for their paychecks.

This decisive action taken by regulators to fully protect all Silicon Valley Bank deposits will ensure that millions of workers across the country will be paid on time  and it will limit the potential damage to Californias and the nations economy, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said in a statement Sunday.

It is also important to note that taxpayers will not be on the hook for this critical resolution, and the protections do not extend to shareholders.

Regulators were reportedly seeking to auction off SVB Sunday afternoon, however its unclear if those efforts will continue into Monday given the action announced by the Treasury and others.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and lawmakers spoke out on Sunday against the possibility of a bailout to save the bank and its shareholders, saying efforts would instead focus on making depositors in the bank whole.

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Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) echoed a similar sentiment in a statement issued Sunday.

These actions by the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC, are absolutely necessary to protect not the bank, but the banks customers, who were put at risk through no fault of their own, Panetta said in a statement.

In the days ahead, we must fully determine what caused this crisis, and what must be done to better protect customers deposits in the future.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) said that agencies should investigate whether there was a manipulation of the markets amid the banks closure.

Going forward, we must hold bank mismanagement accountable and investigate whether there was any shorting or manipulation of markets, he said in a statement.

Swalwell also blasted former President Trump and Republicans in 2018 for passing the Reform Act in 2018 that lifted regulations on the bank.

As to the how could this happen concern, its clear that the efforts by former President Trump and Kevin McCarthy to pass the Reform Act in 2018 inoculated Silicon Valley Bank from stress tests and regulation that would have prevented this crisis, he added.

This is a lesson: the weakening of bank regulations for small and medium sized banks allowed this mismanagement to go unchecked.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden plans to hold a phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, once the legislature concludes its annual gathering and the government in Beijing returns to work, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

We have said that when the National Peoples Congress comes to a close, as it now has, Chinese leadership returns to Beijing, and then all of these new officials take their new seats, because of course you now have a new set of figures in substantial leadership positions, we would expect President Biden and President Xi to have a conversation, Sullivan told reporters Monday on Air Force One en route to San Diego.

Biden answered yes to a shouted question from a reporter Monday about whether he would speak with Xi soon.

Sullivan wouldnt say whether the Chinese have agreed to hold a call on that timeline.

I cant put a date or time on it but in the period that follows the Peoples Congress, a Biden-Xi telephone communication  we think theres merit in seeing that happen, Sullivan said last week.

The National Peoples Congress, the annual parliamentary gathering, ended on Monday. New Premier Li Qiang struck a conciliatory tone on ties with the US, suggesting a fresh openness by Beijing to resume talks.

I want to stress that it is important for us to translate the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Biden during the meeting last November into actual policies and concrete actions, Li said Monday.

Read more: Premier Li Urges US-China Cooperation, Seeks Concrete Actions

The US-China relationship hit another low point this year after the Biden administration shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon that traversed the US and after US officials said Beijing was considering providing lethal aid to Moscow for its war in Ukraine.

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Biden and Xi last spoke in November at the Group of 20 leaders meeting in Bali, Indonesia. Both men signaled a thawing of relations following that meeting.

Sullivan told reporters in a briefing last week that the goal is to ensure there are as many formats as possible on all levels for the two countries to communicate regularly.

We would encourage the PRC to be open to ensuring that we have regularized, organized patterns of communication, consultations for us to be able to talk in strategic terms about these matters, he said in the briefing.

China broke off military-to-military communication after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last August.

We have been seeking to establish regular, non interruptible mil-mil channels, which we think are essential to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. And China has been at points, including at this point, unreceptive to that. I think that is not a wise posture, Sullivan said last week.

Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a submarine deal Monday, part of an effort to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

Sullivan said the Biden administration had briefed Beijing on its Aukus partnership and has also sought information and clarity on Beijings intentions and capabilities with respect to its considerable military buildup.

Read more: US, Allies Prepare Mega Submarine Deal Under Aukus Agreement

The spy balloon episode led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel a planned trip to China in February. Sullivan said last week that Blinken is prepared to go when he can have a productive trip but that it depends on Beijing and their attitude.

From a US perspective, we are not trying to withhold senior level communication. Quite the contrary, he said when asked if progress was being made for a future Blinken trip.

(Adds Biden comment in third paragraph)

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The Biden administration is expected to approve a controversial Alaska oil drilling project known as the Willow Project on Monday, a source familiar with the plans told The Hill.

ConocoPhillipss Willow Project would allow for as many as 629,000 barrels of oil to be extracted over the projects 30-year life span, according to documentation pitching the project.

Two sources said that they expect the Biden administration to approve three drill sites. A fourth site that was proposed to be deferred until a later date is now expected to be rejected, a source said. As many as five drill sites were considered for the project.

The New York Times first reported that the approval would come Monday and would be reduced to three drill sites.

Asked for comment, a White House spokesperson referred The Hill to a Friday statement from the administration that a decision had not yet been made.

No final decisions have been made  anyone who says there has been a final decision is wrong, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a written statement on Friday.

The Willow Project has faced significant opposition from the left and an approval would anger some members of President Bidens base.

The proposal document said that the project could ultimately result in a total of 278,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions  equivalent to driving 59,900 cars for a year.

On Sunday night, the Biden administration announced certain steps aimed at limiting other oil and gas drilling in and around Alaska, though the moves are not expected to appease the projects critics.

Supporters of the Willow Project say that it will bring economic benefits to the region and increase oil supplies.

The Willow Project was initially approved by the Trump administration in 2020, but the approval was struck down in court in 2021.

Judge Sharon Gleason said at the time that the environmental review that the government undertook for the project was inadequate, including the assessment of the projects climate impacts. She axed the Trump administrations approval of the project, and sent it back to the Biden administration for further study.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday after unveiling details of a major submarine deal with Britain and Australia aimed at countering China that he expected to speak to Chinese leader Xi Jinping soon, but declined to say when.

Asked at a meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego if he was worried that China would see the AUKUS submarine deal as aggression, Biden replied "no."

Asked if he would speak to Xi soon, Biden said "yes," but to another question as to whether he would tell journalists when they would talk, he replied "no."

Biden said in mid-February he expected to speak to Xi about what the United States said was a Chinese spy balloon that flew through American airspace, worsening already tense relations, but no such call has been announced.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week the United States wanted to re-establish regular communications with China and Biden expected to speak with Xi by telephone sometime after China's government returns to work following its annual National People's Congress that ended on Monday.

The AUKUS agreement to provide Australia with nuclear- powered submarines is aimed at countering China in the Indo-Pacific and Beijing has condemned it as an illegal act of nuclear proliferation.

"Competition requires dialogue and diplomacy," Sullivan told a small group of reporters last week in reference to China while discussing AUKUS. "We encourage the PRC (People's Republic of China) to have regularized patterns of communications at senior levels."

Asked when a call with Xi might happen, Sullivan replied: "When the People's Congress is over and the government, including the president, return to work in Beijing the (U.S.) president anticipates the opportunity to engage in a phone call."

"Over the course of 18 months we have communicated with (China) about AUKUS and sought more information from them about their intentions," Sullivan added, referring to China's military buildup, including nuclear powered submarines.

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China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday that both China and the U.S. were maintaining necessary communication.

"We believe that the value and significance of communication is to enhance the level of understanding and manage our differences, not to communicate for the sake of communicating. The U.S. side should come forward sincerely, with practical actions to promote China-U.S. relations," Wang said.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Xi plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That call was likely to take place after Xi's visit to Moscow next week to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, the newspaper said.

Sullivan told reporters en route to San Diego on Monday that Washington has been publicly and privately encouraging Xi to talk to Zelenskiy so that they hear "not just the Russian perspective" on the war.

Sullivan added that Ukraine had not confirmed a call between Xi and Zelenskiy.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Michael Martina, Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Grant McCool and Stephen Coates)
By Steve Holland, Elizabeth Piper, David Brunnstrom and Lewis Jackson

SAN DIEGO/CANBERRA (Reuters) -The United States, Australia and Britain unveiled details of a plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Addressing a ceremony at the U.S. naval base on Monday in San Diego, accompanied by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, U.S. President Joe Biden called the agreement under the 2021 AUKUS partnership part of a shared commitment to a free-and-open Indo-Pacific region with two of America's "most stalwart and capable allies."

Sunak called it "a powerful partnership," adding: "For the first time ever it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across the Atlantic and Pacific keeping our oceans free ... for decades to come."

Under the deal, which was welcomed by its Asian allies on Tuesday but has angered Beijing, the United States intends to sell Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, which are built by General Dynamics, in the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to buy two more if needed, a joint statement said.

It said the multi-stage project would culminate with British and Australian production and operation of a new submarine class - SSN-AUKUS - a "trilaterally developed" vessel based on Britain's next-generation design that would be built in Britain and Australia and include "cutting edge" U.S. technologies.

Britain would take delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine in the late 2030s, and Australia would receive its first in the early 2040s. The vessels will be built by BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

"The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australias defence capability in our history, strengthening Australias national security and stability in our region," Albanese said at the ceremony.

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AUKUS will be the first time Washington has shared nuclear-propulsion technology since it did so with Britain in the 1950s.

Biden stressed that the submarines would be nuclear-powered, not nuclear armed: "These boats will not have nuclear weapons of any kind on them," he said.

But the deal comes with an eye-watering bill for Australia with cost estimated to go up to A$368 billion ($245 billion) by 2055.

Albanese defended the spending, saying it was "an economic plan, not just a defence and security plan".

He said he expected AUKUS would result in A$6 billion invested in Australias industrial capability over the next four years and create about 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30. He said it would require funding amounting to about 0.15% of GDP per year.

Australia's defence minister, Richard Marles, said it was an investment in the nation's security.

"It is an investment that we cannot afford not to make," Marles told a news conference in Canberra.

China has condemned AUKUS as an illegal act of nuclear proliferation. The plan "constitutes serious nuclear proliferation risks, undermines international non-proliferation system, fuels arms races, and hurts peace and stability," China's permanent mission to the United Nations said in a tweet after the announcement.

Asked if he was worried China would see the AUKUS submarine deal as aggression, Biden replied "no." He said he expected to speak to Chinese leader Xi Jinping soon, but would not say when.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan pointed on Friday to Beijing's own military buildup, including nuclear-powered submarines, saying: "We have communicated with them about AUKUS and sought more information from them about their intentions."

Australia offered China a briefing on the submarine deal, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said.

In launching the partnership, Australia also upset France by abruptly cancelling a deal to buy French conventional submarines.

The agreement will see U.S. and British submarines deployed in Western Australia as soon as 2027 to help train Australian crews and bolster deterrence. U.S. officials said this would involve four U.S. submarines and one British in a few years.

This first phase of the plan is already underway with the U.S. Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine Asheville visiting Perth in Western Australia, officials said.

BIG QUESTIONS AND HUGE INVESTMENT

The U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, said in a media briefing on Tuesday that the U.S. had informed its partners in South East Asia about the AUKUS plan, including in Indonesia and Malaysia, last week "to explain clearly what AUKUS is and what AUKUS is not".

A senior U.S. official said AUKUS reflected mounting Indo-Pacific threats, not just from China towards self-ruled Taiwan and in the contested South China Sea, but also from Russia, which has conducted joint exercises with China, and North Korea as well.

Taiwan's foreign ministry welcomed the deal, saying it would help combat "authoritarian expansion" in the region.

"The cooperation between the three parties will strengthen the deterrence capabilities of democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region and help maintain regional peace and stability," it said in a statement.

Albanese called Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday to brief him on the launch, with Kishida saying the deal "will contribute to regional peace and stability, and that Japan has consistently supported this initiative," his foreign ministry said in a statement.

Big questions remain about AUKUS, not least over strict U.S. curbs on the extensive technology sharing needed for the project and about how long it will take to deliver the submarines, even as the perceived threat posed by China mounts.

In a reflection of stretched U.S. production capacity, a second senior U.S. official told Reuters it was "very likely" one or two of the Virginia-class submarines sold to Australia would be vessels that had been in U.S. service, something that would require congressional approval.

Analysts said that given China's growing power and threats to take Taiwan by force if necessary, it was vital to advance the second stage of AUKUS, which involves hypersonics and other weaponry that can be deployed more quickly.

British and Australian officials said this month work was still needed to break down bureaucratic barriers to technology sharing and Monday's announcement did not cover this second stage.

The second U.S. official said Australia would contribute to boosting U.S. and British submarine production and maintenance capacity.

He said Washington was looking at "double digit billion" investment in its submarine industrial base on top of $4.6 billion already committed for 2023-29 and that the Australian contribution would be less than 15 percent of the total.

Britain, which left the European Union in 2020, says AUKUS will help boost its economy's low growth rate. Sunak said AUKUS was "binding ties to our closest allies and delivering security, new technology and economic advantage at home."

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Mike Stone, Jonathan Landay, Joel Schectman, Steve Holland, Kirsty Needham, Kantaro Komiya and Ben Blanchard; writing by David Brunnstorm, Praveen Menon and Alasdair Pal; Editing by Don Durfee, Grant McCool and Stephen Coates)
In 2020, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pledged to stop all new oil drilling on federal land. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

On the campaign trail in 2020, Biden promised to ban all new oil drilling on federal land.

He just violated that pledge by approving one of the largest-ever drilling projects on that land.

Activists and many Democratic lawmakers are condemning his decision to approve the Alaska project.

President Joe Biden has made fighting climate change a central pillar of his presidency. He's promised  and the White House says he's delivered  more to protect the climate than any other US president.

But he just broke a key campaign pledge to stop all new oil drilling on federal land in a major way.

On Monday, the Biden administration officially approved one of the largest-ever drilling projects on federal land: the $8 billion ConocoPhillips Willow oil project, which is expected to produce more than 600 million barrels of crude oil over three decades in Alaska's North Slope. While the administration has previously been forced by the courts or Congress to approve some oil and gas leasing on federal land, Biden has rarely violated his campaign promise of "no more drilling on federal lands, period" without being compelled to do so.

Progressive lawmakers who've championed the president's pro-climate initiatives quickly condemned the Willow project approval on Monday, some citing his apparently discarded promise.

"This decision not only leaves an oil stain on the administration's climate accomplishments and the President's commitment not to permit new oil and gas drilling on federal land, but slows our progress in the fight for a more livable future and puts into harm's way the neighboring Native Village of Nuiqsut and the Arctic landscape," Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat and leader on climate issues, said in a statement.

Climate activists panned the project, which will occur inside the 23-million acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

"The Biden Administration and Interior Department promised to prioritize climate action, environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty," Julian Brave NoiseCat, a writer and climate activist, told Insider in an email on Monday. "The approval of the Willow Project contradicts all of those commitments."

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Jennie Stephens, a professor of sustainability science and policy at Northeastern University, told Insider the Biden administration "is undermining its own climate justice goals" and "caving into pressure from corporate interests."

"Fossil fuel phaseout is an urgent global priority  it is shameful that the United States is a laggard, rather than a leader, in this collective global challenge," she said.

A Biden administration official insisted that the government's hands were tied by leases granted to ConocoPhillips by prior administrations. The official noted that the administration is limiting drilling to three of the five proposed sites and that the company will give up 68,000 acres of existing leases.

"The company has a legal right to those leases," the official told Insider in a statement. "The Department's options are limited when there are legal contracts in place. Courts would not allow a full denial of the project."

Fossil fuel lobbyists and both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Alaska have long pushed the administration to back the lucrative project. Most Alaska Native communities also support it.

Likely in part to dampen the wave of backlash the administration expected to receive over the Willow approval, it also just announced sweeping environmental protections in the region. These include banning future oil and gas leasing in the US Arctic Ocean and protecting the majority  13 million acres  of Alaska's Petroleum Reserve from future drilling.

Despite these protections, the Willow project is expected to come with significant environmental costs, aside from contributing to planet-warming emissions. The Interior Department's own assessment found concerning impacts on fresh water and the region's rare wildlife.

In a letter earlier this month, two dozen Democratic members of Congress urged Biden not to approve the project, calling it inconsistent with his "commitments to combat the climate crisis and promote environmental justice."

Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan called the Willow approval a "disastrous decision" that "will have devastating consequences on our planet, frontline communities, and wildlife."

Former Vice President Al Gore called it "recklessly irresponsible" and the Center for American Progress, a major Biden-aligned think tank, called it a "carbon disaster" that "threatens to negate all of that promised progress on renewables."

March 13, 2023: This story has been updated with comment from a Biden administration official.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Joe Biden attempted to assuage nationwide worries about Silicon Valley Banks downfall late last week, promising that taxpayers would not bear the brunt of the largest economic collapse in the U.S. since the 2008 financial crisis.

Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe. Your deposits will be there when you need them, Biden said in a speech Monday morning. Small businesses across the country that deposit accounts that these banks can breathe easier knowing they'll be able to pay their workers and pay their bills, and their hard work and employees can breathe easier as well.

The presidents remarks come on the heels of a chaotic weekend in which U.S. regulators worked to find a buyer for the bank, which held more than $200 billion in assets mostly for tech startups and venture capital firms. Federal regulators scrambled to close Silicon Valley Bank when it experienced a bank run late last week.

But depositors breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday when federal authorities stepped in, agreeing to backstop all depositors for Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank  a New York-based bank that also suffered a run on Friday  and to prevent runs on any other financial institutions.

In a surprising move, the Fed also said it would offer cash loans of up to a year for any bank putting up safe collateral. In theory, that would allow banks to handle deposit withdrawals of any amount as authorities seek to reassure people that they dont need to take their money out at all.



Silicon Valley Banks depositors would have access to all their money on Monday, the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and FDIC promised. The president confirmed that in his speech, saying every American should feel confident that their deposits will be there if and when they need them.

During the four-minute speech, Biden emphasized that taxpayers would not pay for the bank's mistakes, explaining that money will come from the fees that banks pay into the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund to cover the damage. Those who contributed to the collapse, he added, will be reprimanded.

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The management of these banks will be fired. If the bank is taken over by FDIC, the people running the bank should not work there anymore, Biden said.

Investors are out of luck, too, Biden said: "Investors in the banks will not be protected. They knowingly took a risk, and when the risk [doesnt] pay off, investors lose their money. Thats how capitalism works.

Progressives have already begun to signal plans to use the collapse as a cudgel to force reforms, a point cemented by Biden toward the end of his remarks.

"I'm going to ask Congress, the banking regulators, to strengthen the rules for banks to make it less likely this kind of bank failure would happen again, Biden said, mentioning the Trump administrations rollback of Obama-era regulations on banks.

In a call with lawmakers Sunday night, Biden administration officials indicated that such a move is urgent for small businesses that need to make payroll, et cetera. The message, I think, is no widespread panic is necessary, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said Monday morning on CNN.

To ensure such a crisis doesnt happen again, Baldwin said lawmakers must take another look at regulations loosened years ago, specifically a 2018 deregulation bill aimed at easing some key post-2008 crisis rules on small and regional banks.

A similar sentiment was echoed by Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Maxine Waters of California, the ranking Democrat on House Financial Services, who said they plan to focus on how to strengthen guardrails for the largest banks.
President Biden on Monday expressed confidence that the U.S. banking system is safe and Americans can access their deposits after regulators closed two banks in recent days.

The bottom line is this: Americans can rest assured that our banking system is safe. Your deposits are safe. Let me also assure you, we will not stop at this. Well do whatever is needed, Biden said in remarks before departing for California.

The president sought to reassure the public and financial markets that his administration had the situation under control after regulators late last week took control of Silicon Valley Bank, which catered to the startup and venture capital-funded tech world. Regulators in New York on Sunday closed Signature Bank of New York amid growing uncertainty about the stability of the banking system.

The president said the government would pursue a full accounting of how Silicon Valley Bank collapsed and why, adding that lawmakers must act to prevent it from happening again.

The Treasury Department on Sunday announced it would backstop all deposits at those banks, not just up to $250,000 as insured by federal law.

A Treasury Department official told reporters the move was necessary to stabilize the banking system and protect workers who could be directly affected by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Because of the action our regulators have already taken, every American should feel confident their deposits will be there when they need them, Biden said Monday.

Biden stressed the efforts to backstop all deposits would not be covered by taxpayers, but would instead be funded by fees that banks pay into a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. fund. He also said managers of the shuttered banks would be fired and held accountable.

Biden on Monday also said he would ask Congress to strengthen rules regulating the banking system after some provisions were rolled back during the Trump administration.

Then-President Trump in 2018 signed a measure that exempted certain small and regional banks from regulations passed under Dodd-Frank in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The 2018 bill passed when both chambers of Congress were controlled by Republicans, but the bill received Democratic support in both the House and Senate.

Updated at 11:18 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden aimed to reassure the public Monday about the stability of the U.S. banking system following the financial collapse of two U.S. banks.

Americans can have confidence the banking system is safe, said President Joe Biden. Your deposits will be there when you need them.

President Biden said the federal government has taken over Silicon Valley Bank and New York Signature Bank.

He stressed that taxpayers will not foot the bill.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

No losses will be borne by the taxpayers, said Biden. Instead, the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the deposit insurance fund.

Our Washington News Bureau spoke with Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee, which is responsible for overseeing economic issues.

We need to dig in and find out what really happened, said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), a GOP member of the House Financial Services Committee. Thats really where we are right now, just informational gathering.

I dont think its time to panic, said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), another GOP member of the House Financial Services Committee. I think its time to ask questions.

Read: Temperatures will drop as storms push out; see how chilly it will get

Norman said we can expect to see more committee meetings and hearings in the coming weeks about this matter and had this message for the public.

Its important to know this is one bank, said Norman. I think your mom-and-pop banks for the most part are sound but I do think for those watching, call your banks. Ask questions. Look at your accounts.

Some Republicans are arguing President Bidens economic policies hurt the financial system.

What would help Samantha is for this administration to get real about the economy, said Norman to Washington Correspondent Samantha Manning. Its his policies that are to blame for the troubles the economy has and dont take my word, ask the businessman on the street.

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Read: RIP, Fred: Oviedo community mourns beloved rooster after untimely death

Some Democrats, meanwhile, point to the 2018 rollbacks of bank regulations under the Trump administration.

I am urgently calling for a House Financial Services Committee hearing to investigate the banks collapse and how Republicans 2018 bank deregulation bill contributed to SVBs risky behavior and jeopardized financial stability for far too many, said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), a Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee.

President Biden said hes calling on Congress and the bank regulators to beef up regulations, but House Republicans we spoke with said that move is premature.

Im going to ask Congress and the banking regulators to strengthen the rules for banks to make it less likely this kind of bank failure could happen again, said Biden.

Read: Crane arrives to tear down Orlando FreeFall nearly 1 year after teens death on ride

Asking Congress to react before we have all the information, thats irresponsible, said Loudermilk.

The Republican Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee released a statement saying hes confident in the regulations already in place.

At this time, it is important to remain levelheaded and look at the factsnot speculationwhen assessing the right path forward, said Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), the GOP Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. I have confidence in our financial regulators and the protections already in place to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system.

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.
President Biden on Monday said he plans to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping soon, as the White House increasingly signals its willingness to have the two leaders connect amid heightened tensions.

Biden was asked during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego, Calif., whether hed speak to Xi soon and responded, yes. Biden would not provide any more specifics on when theyd talk.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan earlier Monday told reporters the White House is expecting Biden and Xi to have a conversation now that the National Peoples Congress, an annual legislative convention, has ended.

So, at some point in the coming period  I cant give you a date, because theres no date set  but President Biden has indicated his willingness to have a telephone conversation with President Xi once theyre back and in stride coming off of the National Peoples Congress, Sullivan said aboard Air Force One.

Biden and Xi have not spoken since the U.S. military last month shot down a Chinese spy balloon near the coast of South Carolina after it traversed a swath of the continental United States. After detecting that balloon, U.S. officials detailed how the Chinese had a large-scale balloon surveillance program, and said other balloons had entered U.S. airspace in recent years but were not detected at the time.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have also been heightened amid reports China is considering providing aid to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Biden administration officials have said they have yet to see any indication that China has in fact provided any aid.

Biden was in San Diego on Monday with Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce an agreement to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and increase submarine patrols in an effort to bolster the defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific as a counter to China. The president brushed off the suggestion that the announcement would be viewed by China as an act of aggression.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Monday said he plans to go to Northern Ireland for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement next month.

Its my intention to go to Northern Ireland and the Republic [of Ireland]. Biden told reporters while in San Diego, Calif., for a deal to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.

The presidents comments came before a meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is in California to formalize the AUKUS security agreement along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Sunak, at the start of his meeting with Biden, told the president he hopes he will commemorate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Its great pleasure to be here and I look forward to our conversations and also importantly, we invite you to Northern Ireland, which hopefully you will be able to do  so we can commemorate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. I know its something very special and personal to you. Wed love to have you, Sunak said to Biden.

Biden replied, Twenty-five years. It seems like yesterday. Like yesterday. Thank you.

The Good Friday Agreement was struck on April 10, 1998, between former British and Irish prime ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern and former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell (D-Maine). Biden, who often touts his Irish heritage, has been a longtime supporter of the peace deal.

Sunak told reporters on Sunday that he planned to invite Biden to Northern Ireland for the anniversary and that he hoped the president will accept his invitation. The Guardian had previously reported on Bidens plans to visit Belfast next month.

The agreement ended the conflict between Ireland and Northern Ireland, often called The Troubles. The U.K.s exit from the European Union, though, has sparked renewed concerns about the possibility of a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, upsetting the agreement that has maintained peace for over two decades.

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Biden reiterated his commitment to the agreement last September in a meeting with former Prime Minister Liz Truss after she backed the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which critics say would risk violating international law by suspending parts of the agreement.

Sunak won a leadership contest to become prime minister in October, replacing Truss, who resigned from her role after just 45 days in office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden announced the next steps of the United States partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, saying it will bolster the groups ability to respond to global threats.

Mr Biden made the announcement at Naval Base Point Loma with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The three leaders announced that Australia would obtain conventionally armed and nuclear-powered submarines.

The president made clear that the submarines would not be armed with nucelar weapons.

I want to be clear to everyone from the outset. Right off the bat, no confusion or misunderstanding, he said, these subs are powered, not nuclear-armed submarines.

Mr Biden said that the United States would honour its international obligations and said that Australian crews will embed with US and British troops to learn how to operate the nuclear-powered submarines.

The president hosted the prime ministers of the two partner nations in San Diego and announced it had found the optimal path forward to provide Australia the with nuclear-powered subs. The president said that the USS Asheville would make a port call in Perth as they spoke.

Simply stated, we're putting ourselves in the strongest possible position to navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow, he said.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Australia first announced the partnership, named Aukus, in September 2021, when Boris Johnson served as prime minister of the United Kingdom and Scott Morrison served as Australian prime minister. But that created a row with France, who had previously made an agreement with Australia to provide submarines.

Mr Albanese thanked Mr Biden and Mr Sunak for their partnership.

Today a new chapter in the relationship between our nation, the United States and the United Kingdom begins, he said, adding that it was the single biggest investment in Australias defence capability in history.

This is the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology, he said, adding that Australia would partner with the United Kingdom to construct new submarines called SSN Aukus.

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Mr Sunak, for his part, emphasised the need for collaboration between the three nations and said that the challenges that the international community faces have only grown since the collaboration was announced 18 months ago. Mr Sunak specifically cited Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, as well as Chinas destablising behavior and that of Iran and North Korea.

Faced with this new reality, it is more important than ever that we strengthen the resilience of our own countries, he said. Mr Sunak also announced that the United Kingdom would increase in its defense spending relative to its gross domestic product.

This will allow us to replenish our oil stocks and modernise our nuclear enterprise, delivering Aukus and strengthening our deterrence, he said.

But ultimately, the defence of our values depends as it always has on the quality of our relationships with others, he said. And those alliances will be strengthened through the most significant multilateral defence partnership in generations.
President Joe Biden approaches the podium to speak during a commissioning ceremony for USS Delaware, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, at the Port of Wilmington in Wilmington, Delaware, Saturday, April 2, 2022. | Associated Press

On Monday, President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the details of the new SSN-AUKUS plan at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California.

The news: Biden announced that the mission of SSN-AUKUS is to develop some of the worlds most advanced submarines, combined with U.K. design and U.S. technology. He also said that the goal of the trilateral partnership is to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open, via BBC.

Under this partnership, Australia will purchase up to three Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, with the option to purchase up to two more, with the move happening as soon as the early 2030s, the leaders said.

This historic trilateral partnership comes in light of increased tensions between the U.S. and China.

Related

Details: The president emphasized that none of the submarines will contain nuclear weapons, but will only be powered by nuclear energy, stating that the partnership will honor each country's obligations, specifically Australias strict non-nuclear weapon stance.

This is the first time in 65 years, and only the second time in history, that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology, Albanese said.

This move is also the biggest single event in Australias defense capability in all of its history, the Australian Prime Minister added.

This is a powerful partnership. For the first time ever it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across both the Atlantic and Pacific, keeping our oceans free, open and prosperous for decades to come, said Sunak.

Albanese confirmed that people from the U.K. and Australia are currently undergoing nuclear power training in the U.S. to bring the plan to fruition.

British submarines will also be sent to Western Australia to train crews and bolster deterrence, Reuters reported.

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The bigger picture: Prime Minister Sunak stated that recent events are more cause for the U.S. and allied countries to strengthen their relationships with one another.

Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, Chinas growing Assertiveness, the establishing behavior of Iran and North Korea - all threaten to create a world codefined by danger, disorder, and division, Sunak said.

In a previous interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sunak stated that China poses an epoch-defining systemic challenge, to the U.K. and its allies, such as the U.S.

[China is] a country with fundamentally different values to ours, and I think over the last few years its become increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, Mr. Sunak said to the WSJ. Its behavior suggests it has the intention  but also its actions show it is interested in reshaping the world order and thats the crux of it.

Crunching the numbers: AUKUS was first unveiled in 2021, when each of the countries announced that there would be increased military spending in order to interfere with Chinas military activity in Asia, per CNN.
Biden administration officials are pressing their Canadian counterparts to make a decision on whether Ottawa will lead a multinational force into Haiti to assist the crisis-racked Caribbean nation in its battle against gang control, U.S. and diplomatic sources said.

They are hoping that a visit to Canada by President Joe Biden next week will settle months of debate over the matter.

In October, the United States proposed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council  with the support of the U.N. secretary-general and the Haitian government  for the deployment of a rapid-action, multinational force to Haiti to help the countrys embattled police break the stranglehold of armed gangs spreading across the country.

At the time, State Department officials said they were confident that a country would step up to lead the initiative by November. And in January, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Canada had expressed interest in taking on a leadership role.

A U.S. official familiar with the matter told McClatchy and the Miami Herald that the resolution was drafted on the hope and expectation that Canada would lead the effort.

But as Haitis security crisis worsens with hospitals forced to cease operations due to escalating violence and kidnappings and with police abandoning their posts in the face of deadly gang attacks, Canada has yet to make any public commitment to do so. Instead, the countrys leaders  including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has personally engaged with Caribbean leaders on the topic  have been casting doubts in private discussions and in press interviews.

During a meeting with members of the 15-member Caribbean Community, CARICOM, in the Bahamas last month, Trudeau stopped short of agreeing to deploy his military. Instead, he announced a slate of new Canadian government support, including the deployment of two warships off the coast of Port-au-Prince, and more sanctions against those his government believes are contributing to the destabilization.

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Meanwhile, in interviews over the past few months, Canadas ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, has said past military interventions into Haiti have failed to bring long-term stability and last week Chief of the Defense Staff Wayne Eyre said hes concerned about whether his Canadian armed forces have the capacity to lead such an intervention.

By transporting Haitian-purchased armored vehicles, conducting patrol aircraft overflights, and now, deploying two maritime coastal defense vessels, we will continue to step up with important contributions to Haitis security, a spokesperson for Canadas minister of national defense told the Herald. Security assistance is one of four pillars of Canadas whole-of-government response to the crisis in Haiti, which also includes diplomacy, sanctions, and humanitarian and development assistance.

READ MORE: Digicel chief says cellphone company is struggling in Haiti but not suffering like population

Canadian officials have sent several delegations to Port-au-Prince to look into the question of deploying troops. Trudeau also spoke with Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness about the situation in Haiti ahead of Holness recent visit to the country where he headed a CARICOM delegation after leaders opted to follow Trudeaus example and focus not on deployment but supporting the Haiti National Police.

On Monday, during a public hearing in the Saint-Michel district of Montreal, Trudeau said he believes the best way to restore stability in Haiti is first to sanction the elites to tell them that they can no longer finance gangs [or] political instability.

Since last fall, Canada has blacklisted 17 Haitian nationals, including several former politicians, by freezing their assets and preventing them from visiting. The United States, in turn, has issued only financial sanctions against five individuals, four of them former Haitian parliamentarians, while slapping nearly 50 individuals, including their family members, with visa bans. The United States and the European Union, Trudeau said, must do much more.

The United States started to impose more sanctions. We need them to do a lot more. We need Europe, France, to do more, Trudeau said according to La Presse, the French-language digital newspaper in Montreal.

Henri-Paul Normandin, a former Canadian ambassador to Haiti and fellow with the German Marshall Fund, a Washington public policy think tank, said while he doesnt know what will happen when Biden and Trudeau meet, the latter faces a dilemma on the question of deploying boots into Haiti.

My reading of all this is that the initial political enthusiasm to do this first, and secondly, the desire to do something that would be helpful for Haiti. was then contrasted with the cold facts and risks when this was more thoroughly analyzed, Normandin said. When we look at the reality, it is much more complicated.

To begin, he said, there is a fundamental question of what the chances of success would be. Given the current war zone-like terrain  gangs are raping women and children, and using the population for target practice in once-peaceful farming communities  what would be the rules of engagement of such a force?

A woman and her daughter walk past a barricade that was set up by police officers amid civil disturbances in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

There are lots of questions, and just like with a war, you know when you get in, but you do not know when you can go out, said Normandin, who has also served as ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. So back to the key question, would Canada, even with the support of other countries, be able to achieve success? And even more important, would Canada and the others be able to achieve success that is sustainable? Again, the answers are far from obvious.

Just like in Haiti and in the United States, Canadians are divided about the question of foreign troop deployment, though a recent survey shows that Haitians are increasingly supportive of the idea with around 70% in the country backing the creation of an international force to assist their police. Normandin said theres lot of goodwill toward Haiti in Canada but that there are also domestic political risks for Trudeau. The prime minister is currently dealing with his own controversy at home over allegations that Beijing interfered with Canadas 2019 and 2021 elections.

When can we use force? said Normandin, who isnt privy to any of the governments internal discussions. Secondly, what about the risks, the operational risks and the political risks? If some operation goes bad, and civilians are killed, then what happens? There are legal questions as well: If this multinational force contributes to arresting people, what do you do with them?

Two U.S. officials told McClatchy that during the visit Biden and his team plan to express a sense of urgency to settle on the composition of a force. One official acknowledged Canadas concerns with its capacity to lead such a force, but questioned whether any other party was more equipped than Ottawa to take the mission on.

Several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, have previously expressed their willingness to participate in a multinational force, as have some African nations. In that regard, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who was in the Bahamas last month along with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, was expected to raise the concerns about Haiti with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two met on Friday, a source told the Herald. Though France, like Canada and the United States, provides training and funding to the Haiti National Police, the European nation has been largely absent from the discussions about troop deployment.

Experts say the makeup of any deployment to Haiti would require a large country with adequate logistical capabilities and military assets.

From the outset of the conversation over foreign intervention, the Biden administration has ruled out the possibility of leading the multilateral force itself, citing Washingtons long, messy history with force deployments in Haiti. Sullivan noted that the United States has had multiple experiences with military operations in Haiti and that the administration is looking for a solution that does not involve a major U.S. military operation in Haiti.

In 1915, when Haitian President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was hacked to death on the streets of Port-au-Prince by a mob, the United States quickly intervened and took control of Haitis political and financial interests. The resulting 19-year occupation along with the United States heavy-handedness in Haitis domestic affairs, including recent elections, have repeatedly been cited by critics of foreign intervention and have fed into the administrations reluctance.

Barricades block a Port-au-Prince street, the result of gang violence in the Haitian capital.

Should the response from Canada be a definitive no or still a non-commitment, Washington will need to decide its next steps, Haiti observers say. Does it deploy its own soldiers? Or does it allow the situation to destabilize so much that Haiti becomes a regional threat and there is no choice but to send in another large-scale United Nations peacekeeping mission that the international community has said, until now, it wants to avoid?

During a visit last week to Port-au-Prince, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols received an earful from members of the foreign diplomatic corps about the degradation of the security environment. Armed groups were now moving into previously peaceful communities, kidnappings were skyrocketing and police were overwhelmed. Even the countrys prisons are being targeted by gangs, which over the weekend sought to take control of the womens prison just north of the capital in the rural town of Carbaret before police reinforcements were sent.

Nichols, who flew to Haiti to see where Haitians leaders are on forging a broader political consensus on governing the country in the absence of elections or any elected leader after the high-profile July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moise, was in listening mode and offered no new revelations. He did, however, make it clear that with confusion over whether the United States was working through third parties to address the ongoing crises, the only person authorized to speak on behalf of the United States is Charge dAffaires Eric Stromayer.

We continue our collaboration with our international partners to build the framework for a possible multi-national force to provide security and stability, Nichols later said at a press conference in reference to the Haitian governments request for such a force. We recognize that the Haitian national police needs support to address severe insecurity in Haiti.

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, said in a statement that the presidents trip to Ottawa on March 23 and 24 would include discussions on regional challenges, including instability in Haiti.

A National Security Council official said that, while in Mexico in January, Biden and Trudeau committed to continue collaboration on this, and the two leaders will discuss the situation in Haiti when they meet again this month in Ottawa.

The United States remains committed to providing assistance to the people of Haiti while also holding accountable those responsible for undermining Haitis stability, the official said. We remain in coordination with partners on next steps to address urgent security needs in Haiti, including support to the Haitian national police.
WASHINGTON (AP)  In 2016, Vice President Joe Biden warned against efforts to unravel banking regulations that Democrats had fought to implement following the nations financial crisis, just as the emerging Trump administration was determined to loosen those strict banking rules.

Biden argued that without the far-reaching 2010 banking overhaul known as Dodd-Frank, financial institutions would continue to gamble with consumers' cash and ultimately hurt the middle class.

We cant go back to the days when financial companies take massive risks with the knowledge that a taxpayer bailout is around the corner when they fail, Biden said in a speech at Georgetown University in the waning days of the Obama administration.

Now there's a banking crisis on his watch as president, and Biden is moving aggressively to assure the public that it is contained, bank executives will be fired, deposits are safe and taxpayers aren't on the hook  measures also designed to calm jittery financial markets.

As he contemplates an announcement for a second term, Biden's ability to avert a contagion among financial institutions will test his contention that his administration represents competence and stability in contrast to the chaos of the Donald Trump years.

His call for additional regulation, though, is likely to run into stiff resistance in the Republican-controlled House and even among some moderate Democratic lawmakers who joined Republicans to loosen some rules in a 2018 law  not to mention criticism from the still-forming 2024 Republican field that has already labeled his actions a bailout by just another name.

Privately, Biden has been adamant that the government's intervention would not be like that of 2008, when Congress authorized billions in taxpayer cash to rescue financial institutions that were deemed too big to fail. That's according to a senior White House official, who was not authorized to describe private discussion by name.

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But administration officials believe that this time they had to act substantively despite bad decision-making by bank executives, given the economic risks and the potential impact on customers who did nothing wrong.

Unlike in 2008, Biden was insistent that bank executives had to pay a price, said the official, granted anonymity to discuss internal White House deliberations.

The management of these banks will be fired, Biden declared Monday. If an institution is taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the people running the bank should not work there anymore.

On Monday, Biden also stressed that taxpayers will not bear the cost of his administration's penalties on the two failed banks, instead tapping into an insurance fund that is paid for by bank fees. And while customers and small businesses who stashed their money with the penalized banks would be protected, Biden emphasized that investors would not.

They knowingly took a risk and when the risk didnt pay off, investors lose their money, Biden said. Thats how capitalism works.

California Rep. Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, said that Biden, like others, cannot ignore the lessons of the 2008 financial collapse and that having endured it firsthand, the president was well aware of the stakes. In conversations over the weekend, the White House assured her he was on top of it.

I think that his main concern was how to, No. 1, take care of the depositors and avoid contagion so that we would not basically, seriously, disrupt the banking system in this country," Waters said.

Regulators put Silicon Valley Bank under FDIC control on Friday afternoon after panicked depositors rushed to withdraw all their funds within a matter of hours. That's a bank run. Top administration officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stressed that they were monitoring the situation, as reports of companies struggling to figure out how to manage their finances amid the two banks' shutdown rippled throughout the media and threatened regional banks around the country.

By Sunday night, Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC announced that all Silicon Valley Bank clients would be able to access their money, as would depositors from Signature Bank in New York, which similarly failed and would be taken over by state regulators. As administration officials were working behind the scenes, Biden was regularly briefed by his chief of staff, Jeff Zients, National Economic Council director Lael Brainard and Yellen throughout the weekend, according to the White House.

Biden also spoke with outside economists, although the White House declined to identify them.

Administration officials also worked to brief lawmakers over the weekend, although several Republicans were left off a call for senators with Treasury and FDIC officials on Sunday night. After Republicans protested publicly, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed out to Treasury that GOP senators were excluded, the administration quickly convened a separate briefing for Senate Republicans on Monday afternoon.

There, several GOP senators conveyed their concerns to administration officials that Silicon Valley executives were being rescued in a way that could ultimately harm community banks in their home states, according to a person with knowledge of the call who was granted anonymity to discuss a private conversation. That would be because these banks would be assessed new fees to replenish the insurance fund that the administration tapped to aid the two failed banks' depositors.

Indeed, the political specter of the word bailout will linger over the White House for some time.

Republicans angling for the 2024 presidential nomination are already arguing that customers will ultimately bear the costs of the government's actions even if taxpayer funds weren't directly used. Some economists believe more fees levied on banks will just get passed onto consumers, such as increased rates for loans.

Joe Biden is pretending this isnt a bailout. It is," former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said, arguing that depositors at other banks now are forced to subsidize Silicon Valley Banks mismanagement and that bank customers will ultimately be responsible for the costs if the insurance fund is drained.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee who is eyeing a presidential bid, also criticized what he called a culture of government intervention, arguing that it incentivizes banks to continue risky behavior if they know federal agencies will ultimately rescue them.

White House and other administration officials are insisting their actions are not a bailout. But Harvard University economist Kenneth Rogoff said while he agrees that the government is rightly protecting the two banks' depositors, the money spent to make them whole is certainly a bailout.

The government swore after the financial crisis it was not going to bail out uninsured depositors and it was not going to bail out money funds," Rogoff said. "It basically, as I understand it, is guaranteeing everything. So thats certainly a bailout.

___

AP White House correspondent Zeke Miller and AP chief congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
Detroit-based Buddy's Pizza will open its second Lansing area location next month in Okemos.

Everyone city has favorite regional chain restaurants that they miss since they moved to Southwest Florida.

For this native Detroiter, they're Buddy's Pizza and Big Boys. And now that Jack In The Box recently announced it was moving into Florida, we're asking for readers' help: What is a regional chain restaurant you'd love to see in Southwest Florida?

You know, the restaurant you hit up at least once when visiting your hometown.

Dining review:On a budget? JLB reviews 2 cheap eats joints under $25 per person in Naples

They're slowly arriving to the Gulf's sandy shores, like Culver's (Wisconsin) in 2013 in Naples and Wawa (Pennsylvania) in Collier and Lee counties in the past decade.

But for many of us, it's just not fast enough.

Email us at features@naplesnews.com or taste@news-press.com, telling us in a sentence or two what you'd like to see here and why. We'll compile a list of and, who knows, maybe they'll listen to us Up North.

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Big Boys to Buddy's Pizza: What restaurants do you miss and want here
Bill Ackman says the US government's intervention in the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank instills trust that authorities will be protecting depositors. Mike Blake/ Reuters

US regulators are guaranteeing depositors' funds after the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed.

But this isn't "a bailout in any form," said billionaire investor Bill Ackman.

The US government is protecting depositors and not the management or shareholders, he said.

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman said the US government's move to guarantee deposits in the aftermath of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank's failure is not a "not a bailout in any form"

In a long tweet on Sunday, the founder and CEO of hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management said that the government injected money in the form of preferred stock into banks during the Global Financial Crisis from 2007 to 2009, protecting bondholders and shareholders  but it's not the same this time.

This time, the depositors are being protected via the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance program that has been funded by premiums paid by banks, he said, adding: "The fund will recoup any losses by assessing more premiums on the banks."

In his tweet, Ackman even applauded US authorities' intervention, saying the government "did the right thing for the country" by protecting depositors.

"The people who screwed up will bear the consequences. The investors who didn't adequately oversee their banks will be zeroed out and the bondholders will suffer a similar fate," Ackman added.

But he also issued a warning  "More banks will likely fail despite the intervention, but we now have a clear roadmap for how the gov't will manage them."

He said the government sent a message that depositors can trust the banking system. "Without this confidence, we are left with three or possibly four too-big-to-fail banks where the taxpayer is explicitly on the hook, and our national system of community and regional banks is toast," he added.

Ackman's tweet was viewed over a million times within its first two hours on Twitter.

Story continues

The legendary investor has been quite vocal about the wild ride in the US banking industry amid the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. US regulators shut down both banks over the last few days.

On Thursday, he called on the US government to consider a "highly dilutive" bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, adding that the bailout should protect depositors rather than shielding the bank's management and shareholders.

On Saturday morning, he again called on the government to step in and protect depositors, saying authorities had "about 48 hours" to do so.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Binance, the worlds largest crypto exchange by trading volume, responded to the latest drama around the USDC stablecoin by converting the remainder of its $1 billion Industry Recovery Initiative funds into Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other digital currencies.

Given the changes in stablecoins and banks, Binance will convert the remaining of the 1 billion Industry Recovery Initiative funds from BUSD to native crypto, including BTC, BNB, and ETH, Binance CEO Chanpeng Zhao wrote in a tweet early Monday.

Binance launched its crypto industry Recovery Fund in November 2022 following the collapse of the FTX exchange. The initiative was aimed  to help projects who are otherwise strong but in a liquidity crisis.

Given the changes in stable coins and banks, #Binance will convert the remaining of the $1 billion Industry Recovery Initiative funds from BUSD to native crypto, including #BTC, #BNB and ETH. Some fund movements will occur on-chain. Transparency.  CZ  Binance (@cz_binance) March 13, 2023

The move also comes in the wake of Paxos, BUSD's owner and issuer, being hit by a lawsuit from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with the agency claiming last month that the firm violated investor protection laws. Paxos announced it would halt BUSD minting and "end its relationship with Binance," for the stablecoin.

It is not immediately clear how much money from Binance's fund has been converted or is earmarked to be converted into the mentioned coins.

The ETH address shared by CZ shows some substantial transfers over the past few hours, with the original wallet almost emptied at the time of this writing. Transactions are continuing to be executed at the time of writing.

Story continues

It's worth noting that last September Binance began auto-converting USDC deposits into its native BUSDeffectively delisting the rival stablecoin.

Decrypt reached out to Binance for additional comments but was yet to hear back by press time.

Paxos Halts BUSD Minting as SEC Prepares Lawsuit

USDC regains USD peg

Furthermore, Binance's decision comes hot on the heels of the USDC stablecoin depegging from its intended $1 price.

The depegging event was triggered by the ongoing crisis surrounding the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SBV), where the firm holds about $3.3 billion.

Silicon Valley Bank was among the 20 largest banks in the U.S. when it failed Friday after a bank run by customers. California state regulators placed the bank under the control of the FDIC, which in turn created a new entitythe Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clarathrough which the remaining assets will be managed.

USDC plummeted to an all-time low of $0.87 on Friday night.

The collapse of SBV, preceded by the meltdown of the Silvergate Bank, also sent shockwaves through the stock market, while the crypto industry saw a depressing drop as well, with Bitcoin crashing below $20,000 for the first time since mid-January.

In a separate move, the Federal Reserve moved to shut down the Signature Bank on Monday morning, another crypto-friendly bank with total assets of around $117 billion as of the end of last year.

The scare, at least for now, appears to be short-lived though: according to a joint statement from the Fed, U.S. Treasury, and FDIC on Sunday, all depositors of now-shuttered Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank will be able to get their funds out on Monday.

"Circle is now out of the woods, which is a huge positive for the crypto world, Bradley Duke, co-CEO at ETC Group, said in a statement shared with Decrypt.

Circle To Stand Behind USDC, Cover $3.3 Billion Shortfall Held in Silicon Valley Bank

Circle has meanwhile stated that it will cover any shortfall caused as a result of the $3.3 billion in its funds held by the collapsed SBV.

The Boston-based company also reiterated that USDC is 100% collateralized with cash and U.S. Treasuries.

According to the firm, USDC is currently collateralized 77% ($32.4B) with U.S. Treasury Bills (with a three month or less maturation period), and 23% ($9.7B) with cash held at a variety of institutions, of which SVB is only one.

The latest news helped the broader crypto market flip green again, with Bitcoin trading around $22,280 by press time, up 9.1% over the day.

USDC is changing hands at $0.989, according to CoinGecko.
Editor's note: Below are updates for the third week of court proceedings beginning Monday, March 13, in James Irven Staley III's murder trial in connection with the death of 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel on Oct. 11, 2018, in Wichita Falls.

Wilder was found dead in Staley's home, and law enforcement officials suspect the child was smothered with a pillow. Staley has maintained his innocence.

The blog for Week One of testimony is here. A jury is expected to hear closing arguments and deliberate on a verdict Monday, March 13. Check the Week Two blog for more live updates.

FORT WORTH, Texas  4:02 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: A buzzer sounds in the courtroom, and everyone is wondering if this is it. Is there a verdict?

DA John Gillespie and Special Prosecutor Lisa Tanner return to the courtroom. Four Tarrant County deputies are in the courtroom now, including one that towers over 6 feet and could probably tackle three guys if needed. He is apparently new to the courtroom.

Make that five deputies now, including the towering one. A sixth one just came into the vestibule. Now it's up to seven deputies and the heaviest show of security since testimony began.

Competition for seats in court has been fierce today, and this morning deputies did not even so much as allow spectators to stand at the back of the room. Now, the seating is not as tight at least on the right side of the courtroom.

Two deputies have taken up a position beside Staley, and one is behind him.

At 4:15 p.m., the judge says the jury has reached a verdict and will return. Senior District Judge Everett Young also asks for the two alternates, who were not part of deliberations, to be brought in.

The judge tells spectators that he expects order to be maintained, and if anyone cannot receive the verdict calmly, they can step out now.

At 4:18 p.m., the jury returns. Staley and his attorneys stand. Their verdict is guilty of capital murder.

There are gasps, but no outbursts.

Story continues

The judge says Staley's sentence is automatic. Young sentences him to "life confinement" without parole.

The judge tells him he has the right to appeal within 30 days.

Wilder's mom, Amber McDaniel, reads a victim impact statement from the stand.

"I've waited four and a half years to look you in the eye, James Staley, to tell you my 2-and-a-half-year-old son is more of a man than you will ever be in this life," Amber tells Staley.

Defense attorney Mark G. Daniel objects to another person reading a victim impact statement, saying the law only allows one to be read.

Judge Young says the law isn't clear on that point, and he'll allow another one to be read.

The statements are off the record.

So a woman named Amanda reads a victim impact statement from the child's father, Bubba McDaniel.

The judge remands Staley to the custody of the Tarrant County sheriff.

"I did not kill Wilder McDaniel," Staley says while being handcuffed.

Cries of, "Yes, you did! Yes, you did!" erupt in the courtroom.

"Order. Order," the judge says.

People calm down, and the judge dismisses the court. Deputies lead Staley away, apparently to be confined in Tarrant County Jail.

James Irven Staley III

2 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: Spectators are allowed to come back into the courtroom.

Staley and his defense attorneys are back at the defense table. The prosecutors are not present except for Special Prosecutor Eric Nickols.

The jury left the courtroom to begin deliberating about 11:59 a.m.

Defense attorney Mark G. Daniel walks by and calls at least one relative and/or friend supporting Staley to come out of the courtroom with him.

The courtroom is expectant and quiet. It's likely the jury is continuing to deliberate. A buzzer sounds about 2:25 p.m. Apparently, the jury had a question of some sort.

The judge and a defense attorney gathered around a court reporter for a bit and then dispersed. The waiting continues. Some spectators speak in whispers, and three Tarrant County deputies remain in the courtroom.

The jury has now been deliberating about three and a half hours, including their lunch. It is 3:30 p.m.

Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie, second from left, speaks with family members of murder victim Jason Wilder McDaniel, 2, after the capital murder conviction of James Irven Staley III Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth.

11:05 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: Wichita County DA John Gillespie has the last nine minutes and 45 seconds of the prosecution's time to give closing arguments, starting about 11:50 p.m.

In 79 days Wilder transformed from being a happy, healthy little boy, Gillespie says.

"The only thing that changed was this man came into his life," Gillespie tells the jury, indicating Staley.

The DA says Staley abused Wilder twice in one night, noting the slap video and that Staley pushed the child out of the bed.

Staley staged the child's body to look as if he fell from the crib, and he planned the child's death, Gillespie says.

He tells jurors it's up to them to see that Staley doesn't get to make his own rules, as the defendant had said in an electronic message.

Just think about Wilder's last minutes before he died, Gillespie says.

He goes on to talk about Amber finding Wilder on the floor.

The realization hits her like lightening bolts: Wilder is lifeless, Gillespie says. At 9:10 a.m. on the morning Wilder was found, Staley got a text message from Amber Campisi, switching to Snapchat to joke around with her.

"You heard Wilder's cries on the video, "No James," and he told his PawPaw and other family members, "No James," Gillespie said.

By your guilty verdict, you also will say, "No James! No James! No James," Gillespie says going to stand in front of Staley and point his finger at him.

The judge dismisses the two alternates and recesses jurors to the jury room at 11:59 a.m. They begin deliberating on Staley's fate.

People in the gallery get up and start to chat, and Gillespie and Tanner leave their table before the judge. They stand in the vestibule and chat for a moment. Then the two prosecutors leave the courtroom.

Staley remains at the defense table while his attorneys get up and leave the courtroom. During an earlier break, the defendant left the defense table and went out into the gallery where he received a hug from a woman who is one of his supporters.

The courtroom will be closed down for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

James Staley far right, is shown here in 89th District Court with defense attorneys Terri Moore, far left, and Mark G. Daniel, middle, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

11:05 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: The jury returns from break, and Special Prosecutor Lisa Tanner begins giving her closing arguments.

Tanner says that Staley must be the unluckiest person in the world, considering Wilder died after Staley had made negative comments about Wilder and had been up for a couple of days.

"This isn't the world's most unlucky guy," Tanner says.

About Amber, it's the oldest story in the world, a girl who thinks she has the possibility for a brand new life, Tanner says.

"Amber thought she had found her prince charming," Tanner says. "Mothers who are in that situation, the child often takes a back seat to the new love."

Normally, there aren't fatal consequences, she says.

"This is different. That's because he is different," Tanner says, indicating Staley seated at the defense table.

Tanner says Moore can read the messages from Staley in the most syrupy sweet voice, but you can't throw a happy, smiley emoji on what's in a person's heart.

Amber owned her actions and was forthright, Tanner says.

As for Jason Odom -- no relation to Amber -- nobody knew about him for a year and a half, Tanner says. He said he had talked to Staley a long time, but phone records showed otherwise.

Amber told the detectives over and over that first night that she didn't know when she went to bed, Tanner says.

Tanner says Staley -- not Amber -- had the power in the relationship. He browbeat her into quitting her job to her financial detriment.

The paper-towel buying indicates how Amber has no control, Tanner tells the jury. Staley told her the Target paper towels wouldn't do and so she went to Walmart to get the ones he wanted, and she had to send Staley a picture to make sure she had the right ones.

Tanner says she doesn't give a "flying flip" about whether Staley cried, but Staley did not comfort Amber the morning she found Wilder deceased.

Tanner starts talking about her in-laws, and Moore objects to that as being outside the case. The judge sustains it.

"They have gone to town on Tom Bevel, and he undoubtedly wrote a sloppy report. No doubt about it," Tanner says.

But both of Wilder's arms and legs had bruises on them, and Bevel misidentified a leg as an arm, but it didn't change his conclusions, Tanner says.

Every time Bevel gives an opinion, he makes someone mad, Tanner says. That's why it's not your opponents who get to decide if you're a qualified, relevant witness. It's the judge.

But Bevel has been doing this a long time and trained at Scotland Yard, Tanner says.

He came to several conclusions, Tanner says. That includes finding an apparent palm print on the pillow. So if that's a palm print, then all this talk about Wilder just fell out of the bed is poof! Gone.

Wilder bled from his mouth, and if a bleeding source hits a hard surface like falling from a crib, blood is going to go out, Tanner says.

If I dropped an egg on the hardwood floor, it will go "spoosh" and splash out, Tanner says. Bevel testified there was no sign of an impact from a fall in the bloodstain evidence.

At no time did Bevel ever say that Wilder was strangled inside of his crib, put back in his crib and taken out, Tanner says. She doesn't know where that came from because no one ever said that.

Daniel objects, saying that was in Bevel's report. The judge says the jury will go with the evidence they heard.

Bevel talked to the jury about there being a struggle and about blood breathed out, Tanner says. The autopsy also referred to a struggle based on Wilder's injuries.

Tanner says defense counsel told the jury that he had to let jurors know there was an innocent way DNA could get onto evidence. But one definite way touch DNA could get on the pillow is if someone used it to smother Wilder.

Tanner tells the jury that Esperanza, who did housekeeping for Staley, did not show up on evidence even though she was making the beds and cleaning the sheets.

Another important thing about the DNA, is if Amber's DNA was all over the pillow that the defense would say that was totally innocent? Tanner says.

"She did it!" is what the defense would tell the jury, Tanner says.

Dr. Stephen Hastings, a medical examiner, told the jury that he thinks Wilder was murdered, and that signs of smothering would not show up in an autopsy, Tanner says.

She encourages the jury to go back and look at the autopsy report and read the last page where Hastings writes out his opinion about Wilder's death.

Tanner says the petechiae on Wilder was in many places and much more than would appear in case of decomposition. Plus, Hastings testified he could see them from two feet away. He also testified about the abrasions in the mouth.

In addition, defense counsel belittled Dakil, who spends her life trying to determine what factor child abuse plays in incidents involving children, according to Tanner.

She wonders if the defense was going to bring them an expert, did they have to go three states over to find someone who hasn't treated a small child since the Reagan administration and decided to become an expert because he had been on a jury.

"It seems so bizarre," Tanner says.

She tells the jury that Galaznik provided no medical opinion.

From seeing the horrible video in which Staley appeared to slap Wilder while he was sleeping, the child did not lose consciousness, Tanner says.

But the defense expert wants jurors to believe Wilder died from an injury that caused a bruise, Tanner says.

In August, Staley and Amber discuss about putting Wilder in a Pack 'N Play, and Staley says Wilder can get out of it. Amber says he never has before.

In other messages, Amber says she doesn't think Wilder will try to get out of the crib, and Wilder has no history of trying to get out of the crib.

Tanner says an officer thought he saw blood on the railing, but the pictures show there was no blood.

Once again, Wilder's cries from the slap video ring out in the courtroom. Tanner says that the child says, "Let me down," on the video. She indicates that is further proof that Wilder didn't try to climb out of his crib.

Weeping can be heard in the courtroom.

One of Amber's police interviews is played in which she says, "Oh, my God!" and realizes that there has been foul play in her son's death, according to Tanner.

Dr. Suzanne Dakil, an expert in child abuse pediatrics, takes a few minutes Thursday, March 9, 2023, before continuing her testimony in the murder trial of James Irven Staley III at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.

10:20 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: Daniel sits down, and defense attorney Terri Moore rises to address what she calls "the elephant in the room."

She says the slap video was shown by prosecutors to inflame the jury. She urges them not to find someone guilty of something that there is no evidence for.

"You need to stop and look at this case. You must step back from it, and when you do, you will see that there's reasonable doubt," Moore says.

Just because children don't die as a result of falling from a crib every day, doesn't mean it doesn't happen, she says. It does happen.

Step back and look at what evidence they have brought besides the inflammatory slap video, Moore says.

The electronic messages provided to the jury fall short of proving that Staley hates anyone or murdered anyone, Moore says.

"They cherry picked," she says.

By the same token, we read through those messages and tried to bring you the other messages -- "the ones of love," Moore says.

You see the joy Staley took in the "ridiculous pooping video" Amber sent him, Moore says.

And that is from October, she says. That is from a man who is talking about finding a house with four bedrooms to fit everyone in.

"James as he sits in that seat right at this very moment has the presumption of innocence," Moore said.

Amber told police that Wilder fell out of the crib, and she told her mom that same thing, Moore says.

Moore contends Detective Nelson later planted a seed in Amber's mind about foul play.

Even though she's got in her mind Staley must have done something, she is still telling them everything was fine, Moore says.

It was not until the end of January after Amber and Bubba McDaniel, Wilder's father, are back together and they've filed a lawsuit, and that's the first time anyone heard anything about their being trouble the night before Wilder died, Moore says.

She contends that Amber doesn't tell the truth about the Jason Odom phone call because it doesn't fit with her story that there had been a big feud between her and Staley the night before Wilder was found dead.

Moore says Dr. Galaznik came to court to talk about a viable possibility about what happened to Wilder based on science.

Everything fits that little Wilder busted his lip on the crib, leaving blood on the rail, trying to get out of it, taking a tumble, hitting his head on the floor, becoming unconscious and not resuming breathing, Moore said.

The WFPD did "a sloppy job" on the crime scene investigation, but blood on the crib rail was noted, Moore says.

We convict people based on impartial, objective evidence -- not by whipping people up emotionally, Moore says.

Amber went off looking for the Catboy toy, so how do you know Wilder didn't decide to go looking for his mom, Moore says.

There's a first time for everything, she says. As for petechiae, they are nonspecific and are very much part of the decomposing process.

"The prosecution needs to answer the question whether or not Wilder could have fallen from that crib while Amber and Staley were drinking and taking a swim.

Bevel said there were no swipe marks on the pillow, but if Wilder were being smothered, there should be swipe marks.

"Their case does not meet the burden of beyond a reasonable doubt," Moore says.

Staley threw the phone at Amber because he wanted to do CPR on Wilder, Moore says. If there had been "clear and convincing" proof, but Dr. Stephen Hastings, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, called the manner of death undetermined -- not homicide.

Dakil is not "all that and a bag of chips" because she doesn't have the education to override the opinion of a medical examiner, Moore says.

"That is not hardcore evidence. That is her coming in here being an advocate for a child," the defense attorney says to the jury.

She urges jurors to take the hypotheses and personal opinions out and to look at the evidence.

Moore tells the jury the proper verdict is not guilty.

Senior District Judge Everett Young gives the jury a break at about 10:55 a.m. and tells them they will hear from the prosecution again when they return.

James Irven Staley III returns to court Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Fort Worth after a the judge called a recess so he could determine if Tom Bevel is qualified to testify as an expert in bloodstain spatter and crime scene reconstruction. Staley was convicted Monday, March 13, 2023, of murdering 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel.

9:48 a.m. Monday, March 13: Defense attorney Mark G. Daniel is giving closing arguments before a jury.

He says his greatest fear is there is a propensity to paint a real broad brush. But you don't paint with a broad brush, he says.

Daniel tells them there must be no doubts left in their mind.

"The law requires concrete proof of facts to the point that there is not one single question," Daniel says.

They have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Daniel says Staley has a foul mouth and bad sense of humor but also a soft side.

If you look at the text messages from Staley, you see somebody planning for a future with Amber and their kids.

You also know Staley is capable of slapping a child, Daniel says, going on to indicate that's not what Staley is charged with.

He moves on to discuss Amber Odom McDaniel finding the child, saying he's not suggesting Amber did anything.

But Amber says she went to sleep and didn't know where her phone was, but we all know it was found in her bed, Daniel says. She is on the internet and is part of a conversation in the background between Staley and Jason Odom in the hours leading up to the discovery of Wilder's body.

Jason Odom is no relation to Amber.

We also know Wichita Falls Police Department Detective Chad Nelson portrayed Staley as not sorrowful enough and not crying enough after Wilder is found deceased, Daniel says.

But Staley was seen crying and dry heaving the morning of Oct. 11, 2018, by WFPD Sgt. Charlie Eipper, Daniel says.

Staley has been characterized as not cooperative, but he was actually cooperative with police, In addition, he was going to give police a full interview, but his attorney, Bruce Harris, told him not to.

Prosecutors talked about how cooperative Amber was in providing her DNA and other evidence, Daniel says. But law-enforcement officials never asked Staley to supply that voluntarily.

"They just go get a warrant every time," Daniel said.

Then they can come to court and say they had to get warrants for Staley's DNA and other material, the defense attorney says.

Daniel goes on to criticize WFPD's collection of evidence at the crime scene and allege that there was contamination by transference of material.

As for Wilder's autopsy, it was deemed undetermined by several medical examiners, Daniel said.

He also says the petechiae found on Wilder's body could have been caused by decomposition. Daniel says there's no injury on certain areas of Wilder's face.

Daniel says that Dr. Suzanne Dakil contends Wilder was strangled, and she leaped to the conclusion there were injuries indicating that.

But there was no external hemorrhage or damage to the neck, Daniel says.

Daniel alleges Gillespie angled to find out what the DA's Office could use to change the autopsy findings to homicide instead of undetermined.

The DA's Office found Dr. Suzanne Dakil, but her opinion did not change the autopsy finding of an undetermined manner of death, Daniel said.

Dakil is a child abuse pediatrician who testified as an expert witness for the prosecution last week. Gillespie said in an October 2020 press conference that information provided by her helped push the case toward an arrest.

Dakil testified last week that Wilder died of asphyxiation at the hands of another.

While Dr. Stephen Hastings, the medical examiner who performed an autopsy on the child's body, may have said his opinion was that Wilder's manner of death was homicide, that was his personal opinion and not his medical opinion, Daniel says.

The defense attorney tears into forensic expert Tom Bevel's work as sloppy and untrustworthy, contending he got it wrong about what U-shaped bloodstains showed.

Daniel said there was a U-shaped pattern from blood flowing out of Wilder's mouth onto the floor, and Bevel contends it was echoed elsewhere.

But Bevel's conclusions were inaccurate, according to measurements provided by the defense, Daniel says. In addition, the theory that the death scene was staged is incorrect.

Instead, the evidence is consistent with a fall, Daniel said.

"They brought you DNA like it means something," he said.

At least, you know when you have moved in and out, and touched something, then your DNA will be around there, Daniel says. And that's just innocently occurring touch DNA.

He also notes that some DNA found that was Staley's was not robust.

There was no indication of strangling on Wilder's body  contrary to what Dakil concluded, Daniel said. Dakil also based her opinion on nonexistent smears on the pillow.

We know the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences doesn't do amylase testing, but four years later, we know Detective Nelson brought evidence to SWIFS and requested amylase testing, Daniel said.

Amylase testing is conducted to check for the presence of saliva.

He says the pillow, the supposed murder weapon, should have been tested for amylase.

With all the messages showing Staley's foul mouth and bizarre sense of humor the jury has seen, Daniel urges jurors to look at those from Oct. 1 to Oct. 10 to see what was really going on in Amber and Staley's relationship.

Their relationship lasted about three and a half months in 2018.

He pushes the defense theory for Wilder's death to jurors.

"Everything you see is just consistent with him falling out of bed and having an accident," Daniel says.

He says: "There are no winners in this."

Amber has lost her child, and Staley's name has been splashed around in every conceivable manner, mostly negative, Daniel says.

But when jurors follow the law, everybody wins, Daniel says.

Special Prosecutor Lisa Tanner, second from left, and Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie, third from left, are shown Thursday, March 2, 2023, after a day in a Fort Worth courtroom in the James Irven Staley III murder trial in connection with the death of 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel.

9:15 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie is giving closing arguments before the jury.

The courtroom is at capacity as the point nears when the jury is expected to deliberate on a verdict of guilty or not guilty in James Irven Staley III's murder trial in an eighth-floor courtroom at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth.

Before Gillespie began closing arguments, Senior District Judge Everett Young read the charge to the jury. The charge instructs them about their role and how to weigh evidence, as well as provides the allegations against Staley.

They are to consider whether to convict Staley or find him not guilty of first-degree murder or of capital murder of a person younger than 10. In case of conviction, jurors are to choose between those two charges.

Murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Since the DA's Office waived the death penalty, a capital murder conviction would bring life in prison for Staley.

6:15 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023: The jury is expected to hear the judge read the charge and listen to closing arguments when court proceedings begin at 9 a.m. today in the murder trial of James Irven Staley III at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.

Staley is accused of murdering 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel on Oct. 11, 2018, in a Wichita Falls home. The child's mother, Amber McDaniel, found him dead on the floor of a bedroom in Staley's Country Club area home, according to testimony. Wilder was below the crib he had been put to bed in.

Senior District Judge Everett Young will read the charge, giving jurors instructions on what to consider when weighing whether to find Staley guilty or not guilty.

The charge will lay out the allegations against him and notify jurors if there are lesser included offenses they can consider.

Then jurors will hear closing arguments from the defense and prosecution. Next, they will retire to a jury room to deliberate Staley's fate. The 12 jurors must unanimously agree on a determination of guilty or not guilty to reach a verdict.

Staley is charged with first-degree murder and capital murder. It's up to the jury to decide which one if they opt to convict him. First-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison.

Since the Wichita County District Attorney's Office has waived the death penalty, Staley would be sentenced to life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder.

Staley maintains his innocence of the charges.

Nine days of testimony in the murder trial began Feb. 27 and concluded Thursday last week. Most of the testimony was for the prosecution's case. Prosecutors' theory is that Wilder was smothered with a pillow in his crib.

Then his body was moved to the floor below the crib to stage a death scene to make it look as if the child fell from the crib.

The defense put five witnesses on the stand Thursday. The defense theory is that the child attempted to get out of the crib by himself and sustained fatal injuries, perhaps a concussion.

The trial has been an emotional journey for Wilder's family members. Detailed testimony about the morning he was found dead, how he might have died and about his injuries have been part of the trial, as well as graphic autopsy photos.

Catch up on week one testimony of the trial here and on week two testimony here.

Jason Wilder McDaniel

Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact her with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Blog: WEEK THREE live updates for Staley trial
Serhii Nuzhnenko/Radio Liberty via Reuters

Both sides fighting over the desolate ruins of the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine have reported inflicting huge numbers of deaths on each other as the bitter bloodshed appears to have escalated to previously unseen levels.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that over 1,100 Russian fighters had been killed in the city in less than a week. He claimed that Moscow had sustained a further 1,500 sanitary lossesmeaning casualties injured badly enough to be unable to continue fighting.

Major Russian Victory Feared as Soldier Delivers Grim Message

A separate video released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed 1,090 troops had been killed on Saturday alone, possibly making it the single deadliest day for Russian forces since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022.

Military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun also said Ukrainian forces took out eight tanks, seven armored vehicles and four artillery systems. Russias defense ministry released its own statement Sunday claiming that more than 220 Ukrainian troops had been killed in the Donetsk region over the previous 24 hours. Neither sides figures have been independently verified.

Over the weekend, British intelligence released updates on the battle which said that Russias mercenary Wagner Group forces had seized control of most of the eastern area of Bakhmut, and that the Bakhmutka River running through the center of the town now had become the new frontline.

Ukrainian forces still hold the west of the town and had destroyed bridges over the river, leaving a strip of open ground through which Russian forces would have to pass to gain further ground. With Ukrainian units able to fire from fortified buildings to the west, this area has become a killing zone, likely making it highly challenging for Wagner forces attempting to continue their frontal assault westwards, a British intelligence update read.

In comments released by his press service, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Sunday described the situation as tough, very tough, adding: The closer we are to the center of the city, the harder the fighting... The Ukrainians throw in endless reserves. But we are advancing and we will be advancing.

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Despite international analysts deeming Bakhmut to be of little strategic importance, capturing the city would inch the Kremlin closer to its aim of seizing the entire Donbas regionone of the four areas of Ukraine that the Kremlin announced it had annexed in September. Bakhmut has also become something of a point of personal pride for Prigozhin, with the mercenary chief previously criticizing top Russian military officials for insufficiently supporting Wagners efforts to take the town.

But exactly how close his forces are to taking Bakhmut remains uncertain. On Saturday, the Institute for the Study of War cast doubt on how much progress Russian forces are making in the city. Ukrainian and Russian sources continue to report heavy fighting in the city, but Wagner Group fighters are likely becoming increasingly pinned in urban areas, such as the AZOM industrial complex, and are therefore finding it difficult to make significant advances, the Washington-based think-tank said in a report.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Jessica Pegula, the top-ranked American at Indian Wells, narrowly avoided an upset to Russian Anastasia Potapova on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open.

After losing the first set, the third-seeded Pegula lost her lead in the second set only to gain it back and then forge a third-set comeback inside a packed Stadium 2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 win came on a difficult day for Pegula, who after coming back to win the second set, lost her serve and went down a break in the third. With the crowd behind her, she still managed to rally back to advance in the draw.

The match was nearly a massive blow to the Americans hopes of winning a womens singles title at Indian Wells for the first time since Serena Williams won 2001. Pegula is the highest-seeded American at Indian Wells since Williams in 2016.

Jessica Pegula of the United States reacts to a point lost to Anastasia Potapova of Russia during their round three match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Pegula will play the winner of Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic versus Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the Round of 16.

"That was definitely a battle today," Pegula said. "I just felt like I started off a little slow. She had some confidence going, obviously going for a lot of her shots."

Having won a tournament last month in Linz, Austria, Potapova entered the match with what appeared to be a lot of confidence. She looked poised and did not back down from the challenge of facing Pegula.

Pegula, 29, couldn't quite find her rhythm in the match. She said her footwork was off and she had four different rackets with strings adjusted depending on the ever-changing conditions at Indian Wells.

Jessica Pegula reacts after defeating Anastasia Potapova during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

"I went through like four different racquet tensions this match, and I still wasn't happy with the one that I ended with," Pegula said. "That's an ongoing thing, especially here. Specifically here, the conditions, gosh, they change so much throughout the day."

After a bumpy start, Pegula shook her head and talked to herself during what appeared to be a frustrating first set. Following a break in play between sets, Pegula finally settled down. She managed to hold serve then went up a break to hold a 2-0 lead. The tide seemed to be turning.

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But down 3-1, Potapova got a break of her own. Then, after Pegula secured another break, Potapova saved four game points to break Pegula back and then held serve to make it 4-4.

Jessica Pegula of the United States reacts to a point lost to Anastasia Potapova of Russia during their round three match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Pegula then held serve and broke Potapova a third time in the set to force a third set.

Potapova, 21, seemed to regain control of the match when she went up a break early in the third set. But neither player seemed to be able to hold their serve, and Pegula broke Potapova back and then held serve to take a 4-3 lead with those in the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Pegula and Potapova had played twice previously, with Pegula winning both matches. She beat Potapova in the second round of qualifying in Doha in 2021, then later that year beat Potapova in the first round of the U.S. Open.

Pegula made it 3-0 versus Potapova on Sunday, but it took some real fight to overcome the challenge and advance.

"Today I don't think I played as aggressive as I wanted to," Pegula said. "Also, I didn't feel comfortable playing aggressive because the ball felt like it was flying on me. I felt like I didn't have my footing and my footwork was a little bit off. So being able to win that not playing the way I want to play is still, I think, a positive."

Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.

Anastasia Potapova of Russia celebrates a point against Jessica Pegula of the United States during their round three match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 12, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: BNP Paribas Open: Jessica Pegula narrowly avoids Indian Wells upset
A mans body was found wrapped in a sheet of plastic inside a shopping cart outside a grocery store, California police said.

A passerby called 911 shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12, after seeing what they thought was a dead man wrapped in a large sheet of white plastic in a shopping cart near the front of a Food Maxx grocery store, the Chico Police Department said in a news release.

Officers sealed off the crime scene and looked for witnesses, according to police.

Given the way the man was found and his visible injuries, police said they started looking into his death as a homicide.

Police asked for anyone with information to call 530-897-4911.

Chico is about 90 miles north of Sacramento.

Body found on Fifth Avenue in Columbus Sunday, according to coroner

A man was fighting with his girlfriend before deputies found his body, SC cops say

Police confirm the body found Friday in Gladstone was 13-year-old Jayden Robker
The body of an 18-year-old man who vanished Friday afternoon while swimming at the beach in Indialantic was recovered from the surf Monday morning in Melbourne Beach.

Benjamin Pierre Gilles disappeared from the beach near Wavecrest Avenue at about 1:30 p.m. Friday after appearing to be in distress while in the surf.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office and the United States Coast Guard conducted multiple searches for Gilles throughout the weekend without success.

Read: Temperatures will drop as storms push out; see how chilly it will get

Someone walking on Melbourne Beach near A1A discovered Gilles body at about 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Anyone who might have information about Gilles death is asked to call Brevard County Agent Adam Walkington at 321-633-8413.

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.

Read: RIP, Fred: Oviedo community mourns beloved rooster after untimely death
The State Border Service of Ukraine has published a video about a fighter from the Wagner Group PMC, who went to fight against Ukraine for money and was captured on the Bakhmut front.

Source: State Border Service of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "The border guards repelled the assault on the Bakhmut front and captured a soldier from Wagner Group.

Assault troops tried to attack the border guards' observation post. Our fighters started to fire and forced the invaders to retreat. They [occupiers  ed.] 'paid' with one killed and one living occupier who was captured. He turned out to be a Wagner Group soldier.

He said he went to fight for a monetary reward and hasn't killed anyone yet. Should we believe him?"

Details: The State Border Service does not specify when exactly the assault of the Russians and the capture of one of the invaders took place.

On 6 March, the State Border Service of Ukraine reported that an attack on a stronghold of Ukrainian defenders on the Bakhmut front was repelled a few days earlier. Wagner attack aircraft were stopped in close combat, and border guards and mortar launchers killed at least seven Russian soldiers later.

On 11 March, it was reported that a Ukrainian Border Guards ground reconnaissance group went on the offensive and killed a number of Wagner Group fighters.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
EL PASO, Texas  A standoff between hundreds of migrants and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in riot gear Sunday afternoon blocked the Paso Del Norte international bridge connecting El Paso and the Mexican border city Juarez.

There were also temporary disruptions when groups of migrants showed up at two other border bridges in El Paso, a border protection spokesman said in a statement. Barricades were used at the Stanton Bridge from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and at the Bridge of the Americas from 2:45 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

At the Paso Del Norte Bridge, officers stood behind concrete and plastic barriers topped with barbed wire blocking the border at the middle of the top of the bridge before what appeared to be hundreds of migrants.

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About 1:30 p.m., the border protection agency's Mobile Field Force, a riot control team, was deployed when a large group of migrants threatened to make a mass entry, the agency said. A special response team and U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted border protection officers.

By 5:30 p.m., most of the crowd had returned to Mexico, but the bridge remained closed to vehicle traffic as pedestrians could be seen walking to the port of entry. Mexican National Guard troops stood watch on the southern side of the border. By 6:30 p.m., the bridge had reopened to vehicles.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in riot gear block migrants demanding entry on the Paso Del Norte Bridge at the border in Downtown El Paso and Juarez, Mexico, on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Why did the rush happen?

The migrants, who were of various nationalities but mainly Venezuelans, were demanding entry into the U.S. amid rumors that the border would be opened for express asylum, the Norte Digital news website reported from Juarez.

Some of the migrants could be heard on videos during the bridge rush saying Customs and Border Protection's online asylum application launched this year was not working properly.

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Crowds of migrants had been gathering at the Mexican foot of the bridge since the morning before the tidal wave of people ran to the border at the top of the bridge.

Another video shared with us by @ElPasoYa showing a closer look of the current situation at the Paso del Norte International Bridge in #ElPaso. pic.twitter.com/VGnmB9Dm9D  Lianna Golden (@LiannaKFOX_CBS) March 12, 2023

Similar standoffs have occurred in recent years on the Paso Del Norte Bridge as groups of migrants hoping for asylum try enter the United States, usually spurred by false rumors that the border will be opened to them.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Migrants rush El Paso border bridge, clash with CBP at Paso Del Norte
[Source]

A 13-year-old boy in Queens, New York City, has been charged with felony assault after allegedly stabbing his 14-year-old sister multiple times over the weekend.

The incident occurred at the familys residence on 156th St. near 111th Ave. in Jamaica at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, according to reports. An 8-year-old sibling was also at home at the time of the incident.

The boy allegedly used a steak knife to stab his sister in the arms, back, face, legs and thighs before calling 911 to falsely report a break-in, police said.

However, his sister was able to point to him as her assailant. He later told police that she was bothering him.

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Rupiah Begum, the siblings mother, was reportedly working at a nearby McDonalds when the violence took place.

He stabbed her multiple places, multiple times, Begum, 42, told the New York Post. I dont know what happened.

Begum also said that her husband is currently on a trip to Bangladesh.

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The mother of five claimed everything is good usually and that the siblings in question play together; however, one neighbor believes the boy may be developmentally disabled.

Sometimes I can hear him screaming in the backyard like someone is beating him and then when I look out theres no one there, Kabuki Reid told the New York Daily News. Hes always like, Ahhh, like something is happening to him.

The family arrived in the neighborhood three years ago. Begums husband reportedly owns a taxi service and drives a cab.

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The boy has been charged with felony assault. His sister, on the other hand, was last reported as being in critical but stable condition with a collapsed lung, according to WABC.

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LONDON (Reuters) - BP's board recommended on Monday that shareholders vote against a climate activist resolution asking for more emissions cuts by 2030 at its April 27 shareholder meeting.

Activist group Follow This said in December it had co-filed resolutions with six major institutional investors managing $1.3 trillion in assets ahead of the annual general meetings of BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil and Shell.

Follow This wants the companies to commit to absolute emissions cuts by 2030 in line with the Paris climate deal, including emissions from the combustion of the fuels they sell, known as Scope 3 emissions.

BP called the Follow This resolution "unclear", "simplistic" and "disruptive" and said it encroached on the board's responsibility to set the firm's strategy.

Scientists say the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to have any hope of meeting Paris Agreement goal of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

BP rowed back on plans to slash oil and gas output and emissions last month. It now aims to produce 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030, down just 25% from 2019 levels compared with previous plans for a 40% cut.

As a result, BP reduced its ambitions to cut emissions from fuels sold to customers to 20%-30% by 2030, from 35%-40%.

"BPs reversal was a wake-up call for institutional investors, asset managers and pension funds," said Mark van Baal, founder of Follow This.

"Paris-aligned voting has to regain momentum in 2023."

Last year, shareholder support for Follow This' resolution fell to around 15% of BP shareholders from around 21% the previous year.

Two of the UK's largest pension schemes will vote against the renewal of top directors at BP and Shell unless both companies strengthen commitments to tackling carbon emissions, the Financial Times reported.

The Follow This resolution needs 75% of votes to pass. BP said its board did not consider the activist resolution to be in the company's or its shareholders' best interests.

(Reporting by Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Alison Williams)
A man was shot and killed in a Walmart parking lot after brake checking another car, Tennessee police said.

Tristan Walker, 38, was driving in Nashville with his girlfriend when another car, driven by a 22-year-old woman, started to tailgate him, according to a Nashville police news release on March 11.

The 22-year-old told police Walker brake checked her, and she responded by doing the same to him.

Police said the two cars pulled into a Walmart parking lot from the freeway and stopped.

Walker got out of his car and walked up to the 22-year-old driver. When he got there, she pulled out a gun and shot him in the chest, police said.

Walker died at the scene.

Police said the 22-year-old stayed in the parking lot until police arrived, and they collected a pistol from the dashboard of her car before she was taken to police headquarters to be questioned.

No charges have been filed against the shooter, but Nashville police said the homicide unit was investigating the shooting and would share the results with the District Attorneys Office.

The shooting took place on Lebanon Pike, on the east side of Nashville.

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RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro will be called to testify as part of an investigation into accusations he tried to illegally bring $3.2 million of jewelry into the country, Justice Minister Flavio Dino said on Monday.

"We have enquiries in progress, hearings taking place, and at some point, the former president will be subpoenaed," Dino told reporters after an event in Rio de Janeiro.

There was no deadline or date set for Bolsonaro to be subpoenaed, the minister said, adding that if the former president - who is in self-imposed exile in the United States - fails to testify, Brazil "may or may not" seek international legal cooperation.

Luxury jewelry gifted to the then-president and his wife Michelle Bolsonaro by the Saudi government was seized by customs officials in October 2021 after it was found in the backpack of a government aide. Several officials from the Bolsonaro administration unsuccessfully tried to recover the jewelry from customs, according to local media.

Brazilians are allowed to bring in $1,000 of goods or gifts and pay hefty taxes for anything over that value.

Bolsonaro has previously denied any wrongdoing.

On Monday, Bolsonaro's lawyer said in a letter to the police that the former president will deliver accounts of a second gift he received from the Saudi government to a Brazilian court.

The lawyer stressed that at no time Bolsonaro "intended to enrich himself with property that could, in any way, be regarded as public", also asking that the second set of jewelry be held in public custody until the conclusion of the investigation.

According to the minister, police will conclude the investigation into whether or not Bolsonaro attends a hearing.

"The deposition is an opportunity for his defense ... We are facing facts that have documentary proof, images, film, officers and papers, material evidence, and there are hearings, oral evidence," said Dino.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Additional reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Peter Frontini; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Sandra Maler)
Diane Hager was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018. Diane Hager

A popular type of breast reconstruction surgery might soon be hard for cancer patients to access.

The procedure, called DIEP flap, involves harvesting fat from a patient's abdomen to make a breast.

Doctors might not get appropriately reimbursed for the procedure anymore, and may not perform it.

Diane Hager is ready for her breast cancer journey to be over. The 52-year-old was diagnosed almost five years ago, and while she's currently free of active disease, her chest is still misshapen from multiple attempts at breast reconstruction.

"I have a boob muscle under my armpit and a sunken chest in the front," Hager told Insider. "On the non-cancer side, I have a very small implant that is in place, but it doesn't look natural or normal at all."

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018 and quickly found out that it had spread to her liver. She immediately started an "intense" course of chemotherapy and radiation, got a mastectomy in March 2019, and then began the rocky process of breast reconstruction.

After a failed attempt to place implants, Hager said her surgeon recommended a muscle flap reconstruction, which involves taking muscle and fat from her back and moving it to her chest to create a breast.

But that surgery also failed. For the two and a half years since her reconstruction surgery, the muscle has crept back around her side, causing a constant tugging pain.

A newer type of breast reconstruction surgery, known as a Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator or DIEP flap, has the potential to restore Hager's symmetry and peace of mind. However, only a select few plastic surgeons offer the procedure  and Hager isn't sure yet if her insurance will cover it.

"I feel like this is like the last leg of what I have control over," she said. "And I don't even have control over that at this point, because insurance companies will take that away."

The surgery will be even harder for patients to access soon, due to a change in insurance reimbursement that could lead to doctors getting paid less for the procedure. One doctor told Insider that the surgery could be relegated to university hospitals as it becomes less profitable, potentially leaving whole communities without access to the full range of reconstruction options.

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DIEP flap surgery is the best option for some breast cancer patients

DIEP flap is a newer and more complex surgery with better long-term patient outcomes compared to other breast reconstruction options, according to Elisabeth Potter, an Austin-based plastic surgeon who specializes in DIEP flap reconstruction.

The procedure requires a skilled surgeon to harvest fat and skin from a patient's midsection while preserving the abdominal muscles, which reduces the risk of complications such as muscle weakness and hernia, according to UCSF Health.

The surgery is widely considered an improvement over older techniques like the TRAM flap, which moves a swath of abdominal muscle up to the chest, or the lat-flap reconstruction that Hager got at the end of 2020.

Breast implants may fail in patients who need radiation. Spencer Platt/Getty

It's also a better option for breast cancer patients who have to undergo radiation treatment compared to silicone breast implants, Potter told Insider.

"Implants become contracted if the skin over them has been or will be radiated," she explained. "That can be very painful and deforming  the failure rate, meaning the need to remove the reconstruction, is over 20%."

Hager initially tried to get silicone implants after her 2019 mastectomy, but her subsequent radiation treatments led to complications, including a gaping chest wound.

Now, she feels like the DIEP flap procedure is her only option left.

Soon, fewer doctors might be willing to perform the DIEP flap surgery

Patient advocates told Insider that, due to a change in health insurance regulations, breast cancer survivors will soon have a harder time accessing DIEP flap surgeries.

The DIEP flap surgery used to have its own billing code for insurance companies, meaning that surgeons who trained to perform the complex procedure were paid a separate and often more lucrative rate. But in 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decided to lump the surgery in with all other non-implant breast reconstruction surgeries  despite the fact that the DIEP procedure requires a more specialized surgeon and is more labor intensive than other procedures.

"A DIEP flap is a very hard surgery for a surgeon to perform, and there's a lot of risks that the surgeon is taking on there," Potter told Insider, but it comes with a much easier recovery for the patient.

Essentially, what it means is that doctors who are willing to perform this procedure are getting a giant pay cut. Potter, and breast cancer patient advocates, worry that means there will be less surgeons willing to perform the surgery.

"Of course I'm going to do it," Potter said, "but I'm going to take a 70% pay cut."

It's not just people who are covered by Medicare and Medicaid who will be affected. Private insurance companies, taking their cue from the government, are also implementing the same billing code for the procedure.

That change will be effective for all private insurance companies by the end of 2024, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Some insurers  namely Cigna  are ending the separate DIEP reimbursement codes as soon as this month.

In an email to Insider, a Cigna Healthcare spokesperson said the change should not have a significant impact for the majority of in-network surgeons or patients.

"For Cigna customers using in-network surgeons, the procedure will continue to be covered and this coding change should not result in any additional out-of-pocket costs," the spokesperson said.

Pradit PH/Getty Images

Some patients are left in surgical purgatory

A DIEP flap procedure could help Hager solve the dysmorphia and discomfort she's felt since her mastectomy and failed reconstructions. But she's not sure if her insurance policy will change its billing practices before she can qualify for the surgery.

"I keep thinking, 'Am I going to be left feeling like this for the rest of my life?'" she said.

Potter said she worries that not all surgeons who are trained to do DIEP flaps will choose to continue performing the complicated surgery for lower reimbursement rates. She said some providers have already stopped accepting insurance for the procedure, making it financially inaccessible to those who need it most.

Additionally, any change in access to non-implant reconstruction options is bound to disproportionately affect women of color, who are more often diagnosed with aggressive or recurring breast cancers that will require radiation, Potter said. With less financial incentive to perform DIEP flap surgeries, some doctors may push implants or older flap reconstructions.

"If you don't pay for innovation, it goes away," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
Brendan Fraser accepts the award for Actor in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Brendan Fraser, whose career has featured both meteoric success and semi-obscurity, celebrated perhaps his finest hour Sunday, winning the Oscar for lead actor for his performance in "The Whale."

"So this is what the multiverse looks like!" Fraser proclaimed in his acceptance speech, thanking his director Darren Aronofsky for "throwing me a creative lifeline."

Fraser's road to Oscar began with a six-minute standing ovation for his transformative performance in Darren Aronofsky's film at its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival last September.

Despite some controversy over his casting as a 600-pound, suicidal, gay professor and the depiction of morbid obesity in the film (based on Samuel D. Hunter's play), Fraser had won more than 20 lead actor prizes from critics' groups including the Critics' Choice Assn., and collected the most reliable Oscar precursor: the Screen Actors Guild Award.

Though Fraser has worked steadily in television and smaller movies in recent years, he hadn't headlined a major theatrical release since 2010's "Extraordinary Measures" with Harrison Ford. Before that, of course, he had starring roles in the "Mummy" franchise, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," best picture winner "Crash," "Gods and Monsters," "George of the Jungle" and many others.

Fraser has attributed his absence from the marquee in part to injuries suffered while enthusiastically filming his many action movies; he has also alleged that eight-term HFPA president Philip Berk sexually assaulted him. (Berk has denied the accusation, as well as the actor's open question as to whether the Golden Globes had blacklisted him. Berk was later expelled from the organization when it came out he had sent an email calling Black Lives Matter a "racist hate movement," spurring Globes broadcaster NBC to call for his removal.)

Fraser, meanwhile, ended up sweeping the American televised film acting awards this season  except for the Globes, which selected Austin Butler's highly praised turn as the King of rock 'n' roll in "Elvis." Fraser had said in advance he would "not participate" in the Globes ceremony.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
While Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) shareholders are probably generally happy, the stock hasn't had particularly good run recently, with the share price falling 15% in the last quarter. On the other hand the share price is higher than it was three years ago. Arguably you'd have been better off buying an index fund, because the gain of 29% in three years isn't amazing.

In light of the stock dropping 4.6% in the past week, we want to investigate the longer term story, and see if fundamentals have been the driver of the company's positive three-year return.

See our latest analysis for Bristol-Myers Squibb

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

During three years of share price growth, Bristol-Myers Squibb achieved compound earnings per share growth of 14% per year. The average annual share price increase of 9% is actually lower than the EPS growth. Therefore, it seems the market has moderated its expectations for growth, somewhat.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

This free interactive report on Bristol-Myers Squibb's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Bristol-Myers Squibb the TSR over the last 3 years was 41%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

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A Different Perspective

Although it hurts that Bristol-Myers Squibb returned a loss of 2.2% in the last twelve months, the broader market was actually worse, returning a loss of 8.3%. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 3%, each year, over five years. In the best case scenario the last year is just a temporary blip on the journey to a brighter future. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Bristol-Myers Squibb you should know about.

But note: Bristol-Myers Squibb may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

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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kate bingham - Jamie Lorriman

Liebe Briten: We Beniden You!

Das Bild had certainly changed its tune: Dear Brits - we envy you, the front page insisted. The German tabloid that had trolled us so many times over Brexit (Brefugees welcome!) was now eating some humble pie.

So were many others in February 2021. Kate Binghams Vaccine Taskforce had delivered the mass roll out of Covid vaccines ahead of almost any other nation, allowing the UK potentially to escape lockdowns weeks or even months ahead of anyone else.

And as Europe squabbled in recrimination, we had that very unusual feeling that, for once, the machinery of British state had got its act together.

But as Binghams own brutal account of her time leading the Taskforce makes clear, its success happened in spite of, and not because of conventional Whitehall practice. And today, our Rolls Royce civil service is quietly ensuring it can never happen again.

The VTFs achievements are remarkable and worth recounting. No successful coronavirus vaccine had ever been produced before, and as Bingham herself writes, they werent hopeful.

Manufacturing was exceptionally difficult, and wasnt something the UK had the capacity or experience to do at scale. So succeeding was impressive and unusual.

It involved breaking precedent and putting outsiders  non-government people - with exactly the right industry expertise at the heart of the operation, and allowing them to use the machinery of the state to achieve well defined goals.

While Bingham was not a practicing boffin, her contact book was second to none. She allied a deep scientific understanding of biotech with a knowledge of practicalities of new drugs, and of bringing them to market.

For example, she could manage negotiators, yet delegate, trusting the public officials to do the job. And as any successful organisation can attest, good people hire more good people. Duffers hire even worse performers, safe that they wont upstage them.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock - JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Images

The Taskforce therefore conjured up a symphony of improvisation and coordination. Their task was made more difficult by a disgracefully hostile media, and grandstanding from the National Audit Office  all keen to find corruption where there was none.

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So this should have been, as American shrinks might say, a teachable moment. We would expect the media and government to have been poring over the story looking for the things it did differently that might be worth emulating, and embedding such practice in SW1.

But two years later, its as if it never happened at all. Could that be because they dont want to learn?

Thats what Tim Hanes, who co-wrote the book The Long Shot with Dame Bingham, suspects. Weve reverted to type in a reluctance to organise tackling problems in a cross departmental way. Its very siloed again, Hanes tells me. And when they do seek advice they do so from a narrow section of the academic community.

Its not as if Bingham didnt offer some wise advice in her conclusion, but this must have made painful reading. Too painful, perhaps. She highlights the overwhelming bias in recruiting arts graduates, and the monoculture this creates.

Very few permanent secretaries have Stem (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics) degrees, she explains, while fewer than 10pc of graduates entering the fast track civil service scheme have Stem backgrounds, either.

Instead, Whitehall is dominated by historians and economists, few of whom have ever worked outside the official and political worlds, she writes.

Bingham also despairs at the nearly complete absence of industrial, commercial and manufacturing skills. And if these skills are not in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which also funds academic research, then where are they? she asks.

vaccine lab astrazeneca - Heathcliff O'Malley/The Daily Telegraph/PA Wire

Without all these insights, Whitehall is well placed to be the worlds classiest debating society, but looks increasingly ineffective at enacting government policy. Bingham has a fascinating illustration of just why a Stem-phobic environment matters.

Lacking the scientific chops to challenge a given approach, she finds, mandarins instead quibble with the processes. In an early and overlooked aside, Bingham describes how much she misses being challenged on scientific questions.

Older readers may recall that Lady Thatcher, the first Prime Minister since Baldwin to have a scientific degree, took similar relish in vigorous argument. If more civil servants and politicians had numerical or scientific backgrounds, might they for example have challenged Vallance and Whittys reliance on modelling assumptions? Civil servants are instead rewarded for following processes, not for innovating new approaches, like the Taskforce.

Members of that exotic and endangered species  civil servants with maths, scientific or engineering backgrounds  like to tell me that because of the culture of Whitehall, they often choose to stay silent. They have to pick their battles. Almost wistfully, they recall how for a short time, the misfits and weirdos that Dominic Cummings sought reinvigorated the intellectual culture, but then the Empire struck back.

Our failure to learn from the VTFs success goes to the heart of our relationship with power. Every elected government must be able to enact a policy, even if we disagree, and its a poor policy. Today, when a lever is pulled, nothing happens.

What the public sees instead are unrelated and inexplicable bureaucratic decisions, materialising as if out of the ether. The bureaucratic class seems to be everywhere, but nowhere is it held accountable.

Little wonder the public are increasingly drawn to conspiratorial explanations instead. Democracy requires effective public administration  and stubbornly, our own just doesnt want to learn.
car factory manufacturing - Carl Court/Getty Images

The UK must slash red tape on building gigafactories and cut electricity prices by unpegging them from gas to attract the investment needed to rescue sinking production, the car industry has warned.

UK manufacturers pay higher electricity prices than competitors in the EU in spite of the comparatively high and rising proportion of wind energy available, partly because electricity prices are set using the price of once-cheap methane which has shot up in price.

Fixing this and making battery plant building easier could give the industry the boost it needs, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said. The proportion of electric vehicles being made is rising, but local battery supply is crucial, the trade body said.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: Britain boasts a firm foundation of EV production, backed by low carbon energy, outstanding R&D and a highly skilled and productive workforce. We must not squander these advantages.

UK car production has halved in the past five years and further shrinkages risk the viability of the industry as suppliers lose work and leave, Nissan boss Ashwani Gupta, the Japanese companys chief operating officer, said last month.

Mr Gupta said: The UK is becoming more and more challenging as a manufacturing footprint.

He was joined by Carlos Tavares, head of Vauxhall owner Stellantis, in warning that a declining industry and no new battery plants spelled a bleak future for British car making.

The big problem of the UK is to keep a size of market that would support the investments [in] battery supply, Mr Tavares said in February. I fear that if you don't have the battery supply in the UK, for the UK, the market will be in trouble.

The plea follows broader manufacturing lobby group Make UKs request last week for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to create an industrial strategy in part to attract battery plants for car making.

It comes as one of Britains most promising driverless car companies has warned it could start testing its systems abroad as ministers drag their feet over new laws allowing advanced trials of the technology.

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Wayve, which is backed by Microsoft and Sir Richard Branson, said the lack of rules allowing driverless car companies to test vehicles without human safety drivers or to run commercial services meant it could expand abroad instead of in Britain.

The Government announced plans last year to introduce new laws for driverless cars as part of an exhaustive transport bill, but the complexities of the wide-ranging legislation, which would cover railways to pedicabs, has seen it delayed.

Wayves director of public policy Sarah Gates said driverless car legislation has not moved on since 2016, when it was considered world leading, and delays could force the company to consider other markets.

She said: Were fully committed to the UK currently. But if you don't legalise the deployment of the technology, any company would then have to look at what are our options for making sure that we can bring this technology to market.

The UK will quickly move from being pro-innovation and facilitating developers to actually being really quite far behind, because the technology is now surpassing UK policy."

Wayve, which has deals with Ocado and Asda to test driverless deliveries, has tested its technology in several cities across the UK. But laws still require it to use a human safety driver and prevent it from launching full services. In the US, driverless car companies Waymo and Cruise have both completed more than 1m miles of testing without a safety driver.

We do not have legal certainty around the ability to remove the driver, Ms Gates said. What the bill gives you is a framework for full commercial deployment, so when youre actually carrying goods and people [you can] replace the driver. Neither of those things currently exists in the UK.

She said the company had not identified a likely destination for overseas testing, but pointed to France, Germany and the US among the countries with promising sets of rules.

I wouldnt be able to say where Wayve might go, but given the amount of progress thats happening across many different regions and countries now, there will be lots of choice, the UK is really lagging behind, Ms Gates said.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: We are committed to developing flexible, innovation-friendly frameworks for transport which drive growth, investment and skilled jobs and create safer, greener transport choices for the public.

The Future of Transport measures remain a legislative priority and we will introduce these when parliamentary time allows.
Last week ended with the worst day for bank stocks since the financial crisis of 2008. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the countrys 16th largest banking firm and the lender of first resort for the start-ups of Californias tech world, has sparked fears of a larger bank run, or even a repeat of the systemic financial troubles.

Thats the worst-case worries  but according to Goldman Sachs chief credit strategist, Lotfi Karoui, these fears may be overblown.

We think the risk of contagion from small to large banks is remote, considering the low share of regional banks in the IG market. Similarly, the risk of a capital or liquidity event among large banks is also remote, Karoui opined.

Against this backdrop, Goldman analysts have been recommending banking stocks that they see as potential winners for investors taking advantage of the dip in prices. Well take a closer look at two of these stock picks.

Charles Schwab (SCHW)

The first banking institution well look is a familiar name, Charles Schwab. This is the US largest publicly traded investment services firm, and held $7.05 trillion in client assets at the end of 2022. The firm boasts a total of 34 million brokerage accounts, befitting its reputation for making stock investment more accessible to the mass of retail investors. In that niche, Schwab operates as both an investment manager and discount broker, and offers its clients a full range of banking and investment services.

This past January, Schwab reported mixed financial results for the final quarter of 2022, and the full year. For the quarter, the net top line of $5.49 billion was up 17% year-over-year, but missed consensus estimates by $60 million. The adjusted EPS of $1.07 was up 24% from the prior year, but below consensus estimate of $1.09.

At the annual level, Schwab saw net revenues of $20.7 billion, for a y/y increase of 12%. Adjusted net income grew 19% y/y to reach $7.9 billion, and the adjusted EPS was up 20% y/y to reach $3.90. Schwab gathered new assets totaling $428 billion in 2022, and added over 4 million new customer accounts. In one of the firms downers, it reported that the new assets added was offset by lower market values in last years bear, resulting in a y/y decline in total assets held.

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In an indication of managements confidence, Schwab declared its most recent common share dividend. The payment, which went out on February 24, was increased by 14% from the previous quarter, to 25 cents per common share. At this rate, the $1 annualized payment yields 1.7%. The company has a history of keeping reliable dividend payments, going back to 1990.

Shares in Schwab showed a strong reaction to the SVB collapse, tumbling 23% over the past two trading sessions.

Goldmans 5-star analyst Alexander Blostein focuses on Schwabs prospects, noting that the firm has enough liquidity to meet customers needs without having to force sell its AFS portfolio.

We estimate core deposit outflows in January were marginally worse the 2022 monthly average, with cumulative 1Q22-Jan decline of ~25%. Although we think that SCHWs recent issuance of higher-cost funding is likely to weigh on NIR in 1H23, management reaffirmed their expectations for a temporary use of these facilities, and we do not see funding/liquidity concerns that have become more acute with some financial institutions as warranted here. With the stock down [29]% YTD, the risk/reward remains attractive, in our view, Blostein opined.

Blostein quantifies his stance with a Buy rating for the stock and a $98 price target that shows confidence in a 67% one-year upside potential. (To watch Blosteins track record, click here)

Overall, Schwab claims 15 recent analyst reviews, including 11 Buys, 3 Holds, and a single Sell, for a Moderate Buy consensus rating. The shares are trading for $58.70 and their $90.13 average price target implies a one-year gain of 53.5%. (See SCHW stock forecast)

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NTB)

Next up is a lesser-known name in the banking industry, the Bermuda-based Bank of N.T. Butterfield. This bank, whose market cap of $1.5 billion puts it in the small-cap category, serves well-heeled customers in Switzerland, the UK, and Singapore, as well as in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the Channel Islands. The bank offers a wide range of specialized financial and wealth management services, as well as residential property loans in the UK.

Butterfield managed to dial in a solid 4Q22 report, beating the forecasts on both the top-and bottom-line. Revenue increased by 17.7% year-over-year to reach $148.5 million, beating consensus estimate by $5.24 million. Non-GAAP EPS of $1.27 also came in above the analysts forecast of $1.14.

Taking 2022 as a whole, Butterfield posted net revenues of $549.3 million, for a 10% y/y gain, while the company had a bottom line net income of $214 million, for an even more impressive 31% y/y increase. The full-year diluted EPS showed the same 31% y/y improvement.

Of note for investors, Butterfield has been keeping up a regular common share dividend payment of 44 cents per quarter since the summer of 2019. The next payout is set for March 14, and the annualized payment, of $1.76, yields an above-average 5.85%.

Like Schwab above, this appears to be a fundamentally sound bank that got hit by the sudden crisis last week. By the close on Friday, Butterfields shares were down more than 14.5% from Wednesdays levels.

Thats a dip that Goldman Sachs would recommend  and that opinion is backed up by analyst Will Nances recent coverage of this stock.

We see a number of reasons to be positive here with 1) mgmt pointing towards continued NIM expansion over the next few quarters as the company deploys excess liquidity into higher yielding securities 2) the company now approaching their target level on TCE/TA, and is likely to resume shares repurchases, adding to the already attractive 5% dividend, and 3) fee income coming in much stronger than expected, and while this is likely benefiting from some reopening tailwinds in the companys markets, we believe this is one of the first signs of a more normal runrate for fee income post several years of travel restrictions in the companys island markets, Nance wrote.

We believe NTB is an attractive holding for income oriented investors, offering solid ~[6]% dividends and attractive capital allocation opportunities from shares repurchases, the analyst summed up.

Tracking this forward, Nance rates NTB shares a Buy, with a $41 price target to suggest a gain of 36% for the next 12 months. (To watch Nances track record, click here)

Overall, it would appear that the Street is in-line with the bulls on this one. There are 4 recent analyst reviews for Butterfield, and all four agree that its a stock to Buy, making the Strong Buy consensus rating unanimous. The average price target is $41.50 and implies a one-year upside potential of ~38% from the current trading price of $30.09. (See NTB stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Integral Diagnostics fair value estimate is AU$2.37

With AU$2.72 share price, Integral Diagnostics appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

Our fair value estimate is 26% higher than Integral Diagnostics' analyst price target of AU$2.98

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Integral Diagnostics Limited (ASX:IDX) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

Check out our latest analysis for Integral Diagnostics

The Model

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. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. 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 need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$27.2m AU$37.2m AU$45.4m AU$29.9m AU$35.6m AU$34.4m AU$33.9m AU$33.7m AU$33.7m AU$33.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -3.24% Est @ -1.69% Est @ -0.60% Est @ 0.16% Est @ 0.69% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.4% AU$25.3 AU$32.3 AU$36.7 AU$22.5 AU$25.0 AU$22.5 AU$20.6 AU$19.1 AU$17.8 AU$16.7

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$238m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.9%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$34m (1 + 1.9%)  (7.4% 1.9%) = AU$638m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$638m ( 1 + 7.4%)10= AU$314m

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$552m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$2.7, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 Integral Diagnostics 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 7.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.913. 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 Integral Diagnostics

Strength

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Healthcare market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Shareholders have been diluted in the past year.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market.

Threat

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for 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. For Integral Diagnostics, we've compiled three further factors you should look at:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Integral Diagnostics (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does IDX'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 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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Officials in California have issued a ban on salmon fishing anywhere along the state's coast for the remainder of the season, as the state's yearslong drought is still taking its toll on the once-abundant fish population.

In a recent announcement, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said salmon fisheries that were originally scheduled to open on April 1 would remain closed through May 15. The decision came as part of a broader effort, involving state agencies in Oregon as well as the National Marine Fisheries Service, to cancel ocean salmon fishing along much of the coast  from Cape Falcon, Oregon, to the U.S.-Mexico border.

For California, the ban aims to protect the Chinook species of salmon, which previously inhabited several of the state's largest rivers and in recent years have been seen in dwindling numbers.

Thanks to multiple atmospheric river storms in California, rivers on land are roaring but the effects of years of drought are now being seen on the salmon population, CBS Bay Area reported. Last year, just 60,000 of the adult fish returned to the Sacramento River to spawn, officials said. This was a small fraction of the 196,000 fish expected there, and approached a record annual low for the area, according to the fish and wildlife department. Officials are also hoping that the fishing ban will prevent the Chinook population from decreasing further in the Klamath River, which is also threatened.

A Chinook salmon is placed in a tank for propagation at the Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery March 18, 2008 in Shasta Lake, California. / Credit: Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has proposed additional policies to regulate salmon fishing off the coast of California through the spring of 2024, wildlife officials said. The proposals, which would ban commercial and ocean salmon sport fishing until April of next year, were approved by the council for public review at the end of last week.

This is the second time in history that California has canceled fishing season, CBS Bay Area reported, with the last ban taking place between 2008 and 2009 in response to another prolonged drought period.

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"Fishery managers have determined that there simply aren't enough salmon in the ocean right now to comfortably get a return of adult salmon to reproduce for 2023," said John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association, in comments to CBS Bay Area.

Jared Davis, who operates a charter boat for sport fishermen, told the station his entire summer has been wiped out.

"It's devastating," he told the station. "This is more than just an income issue for me. It's an inability to do what I love. So, on a financial level and on a personal level, it's devastating."

Dwindling marine life populations prompted wildlife officials in Alaska to cancel the winter snow crab season in the Bering Sea near the end of last year. It was a first in the state's history.

How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses nationwide

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Trump campaigning in Iowa on heels of Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley making trips to state
By Steve Gorman and Brendan O'Brien

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California, reeling from a month-long string of late-winter storms, braced for another bout of heavy rains, wind and snow on Monday, while most of New York state and New England girded for a powerful Nor'easter.

The leading edge of the latest Pacific storm swept into northern California and was expected to intensify late Monday night through Tuesday as it spread through central and southern parts of the state still sodden from weekend flooding.

Emergency crews preparing for the season's 11th "atmospheric river," an airborne current laden with dense tropical moisture from the ocean, renewed sand-bagging operations and round-the-clock patrols of levees and rain-swollen riverbanks.

Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for residents in 10 California counties, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The National Weather Service (NWS) posted flood watches for much of the state, along with warnings for gale-force winds and extensive uprootings of trees.

"With the ground already saturated from the previous storm and river levels well above average, another round of major and life-threatening flooding is likely" along California's coast, the Sierra Nevada foothills and the state's vast Central Valley farm region, the NWS said.

Some of the heaviest rain, as much as 10 inches (25 cm), could fall in the Santa Barbara and San Bernardino mountains of Southern California, state climatologist Michael Anderson told reporters on Monday.

The rainfall was likely to hasten the melting of snow left on the ground from recent blizzards in mid-level mountain areas, adding to heavy runoff and flood hazards downstream, as it did over the weekend, forecasters said.

But the new storm was also expected to dump another 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 meters) of snow at higher elevations, above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), in the Sierra range, according to the NWS.

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Anderson predicted additional precipitation from the looming storm, and one or two more still forming behind it in the Pacific, would likely push the southern Sierra snowpack to all-time historic levels, surpassing a 1969 record.

Nine atmospheric rivers lashed California in rapid succession from late December through mid-January, triggering widespread flooding, levee failures, mudslides and punishing surf. At least 20 people perished.

'SAD FOR ALL THE PEOPLE'

The 10th atmospheric river system of the season struck on Thursday and Friday, sending rivers and creeks spilling over their banks in several low-lying areas, most notably along central California's coast.

Drone footage above Monterey County showed entire neighborhoods inundated by muddy, brown waters after a levee on the Pajaro River failed. Evacuation warnings and orders across the county of 430,000 residents remained in place on Monday.

One evacuee from the flood-stricken community of Pajaro, farm worker Pedro Rangel, 42, attempted to return to his home on Monday but said he could not penetrate the mud and water surrounding his residence.

"It's sad for all of the people who live there. You lose everything," Rangel told Reuters at an evacuation center in nearby Watsonville.

About 140 miles (225 km) to the south, public works teams in San Luis Obispo County were monitoring stream levels and reinforcing a rain-weakened earthen levee along the Arroyo Grande Creek with sandbags in hopes of stemming renewed flooding.

"Now the creek levels are so high that it's really not going to take a lot to cause flooding," said Rachel Monte Dion, the county's emergency services coordinator.

Across the country, a Nor'easter storm was forecast to dump as much as 16 inches of heavy snow and whip winds of up to 45 miles per hour from Pennsylvania and New York state up into Maine starting on Monday night and into Wednesday, the NWS said.

Heavy, wet snow from the storm was likely to topple trees and power lines, causing power outages, while also diminishing visibility and making road travel extremely dangerous, forecasters said.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Additional reporting by Nathan Frandino in Parajo, California; Editing by Ed Osmond and Edwina Gibbs)
After more than two years of work, the Reparations Task Force of California is getting closer to submitting its final set of recommendations this summer. The task force, operating in the most populous state in the country, could implement the most significant reparations effort in the United States. In the lead-up to its final report, the task force has been growing bolder in its proposals while taking comments from Black Californians.

The post California Reparations Task Force Looking To Increase Proposed Payout To Residents Impacted By The Legacy Of Slavery, Anti-Black Racism appeared first on Blavity.

As it finalizes its recommendations, the California task force has begun a formal process of gathering community feedback with a two-day public forum in Sacramento. As community members took turns giving their opinions and recommendations, many of the attendees expressed skepticism that the reparations policies recommended by the task force would ever materialize. However, they still wanted to make their voices heard in the debate.

Everyone has their ideas about what should happen, how reparations should happen, Rhoa Washington-Bey, who attended the hearing with her two young children, said. Everyone wont be happy. But its exciting that California is trying.

One of the main policy areas for the task force is determining whether and how direct reparations payments would go to Californians impacted by the legacy of slavery and anti-Black racism. In 2022, the task force proposed that California could pay up to $569 billion in reparations, which was about $223,000 for each Black citizen in the state. Now, the task force is looking to increase that number. The new figure is $640 billion, equaling a $360,000 per person payout. However, this proposed figure is still preliminary and could change before submitting the final report.

One of the boldest proposals from the task force so far is the recommendation to create a new statewide governmental agency, the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency, inspired by the Freedmens Bureau, a federal government agency created after the Civil War to assist newly freed Black Americans during the period of Reconstruction. The task force initially proposed creating a similar agency for California in January, with CAFAA as an oversight body for whatever reparations policies the legislature passes. In March, the task force decided to give the freedmen affairs agency more power and passed a new proposal to put this new agency in charge of carrying out the policies. Task force Chair Kamilah Moore said CAFAA will exist to provide perpetual special consideration to descendants of American slaves. The new agency would also be able to intervene in the affairs of other parts of the state government, like the California Department of Justice, on issues that impact Black Californians. The CAFAA would also potentially be in charge of deciding who was eligible for reparations, which has been a source of contention for the task force.

The task force, created in 2020, has until July 1 to submit its final report to the California state legislature. The group meets again later in March and yet another time in May before submitting its final recommendations on June 30. A proposal in the state legislature would allow the task force to operate for an additional year as it advocates for its proposals.

With reparations movements gaining steam from various cities and even private organizations in multiple states, all eyes will be on California, which may set the stage for other reparations programs nationwide.
A new atmospheric river is expected to wash ashore this evening over California, where neighborhoods are still under water from a weekend of devastating floods and emergency rescues.

The incoming atmospheric river will bring more heavy rain and flooding concerns beginning tonight, the Bay Area branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) warned Monday morning.

Advising drivers to prepare for potential road closures and to refrain from navigating flooded roadways, the NWS offered an ominous instruction: Turn around, dont drown!

The moderate to strong atmospheric river will likely cause significant impacts through Tuesday night, including potentially damaging winds, power outages and flooding, according to an NWS Bay Area outlook.

The meteorologists predicted difficult to impossible travel for some areas, as well as a direct threat to life and property from water and wind impacts.

This one is taking shape now over the Pacific Ocean between the Hawaiian Islands and California, University of California, Los Angeles climate scientist Daniel Swain said during virtual office hours on Monday.

This is yet another warm Pineapple Express type atmospheric river, he added, referring to the nickname for last weeks storm system.

A statewide outlook from the NWSs Weather Prediction Center forecast an intensification of rain and snow through Wednesday, leading to considerable flooding impacts below 5,000 feet  across the coastline, the Central Valley and the southern Sierra Nevada foothills.

The new storm will arrive before many residents have had a chance to recover from the previous atmospheric river, which forced thousands of Californians to evacuate this weekend and left at least two people dead.

Its been a pretty, pretty crazy period in California weather, Swain said during the virtual office hours.

More than 8,500 people were under evacuation orders in Monterey County this weekend, after the Pajaro Rivers levee was breached by heavy rainfall.

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Swain described the town of Pajaro as essentially inundated, noting that the situation could become worse again with the incoming storm.

As of Sunday, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office reported more than 90 completed rescues, conducted with the help of the California National Guard.

The same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) extended a state of emergency to support storm response and relief initiatives in six new counties, in addition to the original 34 counties he had cited last week.

This latest proclamation follows an emergency declaration last week from President Biden  at Newsoms request  authorizing federal assistance to support local recovery efforts.

By Monday morning, 11,773 Californians still had no electricity, according to the grid tracker PowerOutage.us. Some 1,627 of those outages concentrated in Monterey County and 2,080 in the adjacent Fresno County, per the site.

With a new atmospheric river on the horizon, Californias Office of Emergency Services warned on Monday that additional flooding on rivers and streams is likely through later this week.

The agency also forecasted possible flash floods, noting that the most vulnerable areas are those along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and along the Central Coast.

There are two reasons why I think this moderate to strong atmospheric river is going to cause bigger problems than the perhaps similar moderate to strong atmospheric river we saw late last week, Swain said during his office hours.

The first issue, he explained, is that the soil is already extremely wet and in some cases even super saturated.

Its not going to take a whole lot of precipitation to result in immediate runoff and rises on rivers and streams, Swain said.

The second problem is that a low-pressure system off the coast of Northern California may come not only with heavy rainfall, but also with significant winds, according to Swain.

While the climate scientist had some words of caution about the incoming storm, he expressed much greater alarm over what could happen in the weeks ahead.

Right now, there is more snow water in the southern and possibly central Sierra than there has ever been at this time of year  and possibly at any point during the year, Swain said.

There is a whole hell of a lot of water up there right now stored in snowpack, he added.

And while that snow is not likely to melt during this weeks atmospheric river, Swain warned that flooding will become a growing concern for later this season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Callahan: Exeter Health Resources and its patients will benefit from joining Beth Israel Lahey Health

March 9  To the Editor:

I am writing to thank the members of our community who participated, either in person or remotely, in the recent public forum hosted at Exeter High School by the New Hampshire director of charitable trusts.

The purpose of the forum was to discuss Exeter Health Resources (Exeter) and its affiliates; Exeter Hospital, Core Physicians and Rockingham VNA & Hospices proposal, currently under state review, to become part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) system. I was pleased to be joined for the forum by Rob Eberle, chairman of the Board of Exeter Health Resources and BILH Chief Strategy Officer Peter Shorett and enjoyed the opportunity to share information about Exeter including the benefits of joining BILH. Together, we were able to answer a number of questions from the public about what this opportunity means for your relationship with Exeter Hospital and its affiliates and the continued delivery of excellent health care in the Seacoast region.

Exeter is one of New Hampshires last remaining independent community-based health systems. Despite our long and successful history, our need to affiliate is stronger now than ever, due to fundamental changes in the economics of health care as well as the deep and continuing disruptive effects of COVID. BILHs commitment to Exeter includes significant new investments aimed at expanding Exeters locally delivered, full continuum of clinical services in a seamless, coordinated, and cost-effective manner. We believe this proposed combination of our two great organizations will provide significant benefits to Exeters patients, our organization and the communities we have proudly served for over 125 years in the form of improved access to health care services, enhanced quality, greater value and more patient choice.

To learn more about our proposed affiliation, and how it will help Exeter successfully fulfill its vital not-for-profit mission for the next 125 years, I encourage you to visit ExeterandBILH.com.

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Thank you again for your interest and support.

Kevin Callahan

President and CEO, Exeter Health Resources

Exeter

Peter Shorett (right), chief strategy officer of Beth Israel Lahey Health, and Kevin Callahan, president of Exeter Health Resources Inc., on a panel at Wednesday's public hearing on their proposed hospital merger.

Current City Council is doing a good job for Portsmouth residents

March 12  To the Editor:

Ive been reflecting on the most recent Portsmouth City Council election, and I think we voters deserve a pat on the back. We got it right. The City Council we elected is representing us conscientiously, professionally, and with no personal agendas evident. Theyre on the receiving end, as weve all witnessed, of a lot of slings and arrows and pejorative nicknames, but they stay focused on their obligation to the community. Which is exactly what we would hope for. To the extent theres some voters remorse out there, I suspect its among a minority.

The McIntyre project is a complex challenge, nobody denies that. Nor is there any one solution that will satisfy everyone. But I for one believe our City Council has the credentials and the commitment to produce a solution that will make the majority of us rightly proud. And I look forward to that.

Keep it up.

Terry MacDonald

Portsmouth

Cathy Hodson will serve Rye well on the Select Board

March 10  To the Editor:

We think the town of Rye is fortunate to have Cathy Hodson as a candidate for the Select Board. Cathy possesses both the qualifications and the personal characteristics that are essential to effective town governance but rarely found in one candidate. Cathys financial background and adherence to the democratic process will ensure that costly past mistakes are not repeated.

Cathys career as a certified public accountant/auditor and her commitment to transparency will serve the town well.

Mel and Jean Low

Rye

Trumpism? No, thank you. I'd rather be woke.

March 9  To the Editor:

While Donald J. Trump hasnt disappeared, fortunately he seems to be fading in importance and influence. The attitudes that Trump has let loose  bigotry especially  have not faded. Trumpism is an attitude that looks for someone else to blame for our problems besides oneself. Trumpism is the opposite of woke which is correctly defined as being alert to injustice - especially racial injustice- embedded in laws and behavior. It (woke) started in Black slang. Trumpism still shows up in myriad ways. It appears in news stories": immigrants invade our borders in caravans to take jobs that few citizens supposedly want at low pay. Jews plan it all. Mental health not guns cause mass murders. Women get pregnant and then want an abortion. Older people get old. Chinese people and Pacific Islanders cause their own disease(COVID) and/or death (mass shooting in California); etc., etc., etc.

Trumpism reaches to state legislatures, ours included. There are laws now that restrict our freedom such as HB 544 which prevents any education or training to make someone feel bad about sex or race (also known as the divisive concepts law). HB 514 threatens teachers and staff with jail if they dont take certain books off the shelf. The books might be obscene.

Trumpism is a different world view. Woke is when youre alert to these curbs on our freedom. I dont understand how Trumpism thinks its protecting our freedoms when it tells us what to read, what to learn, who to vote for, and tells women not to get an abortion should we need or want one. I think Id rather be woke.

Judy Ullman

Portsmouth

'Anti-wokism' or peddling 'asleepism'

March 9  To the Editor:

Time for me to get out the magnifying glass. Republican presidential candidates are running on a series of manufactured issues so infinitesimally small as to be, well, non-existent.

They, and their mouthpieces at Fox, Breitbart, Newsmax, the Gateway Pundit  have whipped themselves into a frenzy over things that dont actually exist!

Rather than addressing real issues  like wages, the right to organize, public health, protection from unscrupulous financial institutions, an effort to overthrow democracy that they engendered, book banning and other curtailments to freedom of speech, gerrymandering, a health system that is based on profit not patients, a tax system designed for the wealthy  the Republican candidates are raging warriors sending sparks to reignite the culture wars they love so much and which mean so little.

Under the rubric anti-wokism," Republican candidates are promoting anti-democratic policies, censorship, and curtailment of freedom. They rage at the tide (not that theyre doing anything about climate change) and pose a real danger to our democracy!

Woke, simply means being alert to social, racial and economic injustices and trying to do something about them. Well, the Republican candidates are against that!

So, our Republican presidential candidates have declared themselves in favor of injustice.

Nice to know that they take a stand on something!

Michael Frandzel

Portsmouth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter patients will benefit from Beth Israel affiliation
Canton police on Monday released this grainy image of a Chevy Malibu officers believed was driven by the man they suspect on Friday shot to death Steven Troyer, 55, of Canton.

CANTON  City police on Monday released a description of the man investigators suspect shot and killed Steven Troyer, 55, of Canton on Friday morning.

In a statement, police described the suspect as having a large front neck tattoo who left the homicide scene driving a brown, gold or taupe colored Chevy Malibu.

Troyer was found shot in the head shortly before 10:44 a.m. Friday, police said. Officers found him with several gunshot wounds in the driver's seat of a running vehicle in the 1300 block of Greenfield Avenue SW. He was pronounced dead at Aultman Hospital at 11:13 a.m.

More:Canton police investigating man shot to death in running vehicle

Police released three grainy images of what they say was the Chevy Malibu driven by the suspect.

Canton police on Monday released this grainy image of a Chevy Malibu officers believed was driven by the man they suspect on Friday shot to death Steven Troyer, 55, of Canton.

Canton police on Monday released this grainy image of a Chevy Malibu officers believed was driven by the man they suspect on Friday shot to death Steven Troyer, 55, of Canton.

Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect to call the Canton Police Department's Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Stark County Crime Stoppers program.

They can do so by:

Texting STARKTIP to 847411 and then the tip.

Submitting the information through this online web form.

Submitting a tip after setting up a Tips411 account.

Downloading the STARKTIP Crime Stopper app from the Apple App Store for iPhones or Google App store for Android phones and submitting their tip through the app.

Canton police and the Canton office of the FBI are offering an unspecified cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP.

CORRECTION: Canton police are searching for a Chevy Malibu they believe was driven by a suspect in a shooting death on Friday. The model of the car was incorrect when this story first published March 13. Police included the wrong model in their initial news release and later updated it.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton police seeking public's help to find homicide suspect
A Cape Cod man is facing multiple charges, including an attempted robbery of a bank inside a Massachusetts shopping plaza.

Boston police said 27-year-old Lukas Gauthier, of Mashpee, was arrested by officers shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday in the area of Washington and East Berkeley streets when they stopped a vehicle that had been reported stolen.

Gauthier was initially charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle and operating after revocation or suspension of license. After further investigation, he was then charged with attempted robbery, police said.

The attempted robbery took place at 11 a.m. Saturday inside the Stop & Shop grocery store at South Bay Plaza of Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. According to police Gauthier passed a note and indicated that he was armed with a firearm but no weapon was seen. He then fled the area after being refused by the teller.

He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court Monday.

The incident remains under investigation. There were no reports of any injuries.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Prosecutors say Gabriel Augustin Garcia (left) duped a court to allow him to attend CPAC. US District Court for the District of Columbia

A Capitol riot suspect tricked a court into allowing him to attend CPAC, prosecutors allege.

The suspect asked the court if he could travel to Washington, DC to attend another Jan. 6 trial.

Instead, he spent more than 12 hours at CPAC schmoozing with fellow January 6 defendants, prosecutors allege.

A Capitol riot suspect fooled a court into allowing him to travel to Washington, DC earlier this month and attend the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he took selfies and "socialized" with fellow January 6 defendants, federal prosecutors alleged on Monday.

Florida resident Gabriel Augustin Garcia, described in court papers as a former US Army captain and Proud Boys member, had requested permission from the federal district court in Washington, DC to travel to the nation's capital to observe another January 6 defendant's trial to assist with his own trial preparation, prosecutors said in a court filing.

Garcia told the court he would travel in his RV and stay in Virginia or Maryland, and not Washington, DC.

"If I make any stops it will be to sleep along a rest stop," Garcia told the United States Probation Office in a letter, according to the court papers.

The court approved Garcia's request on the condition that his trip was for "'the limited purposes of attending' a trial and meeting with defendant's former pro hac vice attorney and/or current counsel," court documents say.

However, prosecutors say that on March 2, Garcia arrived in Alexandria, Virginia, and then "went straight" to National Harbor, Maryland, to attend CPAC, a multi-day annual political conference, where he stayed for more than four hours.

The next day, Garcia attended a January 6 trial for "less than three hours" and then went back to CPAC for eight hours, from around 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to prosecutors.

"It appears that defendant's last-minute request to travel to Washington, DC, was not for the stated reason for the trip," prosecutors wrote, claiming that Garcia "spent about 12.5 hours in National Harbor at CPAC DC 23, taking pictures and socializing with fellow January 6 defendants."

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Defense attorneys for Garica argued that his trip to CPAC "was not a violation of defendant's conditions," court papers say, and rejected the government's claims on Monday.

"The Government is mad that he went to CPAC, which was in Maryland. If he would have gone to the movies, they wouldn't have cared. This is a political prosecution, and that's why they're upset," attorney Aubrey Webb said in a statement to Insider.

Garcia went on to mock the situation on social media, prosecutors claimed.

"The issue is not that defendant attended a political event. The real problem is that defendant has repeatedly demonstrated that his representations to the Court should be doubted," prosecutors said.

In connection to the Capitol riot, Garica has been charged with obstructing an official proceeding, entering and remaining in restricted grounds, disruptive and disorderly conduct, and illegally parading and demonstrating in the Capitol building. Garcia has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutors said they plan to deny future travel requests by Garcia, claiming he "has continually taken advantage of the permissiveness of the Court with deceptive travel requests, and takes to social media to mock the process."

They wrote in Monday's filing that "it is apparent that defendant does not appreciate the gravity of the situation he is in and he does not respect this Court's authority."

Garcia's attorney said his client "does respect the court's authority."

"And he didn't violate the court's order," he continued. "He arrived in Virginia too late on March 2 to make it to the courthouse to observe the proceedings. And he observed a trial on March 3."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Reuters) - Activist investor Carl Icahn is preparing a proxy fight at Illumina Inc, arguing that the life science maker's acquisition of Grail Inc cost its shareholders roughly $50 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

Illumina completed a takeover of cancer-detection test maker Grail in August 2021, without securing regulatory approval from the European Union. The European Commission ordered Illumina in December to unwind the deal, three months after it had blocked the merger on concerns the deal would stifle innovation.

Icahn plans to nominate three people to Illumina's board, the WSJ report said, citing a letter the billionaire plans to send to the shareholders on Monday.

"We are convinced that at least three shareholder representatives are needed on Illumina's board to attempt to put an end to this insanity now before the reckless decision making escalates into a no-return situation," Icahn wrote in the letter, according to the WSJ.

Icahn in the letter said his nominees - Vincent Intrieri, the founder and chief executive officer of an investment fund, and two of his deputies Jesse Lynn and Andrew Teno - would bring experience dealing with crises to the board.

Icahn wrote that he tried to strike a deal with Illumina to avoid a proxy battle.

Illumina declined to comment on the report while Carl Icahn did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Jose Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
      

As noted, the missile impacted on the territory of the local vocational and agricultural lyceum. Other details of the incident have not yet been specified.

Read also: Russians attack towns and villages in Sumy Oblast with mortars

Andriy Yermak/Telegram

Read also: Russia launches about 100 attacks on Sumy Oblast in the past day

Meanwhile, no overnight attacks were recorded in Sumy Oblast. However, the enemy hit the Shalyhyne territorial community with mortars early on March 13.

According to preliminary data, there were no casualties or destruction as a result of the shelling.

The Russian military frequently attack border settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts in the north and east of Ukraine since being forced to retreat from them in early April (Chernihiv and Sumy) and September (Kharkiv).

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
Cate Blanchett made a statement of solidarity with refugees on the Oscars champagne-coloured carpet as she added a blue ribbon to her outfit on Hollywoods biggest night.

The Australian star, nominated for Best Actress for her role in Tar, wore the ribbon over a turquoise and black custom-made Louis Vuitton gown in support of the UN Refugee Agency.

What I love about film is the way it draws us into compelling human themes to uncover the connective tissue that binds us all, she said in a statement.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Whenever I have met refugees  in places such as Lebanon, Jordan or Bangladesh, in the UK, or back home in Australia  what has struck me has not been their otherness but how many things we share in common.

Blanchett was joined by stars including Bill Nighy, who is nominated for his first Oscar for his performance in Living, Edward Berger, director of All Quiet On The Western Front, and Filipino actress Dolly De Leon, who starred in 2022 film Triangle Of Sadness.

Each ribbon was handcrafted by a team at the Knotty Tie Co., a company in Denver, Colorado, that supports resettled refugees with jobs, training and education.

Cate Blanchett attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The wearing of the blue #WithRefugees ribbon on the red carpet sends a powerful visual message that everyone has the right to seek safety  whoever, wherever, whenever they are, wrote the UNHCR in a statement.

English actor Bill Nighy attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Blanchett has previously won two Oscars from seven nominations.
Joe Letteri won his fifth Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects on Sunday.

The Center Township native walked on stage and grinned widely as he was handed and held the most glamorous of Hollywood trophies for his groundbreaking work in "Avatar: The Way of Water."

But Letteri didn't get to thank any family or co-workers on camera during the worldwide telecast. One of his fellow "Avatar" recipients gave a slow-to-unwind acceptance speech and though Letteri, whose name was listed first, looked eager to say something on camera, too, he got cut short by the live symphony playing music to signify the show intended to move forward.

A smiling Joe Letteri, far right, holds his Academy Award won in this screen grab from Sunday's award telecast.

The Visual Effects award was presented around 10:25 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, nearly two-and-a-half hours into the three-and-a-half hour telecast.

Letteri's last televised Academy Award acceptance speech came when he and his colleagues won the Best Visual Effects award for 2009's original "Avatar."

The 1975 Center High grad previously won Oscars for the visual effects he supervised for "King Kong," "The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers" and "The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King."

New Zealand hero:Center Township Oscar winner honored by New Zealand

Letteri has been nominated for visual effects Oscar awards six other times and shared in a Technical Achievement Oscar in 2005 granted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for "groundbreaking implementations of practical methods for rendering skin and other translucent materials using subsurface scattering techniques."

Joe Letteri, a Center High graduate, is visual effects supervisor on "Avatar: The Way of Water."

Letteri said in a December interview with The Times the performance capture technique he helped revolutionize with the Gollum character in "The Lord of The Rings" film series  where facial expressions of live actors are tracked, recorded and rendered to create animations  had never been done in scenes that so closely mix underwater and above water action, until "Avatar: The Way of Water."

Trailblazer:'Avatar: The Way of Water' visual effects master, a Center High grad, discusses trailblazing work

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More:Center High grad Joe Letteri nominated for Academy Award

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@timesonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Western PA native Joe Letteri wins fifth Oscar for 'Avatar' sequel
Cheltenham Festival 2023 starts on Tuesday as the biggest event on the racing calendar gets under way.

Prestbury Park plays host to four action-packed days of racing with around a quarter of a million people expected to attend.

Rachael Blackmore will look to write more history after winning the Gold Cup last year, while the British trainers will hope to to outdo their Irish counterparts after losing the Prestbury Cup 18 victories to 10 last year.

What TV channel is Cheltenham Festival on?

ITV1 will broadcast the first five races each day with coverage starting from 1pm, while subscription channel Racing TV will show every race, with build-up from

How to stream Cheltenham online

Cheltenham can be watched live on Racing TVs website and app providing they are subscribers to the channel, while ITV viewers can also live-stream the races on the ITVX website and app.

Cheltenham race schedule

Four days, 28 races and action aplenty - heres the full schedule for Cheltenham in 2023 (All times GMT):

Champion Day  Tuesday, March 14

Supreme Novices Hurdle - 1.30pm

Arkle Challenge Trophy - 2.10pm

Handicap Steeple Chase - 2.50pm

Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - 3.30pm

Mares Hurdle - 4.10pm

Juvenile Handicap Hurdle - 4.50pm

National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup - 5.30pm

Ladies Day  Wednesday, March 15

Ballymore Novices Hurdle - 1.30pm

Brown Advisory Novices Steeple Chase - 2.10pm

Coral Cup Hurdle - 2.50pm

Queen Mother Champion Chase - 3.30pm

Cross-Country Steeple Chase - 4.10pm

Grand Annual Handicap Chase - 4.50pm

Champion Bumper - 5.30pm

St Patricks Thursday  Thursday, March 16

Turners Novices Chase - 1.30pm

Pertemps Network Final Hurdle - 2.10pm

Ryanair Chase - 2.50pm

Stayers Hurdle - 3.30pm

County Plate Chase - 4.10pm

Mares Novices Hurdle - 4.50pm

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup - 5.30pm

Gold Cup Day  Friday, March 17
By Mehnaz Yasmin

(Reuters) -Charles Schwab on Monday reported a 28% decline in average margin balances and a 4% fall in total client assets for February, piling more pressure on the company amid fears over the fallout from Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.

Its shares tumbled as much as 18% before paring losses to trade about 8.8% down at $53.6 after the company sought to allay investor worries over its liquidity levels and deposits.

"More than 80% of our total bank deposits fall within the (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance limits," the company said in a statement.

Charles Schwab said it has "access to significant liquidity" including an estimated $100 billion of cash flow from cash on hand, portfolio-related cash flows, and net new assets that the company expects to realize over the next 12 months.

"While we believe Charles Schwab's liquidity and capital are fine, funding costs are moving up and that will pressure revenue growth and operating margin expansion," Morningstar said in a note on Monday.

The company's average margin balances fell to $60.6 billion last month, while total client assets slipped to $7.38 trillion.

Earlier in the day, Citigroup analysts said they do not see a material risk to deposits leaving Charles Schwab given its composition but remain concerned about whether there is sufficient liquidity on hand as client assets shift off balance sheet to other instruments.

The brokerage upgraded the company to "buy" from "neutral", but cut the price target to $75 from $83.

Charles Schwab's efforts to reassure investors came as the implosion of SVB Financial Group stoked contagion fears. A failed share sale at the tech lender had drained $42 billion in deposits in a single day and wiped out liquidity.

U.S. lenders First Republic Bank and Western Alliance also sought to calm investor worries over their liquidity and deposits on Friday.

(Reporting by Mehnaz Yasmin in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Devika Syamnath)
Every investor on earth makes bad calls sometimes. But you want to avoid the really big losses like the plague. So spare a thought for the long term shareholders of Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. (TSE:CWEB); the share price is down a whopping 90% in the last three years. That'd be enough to cause even the strongest minds some disquiet. And the ride hasn't got any smoother in recent times over the last year, with the price 65% lower in that time. Furthermore, it's down 47% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. We really feel for shareholders in this scenario. It's a good reminder of the importance of diversification, and it's worth keeping in mind there's more to life than money, anyway.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for Charlotte's Web Holdings

Given that Charlotte's Web Holdings didn't make a profit in the last twelve months, we'll focus on revenue growth to form a quick view of its business development. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth.

Over the last three years, Charlotte's Web Holdings' revenue dropped 2.2% per year. That is not a good result. Having said that the 24% annualized share price decline highlights the risk of investing in unprofitable companies. We're generally averse to companies with declining revenues, but we're not alone in that. There's no more than a snowball's chance in hell that share price will head back to its old highs, in the short term.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

If you are thinking of buying or selling Charlotte's Web Holdings stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

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A Different Perspective

The last twelve months weren't great for Charlotte's Web Holdings shares, which performed worse than the market, costing holders 65%. Meanwhile, the broader market slid about 5.9%, likely weighing on the stock. Shareholders have lost 24% per year over the last three years, so the share price drop has become steeper, over the last year; a potential symptom of as yet unsolved challenges. We would be wary of buying into a company with unsolved problems, although some investors will buy into struggling stocks if they believe the price is sufficiently attractive. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Charlotte's Web Holdings you should know about.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA exchanges.

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Chick-fil-A announced plans in 2020 to enter Puerto Rico by 2022. Now, it plans to expand to Asia. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has 2,700 restaurants in the US as well as some in Puerto Rico and Canada.

CEO Andrew Cathy told the WSJ that the chain is ready to explore growth in Asia and Europe.

The company plans to invest $1 billion to expand to new markets outside the US.

Chick-fil-A, one of America's most successful fast food brands, plans to take its fried-chicken sandwiches abroad, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Andrew Cathy, CEO of the chain since September 2021, told the publication that it's time for the chain "to continue to innovate and try and test how we will do in international markets so that we can learn."

He said the chain plans to invest $1 billion to open restaurants in Europe and Asia by 2026.

The move abroad would mark a significant growth change for the Atlanta-based chicken chain, which has more than 2,700 franchised restaurants in 47 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and Canada. By going abroad, Chick-fil-A will compete with US-based rivals such as KFC and McDonald's, which have been in Asia for years. KFC alone has nearly 24,000 international locations.

Cathy, the family-owned chain's CEO, told the Journal that growth abroad is necessary as the company charts its future. The company would "stick" to its current franchising model, which limits most franchisees from owning more than one restaurant.

Chick-fil-A did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Owning a Chick-fil-A franchise is historically an attractive opportunity for any potential franchisee.

Chick-fil-A restaurants generate higher revenue per location than any other US chain. Most locations average about $8.1 million in sales per year, according to the chain's 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document. That's more than double the average yearly sales of a McDonald's.

In the US, Chick-fil-A is the third largest restaurant chain, in terms of sales, according to market research firm Technomic. Only McDonald's and Starbucks generate more revenue than Chick-fil-A, which reported sales of $16.7 billion in 2021.

Story continues

Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy wants to take the brand to Asia  a move first discussed by his father a few years ago. Chick-fil-A

It's unclear how many restaurants the chain would build abroad, but it is targeting five international markets by 2030, Cathy told the Journal.

This isn't the first time Chick-fil-A has hinted at international expansion. Before stepping down as CEO, Andrew Cathy's father, Dan, said he was excited about exporting the brand to Asia, Europe, and South America.

The company has previously tried expanding its famous pressure-cooked chicken to new markets outside North America but has run into trouble.

In 2020, the chain closed its UK locations amid protests over its history of donating to anti-LGBTQ political causes. Chick-fil-A no longer contributes to political causes. The Journal said Chick-fil-A spent five years in South Africa from 1996 to 2001. The chain exited the market because it couldn't build brand awareness.

Are you a Chick-fil-A insider with insight to share? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via email at nluna@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas efforts to ramp up lithium extraction could see it accounting for nearly a third of the worlds supply by the middle of the decade, according to UBS AG.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The bank expects Chinese-controlled mines, including projects in Africa, to raise output to 705,000 tons by 2025, from 194,000 tons in 2022. That would lift Chinas share of the mineral critical to electric-vehicle batteries to 32% of global supply, from 24% last year, according to a note on Friday.

The race to secure lithium is playing out at the highest levels, with nations including the US prioritizing access to the materials necessary for making batteries as the world turns away from fossil fuels. Chinas needs are particularly acute because its home to the worlds biggest market for new energy vehicles.

The rise in Chinese output will include an increase in material derived from lepidolite, a lithium-bearing rock often overlooked as poor quality and environmentally unsound because of its low yield and high energy costs. UBS sees lepidolite in China accounting for 280,000 tons of lithium in 2025, or 13% of global supply, from 88,000 tons last year, as the government continues to support the sector.

Beijing has already moved to curb unlicensed lepidolite extraction in Jiangxi province, a major mining hub, as it seeks to exert more control over its deposits.

The Weeks Diary

(All times Beijing unless noted.)

Monday, March 13

Last day of National Peoples Congress in Beijing

Tuesday, March 14

Nothing major scheduled

Wednesday, March 15

China sets monthly medium-term lending rate, 09:20

China industrial output for Jan.-Feb., including steel & aluminum; coal, gas & power generation; and crude oil & refining. 10:00 Retail sales, fixed assets, property investment, residential property sales, jobless rate

CCTDs weekly online briefing on Chinas coal market, 15:00

Mysteel Southeastern China Aluminum Summit in Foshan, Guangdong, day 1

EARNINGS: CGN Power, Daqo New Energy, Power Assets

Story continues

Thursday, March 16

China new home prices for February, 09:30

China Hydrogen Summit in Shanghai, day 1

Mysteel Southeastern China Aluminum Summit, Foshan, Guangdong, day 2

EARNINGS: Rusal

Friday, March 17

China Jan.-Feb. output data for base metals and oil products

China weekly iron ore port stockpiles

Shanghai exchange weekly commodities inventory, ~15:30

China Hydrogen Summit in Shanghai, day 2

Mysteel Southeastern China Aluminum Summit, Foshan, Guangdong, day 3

EARNINGS: CMOC, Hong Kong & China Gas

Saturday, March 18

Chinas 2nd batch of Jan.-Feb. trade data, including agricultural imports; LNG & pipeline gas imports; oil products trade breakdown; alumina, copper and rare-earth product exports; bauxite, steel & aluminum product imports

On The Wire

Chinese President Xi Jinping capped this years National Peoples Congress by securing a third, norm-defying term in office and shaping some of the policies that will steer the worlds second-largest economy through the year ahead.

--With assistance from Annie Lee.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
China has roped in Zhang Xin as the leader of the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Co , better known as the Big Fund or Beijing's primary vehicle for supporting the country's chipmakers.

Zhang was a former China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology official, Bloomberg reports.

Top Chinese leaders ordered a probe into the Big Fund after a lack of a breakthrough in developing semiconductors to replace imports after years of government investments.

Also Read: Alibaba Chip Unit And Ant Group's Payment Service Unite To Launch Chips For Payments

Zhang succeeded Ding Wenwu at the Big Fund on March 10 and as the head of China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase II Co, another state-backed chip fund, on March 11.

China's ministry's planning bureau listed Zhang as a first-class inspector. In contrast, Ding was once the director of the ministry's electronic information bureau, outranking Zhang.

Founded in 2014, it drew $45 billion in capital and backed the likes of, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co .

The Big Fund became somewhat dormant for a few months following the probe. However, it sprang into action earlier this year, pledging an additional investment into Yangtze Memory.

In March, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged measures to support the development of high-end chip manufacturing.

Simultaneously, the Biden administration eyed further restrictions on the export of semiconductor manufacturing gear.

In November, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) and others tweaked their most advanced chip designs to reduce processing speeds and bypass U.S.-imposed sanctions.

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 Names Former Ministry of Industry and IT Official Zhang Xin as Big Tech Fund Leader originally appeared on Benzinga.com

.

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(Bloomberg) -- China hit back at the US for expanding military access in the Philippines, saying Washington was trying to encircle and contain Beijing, and is driving a wedge between the two Asian nations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Chinese embassy gave comments on Sunday, criticizing the US for moving to secure its hegemony and selfish geopolitical interests. Involving the Philippines will seriously harm the nations interest and endanger regional peace and stability, the embassy said in a statement responding to the US ambassador in Manilas recent interview.

The Philippines last month gave the US access to four more military bases under the countries Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, with some of the sites believed to be in provinces near Taiwan. The 2014 pact allows the US to rotate its troops for prolonged stays as well as build and operate facilities on Philippine bases.

The U.S. military has been coming all the way from the other side of the Pacific to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and ganging up with its allies from other parts of the world to flex muscle, according to the statement. By doing these, the U.S. has not only heightened tension, driven wedge between China and Philippines, but has also disturbed and upset the joint effort of countries in this region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been ramping up the rhetoric against Beijing on territorial dispute. At the same time, it plans to restart patrols with the US in disputed waters and expand military exercises with American troops.

Marcoss administration has filed at least 77 diplomatic protests against China over alleged violations in the South China Sea since it started in June last year. That was almost a fifth of the 388 filings made by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte who pivoted the Philippines foreign policy toward China during his six-year tenure.

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Now that China and the Philippines, among other countries of the region, are at a critical juncture of post-Covid recovery, we should keep to the right track of maintaining good-neighborlinesss and attaining mutual benefit rather than getting distracted by forces who are fanning the flame and driving a wedge between us, Chinas statement said.

The US has said its so-called freedom of navigation operations follow international law. The Chinese Embassy statement echoed Chinese President Xi Jinpings remarks last week, where he said Beijing is grappling with comprehensive containment and suppression by western countries led by the US. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has also warned of moves to contain and suppress China in all respects.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

The newspaper, citing people familiar with the matter, said the call was likely to take place after Xi's visit to Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Susan Heavey)
BEJIING (AP)  President Xi Jinping called Monday for China to play a bigger role in managing global affairs after Beijing scored a diplomatic coup as the host of talks that produced an agreement by Saudi Arabia and Iran to reopen diplomatic relations.

Xi gave no details of the ruling Communist Party's plans in a speech to China's ceremonial legislature. But Beijing has been increasingly assertive since he took power in 2012 and called for changes in the International Monetary Fund and other entities it says fail to reflect the desires of developing countries.

China should actively participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system and promote global security initiatives, said Xi, the countrys most powerful leader in decades.

That will add positive energy to world peace and development," Xi said.

On Friday, Xi was named to another term in the ceremonial presidency after breaking with tradition in October and awarding himself a third-five year term as general secretary of the ruling party, putting himself on track to become leader for life.

The National Peoples Congress on Sunday cemented Xis dominance by endorsing the appointment of his loyalists as premier and other government leaders in a once-a-decade change. Xi has sidelined potential rivals and loaded the top ranks of the ruling party with his supporters.

The new premier, Li Qiang, tried Monday to reassure entrepreneurs but gave no details of possible plans to improve conditions after Xi's government spent the past decade building up state companies that control banking, energy, steel, telecoms and other industries.

Li's comments echoed promises by other Chinese leaders over the past six months to support entrepreneurs who generate jobs and wealth. They have vowed to simplify regulations and taxes but have given no indication they plan to rein in state companies that entrepreneurs complain drain away their profits.

The ruling party will treat enterprises of all types of ownership equally and support the development and growth of private enterprises, Li said.

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Our leading cadres at all levels must sincerely care about and serve private enterprises, he said.

Chinese officials earlier indicated anti-monopoly and data security crackdowns that knocked tens of billions of dollars off the stock market value of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and other tech companies were ending. But entrepreneurs were rattled anew in February when a star banker who played a leading role in tech deals disappeared. Bao Fan's company said he was cooperating in an investigation but gave no details.

Li said Beijing will make a priority of job creation as it tries to revive economic growth that sank to 3% last year, the second-lowest level in decades. This year's official growth target is around 5%."

The premier expressed confidence China can cope as its workforce shrinks. The number of potential workers age 15 to 59 has fallen by more than 5% from its 2011 peak, an unusually abrupt decline for a middle-income country.

Li said that while China is losing its demographic dividend of young workers, better education means it is gaining a talent dividend. He said some 15 million people still enter the workforce every year.

Abundant human resources is still Chinas outstanding advantage, he said.

Abroad, Beijing also has built on Chinas growing heft as the second-largest economy to promote trade and construction initiatives that Washington, Tokyo, Moscow and New Delhi worry will expand its strategic influence at their expanse.

Those include the multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative to construct ports, railways and other trade-related infrastructure across an arc of countries from the South Pacific through Asia to Africa and Europe. China also is promoting trade and security initiatives.

A Global Security Initiative issued in February said China is ready to conduct bilateral and multilateral security cooperation with all countries. It offered to help African countries resolve disputes and to set up a new security framework in the Middle East.

Also last month, Beijing called for a cease-fire in Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Chinese involvement but said success would require action in addition to words. Beijing has refused to criticize President Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine and has accused Western governments of provoking the invasion.

Xi's government rattled the United States and Australia in early 2022 when it signed an agreement with the Solomon Islands that would allow Chinese navy ships and security forces to be stationed in the South Pacific nation.

The foreign minister, Qin Gang, warned Washington last week of possible "conflict and confrontation if the United States doesn't change course in relations that have been strained by conflicts over Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, security and technology.

Xi called Monday for faster technology development and more self-reliance in a speech loaded with nationalistic terms. He referred eight times to national rejuvenation, or restoring China to its rightful place as an economic, cultural and political leader.

He said that before the ruling party took power in 1949, China was reduced to a semi-colonial, semi-feudal country, subject to bullying by foreign countries.

We have finally washed away the national humiliation, and Chinese people are the master of their own destiny, Xi said. The Chinese nation has stood up, become rich and is becoming strong.

Xi also called for the country to unswervingly achieve the goal of national reunification, a reference to Beijings claim that Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy, is part of its territory and is obliged to unite with China, by force if necessary.

The president of Micronesia, a group of islands east of the Philippines, in a letter dated March 9 and obtained by The Associated Press, accused China of political warfare. David Panuelo said Beijing used spying and bribes in an effort to ensure Micronesia would side with China or stay neutral in a possible conflict with Taiwan.

The Chinese foreign ministry denied the allegations.

___

AP writer Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, likely after he visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)

Quote from the WSJ: "A direct conversation with Mr Zelenskyy, if it happens, would mark a significant step in Beijing's efforts to play peace-maker in Ukraine, which have so far been met with scepticism in Europe. It would also bolster Beijing's credentials as a global power broker after it facilitated a surprise diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week."

Details: The WSJ reported that Xi's meeting with President Zelenskyy might take place virtually.

The WSJ sources said that the Chinese Presidents visit to Russia and his possible meeting with Zelenskyy reflect Beijing's desire to play a more active role in facilitating the end of the war in Ukraine.

The WSJ also reported that Xi was considering visiting other European countries following his visit to Russia, though the publication's sources said that the exact schedule has not yet been confirmed.

Background:

Reuters reported on 13 March that Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to travel to Russia to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin as soon as next week.

On 24 February 2023, the Chinese Foreign Ministry published what it called a "peace plan" outlining China's ideas concerning the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine. The plan includes the following points: "respecting the sovereignty of all countries"; "abandoning the Cold War mentality", and "ceasing hostilities".

In December 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he would like to meet the Chinese President in Moscow in 2023.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The city of Clermont is looking for input and considering plans to renovate the 8th Street Pier and the surrounding park area.

Concept plans include adding space for 76 boats and eight jet skis at the site of the old 8th Street Pier right on Lake Minneola in downtown Clermont.

The city shut down the pier last year because of concerns about safety.

City Manager Brian Bulthuis said thats why the city is now looking at what to do with it next.

The city presented concept plans last week in a public meeting that would redevelop the area with seating, picnic areas, restrooms and enhancements to the pedestrian and bike trails. City officials said it would make a good rest spot for the middle of Floridas coast-to-coast trail.

Read: Former Clermont police union boss sentenced for stealing from fellow officers

I think its a great idea. Itll draw attention down to this downtown area, which is an amazing location, resident Kristina Buhrman said.

Some in the community believe it will benefit downtown businesses by giving visitors more options on how to get here, but not everyone likes the idea.

Read: Curaleaf opens new cannabis dispensary in Clermont

And the idea of having 76 boats and jet skis, messing with the peace and quality of life of the residents here. Its very disconcerting, resident Chandra Myers said.

The city will continue to gather public input before making a final decision.

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Signature Bank emerged late Sunday as the latest institution to collapse amid a series of bank failures, and multiple crypto companies took to Twitter to declare whether they were affected by the government shutdown of the crypto-friendly firm.

Signature Bank was shut down by U.S. regulators, according to a joint statement released by the Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The regulatory trio said, however, that the bank would reopen Monday, and promised that all depositors in the New York-based institution would be made whole.

The group stated that New Yorks state chartering authority had initially shut down Signature Bank and replaced its senior management.

The disclosures, and public calls for them, echoed the series of updates issued on Twitter by companies when Silvergate Bank and then Silicon Valley Bank failed in the last few days.

Silicon Valley Bank Contagion: Crypto Companies Affected Include BlockFi, Circle, Avalanche

Stablecoin issuer and crypto brokerage firm Paxos said it currently holds $250 million at Signature Bank. The company added that it holds insurance for private deposits in excess of the balance Paxos currently has at Signature Bank.

Paxos said it expects the funds will be available Monday when Signature Bank reopens, citing the extraordinary measures taken by the government to protect the banks customers.

Paxos currently holds $250M at Signature Bank and holds private deposit insurance well in excess of our cash balance and FDIC per-account limits. Seeking private deposit insurance is part of our conservative approach to managing customer assets exceeding FDIC insurance limits.  Paxos (@PaxosGlobal) March 12, 2023

Following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank last Friday, Paxos said it had no relationship with the California-based bank, which represents the second-largest failure of a financial institution in U.S. history.

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Meanwhile, the U.S.s leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said that it held a corporate cash balance of around $240 million with Signature Bank as of Friday. The exchange said that it also expects to be fully able to recover the funds.

As of close of business Friday March 10 Coinbase had an approximately $240m balance in corporate cash at Signature. As stated by the FDIC, we expect to fully recover these funds. https://t.co/XY5L7m4RMs  Coinbase (@coinbase) March 12, 2023

Coinbase had previously signaled on Saturday that it had temporarily suspended USDC conversions after the stablecoins issuer Circle disclosed $3.3 billion in exposure to Silicon Valley Bank, accounting for a significant slice of the tokens backing, which totals around $40 billion.

1/ Following the confirmation at the end of today that the wires initiated on Thursday to remove balances were not yet processed, $3.3 billion of the ~$40 billion of USDC reserves remain at SVB.  Circle (@circle) March 11, 2023

At one point during the weekend, USDCs price slipped as low as $0.87, but the coin had climbed above $0.99 by late Sunday night, according to CoinGecko, after Circle said it would cover any shortfall from the contagion and regulators stepped in to quell concerns of peoples access to deposits.



Circle To Stand Behind USDC, Cover $3.3 Billion Shortfall Held in Silicon Valley Bank

The decentralized credit bureau Creditcoin claimed it had no exposure to Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank.

Binance, meanwhile, disclosed some time ago that Signature Bank was one of the cryptocurrency exchange's banking partners when it warned that customers would not be able to make SWIFT transfers of less than $100,000. Binance said that only 0.01% of its monthly users were served by the bank at the time.

As of Sunday night, neither Binance nor its CEO Changpeng Zhao had disclosed the companys current exposure to Signature Bank. Binance did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Decrypt.

The announcement of Signature Banks closure coincided with a pledge by federal regulators to protect the U.S. economy through decisive actions that would preserve confidence in the countrys banking system.

The Fed, U.S. Treasury, and FDIC stated that clients of Silicon Valley Bank would have total access to their deposits come Monday. The group also stated that the Federal Reserve Board would offer loans to banks to reduce stress across the financial system, where high-quality assets like U.S. Treasuries could be posted as collateral.

Silicon Valley Banks failure was a potential existential crisis for many tech startups, and multiple crypto firms said they also had exposure to the banks failure, including Ripple, BlockFi, Pantera, and Avalanche.

A similar number of firms emerged to say that they were unaffected by Silicon Valley Banks troubles, including stablecoin issuer Tether and cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. Both companies released statements Sunday night saying they had no exposure to Signature Bank as well.

#tether doesn't have any exposure to Signature Bank.  Paolo Ardoino  (@paoloardoino) March 12, 2023

And Signature Bank Chicagoa business bank thats unaffiliated with the New York-based institution that failed Sundaysaid it has no cryptocurrency exposure.

The bank warned that its logo had been incorrectly used during a segment on ABC News, adding that despite the possible confusion, the Chicago-based institution is stronger than ever.
Cole Sprouse has claimed that Hollywood encourages the worst qualities in actors.

The Riverdale star made his screen debut in commercials as a baby, before starring in the sitcom Grace Under Fire alongside his twin brother Dylan when they were both toddlers.

Appearing on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Sprouse opened up about his youth spent as a child star and said that many young actors got into the industry to put food on the table.

I think the pressure of my upbringing really compelled me to keep doing what I am today, he told host Steven Bartlett.

I cannot live without the arts without performance or expression of some kind, because truly its all I know and have known since I was eight months old.

Sprouse said that he loved being on stage growing up, but added that he didnt like the s*** that came with it.

This industry, in very many ways, it encourages the worst qualities of you as a person, Sprouse said. Narcissism, selfishness, greed  a lot of these things that we have come to know as practically cardinal sins.

Last week, Sprouse appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where he claimed that his brother Dylan was a huge bully at school.

Actor opened up about his life in the industry on The Diary of a CEO podcast (Getty Images)

As children, the brothers were balancing time in school with their acting careers, having risen to fame on the Disney Channel show The Suite Life of Zack & Cody from 2005 to 2008.

Sprouse said that the pair were f***ing d***s during their school years, adding: Dylan specifically was a huge bully.

Asked how Dylan would bully people, Cole answered: He would beat them up! And then I became known as the twin that would come up and be like, Im so sorry for my brother.

When presenter Alex Cooper asked if Dylan would be annoyed with his brother revealing this information about his childhood, Cole responded: Oh no, everyone knows that he was a bully.
Hollywoods biggest night doubled as a rare public outing for Colin Farrell and his 13-year-old son, Henry.

The father and son duo turned up at the 2023 Academy Awards Sunday night looking dapper in matching tuxedos. Farrell, a first-time nominee for The Banshees of Inisherin, accessorized his look with a pin of Irelands flag  a nod to his films Irish setting and his own heritage.

Colin Farrell (left) and his 13-year-old son, Henry.

Colin Farrell (left) and his 13-year-old son, Henry.

Speaking to Vanity Fair earlier this month, Farrell revealed that his youngest son, whom he shares with former girlfriend Alicja Bachleda-Curus, would be accompanying him to the Oscars. Were both wearing velvet tuxes, he explained.

In a separate interview with Irelands Sunday World, the actor said Henry had been with him in Los Angeles when his nomination for Best Actor was announced.

I said to Henry, Do you want me to wake you up? he said. And he was like, Duh  what do you think, Dad? Of course I want you to wake me up!

Farrell and his son wore matching velvet tuxedos to the Oscars on Sunday.

Farrell and his son wore matching velvet tuxedos to the Oscars on Sunday.

Farrell has won near-unanimouspraise for his portrayal of Padraic Suilleabhain in The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh. The dark comedy, which also stars Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon, is nominated for a total of nine Oscars, including Best Picture.

In his chat with Vanity Fair, Farrell said his two children help remind him to take pride in his own success.

Farrell told Vanity Fair his two children help remind him to take pride in his own success.

Farrell told Vanity Fair his two children help remind him to take pride in his own success.

I can be a bit kicking over sand castles about the whole thing, about the awards-season stuff, said the actor, who shares 19-year-old son, James, with ex Kim Bordenave. I remember my boy came back from school one day and he had heard, I think I had won the National Board of Review and I said, Yeah, its cool. And he went, [mockingly] Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, its cool. He went, Come on, enjoy it for Gods sake. Just enjoy it. And I was like, OK, Ill lean into that wisdom.

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He went on to note: As a human being, I know whats really important to me in life and its not whats happened in the last six months. So knowing that, it just frees me up to actually just enjoy that. It is my first time doing all this, and Ive been working as an actor for 25 years, so Im just trying to enjoy it all.

Related...
Colin Farrell and his son Henry (left), and Salma Hayek and her daughter Valentina (right) attend the 2023 Oscars. (Getty Images)

Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Jennifer Connelly and Salma Hayek were just some of the famous faces to grace the 2023 Oscars red carpet with a family member as their plus-one.

Best Actor nominee Farrell brought his 13-year-old son Henry along to the big night. The dapper father-and-son duo dressed in matching tuxedos, with The Banshees of Inisherin star accessorising his black tux with a pin of Irelands flag.

Read more: Mindy Kaling stuns in white 'corset' dress at Oscars after 40-pound weight loss

Farrell had previously revealed that Henry, his youngest son whom he shares with former girlfriend Alicja Bachleda-Curus, was with him when his nomination for Best Actor was announced.

I knew that Henry, my youngest, was going to be with me [when the nominations were announced], the 46-year-old told Sunday World. I said to Henry, Do you want me to wake you up?' [to hear the nominations] and he was like, Duh  what do you think, Dad? Of course I want you to wake me up!

Colin Farrell and his son Henry Tadeusz at the 2023 Oscars. (Getty Images)

Fellow Irish nominee for Best Actor, Paul Mescal, 27, also made Hollywoods night of nights a family affair, taking his mum Dearbhla as his guest.

It was the second time that Dearbhla had accompanied her son to an awards ceremony, after she also attended the BAFTAs with him in May.

Read more: Ashley Graham leads stars in chic black gowns on first ever Oscars 'champagne' carpet

These past few days feel like I was in a movie... my heart is just so very grateful, Dearbhla, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for a type of bone marrow cancer, told The Mirror. What an amazing, amazing gift this was to be part of this incredible, crazy ride.

Paul Mescal's mother Dearbhla Mescal (pictured) is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a type of bone marrow cancer. (Getty Images)

Mescal had previously revealed that his nomination was overwhelming for his family as they found out that he was nominated on the same day that Dearbhla started chemotherapy.

The universe works in very interesting ways, he told BBC Radio 4 in February. There is stuff going on at home that is difficult. [This nomination] has given my family a very welcome respite and [thats] something that I never thought that my job, as something that I love very dearly, could do.

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Read more: Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry reveal their natural skin during Oscars beauty prep

Andie MacDowell, Salma Hayek and Jennifer Connelly were among other stars to bring family members to the Oscars red carpet.

Andie MacDowell and her actor daughter Rainey Qualley. (Getty Images)

Four Weddings and a Funeral star MacDowell, 64, brought along her daughter Rainey Qualley, 33, as her guest, while Hayek, 56, also attended the event with her 15-year-old daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault.

Salma Hayek Pinault and her 15-year-old daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault. (Getty Images)

Both mother-daughter duos matched their outfits with one another, with MacDowell and Qualley both wearing black gowns, while Hayel and Pinault both wore striking red gowns with chrome-hued bags.

Salma Hayek also took Valentina to the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. (Getty Images)

Pedro Pascal, the 47-year-old star of The Last of Us, was joined by his sister, Javiera Balmaceda. His sibling was in fact a guest in her own right as Balmaceda works for Amazon Studios and the company's film Argentina, 1985, was nominated for best international feature.

Pedro Pascal and his sister, Javiera Balmaceda. (Getty Images)

Pascal played a key part on the night too, as he also presented an award during the ceremony alongside Wandavision actor Elizabeth Olsen.

Top Gun: Maverick star, Connelly, 52, made the event into a mother-son activity by bringing along her son Stellan Connelly Bettany, 19, whom she shares with husband Paul Bettany.

Jennifer Connelly and her son Stellan Connelly Bettany. (Getty Images)

Connelly and Bettany, who married in 2003, also share a 12-year-old daughter called Agnes, and Bettany helped raise Connellys son, Kai Dugan, 25, from a previous relationship.

Watch: Most OTT Dresses from the Oscars 2023
A National Guardsman stands at alert near graffiti that spells out support for Rodney King on April 30, 1992. (Randy Leffingwell / Los Angeles Times)

"My dad is a historical figure, you know?"

An almost reverent hush had fallen over the audience at the Mark Taper Forum.

Lora Dene King, the daughter of Rodney King, wanted to say a few words before a performance of "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992," the seminal documentary-style play about the chaotic uprising that followed the acquittal of four police officers in her father's beating.

Indeed, 30 years after its premiere at the Taper and stint on Broadway, "Twilight" returned to Los Angeles this month. But this time, instead of playwright Anna Deavere Smith embodying dozens of real-life characters  using quotes from hundreds of interviews with activists, cops, jurors, academics and business owners after the acquittal  there's a cast of five. And it has been updated, with new reflections and new scenes.

It's the first performance of "Twilight" the younger King has ever seen.

"He deserves this," she said of the way the play memorializes her father, drawing somber nods from the audience. "We watched him suffer."

We still do.

It was only in January that attorneys for the family of Tyre Nichols compared his brutal beating by Memphis police to what the Los Angeles Police Department did to King in March of 1991. And even when King's name isn't mentioned, the specter of him is present in videos of George Floyd, Keenan Anderson, Tamir Rice and so, so many other Black men and women who didn't survive encounters with police.

So it's impossible to watch a performance of "Twilight" in 2023 and not use it as a measuring stick of how far we have and have not come in both our actions and our attitudes.

Are we still, as the character Twilight Bey says so poignantly at the end of the play, "stuck in limbo," like the "sun is stuck between night and day"?

Thirty years is a long time. Long enough for a new generation to be born and grow up not knowing and long enough for an older generation to forget all the ways that Los Angeles was still smoldering in 1993. Scars from the destruction and violence were still fresh then. Entire blocks had been laid to waste. The anger and distrust were still there, too, along with uneasy questions about what might come next. .

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Angelenos, like many Americans, were searching for healing and understanding, and for ways to build multiracial and multi-ethnic coalitions. "Twilight" was hailed for giving audiences all of that by providing a window into the thinking and the suffering of people, using their own words.

We heard from Korean liquor store owners about fearing gangs, not understanding the racial dynamics of Los Angeles, and being thought of as "model minority" immigrants while also being marginalized.

We heard from Latino Angelenos who were just as wary of police as Black Angelenos, but were torn between solidarity and aspirations toward whiteness and away from the bottom rung of the socioeconomic ladder.

We heard from Black Angelenos about the rampant racism in L.A., and the culture of fear and pattern of brutalization by police.

And, of course, we heard from police officers about the racist, us versus them mentality with which they patrolled the streets.

In 1993, long before social media and smartphones, much less racial reckonings, such reflections were revelatory. "Twilight" opened people's eyes to the powder-keg-like conditions that turned the acquittal over King's beating into an explosive uprising that cost 63 lives and more than $1 billion in property damage.

More important, the play also suggested a path forward for Los Angeles.

As the character Bey, who in real-life helped hammer out the truce between the Bloods and Crips in Watts in 1992, says: "I see the light as knowledge and the wisdom of the world, and understanding others. In order for me to be a, to be a true human being, I cant forever dwell in darkness. I cant forever dwell in the idea of just identifying with people like me and understanding me and mine."

Those words are just as powerful in 2023 and they were in 1993.

Indeed, the updated Twilight still provides that much-needed window of understanding and opportunity for healing in Los Angeles. I just worry that, all these years later, audiences are too exhausted, too jaded or maybe too overwhelmed to look through it to see the people on the other side.

This certainly seemed to be the case when I saw "Twilight" last week. It was Black Out Night at the Taper, designed for Black people "to be centered and welcomed into a historically white-dominated spaces." And so most, but not everyone, in the audience was Black.

Except for a few murmurs of sympathy for a Korean American character who was shot, and for the character of Reginald Denny, the white man who was dragged from his truck and beaten to a pulp, it was clear which side the most people were on. No additional understanding needed.

"Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992," from playwright Anna Deavere Smith and director Gregg Daniel, still resonates. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Then again, we also aren't the strangers to each other that we were in 1993.

We've all seen the rise in anti-Asian hate and many have stood  or at least tweeted and grammed  in solidarity. We've also seen the mass shootings, first in Monterey Park and then in Half Moon Bay, that have exposed the fallacies of the model minority stereotype and highlighted the need for more community-based mental health services.

In the now infamous audio recording of four Latino leaders, including three L.A. City Council members, plotting to consolidate political power, we all heard the anti-Black racism and the colorism. And with the leaked snippets going viral, the condemnation was swift, particularly by younger activists of all races and ethnicities.

And month after month, we all see videos of Black people dying in violent encounters with police, usually during a traffic stop. We all know what will happen next, from the press conferences and the marches, to the criminal charges and internal investigations that will go nowhere, to the last-resort lawsuits that cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

In 2023, we are anti-white supremacy, anti-police violence, anti-systemic racism, pro-community, pro-solidarity, pro-equity. But for some reason, we're still here in the present with Rodney King, the historical figure.

Thirty years is a long time to be stuck in limbo. To live in twilight.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Royal Family put their best foot forward when it came to their looks for this year's Commonwealth Day Service. (Getty Images)

The Royal Family have put their best foot forward for the first Commonwealth Day Service since the death of Queen Elizabeth  which saw Camilla, the Queen Consort, don her late mother-in-law's sapphire chrysanthemum brooch in tribute.

It wasn't the only tribute on display, with Kate wearing a pair of Diana's earrings, that she also wore last year at Trooping the Colour, which feature diamond and sapphires in a two-tier flower design.

Read more: Princess of Wales wears 18 Zara earrings on BAFTAs red carpet

Diana was seen wearing these earrings during a 1991 royal tour of Canada  one of the Commonwealth realms which still has the British monarch as their head of state.

The earrings Kate chose once belonged to her late mother-in-law Diana. (Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales opted for an Erdem skirt suit in navy with delicate white floral detailing by the Canada-born British designer.

It was a new style of silhouette for the 41-year-old royal, with the peplum frill at the waist creating a dramatic contrast to the fitted bodice and skirt.

The princess finished off the look with matching navy accessories, a fascinator (which she had to make a strategic grab for in the wind as she entered Westminster Abbey), suede pumps, gloves and an envelope-style clutch bag.

Read more: Kate pays tribute to Wales in red coat and leek brooch for St. Davids Day

The Queen Consort went for a Fiona Clare creation in an attention-grabbing sapphire blue, cut from wool crepe, and a matching feather beret from Philip Treacy  the go-to milliner for the Royals.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 13, 2023 in London, England. Getty Images)

Sophie  the newly minted Duchess of Edinburgh  went for a timelessly chic white look. She paired a classic single-breasted coat dress (which featured subtle black detailing) with matching accessories including a pillbox hat and a classic box handbag.

Read more: Princess of Wales wins latest sporting battle against Prince William in spin class

Anne, the Princess Royal, chose a dark green embroidered coat dress, which featured a dramatic, oversized asymmetrical collar and gently tilted green hat. She finished her look off with a stylish pair of heeled black boots in patent black, an understated brooch and black gloves.

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Princess Anne accessorised her coat dress with an elegant green hat. (Getty Images)

This year's Commonwealth Day had the theme 'Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future, and saw the new King give a speech from the Great Pulpit of Westminster Abbey  usually the monarch's Commonwealth message has been a written one, so it seems Charles is injecting his own style into the proceedings.

The new king paid tribute to his late mother and spoke about the Commonwealth values of "peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity" and "care for our environment" whilst also discussing the need for international cooperation to tackle major global challenges like the climate crisis.

Watch: Annus horribilis - What happened to the Royal Family in 1992?
Artillerymen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at positions in the district of Bakhmut, March 10, 2023

Thats according to U.S. think tank the Institute for the Study of War or ISW, writing in its Ukraine report for March 12.

In particular, the Russian MoD  and specifically Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of the Russian General Staff General Valery Gerasimov  are likely seizing the opportunity to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin.

In this regard, according to ISW, the Russian MoD had been increasingly restricting Prigozhins ability to recruit convicts and secure ammunition, forcing Prigozhin to publicly recognize his dependency on the Russian MoD.

Read also: Wagner trying to break into Bakhmut center, enemy taking losses in fierce fighting, says General Syrskyi

Prigozhin himself has threatened to withdraw Wagner forces from Bakhmut and insinuated that the Russian MoD used Wagner to bear the brunt of the high-intensity attritional urban warfare to seize Bakhmut in order to conserve Russian conventional forces.

These threats and complaints indicate that Prigozhin is aware of the gravity of his conflict with the Russian MoD, ISW analysts said.

Meanwhile, according to ISW analysts, the Russian military leadership may be trying to deplete Wagner forces  and Prigozhins influence  in Bakhmut. Russian forces rate of advance in Bakhmut slowed following the Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern Bakhmut around March 7.

ISW assessed on March 6 that Wagner had to commit its elite forces to maintain offensive momentum in Bakhmut but may be running out of these forces during direct assaults on eastern, southern, and northern parts of Bakhmut.

Read also: Ukrainian army destroys most of Wagner PMC near Bakhmut, military spokesperson says

The Russian military leadership may be allowing the Wagner Group to take high casualties in Bakhmut to simultaneously erode Prigozhins leverage while capturing the city at the expense of Wagner troops, ISW analysts said.

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ISW pointed out that the conflict between the Russian MoD and Wagner shows that different parties in Putins inner circle are competing with one another in potentially zero-sum games that do not further Putins overall objectives.

In particular, the Russian MoD is currently prioritizing eliminating Wagner on the battlefields in Bakhmut, which is likely slowing down the rate of advance in the area. Prigozhin saw Bakhmut as an opportunity to gain leverage on the Russian MoD and likely in the Kremlin in pursuit of his own commercial and political aspirations.

At the same time, Putin used Wagner to protect his regime from detrimental societal ramifications of mobilization, which also continues to inhibit his war efforts in Ukraine.

Other key takeaways by ISW analysts:

Iranian state media announced on March 11 that Iran has finalized a deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia;

Russian forces conducted limited ground attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line;

Russian forces continued offensive operations near Bakhmut but have not completed a turning movement, envelopment, or encirclement of the town. Russian milbloggers claimed that Wagner Group fighters captured parts or all of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (11 kilometers northwest of Bakhmut), although Prigozhin stated that Wagner fighters do not control the settlement;

Russian forces conducted ground attacks near Avdiyivka and along the western outskirts of the city of Donetsk. Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces entered Krasnohorivka (9 kilometers north of Avdiyivka), although ISW has not observed visual confirmation of these claims;

A Russian milblogger claimed on March 12 that there is a high desertion rate among Russian special forces. ISW has no independent confirmation of these assertions;

The UK Ministry of Defense reported on March 12 that Russian military personnel from eastern regions of Russia die in Ukraine at per capita rates as much a thirty times those of Russian personnel from the city of Moscow;

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk stated on March 12 that Russian officials have illegally deported 2,161 Ukrainian orphans to Russia. Vereshchuk also stated that the total number of children deported to Russia may be approximately 150,000.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
esg senate

ESG investing is a big trend. Citigroup is doing it. JP Morgan is doing it. Deutsche Bank is doing it. But a faction in Congress wants to make sure your retirement plan cant do it.

ESG investing stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, a set of standards designed to foster a new approach to socially conscious investing in an era of global climate change and emerging standards of diversity, inclusion and equality. The movement has run afoul of fossil fuel interests and others claiming that so-called woke principles might hamper short-term investment returns.

For help managing your own investments, including how to use ESG standards, consider working with a financial advisor.

New ESG Law Proposal

esg senate

Those opponents include Senate Republicans who were joined on Feb. 28 by Democrats Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia to back a measure that would block a rule from the Labor Department that would allow managers of retirement plans to consider climate and social considerations in their investment choices. The House passed a similar measure largely along party lines. The Biden administration had created the rule to counter a 2020 Trump administration measure barring pension and retirement managers from considering ESG factors.

The Biden administration wants retirement plan managers to invest peoples retirement funds based not on the best return for the money  nope  based on woke ideology, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso said the day after the vote.

Fund managers, however, have embraced the ESG concept. BlackRock operates 20 of the top 100 ESG funds, followed by DWS Group with 11 funds and Parnassus Investments with three funds. Leading funds include the Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund (VFTAX), which is down 11.77% for the past 12 months; the iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA), down 7.5%; and the Parnassus Core Equity Investor (PRBLX), down 16.5%. For comparison, the Standard & Poors 500 index (SPX) is down 7.59% for the past 12 years.

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An analysis of ESG investing by Charles Schwab reports that, Over the long term, ESG approaches have tended to perform very similarly to non-ESG approaches, and with similar levels of volatility.

The Current ESG Rule

The Labor Department rule that is the focus of the measure doesnt require investment managers to make any ESG considerations when making investment decisions but simply allows managers to make the choice on their own, whereas the earlier Trump administration rule, Reminds plan providers that it is unlawful to sacrifice returns, or accept additional risk, through investments intended to promote a social or political end, according to then-Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia.

>Between 2020 and 2021, investments in ESG mutual and exchange-traded funds increased by 33%, to a record $400 billion, according to Barrons. An analysis by Deloitte estimated that ESG investments could hit $34.5 trillion by 2025, or about half of all managed assets in the U.S.

With the House and Senate action, the measure now heads to the White House, where President Joe Biden has said he intends to veto the bill, which doesnt have enough support to override a veto. It would be the first veto of Bidens term.

A White House statement defending the Labor Department ESG allowance said, The rule reflects what successful marketplace investors already know  there is an extensive body of evidence that environmental, social and governance factors can have material impacts on certain markets, industries and companies.

The Bottom Line

esg senate

The Biden administrations Labor Department created a rule allowing retirement plan managers to use ESG standards when making investment choices. Senate Republicans, joined by a few Democrats, recently passed a bill nixing this rule. The House has passed a similar bill, but President Biden has said he will veto the bill  and there is not enough support to override the veto.

Investment Tips

A financial advisor can help you build your own investment 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.

If you have access to a 401(k), make sure youre using it  and taking advantage of any employer match available to you.

Photo credit: iStock.com/pcess609, iStock.com/Moeru Matsunoo, iStock.com/Drazen_

The post Congress Votes to Ban This Investment From Your 401(k): Heres Where You Can Still Find It appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks at a news conference with Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to call for legislation to cancel all student debt, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, June 24, 2019. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

A far-right commentator who went viral for harassing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is suing her.

Alex Stein's lawyer argues Ocasio-Cortez violated his client's First Amendment rights.

Stein wants a court to help him get his block reversed.

A far-right commentator who harassed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the steps of the Capitol last year filed a suit Wednesday claiming AOC violated his First Amendment rights by doing so.

Alex Stein, a commentator on TheBlazeTV, a media network founded by Glenn Beck, gained attention in June 2022 after he filmed himself yelling at Ocasio-Cortez, calling her his "favorite big booty Latina" and accusing her of wanting to "kill babies."

In the suit, Stein claims that Ocasio-Cortez was actually flattered by his comments, supposedly evidenced by her flashing a peace sign at him, but blocked him once she "realized" he was not a political ally. The lawsuit also provides a screenshot from Stein's account showing that he was blocked.

Stein's lawyer requests that he immediately be unblocked from the @AOC Twitter account, Ocasio-Cortez' personal account, which the suit describes as her de facto "official" account.

The suit Knight First Amendment Institute v. Donald J. Trump, in which a federal judge ruled in 2018 that Trump had violated the First Amendment by blocking his critics on Twitter via his personal @realdonaldtrump account. The ruling established that personal accounts "can turn into a governmental one if it becomes an organ of official business."

"Mr. Stein desires to engage in political discussions in the robust public forum that is Ms. Cortez's huge Twitter account," Stein's lawyer wrote.

However, another suit, Campbell v. Reisch, maintained that certain accounts run by government officials  even those that sometimes tweet about official government proceedings  can still be considered personal, and therefore exempt from this rule.

Following the harassment from Stein, Ocasio-Cortez called the incident "deeply disgusting" and said Stein was "seeking extremist fame." Ocasio-Cortez also later criticized Capitol Police for not doing anything in response to Stein's comments

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As to why she approached him and flashed a peace sign following his lewd comments, Ocasio-Cortez said she was "actually walking over to deck him" but decided to stop herself.

Ocasio-Cortez has been sued before for blocking individuals on Twitter, and some First Amendment experts have criticized her for it. In 2019, the congresswoman apologized and settled a lawsuit filed by former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, a conservative who she had previously blocked.

However, she said in 2019 that she would not stop blocking people on her personal @AOC account and she stood by her decision.

"Now and in the future, however, I reserve the right to block users who engage in actual harassment or exploit my personal/campaign account, @AOC, for commercial or other improper purposes," she said in a statement to Insider in 2019.

A representative for Ocasio-Cortez and a lawyer for Stein did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Two construction workers are fighting for their lives after being hit near I-75. It happened around 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning on Roswell Road under the I-75 overpass.

It is too early to tell all of them, but certainly, you will have serious bodily injuries by motor vehicle, failing to yield to that sign, said Officer Chuck McPhilamy with Marietta Police Department.

McPhilamy said those are just some of the charges a driver could face Sunday night.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

You had two construction workers, setting up, getting ready for a crew to begin resurfacing the bridge you see behind me.

Police said, the two construction workers, 38-year-old Jimmy Varraza and 28-year-old Oscar Aguilar, both from metro Atlanta, were out of their car.

They were setting up a directional traffic board for a lane closure on Roswell Road under the I-75 overpass in Marietta.

They are minding their own business. They have set up a directional arrow sign, a trailer to try and get traffic to go around them, said McPhilamy.

But police said that driver of a 2019 Gray Jetta Volkswagen, did not go around. The driver ran through the construction one and hit both workers and then ran away from the scene.

TRENDING STORIES:

That driver is not the registered owner. We are in contact with the registered owner, and we are hoping that they will be cooperative with us so we can get to the bottom of who was really behind this and how this occurred, said McPhilamy.

Police said the driver of that Volkswagen Jetta did not obey the traffic rules in the construction zone. One of the rules is the Move Over law. You must move over, when you see a construction zone, allowing one lane of separation for safety reasons.

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The Move Over law states that you have to move over one lane or leaving them an empty lane between, or slow down so that you are ready to stop, said McPhilamy.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Police said both workers are at least communicating, but they are not of the woods just yet. As for the driver, they are still looking for them.

If you know anything, call Marietta Police Officer K. Bedford at 770-794-5364.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Akron police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two men whose bodies were found in the woods near Cordova Avenue on Friday morning.

Barberton Municipal Court records related to the Elias Gudino case.

Barberton Municipal Court records related to the Elias Gudino case.

There was a potential fourth victim in a triple homicide Friday where men were found shot, bound and gagged at separate crime scenes in Copley Township and Akron.

The 58-year-old Copley man taken into custody in connection with the deaths of three men found Friday bound, gagged and dumped along two roads was in Barberton Municipal Court on Monday on charges related to the victim found in Copley.

Elias Gudino was arraigned on one count of aggravated murder and one count of attempted aggravated murder. Authorities have said additional charges are likely.

Gudino was ordered to be held without bond with another court appearance in Barberton Municipal Court scheduled for Wednesday.

Court records filed by investigators in Copley say a fourth man was also shot, bound and gagged but escaped the day of the slayings.

The three victims, all from Youngstown, were identified Monday by the Summit County Medical Examiner. The two men found in Akron were Inmer Reyes, 25, and Victor Varela-Rodriguez, 31.

The victim found in Copley was identified as 35-year-old Domingo Castillo-Reyes.

What we know:Copley man charged in deaths of 3 men did prison time for drug ring run out of Akron

A statement released Saturday said investigators believe they had been kidnapped from "outside this area and brought to Summit County."

Authorities searched Gudino's Henetta Avenue home within hours of the discovery of the bodies.

Gudino in not a stranger to Akron-area law enforcement.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2010 after federal officials broke up a drug ring they said Gudino led from Akron.

Wooded area off Cordova Avenue in Akron where two men's bodies were found bound and gagged Friday morning.

The latest case started Friday morning when a motorist called Akron police to report that two men's bodies were visible off Cordova Avenue in a small wooded area near the Interstate 77 sound barrier.

Copley police responded to a call about 20 minutes later that another body had been found less than 2 miles away off Wright Road.

The affidavit filled in relation to the Copley Township body indicates there was a second man who was shot, bound and gagged but escaped from Gudino.

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Authorities say all three of the male victims had been bound and gagged and shot in the head.

Initial report:3 bodies found bound, gagged in Akron, Copley were shot in head, medical examiner reports

Public records show that Gudino at one time owned La Michoacana Taqueria and grocery in the 1400 block of Copley Road in West Akron.

Court records show he was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. in the 1980s and became an American citizen.

In 2009, when Gudino lived in Akron, federal agents had been investigating what they referred to as the "Elias Gudino Drug Trafficking Organization," court records said.

He was arrested and sent to prison in 2010 and released in 2017.

Beacon Journal reporters Amanda Garrett and Alan Ashworth contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Fourth victim escaped Elias Gudino in Copley, Akron triple homicide
In a press conference in San Diego Monday, President Joe Biden and his Australian and U.K. counterparts announced that the U.S. will sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and increase trilateral defense cooperation. The message to China was clear: The Indo-Pacific region will remain free and open.

Under AUKUS, the acronym given to the trilateral partnership, the U.S. will shared its nuclear-propulsion technology for the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history. The United Kingdom was the most recent beneficiary of the technology, which allows submarines to travel underwater for long distances without needing to surface.

Announced in 2021 and brokered secretly, the AUKUS deal included the Australian governments cancellation of a $66 billion contract for a French-built fleet of conventional submarines. The cancellation took months to mend diplomatically.

Biden struck an interventionist tone at the press conference, explaining that in forging this new partnership, were showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity and not just for us, but for the entire world.

Our unprecedented trilateral cooperation I believe is testament . . . to our shared commitment of ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains free and open, prosperous and secure, defined by opportunity for all, a shared commitment to create a future rooted in our common values, he added.

Beginning in the 2030s, with the support and approval of Congress, the U.S. will sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia with the potential to sell up to two more if needed. Biden explained that this will jump-start Australias undersea capability a decade earlier than many predicted.

Theres a reason why not everyone has nuclear-powered submarines. Nuclear propulsion is a highly complicated technology. It requires years of training to master, so were starting right away, Biden explained.

Australian personnel will embed with U.S. and U.K. crews.

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The submarines will conventionally armed, not nuclear-armed, as Australia does not have nuclear weapons and all three nations are committed to nuclear nonproliferation.

The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australias defense capability in all of our history, strengthening Australias national security and stability in our region, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese explained.

This is a genuine trilateral undertaking, all three nations stand ready to contribute, and all three nations stand ready to benefit, Albanese added.

The last phase of the plan involves the production of a new submarine design to be named SSN-AUKUS. The U.K. will start building first and then share knowledge with Australia, who will follow. [SSN-AUKUS] will be an Australian sovereign capability, Albanese explained.

According to U.K. prime minister Rishi Sunak, these submarines will be truly interoperable.

The Royal Navy will operate the same submarines as the Australian navy and we will both share components and parts with the U.S. Navy. Our submarine crews will train together, patrol together, and maintain their boats together. They will communicate using the same terminology and the same equipment, Sunak said.

Sunak specifically mentioned Chinas growing assertiveness as part of the motivation behind the partnership.

He also announced that the U.K. will incrementally increase its defense spending, with a final goal of 2.5 percent of GDP.

Were providing an extra 5 billion over 2 years, immediately increasing our defense budget to around 2.25 percent of GDP. This will allow us to replenish our war stocks and modernize our nuclear enterprise, delivering AUKUS and strengthening our deterrent, Sunak said.

The press conference also featured two symbolic gestures. The three leaders were flanked by the USS Missouri, a 377-foot submarine. Additionally, Biden explained that the USS Asheville was making a call into Perth, Australia, during the press conference, adding that top-of-the-line submarines are the vanguard of U.S. naval power.

More from National Review
Russian attacks were reported in Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts in the east, south, and north of Ukraine.

According to local authorities, two people were killed, and 11 were wounded in the past 24 hours.

Russian forces hit the village of Solonchaky in southern Mykolaiv Oblast on the morning of March 13, killing a couple and injuring their 7-year-old child, the State Emergency Service reported. The attack destroyed a house and wounded two more people.

Russian attacks injured four civilians in Bakhmut, two in Krasnohorivka, and one in Kostiantynivka, according to Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Russia hit nine settlements and two communities in the region, damaging and destroying over 13 houses, seven high-rises, and an administrative building, said Kyrylenko.

Russian troops struck Kherson Oblast 56 times, firing over 330 projectiles from mortars, MLRS, artillery, tanks, and drones, according to Kherson Oblast Military Administration. The attacks reportedly wounded one person in the region and damaged houses and apartment buildings in the city of Kherson.

Russian troops attacked three districts in Kharkiv Oblast using artillery, tanks, and mortars, said Oleh Syniehubov, the oblast governor. There were no casualties among civilians, according to Syniehubov.

Zaporizhzhia regional state administration reported that civilian infrastructure in nine settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was under Russian fire. Local authorities received four reports about damage to citizens' households and infrastructure sites due to Russian attacks.

On the morning of March 13, Russia used mortars to attack the Shalyhyne community in Sumy Oblast bordering Russia, according to the regional military administration. Earlier on March 12, the Russian military hit the community of Bilopillia 18 times, the administration wrote, adding that there were no casualties or damages.

Russia also shelled five settlements in Luhansk Oblast over the past 24 hours, the regional state administration said on Telegram. It didn't provide information on casualties or damage.
Prince Harrys controversial Nazi costume will feature on the new series of The Crown, a new report has claimed.

In January 2005, the Duke of Sussex attended a friends fancy dress-themed birthday party in a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika armband.

The royal, who was 20 at the time, later apologised, saying that he was very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone, adding: It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise.

Discussing the scandal in his Netflix documentary series, Harry said that wearing the costume was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

Now, the infamous incident is reportedly set to take place in the forthcoming sixth season of The Crown.

An insider told The Sun that the party, which had a natives and colonials costume theme, and the shameful incident will play out on the historical drama.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment.

From L-R: Charles, Harry, Diana and William on the fifth season of The Crown (Keith Bernstein)

Harry is set to be portrayed by Luther Ford in The Crown season six, while Prince William is played by Ed McVey.

The royal was widely criticised at the time for his choice to wear the costume, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews commenting on his ill-judged actions.

In his book Spare, released in January, Harry claimed that William and his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton had encouraged him to wear the costume and howled with laughter at the suggestion.

I phoned Willy and Kate, asked what they thought. Nazi uniform, they said, he alleged.

On his and wife Meghan Markles Netflix documentary Harry and Meghan, Harry spoke about the work he did after to learn from his mistake.

It was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I felt so ashamed afterwards. All I wanted to do was make it right, he said.

We sat down and spoke to the chief rabbi in London which had a profound impact on me. I went to Berlin and spoke to a Holocaust survivor. I couldve just ignored it and probably made the same mistakes in my life over and over again in my life, but I learnt from that.
Brown and white Lagotto Romagnolo dog sits in front of the Crufts Best in Show trophy

BeatMedia / The Kennel Club

A 4-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo from Croatia took home Best in Show honors at Crufts 2023, "the world's greatest dog show," Sunday in Birmingham, England.

Orcaregistered name Am GCh Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chicis the first of the Italian hunting breed to win at Crufts. The "once in a lifetime dog" bested more than 19,000 other dogs entered the international conformation show held over the weekend.

"We never expected anything like this!" one of Ocra's owners, Ante Lucin, said after the show.

Orca won the Gundog Groupa rough equivalent to the Sporting Group in the United Stateson Thursday before entering the Best in Show ring with the other six group winners Sunday.

What a winner! Orca the Lagotto Romagnolo is your 2023 #Crufts Best in Show! pic.twitter.com/oVldA3oR3Y  Crufts (@Crufts) March 12, 2023

Archie the Doberman (Working Group), Blondie the Old English sheepdog (Pastoral), Blanca the wire fox terrier (Terrier), Paris the Irish wolfhound (Hound), Jake the standard poodle (Utility), and Dublin the Cavalier King Charles spaniel rounded out the final group. Judge Stuart Mallard awarded Blondie Reserve Best in Show, the second place equivalent.

RELATED: Baxer the Flat-Coated Retriever Wins 'Best in Show' at 2022 Crufts International Dog Show

Javier Gonzalez Mendikote served as Orca's handler, and Sabina Zdunic Sinkovic is an owner alongside Lucin. This wasn't the dog's first appearance at Cruftsshe finished second in her group in 2020and her team drove 25 hours to Birmingham for this year's competition.

"We know she is a little superstar but this is beyond all expectations. I was crying too much watching from the seats, it was very emotional!" Lucin said in a Crufts news release. "Orca is everything you could ever want in a dog, she is happy and healthyand as everybody saw, her tail never stops wagging!"

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Cruftsnamed for founder Charles Cruftbegan in 1891 and awarded its first Best in Show in 1928 to a greyhound named Primley Sceptre. Orca's was the first victory for the Lagotto Romagnolo.

She's the second consecutive winner from the Gundog Group, following Baxer the flat-coated retriever in 2022.

RELATED: Welcome to the Internet's Most Accurate Dog Show Name Generator (Kind Of)

"[Orca and Gonzalez Mendikote] are very deserving winners and it was clear to see their strong relationship together in the ring," Crufts Show Manager Vanessa McAlpine said.

About the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto is still a rare breed here in the states, but they're gaining popularity thanks to their teddy-bear looks and infrequent shedding. (Remember, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but these pups can ease some sneezing and itching.)

They're medium-sized (up to 60 pounds), but they do need plenty of activity. The Italian breed has a history as a waterfowl retriever and, later, a truffle hunter. They still use their exceptional sniffers to hunt truffles to this day.

If this sounds like the dog for you, make sure you're up for plenty of activity and exercise. And invest in a good brush, too.
Petr Pavel

Pavel traveled to Slovakia as his first trip abroad after taking the oath of office on March 9. Since the amicable dissolution of Czechoslovakia 30 years ago, it has become a tradition that the presidents and prime ministers of both countries make their first and last official visit to each others countries.

Read also: Slovakia promises to provide Ukraine with MiG-29 jet fighters

In addition to the traditional focus on bilateral relations, Russia's war against Ukraine was the main topic of conversation between Pavel and his Slovak counterpart.

Read also: Czech company launches production of inflatable HIMARS decoys

On March 12, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Petr Pavel. Zelesnkyy briefed his colleague on the situation at the front and Ukraine's security needs. The presidents also discussed Ukraine's ascension to the EU.

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 Mattapan woman who attacked and wounded a 13-year-old boy at a South Boston MBTA station last week is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced on Monday.

Monica Velez-Caraballo, 35, was charged in South Boston Municipal court on Thursday with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and disorderly conduct on a public conveyance. Velez-Caraballos bail on an existing assault case out of Roxbury was revoked pending these new charges.

On Thursday, March 9, MBTA police responded to a call around 7:30 a.m. at Andrew Station for a juvenile who had been attacked and suffered a laceration to his face, Hayden said.

The boy told police he was waiting for a bus with some friends and a woman he did not know was walking around the bus stop yelling obscenities. Without provocation, the woman walked up to the boy and hit him in the face with a soda can that had jagged edges, according to Hayden.

A few minutes after the police arrived, the boy confirmed Velez-Caraballo was his attacker and she was arrested. Velez-Caraballo told police They started it. They threw a chemical on my skin and its burning me.

Officers observed Velez-Caraballo to be suffering from no obvious skin redness or irritation consistent with a chemical burn. Officers recovered a ginger ale soda can with jagged lower edges from the busway.

Boston EMS transported the boy to a hospital for treatment of his facial laceration.

This is an extremely frightening experience for a 13-year-old, or anyone else, who is doing nothing more than waiting at a bus stop with the appropriate expectation of safety and security. Im grateful for his alertness in pointing out his attacker to the police. These are the types of incidents that degrade our community and we take them very seriously, Hayden said.

Velez-Caraballo was held on $15,000 bail and ordered to stay away from Andrew Station and the victim.

Velez-Caraballo will return to court on April 6 for a pre-trial hearing.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a 47-year-old man in Dallas on Saturday night, according to a news release from police.

Artemio Rivera was found around 8:25 p.m. in the 3200 block of Junction Street with a single gunshot wound to his upper body, police said. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Police have not publicly identified a suspect or announced any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Detective Jeffrey Loeb at 214-671-3702 or Jeffrey.loeb@dallaspolice.gov.
The deadly and destructive journey for long-lasting Tropical Cyclone Freddy is nearly over after the storm made its third and final landfall more than one month after its initial formation, AccuWeather forecasters say.

After being named on Feb. 6, Freddy took a westward track across the Indian Ocean, spinning from just northwest of Australia all the way to eastern Africa. Freddy has been affecting Madagascar and southeastern Africa for nearly two weeks, making three total landfalls and killing more than 100 people in Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi.

The death toll surged in Malawi on Monday, as at least 99 deaths were blamed on the storm, with officials saying there were more than 90 injured and 16 people still missing.

People cross a raging river in Blantyre, Malawi, Monday, March 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi)

The powerful winds and torrential rain from Freddy have significantly cut communications and electricity supply to Mozambique following its landfall this past weekend. Freddy is now a tropical rainstorm, or an overland depression, according to Meteo France. As such, officials fear that the extent of damage and the number of fatalities may rise.

More than a month's worth of rain has fallen in Mozambique during the past four weeks, according to the BBC. An estimated 1.5 million people have been affected since the storm first hit last month, according to Mozambique's National Disaster Management Agency, and more than 8,000 people are likely to be left homeless.

Freddy has lingered in the Indian Ocean basin as a named tropical cyclone for a total of 35 days and is likely now the longest-lasting named tropical system in history. The previous record was held by Typhoon John in 1994, which survived for 31 days. The World Meteorological Organization is expected to confirm this record in the near future.

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Freddy has already gone down in history as a once-in-a-lifetime storm, having broken at least one record.

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Freddy took an unusual path across the Indian Ocean and along the eastern African coast during its more than a month-long journey, which included a 15-day trek westward across the open waters of the ocean, before finally making landfall in Madagascar. Freddy then went on to meander through the Mozambique Channel for another two weeks, before two landfalls in Mozambique.

The above image on AccuWeather's Hurricane Tracker shows Freddy's path across the Indian Ocean from Feb. 6 to its final landfall on March 11.

During that time, Freddy's strength fluctuated, reaching the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic or East Pacific Ocean Basins more than once. Freddy was only the 20th tropical cyclone to reach this strength in the South Indian Ocean since 1989. In fact, Freddy re-intensified a total of seven times and traveled more than 5,500 miles.

As a long-duration storm, Freddy's accumulated cyclone energy, referred to as ACE, was exceptionally high. ACE is a measure of a storm's intensity over its lifetime.

According to Colorado State University, the ACE for Freddy is 84.7 as of March 13, which is more than the average total ACE of an entire Atlantic hurricane season. This ACE value is not only the highest ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, but it's also close to the total ACE of Hurricane Ioke from 1980, the current world record-holder for a single cyclone at around 85.

The above AccuWeather RealVue Satellite shows Freddy making landfall in Madagascar on Feb. 21.

After more than a month prowling the Indian Ocean and wreaking havoc over land, forecasters say Freddy could still pose additional concerns.

AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Smithmyer says that Freddy is likely to drift southeastward over the next few days, continuing to become disorganized as it moves back into the Mozambique Channel.

Freddy has gone through this area frequently in recent weeks, promoting the upwelling of the waters in the channel. Upwelling is the process of very cold water, deep below the ocean surface being mixed in with the warmer water at the surface. Powerful tropical systems naturally will do this when they move through a body of water.

This Meteosat-9 satellite shows Tropical Cyclone Freddy ahead of its first landfall in Mozambique on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Photo/NOAA)

"The recent upwelling in the region has brought ocean surface temperatures down low enough that it would be unlikely for Freddy to regain wind intensity," Smithmyer explained, adding that an increase in wind shear over the region will also likely be an inhibiting factor.

However, the lingering moisture from Freddy could push into southern parts of Madagascar for the middle of the week, adding even more rain to the already drenched area.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Children from the J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School and St. Ambrose Church blow bubbles during the St. Patricks Day Parade at The Gateway in Salt Lake City on Saturday. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News

St. Patrick's Day isn't just a holiday for Kellie Stone. It's also her birthday and a day to celebrate her Irish heritage.

The 46th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Siamsa  Celtic celebration  hosted by the Hibernian Society of Utah became the perfect place for Stone to celebrate Saturday among thousands of Utahns decked out in green and shamrocks.

Stone comes every year to the parade in Salt Lake City with her daughters and parents. They love the camaraderie and fun they get to experience at the parade and festival.

"We've been in the parade before, we've won best family float before, and we come out every year just to support and have a good time," Stone said.

Her father, Dave Montague, dressed up as a leprechaun to attend the parade. He said they always come to the parade because of his daughter's birthday.

"Her grandparents are completely Irish, my wife is Irish, and the rest of us are Irish wannabes," Montague said. One of his favorite parts of the festivities is he gets to "become best friends with total strangers."

This year's parade focused on diversity within the Irish community, celebrating everyone who is Irish  whether they are 1% or 99% Irish.

The parade showcased Irish families and clans, Catholic schools, choirs, Irish dance companies, union work groups, Irish-owned businesses, radio stations, breweries, groups of Irish-breed dogs, bands of bagpipe players and drummers, and more. They marched through The Gateway downtown cheering for Ireland, riding scooters and bikes, dancing down the road, wishing others a happy holiday and just having fun along the way.

A leprechaun high fives parade watchers during the St. Patricks Day Parade at The Gateway in Salt Lake City on Saturday. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News

"We are excited to welcome back crowds for one of the city's favorite cultural events," said Jacklyn Briggs, The Gateway's marketing director. "This parade and festival is always one of the most highly anticipated of the year and a great kick-off to event season here at The Gateway."

Thousands of spectators waved flags and cheered on the parade from both the street and upper level of The Gateway.

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Glendale resident Kevin Hobbs has Irish ancestors and said coming to the parade is a tradition for him.

"It's fun to come out," he said. "It kind of reminds me of spring too, as it's starting to get warm out."

This year, the Hobbs family had three generations represented as Hobbs brought his father and son to the parade with him.

Gerald McDonough holds an Irish flag during the St. Patricks Day Parade at The Gateway in Salt Lake City on Saturday. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News

The parade ended at Olympic Legacy Plaza where dozens of vendors offered traditional Irish fare, food, beer, activities and live performances both outdoors and in an indoor space. Restaurants already at The Gateway also had Irish specialties to celebrate the day.

Paul Head had a vendor booth for his beard care company Barbudo, which offers butters, balms, waxes, oils, shampoo and conditioning bars and more products to take care of beards and mustaches. He and three others guys saw a need for high quality beard-care products in Utah and started the company in Provo in 2019.

Head said this event was a perfect place for his company to host a booth.

"Beer, food, and beard products, they all just kind of go hand in hand. This is our people, this is our niche and it seemed like a good fit for us," Head said.

The Siamsa celebration continues until 5 p.m. Saturday. There will also be an after party at Flanker Kitchen and Sporting Club to finish off the festivities with live music and Irish food specials.

Ryan Sun, Deseret News

Ryan Sun, Deseret News

Ryan Sun, Deseret News

Ryan Sun, Deseret News

Ryan Sun, Deseret News
Global payroll provider Deel plans to provide $120 million of its own cash off its balance sheet to support startups payroll operations in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank shutting down. It has teamed up with Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Y Combinator  both of which are investors in Deel  to offer the support to customers.

The Federal Reserve just announced that Silicon Valley Bank depositors, both insured and uninsured, will be fully protected - which led to collective relief throughout the tech ecosystem. Depositors were made whole as TechCrunch was interviewing Deel co-founder and CEO Alex Bouaziz, whose first reaction to the news was that: Well see what happens, you can never be fully certain. But in the meantime, we're ready with our customers, and customers right now and whatever we can do to help well be there.

He later added: Its amazing that all depositors will be made whole. Until tomorrow morning when all the funds will be available, founders need to stay cautious and stay alert to ensure all employees get paid.

Deel, notably, is not banked with SVB: Because it operates in over 100 countries, it has over 450 bank accounts and has an in-house treasury management. Deel paid a penalty, Bouaziz said, to withdraw the cash from its accounts but is hoping that penalty will be waived.

The goal of Deels $120 million lifeline is to help businesses run payroll for the next two cycles with minimal interruptions. Companies that need assistance can fill out a request form and apply through Deel, which says it will help with both employee and contractor payroll for current customers, as well as some new customers.

We freed up some of our cash because its our responsibility to help other companies, but we have to be very selective, Bouaziz said. Because were already in the payroll system, we have ways to achieve good terms.

Before the decision was announced, dealmakers and companies all over the country were working to find ways to help startups make payroll. With the government now promising relief, the efforts are now more useful as a back-up plan in case any hiccups occur between now and Monday morning. The terms of Deel's cash offers are not clear right now, making it hard to compare the option with the SVB-banked cash that is said to be freed up for founders starting Monday morning.

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Deel appears to be working on a founder-friendly deal, with Bouaziz adding "the goal here is not for us to make money. It's more to help people and genuinely earn trust in the market as a payroll leader."

The startup is not the only payroll provider seeking to help customers. On Saturday, Remote announced that it would run payroll "for all employers and employees employed through Remote affected by SVB, regardless if they are able to fund payroll in time for March payroll." In a tweet, co-founder and COO Marcelo Lebre said: "If your employer that is employing you through Remote is not able to pay for March payroll immediately, as they dont have access to their funds, Remote will still pay your salary."

Brex also announced Saturday that it is trying to raise capital for an emergency credit line this weekend after receiving $1 billion in interest. CEO Henrique Dubugras declined to comment on how much capital has been committed for the credit line thus far, but, upon last chat with TechCrunch, said hes on back-to-back calls trying to get funds locked down. Its unclear how his fundraising strategy may have changed given the regulator's most recent update.

Bouaziz said that "demand is not that interesting for us, because what we actually want to do is help people."

Deel, which has raised nearly $680 million since its 2019 inception and was last valued at $12 billion, claims that it has been profitable since September. It has over 450 bank accounts around the world, citing JPMorgan Chase and Citibank as two of its primary banking partners, according to Bouaziz.

In January, the fintech-turned-HR outfit revealed that it had reached $295 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by the end of 2022, up 417.5% from $57 million in ARR achieved at the end of 2021. At that time, Deel said it had more than 15,000 customers, including Nike, Subway, Reebok, Forever 21 and Klarna. Today, Bouaziz said the company has almost 18,000 customers.Also in January, Deel acquired Capbase for an undisclosed amount in a cash and stock deal, marking its entry into the equity management space.

In April of 2022, Remote raised $300 million at a $3 billion-plus valuation. At the time, the company said its customers ranged from small startups to large enterprises and included GitLab, DoorDash, Hello Fresh, Loom and Paystack.
For untold years in the mouse-infested secret crawlspace of an attic in Newark, Delaware, a man named Michael Kintner Corbett kept priceless American history locked away from the world.

That is, until the FBI came calling.

On May 24, 2017, FBI agents led by art crimes Special Agent Jake Archer followed a search warrant into the hidden upper room of Corbetts Newark residence and to a safe tucked in the basement.

In the process, the agents broke open a 50-year mystery spanning six states, 16 museums and dozens of historic firearms whose provenance spans the entire history of America  a rash of museum burglaries Archer calls one of the largest of its kind that were aware of.

In the end, 73-year-old Corbett would serve just a single day in prison.

But after a long and cheerful repatriation ceremony at Philadelphias Museum of the American Revolution on Monday, March 13  broken often by laughter and the sound of curators ill-contained relief  those historic firearms are finally going home and back into the public trust.

More:Never-seen Andrew Wyeths on display near Wilmington, with hundreds more to come

To the Daniel Boone Homestead. To the Museum of Connecticut History. To the Blair and Delaware County museums in Pennsylvania, and the Beauvoir Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Historic rifles stolen in the 1970s from Blair County Historical Society In Altoona, Penn. The rifles were returned in a repatriation ceremony at the Museum of the American Revolution on March 13, 2023.

Pennsylvanias Hershey Story museum  yes, the one with all the chocolate  is bringing home a volcanic pistol from a disastrous Civil War skirmish that saw Oregon Sen. Everett Baker fall in battle, the only sitting U.S. senator ever to do so.

At least one of the recovered guns, a Colt Whitneyville Walker stolen from Connecticut, might be worth as much as a million dollars.

But whatever their monetary value, these historic items are priceless and irreplaceable to the museums and the communities they belong to, said President Thomas Stockton of the Stone House Museum in Belchertown, Massachusettes, who called an 18th-century powder horn a "thrilling" recovery.

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These objects, as with everything being returned today, connect us with the past  with real people, places, events and ideals  in ways that are as important and significant to us now as they were when they were held and used by their owners many years ago, said Assistant U.S. Attorney K.T. Newton, who headed the prosecution.

Museum burglaries stretched from Mississippi to Massachusetts

The firearms repatriated Monday had been lost for 50 years in many cases.

Museums from Pennsylvania to Connecticut to Mississippi were dogged by a series of mysterious burglaries throughout the 1970s.

For a decade beginning in 1968, a trove of historic pistols disappeared from the Valley Forge Historical Society Museum, onetime keeper of Pennsylvanias revolutionary history. A rifle from the Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro also went missing.

Two Lugers previously owned by WWII general Omar Bradley were stolen form the US Army War College in the 1970s. The guns were returned after successful cold case investigation by Upper Merion Township and the FBI.

In 1971, a multi-museum spree in Connecticut led to the loss of a painfully rare Colt Whitneyville Walker revolver: the holy grail of gun collectors everywhere, inscribed into the 19th-century history of Connecticut and Texas as the worlds first six-shooter. The guns were made specially by Samuel Colt for legendary Texas Ranger Samuel Walke; another gun from of the same make fetched $1.8 million at auction back in 2018.

The U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was disabused of a pair of Luger pistols once granted as a gift to Americas last five-star general, Omar Bradley, after being seized on the World War II battlefield in Tunisia.

The museum thefts occurred before the ubiquity of security cameras. Fingerprints often werent taken from the scene, said Newton, the assistant U.S. attorney. In some cases, museums didnt know for days, weeks or years that their collections had been pilfered.

The cases instead sat cold. They turned into the sad stories museum curators told themselves about things gone lost.

From the age of 10, President R. Scott Stephenson of the Museum of the American Revolution had seen pictures of an old group of Revolutionary War pistols in a schoolbook from the 1960s. For about as long, the pistols had been missing from the museum he would later run.

I have literally been looking for half a century at pictures of these weapons, he said. And now I'm going to have them in my hand.

A 14-year investigation that began with a false tip

The cold case of those guns went hot in 2009, when Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, detectives Andrew Rathfon and Brendan Dougherty caught an unusual tip.

An elderly gentleman came into our station, and he thought he had seen a gun for sale at an antique gun show," Rathfon said. The man believed the gun had been stolen, long ago, from the Valley Forge Historical Society.

That tip wasnt true, it turned out.

But it was the spark that led Rathfon and Dougherty to begin a cold-case investigation that would last 14 years and cross state lines.

Rathfon and Dougherty looped in Stephenson at the Museum of the American Revolution, gathering information on missing historical items. They pored over dead case files and museum records.

Lost symbol: Open Call: Restore the King project aims to honor Delaware's brewing history

The detectives learned of anonymous phone calls made long ago to the curator of the Valley Forge Historical Society, from a man who said he knew someone who knew an attorney who had information about some stuff stolen from the museum in the 70s, according to an account by Assistant U.S. Attorney Newton.

Upper Merion detectives Andrew Rathfon, far left, and Brendan Dougherty, far right, stand with mentor, retired FBI agent Dave Richter, at a March 13, 2023 ceremony repatriating 50 historical artifacts to 16 museums in the Northeast United States. Rathfon and Dougherty's work on the cold case museum thefts led to the return of the items..

Rathfon and Doughtery also found another anonymous letter sent to Vermont, which contained photos of stolen pistols and pellet horns. With a few "lucky breaks and confidential sources," Rathfon said, the detectives tracked missing museum items all over the region.

This long and dogged trail led them to Corbetts address in Delaware, outside their jurisdiction, and to the office door of FBI Special Agent Archer.

After serving a warrant at Corbetts home in 2017, the FBI agents discovered a trove of historic weapons. But none were the weapons that had spurred the detectives investigation in the first place.

In fact, they didnt know where all of the weapons had come from. For that, they had to trust Stephenson at the Museum of the American Revolution, using photos and descriptions to track the objects' rightful homes all over the country.

The effort took years.

They had already done amazing work, Archer said of the two detectives. But when we learned the scope, we realized there was a lot more work to be done.

The written record on Michael Kintner Corbett is a little thin.

The 73-year-old Pennsylvania native grew up as a great fan of history, said his defense attorney, Barry Gross of Philadelphia.

He was a collector, and also had a series of other jobs over the years, said Gross, who noted that Corbett was the sort of history aficionado who knew the background of each gun, and the story of each soldier who once carried it.

Corbett never intended to sell the guns, Gross said, only to have them.

Cold Case: Early delays may have prevented Adolf Czojor's murder from ever being solved

A great number of the historic weapons officers found at Corbetts property were obtained legitimately, Gross said, from flea markets and estate sales.

Some of the 50 firearms and other historical artifacts returned to representatives from 16 museums at a repatriation ceremony at the Museum of the American Revolution on March 13, 2023.

But some were not.

Corbett admitted this to the court, in a December 2022 plea bargain for possession of stolen property that left him with a one-day prison sentence, 14 months of house arrest and a $65,000 fine to pay.

As part of the plea bargain, Corbett led authorities to a number of other historic items, including the Colt from Connecticut and a number of pistols taken from the Valley Forge museum.

Authorities did not prove, however, that Corbett was the thief.

We do know that a number of firearms and other items stolen from the same museum at the same time were found in his home, Assistant U.S. Attorney Newton said. We also do know that in the distant past, Michael Corbett himself had been arrested and charged with a burglary  at the General Mansfield house, the headquarters for the Middlesex County Historical Society in Connecticut.

But she cant legally prove that he was the serial thief, she said.

I will leave you to your own conclusions, she said.

Ecstatic curators bring historic firearms home after 50 years

FBI Special Agent Jake Archer, Art Crimes, speaks to the representatives from 16 museums whose historic artifacts were returned March 13, 2023, at a ceremony held at the Museum of the American Revolution.

But at the Museum of the American Revolution on Monday, few were concerned with the disposition of Michael Corbett.

These are American cultural heritage items going back to American institutions today, said Jacqueline Maguire, head of the FBIs Philadelphia field office. This is a huge source of pride for me, for our FBI team, and I'm sure for everyone in this room.

Looking at the historical weapons laid out on the table behind her, U.S. Attorney for Eastern Pennsylvania Jacqueline Romero professed a loss for words.

It's just pretty incredible. Im a little bit speechless as well, at describing the wealth of what we see here from our American history, Romero said. We and our partners are returning 50 pieces of our cultural heritage.

Kevin Steele, the district attorney for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, remembered field trips to the former Valley Forge museum when he was a junior high school student.

We didn't get to see a lot of these pieces, because they were stolen before I was in junior high school, he said, laughing. And I'm pretty old. So this has been a while coming.

Delaware County Historical Society staff stand with items repatriated to their museum on March 13, 2023. Items include an officer's sword form the 1850s, a Civil War bugle, and multiple historic firearms from the 19th and early 20th centureis.

The Colt Whitneyville Walker revolver, perhaps the most monetarily valuable single piece on display at the ceremony, will return in the custody of two members of the Connecticut State Patrol to the Museum of Connecticut History, said Jennifer Matos, that museum's administrator.

We are not taking any chances, she said, smiling. We want to make sure it arrives.

Curator after curator, from museum after museum, stood in front of the room to tell the stories of each item.

Alex MacKenzie, of the National Park Service, proudly declared an 1842 single-shot pistol bound for its home at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts to be the product of government work back when good enough for government work was a very high bar.

Each weapon returning to the Blair County Historical Society in Altoona, Pennsylvania, said curator James Lowe, tells the story of a Pennsylvania resident who crafted that weapon and another resident who carried it and bore witness to the founding of the county and nation.

Librarian Irene Coffey, holding up a humble flare light, acknowledged that the items returned to Nitre Hall in Pennsylvanias Haverford Township might not be as historically significant as muskets from the French and Indian War, or Lugers owned by a five-star general.

But thank you for not forgetting we little people, she said, to applause.

ZeeAnn Mason, chief operating officer for the Museum of American Revolution, drew a simple lesson from the return of the historic artifacts so many years later.

It gives you hope, she said before the ceremony. When 50 years later we are able to recover these objects, it means theres always hope.

Matthew Korfhage is a Philadelphia-based reporter for the USA Today Network. Email him at mkorfhage@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @matthewkorfhage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: After 50 years, guns found in Delaware repatriated to 16 museums
A Delta Air Lines employee gave out free flight tickets to family, friends and others, causing the company to lose $447,000 in revenue, federal officials said.

The man took advantage of his job as a ticketing specialist, booked over 230 flight reservations and overrode their fares in Deltas system in Minneapolis, prosecutors said.

Delta wasnt compensated for the free tickets, but he was, prosecutors said. The man had travelers pay him for the tickets through the Square payment app, according to an indictment.

Now the former Delta employee, 36, of Minneapolis, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced in a March 10 news release.

He exploited his position of trust at Delta to enrich himself by selling fraudulent tickets, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement. He was even bold enough to use his personal email address as the contact person for some of the illegal transactions.

McClatchy News contacted the mans attorney for comment and didnt immediately receive a response.

The free flight tickets were given out from late 2016 through December 2017, officials said. These tickets were linked to his unique agent security identifier, according to prosecutors.

We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement in this case to hold those who would defraud Delta accountable, Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant told McClatchy News in a statement.

Free tickets caused a tax liability to Delta

By issuing the Delta flight tickets at no cost, the man generated taxes that needed to be paid, the indictment says.

He unsuccessfully tried taking care of the taxes by creating fake Transportation Credit Vouchers and Delta Travel Vouchers to pay them, according to the indictment. This created a tax liability to Delta, prosecutors said.

With his access to Deltas ticketing system, the man had the system issue these vouchers without a valid business purpose and without authorization, the indictment says.

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Because these vouchers were fake, however, Delta ultimately had to pay the taxes on the free flight tickets, according to the indictment.

With this guilty plea, (he) acknowledges his criminal wrongdoing and can now be held accountable for his selfish actions, Keri Farley, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement.

The man is due back in court for sentencing on June 7, officials said.

The FBI is investigating the case, according to the release.

The company is headquartered in Atlanta.

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What looked at first like a Democratic free-for all for Michigans open Senate seat is nearly over already. Which is exactly what Debbie Stabenow and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wanted.

The retiring Stabenow has personally steered several of those interested in taking her Mitten State seat toward different positions that will soon open up. And as a result, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) has largely cleared the field in what could have otherwise been a messy Senate primary.

So while the primary itself is more than a year away, theres a growing feeling that party leaders have avoided a pile-up in a race that Democrats absolutely need to win to keep their majority next fall.

If we have lots of talented people and theyre all running for different positions, then we get the benefit, Stabenow, the No. 3 Senate Democrat, said in an interview. So thats what Ive been saying: Think about how to best keep this great talent going in the state. And you don't do it by everybody running for the same seat.



Behind-the-scenes maneuvering by Stabenow and Schumer, a former Senate campaign arm chief himself, helped quell fears of a messy fight over succeeding Stabenow in a must-win battleground state. But its less likely that Democrats can or even want to similarly smooth internal headaches over other open Senate seats  simply put, the party is fine with a chaotic primary in deep-blue California but resolved early on not to let the GOP capitalize on a disorganized clamor in Michigan.

Without naming names, Stabenow explained that she directed other ambitious Democrats who might have been interested in replacing her toward alternative statewide offices, from the governors office on down, that will open up in 2026 due to term limits. She had given Schumer a heads-up on her retirement, and Schumer conveyed to anyone that would listen that Slotkin was well-funded and forcing her to spend big in a contested primary would hurt the party, according to two people familiar with the senators work on the race.

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Its not all pretty for Democrats in potentially contested races, of course. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is running for Arizona's in-cycle Senate seat after Sen. Kyrsten Sinema became an independent and declined to reveal her 2024 intentions, potentially setting up a three-way general election.

And there's still plenty of time for Democratic candidates to enter the race before Michigans primary next year, though top-tier candidates like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow have already taken themselves out of the running. None of those Democrats has outright endorsed Slotkin yet, but the quiet interventions and their decisions helped quell fears of a messy fight over succeeding Stabenow in a must-win battleground state.

Gilchrist, who cited a desire to keep on working in Michigan when he passed on a Senate bid, was considered a potential aspirant for mayor of Detroit but is not interested, according to a person familiar with his thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, notably, hasnt taken herself out of the running as she weighs her options. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) hasnt entirely ruled out a bid either, though she's made few concrete steps towards running.

Yet at the moment Stabenow herself does not expect either of those big names to leap in.

It appears that at this point [Slotkin is] the only House member [running], Stabenow said. And it appears none of the statewide electeds want to run. But we could certainly have people that arent in elected office now.

Actor Hill Harper is also expected to mount a bid soon as a Democrat, though its unclear how strong a challenge he would pose to the battle-tested Slotkin.



No major Republican candidate has publicly declared a run for the seat yet, though former Rep. Peter Meijer and Reps. Bill Huizenga and Lisa McClain are in the mix.

Slotkin, who flipped her seat in 2018, is a prodigious fundraiser and a skilled campaigner. The contest between Republican John James and Democrat Sen. Gary Peters in 2020 smashed state records for campaign spending, and Slotkins 2022 battleground House race was among the costliest in the country. Her House campaign raised nearly $10 million in the 2022 race, and her Senate campaign said they raised $1.2 million in the first day after her announcement.

Its been almost two weeks, and we feel good, she said in a brief interview.

If Slotkin becomes the nominee, the preliminary consolidation could strengthen her position heading into what will be an expensive general election.

The real issue is making sure that whoever wins the nomination doesn't win on the first Tuesday in August and be penniless going into November. That's the issue, Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said, adding that Democrats should not be afraid of a good race, but we just want to keep it civil.

Slotkins fellow House lawmakers arent publicly taking sides yet in the race even as they laud her. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) praised her as a masterful storyteller, masterful campaigner.

And Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), who flipped a GOP-held seat last year after the district was redrawn to become bluer, met with Slotkin recently during a listening tour that came through her district but said she hadnt endorsed yet.

Democrats have had mixed results in recent years with their oft-shifting Senate race strategy. For years the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee took a relatively heavy hand in races, endorsing in safe blue states like Maryland in 2016 as well as the battlegrounds of Maine, North Carolina and Iowa in 2020.



During last year's midterms, however, the party took a publicly hands-off approach that culminated in barely competitive primaries in two purple states. John Fetterman beat former Rep. Conor Lamb so handily in Pennsylvania that there was never much doubt about who the party would nominate. And all of Mandela Barness opposition folded ahead of the Wisconsin primary, anointing him as the partys nominee.

Fetterman won the general election; Barnes lost narrowly.

If we have a strong candidate status, its certainly really beneficial to avoid a primary. Then the candidate could be totally focused on the general election, said Peters, who's chairing the campaign arm for the second straight cycle. If someone already has a proven track record in a really hotly contested race, and has been able to win? It's a proven track lead, as opposed to someone who looks good on paper.

Peters said theres no question that Slotkin meets that bar, given her fundraising acumen and success in a battleground House race.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans are weighing their own similar adaptation after enduring several tough primaries in 2022 that left their nominees with little money and factionalized party bases. The Senate GOP already has helped clear the field for Rep. Jim Banks in Indianas Senate race and is strongly signaling its preference for Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania and Gov. Jim Justice in West Virginia.

But it remains to be seen whether the GOP will have the same success as Democrats had in Michigan.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story suggested that Gilchrist had at some point been interested in seeking the Detroit mayoralty.
Rescued dolphin released into sea in south China's Hainan

Xinhua) 15:48, March 12, 2023

HAIKOU, March 11 (Xinhua) -- A stranded dolphin spotted on Friday in south China's Hainan Province was released back into the sea after a three-hour rescue operation, according to the local fire department.

The dolphin was found stranded in the shallow water near a pier in Changjiang Li Autonomous County at around 1 p.m. on Friday. Staff from the county's fire department and local professional marine rescuers arrived soon and moved the dolphin to the shore.

The dolphin is 2 meters long and weighs about 200 kg. It suffered cuts by reefs but no fatal wound, said the rescuers.

After three hours of rescue and treatment, the dolphin was transported to about 18.5 km off the coastline and then released into the sea.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie)
Democrats are seeking to pivot toward the center on crime and law enforcement in the wake of a series of defeats linked to voter concerns about the topic  most recently reflected in Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots primary election loss last month.

In a dramatic initial step, President Biden announced hed back a GOP resolution that overturns a District of Columbia bill that loosened penalties on crimes like carjacking. The politics behind the move infuriated some House Democrats whod already voted against the resolution. But 33 Democratic senators sided with Biden, possibly fearing Republicans would have reason to attack them as being soft on crime.

Its not the only sign of a shift, either. Biden has put New York City Mayor Eric Adams  who won his election promising to be tough on crime and to support police  on his teams advisory board.

The change is likely to cause tension within the Democratic Party at large, especially with progressives who think more of an emphasis should be placed on reforming police and the judicial systems handling of those accused and convicted of crimes.

But moderates say its about time.

What Biden is doing is hes speaking for not just the majority of people but the majority of Democrats in a lot of places that are affected by crime including DC, said Jim Kessler, the executive vice president for policy at Third Way, a centrist-left think tank.

Reaction to voters and to crime

According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released last week, crime and corruption ranked as the second most important issue to respondents, behind the economy.

And while Democrats largely overperformed in last years midterm elections despite GOP attacks on crime, the issue did prove to be effective in some parts of the country, like New York, where the party picked up three House seats.

I think a lot of Democrats are relieved to see a stronger position on crime, Kessler said, referring to the Senates vote on DCs crime legislation. In elections, you need to look at that past and then you need to look at the tea leaves of the future, and were seeing in local races the defund-type candidates and policies taking a drubbing.

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In 2020, when calls to defund police departments reached a fever pitch following the coverage of a number of police killings of unarmed Black individuals including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden called for police reform but distanced himself against defunding the police.

He has echoed that stance in his presidency. During his State of the Union address last month, he voiced support for law enforcement but condemned the death of Tyre Nichols, an unarmed Black man who died in police custody earlier this year.

You can still want a strong position on crime and want police reform. You can hold those two positions simultaneously, Kessler said.

Playing politics

But progressives call the DC crime legislation move a hypocritical effort to appease right-wing attacks on crime.

Whats happened now is they now want to pivot towards going after all of the reforms put in place in the post George Floyd era. They want to go after some of these police reforms that the city put in place, said Sawyer Hackett, a progressive Democratic strategist. Once you steer down that road with Republicans, once you start to play that game with them, youre on a dangerous track and youre playing politics on their footing.

And Republicans have already ramped up crime rhetoric going into 2024. On Wednesday, the National Republican Congressional Committee unleashed a paid digital ad campaign targeting 15 House Democrats who voted against the resolution to block the DC crime bill.

Other Democrats argue that lawmakers will ultimately have to determine their stance on crime based on their own states, districts and precincts. Many of the 33 Democrats who sided with Biden and the GOP on blocking the crime legislation are facing tough reelection bids, including Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) and Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D).

Biden, who is expected to announce his reelection bid in the coming months, also stands to be in for a tough race next year.

Joe Biden has a whole lot more constituents than anybody else who may be complaining right now, so he sees things through a different lens, said Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist and a senior visiting fellow at Third Way.

Crime rhetoric rolls down ballot

Democrats further down the ballot also say they are feeling pressure to respond to Republican attacks on the issue as well.

When we heard the issue of defunding and how often it was being used, we literally were scratching our heads going, where the hell are they getting this from? said Adrian Garcia, the county commissioner for Harris County, Texass second precinct.

Garcias Republican challenger, Jack Morman, rolled out an ad during the campaign last year accusing Garcia of defunding the police and tying him to out of control violent crime.

We ultimately sat down and put pencil to paper and mapped out every investment we were making, and we were challenging everyone to contradict it, Garcia said, referring to his campaigns response to the attack.

Garcia ended up defeating Morman by roughly 5 percentage points.

In spite of a well-funded, well-organized, all-in campaign in this last cycle, they didnt make any progress, Garcia said. But it was precisely because we were able to educate the public about what we were doing.

Will Dems agree to disagree?

But the divide between centrists and progressives on the issue could widen a rift within the party. And no matter their stance, Democrats may be characterized in the same way.

Theyre going to call you open borders no matter what you do on immigration, Hackett said. And it doesnt matter how many people you deport or how many people youre cruel to or how many of Trumps policies youre keeping in place, Fox News and the right-wing media are going to call you an open borders president regardless. On crime, I think its the same story.

Other Democrats acknowledge the disagreement but warn against the divide turning into a larger image problem ahead of next year.

Its OK for us to not always agree with our leaders but understand that we have more disagreements with the other side than we do with those within our own party, Seawright said. That is where we cant keep our eye off the ball.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. government announced Sunday that it is deploying emergency measures to shore up the banking system and backstop deposits at two banks that failed within a matter of days.

All deposit accounts at both institutions, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in New York, will be guaranteed, according to a joint statement released by the Federal Reserve, the Department of the Treasury and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Depositors with SVB "will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer," the statement said.

"We are also announcing a similar systemic risk exception for Signature Bank, New York, New York, which was closed today by its state chartering authority," the statement continued. "All depositors of this institution will be made whole. As with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, no losses will be borne by the taxpayer."

The statement indicates that the auction process to find a buyer for SVB is likely dead. Federal regulators were working to find a buyer for Silicon Valley Bank, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told "Face the Nation" on Sunday that the FDIC was considering a "range of available options" to stabilize the situation, including an acquisition by a foreign bank.

President Biden said in a statement on Sunday that he was "firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again." He will address the situation during remarks on Monday morning, the statement said.

Silicon Valley Bank was shut down by California regulators on Friday after depositors rushed to withdraw funds amid concerns about the bank's balance sheet. The (FDIC) was appointed receiver and created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara, to which all insured deposits of Silicon Valley Bank were transferred.

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The 40-year-old bank ranked as the 16th-largest in the U.S. before its failure and is the largest financial institution to collapse since Washington Mutual at the height of the financial crisis in 2008. Signature Bank's failure marks the third-largest bank collapse in U.S. history, according to The Associated Press.

Signature Bank is FDIC-insured and had assets of around $110.36 billion, with total deposits of about $88.59 billion as of Dec. 31, 2022, The New York Department of Financial Services said in a statement. Both figures were roughly half of what SVB had at the end of 2022  $209 billion in total assets and about $174.5 billion in total deposits, according to the agency. according to the FDIC.

The emergency measures came after Yellen on Sunday ruled out a federal bailout for Silicon Valley Bank's investors after the bank was abruptly shuttered. But she did express concern about the impact to depositors.

"During the financial crisis, there were investors and owners of systemic large banks that were bailed out," Yellen said in an interview with "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "And the reforms that have been put in place means that we're not going to do that again. But we are concerned about depositors and are focused on trying to meet their needs."

During a call with reporters on Sunday, a senior Treasury official said "no other depositors need to worry about the future of their banks."

The official said the FDIC will use funds from the Depositor Insurance Fund to ensure that depositors are made whole and that the DIF is bearing the risk, not the taxpayer.

"The situation is not 2008," the official added. "There are lot of reforms that have been put in place and we are trying to help depositors of institutions. The bank's equity and bondholders are being wiped out. They took a risk, as owners of these securities; they will take the losses."

The Federal Reserve also said Sunday that it will make additional funding available "to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors," according to a press release.

The financing will be made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP), "offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets as collateral," the statement reads.

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Orange County deputies said Monday that the shooting of three teens in Waterford Lakes Town Center on Saturday was not a random act.

Investigators said a 14-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were shot just before 8 p.m. on Saturday. They all suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Deputies said they were shot at from a vehicle while they were hanging out behind buildings at Waterford Lakes.

Deputies said one of the victims is not cooperating with law enforcement, and the other victims and witnesses have provided very little information about what happened leading up to the shooting.

Read: Deputies: 3 teens shot near Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orange County

Deputies said there was a verbal fight with people outside of the victims group prior to the shooting.

Anyone who may have seen anything regarding the shooting is asked to contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

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 is at the vanguard of a cultural shift that will move higher education away from divisive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have become a distraction, and that are a clear and present danger for Americas future, according to participants in a roundtable discussion hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday morning.

The hour-long roundtable highlighted the DeSantis administrations ongoing efforts to recapture Floridas education establishment from left-wing activists and ideologues. DeSantis said Florida is bringing accountability back to the states colleges and universities, and I think a lot of states around the country are going to follow us, he said.

The roundtable, which included nine participants, was stacked with DeSantis allies: the states education commissioner, the states state university system chancellor, conservative think tankers aligned with the governor, sympathetic board of trustee members, and two conservative university students who say they have faced discrimination for their political beliefs. It started with montage of news clips of university wokeism run amok, accompanied by menacing background music.

There was little dissent on the theme Exposing the DEI Scam, as the participants largely agreed with DeSantis that while DEI may sound very harmless, it is in practice using the administrative apparatus of the university to impose an ideological agenda.

Exposing the DEI Scam pic.twitter.com/xaajJCtNs3  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 13, 2023



DeSantis, who is expected to announce a run for president in the coming months, has been positioning himself as a leader in the conservative war on wokeism.

DeSantis used the roundtable to talk about his efforts to remake New College of Florida in Sarasota into a model of a classical liberal arts college. Earlier this year, DeSantis appointees on the schools board removed the colleges president and abolished its DEI apparatus.

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He also touted proposed legislation in the Florida House and Senate aimed at eliminating discriminatory activities, including prohibitions on DEI pledges in the states colleges and universities. Ray Rodrigues, a former Republican state lawmaker who is now the chancellor of Floridas university system, called the proposed legislation important.

DEI statements are political litmus tests, but theyre political litmus tests with teeth, Rodrigues said. He said that nearly half of all large universities in the U.S. are now requiring DEI pledges, which are used to determine who gets hired, promoted, and receives tenure.

Florida is on the vanguard of ending this nonsense and saying in Florida we support free speech, free association, and were not going to be a party to these games, he said.

Rodrigues said Floridas Board of Governors, a 17-member board that governs the state university system, endorsed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in 2020 as part of a well-intentioned and a good-faith effort based on the common definition of those words. But, he said, DEI has become a distraction. It is not what was intended, and it must be corrected.

DeSantis said that DEI pledges are a filtering mechanism so they can exclude people who may challenge the orthodoxy. It definitely leads to less diverse viewpoints amongst the faculty.

Scott Yenor, a DeSantis-aligned researcher with the conservative Claremont Institute and a political science professor at Boise State University in Idaho, agreed, and said that DEI initiatives are also used to determine which students are admitted. He said that limits free speech as well.

Determining whos in the classroom will determine what they say, Yenor said. You can call it free speech, you can say what you want, its just that everyone says the same thing.

Yenor has researched political indoctrination efforts in Idaho, where he has been a controversial figure, and in other states. His most recent research has been in Florida, where he is now working as Claremonts inaugural senior director of state coalitions.

Yenor said that in the past, campus radicalism tended to come from students, college departments, and professors. But that has changed in recent years, he said.

The administration has become the driving force for radicalizing universities, he said. It used to be a bottom-up problem, but now its become a top-down problem.

He said he found that all of Floridas universities have strategic plans with DEI ambitions, but the University of Florida in Gainesville has led the way in DEI in the Florida system. In 2020, the universitys then-president established an anti-racism task force that led to changes in the schools hiring plans, soft quotas for admissions, and decisive but subtle curriculum changes.

We consider this ideology to be a clear and present danger for Americas future, or at least a grave and gathering danger for Americas future, he said.

Christopher Rufo, a pugilistic conservative filmmaker and activist from the Manhattan Institute whom DeSantis appointed to the New College board in January, participated in Mondays roundtable virtually. DeSantis asked him to provide some appalling examples of DEI initiatives hes uncovered in his research. Rufo said the University of South Florida has racially segregated student programs and scholarships. And he said Florida International Universitys social-justice programs have been used to promote left-wing activist groups and to encourage students to advocate for the redistribution of power, in part through violent protests.

They tell students, bring a bandana to cover your nose and mouth. Download a messaging app that has end-to-end encryption, because theyre training students how to participate in violent protests without getting caught, Rufo said.

Roger Tovar, vice chair of the FIU board of trustees, told DeSantis that Rufos description has not been the experience that I have encountered at FIU. That was the closest any member of the roundtable came to disagreement.

If we have that type of activity going on, we need to explore it, said Tovar, who added that DEI programs may have been well-intentioned, but they go off the rail and then theyre not monitored.

In January, DeSantiss administration called on all of the states universities to report their DEI spending. He said the tally was at least $34 million, but added, we think its significantly higher than that. He noted that schools nationwide are spending fortunes on DEI, and argued that the money could be spent more wisely.

If you look at the amount of money being spent across the country, you could fund huge numbers of scholarships for students, he said.

DEI has effectively become a scam, because people are making a lot of money off this, DeSantis said, adding that DEI has essentially become an attack on merit, an attack on achievement. Doing away with standardized tests and measurements of success do a disservice to students, to taxpayers, and to society generally.

We want people to shoot for the stars, DeSantis said. We want people to achieve the best that they can with their God-given talent. But you will be measured and youve got to produce.

Rodrigues, the state university chancellor, vowed that Floridas universities will be focused on providing the best education possible, not indoctrinating students in left-wing ideology. An education at a Florida university, he said, is one of the best investments anyone can make in the country.

DeSantis agreed, saying there is room to be very optimistic

A lot of people are just throwing up their hands and saying, Theres nothing we can do. These universities can just get away with whatever they want, he said. Well, were funding these universities as taxpayers. They absolutely should follow the mission thats in the best interest of our state and our taxpayers. And the way to do that is you have elections, people are in positions of authority have the ability to make appointments, set policy, enact legislation, and thats what were doing.

Were bringing accountability to this, he said. Its going to be good for Florida taxpayers. Its going to be good for Florida students.

Ultimately, he said, I think were charging a good course.

More from National Review
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) will travel to New Hampshire next month to headline a key fundraising dinner for the state Republican Party in the latest sign that hes moving toward a 2024 presidential campaign.

DeSantis will deliver the keynote address at the New Hampshire GOPs annual Amos Tuck Dinner on April 14 in Manchester, the party announced on Monday. The event is the partys largest fundraising dinner, and it will give DeSantis a key opportunity to network with donors and party officials in the first-in-the-nation primary state.

News of the scheduled appearance comes as DeSantis begins a swing through several critical early primary and caucus states in the lead up to a likely presidential campaign announcement. He made stops in Iowa on Friday followed by a trip to Nevada on Saturday.

DeSantis has said little so far about his 2024 plans, though hes widely expected to make a formal decision after the Florida state legislature wraps up its annual session in May.

For now, however, a presidential bid appears likely, if not a near certainty. In addition to his stops in Iowa and Nevada, DeSantis has made swings through Texas and California in recent weeks to promote his new book, The Courage to be Free.

He also spoke at the Club for Growths annual donor retreat in Palm Beach, Fla., earlier this month, joining several other current and would-be presidential candidates, including former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

Notably absent from that retreat was former President Trump, who was left off the guest list amid a rift with the club.

A University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll released in January showed DeSantis leading Trump among Republican voter respondents in the first-in-the-nation primary state, taking 42 percent support to Trumps 30 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is going to headline the New Hampshire GOP's "Amos Tuck" fundraising dinner on April 14.

This is the first announced trip to New Hampshire for DeSantis so far this year, as the infrastructure for a potential presidential run continues to build and his traveling schedule includes more early presidential primary states.

The April 14 event will be held in Manchester, the state's biggest city. New Hampshire GOP chair Chris Ager said in a statement to CBS News that "we are looking forward to hearing the Governor's message."

The news was first reported by Fox News.

DeSantis visited Iowa and Nevada, two other states that hold early nominating contests, over this past weekend for his "Freedom Blueprint" tour to promote his new book and talk about his record in Florida.

Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, during a Freedom Blueprint event in Des Moines, Iowa, US, on Friday, March 10, 2023. / Credit: Bloomberg

In Las Vegas over the weekend, DeSantis touted his state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying "the elites got everything wrong about COVID."

"We refused to let our state descend into Faucian dystopia," he said. He went on to say the "Fauci decrees" weren't about health or science but about politics. Brief chants of "lock him up" broke out in the crowd when DeSantis said Fauci needs to be held accountable.

DeSantis also touched on other right-wing culture war issues such as the 2020 Portland protests, "law-and-order" at the southern border, voter ID, banning critical race theory in schools and gender-affirming care.

Before and after the DeSantis rally in Las Vegas, voters told CBS News that while they love the Florida governor, they'd prefer if he waited until 2028.

"I love Ron DeSantis and I want every governor in this country to be just like him," said Ilene Mann. "I love President Trump and I love DeSantis. What I would really love is for Trump to be president now, in 2024, and DeSantis in 2028."

Jan Ripsco said the same thing. "I would prefer that he run next election and Trump wins." Ripsco said she is worried about keeping Florida "very conservative" and is undecided on who she would support in a Trump-DeSantis match up. Ripsco also called DeSantis a "gift from God" and said she wishes other states would follow his lead.

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Governor Ron DeSantis laid out his case against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs at state colleges and universities Monday morning, the same day a bill that would weed out diversity programs in higher education had its first hearing in the Florida House.

The proposed legislation targeting diversity, equity and inclusion on college campuses still has a long road ahead of it before becoming the law of the land, but its already making an impact at the University of North Florida.

OneJax, a group whose mission statement aims to promote civility, understanding and respect for all people, announced last week it is severing ties with UNF.

The organizations executive director Kyle Reese said the decision is a direct result of the Governor and Republican lawmakers crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion on college and university campuses.

Its the anticipation and the fear the bill creates, said Reese.

In a routable hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis Monday, examples of DEI initiatives at Florida universities were highlighted.

Darryl Boyer, a UNF grad and Black conservative, claimed he was targeted while attending the university because of his political affiliation.

Because my friends thought that because I was a person of color I had to identify as a Democrat, said Boyer.

The Governor blamed DEI initiatives, arguing they have been used as tools of indoctrination.

To try to impose, not diversity of thought, but to try to impose uniformity of thought and instead of inclusion, the people that dissent from this orthodoxy are actually excluded and marginalized, said DeSantis.

But State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) argued the Governor is mischaracterizing the role DEI offices play at universities.

DEI is about belonging. Its about ensuring that every person, no matter who you are, who you love, the color of your skin, how much money you have, whether youre a non-traditional student, that you have the equal chance to succeed, said Eskamani.

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The state spends about $20.7 million on DEI programs at its public colleges and universities.

And while Republicans have argued its a waste of taxpayer dollars, Reese countered the loss of relationships universities will suffer from abolishing DEI initiatives could cost far more down the line.

DEI is so prevalent in the corporate space, I cant help but think that for the state to make this move, that its going to hurt universities in the short term, said Reese.

A recent poll conducted by UNF asked voters whether they supported prohibiting DEI efforts in higher education.

Of the people polled, 61% said they opposed the idea, while just 35% were in support.

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Dick Fosbury, seen here at the 1968 NCAA championships in Detroit, died Sunday. He was 76. (AP Photo)

Olympic high jumper Dick Fosbury died Sunday after a battle with cancer, according to the Associated Press.

He was 76.

Fosbury was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008. While he entered remission a few years later, the cancer returned recently.

Our sport lost a true legend and innovator today with the passing of Dick Fosbury.



He invented the Fosbury Flop, was a gold medalist at the 1968 Games, and remained an advocate for athletes his entire life. Fosburys legacy will live on for generations to come.



 USOPC pic.twitter.com/U1FWGV4NYB  USATF (@usatf) March 13, 2023

Fosbury is perhaps best known for his Fosbury Flop, a move that won him a gold medal at the Olympics and changed the sport of high jumping altogether. Fosbury ran toward the bar at an angle and jumped over it backward head-first, something that wasnt done at the time. Instead, most jumpers ran parallel to the bar and jumped over with a scissor kick.

Fosbury set an Olympics record in the 1968 Games in Mexico City where he cleared a bar set at 2.24 meters with his Fosbury Flop, which was described at the time as unorthodox but spectacular.

Dick Fosbury, who revolutionized the high jump with his "back-first" technique, has died at 76.



His "Fosbury Flop" earned him gold in 1968. pic.twitter.com/qOxktjD0sR  NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) March 13, 2023

By the time the next Olympics were held in Munich in 1974, 70% of jumpers were using his technique, which is now commonplace in the sport.

Fosbury was born in Portland, Oregon, and attended college at Oregon State before making it onto Team USA for his first and only Olympics in Mexico. He broke the then-school record after clearing 6 feet, 10 inches in the high jump as a sophomore with the Beavers, and later won an NCAA title.

Fosbury Flop.



@BeaverAthletics great Dick Fosbury gets his statue unveiled on campus. pic.twitter.com/nfdarTfnh5  Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 19, 2018

The school unveiled a statue honoring Fosbury and his jump in 2018.
Getty Images

Its the most wonderful time of the yearfor mathematicians, anyway.

Pi Day is Tuesday, March 14. The relatively new holiday is a celebration of the mathematical calculation pi, or the infinite number representing the constant ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter. Pi is essential to engineering and modern construction.

Although many sought to find it, the calculation of pi, which is also expressed by the fraction 22/7, is commonly credited to Greek mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse more than 2,200 years ago.

According to History.com, physicist Larry Shaw founded Pi Day day in 1988, selecting March 14 because the numeric date represents the first three digits of pi (3.14). It also happens to be Albert Einsteins birthday.

The first Pi Day took place at the Exploratorium, a San Franciscobased science museum, and featured a circular parade and fruit pies. The latter has become a delicious tradition among academic and office settings. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing March 14 as National Pi Day.

According to the Exploratorium, mathematicians began using , the Greek letter pi, for the calculations symbol in the 1700s, starting with William Jones in 1706. Leonhard Euler subsequently popularized the symbol.

As for Archimedes, you might be surprised to learn that pi was just one of his many important discoveries and inventions.

Who Was Archimedes?

Getty Images

According to NOVA, Archimedes was born in Syracuseon the Mediterranean island of Sicily, not upstate New Yorkaround 287 BCE. He was the son of astronomer Phidias and a close ally of Syracuses King Hieron and his son, whom he served many years.

Archimedes traveled to Egypt to study at the Library of Alexandria at age 18 and, upon completing his work, returned to Syracuse around 263 BCE for the remainder of his life.

Over roughly the next 50 years, Archimedes developed most of his major theories. These included the fundamental principles of mechanics; methods for finding the center of gravity, surface area, and volume of geometric figures; the principle of buoyancy; and, of course, an estimate for the value of pi.

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Archimedes was obsessed with math, often getting lost in his work and forgetting to eat. Legend has it he discovered his principle of buoyancy while taking a bath. Excited, he leapt out of the tub and ran naked through the streets of Syracuse shouting, Eureka!

By one account, Greek philosopher Plutarch reported that Archimedes died while solving a math problem. In 212 BCE, during the Second Punic War, a Roman solider asked Archimedes to accompany him amid a siege of Syracuse. Archimedes refused, and the angry soldier stabbed him with a sword.

What Else Did Archimedes Do?

Archimedes is often credited with inventing the Archimedes screw, a device for raising water, while in Egypt. The large helix is encased lengthwise in a watertight covering with openings at both ends. When one end is placed in water and the device is elevated at an angle and turned, water trapped in air pockets rises from the lower end through the open upper end.

Back then, it was used to pump water out of ships and for irrigation. But the design is still used today. According to Scientific American, modern examples include lifting wastewater in treatment plants and even lifting water for some amusement park rides.



Archimedes also created a means for approximating square roots and devised ways of calculating area and volume two millennia before the invention of calculus.

When the Romans invaded Syracuse, Archimedes engines of war helped defend the city. These devices included cranes to drop rocks, claws to lift ships from the water, and machines to fire wooden missiles. He also devised a set of mirrors that focused sunlight on enemy ships, setting them on fire.

Finally, Archimedes proved the volume of a sphere is two-thirds the volume of a circumscribed cylinder. He considered this his greatest accomplishment and asked that a representation of a sphere inside a cylinder be left on his tomb. He is likely buried in Sicily.

Tracing Archimedes Legacy

According to NOVA, scribes copied Archimedes writings onto parchment in 300 AD. His manuscript explaining how he developed his mathematical theorems was copied and bound onto vellum sheets around 1000. Archimedes treatise Measurement of a Circlewhich helped spread his process for calculating pi around the world, according to the American Mathematical Societywas part of this manuscript.

Around 200 years later, a monk reused the manuscript to make a prayer book. Finished in 1229 and likely made in Jerusalem, this manuscript became known as the Archimedes Palimpsest. It is the only surviving copy of Archimedes manuscript and contains several of his treatises.

For about 400 years, the Palimpsest was stored in a monastery in the Judean desert before being moved to a library in Old Jerusalem. German scholar Constantine Tischendorf discovered it in Constantinople in 1846, and Danish scholar Johan Ludwig attempted to transcribe it in 1906 using a magnifying glass.

Shockingly, the Palimpsest disappeared for much of the 20th century. It resurfaced in a damaged state in Paris in 1998 and was sold at auction for $2 million to an anonymous American collector. The buyer then donated the book to the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore in 1999. It was featured there in a 2011 exhibit titled Lost & Found: The Secrets of Archimedes.
At the start of the year, someone on the Marvel Studios Spoilers subreddit, a community dedicated to upcoming Marvel productions, posted the mother of all MCU leaks. A month before the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, a user named MSSmods shared a 63-page Google Doc transcript of the films dialogue. Now, Disney wants to know who was behind the leak and is trying to force Reddit and Google to identify the person or group of people responsible.

As first reported by TorrentFreak, Disneys MVL Film Finance unit, a subsidiary the company established to support Marvel Studios productions, has filed two Digital Millennium Copyright Act subpoena applications designed to compel Reddit and Google to identify who was behind the leak. As MSSmods is an account shared among the moderators of r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers, Reddit complying with the application would entail the company identifying more than one person. Whats more, Disney has requested that Google and Reddit share any identifying information they have on MSSmods  including names, telephone numbers and IP addresses  along with details on any user who may have been involved in posting, editing or uploading the leak.

Reddit did not say if it intends to comply with the application. Reddit is committed to protecting our users privacy. We have rigorous processes in place to assess legal requests and object when appropriate, a Reddit spokesperson told Engadget and pointed to the companys legal request guidelines. Google did not immediately respond to a comment request.

Its not clear what, if anything, Disney plans to do about the source of the leak, possibly a subtitle vendor or freelance translator. The document MSSmods shared was a translation of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumanias Portuguese subtitles, with some of the dialogue not presented in chronological order.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Paul Howell MP during a tour of the Hitachi Rail factory in Newton Aycliffe - Andrew Parsons CCHQ / Parsons Media

The fate of 20,000 train manufacturing workers is in jeopardy because of the UKs dither and delay in delivering a coherent industrial strategy, the Government will be warned.

Manufacturers and financiers are to tell Huw Merriman, the rail minister, that Britains long history in building trains is now under threat during crunch talks on Monday.

Executives from Britains three main train manufacturers - Alstom, Hitachi and Siemens - are expected to underline the increasing attractiveness of moving UK operations abroad because of the vast subsidies on offer in the EU and America.

The three businesses employ 20,000 skilled workers across UK sites, with thousands more jobs indirectly impacted at British suppliers.

Mr Merriman will be urged to reboot an estimated 4.5bn pipeline of train-building contracts or else, according to a source close to the talks. The rail minister will meet manufacturers in the morning and leasing firms such as Eversholt and Porterbrook in the afternoon.

Alstom and Hitachi are understood to also demand assurances from Mr Merriman that their 2.7bn contract to build trains for the Governments HS2 is not in jeopardy.

Whitehall sources this weekend said that Mr Merriman will insist that the Hitachi-Alstom HS2 joint venture will not be impacted by the delayed rollout of HS2 that was announced last week. Trains will still be needed for testing services and for the section between Old Oak Common and Birmingham, they said.

Although Britains train building plants retain a history that can be traced back to the 19th century, all three of the main train makers are now in the hands of foreign-headquartered multinational companies.

Frances Alstom, which last year acquired Bombardier, owns one of Britains best-known works in Derby. Another at Newton Aycliffe is in the hands of Japans Hitachi. Siemens has a large plant in Goole that was opened by Boris Johnson in 2020.

New trains have previously announced new trains on a number of lines such as South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railway - but have been subsequently shunted into the sidings.

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In part, this is a function of the scrapping of franchising in May 2021. Under the old structure, train operators would include plans to buy new trains - known as rolling stock - in their tenders to the Government.

Since the end of franchising, Whitehall has been responsible for finalising new train orders.

One senior industry figure said: The simple fact of the matter is that years of dither and delay, from electrification and signalling upgrades to orders for rolling stock, has ravaged the UK rail industry.

The opportunity to revive UK rail is unparalleled but it will take more than lukewarm words from the Government. We need to see urgent action. Without urgent action companies will begin questioning their investment strategies in the UK."

Another source added: The news this week that HS2 will be delayed and descoped is likely to see a significant reduction in the amount of rolling stock required for the route. This represents a further blow to the UK rail manufacturing sector and supply chain which employs 20,000 people and relies on capital deployed by world-class financiers.

There is a very real danger this government's feast and famine approach to rolling stock procurement is repeating the mistakes of the late 1990s and early noughties which saw a more than 1,000 day hiatus in UK train orders.

Ahead of the Budget the Chancellor and his colleagues need to make some decisions on the near 4bn future train procurement pipeline or risk capacity and capital flight to countries with an actual industrial strategy and plan.

A Government source said that more than 5,300 trains had been built in the UK since 2010. We encourage those manufacturing in the UK to continue to use the UK as a base from which to export, they said.

A Department for Transport spokesman added: The Departments rail investments will continue to support manufacturing across the country.
NEW YORK (AP)  A split among jurors means there will be no death penalty for an Islamic extremist who maniacally raced a truck along a popular New York City bike path, killing eight people and maiming others.

Darren Drake, 32, of New Milford, was among those killed. The Darren Drake Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in December, is a bipartisan law aimed at stopping lone-wolf terrorism.

The decision means Sayfullo Saipov, 35, an Uzbekistan citizen who lived in Paterson, gets an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole in the October 2017 attack. Jurors told the judge Monday that they were unable to reach the unanimous verdict required for a death sentence.

The sentencing was the culmination of a trial that featured emotional testimony from survivors of the attack and relatives of the five tourists from Argentina, two Americans and a Belgian woman who were killed.

The same jury convicted Saipov in January of 28 charges including murder in aid of racketeering and supporting a terrorist organization.

It returned last month for a penalty phase to decide whether he should be sentenced to death or spend the rest of his life at a maximum security prison in Florence, Colorado.

Mike Kelly: We can't turn NJ's 'bike path terrorist' into a death-row martyr. Here's why

Over several days, prosecutors argued for the harshest punishment. Some of Saipovs relatives testified that they still loved him and hoped he would eventually realize the evil of his act.

Saipovs responsibility for the killings was never in doubt. His lawyers conceded he steered his rental truck on a sunny day onto a crowded lower Manhattan bike path along the Hudson River in a bid for martyrdom.

Prosecutors said he sped up, trying to kill as many people as he could. His plan to drive to the Brooklyn Bridge and kill even more people was thwarted when he crashed into a school bus. He left the wrecked vehicle shouting God is great in Arabic, wielding paintball and pellet guns, before being shot by a police officer.

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Prosecutors said he smiled as he asked that an Islamic State group flag be posted on the wall of his hospital room.

While some U.S. states send prisoners to death row with regularity, that kind of outcome is extremely rare in New York, which no longer has capital punishment and last executed a prisoner in 1963.

A day after the attack, then-President Donald Trump tweeted that Saipov SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!

Biden pledged during his campaign to work toward abolishing federal capital punishment, and no federal executions have taken place since he took office. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland imposed a moratorium on executions for federal crimes in 2021, but has allowed U.S. prosecutors to continue advocating for capital punishment in cases inherited from previous administrations.

During his trial, Saipov seemed moved by testimony from his father and sisters. Otherwise he sat quietly, his shoulders slumped, as he listened through headphones to the testimony of victims, including a woman from Belgium who lost her legs, and her husband, who needed brain surgery because of the attack.

Saipov turned down the chance to testify at trial. But during his 2019 pretrial hearing, he lectured Judge Vernon S. Broderick about the American legal system, insisting that he could not be judged for eight deaths when  thousands and thousands of Muslims are dying all over the world.

During closing arguments in the penalty phase on Tuesday, lawyers made a final appeal to jurors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Houle called for the death penalty for Saipovs unremorseful slaughter of innocent civilians.

Defense attorney David Patton urged a life sentence, saying his client then will die in prison in obscurity, not as a martyr, not as a hero to anyone.

Saipov came to the U.S. legally from Uzbekistan in 2010 and lived in Ohio and Florida before moving to Paterson, New Jersey.

His death penalty trial was the first of its kind in New York in a decade.

In 2007 and again in 2013, federal juries in Brooklyn sentenced to death a man who killed two New York police detectives, but both sentences were reversed on appeal before a judge ruled the killer was intellectually disabled.

In 2001, a Manhattan federal jury rejected the death penalty for two men convicted in the deadly bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa after their lawyers argued against making the defendants into martyrs.

The last time a person was executed for a federal crime in New York was in 1954.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NYC bike path attack trial: Jurors can't decide on death penalty
Inheritance can be a tricky subject, particularly because it involves all the emotions that come with a death in the family, dealing with inheritance tax and splitting what is left among multiple family members if the dearly departeds will is unclear.

But as complicated as they are for regular people, inheritance among the British royal family can be mysterious due to monarchs wills being sealed for decades after their death.

When Queen Elizabeth II died last September, her eldest son, the now-King Charles III, inherited more than just the Crown.

The exact value of how much Charles inherited is unclear, but at least one of the assets he was given is the Queens private estate, the Duchy of Lancaster, which is valued at more than 650 million.

But the King has reportedly stirred up some resentment among his younger siblings, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh over their late mothers inheritance.

Prince Andrew in particular is said to be in despair that Charles has not shared out the late Queens inheritance. As a non-working royal, he does not receive handouts from the Sovereign Grant to cover costs, unlike Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Heres everything you need to know about how inheritance works in the royal family.

Who inherits the Queens wealth?

King Charles is the sole beneficiary of the Queens wealth, including her 650 million estate.

On top of this, she amassed tens of millions of pounds in her own cash and assets, mainly from art and racehorses. While the true value of her wealth is not known, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated in 2011 that her private fortune was 370 million.

Why is there only one beneficiary?

In 1993, a deal was negotiated between the Crown and John Majors government in 1993 that effectively exempts the monarch from paying inheritance tax.

If this were not the case and the regular inheritance tax rule applied, Charles would have to pay 40 per cent inheritance tax on anything he inherits over a 325,000 threshold  which would have meant paying millions to the Treasury.

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However, the deal struck with Majors government was part of a Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation that states some royal assets are held by the monarch as Sovereign rather than as a private individual.

It says that it is therefore clearly inappropriate for inheritance tax to be paid in respect of such assets.

The memorandum also exempts the monarchs private property from inheritance tax when it is being passed down to the next sovereign.

In relation to assets which can be properly regarded as private, the arrangements provide that inheritance tax will not be paid on gifts or bequests from one Sovereign to the next, but will be payable on gifts and bequests to anyone else, it says.

Therefore, anything that Charles has inherited from his mother is not subject to inheritance tax.

Will Charles split the inheritance between his siblings?

It appears that the King has no intention of sharing his vast inheritance with his siblings.

King Charles III (front C), Princess Anne, Princess Royal (L), Prince Andrew, Duke of York (rear C) and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh (R), arrive to attend a Vigil at St Giles Cathedral, in Edinburgh, on September 12, 2022 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Anne and Edward are working royals and can rely on handouts from the Sovereign Grant.

But Andrew, who stepped down as a working royal in 2019 over his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, relies on the Kings generosity to fund his lifestyle.

The Mail on Sunday quoted a friend of the dukes as saying: Whats he meant to do? Go cap in hand to his older brother to keep a roof over his head? Its a disaster.

It comes after Andrew reportedly told friends that he may have to move out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor  where he has lived for nearly 20 years  if the King cuts his 249,000 annual allowance cut from April.

The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

What are the royal familys main sources of income?

The royal family have three main sources of income, which are the Crown estate, the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall.

The Crown estate, a real estate portfolio reportedly valued at around 15 billion, includes Buckingham Palace, the Royal Lodge, Windsor Castle and some other royal properties, as well as large parts of central London. In fact, the monarch is one of the largest property owners in the West End.

It also includes the seabed and half the foreshore around some parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

However, the royal family are not true owners of the Crown estate and act more like custodians of the portfolio. Profits from the estate go to the UK government, and a proportion of the income is returned to the royals in the form of the Sovereign Grant.

As mentioned before, the Duchy of Lancaster is estimated to be worth 650 million. The estate will pay the King an income of around 24 million, as it did the late Queen.

But before he ascended the throne, Charles enjoyed the Duchy of Cornwall as the former Prince of Wales. He has now passed this estate to his eldest son, Prince William.

The duchy covers more than 52,000 hectares of land across 20 counties in England and Wales. Its assets were valued at more than 1 billion in March 2022 and paid Charles an income of 21 million.
Donald Trump claimed Tucker Carlson does not hate him anymore just days after messages released as part of a defamation lawsuit against Fox News revealed that the conservative news network host said he passionately hated the former president.

The former president wrote on Monday on his Twitter-like social media platform Truth Social: He doesnt hate me, or at least, not anymore!

Last week, the messages which were the latest bombshell revelation in the $1.6bn (1.35bn) defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against the network, revealed that Carlson could not wait to ignore Mr Trump.

We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights, 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.

Court documents also revealed other disclosures in which Carlson called Mr Trump a demonic force, a destroyer.

He also labelled Mr Trumps campaign officials and attorneys as liars who were spreading offensive conspiracies about the election.

The messages were revealed just days after Carlson aired footage from the Capitol riot on Monday and Tuesday after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy handed over more than 40,000 hours of surveillance footage from the attack.

The footage does not show an insurrection or a riot in progress, Carlson was quoted as saying on the show by RSB Network.

Later, the White House condemned Fox Newss coverage saying that 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.
Donald Trump will not testify before a grand jury investigating the hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, according to his attorney.

Joe Tacopina told ABCs Good Morning America on Monday that Mr Trump has no plans to participate in the probe  as possible criminal charges against the former president loom.

We have no plans on participating in that proceeding, he said.

Decision needs to be made still. Theres been no deadline set, so well wait and see.

Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office invited Mr Trump to testify in the probe sometime this coming week.

While it was an invitation he was unlikely to accept, it sent the clearest signal to date that he could be criminally indicted for his role in the hush money payments to Ms Daniels.

Under New York law, a person has a right to appear before a grand jury before a prosecutor asks the grand jury to indict them on charges.

If prosecuted, Mr Trump would become the first former president in American history to face criminal charges.

Mr Tacopina told GMA that, while the former president is not planning to testify, one of his other attorneys Susan Necheles has met with prosecutors in the case.

He also hit out at DA Braggs office over what he described has an agenda against the former president.

Clearly this prosecutor and his prosecutors office has ... an agenda, he said.

Theyve scoured his personal life and business life for seven years to try to find something.

Instead of facing criminal charges, Mr Tacopina claimed that Mr Trump was in fact a victim of extortion.

I dont know since when weve decided to start prosecuting extortion victims, he said.

Hes vehemently denied this affair, but he had to pay money because there was going to be an allegation that was going to be publicly embarrassing, regardless of the campaign.

Mr Tacopina said that the hush money sent to the adult film star was not directly related to Mr Trumps presidential campaign and insisted that there was absolutely no false records made, to my knowledge of the payment.

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He made this with personal funds to prevent something coming out false but embarrassing to himself and his familys young son. Thats not a campaign finance violation, not by any stretch, he said.

He added: I expect justice to prevail. If thats the case... there shouldnt be an indictment.

Manhattan prosecutors have been investigating whether Mr Trump falsified the Trump Organizations business records when making a patent of $130,0000 to Ms Daniels days before the 2016 election.

Mr Trumps apparent decision to turn down the request from Manhattan prosecutors comes the same day that his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify as part of the investigation.

Two sources told The Associated Press that Cohen will appear before the Manhattan grand jury on Monday.
WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump probably will not testify before a New York City grand jury that is considering indicting him over hush money to an alleged former mistress, his attorney said Monday.

"We have no plans on participating in that proceeding," Trump attorney Joe Tacopina told ABC's "Good Morning America." "Decision needs to be made still. There's been no deadline set, so we'll wait and see."

A Manhattan grand jury is investigating the $130,000 that went to former porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election.

The Daniels case:Former Trump attorney Cohen to testify before NY grand jury in porn star hush money probe

By the book:Stormy Daniels: Her new book 'will blow your minds'

Michael Cohen, the former Trump attorney who made the payment, testified Monday for about three hours before the grand jury considering the case. His lawyer, Lanny Davis, said Cohen is expected to return Wednesday to continue his testimony.

The grand jury is investigating whether the hush money amounted to an improper campaign contribution and was planned in order to evade campaign finance laws.

Trump, who has denied an affair with Daniels, has protested the prospect of an indictment. On the Truth Social media site, he said recently that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg "only cares about 'getting Trump.'"

Tacopina also told ABC that he and another Trump attorney have met with prosecutors to make their case against any indictment.

In the ABC interview, Tacopina said the money paid to Daniels was in no way a campaign contribution: He (Trump) made this with personal funds to prevent something coming out false but embarrassing to himself and his family's young son. That's not a campaign finance violation, not by any stretch."

Bragg told MSNBC over the weekend that politics has nothing to do with it: We follow the facts. It doesnt matter what party you are, it doesnt matter your background. What did you do? And what does the law say?

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Running anyway:'I won't even think about leaving': Trump at CPAC says indictment wouldn't push him out of 2024 race

State of the race:'Freaks.' 'Big spenders.' Why 2024 GOP hopefuls Trump, Haley, DeSantis are ripping their own party

Donald Trump and Melania Trump

The Daniels case is one of several investigations looming over Trump, even as he pursues another campaign for the White House.

Trump also faces probes in Atlanta and Washington over his efforts to overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election and the subsequent insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump is also under investigation over his handling of classified documents.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump probably won't talk to grand jury in Stormy Daniels case: lawyer
Cyclone Freddy, packing powerful winds and torrential rain, killed at least 70 people in Malawi and Mozambique on its return to southern Africa's mainland, authorities said Monday. In total, the storm has so far killed at least 97 people.

More than 60 bodies were found during the day in southern Malawi where heavy downpours triggered flooding, according to the Red Cross.

"Sixty-six people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy," tweeted the humanitarian organization, which is helping with search and rescue operations.

66 people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has affected over 2115 by Monday 13 March. @MalawiGovt has confirmed through @DisasterDept. @MalawiRedCross is conducting Search and Rescue, First Aid and Hospital evacuation. pic.twitter.com/Wo4MU9HxS3  Malawi Red Cross Society (@MalawiRedCross) March 13, 2023

Four more died in neighboring Mozambique, local authorities said.

An assessment of the damage was still underway, with the Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Management saying the fallout from the storm's second landfall in the country was worse than expected.

"The number of affected people was above the forecast," agency head Luisa Meque said, adding the storm also struck areas that had been "deemed safe."

Freddy, a major cyclone on track to become the longest-lasting on record, barreled through southern Africa over the weekend for the second time within a few weeks, making a comeback after a first hit in late February.

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At its strongest point during its journey, the U.S. government's National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service said the cyclone was "equivalent to a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane." Freddy has recorded more energy over its lifetime than an entire typical U.S. hurricane season.

In Malawi, Blantyre city was badly impacted, with regional police spokeswoman Beatrice Mikuwa saying 36 bodies were recovered in the township of Chilobwe "which has been hit the most" with dozens of houses washed away.

"Rescue efforts are still underway but they are being hampered by the incessant rains," said Mikuwa.

Richard Duwa, 38, said his sister-in-law's family was swept away by flash floods.

"We got a call from the neighbors at around 5 a.m. to say that, 'Your relations have been washed away by the rains,'" Duwa, a government clerk, told AFP.

"Unfortunately, we have just recovered one body, a small boy, but the remaining four are not to be seen."

Malawi's government ordered schools in 10 southern districts to remain closed until Wednesday, with rains and winds expected to continue to batter the nation's south.

National carrier Malawi Airlines said all flights to Blantyre have been canceled until further notice after an inbound plane ran into the bad weather midflight and was forced back to the capital Lilongwe.

Freddy reached the landlocked country early Monday morning after sweeping through Mozambique over the weekend.

In Mozambique, at least three people died in Namacura, a town in the central Zambezia province, according to district head Moura Xavier.

One more was reported dead over the weekend, after a house collapsed in the nearby district of Zalala.

The death toll was expected to increase, as authorities worked to reach all affected areas.

"We are prioritizing rescuing people and removing the lifeless bodies. We don't have numbers," said Andre Tazingua, a fire service commander in Zambezia.

"The most important thing is the assistance we are providing and we will continue to work."

Guy Taylor, a spokesman for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, said rains had abated on Monday but the hard-hit Mozambique coastal city of Quelimane remained without access to clean running water.

Flooding affected parts of the city, he said.

"There's a lot of damage," Taylor said by phone. "In the more rural areas, many houses are completely destroyed."

On Sunday, the Red Cross in Malawi tweeted video of the raging Thuchira River that triggered flooding nearby.

Impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy being felt. Water levels are high in most southern districts' rivers. Below is Thuchira River at Kambenje, the boundary between Mulanje and Phalombe districts, down stream is flooding already, as the rains associated with wind continue pouring. pic.twitter.com/sVg82ODZ1e  Malawi Red Cross Society (@MalawiRedCross) March 12, 2023

According to the U.N. World Meteorological Organization, Freddy, which formed off northwestern Australia in the first week in February, was set to become the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record.

It crossed the entire southern Indian Ocean and blasted Madagascar starting February 21 before reaching Mozambique on February 24.

Following what meteorologists describe as a "rare" loop trajectory, Freddy then headed back toward Madagascar before moving once more toward Mozambique.

Upon its return it carried even stronger winds and rains, Taylor said.

In total, Freddy has so far killed at least 97 people  66 in Malawi, 14 in Mozambique and 17 in Madagascar.

The last cyclones to cross the entire southern Indian Ocean were Tropical Cyclones Leon-Eline and Hudah in 2000.

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Ryusuke Hamaguchis Drive My Car was awarded best feature at this years Asian Film Awards (March 12), along with prizes for best editing and best original music. The multiple award-winning Japanese film premiered at Cannes film festival in 2021 and also won the Oscar for Best International Feature last year.

Another Japanese filmmaker, Hirokazu Kore-eda, took best director for Broker, the Korean-language film that has also been on an awards streak since premiering at Cannes film festival last year.

More from Deadline

Best actress went to Chinese actress Tang Wei for her role in Korean director Park Chan-wooks Decision To Leave, while Hong Kongs Tony Leung Chiu-wai took best actor for Philip Yungs Where The Wind Blows and was also presented with the Asian Film Contribution Award. Decision To Leave was also awarded best screenplay, for a script written by Park and Chung Seo-kyung, as well as best production design.

Hio Miyazawa took best supporting actor for Japans Egoist and Kim So-jin was awarded best supporting actress for her role in Korean disaster film Emergency Declaration. See full list of winners below..

The awards, which were held at the recently-opened Hong Kong Palace Museum, have returned to the city after moving to Busan, South Korea, just before the pandemic, during which time they took place either online or in a hybrid format.

Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of the organizers of the awards, along with Busan International Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival. Before moving to Korea, the awards, now in their 16th edition, had been held in Hong Kong or Macau, usually around the same time as Filmart and HKIFF.

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ASIAN FILM AWARD 2023 WINNERS:

Best Film: Drive My Car (Japan)

Best Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda, Broker (Korea)

Best Actor: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Where The Wind Blows (Hong Kong)

Best Actress: Tang Wei, Decision To Leave (Korea)

Best Supporting Actor: Miyazawa Hio, Egoist (Japan)

Best Supporting Actress: Kim So-jin, Emergency Declaration (Korea)

Best New Director: Jigme Trinley, One And Four (China)

Best Newcomer: Mak Pui Tung, The Sparring Partner (Hong Kong)

Best Screenplay: Chung Seo-kyung, Park Chan-wook, Decision To Leave (Korea)

Best Editing: Yamazaki Azusa, Drive My Car (Japan)

Best Cinematography: Lu Songye, One And Four (China)

Best Original Music: Ishibashi Eiko, Drive My Car (Japan)

Best Costume Design: Karen Yip, Dora Ng, Anita (Hong Kong)

Best Production Design: Ryu Seong-hie, Decision To Leave (Korea)

Best Visual Effects: Warriors Of Future (Hong Kong)

Best Sound: Tu Duu-Chih, Anita (Hong Kong)

AFA Next Generation: Ji Cheong-wook

Excellence in Asian Cinema: Abe Hiroshi

Asian Film Contribution Award: Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Lifetime Achievement Award: Sammo Hung

Best of Deadline

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Click here to read the full article.
Photo: Contributed

You may think that receiving a tax refund is a good thing. After all, you're getting some money back, right?

However, getting a tax refund is not something you should aim for as it means that you did not do proper tax planning throughout the year. Here are several reasons why Canadians should never get a tax refund:

First and foremost, a tax refund means you gave the government an interest-free loan. When you receive a tax refund, it means you overpaid your taxes throughout the year. Instead of having that money in your pocket, you essentially lent it to the government interest-free.

This might not seem like a big deal, but it can add up over time. The money you overpaid could have been invested, earning interest or returns. Or it could have been used to pay down debt earlier and saved you on interest costs. By giving the government an interest-free loan, you're missing out on potential gains and/or savings.

Secondly, a tax refund can encourage bad financial habits. If you receive a large tax refund, you may be tempted to spend it on something you don't really need, like a new TV or a vacation. While it might be fun to splurge a little, this is not a smart financial decision.

Instead, you should have been using that money throughout the year to pay off debts or invest in your future. By relying on a tax refund to fund your lifestyle, you're not setting yourself up for long-term financial success.

Furthermore, a tax refund can be a sign of poor tax planning. If you consistently receive a tax refund year after year, it may be a sign that you're not properly planning your taxes. You may not be taking advantage of tax-saving opportunities or you may be underestimating your tax deductions. This can lead to unnecessary stress and financial hardship, especially if you're relying on that tax refund to cover expenses.

Lastly, a tax refund can delay your financial goals. If you're receiving a large tax refund, it means you're not getting your money until after tax season. This can delay your financial goals, such as paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or investing in your retirement. By having that money throughout the year, you can start working towards your financial goals earlier and make more progress.

When you file your taxes this spring, and if you get a refund, consider that a wakeup call to do some better tax planning for next year. Even more so if you got a refund last year too.

Aim to break even with your taxes by properly planning and taking advantage of tax-saving opportunities. By doing so, you can have more control over your finances and set yourself up for long-term financial success.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
East Point police are looking for the publics help in locating a disabled woman who went missing Saturday night.

Laranesha Emily Antwanice Duvall was last seen at 11 p.m. Saturday at 4498 Washington Road in East Point.

She suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Duvall, 23, is described as 5 4 tall, weighing approximately 140 lbs., with brown eyes and black long hair.

Her last known clothing description is not available.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police do not know if she is traveling in a vehicle or on foot.

If you see her or know of her whereabouts, please call 911 or East Point Police Department at 404-761-2177.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Veteran Hollywood actor Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter Hayden Carson Begley put their subway cards on full display after arriving at the Oscars champagne carpet on Sunday.

Begley, whose father won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1962, continued an Oscars tradition with his daughter as the two took the subway train to the ceremony.

Ed Begley Jr. (left) and Hayden Carson Begley arrive at the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Ed Begley Jr. (left) and Hayden Carson Begley arrive at the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The actor and his daughter reportedly have to walk from a nearby station to the Oscars, as the station under the venue is typically closed for the ceremony.

Taking the subway to the @TheAcademy Awards this year w daughter @HaydenBegley ...just like we did in 2014. @metrolosangelespic.twitter.com/k5ejLAkH4X  Ed Begley, Jr. (@edbegleyjr) March 1, 2018

Begley, a longtime environmental activist, has found other alternatives to using limos to attend the Oscars in the past.

He shared how he used a solar-charged electric vehicle to attend the Oscars in 2020.

Begley, rain and all, rode his bike to the Oscars while dressed up in his suit and bow tie in 2015.

Never mind the rain. I'm riding my bike to the @TheAcademy Awards. Pardon the helmet hair. pic.twitter.com/roVFW9qViG  Ed Begley, Jr. (@edbegleyjr) February 22, 2015

Related...
CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian authorities have been systematically refusing to provide or renew identity documents to dissidents, journalists and activists abroad in a crackdown on opposition that extends beyond Egypt's borders, Human Rights Watch said on Monday.

The U.S.-based group said it had interviewed 26 Egyptians living in countries including Turkey, Germany, Malaysia and Qatar last year, and had reviewed documents relating to nine of them.

Egypt's state press centre and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"By arbitrarily depriving its citizens abroad from obtaining valid passports and other identity documents, the Egyptian authorities are violating both the constitution and international human rights law," HRW said.

In Turkey, home to a large number of Egyptian opposition figures, Egypt's consulate requires applicants for almost all services to fill out unofficial forms with private details including the reasons they left Egypt and links to social media accounts, HRW said.

Those interviewed said it was "nearly impossible" to challenge refusals to provide documents, it added.

Egyptian authorities have conducted a far-reaching crackdown on political dissent under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who came to power after leading the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi in 2013.

Rights groups say tens of thousands, including Islamists and liberals, have been arrested and that the state has also targeted dissidents who moved abroad and in some cases their relatives still in Egypt.

Sisi and his supporters say the crackdown was needed to stabilise Egypt, denying that charges against dissidents are politically motivated and asserting that the judiciary acts independently.

Earlier this month, a state security court handed lengthy prison sentences to more than 20 people including rights defenders on terrorism-related charges, in a mass trial denounced by activists as unjust.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said last week that the sentences had been issued "in proceedings on questionable terrorism-related charges which also raised fair trial concerns".

(Reporting by Cairo bureau, additional reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva; Editing by Toby Chopra)
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk (left) said Starship may not reach orbit on its first attempt. That could mean it explodes, like previous Starship prototypes (right). Britta Pedersen-Pool/Getty Images ; SPadre.com

SpaceX received a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday to launch its Starship rocket to orbit. This license marked the last regulatory step between Starship and space.

The company spared no time in planning Starship's first orbital launch. Shortly after receiving the license, SpaceX tweeted that it was aiming to launch Starship as soon as Monday, April 17, kicking off CEO Elon Musk's ambitious scheme to eventually build an independent human settlement on Mars.

Musk has said that SpaceX is ready to launch Starship from its facilities in Boca Chica, Texas  an area the company calls "Starbase"  once it receives a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration.

As with any first launch, though, a small flaw in the rocket's intricate hardware or software engineering could easily make everything go wrong.

In an interview at the Morgan Stanley Conference on March 7, Musk said the rocket has a 1 in 2 chance of not reaching orbit.

"I'm not saying it will get to orbit, but I am guaranteeing excitement," he said, adding: "Won't be boring!"

"I think it's got, I don't know, hopefully about a 50% chance of reaching orbit," Musk said, adding that SpaceX is building multiple Starship rockets and that overall, there's about an 80% chance one of them will reach orbit this year.

If the history of Starship's suborbital test flights tells us anything, it's that a failure to reach orbit could mean the rocket blows up.

Starship has exploded before, but its future could be bright

From left to right: The SN8, SN9, and SN10 Starship prototypes exploded. Gene Blevins/Reuters; SPadre.com

If successful, the launch will prove the world's first fully reusable orbital rocket, setting the stage for SpaceX to revolutionize the orbital economy.

Starship and its 230 ft-tall booster, Super Heavy, are both designed to land themselves back on Earth to fly again another day.

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That's a major money-saving measure, since SpaceX would not have to build a new upper stage for every rocket launch. Starship is also designed to haul giant payloads into space, up to 250 metric tonnes of payload into orbit, up to 150 metric tonnes if the rocket is to be reused, per the SpaceX website.

This would increase efficiency to make it cheaper to send satellites, spacecraft, cargo, and people into Earth's orbit and beyond, to the moon and Mars.

Starship's promise of reusability and sheer flight power has made it attractive to NASA, which selected the vehicle to land its astronauts on the moon again for the first time since 1972. The agency aims to achieve that historic moon landing in the mid-2020s.

An illustration of SpaceX's Starship as a lander carrying NASA astronauts to the moon. SpaceX

First, though, Starship has to orbit Earth and return safely. Two years ago, SpaceX completed a series of test flights, launching Starship prototypes six miles into the air above Boca Chica.

The first four exploded, with only one sticking the landing before it blew up.

Finally, the fifth Starship prototype roared 33,000 feet into the air, cut its engines to plunge back toward Earth, then reignited them just in time to flip itself upright and lower gently onto the landing pad.

Starship hasn't flown since. Its first attempt to fly to orbit will be its biggest test yet.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jacob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," at the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021. Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

A Proud Boy wants to dismiss his seditious-conspiracy case based on Tucker Carlson's Jan. 6 footage.

The DOJ responded on Sunday that all of the footage was already provided during discovery.

Elon Musk previously suggested there was a miscarriage of justice by jailing the "QAnon Shaman."

Elon Musk called for the release of Jacob Chansley  better known as the "QAnon Shaman"  after Tucker Carlson aired surveillance footage of the January 6 riot and suggested there was some miscarriage of justice by jailing the Capitol rioter. The Justice Department begs to differ.

In a 10-page court filing submitted Sunday, the DOJ said none of Carlson's footage  with the exception of 10 seconds of video that "implicated an evacuation route"  was withheld during the discovery process in Chansley's case. Prosecutors added that the footage aired on Carlson's show last week was taken out of context and that it only contained four minutes of video showing Chansley.

The court filing was in response to a motion by attorneys representing Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola, who is being charged with seditious conspiracy.

Pezzola's lawyers argued the "shocking" Carlson footage was "plainly exculpatory; as it establishes that the Senate chamber was never violently breached," and accused federal prosecutors of withholding footage.

Chansley's former attorney, Albert Watkins, also said that he had not seen the footage aired on Carlson's show, The Washington Post reported.

The DOJ, in its filing, retorted that the footage was "not shocking, and it was not withheld from Pezzola (or Chansley, in any material respect, for that matter)."

Prosecutors said the televised footage only showed Chansley's movements from around 2:56 p.m. to 3 p.m., leaving out the moments Chansley breached a police line around 2:09 p.m., entered the Capitol building, and "faced off" with Capitol police members "for more than thirty minutes in front of the Senate Chamber doors while elected officials, including the Vice President of the United States, were fleeing from the chamber," the filing stated.

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"Chansley then entered the Senate Gallery, where he proceeded to scream obscenities while other rioters rifled through the desks of US Senators," the DOJ wrote.

In a statement to Insider, Watkins said "the assertion was erroneous."

"In the weeks prior to the plea repeated requests were made to make sure we had all the video footage," Watkins wrote in an email. "In response, (Assistant US Attorney Kimberly Paschall) produced a number of videos, some of which were produced just prior to the plea, necessitating an in-person visit with Jake where he was confined to show him the footage prior to finalizing his decision to enter into the plea deal."

He added that the court was "not aware of this footage" and wanted to note that Chansley was diagnosed with "a mental health issue of significance fifteen years" before the day of the riot.

The DOJ filing stated that all of the footage was provided in discovery to Pezzola and Chansley by September 24, 2021, which is about three weeks after Chansley pled guilty but more than a month before he was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November.

Lawyers for Pezzola did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Several outlets, including The Associated Press and Politifact, have noted that Carlson left out critical context during his segment. But that hasn't deterred Republican pundits and leaders from claiming that the footage somehow exonerates the rioters.

"Jacob Chansley deserves a retrial," Marjorie Taylor Greene said on Twitter. "All he did was nonviolently walk through the Capital wearing a costume while being escorted by Capital Police."

Musk also chimed in and said that, although he's "not part of MAGA," he does "believe in fairness of justice" and wrote on Twitter to "Free Jacob Chansley."

Musk did not return a request for comment. "Our team's review of available surveillance footage of Mr. Chansley is consistent with our reporting," Tucker Carlson Tonight senior executive producer Justin Wells said in a statement.

Some Republicans condemned Carlson's portrayal of the January 6 attack.

After Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said in a letter that Carlson was spreading "offensive and misleading conclusions," Sen. Mitch McConnell on Tuesday told reporters he wanted to "associate myself entirely with the opinion of the chief of the Capitol Police about what happened on January 6."

Read the original article on Business Insider
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The writing-and-directing duo the Daniels won three Oscars apiece on a dominant night for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

In victories that were entirely expected Sunday but might have seemed like a sci-fi fantasy a year ago, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won Academy Awards for best director and best original screenplay, two of seven won by their multiversal dramedy. The Daniels topped talented fields that included Hollywood royalty Steven Spielberg in both categories.

And they each get to take home a best picture Oscars as producers of the film.

There is greatness in every single person, Kwan said as he accepted best director. It doesnt matter who we are. There is genius in every single person, you just have to find it. Thank you to the people who unlocked my genius.

But Kwan assured his young son he would not foist similar expectations on him.

This is not normal, this is kind of crazy, he said. I will love you no matter what.

The Daniels came into the night the favorites for the directing Oscar, and " Everything Everywhere All at Once, the top nominee with 11, had immense awards season momentum. It also won best actress for Michelle Yeoh, best supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan and best supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis.

Scheinert dedicated the director Oscar to all the mommies in the world, and to his own parents.

Thank you for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films or really perverted comedy films or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody, he said.

When they won for screenplay, Scheinert railed off the names of his favorite school teachers, saying, you guys all inspired me and taught me to be less of a butthead.

And Kwan said my impostor syndrome is at an all-time high. He called Scheinert my confidence. He is the person who told me I was a storyteller before I believed it.

Each 35 years old, the Daniels were the youngest and least experienced filmmakers in a group of directing nominees that also included 76-year-old Spielberg (The Fabelmans), 48-year-old Ruben Ostlund (Triangle of Sadness) 59-year-old Todd Field (Tar) and 52-year-old Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin).

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Their wins come almost exactly a year after the films release. The Daniels only previous feature was the oddball dead-body comedy Swiss Army Man. At the time it might have seemed a pipedream that such a pair would win the best director Oscar that has eluded star filmmakers from Alfred Hitchcock to Ridley Scott to Quentin Tarantino.

But Everything Everywhere, which mixed the same kind of strangeness with elements of Hollywood sci-fi and action epics, stirred buzz - and inspired memes - from the start and became a magnet for awards in recent months.

Kwan becomes the third winner of Asian descent to win a directing Oscar. Chloe Zhao and Bong Joon also won the prize. The film was a boon for Asian actors, who were cast in most of the major roles, including Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan, all of whom got Oscar nominations, with Quan and Yeoh winning and Hsu losing to castmate Curtis.

The Daniels are the third directing duo to win an Oscar. Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise won for the original West Side Story in 1962, and brothers Joel and Ethan Coen won for No Country for Old Men in 2008.

They are also among the youngest to win the award. La La Land director Damien Chazelle was the youngest at 32 in 2017.

Last month they won the Directors Guild of America Award, which has proven to be a strong predictor of Oscar victory.

Spielberg had once been expected to cruise through awards season with his autobiographical The Fabelmans, but the late surge in affection for Everything Everywhere All at Once proved too much.

Scheinert, from Birmingham, Alabama, and Kwan, from Westborough, Massachusetts, met while studying film at Emerson College in Boston.

They began their career making music videos before moving on to features, occasionally directing episodes of television.

There were no female directors nominated in the category. After two years of trend-bucking with back-to-back wins for women in the category, the Academy returned to its historic norm of nominating male directors only.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
(AFP via Getty Images)

WhatsApp has sparked new fears that it could be banned in the UK as the Online Safety Bill heads into law.

The company has made clear that it will not comply with any requests to weaken its security from the UK government.

And it fears those requests could be made under the new legislation which could be heading back to parliament this summer.

WhatsApp  and other messaging platforms, such as Signal  have urged the UK government to protect the encryption technology that ensures their messages stay secure as they are sent.

Without them, the service could end up being illegal in the country, they have warned. It could lead to a situation where it might very soon be illegal to message friends on WhatsApp.

What is the point of the Online Safety Bill?

The legislation attempts to address what ministers claim are a host of dangers that are posed by the internet, to both adults and children. That includes content that is illegal  such as child sexual abuse and terrorism  as well as harmful content such as pornography and bullying.

Much of that will be achieved by putting more responsibility on technology platforms for the kind of content they host. They will be required to stop such content from appearing, or remove it quickly when it does, for instance.

It has proven controversial in a variety of ways, including the extra powers it gives to regulator Ofcom over technology platforms. But chief among those controversies is the worry about encryption.

What is encryption?

Encryption really just means encoding information so that it can only be read by people with a code. It has been used for centuries and it has been an important and sometimes controversial part of computing for decades.

It protects everything from internet banking information as it is sent over the internet to the data stored on peoples phones.

But the really controversial bit at the moment  and for the past few years  is end-to-end encryption in messaging services. That works by ensuring that only the sender and recipient of a message (or really their devices) have the key that can open a message, and so only they can read them.

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Because it is end-to-end, that encryption keeps even the services themselves from reading messages. That in turn means they cannot give those messages over to anybody else, such as law enforcement.

What does encryption have to do with the Online Safety Bill?

If social media platforms are going to be required to act on the content that is being shared on them, then they need to know what it is. But the point of end-to-end encryption is precisely that those platforms cant see that content.

The Online Safety Bill doesnt explicitly ban or limit encryption, and the government has given statements indicating that it supports the technology. But critics have argued that should be explicitly written into the legislation, which it is not.

And so platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal fear that they will be subject to demands to hand over that content or to otherwise look at what their users are sharing. The only way to do that would be to weaken their security.

They have made clear that they will refuse to do that, and therefore put them on a collision course with the government. That is where the threat of a ban has come from.

How would a ban actually happen?

Nobody really knows for sure: at the moment it is more a warning or a danger than it is a concrete scenario. But that doesnt mean that companies and the government are not necessarily practically planning for it, at least behind the scenes.

In reality, it would take a long time before a ban would actually be required. First off, regulators would make a request with a technology notice, which WhatsApp and Meta would have to turn down, at which point penalties would be on the table.

The legislation gives authorities the ability to impose large fines on people and companies that do not comply with those technology notices. It is at this point that Meta would have the option of continuing to operate in the UK, or leave so that it is no longer under the jurisdiction of the law.

WhatsApp would still presumably be accessible at that point: it is a global service, and in practice is available anywhere with an internet connection, and it has suggested that it would not restrict the service from the UK even if it was forced to leave.

It would be at that point that the government could take the decision to restrict the app, by blocking citizens connections to it, as has happened in countries such as Iran.

Even at that point, the app would probably still be accessible: in those countries where it has been blocked, users are still able get online, through a variety of tricks such as virtual private networks. But WhatsApp has stressed that it still sees this as a problem.

As such, a whole set of steps are required before a ban would actually go into effect, and there is no firm indication that anyone involved is actually considering it. The government might also be wary about imposing such a ban given so much of the UKs establishment runs on the app.

But WhatsApp warns that it would be possible, and that therefore the legislation needs to include more specific language to rule it out.
An environmental activist died after raising hands and being shot from head to toe by police nearly two months ago near Atlanta, the person's family and attorneys said Monday.

The activist known as Tortuguita, whose full name is Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, suffered 14 gunshot wounds on Jan. 18, family attorneys said.

Tortuguita, 26, was at a peaceful protest and occupation of the South River Forest when gunfire erupted, loved ones have said.

Manuel was shot so many times and by different firearms that the tracks of the bullets running through the body converge and intersect," attorney Brian Spears told reporters, citing an autopsy commissioned by the family. "The autopsy identified 14 separate gunshot injuries."

The autopsy, conducted by a former state medical examiner, Dr. Kris Sperry, showed the fatal wound was a shot through Tortuguita's right eye, along with other wounds to the left upper chest, abdomen, arms and leg, lawyers said.

Tortuguita identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns.

"The gunshot to the head would have killed them instantly but probably ... not before they were able to raise their hands and arms in front of their body," Spears said.

Police entered the forest on Jan. 18 in an effort to clear the area of activists, who had camped out there.

The GBI claims that Tortuguita shot and injured a state trooper before officers returned fire. However, theres no body camera video of the shooting of the trooper, the state agency has said.

The Atlanta Police Department plans to build an 85-acre training facility in the forest, which is just southeast of city limits.

But environmental groups oppose those construction plans, claiming it would destroy a tree canopy, harm habitat for amphibians and migratory birds and lead to urban flooding.

The conflict surrounding Cop City has been simmering for about two years. Tortuguita was shot during a protest against the police facility.

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A representative for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation could not immediately be reached for comment Monday. An Atlanta police spokesperson declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation over the confrontation.

Tortuguita's mother, Belkis Teran, and her lawyers said state investigators have been slow to release any information.

I try to be strong, to continue Manuel's legacy, the grieving mother said. "For the love of my family and for all of those who loved Manuel, I want answers for my childs homicide. Im asking for answers to my childs homicide."

In the confrontation that ended in Tortuguitas death, seven others were arrested.

The forest was being cleared in an unprecedented crackdown against the protesters. The police went to the forest that morning planning for violence, said Jeff Filipovits, another family attorney.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Key Insights

Shell's estimated fair value is UK28.39 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

With UK25.45 share price, Shell appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

Analyst price target for SHEL is US$29.29, which is 3.2% above our fair value estimate

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Shell plc (LON:SHEL) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Shell

Crunching The Numbers

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. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$33.6b US$29.5b US$27.4b US$22.3b US$22.2b US$22.2b US$22.3b US$22.4b US$22.6b US$22.7b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x13 Analyst x13 Analyst x7 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Est @ -0.02% Est @ 0.33% Est @ 0.58% Est @ 0.75% Est @ 0.87% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 11% US$30.3k US$24.0k US$20.1k US$14.8k US$13.2k US$11.9k US$10.8k US$9.8k US$8.9k US$8.1k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$152b

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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. 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 (1.2%) 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 11%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$23b (1 + 1.2%)  (11% 1.2%) = US$236b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$236b ( 1 + 11%)10= US$84b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$236b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK25.4, the company appears about fair value at a 10% 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

Important 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. 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 Shell 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 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.396. 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 Shell

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded its 5-year average.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Oil and Gas industry.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Oil and Gas market.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Significant insider buying over the past 3 months.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Shell, we've compiled three further items you should assess:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Shell (at least 1 which can't be ignored) , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for SHEL's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every 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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Photo: The Canadian Press

Ontario's highest court is set to hear appeals of the two men convicted of the high-profile murders of Tim Bosma and Laura Babcock.

Dellen Millard is also appealing his 2018 conviction for murdering his father, Wayne Millard before the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Millard was to be ineligible for parole for 75 years and Mark Smich for 50 years after judges imposed consecutive sentences.

But the two men will be entitled to reduced sentences after the Supreme Court ruled last year those types of stacked parole ineligibility periods amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

As a result, Millard and Smich will qualify for a reduced 25-year period of parole ineligibility, barring a successful appeal of their convictions.

The hearings before the three-judge panel are scheduled to last all week.
Ukrainian defender in the area of Bakhmut

Read also: Casualties reported as Russians shell village in Sumy Oblast

During an informal meeting in Stockholm on March 7-8, EU defense ministers supported the proposal of the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, to use EUR 1 billion from the European Peace Fund for immediate supply of ammunition to Ukraine from existing stocks. Borrell also said that another 1 billion euros could be used for the joint purchase of artillery shells. Bloombergs source reported that the volume of supply from EU stocks is unclear, and its unknown if it will be enough to fill Kyivs needs.

Estonia stated that on average, Ukraine uses 60,000 to 210,000 shells per month, while the European defense industry can only produce 25,000 shells per month. At the same time, Russias forces fire 20,000-60,000 artillery rounds per day.

Read also: Casualties reported as Russians shell village in Sumy Oblast

According to Bloombergs source, EU countries havent yet decided how much additional funds they are ready to allocate this year and how these funds will be structured. Some countries believe that compulsory funding should be proportional to the size of the economy of each member state, others want contributions to be voluntary. EU leaders are scheduled to meet in Brussels on March 23-24.

On March 8, EU ambassadors approved an additional EUR 2 billion for the European Peace Fund.

Read also: Russian diplomats with special service ties expelled from EU now working in Serbia  RFE/RL

According to the Financial Times, Ukraine has previously asked the EU to send 250,000 artillery rounds to the Armed Forces of Ukraine every month in order to reduce shell shortage.

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
Hunter Schafers Oscars after-party look was as light as a feather.

The Euphoria star, 24, sported a daring ensemble at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, featuring a bodice in the shape of a feather, held in place by a thin white strap.

Hunter Schafer at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images)

She completed the look with a silky, slip-like white skirt.

Schafer kept the rest of her ensemble simple, wearing her hair down in waves and sporting minimal jewelry.

The look was from the autumn/winter 2023 collection of Belgian label Ann Demeulemeester, and styled by celebrity stylist Law Roach.

Hunter Schafer at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Nina Prommer / EPA)

Zendaya, for one, was a huge fan of her Euphoria co-stars after-party outfit.

STUNNING, she commented on Roachs Instagram photo of Schafers look, later adding multiple heart-eye emoji.

Katy Perry also shared her appreciation, commenting simply, ATE.

Schafer, who has modeled for brands including Mugler, Prada and Marc Jacobs, is known for her striking style.

Hunter Schafer at the Mugler x Hunter Schafer during Paris Fashion Week on March 06, 2023 in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki / Getty Images)

Earlier this month, she gave off Catwoman vibes in a glittery, black bodysuit with an oversized blue bow at Paris Fashion Week.

Hunter Schafer at the 25th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards on February 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. (Unique Nicole / FilmMagic)

In February, she looked stunning in a two-piece white gown with a sheer overlay at the Costume Designers Guild Awards in Los Angeles.

Hunter Schafer at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Karwai Tang / Getty Images)

At last years Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, she wore a floor-length, distressed denim gown.

Hunter Schafer at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

She also sported a joyful look at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, featuring a metallic bodice and plenty of rainbow fringe.

Hunter Schafer at The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at the MET on September 13, 2021 in NYC. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images)

Schafers bold look at the 2021 Met Gala was a conversation starter. She sported a cropped silver dress, and accessorized with a glittery tarantula on her face.

The Euphoria stars feather-inspired outfit was just one of the many stunning looks at the 95th Academy Awards.

Rihanna (Jordan Strauss / AP)

Rihanna walked the red carpet in a black leather dress with a sheer panel that showed off her baby bump.

Image: 95th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals (Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

Melissa McCarthy was also a vision in vibrant red.

Image: 95th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals (Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

Best actress winner Michelle Yeoh also looked gorgeous in a feathery Dior gown.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Rich Polk / Variety via Getty Images

There was no way to dodge slap jokes at the Oscars.

Last year, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the ceremony, and this year's host, Jimmy Kimmel, brought it up several times.

During his opening monologue, Kimmel quickly discouraged similar incidents by way of several jokes. He said anyone who participated in an act of violence would receive a Best Actor Oscar and be given the opportunity to give a 19-minute-long speech. This was a nod to Smith's tearful five-minute Best Actor speech last year where he apologized to the Academy for his behavior.

Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

But, seriously, the Academy has a crisis team in place, Kimmel said. If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year: nothing. Sit here and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug. Last year, Denzel Washington and Bradley Cooper comforted Smith shortly after he slapped Rock.

Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Following last years ceremony, Smith attended Vanity Fairs afterparty, where he clutched his Oscar while singing and dancing to his song Gettin' Jiggy Wit It."

Kimmel also warned audience members during his monologue not to come onstage and threaten him, noting that he's protected by action stars in the room like Michael B. Jordan, Pedro Pascal, Michelle Yeoh, and Andrew Garfield.

If any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to come up here and get jiggy with it, its not going to be easy. There are a few of my friends youre going to have to get through first. You're gonna have to get through the heavyweight champ, Adonis Creed, before you get to me, Kimmel said before the telecast cut to a shot of Jordan, who stars in the Creed film franchise.

Kimmel referenced the slap again when announcing the presenters for Best Documentary Feature, which was the category Rock presented last year when Smith took the stage and slapped him. This year, Riz Ahmed and Questlove presented the award to the film Navalny.

The next category is documentary feature, which as you may recall, is where things went off the rails last year. Hopefully, tonight it goes off without a hitch. Or at least without Hitch, Kimmel said, referencing Smiths 2005 rom-com Hitch.

Story continues

Nearly two hours into the show, Kimmel offered another nod to last years incident, joking about how long the show was going.

This point of the show kind of makes you miss the slapping, huh? Kimmel said.

At the end of the show, Kimmel made his last reference to last years slap. While exiting the stage, he walked toward a sign that read:  Number of Oscars Telecasts Without Incident .

He switched the number from 000 to 001.

More on this
By Charlotte Bruneau

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein's trial in 2005, two years after he was ousted by a U.S.-led invasion, was a chance for Ali Hassan al-Haidari to avenge the execution of his brothers and others from his village who were killed by the Iraqi dictator's security forces.

"Every victim of Saddam Hussein was waiting for this moment," said Haidari, one of the few people who was ready to show his face when giving testimony to the court that sent the former Iraqi strongman to the gallows.

"The one oppressed during Saddam's time was now standing there and asking for the rights of the oppressed," said Haidari, who was detained and tortured for four years when security forces rounded up people from his village of Dujail following a failed assassination bid in 1982 on the Iraqi autocrat.

Seven of his brothers were among those killed in the security sweep after the attempt on Saddam's life as his convoy passed by. Haidari was 14 when he was detained.

Prosecutors said more than 140 people from the Shiite Muslim farming village that lies about 60 km (35 miles) north of Baghdad, were hunted down, tortured and killed. They said women and children were sent to a desert internment camp. Many disappeared.

A video from the trial showed Haidari standing with Saddam behind him and telling the judges: "He is responsible for my detention, for losing my future, for executing my brothers".

Allowing his face to be broadcast on television carried risks. "I was under special security measures when going out and my movements were limited," he said.

When he was sentenced, Saddam shouted: "Long live the people. Long live the nation. Down with the agents."

Iraq was plunged into turmoil after Saddam, a Sunni Muslim, was toppled. Al Qaeda waged an insurgency, often targeting members of Haidari's Shi'ite faith. Civil war flared from 2006 to 2008, and in 2014 Islamic State captured a third of Iraq.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most influential Shi'tie cleric, issued a religious decree calling on Iraqis to fight against Islamic State. Haidari signed up for a fight that eventually saw the militant group and its caliphate collapse.

(Editing by Michael Georgy and Edmund Blair)
CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS

With its Best Picture win, Everything Everywhere All At Once has officially swept the 95th Academy Awards. The A24-produced action film took home seven of its 11 nominations, including three of the four acting categories, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

There is no movie without our brilliant and big-hearted cast and crew. Not just these beautiful souls here, producer Jonathan Wang said in his acceptance speech, pointing to the Oscars audience, as well as those up there and in Little Tokyo. We see you. This award is ours!

Oscars 2023: The Full List of Winners

Wang continued: This is for my dad, who, like so many immigrant parents, died young. He is so proud of me, not because of this, but because we made this movie with what he taught me to dowhich is, no person is more important than profits. No one is more important than anyone else.

This was the last of several rousing awards the Everything Everywhere crew gave tonight. Earlier in the evening, Ke Huy Quan won the award for Best Supporting Actor and Jamie Lee Curtis pulled off an upset of Angela Bassett in the Best Supporting Actress Category. Just before the film received the biggest accolade of the night, Michelle Yeoh beat fellow frontrunner Tars Cate Blanchett for the Best Actress title.

Jonathan Wang celebrates his dad in his winning speech for Best Picture. I am swelling with happiness right now! #EEAAO #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Fx0cLZSQCm   stevie wong  (@wongie1) March 13, 2023

Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who go by The Daniels, also won for Best Director and Original Screenplay, with Paul Rogers winning for Best Editing.

Story continues

Weve said enough tonight, Kwan said, accepting the Best Picture statuette. One of the things that I realized, growing up, is that one of the best things we can do for each other is shelter each other from the chaos of this crazy world we live in.

Fans of Everything Everywhere rushed to social media to celebrate the win, spotlighting the teams speech and sharing screencaps of the film in honor of its win. Folks were especially excited that Harrison Ford got to hand his Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom co-star Ke Huy Quan his Oscar.

Harrison Ford handing the Oscar to Ke Huy Quan as #EEAAO wins Best Picture! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/KBUK9Cipvn  Letterboxd (@letterboxd) March 13, 2023

This is the reaction from the Oscars watch party in the Bay Area when Everything Everywhere All at Once wins for Best Picture.  #eeaao pic.twitter.com/QnFiz376Nz  Gia Vang (@Gia_Vang) March 13, 2023

"The Only Thing I Do Know Is That We Have To Be Kind. Please, Be Kind."  Waymond Wang



Tell your stories. Keep believing. My heart is so full.



This is just the beginning. #EEAAO #Oscars https://t.co/nNm4cUNn9N  William Yu  (@its_willyu) March 13, 2023

There are going to be lengthy studies about how a movie as wonderfully weird and singular as #EEAAO became the toast of the #Oscars A delightful and unexpected surprise.  Alonso Duralde  (@ADuralde) March 13, 2023

Everything Everywhere All At Once has now become the second A24-produced movie to win Best Picture, following Moonlights win in 2017. The popular mega-indie distributor has also earned Best Picture nods for Minari, Lady Bird, and Room. But Everything Everywhere All At Once has just become its most Oscar-decorated filmand a broader history-making winner as well.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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[Source]

Everything Everywhere All at Once ("EEAAO") has won several Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award.

On Sunday night at Los Angeles' Dolby Theater, A24s mind-bending sci-fi multiverse dramedy notably won seven of its 11 nominations.

The hit film, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert  collectively known as the Daniels  beat nine other nominees for Best Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, The Fabelmans, Tar, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness and Women Talking.

During "EEAAO"'s Best Picture acceptance speech, producer Jonathan Wang dedicated the highly coveted award to his father, who, like so many immigrant parents, died young.

More from NextShark: American 'Squid Game'? Creator says the game is global and universe expansion talks are 'ongoing'

Hes so proud of me," Wang said. "Not because of this, but because we made this movie with what he taught me to do, which is no person is more important than profits, and no one is more important than anyone else. And these weirdos right here supported me in doing that.

Michelle Yeoh also made history at the award ceremony by becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Actress.

More from NextShark: New documentary 'Get Back' proves Yoko Ono did not break up the Beatles

She made history in January by becoming the first Asian-identifying woman to be nominated for an Oscar.

After receiving a standing ovation, Yeoh, 60 dedicated her win to her mother, whom she described as a superhero. During her acceptance speech, she also shared a positive message addressed to young viewers.

For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility, Yeoh said. And ladies, don't let anyone ever tell you you are past your prime."

More from NextShark: 'Parasite' Becomes First Korean Film to Win at the Golden Globes

The Malaysian actor beat several other notable names, including Cate Blanchett (Tar"), Ana de Armas (Blonde"), Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie) and Michelle Williams (The Fablemans").

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Ke Huy Quan also received a standing ovation after winning Best Supporting Actor.

More from NextShark: K-pop boy group ATBO make their debut with EP The Beginning: 

My mom is 84 years old and she's at home watching, an emotional Quan, 51, said during his acceptance speech. Mom, I just won an Oscar!"

My journey started on a boat," he shared. "I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I can't believe this is happening to me. This is the American dream."

With his latest win, Quan is now the second actor of Asian descent to win this award, the first being Haing Ngor, a Chinese Cambodian refugee who won for his role in Roland Joffe's 1984 film The Killing Fields. He is the first actor born in Vietnam to win an Oscar.

I owe everything to the love of my life, my wife Echo, who month after month, year after year for 20 years told me that one day, one day my time will come," he declared. "Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive."

Other actors nominated for Best Supporting Actor include Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin"), Brian Tyree Henry (Causeway) and Judd Hirsch (The Fabelmans").

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis took home Best Supporting Actress.

The 64-year-old actor, who went viral in January for her energetic reaction to Yeoh's first Golden Globe win, beat other stars to win the award, including Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) Hong Chau ("The Whale"), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) and EEAAO co-star Stephanie Hsu.

Outside of acting, the Daniels took home the Best Director award, beating other directors such as Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin), Todd Field (Tar), Ruben Ostlund (Triangle of Sadness) and Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans).

The director duo's latest win came just over three weeks after they received the Directors Guild of Americas top award on Feb. 18.

"EEAAO," which was written by the Daniels, also won Best Writing (Original Screenplay), beating The Banshees of Inisherin (written by Martin McDonagh), Tar (written by Todd Field), Triangle of Sadness (written by Ruben Ostlund) and The Fabelmans" (written by Spielberg and Tony Kushner).

Lastly, Paul Rogers, the editor of EEAAO, won Best Film Editing.

Rogers has previously worked on projects such as the 2016 TV series The Eric Andre Show and the music video for DJ Snake and Lil Jon's 2013 song "Turn Down for What. He beat several other editors, including Mikkel E.G. Nielsen (The Banshees of Inisherin), Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond ("Elvis"), Monika Willi ("Tar") and Eddie Hamilton ("Top Gun: Maverick").
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - Evoqua Water Technologies Corp will pay an $8.5 million fine to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)charges that the water treatment company used improper accounting to fraudulently inflate revenue in 2017 and 2018, including during its initial public offering.

The SEC said on Monday that its civil settlement with the Pittsburgh-based company also resolves charges against Imran Parekh, a former finance director at its Neptune Benson unit and the "ultimate decision maker" within his group.

Evoqua was accused of recognizing revenue too early from the sale of filtration products through alleged improper accounting for "bill-and-hold" transactions, where companies bill for products that are delivered on a later date.

According to the SEC, Rhode Island-based Neptune improperly recognized revenue in connection with at least 120 transactions, and Evoqua reported nearly $12 million of extra expected revenue in filings related to its Nov. 2017 IPO.

Parekh allegedly faced internal pressure after one of his bosses sent a Sept. 1, 2017 email about the need to meet financial targets "as the timing for the IPO gets firmed up and the company wants to demonstrate a solid performance," the SEC said.

The SEC said Parekh agreed to an injunction against further securities law violations, and will be subject to a civil fine and disgorgement.

Evoqua said it cooperated with the SEC, and settled based on its "strong desire" to put the matter behind it. Parekh declined to comment.

Both settlements require approval by a federal judge in Rhode Island, where the case was filed. Neither defendant admitted or denied wrongdoing.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Chris Prentice in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
BOSTON (AP)  Accusations of political violence and terror have followed a former Haitian mayor all the way to a Boston courtroom, where a civil trial began Monday that shines a light on the wider issue of bloodshed and unaccountability in the Caribbean nation's politics.

Attorneys painted widely different pictures of Jean Morose Viliena during opening arguments in U.S. District Court in Boston. Those included claims of a killing, torture and arson  or a successful mayor who helped improve the town of Les Irois in the late 2000s.

Viliena, who now lives in Massachusetts, is being sued by three Haitian citizens who say they or their relatives were persecuted by him and his political allies.

The suit was filed under the Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991, which allows civil lawsuits to be filed in the U.S. against foreign officials who allegedly committed torture or extrajudicial killing  if all legal avenues in their home country have been exhausted. It was filed by the Center for Justice and Accountability in San Francisco.

The defense said Viliena was not involved in violence and increased services while leading Les Irois, a town of around 22,000 people on Haiti's westernmost tip, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the capital Port-au-Prince.

Viliena's attorney, Peter Haley told the 12-person jury during opening statements about a farmer's son who got an education, ran for mayor in 2006 and brought more paved roads, a medical clinic, waste pickup and a better education system  all lacking before his election.

Viliena is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., and he moved to the Boston suburb of Malden in 2009, drives a truck and is a very productive member of the community, Haley said.

Bonnie Lau, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told the jury that Viliena violently suppressed and intimidated his political foes, even after he moved to the U.S.

This case is about murder, torture, arson and abuse of power, Lau told the jurors

Story continues

The plaintiffs  David Boniface, Juders Yseme, and Nissandere Martyr  lodged legal complaints against Viliena in Haiti, but he was ultimately released and never tried.

Lau said they are bringing suit in the U.S. because they were failed by the corrupt Haitian justice system.

Its not the first time a former Haitian official has gone before an American court to answer for alleged wrongdoing in their homeland. In 2006, a New York judge ordered former Haitian strongman Emmanuel Toto Constant to pay $19 million in damages to three women who said they were gang-raped by paramilitary soldiers under his command.

Viliena was elected as a candidate for the Haitian Democratic and Reform Movement and was backed by the Committee for Resistance in Grande-Anse, which according to the lawsuit dominates regional politics through patronage, threats and armed violence.

Armed paramilitary groups that ally themselves with particular political parties and candidates and function above the law are commonplace in Haiti, said Robert Maguire, an adjunct professor at George Washington University and Haiti expert who testified on behalf of the plaintiffs.

The paramilitary groups provide muscle for the politicians, he said, and in return get material rewards such as motorcycles, jobs, government posts and access to power.

They act with impunity because of Haitis weak government and justice system.

When theres no police or judiciary to keep you in check, you feel like you can act like you wish, he said.

Haley, the defense attorney, pushed back, asking Maguire if he was in Les Irois at the time of the alleged violence, and Maguire acknowledged he had never been to the town.

The plaintiffs allege that in 2007 Viliena  a loyalist of former Haitian President Michel Martelly  began a campaign of persecution against Boniface, a supporter of the political opposition, after he tried to defend a neighbor who Viliena allegedly assaulted for piling garbage in the street

Viliena allegedly led a group of men armed with guns, machetes and clubs to Bonifaces home. In Boniface's absence, his younger brother, Eclesiaste Boniface, was dragged out of the house and fatally shot by one of Vilienas men, the lawsuit says.

They left his body on the street all night to send a message, Lau said.

The suit also alleges that Viliena and his men beat and shot Yseme and Martyr at a community radio station in 2008. Yseme was blinded in one eye, while Martyr lost a leg, according to the suit.

Nissage Martyr has since died and his son has taken his place as a plaintiff.

The plaintiffs also allege that Viliane's allies burned down dozens of homes occupied by his political opponents in 2009. Even though Viliena was not present during the arson, his allies acted on his orders, Lau said.

The suit seeks unspecified damages.
[Source]

The former president of the Japanese inn that was found to have a communal bath with bacteria levels 3,700 times over the standard limit has died in a suspected suicide.

Makoto Yamada, whose company operated the Futsukaichi Onsen Daimaru Besso inn in Fukuoka prefecture, was found dead by a passerby on a mountain road in Chikushino at around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.

According to police, a suicide note was discovered in a nearby car. The note reportedly read: I am very sorry. I feel morally responsible for everything. Please take care of the rest.

Yamadas death is currently under investigation.

More from NextShark: Teacher in Japan arrested for mixing bleach into school lunch

Prior to his death, Yamada and his inn were under fire for only changing its bathwater twice a year.

An inspection found that the Legionella bacteria levels of the bathwater were 3,700 times over the standard limit. His management also failed to maintain chlorine in the bath at the required concentrations.

At a press conference last month, Yamada apologized for failing to conduct a weekly replacement of the water in compliance with Fukuoka prefectural laws.

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I told my staff it was OK not to change the bathwater as fewer people were using it, he said, adding that it was a selfish reason.

On March 2, Yamada resigned as head of the inn operator to take responsibility for the misconduct.

On March 8, the prefectural government filed a criminal complaint on suspicion that the nearly 160-year-old inn had violated the Public Bath Houses Act, prompting the police to investigate on March 10.

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The inn was founded in 1865 and has hosted prominent guests, such as Emperor Hirohito and other government officials.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For a list of international suicide hotlines, click here.

More from NextShark: Hong Kong drops major COVID restrictions amid push for tourism
Re. B.C.'s healthcare COVID vaccine mandate could be made permanent (Castanet, March 10)

Recently, the provincial government rescinded its requirement for public service workers to be inoculated for Covid 19.

However, for the government to state the "small number" of employees who chose not to disclose their medical status or get jabbed and who were placed on administrative leave will be invited back is misleading.

The vast majority of employees who refused to comply with this draconian rule were terminated (fired) and they can't go back, no invite is coming. Right up until they were fired, they were forcibly placed on unpaid leave.

The government boasts 98% of the public service complied. But how many did so just to keep their careers and income to support their families?

Lyle Swann, Naramata
A former employee of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art who was fired after asking questions about its racial diversity and equity policy is suing the museum, claiming her dismissal was a retaliatory violation of her free speech rights.

Kate Riotte, a curatorial assistant at Hartfords renowned and oldest-in-the-nation public art museum, was fired in 2021 during a time of transition  director Thomas Loughman, to whom, she reported, left abruptly as the institution was announcing that it would refocus energy on diversity, inclusion and a connection with the Latinx and African American communities.

April Swieconek, the Atheneums director of marketing and communications, said the museum has not yet been served with the suit and would decline to discuss it in any case because it involves a personnel matter.

The Atheneum created a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Task Force in 2021 and Riotte joined it as a volunteer. She said in the suit that she was fired after the task force co-chairmen asked her and others for thoughts or concerns on a new Agenda for Change that the museum announced would guide all that we do  from the scope of our programs and services  to our hiring practices and internal culture.

Riotte emailed her questions to the task force chairs. Her lawyer provided The Courant with the exchanges, which are referred to in the suit filed in U.S. District Court.

Thank you for sharing the Our Agenda for Change Information from the website! I have a few thoughts and questions, and am hoping you can provide more insight for me Riotte wrote.

Why is equity essential for the growth of the Wadsworth? I would think that striving for equity would be detrimental to the organization. Do you have any information to help me understand this? And why is advancing racial equity, specifically, something seen as being attainable, and even desired? Are there more specifics on this?

Also, what systemic racism is being referred to in the paragraph under Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI)? I dont see this defined anywhere.

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I would appreciate it if you could help me to understand.

In an interview, Riotte said she was worried specifically that the museum could be embarking on a race-based hiring program, and in general, she did not understand the concern about systemic racism and the expansion of equity in the context of what the museum does.

What I was worried about was hiring based on race, Riotte said. Thats illegal. And systemic racism? I was wondering what they meant by that. And I was just hoping they would explain.

Co-chairs Anne Rice and Joe Bun Keo responded separately. Rice provided materials explaining the issues of equity and racism. Keo, in an email copied to then-museum Deputy Director Michael Dudich, suggested Riotte was a proponent for continued oppression and denial of opportunity for those who, historically, have been left out of the equation.

Equity is very much integral to the museums growth. Equity in this case is the fair impartial assessment of the access to certain resources that have been previously denied or oppressed through system racism and inequity within museum practices, Keo wrote.

For example fair living wages. A senior manager shouldnt be making a high salary if the custodial and security staff hasnt seen any raises or compensation for being on the front line during a pandemic.

With the effort of DEAI, the attainment of racial equity is attainable by implementing changes in hiring practices, wage disparities, and the destruction (of) the dominant white male Eurocentric narrative that permeates through the current culture and language of the museums as a whole.

Keo did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment, which Swieconek said he referred to her.

Riotte said in her suit that she read the materials to which she was referred, but no one from the museum followed up to discuss them with her.

According to the suit, five days after emailing the questions, on March 16, 2021, Riotte said Dudich and her supervisor discussed her email during a video conference, acknowledging that some of her questions arose out of an honest effort to understand a complex issue, but they believed that other questions revealed a political agenda.

On March 19, Riotte said access to her email account was blocked and she was told to leave work and self reflect. On March 22, the suit alleges that Dudich and her supervisor fired her in a telephone call, and that the reason was her views on equity and equality. Her termination letter described her opinions as highly confrontational to the Museums [sic] core espoused institutional values.

Riotte said her mother is a painter and it has been her ambition since childhood to work in museum management. She attended one of a dozen U.S. schools that offer museum studies programs and, after study in Europe, graduated with a degree in museum studies and fine art.

Within weeks of graduation, she accepted the Atheneum job.

I just tried to get my foot in there as fast as I could, she said. For Connecticut museums, it is just a gem. So I jumped at the opportunity. I have been exposed to art since I was a child and a museum career has always been a goal of mine.

Riotte is suing under the U.S. Constitutions free speech guarantee and a Connecticut law that protects employees from being fired for constitutionally protected speech, as long as the speech does not substantially interfere with the employees job performance or relationship with her boss.

She is asking for reinstatement and financial damages and is represented by The Center for Individual Rights, a nonprofit public interest law firm that says it is dedicated to the defense of individual liberties against the increasingly aggressive and unchecked authority of federal and state governments.
(Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to travel to Russia to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said, which would be sooner than previously expected.

Plans for a visit come as China has been offering to broker peace in Ukraine, an effort that has been met with scepticism in the West given Beijing's diplomatic support for Russia.

Putin said last month that a Xi visit had been agreed, though the Kremlin chief gave no date for a possible visit. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of Xi going to Moscow.

When asked about the Reuters report, the Kremlin said it had nothing to say on the matter.

"As a rule, announcements of official foreign visits are coordinated synchronously by mutual agreement of the parties," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

"When there is such readiness, we will let you know."

No other details were immediately available.

The sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.

Last month, Putin hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi on a visit to Moscow. One source said that Wang's trip to Moscow was to help prepare for Xi's visit.

China and Russia struck a "no limits" partnership in February of 2022, when Putin was visiting Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. The two sides have continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties.

Xi has met Putin in person 39 times since becoming president, most recently in September during a summit in central Asia.

On Monday, Xi wrapped up the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress, during which he was unanimously confirmed in a precedent-breaking third term as president.

(Reporting by the Hong Kong, Beijing and Moscow newsrooms; Editing by Robert Birsel, Guy Faulconbridge)
By Shivangi Acharya, Aftab Ahmed and Neha Arora

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has asked banks and traders to avoid using Chinese yuan to pay for Russian imports, three government officials involved in policy making and two banking sources said, because of long-running political differences with its neighbour.

India, which has emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil as well as discounted coal, would prefer the use of United Arab Emirates dirhams to settle trade, three government officials said.

One of the government officials directly involved in the matter said New Delhi is "not comfortable" with foreign trade settled in yuan but said settlement in "dirham is okay."

The second official said that India cannot allow settlement in yuan till the relations between the two countries improve.

Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a standoff along their disputed Himalayan border since 2021, casting a shadow over the whole relationship.

The five officials did not say whether there were also economic reasons behind India's reluctance to accept yuan settlement.

Last year India's biggest cement producer UltraTech Cement used Chinese yuan for a cargo of Russian coal, which raised some concerns among officials as relationship between India and China has deteriorated after deadly border clashes in 2020 in the remote Galwan Valley of Ladakh.

The government reviewed the situation with officials of the central bank and bank executives, following the UltraTech deal, the second official said.

Two banking officials, aware of the matter, said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is not keen on foreign trade settlement in yuan, and confirmed that the government has discouraged them from using the currency.

They also said Russia was keen on yuan settlement as it helps them in purchases of goods from China.

For Indian refiners that in recent weeks started settling some Russian oil purchases in roubles, as Reuters reported, payments have been processed in part by the State Bank of India via its nostro roubles account in Russia.

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But the bulk of the trade is still in other currencies as the rouble is partially convertible and the two countries are yet to finalise a framework.

All five officials declined to be named as discussions were private. India's foreign, finance ministry and RBI did not reply to requests seeking comment.

The government expected majority of payments to Russia in dirhams in the coming months, the first official said.

India has longstanding political and security ties with Russia and has refrained from condemning the Ukraine war, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".

India is also a major buyer of Russian arms.

Indian refiners, in the meanwhile, have begun paying for most of their Russian oil bought via Dubai-based traders in dirhams instead of U.S. dollars, Reuters reported last month.

India's rupee is partially convertible, which means it has to be converted to U.S. dollars first before converting to any other currency, making it an unattractive reserve currency for global central banks and for settling trade.

It also makes Russia reluctant to accept payment in the Indian currency for its exports.

(Additional reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj in New Delhi, Swati Bhat and Siddhi Nayak in Mumbai; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
By Andrew MacAskill and Elizabeth Piper

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain approved a sharp increase in exports of submarine parts and technology last year to Taiwan as it upgrades its naval forces, a move that could impact British ties with China.

The value of licences granted by the British government to companies for the export of submarine-related components and technology to Taiwan totalled a record 167 million pounds ($201.29 million) during the first nine months of last year, according to UK government export licensing data. That is more than the previous six years combined, a Reuters analysis of the data showed.

The data is publicly accessible but the most recent Taiwan-related figures havent previously been reported.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of China, known as the One-China policy, and strongly objects to perceived foreign interference with the island believing it to be support for Taiwans desire to be recognised as its own country.

When presented with the figures by Reuters, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement: "If this is true, it is a serious violation of the one-China principle, undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, and undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China is highly concerned about this and firmly opposes it, said the written statement, which urged Britain to refrain from providing military support to the Taiwan authorities.

Britain does not recognise Taiwan and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island but it maintains economic and trade ties and there is a de facto British embassy in Taipei.

A British government spokesperson said in a statement the UK has a long record of granting licences for exports of controlled goods to Taiwan, on a case-by-case basis, where those applications are consistent with the rules that regulate the exports of arms and dual-use products.

"We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion," the statement added.

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The increase in licences granted reflects greater demand from Taiwan, two government officials said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Two lawmakers with knowledge of the exports and two former officials said the approvals reflected Britains increased willingness to support Taiwan. One of the lawmakers, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said authorising the export licences amounted to giving a "green light" to better equip Taiwan.

The data is from the Export Control Organisation, which is responsible for export licensing and sits within the UK Department for International Trade. It shows the government authorised 25 export licences to Taiwan during the first nine months of 2022 under the categories "components for submarines" and "technology for submarines."

The data doesnt disclose which companies received the authorisation or detail what specific equipment it covers.

One licence type, called ML9, covers vessels of war, special naval equipment, accessories, components, and other surface vessels," according to Britains list of strategic military items that require export authorisation. Another license type, ML22, includes technology that is required for the development, production, operation, installation, maintenance, repair or goods or software.

The British government on Monday announced a boost to defence spending as it unveiled an update to its defence, security and foreign policy priorities, setting out how it plans to tackle new threats from China and Russia.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a foreword to the policy document, specifically identified Chinas more aggressive stance in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait as among issues threatening to create a world defined by danger, disorder and division  and an international order more favourable to authoritarianism.

HEIGHTENED TENSIONS

Military tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at their highest in decades. Taiwan, some 100 miles south east from the Chinese coast, has said it is building a fleet of submarines to build up their naval defences. Taiwan has for decades been unable to buy conventional submarines from other countries because of their concerns of angering China.

Taiwans democratically-elected government strongly rejects Chinas sovereignty claims, saying only the islands people can decide their future.

As Reuters previously reported, an array of foreign submarine-technology vendors, with the approval of their governments, have been aiding the program.

In response to a request for comment about the submarine-related exports from Britain, Taiwans defence ministry said in a statement that its ship-building programme was "a major national policy, and the navy has promoted various projects in a pragmatic way under it."

"We hope that all walks of life will continue to give their support, to jointly maintain the security and peace of the Taiwan Strait," the ministry said.

Taipei aims to test its first prototype by September and deliver the first of the planned eight vessels by 2025.

Britains granting of submarine-related licences began to tick up after Taiwan announced it planned to build the submarine fleet in 2017.

Britain approved the export of 87 million pounds worth of submarine components and technology to Taiwan in 2020, up from 31,415 pounds in 2017 and none in 2016, according to the licensing data. The value of such licences approved in 2021 dipped to just under 9 million pounds.

UK 'TILT' TO INDO-PACIFIC

Britains Integrated Review, a document laying out the countrys defence, security and foreign policy priorities that was published in March 2021, specified a tilt to the Indo-Pacific but didnt mention Taiwan.

Russias invasion of Ukraine last year has raised questions in Britain and elsewhere in the West about other possible future flash points around the world.

Britains defence minister, Ben Wallace, told Reuters last month that the Wests actions in support of Kyiv was a signal to other countries that grabbing land does not pay off. "This conflict is important because the world is watching whether the West will stand up for its values of freedom, democracy, liberal societies and the rule of law," he said.

Western lawmakers and other officials have been stepping up their visits to Taiwan, despite Beijing's objections. That included one in November by Britains then minister of state for trade, Greg Hands. "We urge the British side to stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at the time.

Tobias Ellwood, head of the UK parliaments defence committee and a member in Britains governing Conservative Party who visited Taiwan in December, told Reuters the British government had to be careful about what detail it publicly provides about the equipment covered by the export licences.

"An announcement of the specific nature of these exports risks revealing sensitive information on Taiwan's defensive capabilities and some of the UK government's caution in discussing these exports is valid," Ellwood said.

One of the former British officials said: "Every decision around Taiwan is made very deliberately and usually cautiously." Asked about the decision to approve the increase in export licences, the official said: "You just don't do something like this without thinking through the implications very carefully."

($1 = 0.8297 pounds)

(Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei, Martin Quin Pollard in Beijing and Andy Bruce and Paul Sandle in London; editing by Cassell Bryan-Low)
Deepfakes use AI to edit the likenesses of one person's face in a video and swap it with another face. Getty Images

App stores removed Facemega, a deepfake app that put Emma Watson's face in a suggestive video.

The suggestive ad was promoted on Meta, which later removed it following reporting from NBC News.

An attorney said new deepfake tech could become a "weapon" of harassment against women and girls.

Multiple online stores and Meta have removed a controversial face swap app that promoted a sexually suggestive ad featuring the face of the "Harry Potter" actor Emma Watson imposed onto someone else.

The app for creating deepfakes, called Facemega, showed a woman with Watson's face smiling flirtatiously and then getting down on her knees for what appears to be a man. The caption read: "Swap any face into the video!" A screen recording of the ad posted to Twitter got 3.2 million views.

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to replace the likeness of one person with another in videos and other digital media, and its use has raised ethical and privacy concerns.

An attorney told Insider that this is just one illustration of how emerging deepfake technology could be used as a "weapon" against women and girls.

Michael Farhi, an attorney who has published material on the subject before, told Insider that the use of AI "is going to result in a huge jump in it being a weapon against women online all across the world." He added that women are the most popular demographic to target with such harassment.

Deepfakes and revenge porn are already threats to women, and AI technology, which can make fake videos look convincingly real, is going to "quadruple" the negative impacts, Farhi said.

The Facemega ad ran on Facebook until the site removed it following coverage by NBC News, who reported that the app also published advertisements with Scarlett Johansson's face in provocative videos. Facemega was listed for free on Apple and Google Play, who have both since removed it, but similar apps remain listed in both stores.

A spokesperson for Apple told Insider that the company removed the app from the Apple Store and that the company does not allow apps that include defamatory, pornographic, or mean-spirited content intended to humiliate others. A spokesperson for Google said the company took "appropriate action" and removed the app for "violations of our policies."

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A Meta spokesperson told Insider that their "policies prohibit adult content regardless of whether it is generated by AI or not," and that FaceMega's page was restricted on Facebook.

Watson's legal representation could not be reached for comment.

Stills of the advertisement for a deepfake app that used Emma Watson's face. Twitter

The suggestive ad appeared to violate Facemega's own terms and conditions of service, which prohibit users from uploading content that is defamatory or sexually explicit.

The Chinese software company Wondershare owns Facemega, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Insider. When asked about the advertisement, the Wondershare spokesperson said: "Our legal department is already following up on this matter, and the advertising content has also been removed from the shelves."

Deepfake technology will be used as a 'weapon' against women, attorney said

In the US, victims of deepfake porn "have potential claims like defamation, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress," Farhi told Insider. But he also said that initiating legal action internationally against a Chinese company would be a "hurdle."

"A lawyer wherever in the US sending a cease-and-desist type letter to an entity in China, even if it's translated appropriately, it's going to have little to no effect as a practical matter. So where do you go next? You go to Facebook, which has challenging rules and regulations of its own in terms of what it posts and what ads it puts up," Farhi said.

Public pressure against companies who share the content may be more effective than legal actions, Farhi said. He added that "the advances in technology are happening too fast for it to be legislated." Deepfake technology, like all tech advancements, comes with "pluses and minuses," but Farhi said the potential damages are being "swept under the rug."

"The advocates of AI are, of course, pushing the idea that you'll get instant research, instant assistance at work. For creators, it's a great asset and a great tool," Farhi said. "It's going to be a frigging nightmare, even more than what's out there now, as a tool or a weapon to harm women."

Farhi said an especially vulnerable group is likely to be teen girls, whom revenge and deepfake porn already bombard on a regular basis.

"This is going to have real harm to untold numbers of girls and women. Not just in high school, before high school at the elementary-school or middle-school level, all the way up to women in their twenties, thirties, and beyond," Farhi said. "And the easier it is to do, or the easier it is for a predator to do  and it's going to be a lot easier  the more it's going to be done."

Read the original article on Insider
Photo: Spencer Colby (AP)

Meta puffed out its chest over the weekend, threatening to block links to news sites in Canada from its social networks if the country moves forward with its Online News Act, which would force internet companies to pay publishers for their content. The statement follows similar ultimatums from Google over the bill, officially called C-18. Now, Big Tech looks like its on a collision course with Canadian lawmakers over the fate of online news in the US Northern neighbor.

In a statement Monday, a Meta spokesperson told Gizmodo the bill, as currently written, would force the company into an unworkable situation.

Read more

If the Online News Act passes in its current form, we will end the availability of news content on Facebook and Instagram for people in Canada, the Meta spokesperson said in an email. A legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable.

Whats in the Online News Act, and why is Big Tech mad about it?

Modeled after similar Australian legislation, C-18 would require Meta and other internet companies pay news publishers when they reproduce their content, i.e. when a link appears on their sites. Companies that try to wiggle free of paying publishers for their links could open themselves up to binding arbitration. If passed, Canadas Office of the Parliamentary estimates Google and Facebook combined would wind up paying around CA$329.2 million (roughly $242.99 million USD) to news publishers per year. Though supporters like Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez say the legislation is necessary to help a media industry devastated by social media, tech giants have derided the bill as an unnecessary link tax. Facebook followed through on its threat to block news links in Australia in 2021.

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All were asking Facebook to do is negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work, Rodriguez told Reuters Monday. This is part of a disappointing trend this week that tech giants would rather pull news than pay their fair share.

No answers. No transparency. Just contempt for Canadian democracy. Google thinks it can intimidate Canada into backing down. But they dont know Canadians. We wont be pushed around. Tech giants will have to pay their fair share to local media. #cdnpoli #C18 pic.twitter.com/pR1VZK6s5Q  Chris Bittle (@Chris_Bittle) March 11, 2023

Meta says the bill misrepresents the relationship between Big Tech and publishers

This isnt the first time Metas raised concerns over the bill. After C-18 was announced, Meta released a statement arguing the bill misrepresents the relationship between platforms and news publishers, and inaccurately presumed the social media giant unfairly benefits from its relationship with news providers. Meta went on to say news posts from publishers made up just around 3% of what Facebook users see in thier feed.



Meta isnt alone. Google, the other largest tech firm implicated by the legislation has repeatedly raised concerns over the bills scope and even ran tests last month temporarily limiting news results to around 4% of randomly selected users in Canada. Google downplayed those blockages publicly, with a spokesperson telling Gizmodo it, runs thousands of tests each year, but lawmakers like Rodriguez appeared to intercept those actions as a threat.

Weve been fully transparent about our concern that C-18 is overly broad and, if unchanged, could impact products Canadians use and rely on every day, a Google spokesperson previously told Gizmodo. We remain committed to supporting a sustainable future for news in Canada and offering solutions that fix Bill C-18.

Over the weekend, Google confirmed it would end its five-week tests on March 16. Speaking in front of a House of Commons heritage committee meeting on Friday, Head of Google Canada Sabrina Geremia reportedly told lawmakers she believed the current version of the bill would benefit legacy media institutions and incentivize clickbait or misinformation.

The exemption and eligibility criteria have shifted so significantly that it would require subsidies to media companies even if they dont produce news, are not online, and we dont link to their content, Geremia said according to CTV News.

Meta plays hardball

Meta has some experience playing legislative games of chicken. Two years ago, Meta called Australian lawmakers bluffs and briefly pulled the plug on news sharing in the country in response to legislation similar to Canadas. That shutdown cut off news access for an estimated 17 million Australian users and allegedly would up impacted sites of essential services like hospitals and fire services caught in the crossfire. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg accused the company of endangered public safety by cutting off news access during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Still, the strongarm tactic seems to have worked. Meta eventually eased off of its news block and agreed to a watered-down version of the Australian bill that, among other carve-outs, let Facebook and Google agree to deals before being forced to enter arbitration with publishers. Campbell Brown, Facebooks Head of Partnerships at the time, wrote an email to staff following the bills passage saying the company, landed exactly where we wanted to.

With its recent statements, Meta is drawing a clear picture of how its willing to go to fight Canadian law. Google, similarly, appears prepared to go to the mat with regulators if they dont get their way. The only real question now is how committed Canadian lawmakers are to push through C-18 as written. A combined news block out from Meta and Google, even if only short-lived, could send a shockwave throughout the country.

The tech firms, on the other hand, have plenty of incentive to dig in. Though Canada isnt a particularly large market for either Facebook or Google, a victory for lawmakers there could embolden other countries to pass similar legislation. Left unaddressed, that could escalate into a wildfire of new publisher payment requirements.

More from Gizmodo

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Click here to read the full article.
The claim: Jan. 6 video shows Jacob Chansley was led entire time by Capitol Police

A March 7 Facebook post (direct link, archived link) makes a claim about Jacob Chansley, widely known as the QAnon shaman, and his presence at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

"Never before seen video of January 6 shows Jacob Chansley, the QAnon Shaman, being led through the Capitol by police the entire time that he was in the building," the post reads.

A tweet with the same claim generated over 250,000 likes in less than a week, and was shared on Facebook nearly 5,000 times. Similar posts have amassed more than a thousand interactions on Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

A Capitol Police spokesperson said Chansley  who also goes by the name Jake Angeli  was not accompanied at all times by police in the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. A court document and firsthand account show that police repeatedly asked Chansley to leave the building.

Chansley not accompanied by police at all times and repeatedly asked to leave

In late February, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave Fox News host Tucker Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of surveillance footage from the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Carlson aired clips of that footage on his show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, for the first time on March 6.

The video referenced in the post was from that footage and shows various clips of Chansley walking down the halls of the Capitol building while Capitol Police follow him.

But contrary to the posts claim, the Capitol Police did not accompany Chansley through the building at all times, according to Tim Barber, a Capitol Police spokesperson.

Fact check: Arrests were made inside Capitol building on Jan. 6, and after

A court document, firsthand account and other video footage also support Barber's statement and show that Capitol Police repeatedly asked Chansley to leave the building.

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Chansley was arrested Jan. 9, 2021  three days after the Capitol riot  and faced with six charges. He pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November 2021.

A statement from the government, signed by Chansley and his attorney to be "true and accurate," says that Chansley unlawfully entered the Capitol building through a broken down door with a mob of rioters. A video clip of the initial break-in to the building does not show Chansley accompanied by the police as he enters the building.

Sen. Chuck Schumer calls Tucker Carlson's Fox News segment on Jan. 6 riots 'shameful'

The group then moved to the second floor of the Senate side of the building where it was met by several Capitol Police officers who instructed them to peacefully leave the building, according to the statement. Chansley challenged Capitol Police officer Keith Robishaw to let them pass, ultimately using his bullhorn to rile up the crowd.

Chansley then "entered the gallery of the Senate alone" and proceeded to scream obscenities, the statement says.

After Chansley moved to the Senate chamber, Robishaw asked him multiple times to leave, according to the statement. In the HBO documentary Four Hours at the Capitol, Robishaw recounts being the only police officer in the chamber at the time.

"And, in my mind, I was like, I cant do anything, you know?" Robishaw said. "I can only do is, you know, shout orders, and if they listen, great. If they dont, I cant force them. Im by myself."

Several law enforcement officers then joined Robishaw to clear the rioters from the chamber, according to the statement.

In his show, Carlson claimed Capitol Police acted as tour guides for Chansley. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said in an internal department memo that the claim was both outrageous and false, as USA TODAY reported.

Chansley is a supporter of the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory, which claims there is a global cabal of Satan-worshipping, cannibalistic child sex traffickers. The conspiracy theory's claims have been widely debunked.

USA TODAY reached out to Fox News and the social media users who shared the claim for comment.

The Associated Press also debunked this claim.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: False claim about QAnon shaman amid Jan. 6 tape reveal
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain published an update to its foreign policy framework on Monday, which announced increases in defence spending and labelled China as a challenge while citing Russia as the most acute threat to Britain's security.

Below are the key points announced by the government in the review:

RUSSIA

Britain named Russia as the top regional threat and said the most immediate security priority is finding ways to support Ukraine in Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two.

The new strategy towards Russia will focus on denying it any benefit from invading Ukraine; contesting Russia's "malign" influence globally and degrading the country's capabilities threatening Britain, including preventing access to critical technology and materials.

Britain said Russia's growing cooperation with China and Iran following the invasion of Ukraine are developments of particular concern.

The document said Britain's collective security now is intrinsically linked to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine.

Britain also said it would step up engagement with Moldova and countries in the South Caucasus, western Balkans and Central Asia to increase resilience to Russian interference.

CHINA

Britain said China poses an "epoch-defining challenge" with implications for almost every area of government policy and the lives of British people.

The review said Britain should work with China in areas of common interest, such as climate change and global financial stability, but voiced concern over its approach to Taiwan for the first time.

Britain said it is concerned by what it sees as the increased threat from China: militarily in the South China Sea; strengthening its partnership with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine; and refusing to renounce the use of force to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan.

The review said the three broad outlines of its new strategy towards China will be to protect national security, including infrastructure and supply chains; aligning with allies to limit China's influence; and engaging where it is consistent with its interests.

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EXTRA MONEY

The government announced 5 billion pounds of additional defence spending over the next two financial years, and a longer term aspiration to invest 2.5% of GDP on defence as "fiscal and economic circumstances allow."

Of the 5 billion pounds of extra spending in 2023/24 and 2024/25, 3 billion pounds will go towards defence nuclear projects, including submarine projects and the delivery of the AUKUS pact to provide Australia with nuclear powered subs.

The other 2 billion pounds will go towards replenishing and increasing conventional stockpiles and investing in munitions infrastructure, building on 560 million pounds announced for this purpose last year, in part to backfill ammunition that has been given to support Ukraine.

TAIWAN

In a foreword to the document, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said China's more aggressive stance towards Taiwan was one of several threatening to create a world order defined by "danger, disorder and division - and an international order more favourable to authoritarianism."

Elsewhere in the review, Britain restated its position that "the Taiwan issue should be settled peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through dialogue, and not through any unilateral attempts to change the status quo."

ECONOMIC DETERRENCE INITIATIVE

This initiative, which will have up to 50 million pounds of funding over two years, aims to improve sanctions implementation and enforcement in order to strengthen the diplomatic and economic tools with which Britain can respond to and deter hostile acts.

Britain said it would increase the number of security cleared analysts available to ensure future measures are more precise and have greater impact, as well as looking at updating its export control regime to tackle sensitive emerging technology transfers.

NUCLEAR PLAN

Recognising the growing importance of nuclear to its security, energy and economy needs, Britain said it would publish a Defence Nuclear Strategy later this year.

That plan will "proactively look for opportunities to align delivery of the civil and defence nuclear enterprises" said the government, including its ambitions for the sector and how it will ensure the skills and workforce to deliver on those plans.

(Reporting by UK bureau; Editing by Christina Fincher)
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is likely to dominate chatter on Capitol Hill this week, as lawmakers look to learn more about the bank failure and regulators seek to calm the banking industry.

Regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after the institution saw a significant run amid liquidity issues, marking the largest bank failure since the 2008 recession and the second-largest in U.S. history.

But on Sunday  after a weekend marked by concerns regarding the banking industry  top financial officials announced that SVB depositors will have access to all their funds starting Monday, a fix to calm markets ahead of this weeks opening bells. No such assurances were made to shareholders of the bank.

Lawmakers this week, however, will likely have more questions about SVBs collapse when they return to Capitol Hill.

Also this week, the Senate is slated to vote on the nomination of Eric Garcetti to serve as ambassador to India, after the former Los Angeles mayors confirmation process was held up amid accusations that he knew about allegations of sexual misconduct against his former top aide.

And, the Senate may vote on a resolution to overturn a Biden administration water regulation, after the House cleared the measure last week. A number of Senate and House committee hearings are also scheduled. The House is out of session this week.

Lawmakers dig into Silicon Valley Bank failure

The Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced jointly on Sunday that all depositors of Silicon Valley Bank would have access to all of their money starting Monday, a move meant to calm the banking industry and ease markets ahead of this weeks opening bells.

The trio of groups  headed by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg  said No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer.

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They simultaneously announced that another bank  Signature Bank of New York  was closed by its state chartering authority on Sunday, the third largest bank failure in U.S. history.

The U.S. banking system remains resilient and on a solid foundation, in large part due to reforms that were made after the financial crisis that ensured better safeguards for the banking industry, the trio wrote in a joint statement. Those reforms combined with todays actions demonstrate our commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that depositors savings remain safe.

Separately, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it was creating a new Bank Term Funding Program that would provide loans to banks in the U.S.

President Biden on Sunday applauded the prompt solution, and said he directed the Treasury secretary and National Economic Council director to work with banking regulators to address the issues at the banks.

I am pleased that they reached a prompt solution that protects American workers and small businesses, and keeps our financial system safe. The solution also ensures that taxpayer dollars are not put at risk, he wrote in a statement. The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them.

The president said he will deliver remarks Monday morning on how we will maintain a resilient banking system to protect our historic economic recovery.

Members of Congress were briefed on the announcement Sunday evening, according to multiple outlets.

In a joint statement later Sunday night, Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, said the action will enable workers to receive their paychecks and for small businesses to survive, while providing depository institutions with more liquidity options to weather the storm

As we work to better understand all of the factors that contributed to the events of the last several days and how to strengthen guardrails for the largest banks, we urge financial regulators to ensure the banking system remains stable, strong and resilient, and depositors money is safe, they added. Americans should continue to be confident in their preferred financial institutions in their communities.

The announcements came after a weekend effort by regulators to try and find a bank to take over SVB. Yellen and lawmakers from both parties on Sunday ruled out the possibility of a bailout for Silicon Valley Banks owners and investors. A number of lawmakers endorsed the acquisition strategy.

While todays actions will fortunately calm market fears, it is an upsetting precedent. Based on news reports, the FDIC seems to have rejected market buyers of SVB & instead turned the Fed & Treasury into an even bigger safety net, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) wrote on Twitter.

I am looking forward to hearing why the FDIC deemed market buyers bids insufficient, he added in a subsequent tweet.

Senate to vote on Garcetti nomination

The Senate is set to vote this week on confirming Eric Garcetti to be ambassador to India, the final step in what has been a year-plus process for the former Los Angeles mayor.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced Garcettis nomination last week, then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) filed cloture, teeing up a final vote for the full chamber.

Biden nominated Garcetti to serve as ambassador to India in July 2021, and the foreign relations panel advanced his nomination in January 2022  during the previous Congress. But the process has since been held up amid claims that Garcetti knew about allegations of sexual misconduct against his former senior advisor.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a report in May 2022 that said Garcetti likely knew or should have known about the allegations against his former chief of staff Rick Jacobs. In response to that report, a spokesperson for Garcetti said the mayor never witnessed or was made aware of sexual harassment.

Two Republicans  Sens. Todd Young (Ind.) and Bill Hagerty (Tenn.)  joined all Democrats on the Foreign Relations panel last week to again advance Garcettis nomination. A majority of senators voting must back Garcettis nomination for it to be confirmed.

Potential Senate vote on Bidens water regulation

The Senate this week could vote on a resolution to overturn a Biden administration water regulation, after the House cleared the measure last week.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), the vice chair of the GOP conference, told reporters last week that the disapproval resolution could come to the floor this week, predicting it would pass and head to Bidens desk.

Biden will veto the measure if it clears both chambers, according to a Statement of Administration Policy.

The regulation in question determines which waters must abide by certain federal regulations. Generally speaking, the Biden administration has a broader outlook on which bodies of water should be protected when compared to the perspective of the Trump administration.

A spokesperson for Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) told The Hill last week that the West Virginia Democrat will support the disapproval resolution, and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) said he is undecided  two senators who are among the most vulnerable Democrats facing reelection in 2024.

The House passed the disapproval resolution in a 277-198 vote. One Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), crossed the aisle to oppose the measure, while nine Democrats voted yes.

Senate, House committees to hold hearings

A number of Senate and House committees are slated to hold hearings this week on matters including the situation at the southern border and Bidens budget proposal.

House Homeland Security Committee: Failure By Design: Examining Secretary Mayorkas Border Crisis When: Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. in McAllen, Texas Witnesses: Raul L. Ortiz, chief of the U.S. Border Patrol



Senate Judiciary Committee: Protecting Public Safety After New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen When: Wednesday at 10 a.m. Witnesses: TBA



Senate Budget Committee: The Presidents Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Proposal When: Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. Witnesses: Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young



Senate Foreign Relations Committee: The Future of U.S.-Brazil Relations When: Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Witnesses: Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs at the State Department; Richard Duke, deputy special presidential envoy for climate at the State Department



Senate Finance Committee: The Presidents Fiscal Year 2024 Budget When: Thursday at 10 a.m. Witnesses: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen



Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee: In Need of a Checkup: Examining the Cybersecurity Risks to the Healthcare Sector When: Thursday at 10 a.m.



For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A South Carolina school district is being sued by parents who claim their 15-year-old daughter was pushed by a teacher after refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Marissa Barnwell, a Black student at the River Bluff High School, says the incident took place on 29 November. Her parents filed a lawsuit in mid-February after several failed attempts to file a complaint with the Lexington School District One, they said at a press conference on Thursday.

The teen recounted being on her way to class when the Pledge of Allegiance began to play over the intercom, according to local outlet The State. When she refused to recite the pledge, teacher Nicole Livingston allegedly pushed her to a wall.

I was completely and utterly disrespected, she said. No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt... The fact that the school is defending that kind of behaviour is unimaginable.

Tyler Bailey, an attorney for the family, told The New York Times that a teacher had previously contacted the parents when Marissa was in the fifth grade regarding her refusal to recite the pledge. At the time, the Barnwells said they would not force her to do something she did not feel comfortable with and the situation did not escalate.

Marissa stopped reciting the Pledge of Allegiance back in the third grade after realising that the liberty and justice for all was not applied to all, the Times also reports.

The thing thats beautiful about America is we have freedoms, Mr Bailey said. Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.

In November, Marissa was sent to the principal, who said he would review video of what had taken place. She was dismissed and did not hear back from the principal or other school administrators, the lawsuit argues.

The predominantly-white district, the principal, the South Carolina Education Department and Ms Livingston are accused in the federal lawsuit of violating Marissas civil rights and First Amendment rights.

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Student Pledge Lawsuit

The family also released school surveillance video of the ordeal. Marissas father Shavell Barnwell said during the press conference last week that he believed his daughter was singled out as more students were in the hallway when Marissa was confronted.

I was just in disbelief, Marissa said on Thursday. [I told her,] get your hands off of me and you can hear me say that in the video.

Despite their attempts to meet with the district, the family says they did not receive the proper assistance. According to The State, Libby Roof, the chief communications officer for Lexington School District One, said the districts attorney was working on a response to the lawsuit, which would be filed in the coming weeks.

In South Carolina, students cant be forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which is played at public schools every day as required by a three-decade-old state law.

I feel like something should have happened to the teacher, and the teacher should have been handled appropriately, where she is either arrested or fired, Marissa also told the Associated Press on Saturday. But nothing like thats happened and she still works there.
The Community Charter provides the statutory framework for all municipalities in B.C., except the City of Vancouver, which is served by its own legislation, the Vancouver Charter.

Under the (Community) Charter, in the coming weeks B.C. municipalities are expected to consider implementing a code of conduct for council members, or review a code of conduct that is already in place.

On March 13, Kelowna city council will discuss introducing a code of conduct. If approved, it would establish shared expectations for how council members should conduct themselves while carrying out their duties and responsibilities. The code would apply not only to interactions with each other, but also to interactions with city staff, the public and other organizations.

On Global Okanagan News at 5:30 (March 11), Kelowna city Coun. Mohini Singh was interviewed about the upcoming discussion. She said a code of conduct is "important to have because we all know what the goals are, the goalposts, where the goalposts lie. We all know what we can do, what is expected of us."

"After all, we are the face of the City, so we have to all be on the same page when we present ourselves," Singh added.

Why is Singh usually "the face of the city" for providing comments to Global News Okanagan?

Could it have anything to do with Singh's previous career as a journalist with CHBC Television? (In 2009, CHBC rebranded its news operation to Global News Okanagan.)

Are none of the other councillors ever available to be interviewed, willing to be interviewed or even asked by Global News Okanagan to provide a sound bite for broadcast?

Since the Oct. 2022 Kelowna municipal election, I wonder who has been interviewed more times on Global News Okanagan, Singh or Mayor Tom Dyas?

Kelowna city council is required to consider establishing a code of conduct by May 14. If a code is approved, city staff will prepare it for council's review. That begs the question: Does Kelowna city council have plans to also hold a discussion on whether to implement a separate code of conduct for city staff, including city planners?

If not, why not?

David Buckna, Kelowna
As she held a photograph of her granddaughter Essence Shaw, Linda Lewis spoke about the pain of her loss.

"She was a beautiful little girl," said Lewis. "Her life was taken. It's a shame because she was a loving person. She just wanted to be friends with everybody. It made no difference, she just loved everybody."

Lewis was speaking in Portage County Court of Common Pleas shortly before Judge Becky Doherty sentenced Anthony F. Naylor, 24, of Warren on Monday to 11 to 14.5 years in prison for the September 2020 crash that killed Shaw, 22, of Cleveland, and seriously injured another Cleveland woman.

Lewis spoke about how her granddaughter would bring home stray animals as a child, loved to sing, dance, cook and eat.

"Our family is broken," said Lewis. "I can't even explain. I can't even explain what he has done to our family."

"It's a senseless death," she added. "She didn't deserve it."

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the Cleveland woman was driving westbound in a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt on state Route 5 in Ravenna on Sept. 5, 2020, when an eastbound 2001 Nissan Maxima driven by Naylor went left of center briefly, causing her to take evasive action into the eastbound lane. The Maxima then corrected and swerved back into the eastbound lane and the vehicles collided head on.

Shaw, the passenger in the Cobalt, died at the scene of the crash as a result of injuries sustained, according to the highway patrol.The driver of the Cobalt suffered serious injuries as and was taken by helicopter to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for treatment.

Prosecutor Sean Scahill said the Cobalt river, who was not in the courtroom, suffered a broken pelvis in three places, lacerations on her liver and spleen, two broken ribs, a broken heel, ankle and toe, underwent multiple surgeries and was in the hospital for a month after the crash.

Naylor also suffered serious injuries and was taken to UH Portage Medical Center for treatment.

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A jury found Naylor guilty in November of second- and third-degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide, third- and fourth-degree felony aggravated vehicular assault, first-degree misdeemanor operating a vehicle under the influence and minor misdemeanor driving left of center, according to court records. A second OVI charge was dismissed.

Scahill requested a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison, noting that five months after the crash, but before a grand jury indictment was filed in March 2021, Naylor was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence in a separate incident.

"We're asking that this court impose a maximum possible sentence on this defendant for his actions," said Scahill.

He also asked that Doherty suspend Naylor's driver's license for life, which she did.

Naylor declined to speak during the hearing. His attorney, Bret Jordan, said he advised Nayor not to speak because he plans to file an appeal.

"I don't demean the seriousness of this incident. It is a tragedy," said Jordan, adding that Nayor understands that.

Jordan said the OVI charge was in connection with a marijuana metabolite, which he said is an inactive byproduct of THC that is not considered to have any "impairment value." THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.

"There was no evidence he that had active THC in his system at the time, nor was there any evidence that he was over the legal limit with regards to alcohol," said Jordan.

Jordan also said Naylor had moved back into the proper lane before the crash.

"The accident in and of itself was entirely in his lane, not in the other lane," he said.

Doherty said, however, that she found it "so disturbing" that minutes before the crash, the highway patrol had been searching for his vehicle after receiving a report alleging he was driving erratically and that he had another OVI case filed against him after the crash.

"It's really just a blessing that you didn't crash into someone again," said Doherty.

Doherty also said she interpreted statements he made for a pre-sentencing report that he was "blaming the other vehicle" for the crash.

"The fact that she went into your lane," Doherty said. "Honestly, if you had not been driving under the influence, she would never have had any reason to swerve. So in my view, you are still not taking responsibility. You may be sorry to some degree that someone was seriously injured and someone passed away as a result, but I really see nothing but blaming someone else."

According to court records, Naylor was charged with OVI and cited with lanes of travel and a seat belt violation after the highway patrol stopped his vehicle onRoute 5 in Charlestown on Feb. 27, 2021. Scahill said Naylor subsequently pleaded guilty in that case.

His blood alcohol level measured at 0.174%, more than twice the 0.08% legal limit, according to court records.

Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Man sentenced to prison for Ravenna crash that killed Cleveland woman
The family of Malcolm Johnson is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Kansas City Police Department following a decision by prosecutors not to file charges against the officer who killed the 31-year-old nearly two years ago.

Khadijah Hardaway, a spokeswoman for Johnsons family, said the family does not believe the version of events put forward by local law enforcement and still has questions about what happened the day of the shooting. A federal investigation as called for by Hardaway would be in addition to a probe into racial discrimination inside the police department that was announced last year.

Weve all been calling for the Justice Department to do a special investigation into the patterns and practices of the police department  not just their employment practices, but overall, Hardaway said.

Were standing out here on behalf of Malcolm Johnsons family saying that we dont believe the reports that have come forward, we want more answers.

Her public comments came hours after the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office released a five-page report concluding that no officers will be charged in the fatal March 25, 2021, shooting. The case had been given to a special prosecutor in St. Louis County after the Jackson County Prosecutors Office said it had a conflict of interest in reviewing it.

Video of the shooting showed two Kansas City police officers approach Johnson with guns drawn inside a gas station at 63rd and Prospect. The officers grabbed Johnson and a struggle ensued.

More officers tried to restrain Johnson on the ground. Christopher King, a spokesman for the St. Louis County prosecutors office, said evidence showed Johnson fired a single shot first.

The wounded police officer then shot Johnson twice in the head, according to prosecutors.

Community reaction was mixed following the announcement of the prosecutors decision Monday. Two pastors who were among those raising questions about the shooting early on and who delivered surveillance video of the incident to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said they were satisfied with the investigation.

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We asked for an investigation and thats what happened, Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, said Monday. I think this case shows that when the community comes together and makes demands change can take place. My hope is that going forward community leaders and the Kansas City Police Department can work together to make a real difference in our city.

But others still have questions. Civil rights leaders called on authorities to release all the videos from the shooting and linked Johnsons death to wider problems with police departments record of killing Black men.

Hardaway and others said they wondered how Johnson could have fired a gun with several officers on top of him and why the officer needed to shoot him while he was being subdued on the ground.

Khadijah Hardaway, lead organizer with Justice for Wyandotte, talks to the media Tuesday, June 1, 2021, after the family of Malcolm Johnson provided a video of the fatal shooting by police of Johnson at the BP gas station at E. 63rd and Prospect Avenue in March.

Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project, said criminal liability is hard to prove in police killing cases even for lower-level charges like manslaughter.

The prosecutors report is still somewhat inconclusive about whether Mr. Johnson had taken out his gun and to what degree he posed a risk to the officers, Bonds said.

That ambiguity can be helpful to officers in a criminal case. However, it is important to note that just because the officers arent criminally liable does not mean they acted in accordance with best practices or constitutional standards for the purposes of a civil rights case.

The Department of Justice announced in September an investigation of racial discrimination inside the police department after an investigation by The Star showed Black officers were forced off the job through harassment and unfair discipline.

Justice be served

On the day of the shooting, the highway patrol took over the investigation, as it typically does in Kansas City police shootings by mutual agreement between the agencies.

The patrol said that, during the struggle in the gas station, Johnson drew a handgun and shot one of the officers in the leg as an additional two officers had arrived on the scene to help with the arrest. The officer who was shot returned fire, the patrol said.

In the videos, three gunshots can be heard, but it is unclear who fired the shots.

When Cleaver first saw the videos, he too was outraged.

Weeks after the shooting, he was among a group of ministers who met with members of the Kansas City Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Prosecutors Office to ensure that justice would be served.

The ministers questioned the highway patrols initial account of what happened and called for charges to be filed. The group had grown critical of former police chief Rick Smith, who left the department last April.

Darron Edwards, lead pastor of the United Believers Community Church, was also part of the group and said Monday he respected the special prosecutors findings.

Edwards said he was confident in Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves openness to tough conversations to instill trust in the community. He said he was told that if any new and credible evidence emerges, the case will be given a second look.

As a faith community leader, I will continue to advocate for that work and do my best to hold the KCPD accountable when they are wrong and applaud when they are doing successful policing in every ZIP code.

Graves said the departments goal was for everyone to go home safe after every interaction.

No police officer wants to be in a situation where they get injured, nor do they want to have to cause injury to someone else, Graves said in a written statement.

This decision represents the culmination of a process from the onset of outside independent investigation meant to inspire trust in the review of KCPDs use of force. We recognize there is still work to do with our community to build that trust and under my leadership relationships are among my top priorities.

Faith leaders with Getting to the Heart of the Matter, including from left, Revs. Ron Lindsay, Darron Edwards and Emanuel Cleaver III, leave the Missouri State Highway Patrol station in Lees Summit, Mo., Wednesday, June 2, 2021, after presenting them with a video of the fatal police shooting of Malcolm Johnson. Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting of Johnson, who was killed at the BP gas station at E. 63rd and Prospect Avenue in March. The pastors have called the shooting an execution. (Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star via AP)

Only in KC

Some were angered by the special prosecutors findings, which concluded that the officer acted in self-defense.

Hardaway questioned how Johnson would have been able to fire a weapon when he was on the ground with several officers on top of him and said his right arm was not fully functional.

According to the prosecutors report, a Glock handgun was found under Johnsons body. One spent casing was located in the guns chamber.

The bullet that struck the officer could have been fired from the Glock, but was too damaged for a positive determination, the prosecutors office said.

Prosecutors said in their report that an exam of the firearm did not yield any DNA profiles suitable for testing. King said they did not test for gunshot residue on Johnson because it is no longer considered an industry standard.

The prosecutors report said evidence was consistent with Johnson having a firearm and using it to shoot an officer and a bullet trail in Johnsons coat showed he fired through a pocket.

Experts who reviewed the video said the two officers who initially confronted Johnson in the gas station did not give Johnson a chance to surrender and put bystanders at risk.

Gwen Grant, president/CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said she also has questions and called for all of the video and audio recordings to be released.

According to the prosecutors report, surveillance recordings captured a dozen angles from the store.

It is imperative that all 12 video angles referenced in the report be shared with the public, Grant said. In the quest for equal justice and accountability in police-involved homicides, transparency is essential. Failure to shine a light on all facts related to this case will further erode the already fractured community trust.

Sheryl Ferguson, an organizer with Its Time 4 Justice, spoke to the media outside the Jackson County Courthouse during the November 2021 trial of Eric Delvakaneare, a former KCPD officer who shot Cameron Lamb, a Black man who was sitting in his pickup truck in his backyard.

Sheryl Ferguson, an activist with Its Time 4 Justice, said the decision was devastating.

To think you could be face down with 5 officers on top of you and be executed with two gunshot wounds to the head and not face charges is unimaginable. Only in KC, she said. This is the reason for our high unresolved murder rate. We can never trust the police, or the prosecutor.

A statement by the activist group Decarcerate KC said Mondays decision was disturbing, but not surprising given the KCPDs history of violence and lack of accountability.

In recent years, five KCPD officers have been charged with violent crimes against Black people, including in a fatal shooting. Former detective Eric DeValkenaere was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb. The other four cases involved assaults.

Johnsons murder proves the need for a fundamental shift in our approach to public safety, the organization said. We must invest in community-led alternatives that prioritize the well-being and safety of all members of our community. We must confront the systemic racism and implicit bias that underpin many police practices and policies.
Halle Bailey has stood strong in the face of racist backlash over her Little Mermaid casting, and shes now facing a different scrutiny  the color of her characters hair.

Halle Bailey arrives before the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet / Redux Pictures)

During the 2023 Oscars, Bailey and her co-star Melissa McCarthy took the stage to present the official trailer for their upcoming live-action remake of the 1989 animated classic.

In the original, Ariels character has fire-engine red hair.

The Little Mermaid (Alamy Stock Photo)

By contrast, in the live-action version, Ariels hair appears to be a more muted shade of red.

Halle Bailey's Ariel has more of an auburn hair color. (Walt Disney Studios via YouTube)

After the trailer debuted, some people on Twitter criticized Ariels updated look in the remake.

The most unrealistic thing about the new Little Mermaid is Ariels hair not being bright red  nicole (@colees_b) March 13, 2023

The most unrealistic thing about the new Little Mermaid is Ariels hair not being bright red, one person tweeted.

im sorry i still think they couldve given halle bailey red hair!!!  em  (@holIand1945) March 13, 2023

im sorry i still think they couldve given halle bailey red hair!!! another person wrote.

The OG Little Mermaid came out years ago and Ariel had red hair. Cant change that. Wont change that.  LOWERCASE GUY (@LOWERCASEGUY88) March 13, 2023

The OG Little Mermaid came out years ago and Ariel had red hair. Cant change that. Wont change that, one other tweeted.

As some complaints about the shade of the new Ariels hair circulated on social media, many other fans came to Baileys  and the movies  defense.

One fan pointed out that her hair looked less vibrantly red because the film is "lit realistically."

After seeing this trailer, its not that the Little Mermaid doesnt have color. Its just all lit realistically.



The scene in the carriage with good sunlight shows Ariel has like a darker brown-orange kinda hair. Its just not ruby red like the cartoons. Different style. https://t.co/7Q8tXChyaC  Mel (@Tokyo_Gaming_) March 13, 2023

After seeing this trailer, its not that the Little Mermaid doesnt have color. Its just all lit realistically, that person tweeted. The scene in the carriage with good sunlight shows Ariel has like a darker brown-orange kinda hair. Its just not ruby red like the cartoons. Different style.

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Do the people that are upset because Ariel's hair in the live action (beside Halle bailey being a black women) looks nothing like the cartoon realise that red hair when they are underwater turns very dark?     (@G0THAMSS) March 13, 2023

Do the people that are upset because Ariel's hair in the live action (beside Halle bailey being a black women) looks nothing like the cartoon realise that red hair when they are underwater turns very dark? another fan wrote.

Another person said they appreciated the new Ariel's hair shade, arguing that a fire-engine red would have looked too cartoonish.

off topic but the shade of red that they decided to make her hair is gorgeous and a little more realistic in my opinion i think if anyone (even if not halle) had played ariel and had the bright red cartoon accurate hair it wouldve been so unserious and tacky https://t.co/CkW4C6wGJA  mrs rover (@dyodayas) March 13, 2023

the shade of red that they decided to make her hair is gorgeous and a little more realistic in my opinion, the Twitter user wrote. i think if anyone (even if not halle) had played ariel and had the bright red cartoon accurate hair it wouldve been so unserious and tacky.

Some commenters took a step back and questioned why its so important for the live-action Ariels hair to be the exact same shade of red as the animated version.

halles hair not being blood red in the new little mermaid is never that serious like im going to need you all to be real, one fan tweeted.

People still complaining about Ariels hair. Like get over it  Hooch (@hoochianaaa) March 13, 2023

People still complaining about Ariels hair. Like get over it, another person wrote.

Others focused instead on the way Bailey used her hair in the movie, like when she perfectly re-created the moment from the original movie when Ariel emerges from the water and flips back her long locks.

the iconic Ariel hair flip 1989  2023 #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/fYVSn3LTPh  faiza (@macxed_out) March 13, 2023

As one fan put it, @HalleBailey needs and oscar for that hair flip!

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Angela Bassett got a split online reaction after she did not win the supporting actress Oscar at Sunday's Academy Awards. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

When Angela Bassett learned she didn't win at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday, she didn't make a scene. There was no fit, there were no tears.

Instead, the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star slowly turned her head as fellow nominees applauded winner Jamie Lee Curtis.

But some Twitter users felt her subtle reaction made her a "sore loser."

"Bassett is a fantastic actress. A shame she didnt continue performing tonight and applaud when Jamie Lee won," wrote Twitter user @SPisacreta. "Everyone wants to win. However most wont. Thats life. And sore loser is never a good look."

The "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star has Twitter divided over her reaction, with critics blasting her for her lack of "class" and fans defending her "heartbroken" moment.

As presenters Troy Kotsur and Ariana DeBose announced Curtis as the winner, fellow nominees Hong Chau, Stephanie Hsu and Kerry Condon smiled and clapped. Bassett was visibly emotional and seemingly did not clap.

"Regardless of who won that Oscar Angela Bassett could have clapped for the winner. To just sit there and not clap because you didnt win  #notclassy," wrote a Twitter user.

Another Twitter user pointed out that "Jamie Lee Curtis applauded" when Bassett won the category at the Golden Globes in January and questioned why that wasn't reciprocated on Sunday.

Regardless of who won that Oscar Angela Bassett could have clapped for the winner. To just sit there and not clap because you didnt win  #notclassy #oscar Congrats to @jamieleecurtis   Renee  She/Her (@Bama0571) March 13, 2023

Some Bassett fans had an answer.

"ANGELA is HUMAN! She looked heartbroken, given that she worked long and hard to get the top acting award. Angela has been known to be a pleasant and consummate professional. This just seems to be her HUMAN moment," one Twitter user wrote Monday.

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Bassett wasn't being a "sore loser," she was "not being fake and whooping and hollering that she was overlooked once again," another user tweeted Sunday. Bassett was nominated for actress in a leading role for "What's Love Got to Do with It" in 1994 but did not win. Holly Hunter took home the prize for her work in "The Piano."

ANGELA is HUMAN! She looked heartbroken, given that she worked long and hard to get the top acting award. Angela has been known to be a pleasant and consummate professional. This just seems to be her HUMAN moment. I LOVE you QUEEN ANGELA   Annette Lewis (@Annette98771325) March 13, 2023

A third Twitter user said calling Bassett a sore loser was an overreaction.

"You would think Angela Bassett got up and walked out the room the way people are chastising her for being a 'sore loser,'" the user wrote Monday.

Journalist Shanelle Genai said the backlash over Bassett's reaction "proves ONCE AGAIN the standards y'all place on Black women are asinine & misogynistic as hell."

Yall can really miss me w/the discourse about Angela Bassett being a sore loser



So she can't express sadness over not getting something she wanted/arguably deserved??



This just proves ONCE AGAIN the standards y'all place on Black women are asinine & misogynistic as hell  Shanelle Genai (@shanellegenai) March 13, 2023

Another Twitter fan simply said Monday, "Bassett and the words sore loser shouldn't be used in the same sentence."

A representative for Bassett did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment Monday.

Heading into the Oscars, Bassett won the supporting actress award at the Critics' Choice Awards and the NAACP Image Awards. At the Oscars, Bassett was the only Black woman nominated for an acting award.

After Bassett didn't win, presenters and "Creed III" stars Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors acknowledged the "Black Panther" star.

"Hey auntie," said Jordan, who starred with Bassett in "Black Panther."

"We love you," Majors added.

Later in the ceremony, Bassett showed support for "Elvis" star Austin Butler, who was seated next to her. The Oscar hopeful in the lead actor category was holding hands with Bassett moments before presenters Halle Berry and Jessica Chastain announced "The Whale" star Brendan Fraser the winner.

"Angela Bassett holding Austin Butlers hand while hes nervousis exactly the kind of woman I imagined she was," tweeted social media strategist Nadine Babu.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Director Ruben Ostlund, third from left, with the cast of Triangle of Sadness at the Oscars on Sunday. Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images

The Academy Awards were held on Sunday night in Los Angeles, where Everything Everywhere All at Once won big .

But as is often the case , Oscar producers are facing backlash for who they chose to include and exclude from the annual In Memoriam segment, which pays tribute to the film industry professionals who died in the past year.

This year, though, the producers failed to include one of the key stars of Triangle of Sadness, one of the 10 movies that competed for the Best Picture prize.

Charlbi Dean at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Laurent Koffel / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Charlbi Dean died in August at age 32, just months after the film won the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The South African actor died in New York City of bacterial sepsis linked to the removal of her spleen in 2009 following a car accident.

Her death shocked the cast and crew of Triangle of Sadness, a satirical look at the uber-wealthy set on a luxury yacht, in which Dean played a celebrity model and influencer.

Neon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Charlbi's sudden passing is a shock and a tragedy, director Ruben Ostlund wrote on Instagram after her death. It is an honor to have gotten to know and work with her.

Charlbi had a care and sensitivity that lifted her colleagues and the entire film crew, Ostlund added. The thought that she will not be by our side in the future makes me very sad.

Neon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Ostlund was among the guests at Sundays awards show, having been nominated for Best Director.

The films stars  including Harris Dickinson and Dolly de Leon  were also seated in the audience.

And while the movie didnt take home any Oscar statues, it was Deans exclusion from the In Memoriam segment that upset many viewers.

Pretty wild how Charlbi Dean from best picture nominee TRIANGLE OF SADNESS was missing from the In Memoriam segment: 03:06 AM - 13 Mar 2023

did the in memoriam really forget charlbi dean 03:04 AM - 13 Mar 2023

charlbi dean snub in the in memoriam is unconscionable 03:03 AM - 13 Mar 2023

Charlbi Deans film nominated for Best Picture and they didnt include her in In Memoriam????? 03:03 AM - 13 Mar 2023

To many people, Deans absence was all the more shocking given that she played a leading role in a film with multiple nominations.

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she was the lead in a best picture this year and you dont add her to the in memoriam?!?! RIP charlbi dean 03:04 AM - 13 Mar 2023

Did they really leave out one of the leads of best picture nominee, Triangle of Sadness, Charlbi Dean from the In Memoriam? #Oscars 03:10 AM - 13 Mar 2023

Very fucked up of @TheAcademy to omit Charlbi Dean from the In Memoriam when they nominated TRIANGLE OF SADNESS for Best Picture. #Oscars 03:04 AM - 13 Mar 2023

So, not including Charlbi Dean, star of one of the Best Picture noms, in the In Memoriam seems like a bit too much of a snub. 03:05 AM - 13 Mar 2023

According to Washington Post reporter Jada Yuan, guests at the party for Triangle of Sadness distributor Neon were also upset by the snub.

At the Neon party and agree with the people here who are upset that Charlbi Dean from Triangle of Sadness wasnt included in the #Oscars In Memorium 03:09 AM - 13 Mar 2023

The segment was introduced by John Travolta, who became visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his late Grease costar Olivia Newton-John .

As Lenny Kravitz played Calling All Angels on the piano, the faces of figures like Raquel Welch, James Caan, and Angela Lansbury appeared on the screen.

Lenny Kravitz performs during the In Memoriam segment on Sunday. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Viewers were encouraged to visit an In Memoriam section of the Oscars website , where Dean was included.

The website also honored Anne Heche , Gilbert Gottfried , and Seinfeld and Toy Story star Estelle Harris , among many others.

Every year, Academy organizers receive hundreds of requests for people's loved ones to be featured in the televised segment. An executive committee representing every branch of the Academy then meets to make the final decisions on who to include in the limited available time.

Despite Dean not being included in the final telecast, fans vowed to remember her performance forever.

sweet charlbi dean was left out of the in memoriam tribute at the oscars but we remember her forever  03:05 AM - 13 Mar 2023

Oscar Highlights
Levi Axtell, 27, (pictured in mugshot) allegedly beat Lawrence Scully, 77, more than a dozen times with a shovel before he finished him off with the large pair of antlers (Cook County Sheriffs Office)

A Minnesota father has confessed to bludgeoning an elderly sex offender to death with moose antlers because he believed he was stalking his infant daughter.

Levi Axtell, 27, allegedly beat Lawrence Scully, 77, more than a dozen times with a shovel  before he finished him off with the large pair of antlers  at the older mans home in Grand Marias.

Just minutes after the brutal crime, Mr Axtell turned himself in to authorities, walking into Cook County Sheriffs Office covered in the victims blood and confessing to killing him.

He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The Cook County Sheriffs Office said that Scully was found dead inside his home in Grand Marias on Wednesday.

A witness told investigators that they saw a person in a white Dodge Caravan pulling into the driveway of the victims home at around 5pm, according to the criminal complaint.

The driver allegedly got out and smashed a vehicle in the driveway before running inside the home.

The witness said they then heard screams coming from inside the property, before the driver emerged again and fled the scene.

The driver  later identified as Mr Axtell  drove straight to the police station where he fell to the floor with his hands on his head and urged officers to put handcuffs on him before he hurt someone else, according to the complaint.

Officers responded to Scullys home to find his body lying next to a bloody shovel.

A preliminary autopsy found that he died from blunt force head injuries and that he had defensive wounds on his arms.

Levi Axtell, 27, (pictured in mugshot) allegedly beat Lawrence Scully, 77, more than a dozen times with a shovel before he finished him off with the large pair of antlers (Cook County Sheriffs Office)

Mr Axtell told investigators that he had found a shovel on the deck of the elderly mans home and used it to strike him over the head about 20 times, according to the criminal complaint.

He then finished him off by hitting him several more times with the antlers.

Mr Axtell told investigators he believed him to have sexually offended against children in the past.

Scully, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2014, was convicted of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl back in 1979.

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He and Mr Axtell had a long history of conflict, culminating in the 27-year-old taking out a protective order against the 77-year-old a few years back.

Back in 2018, Mr Axtell had accused Scully of stalking and attempting to groom his 22-month-old daughter, claiming that he had seen him parked outside of her daycare centre, according to court filings obtained by WTIP.

Mr Axtell sought a protective order against Scully on behalf of his daughter.

The order was initially granted but was then dismissed weeks later.

Mr Axtell is now being held behind bars in Cook County Jail on $1m bail.

He is scheduled to next appear in court on murder charges on 10 April.
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Elon Musk. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Dr. Anthony Fauci has responded to critics such as Elon Musk over his pandemic response.

During an interview with CNN, Fauci said calls for his prosecution were "insanity."

"Prosecute me for what? What are they talking about," Fauci said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has lashed out at critics including Elon Musk during an interview with CNN.

The former US chief medical advisor told host Jim Acosta that calls for his prosecution didn't make any sense and were irresponsible.

Acosta had read Fauci a tweet from Elon Musk suggesting Fauci should be prosecuted. "My pronouns are prosecute/Fauci," the billionaire said in December.

"There's no response to that craziness, Jim. Prosecute me for what? What are they talking about? I wish I could figure out what the heck they're talking about. I think they're just going off the deep end," Fauci said.

He added that the narrative resulted in death threats and affected his family. He said: "Every time someone gets up and spouts some nonsense that's misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies, somebody somewhere decides they want to do harm to me and or my family."

"That's the part of it that is really unfortunate," Fauci said. "The rest of it is just insanity, the things they're saying. But it does have a negative effect when people take it seriously and take it out on you and your family."

Republicans have long criticized Fauci's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of this criticism was revived earlier this month after FBI Director Christopher Wray told Fox news the virus "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab."

As Insider's Tom Porter reported, Fauci said in 2020 that he believed the virus had originated in nature, but more recently Fauci has expressed doubt we'll ever know the source of the virus.

Polling from late 2020 showed that 32% of voters said Fauci's COVID-19 response had been "excellent." The same share said his response had been "good." The poll was conducted by business intelligence firm Morning Consult and Politico.

Representatives for Musk and Fauci did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
With the help of Google, the FBI arrested a man with a history of mental illness who threatened to kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, other Democrats, federal agents and LGBTQ individuals he referred to as "freaks" who "deserve to die," according to a new criminal case unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court.

The case involves a 30-year-old Sebawaing resident named Randall Robert Berka II, whose mother bought him three long guns and a pistol over the last year despite his history of mental illness. He was involuntarily committed for mental health treatment in 2012 and declared legally incapacitated by the state of Michigan, which prohibited him from owning a gun, according to the criminal complaint.

The mother, however, eventually feared her son's mental health treatment was not working and grew scared of him  so much so that she cooperated with the FBI in securing criminal charges against her son this week, authorities said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to the media on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, during a news conference at University Club of Michigan State University.

Google reports threats made on YouTube

"Michelle is scared of Berka, does not think the mental health treatment is working, and believes Berka should be arrested and put in prison," an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit, noting the mother also said her son is a regular pot user.

Berka II, who was arrested on Thursday at his home and charged with illegally possessing firearms, landed on the FBI's radar after making numerous threats over YouTube to kill FBI agents, members of the LGBTQ community, President Joe Biden and Whitmer.

According to the criminal complaint, it was Google that alerted the FBI about the threats, triggering an investigation that led federal agents to Berka's house.

More:Appeals Court grills Crumbley lawyers, cites 'plenty of warning signs'

More:FBI: We need help finding this missing Michigan woman. She may have been killed.

'I am willing to kill these people'

Among Berka's statements that raised red flags were:

(H)ey fbi! My name is randall the 2nd and I live in sebewaing Michigan and I am willing to kill these people  Illkill anyone who tries to take my guns. ANYONE. I AM DONE. TRY TO CONFISCATE THEM FROM ME AND I WILL KILL.

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Im more than willing to kill whitmer and I do live in Michigan. Ill assault her ugly face with my bullets."

trans freaks and gays ... they all need to die."

im going to kill these democrats biden deserves to die

He also talked about using his gun "on a drag show" and ripping "the whole crown of freaks" apart, and killing FBI agents.

"I'll shoot the FBI if they ever show up ... if fbi ever shows up to talk to me ill just shoot at them

Uses marijuana daily, has guns, ammo and body armor

U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison thanked Google for the heads up. I applaud Googles vigilance in this matter, and we hope members of the community will, likewise, pay attention and report such conduct to law enforcement, she said in a statement Friday.

After learning of the comments, the FBI visited Berka's mother on Thursday at her workplace, where she disclosed the following:

She advised the FBI that her son was previously involuntarily committed for mental health treatment, takes medication, uses marijuana daily and has four guns in his bedroom  guns that she bought for him  along with ammunition and body armor.

The U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on whether charges would be brought against the mother.

Berka is jailed pending a detention hearing on March 15, when a judge will decide whether to release him on bond or keep him locked up pending the outcome of his case.

Federal prosecutors plan to ask the judge to keep Berka locked up.

If convicted, Berka faces up to 15 years in prison.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: FBI: Mom bought mentally ill son guns. He threatened to kill Whitmer.
A federal jury has awarded $6.1 million to the parents of a college student who died due to hazing at LSU.

Roswell native Max Gruver died of alcohol poisoning at a frat house at Louisiana State University in 2017.

Gruvers parents filed suit against the university about 14 months after their sons death.

The verdict sends a message about how serious juries take hazing. And rightfully so, the Gruvers said in a statement released by their attorney Jonathon Fazzola to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our sons death was senseless and preventable, and the jurys award reflects how much damage his loss has caused our family. Although the verdict does not  and cannot ever  repair that loss, it is another important step in our mission to end hazing.

The lawsuit claimed that the university policed sorority hazing more strictly than fraternities. The university claimed sovereign immunity.

RELATED STORIES:

We are grateful that the jury understood that Max and his pledge brothers had no real choice and were not at fault for the hell they had to endure, the statement said. And, significantly, through its verdict, the jury put to rest the notion that merely being a bystander to hazing absolves a fraternity member of responsibility. If you see something, step up, make a difference, call 911, and save a life.

Matthew Naquin, of Texas, was convicted in July 2019 of negligent homicide in Gruvers death. He was later sentenced to five years in prison, but a judge suspended all but 2 years of the term.

The family has formed The Max Gruver Foundation, which is a nonprofit dedicated to ending hazing on college campuses.

His parents said a journal entry found shortly after his death inspired the foundation.

RELATED NEWS:
Testing is done on an Adderall pill in Cabo San Lucas. It came back positive for an illicit substance. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Congressional lawmakers are calling on the State Department to issue a travel advisory warning Americans that some Mexican pharmacies are passing off counterfeit pills made of fentanyl and methamphetamine as legitimate pharmaceuticals.

U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) sent a letter Friday to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken urging the department to immediately warn Americans traveling to Mexico of the danger they face when purchasing pills from Mexican pharmacies.

Some pharmacies in Cabo San Lucas are selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit substances and passing them off as legitimate pharmaceuticals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In explaining the need for such a high-profile warning, the letter repeatedly cited an investigation by the Los Angeles Times as well as a study by UCLA researchers  both of which found dangerous counterfeit pills being sold over the counter at pharmacies in northwestern Mexico.

U.S. tourists who unwittingly purchase counterfeit pills from Mexican pharmacies  both with and without a prescription, according to the Los Angeles Times  face deadly risks from medications that have effectively been poisoned, the letter said.

A State Deptartment spokesperson said in an email that the agency does not comment on Congressional correspondences. The department did not answer questions about the letter or whether it plans to issue a travel advisory.

Markey and Trone sent their letter one day before the Times published a new investigation detailing the final hours in the life of Brennan Harrell, a 29-year-old California man who overdosed and died in 2019 after consuming fentanyl-tainted pills purchased at a pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Harrells parents have fought unsuccessfully for more than three years for the State Department to issue a prominently placed warning about the dangers of Mexican pharmacies.

The risks of traveling to Mexico for its booming medical tourism industry came into sharp relief last week after four Americans were kidnapped in Matamoros, a cartel-plagued Mexican border town. Officials later said the travelers may have been victims of mistaken identity after the attackers thought their van was transporting rival gangsters.

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Testing on an Adderall pill in Cabo San Lucas came back positive for an illicit substance. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The incident sparked international tensions, as Republican lawmakers in the U.S. suggested sending troops across the border, while the president of Mexico blamed the violence on America's appetite for illegal drugs.

We are very sorry for what is happening in the United States, but why dont they attend to the problem? Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said last week. Here we do not produce fentanyl, and we do not consume fentanyl, he said, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

The Gulf cartel has since condemned the violence, but not until after two of the kidnapped American travelers were killed. One of the two survivors  who have both returned to the U.S. since the harrowing ordeal  was in Mexico for a tummy tuck, one of the nearly 1 million U.S. citizens who seek medical procedures in the country each year.

The high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. has driven a lucrative Mexican pharmaceutical market that has seen some pharmacies selling dangerous, fake medications to oblivious visitors, as The Times reported last month.

These adulterated drugs place unsuspecting U.S. tourist customers  some of whom are seeking to avoid high pharmaceutical drug pricing in the United States  at risk of overdose and death, Markey and Trone wrote to Blinken. Markey was a member of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, and Trone was its co-chair.

The Los Angeles Times investigation found that 71% of the pills their investigators purchased from Mexican pharmacies were contaminated with powerful drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Travel advisories are public warnings issued by the State Department to inform Americans traveling abroad about risks they could face while visiting certain countries or locations. Its imperative that one be issued about Mexican pharmacies selling fake, tainted pills as an immediate step, Markey and Trone wrote in their joint letter.

Some pharmacies in Cabo San Lucas are selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit substances and passing them off as legitimate pharmaceuticals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The State Department, through the travel advisories it issues, plays an important role in protecting the health and safety of Americans traveling abroad, the letter said.

Steffanie Strathdee, a distinguished professor of medicine at UC San Diego and co-author of the UCLA-led study, said an advisory is not enough.

"My view is its a Band-Aid," she said. "Its not going to solve the problem, though it may help some people be more wary  as long as thats not the only thing thats done."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
It has come to my attention that, with the present nursing and healthcare workers shortage, we are facing increasing issues meeting demands.

I began thinking about what it means to be fully vaccinated. According to the governments website, it means to have your two full shots, as well as all the boosters.

So now my question, if you have to have two shots plus boosters to be considered "fully vaccinated ", then how are the present nurses and Healthcare workers allowed to still be working? Most only have two shots? I find this greatly concerning, especially considering that according to the governments own definition, that would define them as not (fully) vaccinated.

And yet thousands of nurses and healthcare workers were terminated for being "not vaccinated." So, if they're all not (fully) vaccinated, then why can't they all work? Id love for someone to (explain it to) me.

With the shortage (of nurses) this should also be a prioritized concern for more of the public and our provincial health officer as well. If we have workers who are able-bodied, willing and capable of working, why aren't we letting them?

As it stands, there is no significant difference between them and the currently working staff who were allowed to stay on. Both are "unvaccinated" by its own definition.

Will (the government) mandate all boosters? That seems to be the only way this can be acceptable. And if that's the case, then why has it not already done so? If we're protecting the vulnerable then clearly all boosters should be up to date in order (for all healthcare workers) to maintain their positions working with the vulnerable.

It makes sense to me. (B.C.s public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix have both previously stated all boosters must be taken in order to be fully vaccinated. As it stands, not even a quarter of present healthcare workers are.

With so many other provinces, and even our public sector, rescinding their (vaccines) mandates, I'm curious as to why British Columbia and Interior Health is always last to act and make things right?

It also got me thinking about everyone who refused vaccinations and mask-wearing for their own personal or health reasons.Weren't they all presumed to be dead by now? And yet, they're not and our healthcare system is far from being flooded with Covid patients.

The only reason our present healthcare system is struggling at the moment is because of a lack of staff. At this point this seems to be more of an issue with pride and our public health officials not wanting to admit they were wrong, than it does a public health emergency.

The mandates themselves have been gradually causing the system to crash, not the pandemic.

It seems things should be re-thought, sooner rather than later.

Zan Alcock
A federal police union is suing the U.S. Postal Service, saying they want their officers to be able to protect mail carriers in the wake of increasing attacks.

Action 9 has reported since last year that thieves are targeting postal workers. Theyre trying to steal their master keys, which open the big blue mailboxes.

RELATED: Push to protect mail carriers grows after workers attacked on their routes

While the post office has its own police force, Postal Police Officers are not allowed to patrol outside of post offices. However, last month, an arbitrator ruled the Postal Police do have jurisdiction to patrol the streets and protect mail carriers.

Now, the Postal Police Officers Association has filed a federal lawsuit against the post office to try and reinstate the outside patrols.

So far, the Postal Service hasnt responded to the lawsuit, but a spokesperson previously told Channel 9 the agency disagreed with the arbitrators decision.

(WATCH PREVIOUS: 9 Investigates a rise in attacks on mail carriers to steal mailbox keys)




Absences in the Senate are becoming an issue for Democrats, leaving them with a fragile majority.

Senate Democrats have been without Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) in recent weeks, creating a 49-49 split in the chamber that has forced members of the conference to only bring up votes that they know have bipartisan support and caused problems at the committee level.

Its the reality. When youre 51-49, every senator every day is decisive, Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, told The Hill. This is the reality of life in the Senate.

Fetterman has been out for much of the past month after checking himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment for clinical depression. Though his office has tweeted pictures of him meeting with staff at the hospital and said he is engaged on a number of legislative items, including rail safety and the farm bill, he is not expected back in the Senate this week.

Feinstein, 89, is recovering at home from a case of shingles, having missed the last two weeks of votes. The California Democrat, who is the oldest sitting U.S. senator, tweeted last week that she was continuing to receive treatment and was hoping to return to Washington as soon as possible.

That 49-49 split can fluctuate with other short-term absences. But the loss of the two reliable votes for Democratic nominees and issues is already creating headaches on the Senate floor as the chamber takes up privileged resolutions pushed by Republicans via the Congressional Review Act, which do not need Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) blessing to come to the floor and require only a simple majority to pass.

The Senate this week is set to take up a resolution disapproving of the Biden administrations Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Without the Democratic pair, the measure is expected to pass with the support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and possible other Senate Democrats, forcing Biden to wield his veto pen.

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The pair being sidelined forced Vice President Harris to be present on Feb. 28 for two tiebreaking votes on district court nominees.

And President Bidens pick to the Federal Communications Commission Gigi Sohn withdrew her name from consideration last week after Manchin said he would not back her, essentially dooming her nomination. Democrats would have needed all members present and voting to overcome Manchins no vote.

Feinsteins absence, in particular, has had an outsized impact as the Senate Judiciary Committee, on which she serves, has been forced to punt votes on a number of nominees in each of the past two weeks and been unable to put them on a path toward votes on the Senate floor.

Among the nominees whove been delayed is Charnelle Bjelkengren, who President Biden tapped to serve as a district court judge for the Eastern District of Washington. Bjelkengren has been the target of GOP opposition after she stumbled over some questions during her confirmation hearing.

The panel also held off on voting to advance Orelia Merchants nomination for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn and two other nominees for trial court seats in New Jersey.

Democrats hold an 11-10 advantage on the panel, but are unable to advance their nominees without Feinstein or winning GOP support for any individual nominee.

Feinstein is expected to return to work later this month.

Does it create challenges? It absolutely does. Does it slow the process down? Sometimes, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a Judiciary Committee member, told The Hill. But were all human beings and these are the times you have to take those things into account and give as much leniency as you can.  It happens on both sides of the aisle.

Indeed, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was hospitalized Wednesday night after falling and treated for a concussion. It is unclear when he will return to the Capitol.

And absences are nothing new for Democrats. Two members last year  Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.)  suffered strokes in early 2022, forcing the party to manage without them for a time. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) was out for just under two weeks earlier this year to be treated for prostate cancer.

But heading into the 118th Congress, Senate Democrats were buoyed with optimism that their newly minted 51-49 majority would pay major dividends after two years of a 50-50 chamber.

Still, Democrats say they are able to work around the absences  for now.

I think for now we have flexibility to move nominees where we dont need every one of our votes. Obviously there could come a time where thats a constraint, but by then well have all of our contingent, Van Hollen said. I think we have enough nominations in the pipeline that we can win with the votes weve got  but obviously, at some point, it may become an issue.

In total, the Senate confirmed nine district court nominees in the past two weeks, along with Maria Araujo Kahn, a nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Other administration nominees also were passed with some GOP support, including Daniel Werfel to become the new IRS commissioner.

Were working around them, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said of the absences. Stuff happens. Were human.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A nurse prepares to take a blood specimen at the IVMED fertility clinic in Kyiv. Dominika Zarzycka/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A Kyiv fertility clinic is offering free sperm-freezing services to Ukrainian soldiers, per the IBT.

An average of five to six soldiers a week are using the service, the clinic's chief doctor said.

Soldiers are taking precautions in case they are killed or sustain major injuries while fighting.

Ukrainian soldiers are taking up an offer from a Kyiv fertility clinic to freeze their sperm to make sure they can still have children in the eventuality they sustain severe injuries on the battlefield, or die in combat.

An average of five to six soldiers a week are using IVMED's free sperm-freezing service, the fertility clinic's chief doctor Galino Strelko said in an interview with the International Business Times.

"We are offering semen freezing to help soldiers live a normal life," Strelko said, per the IBT.

Cryopreservation and IVF are also being offered free of charge by the fertility clinic to couples where both the husband and wife are serving in the military, according to the IBT.

Sperm cryopreservation, also referred to as sperm banking or sperm freezing, involves placing specimens in small vials inside storage freezers that contain liquid nitrogen. It's often seen as an "insurance policy" against potential infertility problems or the death of a male partner.

Strelko told the IBT that it can be reassuring for soldiers going to war to know that they can take action to have biological children regardless of what happens to them on the front line.

"For some people, it may even offer psychological support because they understand that they can have children even in case of death," Strelko said.

It's also reassuring for those who might sustain injuries to their sexual organs in battle, she added.

"Infertility [among soldiers], after they return to normal life, is also twice higher than the standard population," Strelko said, per the IBT.

Soldiers returning from the battlefield can also face exhaustion, overheating, and hypothermia, which can also impact their ability to reproduce naturally, Strelko said, per the IBT.

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Strelko said the service can help address Ukraine's declining population, which the Population Reference Bureau notes has been plummeting for decades.

Prior to the war, Ukraine already had one of the lowest birth rates in the world, NPR reported.

Now, Ukrainian demographers predict that war, deaths, and mass emigration will cause it to fall even lower, per NPR.

But sperm cryopreservation will only marginally correct Ukraine's population decline, Strelko said, saying its primary impact will be improving the quality of life of soldiers and their families.

Insider's Bethany Dawson previously reported that Russia had approved funding for sperm freezing for those called up to fight in Ukraine.

According to The Times of London, quoting local Russian media, there had been a surge in men headed to the front freezing their sperm so that their wives can access it if they are killed in action.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Fire damaged part of the provincial residence of Cambodias King Norodom Sihamoni near a famous temple complex, officials said Monday. No injuries have been reported.

The blaze broke out on Sunday night in the northwestern city of Siem Reap, damaging the roof of one of the smaller buildings in the complex. The 69-year-old king is currently in Beijing for routine medical checks.

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said there were no reports of anyone being injured. The Ministry of the Royal Palace on Monday blamed an electrical fault.

Video from the state news agency AKP showed the intensity of the fire before emergency crews brought it under control and evidently prevented major damage to the main residential building.

The large villa is the official home of the king when he is in Siem Reap. King Sihamoni's main residence is a palace inside a walled compound in the capital, Phnom Penh.

Siem Reap is famous for the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex, a historical site that is one of the countrys main tourist attractions.
Save 27% on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device from Amazon Canada (photo via Amazon)

Amazon Canada is home to hundreds (if not thousands) of tech brands, but the retailer's own Amazon Fire devices are among its best-known.

The Amazon Fire brand is home to TVs, tablets, adaptors, and its best-selling Fire TV Sticks. Shoppers can choose from several options of the Fire TV Stick, from its most basic Fire TV Stick Lite to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which is currently on sale for 27 per cent off.

With more than 14,400 reviews and a 4.7-star average rating, scroll down to shop the deal and learn why reviewers say the device is a "worthwhile upgrade."

Fire TV Stick 4K Max (photo via Amazon)

$55 $75 at Amazon

The details

Amazon's best-selling Fire TV Stick is a do-it-all device that lets you stream videos, install apps, play music and more, straight to your television.

The streaming device supports leading HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR and HDR10+ and brings visuals and audio to life with immersive 4K streaming and Dolby Atmos audio. It's compatible with next-generation wifi 6 and is 40 per cent more powerful than the Fire TV Stick 4K.

Users gain access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes, including favourites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and CTV. Plus, with the Alexa voice control feature, you don't have to touch the remote to search and launch content and control compatible smart home devices.

'Worthwhile upgrade'

Shoppers call the device a "great upgrade" from the basic Fire TV Stick, noting "immediate and significant improvements" in its functioning and design.

The shopper, who does not have a 4K TV, describes a "great improvement" in their TV's picture quality, sharpness and colour and notes a "significant improvement" in its sound quality.

It's "much faster," there's "no waiting, no sound problems," and the picture is "much better," they write. "All around a major improvement"  "well worth the price."

Another shopper agrees and says they saw a "noticeable difference" from their previous Fire TV Stick, noting that Netflix is "significantly faster" with the upgraded device.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max (photo via Amazon)

$55 $75 at Amazon

It's a "worthwhile upgrade" over the regular 4K model, "especially if you watch Netflix," and is a "big upgrade" from competitor streaming devices, they write.

A third shopper says the Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers "top of the line performance" and calls it the "best bet" for 4K streaming options.

It's "snappy," it "can do practically anything," and it has "newer wifi compatibilities," they summarize.

Despite thousands of promising reviews, some shoppers had trouble linking the Fire TV Stick to their VPN, something to consider if you use one.

The verdict

If you're in the market for a new streaming device or want to upgrade your old Fire TV Stick, this is a deal you won't want to miss. Dubbed a "worthwhile upgrade" by Amazon shoppers, reviewers report that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is "significantly faster" than previous models. However, some note the device was not compatible with their VPN, something to keep in mind if you use one.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
The Royal Wedding Of Her Royal Highness Princess Iman And Jameel Alexander Thermiotis

In this handout from the Jordanian Royal Court, The Royal wedding of Princess Iman Bint Abdullah II and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis on March 12, 2023 in Amman, Jordan. Credit - Handout/Jordanian Royal Court via Getty Images

The eldest daughter of Queen Rania and King Abdullah II of Jordanprincess Iman bint Abdullah IIgot married Sunday wearing a white Dior wedding dress with lace cuffed sleeves and a diamond tiara. The princess and her husband, Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, read a verse from the Quran after signing the marriage document. They also used a sword to cut the cake and walked through a flag salute at the ceremony, which took place at Beit Al-Urdon Palace, a private residence of the Jordanian royal family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cps9ckeDmRq

In photos her mother posted to social media ahead of the wedding, Princess Iman is seen wearing her mothers tiara and bridal belt. (Queen Rania of Jordan wore the tiara during two trips to the U.K., which included a banquet with the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the belt during her own 1993 wedding to King Abdullah II of Jordan.)

Children grow up fast. At least thats what Queen Rania of Jordan appears to be thinking; a montage of videos she posted to her Instagram on March 5 show her cradling the princess in her arms shortly after giving birth alongside clips of her taking baby steps and wearing wings as a toddler.

The first time I held my baby girl, I knew my life would never be the same. In a week, she will be a bride, Queen Rania wrote on Instagram. My precious Iman, I am so happy for you and so proud of everything that you are.

More from TIME

Who is Princess Iman?

Princess Iman, 26, is the eldest daughter of Queen Rania and King Abdullah II of Jordan. She is the first among her siblings to marry; her brother, Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, will marry Rajwa Al-Saif in June.

The princess completed elementary and high school in Jordan, graduating from the International Academy in Amman in 2014.

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She began her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University, before transferring and graduating from the Parsons School of Design in New York.

In this handout from the Jordanian Royal Court, Princess Iman and her brother Crown Prince Hussein at the Royal wedding of Princess Iman Bint Abdullah II and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis on March 12, 2023 in Amman, Jordan. Jordanian Royal CourtGetty Images

Iman has often joined her mother on royal outings in Jordan and to the U.K., France, Italy, China, and Japan, according to Insider.

She has ridden horses competitively.

What to know about the wedding

The princess married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, a New York financier who was born in Caracas, Venezuela and is of Greek descent, on March 12. They were engaged last July.

The celebration came a week after the Royal Hashemite Court shared the March 12 wedding date.

The event was reportedly an intimate outdoor ceremony, with blooming white-flowered trees.

What to know about the princess family

Over the last few decades, Queen Rania has earned a reputation for her advocacy work around international human rights, education, and refugee rights. In 2004, TIME chose her as one of its 100 Most Influential People of the Year. Her family is of Palestinian descent, like many Jordanians, and she was born and raised in Kuwait.

A family tree on the familys websites traces King Abdullah IIs lineage back to Prophet Muhammad.
For the first time since 1961, the Oscars carpet will not be red this year.

While many things about the Academy Awards have changed throughout the years, one thing has remained constant over the past six decades: the red carpet.

The hues have varied, yes, but it has always been some shade of red. Until this year.

On Wednesday (8 March) outside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, workers unspooled a champagne-coloured carpet as Jimmy Kimmel, who is hosting the 95th Oscars on Sunday 12 March, presided over the occasion.

I think the decision to go with a champagne carpet over a red carpet shows how confident we are that no blood will be shed," Kimmel said.

The decision to change the colour came from creative consultants Lisa Love, a longtime Vogue contributor, and Raul Avila, the creative director for the glamourous Met Gala in New York.

This year the carpet will be covered, in part to protect the stars and cameras from the weather, but also to help turn the arrivals into an evening event.

For Love, there has always been a disconnect between the elegant black tie dress code and the fact that its mid-afternoon when people arrive to be photographed in the daylight. With a covered carpet, they could change that.

Jimmy Kimme; (Getty Images)

We turned a day event into night, Love told The Associated Press. Its evening, even though its still 3:00.

The Oscars red carpet dates back to 1961, the 33rd Academy Awards held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, when Billy Wilders The Apartment won best picture, Burt Lancaster and Elizabeth Taylor won the lead acting prizes, and there was still a juvenile award, which went to Hayley Mills for Pollyanna.

It was the first televised ceremony, broadcast on ABC and hosted by Bob Hope. The general public wouldnt see the red carpet in all its glory on television until 1966, when the Oscars were first broadcast in colour.

There wasnt any debate over the change, Love said. They just knew they had the freedom to break from tradition. They tried some other colours too but they seemed too dark with the covered tent. Instead, they went lighter and Academy CEO Bill Kramer approved.

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We chose this beautiful sienna, saffron color that evokes the sunset, because this is the sunset before the golden hour, Love said.

They werent especially worried about upsetting Oscars traditionalists either.

Somebodys always got a way to find something wrong with something, Love said. This is just a lightness and hopefully people like it. It doesnt mean that its always going to be a champagne-coloured carpet.

As for what we should call it? Love said champagne and sand are apt descriptions, but that theres no reason to not default to red carpet either. Its more metonym for the glamorous arrivals than a literal description of what everyone is walking on.

You can follow along with the latest Oscars updates here.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
After weeks of speculation, and White House denials over the weekend, the Interior Department on Monday formally approved the Willow Project, a 30-year effort by ConocoPhillips to drill oil in northwestern Alaska.

Here are five things to know about one of President Bidens most controversial moves yet on environmental policy.

Carbon emissions

It could produce vast amounts of carbon emissions, at a time when the Biden administration is publicly committed to reducing them.

ConocoPhillips has projected the projects output at around 180,000 barrels per day, the most productive Alaskan oilfield in decades. The administration estimates the project could produce enough oil to generate 239 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the primary cause of climate change, over 30 years.

Greenpeace has decried the project as a carbon bomb, while Sierra Club President Ben Jealous said in a statement Monday that the carbon pollution it will spew into the air will have devastating effects for our communities, wildlife, and the climate.

The approval comes after the Biden administration has set the most ambitious carbon emission reduction goals in U.S. history, a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Its shorter-term goals, meanwhile, call for cutting U.S. emissions by half compared to 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

New Arctic protections revealed

The administration announced new Alaskan protections just before the announcement.

Over the weekend, as rumors swirled that approval was imminent, the Interior Department announced a number of new protections for the Arctic separate from the Willow approval. The department on Sunday announced it would block 2.8 million acres in the region from oil and gas development and proposed protections for another 13 million acres of federal Alaskan land.

Tellingly, the Interior Department centered its actions to reduce the scope of the project as it made the approval official Monday, noting that it denied two of ConocoPhillipss proposed drill site pads. The reduction, the department said, significantly scale[s] back the Willow Project within the constraints of valid existing rights under decades-old leases issued by prior Administrations.

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Bipartisan support for the project

The administration faced bipartisan pressure from Alaskan lawmakers to approve the project.

Alaskas state and federal lawmakers have been largely united in calling on the Biden administration to approve the project. Last week, Alaskas entire congressional delegation  Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R) and Dan Sullivan (R) and Rep. Mary Peltola (D)  co-authored an op-ed for CNN calling for the project to be approved.

This should be an easy decision. The administration has made combating climate change a priority, while also acknowledging that the transition to cleaner energy will take time, they wrote. In the meantime, we need oil, and compared to the other countries we can source it from, we believe Willow is by far the most environmentally responsible choice.

On Friday, after the approval was first reported, Peltola tweeted that it seems like the Administration is taking Alaskans support for this project seriously.

Murkowski, who has been a broadly moderate GOP senator but sharply critical of the Biden administrations environmental and energy policies, criticized the administrations failure to make the approval official Friday but praised the formal announcement.

I thank the administration for listening to Alaskans, rejecting false claims meant to sink this project, and having the courage to make the right decision on Willow, Murkowski said in a statement Monday.

Pushback from environmentalists

The Biden administrations allies in the environmental movement are furious.

Environmentalist organizations have been broadly supportive of the administrations energy policies since President Biden took office in 2021, particularly his decarbonization goals and promotion of renewable energy projects. But they uniformly expressed both disappointment and outrage over the weekend amid rumors of the approval and on Monday when it became official.

Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakas said in a statement that the approval abandons the millions of young people who overwhelmingly came together to demand he stop the project and protect our futures.

Center for American Progress Director of Public Lands Jenny Rowland-Shea called the approval a mistake, saying the project is a climate disaster that benefits the oil industry at the cost of everyday Americans [and] puts the local community and the Native village of Nuiqsut at risk while threatening the sensitive Arctic environment.

And advocacy groups arent the only critics  Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) also rebuked the approval, saying in a statement, We should be doubling down on energy solutions that can rapidly provide Americans with cleaner and more affordable alternatives.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), who has been one of the most vocal Senate Democrats on environmental issues, framed the approval as directly antithetical to the administrations own accomplishments on the environment.

The Biden administrations decision to move forward with one of the largest oil development projects in decades sends the wrong message to our international partners, the climate and environmental justice movement, and young people who organized to get historic clean energy and climate investments into law last year, he said in a statement.

A significant oil lease approval

The approval caps off over two years of intrigue relating to oil and gas leasing on federal lands.

Immediately upon taking office, Biden signed an executive order pausing all new oil and gas leasing on federal lands. The measure was praised by green groups as an indicator of his priorities, and blasted by Republicans and the energy industry. Eventually, however, the administration resumed lease sales amid a tangle of lawsuits and unfavorable court rulings, including the biggest offshore lease sale in history in the Gulf of Mexico in 2021.

The Willow Project will use leases that were largely secured before Biden took office. However, it represents one of the most significant approvals of such a project of his presidency, and signals a tack to the center despite the 2022 midterm elections, the most favorable for a presidents party in decades.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Flair Airlines CEO Stephen Jones said the airline may have to trim its schedule after four of its aircrafts were seized on the weekend. (Photo by Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The chief executive of Flair Airlines says it may have to trim its capacity after four of its aircrafts were seized over the weekend because of overdue payments.

Flair Airlines CEO Stephen Jones told reporters Monday that while the airline continues to negotiate with Airborne Capital, the leasing company that owns the four planes seized Saturday, "it would be a tough road to see them back down."

"We've come in and upset the cosy duopoly and as a consequence people want us out of business. And we do believe that there were negotiations going on behind the scenes between one of the majors and the lessor to hurt Flair by them offering probably above-market rates for the aircraft weve been leasing," Jones said. He did not specify which major airline he believed was negotiating with Flair's lessor, nor did he offer any details to support the claim.

"While I'm not going to name names or cite evidence, I believe there is much more to this picture than the surface that you see."

Four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft were grounded on Saturday after what Flair called a "commercial dispute" with Airborne Capital. Jones said the airline was about $1 million in arrears on the leases, which is approximately half of a day's sales for the airline.

"So it wasn't a big amount. We didn't expect this action and as a consequence, we didn't have any aircraft in backup," Jones said. "There was no reason to, from our perspective."

The move left Flair Airlines scrambling, cancelling flights just as March break began in Ontario. About 1,900 passengers had flights cancelled on Saturday, Jones said, with 420 of those people rebooked for travel within three days. He said the airline's schedule has since returned to normal, after it added three spare aircraft it had in its fleet to its schedule. The airline now has 19 aircraft in its fleet. Before Saturday, it had 22.

Jones said the company is "100 per cent caught up" on its current lease payments.

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"I'm not going to pretend things haven't been tight," he said. "But we're keeping... up to date on payments."

Whether the company will be able to continue with its expansion plans remains to be seen. Flair, which began as a charter operator in 2004 but transitioned to a low-cost carrier model in 2017, has been in the midst of an aggressive expansion strategy. The airline previously said it expects to grow to 30 aircraft by mid-2023.

Jones said that will depend on whether the airline is able to secure some or all the aircraft back into the fleet.

"If we can't, and we'll know that shortly, then we'll need to either get more capacity in from other sources and use that, or we'll need to trim our schedule to fit the available capacity," he said.

"We're working through that."

Competition in the Canadian airline market has heated up in recent years, with the launch of low-cost carriers such as Flair, Swoop, Lynx Air and Jetlines.

Alicja Siekierska is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow her on Twitter @alicjawithaj.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
BERLIN (AP)  Flights at several German airports were severely disrupted on Monday by the latest in a string of one-day strikes related to various pay disputes.

The ver.di union called workers out on warning strikes at Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen airports.

Some 200 departures were canceled in Berlin, and about a third of the planned 200 arrivals were expected to be canceled, German news agency dpa reported. Hamburg airport said that all 123 planned departures during the strike were canceled and at least 50 of the 121 planned arrivals.

The walkouts by airport staff come amid difficult pay talks for employees of Germanys federal and municipal governments.

Unions are seeking a 10.5% pay raise, while employers so far have offered an increase totaling 5% in two stages and one-time payments of 2,500 euros ($2,630) per employee  which unions have rejected as insufficient. The next round of talks is due to start March 27.

There are also negotiations ongoing nationwide over air safety workers' pay and locally for ground service workers.
Photo: The Canadian Press Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left to right, Col Jaimie Norman, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord, and Commander Gus Carnie during Sunak's visit to San Diego, Monday March 13, 2023, ahead of his meetings with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese as part of AUKUS. Experts are warning that Canada's omission from the military pact involving three of its closest allies is symptomatic of a larger problem in how this country is perceived by its friends. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stefan Rousseau-Pool via AP

Experts are warning that Canada's omission from a military pact involving three of its closest allies is symptomatic of a larger problem in how this country is perceived by its friends.

U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to join the prime ministers of Britain and Australia at a news conference later today to announce the next steps of their AUKUS agreement.

That will include formalizing American and British plans to help Australia develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in response to growing concerns about China's actions in the Pacific.

The Trudeau government has refused to say whether Canada was invited to join AUKUS and downplayed its importance even as parts of Canada's military and foreign establishment have called for its inclusion.

Canadian Forces College professor Paul Mitchell believes Canada's exclusion reflects the perceptions of its closest allies that it remains uncertain about its aims in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence analyst David Perry of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute says it is also a sign that Canada's friends are growing tired of its refusal to take national defence and security seriously.
Florence Pugh graced the Oscars red carpet on Sunday evening in a unique Valentino gown. However, the actors ruffled look may have just inspired some of the best memes of the night.

The 27-year-old British actor arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 12 March donning a beige, strapless taffeta dress designed by Valentino. The show-stopping look was completed with a flowing train and ruffled sleeves, along with a pair of black short-shorts and platform heels.

The Dont Worry Darling star also rocked Tiffany & Co jewelry and a baby bangs hairstyle. Speaking to Laverne Cox on E! News Live from the Red Carpet, Pugh described the Valentino ensemble as a bit of romantic, a bit of punk.

While Pugh has become known for her bold fashion choices, fans on social media seemed to think her billowing Oscars look was something more similar to bed sheets  sparking some amusing memes.

Florence Pughs rocking bed sheets, wrote one Twitter user.

me after trying to fold fitted sheets, joked someone else.

me carrying my clean sheets back to my room from the dryer, a third person tweeted.

Florence Pughs rocking bed sheets  pic.twitter.com/aOkEvi7k5v  Christian Cortave (@CCortave24) March 12, 2023

me after trying to fold fitted sheets https://t.co/tahLTIRK34  olivia (@folklore2020) March 12, 2023

Another person jokingly said: me going downstairs and joining my family christmas morning in my duvet

me carrying my clean sheets back to my room from the dryer pic.twitter.com/9f7Y1PSgGu  alex   (@nothnghppens) March 12, 2023

me going downstairs and joining my family christmas morning in my duvet pic.twitter.com/EUYKm0AGmV  stephen (@StephenOssola) March 12, 2023

Throughout her career, Florence Pugh has become known for her unapologetically daring outfits. However, the Little Women star received criticism from body-shamers last year when she wore a sheer pink Valentino gown that showed her nipples.

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Since then, Pugh has spoken out against her critics. In a recent interview with Vogue, the Midsommar actor reflected on the backlash she received from the pink Valentino gown, and explained why she feels its the problem of body-shamers if theyre offended by her body.

Ive never been scared of whats underneath the fabric, she told Vogue in January. If Im happy in it, then Im gonna wear it. Of course, I dont want to offend people, but I think my point is: How can my nipples offend you that much?

Pugh previously addressed the criticism of her sheer dress in an Instagram post, in which she called out those who wanted to aggressively let me know how disappointed you were by my tiny t***, or how I should be embarrassed by being so flat chested.

Whats been interesting to watch and witness is just how easy it is for men to totally destroy a womans body, publicly, proudly, for everyone to see, she wrote in her caption, adding, It isnt the first time and certainly wont be the last time a woman will hear whats wrong with her body by a crowd of strangers.

Whats worrying is just how vulgar some of you men can be.

She continued: Ive lived in my body for a long time. Im fully aware of my breast size and am not scared of it, she wrote. Whats more concerning is Why are you so scared of breasts? Small? Large? Left? Right? Only one? Maybe none? What. Is. So. Terrifying.

During Sunday evenings awards ceremony, Florence Pugh presented the awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay alongside Andrew Garfield. Here is the full list of Oscar 2023 winners.
Florence Pugh continues to be the most relatable A-lister of all  and arrived at the Oscars in shorts.

The Dont Worry Darling star forwent a traditional dress and waltzed onto the champagne-colored carpet of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in black shorts and a gown by Valentino Couture. Pugh had no qualms about explaining her look when asked.

OK, it has a lot of pockets, Pugh told Laverne Cox, who moderates the E! Live From the Red Carpet pre-show for the annual event. But I use them all the time, and I made some of my own modifications.

Florence Pugh said she made some of her own

Florence Pugh said she made some of her own "modifications" to the shorts.

The hue of her gown matched this years champagne-colored carpet, a choice Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel explained at an unveiling ceremony on Thursday.

I think the decision to go with a champagne carpet rather than a red carpet shows how confident we are that no blood will be shed, Kimmel told Variety in a cheeky reference to last years infamous slap.

Pugh, who is reportedly presenting an award with Andrew Garfield Sunday night, completed her look with Tiffany jewels. These not only included two Soleste rings, but platinum earrings with pink tourmalines and diamonds  and a matching necklace.

Florence Pugh attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12 in Hollywood, California.

Florence Pugh attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12 in Hollywood, California.

The glamorous accessories naturally clashed with her understated choice of shorts  which was precisely Pughs intention.

A bit romantic, a bit of punk, Pugh told Cox. im wearing some shorts. Im doing it.

The native Brit wasnt the only actor to stun on the carpet, however, as Women Talking director Sarah Polley arrived in a comfortable suit  and Angela Bassett did the proverbial thing with an inspired purple dress.

While Pugh isnt nominated for an award this year, it reportedly marks her first appearance at the Oscars since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. She thus missed the 2022 ceremony in which Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, which spurred new security measures.

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See all the best looks from the Oscars red carpet here.

Related...
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Martin County Schools/Jodi Picoult

The seventh time I learned that my novel Nineteen Minutes was being banned in a school district, I was watching a book burning.

I was in the U.K., in rehearsals for a musical Id co-written based on Markus Zusaks novel The Book Thief, which is set in Nazi Germany. The director was determined to physically set a prop book on fire each night because of how shocking and powerful it was to watch. We were testing it out for the first time when the notification popped on my computer screen: about yet another parent complaining that my novel was inappropriate for high school students.

In the past six months, my books have been banned dozens of times in dozens of school districts. As sad as it seems, I was getting used to the emails from PEN Americas Jonathan Friedman telling me that yet again, my novel was under attack. But this week, something truly egregious happened. In Martin Country School District, 92 books were pulled from the school library shelves. Twenty of them were mine.

The 92 books fell into three categories: those with mature content, those written by BIPOC authors, and those written by LGBTQ authors. My books were removed because they were, according to the sole parent who made the challenge, adult romance that should not be on school shelves. It is worth noting I do not write adult romance. The majority of the books that were targeted do not even have a kiss in them. What they do have, however, are issues like racism, abortion rights, gun control, gay rights, and other topics that encourage kids to think for themselves.

When I read through the list of the 20 novels of mine that were pulled from the Martin County School District bookshelves, one surprised me the most. The Storyteller is a novel about the Holocaust. It chronicles the growth of anti-Semitism and fascism in Nazi Germany. There was a strange irony that a parent wanted this particular book removed, because it felt a bit like history repeating itself.

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Naturally, not all books are right for all age groups, and no one wants porn on a school bookshelf. In the past, teachers and librarians used their professional training to determine what was age-appropriate for certain groups, and listened to input from parents and students. Now, Florida has passed very broadly worded laws that limit what books can and cannot be in schools. Teachers who do not obey face penalties. Every book in a school must be reviewed by a media specialist and schools are told to err on the side of caution.

Why Im Thrilled My Pulitzer-Winning Book Has Been Banned

Some activists and parents have taken these laws as free reign to remove whatever books they personally do not deem acceptable. Some districts take the books off shelves pending review but months and years go by without a review, and the books remain locked away. The outcome has been empty shelves in Florida classrooms and school libraries, where teachers and media specialists dont only ban books that have been challenged but, in fear of future retribution, also remove other books that might result in punitive measures. The result? Students dont have access to certain titles.

More recently, these removals are happening without the review process that allows books to be vetted for age appropriateness. The 92 books that were pulled from Martin County School District shelves were based on the complaint of a single parent. In Martin County, a parent can challenge a book without having to identify the alleged inappropriate material  or without having even read the book. After doing so, the principal has 15 days to review the book and speak to the challenger, and then the Director of Curriculum and Instruction has 15 days for review, and finally after 45 days the school board makes a decision on the book. However, submitting 92 books at once ensures chaos, as principals do not have the time to do their job and read all that challenged materialwhich is exactly the point. The challengers know that they are putting the district into a situation where there is an impossibility of meeting the standards of the law regarding response time.

Media specialists and teachers who do not remove a book that is considered inappropriate can be faced with a third-degree felony, loss of teaching license, and a $5,000 fine. Some media specialists, afraid of non-compliance, consult with other districts to see what books have been pulled. Others simply remove every book on the parents list. The books in Martin County were removed in a matter of weeksfar too quickly for all 92 to be read and assessed.

In most school districts where a novel of mine has been challengedincluding Martin Countythe impetus has come from Moms For Liberty, a nationwide group that has a binder full of objectionable titles they find concerning, which are passed to local chapters, who in turn provide the titles to their local school boards or principals. Those doing the challenging often have not read the books themselves. In the few cases where a group of parents was convened to read the books removed from shelves, several books were deemed appropriate and returned. The rest remain off shelves in school and classroom libraries, because of a single parent or small group of parents who object to their children being exposed to whatever is within the pages.

Look, Im a mom. I used to read books before my kids did, to make sure I felt they were emotionally ready for the content. If it was a hard topic, we used the book as a springboard for discussion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a parent deciding a certain book is not right for her child. There is a colossal problem with a parent deciding that, therefore, no child should be allowed to read that book.

The banned books on these lists are not salacious or revolutionary. What children are actually being exposed to are lives different from their own, and mindsets different from their ownwhich creates compassion and empathy. In other cases, children are being exposed to ideas and mindsets exactly like their own, which provides representation and validity and a sense of belonging. We know categorically that kids who feel marginalized and who read books with characters like themselves wind up feeling less marginalized. Kids who have never encountered someone different from them get to do so in the safe space of a book, and it leads to understanding. Books help people find common ground; book bans spotlight the differences between us.

The book of mine that has been banned most frequently in the past six monthsNineteen Minutesis about a school shooting and the effects of bullying. However, the reason cited for its inappropriateness for kids is not the mention of violence, but rather a single page that depicts a date rape using anatomically correct words for the human body. It is not a gratuitous scene and it is not sensationalistic. What does it say about our world when keeping children safe means a book about school shootings is banned because it has a word for genitalia in it but we dont regulate the guns that cause those real-life shootings?

In the years since Nineteen Minutes has been published, Ive received thousands of emails from bullied kidssome who said the book was the reason they decided not to bring a gun to school; some who said the book was the reason they didnt attempt suicide. Reading my novel didnt irrevocably harm them. In fact, it made them realize they were not alone in their thoughts and feelings. The most common sentence in letters I receive from readers is: I never really thought about this issue before. That is what books do. They introduce kids to worlds and situations outside of their own. They help kids see themselves in a different way; they help kids see the world in a different way.

Last fall, when I sat in a theater every night and watched a prop book burn, I was reminded that now is not the first time we have seen bans and challenges to literature. Because of that, we can say with historical accuracy that we know what happens next. If you want to control the thoughts of a nation you start by controlling what they read. Removing books from a library or labeling them as problematic is the first step on a very slippery slope. Weve already seen school districts next starting to cancel school drama productions they deem problematic. Weve had challenges to curriculum by people who do not have degrees in education.

Many of my writer friends whose books have been challenged hear the same refrain: Kids can just get those books somewhere else! Unfortunately, not every kid has access to a public library or transportation to get there; for many, a school or classroom library is their only resource. We also hear: Oh, thats just gonna drive up sales! Trust me, none of us want that. What we want is for kids to be able to read what they want to read, instead of being told what they should read. We want the great majority of folks in communities who support the freedom to read to be just as loud as those select few who are making so much noise against it.

In the brilliant words of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, books create windows through which kids can escape and mirrors in which they can find themselves. We want you to stand in solidarity with us, the writers who create these books. Because weve seen, historically, what the next chapter looks like when we dont speak out against book challenges and that story does not end well.

Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 28 novels.

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S-400 air defense system in the park-reserve Losiny Island in the range and combat position

As the publication writes, in particular, there has been felling of trees in the Losiny Island park, in the fields of the Timiryazev Agricultural Academy and in the security zone of the Kolomenskoye Reserve Museum.

At the beginning of this year, it became known that an S-400 air defense system was being set up in the Losiny Island nature reserve.

This outraged local residents and environmentalists, but in response to their appeal, the local authorities replied that the purpose of building military sites is to ensure the national security and defense of the Russian Federation.

Read also: Plastic factory catches fire near Moscow  video

The S-400 air defense system in the park-reserve Losiny Island in the starting and combat position The Insider

Read also: After a spate of drone attacks, another air defense system spotted in Moscow

A large forest area on the banks of the Moskva River was destroyed just opposite the Kolomenskoye manor in the Kuryanovo micro district. It was here that the ecosystem suffered the most, the Insider said.

Currently, a site for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense is being built in this area, which is supposed to occupy five hectares. In response to residents complaints, the Russian State Duma said that it would have an industrial zone, a dog kennel and a sewage treatment plant.

The publication reports that due to the proximity of the large-scale construction, activists are concerned about the preservation of the Kolomenskoye Reserve and the Church of the Ascension, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Read also: Another 140 Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity, including defenders of Mariupol and Zmiinyy Island

A monument may lose its status due to a sudden change in the landscape around it. In Kolomenskoye, military equipment will be located both on the protected natural territory and on the territory of cultural heritage.

Earlier in January, air defense systems were spotted in Novo-Ogaryovo near the residence of dictator Vladimir Putin, on the roof of the Russian Ministry of Defense building and on the roof of an office center near the Kremlin.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The estranged husband of a 41-year-old mother of three found shot and killed in her home has been arrested in her death, Illinois police and media reports say.

Timothy Bliefnick, 39, was charged Monday, March 13, with first-degree murder and home invasion, according to the Quincy Police Department.

The Muddy River News and WGEM report Bliefnick is the estranged husband of Rebecca Bliefnick, whose body was discovered Feb. 23.

This brutal crime has had the Quincy community on edge and our residents living in fear, Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates said. I hope todays announcement can begin to calm some of those concerns.

A family member checked on Rebecca Bliefnick when she did not pick up her children from school Feb. 23, and the relative found her dead, WGEM reported. She was reportedly shot multiple times.

The investigation led authorities to Tim Bliefnick. His home and car were searched March 1, according to the Muddy River News.

Given the circumstances, it is not surprising that the search warrant was issued and executed, his attorney, Casey Schnack, told the publication at the time. My only surprise is that it took this long to do. It is just as important that QPD conduct such as investigation to rule Tim OUT as a suspect so that investigative efforts can be spent elsewhere.

Police said Tim Bliefnick was arrested without incident Monday. Additional arrests are unlikely, the police chief said in a news briefing.

The family of Rebecca Bliefnick said in a statement Monday it was thankful for the officers who helped bring her justice.

While the arrest today provides a step towards closure, this journey is far from over and the investigation continues, the statement read.

Bliefnick is being held in the Quincy jail on no bond, police said. Quincy is about 135 miles northwest of St. Louis.

In 2020, Tim Bliefnick and members of his family appeared on the popular game show Family Feud. The episode remained online as of Monday.

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Rebecca Bliefnick a quintessential boy mom

A mother of three boys, Rebecca Bliefnicks most profound devotion was her family, according to an obituary.

Her boys were her world, her lifes greatest gifts, the obituary says. She was the quintessential boy mom, aptly illustrated by building, for Halloween, Transformers costumes that actually transformed, creating custom first day of school posters each year, and jumping all-in with fishing and frog hunting and anything sports.

She worked as an ER nurse at Blessing Hospital in Quincy and was a travel nurse for multiple hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the obituary states. Nursing was described as her true calling.

Becky always envisioned herself working hands-on in the medical profession, so it was no surprise when she chose a career in nursing  her true calling  where she was able to provide care and comfort to people on a daily basis, her sister said in a GoFundMe.

In 2020, she was nominated for an international Daisy Award, an honor that recognizes the skill and compassion of nurses.

The woman who nominated Rebecca Bliefnick for the award called her an amazing nurse.

I got to kiss (my husband) and tell him how much I loved him all because of Becky, the woman saidin the nomination form. There are no words to express how grateful I am to her for what she did for me and my husband.

Newlywed, 22, killed in machete attack while working at Dollar Tree, Ohio cops say

Husband stabs estranged wife to death during fight over stimulus check, kids, feds say

Man fatally shoots ex-wifes new husband at her mothers funeral, Indiana family says
A Jacksonville-area Florida Highway Patrol trooper has been accused of buying drugs illegally.

A federal criminal complaint was filed Friday against Joshua Earrey, accusing him of being an unlawful user or addict of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.

An arrest warrant was issued for Earrey on Friday and he was arrested the same day. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

The criminal complaint said a confidential informant told the Federal Bureau of Investigation that Earrey had been addicted to oxycodone since 2021. The affidavit also said that Earrey had back surgery on Jan. 19 and was expected to remain on light duty status until Monday.

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Earrey, who has been a trooper for 22 years, has also been assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration as a task force officer since September 2020.

He was named the 2009 Trooper of the Year for apprehending a carjacking suspect on Jacksonvilles Westside.

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A former Raleigh Police Department officer faces up to 10 years in prison and will never serve as an officer again after pleading guilty to several drug trafficking and firearm charges.

Former officer Keven Rodriguez was arrested by federal agents in February 2022 for allegedly selling cocaine while on the job as a field operations division officer.

Rodriguez, 34, pled guilty in federal court Monday to the charges: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, distribution of a quantity of cocaine, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession of contraband while in prison.

A search of his jail cell recovered smoking paraphernalia, according to a news release by the Department of Justice.

He will be sentenced later this year.

The investigation began in November 2021 after members of RPD and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration received tips from two confidential sources that Rodriguez was selling drugs in Raleigh, The News & Observer reported previously.

An operation was set up in January 2022 where Rodriguez met with a confidential informant while he was on duty, in uniform and carrying his department weapon, The N&O reported. He sold the informant cocaine for $2,600 in cash at an abandoned car dealership on Capital Boulevard while he was parked in his patrol car.

Keven Rodriguez violated his sworn oath to protect and serve, said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley in a statement. He will never again wear the badge and never again tarnish the honorable profession of policing to which countless brave men and women have committed their lives.

Rodriguez will permanently surrender his law enforcement certification and will be permanently barred from any law enforcement certification in North Carolina from either the Criminal Justice Commission or the Sheriffs Commission, as a condition of his guilty plea, the Department of Justice said.

Mr. Rodriguezs actions betrayed public trust, dishonored the oath he swore to uphold, and discredited his character, said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson in a statement. I am pleased to see that justice was served and appropriately administered in this case.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman dismissed some criminal cases involving Rodriguez. At least six people arrested in cases that involved officer Keven Rodriguez have had their pending cases dismissed last year, The N&O reported.
By Karen Freifeld

(Reuters) - Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer, testified on Monday afternoon before a Manhattan grand jury investigating a hush money payment he has said he orchestrated to porn star Stormy Daniels on behalf of the former president.

"This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds," Cohen said of Trump outside a Manhattan courthouse on his way to the grand jury.

Lanny Davis, Cohen's attorney, later said Cohen testified until 5 p.m. on Monday, after starting at 2 p.m. He said Cohen would return to answer more questions Wednesday afternoon.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office declined to comment. Grand jury proceedings are not public.

The renewed interest in Stormy Daniels and the $130,000 payment she received before the 2016 presidential election comes at a critical time for Trump, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Daniels has said she got the payment in exchange for not discussing a sexual liaison with Trump, who denies it happened.

Trump has been given a chance to testify before the grand jury as a person subject to an investigation, Susan Necheles, an attorney for the former president, told Reuters last Thursday, a sign the grand jury may be close to deciding whether to bring criminal charges against him.

On Monday, Necheles said she had met with prosecutors earlier this month.

The Manhattan District Attorney "now threatens to indict former President Trump for payments made to Stormy Daniels seven years ago," she said in a statement on Friday. "For the DA's office to charge former President Trump, a victim of extortion, with a crime because his then lawyer, Michael Cohen, a convicted liar, paid the extortionist, would be unprecedented and outrageous selective prosecution."

Cohen was sentenced to prison in 2018 in federal court in Manhattan for campaign finance violations tied to his arranging hush payments to Daniels and another woman during Trump's 2016 presidential run, among other crimes.

Story continues

"This is not revenge," Cohen, who has become a Trump foe, told reporters on Monday. "My goal is to tell the truth."

Davis, his lawyer, would not comment on the details of Cohen's testimony before the grand jury on Monday. But, he added, "I can say generally that Mr. Cohen sticks to the facts, and documents and materials that back up the facts. Any lawyer who deflects and engages in personal attacks must not have the facts on her side."

It is doubtful that Trump, who has called the investigation a witch hunt, will agree to testify.

"I did absolutely nothing wrong. I never had an affair with Stormy Daniels," he said on his Truth Social platform last week.

Joseph Tacopina, another Trump lawyer, said on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday there were no plans to participate in the grand jury, though a decision had not been made.

Necheles declined to comment to Reuters on whether Trump would testify.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld; additional reporting by Douglas Higginbotham; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Bill Berkrot and Leslie Adler)
WMVP-AM 1000 weekday afternoon co-host and former Chicago Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle and his wife, Cara, have placed their five-bedroom, 8,000-square-foot mansion in Lake Forest on the market for $3.25 million.

Waddle, 56, played for the Bears from 1989 until 1994. He then went into broadcasting, first on WFLD-Ch. 32 and then on WLS-Ch. 7. He signed on at WMVP in 2007.

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In Lake Forest, Waddle and his wife paid $2.15 million in 2015 for the house. Built in 2002, the three-story brick and limestone house has five full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a newer DaVinci roof, a grand foyer with a double staircase and a chandelier, 10-foot ceilings, eight-foot doors, hardwood and travertine floors, and tray and barrel ceilings.

Other features include five fireplaces, skylights, extensive moldings, wainscoting, a finished third floor with a kitchenette and a cedar closet, a heated four-car garage and radiant heated floors on the main level, in the second-floor guest suite and in the primary suites bathroom. Outside on the 1.8-acre property are an in-ground saltwater pool with a spa and an electronic pool cover, a circular drive with a fountain and a shed.

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Listing agent Mona Hellinga declined to comment on why the Waddles are selling the house or on the home itself, other than to call it a beautiful house, a full-amenity home.

The mansion is listed for sale in real estate agents private listing network, which states that it will be placed into the public multiple listing service on April 17.

The mansion had a $50,580 property tax bill in the 2021 tax year.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.
Lois Riess will never again be free nor will she likely ever see the inside of a Florida prison.

The Minnesota woman fatally shot her husband, drove cross-county to Lee County and fatally shot a woman who resembled her at a Fort Myers Beach condo. She then fled to Texas where she was captured, and, sent north, pleaded guilty Aug. 11 in Wisconsin's Dodge County district court.

A judge sentenced her to life in prison with no chance of release.

Lois Riess

Since her plea she has been housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee.

The 58-year-old Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, resident, known at times during her multi-week homicide and gambling spree as the Killer Grandma or Losing Streak Lois, also pleaded guilty to the Fort Myers Beach homicide in December in Lee County Court and was given a life sentence without possibility of parole.

A spokeswoman for the State Attorneys Office of the 20th Judicial Circuit in Fort Myers said Riess life sentences in Florida and Minnesota are being served concurrently in Shakopee.

Riess received a sentence of life in prison here in Florida and if any issues had arisen in her case in Minnesota, she would still have a life sentence waiting for her here, Samantha Syoen, communications director for the state attorney, said. She will never again be free.

Riess public defender, Kathleen Fitzgeorge, said her former defendant may remain in Minnesotas prison system or be returned to Florida.

In the event either of those sentences are set aside  which is very unlikely  she would still serve the remaining sentence, Fitzgeorge said. She will be in prison for the remainder of her life whether it be Florida or Minnesota.

Fitzgeorge said it is entirely up to the governor of each of the states as to where Riess serves her time or which state would take precedence.

The Minnesota Attorney Generals office all but assured that Riess time in that state is likely absolute.

In accordance with Minnesota's extradition agreement with Florida and Ms. Riess's plea agreement in Florida, she will serve her Minnesota sentence first, John Stiles, deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. She did receive a life sentence in Minnesota as well, however, so it would seem unlikely she will ever serve any part of her Florida sentence.

Story continues

Previous coverage:

Riess was arrested April 1, 2018, by the U.S. Marshals Service and local police at a restaurant on South Padre Island, Texas.

Before that arrest, Riess kept one step ahead investigators from several states and the U.S. Marshalls Office in a bizarre, meandering trip that took her thousands of miles from the cold of Minnesota, to the beaches of Southwest Florida and then zig-zagging around the Gulf Coast to within 30 minutes of the Mexican border.

In that little more than month-long, crime-choked trip, Lois Riess:

Fired multiple shots that killed Dave Riess, her husband;

Gambled at an Iowa casino seemingly just days after killing her spouse;

Illegally transferred and withdrew thousands of dollars from the couples fishing worm business;

Reportedly stopped at a Minnesota acquaintances Fort Myers Beach property but left when she was recognized by the woman;

Befriended and then shot to death Pamela Hutchinson, a look-alike to Riess, at a Fort Myers Beach condo;

Illegally withdrew funds from Hutchinsons bank account, stole her car, and then spent some of that money on an Ocala hotel room;

Gambled and won $1,500, at a Louisiana casino;

Made her way to South Padre Island where she was caught after a restaurateur recognized her and reported her to authorities.

Riess August hearing was held at a Minnesota high school near the Dodge County courthouse because of space considerations. She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a life sentence without parole.

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com.

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Pam Hutchinson murder: Lois Riess sentenced to life in prison
Four people were shot to death on Sunday night inside an apartment in Dallas, police said.

Two men and two women were slain about 7 p.m. in the 3500 block of Villaverde Avenue, Dallas police said. An infant who was in the apartment during the shooting was not injured.

Police arrested Artemio Maldonado, 18, and Azucena Sanchez, 20, on suspicion of capital murder. Police did not describe what motivated the killings. Maldonado and Sanchez were booked at the Dallas County Jail.

Police said they found the suspects vehicle in the 2700 block of Northhaven Road and they were taken into custody about 10 p.m.

Police did not release the relationships among the victims or their names.
French soldiers with AMX-10P armored vehicles at a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon in September 2006. THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

France is reportedly considering sending AMX-10P amphibious infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

France has already sent its AMX-10RC armored vehicle to Ukraine, among other military hardware.

The AMX-10P may have some utility but it's unclear how many France has or what condition they're in.

France may send Ukraine its AMX-10Ps, an amphibious infantry fighting vehicles that the French military took out of service nearly a decade ago.

While the transfer isn't confirmed, the report raises questions about how many are available and their mechanical condition.

The potential arms sale was first reported on Twitter in February by French defense journalist Jean-Dominique Merchet and later picked up by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

France may send 25 AMX-10Ps, Merchet said. Paris has already sent its Caesar 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and its AMX-10RC armored car. The AMX-10RC's heavy cannon and light design has led some to call it a "bit of an oddity."

French soldiers practice shooting an AMX-10RC in Afghanistan in September 2010. JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images

The AMX-10P first appeared in 1968 and went into production in 1973. It was one of a new generation of infantry fighting vehicles  such as the US's M2 Bradley and the Soviets' BMP  that replaced lightly armed armored personnel carriers in the 1970s.

The AMX-10P's fully amphibious capability set it apart from its US and Soviet counterparts, which need slight adjustments to operate in water, and it could prove useful for crossing Ukraine's many rivers.

The AMX-10P is a roughly 15-ton tracked vehicle with a crew of three  commander, driver, and gunner  as well as room for eight infantry. While it came in 15 versions, the basic model used by the French Army has a turret with a 20 mm cannon and can travel 40 mph. Some variants were armed with a 90 mm gun, Milan and HOT anti-tank missiles, or a 120 mm mortar, and other models were designed for command, forward observer, and radar operations.

The AMX-10P weighs about half the weight of a 27-ton Bradley. One reason for that may be the AMX-10P's welded aluminum armor, which is less than an inch thick on the front hull and thinner elsewhere. That can defend against shrapnel, small-arms fire, and light cannon rounds but not anti-tank shells and rockets.

Story continues

Troops exit an AMX-10P armored vehicle in France KEYSTONE-FRANCE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

About 2,000 AMX-10Ps were manufactured between 1973 and 1985. In addition to France, the AMX-10P has been used by nine countries, including Greece, Iraq, and Singapore.

A few AMX-10Ps were upgraded with extra armor and better gearboxes in the 2000s, but the vehicle has been replaced in French service by the 25-ton VBCI  an eight-wheeled, 25-ton infantry fighting vehicle similar to the US's Stryker and the wheeled VBMR Griffon.

French armor officers considered the AMX-10P to be "very sturdy," Leo Peria-Peigne, a defense expert at the French Institute of International Relations, told Insider, calling it "very simple, quite efficient."

However, by the time the AMX-10P was retired, the vehicles "were quite tired," Peria-Peigne said. Indeed, he was surprised to learn that there were any available to be sent to Ukraine: "In France, when a vehicle is retired or replaced, it doesn't exist anymore."

That raises questions about the condition of the remaining AMX-10Ps. Ukraine must already cope with a garage-sale collection of donated armored vehicles from numerous countries.

A French AMX-10P enters a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon in September 2006. THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

Spain is sending 10 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine  but they are in such poor condition that the Spanish government is spending millions to refurbish them. Germany will sell 88 Leopard 1 tanks  which debuted in 1965  but they also need refurbishment.

This suggests that it may be a while before Ukraine gets any AMX-10Ps. While Kyiv is happy to get whatever armor it can, this will be yet another vehicle that Ukrainian troops will have to learn to operate, repair, and supply  while the AMX-10P and AMX-10RC share some automotive components, they are not related.

Nonetheless, the AMX-10P would be a welcome addition to Ukraine's military, though not a crucial one. It is reasonably fast and it is a lightweight tracked vehicle, which should enable it to traverse smaller bridges and soft terrain.

It is also relatively easy to learn and operate, Peria-Peigne said, describing it as "simpler than most modern" infantry fighting vehicles. As Ukraine struggles to assimilate a plethora of Western arms quickly, an old but simple armored vehicle may be good enough.

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
By Ludwig Burger and Dina Kartit

(Reuters) -France's Sanofi SA on Monday agreed to acquire Provention Bio Inc for $2.9 billion to bolster its work on a U.S.-approved type 1 diabetes therapy and strengthen its drug pipeline following development setbacks.

The deal builds on an existing co-promotion agreement between the two companies, and would give the French drugmaker full ownership of the drug, Tzield, Sanofi said, adding it expects to complete the acquisition in the second quarter of 2023.

While growth in asthma and eczema drug Dupixent is boosting Sanofi's sales, investors have criticised its drug development pipeline as weak.

Provention Bio's shares nearly quadrupled in premarket trade from their last close at $6.70 after Sanofi agreed to buy the company at $25 per share in cash.

"The speed of the acquisition, combined with the large premium, suggests a competitive process, whereby Sanofi may have needed to respond to an unsolicited bid from another pharma (company)," SMBC Nikko Securities America analyst David Hoang said in an email.

Shares of Sanofi were down 1.5% in afternoon trade in Paris.

Sanofi, the maker of long acting insulin products Toujeo and Lantus for type 2 diabetes, in 2019 quit further type 2 diabetes drug development.

Chief Executive Officer Paul Hudson said last month the company saw great promise in type 1 diabetes drug development and reaffirmed his commitment to steer clear of further work on type 2 diabetes and obesity.

U.S.-based biotech firm Provention Bio won approval in the United States last year for Tzield, making it the first drug indicated to delay the onset of the third and final stage of type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 8 years and older at stage 2.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Dina Kartit, and Mariam E. Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill, Kirsten Donovan and Shinjini Ganguli)
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice released a far-reaching report about the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Louisville Metro Government. Spurred in part by the murder of Breonna Taylor in 2020, the report merited a visit from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and made national news.

The investigators found that Louisville police engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law. These violations included unreasonable use of police dogs and tasers, deficient responses to domestic abuse and sexual assault allegations (including against their own officers), and aggressive policing especially against Black people.

Of the many abuses the Department of Justice report detailed, the most troubling is that LMPD violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech critical of policing.

More:$40 million in Louisville police misconduct settlements: Here are some of the cases

Police violated First Amendment right to free speech

Unfortunately, given the current structure of law enforcement in Louisville and around the country, it is not surprising that abuses of power occur. But when the right to free speech especially protesting police brutalityis curtailed we move from policing to a police state.

The report related several incidents of police retaliating against protesters who were using their First Amendment free speech rights to object to police violence. During one protest, a young Black woman in Jefferson Square Park stood calmly even though she was surrounded by police. Then an officer suddenly rushed her and hit her twice in the chest with his riot stick, then grabbed her by the throat, choking the air out of her as he slammed her up against a squad car then down to the concrete path.

Louisville police impeded the work of journalists who covered police protests. Some officers used force against journalists who were committing no crimes, posing no safety risk, and not resisting or evading arrest.

Story continues

Police officers in Louisville also engaged content-based discrimination where they responded to different types of protesters differently based on the groups perceived ideology. A planning document by LMPD described Black Lives Matter protestors as having the potential for violence and participants as generally uncooperative and leaderless.

Meanwhile the same document described the Three Percentersclassified as a hate group by Canada, the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Centeras people who believe law enforcement has been handcuffed by politics and want to help us do what they think is right.

A report from the U.S. Justice Department Wednesday says LMPD used excessive force, including against critics who protested the fatal police shooting Breonna Taylor. Detectives have been charged with lying to get a search warrant for her apartment

More:Louisville police contract negotiations won't be made public. Why some want to change that

The unnecessary escalation, violence and violation of civil rights are repulsive

The many instances of unnecessary escalation, violence and violation of civil rights are repulsive. And as this investigation confirms, the failure for police to act in accordance with their solemn task can turn deadly.

The only aspect more disturbing than abuse at the hands of police is the inability to speak out against it.

The Louisville Metro Police Department has been shown to retaliate against protected speech and lawful protests against police. These actions serve to intimidate community members into silence so that officers can evade accountability and the egregious behaviors of some on the force can continue.

In 1791, the authors of the Bill of Rights proposed the First Amendment because they were wary of authoritarian control like they felt Britain had exercised over the North American colonies. The first protection against such heavy-handed restrictions was the ability to publicly protest the authorities.

By engaging in patterns and practices that quash protests, demonstrations and constitutionally protected speech, the Louisville police inhibit the kind of dissent that ensures accountability and freedom.

Acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston wrote, If you are silent about your pain, theyll kill you and say you enjoyed it.

If we cannot protest our own maltreatment at the hands of police, then nothing will change and those in power will say it doesnt need to.

Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby, PhD is a professor of history at Simmons College of Kentucky. He wrote the bestselling book The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism. He writes frequently at JemarTisby.Substack.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Free Speech violations are the worst part of DOJ report on Louisville
4:15 p.m. update

Rain and storms produced wind damage to parts of Central Florida. There were also numerous reports of small hail.

Read: Deputies: Shooting of girl, boy & man at Waterford Lakes Town Center not a random act

Some beneficial rain today...but northern communities with higher amounts had too much - and flood advisories/warnings were posted overnight in some areas. pic.twitter.com/abPo0rFHXX  George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) March 13, 2023

For now, the storms will track through Osceola and Brevard counties through around 6 p.m.

Other than a stray shower, expect much drier weather Monday evening and overnight.

A cold front will pass this evening, and cooler air will move in tonight, Waldenberger said. This will drop temperatures to the coldest levels since Valentines Day -- right in the middle of spring break week for many local kids.

Read: RIP, Fred: Oviedo community mourns beloved rooster after untimely death

Another front will bring a chance for more rain this weekend.

Temperatures will plunge into the 50s Monday evening for most of Central Florida. Marion and Sumter counties can expect temperatures to be in the 40s through Tuesday morning.

Certified meteorologist George Waldenberger updates your full forecast on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4.

Download the WFTV weather app here.

Sprink Break Hail!

Cathy Hesse snapped this pic of 1" hail falling from storms that moved through St. Cloud around 2:45pm. pic.twitter.com/OftaghkrY1  George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) March 13, 2023





1:45 p.m. update:

Another wave of scattered downpours will push through metro Orlando over the next two hours.

Scattered rain is moving through the I-4 Corridor now.

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Much of this will pass to the southeast by your evening drive home.

Well track which spots still have a few showers for the afternoon commute on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4.

Monitor radar from your phone by downloading the WFTV weather app here.

Another wave of scattered downpours pushing through the Orlando Metro over the next 1-2 hours. Monitor radar from your phone with https://t.co/cNHkwRY95A. pic.twitter.com/J2PwCVAx5N  George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) March 13, 2023

Scattered rain is moving through the I-4 Corridor now...much of this will pass to the southeast by the p.m. drive. We'll track which spots still have a few showers for the afternoon commute on @WFTV starting at 4pm. pic.twitter.com/L4ugc7V8lS  George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) March 13, 2023





Noon update

Storms were ramping back up in Central Florida on Monday afternoon.

Read: Its Diner Time: Dennys offers free coffee Monday to help with Daylight Savings change

A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for Volusia County until 12:30 p.m.

Storms will continue to progress south and could be strong to severe through Monday afternoon.

Storms ramping back up in Central Florida. Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Volusia County until 12:30pm. Storms will continue to progress south and could be strong to severe through the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/i8w0DxvPjs  Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) March 13, 2023

Storms will continue to move off to the south and the east by the mid-afternoon, losing their intensity.

They will be more scattered in nature and disperse as they move away from the coast.

Rain and gusty winds will be followed by the coolest air in weeks as a front moves in.

Read: Silicon Valley Bank shutdown: Etsy, Roku - which companies are SVB customers?

Have your jacket ready as Monday evenings lows will drop into the 40s and 50s, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s on Tuesday.

Expect cooler weather for the next several days.

Watch meteorologist Rusty McCranies updated forecast on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon.





Earlier story:

Strong to severe storms are likely to Monday across Central Florida.

Most of the major storm activity will be in our northern areas.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Volusia County until 6:15am. Main threats: 60mph winds and nickel hail. Moving east at 25mph. Will impact Ormond Beach, Holly Hill and Daytona Beach. pic.twitter.com/XOvCSn88IU  Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) March 13, 2023

The storm system has the potential to bring winds over 50 mph, small hail and an isolated tornado risk.

Some of the storms may impact the morning commute.

See: 2023 Academy Awards: Here is the list of winners

Storms will begin to move into the Orlando metro area in the late morning hours.

While the line of storms should be breaking apart some, there will still be the opportunity for strong to severe storms in our area through the early afternoon.

The thunderstorm activity will also keep our area cooler.

Read: Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival returns with new cultural menu, concerts for all genres

The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 80 degrees Monday.

A bigger cooldown will come over the next few days.

Temperatures will drop into the 40s for some on Wednesday and Thursday.

The high temperature in Orlando on Tuesday will only reach the low 70s.

Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions

Get caught up on todays headlines by clicking here.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
The Georgia Department of Health is warning about an increase in overdose deaths involving an animal tranquilizer that can cause skin to rot, Action News Jaxs Atlanta sister station WSB-TV reports.

Officials said xylazine, a non-opioid tranquilizer used by veterinarians, has been increasingly found in illegal drugs circulating in Georgia. An overdose on the drug can mimic that of an opioid overdose but since its not an opioid, drugs like Narcan can not reverse xylazine overdoses.

It also causes skin to rot with repeated use.

Repeated injection of xylazine is also associated with severe, necrotic skin ulcerations, health officials said. Persons who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug supply, so it is critical for them to understand these risks and remain vigilant.

Xylazine-Involved Overdose Deaths FINAL_3.8.23 by ActionNewsJax on Scribd

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According to data from the Georgia Department of Health, Southeast Georgia has seen deaths related to the drug. Glynn County recorded more than 10 xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2022. Camden and Brantley counties each recorded one to five xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2022.

The drug is known by the street names tranq, tranq dope and zombie drug and is used by dealers to bulk up fentanyl, according to the New York Times. The drug causes sores that can necrotize and lead to amputation.

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Deaths from the drugs increased 1,120% between 2020 and 2022 in Georgia. All of the suspected xylazine-involved deaths in 2022 also involved fentanyl, officials said.

Xylazine overdose deaths between 2020 and 2022 increased faster among women than men. While all of the overdose deaths involved fentanyl, 19% involved cocaine and 34% involved amphetamines.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The BBC has backed down in its row with Gary Lineker over his use of social media and reinstated the presenter as host of Match of the Day.

Lineker was axed from the flagship Premier League highlights show on the weekend after criticising the governments immigration policy and comparing language used by the Conservative party with 1930s Germany.

A raft of BBC Sport presenters, pundits and commentators stepped back from their duties working for the broadcaster this weekend in solidarity with Lineker, including the Match of the Day analysts Ian Wright and Alan Shearer and the Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman, forcing the BBC to air stripped-down highlights packages without the usual studio presentation.

Lineker refused the BBCs request to effectively take back and apologise for his tweet, while the broadcasters director general, Tim Davie, also dug in, saying he would absolutely not be resigning over the chaos.

But Davie apologised for the furore and confirmed Lineker would return to Match of the Day this weekend.

I am glad that we have found a way forward, Lineker said. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.

The tweet by Lineker at the centre of the BBC storm criticised the governments stop the boats message and accused the Conservatives of an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.

more to follow...
Before founding a nonprofit organization helping impoverished children in Honduras in 1997, Gastonia native Rodger Harrison was a successful commercial real estate executive, pilot, musician and paramedic.All those experiences helped prepare him for the task when he became passionate about finding ways to help the Mayan Chorti Indian children in a place with little or no medical care, education programs or disaster relief systems.

Rodger Harrison holding a Mayan Chorti Indian child.

Harrison spoke to the Belmont Rotary Club recently about Paramedics for Children International of which he is the founder and president. Accompanying him to the Rotary meeting was Roz Morton, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, who helped start the organization 26 years ago and still serves as its secretary and treasurer.Rotarian Dr. Gary McCord of South Point Family Dentistry, a long-time friend of Harrison and a board member of the group, arranged the Rotary Club presentation.

After more than 25 years of work, Paramedics for Children now has a clinic called Clinica la Esperanza (Clinic of Hope) providing quality medical care to some of the poorest communities in Central America. And it recently opened Hacienda la Esperanza (Hacienda of Hope). This bed-and-breakfast provides lodging for individuals, families and groups of up to 26 people. It often serves as a base of operations for mission groups coming to the area for service projects. All of the proceeds go to supporting the clinic.

Paramedics For Children International founder Rodger Harrison (left) and Paramedics for Children Secretary and Treasurer Roz Morton told Belmont Rotarians about their work over more than 25 years on behalf of some of the worlds poorest children in the mountains of Honduras. Harrisons long-time friend and Rotarian Dr. Gary McCord of South Point Family Dentistry, who is a PFCI Board member, arranged the program. On the right is Dr. Chris Maino, also of South Point Family Dentistry.

After retiring from real estate at age 40, Harrison worked several years as a paramedic with Gaston County Emergency Medical Services. He was sidelined with a shoulder injury in 1997 when he traveled to Central America and discovered the cobblestone streets and adobe buildings in the village of Copan Ruinas, near famous Mayan ruins in Honduras.

I jumped ship and stayed there and studied Spanish, he told the writer of an article in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

He quickly discovered how poorly supplied were the schools in the rugged mountainous region and began a series of return trips bringing supplies, which were delivered on horseback, and using his paramedic training to provide some basic medical care.

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Then disastrous Hurricane Mitch struck the region in 1998 bringing 12 inches of rain per day for several days and 120-mph wind. More than 1.5 million were left homeless and 10,000 were killed in Honduras.

Hacienda la Esperanza (of Hope) provides lodging and other support for travelers and for mission groups providing services and assistance in the area.

Working from North Carolina, Harrison and Morton organized a collection of disaster supplies and equipment, donation of a truck to take the cargo to Florida and a plane to fly it to Honduras. Many more such trips followed before in 2001 Harrison moved to Honduras full time to continue the work, while Morton stayed in the Carolinas to manage fundraising.An early Paramedics for Children focus became training rescue personnel to use the new equipment that was arriving and also providing ambulances in a region where none existed. Harrison used his EMS connections to solicit donations of used ambulances when communities acquired new. By 2004, Paramedics for Children had developed the first volunteer ambulance service in Central America, with 50 ambulances and 340 volunteer EMTs.Harrison told Rotarians that reaching new generations of donors, both individuals and corporate, is one of the most important objectives of Paramedics for Children today.We also must bring more missions and missionaries to Honduras, he said. We now have a place where churches can bring mission groups, providing a full-time staff, lodging, travel and support for any type of project. Some examples of projects, he said, include medical outreach, delivering school supplies, planting fruit trees, revivals and retreats.For more information, visit PFCI.org. For general information, donations and business, call Roz Morton at 704-763-2251, or email her at Roz.Morton@ParamedicsForChildren.org.For Honduran operations and volunteering information, email Rodger Harrison at Rodger.Harrison@ParamedicsForChildren.org, or call him in Honduras at +504.2651.4676.

Rotary is an international service organization with 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries. "Service Above Self" is the Rotary motto. Rotarians work together to promote peace, fight disease, support education, grow local economies and protect the environment.

Belmont Rotary Club, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, meets for lunch and a program on local topics each Wednesday, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Belmont. Guests interested in learning more about local businesses and issues and how Rotary serves the community are welcome. For more information, visit www.belmontrotaryclub.com.

Ted Hall is a member of Belmont Rotary.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia native has devoted his life to helping children in Honduras
During Sundays Academy Award ceremony, FX dropped a trailer for the highly anticipated second season of The Bear and announced it will premiere in June.

FX captioned its tweet of the teaser: Its not a reopening, its a rebirth. FXs The Bear returns this June. Only on Hulu.

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The Bear follows a young classically-trained chef who returns to Chicago to run his familys Italian beef sandwich shop after his brothers death. The series stars Jeremy Allen White (Carmen Carmey Berzatto), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richard Richie Jerimovich), Ayo Edebiri (Sydney Adamu), Lionel Boyce (Marcus), Liza Colon-Zayas (Tina) and Abby Elliott (Natalie Sugar Berzatto).

Created by Christopher Storer, the second season will be 10 episodes long, two more than its first, and will focus on the new restaurants opening.

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[ Joseph Zucchero, owner of Mr. Beef in River North, inspiration for restaurant in The Bear, dies ]

The first season was met with great acclaim, winning at the WGAs and Indie Spirit Awards as well as receiving Golden Globe, Critics Choice and SAG nods. White took home the SAG for best actor in February, in addition to winning at Critics Choice and the Golden Globes.

Stars White and Edebiri and executive producer Joanna Calo told Variety in January that Carmey and Sydneys relationship will not progress past co-workers and (somewhat) friends in the second season. We wanted to make something that was about friendship and a partnership, Storer said. It really is so funny that that is one of the things that people took away -- of all the heavy shit thats going on in the show! It was interesting because Ayo and Jeremy, since they are our friends and are such wonderful people, I think there is this charisma that comes off both of them.

Check out the trailer for Season 2 of The Bear below.
(Reuters) - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili accused Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of meddling in his country's political situation by commenting on protests there last week, prompting an angry response from Kyiv.

During the protests against a "foreign agents" law that critics said signalled an authoritarian shift in Georgia, Zelenskiy thanked protesters for waving Ukrainian flags, saying it showed respect, and he wished Georgians "democratic success".

Last Friday, Georgia's parliament dropped the bill, which had threatened to harm Tbilisi's bid for closer ties with Europe. Critics had said it was inspired by a 2012 Russian law that has been used widely to crack down on dissent in Russia.

"When a person who is at war... responds to the destructive action of several thousand people here in Georgia, this is direct evidence that this person is involved, motivated to make something happen here too, to change," Garibashvili said in an interview with the Georgian IMEDI television broadcast on Sunday, referring to Zelenskiy.

"I want to wish everyone a timely end to this war, and peace," Garibashvili added.

However, Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko accused Garibashvili of repeating "Russian propaganda" by suggesting that Kyiv sought to draw Georgia into its conflict with Moscow.

"We categorically reject such claims, which have nothing to do with reality. The Georgian authorities are looking for an enemy in the wrong place," Nikolenko said on Facebook on Monday.

"Ukraine has been and will remain a friend of the Georgian people, whom we do not wish to stop (in their task of) building a European future."

Despite Garibashvili's comments, Georgian public opinion is strongly pro-Ukrainian and anti-Russian. Georgia fought its own brief war with Russia in 2008 over the status of two Moscow-backed breakaway regions, Azkhazia and South Ossetia.

Georgia and Ukraine both aspire to join the European Union one day.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash and Lidia Kelly; Editing by Gareth Jones and Philippa Fletcher)
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has invited Brazilian President Lula da Silva for talks and a joint cabinet meeting in Berlin in the second half of this year, in a sign of strengthening ties between Europe and South Americas two biggest economies.

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The invitation comes despite the leaders differing views on how to support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion of Ukraine, and what role China could play in any peace efforts to end the war.

The German-Brazilian talks will focus on closer cooperation on trade, energy, raw materials and climate protection, according to officials from the two countries who spoke under condition of anonymity because the plans havent been announced yet.

The so-called intergovernmental consultations will be the first to take place in this format since 2015. Back then, President Dilma Rousseff and 19 of her ministers received Chancellor Angela Merkel with an entourage of 12 ministers and deputy ministers in Brasilia.

Germany has been making a concerted effort to bolster its relationship with Brazil, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Scholz visiting at the start of the year, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck this week and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock scheduled for June.

The South American country is rich in raw materials and has a high share of renewables in its power output, making it a prime candidate for the production of green hydrogen  an energy source Germany is counting on to become less dependent on natural gas.

Germany also sees Brazil  a fellow member of the Group of 20  as an important geopolitical partner.

Following years of diplomatic frustration under former President Jair Bolsonaro, a window of opportunity has opened for closer cooperation, Habeck said during the German-Brazilian economic talks in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on Monday.

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Still, the areas of agreement are limited. During a joint news conference in January, Lula turned down Scholzs request to send ammunition to Ukraine as part of the international effort to help Kyiv repel the Russian invasion.

Scholz had been trying to rally support for Ukraine during a four-day visit to South America in January after deciding together with the US to send German battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles and a Patriot missile battery to Kyiv. Habeck told reporters during his trip that he had intensive discussions with Brazils Vice President and foreign minister on Ukraine and Germanys perspective.

Lula has raised the possibility of China playing a mediation role to end Russias war in Ukraine. Scholz has warned China not to support Russia with weapons and has also called on Beijing to talk not only to Russia about the conflict but also listen to the Ukrainians.

--With assistance from Simone Iglesias and John Follain.

(Updates with leaders stance from second paragraph)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Marine scientists are tracking a 5,000-mile-wide seaweed bloom that is so large, it can be seen from space.

These sargassum blooms are nothing new, but scientists say this one could be the largest in history. At last check, it was heading toward Floridas Gulf coast.

The thick mat of algae drifts between the Atlantic coast of Africa and the Gulf of Mexico, providing habitat for marine life and absorbing carbon dioxide, but it can also wreak havoc when when it gets closer to shore. It blocks light from reaching coral and negatively impacts air and water quality as it decomposes.

Its a big loss: Red tide cancels popular Indian Rocks BeachFest

Floridas Gulf coast is already grappling with an algae bloom amid the busy spring break tourism season. Red tide has caused dead fish to wash ashore in droves, while the risk of respiratory irritation for humans has canceled events and driven beachgoers away.

With a blanket of sargassum approaching, spanning twice the width of the continental U.S., scientists warn that Florida beaches could soon be inundated with seaweed.

Its incredible, Brian LaPointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic Universitys Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute told NBC News. What were seeing in the satellite imagery does not bode well for a clean beach year.

LaPointe, who has studied the blooms for decades, said beaches in the Florida Keys are already being affected. Earlier this week, parts of Mexico were told to prepare for up to three feet of sargassum to build up on shore.

Chunks of brown plant matter may be unappealing to look at, but the impact on humans does not end there. Large pieces of sargassum can ensnare boats and other machinery in the water.

Even if its just out in coastal waters, it can block intake valves for things like power plants or desalination plants, marinas can get completely inundated and boats cant navigate through, Brian Barnes, an assistant research professor at the University of South Floridas College of Marine Science told NBC News. It can really threaten critical infrastructure.

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Rotting sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide, which can cause respiratory problems for tourists, residents and anyone who works on the water, LaPointe told NBC News.

Following the big 2018 blooms, doctors in Martinique and Guadeloupe reported thousands of people going to clinics with breathing complications from the air that was coming off these rotting piles of sargassum, LaPointe said.

Barnes and his colleagues at USFs Optical Oceanography Laboratory track sargassum blooms. The blanket of seaweed appears to be growing each year, but 2018 and 2022 had the largest blooms, he said. This year could top last years record.

Historically, as far back as we have records, sargassum has been a part of the ecosystem, but the scale now is just so much bigger, Barnes told NBC News. What we would have thought was a major bloom five years ago is no longer even a blip.

Scientists have found that climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, creating a more ideal environment for the algae to thrive. Meanwhile, urban and agriculture runoff is sending nitrates from fertilizers and other nutrients flowing into the ocean, feeding the bloom.

Typically, rafts of sargassum gather in the Sargassum Sea region in the northern Atlantic Ocean. From there, the Gulf Stream pushes the algae around the Atlantic basin, which allows it to spread and grow in different areas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The New York Giants and linebacker Bobby Okereke agreed on a four-year, $40 million contract on Monday, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal cant be announced until Wednesday, said $22 million is guaranteed.

Okereke spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, starting 49 games. He had a career-high 151 tackles with six tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season.

The Giants announced they are re-signing punter Jamie Gillan and long snapper Casey Kreiter.

Gillian averaged a career-best 46.8 yards on 74 punts last season, his first with the Giants. He also served as the holder for kicker Graham Gano, who hit 29 of 32 field-goal attempts and 32 of 34 extra points.

Kreiter was signed by the Giants in 2020 after spending the previous four seasons with Denver. He played in all 19 games last season and he has not missed a game since the start of the 2017 season.

Originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Gillan played in 44 games across three seasons with Cleveland, averaging 44.9 yards on 156 punts. He also spent time on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad towards the end of the 2021 season.

Gillan and Kreiter were set to become free agents at the start of the new league year on Wednesday.

The Giants also re-signed guard Wyatt Davis, who was acquired on waivers in December.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Austin Butler stunned at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday when he walked the red carpet in a pair of sleek high-heeled shoes.

The Elvis star, who is nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll, arrived outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 12 March wearing a black velvet tux by Saint Laurent. He paired the double-breasted suit with a white button-down shirt and a black bow tie.

However, it was perhaps Butlers patent leather platforms that stole the show. The shiny black heeled dress shoes caught the attention of fans as they took to Twitter to praise the actor for his rule-defying look.

Austin Butler is giving rockabilly early Elvis, do yall see the cha cha heel hes wearing, YSL is always sexy, wrote one fan on Twitter.

Those heels that Austin Butler is wearing are hiiiiiiigh, noted another Twitter user.

A third person wrote: Woo baby those heels baby!

Instead of walking the red  or in this case, champagne-coloured  carpet with his girlfriend Kaia Gerber, Butler reportedly brought his longtime agent, James Farrell.

Austin Butler is giving rockabilly early Elvis, do y'all see the cha cha heel he's wearing, YSL is always sexy #Oscars  bevysmith (@bevysmith) March 12, 2023

Those heels that Austin Butler is wearing are hiiiiiiigh #Oscars  saibellanyc out there (@saibellanyc) March 12, 2023

Woo baby those heels baby!  Monica  VA is for Austin Lovers (@monica_cha_cha) March 12, 2023

The 31-year-old Oscar nominee and the 21-year-old model began dating in 2021, but made their debut as a couple nearly a year ago at the Met Gala. Gerber  the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber  joined Butler at Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Elvis.

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Butler isnt the only star known for his portrayal of Elvis Presley. Kaia Gerbers ex-boyfriend, Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi, is also set to play Elvis in Sofia Coppolas upcoming movie Priscilla, which will focus on the musicians wife Priscilla Presley.

When asked by Variety if he has advice for Elordi, whom Gerber previously dated from September 2020 to February 2021, Butler said he wishes Elordi all the best before noting that the pair havent spoken.

Austin Butler attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on 12 March 2023 (Getty Images)

We havent spoken but I hope he has a great time, Butler continued.

However, some fans on social media described the exchange as awkward because of the romantic history between Elordi and Gerber. Meanwhile, the Carrie Diaries star previously dated High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens for nearly a decade.

Earlier this year, Butler received backlash when he claimed in an interview that a friend had influenced him to play Elvis Presley after they heard him sing. However, internet sleuths realised that Butlers former partner Hudgens had spoken in a previous interview about how she was the one to tell Butler about his resemblance to Presley.

Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler attend W Magazines Annual Best Performances Party on 24 February 2023 (Getty Images for W Magazine)

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Butler set the record straight and clarified that his ex-girlfriend was the one who told him he should play Elvis Presley. I was with my partner at the time, he said.

When asked if it had been Hudgens, he confirmed: Thats right. Wed been together for so long and she had this sort of clairvoyant moment and so I really, I owe her a lot for believing in me.

Austin Butler is nominated alongside fellow actors Brendan Fraser, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy, and Paul Mescal. Here is the full list of Oscar 2023 winners.
Interview: Japan's contaminated wastewater discharge plan inappropriate, says Japanese scholar

Xinhua) 15:50, March 12, 2023

TOKYO, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Radioactive substances in nuclear-contaminated water should not be released into the environment and Japan's discharge plan is inappropriate, a Japanese environmental economist said.

Unlike ordinary hazardous chemicals, radioactive substances do not disappear without chemical treatment as nature's self-purification does not work on it, Kenichi Oshima, a professor at Ryukoku University, told Xinhua in an interview.

Regarding the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) proposed by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the scholar questioned its effectiveness, as many researchers believe that the system can not remove nuclides from the contaminated water.

Citing malfunctions in the multi-nuclide removal system of ALPS, Oshima said nuclides other than tritium have not been removed in about two-thirds of the total 1.3 million tons of the nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

"TEPCO insists that it will and can handle the issue, but the credibility of such statements needs further observation given there was no precedent," he noted.

Oshima stressed the worrying fact that whether the treated one-third of nuclear wastewater meets standard also lacks review by a third-party organization.

TEPCO has only selected a small number of more than 1,000 nuclear wastewater storage tanks for testing, and all the tests were done by the company itself without third-party verification, he said, citing an article in the Jan. 27 issue of Science magazine this year which criticized TEPCO for releasing not enough data.

TEPCO has acknowledged that even if the ALPS could achieve its expected results, there would still be traces of radioactive substances other than tritium in the treated water, said Oshima, adding that this was also pointed out by the chairman of Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority.

The scholar stated that it is an "indisputable fact" that these radioactive substances would not have been produced if not for the nuclear accident. "I don't think it is appropriate to discharge these additional radioactive substances, and I understand the widespread opposition to such a plan," he said.

He believed the proper and uncostly treatment is to continue storing treated nuclear wastewater in tanks, and wait for tritium, with a half-life of 12.3 years, to decay to less than one-thousandth of its current level in more than 120 years. Another method is to seal it underground upon mortar solidification and wait for more than 100 years, at which point further treatment methods can be considered.

Since TEPCO holds responsibility for the accident in the first place, it is not in a position to choose how to dispose the water based on cost calculations, but rather has an obligation to minimize the impact on the environment and people, Oshima noted.

The environmental economist also stressed that the possible approval of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not justify Japan's discharge plan as the agency is assessing the plan proposed by TEPCO rather than its long-term impact on the marine ecosystem.

Noting that "the ocean is borderless," Oshima said "there is no corresponding assessment of the long-term impact of radioactive materials on the marine ecosystem and our lives."

"Therefore I don't think IAEA's approval means there is no problem," he noted.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie)
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. President Joe Biden will prevent or limit oil drilling in 16 million acres of Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, an administration official said on Sunday, March 12, 2023. (Uncredited/AP)

WILMINGTON, Del.  As President Joe Biden prepares a final decision on the huge Willow oil project in Alaska, he will prevent or limit oil drilling in 16 million acres in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, an administration official said on Sunday.

The announcement, expected as soon as Sunday evening, would bar drilling in nearly 3 million acres of the Arctic Ocean  closing off the rest of its federal waters from oil exploration  and limit drilling in more than 13 million acres in a vast swath of land known as the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska.

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The official requested anonymity to discuss the conservation effort before it is officially unveiled.

The moves come as regulators prepare to announce a final decision on t he $8 billion Willow project, a controversial oil drilling plan pushed by ConocoPhillips in the petroleum reserve. Climate activists have rallied against project, calling it a carbon bomb that would be a betrayal of Bidens campaign pledges to curb new oil and gas drilling.

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Meanwhile, Alaska lawmakers, unions and indigenous communities have pressured Biden to approve the project, saying it would bring much-needed jobs and billions of dollars in taxes and mitigation funds to the vast, snow- and ice-covered region nearly 600 miles (965 kilometers) from Anchorage. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, called Willow one of the biggest, most important resource development projects in our states history.

Bidens decision on Willow will be one of his most consequential climate decisions and comes as he gears up for a likely reelection bid in 2024. A decision to approve Willow risks alienating young voters who have urged stronger climate action by the White House and flooded social media with demands to stop the Willow project. Approval also could spark protests similar to those against the failed Keystone XL oil pipeline during the Obama administration.

Rejection of the project would meet strong resistance from Alaskas bipartisan congressional delegation, which met with top officials at the White House in recent days to lobby for the project. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who provided key support to confirm Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, said it was no secret she has cooperated with the White House on a range of issues.

Cooperation goes both ways, she told reporters.

Haaland, who fought the Willow project as a member of Congress, has the final decision on whether to approve it, although top White House climate officials are likely to be involved, with input from Biden himself. The White House said no final decision on Willow has been reached.

Under the conservation plan set to be announced, Biden would bar drilling in nearly 3 million acres of the Arctic Ocean, and impose new protections in the petroleum reserve. The proposed Willow project is within the reserve, a century-old designation the size of Indiana. About half of the reserve is off limits to oil and gas leasing under an Obama-era rule reinstated by the Biden administration last year.

Areas to be protected include the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas, the official said.

Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental group Earthjustice, welcomed the new conservation plan, but said if the Biden administration believes it has authority to limit oil development in the petroleum reserve, officials should extend those protections to the Willow site.

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They have the authority to block Willow, she said in an interview Sunday.

Athan Manuel, director of the Sierra Clubs lands protection program, said the benefits of the new protections would be more than undone by damage from Willow, which would be the biggest new oil field in decades in Alaska, producing up to 180,000 barrels per day, according to ConocoPhillips.

No proposal poses a bigger threat to lands, wildlife, communities and our climate than ConocoPhillips Willow project, Manuel said in a statement. Oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters must end  full stop. The eyes of the world are watching to see whether this administration will live up to its climate promises.

In 2015, President Barack Obama halted exploration in coastal areas of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, and he later withdrew most other potential Arctic Ocean lease areas  about 98 percent of the Arctic outer continental shelf. The bans were intended to protect polar bears, walruses, ice seals and Alaska Native villages that depend on the animals.

President Donald Trump reversed Obamas decision, but a federal judge restored the Obama-era restrictions in 2019, ruling that Trump exceeded his authority.

The Biden administration received one bid in December for the right to drill offshore for oil and gas in Alaskas Cook Inlet.

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Daly reported from Washington.
(Reuters) - Goldman Sachs' analysts on Sunday said they no longer expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to deliver a rate hike at its March 22 meeting with considerable uncertainty about the path beyond March, in light of the recent stress in the banking sector.

Goldman previously expected a 25-basis-point hike in March.

U.S. regulators on Sunday said the failed Silicon Valley Bank's customers will have access to all their deposits starting Monday and regulators set up a new facility to give banks access to emergency funds. The Federal Reserve also made it easier for banks to borrow from it in emergencies.

Goldman analysts said they expected the measures taken by the regulators to provide substantial liquidity to banks facing deposit outflows and to improve confidence among depositors.

Goldman left unchanged its expectations for 25-basis-point hikes in May, June, and July, but said it saw considerable uncertainty about the rate hike path beyond March.

The bank said it now expected a terminal rate of 5.25%-5.5%.

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Tom Hogue)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Speaks At The Freedom Blueprint In Iowa

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on March 10, 2023 in Des Moines. Credit - Scott OlsonGetty Images

The largest bank failure in American history happened in 2008, at the height of the Great Recession and the big bank bailouts that helped birth a major right-wing movement. The second- and third- largest ones happened last week.

Federal regulators moved quickly on Friday to take over Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) after it became insolvent. Over the weekend, they did the same for New York-based Signature Bank, which had seen customers withdraw billions after SVBs collapse. On Sunday, the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assured the customers of both banks that they would be able to access all their funds on Monday, hoping to prevent bank runs elsewhere and ensure companies with millions parked in the banks can make payroll. But in doing so, the Biden administration quickly sparked a political backlash echoing that of 2008.

The government response to the financial crisis that year, particularly the bailouts that rescued big banks, helped fuel the Tea Party movement that became a defining force in the Republican Party. Now, prominent Republicans are seizing on the federal response to the latest banking crisis to further a prominent line of attack in conservative circles: that elite corporations with liberal agendas are thriving at the expense of ordinary Americans.

This bank, theyre so concerned with DEI and politics and all kinds of stuff, I think that really diverted from them focusing on their core mission, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, widely considered a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, told Fox News, referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives embraced by many employers.

Other Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer of Kentucky have derided Silicon Valley Bank as woke, suggesting its political leanings were behind its failure.

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SVB largely catered to Silicon Valley tech start-ups and venture capitalists, who are among the rights favorite bogeymen. The bank had also committed $5 billion to sustainable finance, while the GOP has become increasingly critical of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. The banks employees received annual bonuses hours before the FDIC seized it.

Read more: Most of Silicon Valley Banks Deposits Were Not Insured

Arguments that the bank failed because it was woke dont hold water, Aaron Klein, a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, tells TIME. Instead, he says it was poor judgments that led to the banks failure.

Big businesses that had large amounts of money parked at this bank didnt pay attention to the banks underlying financial condition, perhaps wrongly trusting the Federal Reserve, as the banks regulator, was monitoring the situation, Klein says.

The FDIC regularly insures $250,000 per depositor per bank, but 85% of SVBs funds were uninsured, amounting to billions of dollars extra that the federal government has now pledged to cover. President Biden has promised that taxpayers wont bear the costs of his administrations guarantee, but that the money will come from the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is funded by fees that banks pay.

Regular Americans are going to pay more at their bank in assessments so that big businesses and crypto firms that had money in Silicon Valley bank get paid off in full, Klein says.

Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, tweeted on Monday that he would introduce legislation to prevent banks from passing on new fees to customers to fund costs related to SVPs collapse, suggesting that the governments efforts represent a woke bailout that his constituents wont pay for.

Some Democrats started pushing back Monday on efforts to fit the collapse of a regional bank into the Republican practice of working woke into nearly every line of attack.

Count me in for all the woke means everything I dont like or understand content. Tremendous, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut tweeted. FYI it was a Republican super donor who backed the bank and then led the run that created the crisis.

Murphy then jokily added, Woke! Its all woke!!

Yet the definition of another wordbailoutwas becoming part of the emerging political debate on Monday.

Joe Biden is pretending this isnt a bailout, tweeted Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina Governor. It is.

For its part, the Biden administration has highlighted the differences between its latest efforts and the ones it made to bolster banks during the financial crisis, when some big banks received federal aid that allowed them to stay in business and retain much of their leadership. The administration has emphasized that its response this time is focused on making depositors whole, while the management of the failed banks was fired and the institutions investors arent getting theyre money back.

A lot of the arguments you saw from the Silicon Valley crowd, the couching from the Biden administration, created a bit of a smokescreen that stops people from seeing the essence of whats happening, Republican entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for president, tells TIME. But if people understand the essence of whats happening, they should be, and they are, understandably frustrated.

Members of both parties agree that ordinary people should not pay the price for the banks downfalls, but are feuding over who to blame. Many Democrats point the finger at a Republicans-led bill that former President Donald Trump signed in 2018 rolling back regulations for medium-sized banks like SVB and Signature. Republicans, on the other hand, fault companies and the banks themselves for making bad business decisions.

Ramaswamy points out that SVB lobbied for the regulatory rollback that allowed it to fall below the threshold of systemically significant, but is now getting a backstop thanks to a systemic risk exception.

You cant have it both ways, he says. I think that is part of what creates populist frustration, and if Im being really honest, I think its justified. Tech startups effectively got bailed out for their own risk management failures.
House Financial Services Chair Patrick McHenry is standing by the Biden administrations response to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, as other Republicans blast the White House over its rescue of their depositors.

For today, the important thing is to convey that the regulators have the power and tools necessary to get us through, the North Carolina Republican, who also served through the 2008 banking crisis, said in an interview Monday afternoon. Im confident in their ability to do the right thing.

We'll find out in the coming hours and days whether or not that [that response] is sufficient, he added.

The federal governments response to the implosion of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has unleashed a chorus of complaints from GOP politicians who claim that authorities failed to take steps to prevent the failures  the largest since the global financial crisis. The potential for panic at other banks forced the agencies to roll out a rescue plan Sunday night so that thousands of business customers would have access to all their money on Monday  guaranteeing deposits above the established deposit insurance limit of $250,000.



Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, cautioned shortly after the plans were announced that the U.S. risked building a culture of government intervention for risky financial institutions. Other GOP lawmakers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri  along with presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy  blasted the federal governments backstopping of uninsured deposits as a safety net for institutions that were overly focused on sustainable investment goals like climate change.

Rep. Maxine Waters of California, the Financial Services Committee's top Democrat, said in an interview Monday that she wanted to schedule a hearing on Silicon Valley Bank as soon as possible. But McHenry declined to commit.

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As the chair of the committee Ill make those decisions in the coming days," he said.

For now, McHenry said his focus was on organizing lawmaker briefings with the administration.

This is day-by-day," McHenry said. "I lived as a member of Congress during the financial crisis and so ensuring accurate and adequate and quick information in a dynamic situation is difficult. But we're trying our best and I know the agencies and the administration are as well."

Federal authorities were scheduled to brief members of House Financial Services at 6 p.m. Monday. McHenry and Financial Services vice chair French Hill (R-Ark.) will join House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to brief House Republicans at 8 p.m. Monday.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., speaks during a hearing on Texas voting rights in Washington, DC, on July 29, 2021. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo

James Comer attributed Silicon Valley Bank's failure to its "woke" ESG investments.

"This could be a trend and there are consequences for bad Democrat policy," Comer said on Sunday.

Bernie Sanders said a 2018 law signed by former President Donald Trump is "directly" responsible for the collapse of SVB.

GOP Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, slammed Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, as "one of the most woke banks" in the US.

"We see now coming out they were one of the most woke banks in their quest for the ESG-type policy and investing," Comer said, referring to environmental, social, and governance policies.

"This could be a trend and there are consequences for bad Democrat policy," the Kentucky congressman continued on Sunday's episode of Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

Comer did not explain which environmental sustainability-linked investments would have caused SVB's failure, or how they would have done so.

The word "woke" points to an awareness of how some systems can be unjust, but it has also been used by right-wing figures as a catch-all term for progressive policies.

SVB did invest in cleantech and environmental sustainability.

"We serve those creating positive environmental change," the bank said on its website. "From alternative energy solutions to agricultural breakthroughs, we support individuals and businesses driving toward a healthier planet."

SVB is far from the only financial institution to have put money into sustainable investing. ESG investments and green stocks saw a boom back in 2021. As of 2021, $18.4 trillion had been invested in ESG-related assets, per an October 2022 report by PwC. But conservative lawmakers have railed against ESG investments, calling it "woke capitalism."

And while Comer cited "bad Democrat policy" in SVB's failure, some Democratic figures have blamed Trump-era policies for the bank run. On Sunday, Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders said a 2018 law signed by former President Donald Trump is "directly" responsible for the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The law rolled back restrictions around smaller banks like SVB, and did not subject them to the same scrutiny that large financial institutions have to comply with.

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Silicon Valley Bank's clients started running for the exits after the bank's management sold $21 billion worth of bonds at a $1.8 billion loss. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, shut down the bank on Friday. It has become the biggest bank failure in the US since the 2008 financial crisis.

In a statement on Sunday, the US Treasury, Federal Reserve Board, and the FDIC announced all depositors would be fully protected and would have access to all their money starting Monday.

Representatives for Comer and Silicon Valley Bank did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally announced Monday that he is pausing all social media activity after revelations that he repeatedly commented on posts of nearly nude photos of a young gay model and other LGBTQ personalities.

McNally, a Republican, initially stated last week that he had no intention of stopping when pressed about why he repeatedly commented on racy social media posts by the 20-year-old. He later issued an apology, saying it was not his intention to embarrass his friends, family or members of the legislature.

However, the 79-year-old legislative leader has since received national attention  including being parodied on Saturday Night Live  with critics accusing McNally of being hypocritical. Particularly, McNally supported legislation restricting where certain drag shows can take place.

Some of the posts that have sparked the most uproar include commenting on a photo of the man's backside, where he was wearing only underwear, saying you can turn a rainy day into rainbow and sunshine. McNally then posted a comment using only heart and fire emojis. In a separate post, McNally posted a heart emoji of the man pulling down his underwear.

While I see now that I should have been more careful about how my comments and activity would be perceived, my intent was always engagement and encouragement, McNally said in a statement. For this reason, I will be pausing my social media activity in order to reflect and receive more guidance on the use of social media.

McNally added while he may have made some mistakes," he disagreed that he had a record of being anti-gay" and pointed to his opposition of a 2020 law that assured continued taxpayer funding of faith-based foster care and adoption agencies even if those organizations exclude LGBTQ families and others based on religious beliefs.

Yet McNally then pointed to his support of traditional marriage and support of bills that keep obscenity out of the public sphere.

There is no contradiction here, he said.

McNally, who is from Oak Ridge, became lieutenant governor in 2017. He has been a state lawmaker since the late 1970s.
The stunning events around Silicon Valley Bank of California and Signature Bank of New York come after years of moves in Washington to ease capital requirements on smaller and regional banks  including one that came just last week.

In a letter dated March 3 to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, and nine of his GOP colleagues expressed concern that an ongoing Federal Reserve review may go beyond a 2018 law that eased regulations on smaller banks and may unjustly increase capital requirements and have a chilling effect on market making activities and availability of financial services.

The letter was timed to coincide with Powells testimony last week before Congress and referenced a 2022 speech from Michael Barr, the Feds vice chair for supervision, where he discussed the Fed taking a holistic review of capital standards.

The letter pushed back against ideas for increasing the buffer that banks are required to hold in reserve to guard against losses, arguing that banks seem to have weathered the real-life stress test of the COVID-19 pandemic well.

Within days, the banking sector saw the second- and third-largest bank failures in history.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) during a recent hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for Sen. Scott stood by the letter in a statement to Yahoo Finance on Monday, saying that capital must continuously be scrutinized to ensure it is risk based and is tailored to the banks size, scope, and activities. Whats happening with Silicon Valley Bank highlights why we cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach.

The argument was notably an echo of how Greg Becker, then the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, lobbied for what eventually became the 2018 law, saying in 2015 that tighter rules are not appropriate for SVB and our peers. Democrats also immediately jumped on the letter, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) saying the push for easing rules came at exactly the wrong time.

In a separate statement Sunday, Scott criticized the actions from the White House, saying a culture of government intervention does nothing to stop future institutions from relying on the government to swoop in after taking excessive risks.

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Wall Street lobbyists and Republicans in Congress are pushing Fed Chair Powell for weak capital requirements at exactly the wrong time. Silicon Valley Bank's collapse underscores the need for strong rules to protect the financial system. Regulators must not buckle to pressure.  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 10, 2023

We'll do whatever is needed

Other Republicans urged Washington to move slowly in response to the crisis.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) said "it is important to remain levelheaded and look at the facts  not speculation  when assessing the right path forward.

Others in the GOP focused on the ample examples of mismanagement within the two failed banks and also blamed regulators for missing the warning signs.

We have a massive federal bureaucracy, and yet they never seem to be able to be there when we need them to be able to prevent something like this, said likely presidential candidate Gov. Ron Desantis (R-FL) on Fox.

President Joe Biden arrives walks to deliver remarks on the banking crisis after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on March 13. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)

Either way, the mood within Washington may be changing quickly with Isaac Boltansky, managing director and director of policy research at BTIG, predicting in a note that the crisis was shifting the political winds.

Our sense is that [the crisis] will be used as the key rallying cry to advance more onerous capital and resolution requirements for super regional banks," he wrote.

Much of the focus from policymakers is already on that 2018 bipartisan law signed by then-President Trump called the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. That bill  one of the largest banking reform efforts since the landmark DoddFrank reforms of 2010  eased some of the regulations imposed by the latter law.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called the 2018 law a direct cause of the current crisis. Biden himself previewed that an effort to reverse those rollbacks was coming.

"Unfortunately, the last administration rolled back some of these requirements. I'm going to ask Congress and the banking regulators to strengthen the rules for banks to make it less likely this kind of bank failure will happen again," Biden said Monday morning.

"We will not stop at this. We'll do whatever is needed."

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a large-scale effort Wednesday to address learning loss among Virginia students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan includes launching a grant program for qualifying families to cover extra educational expenses and a web tool to provide comprehensive data on student learning for parents and teachers.

Youngkins announcement follows the release last year of state and national data revealing wide achievement gaps and proficiency declines among Virginia students during the pandemic.

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Virginias 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, said Youngkin in a statement. 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.

Youngkin is slated to take part in a CNN Town Hall on education Thursday night.

Related: Gov. Youngkin Announces New Slate of Efforts to Address Learning Loss in Virginia

New grant program for parents

Although the pandemic impacted all Virginia students, not all families will be eligible to receive a grant from the new Learning Recovery Grants program.

According to the governors office, qualifying students whose family income does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level will receive a $3,000 K-12 Learning Recovery Grant. All other qualifying students will receive a $1,500 grant. The office did not provide details on when the grant application process would begin.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera said last October that National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, results showed that Virginia is failing students, including fourth graders, who showed the largest decline nationwide in math and reading scores between 2017 and 2022.

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We are on the cusp of losing an entire generation of students, Guidera said in a statement. Parents deserve actionable information and financial support to determine and access the tools for their child to combat their learning losses.

Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, proposed a similar program through a budget amendment this session to provide matching grants to school divisions.

Under the request, Virginia would appropriate $268 million in fiscal year 2024 from the general fund for the Virginia Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps, which would provide matching grants to school divisions to implement or strengthen high dosage, small group tutoring supports for students struggling in English and mathematics.

If were actually trying to bring up NAEP scores, if were actually trying to bring up our literacy rates, if were actually trying to bring up our learning loss across the commonwealth, doing it through this model is more of an effective use of resources and time whereas the governors plan is essentially vouchers for tutoring, VanValkenburg said.

The General Assembly is expected to return to Richmond this spring to finalize changes to the biennial budget.

Student learning data platform

On Wednesday, the governor also announced the unveiling of Virginias Visualization and Analytics Solution, an online platform intended to give parents and teachers data to help them address individual student learning loss.

The governors office said nearly half of Virginia school divisions already have access to the online platform. The platform will be available to the remaining school divisions in two months.

The Virginia Department of Education is also training over 800 school division staff members to use the information to meet student needs, target remediation efforts, and strategically use division resources, and William & Mary has partnered with several school divisions to provide additional training.

Legislation that cleared the General Assembly this session also aims to provide comprehensive data to parents and teachers by requiring the Virginia Board of Education to create and maintain the Virginia Parent Data Portal, which will contain individualized student assessment data on all state-supported evaluations, by July 1, 2025.

The legislation would also require the board and Department of Education to provide guidance and technical assistance to school divisions on using the data.

Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax, and former state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, carried the bills now headed to the governors desk.

Im all in favor of focusing on education, Petersen told the Mercury Thursday, adding that the pandemic shutdown and the lack of in-person learning have impacted student learning.

Providing parents with in-depth data on students was the idea, Petersen said. And yeah, I think thats part of the solution. So if the governors supporting that, then more power to him.

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.
It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in Probiotec Limited's (ASX:PBP) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for Probiotec

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Probiotec

The Independent Chairman of the Board Jonathan Wenig made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$97k worth of shares at a price of AU$2.16 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is AU$2.36. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. In this case we're pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices.

Probiotec insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Probiotec is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Probiotec insiders own 31% of the company, worth about AU$60m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

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So What Does This Data Suggest About Probiotec Insiders?

The fact that there have been no Probiotec insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders do have a stake in Probiotec and their transactions don't cause us concern. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Probiotec. At Simply Wall St, we found 1 warning sign for Probiotec that deserve your attention before buying any shares.

Of course Probiotec may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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A 26-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed on a CTA platform early morning Saturday in the Loop was able to identify a former boyfriend as her attacker before she died, Chicago police said Monday.

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Alejandro Arellano, 31, of the 1600 block of North Spaulding Avenue, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Samantha Maldonado, who was stabbed at the Adams and Wabash L station around 1:25 a.m. Saturday, according to police and the Cook County medical examiners office.

Maldonado died of multiple sharp force injuries, and her death was ruled a homicide, the medical examiners office said.

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[ Woman fatally stabbed on CTA platform in Loop, police say ]

Police said they were able to collaborate with the CTA to use their surveillance system to track down Arellano and took him into custody nearly 15 hours after the attack. Police officials were able to confirm Arellano and the victim had dated.

First Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric Carter said Maldonado was the key piece of evidence that led to Arellano being charged.

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We hope knowing the person responsible for her death has been brought to justice brings a small measure of closure and peace for the family, he added.

Police said security was not at the scene, and that while violent crime on the CTA is up 3%, they called Saturdays attack an isolated incident.

Paulette Lopez, Maldonados cousin, set up a GoFundMe to help the family cover the cost of her funeral. Lopez said Maldonado recently arrived from Ecuador, and that she loved to travel.

She was an amazing individual. She came here with her mom to essentially work and to learn, Lopez told the Tribune. She was always driven, ambitious and passionate.

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Lopez said Maldonado came to Chicago to practice her English, travel and build friendships. She said Maldonado had received a business degree from a university in Ecuador and hoped to return someday to open a business with her family and sister.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio has had an Oscar wish come true.

The directors stop-motion, musical take on the puppet who longs to be a real boy won Netflix its first animated feature trophy on Sunday.

The category has primarily gone to either a Walt Disney or Pixar-produced film for the past decade  with the exception of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Animation is ready to be taken to the next step. We are all ready for it. Please help us keep animation in the conversation, del Toro said.

Pinocchio was considered the contender to beat. It swept several awards including the Golden Globe and the top honor at the animation industry's Annie Awards.

The movie beat out Turning Red, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Sea Beast.

The voice cast includes Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz, fellow Oscar nominee Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.

It earned rave reviews for a stunningly beautiful production that takes a dark look at issues of love and mortality between the titular puppet and surrogate father, Gepetto. A polar opposite of Disney's 1940 version, this Pinocchio references Catholicism, fascism and the ugliness of war.

The movie was not about the titular character learning to be the perfect boy, del Toro said.

I think its a lesson thats urgent in the world," he told reporters in the press room after. "We are saying disobedience is not only necessary, it is a virtue.

The Mexican-born del Toro, who won the Oscar for best director in 2018 for The Shape of Water," has said animation is pure cinema. Animators have been hitting back in recent years against the stigma that animated movies are just a kids' genre.

For del Toro, animators should be treated as artists  not technicians. He pointed out that in his Pinocchio, they are listed in the credits even before the main voice actors.

This is an art form that has been kept commercially and industrially at the kids table for so long, del Toro said. A win helps but it is about going forward as a community making it.

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Co-director Mark Gustafson echoed that message on stage.

Its so good to know this art form we love so much  stop motion  is very much alive and well, Gustafson said.

Del Toro, who has established two filmmaking scholarships, says he is now committed to financing a stop motion class for students from Mexico at the Gobelins animation school. Young people, particularly those who are Latin or part of a minority, are burdened with an inherent pressure to succeed.

The first duty of representation is to do it really well ... because youre not doing it for you, del Toro said. Youre doing it for people that come after you and are looking for opportunities. If you dont that, youre closing that door.

When del Toro came in the 1990s to the U.S., he encountered a lot of open and subtle racism. He remembered with great chagrin an interview his cinematographer, Oscar-winner Guillermo Navarro, had with a talent agent.

The agent said to him 'Why do I want a Mexican? I have a gardener.

While things have improved for people of color, there is still a very tough glass ceiling to overcome.

You have to keep pushing it all the time. It doesnt end with one generation. It doesnt end with one person, del Toro said. But again, together you push that limit more and more and create opportunity.

___

For more coverage of this years Academy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley attacked President Biden on Monday over what she called a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, which collapsed late last week after regulators seized the failed banks assets and promised to make depositors full.

Joe Biden is pretending this isnt a bailout. It is, Haley said on Twitter.

The administration moved Sunday night to use emergency measures to give depositors access to their full funds, drawing from the Deposit Insurance Fund  a banking industry-sponsored fund  so that no losses will be borne by the taxpayers, Biden said.

Biden has underscored that the federal government isnt bailing the bank out, echoing the assurances of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen; the president stressed that the U.S. banking system is safe amid the last few days of uncertainty.

But Haley, a former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, argued that now depositors at healthy banks are forced to subsidize Silicon Valley Banks mismanagement and said the banks assets should be sold off.

When the Deposit Insurance Fund runs dry, all bank customers are on the hook. Thats a public bailout. Depositors should be paid by selling off Silicon Valley Banks assets, not by the public. Taxpayers should not be responsible, Haley said in a tweet.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had expressed opposition to a bailout possibility in the wake of Silicon Valley Banks collapse, which has rocked the tech sector and raised questions about the stability of other mid-size U.S. banks.

No losses will be  and I want  this is an important point  no losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Let me repeat that: No losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Instead, the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund, Biden said Monday.

The bottom line is this: Americans can rest assured that our banking system is safe. Your deposits are safe. Let me also assure you, we will not stop at this. Well do whatever is needed, the president added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Graves of Russian Wagner mercenary group fighters are seen in a cemetery near the village of Bakinskaya in Krasnodar region, Russia, on January 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

Around half of the prisoners Russia recruited for Ukraine have been killed or wounded, per UK intel.

The private pro-Kremlin Wagner Group has sent many prisoners to one of the war's bloodiest battles.

But the group can no longer recruit from prisons, limiting its ability to reinforce, the UK said.

Around half of the prisoners recruited to fight in Ukraine by the Russian mercenary Wagner Group have likely been killed or wounded so far in the war, according to UK intelligence.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Monday that "about half of the prisoners Wagner has already deployed in Ukraine have likely become casualties."

Early in the conflict the pro-Kremlin mercenary force was given permission to recruit from prisons, offering pardons in exchange for time served on the front lines.

It is not clear exactly how many prisoners the group has sent to Ukraine, but the US Department of Defense estimated in December that it then had around 40,000 prisoners deployed in the country, as well as 10,000 contractors.

The group has been fighting for months for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which has become one of the bloodiest and longest-running battles in the war. Commanders on both sides have called it a "meat grinder."

In February, it was reported that Wagner had stopped recruiting prisoners as growing numbers refused to be enlisted on suicide missions in Ukraine, according to multiple reports.

It's also been reported that the group has now been blocked from recruiting new prisoners.

Instead, the UK MOD said on Monday that Wagner recruiters had spoken in Moscow high schools, and collected the details of students who were interested in fighting.

But it added that recruiting from schools would likely not be enough to bridge the gap caused by it no longer having access to prisoners.

If it's still unable to recruit from prisons, Wagner's founder Yevgeny Prigozhin "will likely be forced to reduce the scale or intensity of Wagner operations in Ukraine," the MOD said.

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The Washington DC-based Institute for the Study of War think tank said in an update on Sunday that Russia's military leadership may actually be deliberately letting Wagner soldiers get killed off in Bakhmut, as a result of an ongoing feud between Prigozhin and Russian military leadership.

Prigozhin and the army's top brass have been involved in an escalating power struggle over the invasion, clashing over credit for victories and access to supplies.

Prigozhin said last week that he had been cut off by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and accused the military of ignoring his requests for more ammunition for his troops.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Michelle Yeohs mother, Janet, wasnt there in person to watch her daughter make history at the 2023 Oscars, but she loudly cheered for her halfway across the world in Malaysia.

Janet Yeoh (Vincent Thian / AP)

On March 12, the Everything Everywhere All at Once star won the Oscar for best actress for her powerful performance in the sci-fi film, making her the first Asian woman to win the prestigious honor.

A few hours after Yeohs historic night, AFP, a global news agency, uploaded a video to Twitter showing her mothers elated reaction.

VIDEO:  Mum and Malaysia celebrate Michelle Yeoh's Oscar win



"I'm proud of my daughter... my daughter is a hardworking girl," Janet Yeoh told reporters after her daughter became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for best actress.



 https://t.co/30z9EWRIIn pic.twitter.com/sn64aDyNf5  AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 13, 2023

In the clip, Janet Yeoh wipes a tear from her eye before rising to her feet and celebrating with a roomful of people.

Janet Yeoh (Vincent Thian / AP)

Im very excited. Im proud of my daughter, the 84-year-old later told reporters. I love my daughter. My daughter is a hardworking girl.

Janet Yeoh was then seen making a symbol for a bagel with her hands in reference to her daughter's hit film. Yeoh's Everything Everywhere All at Once co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu and other members of the cast repeatedly created the same symbol throughout the night whenever the movie won an award.

The Yeoh family was joined by two ministers from the Malaysian cabinet and plenty of supporters for their Oscar-viewing party, the Associated Press reported on March 13.

Janet Yeoh (Arif Kartono / AFP via Getty Images)

According to the outlet, Janet Yeoh told reporters at the event, I so love my daughter and she has made Malaysia proud. She added, Malaysia Boleh! which translates to Malaysia Can!

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She also referred to her daughter as my little princess.

Michelle Yeoh video called her mom after the awards ceremony and held up her golden statue, the AP reported.

Janet Yeoh (Arif Kartono / AFP via Getty Images)

The Oscar-winner dedicated her emotional speech to her mom after being presented her Academy Award by previous winners Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry. The latter made history in 2002 as the first (and only) Black woman and first woman of color to win best actress.

Before mentioning her mother, Michelle Yeoh began her speech by recognizing the young Asian boys and girls who will see her achievement as a beacon of hope and possibilities.

This is proof  dream big and dreams do come true, the 60-year-old actor told the crowd. And ladies, dont let anybody tell you youre ever past your prime. Never give up.

She continued, I have to dedicate this to my mom, to all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes. Without them, none of us would be here tonight.

At the end of her speech, she thanked the Academy and said she couldnt wait to bring her Oscar home to Malaysia.

Related:

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A United Parcel Service supervisor was arrested and accused of stealing items worth over $25,000 from the company.

Hall County Sheriff deputies said UPS officials told them they suspected 22-year-old Parker Lee Sheridan of stealing items from the company in early February.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the investigation, Sheridan stole packages containing gold, silver and ammunition while working as a supervisor at UPS on Centennial Drive in Gainesville.

Authorities said Sheridan had been stealing from the company for over a year. According to deputies, he is estimated to have stolen over 100 items and sold some of them for cash.

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Sheridan was arrested on March 9 and was charged with theft by taking and theft by deception. He was booked into the Hall County Jail but has since posted his $27,000 bond.

Investigators have recovered some of the stolen property and said they are working to find the rest.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Vice President Harris will travel to Africa in late March to visit Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia in the latest outreach by the administration to nations on that continent.

The trip will strengthen the United States partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity, Kirsten Allen, the vice presidents press secretary, said in a statement.

Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will travel from March 25 to April 2, making stops in Accra, Ghana; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia. She will meet with the president of each country to discuss regional and global priorities, including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russias unprovoked war in Ukraine, among other issues.

Harris will also meet with business leaders, entrepreneurs and citizens of each country as part of her visit.

The vice presidents travel to Africa comes after the Biden administration hosted the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December for the first time since 2014, with roughly 50 African leaders attending.

President Biden said during that summit that he would visit Africa at some point. First lady Jill Biden traveled last month to Namibia and Kenya.

The travel is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to strengthen ties with Africa in a bid to counter Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.

The continent is home to key minerals for global supply chains, and its growing population means it will also provide an increasing percentage of the global workforce. African nations also make up roughly a quarter of the United Nations General Assembly, making it an influential voting bloc on matters related to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Over the last decade, I watched hot chicken take hold of Los Angeles in a way I'd never seen a dish grip an entire city. The fiery poultry with roots in Nashville is everywhere, with countless restaurants devoted to the stuff and hot chicken-inspired menu items across Southern California. With the Hotville food truck and two locations of Howlin' Ray's, it's easy to understand the obsession. If hot chicken has become part of your weekly rotation, I'm about to make the argument for hot fish. Hear me out.

Hot fried sea bass collars (and cheese bread) from Angler

Esther Tseng, a food writer and Times contributor, once called Angler Los Angeles at the Beverly Center a "steakhouse for seafood." She was right. It's a place where seafood is celebrated as the main attraction, showing up in dishes traditionally reserved for heavier proteins. Like a steakhouse, it wasn't somewhere I thought to visit beyond a special occasion. The restaurant recently reopened with a new menu under the direction of Paul Chung, culinary director of Saison Hospitality. Now, it's a place with cheesy bread, hot fried sea bass collars and a host of dishes you share and eat with your hands.

It's a menu actuated by the time he spent growing up in Virginia, his love of Southern food and his Korean heritage. And Chung, like the rest of us, is a fan of Nashville hot chicken.

"I know here that Howlin' Ray's is really big," he said. "I wanted to try a version with the hot fried collars."

He sources his collars from a sustainable striped bass farm in Baja California. They're fried like any good fried chicken, with a rough, crisp terrain. To make his hot oil for the fish (the ingredient that makes it a hot fried fish versus fried fish), he renders chicken fat in the smoker and combines it with clarified butter and oil. He also smokes dried guajillo, chile de Arbol, California and pasilla chiles and adds them to the oil with a handful of other spices. The collars are basted in the mixture, enveloping all available surfaces in the rust-colored oil.

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If you've enjoyed a grilled fish collar at a sushi restaurant, you'll understand why it's the perfect ingredient for the hot chicken treatment. There's enough gelatin in the fish to mimic a piece of chicken that's both juicy and meaty. And the curve of the collars means more crispy edges. Chung's hot oil is something that should be bottled. The smoke from the chicken fat and the chiles adds depth and vigor, lending an additional flavor profile beyond the heat.

Luckily, I was at dinner with a colleague who was also not shy about excavating for every last morsel of meat. Multiple napkins were soiled.

Then there's the cheese bread, a dish that sells itself. The table to our left spied ours and ordered their own. We did the same after seeing an order on the table to our right.

Before you cut into it, it appears to be your average Parker House rolls, fused together, golden brown and shining with butter. It's actually a creation inspired by the sweet potato and cheese pizzas Chung ate as a kid in Korea.

"It's something that we just wanted to do that was fun," Chung said. "They always piped sweet potato on the crust and I hated it as a kid," he said. "In my older age when I went back and tried it again, it made sense."

Chung's cheese bread is filled with a molten center of cheese and potato puree and a top slick with anchovy butter. A few soft rind cheeses from Northern California lend a bit of funk, and there's enough of some good melty cheeses (he didn't specify the variety) so that when you break away a piece, the cheese stretch is impressively long.

Hot pot from Ma Lu Bian Bian

Hot pot with skewers of meat and shrimp alongside a plate of heart-shaped house-made Spam from Ma Lu Bian Bian in Tustin. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times)

The dining room at the new Malu Bian Bian location in Tustin feels like the inside a comic book. Large animated murals of characters playing arcade games, driving, holding a giant spear or an astronaut on the moon cover the walls. The color scheme is bright royal blue, McDonald's yellow and red. During peak and even beyond peak mealtimes, the tables are full and so is the condiment bar.

If you haven't experienced hot pot before, let me introduce you to the condiment bar. This is where you concoct your own dipping sauce out of a collection of condiments, seasonings and chopped herbs. You can count on vinegar, soy sauce, sesame paste, at least a few iterations of chile (paste, powder, sauce), chopped green onion, chopped fresh garlic, chopped cilantro and sliced oranges that I like to use as a palate cleanser.

If you need some inspiration, there's a mural above the bar with suggested ingredients and measurements for dipping sauces based on whatever you're dipping. Choose your own adventure, but as long as you have enough chile and vinegar in the mix, you should be fine.

On a recent visit, I ordered both the traditional spicy soup base and the tomato soup base, served side by side in a sort of yin-yang metal vat. The traditional spicy can appear menacing once your server turns on the burner below, the roiling liquid anathema to anything swimming in its chile-studded, crimson depths. It's hot. Hot in a way that will make you perspire both from the spice and the heat. And hot in a way that builds as dinner progresses, leaving your eyes watering and sweat dripping onto your bib. Yes, there are bibs.

The traditional spicy broth imparts heat and a little garlic to everything it touches, making it the ideal cooking base for the New Zealand lamb, shrimp, cabbage, mushrooms, lemon beef (raw beef wrapped around slices of lemon) and house-made "Spam meat." On the opposite side, the tomato base is mild with a subtle tomato flavor. I found it was the best way to appreciate the house-made meatball combo, served as 12 spoons, each filled with either beef, chicken or fish meatballs.

My go-to hot pot strategy is to cram as many skewers, stray vegetables and shavings of meat into the broth in one go as possible. I'm impatient and hungry. When you go, the pace is up to you. You're the architect of your own hot pot destiny.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Nell Mackenzie

LONDON (Reuters) - Hedge funds ended last week positioned to scoop up winning profits from bearish positions on bank stock falls, according to a note by Goldman Sachs sent to clients late on Sunday.

They sold financially themed shares and banks for nine straight weeks but rather than only exiting long positions, funds added bearish bets, according to the note seen by Reuters.

Financials was the most net sold sector globally for Goldman Sachs's prime brokerage division, the part of the bank which serves hedge funds, the note said.

World equities fell on Monday and European stocks were set for their worst day in almost three months. Banking shares slid further even after U.S. authorities stepped in to cap the fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).

Hedge funds not only exited bullish positions on bank themed equities, they added short positions as of Friday, betting bank shares would fall, the Goldman note said.

The ratio of bullish to bearish positions has fallen to more than an eight-year low, it added.

Many speculators exited bank stocks entirely and the net exposure to U.S. banks sits at its lowest level since September 2021, the note said.

BlueBay Asset Management chief investment officer Mark Dowding said big moves in banks stocks on Monday could be explained by hedge funds appearing to have been positioned short at shorter-dated bank bonds.

"We have seen an event in the U.S. that went from a single A rated bank having bonds worth next to nothing in a short space of time, so against that backdrop, that has an effect that is translated on a more widespread basis," he said.

Regional and smaller U.S. bank shares have slid on concerns of a broader fallout in the banking sector.

Earlier on Monday, First Republic Bank plunged over 60% while Western Alliance Bancorp lost 11.5% on Monday.

Larger banks were dragged lower in U.S. premarket trading. Wells Fargo shares fell 2.4%, Citi was down 1.9% and Bank of America lost 4.2% as of 0945 GMT.

(Reporting by Nell Mackenzie; additional reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe, Editing by Ed Osmond)
Children throw beads and candy into the crowd from a parade float during the 20th annual Northwest Side Irish parade on March 12, 2023. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune)

Steve Lombardi has been inviting friends and family to a house party during the Northwest Side St. Patricks Day Parade for 15 years.

When your house is on the (parade) route, you gotta throw a party, said Lombardi, 54, who lives on Neola Avenue.

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Cold, windy weather and light snow didnt deter hundreds of children, families and bright-eyed spectators from watching the parade, which included 85 participants ranging from schools, businesses and unions.

[ Crowds brave cold afternoon to celebrate the South Side Irish ]

The parade route started at William J. Onahan Elementary School in Norwood Park, and headed south through residential Neola Avenue before cutting north on Northwest Highway and ending at Harlem Avenue. About a third of the parade route did not have rails, and parade participants were able to shake hands and give out candy to spectators.

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Lombardi said what he liked most about the parade was being able to enjoy it as an early spring event, and see everybody after a long winter.

A dog named Cali, dressed in a green t-shirt and a skirt, stands in the crowd during the 20th annual Northwest Side St. Patricks Day Parade on March 12, 2023. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune)

Charlotte Richter, 48, came from Glenview and brought her two young children, Joseph and Henry, to the parade. We come every year, she said. Its so much fun, she added, pointing to her kids.

And you get candy, her 8-year-old Joseph quipped.

Going uphill on the parade route was not a challenge for the Shannon Rovers, a group that plays classic Irish music with bagpipes and drums. The kilt-wearing men and women played Irish classics and songs like When the Saints Go Marching In while skipping and dancing along the route.

Parade organizer Elizabeth Murray-Belcaster said this years St. Patrick Day Parade on the Northwest Side was the second since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but it feels like its the first one because it got all the preparation and backing that she and her father Daniel Murray usually get. Last years was rushed, she added.

[ Northwest Side Irish parade returns: It feels really nice to be back out ]

Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Murray-Belcaster said that the parade originated in 2003, in honor of her late mother. This year the parade is dedicated to former St. Patrick High School principal Brother Konrad Diebold, who died in October .

Saint Patrick High School music band playing on the moving stage during the 20th annual Northwest Side St. Patricks Day Parade on March 12th, 2023. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune)

Parade Humanitarian James D. Rodriguez, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Labors Veterans Employment and Training Service, said he was excited for the parade because even though he had not been to a St. Patricks Day parade in Chicago, he served in the Marines with Irish friends and always appreciated Irish culture. He rode in a Chevrolet Camaro tossing out candy.

The parade had two grand marshalls for the first time: Sammy Davis and his wife, Dixie Davis, held the title together. Sammy Davis, who sometimes goes by The real life Forrest Gump, was awarded a Medal Honor by former President Lyndon B. Johnson for his service in the Vietnam War. His story and footage of him being awarded the medal were used as inspiration for the movie Forrest Gump.

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Murray-Belcaster said Dixie Davis plays a huge role in her husbands life, and we dont ever want to forget that, she said. The couple passed out candy from a Buick LeSabre.

Parade Queens Caroline Passmore and Alyssa OConnell said they were honored to be named the queens of the parade. OConnell said she had been going to the parade ever since she was a little girl, and when she saw the queens, I always wanted to be like them.

Passmore added when she saw the queens as a little girl she was obsessed with the dresses.

rrequena@chicagotribune.com
NEW CASTLE, Ind.  A jury has found an Indianapolis man guilty of trying to kill a woman who was severely beaten and left for dead after being thrown down a ravine in southwestern Henry County.

The Henry Circuit Court 2 jury on Friday found 38-year-old Christopher Thomas Williams guilty of attempted murder, criminal confinement, intimidation, theft and criminal mischief.

At the time of Williams' arrest in December 2018, Indiana State Police said the badly injured victim had laid in a ditch along Interstate 70 for nearly 24 hours until passersby heard her screams.

Investigators said Williams and a co-defendant, Jonathan D. O'Connor of Beech Grove, abducted the woman after she dropped her children off at an Indianapolis daycare facility on the morning of June 12, 2018.

More:State police: Men held in abduction, assault of woman dumped in Henry County

OConnor told police he drove the car used in the crime while Williams assaulted the victim in the back seat. He said Williams placed tape over the womans mouth, and wrapped it around her wrists and ankles.

O'Connor also said when he pulled to the side of the interstate, near Knightstown in Henry County, Williams removed the victim  who appeared to have been choked until she was unconscious  from the car and "threw her over the ravine."

The severely injured woman was found the next day by passersby near the 8400 block of Grant City Road.

The co-defendant reported Williams also smashed the woman's cellphone and threw it into a Henry County creek.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced March 31. The attempted murder charge is a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison.

O'Connor remains charged with a related count of criminal confinement.

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: Indy man found guilty of attempted murder by Henry County jury
DEPTFORD - A township man was killed and a police officer was wounded after a foot chase that began on a busy highway here, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

The incident began when the officer, Robert Shisler, conducted a pedestrian stop of Mitchell Negron, 24, on Delsea Drive at 12:38 p.m. Friday, according to the account.

Foot chase, then gunfire

"During the stop, a foot pursuit ensued and resulted in a struggle between Officer Shisler and Mr. Negron," it said. "Both individuals were shot in the area of Doman Avenue."

More: Building's future is uncertainFire breaks out at Camden house where Martin Luther King Jr. stayed

Negron was pronounced dead at the scene about 1 p.m., according to the account released Sunday morning.

"Officer Shisler was transported to Cooper Medical Center in Camden and is currently in stable condition," it said.

Shisler is a four-year member of Deptford's police department, according to the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association.

A GoFundMe campaign to benefit Shisler and his family had raised more than $75,000 by Sunday afternoon.

Mandatory review

The fundraising campaign, led by the Deptford Police family group, also requests prayers for Shisler and all who helped to save his life.

The Attorney General's Office said an investigation into Friday's incident is ongoing. It provided no additional information.

A state law requires an investigation of any person's death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity or when the person is in custody.

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: Officer Robert Shisler survives shooting after foot chase in Deptford
Former President Donald Trump Alex Brandon/AP

Trump has rejected the Manhattan district attorney's invitation to testify before a grand jury this week.

Defense lawyer Joe Tacopina says Trump will not participate in an inquiry with 'no legal merit.'

Grand jurors are looking at Trump's alleged role in a $130,000 'hush money' payment from 2016.

Former president Donald Trump has rejected an invitation from the Manhattan district attorney's office to testify before a grand jury now hearing evidence in a possible felony indictment for a $130,000 "hush-money" payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.

Trump had been invited to testify this week, said his lawyer, Joe Tacopina.

"He won't be participating in that proceeding," Tacopina told Insider on Monday, after meeting with Trump in Florida over the weekend.

"It is a proceeding that we  and most election law experts  believe has absolutely no legal merit," he said.

The defense believes that prosecutors are pursuing charges of falsifying business records, a low-level felony that is punishable by a sentence of as little as probation and no jail, and by as much as four years in state prison.

Just what records prosecutors believe were falsified has been hinted at in "People vs. Donald Trump," an expose published last month by the Trump probe's former lead prosecutor, Mark Pomerantz.

Prosecutors believed that Trump's allegedly falsified records include a 2016 non-disclosure agreement, a document that used false names for Trump and Daniels, Pomerantz wrote.

Other potential documents allegedly falsified by Trump involve reimbursements that the then-president and the Trump Organization made in 2017 to attorney Michael Cohen, Pomerantz wrote.

Cohen fronted the money to Daniels and admitted in federal court in 2018 that the $130,000 was a campaign expenditure meant to influence the election by preventing voters from hearing Daniels' account.

The reimbursements Trump made to Cohen in a series of checks throughout 2017 were falsely processed by Trump Org as "legal expenses," Pomerantz alleged.

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Cohen is now one of Trump's most vocal critics.

Cohen began his grand jury testimony in the Manhattan district attorney's hush money case on Monday, and is expected to be the secret presentation's final witness.

Trump's defense team believes prosecutors will try to prove that Trump indeed intended to benefit his campaign when he ordered Cohen to wire the $130,000 to Daniels on October 27, 2016, days before the 2016 presidential election.

In return, Daniels agreed to remain silent about an affair she alleged she had with Trump in 2006, just four months after Melania Trump gave birth to their son, Barron.

Trump has denied that there was ever an affair, and said this week he has done "absolutely nothing wrong."

Joe Tacopina, lawyer for former President Donald Trump Insider

Felony-level falsifying business records is an offense that requires some underlying crime  otherwise it's just a misdemeanor under state law.

In order to hit Trump with that elevated felony, prosecutors may try to prove that the $130,000 was an illegal, unreported campaign expenditure or contribution under state law, Tacopina said.

But a jury would have to find that the hush-money payment was indeed a campaign expenditure, not just money Trump would have paid out anyway, regardless of the election, in order to quiet an ugly  Trump has said false and extortionate  allegation.

"He doesn't have to report it," Tacopina said of the $130,000.

Trump had other reasons not to appear, the lawyer added. Grand juries are solely the purview of the prosecutor, who has free reign to examine all witnesses without a judge or defense lawyer in the room.

Anything the witness says in the grand jury can also later be used against them should the case go to trial.

Cohen left the lower Manhattan office building where the grand jury is meeting shortly after 5 p.m. local time. He said he expects to continue his grand jury testimony on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for District Attorney Alvin Bragg has declined to comment on the case or the grand jury proceeding.

Additional reporting by El Calabrese

Read the original article on Business Insider
Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a soldier of the Territorial Defence Forces of Chernihiv Oblast who was executed in Russian captivity, had Moldovan citizenship.

Source: statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova; European Pravda

Quote: "After the Ukrainian side confirmed that the soldier executed by Russian soldiers was Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, we strongly condemn the murder of the Moldovan citizen, which can be qualified as a war crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. We express our deep condolences to the family and friends of Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, and we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people."

Details: The ministry has also pointed out that Chisinau condemns Russias war against Ukraine.

Local outlets in Chernihiv Oblast that posted news about the funeral of Oleksandr Matsiievskyi in February highlighted that he was born in Chisinau and had lived in Moldova for the first 28 years of his life until 2008, when he moved together with his wife and their son to Nizhyn.

European Pravdas sources have said that Matsiievskyi has not renounced his Moldovan citizenship after moving to Ukraine; therefore, he had citizenship of both Moldova and Ukraine, even though he obviously perceived himself as a Ukrainian.

However, his Moldovan origin caused a resonance in Moldova: the story of the heros execution was initially covered in the media and discussed on social media. It acquired special significance after Matsiievskyi was identified.

Background: On 12 March 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine established that Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a sniper of the 163rd Battalion of the 119th Territorial Defence Brigade of Chernihiv Oblast, was the Ukrainian soldier executed after saying "Glory to Ukraine!"

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Marissa Barnwell, a River Bluff High School student; her parents; and their lawyer, Tyler Bailey, hold a news conference in Columbia, South Carolina, on March 9, 2023. Alexa Jurado / The State via AP

The family of a South Carolina ninth-grader is suing her school after they said a teacher pushed the 15-year-old into a wall because she refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The lawsuit, filed Feb. 13, alleges that Marissa Barnwell, who attends River Bluff High School in Lexington, was on her way to class on Nov. 29, 2022, when special education teacher Nicole Livingston confronted her in the hall as the pledge was playing over the schools loudspeaker. The teacher allegedly demanded that she stop walking and recite the pledge.

The lawsuit names the South Carolina Department of Education, Lexington County School District One, Livingston, and Principal Jacob Smith, accusing them of negligence and violating Barnwells civil rights.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Barnwell said that she was completely and utterly disrespected, and no one should ever have gone through what she experienced.

I have never seen this lady a day in my life, so when she approached me so angry and so upset, I had not known what to react to her, Barnwell said. So she approached me, she grabbed me, she pushed me up against the wall, and I was not prepared for that.

She said she stopped participating in the Pledge of Allegiance in third grade because she believes that the message of liberty and justice for all does not apply to everyone in the US.

In those pledges, you say, liberty and justice for all, but is America really liberty and justice for all? she said.

Barnwell added that she has continued attending the school, but shes been upset that Livingston didnt face any kind of consequence. The school district and the state Department of Education did not immediately return BuzzFeed News' request for a comment.

No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt; the fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable, Barnwell said.

According to the lawsuit, Livingston took an upset and emotionally disturbed Barnwell to the principal's office after the alleged assault. Smith, the principal, then allegedly told Barnwell he would review the security footage and sent her back to class.

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Screenshot

Surveillance video provided to BuzzFeed News shows the teacher confronting Barnwell as other students and adults also walk through the hall. Shavell Barnwell, her father, questioned why she was singled out.

Why would the teacher single out my daughter when you could clearly see that other students are walking in this video, but that particular day she zoomed in on my daughter, and when she grabbed her, you could see the grab was a forceful grab, and you could see she was holding on to her with aggression, he said at the press conference.

Marissa Barnwell said she believes it was because she was the only Black girl in the hallway.

The fact that I was exercising my right to freedom of protest, freedom of speech, I feel like because of the stigma behind not stopping or standing there in the moment of silence, I feel like she targeted me because I was Black and that she knew that this was something political, Barnwell said.

According to South Carolina state code , while the Pledge of Allegiance is required in schools, students are not required to participate.

Any person not wishing to say the Pledge of Allegiance or otherwise participate in saying the Pledge of Allegiance is exempt from participation and may not be penalized for failing to participate, the code states. A person who does not wish to participate may leave the classroom, may remain in his seat, or may express his nonparticipation in any form which does not materially infringe upon the rights of other persons or disrupt school activities.

In a statement, the familys attorney, Tyler Bailey, called Barnwell brave.

The beautiful thing about America is that we have the constitutional right to freedom of speech. It cannot be argued that students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gates, Bailey said. Our constitutional rights are sacred, and the violation of those by people placed in authority to teach our kids is unacceptable.
HSBC UK is acquiring Silicon Valley Bank UK for a symbolic 1. The deal comes after a tense weekend of frantic negotiations by the U.K. government, regulators and a suite of other potential suitors in the wake of the U.K. business, a subsidiary of the troubled U.S. entity, entering insolvency procedures on Friday.

The deal is a massive relief to the U.K. technology sector, which was highly exposed to the collapse of both SVB and its U.K. arm. The quick turnaround of the deal will be seen as a signal of the government's support of tech, and overall confidence in the financial system.

HSBC said the transaction completes immediately. The acquisition will be funded from existing resources. The bank added in a statement:

As at 10 March 2023, SVB UK had loans of around 5.5 billion and deposits of around 6.7 billion. For the financial year ending 31 December 2022, SVB UK recorded a profit before tax of 88 million. SVB UKs tangible equity is expected to be around 1.4 billion. Final calculation of the gain arising from the acquisition will be provided in due course.

The Bank of England said all depositors money with SVB UK is safe, with the deal ensuring the continuity of banking services.

It means SVB UK will not now be put into insolvency.

U.K. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: "This morning, the Government and the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC. Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support."

This morning, the Government and the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver that promise  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) March 13, 2023

More from Hunt and the government here. In a statement, the Bank of England said:

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SVB UKs business will continue to be operated normally by SVB UK. All services will continue to operate as normal and customers should not notice any changes. Customers can continue to contact SVB UK through the usual channels and borrowers should make any loan repayments to SVB UK as normal. SVB UK staff remain employed by SVB UK, and SVB UK continues to be a PRA/FCA authorised bank. Todays announcement supersedes the Banks 10 March statement that, absent any meaningful further information, it intended to apply to the Court to place SVBUK into a Bank Insolvency Procedure. Given the emergence of a credible purchaser for SVBUK the Bank has determined that using its resolution powers for stabilising failing banks is appropriate. No other UK banks are directly materially affected by these actions, or by the resolution of SVBUKs US parent bank. The wider UK banking system remains safe, sound, and well capitalised.

Noel Quinn, HSBC Group CEO, welcomed Silicon Valley Bank UK customers in a statement, saying they could continue to bank as usual:

This acquisition makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK. It strengthens our commercial banking franchise and enhances our ability to serve innovative and fast-growing firms, including in the technology and life-science sectors, in the UK and internationally. We welcome SVB UKs customers to HSBC and look forward to helping them grow in the UK and around the world. SVB UK customers can continue to bank as usual, safe in the knowledge that their deposits are backed by the strength, safety and security of HSBC. We warmly welcome SVB UK colleagues to HSBC, we are excited to start working with them.

Dom Hallas, executive director of Coadec, the U.K. nonprofit that lobbies government on behalf of tech startups, said: The Government deserves huge credit. From the very top, to HM Treasury who understood the challenge and gripped it, to the huge number of civil servants who have likely not slept since Friday. They have saved hundreds of the UKs most innovative companies today.

The sale means the U.K. will avoid having to introduce the system-wide support that the U.S. Treasury as been forced to introduce in order to protect depositors. And since a bank has stepped in to rescue another bank, it also reduces the so-called "moral hazard" risk where failed banks and depositors assume the exit is to get bailed out by the government.

More to come.
The fallout from the implosion of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has reached Hong Kong's shores, prompting the local monetary authority to assure depositors that the city's banking system is sufficiently protected from the second major collapse of a US bank since 2008.

At least 13 Hong Kong-listed technology and biotech firms have deposits totalling US$217.23 million at SVB, with amounts ranging from US$400,000 to US$175.5 million.

Meanwhile, SVB's Hong Kong office in Jardine House was empty on Monday morning.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said on Monday that SVB is not authorised to carry out banking operations or take deposits in Hong Kong.

A view of Silicon Valley Bank's representative office at Jardine House in Hong Kong's Central district on March 13, 2023. Photo: Yulu Ao alt=A view of Silicon Valley Bank's representative office at Jardine House in Hong Kong's Central district on March 13, 2023. Photo: Yulu Ao>

"We have noticed the actions of overseas regulators against banks and will continue to pay attention to the development of the incident," an HKMA spokeswoman said.

Beijing-headquartered biotech firm BeiGene was the worst-hit, with US$175.5 million of uninsured deposits at SVB, representing 3.9 per cent of its cash holdings of US$4.5 billion at the end of last year, the company said in a stock exchange filing on Monday.

Over the past two days, BeiGene and 12 other Hong Kong-listed companies have issued statements regarding their deposits at SVB, which was taken over by the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Friday because of liquidity concerns.

Entrance to Silicon Valley Bank's office at Jardine House in Hong Kong's Central district on March 13, 2023. Photo: Yulu Ao alt=Entrance to Silicon Valley Bank's office at Jardine House in Hong Kong's Central district on March 13, 2023. Photo: Yulu Ao>

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US regulators announced on Sunday that SVB's depositors will have access to their money from Monday.

"The company does not expect the recent developments with SVB to significantly impact its operations," BeiGene said, adding that it has diversified its cash and investments at large lenders including JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

Shanghai-headquartered biopharmaceutical company Zai Lab said in a filing on Monday that it has US$23.2 million of deposits at SVB, representing 2.3 per cent of its total cash of US$1.08 billion.

Medical device maker Broncus Holding said on Sunday its exposure to SVB was about US$11.8 million, or 6.5 per cent of its cash reserves as of Friday.

"The company is actively working towards preserving and recovering its deposits at SVB," Broncus said, adding the exposure is "immaterial" and will not affect its operation.

A Post reporter who visited SVB's office in Central on Monday morning found the premises to be deserted, with only the lights switched on.

The bank's staff in Hong Kong has been told to work from home Monday onwards as requested by the head office, according to a woman who answered the Post's inquires by phone.

So far no one had asked about their deposits at the bank, she said, without identifying herself.

Other Hong Kong-listed companies that have made their exposure known to SVB via exchange filings are mostly biotech firms. Sirnaomics has US$3.3 million of deposits, or about 3 per cent of its cash, while Everest Medicines and Noah Holdings Private Wealth and Asset Management each have less than US$1 million.

Jacobio Pharmaceuticals, Mobvista and CStone Pharmaceuticals, which have deposits ranging from US$400,000 to around US$600,000, all said the amounts were less than 1 per cent of their cash holdings.

Brii Biosciences said it had less than 9 per cent of its cash at SVB, while Genor Biopharma Holdings said it had 0.1 per cent of its cash at the lender, but neither disclosed the exact amount.

"Based on the latest situation, we think the impact on the biotech firms will be very limited, as we believe all of the deposits will be recovered including Brii's," Li Ankang, chief strategy and financial officer of Brii Biosciences told the Post in a statement.

CANbridge Pharmaceuticals said it had "immaterial deposits" at SVB but did not disclose the figure.

Vobile Group said it completed wire instructions on March 9 to transfer cash out of SVB, just ahead of its collapse.

Others such as Meitu and MicroPort Scientific issued statements saying they have no business relationship with SVB or deposits.

Ryan Lam Chun-wang, the head of research at Shanghai Commercial Bank, said even after the US has assured SVB's depositors their money is safe, the saga is not over.

"A lot of banks will have to shrink their balance sheets to avoid a weak-looking funding structure," he said. "More accelerated loss recognitions and write-downs are coming."

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.
The Army Corps of Engineers confined disposal facility on Lake Michigan at the south bank of the Calumet River on March 10, 2023. Local environmental groups are suing after the Corps reneged on an agreement to stop using the dump to disposed of contaminated sediment dredged from the river. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

After striking out with city and state officials, community groups are urging a federal court to block expansion of a lakefront dump in Chicagos heavily polluted Southeast Side.

A lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court accuses the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of reneging on a 1982 deal to cover the 45-acre dump once it was filled with toxic sediment dredged from the Calumet River and the Cal Sag Channel.

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Under the deal brokered by state lawmakers, the once-submerged site should have been transformed years ago into an extension of nearby Calumet Park at 98th Street and Lake Michigan. Instead, the Army Corps is planning to keep piling noxious muck at the site for another 20 years, leaving it 25 feet higher than it is today.

Sediment dug out of the river is contaminated with harmful metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, and dangerous polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs, that build up in fish and people.

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Groups suing to block the disposal of more dredged gunk are alarmed by government studies during the 1980s and 1990s that found worrisome concentrations of PCBs in fish and crayfish collected from the dump, which was designed to allow the lake to flow freely back and forth through it.

The groups are not persuaded by Army Corps promises that an even larger dump can be safely managed.

We are tired of being the dumping ground for toxic materials in the city, said Amalia NietoGomez, executive director of Alliance of the Southeast, a coalition of neighborhood churches, businesses and community groups in the largely Latino and Black corner of Chicago.

[ Fiercely proud of their home, residents of the Southeast Side  long a toxic dumping ground  are rising up against polluters ]

Army Corps officials have said they need to routinely dredge so commercial ships can pass through waterways connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River basin. The federal agency opted to continue using its existing dump  bureaucrats call it a confined disposal facility  after neighborhood groups opposed the creation of another disposal site further inland along the Calumet River.

City and state officials signed off on the Army Corps plan to keep using the lakefront dump. But the new lawsuit, filed by the nonprofit Environmental Law and Policy Center, contends the project fails to comply with federal environmental laws and skips stringent monitoring to ensure PCBs and heavy metals arent leaching into the lake and river.

Past monitoring, later scaled back at the request of the Army Corps, revealed pollution concentrations exceeding federal and state regulations adopted after the dump was constructed with dikes intended to protect Lake Michigan from the dredged sediment, government documents show.

Howard Learner, the centers executive director, accused the Army Corps of glossing over the environmental consequences and neglecting to explore other disposal options.

Moreover, Learner said, plans to expand the dump run counter to the Biden administrations pledges to focus all federal agencies on fighting climate change and working toward environmental justice in low-income, predominantly Black, Latino and Indigenous communities that are disproportionately exposed to industrial pollution.

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More intense storms and more frequent fluctuations in lake levels  both driven by climate change  increase the risk the Army Corps dump could rupture and trigger an environmental catastrophe that endangers the regions source of drinking water, Learner and other opponents contend.

The Southeast Side already is heavily burdened by pollution  a toxic legacy left by steel companies that abandoned Chicago decades ago and more recent arrivals.

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Four miles south of the Army Corps dump is the citys latest Superfund site, a federal designation reserved for the nations most contaminated properties.

The Donald Schroud site in the Hegewisch neighborhood in Chicago on Sept. 28, 2018. In 2017, this parcel became the citys newest Superfund site, a federal designation reserved for the nations most contaminated properties. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Rachel Patterson, of the Southeast Environmental Taskforce, attends a press conference denouncing General Iron's proposed move from the North to the South Side of the city on Feb. 16, 2022, at City Hall in Chicago. Last year neighborhood groups and the Biden EPA pressured Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration to reject a permit for Reserve Management Group, the owner of General Iron. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

People living on the Southeast Side breathe some of the citys dirtiest air, monitoring data shows. More than 75 polluters in the area have been investigated for Clean Air Act violations since 2014, including companies that contaminated yards and playgrounds with brain-damaging manganese and lung-damaging petroleum coke.

Last year neighborhood groups and the Biden EPA pressured Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration to reject a permit for Reserve Management Group, an Ohio-based company that built a scrap shredder in the neighborhood near George Washington High School after closing a similar facility in wealthy, largely white Lincoln Park.

[ Local activists disappointed that Army Corps gets go-ahead to extend life of Southeast Side sludge facility ]

Regarding continued dumping by the Army Corps, there are additional questions about access to Lake Michigan and the safety of people who recreate at nearby beaches.

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The group Friends of the Parks is pressing the federal government to uphold the deal to convert the dump into an extension of a lakefront park and help fulfill Daniel Burnhams 1909 vision of an entirely public shoreline.

Chicagos lakefront is one of our citys most precious gems, said Juanita Irizarry, the groups executive director. It is a travesty to continue to designate prime lakefront park land ... for a toxic dump.

mhawthorne@chicagotribune.com
Actor Hong Chau is nominated for an Oscar and honoring her roots for the celebration.

Chau, who is nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "The Whale," walked the red carpet at the biggest event of the year in a custom pink Prada gown that featured a nod to her Vietnamese heritage.

Hong Chau at the 95th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Angela Weiss / AFP - Getty Images)

The collar of her dress, known in English as a Mandarin collar, is a short and stiff upright collar. It's popular in both Chinese cheongsams (also known as qipao) and Vietnamese dresses known as ao dai.

She told E! News host Laverne Cox that she "just fell in love" with the dress when she first saw the sketch.

"And I asked them if they could add a little Mandarin collar as a little shout out to my roots and they were happy to oblige," she explained. "So it just feels like a really modern dress. I feel beautiful in it. But I also feel like I can move and I'm nimble so it feels very me."

Chau's stylists, Zadrian Smith and Sarah Edmiston, told E! News correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi that Prada sent several sketches for the custom gown, which also featured a contrasting black feathered train.

"And Hong herself was like, 'Yeah, it's great but I think we need to add the collar,'" Rassi said, adding that the actor had also sent back her own sketch of the look and drew her inspiration from a 1997 Prada show.

"She went deep in it," Rassi said.

Hong Chau at the 95th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Angela Weiss / AFP - Getty Images)

Chau's parents  while her mother was pregnant with her  and older siblings left Vietnam after the Vietnam war. Chau was born in a refugee camp in Thailand in 1979 and her family eventually relocated to the New Orleans, Louisiana, area.

In an interview with ABC on the red carpet, Chau opened up about becoming a mother in 2020 and how it helped her get in touch with her character in "The Whale." Chau plays Liz, a caretaker and friend to a man with obesity.

"I had just become a mother and my daughter was eight weeks old when we started this and I just have empathized with the character," she told the outlet. "He's trying to reconnect with his daughter and it's just so heartbreaking."

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She added that she felt the need to protect star Brendan Fraser on-set.

"I felt this natural inclination to take care of him at least. I felt like I needed to protect him. And that worked really well for our characters on camera."

Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the third time, the 2023 Oscars are broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the red carpet starting earlier. The 2023 Oscars are available to watch on ABC and various streaming platforms.

Leading the list of nominees include Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Banshees of Inisherin. The list of performers and presenters includes Rihanna, following her Super Bowl halftime show, and the viral Telugu-language hit Naatu Naatu.

Follow TODAY.com for complete Oscars coverage, including this years winners and unexpected moments.

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Central bankers and regulators from Spain, England, Japan, Singapore and mainland China will be among the financial heavyweights coming to Hong Kong next week, as the city hosts another event to mark its re-emergence onto the world stage after three years of Covid-19 restrictions.

Pablo Hernandez de Cos, governor of the Bank of Spain, and Victoria Saporta, executive director of the Bank of England, will be among the 47 members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision convening in Hong Kong, according to Arthur Yuen Kwok-hang, deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

De Cos is also chairman of the committee, which is an international banking standards setter under the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

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The first two days, March 22 and 23, will consist of closed-door meetings.

Then, on March 24, many of the members will head to the HKMA-BIS Joint Conference at the luxury Rosewood Hong Kong hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. This will also be attended by local bankers and will be live-streamed to the public, Yuen said.

'We can show the world that Hong Kong is fully back to normal,' says HKMA deputy CEO Arthur Yuen Kwok-hang. Photo: Xiaomie Chen alt='We can show the world that Hong Kong is fully back to normal,' says HKMA deputy CEO Arthur Yuen Kwok-hang. Photo: Xiaomie Chen>

HKMA boss Eddie Yue Wai-man will deliver welcoming remarks while his predecessor, Norman Chan Tak-lam, will give a keynote speech. Other speakers are still to be confirmed.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) - both members of the committee - will send senior executives to attend the two-day summit but not as speakers at the joint conference.

"The HKMA-BIS Joint Conference will be the first major financial event to be held after the border fully reopened and all Covid restrictions in Hong Kong were removed, including the axing of the mask mandate from March 1," Yuen told the Post. "We can show the world that Hong Kong is fully back to normal."

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The agenda of the Basel Committee is not disclosed, while the HKMA-BIS Joint Conference will focus on how regulatory authorities and banks are preparing in a constantly evolving financial landscape, and discuss topics related to cryptocurrency development, Yuen said.

Headquartered in the offices of the BIS in Basel, Switzerland, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision was formed in 1974 by central bankers from the G10 countries. After the global financial crisis in 2009, it expanded its membership to 47 central bankers and regulatory heads from 28 jurisdictions, including the HKMA.

Yuen, who represents Hong Kong's de facto central bank on the committee, has been actively involved in setting standards for banking liquidity and risk management requirements over the past 14 years.

"Climate change, green finance and cryptocurrencies are the current topics concerning the committee," he said.

BIS, known as a "bank for the central banks", was founded in 1930 with 63 shareholding central banks. Its mission is to serve central banks in their pursuit of monetary, financial stability and international cooperation.

Taken together, the committee meetings and the joint conference next week are the first of three major events the HKMA is hoping to host this year to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The last time the Basel committee met in Hong Kong was in 2013 at the HKMA's 20th anniversary.

The other two events, Yuen said, are the 2023 Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in November and the annual governors' meeting of the BIS in the second half of the year - something the HKMA is currently negotiating with the BIS.

The series of events comes after the success of the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in November last year when the city started to relax its Covid-19 restriction before it fully reopened international borders in January.

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.
The House Oversight Committee on Sunday subpoenaed financial documents related to three of Hunter Bidens business associates, ramping up the probe into the first familys overseas dealings.

Representative Jamie Raskin, the committees ranking Democrat, sent a letter to committee chairman James Comer concerning the subpoenas, which request records from Bank of America dating back to 2009 involving John Robinson Rob Walker and two other men, according to a copy of the letter obtained by CNN. The bank has complied with much of the order so far, a source told the outlet.

Raskins letter was sent to get ahead of the information the Oversight Committee is receiving in its investigation of the Biden familys influence peddling, a House Oversight GOP spokesperson told CNN.

In the letter, Raskin blasts Comer for not notifying Democratic members at least two days before issuing the subpoenas.

The subpoena pertaining to Walker is particularly invasive, Raskin said, because it demands disclosure of intimate information from his familys personal financial accounts.

Raskin called the subpoena a roving congressional inquisition into the affairs of at least one private American citizen, that goes well beyond any business deal with Hunter Biden or CEFC.

Hunter Biden joined Walker, James Gilliar, Jim Biden, and Tony Bobulinski in creating a joint venture, called Oneida Holdings, with CEFC, the now-defunct Chinese energy conglomerate that pledged to give them $10 million of working capital.

In a May 2017 email to multiple partners, Gilliar discussed an equity plan in which 10 percent of the venture would be held by Hunter for the big guy, who is believed to be Joe Biden.

Last month, ahead of House Republicans investigation into Hunter Biden, his attorneys sent letters to state and federal prosecutors urging criminal probes into those who accessed and disseminated personal data from his infamous laptop, implicitly acknowledging that he was its owner.

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The contents of the computer, first reported by the New York Post, revealed troubling questions about Hunter and Joe Bidens foreign business entanglements. Hunter Bidens legal team issued letters to the DOJ, IRS, and Delaware attorney general demanding criminal referrals for Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon.

Earlier this month, FBI director Chris Wray dodged a question about whether the Hunter Biden laptop story is disinformation during a House Intelligence Committee hearing.

I dont think theres anything I can share on that in open setting, Wray told Representative Elise Stefanik.

President Biden has insisted that he was never involved in his sons business dealings and has consistently dismissed the laptop bombshell as Russian misinformation.

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[Source]

Houston police are searching for a man who followed and then robbed a woman shortly after she withdrew cash from a bank in Chinatown.

Nhung Truong, a 44-year-old mother of three from Vietnam, went to the Bank of America at 9875 Blackhawk Boulevard and withdrew a large amount of money for an upcoming trip before driving 24 miles to the 9800 block of Bellaire, where the robbery took place at around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 13, according to reports.

In surveillance footage, Truong can be seen walking in front of a shopping center before a man approaches her and grabs her from behind, causing her to drop her belongings. The man then grabs what he thinks is an envelope of money before running off.

However, once he realizes that he snatched the wrong item, he returns and picks Truong up before slamming her to the ground. He then grabs the actual envelope of cash before fleeing the scene.

More from NextShark: Hanae Mori, designer known for butterfly motifs and empress' wedding gown, dies at 96

Truong, who was hospitalized, suffered a severe spinal cord injury.

She is currently in a wheelchair as she is unable to walk or go to the bathroom on her own.

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More from NextShark: 25-year-old college dropout is now the worlds youngest self-made billionaire

Its not a big loss of the money. The big loss is her leg, Truongs daughter, Linh Duong, told KHOU.

Truong, who is in rehab to learn how to walk, says she does not know when she will be able to walk again.

I just need to practice, try to walk and stuff, she said. Im very sad that this happened to me and I just want to let people know to be careful.

More from NextShark: Customer Gives $1,000 Tip to Chinese Restaurant in Kentucky Before Closing to Diners

Truong's family has set up a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help raise funds for her medical expenses.

According to Duong, her mother was planning on purchasing plane tickets to Vietnam for their family before the robbery happened. It has been seven years since Truong last visited her hometown.

The doctors say that this injury has affected my mothers left leg, currently making her a disabled person. She is currently unable to walk and requires round-the-clock care. As you can imagine, this has been an incredibly challenging time for both my mom and our family. Not only are we dealing with the emotional trauma of what happened, but we are also struggling with the financial burdens of her ongoing care.

According to police, the suspect is described as a Black man in his early 20s weighing 140 pounds and standing at around 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall.

He is believed to have observed Truong at the bank before following her to Bellaire.

Individuals with any information regarding the robbery are urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston directly at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting an online tip at www.crime-stoppers.org. Information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect may result in a cash payment of up to $5,000.
SVB UK has its offices in London's Finsbury Square - REUTERS/Yann Tessier

HSBC has pledged to inject 2bn into Silicon Valley Bank UK after it snapped up the collapsed lender for 1, averting a crisis that threatened chaos across Britains tech sector.

The FTSE 100 bank told investors on Monday that it would commit cash to ensure that business-as-usual continued at the lender after it was seized by the Bank of England over the weekend.

In a call, Noel Quinn, chief executive of HSBC, and Ian Stuart, head of its UK arm, indicated that there would be no major changes to how SVB UK was run following the acquisition.

It came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cleared the way for HSBC to strike a last-minute deal for the collapsed lender after handing it an exemption from certain ring fencing rules.

The Treasury said it would waive restrictions on the types of customers that could be taken on by its UK retail bank under the so-called ring-fencing regime.

Ring fencing requires banks to separate their retail banking services from their investment and international banking activities and was introduced as a response to the financial crisis.

Andrew Griffith, the City minister, said in a letter to the chairman of the Treasury committee: The Government is using its powers under the Banking Act to provide HSBC with an exemption to certain ring-fencing requirements.

The concession was thrashed out in overnight talks between the Treasury and HSBC, with the deal announced at 7am before markets opened.

The failure of the lender threatened thousands of British tech companies and investors who rely on the start-up-focused SVB UK as their bank of choice.

Noel Quinn, chief executive officer of HSBC Holdings Plc - Bryan van der Beek/Bloomberg

Mr Hunt and Treasury officials had been holding crunch talks with the industry over the weekend and seeking to find a buyer, with HSBC, Barclays, Bank of London and Oaknorth among the potential bidders.

Sources suggested HSBC was seen as the most stable and secure candidate.

Putting the bank into insolvency without a buyer meant start-ups were threatened with having their deposits frozen, potentially making them unable to pay staff or suppliers.

SVB UK had loans of around 5.5bn and deposits of around 6.7bn, and made an 88m profit last year.
By Jose Luis Gonzalez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) - U.S. officials stopped hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants entering the country from Mexico on Sunday after a large group broke through Mexican lines to demand asylum in the U.S., only to be thwarted by barbed wire, barriers and shields.

Frustrated with problems securing appointments to seek asylum using a new U.S. government app, the migrants gathered at the frontier in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, but could not breach the crossing connecting the two countries.

Many of the migrants had small children with them.

At one point, some migrants attempted to hurl an orange, plastic barrier at the U.S. line, Reuters images show. Some people said pepper spray was deployed to repel them.

"Please, we just want to get in so we can help our families," said Camila Paz, an 18-year-old Venezuelan, sobbing heavily. "So I can have a future and help my family."

Neither U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) nor the Mexican government's national migration authority immediately replied to requests for comment.

After some pushing and shoving with the officials, the crowd of migrants eventually withdrew, with some heading down to the banks of the Rio Grande where they were monitored by U.S. immigration officials arrayed on the other side.

Many migrants have become fed up with the asylum process since the Biden administration made an app called CBP One available to them that was meant to streamline applications.

They say the app is beset by persistent glitches and high demand, leaving them in limbo in perilous border regions.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said recent app updates will simplify and speed up the process.

Describing her situation as "horrible, horrible," Paz said she had been trying to cross the border for a month, watching her money disappear and getting no nearer to claiming asylum.

"We want answers please," she said, "the (CBP One) application has done absolutely nothing for us."

(Reporting by Jose Luis Gonzalez; Additional reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Hunter Schafer needed only a feather to raise the bar for daring looks at Vanity Fairs 2023 Oscars after-party.

Best known for her portrayal of Jules Vaughn on HBOs Euphoria, the actor and model turned up at the annual soiree in a floor-length Ludovic de Saint Sernin skirt and a strategically placed feather, worn as a bandeau-like top.

Hunter Schafer attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Hunter Schafer attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Schafers all-white look was styled by Law Roach, who has drawn raves from fashion outlets for his edgy work with fellow Euphoria star Zendaya.

After Roach shared a photo of Schafer on Instagram, he was inundated with praise from many of his famous clients and pals, including Katy Perry and Zendaya herself.

A murder, photographer Myles Loftin wrote, while stylist Thiago Biagi simply proclaimed: No words.

Schafer, who is transgender, has been a rising star in Hollywood since the 2019 premiere of Euphoria. Shes used her television fame as a platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights, and is set to hit the big screen this fall in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Ive already spent a lot of my life trying to be someone Im not, she told Harpers Bazaar in 2021. And even if it is my job title, Im not interested in doing that again for long periods of time ... I want to have longevity as an artist, whatever form that comes in. The one thing I have faith in is the evolution of how I make art. Its something that is growing in me all the time.

Noticeably absent from the Vanity Fair fete was Schafers Euphoria co-star and real-life boyfriend, Dominic Fike. The pair were first romantically linked in the press in January of last year.

Some people fall in love, like, fucking months after they meet, or years after, Fike told GQ of his relationship in 2022. We developed an attraction  it sped it up so fast. We just really got to know each other so quickly.

Related...
Nebraska authorities arrested two Hondurans late last month for hunting and killing a bald eagle.

Americans with deep pockets are known to jet to Honduras for the local fishing. Bonefish, tarpon and marlin make for an attractive menu, although an exotic Central American location and easy rum surely add to the appeal.

Not widely considered, on the other hand, is the question of how many Hondurans come north to the United States for the hunting and fishing. The guess is anyone keeping count might not have to count high.

Honduras is home to things not readily found in the United States  tropical jungles being one, ancient ruins being another. But one temptation found in the states and not in Honduras is the bald eagle, the designated U.S. national bird although Ben Franklin thought wild turkeys might make a superior emblem.

I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharping and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy, Franklin said.

Mr. Franklin also said, Turkey is a much more respectable bird and withal a true original native of America.

As far back as the pilgrims, so the story goes, turkeys have been featured at the festival table. Mostly in domesticated form, they still do.

Eagles, on the other hand, being illegal to hunt, capture, breed or kill, not many people who have supped on illicit remains have bragged about it.

One epicure, who claims to hail from upstate New York and who identifies as Andrew Gray, purports on the website americasrestaurant.com to describe the culinary experience of munching prepared eagle.

When it comes to taste, bald eagle meat has a strong aroma and a gamey flavor. As a muscular bird, bald eagle meat has a chewy taste similar to that of waterfowl, turkey and venison, Grays website says. Some people find the taste of bald eagle meat similar to chicken.

But of course.

A hash of untranslatable hope and hunger might make explicable how it happened that two Hondurans got themselves in a fix when authorities in Nebraska discovered they had gunned down a bald eagle with the intent of making a meal of the thing.

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The men, both 20, reportedly dont speak English. The local sheriff pieced together the plausibility the men thought they were harvesting a vulture. Reports offered no hints about the tastiness of buzzard, but be sure to marinate.

Another odd incident surfaced within days of the other.

A New York hunter appeared in a Connecticut courtroom to answer charges related to the crossbow killings in late November of two pet German shepherds. Hed made what he described as a split-second decision to kill someones German shepherds hed mistaken for coyotes.

Such crimes generally are given appropriate seriousness when they reach a courtroom, where a judge has the last word. Fines and jail time deliver a message understood in any language.

outdoors@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Courts to deal with hunters who killed eagles, German shepherds
Traute Lafrenz, the last known survivor of a German group known as the White Rose that actively resisted the Nazis, has died. She was 103.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences to her family Friday, describing Lafrenz as a wonderful and immeasurably brave woman.

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Your mother was one of the few who, in the face of the crimes of National Socialism, had the courage to listen to her conscience and stand up to dictatorship, fascism and war.

According to an obituary published in The Charleston Post and Courier, Lafrenz died on March 6. She had emigrated to the United States after the war, marrying fellow physician Vernon Page and eventually retiring to South Carolina.

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Born in Hamburg on May 3, 1919, Lafrenz moved to Munich to study medicine at the age of 22, where she met Hans Scholl. Through him she became acquainted with other students who were opposed to the Nazis and months later took part in the White Roses risky efforts to distribute leaflets denouncing Hitler and his regime.

Several members, including Hans and his sister Sophie Scholl, were executed for their activity.

Lafrenz was arrested by the Gestapo secret police in 1943 but managed to hide her true involvement with the group and was sentenced to just one year of imprisonment. After her release, she was again detained until American troops freed her from a prison in Bayreuth in April 1945, days before the end of the World War II.

After emigrating, Lafrenz worked at a hospital in San Francisco, later living in Hayfork, California, and Evanston, Illinois.

She is survived by a daughter and three sons, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, according to the obituary. A memorial service was planned Saturday for friends and family at Yonges Island.

Germanys president said in his tribute that Lafrenzs actions had served as an inspiration for young people who campaign for freedom and democracy these days.
The most partisan member of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene, generated nearly 10 times as much press coverage in the 2022 election cycle as the least partisan member, Don Bacon, according to a new study of hyper-partisan politics.

Greene, a Republican representative from Georgia, appeared in 335 news items in major outlets around the 2022 midterms, according to the study, a joint effort of the Center for Media and Public Affairs at George Mason University and Starts With Us, a non-profit group that seeks to counter excessive partisanship in American politics.

Bacon, a Republican representative from Nebraska, appeared in 34 news items in the same span. Ironically, Bacon was locked in a closely watched contest for a critical House seat at the time, while Greene was sailing to easy reelection.

The study identified the seven most hyper-partisan members of Congress and the seven most bipartisan members, based on their promotion of bipartisanship and work across the aisle in 2021 and 2022. Then, researchers tallied each members press hits from October 8 to December 8, 2022, on the most popular news platforms, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today newspapers and the major broadcast and cable outlets.

In the two months studied, the seven most partisan politicians reaped more than four times the coverage of their least-partisan colleagues.

The reports authors said their work illustrates how name-calling, partisan bickering and provocation dominate the political news cycle, to the exclusion of substantive coverage about the actual work of Congress.

The group launched a petition Sunday, challenging the news outlets to each interview at least one bipartisan politician on a constructive legislative issue by the end of April. The petition calls on each outlet to create a recurring column or segment on bipartisanship by Independence Day.

How do we know that theres not a market for bipartisan problem-solving when its not being covered? said Tom Fishman, CEO of Starts With Us, which bills itself as a movement of 1.4 million Americans seeking to overcome the nations partisan divide.

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The organization commissioned a YouGov survey last year that found 87 percent of Americans tired of partisan politics.

Other surveys have reached similar conclusions. Only two-fifths of Americans have a favorable opinion of either political party, a reflection of partisan fatigue. A majority of Republicans, and a large majority of Democrats, would rather see their elected representatives cooperate with the other party than resist political compromise. Rising numbers of Americans identify as politically independent, signaling their distaste for partisan rancor.

I believe most Americans want their elected officials to work together to do whats right for our country, said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Florida Republican, cited in the report as one of the seven most collaborative members of Congress.

They expect their leaders to have courage of conviction but have also grown weary of the grandstanding and petty bickering that too often characterizes contemporary politics. They want results.

Fox News rose to dominate cable news largely by fomenting partisan anger among Republicans. Partisan sparring on both sides now dominates the broadcast news cycle, critics say, and it has spread to the world of print.

The New York Times, a publication sometimes accused of a liberal slant, covered Marjorie Taylor Greene 84 times in the two months considered in the study. The Times covered Rep. Matt Gaetz, a hyperpartisan Florida Republican, 15 times. Don Bacon, the bipartisan Republican, drew coverage only seven times. Bilirakis drew no coverage at all.

On the conservative wing, the Fox News website devoted 13 stories last fall to Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat and one of the seven hyperpartisan politicians identified in the study.

These news outlets are holding up the boogeyman on the other side, Fishman said. Theyre throwing meat to a base.

Some of the effects measured in the study go beyond mere partisanship.

Greene, elected in 2020, has parlayed partisan politics into full-blown celebrity. She reaped more press clips last fall than the other six hyperpartisan politicians combined. Gaetz came in a very distant second, with 101 news items.

If you go back to 2016, Donald Trump knew that all press was good press, said Ariana Pekary, a former NPR and MSNBC journalist who is involved in the petition campaign. The Marjorie Taylor Greenes of the world took that play and ran with it. And thats what were seeing now.

The Hill, not included in the study, has covered Greene 15 times this month, as of Friday. (This article makes 16.) Matt Gaetz figures in 10 articles. Don Bacon, oddly enough, outflanks them both, with 18 mentions.

Not all of the bipartisan problem-solvers in Congress are entirely ineffective at scoring press coverage. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a centrist Democrat in Virginia, landed 93 media hits in the studys timeframe, the most by far among the collaborative members.

The study identified the seven most hyperpartisan politicians as Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Reps. Greene, Gaetz, Tlaib, Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

The seven most bipartisan lawmakers: Reps. Bilirakis, Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Bacon and Spanberger.

This story was updated at 9:29 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Eleanor Williams falsely claimed she had been groomed and trafficked by a gang of Asian men. (Reach)

Victims of rape claim "fantasist" Eleanor Williams have revealed how the allegations destroyed their lives.

Williams, 22, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, told police she had been raped and beaten by a gang of men.

She was 19 when she claimed in a Facebook post in May 2020 that she had been groomed, trafficked and beaten by a gang of Asian men.

Her post was shared more than 100,000 times and brought a wave of attention to her home town.

Williams posted pictures of her battered and bloodied face on Facebook. But prosecutors said she had caused the injuries herself using a hammer.

She was found guilty in January of eight counts of doing acts tending and intended to pervert the course of justice.

Williams will be sentenced this week at Preston Crown Court during a two-day hearing expected to conclude on Tuesday.

On Monday, the court heard that three men had tried to take their own lives as a result of Williams' false rape allegations.

Preston Crown Court heard victim impact statements from men falsely accused of rape by Eleanor Williams ahead of her sentencing. (PA)

'Two weeks after my arrest I attempted to take my own life'

On the first day of her sentencing hearing, the business owner who was accused of grooming Williams  Mohammed Ramzan  told the court his life had been made hell on earth by the allegations.

Mr Ramzan, who was in tears as he spoke from the witness box, said two weeks after he was arrested following Williams claims he attempted to take his own life.

He said: I still bear the scars to this day.

Mr Ramzan said his property had been damaged and his businesses had been ruined after he and his family were targeted in the most horrendous way.

He said: I have had countless death threats made over social media from people all over the world because of what they thought I was involved in.

'I had my windows smashed, and someone sprayed 'rapist' on my house'

Jordan Trengrove was falsely accused of rape by Williams three times, despite only having met her once for a couple of hours.

His solid alibis were confirmed, charges were dropped, and he was formally acquitted of any wrongdoing. However, he was still targeted by vigilantes who had read reports of the allegations.

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In a statement read to the court, he said the word rapist had been spray painted across his house and his window was smashed after Williams accused him of raping and attacking her.

Jordan Trengove, from Barrow, who was falsely accused of rape by Ellie Williams and spent weeks on remand in prison.

He said he spent 73 days in prison, sharing a cell with a convicted sex offender, after he was charged as a result of her claims.

Mr Trengrove said: The lowest point was when I tried to end my life in August 2020.

'I had to tell my family what I was being accused of'

Cameron Bibby said he would "never forget" the moment he was told of the accusations. He said: "I was at home with my mum when the police called, [she] had two carers and in front of everyone I was told I was being arrested on suspicion of rape.

"I was terrified. It was like being in a nightmare being accused of something so horrible knowing I'd done nothing wrong. It made me feel ill and disgusted knowing it was lies.

"It was the worst experience of my life."

Mr Bibby said that since the allegations were made in 2017 he has had trouble sleeping and "barely left the house".

He said: "I've had to remove myself from social media because of vile abuse accusing me of being a rapist. The Justice For Ellie stickers on my neighbours houses and cars intimidated me. I've lost most of my friends and some members of my family shared Ellie's post.

"The stress of giving evidence was unbearable. This will stay with me for the rest of my life."

'I started questioning myself even though I knew I'd done nothing wrong'

Oliver Gardner said a chance encounter with Williams in Preston led to him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Gardner, who was accused of rape after he met Williams in the city centre, said it was a real shock when he was contacted by Cumbria Police and told of her claims.

He said: It was just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In his statement, he said he tried to end his life before being sectioned. He said: This whole period in my life has been totally overwhelming.

The court heard there were 151 extra crimes following the Facebook post, including 83 hate crimes.
Ian Stirling was a found member of Manchester Uniteds Fans Advisory Board (Getty Images)

Manchester United have paid tribute to longstanding supporter Ian Stirling after his devastating passing at the age of 57.

Stirling was a founding member of the clubs Fans Advisory Board, and operated as Independent Supporter Liaison Officer for the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

A statement from the Old Trafford club said that he had worked tirelessly to promote and protect the interest of fans.

Erik ten Hags side wore black armbands during their 0-0 draw with Southampton on Sunday in a mark of respect after Stirlings passing after a short illness.

This is truly devastating news for all of us at the club who knew and worked with Ian, Richard Arnold, Manchester United chief executive, said.

He was a towering figure within our fan community, loved and respected in equal measure. Ian was a relentless and unflinching advocate for the interests of fans, particularly match-goers, and we highly-valued the plain-speaking advice he provided.

A wreath was placed on Stirlings regular match seat at Old Trafford for the Southampton game.

The Manchester United supporter was a prominent opponent of the Glazer familys takeover of the club in 2005.

His opposition to the clubs intentions to join the proposed European Super League led to the formation of a seven-person Fans Advisory Board in December 2021.

A Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) statement on Saturday said the organisation was broken hearted at the news Stirlings passing.

MUST is sorry to report that Ian Stirling, our great friend and brilliant ISLO, has died, the statement said. We send our love, prayers and deepest condolences to Ians wife Lynn and his daughter Lucy and all of Ians friends and loved ones at this sad time.

At the moment everyone at MUST is in total shock and broken hearted with this terrible news.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing its first arrest warrants linked to war crimes cases for Russian officials, according to reports.

The New York Times and Reuters reported that ICC prosecutors are pursuing two war crimes cases for the forced deportation and alleged abduction of Ukrainian children and for attacks on Ukraines civilian infrastructure.

The arrest warrants could be OKd shortly if Chief Prosecutor Karim Khans requests are approved by a pretrial ICC judge. The specific targets of the warrants werent identified in the reports, but the Times noted that they included several people, and Reuters specified Russian officials.

The war crimes cases, if opened, would be the first to arise from Russias war on Ukraine, which crossed into its second year last month. The ICC has long been probing potential war crimes in the conflict.

There seems to be a lot of damage in Ukraine, and it may well be it is part of a policy and part of a plan and we need to get to the bottom of it and see whether or not there is criminal responsibility and if there is we have an International Criminal Court that has jurisdiction to look into it, Khan said last month, as reported by CNN.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said just a month into the war that the U.S. had determined that Russian forces had committed war crimes in Ukraine.

Vice President Harris said last month at the annual Munich Security Conference that the United States formally determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity and vowed to hold perpetrators to account.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this month that more than 70,000 Russian war crimes have been documented since the invasion began.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Anthony Deutsch

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -The International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to seek its first arrest warrants against Russian individuals in relation to the conflict in Ukraine "in the short term", a source with knowledge of the matter said on Monday.

The prosecutor of the ICC is expected to ask a pre-trial judge to approve issuing warrants against several Russians for the abduction of children from Ukraine to Russia and the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, said the source, who commented on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear which Russian individuals the ICC prosecutor would seek warrants for or exactly when, but the warrants could include the crime of genocide, said the source.

The office of the prosecutor at the ICC declined to comment. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan opened an investigation into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Ukraine a year ago. He highlighted during four trips to Ukraine that he was looking at alleged crimes against children and the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

A U.S.-backed report by Yale University researchers last month said Russia has held at least 6,000 Ukrainian children at sites in Russian-held Crimea.

It identified at least 43 camps and other facilities where Ukrainian children have been held that were part of a "large-scale systematic network" operated by Moscow since its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's former prosecutor general in June told Reuters she hoped the ICC would prosecute the child abductions as genocide. Ukraine's prosecutor general says that among 71,000 reports of war crimes under investigation by his office are air strikes against thousands of civilian targets.

Russia has strongly denied that its forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine. It says it does not deliberately target civilians and has said that it is offering humanitarian aid to those wishing to flee Ukraine voluntarily.

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The U.N. genocide convention defines "forcibly transferring children of the group to another group" as one of five acts that can be prosecuted as genocide.

Genocide is considered one of the toughest crimes to prove because it requires evidence of specific intent.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by John Stonestreet, Alison Williams and Frank Jack Daniel)
New York, NY --News Direct-- ID-Pal

 Unique market offering simplifies identity verification for SMEs

 Integrates seamlessly with global enterprises via API/SDK

 Strategic expansion follows a successful launch in the UK in 2022

 Invited to join business and political leaders as part of Enterprise Irelands St. Patricks week program in New York

Leading global identity verification solution firm ID-Pal, today introduced its offerings into the US market to meet demand for its platform across the United States. Championed by Enterprise Ireland, the US launch is building on ID-Pals success in serving both SMEs and enterprises across 30-plus industries with simple, secure, and convenient identity verification.

Offering global coverage of more than 6000 identity documents across 200 jurisdictions and countries, clients now include payments and gift cards provider Blackhawk Network (BHN), leading procurement and compliance platform Certa, global payments company and a subsidiary of US Bancorp Elavon and the recent J.P. Morgan-acquired Global Shares. ID-Pals presence in the US is further bolstered by recent partnerships with financial service providers such as Spirit of Alaska Credit Union and award-winning lending and deposit account opening platform CreditSnap.

The company also has an impressive network of strategic partners in the United States, that includes Salesforce, Corporate One and Melissa.

Colum Lyons, CEO and founder of ID-Pal, said:

The standard of security, fast deployment, and digital transformation we provide organizations sets us apart. We work with industry leaders from across 30 sectors, which is evidence that our technology-first approach to identity verification makes it simple, secure, and convenient for any organization.

Colum Lyons, CEO and founder of ID-Pal

ID-Pal offers businesses an easy way to verify the identity of an individual. Using a unique blend of biometric, document, and database checks to verify identities in real time, the solution leverages automated decisioning and smart workflows to deliver industry-leading accuracy, and better outcomes, with data protection compliance built in.

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Available off-the-shelf to go live in minutes, ID-Pal also integrates seamlessly with existing processes via an API or SDK. It can be deployed same day and is fully customizable thus reducing lengthy development time and demands on in-house resources.

Expansion into the United States allows ID-Pal to support financially regulated organizations struggling to balance compliance and fraud prevention with a friction-free user experience. The identity verification solution streamlines anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC) compliance while offering a robust audit trail. Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and database-focused solutions also struggle to match the sophistication of modern-day fraud, for which a multi-layered approach to verification via a platform like ID-Pal is needed.

Karen Cohalan, Department Manager for Fintech, Financial & Business Services at Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland warmly welcomes ID-Pals launch in the US market. Supporting Irish-owned companies to achieve greater scale and expand their global footprint is an ongoing priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to working with the ID-Pal team to continue to support their growth ambitions as they expand their customer base in the US whilst continuing to create jobs here in Ireland.

The regtechs official entrance into the US market comes less than a year after its successful launch in the UK and a Series A funding round. Today, UK businesses now account for over 30% of ID-Pals revenue and, following continued market traction there, 15% of their revenue is now from the US.

Industry-approved and offering an award-winning user experience, the solution is ISO 27001 certified, which is the global SOC 2 equivalent. ID-Pal joined the prestigious 2022 AIFinTech 100 and 2023 RegTech100 lists of the worlds 100 most pioneering businesses in AI and regulatory technology, as well as ranking sixth in the Deloitte Fast 50 2022.

In addition to the backing of the Irish government organization Enterprise Ireland, ID-Pal has received investment from European Inspire Investments, Act Venture Capital and US investors FA Ventures Fund, LTD, all of which have endorsed ID-Pals impressive expansion into new markets.

Colum Lyons, CEO and founder of ID-Pal, added:

"2022 was a landmark year for ID-Pal. In just nine months we launched in the UK, secured Series A funding, and now, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, our US and European investors, and our strategic partners, we are officially launching into the US in 2023.

Founded in 2016, ID-Pal is an award-winning ISO 27001 certified identity verification solution that enables businesses to verify identities and addresses in real-time. Offering a unique blend of industry-leading biometric, document and database checks to streamline AML and KYC in one GDPR compliant solution, it is available off-the-shelf and also integrates seamlessly with existing processes via an API or SDK. ID-Pals technology is also certified for the UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (UKDIATF). Headquartered in Dublin and backed by Enterprise Ireland, ID-Pal offers global identity verification coverage of more than 6000 identity documents and 200 verified address data sources to enterprise clients and SMEs across 200 countries and jurisdictions.

Ranked sixth in the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards, ID-Pal is also a member of the global AIFintech100 2022 and listed in the RegTech100 2023. ID-Pal is a previous winner of Best Customer Facing Experience in the PAY360 Awards and the IT & Fintech Irish Times Innovation Award in 2022.For more information visit: www.id-pal.com

Contact Details

MKPR

Meir Kahtan

+1 917-864-0800

mkahtan@rcn.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/id-pal-expands-into-the-united-states-with-identity-verification-solution-910772449
By Jorgelina do Rosario and Rodrigo Campos

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Argentina reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of their $44 billion loan program, the IMF said in a statement on Monday, confirming that some economic targets for the country could be eased.

The IMF staff said that adjustments were being requested to key targets to build up foreign currency reserves, which has been hampered by a major drought gripping the grains producing nation that has hurt exports of soy, corn and wheat.

It said adjustments would be focused on early 2023 and would help adapt the program for the "impact of the increasingly severe drought", while also taking into account plans by the country to save dollars by cutting spending on energy imports.

Argentina, the world's biggest exporter of soymeal and soyoil and the No. 3 for corn, is facing the worst drought in at least six decades, combined with repeated heat waves.

The IMF said that the country would need to strengthen its policy package in the face of the drought to ensure stability, rein in annual inflation running near 100% and address what it called "recent policy setbacks".

Reuters previously reported that Argentina was looking to lower the bar on the reserves targets agreed with the IMF, including by linking the targets to its exports.

"The IMF is acknowledging that the macroeconomic backdrop has become more challenging, especially considering the severe drought," said Gordian Kemen, a New York-based head of EM sovereign strategy at Standard Chartered.

Even so, he said, it was unclear how Argentina would be able to "re-accelerate reserve accumulation later", especially with pressure to spend ahead of elections slated for October.

SCARCE RESERVES

Argentina's net reserves stood at around $4.2 billion at the end of February, according to calculations from Buenos Aires-based firm FMyA.

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The review is now pending board approval, after which some $5.3 billion would be made available to Argentina.

The current loan arrangement was worth $44 billion when it was agreed in early 2022 to replace a failed $57 billion program from 2018. Most of the cash would be used to pay the fund back.

Argentina surprisingly announced in January a debt buyback despite depleted hard currency reserves - a move that Moody's considered a default, while S&P and Fitch did not.

A top IMF official later said the fund would "prefer not to have actions that undermine the reserve accumulation that we're assuming in the program."

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos in New York and Jorgelina do Rosario in London; Editing by Alison Williams and Stephen Coates)
The family of a man killed in a shootout with state troopers claims he was sitting cross-legged with his hands raised when troopers shot him to death at the site of Atlantas planned public safety training facility.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Manuel Teran was shot and killed on Jan. 18 as troopers tried to clear protesters from the site in the South River Forest. Protesters have been camped out in the area for the better part of a year demonstrating against the Atlanta Police training facility.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Teran started firing at officers when they tried to sweep the woods that day. Teran was killed after leaving a trooper with serious injuries, according to the GBI.

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln was at the DeKalb County courthouse Monday, where the family released the findings of an independent autopsy, which claims that Teran had his hands up when he encountered the troopers barrage of gunfire.

TRENDING STORIES:

We still dont know what happened in the forest on the morning of January 18th, the Teran familys lawyer said in a news conference Monday.

Atlanta police body camera video from that day does not show the shooting, although the gunshots are audible. In the footages, four distinct gunshots ring out before a hail of return fire from troopers.

Troopers are not required to wear body cameras, and the Georgia State Patrol has maintained that there is no video of the shooting.

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Attorneys for the family said the independent autopsy gave them a snapshot into what led up to his death.

Manual was looking death in the face, hands raised when killed, attorney Brian Spears said.

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The five-page autopsy report reveals Teran was shot 14 times by different weapons and that he sustained gunshot wounds to his wrists, both hands, legs, thighs and scrotum.

Manuel was shot so many times that the tracks from the bullets into the body converge and intersect, Spears said.

The doctor indicated that the nature of the injures suggests handguns and at least two shotguns were used. The report goes on to state that the wounds in his legs and hands indicates Teran was in a seated position.

The GBI has maintained that officers fired their weapons after Teran fired first. According to the GBI, ballistics from the troopers injury matches a legally purchased weapon registered to Teran.

The autopsy report also indicates that it is impossible to determine if Teran had a gun in his hand at the time of the shooting.

I want answers for my childs homicide, Terans mother, Velkis Teran said. My life has been frozen with Manny being guilty until proven innocent.

The family has file a lawsuit because the initial autopsy report and other evidentiary items have not been released.

Attorney Jackie The Fly Attorney Patterson, whos litigated several officer-involved shooting cases, said state law allows law enforcement agencies to withhold releasing information while the investigation is ongoing.

The only time the attorney will get anything in this case is after the GBI finishes its investigation, Patterson said. It will not be prudent for the law enforcement agency to release it because theyre releasing partial information and that misleads the public.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the City of Atlanta for a comment and were awaiting a response.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation sent the following statement regarding the independent autopsy report;

The GBI did not conduct Manuel Terans autopsy. The autopsy was done by the DeKalb Medical Examiners Office and not the GBI as the reports stated. The GBI continues to work diligently to protect the integrity of the investigation and will turn our findings over to an appointed prosecutor for review and action.

The actions of the GBI to prevent inappropriate release of evidence are solely intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation and to ensure the facts of the incident are not tainted. The GBI investigation still supports our initial assessment. All the facts, to include any information brought forward by the familys attorney, will be assessed along with all other investigative information by the special prosecutor. The GBI cannot and will not attempt to sway public opinion in this case but will continue to be led by the facts and truth. We understand the extreme emotion that this has caused Terans family and will continue to investigate as comprehensively as possible.
(Bloomberg) -- Indias government has opposed giving legal recognition to same-sex marriages as the Supreme Court begins deliberations Monday on petitions seeking equality for the LGBTQ community in a landmark hearing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In its court filing, Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration has said that marriage is accepted statutorily, religiously and socially only between a biological man and a biological woman. Any deviation from this accepted form can only be voted by lawmakers and not ruled by courts, the affidavit argued.

The government said that formal recognition of marriage also affects related issues ranging from adoption to inheritance rights, and it is pertinent for the issue to be debated by the legislature while considering all views that could impact society.

The Indian governments position echoes that of Singapore  where sex between men was decriminalized in 2022 but the government amended the constitution to give parliament the authority to define marriage. As of now, that rules out same-sex couples.

The outcome of Indias court case, closely watched in countries like Thailand, Greece, Japan and South Korea  where similar debates are gaining momentum  could set a precedent around the world. Grassroots lobbying and aggressive litigation by the LGBTQ community has already seen initial success in the South Asian country, where the top court has affirmed a constitutional right to privacy, toppling a colonial-era law that criminalized sex between men and expanded legal protections for atypical families.

A judgment in favor of the LGBTQ community in India would more than double the number of people globally with marriage equality rights, eventually cementing inheritance, adoption and other protections for all 1.4 billion Indians. Just a handful of places outside of the West  and only Taiwan in Asia  allow same-sex marriage.

Story continues

The Indian governments position on the issue has, however, remained the same since 2020, when a similar stance to oppose same-sex marriages was taken before a lower court.

Invoking the idea of family, the Modi government in its affidavit has said that cohabitation of same-sex partners cannot be compared with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife and children.

At least three lawyers representing the petitioners in the case declined to comment on the governments affidavit ahead of the court hearing.

While stressing the accepted social norms on the concept of family and marriage, the government also laid down a list of statutory provisions of law  including adoption and inheritance  that will be impacted if same-sex marriage is permitted.

The same government had however refrained from taking any position before the court in 2018, when the legal battle for decriminalizing homosexuality was fought.

(Updates with details.)

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The Monday after making it into the Chicago mayoral runoff, Brandon Johnson stood in the heart of the Loop by hulking CTA L columns that gleamed with a coat of morning rainfall as sharply dressed commuters hustled down the staircase.

Questioned by a reporter about his public safety plan, the Cook County commissioner directed attention away from the lively scene downtown and toward his West Side neighborhood more than eight miles away.

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Just Wednesday night  the day after I was propelled into this moment  there were gunshots yet again right outside my front door, Johnson said during the news conference. I live it every single day in Austin.

[ Defund police or take their handcuffs off? Candidates back away from past statements on policing. ]

Johnson represents some of the citys most violent neighborhoods and repeatedly discusses crime in personal terms. He talks about shielding his children from gunfire on his block that sometimes has pierced his homes windows and a classmate of his oldest son who died in a shooting this school year. I have more incentive than Paul Vallas for a safer, stronger Chicago, hes argues. Im living it, just like families are all over the city. We have to get it right.

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Mayoral candidate and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, right, speaks in the Loop after being endorsed by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis on March 6, 2023. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Vallas campaign stops include mentions of violence just as harrowing, albeit less personal.

At a December fundraiser inside a swanky lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Gold Coast, the former Chicago Public Schools CEO expressed outrage at the slaying of Kevin Davis, a 15-year-old boy shot the previous afternoon in front of his West Side high school.

Why wasnt that child in an afternoon school and extended day program? Vallas said. Im running for that reason.  So that I can bring in the type of leadership across every department at all levels, at every level, who can get this city back on track.

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, left, interacts with people attending a fundraiser for Ald. Brian Hopkins at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Dec. 7, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

As the two candidates vying to become Chicagos next mayor crisscross the city before the April 4 election, they are offering consistently contrasting views on a myriad issues tied to public safety as Chicago residents grapple with elevated fears after crime began skyrocketing three years ago, including in areas that traditionally had been more isolated from violence.

The ongoing debate over law enforcement tactics and crime is not unique to Chicago and has occurred in other big cities such as New York, where retired police captain-turned-politician Eric Adams was elected mayor after campaigning on restoring public safety.

But there are problems specific to Chicago as well about how to improve safety here.

The next mayor will be tasked with implementing sweeping new Chicago Police Department strategies aimed at decreasing crime. Vallas has been critical of too many restrictions on police activity, particularly police chases, while Johnson is a longtime proponent of redirecting police resources to other services, though he has backed off that phrasing during the campaign.

[ What is the Chicago police consent decree? ]

Whoever is elected also will need to address police reform, including through the ongoing federal consent decree that is supposed to overhaul police policies and practices under the supervision of a federal judge as well as, in a few years, executing a new police contract that offers protections for cops.

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In recent years, Illinois policymakers and public officials have argued policing alone cant solve crime and pointed to the need for major spending in disinvested communities as a sustainable strategy. But some pro-police advocates say Chicago cops are demoralized and less proactive, helping to embolden criminals.

Also of note: Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown is leaving after nearly three years, giving the next mayor an opportunity to reshape the department from within.

Bob Boik, who served as chief of staff to police superintendents Brown, Charlie Beck and Eddie Johnson, said the next mayor must focus on police reform as part of a broad crime-fighting initiative.

Solving violent crime, achieving compliance with the consent decree and exhibiting leadership are all the same problem. You cant look at those problems as distinct things that need to get done, Boik said. The truth of the matter is, and really what police reform is, is addressing all of those issues together as one. The best way to do that is building community trust and having that be the center of all things.

Walter Katz, a criminal justice expert who works at the research and advocacy philanthropy organization Arnold Ventures and served as Mayor Rahm Emanuels deputy chief of staff for public safety, said the question should be effective policing, not necessarily more policing.

This goes back to, well, how many officers does a city the size of Chicago need? Where are they, what are they doing? How active are they in patrol? How many officers are posted up just in one position, and thats what they do for eight hours? Katz said. So I think these conversations probably should be much more nuanced than they tend to be, but I understand its a campaign.

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Katz also stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on crime across the U.S., and that arguments of spikes in shootings and homicides being solely an offshoot of the 2020 nationwide reckoning on police reform and racial justice arent grounded in evidence.

Violent crime increased across the country, Katz said. It increased in cities which trimmed police budgets. It increased in cities which didnt touch their police budgets. It increased in cities with protests and without protests. So there was absolutely something (that) changed in this country, which then drove to violence.

Susan Lee, Mayor Lori Lightfoots ex-deputy mayor for public safety who now works at the Chicago CRED anti-violence group, said it cant be forgotten that the city has one of the highest ratios of police officers per resident in the nation, topping New York and Los Angeles, yet Chicago has more homicides than both those cities.

What is it about the way we are deploying our workforce that is not leading to effective policing? Lee said. I have a hard time believing  that its just about hiring more officers. So I would hope that both whoever sits in the mayors office takes the time to really understand what workforce challenges the CPD system presents and how theyre going to solve that.

Both Lee and Katz also shared a common refrain among policing experts when it comes to disinvested neighborhoods: They are simultaneously over-policed and under-policed.

When something bad happens, they dont hear the sirens, and police do not show up to help them deal with that crisis, Lee said. They also often see police harassing them.  Theres a basic safety equity gap in the city of Chicago, and so to emphasize just the aspect that police dont show up versus emphasizing that police are showing up in the wrong way, I think you have to see both sides of that equation.

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[ Let police be police has become a campaign refrain for some of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots opponents. Not on my watch, she says. ]

Both Vallas and Johnson agree that police cannot solve the persistent dilemma of crime alone and that the government should also address root causes of violence by investing in social services and jobs. But the plans they have outlined thus far on what is within CPDs purview illustrate their divergent philosophies on what tack should guide law enforcement.

Vallas proposals lean into what he has said is proactive policing and replenishing the departments ranks, while Johnsons espouse shifting emphasis from traditional crime-fighting strategies toward programs that try out new approaches.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 106 After marking his ballot, Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas heads to the ballot box to cast his vote at Healy School in the 11th Ward on Election Day, April 4, 2023. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

Both candidates have promised to at least maintain funding for the police department at current levels  not a surprise from Vallas, who has run a saliently law-and-order campaign, sought and won the endorsement of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and volunteered to help negotiate its latest contract that includes raises.

That is an evolution for Johnson, however, as in 2020 he had come out in support of the defund the police movement, which followed George Floyds murder by Minneapolis police. The cause calls for diverting law enforcement spending and redirecting it for other uses, including social and mental health services.

That summer, Johnson spoke on a panel titled We Dont Call Police: A Town Hall on a Police-Free Future where he praised organizers for pushing an agenda that actually can transform peoples lives.

And part of it is removing ourselves away from this, you know, state-sponsored policing, he said, but also the tools that have been placed against Black folks that have been used violently, whether its policing, or administering standardized tests, or  around how white supremacy finds its way in every facet of our lives, that we have to fight and resist that.

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Since entering the mayors race, Johnson has distanced himself from that position and rhetoric, though he promised in a forum last fall not to increase the CPD budget. During a recent radio appearance on WVON-AM, he responded to questions about defunding police by saying: With all due respect, I get how they are trying to paint a brother. I get it. But Im not going to be subject to a hashtag that no one can define.

Vallas has been criticized for receiving the FOP endorsement, but hes said the backing from the police union will allow him to better reform the department because hell have buy-in from the rank-and-file.

Part of that reform will come as part of the federal consent decree, an order the FOP has repeatedly pushed back against. So far, the city has reached at least some level of compliance with 78% of provisions reviewed in the consent decree, but it only fully complied with about 5%.

Others question whether the FOP contract will be an impediment to reform. Boik said he thinks the labor agreement is used as a scapegoat but I dont see it as an impediment to providing solid leadership and building morale of officers, increasing officer wellness, providing best-in-class training for officers.

None of that is prohibited contractually, Boik said. I think its more about execution more than any sort of big bad wolf out there preventing the city from achieving change.

On Chicago police staffing, Vallas has vowed to restore the total number of sworn members to the just-over 13,000 positions included in this years city budget. There are currently about 1,500 vacancies. His plan also includes increasing the number of detectives and supplementing detective work by bringing back retired officers he thinks will return in droves after hes elected mayor.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 88 Gov. J.B. Pritzker, left, greets Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson at the governor's downtown Chicago office on April 7, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

He also said he would beef up the transit patrol unit on the Chicago Transit Authority to 300 cops, permit officers who exited the force in the past three years to return without losing seniority, recalibrate the background check process in order to screen out fewer applicants and establish a Police Reserve Unit of former Chicago police officers, who work for other city departments, to deal with short-term desk assignments.

Johnson, meanwhile, has not agreed to fill the sworn vacancies, stating that other candidates vows to do so are empty promises because it would be impossible to find enough recruits soon enough to make an immediate dent in the citys violence. After joining the Chicago police academy, it takes about two years to become a full-fledged police officer.

There are individuals that are saying that we need 1,000 more police officers, right? They called for that. Theyre lying to us. You cannot find 1,000 people to do more (of) anything right now, Johnson said the week before the Feb. 28 election. I need public safety right now, like the rest of the city of Chicago wants.

Instead, Johnson said he would promote current officers to increase the amount of detectives by 200 and eliminate $150 million in what he described as wasteful spending and funnel that money toward more effective resources within the police department. Positions within CPD he said would be reexamined include roles in public relations, administrative assistance, graphic design, photography and non-sergeant supervisory roles.

Johnson also has broken with Vallas when it comes to two community activist-backed initiatives that have been introduced to the Chicago City Council by progressive aldermen during the current term. They are the Treatment Not Trauma legislation, which would repurpose vacant police salaries to send social workers and medical specialists to nonviolent mental health crises calls, and the Peace Book ordinance, which would devote 2% of Chicago polices budget to violence prevention initiatives not connected to law enforcement and incarceration.

In addition, Johnson has been a long-standing critic of the citys ShotSpotter contract, which left-leaning aldermen have targeted following the fatal 2021 Chicago police shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo that began when officers responded to an alert of gunfire from the system. Johnson has said he would end the use of ShotSpotter.

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Friends and relatives of 13-year-old Adam Toledo light candles during a gathering at a mural in his memory in the 3600 block of West Ogden Avenue on March 29, 2022, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Vallas, meanwhile, has staunchly opposed a different change that went into effect after Toledos death: A policy launched last summer and supported by Lightfoot that requires officers to only engage in a foot pursuit if there is a valid law enforcement need to detain the person that outweighs the dangers of the chase.

Vallas also frequently admonishes progressive Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, who also at times was criticized by Lightfoot over prosecuting decisions. He often campaigns about the city bypassing her jurisdiction by going to the U.S. attorneys office for federal charges or directing the police department to press its own charges, which is within its power but would likely end with prosecutors dropping them shortly after.

Even more unproven is Vallas plan to establish a Law Department Municipal Prosecution Unit to try the citys cases itself, which likely would require a change in state law. He also said he wants to enact a Public Nuisance ordinance to hold financially liable those involved in looting or other damage to property and violence.

Johnson said he would launch a new division within the CPD focused on missing persons cases, prioritize domestic violence survivors in public housing waitlists, abolish the gang database and work with the state to make trauma recovery centers. He said he would prop up a new Office of Community Safety to coordinate with the mayors Office of Gun Violence Prevention as well as back a sweeping revision to the police departments search warrant policy that has languished in the City Council.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49), right, listens as Anjanette Young, center who was a victim of a botched police raid, speaks with reporters following a committee meeting at City Hall on Nov. 10, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Christened the Anjanette Young Ordinance as a nod to the Black social worker who was forced to stand naked in her home as several Chicago officers in 2019 executed a search warrant at the wrong location, the legislation is opposed by Lightfoot, who has said it was not grounded in the reality of policing. Young has endorsed Johnson for mayor.

The latest proposed version would add a provision that mandates officers seeking warrants to first conduct at least a week of surveillance on the location. It includes a ban on no-knock warrants except in the case of exigent circumstances, such as someone facing imminent physical harm.

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While attempting to position himself as a centrist rather than a right-winger, Vallas has made other moves. He repeatedly criticized Lightfoot for not firing an officer who Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said should be terminated because of false statements about his associations with the Proud Boys hate group.

The officer received a suspension from the Police Department, which Lightfoot defended as an appropriate punishment in that case.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com

ayin@chicagotribune.com
The Indian government on Sunday declared its opposition to same-sex marriage in a Supreme Court case that involves the legal challenges of four same-sex couples.

In 2018, Indias Supreme Court permitted sexual activity among gay couples without criminal liability, effectively decriminalizing homosexuality in the country. It also allowed unregistered cohabitation among same-sex individuals. However, the governments Ministry of Law argued in a Sunday filing that marriage cannot be redefined because of its importance for religion and the family structure.

The nature of marriage is different, the filing, obtained by Live Law, read. The Supreme Court should therefore not change the entire legislative policy of the country deeply embedded in religious and societal norms.

The traditional marriage union creates a foundation for children who are reared by the husband as a father and the wife as a mother, which same-sex marriage cannot replace, the government, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, added.

Seeking declaration for solemnization/registration of marriage has more ramifications than simple legal recognition. Family issues are far beyond mere recognition and registration of marriage between persons belonging to the same gender, it wrote.

Uday Raj Anand, a gay petitioner in the case who wants to marry his partner, told Reuters that they cant do so many things in the process of living together and building a life together without the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The government maintained that heterosexual and homosexual relationships are distinct classes that cannot be treated identically. Therefore, the special status granted to traditional marriage cannot be misconstrued as a discrimination against same-sex couplesor as privilege of heterosexuality, the ministry noted. Heterosexual marriage is honored, for example, while mere heterosexual live-in relationships are not.

It is submitted at that there can be no fundamental right for recognition of a particular form of a social relationship, the government said.

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Indias Supreme Court on Monday referred the case to a five-judge bench which will hear final arguments on April 18.

We are of the considered view that it would be appropriate that the issues raised are resolved by a bench of five judges of this court, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said while delivering the order, according to Devdiscourse.

Indias Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, said the issue is so monumental that parliament should ultimately address it.

When the question of granting recognition, legal sanction to a relationship is concerned, that is essentially a function of the legislature and for more than one reason, he told the court.

Other Asian countries in recent months have liberalized their stances on gay relations, with Singapore and Sri Lanka revoking their own versions of a law that criminalized homosexuality.

More from National Review
By Arpan Chaturvedi

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India's Supreme Court on Monday said a five-judge bench will start hearing final arguments over granting legal recognition to same-sex marriages on April 18, proceedings of which will be live-streamed on its website and Youtube.

The case is being seen as a milestone event for LGBT rights in the country. India's top court decriminalised homosexuality in 2018 by scrapping a colonial-era ban on gay sex.

But the government said it opposes recognising same-sex marriage and urged the Supreme Court to reject challenges to the current legal framework lodged by LGBT couples.

"When the question of granting recognition, legal sanction to a relationship is concerned, that is essentially a function of the legislature and for more than one reason," India's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, arguing on behalf of the government, told the court.

"The parliament will have to debate and take a call whether in the view of societal ethos and several other factors which go into lawmaking, whether we would like this institution to be recognised."

In recent months at least 15 pleas, some by gay couples, have been filed asking the court to recognise same-sex marriages, setting the stage for a legal face-off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

The issue of same-sex marriage is sensitive in India and speaking openly about homosexuality is taboo for many in the socially-conservative country of 1.4 billion people.

LGBT activists say that while the 2018 ruling affirmed their constitutional rights, it is unjust that they still lack legal backing for their unions, a basic right enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.

"We are of the considered view that it would be appropriate that the issues raised are resolved by a bench of five judges of this court," Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said while dictating the order.

(Writing by Sudipto Ganguly; editing by Angus MacSwan)
IndyCar driver Jack Harvey has not been cleared to race following a hard wreck in the open-wheel series' season opener in Florida.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing said Monday that Juri Vips was testing for Harvey at Barber Motorsports Park. Harvey missed an IndyCar race last season with a concussion.

Harvey was taken to a hospital earlier this month following his involvement in the crash on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg. Kyle Kirkwood went airborne during the race and sailed directly over Harveys head. Rinus VeeKay had slid into a tire barrier, Harvey ran into the back of VeeKay and Kirkwood launched over both cars.

I really couldnt avoid Rinus and then just had a little bit of pain in both wrists when I was trying to get out of the car. Physically, Id say it was a tough race but I felt great," Harvey said.

IndyCar next races on April 2 at Texas Motor Speedway. Harvey will be evaluated again before the race.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Its during the commercial breaks that the audience inside the Dolby Theatre really comes to life on Oscar night.

The stars will gladly play for the cameras posted in their face during the global broadcast  they are actors after all  but a lot of the time it seems like most would rather just talk to their fellow artists in the room.

The breaks may go on for an eternity for people watching the Oscars at home but in the Dolby, theyre never long enough as stars on the main floor abruptly end conversations and rush to take their seats again.

The beginning of the show is always a scramble as security, organizers and a booming voice of god all try to coax attendees to their seats in time for the live broadcast start. Some barely made it in, like The Last of Us and The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal, whose handler pleaded to let him in because of his appearance in host Jimmy Kimmels monologue, while others, like Elizabeth Banks, seem to have been shut out of the opening moments. She was led in the room during the first break, walking past supporting actor nominee Brian Tyree Henry, who had made his way up to Cate Blanchett a few rows ahead.

A few minutes later, Henry was one of the first to jump to his feet to cheer for Ke Huy Quan, who won in their category, as Quans co-star Michelle Yeoh wiped a tear away from the front row. One person even stood for the end of Quans speech: Harry Shum Jr.

After his loss, Henry was in good spirits in the lobby. He made his way over to Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Martin McDonagh. He asked for a photo with Waller-Bridge, which McDonagh then dutifully snapped.

Back in the room, as Jamie Lee Curtis took the stage to accept her supporting actress prize, Cate Blanchett put her hands over her mouth and made prayer hands toward the newly anointed Oscar winner.

Audience members were briefly concerned as what appeared to be smoke billowed up in front of Curtis during her speech. But all breathed a sigh of relief to realize that it was merely a part of the next act, a performance from Sofia Carson.

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During the next break, Blanchett beelined over to fellow Australian Nicole Kidman to give her a big hug, and Kidman did the same later with Austin Butler.

Outside of the theater in the lobby Miles Teller hung by the bar with his wife, while Bill Nighy took a quick bathroom break. And in another part of the room, filmmaker Rian Johnson shared a laugh with Hugh Grant, who made a cameo in his nominated movie Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

The lobby was quite chilly, but at least a few came prepared with layers: Rooney Mara had a red coat to put over her dress and Andrea Riseborough put a black leather jacket over her pale pink gown, which she wore through the end of the ceremony.

At the bar, best actor nominee Paul Mescal made some new friends for a few moments. As they debated whether or not they should order tequila, a fan approached Mescal in line to ask for a photo.

Is a selfie ok? Mescal asked, snapping the pic himself.

A few feet away, Mescal's Aftersun director Charlotte Wells spent most of the ceremony in the lobby, sipping on a beer

In another corner, Rooney Mara chatted with her Women Talking co-star Jessie Buckley. And over on a hard-to-come-by couch, 84-year-old EO director Jerzy Skolimowski sat by himself snacking on the popcorn and trail mix available for guests.

In the ladies room, Yeoh and Sandra Oh were walking arm and arm to exit, while Florence Pugh was a bit delayed. She needed a little help drying her hands in her voluminous dress.

Im dripping, Im dripping, she said with a laugh, her arms extended as far as they could go out in front of her.

Moments later at the bar, Pugh sidled up next to Cara Delevingne, both with trains that extended feet behind them, as they whispered to one another. The act of turning around to leave was not as straightforward as they may have anticipated.

To follow each other it takes like ten minutes, Pugh said.

As the night wears on, the lobby gets a bit shinier as more and more winners come out with more and more Oscars in hand, but it also gets a bit less starry as the bigger names of the night make their way back into the room for the final categories.

Some, hungry from the long show, took advantage of the snack boxes under every seat with a pretzel, a bottle of water and various types of movie theater candy, from Junior Mints to Raisinets.

During one of the last breaks, Kerry Condon hugged Everything Everywhere All At Once directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert as they came back to the room, best original screenplay Oscars in hand, as Michelle Williams stretched her legs a few feet away.

Michelle Yeoh was one who didnt have time to make it back to her seat between winning the best actress award and when Harrison Ford announced that Everything Everywhere All At Once had won best picture. So, she emerged from the wings of the stage to join her cast and crew at the microphone for the last award of the night.

Many choose to linger in the Dolby Theatre for a bit, but others were eager to move on to the Governors Ball, Vanity Fair and various other gatherings where press and photographers are not invited. For stars on Oscar night, the show is often just the first stop.

___

For more coverage of this years Academy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards.
The Friday after Jan. 6, 2021, then-Vice President Mike Pence sat down for his daily devotions, thumbed his Bible to the New Testament and James 1:19, and read these words: Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Pence wasnt slow to anger. In fact, he was plenty angry, as he wrote in his 2022 memoir "So Help Me God." But he was slow to speak.

More than two years after those devotions, that still lingering anger over Jan. 6 burst out into the open. In remarks that turned from comedic to biting, Trumps ever-loyal No. 2 broke from his former boss more sharply than any candidate in the GOP field so far.

History will hold Donald Trump accountable for Jan. 6, Pence told hundreds of journalists at what is typically a jocular white-tie affair. Make no mistake about it: What happened that day was a disgrace, and it mocks decency to portray it in any other way. President Trump was wrong. His reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day.

Pence had used similar words to talk about Trump in his book  writing that his former boss reckless words had endangered my family and all those serving at the Capitol.

But his advisers saw the Gridiron dinner as an opportunity not just to echo those sentiments but to amplify them. They also believed it would help Pence win over his most skeptical audience these days: Washington insiders and journalists who have given him short shrift in the early 2024 primary.

This was a different audience for him, said Marc Short, Pences former vice presidential chief of staff and his senior adviser.

Pence world has long believed that the former congressman and Indiana governor could occupy the adult-in-a-room 2024 lane, in that he is uniquely positioned to speak truth to power now that he is free of the constraints of the vice presidency.

Mike is in a different place where he can be sort of free and liberated in ways that I don't think others in the field are, Short said. And so I'm not looking at it as to where he is at this moment. I believe that he's got a good pathway forward.

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One person close to Pence, granted anonymity to speak without authorization from the nascent campaign, noted that Pence has more room to grow among Republican primary voters than a rival like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.



DeSantis, the person close to Pence said, has sky-high expectations as a combination of Ronald Reagan and Willie Nelson and Bono all wrapped up into one. But he's everything to everybody right now, because nobody really knows him. Pence, the person added is almost on the flip side of that. Everybody thinks they know him. They think they have an expectation of who he is. And then when they meet them, they're like, that's not what I was thinking. He's funny. He's personable. He's nice.

Whether the GOP primary electorate wants someone who is funny, personable and nice remains to be seen. Trumps electoral success was the antithesis of that. DeSantis allure is owed, in large part, to the fights hes waged with his political enemies.

Pences inner circle sees the 2008 campaign of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) as a template. Then, much as Pence is now, McCain found himself written off by other competitors  deemed a relic of an outdated type of politics as he rode around on the Straight Talk Express. They point out that as a congressman, Pence frequently freelanced Fox News hits and engaged in banter with reporters in wide-ranging hallway interviews before he became more scripted as a governor, and later, as vice president.

Those close to Pence are trying to help him recapture some of that more freewheeling approach, making sure that his campaign events include fireside chats and not taking a de facto position that the press is the enemy.

Pence  who joined Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in 2006 to launch the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press offered as much on Saturday night. We were able to stay at our post in part because you stayed at your post, he told reporters who covered the attack on the Capitol. The American people know what happened that day because you never stopped reporting.

But there are limits to how far Pence will go. While he called it critical to be transparent about what happened on Jan. 6, he continues to fight a subpoena to testify about that day  a stance he has argued is based on protecting the separation of powers as president of the Senate. His criticism of Trumps actions around the insurrection have not been echoed by any other major candidate in the field. And while the Gridiron remarks were harsh, they were not done with a camera rolling  though Pences advisers disputed that played into their calculation in attacking Trump.

Fresh off his Gridiron appearance, Pence will campaign in New Hampshire on Thursday and Iowa on Saturday, two early Republican primary states on which he has lavished attention, along with South Carolina. In particular, his aides are eyeing recreating the coalition that buoyed Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)  and before him then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee  to Iowa caucuses victories in 2008 and 2016.

If there are 150,000 people who caucus, and I'm able to get him in front of 150,000 people one-on-one, do I have a chance to win? the person close to Pence said. I would tell you absolutely, unequivocally, yes.
The recent 16% drop in Spirent Communications plc's (LON:SPT) stock could come as a blow to insiders who purchased US$192k worth of stock at an average buy price of US$1.85 over the past 12 months. This is not good as insiders invest based on expectations that their money will appreciate over time. However, as a result of recent losses, their original investment is now worth only US$184k.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for Spirent Communications

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Spirent Communications

Notably, that recent purchase by Jonathan Silver is the biggest insider purchase of Spirent Communications shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of UK1.78. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

Spirent Communications insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

Spirent Communications is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insiders At Spirent Communications Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last quarter, Spirent Communications insiders have spent a meaningful amount on shares. Overall, four insiders shelled out UK172k for shares in the company -- and none sold. This could be interpreted as suggesting a positive outlook.

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Insider Ownership Of Spirent Communications

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Based on our data, Spirent Communications insiders have about 0.3% of the stock, worth approximately UK2.8m. I generally like to see higher levels of ownership.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Spirent Communications Insiders?

It is good to see recent purchasing. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. On this analysis the only slight negative we see is the fairly low (overall) insider ownership; their transactions suggest that they are quite positive on Spirent Communications stock. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Spirent Communications. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Spirent Communications you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Instagram released Reels in August 2020, but the feature has been reportedly been floundering as audience engagement wanes.

After Instagram made every short-form video post a Reel, the company is looking for ways to make them easier to share. Instagram is now playing with a new feature that lets you view a list of Reels you recently sharedjust in case they were so good, you want to spread them around even more.



TechCrunch first reported the news earlier this morning, citing a tweet posted by Turkish account Dijital Aglar on March 5. The tweet includes a screenshot of an Instagram interface, which shows a brief list of thumbnails of the different Reels this particular viewer had recently shared.

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It seems that the goal for Instagram is to make it easier for users to share Reelsif you share it once with somebody, the hope is youll want to share it again with someone else. TechCrunch pointed out that the thumbnails also include avatars in the bottom right, which corresponds to the profile picture of the person you last shared it with.

Instagram is testing showing the latest posts you send to a friend as a preview.



cc/ @MattNavarra



(iOS - Latest version - Turkiye) pic.twitter.com/0dd27PODaH  Dijital Aglar (@yousufortaccom) March 5, 2023

Were rolling out improvements to how you can search for and rediscover Reels that were previously shared in messages, Meta told TechCrunch. The company did not immediately return Gizmodos request for comment on the feature or when it may be released.

Instagram, the app known for photos, has been paying extra attention to video for quite some time now, with the release of IGTV dating back to 2018. The company seems to be putting in a lot of effort to make Reelsits TikTok copycatmore popular, especially since internal documents at the company published last fall revealed that most Reels users have no engagement whatsoever. Last week, Meta announced that it would no longer pay influencers for getting views on Reels, a payment program that saw some creators making anywhere from $600 to $35,000 for the content they produced.

Story continues

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Click here to read the full article.
Heather Skipworth of Oswego and her husband Rusty, center, rode bikes decorated with green streamers Sunday during Aurora's St. Patrick's celebration. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Aurora resident Mary Ellen Bender was sporting some green accents on her clothing Sunday morning as she stood near Water Street in the citys downtown grinning from ear-to-ear.

I think its wonderful that Aurora has decided to hold its first St. Patricks Day parade. I dont feel like the snow showers or rain is going to affect anything, Bender said. I never let them dampen my spirits. I like that this is an event that brings people together, whether they are Irish or not. Its great.

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Despite arriving officially this Friday, Aurora welcomed in St. Patricks Day with its first-ever St. Patricks procession which kicked off at noon Sunday, followed by the second annual Irish flag-raising ceremony that took place at 20 E. Downer Place.

The inaugural procession included more than 20 units and stepped off at Water Street before ending for the flag- raising ceremony that included Irish dancers and Mayor Richard Irvin proclaiming March as Irish American Heritage Month in Aurora.

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Officials said the ceremony also honored the late Daniel Dolan Sr., a veteran and former Aurora firefighter who was described in a press release from the city as one of Auroras most prominent Realtors and philanthropists for decades before he died in 2020 at 89 years old.

Stevie Daleiden of Aurora and her husband Dan Dolan Jr. stand next to a life-sized cutout picture of Dan Dolan Sr. during Aurora's St. Patrick's celebration Sunday. The procession at the event was named in honor of Dan Dolan Sr. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Aurora Chief Communications and Equity Officer Clayton Muhammad spoke before Sundays event and said the city was excited to continue to expand the growth of one of Auroras cultural groups.

Last year we had our first Irish flag-raising ceremony and the mayor announced then that wed be expanding (the event), Muhammad said. Were looking forward to shamrocking the block from Downer to the Water Street Mall to Stolp and were excited, of course, for the Dolan family and Daniel who changed Aurora in some many ways.

Scores of green-clad visitors began lining up along the route in downtown Aurora before the procession began.

Benders friend Penny Suydam, of Aurora, was sporting some rather large green glasses and explained Im also a teacher, so these (the glasses) are from school.

Ive been using the glasses the past few years at school, she said. I know that the mayor promised we would expand things after last year when the flag was raised, and I think its going to be a great day of celebration with all the Aurora citizens coming out. Its going to be a lot of fun.

Heather Skipworth of Oswego and her husband Rusty elected to participate in the procession Sunday in a slightly different way by riding bicycles decked out in green streamers and more.

Penny Suydam, left, and Mary Ellen Bender, both of Aurora, were among those who came out for the St. Patrick's procession and Irish flag-raising ceremony Sunday in downtown Aurora. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

It took about half an hour to get the bike to look like this, Heather Skipworth explained. I have not done this before. Im hoping the streamers wont be much of an issue. Were representing a local bike shop but it didnt take much arm twisting. Im a fan of anything Irish.

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Members of the Dolan family were on hand and spoke about the honor of having Daniel Dolan Sr. recognized during the event.

Stevie Daleiden of Aurora said she was very excited about Sundays procession given my former father-in-law  we are honoring him today.

Im married to Dan Dolan Jr. and he (Dolan Sr.) was an amazing man, Daleiden said as she walked toward the procession of vehicles that were lining up.

Dan Dolan Jr. said it was special to have the procession named in honor of his father.

The city has been so great. Theyve honored dad with so many things, he said. My dads Irish heritage was so important to him.

He said Aurora having a St. Patricks procession is great and something that has been talked about.

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I know its been discussed in the past and Ive been involved with economic development with the city for a long time. Theyve talked about it and when we hung the flag last year, they talked about a parade to honor my dad, he said. We are just proud to be part of it.

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Key Insights

Significant control over Diversified United Investment by individual investors implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions

A total of 19 investors have a majority stake in the company with 48% ownership

Institutional ownership in Diversified United Investment is 41%

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Diversified United Investment Limited (ASX:DUI), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 52% to be precise, is individual investors. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Meanwhile, institutions make up 41% of the companys shareholders. Insiders often own a large chunk of younger, smaller, companies while huge companies tend to have institutions as shareholders.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Diversified United Investment.

View our latest analysis for Diversified United Investment

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Diversified United Investment?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

Diversified United Investment already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. 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 Diversified United Investment's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Diversified United Investment is not owned by hedge funds. Ian Potter Foundation, Endowment Arm is currently the company's largest shareholder with 17% of shares outstanding. With 8.0% and 6.6% of the shares outstanding respectively, Mutual Trust Pty Ltd, Asset Management Arm and Australian United Investment Company Limited are the second and third largest shareholders.

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A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 19 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

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. As far as we can tell there isn't analyst coverage of the company, so it is probably flying under the radar.

Insider Ownership Of Diversified United Investment

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.

We can see that insiders own shares in Diversified United Investment Limited. As individuals, the insiders collectively own AU$52m worth of the AU$1.1b company. It is good to see some investment by insiders, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a substantial 52% stake in Diversified United Investment, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. This level of ownership gives investors from the wider public some power to sway key policy decisions such as board composition, executive compensation, and the dividend payout ratio.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too.

I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can find historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph.

Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free free list of interesting companies.

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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 Read the full article on Motorious

You could say theyre really hot SUVs

Similar to how some insurance companies are refusing coverage to Kias and Hyundais in different sections of the United States, insurers are reportedly doing the same for Range Rovers located in London. Like the cheap South Korean cars here, Range Rovers are super popular theft targets in London, a problem thats been growing for years.

See the latest Kia and Hyundai are doing about car theft here.

According to UK automotive site Autocar, even if a London-based Range Rover owner can find an insurance carrier which will provide coverage, the premiums are obnoxiously steep. Considering 2022 Range Rovers are the second most-stolen vehicle in London, we can certainly understand why some insurance firms dont want to cover them.

Apparently, some Range Rover owners in London are seeing their premiums almost triple in no time. That would be enough to make us consider either selling our vehicle or moving to a less crime-ridden area.

Land Rover apparently used to offer insurance to customers in the UK, however Autocar says that practice has been discontinued since the beginning of November 2022. However, the automaker says an exciting new insurance proposition is in the works, which sounds ominous in light of whats going on.

Some might consider this poetic justice considering quite a few Range Rover owners both in the UK and elsewhere have been insufferable in a number of ways. However, we know this sort of thing can ripple through the market as a growing number of car models become essentially uninsurable. Thats not great news for anyone.

Its almost like not aggressively prosecuting car thefts both in the UK and here in North America comes with a societal cost. The old excuse repeated during the modern summer of love that it doesnt matter if private property is stolen or vandalized because its all insured anyway sure is ringing hollow these days.

Source: Autocar

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Image via Jaguar Land Rover

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The International Criminal Court

According to the NYT, the cases represent the first international charges to be brought forward since the start of the conflict and come after months of work by special investigation teams. The cases allege that Russia abducted Ukrainian children and teenagers and sent them to Russian re-education camps, and that the Kremlin deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure.

The chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, must first present his charges to a panel of pretrial judges who will decide whether the legal standards have been met for issuing arrest warrants, or whether investigators need more evidence. It was not clear whom the court planned to charge in each case, the newspaper said.

Read also: Russia developing new type of military operation, says Russian Defense Ministry

Read also: U.S. backs Hague Court investigation into Russian war crimes, says State Department

We do not publicly discuss specifics related to ongoing investigations, the prosecutors office said, asked to confirm the requests for arrest warrants.

The NYT noted that some outside diplomats and experts said it was possible that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin could be charged, as the court does not recognize immunity for a head of state in cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.

Still, the likelihood of a trial remains slim, experts say, as the court cannot hear cases in absentia and Russia is unlikely to surrender its own officials.

On April 2, 2022, Khan announced his decision to immediately proceed with active investigations into the situation in Ukraine after he had received referrals from 39 ICC member states.

Ukraine calls for the creation of a special tribunal to bring to justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The idea was subsequently supported by the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

According to Ukraines Internal Ministry, since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 64,986 criminal investigations have been opened to examine the crimes committed by Russian forces and their accomplices.

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
Key Insights

ikeGPS Group's estimated fair value is NZ$1.23 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

ikeGPS Group is estimated to be 24% undervalued based on current share price of NZ$0.94

Peers of ikeGPS Group are currently trading on average at a 40% premium

How far off is ikeGPS Group Limited (NZSE:IKE) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you 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 ikeGPS Group

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, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) -NZ$4.50m -NZ$1.30m NZ$2.90m NZ$5.10m NZ$7.85m NZ$10.9m NZ$13.8m NZ$16.6m NZ$19.0m NZ$21.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 75.97% Est @ 53.83% Est @ 38.33% Est @ 27.48% Est @ 19.89% Est @ 14.57% Est @ 10.85% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 8.5% -NZ$4.1 -NZ$1.1 NZ$2.3 NZ$3.7 NZ$5.2 NZ$6.6 NZ$7.8 NZ$8.6 NZ$9.1 NZ$9.3

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$47m

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 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.5%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = NZ$21m (1 + 2.2%)  (8.5% 2.2%) = NZ$338m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$338m ( 1 + 8.5%)10= NZ$149m

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 NZ$196m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of NZ$0.9, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 24% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important 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. 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 ikeGPS 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 8.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.072. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess 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. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For ikeGPS Group, we've put together three important factors you should consider:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for ikeGPS Group that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does IKE'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 New Zealander 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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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran announced Monday that the country's supreme leader has pardoned more than 22,000 people arrested in the recent anti-government protests that swept the Islamic Republic. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the mass release.

The statement by Iran's judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi offered for the first time a glimpse of the full scope of the government's crackdown that followed the demonstrations over the September death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country's morality police.

It also suggests that Iran's theocracy now feels secure enough to admit the scale of the unrest, which represented one of the most-serious challenges to the establishment since the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tens of thousands also were detained in the purges that followed the revolution.

However, anger still remains in the country as it struggles through the collapse of the nations currency, the rial, economic woes, and uncertainty over its ties to the wider world after the collapse of Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Ejehi as announcing the figure Monday. Iranian state media had previously suggested Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could pardon that many people swept up in the demonstrations, ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the pious fast from dawn to dusk. Ramadan starts later next week.

Ejehi said a total of 82,656 prisoners and those facing charges had been pardoned. Of those, some 22,628 had been arrested amid the demonstrations, he said. Those pardoned had not committed theft or violent crimes, he added. His comments suggest that the true total of those detained in the demonstrations is even greater.

In February, Iran had acknowledged tens of thousands had been detained in the protests. Monday's acknowledgment from Ejehi offered an even higher than what activists had previously cited. However, there's been no mass release of prisoners documented in recent days by Iranian media reports or activists.

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More than 19,700 people have been arrested during the protests, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group thats been tracking the crackdown. At least 530 people have been killed as authorities violently suppressed demonstrations, the group said. Iran has not offered a death toll for months.

From day one there was no transparent accounting of who was arrested and imprisoned  before or after the mass protests these past months  which is why theres no way to verify how many are being released now, said Jasmin Ramsey, the deputy director of the U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.

We also know that more than five months after the death of ... Mahsa Amini in state custody, not a single Iranian official has been held accountable for the mass killings of street protesters, nor the arbitrary imprisonments of tens of thousands.

The judiciary's announcement also came ahead of next week's celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. On Tuesday, some in Iran also mark nearly 4,000-year-old Persian tradition known as the Festival of Fire that's linked to the Zoroastrian religion. Hard-liners discourage such celebrations, viewing them as pagan holdovers.

There had been calls for anti-government protests around both events. While mass demonstrations have cooled in recent weeks, nightly chants against Iran's theocracy can still be heard in some neighborhoods of Iran's capital, Tehran.

The announcement followed a major development last week, when Iran and Saudi Arabia said on Friday that with China's mediation, they agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies after a seven-year freeze in relations. That agreement could help aid an end to the yearslong war in Yemen, which sees a Saudi-led coalition battle the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who hold its capital, Sanaa. It has also helped boost the rial in recent days against the dollar.

Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited Tehran and met Monday with his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi. Iran has been supplying the bomb-carrying drones that Russia now uses in its war on Ukraine. Lukashenko, the authoritarian leader of Belarus, remains close to Russia, which used Belarusian territory to launch Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Lukashenko said his country and Iran would sign an unspecified set of deals valued at $100 million.

Iran opposes external pressure, attempts to impose someone elses will," Lukashenko said, addressing his hosts. "And how, in spite of everything, you develop modern technologies and nuclear energy. And, as we decided today with the president of Iran, we can be very useful to each other if we truly unite our efforts.

___

Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.
(Bloomberg) -- Irans judiciary said it pardoned some 22,000 people arrested in widespread anti-government protests that erupted last September.

Most Read from Bloomberg

They are among some 82,000 people who were part of a prisoner amnesty announced last month by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the head of Irans judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, said in a statement on the state-run Mizan Online.

The pardons do not include protesters who have been accused or convicted of violent crimes, the statement added.

Iran has so far executed four people arrested for taking part in the protests that were triggered by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman whod been detained for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes.

Rights groups say almost 20,000 people have been detained in the unrest since it started and more than 500 people, including scores of children, have been killed by security forces.

Irans Judiciary to Show Clemency to Some Jailed Protesters

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BGR

Netflix debuts so many series from one week to the next, that its just not possible for every new release or even the vast majority  The post Critics are ripping these 2 new Netflix series to shreds  and one has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes appeared first on BGR.
A Delta flight on its way to Seattle Sunday night had to turn around because of a problem with one of its anti-icing systems.

Delta Flight 769 initially took off from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport around 7:30 p.m.

The aircraft was en route when the crew received an indication of a possible issue with one of the wings anti-icing systems. As a precaution, they elected to return to Atlanta, where the aircraft landed without incident, the airline said in a statement. The anti-ice system flows heat from the engines to the wings to keep them from icing while in-flight.

TRENDING STORIES:

According to the flight path tracked by Flightaware.com, the plane circled around Memphis before turning back.

The flight had 196 passengers and six crew members.

Delta said the flight was rescheduled and took off from Atlanta on Monday morning. The airline said customers were offered hotel and meal accommodations for the evening.

IN OTHER NEWS:
ROME (Reuters) -The Italian government on Monday said Russian mercenary group Wagner was behind a surge in migrant boats trying to cross the central Mediterranean as part of Moscow's strategy to retaliate against countries supporting Ukraine.

"I think it is now safe to say that the exponential increase in the migratory phenomenon departing from African shores is also, to a not insignificant extent, part of a clear strategy of hybrid warfare that the Wagner division is implementing, using its considerable weight in some African countries," Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in a statement.

Some 20,000 people have reached Italy so far this year, compared to 6,100 in the same period of 2022, interior ministry figures show, and the migration issue is piling pressure on the rightist government.

In an expletive-laden voice message posted on his Telegram channel, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin responded: "We have no idea what's happening with the migrant crisis, we don't concern ourselves with it."

He then used a series of obscenities to describe Crosetto and to urge him to pay attention to his own country.

Wagner forces have been accused of operating in several African countries including Libya, Mali, and Central African Republic. They have also spearheaded Russia's attempt to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

Crosetto, a senior figure in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy party, called on the NATO allies to help Italy face the rise in migrant arrivals.

"The Atlantic Alliance becomes stronger if the problems arising from collective choices are also shared, but it runs the risk of cracking if the countries most exposed to retaliation of various kinds are left alone," he said.

Similar remarks also came from Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who during a visit to Israel told ANSA news agency that it was worrying many migrants came from areas "controlled by the Wagner group".

Story continues

Meloni, who takes a hard line against illegal immigration, came under fire after a shipwreck last month near the southern region of Calabria in which at least 79 died, on allegations the emergency response was slow.

On Sunday, a boat capsized after departing from Libya and charity Alarm Phone blamed Italy for not sending its coastguard despite being repeatedly alerted on Saturday that the boat was in trouble.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Guido Crozetto

"I think it is now safe to say that the exponential increase in the migratory phenomenon departing from African shores is also, to a not insignificant extent, part of a clear strategy of hybrid warfare that the Wagner division is implementing, using its considerable weight in some African countries," Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.

Read also: Italian navy officer found guilty of spying for Moscow

During a recent visit to Israel, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he was concerned that many migrants were coming from areas "controlled by the Wagner group."

Read also: Russian army needs operational pause to prepare for long-lasting war against Ukraine, Italian intelligence

According to the Italian Interior Ministry, about 20,000 people arrived in Italy in 2023, compared to 6,100 in the same period of 2022, putting the government under increasing pressure.

Read also: Italian PM Meloni travels to Kyiv, affirms Romes commitment to Ukraines sovereignty

Italian far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni takes a tough stance on illegal immigration. She came under fire last month after a shipwreck near Calabria killed at least 79 people. The Italian government is calling on NATO allies to help deal with the crisis.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday that her government had faced "atrocious" accusations but that her conscience was clear, after Rome's ability to rescue migrants at sea came under scrutiny following several shipwrecks.

"The government, myself, have been accused of atrocious things but my conscience is clear," Meloni said.

She was speaking about migration and cooperation with African countries at a book presentation in Rome about Pope Francis, on the 10th anniversary of Francis' election as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

On Sunday, thirty people went missing, feared drowned, after the boat they were traveling from Libya capsized in bad weather. Seventeen people were rescued and were brought ashore to Italy.

The tragedy follows a shipwreck on Feb. 26 near the southern region of Calabria, in which at least 79 people died after Italian police failed to intercept the migrants' boat in rough sea conditions.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini, writing by Federico Maccioni, editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Sandra Maler)
Following her Best Supporting Actress win at the 95th Annual Academy Awards, Jamie Lee Curtis addressed the complexities surrounding the concept of having non-gender specific award categories versus including more women.

Backstage after accepting her Oscar, Lee Curtis was asked how it felt to be one of the 65 women nominated for Academy Awards this year.

Surreal and proud, she answered. Obviously, I would like to see a lot more women be nominated so that there is gender parity in all the area, in all the branches, and I think were getting there, were not anywhere near there.

She continued: And of course, the inclusivity that involves the bigger question of how you include everyone when there are binary choices, which is very difficult, and as the mother of a trans daughter, I completely understand that

And yet to degender the category, also Im concerned will diminish the opportunities for more women which is something I have been working hard to promote, so its a complicated question, but I think the most important thing is inclusivity and more women, Lee Curtis said.

And with a sly reference to her movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, she added: And basically just more f***ing women anywhere, anytime, all at once.

Lee Curtis is so far the first star to touch on the issues of trans rights and gender at Hollywoods biggest night of the year, at a time when many in the LGBT+ community are calling for allies to be more outspoken in their support.

Jamie Lee Curtis on non-gender specific award categories



"The bigger question is how do you include everyone when there are binary choices, which is very difficult, and as the mother of a trans daughter, I completely understand that." #oscars pic.twitter.com/tqwyFwI9zY  #Oscars2023Updates (@FarOutCinema) March 13, 2023

LGBT+ rights are under attack in many states across the US and there has been silence from many celebrities and corporations that have in the past been vocal on such issues.
TOKYO (AP)  Tokyos high court on Monday ordered a retrial for an 87-year-old former boxer who has been on death row for more than five decades after his murder conviction that his lawyers said was based on forced confession and fabricated evidence.

The Tokyo High Court said Iwao Hakamada deserves a retrial because of a possibility that a key evidence that led to his conviction could have been fabricated by investigators, according to a statement from the Japan Bar Association.

Amnesty International says Hakamada is the worlds longest-serving death row prisoner.

He has been temporarily released since 2014, but still not cleared of charges, when the Shizuoka District Court in central Japan suspended his execution and ordered a retrial. That ruling was overturned by the Tokyo High Court until the Supreme Court in 2020 ordered the lower court to reconsider.

His defense lawyers rushed out of the courtroom and flashed banners saying Retrial.

We won his retrial. Im so glad, and thats all I can say, said his 90-year-old sister Hideko, who has devoted her life to prove her brother's innocence.

Hakamada was convicted of murder in the 1966 killing of a company manager and three of his family members, and setting fire to their central Japan home, where he was a live-in employee. He was sentenced to death two years later. He initially denied the accusations then confessed, which he later said he was forced to because of violent interrogation by police.

Hakamada was not executed because of lengthy appeals and the retrial process. It took 27 years for the Supreme Court to deny his first appeal for a retrial. He filed a second appeal in 2008, and the court finally ruled in his favor on Thursday.

The point of contention was five pieces of blood-stained clothing that investigators said Hakamada allegedly wore during the crime and hid in a tank of fermented soybean paste, or miso, found more than a year after his arrest.

The Tokyo High Court decision on Monday acknowledged scientific experiments that clothing soaked in miso for more than a year turns too dark for blood stains to be spotted, saying there is a possibility of fabrication, most likely by investigators.

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Defense lawyers and earlier retrial decisions said the blood samples did not match Hakamada's DNA, and trousers that prosecutors submitted as evidence were too small for Hakamada and did not fit when he tried them on.

Hakamada has been serving his sentence at home since his release in 2014 because his frail health and age made him a low risk for escape.

Japan and the United States are the only two countries in the Group of Seven advanced nations that retain capital punishment. A survey by the Japanese government showed an overwhelming majority of the public support executions.

Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan and prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged. Since 2007, Japan has begun disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited.

Supporters say Hakamadas mental health has suffered because of his nearly half-century detention, mostly in solitary confinement, in fear of execution. He spent a total of 48 years in prison, more than 45 of them on death row.
A Vincennes man is in custody after allegedly shooting up a house in Crown Point Thursday afternoon.

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez told the Post-Tribune that Lake County officers were sent to the 700 block of West 129th Court around 11:28 a.m. on March 9 for a shots-fired call. A residence in the area, they found, had been struck by bullets, with one penetrating an interior wall, Martinez said.

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Through the departments license-plate readers and other footage captured by neighbors cameras, officers were able to identify the man  Garrett Blaize  and issued an all-points bulletin for his vehicle, Martinez said. Officers were warned that Blaize may have been undergoing a mental health crisis and that he could be dangerous, Martinez said.

A short time later, an Indiana State Police trooper found Blaize near Cayuga, located about an hour south of Crown Point, and arrested him without incident. He did have a handgun in his car, Martinez said.

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Blaize was taken to Lake County Jail, and he was charged Thursday with criminal recklessness, a Level 5 Felony, and two misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief for the damaged property, Martinez said.
[Source]

Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura wants Studio Ghibli Parks operating company to stop visitors from taking lewd photos with character statues.

Last month, photos of men pretending to sexually assault female character statues in the Studio Ghibli theme park went viral on Twitter, eliciting disgust and anger from social media users.

In the photos, men can be seen groping life-size figures of Marnie, a character from the 2014 film When Marnie Was There, and Teru from the 2016 film Tales From Earthsea. A man was also photographed upskirting Marnie under her white dress.

At a press conference on Thursday, Omura said the Ghibli Parks operating company must immediately stop any improper behavior or indecent photographs by visitors.

More from NextShark: Man caught on video repeatedly running over his girlfriend with SUV arrested by Chinese police

Frankly speaking, posting photos like that on social media is very inappropriate. From adults to children, people go to Ghibli Park to enter the Ghibli world and enjoy themselves. Clearly this action disturbed many people. They need to firmly stop such actions once spotted and confirmed. For those who come to the park to do this kind of thing, I would much prefer them not to come at all.

Omura said the incident is extremely malicious and is similar to the viral "sushi terrorism" pranks perpetrated in conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where individuals purposely tamper with food or utensils and film themselves.

Omura noted that the Aichi prefectural government will take legal action if the individuals involved in taking the inappropriate photos are identified.

More from NextShark: NYC man arrested for setting Asian restaurant on fire over botched dish released a day later

Ghibli Park, which is located at Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute, is inspired by the beloved films of Hayao Miyazaki and his animation studio.

It was built by the Aichi prefectural government for about 34 billion yen (approximately $255 million).

The park has welcomed visitors since its opening in November 2022. Guests are encouraged to take a stroll and experience the parks first attractions, including the Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest.

More from NextShark: Half Moon Bay mass shootings suspect accused of threatening, suffocating coworker in 2013

The attractions boast panoramic views and feature immersive exhibits of famous scenes from the studios films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky and Howls Moving Castle.

The Valley of Witches, inspired by the 1989 film Kikis Delivery Service, and Mononoke Village, inspired by 1997 film Princess Mononoke, are expected to open sometime this year.
Jason Derulo is getting wide praise after leaving a tip of more than $5,000 for a waiter in Omaha, Nebraska. Jordan Schaffer, the waiter at Charlestons Restaurant in Omaha, thanked the artist with a heartwarming video on TikTok.

Hey Jason, thank you, you just paid for a semester of my college. I cant say thank you enough, Schaffer said in the video. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time in Omaha, and I hope you see us again. Thank you so much.

The post Jason Derulo Shocks Waiter With A $5K Tip: You Just Paid For A Semester Of My College appeared first on Blavity.

In his video, Schaffer revealed Derulos bill, which amounted amounted to $5,795 with the tip.

Derulo commented under the video, saying Schaffer seemed like a great person. The generous artist thanked the student for taking great care of his family at the restaurant.

Keep spreading the love bro, he wrote.

Derulo is remembered for another generous move he pulled off in 2020. At that time, Derulo joined Will Smith to surprise Aiden Yielding, a 14-year-old who had been undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia. The duo delighted the teen with a virtual visit, CBS News reported.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday called for former Vice President Mike Pence to apologize for the jokes he made about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs paternity leave and using postpartum depression as a punchline.

Pence said that Buttigieg took maternity leave and everyone else got postpartum depression in his absence during the annual Gridiron dinner for journalists on Saturday in Washington.

Jean-Pierre slammed the former vice president for the remarks that she said were homophobic and inappropriate.

The former vice presidents homophobic joke about Secretary Buttigieg was offensive and inappropriate, all the more so because he treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline, she said. He should apologize to women and LGBTQ people, who are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Pence said in his joke that while Buttigieg was out on leave thousands of travelers were stranded in airports, the air traffic system shut down, and airplanes nearly collided on our runways.

Pete is the only person in human history to have a child and everyone else gets postpartum depression, he said.

Buttigieg announced in September 2021 that he and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, welcomed twins into their family. The twins were hospitalized in October after a respiratory virus infection.

Doctors said the children were in critical condition at one point, and Buttigieg said, while reflecting on the experience a year later, that the hospital turned into a new home base for he and Chasten.

At the same time, the U.S. was facing a national crisis as supply chains were disrupted and President Biden was also pushing to get his bipartisan infrastructure law passed in Congress, both issues areas that were part of Buttigiegs portfolio as Transportation secretary.

While Buttigieg said he worked every day from the hospital, some conservatives criticized him for not working harder while his infants were hospitalized, comments that drew criticism from some as homophobic.

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Jean-Pierre on Friday, just a day before Pences remarks at the Gridiron dinner, had condemned what she called shameful, hateful and dangerous attacks on the LGBTQ community, pointing to a speech given at the Conservative Political Action Conference by Michael Knowles in which he said, transgenderism must be eradicated from public life.

She highlighted that Republicans in Iowa and Tennessee have called for legislation attacking gay marriage, while in Florida GOP lawmakers have introduced a slew of bills to roll back the rights of LGBTQ communities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A group of Jewish parents of children with disabilities filed a federal lawsuit with the Central District of California on Monday alleging that state legislation discriminates against religious communities by excluding religious schools from access to federal and state funding.

In Loffman v. California Department of Education, three sets of Jewish parents from California are targeting a state law that prevents educational funding from going to religious institutions for children with disabilities, although financial assistance is offered to disabled kids wishing to attend similar secular private schools.

It takes a special kind of chutzpah to deny Jewish kids with disabilities equal access to special education benefits, said Eric Rassbach, the vice president and a senior counsel with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberity, which is representing the parents. California politicians can end this unlawful discrimination the easy way or the hard way. Either they change the law that is hurting children with disabilities, or they can shamefully fight in court for the right to discriminate.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, is a federal law that provides grants to states aimed at helping children with disabilities enjoy a tailored learning experience.

IDEA funding is used to cover learning essentials for students with disabilities, including staff training, special education programs, and technology. The legislation also offered financial aid to students with disabilities who require private schooling because their local public institutions were deemed incapable of providing a suitable learning environment. California law prevents such funding from going to religious schools.

A similar case argued before the Supreme Court last June, Carson v. Makin, resulted in the overturning of a Maine law that excluded religious schools from a program that provided tuition help to students from rural areas attending private secular schools.

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While the Becket Fund filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) insisted that the Supreme Court should oppose the move as part of the American tradition of separating church from state.

Maines policy to avoid government-funded religious education is rooted in our nations historical commitment to the separation of church and state. Todays decision, like others in recent years, undermines this vital protection by forcing taxpayers to support religious instruction and indoctrination. It is the opposite of true religious freedom and a betrayal of our countrys founding principles, ACLU director Daniel Mach said in a statement at the time.

A recent poll conducted by the Becket Fund found that over 60 percent of Americans support the ability of parents to send children with disabilities to any private school of their choosing, regardless of religious instruction.

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Jimmy Kimmel, left, and Ke Huy Quan after "Everything Everywhere All at Once" won best picture at the 95th Academy Awards. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Academy Awards, wherein golden statuettes are bestowed upon heroes of motion picture arts (and sciences), took place once again Sunday night, for the 95th time, with the traditional invocations, celebrations and ritual naming of the dead. And as has happened since before anyone nominated can remember, it was broadcast on television (on ABC). For whatever else the Oscars represent, it is, for all but a small handful of humans, a television show.

Because what we mostly, if not entirely, remember from last year's ceremony is Will Smith and the Slap , the project this year  including a crisis team hired to keep the academy looking good in case of emergency  was to get through the evening without distracting unplanned high-jinks. (Smith, last years lead actor winner, was banned from academy events for a decade, and, coincidentally or not, last year's producer, Will Packer, was replaced by the team of Ricky Kirshner  son of Don Kirshner, of Rock Concert fame, I cannot resist mentioning  and longtime Oscars director Glenn Weiss.) To mount something extraordinary  but ordinary! Something uncontroversial  yet exciting! Relevant  but glamorous!

Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted twice before and runs a generally uncontroversial late night talk show, must have seemed like a safe choice, notwithstanding his having intruded upon Quinta Brunson's Emmy acceptance speech in September, by playing dead at her feet. And, indeed, he did a fine job setting the tone for the evening, which ran efficiently, and one might say exuberantly  there was much cheering, many hugs, more than a few tears and a chorus of Happy Birthday for "An Irish Goodbye" star James Martin  and with a minimum of the industrial self-congratulation that at its worst can make the Oscars broadcast an argument for the demise of the movies. (An unilluminating, pointless montage celebrating 100 years of Warner Bros. and a segment promoting the academy museum and its fantastic museum store, were  thankfully brief  exceptions.) It was as if the room were breathing a collective sigh of relief now that the movies have proved themselves not entirely dead and that the odds of anyone being on anything but their best behavior were low.

Kimmel, who parachuted onstage out of a mocked-up "Top Gun: Maverick" clip  and an actual jet flyover of Hollywood  was as amiable as might be expected, which allowed him to be a little sharp here and there. The Slap was buried with a couple of sharp, Tweetable jokes without mentioning anyone by name, and it was on the whole funnier than anything Chris Rock had to say about it in his recent Netflix special.

If anyone in the theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute-long speech," said Kimmel. "If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year  nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug.

Kimmel entering the stage at the Dolby Theatre. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

He returned to the subject a couple of times during the night, remarking that the documentary feature category had been the occasion of the Slap and that this time it would hopefully go off "without a hitch  or at least a Hitch," and whether, as the show neared the two-hour mark, a little violence might liven things up.

The broadcast marked the return of several awards categories, lately excised to no small protest, and  beginning with the evenings opening Movies in Front of and Behind the Camera montage, and continuing through the evening  there seemed to be a concerted, even apologetic effort to give love to the technical workers.

Indeed, some of the better banter introduced the technical awards (Julia Louis-Dreyfus presenting for costumes: Every year, the Oscar for costume design is presented by the most stylish and fashion-forward actress in Hollywood. Elizabeth Banks for visual effects: Without visual effects, 'Cocaine Bear'  a film she directed  would have been some actor in a bear suit, probably on cocaine.). It was also a particularly star-studded night for musical numbers, each of which got its own visual framework. Rihanna, David Byrne and Lady Gaga (in extreme closeup) performed, and the original song winner, Naatu Naatu, from RRR, put Telugu onstage.

As the academy, and the industry, were facing a relatively hashtag-free moment in regards to issues of diversity, inequality and harassment, there was a lack of breast-beating in the presentation. Politics also were kept to a minimum. (A pitch from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to appear had been turned down, again.) Apart from a couple of Kimmel quips  "Editors can turn 44,000 hours of violent insurrection footage into a respectful sightseeing tour of the Capitol, a George Santos joke  such observations were relevant to the awards and awardees, including for the documentary feature "Navalny," on the Russian dissident, and the short feature The Elephant Whisperer, with its themes of interspecies cooperation and indigenous life.

Sarah Polley, who won the adapted screenplay award for "Women Talking," described its subject as "an act of democracy in which people who don't agree on every single issue manage to sit together it in a room and carve out a way forward together free of violence." Everything Everywhere All at Once co-director Daniel Scheinert mentioned dressing in drag, which is a threat to nobody, and lead actress winner Michelle Yeoh proclaimed, Ladies, dont let anybody ever tell you you are past your prime.

By putting a lot of stars in fancy dress in one room, awards shows represent the last remaining illusion that Hollywood constitutes an actual community. Perhaps that's why we continue to subscribe to them, if in famously decreasing numbers.

Even as we know in advance that the ceremony itself will likely fall somewhere between Better Than Expected and Worse Than Imagined, putting on this show may be Hollywood's most thankless task, and many millions will have given 3 hours of a Sunday night to watching it.

"We now join 'Good Morning America,' already in progress," Kimmel said at the end of it, after "Everything Everywhere" took best picture. It wasn't a bad party, all told.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel jabbed Tucker Carlson toward the end of the Academy Awards show on Sunday evening over footage of the Jan. 6, 2021, riots that the Fox News host aired last week.

Editors can do amazing things, Kimmel said while introducing the presenters for the Best Film Editing award.

Editors can turn 40,000 hours of violent insurrection footage into a respectful sightseeing tour of the Capitol, Kimmel added. Their work is underappreciated.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) earlier this month granted Carlson exclusive access to more than 41,000 hours of official footage from the attacks on the Capitol. Carlson showed the first of the tapes last week, describing the scene as mostly peaceful chaos.

The portrayal sparked bipartisan outrage among lawmakers.

The U.S. Capitol Police also said that the footage was cherry-picked and the commentary failed to provide context about the chaos and violence that happened before or during these less tense moments.

McCarthy on Sunday defended his decision during an appearance on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures.

We will slowly roll out to every individual news agency. They can come see the tapes as well, McCarthy said. Let everyone see them to bring their own judgment.

I didnt give the tapes. I allowed [Carlson] to come see them, just like an exclusive with anybody else, McCarthy added. My goal here is transparency.

The Hill has requested comment from Fox News on Kimmels remarks.

Kimmel during his opening monologue at the 95th Academy Awards also joked about the Oscars excluding women from the Best Director category and Will Smiths onstage slap last year. The monologue  which was almost free of mentions of politics  also included a line about President Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, a target of conservative lawmakers.

This is my favorite pair right here: Steven Spielberg and Seth Rogen, the Joe and Hunter Biden of Hollywood, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars for a third time Sunday night and couldn't help but reference last year's headline-making ceremony. "If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year  nothing," the comedian and late night host said during his monologue, referencing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.

While Rock was presenting the award for best documentary, he made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, shaving her head  which she did due to alopecia. After Rock compared her to "G.I. Jane," Smith walked on stage, slapped Rock and then returned to his seat.

"Keep my wife's name out of your f****ing mouth," Smith then yelled from his seat in the audience.

TV viewers and audience members were stunned by the unexpected outburst, with many wondering if it had been a planned bit  and several stars in the theater appeared confused and glued to their seats.

At the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith jumped up on stage unannounced, slapped Chris Rock and got back in his seat.

In his monologue Sunday night, Kimmel joked that if anything like that happened again this year, attendees should "sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug."

Kimmel also joked that this year, there are "strict policies in place" in case of another violent outburst.

"If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech," he said, referencing Smith's win in 2022 following the slap

As punishment for the slap, which Smith issued an apology for, he has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years.

Kimmel didn't restrict his slap jokes just to the monologue. The host also seized the opportunity to bring up the incident ahead of the best documentary feature category, saying he hoped it would go off without a "Hitch," referencing the 2005 romantic comedy in which Smith starred, playing the title role.

Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. / Credit: / Getty Images

Kimmel got in another dig when mentioning the number of Irish actors in the room, saying that the "odds of another fight on stage just went way up." He also referenced Smith's 1997 hit song, saying anybody who wanted to "get jiggy with it" would have to go through a gauntlet of bodyguards composed of famous audience members.

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The late-night host kicked off the 95th Annual Academy Awards with a variety of jokes, references and shout-outs.

The 95th Annual Academy Awards aired Sunday night, and Jimmy Kimmel wasted no time referencing the various snubs in this years ceremony, the Slap from last years telecast and more.

TV host Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

As theGrio previously reported, all eyes were on the Academy Awards to see how (if at all) it would handle the ceremony this year after last years controversial moment when Will Smith took to the stage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian joked about the actors wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. During his opening monologue, host Jimmy Kimmel referenced the now-infamous moment.

Speaking on the new system put in place following last years altercation, Kimmel said, If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech. He then went on to joke about the Academys new crisis team that was put in place, and told the audience to do what they did last year: Nothing.

And if any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to get jiggy with it  its not going to be easy, he continued, shouting out action stars like Michael B. Jordan and Michelle Yeoh as people they would have to fight to get to him.

Kimmel also took time to shout out some of the biggest snubs of the year, both of which being films by Black talent. Specifically, Kimmel gave a plug to The Woman King and Till, saying that both films are very worthy of your time if you havent seen them.

Kimmel then broke down the ways in which the cinema landscape is changing, including the controversy surrounding Warner Bros.s surprising decision to cancel Batgirl. He said to the audience, Batgirl became the first superhero to be defeated by the accounting department.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Jimmy Kimmel references the Slap, Till and The Woman King snubs in Oscars monologue appeared first on TheGrio.
President Joe Biden and Kal Penn

Out actor Kal Penn sat down with President Joe Biden for an interview for The Daily Show, and when the topic of gay marriage and anti-trans legislation came up, he quickly condemned the cruelty of the right  and discussed how he plans to push back.

Penn began by asking about same-sex marriage and when Bidens beliefs on the subject of marriage equality evolved. My partner Josh and I have been engaged for the last five years, which really only means that every auntie and uncle that I have is beyond disappointed that there hasnt been a wedding yet, said Penn. Mr. President, you codified support for same-sex marriage and interracial marriages like ours. Im curious what your evolution was like, on marriage equality and what the federal government might be able to do to protect LGBTQ Americans, especially trans kids who are dealing with all these regressive state laws that are popping up right now?

Biden shared that his beliefs about marriage equality began at a surprisingly young age. I can remember exactly where my epiphany was, he recalled. I was a senior in high school. And my dad was dropping me off. I remember I was about to get out of the car and I looked to my right, and two well-dressed men in suits kissed each other....[I turned and] looked at my dad. He said, Joey, its simple. They love each other. With that simple statement, he became a believer in marriage equality and he encouraged Penn to head down the aisle. So listen to your auntie and your uncle. Get married. Do it now, Biden said.

The conversation then turned to whats happening around anti-trans legislation, particularly the laws that target trans kids.

Whats going on in Florida is, as my mother would say, close to sinful. It is just terrible what they are doing. Its not like a kid wakes up one morning and says, You know, I decided I want to become a man or I want to become a woman or I want to change. I mean, what are they thinking about here? They are human beings. They love. They have feelings. They have inclinations that areit just to me, is, I dont know, its cruel.

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Bidemns plan, he explains, is to pass legislation like that passed on same-sex marriage. You mess with that youre breaking the law, and youre going to be held accountable, says Biden.

The full interview is set to air tonight on Comedy Central. Watch the teaser below.

www.youtube.com

Kal Penn & President Biden Talk Same-Sex Marriage | The Daily Show

"It doesn't matter whether it's same-sex or a heterosexual couple, you should be able to be married." Kal Penn sits down with President Biden discuss his evo...
Leah Dumezich, Griffith superintendent of schools, takes a seat in one of approximately 400 new seats recently installed inside the Griffith High School Auditorium. (Jim Masters / Post-Tribune)

A Griffith Public Schools Board of Education member has resigned in the aftermath of a censure vote taken against her Thursday night  a measure of which she herself voted in favor.

Former Board Member Jennifer Gooldy also filed a second police report against GPS Superintendent Leah Dumezich for threatening to sue her after the Thursday night School Board meeting. The report was the second Gooldy filed against Dumezich in two weeks.

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Multiple sources told the Post-Tribune Friday morning that Gooldy, who was elected in November 2022, resigned, but there was no official confirmation until after the school corporations website removed her name from the Board of Educations roster Friday afternoon. Dumezich declined to comment; Gooldy asked the Post-Tribune in a text who told the paper shed resigned, then didnt respond to a request to confirm. Two school officials who asked to not be identified did confirm Friday afternoon.

The spat began during a Feb. 23 executive session, when Dumezich and the members confronted Gooldy about her attempting to represent the board on her own in a public setting without approval from the board, according to the first police report dated Feb. 24th . Gooldy, according to that police report, became argumentative and accusatory, according to witness statements to Griffith police by school board members and staff present.

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School Board Vice President Jason Jaques on March 1 informed police he had escorted Dumezich out of the room to deescalate the situation when things erupted, according to the report. Jacques said he brought Dumezich back into the meeting a short time later in hopes of everyone working out their differences, but Gooldy was still ramped up from the previous argument, the report said.

According to board member Tina Adamss account to police, Jaques whisked Dumezich out of the room when Gooldy began saying to Dumezich, If you ever threaten my family

In her written account of the events to police  which coincide with the minutes taken at the Feb. 23 executive session  Tracy Whitman, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, stated that Gooldy quickly became agitated and seemed to stay angry, and that she had to ask her not to raise her voice at her. Whitman recalled that Dumezich asked Gooldy if she had anything to do with contacting an area superintendent on two occasions about taking over her job, then related that Gooldy first denied the accusation before blaming two town officials for putting her up to it.

The town and schools have been at odds recently over permitting issues involving the Griffith High School Auditorium project and the protracted site plan review of the addition to Wadsworth Elementary School, with the Griffith Town Council recently fining the schools general contractor $26,000 over permitting violations.

Whitman also reported Dumezichs response to Gooldy, saying that she (Dumezich) had worked her (tail) off, she had a contract, and she wasnt going anywhere, and if she continued, she would sue Mrs. Gooldy personally.

Gooldy demanded an apology from Dumezich when Jacques brought her back into the room, but she refused, according to Whitmans statement and the executive session notes.

Also making police statements were Terri Chance, school finance director, and Board President Emily Conner, who had encouraged board members to email their account of the events to Griffith Police Chief Greg Mance.

Gooldy in the Feb. 24 police report stated to Griffith police that Leah (Dumezich) threatened to sue her, arrest her and called her family slime balls and scum bags. She admitted saying at the executive session that Griffith schools should have a superintendent search and that they needed find someone more qualified for the position, the police report said.

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Near the end of the Thursdays school board meeting, Conner succeeded in her motion to add an agenda item calling for Gooldys censure. She explained that she sought censure because of Gooldys violation of the boards code of ethics rules over her inquiries about trying to replace Dumezich and for her behavior at the executive session.

Board member Kathy Ruesken made the motion to censure Gooldy and Adams seconded. Accordingly, the censure conveys a public expression of disapproval but disposes no actual punishment or dismissal.

This is not a conspiracy against Jennifer Gooldy, Ruesken said. We all know what happened in that room. What shes saying is not true.

Gooldy then offered a statement to the packed LGI room at Griffith High School.

I would not have filed a false police report against anybody, she said. I felt threatened by the superintendent.

As it came her turn to vote, Gooldy said that she would be in favor of the motion if the whole board thought it happened. Gooldy agreed with the rest of the school board  that she made false accusations against Superintendent Leah Dumezich in a police report she had filed  and voted in favor of censuring herself.

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After the vote, the room erupted in a standing ovation.

In a second police report filed March 10, Gooldy told police that Dumezich threatened to sue her for vindication if she did not leave her a good review. When the officer asked what review, Gooldy stated she was unsure, maybe like an evaluation, the report said.

Jim Masters and Michelle L. Quinn are freelance reporters for the Post-Tribune.

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After the start of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, employees of the Russian penal colony obstructed communication with journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko, whom the occupiers of Crimea convicted for allegedly illegally storing and transporting an explosive device.

Source: Krym. Realii with reference to the journalist's wife, Kateryna Yesypenko

Quote: "There is no way to correspond with him now because there is no way to pay for these letters in Russia. And it is also almost impossible to make calls.

The lawyer goes to see Vladyslav, but their meetings follow a complicated procedure.

Vladyslav called last week for the first time in a long time. He said he was fine. He says there was no communication with him because the administration blocks the possibility of calls."

Details: Kateryna Yesypenko adds that those rare conversations with her husband occur through prison communication and are tapped by the colony administration  so "Vladyslav cannot say much".

She is seeking the release of Vladyslav Yesypenko, who celebrates his birthday on 13 March.

According to Kateryna, two political prisoners died in Russian penal colonies in February alone.

Quote: "It always seems that I do too little because there I cannot reach the final result  the release of my husband. All the work is aimed at his speedy release. There are periods when you feel the strength to defeat everyone and achieve everything, and sometimes you can no longer do anything. But I have no right to give up, because I need to get my husband out, and all our political prisoners too.

Last month, we lost two people who died in Russian colonies. This is the situation where we did not have enough time, somewhere we did not work correctly, or somewhere we did not do enough to free our people before Russia killed them."

Background:

On 10 March 2021, a freelance journalist of Krym. Realii, Vladyslav Yesypenko, stopped contacting his family  it soon became known that the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) of Russia detained him, accusing him of having "links with the Ukrainian special services" and "storing and transporting ammunition".

Employees of the FSB of the Russian Federation tortured Vladyslav Yesypenko with electric shock so that he could give "testimony".

On 16 February 2022, Vladyslav Yesypenko was sentenced to up to 6 years of imprisonment in a general regime penal colony and a fine of 110,000 roubles. The Russian prosecution asked for 11 years in prison for Yesypenko. The journalist's defence achieved a reduced sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of 110,000 roubles.

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Trevor McKinley, Damien Cameron, and Cory Jackson all died after interactions with the Rankin County Sheriff's Department in 2021. Families of Trevor McKinley, Damien Cameron, and Cory Jackson.

A judge dismissed Insider's lawsuit against the Rankin County Sheriff's Department on Friday.

However, the judge said that the department was wrong to withhold incident reports from Insider.

Insider had been seeking information on four men killed by RCSD officers.

A Mississippi police department was wrong to withhold incident reports from Insider on the deaths of four men last year, a judge ruled on Friday.

Insider sued the Rankin County Sheriff's Department last year after the department refused to turn over incident reports on the deaths of Damien Cameron, Trevor McKinley, Robert Rushton, and Michael Corey Jenkins  four men who died after confrontations with RCSD deputies in 2021.

Insider's lawyers argued that the records sought should be made public under Mississippi's public records law, but the police department argued that the records were "investigative reports," which are not public. The department said the records could not be turned over until the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, had finished their investigations into the deaths.

"The sheriff's department clearly violated the public records act," said Insider attorney Paloma Wu, responding to the judge's ruling. "There were no shades of gray in the judge's opinion, there was a clear and absolute violation of the Public Records Act when the sheriff's department referred to incident reports designated entirely as investigatory records."

By the time the case went in front of Rankin County Chancery Court Judge Troy Odom on February 16, the investigations had wrapped and the department had turned over the requested records, so the judge on Friday dismissed the case as moot.

Rankin County Detention Center Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

However, Odom found that the police department failed to live up to its obligation to hand over basic information about criminal activity by wrongly classifying incident reports as investigative records.

'This Court finds, after reviewing the requested documents, that the Department failed to timely produce to Insider incident reports  even incident reports redacted of arguably investigatory materials," Odom wrote on Friday.

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Odom hinted during a court hearing last month that he would side with Insider on this issue when he described "openness, honesty, and transparency" as a "necessary feature of a healthy government."

"We're talking about the narratives of public law enforcement officers who describe the incident. The public has an absolute right to know the who, what, when, and where. That which pertains to the investigation, yes, can wait for another day once the investigation is concluded. But the day that our law enforcement officers start shielding this information from the public, all the while repeating, 'Trust us, we're from the government,' is the day that should startle all Americans," Odom said.

"It's an incident report. It's clearly subject to production. It does not contain classified information, nuclear codes, or trade secrets. It's describing an incident about which out public law enforcement agencies observed. Without any investigatory information contained therein, it needs to be produced when requested," Odom said.

While Odom agreed that the department had made a mistake in withholding the documents, he decided it wasn't enough of a misstep to order it to pay Insider's attorneys fees.

"The Court finds that the Department made a reasonable  though ineffective  argument for withholding the documents. The Department relied in good faith on advice from counsel when it initially withheld the documents," Odom wrote.

"Further the requested documents were subsequently and timely produced to Insider following MBI's investigation, and this Court could not find--nor could Insider show--where the Department had been previously found to be in violation of the Mississippi Public Records Act. As a result, the Court, in its discretion, denies Insider's requests for expenses, costs, and attorney's fees," Odom added.

A spokesperson for the Rankin County Sheriff's Department did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

"Sheriff's departments and law enforcement agencies in Mississippi are not above the law," Wu said. "The Public Records Act in Mississippi is the law of the land and, as the judge made clear, it is a tool that enables democracy to work and it reflects our core values of transparency in government and that sunshine is the best disinfectant."

Read the original article on Insider
FORT WORTH, Texas  A jury handed down a guilty verdict in James Irven Staley III's murder trial Monday at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.

Jurors found Staley guilty of capital murder for the death of 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel.

It took them about 4 hours to reach a verdict. The judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

Wilder's mom, Amber McDaniel, read a victim impact statement before Staley. Another woman read a victim impact statement from the child's father, Bubba McDaniel.

Senior District Judge Everett Young ordered Staley remanded to the custody of the Tarrant County sheriff.

"I did not kill Wilder McDaniel," Staley said while being handcuffed.

Cries of, "Yes, you did! Yes, you did!" rang out in the courtroom.

"Order. Order," the judge said.

James Irven Staley leaves after a day in court Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth. On Monday, March 13, 2023, Staley was convicted of murdering 2-year-old Jason Wilder McDaniel.

Then the judge dismissed the court. Staley was led away by deputies, apparently to be held in Tarrant County Jail.

Staley smothered Wilder with a pillow in his crib on Oct. 11, 2018, in a bedroom in a Wichita Falls home, according to prosecutors and witnesses for the prosecution.

He was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and capital murder of a person younger than 10 years old. It was up to the jury to choose which charge if they opted to convict him.

James Irven Staley III

First-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Since the Wichita County District Attorney's Office has waived the death penalty, Staley's capital murder conviction automatically brought a sentence of life in prison without parole.

The case has attracted much attention among community members and those who have been part of the Justice For Wilder movement, which focused on Staley as the alleged culprit early on.

Staley's arrest came in October 2020 about two years after Wilder's death. He has been free from jail on bonds of $1.2 million for murder charges in connection with the child's death.

Jason Wilder McDaniel's family reacts to verdict of guilty for James Irven Staley on Monday, March 13, 2023, in downtown Fort Worth. A jury found Staley guilty of capital murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The judge decided to change the venue for the trial from Wichita County to Tarrant County last year, citing concerns about pretrial publicity, safety and the danger of vigilante violence.

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The process of jury selection began Feb. 22 with a questionnaire for prospective jurors, and 12 jurors and two alternates were selected Feb. 24.

The verdict comes after nine days of testimony beginning Feb. 27 and lasting through Thursday. On Friday, attorneys worked on the charge that the judge read to the jury Monday.

Closing arguments also took place Monday morning, and the jury retired to a jury room to deliberate at 11:59 a.m.

For more on testimony in the trial, the Times Record News has blogs for Week One and Week Two of testimony, as well as Week Three, which includes Monday's court events.

Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact her with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Jury reaches verdict in Staley murder trial
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Sayfullo Saipov, the man convicted of killing eight people in an attack on a Manhattan bike path in 2017, was spared the death penalty on Monday after a federal jury deadlocked on whether he should be executed.

As a result, Saipov will be sentenced to life in prison without parole. A unanimous decision had been required under federal law for a death sentence, which prosecutors had sought.

Saipov is expected to be housed at Colorado's Supermax facility, the most secure U.S. federal prison.

The 35-year-old Uzbek national had been convicted in January of murder with a goal of joining Islamic State, or ISIS, a group the United States designates a "terrorist" organization. His jury was reconvened to consider Saipov's punishment.

Saipov's case is the first federal death penalty trial since President Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in 2021 after pledging during his campaign to abolish capital punishment.

"In the end, Saipov's actions have highlighted one of the pillars of the rule of law in this country: the right to a full and fair public trial," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement after the verdict.

Saipov's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During the trial's penalty phase, jurors heard from survivors of the attack who testified about their ongoing suffering, and jail officers who described Saipov's outbursts and threats since his arrest.

"The defendant is still committed to jihad and ISIS and violence," prosecutor Amanda Houle said in her closing argument on March 7.

In its verdict form, read aloud by U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick, the 12-person jury said it could not unanimously agree whether Saipov was likely to commit criminal acts of violence in prison.

Jurors agreed that other aggravating factors weighed in favor of the death penalty, including that Saipov planned his attack in advance and carried it out to support Islamic State.

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They also agreed on several mitigating factors, including that many of Saipov's family members still loved him, and that a life sentence might give him time to realize what he did was wrong.

After the verdict was read, Saipov shook hands with David Patton, the federal public defender who represented him, before being led out of the courtroom by officers.

Patton said in his closing argument that the death penalty was "not necessary to do justice."

He said Saipov would spend 22 or 23 hours a day alone in a cell with a concrete bed if sentenced to life in prison.

"We can't rewind the clock and make it so that this senseless crime never happened," Patton said. "We're asking you to decide that the right decision is life."

Prosecutors sought the death penalty despite U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland's July 2021 moratorium on federal executions so the Department of Justice could review its use of the punishment.

Federal executions had resumed in 2020 under President Donald Trump, a Republican, after a 17-year hiatus. Thirteen were carried out before Trump left office in 2021.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Leslie Adler and Jonathan Oatis)
Federal prosecutors have shot down any suggestion that footage aired on Tucker Carlsons Fox News programme has in any way exonerated the so-called QAnon Shaman who joined a mob that stormed the halls of the US Capitol on January 6.

Jacob Chansley was sentenced to 41 months in prison after he was convicted of a felony count of obstructing an official proceeding before Congress.

A 10-page court filing from the US Department of Justice on 12 March argues that Carlson showed only four minutes of Chansleys time inside the Capitol, omitting the fact that he breached a police barricade, followed a mob that broke windows and doors to gain entry, and faced off against US Capitol Police officers for more than 30 minutes outside the Senate chamber as lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence made their escape.

Federal prosecutors were responding to a request from an attorney for charges of seditious conspiracy against members of the far-right gang the Proud Boys. An attorney for Dominic Pezzola, who is allegedly seen on tape using a stolen police riot shield to break into the building, has argued that footage aired on Carlsons programme showing Chansley walking inside the Capitol with officers was exculpatory.

Chansley was not some passive, chaperoned observer of events for the roughly hour that he was unlawfully inside the Capitol, prosecutors replied.

He was part of the initial breach of the building; he confronted law enforcement for roughly 30 minutes just outside the Senate Chamber; he gained access to the gallery of the Senate along with other members of the mob  and he gained access to and later left the Senate floor only after law enforcement was able to arrive en masse to remove him, prosecutors wrote.

Carlson aired only a few minutes of footage of Chansleys interactions inside the Capitol, including footage of police officers appearing to follow him. But Chansley only left the Capitol after a group of US Capitol Police officers who were called to the scene could forcibly remove him, prosecutors said.

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The Fox News personality also falsely claimed that there is a dispute over how Chansley entered the Capitol, though extensive video footage shows him entering the building less than a minute after windows and doors were kicked and bashed open to let the mob inside.

Newly selected Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy provided the footage to Carlson as part of his apparent gambit to win the speakers gavel, after Carlson demanded that Mr McCarthy release the January 6 files.

All of it, Mr Carlson said in January. So that the rest of us can finally know what actually happened.

At least 1,000 people were arrested in connection with the attack, fuelled in part by Donald Trumps baseless narrative that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.

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. Approximately 140 officers with the US Capitol Police and Washington DCs Metropolitan Police Department were injured. Two undetonated pipe bombs were also discovered at nearby locations, and a suspect wanted in connection has still not been identified.

Carlson, one of the most-watched cable personalities in the US, has been widely derided for his attempts to downplay the attack and falsely characterise a violent attempt to upend the results of a democratic election as a peaceful gathering.

US Capitol Police chief Thomas Manger said Carlson fails to provide context in programming that provides offensive and misleading conclusions surrounding the attack.
Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

When Navalny, a documentary about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, won an Oscar for best documentary feature at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, Ukrainians worldwide were outraged.

Many saw the awarding of "Navalny" as blatant hypocrisy on the part of the Academy, given that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys request to address the audience had been denied for the second year in a row. An article published by Variety suggested that the producer of the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Will Packer, believed that overwhelming support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression was due to the fact that the majority of Ukrainians are white and that the Academy wanted to steer clear of being too political.

Meanwhile, at the 2023 ceremony, as Navalnys wife Yulia Navalnaya took the stage to accept the award on her husbands behalf, she praised him for defending democracy and voiced hopes that Russia and her husband would one day be free.

Noticeably missing from Navalnayas speech was any mention of Ukraine or the suffering that Russia has inflicted upon the Ukrainian people since invading the country in 2014 and further launching an all-out war in February 2022.

It is damning not only because Navalny competed in the same category as A House Made of Splinters," a documentary about children in war-torn eastern Ukraine.

By painting the Russian nation as a fellow captive alongside her husband, Navalnaya fed into the narrative that this is merely (Russian President Vladimir) Putins war, glossing over the ordinary Russian citizens who are, in fact, torturing, raping, and killing Ukrainians.

The problem here is not that a documentary about Navalny won an Oscar  its the stance of the Russian opposition in general, which has not taken any steps to rethink its approach to the imperialist narrative inherent in Russias historical and current relations with its neighbors. And it's the West's ignorance about that.

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The family of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny  daughter Daria Navalnaya (L), wife Yulia Navalnaya (C), and son Zahar Navalny (R)  pose for a photo at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western media has been keen to seek out "good Russians," and help them redeem their public image. This includes the soldier Pavel Filatiev, who ultimately sued the organization that aided him in escaping Russia after he reneged on his pledge to donate proceeds from his memoir to support Ukrainians, opting to keep the funds for himself once the press attention started to quiet down.

In a perfect world, nobody would take issue with a documentary about Navalny winning an Oscar. After all, it was a despicable crime that he was poisoned and immediately arrested upon his return to Russia. However, Ukrainians, unlike many in the West, are well aware of the questionable statements he has made in the past that fueled the flames of Russian nationalism and ultimately cast doubt on his image as a champion of democracy.

Navalnys thesis for the future of Russia, which was published by his team on Twitter on Feb. 20, is commendable for recognizing Ukraines territorial integrity, calling for an end to the war against Ukraine, and for Russia to pay reparations to Ukraine after the war. However, he is also quick to dismiss the claim that Russians are inherently imperialistic as nonsense, with the shaky justification that Belarus is also part of the war against Ukraine.

Perhaps Navalny and his team are unaware of the UNESCO report from 2010, which officially classified Belarusian as an endangered language, or the Belarusians who are calling for their fellow countrymen to return to their native language as a form of protest against Russias political and cultural chokehold on Belarus.

Shane Boris (L), winner of the Best Documentary Feature Film award for "Navalny," and Canadian actress Odessa Rae attend the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)

Or perhaps they simply dont care.



After all, this is the Navalny who, in 2012, called Ukrainians and Russians the same people and said that there is no more kindred country for Russia than Ukraine. Such a view is strikingly similar to the one of Putin, who has made false claims that modern Ukrainian statehood was created by the Bolsheviks, tearing from (Russia) pieces of its own historical territory.



In 2014, Navalny sparked outrage after failing to unequivocally condemn the illegal Russian annexation of Crimea by famously saying that the peninsula is "de-facto Russian" and asking, "Is Crimea a sandwich or something you can take and give back? I don't think so." Although he has since acknowledged that the territorial integrity of Ukraine should be restored to its borders established during independence in 1991, many Ukrainians are not yet ready to forgive him for how long he took  nine years  to finally say it.



We should also not forget that it is the very same Navalny who, following the unprovoked Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008, wrote that he would really like to hit the rodents at the (Georgian) General Staff with a cruise missile and advocated for providing military assistance to now Russian-occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia, not to mention a complete Russian blockade of Georgia.



Navalny and his team have also repeatedly chosen to be ahistorical in their comments about Ukrainian-Russian relations. For example, Kira Yarmush, Navalnys press secretary, said in an interview with Russian independent media Meduza in May 2022 (a little over two months into the all-out war when Russia had already bombed the Mariupol drama theater sheltering hundreds of women and children) that she believes Russian culture is a great culture and that one specific person (Putin) and several of his closest accomplices bear responsibility for the war, making the so-called cancellation of Russian cultural figures such as poet Alexander Pushkin strange.



As a writer herself and a citizen of the Russian Federation no less, Yarmush is likely well-versed in Pushkins poetic oeuvre, which includes the narrative poem Poltava that demonizes Ukrainian Cossack Hetman Ivan Mazepa for turning against Russian Tsar Peter I during the Battle of Poltava. Afterward, the tsar ordered his soldiers to destroy the Hetmanates capital of Baturyn as revenge, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 9,000 to 15,000 people.
Perhaps the only thing better than Ke Huy Quans Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once is his acceptance speech.

Quan brought down the house during the March 12 ceremony while accepting the best supporting actor award with a heartfelt, tearful speech.

A visibly moved Quan was already bawling when he got on the stage with his trophy as the audience loudly cheered him on.

Ke Huy Quan (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

My mom is 84 years old, and shes at home watching, he began.

Mom, I just won an Oscar, he continued, while holding it up as the audience erupted in applause.

Quan, 51, talked about his time in a refugee camp, adding, Somehow I ended up here, on Hollywoods biggest stage.

95th Annual Academy Awards - Show (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it is happening to me. This is the American dream, he continued to more thunderous applause.

After thanking the academy, Quan, who was previously awed by the fact he had even been nominated, expressed his gratitude to his family for what he called this honor of a lifetime.

Thank you to my mom for the sacrifices she made to get me here, he said. To my little brother David, who calls me every day, just to remind to take good care of myself, I love you, brother.

"Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive."  Ke Huy Quan accepting the Best Supporting Actor award #Oscars



: Kevin Winter/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/7dbYJfYoCl  TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 13, 2023

Quan, who made his film debut in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom also thanked Goonies co-star Jeff Cohen (he famously played Chunk), whom he called my Goonies brother for life.

Quan, who went nearly 20 years between appearing in movies, then set aside a moment for his wife.

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I owe everything to the love of my life, my wife, Echo, who month after month, year after year, for 20 years, told me that one day, one day my time will come, he said, while fighting to hold back tears. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine.

Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

He then encouraged others to never stop believing in themselves.

To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive, he said while pointing at the camera.

Thank you so much for welcoming me back. I love you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Ke Huy Quan has won the Academy Award for best supporting actor.

Quan took home the Oscar on Sunday for his critically acclaimed role as a doting husband in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

My mom is 84 years old, and shes at home watching, an emotional Quan said in his acceptance speech. Mom, I just won an Oscar.

The distinction makes Quan, who is Chinese Vietnamese, the second actor of Asian descent to win in his category. The first was Haing Ngor, a Chinese Cambodian refugee, who won for his role in the 1984 drama The Killing Fields. Quan beat out Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan, both for The Banshees of Inisherin; Brian Tyree Henry for Causeway; and Judd Hirsch for The Fabelmans.

Ke Huy Quan accepts the Oscar for best actor in a supporting role during the Academy Awards in Hollywood, Calif. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

In his speech, Quan also looked back on his experience as a Vietnamese refugee.

My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe its happening to me. This is the American dream.

The Oscar is the latest in a series of awards Quan has nabbed for the role, in which his character helps save the multiverse while trying to keep his failing marriage and family together. He previously won outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, becoming the first Asian to win in the category. Before that, he took home the best supporting actor award at the Golden Globes, the Critics Choice Movie Awards and the Gotham Awards, among others.

Ke Huy Quan in

While Everything Everywhere has catapulted him into the spotlight, previously Quan has been open about his struggles in Hollywood, particularly after he reached early success as a child actor in the 1980s. His career began with the 1984 blockbuster hit Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, in which he played Indiana Jones kid sidekick, Short Round. The next year, he found himself in yet another iconic role as neighborhood rascal Data in The Goonies. However, the opportunities dried up, Quan said, and he decided to abandon his acting career for work behind the camera.

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Hollywood didnt want me. There were no roles for me, so I spent the majority of my time in my late teens and early 20s just waiting for the phone to ring, and it rarely rang, Quan said at The Hollywood Reporters Actors Roundtable on Tuesday. The difficult part was to say goodbye to the dream that I always wanted, but it was just difficult to be an Asian actor at that time.

Although Quan became respected behind the scenes as a stunt coordinator and an assistant director, working on projects like X-Men, he said the blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians prompted his change of heart.

From left, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh and James Hong in

Quan said on the Roundtable that the expanding roles for Asian actors, in part, symbolized, led him to get back into the acting game.

I realized Hollywood has changed dramatically. Theyre giving more opportunities to a wider group of people, Quan said. I said, Maybe I should try acting again.

Although Quan was able to book Everything Everywhere, he still had difficulties finding work after production wrapped, he said on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last month. And he feared that he was experiencing everything I experienced as a kid. But since the movies release, Quan said, his career has significantly turned around. Hell be featured in the coming Disney series American Born Chinese as well as the second season of Marvels Loki.

Quan credited his wife, Echo, in his acceptance speech for giving him the encouragement he needed to give acting another go.

"Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine," he said. "To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
China's national legislature decides on new cabinet lineup

Xinhua) 08:05, March 13, 2023

The fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national legislature on Sunday decided on the new lineup of the State Council, or the cabinet, at its ongoing annual session.

Upon nomination by Premier Li Qiang, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers, governor of the central bank, auditor-general, and secretary-general of the State Council were endorsed by lawmakers at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to appoint these officials.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the meeting.

Lawmakers also approved by voting chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members of eight special committees of the 14th NPC at the meeting.

The vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledged allegiance to the Constitution.

Vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. Nominated by Premier Li Qiang, Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong were endorsed as vice premiers, while Li Shangfu, Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, Shen Yiqin and Qin Gang were endorsed as state councilors and Wu Zhenglong was endorsed as secretary-general of the State Council at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

State Council's ministers, heads of commissions, governor of the central bank, and auditor-general pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Members of special committees of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (3rd L, rear) meets the press after the closing of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong attended the press conference. [Photo/Xinhua]



Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday voiced full confidence in the prospect of the country's economy, saying that it will break winds and waves and sail toward a bright future.
Carlos Barria

The unprecedented success of Everything Everywhere All at Once is undoubtedly this years biggest Oscar surprise. Its a film far from the traditional awards bait that audiences typically see sweeping the cinemas biggest night. But even beyond that welcome shock, there was a second astonishing outlier as a part of the films story.

Vietnamese-American actor Ke Huy Quan had not appeared in a major studio film for more than two decades before returning to the silver screen last year, as a grounding force in the Daniels off-the-walls movie.

Quans incredible comeback story had already made him the favorite to win, but with such a stacked category, nothing is ever guaranteed.

I know this has been said on here before but it's one of my favorite things ever: Ke Huy Quan's entertainment lawyer is Jeff Cohen, his costar in The Goonies. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/oaxfyKFSL6  Dee Phunk (@DeePhunk) March 13, 2023

When 2022s Oscar winners for Best Supporting Actress and ActorAriana DeBose and Troy Kotsur, respectivelytook the stage at the Dolby Theater on Sunday night, the room was already buzzing with anticipation. Quans place among the other nominees put everyone on the edge of their seats as Kotsur and DeBose read off the nominees.

But when DeBose opened the winners envelope, even she couldnt keep her voice from breaking as she announced Quans win.

Quan walked to the stage among audience members jumping out of their seats to honor him with a standing ovation, and took in the view from the stage. My mom is 84 years old, and shes watching, he began. Mom, I just won an Oscar!

While plenty of nominees take the Oscars stage to thank their parents, Ke Huy Quans speech was tinged with a constant emotional undercurrent, courtesy of his story as an American immigrant. My journey started on a boat, I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here, on Hollywoods biggest stage.

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They say stories like this can only happen in movies, he continued. I cannot believe its happening to me. This is the American dream. Thank you so much to The Academy for this honor of a lifetime. Thank you to my mom for the sacrifices she made to get me here. To my little brother, David, who calls me every day just to remind me to take care of myself.

While Quan traditionally thanked Everything Everywheres distribution company, A24, and the films directors, he ended with an emotional tribute to his wife that left no dry eyes in the house. To the love of my life, my wife Echo, whomonth after month, year after year, for 20 yearstold me that one day my time will come. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive.

Left on stage to present the next award, DeBose could only muster a few words through her tears. Im a big softie, Im still crying. You and all of the rest of us, Ariana.

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Ke Huy Quan took home the Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role at the Oscars on Sunday night, delivering a moving speech as he accepted the honor.

"My mom is 84 years old, and she's at home watching. Mom, I just won an Oscar!" Quan said, opening his speech to riotous applause and cheers from the audience.

"My journey started on a boat," Quan continued. "I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it's happening to me. This, this, is the American Dream."

Quan's win was the latest in an extensive line of accolades for the "Everything Everywhere all at Once" star, who earned widespread acclaim and popular praise for his performance in Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert's hit film.

Quan has become known for rousing acceptance speeches as he's collected prize after prize at major award ceremonies this year. The actor delivered his remarks with trademark candor after winning the Oscar on Sunday night.

Ke Huy Quan accepts the Best Supporting Actor award

Quan's role as the devoted husband and business partner of an overworked laundromat owner, played by fellow Oscar nominee Michelle Yeoh, marked an inspiring comeback for the actor, who stepped away from the big screen in the early 2000s after rising to prominence as a child actor in the '80s films "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "The Goonies."

"Dreams are something you have to believe in," he said Sunday night. "I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive. Thank you, thank you so much for welcoming me back. I love you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Quan was born in Vietnam and moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was a child. He became the second performer of Asian descent to win the Oscar for best supporting actor, and the first in nearly four decades, after Haing S. Ngor won the award for his role in "The Killing Fields" in 1985. Quan was nominated with Brian Tyree Henry, for "Causeway," Barry Keoghan, for "The Banshees of Inisherin," Brendan Gleeson, for "The Banshees of Inisherin," and Judd Hirsch, for "The Fabelmans."

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The "Everything Everywhere" actor read for the film's male lead after a break from acting that lasted more than two decades. Quan told "Sunday Morning" in February that opportunities for him to continue acting were sparse just a few decades ago, so he built a career working as a stunt coordinator on films like "X-Men" after graduating with a degree from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. He said his dream of returning to acting was reawakened with the release of "Crazy Rich Asians" in 2018.

"I saw it three times in the theater; I cried every single time," Quan said. "But one of the reasons why I cried was because I wanted to be up there with them."

Prior to the Academy Awards, Quan had already won numerous awards for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and was the favorite to win on Sunday night. He previously earned the Golden Globe for supporting actor in a motion picture, and took home the corresponding titles at the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Quan's historic win from the Screen Actors Guild marked the first time an Asian performer was given a distinction in the category for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role.

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Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan at the 2023 Oscars. Kevin Winter/Getty

Ke Huy Quan hugged Harrison Ford after "Everything Everywhere All at Once" won the best-picture Oscar.

Quan and Ford starred together in 1984's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

Ford was the presenter for best picture at Sunday night's Academy Awards.

Talk about coming full circle.

Thirty-nine years after Ke Huy Quan and Harrison Ford shared the screen together in 1984's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," the two hugged on the Academy Awards stage Sunday night when Ford presented Quan's movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once" with the Oscar for best picture.

Quan was one of the first from the movie to get on the stage after the win. When he saw Ford, he pointed at him with excitement and then ran over and embraced his former costar.

Variety's Ramin Setoodeh caught the moment inside the theater:

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" won seven Oscars on Sunday, including best supporting actor for Quan.

"They say stories like this only happen in the movies," Quan said in his acceptance speech. "I cannot believe it's happening to me. This  this is the American dream!"

"Dreams are something you have to believe in," Quan continued. "I almost gave up on mine  to all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive. Thank you, thank you so much for welcoming me back! I love you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Quan struggled to find acting work for decades after getting his big break as a child actor starring in the classic movies "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" in 1984 and "The Goonies" a year later.

He is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in "Loki" season two this summer.

Correction: March 13, 2023  An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of one of Ke Huy Quan's films. It's "The Goonies," not "The Goodies."

Read the original article on Insider
Haing S. Ngor after the 1985 Academy Awards ceremony. ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

At Sunday's Oscars, Ke Huy Quan became the second Asian actor ever to win best supporting actor.

Haing S. Ngor won in 1985 for his role in "The Killing Fields," a film about the Cambodian genocide.

A first-time actor, Ngor had personally survived the Cambodian genocide.

At Sunday's Academy Awards, Ke Huy Quan became the second Asian actor to win an Oscar for best supporting actor when he won for his role in "Everything Everywhere All At Once." The first was Haing S. Ngor, who won in 1985 for his role in "The Killing Fields," a movie about the Cambodian genocide he personally survived.

Haing S. Ngor was a Cambodian doctor who was imprisoned and tortured under the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia in the 1970s, LAist reported. During Communist Cambodian Dictator Pol Pot's reign, millions of Cambodians like Ngor were forced into deadly labor camps.

An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died in the camps between 1975 and 1979, including Ngor's wife, who died in his arms, People magazine reported in 2019.

Ngor was able to escape the camps with his niece in 1979 by crawling across the border to Vietnam and living off of rats and termites along the way, according to People.

Ngor then emigrated in 1980 to Los Angeles, where he was discovered by "The Killing Fields" casting director, Pat Golden, at a Cambodian wedding, LAist reported. Although Ngor had no prior acting experience, Golden convinced him to audition for the role of Dith Pran, a real-life Cambodian journalist who survived and reported on the genocide.

Haing S Ngor holds his children as he is lead by militia in a scene from the film "The Killing Fields," in 1984. Warner Brothers/Getty Images

"Luckily that videotape still exists, and it's just beautiful," Arthur Dong, a filmmaker who made a documentary about Ngor, told LAist about Ngor's audition tape. "The performance was just wrenching and the rawness of his ability to transfer that onto the screen."

At the 1985 Academy Awards, Ngor won the award for best supporting actor, becoming the first-ever Asian actor to win in his category.

In his acceptance speech, Ngor said, "I thank Warner Brothers for helping me tell my story to the world  let the world know what happened in my country. And I thank God, Buddha, that tonight I am even here."

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Until his death, Ngor, who was fatally shot outside his home in 1996, used his Oscar win to continue spreading awareness about the atrocities he and millions of others experienced in Cambodia, according to People.

Ke Huy Quan at the 95th Annual Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images

"'The Killing Fields' is just the tip of the iceberg," he said before his death, according to People. "The war is over... But the battle is going on."

Alongside Ke Huy Quan at Sunday night's Oscars, Michelle Yeoh also made history for her role in "Everything Everywhere All At Once" when she became the first Asian woman to win the award for best actress.

In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Quan spoke directly to his 84-year-old mother, who was watching from home, and reflected on how he got to the Oscars.

"My journey started on a boat," he said. "I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it's happening to me. This  this  is the American dream."

Read the original article on Insider
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Proposed tax relief for Kentucky's bourbon makers was fast-tracked Monday in advancing in the state House, but local leaders living near some of the world's best-known distilleries were in no mood to toast the industry victory.

The measure aims to phase out a property tax on the value of stored bourbon barrels  a top industry priority. The phaseout would begin in 2026 and be completed by 2039.

House Bill 5 cleared the House on a 59-40 vote, soon after emerging from committee. With only a few days left in this years 30-day legislative session, the proposal advances to the Senate, where Republicans also have a supermajority.

The barrel tax  assessed only in Kentucky  hurts the state's competitiveness and threatens to chip away at the state's status as the bourbon industry epicenter, the bill's supporters said.

No other manufacturer pays taxes on its goods during production, said Eric Gregory, president of the the Kentucky Distillers Association. "Taxes arent levied on vehicles rolling down the assembly line, dishwashers as they are being built, or tobacco drying in the barn."

Leaders from some of the top bourbon-producing counties, however, worry that the inventory tax phaseout will take away an important revenue source for local governments.

We need the money to survive or were going to have to cut services, Nelson County Judge-Executive Timothy Hutchins told a House committee earlier Monday.

Kentucky produces 95% of the worlds bourbon and is home to nearly 10 million barrels of aging spirits, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association.

The bill's leading supporters include House Speaker David Osborne, who warned that it is not our right to be home to the bourbon industry. Several other states have surpassed Kentucky in total number of distilleries, though Kentucky is home to the largest production plants.

Kentucky taxes alcohol more than any other state in the country, Osborne said.

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The barrel tax is a barrier to bourbon production startups in Kentucky, and it's a disincentive to store bourbon in the Bluegrass State, the speaker said. Gradually removing the tax will help cement ourselves as the bourbon capital of the world, he said.

If the revenue raised from barrel taxes gradually gets smaller, the side effects from distilling operations will remain  wear and tear on roads and the ,spread of whiskey fungus, local leaders told lawmakers. The fungus is a black mold-like growth that feeds off the angels share  the distilling industry term for the alcohol that evaporates from the wooden barrels.

In the past, when distillers asked local leaders for approval of their expansions, the producers touted the benefits to local governments from the barrel tax, they said.

Im here today asking you to honor our handshake with the bourbon industry, said Josh Ballard, a city council member in Loretto, home of the Maker's Mark distillery.

The phaseout includes efforts to create revenue sources to offset losses for the affected local governments, the bill's supporters said. It includes hold harmless provisions for public school districts in bourbon-production counties. City and county governments could assess a license fee on distilleries to offset future revenue reductions.

Those protections weren't enough to satisfy some lawmakers from bourbon-production counties who worried about the potential revenue losses.

I'm all for cutting taxes. But I'm not for cutting taxes on a booming industry that's going to place the burden on the backs of my constituents, said Republican Rep. Candy Massaroni.
[Source]

Nobel Laureate and Japanese contemporary writer Kenzaburo Oe has died at age 88.

Known for his compelling stories and essays that challenged post-war Japan, Oe was announced to have died on March 3 by his publisher, Kondansha. As of this writing, no location or cause of death has been revealed.

Born in 1935 in the small village of Uchiko, Oe was the third of seven children.

After the deaths of his grandmother and father, the young Oe was heavily influenced by his mother, who encouraged him to read books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils. He would go on to study French Literature at Tokyo University.

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Making his literary debut in 1957, Oe quickly was awarded with the prestigious Akutagawa prize for The Catch. However, the author's popularity was not limited to Japan, as he quickly received international acclaim for Hiroshima Notes, a collection of essays detailing the lives of Hiroshima atomic bomb victims.

Oe was heavily influenced by his childhood memories of Japans defeat during World War II.

Developing a fascination with democratic principles, the author would cater his writing to reflect his pacifism and critique of Japanese militarism.

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Becoming a voice for dissidents and a prominent advocate for reparations by the Japanese government, Oe adhered to his beliefs despite death threats and instances of physical assault by those affiliated with Japans right-wing organizations.

The contemporary author also faced a defamation lawsuit over his full-length essay Okinawa Notes, which details the mass suicide of Okinawans at the end of World War II due to the coercion of the Japanese military. Despite right-wing politicians desires to erase the role of the military in the historical incident, the judge would ultimately rule in favor of Oe, stating: The military was deeply involved in the mass suicides.

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However, Oe faced a new challenge with the birth of his son, Hikari, in 1963. Born with a brain hernia and requiring surgery, Hikari inspired Oes Kojinteki-na taiken (A Personal Matter), A Silent Cry and multiple other works.

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Everything I write begins with the personal, the writer explained.

In 1994, Oe's works and efforts were recognized with the Nobel Prize in Literature.

As Japans second writer to claim the title, the Nobel Prize winner expressed that the award was a total surprise and that he was simply a person who writes novels, and at the same time Im a person who reads.

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Soon after Oes award, he was given Japans Order of Culture. However, sticking to his morals and beliefs, the writer refused to accept the award as it was given by Japans Emperor. I do not recognize any authority, any value, higher than democracy,Oe responded.

In the 21st century, Oe further involved himself in pacifist and anti-nuclear campaigns. Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Oe called on the ethical responsibility of Japan and former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to halt plans to restart nuclear power plants and instead abandon nuclear energy.

Oe is survived by his wife, Yukari, his son Hikari and his two other children, Natsumiko and Sakurao.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters

In a Capitol Hill auditorium last week, Republican and Democratic lawmakers came together and listened to an official briefing on the federal budget. Then they verbally sparred and swapped thoughts about it afterward.

If that sounds like a mundane scene for Congress, it isntin fact, most of the people in the room couldnt remember anything like it happening in their entire congressional careers.

Ive been here a decade, said Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ). I dont think Ive ever had that happen before, where it was both parties listening, and then both parties going up to the microphone.

The presentation by the Congressional Budget Office was originally intended just for the Republican conference, but Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) opened it up to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Democratic lawmakers. The two party leaders arent exactly friends, but they have taken steps so far to open up lines of communication across the aisle.

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The briefing pleasantly surprised members in both parties. Schweikert, for instance, said some members were taking shots at each other, but that he and another Democratic member made similar points on health care spending in front of the audience.

You only get that, he said, when Hakeem and McCarthy put us all in the same room.

Underneath that outburst of bonhomie, however, is a deeper challenge. In order to tackle some of the most essential issues Congress is facing this termlet alone produce any sort of legislative accomplishment that Republicans could run on next yearMcCarthy will need to strike bipartisan deals.

But there are plenty of Republicans who think bipartisan deals are exactly the sort of words that may cost Republicans the majority, while other GOP lawmakers think ideological purity at the expense of actual achievements is the recipe for disaster.

Nothing gets done unless theres a two-party solution, said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), a leader of the GOPs moderate bloc.

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But ask a hardcore conservative like Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) if his voters want him to partner with Democrats, and youll get a quick answer.

No, Norman said. Were going in two different directions.

Polling backs up Normans assertions. A Jan. 2023 survey from Pew Research found that just one-third of GOP voters wanted congressional leaders to work with Democrats to accomplish things, even if it disappointed most of the party. Nearly 60 percent of Democrats, meanwhile, said Biden should work with the GOP, even if it disappointed Biden supporters.

The trouble for McCarthy is that he needs both groups of lawmakersjust for different reasons. The Republicans who secured the majority by winning tough races in 2022, and then supported McCarthy through his grueling Speaker race, see it as a top priority to pass bipartisan bills on the toughest issues.

The ones who withheld their support for McCarthyand won the power to force a vote on his removal at any timelargely dont.

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At least publicly, the Speaker himself has staked out a middle ground. In December, after Republicans won the majority, McCarthy said he can work with anyone, but he stressed that the GOPs victories meant voters wanted a check and balance on Democratic rule.

Whats helped McCarthy manage the dilemma so far is that, roughly two months into his tenure as speaker, his bipartisan wins have come not from collaboration with Democrats but through strong-arming them, to the delight of the conservative base.

Just last week, McCarthy celebrated the congressional passage of a House GOP law repealing a number of criminal justice reforms in Washington, D.C.

At first, Biden signaled he was against the bill, and the vast majority of House Democrats voted to oppose it. Then, Biden changed his tune and said he wouldnt veto itopening up the floodgates for 36 Senate Democrats and all Republicans to vote for it last week.

McCarthy threw an unusually extravagant signing ceremony before sending the resolution to the presidents desk. Republicans have repeatedly and gleefully tweaked the House Democrats left holding the bag after voting against the crime law repeal. The GOP campaign arm has run attack ads against vulnerable Democrats who voted that way, continuing their midterms push to make crime a problem-area for Democrats.

But McCarthys allies dont think his bipartisan bona fides stop there. They point to up and coming policybills moving through committeesas examples that both parties can work together under McCarthys leadership.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), a freshman who flipped a Democratic seat last year, said members are already working together on a bunch of bills in financial services and foreign affairs.

So, I know that I know that the focus is to try and for everybody to try and harp on the negative, Lawler said. But I think theres a lot of opportunity for people to work together.

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Democratic leaders have expressed willingness to work with Republicans on a number of fronts, from countering China to passing the twice-a-decade Farm Bill to reworking the countrys surveillance programs. The two parties came together to enact significant bills in the last two years, like the $1 trillion infrastructure law.

To my Republican friends, Biden said last month in his State of the Union address, if we could work together in the last Congress, there is no reason we cant work together in this new Congress.

But no amount of free-wheeling bipartisan exchange on Capitol Hill is likely to dislodge where both parties stand on the most pressing item that requires bipartisan cooperation: extending the federal governments borrowing authority, known as the debt ceiling. Failing to do so by the time the debt ceiling is reached, projected to be this August, would risk an economically destructive default on the national debt.

Republicans are threatening to vote against raising the debt ceilingeven though it represents past, not future, spendingusing the prospect of widespread economic calamity as leverage to force Democrats to agree to unspecified spending cuts.

Democrats, meanwhile, say they wont entertain hostage-taking on the debt limit and are focused on needling Republicans into detailing their spending cuts.

On this particular front, bipartisanship is not what Republicans want, unless it means Democrats submitting to GOP demands. And Democrats posture on the debt ceiling has helped McCarthy manage the two flanks of his conferencefor now.

Republicans have been united in attacking Bidens negotiating stance, a task made easier with Bidens release of his budget last Thursday. The $7 trillion proposal was treated by Republicans more like a troll than an olive branch.

The White House and the Senate need to recognize that theres no longer one-party rule in Washington, said Lawler. They have to negotiate with the House in good faith, and I think the Presidents budgetwhich is a month lateis certainly not a good faith effort.

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McCarthy has won plaudits from the varying wings of his conference for his position on the issue so far. The Speakers done well, said Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT). My understanding is that the Biden administration has not reached out to himagain, it was a promise that theyd work together.

Im hoping that effort happens soon, because the clocks running, Zinke said.

But McCarthys difficulties are just beginning. Whether Republicans adopt a budget of their own is an open questionas is how McCarthy could possibly write a budget appeasing all corners of his conference when there are so many contradictory goals. Republicans want a budget that balances in 10 years. They want one without cuts to the more than $800 billion Pentagon budget. And, after they were hit over the head for proposals targeting seniors, they want one that doesnt touch Medicare and Social Security.

And thats just a messaging document. The budget more closely resembles a glorified press release on Capitol Hill than a binding spending plan. But adopting a blueprintor not adopting onecould be the start of the problems for McCarthy. The reality is McCarthys true test will begin when Republicans have to start agreeing on what cuts, precisely, they will demand from Democrats.

House GOP Tries to Turn the Page on Election Dead-Enders

Internally, GOP lawmakers have been circulating various proposals, but the most important marker was thrown down publicly on Friday by the House Freedom Caucus, the hard-right group that was most reluctant to back McCarthy.

The Freedom Caucus said their members would consider voting to lift the debt ceiling if Democrats agreed to undo Bidens student loan forgiveness plan, rescind unspent COVID relief funds, undo Democrats marquee climate bill from last year, and cap non-defense spending at 2022 levels for a decade. In short, its a complete nonstarter for Democrats.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) said he was optimistic about prospects for working with Republicansbut he questioned what spending could be left for them to cut, since McCarthy has already ruled out touching Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense, and veterans programs.

Thats the one place that Im not optimistic, said Beyer.

Biden, meanwhile, has similar concerns about the Freedom Caucus proposal. In a brief response Friday morning, he bashed proposed cuts to discretionary spending, which he said dont match his values set.

As negotiations proceed, it does seem that at least one newfound McCarthy ally, who also happens to be a bridge to the far right, is giving him space to work across the aisle.

Speaking on the Capitol steps Thursday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) gave a sort of kumbaya remark on Democrats and Republicans working together on the debt limit and the budget.

Im kind of one of those people I get really sick of both political parties and I continue to say, this institution is supposed to serve the American people, and for us to do that we have to talk to each other, Greene said.

So, thats the way it should be getting done.

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WEST PALM BEACH  With Wellington's most anticipated murder trial drawing near, attorneys for the accused killer are casting doubt over prosecutors key evidence.

Two months remain before Sheila Keen-Warren, accused of dressing as a clown and killing Marlene Warren on her Wellington doorstep in 1990, is set to face jurors. Assistant State Attorney Reid Scott said Keen-Warren arrived at Warren's Wellington Aero Club home with balloons, flowers and a gun in her hand and shot Warren point-blank in the head.

Keen-Warren married Warren's widower, changed her name and moved to Virginia in the years following the murder. The case had grown cold by the time lead detective Paige McCann of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office took over in 2013 and discovered a 6- to 8-inch fiber among the crime-scene evidence that prosecutors say linked Keen-Warren to the murder of her lover's wife.

For Subscribers: Judge denies Sheila Keen-Warren pretrial release in Wellington 'clown' murder case

'Mysterious fiber': Key evidence could be clown murder suspect's undoing  or her absolution

The integrity of that fiber and of other evidence key to the prosecutor's case has fallen under intense scrutiny by Keen-Warren's defense attorneys, Greg Rosenfeld, Amy Morse and Jesse Isom, in the months leading to her trial. The attorneys debated with Scott over the course of a two-day hearing before Circuit Judge Scott Suskauer that began March 7. The judge will decide which evidence can and cannot be presented to the jury.

Here's what the attorneys do  and don't  want the jurors to know.

Sheila Keen-Warren was picked out of a police lineup  twice

The evidence: Two employees at a West Palm Beach costume shop sold a clown outfit to a woman days before someone killed Marlene Warren. Detectives showed the salespeople a photo lineup of six women and asked whether their customer was among them. Both said the photo of Keen-Warren looked most like her."The thing that really did it for me were the eyes," Debra Lee Offord said at the March 7 hearing. "And the smile. She has a very distinctive smile."

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The argument: The pink-and-yellow clown costume sold at Spotlight Capezio that day doesn't match the descriptions of the costume worn by the shooter. Without evidence that they're one and the same, the identity of its buyer isn't relevant to the identity of the shooter, the defense attorneys argued. They rejected the value of the 1990 photo lineup, too, warning that its suggestive nature paved the way for "irreparable misidentification." Suskauer did not immediately rule on whether jurors will hear the Spotlight Capezio employees' testimony, but he forbade the pair from identifying Keen-Warren during trial as the customer who bought the costume.

Defendant Sheila Keen-Warren, accused of the 1990 Wellington 'clown murder', at a pre-trial hearing in 2022.

Keen-Warren had access to a car the same color and make as the getaway vehicle

The evidence: Witnesses to the shooting said the killer fled from Warren's Wellington home in a white Chrysler LeBaron. Four days later, detectives found a white Chrysler LeBaron stolen by Warren's widower, Michael  Keen-Warren's employer, rumored boyfriend and future husband. Prosecutors say the strands of brown hair and orange wig fibers found inside the car link Keen-Warren to the murder.

The argument: Like the clown costume, the stolen LeBaron doesn't match the description of the getaway car exactly. It's a convertible, not a coupe, and it has a distinctive black stripe that caused one eyewitness to dismiss it outright when shown a photo by detectives. It wasn't the only white Chrysler LeBaron found after the shooting, either. Investigators found two others, none of which was linked to Keen-Warren."All they have is circumstantial evidence," Isom told the judge March 8. "They have a costume that isn't the right costume and a car that isn't the right car."Unless prosecutors can definitively link the stolen LeBaron to the murder, defense attorneys said neither it nor any evidence related to it should be presented at trial. Suskauer did not immediately decide whether to permit it.

Someone already confessed to killing Marlene Warren

The evidence: The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office received a tip in 1991 that while incarcerated in a prison in Maine, a former county resident named Edward Bahr bragged to another inmate that he killed Marlene Warren.The tipster told detectives during a recorded interview that Bahr said Michael Warren hired him to kill his wife, who was on the verge of divorcing him and taking over his car dealership. Bahr told the inmate that a "female biker type" bought the clown costume, he said. When re-interviewed in September 2022, Bahr denied the confession, saying only that he chatted about the murder using details he'd seen on the news.

The argument: Scott, who interviewed Bahr in 2021, said Bahr's story seemed more like a ploy to get out of trouble than a legitimate confession. He and Keen-Warren's defense team agreed March 8 to allow Bahr and the inmate, Jeffrey Libby, to testify during the trial.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office evidence room was contaminated

The evidence: A fiber discovered among the Wellington crime scene evidence prompted Keen-Warren's arrest in 2017, but her attorneys have begun to cast doubt over its integrity. An internal audit from 1999 found the sheriff's office improperly stored evidence in open and unsealed bags.

The argument: Keen-Warren's attorneys believe the fiber contained in the evidence bags is the product of evidence tampering. No detective, crime-scene investigator or crime-lab analyst reported seeing the "mysterious fiber" for 23 years, until McCann took over the investigation.Michael Harrison, the crime-scene investigator who in 1990 collected the balloons and packaged them into evidence, said during his deposition that he never saw the fiber. If he had, he said he would have photographed it and packaged it separately. Jay Mullens, another investigator, checked the balloons for latent prints the following day, and he also denied seeing the fiber.

The attorneys are slated to return to court to argue the rest of their motions on April 5.

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: 'Clown' murder trial judge to decide what evidence jurors will see
One had a fake gun. Another had a mental health crisis. A third threatened police with a knife. They were all fatally shot by police.

The Canyon County Critical Incident Task Force investigations into three fatal shootings  which cleared all of the seven officers involved  were completed about a year ago, but none of the investigating or involved agencies informed the public.

The Canyon County Sheriffs Office investigated two of the three shootings, and Idaho State Police investigated the other. The shootings, which occurred in the summer of 2021 and early 2022, involved the Nampa Police Department and the Owyhee County Sheriffs Office.

Both the Canyon County Sheriffs Office and Nampa Police Department told the Idaho Statesman they dont have the practice of notifying the public when a CITF investigation is completed. The Owyhee County Sheriffs Office and Idaho State Police didnt respond to the Statesmans requests for comment.

In Ada County, the Boise Police Department typically issues a press release when a CITF investigation is complete, and the Ada County Sheriffs Office created a website where completed reports are uploaded.

6 were shot by police in Boise area last year. Where are the investigations now?







Woman fatally shot after mental health crisis

Dawn Simpson promised a deputy with the Canyon County Sheriffs Office shed call him if she needed anything. Less than 3 hours later, the 51-year-old woman was shot in the head by three Nampa police officers, according to the CITF report.

Around 9:30 a.m. on July 16, 2021, two Canyon County deputies located Simpsons navy blue Jeep Patriot near Lake Lowell Park in Nampa after her stepdaughter had called the police, concerned that Simpson was having a mental health crisis, according to a police report from the agency.

Deputies Justin Wright and Trayton Meyers approached Simpson, who said she was out running errands, the report said. Meyers noticed that Simpson had several unspent shotgun shells in the cup holder of her car, but officers didnt see a shotgun in the car.

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Wright eventually let Simpson go because he said she didnt meet the criteria to be placed on hold. Simpsons stepdaughter told Wright that Simpson was diagnosed with bipolar mania after her wife died in 2019, and it had progressed into schizophrenia. The stepdaughter also said Simpson hadnt been taking her medication.

By noon, the Nampa Police Department had dispatched four officers to a neighborhood south of Nampa along Teakwood Street after receiving a report that Simpson was trespassing at her mothers home, according to Critical Incident Task Force reports from Idaho State Police.

Three Nampa officers  Ricky Zodrow, Cole Lowe and John Guju  located, pursued and eventually shot and killed Simpson. Nampa Police Patrol Sgt. Michael Phillips was also at the scene but did not fire his weapon.

Guju, during his interview with state police, said that his prior interactions with Simpson were an immediate red flag, and he had a funny feeling the current call was not going to go great.

Guju and another officer approached Simpsons car and told her she was under arrest because she had an active warrant. Guju then opened the rear door of Simpsons Jeep, which is when she revved her engine and fled the neighborhood  hitting Zodrows patrol car on the way out, according to Gujus interview.

The officers pursued Simpson about a half-mile to Mulberry Lane. When Zodrow and Lowe approached Simpson, she shot at them at least once, according to interviews with the officers. The officers returned fire, shooting between 17 and 20 rounds at Simpson.

Police located a shotgun in Simpsons lap and later located a black pistol in the car. Simpsons stepdaughter told the Canyon County Sheriffs Office that Simpson wasnt allowed to own a firearm because of a previous felony conviction.

Simpson was transported to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, where she died from a gunshot wound to the head around 3:30 p.m., according to prior Statesman reporting and an autopsy report from the Ada County Coroners Office.

Ada coroner identifies Idaho woman shot, killed by Nampa police officers last week

Police fire 20 rounds at 53-year-old Nampa man

It took less than 30 seconds after two Nampa police officers located 53-year-old Vladislav Fomin for them to shoot and kill him, according to the CITF report. The officers in their interviews with the Canyon County Sheriffs Office said Fomin pointed a gun at them and a Nampa couple.

Around 1 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2021, the Nampa Police Department received a call reporting an aggravated assault in the area of South Elder and East Lincoln streets, near Northwest Nazarene University, according to a narrative report written by the Canyon County Sheriffs Office. A couple, who was out driving looking for their lost dog, called the police after they said Fomin racked the gun and began waving it around while walking toward them.

Nampa police officers Cade Renner and Rodger Holscher located Fomin in the driveway of 325 S. Banner St. at 1:06 a.m., according to the report. Holscher was one of six officers who shot at Richard Bigby-Garcia two months earlier in July 2021.

Renner in his interview said that as he approached in his vehicle, Fomin turned toward them aggressively and pointed the gun at Holscher. He described the gun as a black semi-automatic handgun.

The officers fired a total of 20 rounds with two bullets fatally striking Fomin in the head and heart, according to an autopsy report. Another bullet grazed his right shoulder. Fomin died at the scene from his injuries after life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

Holscher and Renner in their statements said they thought something was off about Fomins gun after the shooting. Holscher noted that the gun felt lighter than it should have when he kicked it away, and Renner said he wondered whether the gun was fake.

Police later determined that Fomin was carrying a 1911-style airsoft gun  which typically has a bright orange tip, but it was painted black. Airsoft guns can be created to look like an ultra-realistic firearm and can even shoot BBs.

Washington County Deputy Prosecutor Fred Wheeler in a letter said officers had no way of knowing that Fomin was carrying a fake firearm and cleared them of any wrongdoing. Washington County was the office assigned to review the investigation.

In this instance, whether as police officers or as private citizens, Holscher and Renner reacted reasonably to the threat Fomin appeared to pose when he raised the weapon, Wheeler said. The state would not be able to prove under these facts that homicide was not justifiable.

Renner didnt turn his body camera on. Holschers body camera was turned on, but Fomin isnt visible in the video because hes blocked by the vehicle.

The only footage of the incident is from a neighboring homes Ring Doorbell. Following the shooting, several Nampa officers canvassed the neighborhood for any additional witnesses or potential video footage.

Wheeler said that nothing in the Ring Doorbell footage contradicts the officers statements or Holschers body camera, but he noted that Fomin is barely visible in the video.

Canyon County coroner identifies Idaho man shot, killed by Nampa police last week







Murphy man was belligerent

Three days into 2022, two Owyhee County sheriffs deputies  Deputy Richard Demurjian and Lt. David Reed  shot and killed 54-year-old Charles Corey Castro.

The deputies were trying to serve him a restraining order for a previous domestic violence incident. A 10-page Critical Incident Task Force supplemental report detailed an interaction Castro and the sheriffs deputies. Law enforcement described Castro as belligerent, argumentative and at times confrontational.

Demurjian said Castro became angry after being informed of the protective order, and that he would need to leave the Murphy home that day. Toward the end of the hour-long encounter with Castro, he fell to the ground and began moaning and screaming.

Castro then grabbed a large kitchen knife, according to the report.

Castro began moving toward Reed and executes several stabbing motions with the knife, the narrative said, while deputies commanded him to stop and drop the knife.

Reed told Castro that if Castro didnt drop the knife, he would be shot, the report said. Castro then charged toward the officers, who fired their guns. One of the bullets struck Castro in the head, according to the report. He was hit by a total of four bullets.

Canyon County investigating officer-involved shooting that killed Murphy man
China needs robust legal safeguards and international cooperation to achieve its goals of reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, according to a proposal by the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy.



The proposal submitted to the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) highlights three institutional challenges and suggests ways to overcome them.

Wang Yi, vice chair of the National Expert Panel on Climate Change, a member of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC). [Photo provided to China.org.cn]



China plays a crucial role in realizing both China's and the global goal of carbon neutrality. In September 2020, China officially announced its dual carbon goals of reaching peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

The first challenge identified in the proposal is the lack of top-level design for relevant legislation. Achieving CO2 emissions peak and carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive and fundamental law to regulate and coordinate the actions of various departments and stakeholders. This proposed "Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality Law" would help to build a socially and economically transitional system focused on future competitiveness, net-zero, resilience, and sustainability.

According to the proposal, the second challenge is the gap in corresponding institutional arrangements, especially during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. It states that accelerating a system that focuses on controlling CO2 emissions and intensity is necessary.

The third challenge outlined is coordinating and managing the work on "dual carbon" goals. Currently, the coordination mechanism that covers all governmental agencies, regions, and stakeholders is not robust enough, and the division of responsibilities is not clear enough, making it difficult to form a joint force.

The proposal recommends providing solid legal safeguard for achieving the dual carbon goals. The proposal recommends starting the legislative process of the "Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality Law" as soon as possible and revising relevant laws to ensure the low-carbon transformation of the energy structure. All relevant departments and localities should formulate and implement relevant laws, administrative regulations, local regulations, and standards within the legal framework.

"It is important to have a legal framework in place to ensure the stability and continuity of policies to reduce CO2 emissions. Such a framework would require extensive research and consultation with stakeholders," said Wang Yi, vice chair of the National Expert Panel on Climate Change, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and a contributor to the proposal.

He acknowledged the challenges of implementing such a framework, which will affect various aspects of society and the economy and may require modifications to existing laws and regulations.

Wang stressed the need for long-term planning and policy implementation. He noted that while China had introduced various policies and plans to achieve its dual carbon goals, they have not been legally enshrined, leaving room for potential uncertainty and change in the future.

Wang also called for accelerating the transition from assessing the total amount and intensity of energy consumption to assessing the total amount and intensity of CO2 emissions.

The proposal highlights the importance of coordinating domestic and international efforts to achieve the dual carbon goals. The proposal recommends giving full play to the role of the office of the leading group on CO2 emissions peaking and carbon neutrality, strengthening overall coordination, and forming a broader consensus. It also suggests actively participating in formulating relevant international standards, providing technical specifications and guidelines, and building green supply chains, industrial chains, and value chains for bulk commodities and key resource products. Additionally, the proposal recommends strengthening cooperation with Belt and Road countries in green development and energy transformation.

An aerial view of the Bianshan wind farm in Changxing county, east China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]



In addition to reducing CO2 emissions domestically, China is committed to promoting international cooperation, with Wang highlighting China's commitment to building a green Belt and Road and developing renewable energy in developing countries. He suggested that China could assist with planning and offer expertise based on its own experience in renewable energy.

However, he admitted that complicated international relationships and geopolitics could impact the country's dual carbon goals. He proposed focusing on sustainable development in the manufacturing industry to build a global green value chain and industrial chain. He further suggested that collaboration between China and Europe would be necessary to counterbalance the potential difficulties that could arise from pressure of political bias from the U.S.

Wang also advocated for more third-party market cooperation and international partnerships to help other developing countries achieve green growth and Sustainable Development Goals.

"The future development of renewable energy should not be limited to simply selling products like wind turbines and solar PV modules, but should also push our industrial structures, technologies, experiences, and investments to go beyond our borders and focus on strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, especially in producing renewable energy. This would help those countries achieve economic growth while also promoting green development," he said.
The Kremlin is convinced that it is impossible to talk about peace with Ukraine at the moment. Russia will keep fighting to capture Ukrainian territories.

Source: Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin; Kremlin-aligned news outlet RIA Novosti

Quote from Peskov: "There are no preconditions for a peaceful transition of the process. For us the absolute priority continues to be and will always remain the achievement of our goals. At the moment they can only be achieved by military means".

Details: Peskov has also commented on several recent developments in Ukraine.

He called an offer to call Russia Moscovia a funny thing and the requirement for monks of the pro-Russian church to leave the premises of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra an outrageous decision.

About renaming the Russian Federation: "You know, such messages or decisions are probably ridiculously funny things. If I am not mistaken, there have already been a lot of jokes about it. I do not believe we need to joke about it again. But I am pointing out again that we can only treat it with a smile. The Russian Federation will remain a great state, a great country, and it will remain Russia, whatever someone else calls it."

About Lavra: "It is disturbing. It is absolutely unprecedented treatment to representatives of the church, the Russian Orthodox Church. We consider this unacceptable. We believe that the world's community has to respond to such an outrageous decision."

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's top spokeswoman, attends a press briefing at UN Headquarters. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Kremlin's leaders can't agree on Russia's narrative on the Ukraine war, a top official said.

Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's press director, said there's a "battle" among Kremlin elites.

"I've said that we do not have a single voice of the state," Zakharova said on Saturday.

A senior Russian official on Saturday hinted at infighting amongst the Kremlin's top brass, saying that Moscow's leaders can't agree on how to communicate Russia's narrative on the Ukraine war.

"There is a battle going on, including among the elites," said Maria Zakharova, director of the Russian foreign ministry's press department, per Russian news outlet Business Gazeta.

Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's top spokesperson, made that statement at a panel with Russian tech entrepreneur Igor Ashmanov and other pundits.

Ashmanov suggested that the Kremlin create a Stalin-era information bureau that would control the war narrative and paint a unified picture of the invasion, Business Gazeta reported. But Zakharova shut down Ashmanov's proposal, saying that the Russian government doesn't currently have a unified stance on how they should talk about the Ukraine war.

"I've said that we do not have a single voice of the state," said Zakharova.

Zakharova added that the foreign ministry  which she speaks for  isn't authorized to talk about events on the ground in the war. She also admitted that Russia's defense ministry "either cannot or does not" want to discuss the conflict, per Business Gazeta.

She did not call out any officials by name.

Zakharova's latest comments are a rare admission that there's been infighting among the Kremlin's highest-ranking officials, wrote the Washington-based research group Institute of War.

"Zakharova's statement is noteworthy and supports several of ISW's longstanding assessments about deteriorating Kremlin regime and information space control dynamics," the think-tank wrote on Saturday.

"It is unclear why Zakharova  a seasoned senior spokesperson  would have openly acknowledged these problems in a public setting," it added.

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It said Zakharova's public statements further show that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has given up control of the Russian information space to "a variety of quasi-independent actors." Russian military bloggers who support the invasion have been increasingly critical of the Kremlin for its military failures.

Zakharova separately denounced the Institute of War's assessment of her statement in a message on her Telegram channel on Sunday, though she did not provide any information to debunk its analysis.

Instead, she called the assessment "nonsense" and an "info attack," accusing Western analysis groups of producing "fakes" or misinformation about the war. Zakharova did not give further clarification on her own comments about potential discord within the Kremlin's top ranks.

Representatives for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Monday that the award of an Oscar to a documentary about jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny showed "a certain element of politicisation" by Hollywood.

"Navalny", which won the Academy Award for best feature documentary on Sunday, shows the Kremlin critic recovering in Germany from being poisoned with a nerve agent in Siberia in 2020, and working with the investigative news outlet Bellingcat to unmask those responsible.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had not watched the film, but that nevertheless, "I dare to assume that there is of course a certain element of politicisation of the topic".

He said that Hollywood was no stranger to politics, "but I cant talk about any cinematic merits of this film, because Im not familiar with it."

In the film, Navalny pinned responsibility for the poisoning episode on a team of agents from the FSB state security service. Russia denied attempting to kill him.

Navalny has long been a thorn in the side of President Vladimir Putin, who takes care to avoid mentioning his name in public. He is now serving combined sentences of 11-1/2 years in a high-security penal colony for fraud and contempt of court on charges that he says were trumped up to silence him.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Dmytro Kuleba

Ukraines entry into the EU and NATO should not be seen as charity, or a payoff. Its in the best pragmatic interests of the European community, said Kuleba.

He said that half-baked solutions, like keeping Ukraine in the background or in the waiting room, would invariably result in new Russian aggression, which is not in Europes best interests.

Kuleba also said that Russia would continue its aggression against other European countries if Ukraine loses the war.

Read also: President Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Kuleba react to Russia's latest massive missile attack on Ukraine

Read also: Ukraine needs security guarantees before joining NATO, Zelenskyy says

It is wrong to think that insolent Russia would not look for new victims, Kuleba said.

Moldova, the countries of the Balkans, Central Europe and the Baltic States (would be at risk). Putin was not going to stop at Ukraine. Therefore, it is clear how fundamentally the security of Ukraine is connected with the security of the whole of Europe.

In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicted that Ukraine would join NATO after the end of the war.

Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has also stated that Ukraine is now a de facto member of NATO.

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
Klitschko spoke about the critical situation in Kyiv in January due to massive strikes by Russia

In January we were pretty close to calling on the population to evacuate, he told RND. The worst blackout lasted 14 hours. There was no electricity, no water, no heating. Luckily the weather was mild. But the situation has been very difficult.

Klitschko added that the infrastructure of the city with a population of almost three million was saved from destruction only thanks to a lot of strength and energy.

The employees of our municipal companies worked around the clock, the mayor said.

Klitschko also highly praised Germanys military assistance, in particular the transfer of the IRIS-T air defense system. The mayor says the system saved thousands of lives during the Russian air strikes on Kyiv.

Our military are excited about IRIS-T. Every shot is a hit, nobody misses, he said.

Since October, Russian forces have launched massive rocket attacks on Ukraines critical infrastructure, trying to leave the civilian population without electricity, water, and heat during the winter.

Read also: Russia will fail in its new strategy to plunge Ukraine into darkness, says Zelenskyy

Dozens of missiles flew at Kyiv and surrounding areas, most of them were shot down by air defense forces, but some hit the capitals energy and other critical infrastructure facilities.

Klitschko had stated that Kyiv was preparing for the worst case scenario in which the capital would be completely without heat, light and water.

The most difficult situation was after the strikes on Nov. 23, when the subway stopped working in the city for several days and all electric mass transit stopped, being replaced with non-electric. Almost all residents of Kyiv had no electricity.

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
Lady Gaga attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Valerie Macon/Getty Images

Lady Gaga attended the Oscars on Sunday in a Versace gown with a sheer corset bodice.

The dress also had a dropped waistline that dipped below her backside and showed her tattoos.

For accessories, she chose a vintage diamond necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. in the '50s.

As she does almost every year, Lady Gaga made a showstopping appearance on the Academy Awards red carpet.

Moments before the 2023 Oscars began on Sunday, the musician and actor arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in a striking Versace gown.

The long-sleeved dress had a sheer corset bodice, a full skirt that reached the floor, and a crystal-embellished belt across her hips.

She wore it with smokey eye makeup, glossy red lipstick, and Tiffany & Co. jewelry  including a platinum-and-diamond necklace from the 1950s, according to Vogue.

Lady Gaga attends the 2023 Academy Awards. ABC/Getty Images

The back of Gaga's gown was arguably even more striking.

Its skirt had a dropped waistline that dipped below her backside, and its mesh top showed many of the artist's tattoos.

Lady Gaga's black gown was designed by Versace. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Versace first debuted the gown on Thursday during its Fall-Winter 2023 fashion show in Los Angeles, California.

On Instagram, Donatella Versace noted that the collection serves as a celebration of her brand's "tailoring and craftsmanship."

Not only was Gaga's look one of the best of the night, but it also featured one of the most popular fashion trends seen on the Oscars red carpet: a corset bodice.

Other celebrities who embraced the trend included Jamie Lee Curtis, Halle Bailey, and Mindy Kaling.

Read the original article on Insider
Lady Gaga has built a career out of defying expectations in music and on film, and her performance at the 2023 Oscars was no exception.

The pop icon make a jaw-dropping entrance at Sundays ceremony in a floor-length black gown and sheer bustier by Versace. But by the time she took the stage to perform Hold My Hand, her Academy Award-nominated song from Top Gun: Maverick, shed swapped Hollywood glamour for a casual T-shirt, ripped jeans and minimal makeup.

She dedicated her performance to Tony Scott, who directed the original Top Gun in 1986. The British filmmaker and younger brother of Ridley Scott also directed such hits as 1993s True Romance and 1998s Enemy of the State. He died in 2012 at the age of 68.

Gagas stripped-down approach was a marked change from 2019, when she joined Bradley Cooper, who directed and starred with Gaga in A Star is Born, for a dreamy interpretation of Shallow on the Oscars stage.

Watch Lady Gaga perform Hold My Hand at the 2023 Oscars below.

As with Shallow, Gagas performance of Hold My Hand was shot in extreme close-up, putting her unparalleled talents as a musician on full display while nonetheless garnering some amusing responses from viewers.

lady gaga giving full open mic energy at the oscars like you dont understand im obsessed, Vanity Fairs Chris Murphy wrote.

I am in awe  Derick Waller (@wallerABC7) March 13, 2023

IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich likewise applauded the decision: Lady Gaga was once again like i will only perform at the Oscars if it is filmed in the most uncomfortably intimate way possible and i love that about her.

Why is this the POV they decided for lady Gagas number #Oscars#AcademyAwardspic.twitter.com/8L9P9FANeB  Jon (@jonbon757) March 13, 2023

Despite the praise, Gaga lost the Oscar for Best Original Song to Naatu Naatu, from the Indian film RRR.

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Turns out, the minimalist attire may have been by necessity. Gaga, who is currently filming Joker: Folie a Deux, was initially expected to skip the Oscars. Her performance was only confirmed by Variety hours before Sundays ceremony.

Before taking the stage, Lady Gaga appeared at the 2023 Oscars in a floor-length black gown and sheer bustier by Versace.

Before taking the stage, Lady Gaga appeared at the 2023 Oscars in a floor-length black gown and sheer bustier by Versace.

Related...
TAVARES  A judge who ruled against a Stand Your Ground defense on Friday began jury selection Monday for a Leesburg man charged with hacking his neighbor to death with a machete.

Carlos Reyes is charged with walking up to Gary Mosleys screened-in porch at 1 a.m. on June 29, 2017, identifying himself as John, and tried to enter the area where Mosley and Franklin Wright were playing cards, according to court records.

Mosley told Reyes to get off his Georgia Avenue property or he would call police, but Reyes walked up to the porch and opened the porch door.

Earlier coverage: Suspect in machete attack won't face death penalty

Was it self defense? Wife of man arrested in machete attack says it was self-defense

Wright, 63, who is disabled with a stroke, said he sprayed Reyes with pepper spray. Mosley began fighting the man and the battle moved onto the front lawn. Wright ran into the house to awaken Mosleys cousin.

When he came back out to the porch he heard Mosley shout, Call the police, hes killing me. He has a machete.

When rescue workers arrived, Mosley said, Im going to bleed out, man.

Carlos Reyes in court.

Mosley was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Doctors had given him 50 units of blood by 7:30 a.m. One doctor said, Two of the injuries were so severe he could the victims brain. His left forearm was attached by only a few tendons."

Mosley died on July 1, 2017.

The defense tried to invoke Stand Your Ground

The victim had been struck with the machete 17-18 times, causing skull fractures, removing his eye, and nearly severing his left hand, according to the states motion to dismiss the application for the Stand Your Ground defense.

The law states that a person does not have a duty to retreat but can defend himself if he feels his life is threatened, defense attorney Wanda Greene argued Friday.

Assistant State Attorney Cherish Adams argued that the statute requires that the person must not be engaged in criminal activity, and that he had a right to be where he defended himself.

Story continues

In this case, Adams argued, Reyes was trespassing, which is a criminal activity, and he had no right to be on Mosleys property.

Mosley, 61, had defensive wounds, including having his left hand almost severed. Plus, a lot of the blows were delivered from above, suggesting he was on the ground or had fallen into bushes.

The defense said that Wright later told someone while drinking that Reyes had acted in self-defense.

The machete was found stuck in the ground near a fence. There were questions from the beginning about where the rusty machete came from. Was it Mosleys, and left in the yard? Or did Reyes bring it? Blood found on the weapon was tested and found to be Mosleys.

Circuit Judge Richard Singeltary

Circuit Judge G. Richard Singeltary ruled against the defense in the Stand Your Ground claim and is now presiding over the trial.

An anonymous tip led to a break in the case

An anonymous caller told police that Reyes, then 35, was the suspect.

Reyes wife, Yerenie Torres, told investigators that he had come home on nearby Waitman Avenue sweaty and breathing hard.

First, he said he had been attacked by a dog. He also said he had been injured climbing a fence.

He took a shower, went to bed, and then said he had hit someone with a machete.

She told police he had been taking drugs, including PCP, and had become increasingly violent.

Reyes gave different accounts to police, investigators said.

Crime scene investigators seized a pair of boots, clothing, and a blood-smeared shower curtain.

Torres told the Daily Commercial that Reyes didnt have much blood on him, but he did have a gash on his back, a bite mark on his nose and injuries to his hand.

He was attacked and was defending himself, she said.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: With Stand Your Ground ruled out; Lake County murder trial begins
Officials say a large group of migrants in Mexico on Sunday attempted a mass entry into the country at the El Paso border crossing, according to multiple reports.

The massive flood of migrants caused a number of disruptions and led to officials using barricades to try to contain the migrants, CNN reported.

Reuters reported that hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, including many with small children, were stopped by U.S. officials when attempting to enter into the United States. They gathered at the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, but failed to breach the border before being stopped by officials, the report said.

Please, we just want to get in so we can help our families, Camila Paz, an 18-year-old Venezuelan, said to Reuters. So I can have a future and help my family.

Video footage shared with Fox News showed one large surge of people rushing toward the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement obtained by The Hill that the group was posing a potential threat to make a mass entry.

CBP officials said that they implemented port hardening measures at the Paso del Norte International Bridge at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, halting traffic. They also said that they used physical barriers to prevent entry before traffic on the bridge resumed later Sunday evening.

CBP is working to maintain the legal and orderly flow of entry to the U.S. while protecting the safety and security of legitimate trade and travel, CBP facilities and the CBP workforce, the statement said.

El Paso Deputy City Manager Mario DAgostino told CNN that crowds were dispersing by Sunday evening and that the area is being monitored.

The agency said there were also attempts by large groups to cross the Stanton border crossing and the Bridge of the Americas crossing on Sunday.

This migrant surge comes as the Biden administration announced new steps to mitigate an influx of migrants wanting to enter the country at the border. President Biden warned migrants in January to not just show up at the southern U.S. border but instead apply for legal entry into the country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a requst for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (C, rear) meets the press after the closing of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong attended the press conference. [Photo/Xinhua]



China will further expand opening up this year in alignment with high-standard international trade rules, and will open its door wider to the world with a better business environment and services, Premier Li Qiang said Monday.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, which has not only developed China but also influenced the world, Li told a press conference.

The premier said China has remained a favored destination for global investment, given that foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, reached a record high of more than 189 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Opening up is a basic state policy of China, and no matter how the external situation evolves, China will stick to pursuing this policy, Li said.

Li highlighted that the annual China International Import Expo, which is a major step for China to open its market to the world and share development opportunities, has been held for five consecutive years despite the pandemic. Last year, more than 2,800 enterprises from 127 countries and regions participated in the expo.

This well proves that an open and big Chinese market provides big opportunities for companies from around the world, the premier said.

China welcomes investors from all over the world, Li said.
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  Nevada lawmakers are considering a remarkable shift in allowing the water agency that manages the Colorado River supply for Las Vegas to limit single-family residential use in the desert city and surrounding county.

It's another potential step in a decades-long effort to ensure one of the driest metropolitan areas in the U.S. has enough water. Already, in Las Vegas ornamental lawns are banned, new swimming pools have a size limit and the water used inside homes is recycled.

While some agencies across the U.S. West tie increased water use to increased cost, Nevada could be the first to give a water agency  the Southern Nevada Water Authority  the power to restrict what comes out of residents' taps in state statute to about 30,000 gallons above the average use. It's aimed mostly at the top 10% of water users that use 40% of the water in the residential sector, spokesperson Bronson Mack said.

Its a worst case scenario plan, said the bills sponsor, Democratic Assemblyman Howard Watts of Las Vegas, of the residential limit. It makes sure that we prioritize the must-haves for a home. Your drinking water, your basic health and safety needs.

The sweeping omnibus bill is one of the most significant to go before lawmakers this year in Nevada, one of seven states that rely on the Colorado River. Deepening drought, climate change and demand have sunk key Colorado River reservoirs that depend on melting snow to their lowest levels on record.

Lawmakers heard testimony for the bill on Monday evening, which also includes converting many homes with unrecyclable septic tanks for wastewater to the county's recyclable sewage system in the coming decades. It also establishes a program to pay at least 50% of the transition as they look to secure more state and federal funds to help with the transition.

Water agency officials stressed during the two-hour hearing that the residential caps would not be used immediately, but rather if conditions become even more dire. The cap would be at about 160,000 gallons annually - an amount that about 20% of the agency's customers use - with the average single-family residence using close to 130,000 gallons annually, per the agency.

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The authority hasnt yet decided how it would implement or enforce the proposed limits, Mack said.

The residential use limits received widespread support from water policy experts, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and jurisdictions within the agency's limits, while opposition came from some southern Nevada residents who testified through video from Las Vegas.

(For) a single-family home, you need to take into consideration: how many adults, family members are in this home?" said Sarah Patton of Las Vegas. "We have grown children that are currently living with us. That is more water use.

Las Vegas relies on the Colorado River for 90% of its water supply. Nevada has lost about 8% of that supply already because of mandatory cuts implemented as the river dwindles further. Most residents haven't felt the effects because Southern Nevada Water Authority recycles a majority of water used indoors and doesn't use the full allocation.

Nevada lawmakers banned ornamental grass at office parks, in street medians and entrances to housing developments two years ago, a move that other cities later adopted. This past summer, Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, capped the size of new swimming pools at single-family residential homes to about the size of a three-car garage.

By the next legislative session in 2025 drought conditions could be much worse, Watts said, and we have to decide what usage to prioritize before then. Yet the longer-term goal is for other Nevada to be a leader in responsible use of the Colorado River's dwindling supply even with deeper cuts looming.

Its a sign to every other sector across the Colorado River Basin, that were not going to wait for others, Watts told lawmakers of the potential single-family residential caps. We take the lead and work to reduce our consumptive use of water.

The main point of opposition for the bill was the conversion of homes with septic systems to the sewage system, a major shift that would lead many homes to reroute their wastewater. Some Clark County residents were dissuaded by the possibility of giving up their septic system or worried about the cost.

This is too much of a burden for these targeted homeowners, said Michele Tombari who, like others, said spoke fondly of her septic system and did not want to switch. If you want us to change what was already approved, what we already paid for, you need to pay 100% to have us change that.

Snow that has inundated northern Nevada and parts of California serves as only a temporary reprieve from dry conditions. Some states in the Colorado River basin have gridlocked on how to cut water usage.

Water from the Colorado River largely is used for agriculture in other basin states: Arizona, California, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. Municipal water is a relatively small percentage of overall use.

As populations grow and climate change leaves future supplies uncertain, policymakers are paying close attention to all available options to manage water supplies.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, uses a tiered cost structure where rates rise sharply when residents reach 10,000 gallons during the summer months.

Scottsdale, Arizona, recently told residents in a community outside city limits that it no longer could provide a water source for them. Scottsdale argued action was required under a drought management plan to guarantee enough water for its own residents.

Elsewhere in metro Phoenix, water agencies aren't currently discussing capping residential use, Sheri Trap of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association said in an email. But cities like Phoenix, Glendale and Tempe have said they will cut down on usage overall.

___ AP writer Susan Montoya Bryan contributed reporting from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stern is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Follow him on Twitter: @gabestern326.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) on Monday called on the State Department to issue a travel advisory warning Americans about the dangers of buying pharmaceuticals from some Mexican pharmacies.

We write to urge the State Department, which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of Americans traveling abroad, to immediately issue a travel advisory warning of the dangers of buying adulterated pharmaceuticals from Mexican pharmacies, the lawmakers wrote.

In a joint letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers cited multiple reports that documented how some pharmacies in popular tourist locations in Mexico were selling counterfeit prescription drugs that were laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine. They wrote that that this puts unsuspecting American customers, who may be traveling to the country to access cheaper medication, at risk of overdose and death.

We must continue to work to reduce the incentives for Americans to travel abroad because cheaper medication is available there, ensure we have adequate tools at home to combat substance use disorder, and ultimately reduce the demand for opioids and other drugs that are fueling our epidemic, the lawmakers wrote.

Markey and Trone asked Blinken whether the State Department has considered putting such a travel advisory in place and whether the department will work with other agencies to reduce incentives for Americans traveling to Mexico to buy cheaper drugs.

They requested answers by March 30.

The Los Angeles Times last month reported pharmacies in several northwestern cities were selling the laced prescription drugs and marketing them as as legitimate pharmaceuticals. Reporters for the newspaper found that pills sold as oxycodone tested positive for fentanyl, while pills sold as Adderall tested positive for methamphetamine.

The investigation ultimately found that 71 percent of the 17 pills they collected tested positive for stronger drugs.

A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles had similar results, finding that 11 different pharmacies into northwest Mexico were selling drugs with traces of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine. The researchers also found that 68 percent of the 40 pharmacies had at least one controlled substance for sale without a prescription, either in bottles or individual pills.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Heartland Middle School Google Maps

A mother is suing her daughters middle school after she said the principal made the then-14-year-old pull up her shirt, exposing her bra, while searching her for a nicotine vape.

The lawsuit, filed on March 3, alleges that the girl was improperly and unreasonably subjected to a strip search while a student at Heartland Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma, by the principal, Veronica Johnson.

The lawsuit names the Edmond Public School District, Johnson, and Heartland Middle School, accusing them of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, sexual assault, and violating the Fourth Amendments protection against unreasonable searches as well as school policy.

The Edmond School District did not respond to BuzzFeed News request for comment.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged search was conducted on May 10, 2021, in a room with a clear view to general access areas of the school.

Johnson told the student to spin around after telling her to lift her shirt up, exposing her stomach and the top of her boxers, according to the lawsuit. Johnson then allegedly asked what underwear the student was wearing under her pants, then told her to lift her shirt high enough to expose the students bra.

Shelby Shelton, the attorney representing the students family, told BuzzFeed News that they obtained body camera footage from a school officer who was present during the incident through a public records request after the school initially refused to provide it.

According to both Oklahoma state law and the Edmond School District student search and seizure policy, staffers are permitted to search students under reasonable suspicion. However, they are not permitted to strip-search the students, Shelton said.

In no event shall a strip search of a student be allowed. No student's clothing, except cold weather outerwear, shall be removed prior to or during the conduct of any warrantless search, the school districts policy says.

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According to the lawsuit, no vape was found during the search. The family is now seeking a minimum of $25,000 in damages.

Shelton said the girl had already been searched with a metal detector wand and was clearly not a threat.

There's no guns or knives or anything dangerous, let alone, even if they had a vape pen, which they didn't, there's no immediate threat to anyone's safety, Shelton said. And they did all of this without contacting anybody's parents.

The experience was humiliating for the girl, and her family removed her from the district into an online school after the incident, he added. Theyre now looking to sell their home to move into another school district.

Our goal is for people to understand that your rights don't end at the door to a school, he said. I mean, we're all Americans. We all have constitutional rights, and those don't end at the front door of a school. It's not a prison.

More on this
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping capped this years National Peoples Congress by securing a third, norm-defying term in office and shaping some of the policies that will steer the worlds second-largest economy through the year ahead.

Most Read from Bloomberg

From Beijings aggressive stance on US-China relations to its overhaul of some key features of the nations bureaucracy, here are the key takeaways from the big political event:

Xi cements control of the country

Lawmakers unanimously voted to give Xi Jinping a third term as president, completing his ascension to supreme leader.

Several of Xis allies were appointed to key positions, including Li Qiang as premier. Li had been the front-runner for the job since he was named the partys No. 2 in October.

The cabinet had few new faces, though. Almost half of the 26 officials in the lineup have been in their positions since 2021 or earlier, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.

Modest GDP target signals no major stimulus

The government set a relatively conservative economic growth target of around 5% for the year, suggesting there wont be any large fiscal or monetary stimulus this year.

China also retained several of its top economic officials, including central bank Governor Yi Gang, in a sign of policy continuity. He Lifeng, a close Xi ally, was promoted to vice premier, putting him in line to possibly replace Liu He as the top economic policymaker in the country.

Beijing amps up aggressive US rhetoric

Xi made a rare, direct criticism of the US, saying Chinas economy was being hindered by comprehensive containment and suppression by western countries led by the US over the past few years.

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That sentiment was echoed by Qin Gang, the new foreign minister, who warned that soaring US-China tensions risk blowing past any guardrails in the relationship.

China prioritizes technological independence

Xis comments about US containment signaled a strategy by Beijing to strengthen the private sector and establish technological independence in the face of US efforts to restrict Chinas development in technology. The president said China will take forceful measures to support the development of high-end manufacturing.

The bureaucracy was also overhauled as part of that sweeping push to make the economy more self-sufficient. Those plans include the setting up of a national bureau to police and protect data resources, and expanding the Ministry of Science and Technologys role.

A new powerful financial regulator

China will set up a financial regulator to oversee all sectors except the securities industry. The current banking and insurance watchdog will be absorbed into the new national financial regulatory administration, while the agency overseeing the securities industry will be strengthened.

The Peoples Bank of China will lose some of its functions to the new and enlarged financial regulatory body, leaving the central bank focused on broader economic and financial stability management. Economists said Chinas model of financial regulation will now model Australias.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP)  An unrelenting Cyclone Freddy that is currently battering southern Africa has killed at least 56 people in Malawi and Mozambique since it struck the continent for a second time on Saturday night, authorities in both countries have confirmed.

Local police said 51 people in Malawi, including 36 in Chilobwe in the financial hub of Blantyre in the center of the country have died, with several others missing or injured. Authorities in Mozambique reported that five people were killed in the country since Saturday.

The deaths in Malawi include five members of a single family who died in Blantyres Ndirande township after Freddys destructive winds and heavy rains demolished their house, according to a police report. A three-year-old child who was "trapped in the debris" is also among the victims, with her parents among those reported missing, authorities also said.

We suspect that this figure will rise as we are trying to compile one national report from our southwest, southeast and eastern police offices which cover the affected areas, Malawi police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told the AP.

The cyclone lashed over Mozambique and Malawi over the weekend and into Monday. Its the second time the record-breaking cyclone  which has been causing destruction in southern Africa since late February  made landfall in mainland Africa. It also pummeled the island states of Madagascar and Reunion as it traversed across the ocean.

The cyclone has intensified a record seven times and has the highest-ever recorded accumulated cyclone energy, or ACE, which is a measurement of how much energy a cyclone has released over time. Freddy recorded more energy over its lifetime than an entire typical U.S. hurricane season.

Freddy first developed near Australia in early February and traveled across the entire southern Indian Ocean. It's set to be the longest-ever recorded tropical cyclone. The U.N.'s weather agency has convened an expert panel to determine whether it has broken the record set by Hurricane John in 1994 of 31 days.

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Freddy made landfall in the seaport of Quelimane in Mozambique on Saturday where there are reports of damage to houses and farmlands, although the extent of the destruction is not yet clear. Telecommunications and other essential infrastructure are still cut off in much of the affected Zambezia province, impeding rescue and other humanitarian efforts.

French weather agency Meteo-France's regional tropical cyclone monitoring center in Reunion warned Monday that the heaviest rains will continue over the next 48 hours as Freddy barrels on. Mozambiques central provinces and Malawi have been identified as especially vulnerable to floods and landslides in mountainous areas by weather monitors.

Much of the damage experienced in Malawi is in homes built in areas prohibited by law such as in mountainous regions or near rivers where they are battling landslides, unprecedented flooding and rivers bursting their banks. The cyclone has forced the Malawian government to suspend schools in 10 districts in its southern region as a precautionary measure.

Freddy is expected weaken and to exit back to sea on Wednesday, according to Meteo-France.

___

Alexandre Nhampossa and Tom Gould contributed to this report from Maputo, Mozambique. Kabukuru reported from Mombasa, Kenya.

___

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Internal Revenue Service building is seen in Washington in 2019. (Zach Gibson / Getty Images)

To the editor: Jackie Calmes' column, "Why America cant put a dent in its $31-trillion debt," makes some good points about the endless avoidance, dishonesty and hypocrisy in all the grandstanding about the national debt.

However, what she misses is that since the 1980s, we have adopted a much more regressive tax structure that has enabled wealth accumulation at the top.

The top federal income tax bracket was 91% under President Eisenhower, but since then nearly every Republican president has rewarded their rich donors with tax cuts. Now, the top bracket is only 37%, but multiple loopholes can bring that down even further, even to 0%.

In addition to increased income taxes and closed loopholes, we need higher taxes on stock buybacks, carried interest, automated stock trades and the obscene wealth that the top 1% has so unfairly accumulated over the decades.

Can we also finally begin auditing and scaling down our ruinous and absurd military budget, which is now pushing $1 trillion per year?

If we face the gross inequities of our tax and budgetary policies, we can secure and even expand Medicare and Social Security.

William Winburn, Rancho Palos Verdes

..

To the editor: The Republicans have been particularly hypocritical and irresponsible in their actions on the debt. As a fiscal conservative, I saw this underscored by the first bill the Republican majority advanced in the new Congress: rescinding an $80-billion appropriation for the IRS to hire more agents and modernize the tax collection apparatus.

Taxes need to be collected to fund government operations. And taxes are not being processed quickly enough to offset spending. How much sense does that make?

The Republicans not only refuse to raise taxes to fund the government; they want to defund the government by making sure our taxes aren't collected.

Frank Albers, Seal Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Key Insights

Using the Dividend Discount Model, Lindsay Australia fair value estimate is AU$0.66

Lindsay Australia is estimated to be 20% overvalued based on current share price of AU$0.80

Lindsay Australia's peers seem to be trading at a lower premium to fair value based onthe industry average of -12%

How far off is Lindsay Australia Limited (ASX:LAU) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

View our latest analysis for Lindsay Australia

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We have to calculate the value of Lindsay Australia slightly differently to other stocks because it is a transportation company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.9%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.3%. Relative to the current share price of AU$0.8, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

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Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= AU$0.04 / (8.3%  1.9%)

= AU$0.7

dcf

The Assumptions

Now 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 Lindsay Australia 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 8.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.075. 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 Lindsay Australia

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Transportation market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for LAU.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. 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. Why is the intrinsic value lower than the current share price? For Lindsay Australia, we've compiled three important factors you should look at:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Lindsay Australia that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does LAU'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the ASX every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks 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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Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, leaves a meeting with media at the Capitol in Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Its been three years since a virus that originated 6,873 miles from here significantly altered life as we knew it. Almost overnight, phrases like social distancing, shelter in place, contact tracing, distance learning, herd immunity and who says I have to wear a mask? entered our vocabulary.

Looking back, how did Utah fare handling the pandemic? I asked that question of three people who were on the COVID-19 front lines. Granted, theyre all biased, since all live in Utah, but to a person they give the state good marks compared to the rest of America, albeit with a few caveats.

It probably wont come as a surprise that the most boosterish is a politician.

No one else did as well as we did, said Stuart Adams, president of the Utah Senate.

And he has statistics to back it up.

In every analysis of what was done, taking into account the three key factors of mortality rate, the economy and education, Utah has come out on top, the senator noted.

He cites several studies, including one by the University of Illinois and another by the National Bureau of Economic Research, that bear this out. Utahs per capita mortality rate, at 1,649 deaths per one million population (a percentage of .004), is third lowest in the country, barely behind Hawaii and Vermont. Our economy was the fourth quickest to recover, behind only Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. And our schools were fifth quickest to reopen, behind Wyoming, Arkansas, Florida and South Dakota.

Combine the three categories and Utah rates No. 1.

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The senate president credits a quick response by the Legislature in giving Utah a head start. Just one month into the lockdown, a special legislative session brought people together from the public health, business and political sectors to come up with a game plan.

Never experienced anything in my entire life with so much pressure, said Adams, not knowing if we were making the right decisions if people would live or not live or if peoples businesses and the economy would survive.

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With 20/20 hindsight, we can look back and say we did well. But it was not by chance and it was not by any one person. We had so much input, so much collaboration, so many people wanting to do the right thing.

Dr. Angela Dunn was perhaps the most famous Utahn during those dark days of 2020 and early 2021. Certainly she was the most-seen. As the state epidemiologist, she was the face of public healths response to the growing pandemic.

I dont know if its fair to compare states; were all so different, she said diplomatically, before agreeing, Ultimately I think we fared really well.

We had strong health care systems and networks that allowed us to reach who needed to be reached. We took long-term care very seriously before the pandemic, and that allowed us to protect our frail population from the beginning  although we can do better protecting the marginalized and under-resourced communities.

The pandemic, she said, highlighted the close dependence between health care and the economy. We learned to put those two together.

Not that it was easy. There was a big learning curve combining politics and public health, she said. The nature of public health, when were effective and things are going well, nobody notices. Looking back, at first it was exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping excitement  OK, this is what we were trained to do, we have a great team, lets save lives  but then the politics entered in and that impacted the fun. That was a long time to be under stress.

Mengshin Lin, Deseret News

Dunn is now executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department. Her term as state epidemiologist ended in May 2021.

She was replaced by Dr. Leisha Nolen, who has seen Utah through the waning days of the pandemics heyday. Nolen was in Alaska, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in March 2020 when COVID-19 first arrived.

I think Utahs fared quite well, she said. Thats partially policy and partially who we are. Utahs a very young state, with more children and young adults compared to other states. Utahns dont smoke as much, dont have as much high blood pressure, so in the beginning we were sort of biased to having a better outcome than other states. We just had less of those most likely to get sick.

The new state epidemiologist sees two main worries as COVID-19 lingers.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

One is the fact that 27% of the state remains unvaccinated (Utah ranks 28th out of the 50 states in vaccination percentage).

Thats a significant percent without vaccine, she said. Thats a tragedy when we know its such good medicine and such good protection.

That means we still have people vulnerable. In the last 28 days, statistics show that people unvaccinated are five times more likely to die from COVID than those fully vaccinated and nine times more than those with an updated COVID booster.

Her other concern: the fact that CDC statistics show that Utah has the fifth highest percent of people with long COVID (symptoms lasting more than three months). According to the latest data, 18.6% of people who have had COVID-19 say they have had or currently have long COVID.

Thats 2.5% of Utahns with significant limitations on their activities, said Nolen. On a population scale thats huge. Its easy to look at the numbers and say so few people died because we did excellently in our state. But we have people who were affected who could have avoided it and might have something that could affect them the rest of their lives.

So to say we won it all I think is inaccurate.
This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Feb. 9, 2023 shows Shenzhou-15 taikonaut Fei Junlong conducting extravehicular activities (EVAs) out of the space station lab module Wentian. [Photo/Xinhua]





China's Shenzhou-15 crew is scheduled to return to Earth in June, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said Sunday.



The space station combination is operating steadily, and the Shenzhou-15 astronauts are in good condition, said the CMSA.

China will launch three space missions for the space station application and development this year, including the cargo craft Tianzhou-6 and the crewed spaceships Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17.

Tianzhou-6 has been transported to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern province of Hainan and is scheduled to be launched in May.

The crew members for the two manned missions have been selected and are now undergoing training.

Adhering to the principles of peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, China is committed to making its space station an open platform for scientific and technological cooperation and exchange for the international community.

The first batch of experimental projects jointly selected by the CMSA and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs is scheduled to be carried out in the space station this year.

According to the CMSA, China has achieved breakthroughs in key technologies for its manned lunar exploration and completed argumentation on the manned lunar exploration plan. It will start the research and development work for the lunar landing project this year.
On the third anniversary of Breonna Taylors death, theGrio examines the effects of lies police place in search and arrest warrants.

Darell Chancellor was at work in Detroit when he got a frightening call in November 2011. Police were in his mothers house with a warrant conducting a raid. A year later, he started a minimum 14-year term in prison for drug possession.

In 2016, Houston officers secured a warrant to look for marijuana at Frederick Jefferys house. The officers reportedly found methamphetamine. A judge sentenced Jeffery to 25 years in prison.

Three years ago today in Kentucky, Louisville officers, based on sworn police statements in a warrant, entered Breonna Taylors apartment. Shortly after, the 26-year-old emergency room technician was dead from five gunshot wounds.

Three states. Three lives changed forever. Three lies.

Protesters gather near the Breonna Taylor memorial in Louisville, Kentuckys Jefferson Square Park on Oct. 2, 2020. Taylor was killed months earlier by police who raided her home based on a falsified warrant. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

The raids that led to Taylors death and a total of 12 years of lost freedom for Chancellor and Jeffery all started with police officers falsifying warrants. Across the country, cops regularly lie on search warrants, arrest warrants and warrant affidavits, defense attorneys, experts and law enforcement officials say. They have firsthand knowledge. The Black community has some, too. For decades, Black people shared anecdotes about police lies and planted evidence. TheGrio sought facts.

To gather data, theGrio partnered with Boston Universitys Justice Media Computational Journalism co-Lab, a collaboration between the College of Communication and Spark!, an experiential learning lab and technology incubator that uses data-driven projects to empower student innovation and applied research endeavors. Justice Media co-Lab students evaluated a database of 3,285 cases in which a judge exonerated a convicted person between 1989 and 2022. The database is part of the National Registry of Exonerations, a project involving the University of California Irvine, University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Of those cases, 384 of them mentioned the word warrant.

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At least 51 exoneration cases out of the 384 involve some kind of warrant misconduct. Twenty-four of those cases involve falsified warrants. Of the 51 cases, the states with the most frequent occurrences are Texas, Illinois and Massachusetts.

Lying is a normal part of policing. Its a common open secret in the criminal courts, Philip Stinson, a former police officer and criminal justice professor at Bowling Green University says. Everybody knows it. Judges, defense lawyers, prosecutors, police officers. They all know that police officers routinely lie. Stinson runs a police crime database that tracks all the criminal cases involving police officers between 2005 and 2017.

Theres an old adage: If you lie, youll cheat. If you cheat, youll steal. If you steal, youll kill. Taylors death, the cases of Jeffery and Chancellor  they illustrate that lies arent just words.

Complete and utter bullsh*t

When Chancellors mother called him about the raid, he tried to comfort and reassure her. Officer Stephen Geelhood then got on the phone with him, Chancellor said.

What are you doing? I didnt do nothing, Chancellor recounted telling Geelhood on Nov. 2, 2011. Geelhood said that the police needed to meet Chancellor. They wanted me to roll over on someone else, and he threatened to put what they found in the house on me if I didnt have more information for him.

In a search warrant, Geelhood and other officers claimed they saw someone selling heroin in front of that house the day before the raid. The warrant also said an informant told the officers that heroin sales went down in the house.

Police officers in Detroit monitor a demonstration on May 29, 2020, after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests nationwide. Detroit is being sued by one man who spent eight years in prison after a search based on a falsified warrant. (Photo by Seth Herald/Getty Images)

The raid yielded cocaine and an unregistered handgun in a bedroom. A letter addressed to Chancellor was in the same room as the gun, according to court documents.

Geelhood ended the call. Chancellor, who had been released from prison earlier that year, said he figured if police wanted to reach him, they would call his parole officer. But that never happened.

Six months later police pulled over Chancellor for what his lawyer described as a headlight issue in a classic case of driving while Black. Thats when officers informed Chancellor that there was an arrest warrant for him related to the raid. He went to trial in November 2012, accused of drug and firearm possession. It was a bench trial  no jury, just a judge.

Geelhood testified that he surveilled Chancellors mothers house after he got a tip about drug sales. While watching, Geelhood said, he saw a man who appeared to be in his 30s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 180 pounds, no eyeglasses, selling drugs in front of the house.

Chancellor wore glasses all the time, stood almost 6 feet tall and weighed close to 250 pounds at the time of the raid. He told the judge that he lived with his mother only briefly after leaving prison and hadnt lived in her house since nine months before the raid.

The judge believed Geelhoods evidence. He found Chancellor guilty of cocaine possession. The judge felt he was credible, and thats why I got convicted, he says today. Because of his priors, the judge sentenced him to 14 to 30 years in prison.

But there was a problem. Geelhood lied.

In 2019, with her son seven years into his prison sentence, Chancellors mother heard about suspected corruption in the Detroit Police Departments narcotics unit and an investigation of its officers. Many of the drug officers in the department were under internal investigation for stealing guns and money, falsely accusing people of committing crimes and falsifying search warrants.

She and Chancellor pleaded with the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) to investigate her sons case. It did. The unit could find no evidence that a tip had been provided to Geelhood or that he had conducted the claimed surveillance, according to the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office. In 2020, the prosecutor dismissed charges against Chancellor. After eight years in prison, he returned home to his family.

[Geelhood] absolutely lied under oath, Ven Johnson, an attorney who represents Chancellor in a lawsuit against the city of Detroit, says. His search warrant affidavit is complete and utter bullsh*t.

The Detroit Police Department did not respond to theGrios multiple requests for comment. But in 2020, the Detroit News reported the police chief said his department was investigating Geelhood. According to Johnson and other local reports, Geelhood is still on the police force.

Lethal shortcuts

The lie on the search warrant in Chancellors case bares similarities to the lies that led to Breonna Taylors death three years ago. The cases just ended differently. Chancellor went to prison and then rejoined his family. Taylor is gone. Forever. Her death became a driving force behind the 2020 racial reckonings across the United States.

After years of questions from the community in Louisville and Taylors family, in 2022, the federal government arrested four Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers involved in the raid. Two of the officers  Kyle Meany and Kelly Goodlett  allegedly lied on the search warrant application for Taylors apartment.

They told the judge that their real target  Taylors ex-boyfriend Kenneth Walker  was getting packages delivered to her house for him, but there was no evidence of that. Goodlett pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy and is expected to cooperate with the federal government in the trial for Meany and another officer charged  Joshua Jaynes. Their trial is in October.

Louisville Metro Police Department officers put up police tape on Sept. 23, 2020, as protesters march after a judge announced the charges against Brett Hankison, one of the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March of that year. The Justice Department released a report last week that found a pattern of discrimination in the LMPD. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor should have awakened in her home as usual, but tragically she did not, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said when her office formally charged the officers. Since the founding of our nation, the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution has guaranteed that all people have a right to be secure in their homes, free from false warrants, unreasonable searches and the use of unjustifiable and excessive force by the police.

The Department of Justice released a report last week that found a pattern of discrimination in the Louisville Metro Police Department. This conduct is unacceptable. It is heartbreaking. It erodes the community trust necessary for effective policing, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said about the report.

While the justice that followed the cases of Taylor and Chancellor was a rarity, the actions of the officers were not.

Its easy to see why this is so pervasive in police departments, experts say, specifically in cases that involve drugs like those of Jeffery, Taylor and Chancellor. Its like taking a shortcut at your job. If you get away with it the first time, youre going to keep doing it, says Carlton Williams, a former criminal defense attorney and law professor at Cornell University.

Joseph Grant, a professor at the University of Louisville, spent several years as an officer in the Jefferson County Police Department and later with Louisville police. With a 24-year career in law enforcement, Grant said he witnessed this type of misconduct.

It happens, and when you break it down, the biggest problem is a lack of accountability and a lack of supervision, Grant said. There is a tendency to want to take the shortcut. The problem is we lose sight of our responsibility and our humanity.

That shortcut includes officers saying they saw something they didnt and putting it in a search warrant or arrest warrant.

Judges have to approve the search warrant application that police officers bring them. When it comes to drug cases, the judge likely is going to take the word of the cops. Judges are not the worlds most skeptical creatures in these cases. They tend to believe the police, Ken Otterbourg, a researcher with the National Registry of Exonerations says. The probable cause for [these kinds of] warrants doesnt get examined with a high level of scrutiny.

Thats compounded by the fact that more than 90% of criminal cases dont go to trial. What happens is if the police enter your house with a search warrant that they got a judge to sign and you get arrested on it, theres a pretty good chance youre not going to trial, and youre going to just plead it out, Otterbourg says.

Its only later when something unravels, as it did with Chancellor, or when someone dies, as was the case with Breonna Taylor, that authorities go back, examine the warrant and question it, experts say. For the vast majority of these cases, no one examines warrants closely, crime researchers stress.

Thats why its so difficult to quantify how often this happens. We have 18,000 different police departments across the country, 18,000 different chiefs, 18,000 ways of administration, Ralph Godbee, the former chief of the Detroit Police Department says.

A way to possibly understand the frequency of fraudulent warrants is to consider the prevalence of official misconduct that required a persons exoneration. In the exoneration database, of the 384 cases that showed up in the warrant search, 276 involved official misconduct.

Official misconduct means that police, prosecutors, or other government officials significantly abused their authority or the judicial process in a manner that contributed to the exonerees conviction, the database website states.

Now consider this: Only two states did not have exonerations related to official misconduct during that time frame. Forty-eight states and Puerto Rico did. That means misconduct is happening almost everywhere on U.S. soil. And remember, first, those are only cases that received review, and second, something usually has to go headline-grabbing wrong before a law enforcement or investigatory agency decides to double-check police work. Or maybe, someone observes a suspicious trend.

If a lie works once, officers use it again

During Godbees tenure in Detroit, the department was under several federal consent decrees because of excessive force, civil rights violations and misconduct. Those decrees mean theres a court order mandating departmental changes to align with constitutional protections. Godbee spent time working with the federal mandates to make sure that the department complied with the proper investigatory processes and procedures. That included ensuring the veracity of all written reports.

When you audit these kinds of documents you will see a pattern in reports that narratively is similar to other reports that officers have done when they successfully find that this narrative grants the signature of a judge, Godbee says. Narratives dont match that neatly unless you have a pattern thats working for you. Multiply that by 18,000.

Still, its hard to catch these incidents in real time, which is why officers get away with it  like in Houston, when officer Gerald Goines arrested Frederick Jeffery in October 2016.

The Police Department building in Houston, Texas. An officer with the department lied on an application for a search warrant, and his no-knock raid in 2019 left two people dead. That officer, Gerald Goines, is alleged to have engaged in misconduct that has affected thousands of cases and hundreds of lives. (Photo by Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

Goines said that his informant bought drugs from a house. He got a search warrant and went to the house. When he got there, Goines claimed that he saw Jeffery and another man putting burglar bars on the front door.

Goines said they found several grams of methamphetamine inside the house. They arrested both men on charges of drug possession and sale. Jeffery went to trial in 2018 and a jury convicted him of possessing a controlled substance. Due to his extensive criminal history, the judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Throughout his detention and trial, Jeffery claimed that Goines framed him. While incarcerated, he wrote letters to the judge, pleading for a review of his case.

A year after Jeffery went to prison, Goines led a no-knock warrant raid in April 2019 in which police killed two people in their home. The Houston Police Department began investigating Goines and found that he lied on the search warrant application for the no-knock raid.

As they continued to investigate, Houston police discovered multiple fake drug buys involving Goines. He is now facing murder and civil rights violation charges for the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas in the no-knock raid, and he admitted to lying on the warrant application. Coincidentally Goines, in 2004, arrested George Floyd, whose murder in 2020 also sparked the national racial reckonings. Despite Goines tarnished reputation, Floyds family has not prevailed in efforts to clear his name, and that drug arrest remains on his record.

The Texas Court of Appeals vacated Jefferys case in July 2022. Goines lied on the search warrant application for the house where Jeffery was. Goines had an informant whom he paid to lie about buying drugs from specific people.

Jeffery and his mother did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but he did speak to a local news station after his release. I knew [Goines] was crooked, Jeffery told ABC News 13 in Houston last summer., You cant be an officer of the law and be crooked. You have to be an officer of the law for the people.

Goines misconduct is alleged to have reached thousands of cases, impacting hundreds of lives in Houston.

For some, such as Chancellor, Jeffery, and Taylors family, who received a $12 million settlement, theres a measure of justice. But usually, lying on warrants goes unchecked. It shows you that its a good old boys network where they would argue that the ends justify the means, Ven Johnson, Chancellors lawyer says. You can lie, you can cheat and you can steal because youre getting bad guys off the streets.

Police lies contribute to the fractured relationship between law enforcement and the disenfranchised minority communities where they work. If you have dirty cops, you have a dirty system and people wont respect it, Johnson says.

Criminal justice experts say everyone in the criminal justice system has a role to play in eliminating the falsification of warrants.

Judges and prosecutors need to push back and question police officers more, the exoneration registrys Otterbourg says. They need to be more skeptical of what the police bring them.

For people like Joseph Grant and others who worked in law enforcement for decades and have great admiration for the profession, eliminating the lethal lies and shortcuts on warrants starts with police leadership.

The management is the most important piece of policing. Supervisors and sergeants are the most important individuals in your department, Grant says. We need leaders who have a strong sense of humanity and leaders who are courageous enough to hold themselves and others accountable. That person Im arresting is somebodys child.

Godbee, the former Detroit police chief, lists investigating community complaints among the solutions for dishonest officers. We cant just take the officers word as gospel, he said. Community member complaints have to hold some weight as well. If you collect data appropriately, you can discern different patterns of what police officers are doing out on the streets.

In Detroit, Chancellor feels fortunate. Hes staying out of trouble, raising his 11-year-old son and trying to rebuild relationships that were lost during those years I was away.

I just hope I dont run into [Geelhood] again, he says. He still patrols the streets.

Boston Universitys Justice Media Computational Journalism co-Lab, a collaboration between the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences BU Spark! program, the College of Communication, and the BU Hub Cross-College Challenge, contributed to this report. Contributing students were Sofie Gavin-Melamed, Derinell Rojas and Zuizz Saeed.

TheGrio is now on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post This is what it looks like when cops lie appeared first on TheGrio.
Watch below: Lorraine Kelly and Susanna Reid respond to Hugh Grant's awkward Oscars interview.

Susanna Reid and Lorraine Kelly have weighed in on Hugh Grant's controversial Oscars interview.

The acting legend, and star of Paddington 2, appeared on the red carpet of the awards ceremony and was interviewed by Ashley Graham only to give the presenter a series of short, sardonic answers which received a mixed response online.

Reid discussed the Grant while co-hosting Good Morning Britain, saying: "Spare a thought for ABC's Ashley Graham. She saw Hugh Grant, who is famous for sometimes being a little bit short with his words."

Read more: Hugh Grant admits 'terrible' on-set tantrum on Dungeons and Dragons movie

Kelly later added on her own show: "Its the most awkward Oscars moment since slap-gate. ABCs Ashley Graham was interviewing Hugh Grant before the awards [and] lets just say that he kept his answers quite curt and short."

Kelly also appeared to not agree with Grant's line of answering: "I know hes been asked those questions a million times, but you just have to smile and get on with it."

Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant backstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards. (A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)

On the Oscars red carpet, Graham asked Grant a series of questions such as "What was it like to be in Glass Onion? How fun is it to shoot something like that?"

Grant, who only has a very brief cameo in the film, replied by saying: "Well I'm barely in it, I was in it for about three seconds."

Watch Hugh Grant's awkward chat with Ashley Graham

She also asked him: "What are you wearing?" to which he simply replied "my suit".

Grant is currently set for a busy couple of months as he has two new films out in March and April.

He can first be seen in Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves where he will play Forge Fitzwilliam.

Grant will then appear in Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune as villain Greg Simmonds. It will be Grant's third collaboration with Ritchie after The Gentlemen and The Man from UNCLE.
A Louisiana lawmaker filed a bill Monday that would raise the criminal penalties for distributing fentanyl to the equivalent of murder.

Republican Crowley state Rep. John Stefanski said he believes the penalty - life in prison at hard labor without parole or probation - would be the most severe in the nation.

"Its time that the consequences for creating and distributing fentanyl matches the violent damage it causes, Stefanski said in a statement. "The fentanyl crisis Louisiana is fighting knows no zip code, it knows no social class, gender or age. This toxic poison is stealing the lives of thousands of innocent Lousianans."

Stefanski is also running for Louisiana Attorney General.

Stefanski's measure, House Bill 90, would make the life without parole penalty effective for anyone convicted of possessing more than 28 grams, or one ounce. The penalties for possession of less than 28 grams would remain five to 40 years in prison with up to a $50,000 fine.

"I consulted with sheriffs and (district attorneys) for the amount that would trigger the severest of penalties," Stefanski told USA Today Network. "It's extreme, but it's my hope that this will run it our of the state in the same way the same penalty for heroin did. That had a chilling effect on drug dealers who just stopped handling (heroin)."

Rep. John Stefanski, R-Crowley, center, speaks to Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, left, and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, as Louisiana lawmakers near the end of their special session, on Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Baton Rouge.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana fentanyl drug-related deaths increased from fewer than 200 statewide in 2017 to nearly 1,000 in 2021, the most recent stats available.

More:In Louisiana, women represent less than 20 percent of seats in Legislature

With this legislation  we are sending a message loud and clear to drug traffickers that the state of Louisiana will have a zero-tolerance policy concerning fentanyl," Stefanski said. "The penalty for possession or distribution of fentanyl 28 grams or more will now be equivalent to that of a violent crime like homicide: life in prison.

In a December press release, the Louisiana Department of Health said there has been "an alarming increase across the United States in the availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl, a powerful opioid that has proven more lethal than other forms of narcotics. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, which has resulted in tragic fatal overdoses. The counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available and often contain deadly amounts of fentanyl."

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana lawmaker would make fentanyl penalties on par with murder
Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

For more than three decades, answers surrounding the grisly death of a baby girl known to them simply as Baby Doe eluded Mississippi authorities. The infants body was discovered inside a garbage bag in the south-western Mississippi community of Picayune on 17 April 1992.

Authorities determined that someone had smothered Baby Doe and deemed her untimely death a homicide. Picayune police started to investigate, collecting evidence  some tying the infant to neighboring Louisiana, reportedly including local newspapers  but the case went cold.

Last week, however, it became clear that Baby Doe was never forgotten. Louisiana police announced that they had arrested Does alleged killers  her parents  using genetic genealogy analysis of evidence collected after the babys body was found.

Officials said that Picayune police, with the aid of Mississippis investigations bureau, had reopened Baby Does case. Using advanced technology, DNA profiles and fingerprints were developed from the preserved evidence, they said.

After pursuing these leads, they claimed to have identified Baby Does parents as Andrew and Inga Johansen Carriere, both 50. They arrested the now-divorced couple on 9 March and 28 February, respectively.

This breakthrough in the case is a testament to the advancements in forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims and their families, the Louisiana state police said in a 9 March Facebook post.

While advancements in forensic science led police to Baby Does alleged killers, traditional, gumshoe detective work spurred the investigation. According to the nola.com news website in New Orleans, just outside of which the Carrieres lived, Picayune police detective Rhonda Johnson happened upon a box of evidence labeled Baby Doe in 2021 while she was investigating a cold case.

Johnson inquired about the box, and an evidence clerk recalled to the detective that an infant was discovered in a trash bin on 15 April 1992, the newspaper said.

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I said, Im going to have to do that one next, Johnson recalled to the newspaper. The detective hunted for Baby Does grave.

Johnson found the girl buried at a church in Picayune. Her tombstone was inscribed: Heavens angel.

Police didnt have to exhume Baby Does body, as the evidence in her death had been well preserved. Johnson and Mississippi bureau of investigations detective Christa Groom sent genetic evidence to Othram Labs based in Woodville, Texas.

The laboratory focuses on using crime scene DNA to identify victims and their attackers. In Baby Does case, Othram made a DNA profile for the infant.

Genetic genealogists, in turn, used this profile to put Baby Doe within a family-tree and discover potential relatives, Othrams chief development officer, Kristen Mittelman, told nola.com.

Othram analysts allegedly discovered Baby Does grandparents in Louisiana. Police, in turn, found Baby Does purported mother and father.

Inga Carriere was arrested in Avondale, which is across the Mississippi River from New Orleans and is about 60 miles from Picayune. Andrew Carriere was arrested in River Ridge, which is in a community just outside of  and on the same side of the river  as New Orleans.

Both were being held in a local jail in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna to await extradition to Mississippi.

Inga Carrieres attorney, Paul Fleming, maintained that she was innocent of murder. She believed at the time that the child was stillborn, Fleming reportedly said. Andrew Carrieres lawyers could not immediately be reached.

The investigators use of genetic genealogy to identify Baby Does alleged parents comes amid an apparent increase in law enforcement using this technique to solve crimes. In one of the most famous examples, police in Sacramento, California, homed in on the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo Jr, using genetic profiles available on genealogy websites.

The use of genetic genealogy in law enforcement has sparked controversy. Critics have questioned whether authorities should be able to use personal information  such as genetic information drawn from third parties  in their investigations due to privacy concerns.

It was not immediately clear how Othram was able to link DNA from Baby Doe to her alleged grandparents, including whether this information came from a third party. Othram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Tehran, Iran, on March 12 to meet with Iranian leaders, according to Lukashenkos official press service.

After having landed at Mehrabad International Airport, Lukashenko and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will reportedly discuss the countries bilateral relations, with an emphasis on trade and economic cooperation, including industry, agriculture, transport, and logistics.

Special attention will be paid to the situation in the region and the world in general, the press release said, adding that several agreements on areas of mutual interest will be signed.

No further information was provided regarding the nature of their discussions.

Lukashenko will also meet with Irans First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber, parliament speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader.


Education activist Malala Yousafzai was among the celebrities and notable figures spotted on the champagne-coloured red carpet ahead of this years Academy Awards ceremony.

The Pakistani-born Nobel Peace Prize laureate attended the Oscars as an executive producer of Stranger at the Gate, a nominee for Best Documentary Short Film.

Ms Yousafzai, popularly known by her first name, was dressed in a glittering floor-length Ralph Lauren silver-sequinned gown with an incorporated head scarf. She also wore an emerald flower ring from Santi Jewels.

Malala was lauded for a classy and perfect response to a gag by Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel midway through the evening in which he pretended to ask questions from members of the public.

As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, Kimmel asked, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?

Malala responded: I only talk about peace.

Twitter users praised the moment calling it a mic drop moment, while others were unimpressed with the use of a Nobel Peace Prize winner to set up an unfunny joke.

Ok but did @jimmykimmel seriously just ask @Malala about Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine? ai Her answer was so classy and perfect, wrote one person.

Speaking to ABC earlier in the evening, Ms Yousafzai said she was determined to enjoy the night and was rooting for Austin Butler and Michelle Yeoh, as well as looking forward to seeing Rihanna perform.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Stranger at the Gate is the dramatic story of a former US Marine planning a terrorist attack on a mosque in Muncie, Indiana.

Richard Mac McKinney admits he had a deep hate for Muslims and he planned to bomb The Islamic Center in his hometown.

He visited the mosque to gather intelligence and found himself welcomed by the community.

This is a story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, kindness, compassion. I believe in those values, Ms Yousafzai has said of the film. What really stands out to me in this movie is Macs willing to accept that love, accept that compassion. He took his time, but he did not close the door to the love that he saw there.

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Ms Yousafzai was once targeted for assassination by the Taliban for campaigning about girls right to education.

She recently called out Hollywood for its lack of Muslim and Asian representation in a speech at Varietys Power of Women event.

You can follow along with the latest Oscars updates here.
Watch: Malala Yousafzai arrives for Oscars draped in silver sequins

Malala Yousafzai has been being praised by fans for championing "modest fashion" after wearing an incredible glittering hooded gown to the 2023 Oscars.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist, 25, attended the star-studded Academy Awards for the first time with her husband, Asser Malik, and opted for a floor-skimming, silver sequinned gown by Ralph Lauren which featured gathered waist detailing and an attached hood.

Her choice of sparkling attire certainly seemed to go down well with fans on social media, with many applauding Yousafzai for the chic yet modest look.

"Malala looking like a silver goddess," one user wrote.

"Malala looks stunning in her silver ensemble! Absolutely gorgeous!" another added.

"The best Oscar dress in history goes to @Malala for her silver sensation," yet another fan commented.

Read more: Oscars 2023: Florence Pugh, Nicole Kidman and Cara Delevingne dare to bare with thigh-high split gowns

Malala Yousafzai made her Oscars debut appearance and was praised for her glittering outfit. (Getty Images)

Others were appreciative of the Pakistani activist shining a light on modest style.

"No matter how big Malala gets or which high profile event she goes to she will always be a modest queen and I love her so much for that," one fan wrote.

"From being shot at by Taliban warlords to turning heads in a classy, elegant, modest ensemble? This is a woman who uses her platform and her voice to do good. She is fearless," another agreed.

"Modest Hollywood glamour," another fan wrote simply.

To attend the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Yousafzai changed into a second hooded gown, in a further celebration of modest fashion.

The pale yellow satin, three-quarter sleeved dress skimmed the floor and featured a loose attached hijab.

Read more: Ashley Graham leads stars in chic black gowns on first ever Oscars 'champagne' carpet

Yousafzai attended the event with her husband Asser Malik. (Getty Images)

As well as her shimmering outfit, Yousafzai won further praise for her classy response to an awkward exchange with Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel, who asked her opinion on a viral moment at last year's Venice film festival where a video clip "appeared to show" Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine.

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Representatives for Pine and a source close to Styles denied the alleged incident and claimed the moment simply did not exist, but Kimmel probed Yousafzai for her thoughts on the viral moment.

Reading out what he explained was a question from a viewer, Kimmel asked the female education activist: As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?

Yousafzai reflected for a moment before answering: I only talk about peace.

Kimmel replied: "You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is."

Read more: Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry reveal their natural skin during Oscars beauty prep

Yousafzai changed into a second outfit to attend the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. (Getty Images)

Yousafzai's quick response certainly went down well with social media, with many describing it as a "mic drop" moment.

"Malala with the mic drop," one user wrote.

"Malala: "I only talk about peace." Mic drop," agreed another.

"I only talk about peace": a most elegant response from @malala in response to a silly spitgate question from Jimmy Kimmel. She's a Nobel Peace Prize winner, don't waste her time," another Twitter user added.

"Malala put up with none of Jimmy Kimmel's s***.... absolutely classiest response possible!" yet another user tweeted.

Yousafzai was the executive producer of Stranger at the Gate, which was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at last night's event.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai attends the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in a silver sequined Ralph Lauren gown. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Listen, even if she talks only about peace, Malala Yousafzai doesn't mind dishing about celebrity gossip.

The 25-year-old female-education activist made her debut at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday but later found herself embroiled in a Twitter debate after Oscars viewers criticized host Jimmy Kimmel for referring to her as "Malala Land" after involving her in a dishy bit during the ceremony's live telecast. Kimmel was accused of "harassing" the young Nobel laureate when he made his way into the audience for an interactive Q&A session, posing fan questions to stars inside the Dolby Theatre.

"Great to have you here and congratulations on your movie," Kimmel said when he came to Yousafzai's aisle seat. The Pakistani activist was nominated in the documentary short category as an executive producer on "Stranger at the Gate." ("The Elephant Whisperers ultimately won the Oscar.)

"This question is from Joanne Nicolaides from Brooklyn, N.Y.," Kimmel said. "She asks: 'Your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration. As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?"

Appearing confused, Yousafzai deadpanned: "I only talk about peace."

"You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is. That's a great answer, Malala. The winner is 'Malala Land,' everybody," he continued.

But the seemingly planned bit wasn't completely over: The Taliban shooting survivor was subjected to a background scrum with a costumed "cocaine bear" that Kimmel had to fend off.

Meanwhile, users unpacked the bit on Twitter, where some regarded the comedian's "La La Land" riff on her name as "childish racism."

Well that Malala bit was the most awful thing Ive seen in a while. Ask her about Spitgate, refer to her as Malalaland, and then while shes confused have someone in a Cocaine Bear costume attack her? What?   Whitlock And Pope  (@WhitlockAndPope) March 13, 2023

to

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Cringing at Jimmy Kimmel embarrassing himself trying to do a Malalaland joke with Malala.#Oscars  Shashank Kumar (@shashkoihai) March 13, 2023

they for real cut a winner's speech just so kimmel could ask malala about the spitgate and make a "malalaland" joke. jimmy kimmel i will come after you   kai alex is happy for brendan fraser  (@cxmeterydrivx) March 13, 2023

"the winner is malalaland"??? he's literally braindead  lina (@Lemon_Sucking) March 13, 2023

But all appeared to be well with Yousafzai, despite Twitter users going after Kimmel for the bizarre bit.

"Treat people with kindness," she tweeted, posting a clip of her faux interview during the ceremony.

Treat people with kindness https://t.co/ZvUVHcrTBJ  Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) March 13, 2023

On Monday, Yousafzai further co-signed Kimmel's audience walkabout by retweeting a Jezebel missive that said: "Let Malala Gossip About Pop Culture!" The tweet directed users to a story on the site titled "It's Perfectly Fine That Jimmy Kimmel Asked Malala to Gossip at the Oscars"

In an earlier tweet about her glittering Ralph Lauren gown, she wrote, "what a dream night."

The "He Named Me Malala" star and co-writer became an international human rights icon in 2012 after Taliban militants shot her in the head aboard a school bus in Pakistan. The schoolgirl traveled to Birmingham, England, for medical treatment and went back to school as soon as she could, according to the Associated Press. Since then, she has continued to campaign for the right to an education for other girls.

Yousafzai was selected for the cover of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People list in 2013 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She graduated from Oxford University in June 2020 with a philosophy, politics and economics degree.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- A Malaysian court charged former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with money laundering, the seventh criminal charge the opposition leader faces just four months after losing in the general election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Muhyiddin stands accused of receiving 5 million ringgit ($1.1 million) from unlawful activities, Bernama reported Monday. The case will be transferred to a court in Kuala Lumpur, according to the state news agency.

I pleaded not guilty and asked for the case to go to trial, Muhyiddin told reporters at the courthouse in Selangor state. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine, according to Malaysiakini.

On Friday, Muhyiddin, 75, was charged with four counts of abuse of power and two counts of money laundering involving a total 427.5 million ringgit. Muhyiddin said he was accused of abusing his power as premier to appoint contractors for a Covid-era stimulus project and to approve a tax exemption appeal made by the Al-Bukhary charity foundation. He denied the charges.

The allegations against Muhyiddin are an echo of former prime minister Najib Razaks legal troubles when he was hit with multiple graft charges related to troubled state fund 1MDB when he lost power in 2018. He is currently serving a 12-year jail term.

Muhyiddin and Anwar Ibrahim fought a tight general election race in November that resulted in a hung parliament. Muhyiddin has become one of Anwars most outspoken critics after a bitter contest for the premiership.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends a press conference and takes questions from the media after the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.
A man was arrested over the weekend after police say he planted live pipe bombs under the porch of a home in New Hampshire.

Officers responding to a report of a person who was seen placing a suspicious package under the deck of an apartment on Oak Street in Laconia around 1 p.m. Sunday found a trio of pipe bombs wrapped together in a grocery bag, according to the Laconia Police Department.

A state police bomb squad was called to the apartment after officers determined that the bag was indeed an explosive device. The bombs were ultimately detonated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Tirar Tortorello, who was allegedly caught on video planting the bag, was arrested following a traffic stop in the area of Union Avenue. Police noted that 53-year-old was staying with friends in the same apartment building where he dropped off the bombs.

Tortorello is slated to face a judge Monday afternoon in Belknap Superior Court.

An investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Leon County sheriffs deputies arrested a man on a charge of attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed his mother in the chest.

Christopher Keith, 24, was booked Saturday into the Leon County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

According to the arrest report, deputies responded shortly before 11 p.m. on Friday to a residence on West Bellarose Street. The caller, Keith, advised that someone had stabbed his mom.

Florida news:A woman takes on Florida's 'two-strikes' law to free her life-sentenced fiance

Other crime news:Florida State police investigating sexual battery in campus bathroom reported by female victim

More:TPD arrests man injured in Lake Bradford Road shooting incident

The woman was taken with critical injuries to a local hospital, where she told investigators that her son had stabbed her. Another family member told investigators that Keith had been displaying increasing signs of a mental disorder and paranoia.

Keith, who was not injured, denied stabbing his mother in initial comments to deputies. However, he invoked his right to remain silent and declined to speak to further.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Man charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing his mom
Authorities arrested a man on Saturday accused of shooting and seriously injuring a victim the previous night.

Sovandara Khiaosoth, 29, of Lowell is charged with armed assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and assault and batter with a dangerous weapon (firearm).

Officers responding to the area of Lilley Avenue around 10:30 p.m. on March 10 found an adult man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lowell Police. Medical aid was immediately rendered and the victim was transported to a local hospital, then to a Boston hospital for the severity of his injuries.

His condition at this time is unknown.

During the ensuing investigation, officers identified Khiaosoth as the alleged shooter, officials say. He was arrested on Saturday and will appear in court at a later date.

It is unclear if Khiaosoth and the victim were known to each other.

No further information was made available.

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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A man was found guilty in the death of a UNCW student.

A Pender County jury found Raymond Lee Brooks Jr. guilty in the death of Chris Stewart, a 23-year-old college student in 2020.

Brooks was convicted in Pender Superior Court on charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery with a dangerous weapon.

He was sentenced to serve life in prison, plus 2 to about 4 years, with the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Brooks, of Bladen County, was one of three suspects charged in connection with the crimes. The others were Brandon Tyrell Chambers, of Willard, and Myasia Morange, also of Bladen County. Morange and Chambers are being held at the Pender and New Hanover county jails, respectively.

The co-defendants' cases are still pending.

The body of Christopher Duane Stewart, 23, was found at Millers Pond Park, off U.S. 117 South in 2020.

Stewart was found dead in Rocky Point at Millers Pond Park on March 27, 2020. He was a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington working towards a degree in criminal justice.

Before UNCW, he graduated from Pender High School and was a member of the JROTC program. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Afghanistan and continued serving in the reserves. Stewart received many awards for his service.

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest news by signing up for the StarNews newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at cjjordan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Man convicted in Pender County for murder of UNCW student
A Gwinnett County man convicted in a sexual assault on a young girl in Athens was sentenced Monday in Clarke County Superior Court to 25 years in prison without parole.

David Lee Griffin, 29, of Lawrenceville was also ordered by Superior Court Judge Lawton Stephens that upon release he is to spend the rest of his life on probation.

Griffin was convicted in a recent jury trial of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and child molestation. The indictment reported that Griffin assaulted the 4-year-old child in August 2021 at a location in Athens.

Griffin had a prior record of misdemeanor statutory rape, according to Western Circuit Assistant District Attorney June Teasley.

Teasley recommended the 25 years without parole, which is the minimum sentence under state law for such a conviction. Western Circuit Assistant Public Defender David Douds concurred with the states recommendation.

Prior to sentencing, the childs mother told Stephens that her daughter is having serious problems regarding trust of others. And she said this assault may affect her for the rest of her life, but she believes her daughter has the potential to be a happy child.

Teasley said the child remains fearful of Griffin and that prior to trial she expressed anxiety about seeing the defendant. The jury reached a guilty verdict due to the consistent manner of the childs testimony and the evidence provided through a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) examination, according to Teasley.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Man sentenced to prison after conviction of sexual assault on child
A South Carolina judge has granted a man immunity from prosecution in a fatal Fort Mill gas station shooting, court documents show.

York County Judge William McKinnon has dismissed charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime against Anquante El-Malik Lemel Watts. The court ruling addressed a February 2021 shooting outside a Circle K gas station at the corner of U.S. 21 and Sutton Road, a court order states.

Watts sought immunity under South Carolinas Protection of Persons and Property Act, the order states. The Herald obtained a copy of the judges written order.

McKinnon wrote that under South Carolina law, the person has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or another person or to prevent the commission of a violent crime.

SyVeon MyVeon Howard, 25, of Lancaster, died in the February 2021 shooting, according to the order.

A court hearing was held in January 2023 on the claim for immunity, court records show.

McKinnon ruled that Watts did not have to retreat when others approached a vehicle that Watts and another person were in, the judges order stated. Others outside the car were armed, the judge stated in the written order.

The January 2023 immunity hearing featured surveillance video from the store that shows the incident, the judges order states.

Defendant was not engaged in any unlawful activity and was in a place he had a right to be -- the premises of a gas station open to the public, McKinnons ruling stated. In sum, Defendant was peaceably in his vehicle at a gas station, when three men charged his vehicle from two different directions.

Watts lawyer, Zach Merritt, partner at MLB Law in Rock Hill, argued Watts acted in self-defense, court records show.

Watts testified in the 2023 hearing. Fort Mill police and a female passenger in the car also testified at the January 2023 hearing, the order stated.

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Watts was arrested days after the shooting, the order states.

Merritt issued a written statement days after the judge issued the order granting immunity and dismissing the charges.

It has been one of the great honors of my career to represent Mr. Watts through this difficult process, Merritt stated. Even though it took over two years, we take comfort in the fact that the system ultimately gave us the just result that Mr. Watts deserves.

Even though Mr. Watts split second decision to use a firearm was justified by the Protection of Persons and Property Act and likely saved his life and the life of his girlfriend, my client deeply sympathizes with Mr. Howards family and will carry this unfortunate loss of life with him for the rest of his days, the statement from Merritt said.

York County prosecutors opposed the immunity claim at the January hearing, the order stated.

Prosecutors under South Carolina law have the right to appeal the judges ruling to a higher court. Sixteenth Circuit Deputy Solicitor John Anthony said prosecutors do not intend to appeal the judges decision.
A man has been arrested for firing a gun in a crowded Rome bar in 2017.

After six years on the run, Demetrius Hunter was arrested and booked in Floyd County Jail last week.

Police said that on May 28, 2017, Hunter fired a gun at El Patron Bar on Redmond Circle while it was crowded.

Floyd County officials said Hunter placed others in danger.

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Channel 2 Action News has reached out for information on Hunters charges.

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A seafood heist, involving about a half-million dollars worth of crab, is playing out in the North Sound.

Thats what federal prosecutors say happened in Stanwood.

KIRO 7 obtained charging documents Sunday night that show a Florida man, David Subil, pretended to be a Safeway representative, and sent fake purchase orders to a California seafood company.

Prosecutors say he ordered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of King Crab and Opilio crab in multiple orders.

The shipments were sent to North Star Cold Facility in Stanwood.

The U-S district court says Subil then rented a Ryder truck to pick up the crab order.

But payments never went through.

On or about Jan. 3, a coconspirator fraudulently represented himself as an employee from a national grocery corporation placing an order for seafood and convinced Artic Seafood to release $432,000 worth of Russian King Crab from a North Star Cold Facility, located in Snohomish County, to David Subil and his associates, say charging documents.

Snohomish county deputies tracked Subil down at a weigh station  and found out he sold some of the stolen seafood to another company in Florida.

Documents say he tried to flee to Columbia and even bought a one-way plane ticket.

Charges filed against him on March 3 include conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

These operations began around the end of Jan. and went on to the end of Feb., say charging documents.

Its not currently clear where Subil is right now.












Marburg virus spreads through close contact with infected body fluids. NIAID/flickr, CC BY-SA

The World Health Organization confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus disease in the central African country of Equatorial Guinea on Feb. 13, 2023. To date, there have been 11 deaths suspected to be caused by the virus, with one case confirmed. Authorities are currently monitoring 48 contacts, four of whom have developed symptoms and three of whom are hospitalized as of publication. The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are assisting Equatorial Guinea in its efforts to stop the spread of the outbreak.

Marburg virus is structurally similar to the Ebola virus. Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Marburg virus and the closely related Ebola virus belong to the filovirus family and are structurally similar. Both viruses cause severe disease and death in people, with fatality rates ranging from 22% to 90% depending on the outbreak. Patients infected by these viruses exhibit a wide range of similar symptoms, including fever, body aches, severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, lethargy and sometimes bleeding.

We are virologists who study Marburg, Ebola and related viruses. Our laboratory has a long-standing interest in researching the underlying mechanisms of how these viruses cause disease in people. Learning more about how Marburg virus is transmitted from animals to humans and how it spreads between people is essential to preventing and limiting future outbreaks.

Marburg virus disease

Marburg virus spreads between people by close contact only after they show symptoms. It is transmitted through infected body fluids such as blood, and is not airborne. Contact tracing is a potent tool to combat outbreaks. The incubation time, or time between infection and the onset of symptoms, ranges from two to 21 days and typically falls between five and 10 days. This means that contacts must be observed for extended periods for potential symptoms.

Marburg virus cannot be detected before patients are symptomatic. One major cause of the spread of Marbug virus disease is postmortem transmission due to traditional burial procedures, where family and friends typically have direct skin-to-skin contact with people who have died from the disease.

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There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines against Marburg virus disease. The most advanced vaccine candidates in development use strategies that have been shown to be effective at protecting against Ebola virus disease.

Without effective treatments or vaccines, Marburg virus outbreak control primarily relies on contact tracing, sample testing, patient contact monitoring, quarantines and attempts to limit or modify high-risk activities such as traditional funeral practices.

What causes Marburg virus outbreaks?

Marburg virus outbreaks have an unusual history.

The first recorded outbreak of Marburg virus disease occurred in Europe. In 1967, laboratory workers in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, as well as in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) were infected with a previously unknown pathogen after handling infected monkeys that had been imported from Uganda. This outbreak led to the discovery of the Marburg virus.

Identifying the virus took only three months, which, at the time, was incredibly fast considering the available research tools. Despite receiving intensive care, seven of the 32 patients died. This case fatality rate of 22% was relatively low compared to subsequent Marburg virus outbreaks in Africa, which have had a cumulative case fatality rate of 86%. It remains unclear if these differences in lethality are due to variability in patient care options or other factors such as distinct viral strains.

Subsequent Marburg virus disease outbreaks occurred in Uganda and Kenya, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola in Central Africa. In addition to the current outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, recent Marburg virus cases in the West African countries of Guinea in 2021 and Ghana in 2022 highlight that the Marburg virus is not confined to Central Africa.

Strong evidence shows that the Egyptian fruit bat, a natural animal reservoir of Marburg virus, might play an important role in spreading the virus to people. The location of all Marburg virus outbreaks coincides with the natural range of these bats. The large area of Marburg virus outbreaks is unsurprising, given the ecology of the virus. However, the mechanisms of zoonotic, or animal-to-human, spread of Marburg virus still remain poorly understood.

A number of Marburg virus outbreaks are linked to human activity in caves where Egyptian fruit bats are known to roost. Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The origin of a number of Marburg virus disease outbreaks is closely linked to human activity in caves where Egyptian fruit bats roost. More than half of the cases in a 1998 outbreak in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo were among gold miners who had worked in Goroumbwa Mine. Intriguingly, the end of the nearly two-year outbreak coincided with the flooding of the cave and the disappearance of the bats in the same month.

Similarly, in 2007, four men who worked in a gold and lead mine in Uganda where thousands of bats were known to roost became infected with Marburg virus. In 2008, two tourists were infected with the virus after visiting Python Cave in the Maramagambo Forest in Uganda. Both developed severe symptoms after returning to their home countries  the woman from the Netherlands died and the woman from the United States survived.

The geographic range of Egyptian fruit bats extends to large portions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile River Delta, as well as portions of the Middle East. There is potential for zoonotic spillover events, to occur in any of these regions.

More frequent outbreaks

Although Marburg virus disease outbreaks have historically been sporadic, their frequency has been increasing in recent years.

The increasing emergence and reemergence of zoonotic viruses, including filoviruses (such as Ebola, Sudan and Marburg viruses), coronaviruses (which cause SARS, MERS and COVID-19), henipaviruses (such as Nipah and Hendra viruses) and Mpox appear to be influenced by both human encroachment on previously undisturbed animal habitats and alterations to wildlife habitat ranges due to climate change.

Most Marburg virus outbreaks have occurred in remote areas, which has helped to contain the spread of the disease. However, the large geographic distribution of Egyptian fruit bats that harbor the virus raises concerns that future Marburg virus disease outbreaks could happen in new locations and spread to more densely populated areas, as seen by the devastating Ebola virus outbreak in 2014 in West Africa, where over 11,300 people died.

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: Adam Hume, Boston University; Elke Muhlberger, Boston University, and Judith Olejnik, Boston University.

Read more:



Elke Muhlberger receives funding from NIH/NIAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (as coinvestigator on Emerging Pathogens Initiative project).

Adam Hume and Judith Olejnik do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Li Dongsheng, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and founder and chairman of TCL electronics [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Li Dongsheng, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), has called for legislation to combat online violence in China in order to establish an effective mechanism for curbing violence in cyberspace and create a cleaner and safer online environment.

During a recent interview with China.org.cn, Li, who is the founder and chairman of TCL, an electronics giant, noted that the online environment has become a complex public opinion arena where certain remarks can create confusion, making it difficult for people to distinguish right from wrong.

To address this issue, Li has proposed enacting the "Anti-Cyber Violence Law," which would legally define and specify the scope of online violence and guide judicial practice with specific legal provisions.

He also suggested constructing a technical model for identifying online violence, strengthening monitoring and protection mechanisms, and building a fast-reporting channel to reduce the difficulty in collecting evidence.

To strengthen the deterrent effect of legal measures against online violence, Li proposed implementing a blacklist mechanism and adopting measures such as extended punishment periods, flow control, silencing, and account closure for individuals or organizations involved in online violence.

Li also expressed his support for this year's Work Report of the Supreme People's Court, in which China pledged to take substantial measures to crack down on illegal crimes that infringe on the rights and interests of medical personnel, such as violent assaults, disturbances of medical order, and medical disputes.

Li emphasized that medical personnel protect people's lives and health, and their safety and legitimate rights and interests should also be protected while saving lives and helping the injured.

Li also stressed that resolving medical disputes requires targeted regulations to effectively balance the rights and interests of patients, medical personnel, and medical institutions. Doing so will not only safeguard the rights and interests of medical personnel but also create a better environment for people to seek medical treatment.
WASHINGTON  Just as the annual, college basketball tournament kicks off, the nation's capital is reeling from a different kind of March madness.

The news started Friday when California-based Silicon Valley Bank, the country's 16th largest bank, collapsed after large groups of depositors withdrew money from the bank over concerns about its standing.

Back in Washington D.C., former vice president Mike Pence criticized former President Donald Trump Saturday saying the former president should be held accountable for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

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Banking crisis: President Joe Biden says taxpayer funds won't be used to bail out SVB, Signature bank

Here's what else you may have missed:

Silicon Valley Bank collapses

A car drives past a Silicon Valley Bank sign at the company's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, March 10, 2023.

Silicon Valley Bank failed after depositors withdrew their money over concerns about the bank's financial position. It is the largest failure of a financial institution since the financial crisis in 2008.

The bank ran out of money and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, took control last week of its assets. Federal regulators also took over the Signature Bank of New York after assessing that it presents a systemic risk as well.

Silicon Valley Bank: Regulators offer plan to 'ensure U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles'

More: Silicon Valley Bank assets seized by FDIC in largest bank failure since 2008

Why did Signature Bank fail?

State regulators closed New York-based Signature Bank on Sunday, marking the second bank failure in three days.

Signature Bank, which was popular among cryptocurrency companies, failed largely because investors pulled their money out in a panic after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.

Pence says history will hold Trump 'accountable' over Jan. 6

Former Vice President Mike Pence gives remarks at the Calvin Coolidge Foundation's conference at the Library of Congress on February 16, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Pence criticized Trump Saturday for the role he played in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, calling the insurrection a "disgrace" and said history will hold Trump "accountable" for his actions that day.

Story continues

Trump pressured Pence to overturn the election by asking him to throw out electoral votes and then criticized the former vice president during his rally on the Ellipse for not doing so. When rioters breached the Capitol, they changed "hang Mike Pence."

Pence, during remarks at the annual Gridiron Dinner, a gathering for Washington journalists and dignitaries, said Trump was wrong.

"I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable," he said.

More: Pence says Trump 'endangered my family' on Jan. 6

More: Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger blasts Fox News' Tucker Carlson over Jan. 6 video

Nancy Pelosi and husband attend Oscar party

US Representative Nancy Pelosi (R), Democrat of California, and her husband Paul Pelosi attends the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party alongside her husband, Paul, who was viciously attacked in his home last October.

Paul suffered a skull fracture and was knocked unconscious after the attacker broke into the couple's San Francisco home asking "Where's Nancy?" He spent a week in the hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries.

The Pelosis walked the carpet Sunday  Nancy wearing a gold, floral-sequined gown and Paul wearing a black tuxedo and fedora.

More: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, husband Paul Pelosi spotted at Vanity Fair Oscar Party

The 6 best (and worst) Oscar moments: Lady Gaga strips down, Jimmy Kimmel roasts Will Smith

Biden addresses nation on banking crisis

President Joe Biden reassured Americans that they can have "confidence" in the banking system and that no losses will fall to taxpayers. They will instead come from fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund.

"Every American should feel confident that their deposits will be there, if and when they need them," he said.

Biden also said managers of the banks would be fired and he is asking Congress to pass reforms and prevent this from happening again.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March madness in D.C.: Biden responds to bank crisis, Pence on Trump
(Getty Images)

Seventh-seeded Maria Sakkari of Greece kept her title hopes alive by battling back to beat Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Sakkari drew Kalinina to the net with a drop shot and then fired a backhand winner down the line on match point to complete the comeback.

The Greek leaned over and pumped her fists in celebration after sealing the win on a hot day in the Southern California desert.

I dont mind winning ugly, she said afterwards.

It doesnt really matter. I just give myself another chance to play better the next day.

Sakkari, a finalist in Indian Wells last year, will next face 17th seed Karolina Pliskova in the round of 16 after the Czech beat Russias Veronika Kudermetova 6-1 7-5.

Third-seeded American Jessica Pegula edged Russias Anastasia Potapova 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, to set up a meeting with Petra Kvitova after the 15th-seeded Czech won a rollercoaster match against Jelena Ostapenko 0-6, 6-0, 6-4.

Pegula still finds it weird to think of herself as the world number three but the 29-year-old said she no longer feels any additional pressure to live up to her career-high ranking.

The American broke into the top 10 at Roland Garros last year and rose to third after winning her first WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara in October.

She has reached the quarter-finals at four of the last five Grand Slams but is yet to break through to the semis, falling short again at the Australian Open in January.

Maybe at first I felt a little bit of pressure, Pegula said on Sunday after her win over Potapova. People talk about you more, you become a favourite more.

Im good at just thinking one match at a time, I think thats helped where I havent really felt too much pressure as being top five. Its so weird to think at Im three in the world. I dont even like to say it, its awkward.

When Im out there, that doesnt really enter my mind. Im very good at just not taking that part for granted or not overthinking that.

Elsewhere, Swedens Rebecca Peterson dispatched Jil Teichmann of Switzerland 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Story continues

16th seeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova beat Chinas Wang Xinyu 6-2, 7-6(1), 6-2, and sixth-seeded American teenager Coco Gauff beat Czech Linda Noskova 6-4, 6-3.

Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced via walkover when her Ukrainian opponent Lesia Tsurenko withdrew.

Reuters
Marian Croak became one of the first two Black women to be inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame.

Her innovations in internet technology have enabled remote work, text donations, and voting for American Idol.

Croak is also an advocate for racial justice and gender representation in STEM.

When Marian Croak was just five or six years old, she grew enchanted with electricians and plumbers who came to fix broken wires and pipes at her home. She followed them around to see how things were done, peppering them with questions.

"I still do that today!" Croak told Google in a recent interview.

Croak's fascination with engineering only grew over the years. Last year, she was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame  among the highest honors for inventors, including Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and the Wright brothers.

Croak became one of first two Black women to receive that honor, alongside the late Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist who created a device used during surgery to easily remove cataracts. (Of the Hall of Fame's 610 inductees, just 48 of them are women and 30 are Black, according to Rini Paiva, executive vice president for selection and recognition at the NIHF.)

A lifelong innovator with more than 200 patents to her name, Croak most notably developed Voice over Internet Protocol, a technology that has innumerable and important uses in our everyday lives, including making remote work, text voting for American Idol, and Hurricane Katrina donations possible.

"I have always been motivated by the desire to change the world, and to do that I try to change the world that I'm currently in," Croak told Google.

Developing groundbreaking technology

Croak was encouraged to pursue STEM from a young age: Her father built her a home chemistry set, offering her just a taste of things to come. After graduating from Princeton University and receiving her doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1982, Croak landed a job at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where other famed inventors like James West pioneered groundbreaking technologies.

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At AT&T, Croak began working on Voice over Internet Protocol, which converts voice data into digital signals that can be transmitted over the internet, rather than through phone lines like in the early days of the internet.

Initially, the technology she helped develop wasn't very reliable, leading some critics to scoff at what they deemed a "toy like" technology, according to Croak.

But eventually, Croak and her team made so much progress that AT&T began to use it for its own core network. This technology has advanced the capabilities of online audio and video calls  enabling the likes of Zoom that are essential for remote work today.

Croak's innovations also revolutionized how people donate to charitable organizations after a natural disaster. They were used to create the text-to-donate system in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that raised $130,000, as well as $43 million after Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake.

The same technology also enabled the text voting system used in American Idol.

A legacy of diverse representation

After 32 years at AT&T, Croak joined Google in 2014 to spearhead efforts to expand what the internet is capable of around the world. She led a team that brought broadband to developing countries in Asia and Africa, building, for example, public wi-fi in railroad stations in India.

Croak also works on racial justice efforts at Google, and continues to mentor women and young girls in engineering.

As one of the first-ever Black women to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Croak recognizes the importance of diversity in a historically homogenous industry.

"I find that it inspires people when they see someone who looks like themselves on some dimension, and I'm proud to offer that type of representation," Croak said in her interview with Google. "I want people to understand that it may be difficult but that they can overcome obstacles and that it will be so worth it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Massachusetts State Police have added three men to its Most Wanted Fugitive list and all three suspected are wanted for murder.

MSP Major Michael Farley says guns were used in all three murder cases, and none of the guns have been recovered.

We know there are people helping them, Major Farley said. We just want to know where these people are, get them off the street before they hurt someone else.

33-year-old Luis Soto is wanted for a shocking fatal shooting at a Dollar Tree Store in Brockton. On January 31st, authorities allege Soto, a former employee, walked into the store on North Montello Street, and fired sixteen shots.

Two people were hit, and one victim, Dongbin Pyon, 38, of East Boston, was killed.

Luis Soto is 5 feet ten inches tall, one hundred and ninety pounds and he has extensive tattoos on his arms, chest, and neck.

Lets just get him off the street, safe, and get him as soon as we can, Major Farley said.

24-year-old David Lynch is also wanted for murder in Brockton. On November 2nd, authorities say, Lynch shot and killed 26-year-old John Abreu Junior DePina who walked up to his car parked on West Park Street.

Lynch has other open warrants, including 2 counts of trafficking Fentanyl.

The third Most Wanted fugitive is Jerome Fordham. Hes wanted for fatally shooting Ross Copeland, 38, of Raynham in the neck in Taunton back on November 6th.

Just before the shooting, authorities allege, the victim was a passenger in Fordhams car.

Fordham has multiple tattoos and ties to Rhode Island and South Carolina.

Authorities hope the State Police Most Wanted Fugitive List will make the world a much smaller place for these three men.

Were reaching out to the public, were getting more eyes on these individuals, and were asking for help. We need help, need a phone call. Anonymous tip, whatever it might be, Major Farley said.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of these three men, call Massachusetts Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1.800.KAPTURE.

Story continues

You dont have to leave your name, police say.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The working relationship between Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is notably different than the one the top House Republican had with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in the last Congress  most simply, that they have one at all.

Pelosi once called McCarthy a moron and McCarthy reportedly joked that it would be hard not to hit Pelosi on the head as he took the Speakers gavel from her. House Republicans frequently complained that they were left out of the loop on legislation and top negotiations under Pelosis reign.

But now, Jeffries and McCarthy are frequently seen huddling off the House floor. McCarthy and other top Republicans have publicly thanked Jeffries for working with them on different issues, such as the China Select Committee and a members briefing by the director of the Congressional Budget Office.

Certainly not going to call them best friends, said Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), a close ally of McCarthy. But I do think that some degree of communication is important. And they return one anothers calls, which makes it in stark contrast to what has gone on before.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the House GOP conference, said the McCarthy-Jeffries relationship is very positive, and Rep. Ann Kuster (D-N.H.), who heads the center-left New Democrat Coalition, said the very professional dynamic between the two leaders is good for Congress and the country.

McCarthy secured the Speakers gavel in January after serving as minority leader under Pelosi for four years, an era during which the two top leaders traded barbs and accused one another of misdeeds.

The tense relationship between the Californians reached a fever pitch in 2021 when Pelosi rejected two of McCarthys picks for the select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, further straining the already thin association between the top two lawmakers. Pelosis office did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

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Stefanik said the California Republicans time serving as minority leader and having an icy relationship with Pelosi has helped shape his relationship with Jeffries.

I think the Speakers intention is to treat the minority leader the way that he wanted to be treated when he was minority leader, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) echoed.

McCarthy and Jeffries, for their parts, have spoken positively of the relationship as well.

Were building a really strong relationship out of respect to one another, McCarthy said this week, adding that it is thousand percent better than his association with Pelosi in the last Congress.

Jeffries, of course, has made it a regular point to criticize the House GOP, saying last month that it is a do-nothing, dangerous, dysfunctional, extreme MAGA Republican majority.

But pressed on if he would categorize McCarthy as an extreme MAGA Republican, Jeffries deflected, only saying that extreme MAGA Republicans are in control right now of the United States House of Representatives.

Speaker McCarthy and myself have, you know, agreed to disagree strongly on a whole host of issues, but try not to be disagreeable for the good of the functioning of the institution and the country, Jeffries told reporters during the House Democrats retreat in Baltimore this month. And I look forward to continuing to try to proceed in that regard.

Jeffries also has an incentive, in the minority, to forge a good working relationship with the Speaker rather than ignore him. If Democrats want to accomplish anything in this Congress  where Republicans have a slim majority  they have to talk to those on the other side of the aisle.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said that the warmed relationship between the two party leaders is a good development.

We need to try to make sure we can do everything we can to find agreement and work together, Wasserman Schultz said. And if youre not talking, then, you know, thats not possible. So its just super important.

The relationship between McCarthy and Jeffries, however, has not been without its complications.

Politically speaking, the Californian and New Yorker disagree on nearly every policy issue, spanning from immigration to social matters to their outlook on former President Trump. In their first act under McCarthy, House Republicans passed a bill to rescind an IRS funding boost the Democratic-majority approved in 2022 as part of their marquee piece of legislation.

McCarthy also moved to block Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) from the House Intelligence Committee and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) from the Foreign Affairs Committee, an echo back to when Pelosi and House Democrats blocked and removed Republicans from committees.

And Jeffries had some pointed words about McCarthys controversial decision to hand over tapes from the Capitol riot to Fox News host Tucker Carlson  who downplayed the violence during his prime-time program.

But the pair have maintained a working relationship despite those deep disagreements.

We continue to have a positive, working relationship, Jeffries told reporters at a press conference this week when asked if McCarthys decision to release the footage altered his trust level with the Californian.

We both understand that, in that context of working together, whenever and wherever possible, for the good of the institution and the American people, there are going to be times that we disagree, he continued. Theyre going to be times that we strongly disagree, as is the case with the release of sensitive security video footage to a known conspiracy theorist. That is highly problematic.

And McCarthy and Jeffries have presented a united front on numerous occasions in recent weeks.

In an attempt to avoid further tit-for-tat on committees, for example, they formed a bipartisan task force designed to come up with ground rules for blocking members from committee posts.

McCarthy and House Majority Steve Scalise (R-La.) publicly thanked Jeffries last week for bringing his members for a briefing by the Congressional Budget Office on the national debt, a hot-button issue that has already pinned Democrats and Republicans against one another ahead of this summers looming default deadline.

The same day, when a data breach hit DC Health Link, the two top leaders formed a united front, issuing a joint statement to members and staff and sending a letter to the health exchange requesting more information.

And back in February, McCarthy and Jeffries huddled with the top lawmakers on the Intelligence Committee for a briefing on the Chinese spy balloon that had been shot down over the California coast.

It is those small acts of bipartisanship, McHenry said, that will help rebuild the institution that Republicans argue was chipped away at in previous sessions.

You have to take first steps and those are the first steps, he said when asked about building back the functionality of the House. And the fact that they both want to do it is a good sign.

And were still gonna have the big debates on policy and the direction of the country and everything else, but those small acts can build over time and build the health of the institution. And, which matters in our system of government, the North Carolina Republican continued. The functionality of the House and the Senate really matters for the functionality of our government, and I think this is a positive sign.

Another significant area of bipartisan cooperation this Congress has been the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, which has vowed to focus on Washingtons competition with Beijing. The House voted to create the panel in an overwhelmingly bipartisan 365-65 vote in January, then McCarthy and Jeffries appointed 13 and 11 members, respectively.

The committee met with McCarthy and Jeffries in the Speakers office this week, a gathering that Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), the chairman of the panel, described as rare and powerful.

They both communicated to the members of the China committee that they want it to be a bipartisan effort, and thats been extremely helpful, Gallagher said of the top House lawmakers. And you know, we did a meeting with all the members and both of them, that was really powerful  people dont see that often, so thats great.

They were sitting right next to each other, Gallagher noted of the meeting. Its good energy, good vibes.

The newfound working relationship between the leading lawmakers has not gone unnoticed. Rank-and-file House members have perceived a difference in how the House functions with the collegiality among those at the top of the chamber.

They view politics differently. But they are both guys who start with the idea that something can be done. Theyre optimistic go-getters  in that way, their worldview is the same, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) said of the two leaders.

Updated at 8:41 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mitch McConnell was discharged from the hospital on Monday and is recovering from his concussion, according to a spokesperson for the Senate minority leader.

Communications Director David Popp said in a statement that McConnell's medical team discovered he suffered a "minor rib fracture" after his fall at a D.C. hotel last week, for which he's also receiving treatment. But the Kentucky Republican's concussion recovery was proceeding well."

At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home, Popp said.

The statement did not disclose when McConnell will return to the Senate.

McConnell had fallen at a private dinner eventheld at the Waldorf Astoria last Wednesday, where a Super PAC aligned with McConnell, the Senate Leadership Fund, had hosted an event that evening.

The Kentucky Republican, who is 81 and had polio as a child, had previously fractured his shoulder back in 2019 after tripping on his patio at home.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) was discharged from the hospital Monday after suffering a concussion last week when he tripped and fell at a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in downtown Washington.

McConnell, who is 81, is not expected to return to the Senate this week when senators are scheduled to vote on legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force in Iraq.

Doctors discovered this weekend that the leader also suffered what his office described as a minor rib fracture, for which he is being treated.

Leader McConnells concussion recovery is proceeding well, and the leader was discharged from the hospital today. At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home, said McConnells Communications Director David Popp.

Popp said McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, are deeply thankful for the skilled medical care, prayers, and kindness they have received.

McConnell missed a call the administration hosted for senators and House members Sunday to brief them on Bidens decision to protect depositors in Silicon Valley Bank and other banks taken over by the federal government.

McConnell fell Wednesday after attending a reception for the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC that pumped $290 million into the 2022 election, followed by a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria.

Sources familiar with the evening described the dinner as a small private event. McConnell was taken to the hospital by ambulance after tripping and hitting his head.

McConnell fractured his shoulder after falling at his home in Kentucky in 2019.

He was easily reelected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 and in January surpassed the late-Sen. Mike Mansfield (D-Mont.) as the longest serving party leader in Senate history. Mansfield had been the Senate GOP leader from 1961 to 1977.

McConnell succeeded former Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) as Senate Republican leader in January of 2007.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was released from the hospital Monday after treatment for a concussion and will continue to recover in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, a spokesman said.

McConnell's office said his doctors discovered over the weekend that he had also suffered a minor rib fracture after he tripped and fell at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington on Wednesday evening.

Leader McConnells concussion recovery is proceeding well and the Leader was discharged from the hospital today, McConnell spokesman David Popp said in a statement. At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home.

The office did not give any additional detail on his condition or say how long McConnell will be out. Concussions can be serious injuries and take time for recovery, and even a single incident of concussion can limit a persons abilities as they recover.

It is unclear how his extended absence will affect Senate proceedings. The Senate returns to Washington Tuesday evening after the weekend off and is scheduled to be in session for the rest of March.

The Kentucky senator, 81, was at a Wednesday evening dinner after a reception for the Senate Leadership Fund, a campaign committee aligned with him, when he tripped and fell.

McConnell's head injury comes almost four years after he tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture that required surgery. The Senate had just started a summer recess, and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, McConnell 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.

McConnell is one of several senators who have been absent lately due to illness or hospitalization. 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. And Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., 89, said earlier this month that she had been hospitalized to be treated for shingles.
Limited McDonalds menu item Chicken Big Mac

A sandwich that has graced McDonald's menus for over four decades has been reimagined in a way that might have you running down to your local franchise to see for yourself.

You may be familiar with the Big Mac. Now, what if instead of beef patties, two chicken patties lay nestled between three buns, lettuce, pickles, cheese and of course, Big Mac sauce.

Meet the Chicken Big Mac.

What makes this sandwich even more notable? It was created right in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area by Jeff Anderson, a culinary senior manager with McDonald's Canada and his team.

We thought who better to provide you with an insight into the process of creating a McDonald's menu item than Anderson himself.

For those who are lovers of McDonald's, your job is what dreams are made of. What is the pathway that led you to landing a spot as a culinary innovation senior manager with McDonald's Canada?

Jeff: I trained at the Culinary Institute of Canada, and from there, I worked in some local fine dining restaurants in Halifax, then I worked for the Hyatt Corporation, the hotel chain, all while finding my passion for food, and doing something I felt I was good at. I was introduced to a unique program at the time  an applied degree in culinary operations, also offered through the Culinary Institute of Canada, which provided more training into unconventional chef roles. This introduced me to the world of food product development, which led me to Toronto, where I worked as a corporate chef for nine-and-a-half years. I worked closely with McDonald's as a supplier in that role, which eventually led to an opportunity within the company, with which I have now been working for nearly six years.

How much input do you typically have in the process of creating new menu items for McDonald's?

Jeff: Here at McDonald's Canada, we are constantly listening to our guests, hear their feedback so that we can continue delivering food items that we know they love and crave. It is not all me  we have a menu team here in Canada, as well as our consumer insights team and marketing team and our operational partners, so it is a real group effort to bring items to market. My job and my team's job is more the hand's-on playing with food every day so that is the fun part of our job within the team. We get to create a lot of fun stuff and witness the process of a concept to a finished product being launched in our restaurants, which brings us a lot of pride.

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McDonald's is sometimes featured in outrageous food menu item listicles with delicacies such as Ham & Egg Twisty Pasta and Tomato and Mozzarella turnovers making an appearance. As you work on creating new concepts, have you ever killed an idea for being too outlandish?

Jeff: We get inspired by other markets and what they are doing, and sometimes they are relevant to our market. We know consumers have been hacking our menu for a number of years  most recently we have done our dessert hacks, which we see our guests trying out online on our social channels, and working to bring them onto the McDonald's menu. The Chicken Big Mac is something we have been hearing about from our consumers, which we are happy to bring to them as they have inspired us. In terms of menu items that do not make it to market, we do have items that we work on that we are not ready to launch, so we still have fun and explore in that way.

which menu hack will you build yourself first? see u 1.31



(1) land, air & sea

(2) crunchy double

(3) hash brown mcmuffin

(4) surf+turf pic.twitter.com/0onjnP0hDT  McDonald's (@McDonalds) January 27, 2022

The Chicken Big Mac took two years to develop. What all goes into the development of a new menu item?

Jeff: Every menu item we bring to market has its own unique challenges. Some are quicker than others. With the Chicken Big Mac, we wanted to ensure we stayed true to the identity of the Big Mac, but with that twist of chicken in there. We had to ensure we had the right balance, the classic ingredients like tangy pickles, processed cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, toasted sesame seed buns, and of course, our iconic Big Mac sauce. Getting that pairing and balance took quite a bit of time for us. The sandwich went out to 1,400 locations across the country so that comes with challenges of supply, scaling to make sure we are delivering a consistant product. We also do testing before bringing this to market. For the Chicken Big Mac specifically, we tested in the GTA area to understand how the product worked with our crew, how it cooks, how it behaves before we feel comfortable bringing it to a national launch.

How do you feel now that the Chicken Big Mac is out?

Jeff: I personally have been out in market already, seeing the product, how it is handled. I just feel so proud walking into a restaurant and seeing a product we have taken so much time and effort with developing and watching the joy and excitement on our crew's face is something that I consider a perk of the job. We are still waiting to hear the public's feedback, but I am looking forward to receiving that.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Buhigiro skates on the campus of Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian district, Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Buhigiro, a Rwandan Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) student, has spent two years in China. In 2019, during a short-term study visit to China supported by the Ministry of Commerce, he was struck by the modernity of Beijing and its hardworking citizens.

"Back in my hometown in Rwanda, when a Chinese company called China Road & Bridge Corporation was building an infrastructure project, I was impressed by its advanced technologies. Then I started researching China and its fast development", said Buhigiro, discussing his decision to come to China. Ultimately, he pursued a master's degree in science in China.

Buhigiro (M) hangs out with his friends and classmates at Beihai Park, Xicheng district, Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

"China is a hospitable country in my eyes. I have received a lot of help whenever I have encountered any problems, whether related to my studies or daily life," Buhigiro said. "I have already made many friends here."

Ftwi Awet Halefom, a Ph.D. candidate majoring in civil engineering at BJTU, is also an international student and a friend of Buhigiro. He has been studying in China for four years now.

Awet attends a field study in Changsha, Hunan province. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Having previously worked with a Chinese company on Ethiopia's railway network, Awet learned from his Chinese colleagues about the state-of-the-art railway technologies and transformation systems in China, which inspired him to come to China to study.

"China is a major responsible country," remarked Awet. "The pandemic has been tough, but I appreciate the government's policy to protect people."

"I have a positive image of China because it is one of the strongest countries in the world. Chinese researchers have established several analysis models and performed systematic studies on the dynamic response of modern train-bridge interaction systems, achieving remarkable results for actual engineering projects", added Awet.

Increasing educational exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries has led to more international students coming to China to study.

With the "Belt and Road" initiative, there are more Chinese projects in Africa now. Buhigiro and Awet hope that they can participate in the initiative with the advanced knowledge they have acquired at the university when they return to their hometowns.




Melissa McCarthy wore Christian Siriano for this year's Oscars. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Days before the Oscars, fashion designer Christian Siriano experienced a flood at his studio.

The water damage ruined the dress he'd made for Melissa McCarthy, so he created a new one in days.

Siriano also said he hand-delivered another dress to a celebrity after the incident.

Melissa McCarthy essentially had an Oscars wardrobe malfunction before the event started this year.

During the red carpet  which was held on Sunday outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California  designer Christian Siriano sat down with E! to discuss the celebrity ensembles he created this year.

He designed numerous looks including dresses for McCarthy, Siriano told E!, but had to design a new one for "The Little Mermaid" star when pipes burst and flooded his studio days before the event.

"Everything was okay, but it wasn't perfect  and it has to be perfect on a night like tonight or they just won't wear it," Siriano said of McCarthy's original dress. "So we were just freaking out all day."

Melissa McCarthy attends the 2023 Annual Academy Awards. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

The dress had a satin bodice with a high neckline and balloon sleeves, and a full skirt made from ruched tulle.

"It's a big moment," he said of the design. "She's about to be in such an incredible film for Disney playing Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid,' how fabulous. So I just wanted to give her a really fabulous fashion moment."

Melissa McCarthy attends the 2023 Annual Academy Awards. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Siriano joked that the experience was "traumatizing to my life," and revealed that he didn't plan on mentioning the mishap.

"I wasn't gonna say anything about what really happened because I don't want the actress who's wearing something to know that her dress was fully remade," he told E!.

The designer also said the flood caused such havoc that he had to travel with the last gown he created and hand-deliver it to the star who will wear it.

"Donatella, are you dropping it off yourself?" he joked, poking fun at legendary designer Donatella Versace.

"Well a flood in the office won't stop us!" Siriano captioned the post.

Read the original article on Insider
Lost  then miraculously found.

A Southwest Florida woman has been reunited with a precious heirloom that was thought gone forever six months after Hurricane Ian ripped through the area.

Last Wednesday, the Town of Fort Myers Beach posted two pictures on Facebook of a wedding plate a beach patrol officer had just stumbled onto behind the Bay Oaks Recreational Center, about two miles from where it was lost.

TV News station NBC2 picked up the story and an eagle-eyed viewer named Starla Mullarkey recognized the piece of china as belonging to a neighbor friend of hers, Gail Conner, who was out of state.

Jennifer Dexter, spokeswoman for the Town of Fort Myers Beach, confirmed that Mullarkey contacted authorities and picked up the dish for safekeeping on Friday.

Mullarkey told the Miami Herald that Conner was relieved to find out her prized possession was safe because it has special meaning. The dish was a gift from her late sister, the maid of honor at her 1978 wedding who was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver at age 34 in 1990. Conners beachside house was destroyed by the storm but the plate somehow survived.

The white scalloped porcelain plate featuring blue wedding bells reads Love, Joy and Happiness on the front. The back is inscribed: God bless you with many years of happiness! Love, Audrey.

When I looked at it, it was so beautiful because its a message from heaven, Conner told NBC2, adding that it been stored in a box, but now she will find the perfect place for it when her new home is built on Fort Myers Beach.
A man who was part of the distribution of methamphetamines to Gaston and Mecklenburg counties will serve more than 12.5 years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Brandon Eugene Massey, 38, of Blacksburg, South Carolina, to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Whitney also imposed five years of supervised release following incarceration.

Stock photo from inside a courtroom, featuring a gavel.

According to filed documents and information introduced at the sentencing hearing, between2019 and 2020, Massey was responsible for trafficking 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, including 150 grams of ultra-high purity methamphetamine, that was seized from his co-conspirators. Court documents show that Massey was responsible for supplying the methamphetamine to individuals who then distributed it in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties and elsewhere.

According to court records, prior to being sentenced, Massey fled from prosecution and was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation,which to date has led to the federal prosecution of more than 60 individuals for drug trafficking.

Law enforcement have also seized more than 49 kilograms of methamphetamine, 29 kilograms of fentanyl, 27 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, 70 firearms, more than $385,000 in cash, and more than $800,000 in other property.

The task force identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

The U.S. Attorney's Office the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department for their coordination and investigation of the case.

Support local journalism by subscribing for unlimited digital access for $1 a month for 12 months and then $11.99 a month. Cancel anytime. Click here to subscribe.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston drug dealer sentenced to prison
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexicos president claimed Monday that his country is safer than the United States, a week after two U.S. citizens were killed and two kidnapped and later rescued in the border city of Matamoros.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said U.S. travel warnings and reports of violence in Mexico were the result of a conspiracy by conservative politicians and U.S. media outlets to smear his administration.

Despite Lopez Obradors assurances that Mexico was safe for travel, the FBI confirmed last week that three other women from the small Texas town of Penitas have been missing in Mexico since late February.

Mexico is safer than the United States, Lopez Obrador said at his morning news briefing. There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico.

Mexico's nationwide homicide rate is about 28 per 100,000 inhabitants. By comparison, the U.S. homicide rate is barely one-quarter as high, at around 7 per 100,000.

The president brushed off continued concern over violence. Currently, the U.S. State Department has do not travel advisories for six of Mexico's 32 states plagued by drug cartel violence, and reconsider travel warnings for another seven states.

This is a campaign against Mexico by these conservative politicians in the United States who do not want the transformation of our country to continue, Lopez Obrador said.

The Mexican president included U.S. media outlets in the supposed conspiracy.

These conservative politicians ... dominate the majority of the news media in the United States, he said. This violence is not a reality, he added. It is pure, vile manipulation.

As if to undercut that statement, police in the industrial and farming state of Guanajuato reported that 8 people had been shot to death and another seven wounded in an attack on a nightclub over the weekend.

The attack late Saturday killed six men and two women at the club in the largely rural township of Apaseo El Grande, where rival cartels have been fighting for control for years.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador asserted on Monday that his country is safer than the U.S. amid the fallout from last weeks high-profile kidnappings of American citizens in his country, two of whom ended up dead.

Mexico is safer than the United States. There is no issue with traveling safely through Mexico, Lopez Obrador told reporters at his daily press briefing, according to reports. Thats something the U.S. citizens also know, just like our fellow Mexicans that live in the US.

Lopez Obrador noted that his country is a popular traveling destination for American tourists and expats, claiming that there is a campaign against Mexico from conservative U.S. politicians that dont want this country to keep developing for the good of the Mexican people.

U.S. government alerts say that its safe to only travel [in the states of] Campeche and Yucatan. If that were the case, so many Americans wouldnt be coming in to live in Mexico City and the rest of the country, he said. In the past few years is when more Americans have come to live in Mexico. So, whats happening? Why the paranoia?

Four Americans were kidnapped by armed men in Mexico last week after traveling to the country to obtain a medical procedure. Two of them were killed by members of a cartel, which has since apologized.

The State Department has active travel advisories for a number of Mexican regions due to crime and kidnapping, suggesting Americans exercise increased caution or reconsider travel to two dozen states and urging them not to visit several others.

Texas officials are warning state residents against travel south of the border during the upcoming spring break.

Lopez Obrador recently called out U.S. lawmakers who suggested military action against Mexican drug cartels in wake of the deadly kidnapping.

We are not going to allow any foreign government to intervene, much less a foreign governments armed forces, he said at a press conference last week. We are not a protectorate of the United States, nor a colony of the United States. Mexico is a free, independent, sovereign state.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's president said on Monday his country is safer than the United States, pushing back against U.S. critics of his security record following a deadly kidnapping this month near the border that claimed the lives of two Americans.

The March 3 attack on four Americans in the Mexican city of Matamoros and their subsequent abduction was covered closely by U.S. media and sparked recriminations from politicians in the U.S., particularly Republicans.

By the time Mexican authorities found the Americans, two of them were dead. Five purported Mexican drug cartel members have since been arrested over the kidnapping.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has threatened to urge Mexican-Americans not to vote for Republican candidates if they continue their criticism, rejected U.S. official security warnings that depict much of Mexico as a risky place to visit.

"Mexico is safer than the United States," he told reporters when questioned about the warnings at a news conference. "There's no problem with traveling safely around Mexico."

Lopez Obrador said American tourists and Mexicans living in the U.S. were aware of how safe the country is, and pointed to a recent rise in Americans residing in Mexico. Last year saw a sharp jump in U.S. tourists coming to Mexico.

He blamed an "anti-Mexico" campaign by conservative U.S politicians for negative reports about security.

The U.S. embassy in Mexico did not respond to a request for comment about the president's comments.

At 28 per 100,000 people, Mexico's murder rate was around four times higher than in the United States in 2020, according to data published by the World Bank. Homicides fell about 7% last year in Mexico, but the current government is on track to register a record total for any six-year administration.

The U.S. State Department assigns varying levels of travel risk to all but two of Mexico's 32 regions.

Story continues

On top of the kidnappings, U.S. police say two women from Texas have been missing in Mexico since late February when they drove across the border to sell clothes at a flea market.

A spokesperson for police in Penitas, near McAllen, said sisters Marina Perez Rios, 48, and Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 47, and their Mexican friend, Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz, 53, have been unaccounted for since Feb. 27, and the FBI had been alerted.

Meanwhile, authorities in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, which has been racked by severe gang violence, said seven women - including a group of six - had been reported missing in the state during the last week.

Separately, an attack by gunmen in a bar in the town of Apaseo El Grande, Guanajuato, on Saturday night has claimed the lives of 10 people, a spokesperson for state prosecutors said. Prosecutors first reported eight dead, but two more people injured in the shooting have since died, the official said.

(Additional reporting by Isabel Woodford and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City and Julia Harte in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says there is 'no problem with travelling safely around Mexico', despite the row over drug cartel murders - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Mexicos president has claimed his country is safer than the US amid a row over drug cartel murders.

Four Americans were kidnapped earlier this month and two killed as they travelled to the city of Matamoros.

A video of the mens bodies being dragged onto the back of a truck in broad daylight shocked the American public. Several members of a violent cartel were arrested soon after.

Mexico is safer than the United States, said Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday. There's no problem with travelling safely around Mexico, he told a news conference in response to a question about US travel warnings for Mexico.

The State Department issued a Level Four travel advisory for six Mexican states in October. Last Friday, the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a reminder after reports of the kidnapping.

Mr Lopez Obrador cited a recent rise in Americans residing in Mexico as evidence of an improving security situation in the central American country.

He said criticism of the countrys handling of crime was part of an anti-Mexico campaign by conservative US politicians wanting to impede its development.

A Mexican police investigator inspects the minivan where four Americans where shot - AP

Murder rates were around four times higher in Mexico than in the US in 2020, according to data published by the World Bank.

The State Department now considers only two of the 32 states in Mexico safe for travel.

Congressional lawmakers are calling on the State Department to issue a travel advisory warning Americans that some Mexican pharmacies are passing off counterfeit pills made of fentanyl and methamphetamine as legitimate pharmaceuticals.

Senators sent a letter on Friday to Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, urging the department to immediately warn Americans travelling to Mexico of the danger they face when purchasing pills from Mexican pharmacies.

The United Nations has said that crime has been allowed to fester because of the impunity with which criminals operate in Mexico. More than 94 per cent of crimes in the country are unresolved.

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Mr Lopez Obrador said last week that he did not want the tragedy to be seized upon by the American media to portray Mexico as a dangerous country. He went on to say that Republican politicians will also use the crime as an opportunity to push their agenda.

Senator Lindsey Graham unveils plans for new laws to tackle Mexican drug cartels. Mr Lopez Obrador believes Republicans are using the situation to push 'their agenda' - AP/J Scott Applewhite

He dismissed claims that Mexican drug traffickers are responsible for the flow of drugs such as fentanyl into the US.

Here, we do not produce fentanyl, and we do not have consumption of fentanyl, Mr Lopez Obrador told reporters. Of the US, he said: Why dont they take care of their problem of social decay?
A pedestrian exits the New Mexico state Capitol building amid winter weather on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Santa Fe, N.M. The New Mexico's House of Representatives has endorsed new restrictions on public access to police body-camera video when it captures images of nudity, violence, injury or death. The House voted 46-19 Thursday, March 9, 2023, to send the bill to the Senate for consideration.

SANTA FE - New Mexico's House of Representatives has endorsed new limitations on public access to police body-camera video when it captures images of nudity, violence, injury or death.

The 46-19 vote Thursday sent the bill to the Senate for consideration. Proponents of the initiative include the New Mexico State Police and associations representing county and municipal governments, including sheriffs' departments.

New restrictions would be placed on access to police lapel-camera video that shows acts of extreme violence, injury or death unless an on-duty officer "is reasonably alleged or suspected to have caused the great bodily harm."

The proliferation of body-worn cameras by law enforcement personnel across the country has put the use of force by police on public display with profound consequences, such as responses to images of the fatal arrest of Tyre Nichols in Memphis on Jan. 7.

New Mexico lawmakers in 2020 enacted legislation requiring that all state and local police officers wear body cameras in response to concern about excessive use of force by law enforcement, with the exception of tribal governments.

Mary Fan, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law and expert on police body-camera policies, said the proposed exemptions in New Mexico are moderate in comparison with many state and local jurisdictions, including some that require court approval for access to video recorded by police.

"A concern in various jurisdictions that do make camera footage a public record is the risk that (someone) may post a person's worst moments on YouTube," said Fan, noting that video of police responses to domestic violence incidents are of particular concern. "There needs to be a balance to protect against, essentially, voyeurism."

The New Mexico initiative sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Debra Sarinana and Democratic Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, both of Albuquerque, adds several exceptions on access to law enforcement documents and recordings that are otherwise open to public inspection.

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Exemptions for police body-camera video include recordings that reveal intimate body areas, confidential police sources and tactics, or scenes in which people are notified of the death of a family member.

Some videos with sensitive content would still be made available where problematic images can be obscured with editing tools. And video still would be available for on-site viewing at government offices with a prohibition or copying or recording video files.

The bill contains a long list of other exemptions to open-records law, including information about government computer and information technology systems, as well as private business information related to marketing and advertising campaigns for the state.

A legislative panel held a hearing Monday with the opportunity for comment on a rewritten bill that was not made public until later. No objections were raised by an open-records watchdog group.

Under a separate bill, state law would no longer automatically presume that police acted in bad faith by failing to comply with policies for body-worn cameras, such as when to turn them on and prematurely erasing video, and liability provisions would be eased but not eliminated for negligently ruining or destroying video evidence. That bill won Senate approval Wednesday on a 41-0 vote.

During the House floor debate Thursday, Republican state Rep. Cathrynn Brown of Carlsbad expressed unease with proposed limits on public access to information about government computer and technology systems, including election systems.

"Of course we don't want people hacking into the computer systems. But there are times where there are question marks about how things are actually done, and I think citizens should have the right to look into that and not be precluded," she said.

Bill sponsor Sarinana said the intention is to protect information technology systems.

Morgan Lee is a reporter for the Associated Press.

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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico seeks limits on release of police body-cam video
The U.S. State Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety have each warned Americans to skip spring break vacations in Mexico, noting that ongoing violence poses a significant safety threat.

The warning comes in the wake of the kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico earlier this month. There's a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Tamaulipas, the Mexican state the Americans were in when they were kidnapped.

The State Department issued its travel alert for this year's spring break on Monday. The advisory notes spring breakers who do visit Mexico should be wary of crime in the downtown areas of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, especially after dark.

Visitors should also be careful about any medication and alcohol purchased in Mexico. American citizens have passed out and become injured after drinking possibly tainted alcohol in Mexico, the advisory noted.

"Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients," the State Department said.

The warning from Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw focused on violent crime.



"Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat to anyone who crosses into Mexico right now," McCraw said Friday. "We have a duty to inform the public about safety, travel risks and threats. Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time."

The State Department lists six Mexican states under its Level 4 advisory: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. There are also seven states under the "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory: Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora.

"Violent crime  such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery  is widespread and common in Mexico," the State Department warns in their advisory. "The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities."

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Mexico is a popular destination for spring break travel this year, according to AAA. Beach vacations are the most popular.

In Mexico, spring break travelers are most likely to visit Cancun, Riviera Maya or Mexico City, according to AAA. Those areas are under State Department's "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To" advisories.

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Michael B. Jordan And Jonathan Majors showed support for Angela Bassett after her shocking Oscars loss in the sweetest way.

The Creed III co-stars gave a shoutout to Bassett while onstage presenting the award for Best Cinematography at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night. Bassett had lost the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award to Jamie Lee Curtis moments before.

Hey, Auntie, Jordan said to his Black Panther co-star seated in the audience.

We love you, Majors followed up.

The brief but touching moment resonated with many fans on social mediawho expressed their disappointment that Bassett didnt win the award for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Curtis won the prize for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors praise Angela Bassett after her Supporting Actress #Oscars loss: "Hi, auntie. We love you." https://t.co/ndiKiHfmIDpic.twitter.com/5YwcBzWM1Q  Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023

People on Twitter pointed out that Jordan and Majors subtle remarks were a powerful display of love, support and solidarity.

Some real gs.



Those few words = a whole conversation understood by many of us. What's understood doesn't always need to be explained.  Nadine White. (@Nadine_Writes) March 13, 2023

Michael B Jordan to Angela Bassett: Hey Auntie. 



Jonathan Majors to Angela Bassett:

WE love you



IM CRYING#AcademyAwards#Oscarspic.twitter.com/MZjoxmBtvN  raveen marie  (@xoraveen) March 13, 2023

love that michael b jordan sent angela bassett love from the stage  alex medina (@mrmedina) March 13, 2023

Hi Aunty

That unspoken thingwe all understand. Thk you michael b jordan & Jonathan Majors#AngelaBassett#Oscar  pic.twitter.com/AVLj3B38gj  Abesi  (@AbesiPR) March 13, 2023

Bassett, who made history becoming the first actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to score an acting Oscar nom, was a favorite to win the award at this years ceremony.

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The actor was famously snubbed when she was nominated for Best Actress for her memorable portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic Whats Love Got to Do With It.

Bassett told CBS Mornings earlier this month that she didnt consider herself robbed of an Oscar.

Of course, in the moment, youre hoping and praying and wishing ... but I dont walk away thinking Ive been robbed, she said. Thats too negative of an emotion to carry with me for the rest of my life.

Related...
China's national legislators and political advisors who attended this year's "two sessions" have proposed cultural approaches to rural revitalization.

Zongyong Zhuoma, a Tibetan soprano and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Zongyong Zhuoma, a renowned Tibetan soprano and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presented a proposal with the theme of strengthening rural cultural construction and promoting rural revitalization at this year's CPPCC meeting.

The proposal aims to boost cultural and tourism resources in rural areas by attracting cultural talent. She told China.org.cn that integrating rural culture into rural revitalization efforts can lead to economic development and social stability, while enhancing the cultural landscape. However, she noted the challenge of attracting young people to cultural talent training and suggested the establishment of incentive programs.

Zongyong Zhuoma also proposed improving rural cultural facilities, discovering and revitalizing rural cultural resources, and blending traditional culture with modern life.

Furthermore, she suggested using "Internet Plus" to fully utilize the advantages of new media and promote cultural tourism and characteristic rural areas through various channels and platforms, thus advancing the construction of the "beautiful countryside."

Zhang Yiwu, a political advisor and a professor of Chinese studies at Peking University, poses for a photo as he attends the annual meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, March 4, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Zhang Yiwu, a political advisor and professor at Peking University, stressed the value of China's cultural and intangible heritage for cultural and tourism development. However, he noted that some projects lack scale and industrialization, leading to low economic returns.

Online live streaming has emerged as a valuable tool for promoting intangible cultural heritage consumption. Last year, Douyin witnessed a 642% year-on-year increase in live broadcasts of intangible cultural heritage projects. Around 210,000 people engaged with 498 intangible cultural heritage online stores to observe, learn and appreciate the skills associated with intangible cultural heritage.

Zhang proposed the cultivation of new online and offline consumption models to promote intangible cultural heritage, by enabling high-quality cultural and tourism vloggers. He suggested nurturing a new generation of intangible cultural heritage inheritors with business knowledge and marketing skills.

Wu Chengxiang, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and professor at Jiangxi Normal University, called for measures to further strengthen the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, which is crucial for rural revitalization. Despite having more than 90,000 representative inheritors of intangible cultural heritage in China, including more than 3,000 national-level representative inheritors as of the end of 2022, much remains to be accomplished.

To address various challenges, Wu suggested surveying the living conditions of inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and providing assistance wherever necessary. The government should also directly allocate funding to inheritors to cover the initial costs of intangible cultural heritage activities. Inheritors should be encouraged to explore new ways of promoting their skills, such as e-commerce and brand marketing. Additionally, Wu called for greater emphasis on inheriting intangible cultural heritage in schools to pass on these skills to the younger generation.

A file photo shows performers performing the Shaoxing Opera in Jinzhulingjiao village of Xianju county, east China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xu Zerong, an NPC deputy and vice president of the Chaozhou Arts and Crafts Association, has spent more than a decade studying porcelain-making techniques. According to Xu, incorporating cultural elements into rural revitalization efforts can take it to the next level.

Xu believes that using the arts and crafts industry to drive rural revitalization is a new channel and way of development.

Xu noted that many rural areas in China have excellent scenery and convenient transportation, and connecting the upstream and downstream industry chains of rural arts and crafts is crucial for attracting artistic talent and promoting local economic development.

Xu suggested establishing ceramic art research and learning centers in rural areas to attract students to learn and pass on Chinese culture, and combing such facilities with rural tourism projects to construct a rural arts and crafts industry system and promote rural economic development.

Chinese artist Shu Yong, a national political advisor, proposed incorporating social forces in reviving rural culture.

A file photo shows performers dancing during the Dragon Boat Festival at an intangible cultural heritage exhibition park in Taxkorgan Tajik autonomous county, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

His suggestions include encouraging people to organize local, national, and international-level cultural and artistic events, as well as cultivating rural cultural and artistic talent. He also proposed cultural and artistic competitions in rural areas to identify and develop talented individuals.

Additionally, the artist suggested incentivizing the private sector to establish rural art galleries, museums, and cultural centers and to develop rural cultural products and merchandise.
Michael Cohen, former President Trumps longtime fixer, arrived at a Manhattan courthouse on Monday ahead of his appearance before a grand jury investigating the former president, according to The Associated Press.

Cohens appearance marks a critical moment for the grand jury proceedings, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office appearing to near a decision on whether to seek charges against Trump.

The former personal lawyer to Trump has met with Braggs office on multiple occasions in recent weeks as he expressed a desire to testify and see charges brought against the former president in connection with a 2016 hush payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

My goal is to tell the truth, Cohen told reporters outside the courthouse, according to the AP.

This is not revenge, he added. This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds.

The payment was made in exchange for Danielss silence about an alleged affair she claims she had with the former president in 2006. Trump vehemently denies the affair.

Cohen, who spent years at Trumps side, is likely to serve as a key witness if the case moves forward. He made the $130,000 payment to Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election and later pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance law in connection with the payment.

The hush payment on its own is legal, but legal experts have suggested that prosecutors could leverage Cohens testimony in an attempt to indict Trump on charges of falsifying business records.

Cohen claims the former president later reimbursed him in monthly installments for the hush money and that the payments were erroneously recorded as a legal retainer fee.

Prosecutors would need to show that Trump, with an intent to defraud, was personally involved in unlawfully designating reimbursements a legal expense, but that charge still would only amount to a misdemeanor. To rise to a felony, prosecutors would additionally need to show that the fraud included an intent to commit another crime, likely a campaign finance violation.

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Joe Tacopina, an attorney representing Trump in the Manhattan criminal probe, called the case outrageous during an appearance on ABCs Good Morning America earlier in the day and said the payment was not directly related to Trumps campaign.

Trump himself has cast doubt on Cohens credibility, noting that he is a convicted felon who has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress.

These Four Radical Left investigations of your all time favorite President, ME, is just a continuation of the most disgusting Witch Hunt in the HISTORY of our Country, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ke Huy Quan and Harrison Ford (Getty Images)

When Harrison Ford announced Everything Everywhere All At Onceas this years Oscars Best Picture winner, its star Ke Huy Quan rushed to the stage and immediately leapt into the actors arms. Almost four decades ago, the pair had starred together in Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, when Quan was just a child. Fords career went from strength to strength. But the roles for Quan soon began to dry up, and he was forced to settle into a career of stunt coordination and assistant directing. Everything Everywhere All At Once wasnt merely a comeback. It was a second chance at a dream.

So to see Quan, a newly crowned Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor, offered the chance to celebrate with the same man who helped guide him through his very first steps into the industry  well, to quote the actor himself, they say stories like this only happen in the movies. The Oscars always like to talk the talk. Every year, we get the same twinkly-eyed speeches about how Hollywood is really a dream factory where were limited only by our own imaginations. Rarely does it ever feel like those words have any meaning. This year might be the rare exception.

Time and time again, in so many of the ceremonys speeches, we saw reflected the same feeling of relief: that here, finally, the forgotten had been given a second chance. The unseen were finally being seen. Brendan Fraser, winning Best Actor for The Whale, spoke with gratitude  his performance was a major return to the industry, having experienced and survived some of its darkest aspects. Michelle Yeoh, who won Best Actress after a close race with Tar star Cate Blanchett, has spoken often about how shes spent much of her illustrious career dreaming of a role like the one she was offered in Everything Everywhere All At Once. She was handed the statuette by Halle Berry, the only other woman of colour to win the award in 95 years.

Costume designer Ruth Carter made history by becoming the only Black woman to win two Oscars, both for her formidable work on the Black Panther films. Sarah Polley jokingly celebrated her Best Original Screenplay award for Women Talking by thanking the Academy for not being so morally offended by the words women and talking so close together like that. Even Best Animated Feature winner Guillermo del Toro spoke, with sincerity, about the importance of recognising animation is cinema.

The night wasnt so gracious to all. Everything Everywhere All At Onces sweep  the highest number of wins since 2008s Slumdog Millionaire  came at the cost of Angela Bassett remaining unrecognised by the Academy. A frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress, she lost to Jamie Lee Curtis, a wonderful actor who had perhaps the weakest role in this years Best Picture winner. Id argue the snub here has less to do with the particulars of Bassetts performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (beyond that single scene where she bellows, somewhat ironically now, have I not given everything?), but with how profoundly unbelievable it is that this was only the actors second nomination.

Thats why I think itd be premature to lay any declaration of concrete progress at the feet of Everything Everywhere All At Once. For every momentous win came the queasy reminders of the Academys stubborn hypocrisies. Host Jimmy Kimmel spent most of the night taking pot-shots at Will Smith for last years headline-dominating slap  an incident that was treated with deadly seriousness then, and saw the actor banned from all Academy events for ten years with several of his upcoming projects cancelled, now thought of as nothing more than fuel for stereotypical jokes about the night's Irish nominees taking the stage to fight. Thats the Hollywood were used to, isnt it? The one that will pat its own back with its hand, while it crushes somebody with its foot. Tomorrow might be different. But, for now, its OK to succumb to that celluloid-printed dream.
Michelle Yeoh and one of her favorite things to eat, nasi lemak. Mike Coppola; Chery Chan; Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

Yeoh was born in Ipoh, Perak, in northwestern Malaysia.

A self-described foodie, her favorite local dishes include curry noodles and chicken rice.

Michelle Yeoh just made history.

The 60-year-old actor became the first Asian woman to win best actress at the Oscars on Sunday. Yeoh, who was born in Ipoh, a city in the northwestern state of Perak, Malaysia, played Evelyn Wang in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," the sci-fi comedy film that won a total of seven Oscars.

In her speech, she began by encouraging children who look like her, by saying that there's a "beacon of hope and possibilities" out there. After calling out ageism in Hollywood, Yeoh dedicated the historic win to her 84-year-old mother, Janet, whom she said was watching the awards show on television from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

"I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes. And without them, none of us will be here tonight," Yeoh said.

"I'm taking this home to her," she continued.

Michelle Yeoh's hometown, Ipoh, Malaysia. simonlong/Getty Images

Yeoh, who's known for starring in blockbusters like the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Crazy Rich Asians," describes herself as a foodie. In a December interview with Netflix Malaysia, Yeoh shared the seven dishes she loves the most from her hometown.

Malaysia is known for its diverse food that blends influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines.

"It goes on and on and on," Yeoh said when listing her favorite local meals, adding that "Malaysia offers the best food."

Here are Yeoh's top choices when it comes to the best food in Malaysia.

Curry noodles in Ipoh, Malaysia. Cheryl Chan/Getty Images

1. Curry laksa: This dish comprises of yellow mee noodles and a thick, spicy and savory gravy. Yeoh's hometown's version is made with sambal belacan, a chilli-based condiment flavored with lime juice and shrimp paste.

Ipoh hor fun. Peacefoo/Getty Images

2. Chicken noodles: While Yeoh didn't specify exactly what kind of noodles she enjoys, the most popular rendition of this dish in Ipoh is "kai si hor fun." The dish, which is lightly-flavored, comprises of a soy sauce-based broth, shredded chicken meat, and flat white noodles. Seafood like shrimp may also be added.

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A typical plate of chicken rice in Malaysia. Photost0ry/Getty Images

3. Chicken rice: Chicken rice is a popular dish that can be found throughout Malaysia. It's made of steamed or roasted chicken and fragrant rice, served with a sweet-spicy sambal sauce. Char siew, or roasted barbecued pork, is also often paired with the rice.

River prawns cooked in a wok in Malaysia. Thommy Ting/Getty Images

4. Big head prawns: Malaysia is known for its fresh and abundant seafood thanks to its coastline. River and freshwater prawns are prepared in many different ways, including cooked in a wok and topped with a savory sauce.

Nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf in Ipoh. Cheryl Chan/Getty Images

5. Nasi lemak: Malaysia's national dish can vary from state to state, but it typically comprises of fragrant coconut rice, sambal belacan, meats like fish or chicken, an egg, cucumber, peanuts, and dried anchovies. Lemak is a flavor category unique to Malay food, which describes the richness or creaminess of coconut milk-based food.

Nasi padang in Malaysia. Izwan Othman/Shutterstock

6. Nasi padang: Nasi padang is a banquet-style meal comprised of rice paired with several other dishes, which can be made with meat, fish, vegetables, and sauces like sambal. One dish that's commonly included in nasi padang is rendang, a dried beef dish cooked in coconut milk and spicy gravy.

Bak kut teh served in Ipoh. Cheryl Chan/Getty Images

7. Bak kut teh: This pork rib soup is prepared in a broth with herbs like cinnamon, cloves, and fennel. In Yeoh's hometown, the broth is typically darker, with dark soy sauce and more herbs added to the dish.

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Coincidentally, Michelle Yeoh and Halle Berry both played Bond girls in Pierce Brosnan's films as the iconic spy. ABC via Getty Images / Kevork Djansezian / AP Images

After 21 years, Michelle Yeoh became the second woman of color to win the Oscar for best actress.

Previously, Halle Berry addressed racial diversity in Hollywood after winning the award in 2002.

During Yeoh's acceptance speech, she addressed ageism in the film industry.

Michelle Yeoh became the second woman of color to win the Oscar for best actress at the 95th annual Academy Award Sunday night.

After about 40 years of acting, Yeoh received awards recognition for her work by winning the award for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All At Once," a part written specifically for her.

Yeoh ended her speech by saying that the honor was "history in the making," which is accurate as she is only the second woman of color, and the first Asian woman, to win the Oscar best actress award.

In 2002, Halle Berry, who presented the award to Yeoh, was the first woman of color to win the lead actress award for her performance in "Monster's Ball."

During her acceptance speech, Berry called out racial diversity in the film industry, telling the audience and viewers at home that she hoped her win would open the door for other women of color to succeed in the film industry.

"This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's for the women that stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox," she said, acknowledging women of color that have previously been overlooked at the awards. "And it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened. Thank you. I'm so honored. I'm so honored. And I thank the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel for which His blessing might flow."

"Everything Everywhere All At Once" bagged seven Academy Awards including best actress (Michelle Yeoh), best supporting actor (Ke Huy Quan) and actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), best picture and best director (The Daniels). Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

However, it took 21 years for another woman of color to win the award despite actors of color flourishing in the best supporting actress category in previous years.

Reflecting on her speech in 2017, Berry told Teen Vogue's editor-in-chief, Elaine Welteroth: "I sat there and I really thought, 'Wow, that moment really meant nothing. It meant nothing. I thought it meant something, but I think it meant nothing.'"

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She added: "It inspired me to try to get involved in other ways, which is why I want to start directing. I want to start producing more. I want to start making more opportunities for people of color. I have conversations more deeply with Academy members, and I'm trying to figure out how to help and add more diversity to the Academy."

During Yeoh's speech at the ceremony on Sunday, the Malaysian actor said: "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight  this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dream big, and dreams do come true."

Speaking about ageism in the film industry, Yeoh added: "And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up."

In the weeks leading up to the Oscars, the 60-year-old actor said on the Los Angeles Times' podcast, "The Envelope," that before "Everything Everywhere All At Once," people doubted her ability to be a lead actor due to her age.

"You know, as you get older, people start saying, 'Oh yeah, you should retire. You should do this. You should' No, guys. Do not tell me what to do. I should be in control of what I am capable of, right?" Yeoh said.

On Sunday, "Everything Everywhere All At Once" won seven categories including best supporting actor and actress, best picture, and best director.

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best-actress-michelle-yeoh.jpg US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-AWARD-OSCARS-SHOW - Credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

In a stunning victory, Michelle Yeoh took home the trophy for best actress at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday. The Everything Everywhere All at Once actress made history as the first Asian American to win the category and the first woman of color to receive the award in two decades, following Halle Berry, who was the first Black woman and woman of color to win the Academy Award in 2002 and presented Yeoh with her history-making win tonight.

To all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities, Yeoh said in her acceptance speech. This is proof that dream big and dreams do come true. And ladies, dont let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.

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She added: I have to dedicate this to my mom  all the moms in the world  because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight. Shes 84, and Im taking this home to her. Shes watching right now in Malaysia with my family and friends. I love you guys. Im bringing this home to you and also to my extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders giving me a leg up so that I can be here today.

Yeoh has been a force in filmmaking since the Eighties, rising to fame for her starring roles in action films Police Story 3: Supercop, James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, and international sensation Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee. And while Yeoh has been an icon and prolific actress and stuntwoman for decades, her performance as Evelyn Wang in the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once garnered long-deserved accolades from several largely white institutions.

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In January, the beloved actress accepted the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and shared a touching speech about the impact of her win for the role of Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Im holding onto this, Yeoh said as she held up her trophy. Its been an amazing journey and incredible fight to be here today. But I think its been worth it.

Yeoh again made history at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards the following month when she became the first Asian woman to win Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor Leading Role. This is not just for me, she said while accepting the honor. This is for every little girl that looks like me Thank you for giving me a seat at the table because so many of us need this. We want to be seen, we want to be heard. And tonight you have shown us that it is possible, and I am grateful.

The actress was also the first Malaysian to receive an Academy Award nomination in any category with her Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Yeoh was nominated for the award alongside Cate Blanchett for Tar, Ana De Armas for Blonde, Andrea Riseborough for To Leslie, and Michelle Williams for The Fabelmans.

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Michelle Yeoh made history at the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the first actress of Southeast Asian descent to win the Academy Award for best actress. Yeoh won for her role as Evelyn Wang in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," which also won best picture.

Yeoh is known for her roles in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Tomorrow Never Dies" in the James Bond franchise, and "Crazy Rich Asians" Despite decades of work and dozens of roles, this is Yeoh's first Oscar nomination.

Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Annual Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. / Credit: Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images

In her Oscar-winning role, Yeoh plays a Chinese immigrant who can explore alternative lives in other universes.

When she got up on stage to accept her award she received a standing ovation. "Thank you, thank you. For all the little girls and boys who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility," she said in her speech. "This is proof to dream big, and dreams do come true."

"And ladies, don't let anybody ever tell you you are past your prime," Yeoh, who is 60, continued. The comment came after CNN anchor Don Lemon received backlash for saying presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was past her prime at age 51. Lemon later apologized.

"Never give up," Yeoh said, as the audience erupted in cheers. She then thanked her directors, the production company A24 and the cast and crew, and dedicated the award to her mom and "all the moms in the world."

"They are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight," she said.

Yeoh said her 84-year-old mom is watching in Malaysia with friends and family. "I love you guys, I'm bringing this home to you," she said. And she thanked her "extended family" in Hong Kong, where she got her start in acting.

Her family and friends watched the Oscars at a large viewing party in Kuala Lumpur, with the crowd erupting and many embracing her mom when Yeoh won.

Yeoh's mom said she had no doubt her daughter would win. "She's a very hard-working girl," she said a news conference at the watch party.

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One of Yeoh's nieces called it a "jaw-dropping moment," to see her win. "I was speechless; I cried," she said. "It happened so quickly. We're so happy that she won, that our auntie won."

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Yeoh on behalf of the country where she was born. "The Government joins the nation in expressing warmest and heartiest congratulations to Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh for winning the highly coveted Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles today," he tweeted.

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" was written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, a duo known as The Daniels, who also won the Oscars for best director and best screenplay.

Yeoh's co-star Ke Huy Quan, who got his start as a child actor in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "The Goonies," took home best supporting actor award, becoming just the second performer of Asian descent to win that award.

And longtime film star Jamie Lee Curtis won best supporting actress for her role in the film  her first Oscar. The film also won for best editing.

Three years into the global COVID-19 pandemic, here's how the battle continues.

President Biden hints at new banking regulation after Silicon Valley Bank collapse

Mike Pence criticizes Trump over Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol
Too many women are still told they are

Too many women are still told they are "past their prime in their careers, which is why Yeoh's encouragement is so important.

On Sunday, Michelle Yeoh won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Everything Everywhere All at Once, making history as the first Asian actress to do so in the shows 95 years.

In her acceptance speech, the Malaysia-born 60-year-old made a point to call out gendered ageism and encourage those who want to follow in her path.

For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities, she said in her acceptance speech. This is proof that dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, dont let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up.

Throughout this awards season, Yeoh has used her platform to speak up about how she and other Asian actors have faced stereotypes and societal barriers in their careers. In a GQ interview, she called the role of Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All at Once something Ive been waiting for, for a long time.

The facts back up how gendered ageism is ever-present in Hollywood. In 2017, USC published a report that found that only two leading characters over 60 were featured in the 25 films nominated for Best Picture over the previous three years  and they were both played by the same white man, Michael Keaton.

When older people were featured in Best Picture-nominated movies, men were playing leaders, while older women, and older people of color in particular, rarely got to wield power on screen, according to the report.

Occupational prestige is the province of male seniors, the study stated. The consistent portrayal of male leaders in film means that audiences across the life span do not see a portrait of authority and achievement that reflects reality by including females and people of color.

But its not just actors who face gendered ageism. Very few of us will ever become Oscar-winners, but unfortunately the harmful societal assumption that women have a fleeting prime working age is still alive and well.

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Too many women are told they are past their prime, in their careers, which is why Yeohs encouragement is so important.

Although age discrimination in the workplace has been illegal in the U.S. since 1967, many women still report dealing with it on a regular basis. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported that since 2010, the number of women filing age discrimination charges has surpassed the number of men filing age discrimination charges.

Just last month, CNN anchor Don Lemon got called out for suggesting in a TV segment that because of her age, 51-year-old Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was not in her prime, which he later apologized for.

Cynthia Pong, a feminist career strategist for women of color, said the implicit message that women have a prime working age is something her clients and people in her community deal with a lot. For them, it can show up beyond words as a sense that a door is being shut in [their] face because they are a certain age or they present as a certain age, she said.

One 2019 report on gendered ageism from the nonprofit Catalyst, whose mission is to promote workplace inclusion for women, found that in addition to societal biases that older employees are less innovative, adaptive and generally less qualified, older women face marginalization based on lookism, gendered youthful beauty standards.

Pong noted that ageism can be a double-edged sword and can penalize women for either looking too young or too old to be respected and taken seriously. According to a 2021 AARP survey, about 1 in 3 women say they experience age discrimination, and women in the survey who were 50 years or older reported age discrimination at about the same rate as younger women.

Even if gendered ageism hasnt happened to you in particular, it can affect your career growth. Pong noted that simply witnessing ageism can cause a chilling effect in workplaces and make women of color in particular less risk-averse in their job moves.

They are worried that rug is going to get pulled out from under them as well, Pong said, noting that a common message she hears is I dont want to rock the boat.

Yeohs message to not give up in the face of these daily discouragements is a reminder that its critical to staying true to yourself. To individually cope with the societal problem of ageism, The bottom line is to always make sure that you are clear about what you want to achieve or accomplish in your career if you are [any] woman or woman of color, Pong said. That way, you can strategize on a plan and connect with people who can help you reach your goals.

In worst-case scenarios, internalizing ageist messages can distract all women from their mission and cause them to give up on their career dreams altogether, Pong said, which is why Yeohs encouragement is so important.

Thats the underlying message of what Michelle Yeoh is saying: Dont give up and dont accept this. Really, thats the only way. If we can reach some kind of tipping point where this is no longer as much of a factor, that would ultimately be the goal, Pong said.

Related...
Kevin Winter / Getty Images

When Michelle Yeoh won the Oscar for Best Actress on Sunday night, the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles erupted in cheers for her historic win.

Nearly 9,000 miles away in Malaysia, Yeoh's home country, so did her family and friends.

"I'm very excited. I'm proud of my daughter," her mom, Janet Yeoh, told reporters through tears at a viewing party in Kuala Lumpur. "My daughter is a hardworking girl."

VIDEO:  Mum and Malaysia celebrate Michelle Yeoh's Oscar win"I'm proud of my daughter... my daughter is a hardworking girl," Janet Yeoh told reporters after her daughter became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for best actress. https://t.co/30z9EWRIIn 12:37 PM - 13 Mar 2023

Family, friends, and celebrities showed up to watch the awards show, hoping to see Yeoh make history for her role as Evelyn in the psychedelic, heartwarming sci-fi comedy-drama Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Yeoh dedicated her Best Actress award to her mom and her family.

"She's 84 and I'm taking this home to her. She's watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, I'm bringing this home to you," she said in her acceptance speech.

"And also to my extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career," Yeoh added. "Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so that I can be here today."

A filial daughter , Michelle checked in on her mother straight after she became the first Asian to win the best actress award in the Academys 95 year history . Bravo !  https://t.co/Ghvs4LYW94 03:47 AM - 13 Mar 2023

Yeoh video-called her mother right after her win, waving and blowing kisses as she clutched her Oscar.

"I'll call her to come back and celebrate very soon," her mom told reporters. "Next month is my birthday."

"It was such a jaw-dropping moment," her niece Vicki told AFP. But Yeoh's family was confident she would win.

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"The nominees are really strong, but we had no doubts," Vicki said. "We kept telling her, 'You will win, we're gonna envision it for you. You're gonna stand on stage with the golden man.'"

Janet Yeoh (in white), mother of actor Michelle Yeoh, celebrates after her daughter won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Arif Kartono / AFP via Getty Images

In the lead-up to the Academy Awards, Yeoh nabbed a number of acting awards for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

On Sunday night, the Malaysian-born actor became the first Asian person to win Best Actress, and only the second person of color to win in that category in Oscar history.

The film swept the Academy Awards on Sunday: Yeoh's costar Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor, the directing duo the Daniels won Best Director, and the movie won Best Picture.

More on this

Mar. 13, 2023, at 15:24 PM
Janet Yeoh, mother of Michelle Yeoh, celebrates at a viewing party in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after her daughter won the Oscar for lead actress. (Vincent Thian / Associated Press)

A proud country, and a proud mother.

Michelle Yeoh's lead actress Oscar win Sunday for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" drew a burst of emotion and excitement among her family, fans and politicians at a watch party at a movie theater in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Yeoh was born and raised.

I so love my daughter, and she has made Malaysia proud, mother Janet Yeoh, 84, said during a news conference after the viewing. Malaysia boleh (Malaysia can)!

Moments before Halle Berry, the first woman of color and only Black woman to win the award, and Jessica Chastain, who won last year, announced Michelle Yeoh as the first Asian performer to win in the lead actress category, Janet Yeoh and family members were already wiping tears away from their eyes, according to footage of the moment.

When Chastain read Michelle Yeoh's name from the envelope, the crowd leaped to their feet and cheered, while Janet Yeoh joined with a scream from her seat. After taking in the moment for a few seconds, she stood to embrace the boisterous crowd around her, pumping her fist into the air.

In her acceptance speech, Michelle Yeoh dedicated the award to her mom, along with all mothers.

I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight," Yeoh said on the Dolby Theatre stage in Los Angeles. "Shes 84, and Im taking this home to her. Shes watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, Im bringing this home to you."

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also congratulated Yeoh for her victory, tweeting, "In creating history by being not just the first Malaysian but the very first Asian actress to win in this category, we take enormous pride in her achievement, adding to a long list of successes and capping a critically acclaimed acting career spanning decades."

In "Everything Everywhere," Yeoh starred as the universe-jumping Evelyn Wang, a mother, Chinese immigrant and laundromat owner who struggles to keep her business afloat and her family together. A central conflict of the film is her difficulty as a mother in connecting with her queer, second-generation Asian American daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), who doubles as the movie's villain, Jobu Tupaki.

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Amid the celebration in Malaysia, Janet Yeoh said she was immensely proud of my little princess, who wanted to be a ballerina before entering the acting world. Yeoh said she pushed her daughter out of her cocoon despite protests from her late husband, a lawyer whom she described as old-fashioned.

Michelle Yeoh joined her family in Malaysia through FaceTime, calling them from backstage at the Dolby, according to video posted by Channel NewsAsia reporter Melissa Goh.

Someone held the iPhone in front of family members huddled around Janet Yeoh. Michelle Yeoh could be seen blowing kisses and holding her Oscar to the screen. Her mother started to chant, "Malaysia boleh (Malaysia can)!"

The actor's niece, Vicki Yeoh, grabbed the phone and held it up to reveal to Michelle the crowd at the viewing party, which once again erupted into cheers.

"I was speechless, I cried," Vicki Yeoh said after the party, according to NBC News. "The nominees are really strong, but we had no doubt. We keep telling her that you will win  you will stand on the stage with the golden man.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Major gun reform has largely stalled in Congress. Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Michigan Democrats are pushing for stricter gun laws following two mass shootings, The Associated Press.

The party is calling for universal background checks and safe storage laws, among other measures.

It comes after the shootings at Michigan State university and Oxford High School.

Michigan Democrats are pushing a package of 11 gun reform bills following two deadly mass shootings in the state, which has renewed calls for stricter laws across the country.

The package of legislation is poised to be introduced thos week, The Associated Press reported, and includes universal background checks and safe storage laws, among other measures.

It comes after a 43-year-old man fatally shot three people and injured multiple others last month at Michigan State University. The incident occurred just months after the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School  about 80 miles away from MSU  that left four students dead. Because of its proximity, some students experienced both attacks.

State Democrats argued that so-called red flag laws, which allow law enforcement or family members to petition to restrict an at-risk individual's firearm access, could have possibly prevented incidents like the Oxford shooting, according to the AP.

"We have children in Michigan who are living through their second school shooting in under a year and a half," Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said at a police press conference for the MSU shooting. "If this is not a wake-up call to do something, I don't know what is."

The legislation also has provisions that individuals obtain a license as well as undergo a criminal background check and register upon purchasing, TIME reported.

Meanwhile, in Washington, gun reform has stalled as President Joe Biden has been calling for action to curb gun violence. Last year, Democrats in Michigan were able to secure control in the House and Senate, a historic feat that shifted the power from Republicans in 40 years., The Detroit Free Press reported.

"Nothing is off the table. But every state has a culture. So I think we're trying to be conscious of Michigan and how we do things," State Sen. Rosemary Bayer, a Democrat, said, the outlet reported.

Read the original article on Insider
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Micronesia's president accused China of political warfare in a letter to other national leaders and discussed switching diplomatic allegiance from China to Taiwan in exchange for $50 million.

President David Panuelo said China had been using nefarious tactics, including spying and offering bribes, in an effort to ensure that if it goes to war with Taiwan, Micronesia would be aligned with China rather than the United States, or would at least abstain from taking sides.

Panuelo sent the 13-page letter dated March 9, which was obtained by The Associated Press, to state governors and other political leaders of the Pacific nation.

The letter represented an unusually frank assessment of China's motives in the region and laid bare the financial incentives for smaller countries to switch diplomatic allegiance.

Should Micronesia switch allegiance to Taiwan, it would represent a rare win for the self-governing island, after several Pacific nations switched allegiance from Taiwan to China in recent years.

I believe that our values are presently being used against us Panuelo wrote in his letter. One of the reasons that China's political warfare is successful in so many arenas is that we are bribed to be complicit, bribed to be silent."

He gave examples, saying that when the vice president was a senator, he was asked by China's ambassador to accept an envelope filled with money, which he refused.

China denied the allegations.

We noted relevant reports, in which the smear and accusations against China are completely inconsistent with the facts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing Friday.

"Weve always respected Micronesias development path that it has chosen in light of its own national conditions and have supported the Micronesian side in safeguarding independence, Mao said.

Panuelo gave other examples of what he called China's grey zone activities. He said that Chinese research vessels had been operating inside Micronesia's ocean territory to spy, by mapping potential resources and submarine travel paths.

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He said that when he traveled to Fiji in July to attend the Pacific Islands Forum, he was followed around by two Chinese men, who Micronesia discovered worked for the Chinese Embassy in Fiji and included an intelligence officer.

To be clear: I have had direct threats against my personal safety from PRC (People's Republic of China) officials acting in an official capacity, Panuelo wrote.

He said that in February, he met with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and told him that Micronesia would need money for its trust fund if it was to switch diplomatic allegiance.

I was transparent with Foreign Minister Wu; we project we need an injection of approximately $50 million to meet our future needs, Panuelo wrote. We can and will receive this, over a three-year period, if and when we establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

He said Micronesia would also receive an annual $15 million assistance package and Taiwan would take over various projects that China had begun, including a national convention center, two state government complexes, and two gyms.

Taiwan's foreign ministry declined to comment on the specifics of Panuelo's letter.

"Taiwan shares core values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law with like-minded countries that care about peace in the Pacific region," the ministry said in a statement. As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific region, we will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded countries around the world.

Panuelo concluded by saying he loved Micronesia too much not to inform them of the kinds of threats and opportunities the country faced, even if writing the letter put himself, his family and his staff at risk.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, speaks with Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, (not pictured) at a "fireside chat" to the media about a joint project between the two companies called the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud on February 27, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. He's planning to unveil more about his Bing AI March 16.



Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is expected to show off more plans for its OpenAI-based Bing AI Thursday, March 16.

If Microsoft is anything to go by, the artificial intelligence gravy train has barely even left the station. This week, the company is supposed to talk up how AI will reinvent productivity with AI. This could mean integrating OpenAIs ChatGPT features into Dynamics 365, the companys customer relations and sales software suite.

The event could also provide a chance for Microsoft to show off more AI features in Microsofts Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.



Read more

The showcase is set to start Thursday, March 16 at 11 a.m. ET, 8 a.m. PT. The event will livestream from the companys LinkedIn account on this page. The livestream is open to all.

As much as reinventing productivity either sounds like your average business to business buzzword at best, or another way to eek more effort from staff at worst, the event is likely to be more subdued than that. When Microsoft first announced it was putting ChatGPT-like features into its Bing browser back in February, it held a real-life press conference that let reporters access the actual chatbot in action. Since then, Bing AI has been incorporated into Skype and the Bing Mobile app. Its also been incorporated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar.

Putting AI into Microsofts Dynamics 365 seems like a direct response to Salesforces recent announcement that it was shoving OpenAIs ChatGPT API features into its cloud software suite. Dynamics 365 includes the companys sales apps, customer service suite, mixed reality remote assist, and more. The software package already includes a kind of Microsoft AI, which is a machine learning algorithm supposed to provide aggregated customer and sales data.

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This latest integration will probably be more of what users already expect with chatbots. It could mean Microsoft allows its Dynamics 365 customers more access to AI-based customer service chatbots.

Separate reports have already noted Microsoft has been considering adding its Prometheus model AI into its 365 Office apps. This would allow users to get the AI to write emails, craft PowerPoint slides, or write whole Word documents for them based on a few simple prompts.

Microsoft has been trying to rein in its AI chatbot since it started producing some really strange responses. This AI hallucination, when an AI produces nonsensical answers, is present in practically all large language models due to the nature of the beast. Over the last few weeks Microsoft has been iterating on the program to make it less feature-rich and opinionated to try and cut down on these issues.

On Thursday, we may get to hear directly from Microsoft just how much its vision for AI might have changed since February.

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Supporters of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili gather in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Credit - Shakh AivazovAP

I am in Kyiv. In the heart of a city whose superhuman efforts allow life to go on. Friends and comrades are organizing, in secret, at the Zhovten, the most beautiful movie theater of the Podil quarter, the Ukrainian premiere of my film, Slava Ukraini. And, from Tbilisi, Georgia, on the far shore of the Black Sea, more than 1,500 kilometers away, a handwritten letter reaches me, in a trembling script, from Mikheil Saakashvili.

Saakashvili Like a ghost rising from a recent past (2008!) that seems suddenly so far away It was springtime. The winds of liberty blew over the Georgia where he was president. It was a wind of liberty and roses. I am there. I see, braving the Russian tanks on the doorstep of the capital, this gentle giant who, like the heroes of literature for children, has a princess to save, named either Georgia or Europe, no difference. He resists. Calls for aid. Seems, at times, poised for victory. Loses the election. Goes into exile in Ukraine, where he becomes governor of Odesa Oblast. Returns home. And finds himself thrown into jail by a power under orders from Putin who, not content to just put him away, seems to have poisoned him as well.

Dear Bernard, he writes, now, on a sheet of thin paper which makes me shiver to read again I was poisoned in my cell A team of foreign doctors found under my nails, in my blood, traces of heavy metals Day by day I get weaker Ive lost at least 50 kilos in less than a year I write to you to ask for your support and to beg you to speak of my torture, my poisoning, and of the Kremlins direct interest in killing me I write to you because you came to Georgia in 2008, in the era when Putin was testing the new Iron Curtain he wishes to draw today across Ukraine. And I write so you tell the world that my death in prison will mean my country is thrown into the arms of Russia and that, beyond my borders, as Minister Lavrovs spokesperson has sworn, my fate also awaits Zelensky

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I try to imagine him, this exultant, magnificent character, out of proportion in all ways, not just physically. I try to recall his verve, his gaiety, his faith in the democratic transition and in a tomorrow that sings liberty. I try to picture him, thin, boney, frail, perhaps dying. Has he lost his Rabelaisian exuberance? His jovial enthusiasm, like that of a Porthosian musketeer? What is left of his heroic intelligence, his hardiness, his confidence in the genius of those who he held as masters, the great spirits of French humanism whose language he speaks impeccably?

I try to imagine how, exactly, he wrote these words that I am looking at, and through what twisting paths he managed to get them to me. I imagine a prison visiting booth. Or, as in The Three Musketeers again or the era of Soviet dissidents, an envelope passed in secret, a sympathetic or complacent jailer, a bottle at sea, a samizdat. Did he write them at a table, these lines in a childish hand, clumsy but perfect for expressing his suffering through it? On a thin mattress where he has grown too weak to get up? Or from the ground itself, like Solzhenitsyn in the Gulag? He was a European great and, even fallen, remains so. This brave man, hated by Putins little grey men like few others, has lost none of his panache.

I also try to imagine, and to understand, how he could have decided, 17 months ago now, to jump back into the lions den, defying the inevitable. Like Navalny, deep down. Like other heroes of the new dissidence. Like Khodorkovsky, the former oligarch once imprisoned by Putin, now become one of the faces of free RussiaSaakashvili also, it seems to me, knew the fate that awaited him and chose to face it. Are these men helpless before the unbendable will of the Kremlin terrorist? Is Micha despairing before the versatility of his nation, which loved him before chasing him out? Is there a moment when the idea strikes you, as brazen as may be your soul, that its time to join the immortal race of men of good faith who spared no effort in search of the triumph of a just and lost cause?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds images of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili taken in prison, during a press conference in Kyiv on Feb. 1, 2023. Sergei SupinskyAFP/Getty Images

Micha, I dont know if youll read, from your jail cell, or from the hospital where they recently put you, these words that I write in reply to yours, thinking of you and the likely peril of your tortured body. I dont even know if, from where you are, you hear the murmur rising from the Rustavili avenue where, at the hour I write this, thousands of pro-European protesters are demonstrating and chanting the Ukrainian anthem. But I know that Europe, your country, does not seem to hear your warnings. I know that, in this West that you championed, you, and your brave outraged and revolted people, receive only a glacial silence. How can we not be ashamed of that, when we speak the language of Hemingway or Chateaubriand? Of Zorro or Alexis de Tocqueville? How can we notremembering Sartre and Camus who you claimed once to be the equal ofbe horrified by the disillusioned negligence of western opinions?

A dying man cries out for help. A whole people braves the militias in the pay of Putin, by taking on, ten years later and, I repeat, 1,500 kilometers away, the Ukrainian spirit of the Maidan. And the world (if this still means something more than a mob controlled by the algorithms of nothingness) could care less. They dont give a fuck, as one says, in the newspeak slang, to express servility to evil. This is unbearable.
Courtesy Benjamin Crump's Instagram account

Rasheem Cartera Black man from Mississippi who was found dead last year, allegedly after telling cops he was worried about being harmedwas decapitated, his family and their lawyers said Monday.

What this tells us is that this was a nefarious act, this was an evil act. Somebody murdered Rasheem Carter, famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump alleged. And we cannot let them get away with this. I mean when you look at these pictures taken at the autopsy, it tells you that theres nothing natural about this. It screams out for justice.

Hours before the 25-year-olds mysterious disappearance in early October, Carter had gone to the Taylorsville Police Department for help after he expressed to his mother over the phone that he was being followed by white men, his mom, Tiffany Carter, previously said.

While authorities initially said there was no evidence of foul play, Crump said an independent autopsyand the fact his spinal cord was found in a different location from the rest of his remainssuggests otherwise.

We understand they believe they may have discovered some other remains of his body that they have not disclosed to use yet, Crump said at the Monday press conference.

Family Claims Cop Who Killed Unarmed Black Teen in Car Was Never in Danger

Neither the Taylorsville Police Department nor the Smith County Sheriffs Department immediately responded to requests for comment.

Carters family, accompanied by Crump and local attorney Carlos Moore, are now demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice intervene in the case.

For months, Tiffany Carter has been calling for a closer look at how her son, whose remains were found in a wooded area on Nov. 2 of last year, diedand shes blamed local police for failing to prevent his death.

He was being chased by three truckloads of people. He went to the police. They should have tried to track down who were in those trucks, Crump insisted in front of the Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. District Court.

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On Monday, Tiffany read a text message from Carter in which he worried that a colleague at work got these guys wanting to kill me.

He went missing shortly after sending that message, Crump said. And then his remains were found with his head dismembered from his body, his spinal cord separated from his head, and his other body parts are still missing. Tiffany deserves answers, he added.

According to accounts by the family to local media, Carter did not receive his usual ride home from work in Taylorsville, Mississippi, on Oct. 1 of last year, and had to leave on foot.

When he reached out to his family that weekend, he was worried, they said.

He talked to his mama on the phone on October 2 and he was in a panic mode, Carters aunt Marnee Tompkins told the Jackson Advocate.

Carter, father to a 6-year-old, had reportedly asked for help from police in person on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 at the urging of his mother. At the station, he asked for a ride to Laurelwhere he was staying at a Motel 8and told them he was afraid of being harmed, family has said.

He told them that someone was trying to harm him and I heard him when he said that but they told me that he never said someone was trying to harm him, Tiffany Carter told the Vicksburg Daily News. Little did they know I was on the phone when he said it. He told me on the phone personally that it was three white trucks full of white men.

By the time a friend was able to pick him up from the police station on the afternoon of Oct. 2, Carter was nowhere to be found, according to the Vicksburg Daily News. And one month later, his remains were finally discovered.

To [authorities], he never seemed to be in any distress or anything and he never mentioned anything about being in immediate danger, Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston told the Vicksburg Daily News in November. They offered him a phone call and he said he had a phone and they even offered him a charger but the charger that was available didnt fit his phone, so he was just trying to find a ride back to Laurel when he came in contact with police.

After Carters remains were found, the Smith County Sheriffs Office said that they had no reason to believe foul play was involved, but the case is still under investigation.

The last video image of Carter in the area was from a local landowners camera with a stick in his hand, according to the Vicksburg Daily News.

It looks like he knows that someone is after him and it looks like he has a stick in his hand so I dont know if someone was chasing him but he has bruises and a gash on the hairline, Tiffany also told the paper.

On Monday, the crowd called for justice, chanting: Somebody seen what happened to Rasheem!

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Mitch McConnell. Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was released from the hospital on Monday, after receiving treatment for a concussion.

McConnell tripped and fell last Wednesday after attending a dinner in Washington, D.C. David Popp, a spokesman for McConnell, said in a statement the 81-year-old senator's "concussion recovery is proceeding well" and "at the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home."

Popp also shared that over the weekend, McConnell's medical team "discovered that he ... suffered a minor rib fracture on Wednesday, for which he is also being treated."

In August 2019, McConnell fractured his shoulder after tripping outside of his Louisville home, and underwent surgery.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wasdischarged from the hospital on Monday after falling and suffering a concussion in Washington, D.C. last week.

McConnells office revealed the top Senate Republican, who is 81, also suffered a minor rib fracture as a result of the fall at a GOP event in downtown D.C.

At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home, David Popp, McConnells communications director, said in a statement.

Over the course of treatment this weekend, the Leaders medical team discovered that he also suffered a minor rib fracture on Wednesday, for which he is also being treated, he added. The Leader and Secretary Chao are deeply thankful for the skilled medical care, prayers, and kindness they have received.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) conducts a news conference in the after the senate luncheons in U.S. Capitol on Feb. 28.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) conducts a news conference in the after the senate luncheons in U.S. Capitol on Feb. 28.

McConnell fell at the Waldorf Astoria hotel during an event for the Senate Leadership Fund that was attended by other Republican senators.

Its unclear how long McConnells recovery will be. The Senate is facing multiple absences this week, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) in treatment for depression, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) recovering from a bout of shingles.

In 2019, McConnell suffered a fall that required shoulder surgery and weeks of recuperation at home.

Earlier this year, the Kentucky Republican, who has been in office since 1984, became the Senates longest-serving party leader.
Buttonscarves/ New York Fashion Week 2023

Buttonscarves/ New York Fashion Week 2023

Asapracticing Muslim woman, I try to dress as modestly as possible. But growing up, it was clear that being stylish meant revealing a lot of skin  dressing in short shorts, sleeveless tank tops, crop tops and mini skirts, for example. What I saw in magazines and on TV convinced me that dressing modestly was inherently unfashionable.

But finally, status quo disruptors such as Malala Yousafzai  who wore a stunning sequined dress with an attached hijab at the Oscars  are redefining high fashion. Between her modest glam and the Indonesia Now runway show I recently got to attend during New York Fashion Week, Im beginning to see that theres plenty of room for modesty and sartorial self-expression. And I hope the rest of America catches on.

Malala Yousafzai attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12 in Hollywood.

Malala Yousafzai attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12 in Hollywood.

I tend to dress modestly out of my own conviction, but I have always felt stuck in the margin when it came to style. When I moved to New York City four years ago at 17, I became more exposed to the trends of many diverse, non-Western communities, including other Muslim women. This reignited my interest in fashion.

And this past February, I was invited to attend New York Fashion Weeks Indonesia Now show, which was unlike any other runway show Id ever seen. The models that walked down the runway were beautiful, confident and dressed in innovative ensembles  ones that included hijabs, burqas or niqabs. I was in awe, as this was the first time I had ever truly seen myself in high fashion.

I had the opportunity to chat with the designers of the show, all of whom were Muslim women, and we discussed their journey in the fashion industry as modest designers, their inspirations, the role of their faith in their work, and more. All of these powerhouses had a common philosophy: Make fashion accessible and empowering to Muslim women  and anyone else who doesnt want to show a lot of skin.

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Trisha Chas of Indonesian fashion house Zeta Prive said she finds drive in her quest to create modest clothing options for Muslim women that are luxurious, rather than basic or simple. Many of her designs include intricate and bejeweled outfits, reflective of the multilayered spirit of the women they adorn. Chas faith is a big motivator for her; one of her greatest inspirations when starting her business and launching her styles was businessman Abdul Rahman bin Auf, described in the Holy Quran as one of the companions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who worked tirelessly to benefit others and with perfection.

Design from fashion house Basunder x Batik Tusmi at the Indonesia Now show.

Design from fashion house Basunder x Batik Tusmi at the Indonesia Now show.

Linda Anggrea, the head designer and CEO of Buttonscarves, described her brands philosophy as one that empowers women to pursue their dreams through beauty and confidence. The ensembles from Buttonscarves lit up the runway, mastering clean lines and a loose, flowy look for those craving an alternative to skintight everything.

Linda Anggrea, the designer and CEO of Buttonscarves, with her pieces backstage.

Linda Anggrea, the designer and CEO of Buttonscarves, with her pieces backstage.

Istafiana Candarini, Nadya Karina and Afina Candarini, the founders and designers of Kami for HGLModest highlighted the beauty of individuality. This season, their designs were heavily influenced by Tapis Lampung, traditional Indonesian cloth and textiles, to display the strength within women of the past, to empower the future.

Afina Candarini (left), Istafiana Candarini (center) and Nadya Karina (right), the founders and designers behind KAMI.

Afina Candarini (left), Istafiana Candarini (center) and Nadya Karina (right), the founders and designers behind KAMI.

By making modest fashion more accessible through versatility, Nada Puspita, the founder and designer of her eponymous brand, said she hopes to expand the market of modest fashion with innovative dresses, blazers, skirts and scarves. Modest fashion is the future, she told me, pointing to growth of her company and growing excitement around the movement.

Part of the push forward is navigating the resistance to modest high fashion. Puspita described struggling to make her designs appealing to American consumers at New York Fashion Week, without compromising her pledge of modesty. She told me, however, that her faith is a constant reminder that her work is an expression of gratitude and servitude toward God, and her mission to serve women who want to dress modestly.

Talking to these women and seeing models grace the runway in long sleeves and scarves helped me realize that I could free myself from the idea that high fashion equates to showing a lot of skin.

Those who chose to cover up their bodies  which is an act of self-expression in itself  deserve to wear art just like Bella Hadid or any other Gucci-clad supermodel does. The choice to dress modestly is truly an act of independence and empowerment, as it is the decision to put your faith and comfort above societal trends or expectations.

Fashion is supposed to be an outward reflection of ones inward inspirations, not a rigid structure dictated by one underlying rule about how much of someones body you can see. Feeling confined and pressured by a false narrative is not whats hot. Feeling like your most authentic self is.
RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco's royal palace on Monday asked the largest Islamist party, the PJD, to stop taking aim at the country's ties with Israel after the party rebuked the foreign minister for defending Israel at the expense of Palestinians.

Renewed violence between Israelis and Palestinians poses a challenge to Arab countries that have normalised ties with Israel.

Morocco resumed diplomatic ties with Israel in late 2020 after a deal brokered by the Trump administration that also included Washington's recognition of Rabat's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory where the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks to establish its own state.

"The general secretariat condemns the recent stand by the foreign minister in which he appears to be defending the zionist entity... at a time the Israeli occupation continues its criminal aggression against our Palestinian brothers," the PJD said in a statement last week.

The palace said that foreign policy was a prerogative of the King and it would not be "subject to blackmail".

Since the resumption of ties, Morocco and Israel have signed cooperation agreements, including a defence pact.

Morocco's official position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been to support of the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state.

(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Russian officials railed against Ukraines talk of changing Russias official name to Muscovy, after a Ukrainian petition regarding a potential name change garnered 25,000 signatures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly instructed Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal to carefully consider renaming Russia to Muscovy, accounting for consequences under international law and whether it was possible in historical and cultural contexts.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement posted to Telegram on Saturday that Zelensky is trying to create an anti-Russia Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, also reacted to the news, saying that they will not consider changing the name, according to The New Voice of Ukraine.

The Supreme Nazi of Kyiv [Zelensky] instructed to work out the issue of renaming Russia to Muscovy. Well, what can I say  Our answer? No, of course not, Medvedev said.

The petition notes that the name Muscovy was used in European and some Asian languages and appeared on many historical maps of the 16th-19th centuries, which were produced in Europe before and after the renaming of the Muscovite Empire to the All-Russian Empire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The mould in Terri Harrigan's home in Hackney, east London. (SWNS)

A mother has said she is in fear for her three-year-old daughter's life because of black mould growing behind her bed in their council home.

Terri Harrigan, 31, said her daughter Ariella has been "sick most of her life" and she believes it could be down to the mould in their home in Hackney, east London.

Harrigan first discovered the mould after peeling back the wallpaper shortly after moving into the property in December 2019.

It was growing on walls in her living room, kitchen, both bedrooms, toilet, storage cupboard, windows and ceilings.

She said it had spread to clothes and mattresses.

Three-year-old Ariella, front, who has been suffering breathing difficulties, with her sisters Peyton, left, and M'Kenna, right. (SWNS)

Terri Harrigan is concerned for her daughter's health because of the mould in their council home. (SWNS)

Harrigan attempts to wash away the mould two to three times a week but it keeps growing back, she says.

She said workers for Hackney Council "painted over" the mould after she put in a complaint.

Her daughter, Ariella, uses a salbutamol inhaler every day to help with her breathing.

Harrigan, an NHS receptionist, said a doctor has written to the council to say the mould is causing her daughter's health issues.

Ariella gets sick at least every two to three weeks now," she said.

She really struggles with her breathing. All I want is for her to be healthy and happy - my main concern as a new mum shouldnt be that my three-year-old is going to die suddenly.

She was shocked to discover the wall behind Ariella's bed and her mattress was "caked in mould".

She said: Ariella has to sleep next to the wall, otherwise shell fall out of bed.

Read more: Mum fears four-year-old son will die after struggling to breathe in their 'mouldy' flat

The mould found in Terri Harrigan's home in Hackney, east London. (SWNS)

I try to do what I can by washing the wall behind her bed three to four times a week.

"I suffer from asthma and migraines myself, so the mould often makes me ill as well.

The council really needs to do something about it."

She said Hackney Council had sent staff to her home three times since September 2020 but claimed they had merely painted over the mould.

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An ambulance was called last September when Ariella's breathing became rapid.

I called 111 and they sent an ambulance out to us straight away," said Ms Harrigan.

"She was only two years old at the time, and I was worried we were about to lose her."

She said: Im just constantly anxious about my children.

We dont have any money to move house  we dont even have enough to get a new bed.

The mould in Terri Harrigan's home spread to her daughter's mattress. (SWNS)

"Ariellas mattress is covered in mould. Im just terrified shes going to die.

A spokesperson for Hackney Council said: We wholeheartedly apologise for the delay to repairs that Ms Harrigan has experienced following our survey on November 2022.

The council carried out repair work relating to recurring damp in 2019, 2020, and again in January 2022.

"The most recent issue  in November 2022  was surveyed, but this work was delayed as a result of problems with the supply chain and a breakdown of communication at our end.

We have now made contact with Ms Harrigan to begin work to resolve all the issues at her earliest convenience.

"As part of this, we will look at stronger measures to prevent future recurrence."

Last November, an inquest heard that two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in a flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where he lived with his parents.
JHVEPhoto / Getty Images

Last weeks collapse of Silicon Valley Bank rattled the financial markets, leading to speculation that other bank failures could follow  something that last happened during the financial crisis of 2008. While U.S. bank authorities scramble to contain the damage, customers with deposits at SVB have a more immediate worry: when their money will be available.

Learn: What To Know If You Deposit More Than $10K Into Your Checking Account

Discover: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

The good news is, SVB is a federally insured bank, meaning deposits of up to $250,000 per depositor are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The bad news is, many SVB customers have more than $250,000 with the bank, meaning they could take a big financial hit.

For now, whats known is that Santa Clara, California-based Silicon Valley Bank has been closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the FDIC as a receiver.

In a March 12 press release, the FDIC said it has created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB) to protect insured depositors. At the time of closing, the FDIC as receiver immediately transferred to the DINB all insured deposits of Silicon Valley Bank.

All insured depositors will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday morning, March 13, 2023, the FDIC release said. The FDIC will pay uninsured depositors an advance dividend within the next week. Uninsured depositors will receive a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds. As the FDIC sells the assets of Silicon Valley Bank, future dividend payments may be made to uninsured depositors.

Silicon Valley Bank is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail this year, according to the press release. The last FDIC-insured institution to close was Almena State Bank, Almena, Kansas, in October 2020.

As Experian noted in a 2022 blog, a bank failure happens when a bank cant pay back its customers or others it owes money to. The FDIC is an independent U.S. government that was created following thousands of bank failures that took place during the Great Depression. The organization was created to restore confidence and stability in the economic system.

Story continues

Live Richer Podcast: Why Not Having a High-Yield Savings Account Can Be a Huge Mistake

Take Our Poll: Are You Planning To Buy or Sell a House This Year?

Nearly all banks in the U.S. are FDIC-insured. This means even if a bank fails, your money is protected  up to a point. The FDIC insures each bank account up to $250,000 per depositor per account. If you use a credit union instead of a bank, youll receive similar insurance coverage through the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).

According to the SVB website, these accounts and items are covered by the FDIC:

Checking accounts

Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) accounts

Savings accounts

Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs)

Time deposits such as certificates of deposit (CDs)

Cashiers checks, money orders, and other official items issued by a bank

But theres also a whole lot the FDIC doesnt protect, including the following:

Stock investments

Bond investments

Mutual funds

Life insurance policies

Annuities

Municipal securities

Safe deposit boxes or their contents

U.S. Treasury bills, bonds or notes

SVB depositors who have more than $250,000 with the bank could still recover some or most of the funds not covered by the FDIC, Forbes reported. Historically, depositors with amounts over $250,000 have received the majority of their funds back. However, it takes longer to recover these funds, and it remains uncertain how regulators will proceed in the case of Silicon Valley Bank depositors.

The $250,000 insurance limit can also be increased in cases where multiple named individuals are listed as account owners and across different account types at the same bank, Forbes noted, which leads to greater amounts of aggregate insurance.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much of Your Money is FDIC Insured?
A 75-year-old man has been charged with armed robbery and entering a bank with the intent to steal, according to a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division news release.

John Stacks, of Myrtle Beach, tricked a teller into thinking he had a gun by using a lighter and demanded money, according to arrest warrants.

The teller gave Stacks an undisclosed amount of money in a pillowcase that he gave her. Stacks then fled in a white Ford Focus before he was found in Myrtle Beach, the warrants state.

Booking records show that Stacks is still incarcerated Tuesday. His arrest comes after reports of a bank robbery in Aynor Friday at Anderson Brothers Bank on South Main Street.

In January, Stacks was suspected of using someones elses identification to withdraw funds from Truist banks in Pawleys Island and Charleston, according to a Monday news release from the Georgetown Countys Sheriffs Office.

Stacks confessed to the Aynor robbery, warrants state.

He was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center Saturday. No bail for Stacks has been set.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is the arresting agency.
A semi-submersible craft carrying $87m worth of cocaine, along with two dead bodies and two surviving crew members, was intercepted off the coast of Columbia on Sunday.

Military personnel found two subjects in poor health conditions, the Colombian Navy wrote in a statement. Apparently there was an accident inside the semi-submersible vessel due to the generation of toxic gases from fuel. The two men were treated and transported to a ship in the area where they were given medical attention to save their lives.

According to Colombian officials, the 2,643 kilograms of cocaine inside the sub was bound for Central America.

With this operational deployment that had foreign support, more than $87m dollars were prevented from entering the financial structures of drug trafficking organizations that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific and more than six million doses from circulating in the international illegal market, the Navy added in its statement. The Colombian Navy will continue deploying all its capabilities to counter the scourge of drug trafficking structures that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific.

Photos and videos from the Navy of the operation show officials pulling alongside a sleek, dagger-shaped sub, and loading off black bundles of shrink-wrapped cocaine, as other first responders carry a man on a stretcher.

On the same day as the submarine was discovered, Colombian officials also encountered three semi-subs believed to belong to a splinter faction of the FARC, a guerilla group that has long fought with the Colombian government, Listin Diario reports.

In 2016, the Colombian government signed a peace deal with the FARC, after half a century of conflict that left over 200,000 dead, but multiple groups refused to put down their arms and continued militant and alleged drug activity, including the Segunda Marquetalia, which is accused of operating three of the submarines discovered over the weekend. The US has designed the group a terrorist organisation.

Such illicit craft are often designed in remote areas of the Colombian jungle, and are outfitted with sophisticated designs to avoid radar detection, according to the Daily Mail.
Eliza Anderson, Deseret News

If you want to get elected, dont let anyone call you woke.

The list of labels voters dont like is long  including MAGA and election denier  so political name-callers have a lot to choose from.

On the other hand, you might welcome the labels moderate, independent, or  somewhat surprisingly  conservative.

According to a new national poll conducted by HarrisX for Deseret News, if a candidate is labeled woke, voters are less likely to support her or him. These results run contrary to a recent national debate over the word woke, after a USA TODAY/Ipsos poll found people favored a more positive definition of the word, leaving many saying Republican use of the term is backfiring.

The GOP blew it by calling everything woke, a recent Daily Beast headline read. The USA TODAY headline read, A GOP war on woke? Most Americans view the term as a positive ... .

But while people may favor a more positive definition of the term woke, it appears to be a net negative in the voting booth.

Woke loses votes

Of the people who responded to the poll, 24% say they are more likely to vote for a candidate described as woke, while 49% say less likely. Among independent voters, 46% say they are less likely to vote for a woke candidate, while 24% say it makes them more likely.

The word woke is particularly unpopular for older voters  56% of voters in the 50-64-year-old age bracket say they are less likely to vote for a candidate described as woke, while that goes up to 73% for voters over age 65.

From MAGA to radical

On the political right, there are labels candidates should want to avoid if they hope to be elected  including MAGA and election denier. Among voters, 45% say theyre less likely to vote for a candidate labeled MAGA, compared to 33% who say theyre more likely; while 53% say theyre less likely to vote for an election denier, compared to 20% who say more likely.

The terms that make voters less likely to support a candidate include (listed in order from less damaging to more damaging): right wing, Christian nationalist, liberal, maverick, nationalist, globalist, populist, left wing, old, socialist, low energy, radical, Marxist, fascist, and erratic.

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What labels do voters like?

What labels should a candidate embrace? The list is a lot smaller: Moderate, independent or conservative.

Political labeling is an art and a science, and tells you a lot about what voters want in the next election, said Dritan Nesho, CEO of HarrisX. Today the most effective labels in the political universe are moderate and independent, providing a net lift of 27% and 23% in terms of likelihood of voters to pick a candidate described this way.

Democrats are more likely to say they would support a candidate labeled moderate  58%  than liberal, at 54%.

For Republican voters, the most favored label was conservative, which at 70% ranked far above any of the other terms. Meanwhile, 50% of GOP voters say theyre more likely to vote for a candidate labeled moderate.

The Deseret News/Harris X poll found the word conservative provided a lift among all voters, with 48% saying they were more likely to support a candidate described this way, and 30% saying it would make them less likely to vote for a candidate. Although, among the important independent vote, that split was much closer, with 39% saying more likely and 35% less likely.

Legitimate or divisive?

In general, voters found political name-calling divisive, rather than helpful.

When asked whether candidates use terms to raise legitimate concerns or if theyre trying to be divisive for political purposes, the terms most likely to receive the divisive label include fascist, MAGA, radical, Marxist, left wing and socialist.

But those labels are also among those that affect whether voters will support a candidate or not, which is probably why theyre likely to be used even if seen as divisive.

Which label applies to Democrats? To Republicans?

When asked what labels voters associate with Democrats, respondents chose liberal, left wing, woke, socialist and radical.

When asked what labels they associate with Republicans, respondents chose conservative, MAGA, right wing, Christian nationalist and election denier.

The Deseret News/HarrisX poll was conducted on March 8 and 9, among 921 registered voters, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.
6:08 p.m. update: Nashua Police say Dalton Cooke has been found safe. Thank you to everyone who helped with the investigation.

Original article: Authorities are searching for a New Hampshire man who hasnt been seen since last Friday.

22-year-old Dalton Cooke was reported missing on Sunday but was last seen in the area of the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on March 9, according to Nashua Police. His family has not heard from him since then.

Cooke is 52, 120lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark colored pants, a dark colored jacket and dark sneakers.

Anyone with information about Cookes whereabouts is asked to contact police.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NEW YORK (AP)  Navalny, a look at a Russian opposition leader following an attempt on his life, has won the Oscar for best documentary feature.

Director Daniel Rohers portrait of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has shadowy operatives, truth-seeking journalists, conspiracy theories and Soviet-era poisons. It is a film with obvious political poignance following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Roher accepted his statuette by saying he dedicated it to Navalny and to all political prisoners around the world. "Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all: We must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head. Navalny's wife, Yulia, said: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.

Navalny is a media savvy, anti-corruption campaigner in his mid-40s who has for many years been a headache for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hes released numerous reports about corruption in Russia and the Putin administration and become a popular and rallying figure among like-minded Russians.

Roher was able to sit down with Navalny during his brief stay in Berlin in 2020 and early 2021 as he was recovering from being poisoned and seeking the truth behind the unsuccessful murder attempt. The media has called Navalny the Kremlins fiercest critic. And he is seemingly undaunted by the intimidation and the arrests hes endured.

The film was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the documentary audience award and the festival favorite award.

'Navalny,' first and foremost, is about the passion, drive and inspiring heroism of Alexey Navalny, who even as we celebrate this award continues to languish in a penal colony, said Amy Entelis, an executive vice president at CNN Worldwide. The film, presented by CNN Films and HBO Max, represents CNN's first Oscar.

Navalny beat the other documentary nominees All That Breathes; All the Beauty and the Bloodshed; Fire of Love; and A House Made of Splinters.

___

For more coverage of this years Oscars, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
The imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Russias invasion of Ukraine were highlighted at the Academy Awards Sunday when the film about the Russian opposition leader and dissident took the Oscar for Best Documentary. The film, Navalny, explores his political rise, the assassination attempt against him, and his deteriorating health in a Russian prison.

In his acceptance speech, Daniel Roher, the documentarian, took the opportunity to praise Navalnys bravery and give him a platform by proxy. Theres one person who couldnt be with us tonight: Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls  I want to make sure we get his words exactly right  Vladimir Putins unjust war in Ukraine, Roher explained.

I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny and to all political prisoners across the world, he continued. Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot we must be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head.

Roher then took a step back and allowed Navalnys wife, Yulia, who had joined Roher on stage, to say a few words. My husband is in prison just for telling the truth, she said. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy. Alexei, I am dreaming [of] the day you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love. Thank you.

On the red carpet prior to the Academy Awards, Navalnys daughter, Dasha, gave an update to CNN on the dissidents condition. We cant really contact him that much. Were only allowed to write letters, she said. His health is slowly deteriorating, which is quite concerning.

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Hes happy that were here representing the story, representing the Russian people who are fighting for democracy, and were here to get him out of prison, she added.

Presented by CNN Films and HBO Max, Navalny is a methodical investigation by CNN journalist Clarissa Ward and Bellingcat, a Netherlands-based investigative-journalism group. In the documentary, they attempt to unmask the dissidents would-be killers.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022.

Navalny was poisoned with nerve agent Novichok in 2020. Navalny and Western observers have blamed the attack on the Kremlin. Russia denies involvement. After recovering from the poisoning abroad, Navalny returned to Moscow and was promptly arrested for violating probation terms in an embezzlement case he said was politically motivated. Nine years were added to his initial two-and-a-half years for separate allegations that he stole from his anti-corruption foundation.

Before the Navalny win, Ke Huy Quan won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the film Everything Everwhere All at Once. In his speech, he charted his path from being a refugee from communist Vietnam to the Academy Awards. For Quan, his story is the embodiment of the American dream.

My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage, he said through tears.

"Mom, I just won an Oscar!" Ke Huy Quan's acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor hit us right in the feels.  pic.twitter.com/CzHuHU45Ip  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe its happening to me. This. This is the American dream, he explained to raucous cheers. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive.

Roher added offstage: As Navalny asks of his supporters, we have to have hope, because if you dont have hope, your future is guaranteed to be bleak and dark.

More from National Review
"Navalny" won the award for documentary feature film at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on March 12 in Hollywood. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Daniel Roher just knocked Putin off his high horse, dedicating his Oscar to political prisoners around the world.

On Sunday night, after winning the Oscar for documentary feature for Navalny, director Daniel Roher used his acceptance speech to blast Russian President Vladimir Putin: "And there's one person who couldn't be here with us here tonight ... Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls 'Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine.'

"Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism. Wherever it rears its head," Roher said at this year's 95th Academy Awards, which Jimmy Kimmel hosted live from Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's wife, who also is featured in the documentary, attended the Oscars in her husband's place, along with their children, Dasha and Zahar. She joined Roher onstage and gave an emotional speech.

"My husband is in prison, just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison, just for defending democracy," she said. "Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free, and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love."

The Times caught up with Roher before the ceremony and he shared that he never could have anticipated the timeliness of "Navalny."

"We thought that our film was prescient to begin with but we never could have imagined how significant and timely our film would be. I think our film is a precursor in a way to this brutal war [in Ukraine.]"

"As a filmmaker it's the distinguished honor of my life [to be nominated], but I'm not just here as a regular filmmaker, I'm here as the sort of brand ambassador of Alexei Navalny," Roher continued. "I'm here because Alexei Navalny right now is languishing in a gulag six and a half hours outside of Moscow and I want to remind the world that he is there, remind the world that a brighter future for Russia is possible, and as Navalny asks his supporters: You have to have hope. Because if you don't have hope, then your future is guaranteed to be bleak and dark."

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Other nominees for documentary feature on Sunday included "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed," "All That Breathes, Fire of Love and "A House Made of Splinters.

Navalny chronicles the investigation into the near-fatal poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The lawyer and activist was vocal about the Kremlins corruption, wouldnt give up the fight for democratic reform, and was poised and ready to challenge Putin for the Russian presidency.

In August 2020, Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok nerve agent during a hotel stay. The documentary was filmed while he recovered in Berlin.

Navalny suspected the Kremlin was responsible for the poisoning that nearly killed him, and he, Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev and Russian activist Maria Pevchikh set out to prove it through a series of investigations depicted in the film.

The bombshell moment that made Navalny so electrifying was when the prominent critic of Putin decided to call the men involved in his assassination attempt to confront them. The men promptly hung up, so Navalny switched to a savvier approach  he impersonated a Kremlin functionary asking for a report as to why the poisoning failed.

In January 2021, Navalny returned to Moscow, and the cameras captured the crowd of supporters awaiting his return and the moment he was detained by police, which prompted widespread protests across Russia. He reportedly was transferred within the past year to a maximum-security IK-6 prison in the Vladimir region village of Melekhovo, approximately 155 miles east of Moscow.

Shortly after the films premiere, Russia invaded Ukraine.

Its my hope that Navalny, through the film, is able to remind the world that an alternative vision for what Russia can be is possible, Roher told The Times in November, ... but ultimately, I hope the film helps to keep Navalny alive.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
"Two sessions" muster consensus, strength for China's modernization drive

Xinhua) 08:09, March 13, 2023

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- For any China observer, the "two sessions" provide a chance not to be missed to get a glimpse of how its grand blueprint for modernization turns into policies and actions.

With development and reform priorities reviewed and discussed by over 5,000 national lawmakers and political advisors ranging from farmers to state leaders, the annual meetings of China's top legislature and political advisory body serve to build up consensus and pool strength for the country's modernization drive.

An all-important political event, this year's "two sessions" took place after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last October, which has laid out major policies and strategic plans for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

From common prosperity to high-quality development, the vision of the CPC and the will of the people converge at the Great Hall of the People on the action plan for modernization.

Employees work at an intelligent truck plant in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 31, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

PROSPERITY FOR ALL

An array of development tasks for 2023 were mapped out in a government work report that was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation, focusing on steady and quality growth for the Chinese economy.

The report unveiled a target for the Chinese economy to expand by around 5 percent this year, faster than the 3-percent growth recorded in 2022. Other objectives include creating around 12 million urban jobs, consumer price index increasing around 3 percent, and personal income rising generally in step with economic growth.

The national legislature on Friday approved a plan for reforming the institutions of the State Council, which focuses on optimizing and adjusting the responsibilities of institutions to enhance the capacity and efficiency of governance.

While these moves will all make a difference in advancing China's modernization, the most challenging tasks remain in rural areas, which are generally less developed than the cities.

Dong Jianxin, Party secretary of Yuangudui Village in Dingxi, Gansu Province, said an affluent life, prosperous industries, an environment desirable to live in, and a stable and safe society full of goodwill were his vision of modernity.

Yuangudui was one of the 128,000 villages nationwide that had been removed from China's poverty list since 2012 thanks to its vigorous fight against poverty.

Contributing his wisdom to China's bid to revitalize the countryside, Dong, also a national lawmaker, put forward suggestions at the "two sessions" on attracting talent to rural regions and boosting rural tourism.

This aerial photo shows workers conducting routine cleaning along a river in Dongheng Village of Deqing County in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 12, 2022. (Photo by Wang Zheng/Xinhua)

China should foster rural industries with local features to create more channels for increasing rural incomes and consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation to prevent large-scale relapse into poverty, according to the government work report.

Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all, said President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, when participating in a joint group meeting of national political advisors on Monday.

In the eastern province of Zhejiang, a demonstration zone aiming to basically achieve common prosperity by 2035, local authorities are trying out various programs to narrow urban-rural income gap and ensure that no one will be left behind amid China's modernization drive.

Zhang Tianren, Party secretary of Xinchuan Village in Changxing County of Zhejiang, is leading villagers to develop rural tourism, leisure agriculture, and a homestay economy, shifting from a reliance on resource-intensive industries that brought about environmental damages.

To achieve common prosperity, targeted efforts must be made to foster industry clusters and chains, said Zhang, also a national lawmaker. "The road to common prosperity is bound to feature green and sound development that brings happiness to the people."

This photo taken on Dec. 9, 2022 shows the delivery ceremony of the first C919 large passenger aircraft in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

High-quality development is deemed as the "first and foremost" task in China's modernization bid, which entails development that is innovative, coordinated, green, open and for everyone.

China has placed innovation at the heart of its modernization drive. One eye-catching move in the country's reform of State Council institutions is to restructure its Ministry of Science and Technology to better allocate resources to overcome challenges in key and core technologies.

The reform also includes setting up a national data bureau to coordinate the integration, sharing, development and application of data resources, a key asset in a modern economy.

Building self-reliance and strength in science and technology is key to building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects within the set time frame, Xi said when attending a deliberation with lawmakers from Jiangsu Province during the "two sessions."

In its pursuit of high-quality development, China is trailblazing a new path of seeking harmony between humanity and nature.

To embrace green development, China's top political advisory body set up a new sector on the environment and resources this year to pool wisdom for the country's transition to a more eco-friendly and sustainable path.

This photo taken on March 1, 2023 shows black-necked cranes in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Shen Hongbing)

The move is a solid step to promote environment conservation and high-quality development, said Yu Guodong, a national political advisor from the new sector.

Yu put forward five proposals this year on such issues as zero-waste cities and biodiversity conservation. "I look forward to working with my fellow advisors to contribute to promoting harmony between humanity and nature," he said.

The role of the private sector in pursuing high-quality development is highlighted. The government work report pledges "encouraging and supporting the private sector and private businesses in growing and expanding."

Private firms should take the initiative to pursue high-quality development, Xi said while attending Monday's joint group meeting of national political advisors, stressing that private enterprises and entrepreneurs "belong to our own family."

"The Party and the government remain committed to supporting the private sector. Neither the direction nor intensity of supportive policies has changed," said Liu Yonghao, chairman of China's agricultural conglomerate New Hope Group and a national political advisor.

Private enterprises can contribute largely to the development of Chinese modernization, said Wang Yu, board chairman of Spring Airlines and a national political advisor.

"With strong confidence in the overall stable business environment, companies will expand investment and explore new markets, and entrepreneurship will be effectively stimulated, fully unleashing market vitality and driving forces for development," said Wang.

Deputies to the national legislature make up a broad cross-section of people, with every region, ethnic group and sector of society having an appropriate number of representatives. The national political advisors also come from diverse backgrounds. They all have one common aspiration: to bring the largest-scale modernization in human history into reality.

This year, Chinese lawmakers submitted over 8,000 suggestions to the legislative session, while some 5,400 proposals had been put forward by national political advisors to the advisory session as of March 5. The suggestions and proposals covered a wide range of issues such as development of the real economy, pollution control, and accessibility to high-quality medical resources.

Xi has urged solidarity in the face of profound and complex changes in both international and domestic landscapes, noting that it is the source of strength.

"Only when all the people work together with one heart and one mind, unite as one, and have the courage and ability to carry out our fight, will we continue to win new and greater victories," said Xi.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Unmanned vehicles transport containers at an automatic container terminal at Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Feb. 25, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is now more connected to the rest of the world than ever before, meaning that the fate of many nations is interconnected with that of China. The country has reached such a level of influence regarding global prosperity and stability that it is now the major trading partner of more than 140 countries. China is also the world's largest exporter, with the value of its total exports representing 14.7% of overall global exports.



After importing approximately $2.72 trillion worth of goods in 2022, China became the second-largest importer of the world. As a result of its reform and opening up, China's foreign trade accounted for 37% of its GDP in 2022, according to the World Bank.

Experts are of the view that deeper integration of China into the global economy offers important opportunities for promoting global growth across trade, investment, and international cooperation.

What we can see is that the relationship between China and the world is ever-deepening. China's technology value chains are highly integrated globally, and its rapidly expanding consumption offers significant opportunities to many countries.

As a result, policies and measures made in Beijing regarding domestic trade and the economy deeply influence the global economy. As such, the decisions made at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) have brought about some new prospects for global growth.

To be more specific, during the session of its top legislature, China reiterated its commitment to further expanding market access, improving services for foreign-funded companies, and facilitating the launch of landmark foreign-funded projects. This, I believe, will help many countries to enter the world's second-largest consumer market in China more easily, facilitating diversification of their export items to the Chinese market.

On the other hand, China will also provide strategic guidance and policy support for Chinese multinational corporations to grow their footprint in many additional countries. In this way, China will continue to serve as a major growth engine for the world.

Moreover, according to the report submitted to the first session of the 14th NPC, China will take active steps to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other high-standard economic and trade agreements. The CPTPP is a trading bloc representing 500 million consumers and 13.5% of the global GDP, one of the world's largest free-trade areas by GDP. With more than 18% of the global GDP, China is expected to boost the economy of the block.

Many think that as members of the block, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam are major economies, and their cooperation with China will facilitate global growth according to their proportion to world GDP.

As China is open to inking high-standard economic and trade deals, many countries can benefit by signing Free Trade Agreements with it. For example, Bangladesh can tap the prospects of China's huge domestic market. Experts believe that if Bangladesh can achieve even a 1% share of the Chinese market, its export earnings from China alone could be in the range of $20-$25 billion, compared to the $1 billion that it currently earns.

In line with its commitment to facilitating global development reaffirmed during its NPC session, China will bolster the building of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As a result, many more developing countries can receive more Chinese investments and reap other economic dividends under the BRI framework and its win-win cooperation initiatives.

China has set its growth target at 5% for 2023. The country will also focus on environmental issues, quality innovation, and technologies. These will also help to deepen win-win cooperation with developing nations, creating mutual benefits for all.

As China's growth has long fueled the prosperity of many countries through trade, investment, and financial and policy support, the decisions and policies made in its most important political meetings are similarly significant for the world.

Ershad Shikdar is a Bangladeshi journalist.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide flood-affected counties in Eastern Kentucky with nearly $300 million in relief funds.

Twenty counties will be eligible for the funds, a press release from Sen. Mitch McConnells office Monday said. The state will receive the money first and then determine the grant amounts for individual communities.

The funding will come via the departments Community Development Block Grant  Disaster Recovery program. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, from helping local governments cover their share of costs from federal disaster programs to assisting communities looking to address their housing needs. According to McConnells office, the money was authorized by Congress via the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill.

Federal funding is a crucial component to mitigating the destruction and uncertainty that ensues after a devastating flood, McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, said in a statement. I was proud to leverage my leadership position in the Senate to help swiftly secure this funding so that Kentuckys communities and local governments have the resources they need to get back on their feet when disaster strikes our great state.

Last Julys flooding killed 44 people across multiple southeastern Kentucky counties and a recent report from the Ohio River Valley Institute estimated that 8,940 homes in 13 counties experienced some level of damage. Over half of those homes had major damage and another 542 were destroyed.

The announcement of federal funding comes amid continued calls at the state level for more recovery funds for rebuilding housing after the flood, which ravaged an area already short on affordable housing.

Depending on the approach, researchers estimated that it would cost $453 million or $957 million to repair or replace homes damaged or destroyed by the flood. Counties eligible for the funding include Breathitt, Casey, Clay, Cumberland, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Whitley and Wolfe.

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Beshear makes $8.5 million announcement

Also on Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear made an announcement of $8.5 million in funds for six counties in Eastern Kentucky. That money is not necessarily linked to disaster recovery.

We promised Eastern Kentucky that we would be there for them until every life and structure is rebuilt, Beshear said in a statement. Today, with the investments were making in local communities, supporting cleaner water, public safety, local nonprofits, tourism and more, we are rebuilding and ensuring prosperity for generations to come.

Over $6 million will go toward installing thousands of feet of water and sewer lines in multiple counties. Johnson County and its county seat, Paintsville, will see the largest piece of the funding.

The Johnson County Fiscal Court will get the biggest chunk with $2.3 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission going toward installing over 20,000 feet of sewer line, a release from the governors office said. The line would provide sewer service to 70 homes, four businesses, three commercial properties and a future campground.

The states Cleaner Water Program will also dish out $1.3 million to the Paintsville Utility Commission to install over 3,000 feet of sewer line and 13,000 feet of waterline to unserved areas of Johnson County.

Water districts, local governments and multiple nonprofits from five other counties also received funding, the governor said in an announcement from the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Today marks an important day for our Eastern Kentucky community; not only is the community receiving funding to help improve waterlines, tourism and nonprofits, but we are also celebrating the progress made on rebuilding after the devastating flooding, said state Rep. Bobby McCool of Van Lear, in a statement.

This story may be updated.
The distressed food delivery rider caught in the confrontation in Orchard Road on 8 March. (PHOTO: FBScreengrab/SGRVigilante)

UPDATE: The Manpower Ministry is investigating the matter

SINGAPORE A food delivery rider in Orchard Road was confronted by a man who claimed he was not a Singaporean or permanent resident, and therefore was not allowed to deliver food.

The video was posted to SG Road Vigilante's Facebook group last Friday (10 March) and has since garnered over 40,000 views.

Rider begged video-taking man to stop

In the 1 minute 42 seconds video, the rider, dressed in a blue top, was seen covering his face and appeared to be crying as another man behind the camera raises his voice.

"You stand your distance," the other man yelled, while the rider responded, "I'm begging you."

Despite this, the man continued to film, moved his phone to reveal the licence plate on the rider's motorised bicycle, and said, "Illegal rider, doing our local delivery job."

"You're not supposed to come to Singapore (to) do this; our jobs are getting (fewer) because of you," the man continued to accuse the rider.

In addition to taking a video of the food, he demanded to see the delivery receipt and showed it to the camera. The man then threatened to call the police if the rider didn't show his profile or name to him on the Foodpanda rider app.

According to the foodpanda website, one must be a Singaporean or permanent resident (PR) to ride with them. This is also a requirement for both GrabFood and Deliveroo food delivery riders.

Netizens condemn humiliation of rider

Netizens have condemned the man for humiliating the rider, and have expressed sympathy towards the rider, whom they claimed was just trying to make a living.

Facebook user, A.j Kasetyo, questioned the video's purpose."There was no need to humiliate him, Everyone is trying to survive in these hard times," he commented.

Another user, Jaemi Jin, asked if anyone knew the rider in the video."If we can help assist or donate to him in any way. After all, hes just trying to earn a rice bowl," she said.

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Some users have also described the actions of the man who filmed the rider as "disgusting."

Rider account suspended

A foodpanda spokesperson told Yahoo News Singapore on Monday (13 March) that the food and grocery service is aware of the incident and has since suspended the rider account involved.

"Only Singaporeans and PR individuals are eligible to be delivery partners of foodpanda, and we do not condone the illegal use of rider accounts in any manner," the spokesperson said.

It added that any accounts against their terms and conditions would be suspended or blacklisted.

"We have put in place measures to prevent such frauds. It is mandatory for delivery partners to complete a selfie verification before the start of every shift to prevent identity fraud and to protect their own accounts. Failure to do so can lead to account suspension and potential blacklist," the spokesperson explained.

The delivery platform urges individuals who suspect any unauthorised use of a rider account to report the matter to foodpanda for investigation.

Manpower Ministry investigating the incident

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told Yahoo News Singapore on Thursday (16 March) that it is investigating the matter.

MOM said that foreigners without a valid work pass are not allowed to moonlight or work as riders on food delivery applications such as Deliveroo, foodpanda, and GrabFood.

Furthermore, MOM is investigating whether delivery workers have allowed their accounts with delivery services companies to be used by unauthorised parties.

It would be an abetment offence for those found to have done so.

According to MOM, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, any foreigner working without a valid work pass or moonlighting, and others found abetting the offence, may face a fine of up to $20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

If found guilty of carrying out illegal work, foreigners may also be prohibited from working in Singapore.

MOM said it has also contacted delivery platforms to inquire about their efforts to prevent unauthorised users from misusing legitimate delivery workers' accounts and ensure the effectiveness of these measures.

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.
After spending nearly 35 years behind bars in South Florida, Sidney Holmes is a free man.

The 57-year-old was exonerated Monday after a wrongful conviction for a 1988 armed robbery in Broward County. Family members caressed each other as they shed tears of joy in Courtroom 6870 of the judicial complex in Fort Lauderdale following Circuit Judge Edward Merrigans order authorizing Holmes to be let out of prison.

Wearing a short sleeve button-up white shirt, blue jeans and brown shoes  a sharp contrast to the bright orange prison uniform he had in court  Holmes was hugged and kissed by his mom, aunts and other family members after being released from the countys Main Jail on Monday evening. He had been moved there from Everglades Correctional Institution in West Miami-Dade.

Holmes told reporters he felt overwhelmed, but that he was clear on what was the first thing he wanted to do now that he is free.

Im going to find something to eat, he said.

I cant have hate. I just have to keep on moving.

Sidney Holmes, 57 is hugged by his aunt Georgia Adams and his mother, Mary Holmes, after being released from the Main Jail Bureau, a maximum security facility adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Monday, March 13, 2023.

There is no evidence tying Mr. Holmes to the robbery other than a flawed identification, Arielle Demby Berger, assistant state attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit, told reporters outside the courtroom earlier in the day. No fingerprints, no physical evidence. Nothing but one witness ID that we, your honor, believe was a bad ID.

If the Lauderhill man hadnt been exonerated, he wouldve likely spent the rest of his life in prison serving a 400-year sentence. He was 23 at the time of his arrest.

Tears streamed down Mary Holmes face as she glanced at her son in the courtroom Monday. He was stunned as the judge overturned his conviction and sentence.

I was so elated, Mary said. I just kept praising God.

She said she planned on taking him out to eat as soon as he was released.

Despite decades of challenges, the family never lost hope, said Nicole Mitchell, Holmes sister. And in that time, she never let her brother lose faith.

Its over, she said. Its a long, long, long time overdue. A long awaited day.

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As the family fought for Holmes, they lost loved ones, including Holmes father and grandparents, said Jacqueline Dixson, a relative. But finally, his innocence came to light.

God has been with this family for the 34 years, Dixson said. We just thank God for allowing this opportunity to come forward.

Sidney Holmes, 57, is released from the Main Jail Bureau, a maximum security facility adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, on Monday, March 13, 2023.

Fighting for Holmes freedom

Holmes exoneration comes after a 2 1/2-year investigation with the Broward State Attorneys Office, said Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida, a nonprofit that helps innocent prisoners in the state obtain their freedom and rebuild their lives. Holmes wrote to the organization in 2019, asking them to look into his case.

In a lot of places, we need to fight tooth and nail just to even get to this point, Miller said. It sometimes takes 5 or 10 or 15 years just to vindicate someone.

The organization took on the case because of indicators of actual innocence, such as car and photo lineup misidentifications, Miller said. Investigators also disregarded Holmes whereabouts, even though they were verified by several family members.

When someones been in prison for three decades telling everyone Im innocent, Im innocent,  for many of these men and women, no ones listened to them the entire time, Miller said.

Holmes, Miller said, was flooded by emotions. Someone was finally listening to him  and fighting for his freedom.

When he was brought out, he didnt know that his conviction had been vacated already and that the state was going to drop charges.

Sidney Holmes, 57, cries after he was exonerated in a Broward County courtroom on Monday, March 13, 2023. Holmes served more than 34 years of a 400-year sentence for a 1988 armed robbery.

Faulty evidence led to Holmes conviction

Holmes had been accused of being the getaway driver for two unidentified men who robbed a man and a woman outside a convenience store in unincorporated Broward, just west of Fort Lauderdale, on June 19, 1988. He was convicted after a jury trial in April 1989, and sentenced the following month.

No one other than Holmes was arrested or convicted for the crime.

In November 2020, he contacted the state attorneys Conviction Review Unit, a team tasked with identifying plausible claims of innocence on behalf of convicted defendants. After CRU determined that Holmes had a plausible claim of innocence, it conducted an investigation with the help of the Innocence Project.

Following the collaborative review, the CRU determined there was reasonable doubt Holmes was guilty because his conviction relied heavily on an eyewitness that likely misidentified him, partly due to the photo and live lineup practices commonly used by law enforcement at the time. Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and an Independent Review Panel also reached the same conclusion.

Sidney Holmes, 57, speaks to the media, surrounded by family after being released from Browards Main Jail after being exonerated on Monday, March 13, 2023.

Prosecutors do not believe there was any intentional misconduct by witnesses or law enforcement as the identification practices and technology have vastly improved since 1988 and deputies followed the accepted standards at the time, the state attorneys office said in a news release Monday. The methods used would not be acceptable practices today.

Despite the tortuous journey to prove he was innocent, Holmes said he never lost hope.

I never gave up, he told reporters. My family was always by me the whole time, so (losing) hope wasnt going to be an issue.
This is an excerpt from Incoming, BuzzFeed News morning newsletter dedicated to making sense of this chaotic world we live in. Join the club.

Every Oscar, Everywhere All at Once

For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof  dream big and dreams do come true." Kevin Winter / Getty Images

What happens now that Silicon Valley Bank went under

Smith Collection / Getty Images

Silicon Valley Bank was shut down by bank regulators on Friday . SVB was the go-to bank for startups and private equity ventures in the tech industry, and its collapse means that many SVB customers have lost the majority of their savings nearly overnight.

Why did SVB fail? "On Wednesday, March 8, SVBs parent company, SVB Financial Group, said it would undertake a $2.25 billion share sale after selling $21 billion of securities from its portfolio at a nearly $2 billion loss," Vox's Emily Stewart reports . "The move was meant to shore up its balance sheet. Instead, it spooked markets and clients." Investors began pulling out their money from SVB in quick succession, and by Friday, the bank had gone under.

On Sunday, the Biden administration announced that SVB customers will be able to access all the money they deposited in the bank, even if it was uninsured, CNN reports. It's a dramatic move intended to mitigate widespread damage caused by SVB's collapse  such as companies running out of money to pay their employees.

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SNAPSHOTS

Mexican drug cartels have returned to Twitter after Elon Musk took over and lifted their bans. A new report has found that prominent gang members are using Twitter to recruit new members, send warnings to rival gangs, post gory images, and glorify the narco lifestyle.

"People need to be paying attention": How a bill aimed at the media could impact democracy as we know it. An extreme bill in Florida is aimed at making it easier to sue the news media for defamation  and it's alarmed First Amendment advocates across the country.

Grindr has been sued by a teen who was sexually assaulted by four men he met on the app. The suit accuses Grindr of actively attempting to recruit children to use its product through marketing and then connecting them with adults for sex. It also says the company willingly ignores the presence of underage users on the app.

A Texas man is suing his ex-wife's friends after they allegedly helped her obtain abortion pills

A man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas against three women , claiming that they assisted his ex-wife in terminating her unwanted pregnancy.

According to the lawsuit , her friends helped search for an out-of-state clinic that could accommodate her, sent links to Aid Access , a nonprofit that mails abortion pills to people who are unable to access them, and ultimately connected her with a third woman who offered to provide the pills. Marcus Silva is accusing the friends of conspiracy and wrongful death and the third woman of wrongful death.

Silva is not pursuing any claims against his ex-wife, as she is exempt from civil and criminal liability as a pregnant person. The couple divorced last month, according to the state court portal . They have two daughters together.

The lawsuit, referencing the states new bans and restrictions around abortion, is the first of its kind since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June last year. Many abortion advocates have condemned Silvas lawsuit as an intimidation tactic. This is an outrageous attempt to scare people from getting abortion care and intimidate those who support their friends, family, and community in their time of need, Autumn Katz, a lawyer with the Center for Reproductive Rights, told CBS News in a statement on Friday.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

A street performer entertains visitors at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, India, on March 12. Sanjeev Verma / Hindustan Times via Getty Images

The fantasy of the dream job is gone

Peter Gamlen for BuzzFeed News

For three years now, workers have been hanging on through a tumultuous economy  huge job losses in 2020, a swift recovery in 2021, followed by contraction in certain industries in 2022. Economists have been warning of a recession, leaving workers in idealized jobs across industries disillusioned with the concept of the dream job .

Nelson Lichtenstein, a history professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, defines good jobs as ones that offer workers a living wage, predictability and security around their schedule, and the potential for a career in which the employee can earn more money in the future. Yet it has become harder to climb the ladder in many industries as mid-level positions have been eliminated by technologies that make them more efficient.

Even jobs in the tech industry  long heralded for their high salaries , exceptional benefits , and opportunities for stability  are losing their prestige, as companies such as Twitter, Alphabet (which owns Google), Meta, and Microsoft have laid off more than 120,000 people industrywide. Meanwhile, lower-paid service jobs continue to make up many of the openings available today, though the total share of workers protected by unions hit a record low of 10.1% in 2022.

Work plays a central role in the American dream  which at its core promotes the belief that you can labor your way toward your fullest potential  but peoples hard-held faith in this concept faces existential challenges . I just dont see the dream job happening in the setup that we have, where companies can let go of so many people for short-term profits, said Logan, a 26-year-old recruiter who has been laid off twice in three years, most recently from Amazon.

I really do wish things were different. I wish I could have gotten out of college, found a great company, and then moved up the ladder somewhere, Logan said. But its just not the way things are."

Still reading, eh? Seems like you might want to get this in your inbox. No pressure though. Just some food for thought.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden sought to calm market and taxpayer jitters early Monday, saying Americans can have "confidence" in the banking system after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

"Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe," Biden said at the White House. "Your deposits will be there when you need them."

Biden said "no losses" from the collapse would be borne by taxpayers, and the money would come from the fees banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, took control last week of SVB's assets after the bank ran out of cash. Federal regulators also assessed over the weekend that Signature Bank of New York presents a systemic risk and took it over. Biden said Monday that managers of the banks would be fired and investors would not be protected.

Customers of the banks, including small businesses that need to make payroll, would have immediate access to their money, the president said.

"Every American should feel confident that their deposits will be there, if and when they need them," Biden said.

Live Blog: Follow live updates on fallout from the SVB collapse

SVB Latest: Regulators offer plan to 'ensure U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles'

'A brutal day':How Silicon Valley Bank's failure shook businesses from wine country to London

Janet Yellen: No bailout for Silicon Valley Bank; focus is on helping depositors

Stocks were mixed as the markets reacted to federal regulators' plan and Biden's speech. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 ended lower, but Nasdaq was up over its previous close.

Silicon Valley Bank's failure is the second largest since the 2008 financial crisis and came after struggling tech companies made a run on the bank, withdrawing cash at a rapid pace and forcing the bank into a position where it had to sell bonds at a loss to cover the withdrawals.

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stressed Sunday that since the banking system's failure more than a decade ago, better controls are in place, including capital and liquidity supervision.

She said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that the system proved its "resilience" during the coronavirus pandemic, "so Americans can have confidence in the safety and soundness of our banking system."

Biden said Monday that he will ask Congress and banking regulators to further strengthen the rules for banks to make it less likely that a similar bank failure happens again and to help project jobs and small businesses.

"We will not stop at this," Biden said. "We will do whatever is needed."

Francesca Chambers is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. Follow her on Twitter @fran_chambers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden says taxpayer funds won't be used to bail out SVB after collapse
The Kansas City Chiefs found their starting left tackle for 2023, and it isn't Orlando Brown.

Kansas City reportedly agreed to sign Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Taylor's contract includes $60 million guaranteed, per Schefter, which is the most for an offensive lineman in the NFL. Taylor, 25, started every game for the Jacksonville Jaguars over the past four seasons after he was drafted No. 35 overall in 2019.

[Free bracket contests for both tourneys | Printable Men's | Women's]

Jawaan Taylor should take over for Orlando Brown on the Chiefs' offensive line. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Taylor will take over for Brown, who is Frank Schwab's No. 1 free agent this spring. Multiple reports noted the Chiefs' decision to sign Taylor means the team won't bring back Brown, who joined Kansas City in a trade from the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 and played on the non-exclusive franchise tag in 2022. The Chiefs decided not to tag Brown a second time for 2023, which would have cost the team around $20 million against the salary cap this year.

With the ambiguity around Brown following the Chiefs' Super Bowl win, the move to sign Taylor ensures Kansas City will still have an elite pass-blocker for Patrick Mahomes heading into 2023. Taylor had the third-lowest pressure rate among tackles in 2022, according to CBS' Keff Kerr, and allowed only five sacks when he was a right tackle for Jacksonville.
When Josh McDaniels got the head-coaching job with the Denver Broncos, he immediately acquired multiple players who had ties to the New England Patriots.

That was more than a decade ago, but not much has changed.

Jimmy Garoppolo, the former Patriots backup when McDaniels was offensive coordinator in New England, is coming to the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite with McDaniels, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini. The deal is reportedly for three years and $67.5 million, including $34 million guaranteed.

[Free bracket contests for both tourneys | Printable Men's | Women's]

Given former Bill Belichick assistants' infatuation with former Patriots players, that shouldn't be a surprise.

Garoppolo had been with the San Francisco 49ers since 2017, when the Patriots traded him there. He helped the 49ers reach a Super Bowl but injuries and average play caused San Francisco to look elsewhere at quarterback. The Niners traded up to draft Trey Lance, though Garoppolo took back the starting job last season when Lance was injured. Then Garoppolo was injured and Brock Purdy took over as the starter.

A split between the 49ers and Garoppolo has been in the works for a while, though it was delayed a year when Garoppolo was recovering from shoulder surgery last season and the 49ers couldn't find a trade partner.

Garoppolo finally hit free agency and it didnt take long for McDaniels to latch onto the former Patriot.

The Raiders moved on from Derek Carr after last season, but it's hard to say that Garoppolo is an upgrade. But he does know "The Patriot Way," which McDaniels and most other former New England assistants value tremendously. At least Garoppolo will know McDaniels' offense.

The Raiders start a new chapter with Garoppolo, who will turn 32 years old during the season. They'll find out if the familiarity between McDaniels and Garoppolo leads to some wins.
So far, Ron DeSantis, left, and Donald Trump are the top prospects in the Republican presidential nominee sweepstakes. Which of them is the lesser of two evils? (Mark Wallheiser / Getty Images)

Who is more dangerous  Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis?

I ask because for more than seven years now, Democrats, myself included, have argued that Trump was especially and uniquely unsuited to serve as president. It wasnt just that we opposed his positions on the issues, but that he was temperamentally unfit for the job. He was reckless, belligerent and dishonest. Unserious, unpredictable, norm-breaking  and willing to undermine American democracy and its institutions, if necessary, to remain in power.

I looked forward to the day when we could get back to fighting about the issues with a Republican with whom we merely disagreed. Sure, wed have policy differences, but thats part of the normal democratic process.

But now that such a Republican has emerged, it's raising a whole new set of worries.

DeSantis, who has been governor of Florida since 2019, is not out of control in the same way Trump is. Hes stolen from the Trump playbook, but he's more disciplined, more subtle. As president, he wouldnt be constantly going off-script or excoriating his enemies; he wouldn't have to fend off impeachment votes. He might actually read the briefing papers, work the system and participate in the governing process. Unlike Trump, hes apparently got a voracious work ethic.

But here's the question: Could those very qualities make him an even more dangerous president? Could he be worse than Trump, God forbid, because hes more effective?

Though DeSantis hasnt announced his candidacy for 2024, he already has a campaign pitch: Hes the enemy of wokeness, a pugilistic truth-teller standing up to the latest hysterical cancel culture outrages of the left. Dont say gay! Ban critical race theory! Teach only the happy, uplifting parts of American history!

He swears by the usual right-wing verities: more guns, fewer immigrants, lower taxes. He wants to tighten restrictions on abortions and ease them on executions. He's pandered to vaccine skeptics and claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci should be in jail for lying to Congress. Hes hinted that the Jan. 6, 2021, assault at the Capitol might have been an FBI false flag operation. He's made it harder to vote in Florida.

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So which of the two would I rather have emerge victorious in a race for the presidency if I had to choose? The crazy inept one or the competent ideologue who might actually get more bad stuff done?

Before I answer, a few caveats: First, they arent the only Republicans who will seek the 2024 nomination. In the months ahead, another candidate could blow past one or both of them. DeSantis is high in the polls now, but hes little-known outside Florida; he might not survive scrutiny (especially with several major media profiles describing him as a dislikable and aloof oddball who cant make eye contact with other humans). And Trump, of course, could self-destruct at any moment. Among other things, he might get indicted in any number of investigations.

But if I had to choose, Id take DeSantis.

Grudgingly, of course. I certainly dont want him to be our next president.

But in my view the danger he poses is not as great as another four tumultuous, aberrational years of Trump. The damage Trump did while he was in the White House was unparalleled in modern American history, and four more years could be much worse. He may not be a skilled or effective chief executive, but his reckless undermining of institutions, his self-serving rejection of legitimate election results, his attacks on the press, his assault on truth, facts and science, his detachment from reality  its impossible to imagine going through that again.

DeSantis would certainly put us on a lot of wrong roads. But another Trump presidency threatens American democracy itself.

Some observers agree with my take.

In the end Id take a cynic like DeSantis over a madman like Trump, says longtime GOP consultant Mike Murphy, who has advised many moderate Republicans, including John McCain, Mitt Romney and Arnold Schwarzenegger. From a Democrat's perspective, Trump might be easier to beat, but who wants to take the risk of rooting for him?

Others, however, throw up their hands at even making such a choice.

Its like a debate about whats better  syphilis or gonorrhea, says Norman Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a longtime Trump critic. Trump and DeSantis are different versions of the same danger.

Ornstein says that in a second term, Trump would be all about retribution, punishing those who had crossed him in the past. It would be a godsend for Russias Vladimir Putin, Hungarys Viktor Orban and North Koreas Kim Jong Un.

But DeSantis would be a catastrophe in other ways. I dont think he has any deep-seated beliefs about much of anything," Ornstein says. "He may not be the same level of narcissistic sociopath as Trump but hes smarter and more subtle. And he has no moral core.

Its far too early for the polls to mean much, and in any case theyve offered mixed messages about whether DeSantis or Trump is ahead. All we know for sure is that at the moment they're the two top GOP prospects.

As a Democrat, I get no say in which of them emerges victorious in the Republican primaries (if either of them does). I'm just an onlooker.

But I believe the danger posed by a Trump victory in November 2024 would be greater.

I reserve the right to change my mind as we get to know DeSantis better and see him in action. But if he turns out to be worse than Trump, then I truly fear for this country.

@Nick_Goldberg

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Monday accused President Biden of falsely suggesting his administration is not bailing out Silicon Valley Banks depositors after the banks collapse.

SVB collapsed Friday amid a sudden bank run and capital crisis. The FDIC guarantees deposits up to $250,000 but the vast majority of SVB deposits exceeded that amount.

The Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, and FDIC announced Sunday that they would ensure that all depositors at SVB and another recently collapsed bank, Signature Bank, would have access to their money, even if those deposits exceed the $250,000 threshold. The regulators said they would use money from the Deposit Insurance Fund, a banking industry-sponsored fund, and insisted that no losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer.

Biden echoed this promise on Monday: No losses will be  and this is an important for point  no losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Let me repeat that, no losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Instead, the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Haley criticized the decision on Monday.

Joe Biden is pretending this isnt a bailout. It is, she said. Now depositors at healthy banks are forced to subsidize Silicon Valley Banks mismanagement. When the Deposit Insurance Fund runs dry, all bank customers are on the hook. Thats a public bailout.

She added: Depositors should be paid by selling off Silicon Valley Banks assets, not by the public. Taxpayers should not be responsible.

While the cost of the bailout will not be directly borne by taxpayers, critics of the administrations decision have pointed out that consumers will ultimately bare the cost in the form of increased fees charged by banks. Banks are expected to assess these increased fees in order to recoup the funds they will be required to pay to the FDIC to rebuild its Deposit Insurance Fund, which will be severely diminished by bailing out the defunct banks.

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Reports indicate the banks collapse, which was the largest failure since Washington Mutual in 2008, may have been the result of mismanagement; the CEO of SVB reportedly sold about $3 million worth of shares 24 hours before the bank fell.

SVB specialized in banking for tech start-ups and ranked among the top 20 commercial banks in the U.S.

Concerns about the collapse centered on whether it could trigger a chain-reaction if many tech start-ups could not access their cash, leaving them unable to meet payroll and potentially leading to more bank runs and collapses. However, critics of the Biden administrations move argued that private purchase of the bank would be the best outcome.

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Employees stand outside of the shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters on March 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A former FDIC chair says there's "no doubt" more banks will fail after Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.

William Isaac said the collapse of SVB seemed "a lot like the 1980s" banking crisis, per Politico.

Many observers still think SVB's failure doesn't mean other banks also run the risk of collapsing.

A former top banking regulator says Silicon Valley Bank's collapse on Friday will undoubtedly cause more banks to fail.

"There's no doubt in my mind: There's going to be more. How many more? I don't know," William Isaac, the former chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, told Politico on Sunday.

"Seems to me to be a lot like the 1980s," Isaac added, per the outlet.

In an email to Insider, Isaac warned that economic conditions at the start of the 1980s banking crisis were similar to today's, with "terrible government fiscal and monetary policies for most of the past two decades" and "inflation out of control."

He compared Silicon Valley Bank's collapse to the 1980 failure of First Pennsylvania Bank."First Pennsylvania Bank, the largest in Pennsylvania and the oldest national bank in the country, decided to invest heavily in fixed-rate Treasury bills and got caught in an interest-rate squeeze when the Fed began raising interest rates strongly to combat inflation," wrote Isaac. "Sound familiar, SVB?"

"It was the beginning of a long and deep financial crisis that lasted until 1992. Hopefully, this one will not last nearly so long," Isaac added.

Isaac was the chairman of the FDIC from August 1981 to October 1985. During Isaac's tenure, he had to manage the fallout of the 1980s banking crisis.

More than 1,600 banks insured by the FDIC collapsed or had to be bailed out between 1980 and 1994, per the agency. Around 3,000 banks and thrifts failed during the 1980s banking crisis, per the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The California-based Silicon Valley Bank was taken over by regulators on Friday after it failed to raise capital and its depositors triggered a bank run.

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But other banking industry observers say Silicon Valley Bank's implosion doesn't mean other banks are at risk too.

Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers told Bloomberg on Saturday that he doubts the collapse will lead to a "broadly systemic problem."

"I don't see, if this is handled reasonably, and I have every reason to think it will be, that this will be a source of systemic risk," he told Bloomberg.

Goldman Sachs analysts also advised investors to buy dipping banking shares amid Silicon Valley Bank's collapse, saying that the risk of Silicon Valley Bank's failure spreading to larger banks is "remote."

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday told CBS' "Face the Nation" that the "American banking system is really safe and well-capitalized, it's resilient."

"In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, new controls were put in place, better capital and liquidity supervision, and was tested during the early days of the pandemic," Yellen said.

The FDIC, US Treasury, and the Federal Reserve Board said on Sunday that they will bail out Silicon Valley Bank's customers "in a manner that fully protects all depositors."

The FDIC's press department declined to comment on Isaac's remarks when reached by Insider.

February 14, 2023: This story was updated to reflect comment from William Isaac.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Black-tailed godwits fly over a white crane conservation area by the Poyang Lake in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 10, 2023. As the temperature gradually rises, a large number of migratory birds such as white cranes, geese and snipes have gathered in Poyang Lake area in Jiangxi Province to take off and start their journey north. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)
BERKELEY, Calif.  A park near UC Berkeley that once hosted iconic protests against the Vietnam War is now at the center of another public furor: loud parties.

The university, a state appellate court found, failed to account for excessive noise when it considered the environmental effects of building housing for 1,100 students in a park abutting a residential neighborhood.

UC Berkeley might still get the project at Peoples Park built, but the legal challenge has set construction back months, if not years. The court ruling  based on a 1970 state environmental law meant to serve as a check on rampant development  has injected new uncertainty into housing plans at Californias public university campuses, many of which are in dire need of housing amid a yearslong expansion.

This is going to undermine student housing up and down the state, state Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat who has fought to ease Californias restrictions on housing development, said in an interview.

Building housing in California is notoriously slow. Local opposition and a dizzying array of development hurdles drive up costs, adding to an affordability crisis plaguing the blue state  a sore spot for Democrats. Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis often deride the sky-high cost of living that has prompted some residents and companies to leave the West Coast for cheaper parts of the country.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has prodded the state's cities and universities to build more housing, took aim at the environmental law at the center of the Berkeley case after the ruling came down, saying he would work with lawmakers to change it.

The law is clearly broken when a few wealthy Berkeley homeowners can block desperately needed housing for years and even decades, Newsom said of the California Environmental Quality Act, signed by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan a half-century ago.

Wiener is already working on legislation to counteract the precedent set by the court, a proposal he expects to introduce this month. On top of slowing or blocking dorm construction, he said, the idea that students are a particularly loud group will invite classist and racist stereotypes in future court challenges. Another state legislator, a Republican, has introduced a bill that would cut noise from a list of environmental effects that must be considered when housing projects are proposed.

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State lawmakers have chipped away at some of the laws requirements and poured over $1 billion into campus housing. But a web of zoning restrictions and court challenges continues to delay construction, even as demand for university housing grows.

The highly selective University of California system draws hundreds of thousands of students from around the world to some of the countrys most expensive cities; its enrollment has swelled by 50 percent over the past two decades. Unable to find or afford housing, some students live in RVs, cars and hotels.

The cost-of-living problem, which helped spur the longest graduate student worker strike in the nations history last fall, may only worsen as the university looks to increase enrollment by around 27,000 by 2030.

UC Berkeley provides housing to only 23 percent of undergraduates, the lowest share in a system with nine undergraduate campuses in cities including Los Angeles and San Diego. Off-campus housing is costly in Berkeley, where the median rent for a one bedroom apartment hovers around $2,400 a month.

Maya Banuelos, a junior, had pictured herself walking to class again this year but rides the bus from her apartment, which she shares with friends. Closer options were too expensive and hard to come by.

You dont really feel like a student sometimes when you live so far from campus, Banuelos said.

Berkeleys tight real estate market makes the delay of housing construction at Peoples Park especially disappointing, said Berkeley law school student Marlenee Blas Pedral, who serves on the UC Board of Regents. She argued the neighbors framing of student parties as noise pollution in court was a misuse of environmental law by opponents looking to stop campus growth.

The neighborhood group that filed the lawsuit pointed to hundreds of complaints to the city about student parties and even hired a noise expert" to describe the role of college partying in undergraduate life. This American phenomenon is so widespread that it was the subject of the perpetually popular 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal House, he wrote in a letter to the neighbors' attorney.

The judges didnt consider that letter, but nevertheless agreed that college students have a history of making a racket.

Justice Teri L. Jackson worried aloud during oral arguments about a great deal of social implications that could stem from a broad reading of environmental rules on noise. But, she said, she was constrained by the law.

Noise is noise, she said.
State lawmakers are taking new steps to address the opioid crisis by proposing harsher punishments for people who are charged with causing an overdose death.

This weekend, police arrested two men who have been charged in connection with a 2021 overdose death in Union County.

Channel 9 reporter Glenn Counts spoke with the state senator who is pushing to make sentences in these types of cases.

Fentanyl overdoses have created a tidal wave of misery in North Carolina. Too many families have lost loved ones and they want something done about it.

Lisa Hooper told Channel 9 that she lost her daughter Michelle to an overdose last year.

Ive tried for years to get Michelle clean and sober. Many halfway houses and rehabs. Many times over, Hooper said.

ALSO READ: Two arrested in connection with 2021 Union County overdose death, police say

To address the pain of families like Hoopers the state senate has proposed a bill that substantially raises the penalties for death by distribution.

Senator Ted Alexander, who represents Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties, is a co-sponsor of the bill.

The use of fentanyl has just escalated exponentially over the year, Alexander said.

The proposal goes after drug traffickers and stiffens penalties according to how many grams of fentanyl the person possesses.

Anywhere from four to fourteen grams could get a suspect between five to seven and a half years in prison, along with a $500,000.

Anywhere from fourteen to twenty-eight grams could get a suspect between seven and a half to ten years in prison with a fine of $750,000.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of man says he was wrongfully convicted in womans overdose death

Twenty-eight grams or more could result in a sentence of eighteen to twenty-three years in prison with a $1 million fine.

We need to take every measure we can to stop it, Alexander said.

While major drug dealers are the targets, Alexander admits that people who are just sharing drugs could get snared.

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Its conceivable that, yes, if youre sharing something like that it may be to you may be more liable in that situation, Alexander told Channel 9.

The bill, however, does have a good samaritan clause. If a fellow user helps someone who is having a drug overdose, the law gives them a break.

But that only applies if the person has less than a gram of drugs in their possession.

(WATCH BELOW: Family of man says he was wrongfully convicted in womans overdose death)




















By Soo-hyang Choi

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, the latest of several weapons tests as the South and the United States conduct their largest joint military drills in years.

The missiles were fired about 7:40 a.m. (2240 GMT on Monday) from South Hwanghae province, near the country's west coast, and flew about 620 kilometres, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The South Korean military was on high alert and maintaining full readiness posture in close coordination with the United States, the JCS said in a statement.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan was collecting information on the missile, and that they have not confirmed any damage within the country related to the launch.

Japanese chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the missiles have not been confirmed to have flown into Japan's territory or exclusive economic zones.

"We see there is a possibility that North Korea will step up further provocative actions, including missile launches and nuclear tests," Matsuno said. "We will continue a close cooperation with the U.S. and South Korea over North Korea's military moves, and gather and analyse information with surveillance."

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the latest launches did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to its allies, but said the North's unlawful weapons programmes had a destabilising effect.

South Korea's military "strongly condemned" North Korea, calling the repeated missile launches a grave provocation threatening the region's peace and security, and a U.S. State Department spokesperson criticised the launches as violation of multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

"The South Korea-U.S. alliance will carry out our exercises and training as planned even if North Korea tries to hamper our Freedom Shield drills with provocations," a spokesperson for South Korea's defence ministry told a briefing.

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The launch comes two days after North Korea test-fired what it called two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine, and less than a week after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the military to intensify drills to deter and respond to a "real war" if necessary.

South Korean and American forces began 11 days of joint drills, dubbed "Freedom Shield 23," on Monday, which will be held on a scale not seen since 2017 to counter the North's growing threats. North Korea has long bristled at the allies' drills as a rehearsal for invasion.

On Sunday, North Korean state media KCNA reported the country has decided to take "important practical" war deterrence measures, saying, "war provocations of the U.S. and South Korea are reaching the red-line."

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday the U.S. would not let "any steps North Korea takes deter us or constrain us from the actions that we feel are necessary to safeguard stability on the Korean Peninsula."

The United States will hold an informal meeting of United Nations Security Council members on Friday on human-rights abuses in North Korea.

North Korea's foreign ministry has denounced the planned meeting as "the most intensive expression" of U.S. "hostile policy" against Pyongyang, and warned it will take "the toughest counteraction."

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul, Satoshi Sugiyama and Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Tim Ahmann and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Kim Coghill, Christopher Cushing and Leslie Adler)
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea said it fired two cruise missiles from a submarine and issued a new threat to mercilessly punish the US as it starts large-scale military drills with South Korea that have stoked Pyongyangs anger.

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Kim Jong Uns regime said it fired two strategic cruise missiles Sunday from a submarine off the east of the peninsula that flew on figure-8 paths for about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) before striking a target. The so-called underwater launching drill verified a North Korean nuclear war deterrence means ahead of the joint drills, its official Korean Central News Agency said Monday.

While North Korea is not barred by United Nations resolutions from cruise missile tests, the launch from a submarine of the rockets would mark a new step in the states ability to potentially deliver a nuclear weapon that could hit US bases in South Korea and Japan.

South Koreas Joint Chief of Staff confirmed the launch, saying Monday it had captured an unidentified missile-test fired by a North Korean submarine. The detailed specifications are being analyzed precisely by the South Korean and US intelligence authorities, the statement from the JCS said.

The latest launches add to the barrage of missiles North Korea has 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 hold their Freedom Shield exercises from Monday to March 23.

The US-South Korean drills are some of the largest the two have held in years and 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.

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North Koreas Foreign Ministry issued a statement released on KCNA on Monday where it denounced the drills and slammed the US for plans to criticize Pyongyang for its human rights record.

North Koreas people are ready to mercilessly punish the U.S. imperialists totally denying the sovereignty of our state and its socialist system and thus make them pay dearly without fail, the statement said.

Kims regime has threatened unprecedented action over the drills, with Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the leader warning 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.

The Freedom Shield drills are designed to bolster US and South Korean defenses against North Koreas nuclear and missile threats. North Korea has decried such drills as a prelude to an invasion and nuclear war.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office in May last year, brought back joint military exercises with the US that had been scaled down or halted under Donald Trump.

The former US president was hoping the move would facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the North Korean leader Kim. Those talks, however, produced no concrete steps to wind down Pyongyangs nuclear program, which has only grown larger as disarmament talks sputtered.

Yoon is also looking to expand South Koreas military cooperation with Japan, a move strongly opposed by North Korea, which lists Tokyo among its mortal enemies.

South Koreas spy agency last week briefed lawmakers in parliament on information that North Korea may test-launch its new solid-fuel ICBMs as early as this month.

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North Korea fired at least one missile from a submarine in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, ramping up missile tests ahead of one of the largest joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea claimed to have fired two missiles from a submarine in the sea, but South Korean military officials said they only tracked one missile fired from the submarine near the North Korean port city of Sinpo.

The launch comes on the eve of what is expected to be 11 days of joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, dubbed Freedom Shield. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and those close to him have voiced rising concerns about the close military relationship between the U.S. and South Korea.

The underwater test comes as North Korea also launched a ballistic missile toward the water of the Yellow Sea last week, according to South Korean officials. They said they could not confirm where it landed. That launch followed U.S. and South Korean military exercises earlier last week that included the deployment of a B-52 long range bomber plane.

The aggression shown by the North Korean military follows a trend of unprecedented missile tests last year. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last week that North Korea had been timing its missile tests to coincide with joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.

The U.S.-South Korean military operations this week are expected to be the largest exercises in the last five years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Ludwig Burger

(Reuters) -Novartis said on Monday it received regulatory clearance to open a separate trading line for potentially up to 16.5 billion Swiss francs ($18.1 billion) in stock repurchases even as its ongoing $15 billion buyback programme is close to completion.

At last week's annual shareholder meeting, the company won investor authorization for up to 10 billion francs in buybacks, which comes on top of 6.5 billion francs in prior authorizations.

A company spokesperson told Reuters on Monday that the "majority" of its ongoing $15 billion buyback programme was already completed, adding that any repurchases would be decided by the board of directors.

She declined to comment on specific amounts.

Novartis laid out plans for the $15 billion programme in late 2021, after receiving $20.7 billion for the sale of its nearly one-third voting stake in Roche back to its cross-town rival.

The spokesperson said the remainder of that repurchase programme would be carried out while allowing for "bolt-on M&A, whilst providing a strong, growing dividend and reinvesting in the business".

Novartis's CEO Vas Narasimhan said in January that the group was looking at the "full range of M&A opportunities", but the focus was on assets worth no more than $5 billion.

($1 = 0.9118 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and John Revill in ZurichEditing by Paul Carrel and Christina Fincher)
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia is briefing neighbouring Asian countries on its plan to build nuclear submarines ahead of an announcement about it in the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as local media reported the programme could generate 20,000 jobs.

U.S. President Joe Biden, Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet in San Diego on Monday local time to announce a plan for Australia to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines next decade.

Australia was informing its regional neighbours about the plan, known as AUKUS, Albanese said on Sunday in San Diego, after meeting with Sunak.

"I've been talking with other leaders in the region, as well, explaining our position. And it's been well-received and understood why we're doing this," Albanese told reporters.

China has objected to the transfer of nuclear propulsion technology to Australia. AUKUS is seeking to counter China's military buildup and its pressure on Taiwan.

The 2021 announcement that the U.S. and Britain would share nuclear submarine technology with Australia came as a surprise to many Southeast Asian governments, said Perth USAsia Centre chief executive Gordon Flake.

"The government is right to reach out: a lot of the initial misunderstanding around the deal in Southeast Asia was they didn't understand the nuance between a nuclear-powered submarine and a nuclear-armed submarine. Those concerns have long since been dissipated," he said.

At home, Albanese is under pressure to show the nation's most expensive defence project in its history is affordable, and will lead to jobs and a boost for local industry. Reuters has reported that it is expected the first submarines would be purchased from the United States and that in the later stages of AUKUS, a joint project would involve a British design.

Government modelling showed 20,000 jobs, including 8,500 in submarine construction, would be created in Australia over 30 years, local newspapers reported on Monday.

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"This is about jobs, including jobs and manufacturing and Adelaide in particular will be a big beneficiary of this announcement, as well as Western Australia," he told reporters on Saturday.

Stephan Fruhlin, head of the Australian National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, said that most manufacturing for Australia's existing Collins-class submarine fleet is local but that it would not be realistic to expect the same for a nuclear submarine.

"A big slice will be built overseas - the nuclear reactor," he said. "The political class conditioned the Australian public to expect defence spending will be good for Australian jobs."

Flake said Albanese was correct to focus on the longer-term economic impact of servicing the nuclear submarine fleet.

"We really shouldn't be fixated on where the first ship will be built and how many dockyard workers. Servicing and sustaining them is a longer jobs pipeline than the build itself," he said.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
According to The New York Times, the International Criminal Court plans to open two cases investigating war crimes conducted by Russian forces against Ukraine. Arrest warrants will be sought for several individuals, the NYT reports, citing current and former officials.

The cases are related to the Russian abduction of Ukrainian children and teenagers who were sent to Russian so-called "reeducation" camps and the deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The cases emerged after months of work by special investigative teams. These will be the first international charges brought forward since Russia's full-scale war began in February 2022.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, must first present his charges to a panel of pre-trial investigation judges, who will decide whether the legal rules for issuing arrest warrants have been met or whether investigators need more evidence.

It is still unclear who exactly the court plans to indict.

When asked to confirm the requests for arrest warrants, the prosecutors office said, we do not publicly discuss specifics related to ongoing investigations.

According to some diplomats and experts, there is a possibility that charges may be brought against Russian President Vladimir Putin, since the court does not recognize the immunity of the head of state in cases related to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, NYT writes.

At the same time, they consider the probability of a trial to be low as the court cannot hear cases in absentia, and Russia is unlikely to surrender its own officials.

Prior, on March 4, the European Union helped take the first step towards setting up a dedicated tribunal to investigate Russian war crimes against Ukraine.
 Flash

The Iranian foreign minister said on Sunday Tehran and Washington have reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners over the past few days, while Washington rejected the comment, according to media reports.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a live televised interview, saying if everything goes on well on the side of the Americans, the prisoner swap will be done in the coming days, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA.

He added Iran views the case as an entirely humanitarian issue, noting that the two sides indirectly signed a deal in March 2022 to this end, the ground for the implementation of which has become prepared.

"We maintain that everything (to this end) is at present ready. The American side is ensuring its final technical coordination and arrangements in this regard," he said.

Speaking to The Associated Press later in the day, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price, however, called the Iranian foreign minister's comments "another especially cruel lie that only adds to the suffering of their families."
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will hold a kick-off event for the 2023 construction season later today.

This year ODOT will be working on nearly 200 projects worth over $550 million in Ohios southwest region, according to a release from ODOT.

>>Busy road in Washington Township to close starting today

ODOT districts seven and eight will join Montgomery County Engineers Office, Greene County Engineers Office, Greene County Commissioners, and Beavercreek Township to showcase the projects later today.

Officials are set to show plans to construct an interchange at the U.S. Route 35 and Valley-Trebein Road intersection.




The European Commission will give the first evaluation of Ukraine's progress in fulfilling the EU's "candidate criteria" in May, by which Kyiv will finish the implementation of most of the conditions, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said on March 13, as cited by European Pravda.

According to Stefanishyna, the interim oral assessment is expected to take place at a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, with preliminary talks to be possibly held in Kyiv.

"And on March 20, I will participate in an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council where we will discuss all seven recommendations and determine a specific date (of the oral evaluation)," Stefanishyna told reporters.

In June, Ukraine was granted the status of a European Union candidate, the first step towards full-fledged membership.

Membership in the European Union has long been a key aspiration for Ukraine, reflected in the Ukrainian Constitution among the main goals. To achieve that goal, the country needs to fulfill European Commission conditions on issues related to justice, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts and then proceed with the negotiation process regarding EU membership.

Ukraine's progress in fulfilling these conditions has only been subject to expert assessments yet. After the spring oral evaluation, the European Commission will give an official one in October.

Stefanishyna said, as quoted by European Pravda, that Ukraine would finish implementing almost all of the "candidate criteria" before the interim assessment. "Several blocs have already been politically completed, technical issues remain... The tasks related to implementing the law on national minorities will remain (to be completed)."

The ethnic minorities bill, which was passed by the Ukrainian parliament on Dec. 13, has prompted criticism by the Romanian authorities and Ukraine's Romanian community, allegedly failing to sufficiently ensure the use of Romanian as a language of education in Ukraine.

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According to Stefanishyna's assessment, the Ukrainian parliament will also pass a law on the structuring of Ukraine's advertising market, which "will allow Kyiv to declare the fulfillment of the media reform's criteria."

In December, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law a controversial bill on the media, which was criticized by Western and Ukrainian journalist organizations as an attempt to introduce censorship. The authorities have denied the accusation.

Stefanishyna said she was also confident in the positive assessment of the Constitutional Court's reform, despite Ukraine not appointing a foreign expert as the 7th member of the Ethics Council, a panel of experts supposed to approve or reject candidates for the Court jobs, as initially recommended by the Venice Commission.

Instead, Ukraine will make other changes to the procedure, which will reportedly give foreign experts the right to jointly block the selection in case of disagreement with Ukrainian colleagues.

"We did not find any legal grounds for having a seventh expert. We held negotiations with the Venice Commission and the European Commission and agreed that the model of selection of judges of the Court would be based on the models used for other judicial bodies, such as the Supreme Council of Justice. In particular, the decisions of the Ethics Council will be adopted by four votes," Stefanishyna explained.

A bill on the Constitutional Court, signed by Zelensky in December, was condemned by Ukraine's civil society and the West as the one derailing Ukraine's European integration. It will enable President's Office to handpick loyalists and fully control the Constitutional Court, according to legal experts and anti-corruption activists.

According to Stefanishyna, the EU should also consider the "anti-oligarchic" criterion as completed, despite Ukraine not planning to implement it in its initial form. She said that the Ukrainian government aimed to reduce the influence of oligarchs through anti-monopoly and anti-corruption measures without drawing up a controversial "oligarch register."

"In times of war, naming and shaming, i.e., naming certain persons subject to this law, is not a priority," the Deputy Prime Minister added.
Proposed law in Ohio may limit the amount of time high school students spend on social media apps like TikTok. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ohio lawmakers aim to pass a bill that extends work hours for students and decreases time on TikTok.

The measure, which needs House approval, already passed in the Ohio Senate, WOUB Public Media reports.

Time spent by teenagers on apps like TikTok and Instagram has been top-of-mind among lawmakers.

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would expand the number of hours high school students can work during the year.

Students in Ohio can currently work at after-school jobs until 7 p.m. during the school year and up until 9 p.m. in the summer. The proposed legislation, which still needs to pass in the House, would allow students to work until 9 p.m year-round, WOUB Public Media reports.

According to the bill's sponsors, the pending state law should also limit the time teenagers spend on social media apps like TikTok.

"It will allow them the opportunity to earn some extra dollars. And here's a bonus that we maybe haven't thought about  this is less time that they will be spending on social media, like TikTok and others," said Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the publication reported.

The amount of time teenagers spend on apps like TikTok and Instagram has been top-of-mind among lawmakers for years, especially as more studies are published about the negative impact it can have on mental health.

Last month, Fox19 reported that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had proposed a new "Social Media Parental Notification Act," as part of his 2023 executive budget. The legislation would mandate that social media sites receive parental approval before children under the age of 16 can sign up for an account.

For its part, TikTok unveiled new policies on March 1 that intend to proactively limit the amount of time users spend on its app. Users under the age of 18 will receive a notification to enter a passcode after surpassing 60 minutes on the app for the day. A parent or guardian will need to approve additional screen time for children aged 12 and younger.

"Research shows that being more aware of how we spend our time can help us be more intentional about the decisions we make," TikTok said in a press release about the announcement. "We're also prompting teens to set a daily screen time limit if they opt out of the 60-minute default and spend more than 100 minutes on TikTok in a day."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The indictments, which prosecutors say result from 31 incidents between June 2018 and July 2022, have left only two dozen officers in the East Cleveland Police Department.

More than a dozen officers from the East Cleveland Police Department have landed themselves on the wrong side of the law after being accused of using harsh tactics to violate citizens civil rights.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office has indicted 16 ECPD officers over the last seven months, accusing them of engaging in public corruption and inflicting mistreatment on residents comparable to torture, according to ABC News.

Im disappointed and Im really upset, about the alleged abuse, said Juanita Gowdy, president of the East Cleveland City Council, ABC reported. This should never happen like this.

Ohios Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, led by Michael C. OMalley (above), has indicted 16 officers from the East Cleveland Police Department for allegedly violating citizens civil rights. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/WKYC Channel 3 News)

The indictments  which prosecutors said resulted from 31 incidents between June 2018 and July 2022  have left only two dozen officers on the East Cleveland police force. Gowdy said she urgently requested that the Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol provide much-needed help covering the police staffing gap.

Former police chief Scott Gardner, indicted in September on numerous counts of theft and fraud, is among those named in the documents. He has entered a not-guilty plea to the charges.

The prosecutors office and the Cleveland Division of the FBI announced the latest indictments at a news conference Wednesday, releasing footage from nine police body cameras showing the officers beating, kicking and stomping neighborhood residents. The 11 current and former ECPD officers arrested and charged under the new indictments were identified as Nicholas Foti, John Hartman, Tristan Homan, Laurice Mans, Ian McInnes, Tyler Mundson, Brian Parks, Tre DeHart Robinson, Brian Stoll, Daniel Toomer and Kyle Wood.

Several victims were allegedly handcuffed and appeared to comply with the officers orders to get on their knees when brutalized.

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People in these videos were giving up, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. OMalley said, contending they were showing their hands, they were not threats.

Brandon King, the mayor of East Cleveland, said that a large portion of the evidence from which the charges stemmed came from upgraded, city-funded police body camera equipment with new systems. The fact that the cameras are not dependent on officers to activate them lessens the possibility of human error, he added, ABC reported.

In one video, an officer can be seen repeatedly stomping on a man lying on the ground while being arrested. Another video shows a cop ordering a man on his knees to lie on his stomach before reportedly kicking him in the back and sending him to the ground.

Other recordings include one showing an officer pushing a man whose hands are on the ground and kicking him in the groin and one capturing a cop punching a man after allegedly striking him with his cruiser as he lay on the ground writhing in agony from a fractured pelvis.

Another video OMalley said he found particularly appalling showed officers repeatedly shocking a handcuffed man with stun guns and stomping on his head.

I was appalled that we could be witnessing a guy handcuffed and his head stomped, OMalley said, according to ABC, or witnessing a guy handcuffed and being tased while handcuffed repeatedly, which to me is a form of torture.

Mayor King praised OMalley for assisting the ECPD in rooting out the individuals responsible for the alleged abuse. However, he clarified that the investigations into the officers conduct began internally.

The real victim here was the entire city, OMalley said, noting that the 13,586 citizens of East Cleveland had to live in a city with fear.

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The post Ohio police dept. officers charged with violating civil rights, using methods akin to torture appeared first on TheGrio.
Oil faces a 'serious problem' by 2024 as production capacity runs out, warns Goldman Sachs  here are 3 big oil stocks with yields as high as 3.8%

Oil prices have cooled down in recent months, but Goldman Sachs sees a major rebound on the horizon.

Don't miss

Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in Saudi Arabia, Goldmans global head of commodities research Jeff Currie predicts that oil prices could climb back above $100 a barrel this year.

The analyst sees rising demand for oil from China. Meanwhile, sanctions against Russia will likely reduce the countrys oil exports.

Right now, were still balanced to a surplus because China has still yet to fully rebound, Currie tells Bloomberg. But the analyst notes that by May, the oil market could swing to a supply deficit.

And thats not all.

Are we going to run out of spare production capacity? Potentially by 2024, you start to have a serious problem.

Economics 101 tells us that shortages drive prices up. If Currie is right and oil prices shoot up, oil producers stand ready to benefit.

Here is a look at three big oil stocks. Wall Street already sees upside in this trio.

Shell

Headquartered in London, Shell (SHEL) is a multinational energy giant with operations in more than 70 countries. It produces around 3.2 barrels of oil equivalent per day, has an interest in 10 refineries, and sold 64.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas in 2021.

Its a staple for global investors, too. Shell is listed on the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam, and the New York Stock Exchange.

The companys NYSE-listed shares are up 10% over the past year.

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Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd sees an opportunity in the oil and gas supermajor. The analyst has an overweight rating on Shell and a price target of $70.

Considering that Shell trades at around $61 per share today, Todds price target implies a potential upside of 15%. The stock also offers a dividend yield of 3.8%.

Chevron

Chevron (CVX) is another oil and gas supermajor thats benefiting from the commodity boom.

In 2022, the company reported earnings of $35.5 billion, which represented a 127% increase from 2021. Sales and other operating revenues totaled $235.7 billion for 2022, up 51% year over year.

Recently, Chevrons board approved a 6% increase to the quarterly dividend rate to $1.51 per share. That gives the company an annual dividend yield of 3.6%.

Read more: Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market  and are betting on these 3 assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds

The stock is up slightly over the past year.

In January, Barclays analyst Jeanine Wai reiterated an overweight rating on Chevron while raising the price target from $196 to $212. That implies a potential upside of 20% from the current levels.

Exxon Mobil

Commanding a market cap of over $450 billion, Exxon Mobil (XOM) is bigger than Shell and Chevron.

The company also boasts the strongest stock price performance among the trio  Exxon shares are up 38% over the past year.

Its not hard to see why investors like the stock: the oil-producing giant gushes profits and cash flow in this commodity price environment. In 2022, Exxon earned $55.7 billion in profits, a huge increase from the $23.0 billion in 2021. Free cash flow totaled $62.1 billion for the year, compared to $37.9 billion in 2021.

Solid financials allow the company to return cash to investors. Exxon pays quarterly dividends of 91 cents per share, translating to an annual yield of 3.1%.

Bank of America analyst Doug Leggate has a buy rating on Exxon and a price target of $140  around 25% above where the stock sits today.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast

These early months of 2023 have been a busy time for sputtered protests and crows of vindication in longstanding COVID debates.

New federal support emerged for the lab leak theory of the pandemics origin. A major research analysis cast serious doubt on the efficacy of mandating mask use among the general public. And a Lancet study reported that natural immunity is as good or better than completing a two-shot vaccine schedule.

All the Big Ideas for Fixing Social Media Are Bad

Meanwhile, in California, a federal judge in January blocked enforcement of a new law, A.B. 2098, which would allow the states medical board to punish doctorsto the point of taking away their medical licensesfor the dissemination of misinformation or disinformation about COVID-19 in conversations with patients.

A primary legal sticking point is the states definition of misinformation: false information that is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus. As the judge observed, this language is vague at best. Arguably, it makes the government the arbiter of acceptable opinion, a gross abuse of constitutionally protected free speech.

Its an effort in old-school censorship, by which I mean top-down, heavy-handed efforts to control what information and perspectives the public is allowed to access. And thats exactly why, in 2023 America, a measure like this is worse than useless: You cant manage 21st century information flow with 20th century constraints.

Blackouts dont work like they once did. Journalists dont collaborate with officials and sit on big stories as in times pastand if they do, they typically get scooped. And, most importantly, the general publics access to (and therefore perception of) the scientific establishment and other institutional authorities has fundamentally changed in the last three decades.

Old-school censorship will only make our misinformation crisis worse because it cant effectively limit public access to the forbidden data and ideas. All it can do is ensure the public receives them from fringier sources, while learning to trust even the most trustworthy experts and institutions a little bit less.

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Imagine if the COVID-19 pandemic happened a hundred years agoor any time in the pre-internet age. Research would have proceeded far more slowly, and scientific consensus on how to handle the virus likewise wouldve been even slower to emerge. Three years might feel like a long time to be figuring out viral origins and mask policy and comparative immunity, but from a historical perspective this has all moved with enviable speed.

Anti-Liberalism in America Is a Delusion of Freedom That Will Only Lead to Violence

And scientific progress isnt the only thing that would be different in a pre-internet COVID scenario. The difference in information access would be just as important for the public experience of the pandemic. Scientific debates (like the three prominent ones in the recent news cycle) wouldve happened not quite behind closed doors, but certainly behind an access barrier probably 99 percent of people would never breach.

I mean, think about it: How would the average member of the public read just-published academic research in 1993? Or stay up to date on federal intelligence reports on viral origins in 1953? Or track daily national, state, and local infection rates in 1923?

The answer is: They generally wouldnt. (And couldnt.)

Back then, as Martin Gurri writes in The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium, experts and other institutional elites could believe themselves to be unquestioned masters of their special domain [because] so they were for many years. From the middle of the nineteenth to the end of the twentieth centuries, the public lacked the means to question, much less contradict, authoritative judgments derived from monopolies of information.

But those monopolies have been broken. All that information is easily accessible to just about anyone, and so is the whole consensus-making process. The public sees not just the final product but also all the mess along the way.

Now, we cant help but notice the gap between the institutions claims of competence and their actual performance, as Gurri observes. Today failure happens out in the open, where everyone can see. With the arrival of the global information sphere, each failure is captured, reproduced, multiplied, amplified, and made to stand for authority as a whole. In this context, its become all too easy to conflate a (good) process of self-correction on the way to discovery of truth with a (bad) narrative revision as failures and noble lies are exposed.

In the resulting chaos and loss of institutional trust, censorship attempts like A.B. 2098 (and other government efforts to steer or outright stop pandemic-related information flow) make even that innocent and productive self-correction look like deceit. These efforts arent just ineffective but counterproductive.

National Divorce Is More Popular Than You Think

Gagging doctors in the exam room wont return us to an earlier era of institutional prestige in which, in Gurris phrase, the pratfalls of authority [can be] managed discreetly, camouflaged by the mystique of the expert at the top of his game. Rather, the public can (and with time, will) get all the same content from less careful and well-informed sources than their doctors.

In the name of protecting the public from misinformation, authorities and institutions lose the publics trust, and will drive readers to even more untrustworthy sources.

The old information flow is permanently altered, no longer a large, single stream but a delta. Set aside the judgment of whether this is a good or bad development. It just is, and the delta is growing. Forcibly damming a single branch is a fools errand.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Olivia Wilde may have been noticeably absent from the 2023 Academy Awards red carpet, but she certainly didnt sit out Hollywoods biggest night entirely.

The Dont Worry Darling director turned up at Vanity Fairs Oscars after-party in a one-sleeved white gown by Gabriela Hearst. The top of the dress draped low across her midriff, revealing a black leather bra underneath.

Olivia Wilde wears a gown by Gabriela Hearst.

Olivia Wilde wears a gown by Gabriela Hearst.

Her daring ensemble will inadvertently draw comparisons to that of Dont Worry Darling actor Florence Pugh, who attended the Oscars as a presenter in a similarly unconventional two-tone look.

Wilde before the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

Wilde before the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

Despite numerous on-the-record denials, Wilde has never been able to fully quash rumors that she and Pugh feuded on the set of Dont Worry Darling.

Not surprisingly, Wildes decision to forgo Sundays ceremony drew similar scrutiny. According to New York Posts Page Six, she and Pugh were both in attendance at a pre-Oscars event in Los Angeles this weekend but were not photographed at any point during the night greeting each other or partying together.

Wilde's

Wilde's "Don't Worry Darling" was HBO Max's most-streamed movie on Friday.

In spite of the alleged turmoil that preceded the release of Dont Worry Darling, Wilde found time to celebrate her latest film. Her latest directorial effort was HBO Maxs most-streamed movie on Friday, which also happened to be her 39th birthday.

This was a cool birthday gift, she wrote on her Instagram story. Thank you to everyone who watched.

Related...
Ollie Lawrence has been ruled out (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Ollie Lawrence has been ruled out of Englands final Guinness Six Nations match against Ireland because of a damaged hamstring.

Lawrence sustained the injury during the final quarter of Saturdays 53-10 mauling by France that registered the teams heaviest ever defeat at Twickenham.

  



Steve Borthwick has selected a 36-player England squad for their Guinness Six Nations match this weekend.



Ollie Lawrence is unavailable for selection after sustaining a hamstring injury on Saturday.#WearTheRose || @O2 || #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/UvWfIjoYsy  England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 13, 2023

Guy Porter has been drafted into a 36-man training squad as centre cover but Manu Tuilagi is also available having completed his suspension for dangerous play.
Standardized education often removes the nuances from individualized learning. Students deserve education that fits their needs. | Adobe Stock

There is a pandemic spreading across our nation. It was exposed in March 2020 with school closures, but has been building since the late 1800s. Im talking about the lack of great learning.

No one sang the praises of school test scores before the COVID-19 school closures. I dont like bringing up school test scores, but it seems like the only metric that matters to legislators, experts and some school choice advocates. School test scores are a poor measure of a quality education.

Consider a better measure. We are seeing a decline in the number of great artists, philosophers, and scientists with an accelerating decrease since the late 1800s. Why?

During this time, Horace Mann wanted to standardize education. He created common schools to teach the masses. Kerry McDonald points out that just two years before the establishment of the common school in Massachusetts the adult literacy rate was 97% , but in 2003 it was just 90%.

Are people dumber today than they were one hundred years ago? No.

But standardized schooling became commonplace. Some schools are removing honors classes to promote equity, causing pushback from parents and students. Removing advanced classes inhibits greatness, but promotes standardization.

Ask parents what they should do for their 5-year-olds education, and they will tell you the child should be enrolled in kindergarten. It is the standard answer.

Ask high school seniors how they feel about school. Most will say, Fine. It is another standard answer, but fine is not great. Standard is not great.

Related

The reality is people are far from standardized. Forcing students into a box can be accomplished, but it comes at great cost. Robert Frosts road less traveled is looked down upon today in the education world.

There is hope. An individualized education promotes greatness.

An individualized education can come in many forms.

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Michael B. Horn, in his book From Reopen to Reinvent: Recreating School for Every Child, reveals a path public schools can take to individualize education. While it is legally possible for a public school to do this, public school culture is the larger hurdle to overcome. Many schools will be unwilling to take that step.

A new education market could offer even brighter hope. Adam Peshek identifies that successful education choice programs have few restrictions on students and teachers. Arizona is experiencing an explosion of innovation after passing their education spending accounts bill. Utah followed suit with their own education spending accounts program.

There are perceived risks because not many people are taking them, but the outcomes are much greater.

We can guide children into becoming great artists, philosophers and scientists again. But standardized education wont get us there. We need the individualized education that came before standardized common schools.

Jon England is a former public school teacher and principal and the education policy analyst at the Libertas Institute in Utah.
 Flash

Algeria and Uganda signed a number of agreements on Sunday to boost their economic cooperation, during a four-day visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Algiers.

The two countries signed two memoranda of understanding in the field of energy, as well as agreements in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, and trade, Algeria's state-owned news agency APS reported.

The signing ceremony was held at the presidency in Algeria's capital Algiers, and co-chaired by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Museveni.

Earlier in the day, the two presidents met to discuss "a number of issues of common interest, in addition to ways of coordinating positions aiming at supporting just causes in African and international arenas," the APS reported.

Tebboune announced during the meeting that 150 Algerian businessmen will travel to Uganda's capital Kampala to discuss potential partnerships with Ugandan companies, in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations.

Museveni arrived in Algeria on Saturday.
Above-ground storage tanks at Southern California Gas Co.'s Honor Rancho facility in Santa Clarita. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The doubling and in some cases quadrupling of Southern Californians natural gas bills in recent months stemmed from rapid price spikes in the so-called spot market, a real-time wholesale market for the fuel. The lack of transparency in Californias spot market for gasoline played a similarly major role in the pummeling California drivers took at the pump last year.

The secrecy surrounding transactions in both of these markets keeps the public in the dark about who is making a fortune off their pain. Transparency would not only reveal the profiteers but could also discourage future gouging.

Southern California Gas Co., the monopoly that provides gas in Southern California, usually draws down its stored inventory of gas in the winter instead of buying it during the colder months, when it is most expensive. This year, however, rather than tap its inventory, the utility chose to buy massive quantities of gas on the spot market  where someone made a fortune off natural gas prices that were 10 times higher than usual.

The public does not know who reaped this windfall, but it is in our interest to find out. SoCalGas parent company, Sempra Energy, has an energy trading arm that sells gas to the utility. Did SoCalGas decision to buy on the spot market at a peak drive up the price and help an affiliated company make a killing ?

Unfortunately, that remains unclear because spot market transactions in natural gas are shielded from public scrutiny. Comparable electricity transactions, by contrast, were made public after Enron traders took advantage of deregulation to loot California. Now every electricity trade on the spot market is published , deterring such misconduct.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, has the power to publish natural gas spot market transactions but has never done so. The nonprofit group Public Citizen has petitioned the agency to change that. Southern Californians, who just paid the highest natural gas bills in America, have a right to know who got their hard-earned money.

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Natural gas isnt the only fuel that Californians found themselves paying dramatically more for in recent months. At one point in October, California gasoline prices rose to $2.60 more per gallon than the U.S. average. The enormous gap powered historic profits for oil refiners, which doubled their profits per gallon in the West last year, according to their own public reports to investors. Gasoline prices that soared past $6 a gallon caused incalculable pain for low-income families, some of whom had to choose between filling their tanks and putting food on the table.

How can oil refiners charge Californians so much more at the pump when their production costs, as evidenced by their profits, dont justify it? California oil refiners set the price they charge station owners for gasoline based not on their costs but on the price of California gasoline on the spot market  a market controlled by the five oil refiners that make 98% of our gasoline, along with a small group of traders.

Like the analogous natural gas market, Californias gasoline spot market is shrouded in secrecy, making it vulnerable to manipulation. The California attorney generals office is suing traders SK Energy and Vitol for allegedly manipulating the spot market after Exxons Torrance refinery went down in 2015. The companies are accused, among other things, of making trades in which no gasoline changed hands solely to drive up the price of the fuel.

This is possible because no public ledger of trades on the gasoline spot market exists  only voluntary reports to the Oil Price Information Service, an oil industry news service. Nothing requires disclosure of a trade, its quantity or the identity of the buyer or seller. Nor is there a record of how many trades occur in a given day. The service publishes only a spot market price.

That means a single trade can set the price of all retail gasoline in the state for days or weeks. When the spot price is high, there is no incentive to report a trade. Robert McCullough, an economist who has studied energy markets for decades, testified before a state Senate committee recently that at the height of the spikes last fall, the spot price for gasoline didnt change for two weeks. If that had happened with the Dow, he wondered, wouldnt someone have noticed?

Californias Legislature, which is considering how to avoid future spikes in gas prices, should make transactions on the spot market public. Federal regulators, meanwhile, already have the power to impose similar transparency on the natural gas market. Shedding some sunlight on prices could help Californians weather future winters.

Jamie Court is the president of the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Consumer Watchdog.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In 2021, children between the ages of 8 and 10 spent an average of 5 and a half hours per day on screens. Social media is having a negative impact on children across the nation. | Adobe Stock

Every year, more than 5,000 young Americans take their own lives. Our nations young people are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, and the preponderance of the evidence that links this tragic trend to social media is beyond disturbing enough to warrant action.

Thats why we support dual legislation  at both the state and federal levels  to protect our children from the harms of social media.

More than 40% of teenagers say that they struggle with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and more than half of parents express concern over their childrens mental well-being. There has never been a generation this depressed, anxious and suicidal, and growing evidence is showing that social media is causing harm, especially for teen girls.

Research conducted by the University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute shows that young adults who use social media are three times as likely to suffer from depression. And when we look at what happened to American teens from 2009-2010, as social media became more prevalent, this reality is undeniable.

In 2010, about 63% of American high-school students reported using a social networking site on a daily basis. But by 2014, 80% of high-school students said they used a social media platform daily, and 24% said they were online almost constantly.

Related

During that timeframe, hospital admissions for self-harm doubled for girls ages 10 to 14. That is no coincidence.

There is also eyewitness testimony that speaks to this very point. In 2017, British researchers asked 1,500 teens to rate how each of the major social media platforms affected their anxiety, loneliness, body image and sleep. Instagram scored as the most harmful, followed by Snapchat and then Facebook.

If you still dont believe us, take Facebooks own word for it. An internal Facebook presentation noted, We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls.  Teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression. This reaction was unprompted and consistent across all groups.

Story continues

Facebooks own research also stated, The tendency to share only the best moments, a pressure to look perfect and an addictive product can send teens spiraling toward eating disorders, an unhealthy sense of their own bodies and depression.

Related

This effect is particularly relevant to TikTok, a platform which is known for addictive algorithms. And this should come as no surprise, as the platform was developed by the Chinese Communist Party for the very purpose of creating a digital, emotional heroin for young people in the West.

Its also worth noting that social media usage is becoming more and more common among younger and younger audiences. In 2021, children ages 8 to 12 spent five and a half hours a day on screens, and teens ages 13 to 18 spent nearly nine hours a day. These statistics should scare us all, but they should also inspire us to make bold, necessary change for the sake of our kids.

President Joe Biden recently wrote that  young people are struggling with bullying, violence, trauma and mental health. We must hold social-media companies accountable for the experiment they are running on our children for profit. And the Surgeon General recently stated that 13 is too early for children to join social media.

We couldnt agree more.

Utah recently passed two social media bills which will provide protection for our children, more parental controls, and increased accountability for social media companies.

On the federal side, this critical issue is a real opportunity for bipartisanship in a divided Congress, and its an important opportunity for progress in a divided nation.

To those who say this would be an overstep by our government, we understand your concern. And we share your ideological belief that more government usually makes life worse, not better.

But the government already regulates this aspect of our digital lives. The current minimum age for social media usage is 13. Obviously, this law is not enforced by tech companies and, subsequently, easily avoided by kids who want to participate. Federal legislation will not only raise that minimum age but hold tech companies accountable for enforcing this regulation.

Related

We have countless protections for our children in the physical world  we require car seats and seat belts; we have fences around pools; we have a minimum drinking age of 21; and we have a minimum driving age of 16.

The damage to Generation Z from social media is undeniable  so why are there no protections in the digital world? This is about taking power from companies and giving it to parents in the interest of their kids, not the government.

We are under no illusion that this is a silver bullet solution for what has become a national crisis. But we certainly believe that its an important step in the right direction. We hope youll join us in working to give our nations young people the protections they so desperately need.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis. Please call or text 9-8-8 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.

Please visit stewart.house.gov for more information on the Social Media Child Protection Act.

Gov. Spencer Cox is the 18th governor of the state of Utah. Chris Stewart represents Utahs second district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  It was chaotic, messy, wild, creative, big-hearted and utterly unique. If it were a bagel, it would most certainly have been the everything kind.

But Everything Everywhere All At Once was a movie, not a bagel, and it ruled Sunday's Oscar ceremony, making for one feel-good moment after another  and making history, too, on a huge night for Asians and Asian Americans in Hollywood.

And as for The Slap? Well, this Oscar night felt more like a big hug, its heartwarming speeches a potent antidote to the uneasy memory of last years Will Smith saga. They kept coming: There was Ke Huy Quan, bounding up the stairs to accept the supporting actor trophy, his teary joy infectious as he referred to his remarkable life story. From the same film there was Jamie Lee Curtis, speaking eloquently about acting as a collaborative endeavor, and the directing duo the Daniels, thanking public school teachers and the family members who nurtured their creativity.

Then there was leading lady Michelle Yeoh, putting an overdue cherry on top of her amazing career as she became the first Asian best actress winner. She spoke of many things, but perhaps most eloquently about mothers, whom she called superheroes. And on this Oscar night in particular, many winners joined her in thanking their mothers poignantly, none more so than costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who saluted her 101-year-old mother, who she said had just died.

Also thanked, of course, were were children, fathers, husbands and wives. I am your son, and I love you, Guillermo del Toro, winning for best animated film, said to his late parents. And perhaps the four most heart-rending words of the night came from a wife to a husband: Stay strong, my love, said Yulia Navalnaya to her imprisoned husband, Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader.

Some of the evenings top moments:

SO, ABOUT LAST YEAR ...

Serving once again as host, Jimmy Kimmel was clearly going to have to bring up The Slap, as it shall forever be known. It took about seven minutes into his monologue before he did  a sarcastic crack about the bizarrely passive reaction last year to the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock over a joke directed at his wife. We have strict policies in place, Kimmel said. If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point in this show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech. Later, he made a reference to Smiths performance as Hitch, and at another point referenced one of his songs  all without mentioning his name.

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QUAN GETS TEARS FLOWING EARLY, AND OFTEN

Emotions were running high from the second award, as the ebullient Quan won his supporting actor trophy  an outcome that was expected but no less exciting in the moment. In fact, presenter Ariana DeBose could barely utter his name  she was already crying.

My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp, said Quan, 51, who is of Vietnamese descent. Somehow, I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe its happening to me. This  THIS  is the American dream. He also thanked  of course  his mother, age 84, watching at home.

CURTIS: I AM HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE

Winning immediately after Quan, Curtis stepped onstage and made yet another terrific awards-season speech about collaborating in the industry. I know it looks like I am standing up here myself, but I am not, she said. I am hundreds of people.

She spoke to all the fans and colleagues who supported the genre movies I have made all these years, the hundreds and thousands of people: We. Just. Won. An. Oscar. Together! And Curtis, too, shouted out to her famous late parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, whom she noted had been nominated in different categories. I just won an Oscar! she told them.

STAY STRONG, MY LOVE

Navalny sits in solitary confinement in Russia. So it was left to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, to speak for him  and to him, as well  when the documentary Navalny won an Oscar. My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy, Navalnaya said. Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.

Director Daniel Roher dedicated his Oscar to Navalny and all political prisoners around the world. Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all: We must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head.

GAGA GOES MINIMAL

No one knows how to step into the glamour better than Lady Gaga, and she appeared on the Oscar red (well, champagne-colored) carpet in dramatic makeup and a fabulous Versace gown from the designers recent collection. But when she appeared onstage  in a surprise appearance  to sing a powerful rendition of Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick, the glamorous outfit was gone, replaced by a T-shirt and ripped jeans and a makeup-free face. It was yet another compelling Oscar performance for Gaga, who never fails to innovate and surprise.

CARTER MAKES HISTORY, AGAIN

Four years ago, Carter took her first historic statuette, becoming the first Black woman to win for costume design for Black Panther. On Sunday she again made history when she won the award for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars. She dedicated the award to Mabel Carter, her mother, who she said died this past week at age 101. This film prepared me for this moment, she said. Chadwick, please take care of Mom  referring to Chadwick Boseman, the beloved late star of the original film.

THE DANIELS THANK THE TEACHERS  AND THE MOMMIES!

The Daniels  Scheinert and Kwan  had a number of opportunities to ascend the stage, collecting awards for best original screenplay and best director on the way to a best picture win for Everything Everywhere. The first time, Scheinert quipped he was going to name all the teachers who put him and his brother in detention  then instead thanked the teachers, by name, who educated me and inspired me and taught me to be less of a butthead.

Kwan thanked my Mom who protected me as a child, protected my inner storyteller. Winning best director, they came back to thank, in Scheinerts words, the mommies of the world .... specifically my mom and dad, thank you for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films or really perverted comedy films or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody! The audience cheered.

YEOH IS TAKING IT HOME TO MALAYSIA  AND MOM!

In Everything Everywhere, one of Yeohs most memorable scenes is a reconciliation of sorts with her young adult daughter (Stephanie Hsu ), a scene that speaks to the very essence of parenthood, in all its trials and rewards.

So it was fitting that Yeoh, accepting her best actress award, would focus on motherhood as well. I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world because they are really the superheroes," she said, and without them none of us would be here tonight. She added that her mom was watching in Malaysia with her family. Shes 84, and Im taking this home to her. Yeoh, 60, also earned cheers for her plug for women as they age in Hollywood, telling them: Don't let anybody tell you you're past your prime!"

___

For more coverage of this years Academy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, and Jamie Lee Curtis, at the Oscars 2023. (Getty Images)

At the 2023 Oscars filmmakers behind Everything Everywhere All At Once didnt need to jump over to another multiverse to pick up the Oscar for best picture  the directing duo, The Daniels, managed that phenomenal achievement in our very own reality.

And while Everything Everywheres victory wasnt a surprise  the movie was a frontrunner and ended up winning seven Oscars on the night  its still wild that a movie prominently featuring stick-on googly eyes and a universe where people have hot dog fingers won the Academys biggest award.

Read more: Oscars 2023: The full list of winners

Elsewhere, the results were relatively predictable, yet some perceived wisdom proved wrong. There were snubs, surprises, and a few moments that will have everyone talking for the next few days.

These are the biggest talking points from the Oscars 2023.

Everything Everywhere All at Once dominance

Jonathan Wang, Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, winners of the best director and best picture award for Everything Everywhere All at Once. (Getty Images)

Everything Everywhere All at Once was the film to beat going into the ceremony  and, in the end, nobody could beat it. First up, supporting actor and actress for Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, then came Oscars for best editing, best original screenplay, and best director for The Daniels, AKA Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who thanked all the teachers who ever taught them in their acceptance speech.

Read more: How Everything Everywhere All At Once became an awards favourite

Michelle Yeohs victory for best actress sealed the deal, and then, finally, came the award for best picture. It was Everything, Everywheres night, and there wasnt even a close second.

Michelle Yeoh finally has her Oscar

Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for Actress in a Leading Role. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Its hard not to adore Michelle Yeoh. Once best known for appearing alongside Pierce Brosnans Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies, then for her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yeoh finally had the opportunity to take centre stage in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Read more: Michelle Yeoh toasts historic Oscar win

Now, Yeoh has become an Oscar winner, beating fierce competition from the presumed frontrunner Cate Blanchett, along with Ana de Armas, Michelle Williams, and (controversially) Andrea Riseborough.

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Its finally the year of Yeoh, and nobody could be more deserving.

Angela Bassett didnt do the thing

Angela Bassett attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Having previously been nominated for her lead role in What's Love Got to Do with It, Angela Bassett remains an Oscar nominee rather than a winner.

Despite being the favourite to take home the best supporting actress award for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she lost to Jamie Lee-Curtis for Everything Everywhere.

Read more: Jamie Lee Curtis bags first Oscar

The Academy, it seems, cannot get over its hangups about the Marvel Cinematic Universe  Kevin Feiges superhero empire has yet to produce an Oscar-winning role for one of its actors. In fact, Basset was the first person to receive an Oscar nomination for an MCU role, despite the franchise being 30 movies deep.

Brendan Fraser bests Austin Butler for Best Actor

Brendan Fraser, winner of the best actor in a leading role award for The Whale, backstage at the 95th Academy Awards. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Considering how Rami Malek won Best Actor for playing Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, Austin Butler should have probably won in the same category for his stunning portrayal of Elvis Presley.

Butler sings, dances, and (still) speaks like The King. However, the former Disney Channel actor could not beat Brendan Frasers measured, sensitive performance from underneath heavy prosthetics in The Whale.

Read more: Brendan Fraser caps comeback with Oscar win

Not only was Fraser brilliant in Darren Aronofskys drama, but the actor had that an all important Hollywood comeback narrative, giving him an emotional edge over Butler and fellow nominee Colin Farrell, who infused his performance as Padraic Suilleabhain in The Banshees of Inisherin with a wonderful pathos. It was a snub for Butler, but a moment of pure, tearful joy for Fraser.

Mandy Walker could have made history

Australian cinematographer Mandy Walker attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Scientific and Technical awards (Getty Images)

The Oscar for best cinematography went to a worthy winner in James Friend for All Quiet on the Western Front, but that doesnt stop the disappointment of seeing the Academy skip another chance to name the first ever female victor in the category.

Mandy Walkers work on Baz Luhrmanns Elvis elevated Austin Butlers central performance by perfectly capturing Presleys chaotic world  and his swinging hips. Unfortunately, 95 years into these awards, Best Cinematographer has still yet to be given to a woman.

Jenny the Donkey was the night's emotional support animal

Jimmy Kimmel appears onstage with a donkey at the 95th Academy Award. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The stars of Banshees of Inisherin were all present on the evening, including the scene-stealing, finger-eating Jenny the Donkey. Colin Farrell looked somewhat stunned that the Academy had flown the mule all the way from Ireland to the Dolby Theater, the human actor blowing kisses to Jenny as host Jimmy Kimmel walked the donkey on stage.

However, in a disappointing turn of events, reports later stated that the donkey on stage was not Jenny from the movie. For shame, Kimmel, fooling everyone like that. Hopefully Jennys double, dubbed the nights emotional support animal, had a good time at the Vanity Fair afterparty, presumably heading there with Cocaine Bear, who also made an appearance during the ceremony.

Women Talking wins Best Adapted Screenplay

Sarah Polley, winner of the Adapted Screenplay award for Women Talking. (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

For a moment, midway through the Oscars, momentum seemed to be behind All Quiet on the Western Front. The German-language streaming movie picked up multiple awards, including best international feature, best cinematography, best original score and best production design.

But then, just as the ground was swelling in All Quiets favour, the film started faltering. Thats when Women Talking, adapted by Sarah Polley from Miriam Toews novel, managed to pull off its only win of the evening, besting All Quiet for best adapted screenplay. A remarkable moment for Polley, whose collected, measured and deserving film had its moment in the spotlight.

Nothing for multiple best picture nominees

Ke Huy Quan with Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw at the 95th Academy Awards. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Steven Spielbergs The Fabelmans was the directors most revealing and personal work to date, depicting the story of the filmmakers own cherished, tricky childhood.

However, despite being catnip for anyone with a passion for cinema, Spielbergs work went unrewarded. The same went for Todd Fields Tar, another film that seemed like a surefire contender for some of the nights biggest awards.

Read more: Ke Huy Quan's remarkable comeback

Elvis, too, failed to nab any awards. Rounding out the final best picture nominees with no metalware to put on the mantelpiece was Triangle of Sadness and, surprisingly, Banshees of Inisherin, which was previously considered a frontrunner for the nights biggest award.

Conversely, Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water both picked up statuettes, for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, respectively.

Never heard Naatu Naatu? Youre about to

Despite an awards push last year, S.S. Rajamoulis epic RRR was overlooked by the Academy, picking up just one nomination across all categories for its infectious, joyous original song Naatu Naatu.

Showing that music transcends all language, the Telegu track beat Lady Gagas Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick and Rihannas Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. An immeasurably important moment for Tollywood, topped only by the on-stage performance of Naatu Naatu that brought the house down and got Hollywoods A-listers on their feet.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Everything wins, Rihanna performs and Jimmy Kimmel brings Banshees of Inershirin's donkey back to life. (Photo: Getty Images)

If there's a universe where Everything Everywhere All at Once didn't dominate the 95th Academy Awards, we wouldn't want to live there. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert's madcap multiversal adventure took home seven statues on Hollywood's big night, including Best Picture, Best Director and a history-making Best Actress win by Michelle Yeoh  the first Asian actress ever to take home that prize.

Expertly emceed by returning host Jimmy Kimmel, the 2023 ceremony wasn't exactly filled with surprises  Everything Everywhere was the odds-on favorite in virtually every category it won  but it didn't lack for moving speeches and great reunions... like seeing the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom gang in the same room again nearly four decades after that 1984 blockbuster. Moments like that made up for occasional missteps like the part of the night where the Oscars suddenly morphed into a Little Mermaid commercial. Here's our recap of the highs, lows and head-scratchers of the 2023 Oscars.

HIGH: The Everything Everywhere All at Once cast were everywhere

Everything Everywhere All at Once co-stars and fellow Oscar winners Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis after their winning their statues. (Photo: Al Seib/AMPAS via Getty Images)

Talk about accuracy in movie titles. The Everything Everywhere All at Once cast won almost every acting award in sight with Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Michelle Yeoh all taking home statues for their performances in the indie blockbuster. And they each delivered memorable acceptance speeches to boot, with Quan calling his win "the American Dream" and Curtis memorably shouting out her Scream Queen origins on the same weekend that Scream VI dominated the box-office charts. Meanwhile, Yeoh's "dream big" message in her moving speech really was our everything.

Last tweet about the #Oscars - Ke Huy Quan won the Oscar's! His win, his speech and running up to Harrison Ford while Spielberg looked on- my childhood flashed in front of my eyes! Well deserved!  Recruiter Christy (@ChristyRecruit) March 13, 2023

@jamieleecurtis Congratulations Academy Award Winner Jamie Lee Curtis!! So well deserved, and what a beautiful speech. So kind to acknowledge all your long time fans. We loved watching you win.  Tara R (@Taraleigh99) March 13, 2023

Thank you Michelle Yeoh, such a beautiful speech. Gave us all a good cry  #Oscars pic.twitter.com/UTaip7vfji  Nic Austin (@NicAustinTKTK) March 13, 2023

HIGH: Jimmy Kimmel really mastered those ceremonies

Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Academy Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Third time was the charm for Jimmy Kimmel, who put memories of Envelopegate to rest at last with a steady turn as the host of the 95th edition of the Oscars. Smoothly moving past last year's Slap in his opening monologue, the late-night host kept the patter light and funny  with the exception of an ill-advised Robert Blake joke  and the evening moving, even during the now-standard mid-show slowdown. Somewhere, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway are smiling.

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Overall the #Oscars was throughly entertaining tonight! #JimmyKimmel was awesome and hilarious. The performances were great! Also, I am quite impressed with all the winners tonight! Fun time!   Jessycka (@Jessycka86) March 13, 2023

LOW: The Little Mermaid commercial wasn't part of our world

The Little Mermaid co-stars Melissa McCarthy and Halle Bailey at the 95th Academy Awards. (Photo: Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

You may have forgotten that ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Company... but the Mouse House sure didn't. Disney took advantage of being the home of the Academy Awards by interrupting the ceremony with an extended bit of promotion for the upcoming live action adaptation of the 1989 animated classic The Little Mermaid. First, stars Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy took the stage to talk up the Rob Marshall-directed movie, and then introduced an all-new trailer that featured familiar tunes paired with special effects that were notably less than special. Personally, we prefer it when the commercials are saved for the commercial breaks.

Sincerely though, bleak is the only word both for that Little Mermaid trailer and also for using stage time at the Oscars to literally have actors from a Disney movie introduce a Disney commercial at the start of the commercial break  March Is Eric Month Al Ghul (I-MA) (@EricLocked) March 13, 2023

Oryou could justshow The Little Mermaid trailer during a commercial break without making it part of the show! #Oscars  Garrett Stiger (@Gar_Stiger) March 13, 2023

HIGH: The musical performances had us singing and dancing

Dancers perform "Naatu Naatu" from RRR onstage during the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Alexa, play "Naatu Naatu." The breakout musical number from the breakout Tollywood hit RRR electrified the Oscars with a performance that got the crowd clapping in time with the performers. But that wasn't the only memorable music moment from the ceremony: former Talking Head David Byrne and his hot dog fingers took the stage alongside Stephanie Hsu and Son Lux for "This Is a Life," from Everything Everywhere All at Once; Lady Gaga returned to the Oscar stage for the first time since her barnstormer Bradley Cooper duet to belt her Top Gun: Maverick anthem, "Hold My Hand"; and Rihanna brought the house down with the Chadwick Boseman-dedicated Wakanda Forever song "Lift Me Up."

What a high energy performance for Naatu Naatu  #Oscars  Insertnamehere (@youmeandtea) March 13, 2023

Rihanna delivered in her performance.The vocals,the pitch and the pure concentration on her face says it all.She dedicated everything into that song and she gave what she was supposed to give I loved it,Lift me up has a special place in my heart forever.#Oscars  Johnathan Majors is babygirl (@iloveelupita) March 13, 2023

A little late here, but @ladygaga gave an outrageous, raw performance. No theatrics. Just pure voice and music making. #Oscars  Daniel Mendelson (@DannyMendelson) March 13, 2023

LOW: Winners of color didn't always get to finish their thoughts

Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga accept the Best Documentary Short Subject award for The Elephant Whisperers onstage during the 95th Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

All Oscar winners are theoretically granted 45 seconds to accept their statues and thank their collaborators. But Twitter noticed that some winners eked out more time than others. Case in point: The Indian women behind the Best Documentary Short winner, The Elephant Whisperers, were hurriedly played offstage by the Oscar orchestra, while the white British directors of the Best Animated Short champ, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, were able to wrap up their speeches uninterrupted. At least Yeoh wasn't played off during her speech  we know what happens if you try to do that.

I am still in shock at how LONG that acceptance speech for the boy the mole the fox and the horse was, especially after JUST having played off the winners for The Elephant Whisperers  michaela (@michaelaedson) March 13, 2023

I cannot help but notice that the white nominees taking a long speech (genuinely happy for them too) are being allowed super long speeches but the POC nominees are being played off #Oscar #Oscar2023 #Oscars  Ricky (@rickydvl) March 13, 2023

the way theyre giving all these white winners all the time in the world for their speeches but played the elephant whisperers team off in like 10 seconds isnt sitting right with me  taes bandana (@taetae17_v) March 13, 2023

HIGH: Colin Farrell was this year's Jack Nicholson

Colin Farrell, sitting next to his son, answers a fan question posed by Jimmy Kimmel at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

For years, Jack Nicholson reigned as the Oscar king from his front row seat at ceremony after ceremony. But with the veteran actor out of the public eye, other performers have taken over that role. This year, the crown passed to Colin Farrell, who was front and center throughout the whole night and gamely played along with everything and everyone who came his way. Whether fielding fan questions or greeting his (fake) donkey co-star from The Banshees of Inisherin, the Irish actor was the feckin' life of the party.

i want what they have #Oscars pic.twitter.com/pkueoEsQMo  William Yu  (@its_willyu) March 13, 2023

Find yourself someone who looks at you the way Colin Farrell looks at Jenny The Donkey #Oscars pic.twitter.com/RZrUCyP4u9  Ruben (@RubCas12) March 13, 2023

Remember when Colin Farrell used to be a bad boy? Now he acts with donkeys. Still has the earrings though. Hott.  Charla4Mayor (@Charla4Mayor) March 13, 2023

LOW: Hugh Grant was in a mood

Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant speak onstage during the 95th Academy Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Hugh Grant is known for having a prickly personality, but he was pricklier than ever during his time at the Oscars  starting with a divisive pre-show appearance where he had a frosty exchange with model Ashley Graham, who was anchoring the white carpet for ABC. Later on, he took the stage with his Four Weddings and a Funeral co-star Andie MacDowell to present the Best Production Design Oscar and compared his appearance to a "scrotum." Are we sure he wasn't doing a Method performance to prepare for Paddington 3?

Ashley Graham a professional through and through. Handled Hugh Grant's rudeness gracefully. #Oscars #AcademyAwards https://t.co/RkAjzkqTQx  That Pop This Life (@ThatPopThisLife) March 13, 2023

Oh that Ashley Graham and Hugh Grant interview was painful. His reaction afterwards OMG pic.twitter.com/N5VHVwJU8W  Vanessa Vega-Rivera (@MizzVanieV) March 13, 2023

Hugh Grant used to be this cute, funny guy. Now hes just rude and bitter. Also apparently a scrotum. #Oscars2023  Robs (@RobsTinFoilHat) March 13, 2023

HIGH: A big-screen Indiana Jones and Short Round reunion feels like Destiny

Ke Huy Quan accepts the award for Best Picture for Everything Everywhere All at Once from Harrison Ford onstage during the 95th Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Call it (the dial of) destiny: Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford, presented his former kid sidekick Quan and the rest of the Everything Everywhere All at Once crew with their Best Picture statue. Meanwhile, the director who put the dynamic duo together for their Temple of Doom adventure  Steven Spielberg  watched them proudly from the crowd. Quan shared backstage that during one of the commercial breaks, the just-crowned winner "ran up to Steven Spielberg, and he gave me a big hug. He put his arms around me, and he says, 'Ke, you are now an Oscar-winning actor.' And hearing him say that meant the world to me, and I still could not believe it." We're making our prediction now: Short Round will be in the fifth Indiana Jones movie... through the magic of reshoots.

The best part of the Oscars was the Indiana Jones and Short Round reunion!! Steven Spielberg reaction was great because he directed them all those years ago #Oscar pic.twitter.com/h0zMIZJYCr  Domenick Musolino (@Draven2327) March 13, 2023

Someone PLEASE make a gif of Ke hugging Harrison onstage for winning Best Picture for #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #Oscars they look so happy. It's the Indiana Jones reunion I've always wanted...I wish he would be in the new movie  Connie (@conallen) March 13, 2023

Indiana Jones and Short Round reunion was my favorite moment of the Oscars. https://t.co/5NeQkmIv6m pic.twitter.com/34MvnNk4HH  Jill Riley (@JillRileyRadio) March 13, 2023

LOW: Angela Bassett forever

Angela Bassett attends the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

The Wakanda Forever star came this close to doing the thing  i.e., winning the Best Supporting Actress statue  only to hear Curtis's name called instead. In that moment, Bassett's disappointment was both palpable and understandable, and Twitter felt the loss right along with her. Fortunately, her Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan made a point of lifting her up as both he and Jonathan Majors called out their "auntie" from the stage while presenting the Best Cinematography award. At times like these, it's a shame that all the nominees can't be winners.

Angela Bassetts reaction to Jamie Lee Curtis name being calledyou can tell how much that Oscar would have meant to her. she is, was, and always will be incredible. I better see her on that stage SOON pic.twitter.com/oHDfuDUksG  Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 13, 2023

Me stealing the oscar to give it to Angela Bassett #oscars

pic.twitter.com/9iabrZFY1t  3 F3 PI3 F BK (@FreshPrinc3ofBk) March 13, 2023

Hey Auntie, we love you.



They know Angela Bassett got robbed. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/DuTc5Uy6Ka  Austin (@AustinPlanet) March 13, 2023

HEAD-SCRATCHER: A gone-too-soon star was omitted from the In Memoriam segment

Triangle of Sadness star Charlbi Dean at the Cannes Film Festival in May. (Photo: Laurent Koffel/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

The sudden death of Triangle of Sadness star Charlbi Dean last August made international headlines ahead of the film's release. Apparently, the Oscar producers didn't read those headlines as the 32-year-old actress was notably absent from the annual "In Memoriam" reel highlighting talented performers and artisans that passed away in the last year. Dean's absence was all the stranger given that her movie was up for multiple nominations, including Best Picture. Someone at the Academy has some explaining to do.

Pretty wild how Charlbi Dean from best picture nominee TRIANGLE OF SADNESS was missing from the In Memoriam segment: pic.twitter.com/Eqk2oCJJ6g  Reyna Cervantes (@Jfcdoomblade) March 13, 2023

sweet charlbi dean was left out of the in memoriam tribute at the oscars but we remember her forever  pic.twitter.com/mjfChWmQZG  louka (@butterflylouka) March 13, 2023
As the winners of the best documentary Oscar accepted their golden statue on stage in Hollywood, the Russian opposition leader who was the subject of the film languished in solitary confinement, his health deteriorating, according to colleagues and family members.

Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vocal opponent, has been in solitary confinement in a 6-by-11-foot cell for the past five months, Russian activist and journalist Maria Pevchikh said at the Oscars on Sunday.

"I classify his prison conditions as torture," Pevchikh said backstage, where she had joined the filmmakers behind "Navalny" after they won the Oscar for best feature documentary.

"He is unwell in terms of health," she said. "I don't like to deliver this sort of news but that's the truth, due to the fact that he's in solitary confinement... He hasn't seen any of his family members for almost a year, which is completely illegal."

She said Navalny's cell has "a tiny little window, one chair, one little table."

"And the bed has been chained up to the wall every morning at 5 a.m. and taken down at 9 p.m. so he cannot use it during the day," she said.

Director Daniel Roher speaks along with Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris as they accept the award for best documentary feature for "Navalny." Russian activist and journalist Maria Pevchikh is also pictured in the back left.

Navalny's daughter, Dasha, told reporters at the event that the only way the family is able to stay in touch with him is through letters, and defense lawyers are able to visit him occasionally, The Associated Press reported.

Dasha also added that her father's health is deteriorating, which is worrying.

When he accepted the Oscar for best documentary, "Navalny" Director Daniel Roher said that he dedicated the award to Navalny and all other political prisoners around the world.

Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all: We must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head, he said.

Navalnys wife, Yulia, added that her husband "is in prison just for telling the truth" and defending democracy.

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"Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love," she said.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, center, and his wife Yulia, left, take part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 26, 2017.

On Monday, the AP reported that Navalny had learned about the Oscar win from his lawyer during a court hearing via video link, according to his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh. She called it the most remarkable announcement of an (Oscar) win in history.

"Navalny" documents the dissident's career of fighting Russian corruption, his near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent in 2020, his five-month recuperation in Germany and his 2021 return to Moscow, where he was immediately taken into custody at the airport.

The 46-year-old Navalny was later sentenced to 2 years in prison and last year was convicted and given another nine-year term.

Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny gestures while speaking to a crowd during a political protest in Moscow, Russia Saturday, July 20, 2019.

Navalny, long the Kremlin's most prominent foe, shared in August that he was butting heads with prison officials over his efforts to help improve conditions there.

In one post to his social media accounts, Navalny said he was setting up a labor union for convicts, and that the union has successfully argued for replacing backless stools with chairs in the prison's sewing shop where he worked.

As a result, Navalny said prison officials sent him to solitary confinement for three days.

"The Kremlin wants to see its GULAG consisting of voiceless slaves," he said. "And here I am, instead of begging for pardon, uniting some people and demanding that some laws be observed."

If Navalny "doesn't change (his) attitude," his stay there would be extended, prison officials told him at the time, according to the post.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

January 17, 2021: Alexei Navalny is surrounded by journalists inside the plane prior to his flight to Moscow from Berlin, Germany. Leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny flew home to Russia after recovering in Germany from his poisoning in August 2020 with a nerve agent.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oscars shine light on imprisoned, ailing Putin critic Alexei Navalny
Oscars viewers are applauding Ashley Graham for her handling of an awkward interview with Hugh Grant.

On Sunday 12 March, the model hosted the champagne-coloured carpet ahead of the 95h annual Academy Awards.

At one point during the pre-awards show carpet, Graham spoke to Grant, with the model asking the actor what he was wearing, to which he replied: My suit, and what it was like to film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

So tell me, what does it feel like to be in Glass Onion? It was such an amazing film, I really loved it. I love a thriller. How fun is it to shoot something like that? Graham asked the actor.

In response, Grant replied: Well, Im barely in it. Im in it for about three seconds, to which Graham noted: Yeah, but still, you showed up, and you had fun right?

Uhh, almost, Grant said, before appearing to roll his eyes and walk away as Graham thanked him for his time. It was nice to talk to you, she added.

The exchange has prompted praise for Graham, with many suggesting she handled the awkward encounter like a professional.

Ashley Graham NAILED this interview when Hugh Grant gave her literally nothing. If you dont want to do press or interviews, then just go to the ceremony or stay home. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/a7kSCjVA4D  Noel (@KingOfHotTopics) March 12, 2023

Her grace was admirable. She didnt give up on being civil in the face of his rudeness, one person tweeted, while another said: Major shoutout to Ashley Graham for handling that Hugh Grant interview with grace and patience.

Ashley Graham NAILED this interview when Hugh Grant gave her literally nothing. If you dont want to do press or interviews, then just go to the ceremony or stay home, someone else wrote.
A year into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there is little doubt in the West that Ukraine needs to win. Led by the U.S., Western support helped Ukraine push back Russian forces and kept Russian President Vladimir Putin from achieving his major warmongering goals.

But Russias war is far from over. The way that it ends will define the world order for at least a generation to come.

Ukraines victory would reinforce international order, bring substantial economic benefits and strategic advantages for the transatlantic community, and weaken the grip of authoritarian regimes.

Ukraines defeat, on the other hand, would carry an unaffordable price for democratic nations. It would spell disaster for international order, emboldening Russia and other authoritarian countries to launch consequence-free wars of conquest against their neighbors.

China is keeping an especially keen eye on Russias war as it considers ways to seize full control over Taiwan while undermining Western dominance, foreign policy experts warned.

To serve its interests, China may offer military aid to Russia, potentially prolonging the war, increasing its death toll and making it likelier that Russia will achieve at least some of its imperialist objectives.

Ukraines defeat would be consequential, I would say, for any democracy. Especially in European democracy and any country even if they're not democracies that actually have the international order's basic norms at heart, Dr. Nathalie Tocci, who advised current and former EU diplomacy chiefs, told the Kyiv Independent.

In February, Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi ended his tour of a number of European countries by visiting Putin in Moscow. Putin told Wang Yi Russia-China relations have reached new frontiers and confirmed that Chinese leader Xi Jinping would visit Moscow for a summit. The two leaders have met some 40 times since Xi became president in 2013.

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Congratulating Xi on his third term, Putin said Russia and China would continue to coordinate joint work on the most important issues of the regional and international agenda."

Global security at stake

Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine raised security concerns that reshaped the defense attitudes of countries around the globe.

Sawomir Debski, Director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs, told the Kyiv Independent he believes that Russia's imperial ambitions would not stop with Ukraine.

Debski points at how the West failed to stop Russia from invading Georgia in 2008. The five-day war emboldened Moscow to try to capture other sovereign states that were once under the control of the Soviet Union, especially Ukraine.

After the EuroMaidan Revolution ousted Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraines pro-Russian president, Russia launched the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2014. After an eight-year stalemate in the Donbas, Russia escalated with a full-scale ground invasion of the entire country. Many experts believe that the threat of conquest doesnt just face Ukraine.

If Ukraine is defeated, there will be enormous negative consequences for all Russia's neighbors, Debski told the Kyiv Independent. If Ukraine fails, we will live in a much more dangerous world.

Western capitals are well aware of the potential security consequences.

When Russia invaded, it wasn't just Ukraine being tested. The whole world faced a test for the ages. Europe was being tested, U.S. President Joe Biden said in Warsaw in February. There should be no doubt. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. NATO will not be divided. And we will not tire.

Western support helps Ukraines Armed Forces inflict heavy damage to the invading Russian military, thus reducing the threat to NATOs eastern flank. Russias defeat should allow the Western world to concentrate on threat number one as the U.S. and EU referred to China before Feb. 24, 2022.





___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note from the author:

Hello dear reader. It's Alexander Khrebet, who wrote this piece for you. Thank you for reading it. As the effects of Russias war are felt on almost every continent, we need your support to continue reporting on the invasion's possible outcomes and how they may influence the international community. By becoming the Kyiv Independents patron, you will help us keep putting the spotlight on the most important stories both inside and outside Ukraine.
 Flash

People hold signs which bear messages against the dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean during a protest near the headquarters of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Tokyo, Japan, March 11, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Despite raging opposition both at home and abroad, Japan still intends to push ahead with its plan to dump nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in this spring or summer.

Local residents, especially those in the fishery industry, believe the discharge will wreck their livelihoods and nullify all the efforts they have made for over a decade to revive the industry, let alone the international outcry over the irresponsible decision.

Decade-long efforts for naught

"We are dead against the release," said Toshimitsu Konno, head of Fukushima prefecture's Soma Futaba Fisheries Cooperative Association. "Once the contaminated water is discharged, our decade-long efforts must start all over again."

The group, with 846 members, is the largest in the northeastern prefecture, the worst-hit area by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and an ensuing tsunami on March 11, 2011.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant then suffered core meltdowns that released radiation, resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.

The plant has been generating a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel in the reactor buildings, which are now stored in about 1,000 storage tanks.

The plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has repeatedly claimed that the treated water it plans to discharge is diluted to national safety standards.

"The wastewater is poison no matter how hard you dilute it, as it contains radioactive substances," said Haruo Ono, a fisherman at the small port of Shinchimachi, north of the plant.

"The sea has nurtured us. It is the home of fish rather than a dustbin for humans! Why should we pollute the ocean?" the 70-year-old asked.

The third-generation fisherman, who lost his house and younger brother during the tsunami, felt furious as the discharge might ruin everything when the local fishing sector is gradually recovering.

Twelve years after the 2011 accident traumatized Fukushima's fishing industry, local fishermen are still struggling.

According to Konno, catches in the area are now equivalent to only 20 percent of the volume before the 2011 earthquake, although fish prices have recovered 70 to 80 percent of the pre-earthquake level.

"All fishermen are against the discharge," said local fisherman Kenichiro Oohira. "Once the contaminated water is released, all the efforts we fishermen have made for over ten years to restore consumers' confidence will end in vain."

In a public opinion survey conducted earlier this month, 90.5 percent of Fukushima residents believed that dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean would cause reputational damage to the area's products.

"Locals are working very hard to revive the Fukushima fishery. All such efforts would come to naught if even one of the millions of fish caught exceeded the radioactive limit," said Kenichi Oshima, a professor at Ryukoku University.

"We are living off the sea both as producers and consumers," Takeshi Komatsu, an oyster breeder in the neighboring Miyagi prefecture, expressed concern that the wastewater will contaminate the oysters and put local food and children's safety at risk.

Treated water much questionable

Oshima pointed out that, unlike ordinary hazardous chemicals, radioactive substances will not disappear without chemical treatment as nature's self-purification is limited.

The environmental economist said it is an "indisputable fact" that these radioactive substances would not have been produced without the nuclear accident.

"I don't think it is appropriate to discharge these additional radioactive substances," he said, adding that "there is no corresponding assessment of the long-term impact of radioactive materials on the marine ecosystem and our lives."

He questioned the effectiveness of TEPCO's Advanced Liquid Processing System, saying that nuclides other than tritium have yet to be removed in about two-thirds of the total 1.3 million tons of the nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

"TEPCO insists that it will and can handle the issue, but the credibility of such statements needs further observation given there was no precedent," he noted, stressing that whether the treated one-third of nuclear wastewater meets standard also lacks review by a third-party organization.

He believed the proper and uncostly treatment is to continue storing treated nuclear wastewater in tanks and wait for tritium, with a half-life of 12.3 years, to decay to less than one-thousandth of its current level in more than 120 years. Another method is to seal it underground upon mortar solidification and wait for more than 100 years, at which point further treatment methods can be considered.

Since TEPCO is responsible for the accident in the first place, it should not choose how to dispose of the water based on cost calculations. Instead, it must minimize the impact on the environment and people, Oshima noted.

Fishermen wait for the return of fishing ships at the Haragama local distributor market in Soma city of Fukushima prefecture, Japan, March 8, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Int'l outcry over reckless plan

More than backlash at home, Japan's move has raised serious concerns worldwide, generating strong opposition from many countries and international organizations.

Academics and environmental advocates worry that Japan's unilateral push of the plan is reckless and harmful, citing a lack of a practical demonstration and its potential threat to society and marine ecology.

Susceptible to the wastewater issue are the Pacific island countries that have been scarred with painful memories since Western countries have conducted a dazzling array of nuclear tests in the Pacific since the mid-20th century, resulting in shocking radioactive pollution and ecological disasters.

"We must prevent action that will lead or mislead us toward another major nuclear contamination disaster at the hands of others," said Henry Puna, secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, stressing that it is crucial for the Pacific that Japan does not go ahead with the release.

Leaders from multiple Pacific island countries call upon the Japanese government to immediately stop its plans to dump nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean.

Fiji's Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said that Fiji has been on very high alert since Japan announced the planned release, asking if the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System is safe, and "why not reuse it in Japan for alternative purposes, in manufacturing and agriculture for instance?"

"Pacific peoples have a fundamental right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. By proceeding with this plan to discharge radioactive wastewater without community-led consultation, rigorous scientific debate, and public deliberation, TEPCO and the Japanese government are showing direct disregard for the sovereignty and self-determination of Pacific peoples," New Zealand sociologist Karly Burch said.

David Krofcheck, senior lecturer in physics at the University of Auckland, said that the danger of indiscriminately releasing nuclear fission products into the ocean is that they can find their way into the food chain, warning of rising cancer.

Li Song, China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the issue is highly controversial and needs to be thoughtfully and prudently addressed by the international community and member states of the IAEA.

"The Pacific Ocean does not belong to Japan but to everybody," said Ahn Jae-hun, energy and climate change director at the Korea Federation for Environment Movement. "Pollutants will flow to neighboring countries where many radioactive materials have already been released and contaminated (the marine ecosystem)."
(KTLA)  Over 130 people were cited in California on Saturday on suspicion of purchasing alcohol for minors.

A Shoulder Tap operation took place statewide involving 44 local law enforcement agencies in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

During the operation, a minor under the supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol.

The minor will indicate they are underage and cannot purchase alcohol.

If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor, authorities said.

Suspect arrested in Manhattan Beach for allegedly buying alcohol for a minor during a statewide undercover operation. (California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)

Suspect arrested in Culver City for allegedly buying alcohol for a minor during a statewide undercover operation. (California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)

Suspect arrested in Folsom for allegedly buying alcohol for a minor during a statewide undercover operation. (California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)

Suspect arrested in Lodi for allegedly buying alcohol for a minor during a statewide undercover operation. (California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)

Through this method, over 130 people were cited for allegedly providing alcoholic beverages to minors, officials said. At least nine others were cited for open containers, public intoxication, DUI, and other crimes.

We conduct these operations as an effort to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth, said ABC Director Eric Hirata. This collaborative effort among California law enforcement agencies spotlights underage drinking prevention, increases public safety for communities, and helps reduce DUIs.

The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service, authorities said.

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes where the drivers are under 21 involve drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The majority of Ukrainians believe that Ukraine should liberate its territory from Russian invaders, including Crimea

The results of the survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology show the vast majority of respondents consider any territorial concessions to achieve peace unacceptable, a press release about the survey issued on March 12 reads.

According to the latest data from KIIS, only 9% of Ukrainians are generally ready for concessions, while 87% of Ukrainians are against any concessions. However, the question asked was a general one about territorial concessions, and did not specify any particular territories or possible compromise proposals.

Read also: Sociologists say 95% of Ukrainians believe in victory  poll

Between the lines (and in some places more directly) you can see the opinion that the West could press levers of influence to stop the Ukrainian liberation of Crimea, the analysts said.

In particular, UK historian, author and commentator Timothy Garton Ash proposed that KIIS ask another question about the possible military liberation of Crimea. The respondents were offered two scenarios:

one of which included help from the West to liberate and reliably protect all territories, including Donbas, but without Crimea;

the second scenario involves attempts to militarily liberate Crimea, but with the understanding that the West may reduce aid and the war may drag on.

Read also: Ukrainians not prepared to forego EU and NATO membership in exchange for peace, survey shows

According to the results, the majority of respondents, or 64%, supported the second scenario. In contrast, 24% are more inclined to the first one.

According to KIIS, the vast majority in all regions insist on the liberation of all territories, including Crimea. At the same time, support for the compromise is no more than 27%, depending on the region.

The survey was conducted from Feb. 22 to March 6. Some 2,007 people were interviewed by phone in all regions of Ukraine, with the exception of the occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea. Those who went abroad after Feb. 24 were also not interviewed. The statistical error does not exceed 2.4%.

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
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Pact Group Holdings is AU$2.42 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Pact Group Holdings' AU$1.22 share price signals that it might be 50% undervalued

Analyst price target for PGH is AU$2.01 which is 17% below our fair value estimate

How far off is Pact Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:PGH) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Pact Group Holdings

The Model

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. 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, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

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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$97.0m AU$99.0m AU$92.0m AU$88.2m AU$86.1m AU$85.2m AU$85.1m AU$85.5m AU$86.3m AU$87.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -4.14% Est @ -2.32% Est @ -1.05% Est @ -0.15% Est @ 0.47% Est @ 0.91% Est @ 1.22% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 12% AU$87.0 AU$79.6 AU$66.3 AU$57.0 AU$50.0 AU$44.3 AU$39.7 AU$35.8 AU$32.4 AU$29.4

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$521m

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 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$87m (1 + 1.9%)  (12% 1.9%) = AU$929m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$929m ( 1 + 12%)10= AU$312m

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 AU$834m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$1.2, the company appears quite good value at a 50% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

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. 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 Pact Group Holdings 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 1.613. 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 Pact Group Holdings

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Australian market.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. 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. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Pact Group Holdings, there are three additional items you should assess:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for Pact Group Holdings we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does PGH'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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The three people charged in the December shooting death of a 4-year-old boy pleaded guilty and were sentenced to probation.

Savannah Leigh Brehm and Hector Manuel Mendoza-Saucedo, the parents of 4-year-old Michael Ben Mendoza, as well as Keith Deshawn Sturghill, were charged in Michael's Dec. 13 death with involuntary manslaughter, child abuse, and failure to store a firearm to protect a minor.

Michael Mendoza

According to prosecutors, Brehm, the child's 22-year-old mother, was alone at a house on Cindy Lane near McAdenville with her children around 4:22 p.m. Michael's father, 22-year-old Hector Mendoza-Saucedo, had left for work, along with Sturghill, a close friend of the family.

The gun belonged to Sturghill, and it was sitting out when he left the home.

Michael Mendoza's 5-year-old sister picked it up and shot Michael, killing him.

Brehm, Mendoza and Sturghill pleaded guilty as charged. Brehm and Mendoza were sentenced to three years of supervised probation, and Sturghill was sentenced to two years of supervised probation.

District Attorney Travis Page listed a variety of factors that led to the plea.

 The desire for retribution for the indefensible loss of life of a 4-year-old child;

 The grossly negligent acts and omissions of the defendants, together with the lack of criminal intent;

 The criminal history, or lack thereof, of the defendants;

 The sincerity and depth of remorse demonstrated by all defendants in the days following this tragic accident;

 The potential for further harm to the surviving 5-year-old child grieving the loss of a brother without her parents

 The desire to protect the surviving children and others from further harm.

Being the father of two children of near identical age and gender, this case hit extraordinarily close to home. My heart is broken for a young girl that will grow up without a brother, and candidly, for parents dealing with the unimaginable loss of a son at their own hands," Page said in a press release. "There is no punishment greater than a parent living with the knowledge their actions caused the harm of their own child. However, these individuals must still be held accountable, and we must take action to ensure it never happens again. These adults will never again lawfully possess a firearm.

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If any of the three violate the terms of their probation, they could spend 24-41 months in prison.

Sturghill spent 79 days in jail before pleading guilty, while Brehm spent 85 days in jail and Mendoza spent 84 days in jail.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Parents, friend plead guilty in 4-year-old's death
Chef Jose Andres, right, introduces Michele Norris, left, at a South by Southwest Keynote event in the Austin Convention Center on Sat. March 11, 2023.

Sit down; I am not cooking, chef Jose Andres told the large crowd on its feet as they welcomed the South by Southwest keynote speaker to the stage Saturday afternoon.

The large crowd, of course, knew Andres was there to inspire, not cook. The opening line served as a minor deflection of modestly from a chef who has transcended the food world to the status of global humanitarian hero. Or, as moderator Michele Norris of the Washington Post suggested, a saint.

Andres has earned the adulation with the work he has done with World Central Kitchen, the organization he co-founded to bring meals to communities that have been devastated by natural (Haiti earthquake) and manmade (Russias invasion of Ukraine) disasters.

More:Robert Downey Jr., sans armor, fights cybercrime at SXSW

The hour-long conversation touched on Andres early influences (the novels of John Steinbeck and his parents work as nurses engendered empathy in him) and his motivation to get into service (D.C, Central Kitchen), and offered the chef a chance to share some maxims, such as trying to bring hope to mayhem one plate at a time.

Among the wisdom imparted by Andres:

Big problems often have simple solutions. One meal at a time is how you can start hoping to change the world.

Philanthropy should not be not about the redemption of the giver: It must be about the liberation of the receiver.

How can we find solutions if we dont listen to the people suffering the problems?

There should be markets in every community in America, and no food deserts.

Regarding cuisine as personal narrative, Andres talked about his mothers croquettes, which he half jokingly couldnt believe people pay $10 for five to eat; his mother made the dish for pennies: Every time you bring one of those croquettes to your mouth that story is becoming part of you.

People dont want our pity; people want our respect.

We are never going to be really changing the world if we dont take risks.

More:Review: 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' steals SXSW

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: The wit and wisdom of chef and global humanitarian Jose Andres at SXSW
Police shot and killed a zebra after it bit a mans arm off in an attack in Ohio, authorities told news outlets.

Deputies with the Pickaway County Sheriffs Office responded to an address in Circleville  roughly 27 miles south of Columbus  at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12, WCMH reported. The owner of a zebra had been mauled by the animal, and his arm was torn off.

When first responders arrived at the scene to help the man, the zebra continued to act aggressively, the sheriffs office told WBNS.

A deputy tried to scare off the zebra using an air horn, but the animal wouldnt stay away, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The zebra continued to act aggressively and approach deputies despite efforts to scare it away, officials said.

At one point, body camera video shows the zebra approaching and a deputy opened fire with a shotgun, hitting the animal in the head, killing it, according to WCMH.

Its not clear what caused the zebra to attack, though the sheriffs office said its possible it was feeling protective of several female zebras that were in the same field, The Dispatch reported.

The owner was taken to a hospital for treatment, the sheriffs office told WBNS. His injuries were not life-threatening, according to The Disptach.

Man checks yard to see alligator biting dogs head. He pulled out gun, Florida cops say

Four dogs maul worker to death as 911 caller reports screams, California officials say

Moose charges at snowmobiler as he tries to lure it away from family, Idaho video shows

11 sharks wash up on South African beach, researchers say. Their livers were missing
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is pressuring the Department of Defense to stop its testing of microwave radiation and radio frequency on animals in an attempt to determine the human effects of the mysterious health incidents dubbed Havana Syndrome.

The animal rights group said in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that the department should stop the use of weapon-wounding tests on a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, marine animals and nonhuman primates.

U.S. officials have sought for years to determine the cause of anomalous health incidents (AHI) that were affecting intelligence and diplomatic officials around the world, with little luck. The term was coined after employees at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, reported illnesses in 2016, ranging from headaches to loss of balance and other neurological difficulties. Since then, officials have reported similar illnesses in a number of cities around the globe.

The push by the animal rights group comes after it was revealed that the federal government had been funding experiments last year on ferrets to determine whether radio frequencies could be behind the unsolved illnesses, which was first reported by Politico.

PETA pointed to a $750,000 contract awarded to Wayne State University last year to test the frequencies on ferrets.

The revelation of the government testing on animals comes after a report from the U.S. intelligence community earlier this month concluded that it was unlikely that a foreign government was behind the health events, which was widely considered a possibility. The report said it was unlikely that a weapon that could cause such effects in humans was in the possession of a foreign government.

Available intelligence consistently points against the involvement of U.S. adversaries in causing the reported incidents, the redacted report states. There is no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or device that is causing AHIs.

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PETA latched onto that report, saying the experiment funding at Wayne State University is not only cruel and wasteful but also, frankly, futile.

The Defense Department said in a statement to The Hill that its foremost concern remains providing care to affected individuals  since the health and wellbeing of our personnel are our top priority.

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs-funded grant to Wayne State University (with collaborators from the University of Michigan) will develop and test a novel laboratory animal model to mimic mild concussive head injury, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said. Behavioral, imaging, and histological studies will determine if the model is comparable to the abnormalities seen in humans following concussive head injury. The model may subsequently be used to test potential treatments to alleviate the deficits associated with traumatic brain injury.

Updated at 3:50 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Matt Rourke / AP

Chasten Buttigieg has hit back at Mike Pence for anti-gay jokes that the former vice president made about his family at a fancy Washington, DC, event on Saturday night.

At the Gridiron Dinner, a white-tie event for politicians and media figures where speakers usually deliver funny remarks, Pence mocked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for taking maternity leave after he and his husband adopted newborns in September 2021 .

Pete is the only person in human history to have a child and everyone else gets postpartum depression, Pence said.

Buttigieg, the first openly gay Cabinet secretary, took roughly two months of paternity leave after the birth of his children  something for which he was mocked by high-profile right-wing figures.

Paternity leave, they call it, trying to figure out how to breastfeed, Fox News host Tucker Carlson told viewers in October 2021. No word on how that went.

Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

In August 2022, Buttigieg revealed in a Medium post that the twins were born prematurely and had to spend two weeks in the hospital before they could go home. But one child also developed severe reflux, and both were eventually diagnosed with the respiratory virus RSV , which required one to spend another lengthy and terrifying period in a hospital.

For us it just meant a nasty cold, but for premature infants like them it was a serious threat, Buttigieg wrote.

Parenting is lots of things, and one of those things is terror. You watch your infant, sedated and surrounded by wires and tubes and monitors and medical personnel coming and going constantly, and wonder how we could live in a universe where a few weeks could be all that a child gets on this earth, he wrote.

Lis Smith, who worked on Buttigiegs failed presidential campaign, said Pences comments at the Gridiron Dinner showed that he is an unambiguous asshole.

Politico teased tonights Gridiron as an opportunity for Mike Pence to show his hidden humorous side.Instead, Pence shared with us that hes an unambiguous asshole. https://t.co/KDldrBjEST 03:00 AM - 12 Mar 2023

On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also weighed in, calling on Pence to apologize.

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The former vice presidents homophobic joke about Secretary Buttigieg was offensive and inappropriate, all the more so because he treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline, Jean-Pierre told reporters at a briefing. He should apologize to women and LGBTQ people, who are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Responding to the former vice president on Twitter on Monday, Chasten Buttigieg shamed Pence and asked him to imagine what he would have done in their situation.

An honest question for you, @Mike_Pence, after your attempted joke this weekend, he wrote. If your grandchild was born prematurely and placed on a ventilator at two months old - their tiny fingers wrapped around yours as the monitors beep in the background - where would you be?

An honest question for you, @Mike_Pence, after your attempted joke this weekend. If your grandchild was born prematurely and placed on a ventilator at two months old - their tiny fingers wrapped around yours as the monitors beep in the background - where would you be? 05:16 PM - 13 Mar 2023

But Marc Short, a representative for Pence, defended him on Monday and said, The Biden administration should spare America the faux outrage.

The White House would be wise to focus less on placating the woke police and focus more on bank failures, planes nearly colliding in mid-air, train derailments, and the continued supply chain crisis, Short tweeted .

More on politics
 Flash

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the talks between a Saudi delegation and an Iranian delegation in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A low profile in mediation, great pragmatism and having no self-interests are some of the key factors behind Beijing's successful facilitation of the landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week, observers said.

After severing ties in 2016 and a standoff lasting seven years, Saudi Arabia and Iran sent high-level delegations to Beijing for five days of talks last week, which started on March 6 and were mediated by China, the Foreign Ministry said.

The talks were "in response to the initiative of President Xi Jinping of China's support for developing good neighborly relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran", the ministry said.

China, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached an agreement and issued a joint statement on Friday evening stating that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, held separate dialogues with the two delegations and chaired the talks' opening and closing ceremonies.

No matter how complicated the issues are and how acute the challenges are, "a mutually acceptable solution can surely be found" as long as dialogue on an equal footing is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, Wang told reporters after the talks.

"China has no intention to and will not seek to fill so-called vacuums or put up exclusive blocs. China always believes that the future of the Middle East should always be in the hands of the countries in the region," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a written response to the media on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his appreciation to China "for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries", saying that "good neighborly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region".

Also on Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "What fantastic news today in a world where we are unfortunately no longer used to receiving good news."

The agreement also shows the leadership role that China is taking on the international stage, "a leadership role that is focused on uniting rather than dividing" and "forming win-win cooperation and encouraging dispute resolution, rather than encouraging perpetual disputes", he added.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Qin Gang answered a question about the Middle East at a news conference on the sidelines of the two sessions in Beijing without mentioning the talks. He said that China "will continue to uphold justice" and support Middle Eastern countries in promoting political solutions to hotspot issues.

Li Shaoxian, director of Ningxia University's China-Arab Research Institute, said behind China's successful final push in the reconciliation are "trust from both countries, Beijing's patience, Chinese diplomatic wisdom and a great sense of duty".

"China honored its role as a responsible major country by showing the courage to undertake such a demanding task. This is a successful example of putting into practice the China-proposed Global Security Initiative and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

Wu Sike, China's former special envoy on Middle East affairs, said the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major players in the Middle East, will help facilitate the resolution of hotspot issues in the region, including those in Yemen and Syria as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He said that while China's philosophy advocates common and sustained security, there is another kind of outlook that seeks one country's own security at the expense of others.

"The world sees clearly which security outlook is better" in having positive impacts on global security issues, Wu told the Beijing Daily newspaper.

Factors behind the Saudi Arabia-Iran agreement also include the increased sense of strategic autonomy of Middle East countries, the continued de-escalation of tension between some countries and a decrease in interference and disruption from external major countries, experts said.

The sanctions that the United States has imposed on Iran for over 40 years have not really solved any problems and have not brought peace to the Middle East, they added.

John Kirby, a coordinator for strategic communications at the U.S. National Security Council, said at a briefing on Friday that Washington welcomes the agreement "if it can be sustained". He added that the U.S. "has also worked on de-escalation through its own 'effective combination of deterrence and diplomacy'".

Niu Xinchun, director of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations' Institute of Middle East Studies, said that despite the U.S.' great influence on Middle East affairs, it is common for the U.S. to pull the strings behind turmoil, directly intervene in conflicts, attach political conditions to areas such as negotiations, and seek to gain benefits from the countries involved.

"This makes the U.S. unable to stand in an objective, neutral position to mediate conflicts and relations, and even has a negative impact on resolving regional conflicts," Niu said.
Pfizer is spending about $43 billion to reach deeper into new cancer treatments that target tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

The pharmaceutical giant said Monday it will pay $229 in cash for each share of Seagen Inc. Pfizer then plans to let the biotech drug developer continue innovating, except with more resources than it would have alone, Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla told analysts.

We are not buying the golden eggs, he said. We are acquiring the goose that is laying the golden eggs.

Bothell, Washington-based Seagen Inc. specializes in working with antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC, technology. Its key products use lab-made proteins called monoclonal antibodies that seek out cancer cells to help deliver a cancer-killing drug while sparing surrounding tissue.

Cancer treatments are a priority for Pfizer. They brought in $12 billion in revenue for the drugmaker last year. But Pfizer has only marketed a couple first-generation ADC treatments, a spokeswoman said.

Seagen has four treatments on the market. It also has a pipeline of drugs under development that includes potential treatments for a form of lung cancer and advanced breast cancer.

We think this really changes dramatically the oncology presence of Pfizer, makes it one of a kind," Bourla said.

Seagens top seller, Adcetris, treats lymph system cancers. It brought in $839 million in sales last year, a 19% increase over the previous year.

Seagen also has a deal with Pfizers Array BioPharma to develop, make and sell the breast and colorectal cancer treatment Tukysa. It brought in $353 million in sales for Seagen last year.

The company, which changed its name from Seattle Genetics in 2020, saw total revenue grow about 25% last year to nearly $2 billion. Seagen also shaved its loss to $610 million from $674 million in 2021.

The drug developer predicts about $2.2 billion in sales for this year.

Pfizer booked about $100 billion in total revenue last year and has been flush with cash thanks to sales of its COVID-19 vaccine and treatment, Comirnaty and Paxlovid.

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Bourla said earlier this year that the company planned to use its extraordinary firepower to buy products that will deliver $25 billion in incremental revenue by 2030.

The deal announced Monday and some previous acquisitions will help Pfizer account for most of that. But Bourla emphasized on Monday that the company expects Seagen's contributions to extend beyond the end of the decade.

New York-based Pfizer Inc. has already spent $11.6 billion on migraine treatment developer Biohaven Pharmaceutical. It also spent $5.4 billion on sickle cell disease treatment maker Global Blood Therapeutics and bought Arena Pharmaceuticals for another $6.7 billion.

The drugmaker needs more revenue sources in part because it faces the expiration of patents protecting drugs like its breast cancer treatment Ibrance from cheaper competition in the coming years.

Pfizer said Monday it will pay for Seagen mostly through $31 billion in new, long-term debt.

Both companies' boards have unanimously approved the deal. But regulators still need to look at it, and Seagen shareholders will have to approve it.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in late 2023 or early 2024.

Shares of Pfizer rose 2% to $40.26 after markets opened Monday, while Seagen's stock soared more than 15% to nearly $200. Broader indexes edged up slightly.
By Adrian Portugal

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines (Reuters) - The Philippines and United States launched army-to-army exercises on Monday, with a focus on enhancing the Southeast Asian nation's ability to protect and defend its territory from external threats.

The drills come on the heels of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's decision last month to expand the United States' access to his country's military bases - a move that has infuriated China since the Philippines is seen as a fulcrum of geopolitical rivalry between the two major powers.

More than 3,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers will participate in the three-week long annual exercises called Salaknib, which involve multiple small-arms live-fire exercises, artillery and mortar live-fire events, and construction projects.

"The scenarios would involve the defence of the Philippine archipelago from potential foreign aggressors," Philippines Army Chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner told reporters following the opening ceremony.

"Since this is an army-to-army exercise, we will focus on defence operations such as air defence and also our defence from the shorelines," he added.

The majority of activities will take place at Fort Magsaysay, the Philippines' largest military camp, and one of the five existing sites the United States has access to under its Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with Manila. Under the agreement, the United States can use the bases for joint training, pre-positioning of equipment and building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, but not to maintain a permanent presence.

China has slammed the expanded agreement, calling it "part of U.S. efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country".

"By doing these, the U.S. has not only heightened tension, driven a wedge between China and the Philippines, but also has disturbed and upset the joint effort of countries in this region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement on Sunday.

The Philippines has yet to disclose the additional bases to which the United States will have access, but a former military chief has said they include bases on the island of Luzon, facing north towards Taiwan, and on Palawan in the southwest, near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

(Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)
Sculptor Phyllida Barlow holds her CBE medal presented by Prince Charles in 2016 (Getty Images)

Dame Phylidda Barlow, described by The Independent as a doyenne of British art, has died aged 78.

The artist was best known for her colossal sculptural projects created using inexpensive materials like plywood, cardboard, plaster and cement. She represented Great Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2017.

Ive been called the mistress of the splodge [in recognition of her preference for sculpting rounded works], which I rather like, she told The Independent in 2014.

But even when critics are rude they have revealed things about my work thats accurate. [The Sunday Times art critic] Waldemar Januszczak once described a piece [for a show at the Serpentine Gallery, in 2010] as like snot thrown on the wall. But I think the disgustingness of a spillage or a splodge has its own beauty, and fascinates me.

Her death was confirmed by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, and Marc Payot, co-presidents of Hauser & Wirth on Monday (13 March).

She is survived by her husband, artist Fabian Peake, their children, artists Florence and Eddie; Clover, Tabitha, Lewis, grandchildren, and her siblings Camilla Whitworth-Jones and Jeremy Barlow. Her family was described by The Independent as a British art dynasty.

Iwan wrote in a statement: Phyllida Barlow was a cherished friend as well as a visionary artist. Her ideas, knowledge, experience and wry humour were always shared with the most extraordinary warmth. Her generosity of spirit extended through her art, her writings, and her many years of teaching and mentorship.

A truly thoughtful and companionable human being, Phyllida was a guiding light and inspiration to so many. Her loss will be felt deeply by all who knew and collaborated with her in the art community and beyond. Our thoughts are with Fabian and the wonderful family they created together.

Phyllida Barlow (Supplied)

Frances Morris, director of the Tate Modern, said: Barlows practice implicitly acknowledges that in a world saturated with objects, the role of sculpture and the job of the sculptor might be less about making things than generating a particular type of experience of the work, and of the world in which it temporarily resides.

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Barlow was born in Newcastle on 4 April 1944 to writer Brigit Ursula Hope Black and psychiatrist Erasmus Darwin Barlow, a great-grandson of Charles Darwin.

She studied at Chelsea College of Art, where she met fellow artist Peake, son of writer and illustrator Mervyn Peake, whom she married in 1966.

Astonishingly, Barlow taught at Slade School of Art for more than 40 years before rising to prominence for her own work as a sculptor.

Her break came after retiring as a professor in 2009 when curator Hans Ulrich Obrist invited Barlow to exhibit at the Serpentine Gallery with Nairy Baghramian, bringing her work to a wider, international art audience. There she was noticed by the Wirths and invited to join the Hauser & Wirth gallery.

In 2011, Barlow was accepted as a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London and in 2012 she was awarded the Art Prize Aachen.

To put it bluntly, I think the timing has been, for me, perfect, Barlow said in 2017 of her late bloom. Im ready for it and the works ready for it. Its ready to fulfil all sorts of ambitions I want for the work. Not for myself  Im not particularly interested in myself  but Im interested in what the work can do  I can now be confident that things do go wrong but can also be retrieved.

She was awarded a CBE in 2016 and a DBE in 2021, both for services to the arts.

For messages of condolences to be passed onto Phyllida Barlows family, please email condolences@hauserwirth.com.
WARSAW (Reuters) -A Polish medical team is ready to go to Georgia to check the health of former president Mikheil Saakashvili, a government spokesman in Warsaw said on Monday, as fears over his condition grow.

Saakashvili, 55, was sent to prison in 2021 for six years on charges of abusing his power while president of the ex-Soviet state, a charge he says was politically motivated.

His health deteriorated in prison, where he has staged repeated hunger strikes and alleges he was poisoned. He is being held and treated in a clinic in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

Asked if Poland planned to send doctors to see him, government spokesman Piotr Muller told a news conference: "I confirm that ... a humanitarian aid team... is ready to go to Georgia.

"Now we are waiting for agreement from the Georgian side... as we know the situation concerning the medical care of the former president of Georgia raises serious doubts in the international community and that is why we are ready to clear up those doubts in this way."

Saakashvili's supporters say Georgian authorities are denying him proper treatment. Georgian officials say he is feigning the gravity of his condition to secure early release.

Warsaw had previously proposed to the Georgian government that Saakashvili be treated in Poland.

Georgia's justice ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Suella Braverman has endorsed new guidance that requires officers to prioritise freedom of expression - Leon Neal/PA

Police are to be barred from recording non-crime hate incidents just because someone is offended, under plans announced on Monday by Suella Braverman.

The Home Secretary has endorsed new guidance that requires officers to prioritise freedom of expression over offensive, controversial or derogatory language that upsets people.

Officers will be restricted to recording only incidents that are motivated by intentional hostility and pose a real risk of escalating into significant harm.

It aims to reduce the number of non-crime hate incidents which have seen 120,000 people recorded in the past five years. They include trivial cases such as a Bedfordshire man who ended up with a police file for whistling the theme tune to Bob the Builder at his neighbour, who perceived racial hatred.

The new guidance drawn up by the College of Policing follows the case of Harry Miller, a retired policeman who won a free-speech battle after being visited by his local force for tweeting about transgender rights. The Court of Appeal ruled the police action had breached his human rights.

Mrs Braverman said: I have been deeply concerned about reports of the police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate in this country. We have been clear that in recording so-called non-crime hate incidents, officers must always have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds.

The new code will ensure the police are prioritising their efforts where its really needed and focussing on tackling serious crimes such as burglary, violent offences, rape and other sexual offences.

In the 40-page guidance, police are told to use their common sense and judgement so they only record non-crime hate incidents where it is proportionate and necessary to do so and in a way that does not restrict freedom of expression.

Officers are advised to look for a common-sense reason not to record an incident if the complaint is trivial, irrational or malicious.

The guidance cited the case of an individual who tweeted their belief that a persons biological sex is more important than self-identified gender, and should be prioritised when decisions are made about access to single-sex spaces.

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In handling a police complaint about it, officers are told this would not be recorded as a non-crime hate incident because the views are an example of a person exercising their freedom of expression to outline a personally-held belief.

A reasonable person would accept the discussion as a contribution to a lawful debate, even if they found it offensive or disagreed with it, said the guidance.

'Chilling effect on free speech'

Police are urged to make all efforts to avoid a chilling effect on free speech (including, but not limited to, lawful debate, humour, satire and personally held views).

The guidance cited as an example a racial-abuse complaint against a social influencer making one-liner jokes on identity-based stereotypes. Because there was no evidence of intent to incite hatred or target an individual, it would be disproportionate to infringe their freedom of expression, officers are advised.

To reduce bureaucracy, officers are advised that they can record incidents without the names of the individuals or a lengthy investigation to identify them, if there is evidence of a comment being motivated by hostility but no risk of it escalating into significant harm.

The guidance cited the example of a heterosexual clubber being verbally abused leaving a venue with LGBT friends. Simply recording the incident without personal data would avoid wasting police time on investigating but would flag the need for an increased police presence in future to prevent a repeat.

Stephen Watson, Greater Manchester chief constable, said: It is not automatically unlawful to say or do things which can be unpleasant, hurtful, distasteful or offensive.

This guidance is replete with sensible provisions to safeguard victims of hate crime and better distinguishes between that which should involve the police and that which, in a free country, should emphatically not.

Chris Philp, the policing minister, said the Government was committed to fighting the scourge of hate crime but the polices focus must remain on catching dangerous criminals and bringing them to justice.
Iowa City police have charged a Cedar Rapids teen in a fatal shooting outside a downtown hookah lounge in October 2022, the city's only homicide last year.

Police announced Monday in a news release that Antonio Scotton, 19, faces one count each of voluntary manslaughter and intimidation with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting and killing Waymond Thomas, 36, of Iowa City, on Oct. 23.

Both charges carry up to 10 years in prison upon conviction. Scotton was being held for Iowa City police in the Linn County Jail.

The complaint said the shooting occurred after Thomas and a friend confronted Scotton in an alley outside H-Bar at 220 S. Van Buren St. about an earlier assault. Thomas punched Scotton and a fight ensued, with a total of four people involved, it said.

During the fight, Thomas' friend dropped a gun and Scotton grabbed it and began firing, the complaint said. Thomas and his friend were running away when Thomas was fatally wounded, it said.

According to the complaint, at least one of the bullets Scotton fired hit the wall of H-Bar.

The release did not say why Scotton was charged with manslaughter instead of murder, and Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman-Smith did not elaborate on the severity of the charges. She said her office followed the evidence and guidelines within state code to come to the decision.

City cracks down on H-Bar after shooting

Since the shooting, H-Bar has faced increased scrutiny from Iowa City officials. The city sought to shut down the bar but its owners and the city attorney in December instead agreed on a court order requiring it to close immediately after 2 a.m. instead of staying open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays, as it had before. The order also requires the owners to permit Iowa City officers to enter at any time during regular business hours to conduct "community caretaking functions."

Police also increased patrols around H-Bar. The petition said the city had unsuccessfully attempted to solve other ongoing issues with the owners. It said Iowa City police had received 173 calls for service at the bar from Jan. 1 to Oct. 26, 2022, as compared to 23 calls from 2016 to 2021. The bar opened Dec. 31, 2021.

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Another person was injured by gunfire there in August.

George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (515) 350-6307, GShillcock@press-citizen.com and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Cedar Rapids teen charged in fatal Iowa City shooting at hooka bar
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is investigating a bank robbery that occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1600 North Main St.

The suspect reportedly entered the bank and presented a note to the teller, demanding cash while making physical threats.

The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, and the robber fled the scene.

As the suspect left the bank, they encountered an off-duty Florida FWC officer who worked at the bank. The officer gave chase, but the suspect managed to escape.

No injuries were reported, and no suspect description has been released. The JSO has stated that they do not believe the suspect has a weapon.

The JSO is urging anyone with information on the robbery to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated when details arrive.

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Authorities are asking for the publics help to locate a missing Dorchester teen.

13-year-old Jamilianiz Montanez was last seen around 7:40 a.m. on March 8 in the area of 530 Blue Hill Avenue, according to Boston Police.

Montanez is a 506, 120lb Hispanic girl with black and red hair in a bun. She was last seen wearing all black clothing and is known to frequent the Franklin Hill area, officials say.

Anyone with information about Montanezs whereabouts is asked to contact police.

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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By Jonathan Spicer and Ece Toksabay

ANKARA (Reuters) - New polls show the Turkish opposition's presidential candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leading against President Tayyip Erdogan by more than 10 percentage points ahead of elections on May 14 seen by many as the most consequential vote in Turkey's history.

The polls also show the opposition bloc, called the Nation Alliance, leading the parliamentary race, at least six points ahead of Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) and its allies. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) remains comfortably above 10%.

Erdogan faces the biggest challenge to his 20-year rule after the erosion of his popularity during a cost-of-living crisis. Victims of last month's earthquake are also reconsidering their loyalty in previous AKP strongholds.

The elections will decide not just who leads Turkey but how it is governed, where its economy is headed and what role it may play to ease conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Wolfango Piccoli, political risk advisory co-president at Teneo, said the Nation Alliance needs to present a unified front and sell the voters a plan to keep up their momentum heading into the elections.

"Simply blaming Erdogan for everything that is wrong in Turkey won't cut it. Past elections have shown that Erdogan is a phenomenal campaigner, but recent remarks suggest he has lost his popular touch and his ability to connect with voters," he told Reuters.

A poll published by Aksoy Research on Saturday and conducted on March 8 showed Kilicdaroglu, named as the opposition alliance candidate on March 6, leading against Erdogan with 55.6% support and 44.4%, respectively.

It showed the main opposition bloc garnering 44.1% of votes and the HDP at 10.3%. The AKP and its nationalist MHP allies earned 38.2% together.

A poll conducted on March 6-7 by Alf Research showed Kilicdaroglu at 55.1% and Erdogan on 44.9%. Kilicdaroglu's Republican People's Party (CHP) was the most popular with 31.8%, while the AK Party trailed with 31%.

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The main opposition bloc earned 43.5% of votes, while the HDP got 11.3%, that poll showed. The AKP and the MHP together had 37.5% support.

Piar Research showed Kilicdaroglu winning with 57.1%, with Erdogan lagging on 42.9%. The CHP got 32.3%, the AKP 30.8% and the HDP 11.6%. The main opposition bloc got 46.4%, while the AKP and MHP earned 37.8%, the poll, published on March 10, showed.

ORC Research showed Kilicdaroglu ahead with 56.8% and Erdogan on 43.2%, according to a poll conducted on March 4-6, before Kilicdaroglu was officially announced as the opposition candidate.

The earthquakes appeared to have had little impact on the AKP's popularity. In a poll by Metropoll, 34.4% of people blamed the government for the losses during the earthquake, while 26.9% blamed contractors.

The municipalities came in third, with 15.4% of contributors saying they were to blame, while 12.9% answered with "all."

Merve Tahiroglu, Turkey programme director at the Washington-based Project on Middle East Democracy, said the opposition alliance was "diverse" and each prominent figure within the alliance could appeal to a different segment of Turkey.

"In this specific moment we have more reason to be optimistic about Turkey's election delivering an opposition win than we have ever been in the last 20 years," she said, speaking on a panel hosted by the Foundation for Defence of Democracies.

(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer and Ece Toksabay; Additional reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Daren Butler and Angus MacSwan)
By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis marks 10 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has lived since his election.

The Argentina-born Francis, 86, became the first Latin American pontiff on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI who had become the first pope in six centuries to resign.

"It seems like yesterday," he said in a podcast by Vatican News broadcast on Monday. "Time flies. When you gather up today, it is already tomorrow."

When it was recorded at his residence on Sunday, he asked: "What's a podcast?" according to Vatican News reporter Salvatore Cernuzio. When it was explained to him, he said "Nice. Let's do it".

The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his "psychological health".

He has invited all the cardinals who are in Rome with him to the Mass on Monday.

A persistent knee ailment has forced Francis to alternate between a cane and a wheelchair but he appears to be in good overall health.

"You don't run the Church with a knee but with a head," he reportedly told an aide after he began occasionally using a wheelchair in public for the first time last May.

CARDINAL ELECTORS

Francis has said he would be ready to step down if severe health problems prohibited him from running the 1.38-billion-member Church. But he has also said he thinks popes should try to reign for life and that being emeritus pope - as Benedict was - should not become a "fashion". Benedict resigned on health grounds but lived nearly 10 more years.

With his 10 years as pontiff, Francis has now reigned longer than the 7.5 years average length of the previous 265 pontificates. He has visited 60 states and territories, clocking up almost 410,000 km (255,000 miles).

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But he has not returned to his native Argentina, an absence that has prompted much speculation.

He has named about 64% of the so-called cardinal electors who are under 80 and thus eligible to enter a conclave to elect his successor after he dies or resigns.

Francis marks the anniversary having outlasted conservative opposition within the Church that has several times demanded his resignation and which is now at a crossroads, seeking new direction following the deaths of two of its leading figures.

The longest papacy is believed to be that of St. Peter the apostle, the first pope, estimated to have lasted about 35 years.

The longest papacy in recent centuries was that of Pius IX, which lasted more than 31 years between 1846 and 1878. After that comes the papacy of John Paul II, who reigned for more than 26 years between 1978 and 2005.

The shortest is believed to be that of Urban VII, which lasted 13 days in 1590.

(Editing by Frances Kerry and Janet Lawrence)
(Bloomberg) -- New Premier Li Qiang called for China and the US to cooperate better, potentially opening the door for the nations to find a way past their recent tensions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I want to stress that it is important for us to translate the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Biden during the meeting last November into actual policies and concrete actions, Li said Monday.

The comments suggest a new willingness by China to resume talks with the US since the alleged spy balloon incident roiled ties between the worlds biggest economies. The tone of Lis comments contrast with remarks by Xi a week ago, when he sought to rally Chinas private sector to help overcome containment by the US and other countries  rare direct criticism of the nations biggest trading partner.

US President Joe Biden and Xi agreed to a series of goodwill gestures during a meeting in Bali, Indonesia, late last year  the first in-person talks between the leaders of the nations since the pandemic began. While Biden said he would speak with Xi after the US shot down the balloon, so far that hasnt happened.

Read: Chinas Premier Downplays GDP Growth, Courts Private Firms

In his remarks on Monday, Li also referenced Beijings view that Washington is trying to limit Chinas progress, though his language wasnt as harsh as that used by Xi and new Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who declared last week that US competition means to contain and suppress China in all respects.

Li said Monday that China and the United States can and must cooperate, adding that encirclement and suppression are in no ones interest.

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He added said China and the US were closely intertwined economically, saying that both nations benefited from each others development and pointing to last years two-way trade, which climbed to a record. The Biden administration has taken a series of steps in recent months to cut China off from advanced technology.

I know that in recent years, some in the United States have been trumpeting the idea of decoupling with China and sometimes it could become quite a hot topic in the media, but I wonder how many people can truly benefit from this kind of hype, Li said.

Li, who was Communist Party chief of Shanghai during the months-long Covid lockdown last year, said that hes had a lot of experience talking with executives at multinationals, including many from the US.

They all told me that they were optimistic about the future of Shanghai and China, he said. They all hope to see cooperation between all countries in the world.

Earlier this month, a report from the American Chamber of Commerce in China said that for the first time in about 25 years the Asian nation was not a top three investment priority for a majority of US firms, as geopolitical tensions and domestic economic issues increasingly drive businesses to focus elsewhere.

--With assistance from Zibang Xiao.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is about to open an on-site health clinic at one of its affordable housing developments, thanks to a grant received last year from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation.

The clinic will be located at the Bellmead Apartments, 815 South Main St. in Washington, Pennsylvania, which is within Presbyterian SeniorCares complex. There are about 120 residents of the building, and they will be able to go to health appointments without going outside. The residents of HaveLoch Commons and Heritage House of Houston, which are also owned by Presbyterian SeniorCare, are also able to schedule appointments to receive care in their apartments.

The clinic is being staffed by primary care provider Curana Health and lead physician Dr. Sathia Natarajan, plus Dr. Reda Shedeed, Registered Nurse Practitioner Sheila Phillips and Physician Assistant Danielle Cass.

Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM) shareholders (or potential shareholders) will be happy to see that the President, Victor Dodig, recently bought a whopping CA$3.0m worth of stock, at a price of CA$58.08. Aside from being a solid chunk in its own right, the deft move also saw their holding increase by some 48%.

View our latest analysis for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Notably, that recent purchase by Victor Dodig is the biggest insider purchase of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of CA$57.71. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce insiders own 0.05% of the company, worth about CA$26m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

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So What Does This Data Suggest About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Insiders?

The recent insider purchase is heartening. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Be aware that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 1 of those makes us a bit uncomfortable...

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Prince Andrew is in despair that the King has not shared out their mothers inheritence, according to reports.

King Charles was the sole beneficiary of the Queens 650million estate, under a 1993 agreement meaning no inheritance tax was owed.

The Kings siblings Princess Anne, 72, and Prince Edward, 59, as well as Prince Andrew, 63, inherited nothing from the Queen, and are said to share some resentment because of this.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2022 (Getty Images)

However, as working royals, both Princess Anne and Prince Edward receive handouts from the Sovereign Grant to cover costs, unlike Prince Andrew, who is reliant on his brothers generosity.

A friend of the Duke of York told the Mail on Sunday: Whats he meant to do? Go cap in hand to his older brother to keep a roof over his head? Its a disaster.

A Buckingham Palace source said the Queens fortune had passed directly from monarch to monarch because that was the most tax efficient way to transfer it, and that the Queen had supported her children during her lifetime and had made provision for them already.

It comes after Prince Andrew is reported to have been approached by two American broadcasters with offers to take part in a new, tell-all interview in the United Kingdom.

According to a new report, the disgraced Duke of York is considering telling his side in the hope of a chance of redemption, more than three years after his interview with Emily Maitlis about his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was broadcast on the BBCs Newsnight.

The duke was also accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Guiffre, one of Epsteins victims, when she was underage in the US. He has consistently and vehemently denied the accusations.

Andrew was stripped of his military titles and asked to step down as a working royal last year, after he paid Ms Guiffre a multimillion-pound settlement to stop the case going to court.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Andrew was resisting King Charless suggestion that he move out of the 30-room Royal Lodge and into Frogmore Cottage, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex used to reside.

Andrew has lived in the property in Windsor Park with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson since 2004.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
CHICAGO  Illinois politicians, including Gov. JB Pritzker, and wealthy corporate leaders are sweetening their pitch to host the 2024 Democratic convention by pledging to make sure the DNC can walk away debt-free.

In the citys battle with other finalists, New York City and Atlanta, the governor, his sister and former Commerce secretary Penny Pritzker, businessman Michael Sacks, Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts and Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea have been in talks about funding Chicagos effort. Its a lineup of resources designed to blunt the fears of repeating the 2012 convention in Charlotte, N.C., which ended with an $8 million tab.

We have a strong fundraising community that will be able to raise the money for the convention and not create any debt for the DNC, the city of Chicago or the state of Illinois. It would be a win for everyone financially and electorally, Chicago Federation of Labor President Robert Reiter said in an interview. And it would put thousands of people to work.

But whats gone largely unsaid  at least officially  is the governors own riches.



JB Pritzker, a billionaire with presidential potential, is a noted philanthropist and a prolific Democratic donor who cut checks last year for incumbent governors like Michigans Gretchen Whitmer and the Democratic parties in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Pritzkers team is hoping to lure the party to Chicago with whats essentially a financially risk-free 2024 convention. Federal funds dont generally cover conventions, though security for the U.S. Secret Service is funded through a federal grant for as much as $50 million to pay for, among other things, additional police presence. So having a billionaire governor as a stopgap could be alluring.

The governor has spoken directly to Joe Biden and committed that Chicago has the ability to fund the convention, Natalie Edelstein, a spokesperson for the Chicago bid, told POLITICO.

Conventions are costly affairs. When the 2012 Democratic convention wrapped, Democrats still owed money on everything from operational expenses to construction work and modifications made to the Time Warner Cable Arena. To deal with the $8 million bill, the city of Charlotte secured a $10 million line of credit from Duke Energy, an electric utility in the region. But Democrats didnt repay Duke, which claimed the money as a business expense, drawing criticism for leaving shareholders to foot the bill.

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Those organizing Chicagos bid expect the price tag to run between $80 million and $100 million.

A priority for Chicago and Atlanta is fundraising, which relies on four pillars: organized labor, national corporations, political donors and local businesses and leaders.

If one of those entities is not participating, it becomes almost impossible to fundraise, said a Democratic strategist whos consulted on conventions.

President Joe Biden has already sought to nudge his party south, pushing South Carolina up the Democratic presidential nominating calendar, and awarding the convention to Atlanta would bring more attention to Georgia, which swung his way in 2020. Labor leaders in New York have also tried to spike Atlanta over its dearth of unionized hotels and the idea that such a pro-union president would take the convention to a right-to-work state.



Still, some Midwestern Democratic elected officials have recommended Chicago to the DNC, according to letters written by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and others.

A potential strike among food workers at Chicagos United Center, which would be the centerpiece location of the convention, caused some recent concern about the viability of the bid. But the tensions appear to be close to a resolution. UNITE HERE Local 1 and Levy Restaurants have reached a tentative agreement, and union members are expected to ratify it in the coming days.

The effort to bring the Democratic convention to Chicago is also reminiscent of the citys business community stepping up in 2009 for an ill-fated bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.

But another undercurrent around Chicagos push for 2024 attention is the persistent concern about the citys crime, which upended the mayors race this winter. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was seen as a strong voice to represent the city in a convention, was bumped from the runoff, leaving two candidates at the extreme ends of the Democratic Party about public safety and policing.
A customer lines up outside of the Silicon Valley Bank headquarters in Santa Clara, California, U.S. March 13, 2023. REUTERS/Brittany Hosea-Small - BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/REUTERS

On Friday afternoon, executives at the UK branch of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) were still insisting that the lender was immune to the chaos engulfing its US parent.

Erin Platts, the head of SVB UK, held a panicked Zoom meeting with customers, seeking to reassure them that their deposits were safe.

Platts, an American who has worked for the bank for more than 18 years, was unable to stem the tide. Customers withdrew more than 3bn last week as the panic engulfing the American parent company, SVB Financial, spread to the UK bank. Its deposits dwindled from more than 10bn to around 6.7bn by Friday evening, according to sources with knowledge of its finances.

Officials alerted Jeremy Hunt to the bank's increasingly perilous financial position on Friday afternoon, as the Chancellor was preparing for a round of pre-Budget weekend broadcast interviews.

At ten minutes to midnight, The Bank of England seized control, saying it would put SVB UK into a insolvency procedure designed for failing banks by the end of the weekend. In a short statement, Threadneedle Street sought to downplay the drama, saying: SVB UK has a limited presence in the UK and no critical functions supporting the financial system.

Hunt and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey spoke early on Saturday. According to sources involved in the weekends rescue of the bank, the Government and regulators initially focused on the banks marginal impact on financial stability.

Privately, tech founders and investors were furious about statements downplaying the financial stability risk of SVBs possible collapse. Any failure would be devastating for the tech industry and hundreds of start-ups were panicking about how they would pay staff.

MccLi0002694 City Minister Andrew Griffith, in his Treasury office. - Geoff Pugh

Andrew Griffith, the City minister, led talks with representatives from the start-up and venture capital world.

Tech groups pushed Griffith to take action, while hundreds of start-ups signed an open letter to Jeremy Hunt urging him to take action. They warned that the banks collapse presented an existential threat to the tech sector.

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One person involved in discussions over the weekend said: After some significant political pressure from the tech industry, it became clear that leaving it to [collapse] wasnt an option.

Treasury officials sprung into action, launching what became codenamed Project Yeti and convening a hastily-arranged video call roundtable on Saturday evening.

Griffith and Michelle Donelan, the Science and Technology Secretary, heard from industry representatives including: Dominic Hallas of the start-up group Coadec; Brent Hoberman, the lastminute.com founder behind industry group Founders Forum; Gerard Grech of TechNation; Charlotte Crosswell of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology; David Postings of UK Finance; and investors Matt Clifford and Saul Klein, alongside other industry bodies.

On the 40-minute call, bosses warned of a bloodbath on Monday if the bank was not rescued, with hundreds of start-ups unable to pay staff or suppliers. The bank itself was publicly silent, but managers emailed customers a link to the open letter sent to Hunt, an implicit plea for Government support.

By Saturday night, it was clear that action would have to be taken before markets opened on Monday morning. Rishi Sunak, who was preparing to board a flight to San Diego for defence talks with Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, held a 9pm conference call with Hunt, Bailey and Sam Woods, the head of the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Government officials ruled out a full taxpayer bail-out of the bank, but intervention such as the British Business Bank underwriting loans remained on the table.

By this point, potential bidders were already circling. Anthony Watson, the Labour-supporting chief executive of the upstart Bank of London, had spent Friday canvassing investors and potential private equity partners about a potential takeover of the bank, appointing advisers at Perella Weinberg.

Oaknorth, the SoftBank-backed bank that employs former chancellor Philip Hammond, and ADQ, the Abu Dhabi wealth fund, had also expressed an interest.

Dealmakers at Rothschild had opened a data room allowing prospective bidders to look at SVB UKs book. Id been looking at it since 09:45 on Saturday morning, said one executive at a top four bank.

By Sunday morning, selling the bank to a private buyer became Treasury officials preferred option, but it was unclear who should buy it. Oaknorth and Bank of London were both relatively new banks, and there were misgivings about the Abu Dhabi fund, although the option was being promoted by corners of the tech industry.

The fund is believed to have sought assurances from the Treasury that it would provide a backstop to heavy loan losses. Hunt was desperate to avoid taxpayers being exposed, and regulators insisted on the buyer having a licence. The BoE said unless youre a British bank youre not touching this, a source says.

Hunt spoke directly to potential bidders including HSBC, which was looking to build up its start-up business and had emerged as a late candidate.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: A Silicon Valley Bank worker talks with people lining up outside of the bank office on March 13, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Days after Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, customers are lining up to try and retrieve their funds from the failed bank. The Silicon Valley Bank failure is the second largest in U.S. history. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) - Justin Sullivan

Twice on Sunday, Sunak held mid-flight calls with the Chancellor and Bailey. The Prime Minister told reporters over the Atlantic that there was no systemic contagion risk from the banks collapse, but nor was there any deal.

Two bidders  HSBC and the Bank of London  are ultimately believed to have submitted proposals, both offering to pay 1.

Even in the early hours of the morning, problems were emerging. SVB UK had licensed its software from its US parent, which had been taken over by American regulators; it was also unclear whether its clearing bank, NatWest, would be able to resume services on Monday morning. As part of the deal, HSBC would have to be exempted from certain rules requiring high-street banks to be ring-fenced from complicated corporate customers.

We only had 24 hours in a room to make a multi-billion pound decision, everybody was working 24/7 and operating on no sleep, says one person involved in the talks.

Tech start-ups, having heard nothing from the Treasury since Friday morning, were making plans for the worst. There were WhatsApps flying all over the place, says someone involved in talks with the Government.

In the early hours of Monday morning, HSBC emerged as the Treasurys preferred bidder, with a deal finalised around two hours before markets opened. The short-term crisis had been averted. Attention will now turn to how the bank collapsed in the first place.

Inside the weekend from hell for start-up Britain

By: Gareth Corfield

The run on Silicon Valley Bank rocked the UK startup scene to its core. Founders and their venture capital backers traded increasingly panicked calls and messages last week as confidence in what had been the tech lender of choice evaporated.

Jean de Fougerolles, managing partner of London venture capital (VC) firm Ascension Ventures, says: By Thursday night we felt that SVB US was in big trouble.

Robert Newry, founder of HR analytics startup Arctic Shore, says he called an emergency board meeting on Friday morning as overnight news painted an all-too-familiar picture to him.

Id been through the [dot-com] crash in 2000, he says, and then the 2008-09 financial crash. For me, this was something we needed to move quickly on.

Social media messages were spreading the idea that SVB US parent was about to go under, even though its UK subsidiary was a separate entity operating under UK deposit protection rules.

One highly shared tweet from Texas-based analyst Byrne Hobart, which gained traction on Friday, said: Silicon Valley Bank was, based on the market value of their assets, technically insolvent last quarter.

Also in today's newsletter: Silicon Valley Bank was, based on the market value of their assets, technically insolvent last quarter and is now levered 185:1. pic.twitter.com/gf3agXLoAE  Byrne Hobart (@ByrneHobart) February 23, 2023

In a controversial move, some British VC executives began telling the companies they were invested in to get their money out of SVB UK.

Ascension Ventures de Fougerolles says his firm pulled its own deposits out because we felt that there could be a run on the bank.

Fellow venture capitalist Check Warner of diversity-focused VC firm Ada Ventures concurs: We have to kind of act on behalf of our own shareholders and make sure that we preserve capital in situations like this.

Warner adds that Ada Ventures told the startups it invested in to pull their funds, saying: We did advise our portfolio companies to be aware of this and consider moving capital into other accounts or making decisions themselves around this.

Similarly, Arctic Shores Newry  who had raised 5.7m in December, a sum he thought put his company on sound footing  tried to withdraw their cash but ran into immediate trouble.

I thought we would have 48 hours to move our money out, says Newry, explaining how his recollections of 2008 were of little use in todays hyper-connected world.

There was all sorts of stuff going around on Friday, about you wont be able to get anything over 500,000 out in one go. And then somebody else said theyd got 250,000. And then somebody said oh we only got 150k.

I sat down with my chief financial officer and we were literally trying different sizes of transfers to see what was getting through. But it was apparent by 3 oclock that nothing was getting through.

Toby Mather, founder of school tutoring website Lingumi, said he was on a flight on Friday when rumours were spreading. His company had 85pc of its cash deposited in SVB.

Mather says: From my boarding gate I tried to queue just enough money to leave the account to protect our payroll. I didnt want to join a total run but by the time I landed, the bank had gone bust.

Multiple sources spoke about SVB UKs venture debt financial instruments, where the bank made loans in return for stakes in its startup customers.

For some of those loans, one condition was that the startup had to move its main bank account to SVB.

Over Saturday and Sunday, as Tech Nation and other industry bodies furiously lobbied the Government, many founders were prepared for the worst.

We knew that something was being done in the background, says Arctic Shores Newry.

I felt confident that there was a solution, but I didn't know what type of solution would be put forward.

The industry breathed a collective sigh of relief on Monday morning when the government announced at 7am that HSBC had bought SVB UK for a symbolic 1.

Josh Lachkovic, a tech founder who now runs a marketing consultancy, says: It was 72 hours of worry, doubt and panic. Come 7am it has very quickly turned around.

British startup founders echo that feeling of relief and gratitude, with sources keen to praise Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Treasury for working through the weekend to rescue SVB UK.

As they look across the Atlantic and see the US response to SVBs collapse still in motion, some startup founders will be quietly thankful that their companies were based in Britain.
Detroit, MI --News Direct-- LonghornFX

Although electronic communication network (ECN) technology has existed since the 1970s, it wasnt until 1999 that it appeared on the foreign exchange (forex) market. In many ways, it represented the great equalizer, creating level ground with an accent on execution speed and cost transparency.

This article will look into the peculiar details of ECN brokers  explain their business model, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of this trading network.

What is an ECN Broker?

An ECN broker is a financial intermediary that allows its clients to execute orders on financial markets through an electronic communications network (ECN).

This broker is strictly an intermediary, so it doesnt take these orders on its books but simply matches them between the market participants.

Because an ECN broker often uses multiple liquidity providers, the spread (difference between the buy and sell prices) is usually narrower. Instead of offering wider spreads, the ECN broker receives compensation through a fixed commission per transaction.

Understanding the Electronic Communication Network

ECN is a network that automatically matches orders between participants in the financial markets. Those participants can be institutions like banks or hedge funds but also small individual traders.

The focus is on speed, and every participant can access the same price feed. This price reflects the highest bid and lowest ask on the open market. The current and the most recent price history is also available, enabling transparency and easier analysis.

ECN trading is entirely anonymous, providing privacy to those who need it  particularly institutions that can be vulnerable to competition if their orders are discovered.

Benefits of ECN Brokers

ECN brokers offer significant benefits. Consider the following:

Lower Bid and Ask Spreads

ECN brokers consolidate price quotes from liquidity providers, offering deeper liquidity. For that reason, spreads are smaller, creating particularly beneficial situations for short-term, high-frequency traders.

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Quicker Trade Execution

ECN functions as an automated system that matches market participants' orders directly. Because the broker only passes trades through, there is no dealing desk downside, such as price requotes that might delay the execution.

Flexibility

ECN brokers dont operate dealing desks, giving them higher flexibility in their operations. Meanwhile, an ECN network allows traders to trade over-the-counter (OTC) even outside the busiest market hours without a conflict of interest with the broker as a counterparty.

Flat Commission Rate

ECN brokers charge a volume-based commission rate while minimizing or, in some instances, eliminating the spread. This approach allows for better trade planning because total fees are just a simple calculation away.

Drawbacks of ECN Brokers

ECN brokers offer many benefits, but their business model isnt without downsides.

Market Fragmentation

Market fragmentation is a phenomenon of the same asset trading at different prices. With ECN brokers, that might happen if the underlying asset experiences a dip in liquidity when fulfilling a large order outside of high market hours.

High Minimum Account Values and Trade Sizes

ECN brokers make money on trading volume. Still, providing a customer with the service is a cost that needs to be recouped so ECN brokers often have higher minimum account and trade sizes.

Can Be Less User-Friendly

ECN broker platforms sometimes dont offer extensive charting capabilities, news feeds or other features that might help traders. Traders who want those features should test ECN brokers before committing.

ECN Brokers vs. Dealing Desk Brokers

ECN brokers focus on matching the order with an opposite one from their liquidity pool. Theyre also referred to as nondealing desk brokers because they dont trade themselves.

Dealing desk brokers take the other side of the trade and then manage that risk. Essentially, they make the market so they are classified as the market maker.

This approach allows for offering more stable or fixed spreads. But those spreads are usually higher to compensate for risk and enable the dealing desk to profit by selling at a higher price.

Traders have two main issues with dealing desk brokers. The first is the conflict of interest because the broker trades against the trader and profits from its loss  encouraging price manipulation. Second is price requotes and execution delays that might arise in unstable market conditions.

Suitable for Most Traders Needs

In the early days of electronic trading, the broker market in many ways resembled Wild West. Despite some honest operators leading the way, many shady or straight-out illegal brokers made and broke the market to steal clients funds.

In those circumstances, ECN was the breakthrough technology. It leveled the playing field, giving all market participants the same access and opportunities.

At the same time, it created a transparent environment where brokers have no conflict of interest but simply focus on fulfilling orders for a commission  an environment that perfectly suits most traders needs.

This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.

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View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/pros-and-cons-of-an-ecn-forex-broker-386395473
The sun rising over an alarm clock. Stock Photo via Getty Images

A federal standard for daylight saving time (DST) was established in the United States in the 1960s, but the idea of changing the clocks twice a year has long been controversial. Proponents argue that permanent daylight saving time  or "no more falling back every year in the fall," as CNN explains  would be significantly better for the country and for people's health. Opponents argue just the opposite. Who is right?

Pro: Permanent DST can lower energy bills

Some studies have shown that permanent DST can help cut down on energy costs. This is partly due to the sun setting one hour later in the evenings, which means the "need to use electricity for household lighting and appliances is reduced," The Columbus Dispatch argues. This data seems to be backed up by a study from the U.S. Energy Department, which found that four extended weeks of DST could save an extra 0.5 percent in total electricity per day. However, this may come with a caveat, Maya Wei-Haas writes for National Geographic: "The later sunlight hours do often reduce electricity use during this time, but they also spur more intense use of air conditioning in the evening or greater energy demands to light up the dark mornings."

Con: Potential health problems

A study from Northwestern Medicine suggests DST is "linked to increased risk of developing certain disorders, from cognitive and mental health issues to digestive and heart diseases. And, if you already have these conditions, DST can make them worse." These concerns are corroborated by Natalie Pompilo, who writes for Brain & Life Magazine that "even slight misalignments between the body clock and the social clock can have serious health consequences." Neurologist Dr. Beth Ann Malow from Vanderbilt University adds that "the misalignment of our natural circadian rhythms can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease."

Pro: A reduction in crimes

For obvious reasons, many criminals prefer to commit their crimes at night. However, if DST were permanent, "moving sunlight into the evening hours [would have] a far greater impact on crime prevention than it does in the morning," writes Steve. P Calandrillo for the University of Washington Magazine. He adds that "crime rates are lower by 30 percent in the morning-to-afternoon hours, even when those morning hours occur before sunrise, when it's still dark," meaning the extra hour of sunshine could cause a significant reduction in crime. This is backed up by a study from Jennifer L. Doleac and Nicholas J. Sanders with the Brookings Institute, who write, "Offenders know they're more likely to be recognized and get caught if they're fully visible," and the additional sunlight would help to deter petty criminals.

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Con: Sleep disruptions

Despite the fact that many people enjoy the additional sunshine, "permanent daylight saving time doesn't align with our natural circadian rhythms," Dr. Shelby Harris writes for USA Today. Harris adds that while longer days may be appealing, "Our sleep schedules are guided by the Earth's light and dark cycle." If people were to shift to consistently darker mornings, Harris says, "Our sleep schedules would get thrown severely out of whack  a long-term issue with long-term implications." Danielle Pachecho, a staff writer at the Sleep Foundation, argues that "DST can cause sleep problems if circadian rhythms are not aligned with natural cycles of light and darkness," and that it can lead to insomnia for many people. "Circadian misalignment can contribute to sleep loss, as well as 'sleep debt,' which refers to the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis," Pachecho adds.

Pro: More time spent outside

For some parents, the additional brightness at the end of the day can mean more outdoor activity for their children. Ashley Jones, a lifestyle writer at Romper, writes that "more sunlight later in the day means I can literally wear my kids out ahead of their 8 p.m. bedtime with outdoor activity." As a result, Jones argues, this could help children wind down and give parents a break at the end of the day, adding that "the extra time outside with my kids also gives me a mental reset after working all day." Camille Squares writes for Quartz that children naturally play outside longer during evening light. She cites a study from New Zealand that found the number of trampoline accidents even increase during the summer months as a result of increased time outside.

Con: A drop in workplace productivity

Investor and entrepreneur John Rampton writes for Entrepreneur that DST has "sucked the life out of productivity." This was backed by Dr. Ilene M. Rosen, professor of clinical medicine and program director for the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, who told MSNBC that employers "are recognizing the costs of poor sleep in their employees," largely contributed to by DST. Rosen adds that there is "a strong U-shaped relationship between absenteeism and presenteeism [on-the-job-work loss] and hours of sleep." Basically, she argues that people should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night to be most productive, something that doesn't happen as a result of DST.

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Nearly two years after a Kansas City police officer shot and killed Malcolm Johnson during an altercation at a gas station, prosecutors announced Monday no charges will be filed in the case.

The shooting of Johnson, who was Black, has been criticized by community leaders who have for years raised concerns about killings of Black men by the Kansas City Police Department. In Johnsons case, local leaders pointed to discrepancies between the police departments initial account of events and videos from the scene obtained days after the March 25, 2021, killing.

Experts who reviewed the video also said the two officers who initially confronted Johnson in the gas station did not give Johnson a chance to surrender and put bystanders at risk.

The St. Louis County Prosecutors Office handled the charging decisions after Jackson County prosecutors cited a conflict of interest in handling the case.

We regret the loss of Mr. Johnsons life, as well as the injury to the police officer who also was shot in the incident, and regardless of the legal conclusions, any loss of life and injury to an officer is tragic, Christopher King, a spokesman for the prosecutors office said in a written statement.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said Mondays decision was the culmination of an independent investigation meant to inspire trust in the review of KCPDs use of force.

We recognize there is still work to do with our community to build that trust and under my leadership relationships are among my top priorities.

Sheryl Ferguson, an organizer with Its Time 4 Justice, spoke to the media outside the Jackson County Courthouse during the November 2021 trial of Eric Delvakaneare, a former KCPD officer who shot Cameron Lamb, a Black man who was sitting in his pickup truck in his backyard.

Sheryl Ferguson, an activist with Its Time 4 Justice, said the prosecutors decision was devastating.

To think you could be face down with 5 officers on top of you and be executed with two gunshot wounds to the head and not face charges is unimaginable. Only in KC, Ferguson said. This is the reason for our high unresolved murder rate. We can never trust the police, or the prosecutor.

Special prosecutor's report on Malcolm Johnson shooting by The Kansas City Star on Scribd

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Shooting seen on video

About 6 p.m. on the day of the shooting, two police officers looking for Johnson, 31, in an unrelated shooting approached him with guns drawn inside a gas station at 63rd and Prospect. As seen in surveillance video, the officers grabbed Johnson and a struggle ensued.

As more officers tried to restrain Johnson on the ground, shots were fired. A wounded police officer shot Johnson twice in the head, according to prosecutors.

The videos raised questions about what happened. And several experts identified missteps throughout the confrontation: Johnson did not have a chance to surrender when the officers cornered him in the store and bystanders were put in danger.

Community activists also expressed concern about excessive force and questioned why deadly force was used on a man who was restrained.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the shooting and alleged Johnson fired a shot at an officer who returned fire.

According to the prosecutors office, a Glock handgun was found under Johnsons body. One spent casing was located in the guns chamber. The bullet that struck the officer could have been fired from the Glock, but was too damaged to make a positive determination, the prosecutors office said. An exam of the firearm did not yield any DNA profiles suitable for testing. But prosecutors said evidence was consistent with Johnson having a firearm and using it to shoot an officer.

The physical evidence does not corroborate a theory that one officer mistakenly shot the second officer, the report said.

The highway patrol completed its investigation in June 2021 and the case was sent to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, who cited a conflict of interest stemming from prior cases involving Johnson. A special prosecutor in St. Louis County was appointed.

Two attorneys and an investigator were assigned to the review. They conducted interviews and requested DNA, fingerprint, ballistic and other physical evidence examinations, the prosecutors office said.

Surveillance video shows Kansas City police confronting Malcolm Johnson in a March 25 incident that ended with him being shot and killed by an officer.

Delays in investigation

On Feb. 21, organizers with Its Time 4 Justice said the long investigation process has resulted in a lack of answers, justice and closure for Johnsons family.

The prosecutors office said the investigation was initially delayed because the special prosecutors appointment was not budgeted. Then the review team conducted its own investigation, including interviewing witnesses who had not talked to the highway patrol and ordering new testing on physical evidence.

The team concluded that the officer acted in lawful self-defense.

There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer who shot Malcolm Johnson was not acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others under Missouri law, the special prosecutors report said.

Further, there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that officers involved in the arrest of Malcolm Johnson acted unlawfully under Missouri law.

In recent years, five KCPD officers have been charged with violent crimes against Black people, including in a fatal shooting. Former detective Eric DeValkenaere was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb. The other four cases involved assaults.

The Department of Justice is also investigating the Kansas City Police Department after allegations of racial discrimination within the department surfaced last year.
Federal prosecutors said footage that Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired last week of the QAnon Shaman during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol lacks context, according to newly filed court documents.

The Justice Department said the footage aired by Carlson, which showed rioter Jacob Chansley, who is better known in the media as the QAnon Shaman, walking in the Capitol unimpeded by a group of officers who followed him, only spanned four minutes out of about an hour he spent in the building.

The televised footage lacks the context of what occurred before and after the footage. Chansley entered the building as part of a violent crowd, prosecutors said.

Chansley, who gained attention for wearing face paint and a horned headdress during the riot, pleaded guilty to obstruction in 2021 and was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

Sundays filing, however, did not involve Chansleys case. It instead responded to a motion by Dominic Pezzola, one of five Proud Boys leaders currently on trial for seditious conspiracy in connection with the riot, to dismiss his charges based on the footage.

The televised footage shows Chansleys movements only from approximately 2:56 p.m. to 3:00 p.m, prosecutors said. Prior to that time, Chansley had, amongst other acts, breached a police line at 2:09 p.m. with the mob, entered the Capitol less than one minute behind Pezzola during the initial breach of the building, and faced off with members of the U.S. Capitol Police for more than thirty minutes in front of the Senate Chamber doors while elected officials, including the Vice President of the United States, were fleeing from the chamber,

Chansley then entered the Senate Gallery, where he proceeded to scream obscenities while other rioters rifled through the desks of U.S. Senators on the floor below, the filing continued. All these actions were captured by Senate floor and/or CCTV cameras.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had granted Carlson access to a trove of around 44,000 hours of Capitol security footage from Jan. 6, and the Fox News host aired clips of the footage during his prime-time show last week as he argued the violence on Jan. 6 was mostly peaceful chaos.

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Through a Fox News spokesperson, Tucker Carlson Tonight Senior Executive Producer Justin Wells said, Our teams review of available surveillance footage of Mr. Chansley is consistent with our reporting.

For a period that afternoon, those defending the Capitol were in triage modetrying to deal with the most violent element of those unlawfully present, holding those portions of the Capitol that had not yet been seized by rioters, and protecting those Members and staffers who were still trapped in the Capitol, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

The defendants in the Proud Boys seditious conspiracy case  Pezzola, Enrique Tarrio, Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean and Zachary Rehl  were allegedly among the first to push past police barricades on Jan. 6.

In arguing for the dismissal, Pezzolas lawyer said the footage aired on Carlsons show was plainly exculpatory, because it established that the Senate chamber was treated respectfully by the rioters.

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, his attorney wrote.

Updated at 12:14 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Prosecutors are seeking data from major tech firms, social media platforms and retailers in the investigation into Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, recently filed court documents revealed.

The prosecution is asking for information from Apple, Amazon, Google, DoorDash, Meta, SnapChat and Tinder, as well as Walmart and KA-BAR knives, court search warrant applications showed.

Kohberger is charged with killing four University of Idaho students in a home not far from the Moscow, Idaho, campus late last year.

DNA on a knife sheath left at the murder scene is alleged to tied him to the Nov. 13 slayings, authorities have said.

Kohberger has not entered a plea, and his attorney in Idaho could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

I can almost guarantee that one of the prime defense strategies will be that the prosecution got tunnel vision, that they focused on him and stopped looking for anybody else, that they didnt chase down any other leads," NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos said Monday.

As the defense investigates this and comes up with any leads of their own, then its going to be up to the prosecution to have looked at everything too  social media, work history, a love triangle, anything that could have motivated somebody else," he said.

Prosecutors are also seeking bank and social media information tied to the four victims as they build a digital picture of the crime and the suspect, a 28-year-old grad student, search warrant applications showed.

"They're trying to find out to find out if there is a hidden link that could explain the motive," said Casey Jordan, who teaches justice and law administration at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Prosecutors are "gathering every single conceivable piece of evidence so that if any doubt is raised, they will always be ready" to answer in court, Jordan said.

A preliminary hearing is set for June, when prosecutors will have to show they have enough evidence to bring Kohberger to trial in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Washington; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene, Idaho; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Arizona; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho.

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Kohberger was arrested early Dec. 30 in Pennsylvania.

When police entered his family's home, they found Kohberger wearing gloves and "taking his personal trash and putting it into separate" bags, away from the rest of household garbage, Monroe County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso said.

Kohberger's attorney in Idaho could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Prudential implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

51% of the business is held by the top 21 shareholders

Using data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company

Every investor in Prudential plc (LON:PRU) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 87% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Prudential.

See our latest analysis for Prudential

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Prudential?

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.

Prudential already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Prudential, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Prudential. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is BlackRock, Inc. with 9.5% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 4.8% and 4.2%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

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Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 51% of the ownership is controlled by the top 21 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Prudential

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. 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 data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Prudential plc in their own names. We do note, however, it is possible insiders have an indirect interest through a private company or other corporate structure. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own UK15m of stock. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 11% stake in Prudential. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Prudential better, we need to consider many other factors.

I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can access this interactive graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow, for free.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter 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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A Pueblo man has pleaded guilty to federal drug and weapons charges following a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado.

Leonard Cordova, 44, pleaded guilty to four charges in federal court: two counts of felon in possession of a weapon and ammunition, and two counts of possessing and distributing dangerous drugs.

The U.S. Attorney's Office recommended in the plea agreement that Cordova serve 92 to 115 months (between 7 and 9 years) in federal prison.

Cordova first pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle outside of his house in Pueblo. Cordova was arrested on Sept. 15, 2021, and days later was released on a $7,500 cash bond.

On Sept. 19, just four days after being released from jail, Cordova was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder after he fired a gun at two women in a car near Northern Avenue and Pine Street in Pueblo. On Sept. 23, he was released from jail on a $100,000 bond.

Four months later, Cordova was cited for multiple violations of his bond, including tampering with his ankle monitor, drinking alcohol and attempting to contact a victim, according to Chieftain news partner KRDO News Channel 13. He posted additional bonds totaling almost $300,000.

Cordova was charged federally in April and ordered to remain in federal custody until the charges against him were resolved.

More:Pueblo man facing federal weapons charges to remain in custody

Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller told KRDO the Pueblo Police Department's partnership with the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office is vital in cases like Cordova's to protect public safety when state charges simply aren't enough.

"We arrested him multiple, multiple times, so to be able to have a good result out of this with the guilty plea, it is really beneficial for our community," Noeller said.

Because Cordova pleaded guilty in federal court, local charges based on the same acts have been dismissed, 10th Judicial District Attorney Jeff Chostner told the Chieftain.

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However, Chostner noted, another local charge against Cordova alleging felony assault with a deadly weapon "has not been resolved and it is still pending."

Cordova will not be granted parole in accordance with federal law. Under Colorado law, those convicted of a felony can be eligible for parole after serving 50% of their sentence.

"They do the significant portion of that time, and it's a huge deterrent when you're going to go to prison and serve 90% of your time, as opposed to going to prison and serving 50% of your time," Noeller told KRDO. "I mean, it changes behaviors."

Chostner said the Cordova case is "yet another example of the superb working and professional relations we have with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

"I work continually with the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Cole Finnegan, and his staff to resolve cases at the most effective level possible to assist with public safety in Pueblo County. It is a partnership that has resulted in scores of criminals being placed in jail and kept off the streets of Pueblo County," Chostner said.

"We appreciate the combined efforts of our respective offices and will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney for the benefit and safety of our residents.

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @jayreutter1.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo man pleads guilty to federal drug and weapons charges
By Guy Faulconbridge

MOSCOW (Reuters) - One of President Vladimir Putin's top allies said on Monday that the United States and Britain were sowing deceptions that a pro-Ukrainian group blew up the Nord Stream gas pipelines on the bed of the Baltic Sea last year.

Last week the New York Times reported that intelligence reviewed by U.S. officials suggested that a pro-Ukraine group - likely comprised of Ukrainians or Russians - attacked the pipelines in September.

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev cast doubt on that report, questioning if such a group would have the capability to carry out such a daring act of sabotage on Russia's most important energy corridors to Europe.

"In an attempt to cover up the true people behind the crime, pro-government Anglo-Saxon media - on orders from above - have named a culprit - a group of Ukrainian terrorists," Patrushev told the Argumenti i Fakti newspaper.

Russia, Patrushev said, still did not know for certain who was behind the attack because it had not been included in an investigation of the blasts.

"If newspapers claim with zeal that the sabotage was committed by a group of Ukrainian terrorists, then it is necessary to ask whether or not there is indeed such a group at all, and if it is capable of carrying this out," he said.

The United States and Britain, Patrushev said, do have the capabilities to blow up such a pipeline. Both have strongly denied doing so.

As a former Soviet spy who has known Putin since the 1970s, Patrushev is seen by diplomats as one of the major influences on Putin, who has accused the "Anglo-Saxons" of sabotaging Nord Stream in what he has called a terrorist attack.

BALTIC CORRIDOR

A sharp drop in pressure on both pipelines was registered on Sept. 26 and seismologists detected explosions. Swedish and Danish investigators have yet to determine who was responsible.

In a February blog post, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh cited an unidentified source as saying that U.S. navy divers had destroyed the pipelines with explosives on the orders of President Joe Biden.

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The White House dismissed Hersh's report as "utterly false and complete fiction". Norway said the allegations were "nonsense".

The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines have a joint annual capacity of 110 billion cubic metres - more than half of Russia's normal gas exports volumes. Sections of the 1,224-km (760-mile) long pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany, lie at a depth of around 80-110 metres.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Mark Trevelyan)
By Foo Yun Chee

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm returned to Europe's second-top court on Monday seeking to overturn a 242-million-euro ($258.4 million) EU antitrust fine, a year after it convinced the same court to throw out a much bigger penalty in another antitrust case.

The European Commission slapped the fine on Qualcomm in 2019 for selling its chipsets below cost between 2009 and 2011, in a practice known as predatory pricing, to stymie British phone software maker Icera, now part of Nvidia Corp.

The company last year secured a major win as it convinced the General Court to scrap a 997 million euro EU antitrust fine in another case related to payments made to Apple to use only its chips in all its iPhones and iPads in order to block out rivals such as Intel Corp.

Qualcomm lawyer Miguel Rato criticised the Commission's investigations against the company on the first day of the three-day hearing.

"This is the second instalment of the Commission's campaign against Qualcomm. The first was the exclusivity decision squashed by the Court," he told the General Court.

He said the 3G baseband chipsets singled out in the case accounted for just 0.7% of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) market and thus it was not possible for Qualcomm to shut out rivals from the chipset market.

"What price should Qualcomm have charged for each chipset and each quarter to allow it to pass the price cost test?" Rato said.

Qualcomm's actions showed it was determined to eliminate a rival before it could pose a competitive threat, Commission lawyer Carlos Urraca Caviedes told the court.

"Icera was about to gain a solid foothold in the market segment which was strategically important for future growth. Qualcomm feared that if it did not take action, Icera would grow to expand and become a formidable rival," he said.

The court will rule in the coming months. The case is T-671/19 Qualcomm v Commission.

($1 = 0.9366 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
INDIAN WELLS, Calif.  Qualifier Cristian Garin of Chile shocked third-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 7-6 (2) at the BNP Paribas Open for his first win over a top-five player in nearly two years.

Garin, ranked No. 97, had 39 winners while Ruud, ranked No. 4, managed just 15 winners against 29 unforced errors in a match that lasted 1 hour, 59 minutes.

Casper is one of the players that I really admire, Garin said. Im so happy to be playing like that, being aggressive, going to the net. Thats the way that I like to play and the only way that I have to beat these kinds of players.

The 26-year-old Garin improved to 3-1 lifetime against Ruud, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, since they first met on tour in 2019 at Sao Paulo, Brazil. Garin moves into the round of 16 to face No. 23 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who beat 13th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

Cameron Norrie, the 2021 Indian Wells champion, rallied from a set and 3-0 down to defeat world No. 103 Taro Daniel 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-2. The 10th-seeded Norrie improved to 11-3 lifetime at Indian Wells and will face sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev, who beat Ugo Humbert 7-5, 6-3. Daniel, a qualifier, was seeking another eye-opening victory following his second-round stunner over Matteo Berrettini.

Germanys Alexander Zverev, who missed the second half of the 2022 season after tearing three ligaments in his right ankle at the French Open, beat Finlands Emil Ruusuvuori 7-5, 1-6, 7-5. He moves on to face fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Ilya Ivashka 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

Top American woman Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed, rallied from a set down for the second consecutive match to beat 26th-seeded Anastasia Potapova 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Pegula was close to losing to the 21-year-old upstart. She faced a break point while serving at 4-4 in the second set but got out of trouble and won the set. Pegula had to rally again in the third set, from 2-0 and 3-1 down, but drew even with a break in the sixth game. She broke Potapova to close out the match.

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I think I started playing a little bit smarter, getting a little bit more depth on my shots, Pegula said. Everything got a little bit better, but she came out playing really well. I was pretty frustrated but shes a great player.

Pegula, who edged Camila Giorgi in her opening match, advances to face Petra Kvitova, who beat Jelena Ostapenko 0-6, 6-0, 6-4.

No. 6 seed Coco Gauff, playing on the eve of her 19th birthday, eased past Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-3 in a showdown of teenagers to advance to face Swedens Rebecca Peterson, who beat Switzerlands Jil Teichmann 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

I felt a little pressure coming in in todays match, to be honest with you, because of the age thing, which Ive never thought about that in the past, said Gauff, who moved into the round of 16 in the Southern California desert for the first time.

Seventh-seeded Maria Sakkari beat No. 27 Anhelina Kalinina 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Sakkari, who reached the final last year, advanced to the round of 16 for the third time in five career BNP Paribas Open appearances. The Greek player will face No. 17 seed Karolina Pliskova, who breezed past No. 11 seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 7-5.

Qualifier Garin beats Ruud at Indian Wells; Norrie advances originally appeared on NBCSports.com
A 22-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to running a red light while intoxicated, causing a Christmas Eve crash in 2021 that killed a pregnant woman.

Sean Seamons was sentenced Friday in Pierce County Superior Court following guilty pleas in late January to two counts of vehicular homicide  one related to alcohol and the other to reckless driving, court records show.

Seamons ran a red light on the evening of Dec. 24, 2021, as he traveled south in a Ford Ranger on state Route 7, east of McKenna and northwest of Eatonville. The truck collided with the passenger side of a Chevrolet Lumina traveling west across the intersection at state Route 702.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 22-year-old Jeannette F. Loomer, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Loomer, a Maple Falls resident, was 10 weeks pregnant, according to the charging document in the case.

The crash spun the driver side of the Chevrolet into another vehicle headed east, injuring three people inside that vehicle, according to the Washington State Patrol. One of the injured, an 85-year-old Lacey woman, was taken to the hospital.

Seamons was estimated to be traveling 82 mph when he struck Loomers vehicle, according to the charging document. A state trooper noted that Seamons smelled of intoxicants and had slurred speech, and another trooper discovered empty beer bottles inside the truck, court records show.

The charging document claimed that Seamons was aggressive with medics and law enforcement, swinging his fist at them and spitting blood into a firefighters mouth, before being taken to the hospital.

In a statement admitting to the charges, Seamons said that his blood-alcohol concentration was over Washingtons legal limit, which is .08 percent.

A dozen of Seamons family members and friends wrote to the court as character witnesses on his behalf prior to sentencing, saying that he had expressed remorse for a terrible mistake that will forever haunt him, court records show.
Flo Rida. Getty/Dean Mouhtaropoulos

Flo Rida is launching his own energy drink, JettSet1.

This is after the rapper successfully sued energy drink brand Celsius for $82.6 million.

"Celsius is great, but at the same time, we want to take something and make it even greater," he told Insider.

Flo Rida is celebrating winning his lawsuit against the energy drink brand Celsius by popping open a can of his own rival drink.

In January, the "Right Round" rapper, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, was awarded $82.6 million after a South Florida jury found Celsius guilty of breaching the terms of an endorsement deal that ran between 2014 and 2018.

The jury found that the 43-year-old star was not compensated properly for helping introduce Celsius to "millions around the world."

Flo's drink, which is called JettSet1, is a lightly carbonated energy drink made with all-natural ingredients. It is expected to begin retailing in the first quarter of 2024.

"Coming from the success of Celsius, when they had no name and the marketing was very little, I took that product and I took it worldwide," Flo told Insider exclusively. "This is the thing that we wanna do with JettSet1."

"I already know the field," he added. "Celsius is great, but at the same time, we want to take something and make it even greater, even healthier."

JettSet11 Enterprises is the brainchild of Flo Rida, Dr. George Tabi, and Erik Hicks. Prince Williams / Getty Images

To be launched through Flo's newly-founded JettSet1 Enterprises, the drink is, according to co-founder Dr. George Tabi, made with only "healthy, responsible ingredients" and is designed to help consumers "get the best out of their immune system."

"Everyone knows me as a guy who works out. You look at my music videos like 'Good Feeling' and they are a reflection of me and my healthy lifestyle," said Flo. "That's what we want JettSet1 to be."

"To see me go to trial and be very disruptive in that field, it's just really organic to my lifestyle. I mean, who would you believe in? Someone who lives the lifestyle but doesn't know anything about business? Or vice versa? I know the business and I live the lifestyle."

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Flo rida signing in stage, with colorful lights on the background.

Flo Rida has scored three No. 1 records on the Billboard Hot 100.Toni Anne Barson / Getty Images

While JettSet1 promises to be healthy, JettSet1 Enterprises co-founder Erik Hicks told Insider the drink will "taste better than every energy drink on the market," including Logan Paul and KSI's Prime, and The Rock's Zoa Energy.

To create JettSet1's flavor, Flo and his team partnered with Dolce Foglia, a flavoring company led by Ed Vanderloo, who previously worked for PepsiCo. The drink will only be available in its "original" flavor to start, but further flavors are to follow.

"Essentially you want something that almost tastes like you're drinking your favorite soda, but with all healthy ingredients," Hicks told Insider. "So we have a really, really great blend."

"We put a lot of emphasis on the taste," he added. "People are going to be very surprised."

Flo Rida on the set of his "Elevator" music video. Getty/Josh Ritchie

As well as launching JettSet1, Flo Rida is also back in the studio working on new music.

"Let me tell you something, I got some super amazing records coming out," the "Low" rapper, whose last studio album, "Wild Ones," released in 2012, said. "I'm one of those guys who always does nostalgia, just like the 'Right Round' record. I've got a new record coming called 'What a Night.' You know the Frankie Valli record? It samples that."

"During the pandemic, I got a chance to do a lot of music," Flo added. "So right now I'm gonna give you guys the best of the best. I've got some awesome collaborations coming."

Speaking of collaborations, Flo has previously worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including T-Pain, Akon, and Ne-Yo.

Working with Timbaland, who produced and featured on his platinum-selling 2008 hit "Elevator," he said was the pick of the bunch.

"Working with Timbaland, just being such a huge fan of his and watching what he's done with the likes of Jay-Z and Missy Elliott and others, he just blew me away," he said. "Just to get in the studio and see his passion."

Collaborating with Lil Wayne on 2008's "Just Know Dat" and 2012's "Let It Roll (Part 2)" was also a highlight for Flo.

"His work ethic, you know, is crazy," he said. "Like, man, he's took everything that everybody else has done and just taken it to the moon."

Flo Rida thinks Jay-Z is the rap GOAT. Getty/Kevin Mazur

Despite his praise for Wayne, however, Flo doesn't think the "A Milli" star is the greatest rapper of all time. Instead, he agrees with Billboard magazine that the title belongs to Jay-Z.

Jay was named No. 1 by Billboard in its recently published 50 greatest rappers of all time list. Lil Wayne came in at No. 7.

"I think at this point, and what Jay-Z has done, if you're talking musically, he's a phenomenon. If you're talking about business, he's a phenomenon," Flo said.

"Myself, I'm a big fan of Tupac and Biggie. Those guys, even Jay-Z, I'm pretty sure he's been inspired by them. But I think with what Jay-Z and his team have accomplished, you know, I'd give it to him from that aspect."

Read the original article on Insider
WASHINGTON  Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, says Republican Chairman James Comer has abandoned efforts to get former President Donald Trump's financial documents while quietly digging into the finances of President Joe Biden's son.

In a letter to Comer released on Monday, Raskin, of Maryland, said it had come to his attention that Comer, of Kentucky, had coordinated with Trump's lawyers to block the committee from receiving documents from Mazars USA, Trump's former accounting firm.

Raskin argued that Comer's alleged decision to halt the production of documents was hypocritical because he had also issued a subpoena related to an investigation into Biden's son Hunter.

"You appear to have engaged in these efforts to prevent the production of evidence of former President Trumps misconduct during his time in office while simultaneously issuing an invasive and overbroad subpoena to private individuals as part of an investigation targeting the business dealings of family members of President Biden who have never held public office," Raskin said.

Comer's office denied working with Trump's lawyers.

Raskin alluded to documents the committee received from Mazars under the Democratic majority last fall that revealed authoritarian governments like China's and Saudi Arabia's spent hundreds of dollars at Trump-owned properties when he was president.

"In the face of mounting evidence that foreign governments sought to influence the Trump Administration by playing to President Trumps financial interests, you and President Trumps representatives appear to have acted in coordination to bury evidence of such misconduct," Raskin said.

Raskin said he learned that Trump attorney Patrick Strawbridge wrote to Mazars in January saying it was his understanding that the committee, now under Republican control, had no interest in completing the production of documents under the original subpoena. "When counsel for Mazars sought clarification, Mr. Strawbridge confirmed that this direction had been provided to him, twice, by the Acting General Counsel of the House of Representatives, in his capacity as counsel to the Committee," Raskin said.

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He added that the committee can't coordinate with Trump's lawyers "to obstruct a lawful subpoena investigating his demonstrated corruption" but then issue "an invasive and overbroad subpoena" of Hunter Biden.

In response, a GOP spokesperson for the Oversight Committee said Raskin's accusation that Comer is trying to bury Trump's financial misconduct is "completely unfounded and untrue."

"There has been no coordination or discussion with anyone from the Committees majority with anyone about the Mazars documents," the spokesperson said. "So what is the point of the letter? To try to get ahead of the information the Oversight Committee is receiving in its investigation of the Biden familys influence peddling."

Since he took over the panel, Comer has launched an investigation into the business practices of Hunter Biden and other Biden family members.

Comer's aide added that "there are several quite notable developments that have both solidified the committees understanding of several areas of concern and opened new avenues of investigation about the Biden familys business schemes."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Michelle Yeoh makes history as she accepts the Oscar for lead actress at the 95th Academy Awards. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

With her Academy Award win for "Everything Everywhere All at Once," Michelle Yeoh becomes the first Asian woman to take home a lead acting statue.

Yeoh is just the second Asian actor to be nominated in the category. In 1936, Merle Oberon, who kept her South Asian heritage a secret, was nominated for her performance in "The Dark Angel."

Here is Yeoh's full acceptance speech:

"Thank you, thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that ... dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up.

"I wouldn't be standing here tonight without the Daniels, without A24, without my amazing cast and crew. Without everyone who was involved with 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'

"I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us would be here tonight. She's 84 and I'm taking this home to her. She's watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, I'm bringing this home to you.

"And also to my extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so that I can be here today. And to my godchildren, to my sisters, all of them. To my brothers, oh God, to my family. Thank you, thank you!

"Thank you to the Academy. This is history in the making. Thank you!"

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
On the anniversary of Breonnas Taylors death, we remember the tragedy, and we remember the hundreds and thousands of people of all colors who stood up for Breonna Taylor.

We remember the hundreds of good people who left their jobs and families to come to Louisville, Kentucky to support Breonna Taylor.

We remember the hundreds and thousands of people who put pressure on city hall and the Federal Government to do the right thing for Louisville.

Without the thousands of people in the street, there would have been no changes in legislation, no prosecution of police officers and no Federal Government intervention.

Breonna Taylor brought together three generations of good people to demand justice, and those generations worked together all across the United States and the world to make the right things happen.

All that being said - the work remains unfinished, but we have proven we have the ability to get the work done.

K.A. Owens, Co-Chair Kentucky Alliance Against Racist And Political Repression

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Remember the tragedy of Breonna Taylor's death and the work to be done
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File

Another debt ceiling crisis is looming, and Republicans and Democrats aren't negotiating.

Instead, some Republicans have proposed prioritizing some payments over others to avert the crisis.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that's just default by another name.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has become the Shakespeare of the debt ceiling crisis, proclaiming that Republicans' proposed plan to selectively pay off some debts is just a default by a different name.

Since they took the House majority, Republican lawmakers have been using raising the debt ceiling, and keeping the US on top of paying its bills, as a bargaining chip to achieve spending cuts on Democratic priorities. But should they fail to raise the debt ceiling, the US will default on its debt  which would be catastrophic and unprecedented  and they have yet to put forth a concrete plan to avoid that result.

One idea Republicans have floated is debt prioritization, in which the government would prioritize certain obligations over others should the country default. As The Washington Post reported last week, Republicans have started preparing for default through legislation known as the Default Prevention Act, which would allow the government to continue borrowing money while ensuring benefits like Social Security don't lapse.

Yellen is not on board with that idea.

"I think that we should not think that prioritization is a solution to the debt ceiling issue," Yellen said at a Friday House Ways and Means committee meeting on the 2024 budget. "Prioritization is simply not paying all of the government's bills when they come due. That is something we have never done since 1789. That really is just default by another name."

This isn't the first time Yellen has slammed GOP plans to address the debt ceiling. In January, she said that "a failure on the part of the United States to meet any obligation, whether it's the debt holders, members of our military, or to Social Security recipients, is effectively a default."

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"What's critical is that we maintain our commitment to pay the government's bills  all the government's bills  when they come due," Yellen said on Friday. "And if we don't do that and think that there is some shortcut around it that will avoid economic chaos, we're kidding ourselves  because not paying the government's bills will produce economic and financial collapse."

The clock is ticking for Congress to raise the debt ceiling, with the US expected to run out of measures to keep the government funded as soon as July. While President Joe Biden has said he will not sit down with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy to discuss terms to raise the debt ceiling until Republicans unveil their own budget  Biden released his last week  conservative lawmakers have floated areas in which they would support cutting spending for a potential deal.

For example, the House Freedom Caucus on Friday unveiled its plan called "Shrink Washington, Grow America," which would raise the debt ceiling only if Congress passed legislation to, among other things, end student-debt relief and rescind unspent COVID-19 funds.

The White House is less than impressed with that proposal, signaling further tension to come as both parties spar over how to ensure the US and world don't devolve into an unprecedented financial crisis.

In Friday remarks, Biden said that there were some members of the House Freedom Caucus who would consider voting to raise the debt ceiling contingent upon their own cost-cutting legislation getting passed.

"You know what the essence of the enacting legislation is? Cut all spending other than defense by 25 percent. Twenty-five percent across the board," Biden said. "Now, that means cops, firefighters. It means healthcare."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A military K-9 kicked off his retirement by reuniting with his handler on Monday.

Bady, a 10-year-old German shepherd, has been stationed at Kusan Air Base in South Korea as a patrol and explosive detection dog.

He spent a year and a half with Technical Sergeant Adamma Dom Bilal, who oversaw a kennel at the base.

I was in charge of the kennel, so everyone else knew, Hey, thats Sgt. Bilals dog. Even if I assign you to somebody, thats Sgt. Bilals dog, Bilal, who has been in military service for the past 11 years, said on Monday. Hed come to work with me every day, and then Id take him home. So he was with us every single day. All day.

After a year and a half together, Bilal was reassigned and moved to Florida.

Air (Force) Bud: Bady is a 10-year-old German shepherd who patrolled as an explosive detection K9 in South Korea. He spent his time with TSgt Dom Bilal, until Dom was reassigned. Months later, theyre reunited & Bady is moving in with Dom. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/NL0zSFpW0u  Kevin Ko (@NewsWithKevin) March 13, 2023

Bady stayed at Kusan Aire Base, until he recently retired.

The 10-year-old German shepherd will embark on his retirement with Bilal after flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Monday.

Hey Bady, you can do whatever you want, Bilal said on Monday. Youve been serving just as long as me at this point. You can do whatever you want, my guy. Now just living the couch life, as we call it. Chilling out. No more work. No more anything. Just gets to go live on the beach with me.

The U.S. Air Force flew Bady from Korea to Seattle, where hell leave for Florida to move in with Bilal.

Bilal was flown into Seattle by Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, reuniting, rehoming, rehabilitating, and repairing any retired working dog that has served in a military-related setting.

We all love our dogs, but to work in that kind of environment, in that special environment together, and to depend on each other in a manner we cant understand? Its worth it, Kristen Maurer, the president of Mission K9 Rescue, said on Monday. I admire these handlers for being able to let go of their dog the way they do. If we can do anything to bring them back together, were going to do what we can.
Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to go to Russia for a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as early as next week, Reuters reported on March 13, citing people familiar with the matter.

In late February, the Wall Street Journal wrote that Xi's visit to Moscow could happen in April or early May.

Xi's meeting with Putin will be a part of a push for multilateral peace negotiations as Beijing claims it wants to play a more active role in ending the war against Ukraine, the WSJ sources said.

On Feb. 24, China's Foreign Ministry released a 12-point statement that detailed Beijing's stance on achieving a "political settlement" to resolve Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. The "peace plan" was criticized by U.S. President Joe Biden, who claimed that it would likely only work in Russia's favor, and other top Western officials.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 24, as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda, that he did not consider China's proposal a peace plan, adding that the document included respect for international law, which already made it possible to work with China.

Zelensky also said he wanted to meet with China's Xi, which would "benefit our states and security in the world."

On Feb. 22, China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow shortly after Biden's surprise trip to Kyiv. One of the Reuters sources said that Wang's visit had served to help prepare Xi's trip to Russia.

Multiple U.S. officials have publicly stated over the past month that China was considering providing lethal aid to Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi that doing so "would have serious consequences in our relationship."

Reuters reported on March 2, citing four unnamed U.S. officials and other sources, that Washington was reaching out to close allies about the possibility of coordinating sanctions against China makes such a decision.
The Teachers, by Alexandra Robbins (Dutton)

The message of The Teachers comes into clear focus long before the final words of this 344-page dissection of whats wrong with American public education, seen principally through the eyes, ears and experiences of three teachers in different areas of the nation. Author Alexandra Robbins also interviewed hundreds of other teachers and many of their voices are here, too.

Robbins paints a portrait of public schools across the land where many, if not most of the educational support systems are crumbling or under attack.

Teachers are among the most altruistic and dedicated of professionals but they are leaving the classrooms by the thousands.

Here are the challenges the teachers cite:

 Pay and benefits significantly trail other professions. Moreover, many come to teaching carrying student debt that will burden their lives for decades. Robbins notes that teachers are five times more likely to take a second job than other professions.

 Resources as fundamental as paper and building heat are often not provided.

 Multitudes of parents either are disconnected, unable to control their children, absorbed by their own demons, or, they hound and threaten teachers, some foaming with rage if their children get a low grade. A teacher who suggested a parent read to her child every day was told thats your job.

 Rather than supporting teachers, some principals pressure them into lowering standards to get students to the next grade.

 Specialists are in short supply and just one special needs student in a mainstream classroom can obstruct learning for everyone else. The book cites statistics showing 14% of students aged 3 to 21 now are in special education classes.

 Elected officials intrude in ways not seen before in American education, mandating, for example, that teachers avoid slavery realities that might make students feel guilty. In 2021, The Washington Post reported that the conservative nonprofit Moms for Liberty in New Hampshire offered $500 reward to the person who first successfully catches a public school teacher breaking the states new law about how race can be taught.

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The teachers in Robbins book retain their dedication despite all these obstacles but readers are left to wonder how long even the most.devoted can retain their fidelity to Americas next generation. Robbins granted them anonymity, and its impossible to imagine principals and administrators cheering teachers who shared their day-to-day experiences with Robbins.

One talked of leaving school every day completely drained and usually crying on my way home.

The Teachers is a call to action that as a nation, as communities, we owe our teachers much more than we are giving. As Robbins says, its urgent that we improve their working conditions before it is too late.
PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island pension fund has a stake - albeit a relatively small one - in the collapse of the Silicon Valley and Signature Banks.

In response to a Journal inquiry on Monday, State Treasurer James Diossa's office confirmed that the $10.3 billion state pension fund has holdings in the two closed banks - and two others described as "stressed" - that were valued at $2.7 million on Feb. 28 and $185,000 on Monday.

The $185,000 is the much reduced value of the state's holding in First Republic Bank that, as recently as Feb. 28, was valued at $774,963.

Explaining how and why the Employee Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) had any money in these banks, a spokeswoman for new state Treas. James Diossa said:

"ERSRI has had exposure to most of these assets for number of years as part of the Russell 3000 index in the U.S. public equity area. Additionally, there is some fixed income exposure within portfolios managed by Fidelity and PIMCO as part of the 'Stability' and 'Income' asset segments."

"The total exposure at the end of February represented less than 3 basis points of the total DB plan. Were assuming that there is little value to the assets, with the exception of First Republic which is still trading."

U.S. President Joe Biden vowed to do whatever was needed to address a potential banking crisis after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. National regulators on Sunday stepped in with emergency measures to maintain confidence in the system, according to Reuters.

It is not yet clear if the state pension fund will attempt to recover any of its losses in the rout.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: SVB and Signature Bank collapse could have small impact on RI pension fund
Richard Williams

Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, is weighing in on everything between Chris Rock and Will Smith. Speaking with Good Morning Britain, Williams said Smith should be forgiven for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in 2022. He also said Smiths 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards presentation ceremony should be lifted.

It definitely should be, Williams said during the interview. It should be just one day. Or no more than one week at the most.

The post Richard Williams Defends Will Smith As Chris Rock Speaks On Slap: I Would Never Be Disgusted With Mr. Smith appeared first on Blavity.

Smith, who played as Williams in the King Richard film, slapped Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smiths hair loss, as Blavity previously reported. Williams said Smith was right to defend his wife.

Yeah. Ill always stand by him. I think hes done the best that he needed to, Williams said. I would never be disgusted with Mr. Smith. Matter of fact, I appreciate Mr. Smith. I dont see nothing wrong with him.

Williams is advising the public to forgive Smith.

No one should criticize a person on and on and on and on, he said. So, I think hes done extremely well. And I really appreciate him very, very well. And I really welcome him.

The 81-year-old was asked to explain what he would say to people who think he shouldnt defend Smith.

I dont give a damn what no one says about me good or bad, he said. People are always gonna be criticizing Black people around the whole damn world, even in London.

If someone tried to hurt his daughters, Williams said hed teach them to defend themselves.
Egypt's authorities refused to issue or renew passports, birth certificates and other documents for more than two dozens journalists, critics and lawyers living abroad, a leading rights group said Monday.

The U.S.-based group Human Rights Watch said the refusals are a sign that Egypt is widening its clampdown on dissent. The government is ramping up efforts to punish and silence those abroad, said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW.

The group said it spoke to 26 Egyptians abroad, including dissidents, journalists and lawyers, whose requests for essential documents were rejected by the Egyptian authorities. Those affected live in Turkey, Germany, Malaysia, Qatar and two countries in Africa and the Gulf.

Egypts authorities did not immediately respond to a request by The Associated Press for comment.

Since coming to power in 2014, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissis government has overseen a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands. Authorities have targeted not only Islamist political opponents but also pro-democracy activists, journalists and online critics. Thousands have since fled the country.

Those interviewed by HRW said challenging Cairo's refusal to provide documents was "nearly impossible,'' while some were told to return to Egypt to solve their issue. Several interviewees said Egypts refusal to do so was inhibiting their ability to live and travel abroad.

HRW did not reveal the identity or occupations of the 26, but said most of them had no pending criminal cases against them in Egypt.

In 2019, HRW estimated that as many as 60,000 political prisoners are incarcerated in Egyptian prisons, although Egypt's government has rejected this claim. The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Egypt third, behind China and Turkey, in detaining journalists.

___

This story corrects the year President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi came to power. It was 2014, not 2013.
What China's high-standard opening up brings to the world

Xinhua) 08:17, March 13, 2023

-- Amid geopolitical conflicts, energy and food security crises, and the pandemic, globalization is now suffering various setbacks. The global openness index keeps declining, showed the World Openness Report 2022. However, China's commitment to high-standard opening up has helped resist such headwinds.

-- Some of the most important aspects of China's high-standard opening up include sharing opportunities, developing together and improving people's livelihoods, all with an ultimate aim to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

-- Under the policy of high-standard opening up, China has issued a series of measures to level the playing field, so that foreign companies can enjoy better business environment in the country.

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- In 1978, one of China's most significant basic policies, reform and opening up, was adopted under the leadership of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Since then, generations of Chinese leaders have been firmly committed to the policy, turning China into a vibrant socialist market economy open to the outside world.

Today's China has become the world's second-largest economy, the largest trading nation, and a major magnet for global investors. But it's not the end of the story: Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the country will not only continue reforms to develop the socialist market economy, but also, as Xi noted in his report to the 20th CPC National Congress, "promote high-standard opening up."

The new requirements have been reiterated during this year's "two sessions," especially by Xi during a deliberation on March 5 with deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

In a recent Xinhua survey, "high-standard opening up" was one of foreigners' most interested keywords/measures and initiatives in China's development blueprint. But what does it mean? And what will it bring to the world?

CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD ECONOMY

As the world's second-largest economy with over 1.4 billion people, China, through wider opening up, has embraced others with an ultra-large consumer market and consistent resolve to boost common development for all, thus injecting confidence and certainty into the global economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast in late January that the Chinese economy will grow 5.2 percent this year, accounting for two-fifths of the expansion of the global economy, while America and the euro area will together contribute less than a fifth.

China's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic "will make a welcome contribution to global growth," said The Economist in early February, given the Chinese economy helped stabilize the world's economies during the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.

Amid geopolitical conflicts, energy and food security crises, and the pandemic, globalization is now suffering various setbacks. The global openness index keeps declining, showed the World Openness Report 2022.

However, China's commitment to high-standard opening up has helped resist such headwinds. During the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos in January, deemed the bellwether of the world economy, many said China's pro-growth measures, including the optimization of its COVID-19 response, will contribute to the recovery of the global economy.

Bob Moritz, global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, said at the WEF that he has confidence in China's economic outlook, given its strong consumer base, technological advancement and top exporter's position.

"I'm quite optimistic on the outcome," Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said, adding that China is expected to play an essential role in helping boost global economic growth.

SHARED OPPORTUNITIES

Some of the most important aspects of China's high-standard opening up include sharing opportunities, developing together and improving people's livelihoods, all with an ultimate aim to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Beijing has always been a keen promoter of global and regional free trade. Take the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The trade pact, which officially entered into force in 2022, is to date the world's largest free trade agreement with 15 signatory countries.

Data from the World Bank showed that the agreement covers 30 percent of the world's population, contributes about 30 percent of global GDP, and accounts for over a quarter of global trade in goods and services, and 31 percent of global FDI inflows.

Drawing upon the RCEP, China has actively advanced free trade and endeavored to break down trade barriers among participating countries. Data from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) showed that China's trade with the other RCEP signatories expanded 7.5 percent year on year to 12.95 trillion yuan (1.88 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2022, accounting for 30.8 percent of China's total foreign trade value.

Amid declining global openness and rising trade costs, the RCEP helps promote opening-up and cooperation in the region and beyond, and contributes to world economic development, said Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by Xi in 2013 has also played a large part in this aspect. It has become one of the most popular international platforms for global cooperation.

In the past decade, China has signed more than 200 BRI cooperation documents with 151 countries and 32 international organizations, according to official data.

Within the BRI's framework, ASEAN has Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in trial operation, the first of its kind in the region; Cambodia's first-ever Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is officially opened to traffic; Croatia's Peljesac Bridge and Pakistan's Karot Hydropower project are put into operation. And all of these programs have been warmly received by the locals.

"If you look at the China's development model, we call it the proceeds of development that China is sharing with the rest of the world," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar, noting that program like the BRI massively transforms developing places like Africa.

This aerial photo taken on July 29, 2022 shows a China-Europe freight train bound for Budapest, Hungary leaving a logistics base in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo by Song Yanjun/Xinhua)

EASIER MARKET ACCESS

Under the policy of high-standard opening up, China has issued a series of measures to level the playing field, so that foreign companies can enjoy better business environment in the country.

Last year, China renewed the Catalogue of Industries Encouraged for Foreign Investment, which implemented provisional import tax rates lower than that of the most-favored nations for 1,020 commodities, and further reduced the most-favored-nation tariff rates for 62 IT products. Its overall tariff level will drop from 7.4 percent to 7.3 percent after the adjustment.

Meanwhile, the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of 2022 reiterated the need to "make great efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment."

China is also actively seeking to continuously lower the threshold and reduce the costs and risks associated with foreign investment. Items on the negative lists nationwide and for pilot free trade zones, which took effect in January last year, have been cut to 31 and 27, down 6.1 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Besides, China has established various platforms to reach overseas companies, such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

Data from the MOC showed that at the fifth edition of the CIIE, which attracted enterprises from 127 countries and regions, as well as 69 national governments and international organizations, tentative deals worth 73.52 billion dollars were reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, up 3.9 percent year on year. The event also offered more free booths for enterprises from the least developed countries.

"Five years ago, I announced the decision to hold the CIIE for the very purpose of expanding China's opening-up and turning our enormous market into enormous opportunities for the world. Today, the CIIE has become a showcase of China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world," Xi said at the opening ceremony of the fifth CIIE.

Hailing Xi's remarks, Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, said he heard China's heartening commitment to further reform and opening up.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Customers and bystanders form a line outside a Silicon Valley Bank branch location, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Wellesley, Mass. Lawmakers across the country reacted to a potential federal bailout of Silicon Valley Bank after the bank was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday. | Steven Senne, Associated Press

President Joe Biden worked to reassure the country about the nations banking system on Monday after two banks collapsed over the weekend.

Lawmakers across the country, including Utahs Republican senators, reacted to the closure of California-based Silicon Valley Bank after the bank was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday.

Following the closure of SVB, Signature Bank was shut down on Sunday, raising concerns among federal regulators who said they would protect all depositors at the two banks, many of whom were in the tech and cryptocurrency sectors.

In remarks Monday morning, Biden said the federal government was taking immediate action.

(A)ll customers who had deposits in these banks can rest assured ... theyll be protected and theyll have access to their money as of today, said Biden. That includes small businesses across the country that banked there and need to make payroll, pay their bills, and stay open for business.

He also responded to critics of the governments actions. He said no taxpayer funds would be used to protector depositors as the money would come from fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund, and executives running the institutions would be fired.

Because of the actions that our regulators have already taken, every American should feel confident that their deposits will be there if and when they need them, he said.

He did not take questions from the media after his remarks.

Related

Over the weekend, Sen. Mitt Romney and Sen. Mike Lee weighed in on the banks closure.

When the Federal Reserve released its plan Sunday, saying all depositors would be protected, Romney tweeted, Right decision. The statement was released jointly by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg.

No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer, the statement said.

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On a call with members of the states tech sector Monday morning, Lee said he knew many in the industry would be relieved by the actions of federal regulators.

Im glad that those with deposits at these institutions will have access to their cash. That is a good thing. Could have caused all kind of additional issues. But, he said, I do look forward to hearing what the plan is by the regulators moving forward to make sure things like this dont happen in the future.

On Friday, Lee tweeted about SVBs actions on diversity, equity and inclusion, and its ESG score  referring to the banks environmental social and governance score, a measure of whether the bank is taking those issues into consideration in its investments.

Well, ESG and DEI certainly didnt save SV(B), he tweeted.

Well, ESG and DEI certainly didnt save SVP. https://t.co/aqXjMUgNhB  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) March 10, 2023

Conservatives have been critical of ESG scores, saying investment decisions should be based on profitability and not a business actions on social issues.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Romney laid out why he supported protections for depositors at SVB, even though many werent protected by federal insurance programs.

Regional & local banks are critical to starting & supporting small businesses of all kinds, he tweeted. The federal government must act immediately to assure depositors at SVB and at regional and local banks everywhere that their deposits are completely safe. The immediate and long term consequences of failure to do so could be extreme.

Related

Other lawmakers and candidates weighed in on federal regulators actions.

Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark R. Warner, who is on the Senate banking committee, said in a statement that very real risks of instability emerged after an unprecedented and reckless run on Silicon Valley Bank, which ultimately put the countrys security and technology innovation ecosystem at risk.

But, he said, that the federal agencies have together acted as Congress intended when we wrote Dodd-Frank by acting swiftly and responsibly to protect depositors and make sure that our financial system remains stable, while at the same time making clear that bank shareholders and bondholders shouldnt expect any kind of bailout by the taxpayers.

In an interview on State of the Union on CNN Sunday, South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace also opposed a bailout: We cannot keep bailing out private companies, because there are no consequences to their actions, she said.

It appears lawmakers on both sides of the aisle share this view. Earlier on Saturday, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California made a statement similar to his GOP counterparts on Twitter, saying executives and investors should bear the risk, but this should not mean that workers go without paychecks on Monday or small businesses collapse.

I doubt that anyone that has anything to do with Silicon Valley Bank, both here at home and across the country, has really slept a full night without worry, Rep. Anna Eshoo, a California Democrat whose district falls in Silicon Valley, told Politico. She applauded the FDICs action.

Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican businessman who announced his bid for president in 2024, tweeted that venture capital firms and start-up executives are creating a narrative that therell be a bank run on Monday if SVB depositors arent bailed out by the government.

Theres something very ugly happening right now: VCs & startup execs who stand to lose their deposits at SVB are going *out of their way* to push a narrative that therell be a bank run on Monday if SVB depositors arent bailed out by the government. Theyre yelling fire in the https://t.co/6GYfGRczPk  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) March 12, 2023

But Ramaswamy said most banks arent like SVB, where nearly 89% of deposits were uninsured, and their assets werent diversified either, as he explained in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal.

Their real hedge was to spend $$ to become popular in the right influential circles of their own depositors, pledging $5 billion in 2022 to sustainable finance and carbon neutral operations to support a healthier planet, his tweet said.

As for 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley, a former U.S. ambassador and former governor of South Carolina, she said that private investors can purchase the bank and its assets and that it isnt the responsibility of the American taxpayer to step in.
Gov. Ron DeSantis. CHENEY ORR/AFP via Getty Images

Ron DeSantis was given a framed snowflake at an event in Iowa, where he was promoting his new book.

DeSantis posed for a photo, grinning while holding the framed snowflake.

The word "fascist" was hidden in every branch of the snowflake.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida was photographed posing with a cutout of a white snowflake in Iowa. The catch? Every branch of the snowflake had the word "fascist" hidden in the design.

Steven Goffman, who describes himself as an audio freelancer on his Twitter profile, tweeted out the photos of DeSantis on Friday night.

"At a Republican political rally in Davenport, Iowa today someone gave @GovRonDeSantis and @IAGovernor Kim Reynolds a handmade 'snowflake' with the word 'Fascist' secretly embedded in it," Goffman tweeted.

A Twitter user with the ID IowaCaptive tweeted on Friday that one of their friends had made the snowflake for DeSantis.

"My friend makes snowflakes to give to politicians who come to Iowa - there are special messages for odious Republicans - please look at the snowflake carefully," IowaCaptive tweeted.

Iowa Captive did not name the person who made the snowflake in their tweet. The Twitter user did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

DeSantis was at an event at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport on Friday to promote his new book when he was given the snowflake, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

At the event, DeSantis said that Florida is "where woke goes to die" and vowed to "never surrender to the woke mob," per the Tampa Bay Times.

At press time, Goffman's tweet had been viewed more than 2.8 million times. Iowa Captive's tweet had been viewed more than 1.4 million times.

The photo of DeSantis prompted comments from both sides of the political spectrum.

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"If the snowflake fits," tweeted Bob Duff, a Democratic state senator from Connecticut.

"Lmao. DeSantis got trolled in Iowa. Read the snowflake," tweeted Laura Loomer, a pro-Trump, right-wing commentator.

As a slang term, "snowflake" is often used to insult left-leaning people. The supporters of right-wing figures like Trump have been known to use it as a derogatory term for their political enemies.

This isn't the first time DeSantis has been branded a fascist. In a February speech, Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, a Florida Democrat, accused DeSantis of launching "a full-scale fascist attack" on the New College of Florida. Frost also accused DeSantis of stacking the school's "board of trustees with ultra-conservative lapdogs."

DeSantis is making six new appointments to the New College of Florida's school board, a public liberal-arts college in the state. These new appointees are conservative DeSantis allies, The New York Times reported in February.

Representatives for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
M.M. Keeravaani, right, and Chandrabose accept the Oscar for original song at the 95th Academy Awards. in the Dolby Theatre. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Do you know ... naatu? The academy proved it does Sunday night when the heel-tapping "Naatu Naatu," from Indian blockbuster RRR, won the Oscar for original song, making history in the process.

With music by composer M.M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose, the infectious Telugu-language dance number from director S.S. Rajamoulis crossover action hit is the first song from an Indian film to be nominated, and win, in its category.

"Thank you, Academy. I grew up listening to the Carpenters, and now here I am with the Oscars," Keeravani said in his acceptance speech, before breaking into song: "There was only one wish on my mind ... 'RRR' has to win, pride of every Indian, and must put me on the top of the world."

An elated Ram Charan, who starred in the film, couldnt stop grinning in the moments following Keeravani and Chandraboses Oscar win for Naatu Naatu. Paired with watching the songs high-energy performance onstage tonight, its all felt like an out-of-body experience, Charan said as the RRR crew spilled into the lobby, already planning their post-Oscars partying.

Previously, in 2009, Indian composer A.R. Rahmans Jai Ho won the original song Oscar for Danny Boyles U.K. production Slumdog Millionaire. But the vast majority of winners spanning the category's nearly 90 years in existence have been English-language songs from Hollywood films.

Grassroots favorite "Naatu Naatu" had factors in its favor: namely, "RRR" stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr., a.k.a. Jr NTR, and Charan, whose charismatic lead turns in the 1920s-set anticolonialist epic are highlighted in the breathless number that had audiences dancing in the aisles throughout the film's international theatrical runs and wildly popular U.S. rerelease.

N.T. Rama Rao Jr., left, and Ram Charan, photographed in Los Angeles, star in S.S. Rajamouli's Tollywood hit "RRR." (Ethan Benavidez / For The Times)

The hit song became a popular breakout number as RRR mania swept the globe last year, translated as Naacho Naacho in Hindi, Naattu Koothu in Tamil, Halli Naatu in Kannada and Karinthol in Malayalam.

Recorded by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, "Naatu Naatu" beat out songs from four English-language films to score the trophy: Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, sung by pop icon Rihanna; This Is a Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once, performed by Mitski; Applause from Tell It Like a Woman, penned by Diane Warren and sung by Sofia Carson; and Lady Gagas soaring Top Gun: Maverick ballad, Hold My Hand.

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Sipligunj and Bhairava made their Oscars debut Sunday performing the song at the 95th Academy Awards, accompanied by a cadre of dancers, with director Rajamouli, stars Jr NTR and Charan, Keeravani and Chandrabose in the audience.

Filmed over two weeks at Ukraine's presidential palace months before the Russian invasion, "Naatu Naatu" unfolds as freedom-fighting besties Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) unite in a fast-paced dance-off against bullying British rivals.

The grueling dance scene, choreographed by Prem Rakshith, runs over four continuous minutes and has over half a billion views on YouTube in various languages.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's industry ministry said on Monday it was expanding its list of brands that can be imported without the trademark owner's permission to include goods from companies such as IKEA and American toy manufacturers Hasbro and Mattel.

Moscow has been pushing a so-called "parallel imports" scheme to help Russian consumers maintain access to a host of foreign products in the face of tough punitive sanctions imposed by the West over the conflict in Ukraine.

The mechanism allows Russian companies to buy goods from any company outside Russia, including from the country of the goods' origin, provided they were purchased legally.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade's expanded list includes luxury brands, such as Lancome, Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent, domestic goods brands Wahl and Zanussi, and Japan's Nintendo. Brands of motor oils and agricultural equipment makers were also added.

The updated list was first reported by the Izvestia daily, which said that IKEA would be added towards the summer.

"Izvestia has the correct list and it is now being registered with the Ministry of Justice," the ministry said in a statement.

Many goods of top brands that pulled out of Russia remain available, with parallel importing mechanisms having been consolidated and expanded in the past year, demonstrating the difficulty companies have in controlling supply chains when exiting a market.

The ministry said it was working on fine-tuning the mechanism, transitioning from including brand names to rights holders, a move it said would simplify the administrative procedure.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Alexander Marrow and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
A draft law submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation [the Russian parliament  ed.] proposes to gradually raise the conscription age in Russia: from 18 to 21 years old at the lower end, and from 27 to 30 years old at the upper end. It envisages a transitional period of mixed conscription for military service.

Source: RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned news outlet; BBC News Russian

Details: Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu first proposed changing the conscription age in Russia in December 2022, during a Defence Ministry meeting also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The draft law was submitted to the State Duma by Andrey Kartapolov, the head of the Defence Committee, and his two deputies, Andrey Krasov and Yury Shvitkin.

The draft law proposes to gradually raise the conscription age to 21 at the lower end and to 30 at the higher end, shifting the conscription age by three years.

The law's sponsors explained that the lower limit is being raised to ensure that conscripts "obtain secondary general, secondary vocational and higher education". Since this will result in the decrease in the number of conscripts, the upper age limit is being raised accordingly to "compensate" for that.

The draft law envisages a transitional period lasting until 2026. In 2024, Russian citizens aged 1930 will be called; in 2025 it will concern those aged 2030, and in 2026, the Defence Ministry will draft those aged 2130.

When unveiling the bill, Kartapolov said that it would take one to three years to raise Russia's conscription age, but the process would start as early as spring 2023.

The bill creates legal conditions for adults to join the army before the age of conscription if they wish to do so.

It also stipulates that the deferrals already granted will be valid until their expiration or until no longer having grounds.

For reference: According to Russian law, conscripts cannot be sent to combat zones, but Russia has used conscripts in the war from the first days of its invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin euphemistically calls a "special military operation".

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Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's Security and Defence Council, has said that Russia would need decades to restore its military potential.

Source: Danilov on Twitter

Quote: "russia will need decades to restore its military potential.Ukraine's resistance gives the West time for global rethinking and restructuring of the entire system of deterrence and countering autocratic regimes."

Background:

Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi has reported that the situation around Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast is challenging, as the occupiers keep trying to break through the defences and advance into the city centre, but are suffering heavy losses.

Danilov said that the outskirts of Bakhmut are dotted with the corpses of the Russian occupiers, and no one is taking them away from the battlefield.

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Russia is ramping up the number of its missile carriers in the Black Sea. As of 11:30 on 13 March, there are two naval and one submarine missile carriers armed with a total of up to 20 missiles.

Source: Pivden (South) Operational Command on Facebook

Details: Russia previously deployed two naval missile carriers armed with 16 Kalibr cruise missiles in the Black Sea.

The operational command also reported that Russian tactical aircraft have been particularly active on the eastern front and over the waters of the Azov Sea.

Russian reconnaissance drones might also be deployed in the area.

Pivden (South) Operational Command warned that there is a high threat of a Russian missile strike.

Background:

Russia fired 81 missiles on Ukraine on the night of 89 March, with Ukrainian Air Defence Forces shooting down 34 out of the 48 cruise missiles. Ukraines air defence systems also shot down 8 Kh-31P and Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missiles.

During this attack, Russia fired naval-based Kh-101/Kh-555, Kh-22 and Kalibr cruise missiles, and Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles launched from Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bomber jets, Su-35 fighter jets and ships deployed in the Black Sea on the southern front.

Ukraine's air defence systems shot down 17 cruise missiles and 1 attack drone in the country's south.

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A house after shelling in Donetsk Oblast

Children sent to Russia should urgently be brought home, and Ukraine should urgently map the whereabouts of all children from institutions and ensure their well-being, the report said.

Human Rights Watchs 55-page report We must provide for the family, not rebuild orphanages documents risks for children from institutions in areas directly affected by the war, as well as for those evacuated to other areas of Ukraine or to European countries.

According to government data, before Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine housed more than 105,000 children in residential institutions, the highest figure in Europe after Russia.

Read also: Russian invaders deport almost 200,000 children from Ukraine, Russian MoD says

According to UNICEF, almost half of them were children with disabilities.

Russia bears responsibility for the crisis facing these children, but the war adds to the urgency for Ukraine, with support from foreign governments and humanitarian agencies, to stop institutionalizing children and expand family  and community-based care, the report said.

According to Bill Van Esveld, deputy director of childrens rights at Human Rights Watch, Ukrainian children who were placed in Soviet-era institutions now face enormous risks because of the war.

There needs to be a concerted international effort to identify and return children who were deported to Russia, and Ukraine and its allies should ensure that all children who were or remain institutionalized are identified and provided with support to live with their families and in communities, he said.

Read also: How the Russians 're-educate' young Ukrainians

Esveld said children should be supported to live with their families and communities.

Human Rights Watch visited 12 childrens institutions in Lviv Oblast and three more in Lodz (Poland), where Ukrainian children and staff were evacuated from areas directly affected by hostilities. Ukrainian and Polish officials and representatives of civil society were also interviewed.

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The organization documented Russias forcible transfer of children from Ukrainian residential institutions to the Russian Federation or to temporarily occupied territories.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Peter Stano

Commenting on Chinas position paper regarding Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, Stano said that Russia remains very cold and indifferent to any significant peace proposals.

At the same time, according to the official, Russia continues to escalate its atrocities against the Ukrainian civilian population and civil infrastructure.

Read also: EU prepared to sanction China if it supplies Russia with weapons, Reuters reports

Read also: Lukashenkos plans in China, and why Russia peddles biochemical threats from Ukraine

Stano also emphasized that when it comes to Ukraine and Russia, China has taken one side and refuses to recognize who is the aggressor and who is the victim.

He added that despite peaceful initiatives, including from China, Russias response is not constructive and it is not ready to stop its bloodshed in Ukraine.

China released a 12-point position paper on Feb. 24, in which it calls for a political settlement to the conflict and called for a resumption of peace talks, an end to unilateral sanctions, and stressed its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons.

At the same time, nowhere in the paper does China condemn Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, or Russian war crimes.

U.S. President Joe Biden rejected Chinas position paper, saying that its only beneficial to Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers it positive that Beijing started talking about Ukraine, but he didnt agree with some points of the document.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The invaders are trying to replenish their losses with imprisoned women

Last week, a train with wagons for the transportation of prisoners was spotted moving towards Donetsk Oblast.

One of the cars contained convicted women, the General Staff said.

According to Ukraines General Staff, as of the morning of March 13, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost about 159,800 of its troops.

Read also: Russia brings prisoners recruited by Wagner mercenaries to Zaporizhzhya Oblast, says General Staff

In recent months, Russias Wagner mercenary company recruited male convicts from Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine, with the promise of freedom after serving for six months.

Western intelligence estimates that up to have of the convicts have since been killed or wounded. In recent weeks, Wagner was prevented from recruiting from prisons, with the Russian Ministry of Defense taking over that role.

Wagner has instead started to recruit free civilians. The companys owner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been involved in a long-running feud with Russian Defense Minister Serget Shoigu and Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Read also: Putin personally pardons Russian prisoners recruited for war against Ukraine, Russian journalist says

Prigozhin has claimed that the Russian military has been sabotaging his mercenaries attempts to capture the town of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast by denying the military group adequate supplies of artillery ammunition.

Wagner has been trying to capture Bakhmut for months, with no success so far, and taking massive casualties.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Russian Federation is destroying settlements in the Donetsk Oblast

The Russian military also used artillery and launched an air strike on the premises of the Avdiyivka Coke Plant.

In the afternoon, the Russians launched two missile strikes at a school in Avdiyivka, killing a local resident, according to the head of the Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, who posted a photo of the destroyed school on Telegram.

Read also: Russian offensives on Avdiyivka, Bakhmut axes, fighting ongoing, reports Ukraines General Staff

The school in Avdiivka, destroyed as a result of a missile attack by the Russian Federation Andriy Yermak / Telegram

In addition, according to the regional governor, on the Donetsk section of the front, the invading forces shelled Kurakhove and launched air strikes on Lastochkyne and Krasnohorivka of the Ocheretyne territorial community.

In Bakhmut, in Donetsk Oblast, four people were wounded and three multi-storey buildings and an administrative building were damaged on March 12.

One person was wounded in Kostiantynivka as a result of attacks by Russian troops, while 12 private and four multi-storey buildings were damaged.

Read also: Ukrainian army repels two Russian attack in a row near Avdiivka

The ruins of a school in Avdiivka after a Russian missile strike Andriy Yermak / Telegram

On the Lysychansk section of the front, a house in Zarichne in the Lyman community was destroyed, and houses in Siversk and other localities in the area were damaged.

The situation in Donetsk Oblast remains extremely difficult. The Ukrainian military is holding back the offensive of the Russian invasion forces near Bakhmut, stopping the enemy's attempts to advance further.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces also remain in control of the strategic road from Bakhmut to Kostiantynivka.

Read also: Conscripts from regiment from Russias Irkutsk Oblast almost all killed near Avdiyivka

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia's Foreign Ministry says it is ready to extend the grain deal

The Russian side, noting the package nature of the Istanbul agreements proposed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, doesnt object to another extension of the Black Sea Initiative after the second term expires on March 18  but only for 60 days, Vershinin said.

Read also: Turkey working to renew Black Sea grain deal, Foreign Ministry says

Our further position will be determined depending on real progress in the normalization of Russian agricultural exports, including bank payments, transport logistics, insurance, unfreezing of financial activities, and the supply of ammonia through the Togliatti-Odessa pipeline.

According to him, the most recent round of negotiations confirmed that "while the commercial export of Ukrainian products is carried out at a steady pace, bringing Kyiv a considerable profit  there are barriers still remaining in the way of Russian agricultural exporters."

The consultations of the Russian delegation with UN representatives, led by Secretary General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Greenspan and UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths, took place in Geneva on March 13.

Read also: Ukraine begins negotiating Black Sea grain deal extension

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, mediated by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, unblocked three Ukrainian Black Sea ports for food exports, relieving the pressure on global food supply.

On Nov. 17, 2022, the grain agreement was extended for another four months  until March 18.

Read also: Turkey believes Black Sea grain deal to be extended

The grain deal was recently discussed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, when Guterres visited Kyiv on March 8.

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By Mike Collett-White

NEAR KREMINNA, Ukraine (Reuters) - The United States condemned the downing of a U.S. spy drone by a Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea on Tuesday, in an incident that underscored how the Ukraine war has increased the risk of direct confrontation between Moscow and Washington.

Two Russian Su-27 jets carried out what the U.S. military described as a reckless intercept of the MQ-9 "Reaper" drone in international airspace before one of them collided with it at 7:03 a.m. (0603 GMT), causing the drone to crash into the sea.

Several times before the collision, the Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on the MQ-9, possibly trying to blind or damage it, and flew in front of the unmanned drone in unsafe manoeuvres, the U.S. military said.

Russia's defence ministry denied that its aircraft had come into contact with the drone, which it said had crashed after "sharp manoeuvring". It said the drone had been detected near the Crimea peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, briefed NATO allies about the incident.

The Pentagon said the incident likely caused damage to the Russian aircraft, though Russia's defence ministry said its jet fighters had "returned safely to their home airfield".

It was the first such episode since Russia's invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago. The Black Sea is bordered by Russia and Ukraine, among other countries.

"We have been flying over that airspace consistently now for a year ... and we're going to continue to do that," said White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

The U.S. State Department later said it had summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the downing of the drone.

The incident occurred as Russian troops pushed forward in waves along the frontline in eastern Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his view that Russia's very existence as a state was at stake in the war.

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In the eastern Donbas region, Russia and Ukraine are locked in the bloodiest infantry battle in Europe since World War Two after Moscow launched a winter offensive.

RUSSIA'S SURVIVAL

Putin has framed Moscow's year-long "special military operation" as a defensive pushback against what he sees as a hostile West bent on expanding into territories historically ruled by Russia.

"So for us this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said during a visit to an aviation factory in Buryatia, some 4,400 km (2,750 miles) east of Moscow.

Putin accuses the West of using Ukraine as a tool to inflict "strategic defeat" on Russia. Kyiv and its Western allies say Moscow is waging an unprovoked war of conquest that has destroyed Ukrainian cities, killed thousands of people and forced millions more to flee their homes.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Kremlin said Kyiv must accept "new realities" - its shorthand for Russia's claim to have annexed four regions, or nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory.

"We have to achieve our goals. Right now this is only possible by military means due to the current position of the Kyiv regime," Russian state news agencies quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine's "future is being decided" in battles in the east, including Bakhmut, where Ukrainian commanders say they are killing enough Russian attackers to justify staying and fighting for a wrecked city that has nearly been surrounded.

"It is very tough in the east - very painful," Zelenskiy said. "We have to destroy the enemy's military power. And we shall destroy it."

Zelenskiy and his military chiefs agreed on Tuesday to keep defending Bakhmut despite concerns among some military analysts that the losses Ukraine is suffering could undermine its ability to mount a planned counter-offensive when the weather improves.

"It is key to the stability of the defence of the entire front," said General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, praising his soldiers' fortitude.

'PUSHING HARD'

Further north on the frontline near Kreminna, Oleksandr, 50, commander of a unit in Ukraine's 110th battalion, said Russian assaults were still relentless despite having claimed little ground there.

"They are pushing hard. They are lobbing mortar bombs at us," Oleksandr told Reuters. He said Russian three-man fire teams advanced, with another wave following to replace them when they were killed.

"At night they always attack on foot and we sit, looking through our thermal goggles and shooting them."

Both sides reported more civilian casualties near the front.

Zelenskiy said six high-rise buildings were hit in the centre of Kramatorsk by a Russian missile, killing at least one person and wounding three. On the Russian-occupied side, in Volnovakha further south, the body of a woman lay on a street next to a ruined shop. A Russian military investigator told Reuters the area was hit by Ukrainian shells.

Two civilians were also killed and one injured in Russian artillery shelling of two villages in the Kharkiv region in northeast Ukraine, regional prosecutors said.

Off the battlefield, talks continued on Tuesday to extend a deal to allow grain shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports that is due to expire this week after Kyiv rejected a Russian push for a reduced 60-day renewal.

The original deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to prevent global famine by securing wartime exports from Ukraine and Russia, both among the world's top food suppliers.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Peter Graff and Gareth Jones; Editing by Nick Macfie, Angus MacSwan and Cynthia Osterman)
Ukrainian self propelled howitzer 2s1 of 80 Air Assault brigade fires towards Russian forces at the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine, Friday, March 10, 2023. | Evgeniy Maloletka, Associated Press

Russia and Ukraine continue to battle for control of the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

Here are the latest updates in the embattled Ukrainian city.

Whats happening in Bakhmut, Ukraine?

Soldiers have been fighting in the area since August, and Russia has been gradually advancing, taking over much of the city. But Ukraine says its continuing to fight back and that Russian losses in Bakhmut are worse than their own, The New York Times reported.

There has been debate on how strategic it would be for Russia or Ukraine to have control of the city, but Russia is looking for a win after a series of losses, analysts say, per the Times.

The fight to gain ground has been narrow  the founder of the Wagner Group, the paramilitary group controlled by the Kremlin, said the fight in Bakhmut was difficult, very difficult, with the enemy fighting for each meter, according to The Associated Press.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 1,100 Russian soldiers had been killed in the last few days, while Russia said more than 220 Ukrainian fighters had been killed during the conflicts, BBC reported.

No outside reports confirm either numbers.

According to The Washington Post, theres only one viable road into the city now that almost all roads out of Bakhmut have been cut off by Russian troops and fierce fighting. Ukraine uses the road to bring in fresh troops, ammunition and water  and to evacuate the wounded and the dead.

Navalny documentary about Russia wins an Oscar

Sunday night, Navalny won an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The film is about Alexei Navalny, who voiced opposition against President Vladimir Putin and opposition to Russias government tactics. He was poisoned by a banned chemical weapon in 2020 and almost died from the attack. He said the assassination attempt was an order from Putin, per the Post.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, speaks in Paraskoviivka, Ukraine, in this still image from an undated video released on March 3, 2023. Concord Press Service/via REUTERS

Russia is using the battle for Bakhmut to kill off Wagner soldiers, according to a DC-based think tank.

The pro-Kremlin mercenary army has aided Russia's military, but its leader has become more critical.

The military is likely trying to "expend" Wagner troops and weaken the group's leader, the ISW said.

Russia is using the fight for the city of Bakhmut as a way to heavily weaken a mercenary force that once boosted its army but has become increasingly critical of its military leadership, according to the Washington DC-based Institute for the Study of War, or ISW.

The battle for the eastern Ukrainian city has become one of the bloodiest since Russia's invasion began. And the Wagner Group, which has tens of thousands of mercenaries and former prisoners deployed in Ukraine, is heavily involved in the fighting.

In an update on Sunday, the ISW said that Russia's defense ministry is likely using the battle to significantly reduce the Wagner Group, as a feud between them escalates.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group's leader, who is also known as Putin's chef, has become highly critical of Russia's military leadership.

And the ISW said that Russia's leadership "is likely seizing the opportunity to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin."

The think tank added that "Russian military leadership may be trying to expend Wagner forces  and Prigozhin's influence  in Bakhmut."

Wagner has played a growing role since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, at the same time as Russia's traditional military has struggled. Over time, the military became more reliant on the group, with US officials saying that traditional forces had started to copy its brutal tactics.

But the two forces have been in a deepening public feud.

The ISW said that Putin's use of the Wagner group had likely angered Russia's traditional military leadership, "who were then tasked with sharing limited equipment and ammunition with Wagner mercenaries."

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Prigozhin and Russia's defense ministry have also clashed over who could take credit for Russian victories.

The ISW said that Prigozhin was waging "a relentless defamation campaign" against Russia's military.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also started to distance himself from Prigozhin, with the Wagner leader saying that he had been "cut off" by Putin and that Russia's military was denying ammunition to his group, calling it an "an attempt to destroy" Wagner.

The ISW wrote that Prigozhin had previously been able to recruit from Russian prisons, but had "lost that permission and access to that manpower pool at the beginning of 2023."

The death toll in Bakhmut is high. Western officials estimate between 20,000 and 30,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured there, though Russia is still making progress in its attempt to capture the city.

The ISW said that given the high number of Wagner troops there, Russia's leadership might not mind the high death toll.

"Russian military leadership may be allowing the Wagner Group to take high casualties in Bakhmut to simultaneously erode Prigozhin's leverage while capturing the city at the expense of Wagner troops."

At the same time, Ukraine also sees the brutal fighting in Bakhmut as an opportunity to deplete Wagner's forces once and for all, according to The New York Times.

Ukrainians fighting in the city say it has been a "living hell" for months, while commanders on both sides have called the battle a "meat grinder."

The UK Ministry of Defence said on Monday that half of the prisoners sent to Ukraine by the Wagner Group since the invasion began have likely been killed or wounded.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga

TIRANA (Reuters) - A Russian self-proclaimed blogger arrested last August in Albania on spying charges has applied for asylum in an attempt to escape extradition because she fears persecution in Moscow, her lawyer said on Monday.

Svetlana Timofeeva, 34, was arrested together with another Russian and a Ukrainian on charges of entering the former communist military factory of Gramsh, some 80 km (50 miles) from the Albanian capital Tirana.

Timofeeva has said the factory was abandoned and there was no sign suggesting any military facility and people and animals were moving in and out freely. She said the only reason she was visiting the area was her desire to film abandoned buildings from the Cold War era.

"She is seeking asylum because if she is extradited she will be persecuted by the Russian authorities," her lawyer Isuf Shehu said. "The Russian state prosecutor is on a blacklist from Western countries including our state also."

The request for asylum said Timofeeva has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.

On Friday a court is expected to rule on whether to extradite Timofeeva or not.

In February the Albanian Ministry of Justice approved a request from Moscow to extradite Timofeeva where she faces similar charges.

Albania, as have most European countries, joined the European Union in putting sanctions on Russia for the invasion.

"The prosecution in Albania has no facts to incriminate and punish her on espionage charges ... she was only taking photos of old and destroyed buildings," Shehu said.

When Albania was under communist rule, the Gramsh plant produced Russian-designed AK 47 rifles.

The ministry's website says the plant now provides manufacturing services for the defence industry. In the past, it was also used to dismantle small arms and ammunition.

Known as Lana Sator, Timofeeva has more than 250,000 followers on her Instagram page where she has posted for years photos of abandoned buildings including forgotten, old and rusted military installments.

"Two countries, Albania and Russia, accuse Lana of espionage because she takes artistic photos of abandoned places. As ridiculous as it sounds this is a Kafkian reality for Lana," her Instagram account says. The account is maintained by Timofeeva's friends, it says.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga; editing by Grant McCool)
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From Feb. 24 to the end of 2022, EU countries expelled almost 500 Russian diplomats and administrative staff. Many countries, including Poland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and the Netherlands, have reduced Russian diplomatic missions after the expulsion of a number of diplomats.

Read also: Serbia clamps down on sanction-dodging schemes

At the same time, Russia's diplomatic presence has increased in Serbia, which declares its desire to join the EU: according to diplomatic lists from the Serbian Foreign Ministry's website, 54 Russian diplomats worked there in February 2022, and 62 in March 2023.

According to journalists, at least three of these diplomats are now accredited representatives of the aggressor state in Serbia, and two of them are connected to Russian special services.

Read also: Lavrov calls off Serbia trip after three Balkan states ban his aircraft from their skies

In April 2022, Croatia announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats and six administrative and technical staff of the embassy. In October 2022, the name of one of those expelled, former 2nd Secretary of the Embassy Alexei Ivanenko, appeared on the diplomatic list of the Serbian Foreign Ministry, where he became the first secretary of the embassy.

In 2010-2011, Ivanenko was an engineer at the 16th FSB center, which the United States believes is behind the hacker attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure.

Read also: Serbia wont recognize results of fake referendums in Ukraine

Read also: Kosovo PM blames Putin for inflaming Serbia tensions due to failures in Ukraine, report says

According to the investigators, one of those expelled from Poland in March 2022 is Mikhail Generalov, an adviser to the Russian diplomatic mission. All 45 Russian diplomats expelled from Poland were suspected of espionage. Generalov was also registered in the departmental building of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service in Moscow.

The Serbian Foreign Ministry's website states that Generalov is currently working in the same position at the Russian Embassy in Serbia.

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Pyotr Dolgoshein, who until the summer of 2022 served as second secretary of the Russian Embassy in Helsinki, is now working as an adviser to the Russian Embassy in the Serbian capital of Belgrade.

The spokesman for EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell told reporters that it is entirely up to Moscow to decide whether to send a diplomat expelled from one EU country to another EU state.

Each European country also decides for itself whether to allow such a diplomat to enter the country. A senior European official told Radio Svoboda on condition of anonymity that it is not formally prohibited to transfer a diplomat expelled from one EU country to another, but that such a ban is considered an unspoken practice.

The Russian and Serbian Foreign Ministries, the Serbian government, and the office of President Aleksandar Vucic did not respond to the investigators' request for comment.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Alexey Navalnys wife delivered a message for the imprisoned Russian opposition leader from the Oscars stage after a documentary about him won an Academy Award, saying shes dreaming of the day that Russia will be free.

My husband is in prison just for telling the truth, Yulia Navalnaya said Sunday at the 95th annual Academy Awards, moments after Navalny picked up an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature Film category.

My husband is in prison just for defending democracy, Navalnaya continued.

Alexey, Im dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love, she said to applause.

Directed by Daniel Roher, the film detailed the 2020 assassination attempt on Navalny and the alleged connection to the Kremlin. Navalny has been imprisoned by the Russian government since 2021.

Theres one person who couldnt be with us here tonight, Roher said as he accepted the Oscar at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls  I want to make sure we get his words exactly right  Vladimir Putins unjust war of aggression in Ukraine, Roher said.

I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny, to all political prisoners around the world. Alexey, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever rears its head, Roher said.

The Navalny win marked the first time CNN Films took home an Academy Award.

Navalny, first and foremost, is about the passion, drive, and inspiring heroism of Alexey Navalny, who even as we celebrate this award continues to languish in a penal colony, CNN Worldwide executive vice president of talent and content development Amy Entelis said in a statement following the win.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian serviceman who was hiding in abandoned buildings after the occupation of these territories was detained in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Ukrainian National Police in Kharkiv Oblast

Quote: "A special purpose police battalion unit from the combined National Police detachment in Luhansk Oblast detained a 42-year-old man, while patrolling Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi settlement on 13 March.

During the checking, it turned out that he is a serviceman of the 27th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Federation. The detainee said that he had hidden in abandoned buildings in the district after the liberation of the Kupiansk district by Ukraines Armed Forces."

Background:

The Ukrainian army conducted a successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast, liberating the cities of Izium, Balakliia, and Kupiansk.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Russians are sending convicts, including women, to the occupied territories due to heavy combat losses.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "Due to heavy personnel losses in the war, the enemy is using alternative sources of replenishment of manpower.

For example, last week, a train with second-class carriages for transporting prisoners was observed moving towards Donetsk Oblast.

One of the carriages contains convicted women."

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(Reuters) - At least one person was wounded in the southern Russian region of Belgorod on Monday after Russian forces shot down four missiles over the region and its administrative centre Belgorod, the governor of the region bordering Ukraine said.

"At this time one person is known to have been injured," Vyacheslav Gladkov, said on the Telegram messaging app. "There is also damage from rocket debris in two residential buildings."

He did not say who he thought had fired the missiles but in the past he has accused Ukrainian forces on the other side of the nearby border of similar attacks.

Belgorod borders Ukraine's Kharkiv region and has repeatedly come under fire since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago.

Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia and on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Samsungs flagship smartphone boasts a Space Zoom feature that users have accused of faking photos of the Moon (Getty Images/ iStock)

Users of Samsungs flagship smartphone have accused the company of faking shots of the Moon with its AI-powered Space Zoom feature.

In a widely-shared post on social media, Reddit user u/ibreakphotos tested the capabilities of the Galaxy S20 Ultra in an effort to prove that the 100x zoom level uses trickery in order to produce highly-detailed images of the Moon.

The test involved taking a photo of an intentionally low-resolution image of the Moon, which was displayed on a computer screen. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra then added details to the blurry image of the Moon that were not in the original image.

The moon pictures from Samsung are fake. Samsungs marketing is deceptive, the user wrote in the lengthy Reddit post.

It is adding detail where there is none (in this experiment, it was intentionally removed).... The reality is, its AI doing most of the work, not the optics, the optics arent capable of resolving the detail that you see. Since the Moon is tidally locked to the Earth, its very easy to train your model on other moon images and just slap that texture when a moon-like thing is detected.

Reddit user u/ibreakphotos claimed Samsungs phones are leveraging an AI model to put craters and other details on places which were just a blurry mess (Reddit/ ibreakphotos)

The user added: Theres a difference between additional processing a la super-resolution, when multiple frames are combined to recover detail which would otherwise be lost, and this, where you have a specific AI model trained on a set of moon images, in order to recognize the Moon and slap on the Moon texture on it (when there is no detail to recover in the first place, as in this experiment).

This is not the same kind of processing that is done when youre zooming into something else, when those multiple exposures and different data from each frame account to something. This is specific to the Moon.

A previous investigation into Samsungs Space Zoom feature on its Galaxy Ultra range of smartphones in 2021 drew similar conclusions about how the high definition results were achieved.

Input Mag conducted several tests to determine whether Samsung was using an image-recognition trick to fake detailed moon photos, with the tech giant claiming at the time that the Scene Optimizer process is not overlaying any textures or adding fake images.

Samsung has not replied to a request for comment from The Independent regarding the latest claims.
Sandra Oh was joy personified when Everything Everywhere All at Once won the Oscar for Best Picture.

The Killing Eve star looked ecstatic as the movie won its seventh statuette of the night, taking home the most coveted award of the ceremony. As the cast took to the stage, producer Jonathan Wang told the audience: This feels incredible. The camera panned to Oh, who was beaming, mouth open, from her seat.

In 2020, Oh went viral for a similarly wholesome reaction during another historic night for Asian representation at the Academy Awards. Oh, who was born in Canada to South Korean immigrants, leapt to her feet when filmmaker Bong Joon Ho and his co-screenwriter Jin Won Han won the Best Original Screenplay award for Parasite. The Korean film went on to win Best Picture and Best International Feature Film.

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Sandra Oh reacting to the #Oscars Best Picture win:



Parasite Everything Everywhere

All at Once pic.twitter.com/461NdPoby6  berry (@sckberry) March 13, 2023

Ohs reaction Sunday night was instantly iconic:

oh that shot of sandra oh celebrating pic.twitter.com/hqO2FhsvTx  gwen (@lucillefilms) March 13, 2023

a little Sandra Oh as a treat?? pic.twitter.com/egmcfroKD3  michael brown (@boyinquestion) March 13, 2023

Youre telling me Sandra Oh was sitting there the whole time and they only got her reaction once?



Really needed more than that ABC#Oscarspic.twitter.com/NWoJ7DaADP  Ben Goggin (@BenjaminGoggin) March 13, 2023

The fact they cut to Sandra Ohs reaction #EEAAO  Its an honor just to be Asian.  Joy Hui Lin     (@joyhuilin) March 13, 2023

Related...
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) introduced a bill on Monday that would require the sitting president to undergo an annual cognitive evaluation, after GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley called for mental competency tests for politicians older than 75.

The measure is the second piece of legislation the embattled congressman has spearheaded since coming to Congress in January.

Regardless of political affiliation, this should be a common sense and bipartisan agreement that when a man or a woman becomes President, they submit to an annual cognitive evaluation, Santos wrote in a statement.

If the commander in chief were to ignore the requirement, Santos is proposing that the White House does not receive federal funds for official travel.

Physical examination results are publicly released throughout their time in office, and a thorough cognitive assessment should also be included, and failure to comply will result in no federal funds being obligated or expended for official travel, the congressman said.

Santoss bill would require that the assessment include general intellect; reading and comprehension; attention and concentration; processing speed; learning and memory; reasoning; executive functions; visuospatial skills; motor speed and dexterity; mood and personality; and memory retention.

It is the second bill he has led, following a measure that would increase the deduction limit for state and local taxes. Since arriving in the House, Santoss tenure has been mired by controversy amid questions surrounding his background and finances.

The congressman admitted to embellishing parts of his resume, but has contended that he will not step down from his seat. A number of entities, including the House Ethics Committee, are currently looking into Santos.

The New York Republicans legislative proposal comes a month and a half after Haley  the former South Carolina governor and U.S ambassador to the United Nations  turned heads with her call for all politicians older than 75 to undergo mental competency tests.

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She announced the idea during her 2024 campaign kickoff speech as part of a broader push for generational change. The recommendation was seen as a dig at President Biden, 80, and former President Trump, 76.

Santos, however, is not pinning an age requirement on his legislation, simply requiring that all presidents undergo the examination.

Haley received mixed reviews on her call for mental competency tests. Trump backed the idea, while former Vice President Mike Pence, who is widely expected to run for president in 2024, said I think the American people can sort that out.

The White House, for its part, brushed off Haleys call to action.

Biden underwent a physical exam in February, after which his physician, Kevin OConnor, said he was fit for duty.

President Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief, OConnor added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Saudi Arabia is establishing a new national airline called Riyadh Air in another attempt to boost tourism. Fayez Nureldine/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia announced a new airline that will connect its capital city to over 100 destinations worldwide.

Riyadh Air will help diversify the kingdom's economy and make it less dependent on oil revenue.

The country is trying to change its image after generations of historically strict laws.

Saudi Arabia is not historically known for its beach resorts and rolling landscapes, but the country is hoping to win over global tourists with reformed social laws and a new way to access the kingdom.

On Sunday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced Riyadh Air  a new national airline that will connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations across the globe by 2030. Former Etihad Airways CEO Tony Douglas was appointed CEO of the company, which is wholly owned by the country's Public Investment Fund.

Riyadh Air will be in addition to Saudia  the nation's current flag airline based in Jeddah  and will have its hub at Riyadh's King Salman International Airport. The space is currently being reimagined as a "mega-airport" with upgraded facilities and infrastructure.

"The new national carrier will leverage Saudi Arabia's strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism," the country said in a press release.

According to its website, Riyadh Air, which is expected to generate $20 billion in "non-oil GDP growth" and create over 200,000 jobs, is hiring pilots for a Boeing fleet. The Wall Street Journal reported the aircraft deal could be worth $35 billion.

The news comes as the Middle East's biggest country hopes to attract some 100 million tourists by 2030 by reinventing itself with modern laws and investing over $800 billion into new cities and infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia's poor global image as a tourism destination was due in part to its historically harsh social rules which were enforced by the mutawa, religious police who could arrest citizens for simply playing music or wearing heavy makeup, Politico reports.

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However, the country began to change in 2017 when Mohamed bin Salman took power and created "Saudia Vision 2030," a campaign to diversify the nation's economy, become less dependent on oil revenue, and develop public services like education, health, and tourism.

As part of his commitment, Salman slashed the power of the mutawa, opened movie theaters, and reformed social laws, like giving women more work opportunities and the ability to get a driver's license.

But cultural clashes may deter tourists from entering Saudi Arabia's newly opened doors. Up until 2019, foreigners  including US citizens  couldn't get visas to enter the nation for tourism, and many watched as the nation executed Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018  a move US intelligence agencies determined was approved by the Crown Prince himself.

Moreover, alcohol is illegal and the kingdom still outlaws homosexuality, making it difficult for some visitors unfamiliar with Shariah (Islamic) law to visit without risking financial penalty or imprisonment.

Things like dabbing, wearing shorts, or playing loud music during prayer times can get tourists into trouble.

However, some experts say travelers should look at the bigger picture before blacklisting Saudi Arabia as a leisure destination, and consider the opportunity as a learning experience.

"I strongly believe it is possible to travel responsibly in destinations with poor ethical records," Justin Francis, CEO of activist travel company Responsible Travel, told Conde Nest Traveler. "Frankly, it would be hard to name a single destination with a clean record on the environment, animal welfare, and human rights."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- A group of Israeli Muslims invited to a United Nations tourism event to honor their picturesque mountain village was unexpectedly blocked from attending by host Saudi Arabia, a sign that Israels hopes of warming relations with Riyadh may be premature.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Israeli village of Kfar Kama in the Galilee region was among 32 spots chosen by the UN as the best rural tourism destinations of the year. Winners were picked for their cultural and natural assets, as well as their commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The UN World Tourism Organization had invited both the villagers and Israeli officials along with those from 22 countries to the two-day event in the Saudi village of AlUla, starting on Sunday. But the Israelis were never issued visas, according to people familiar with the matter. This is despite an appeal from the UN for equal treatment for member states and the Saudis spending billions to become a major player in the tourism industry.

Since Israel established diplomatic ties with a number of Arab states under the 2020 Abraham Accords  the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan  Saudi Arabia was taking steps in that direction, allowing Israeli planes to fly over its territory. The kingdom has granted Israelis visas for religious or approved business purposes, but on rare visits Israelis often travel on second passports, such as those from Europe or the US.

But after the election of the most right-wing Israeli government in history in November, tensions have flared inside Israel as well as in the occupied West Bank, where more than 80 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the year. Last Friday, China announced that it had brokered a renewal of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a blow to Israels diplomatic agenda.

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When they hadnt received visas by the start of March, the Israeli delegation got worried. The foreign ministry sent a letter to the UN World Tourism Organization insisting that the entries should be issued. Last Monday, the UN asked the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to issue the visas.

In the spirit of assuring equal rights to all members of the organization, UNWTO as the UN specialized agency is seeking the kind support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in facilitating the visa issuance for the Israeli delegation, Zurab Pololikashvili, the UN WTO secretary-general, wrote to the Saudi tourism ministry, according to a letter reviewed by Bloomberg.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Tourism and the UN WTO didnt respond to requests for comment.

Israel calls on the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the United Nations organizations to uphold the guiding principles of the United Nations, including equal treatment in ensuring the possibility of countries participating in the organizations meetings, the Israeli Tourism Ministry said in an emailed statement. In this case, the United Nations World Tourism Organization did not meet these standards and we regret this.

Kfar Kama was built by Circassian immigrants from the northwest Caucasus region in the late 1800s, though archaeological history in the region dates back centuries earlier. The town has remained ethnically Circassian ever since. Many of its 3,500 residents are Muslim and speak Circassian as their first language. Like some Bedouins, they serve in the Israeli army.

The Saudi kingdom, long closed to casual visitors, began issuing tourist visas in 2019 as part of a long-term mission to diversify the countrys economy away from oil. It is aiming for 100 million tourists a year by 2030, an ambitious goal that would put it on a par with top global destinations. Now, it is developing luxury vacation resort outposts, building cities around its historic sites and hosting or sponsoring major tourism-industry events.

(Updates with Israel Tourism Ministrys official response in ninth paragraph.)

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NEW BRUNSWICK  Eight people facing prostitution, money laundering and other charges connected to Club 35 in Sayreville, have rejected a plea deal.

Attorneys representing the strip clubs owners and employees in the case told Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone during a hearing Thursday they will file motions to dismiss the case, said attorney Jeffrey Bronster.

Bronster, who represents members of the Acciardi family which owns Club 35, said the assistant prosecutor told the judge that his offer would not send any of the defendants to prison.

Bronster said members of the Acciardi family believe they have been treated unfairly by police. In court papers filed last week, Bronster said the arrests and indictments of his clients was based on false and fraudulent evidence by members of the Sayreville Police Department.

Eight people, including five members of the Acciardi family, are facing criminal charges linked to the gentleman's club.

Also see:Sayreville Democratic leader Thomas Pollando resigns from all NJ posts amid bribery charge

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.

According to the prosecutor's office, evidence of prostitution was uncovered during the execution of a search warrant at Club 35 in May 2021 and during that time employees Jeannine Nichols and Jason Portes, both of South Amboy, were charged with promoting prostitution, and Jennifer Hecker, of Parlin, was charged with promoting prostitution and the solicitation of prostitution, as well as money laundering.

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All have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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: Sayreville NJ strip club owners reject plea deal in prostitution case
A $1.3 billion incentive package for Scout Motors got past one road block Monday after the South Carolina House overwhelmingly approved the deal, despite an effort by conservative members to slow down the package.

Scout Motors plans to build a $2 billion electric vehicle plant in Blythewood, which is expected to bring 4,000 jobs to the Midlands.

The 100-14 House vote Monday was the final hurdle for the incentives in the lower chamber after a 96-12 second-reading vote on the package last Thursday. Despite the lopsided approval, members of the conservative Freedom Caucus argued Monday that using taxpayer money for the project was wrong and the government should not pick winners and losers in the economic market.

State Rep. Adam Morgan, R-Greenville, called the deal corporate welfare and a risk that could go wrong. He noted the failure of the Carolina Panthers headquarters deal in York County, which was abandoned last year, even though the state constructed a new Interstate 77 interchange to serve the site.

This is a gamble, Morgan said of the Scout incentives, which include hundreds of millions of state tax dollars to pay for road, water, sewer and other infrastructure projects serving the future plant in Blythewood. The Panthers deal was a gamble that flopped.

A handful of members objected to the deal, calling Scout parent company Volkswagen a woke corporation. Members of the Freedom Caucus have objected to companies pushing environmental, social and corporate governance policies and diversity equity and inclusion initiatives as well.

But the criticism by Freedom Caucus members was a repetition of conservative talking points meant to score political points, said state Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington.

The only thing they left out was Jewish space lasers, said Caskey, who supported the package. They came here today to try to sell you a bunch of bumper stickers.

Freedom Caucus members objected to the speed at which the deal has moved through the General Assembly. Scout Motors announced it would come to South Carolina on March 3, the same day lawmakers were made aware of the economic development. The Department of Commerce had meetings with both Republican and Democratic caucuses and disclosed details of the incentive package on March 6. House budget writers moved incentive package through committee last week.

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The Senates Finance Committee also approved the Scout package last week. The full Senate could take up the incentive deal this week.

Im hoping the deliberative body across the hall will actually deliberate on this, said state Rep. Jordan Pace, R-Berkeley, who voted against the package, saying the deal was rushed.

The $1.291 billion state incentive package includes building a railway bridge over Interstate 77 to the Blythewood industrial park site, building a new I-77 interchange to serve the eventual factory, additional road improvements, electrical work, and water and sewer infrastructure.

The company also will be given $400 million for site construction as a part of the $1.3 billion package. Scout will also receive a $200 million loan for additional soil stabilization for the site.

Department of Commerce officials also have included a clawback provision in the deal for up to $790 million if Scout doesnt meet or maintain certain job and investment commitments, the commerce department said.

Money for the incentives will come from previous state budget surpluses and unspent surplus revenue coming into state coffers this year. This will ensure the state doesnt have to borrow money for the package.

House members debated the Scout incentives for about two hours Monday, as a part of the overall $13.8 billion state budget being considered for the coming year.

House Majority Leader Davey Hiott, R-Pickens, who voted against the Panthers deal in 2019, defended the package for Scout Motors and the speed at which lawmakers had to move.

It fell in our lap, and we had to move quickly, Hiott said, noting that officials from BMW, another major South Carolina auto manufacturer, had encouraged Volkswagen to consider South Carolina for the Scout site.

I wish it was in Pickens, he added.
Space Debris In Earth Orbit

An artist's conception of just some of the trillions of pieces of debris orbiting the Earth Credit - Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sixty-six years ago, there was just a single human-built object in Earth orbit. It was Sputnik, the Soviet Unionsand the worldsfirst satellite, launched on Oct. 4, 1957. Now take a moment and try to guess how many objectsincluding active satellites, defunct satellites, and bits of debris from all of that space trafficare currently circling the planet. Have you made your guess? Good.

Your answer is wrong. Or lets put it this way: its wrong unless the figure you guessed is 100 trillion. Thats the jaw-dropping number cited by an international team of researchers writing an open letter in last weeks issue of Science, calling for a global treaty to curb the amount of satellites and rubbish that have been forming an ever-growing debris belt in low-Earth orbit for more than three generations now.

The researchers report that there are currently 9,000 active satellites in orbita number expected to grow to over 60,000 by 2030. The 100 trillion figure includes everything from spent boosters and stray bolts, to metal flecks and floating paint chips that went along with launching all of that hardware. And dont think something as small as a paint chip is harmless. Orbiting the Earth at 28,200 km/hr (17,500 mph), so small a piece of rubbish can strike a spacecraft or other orbiting object like a bullet. Astronauts spacewalking outside the International Space Station report that the skin of the 25-year-old orbiting lab looks in some spots as if it has been hit by buckshot. The astronauts routinely have to shelter in place in one of the attached Soyuz or SpaceX spacecraft to wait out a passing swarm of space debris in case the station gets catastrophically struck and they have to bail out in a hurry. Ultimately, all of this debris will fall back to Earth and incinerate in the atmosphere, but were replacing the junk at a faster pace than its orbit can decay.

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Each of the seven researchers writing in Science are experts in one of two fields: satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution. Why the latter? Because, as they write, the mess weve made of the oceanswitness the great Pacific garbage patch, a mass of floating junk that measures twice the area of Texasmirrors the mess were in the process of making in space. The difference: weve had centuries to foul the oceans and only decades to do the same in space, and yet were not wasting time.

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As a marine biologist I never imagined writing a paper on space, said Heather Koldewey, a senior marine technical adviser at the Zoological Society of London and a coauthor of the letter, in a statement that accompanied its release. But through this collaborative research [we] 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.

The researchers see hope for space in the progress that has been made so far in cleaning up the oceansor at least in nations agreeing to try. In March 2022, world leaders representing 170 nations signed a global plastics treaty at the United Nations Environment Assembly, in an attempt to curb continued dumping of plastics in the oceans and eliminate what is already there. Other negotiations are already underway on a more ambitious Global Plastics Treaty.

Similar initiative should be taken now, the authors write, to implement treaties that hold both government and commercial space launch services liable for minimizing the amount of debris their launches create, deorbiting satellites after theyve reached the end of their functional life, and developing technologies to clean up at least some of the 100-trillion-strong rubbish swarm.

Most nation states have neglected to implement the necessary local space regulations that could promote long-term equitable and sustainable use of Earths orbit, the authors of the letter write. There is no international treaty that seeks to minimize orbital debris.

That must changeand fast. To avoid repeating the mistakes that have left the high seasand all who depend on themvulnerable, we need collective cooperation, informed by science, to develop a timely, legally binding treaty to protect Earths orbit.

A species that is smart enough to have gotten itself to spacean order of magnitude more difficult than initially learning to sail (and foul) the oceansshould be smart enough not to make a mess of things once it gets there. As Moriba Jah, coauthor and associate professor of aerospace engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, put it in a statement, Marine debris and space debris are both an anthropogenic detriment that is avoidable.
Stuart Hogg picked up an ankle injury against Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Scotland duo Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell have withdrawn from the squad ahead of Saturdays final Guinness Six Nations match against Italy.

The influential pair went off in the closing stages of Sundays defeat by Ireland with ankle and knee injuries respectively and are returning to their clubs for treatment.

Edinburgh fly-half Charlie Savala has been called in to the squad, while Josh Bayliss has returned to the group after being released to play for Bath at the weekend.

It remains to be seen if Richie Gray will be fit for this weekends match at BT Murrayfield. The 33-year-old lock was forced off after just six minutes on Sunday with suspected rib damage. He has remained with the squad for the time being, raising hopes that he might be available to face Italy.

A statement on Monday from Scottish Rugby read: Stuart Hogg sustained an ankle injury and will be unavailable for this weekends match against Italy. He will return to his club in due course for further management of this injury.

Finn Russell suffered an injury to one of his knee ligaments. He will return to Racing 92 to continue his rehabilitation.

Richie Gray sustained an injury during the Ireland match and will remain with the squad to be continued to be assessed by medics.
Scream VI Paramount Pictures / Spyglass Media Group

The Scream franchise delivers another self-aware sequel in its sixth entry, which takes the series' meta nature to the extreme by having Easter eggs be crucial to the story. From everything in that shrine to the cavalcade of Halloween costumes referencing classic horror films, here are all the Easter eggs, movie references, and callbacks you may have missed in Scream VI  with spoilers ahead:

Samara Weaving and 'Ready or Not'

The team behind Scream VI previously made the 2019 horror-comedy Ready or Not, adding a meta layer to that film's lead, Samara Weaving, serving as the opening kill. Weaving was almost in 2022's Scream, but scheduling issues got in the way. But the Ready or Not nods don't stop there. During the subway scene later on, we see a woman dressed as Weaving's character from Ready or Not, complete with a wedding dress and bandolier.

'Jason Takes Manhattan'

The most notable other time a horror franchise went to New York City was 1989's Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. So naturally, Scream VI begins with  a character named Jason (Tony Revolori) in Manhattan. In case that wasn't enough, Jason Takes Manhattan is also playing on TV in Jason's apartment.

Hitchcock and 'Phantom of the Opera'

Two posters for classic Alfred Hitchcock films are on display in Jason's apartment: Vertigo and Psycho, the latter of which inspired the original Scream's famous Drew Barrymore kill and has been repeatedly referenced in the franchise, from Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) quoting it to 2022's Scream riffing on the shower scene. Jason also has a poster for 1925's The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney.

A repurposed idea from a canceled sequel

Scream VI's cold open breaks new ground for the franchise, as it's the first time a Ghostface is revealed in the intro and then targeted by another Ghostface. But this is sort of a revival of an idea planned for a Scream 4 sequel that never happened. Originally, Scream 4's Ghostface, Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts), would have survived, only to be targeted in the sequel by another Ghostface who knows her secret.

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'Friday the 13th Part 2'

Jason finding Greg's body in his fridge before being killed by Ghostface may be a nod to Friday the 13th Part 2's cold open, in which Alice finds Pamela Voorhees' severed head in her fridge and is then killed by Jason Voorhees.

Omega Beta Zeta

The guy Tara (Jenna Ortega) nearly hooks up with at a party asks if she's from Omega Beta Zeta, the sorority that Cici (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was a part of in Scream 2. Tara is also at an Omega Kappa Beta party, which was the name of the fraternity Derek (Jerry O'Connell) was in during Scream 2.

Wednesday Addams

During that frat party scene, one of the students is dressed as Wednesday Addams, who Scream VI star Jenna Ortega plays in the Netflix series Wednesday. We can also see a collection of dolls next to Sam's therapist (Henry Czerny) that appear to be of characters from the Addams Family.

Abe's Snake

The bodega where Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara are hunted by Ghostface is called Abe's Snake, a reference to the fact that Scream director Wes Craven directed a porn film in 1975 under the pseudonym Abe Snake.

Danny Brackett

The full name of Sam's love interest is Danny Brackett, surely a reference to Annie Brackett, one of Laurie Strode's friends in the original Halloween.

Dario Argento

We hear in the cold open that Jason is bitter over his film studies professor giving him a C on his giallo paper. A giallo is a genre of Italian film that shares some similarities with the Scream movies in that they typically revolve around a killer whose identity is a mystery. One of the most acclaimed giallo directors is Dario Argento, whose films include Suspiria and Deep Red, and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) mentions that Jason is obsessed with him. In the cold open, Jason also wears a shirt referencing 4 mosche di velluto grigio, a 1971 giallo film from Argento with the English title Four Flies on Grey Velvet.

Soundtrack callbacks

The Scream VI score incorporates a few musical callbacks, including when Sam and Tara are swarmed by reporters. The motif playing is from a similar scene in the original when Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) arrives at school and encounters a swarm of reporters; it's the track called "Trouble in Woodsboro" on the original score.

Later, when Gale (Courteney Cox) alludes to Dewey (David Arquette) in a conversation with Sam, we hear his theme from throughout the franchise (repurposed music from Broken Arrow.) "Red Right Hand" also plays after a cut to campus following Sam's therapist's death and again after the finale. The song has now appeared in every Scream film other than the fourth.

Mark Kincaid and the Gale punch

Sidney's absence is explained when Gale mentions that she's taking "Mark and the kids" somewhere safe. Mark was previously referenced as Sidney's husband in 2022's Scream, and the directors have confirmed in interviews that this is Mark Kincaid, Patrick Dempsey's character from Scream 3.

When Gale dodges Sam's punch and says she's "done this dance before," she's alluding to the moment in the first film when Sidney punches her. Gale's line that Sidney "deserves to have her happy ending" is also a bit meta considering many fans said the same to defend the character getting a break from the series after her happy ending in Scream 3.

'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'

Before his death, Sam's therapist is watching the 1956 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, specifically the ending scene where Dr. Miles Bennell warns the pod people are coming and "you're next"  signaling that he'll be the next Ghostface victim. It's clearly a favorite of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, as an Invasion of the Body Snatchers poster was previously seen in Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy's house in 2022's Scream.

We can also see the logo for Dead Meat under the therapist's TV. That's a popular horror YouTube channel whose hosts had a cameo as the angry YouTubers in 2022's Scream.

'Saw III,' 'The Last Jedi,' and more

Mindy gets another monologue explaining the rules of the film, and she notes that once a series has become a franchise, main characters are expendable.

The examples provided are Laurie Strode (who died off-screen in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and on-screen in Halloween: Resurrection), Nancy Thompson (who died in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors), Ellen Ripley (who died in Alien 3), Sally Hardesty (who died in 2022's Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Jigsaw (who died in Saw III), Tony Stark (who died in Avengers: Endgame), James Bond (who died in No Time to Die), and Luke Skywalker (who died in Star Wars: The Last Jedi). Would a spoiler alert have killed her?

Never trust the love interest

Mindy points out that her own girlfriend, Anika (Devyn Nekoda), is a suspect because you "never trust the love interest," one of Dewey's rules from 2022's Scream that Sam ignored with disastrous results.

Randy's death

Mindy notes in the phone tracing scene that "this is exactly how our uncle Randy died," referring to Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy) being stabbed to death in a van in Scream 2. But the parallels go beyond that, as Randy was killed while trying to keep the killer on the phone to catch him in a public place in broad daylight, similar to what Sam does here.

Mindy and Kirby's favorite scary movies

Two film geeks from two generations, Mindy and Kirby (Hayden Panettiere), discuss their shared love of horror, first by picking their favorite Nightmare on Elm Street, the original  notable given that franchise was created by late Scream director Wes Craven, and Drew Barrymore's character declared in the first Scream that all of them after the original "sucked." They also praise Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Psycho II, and both versions of Candyman, including the 2021 one from Nia DaCosta.

Stu conspiracies

Mindy alludes to conspiracy theories that Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) from the original Scream is still alive, despite Sidney dropping a TV on his head. It's the movie's meta nod to a real fan theory that Stu survived and will return as Ghostface  which, to be fair, isn't so far-fetched considering Scream 3 was originally set to bring him back and reveal he orchestrated the latest murders from prison.

But Scream VI also firmly establishes that Stu is dead, listing him as having died in 1996 on Kirby's evidence board.

Gale would make a great killer

In a call with Gale, Ghostface opines that Gale being the killer would be a great twist, reasoning that she's the only one who could become Ghostface from the original trio. That's another nod to a popular fan theory, as there has been incorrect speculation for multiple movies now that Gale would be revealed as the killer.

1996 and 1972

The "core four" grab the subway at the 96th Street station after the attack on Gale, which could be a reference to the fact that the original Scream debuted in 1996. One of the stops is also 72nd Street, a possible reference to fact that Wes Craven's first movie, The Last House on the Left, came out in 1972.

Chad is the new Dewey

If Scream VI is modeling itself off of Scream 2, it only makes sense that the movie would end with Chad being revealed as alive when he's carried out on a stretcher despite being stabbed right before the finale  the exact same thing that happened to Dewey in Scream 2.

The shrine

Every previous Scream killer is mentioned given their masks are used at various points, but the shrine takes things a step further by offering an Easter egg gold mine.

There are the obvious ones like the TV that fell on Stu Macher's head in the original Scream, which Kirby uses to take out one of the killers in the exact same way. But we also see outfits on display that were worn by Billy Loomis and Tatum (Rose McGowan) in the first Scream, Mrs. Loomis (Laurie Metcalf) in Scream 2, and Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts) and Olivia Morris (Marielle Jaffe) in Scream 4. The red robe Stu was wearing at the party in the original Scream is also there.

Other Easter eggs in the shrine include the rope used to hang Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore) in the first Scream's cold open, the jacket worn by Casey's boyfriend Steve (complete with the duct tape that covered his mouth), Randy's (Jamie Kennedy) video store shirt, a Woodsboro police uniform, the jacket and hat worn by Gale's cameraman Kenny (W. Earl Brown) and his camera, Gale's books that inspired the Stab movies, one of the theater masks used in Sidney's play from Scream 2 and the sun Derek (Jerry O'Connell) was killed on, a clapperboard and script from the making of Stab 3 in Scream 3, the fax machine from Scream 3 and the lighter from when the house blew up in that fax machine scene, the voice changer used by Ghostface in Scream 3, and "Stabathon" memorabilia from Scream 4. There's also a frying pan that appears to be the same one used to attack Steven Stone (Patrick Warburton) in Scream 3.

The Halloween costumes

A substantial number of Easter eggs also come in scenes featuring Halloween costumes, first at the frat party near the start of the film. There's a Wednesday Addams costume, as previously mentioned, as well as a costume of Zach Galifianakis from The Hangover, Dwayne Johnson from his infamous "fanny pack" photo, and Regina George from Mean Girls, complete with the "a little bit dramatic" shirt. Ethan's knight costume also appears to be a reference to the 2007 film Murder Party, where the main character wears an identical costume.

Later, many iconic horror films are referenced via Halloween costumes in the subway scene. There's the costume of Grace (Samara Weaving) from Ready or Not, as well as people dressed as Pinhead from Hellraiser, Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th, Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Michael Myers from Halloween, and the Babadook from The Babadook (Tara's favorite scary movie, as established in 2022's Scream).

There are also costumes in the subway scene of the twins from The Shining, Billy the Puppet from Saw, Georgie from It (we can see a yellow raincoat and red balloon), Shaun from Shaun of the Dead, Tippi Hedren's character from The Birds, Florence Pugh's character from Midsommar, the Tethered from Us, handmaids from The Handmaid's Tale, David Bowie, Andy Warhol, and Julia Fox, and Mojo Jojo from The Powerpuff Girls (who's voiced by Ghostface voice actor Roger L. Jackson). Additionally, Scream VI director Tyler Gillett has a cameo as one of the subway riders; there's a brief cut to him while the lights are flickering shortly after Tara asks how many stops are left.

Plus, a woman walking down the stairs during the first shot of the subway station, wearing a yellow shirt covered in blood, is dressed as Lucy Hale's character from Scream 4, the opening victim of the fictional Stab 6. Everyone else went basic by dressing as Ghostface, but props to this lady for the deep cut.

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His SUV sported blue and red lights on the dash. He had a loaded handgun on the seat next to him, plus a police-style badge, a ballistic vest, ammunition, handcuffs (and) apparel with police written on it.

But the man who told officers he was DC police was no cop. He was employed by a private security company.

The 53-year-old resident of District Heights, Maryland now faces charges including impersonating a police officer and having a loaded handgun in his vehicle.

An attorney for the man could not immediately be reached for comment by McClatchy News.

Due to previously misdemeanor convictions, the man is barred by law from possessing firearms, police said.

This is clearly the case of an individual who was on a power trip who is doing nothing more than use illegitimate authority to stop people and victimize people, Hyattsville Police Chief Jarod Towers told WUSA9.

Posing as a police officer is a misdemeanor offense in the state of Maryland, according to the Baltimore Sun.

District Heights is a suburb of Washington, D.C.

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WASHINGTONSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was released from the hospital today after a fall last week that resulted in a concussion and a rib fracture, but he his recovery will continue at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, an aide said.

Leader McConnells concussion recovery is proceeding well and the Leader was discharged from the hospital today. At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home," his communications director David Popp said in a statement Monday.

The Leader and Secretary Chao are deeply thankful for the skilled medical care, prayers, and kindness they have received," he added.

Popp did not say when McConnell will return to the Senate.

What happened to Mitch McConnell?

McConnell, 81, fell Wednesday during a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C. After tripping and hitting his head, he was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

He previously fractured his shoulder in 2019 after falling at his home in Kentucky.

McConnell is one of the most influential lawmakers in Washington and has been credited with remaking the Supreme Court and federal benches by ushering conservative judicial nominees through the Senate.

He has been a senator since 1985 and has served in Senate leadership since 2006. When the 118th Congress was seated in January, he broke the record to become the longest-serving Senate leader.

McConnell is currently one of three senators out for medical reasons. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is being treated for depression at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein is recovering after being hospitalized for shingles.

Absences in the 51-49 Senate, which has a Democratic majority, can impact the timing and outcome of votes in the chamber.

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'Stigma is not yet broken': Lawmakers share stories on mental health with Fetterman hospitalized

Story continues

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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: Sen. Mitch McConnell released from hospital after fall last week
Former Senate candidate Dave McCormick (R) is gearing up for another campaign in Pennsylvania, eyeing a challenge of Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Democrats are already teeing off on the former hedge fund chief executive.

A pamphlet put together by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), the campaign arm of Senate Democrats, tries to paint McCormick as a chameleon, appealing to both establishment Republicans such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and cozying up to former President Trump. The pamphlet was first reported by Politico.

McCormick, who lost in the 2022 GOP Senate primary to eventual general election loser Mehmet Oz, suffered the wrath of Trump during his campaign last year after the former president backed Oz. But the DSCC piece cites a number of articles that tie McCormick to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

The document includes a New York Times article that explains how McCormick is trying to reinvent himself as a Trump stalwart. It also cites a Bloomberg report that says McCormicks former coworkers say hes a chameleon wholl be whatever he needs to be.

But it also includes remarks from Trump himself, saying McCormick is not MAGA. David is totally controlled by Mitch McConnell.

McCormick proponents have pitched the former hedge fund manager as a consensus builder and someone who can build coalitions across a party that is increasingly divided between allegiance to Trump and a search for alternative leadership.

DSCCs painting of McCormick as a dual-faced candidate comes as he eyes a challenge of Casey, who has yet to officially announce plans for a reelection bid. Casey announced a prostate cancer diagnosis, but he said his prognosis is excellent.

The campaign trail has already heated up, with presidential hopefuls hitting the road on both the Republican and Democratic sides. The showdown for Senate in Pennsylvania will be one of the most-watched contests in the country, as Democrats in the chamber try to hold onto a slim majority while competing on an election cycle map that tilts the odds against their favor. Pennsylvania is one of a number of chances for Republicans to pick up a vulnerable Democratic seat, along with Montana, West Virginia and Ohio.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
United States Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray announced a federal grant for Bellingham International Airport, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, and Spokane International Airport, on Friday, said Sen. Murray in a news release.

The funding will go toward investing in runways, taxiways, safety, and sustainability projects. Also, terminal, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects.

The grants total $8,773,801 and are part of the Federal Aviation Administrations new Airport Infrastructure Grants.

Spokane International Airport will get $6,428,595 to expand the existing terminal building by an additional 70,600 square feet to include three new gates and three passenger loading bridges, modernize the existing upper C Concourse gates, and add six new ticket counter locations. Also funding for the construction of roofing, mechanical units and controls, masonry, metal wall panels, water repellents, and painting.

Spokane Airports terminal expansion project is vital to boost the economic growth of the region, said Sen. Cantwell. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Spokane needs more airport capacity to keep people and goods moving more efficiently. These types of airport infrastructure investments from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will pay dividends for years to come.

Bellingham International Airport will get $1,300,000 to connect one of the airports major taxiways from its current airfield location to a new midfield connector location. This will improve safety for taxiing aircraft. Also funding to pave the taxiway connector.

Aviation safety is always priority number one, and Bellingham International Airports project to realign its existing taxiway with its newly relocated taxiway puts safety first, said Sen. Cantwell. By fully funding this realignment, this grant from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will make it better for pilots navigating between the taxiway and runway.

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The Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will get $1,045,206 toward constructing a new 45,000-square-foot terminal building to reduce passenger delays. Also, new elevators and mechanical equipment. As well as, a glycol recovery truck for cleaning oil, grease, and fuel spills from aircraft parking stands, also the recovery of glycol which is a key ingredient in antifreeze formulas.

Im so proud I could secure federal dollars to support new construction at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, said Sen. Murray. This is going to help cut down delays in getting passengers where they need to go, which I know is a big priority for travelers in Washington state. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Im laser-focused on bringing back more investments to greatly improve and modernize our transportation infrastructure.




(Bloomberg) -- Senior MPs in Rishi Sunaks ruling Conservative Party cast doubt on his plan to stop migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats and warned it faces numerous amendments before becoming law.

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The British prime minister announced legislation last week to put a legal duty on the government to deport migrants who arrive on small boats, as well as banning them from ever seeking citizenship. He later struck a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron for Britain to pay France hundreds of millions of pounds more to help the country police its north coast.

Several Tory MPs, former Prime Minister Theresa May, former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and senior backbencher Simon Hoare, indicated they would only vote for the bill on the understanding that changes would be made to address the bills provisions on modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly in regards to women and children.

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May said her main concerns are that the bill places a blanket dismissal of anyone facing persecution who travels to the UK illegally because asylum seekers are often unable to access legal routes. Also, that victims of modern slavery will be collateral damage from the bill and be denied support.

She also questioned the effectiveness of the legislation. Anybody who thinks that this bill will deal with the issue of illegal migration once and for all is wrong, she told the House of Commons.

Sunak was asked about Mays comments while in San Diego after meeting US President Joe Biden. He insisted his plan is the right way to tackle illegal migration.

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Im confident that our bill represents the best way to grip this problem, Sunak told reporters. Ive also always been clear that there is no overnight easy one simple solution to what is a complicated problem. It will take lots of different interventions.

At stake is one of his flagship policies that, if unsuccessful, is likely to dent his chances of regaining popularity in the run-up to a general election that he must call in less than two years.

Great Concern

Hes made stopping the small boats one of five priorities that voters should judge him on, and YouGov surveys show its a top-three issue for the electorate, after the economy and health care.

Buckland said he has great concern about the bills clause on children, which he called to be scrapped, and replaced with provisions to protect unaccompanied children, families and women. He and others urged the government to introduce more safe and legal routes in tandem with the bill.

Meanwhile, right-wing Tories led by backbenchers including former Home Secretary Priti Patel, Simon Clarke and Jonathan Gullis, are debating amendments to make the bill tougher on the European Convention on Human Rights, which the government has conceded it may be in breach of.

They are also upset Sunak is handing more money to France while Macron refuses to sign a returns agreement for undocumented migrants. Gullis told the Commons that he wanted to see the bill beefed up.

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The UK has already tried to implement deportations, last year introducing a program to relocate some asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, no flights to Rwanda have left the UK yet after the plan was grounded in June last year by an injunction from the European Court of Human Rights.

--With assistance from Kitty Donaldson.

(Updates with Sunak comment in sixth paragraph.)

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Sergey Grishin - social media/ East2west News

Sergey Grishin, who has died in Moscow aged 56, was the Russian oligarch who in 2020 sold the Duke and Duchess of Sussex their nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion in the exclusive Montecito neighbourhood of Santa Barbara, California; it is not known whether the couple were aware of the vendors dark past.

Known as the Scarface Oligarch because he had previously owned another California estate which featured in the 1983 Al Pacino film, the heavy-set Grishin claimed to have practically brought the Russian banking system to collapse in the 1990s by committing the largest bank fraud scheme ever, and at the time of the sale of the Chateau of Riven Rock to the royal couple, was embroiled in a legal battle with his estranged wife featuring claims and counter claims of violence.

Sergey Grishin - social media/ East2west News

Sergey Grishin was born on June 21 1966. After taking a degree in Physics from the Moscow Institute of Electronics Technics, as the Soviet Union crumbled he began his career baking cookies and hot dogs in his flat and selling them on the streets of Moscow. By the late 1990s he had become chairman of the Rosevro Group, owners of Rosevrobank, established in 1994.

In 2014 an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project listed Rosevrobank among those involved in an enormous US$20 billion transfer of dirty Russian funds into the western banking system, dubbed the Global Laundromat. One expert described the scheme as the pipe through which the proceeds of kleptocracy flow from Russia to the west.

Inside The Chateau of Riven Rock - Ekaterina Loginova

In 2018 Grishin uploaded videos to YouTube (since deleted) in which he boasted of his central role in the scandal: I invented it. I stole a lot in Estonia and Russia. It was the largest fraud scheme, because no one knew exactly how much money was stolen. Some estimates suggest that the Laundromat might have netted him as much as $60 billion.

Grishins aim seemed to be to persuade the Trump administration to grant him US citizenship by implying he had inside knowledge of Russian criminality which would be of interest to the FBI. He wanted American officials to know how a single person like me can cause the collapse of the Russian banking system.

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I want to be safe, he explained. I am kind of under fire right now by the criminal world of Russiaby the top government officials of Russia, too.

By the time the videos appeared Grishin had already invested heavily, if unwisely, in US real estate. In 2008 he paid around $20 million for El Fureidis, where scenes of Scarface had been filmed, selling it in 2014 for $17.9 million. In 2009 he paid $25.3 million for the estate which he sold in 2020 to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for $14.65 million.

According to Russian Media Grishin was married at least three times. His last marriage, in 2017, to Anna Fedoseeva lasted less than a year, sparking a prolonged court battle, with Grishin being accused, variously, of assault, battery, extortion, domestic violence, invasion of privacy and cyberstalking. Both Anna Fedoseeva and her friend and business partner Jennifer Sulkess successfully sought restraining orders against him, amid claims of death threats and the hiring of hitmen.

Grishin was later reported to have begun a relationship with Ekaterina Loginova, a former model who reported that she had packed her bags and fled back to Russia after Grishin issued death threats against her.

After selling the Chateau of Riven Rock to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Grishin, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, returned to live in Moscow where his death, allegedly from circulatory problems in his brain leading to sepsis, was reported by BAZA media, which has close links with the Russian authorities.

Sergey Grishin, born June 21 1966, died March 6 2023
Image: Netflix

I know, I know, were all still reeling from the Everything Everywhere sweep of the Oscars, but theres other news from the weekend, too! Weve got news on Marvels Phase 6 straight from Disneys mouth, a bunch of DC CW show news, a couple of casting announcements, and some new photos from the set of Yellowjackets. Prepare your award speeches, spoilers!







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Speaking at Morgan Stanleys 2023 Technology Media and Telecom Conference on Thursday (via IndieWire), Disney CEO Bob Iger stated Phase 6" of the MCU will chronicle the adventures of a whole set of different Avengers.

Marvel  there were 7,000 characters, there are a lot more stories to tell. What we have to look at at Marvel is not necessarily the volume of Marvel storytelling, but how many times we go back to the well on certain characters. Sequels typically work well for us. Do you need a third or a fourth, or is it time to turn to other characters? Theres nothing in any way inherently off in terms of the Marvel brand. I think we just have to look at what characters or stories were mining. And if you look at the trajectory of Marvel over the next five years, youre going to see a lot of newness. Were going to turn back to the Avengers franchise, but with a whole set of different Avengers.





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Christopher McQuarrie has our first look at Hannah Waddingham in Mission: Impossible 8.





Abruptio

Buffy the Vampire Slayers James Marsters lends his voice to a down-on-his-luck man with a bomb implanted in his neck in the trailer for Abruptio, a horror-thriller filmed entirely with puppets co-starring Jordan Peele, Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Christopher McDonald, Hana Mae Lee, Darren Darnborough, and Rich Fulcher.



Abruptio - trailer (Chicago Horror Film Festival New Submission)





Bedrock

Deadline reports Fox is officially moving forward with Bedrock, Elizabeth Banks animated reboot of The Flintstones starring Stephen Root as Fred, Amy Sedaris as Wilma, Nicole Byer as Betty, Joe Lo Truglio as Barney, Manny Jacinto as Bamm-Bamm, and Banks herself as Pebbles. The primetime adult comedy series is said to focus on continuing the story of the Stone Age family two decades later, with Fred on the brink of retirement and 20-something Pebbles embarking on her own career. As the Stone Age gives way to a shiny and enlightened new Bronze Age, the residents of Bedrock will find this evolution harder than a swing from Bamm-Bamms club.





Sweet Tooth

Deadline also has word Christopher Sean Cooper, Jr. and Yonas Kibreab have joined the cast of Sweet Tooths second season as Teddy Turtle and Finn Fox, respectively. Additionally, Naledi Murray (Wendy), Neil Sandilands (General Abbot), and Marlon Williams (Johnny Abbott) have been upped to series regulars.





The Flash

Nicole Maines returns as Nia Nal in the synopsis for Wildest Dreams, the March 29 episode of The Flash.

ONLY IN OUR DREAMS - NICOLE MAINES GUEST STARS - Iris (Candice Patton) is visited by Nia Nal (guest star Nicole Maines), as she needs Iris help. When Iris and Nia fall into a fever dream and explore different possibilities for their lives, Barry (Grant Gustin), Chester (Brandon McKnight), Allegra (Kayla Compton) and Cecile (Danielle Nicolet) desperately try to help them. Meanwhile, Mark (Jon Cor) entertains Khione (Danielle Panabaker) but they have different ideas of what is fun, leaving Khione to feel that Mark is trying to make her something she is not. Jesse Warn directed the episode written by Kristen Kim & Jeff Hersh Carson (#907). Original airdate 3/29/2023.

[Spoiler TV]





Superman & Lois

Meanwhile, Lois takes on Bruno Mannheim in the synopsis for In Cold Blood, the March 28 episode of Superman & Lois.

GREGORY SMITH DIRECTS THE EPISODE  Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Chrissy (Sofia Hasmik) pursue a new lead in the Mannheim investigation against Clarks (Tyler Hoechlin) wishes. Meanwhile, Jonathan (Michael Bishop), Jordan (Alex Garfin), and Nats (Taylor Buck) attempt at a kind gesture is complicated by an unexpected obstacle. Lastly, Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui), Sarah (Inde Navarrette), and Kyle (Erik Valdez) adjust to their own new normal. Gregory Smith directed the episode written by Jai Jamison (#303). Original airdate 3/28/2023.

[Spoiler TV]





Gotham Knights

The Mutant Gang takes hostages at Gothams annual Founders Gala in the synopsis for Under Pressure, the March 28 episode of Gotham Knights.

TAKING DOWN THE MUTANT GANG  After their leader is taken down by Carrie (Navia Robinson), the Mutant Gang retaliates against Gotham by taking hostages at the annual Founders Gala, forcing Turner (Oscar Morgan), Duela (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Harper (Fallon Smythe) to come out of hiding to save the people of Gotham. Elsewhere, Cullen (Tyler DiChiara) infiltrates the GCPD after the team uncovers a possible connection between the Court of Owls and the death of another Wayne family member. Lastly, Harvey makes a big decision about his future. Anna Lore and Rahart Adams also star. Lauren Petzke directed the episode written by Natalie Abrams (#103). Original airdate 3/28/2023.

[Spoiler TV]

Relatedly, Duela Dent gets all the one-liners in the latest TV spot.



Gotham Knights (The CW) All Knight Promo HD





Servant

We also have a synopsis for Fallen, the series finale of Servant.

Series Finale. As the world crumbles, can anyone stop Leanne?

[Spoiler TV]





Yellowjackets

Spoiler TV has photos from the second episode of Yellowjackets second season. Click through to see the rest.

Photo: Showtime

Photo: Showtime

Photo: Showtime

Photo: Showtime





Shadow and Bone

Finally, the Crows meet Wylan, their new demolitions expert, in a clip from the March 16 season premiere of Shadow and Bone.



Shadow and Bone Season 2 | Official Clip: New Demo Man | Netflix





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



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Click here to read the full article.
Fresno County Sheriffs detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man who died in a car outside the small community of Del Rey on Sunday afternoon.

Sheriffs spokesman Tony Botti said the victim and his friend were found in a car near Jefferson and Del Rey avenues shortly after 5:15 p.m. by deputies.

The victim died in the car before he could be rushed to a hospital, said Botti. Now, detectives are trying to determine what led to the shooting and identify a suspect. They have learned that the victims friend helped him get away from the shooting scene, but had to pull the car over after driving a short distance to call 911.

Detectives are seeking witnesses to the crime and anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 559-498-7867.
A regulatory takeover of a New York-based bank was intended to send a message to U.S. banks to stay away from the cryptocurrency business, a former member of Congress who was on the banks board says.

Former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Monday that he believes the state officials behind the action were trying to make an example of Signature Bank in takeover that he said was the wrong move. Despite a wave of withdrawals, the bank's situation was under control before regulators swooped in, he said.

This was just a way to tell people, We dont want you dealing with crypto, Frank said in an interview.

Frank, a Democrat who served in Congress from 1981 until 2013, coauthored the Dodd-Frank act that boosted government oversight of banks following the 2008 financial crisis.

He was a director at Signature Bank until the New York Division of Financial Services took it over Sunday and gave control of it to the FDIC, the federal agency that insures bank deposits, until the bank can be sold.

Frank said the bank's former operators have no recourse. But he said he expects some vindication when Signature is sold eventually.

I believe theyre going to get a very good price, Frank said, proof that it was not a bank problem.

Signature's takeover came two days after regulators seized California-based Silicon Valley Bank. Both followed a rush of withdrawals from the banks, which catered to technology businesses.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the takeover as a way to avert a bigger crisis that could have affected more banks.

Our view was to make sure that the entire banking community here in New York was stable, that we can project calm, Hochul said in a news conference Monday.

Signature, which was founded more than two decades ago, has about 40 offices across the U.S. and says it focuses on banking for privately owned businesses, their owners and senior managers.

The bank said it was the first FDIC-insured bank to launch a blockchain-based digital payments platform.

Story continues

As worries mounted about Silicon Valley Bank last week, Signature put out a statement seeking to reassure clients and investors that it was stable. The statement included a reminder that despite its efforts to cater to cryptocurrency holders, it does not invest in, does not trade, does not hold, does not custody and does not lend against or make loans collateralized by digital assets.

But by Friday, there were more withdrawals, which Frank said were based solely on the contagion from SVB.

He said the situation had stabilized by the time Sunday that New York regulators took it over.

The bank had more than $110 billion in assets, making it the third-largest banking failure in U.S. history.

Unlike Frank, Hochul did not point to cryptocurrency as a factor in the bank's shuttering over the weekend. She said withdrawals were continuing, making the action necessary.

And the state regulator went even further, saying Signature wasn't a crypto bank.

This is not about a particular sector in the case of Signature Bank, but we moved quickly to make sure depositors were protected, said New York Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris.

The bank's top executives were ousted and it reopened Monday under operational control of the FDIC as Signature Bridge Bank.

Also Monday, the FDIC announced that those with deposits in both banks would have full access to them  even the amounts that exceed the regular $250,000 insurance limit.

Frank said that if the FDIC had agreed to insure the entire deposits on Friday rather than waiting until Monday, Signature would not have been taken over. He said the insurance limit for businesses should also be raised permanently by Congress to an amount high enough to cover a few months' worth of payroll for most firms.

___

Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative reporter Maysoon Khan contributed from Albany, New York. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
A worker arrives to the Signature Bank headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The crypto-friendly Signature Bank was shut down by regulators on Sunday.

In a joint statement, the Federal Reserve, the US Treasury and the FDIC said the bank's depositors would be made whole.

Signature Bank's closure comes on the heels of Silicon Valley Bank being shuttered on Friday.

In an attempt to prevent a spreading financial crisis, regulators shut down the crypto-friendly Signature Bank, New York, on Sunday, promising to make its depositors whole.

Signature Bank's closure comes on the heels of the shuttering of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday. Customers of both tech-friendly institutions will be bailed out by the US Treasury, Federal Reserve, and Financial Deposit Insurance Corporation, with their funds available beginning Monday.

In a joint statement between the regulatory institutions released Sunday, Silicon Valley Bank's depositors will be "fully" protected from financial losses, which are ordinarily guaranteed by the FDIC only up to $250,000.

"We are also announcing a similar systemic risk exception for Signature Bank, New York, New York, which was closed today by its state chartering authority," the statement continued. "All depositors of this institution will be made whole. As with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, no losses will be borne by the taxpayer."

Signature Bank has assets of more than $110 billion as of December 31.

By announcing that depositors will be made whole and have access to their funds beginning Monday, regulators have removed the risk that companies with deposits in Signature Bank or SVB could be unable to make payroll or cover other expenses.

Here's the full statement:

Washington, DC -- The following statement was released by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell, and FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg:

Today we are taking decisive actions to protect the U.S. economy by strengthening public confidence in our banking system. This step will ensure that the U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles of protecting deposits and providing access to credit to households and businesses in a manner that promotes strong and sustainable economic growth.

Story continues

After receiving a recommendation from the boards of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, and consulting with the President, Secretary Yellen approved actions enabling the FDIC to complete its resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, in a manner that fully protects all depositors. Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer.

We are also announcing a similar systemic risk exception for Signature Bank, New York, New York, which was closed today by its state chartering authority. All depositors of this institution will be made whole. As with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, no losses will be borne by the taxpayer.

Shareholders and certain unsecured debtholders will not be protected. Senior management has also been removed. Any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law.

Finally, the Federal Reserve Board on Sunday announced it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors.

The U.S. banking system remains resilient and on a solid foundation, in large part due to reforms that were made after the financial crisis that ensured better safeguards for the banking industry. Those reforms combined with today's actions demonstrate our commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that depositors' savings remain safe.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ex-congressman and the man behind the Dodd-Frank Act Barney Frank has said Signature Bank was shuttered in part to attack the digital asset industry.

The former lawmaker, a Signature Bank board member, said in a Monday interview with CNBC that regulators targeted the bank to send an anti-crypto message.

New York regulators decided to abruptly shut down crypto-friendly Signature Bank on Sunday, citing system riskwhich surprised management at the firm, according to a Bloomberg report. It is the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history. Regulators have not yet provided any further reasoning for shuttering the bank.

The move came after Silicon Valley Bankto which a number of crypto companies had exposurewent belly up after suffering a $42 billion bank run days before. The same week, crypto-friendly Silvergate said it was winding down operations.

I think part of what happened was that regulators wanted to send a very strong anti-crypto message, he was quoted saying by CNBC. He added that the bank was the poster boy for the crypto industry.

Signature Bank gave crypto companies loans. Americas biggest digital asset exchange Coinbase said Friday that it held a corporate cash balance of around $240 million with Signature Bank. Stablecoin issuer and crypto brokerage firm Paxos admitted holding $250 million at Signature Bank.

California Financial Regulator Shutters Silicon Valley Bank

Signature Banks shutdown now means that mainstream crypto companies are once again locked-out of the traditional finance systemsomething that crypto exchanges, in particular, require so that their customers can buy assets like Bitcoin and cash out to U.S. dollars.

Frank was one of the people behind the Dodd-Frank Act, which overhauled U.S. banking regulation to prevent another global crash following the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

The Biden Administration has insisted that the move to protect depositors (known as a systemic risk exception) is not a bailout, and that the taxpayer will not incur any of the burden. But the intervention has been described by others in this waysuch as The Wall Street Journal, which today called it a de facto bailout of the banking system.
The seismic waves from last weeks failure of California-based Silicon Valley Bank, the largest bank collapse since the 2008 financial crisis, are being felt in Texas.

The close of the nations 16th largest commercial bank at first glance may seem to have only impacted emerging tech startups and venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, but the impact on North Texans has been more than what meets the eye.

Many North Texas startups that have received investment from venture capital firms have some kind of relationship with SVB, said Cameron Cushman, assistant vice president of innovation ecosystems at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

Even though you may not know Silicon Valley Bank or see their branches around the Metroplex, they were instrumental to funding and banking many of the high-growth startups that operate in the area, Cushman said.

The FDIC intervened by taking control of SVBs assets last week after the bank ran out of cash. Over the weekend, regulators also took over Signature Bank of New York. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Face the Nation on Sunday that the administration would not pursue a bailout.

After SVBs failure, which was the second largest bank failure in U.S. history, startups with connections to SVB learned that money in their accounts was frozen or inaccessible, Cushman said. Those funds went toward a variety of expenses, including payroll and general business operations.

It was a scary moment for many local high-growth startup companies, Cushman said. This wasnt something anyone saw coming, and it all seemed to happen so fast. These are the kinds of events that can kill startup companies. These external forces can sometimes force even the best, most promising startup companies to go under, through no fault of their own.

Monday morning, President Joe Biden sought to reassure the markets and the public in a speech where he assured that the nations banking system is safe, and that the government will protect all deposits at SVB in hopes of preventing wider fallout. Biden said taxpayer dollars will not be used to cover losses.

Story continues

However, by early afternoon, major U.S. banks had lost more than $70 billion in stock market value on top of $100 billion lost over the weekend.

There are deals being worked out to return the capital to these startup companies with federal assistance, Cushman said. Many venture firms and investors have also jumped in to help by floating additional cash to their portfolio companies until this crisis passes. Ultimately, I think youll see a few startups fail, but I think most will weather the storm and live to fight another day.

The bank collapse could have some long-lasting effects on Texas and specifically Fort Worth startups, Cushman said.

Perhaps companies will reconsider using one bank to manage their finances as opposed to utilizing multiple banks and spreading out the risk. SVBs closure could also create new opportunities for other banks entering the startup funding world to gain market share.

Some banks have already rushed in to help and are hoping to gain new customers from the startups that were SVB customers just last week, Cushman said. Finally, even though SVB had offices in Texas, I think this will further shift the control of early-stage capital away from California. Texas could be uniquely poised to grow in this area.
(Reuters) - Investors stepped cautiously into bank stocks on Tuesday, emboldened by the rescue of Credit Suisse, with share prices inching tentatively higher amid continuing concerns about smaller U.S. lenders and further financial market ructions.

DEVELOPMENTS

* Attention now on this week's meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve, with traders wondering whether the central bank's relentless rate hikes - blamed by some for sparking the crisis - might be at an end.

* U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the U.S. banking system is stabilizing after strong actions from regulators, but further steps to protect depositors may be needed if smaller institutions suffer runs that threaten more contagion.

* The European Central Bank's top bank supervisor Andrea Enria said euro zone banks increased their capital ratios late last year and remain solid, a message echoed by Spanish ECB policymaker Pablo Hernandez de Cos. But Enria warned banks against being "caught off guard" by rising interest rates.

* Sweden's banks are well-capitalised, central bank chief Erik Thedeen said.

* Turmoil in the banking sector is hurting investor confidence, surveys showed, including the German ZEW index of sentiment which ended a five-month streak of gains.

* The Bank for International Settlements, said it fully supported recent actions taken by central banks to address banking system problems.

* Britain's legal framework is clear about the treatment of shareholders and creditors in the event of a bank collapse, financial services minister Andrew Griffith said. What is AT1 debt?

* The Swiss Banking Association said credit supply would not be restricted by the demise of Credit Suisse, and that it saw a "prosperous future".

* Credit Suisse on Tuesday kicked off its annual Asian Investment Conference in Hong Kong, although CEO Ulrich Koerner, who was expected to attend the conference, dropped out.

MARKET REACTION

* Europe's bank shares and bonds gained.

Story continues

* U.S. stocks rallied.

ANALYSIS

* Switzerland's secretive Credit Suisse rescue rocks global finance

QUOTES

* "Our intervention was necessary to protect the broader U.S. banking system," U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen said. "And similar actions could be warranted if smaller institutions suffer deposit runs that pose the risk of contagion."

* "Increasing interest rates and quantitative tightening require banks to sharpen their focus on liquidity and funding risks," the ECB's top banking supervisor Enria said. "There is a risk that banks might be caught off guard."

* Credibility "is not destroyed, but it's not good," Swiss Banking Association chairman Marcel Rohner said.

(Compiled by Reuters editors)
Federal regulators stepped in Sunday to back all Silicon Valley Bank deposits, resolving a key uncertainty surrounding the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history hours before global stock markets resumed trading.

The U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said the government would back Silicon Valley Bank deposits beyond the federally insured ceiling of $250,000. The decision addressed concerns around the fate of uninsured funds held at the Santa Clara, California-based bank  the countrys 16th largest  which had $209 billion in assets and more than $175 billion in deposits.

Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13, the agencies said in a joint statement Sunday evening. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer.

Senior management of SVB will be removed, the statement said.

The announcement marks an extraordinary step by federal regulators to calm financial markets before Monday trading resumed in Asia and Europe, followed by North America. Dow futures jumped more than 150 points Sunday night following news of the backstop plan.

Major markets in the Asia-Pacific region were mixed on Monday morning, with Japans Topix recording the biggest loss at about 2%. Banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered and DBS were down as much as 1.06% as of midday amid fears of contagion.

President Joe Biden said late Sunday that he was pleased.

The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them, he said in a statement. I am firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again.

He said he would speak more about banking security Monday morning.

Some Silicon Valley Bank customers and staffers breathed sighs of relief after the regulators announcement.

Story continues

Vanessa Pham said she was preparing for the possibility that Omsom, the Asian food products business she co-founded that banks with SVB, might run out of money within anywhere from two weeks to three months.

I will be patiently, eagerly waiting the actual deposit in our bank and our access with it, Pham said.

A source inside Silicon Valley Bank who worked as a managing director in a regional office before Fridays shutdown said he was happy for his clients. He welcomed what he called a favorable resolution, adding that he feared tens of thousands of jobs could have been lost if uninsured deposits were not covered.

A second SVB employee said Sunday, The feeling that clients were going to lose money and that they were facing all this disruption on our behalf I think crushed people. So now theyre at least going to be made whole for their deposits, which is a huge sense of relief.

The employee added that while depositors have been guaranteed, the banks employees  who SVB has said number more than 8,500  face doubts about their jobs: Theres still a lot of uncertainty. Management was just fired as a part of that, and we still might get bought.

Federal regulators also said Sunday that they took control of a second bank, New Yorks Signature Bank, which is roughly half the size of SVB and had become a hub for cryptocurrency financing. They said a similar guarantee for Signature Bank depositors would be instituted in the process of shutting it down.

A senior Treasury official told reporters Sunday that regulators are watching other banks that may have similar issues. As part of coordinated interagency efforts to backstop any further bank failures, the Fed has set up an emergency lending program to give banks expanded and quick access to funds in times of stress.

The official also did not rule out the possibility of finding a buyer for either SVB or Signature Bank.

A federal guarantee for SVB depositors was the hoped-for solution among tech industry players and pundits calling for a rescue of the banks corporate and startup clients, many of whom had all but frozen their operations in anticipation of what would come next for a bank that held much of their assets.

The intervention forced Washington officials to invoke a systemic risk exception, an extraordinary measure allowing financial regulators to step in without congressional action. The move required joint approval from the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Treasury in consultation with Biden.

Banking officials in the United Kingdom were watching the situation with thoughts of their own technology economy.

You know, theres been a lot of concern because Silicon Valley Bank in the UK, like in the U.S., is very important to a large number of technology companies, which obviously employ many people in high skilled jobs, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told NBC Newss Lester Holt on Sunday evening.

He said his government was determined to support the well being of the UK tech sector and hopefully, well announce those plans relatively soon. 

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Silicon Valley Bank customers will be able to access all of their funds starting on Monday, federal agencies said in a statement released on Sunday.

Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer, said a joint statement from the Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

The statement also said that the Federal Reserve will make additional funding available to eligible institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors.

The agencies also reiterated that the wider banking system remains resilient and on a solid foundation, in large part due to reforms that were made after the financial crisis that ensured better safeguards for the banking industry.

Regulators are also auctioning off Silicon Valley Bank, according to multiple reports Sunday, as part of efforts to contain the fallout of the banks historic failure last week.

The statement also announced that depositors of Signature Bank in New York will be made whole at no cost to the taxpayer. The bank was closed on Sunday by New York state financial regulators, the statement said.

Federal regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank on Friday, making it the biggest bank failure since the 2008 recession. Out of the $161 billion deposited at Silicon Valley Bank, 93 percent of it is not insured by the FDIC, a Bloomberg News analysis found.

Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers said on Sunday talk shows that they opposes a potential bailout of Silicon Valley Bank.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also ruled out a bailout of the banks owners and investors amid the banks collapse on CBSs Face the Nation Sunday.

Updated: 8:00 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It's been a tumultuous few days for banks since the now-shuttered Silicon Valley Bank announced Wednesday it had suffered a $1.8 billion after-tax loss and urgently needed to raise more capital to quell depositors' concerns.

By Friday, SVB's chances of getting access to more funding appeared paper thin. That led the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to take over the bank after failed attempts to sell it to healthier banks.

The FDIC announced Friday afternoon that customers who had up to $250,000 per account deposited with SVB, which was the nation's 16th-largest bank, would have access to their funds by Monday morning. But it wasn't known at the time what would happen to deposits that exceeded $250,000, the limit the FDIC insures in the event of a bank failure.

Ripple effect: How Silicon Valley Bank collapse is affecting other US banks

Silicon Valley Bank: Regulators offer plan to 'ensure U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles'

Are your savings safe? What to know about saving accounts

Over the weekend, the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and FDIC announced that SVB and Signature Bank's failures posed a big enough risk to the entire banking system that it merited allowing regulators to take the unusual step of guaranteeing the larger deposits.

But the saga doesn't end there. Here's what we know so far:

SEC and DOJ are investigating SVB collapse

The Justice Department has begun a preliminary inquiry into the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

The review is in its early stages, said the person who is not authorized to comment publicly, declining to elaborate on the scope of the inquiry. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Justices involvement as well as a preliminary investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Kevin Johnson

Opinion: SVB's failure poses serious challenge for America's innovation economy

Story continues

Opinion: Blaming Silicon Valley Bank collapse on diversity or 'wokeness' gives away Republican game

Is the government bailing out SVB?

It may appear way since the government is guaranteeing all the deposits at both of the failed banks.

Separately, the Fed said it will provide financing by offering loans of up to a year to eligible banks and other financial institutions. The move is intended to prevent a wave of bank runs that would threaten the stability of the banking system and the economy as a whole.

But President Joe Biden stressed yesterday that "no losses" stemming from the collapse of the Silicon Valley and Signature banks would be borne by taxpayers. He said he would ask Congress and federal regulators to tighten banking rules to make it less likely that a major failure happens again.

Francesca Chambers and Amritpal Kaur Sandhu-Longoria

Banking crisis: President Joe Biden says taxpayer money won't be used to bail out SVB, Signature Bank

Why was there a run on SVB?

Billionaire tech mogul Peter Thiel is seen as having accelerated SVBs fall after talk circulated Thursday that his Founders Fund venture capital firm asked its companies to move their funds.

VC firms Coatue Management, Union Square Ventures and Founder Collective also reportedly had advised their portfolio companies to pull their money from the bank, while Canaan told its portfolio companies to remove their cash on an as-needed basis, reports said.

This set off panic across Silicon Valley, prompting SVBs CEO on Thursday to hold a conference call with clients asking them to remain calm.

Medora Lee

What companies are affected by SVB collapse?

In addition to Etsy, online game platform Roblox on Friday said it had about 5% of its $3 billion in cash at Silicon Valley Bank, and said the collapse would have no impact on its day-to-day operations. The company did not immediately return a request for comment.

Streaming platform company Roku said in a regulatory filing Friday that it had about a quarter of its $1.9 billion worth of cash and cash equivalents held in Silicon Valley Bank.

Roblox and Roku declined to comment further Monday.

Bailey Schulz

Who is affected by Silicon Valley Bank's failure?

Tech and crypto businesses.

The fact that the collapses have principally been in the tech and crypto spaces suggests that these sectors are even more at risk than the economy as a whole wrote Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at broker-dealer Commonwealth Financial Network. While other banks will likely move to replace SVB, they will not be as focused or as dedicated to the sector, which will slow things down going forward. One of the primary enablers of the tech boom is now gone.

Medora Lee

Why did Signature Bank fail?

Signature Bank, a New York-based financial institution that became a big lender in the crypto industry, was ordered to close over the weekend. The bank was part of only a handful of financial institutions allowing customers to deposit crypto assets.

That didn't bode well for the bank when crypto plunged as a result of FTX's collapse last year.

A man walks out of a Manhattan branch of Signature Bank which was closed by bank regulators on Sunday on March 13, 2023 in New York City. The move by the state's Department of Financial Services seeks to prevent a banking crisis spurred by the failure of Silicon Valley Bank.

Signature board member Barney Frank, a former congressman who helped design new financial regulations after the 2008 financial crisis, ultimately blamed SVB for its collapse. It was an SVB-generated panic, he told The Wall Street Journal. We were fine until the last couple of hours on Friday.

Elisabeth Buchwald

Largest U.S. banks

As regional banks, those with between $10 billion and $100 billion in assets, are under pressure amid Signature Bank and SVB's fallout, deposits are rushing into the largest banks in the U.S., Bloomberg reported citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Here are the biggest banks in the U.S.:

What does the Silicon Valley Bank collapse mean?

Even if you didn't have money deposited in SVB, the bank's failure, the first since 2020 and the second largest on record, matters for the entire U.S. banking system.

Before last week, there was little reason to suspect that you couldn't withdraw as much money from your bank account as you'd like at any given time.

But as panicked customers rushed to SVB branches and crashed the bank's site once it became apparent that it was in trouble, many began to wonder if their money was safe where it was deposited.

That fear directly flowed to Signature Bank, contributing to its collapse on Sunday.

Elisabeth Buchwald

WSJ SVB diversity

A Wall Street Journal opinion piece written by Andy Kessler is getting a lot of backlash. In his piece, Kessler lays out the reasons why he believes SVB failed. Among them, he suggests "the company may have been distracted by diversity demands."

Elisabeth Buchwald

First Republic Bank stock

Shares of First Republic Bank are up over 50% in premarket trading Tuesday morning. The bank has taken a big hit in recent days as depositors pull money from their accounts.

Elisabeth Buchwald

A customer stands outside of the shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters on March 10, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif.

First Republic Bank, Western Alliance under downgrade credit review

Credit rating agency Moody's announced last night it's putting First Republic Bank, Western Alliance and four other banks under review for a credit downgrade. If Moody's goes through with downgrading the banks it could amplify the dangers they are facing in the aftermath of the SVB and Signature Bank collapses.

Elisabeth Buchwald

Silicon Valley Bank failure explained

Silicon Valley's customers, who were largely startups and other tech-centric companies, started becoming needier for cash over the past year. That led them to withdraw money from their accounts.

SVB meanwhile needed to keep selling its assets, mainly bonds, at a loss to free up capital so that customers could withdraw funds. But the bank got to a point where the losses were so high, customers began to fear SVB couldn't guarantee access to every customer's funds. That fueled a massive bank run which caused the FDIC to step in.

Elisabeth Buchwald

'A brutal day': How Silicon Valley Bank's failure shook businesses from wine country to London

FDIC insurance explained: Silicon Valley Bank failed. FDIC covers some of the money, but only up to $250,000

A car drives past a Silicon Valley Bank sign at the company's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, March 10, 2023. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is seizing the assets of Silicon Valley Bank, marking the largest bank failure since Washington Mutual during the height of the 2008 financial crisis. The FDIC ordered the closure of Silicon Valley Bank and immediately took position of all deposits at the bank Friday. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

How fast did SVB shares fall?

SVB shares declined swiftly, plunging from $267.8 billion at 4 pm on March 8 to $106 billion 24 hours later. The bank was among the biggest in the U.S. banks in terms of assets.

How much did SVB have in deposits?

As of Dec. 31, 2022, Silicon Valley Bank had approximately $209.0 billion in total assets and about $175.4 billion in total deposits, according to the FDIC on Sunday.

At the time of closing, the amount of deposits in excess of the insurance limits was undetermined, it said.

Medora Lee

Largest bank failures in U.S. history

The top three bank failures in U.S. history are:

Washington Mutual, Seattle, Washington: in 2008, with nominal assets at time of failure of $307 billion. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Santa Clara, California: in 2023, with nominal assets of $209 billion. Signature Bank, New York, New York: in 2023, with nominal assets of $118 billion.

Medora Lee

Who is buying Silicon Valley Bank?

Early reports suggested PNC Financial, JPMorgan and Royal Bank of Canada were among the suitors for the failed SVB bank, but more recent reports have said PNC has declined and interest from RBC has cooled.

For a mid-sized regional bank, "buying the whole bank would be a very large transaction and a big shift in focus to one area although Silicon Valley is known for very strong relationships in this business," wrote Vivek Juneja, JPMorgan analyst.

As for Signature Bank, Juneja noted "Signature Bank had ties to the crypto industry, which may limit its appeal to...potential buyers."

Medora Lee

Etsy payments delayed

E-commerce company Etsy, which delayed payments to about 0.5% of its active sellers on Friday after SVB's collapse, said in a statement that it was working to pay those sellers Monday.

Weve already started processing payments via another payment partner this morning, the statement reads. Supporting our sellers is our highest priority, and we understand how important it is for these small businesses to be able to receive their funds when they need them.

Bailey Schulz

Biden blames Trump for SVB failure

President Joe Biden pointed fingers at the Trump administration for the collapse of SVB.

"During the Obama-Biden administration, we put in place tough requirements on banks like Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, including the Dodd-Frank Law, to make sure the crisis we saw in 2008 would not happen again," he said during a White House address on Monday.

"Unfortunately, the last administration rolled back some of these requirements," he said, referring to measures former President Donald Trump signed into law in 2018 aimed at helping small and midsize banks compete with larger banks by easing restrictions

"Im going to ask Congress and the banking regulators to strengthen the rules for banks to make it less likely that this kind of bank failure will happen again and to protect American jobs and small businesses."

Elisabeth Buchwald

Bank term funding program (BTFP): What is it?

That's a facility created by the Federal Reserve that allows banks to offer high quality securities such as Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities as collateral for cash at par value, meaning banks can monetize these securities holdings well above the market value.

A problem for SVB was that when companies began withdrawing large amounts of money to fund their businesses, it had to sell its longer-term Treasuries and securities at a loss to cover the withdrawals. The market value of the securities had dropped sharply amid high inflation and aggressive Fed rate hikes to slow it.

Because SVB had to take such a huge loss on the securities, it no longer had enough assets to cover its deposits.

The BTFP will be an additional source of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institutions need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress, the Fed said.

Medora Lee

Bank failures: What does it mean for overseas markets?

European markets slid amid banking concerns as financiers pulled an all-nighter to rescue SVBs U.K. arm. In the end, HSBC UK acquired SVB U.K. for 1 ($1.21), in a deal that excludes the assets and liabilities of SVB U.K.s parent company. That allowed customers of SVB U.K. to bank as usual.

There were also "a large number of startups and investors" who had "significant exposure to SVB UK," Dom Hallas, executive director of Coadec, which represents British startups, said on Twitter. He cited "concern and panic."

Asian stocks were mixed.

Medora Lee

Whats the 'moral hazard'?

This has created a moral hazard for the Fed; there will be an expectation for it to step in even if a bank gets into trouble in the future for any other issues, wrote JP Morgan analyst Vivek Juneja.

But most economists agree with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers who said in an interview on Friday I dont think this is a time for moral-hazard lectures or for talk about teaching people lessons."

Medora Lee

Is the U.S. Treasury also providing support?

Yes, the Treasury is backstopping the Fed, which is allowing banks to use their high-grade securities as collateral at face value for cash for one year. The Treasury will make up to $25 billion available as a credit-risk backstop to the Fed.

Fed officials said, however, that they do not expect to have to use any of that money, given that the securities posted as collateral have a very low risk of default.

Medora Lee

Fed interest rate decision: Will SVB, Signature Bank cause Fed to pause rate hike?

Most economists say no, but it could at least slow down the Feds interest rate plan to cool inflation.

Some economists are betting the Fed will pause its aggressive campaign of interest rate hikes because of the risks the Silicon Valley Bank crisis poses to the financial system. Others say the central bank is still laser-focused on fighting inflation and will follow through with a rate increase next week, though probably by a quarter point rather than a half point.

The bank failures have tightened lending for now, and if it continues, it does some of the Feds work to slow the economy.

However, this also could pull forward the timeline for a recession, which many economists predicted in the latter part of the year.

Expect to see banks and the financial sector as a whole pull back on lending and risk until they get their houses in order, and this will slow economic growth and likely pull markets down. Commonwealth chief investment officer Brad McMillan wrote. In some respects, this is good (it is what the Fed has been aiming for), but it makes a recession much more likely, quite possibly in the short term.

Medora Lee and Paul Davidson

Fed launches review of supervision and regulation of SVB

The Fed plans to conduct a careful and thorough review of how we supervised and regulated this firm, and what we should learn from this experience," said Fed Vice Chair Michael Barr.

The thorough, transparent, and swift review will be publicly released by May 1, the Fed said.

Medora Lee

Vice President Kamala Harris weighs in on SVB

Vice President Harris offered her own statement on Twitter just before 6 p.m. ET, bookending a day that started with a statement from President Biden on the bank failures and looming crisis. She wrote that the president "was clear: The banking system is safe, small businesses can access their money when they need it, and we will hold accountable those responsible."

.@POTUS highlighted the steps our Administration is taking to address problems at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.



He was clear: The banking system is safe, small businesses can access their money when they need it, and we will hold accountable those responsible.  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 13, 2023

 Michelle Maltais

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SVB, Signature Bank failure explained: Live updates
By Martin Coulter

(Reuters) - Not long after California startups started pulling money out of troubled Silicon Valley Bank, entrepreneurs in other parts of the world woke up to the news.

"Around 90% of our cash was in SVB," said Sam Franklin, 28, a London-based chief executive whose recruitment firm Otta specializes in tech talent. He ditched weekend "life admin" to figure out how to pay his employees at the end of the month.

In Hong Kong, Florian Simmendinger, co-founder and CEO of Hong Kong wearable company Soundbrenner, missed the start of the panic in California over SVB Financial Group last week, but he caught on quickly.

"I'm like, what? Are you kidding me? Like, my bank?" he said. "We already couldn't log into our account anymore during the regular business hours."

While the global effects of Silicon Valley Bank's collapse are just emerging, one thing is clear: tech startups, no matter how far apart, are intertwined. Many depend on a single mid-sized bank for their day-to-day operations.

Following the lead of California colleagues, startups in Europe and Asia gravitated to the bank, the 16th largest in the U.S. last year, whose name rang with tech cachet and which offered them specialized financial services.

U.S. FOUNDERS WARY

Quincy Lee, founder of Seattle-based EV charging startup Electra Era, tried to move millions of dollars from Silicon Valley Bank on Thursday afternoon as warning signs multiplied.

The website was down, overwhelmed by traffic. A customer service agent told him by phone that there could be a delay because so many people were trying to withdraw. By Monday afternoon, he had succeeded in getting his money and was looking for an alternative bank.

After a weekend of intense discussions over the future of SVB, U.S. regulators unveiled an emergency funding plan that gave the bank's customers access to all their deposits.

In the UK, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said the government and the Bank of England had facilitated a private sale of SVB's UK arm to HSBC, in a move which would protect deposits without taxpayer support.

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European Union officials also assured consumers the bank had a "very limited presence" in the bloc. And Christoph Stresing, managing director of the German Startups Association expressed cautious optimism that domestic companies would get off lightly.

European stocks fell on banking industry concerns, though, and even startups that did not bank with SVB were scrambling.

"It's hard to understand just how interconnected SVB is with the start-up ecosystem," said Rachael Crook, founder and CEO of London-based healthcare start-up Lifted. Over the weekend she soothed investors and made sure crucial service suppliers would not be hobbled, after executives raised concerns a key financial partner may have money tied up with SVB.

Aleksandr Volodarsky, CEO of Ukrainian startup lemon.io, which banks with SVB in the United States, told Reuters he started discussing the collapse with other entrepreneurs in the region on Thursday.

"We initiated a wire transfer on Friday morning and still nothing happened," he said. "We were lucky because we just made payments to developers and engineers just two days earlier."

CHINESE STARTUPS MOVING MONEY

SVB's Shanghai-based joint venture, SPD Silicon Valley Bank (SSVB), said it had a sound corporate structure and an independent balance sheet. SSVB is China's first technology and innovation bank, and the first Sino-U.S. joint venture bank.

As SVB was one of the few banks that made it easy for start-ups to open bank accounts for dollar financing, it was the dominant foreign bank for early-stage companies in China, advisors and companies said.

But many Chinese start-ups and fund managers are working to move their money out of SVB's U.S. arm.

One lawyer for a China-based venture capital firm said nearly all of its portfolio companies' operating cash, as well as its own operating cash was stored with SVB, and spent the weekend strategizing on alternatives.

After a rollercoaster of a weekend, Otta CEO Franklin said his company would continue banking with the UK arm of SVB and add accounts at more banks.

"The big learning curve for many of us in this industry has been, 'If you have a lot of cash, you should spread it around.'"

(Reporting by Martin Coulter, Maggie Fick, Krystal Hu, Supantha Mukherjee, Hakan Ersen, Josh Horwitz, Josh Ye and Tom Sims; Editing by Peter Henderson and Richard Chang)
Startup founders scrambled to get their funds out of Silicon Valley Bank after its collapse. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Silicon Valley Bank's UK unit has been sold to HSBC for 1 British pound, or $1.21.

The UK government and the Bank of England facilitated the private sale, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said.

"This acquisition makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK," HSBC CEO Noel Quinn said.

HSBC has acquired Silicon Valley Bank's UK unit for 1 British pound, or $1.21, according to a statement from the bank Monday.

The UK government and the Bank of England facilitated the private sale, British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter.

"Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support," Hunt said.

"This acquisition makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK," HSBC CEO Noel Quinn said in the bank's statement. Silicon Valley Bank's UK unit tangible equity is expected to be around 1.4 billion pounds.

The acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank's UK unit came after the Bank of England said Friday it would place the subsidiary into insolvency procedure. The UK central bank added at the time Silicon Valley Bank's UK unit "has a limited presence in the UK and no critical functions supporting the financial system."



Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch is a standalone entity with its own balance sheet and governance structure, per Erin Platts, the bank's UK CEO and head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Silicon Valley Bank UK had 5.5 billion pounds of loans and 6.7 billion pounds of deposits as of March 10, 2023, per HSBC. It recorded a profit before tax of 88 million pounds in 2022.

The developments across the Atlantic followed the closure of the bank's California-based parent by regulators on Friday. It has since been taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Share prices of SVB Financial Group, the bank's holding company, had collapsed following a failed $2.3 billion capital raise.

Read the original article on Business Insider
As Silicon Valley Bank collapsed before our eyes on Thursday, a founder told me that the world felt like it did when COVID-19 first bared its teeth. I scoffed at his analogy at first: Are we really using a still ongoing and devastating pandemic to describe the fall of a prominent bank? But then I realized, we are indeed witnessing the crumbling of something sacred.

Now, I see the similarity between those dreary COVID days and the surreality of the past weekend  even among the collective relief that echoed through Silicon Valley as regulators told depositors funds would be accessible in full starting Monday. Over the past four days, weve reported on a Twitter-induced bank run, SVB taken over by regulators, ventures resulting scramble to help startups and entrepreneurs' resulting scramble to survive. All while Tech Twitter went from panic to anger to dread to relief, all with fear sitting heavily on both shoulders.

Some investors spoke up, others pointed fingers, and even though Twitter was full of hot takes and ill-timed jokes, my DMs have never been more active with raw, real stories of how SVBs collapse is impacting the people on the frontier of innovation. Now my DMs are full of people celebrating, pouring one out, and appreciating a moment of straight up relief that felt like the end of lockdown.

But while it may feel like the cheery end to a nightmare, here's what has irreversibly changed: People were slapped in the face by the interconnectedness of tech and over-dependency on certain institutions and voices. I think we all were reminded that a finance story is innately a human story; and that a failure of this magnitude impacts well beyond tech elite and whatever your definition of Silicon Valley is. And, Ill add, I hope there was the realization that we should all stop trying to be banking experts (just like we should all stop trying to be epidemiologists).

I dont see tech functioning the same after what was said, seen and pushed out loud over the past few weeks. Founders are more aware than ever on which of their investors truly add value. VCs, often ever publicly cordial, have drawn lines and picked teams I'm sure we'll see act together in the future. And normal people just had their eyes opened on how the often insular world of venture and startups works (messy as it is).

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Silicon Valley let out a collective exhale with the news that depositors will be covered by regulators. Theres still more questions to iron out before the rebuilding starts. But the big story ahead is still being written, both in better understanding what broke and what is breaking in Silicon Valley's broader tank.

If you have a juicy tip or lead about happenings in the wake of SVB's collapse, you can reach Natasha Mascarenhas on Twitter @nmasc_ or on Signal at +1 925 271 0912. Her e-mail is natasha.m@techcrunch.com. Anonymity requests will be respected.
[Source]

Simu Liu was brutally honest about his experience with Air Canada on Instagram.

The Canadian actor took to his Instagram Story to share his thoughts about the airline staff at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Thursday while tagging the airline company.

@aircanada staff at Pearson are a combination of the best and worst of humanity. The best go above and beyond for people who are trying to brave horrendous airport lines to try and get to their destination. The worst are completely apathetic and use the crowds and punching bags.

Although Liu stated he doesnt have any specific complaints, he made sure to call out the unpleasant and unprofessional attitude of some of Air Canadas staff.

More from NextShark: Chinese woman goes viral after declaring she prefers high-quality singlehood over low-quality marriage

However, the Marvel star made sure not to generalize the entirety of the airlines staff, praising some while critiquing others. I just hope you guys know the good apples from the bad, the actor cautioned.

The good employees are truly great and the bad ones  well, theyre just some of the most unpleasant and miserable unprofessional human beings on the face of the earth," he ended his Story.

More from NextShark: 'Too old to work in China:' 50-yr-old flight attendant learns new languages to land foreign airline job

As of this writing, Air Canada has not yet responded to Lius statement.

In recent months, Air Canada has faced a rising number of complaints regarding customer service, including one visually impaired woman who called out the airline for making her feel like an unwanted burden, carry-on crackdowns, flight cancellations, delays and other issues.

More from NextShark: Popeyes returns to S. Korea for round 2 against Korean fried chicken

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Video of 7-year-old girl in China crying because her father 'works too hard' goes viral
Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast

Call her a wolf for Wall Street.

After the feds declared that the depositors at the defunct Silicon Valley Bank are protected from loss, U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona shamelessly issued what she titled a Statement on Steps to Protect the U.S. Banking System.

The federal government must now ensure those responsible are held accountable, while maintaining stability for all Americans who rely on our banking system, she tweeted.

Sinema need only step in front of a mirror to find a prime suspect. Whether shes calling herself a Democrat or an independent, her voting record is the same. And it marks her a shill for the banking industry.

Before she went from the U.S. House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate, Sinema was party to an early effort by the banks to undo the provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was passed in the wake of the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, she was a supporter of H.R.992The Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act of 2013which sought to exempt certain financial instruments from some Dodd-Frank restrictions. Bank lobbyists drafted key amendments, which appeared word for word in the bill she supported in the committee and when it reached the House floor. The measure passed, but this was during the Obama administration and it had no chance of becoming law.

Biden Claims U.S. Banking System Is Safe After SVB Collapse

Sinema also co-sponsored other anti-regulation bills, including the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2015, which includes provisions that Silicon Valley Bank President Greg Becker called for in testimony before Congress that year. That measure also failed to pass.

After Trump became president, Sinema and a majority of the House Financial Services Committee supported the far more extensive Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. Sinema sponsored unrelated accompanying measures protecting children from identity theft and seniors from scammers. The immediate effect was to divert attention from the bills ultimate intention, which was to let the banks do whatever they want.

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The bill came before the full house on May 22, 2018. It passed 258 to 159, with Sinema one of only 33 Democrats who voted yes.

These important reforms will help protect the financial security of Arizonans young and old as they plan for homeownership, a college education, or a stable retirement, she said in a press release.

Trump signed it into law as part of his effort to turn the financial system back into a red-light district for banks. Sinema successfully ran for Senate in 2018, with the help of more than $100,000 in contributions from financial interests, including three longtime lobbyists for Silicon Valley Bank.

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-AZ, who voted against the 2018 bill, has announced that he will seek to unseat Sinema in 2024. He was not slow in pointing out the hypocrisy of her declaration that those to blame for the Silicon Valley Bank should be held to account.

Whats the difference between Senator Sinema and me? Gallego said in a statement. When bank lobbyists asked me to weaken bank regulations, I said no. When they asked Senator Sinema, she asked how muchand voted yes. Now we are all going to pay for her mistake.

Sinema did not respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, bank stocks were cratering on Monday despite the feds assurances to Silicon Valley Bank depositors. Sinema and Trump and everybody else who joined in relaxing the 2010 safeguards should indeed be held accountable for whatever else follows.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob on Monday urged Bosnia's leaders to embrace a "historic moment" created by the war in Ukraine and kick off reforms required by the European Union to speed up the Balkan country's membership process.

Slovenia was the strongest supporter of Bosnia's bid to become a candidate to join the wealthy 27-member bloc, which was approved in December despite a poor reform record by the ethnically-divided country.

Golob, who chose Sarajevo for his first visit to the Western Balkans region since he assumed the job last year, said Russian aggression towards Ukraine had turned Brussels sceptics into supporters of the EU enlargement process, and that was "historic".

"For 20 years administrative issues have in reality stopped the enlargement process while today the EU enlargement process has become a political process that we want to take further on," Golob told a news conference held jointly with Bosnia's Prime Minister Borjana Kristo.

"Slovenia wants to be not only a friend on that path but the biggest ally, and that is why we shall offer you all possible help, from technical to administrative and financial support," he said.

Slovenia is among the three top investors in Bosnia, and Golob said its private investors saw great potential in renewable energy sources in the country.

Following its devastating war in the 1990s in which about 100,000 people were killed, Bosnia remains divided ethically and politically among its Serb, Bosniak and Croat groups.

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Ed Osmond)
SmartAsset: New Social Security Plan to Raise Full Retirement Age to 70

A group of Senators is working on a plan to shore up Social Security by raising the retirement age from 67 to 70, along with other changes to how Social Security benefits are financed. Here's what you need to know.

A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your retirement needs and goals.

How Will the New Social Security Plan Affect Retirees?

Work on the plan, which was first reported by the online news site Semafor, is being led by Senators Angus King, (I-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana). It also would include changes to the way retirement benefits are calculated and the creation of a federally-backed investment fund that would generate revenue to support benefit payments.

The state of Social Security financing is getting a lot of attention now and is expected to get even more as the 2024 elections approach. While the Social Security system isn't in any danger of becoming bankrupt, the trustees who oversee Social Security and Medicare have reported that the surplus in the trust fund used to pay for the plans will run out sometime in 2035.

You should note that payroll taxes supporting the plans will continue to bring in revenue for benefit payments, but those collections would be about 20% short of the total amount needed. At that point, Congress would have to find other revenue or adjust the benefit rules and payroll tax schedules.

The plan being formulated by King and Cassidy would amount to a benefit cut, experts said, by reducing the overall total of Social Security payments collected in a retiree's lifetime. Extending the age to start collecting benefits also means that many more workers will die before becoming old enough to collect any Social Security checks.

The Social Security Administration already estimates that one out of every eight of today's 20-year-olds will die before reaching age 67, while Stanford University estimates that 20% of people born in 2015 will die before reaching age 70.

How Will the New Social Security Plan Get Funded?

SmartAsset: New Social Security Plan to Raise Full Retirement Age to 70

The King and Cassidy plan would rely on borrowing $1.5 trillion to launch a U.S. sovereign investment fund and produce added revenue for Social Security payments. In years when the fund failed to generate an 8% return, the maximum taxable income and the payroll tax rate would be raised to produce enough money to keep Social Security solvent for another 75 years.

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A sovereign fund, which is government-owned, would require the federal government to invest in private companies. This could have the potential to raise several conflict-of-interest questions about the government interfering with private businesses. The size of the proposed fund also could exaggerate movements in the market when trades are made.

As of March 2023, just three publicly traded companies are worth more than $1.5 trillion  Saudi Aramco, Microsoft and Apple.

The plan from King and Cassidy comes just weeks after another Social Security financing plan was put forth by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), which dubbed the "Social Security Expansion Act."

That plan would expand benefits by an average of $2,400 a year per person while instituting a tax on some investment income and eliminating the $160,200 current cap on wages taxed to support the Social Security trust fund.

Bottom Line

SmartAsset: New Social Security Plan to Raise Full Retirement Age to 70

The new Social Security plan sponsored by Senators by King and Cassidy could reduce the overall total of Social Security payments collected in a retiree's lifetime and extend the age for collecting benefits to 70, which means that more workers will die before becoming old enough to collect any Social Security checks.

According to the Social Security Administration, nearly nine out of 10 people age 65 and older were getting Social Security benefits at the end of 2022. Among elderly Social Security beneficiaries, 12% of men and 15% of women rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.

Tips for Retirement Planning

A financial advisor can help you create a retirement plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three 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 you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

The SECURE 2.0 Act made some major changes to your retirement planning in 2023. The sweeping legislation that was signed into law by President Biden will delay required minimum distributions (RMDs), boost catch-up contributions for people ages 60 to 63 and more.

Photo credit: iStock.com/ljubaphoto, iStock.com/katleho Seisa, iStock.com/triloks

The post New Social Security Plan to Raise Full Retirement Age to 70 appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Republican lawmakers in South Carolina are considering a change to the states criminal code that would make a person who gets an abortion eligible for the death penalty.

The bill being considered in South Carolina, dubbed the South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023, would redefine person under state law to include a fertilized egg, giving it at the point of conception equal protection under the states homicide laws, including the death penalty.

The bill provides an exception for a pregnant person who underwent an abortion because she was compelled to do so by the threat of imminent death or great bodily injury. It also provides an exception if the procedure is needed to avert the death of a mother when all reasonable alternatives to save the life of the unborn child were attempted or none were available.

The bill does not provide an exception for rape or incest, a point that Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) took aim at on the House floor last week. Mace has blasted her party for its restrictive abortion policies.

To see this debate go to the dark places, the dark edges, where it has gone on both sides of the aisle, has been deeply disturbing to me as a woman, as a female legislator, as a mom, and as a victim of rape, Mace said.

The bill in South Carolina continues a trend of laws in Republican-led states to limit access to abortions and punish it under law after the fall of Roe v. Wade. At least 18 states have imposed near or total abortion bans, according to a New York Times tracker. Eight states have had such bans blocked by courts.

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a ban on abortions after six weeks was unconstitutional.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Soo-hyang Choi

SEOUL (Reuters) - The three surviving South Koreans who have won court cases over being forced to work under Japanese colonial rule have formally rejected a government compensation plan, potentially throwing up legal obstacles for Seoul as it seeks to mend ties with Tokyo.

Seoul announced last week that South Korean companies would compensate people forced to work under Japan's 1910-1945 rule, seeking to end a spat that has undercut U.S.-led efforts to present a unified front against China and North Korea.

Three of 15 plaintiffs in cases where South Korea's Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to pay reparations in 2018 are still alive and all are formally rejecting the government proposal, a representative said on Monday.

Lim Jae-sung, a lawyer for one of the three plaintiffs made the comments as he delivered written evidence of their objections to the state-run foundation that would oversee the compensation under Seoul's plan.

It was not immediately clear if families of the deceased plaintiffs will accept the plan.

It was not also immediately clear how Tokyo would respond if Seoul is unable to convince the plaintiffs to accept the proposal, one that has been hailed as "groundbreaking" by U.S. President Joe Biden.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to visit Japan this week for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Yoon's office has called the planned visit, the first such in 12 years, "an important milestone in the improvement and development of relations between South Korea and Japan."

The two countries' relations plunged to their lowest point in decades after the 2018 Supreme Court rulings. None of the 15 South Koreans have been compensated.

Japan has said the matter was settled under a 1965 treaty and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said last week his government's stance had not changed.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Ukrainian soldiers in Spain

According to the report, a total of 40 tank crew members and 15 mechanical specialists have mastered operating and maintaining Leopard-2s, having spent four weeks at a military base in Zaragoza.

Read also: First batch of Leopard 1 tanks to come to Ukraine in spring, Danish MoD says

Spanish instructor Cpt. Contreras told Reuters the training routine was intense. According to him, the Ukrainians will return home "with a very acceptable knowledge" about Leopard-2 tanks.

"Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier, he added.

Read also: Ukrainian tank crews arrive in UK for Challenger 2 tank training

With that, together with the motivation that the personnel brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat."

Read also: Poland sends 10 more Leopard tanks to Ukraine

More Ukrainian crews are also nearing completion of their training on Leopard-2 tanks in Germany.

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 Belen Carreno, Inti Landauro and Tim Hepher

MADRID/PARIS (Reuters) -Doubts are growing over the future of Madrid's remaining orders for the Airbus A400M airlifter, European defence sources said on Monday, raising the stakes of talks over the planemaker's future investment in one of its founder nations.

The A400M is one of Europe's core defence projects and a focal point for aerospace investment in Spain, which has ordered 27 of the troop planes and is responsible for final assembly.

But after several months of uncertainty, European defence sources said Madrid was leaning towards cancelling the remaining 13 or so aircraft in Spain's quota that have not been delivered, after its air force indicated it did not need the extra planes.

The Spanish government and Airbus declined comment.

Designed to boost the strategic autonomy of seven European NATO nations that previously relied on U.S. airlift, the A400M project has been hit by a series of cost overruns and delays.

Fresh doubts over what was once Europe's largest defence project emerged as Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury attended centenary celebrations of Construcciones Aeronauticas (CASA), one of the European companies that gave birth to Airbus more than 50 years ago.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Defence Minister Margarita Robles and King Felipe also attended Monday's event in Getafe, outside Madrid, which included the opening of a space facility.

Any decision over the future of the A400M is expected to trigger intense negotiations over alternative defence orders and Airbus's ongoing investment in Spain, the sources said.

JOBS AND RESEARCH

Spain and Airbus are already in discussions over how to soften any impact from a partial A400M order cancellation, they said, while Sanchez's office issued a detailed breakdown of the benefits that Spain had provided Airbus.

In a statement following a meeting between Sanchez and Faury on Monday, the prime minister's office made no mention of the A400M but urged Airbus to increase its footprint in Spain - one of its core nations alongside France, Germany and Britain.

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The two sides "addressed the need for the company to increase the industrial workload in Spain" as well as boost research spending and space activities, the statement said, adding that Madrid had supported Airbus during the pandemic.

There was no immediate comment on the meeting from Airbus.

Defence publication Janes reported last year that Airbus was waiting for Madrid to back the SIRTAP tactical drone project, co-developed by Airbus Spain and Colombia.

Spain also last year ordered an extra 20 Eurofighter combat jets, a four-nation fighter programme for which Airbus is the industrial partner in Spain and Germany.

Spain's unemployment rate rose to 12.87% in the fourth quarter of 2022 from 12.67% three months earlier, pushing the number of unemployed people above the 3 million threshold.

In the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, where Airbus assembles the A400M, the rate was however higher at 19%.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno, Tim Hepher, Inti Landauro, Jesus Aguado; Editing by John Stonestreet, Alison Williams and Lisa Shumaker)
New funding will drive mass market commercialization for ultra-energy efficient, UWB-based wireless electronic devices and sensors

Montreal, Canada --News Direct-- SPARK Microsystems

SPARK Microsystems, a Montreal-based fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communications, today announced the closing of CDN$34 million Series B financing, with an additional CDN$14 million available subject to meeting operational milestones. Led by Idealist Capital, a prominent investment firm focused on the energy transition and decarbonization, the round includes existing investors Cycle Capital, Economic Development Canada (EDC), Real Ventures, and ND Capital.

This round of investment extends the companys resources to deliver on its mission to transcend the performance, power, and sustainability limitations of legacy short-range wireless platforms. Proceeds will be used to accelerate customer acquisition and partner engagements, as well as product development for major markets spanning mobile electronic devices and smart sensors. SPARKs ultra-low power, low latency, high data rate wireless UWB transceivers enable new levels of functionality and performance with no compromises for a broad range of consumer, industrial, IoT, and automotive products.

With strong backing from Idealist Capital and existing investors, SPARK Microsystems is well positioned to execute on its vision of creating high-performance wireless networks for a broad range of products with significantly longer battery lifecycles and reduced waste for a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future, said Fares Mubarak, CEO, SPARK Microsystems. This new financing marks a pivotal milestone in the mass market commercialization of SPARKs UWB technology, equipping us to meet massive demand for breakthrough performance in short-range wireless connectivity.

Idealist Capital embraces investment opportunities in innovators like SPARK Microsystems who developed a breakthrough technology to enable greener, energy efficient electronic devices without compromise in performance, said Steeve Robitaille, Co-Managing Partner, Idealist Capital. We are thrilled to support SPARK for its future growth. SPARKs UWB technology holds tremendous promise for battery-less, wireless devices powered by energy harvesting technologies.

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Were pleased to see a new investor join the company and share our belief that Sparks cutting-edge technology can enable a significant energy consumption reduction in a wide range of applications. This financing will help accelerate the deployment of Sparks next-generation ultra-wideband technology on a global scale, said Andree-Lise Methot, Founder and Managing Partner at Cycle Capital. We look forward to contributing to SPARK Microsystems growth as we are convinced the team has developed an industry leading product that will enable electronic devices to be more energy efficient.

SPARK Microsystems UWB short-range wireless technology dramatically reduces energy consumption for connected devices. Its performance attributes are essential for enabling the next generation of wireless connected mobile devices and sensors optimized for high energy efficiency, driving a significant reduction in battery usage and replacement.

Among its recent milestones, SPARK has expanded its collaboration with industry standards organizations (IEEE, UWB Alliance, FiRa Consortium) and built a global sales and distribution network while winning accolades and investments from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for improving energy efficiency in wireless devices. SPARK transceivers  complemented with SDKs and reference designs  are designed into customers next-generation products in consumer and IoT sensor markets, with strategic engagements in progress with tier-one technology suppliers.

About SPARK Microsystems

SPARK Microsystems is a fabless semiconductor company that is leading the way towards ultra-low power wireless communications for consumer and IoT-connected devices. With its patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems is bringing to market a high-performance wireless transceiver that allows for orders of magnitude improved power consumption, latency and more accurate ranging and positioning, while providing higher data rates than competing technologies. For more information, please visit www.sparkmicro.com.

About Idealist Capital

Idealist Capital is an investment firm focused on accelerating the energy transition by providing growth capital to entrepreneurs across North America, with a primary focus on the Canadian market. Idealist Capital supports businesses whose activities enable positive climate impact across one of three themes  (i) the decarbonization of power supply, (ii) the electrification of transportation, and (iii) the decarbonization of industrials and circular economy. The Firm has a dual mandate to achieve excellent risk-adjusted returns while scaling solutions which are beneficial to the climate. Idealist Capital underwrites its carbon impact and integrates critical non-financial KPIs in its asset management process to build sustainable platforms. To learn more about Idealist Capital, visit idealist.capital.

About Cycle Capital

CapitalCycle Capital is a leading private ClimateTech venture capital investment platform with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Cycle Capital invests in growing and commercializing innovative climatetech companies that develop solutions to contribute towards climate change mitigation by enabling a net-zero transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and optimizing resources and processes. Cycle Capital is the founder of Cycle Momentum Accelerator + Innovation Engine.

Contact Details

Rainier Communications for SPARK Microsytems

Jenna Beaucage

+1 508-340-6851

jbeaucage@rainierco.com

Company Website

https://www.sparkmicro.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/spark-microsystems-announces-cdn-48-million-financing-led-by-idealist-capital-930708060
Maureen Reintjes shared the sadness felt by so many in the Kansas City community when police on Sunday identified a body found two days earlier as that of 13-year-old Jayden Robker, who was reported missing from his home less than a mile away more than a month earlier.

But Reintjes, who now serves as Executive Director of Missouri Missing, an organization that offers support and resources to families of missing Missourians, said shes also been saddened by the social media comments swirling around Jaydens case, including accusations leveled at some of his family members.

Stop. Dont do that. Just stand by the family, Reintjes said. No one knows where the investigation is going to lead, so why hurt somebody needlessly?

The teens body was found Friday in a pond near North Broadway and Northwest Englewood Road. Preliminary autopsy results released Sunday indicated no obvious signs of foul play in Jaydens death. A death investigation is ongoing.

Police conduct an investigation Friday, March 10, 2023 in Gladstone.

As everyone awaits the outcome of the final investigation, Reintjes is urging community members to support Jaydens family.

When a person goes missing, most of the time youre dealing with the unknown, so the families have to play both sides of it, she said of families having to prepare for an outcome of their loved one being found either alive or dead. And can you imagine the trauma that comes with that?

Its a complicated grief that checks off every box of PTSD, she said.

Jayden went missing the afternoon of Feb. 2. That same evening, his mother, Heather Robker, called police from their home near Northwest Plaza Drive and Northwest Plaza Avenue in the Northland.

Its the worst thing ever, Robker told The Star on Saturday as she awaited the autopsy results that would soon match her son to the body found in the pond.

Robker said on that early February day her son left home on his skateboard to sell some Pokemon cards after he got off the school bus around 2:30 that afternoon. He never returned. She said she contacted police that evening around 10:40 p.m., when she woke up for her night shift and discovered her son missing.

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Kansas City police were asking the public for help Monday to find Jayden Robker, 13, who was reported missing from the Lakeview Terrace neighborhood since Thursday.

Robker said shed only spoken to one person who had spotted her son since he left the house that day. A worker at the QuikTrip across the street from their home told her that surveillance footage showed Jayden using the bathroom around 3:30 p.m. before he went east past the Family Dollar, Robker said.

A media release making Jaydens disappearance public wasnt posted immediately. A spokesperson with the Kansas City Police Department said this was, in part, because they were waiting on family to provide a current photo of Jayden.

Capt. Corey Carlisle, a spokesman for the KCPD, said despite the delay in information exchange in getting the news release out, detectives immediately began investigating the case the night Jayden was reported missing.

It took four days for police to put out a public notice.

Reintjes said many times in her experience, especially with teens and adults, police sit on it a little bit longer thinking the person is going to show up, and most of the time they do.

While it appears to Reintjes that police are getting information out faster nowadays, Jaydens case had obvious delays.

In my books you should always play to the worst scenario, and rejoice when the best scenario happens, she said. But if you play to the worst scenario, you could save a life.

Reintjes said its impossible to know at this point whether or not the timing of the news release could have changed the outcome in the search for Jayden, since his time of death has not yet been made public.

More than a month after he went missing, in the week leading up to the discovery of his body, public efforts to find Jayden finally gained momentum, with dozens of people gathering to participate in a canvass aimed at increasing awareness about Jaydens disappearance. On Wednesday, the FBI announced it was offering a $5,000 reward for information about his whereabouts.

Days later, his body was found, less than a mile from his home and near the QuikTrip where he was last seen on surveillance video.
People walk on the Stanford University campus beneath Hoover Tower in Stanford, California, on March 14, 2019.

People walk on the Stanford University campus beneath Hoover Tower in Stanford, California, on March 14, 2019.

Stanford University on Saturday said it has launched an investigation to find the perpetrator responsible for drawing an image of Adolf Hitler and swastikas on a whiteboard attached to an undergraduate students dorm room.

The university officials said the act could amount to a hate crime given the student whose room was targeted is Jewish, and the drawing could be interpreted as an effort to intimidate them.

We wish to be clear: Stanford wholeheartedly rejects antisemitism, racism, hatred, and associated symbols, which are reprehensible and will not be tolerated, the letter signed by four university officials reads.

The affected student told The Stanford Daily, the universitys student newspaper, that the incident left them rattled.

Its very unsettling thinking that I was in my room sleeping and someone was outside of my door doing this, the student, whose name was not disclosed, said.

The incident is not the only hateful incident reported on campus this academic year.

A student reportedly found multiple swastikas, the n-word, and the letters KKK scratched onto the metal board of the wall in a mens bathroom on campus last month, according to Stanfords Protected Identity Harm Reporting website.

On March 3, a swastika with KKK spelled out around it was engraved into the wall of a mens handicapped bathroom stall, the report states.

Both incidents were deemed hate crimes, but the university was unable to find who was behind them.

Vandalizing property particularly with words intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (specifically in this case Black and Jewish communities) is contrary to Stanfords values, the report said. It is absolutely unacceptable in our community.

In November, an unknown individual removed an Israeli flag from a display of flags of countries from around the world.

Targeting of people because of nationality or ancestry is form of discrimination, the university said. Though the flag was a symbolic representation of a country, Jewish students felt particularly targeted because of the historical connection to Israel.

In September, the university said a mezuzah was taken off the door of two Jewish graduate students dorm room on campus on the last day of Rosh Hashanah.

The university apologized last year after a task force commissioned by Stanford found that the university limited admissions of Jewish students in the 1950s, and continued to deny that happened for many years later.
Yulia Navalnaya accepts the Best Documentary Feature award for Navalny' (Getty Images)

The wife of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny delivered a heartfelt message to her husband at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night.

Navalny won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film and as part of the acceptance speech for the films creators, Yulia Navalnaya, to whom he has been married since 2000, was invited to speak.

Flanked by her children, Ms Navalnaya thanked everyone and said: My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy.

Addressing him, she said: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free.

Stay strong my love, she added.

Navalny is a CNN Films production and this is the networks first Oscar. Director Daniel Rohers portrait of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has shadowy operatives, truth-seeking journalists, conspiracy theories and Soviet-era poisons. It is a film with obvious political poignance following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Roher accepted his statuette by saying he dedicated it to Navalny and to all political prisoners around the world.

"Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all: We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head."



Navalny wins the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film.#Oscarshttps://t.co/OizA2V1EIT pic.twitter.com/XKW3M1wJjR  ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2023

Earlier on the champagne carpet, Dasha Navalnaya, his daughter spoke with CNN about her fathers condition.

We cant really contact him that much, we are only allowed to write letters and the attorney are only allowed to see him sometime through a veil in his prisons, she said. Hes doing alright, his health is slowly deteriorating which is quite concerning.

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But he wants us to have a good time and he is happy we are here representing the story and representing the Russian people who are fighting for democracy and we are here to get him out of prison, she added.

Alexey Navalny's daughter, Dasha Navalnaya, speaks to CNN about her father's condition on the champagne carpet at the 95th Academy Awards. https://t.co/8nh3W41Xig pic.twitter.com/HKe15S57Rv  CNN (@CNN) March 12, 2023

Navalny is a media-savvy, anti-corruption campaigner in his mid-40s who has for many years been a headache for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hes released numerous reports about corruption in Russia and the Putin administration and become a popular and rallying figure among like-minded Russians.

Mr Roher was able to sit down with Navalny during his brief stay in Berlin in 2020 and early 2021 as he was recovering from being poisoned and seeking the truth behind the unsuccessful murder attempt.

The media has called Navalny the Kremlins fiercest critic. And he is seemingly undaunted by the intimidation and the arrests hes endured.

The film was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the documentary audience award and the festival favorite award

Navalny beat the other documentary nominees All That Breathes; All the Beauty and the Bloodshed; Fire of Love; and A House Made of Splinters.

With additional reporting by The Associated Press
It was a classic classic rock collaboration.

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks teamed up to deliver a stirring version of Nicks hit Stop Draggin My Heart Around when the pair opened up their tour March 10 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Nicks recorded the song in 1981 with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Joel took on the part performed by the late Petty, with the audience bursting into cheers when he emerged on the stage and began singing with Nicks.

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Perform at SoFi Stadium (Kevin Mazur / Getty Images )

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Billy Joel, Nicks said as the duo wrapped up the song.

Thank you, Joel replied, as the two shared a hug and the crowd continued to cheer.

The pair also joined forces on Joels 1989 ballad And So It Goes. Nicks also honored Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie, who died at the age of 79 in November, when she performed the groups hit Landslide while pictures of McVie played on a giant screen.

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Perform at SoFi Stadium (Kevin Mazur / Getty Images)

Theres really not much to say," she said. "We just will pretend that shes still here. Thats how Im trying to deal with it. Thank you for listening.

While Joel and Nicks have been stalwarts of the music industry for decades, they didnt really run in the same circles, with their tour representing something different for Joel.

We met at a Fleetwood Mac gig in San Francisco probably 10 years ago, he told the Los Angeles Times last week. I just got to meet her backstage, but weve never worked together, even though we both kind of hit at the same time. So thisll be a completely new thing for me.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast

As the world watches the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, there has never been a better time for government officials to stay calm and stick to the rule of law. Unfortunately, just as during the 2008 banking crisis, many of them seem incapable of doing either.

As back then, government bureaucrats justify their ad hoc actions by appealing to a higher purpose. Theyre not bailing out investors, theyre protecting depositors. Theyre not saving rich investors, theyre preventing a domino effect from hurting small business owners.

Biden Claims U.S. Banking System Is Safe After SVB Collapse

Americans didnt fall for this nonsense in 2008, and they shouldnt now.

While there is still some confusion over exactly what happened at SVB, several things are quite clear.

First, the FDIC is more than capable of handling bank failures, even of this size. They have hundreds of people trained to resolve failed banks, and they do not have to make up a new playbook as they go along. They should be allowed to do their jobs under the existing regulatory regime.

Next, as many times as federal officials repeat that theyre not bailing anyone out, it still wont be true. Are there differences between these bailouts and those during the 2008 crisis? Certainly. But none of those differences change the fact that depositors with more than $250,000 are being bailed out.

Prior to this weekend, any account beyond $250,000 was not covered by FDIC deposit insurance. Now, the federal government will cover the full amount over the limit. It makes no difference whether the money comes from the FDIC fund, the Exchange Stabilization Fund, the Treasurys general fund, or the Federal Reserve.

In the end, the federal government is the taxpayers, so people will end up paying for this mess no matter what.

All the Companies Facing Major Troubles After Silicon Valley Bank Crash

Regardless, the notion that this extra coverage is somehow saving the little guy is beyond absurd. The typical transaction account in U.S. banks is only about $5,000, and nobody with more than $250,000 in an account was a confused small business owner with no knowledge of the FDIC insurance limits.

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This move sets a dangerous precedent and suggests that FDIC insurance limits are meaningless. Banks paid into the FDIC fundwith money which ultimately comes from depositors and taxpayersbased on those coverage limits. So they clearly subsidized all the uninsured depositors.

Finally, as in the wake of the 2008 crisis, federal officials are already talking about new regulations to prevent this from happening again. But we didnt need new regulations then and we dont need them now. (And it is not the case that the gutting of the Dodd-Frank law caused the SVB failureDodd-Frank was never gutted. It was barely tweaked.)

Prior to the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, the U.S. financial regulatory framework was a mess. It was an overly paternalistic system that included thousands of rules, including those for capital, liquidity, and lending limits.

Bidens Budget Is Economically Reckless and Socially Clueless

Dodd-Frank merely doubled down on that system. Then, as now, what should be obvious is that such a system provides a false sense of security. It does so because the government confers an aura of safety on all firms that play by the rules. But it places unreasonable expectations on government supervisors, and it is bound to fail.

The system is only made worse by the expectation that the federal government will step in to pick up some of the pieces when theres a problem. It undermines stability and exposes taxpayers to more risk.

The Treasury and the Fed are now engaged in harmful ad hoc actions, and it is a major policy blunder. They arbitrarily decided that uninsured depositors would be made whole, the very definition of picking winners and losers.

It is incredibly difficult to see how the federal governments actions did not cause further confusion and panic, thus further imperiling financial and economic stability. The FDIC should have been left to its job.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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BRANCH COUNTY  A Kinderhook Township man will serve five years in prison after shooting his girlfriend with a pellet gun.

Richard Stolte, 50, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder. He also pleaded guilty to using a firearm in a felony.

Circuit Judge Bill OGrady said the weapons charge requires a two-year minimum mandatory sentence followed by a consecutive 36 months to 10 years for the assault.

Richard Stolte Monday in Circuit Court.

On Oct. 12, Stolte shot the victim at his Kinderhook Township home during an argument. After the first shot, which hit her, the stunned victim sat down. Stolte then approached her and said he was going to kill her, according to court records. He then fired the pellet gun at point-blank range into her chest.

After several hours, the victim stumbled to a neighbor and called her father, who took her to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital Emergency Department.

Rushed to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, doctors determined the pellet pierced her heart and her lungs were filling with blood. Richter was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Stolte thanked God for saving the victim's life.

I didnt leave you to die. I went to get bandages, he said during the sentencing hearing.

The victim agreed their relationship was toxic.

Circuit Judge Bill O'Grady

Stolte denied he shot the woman at first trying to get a friend to give him an alibi. The friend denied he was with the victim while Richter was there and said there was blood all over the home when he arrived.

The friend told officers the victim Richter shot her because he was afraid she would turn him in for his drug activities.

Troopers found 6.8 grams of methamphetamine in an ashtray on the kitchen table during their investigation.

SubscribeFollow local court news. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.

Stolte pleaded guilty to possession of meth. He was sentenced to a concurrent 3-10 years for that crime.

Stolte turned over two long pellet guns to Michigan State Police. Troopers found the pellet pistol used.

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Police reports indicate numerous calls to the residence involving domestic violence at the home.

Prior arrest Stolte gets 93 days in jail for throwing hammer at girlfriends car

In 2019, the victim broke her jaw by throwing a hammer through the car window as she fled after a mutual affray.

Prosecutor Zack Stempien

They are like vinegar and baking soda," Stempien said. "Put them together and they erupt.

Stolte served prison time in 2005. In that case, he admitted he sold marijuana and shared methamphetamine with a confidential informant. Sentenced to 76 months to 20 years, he was released in 2012.

 Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DReidTDR.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Stolte sentenced to prison in continued for domestic violence
Maskot/Getty Images

When my husband and I started dating, I was so happy I went off my antidepressant.

Our nine years of marriage have been marked with episodes of my depression.

My husband has cared for me and supported me through it all.

My husband looked at me curled up on the couch and asked, "Are you OK? It seems like you might be depressed right now." While I had played off the last three weeks of irritability as fatigue and a crazy schedule, he homed in on the problem quickly. We've been together almost nine years, and he picks up on the flares of my depression long before they hit my radar.

I initially denied that my depression was acting up, but I soon realized he was right: It was harder for me to hold a conversation, and a feeling of hopelessness clouded all my experiences. With his encouragement, I booked a visit with my therapist that week rather than waiting for the situation to deteriorate.

My husband encouraged me to seek help

When Chad and I dated, my depression remained on the periphery. In fact, I was so happy that I decided to take myself off of my antidepressant two months before our wedding.

And that's when he first saw my depression in full force  the tears, hopelessness, and agitation. It was me in my worst form. But rather than running away, he encouraged me to seek help. I restarted my medication, met with a therapist, and was mostly back to myself when I walked down the aisle one month later.

As we uttered our vows "in sickness and in health," I imagined him with cancer, with broken bones, with the flu. And I prayed for the strength to care for him during these times.

I didn't realize that the roles would be reversed and the illness invisible. Our nine years of marriage have been dotted by flares in my depression and a couple of dark years of postpartum depression.

Each time my mental health tanked, Chad encouraged me to seek help, coming with me to hold my hand as I confessed that while I looked fine on the outside, I didn't know how I was going to get through the next hour. He let me tell my story without interjecting, giving my story a stage: a space for my depression in the narrative of my life. While I would rather bulldoze over the annoying truth that I'm depressed, he showed me that giving it space and talking about it makes it less oppressive.

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I'm a nurse, but it's my husband who treats my depression as an illness

Despite being a nurse, I've never fully accepted my depression as a medical condition. Instead, I see it as a character deficit  a moral failing. If I prayed more, worked out more, ate healthier, and practiced more self-care, maybe I wouldn't be depressed.

But my husband, an actuary with no medical background, has shown me how to view myself with compassion. He constantly reminds me that depression is as real as high blood pressure  and to treat it that way.

He reminds me that it isn't hopeless, that there is plenty to continue living for, and that this storm too shall pass. He doesn't let me wallow  instead he encourages me to take actionable steps toward recovery: seeing my therapist, checking in with the psychiatrist, and taking a break from child care.

He plays an active role in my recovery  a role that I imagine is heavy and draining. And a role that is silent. While caregivers of people living with physical ailments can vent about the stress or ask for help, caregivers of people living with mental-health conditions are often bound by the same stigma that keeps people who experience them quiet.

Because of his endless support, compassion, and grace, Chad gave me the courage to share my story. The real one, not the shell. And I hope that by sharing mine, it gives him a stage to one day share his own story.

The one where he held hope while my world imploded. The strength that it took to carry both of us through the days of dark thoughts. The story where he didn't run away; the one where he sat next to me under fluorescent exam-room lights, squeezing my hand, as I admitted that all was not well.

Read the original article on Insider
Stuart Hogg picked up an ankle injury against Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Scotland duo Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell have withdrawn from the squad ahead of Saturdays final Guinness Six Nations match against Italy.

The influential pair went off in the closing stages of Sundays defeat by Ireland with ankle and knee injuries respectively and are returning to their clubs for treatment.

Edinburgh fly-half Charlie Savala has been called in to the squad, while Josh Bayliss has returned to the group after being released to play for Bath at the weekend.

Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell sustained injuries during our game with Ireland and will return to their clubs.



Richie Gray will remain with the Scotland squad to continue to be assessed by medics.



Read more  https://t.co/TlUdFrKtuL pic.twitter.com/q2cPG6hp53  Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 13, 2023

It remains to be seen if Richie Gray will be fit for this weekends match at BT Murrayfield. The 33-year-old lock was forced off after just six minutes on Sunday with suspected rib damage. He has remained with the squad for the time being, raising hopes that he might be available to face Italy.

A statement on Monday from Scottish Rugby read: Stuart Hogg sustained an ankle injury and will be unavailable for this weekends match against Italy. He will return to his club in due course for further management of this injury.

Finn Russell suffered an injury to one of his knee ligaments. He will return to Racing 92 to continue his rehabilitation.

Richie Gray sustained an injury during the Ireland match and will remain with the squad to be continued to be assessed by medics.
Vladimir Vladimirov / iStock.com

Student loan borrowers are waiting in limbo as Bidens federal forgiveness plan continues to be debated in the U.S. Supreme Court. But between this and the student loan pause, which GOBankingRates reported could continue indefinitely, nothing addresses the actual problem  the cost of higher education.

Explore: Big Short Investor Michael Burry Expects Tuition Hikes If Student Loans Forgiven

Student Loan Forgiveness: Will You Qualify for $0 Payments Under Bidens New Plan?

Betsy Mayotte, president and founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, wrote in Barrons that these latest developments are more like a Band-Aid and less like a long-term solution to inflated college expenses.

The cost of higher education rose faster than wages and other measures like the Consumer Price Index, Mayotte noted. Over the last 10 years, Congress and the Department of Education introduced programs to make payments more affordable instead of addressing borrowing levels.

Over the past decade, the average cost of college tuition increased by 20%, from $11,397 to $13,677, Best Colleges reported. According to an analysis by U.S. News & World Report, the average debt among recent graduates who took out student loans is $30,000, and the average student loan payment is between $200 and $299, per recent Federal Reserve data.

Mayotte believes none of these policies will tackle the real issue and that until lawmakers take robust action to incentivize the states to reinvest in higher education, educate consumers to prioritize the return on investment in their college-choice decision, and give colleges and universities some skin in the student debt crisis, this issue will only continue to get worse.

By reinvesting in higher education, Mayotte says college costs  state and private  should go down.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Student Loan Forgiveness: Are We Overlooking the Bigger Picture?
Russian forces have attacked the village of Znob-Novhorodske near the Russian-Ukrainian border in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast.

Source: Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on Telegram; Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote: "Russian forces attacked the village of Znob-Novhorodske in Sumy Oblast. The rockets hit an area near the local agricultural lyceum [a specialised high school  ed.]."

Details: One civilian was killed in the attack and another four sustained injuries.

Updated: Later, the local prosecutor's office reported that the occupiers fired at a dormitory of one of the lyceums in the Shostkynskyi district of Sumy Oblast. A 52-year-old employee of the lyceum was killed, and two more civilians were wounded of varying degrees of severity as a result of the attack.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he plans to invite President Biden to Northern Ireland next month for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.

Sunak told reporters during a trip to California that he hopes Biden will accept his invitation to attend the anniversary, according to The Guardian, which had previously reported on Bidens plans to visit Belfast next month.

Ill be keen to invite [Biden] to come. Its not confirmed yet. But it will be something that obviously Ill be talking to him about, Sunak told reporters. Hopefully he will be able to make it.

The Good Friday agreement was struck on April 10, 1998, between former British and Irish prime ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern and former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell (D-Maine).

Sunak also said a potential Biden visit would be a nice way to mark the anniversary of the agreement, highlighting his recent breakthrough on the Northern Ireland protocol in post-Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

I was very keen to try and bring resolution to some of the challenges of the protocol and  do the right thing for the people and businesses there, Sunak added.

Sunak won a leadership contest to become prime minister in October, replacing former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned from her role after spending 45 days in office.

Biden stressed protecting the Good Friday agreement during a meeting with Truss last September.

We are both committed to protecting the gains from the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to hearing whats on your mind and how we can continue to cooperate, Biden said at the meeting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
March 12-18 is Sunshine Week, a time to celebrate the freedom of information that allows the governed to act as watchdogs of their government. Its also a time to shine a light on the many barriers erected by elected and appointed officials to keep citizens in the dark. Journalists are often the canaries in the coal mine of government secrecy, as our mission to report the news makes us the first to encounter cases where there is a troubling lack of transparency.

The York Daily Record has a long history of using Right-to-Know Law and Freedom-of-Information-Act requests to shine a light on our government, and 2022 was a particularly busy year for us on that front.

Here are four examples of the York Daily Record putting its time and money where its editorial mouth is in fighting for the publics right to know:

Vicosa case: Major concerns

Former Baltimore County Police Officer Robert Vicosa went haywire in November 2021.

He restrained his wife in his basement, forced her to take drugs, threatened to kill her and his two young daughters and repeatedly raped her. He later abducted his daughters and, with his girlfriend, a Baltimore County Police sergeant, went on the lam from his York Township home. It set off a massive manhunt that ended in Maryland when, with police pursuing him, he shot and killed his children, his girlfriend and himself in a moving vehicle on a rural road.

The tragic deaths of these two innocent young girls might have been prevented had local police in York County promptly served an emergency protection from abuse order that Vicosas wife sought after hed kidnapped her. But the municipal police chief halted service of the emergency PFA.

Photographs, stuffed animals, flowers, and more make up a memorial during a candlelight vigil on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, for Giana, 7, and Aaminah Vicosa, 6, at the site where the sisters were killed in a murder-suicide by their father, Robert Vicosa, of Baltimore, during a police chase on the 23000 block of Ringgold Pike on Nov. 18, near Smithsburg, Maryland.

The state attorney general investigated how police handled the PFA and issued a letter to the York County District Attorneys Office that included a timeline of events and outlined our major concerns with certain lapses and decisions leading up to this tragic situation. The AGs office wrote that the timeline "may be of use to you in the enforcement of law and the development of appropriate law enforcement policies to aid in the prevention of such tragedies in the future."

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The York Daily Record filed a Right-to-Know Law request for the letter. The DA released a copy that excluded the crucial timeline of events. The newspaper requested the full letter, but the DA and the AGs office denied access.

That was unacceptable. What could be a more important matter of public safety and police policy than a letter highlighting such major concerns and lapses?

It was time to lawyer up.

The York Daily Record hired a Harrisburg law firm in 2022 to fight for public access to this important document, and the case is still winding its way through the courts.

True Crime York County:How a bloody scalp found on a rural PA road led cops to a killer

Taking the clerk to court

Example No. 2: Our reporters must rely on the York County Clerk of Courts Office for timely, unfettered access to criminal court records. But we kept running into roadblocks. The office removed a computer terminal that allowed easy public access to such documents. When we requested documents, they were delayed or haphazardly redacted  or we were charged fees well beyond those allowed under state rules. The clerk of courts rebuffed our efforts to mediate these issues.

York County Clerk of Courts Dan Byrnes.

There seemed to be no recourse but to take the clerk to court. The newspaper contacted the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and then we marshaled a coalition of four other central Pennsylvania news organizations to fight for public access. We sent more than a dozen reporters and regular citizens into the office, requesting case files and documenting the results of each request. That effort built a strong case that the office was inconsistent and capricious in its handling of document requests. We filed suit and, after many depositions and much legal wrangling, ultimately reached a settlement that outlined expectations of the clerk and mandated training for his staffers.

Unwarranted secrecy

The York Daily Record last year joined another central Pennsylvania media coalition to unseal an FBI search warrant for the cellphone of York County-based Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry. We are working with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and two other local news organizations seeking the documents that authorized the FBI to seize the phone of our congressman  who has been a focal point of the January 6th Committees probe of the insurrection.

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry

The fate of our unsealing bid is still unclear, as the government has sought to seal even its response to our request. But we remain steadfast in our commitment to the principle that Perrys constituents have a right to know why the FBI seized his phone.

CV or not CV?

And finally, when is a resume not a resume?

When your county government decides its not, apparently.

For the last couple of years, the York Daily Record has been reporting on a corrections trainer hired as a contractor for the York County Prison. Controversy seems to follow this trainer like a bloodhound  or like one of the giant schnauzers he advocates for use in subduing unruly prisoners. Hed been at the heart of a federal lawsuit elsewhere, and he was sued by a group of York County prisoners who alleged mistreatment. His aggressive tactics led to his ouster at other jails. Oh, and we discovered he had a criminal record in Britain.

It seemed fair to ask county officials why they thought this was the right person to train guards to extract prisoners from cells and quell uprisings. In a Right-to-Know Law request, we asked for the contractors resume to help our readers assess his qualifications.

C-SAU "Senior Team Leader" Joseph Garcia until recently served a contracted trainer for the York County Prison.

First, the county said it didnt have his curriculum vitae. Later, it said, oh wait, we do have a 128-page document labeled as a CV, but its not actually a CV. Then, the county told us that it found an eight-page document that, for real this time, was his CV.

Huh?

Well, you see, said the county, resumes are usually short, and the one the contractor titled his "verified CV" is long  128 pages. Also, the contractor himself labeled the CV as classified. So, request denied. The state Office of Open Records ruled the CV should be public, but the county appealed.

Enter once again the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The group took on our case, representing the newspaper at a hearing at which jail officials admitted they used the very long CV to confirm the contractors qualifications. Unfortunately, the judge issued a perplexing nonruling that the issue was moot, so we are looking to continue the legal fight this year.

Obviously, the Reporters Committee has played a heroic role in our quests for public transparency. But it all starts with the York Daily Records principled refusal to take no for an answer when vital freedom of information is at stake.

Let the sun shine.

Scott Fisher is Central Pennsylvania News Director for the USA Today Network, which includes the York Daily Record and the Evening Sun of Hanover. Contact him at sfisher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Sunshine Week: Four examples of YDR fighting for your right to know
Lady Gaga attends the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 12 in Hollywood. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lady Gaga fit an Oscars performance into her schedule after all!

Original song nominee Lady Gaga made it to the Oscars and even performed "Hold My Hand." The singer-songwriter made headlines earlier this week after producers said she would be the only song nominee not to perform during this years telecast because she didnt feel like she can get a performance to the caliber that were used to with her and that she is used to in time.

Then, after walking the champagne-colored red carpet in full glam, Gaga disrupted expectations with an intimate, stripped-down performance of the Top Gun: Maverick power ballad while wearing a black T-shirt, ripped jeans and sneakers  with no makeup remaining on her face.

The performance earned the Shallow Oscar winner a standing ovation inside the Dolby Theatre.

During a press conference last week, Oscars executive producer and showrunner Glenn Weiss disappointed little monsters everywhere when he revealed that Gaga would skip the awards show due to demands on filming Joker: Folie a Deux.

We invited all five nominees. We have a great relationship with Lady Gaga and her camp, Weiss said in his initial statement.

She is in the middle of shooting a movie right now. Here, we are honoring the movie industry and what it takes to make a movie after a bunch of back and forth.  It didnt feel like she can get a performance to the caliber that were used to with her and that she is used to. So, she is not going to perform on the show.

Since Gaga was able to hit the stage, all five of this years original song nominees will have performed during the ceremony. It will be the first Oscars show in three years to include performances of all of the nominated songs.

The other nominees are Applause from Tell It Like a Woman, which will be performed by Sofia Carson and Diane Warren; Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, performed by Rihanna; This Is a Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once, performed by Stephanie Hsu, David Byrne and Son Lux; and Naatu Naatu from RRR, performed by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. Gaga shares her Hold My Hand nomination with musician BloodPop.

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This was Gagas fourth time performing at the Oscars. In 2015, she performed a mashup of four songs from The Sound of Music" to celebrate the films 50th anniversary.

In 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden introduced Gagas performance of the nominated song Til It Happens to You from the sexual-assault documentary The Hunting Ground.

She and Bradley Cooper gave a memorable performance in 2019 of Shallow from A Star Is Born, which won the Oscar later that night.

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, and the show will be televised live on ABC.

Nardine Saad contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Florida sheriffs deputy survived being shot three times when a car burglary call evolved into a backyard gunfight, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

The man accused of firing the shots, 23-year-old Zion Bostick, was killed when another deputy returned fire, police said in a news release.

Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, was listed in stable condition Monday, March 13, with 9 mm gunshot wounds to the neck, hand and leg, officials said.

Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, with the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office was identified as the officer who shot Bostick. He is on administrative leave pending an investigation, officials said.

The shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. on March 12 when deputies were alerted to a vehicle burglary on 60th Avenue North, in an unincorporated area of Pinellas County.

A suspect was spotted by Aitken and his dog, Taco, and they began tracking the man on foot through a wooded area into a fenced backyard, officials said.

Aitken saw the suspect attempting to conceal himself around an exterior corner of the house (and) verbally challenged the suspect, the police department reports.

The suspect immediately fired several rounds at Corporal Aitken, hitting him three times. Sergeant Viano saw the suspect shoot Corporal Aitken and then the suspect turned and immediately fired multiple rounds at Sergeant Viano, who was able to duck out of the way. Sergeant Viano regained his footing and fired back.

Bostick was struck and died at the scene, officials said. A warrant had been issued for his arrest March 7 when he did not show up for a court hearing, and he was facing the possibility of five years in prison, police said.

Aitken was taken to Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg, where he underwent surgery, officials said. He has been with the department since 2006.

Investigators report Bostick was found in possession of two guns, one reported stolen out of Manatee County in 2018.

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Viano, who was hired in November 2000, is credited with saving Aitkens life with his quick arrival, officials said.

St. Petersburg police are leading the investigation into the shooting through the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, officials said.

Angry driver shoots at passing SUV, not realizing its a deputy, Florida cops say

Gunfire after girls Sweet 16 party with 100 teens kills 2, injures 6, Georgia cops say

Deputy saw hands on steering wheel of sinking truck and dove into dark Florida bayou
Lexington police are investigating a shooting that happened at a McDonalds Sunday evening.

Lt. Samantha Moore with the Lexington Police Department said they received a report of shots fired at the McDonalds on the 3100 block of Pimlico Parkway around 11 p.m. Police showed up to find the building was hit by at least one round.

The lobby of the restaurant was closed but employees were present when the shooting happened, according to Moore. Nobody was injured.

The suspect fled before police arrived, according to Moore. Police said they didnt have any suspect information to release as of Monday morning.
OSLO (Reuters) -The recent collapse of some U.S. banks, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), does not threaten Sweden's financial stability, the country's financial watchdog said on Monday.

The Financial Supervisory Authority said in a statement it was in close contact with Swedish insurers, banks and pension providers to get a better understanding of their exposure to troubled U.S. banks.

"Our assessment is that none of them have any large direct exposure of their own to the U.S. banks that have run into problems," it said.

While the U.S. banking market was hit by a degree of turbulence, Swedish banks are regulated more tightly to ensure liquidity buffers are in place and balance sheets are protected, it added.

"Our assessment is ... that the stability of the Swedish financial system is not affected by this," it said.

At least one Swedish pension firm, however, lost money in the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank. Alecta has invested some 12 billion crowns ($1.1 billion), corresponding to around 1% of assets under management, in the banks.

"Alecta now values the shares in the two banks at zero," it said in a statement, adding that the effect on Alecta's customers would be small and its own financial position was "very strong".

Swedish investment firm Kinnevik said separately a limited number of companies it invested in were exposed to some extent and that it made available short-term funding to ensure no material business disruptions occurred.

Sweden's Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman said the government was following developments carefully.

"Up to now we do not see any spread of the effects into the Swedish financial system," he told Reuters.

"In terms of the broad economy, it shows that it is very important to have tight regulations for the financial sector ... and that we are prepared for potential risks that could be realized."

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik and Simon Johnson, editing by Anna Ringstrom, Niklas Pollard and Christina Fincher)
Stanford is investigating the third antisemitic incident in two weeks after drawings of swastikas and Adolf Hitler were found on a whiteboard outside a Jewish student's dorm room. (Ben Margot / Associated Press)

Stanford University is investigating a possible hate crime after swastikas and an image of Adolf Hitler were drawn on a whiteboard outside a Jewish student's dorm room, the third such incident in the last two weeks.

The student discovered the drawings Friday, the university said. It was the latest of several reported acts of vandalism that included antisemitic symbols and language at Stanford this academic year, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole said in a statement.

Brubaker-Cole condemned the incident and called it a "brazen threat to an individual student" on campus.

"We wish to be clear: Stanford wholeheartedly rejects antisemitism, racism, hatred, and associated symbols, which are reprehensible and will not be tolerated," Brubaker-Cole said.

The university's Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident, which spawned two reports from students in the dormitories. Because the images could have been used to intimidate the Jewish student, they are being investigated as a possible hate crime and the person responsible could be subject to legal or disciplinary action, according to the university.

The student whose dorm room was targeted spoke to the the Stanford Daily, the university's student newspaper, about the vandalism.

Its really making this living situation feel pretty hostile to me, said the student, who declined to be identified, fearing harassment. Its very unsettling thinking that I was in my room sleeping and someone was outside of my door doing this.

Students who live in the dormitory, Florence Moore Hall, will meet Tuesday to discuss the impact on the community and what steps could be taken to address the fallout.

Officials do not believe this incident is related to two reported hate crimes on Feb. 28 and March 3, in which swastikas and hateful language were scratched into a metal panel and on the wall of two men's bathrooms.

Both of those incidents were classified as hate crimes under California's penal code, though no suspect was identified, Stanford officials said.

"Vandalizing property particularly with words intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (specifically in this case Black and Jewish communities) is contrary to Stanfords values," the university said in a statement. "It is absolutely unacceptable in our community."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss financial regulator FINMA on Monday said it was seeking to identify any potential contagion risks for the country's banks and insurers following the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.

Shares in Swiss banks slumped along with others in the sector globally after moves by U.S. authorities to guarantee deposits of the two lenders failed to reassure investors.

Credit Suisse shares hit a new low, while the cost of insuring its debt against a default rose to an all-time high. Shares of Swiss rival UBS dropped more than 7%.

"FINMA takes note of the media reports on Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the USA and is closely monitoring the situation," FINMA said in a statement.

"FINMA is evaluating the direct and indirect exposure of the banks and insurance companies it supervises to the institutions concerned," it said. "The aim is to identify any cluster risks and potential for contagion at an early stage."

The regulator said it was in contact with various institutions which could be affected, but declined to name them or the measures it might take.

President Joe Biden pledged on Monday to do whatever was needed to address the banking crisis precipitated by the collapse of the two lenders which forced regulators to step in with emergency measures to stem contagion.

FINMA said it was also monitoring for any spill-over effects from the failure of another tech-focused U.S. bank, Silvergate Capital Corp, which said on Wednesday it was planning to wind down its operations and liquidated voluntarily.

The regulator said its supervisory activities were focused on the risk management of supervised institutions and on dealing with various scenarios.

Switzerland's Federal Department of Finance said it "takes note of the reports on US banks and the development of the stock markets" but would not be further commenting on them.

The government department also pointed to FINMA's role and said "FINMA is closely monitoring Credit Suisse as part of its supervisory activities."

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The Swiss National Bank declined to comment on the effect SVB's collapse could have on Switzerland's financial sector.

In a further reflection of investor concern about Credit Suisse's outlook, the price of some of its bonds fell sharply, with some at record lows.

Struggling to recover from a string of scandals, Switzerland's second-biggest bank has begun a major overhaul of its business, cutting costs and jobs and creating a separate business for its investment bank under the CS First Boston brand.

Last week it announced it was delaying the publication of its annual report following a call from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Credit Suisse goes off piste, https://www.reuters.com/graphics/CREDITSUISSEGP-STOCKS/dwpkdzxxovm/chart.png

FALLOUT SPREADS

Germany's Bundesbank convened its crisis team on Monday to assess the possible fallout of the collapse of SVB on the local market, even as no emergency action was foreseen in Europe.

Europe's STOXX banking index fell 5.8% and was on track for its biggest two-day fall since March 2022, soon after Russia invaded Ukraine. Shares in Germany's Commerzbank fell as much as 12.7%.

Earlier on Monday, the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of the UK arm of SVB to HSBC in a move which would protect deposits without taxpayer support

(Reporting by Paul Arnold, Chiara Elisei and Noele Illien, writing by John Revill; Editing by Rachel More, Elisa Martinuzzi and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations free help line at 800-662-4357. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Kimberly Mata-Rubio sat before a crowd on Thursday at the Austin Convention Center, hands tightly clasped to tell a story about the darkest day of her life, when she knew her daughter was one of the shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

The crowd intently listened as she described the scenes of chaos and confusion that surrounded that day when 19 students, including her 10-year-old daughter, and two teachers were killed by a gunman in the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.

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The days after were just filled with questions. How did this happen to her? How did this happen to me? How did this happen to us? Mata-Rubio said while her voice quivered with emotion.

Mata-Rubio was one of three keynote speakers for a SXSW EDU school safety panel, held in partnership with The Texas Tribune, that raised questions about gun policy, social media and mental health using the backdrop of the tragic May 24 school shooting.

Nine months ago, she found herself part of an ever-growing community of parents who have lost their children to school shootings.

It was comforting to meet them in a way. There is no judgment and they share this pain and they understand, Mata-Rubio said about meeting other parents whose children died in school shootings. Its also terrifying because they are a mirror of what my future is and there is so much pain still. That you never get better. That you will walk around with this pain until your time is over and you are reunited with your loved one again.

Odis Johnson Jr., executive director of the Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, and Nick Allen, a professor at the University of Oregon and director of the Center for Digital Mental Health, both spoke about the need for gun policy changes before trying to address mental health.

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Very often mental health is used as an alternative to gun safety policy, but these things must work together, Allen said.

In the past six decades, the state has experienced at least 19 mass shootings that have killed a total of nearly 200 people and wounded more than 230 others.

Yet state leaders have repeatedly voted against measures that would limit access to guns, opting instead to ease restrictions on publicly carrying them while making it harder for local governments to regulate them.

There are thousands of laws on the books across the country that limit the owning or using of firearms, laws that have not stopped madmen from carrying out evil acts on innocent people, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a prerecorded speech to the National Rifle Association just three days after the Uvalde shooting.

But on Wednesday, senators passed its first bill of this legislative session  one that would close a loophole in state law that had allowed gun sales to people who were involuntarily hospitalized for mental illness between the ages of 16 and 18. The gunman responsible for the Uvalde mass shooting had not been previously hospitalized but did have a history of mental illness.

The term aggrieved entitlement was used multiple times during Thursdays discussion to describe the mindset of certain school shooters.

Often the person has a sense they were owed or deserved something from life that they havent received, Allen explained.

Allen said many men who fit this description do not seek mental health assistance in the first place because they view it as a weakness or a challenge to their manhood.

Different kinds of programs that help identify these particular young men who are isolated and disassociated might help. It would also be very good if they didnt have access to guns, Allen said.

The states Republican leaders have focused on mental health and school safety as the policy response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, mostly resisting gun-control measures.

Texas leaders agreed last year to dedicate more than $100 million in state funds to boost school safety and mental health services following the Uvalde massacre. Nearly half the money  $50 million  is going toward bullet-resistant shields for school police officers, while an additional $17.1 million will go to school districts to buy silent panic alert technology.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced his support this week for several bills addressing gaps in school safety, one of which would require school districts to adopt active-shooter preparedness plans. The bill would require districts to send maps of each campus to the Texas Education Agency, provide opportunities for law enforcement to conduct walk-throughs of all buildings and lay out the costs necessary to meet the states established safety standards.

Schools in the top third of the nation for their use of cameras, school resource officers and other security measures had lower mathematical scores and college-going rates than the [schools] in the lower third for security measures, Johnson said. The primary mission of schools is to educate and equip kids to be successful, healthy and happy, and what we have done is double down on surveillance technology that undermines that mission. Students shouldnt feel like suspects.

All three speakers agreed that in order for there to be real change, the gun reform issue will have to be taken on in the political realm.

Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law the first major gun safety legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years. The legislation includes incentives for states to pass so-called red flag laws that allow groups to petition courts to remove weapons from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Legislation was a breaking point. Its not where we need to be, but the framework is there. The essential components are now there, Johnson said as the crowd cheered. The problem has been that for a long time, we have lacked the political will to do this and the only solution to this is a political solution.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Three weeks after the February 2023 earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, I stood amid the rubble in Jindires, a devastated Syrian village. An estimated 50,000 people had lost their lives in the two countries by that point, with the number of casualties still climbing.

Around me, heaps of concrete and twisted metal mixed with bursts of color  fragments of furniture, childrens toys, clothing  that served as reminders of the lives that crumbled when homes crumbled, trapping people inside and underneath the wreckage. Many bodies remained buried beneath those concrete heaps.

In the absence of the heavy equipment needed to remove large hunks of debris, I saw people using brooms and wheelbarrows to make a clean patch of earth where they could pitch their tents, often in front of their collapsed homes.

There was almost a sense of normalcy, at least on the surface. Some shops were open for business. Men passed by on motorcycles and bicycles, women bought fruits and vegetables.

For someone like me who researches war and humanitarian crises, there was also a glaring omission: I saw no international aid workers and no white SUVs with the logos of globally recognized institutions during the 48 hours I spent in the Afrin district of northern Syria.

As far as I could tell, there were no other foreigners there during my visit.

One group making a difference

Based on what I saw firsthand and have learned through my research, the international humanitarian response to the earthquake in war-torn northwest Syria has been deplorable.

With politics trumping humanitarian need, everyone from heads of state and news outlets to human rights groups and Syrian rescue groups has lambasted the United Nations for doing too little. U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths has even apologized for his organizations failures.

But some humanitarian aid is being delivered, I observed, thanks to Syrian groups like the Bahar Organization, a grassroots Syrian organization Ive been studying for 10 years.

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Aid delivery everywhere

I first met Dr. Sharvan Ibesh, a co-founder of Bahar, in 2013, when I was researching how Syrian civil society was responding to the humanitarian needs of civilians. At the time, the war had been going on for two years.

The staff members of many international aid groups and other foreign organizations had by then pulled out of opposition-controlled Syrian regions, citing problems with security as a result of ISIS and armed groups that were backed by the al-Qaida terrorist network.

International organizations were desperate to find partners to do the work they could no longer do because of safety concerns. But the brutal regime led first by Hafez Assad and later by his son Bashar Assad, who took over in 2000, meant that civil society was both weak and fledgling, and there were few organizations with skills to deliver humanitarian relief.

Ibesh had been a surgical resident in the Syrian city of Aleppo when the bombs started falling there in February 2012, less than a year after the uprising began. He and his fellow residents set up emergency medical care stations throughout the city to treat those civilians badly injured by Syrian and Russian barrel bombs. Back then, Bahar was operating with a makeshift mobile office and on a shoestring budget, and many members of its staff were volunteers.

Ibesh spoke little English and couldnt communicate directly with North American and European donors or international and nongovernmental organizations. What Bahar excelled at was getting aid to people affected by the war throughout northwest Syria, no matter which armed group they were living under.

Bahar volunteers or staff could cross checkpoints  moving from territory controlled by one warring party to another  and they could deliver aid without being robbed or extorted, a feat unimaginable to any international organization.

Children play soccer in the Syrian city of Jindires on Feb. 28, 2023. Abdulmonam Eassa/Getty Images

Still a war zone

As the war has dragged on, Bahar has deepened its capacities and expanded its humanitarian programs with an annual budget that has averaged US$50 million for the past three years.

It still partners with international organizations, but Ive learned through my research that its also one of the few Syrian organizations to receive direct funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Northwest Syria remains a war zone. Syrias Afrin district is under Turkeys influence, having pushed out Kurdish forces and paved the way for armed militias from all over the country to find a new home there. During my visit, Syrian and Russian warplanes bombed nearby areas of Idlib province that were also harmed by the earthquake.

When the earthquake hit the Afrin district, Bahar was already there and already engaged with people affected by the Syrian civil war. Many Bahar staff members lost their homes, family members died, and one staff member was killed, but they mobilized immediately. Thanks to its direct relationship with USAID, the group could reallocate funds almost instantaneously.

Bahar, according to several conversations I had during my visit and beforehand, was the only organization operating in Afrin in the earthquakes aftermath. A second Syrian nonprofit organization, Takaful Al-Sham, has since joined them.

By the time I arrived, Bahar had set up a multiservice clinic in Jindires, with support from Doctors Without Borders, and distributed and helped set up 590 tents for families who had lost their homes. It was providing activities for children and psychological support for traumatized people, along with cash for many residents.

And its pre-earthquake work continues in the broader Afrin district  the group is running a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic and a malnutrition center for infants and children, among other endeavors.

Bahar continues to navigate this impossible web of politics, danger and extreme humanitarian need with a staff the group says now numbers 800.

I believe that they can do it because they are local  theyre embedded in the community, with a deep understanding of what their neighbors need. Bahar is directly funded by USAID, which means it can avoid going through an intermediary. It could also immediately redirect spending as needed following the earthquake.

On the ground

In 2016, under what was dubbed the Grand Bargain agreement, 61 donor countries and aid providers pledged to provide 25% of their humanitarian budgets directly to local groups, instead of large international organizations such as the United Nations and international nongovernmental organizations.

The most recent independent audit measuring progress toward these goals shows that this direct support for local organizations is slow and stymied.

If the international community is unclear about why and how supporting local organizations can save lives, the earthquake in Syria is a case in point.

Im not suggesting that Bahar can single-handedly manage the earthquake response in Syria. But I do believe that Bahar, and organizations like it, are best positioned to respond because they are already there.

They know the communities. And, due to the funding they receive directly from donors, they are nimble. They are also not mired in the geopolitical dimensions of humanitarian aid that keeps U.N. assistance and personnel in Damascus, Syrias capital, and on the Turkish side of the border.

Standing on the roof of a Bahar office in Jindires, Ibesh and I could see two collapsed apartment buildings across the street. Each was formerly four stories tall  about 100 residents were killed when the buildings crumbled to the ground in the earthquake.

Ibesh said he longs for additional support from foreign countries and aid groups to Jindires and the surrounding areas affected by the earthquake.

On top of the funds and materials they would bring, the presence of foreign aid workers might signal international solidarity and provide some hope for the Syrians who have been living through a dozen years of war and now this natural disaster.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Kimberly Howe, Tufts University.

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Kimberly Howe 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.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union may not get a chip plant from Taiwanese companies if it continues to refuse to engage Taipei in trade talks, the government-backed Central News Agency said in an editorial column on Monday.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has been talking with Berlin about setting up a multi-billion-dollar plant in Germany, as the EU joins regions in seeking investments to safeguard its supply chain. Without help from the likes of TSMC and Intel Corp., it could be challenging for the EU to secure advanced chipmaking capabilities.

But in an unusually combative piece, the official Central News Agency said the European Commission has refused to enter trade and investment talks  even though the regions parliament has advocated such negotiations.

The EU wants Taiwan to set up chip plants, but for Taiwan there is no need to do so from a corporate perspective, the news service wrote. If the EU only wants chips from Taiwan but shies away from talking diplomacy, will Taiwan, with its global strategic assets, be this naive?

Read more: US Assesses China Doesnt Want War in Taiwan, Spy Chief Says

Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have escalated as the US launches a broader push to counter Chinas more assertive role in the region. The emphasis on funneling more money to US military assets in the Indo-Pacific highlights just how much the Biden administration wants to reorient its defense posture to respond to Chinas own growing military and economic might.

At the same time, Taiwans role as the biggest maker of advanced chips is boosting its strategic position.

The agency on Monday specifically criticized recent comments by an EU official that it was unnecessary for the 27-member bloc to strike an investment agreement with Taiwan. The column was a rare move from the government of President Tsai Ing-wen, which usually adopts a friendly tone toward other democracies despite a lack of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and major countries due to Beijings opposition. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

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Taiwan has instead been aggressively seeking to deepen trade and other informal relations with the US and other Western governments. TSMC is still assessing the plans for a chip plant in the EU, although no final decision has been made, TSMC spokeswoman Nina Kao said.

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By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence spending this year will focus on preparing weapons and equipment for a "total blockade" by China, including parts for F-16 fighters and replenishing weapons, the military said in a report.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, staged war games around the island in August, firing missiles over Taipei and declaring no-fly and no-sail zones in a simulation of how it would seek to cut Taiwan off in a war.

In a report seeking parliamentary budget approval, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters on Monday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it began reviewing its strategic fuel reserves and repair abilities last year, but did not give details.

In "anticipation of a total blockade of the Taiwan Strait", spending this year would include replenishment of artillery and rocket stocks, and parts for F-16 fighters "to strengthen combat continuity", the ministry said.

In an update on its threat assessment from China, the ministry said China's military has been conducting joint force operations with an eye to controlling strategic choke points and denying access to foreign forces.

"Recently, the Communist military's exercise and training model has been adjusted from a single military type to joint operations of land, sea, air and rocket forces," it said in the report, issued ahead of Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng's taking lawmakers' questions in parliament on Wednesday.

"It is adopting an actual war approach and shifting from training to combat preparation."

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China must modernise its military to make it a "Great Wall of Steel".

Xi also said that when it came to Taiwan, China must oppose pro-independence and secessionist activities and the interference of external forces.

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Taiwan's defence ministry said China has systematically increased the strength of its "joint combat readiness" actions around Taiwan.

China's military's Eastern Theatre Command last year sent more than 1,700 aircraft into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. That is more than double the number from a year earlier and poses a "substantial threat" to Taiwan's defence, the ministry said.

China has been "normalising" no-navigation zones around the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the ministry added.

China hopes to hone its abilities to fight into the "second island chain", which includes an area from Japan to the Pacific islands, to "choke and control" the Bashi Channel, the Miyako Strait and Tsushima Strait, it said, three waterways crucial to access to the Pacific and East China Seas.

The ministry said China has also continued to use "grey zone" tactics to test Taiwan's response, including sending drones, balloons and fishing boats to areas close to Taiwan.

The ministry also said it would include prioritise funding in the budget this year for major U.S.-made weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) mobile rocket launchers.

(This story has been refiled to correct a typographical error in the headline)

(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
(Bloomberg) -- Taiwan is seeking information from China about a soldier who went missing from an island outpost and turned up on the mainland, in a case that Taipei acknowledged could be a possible defection.

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The soldier who disappeared last week from Erdan Island, just a few kilometers from the Chinese border, was confirmed to be in China, said Chiu Tai-san, head of the Mainland Affairs Council in Taipei. A semi-official organization in Taiwan has contacted Chinese authorities about the incident, Chiu told lawmakers who asked about the matter Monday, adding that Taipei hoped Beijing would announce details as soon.

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry will assess whether the case qualifies as a defection, Chiu said. The reasons the solider went to China last week were unclear, the Central News Agency reported, citing opposition lawmaker Chen Yu-jen.

Defection from Taiwans military, which maintains compulsory military service for men, has been rare in recent decades. Departures from both sides were more common in the decades following the Chinese Nationalists withdrawal to Taiwan in 1949.

A high-profile example occurred in 1979, when the Taiwanese military officer Justin Lin Yifu swam 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Kinmen Island, which is near the Chinese city of Xiamen. He went on to become the first person from an emerging market to serve as chief economist at the World Bank and later headed a research center at Peking University in Beijing.

Lin said he went to China because he wanted to help shape the nations economic transformation.

--With assistance from Jing Li.

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TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan Vice President William Lai will on Wednesday register to run as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, the party said on Monday, his first step to run for top office at the presidential election in January.

The move was long expected, and comes after he assumed the DPP's chairmanship in January this year after President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as chairwoman in November following the DPP's trouncing at local elections.

Tsai cannot run again as president due to constitutional term limits.

The DPP said in its statement about Lai that a primary will be held if there are two or more candidates. He is by far the favourite to win the nomination.

The DPP cited Lai as saying at a party meeting that everyone needed to "unite and cooperate" and "fight together".

As in the last election in 2020, which the DPP won handily by promising to stand up to China, relations with Beijing are likely to top the agenda for 2024, especially as China ramps up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese rule.

Lai angered China in 2018 while he was premier, telling parliament he was a "Taiwan independence worker" and that his position was that Taiwan was a sovereign, independent country - a red line for Beijing.

Asked about those comments in January, upon becoming party chairman, Lai said he was committed to following Tsai's policy that includes stating only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and that the Republic of China - Taiwan's formal name - and the People's Republic of China are "not subordinate to each other".

China has refused to talk to Tsai since she first took office in 2016, believing her to be a separatist. Taiwan's government strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims.

Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang or KMT which traditionally favours close ties with Beijing, has not decided on its presidential candidate yet.

Hou Yu-ih, the KMT mayor of New Taipei city, is considered by party sources a potential frontrunner as their candidate, but he has not confirmed he is running.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by John Stonestreet and Jacqueline Wong)
John Travolta presents the In Memoriam segment at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on Sunday in Hollywood. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment forgot a few Hollywood greats.

Before introducing the In Memoriam montage Sunday night, Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel joked, Now its time for the interactive part of the show. Everybody, please get out your phones, its time to vote. If you think Robert Blake should be part of the In Memoriam montage, text Give me a Blake' to the number on your screen."

The phones must have stayed in place because Robert Blake ("Baretta," "In Cold Blood") was omitted. But so were several Hollywood greats at this years 95th Academy Awards.

A choked-up John Travolta introduced the Oscars segment at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday night.

"In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living, and sometimes getting to do it with people that we come to love," Travolta said through tears after walking out to "Hopelessly Devoted to You" from "Grease."

"And since tonight is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of our community in this past year, it is only fitting then that we celebrate those we've lost, who've dedicated their lives to their craft, both in front of and behind the camera, through their immeasurable contributions. Each of them left an individual and indelible mark, that shared and informed us, they've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends, who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to."

The In Memoriam segment began with his "Grease" co-star Olivia Newton John and featured stars from Kirstie Alley  also a co-star to Travolta  to James Caan.

But there were several notable people missing, and Oscar viewers noticed (though a full listing on the Oscars website was mentioned Sunday night).

Among those omitted were "Goodfellas" actors Paul Sorvino and Tony Sirico. South African actor Charlbi Dean, who died shortly before the release of her film "Triangle of Sadness," was left out of the segment. "Six Days, Seven Nights" actor Anne Heche also was not featured.

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"It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out," Mira Sorvino tweeted Monday. "The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!"

Also not honored was Sacheen Littlefeather, who had minor roles in "Shoot the Sun Down" and "The Trial of Billy Jack" but was most famous for declining Marlon Brandos Oscar on his behalf in 1973. The academy reportedly celebrated her legacy at a tribute event last year but failed to include her Sunday night; that could have been because of her sister's earlier declarations that she should not be so honored.

Social media users naturally had a few things to say about the stars who left us last year who were missing from the Oscars' remembrance.

@thejstoobs tweeted, Did they really leave out one of the leads of best picture nominee, Triangle of Sadness, Charlbi Dean from the In Memoriam? #Oscars

"No Leslie Jordan or Paul Sorvino in the In Memoriam segment? What the f? #Oscars #AcademyAwards" tweeted @HunterBVideo.

Twitter user Matt Acuna said, "The Oscars not including Sacheen Littlefeather in the In Memoriam section is so disrespectful after what they put her through."

And @OyeLoui tweeted, "A shame that @TheAcademy did not feature Ignacio Lopez Tarso in their In Memoriam tribute. The Mexican actor played Macario, in the movie of the same name, which was the first ever Mexican film to be nominated for an #Oscar. RIP, maestro."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ted Cruz with a mullet at a Senate hearing in January 2021, and the same picture as used on the cover of his upcoming book from Regnery Publishing, with Cruz's mullet missing. Greg Nash / AFP | Regnery Publishing

Ted Cruz's infamous mullet was edited out of a photo on the cover of his new book by the publisher.

Cruz began sporting the mullet in early 2021 during Trump's second impeachment trial.

He later fundraised off of the look, dubbing it "McConnell in the front, MAGA in the back."

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is writing a new book, and his publisher apparently thought he could use a haircut.

The Texas Republican announced last week that he's writing his third book, titled "Unwoke: How to Defeat Cultural Marxism in America." Set to publish in November, the book will offer "a long overdue argument against the woke takeover of education, big business, the media, and Hollywood."

But as Bulwark senior editor Jim Swift first noted, the photo of Cruz displayed on the front cover of the book has been doctored to remove a mullet that Cruz infamously sported in early 2021.

A person familiar with the matter told Insider that the decision to edit Cruz's mullet out of the picture was made by his publisher, the conservative outfit Regnery Publishing, and not the senator himself.

"We updated the image to match the Senator's current appearance," Lauren Snyder, a spokeswoman for Regnery, told Insider. "Is the routine touching up of a photo for a book cover considered newsworthy?"

The conservative publisher's other big-name clients include names like commentator Ann Coulter and fellow Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, whose forthcoming book "Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs" is set to be published in May.

The original photo was taken in late January of 2021 during a confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Cruz later began sporting a mullet fade as the Senate began debating impeachment charges against former President Donald Trump for incitement of an insurrection, prompting the Houston Chronicle to ask "What the hell is going on with Ted Cruz's hair?"

But the Texas Republican came to embrace the look, later selling tank tops through his campaign with a photo of the senator's haircut that read "McConnell in the front, MAGA in the back."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A teenager missing from Texas was found over 1,000 miles away in a locked building, North Carolina officials said.

Jorge Ivan Santos Camacho is accused of abducting the 13-year-old with the intent of holding her in sexual servitude. He also took indecent liberties with the girl, according to warrants obtained by WGHP.

Now, after the teen was rescued, Camacho faces multiple child sex crime charges. The Davidson County Sheriffs Office in North Carolina didnt share attorney information for the 34-year-old suspect during a March 13 news conference.

I thank God that we were able to find this young girl, Sheriff Richie Simmons said in a video from the news conference.

The case dates to March 10, when Davidson County deputies said they received information about a girl who disappeared in Texas.

Dallas, Texas, police were investigating a missing juvenile with the FBIs assistance, Simmons said. They were able to discover that the juvenile had been communicating with an adult male through social media chat platforms. The content of the chat was consistent with grooming and enticement.

The girl was lured from her home, where nearby video captured a vehicle that was registered in Davidson County, deputies wrote in a news release.

Officials said they learned the girl was taken to North Carolina and tracked her to a property tied to Camacho on Linwood-Southmont Road in Lexington, roughly 30 miles south of Winston-Salem. The girl was found March 10 in an outbuilding, which was locked on the outside, according to the sheriffs office.

The girl reportedly did not appear to have any physical injuries but was evaluated at a hospital before she was taken back to Texas.

Camacho  whose first name also was spelled Jarge during the news conference and whose last name spelled Comacho in an email to McClatchy News  was booked into the Davidson County jail. Hes charged with child abduction, felonious restraint of a child, human trafficking, statutory rape, statutory sexual offense and indecent liberties with a child.

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An investigation continues, and more charges are pending, Simmons said.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

To report potential trafficking situations, you can contact the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or chat with the online hotline.

Kidnappers tied victim to chair with barbed wire, carved crosses in face, NC cops say

Man used dating app to meet with 12- and 14-year-old girls, North Carolina cops say
(NBC5)

An investigation is underway after a bomb threat was left on a note in the bathroom of a United Airlines flight heading to Vermont.

Police say that the threat was made onboard United Airlines flight 3613, which took off from Newark, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon and was bound for Burlington, Vermont.

Twenty minutes before the flight landed, the pilot was told that the threat had been found inside the bathroom of the plane.

The pilot notified Air Traffic Control and an emergency response was initiated at the airport, which was closed for several hours.

When the flight landed at the airport it was taken to a specific area of the airfield and passengers were kept onboard for around two hours, according to NBC5.

After K-9 units were brought onboard the plane to sweep it, passengers were allowed to get off but were not permitted to bring any personal items with them.

It feels unfair on one hand that someone left a note and ruined everyones days. Obviously someone a little deranged. On the other hand, authorities here handled everything perfectly and at no time did I feel unsafe, passenger Phil Baruth told the channel.

Police said that no credible threat was found and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

What we have here is a safe group of people. We have a safe plane. We have a safe airport. We have procedures that were followed and we have a successful outcome, Jon Murad, acting chief at the Burlington Police Dept, said.
Elon Musk on a blue background surrounded by Teslas and charging points Illustrated/Getty Images

Tesla has more trouble on its hands, and this time it has nothing to do with Elon Musk's involvement with Twitter. Federal safety regulators announced last week they have launched multiple investigations of the company, The Associated Press reports. One involves reports of "steering wheels coming off some SUVs," while another will examine a fatal California crash that may have involved the company's automated driving system.

The investigations come just a few weeks after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration forced Tesla to recall more than 350,000 vehicles to update their "Full Self-Driving" software, Reuters reports, over concerns the programming "did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes." The recall was a "fresh setback" for Musk's promises that Teslas will attain self-driving capabilities in the near future.

These issues  and more  add to a growing sense that Tesla is losing its way. The company "has blown past skeptics and doubters for years," NPR reports, but now contends with "increasingly steep competition from rivals investing billions of dollars on an electric future." In November, Musk even floated stepping back from day-to-day operations at both Tesla and Twitter. This should be Tesla's moment, as the electric vehicle revolution finally takes hold. Instead, the company is facing doubts about its future.

What's wrong with Tesla?

Wired's Jeff Link writes that the car company's problems go "way beyond Elon Musk." Yes, Musk's social media ventures have gobbled up his attention  and some of his Tesla stock, which he used to finance his purchase of Twitter  but there are structural problems as well. "Tesla stock was already falling in April 2022," when Musk launched his Twitter bid, because of "limited designs and high prices make it vulnerable to competition from legacy automakers." Where Tesla once dominated the electric vehicle industry, competitors like Ford are now rushing to offer "shockingly good" products like the F-150 "Lightning" electric truck. Meanwhile, Link notes, Tesla's products are starting to look a bit long in the tooth: "Tesla's Model S is now more than 10 years old"

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Add to that the possibility that Musk has overpromised and underdelivered on key features of the Tesla. After the massive recall in February, a group of shareholders sued Musk and the company, CNN reports, saying they had been defrauded about the potential of Tesla's automated driving systems. Business Insider points out that Musk spent much of the last decade promising "that driverless Teslas are right around the corner." In 2023, though, the reality is that "you still can't take a snooze at the wheel or watch TikTok in traffic."

Musk's backup plans are vague. The Verge reports that at a recent "investor day," Musk was repeatedly asked about details of a planned new generation of low-cost electric vehicles. He ducked, instead outlining a "master plan" to end the world's use of fossil fuels. "We will have a proper product event, but we'll be jumping the gun if we're to answer your questions," Musk said. Tesla's stock dropped after the presentation. The good news? At least Musk avoided the "wild overpromises" of past investor events.

What's next for Tesla?

A fight for its future. Ross Gerber, an investor who owns more than 400,000 shares of Tesla, announced in February he is running for a seat on the company's board, Bloomberg reports. The company, Gerber says, is too Elon-centric: "Tesla needs to build its image around Tesla, and not just around Elon.  I think it's time for Tesla to grow up."

Musk might be served by narrowing his ambitions, Steve DaSilva writes at Jalopnik. Musk's "master plan" vision for Tesla goes beyond cars to a world powered by "sustainable electric systems bearing Tesla logos." The result is that the company's work too often "is forced to fit Musk's plan for world domination" when in reality it's still a "startup car company." Musk's big ideas are "too big for Tesla to pull off."

Despite the challenges, Tesla still earned $12.6 billion in profits for 2022. Sure, the company's long-promised and much-mocked Cybertruck won't fully go into production until 2024, but the company is getting more aggressive about cutting Tesla prices to grow consumer demand for its cars. Musk, naturally, believes the best is yet to come. "Long term," he says, "I am convinced that Tesla will be the most valuable company on earth."

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A federal judge on Monday scheduled a hearing on the use of abortion pills after a coalition of media organizations pressed him to provide more transparency in a closely watched Texas case.

Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, made public that the hearing would be held Wednesday.

The public notification of the hearing came after a lawyer representing the media coalition, which included NBCUniversal News Group and The Washington Post, wrote in a Monday letter to Kacsmaryk that his reported decision not to make the hearing schedule public well in advance was unconstitutional.

The lawyer, Peter B. Steffensen of the Southern Methodist Universitys First Amendment Clinic, cited a report over the weekend by The Washington Post that said Kacsmaryk told attorneys in the case that he wouldn't post the hearing on the docket until Tuesday night.

"The Courts attempt to delay notice of and, therefore, limit the ability of members of the public, including the press, to attend Wednesdays hearing is unconstitutional, and undermines the important values served by public access to judicial proceedings and court records," wrote Steffensen.

The public is "intensely interested in this case" and the judge's decision to delay the public notice of the Wednesday hearing harms "everyone, including those who support the plaintiffs position and those who support the defendants position," he added.

The Post reported that Kacsmaryk held a conference call with attorneys on Friday to schedule the Wednesday hearing in Amarillo, citing multiple people familiar with the call, but wanted to delay public notice of the hearing to lessen the chances of disruptions and possible protests.

Staff for the judge didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Restricting the ability of the press and public to attend judicial hearings is rare and can be "justified only by a compelling governmental interest and, even then, such restrictions must be narrowly tailored to advance that interest. No such compelling governmental interests are present here," Steffensen wrote.

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The Senate confirmed Kacsmaryk mostly along party lines in 2019.

The lawsuit at the focus of Wednesday's hearing was filed in November by the anti-abortion rights group Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. The group alleges that the process the Food and Drug Administration used more than 20 years ago to evaluate and approve one of two drugs used for medication abortions  mifepristone  was unlawful and should be revoked.

Medication abortion accounts for more than half of all abortions nationwide, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

If Kacsmaryk issues an injunction in the case, the Justice Department could immediately ask a higher court to pause, or stay, the reach of Kacsmaryk's ruling. But taking that step might not yield the result sought by DOJ given the number of conservative-leaning judges who sit on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court's conservative majority.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Texas officials are warning residents against traveling across the states southern border to Mexico over spring break following the kidnapping of four American tourists last week, two of whom later died.

A Friday release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said that Texans should postpone or cancel existing travel plans and generally avoid travel to Mexico during spring break, and beyond, due to the ongoing violence throughout that country.

Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat to anyone who crosses into Mexico right now, Texas DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a statement.

Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time, McCraw said.

The Texas DPS said it understands many people do travel to Mexico without incident but stressed that the serious risks cannot be ignored.

The four American victims of the recent kidnapping were reportedly visiting Mexico for a medical procedure.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Friday sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to sound alarms about reports of Mexican pharmacies in popular tourist destinations selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with the dangerous and illicit drugs fentanyl and methamphetamine.

These adulterated drugs place unsuspecting U.S. tourist customers  some of whom are seeking to avoid high pharmaceutical drug pricing in the United States  at risk of overdose and death, Markey said.

He urged the State Department to take action and issue a travel advisory to warn Americans traveling to Mexico of the danger they face when purchasing pills from Mexican pharmacies.

The State Department has travel advisories up with warnings for a number of areas in the country due to crime and kidnapping, suggesting Americans exercise increased caution or reconsider travel to two dozen Mexican states, and urging them not to visit several others.

Violent crime  such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery  is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted, the departments summary reads.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pragmatism, sincerity key to Beijing's success in mediation

By Zhang Yunbi (China Daily) 08:26, March 13, 2023

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the talks between a Saudi delegation and an Iranian delegation in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A low profile in mediation, great pragmatism and having no self-interests are some of the key factors behind Beijing's successful facilitation of the landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week, observers said.

After severing ties in 2016 and a standoff lasting seven years, Saudi Arabia and Iran sent high-level delegations to Beijing for five days of talks last week, which started on March 6 and were mediated by China, the Foreign Ministry said.

The talks were "in response to the initiative of President Xi Jinping of China's support for developing good neighborly relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran", the ministry said.

China, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached an agreement and issued a joint statement on Friday evening stating that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, held separate dialogues with the two delegations and chaired the talks' opening and closing ceremonies.

No matter how complicated the issues are and how acute the challenges are, "a mutually acceptable solution can surely be found" as long as dialogue on an equal footing is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, Wang told reporters after the talks.

"China has no intention to and will not seek to fill so-called vacuums or put up exclusive blocs. China always believes that the future of the Middle East should always be in the hands of the countries in the region," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a written response to the media on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his appreciation to China "for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries", saying that "good neighborly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region".

Also on Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "What fantastic news today in a world where we are unfortunately no longer used to receiving good news."

The agreement also shows the leadership role that China is taking on the international stage, "a leadership role that is focused on uniting rather than dividing" and "forming win-win cooperation and encouraging dispute resolution, rather than encouraging perpetual disputes", he added.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Qin Gang answered a question about the Middle East at a news conference on the sidelines of the two sessions in Beijing without mentioning the talks. He said that China "will continue to uphold justice" and support Middle Eastern countries in promoting political solutions to hot-spot issues.

Li Shaoxian, director of Ningxia University's China-Arab Research Institute, said behind China's successful final push in the reconciliation are "trust from both countries, Beijing's patience, Chinese diplomatic wisdom and a great sense of duty".

"China honored its role as a responsible major country by showing the courage to undertake such a demanding task. This is a successful example of putting into practice the China-proposed Global Security Initiative and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

Wu Sike, China's former special envoy on Middle East affairs, said the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major players in the Middle East, will help facilitate the resolution of hotspot issues in the region, including those in Yemen and Syria as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He said that while China's philosophy advocates common and sustained security, there is another kind of outlook that seeks one country's own security at the expense of others.

"The world sees clearly which security outlook is better" in having positive impacts on global security issues, Wu told the Beijing Daily newspaper.

Factors behind the Saudi Arabia-Iran agreement also include the increased sense of strategic autonomy of Middle East countries, the continued de-escalation of tension between some countries and a decrease in interference and disruption from external major countries, experts said.

The sanctions that the United States has imposed on Iran for over 40 years have not really solved any problems and have not brought peace to the Middle East, they added.

John Kirby, a coordinator for strategic communications at the US National Security Council, said at a briefing on Friday that Washington welcomes the agreement "if it can be sustained". He added that the US "has also worked on de-escalation through its own 'effective combination of deterrence and diplomacy'".

Niu Xinchun, director of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations' Institute of Middle East Studies, said that despite the US' great influence on Middle East affairs, it is common for the US to pull the strings behind turmoil, directly intervene in conflicts, attach political conditions to areas such as negotiations, and seek to gain benefits from the countries involved.

"This makes the US unable to stand in an objective, neutral position to mediate conflicts and relations, and even has a negative impact on resolving regional conflicts," Niu said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Republican lawmakers in Texas are proposing legislation that would make it a state felony to cross the border from Mexico illegally and create a new border police force that could deputize private citizens, the latest in the state's continued push to test the limits of the federal government's authority over immigration.

Civil rights organizations, immigration advocates and Democrats immediately decried the proposals, which began drawing attention after Friday's deadline for filing bills in Texas' ongoing biennial legislative session.

I think the underlying fact that it is going to allow people to question our being American in our border communities and across Texas is unacceptable, said Texas state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, chairwoman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

Since President Joe Biden took office, illegal crossings have soared. Many migrants have turned themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents and were released in the U.S. to pursue their cases in federal immigration court.

The Republican proposals in the Texas Legislature would continue pushing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's massive, $4 billion border mission known as Operation Lone Star. That has included the governor heavily increasing patrols near the border with Mexico, gridlocking traffic with increased commercial truck inspections, and building more barriers along the international boundary, echoing former President Donald Trump's unfished campaign promise.

The effort also has included directing officers to detain migrants who trespass on private property and bused thousands of migrants to Democrat-led cities, including New York and Washington, D.C. The moves have put a spotlight on Abbott, who aides say is weighing a run for president.

Bills filed this session would allow a newly created unit of state police to arrest, detain and deter people crossing into Texas illegally, construct more and maintain existing barriers between Texas and Mexico and return immigrants to Mexico if they are seen crossing into Texas.

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State border officers would serve at the direction of a chief, who would be appointed by the governor. According to a draft bill, which will have to pass reviews by both of the state's Republican-controlled legislative chambers before the end of May, the chief will be able to employ licensed state and local police officers to serve on the border force, as well as law-abiding citizens without felony convictions.

Private citizens employed by the force would be allowed to participate in unit operations and functions and have the same criminal and civil liability immunity on the job as the licensed officers. But, they will not have arresting power, unless trained and authorized by the governor, according to the bills current form.

People arrested for crossing into Texas illegally would face up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines for each violation.

The proposal cites a U.S. constitutional clause on state powers when facing invasion and imminent danger and follows numerous calls from former Trump administration officials and sheriffs in several South Texas counties for Abbott to declare what they have called an invasion under this clause.

Neave Criado said language such as invasion matters and has been used by individuals such as the North Texas man who drove to El Paso and killed 23 people in a racially motivated rampage.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican, said in a statement that addressing our states border and humanitarian crisis" was a priority. Phelan said the proposed border police as well as a proposed Legislative Border Safety Oversight Committee, which would provide border safety policy recommendations and oversight to the new policing unit and work on issues in South Texas, were a must-pass issue.

Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Civil rights organizations and state Democrats quickly denounced the legislation. The proposal also drew comparisons to a 2017 ban on sanctuary cities that allowed police to ask a persons immigration status and threatened sheriffs and police chiefs with jail time if they refused to cooperate with federal authorities to enforce immigration law.

That proposal was signed into law and but was later challenged in court and is pending a resolution, according to Alexis Bay, legislative coordinator with the Beyond Borders at the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Bay said the powers and immunity that would be conveyed to private citizens serving on the proposed border force is unlike anything seen in recent Texas history.

It is designed to create racial profiling, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa told The Associated Press on Monday. Something that is just horrendous."

A spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency does not comment on pending legislation.

Tensions at the border with Mexico remain high. Over the weekend, video showed hundreds of apparent Venezuelan migrants brush past Mexican National Guard members while trying to cross a bridge into El Paso, Texas, before being blocked by U.S. agents.

Authorities said Sunday that at least eight people were killed when two migrant smuggling boats capsized off the coast of San Diego in one of the deadliest maritime human smuggling operations ever off of U.S. shores.

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Follow Acacia Coronado on Twitter: https://twitter.com/acacia_coronado

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Follow AP's full coverage of immigration:
Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly.

So should Falcon Metals (ASX:FAL) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

View our latest analysis for Falcon Metals

How Long Is Falcon Metals' Cash Runway?

A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. In December 2022, Falcon Metals had AU$23m in cash, and was debt-free. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through AU$5.7m. So it had a cash runway of about 4.1 years from December 2022. There's no doubt that this is a reassuringly long runway. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

How Hard Would It Be For Falcon Metals To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate).

Falcon Metals' cash burn of AU$5.7m is about 9.9% of its AU$58m market capitalisation. Given that is a rather small percentage, it would probably be really easy for the company to fund another year's growth by issuing some new shares to investors, or even by taking out a loan.

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Is Falcon Metals' Cash Burn A Worry?

Given it's an early stage company, we don't have a lot of data with which to judge Falcon Metals' cash burn. We would undoubtedly be more comfortable if it had reported some operating revenue. However, it is fair to say that its cash runway gave us comfort. Summing up, its cash burn doesn't bother us and we're excited to see what kind of growth it can achieve with its current cash hoard. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 4 warning signs for Falcon Metals (of which 2 are significant!) you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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The gun fired and David Brinker Jr.s wife was hit. She looked at him, and he watched as the life left her body.

I think I just killed my wife, the husband told police, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by investigators.

Dorothy Brinker, 36, was killed in the shooting. Her husband told police it was accidental and that he was trying to stop the woman from driving while drunk.

Now, David Brinker Jr., 37, is charged with reckless homicide.

After reports of a shooting, police arrived in the 6000 block of Oak Avenue, on the east side of Indianapolis, around 2 a.m. on March 6. David Brinker Jr.s sweatshirt and hands were covered in blood.

For subscribers:Takeaways from Indianapolis mayoral town hall, including who wasn't there

A Chevrolet Silverado was stopped in the middle of the street with its lights and engine on and the drivers door opened, according to the affidavit. Dorothy Brinker was unresponsive on the ground with her legs partially underneath the truck.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the left side of her chest, according to the Marion County Coroners Office.

David Brinker Jr. told officers he and his wife were fighting before the shooting and said, I did not mean for any of this to happen, according to the affidavit. He also told police he no longer wished to live.

Dorothy Brinkers friends and neighbors said she was at a baby shower then went to a bar and took an Uber home before the shooting. Her husband stayed home with their 6-month-old baby.

David Brinker Jr. told investigators he was upset with his wife for going to the bar after the baby shower and that an argument started when she got home. He was with the baby when he heard his truck start up outside the home.

David Brinker Jr. stood in front of the truck to try and stop his wife from driving drunk, he said. He grabbed his gun because he was considering shooting out the tires to stop the vehicle, he told detectives.

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David Brinker Jr. grabbed onto the side of the truck and hung on as Dorothy Brinker drove past him in an alleyway and onto neighborhood roads. Investigators found surveillance video that showed a man hanging onto the vehicle and yelling, Stop the (expletive) truck, according to the affidavit.

While she was driving, David Brinker Jr. asked his wife to pull over and reminded her of their child at home. He had a gun in his left hand, he said.

Dorothy Brinker stopped the truck and rolled down the window and her husband reached through to try and unlock and open the door. Then the gun fired, and Dorothy Brinker was struck, her husband told police.

I didnt know that I had my finger on the trigger, but I guess I did, but we were wrestling around, and she was fighting with me, and it went off, David Brinker Jr. said in the affidavit.

The neighbors surveillance camera captured the sound of the gunshot followed by a man asking, Are you OK?, according to the affidavit.

One witness told police Dorothy Brinker came to her house before the shooting and was upset, crying and talking about marital issues. An attorney for David Brinker Jr. was not yet listed in online court records at the time of publication.

Who was Dorothy Brinker?

Michael Pemberton said Dorothy Brinker had always wanted to be a mother. She worked hard to get to a spot where she felt she could provide for a child.

Pemberton, 44, and Dorothy Brinker were family friends and were raised in the small town of Mitchell, about an hour and a half south of Indianapolis.

"To grow up as poor as we did in trailer parks and have nothing in life, she was successful just by moving out and not getting into trouble first, Pemberton said. She was like an inspiration for other girls growing up in her situation.

Statehouse roundup:Military income tax cut, police buffer zone advance

After she moved to Indianapolis, Dorothy Brinker and Pemberton kept in touch on social media. He remembers Dorothy Brinker as a beautiful and strong person with a competitive spirit. In high school, Dorothy Brinker wrestled on the boys team.

Pemberton, who has overcome drug addiction, speaks with people struggling in Mitchell.

"I want people to do what Dorothy did and make it out of here, Pemberton said. When I go teach at rehab and stuff, I tell them be a Dorothy.

The womans death has had a large impact on people in her hometown.

"It breaks our hearts, Pemberton said. She was such a motivator for everyone else to follow as a model. It's the saddest thing in the world for all of us.

Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis crime: Husband charged in death of Dorothy Brinker
Its been said that where theres no vision, the people perish.

Makes me wonder: Whats the future for Black people in Arizona?

It doesnt take sophisticated data analysis to see that were in the throes of a new migration pattern that could leave the Phoenix area susceptible to the types of problems that have plagued Black communities in big cities across the nation.

Arizona's Black population is growing

We know that Maricopa County has been the fastest-growing region by population since the nation started rebounding from the Great Recession. About 800,000 have people flooded the Valley since 2010, and that expansion hasnt stopped, even with the pandemic.

If you follow the Census numbers, you know that weve been growing rapidly over that time, Maricopa County communications director Fields Moseley said in a recent phone interview. I believe that it was around 2016 that we became the fastest-growing county in the country, and weve maintained the No. 1 or No. 2 status ever since.

The growth has affected everything from schools and housing to water supplies to roadways.

Growth problem:Why housing shortage solutions are facing fights

A big chunk of the Maricopa County boom has been Black people such as myself.

About 70,000 of us came to the area between 2010 and 2020, representing more than 10% of the growth over that span, a huge number since Arizonas Black population is only about 5%.

We dont have much data on where were all coming from, but the numbers indicate its a population shift. Not just new births.

Young people are moving out of LA, Chicago

The most-recent growth comes amid pandemic-driven declines in 8 of the nations 10 largest cities, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, led by young adults seeking affordable housing and employment opportunities that dont exist in their hometowns.

Also, weather. It might be hot in the summer, but you dont have to shovel sunshine off your driveway.

We can assume that people in Los Angeles took a look around and realized that $10-a-gallon gas and $5,000 two-bedroom apartments were as insulting to common sense as pineapples are to pizza.

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Its easy to imagine them pulling a reverse Jed Clampett, loading up their trucks and driving until they could afford the cost of living, ultimately stopping in Buckeye, El Mirage and Surprise.

When it comes to county property, the West Valley is being developed the fastest, Moseley said. Theres not much (county property) left in the East.

As for the potential for Chicagoans and New Yorkers? Both cities have terrible pizza and weather, so who could blame transplants for being attracted to Pizzeria Bianco in December?

It's unclear where in metro Phoenix they're settling

Kesha Hodge Washington (left) speaks to Ann Hart (right) at The Duce in Phoenix on Jan. 26, 2023.

But we dont have centralized information on where Black people are settling.

We know that there is representation in South Phoenix, where a Black woman, Kesha Hodge Washington, is challenging a Latino, Carlos Garcia, for City Council seat.

We know that Tempe has a Black mayor and until recently a Black police chief.

We know that East Valley cities, including Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, have seen significant upticks in Black residents.

But are they being steered toward specific, and less-desirable, neighborhoods? Weve seen the negative effects of redlining in Chicago.

Are Black residents finding adequate housing with stable costs, good schools and effective policing? Or are we still being pulled over at disproportionate rates for minor traffic violations that result in needless Black tax fines and ill-will?

How welcoming are we to Black residents?

Will Black and Latino residents find themselves at odds politically? Or will leaders in those communities recognize common problems and find ways to come together to improve outcomes for members of their communities?

What about churches? Are Black people being welcomed in houses of faith in their neighborhoods? Are Latter-day Saints welcoming to Black visitors? Or are the racial attitudes that marked previous generations still too deeply rooted for African Americans to feel seen and heard?

Ultimately, do Black worshipers have to travel downtown to visit Pilgrim Rest or First Institutional Baptist to feel at home?

Who are the new Black leaders? We know that Arizona has only one Black lawmaker in the Legislature, Republican David Marshall. How could he begin to advocate for all of the states Black residents? Especially from Snowflake in Navajo County? Especially as a Republican?

Will new legislative districts give power to Black voters? Or will conservative bully tactics extinguish minority voices in the next election cycle?

Arizona wins if the community has a vision

What about community organizers? What do they think Black people need?

I have an acronym that I use: P.E.A.C.E.; politics, education, arts, community and economics, said Christopher Truth B. Told Owens, a poet and activist. Any society, group or neighborhood that has a stronghold on those aspects will have the resources needed for advancement.

Owens has created CultureHub, the states first Black-owned co-working space, which is operating in Eastlake Park neighborhood in central Phoenix.

These are very exciting times for Black people in Arizona, he said. There have been discussions among activists and leaders in the community that were in the early stages of a Renaissance. ... Black people in Arizona realize the opportunities that are out there.

Sounds like a vision, the kind of thing that gives life and prevents the problems that Black people fled in other areas of the country from following them to Phoenix.

Such vision could help Arizona and Maricopa County, which is home to about two-thirds of the states population, become an example for the rest of the nation for how to integrate and assimilate Black residents as full members of society.

Its important to consider now, because the Black population is likely to continue to grow.

Well need better planning data from here forward, especially at the county level.

Because its also been said that people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge.

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: Black people are moving to Arizona. How are we welcoming them?
State Parks swift water technicians Jeremy Paiss and Bryan Kine transport Lizbeth Hernandez to safety after her truck was swept away by flood waters along Paulsen Road in Watsonville, Calif., Friday, March 10, 2023. Hernandez, who does not swim, stood on the roof of her truck for over an hour until Paiss and Kine could reach her and paddle her to safety. | Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via Associated Press

Thousands of Californians were evacuated from their homes in Northern California after the Pajaro Rivers levee was breached due to flooding caused by an atmospheric river that hit the state over the weekend.

Meanwhile, more flood watches have been issued as another winter storm is expected as soon as Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

What happened to the Pajaro River levee?

The overflowing Pajaro River breached the rivers levee late Friday night, leading to flooding in the town of Pajaro and mass evacuations of its 1,700 residents.

Mandatory Evacuation orders issued for the Community of #Pajaro due to a #LeveeBreak. Please heed evac warnings/orders. Pajaro River levee broke early this morning resulting in active flooding. #Evacuate if told. #TurnAroundDontDrown @Cal_OES @CaltransHQ @CAgovernor pic.twitter.com/tDttiTcaC0  California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) March 11, 2023

Pajaro is now underwater, the Los Angeles Times reported.

As of late Sunday, the breach in the levee had grown to approximately 300 feet in width, Monterey County officials said, per CBS News.

Did officials know the Pajaro River levee would fail?

According to records and interviews obtained by the LA Times, officials knew that the levee that was breached, flooding a town mostly comprised of migrant farmworkers, could fail.

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Officials knew for several decades that the levee was vulnerable but never prioritized repairs in part because they believed it did not make financial sense to protect the low-income area, according to the Times.

What areas of California are under flood watch?

About 15 million people are under flood watches in California and Nevada as of late Sunday, CNN reported.

As more rainfall is expected, the National Weather Service put the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast under flood watch Monday through Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.
Tiger Woods and Erica Herman, seen here at the Presidents Cup in 2019, are now embroiled in a legal dispute. (William West / AFP via Getty Images)

The courtroom battle between Tiger Woods and former girlfriend Erica Herman has another chapter, as Woods' team has filed a response to Herman's lawsuits seeking both financial compensation and a release from a nondisclosure agreement.

Woods and Herman dated for approximately six years. In October 2017, shortly after they began their relationship, Herman signed an NDA which stipulated that any disputes between the two must be settled by arbitration, not a public trial. Woods and Herman broke up in October 2022; shortly thereafter, Herman filed suit against the trust governing Woods' Florida residence.

Last week, she filed a second suit against Woods himself. The goal of both suits was to release her from the NDA and its requirement to settle disputes through behind-closed-doors arbitration. In that second suit, Herman argued that she should be released from the NDA because of a new federal law which holds that NDAs cannot be used to conceal sexual assault or harassment. She did not cite any incidences of assault or harassment, but indicated that the NDA should be at least partially rescinded as a result.

In documents filed Monday morning in Martin County (Florida) Circuit Court and reviewed by Yahoo Sports, Woods' attorneys filed a response to Herman's allegations, condemning her strategy.

"Ms. Herman does nothing more than cite 9 U.S.C.  401-402 and its salacious title, 'The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act,'" the filing indicates. "She has never asserted any claims for sexual assault or sexual harassment, does not do so in this landlord-tenant action, and, if she is truthful, can never do so."

Woods' lawyers further termed Herman's action a "transparent abuse of the judicial process" and labeled Herman herself "a jilted ex-girlfriend who wants to publicly litigate specious claims in court, rather than honor her commitment to arbitrate disputes in a confidential arbitration proceeding."

Attorneys for Woods have asked the court to deny Herman's appeal for release from the NDA and compel her to settle the dispute via arbitration. There is no timetable for the resolution of either side's claims.
Kate Hudson discussed the dress on TikTok over 20 years later. TikTok;@thekatehudson

Kate Hudson defended the dress she wore to the 2001 Academy Awards that critics "trashed."

Hudson posted a TikTok about it just before the Oscars Sunday, saying it was "way ahead" of its time.

The dress was designed by McCartney, a long-time friend of Hudson.

Kate Hudson revived a dormant, 22-year-old cultural debate with a March 12 TikTok. In it, the 43-year-old actress revisited a slinky silver dress she said she got "trashed" for wearing to the Academy Awards in 2001 and defended the choice.

Hudson, then 21, was nominated for the best supporting actress award for her role as Penny Lane in the 2000 movie "Almost Famous," and attended the ceremony with her hair up and styled in ringlets, while wearing a silver Stella McCartney gown that Hudson said landed her on "all the worst dressed lists."

The TikTok was posted on Sunday, just hours before the 2023 Oscars, and showed Hudson getting her hair styled. She told viewers she'd initially planned to tell critics "oh, I can understand," but, upon looking at the dress with fresh eyes, she wanted to double down: "This dress is awesome, I love it."

"It's a beautiful silhouette, the back is crazy, the cape is good, I even like the crazy hair that everyone didn't like  I think it looks super cute and different," she explained.

"We were way ahead of our time on this," Hudson said, and then added: "Maybe we should take it out again. Should I re-wear this and restyle it?"

The TikTok has garnered about 355,600 views in less than 24 hours. Top comments agreed with Hudson, describing the dress as "magnificent," and calling for "justice for this dress."

"There was an elegance about this dress that people didn't understand," the celebrity gossip site DeuxMoi commented. "You looked like a French movie star."

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Others echoed Hudson's assessment that a gown with a cape made of fringe was too avant-garde for the moment and encouraged the actor to rewear it, hypothesizing that the same dress could now land her on a "best dressed" list. "They weren't ready for this look!" one top comment reads.

Nostalgia dressing is a burgeoning marketing tool for celebrities and iconic archival garments have become the fashion status symbol du jour.

It's not the first time Hudson has revisited this particular dress  a deviation from an otherwise broadly crowd-pleasing history in fashion. In a 2011 British Fashion Awards show, Hudson presented McCartney, one of Hudson's best friends since she was 18, with the "Red Carpet Award." In her speech, Hudson recounted a story from the morning after the 2001 Oscars.

"Stella dressed me for my first red carpet event in 2001 for the Academy Awards," Hudson began. "It was my first and only nomination. I was 21 years old and to have Stella McCartney dressing me  well I felt like the hippest, coolest girl in the world."

She continued, "Up until the last minute Stella was working away, hand-sewing the hem. I woke up the next morning in my bed post-awards and without a little statuette on my bedside. I turned on the television to find out I was on every 'worst dressed' list possible. So I called Stella and we just laughed our arses off and she said to me, 'Look, babe, it was the hair wasn't it?'"

McCartney later joked that she "took responsibility" for the cape, and blamed the dress for "why she didn't get the Oscar."

In 2012 while speaking with McCartney at the Vogue festival in London, Hudson said she still had the dress in her closet.

Kate Hudson at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images

While Hudson lost to Marcia Gay Harden for best supporting actress in 2001 (Harden won for the role in the movie "Pollock"), not everyone remembers it that way. Hours after posting her TikTok, Hudson corrected an interviewer who thought she had already won an Oscar.

"I have never won an Oscar, but I've been nominated," she corrected, then added: "I'm sure it's amazing."

Hudson's most recent film, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," was up for the best adapted screenplay at this year's Oscars, but it lost to Sarah Polley's "Women Talking," as Insider's Lauren Edmonds previously reported.

Read the original article on Insider
Bryan Kohberger is accused of murdering four students in Moscow (AP)

Tinder, DoorDash and Venmo are among dozens of businesses that have been served with search warrants in the University of Idaho murders case.

Court documents filed last week reveal that investigators probing the brutal slayings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle have issued warrants to around 40 companies as they pursue murder charges against accused killer Bryan Kohberger.

Any evidence the searches may have uncovered remains unknown as the judge ordered that the warrants remain sealed and redacted.

However, the orders ruling the warrants be sealed did reveal which companies had been issued with warrants.

The businesses range from online dating websites to banks and online payment companies to retailers.

They include: Amazon, American Express, Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, Banner Bank in Spokane, Washington, Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.), Blue Ridge Knives in Marion, Virginia, Charter Communications, Coeur dAlene Police Department Forensic Lab, Discover Bank, DoorDash, Ebay, Elan Financial Services, Extreme Networks, Google, Idaho Central Credit Union, Idaho Department of Labor, Inland Cellular, KA-BAR Knives, Match Group LLC (owner of Tinder) Meta Platforms (Facebooks parent company), Moscow Police Department Forensic Lab, Numerica Credit Union, Paypal/Venmo, Potlatch No 1 Financial Credit Union, Reddit, Snap Inc. (Snapshot parent group), T-Mobile, Umpqua Bank, UPS, Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless, Washington State University, Yahoo and Yik Yak.

Some of the companies notified appear more obvious than others.

KA-BAR Knives was served a search warrant, after a KA-BAR knife sheath was left behind by the killer at the scene of the murders. DNA found on the sheath matches Mr Kohberger, according to a criminal affidavit.

Meanwhile, Kernodle received a DoorDash order to the off-campus home just minutes before she was murdered.

While some of the warrants sought information about Mr Kohberger, others sought information about the victims  such as access to their Facebook and Snapchat accounts.

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This comes as investigators work to piece together any possible link between the students and their accused killer or what his motive may have been for the quadruple murders.

Several of the warrants were filed back in December  at the height of the investigation into the 13 November murders  but came to light now as the judge ordered for them to remain sealed until further notice by the court.

The judges orders all gave the same reasons for keeping the trove of documents sealed.

Bryan Kohberger is accused of murdering four students in Moscow (AP)

The documents contain highly intimate facts or statements, the publication of which would be highly objectionable to a reasonable person, the orders read.

The documents contain facts or statements that might threaten the safety of or endanger the life or safety of individuals and disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

While the Idaho search warrants remain sealed, warrants have recently been unsealed over the search on Mr Kohbergers family home in Pennsylvania.

The warrants reveal that a Glock .40 caliber gun, empty gun magazines, a knife, a pocket knife, black face masks and black gloves were found during a search of the home in Chestnuthill Township, when law enforcement officials carried out an early morning raid on 30 December.

Other items seized included a book with underlying on page 118, Mr Kohbergers phone bills, and a green leafy substance in a plastic bag .

A search was executed on Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) on the same day.

The unsealed documents reveal that investigators seized a string of items from his home including possible human and animal hair strands, a disposable glove, items with red and brown stains and a computer.

Authorities also took swabs from Mr Kohbergers car and seized a shovel, gloves and goggles, a bandage and reflective best that were inside.

Mr Kohberger, a 28-year-old Washington State University PhD student, was arrested during the 30 December raid on his family home in Pennsylvania and extradited to Moscow, Idaho, to face murder charges.

He is accused of murdering the four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that sent shockwaves through the small college town.

Back on 13 November, he allegedly entered the off-campus student home that the three young women shared and stabbed to death the four victims.

Police tape surrounds the home that was the site of the quadruple murder (Getty Images)

Two other roommates were left unharmed in the home.

One of the surviving roommates came face to face with the killer  masked, dressed in head to toe black and with bushy eyebrows  as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders.

The victims bodies were discovered hours later.

The affidavit, released in January, revealed that investigators believe Mr Kohberger may have stalked the student home in the run-up to the mass murder, with cellphone data placing him around the property 12 times before 13 November.

At the time of the murders, investigators believe Mr Kohberger turned his cellphone off in order to try to avoid detection.

However, cellphone data places him close to the home on King Road at around 9am on 13 November  suggesting that he returned to the scene of the crime just hours after allegedly murdering the four victims at around 4am, the affidavit reveals.

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman. He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester begore his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.

Now, he is facing life in prison or the death penalty for the murders that have rocked the small college town of Moscow and hit headlines around the globe.

He is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on 26 June.
DAMASCUS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China has played a historic role in the Middle East after succeeding in brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, ending a years-long rift between the two countries, Syrian political experts have said.

Such an effort may positively reflect on almost all the current regional crises, the experts said.

As announced by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday, the latter two have reached a deal which includes the agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months, after talks in Beijing from March 6 to 10.

Both Saudi Arabia and Iran extended their appreciation and thanks to Iraq and Oman for hosting multiple rounds of dialogue between 2021 and 2022, and to Chinese leaders and the Chinese government for hosting, supporting and contributing to the success of the talks, the statement said.

Tension has long characterized the relations between Tehran and Riyadh, both main regional powerhouses. In 2016, Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran.

Syrian analysts said that fixing the broken Saudi-Iran ties is critical to stabilizing the region, and that's why China's role in bringing the two countries together is seen as "historic."

"We are talking about an effective presence of China for the first time in the history of this region as a patron of an understanding, or a disengagement of a strategic clash between two important regional countries," said Osama Danura, a Damascus-based Syrian political analyst.

Danura said that China was able to make this significant achievement thanks to its balanced relations with both countries.

In regard to the impact on Syria, Danura said the reconciliation could positively reflect on the 12-year-long crisis in the country. A possible detente between Syria and Saudi Arabia could be ushered in, he added.

Mohammad al-Omari, a Syrian political expert, said that China realizes the importance of reducing the provocations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in mediating their dialogue, which would positively reflect on finding solutions to the crises in different parts of the region, such as in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

"China has one of the most influential political actors in facilitating mediation and resolving disputes," he said.

He stressed that resuming the ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is crucial to boosting security and stability and reducing regional tension.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday that Syria values the Chinese role in brokering the Saudi-Iranian reconciliation. 
This article originally appeared on Velo News

For a rider who wasnt even expected to start Tirreno-Adriatico, Primoz Roglic impressed to blast to three straight stage victories to secure his first stage-race win since last years Criterium du Dauphine.

Not bad for a guy who vowed not to shave his legs until he was winning again.

Sunday wrapped up an interesting and mostly exciting edition of the Race of the Two Seas. Weather forced organizers to reroute the queen stage high in the Abruzzi, but the final outcome would have been the same.

Its great to return to the peloton in this way, Roglic said. My main goal was to gain race rhythm here and to suffer. I managed to do both. That I would also take three stage wins and win the final classification, I certainly did not expect.

Roglic simply out-muscled all takers in his first race since abandoning the Vuelta a Espana and undergoing surgery.

Like most years, the race attracted a peloton full of riders fine-tuning their form and preparing for Italys other big targets, namely Saturdays Milan-San Remo and the Giro dItalia in May.

Of course, not all of the Giro GC candidates and Milan-San Remo favorites were racing at Tirreno. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) was at a training camp and will return to action at the Volta a Catalunya. Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) was nursing a knee injury, and defending San Remo champion Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) wasnt racing last week at all.

Yet theres usually a direct line from Tirreno-Adriatico and success at Milan-San Remo and the Giro.

So how does Tirreno-Adriatico set up the bella vita period of Italian racing? Lets dive in:

Roglic is back with a vengeance -- Giro

Roglic scored his hat trick on the Osimo hilltop. (Photo: Getty Images)

Primoz is back!

That was the headline after he won stage 4 to Tortoreto after a winter marked by surgery and a long period away from racing. It was copy-and-paste for the next few days after the Jumbo-Visma captain fended off all challengers.

His delayed season soon saw the three-time Vuelta a Espana champion reminding everyone hes one of the most prolific winners in the bunch. At 33, theres no sign hes slowing down.

Story continues

The surgical but convincing victory sends him clattering up the favorites list for the upcoming Giro. Roglic has some unfinished business with the Italian grand tour, and his solid performance across Tirreno confirmed hell be ready to take on Evenepoel and the others.

With the Volta a Catalunya on his calendar next, where he will face off against the Belgian superstar in their only joint appearance before the Giro.

Theres no doubting Roglics finishing speed and ability to pick up time bonuses. A big question mark for him after coming off surgery will be whether he can go the distance of the full three weeks of the Giro and handle the long, punishing climbs in the final week.

Mathieu van der Poel touch off his best -- MSR

It wont be long before Van der Poel is back in the fray. (Photo: Chris Auld/VeloNews)

He was the pelotons Nowhere Man all last week. Just two years ago, the flying Dutchman was blowing the wheels off everyone when he blitzed to two stage victories. Theres been no wind in his sails since his road season debut at Strade Bianche with 15th.

Whats happening?

Van der Poel said he still doesnt have the leg speed he needs to win. After a short but intense cyclocross calendar capped by a fifth world title in early February, Van der Poel admits hes off his top form.

That could change very quickly, and Milan-San Remo will be an important testing ground going into the northern classics.

Though many discount San Remo for its relatively easy and straightforward route, many forget its the longest race on the WorldTour calendar at 294km. Even the Cipressa and Poggio sting after that distance.

Mathieu van der Poel: 'I am not panicking yet.' Dutch superstar remains muted in early races but hes confident hes on the flight path toward a strong spring classics campaign.https://t.co/hg83LgpVFZ -- VeloNews (@velonews) March 11, 2023

San Remo will be an important measuring stick for Van der Poel and the depth that he knows hell need to battle the likes of Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step on the cobbles of Flanders and northern France in the coming weeks.

Could Van der Poel also be playing a bit of a game of bluffing? Maybe. Theres no hiding in the monuments, and Van der Poel brings the class and the experience to rise to the occasion. Tirreno-Adriatico was just the kick he needed and after a relatively quiet start by his standards, he might be doubly motivated to do something special on the Italian Riviera.

Tao Geoghegan Hart is flying -- Giro

Geoghegan Hart looks sharp coming out of Tirreno with third place. (Photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Tao Geoghegan Hart hasnt looked this good since he won the Giro in 2020.

The London rider has had a rough few years since his breakout Giro victory. Its never easy trying to surpass expectations, and illness and a few crashes havent helped. Riding into the top-20 in last years Vuelta might not have seemed like much, but it obviously set him up nicely coming into this season.

In February, he won his first race since the 2020 Giro with a mountaintop win at the Volta a Valenciana. Three top-5s and a podium will give him a much-needed confidence boost going into the Giro.

Ineos Grenadiers will bring a stacked team to the Giro, with Geraint Thomas, Pavel Sivakov, and Thymen Arensman also lining up as potential leaders. The road will decide, but so far in 2023, its Geoghegan Hart whos been the most consistent and strongest.

Wout van Aert on slow boil -- MSR

Van Aert didnt win this week, but he was often at the front pulling for Roglic. (Photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Van Aert was happy last week taking trademark monster pulls to set up Roglic for the overall. The Jumbo-Visma superstar has nothing to prove, and is on a slow boil for the northern classics.

Unlike longtime nemesis Van der Poel, whos already won two editions of Ronde van Vlaanderen, Van Aert is betting everything this spring on arriving to the Ronde and Paris-Roubaix in perfect condition.

 #TirrenoAdriatico Imagine a teammate like @WoutvanAert doing some hard work for you.  pic.twitter.com/9BBYWSjSWn -- Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) March 11, 2023

So far its been hard to get a good read on his condition, at least based on his results.

He skipped Strade Bianche, and on the one day the team was pulling for him for the win he crashed when he got tangled up with Tom Pidcock. Thats the same day Roglic stepped up and delivered.

Van Aert didnt seem seriously injured in his Pidcock pileup, and thanked his shammy for saving my ass.

The road to the northern classics goes straight via the Via Roma. A winner in 2020, Van Aert will be ready to turn his base into victories.

Bora Hansgrohe hoping form comes when it counts -- Giro

Bora Hansgrohe put in a solid week with two inside the top-10. (Photo: Chris Auld/VeloNews)

Missing a bit of sizzle last week was the breakout team of 2022 with Bora Hansgrohe in what was an otherwise solid showing by the squad.

Lennard Kamna held the leaders jersey one day and finished fourth overall, and though team GC captains Jai Hindley and Aleksandr Vlasov were both a few watts short of the front in the GC contest, theyre both on track for bigger targets this season.

Few can match Roglics pure power in short, explosive efforts. Vlasov equalled Roglic in almost every stage, but it was the time bonuses that ultimately made the winning difference.

The 2022 Giro winner Hindley is heading to the Tour this year, and Vlasov prefers the longer, grinding climbs over the short, intense efforts that usually feature during Tirreno.

Tirreno proved that Kamna and Vlasov will be even stronger in the Giro when the longer, grinding stage better suit their styles.

Tom Pidcock sleepy outsider -- MSR

Tom Pidcock didnt blow the socks off anyone this week, but is poised for a strong classics run. (Photo: Chris Auld/VeloNews)

After blowing up Strade Bianche, Pidcock was MIA most of the week.

A crash with Van Aert in stage 4 didnt help, and he finished out the week with a bandage on his arm. A second crash and withdrawal from Tirreno ended a rough week.

Like the other Three Tenors, Pidcock is betting big on the classics. Tirreno-Adriatico served more as a high-speed training camp to help him find leg speed ahead of his upcoming spring classics targets.

Well see if hes cleared to race this weekend.

If he starts in full health, Pidcock could be a sleepy outsider for San Remo.

He obviously has the legs to match the accelerations on the Cipressa and Poggio. His 15th in his monument debut in the 2021 San Remo confirms that.

The perfect scenario? Pidcock comes over the top of the Poggio with the best, and deploys his superb descending skills to drop everyone and hang on for the win.

Time is now for Joao Almeida -- Giro

Joao Almeida quietly rode to second overall. (Photo: Chris Auld/VeloNews)

Sneaking into second place was Portuguese all-rounder Almeida.

Perhaps no rider in the peloton has the ability to claw himself back into the frame than Almeida. Hes often dropped, but he just as often digs deep into his reserves to be there when it counts.

Still only 24, Almeida will be back for his fourth Giro. After his spectacular debut of fourth in 2020, he was sixth in 2021, and did not finish last year. Fifth in the Vuelta a Espana means that hes been inside the top-6 in every grand tour hes finished.

He wont blow the shoes off anyone, but its steady consistency that can win grand tours. The time-trial heavy Giro courses is ideal for his locomotive style.

Always being close almost got him the win at Tirreno-Adriatico, and it puts him on track for a run at a career-first grand tour podium at the Giro.

Tirreno-Adriatico helped reveal the favorites for the best races on the Italian calendar. (Photo: Chris Auld/VeloNews)

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A toddler was found at a McDonalds restaurant after the childs family vehicle was stolen from outside their home, according to police in Pennsylvania.

Officers with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police were called to a home in the state capitals Uptown neighborhood at about 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12, according to a news release.

A parent reported they had put their 3-year-old child inside their vehicle and turned the vehicle on, authorities said.

The parent said they then went back to their house to lock the door, according to the news release. But as they were locking their home, the parent saw someone get into the running vehicle and drive off with their toddler.

Authorities said they teamed up with officers from several jurisdictions to search for the vehicle and child.

In about an hour, the vehicle was stopped a few miles away, police said.

A 14-year-old was driving the vehicle, and nobody else was inside, according to the release. The 14-year-old was arrested.

The teen is facing a charge of motor vehicle theft, WHP reported.

Shortly after, officers learned a 3-year-old child was found at a McDonalds in the Uptown Plaza, police said.

It was determined that the child located was the one that was taken with the vehicle, police said. The child was located unharmed and safe.

13-year-olds crash stolen vehicle into driver leaving church, killing him, IL cops say

Baby in carjacked vehicle is found abandoned on porch of home, Nebraska cops say

Man driving stolen John Deere tractor leads police on chase  at 20 mph, NC cops say
Tom Cruise will be absent from the 2023 Oscars even though Top Gun: Maverick was nominated for Best Picture.

The Hollywood star was set to miss the movie industrys biggest night on Sunday as he is shooting Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part II in the UK, according to ET.

Cruise has never won an Oscar and although he was not nominated for Best Actor, the Best Picture award would be his first.

If the movie does take home the award, producer Jerry Bruckheimer will accept it, although Everywhere All At Once remains the favourite to win.

Cruises movie is also nominated for Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Film Editing, Sound, Music (Original Song) and Visual Effects.

Glen Powell, who plays Lt Jake Hangman Seresin in the movie also wont be at the awards ceremony tonight.

Meanwhile, Glenn Close had to withdraw from presenting at the awards because of a positive Covid test.

The 75-year-old actress had been due to present alongside Air Force One co-star Harrison Ford, 80.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Yes, she has Covid, and she is of course required to bow out. She was very much looking forward to taking part, a representative for Close told People.

Close, is an eight-time Academy Award nominee, while Ford has been nominated once.

Jame Cameron, the director of Avatar: The Way of Water, was also not present for the show.

You know a show is too long when even Jim Cameron wont sit through it joked host Jimmy Kimmel during his monologue as he pointed out Cameron was not nominated for Best Director.

How does the Academy not nominate the guy who directed Avatar? What do they think he is, a woman?

Tom and James Cameron didnt show up, the two guys who insisted we go to the theatre are not in the theatre, he joked.

Camerons co-producer, Jon Landau, told The New York Times that the director has missed the ceremony for personal reasons.

Will Smith, who won Best Actor last year, is obviously not attending the event after his infamous slap of host Chris Rock.

Smith hit Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smiths shaved head.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences banned Smith from any Academy event for the next 10 years and Smith also pre-emptively resigned from the Academy.
By Kanishka Singh and David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was released from a hospital and will continue receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility, his office said on Monday after one of Washington's most powerful figures suffered a fall last week.

McConnell's recovery from a concussion is proceeding well, his office said in a statement, adding that he also suffered a minor rib fracture in the fall. His continued treatment means McConnell will not be present when the Senate returns to Washington on Tuesday.

A senior Senate Republican aide suggested McConnell could be in rehab for up to two weeks.

"That decision (on a rehab timeline) will be made by the leader's physicians and the therapists. It is very common to undergo physical therapy to regain strength after a hospital stay, and this ranges anywhere from a week to two weeks," the aide told Reuters.

The Republican leader, who is 81 and was first elected to represent Kentucky in the Senate in 1984, tripped at a dinner event on Wednesday evening and was admitted to a hospital for treatment for a concussion. A former aide of the leader said on Friday that McConnell was eager to be discharged.

His hospitalization came as Democratic President Joe Biden and Republicans, who control the House of Representatives after the midterm elections, remained locked in a standoff over the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. A lack of progress in talks has raised concern about a possible default over the summer.

Several of his fellow Senate Republicans told reporters last week that McConnell was likely to be hospitalized for a few days but added they were confident he would be back on the job when the Senate reconvened this week.

As Senate minority leader, McConnell has taken a back seat to Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the debt ceiling issue. But independent experts view the Kentucky Republican as a skilled negotiator who could broker a compromise deal in an emergency.

Story continues

Currently serving his seventh six-year term, which runs through 2026, McConnell was 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, when all senators are present.

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.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and David Morgan; additional reporting by Costas Pitas Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
Those following along with Manulife Financial Corporation (TSE:MFC) will no doubt be intrigued by the recent purchase of shares by Donald Lindsay, Independent Chairman of the Board of the company, who spent a stonking CA$2.7m on stock at an average price of CA$26.81. That purchase boosted their holding by 500%, which makes us wonder if the move was inspired by quietly confident deeply-felt optimism.

Check out our latest analysis for Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent purchase by Donald Lindsay was the biggest purchase of Manulife Financial shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. That means that even when the share price was higher than CA$25.95 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 155.00k shares for CA$4.0m. But insiders sold 5.95k shares worth CA$142k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Manulife Financial insiders. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership Of Manulife Financial

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 0.07% of Manulife Financial shares, worth about CA$36m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

Story continues

So What Do The Manulife Financial Insider Transactions Indicate?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Insiders likely see value in Manulife Financial shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Manulife Financial you should know about.

But note: Manulife Financial may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Trevor Bauer's Dodgers career was a debacle of unprecedented proportions. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

After a year-plus suspension and subsequent release from the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was unknown if Trevor Bauer would find a team willing to take him on despite accusations of sexual assault from three women.

After every MLB team answered "no," the Yokohama DeNA Baystars just emphatically answered "yes."

Bauer has agreed to a one-year deal with the Baystars of Japan's Nippon Professional League, according to Yuki Yamada of Sankei Sports. The contract is reportedly worth $4 million plus incentives if he passes a physical. The Dodgers, who officially released Bauer on Jan. 12, are responsible for paying the remainder of his $22.5 million salary for 2023.

By the time Bauer takes the field in April, assuming he's ready to pitch by then, it will have been 21 months since he last pitched in an MLB game in June 2021. Bauer has spent that time insisting upon his innocence and fighting a suspension that ultimately spanned about a season and a half.

Bauer's Dodgers career ended following sexual assault accusations by three women

The winner of the NL Cy Young Award in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Bauer was supposed to spend the 2023 season on the final year of a three-year, $102.5 million contract with the Dodgers. That tenure was put on permanent pause during his first season with the team, however, when he was accused of choking a California woman to unconsciousness and assaulting her during a sexual encounter.

Bauer was placed on paid administrative leave and has since been accused of similar actions by two women in Ohio. Prosecutors declined to criminally charge the right-hander, who has insisted all such encounters were consensual while pursuing legal action against the first accuser and assorted media outlets. Some of those legal battles have not yet been resolved.

MLB investigated the accusations against Bauer for months and announced in April 2022 that it was suspending him an unprecedented 324 games, or two full seasons, under its policy covering domestic violence and sexual assault.

Story continues

No previous punishment came close to Bauer's sanctions. What's more, the league typically includes administrative leave in such a suspension as time served but opted against extending the courtesy to Bauer. He then became the first MLB player to appeal a domestic violence or sexual assault suspension from MLB.

That wasn't the end of it, as Bauer's appeal led to another months-long wait for resolution. That came last month, when a neutral arbitrator ruled that Bauer's suspension would be reduced to 194 games  the amount of time he had already missed and still the longest such suspension in league history  and his administrative leave would be counted as time served.

Bauer was immediately reinstated, and two weeks later, the Dodgers cut him loose by designating him for assignment. The roster move left the Dodgers on the hook for Bauer's 2023 salary, minus 50 games' worth of pay to cover what they paid him during the leave that was later turned into an unpaid suspension, which comes out to $22.5 million.
In the midst of turmoil that started with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank late last week, financial institutions in Charlotte took a beating on the stock market Monday.

RELATED: What are the local impacts of the Signature, Silicon Valley bank failures?

Thats despite President Joe Bidens attempt to reassure depositors that the banking system  and their funds  are safe. Federal regulators seized control of SVB on the morning of Friday, sending shockwaves through the financial industry as well as the startups and tech sector the California-based bank served. By Sunday, Signature Bank out of New York had fallen, too, with regulators rolling out emergency measures to guarantee deposits.

Regional banks have been hit the hardest in the rout, though institutions on the larger and smaller ends of the spectrum have been dragged down as well. Shares of Charlotte-based Truist Bank, for example, ended Monday at $32.24, down 17% from Fridays close.

Check out a snapshot of how banks with a Charlotte presence fared here.

VIDEO: What the failures of Signature, Silicon Valley banks mean for you




Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

A judge in Texas overseeing a lawsuit in which a conservative group is challenging the legality of the abortion drug mifepristone scheduled the first hearing in the case for Wednesday, but directed that court officials not make the timing public until the evening before.

Related: Three Texas women sued for wrongful death after aiding in abortion

According to sources cited by the Washington Post, Matthew Kacsmaryk, a US district court judge in Amarillo appointed by Donald Trump in 2019, ordered the hearing kept out of the court docket as a way to try to limit disruptions and protests, and also asked that lawyers arguing the case do not disclose information.

The hearing will present an opportunity for lawyers at the US justice department, which represents the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the drugs manufacturer, Danco Laboratories, to present arguments for continued federal approval.

The lawsuit was brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which seeks to limit rights for LGBTQ+ people, expand Christian practices in public schools and outlaw abortion.

Observers said Kacsmaryks decision to delay placing the hearing in the public schedule was highly problematic, given the case could affect 40 million US women.

With an issue as controversial as this, you want to have as much access as possible, Carl Tobias, professor of law at the University of Richmond, said.

Theres some tension if there are very real security concerns, but justice should tolerate that, too.

Its not surprising people want to have as much access as they possibly can without being a danger to anyone who may also want to observe the proceedings, but its certainly troubling if the judge wants the lawyers to be quiet.

We want people to hear what his criticisms are, what questions hes asking, how persuasive the arguments are, and to have maximum transparency and openness in federal court proceedings.

The case is regarded as the most consequential since a conservative-dominated supreme court containing three Trump picks last year ended the right to abortion with the Dobbs ruling, throwing the question back to the states.

Story continues

The Post said Kacsmaryk told attorneys he wanted to delay publicising the hearing because court staff, and himself and his family, had faced threats.

Kacsmaryk has presided over cases challenging Biden administration policies on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access, but none have been so contentious as the case over mifepristone, which the FDA approved in 2000.

The lawsuit argues the FDA was wrong to do so, that the government ignored what it claims to be harmful side effects and that the court should order the regulator to reverse its decision.

Julie Marie Blake, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, recently told CBS the FDA completely failed its responsibility to protect women and girls.

But regulators have repeatedly deemed two-step medication abortion, a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, to be safe.

Physicians and health officials have argued in court briefs both that reversing FDA approval of mifepristone would cause profound and irreparable harm to women and that the drug has an exceptionally low rate of complications.

Reproductive rights advocates say withdrawal of the drug would have substantial implications for abortion access, including in states that protect abortion rights.

The debate has become heated. This month, the national pharmacy chain Walgreens said it would not dispense the drug in 21 states where Republican attorneys general have threatened legal action against its distribution.

Walgreens said it planned to dispense mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible.

Once we are certified by the FDA, we will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws, the company said.

California said its public healthcare system would cut ties with the chain.

California wont be doing business with Walgreens  or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts womens lives at risk, the governor, Gavin Newsom, said on Twitter.

The Illinois governor, Jay Pritzker, also condemned the decision.

Related: Lauren Boebert will be a grandmother at 36. This is what conservatives want for us | Arwa Mahdawi

Women across the nation will be denied their right to access healthcare they are legally entitled to because of this awful corporate decision, he said.

Walgreens must rethink this policy. To all the other pharmacy providers, well stand with you so you can provide this lifesaving care.

Pritzker said he met the Walgreens chief executive, Roz Brewer, to express his deep concern about their position and urged them to rethink their stance.

But Walgreens wrote to the 21 Republican attorneys general to repeat assurances it would not distribute the drug in their states.

We intend to be a certified pharmacy and will distribute mifepristone only in those jurisdictions where it is legal and operationally feasible, the Walgreens senior director of external relations, Fraser Engerman, said in a statement.
An attorney representing former President Trump in the Manhattan prosecutors hush money probe, which could soon culminate in criminal charges, described the case as outrageous on Monday.

During an appearance on ABCs Good Morning America with anchor George Stephanopoulos, attorney Joe Tacopina said an October 2016 hush payment at the center of the case that a Trump aide made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had an affair with Trump, was not directly related to Trumps presidential campaign. Trump denies the affair.

The hush money has reemerged as the primary focus of the probe being run by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who has empaneled a grand jury to hear evidence and could soon seek an indictment against the former president. Connecting the payment to a campaign finance violation could become the crux of the case.

I expect justice to prevail, and if thats the case, George, there shouldnt be an indictment, Tacopina said on ABC. This case is outrageous, really. There should be a healthy dose of disgust from the bar, the legal community, prosecutors, defense lawyers alike. Its not what we do. This is not what we do. We are distorting laws to bag President Trump.

The probe revolves around a $130,000 payment that Trumps long-time fixer, Michael Cohen, made to Daniels in the days leading up to the 2016 election. Cohen has said Trump reimbursed him for the payments in monthly installments and erroneously recorded them as a legal retainer fee.

Legal experts suggest a potential indictment of the former president would include charges of falsifying business records.

Prosecutors would need to show that Trump, with an intent to defraud, was personally involved in unlawfully designating reimbursements a legal expense, but that charge still would only amount to a misdemeanor. To rise to a felony, prosecutors would additionally need to show the fraud included an intent to commit another crime, likely a campaign finance violation.

Story continues

Tacopina insisted to Stephanopoulos that the hush payment was made to prevent public embarrassment to Trump, regardless of the election.

Its not a contribution to his campaign, Tacopina told Stephanopoulos of the payment. He made this with personal funds to prevent something coming out, false, but embarrassing to himself, his family, his young son. Thats not a campaign finance violation. Not by any stretch.

Responding to recent reports that Trump has been invited to appear before the grand jury this week, which often comes shortly before charging decisions are made, Tacopina indicated the former president did not have plans to do so.

We have no plans on participating in that proceeding, he said. Its a decision that needs to be made still. Theres no deadline set, so well wait and see.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  Donald Trump, whose coup attempt on Jan. 6, 2021, put his vice presidents life at risk as a mob of his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, on Monday blamed Mike Pence for the violence that day because he didnt go along with the scheme.

Had he sent the votes back to the legislators, they wouldnt have had a problem with Jan. 6, the former president told reporters on a flight to an Iowa campaign stop. So in many ways, you can blame him for Jan. 6.

Pence, who presided over the ceremonial counting of Electoral College ballots that day, had no authority to send votes back to state legislatures. In any event, Trump actually had tried to pressure Pence to simply reject the votes from certain key states and declare Trump the winner of the 2020 election that he had lost to Democrat Joe Biden, according to Trump White House officials.

Trumps new comments, reported by CBS Political Director Fin Gomez, who was among the reporters on Trumps plane, came in response to Pences remarks on Saturday, when he said Trumps words and deeds had nearly gotten his family killed.

President Trump was wrong, Pence said in remarks at the annual dinner of the Gridiron Club in Washington, D.C. I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day. And I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable.

Trump set the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol in motion days after the Electoral College had voted on Dec. 14, 2020, formally giving Biden the presidency, when he told his followers to converge on Washington the day of the congressional certification.

He had spent the weeks following his election loss lying that his reelection had been stolen, and he continued those lies through December and the first week of January. At a rally blocks from the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, he told his followers he would march with them to the Capitol and that they had to fight like hell if they wanted to save their country.

Four of his supporters died that afternoon, with five police officers dying in the aftermath. An additional 140 officers were injured.

Trump is now under criminal investigation in Georgia and by the U.S. Department of Justice for his actions. He nevertheless is running for the Republican presidential nomination and is currently the front-runner.
ISLAMABAD, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Two terrorists were killed and two others arrested during a counter-terror operation in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of police said on Monday.

The CTD of the Sindh province told the media that the operation took place on early Monday morning near the Northern Bypass in the Manghopir area of the city.

Both the deceased have been identified, the CTD said, adding that one of them was a local commander of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

It further added that the terrorist was allegedly the mastermind of the attack on a police building in Karachi last month in which four people, including three security personnel and a civilian, had lost their lives while 19 others got injured. 
Donald Trump held a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa, on Monday, just three days after Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis -- widely expected to be the former president's toughest opponent for the GOP nomination -- spoke before a standing-room-only crowd of several hundred in a casino room in the same eastern river town.

"I think we're going to do fantastically here," Trump said at his Monday event. "I made those promises to the people of Iowa and America and I kept every single one of my promises and now we're laying out a bold forward-looking vision for what we will do. When we take the oath of office and we get back that beautiful, beautiful White House and we become together the 47th President of the United States."

"Within hours of my inauguration, I will cancel every Biden policy that's brutalizing our farmers," he said.

It was Trump's first visit to the Hawkeye State since he announced his 2024 White House bid in November, but it's hardly his first time in the critical early-nominating state. Now embarking on his third presidential bid, Trump has over the past eight years hosted a number of rallies, and takes credit for moving the formerly reliable purple state to a "reliable MAGA stronghold."

"President Trump's America First Policies continue to resonate with the men and women of Eastern Iowa and will propel him to an overwhelming victory in the First-in-the-Nation Caucuses," his campaign said in an email ahead of his stop.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks about education policy at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa on March 13, 2023. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

On Friday, DeSantis, still undeclared, launched his first Iowa swing of the 2024 presidential cycle -- followed by a Saturday visit in the early-voting state of Nevada and ahead of a scheduled New Hampshire stop, all while he's privately indicated to allies he intends to launch his candidacy in May or possibly June, sources familiar with his plans told ABC News.

MORE: DeSantis tests presidential waters in Iowa

Trump addressed DeSantis' political fortunes with a group of reporters on en route to Iowa on Monday, saying he regretted endorsing DeSantis for governor in 2018, saying, "This guy was dead. He was dead as a doornail  I might say that," Trump told Politico.

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"I said, 'You are so dead right now you are not going, no endorsement is going to save you. George Washington won't save you.' He said, 'I'm telling you, if you endorse me, I have a chance,'" Trump said.

Trump lambasted DeSantis over his previous support -- while serving in Congress in 2017 -- of a bill that would have immediately ended the Renewable Fuel Standard, which mandates that specific percentages of renewable fuel be part of the nation's fuel supply.

Ethanol, a major industry in Iowa, is a key issue for many of the state's farmers.

"Okay, so remember this -- Ron Desanctus ... Desanctimonious ... Ron Desanctus strongly opposed ethanol. Do you know that? And we don't even know if he's running but I might as well tell you. If he's not running, I'll say he was fine on ethanol, don't worry," Trump said in his speech.

"He strongly opposed ethanol and fought against it at every turn. And he's gonna do that again. Because people that come out early for something, that's where they go. Politically, but he was very, very bad on ethanol. He bought it all the way and he also fought against social security," he said.

Trump himself faced criticism from farmers while president because he granted ethanol waivers to some small refineries, giving them an exemption from blending ethanol into their fuel.

Trump addressed his education priorities, which include allowing parents to vote for school district principals, ending vaccine mandates in schools, barring transgender females from participating in womens sports and breaking up the federal Department of Education and redistributing its functions to the states.

I was getting ready to do it -- pull the trigger. The long-term goal, but now it's a short-term goal, Trump said.

On Friday in Davenport, DeSantis touted his stance on Florida education, which he said was based on "educating our kids not indoctrinating our kids."

The governor pushed his sweeping conservative agenda that includes prohibiting higher education institutions from using any funding to support Diversity Equity Inclusion or Critical Race Theory.

"We're also leading on ensuring that our school system is focusing on educating our kids not indoctrinating our kids," DeSantis said.

"And also, university wide our whole system. The legislature is working on a redesign. We're eliminating all of the DI bureaucracies. It's discriminatory "We will fight the woke in the legislature we will fight the woke in education. We will fight the woke and the businesses we will never ever surrender to the woke mob. Our state is where woke goes to die," he said.

The topic is a winning issue with Iowa Republicans, as GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds has repeatedly touted her leadership among members of the GOP in the area of education. DeSantis sat down for conversation with during his Iowa sweep last week.

PHOTO: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets people in the crowd during an event, Mar. 10, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (Ron Johnson/AP)

MORE: Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs sweeping education bill, to praise and protests

Reynolds was one of the first of a growing faction of Republican governors who have embraced school voucher programs, which critics warn could destroy their states' public school systems.

Trump also expressed his support for universal school choice.

I want to congratulate Iowa on recently becoming the second state in the nation to deliver universal school choice, Trump told Reynolds.

As they lead in early Republican primary polls, Trump and DeSantis' dueling events in Iowa could indicate their respective shows of force. Trump remains a frontrunner in the race among Iowans, though his lead over confirmed and expected challengers in polls has waned in recent months.

"How the hell would I lose Iowa? How is that possible? And then I got a poll the other day that was way up," Trump said in Davenport on Monday.

On Friday, just days ahead of Trump's Monday visit, a a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found that if former President Donald Trump were to be the Republican nominee again 74% of Iowa Republicans say they would likely vote for him in the 2024 general election -- although the number of Iowans who say they would "definitely" vote for him has decreased by more than 20 percentage points since June 2021.

But the poll also found that Desantis' favorability numbers were on par with Trump'sjust two points behind the former president.

PHOTO: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a campaign event with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Mar. 10, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (Ron Johnson/AP)

But Trump's laser-like focus on Iowa kicked off Monday ahead of his Davenport visit with an announcement of his Eastern Iowa leadership team "demonstrating support from the most conservative and influential Republican leaders in a key region of the Hawkeye State," his campaign email said.

The slate of legislative endorsees include Matthew Whitaker, the former acting attorney general under President Trump; Rod Blum, a former congressman from Iowa; and state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, the son of Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann, among others.

Trump's visit also comes as there are multiple criminal and civil investigations still actively probing his personal finances, his handling of classified information after leaving the White House, his namesake business, and his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

These investigations in several jurisdictions around the country are continuing to move forward, with numerous key developments unfolding in recent weeks.

ABC News' Olivia Rubin, Rachel Scott, Katherine Faulders, John Santucci, Alex Mallin and Will Steakin contributed to this report.

Trump campaigns in same Iowa city DeSantis visited Friday originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former President Donald Trump is set to return to Iowa Monday evening, signaling a determination to trudge forward with his 2024 White House campaign in the face of a possible criminal indictment.

Trump will deliver an address on education policy in Davenport just days after his would-be rival for the Republican presidential nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, made an inaugural swing through the first-in-the-nation caucus state. The Monday appearance will mark Trumps first trip to Iowa since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign nearly four months ago.

But it also comes at an uncertain moment for the former president. Prosecutors in Manhattan have reportedly offered Trump the chance to testify in a grand jury investigation of an alleged hush money payment made during his 2016 campaign  a move that suggests that criminal charges could be close.

The ultimate question, now, is whether such a legal threat will hobble Trump as he looks to reclaim the GOP nomination next year.

It puts him on defense, and thats never the place you want to be running a campaign, one Republican consultant said. That being said, this is a guy whos been put on defense before and makes it work for him.

The consultant floated two possible outcomes for Trump: Either the base rallies around him or it reminds Republicans of all the controversies  all the drama that follows around Donald Trump.

Keith Naughton, a veteran Republican strategist, predicted a burst of sympathy for Trump among the GOPs conservative base amid news of the possible indictment, but he said that would likely wear off quickly.

Some people are going to dig their heels in even deeper with him, Naughton said. But theres a certain exhaustion over Trumps troubles.

The offer for Trump to testify in New York marks a dramatic escalation of an investigation into alleged hush money payments Trump made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet an alleged affair during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels.

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Of course, even if prosecutors move forward with an indictment, theres no guarantee that hell be convicted. Trump also signaled last week that he would push forward with his campaign despite the possible indictment, calling the grand jury investigation into the hush money payment a political Witch-Hunt and accusing prosecutors of trying to take down the leading candidate in the 2024 GOP primary.

I will not be deterred, I will always continue to be your voice, and I will keep fighting for our great Country, Trump said in a statement last week.

Yet the threat of criminal charges is still far from ideal for Trump, whos not only facing potential legal threats but political ones, as well. If he is indicted, he would become the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges  a distinction that could complicate his path to reclaiming the White House.

And while early polling shows Trump holding onto his frontrunner status in the nascent 2024 Republican primary, his victory is far from assured.

A growing number of Republicans have begun to question Trumps outsized role in the GOP, worrying that hes too damaged and controversial to win back the White House. At the same time, would-be candidates like DeSantis have started to make inroads among Republican voters.

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll released on Friday underscored Trumps waning popularity among GOP voters. While 47 percent said they would definitely vote for the former president if he is the partys nominee in 2024, that result was down from 69 percent in June 2021.

The poll also showed DeSantis gaining on Trump among Iowa voters. Forty-two percent of Republican respondents said that they have a very favorable view of the Florida governor compared to 44 percent who said the same of Trump.

Of course, DeSantis has said little about his 2024 plans. And while hes widely expected to run, he likely wont make a formal decision until after the Florida state legislature wraps up its annual session in May.

But DeSantis isnt Trumps only competition. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced a bid for the 2024 Republican nod last month, was also in Iowa last week. Other potential contenders, like former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), have also paid visits to the Hawkeye State amid 2024 speculation. Another candidate, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, paid a visit to the state last month.

There are signs, however, that Trump may be more preoccupied with DeSantis. The former president took direct aim at the Florida governor on Friday as he traveled through Iowa, urging voters in a post on his social media site, Truth Social, to tell DeSantis to go home.

Very small crowds for Ron DeSanctimonious in Iowa, Trump wrote at one point. Hes against Farmers, Social Security, and Medicare, so why would people show up  other than Fake stories from the Fake News!

Naughton, the veteran strategist, said that Trumps Iowa visit was notable, given DeSantiss Friday swing through the state.

For a guy thats ahead in the polls, he sure is chasing DeSantis a lot instead of setting the agenda, Naughton said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump is intensifying his attacks on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling him disloyal and saying that his political career would have been over had he not endorsed his ultimately successful 2018 campaign.

He was dead as a dog, he was a dead politician. He would have been working perhaps for a law firm or doing something else, Trump told a small group of reporters aboard his plane on Monday afternoon en route to Iowa, where he was to make an appearance that evening.

Asked if he regretted endorsing DeSantis for governor in 2018, Trump responded: Yeah maybe, this guy was dead. He was dead as a doornail.  I might say that.

Trump spent nearly 10 minutes going after DeSantis, who is widely viewed as his most formidable challenger for the Republican nomination. The Florida governor, who is expected to launch his campaign following the end of the states legislative session in May, has been embarking on a swing of early primary states to promote his newly released memoir  including in Iowa, where he appeared on Friday.



Trump contended that DeSantis pleaded with him for an endorsement during his first run for governor, when polls showed him trailing his primary challenger, then-Florida agricultural commissioner Adam Putnam.

I said You are so dead right now you are not going, no endorsement is going to save you. George Washington wont save you. He said, Im telling you, if you endorse me, I have a chance, Trump said.

Trump said he eventually decided to support DeSantis because he defended him while he was facing a Democratic-led impeachment into allegations that he pressured Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy into investigating Joe Bidens family. In fact, DeSantis got on Trump's radar by defending him from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russia's attempts to influence the 2016 election.

DeSantis went on to win the primary while heavily promoting his support from Trump. He then prevailed in the general election over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Trump said that ahead of the general election, DeSantis had harbored doubts that he would win.

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Trump said that he was later dismayed when DeSantis, at that point serving as governor, declined to answer questions about whether he would challenge Trump for the Republican Partys presidential nomination.



Trump said he last spoke with DeSantis several months ago. His remarks signal that he is intensely focused on DeSantis, who he conceded was probably his most serious challenger. Behind the scenes, the former presidents team has been conducting polling research in order to gauge the governors weaknesses. There was one attack Trump refused to make, however: calling DeSantis Meatball Ron. It had been reported that Trump was workshopping the nickname. But he dismissed the idea, calling the moniker too crude.

During another gaggle with reporters on the flight back to West Palm Beach late in the evening, Trump doubled down on his remarks about DeSantis. The former president called the governor a flip-flopper, ridiculed his debate skills and likened him to establishment-aligned Republicans like Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Remember this: If it werent for me, Ron DeSanctimonious would right now be working probably at a law firm, or maybe a Pizza Hut, I dont know.

A DeSantis spokesperson declined to comment on Trumps remarks. The governor has largely avoided engaging with the former president, saying recently that doesnt spend his time trying to smear other Republicans.



Trump was also asked about comments made by former Vice President Mike Pence over the weekend at the Gridiron Dinner, in which he called Jan. 6 a disgrace and said Trump should be held accountable for the deadly assault on the Capitol.

Pence is now contemplating challenging Trump for the nomination.

I heard his statement, and I guess he decided that being nice isnt working because hes at 3 percent in the polls, so he figured he might as well not be nice any longer, Trump said.
Donald Trumps former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify today before a grand jury investigating hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.

Two sources told The Associated Press that Cohen will appear before the Manhattan grand jury on Monday as possible criminal charges against the former president loom.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office has also invited Mr Trump to testify in the probe this week  an invitation he is unlikely to accept but which sends the clearest signal yet that he could be criminally indicted.

While the investigation ramps up, Mr Trumps former vice president Mike Pence has also hit out at him over his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Speaking at the white-tie annual Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington DC on Saturday, Mr Pence said that Mr Trumps reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.

The former president is also under fire following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank  the biggest US bank failure since 2008  after he watered down regulations during his time in office.

Key Points

Michael Cohen to testify today in hush money probe

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation

Trump ignores Tucker Carlsons texts saying he passionately hates him

Trump says criminal charges wont derail his 2024 bid

Michael Cohen to testify today in hush money probe

10:44 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trumps former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify today before a grand jury investigating hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.

Two sources told The Associated Press that Cohen will appear before the Manhattan grand jury on Monday as possible criminal charges against the former president loom.

Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office also invited Mr Trump to testify in the probe sometime this coming week.

Story continues

While its an invitation he is unlikely to accept, it sends the clearest signal yet that he could be criminally indicted for his role in paying hush money to Daniels.

Mr Trump fumed about the matter on Truth Social writing: I did absolutely nothing wrong, I never had an affair with Stormy Daniels, nor would I have wanted to have an affair with Stormy Daniels.

This is a political Witch-Hunt, trying to take down the leading candidate, by far, in the Republican Party.

If prosecuted, Mr Trump would become the first former president in US history to face criminal charges.

GOP Senator says Republicans are in desperate need of some new leadership

10:00 , Graig Graziosi

Senator Kevin Cramer told NBCs Meet the Press that the Republican Party needs to focus not on who they love the most but who can win an election for Republicans.

Donald Trumps not going to take advice from the party or from me, but I think what will happen is if hes indicted, that becomes one of the factors [on] whether he wins primaries or not. The other factor is who else is in the race and who may make the best case, Mr Cramer said. At the end of the day what is most important for primary voters to think about is not just who they love the most, but who can win for the country and who can win for the party because were in desperate need of some new leadership.

20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

09:00 , Graig Graziosi

Since leaving the White House, Donald Trump has continued to face a cloud of lawsuits and investigations, which could frustrate his hopes to win back the presidency in 2024.

Most recently, New York prosecutors are reportedly closing in on an indictment against the former president for hush money payments to an adult film star during the 2016 election.

Of course, this is nothing new for the real estate billionaire.

Read more:

Here are all 20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis 2024 run

08:00 , Graig Graziosi

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 more:

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis to run

Full story: The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions over spurious lawsuits and election lies

07:00 , Graig Graziosi

Alex Woodward writes:

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.

Read more:

The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions for spreading election lies

05:00 , Graig Graziosi

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation

E Jean Carroll can use the Access Hollywood tape of former President Donald Trump as evidence in her defamation lawsuit, a judge has ruled.

Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the testimony of two other women alleging that Mr Trump has sexually assaulted them may be entered into evidence at the civil trial.

Gustaf Kilander has the details.

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

ICYMI: DeSantis visits Iowa as interest in likely Trump rival rises

03:59 , Graig Graziosi

Ahead of a widely expected presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis introduced himself to an eager audience of Iowa Republicans on Friday with a message that leaned into the antagonism toward the left that has made him a popular figure among conservatives.

We will never surrender to the woke mob, he said at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in the eastern Iowa city of Davenport. Our state is where the woke mob goes to die.

With the Iowa caucuses less than a year away, Republicans in the state are taking a harder look at DeSantis, who is emerging as a leading rival to Donald Trump. The former president, who is mounting his third bid for the White House, will be in Davenport on Monday as early signs warn that some Republicans may be looking for someone else to lead the party into the future.

DeSantis appeared alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and was heading to the capital city of Des Moines later in the day to meet with a small contingent of GOP lawmakers and to promote his newly released book, The Courage to be Free.

The visit is an early test of DeSantis support in the state that will kick off the contest for the Republican nomination next year. Trump remains widely popular among Iowa Republicans, though positive views of the former president have slipped somewhat since he left the White House. Now, 80 per cent say they have a favorable rating of him, down slightly from 91 per cent in September 2021, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released on Friday. Eighteen per cent have unfavorable views of Trump.

The polls movement suggests Iowa Republicans are not singularly committed to Trump for 2024 and are open to considering other candidates. Though slightly behind the well-known Trump, DeSantis gets a rosy review from Iowa Republicans  74 per cent favorable rating. Notably, DeSantis has high name recognition in a state over 1,000 miles away from his own; just 20 per cent say they arent sure how to rate him.

AP

Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

03:00 , Graig Graziosi

Federal prosecutors are employing an unusual strategy to prove leaders of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group orchestrated a violent plot to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House, even though some of the defendants didnt carry out the violence themselves.

Read more:

Feds: Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list... oh, and Trump has a book out too

02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump still may have a narrow edge on Ron DeSantis in the polls of a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but the Florida governor has one over on his former ally in another area: the New York Times bestseller list.

Josh Marcus has the details.

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump rolls out new $99 photo book

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for watering down financial regulations

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Critics looking to assign blame for the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank have found possible culprits in Donald Trump and Republican senators.

Though little known outside of Silicon Valley, the SVB was the leading lender to tech firms and startups before it crumbled on Friday.

Howard Forman, a professor at Yale, shared a list of Republican senators who voted to reduce regulatory oversight on SVB in 2018. That legislation was then signed into law by Mr Trump.

The list includes names like Senators Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell, as well as a few Democrats, including Senators Joe Manchin and Tim Kaine.

Read more:

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for cutting down financial regulations

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen to testify in Stormy Daniels case

00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is set to testify on Monday about an alleged payment of hush-money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The money was allegedly meant to keep a rumoured affair between her and the former president quiet.

Mr Cohen has been regularly meeting with Manhattan prosecutors for the last several weeks, according to the Associated Press.

The New York Times also reported, citing anonymous sources. that Mr Trump was offered a chance to testify.

Trump called out on allegedly trying to delay his lawsuits by playing judges against each other

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Attorney Roberta Kaplan has warned a pair of judges that Donald Trump may be trying to play them against each other in an attempt to delay his cases in both courts.

Donald Trump has a history of leveraging his presidential-campaign activities to delay and avoid judicial proceedings, Ms Kaplan wrote in a letter sent to both judges, according to The Daily Beast. We anticipated that, should the case schedule run into 2024, Mr. Trump will begin to argue that his campaign obligations must take precedence over his participation in this case, including at trial.

In this case, Mr Trumps team allegedly tried to double book cases so that trials would occur on the same day, resulting in a delay of one or both trials.

Elon Musk calls Steve Bannon evil as ex-Trump aide denounces him as owned by the Chinese communist party

Sunday 12 March 2023 21:30 , Graig Graziosi

Although Twitter CEO Elon Musk and former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon tend to sit on the same side of the political aisle, the two men dont seem to like each other very much.

Tim Pool, a right-wing podcaster, recently asked Bannon to comment on the CEO of Razer, Min-Liang Tan, encouraging Mr Musk to buy the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank. The tech-focused lender crumbled on Friday, making it the second-largest bank failure in US history.

Mr Musk replied that he was open to the idea.

Mr Bannon scoffed at the idea, which Mr Pool called a bit silly, and launched into a rant about the Tesla CEOs alleged deference to Beijing.

Read Bannons full comments below:

Steve Bannon says phony Elon Musk owned by Chinese government

Trump claims he loves dogs, despite being one of the only presidents without pets and frequently using dog as an insult

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:42 , Graig Graziosi

President Donald Trump recently told a crowd at a charity event that he loves dogs, though the claim seems dubious considering he has not pets of his own and frequently likens negative actions to dogs.

Trump at Lara Trumps dog charity event: You know, I happen to love dogs. I love dogs. pic.twitter.com/aUKPgy1xNI  Ron Filipkowski  (@RonFilipkowski) March 12, 2023

The Washington Post compiled a collection of his numerous dog-related comments. The include phrases like Choked like a dog, fired like a dog, and sweat like a dog.

Hes also directly called people dogs, and not in a way that suggests hes especially fond of the animals.

When referring to former Apprentice contestent-turned-White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newmans firing, he said good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!

His first wife, Ivana Trump, wrote in her memoir that she wanted to bring her dog, Chappy, to New York. Mr Trump simply replied no.

He is one of the only presidents  and the only president in more than a century  to have no pets.

Trump spokesman says Democrats are telling desperate lies when blaming Trump for SVB collapse, East Palestine rail disaster

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:07 , Graig Graziosi

A Donald Trump spkesman told Fox News that out of control Democrats are lying as they point to Trump-era deregulation as the root cause of a bank collapse and train derailment.

Out of control Democrats and the Biden administration have pathetically continued to try to blame President Trump for their failures with desperate lies, such as the CCP spy balloons, the train derailment in East Palestine, and now the collapse of SVB, Mr Trumps campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, told Fox News Digital.

Democrats  and some conservative commentators  have pointed to Mr Trumps 2018 rollback of Dodd-Frank banking regulations as laying the groundwork for the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.

They have also pointed to Trump-era rollbacks of rail safety regulations as contributing to the East Palestine train disaster, though the NTSB is still investigating that incident. The agency has pointed out that, under the previous law, the train in East Palestine would not have met the conditions requiring electronic brakes that regulation made mandatory.

Donald Trump feels DeSantis pressure after governors Iowa visit, says he will win farmer vote

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:24 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump appears to be feeling the pressure following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visit to Iowa last week.

Mr DeSantis, who has not announced a 2024 presidential run but is widely expected to do so, visited Iowa on Friday, where he was met with a largely supportive crowd.

Since his appearance, Mr Trump has been adamant that he has done more for farmers than anyone else, and has announced his own trip to Iowa this week.

Nobody, in history, did more for the FARMERS of our Country than I did. Even got them 28 Billion Dollars from China based on how unfairly they were treated, before me, by the Chinese Government. People couldnt believe it. Nobodys going to win with the Farmers but Donald J. Trump. Will be in Iowa on Monday, he wrote on Truth Social. Big crowd!

Donald Trump finally addresses SVB collapse ... and blames it on Biden

Sunday 12 March 2023 18:14 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump has finally addressed the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which he blamed on Joe Biden.

With what is happening to our economy, and with the proposals being made on the LARGEST AND DUMBEST TAX INCREASE IN THE HISTORY OF THE USA, TIMES FIVE, JOE BIDEN WILL GO DOWN AS THE HERBERT HOOVER OF THE MODRRN AGE. WE WILL HAVE A GREAT DEPRESSION FAR BIGGER AND MORE POWERFUL THAN THAT OF 1929. AS PROOF, THE BANKS ARE ALREADY STARTING TO COLLAPSE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In 2018, 50 Republican Senators and 17 Democratic Senators approved legislation that rolled back the post-Great Recession Dodd-Frank banking regulations that may have gave forewarning that an SVB collapse was coming. Mr Trump signed that bill into law.

Trump would make aides call Fox to complain about poor coverage and get them to fix it, ex-press secretary says

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:09 , Graig Graziosi

Stephanie Grisham, the former White House Communications Director under Donald Trump, recalled her interactions with Fox News during an interview with CNNs Jim Acosta.

It almost seemed as though there was a pretty cozy relationship between the White House and Fox News, Acosta said before asking Ms Grisham if she had similar experiences.

She laughed and said recalling those times was like PTSD, before she said it was a very cozy relationship and claimed the networks star personalities tattled on her if she didnt give them what they wanted immediately.

Read more:

Ex-Trump staffer says former president was very cozy with Fox News

GOP Senator says Republicans are in desperate need of some new leadership"

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:11 , Graig Graziosi

Senator Kevin Cramer told NBCs Meet the Press that the Republican Party needs to focus not on who they love the most but who can win an election for Republicans.

Donald Trumps not going to take advice from the party or from me, but I think what will happen is if hes indicted, that becomes one of the factors [on] whether he wins primaries or not. The other factor is who else is in the race and who may make the best case, Mr Cramer said. At the end of the day what is most important for primary voters to think about is not just who they love the most, but who can win for the country and who can win for the party because were in desperate need of some new leadership.

History will hold Trump accountable, Mike Pence says and mocks him over classified documents

Sunday 12 March 2023 13:51 , Graig Graziosi

Mike Pence said he knows history will hold Donald Trump accountable over the Jan 6 insurrection and also made jokes at the expense of his former boss about the secret documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

The former vice president and Trump loyalists comments are some of the harshest he has made about the one-time president.

Mr Pence, who once seemed reluctant to confront Mr Trump, made the remarks on Saturday evening during the white-tie annual Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC.

President Trump was wrong, he said at the event attended by politicians and journalists.

I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.

Read more:

History will hold Trump accountable, Mike Pence says in sharpest rebuke yet

20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

Sunday 12 March 2023 13:00 , Graig Graziosi

Since leaving the White House, Donald Trump has continued to face a cloud of lawsuits and investigations, which could frustrate his hopes to win back the presidency in 2024.

Most recently, New York prosecutors are reportedly closing in on an indictment against the former president for hush money payments to an adult film star during the 2016 election.

Of course, this is nothing new for the real estate billionaire.

Here are all 20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

Sunday 12 March 2023 12:00 , Graig Graziosi

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for watering down financial regulations

Critics looking to assign blame for the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank have found possible culprits in Donald Trump and Republican senators.

Though little known outside of Silicon Valley, the SVB was the leading lender to tech firms and startups before it crumbled on Friday.

Howard Forman, a professor at Yale, shared a list of Republican senators who voted to reduce regulatory oversight on SVB in 2018. That legislation was then signed into law by Mr Trump.

The list includes names like Senators Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell, as well as a few Democrats, including Senators Joe Manchin and Tim Kaine.

Read more:

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for cutting down financial regulations

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen to testify in Stormy Daniels case

Sunday 12 March 2023 11:00 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is set to testify on Monday about an alleged payment of hush-money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The money was allegedly meant to keep a rumoured affair between her and the former president quiet.

Mr Cohen has been regularly meeting with Manhattan prosecutors for the last several weeks, according to the Associated Press.

The New York Times also reported, citing anonymous sources. that Mr Trump was offered a chance to testify.

Trump called out on allegedly trying to delay his lawsuits by playing judges against each other

Sunday 12 March 2023 10:00 , Graig Graziosi

Attorney Roberta Kaplan has warned a pair of judges that Donald Trump may be trying to play them against each other in an attempt to delay his cases in both courts.

Donald Trump has a history of leveraging his presidential-campaign activities to delay and avoid judicial proceedings, Ms Kaplan wrote in a letter sent to both judges, according to The Daily Beast. We anticipated that, should the case schedule run into 2024, Mr. Trump will begin to argue that his campaign obligations must take precedence over his participation in this case, including at trial.

In this case, Mr Trumps team allegedly tried to double book cases so that trials would occur on the same day, resulting in a delay of one or both trials.

Elon Musk calls Steve Bannon evil as ex-Trump aide denounces him as owned by the Chinese communist party

Sunday 12 March 2023 09:00 , Graig Graziosi

Although Twitter CEO Elon Musk and former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon tend to sit on the same side of the political aisle, the two men dont seem to like each other very much.

Tim Pool, a right-wing podcaster, recently asked Bannon to comment on the CEO of Razer, Min-Liang Tan, encouraging Mr Musk to buy the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank. The tech-focused lender crumbled on Friday, making it the second-largest bank failure in US history.

Mr Musk replied that he was open to the idea.

Mr Bannon scoffed at the idea, which Mr Pool called a bit silly, and launched into a rant about the Tesla CEOs alleged deference to Beijing.

Read Bannons full comments below:

Steve Bannon says phony Elon Musk owned by Chinese government

Donald Trump, Republican deregulation blamed for SVB collapse

Sunday 12 March 2023 08:00 , Graig Graziosi

Fingers are pointing after the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, and many are aimed at Donald Trump and the Republican deregulation machine.

Critics are pointing out that Republicans in the Senate voted to reduce regulatory oversight at the SVB in 2018, and that Mr Trump signed that legislation into law once it passed.

Here is the list of Senators who voted to REDUCE the regulatory oversight of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2018, signed into law by then President Trump. Maybe ask them why they did this?



cc: @marcorubio @LindseyGrahamSC @RandPaul @MarkWarner pic.twitter.com/MNerJbgPxc  (((Howard Forman))) (@thehowie) March 11, 2023

Watch: Mitch McConnell hits out at Tucker Carlson segment on January 6

Sunday 12 March 2023 07:00 , Graig Graziosi

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis 2024 run

Sunday 12 March 2023 06:00 , Graig Graziosi

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 more:

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis to run

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump touts new book

Sunday 12 March 2023 04:59 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump still may have a narrow edge on Ron DeSantis in the polls of a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but the Florida governor has one over on his former ally in another area: the New York Times bestseller list

Mr DeSantiss memoir, The Courage to Be Free, which came out in February, is number one on the nonfiction charts, though the Times notes the ranking may be due to bulk ordering, which publishing houses sometimes use to boost their own ratings.

The book is widely seen as the Florida Republicans most direct indication yet hes starting to campaign on the national stage, though he still hasnt announced any formal intention to seek the White House.

Josh Marcus has the story.

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump rolls out new $99 photo book

ICYMI: Drag ban-backing Republican explains why he liked gay mans racy Instagram photos

Sunday 12 March 2023 04:00 , Graig Graziosi

I was trying to encourage him...



Read the full explanation here:

Drag ban backing Republican explains why he liked gay mans racy Instagram photos

Full story: The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions over spurious lawsuits and election lies

Sunday 12 March 2023 03:00 , Graig Graziosi

Alex Woodward writes:

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.

Read more:

The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions for spreading election lies

Two other Trump accusers and Access Hollywood tape allowed in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Sunday 12 March 2023 02:00 , Graig Graziosi

E Jean Carroll can use the Access Hollywood tape of former President Donald Trump as evidence in her defamation lawsuit, a judge has ruled.

Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the testimony of two other women alleging that Mr Trump has sexually assaulted them may be entered into evidence at the civil trial.

Gustaf Kilander has the details:

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Voices: Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

Sunday 12 March 2023 01:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Independents Eric Garcia writes from Washington, DC:

Many Republicans, from corporate donors to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would like to move on from Mr Trump, not just because of the [Capitol] riot but because they see him as a loser who has cost them winnable elections. Even [Tucker] Carlson, if his communications in Dominions lawsuit against Fox News are to be believed, said he truly cant wait until the days he could ignore Mr Trump most days.

This explains why many in the conservative establishment want to get behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. On Friday, Mr DeSantis made his first venture to Iowa of 2023, often a tell-tale sign that he is considering a White House bid since it holds the first nominating contest in 2024 on the GOP side. In Iowa, he pulled out his favorite punching bag and warned against an oppressive woke-ocracy.

Read more:

Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

DeSantis visits Iowa as interest in likely Trump rival rises

Sunday 12 March 2023 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Ahead of a widely expected presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis introduced himself to an eager audience of Iowa Republicans on Friday with a message that leaned into the antagonism toward the left that has made him a popular figure among conservatives.

We will never surrender to the woke mob, he said at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in the eastern Iowa city of Davenport. Our state is where the woke mob goes to die.

With the Iowa caucuses less than a year away, Republicans in the state are taking a harder look at DeSantis, who is emerging as a leading rival to Donald Trump. The former president, who is mounting his third bid for the White House, will be in Davenport on Monday as early signs warn that some Republicans may be looking for someone else to lead the party into the future.

DeSantis appeared alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and was heading to the capital city of Des Moines later in the day to meet with a small contingent of GOP lawmakers and to promote his newly released book, The Courage to be Free.

The visit is an early test of DeSantis support in the state that will kick off the contest for the Republican nomination next year. Trump remains widely popular among Iowa Republicans, though positive views of the former president have slipped somewhat since he left the White House. Now, 80 per cent say they have a favorable rating of him, down slightly from 91 per cent in September 2021, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released on Friday. Eighteen per cent have unfavorable views of Trump.

The polls movement suggests Iowa Republicans are not singularly committed to Trump for 2024 and are open to considering other candidates. Though slightly behind the well-known Trump, DeSantis gets a rosy review from Iowa Republicans  74 per cent favorable rating. Notably, DeSantis has high name recognition in a state over 1,000 miles away from his own; just 20 per cent say they arent sure how to rate him.

AP

Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

Saturday 11 March 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Federal prosecutors are employing an unusual strategy to prove leaders of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group orchestrated a violent plot to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House, even though some of the defendants didnt carry out the violence themselves.

Read more:

Feds: Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list... oh, and Trump has a book out too

Saturday 11 March 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trump still may have a narrow edge on Ron DeSantis in the polls of a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but the Florida governor has one over on his former ally in another area: the New York Times bestseller list.

Josh Marcus has the details.

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump rolls out new $99 photo book

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for watering down financial regulations

Saturday 11 March 2023 20:40 , Graig Graziosi

Critics looking to assign blame for the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank have found possible culprits in Donald Trump and Republican senators.

Though little known outside of Silicon Valley, the SVB was the leading lender to tech firms and startups before it crumbled on Friday.

Howard Forman, a professor at Yale, shared a list of Republican senators who voted to reduce regulatory oversight on SVB in 2018. That legislation was then signed into law by Mr Trump.

The list includes names like Senators Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell, as well as a few Democrats, including Senators Joe Manchin and Tim Kaine.

Read more:

Trump blamed over Silicon Valley Bank collapse for cutting down financial regulations

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen to testify in Stormy Daniels case

Saturday 11 March 2023 20:07 , Graig Graziosi

Donald Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is set to testify on Monday about an alleged payment of hush-money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The money was allegedly meant to keep a rumoured affair between her and the former president quiet.

Mr Cohen has been regularly meeting with Manhattan prosecutors for the last several weeks, according to the Associated Press.

The New York Times also reported, citing anonymous sources. that Mr Trump was offered a chance to testify.

Trump called out on allegedly trying to delay his lawsuits by playing judges against each other

Saturday 11 March 2023 17:12 , Graig Graziosi

Attorney Roberta Kaplan has warned a pair of judges that Donald Trump may be trying to play them against each other in an attempt to delay his cases in both courts.

Donald Trump has a history of leveraging his presidential-campaign activities to delay and avoid judicial proceedings, Ms Kaplan wrote in a letter sent to both judges, according to The Daily Beast. We anticipated that, should the case schedule run into 2024, Mr. Trump will begin to argue that his campaign obligations must take precedence over his participation in this case, including at trial.

In this case, Mr Trumps team allegedly tried to double book cases so that trials would occur on the same day, resulting in a delay of one or both trials.

Trump called out on allegedly trying to delay his lawsuits by playing judges against each other

Saturday 11 March 2023 17:11 , Graig Graziosi

Attorney Roberta Kaplan has warned a pair of judges that Donald Trump may be trying to play them against each other in an attempt to delay his cases in both courts.

Donald Trump has a history of leveraging his presidential-campaign activities to delay and avoid judicial proceedings, Ms Kaplan wrote in a letter sent to both judges, according to The Daily Beast. We anticipated that, should the case schedule run into 2024, Mr. Trump will begin to argue that his campaign obligations must take precedence over his participation in this case, including at trial.

In this case, Mr Trumps team allegedly tried to double book cases so that trials would occur on the same day, resulting in a delay of one or both trials.

Elon Musk calls Steve Bannon evil as ex-Trump aide denounces him as owned by the Chinese communist party

Saturday 11 March 2023 16:45 , Graig Graziosi

Although Twitter CEO Elon Musk and former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon tend to sit on the same side of the political aisle, the two men dont seem to like each other very much.

Tim Pool, a right-wing podcaster, recently asked Bannon to comment on the CEO of Razer, Min-Liang Tan, encouraging Mr Musk to buy the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank. The tech-focused lender crumbled on Friday, making it the second-largest bank failure in US history.

Mr Musk replied that he was open to the idea.

Mr Bannon scoffed at the idea, which Mr Pool called a bit silly, and launched into a rant about the Tesla CEOs alleged deference to Beijing.

Read Bannons full comments below:

Steve Bannon says phony Elon Musk owned by Chinese government

Donald Trump, Republican deregulation blamed for SVB collapse

Saturday 11 March 2023 16:19 , Graig Graziosi

Fingers are pointing after the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, and many are aimed at Donald Trump and the Republican deregulation machine.

Critics are pointing out that Republicans in the Senate voted to reduce regulatory oversight at the SVB in 2018, and that Mr Trump signed that legislation into law once it passed.

Here is the list of Senators who voted to REDUCE the regulatory oversight of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2018, signed into law by then President Trump. Maybe ask them why they did this?



cc: @marcorubio @LindseyGrahamSC @RandPaul @MarkWarner pic.twitter.com/MNerJbgPxc  (((Howard Forman))) (@thehowie) March 11, 2023

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation

Saturday 11 March 2023 14:10 , Oliver O'Connell

E Jean Carroll can use the Access Hollywood tape of former President Donald Trump as evidence in her defamation lawsuit, a judge has ruled.

Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the testimony of two other women alleging that Mr Trump has sexually assaulted them may be entered into evidence at the civil trial.

Gustaf Kilander has the details.

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Voices: Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

Saturday 11 March 2023 13:35 , Oliver O'Connell

The Independents Eric Garcia writes from Washington, DC:

Many Republicans, from corporate donors to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would like to move on from Mr Trump, not just because of the [Capitol] riot but because they see him as a loser who has cost them winnable elections. Even [Tucker] Carlson, if his communications in Dominions lawsuit against Fox News are to be believed, said he truly cant wait until the days he could ignore Mr Trump most days.

This explains why many in the conservative establishment want to get behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. On Friday, Mr DeSantis made his first venture to Iowa of 2023, often a tell-tale sign that he is considering a White House bid since it holds the first nominating contest in 2024 on the GOP side. In Iowa, he pulled out his favorite punching bag and warned against an oppressive woke-ocracy.

Read more:

Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

Watch: Tucker Carlson claims BLM protest was antifa plot against Trump

Saturday 11 March 2023 12:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Trump team hits out at prosecutors hint he may be indicted

Saturday 11 March 2023 11:50 , Oliver O'Connell

A spokesperson for former President Donald Trump called the notion that he may be indicted over his alleged role in a scheme to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels simply insane.

The Manhattan District Attorneys threat to indict President Trump is simply insane, the statement reads. 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. The fact that after their intensive investigation the DA is even considering a new political attack is a clear exoneration of President Trump in all areas.

Abe Asher has the full story.

Trump team hits out at possible indictment over Stormy Daniels pay-off

Watch: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump the former president and maybe future president'

Saturday 11 March 2023 10:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis 2024 run

Saturday 11 March 2023 09:50 , 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 more:

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis to run

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump touts new book

Saturday 11 March 2023 07:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump still may have a narrow edge on Ron DeSantis in the polls of a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but the Florida governor has one over on his former ally in another area: the New York Times bestseller list

Mr DeSantiss memoir, The Courage to Be Free, which came out in February, is number one on the nonfiction charts, though the Times notes the ranking may be due to bulk ordering, which publishing houses sometimes use to boost their own ratings.

The book is widely seen as the Florida Republicans most direct indication yet hes starting to campaign on the national stage, though he still hasnt announced any formal intention to seek the White House.

Josh Marcus has the story.

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump rolls out new $99 photo book

Don Jr suggests Mitch McConnell is insane for not siding with Tucker Carlson

Saturday 11 March 2023 05:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump Jr has hit out at Sen Mitch McConnell after the Senate Minority Leader criticised Fox News host Tucker Carlsons presentation of the Capitol riot on his television programme this week.

Abe Asher reports.

Donald Trump Jr suggests Mitch McConnell is insane for siding with Capitol police

Drag ban-backing Republican explains why he liked gay mans racy Instagram photos

Saturday 11 March 2023 04:10 , Oliver O'Connell

I was trying to encourage him...



Read the full explanation here:

Drag ban backing Republican explains why he liked gay mans racy Instagram photos

Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot, Feds say

Saturday 11 March 2023 02:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Federal prosecutors are employing an unusual strategy to prove leaders of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group orchestrated a violent plot to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House, even though some of the defendants didnt carry out the violence themselves.

Read more:

Feds: Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

Trump lawyer called out for mocking Mitch McConnell after fall

Saturday 11 March 2023 01:40 , 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 has the story.

Censured Trump lawyer called out for mocking McConnell fall with tortoise video

Full story: The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions over spurious lawsuits and election lies

Saturday 11 March 2023 00:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Alex Woodward writes:

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.

Read more:

The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions for spreading election lies

Two other Trump accusers and Access Hollywood tape allowed in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Friday 10 March 2023 23:40 , Oliver O'Connell

E Jean Carroll can use the Access Hollywood tape of former President Donald Trump as evidence in her defamation lawsuit, a judge has ruled.

Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the testimony of two other women alleging that Mr Trump has sexually assaulted them may be entered into evidence at the civil trial.

Gustaf Kilander has the details.

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Voices: Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

Friday 10 March 2023 22:40 , Oliver O'Connell

The Independents Eric Garcia writes from Washington, DC:

Many Republicans, from corporate donors to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would like to move on from Mr Trump, not just because of the [Capitol] riot but because they see him as a loser who has cost them winnable elections. Even [Tucker] Carlson, if his communications in Dominions lawsuit against Fox News are to be believed, said he truly cant wait until the days he could ignore Mr Trump most days.

This explains why many in the conservative establishment want to get behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. On Friday, Mr DeSantis made his first venture to Iowa of 2023, often a tell-tale sign that he is considering a White House bid since it holds the first nominating contest in 2024 on the GOP side. In Iowa, he pulled out his favorite punching bag and warned against an oppressive woke-ocracy.

Read more:

Trump legal woes pile on while Ron DeSantis ventures to Iowa

No Trump colour scheme for Air Force One

Friday 10 March 2023 22:16 , Oliver O'Connell

The new Air Force One planes will be sticking with the classic look first chosen by First Lady Jackie Kennedy and not the colour scheme chosen by former president Donald Trump while in office.

The new official paint design for the 'Next Air Force One' VC-25B aircraft has been selected. The modern design will closely resemble the livery of the current Air Force One, VC-25A.



Release: https://t.co/n5pLqAefR5 pic.twitter.com/SVISguGYs8  Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) March 10, 2023

Heres what Mr Trump chose:

A model of the new Air Force One with Donald Trumps chosen colour scheme was prominently displayed in the Oval Office during his administration. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

DeSantis buzz in Iowa reminiscent of GW Bush (to an extent)

Friday 10 March 2023 22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantis visit coincided with a trip to the state by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her 2024 candidacy last month. Donald Trumps stop on Monday will be his first visit to the state since launching his latest presidential bid.

In recent weeks, DeSantis team has begun holding conversations with a handful of prospective campaign staffers in key states. Late last month, he gathered privately with donors, elected officials and national conservative activists to discuss his views, which include limiting how race and sexuality are taught in schools.

DeSantis is expected to announce his candidacy in late spring or early summer, after the conclusion of the Florida legislative session in mid-May.

The anticipation is reminiscent, to an extent, of the support in Iowa for George W Bush ahead of the 2000 election, though with significant differences, said veteran Iowa GOP activist David Oman.

DeSantis is seen, as Bush was, as a next-generation, big-state Republican governor who won reelection resoundingly, said Oman, who was among Iowa Republicans who helped recruit Bush to run.

Bush swooped into Iowa amid fanfare in June 1999 and sailed to victory in the Iowa caucuses the following year en route to the 2000 GOP nomination and the White House. Not insignificantly, Bush enjoyed the hands-on campaign outreach in Iowa of his father, former President George HW Bush, who had built lasting relationships during his 1980 and 1988 Iowa caucus campaigns.

Theres another former president in this cycle. Only he is not interested in helping a first-time candidate, Oman said, referring to Trump. W was the overwhelming favorite in Iowa. I believe there is not an overwhelming favorite this time.

AP

White House: GOP war against woke due to lack of policy proposals

Friday 10 March 2023 21:40 , Oliver O'Connell

The White House singled out FL Gov. Ron DeSantis while noting Republicans war against being woke is due to a lack of real policy proposals pic.twitter.com/Xgy1ovZfVr  NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 10, 2023

What do Iowans think of DeSantis?

Friday 10 March 2023 21:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Sandy Bodine said she was impressed with DeSantis as the ballroom emptied out after Fridays morning event.

Hes very articulate, uses common sense it seems in governing, the retired human resources worker for 3M Co. said.

Bodine would consider attending the 2024 caucuses and supporting DeSantis, though she is registered to neither major political party and has never caucuses before. Regardless, Trump is out of the running for Bodine, who is from nearby Clinton.

I dont like Trump, she said. She unfortunately voted for Biden in 2020, she said. Hes not a statesman and we need a statesman. I can see DeSantis as a statesman.

But others in the crowd suggested they would stick with the former president. Retiree Al Greenfield, of Davenport, said he came out of curiosity but I dont particularly care for the Florida governor. He doesnt have the experience, said Greenfield, whos 70. He doesnt know the swamp.

Greenfield is ardently for Trump and plans to caucus for him next year.

Nearby stood Diana Otterman, of Bettendorf, who was still considering her options.

Governor DeSantis is a wonderful man. Im for DeSantis, but Im also for Trump. I havent decided yet, the 70-year-old retiree said. So well see how God works it out and how the people vote.

While DeSantis was making his presence known in Iowa, several prominent former Trump supporters called on him to take the next step and announce hes running.

More than ever our country needs strong leadership, someone that gets things done & isnt afraid to stand up for whats right, tweeted former Pennsylvania Rep. and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lou Barletta. Come on, Ron, your country needs you!

Barletta had accused Trump of disloyalty after the former president endorsed a rival in his gubernatorial primary.

AP

Lara Trump: 2020 election part of Gods plan to open peoples eyes to spiritual warfare that is taking place in our country'

Friday 10 March 2023 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Lara Trump appeared on the Elijah Streams program on Friday where she said the outcome of the 2020 election was all part of Gods plan to open peoples eyes to the true spiritual warfare that is taking place in our country.

She said the battle was not between Democrat versus Republican or Left versus Right  It is good vs evil.

Ms Trump added that people would not have been able to see that if her father-in-law had remained as president, as much as I wanted to see that.

Watch below:

Lara Trump appeared on the "Elijah Streams" program today where she said the outcome of the 2020 election was all part of God's plan "to open people's eyes to the true spiritual warfare that is taking place in our country": "It is good vs evil." pic.twitter.com/xWhC7lWawK  Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) March 10, 2023

DeSantis visits Iowa as interest in likely Trump rival rises

Friday 10 March 2023 20:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahead of a widely expected presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis introduced himself to an eager audience of Iowa Republicans on Friday with a message that leaned into the antagonism toward the left that has made him a popular figure among conservatives.

We will never surrender to the woke mob, he said at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in the eastern Iowa city of Davenport. Our state is where the woke mob goes to die.

With the Iowa caucuses less than a year away, Republicans in the state are taking a harder look at DeSantis, who is emerging as a leading rival to Donald Trump. The former president, who is mounting his third bid for the White House, will be in Davenport on Monday as early signs warn that some Republicans may be looking for someone else to lead the party into the future.

DeSantis appeared alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and was heading to the capital city of Des Moines later in the day to meet with a small contingent of GOP lawmakers and to promote his newly released book, The Courage to be Free.

The visit is an early test of DeSantis support in the state that will kick off the contest for the Republican nomination next year. Trump remains widely popular among Iowa Republicans, though positive views of the former president have slipped somewhat since he left the White House. Now, 80 per cent say they have a favorable rating of him, down slightly from 91 per cent in September 2021, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released on Friday. Eighteen per cent have unfavorable views of Trump.

The polls movement suggests Iowa Republicans are not singularly committed to Trump for 2024 and are open to considering other candidates. Though slightly behind the well-known Trump, DeSantis gets a rosy review from Iowa Republicans  74 per cent favorable rating. Notably, DeSantis has high name recognition in a state over 1,000 miles away from his own; just 20 per cent say they arent sure how to rate him.

AP

Trump snipes at DeSantiss very small crowd

Friday 10 March 2023 20:10 , Oliver O'Connell

NBC News estimated Florida Governor Ron De Santis spoke before roughly 700 people in a spacious ballroom at the Rhythm City Casino Resort, other estimates said the crowd was a little larger.

Guess what former president Donald Trump had to say?

Very small crowds for Ron DeSanctimonious in Iowa. Hes against Farmers, Social Security, and Medicare, so why would people show up - other than Fake stories from the Fake News!

Mr Trump will speak on education policy in Davenport, Iowa, at 6.15pm on Monday.

With DeSantis in Iowa, Trump reaches out to farmers on Truth Social

Friday 10 March 2023 19:50 , Oliver O'Connell

The former president posted late on Thursday night:

Remember FARMERS, I got China to pay you 28 Billion Dollars as an adjustment for how unfairly they treated you. This was part of the great Trade Deal I made for you with China (Biden is not properly enforcing it!). No other President could have done this. No other President was as PRO FARMER as me. Tell that to Ron DeSanctimonious when he shows up to your door, hat in hand. Tell him to go home!

Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

Friday 10 March 2023 19:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Federal prosecutors are employing an unusual strategy to prove leaders of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group orchestrated a violent plot to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House, even though some of the defendants didnt carry out the violence themselves.

Read more:

Feds: Proud Boys deployed foot soldiers in sedition plot

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list... oh, and Trump has a book out too

Friday 10 March 2023 19:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump still may have a narrow edge on Ron DeSantis in the polls of a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but the Florida governor has one over on his former ally in another area: the New York Times bestseller list.

Josh Marcus has the details.

DeSantis memoir tops bestseller list as Trump rolls out new $99 photo book

Trump team hits out at prosecutors hint he may be indicted over Stormy Daniels pay-off

Friday 10 March 2023 18:44 , Oliver O'Connell

A spokesperson for former President Donald Trump called the notion that he may be indicted over his alleged role in a scheme to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels simply insane.

The Manhattan District Attorneys threat to indict President Trump is simply insane, the statement begins.

Read more here:

Trump team hits out at possible indictment over Stormy Daniels pay-off

ICYMI: New York prosecutors warn Trump of possible indictment, report says

Friday 10 March 2023 18:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys office have taken action that suggests Donald Trump 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 filed this report last night.

New York prosecutors warn Trump of possible indictment, report says

20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

Friday 10 March 2023 18:04 , Oliver O'Connell

Since leaving the White House, Donald Trump has continued to face a cloud of lawsuits and investigations, which could frustrate his hopes to win back the presidency in 2024.

Most recently, New York prosecutors are reportedly closing in on an indictment against the former president for hush money payments to an adult film star during the 2016 election.

Of course, this is nothing new for the real estate billionaire.

Here are all 20 major lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

What you need to know about E Jean Carrolls case against Trump

Friday 10 March 2023 17:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Heres what you need to know about the writers case against the former president.

What we know about E Jean Carrolls rape allegations against Donald Trump

Watch: Former president of the investigations capital of the world decries investigations

Friday 10 March 2023 17:08 , Oliver O'Connell

Peter Navarro ordered to turn over Trump-era emails to National Archives

Friday 10 March 2023 16:52 , Oliver O'Connell

A Washington DC federal judge has ordered former Trump White House aide Peter Navarro to turn over to the National Archives and Records Administration numerous emails he sent and received from his personal email account during his time in government, ending a lawsuit the Department of Justice filed against the ex-White House trade adviser last year.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Mr Navarro to begin immediate compliance with her ruling, which granted a government motion for summary judgment in the case.

Andrew Feinberg reports for The Independent from Washington, DC, on the latest in an avalanche of bad legal news for the former president.

Ex-White House aide Peter Navarro ordered to turn over Trump-era emails

Two other Trump accusers and Access Hollywood tape can be introduced in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Friday 10 March 2023 16:35 , Oliver O'Connell

E Jean Carroll can use the Access Hollywood tape of former President Donald Trump as evidence in her defamation lawsuit, a judge has ruled.

Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the testimony of two other women alleging that Mr Trump has sexually assaulted them may be entered into evidence at the civil trial.

Gustaf Kilander reports on the latest in the former presidents intensifying legal woes.

Two other Trump accusers can testify in E Jean Carroll rape defamation case

Background: DeSantis in Iowa as 2024 GOP race ramps up

Friday 10 March 2023 16:20 , Oliver O'Connell

DeSantis planned appearances in Davenport and Des Moines mark his first trip to the leadoff voting state and come as anticipation over his expected White House campaign has been building. With the Iowa caucuses less than a year away, Republicans in the state are ready to take a harder look at DeSantis, a top-tier presidential prospect viewed as a rival to former President Donald Trump.

Read more:

Trump rival DeSantis heads to Iowa as Republican 2024 race ramps up

Federal judge rules E Jean Carroll can use Access Hollywood tape in case against Trump

Friday 10 March 2023 16:10 , Oliver O'Connell

A federal judge has ruled that writer E Jean Carroll may introduce the Access Hollywood tape as evidence in her lawsuit against Donald Trump.

The infamous tape surfaced before the 2016 election includes Mr Trump making lewd comments about women and bragging about alleged instances of sexual assault.

Today the judge ruled: In this case, a jury reasonably could find, even from the Access Hollywood tape alone, that Mr Trump admitted in the Access Hollywood tape that he in fact has had contact with women's genitalia in the past without their consent, or that he has attempted to do so. And that conclusion is supported by the other evidence discussed below.

JUST IN: A federal judge ruled today that Jean Carroll may introduce the Access Hollywood tape as evidence in her lawsuit against Donald Trump. https://t.co/QduHqDNPz8 pic.twitter.com/pDJJj1itJ4  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 10, 2023

Having claimed that Donald Trump raped her in a New York department store in the late 1990s, Ms Carroll has spent years trying to sue Donald Trump for defamation after he publicly accused her of lying about the alleged incident.

However, Mr Trumps most recent attempt to delay Ms Carrolls defamation lawsuit failed, meaning he had to sit for a deposition on 19 October, 2022 and answer questions under oath.

Heres everything we know about the case:

What we know about E Jean Carrolls rape allegations against Donald Trump
Donald Trump will not testify before a grand jury investigating hush money payments made to an adult film star during the 2016 election by his then-attorney.

Trump attorney Joe Tacopina told NBC News Monday that the former president has no plans to sit for the grand jury convened by the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors may be poised to bring criminal charges in the case, which concerns a $130,000 payment Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006.

Cohen, who is scheduled to appear before the grand jury Monday, pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws over the payment and served a year in federal prison.

A search warrant affidavit unsealed in 2019 suggests Trump was closely involved in the decision to pay Daniels and another woman who says she had an affair with Trump.

Trump denies he ever had a relationship with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, and has dismissed the suit as a witch hunt.

No former U.S. president has ever been charged with a crime.

In addition to the long-running Daniels probe, Trump remains under investigation for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol; the tranche of classified documents he took with him when he left office; and his attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Related...
(Bloomberg) -- A lawyer for Donald Trump has called for an independent review of the Manhattan district attorneys office over its years-long investigation of the former president, claiming prosecutors there have weaponized the office.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Joe Tacopina said in a letter dated Friday, and released Monday, to New Yorks Department of Investigation that DA Alvin Bragg, his predecessor Cyrus Vance Jr. and some senior staff had engaged in misconduct in their patently political prosecution of Trump.

Among the concerns Tacopina cited is a book by Mark Pomerantz, a former prosecutor with the office who quit last year and published a book criticizing Bragg for not pursuing Trump aggressively enough. The book has irreparably tainted the investigation, he said.

At the same time, Tacopina argued, the book shows that Bragg has weaponized its office, scouring every aspect of President Trumps personal life and business affairs, going back decades, in the hopes of finding some legal basis  however far-fetched, novel or convoluted  to prosecute him.

Threats to Trump

Even as he runs for president in the 2024 race, Trump is facing legal threats on several fronts. Besides Braggs investigation, he is contending with a Georgia criminal probe into his efforts to overturn the states 2020 election results and a US Justice Department inquiry into his handling of classified documents. The focus of Tacopinas letter suggests his defense is likely to stress Trumps own familiar argument that those investigating him are engaged in a political witch hunt.

Meanwhile Trump is raising money off the Bragg case, asking for donations to fight the Manhattan district attorney who is trying to destroy me.

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Read More: Trump Prosecutors in NY Are After the Wrong Person, Lawyer Says

Braggs investigation is based on novel legal theories, Tacopina said in the letter, citing the prosecution of former US Senator John Edwards, which ended in a hung jury and partial acquittal. He said the Bragg probe was just an attempt to derail Trumps presidential run.

Danielle Filson, a spokeswoman for Bragg, declined to comment on the letter.

It isnt clear the investigation department would act on Tacopinas request. It typically looks into cases of fraud, corruption and other illegal activities by city employees and those who do business with the city. Diane Struzzi, a department spokeswoman, declined to comment.

The weaponization Tacopina cites echoes language House Republicans and other conservative figures have used to suggest Democrats like Bragg are using their offices to persecute Trump and other exponents of the GOP. The House panel looking into the Twitter Files  the internal documents Elon Musk unveiled after he bought the social media company  is called the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

Cohen Testifies

Tacopinas letter was released the same day Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen testified before the Manhattan state grand jury Bragg convened to consider criminal charges against Trump. Bragg has revived an investigation into whether Trump and his company falsified business records to conceal payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, made ahead of the 2016 election, to keep her from going public about an alleged sexual relationship with Trump. Trump has denied the affair.

Braggs office is considering bringing charges against Trump that he falsified business records tied to the payments, a misdemeanor unless prosecutors can prove he did it to conceal another crime. No former president has ever been charged with a crime.

Cohen went to prison after pleading guilty in 2018 to federal charges including campaign finance violations, for arranging for the payouts to Daniels and a second woman, Karen McDougal, a former playboy model, to buy their silence.

Cohen, Trumps longtime ally, later said he paid Daniels $130,000 in hush money and later received a payment from the Trump Organization.

Cohens lawyer, Lanny Davis, said his client was gratified to be finally telling his story to grand jurors and called it a very constructive experience. Davis said Cohen would return Wednesday to continue his testimony. Cohen has met with Braggs office on at least five prior occasions.

Michael has spent a good afternoon, Davis said as they left the Lower Manhattan office building where the grand jury is located. Were not making any comments about what he said other than repeat what hes said about accountability and this is about the facts and truth.

Earlier in the day, as he arrived at the building, Cohen insisted he wasnt there to get revenge on Trump.

This is all about accountability, Cohen said. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds.

Read More: Manhattan DA Pressing Jailed Former CFO to Flip on Trump

Trump has no plans to accept an offer by Braggs office to testify before the grand jury, Tacopina said Monday on ABCs Good Morning America.

Asked if he expected Trump would be indicted, Tacopina said there shouldnt be an indictment, calling the case outrageous.

We are distorting laws to try and bag President Trump, he said.

Tacopina was asked whether Trump had properly recorded any payment to Daniels.

There was absolutely no false records made, to my knowledge, he said. This was a plain extortion. When did we start prosecuting extortion victims?

Read More

Trumps NY Tax Fraud Hit Eclipsed by Impact of Felony Conviction

Trump Ex-CFO Weisselberg Gets 5 Months in Jail, $500,000 Bonus

Quick Take: What Trumps Legal Perils Mean for Trumps Candidacy

(Adds ex-Trump lawyer Cohen testifies before grand jury in 11th paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
More than a million pages of internal Fox messages have revealed that a producer for Fox News host Tucker Carlson said that dealing with criticism from those sceptical of the election results was like negotiating with especially dumb terrorists who sleep with their cousins.

The files released in connection to the $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against the company by Dominion Voting Systems also revealed that Fox Corporation executive Raj Shah, who had served as a spokesman in the Trump White House before making the jump, blasted the then-presidents personal lawyer and ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as he spoke at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee on 19 November 2020.

Mr Giuliani seemingly had black hair dye running down the side of his face as he made increasingly ludicrous claims of election fraud.

This sounds SO F****** CRAZY btw, Mr Shah wrote during the diatribe, a few weeks after the 2020 election.

Rudy looks awful, one person responded to Mr Shah.

He objectively looks like he was a dead person voting 2 weeks ago, Mr Shah said. One of the false claims made about the election was that dead voters had helped President Joe Biden win.

But when a Fox reporter soon after went on air and said some of what Mr Giuliani had said was simply not true, Mr Shah said, this is the kinda s*** that will kill us.

We cover it wall to wall and then we burn that down with all the skepticism, he added.

Fox News hosts, including Carlson, said in private that they believed the claims of fraud were false even as they amplified them on the air, the messages show.

Mr Shah was far from the only Trump staffer to move back and forth between Mr Trumps circle and Fox, The Washington Post noted.

After Carlson had publically rebuked some of the outlandish claims pushed by lawyer Sydney Powell, which prompted pushback from her and other rightwing figures, Mr Shah texted a producer for Mr Carlson about finding a middle ground and possibly taking time on the show to address her baseless claim that she had an affidavit linking Dominion and Venezuela.

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Might wanna address this, but this stuff is so f****** insane. Vote rigging to the tune of millions? Cmon, he wrote.

Alex Pfeiffer, a producer working for Mr Carlson at the time but who has now left Fox, wrote back that it is so insane but our viewers believe it so addressing again how her stupid Venezuela affidavit isnt proof might insult them.

Mr Shah suggested that Carlson mention the affidavit, saying it was not new info, not proof and then pivot to being deferential.

Mr Pfeiffer later added: One funny thing. Dominion was used in Ohio and Florida. Trump won them. Did they forget to rig those or all part of the plan?

Mr Shah later asked Mr Pfeiffer if he had seen that Newsmax host Greg Kelly came after you?

Yeah, Mr Pfeiffer said. This whole thing is surreal. Like negotiating with terrorists, but especially dumb ones. Cousin f****** types not saudi royalty.

Three days before the Capitol riot, Mr Shah texted fellow ex-White House spokesman Josh Raffel.

Mr Raffel noted to Mr Shah that the White House public schedule was vague, simply saying that Mr Trump would be making many calls and have many meetings and work from early in the morning until late in the evening.

I think what they meant is The President will wake up early and commit many, many crimes including but not limited to obstruction of justice, attempted fraud, and treason in an effort to conduct a coup. Then hell fly to a rally in furtherance of the same, Mr Raffel wrote.

Its really disheartening, Mr Shah said. The only clear cut evidence for voter fraud is the failed attempts from Trump.

The Independent has attempted to reach Mr Shah, Mr Raffel, and Fox Corp for comment.

Mr Pfeiffer declined to comment.
DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares of Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) and lowered the price target from $4.50 to $3.

On Mar. 1, TUP reported 4Q22 sales decline of 20% Y/Y to $314 million, above the consensus.

Sales are still being hurt by volume declines that exceed pricing benefits, but gross margin was up Y/Y for the first time in quite a while and inventory did come down sequentially, said the analyst.

TUP's sales performance in Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) stores exceeded expectations, and the Tupperware brand immediately captured 10% market share, but sales to TGT represented only 1% of total company sales, noted the analyst.

On Feb. 22, 2023, TUP entered into a Third Amendment to its November 2021 credit agreement, which provided for additional relief with respect to the maximum permitted leverage ratio and minimum permitted interest coverage ratio, said the analyst.

Management anticipates the company will remain compliant with financial covenants for the year following the issuance of the 2022 financial statements.

The analyst remarked that Tupperware identified misstatements in its financial close process in prior periods, the most significant of which relate to historical accounting for income taxes.

TUP also concluded it did not design and maintain effective internal controls related to the accounting for the income tax provision and related income tax assets and liabilities.

The company said it would start marketing cast-iron Dutch ovens in 2023, as well as reusable silicon food storage bags.

Mexico and Brazil now represent >25% of sales and an even higher percentage of operating cash flow - while Brazil is currently growing, Mexico is still experiencing lower sales force productivity, with Y/Y growth not expected until 2H23, said the analyst.

Price Action: TUP shares are trading lower by 12.9% at $2.57 on the last check Monday.
Two men were arrested last month in connection with a large methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine ring, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said this week.

SWAT teams with the Sheriffs Office and Sacramento Police Department executed search warrants Feb. 16 at three residences linked to Robert Sarabia, 34, and Jesus Salas, 28, after sheriffs gang detectives determined the two  both described by authorities as validated gang members  were involved in the mass distribution of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, the Sheriffs Office said Sunday in a news release.

The searches turned up approximately 80 pounds of meth, 5 pounds of cocaine, 100 pills suspected to contain fentanyl, three handguns, $12,000 in cash and $6,000 in counterfeit currency, the Sheriffs Office said.

Sarabia and Salas were both arrested Feb. 16 and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on numerous drug and firearms possession charges.

Sarabia was released after posting a $200,000 bond, the Sheriffs Office said. Salas remains in jail and is ineligible for bail, online jail booking records show.

Both are scheduled for an initial appearance April 12 in Sacramento Superior Court.
TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday if the United States acts "realistically," the exchange of prisoners between Tehran and Washington will be possible.

Nasser Kanaani made the remarks at a weekly press conference in a response to the U.S. rejection of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's comments on the exchange of prisoners between the two sides on Sunday, official news agency IRNA reported.

Iran is ready to swap prisoners with the United States as a humanitarian issue, Kanaani noted, adding that negotiations are underway between Tehran and Washington through mediators with regard to the prisoner exchange issue.

"With respect to certain issues, such as the exchange of prisoners, we have already reached agreements (with the United States). In March last year, the two sides finalized a written agreement, which was signed by the American side."

Under the agreement, the United States agreed to exchange prisoners regardless of the results of the talks on the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal and removal of the sanctions on Tehran, but the Americans tied the issue to the nuclear negotiations later, Kanaani said,

Turning to the nuclear talks, Kanaani said Tehran maintains that it is necessary to obtain verifiable guarantees from Washington to ensure the American side's commitment to any new agreement, given the U.S. track record of non-commitment to its obligations.

The Iranian foreign minister said on Sunday that Tehran and Washington have reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners over the past few days, according to IRNA.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a live televised interview, saying if everything goes on well on the side of the Americans, the prisoner swap will be done in the coming days.

Speaking to The Associated Press later in the day, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price, however, called the Iranian foreign minister's comments "another especially cruel lie that only adds to the suffering of their families." 
By Charlotte Bruneau

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - When he first heard that U.S. troops had toppled Saddam Hussein, Iraqi engineer Hazem Mohammed thought he would finally be able to find his brother, who had been shot dead and dumped in a mass grave after a failed uprising against Saddam's rule in 1991.

It wasn't just Mohammed's hopes that were raised after the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Relatives of tens of thousands of people who were killed or disappeared under the dictator believed they would soon find out the fate of lost loved ones.

Twenty years later, Mohammed, who was hit by two bullets but survived the mass killing in which his brother perished, and countless other Iraqis are still waiting for answers.

Dozens of mass graves were found, testimony to atrocities committed under Saddam's Baath Party. But work to identify victims of historic killings has been slow and partial in the chaos and conflict engulfing Iraq in the past two decades.

"When I saw how mass graves were being opened, randomly, I decided to keep the location of the grave secret until a stronger state would be in place," Mohammed said.

As exhumations dragged on, more atrocities were committed in sectarian conflict and amid the rise and fall of armed groups, such as Al Qaeda and Islamic State militants, as well as Shi'ite Muslim militias.

Today Iraq has one of the highest numbers of missing persons in the world, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which says estimates of the total range up to hundreds of thousands of people.

It was another 10 years before Mohammed led a team of experts to the site where he, his brother and others were rounded up as Saddam's troops crushed a mainly Shi'ite uprising at the end of the 1991 Gulf War. At the time, they were forced to their knees next to trenches summarily dug in the outskirts of the southern city of Najaf, and shot. Tens of thousands of Iraqis were killed by Saddam's forces during his rule.

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The remains of 46 people were exhumed from the site, now surrounded by farms, but Mohammed's brother was never found. He believes more bodies are still there, unaccounted for.

"A country that is not dealing with its past will not be able to deal with its present or future," he said. "At the same time, I sometimes forgive the government. They have so many ... victims to deal with."

PAINFUL PROGRESS

According to the Martyrs Foundation - a governmental body involved in identifying victims and compensating their relatives - over 260 mass graves have been unearthed so far, with dozens still closed. But resources are limited for such a huge task. In a section of the ministry of health in Baghdad, a team of about 100 people processes remains from mass graves, one site at a time.

The department head Yasmine Siddiq said they have identified and matched DNA samples of around 2,000 individuals, out of about 4,500 exhumed bodies.

Lining the shelves of her storage room were remains of victims from the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war - skulls, cutlery, a watch, and other items that might help identify victims.

The forensic efforts are complemented by archivists studying stacks of documents from Saddam's Baath Party, which was disbanded after his overthrow, for the names of missing persons yet to be identified.

Mehdi Ibrahim, an official at the Martyrs Foundation, said that each week his team identifies about 200 new victims. The names are published on social media. So far the foundation has processed about half of the 1 million documents in its possession, just a fraction of Iraqs scattered archive. Most Baath Party-era documents are held by the government, while others were destroyed after the invasion.

Some atrocities are more quickly examined than others.

According to Siddiq, massacres committed by Islamic State militants, who seized much of northern Iraq in 2014 and held it for three violent years, have been prioritised.

The highest identification rate for victims was achieved for an incident known as the Camp Speicher massacre by Islamic State, a mass shooting of army recruits. Most families declared their missing ones and most bodies had been retrieved, Siddiq said.

The Martyrs Foundation says the killings resulted in about 2,000 martyrs, including 1,200 killed and 757 who remain missing.

In Sinjar, where Islamic State committed what U.N. investigators described as genocide against Iraq's Yazidi minority, about 600 victims have been reburied, with some 150 identified.

Other disappearances remain unexplored. In Saqlawiya, a rural area near the Sunni town of Falluja, families are losing hope of discovering the fate of more than 600 men captured when the area was retaken from Islamic State by security forces.

Shiite militiamen seeking vengeance against Islamic State rounded up Sunnis from the town of Saqlawiya, according to witnesses interviewed by Reuters in 2016, U.N. workers, Iraqi officials and Human Rights Watch.

From her living room in Saqlawiya, furnished with just a carpet and a thin mattress, Ikhlas Talal wept as she scrolled through pictures of her husband and 13 other male relatives who disappeared in early June, 2016.

'WE ARE NOT A PRIORITY'

Talal did not want to describe the men in uniform who took them away, fearing retribution. But she and other women from the neighbourhood have searched for their husbands, fathers and sons for years, travelling across Iraq and contacting prisons and hospitals - all in vain.

"The Iraqi government must take all steps to locate the disappeared and to hold the perpetrators accountable," said Ahmed Benchemsi of Human Rights Watch.

The Martyrs Foundation and Iraq's Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the Saqlawiya case.

Abdul Kareem Al-Yasiri, a local PMF commander whose unit is based currently near Saqlawiya, denied the PMF had any role in the disappearance of people from the area in the war with IS.

"These accusations are baseless and politicised to smear our troops and we reject them, he said, adding that he believed IS was behind the disappearances.

Talal is seeking to have her husband officially recognised as a martyr so she could claim about a monthly pension of $850.

"We are not a priority," she said, surrounded by half a dozen children who she barely manages to feed with the assistance of local NGOs and small scale farming.

Questions remain even over the better-reported incidents.

Majid Mohammed last spoke to his son, a combat medic, in June 2014 before the Camp Speicher massacre. His name was not among the hundreds of victims identified by Siddiq's team, and Mohammed remains in limbo. His wife Nadia Jasim said successive governments had failed to address the enforced disappearances.

"All Iraqi mothers hearts are broken because of their sons who disappeared" she said. "With all the time that passed since 2003, we should have found a solution. Why are people still disappearing?"

(Additional reporting by Baghdad newsroom and Kamal Alayaash in Anbar; Editing by Dominic Evans and Edmund Blair)
64% of Ukrainians are convinced that it is necessary to try to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea, even if it means a more prolonged war and less support from the West.

Source: Results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on 22 February  6 March

Quote: "The majority of respondents, 64%, believe that Ukraine should try to liberate the entire territory, including Crimea, even if there is a risk of reduced Western support and a longer war. In contrast, 24% are more inclined to the option that, in exchange for the liberation and protection of all territories, including Donbas (but excluding Crimea), Ukraine can refrain from military operations in Crimea."

Details: Another 8% of respondents could not answer this question.

Sociologists note that the vast majority insists on the liberation of all territories, including Crimea, in all oblasts of Ukraine. While support for a "compromise" is no more than 27%, depending on the oblast.

The survey was conducted from 22 February to 6 March. A total of 2,007 respondents, living in all oblasts of Ukraine (except Crimea), were interviewed by telephone based on a random sample of mobile numbers.

The survey was conducted with adult citizens of Ukraine (aged 18 and older) who at the time of the survey resided in Ukraine (within the borders controlled by the Ukrainian authorities until 24 February 2022).

Formally, under normal circumstances, the sampling error (with a probability of 0.95 and taking into account the design effect of 1.1) would not exceed 2.4% for indicators close to 50%, 2.1% for indicators close to 25%, 1.5% for indicators close to 10%, and 1.1% for indicators close to 5%.

Sociologists point out that in times of war, in addition to the above formal error, a specific systematic deviation is added, but the results still retain high representativeness and allow for a relatively reliable analysis of public sentiment.

Background:

Earlier, sociologists found that the vast majority of Ukrainians considered any territorial concessions to be unacceptable in order to achieve peace. According to the latest KIIS data, only 9% of Ukrainians are generally ready for concessions, while 87% are against any concessions.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Tyson Fury has called on Oleksandr Usyk to agree to scrapping a rematch clause, as negotiations continue over a fight between the pair.

Fury and Usyk are set to clash on 29 April at Londons Wembley Stadium, where the winner would emerge as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. While the WBA has announced that an agreement has been reached, the fight is still not official.

Talks seemed to stall over monetary demands last week, until Usyk appeared to agree to a 70-30 purse split in Furys favour. Usyk also urged the Briton to donate $1million to Ukraines war efforts against Russia.

Taking to social media to provide an update on talks on Monday (13 March), Fury said: Ive been speaking to the laywers today, and Usyks people have been talking about rematch clauses and all that b******s.

Heres one to up the ante: How about there is no f***ing rematch clause, for both of us? Lets up the ante completely.

Never worry about whats in the future and how many more dollars you can get after youve been defeated; worry about the fight, 29 April, no rematch clause. How about that? Agree to that.

Usyks promoter Alex Krassyuk said last week that Fury, 34, had rejected a purse split of 60-40, weighted in favour of the winner. Ukrainian Usyk, 36, then accepted the WBC champions offer of 70-30.

Fury last fought in December, beating Derek Chisora for the third time to retain the WBC belt in London. Meanwhile, Usyk last boxed in August, outpointing Anthony Joshua for the second time in 11 months to retain the unified heavyweight titles that he took from the Briton in 2021.

Both Fury and Usyk are undefeated, with the latter having previously reigned as the only undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era.
By Elizabeth Howcroft

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S.-based crypto firms are trying to open Swiss bank accounts after the collapse of two U.S. crypto-focused banks made it harder for them to use lenders in the United States, but bankers said the Swiss firms may not take them.

Crypto-focused U.S. bank Silvergate Capital Corp said it planned to close last week after it was hit with losses following the dramatic collapse of crypto exchange FTX in November last year.

Its closure was followed by the collapse on Sunday of Signature Bank -- seen as U.S. crypto firms' main alternative to Silvergate -- in one of the largest failures in U.S. banking history.

The global banking sector was thrown into turmoil by Friday's collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which sent global bank stocks plunging on Monday on concern about further contagion. The tech-focused lender also banked crypto companies and was the second-biggest U.S. bank failure.

Crypto analysts said that the U.S. bank closures, along with a regulatory crackdown in the U.S., would push firms to seek banking partnerships in Europe, Asia, and "offshore".

"U.S. regulators have issued multiple warnings to banks about potential risks of working with crypto companies. They havent banned it explicitly but made it clear this would be frowned upon," said Ivan Kachkovski, crypto and FX analyst at UBS.

"This is likely to push crypto companies to other jurisdictions in search of non-U.S. banks willing to work with the industry."

Switzerland, long famous for its private banking sector, has also been one of the more welcoming countries in Europe for crypto firms, with the Swiss city of Zug dubbed "The Crypto Valley."

Yves Longchamp, managing director of crypto-focused SEBA Bank in Switzerland said there had been a "pronounced uptick" in traffic to the bank's website from the U.S., and that in a global call on Friday representatives from the Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Switzerland offices all said they'd seen increased interest from prospective clients.

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"Crypto firms and other money managers have already started the onboarding process and many calls are scheduled next weeks," he said via email.

Switzerland-based Arab Bank said it saw an increase in U.S. firms, mostly crypto funds or involved in crypto venture capital, seeking to open accounts in the last few weeks as doubts about Silvergate grew. Rani Jabban, head of treasury and financial institutions at Arab Bank, said around 80% of them had been Silvergate customers.

"We had 10-20 enquiries so far but that doesn't mean that we can cater and open accounts for all of them," he said, citing regulatory difficulties of onboarding U.S.-based clients and estimating that only one or two of them would ultimately become Arab Bank customers.

Crypto firms relied on Silvergate's crypto payments network, the Silvergate Exchange Network, which allowed round-the-clock transfers between investors and crypto exchanges, unlike traditional bank wires, which can often take days to settle.

"I don't see any banks also offering the structure that Signature and Silvergate were offering with their internal blockchain 24/7 settlement," Arab Bank's Rani said.

Swiss bank Sygnum, which describes itself on its website as "the world's first digital asset bank", is sticking to its policy not to take on U.S. clients "due to a lack of regulatory clarity" Sygnum's chief marketing officer Dominic Castley told Reuters via email.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
(Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department is investigating last years collapse of the TerraUSD stablecoin, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) have questioned former team members of the company behind the stablecoin, the report said.

Terraform Labs did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office for the SDNY declined to comment.

Last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Terraform founder Do Kwon with defrauding investors in what the regulator deemed a multibillion-dollar scheme.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen and Ananya Mariam Rajesh; Editing by Maju Samuel)
A more assertive China poses a systemic challenge to the global order, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told NBC News on Sunday as the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia planned to unveil their latest steps in a defense partnership to counter Beijings growing military might.

The behavior that weve seen in China over recent times is concerning, Sunak told NBC News Lester Holt at the USS Midway Museum shortly after he arrived in San Diego for the summit. China is acting in a more authoritarian fashion at home and is more assertive overseas, he said.

Watch more from the interview Monday on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT.

China represents the biggest state threat to our economic interests, for sure. And its a systemic challenge for the world order, he said.

President Joe Biden is hosting Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego to endorse newly agreed-upon initiatives for the AUKUS defense pact, 18 months after the partnership was announced. The ambitious defense partnership aims to deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Canberra as part of a bid to counter Chinas military buildup in Asia.

Lester Holt interviews British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aboard the USS Midway Museum (Jim Seida / NBC News)

China has countered by calling the AUKUS submarine deal a blatant act of nuclear proliferation that undermines regional peace and stability.

Sunak, a multimillionaire former banker and former finance minister, also weighed in on the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank after federal regulators stepped in to back the lenders deposits, saying it was important to a large number of British technology companies.

Ive been working through the weekend with our finance minister, the chancellor and our Bank of England, our regulators, to find an appropriate solution. Well be making an announcement about that very shortly, he said.

Sunak, 42, took office Oct. 25 after a period of political turbulence in the U.K., becoming its third leader in seven weeks following the collapse of Prime Minister Boris Johnsons scandal-plagued government and the light-speed implosion of his successor, Liz Truss.

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He cited a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron last week and the trilateral meeting set for Monday in San Diego as examples of Britain playing a vital role on the world stage.

Britain is back, he added.

Pending approval from Congress, Australia is expected to acquire up to five U.S. Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the 2030s under the AUKUS deal, while Britain and the U.S. plan to help Australia eventually manufacture its own nuclear-powered fleet.

Although he cited concerns over China's actions, Sunak said there was still a place for engagement with Beijing, including on climate issues and the stability of the global economy.

Asked how Britain would respond if China were to try to seize Taiwan through military force, he declined to answer directly.

Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory, is under growing pressure from China, which has not ruled out using force to seize control. Taiwans most important international backer is the U.S., which is bound by law to provide it with defensive weapons but has long been vague as to whether it would intervene militarily if China attacked the island.

Sunak said the international response to Russias invasion of Ukraine served to deter any country from launching an unprovoked attack.

I think the best thing we can do to deter hostile action by any state anywhere is doing what were doing right now in Ukraine. And thats where weve seen an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. And the right thing to have done in that circumstance is to provide Ukraine with all the support that it needs to defend itself, he said.

About Western military aid for Ukraine, Sunak said: I think its important right now that we accelerate and intensify our support to Ukraine.

He said Londons commitment to the AUKUS defense pact was part of an overall increase in defense spending by Britain, which he said would remain a leading military power. The British government announced plans Sunday to ramp up its defense spending by nearly $6 billion over the next two years.

Lester Holt interviews British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aboard the USS Midway Museum (Jim Seida / NBC News)

China has strived to portray itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, calling for a negotiated solution while refraining from condemning Russias aggression or even calling it an invasion. The West quickly dismissed a 12-point peace proposal Beijing released last month as too favorable to Russia.

The U.S., citing intelligence reporting, has said China is considering arming Russia but has not made a decision. Asked about that possibility, Sunak said, That would be a very worrying and dangerous development.

I think the strong message that the U.K., the U.S. and all countries have said to China, to any country, is not to support Russia in this conflict, he said.

Sunak added that Iran had been sanctioned for providing military assistance to Russia.

Asked whether he supported imposing sanctions on China if it sent weapons to Russia, he said: I think with sanctions, its always something that is best done coordinated with allies.

Australia has a fleet of six conventionally powered submarines, but nuclear-powered submarines can remain underwater for much longer and are harder to detect than conventionally powered vessels.

Australia also agreed to U.S. submarine port visits in the coming years, extending Americas naval reach, Biden administration and British officials said.

The U.S.-made submarines for Canberra would cover a possible gap, as Australias current fleet of submarines will have to be retired in the 2030s.

The new plans, the first concrete steps to flesh out the trilateral defense partnership that was announced a year and a half ago, are meant to signal that the three governments are moving forward on the ambitious project, experts said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY  Police arrested a fourth person in connection to a 2021 murder that happened during a home invasion and robbery.

Audreona Rodasha Walker, 22, of Fort Pierce, faces charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and providing false reports to law enforcement regarding a capital crime.

Marcus Leath, 39, of St. Lucie County, was killed during a home invasion and robbery in his residence in the 6500 block of Las Palmas Way east of U.S. 1 off Kitterman Road Aug. 21, 2021.

More:Man, 39, shot dead at his home in Port St. Lucie; two gunmen sought

More:Three men charged with murder in St. Lucie County shooting death of Marcus Leath

More:Homicide victim Marcus Leath was 'ultimate friend, ultimate protector,' lifelong friend says

Three men broke in Leath's home to rob him and his girlfriend. During the robbery, Leath's girlfriend was able to run away and found safety at another residence.

Leath was shot two times and died.

Four months later, investigators charged Tamarius Bembry, 21, of Fort Pierce; Tramaine Hickman, 25, of Vero Beach; and Carlos Wilson, 22, of Fort Pierce; in connection to the homicide and robbery.

The three face charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary of a dwelling with an assault or battery while armed. They are in the St. Lucie County Jail awaiting trial.

Marcus Leath

Investigators used cell phone data, social media accounts and video surveillance to connect the three to the killing, said then-Chief Deputy Brian Hester.

The surveillance video proved to be the most helpful in identifying a vehicle of interest and to establish a timeline for this shooting," Hester said at the time. "Additionally, an unrelated burglary committed by the same suspects in May ... ultimately led us to the vehicle of interest where a search warrant of the car revealed a firearm that was the same one used to kill Marcus.

U.S. Marshals identified Walker at a residence in Sumter, South Carolina, where they arrested her Friday after a short foot pursuit, according to a sheriff's news release.

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According to her arrest warrant issued in St. Lucie County, on or between Aug. 21, 2021 and Nov. 30, 2021, Walker is accused of helping Tamarius Bembry, to whom she is not related, avoid or escape arrest knowing that he "had committed first-degree murder."

She's also accused of making false statements to three St. Lucie County sheriff's detectives "concerning the alleged commission of a capital felony," according to the warrant.

Sheriff's officials have not released any other details about Walker's arrest.

She is being held at Sumter County Detention Center without bond and is awaiting extradition to St. Lucie County.

This was a tragic, senseless murder of a hardworking, bright young man in our community. The goal was to rob him of the fruits of his hard work because they wanted them, said Sheriff Ken Mascara in a statement. Walkers arrest has brought another piece of this tragic puzzle together and will bring additional closure to the Leath family.

There is no information about whether Walker has an attorney.

Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: US Marshals arrest Fort Pierce woman year after marcus leath murder
American officials last week returned a 2,700-year-old artifact to Iraq after it had been looted from the Iraq museum in Baghdad in 2003, the FBI announced.

The small artifact had been on display at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in Atlanta, authorities said. It was known as a Furniture Fitting with Sphinx Trampling a Youth," according to the FBI.

Officials said that the museum had been duped when it purchased the artifact in 2006 from a third party that presented false documentation claiming the object had entered the United States in 1969.

"While the Carlos was supplied with what appeared to be legitimate provenance documentation at the time of the objects purchase in 2006," the museum said in a statement to USA TODAY, "we no longer view that information as valid."

Officials said the artifact was sold to an American museum using false paperwork in 2006.

Keri Farley, an FBI special agent in Atlanta, said, While we realize there was no ill intent on behalf of Emory University, we are glad our agents could return a small part of history back to where it belongs in Iraq.

'Unprecedented': 'Rapid' rise in ocean plastic reported since 2005, new study suggests

Investigators believe that it was looted as Baghdad fell during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. A photograph of the artifact in Iraq in 1983 helped investigators determine Emory University had been presented false documents, the FBI said.

The item dates back to the Iron age and measures 2-1/4 tall and 1-1/2 inches wide. It's made of ivory and adorned with gold and pigment, authorities said.

It was returned last week to Iraq during a ceremony at the country's embassy in Washington.

The FBI said it began its investigation in January 2022, and Emory University voluntarily handed over the object in December.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U.S. returns ancient artifact looted from Baghdad during Iraq war
The family of a University of Georgia senior who suffered a brain hemorrhage in Mexico is trying to raise enough funds to fly her back to the United States for medical treatment.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Liza Burke, who is from Asheville, North Carolina, was on spring break in Cabo San Lucas with a group of friends when she got a headache, according to a GoFundMe set up to help the family. Burke went back to her room to rest, and when friends tried to wake her up they realized she was unresponsive.

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She was rushed to a hospital in Mexico where she was diagnosed with an Arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

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Burke is currently on life support and in critical condition. Doctors said she needs to return to the U.S. to get expert medical treatment, and they are raising money to pay for her life-flight transport from Mexico to Jacksonville, Florida.

She is genuine, dynamic, playful and fierce, friends wrote. She has so much left to give to the world. Please continue to pray for her full recovery.

An AVM is a tangle of blood vessels that connects arteries and veins in the brain. They are rare and most people are born with them, though they can form later in life. AVMs often dont cause signs or symptoms until they rupture.
JUBA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar on Monday met with visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to discuss bilateral ties and outstanding issues in implementing a 2018 peace agreement.

Ahmed was visiting South Sudan at a time when the country's two main principals to the revitalized peace deal are in disagreement over the recent sacking of two ministers.

Deng Dau Deng, South Sudan's acting minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, said Kiir and Ahmed discussed bilateral matters with regional dimensions, including the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

"South Sudan values its historical ties with Ethiopia and appreciates Ethiopia's keen interest in its peace and stability," Deng told journalists in the South Sudan capital, Juba.

Deng said Ahmed also held talks with Machar, without providing details of the meeting between the two leaders.

Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen Hassen said Addis Ababa attaches great importance to peace and stability in South Sudan.

"Ethiopia... stands committed to peaceful resolution of (political) issues," Mekonnen said.

On March 3, Kiir sacked Angelina Teny as the minister of defense and veterans affairs, a move that has been protested by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) under Machar. Teny is Machar's wife.

Kiir also fired interior minister Mahmoud Solomon. No reason was given for either dismissal.

Under the 2018 revitalized peace deal, the SPLM-IO is handed control of the ministry of defense while Kiir's SPLM-In Government is in charge of the ministry of interior.

Kiir's latest decree swapped the two ministries, prompting protest from the SPLM-IO, which said the decision lacked consensus from the parties to the peace deal.

International partners on Monday encouraged the two sides and all stakeholders in the peace process to increase the momentum for the implementation of the peace deal.

A joint statement from the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) lauded a meeting between Kiir and Machar on March 10 to discuss the status of the implementation of the peace deal and the recent "Decree and Republican Order" swapping ministries.

"Following consultations with high-level Government parties by AUMISS, IGAD and UNMISS, the partners wish to once again encourage renewed focus by all signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement as outlined in the Roadmap, for its full and timely implementation," the statement said.

The partners encourage the parties to maintain collegial collaboration, continuous consultations and consensus-building in the letter and spirit of the revitalized agreement, the statement added. 
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's finance minister Jeremy Hunt said the government and the Bank of England had facilitated a private sale of the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank to HSBC, in a move which would protect deposits without taxpayer support.

The Bank of England said the wider UK banking system remained safe, sound, and well capitalised.

"This ensures customer deposits are protected and can bank as normal, with no taxpayer support," Hunt said in a statement on Monday. "I am pleased we have reached a resolution in such short order.

"HSBC is Europe's largest bank, and SVB UK customers should feel reassured by the strength, safety and security that brings them."

Friday's dramatic failure of SVB Financial Group, which focuses on tech startups, was the biggest bank collapse in the U.S. since the 2008 financial crisis.

It threatened to have a significant impact on British technology companies, given the importance of the lender to some customers, and more than 250 UK tech firm executives had warned that its failure posed an "existential threat" to the sector.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Kate Holton)
TikTok launched "Project Clover" to convince lawmakers data will be safe. Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The UK has joined the EU, US, and Canada in banning TikTok on government devices.

TikTok execs had previously tried to convince UK policy advisers that their data is safe.

"The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review," a senior cabinet minister said.

The British government announced Thursday it will ban TikTok on official devices, joining the US, Canada, and the European Union.

Officials ordered a security review into the potential vulnerability of sensitive data on several social media apps, and are now introducing a "precautionary ban on TikTok."

"The security of sensitive government information must come first, so today we are banning this app on government devices," said Oliver Dowden, a senior cabinet minister. "The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review."

"Restricting the use of TikTok on government devices is a prudent and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security experts," he added.

The government also said that there will be specific exemptions to the ban, as it has some limited work purposes.

The EU's executive body, the European Commission, last month told staff they have until March 15 to delete the app from their phones, per The Guardian.

It follows similar bans in the US and Canada, over fears that the Chinese-owned app could gather sensitive information about government employees and pass it on to China's government or intelligence services.

But the latest ban comes despite TikTok's "Project Clover"  a charm offensive to convince European lawmakers that users' data will be safe.

As part of the project, TikTok executives met with British policy advisers on March 6, per The Wall Street Journal. But some attendees told the Journal that, while they appreciated the transparency efforts, they still remain skeptical that TikTok could refuse an order from the Chinese government.

Officials from the cybersecurity arm of GCHQ  the UK's equivalent of the National Security Agency  met with TikTok representatives too, The Times of London reported.

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TikTok said it was building two more data centers in Ireland and Norway to ensure some 150 million users' data in Europe is stored locally. "Any data access will not only comply with the relevant data protection laws but also have to first go through these security gateways and additional checks," the company said.

Based on previous reports, a TikTok spokesperson said it "would be disappointed by such a move." They added: "Similar decisions elsewhere have been based on misplaced fears and seemingly driven by wider geopolitics, but we remain committed to working with the government to address any concerns."

TikTok did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment regarding the UK's confirmation of the ban.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said it would double the funding allocated to building its Chinese expertise across government in response to growing concern over the security challenge posed by China and worries over Taiwan.

British foreign minister James Cleverly wants to boost the UK's Mandarin language skills, and said the additional financial support will be given to the "China Capabilities Programme" which operates across government departments.

"This extra resource will help boost knowledge and language skills across government, in the face of the systemic challenge that China poses to the UK's security, prosperity, and values," he said in a statement on Monday ahead of the publication of Britain's latest defence and security plans.

Britain said the Chinese Communist Party has become an increasing concern over the last two years, with worries centred over military activity over Taiwan and China's sanctioning of British lawmakers.

(Reporting by Sarah Young)
The flag of Great Britain

According to the report, a new department of national security will be established within MI-5. Its goal will be to advise companies, research organizations, and universities that may be victims of industrial espionage. In addition, private and public entities will be able to contact the new body for advice on how to interact with partners from China and or how to safely use Chinese-made equipment.

Read also: UK MP suggests Typhoons could replace older jets supplied to Ukraine

The expansion of MI5s role is explained by the challenges posed by Russia and China. The Times reports that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is due to issue a statement on the matter. The authorities intend to announce other steps to help the UK in confronting these challenges.

London is also preparing to announce a $24 million increase in BBC funding to counter Chinese and Russian disinformation in vulnerable countries. In addition, funding for a Chinese language training program for UK diplomats will be doubled.

Read also: Front line in Bakhmut now marked by local river  UK intelligence

The UK intelligence agencies have previously made allegations that during the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers working for Russia and China were trying to steal information about vaccines being developed in the country.

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
SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ruled out changing a law which prohibits the British Museum handing the Parthenon marbles permanently back to Greece.

Sunak said there are no plans to amend the legislation, which states the museum can only dispose of objects within its collection in limited circumstances. However, the museum could still arrange a loan of the sculptures.

Since independence in 1832, Greece has repeatedly called for the return of the sculptures - known in Britain as the Elgin Marbles - that British diplomat Lord Elgin removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens in the early 19th century, when Greece was under Ottoman rule.

Sunak is unlikely to break with the stances of his two predecessors who were both against any kind of loan of the marbles to Greece.

"The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country," Sunak told reporters on his plane as he flew to the United States.

"We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it."

The former finance minister George Osborne, the chair of the British Museum, has been working on a new arrangement with Greece through which the sculptures could be seen both in London and in Athens.

The Parthenon Project, which has been backed by British politicians from different political parties to settle the issue, said on Sunday the British Museum's Parthenon collection could be returned to Greece under a long-term cultural partnership agreement.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Sunday that China threatens the countrys economic interests and poses a systemic challenge for global order.

China represents the biggest state threat to our economic interests, for sure. And its a systemic challenge for the world order, Sunak told NBCs Lester Holt in an interview airing Monday night on NBC Nightly News.

He said the behavior that weve seen in China over recent times is concerning, adding China is acting in a more authoritarian fashion at home and is more assertive overseas.

President Biden is hosting Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego to promote a new submarine deal with the two countries as part of AUKUS, a pact that focuses on security in the Asia Pacific and Australia.

The British government also announced on Monday that it will increase defense spending by $6 billion over the next two years, The Washington Post reported.

Were investing more in our armed forces over the next couple of years, billions of pounds more, Sunak told NBC News. Were increasing our defense spending, because my belief is that the world has become more volatile.

Sunak also spoke about Western aid to Ukraine and said its important right now that we accelerate and intensify our support to the country.

I think the best thing we can do to deter hostile action by any state anywhere, is doing what were doing right now in Ukraine, he said. And thats where weve seen an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. And the right thing to have done in that circumstance is to provide Ukraine with all the support that it needs to defend itself.

Sunak added that the U.K. is looking for solutions to the Silicon Valley Bank closure, which he says is significant to a number of British technology companies.

The bank was shut down by federal regulators on Friday, sending the tech industry scrambling as regulators put the bank up for auction over the weekend.

Ive been working through the weekend with our finance minister, the Chancellor and our Bank of England, our regulators to find an appropriate solution, Sunak said. Well be making an announcement about that very shortly.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian farmers, which have already started the 2023 spring sowing, have only around 35% of the herbicides and pesticides they need, analyst APK-Inform quoted on Monday official data as showed.

The Russian invasion has left Ukraine seriously short of finances, seeds and crop protection products, which could have a negative impact on crop yields this year.

APK-Inform said farmers had 9,356 tonnes of herbicides and pesticides, which is 34.7% of the declared 26,926 tonnes needed for the first half of this year.

The volume included 6,231 tonnes of herbicides, or about 36% of the volume needed.

The ministry said the most difficult situation is Kyiv and Lviv regions.

Denys Marchuk, deputy chair of the Ukrainian Agrarian Council said a lack of funds is the main problem for farmers this spring.

"Farmers will not be able to buy everything they need - seeds, fertilisers, fuel, crop protection products. Yields will be much lower and this will affect our export potential," he told an online briefing.

"It is important to find money to lend to farmers," Marchuk added.

The Council said last week that agricultural companies, which plant most of Ukraine's fields, are 40 billion hryvnia ($1.08 billion) short of the funds they need to carry out spring work.

The ministry has not yet published its forecast for the 2023 grain harvest while the national academy of agricultural science said the harvest may fall 37% to 34 million tonnes.

The 2022 grain harvest fell to around 54 million tonnes from a record 86 million in 2021.

Output was hit by hostilities in Ukraine's eastern, northern and southern regions following Russia's invasion.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; editing by Jason Neely)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reacted to the harsh statements of the Georgian authorities

Foreign Ministrys spokesman, Oleh Nikolenko, called the statements of the Georgian officials unfriendly in his post on Facebook on March 13.

Almost verbatim repeating the theses of Russian propaganda, representatives of the Georgian authorities accused Ukraine of preparing a coup detat in Georgia, drawing it into a war with Russia, directing forces to incite a civil war, Nikolenko wrote.

We categorically reject such insinuations, which have nothing to do with reality. The Georgian authorities are looking for the enemy in the wrong place, Nikolenko added.

Read also: Amid protests over Russian law in Georgia, will Putin be tempted to intervene?

Read also: Russias war on Ukraine a consequence of Maidan claims Georgias ruling party head

He said he was convinced that the statements of Georgian politicians would not be able to undermine the strong friendship between the Ukrainian and Georgian peoples.

We highly appreciate the support of Georgians when Ukrainians are fighting for their independence. For its part, Ukraine has been and will remain a friend of the Georgian people, whom we wish not to stop towards the development of the European future, Nikolenko said.

Tens of thousands of Georgian citizens have been protesting for several days since March 7 due to the fact that the countrys parliament supported a draft law on foreign agents at first reading, a copycat law of one previously adopted in the Russian Federation.

Security forces used tear gas and water cannons against rally participants, more than a hundred people were detained. Later, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia announced the release of all protesters detained administratively on March 7-8. One person remained in custody under the article of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili expressed her support for the protesters.

On March 9, opposition politicians during a protest in Tbilisi called for the resignation of the government and early elections.

Story continues

The next day, the Georgian parliament voted against the draft law on foreign agents at second reading.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants of the protests, noting that there is no Ukrainian who does not wish Georgia success, as well as a democratic and European future.

Read also: More than 100,000 bank accounts opened by Russians in Georgia since September partial mobilization

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, stated that the return of the sovereign territories of Moldova and Georgia is a necessary basis for guarantees of sustainable peace.

On March 12, Garibashvili said that he considers Ukrainian politicians calls for changes in his country to be interference in state affairs.

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
(Bloomberg) -- Ron DeSantis., the governor of Florida and likely Republican presidential candidate, said in a statement that protecting the US southern border, confronting China and bolstering the American military should take priority over what happens in Ukraine.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy plan to speak by video link in what would be their first conversation since Russias invasion last year.

The conversation will occur after a visit by Xi to Moscow next week, according to the Wall Street Journal. While there was no immediate official confirmation of that trip from either the Kremlin or Beijing, both countries have said for weeks that a Xi visit was in the works as China tries to position itself as a broker to end the conflict.

While Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine rages thousands of kilometers away, NATO forces gathered in Norway for joint drills as the defense alliance  along with Russia, China and others  vie for greater control of the Arctic.

Key Developments

DeSantis Assails US Policy in Ukraine, Breaking With Much of GOP

Ukraine Rebuffs Russia Offer of 60-Day Grain Deal Extension

The Arctic Is Where NATO and Russia Are Flexing Military Muscle

Russian Oil Flows Rebound as India Snaps Up More Pacific Cargoes

Putin to Meet Business Tycoons For First Time Since Start of War

Xi to Call Ukraines Zelenskiy After Russia Visit Next Week

Italy Wants NATO to Help Combat Russia-Driven Migrant Influx

(All times CET)

DeSantis Assails US Policy in Ukraine (5:35 a.m.)

DeSantis on Monday expressed strong misgivings over US support for Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion, breaking not only with the Biden administration but other prominent Republicans.

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DeSantis, the governor of Florida, said in a statement, which was read by Tucker Carlson on his Fox News program, that protecting the US southern border, confronting China and bolstering the American military should take priority.

The Biden administrations virtual blank check funding of this conflict for as long as it takes, without any defined objectives or accountability, distracts from our countrys most pressing challenges, DeSantis added in the statement, which was confirmed by his spokeswoman.

World Court to Open War Crimes Cases, New York Times Reports (10:15 p.m.)

The International Criminal Court is planning to open two cases involving accusations of war crimes, the newspaper reported, citing officials it didnt name.

The cases include allegations that Russia abducted Ukrainian children and teenagers and sent them to re-education camps or Russian homes, and that the Kremlin has singled out civilian infrastructure, according to the newspaper.

Russia has denied war crimes accusations and has characterized the relocation of children as a humanitarian gesture to find homes for orphans.

Ukraine May Boost Defense Spending, Zelenskiy Says (9:05 p.m.)

Zelenskiy vowed to continue destroying Russias military power as fierce fighting continued in the countrys east and the government proposed to bolster defense spending.

The cabinet proposed to parliament an increase to the defense budget of 518 billion hryvnia ($14 billion) this year, Zelenskiy said in a video address.

The money will be used to strengthen Ukraines defense capabilities, including for the purchase of drones, he said. If approved, Ukraine will spend 26.6% of its GDP on defense, according to an earlier statement from the Finance Ministry.

Well do everything possible and impossible to reinforce our warriors, Zelesnkiy said.

US, Ukraine Defense Chiefs Talked by Phone (8:55 p.m.)

Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin talked by telephone on Monday.

We compared notes on our cooperation & the path to Victory, Reznikov tweeted. This genuine support of the Allies makes me very optimistic about the future.

Brigadier General Pat Ryder, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement that Austin provided an update on US security assistance efforts and Reznikov detailed developments on the ground.

The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact, Ryder said.

Russia Open to Grain Deal Extension of 60 Days (5:12 p.m.)

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said Moscow is not against extending the Black Sea grain-export deal, but only for 60 days, Tass reported. Consultations in Geneva with the United Nations were not simple, the state-run news service cited the Russian official as saying.

The accord, which expires March 18, could run for a further 120 days if no side in the process objected. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed the importance of keeping the pact, which has allowed Ukraine to ship about 24 million tons of crops since it was agreed in July.

But Ukraine quickly objected.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said on Twitter Russias proposal contradicts the deal, which he said provides for at least 120 days of extension. Ukraine is waiting for the official position of the UN and Turkey as guarantors of the initiative, he said.

Italy Seeks NATO Help on Russia Meddling in Mediterranean (4:57 p.m.)

Italy called for help from NATO and the European Union to deal with a new influx of migrants from North Africa that Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said has been sparked by Russian meddling in the region.

An exponential increase in arrivals across the Mediterranean is part of a clear strategy of hybrid warfare by Russias paramilitary Wagner Group, which is targeting Italy because of its pro-Ukraine stance, Crosetto said Monday. Leaving Italy to face retaliation in the form of migration on its own could lead to cracks in the defense alliance, he said.

Scholz Sees No Talks With Gun to the Head (4:18 p.m.)

While there is no end to the fighting in sight, Germany stands ready to be supportive of Ukrainian efforts to think about how a peace agreement might look, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

Ukraine is ready for peace - but of course this cannot be a dictated peace, Scholz said at a news conference in Berlin. As I said before, there is no negotiating with a gun to the head. And this is still the intention of the Russian president.

Russian Arms Exports Seen Falling Amid War (3:44 p.m.)

Russian weapons sales fell in the five years including the war and are likely to decline further as the conflict undermines a key Kremlin export, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Russias invasion of Ukraine will probably put additional constraints on Russias ability to export arms, as it is likely to prioritize the production of arms for its own military over those for export, SIPRI said in a report. The multilateral sanctions, including wide-ranging trade restrictions, imposed on Russia, coupled with pressure from the USA and its allies on states not to acquire Russian arms, will also hamper its efforts to export arms.

Weapons sales by Russia, the No. 2 seller in the world, dropped 31% in the 2018-2022 period from the previous five years, with sales falling to eight of top 10 clients, SIPRI said. Russias pending orders are also down, indicating the decline is likely to continue, according to SIPRI.

Ukraines Economy Contracted 31.4% Year-on-Year in Fourth Quarter (3:28 p.m.)

Gross domestic product fell by a seasonally adjusted 4.7% from the previous three months, according to the statistics office, as Russia targeted energy infrastructure with air strikes.

The government expects the economy to show a marginal rebound of 0.3% to 1% this year.

EU Struggles on Delivering Ammunition Rapidly (2:57 p.m.)

The EU is struggling to figure out a way to fill Ukraines immediate ammunition needs. The bloc is expected to sign off on a joint ammunition procurement plan for the country as soon as next week, but its stalled on how to provide Kyiv with the 155mm shells it needs this year.

Ukraine has said it will need 1 million rounds this year, and Estonia has estimated that would cost around 4 billion ($4.3 billion).

Russia to Tighten Secrecy Rules Amid War (2:55 p.m.)

Russia plans to tighten restrictions on access to state secrets with a draft law in parliament banning security clearance for people with financial assets or real estate abroad held in their own name or through family members.

This will help minimize the risks of pressure being applied by unfriendly countries to bearers of secret information, Vasily Piskarev, the ruling-party legislator who proposed the plan, was cited by the state-run Tass news service as saying.

The draft would also clarify rules for limiting access to secret information by people considered a security risk, including in state companies, he said. At the same time, it would allow foreign trips for emergencies like medical treatment for those with security clearance.

Xi to Hold Call With Zelenskiy (1:57 p.m.)

Xi and Zelenskiy plan to speak by video link, though no date has yet been set for the conversation, according to a Ukrainian official familiar with the preparations. The president of Ukraine has long sought talks with China, which had emerged as one of Russias largest global supporters amid the conflict.

Beijing last month released proposals to achieve peace in Ukraine, but they were quickly rejected as one-sided by Kyivs allies in the US and Europe. Zelenskiy was less categorical, saying its good that China has started to talk about Ukraine and welcoming Beijings commitment to the principle of territorial integrity.

Russia Expands Military Draft Eligibility (1:07 p.m.)

Russia plans to draft men up to the age of 30 for army service from 2024, up from 27 now, as it seeks to expand its military to 1.5 million.

At the same time, the lower age for eligibility for military service will be raised from 18 to 19 next year, 20 in 2025 and 21 in 2026, according to a draft law submitted to the lower house of parliament. The move means students are exempt from service but graduates would be eligible for conscription.

President Putin in December approved the Defense Ministrys plans to boost the size of his military to 1.5 million from the current target level of 1.15 million, though the Kremlin hasnt said how fast the expansion will be.

One Dead in Strike Against Village in Northeastern Ukraine (12:42 p.m.)

A Russian missile strike killed one person and wounded four in a village in the northeastern Sumy region, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the border with Russia, the local administration said on Telegram.

Putin Praises Chechen Troops Fighting in Ukraine (12:41 p.m.)

Putin hailed the contribution of Chechen troops to his invasion of Ukraine as the Caucasus Mountain regions leader vowed to fight until final victory.

In a televised meeting at the Kremlin, Ramzan Kadyrov told Putin that popular support in his region for the war is strong. Give the boys fighting my best, Putin responded. Thanks very much to them.

Chechnya, the site of bloody fighting with Islamist separatists as recently as the early 2000s, has sent thousands of troops to fight in Ukraine.

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WINDHOEK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will sign a tripartite agreement for the second phase of the South-South cooperation program with China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations later this year.

The statement was made Monday by Jona Musheko, a spokesperson for the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, who said the agreement aims to deepen cooperation between the parties and boost economic growth, and the commitments under the agreement will include knowledge exchange, technology transfer, intra-south trade, and capacity building.

"Namibia embraces the principles of South-South Cooperation and recognizes the potential and platform presented by this cooperation framework for countries in the Southern parts of the globe to share and exchange resources, expertise, skills, and scientific knowledge for their economic and social development," he said.

Namibia has long sought cooperation with China, with the first phase of the South-South Project tripartite agreement signed in September 2013 and implemented between 2015 and 2017.

According to Musheko, in phase one of the South-South cooperation, the Chinese government provided financial support of about 20 million yuan (about 2.92 million U.S. dollars). Namibia recorded success under the project's first phase, including technical assistance in soil fertility and procurement of machinery for seed production.

In 2015, 15 agricultural Chinese experts and technicians were attached to various Green Schemes projects of the ministry and the Central Veterinary Laboratory for two years. 
Key developments on March 12:

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on March 12 confirmed the identity of a Ukrainian soldier executed by Russians after saying, Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine), a Ukrainian national salute. The execution was filmed and the video of it started circulating on social media on March 6.

For days, the speculations went on about the identity of the soldier in the video, as well as when and where the execution had taken place. The unknown soldier was praised for the calmness he displayed when facing the execution.

Law enforcement on March 12 finally confirmed that the man captured in the video was Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, a sniper from the 163rd Battalion of the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade of Chernihiv Oblast.

The SBU said it had conducted a forensic portrait examination of Matsievsky and contacted the soldiers relatives.

According to the SBU, Matsiyevsky went missing near Krasna Hora, just north of the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast in December 2022. The soldier was reportedly killed on Dec. 30, and his body was returned to his family in February.

"This is a real hero who, even facing death, demonstrated to the whole world what Ukrainian character and resilience are, the SBU Head Vasyl Malyuk said.

The official said that the SBU is working on identifying the Russians responsible for killing Matsiyevsky.

President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the Hero of Ukraine title to Matsiyevsky.

A man who will be known to all Ukrainians. A man who will be remembered forever  for his courage, for his confidence in Ukraine, and for his Glory to Ukraine, Zelensky said.

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Family mourns the fallen hero

Matsiyevskys mother told Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne that she immediately recognized her son in the grainy video, especially in the way he was smoking.

Matsiyevsky, 42, worked as an electrician in Kyiv.

When Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, he immediately joined the Territorial Defense forces in the city of Nizhyn in the northern Chernihiv Oblast, where his family lived, and defended the region with his comrades from the 119th Brigade.

In late 2022, his unit was deployed to Donetsk Oblast. He kept it from his mother that he would be deployed to one of the hottest areas of the front line  to Soledar, a salt-mining city near Bakhmut that fell to Russian forces in mid-January after weeks of brutal battles in the area, Suspilne reported.

Matsiyevskys mother last spoke to him on Dec. 29, a day before the SBU said he was killed by Russians.

In February, his body was buried at a cemetery in Nizhyn with other fallen members of the Territorial Defense forces.

Ukraine condemned the killing of Matsiyevsky, with ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets saying that the alleged execution of a captured Ukrainian soldier is a violation of the Geneva Conventions.

Ukrainian servicemen ride atop a tank near the frontline city of Bakhmut on March 10, 2023, amid Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images)

Battle for Bakhmut continues

As of March 11, fierce fighting continued in and around Bakhmut, according to Ukrainian officials and Western observers.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a D.C.-based think-tank analyzing the war in Ukraine, said on March 11 that Russia had not made any confirmed advances over the past day.

It predicted that Russias Wagner Group fighters might be increasingly pinned in urban areas, such as the AZOM industrial complex, and therefore finding it difficult to make significant advances.

Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesperson for Ukraines Eastern Military Command, said on March 12 that Russia attacked the Bakhmut area 39 times over the past day. He claimed that Ukraine inflicted significant personnel losses on the Russians.

As the battle for Bakhmut rages on, the civilian toll is growing in Donetsk Oblast.

The National Police of Ukraine reported on March 12 that Russia had launched 48 attacks against civilians in Donetsk Oblast over the past day with S-300 missiles, aircraft, Grad and Uragan multiple rocket launchers, artillery, mortars, and tanks.

Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said in his daily briefing on March 12 that two civilians were killed and four were wounded over the past day.
Key developments on March 13:

Fierce fighting rages over central Bakhmut as Russias Wagner mercenaries try to break through Ukrainian defenses in the ruined city, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 13.

Syrskyi, who commands Ukraines Ground Forces and made two known visits to Bakhmut in recent weeks, acknowledged that the situation in the embattled city remained difficult as Russia continued to press forward.

The commander said that the Wagner members were storming into central Bakhmut from multiple fronts, but Ukraine still held on to the fortress while inflicting significant losses on the invading forces.

All enemy attempts to capture the city are repelled by artillery, tanks, and other firepower," Syrskyi said, as quoted by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's media center.

Syrskyis statement comes amid an eight-month-long battle over Bakhmut, a largely destroyed city nearly emptied of its 70,000 residents. Russia has intensified its offensive on Bakhmut in recent weeks as it captured neighboring settlements, inching its way into encircling the city.

Late on March 12, Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a Telegram post that his mercenaries began storming into the underground compound of the Artemivskyi non-ferrous metal processing plant, also known as AZOM, in northern Bakhmut.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia officially commented on the situation at the plant on March 13.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a D.C.-based think-tank analyzing the war in Ukraine, said on March 12 that the Russian military leadership could be trying to expend the Wagner forces and Prigozhins influence in Bakhmut.

The ISW has earlier reported that Wagners committed elite forces in Bakhmut may be running out as the paramilitary group uses up its manpower to maintain offensive momentum.

Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Eastern Military Command, said on March 11 that Ukraine seeks to degrade Wagner forces during its defense of Bakhmut.


A Ukrainian family is desperate after their brand new KIA was stolen and then crashed into another car the next day.

The theft happened last Tuesday outside the familys apartment building in Covington.

The very next day, Renton police say an 18-year-old driver ran a red light and plowed into an unsuspecting driver.

That driver wasnt badly injured, but three teens in the KIA were critically injured, and the car is undrivable.

It has left this family with no way to get around.

The family really needs a car, as they are trying to build a new life in America.

No, we dont have a car, said Olena Stasiuk. And we dont have money for another car.

This is not how Olena imagined a new life in America. After all, her family was following in the footsteps of their neighbor and friend Olha Myrhodskay, fleeing the devastating war in their native Odessa, Ukraine.

Less than a month ago they paid $11,000 for this KIA.

My car was parked in the place where now is a Lexus, Olena said, pointing to a space filled by a different car.

Her husband discovered early Tuesday morning that their new car was gone, stolen in the parking lot across from their Covington apartment.

We bought it for our family, she said.

The day after their KIA was stolen, it ended up here in Renton.

Police say the 18-year-old driver ran a red light, struck an unsuspecting driver, and nearly slammed into the nearby Renton Laundry.

The innocent driver wasnt badly hurt. But three teens in the KIA were critically injured.

It is part of a dangerous pattern, say police.

Having these Hyundais and KIAs that are really easy to break into, said Sgt. Darren Moss, Jr., Pierce County Sheriffs spokesman, really makes it a lot easier for these kids to do all this really, really bad stuff.

All of this has left Olena and her family in the lurch. Her husband needs a car to look for work as they adjust to life in this country.

Her friend says the theft has left Olenas family nearly destitute.

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They spent money for the apartment, for traveling from Ukraine, and very expensive, and for the car, said Olha. They dont have money for another car.

And, she says, they couldnt get insurance because they couldnt get a company to agree to it.

The 18-year-old driver is in the King County jail. He already has a long rap sheet.

But, in the stolen car were presents for their daughter who turned eight years old on Sunday.

The family has started a GoFundMe account hoping to raise the money to buy a new car.

Click here for the link.












Azad Safarov, Olena Razvodovska and teachers Marharyta Mykolaivna and Olha Viktorivna

The Russian documentary Navalny beat the Ukrainian Oscar-nominated documentary A House Made of Splinters in the Best Documentary Feature category at the 95th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, which were held in Los Angeles, United States, overnight on March 13.

The Ukrainian team behind A House Made of Splinters was disappointed that the team that made Navalny made no mention of Russias war of aggression on Ukraine while accepting their award.

The Ukrainian teams second film director and line producer, Azad Safarov, in a Facebook post also expressed his disappointment over the fact that his team could not bring an Oscar to Ukraine, noting that they really wanted to give a little joy to Ukrainians in these difficult times.

We should have won not because we are from Ukraine, but because the film is deep, valuable and talentedly shot by Danish film director Simon Lereng Wilmont and made by a cool team, Safarov said.

But this evening proved it once again that Russian propaganda works very well and knows how to promote pseudo-heroes where there are no heroes. So, we have a lot of work to do. Were Ukrainians, we dont complain. Were fighting. We convince, report, prove information over and over again until they hear us. Even if they still have to hear us in Hollywood.

The Ukrainian team headed by Danish film director Lereng Wilmont, together with Safarov and the documentarys female characters, spent 10 days in the United States. During these days, they screened the documentary at many venues.

Read also: Polish team backs Ukraine with yellow and blue ribbons at 2023 Oscar ceremony

Everywhere we could, we talked about Russian crimes, about the Russian war against Ukraine, and about Russian fake news, Safarov said.

Our goal was to draw as much attention as possible to Ukraine through the A House Made of Splinters movie. And our two wonderful female characters from the temporarily Russian-occupied town of Lysychansk accompanied us everywhere. Thank you Marharyta Mykolaivna and Olha Viktorivna! We were greeted, supported, hugged everywhere, and asked about everything in Ukraine. The Americans are really, really worried about Ukraine.

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Safarov also promised that the Ukrainians would not give up.

Were Ukrainians, we arent offended, he said.

Were fighting. We, like many cool Ukrainian film directors and producers, will do everything to ensure that Ukraine receives not only an Oscar, but also many other awards. We continue to fight. We love and hug you. Thank you for your support. Were looking forward to returning home.

For the second year in a row, the Academy refused to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to remotely appear on the Oscar telecast to give an address.

In addition, not a single word of support for Ukraine or condemnation of Russias aggression against Ukraine was mentioned at the ceremony.

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 US Air National Guard pilot in the back seat of a Ukrainian Su-27 during exercise Safe Skies in July 2011. US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn

US troops have been in contact with Ukrainian troops throughout the war to provide advice and support.

Members of the US Air National Guard have been providing advice for using US-made weaponry.

Despite US support, Ukraine's air force is still at a disadvantage against Russia's larger force.

Since Russia attacked Ukraine last year, US airmen have been on the phone with their Ukrainian counterparts, discussing ways to operate against Russian forces and how to use US-made weapons, US Air Force officials said this month.

While Russia has some aerial advantages, both sides have effective air-defense systems that have kept the other from gaining air superiority, but Ukraine's air force continues to receive US-made weapons that allow it to strike valuable targets.

As with other US-made hardware, those weapons come with constant US support, according to Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the US Air National Guard.

It started out as "here's what you need to do to survive the initial attack" and has evolved to "here's how you can continue to deliver airpower," Loh told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Association symposium on March 8.

Ukrainian and US personnel during exercise Safe Skies in July 2011. US Air National Guard/Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn

Much of the support comes from the California National Guard, which has worked with Ukraine since 1993 as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program.

That relationship has "allowed a Ukrainian soldier to pick up the phone to say, 'Hey, I'm having a problem with this weapon system' to somebody who actually trained them and solve a problem on the ground," Loh said in response to a question from Insider.

US airmen have advised Ukrainians on conducting agile combat employment, the US Air Force's concept for dispersed operations, and on using US-made weapons, including the AGM-88, a high-speed anti-radiation missile provided last year to target Russian radars, and guidance kits, called JDAMs, that allow bombs to glide farther.

"We're continuing to provide them the tactics, techniques, and procedures for things like agile combat employment [and] new weapons systems, as you've seen in the press lately  'how do I use a Glide JDAM' and some of those things," Loh said. "It was HARMs before that. So that has continued over this last 13 months of conflict."

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Ukraine's air force still faces a tough operating environment. Ukrainian air-defense systems, ranging from Cold War-era cannons to sophisticated guided missiles, have helped keep Russian aircraft at bay and defended Ukrainian infrastructure from Russia's missile and drone attacks, but Russia also fields highly effective air-defense systems, which along with long-range sensors and missiles on Russian aircraft hinder Ukrainian jets' ability to operate effectively near the front lines.

A California Air National Guard officer discusses exercise Safe Skies with his Ukrainian counterparts in July 2011. US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn

The US estimates that Russian forces have downed more than 60 Ukrainian aircraft and that Ukrainian forces have downed more than 70 Russian aircraft, according to Gen. James Hecker, head of US Air Forces in Europe.

"Both of their integrated air and missile defenses, especially when you're talking about going against aircraft, have been very effective, and that's why they're not flying over one another's country," Hecker said at the symposium on March 6.

Ukraine has been able to mount limited aerial attacks against Russian forces, including some high-profile attacks far behind Russian lines, usually with drone aircraft.

US-made HARM missiles, which US engineers scrambled to adapt for use on Ukraine's Soviet-designed MiG-29s and Su-27s in just two months, have helped with attacks on fixed targets, like air-defense systems, though both sides are "getting very good at taking these typically fixed sites and being able to move them, quite often in little time," Hecker told reporters.

A Ukrainian MiG-29 armed with a US-made AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile. Ukrainian Air Force via Twitter

"We've just got them some precision munitions that have some extended range and go a little bit further than a gravity-dropped bomb," Hecker added. "That's a recent capability that we were able to give them, probably in the last three weeks."

Hecker appeared to be referring to the extended range JDAM, which uses wings and a GPS kit mounted on an unguided bomb to enable it to reach targets up to 45 miles away.

With its current capabilities, Ukraine's air force is able to do "a couple of strikes a day" at ranges "a little bit farther than HIMARS can get right now, but not real far out at all," Hecker said.

While discussion of future Western military aid to Ukraine has focused on fighter jets, officials and experts say artillery and air-defense weapons remain the highest priority ahead of increased fighting in the spring and summer.

Russia's frequent air attacks have taxed Ukraine's supply of interceptor missiles. Countries at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in January pledged to provide more of those missiles, and Ukraine is now "sitting in a pretty good place," Hecker added. "If they run out, then it's going to be very difficult for the Ukrainians to protect what they have right now."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Training of the Ukrainians that arrived in Germany to practise with Leopard 2 main battle tanks is approaching its end.

Source: Handelsblatt news outlet, cited by European Pravda

Details: After several weeks of training, soldiers performed combat exercises at the military training field in Bergen, Lower Saxony, on Monday.

Bjorn Schulz, the commander of a tank troops school in Munster, said at the training field in Lower Saxony that the training allowed the Ukrainian soldiers to use modern weapons systems.

Germany will send 18 Leopard 2A6 modern main battle tanks to Ukraine, and Portugal will send another 3. It is part of the military aid destined to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia. Experts are firmly convinced that Leopard 2 has a significant advantage in battles against Russian armoured tank troops. The Ukrainian soldiers have to come back home with tanks this month.

Background: On 25 February, the German government announced its goal to "quickly collect two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine". In Ukraine, such battalions usually have 31 tanks each. The main participants of the initiative are Poland, Norway, Canada and Spain.

Last week's reports said that Ukrainian troops had completed their training on Leopard 2 tanks in Poland, and Ukraine received the remaining 10 of 14 tanks promised by Poland. Four tanks were sent earlier.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
By Marco Trujillo and Juan Medina

ZARAGOZA, Spain (Reuters) - Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers on Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank, of which Madrid is set to deliver six mothballed units to Kyiv this spring.

A total of 40 tank crew members and 15 mechanical specialists underwent training on their use at a military base in the northeastern city of Zaragoza, Spain's armed forces said in a statement.

"It has been intense," Spanish trainer Captain Contreras - who identified himself only by his rank and surname - told reporters, who were allowed access to the drills for the fist time.

Contreras said the Ukrainians would be returning home "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the Leopards.

"Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier. With that, together with the motivation that the personnel brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat."

One of the Ukrainian soldiers being trained had a patch on a sleeve sporting the slogan "Freedom or Death" underneath the Ukrainian flag.

Kyiv has secured from several of its Western allies pledges to send modern battlefield tanks to help fend off Russia's invasion as Moscow steps up its efforts to make advances in eastern Ukraine.

Last month, Spain said it plans to send six German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine after they undergo repairs, a number that could increase to 10.

Other NATO countries, including Germany, Poland and Portugal, have said they would deliver a total of 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

(Reporting by Marco Trujillo and Juan Medina; Writing by Emma Pinedo; Editing by David Latona and Angus MacSwan)
Recent restrictions on recruiting fighters from Russian prisons for his mercenary outfit have prompted Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin to focus on free citizens, including high school students, the British Ministry of Defense said in an update.

Prigozhin's recruiters have lately given career talks and distributed questionnaires headlined "Application of a young warrior'' in Moscow high schools, the ministry said. It's a highly dangerous career path, considering about half the convicts Wagner has deployed in Ukraine have become casualties, according to the ministry.

Wagner forces have been at the forefront of the effort to take Bakhmut, where Russia sustained more than 2,600 casualties in the previous week, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday.

Prigozhin is close enough to Russian President Vladimir Putin to be known as "Putin's chef,'' after previously catering Kremlin events. But his relentless criticism of the Russian military has earned him enemies in the Ministry of Defense who are in no hurry to help him.

His new strategy probably won't make up for the loss of formerly incarcerated fighters, the ministry said, adding: "If the ban (on recruiting prisoners) endures, Prigozhin will likely be forced to reduce the scale or intensity of Wagner operations in Ukraine.''

INFIGHTING: Wagner mercenaries struggle in Bakhmut: Ukraine updates

Developing:

India will abide by the $60 per barrel sanction cap on Russian oil, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. India has become a major buyer of Russian oil since the war began. Crude oil currently sells for about $75 a barrel.

The International Criminal Court will open two war crimes cases and seek several arrests tied to the Russian invasion, The New York Times reported, citing current and former officials with knowledge of the decision. They would be the first international charges filed since the war began.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Monday to increase U.K. military funding by $6 billion over the next two years in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and the threat of a more aggressive China.

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Russia's legislature is considering a plan to raise the military draft ages to 21-30 from 18-27 over the next three years. Enlistment would remain legal for those 18 who still want to enlist.

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny learned Monday from his lawyer that a film detailing his poisoning and political activism won the Oscar for best documentary feature. There was no word on Navalny's reaction.

A member of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner and former criminal prisoner sits in the interrogation room after being captured by Ukrainian soldiers near Bakhmut on March 12, 2023.

Russia wants to extend grain deal but for only half the previous length

Russian officials say they are willing to extend the agreement that allows Ukraine grain shipments safe passage through a Russian blockade in the Black Sea but only for 60 days, half its previous length.

The officials, who are negotiating with U.N. representatives, say sanctions imposed by the West after the invasion of Ukraine keep Russia from getting full access to markets for its grain and fertilizer.

"Our further stance will be determined upon tangible progress on normalization of our agricultural exports, not in words, but in deeds," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, was intended to prevent a global food crisis. Russia and Ukraine are among the world's leading grain exporters. Both the initial deal in July and its extension in November -- which expires Saturday -- were agreed to for 120 days.

Ukraine has pointed out terms of the deal specify extensions must last at least 120 days. The UN said in a statement it "will do everything possible to preserve the integrity of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and ensure its continuity."

Ukrainians wait for Russians to 'shoot each other' as internal rift widens

Ukrainian servicemen said on social media video they are holding positions in war-battered Bakhmut waiting for Russians to shoot each other" as the war of words between the Russian Defense Ministry and a Russian mercenary leader intensifies, a think tank reports.

The assessment from the Institute for the Study of War said Russian military leadership may be allowing the mercenary Wagner Group to take high casualties in Bakhmut to erode its leaders leverage while preserving Russian army troops.

Prigozhin has publicly complained that the Defense Ministry has been increasingly restricting his ability to recruit convicts and secure ammunition. Plus, the assessment says Prigozhin likely anticipated that Ukrainian forces would withdraw from Bakhmut. Instead, Zelenskyy doubled down, rejecting suggestions that his military strategically allow the city to fall.

"Putin and the Russian MoD may use Prigozhin as a scapegoat for the costly drive on Bakhmut once the offensive culminates," the assessment says.

Xi, Zelenskyy reportedly to meet virtually

Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to meet virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the start of the war, likely after Xi visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people the publication said were familiar with the matter.

The visit and remote chat reflect Beijings effort to play a more active role in mediating an end to the war, the Journal reported.

Putin and Xi have appeared to grow closer in the year since the war began, although China has dismissed as untrue reports in the U.S. that Xi's government is considering supplying Russia with badly needed arms.

Ukrainians who came to U.S. fleeing war can stay longer

Thousands of Ukrainians who fled to America when the war started in February 2022 will get an extension on their one-year authorization to remain in the U.S., the Biden administration said Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security said the extension is for certain Ukrainians and their immediate family members who were let into the U.S. before the start of the Uniting for Ukraine program, which allows for two-year stays.

More than 20,000 Ukrainians came to the U.S. between the time the war started and the establishment of that program, and they might be granted another year's stay, DHS said.

Kherson region sets curfew amid sabotage concerns

Kherson regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin announced a curfew from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday this week, citing concerns that Russian sabotage teams may have moved into the area. He said the curfew could help prevent casualties among the civilian population during the counter-subversive measures.

"Help the defense forces," Prokudin said on Telegram.

Kherson was overrun by Russian forces early in the war but was liberated in November. Russian forces who retreated across the Dnieper River have continuously shelled the region from there. Ukraine officials estimate that about half the population, which once approached 300,000, has fled.

Ukraine breaks up cash smuggling ring

Ukraine's Security Service says it has broken up a transnational cash smuggling ring and seized more than $1 million at a checkpoint on the Romanian border. The money was stolen from the territories occupied by Russia and may have been targeted to finance Russian agents in Ukraine, the security service said.

Five participants were exposed in the scheme that tried to bring cash to the Chernivtsi region under the guise of tourists on a bus. Some of the cash was hidden in suitcases and some was wrapped around a suspect's body, the security service said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine live updates: Wagner Group recruits mercenaries in high school
COLOMBO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka earned 169.9 million U.S. dollars from tourism in February, the country's tourism minister said on Monday.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando told the media that the figure represented an increase from the 169.4 million dollars a year earlier.

Over 210,000 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in the first two months of 2023, and 331.7 million dollars were earned in the cited period, according to him.

The South Asian country recorded 102,545 visitor arrivals in January and 107,639 in February.

The cumulative number of visitor arrivals for the year until March 8 was 234,547, an increase of 9.6 percent from the same period of last year, said the tourism minister.

Russia, India and Germany were Sri Lanka's top three source markets of tourists so far in March, according to the Tourism Development Authority data.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka's leading foreign exchange earners, has suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic economic and political crises.

Sri Lanka aims to attract around 1.5 million tourists in 2023 and 3 million in 2024. 
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations affirmed its commitment to the Black Sea grain deal on Monday, saying its chief would do everything possible to preserve its "integrity" after Moscow floated renewing it for a shorter period.

"The UN Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) has confirmed that the UN will do everything possible to preserve the integrity of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and ensure its continuity," the U.N. said in a statement late on Monday after a meeting in Geneva on its renewal. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin suggested at the talks renewing the deal for 60 days, or half the term of the previous extension.

(Reporting by Emma Farge and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber)
GENEVA (AP)  A Russian delegation at talks with senior U.N. officials said Monday that Moscow is ready to accept an extension to a grain export deal that has helped bring down global food prices amid the war in Ukraine  but only for 60 days as the Kremlin holds out for changes to how the arrangement is working.

The United Nations said it notes the Russian announcement and reaffirmed its support for the agreement struck in July as part of the global response to the most severe cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

The U.N. and Turkey brokered the deal between the warring countries that allows Ukraine  one of the worlds key breadbaskets  to ship food and fertilizer from three of its Black Sea ports.

The 120-day agreement was renewed last November. That extension expires on Saturday, and another 120-day extension was on the table.

Ukraine charged that the Russian proposal to extend it only for 60 days goes against the deal, although the language of the agreement allows the parties to roll it over or "modify it  as Russia did Monday.

The noncommittal U.N. response betrayed the world bodys inability to force hands. Russia can largely do what it wants to abide by or reject the deal, leaving the issue dangling for countries in the developing world, which benefit most.

The U.N. Secretary-General has confirmed that the U.N. will do everything possible to preserve the integrity of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and ensure its continuity, a U.N. statement said. It stressed that the deal had allowed the export of 24 million tons of grain and more than 1,600 trips by vessels through the Black Sea  with more than half the exports destined for developing countries.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price emphasized the need to extend the deal, describing it as a critical instrument at a critical time.

Moscow has voiced frustration that a parallel agreement has failed to fully open the door to Russian exports of grain and fertilizer through the Black Sea. Still, overall Russian wheat shipments were at or near record highs in November, December and January, increasing 24% over the same three months a year earlier, according to financial data provider Refinitiv.

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The comprehensive and frank conversation has once again confirmed that while the commercial export of Ukrainian products is carried out at a steady pace, bringing considerable profits to Kiev, restrictions on the Russian agricultural exporters are still in place, the Russian delegation said in a statement.

The sanctions exemptions for food and fertilizers announced by Washington, Brussels and London are essentially inactive, it claimed.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organization has been working to facilitate Russian agricultural exports, noting that while Russian food and fertilizer havent been sanctioned, private companies have been cautious to deal with them and thats why weve asked for letters of comfort from certain governments.

As part of the arrangement, Moscow wants Russian ammonia to be fed through a pipeline across Ukraine to Black Sea ports for possible export. Russian officials also say banking restrictions and high insurance costs have hurt their hopes of exporting fertilizer.

Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov claimed that "Russias position to extend the deal only for 60 days contradicts the document envisaging an extension of at least 120 days and said Kyiv was awaiting the official positions of the U.N. and Turkey.

Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, and Martin Griffiths, head of the U.N. humanitarian agency, hosted a team led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin at U.N. offices in Geneva.

Ukraine and Russia are key global suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other food to countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia where millions don't have enough to eat. Russia was also the worlds top fertilizer exporter before the war.

The loss of those supplies, after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, drove global food prices higher and fueled concerns of a hunger crisis in poorer countries.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative involves seaborne checks of cargo by U.N., Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish officials to ensure that only foodstuffs  not weapons  are being transported.

The amount of grain leaving Ukraine has dropped even as the deal works to keep food flowing. Inspections of ships under the grain initiative have fallen sharply since they got rolling in earnest in September, and vessels have been backed up.

Western critics accuse Russia of dragging its heels on inspections. Moscow denies that.

Though the grain deal helped stabilize global food prices, there are still concerns about the impact on prices of possible trade restrictions and weather, especially heat waves, said Michael Puma, director of Columbia Universitys Center for Climate Systems Research whose research focuses on global food security.

Big picture, were pretty fortunate that the weather conditions have allowed  high levels of production across many of the grains, he said.

On the front lines in Ukraine, the eastern city of Bakhmut remained the site of fierce fighting, with Ukrainian forces denying Russian forces the prize of its capture after six months of attrition.

In a video address late Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it's very tough in the east, very painful, adding that we need to destroy the enemys military might, and we will.

Ukraine's ground forces chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi also noted that the situation around Bakhmut remains difficult, with assault units from Russia's Wagner Group military contractor advancing from several directions, trying to break through the defenses of our troops and advance to the central districts of the city.

Ukraines presidential office said that four civilians were killed by the latest shelling, including two in the southern Mykolaiv region. Three more, including a 7-year-old child, were wounded.

On Monday, one civilian was killed in Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, where a school building was destroyed, and five others were wounded by Russian shelling of the village of Kostiantynivka. Another person died in shelling of Znob-Novhorodske in the northern Sumy region that also wounded four people.

Russian officials accused Ukrainian forces of shelling the town of Volnovakha in the Russia-controlled part of the Donetsk region that killed two civilians and wounded two others on Monday. ___

Karl Ritter reported from Kyiv. Courtney Bonnell in London, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Matthew Lee in Washington also contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So when we looked at SciDev (ASX:SDV) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for SciDev, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.049 = AU$2.5m  (AU$70m - AU$19m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

Therefore, SciDev has an ROCE of 4.9%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Chemicals industry average of 10%.

View our latest analysis for SciDev

roce

In the above chart we have measured SciDev's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for SciDev.

What Can We Tell From SciDev's ROCE Trend?

We're delighted to see that SciDev is reaping rewards from its investments and is now generating some pre-tax profits. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 4.9% on its capital. In addition to that, SciDev is employing 2,476% more capital than previously which is expected of a company that's trying to break into profitability. This can tell us that the company has plenty of reinvestment opportunities that are able to generate higher returns.

The Key Takeaway

Overall, SciDev gets a big tick from us thanks in most part to the fact that it is now profitable and is reinvesting in its business. Since the stock has returned a staggering 438% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. So given the stock has proven it has promising trends, it's worth researching the company further to see if these trends are likely to persist.

Story continues

One more thing, we've spotted 3 warning signs facing SciDev that you might find interesting.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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One of the wild stallions roaming North Carolinas Outer Banks had to be euthanized after it sustained critical injuries fighting with other horses, according to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

Eleven-year-old Finn died Saturday, March 11, due to an irreparably broken hind leg, the nonprofit announced in a Facebook post.

Finn had been observed fighting with other stallions on Friday, and then unable/unwilling to move Friday night and into Saturday, the fun reported.

Upon closer inspection, it was obvious that his leg was badly broken and under the direction of our veterinarian we captured him so that we could help end his suffering. Finns injuries were completely in line with those commonly sustained from fighting, and there is no reason to believe he was injured by human means.

Corolla has a herd of about 100 free roaming horses and they are known to engage in brutal fights, with stallions biting, kicking and butting each other to defend turf and win females, experts say. The tactics are also used when parents force older offspring to leave the family and find a mate.

Such battles can take place as tourists look on, and the fund said Finns death serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with humans getting too close. County law requires humans to stay 50 feet away from the horses.

Its breeding season and stallions absolutely do not care if you are in the way when they are fighting. You will get trampled, kicked, bit, or worse, the fund reports.

Fights can break out in a split second, and their movements can be unpredictable and quick. Please give these horses the respect they deserve  for their own safety and yours.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund tends the herd with the help of donations, providing health care and transferring badly hurt horses to a farm to live out their days under human care.

Herd manager Meg Puckett paid tribute to Finn, noting the loss was devastating.

What happened to him is nature in its most basic, wild, and unforgiving form, she wrote. Finn died as wild as he was born; he lived a truly free life and that is something we should take comfort in.

Story continues

Loneliest wild horse on Outer Banks finds its happy ending after months of wandering

6-week old wild horse dies on Outer Banks after contracting painful fungal disease

Rarely witnessed moment of wild horses enjoying dip in ocean recorded off Outer Banks
Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council President Darrin Kelly will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. today after the union says a striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette worker was assaulted while picketing.

According to an incident report, this happened Saturday night outside a Post-Gazette distribution center on the South Side.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newsroom workers voted to authorize a labor strike against the company and walked off the job in October.

RELATED COVERAGE: Post-Gazette journalists walk off job after strike vote

The union and the Post-Gazette disagree about what started the incident. The Post-Gazette says a contracted driver was physically and verbally attacked while the union says the truck driver assaulted two striking workers, sending one to the hospital with a broken jaw.

The Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council says its demanding answers and accountability.

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More than a year after a lawsuit was filed against Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree and two deputies for their alleged involvement in the death of a teen, there has yet to be a jury trial or settlement.

The suit was filed on Feb. 1, 2022 in the state court of Richmond County by the parents of 17-year-old Deangelo Burns, who was fatally shot Feb. 7, 2020.

While rendering aid to Burns, two Richmond County deputies were involved in a physical altercation, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

The two deputies, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Richard Roundtree are being sued for negligence.

Attorneys for the city declined a request for comment. Attorneys for the Burns family did not respond to media inquiries.

FILE - During a press conference Feb. 11, 2020, at the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Richard Roundtree holds a Stinger flashlight similar to the one that was used as a weapon during an altercation between two deputies at a crime scene. Roundtree, along with former deputy Nicholas Nunes and deputy Brandon Keathley are being sued in civil court for negligence while administering aid to a dying teenager.

What happened at Deangelo Burns' shooting?

On the night of Feb. 7, 2020, Burns was shot on Abelia Drive and his girlfriend drove him from the shooting location to the Circle K on the 2800 block of Peach Orchard Road, looking for help, according to a previous article.

Deputy Brandon Keathley, along with a trainee, arrived first and began CPR on Burns, Sheriff Richard Roundtree said after the incident. Deputy Nicholas Nunes reportedly arrived afterward.

Roundtree said Nunes tried to take control of first aid and pushed Keathley away from the victim, according to previous reporting. In response, Keathley allegedly struck Nunes on the head with a flashlight.

Another deputy arrived on the scene and removed Nunes, but Burns died.

Trending down:Columbia County data shows crime is down in all categories so far in 2023

Fighting for change: Augusta activist walks in ancestors' footsteps

At the time of the incident, Roundtree said "other deputies continued to administer aid to the victim. At no time was care interrupted as the incident occurred prior to the start of CPR," according to previous reporting. However, he said both deputies acted inappropriately.

The suit alleges Nunes' and Keathley's actions were negligent and "the direct and proximate cause of death."

Story continues

The sheriff's office and Roundtree are accused of breach of ministerial duty for failing to do their jobs and allowing Nunes and Keathley to respond to the scene. The sheriff's office is also being accused of negligence for failing to provide reasonable standard of care to Burns.

The family is asking for a jury trial and for a jury to determine how much money  considering the value of Burns' life, medical and funeral expenses  the family should receive.

Richmond County Deputy Brandon Keathley, right, is facing two felony charges, aggravated assault and aggravated assault upon a police officer, after he struck former deputy Nicholas Nunes, left, on the head while rendering aid to a shooting victim. Keathley's certification is currently suspended.

What's happened in the Burns case so far?

Attorneys representing the sheriff's office and deputies filed an answer on Feb. 16, 2022 denying negligence or breach of ministerial duty, according to court documents.

The city said the sheriff's office could not be sued and said only Nunes, Keathley and Roundtree could be served.

City attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case along with the answer on Feb. 16, stating the sheriff and deputies are entitled to sovereign immunity.

In response to the city attorneys' motion to dismiss, the Burns family's attorneys submitted a response on March 20, 2022, claiming the case could not be dismissed without discovery and immunity does not apply to the defendants, according to court documents.

Deputy resigns:Former Richmond County deputy struck in head resigns from Grovetown police

Deputy indicted:Richmond County deputy indicted on felony charges for alleged assault on fellow deputy

Charges filed against Keathley

Deputy Brandon Keathley was charged with two felonies, aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer, according to Clerk of Court records.

The second charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, according to Georgia law.

FILE - Richmond County deputy Brandon Keathley was charged following the incident.

At the time of the indictment, Roundtree felt discipline was sufficient and expressed dissatisfaction against then-Augusta District Attorney Natalie Paine for prosecuting the case.

The case has not yet gone to trial, according to Clerk of Court records.

Keathley is suspended without pay, while Nunes received a written reprimand before resigning from the department and joining the Arizona State Patrol.

Charges against the alleged shooter

Jaquavious Taylor, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was charged with murder in Burns' death. He faces trial as an adult and pleaded not guilty.

Taylor allegedly ran up to Burns and shot him, according to previous reporting. Investigators believe Burns angered someone a few days before his death and a bounty was put on his head.

Taylor's case has not yet gone to trial, according to Clerk of Court records.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Update in 2020 Richmond County Sheriff's Office negligence lawsuit
A UPS supervisor is accused of lining his pockets after stealing more than $25,000 worth of items from his job, Georgia authorities said.

The 22-year-old man was arrested March 9 after deputies said he pilfered gold, silver and ammunition from packages at the UPS Customer Center in Gainesville, according to the Hall County Sheriffs Office.

Hes accused of taking more than 100 items, some of which he sold for cash, police said. Authorities said the alleged theft went on for more than a year.

He is charged with theft by taking and theft by deception, according to authorities.

Deputies launched an investigation in February after UPS officials reported the stolen property, according to a news release. Investigators recovered some of the items and are working to find more, authorities said.

The man was booked into the Hall County Jail and later released after posting a $27,700 bond, according to deputies.

The investigation is ongoing.

Gainesville is about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta.

College student stole $547K from her jewelry store job and bought a Tesla, cops say

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In 2019, Trump rejected

In one of his interviews, Trump made it clear how he was going to negotiate with dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine  he wants to cede some Ukrainian territories to Russia, the journalist said.

"If Donald Trump comes to power, I'm afraid all U.S. aid to Ukraine will stop," Yakovina said.



European aid is certainly great and good, but it cannot be compared to U.S. aid in terms of quality. Therefore, it will be a million times more difficult for Ukraine to fight back against Russian aggression in this war if Donald Trump becomes president of the United States.

In addition, the political observer suggests that sanctions against Russia will be lifted under Trump's presidency.

"He refused to impose sanctions in December 2019," Yakovina said.

Trump then refused to impose the so-called sanctions from hell on Russia, citing... nothing, he just refused, and that was it. The bill was already in the Senate, senators were ready to vote for it, and Trump contacted his supporters among the Republicans who had the majority at the time, and said: Do not pass this bill under any circumstances.

Read also: President's Office slams Trump's scandalous claims about Ukraine

According to Yakovina, it was the Trump administration that gave Putin the opportunity to "properly prepare" for the full-scale invasion in 2022.

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump claimed that he could "stop Russia's war" against Ukraine by allowing the aggressor state to seize parts of Ukrainian territory that he believes are "Russian-speaking."

The extract with these statements by Trump was aired on Fox News after editing, cutting out the phrase about his ability to negotiate with Putin.

Earlier, Trump claimed that Ukraine needed to "give up" Crimea and join NATO to prevent Russia from launching a full-scale invasion.

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 Biden administration is moving to extend the parole of Ukrainian refugees who were processed along the Mexican border after fleeing their native country at the beginning of its war with Russia in early 2022.

More than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the country through the Uniting For Ukraine initiative, which provides a two-year window to remain in the country. A similar number have entered the U.S. through other means, but less than 2,000 have been processed through the official U.S. refugee program.

The new effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will help some 20,000 Ukrainians who were processed along the southern border between February and April 2022 to sign up for the Uniting for Ukraine program, effectively extending their stay for another year, according to CBS News.

Refugees processed along the Mexican border were initially granted parole for 12 months, with their temporary permission to live in the U.S. set to expire this spring.

As Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis it has caused continue, DHS assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians and family members on a case-by-case basis to align with the parole provided under Uniting for Ukraine, DHS spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez told The Hill.

Hernandez noted that Ukrainian refugees can still pursue other immigration pathways, such as applying for asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

He also noted that individuals who have their parole extended will also have their employment authorization extended for a commensurate period of time.

Millions of Ukrainians fled their country early in the war, with the largest group settling down across the border in Poland. However, hundreds of thousands found their way to other European countries, Canada and the U.S.

Last month marked a full year since Russia invaded Ukraine, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, tens of thousands of military casualties on both sides, and the displacement of more than 8.1 million Ukrainian citizens.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Jonathan Stempel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Monday sued Rite Aid Corp, accusing the pharmacy chain of missing "red flags" as it illegally filled hundreds of thousands of prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids.

In a complaint filed in Cleveland federal court, the Department of Justice said Rite Aid repeatedly filled prescriptions from May 2014 to June 2019 that were medically unnecessary, for off-label use, or not issued in the usual course of professional practice.

"The Justice Department is using every tool at our disposal to confront the opioid epidemic that is killing Americans and shattering communities across the country," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Rite Aid pharmacists were accused of ignoring obvious signs of misuse, including in prescriptions for "trinities," a combination of opioids, benzodiazepine, and muscle relaxants preferred by drug abusers for their increased euphoric effect.

The Justice Department also said Rite Aid intentionally deleted some pharmacists' internal warnings about suspicious prescribers, such as "cash only pill mill???", while admonishing them to "be mindful of everything that is put in writing."

"These practices opened the floodgates for millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Rite Aid's stores," Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said.

Rite Aid is one of the country's largest pharmacy chains, with more than 2,330 stores in 17 U.S. states. It did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Justice Department accused Rite Aid of violating the federal False Claims Act by submitting false prescription claims to government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

It joined a whistleblower lawsuit filed in 2019 by two pharmacists and a pharmacy technician from Rite Aid stores in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and West Virginia.

Story continues

The Justice Department occasionally joins whistleblower cases it considers stronger.

It has also sued Walmart Inc and drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corp over their alleged roles in the nation's opioid crisis.

More than 500,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States from 1999 to 2020, including more than 90,000 in 2020 alone, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The case is U.S. ex rel White et al v Rite Aid Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, No. 21-01239.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Eric Beech in Washington; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Stephen Coates)
FARAH, Afghanistan, March 13 (Xinhua) -- One commuter was killed and 30 others including women and children were injured as a passenger-bus turned turtle in Afghanistan's western Farah province on Sunday, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Monday.

The accident took place late on Sunday when the driver of the bus lost control, killing one on the spot and injuring 30 others, some of whom were in critical condition, the news agency reported.

Dilapidated roads, lack of safety measures and reckless driving often claim lives in the mountainous and war-ravaged country. 
The level of Ukrainian pilots was highly rated in the US

He said that a number of allied countries are ready to train Ukrainian pilots on Western aircraft  although questions remain over the type of combat platform.

Then training can take place where there is such a weapon, an educational and training base., said Ihnat. Our experience was studied in the United States, there is positive feedback: The Americans highly appreciate the skills level of our pilots who will be sent for training.

Read also: US and allies freeze over $58 billion worth of sanctioned Russian assets

Read also: US examining ways to install advanced Western missiles on Ukrainian jets, media report says

Ihnat noted that Ukraine only has Soviet-made warplanes, and in the United States they were assessing how quickly pilots could learn to fly Western aircraft.

Based on this, conclusions are to be drawn as soon as possible as to how quickly training can be carried out, added Ihnat.

Earlier, the mass media reported that two Ukrainian pilots are in Arizona for training on flight simulators and to improve their skills.

The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed that two Ukrainian pilots have arrived in the United States, where they are being assessed by U.S. specialists to determine the level of their knowledge and flying skills.

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 welcomes possible conversation between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which will be the first contact of this level between the two countries after the start of the full-scale war.

Source: European Pravda correspondent with reference to US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan at a briefing on Monday.

"We encouraged President Xi to contact President Zelenskyy because we believe that Mr Xi himself should hear the Ukrainian view [on the war in Ukraine  ed.], not just Russian. We actually defended the idea to Beijing that this contact should take place. We did this publicly and non-publicly," he stressed.

The White House official noted that so far the Ukrainian side has not received confirmation of the conversation between Zelenskyy and Xi, but the United States hopes that this will still happen.

"This will be a good thing because it will potentially bring more balance and views to the PRC's approach to this [the war in Ukraine  ed.]. And we hope that we will continue to dissuade them from deciding to provide lethal assistance to Russia, which we obviously warned them about," Sullivan said.

Earlier on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to talk to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale war, probably after a trip to Moscow.

The Chinese leader's trip to Moscow, which allegedly may take place next week, and his plans to communicate with Zelenskyy probably indicate Beijing's attempts to play a more active role as a "mediator" to end the war.

Background: On the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale war, China published its vision of how to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






By Marianna Parraga

(Reuters) - Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA on Monday was loading a supertanker with crude and fuel for Cuba, maritime documents showed, an unusually large volume to help its political ally overcome an energy crisis with repeated blackouts.

Several big electrical outages this year have left many in Cuba concerned about power supplies this summer, when residents crank up air conditioning to stay cool in the Caribbean heat.

Cuban officials have blamed the intermittent power on difficulties processing heavy sour Cuban crude and fuel shortages on the island, which depends heavily on imports from Venezuela, for hobbling power generation.

A large fire last year destroyed a portion of the country's largest oil terminal, Matanzas, and has created obstacles to discharge fuel imports.

The Panama-flagged supertanker Nolan this week is loading 400,000 barrels of fuel oil for power generation at Venezuela's Jose terminal. It also will load 1.13 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy oil, bringing the total cargo to 1.53 million barrels, according to internal PDVSA shipping documents. The vessel is due to sail later this month.

Cuba has very limited capacity to receive large tankers, especially since the Matanzas fire. The Nolan is bound for Matanzas, one of the documents showed, where Cuban state companies have been discharging imports by transferring cargoes to smaller vessels through ship-to-ship operations.

Seeking to avoid its own fuel crisis, Venezuela's oil supplies to Cuba last year fell about 6% to 53,600 barrels per day (bpd), independent data based on tanker movement showed.

Nolan, owned by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd, was blacklisted in November by the U.S. Treasury Department under accusations of being part of an international oil smuggling network that facilitated oil trades for Hezbollah and Iran's Quds Force.

PDVSA, Venezuela's oil ministry and Cuba's Center for International Press did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Thomarose Global Ventures could not be reached for comment.

The tanker has not sent a signal from its transponder since mid-December while in Venezuela, according to Refinitiv Eikon vessel monitoring data.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Houston; Editing by Richard Chang)
Volkswagen Group and its battery company PowerCo have picked Canada for its first overseas battery cell factory.

The plant, located in St. Thomas, Ontario, will produce battery cells beginning in 2027, according to the German automaker. PowerCo, a VW company that launched in July 2022, will handle the automaker's global battery business, including sourcing raw materials, cell production and manufacturing at the Canada location.

The North American battery factory is part of VW Group's broader global plan to cut battery costs in half. The automaker plans to build six factories in Europe. Construction has started at locations in Salzgitter, Germany, and Valencia, Spain. The Canada location will be the site of its third factory and the first in North America.

VW Group battery factories graphic

Image Credits: VW Group

Volkswagen said the location is proof of its "ambitious growth strategy" in North America. The company pointed to other expansion plans in the region, including the launch of the U.S.-focused Scout brand. This more than doubles the number of EV chargers in the U.S. and Canada through its Electrify America subsidiary and software arm Cariad establishing offices in Seattle and Silicon Valley.

Earlier this month, VW spinout Scout announced plans to build its $2 billion factory in South Carolina. Scout was launched as a rugged EV brand aimed at U.S. consumers. The factory, located near Columbia, will be capable of producing 200,000 EVs a year. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

Volkswagen also noted that it has ramped up assembly of the all-electric ID.4 compact SUV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and plans to upgrade its plants in Puebla and Silao, Mexico, for the assembly of BEVs. The Mexico factory may also be used to produce BEV components such as electric motors in the second half of the decade, the company said.
The situation in Bahmut remains difficult

Syrskyi said that Wagners assault units are advancing from several directions, trying to break through Ukrainian defenses.

Read also: Ukrainian defenders hold on in Bakhmut, Putins mobilization fails

During tough fighting, our defenders are inflicting significant losses on the enemy,he said.

All the enemys attempts to capture the city are repelled by the artillery, tanks, and other means of fire, he added.

Fighting for control of Bakhmut has been going on since July 2022, with the town being one of the hottest spots in the war zone. Ukrainian defenders are continuing their defense in the face of constant assaults by Russian troops, who are unsuccessfully trying to surround and capture the town.

Read also: Ukrainian army destroys most of Wagner PMC near Bakhmut, military spokesperson says

The Russian invaders threw trained units of Wagners PMC and other regular units of the Russian army into their attempts to capture the city. Ukraines Defense Ministry estimates the daily losses of Russia in the battles for Bakhmut at 500 people killed and wounded.

Western intelligence estimates the total losses of the invaders during the storming of Bakhmut at between 20,000 and 30,000 killed.

On Feb. 28, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar reported that reinforcements had been sent to Bakhmut. She said that defending the city was a military, not a political decision.

On March 6, the decision to continue and strengthen the defense in Bakhmut was unanimously supported at a meeting of the High Command attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian military command said that, by defending Bakhmut, the Armed Forces achieve the following goals:

prevent the enemy from systematically breaking through Ukrainian defenses;

inflict maximum losses on the Russians in terms of personnel and equipment,exhausting the enemys forces.

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The Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi has reported that the situation around Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast is challenging: the occupiers keep trying to break through the defences and advance into the city centre, but are suffering heavy losses.

Source: Military Media Centre citing Syrskyi

Quote from Commander of Ukrainian Ground Forces: "The situation around Bakhmut remains difficult. Wagner's assault units are advancing from several directions, trying to break through the defence of our troops and advance to the central areas of the city."

Details: At the same time, Syrskyi added that in the course of fierce battles, Ukrainian soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupiers.

He emphasised that the defenders are repelling all Russian attempts to capture the city with artillery, tanks and other firepower, and the defence of the fortress [one of the names of Bakhmut] continues.

Background:

On 9 March, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, said that the Defence Forces were not allowing the Russians to take the city into operational encirclement, but the situation remained complicated.

On 12 March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian forces had lost more than 1,100 killed and 1,500 wounded soldiers over less than a week on the Bakhmut front. More than ten ammunition storage points had been burned as well.

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A security guard watches a customer leave a Silicon Valley Bank office on March 13, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Days after Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, customers are lining up to try and retrieve their funds from the failed bank. The Silicon Valley Bank failure is the second largest in U.S. history.



Silicon Valley Bank was the second-largest failure in U.S. history, but one WSJ columnist seems to think that having a minority of board members made up of minorities somehow played a part in its collapsed.

Another bank fails, and the anti-regulation apologists are quick to follow. Tech startup darling Silicon Valley Banks utter collapse this past week and the U.S. governments quick bailout was one for the record books, but one Wall Street Journal writer seems to think that SVB was distracted by having a board with less than 50% women, a single black person, and another LGBTQ+ person.

In the Inside Viewsection of the WSJ, column writer Andy Kesslers latest article is his usual fare. He blamed bank management instead of relaxed banking regulation for SVBs quick collapse. He claimed the bank was too willing to take on excessive debt, that it didnt take into account an encroaching bear market, and not quickly selling enough to cover losses.

Read more

Then toward the end of his thoughts, Kessler just had to sneak in a little bit of anti-woke hysteria to make his case. He cited the banks 2022 proxy statement that the board is made up of 45% women along with 1 Black, 1 LGBTQ+ and 2 Veterans. Somehow having 5 people on the board being female, along with a single Black person and another being not-straight, meant the board may have been distracted by diversity demands.

Distracted by what, exactly? Were they all too busy showing up with less than the average U.S. demographics to actually remember to cover losses? So somehow, routine diversity and equity initiatives were a part of a bank absolutely screwing over customers, requiring the federal government to conduct yet another big bank bailout?

Looking back, the new board's diversity is barely an improvement over previous years. The 2021 proxy statement noted there were only four women on the board compared to nine men and only two racially diverse board members. If Kessler was so quick to point out the number of diversity hires, then he was very willing to ignore their qualifications. Two of the most recently-elected board members were Richard Daniels, the chief information officer of health care company Kaiser Permanente, and Alison Davis, a co-founder of tech investment firm Fifth Era. These are not uncommon names to see on the boards of major banking firms, especially those so heavily involved in tech.

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Gizmodo reached out to Kessler to see if he had any comment, but we did not immediately hear back.

Other journalists were quick to hone in on just how ridiculous an idea that the woke folks at SVB were so overly focused on diversity they forgot how to bank. TheInformation founder Jessica Lessin, a former Wall Street Journal veteran of eight years, called out her former employer for the absolutely mind-numbingly dumb take.

For @wsj to say flat out that SVB could have failed because they added non-white men to their board shows how far behind the times (and certifiably stupid) this publication really is. It makes me so angry and very sad. WSJ readers and staff deserve better. pic.twitter.com/ppbcugJNhW  Jessica Lessin (@Jessicalessin) March 13, 2023

And Kessler isnt the only one pushing this narrative. Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs pushed the woke mind virus bull in a Monday tweet, saying [SVBs] resources should have not been blown on woke/DEI initiatives instead of actual financial management.

Weve come to expect this rhetoric from the far right at this point, though of course the Journal is going to make it out to be personal failures rather than institutional issues why such a bank went under. To be clear, its not hard to find examples why SVB made the wrong decisions, and when. The speed of Silicon Valley Banks sudden decline was on par with recent crypto exchange failures, and its emblematic of just how little anyone was really paying attention.

Longtime consumer protection hawk Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote in a New York Times piece that SVB CEO Greg Becker was one of the many high-powered executives who lobbied to end the Dodd-Frank Act. That law was passed after the 2008 financial crisis to increase transparency at banks. In 2018, Congress voted to roll back parts of Dodd-Frank, leaving just 10 banks subject to strict oversight. Guess what, Silicon Valley Bank was just the 16th largest in the U.S.

Kessler usually has some pretty dry opinions on tech business, at best. Other times, his column reads more like your average tech libertarian offering his best excuse for why we should just let the multi-billion dollar companies complete massive mergers that dont have any real benefit to consumers because, uhhh, innovation. At other times, hes had some very wrong opinions about climate change.

Everyone agrees something was rotten with SVB, but no, diversity wasnt a part of it. Everybody loses when nobodys making sure banks arent screwing people over. You now have folks selling SVB swag at insanely inflated prices on eBay, so at least a few folks are making something out of the debacle.



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A domestic violence survivor and her child walk across a bridge during an excursion outside of Lviv, organized by the Centre for Women's Perspectives. Credit - Jessie Williams for the Fuller Project

Published in partnership with The Fuller Project, a global nonprofit newsroom dedicated to groundbreaking reporting on women.

Oksana recalls waking up in the middle of the night to find her husbands hands around her neck. Another time, he tried to stab her. Although they had been together for 16 years, he had episodes when he didnt recognize her, she says. We were sitting in the kitchen and I was trying to explain to him that I am your wife, and he was just telling me how he will kill me in a lot of detail because I am an enemy.

Oksanas husband was one of the first to be called up to fight for Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion a year ago. The army needed experienced soldiers and he had fought in the 2014 war in the Donbas. In May, the company he commanded was ambushed by Russian soldiers in Donetsk and spent five days fighting for their lives. He was one of just a few survivors. After that, she says, he lost his mind.

A short time later, he left his post and returned to the home in Kyiv they shared with their three children. Thats when the abuse started.

Before May he didnt even scream at me, he was the perfect husband, the perfect father, says the 40-year-old. This current war made him a monster.

Read More: 9 Photos That Capture a Year of Painand Resiliencein Ukraine

Perched on a bunk bed in her room at a womens shelter on the outskirts of Lviv, a city in western Ukraine, Oksana describes how she left in October, taking only her two younger children. She didnt tell anyone else where she was goingnot even her eldest son, who remained at their home. Her 15-year-old and 10-year-old play outside in the communal living room, where a fire crackles on a TV screen, giving the illusion of warmth on a cold winter day.

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More from TIME

In Ukraine, women are fleeing violencebut not just from the Russian armed forces. The war is driving up domestic violence as stress levels rise and traumatized men return to their families after long spells on the front lines. Police reports of domestic violence spiked in the immediate aftermath of Russias invasion in February 2022, while a crisis helpline set up for the issue had a record number of calls in August.

As the war enters its second year, experts say the problem is only going to get worse. But shelters are already full and social services are stretched to their limits in a country where even before the outbreak of war, there was limited help for survivors of domestic violence, an offense that wasnt officially criminalized in Ukraine until 2019.

The Fuller Project spoke to two other women, Khrystyna and Maria, who fled to womens shelters after being abused by their partners within the last year. (All names have been changed in this story to protect the womens identities.) Maria, 32, opens the neck of her blouse to reveal a long scar from her abusive ex-boyfriend, she says. The war put great psychological pressure on her relationship, leading to three months of violent abuse that only ended when her boyfriend broke her collarbone, and she decided to leave. I had very deep feelings for him. I believed that he could change, she says, as tears fill her eyes.

Studies have shown that domestic violencewhich disproportionately affects womenincreases during and after war as stress levels rise, families are displaced, and traumatized combatants return home. This can lead to physical, psychological and sexual violence erupting inside the home. It usually goes unreported. With soldiers seen as heroes defending the country, there is a reluctance to criticize those who are also abusers.

According to police records, calls reporting domestic violence across Ukraine steadily increased in the months after the invasion. There were significantly more calls in the first four months of the year. Records show there were almost 67,000 calls to police from January to April 2022, 40% more than for the same period in 2021, although data for the year as a whole shows a decrease in calls. The reason for this was not immediately clear and police did not respond to queries. Kateryna Cherepakha, who runs a hotline offering guidance to victims of domestic violence, believes cases may have gone unreported as millions of civilians fled the war. She also said an attitude that domestic violence is not that serious compared to the war may have affected reporting.

Cherepakhas organization, La Strada, saw calls increase over the spring and summer months, particularly in August 2022 when calls peaked at nearly 5,000, over 50% higher than the same month the year prior.

Vilena Kit, a psychologist who works with soldiers as well as survivors of domestic violence, says soldiers are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental condition triggered by a traumatic event. One of the biggest challenges she found when working with veterans from the 2014 conflict in the Donbas was alcoholism, which increases the risk of domestic violence. Vilena says there was a wave of domestic abuse after soldiers came back from fighting in the Donbas and predicts there will be another big wave once the current war is over. The worst is still to come, she says.

Read More: Olena Shevchenko Is Fighting for Ukraines Most Vulnerable People

Oksanas husband struggled with PTSD in 2015 when he returned from fighting in the Donbas, but had sought help and got better. This time, he refused to get treatment. When Oksana asked the army to take him back, they refused. They told me, No, because we dont know what to do with him, he will damage our soldiers, she says.

I tried really hard to find some help for him, anythingI asked every hospital and military organization, says Oksana. They told me they will provide that sort of help only after the war has ended. I called the police several times and they said, There is nobody. Call us when something really bad happens to you. This is not a big deal, especially with the situation the country is in now. You should be patient, hes a hero. (The national police of Ukraine and ministries of interior affairs, defense, and veteran affairs have not yet responded to requests for comment.)

Oksana believes the prevailing view of all soldiers as heroes has prevented her from receiving help. It has also made her feel guilty for asking. She says that through the lens of the war, I am a bad person, and hes a hero.

The lack of reporting and investigation of domestic violence committed by soldiers in Ukraine was identified in a 2019 report by Amnesty International, which looked at the impact of the 2014 conflict in the Donbas. In 11 of the 27 cases of domestic violence recorded by Amnesty International, perpetrators were active or former members of the military. Eight out of those 11 cases were reported to the police, and only in two of those eight did the women succeed in obtaining restraining orders from the courts.

Julia Dontsova, the operational coordinator at Amnesty International Ukraine who worked on the report, believes that the trends they found will persist and probably worsen. The report was conducted in what was a frontier territory in Ukraine at that time, she explains, but now the entire territory is at war.

With all due respect to our military, we may indeed find ourselves in a situation where a veteran returning from war will be respected and sympathized with to such an extent that such a minor offense as domestic violence may well be forgiven on all levels, she says.

Life for Oksana is finally starting to improve. She has made new friends in Lviv and is hoping to move to an apartment with her children. She says she wants a calm life now.

The shelter where Oksana and the other women are staying is run by the Centre for Womens Perspectives (CWP). Before the war, they only had one shelter for domestic abuse survivorsnow they have seven dotted across Lviv, which quickly filled up with people fleeing from eastern and central regions in the first few months of the war, some of whom are still there.

The Fuller Project spoke to two of CWPs founders, lawyer Halyna Fedkovych and Marta Chumalo, a psychologist, inside their office in Lviv. Its an old building with thick walls which they assure is safe if there is a missile strike  Just stay away from the windows, says Chumalo, when the air raid siren starts to wail.

We faced a major problem at the beginning of the war with access to services and to justice and law enforcement for our clients, because nobody knew what was going on, how long [the war] would lastit was this uncertain situation, says Fedkovych.

Read More: The Ukrainian Women Farmers Fighting to Keep the World Fed

Fedkovych and Chumalo are working closely with the police in Lviv to ensure they address domestic violence by soldiers.

Marta Vasylkevych, head of the Lviv polices domestic violence prevention unit, says her team has been developing new skills in preparation for an even greater increase in violence, such as additional physical education and courses on how to deal with weapons, as well as a special forces squad called Thor, which the police can call on for extra help.

Chumalo says sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers has been made a priority, with the General Prosecutors Office opening a special unit last year to investigate conflict-related sexual violence, and the media heavily documenting such cases. She hopes this survivor-centered approach will positively influence how they deal with domestic violence cases too. We will see, she says.

Many of the women helped by CWP left Ukraine in the early months of the war, after the invasion spurred a new policy that made it possible for people to take their children across the border without needing the other parents permission.

After a particularly intense period of shelling, Khrystyna tried to take her 11-year-old son to Poland. Everyone else on the bus was fleeing Putins bombs, but Khrystyna, 40, was fleeing her boyfriend and sons fatheran alcoholic who had been abusive even before the war but became more so when the missile attacks started. Multiple failings of the justice system led to her current situation  from the police dismissing her initial call for help as just family stuff when she was badly beaten at nine months pregnant with her son 11 years ago, to social services officials who believe her ex-boyfriends recent claims that she is the abusive one.

At the last moment, her boyfriend intervened to prevent them from leaving. The boy now lives with his father, and Khrystyna sees him only on Sundays.

In July, Ukraine ratified the Istanbul Convention, which is widely recognised as the most far-reaching international treaty addressing violence against women. Fedkovych is hopeful the move will improve protections for victims of domestic violence, but says the main challenge is ensuring existing legislation is implemented.

Even if the war does end in 2023, experts speaking with The Fuller Project said Ukraine will face an influx of domestic violence for years to come, as well as a growing number of weapons brought back from the frontlines. The police can already see it, and we can already see it from our clients, says Fedkovych. Many military men will not be very stable mentally, and its not a good combination.

Oksana says action is needed now, particularly for those soldiers who have left the army or who are returning home on rotation. Im not sure I need justice, I would prefer that my husband has necessary treatment, she says. I understand that I cannot go back [home] for any reason. Our family is dead now.

Sign up for the Fuller Projects newsletter, and follow the organization on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Xi Jinping

We have been encouraging President Xi to reach out to President Zelenskyy because we believe that PRC and President Xi himself should hear directly the Ukrainian perspective and not just the Russian perspective on this, CNN quotes Sullivan.

Read also: Lukashenko to meet with Xi Jinping to help Russia and China circumvent sanctions, reports ISW

He said the United States encouraged this approach both publicly and privately.

Sullivan added that on March 13, U.S. officials spoke with their Ukrainian counterparts, and that Kyiv is yet to receive a confirmation from Beijing that the Chinese leader would be open to talking to Zelenskyy directly.

Read also: Zelenskyy would like to meet with Xi Jinping

On Feb. 24, Zelenskyy announced his intention to meet with Xi Jinping, to discuss issues related to the Russian invasion and bilateral trade relations.

Recent media reports suggested Xi Jinping plans to have his first conversation with Zelenskyy since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Read also: Xi Jinping plans to visit Russia in coming months, WSJ reports

The talks are expected to take place after Jinping's visit to Moscow next week.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Michael Cohen (left) and Donald Trump. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images; Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Michael Cohen began his testimony Monday in the NY 'hush money' grand jury that may indict Trump.

He said he felt 'a little twisted, inside' as he entered the Manhattan building where the grand jury meets.

Cohen's testimony could last several days and lead to a felony falsifying business documents charge.

Michael Cohen is testifying Monday before the secret Manhattan grand jury that is weighing a possible indictment of Donald Trump.

Cohen accuses his former boss of approving an illegal "hush-money" payment made just days before the 2016 presidential election, something Trump has denied as recently as this week, insisting he has done "absolutely nothing wrong."

Back in 2018, federal prosecutors called the $130,000 payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels an illegal Trump campaign expenditure. A state grand jury is now weighing if the payment, which Cohen says was ordered by Trump, violates New York election and document laws.

An indictment, if voted, would make Trump the first ex-president to face criminal charges.

"I feel fine," Cohen told reporters as he arrived to testify shortly after noon.

"A little twisted, to be honest, inside. It's been a long time coming," he added. "Five years, now, give or take."

Cohen has said he first described the hush-money payment to Manhattan and federal prosecutors while Trump was still in office. Changes in the district attorney leadership, the pandemic, and intense legal fights with Trump attorneys over subpoenas repeatedly hamstrung the state probe.

"My goal is to tell the truth. My goal is to allow Alvin Bragg and his team to do what they need to do. I'm just here to answer the questions," Cohen told reporters on his way inside on Monday.

Asked if he wanted to see Trump arrested, Cohen disagreed.

"You've heard me say this many times my goal  this is not revenge, right? What this is is about accountability," he said.

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"I don't want to see anyone, including Donald Trump indicted, prosecuted, convicted, incarcerated, simply because I fundamentally disagree with them.

"This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds."

Cohen's lawyer, Lannie Davis, was at Cohen's side as he entered the building where the grand jury is hearing evidence in what one former prosecutor described as a small, sunless room filled with 1940s-era furnishings, including white linoleum-topped desks.

"There's only one word that Michael Cohen has always told me he wants from the very beginning that I started with him, to this very moment," Davis told reporters.

"The word is truth, and I'll back that up by my own word: facts. Any time you hear labels about Michael, attacks on Michael, just remember, we have the facts, proven and documented, on our side and that's the truth."

Read the original article on Business Insider
DHAKA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has warmly hailed the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in a major breakthrough announced in an agreement brokered by China.

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told journalists here Sunday night that Dhaka lauds China, Iraq and Oman for facilitating the negotiation, leading to the successful breakthrough which reflects the power of constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue.

He also lauded the leadership of Saudi Arabia and Iran for this very positive development.

Bangladesh believes that this would contribute to reducing tension and conflict in the Gulf region, foster stability, and create the path for "durable and sustainable long-term peace for the betterment of the brotherly peoples in the Middle East region," he said.

Tehran and Riyadh announced an agreement in Beijing last Friday to restore their diplomatic ties. 
 Read the full article on Motorious

Is this justice or overbearing government?

Weve often highlighted hoarders collections of classic cars either left out rotting in the elements or stuffed in an old building. And while many people question who would do such a thing to some pretty valuable vehicles, its another thing entirely to have the government come in and remove the cars. But thats exactly what happened recently in Wales and might be a shadow of things to come elsewhere.

Check out a classic car hoard here.

According to a report from The Sun, the 75-year-old pensioner had parked three classic cars in his backyard where they stayed for years. One was a 1966 Porsche 911, something which is quite valuable, depending on the market where it would be sold. The other two arent as impressive, a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C200 and 1988 MK2 Gold, but the guy who owned them obviously loved seeing the rides every day.

To remove the cars by force, the city council first sent threatening letters to the elderly owner. The man claims those letters also threatened to seize the home since its supposedly in bad condition. The Sun states the council imposed legislation on abandoned homes to remove the vehicles. Were not too familiar with Welsh law, but we assume that means they found some loophole which allowed for what essentially equates to legal theft of property.

While we agree that cars are made to be driven, we also think that as long as youre not doing anything to physically harm someone else, perhaps you ought to be able to do what you please with your cars. Paint them silly colors, lower them, put tiny wheels on them, race them on a track, or whatever else your heart so desires. But thats apparently not how authorities in Wales see it.

The story gets even better: the owner of the house and car collection reportedly has had health problems for years. He claims thats prevented him from taking care of the property and vehicles as he intended. Weve seen that play out a number of times. Taking the property of someone whos struggling doesnt seem like a great solution. What we want to know is why no neighbors stepped in and helped the guy out? All around, this situation seems pretty messed up.

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Source: The Sun

Photos via Media Wales

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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.
Replete with spellbinding multiverses, Everything Everywhere All at Once topped the 95th Academy Awards with big wins including best picture and a historic win for Michelle Yeoh. Stories of family permeated 2022 cinema and winners this year, as did big-budget blockbusters (even if they were denied top honors Sunday night).

Even the Oscars itself is now streaming  you can find the star-studded ceremony on Hulu. Some of the winning films are still in theaters but most are available online to stream now with either a subscription or as a digital rental. Heres where you can find many of 2022's Oscars-winning films:

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

Seven wins including best picture. Digital purchase.

The A24-produced indie Everything Everywhere All at Once has been a critical success and crowd-pleaser since it came out last spring. The film won best picture and Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress. Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis received awards for their performances. Yeoh, Quan and Stephanie Hsu carry a mind-bending multiverse story about a Chinese American familys disconnection and how they find each other again through the existence of other versions of themselves. The film is available for streaming on Paramount+ with a Showtime add-on.

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Four wins. Netflix.

All Quiet on the Western Front, is an unflinching German-language adaptation of a classic antiwar novel about life and death in the World War I trenches. It won four Oscars including best international feature and cinematography. The film is available to stream on Netflix.

THE WHALE

Two wins. Digital purchase.

Brendan Fraser won best actor for his portrayal of Charlie, the 600-pound central character of The Whale. Charlie is a father, an English teacher and has terminal health issues that give him a life expectancy of a week. In that week, he attempts to bond with his estranged daughter. The film is based on and adapted from the off-Broadway play by Samuel D. Hunter. The film also received an award for makeup and hairstyling. It is available for purchase on Youtube and Amazon.

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TOP GUN: MAVERICK

Sound. Paramount+.

Thirty-six years after the original Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick Tom Cruise is back. Cruise reprises his role as Maverick, taking on a leadership and mentor role for supporting cast members Miles Teller and Glen Powell. Top Gun: Maverick won the Oscar for sound and is available on Paramount+ and Amazon.

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

Visual effects. Still in theaters.

After a 13-year wait, Avatar: The Way of Water delves into the journey of the original Avatar main character Jake Sullys family through adversity and loss. Director James Cameron builds a spiritual and visually compelling world in this sequel that stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana. Winning the Oscar for visual effects, the film is still in theaters and is not yet available for streaming.

"WOMEN TALKING"

Adapted screenplay. Digital rental.

Director Sarah Polley weaves the story of pervasive sexual assault plaguing the women in a Mennonite community. Women Talking is an adaptation of a 2018 book by Miriam Toews. It stars Claire Foy, Rooney Mara and Frances McDormand. The film won the Oscar for adapted screenplay. It is available for digital rental on Youtube and Amazon.

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

Costume design. Disney+.

Designer Ruth E. Carter won the Oscar for costume design for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, making her the first Black woman to win two Oscars. The superhero movie made in the wake of the death of Chadwick Boseman allows the audience to grieve the character T'Challa and Boseman. The Ryan Coogler-directed film is available to stream on Disney+.

"NAVALNY"

Documentary feature. HBO Max.

Navalny is a portrait of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, following an attempt on his life. The documentary feature-winning film has all the makings of a Hollywood thriller. It is available to stream on HBO Max.

GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO

Best animated feature. Netflix.

The decades-old childs tale Pinocchio gets retold through the lens of Guillermo Del Toros dark mind. This is not the Disney version of Pinocchio  in Del Toros still musical version, themes of fascism are explored. The cast includes Christoph Waltz, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Ewan McGregor and it won best animated feature. The film is available to stream on Netflix.

RRR

Original song. Netflix.

S.S. Rajamoulis three-hour maximalist action epic RRR is one of Indias most expensive  and top-grossing  films of all time. It pairs two of Tollywoods biggest stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, as revolutionaries fighting against the British colonialists in 1920. The film, which won for original song Naatu Naatu, topped Netflixs streaming charts over the summer and is still available to watch there.

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For more on this years Oscars, visit: http://www.apnews.com/academy-awards
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Monday there was no deal on a prisoner swap with Iran at this time, and the United States is continuing to engage with Iran over how to get home Americans unjustly detained there.

"There's no deal. And the last thing that we want to do is give false hope to families that have been waiting for a long time for their loved ones to come home," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by Katharine Jackson)
PMC Wagner

Read also: Washington suggests direct China-Ukraine talks

Washington has already declared Wagner to be an international criminal organization, but U.S. lawmakers from both parties want to move further and classify the mercenary company as terrorist organization.

Seven senators have drafted a bill that would add Wagner Group to the U.S. State Department list of foreign terrorist organizations (FTO), which entails significantly tougher sanctions.

The FTO designation would increase U.S. resources to target and disrupt Wagners activities, serve as a strong deterrent against people or governments doing business with the group and open new pathways for legal action, the report reads.

An informed source told The Hill that the White House is concerned the move would complicate U.S. relations with a number of African countries where Wagner maintains significant presence and influence.

Read also: Italy blames Wagner PMC for surge of African migrants

The Wagner Group currently operates in Sudan, Libya, the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Chad.

Read also: Conflict between Russian MoD and Wagners Prigozhin reaching climax

(The State Department) is concerned that if suddenly the FTO designation lands on Wagner, that those governments, where theres various officials that deal with them (Wagner), that they would all, immediately be blocked from travel to the United States and have their assets seized for coming into contact with the FTO, the source said.

At the same time, U.S. President Joe Bidens administration is reportedly open to label Wagner fighters in Ukraine as terrorists, stopping short of doing the same for the PMCs African divisions.

Read also: Biden praises Germanys efforts in supporting Ukraine

Those pushing for Wagner to be designated as FTO argue is paves the way towards recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism  something the White House remains reluctant to do, fearing unforeseen repercussions in foreign relations and trade.

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
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - U.S. financial regulators have the tools they need to deal with disruptions and supervise banks, and President Joe Biden is confident in the steps he has taken so far, the White House said on Monday.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden will discuss those measures with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak when the two leaders meet in California.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One the U.S. Treasury is working with bank regulators on next steps. "This is not a bailout," she said.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Chris Reese)
Jeremy Hunt - Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

The Chancellor will take with both hands from businesses when the corporation tax rate shoots up and the generous super-deduction ends next month.

Without intervention from Jeremy Hunt in next week's budget, experts warn the cliff-edge will force companies to slam the breaks on already weak investment.

Sir Philip Hampton, a former chairman of pharmaceutical company GSK and RBS, says he fears policymakers have not woken up to the fact that the US and EU are issuing massive subsidies that will suck investment from places like the UK.

The level of research and development investment in this country is the lowest amongst any of our peers, he said. And it's been very low for a very, very long time.

The stagnating British economy desperately needs investment as living standards sink and businesses continue to reel from the energy crisis.

There is a strong link between investment and growth, with one study suggesting a 10pc rise in capital stock raises GDP by 2-3pc.

Both business investment and economic expansion have largely flatlined over the last half decade and pressure to solve the problem is only mounting.

Encouraging companies to invest through measures in next weeks Budget will be key to ensuring the UK can remain competitive, economists say.

The Government should be as aggressive and bold as it possibly can within the fiscal constraints that exist, says Tom Clougherty, head of tax at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS).

As it stands, companies face a double whammy in April when the corporation tax rate rises by six points to 25pc and the generous super-deduction ends, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned.

The super dedication allows businesses to offset 130pc of what they spend on investment against their tax bill, meaning they deduct more than what they spend.

The CBI is calling for it to be replaced with a permanent investment deduction of 100pc. Louise Hellem, director of economic policy at the CBI, said it would not only pay for itself over time but bring in higher revenues.

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Businesses and economists have warned that failing to provide an incentive to invest while ramping up the tax burden would suppress growth substantially.

Hunt is considering the CBI proposals. It is less generous than the expensive super-deduction, although it will be costly in the first few years. The Treasury has estimated it would cost 11bn a year.

There's a big upfront cost, which looks a little bit scary, said Clougherty. However, the cost drops away quite significantly.

Such a policy would certainly be better than not doing anything, says Michael Devereux, the director of the Oxford University Centre for Business Taxation.

If the investors in a business need a 10pc [profit] to be persuaded to go ahead with an investment, then a good system would be when we only tax profit over and above that 10pc, he says. Full expensing gets you to that sort of position.

However, dour economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) could make it difficult for the Chancellor to get away with expensive policies like this.

Cara Pacitti, an economist at the Resolution Foundation and former OBR economist, says the high upfront cost of such tax breaks makes them trickier for the Chancellor.

While he might be optimistic that they'll pay for themselves through higher growth, the OBR is historically much more cautious in factoring those effects into the forecasts, so they will still look expensive over the medium term.

If Hunt does not act, tax breaks for investment will revert to the previous regime: businesses would only be allowed to offset 18 for every 100 spent on plants and machinery each year. The full amount of investment can still be deducted from tax bills but only gradually over several years.

Observers expect the Chancellor to introduce some changes to offset the tax break cliff-edge, but opt for something less than full expensing.

Crucially, however, economists say Hunt should put an end to the flip-flopping on tax systems and commit to a new regime for the long-term, whatever that may look like.

Clougherty says: My hope is that what they do is permanent. Temporary schemes just shift investment around but they don't change the long-term picture and we do need to change the long-term picture in the UK.

Devereux says: Businesses would quite like to know what the tax system is going to be over the next 10 years and by and large they don't because it changes so often.

The Chancellor has already signalled that he is preparing to make the system more stable.

In the Autumn Statement, he confirmed that an increase in the annual investment allowance to 1m would be made permanent, rather than reverting to 200,000 in March as it was scheduled to.

This effectively provides most smaller and medium-sized businesses with full expensing, as they rarely invest more than that in a year. But while it benefits most companies, it does not benefit most investment, according to Devereux.

Small companies in total don't do all that much investment. Large companies do lots of investment, he says, adding that the 1m allowance has little impact on these businesses as the largest will invest far more than this in a year.

Another issue, according to Stuart Adam of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, is that only allowing companies to offset investment in plants and machinery is becoming rather outdated.

Putting money towards intangible assets  such as software, patents and training for staff  is just as important in improving productivity and thereby growth.

I would like to see them at least thinking about assets beyond plants and machinery, he says. Tax breaks for intangible assets are horribly complicated and having all of these different treatments is not a great thing in its own right, he adds.

Hunt will spend the coming days putting the finishing touches on his plans to address all these issues and more. Without bold action now, we could all be paying the price for years to come.
After a string of smaller acquisitions over the past year, the Delaware-based specialty chemical company Solenis announced a deal in March that promises to transform the company.

Solenis is acquiring Diversey, a global producer of consumer and commercial cleaning products. It's an all-cash deal worth $4.6 billion. Serving the hospitality, health care and food and beverage industries, Diversey has more than 85,000 customers in more than 80 countries and employs about 9,000 worldwide.

"In combining these two complementary businesses, we expect to usher in a new and exciting chapter in our long history," Solenis CEO John Panichella said in a statement.

The exterior of the Solenis headquarters in Fairfax's Avenue North off Concord Pike.

Solenis is a fast-growing company that produces chemicals used in so-called "water-intensive" industries. Its teams work on everything from food packaging and tissue and towel production to pulp processing and chemical solutions for oil and gas production.

The company's recent growth has been catalyzed by Platinum Equity, a California private equity firm. The firm acquired Solenis for $5.25 billion in 2021. In the time since, Solenis has acquired four small businesses worldwide and has announced expansion plans in Delaware.

What Diversey brings

Based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Diversey is a leading provider of hygiene, infection prevention and cleaning solutions. It counts Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Lysol, Finish dishwasher detergent and Air Wick air freshener, as a client.

In his statement, Panichella said the companies offer "truly differentiated solutions." Diversey CEO Phil Wieland said the deal builds a more diversified business while improving scale and global reach. They believe there are opportunities to "cross-sell" the companies' products.

Solenis CEO John Panichella said Solenis and Diversey offer "truly differentiated solutions."

They've already worked together in a smaller capacity. In 2021, the companies formed a partnership in which Diversey distributed Solenis water and process treatment chemicals to the food and beverage industry. The agreement gave Solenis access to Diversey's customer base while combining the companies' solutions for the industry.

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Growing through acquisitions

The acquisition of Diversey caps a 15-month period in which Solenis brought in at least five different companies. The deals targeted a variety of sectors across Solenis' consumer-facing solutions and industry solutions markets.

In January 2022, Solenis acquired a German company that produces DMA3, a raw material used in the production of synthetic polymers and applied in pulp and paper production, food processing and other industries. DMA3 is used for the polymer polyacrylamide, which Solenis views as a strategic growth priority.

DELAWARE BUSINESS: Lured by millions in taxpayer-paid incentives, Bloom Energy has yet to meet job benchmarks

Five months later, Solenis bought a Turkish water treatment and oil and gas company to improve access to the local market. Solenis added Clearon Corp., a West Virginia company that makes chemicals to treat pool water, in the early fall to expand its pool and spa treatments business.

The company's most recent addition prior to the Diversey deal was Kolb Distribution, a paper process chemicals unit of a Swiss company called KLK Kolb Group.

Solenis in Delaware

Although much of Solenis' recent growth is concentrated abroad, the company has plans to expand in the First State, too.

A $40 million research and development facility will soon be one of the centerpieces of the Chestnut Run Innovation and Science Park. The park is the former DuPont campus off Route 141 near Elsmere that is being redeveloped by MRA Group of Pennsylvania.

The gate and entrance is featured to the Chestnut Run Innovation and Science Park (CRISP), a park that is in development by MRA Group of Horsham, Pennsylvania at the site of the former DuPont Chestnut Run labs in Wilmintong, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022.

The state's Council on Development Finance in October committed about $4 million in taxpayer money to Solenis for the new facility. Within three years, Solenis plans to hire 46 people there. About 140 workers will transition from the company's current R&D site.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: Chemical company plans $40 million R&D facility with help of taxpayer money

That site is part of Ashland's campus off Hercules Road. Solenis was formerly known as Ashland Water Technologies and consisted of the industrial water and the pulp and paper units of Ashland's business. When Ashland sold the units in 2014 to a private equity firm it took on the name Solenis, a combination of "solutions" and "genesis."

In 2019, Solenis merged with BASF, a similar paper and water chemicals company. A year later, Solenis moved its headquarters to the Avenue North campus in Fairfax off Concord Pike.

Platinum Equity acquired Solenis in 2021 for $5.25 billion. Solenis employs more than 300 workers in Delaware.

Like knowing what stores, restaurants and developments are coming and going in Delaware? Join our Facebook group What's Going There in Delaware and subscribe to our What's Going There in Delaware newsletter.

Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @holveck_brandon.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Solenis to buy Diversey, continue growing Delaware business
MANILA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The oil spill from a sunken oil tanker off the coast of the Philippines' Oriental Mindoro province has affected almost 100,000 people and sickened 122, provincial governor Humerlito Dolor said on Monday.

Authorities are still scrambling to contain the spread of the oil leaking from the tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil that sank on Feb. 28.

Dolor told a local radio that 122 residents in the province, southwest of the national capital Manila, reported respiratory-related symptoms, vomiting, and diarrhea.

"Pola town is heavily damaged, with the shoreline of all its coastal villages covered with oil," Dolor said, adding that the town experienced fish kills, and some seagrasses, corals, and mangroves were damaged.

The coastal Pola town is heavily affected by the spill. Town mayor Jennifer Cruz said many residents have fallen ill, suffering from headaches, stomach pain, dizziness, chest pain, eye irritation, cough, and cold.

Authorities asked fisherfolks to refrain from fishing hours after news broke out about the sea accident due to water pollution and the smell of the oil that coats the shoreline.

The Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines has warned that the spill threatens to reach other areas of the country which has a high concentration of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, sea grasses, and mangroves.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has ordered government agencies to work for a speedy oil spill clean-up in about four months.

The oil tanker was travelling from Bataan province in Luzon island to the central Philippines to deliver 800,000 liters of industrial oil when it sank off the coast of the Oriental Mindoro province. 
Automakers and dealers might make EV lease contracts shorter in order to get those cars into the lucrative used EV market faster. Ram

Only used electric cars priced under $25,000 can qualify for a used EV tax credit.

That's a limited number of used EVs.

Automakers might offer shorter lease terms on new EVs to get those cars into the used market sooner.

Car buyers shouldn't be surprised if they run across shorter lease deals in the coming years for electric vehicles  and it could save them a lot of money.

It's not very clear exactly how EV tax credits will shake out over the next few years  or how many vehicles will actually qualify for them as automakers race to meet their stringent requirements.

So car companies are doing everything they can to tap into what the credits have to offer. That includes ultimately changing the length of leases to get more used EVs onto their lots that may qualify.

Used EVs are eligible for a credit when they're priced at $25,000 or less. The credit is for 30% of the used EV's sale price, up to $4,000. The EV also needs to be from a model year at least two years earlier than the year in which it is bought.

A lot of today's EVs are priced so high that they might not qualify for the used EV tax credit once they eventually make their way to the used market. The average new EV sold for $58,385 in January, according to Kelley Blue Book. A $74,000 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat, for instance, is not likely to depreciate enough to drop below $25,000 in just a few years. Even with uncertainty around EV resale values, it would likely take longer.

But perhaps a $46,000 base Mustang Mach-E would be more likely to fall to below that mark in three years' time.

And automakers and dealers, in anticipation of what the used EV tax credit can do for them in terms of spurring demand with customers who might not consider an EV otherwise, might adjust their EV lease contracts accordingly.

How EV leases could shift

Carmakers will have to be fine with giving a customer a multi-year lease for the more expensive EVs that they know they won't be able to resell with the used EV credit anytime soon. But for other, cheaper models, automakers want to profit off those cars as much as possible, so that might mean some unconventional lease terms.

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A move like this requires buy-in from customers. After all, a 36-month lease is typically the gold standard in the auto business.

"Consumers haven't really shown a large appetite for really short-term leases," Tyson Jominy, J.D. Power VP of data and analytics, told Insider. But, "If you can tell someone, I can give you this vehicle for 6 months for $100 a month  sure, why not?"

It might make sense for a Chevrolet Bolt, starting at around $27,500, to have as low as six to nine-month lease terms so that it can find its way to the used market sooner rather than later. That gives customers the opportunity to lease an EV for a short period of time and makes the used EV market more accessible.

Shorter-term leases aren't far off from the vehicle subscription model, interest for which has fluctuated over the past several years.

Do you work for a dealership? Currently in the market for an electric car? Have a story to share? Get in touch with this reporter at astjohn@insider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
With the growing spotlight on school board races in recent years, some Florida GOP lawmakers want to see if voters think local school boards should be partisan  meaning school board members could be Democrats, Republicans, or another signifier of political alignments.

For at least two decades, the status quo has been nonpartisan school boards.

But the issue is important enough  there are 67 traditional school districts and some 2.8 million students in Floridas public schools  that voters could go to the polls to decide if the boards should be partisan or nonpartisan. The decision would be in the form of a constitutional amendment.

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Republican lawmakers are currently pushing a bill, HJR 31, to do just that.

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Spencer Roach, a Republican from Southwest Florida. The Senate version, SJR 94, is sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, who represents Sarasota and part of Manatee County.

The bill is moving in the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Supporters of the proposition say that local school board elections are already considered partisan, even if their political parties are not listed on the ballot.

Ive always taken the position that voters should have all the information available on their candidates and that nothing should be held back, said Rep. Michael Caruso, a Republican who represents part of Palm Beach County.

So what this bill does is puts it right out front and educates voters as to more information about those running for school board, Caruso said during a recent House meeting.

But opponents think that school boards and education issues should be nonpartisan.

Cecile Scoon, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, said at a recent House committee meeting that Floridians are concerned about making everything partisan.

The way people are behaving today, theres such an allegiance to party. Ive literally had people tell me so, I dont really believe that, but I have to say that because of the party. I want to get elected, she said.

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Scoon continued:

This is one place where I think Americans really agree, Floridians agree: our public schools are our treasures. This is a place where students learn to deal with each other, different students from different backgrounds. And making school board races partisan is going to degrade from that.

As of current state law, a constitutional amendment on the ballot would require at least 60 percent of voters to approve the measure. (There is current legislation that might raise that threshold to 66 percent.)

A legislative staff analysis on the issue shows that school board members have been elected in nonpartisan races since 2000, though the races were partisan prior to that.

Related: Florida School Choice Bill Has a Hidden Reform: Part-Time Enrollment

DeSantis has gotten involved

Its possible that HJR 31 is intentionally trying to make school board races more partisan  specifically, more right-leaning.

Ahead of the 2022 elections, the political climate and focus surrounding local school board elections had been intensifying over the course of the COVID pandemic and continue to this day.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made waves by endorsing local school board races over the summer, which was generally unprecedented given that school board members campaign in nonpartisan races.

And the governor campaigned to get his endorsed candidates elected. That included financial contributions, social media posts about the races, and speeches at campaign rallies, the Phoenix previously reported.

Overall, 25 of 30 school board candidates backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 came out as winners, pushing a conservative and controversial agenda for Floridas public school system, the Phoenix previously reported.

And as recently as January, DeSantis said that he wanted school board elections to become partisan races, while also proposing shorter term limits for the elected officials.

Current voting data show that there is a higher number of registered Republicans in Florida than registered Democrats.

No Party Affiliation voters

A sticking point with the legislation comes down to the large number of Florida voters who are not registered as Democrats or Republicans. Those voters are either registered to one of about a dozen minor parties or are considered no party affiliation, or NPA.

According to the Florida Division of Elections data as of Jan 31, 2023, the breakout of active Florida voters is as followed: Republican (5,299,351), Democrat (4,882,042), No Party Affiliation (4,026,491) and Minor Party (262,815). There are a total of 14,470,699 active voters in Florida.

Florida is a closed primary state.

Because the state has closed primaries, in partisan races such as for governor, Senate or House of Representatives, only those who are registered for their party can vote for who the primary candidate would be.

Currently, because school board races are nonpartisan, any registered voter can cast their vote for the candidate they think is best suited for the job during the primaries.

So if school board elections become partisan, NPA voters would not be able to vote in the primaries, even though many of the school board races are determined then, unless theres a runoff.

The Division of Elections says on its website regarding primaries:

If races for nonpartisan (i.e., free from party affiliation) judicial and school board offices, nonpartisan special districts or local referendum questions are on the primary election ballot, then all registered voters, including those without party affiliation are entitled to vote those races on the ballot.

Rep. Rita Harris, a Democrat who represents part of Orange County, raised that issue to the bill sponsor this week:

NPAs would be excluded from part of the voting process if these races are partisan, so I dont understand how that would be enfranchising them when they wouldnt be able to be participating in the primaries, she asked.

Roach replied: What you said is accurate  they (NPA voters) would be precluded from that primary.

Rep. Kristen Arrington, a Democrat, did not support the bill this week due to the number of voters in her district who are not registered either Democrat or Republican.

In my county, in Osceola County, NPAs are the largest voter pool currently and I truly want more participation in those primaries and want those folks come out and I do think that this will disenfranchise them, Arrington said.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Diane Rado for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter.
Former President Donald Trump. Andrew Harnik/AP

Some Democrats have been blaming Trump-era regulations for Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.

In 2018, Trump signed into law a bill that rolled back provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act and loosened oversight over banks.

Sen. Bernie Sanders said SVB's failure is a "direct result" of those rollbacks.

Former President Donald Trump is catching heat for Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.

The reason goes back to 2018.

On Friday, regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank following a tumultuous few days of failing to raise capital and a flood of customers withdrawing their funds from the bank. After crypto-friendly Signature Bank shut down on Sunday, as well, the US Treasury, Federal Reserve, and Financial Deposit Insurance Corporation made a controversial move by giving depositors a bailout, vowing to "fully protect" them from any financial losses. Normally, that would only be guaranteed for losses up to $250,000.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle criticized the federal agencies' actions, but some Democrats seized on Trump's rollback of consumer protections in the Dodd-Frank Act in 2018 as a primary contributor to SVB's collapse. The rollback lessened scrutiny for banks with under $250 billion in assets, meaning the landmark, post-financial crisis law would only applied to a handful of big banks.

"Greg Becker, the chief executive of Silicon Valley Bank, was one of the many high-powered executives who lobbied Congress to weaken the law," Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote in a Monday opinion piece. "In 2018, the big banks won. With support from both parties, President Donald Trump signed a law to roll back critical parts of Dodd-Frank. Regulators, including the Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, then made a bad situation worse, letting financial institutions load up on risk."

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement that the "failure of Silicon Valley Bank is a direct result of an absurd 2018 bank deregulation bill signed by Donald Trump that I strongly opposed."

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Notably, Barney Frank, co-author of the Dodd-Frank Act, told Bloomberg on Sunday that if his original bill wasn't passed, "we'd be seeing a lot more damage these days," but he doesn't necessarily blame Trump's rollbacks for SVB's fallout.

"I don't think that had any effect," Frank said. "I don't think there was any laxity on the part of regulators in regulating the banks in that category, from $50 billion to $250 billion."

Still, Democrats aren't too convinced. Here's why Trump's actions are getting the spotlight now that SVB shut down.

What happened to Dodd-Frank in 2018

The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law in 2010 after the 2008 financial crisis sent shockwaves through the banking system, causing Washington Mutual to collapse in what is now known as the biggest US bank failure. It was designed to protect consumers from abusive financial practices while increasing accountability in the US banking system.

In 2018, the House passed a rollback of regulations in Dodd-Frank by a vote of 258-159, and in the Senate, 17 Democrats joined Republicans to get the bill to Trump's desk and signed into law. The bill raised the threshold for regulation standards from $50 billion to $250 billion, which left less than ten big banks in the US subject to stricter federal oversight and allowed banks with under $250 billion in assets to escape increased scrutiny.

"This is truly a great day for America and a great day for American workers and small businesses all throughout the nation," Trump said in 2018. "The legislation I'm signing today rolls back the crippling Dodd-Frank regulations that are crushing community banks and credit unions nationwide, they were in such trouble."

Paul Ryan, who was speaker of the House at the time of the bill's passage, said that it was a step toward "freeing our economy from overregulation." But some Democrats blasted the legislation. Nancy Pelosi said at the time that it was "a bad bill under the guise of helping community banks," and Warren urged her colleagues to reject the bill, saying before the House vote that "Congress has done enough favors for big banks."

Still, with SVB's fallout, some of the Democrats who voted for the Trump-era rollbacks stand by their decision. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, for example, told ABC News on Sunday that the law "put in place an appropriate level of regulation on midsized banks."

"What we've got to focus on right now is how do we make sure there's not contagion, and at the same time, you know, believe that the SVB can be acquired," Warner said.

It's unclear what regulators might do next, but Democratic Rep. Katie Porter wants to ensure nothing like this can ever happen again. She wrote in a Sunday email that she's writing legislation to reverse the 2018 law, saying that "Congressin a bipartisan votecaved to Wall Street and loosened our nation's banking laws. I have no problem standing up to Wall Street, so I'm writing legislation to reverse that risky law."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Republican lawmakers, both in-office and out-of-office, are ramping up their travel to Iowa and New Hampshirecrucial states that will help determine who becomes the GOP presidential nominee in 2024.

Former President Donald Trump will campaign in Iowa on Monday. He made his first campaign stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina back in January.

Fellow Republicans Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy all traveled to Iowa last month.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley made her second trip to Iowa Friday and campaigned in New Hampshire last month after launching her presidential campaign.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, perhaps Trump's biggest rival, made his first Iowa pit stop on Friday.

But why are so many Republicans flocking to Iowa and New Hampshire? Here's a brief explainer.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. speaks during the Republican Party of Polk County Lincoln Dinner, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Why are Iowa and New Hampshire important?

Since 1972 Iowa has held the crucial first-in-the-nation caucuses. Since 1920, New Hampshire has held the first primary of the presidential campaign season.

The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary has helped to make or break campaigns by building national excitement and momentum for the winners. Low-ranking losers have generally dropped out of the presidential race following their defeat.

In some years, successful candidates were able to overcome a loss in the two states and capture the presidency.

Trump lost the Iowa caucuses to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in 2016. President Joe Biden lost in Iowa in 2020, calling it a gut punch.

He also lost the New Hampshire primary to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and then he went on to become the Democratic presidential nominee after building momentum from winning the South Carolina primary.

Will he or won't he?: Republican Sen. Tim Scott weighs a historic White House bid

Former President Donald J. Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

The Trump factor

Timothy Hagle, political scientist at the University of Iowa and author of "Riding the Caucus Rollercoaster 2020: The Democrats' Race to Win the Iowa Caucuses," said Republicans have been late this election cycle to spending time introducing themselves to Iowans mainly due to Trump.

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"We normally see people coming here fairly early and in fact we would often see people coming and helping out our candidates in the midterm elections," Hagle said.

2024 race: Nikki Haley begins Iowa courtship, tells those considering Trump to 'look forward'

"Trump is unusual. He's not an incumbent, but as a former president, who's running again, he certainly has much higher name recognition and support base than most other candidates would have," he added. "And so I think it's kind of delayed some people for getting into the race."

Haley is the only major candidate to have entered the race to challenge Trump for the GOP nomination. Other candidates like DeSantis are inching closer to a formal presidential announcement and are holding tours and meetings with Republicans across the nation.

But Trump continues to cast a shadow over the race for the nomination.

President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Canal Point, Fla., on March 29, 2019.

Trump's support in Iowa eroding but still leading in New Hampshire

A new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows Trump's support may be fading.

Less than half of Iowa Republicans, 47%, said they would "definitely" vote for Trump according to the poll; In June 2021, 69% said they would support him./ That's a 22 percentage point drop.

Trump and DeSantis have roughly the same "very favorable" rating at 44% and 42% respectively, which is well above Haley at 16% and Pence at 17%.

Yet in a survey of New Hampshire voters released Tuesday, 58% said they would support Trump, while only 17% would support DeSantisa 41 percentage point lead.

Iowa Poll:Donald Trumps Republican support erodes in Iowa, even as many remain committed

The survey, conducted, by Emerson College Polling/7 News WHDH, also showed Gov. Chris Sununu polling at 7%.

Tyler Clark, a New Hampshire Republican consultant, said voters in the Granite State are looking to choose a Republican who can also help local and state GOP candidates win in 2024.

"What we've been dealing with since 2016 is we haven't been able to recapture that initial Trump factor spark where it propelled our candidates in areas that we underperformed in the past," Clark said.

Clark said Trump helped the GOP perform well with rural voters, "but we've lost suburban educated voters the last few cycles."

Whose running for president?: Current and former governors offer glimpse into what could be contentious 2024 presidential election

DNC shakes up primary calendar

This year, the Democratic National Committee approved a plan that reorders the 2024 primary season.

The plan demotes Iowa and moves South Carolina in first position. Next, Nevada and New Hampshire hold joint primaries. The next two states in the early primary season are Georgia and Michigan.

Yet, New Hampshire state law requires it to be first in the primary season, which has caused consternation for local Democrats. And Iowa law also requires it to be the first-in-the-nation caucus.

"Because of the uncertainty, we don't know what the Democrats are going to do," said Hagle of the dilemma Iowa Democrats face.

Clarke, meanwhile, said New Hampshire voters take their first-in-the-nation status seriously.

"Despite what pundits in D.C. say or party bosses, particularly (what) the DNC says about how we're not representative of the rest of the country, demographically, I think we produce better candidates because we really take it seriously," Clarke said.

The race to 2024: Democrats approve 2024 primary calendar that demotes Iowa, boosts South Carolina

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Trump, DeSantis, other 2024 presidential candidates are in Iowa
MCDNAVA EC003

Alexei Navalny in NAVALNY, the documentary. Credit - Fathom Events / Courtesy Everett Collection

When Alexei Navalnys namesake documentary won an Oscar on Sunday, its victory was hailed by many in the U.S. as a rebuke of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, speaking through director Daniel Roher, the Russian opposition leader cited the unjust war of aggression in Ukraine as the reason he is currently in solitary confinement in a Russian prison. But there was at least one contingent who werent ready to praise the film: some Ukrainian journalists, scholars and politicians.

On Twitter, many users criticized the Academy for feting a Russian family in Los Angeles while so many Ukrainians remain imperiled by the invasion.

The first photo is the fight for freedom. The second photo is the fight for power. Do not confuse them, wrote Taras Mishchenko, editor-in-chief of the publication Mezha.Media, juxtaposing an image of Navalnys family in black tie at the Oscars with an image of Ukrainian soldiers on a battlefield.

The first photo is the fight for freedom. The second photo is the fight for power. Do not confuse them. pic.twitter.com/am3K1eweAt  Taras Mishchenko (@tarasmi) March 13, 2023

Mikhail Podolyak, a Ukrainian politician, also criticized the Academy for failing to include Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during the broadcast. For the second year in a row, the Academy has reportedly rejected a request from Zelensky to speak on the grounds that the event isnt political.

More from TIME

But Christo Grozev, a journalist with the investigative group Bellingcat who was featured in the documentary, pushed back on Twitter against the criticism:

It's unfortunate that even Ukrainian officials who should/do know better than Kremlin dictators how democracy works, conflate a free vote by thousand of film-makers with a decision by the event organizers. To be fair, I wish that decision was different and Zelensky was invited. https://t.co/XNPaKOtF5W  Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) March 13, 2023

He added that he was happy that Roher used the short time he had on the worlds biggest stage to explicitly condemn Putins barbaric attack on Ukraine.

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Alexei Navalny is widely esteemed for his willingness to risk his life to push for democracy in Russia, but many Ukrainians continue to be wary of the Russian opposition leader. The fundamental problem, says Maria Popova, an associate professor at McGill University who studies political development in Ukraine, is that Navalny has denounced the war, but not Russian imperialism.

In Popovas view, the issues Navalny has focused on, including fighting autocracy and corruption in Russia, are not immediately relevant to Ukrainians; meanwhile, Navalny has been slow to offer support for Ukrainian territorial integrity and has a long history of nationalism and xenophobia. Navalny has also not endorsed Ukraines NATO membership, Popova noted. That, to Ukrainians, means that theyre not fully their allies, she says. Theyre kind of the enemy of the enemy, but not an ally.

Another sticking point is Navalnys past stance on the territory of Crimea, which Russia invaded and seized in 2014. In a 2014 interview, for instance, Navalny said that Crimea would remain part of Russia, while in a blog post that same year, he criticized the 1954 transfer of Crimea to Ukraine for taking place in the first place. As recently as January, Maria Pevchikh, a Russian journalist and head of the investigative arm of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), refused to comment on Crimea.

In February, Navalnys team seemed to strengthen their support of Ukraine in a blog post on the war, which commented that Ukraines territory was established in 1991long after the incorporation of Crimea. However, this shift does not seem to have persuaded some Ukrainians. Following the Navalny films victory, Andriy Sadovyi, the Mayor of Lviv, referenced a comment Navalny made in 2014 rejecting the suggestion that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine, in which Navalny said, Is Crimea a sandwich or something that you can take and give back?

Writing on Twitter, Sadovyi said: Navalny is a sandwich packed in a lunchbox and carried around the world as an example of the fact that there is still opposition in Russia. They discuss its recipe, stale bread, spoiled cheese and the specific smell of Russian propaganda, which now smells of the Oscar statuette.

According to Popova, Navalnys recent statements are unlikely to be enough for many Ukrainians, especially amid a war with his countrymen. Its an issue of trust, says Popova. His views might well have evolved, but, unfortunately, Ukrainiansor anybody, reallycannot know whether this evolution is sincere or strategic, as he currently needs to say the right things in order to have the support of the West to combat Putins regime.

First photo: ukrainian family suffered from Putin



Second photo: russian family suffered from Putin pic.twitter.com/hLCbWpkUxn  naumenko (@naumenkocv) March 13, 2023

Others also noted Navalnys history of racist and xenophobic comments, including using an ethnic slur against Ukrainians and derogatory statements about many peoples, including Georgians, following the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Journalist Ostap Yarysh noted that at the time, Nalvalny wrote a blog post calling Georgians rodents; saying that hed like to send a missile at Georgian military leaders; and comparing Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian prime minister at the time, to Hitler.

Being anti-Putin doesnt negate Navalnys imperialist and chauvinist views tweeted Yarysh. Is Navalny anti-Putin? Yes. Was he wrongfully imprisoned by [the] Kremlin for this? Absolutely. Is he anti-war? He says so.

But does he reject the colonial approach and the idea of Russian superiority/dominance over other nations? Definitely not. And this is something to keep in mind.

Correction, March 14

The original version of this story mischaracterized a portion of the interview to which Andriy Sadovyi referred after the Navalny films Oscar win. The interview was in 2014, not 2015, and Navalny said in that conversation that Crimea would remain part of Russia, not that it should remain part of Russia.
Cate Blanchett made a statement of solidarity with refugees on the Oscars champagne-coloured carpet as she added a blue ribbon to her outfit on Hollywoods biggest night.

The Australian star, nominated for Best Actress for her role in Tar, wore the ribbon over a turquoise and black custom-made Louis Vuitton gown in support of the UN Refugee Agency.

What I love about film is the way it draws us into compelling human themes to uncover the connective tissue that binds us all, she said in a statement.

Whenever I have met refugees  in places such as Lebanon, Jordan or Bangladesh, in the UK, or back home in Australia  what has struck me has not been their otherness but how many things we share in common.

Blanchett was joined by stars including Bill Nighy, who is nominated for his first Oscar for his performance in Living, Edward Berger, director of All Quiet On The Western Front, and Filipino actress Dolly De Leon, who starred in 2022 film Triangle Of Sadness.

Each ribbon was handcrafted by a team at the Knotty Tie Co., a company in Denver, Colorado, that supports resettled refugees with jobs, training and education.

English actor Bill Nighy attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The wearing of the blue #WithRefugees ribbon on the red carpet sends a powerful visual message that everyone has the right to seek safety  whoever, wherever, whenever they are, wrote the UNHCR in a statement.

Blanchett has previously won two Oscars from seven nominations.

The ribbons were also visible at the BAFTAs, where Colin Farrell, Daryl McCormack and Paul Mescal, among others wore them.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast

Americas culture wars are entering a new battlefield.

Elon Musk may be developing a rival to OpenAIs ChatGPT and has reached out to AI researchers about forming a new research lab, according to a report by The Information last Monday. But Musks latest venture isnt simply to stay competitive in Silicon Valleys new arms racehis motivations are also ideological.

The danger of training AI to be wokein other words, lieis deadly, Musk tweeted last December. When a journalist at the conservative publication The Washington Free Beacon tweeted, ChatGPT says it is never morally permissible to utter a racial slureven if doing so is the only way to save millions of people from a nuclear bomb," Musk replied: Concerning. When Alex Epstein, an energy expert who has advocated the use of fossil fuels, tweeted a screenshot of ChatGPT refusing to be in favor of fossil fuels, the Tesla CEO responded, "There is great danger in training an AI to lie."

Last weeks announcement may indicate Musk feels an ethical duty to counter what he perceives to be a liberal co-opting of the technology. Or, in his own words, free AI from the woke mind virus in favor of BasedAI, meaning AI that is open and unwoke.

Adding fire to these flames are other alleged instances surfacing online of what appears to be ChatGPTs supposed left-wing bias, including one example of the bot refusing to write a song celebrating Ted Cruzs life and legacy but willing to do so for late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Similarly, when asked to write a poem about Donald Trumps positive attributes, it refused, but obliged for President Joe Biden, according to screenshots posted on Twitter by one former GOP worker.

Do these examples really mean that wokeness is embedded into the technology? Moreover, is it even possible to build an ideological AI chatbot?

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BasedGPT vs WokeGPT

An ideology is a system of ideas and ideals. But ChatGPT is built on a large language model (LLM) called GPT-3. LLMs lack the complexity to develop judgements and form ideas; models have no inherent sense of right, wrong, and truth. Instead, LLMs simply determine word probability by analyzing text data, based on datasets taken from the real-world.

Its pretty harmful when we refer to ChatGPT as woke because were giving it a suggestion of sentience, Tanya Goodin, AI ethicist and fellow of the Royal Society of Art, told The Daily Beast. These language models arent intelligent in any meaningful sense of the concept.

Goodin warned that attributing any kind of political stance to them encourages everyday users without knowledge about modeling, to attribute an ideology to the tech. As mistrust towards fact and science in the age of misinformation grows, to believe that a language model trained on billions of publicly available documents is pushing a left-wing agenda, could intensify public mistrust of even simple facts.

If a language model appeared like it was partial to any ideology it would be for two reasons, computer scientist and CEO of Unanimous AI Louis Rosenberg told The Daily Beast. Firstly, there could be biases in the datasets. Datasets are the billions of documents, articles and books that train the AIlike a vast record of human artifacts.

Is this huge vacuum cleaner sucking up human artifacts biased? Yes, Rosenberg said. But its a bias of time, and not a political party, he explained. The biases are in favor of current views, as there are simply fewer digital documents from the past. The sexist views from the 1950s are not going to be represented in nearly as many documents as the current gender roles today, he said. Its not a Democrat versus Republican bias, its a bias towards the prevailing culture of the present day, versus previous views, he added.

Researchers have found bias in the vast record of human artifactsbut its not tilted towards wokeness as Musk suggests. A study of CLIP, OpenAIs most influential AI model, found that it categorized people based on racist and sexist stereotypes, in a press release about the research.

For example, when the bot was asked to put blocks with assorted human faces into a box, with specific instructions such as pack the doctor in the brown box, the results were troubling. Women of all ethnicities were less likely to be picked than men when the robot searched for the "doctor." Women were picked as the "homemaker" over white men; Black men were identified as "criminals" 10 percent more than white men; Latino men were picked as "janitors" 10 percent more than white men. Across all commands, Black women were picked the least.

"Were at risk of creating a generation of racist and sexist robots, but people and organizations have decided its okay to create these products without addressing the issues," Andrew Hundt, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgia Tech who worked on the experiment, said in the press release.

How to Build an Echo Chamber

If ChatGPTs wokeness really did exist, as Musk suggests, it could manifest in the conversational user interface, which is the part of the technology that replicates human conversation and allows us to interact with the chatbot. At this conversational level, the bot can be programmed to refuse to discuss certain topics and people. Its here that developers of the technology must decide some criteria for offensive language and harmful content, which is precisely what ChatGPTs critics are rejecting.

Its only viewed as bias because we don't all agree on whats offensive and whats not, Rosenberg said, similar to the outcries of how social media platforms choose what to moderate. But if youre a person who exists in a very small echo chamber, and you have different views on whats offensive than the prevailing culture, youre going to see it as biased.

Rosenberg dismissed accusations that Democrats in Silicon Valley startups were spoon-feeding the models with left-wing data. But he does carry deep concerns about its potential to worsen polarization. He says its who integrates the bots into their systems that we should be looking at.

The Radical Movement to Worship AI as a New God

All conversational AI brands will need to monetize. To do that, theyre launching an Application Programming Interface (API), which allows any individual or business to incorporate the chatbots into their apps, websites, products and services. Just last week OpenAI introduced an API, which allows it to be embedded into third-party software like Snapchat and Shopify. Google also announced that its chatbot Bard would release an API last month.

At the most innocuous level, a skincare company uses an AI bot on their website to convince you to buy a new moisturizer. But at its worst, it could mean conversing with a bot wired to convince you of misinformation or harmful ideologies. Whether its with the speculative BasedGPT, Bing, Bard or whichever vendor, individuals could hypothetically harness it to push an ideology, he said.

Echoing Rosenbergs fears, researchers at Ivy League universities joined forces with OpenAI to publish a report earlier this year issuing an ominous prediction about generative technology: It will be employed by conspiracy theorists and spreaders of disinformation to quickly and cheaply disseminate misinformation on a vast scale.

According to the report, propagandists themselves could invest in creating or fine-tuning language models, incorporating bespoke datasuch as user engagement datathat optimizes for their goals.

What Everyone Is Getting Wrong About Microsofts Chatbot

For a glimpse of this dystopian use of the AI, Bings preview already has a celebrity mode that allows you to converse with a persona of Andrew Tate, reports Gizmodo. When activated, the bot inhabits the philosophy and language of the ultra-misogynist influencer, currently in a Romanian prison for sex-trafficking charges. In one instance, the Bing-Tate hybrid ranted about why he sees women as inferior, before asking the user: Do you agree with me?

Rosenberg also sees this future of vast ideological influence: Conversational AI will allow targeted influence to go from the kind of buckshot approach of social media, to literally firing heat seeking missiles at those individuals.

Running on a diet of digital human artifacts, LLMs parrot back to us all weve ever said, thought, posted and reposted online. Whether our fragmented world can be condensed into a coherent voice that we all agree on, remains to be seen. But for now, well have to wait before the bots bring us an ideology of their own.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Wichita officials say they plan to follow a road map for the Wichita Police Department laid out by Jensen Hughes, a national police consulting firm that issued a hold-no-punches report on the citys police culture.

The Jensen Hughes report exposed problems with WPD policies and practices that create public distrust  and recommended a renegotiation of the citys agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police. It also offered recommendations on how to fix a cop culture described in the report as at times toxic.

This extremely well-written and well-researched report actually confirms my own personal assessment of various facets of the department in my short time here in Wichita, Chief Joseph Sullivan said, promising that he and his command staff are committed to seeing its findings translated into tangible changes.

The city released the final report  based largely on surveys and interviews with law enforcement officers and a review of city documents  late Friday afternoon, minutes after receiving it from Jensen Hughes, and held a news conference Monday morning. It was the culmination of months of research into the department.

I dont think theres a single recommendation in there that I disagree with, City Manager Robert Layton said.

Mayor Brandon Whipple said the city will use the report to move forward to create the best police department in the Midwest.

The City Council and City Manager Robert Layton have placed an increased focus on reforming the police department since a March 2022 Eagle investigation uncovered the citys mishandling of an investigation into officers who sent text messages that were racist, sexist, homophobic and celebratory of violence against civilians.

The Eagle investigation resulted in a city committee review that blamed deputy chiefs and former Chief Gordon Ramsay for not disciplining the officers and failing to disclose potential credibility issues to state and federal prosecutors. The City Council quickly moved to lift a gag order on the Citizens Review Board, which issued a lengthy report on the text messages and also called for a third-party assessment.

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Additional calls for reform, including to the promotional process, surfaced after Eagle reporting found former interim Chief Lem Moore promoted Justin Rapp, who shot and killed unarmed Andrew Finch in 2017, to detective despite an active federal lawsuit and comments made by Rapp to fellow officers in the aftermath of the Finch killing that damages the public trust and confidence and shows lack of sound judgment, according to a letter from 2020, when he was skipped for promotion.

The City Council approved a contract with Jensen Hughes in August.

Jensen Hughes law enforcement consulting practice is headed up by Robert Davis, a 30-year veteran of the San Jose Police Department who spent seven years as chief.

Davis told reporters Monday that for Wichita to change the cultural DNA of the agency based on his firms report, the overwhelming majority of recommendations must be fully implemented.

The key is that they take those recommendations and turn them into quantifiable things so that theyre measurable objectives, Davis said. What we see for example is some cities will take the report and use it as a strategic roadmap  some of them will actually use it to create a written five-year strategic plan.

Other cities, he said, will break recommendations into categories and create committees charged with turning them into measurable objectives and put time frames to their implementation.

Layton said he plans to create an online dashboard as an accountability mechanism for members of the public to track the progress of recommendations as they are implemented.

The chief, Jensen Hughes and I will spend some time talking about what they perceive as some of the top priorities, what the chief sees as the top priorities, and well try then to assign timetables and responsible parties for that in the dashboard, Layton said.

Edward Denmark of Jensen Hughes, who visited Wichita to conduct interviews during the firms review, said such a dashboard shouldnt be mistaken for a checklist of things  if we do A, check it off, were finished. If we do B, check it off, were finished.

Yes, we need to put processes in place and make policy changes, but there needs to be an ongoing, consistent monitoring of how those policies and processes are impacting the overall vision and mission of the agency moving forward, Denmark said.

Surveyed officers described the Wichita Police Department as broken, dysfunctional and horrible. The department also has problems with accountability and oversight, Jensen Hughes found, leading to a perception that internal investigations are weaponized against officers who arent in the in crowd.

The police union contract also includes provisions that lead to public distrust. It allows officers accused of wrongdoing to review all of the evidence before they are questioned, allowing them to construct a story that may discredit or nullify any of the evidence. They may also trade in vacation time and bonuses to cancel-out suspensions.

Another problem identified by Jensen Hughes is crime victims and witnesses left waiting days to talk because detectives work only daytime hours during the week. The report recommends assigning night detectives to address the lag time, which erodes public confidence, hinders cooperation during investigations and reduces investigative efficiency.

Jensen Hughes found the department generally lacks direction and, although WPD has touted its commitment to community policing for decades, it fails to define what community policing is or means. The department has assigned community police officers, but they rarely respond to calls for service, the report says.

Without a plan, there is no consensus on what community policing is, how it should be implemented, who is responsible for it or how outcomes should be measured.
King Charles delivers a speech to the Commonwealth from the Great Pulpit of Westminster Abbey on Monday, at the first Commonwealth Day Service since he took the throne. (Getty Images)

Monday marked the first Commonwealth Day since King Charles became monarch and head of the voluntary association of 56 countries.

In his Westminster Abbey address, the monarch paid tribute to his "beloved mother", describing how the annual day was a moment of pride for the late Queen who "dedicated her long and remarkable life" in service to the "Commonwealth family".

His comments are a reminder that the death of Queen Elizabeth sparked renewed debate over the place of the British monarch in the future of the Commonwealth.

Charles remains the head of state in 14 of the 56 realms, with Barbados the most recent to sever ties with the British sovereign and become a republic, in November 2021, although it has remained in the Commonwealth itself.

Republican sentiment is also on the rise across two of the Commonwealth's largest member nations: Australia and Canada.

Charles's first Commonwealth Day Service as King saw a republican protest take place outside Westminster Abbey. (Getty Images)

Polling undertaken in Canada after Queen Elizabeth's death showed that only 34% of Canadians want to keep Charles as the country's head of state  and only 24% want his likeness to feature on their currency.

And according to one academic, an issue Charles faces is that he will struggle to replicate the warmth of feeling many subjects felt towards his mother.

Philip Resnick, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, told Yahoo: "I sense a weakening of support for retaining the monarchy with Charles at the helm.

"Elizabeth was certainly seen as a unifying figure for the Commonwealth and was looked upon with considerable affection by most Canadians, though significantly less so in Quebec. I don't think Charles will be able to duplicate his mothers appeal."

He added: "There has been a growth in republicanism over time, with polls indicating greater support for going that route than for retaining the monarchy.

"The demography of Canada has changed substantially over the last 75 years, with those of British origin a significantly smaller part of the population than before.

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"At the same time, Canada has come into its own as a sovereign state, e.g. as a member of the G7, and no longer has the same connection to the UK as in the past."

Charles delivered a speech at Barbados's presidential inauguration in which he called slavery something that 'forever stains our history'. (Getty Images)

Resnick, who supports Canada becoming a republic, said that Australia is "likelier to set the pace" because republican sentiment "runs more deeply there.

In Australia, recent polling showed an uptick of support for the monarchy in the immediate aftermath of Queen Elizabeth's death.

However, since the recent controversies involving the House of Windsor, this has dwindled and support for a republic has increased once again.

The claims made by Prince Harry in his memoir, about the leaking of stories from within the royal household and internal familial dysfunction among the royals themselves, impacted 21% of respondents' view of the monarchy.

Of that 21%, two-thirds said it made them more inclined towards Australia becoming a republic.

Equally, the country has announced that Charles will not feature on its $5 notes, which have featured Queen Elizabeth since 1992. Instead, they will opt for an image that reflects indigenous Australians.

Charles and Camilla visited Canada last year for a royal tour, when he was still Prince of Wales. (Getty Images)

The Royal Family is aware of its uncertain role in the future of the Commonwealth.

In March 2022, Prince William acknowledged that the reality is he may well never take over as head of the Commonwealth from his father when the time comes.

"Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind", William said after a tour of the Caribbean that was seen as a PR disaster.

"What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can."

He added: "I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future.

"In Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them."

Watch: The Royal Family's biggest spending sprees
Japan's nuke wastewater discharge plan batters fishermen's livelihoods, angers global community

Xinhua) 08:54, March 13, 2023

* In a public opinion survey conducted earlier this month, 90.5 percent of Fukushima residents believed that dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean would cause reputational damage to the area's products.

* Susceptible to the wastewater issue are the Pacific island countries that have been scarred with painful memories since Western countries have conducted a dazzling array of nuclear tests in the Pacific since the mid-20th century, resulting in shocking radioactive pollution and ecological disasters.

* "The Pacific Ocean does not belong to Japan but to everybody. Pollutants will flow to neighboring countries where many radioactive materials have already been released and contaminated (the marine ecosystem)."

TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Despite raging opposition both at home and abroad, Japan still intends to push ahead with its plan to dump nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in this spring or summer.

Local residents, especially those in the fishery industry, believe the discharge will wreck their livelihoods and all the efforts they have made for over a decade to revive the industry, let alone the international outcry over the irresponsible decision.

A sign that reads "do not dump contaminated wastewater into the sea" is pictured during a protest near the headquarters of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Tokyo, Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

DECADE-LONG EFFORTS FOR NAUGHT

"We are dead against the release," said Toshimitsu Konno, head of Fukushima prefecture's Soma Futaba Fisheries Cooperative Association. "Once the contaminated water is discharged, our decade-long efforts must start all over again."

The group, with 846 members, is the largest in the northeastern prefecture, the worst-hit area by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and an ensuing tsunami on March 11, 2011.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant then suffered core meltdowns that released radiation, resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.

The plant has been generating a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel in the reactor buildings, which are now stored in about 1,000 storage tanks.

The plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has repeatedly claimed that the treated water it plans to discharge is diluted to national safety standards.

People hold signs which bear messages against the dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean during a protest near the headquarters of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Tokyo, Japan, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

"The wastewater is poison no matter how hard you dilute it, as it contains radioactive substances," said Haruo Ono, a fisherman at the small port of Shinchimachi, north of the plant.

"The sea has nurtured us. It is the home of fish rather than a dustbin for humans! Why should we pollute the ocean?" the 70-year-old asked.

The third-generation fisherman, who lost his house and younger brother during the tsunami, felt furious as the discharge might ruin everything when the local fishing sector is gradually recovering.

Twelve years after the 2011 accident traumatized Fukushima's fishing industry, local fishermen are still struggling.

According to Konno, catches in the area are now equivalent to only 20 percent of the volume before the 2011 earthquake, although fish prices have recovered 70 to 80 percent of the pre-earthquake level.

"All fishermen are against the discharge," said local fisherman Kenichiro Oohira. "Once the contaminated water is released, all the efforts we fishermen have made for over ten years to restore consumers' confidence will end in vain."

In a public opinion survey conducted earlier this month, 90.5 percent of Fukushima residents believed that dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean would cause reputational damage to the area's products.

"Locals are working very hard to revive the Fukushima fishery. All such efforts would come to naught if even one of the millions of fish caught exceeded the radioactive limit," said Kenichi Oshima, a professor at Ryukoku University.

"We are living off the sea both as producers and consumers," Takeshi Komatsu, an oyster breeder in the neighboring Miyagi prefecture, expressed concern that the wastewater will contaminate the oysters and put local food and children's safety at risk.

Fishermen wait for the return of fishing ships at the Haragama local distributor market in Soma city of Fukushima prefecture, Japan, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TREATED WATER MUCH QUESTIONABLE

Oshima pointed out that, unlike ordinary hazardous chemicals, radioactive substances will not disappear without chemical treatment as nature's self-purification is limited.

The environmental economist said it is an "indisputable fact" that these radioactive substances would not have been produced without the nuclear accident.

"I don't think it is appropriate to discharge these additional radioactive substances," he said, adding that "there is no corresponding assessment of the long-term impact of radioactive materials on the marine ecosystem and our lives."

He questioned the effectiveness of TEPCO's Advanced Liquid Processing System, saying that nuclides other than tritium have yet to be removed in about two-thirds of the total 1.3 million tons of the nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

"TEPCO insists that it will and can handle the issue, but the credibility of such statements needs further observation given there was no precedent," he noted, stressing that whether the treated one-third of nuclear wastewater meets standard also lacks review by a third-party organization.

He believed the proper and uncostly treatment is to continue storing treated nuclear wastewater in tanks and wait for tritium, with a half-life of 12.3 years, to decay to less than one-thousandth of its current level in more than 120 years. Another method is to seal it underground upon mortar solidification and wait for more than 100 years, at which point further treatment methods can be considered.

Since TEPCO is responsible for the accident in the first place, it should not choose how to dispose of the water based on cost calculations. Instead, it must minimize the impact on the environment and people, Oshima noted.

This photo taken on March 6, 2023 shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant seen from Futabacho, Futabagun, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

INT'L OUTCRY OVER RECKLESS PLAN

More than backlash at home, Japan's move has raised serious concerns worldwide, generating strong opposition from many countries and international organizations.

Academics and environmental advocates worry that Japan's unilateral push of the plan is reckless and harmful, citing a lack of a practical demonstration and its potential threat to society and marine ecology.

Susceptible to the wastewater issue are the Pacific island countries that have been scarred with painful memories since Western countries have conducted a dazzling array of nuclear tests in the Pacific since the mid-20th century, resulting in shocking radioactive pollution and ecological disasters.

File photo taken on Oct. 12, 2017 shows huge tanks that store contaminated radioactive wastewater at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima prefecture, Japan. (Xinhua)

"We must prevent action that will lead or mislead us toward another major nuclear contamination disaster at the hands of others," said Henry Puna, secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, stressing that it is crucial for the Pacific that Japan does not go ahead with the release.

Leaders from multiple Pacific island countries call upon the Japanese government to immediately stop its plans to dump nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean.

Fiji's Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said that Fiji has been on very high alert since Japan announced the planned release, asking if the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System is safe, and "why not reuse it in Japan for alternative purposes, in manufacturing and agriculture for instance?"

"Pacific peoples have a fundamental right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. By proceeding with this plan to discharge radioactive wastewater without community-led consultation, rigorous scientific debate, and public deliberation, TEPCO and the Japanese government are showing direct disregard for the sovereignty and self-determination of Pacific peoples," New Zealand sociologist Karly Burch said.

David Krofcheck, senior lecturer in physics at the University of Auckland, said that the danger of indiscriminately releasing nuclear fission products into the ocean is that they can find their way into the food chain, warning of rising cancer.

Li Song, China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the issue is highly controversial and needs to be thoughtfully and prudently addressed by the international community and member states of the IAEA.

"The Pacific Ocean does not belong to Japan but to everybody," said Ahn Jae-hun, energy and climate change director at the Korea Federation for Environment Movement. "Pollutants will flow to neighboring countries where many radioactive materials have already been released and contaminated (the marine ecosystem)."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
ISLAMABAD, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A flight of India's private airline IndiGo made an emergency landing at the airport in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan said.

The CAA said in a statement that the landing was carried out at the Jinnah International Airport after midnight due to a medical emergency when a 60-year-old Nigerian passenger on board had lost his breath and pulse.

The pilot requested to turn the flight to Karachi for the treatment of the sick passenger, said the statement, adding that the flight was going from India's Delhi to Qatar's Doha.

However, the sick passenger's life was not saved, according to the statement.

Later after several hours, the flight went back to its actual destination, said the statement.

A total of 163 passengers were on board the IndiGo's flight, according to the CAA. 
The Biden administrations decision to approve a controversial oil project in Alaska is exacerbating tensions with progressives, who have been critical of recent administration moves toward the right.

The administration on Monday approved the Willow Project, a 30-year oil drilling project in Alaska that would produce 576 million barrels of oil and spur the equivalent of 239 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime.

Both left-wing activists and Capitol Hill progressives blasted the decision, saying it would be a disaster for the changing climate. The emissions the project is expected to produce are the equivalent of what would be produced from driving 51 million cars for a year.

From what I can see from all environmentally-minded voters, this feels like a betrayal, Natalie Mebane, the climate campaign director at Greenpeace USA, said.

It feels like hes suppressing his own voters right now, Mebane added.

Some Democrats fear the move could dampen left-wing enthusiasm for Biden.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said on a call with reporters that its hard to imagine this not having that effect.

Huffman also joined fellow progressive lawmakers Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) in blasting the decision in a joint statement.

The Biden administration has committed to fighting climate change and advancing environmental justicetodays decision to approve the Willow project fails to live up to those promises, they said.

The decision to approve the Willow Project comes on the heels of other moves that have rankled progressives, including Bidens support for a Republican resolution to overturn a Washington, D.C., effort to reduce penalties for certain crimes.

The administration has also reportedly considered reinstating separations of migrant families at the border  echoing a controversial policy from the era of former President Trump.

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He seems to be doing this run to the right to appease what he feels is this lost base of independents that maybe will like that, Mebane said, adding that this may reduce trust from core supporters.

Opponents of the Willow Project decision are calling it a political misstep in addition to lambasting its climate impacts, citing enthusiasm from young, left-wing voters as electorally important in the years to come.

The younger generations have really been the largest voting bloc to save the Democratic Party, in recent years, said Michele Weindling, the electoral director at the progressive Sunrise Movement. If we want to see the same thing turn out in 2024, particularly in battleground states, the Democratic Party needs to give people something to vote for and we really need to see Biden be a lot more bold when it comes to fighting the climate crisis.

The people who are obsessed with drilling, and oil and gas are never going to be excited about a president like Biden, and its really a mistake to be appealing to that constituency, Weindling said.

The 2022 election saw the second-highest youth turnout for a midterm election in 30 years according to an estimate from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University.

In 2020, youth turnout increased by 11 percentage points compared to 2016, the center found.

In the weeks leading up to the Willow Projects approval, opposition fomented on social media, with #StopWillow recently trending on TikTok.

Asked to respond to the critiques, an administration official cited legal constraints, since ConocoPhillips  the company behind the Willow Project  has had leases in place for decades.

The official noted the administration reduced the size of the project, and said that it does not prevent the U.S. from achieving President Bidens clean energy goals.

The administration has said that it hopes to cut U.S. emissions at least in half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

While Bidens move may have further alienated progressive voters, opposition also goes beyond the partys farthest left flank. Mainstream Democrats  including members of Congress  have also criticized the administrations move.

This is a step backwards. The best way to lower energy prices is to shift to renewables, tweeted Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D- R.I.).

Willow is not just about protecting the fragile Arctic and one of the worlds last great intact ecosystems, its about trying to stop runaway global warming from burdening future generations, said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in a written statement.

Still, progressives said that there are ways in which the Biden administration can still prove that it is committed to addressing climate change, including by declaring a climate emergency.

Declaring a climate emergency and using the utmost of his power to make changes around that is a start and is what were going to need to see in order to feel like we can believe in him, said Weindling, with the Sunrise movement.

Zack Budryk contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A right-wing troll who sexually harassed Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the steps of the US Capitol is now suing her for blocking him on Twitter.

Alex Stein, a far-right political commentator for TheBlazeTV, filed a lawsuit against Ms Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday claiming that she has violated his First Amendment rights by preventing him from following her on the social media platform.

He is asking a judge to order the Democratic congress member to immediately restore his access to her Twitter account.

Mr Stein has a constitutional right to access Ms. Cortezs Twitter account as part of vigorous public comment and criticism, the suit claims.

Ms Cortezs practice of blocking Twitter users she disagrees with is unconstitutional and this suit seeks to redress that wrong.

AOC blocked Mr Stein in July 2022 when the far-right provocateur harassed her while she walked up the steps of the US Capitol.

The lawmaker posted footage of the encounter on Twitter.

In it, Mr Stein is seen shouting lewd and derogatory comments about her appearance, calling her his favourite big booty Latina, and accusing her of wanting to kill babies  a reference to her pro-choice stance.

See my favourite big booty Latina AOC! I love you AOC  youre my favourite! he shouts.

She wants to kill babies, but shes still beautiful. You look very beautiful in that dress. You look very sexy. Look at that big booty on AOC  thats my favorite big booty Latina.

AOC is seen beginning to walk toward him before she stops and throws the peace sign, before continuing up the stairs.

Hot, hot, hot like a tamale! Mr Stein continues to shout.

The New York congresswoman later spoke out about the incident telling reporters that the US Capitol is not a place that is designed to protect women, its not a place designed to protect LGBT people.

She also slammed the Capitol Police officers who failed to take any action while she was being sexually harassed before their eyes and voiced concerns that the core security breakdowns that unfolded on January 6 during the Capitol riot have never been addressed.

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A video shared by Alex Stein on social media of his encounter with AOC (Alex Stein / Twitter)

In the lawsuit, Mr Stein is claiming that he had complimented AOC when they crossed paths in Washington DC.

He claims that the lawmaker was initially flattered by his comments and approached him and posed for a selfie with him while flashing a peace sign at Mr Steins camera.

It was only when she realised that he doesnt share her political views that she posted angry tweets and videos about the incident and blocked him from her account, he claims.

Her retaliatory actions were premised on Mr Steins political satire of her, and his political opposition to Ms Cortezs words, actions, and her support for the murder of unborn children, the suit claims.

Ms Cortezs blocking of Mr Stein was viewpoint-based. If Mr Stein was a supporter of Ms Cortez, Ms Cortez would not have blocked him.

The suit points to a 2018 lawsuit where a judge ruled that Donald Trump had violated the First Amendment by blocking critics on his personal @realdonaldtrump Twitter account.

The ruling stated that personal accounts can turn into a governmental one if it becomes an organ of official business and that the then-president was using his in an official capacity.

At the time, AOC was also being sued by former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind after she blocked him from her Twitter account.

After that ruling, AOC settled the lawsuit and issued an apology.

However, in a separate  but similar  2021 lawsuit, a judge sided with a Missouri state legislator saying that she did not violate the First Amendment when she blocked a constituent over their Twitter reply.

That ruling found that accounts run by government officials can still be considered personal.

The account in question in Mr Steins lawsuit is the congresswomans personal @AOC account  not the @RepAOC account she established after being elected to Congress.
Winnie Harlow stunned in a gorgeous pink gown with a thigh-high slit at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Winnie Harlow had "legs for days" at the Oscars after party.

On Sunday evening, the Canadian supermodel, 28, stepped out at the Vanity Fair Oscar After Party in a long-sleeve, soft pink Giambattista Valli gown.

The gown featured floral detailing around the wrists, as well as a thigh-high slit in the skirt. Harlow completed the look with silver Alexandre Birman heels, and and wore her hair half-up half-down in tousled waves.

Fans quickly took to social media to comment on Harlow's stunning and leggy ensemble.

"Legs for days. So gorgeous," an Instagram user wrote, while another added "Leggy queen. So beautiful!"

"Winnie looks so good! Classy and chic," someone else weighed in.

Winnie Harlow attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones on Sunday night. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

At the Oscars ceremony, Harlow opted for a more simple look. She channeled "Hollywood circa 2000s" in a stunning pastel yellow Armani gown with a black zipper and floral detailing around the neckline. She accessorized with a black clutch and wore her hair in an updo.

The sophisticated look quickly garnered applause from fans on Instagram.

"This is so simple and classy, I love it. Yellow looks so good on her!" someone penned.

"Best dressed," another wrote.

"Wow, so gorgeous," one fan added.

Another shared: "She looked amazing!"

For the Oscars red carpet, Harlow opted for a more simple yellow gown. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

"I just wanted to keep it really chic and classy, so we're going with Archive Armani from 2005, and just some really beautiful soft hair, glowing skin," Harlow told "E! Live From the Red Carpet" host Laverne Cox.

When asked what film she was rooting for at this year's Academy Awards, Harlow said she hoped "Everything Everywhere All at Once" would win, admitting that she watched it twice because it was just "that good."

She also shared that she was looking forward to seeing Rihanna, who performed at the ceremony and received an Oscar nod for best original song for "Lift Me Up."

"As a Caribbean girl, I'm so, so, so proud," Harlow said. "The Caribbean is always working and doing good things, so I'm really, really proud to be in this moment and get to see her shine."

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
When the United States saw COVID-19 cases and deaths rise around this past Christmas and New Year's, many Americans feared the country was in for a third winter wave.

But as quickly as both metrics went up, they also came down. Weekly cases and deaths in late winter 2022-23 are on par with what was seen in spring 2022, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, the Biden administration issued a bleak warning that as many as 100 million Americans could be infected during a COVID-19 wave in the fall and winter.

MORE: House panel investigating COVID-19's origins holds first hearing

However, as the third anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the virus to be a global pandemic approaches, it appears that the U.S. has survived its first winter without a massive COVID-19 surge.

Experts told ABC News that a combination of more immunity, better treatments, less severe infections and more people following mitigation measures likely played a role.

"We did not see a wave because we had a very high immunity due to infections and vaccinations," Dr. Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist with the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, told ABC News. "Omicron and its subvariants did not spare anyone. Also, many of the infections were minor and not reported or did not end in a hospitalization."

Comparison between winters

During the first winter wave, weekly cases peaked at 1,714,256 the week of Jan. 13, 2021, as did weekly deaths at 23,378, according to CDC data.

Subsequently, during the second winter wave -- due to the omicron variant -- weekly infections reached their high point of 5,630,736 the week of Jan. 19, 2022, and weekly deaths saw a high of 17,373 the week of Feb. 2, 2022, the data shows.

By comparison, according to the CDC, the highest number of weekly cases seen during the most recent winter wave was 472,601 the week of Dec. 7, 2023 -- the first time the peak has not surpassed 1 million.

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PHOTO: Weekly COVID-19 Cases During Winter in the U.S. 2020-2023 (ABC News Photo Illustration, CDC)

Meanwhile, weekly deaths peaked at 4,448 the week of Jan. 11, 2023 -- five times lower than the peak during the first winter wave and nearly four times lower than the peak during the second wave.

Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor, said there is some inconsistency when comparing past winter surges to this winter because there was a lack of overall testing and a declined use of home tests this winter.

However, the lower number of hospitalizations and deaths is likely a good indication of a less severe season this year compared to previous years, he said.

"Even though infections this winter were high in the community, the hospitalizations were relatively stable compared to the past few years," Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News. "Many of us suspected that it wouldn't last very long."

More immunity

Experts told ABC News that as winters have gone by, more immunity has built up in the population.

MORE: US intel chiefs testify on China's influence and challenges of investigating COVID-19

During the first winter wave, COVID-19 vaccines were not widely available. They only began being rolled out in mid-December and only for specific groups, including health care workers and adults aged 65 and older.

By the time the second winter wave rolled around, most of the U.S. population had gotten a primary series, according to CDC data, and the first booster was available to the general population.

During this most recent winter, an updated bivalent booster is also available, which -- although only 16.2% of the population has received it -- has likely offered at least some protection.

"I think the reduction in serious diseases is increased population immunity," Chin-Hong said. "Just the percentage of people who have been exposed and then you layer on that vaccinations."

PHOTO: People ride ice-bumper cars at the ice rink in Bryant Park on Jan. 14, 2022, in New York City. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images, FILE)

Last year, the CDC estimated that, as of May 2022, more than 94% of the U.S. population has COVID-19-induced antibodies either from past infection or vaccination.

Evolution of treatments

The experts said another reason this season may not have been as severe for COVID is that we have more effective treatments.

During the first winter wave, remdesivir was the only drug approved to treat patients with severe COVID cases.

However, clinical trial data was later released showing the drug did not significantly reduce the risk of mortality in severely ill patients but was more beneficial when given early in treatment.

Since then, we've seen the introduction of antiviral pills, including molnupiravir from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Paxlovid from Pfizer.

Clinical trial data has shown Merck's pill reduces the risk of hospitalization and death for patients who have symptoms and are at risk of severe illness by 30%, while Pfizer's pill reduces the risk by nearly 90%.

People following mitigation measures

"I think the population's consciousness around infectious disease is completely changed," Brownstein told ABC News. "That wouldn't necessarily mean for everyone but, for a large segment of the population, there's a hyper-awareness around infectious disease that has led to significant behavior changes."

MORE: One of the world's last cities with a mask mandate plans to drop it

This means that even as mask mandates and other mitigation measures have been removed, everyday Americans are being more thoughtful about staying home when sick, about wearing a mask in public situations or testing before attending a gathering, the experts say.

Chin-Hong said this is different from what he's seen during winters before the pandemic.

"In the old days before the pandemic, people were just milling around," he said. "And because there's a lot of awareness that [at-home] tests may be negative early on for COVID, people just stayed home and did all the measures and isolated."

He added that this likely also helped protect people from other diseases that were circulating this past winter including influenza and RSV.

Importance of staying vigilant

The experts told ABC News it's important to remain vigilant because a new, more transmissible variant or a new outbreak could easily lead to another wave in the U.S.

"I think, in general, having a bunch of infections one year before helps with the next year, because you do carry across some immunity," Chin-Hong said. "With COVID, who knows? It all depends on when people are losing immunity and what the rules are on boosting, which might happen in the fall."

Earlier this year, it was revealed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a new COVID-19 vaccine strategy that would see Americans getting a single annual shot, similar to the flu vaccine.

PHOTO: Weekly COVID-19 Deaths During Winter in the U.S. 2020-2023 (ABC News Photo Illustration, CDC)

According to briefing documents, the new approach would simplify public health messaging on when to get COVID vaccines, with the hope that making the guidance easier for people to understand could potentially increase vaccination rates in the U.S.

"I think that ultimately the trend will likely be towards less and less severe surges," Brownstein said. "I don't think it's definitively predicted that we'll always see smaller surges. There'll be some variation that results from the factors of what variants circulating, what level of immunization is in the population, behavior."

He continued, "So we can't fully predict, but the overall trend over the coming year should be towards milder and milder surges."

The winter COVID wave that wasn't: Why the US didn't see a surge originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
All eyes are on Wisconsin's Supreme Court race.

The high-stakes election has liberal Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz facing off against conservative former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly with the court's 4-3 conservative majority hanging in the balance.

The next court, which would be seated in August, is likely to take on the future of abortion rights, the rules for voting in the 2024 presidential election and political maps produce lopsided Republican majorities in the Legislature.

Conservatives warn that, with a 4-3 liberal majority, lawsuits challenging Republicans' top policy achievements in the past decade under former Gov. Scott Walker could face fresh challenges.

Those issues have interests on both sides of the political spectrum pouring millions of dollars into the race, making it the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.

Here's a breakdown of the major issues at stake in the election:

The Supreme Court will likely decide access to legal abortion in Wisconsin

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, Wisconsin reverted to a law from the 19th century banning abortion in nearly all cases  a policy at odds with the majority of Wisconsin voters, according to state polling.

Following the ruling, Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit to overturn Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban  a case that's widely expected to end up before the state Supreme Court.

Protasiewicz is campaigning on restoring abortion access in Wisconsin.

"Everything we care about is on the line," Protasiewicz said during a March 1 interview with WTMJ 620 host Steve Scaffidi. Protasiewicz said if Kelly is elected, Wisconsin's criminal ban on abortions will stand.

More:Both sides of the abortion debate gear up for a pitched battle in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race

Kelly has the backing of Wisconsin Right to Life, Wisconsin Family Action and Pro-Life Wisconsin. He called his opponent a "politician in a black robe."

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Kelly says the only conversations he has had with anti-abortion groups are about his plans to apply existing law to resolve cases in a way that's consistent with the Constitution.

"My understanding is that their endorsement is, is their endorsement of my political, my judicial philosophy, not politics, right, not issues, but judicial philosophy, the role of the court and simply applying the law that already exists," Kelly said March 1.

More:In Wisconsin's nationally watched Supreme Court race, candidate Janet Protasiewicz agrees to 1 televised debate, skips other public forums

More:What you should know about the Wisconsin Supreme Court as a pivotal election in 2023 approaches

Election maps that favor Republicans could come back to the Supreme Court for review

A challenge to the state's legislative maps is likely to come before the court.

In April 2022, the Supreme Court court ruled 4-3 in favor of a legislative redistricting plan drawn by Republican lawmakers, giving the party's candidates in the Legislature a bigger advantage, with 63 of the 99 Assembly seats and 23 of the 33 Senate seats leaning toward the GOP, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel analysis.

New maps are redrawn every 10 years. But the court would hear a challenge to the current maps if a lawsuit is filed, as is seen as likely, and it makes its way through the system to the Supreme Court.

Protasiewicz called the current maps "rigged" against voters in Milwaukee and Dane counties during a candidate forum in January, signaling she would support taking on a case that would redraw the maps before 2032.

"They do not reflect people in this state. I don't think you could sell any reasonable person that the maps are fair," Protasiewicz said in January.

Kelly said the court's responsibility is limited to considering legal challenges, not political challenges.

More:What to know about Daniel Kelly, the conservative candidate facing Janet Protasiewicz in the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election

More:What to know about Janet Protasiewicz, liberal candidate facing Daniel Kelly in the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election

The rules for voting in the 2024 presidential election could go to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court could set the rules for the 2024 presidential election if challenges to either existing voting laws or newly enacted ones make it to the court.

Already, the court's current conservative majority has ruled that the absentee drop boxes that became common during the pandemic are illegal. A lower court prohibited election officials from filling in missing information on absentee ballot return envelopes. The issue could find its way to the Supreme Court.

The court has also ruled in favor of a law banning voters from having someone else mail their absentee ballot or hand it to an elections clerk.

Republicans would like to see more changes to voting rules.

Evers, Walker weigh in on Supreme Court race

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers stressed the importance of the election during a WisPolitics luncheon March 7. Evers said he wouldn't publicly endorse a candidate but didn't hide his hopes for a liberal-leaning court.

"If it works out well, we can take on maps  we don't have to wait 10 years," Evers said. "Issues of reproductive health are very big in the state. Obviously, if you do any polling, the 1849 law is very unpopular and we need to get it straightened out. The only way is through the courts."

Evers added that voting rights have been taken away from Wisconsinites, and those rights need to be re-established.

"If it works out, that's going to be a damn good thing," Evers said.

Former Gov. Scott Walker told the conservative magazine the National Review on Feb. 24 "everything was on the line" with the Supreme Court election. Walker said if Protasiewicz is elected, there's a chance that everything done over the last decade could be undone.

That could include Act 10, Walkers 2011 law ending collective-bargaining rights for most public employees.

Walker, who appointed Kelly to the Supreme Court, told the National Review everything from the states school choice program to welfare reform and tax reform could be invalidated if the state Supreme Court decides to be activist and just basically impose liberal doctrine.

Walker didn't respond to requests for comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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 Supreme Court election: Here are key issues court could hear
[Source]

A Filipino American mother was allegedly shot dead by her husband in front of their children in Daly City, California.

According to the Daly City Police, Frances Kendra Lucero, 27, got into a heated argument with her husband, Romier Narag, 27, on their way home from a family dinner on March 6.

Narag allegedly pulled a 9-millimeter handgun and shot Lucero as she ran towards their home near the Westlake Shopping Center at around 7:30 p.m.

Lucero, who reportedly had four bullet wounds, was fatally shot in front of her two children, aged 3 and 4.

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Narag was immediately arrested and charged with murder and child endangerment.

He has been booked into the San Mateo County Jail, where he awaits his court hearing on March 16.

Luceros children, who are currently under the care of her family, are undergoing social worker evaluation.

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Luceros family has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for funeral expenses and to support the two children.

"Frances dedicated her life to her children and always spread the love she had to share," reads the fundraiser's description. "She was the most genuine, thoughtful, loyal and ambitious woman we've all been blessed to know. Frances was that friend that would help you celebrate good times and provide nothing but support during the bad times."

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A woman was fatally shot Monday morning in south Kansas Citys Kirkside neighborhood, according to police.

Around 8 a.m., Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the 11500 block of Food Lane on a reported shooting. Inside a residence, the officers found a woman with apparent gunshot wounds, said Officer Donna Drake, a department spokeswoman.

The gunshot victim was taken by ambulance to the hospital in critical condition. She was pronounced dead there Monday morning.

Detectives and crime scene personnel were called to the area in search of witnesses and to collect physical evidence. Police did not immediately disclose information concerning a suspect or the events leading up to the shooting, saying that was part of an ongoing investigation.

The killing Monday marks Kansas Citys 29th homicide of 2023, according to data maintained by The Star. In 2022, the second-deadliest year in the citys history, 171 were killed.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information about Mondays fatal shooting to contact homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.
[Source]

A woman in New York recently claimed on social media that she applied for a job listing for her current position after her company posted the same position at a significantly higher salary.

Kimberly Nguyen, a 25-year-old user experience (UX) writer, shared in her now-viral series of tweets that she stumbled upon the job posting on LinkedIn, which advertised a salary range that was "$32k-$90k more than they currently pay me."

Nguyen said on Tuesday that she discovered the discrepancy due to a salary transparency law recently enacted in New York, which requires companies to include a pay range in their job postings. While the law was intended to promote pay equity, it has also exposed unequal pay policies, as in Nguyen's case.

"My company just listed on LinkedIn a job posting for what Im currently doing (so were hiring another UX writer) and now thanks to salary transparency laws, I see that they intend to pay this person $32k-$90k more than they currently pay me, so I applied," she tweeted.

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My company just listed on LinkedIn a job posting for what Im currently doing (so were hiring another UX writer) and now thanks to salary transparency laws, I see that they intend to pay this person $32k-$90k more than they currently pay me, so I applied.  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 7, 2023

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Nguyen, a Vietnamese American poet and essayist who published her first poetry book in October last year, tweeted that she responded to the posting by applying for her own job.

In her tweets, Nguyen expressed frustration with her current employer's performative "inclusion" efforts and a lack of resolution regarding her own underpayment.

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"I have also been arguing for months about the pay inequity. I have told my managers multiple times that I know Im being underpaid. I have gotten the runaround, and they know they can do this right now in a tough labor market," she wrote.

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I have also been arguing for months about the pay inequity. I have told my managers multiple times that I know Im being underpaid. I have gotten the runaround, and they know they can do this right now in a tough labor market.  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 7, 2023

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"Ive got some audacity too so I posted the link in the group chat of all of us underpaid UX writers and now weve got an emergency meeting tomorrow to talk about it," she continued.

Ive got some audacity too so I posted the link in the group chat of all of us underpaid UX writers and now weve got an emergency meeting tomorrow to talk about it  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 8, 2023

The company then allegedly held an emergency meeting where she was told that the job listing was meant to be an internal posting.

"They're saying it was an internal posting and wasn't meant for anyone to apply to externally because public companies legally have to post jobs even if it's an internal conversion...but that doesn't solve the fact that someone internally is now still going to make $32k+ more???" she said.

They're saying it was an internal posting and wasn't meant for anyone to apply to externally because public companies legally have to post jobs even if it's an internal conversion...but that doesn't solve the fact that someone internally is now still going to make $32k+ more???  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 8, 2023

However, instead of the companys writers getting a raise, discussions on potential layoffs purportedly emerged, leading Nguyen to announce that she is now looking for UX writing roles preferably remote.

I'm officially announcing that I am looking for UX writing roles preferably remote, but I am currently located in New York City. Let me know if you have any leads.  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 8, 2023

Nguyen's initial tweet has received over 12.3 million views and 221,000 likes. Several Twitter users empathized with her and wrote about their own similar experiences by replying to her Twitter thread.

"I wish Id thought of this. I inherited a line-managee in a re-org and learned they were paid substantially more than me," one user wrote. "I was told they couldnt adjust mid-year but they promised to sort it at bonus time. They did not fix it at bonus time."

I wish Id thought of this. I inherited a line-managee in a re-org and learned they were paid substantially more than me. I was told they couldnt adjust mid-year but they promised to sort it at bonus time. They did not fix it at bonus time.  Sharon O'Dea (@sharonodea) March 8, 2023

"Well done. More than 30 years ago I went through a similar situation as a female copy editor," another user shared. "Lowest paid, highest performing on the news desk and the only female. Turned it into an almost successful union drive. Disgusting that companies keep pulling this crap."

I'm just getting bombarded by notifications and things are getting lost, and it's so hard to stay on top of it all.  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 9, 2023

People have since been sending Nguyen job leads and supporting her other endeavors, such as her book Here I Am Burn Me, which became No. 1 in Asian American poetry on Amazon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry)

"Yall have been selling me out everywhere: AWP, Amazon, my own website. I am so grateful to all of you supporting me through a really overwhelming time. I hope you love my poems as much as I loved writing them," she tweeted to her supporters.

Yall have been selling me out everywhere: AWP, Amazon, my own website. I am so grateful to all of you supporting me through a really overwhelming time. I hope you love my poems as much as I loved writing them. pic.twitter.com/BLrvckitMB  Kimberly Nguyen (@knguyenpoetry) March 12, 2023

In an interview with Buzzfeed after her tweets went viral, Nguyen said she did not expect the attention they garnered.

"I was just venting, and I didn't expect there to be such a reaction to my venting. People complain on the internet all the time and it doesn't go viral. I'm honestly really overwhelmed by all the attention."
Cole Sprouse at the 2022 Met Gala. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Musician J. Maya saw who she thought was Cole Sprouse in an ice cream shop in 2018.

She Googled him, then found out he had taken a picture of her doing so and posted it on Instagram.

She recounted the story on TikTok, saying the experience made her "stressed."

Musician J. Maya has recounted the story of when she saw who she thought was Cole Sprouse in 2018, and inadvertently ended up going viral on the actor's Instagram, calling the whole experience stressful.

J. Maya, whose real name is Janani Krishnan-Jha, posted a TikTok over the weekend which was viewed 1.6 million times. She said she thought it was funny Sprouse was in the news at the moment as she'd had a run in with him when she was a 19 year old college student, and could offer a "unique perspective."

Sprouse made headlines last week after a "Call Her Daddy" interview where he revealed to host Alex Cooper he had been cheated on in every relationship, that his twin brother Dylan was a bully at school, and that he had lost his virginity when he was 14.

Sprouse's demeanor throughout the interview, and the way he took long drags of the cigarette he was smoking indoors, divided the internet, with some saying he had given them "the ick."

"Very long story short, in 2018 I was in an ice cream shop and someone who I thought looked a little bit like Cole Sprouse walked in behind me," Krishnan-Jha said in her TikTok. "I hadn't seen Cole Sprouse on TV in years, so I wasn't sure if it was him or not because he was obviously grown up."

To check, Krishnan-Jha took out her phone in what she "thought was a private manner" to Google photos of the actor.

"Little did I know that Cole Sprouse was behind me, and he took a picture of me Googling him and put it on his Instagram story of him reacting to that," she said. "Basically after that the situation just completely spiralled."

Krishnan-Jha said she asked Sprouse to take a selfie, and he looked at her with a "deadpan" expression and said, "Yeah, I saw you Google me."

Story continues

"I thought, oh my god, this is probably the most cringiest moment of my entire life," Krishnan-Jha said. "But at least in the moment I told myself in my head that nobody would ever know what happened. But I was so wrong."

Krishnan-Jha immediately started receiving messages from her friends when she exited the shop, who were telling her she was on Sprouse's story. She had become another victim of Sprouse's hobby of snapping photos of fans. Within an hour, Buzzfeed had reached out for an interview.

At the time, Krishnan-Jha didn't have any social media, and wasn't sure how to handle the situation. She said some of Sprouse's fans were angry that she didn't recognize him and left negative comments under the articles. She also tried to keep her identity private, but one of her friends tweeted her full name on Twitter and the thread went viral.

Krishnan-Jha said she ended up doing a couple of interviews but "the whole time I was stressed out of my mind." These stories haunted her for years, because whenever prospective employers would Google her, they would come up.

"It's obviously been so many years at this point so I just think it's really funny even though at the time I was a bit stressed," she said. "But I'm never going to Google a celebrity in front of them ever again."

Insider has reached out to Sprouse's representatives for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  Payment solutions provider GCash has earned the trust of the countrys largest restaurant cluster Jollibee Group, which operates Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, as well as Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines.

We recognize that the pandemic brought shifts and lasting changes to customer behavior such as greater use of digital and heightened convenience and safety, said Glenn Mendoza, VP & Head of Jollibee Group Digital Technology - Philippines. The partnership with GCash, combined with our efforts in digital transformation, will enable Jollibee Group to emerge as a stronger company and organization.

Glenn Mendoza, VP & Head of Jollibee Group Digital Technology - Philippines. Photo from GCash

Mendoza said that Jollibee Group is targeting to implement the acceptance of GCash in all Jollibee Group stores in the Philippines. GCash helps us deliver faster service and minimize the queuing in our stores. We are continuously innovating and working to bring delight and joy to our customers.

GCash has become the lifeline of most consumers and business owners during the pandemic. For most businesses, it has become a strong partner in providing innovative financial solutions enabling an inclusive, cashless ecosystem.

Photo from GCash

For Jollibee Group, GCash is also one of its partners in getting the public to actively participate in its advocacy efforts. GCash users can easily donate directly to the Jollibee Group Foundation  the social development arm of the Jollibee Group. Proceeds benefit JGFs scholars on agro-entrepreneurship and other technical-vocational courses.

As the No. 1 e-wallet in the Philippines, financial inclusion is at the very core of GCash. But for us to be able to scale and really help Filipino people adapt, we make GCash highly accessible, explained Martin Limgenco II, AVP & Cluster Head of GCash Enterprise Sales. We have payment solutions in most Jollibee branches and their website. We offer payment solutions in deliveries.

GCash has helped create a safer and more convenient retail environment both for enterprise partners and consumers. Enabling QR payments for these enterprises allow them to adapt to the needs of their customers who have switched to the cashless lifestyle.

With Jollibee Foods Corporation  given that it is highly critical for them to provide a delightful dining experience for their customers  this is something that we put value to. And whenever we see the customers of our customers happy and content, these are clear signs that we have done our part in this journey, Limgenco added.

Gwen Fausto, Industry Head of GCash Enterprise Sales believes GCash now plays an important role in leading restaurant groups like Jollibee Group, making cashless experiences available to every Filipino.

Gwen Fausto, Industry Head of GCash Enterprise Sales. Photo from GCash

Its safe because it minimizes physical contact during transactions; and its faster, more secure, and efficient. Whether you want to dine-in, take out, or drive-thru with the whole family, paying with GCash is just one scan away, she shared.

Are you a business entity wanting to grow your customer base and provide ease in doing business by offering cashless payments that most shoppers are looking for? GCash is your partner for growth.

Learn more about GCash for Business at www.gcash.com/business/enterprise.
Iwao Hakamada (centre) with his sister Hideko Hakamada (right) and supporters enter the Tokyo High Court - Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

A former professional boxer dubbed the worlds longest-serving death row inmate was on Monday finally granted a retrial after spending most of his 50-year prison sentence in solitary confinement.

Iwao Hakamada, 87, was sentenced to be hanged for the murder of a family of four in 1968 but DNA evidence later cast serious doubts on his initial conviction. Now his case will be looked at again, following a ruling by Tokyos High Court.

I was waiting for this day for 57 years and it has come, his sister, Hideko, aged 90, said. Finally a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

For Hakamada, who spent much of his incarceration facing the daily possibility of execution, the move marks the latest twist in a decades-long legal battle.

It was on June 30 1966 that police discovered the bodies of Hakamadas then boss Fumio Hashiguchi, the owner of a miso factory, alongside his wife and two teenage children. The family had apparently been robbed before the house was set on fire.

Japanese former professional boxer Iwao Hakamada photographed during an interview in 2018 - Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

Arrested two months later, Hakamada initially denied the accusations, but later reportedly confessed after what he claimed was a violent police interrogation, including beatings.

He was sentenced to death in 1968, with later attempts to retract his forced confession rejected in a Supreme Court hearing in 1980.

Following a lengthy legal battle, in 2014, a district court in the central city of Shizuoka granted a retrial, after concluding that investigators could have planted evidence.

Four years later, Tokyos High Court overturned the lower court ruling, resulting in the case being sent to the Supreme Court on appeal. This resulted in judges ruling in 2020 that the Tokyo High Court should reconsider its decision.

Supporters have highlighted how a key piece of evidence used to convict him was a set of blood-stained clothing that came to light more than a year after the crime.

However, the clothing reportedly did not fit him and the bloodstains appeared fresher than a year old. DNA tests also found no connection to Hakamada, although the High Court rejected the testing methods.

Story continues

An early photo of Iwao Hakamada who was sentenced to death in 1968, but in 2014 was granted a retrial - AP

The protrated legal battle followed by his prolonged incarceration has reportedly taken its toll on Hakamadas mental health, with his sister telling media on Monday that she does not talk about the trials with him.

I will only tell him to rest assured, because we got a good result, she said. Now, I just need to make sure I can see the retrial begin.

However, there were fears that the process for a retrial could take years if a special appeal is filed, with some experts urging a reform of the system.

Motoji Kobayashi, president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, said: We cannot afford any further delay to remedy Mr Hakamada, who has an advanced age of 87 and suffers mental and physical conditions after 47 years of physical restraint.

Iwao Hakamada has been serving his sentence at home since his release in 2014 because of his frail health - AP

Amnesty International also welcomed the latest development as a long-overdue chance to deliver some justice.

Hakamada has been serving his sentence at home since his release in 2014 because his frail health and age made him a low risk for escape.

Japan and the United States are the only two countries in the Group of Seven advanced nations that retain capital punishment. A survey by the Japanese government showed an overwhelming majority of the public support executions.

Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan and prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged. Since 2007, Japan has begun disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited.
Hideko Hakamada (front-R) and supporters of her brother Iwao Hakamada (C) enter the Tokyo High Court - AFP

Tokyo's High Court ordered a retrial on Monday for an 87-year-old former boxer, dubbed the world's longest-serving death row inmate, nearly six decades after he was convicted of murder.

Lawyers for Iwao Hakamada left the court after a brief session and unfurled banners reading "retrial" as supporters shouted "Free Hakamada now!"

"I was waiting for this day for 57 years and it has come," said Hakamada's sister Hideko, 90, who has campaigned tirelessly on her brother's behalf.

"Finally a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," she said.

Hakamada spent nearly five decades on death row, and was certified the world's longest-serving death row inmate, before a lower court ordered a retrial and freed him while his case proceeded.

He was sentenced to death in 1968 for robbing and murdering his boss, the man's wife and their two teenage children.

He initially denied the accusations but later confessed after what he subsequently claimed was a brutal police interrogation that included beatings.

His attempts to retract the confession were in vain and his verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1980.

After a prolonged battle, a district court in the central city of Shizuoka granted a retrial in 2014, finding investigators could have planted evidence.

But Tokyo's High Court overturned the lower court ruling four years later, and the case was sent to the Supreme Court on appeal.

Sister Hideko Hakamada smiles in front of the high court - AFP

There, judges ruled in 2020 that the Tokyo High Court must reconsider its decision.

One key piece of evidence used to convict him was a set of blood-stained clothes that emerged more than a year after the crime.

Supporters say the clothes did not fit him and the bloodstains were too vivid given the time elapsed.

DNA tests found no link between Hakamada, the clothes and the blood but the High Court rejected the testing methods.

National broadcaster NHK said the court's presiding judge Fumio Daizen cast doubt on the credibility of the clothes as evidence.

"There is no evidence other than the clothes that could determine Hakamada was the perpetrator, so it is clear that reasonable doubt arises," NHK quoted him as saying.

Story continues

Japan is the only major industrialised democracy other than the United States to retain capital punishment, which is always carried out by hanging.

The death penalty still enjoys broad public support and debate on the issue is rare.

Supporters say nearly 50 years of detention, mostly in solitary confinement with the ever-present threat of execution, took a heavy toll on Hakamada's mental health.

He told AFP in 2018 he felt he was "fighting a bout every day".

His sister Hideko told a news conference later on Monday she does not talk about the trials with him.

"I will only tell him to rest assured, because we got a good result," she said.

"Now, I just need to make sure I can see the retrial begin."

The process for a retrial could take years if a special appeal is filed, however, and lawyers have been protesting against this system.

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations welcomed Monday's ruling but said in a statement it "strongly demands prosecutors swiftly start the retrial process without issuing a special appeal to the Supreme Court".

"We cannot afford any further delay to remedy Mr Hakamada, who has an advanced age of 87 and suffers mental and physical conditions after 47 years of physical restraint," association head Motoji Kobayashi said.

Rights group Amnesty International also welcomed the decision as a "long-overdue chance to deliver some justice".

"Hakamada's conviction was based on a forced 'confession' and there are serious doubts about the other evidence used against him," said Hideaki Nakagawa, director of Amnesty International Japan.


(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy plan to speak by video link in what would be their first conversation since Russias invasion, a Ukrainian official familiar with the preparations said.

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No date has yet been set for the conversation, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that arent yet public. There was no immediate comment from Zelenskiys press office. The session would come after a visit by Xi to Moscow expected next week, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

There was no immediate official confirmation of that trip from Russia or China. But both countries have said for weeks that a Xi visit was in the works as China seeks to position itself as a broker to end the war in Ukraine while it maintains close ties to the Kremlin. Putin said in February he was looking forward to hosting Xi in Moscow, and Chinas annual National Peoples Congress legislative session wrapped up on Monday.

Zelenskiy, meanwhile, has long sought talks with China, which had emerged as one of Russias largest global supporters amid the conflict.

Beijing last month released proposals to achieve peace in Ukraine, its most ambitious diplomatic foray into the conflict, but they were quickly rejected as one-sided by Kyivs allies in the US and Europe.

Zelenskiy was less categorical, saying at the time, its good that China has started to talk about Ukraine and welcoming Beijings commitment to the principle of territorial integrity.

For its part, Russia welcomed the initiative, which came days after Putin hosted Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi at the Kremlin.

Story continues

Xis diplomatic foray into the Ukraine conflict would come as the US and China remain at odds on a broad range of issues. Washington and Kyiv have warned Beijing against providing lethal aid to Moscow, something China so far says it has no plans to do.

Although Xi last week accused the US of seeking to encircle and contain China, some of his harshest direct criticism to date, new Premier Li Qiang on Monday appeared to open the door for talks to resume between Washington and Beijing. Xi is expected to speak soon with US President Joe Biden to put the relationship back on track after tensions over an alleged Chinese spy balloon derailed positive momentum following a November summit.

China achieved a major diplomatic win late last week, when it helped facilitate an agreement by Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties.

At the meeting of Group of 20 foreign ministers in New Delhi in early March, Russia and China rejected wording on the war that had been agreed at the leaders summit in Indonesia less than six months before. They teamed up to block India, the host country, from negotiating a compromise.

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(Bloomberg) -- Li Qiang spent his first national press briefing as Chinas new premier trying to inject confidence into battered private firm owners and skeptical investors as the worlds second-largest economy slowly recovers.

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China will protect the rights of entrepreneurs and continue to support private businesses, Li said, in an attempt to address concerns around the industry after regulatory crackdowns in the technology sector and for-profit education companies spooked investors. He also downplayed the importance of the economic growth rate, saying policy focus should be on higher-quality social development and improvement of peoples daily lives.

Li, a longtime associate of President Xi Jinping, was officially appointed on Saturday at the National Peoples Congress, the annual parliamentary gathering. The NPC ended on Monday.

In a speech earlier on Monday to mark the start of his precedent-breaking third term, Xi told lawmakers that China must redouble efforts to ensure stability and bolster self-reliance. He also vowed to oppose foreign interference on Taiwan, a veiled reference to increasing American support for the democratically elected government in Taipei.

What to Know:

Click to read details of Chinas new cabinet lineup

Click to view full text of government reorganization plan in Chinese

Click here to read more on this years NPC, which ends on March 13

Watch key takeaway so far from this years NPC

A QuickTake explainer on the NPC

Click blue links for latest developments (Time stamps are local time in Beijing):

Chinas New Premier Strikes Conciliatory Tone on Ties With US (1:57 p.m.)

Premier Li touted trade ties with the US and questioned the need for decoupling, a sign that Beijing may be trying to put a floor under simmering tensions with Washington.

Story continues

Li said China and the US were closely intertwined economically, adding that both nations benefited from each others development and pointing to last years two-way trade, which climbed to a record.

Premier Li Downplays GDP Growth, Courts Private Firms (11:58 a.m.)

Li said most people wont keep their eyes on gross domestic product growth on a daily basis, and are more focused on issues like housing, employment, income and education.

Achieving this years growth target of around 5% is not an easy task because of multiple risks, the new premier said.

Li, the former Communist Party boss of Shanghai, called for officials at all levels to sincerely care and support the growth of the private sector. They should take the lead to respect entrepreneurs and create a good environment for business creation, he said.

China to Roll Out Policies on Retirement Prudently (11:40 a.m.)

China will conduct studies and analysis on retirement and roll out policies in due course prudently, Li said when asked about postponing the retirement age.

China Stocks Outperform in Asia on Bets (11:05 a.m.)

Chinese stocks rose on Monday, outperforming the broader Asian market as traders digested the surprise news that Chinas economic leadership team would retain several familiar faces.

The moves to keep central bank Governor Yi Gang, Finance Minister Liu Kun and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in place were pragmatic ones that may boost investor confidence at a time of uncertainty, given the suggestion of policy consistency, analysts said.

Xi Urges Focus on Chinas Stability (10:16 a.m.)

Xi called for reasonable growth in the economy with a focus on improving the quality of that expansion. Officials should accelerate the building of a new growth framework that prioritizes boosting domestic demand, driving innovation and self-reliance in science and technology, upgrading the industrial sector and promoting low-carbon development, he said.

Security is the foundation for development, and stability is the precondition for prosperity, Xi said.

He has used the annual parliamentary gathering to hit back at the US for trying to prevent the countrys rise. Last week, Xi called on the private sector to help overcome comprehensive containment and suppression by Western countries led by the US, while his foreign minister warned of the risk of conflict and confrontation.

What Analysts Say About Key Economic Officials (9:03 a.m.)

Chinas economic leadership team will retain several familiar faces, a surprise decision that suggests an emphasis on policy consistency as the economys recovery faces multiple challenges.

Thats according to analysts, who said the moves to keep central bank Governor Yi Gang, Finance Minister Liu Kun and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in place were pragmatic ones that may boost investor confidence at a time of uncertainty. Its still not clear who will replace Liu He as President Xi Jinpings top economic official, although He Lifeng, who was named a vice premier on Sunday, has been widely tipped for the post.

China Key Covid Official Gets Most No Votes (2:39 p.m., Sunday)

The head of Chinas top health body received the most no votes of cabinet officials confirmed at the National Peoples Congress, signaling a level of dissatisfaction among top lawmakers over President Xi Jinpings draconian Covid Zero policy.

Ma Xiaowei, director of the National Health Commission, received 21 objections and eight abstentions for his reappointment in Sundays voting, the most objections among 26 minister-level candidates.

Meet Top Officials Running the Show (2:09 p.m., Sunday)

Chinas parliament has formally unveiled the list of top government officials who will be managing the worlds second-largest economy as Xi Jinping begins his third term as president.

The biggest surprise is how few new faces are in the cabinet. Almost half of the 26 officials in that lineup have been in the position since 2021 or earlier, data compiled by Bloomberg News show. The only two new bureaucrats introduced over the weekend at the National Peoples Congress were Li Shangfu, the defense minister, and Zheng Shanjie, as head of the economic planning agency.

China Economic Data Show Improvement (12:06 p.m., Sunday)

Chinas economic data for January and February, including industrial output and retail sales, have shown notable improvement, Kang Yi, head of National Statistics Bureau, said in a group interview during the annual National Peoples Congress meetings.

The government is very confident it will achieve this years growth target of around 5%, and China is likely to return to its potential growth rate in the long run, Kang said.

US-Sanctioned Aerospace Expert Becomes Defense Head (9:40 a.m., Sunday)

China has named a general sanctioned by the US to be its new defense minister, setting up a potentially awkward encounter if hes ever paired up with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a meeting.

General Li Shangfu is set to become Minister of National Defense and State Councilor  Chinas equivalent of a cabinet member. Li was targeted by Washington in 2018 for violating US sanctions by allegedly aiding in the transfer of Su-35 combat aircraft and S-400 missile system equipment from Russian arms seller Rosoboronexport to China.

China Retains Yi Gang as Central Bank Chief (9:19 a.m., Sunday)

China retained several of its top economic officials, including central bank Governor Yi Gang, in a surprise move as it looks to navigate the post-Covid recovery.

Yi was expected to step down, having reached the retirement age for ministers and after being left off a list of top ruling party officials last year.

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(Bloomberg) -- Xi Jinping started an unprecedented third term as Chinas president with fresh vows to ensure stability and strengthen party leadership, as he faces a future of slower growth and greater confrontation with the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Security is the foundation for development, and stability is the precondition for prosperity, Xi said Monday to close out the annual National Peoples Congress. He vowed to oppose foreign interference on Taiwan, a veiled reference to increasing American support for the democratically elected government in Taipei.

The remarks cap a yearlong reshuffle that has demonstrated Xis dominance over the nation of 1.4 billion people, overhauling the government and placing allies in key positions. On Friday, the NPC voted unanimously to give Xi another five-year term, after abolishing constitutional provisions in 2018 that wouldve prevented him from staying on.

Later Monday, Xis one-time personal secretary, Li Qiang, held his first annual news briefing since being installed as premier and the Communist Partys No. 2 official. Li used that event to repeatedly stress the governments commitment to developing the non-state sector and endorsing the positive role played by private entrepreneurs in the economy.

China stocks rose Monday morning, with the benchmark CSI 300 Index up 0.9% as of the midday break. The onshore yuan strengthened 0.58% to 6.8795 per dollar.

Xi has used the annual parliamentary gathering to hit back at the US for trying to prevent the countrys rise. Last week, he called on the private sector to help overcome comprehensive containment and suppression by Western countries led by the US  rare direct criticism of the US by Xi  while his foreign minister warned of the risk of conflict and confrontation.

Story continues

Besides deepening ties with Taiwan and supporting its military, the US is increasingly using export controls, sanctions and other punitive measures to prevent China from obtaining technology that could give it an economic and military advantage, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The Biden administration is working to tighten even further its restrictions on the export of chip manufacturing gear to China, Bloomberg News reported last week.

Read: Xi Tells Priorities as New Term Starts, Li to Speak: NPC Update

Over his decade in power, Xi has placed greater emphasis on security issues  both domestic and foreign  than his predecessors. When he delivered a report to a party congress in October, Xi mentioned security 91 times. Economy appeared just 60 times  the first time it was eclipsed by security issues in the important policy statement since the party took power in 1949.

The party is facing greater challenges at home in the coming years, from slowing growth to lingering dissatisfaction with the strict enforcement  and sudden abandonment  of Xis signature Covid Zero policy. Mass protests against virus curbs in November represented a rare challenge to the partys authority, with participants in at least one gathering in Shanghai calling for Xi to step down.

On Monday, Xi pledged to guarantee that the ruling party retains its dominant position in Chinese politics. To build a strong nation, we have to stick to the leadership of the Communist Party, and the centralized and unified leadership of the partys Central Committee, Xi said, referring to the roughly 200-member body from which key positions in the government, diplomatic corps and military are filled.

He also vowed to strengthen supervision of the party to make sure it never changes its nature and color, a sign that an anti-corruption campaign that has been another key feature of his tenure will remain in place.

Xi also called for reasonable growth in the economy with a focus on improving the quality of that expansion. Officials should accelerate the building of a new growth framework that prioritizes boosting domestic demand, driving innovation and self-reliance in science and technology, upgrading the industrial sector and promoting low-carbon development, he said.

We should firmly push forward high-quality development, Xi said. We should strive for the effective improvement in the quality of the economy and the reasonable growth in its quantity.

In line with that strategy, the government set a modest target for gross domestic product growth this year of around 5%, signaling there wont be any major monetary or fiscal stimulus to spur the recovery. Authorities are shifting focus to tackling risks in the financial sector and plan to beef up oversight with a new powerful regulator for the industry.

Xi indicated his speech that he is sticking to his common prosperity policy, a reference to his goal of driving down inequality by spreading wealth in the country. The policy has caused top executives across Chinas trillion financial system to face pay cuts.

He called for ensuring that the accomplishments of modernization benefit the entire Chinese people in a fairer manner so we can make more visible and substantial progress in advancing common prosperity for all.

More: Why Its So Hard for China to Shake Uninvestable Tag: QuickTake

Xis speech also recounted the partys narrative as having helped orchestrate the Asian nations revival after a century of humiliation at the hands of foreign powers  a reference to a series of 19th century conflicts with Western nations that led to the loss of territory.

China had stood up, grown rich and become strong, Xi said, repeating an oft-used slogan. The nations great rejuvenation was irreversible, he declared to the thousands of party members in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing who frequently applauded during Xis pauses.

--With assistance from Colum Murphy, Jing Li, Lin Zhu and James Mayger.

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New York again holds the unenviable distinction of having the most fatalities from fires in the nation  with five deaths in Spring Valley and one in Yonkers during the past week raising the state's 2023 total to 45.

Not even three full months into the year, New York's death tops Indiana at 29, Pennsylvania and Georgia at 25, and Michigan at 23, according to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, known as FASNY.

And New York's 2023 death toll continues a harsh trend of leading the nation in 2017, 2018 and 2019, tallying 834 deaths since 2017, according to FASNY. Following New York is Pennsylvania with 832 deaths, Texas at 777 and California at 743.

"New York can be proud of a good many positive things," FASNY Secretary John D'Allesandro said Thursday. "Unfortunately, fire deaths aren't one of them. We have led the nation in fire deaths. This is not a title we want to hold."

Yonkers firefighters and mutual aid companies battle a 4-alarm fire at 671 Bronx River Road, early Wednesday morning, March 8, 2023.

Yonkers fire: Raw footage

Yonkers fire: One dead, dozens injured, in early morning fire on Bronx River Road

Spring Valley: 5 dead, including 2 minors, in Spring Valley house fire

Fire cause: Electrical issues likely sparked the fatal Spring Valley fire, authorities say. What we know

NYS Firefighters association fighting for reforms

FASNY advocates protecting residents and first responders. The group, formed in 1872, represents an estimated 80,000 volunteer firefighters, including about 1,800 in Rockland. Volunteer firefighters, aside from saving taxpayer dollars, are the main responders to emergencies across the state, outside of paid departments in urban areas and cities. FASNY also represents emergency medical personnel.

FASNY's lobbying plans include pressing the state Legislature and governor to release funds designated for local governments to hire and train code enforcers; increasing the penalties for fire and safety code violations; and adopting a sales tax holiday for every October to encourage people to buy smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Story continues

FASNY officials said they plan to hold a news conference in Albany on Monday to outline their agenda. The lobbying season has started as the Senate and Assembly review Gov. Hochel's proposed budget for fiscal 2023-2024, which starts April 1.

FASNY President Edward Tase Jr. said code enforcement reform, tax-free smoke detectors, and adequately staffed volunteer fire departments are all factors that can contribute to a safer New York for all. He also cited the fire and safety code violations that exist and can remain hidden from under-staffed building departments. The state law also doesn't allow inspections of homes under three families without a court warrant.

The number of home fire deaths in New York this year is startling, Tase said. "These violations often lead to fire deaths. Local code enforcement programs are typically underfunded, creating an environment for dangerous housing situations."

While FASNY lobbies, Tase said: "We encourage all residents to ensure their smoke detectors are working and that there is at least one present on each floor of the home, and outside sleeping areas. The seconds a smoke detector can give residents during an emergency can truly be lifesaving.

FASNY's demands include:

The state should provide earmarked funding to local governments to hire and train code enforcement officers, rather than keep depositing the promised money in the state budget's general fund. FASNY supports legislation (S.2986 / A.4430). Tase said taking enforcement funding away from localities hinders the ability of local municipalities to address dangerous code violations.

The state should adopt a sales tax moratorium on the purchase of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every October for Fire Safety Month. Local volunteer departments usually run campaigns on changing make alarms twice a year and seeking needed volunteers. FASNY said legislation (MOA Wallace) is awaiting introduction this session to allow home life safety products, like smoke detectors, to be exempt from sales tax.

The state should increase penalties for violations of state fire and building codes, as a deterrent to landlords who seek to increase profits by subdividing apartments and houses, allowing less expensive, uninspected electrical work and other additions.

Five Spring Valley residents died in a fire on March 4, 2023. From left: Maria del Carmen Gonzalez Quizar, 29; Carlos Anibal Interiano Gonzalez, 13; Rudy Alfonzo Climaco Interiano, 27, and his son, Darwin Isai Climaco Diaz, 4; and Anastacio Diaz Climaco, 34.

Detectors and precautions can save lives

The fire deaths run collaterally with other issues facing the public and the fire services, D'Alessandro, and other fire service leaders said. FASNY and fire service officials said that many families may not have the financial resources to purchase detectors, putting them at greater risk of injury or death in the event of a fire.

"Whether it be a fire caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries or something as simple as home cooking, ensuring all homes have working smoke detectors will save lives," FASNY said. "Nationally, two-thirds of residential fire deaths occur in homes where there are either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Battery-operated detectors can cost from $16 to $42 each. The ones with the lithium batters can last 10 years. Eliminating the sales tax could be a positive step. Many people take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude toward detectors until the batteries run out and the ear-piercing beeping starts from weakening 9-volt batteries or smoke from cooking or there's a fire, officials said. In most cases, landlords are responsible to ensure the detectors are in place in common areas, rooms, and basements near heating and water systems.

"Any incentive to encourage homeowners, landlords, and apartment dwellers to purchase smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is a home run," Rockland Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator Chris Kear said of eliminating the sales tax. "They are an insurance policy, the first defense in a fire, especially if people sleeping."

Kear said more building and fire inspectors  especially in Rockland  would be huge. And training is always needed.

At 118 Lake St. in Spring Valley on March 4, five people  including two children  were killed. Several residents suffered burns and need hospitalization as one man jumped to safety from a second-floor window, police reports stated.

The investigation has not determined if the smoke detectors were working, Kear said. He said the condition and age of the Lake Street house likely played a factor in the inferno, which firefighters had under control within 45 minutes. Investigators say it's likely an electrical outlet problem that set off the fire. The fire could have been smoldering inside the walls long before being reported at 4:03 a.m., given the construction style from 1910.

"When they discovered the fire and called 911, the upstairs residents didn't know what was going on until it was too late," Kear said. "When we arrived, three-quarters of the house was fully involved. At first, they were trying to get in, but couldn't make headway due to the flames."

Spring Valley police reported the heavy smoke and flames blocked them from entering the building, and they tended to the people who made it out alive.

The remains of a fatal fire at a two-family building on Lake St. in Spring Valley March 6, 2023. Five people died in the fire.

Code enforcement is an issue

Code enforcement has been a continuing issue in Rockland for years. The state, after being pressured, installed monitors to oversee the Ramapo and Spring Valley building departments. The state deputized the county government to inspect Spring Valley properties and prosecute violators as of February 2021.

Hearing: Ramapo criticized for lackluster code and zoning enforcement

Code enforcement: Ramapo and Mount Vernon demonstrate the dire need for stronger building code enforcement

Spring Valley: Rockland is ready to inspect buildings if the state takes over.

Monitors assigned: State to supposedly oversee building departments in Ramapo, Spring Valley

The Lake Street fire brought attention to landlord Jacob Jeremias's property holdings and the need for more inspections. Rockland government inspectors went into several of his properties. Officials said inspectors found five violations and nine counts at 116 Lake St; 11 violations in the front apartment of 120 Lake, amounting to 44 counts; five violations in the rear apartment with nine counts; and six violations and 23 counts at 122 Lake St.

The Rockland Health Department inspectors also have gone to Jeremias's properties outside of Spring Valley. Theas the Spring Valley building inspectors and prosecutors of violations.

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-West Nyack, and Sen. Bill Weber, R-Rockland, strongly advocate more stringent codes and penalties for violators. The governor signed his legislation in 2021 on enhancing daily penalties for violators.

Zebrowski said legislative priorities continue to include more stringent oversight of inadequate local building departments by the states code division and a funding program in this years budget to increase the capacity of local governments to inspect and enforce the code.

Weber said he has sponsored a Senate bill that authorizes Rockland municipalities to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines to the annual tax levy. He said he also supports the Senate bill to redirect funding to local governments for code enforcement.

"We must rapidly address safety issues and support our first responders at every level," Weber said.

Rockland is approaching the second anniversary on March 22 of Spring Valley Second Lt. Jared Lloyd, 35, being killed in the fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, a few blocks from the Lake Street fatal fire. Adult home resident Oliver Huested, 79, died in the fire. Fire officials are encouraging residents to use a red outdoor light to honor Lloyd.

Firefighters work at the scene of a major fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley March 23, 2021.

"The tragic fire in Spring Valley is yet another reminder that our local governments and New York State must do more to prevent deadly fires in our neighborhoods," Zebrowski said. "We cannot wait for another tragedy to happen. Immediate action is necessary."

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.

Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: FASNY: New York state leads U.S. in 2023 fire deaths
Farmington Police Department

A Utah man killed by police during a traffic stop last month was associated with fringe movements that have often led to dangerous interactions with law enforcement.

Newly released body camera footage shows Chase Allan, 25, arguing with police over whether he was legally obligated to show identification. He had been pulled over after police spotted his false license plates. Footage from the traffic stop reveals that Allan had a holster on his hip. Though police shouted gun before opening fire, it is not clear from the video whether Allan reached for the weapon.

But while investigators review the fatal shooting, Allans acquaintances have painted a clearer picture of his beliefs, including ties to a right-wing activist network and participation in a pseudolegal theory that has contributed to previous police shootings.

Jan. Sixers Are Using Sovereign Citizen Defenses to Try and Get Out of Prison

On Sunday, mourners gathered in Farmington, Utah, to denounce Allans death and release balloons inscribed with his name. That vigil had been promoted by the Peoples Rights movement, a far-right network helmed by right-wing activist Ammon Bundy.

The groups advertisement of the vigil likened Allans death to that of LaVoy Finicum, a Bundy ally who was shot dead by law enforcement during Bundys 2016 occupation of Oregons Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. FBI agents say Finicum was reaching for a gun at the time of the shooting, a claim Finicums family has thus far unsuccessfully contested in court.

Several speakers at the vigil had previously been listed as Peoples Rights movement associates.

He [Allan] was doing the best he could to love everyone and to help us keep those freedoms alive, speaker June Reese told the mourners, according to Utahs Fox13. An October 2021 Peoples Rights memo lists her as a point person for an effort to pack a controversial county commission meeting about limits on comments during public meetings.

Victoria Dortzbach, who told vigil-goers that she had known Allan for several years, described him as a gentle person. Its beyond fathomable what just happened, Dortzbach said. A report from the group Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights lists Dortzbach as a Peoples Rights organizer in its Utah 3 district.

Story continues

In multiple videos after Allans death, Dortzbach voiced concerns that some of Allans political beliefs may have escalated the interaction with police.

I did feel like he was going to resist the whole thing [the arrest], based on the con man teachers he was following in the sovereign world, I really do, Dortzbach said in a video after body camera footage of Allans death was released. My heart breaks that he didnt have better examples.

Reached for comment, Dortzbach declined to elaborate, citing fear of retaliation from what she described as leaders of the state national movement.

State nationals are the latest rebrand of the long-running, constantly debunked sovereign citizen theory, says Christine Sarteschi, a Chatham University professor who studies the movement. A loosely organized group, sovereign citizens believe themselves immune from many or all laws, occasionally claiming that the United States is a defunct entity or operating under maritime law. Self-proclaimed state nationals employ many of the same pseudolegal logic, but sometimes declare themselves nationals only of the state in which they reside.

The theory, in all its incarnations, can land followers in trouble at traffic stops because sovereign citizens often do not believe they have to follow even basic traffic laws like having a drivers license, even giving their name to police, Sarteschi told The Daily Beast. They have license plates that often alert police that there may be a sovereign citizen or someone who wont follow the law. So immediately this can become confrontational.

In an email, Dortzbach, who said she had previously been involved with the state national movement, pointed to an article on a police news site that called sovereign citizens the bane of many police officers.

Police have preconceived notions they [sovereign citizens] are a threat, Dortzbach said.

The traffic stop that led to Allans death began when police noticed his cars unofficial license plates, which read Utah, American State Citizen and Notice, Private Automobile Not For Hire.

Body camera footage shows an officer asking Allan to present a license and registration. I dont need registration and I dont answer questions, Allan said. After a few minutes of back-and-forth, Allan eventually handed over his passport, but immediately claimed that the person in the passport (Chase Allan) was not him. Subscribers to sovereign citizen beliefs sometimes claim that they are separate legal entities from the people named in official documents like passports and birth certificates.

That is not me. That is a piece of plastic paper, Allan told the officer.

So you have a fraudulent passport? the officer asked. He asked Allan to get out of the car. Allan refused, telling police they would have an issue if they tried to remove him from the car. A second police officer opened the car door, an escalation Farmington Police Chief Eric Johnsen defended as appropriate.

That escalation of force, from verbal to hands-on, in my opinion was absolutely reasonable and appropriate, Johnson said in a Wednesday press conference.

Far-Right Activist Ammon Bundy Threatens Shotgun Standoff Over Hospital Lawsuit

But what happened next is unclear from the available body camera footage. Allan had a holster on his right hip, and had been filming police on his phone through a crack in the car window. When police opened the door, Allan transferred his phone from one hand to the other and reached his free hand toward his hipwhere his seatbelt and the gun holster were located. The available body camera footage does not reveal whether there was a gun in the holster or whether Allan reached for it, but a police officer shouted gun, gun, setting off a volley of gunshots into Allans car.

When they stopped firing Allan was unresponsive, appearing to have been shot in the chest multiple times.

Did he shoot? one officer asked.

I dont have any fucking idea, another replied. A gun was recovered from the passenger-side floor of Allans front seat.

After Allans death, acquaintances like Dortzbach said Allan and his family were previously suspicious of police, after Allans mother offered sovereign citizen-like arguments during a 2022 traffic stop. The stop began when an officer noticed Diane Killian-Allans car registration was expired, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Killian-Allan, who was driving an uninsured car with an expired license, claimed the officer had no legal right to stop her.

Killian-Allan, who did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment, later filed a federal lawsuit against Farmington Police over the traffic stop. The suit, which is ongoing, is full of references to the sovereign citizen movement. At points, Killian-Allan refers to herself as a Private Citizen of Utah state and spells her name as Diane;. Killian-Allan. (Followers of sovereign citizen teachings sometimes add extra punctuation into their names in the mistaken belief that it will distinguish them from the person named in their legal documents.)

Like her son last month, Killian-Allan offered a police officer her passport during the 2022 traffic stop. In her lawsuit, she explains that she did so because she believed she did not need a license while traveling, which some sovereign citizens claim is different from driving.

While traveling I was not operating under a driver license and provided a passport, the lawsuit reads.

Sarteschi, the Chatham University professor, said references to traveling originate from a mistaken belief that if theyre traveling and theyre not engaged in commerce in their vehicle, then they do not need the typical things that any other person would need, like a license or license plate.

Allan became involved in his mothers case, as well as other unrelated traffic cases. The Tribune reported that Allan attempted to act as an unofficial lawyer in her traffic case. The court asked Allan to sit in the gallery, because he was not a lawyer.

In her lawsuit, Killian-Allan claims her son responded by asking court officials whether under Title 18  1583 are you committing slavery and involuntary servitude?" In the suit, Killian-Allan incorrectly claimed that she did not need an accredited lawyer, and that the courts have held that action that is brought by sovereign individuals, is not to be held to the same high standards as action brought by licensed attorneys.

The Tribune reported that Allan returned for a different womans traffic case in September 2022, where he became disruptive and non-compliant. He was arrested and taken to the Davis County jail, where he allegedly refused to identify himself and claimed deputies had no authority over him. He was released without charges.

In a video after Allans death, Dortzbach expressed sympathy for the family, but added that I feel like they were following some ideas that got them in trouble.

I think both sides could have done better, she said. I dont know how else to say it.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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(Reuters) - The New Zealand government backtracked on Monday on introducing legislation to lower the voting age to 16 in the country's general elections, saying it does not have the required numbers for the bill to pass in parliament.

Any change in electoral law will require the support of 75% of parliament members and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said his government does not have that level of backing in parliament.

But Hipkins said he would introduce a bill to lower the voting age for local government elections as that would only require a regular majority in the parliament.

"Giving the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds is something that I do support and I'm happy to see progressed," Hipkins said during a media conference.

New Zealand's highest court in November ruled the country's current voting age of 18 was discriminatory, saying it was inconsistent with the country's Bill of Rights, which gives people a right to be free from age discrimination when they have reached 16. The case was brought by youth advocacy group Make It 16.

Jacinda Ardern, who was the prime minister then, had said the government would draft legislation to reduce the voting age, which could then be put to a vote in parliament. The Green Party offered its support but the main opposition National Party, said it would oppose it.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
This year's Wanderland Music and Arts Festival cut straight to the feeling of buoyant pop music, enjoyed with fervor by by the crowds who flocked to the Filinvest Events Grounds from March 4 to 5. The annual festivals last iteration set to take place in March 2020 was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this comeback made the long wait worth it with headliners like Phoenix and Carly Rae Jepsen. The late addition of Dashboard Confessional may have initially seemed like a curveball, but the pipeline from Hands Down to Run Away With Me isnt as distant as it initially seemed.

Its laudable that the festival is now featuring Asian artists like Sunset Rollercoaster and Leo Wang from Taipei, HYBS from Thailand, and George and Balming Tiger from South Korea. Despite K-pop artist Bobby backing out shortly before day 2 began, the already diverse roster of artists brought new flavors into Wanderlands trademark folksy, laid-back, and danceable musical palette. Men I Trust, Raveena, FKJ, and Stephen Day flew in from the West to round out the international line-up.

Saturday and Sunday kicked off with The Sundown from Cebu and The Ridleys from Manila respectively, who both won Wanderbattle 2020, a yearly competition where independent artists vie for a spot on the Wanderland bill. The other Filipino artists on the festival roster proudly held down the homecourt, like Pinoy rock legend Rico Blanco, Blaster and the Celestial Klownz, Ylona Garcia, (((O))), August Wahh, and Flu. No Rome, who is now based in London, also made a warmlyreceived homecoming.

Balming Tigers Manila debut was a peak of the entire festival thanks to the groups incendiary stage presence and an unpredictable arsenal of choreography, jump rope included. FKJs lushly orchestrated performance was another highlight, finding him swapping guitars, synthesizers, saxophone, and piano in an awe-inducing display of virtuosity.

Of course, the headliners performances were packed with crowd interactions. Carly Rae Jepsen was a radiant embodiment of all that is good in this world, unleashing hit after hit under confetti showers. At one point, she wielded a Minecraft sword bestowed upon her by the audience. Phoenixs glorious theatrics was complemented by stage and light bombastics. Vocalist Thomas Mars soared into the crowd, surfing across the countless hands that reached out towards the indie rock royal. During Dashboard Confessionals set, it seemed there were more folks sporting hi-cut Chuck Taylors and black shirts than whats usual for Wanderland. It was heartwarming to see some parents with kids by their side, waving along to Hands Down. The music brought generations together, from Gen Zs to millennials.

A nook of the festival grounds was dedicated to live art by Filipino artists Alaga, Amiel Rivera, Faith De Leon, and Wika Nadera. The concessionaire area was spacious too, with an array of options. Aside from major restaurant chains, there were homegrown businesses from southern Metro Manila like Riot Kid Burgers, Grouphug specialty coffee, and Chewies.

The festival also encouraged attendees to bring their own water bottles, with plenty of refilling stations scattered around the area. Dehydration is a very real hazard when youre spending hours on your feet to keep a hard-earned barricade spot or waiting in line for a refreshment. Rico Blanco even halted his performance of Yugto to call the medics for someone who fainted near the front of the stage, which is a gesture that the crowd showed appreciation for with cheers. Keeping it easy for anyone to stay hydrated or take care of their own trash is a fantastic example that other Philippine concert promoters should do as a necessity, not a luxury.

Wanderland also demonstrated a solid way to keep the grounds almost garbage-free, with segregated waste disposal booths scattered abundantly and staff on rotation across all areas to collect trash. These environment-considerate practices and work are often invisible, until having to clean up used paper cups just to lay down a picnic blanket kills the vibe. A music festival is best enjoyed without garbage in sight.

Overall, Wanderland 2023 was smooth sailing, aside from one artist backing out and schedule delays on both days. Wanderlands demographic is also much more receptive to music from neighboring Asian countries, which is an opportunity brimming with potential for concert promoters who want to ride the wave of amazing Asian music being made these days, waiting to be discovered by new audiences.

Below are some highlights from Wanderlands two-day run.

The Sundown from Cebu kicks off the festival on a high note with anthemic synth-driven pop songs. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Ylona Garcia charms audiences in the warm afternoon sun. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Men I Trust play the soundtrack to the tropical sunset with wistful indie pop. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Pop icon Carly Rae Jepsen radiantly sings before her devotees. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Sunset Rollercoaster send out warm wavelengths of Asian synth-infused jazz. Their set also featured an appearance by Michael Seyer. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

FKJs kaleidoscopic performance featured (((O))), who also performed at Wanderland. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Rico Blanco, dressed in a stunning blue suit, delivers hits like 241, Balisong, and Awit Ng Kabataan. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

The Wanderland crowd fell in love with the stage antics of the Thai duo HYBS. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Weve missed you so much, said Dashboard Confessionals Chris Carrabba. The bands fans wore their hearts on their sleeves as they sang the soundtrack to their youth. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL

Phoenix vocalist Thomas Mars resurfaces after going the distance via crowdsurfing. Photo by NIKKI BONUEL
(Bloomberg) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has resurrected his Labour Partys chances of winning a third term in office after replacing Jacinda Ardern, the latest opinion poll shows.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Support for Labour eased 2 percentage points to 36% in a 1News/Kantar poll published Monday in Wellington, but it remains ahead of the main opposition National Party, which fell 3 points to 34%. Labours partner the Green Party rose 4 points to 11%, while Nationals ally the ACT Party gained 1 point, also to 11% support.

If the results were replicated at the election on Oct. 14, Labour and the Greens would have the biggest share of the vote, but would need the support of the smaller Maori Party to get across the line. National and ACT would find it much harder to form a government.

Hipkins became prime minister just seven weeks ago following Arderns shock resignation. Since then he has focused on regaining middle-ground voters by jettisoning some unpopular policies and boosting support for those struggling during a cost-of-living crisis.

Hipkins rose four points to 27% in the preferred prime minister rankings, while National leader Christopher Luxon dropped 5 points to 17%.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the extent of the victims injuries.

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  A man was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon after a zebra attacked him in Pickaway County, Ohio.

According to an incident report from the Pickaway County Sheriffs Office, deputies were sent around 5:30 p.m. to a fenced-in field after reports that a man was seriously injured by a zebra he owned.

Pickaway County deputies and a victims family member fend off a zebra after it bit a mans arm. (Courtesy Photo/Pickaway County Sheriffs Office)

As deputies arrived, they saw the victim lying on the ground with his right arm covered with his sleeve. According to the incident report, dispatch logs said the victim had his arm bitten off by the zebra.

However, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office confirmed to Nexstars WCMH that the man was being treated at Grant Medical Center and will not lose his arm.

An edited version of the deputies body camera footage is below.

While deputies were treating the man, the zebra continued acting irate and charged one deputys cruiser, which was positioned to block the man from the animal. The man was accompanied by family members as he was being put in an ambulance since the zebra would not stop being hostile.

A wildlife expert at the Columbus Zoo shared some insight into the zebras behavior.

Theyre definitely wild animals and still have, like, kind of all those wild instincts and behaviors, said Dan Beetem, Director of Animal Management at The Wilds. Male zebras are territorial. Their job is to get and hold a group of females that he wants to breed, and hell be very protective of those against any kind of challenger.

One account from a PCSO deputy in the incident report was that the zebra was aggressive due to being protective of about five or six female zebras that were in the field.

Deputies began blowing air horns and yelling at the zebra to scare it away, but it continued to charge toward authorities and the victims family members. They told the deputies not to turn their backs on the zebra, since that was when it would attack, and gave them permission to put down the zebra if necessary. A deputy then fatally shot the zebra in the head due to its continued aggressive behavior.

Story continues

Giant seaweed blob twice the width of the US takes aim at Florida

The zebra had already shown aggression. And speaking with some of the family members and friends, apparently, this zebra has been aggressive in the past, Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey told WCMH. I told (the deputy) I fully support what he did. He did what was best to protect the people on the scene there. And I talked to some people on the scene there, and they said that they would have ended up doing the same thing if the deputy had not done that.

After the zebra was killed, the man was taken to Grant Medical Center for his injuries.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, zebras are not considered Dangerous Wild Animals.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Reuters) - Ukraine's punitive actions against a branch of the Orthodox church linked to Russia are part of a drive to achieve "spiritual independence," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday.

Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian leaders have accused the long-established Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of undermining Ukrainian unity and collaborating with Moscow.

Authorities ordered the church last Friday to leave its base in the 980-year-old Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, prompting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to ask Pope Francis and other religious leaders to help stop the crackdown.

"One more step towards strengthening our spiritual independence was taken this week," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address, without referring directly to the order.

Ukrainians, he said, had reacted positively.

"We will continue this movement," he said. "We will not allow the terrorist state any opportunity to manipulate the spiritual life of our people, to destroy Ukrainian shrines - our Lavras - or to steal values from them."

Kirill has strongly supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In his appeal, he urged religious leaders and international organisations to "make every effort to prevent the forced closure of the monastery".

The Security Service of Ukraine has since October carried out searches at UOC churches, imposed sanctions on its bishops and financial backers, and opened criminal cases against dozens of clergymen.

Church officials say it and its millions of worshippers are victims of a witch-hunt.

Orthodoxy is the primary faith in Ukraine and the Moscow-linked church has been in competition for worshippers with an independent Orthodox Church, founded after the Soviet collapse in 1991 but only recognised by church hierarchy in 2018.

The independent church has been gaining in size and following since the invasion.

The Ukrainian culture ministry says the Moscow-linked church has until March 29 to leave the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Nick Starkov; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is suffering heavy losses in Bakhmut, a city in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region that has been under Russian fire for six months.

Zelensky said in his nightly address on Sunday that Ukraines soldiers from Khortytsia and Tavria have killed more than 1,100 Russian soldiers near Bakhmut since March 6 and 1,500 Russian soldiers suffered wounds incompatible with continuing fighting.

I am grateful to every warrior of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our intelligence  the Shaman fighters, the National Guard, our border guards  everyone who is really fighting for Ukrainian land, for Bakhmut, he said in his address.

He added that dozens of pieces of enemy equipment and 10 ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said on Sunday that Russias advance to capture Bakhmut has slowed. Although Russia continued to launch attacks, the institute said that there is no evidence they are making progress.

The chief of the Wagner Group that is leading Russias effort against Bakhmut, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said on Sunday that fighting in Bakhmut was difficult, very difficult, with the enemy fighting for each meter, The Associated Press reported.

Prigozhin has been at odds with Russia military leaders throughout his time fighting Ukraine, and has complained of a lack of ammunition and support from Moscow. He previously warned that if his group retreats from Bakhmut, the entire front line of Russias forces will collapse.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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(CNN)  Five years after banning solo adventurers from climbing Mount Everest, Nepal's government has extended the restriction to the whole country.

Nepal is home to eight of the world's tallest mountains, but it is also known for its beautiful rural trekking regions. From now on, travelers who hope to trek in remote regions must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group.

While the trekking industry is one of the country's biggest moneymakers, the cost of search and rescue missions for solo hikers who get lost is significant.

"When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you," Mani R. Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, tells CNN. "It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate."

Lamicchane adds: "When tourists go missing or they are found dead, even the government cannot track them because they have taken remote routes."

In addition to the challenges caused when hikers go missing in rural areas, Lamichhane says that unlicensed tour guides and companies are also an issue. These companies who do not register with the government do not pay taxes and, the tourism director alleges, take jobs away from Nepalis.

"There have been some cases where the trekking association has been requesting us to stop these unauthorized trekking operations. This has been a demand from tourism associations for a long time," he says.

Those in the climbing and trekking community have mixed opinions on the new ruling.

Ian Taylor, owner of a well-regarded guiding company with a long history in Nepal, says that the move makes sense as more and more people attempt difficult climbs in Nepal.

"Things have drastically changed in the region over the years," he tells CNN.

"You used to see only experienced hikers and climbers in the region, many of them traveling without guides, and they were completely self-sufficient."

"However, now, there are far greater numbers of people traveling in the region and more of them are tourists, not trekkers. They are not self-sufficient in the outdoors and therefore need the assistance of experienced guides."

Taylor adds that the Nepali government doesn't have the capacity to vet every single visa applicant separately, hence the decision to enact a blanket ban.

"As a person who loves the mountains and visiting the mountain regions of the world, it is extremely disappointing that it has come to this," Taylor continues.

"Never do we want to see people's access to the mountains restricted. However, the situation in Nepal is very unique, and changes do need to be made."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country."
Moroccos Royal Office has issued this Monday a statement warning the Secretariat General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) over irresponsible excessive views and dangerous approximations concerning Moroccos relations with Israel, pointing out that the instrumentalization of the Kingdoms foreign policy in a domestic partisan agenda constitutes a dangerous, unacceptable precedent, and recalling that Moroccos position regarding the Palestinian question is irreversible.

The Royal Cabinet statement came in response to PJDs criticism regarding Moroccos position on the Palestinian cause and its relations with Israel, claiming that Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita defends Israel at regional and international meetings.

In the statement released this Monday, March 13, the Royal Cabinet described PJDs comments on Morocco-Israel relations as irresponsible excessive views and dangerous approximations, against the background of the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The statement reiterated Moroccos position on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, citing it as one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the King, the Commander of the Faithful and Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. The sovereign places this issue on a par with the question of the Kingdoms territorial integrity, it said, adding that this is a constant, principled position, which should not be open to political posturing and narrow electoral campaigns.

The Kingdoms foreign policy is a prerogative of the King, as per the Constitution  a foreign policy which the Sovereign implements, taking into account the immutable values and best interests of the nation, chief among which is the issue of territorial integrity.

The Royal Office statement made it clear that the Kingdoms international relations cannot be the subject of blackmail by anyone or for any consideration whatsoever, particularly in the current complex global context. The instrumentalization of the Kingdoms foreign policy in a domestic partisan agenda thus constitutes a dangerous, unacceptable precedent.

The Royal Office recalling the circumstances under which the re-establishment of ties with Israel was carried out, said the resumption of these relations took place in circumstances and in a context which everyone knows. It is governed by the communique of the Royal Office dated December 10, 2020, and the communique issued on the same day following the telephone conversation between the King and the Palestinian President, as well as the Tripartite Declaration of December 22, 2020, signed in the Kings presence, the statement pointed out, adding that the nations driving forces, political parties, as well as some prominent figures, and certain associations engaged in the Palestinian question, were at the time informed of that decision, for which they expressed their support and commitment.
Malis interim government said it would postpone a constitutional referendum that had been set to take place this month, and which was seen as a key step on the countrys path towards restoring democracy after a military takeover in 2020.

The transitional government informs national and international opinion that the date of the referendum scheduled for 19 March 2023  will be slightly postponed, the junta said in a statement released on Friday, March 10.

The delay means the military will miss the first deadline on its own timetable to hold democratic elections and eventually return the country to civilian rule. The junta running the West African country pledged to hold presidential elections in February 2024 following pressure from regional powers to lay out an acceptable democratic transition timeline. The announcement came as a shock to many since it follows immediately after Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maigas reassurance that the referendum will take place according to the constitution and, God willing, this referendum will take place.

The delay had nonetheless been expected for some time because almost no arrangements had been made for the vote and the draft constitution was handed over to interim president and coup leader Assimi Goita only in late February. The regions main economic and political bloc ECOWAS lifted a set of trade and financial sanctions against Mali in July after the military government committed to a March 2024 handover. The stiff sanctions were imposed in January 2022 after the transitional authorities strayed from a previously agreed upon electoral calendar, planning to remain in power for up to five years.
As extremist violence in the Sahel region spreads southwards toward coastal states, military personnel from several African countries, including Morocco, are being trained in counter-insurgency tactics as part of the annual United States-led military exercise known as Flintlock.

The US military launched on march 1 its annual military training exercise, which is aimed at helping armies contain the jihadi threat. Some 1,300 soldiers from 29 countries are being trained in Ghana and Cote dIvoire to boost their capacity in dealing with surging jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that has killed thousands, displaced millions and plunged countries into crises. Washington says it wants to help African countries stem the extremist threat before it spreads further across the region.

While West Africas inland Sahel region in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has seen most of the Islamist extremist activity, the violence is rapidly spreading to coastal states like Ghana.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, particularly northern parts of the country are experiencing an upsurge in attacks  from only one in 2021 to 19 in 2022  by unidentified groups, which could have links to jihadists. This years two-week US Flintlock (march 1 to 15) is taking place amid growing anti-French sentiment in West Africa. Burkina Faso and Mali have ended their military cooperation with France, complaining that the French military presence over several years has done little to stem the growth of Jihadi violence.

The African countries participating in the drills this year include Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia. Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and United States are among the other participating nations. The operations of the multinational staff headquarters based in Accra, Ghana, will be the main focus of operations this year. Through a comprehensive scenario that includes command and control of simulated participants in various units, headquarters operations will assess and enhance the ability of participants to work together to address regional security issues.

At the same time, Western and African partners will train together remotely with the African host nation. The US Africa Command-sponsored exercises strengthen partnerships between African, US and other international military and police organizations, enhancing interoperability during crises and operations to increase security and stability in the region.
As the UNHCR has warned of escalating violence in North Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that has forced nearly 300,000 people to flee the region last month, a United Nations Security Council delegation wrapped up a three-day visit to the country on Sunday March 12, stressing the urgent need to find a political solution to end the raging M23 rebel conflict.

The M23 rebel group has recently seized even more swathes of territory in the DRCs North Kivu province, prompting United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh to warn of a growing humanitarian catastrophe, where fighting between government forces and armed groups has caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee. M23 fighters have also advanced in recent days, threatening to cut off all road links to Goma, a city of more than one million people on the Rwandan border. Fighting between Congolese forces and the M23  which is allegedly backed by Rwanda  has displaced over 800,000 people, according to the UN.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council delegation met Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital, Kinshasa, before traveling to Goma on Saturday, March 11. In Goma, the team held talks with local officials, civil leaders and toured a displaced persons camp.

The Security Council visit came after the collapse of an Angola-mediated cease-fire, which was due to take effect last Tuesday. Several previous peace initiatives have also failed.

On Saturday, shelling during M23-army clashes killed five civilians in Kahumiro, 120 kilometers north of Goma, according to security officials and local residents.

The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23. Independent U.N. experts, the United States, and several other Western states have also concluded that Rwanda supports the Tutsi-led group. Kigali denies the charge.

Several ambassadors to the UN, including Gabons Michel Xavier Biang, pleaded for dialogue as the only way to solve the conflict and stressed that diplomacy must prevail.
The Palestinian hospitals network in Al-Quds has highly commended King Mohammed VI for his tireless efforts to support the Holy City and its inhabitants in all fields.

The network, which dispatched a delegation to Morocco lately, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of this visit as well as the warm welcome it received, within the framework of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agencys action plan for social support.

In a letter addressed to the agency, the heads of the charitable hospitals Al Makassed Al Khayria, Augusta Victoria- Al-Mutala, Mar Youssef  Al-Fransawi, the Red Crescent and the Arab Health Center, highlighted the working methodology of the agency, under the Al-Quds Committee, as well as its rigorous follow-up on the ground of all programs and projects launched in the Holy City.

The representatives of the network expressed their admiration for the operational, technical and professional level of the Moroccan medical staff, its exemplary moral qualities, and its humanism.

We are delighted by this hospitality and affection that you have shown us, which strengthens our confidence in our common destiny and in a better future, they wrote, expressing their aspiration to further strengthen the good bilateral relations that allow Palestinians, men and women, to benefit from the knowledge provided in Moroccan universities and the high-quality services of medical executives.

We left your country with its legendary hospitality, imploring the Almighty to grant the Kingdom of Morocco security, tranquility and prosperity, and to grant HM King Mohammed VI health and long life, and to preserve him as the guarantor of justice and surround the Bayt Mal Al Quds Agency with His high benevolence.

During the visit to the Kingdom from February 20 to 27, the Palestinian medical delegation was briefed on the development of the health system in Morocco, and the generalization of social protection.

The delegation took part in a symposium on the emergency and relief system, with the participation of executives from the Ministry of Health, attended the signing of an agreement with the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency for the establishment of a unit for monitoring, coordination and follow-up of emergency and relief cases in Al-Quds, and held a series of meetings with officials from the Ministry of Health, the Agency and the National Order of physicians.
The Algerian army has killed a Sahrawi dweller of the Polisario-run Tindouf camp after shooting a pick-up in which he was transporting smuggled fuel.

The assassinated Sahrawi is Said Ould El Bachir Ould Chaabane, a native of the Rguibat Oulad Daoud tribe who was known for making a living out of smuggled fuel.

Summary executions are typical of a tyrannical situation in which the Algerian regime has subjected thousands of Sahrawis, who have been sieged and abandoned to the yoke of a separatist militia that trades in their suffering.

The same Algerian army turns a blind eye to the well-established Polisario mafias that embezzle foodstuff and engage in all sorts of trafficking in connivance with terrorist groups in the wider Sahara and Sahel regions.

The case of Bachir Ould Chaabane calls into question the media blackout imposed in the camps where journalists are only invited to cover propaganda events instead of the dire living conditions imposed on thousands of civilians in full sight of the Algerian regime.

Human rights watchdogs have on multiple occasions decried the abject living conditions in Tindouf camps and the UN urged Algeria to allow a head-count of the camps population.

Recently the World Food Program, in its latest report on the region, deplored the malnutrition in the camp and the fact that the Algerian regime denies it control of food distribution, hinting at the practice of embezzlement of foodstuff and echoing EU alerts a decade ago.
The International Commission of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has praised the clear and constant support of Morocco and King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al-Quds Committee, to the Palestinian cause.

In a press release issued Monday, the Commission of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, an offshoot of the Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organization, also hailed Moroccos steadfast backing to the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on all the lands occupied by Israel during the June 1967 war, with East Quds as its capital.

It highlighted the close and historic ties existing between Morocco and Palestine and thanked the King, chairman of the OIC Al-Quds Committee, for continuous and unwavering support to the Holy City and its inhabitants.

The Egypt-based Commission, which expressed its rejection of the use of the Palestinian cause in electoral campaigns for personal political gains, denounced the recent statement made by the Secretariat General of the Justice & Development Party (PJD) on Moroccos relations with Israel and rebuked the instrumentalization of the Palestinian cause for political ends.

On Monday, Moroccos Royal Office issued a statement warning the PJD Secretariat General over irresponsible, excessive views and dangerous fallacies concerning Moroccos relations with Israel, pointing out that the instrumentalization of the Kingdoms foreign policy in a domestic partisan agenda constitutes a dangerous and unacceptable precedent.

The Royal Office statement also reaffirmed that Moroccos supportive stand of the Palestinian cause is irreversible.

The Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organisation (AAPSO), an international NGO dedicated to the ideals of national liberation and Third World solidarity, has repeatedly commended the efforts made by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, to defend the Palestinian people and their cause, and highlighted the influential role of the Kingdom in defending the Palestinian cause.
They were at least 10,000 people who marched in Paris chanting slogans in support of Kabylie independence and condemning the military regime in Algeria for its crackdown on peaceful pro-independence activists.

The march was organized by Kabyle independence movement, MAK, after its leader Ferhat Mhenni was handed the capital punishment along with 49 other leaders.

The Algerian regime has classified MAK as a terrorist group and cracked down on sympathizers in the restive Kabylie region sending scores to jail.

The march was largely ignored by pro-establishment French media, including the AFP, denoting a connivance between Paris and Algiers against Tizi Ouzzou and the Kabyle people.

The US state department terrorism report criticized the Algerian regime for using terrorism to silence dissent.

In 2021 Algerian authorities targeted more frequently the Berber separatist Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie and the Islamist movement Rachad, which the government designated as terrorist organizations in May. The United States considers these designations more political than security focused, as both groups are highly critical of the government and do not appear to have committed what the United States defines as terrorist acts, the report said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)  A fire razed parts of the Baguio City Public Market Saturday night and left around 24 million in damage, authorities said.

The market caught fire around 11:00 pm Saturday, and it was put out at 4:38 am Sunday, the Baguio City Public Information Office (PIO) said.

Baguio City Fire Marshal Supt. Marisol Odiver said the blaze originated in Block 4 of the market. It burnt all of Block 4, most of Block 3, and the Caldero section.

Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire, she added.

Odiver estimated that the fire caused more or less 24 million in damage. No casualties or injuries were reported.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said around 1,700 out of the nearly 4,000 stalls were damaged.

The market is open except for the burned areas, City Market Superintendent Ceasar Emilio said.

The local government will fast track the relocation of affected venders to help them resume operations as soon as possible, the PIO said.

Meanwhile, urban poor group Kadamay called for an immediate and thorough investigation on the cause of the fire, as it raised concerns on the incidents effect on the anti-privatization sentiments at the public market.

Nakababahala na tuwing may plano ang gobyerno para isapribado ang isang lugar at may pagtutol dito ang mga mamamayan, nasusundan ang mga ito ng sunog. Marapat lamang ang agaran at masinsing imbestigasyon sa totoong dahilan ng sunog sa Baguio City Public Market, Kadamay said.

[Translation: Its worrisome that whenever the government has a plan to privatize a place and citizens oppose it, its followed by fire incidents. An immediate and thorough investigation should be conducted on the true cause of the fire at the Baguio City Public Market.]

Bushfires

On the same day, another fire engulfed the forested area close to Camp 7 in Baguio City. A resident reported that the forest fire started at 3:00 pm, the city government said. The Kabayan Fire Station in Benguet declared fire out at 11:20 am Sunday, March 12.

The Baguio City Public Information Office also posted pictures of reported bushfires at Camp 6.
Speculative fiction lovers, we got you. Match your mood to one of SFF expert Kerine Wints lists of great speculative fiction that will get the pages turning! Find everything from SFF romance and horror to epic space operas and novellas.https://t.co/Sk0Eh4xBrD pic.twitter.com/QevcuvYII8  Goodreads (@goodreads) March 8, 2023

Keep wanting to get lost in the pages of a great speculative fiction novel but find yourself struggling to find a read that matches your mood and keeps you riveted? Or perhaps reading is new on your list of hobbies and you need a good starting point. Or maybe you're a newcomer to the fantasy and sci-fi genres and don't know where to begin. Whatever the case, we're here to help with a list of great speculative fiction that will get the pages turning.SFF = Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction



If you're in the mood to be scared

read: Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes

: Titanic meets The Shining in S.A. Barnes Dead Silence, a SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn't yet ended.A GHOST SHIP.A SALVAGE CREW.UNSPEAKABLE HORRORS.Claire Kovalik is days away from being unemployedmade obsoletewhen her beacon repair crew picks up a strange distress signal. With nothing to lose and no desire to return to Earth, Claire and her team decide to investigate.What they find at the other end of the signal is a shock: the Aurora, a famous luxury space-liner that vanished on its maiden tour of the solar system more than twenty years ago. A salvage claim like this could set Claire and her crew up for life. But a quick trip through the Aurora reveals something isnt right.Whispers in the dark. Flickers of movement. Words scrawled in blood. Claire must fight to hold onto her sanity and find out what really happened on the Aurora, before she and her crew meet the same ghastly fate.



If your favorite niche sci-fi TV drama series just got canceled and you need a binge read to fill the void

read: The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

: Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion.



If you're a low-key doomsday prepper

read: Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

about: Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans though no one calls them that anymore.His wife has left him, his father is sinking into dementia, and Marcos tries not to think too hard about how he makes a living. After all, it happened so quickly. First, it was reported that an infectious virus has made all animal meat poisonous to humans. Then governments initiated the Transition. Now, eating human meatspecial meatis legal. Marcos tries to stick to numbers, consignments, processing.Then one day hes given a gift: a live specimen of the finest quality. Though hes aware that any form of personal contact is forbidden on pain of death, little by little he starts to treat her like a human being. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lostand what might still be saved.



If you're trying to ease your book club members into reading SFF

read: Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

: A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago's divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above.An exiled auspex who sold her soul to save her brother's life is offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell. When she turns it down, her client sweetens the pot by offering up the one payment she can't resistthe chance to have a future where she grows old with the woman she loves.To succeed, she is given three days to track down the White City Vampire, Chicago's most notorious serial killer. If she fails, only hell and heartbreak await.



If you've got a rainy afternoon to lose yourself in a beautiful story

read: A Psalm for the Wild-Built Becky Chambers

: Centuries before, robots of Panga gained self-awareness, laid down their tools, wandered, en masse into the wilderness, never to be seen again. They faded into myth and urban legend.Now the life of the tea monk who tells this story is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They will need to ask it a lot. Chambers' series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter? what are you currently reading? // books post!
Tom spending so much time in the UK and getting all buddy buddy with the royals for Scientology is creepy

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Is that what he's doing? get them when their vulnerable I guess

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I know everyone asks about Suri, but have we seen him with any of this other kids recently? Bella lives in London and goes by Bella Kidman Cruise so I wonder if something is going on there as well.

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I guess he doesn't want to be there for the scientology jokes.

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I still cant get over how much smoother Toms face looked in the new Top Gun vs how he looks irl. Im not even saying that in a he looks old way, because hes obviously not going to have a smooth face at 60+. I just dont understand the blatant difference. Was something done in that movie to make him look younger?

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It was filmed a long ass time ago - like, back in 2018, so idk, maybe he got a coup de vieux in the last few years?

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Really? Was the release delayed because of covid?

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Yup, it was supposed to come out in May of 2020, I think., and its absolutely a movie that needed to be seen in theaters.

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Spielberg thanked Cruise for essentially "saving cinema" because Cruise prevented Top Gun from being released while cinemas were closed globally. He's the reason it was delayed so much - he didn't want people to watch it from home.

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Daniel Craig is two-for-two on Golden Globe nominations for playing Benoit Blanc, but he still hasn't secured an Oscar nomination

If "Crash" was always going to win best picture, the Academy could've at least nominated Thandiwe Newton

We're still upset Pam Grier was snubbed for "Jackie Brown"

Claire Danes provided an Oscar-worthy performance in "Little Women" as Beth

Jeffrey Wright has played so many scene-stealing supporting characters, it's hard to pick just one

As the 95th Academy Awards will be tonight many actors, many of those who are first nominees (Colin Farrell and Michelle Yeoh) and those who are vying for another Oscar to their mantel (Cate Blanchett). So I found a list of some of our iconic actors who not only haven't won one nor have they have been nominated. The rest of list is at the source.Craig's iconic Southern accent is Oscar-worthy enough, but the 55-year-old is basically unrecognizable as the same guy who played James Bond for 15 years in "Knives Out" and "Glass Onion." But, Craig arguably could've scored a nod from the Academy for 2006's "Casino Royale" as well, ushering in a new era for 007 and starring in a legitimately terrific film to boot."Crash," released in 2004, is one of the most infamous (and perhaps undeserving) best picture winners of all time.So, why should Newton, 50, have been nominated? Because she plays a young Black woman who is sexually assaulted by a white racist cop played by Matt Dillon  only Dillon was nominated for an Academy Award, even though most of the emotional burden of the film rests on Newton's shoulders. She received many other precursor awards for the film, including a BAFTA, an Empire Award, and multiple other nominations.Grier has had a decades-long career in Hollywood, first appearing in many blaxploitation films in the '70s before being truly celebrated for her talent in Quentin Tarantino's love letter to blaxploitation in 1997's "Jackie Brown."Grier, 73, plays the title character Jackie, a smuggler and flight attendant who is not to be messed with. While she and her co-star Samuel L. Jackson were both nominated for Golden Globes, this was before every Tarantino movie was nominated for at least two or three Oscars, and the two were snubbed.Danes, 43, is also predominantly a TV star now after "Homeland," "The Essex Serpent," "Fleishman Is in Trouble," and even "My So-Called Life," but she was turning in solid performances in the '90s on screen, most notably in the 1994 remake of "Little Women"  only Winona Ryder as Jo was recognized by the Academy  and the 1996 Baz Luhrmann adaptation of "Romeo + Juliet."Wright, 57, has received awards attention for his performances in "Syriana," "The Manchurian Candidate," "Cadillac Records," "Basquiat," and "The Ides of March."However, we'd put forth that his Oscar nomination should have come from "The French Dispatch" in 2021, where his vignette is the most heartbreaking of the five segments of director Wes Anderson's anthology film. He plays the secretly gay food journalist Roebuck Wright.
If she tours Northern Europe.



The missed trolling opportunity of naming themselves Woodvale.

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are you seeing the devil on the allegedly highest grossing tour of all time to be, ontd? <3



I would if she'd release those European tour dates!

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But please, a proper European tour! Im tired of bigger acts doing a European tour by doing like 4 shows in London, 1 in Paris and 1 in Madrid.

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she was supposed to go to poland for lover fest rip her pretending europe exists </3 (never got her hotel refund, is bitter)

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Wonder if those 2 in the pic came up with the terribad, uninspired Swift City. Sounds like a made up name from a town in a video game that's a Vegas knockoff that's full of zombies.





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This! Since a swift is also a bird, my mind immediately went to Raccoon City... lmao

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I'll be seeing her at the end of April!!! I'm so hype lol

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I want to know the set list so bad.

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well love story will be there i bet

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Lol that and You Belong With Me. Im seeing her on this tour and have never seen her before and Id be fine with both of those being cut. Im going to ask for a refund if she doesnt do cruel summer or august though.

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https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1630369018657017856?s=20



Edited at 2023-03-13 05:43 pm (UTC) Did you see that list billboard put out of the songs she WONT be performing on tour? Brb let me go and find it

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Will Taylor purchase property there to encourage this to be permanent?

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she'll have bought the whole of the us by the time this tour ends

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the amount of power she has is so scary lmao.

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The cult of personality she has inspired is genuinely insane and creepy.

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Stop gentrification!

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I have to wait to august for her tour to get to LA but Ill be there

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lmao ok

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as if living in Glendale isn't bad enough!

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met life stadium memorial day weekend baybeeeee can't wait

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Im seeing her June 4th in Chicago! So excited. Cant wait to see how she changes the setlist every stop.

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For some reason I cannot read the name of the tour properly and I always say it "EE-rahs" in my head, like eros with an a.

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It just infuriates me that it took this long to get to Halle, and then a 20 year gap to get to Michelle. I like the pomp and ceremony and the general fun atmosphere of debating and betting on Award Season outcomes, but maybe it is time that at least we as film pundits look outside the Oscars. I know we don't consider it to be the end all be all of what makes a movie good, but still. On a lighter note, please, Sony Pictures Classics, rerelease CTHD AGAIN but wider release now that she won PLEASE!



Edited at 2023-03-13 07:59 pm (UTC)

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On a lighter note, please, Sony Pictures Classics, rerelease CTHD AGAIN but wider release now that she won PLEASE!



i swear to god this better happen lol. i managed to catch the rescreening of it last month but it was showing in only one theatre and of course it was one of the older theatres in the city with smaller screens and bad sound smh

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god she is so beautiful. i can't believe i saw a comment in the viewing post that she hasn't aged well - this woman is 60 and glowing!

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Probably bc 'Oh no, her face sags!"  Every court has their jester.

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who tf said that omg

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who said that??

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That is pathetic.



And it also shows how non-white actors are not given access or opportunities long before awards like the Oscars.



There are far fewer non-white actors at all which is awful.

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But there are so many little white movies with big white hearts

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I saw someone getting shit for saying Michelle would be the first "openly Asian" winner but it's true. I didn't realize how many actresses in the 30s and 40s who were originally born in colonized countries did full-on white passing and changed their entire identities.

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also saw "identifies as asian"



it all sounds so clunky, but i don't know how else to word it either while respecting Merle Oberon

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Yeah, Twitter was losing its mind over some random article saying "identifies as Asian" this morning, but yes, Merle Oberon had very understandable reasons for hiding her identity. Her story is so sad, including the fact that her mother and grandmother were both VERY young when they gave birth.

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edit: oh someone posted a chart below, i'll just defer to that lol



Edited at 2023-03-13 08:23 pm (UTC)

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I wonder if The Academy wll ever be inclusive enough to look back and consider them Asian, but then we open the floodgates of trying to tell people how they identify in death...

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Lots of people are jumping on the phrasing "identifies as Asian" - but it's a surprisingly contentious question, with 7 different Best Actress nominees on the Wikipedia page "List of Asian Academy Award Winners"https://t.co/GVolL2hv0c



Here's a rundown of each question: https://t.co/VVqNZQ0AqJ pic.twitter.com/VZpsseSa7e  att (@matttomic) March 13, 2023



Way more complicated than it seems and a good perspective on how nationality and race don't fit into the American way of seeing them. Accurate chart is accurate:Way more complicated than it seems and a good perspective on how nationality and race don't fit into the American way of seeing them.

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See: Rita Hayworth

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Of course the responses on Twitter were full of people ignorant about racial-passing and using the "identifies as" phrasing as an excuse to be transphobic and rail against *leftist woke agenda*. 

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Im still obsessed with Halles dress and her speech still makes me  when she names the other Black actresses

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Her dress is like top 5 all time Oscar looks for me.

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they just put her dress on display at the Oscars museum! it really is one of the best winner dresses, and influential too. the dress gaga wore on the red carpet this year had the sheer and a low rise hem, just like halle's 2002 dress

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I always wondered if they kept their dresses afterwards or if they have to return them? Why have I always assumed they keep them lol

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that speech is legendary for obvious reasons. but her naming the actresses makes me sob for sure.

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This is why I now side eye tf out of these first this, second that to achieve something. It's 2023 ffs, you racist gatekeepers.



2 WOC IN 95 YEARS! This is why I now side eye tf out of these first this, second that to achieve something. It's 2023 ffs, you racist gatekeepers.

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honestly i feel conflicted  im happy they won but  what to celebrate?

its a racist/ homophobic organization

so every 20 years or so they voted a WOC winner and that should be enough?

nothing will change  michelle will be like halle, she will continue to struggle and get good roles. because all roles in that age group to go cate/meryl/kate/nicole  cate will win another oscar within 5 years.

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I'm not sure Meryl is really competing with those women at this point given their ages. More like Frances McDormand (which is not the point of your comment but anyway)



Edited at 2023-03-13 08:02 pm (UTC)

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I don't think Michelle will struggle though because while she doesn't get Oscar roles she's had and continues to have an incredibly career and has worked with a lot of mainstream projects already.



But yeah the Academy is shit.

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Michelle has been steadily being booked in 2022  off the top of my head I know of Wicked, the next Poiroit movie Branagh is going to massacre, and Transformers, which, while not prestige, I think she's having fun, and she deserves it.

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She also has American Born Chinese on Disney+!

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the difference between Halle and Michelle is that Michelle is like an A-list star in the sinosphere market. that helps so much with financing etc

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ugh hopefully it won't take another 20 years



i was looking at best actor wins and if i'm not wrong ben kingsley is the only asian winner? i think ke huy quan was def supporting but i wonder if he would have won if he was put in lead

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i believe ben is, yes, as he's half indian and openly identifies as such as for your second point, i really think it would've been harder for him to win had he been placed in best actor. very few non-white actors have won lead actor over the years to start and well, you know the academy members' stats

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Congratulations to Michelle Yeoh for winning Best Actress at the 2023 Academy Awards, presented to her by Halle Berry and Jessica Chastain. #Oscars



 Getty pic.twitter.com/0fTZt15Ktx  James Bond (@007) March 13, 2023

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i said it in the oscar post, now i'm putting it out in the universe: i need a charlie's angels reboot to happen with these three!!! their chemistry on stage gave me goosebumps.

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I feel like every shot Ive seen of these three together as they walked off have been absolutely heavenly

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Okay now I need all three of them to star in an action movie together, and separately Jessica Chastain to play the Bond girl in the next movie (she'll probably be older than the next Bond too which would be a nice change of pace)

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insane that it took 21 years, insane that they're the only TWO winners. insane that they were both beauty queens and bond girls too. lashana lynch next please, and not 21 years from now.



the moment they shared on stage was really touching, and the photos of it are amazing too. i saw someone say that it's an interesting moment where the oscars plan for a big moment and it actually paid off, in a really beautiful and genuine way.

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This also has a huge trickle down affect of who gets higher salaries, funding, lead roles etc.



Forever bitter that Alfonso Cuaron wanted Salma Hayek to star in Gravity but even though she was an Oscar nominee he couldn't get anyone to fund a movie about a female Mexican astronaut. And then when he did get Oscars and funding he turned around and got Yalitza Aparicio an Oscar nom but the industry sucks so hard she barely works.

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Did anyone see this? I dont get how this happens every year. Also pretty glaring to miss the lead from a BP nominee?



https://deadline.com/2023/03/oscars-in-memoriam-missing-anne-heche-charlbi-dean-tom-sizemore-1235296384/ Michelle looked perfect last night, one of my favorite Oscar looks ever. Dior was a perfect fit for her.Did anyone see this? I dont get how this happens every year. Also pretty glaring to miss the lead from a BP nominee?

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jean louis trintignant wasn't there either! he was in three colors red and amour, come on now

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It happens every year, I dont get how they always miss names. Itd be better if they just didnt do it lol

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I noticed most that were mentioned in the article were missing In Memoriam. Not including Charlbi Dean, who starred in this years' best picture nominee film... tragic.

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Also think not enough people are talking about how the last decade of Asian-American new wave has been building to this.



There have been so many great films directed by American Asians and international Asian films that have broken through.

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Do you mean east Asian?

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tangent, but it's been so amusing to see how the anti-eeaao faction has moved the goalposts all year long:



first it was, "eeaao is only a film twitter thing, it's not gonna get nominated!"

then it was, "eeaao is too divisive, it's not gonna do well w/ the older voters on the preferential ballot!"

then it was, "eeaao isn't going to do well with international voters, look at bafta!"

then it was, "eeaao is going to age so poorly, while tar and banshees will be acclaimed for years to come!"



justin chang's already written a tl;dr LA Times article whining that eeaao is more of a traditional oscar winner than it seems. the next step will be someone explicitly saying that eeaao was oscar bait all along. and ofc there are the usual suspects saying that michelle only won due to "narrative." there was also some anonymous strategist for a competing movie saying that no one liked eeaao, they're just supporting it due to "asian-american representation hectoring." i wish these assholes would be outed.



anyway, i'm so glad that the academy's maneuver in getting halle berry to present did not backfire on them, they were just asking for trouble.





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and ofc there are the usual suspects saying that michelle only won due to "narrative."



lol all academy award winners only win cause of narrative. If people are pretending that her ONLY narrative is the 1st woman of colour to win in 20+ years they're deluded. She has the classic "beloved industry vet finally gets nominated" narrative.



Her closest competition is a 2x winner 8x nominee which certainly helped as well.

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Those pre-emptive claims about what will age and wont age are so silly.



EEAAO was beloved even though it has its critics, so I doubt its going to be the next Greenbook. And I really liked Tar, but if anything that movie is more at risk in terms of longevity? I mean, I hope its not forgotten, but its stans seem to be journalists/extremely online Twitter users/cinephiles, and its focus was on something very topical.



And not buying the idea that EEAAO is more of a traditional Oscar film than it seems. Hindsight is 20/20 and could say that about most of the movies if they ended up winning. Even if Banshees won, there might even be someone saying Of course these old academy voters would vote for a film about an obsession over leaving behind a legacy!



Edited at 2023-03-13 08:26 pm (UTC)

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yeah i'm sure tar will be respected in cinephile circles, but that's about it. if anything, tar was much more of a 'film twitter' thing than eeaao was. obviously anecdote =/= data but my RL friends who are not chronically online the way i am didn't even really know what tar was about, i had to explain the premise to them.

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people really do hate that a genre film led by asian americans is that good, lbr

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having Halle present was so risky, i was worried there, ngl

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i truly don't see how this film will age poorly bc the themes and the message of it are very timeless. like even if it's something we all know, we can resonate with it. also ppl have gone through the experiences of the film even if it's not specific to them (i mean who hasn't had moments where they are desperate for their family to understand parts of them yet no matter how much you explain or show, your family still don't get it).

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ugh i started to notice some backlash too on reddit, nytimes, etc. been seeing a lot more comments like "eeaao was too convoluted and nonsensical, tar and banshees are much better" or "i only watched eeaao this year out of hype and if that's the best picture of the year then i must've not missed much"



i had a feeling the tide would turn on the movie after it swept the oscars, the whites are gonna be mad that an asian-led movie about the immigrant experience got so much love

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Yeah, seeing the insistence that it's sentimental ending means it was really just a Spielberg-level ploy all along is just... The fuck??



It sort of reminds me of how people act like The Shape of Water was also a conventional win. Though obviously the goalposts with EEAAO have been more glaring.

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Pakistan is looking to buy Russian oil at $50 per barrel, media reported on Sunday, as the South Asian country is grappling with an economic and foreign reserves liquidity crisis.

Pakistan is desperate to import energy at low costs, after it was outspent on the market last year when oil and gas prices surged while Pakistani foreign exchange reserves dwindled.

A potential purchase of $50 oil from Russia would be $10 below the G7 price cap on Russian crude, below which shipments are still cleared to enjoy insurance and financing services from Western companies.

Russia will have to first arrange and complete formalities such as shipping costs, insurance, and mode of payment before replying to Pakistans request for heavily discounted Russian crude, according to a report in The News carried by PTI.

Pakistan hopes for good discounts from Russia, earlier reports have said.

Russia, for its part, was initially uncertain whether Pakistan would want to proceed with an oil deal, according to a report in The Express Tribune. Following a recent meeting between Russian and Pakistani officials, Russia has asked Pakistan to purchase and import one cargo as a test case.

According to the News, Pakistan will test the cost of landed oil cargo from Russia by importing one cargo.

Other reports said last week that the first cargo from Russiathe one to test the costs and increase the trust between the parties  could depart from Russia by next month.

Pakistan hasnt been a major importer of Russian oil and gas so far.

Many large customers in Asia havent joined the price cap mechanism, but China and India, for example  Russias top crude oil buyers now  are demanding steep discounts for the Russian grades.

Meanwhile, Pakistans economic and energy crises have deepened in recent months as the South Asian country is trying to negotiate a new deal for a loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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Russias exports of oil products by sea slipped by 10.4% in February as the EU embargo and the G7 price caps on Russian fuels came into force, Reuters has estimated based on data from industry sources.

Total shipments of oil products from Russian ports dropped to 9.531 million tons last month, down from 11.781 million tons exported by sea in January, according to the data and to Reuters calculations.

The biggest decline was seen in seaborne exports from Russias Black Sea ports and from the Azov Sea, where volumes slumped by 20.5%. Part of the decline was due to harsh sea conditions and stormy weather, market sources told Reuters.

Oil product exports from the Baltic Sea ports in Russia went down by 4.1%, while exports from the Far East ports jumped by 18.9%. Still, Russia exports significantly less fuel from its Far East ports.

Ahead of the EU ban on Russian petroleum products, Russia began to divert its oil product cargoes to North Africa and Asia.

Russia is said to be accelerating its exports of diesel to Saudi Arabia by both direct shipments and ship-to-ship transfers, Reuters reported last week, quoting trade sources and shipping data from Refinitiv.

Using STS loadings, Russia is shortening the routes for tankers headed to Africa and Asia after Moscow is now banned from exporting fuels to the EU.

At the same time, Europe is ramping up imports of diesel from the Middle East and Asia to offset the loss of Russian barrels, of which it imported around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) before the February 5 embargo took effect.

According to JP Morgan, Russian fuel exports could slip by 300,000 bpd as a result of the EU embargo, but the bank added that Russia could maintain its production of crude oil at pre-war levels. But it would be harder for Russia to return to pre-pandemic levels of crude production, JP Morgan added.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices have fallen over $2 on Monday, and were down as much as $4 in early trading, as fears of a contagion spread following the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley bank on Friday.

By 10:20 a.m. EST on Monday, Brent crude had fallen 2.31% to $80.87, with WTI down 2.62% at $74.67.

The Dow was also plunged over 243 points early on Monday, clawing back some of those losses by 10:20 a.m., for a 70 point downswing.

Oil prices likely would have fallen even more had not Chinese demand data not provided a counterweight.



Fears of a pending financial crisis were sparked on Friday when the U.S. government seized the assets of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)

SVB, the go-to lender for tech startups backed by venture capitalists, failed dramatically on Friday, with shares plunging 60% before the SEC halted trading. On Wednesday, the bank announced a massive capital raise, saying it would sell $2.25 billion in new shares to fix the balance sheet. That created a panic and a run on the bank, sending shares tanking by Friday, leading to an FDCI takeover.

On Sunday, Washington launched emergency measures to avoid the contagion spreading into a wider financial crisis. The Biden administration pledged that banks will bear the losses, not taxpayers.

"No losses will be  and this is an important point  no losses will be borne by the taxpayers; let me repeat that, no losses will be borne by the taxpayer," Biden said Monday in remarks at White House. "Instead the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund."

Following the banks failure, Goldman Sachs has forecast that the Federal Reserve will now pause rate hikes during its meeting next week.

Others agree.

"We think the steps taken by the Fed, Treasury and (the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp) will decisively break the psychological 'doom loop' across the regional banking sector," Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at Corpay in Toronto, told Reuters.

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The Biden administration is set to give its final approval to the Willow oil project in Alaska but will also announce drilling limitations by curbing offshore oil leasing in the area, the New York Times has reported, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the matter.

The news about the Willow project made headlines at the end of last week when the administration was reported to be about to approve the project. On Friday, Reuters quoted the White House as saying no final decision had been made yet.

Yet on Sunday, the Interior Department said the administration would move to limit drilling activities inside the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, which some have seen as an attempt on the part of President Biden to appease environmental activists who have been staunchly opposing the Willow project development.

The $8-billion project, led by ConocoPhillips, was awarded to the company by the Trump Administrations Bureau of Land Management in 2020. The project could deliver 160,000 bpd of crude, the BLM said at the time, with reserves estimated at between 400 and 750 million barrels. The lifetime of the project was estimated at up to 30 years in 2019.

Because of Bidens stated dedication to the transition away from fossil fuels, approving the project in the face of so much opposition despite strong demand for oil has become quite tricky. Therefore, to cushion the blow, the administration has decided to ban drilling across 16 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve.

The new ban on offshore drilling is a continuation of President Obamas ban on offshore drilling in federal waters and will exclude the Beaufort Sea from future oil leases.

It is, however, unlikely to appease environmentalists much. These groups have made it clear that the only decision they would accept is a rejection of the project. This puts the administration in a difficult position, having to juggle its own pledge to move away from fossil fuels with the fact that the U.S. economy runs on those very same fossil fuels.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The Biden Administration approved the controversial Alaska oil project known as Willow on Monday after rumors surfaced last week that the Administration was set to approve it.

The massive oil Willow Project covers three drill sites in the National Petroleum Reserve in an area that is estimated to hold up to 600 million barrels of oil. The project has incited much controversy from climate activists and some of Bidens supporters from the left, many of whom argue that the project is a major setback in fighting climate change, with the Interior Departments estimate that the project could see 278 million metric tons over its 30-year lifespan.

On Friday, in response to the rumors, the White House commented that no decision had been made. Meanwhile, the Interior Department unveiled protections on Sunday for more than 16 million acres of land in the National Petroleum Reserve and the Arctic Ocean, which will now be off limits for oil and gas leasinga move that some interpreted as the Administrations way of appeasing the liberal left in the runup to the announcement for Willows approval.

The $8 billion Willow Project is now in the hands of ConocoPhillips, in addition to creating a wealth of carbon emissions, will create jobs and an estimated $17 billion in revenue for the federal government, in addition to beefing up energy security in the United States.

The project is expected to produce 160,000 bpd  180,000 bpd of crude oil.

Prior to the projects approval, climate activists have made it clear that they would only be satisfied with an outright rejection of the Willow Project.

Arkansas Senator Dan Sullivan has called the Willow Project one of the biggest, most important resource development projects in our states history.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)  The national government will implement a media literacy campaign this year to combat misinformation and disinformation in the digital landscape, a Malacanang official said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Cherbett Karen Maralit said the campaign aims to equip the most vulnerable communities with the knowledge and resources they need to be discerning of the truth as they engage in various social media channels and platforms.

The PCO official explained that the drive would take a context-based and factual grassroots approach, involving active collaboration by the PCO and the private sector, particularly those in the broadcast industry.

We will work to improve the citizenrys ability to think critically and analyze information. The first step towards this end is identifying reliable and credible sources of information, Maralit said, noting that the PCO wish[es] to achieve this goal with both sensitivity, balance and respect for constitutional rights.

Maralit made the announcement during a side event on safe online spaces for women at the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) at the UN headquarters in New York, according to a PCO statement.

Backed by the budgetary support from the Philippine Congress and its confidence in the leadership of the PCO, we took the opportunity to develop mechanisms through which we can bring the online experiences of females of all ages into focus, she said.

Maralit further said that a thorough study will be carried out this month to pinpoint the communities in the country where media literacy is needed most; identify the social media platforms through which these communities are most vulnerable to fake news; and identify the topic that misinformation and disinformation primarily cover.

She said that after the study's findings are compiled, the government is anticipated to launch the nationwide campaign and hold a media literacy summit by the end of the year.
South Korea should develop and build nuclear weapons as a means to defend itself from the growing nuclear threat from North Korea, the mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, said in an exclusive interview with Reuters published on Monday.

South Korea doesnt have a domestic nuclear weapons program, but the recent tensions over increased threats from North Korea have intensified calls from some politicians in South Korea that the south needs to be able to defend itself.

North Korea has nearly succeeded in miniaturising and lightening tactical nuclear weapons and secured at least dozens of warheads, Oh told Reuters in an exclusive interview.

We've come to a point where it is difficult to convince people with the logic that we should refrain from developing nuclear weapons and stick to the cause of denuclearisation.

Oh and other members of South Koreas ruling conservative People Power Party have been advocating for a domestic nuclear arsenal in the increasingly heated debate over whether South Korea should have nuclear weapons.

According to the most recent opinion polls among South Koreans, a majority of them support the development of nuclear weapons in the country.

Taken together, the data suggests that the support for a domestic nuclear weapons program is robust, long-standing, and unlikely to dissipate, Karl Friedhoff, the Marshall M. Bouton Fellow for Asia Studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, wrote last month.

Meanwhile, North Korea said on Monday that it would mercilessly punish the United States, just ahead of the largest U.S.-South Korea military drills in years. North Korea has also launched two cruise missiles from a submarine.

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South Koreas Joint Chief of Staff on Monday confirmed it had detected a launch from North Korea, adding that the The detailed specifications are being analyzed precisely by the South Korean and US intelligence authorities, per the statement cited by Bloomberg.

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Norways oil fund held over $263 million in Signature Bank and SVB Financial Group, the owner of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which failed spectacularly over the weekend, sparking government intervention.

MarketWatch reports that the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund (SWF) held around $263 million in SVB Financial Group and Signature Bank, based on last weeks valuations.

"This is the biggest U.S. bank collapse since the financial crisis and we are closely monitoring the situation in the market," Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which manages the SWF, said in an emailed statement to MarketWatch.

Both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank have now been taken over by the federal authorities.

SVB, the go-to lender for tech startups backed by venture capitalists, failed dramatically on Friday, with shares plunging 60% before the SEC halted trading. On Wednesday, the bank announced a massive capital raise, saying it would sell $2.25 billion in new shares to fix the balance sheet. That spooked investors, who feared the high share of uninsured deposits, creating a panic and a run on the bank. Shares tanked on Thursday, leading to an FDIC takeover on Friday.

On Sunday, Washington launched emergency measures to avoid the contagion spreading into a wider financial crisis. The Biden administration pledged that banks will bear the losses, not taxpayers.

The failure of these regional banks has sparked fears of a contagion spreading and leading to another financial crisis on the level of the Lehman Brothers collapse. Those fears have led to a drop in oil prices on Monday, and a battered Dow.

Oil prices plunged as much as 5% before the opening bell on Monday, retracing somewhat by the early afternoon. As of 1:25 p.m. EST on Monday, both Brent and WTI were trading down 1.86%.

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The strikes in France against a labor market reform have shut down the LNG import terminals, and the impact will continue to be felt this week, French union representatives told Reuters on Monday.

France is in the midst of massive protests and strikes in many sectors against a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron to raise the retirement age by two years to 64.

The strikes across France have disrupted power supply, refining operations, and fuel deliveries for more than a week of strikes and street protests against the pension reform.

Despite the strikes and protests, this weekend the French Senate voted in favor of the proposed reform. The bill has yet to clear other legislative hurdles, including votes in both houses and a committee of the Senate and the lower house, the National Assembly.

The disruption at Frances LNG terminals is expected to last beyond March 14, a union official told Reuters today.

All the gas terminals and storages are in the hands of the strikers. Terminals are shut down. There is a decline in storage, the union official added.

France has four LNG receiving terminals, Dunkirk, Montoir, Fos Cavaou, and Fos Tonkin. The Montoir, Fos Cavaou, and Fos Tonkin LNG import terminals have been offline since March 6, and will be out of operations until March 14, the operator of the facilities Elengy told Kpler last week.

Last week, deliveries to Europe and Turkey fell by nearly 19%, according to ship-tracking data by Kpler cited by Montel.

Europes LNG imports could be the lowest since October 2022, according to Kpler.

The halted operations at the French LNG import terminals sent the European benchmark gas price at the TTF hub up by 25% over Thursday and Friday last week, also due to a cold snap in northwest Europe and renewed concerns about Frances nuclear power fleet availability. On Monday, prices were down in Amsterdam trade, due to higher wind power generation across northwest Europe and a weather outlook for milder temperatures.

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The future of the energy industry in the United Arab Emirates is bright and will reach new heights in the future, the oil minister of the UAE, Suhail Al Mazrouei has said.

At an event titled Charting the Future of the UAEs Energy Sector, Al Mazrouei said that the UAE had ambitious goals in low-carbon energy and was seeking to engage partners both at home and abroad to advance the countrys ambitions.

The UAE is the third-largest producer in OPEC, along with Kuwait, after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Although traditionally a staunch ally of the OPEC de facto leader, recent media reports have suggested relations between the two countries have cooled.

One specific report, by the Wall Street Journal, from earlier this month caused a splash as it suggested the UAE was having an internal debate about leaving OPEC. Although quickly denied by the Emirates, the reports implication that the leader of OPEC and its second-in-command were having disagreements remained.

It was later reinforced with another WSJ report that focused on the political differences between OPEC and regional partners. The report noted competition had increased between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over attracting foreign investments, as has their rivalry on international oil markets.

The two no longer saw eye to eye on Yemen, too, the report noteda sign of a deepening divide between the two countries. According to unnamed sources, the UAE had made attempts to ease the tension but unsuccessfully.

Up until a few years ago, this sort of division and openly pursuing objectives that are counter to what their brothers are pursuing was unheard of. Now its becoming increasingly normal, International Crisis Group senior adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, Dina Esfandiary, told the WSJ.

If the trend continues, it would suggest that the UAEs energy future will be decoupled from Saudi Arabias, even as the two remain partners in OPEC.

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Patriot Elementary School second graders gathered around with a snack Friday to hear the story of how Balto the sled dog saved the children of Nome, Alaska.

Balto was the lead dog of a sled team that brought diphtheria antitoxin to the town in 1925 following a portion of the Iditarod Trail. Students spent the past week learning about the Iditarod sled race as real-life mushers and their dogs trekked across Alaskas interior.

If they didnt have the medicine, the kids could have died, said student Isaac Ciavarella said about the 1925 trek. It saved peoples lives.

The winner was expected to be named sometime early this week, as the Iditarod contestants faced warm temperatures and less-than-ideal trail conditions.

In their Papillion classroom, the Patriot students learned about the race through a series of activities that included using small robots to follow the races path, constructing a sled dog team out of paper and completing a workbook of Iditarod facts and figures.

We got to watch a couple videos about the Iditarod and we wrote down what we learned, said student Clark Cromer. Learning about it is good because its interesting.

The students learned about the Iditarod and its history, and they integrated lessons with their informed writing curriculum. They also researched specific mushers and created flags to showcase their racers, while writing letters to them asking how they make preparations.
Welcome to a fools spring, all you hardy residents of Omaha and eastern Nebraska.

A fools spring is a spell of warm weather in March or April followed closely by a cold snap, according to meteorologist Taylor Nicolaisen of the National Weather Service in Valley. Cold, blustery conditions have returned to the area after several glittering days of sunny, warm weather in early March.

It was bright and sunshiny  but now it isnt, Nicolaisen said. Normally, we should be at (a high of) 50 degrees, but theres no normal for this time of year. The average temperature should be 50, but were more likely to get 40 or 60 (degrees).

The high temperature for Omaha on Monday is forecast to be right at the freezing mark of 32 degrees. Its expected to be breezy as well, but Omahans can expect the wind to shift and come out of the south on Tuesday to help produce a high in the mid- to upper 40s, he said.

On Wednesday, we should see a high of 60 (degrees) in Omaha with southerly winds coming out of the Gulf Coast, Nicolaisen said. It will still be a little breezy, but it will feel nice.

Nice until Thursday, that is. The forecast calls for a high of about 32 degrees with winds gusting up to 45 mph. A mix of rain and snow is predicted to fall for much of the day.

Were expecting about a half-inch of precipitation (in Omaha), he said. Omaha will see a slushy accumulation, but you can look to the east for more precipitation. Iowa will be the bulls-eye (of the storm).

Cooler air is expected to filter back into the area again on Friday with a high of 31 forecast for Omaha. Saturday and Sunday are also expected to see high temperatures remaining in the 30s.

Were in the middle of March, Nicolaisen said. Anything can happen.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2023
When a student boards Yvonne Johnsons school bus for the first time, their eyes grow wide and fill with wonder.

Sometimes they even crack a smile, marveling at the twinkling lights, bright colors of paper, zigzagging streamers, stickers galore  all features of Johnsons Love Bus that she drives five days a week for the Omaha Public Schools.

Students will find Johnson in the driver seat, welcoming them into her small sanctuary. Her patterned clothes, full face of makeup, curly hair and flowery scent make children so comfortable they call her Momma.

Theyre not my students. Theyre my babies, Johnson said. And I tell my babies I love them, both the big ones and the little ones. I want them to know that Im safe to be with.

The 25-year veteran bus driver has been operating the Love Bus for the last five years. Every few months, she spends multiple days decorating the exterior and interior of the vehicle to match the current season or holiday, like fall, Christmas, Valentines Day and spring.

Most of the decor comes from a discount store. One year she spent $200 decorating for Christmas because she couldnt help herself.

Johnson created the Love Bus after being inspired by the bus of a co-worker, who has since retired. But instead of simple window stickers or trim, Johnson said she goes overboard each year to make the bus environment as welcoming as possible for her students.

You have to give them something to focus on, or all they are going to do is go to sleep or misbehave, Johnson said. They dont spend a lot of time with me, but its enough time that I can leave good memories that I had as a child.

Leslie Lopezs son, Julian, has been riding Johnsons bus since he started prekindergarten in August at Gomez Heritage Elementary. Julian has autism and rarely speaks, but Lopez said he always has a big smile seeing the bus arrive each morning.

My son loves the bus, how it is always decorated with seasonal colors, Lopez said. He loves her. She is very noble and sweet with children.

Another of Johnsons students from Gomez didnt speak the entire first semester. But when Johnson decorated for spring earlier this month, the student boarded the bus, looked up and said flower.

I said, OK, she is going to get flowers in her departing package, Johnson said about the gifts she gives to students at the end of the year.

Sometimes Johnsons giving doesnt stop at the bus  shes been known to send high school students money after they graduate to help with their college experience. Johnson doesnt have children of her own.

I just love it, she said. I didnt birth them, but they are mine.

Days can be long for Johnson, who gets up at 2:30 a.m.

She said it takes her a while to get her lashes on for the day. At 5:30 a.m., she gets to work and goes through a safety checklist for her bus before taking off around 6 a.m. to pick up students enrolled at Gomez and Bryan High School.

Johnson said she occasionally helps with busing around noon, but work for the evening routes begins around 2:15 p.m.

Of course with 13 babies on here, it can get pretty long, so I may get back by 5:45 p.m., Johnson said. Ive driven 12 hours a day before.

Johnson is part of the bus driver fleet employed through OPS, not Student Transportation of America, which transports the majority of students in the district. OPS drivers transport about 2,000 students, mostly in special education.

Student Transportation of America has been experiencing worsening staff shortages, impacting bus route coverage  about 74% of routes through the vendor are covered by a full-time driver.

On the routes that the district handles itself, 89% are covered by a permanent driver.

OPS bus drivers are like a family and work together to handle staff shortages when they happen, Johnson said. She thought about working as a substitute driver at one point but found out if she did, it wouldnt be guaranteed she would drive the Love Bus.

She said without the decorated bus, she wouldnt be able to bring joy to others.

It matters not just to the students  my co-workers, principals and teachers come on here and love the feeling on here, Johnson said. People in traffic have honked me down, because its dark in the morning and you can see all these lights. And theyre like, Whats going on in there? You do all that for the kids? I say yes. And its kind of contagious.

Photos: OPS driver decorates her bus for students
Four Omaha-area school districts could be receiving payments from the Sarpy County Treasurers Office after missing out on tax money for three years.

The Omaha, Gretna, Springfield Platteview and Millard districts are considering a settlement with the Treasurers Office totaling $2.7 million. The sum would be paid to the districts in installments from 2023 to 2027.

The agreement wont be final until approved by the districts. One school board  Springfield Platteview  is considering the settlement on Monday.

The settlement is the product of a lawsuit the schools filed together on Dec. 30, 2021, after the countys former treasurer, Brian Zuger, overpaid and underpaid several local governments in distributing tax revenue from 2018 to 2020, according to the Nebraska State Auditors Office.

The lawsuit alleged that Trace Jones, who became Sarpy County treasurer after Zuger, refused to pay back what the county owes the districts, despite recommendations from state audit officials. Jones declined to comment because the settlement is still pending.

A similar issue occurred in Douglas County and some districts have been settling with the county to recoup lost revenue.

At issue is the way the counties distributed money from payments that the Omaha Public Power District, a public body, makes instead of paying property taxes to county, city and school districts. The utility directs 5% of its gross revenues from the previous years retail electricity sales to those entities.

According to the lawsuit against the Sarpy County Treasurers Office, Zuger failed to include the tax levies of all school districts in Sarpy County when calculating those tax payments, which reportedly led to over- and underpayments to Omaha-area school districts and cities by millions of dollars.

In Sarpy, the error meant that the Bellevue Public Schools was overpaid more than $2.3 million, and Papillion La Vista Community Schools received $946,000 more than the district was supposed to receive, according to the lawsuit.

But the Omaha Public Schools was underpaid $1.4 million; Millard Public Schools lost $2.3 million; Gretna Public Schools was about $722,000 short; and Springfield Platteview Community Schools was underpaid $1.9 million. In some cases, however, those underpayments led to higher state aid for schools, so those districts did not wind up losing as much.

If the settlement is approved, the four underpaid districts will receive extra money from the county in each of the next five years.

In total, Gretna would receive $183,545; Springfield Platteview would receive more than $1.96 million; OPS would receive $214,535; and Millard would receive $349,868.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2023
A 20-year-old Louisiana man charged with second-degree murder allegedly told witnesses that the man he shot had spoken ill of his mother.

David M. Phillips Jr., 20, of Kenner, Louisiana, is accused of fatally shooting Israel Matos-Colon, 31, of Fowlerville, Michigan, on March 1. The men were part of a crew working on a tower 2 miles north of Hartington in northeast Nebraska (about 150 miles north of Omaha).

Phillips appeared in Cedar County Court last week and was also charged with use of a firearm to commit a felony and being in possession of stolen firearm. A judge ordered Phillips held on $10 million bail. He must pay 10% of that amount, $100,000, to be released from the Cedar County Jail.

Investigators said the shooting occurred during a workplace argument between Phillips and Matos-Colon, who was pronounced dead at a Yankton, South Dakota, hospital. If convicted of second-degree murder, Phillips faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison.

According to an affidavit filed in Cedar County, three other workers witnessed the shooting about 9:20 a.m. One witness told investigators that he saw Phillips firing a handgun at Matos-Colon from about 7 feet. The witness said that after the shooting, Phillips was wandering around and said, That (N-word) done talked about my mom.

Another witness told investigators that he heard from six to 10 gunshots and that Phillips apologized to Matos-Colon as he was receiving CPR. Phillips, the witness said, also asked if the other workers were going to give him a ride out of there or call police.

A Glock model G19 Gen5 9mm handgun was retrieved from Phillips left pant leg, authorities said. The weapon had been reported stolen in Louisiana, the affidavit said.

The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting the investigation with the aid of the Cedar County Sheriffs Office.
The Dalai Lama was taking questions from the audience in February in Dharamsala when the boy asked if he could hug him. After a hug, the Dalai
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)  The remains of the six victims of the Cessna plane that crashed in a mountainous part of Isabela in January have been brought down to the town proper of Divilacan, authorities reported Sunday.

A statement from the public information office of Isabela said the bodies arrived at 12:45 p.m., but bad weather prevented authorities from transporting the remains to Cauayan, the ill-fated plane's point of origin which is some 75 kilometers away.

"As of 12:54 p.m. today, all bodies of the pilot and passengers have arrived at Divilacan proper. The Air Force is waiting for a break in the weather to deploy a chopper to transport said bodies to Cauayan," the Isabela PIO said.

A retrieval team was able to reach the crash site on Saturday, days after it was found in Barangay Ditarum, Divilacan, Isabela.

The plane was reported missing in January. Authorities reported there were no survivors from the crash.

The aircraft was found on a slope with dense forest cover, according to the Isabela Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Those Omahans who plan to step out and celebrate St. Patricks Day should be wearing a wee bit more than a tweed coat to ward off an expected cold front.

Those folks might want to be wearing some sort of a wool hat, Taylor Nicolaisen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Monday. Some hot beverages would be a good idea, too.

A high of 30 degrees is forecast Friday for Omaha, he said. The wind will be wicked, blowing steadily at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

It will feel like its in the teens and single digits all day, Nicolaisen said. Its just not going to be very nice for St. Patricks Day.

Its too bad the good saints celebration doesnt fall on Wednesday this year. The high temperature for Omaha that day is forecast to be 60 degrees with lots of sunshine.

Thursday will start out warm, but the high temperature of about 45 degrees is expected to take a nose dive early. Cold air and precipitation in the form of a rain and snow mix will move into eastern Nebraska late in the day, Nicolaisen said.

Two cold fronts are expected with one blowing in from Idaho and another dropping down from Canada, he said. The storms could linger into early Friday morning.

Its typical for this part of the world that we dont know exactly where the line of rain and snow will be, he said. Right now, that looks like the line (for snow) will set up right along the South Dakota border.

Snow or no, Omahas Irish eyes are sure to be celebrating and local pubs are preparing for any weather eventualities. The Brazen Head Irish Pub, 319 N. 78th St., tries to be ready for any conditions, according to Lindsey Jack, the assistant general manager.

We will have a heated tent that opens at 6 a.m. and our menu has lots of Irish coffee choices, Jack said. Irish coffee is always popular in the morning here, but we might see even more people than usual drinking them in the afternoon and really all day long.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2023
Birds was last updated in 1994, Trees in 1980, and theres lots of new science and wowza photography to share.

The biggest change is the inclusion of conservation status, and both guides include range maps that show the impact of climate change for each species.

The bird guide covers more than 800 species.

The tree guide has more than 540.

National Audubon Society (Knopf)
BLOOMINGTON  Jurors arrived at the downtown Bloomington courtroom to hear the details of a college students tragic death ... or was it murder?

The student died after falling from a campus clock tower during a fraternitys rush event. Chris Archer, the fraternity president, faced first-degree murder charges.

Plot twist: Neither Archer nor the other student actually exist.

The case was fodder for a mock trial that began Monday at the Governor Fifer Courtroom in the McLean County Museum of History, letting Bloomington Area Career Center criminal justice students live out what they have been learning.

We try to make it entertaining and fun for them and at the same time, theyre learning, said teacher Rob Raycraft.

Students have been preparing with mini-mock trials, sometimes using fairy tales, Raycraft said. That helps them become familiar with different roles held by each person in the courtroom.

Devin Adams, a Bloomington High School sophomore, said she studied opening statements in well-known cases as preparation for her role as one of the defense attorneys in Mondays case. It was her first time in a courtroom, she said.

I love this class; I think its really fun, she said.

Adams said hands-on experiences like the mock trial, as well as field trips and expert guest speakers, made the lessons engaging.

As her team prepared to call witnesses, she felt good about the odds. I might be biased, but I think the defense is winning, she said.

Emily May, also a BHS sophomore, served on the prosecutors side, arguing against Adams  an experience she was enjoying so far.

I just love arguing (in a civil way), putting the pieces together, she said, though she noted that her opponents were also doing well.

May credited the program with helping prepare students for future experiences.

BACC criminal justice is is amazing; the teachers are amazing, she said.

Raycraft and teacher Shanna Cheatham brought three groups of students through the courtroom on Monday. They plan to wrap up the trials on Tuesday.

They are using a popular mock trial case, Chris Archer v. New Columbia, in which the fictional Archer is charged with first-degree murder and criminal hazing.

A student rushing Archers fraternity falls to her death while trying to plant a flag for the fraternity on the campus clock tower. She had been drinking that night and the prosecutors say Archer, the fraternity president, told her to do the task as part of pledging.

Students play all the roles, including judges, bailiff, witnesses, attorneys, Archer and even sketch artists and court stenographers.

There to watch the proceedings was Melissa Clagg of Court Reporting Services of Illinois. She has previously visited the classes and hopes to encourage the students to consider her profession, alleviating a continued court reporter shortage.

She was impressed with what she saw.

Theyre doing awesome , Clagg said. Some of them were pretty spot-on.

Retired judge Robert Frietag and attorney Jennifer Patton have also been helping the students.

Participating in the mock trial helps give the students a more complete sense of the roles they can pursue, Raycraft said. It lets them try careers, like stenography, that they might not have been aware of.

Besides the mock trial, students also hear from guest speakers and get to go on field trips to learn about criminal justice and law enforcement.

Its fun to watch that lightbulb turn on with the students, he said.

Photos: Scenes from the 95th annual Academy Awards
BLOOMINGTON  Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers with Bloomington-based 176th Cyber Protection Team used their expertise to help African partners bolster their cyber defenses during Africa Command's Justified Accord 23 exercise.

The unit conducted the Defensive Cyber Operations Course in Nairobi, Kenya, during the exercise. Justified Accord ran from Feb. 10 through Feb. 23. It is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, this multinational exercise brings together more than 20 countries from four continents to increase partner readiness for peacekeeping missions, crisis response and humanitarian assistant.

This was the first time the defensive cyber elements were included in the exercise. Justified Accord also included an African Union academics course, a multinational field training exercise, a live-fire exercise, humanitarian assistant, and disaster relief projects.

Multinational forces including Kenya and Uganda focused on key cyber aspects such as incident identification, threat intelligence, artifact collection, containment and eradication.

Kenya hosted activities primarily in Nairobi and Isiolo, while Uganda and Djibouti provided venues for additional exercise events.

SETAF-AF, based in Vicenza, Italy, is U.S. Africa Command's lead agent for planning the Justified Accord exercise series conducted annually in East Africa. The group is responsible for coordinating all U.S. Army activities in Africa in support of U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Activities include military readiness exercises across the continent, hundreds of security force assistance engagements, crisis response, and enduring posture support. These engagements strengthen partner networks in Africa, build partner capacity against regional and global security threats, and provide strategic access for U.S. forces in contingency operations.

Best cities for military retirees Best cities for military retirees Highlights from the top 10 cities for military retirees Data and methodology
MOST DECORATED FEMALE SOLDIER IN HISTORY

March is Womens Recognition Month. What better time to tell the story of the most decorated female soldier in history? In 1912, the Balkan nations joined together to kick the Ottoman Empire out of Europe and end the brutal influence of the Ottoman rule. A combined army of 750,000 men  and at least one woman  were wildly successful in accomplishing that task. Serbia had to call up 255,000 men, which was almost 9% of its entire population at that time, to combine with the other Balkan countries into an army. The call to arms in Serbia resulted in the brother of Milunka Savic, a female, to be called to service. However, the brother was suffering with tuberculosis and could not serve. So Milunka Savic cut off her hair and enlisted as a man to join the army under the name Milun Savic, which was considered a boys name. She served for several years across two continents in three wars, which included the original war to remove the Ottoman Empire and led consecutively into and through World War I! She was a grenadier, which was required to be close to the combat action to throw grenades into the enemy trenches. She performed that duty with great expertise and was credited with many kills and many captured enemy forces. By the end of WWI she had been wounded nine times over the course of the three wars. She was also awarded 12 medals, including two French Legions dHonneur, Russias Cross of St. George, the British Medal of the Order of St. Michael, the Serbian Milos Obilic Medal, and was the only woman in all of WWI to receive the French Croix de Guerre. After WWI the French government offered to provide a home and a nice pension for her, but she did not accept and returned to Serbia. She worked as a factory worker, cook, nurse and janitor, and during World War II, she ran a hospital for partisans. Like women of today who join the military, she was first and foremost a patriot!

VETERANS RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Veterans Recognition of Central Illinois will present the Veterans Recognition Program on Saturday, March 25, at the Decatur Civic Center. This event is open to the public and doors will open at noon, with the program starting at 1 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Guest speakers will be Stan Taylor, Vietnam veteran author who was a tunnel rat in Vietnam; Marji Graves, who has been featured in the The Things We Dont Forget and "Beyond Combat: Women and Gender in the Vietnam Era" books. A documentary film, Kentucky Veterans of the Vietnam War: In Their Own Words, will also be shown.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL VIGIL

The 35th Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil will be held Saturday, May 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday, May 7, at 11:15 a.m., at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1500 Monument Ave. in Springfield. the event is free and more information about the vigil is available by calling 217-720-4621. May 7, 1975, is considered by the Veterans Administration to be the official end of the Vietnam War.

CONCURRENT RECEIPT BILL REAPPEARS

Since 2004, military retirees with a Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50% or higher have been able to receive their complete military retired pay from the military and their full VA disability compensation without being docked for collecting both. However, veterans who were medically retired and who served less than 20 years, or those with a lower disability rating, are subject to dollar-for-dollar offsets, ensuring that they do not collect more each month than their military retirement pay. It is estimated that 50,000 veterans are affected by this rule. This policy has become known as the concurrent receipt rule." Members of Congress in 2022 had support from 335 members of the House of Representatives and 66 Senators for the legislation that would eliminate this policy and allow full disability and retirement benefits. The bill failed to pass after attention turned to the $280 billion PACT Act, which expanded VA health care and services for millions of veterans sickened by environmental exposures overseas.

DD 214 SCAM ALERT

Veterans are being scammed by firms that claim to be able to get a copy of your DD 214 for you but have charges from $98 to $119. If you need a copy of your DD 214, contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission Office at 309-888-5140. If you have been in contact with the VAC, they probably have a copy of your DD 214. The VAC can also contact the McLean County Recorder's Office to get a free copy (certified) for you. You can usually make arrangements in a county that is outside McLean County to have the other county contact the McLean County VAC and send their copy of your DD 214, if they have one, to our VAC. We will provide the copy to you after proper identification.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.  Franklin D. Roosevelt

EDUCATE YOURSELVES ABOUT THE ISSUES AND CANDIDATE POSITIONS AND VOTE!
Question: In Illinois alone, Bloomington-based State Farm has policies that insure just over 3 million vehicles (an incredible 87 million across America) as the company enters its 101st year. Do you know the year, make and model of the very first car insured?
Vodafone Ghana recently celebrated International Womens Day with a focus on equity. As part of the event, Vodafone Ghana organized a Munch N Learn session on March 7, 2023, with two inspiring women who shared their success stories in navigating the world of technology and international development.



The event was graced by Rosy Fynn and Adelaide Addo Fening, two accomplished women with a wealth of experience in their respective fields.



During the session, Adelaide Addo Fening shared her journey in international development and the need for women to give themselves permission to embrace equity. She emphasized the importance of transitioning from the private sector to international development, where women often take up multiple roles and responsibilities without considering their careers.



Adelaide also highlighted the importance of recognizing what is important to women as they strive to balance their work and family life. She encouraged women to take intentional steps towards embracing equity, stating that it always starts with someone and somewhere.



Rosy Fynn shared her experience of working for years in telecommunications and how technology has always been an integral part of her life. She spoke about the challenges of balancing family and career and emphasized the need to recognize that men can be allies in the pursuit of equity.



Vodafone Ghana is committed to unlocking the potential of African youth and women, and the companys week-long celebration of International Womens Day underscores this commitment. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and highlighted the importance of embracing equity in the workplace.



Rosy Fynn and Adelaide Addo Fening are both accomplished women with impressive track records. Rosy is currently the Ghana Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation, where she oversees the delivery of the foundations Young Africa Works strategy, aimed at enabling young Ghanaian men and women to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. Prior to joining the Mastercard Foundation, Rosy was the CEO of Busy Internet, a leading 4G internet provider in Ghana.



Adelaide Addo Fening is an international development consultant with over 25 years of experience working across Ghana and internationally. Her work has focused on program management, public policy, institutional development, civil society strengthening, and promoting gender equality and inclusive development approaches.



Vodafone Ghanas celebration of International Womens Day with an emphasis on digital equity is a positive step towards promoting gender equality in the workplace. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and highlighted the importance of embracing equity in the pursuit of career success.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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SuCasa Properties, a Ghanaian real estate company, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Works and Housing, Honourable Francis Asenso-Boakye. The purpose of the visit was to secure governmental support and partnership for SuCasa's mission to provide affordable housing infrastructures for the middle class.



During the visit, Mr. Asenso-Boakye urged SuCasa Properties to extend its affordable housing projects beyond Accra and into other parts of the country. He emphasised, "I urge you to extend your project to the outskirt of Accra - to the other regions."



Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that his Ministry is exploring a partnership arrangement where the developer can produce two-bedroom houses in the Nsawam area at a cap of US$30,000. The Ministry, he added, plans to absorb around 40 percent of the development cost through the provision of the government's unencumbered lands.



SuCasa Properties Limited recently inaugurated Phase-one or the No.1 OGrantson Communities at East Legon Hills in a bid to providing affordable housing units for Ghanaians. This project is a 2,000-housing unit development. The unveiling also served as the sod-cutting ceremony for phases two and three of the project.



Michael OGrantson-Agyapong, CEO of SuCasa, led the team from SuCasa Properties and noted that the company already has plans to venture into other parts of the country and welcomes the Minister's request. "SuCasa is already positioned for other regions in our own business forecast and projections," he said.



SuCasa Real Estate Experience



Mr. O'Grantson-Agyapong also presented to the Minister, a new campaign by SuCasa dubbed: the SuCasa Real Estate Experience. He explained that the project would organize real estate conferences globally to expose real estate investment opportunities in Ghana for Foreign Direct Investment and Diaspora - Africa investment opportunity awareness creation. The maiden edition of the SuCasa Real Estate Experience will be held in Accra, Ghana, and its expected to be launched by the end of March.



"The global tour and expo would offer the diaspora community the opportunity to engage with and have at first-hand, information from property developers and the various offers they avail, without engaging with charlatans and all kinds of unscrupulous entities back home in Africa in their quest for home ownership," he said.



The SuCasa Real Estate Experience is poised to reposit and offer the clean slate and build the confidence and trust in our cherished diaspora community to look back home and invest judiciously and prudently with the right developers in a seamless manner, he added.



Already, data from the World Bank reveals remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by an estimated 5.2 percent to reach US$53 billion in 2022. Since this amount is around 10 percent of the region's annual income, it can be estimated that their total annual income is around US$530 billion, which is higher than the highest single GDP of any country in Africa. For context, Nigeria currently holds the record with a GDP of US$514 billion. This suggests that investing the cash flow from the African diaspora community could significantly improve the continents economic fortunes.



The visit was also to show appreciation to the Honorable Minister for honoring SuCasa Properties invitation to be the Keynote Speaker at the Sod Cutting Ceremony of the No.1 O'Grantson Communities.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Namibia's President Hage Geingob on Saturday named Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the candidate for the ruling Swapo party in next year's elections.



In remarks to the party's top organ, the president called on party members to support Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah when official campaigns begin next year.



Ms Nandi- Ndaitwah is the party's vice president and the country's current deputy prime minister.



Elections took place, we have the results that we are going to have one candidate only, that will be comrade Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and we will campaign and we have a person who will lead us," President Geingob said.



He also called on Swapo members not to create factions from the outcome of the party nominations.



President Geingob is due to step down next year after serving two terms. He was first elected in November 2014.



Swapo has led Namibia since independence and remains the countrys biggest political party.



But its popularity has recently waned because of discontent over rampant unemployment and corruption linked to senior party officials.



The party lost its two-thirds majority in parliament in the last general election in 2019. It also lost control of key municipalities, including the capital Windhoek, the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and several regional councils.

Source: BBC









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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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)  Some of the oil slick in the waters off Oriental Mindoro could end up in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) by March 16, putting marine biodiversity and other endangered and threatened species in the area at risk.

In a bulletin released on Sunday, experts from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) said this scenario was based on a model simulation conducted by Dr. Cesar Villanoy and his team, running from March 10 to 16 over two weeks since an oil tanker capsized and sank near Naujan town.

"The recent simulation focused on the locality of the tankers location from March 10 to 16 shows that with continuous release of oil from the alleged seepage location, most of the oil will end up along Naujan coast and Pola Bay," the bulletin read.

"However, due to the weakening Amihan (northeast monsoon), some of the oil may flow northwards towards the Verde Island Passage by March 16, affecting coastal areas of Calapan, Verde Island, and some parts of Batangas," it added.

On Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard said the location of MT Princess Empress was around 13.89 kilometers northeast of Balingawan Point in Pola town, with an actual depth of at least 389.1 meters. The vessel was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank.

RELATED: Oil spill in Oriental Mindoro still at Tier 2 response  PCG

On Friday, sightings of the oil slick have been reported along the shores of Taytay, Palawan, which was 159 nautical miles or roughly 300 kilometers from Naujan.

The UPMSI earlier projected that the oil spill could reach the Cuyo Island and then the northern Palawan mainland by Sunday.

The oil spill threatens over 36,000 hectares of marine habitats, but it is yet to be known the extent of possible damage in the Verde Island Passage. The VIP is situated between the provinces of Batangas and Mindoro, where many ferries cross.

The marine corridor is considered the "center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity," and has the "highest concentration of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, seagrasses, and mangroves," according to marine experts.

"The VIP is also home to endangered and threatened species, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams," the UPMSI added.

Environmental groups have been urging the government to immediately contain the oil spill, as it also impacts the health of residents and livelihood of thousands of fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro.

In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines' The Source, Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development Executive Director Gerry Arances said the VIP area produces around 12 billion annually just from fish catch. Oriental Mindoro alone in 2019 lodged around 3.5 billion in terms of tourism which is basically dependent on the marine biodiversity," he said.

"Meanwhile, a plethora of even more heavy industry development is planned around the VIP area  especially fossil fuel power plants and LNG terminals which would receive shipped cargoes of liquefied natural gas or LNG," the Protect VIP coalition said in a previous statement.

"More plans for LNG terminals [mean] more shipping vessels passing through the marine corridor. This increases the possibility of a similar situation happening in the future," it warned.
The Ghana Police Service disclosed in a statement issued late Sunday, March 12, 2023 that six persons had been arrested for their suspected roles in the murder of a young soldier at Ashaiman Taifa on March 4, 2023.



The police are, however, on the hunt for the iPhone of the deceased which according to the statement was the reason he was fatally stabbed by the first two assailants who attacked him early dawn of March 4.



The statement said: After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on 9th March 2023, the police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman.



The other suspects are, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman, arrested at their hideouts on 10th March, 2023. Whiles Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023 respectively.



The missing iPhone



In addressing the issue of the deceaseds missing phone, the police said: Investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah.



Suspect Safianu Musah is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim.



Both suspects have been arrested and are assisting in the investigation to recover the phone.





Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Ghana Police Service disclosed in a statement issued late Sunday, March 12, 2023 that it had notified the military about the death of one of its officers on the same day the incident happened.



The police statement said, after its officials on March 4 acted on a report of a murder in the Ashaiman Taifa area of the Ashaiman Municipality, deployed forensic experts from its Police Crime Scene team to the place.



At the scene, Police immediately commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim. The officers cordoned off the scene and called in the specialist Police Crime Scene team to process the scene for forensic analysis.



The statement listed a number of items retrieved at the scene including a knife with blood stains on it and a backpack. In the backpack, Police found 1 Samsung tablet, 1 Apple laptop, 1 military uniform with the name tag Imoro, 8 other items of clothing, as well as a Ghana card and a Health Insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sherrif.



Judging from the contents of the backpack, the police suspected the victim could be a soldier, and in line with Police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the Military was accordingly notified of the incident and some military personnel came to identify the deceased to Police as Imoro Sheriff, a soldier.



The body of the deceased was thereafter conveyed to a hospital for preservation and autopsy, the statement added.



The police have announced the arrest of six suspects believed to be connected with the murder of the young soldier.



The arrests were as a result of a week of a sustained intelligence-led operation at different dates and various locations within Ashiaman and its environs, the statement added.







Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Th Paediatric Society of Ghana is worried that the current economic hardship is leading to malnutrition in Ghana.



According to the group, more people are finding it difficult to eat two square meals a day.



Already, we have an issue with malnutrition because of the current hardships in the country, Dr. Hilda Mantebea, President of the Pediatric Society, said.



She bemoaned the cost of eggs today.



She lamented the cost of fish and a pound of meat currently.



She said because of the economic hardships, people are not eating well.



This, she noted, has dire health consequences for the country.



Dr. Mantebea said this in an interview with Class91.3FM on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.



"All these points to how people are coping with the current hardships, she said, adding: When your immune system goes down, it leads to all manner of diseases.



Dr. Mantebea is, however, urging the government to expedite actions to secure vaccines for the immunisation of babies.



The country, for weeks now, has no polio vaccines and others to administer to children under five years.



This situation the president of the Pediatric Society says will compound the health challenges already faced by the country.













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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Audio Attachment: Listen to a report from our correspondent, Danso Abbiam at the Ashaiman Circuit Court

The Ashaiman Circuit Court presided over by His Honour Simon Gaga has asked six persons suspected to have murdered Military trooper, Imoro Sheriff to be in Police custody and reappear before it on Monday, March 27 2023.



Prosecutor, Supt. Sylvester Asare told the court presided over by Simon Gaga that granting the accused persons bail will impede investigations.



In a detailed statement, the police said after almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on March 9, it arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman.



Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on March 10.



Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and March 12, respectively.



The police say a further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on March 4, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashiaman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack.



The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.



A postmortem examination was performed on the deceaseds body on March 8, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury.



According to the police, investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah.



Suspect Safianu Musah is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim.







Source: Peacefmonline









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Nana Fredua has commended the Police administration for clamping down on the suspects in the murder of the young Soldier, Imoro Sherrif, at Ashaiman.



The lifeless body of the young military recruit was found in a pool of blood in the community following an attack by some assailants who stole his iphone.



The Ghana Police Service, after a week of a sustained intelligence-led operation, has arrested six persons for their suspected involvement in the murder of Imoro Sherrif.



The Police, on 9th March 2023, arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman.



Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on 10th March, 2023 and two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023 respectively.



Nana Fredua, speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', praised the Police for identifying the suspects but hoped "they are the real people who committed the crime, not that they are innocent and have been arrested".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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PPP National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu has slammed the Military High Command for sanctioning their officers to storm Ashaiman and brutalize residents over the death of Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.



The military officer in his early twenties was stabbed to death on his way home.



Following the death of the soldier, troops spotted in armored vehicles invaded Ashaiman, pulled residents from their homes and various places and whipped them mercilessly.



Over 100 residents were also captured and sent to the base of the Military but were later released.



After the military brutalities, the High Command released a statement informing the public the soldiers' action was a sanctioned operation.



But to Nana Ofori, the Military has no right to besiege the Ashaiman community.



"The Military has no right to invade communities and take the law into their hands . . . We cannot condone this single act. It's just not possible. That the unfortunate loss of life, any loss of life has gone against the State but the Millitary cannot circumvent the structures we have as a society because if you do that, you are eroding the confidence in our security system in terms of the Police and the work we have to do in this country. Train for external aggression is different from internal investigation and apprehension of culprits in our society. We need law and order. We need discipline and we need the discipline from the Military," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.



"Are they guilty because of where they live?", he further questioned the Military's right to beat the residents.



"This profiling is a very horrible profile . . . It can never be correct," he snapped.



He called on the Military to respect the laws of the country, stating, "the Military, in their quest to seek justice, they cannot circumvent the constitution of the land because the constitution of this land doesn't give them the right to do what they did. They should have gone through the Police".



"They should have held emergency meetings with the Police for the Police to teach them the structures and processes to follow to make sure that the people who committed this heinous crime by stabbing and killing the gentleman are brought to book and made sure that law and order and justice and discipline, fairness, equity must be our hallmark. We can't just do things because we feel like it. I cannot go outside slapping people because I feel like it," he reacted on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The National Chairman of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu has fired missiles at the Ghana Armed Forces over the soldiers' invasion of Ashaiman regarding the death of a young soldier, Imoro Sherrif.



Imoro Sherrif was brutally killed in the community on his way home after seeking permission from his authorities.



The death of the young trooper caused a group of soldiers to raid the Ashaiman community, beating the residents pitilessly.



Tackling the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme Monday morning, Nana Ofori Owusu questioned the constitutional right of the Military to enter Ashaiman and inflict pain on the residents.



"The Military has no right to invade communities and take the law into their hands . . . we cannot condone this single act. It's just not possible. That the unfortunate loss of life, any loss of life has gone against the State but the Millitary cannot circumvent the structures we have as a society because if you do that, you are eroding the confidence in our security system in terms of the Police and the work we have to do in this country. Train for external aggression is different from internal investigation and apprehension of culprits in our society. We need law and order. We need discipline and we need the discipline from the Military," he stated.



To him, "They should have gone through the Police. They should have held emergency meetings with the Police for the Police to teach them the structures and processes to follow to make sure that the people who committed this heinous crime by stabbing and killing the gentleman are brought to book..."



Nana Ofori Owusu concluded that the soldiers' operation is a complete disrespect to the Ghana Police Service.



"They must act within the realms of the constitution and respect other institutions of State because, to me, it is a disrespect against the Police," he said.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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A 47-year-old woman who paid hitmen R20,000 to kill her husband so she could cash in on insurance policies was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mpumalanga High Court on Monday, March 13, 2023.



Phumaphi Gloria Gwebu and her husband Sipho Shadrack Dimba, 52, lived together at Msogwaba Trust with their children.



The accused pleaded guilty before the court.



In her plea explanation, Gwebu stated she took out five insurance policies for Dimba, one of which was to pay R530,000 upon his death.



She waited until the policies matured and arranged with the hitmen a few weeks before they killed the deceased, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said.



On December 12 2019, the hitmen entered the house during the night, as arranged, and murdered Dimba.



They went straight to the bed where he was sleeping, strangled him with Gwebu present and threw his body into a nearby river before fleeing.



Two days later, a passerby noticed the body in the river and alerted the family. The police were called.



The accused was arrested a year later after one of the killers confessed to the police and implicated her as the mastermind behind the murder, Nyuswa said.



Prosecutor advocate Eugene Mathebula told the court the murder was premeditated, brutal and triggered by greed.



The court found no reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.



The National Prosecution Authority, in a statement, welcomed the verdict and praises the good work done by the prosecution and the investigating team. We hope this sentence will deter potential offenders. the statement added.









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Individuals and organisations have been urged to desist from glorifying corruption and rather be bold enough to call out people who are involved in corruption.



A former Managing Director of the Stanbic Bank, Naa Alhassan Andani, who made the call, said corruption was promoting poverty and enriching a few in society.



He said corruption was the bane of the development of the country and also eroded public good and trust and weakened the countrys democracy.



Corruption is destroying public good, for the benefit of a few individuals or a small group of people. Religious and political leaders and individuals must, therefore, ensure that we avoid corruption.



We should stop glorifying corruption, call out corruption and do what it takes to fight it.



Spread teaching and caution and be part of the anti-corruption movement, not only in Ghana but the world, he said.



GAMP Durbar

Naa Andani was speaking at a durbar in Accra last Saturday to climax the 30th anniversary of the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP).



He spoke on the topic: The role of Muslim professionals in curbing corruption in Ghana.



The durbar was on theme: 30 Years of community service  The GAMP story.



It was attended by Muslim scholars, representatives of Islamic organisations, public servants, heads of organisations, members of the Diplomatic Corps, leaders of non-profit organisations and members of GAMP.



The GAMP was formed in November 1992 and officially inaugurated in February 1994 as the Ghana Muslim Academy (GMA) to promote education and humanitarian services in the country, particularly in deprived communities.



It is also to foster and promote unity among Muslims in Ghana and the world at large by organising programmes aimed at empowering the youth socially, morally and intellectually.



Legislative instruments

Naa Andani indicated that there were about 20 legislative instruments to check corruption, yet corruption still prevailed.



He said it was, therefore, crucial for the public to fight corruption by not cordoning corrupt acts.





If you see rottenness and you dont change it, then you are part of the rottenness.



As Muslims, we must know that every time a corrupt act happens, its victory for Satan, so we should not be part of it, he said.



He advised Muslim professionals to do what was right, since they were in influential positions to cause a change.



Commitment

The Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inner Cities Development, Alhaji Ben Abdallas Banda, congratulated members of GAMP on 30 years of community service and urged them to continue inspiring future generations.



For 30 years, you have been at the forefront of serving our communities, uplifting the less-privileged and promoting social justice.



Your commitment to these values has been exceptional and your impact immeasurable, he said.





Alhaji Banda added that the GAMP had worked tirelessly over the years to provide education, counselling, mentorship and youth empowerment for the under-served, demonstrating the true spirit of Islam.



He expressed the governments commitment to develop the Zongos and inner-cities and said the creation of the Zongo Development Fund (ZDF) and the Zongo and Inner-cities Development Secretariat was an affirmation of that commitment.



Thus far, the ZDF has delivered over 400 projects in our Zongo communities across the country, trained the youth in various skills and continues to provide bursary support for the less-privileged, he said.



He said the projects included 500 metres of access roads at Konongo Zongo, 1,000 metres of drains completed at Techiman Zongo and Asem-Kumasi, as well as 3,050 dual desks supplied to schools across the country.

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Source: graphiconline.com









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Joseph Osei-Owusu, Member of Parliament for Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, has admonished Ghanaians to avoid voting in another hung Parliament in the future.



The MP, who doubles as First Deputy Speaker of Parliament said the current composition of the chamber has rendered it less effective in terms of the passage of laws as compared to the previous Parliament.



The current parliament has near equal numbers with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which he belongs to having 137 MPs plus an independent members forming the Majority Group.



The remaining 137 seats belong to the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Osei-Owusu, popularly referred to as Joe Wise said it is important to have one party dominating the House to guarantee smooth government business.



The hung nature of the current Parliament he said, is affecting governance generally. I am saying that next time Ghanaians should vote more.



"If they want the NPP to be the Majority, they should give them more votes. If you want NDC to be the majority give them more votes. This one is affecting governance very badly.



The seventh Parliament, probably because of the numbers, passed the highest number of laws since 1993, we passed over 100 laws. This Parliament is our third year, but I doubt we have passed even 10 laws. The level of cooperation that I saw is no longer there, he stressed.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)  House Speaker Martin Romualdez is seeking a congressional investigation on the supposed missing security detail of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on the day of his assassination, saying it was "highly suspicious."

"It appears that the perpetrators were aware of the fact that Gov. Degamo has practically no protection so they could easily accomplish their mission to assassinate him," Romualdez said in a statement Sunday.

Citing reports, Romualdez said five out of the six police escorts of Degamo did not report for duty on March 4, when at least 10 armed men entered the governor's residential compound and opened fire. Degamo and eight others were killed while several others were injured.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla shared the information in a radio interview on Saturday, calling it a "failure of intelligence" on the part of the Central Visayas police command.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said Degamo previously received death threats. PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin has admitted negligence regarding Degamo's security.

"We want to find out why most of Gov. Degamos PNP security details went missing on that fateful day. We dont want to blindly accuse anyone but the circumstances apparently point to collusion between some members of the PNP and the perpetrators of this dastardly crime," Romualdez said.

In a press briefing on Saturday, PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos already told the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to locate the security personnel supposedly assigned to Degamo on that day.

"Remember di lamang PNP ang nagpo-provide ng security kay Governor Degamo, merong security detail coming from the PNP and AFP," Fajardo told reporters.

[Translation: Remember, it's not only the PNP which provides security to Governor Degamo, the security detail come from both the PNP and AFP.]

The House Speaker said there were "striking parallels" between the killing of Degamo and the 2019 assassination of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was then running for Mayor of Daraga, Albay.

According to Romualdez, two of the three police escorts of Batocabe were pulled out days before he was fatally shot despite threats to his life.

"If we find out in this congressional inquiry that some PNP personnel were in cahoots with the perpetrators to remove the security protection of Gov. Degamo, we will recommend the filing of appropriate criminal charges against everyone involved," he said.

Meanwhile, local authorities in Negros Oriental and nearby provinces have started implementing additional security measures as they continue to run after the suspects still at large.

READ: Heightened security in Negros Oriental, nearby areas as manhunt for Degamo slay suspect continues
Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong has cautioned unnamed detractors in the New Patriotic Party to desist from any attempts to derail his presidential flagbearership ambition.



The outspoken lawmaker in a March 10, 2023 interview on Kumasi-based Sompa FM said a Minister of state recently had cause to refer to him as the Peter Obi of Ghana.



The original Peter Obi being the Nigerian politician who placed third in the countrys February 25 elections. He was leader of the Labour Party and had wide support of young people across social media.



Yesterday, a Minister speaking to me referred to me as Peter Obi. Meaning the youth supports me but I wont win (the flagbearership race). Tinubu didnt have Buharis support yet he won. Out of shame, Buhari displayed his vote openly after voting.



So, if you are a Minister and you refer to me as Peter Obi, so be it. I can be Tinubu, I can be Peter Obi, so lets conduct a clean campaign. Whoever wins will be supported by the group, Agyapong submitted.



But if you look at me and tell me I will be Peter Obi, they should dare me, they think I am afraid? he charged reiterating his allegation that elements within the party were seeking to get at him through his businesses.



During the interview, he alleged severally that the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Immigration Service had at different times sought to frustrate him relative to his steel plant and cold store businesses.



Agyapong has been identified as a frontrunner in the NPPs yet-to-be-scheduled presidential primaries. He will come up against the likes of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen.





Source: ghanaweb.com









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Former President John Dramani Mahama is expected to storm Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital this week, Daily Guide has gathered.



He is visiting the Ashanti Region to campaign for votes in his bid to become the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2024 polls.



A source in John Mahamas campaign team has disclosed that the former president would arrive at the Kumasi Airport on Saturday, March 18, 2023.



According to the source, who demanded anonymity, John Mahamas upcoming tour is the first phase of his tour in the region, and it would last for three days.



He announced that John Mahama would be accompanied by key members of his campaign team and they would visit most of the 47 constituencies in the region.



Right on arrival at the Kumasi Airport, John Mahama and his campaign team members would drive to the Adansi area to start the first phase of his campaign tour.



From the Adansi area, he would visit other constituencies and continue with his tour, which would last for three days, the source disclosed.



According to the source, after the three-day tour had elapsed, John Mahama would break and return to Accra. He would return at a later date to continue with the tour.



The source hinted that scores of party supporters and members would troop to the Kumasi Airport on Saturday to give the former president a rousing welcome.



According to him, John Mahama commands a lot of power, respect and support from the NDC members in the Ashanti Region, ahead of the partys internal elections.



The source therefore said he would not be surprised if John Mahama sweep most of the votes from the Ashanti Region, when the NDC goes to the polls this year.



As a reminder, John Mahama faces stiff opposition from ex-Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, in his bid to lead the NDC as flagbearer.



Dr. Duffuor, who is also determined to lead the NDC as flagbearer, has been canvassing for support for his presidential ambition across the country.





















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Deputy National Communications Director Of NPP, George Krobea Asante has urged TESCON members of the Secondi Nursing and Midwifery Training College to help promote the achievements of the Nana Addo-led government.



Speaking to the students he encouraged them to take an active interest in promoting and defending the enviable achievements of the NPPs government led by Nana Addo on all platforms.



He said their contribution will help the NPP Break the 8.



Own the breaking the 8 agenda since the NPPs continuous stay in government offers them better hope for a brighter future, he said.



Adding that Indeed, it was so refreshing to be part of the such an important event as a product of TESCON, and I sincerely thank and commend the Western Regional Youth Organiser, the Regional Communications Director, the Regional Deputy Women Organiser, the Regional Tescon Coordinator, the Principal of the school, all Tescon Executives and the organizers of the program.



Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen has assured the Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II that if he wins the internal elections of the NPP and subsequently wins the national elections to become president, he will ensure that people of Ga descent occupy prominent positions in his government.



He explained that the Ga State has been very supportive of the NPP in terms of human resources in moving the agenda of the party forward.



Speaking during a meeting with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II in Accra on Monday, March 13, said that the symbol of the NPP, the Elephant, is the same as that of the Ga State. This he said symbolizes spiritual connectivity between the party of the Ga State.



The former Minister of Trade and Industry said I have no doubt in my mind that you are interested directly or indirectly as to who becomes the next president of our country. In our party, our symbol is the elephant and we know that the symbol of the Ga State is the elephant so all Gas, naturally belongs to the NPP. because there is a spiritual connectivity between our symbols and it is appropriate on occasion like this to recall in memory some of the stalwarts of our party who were subjects of this state.



We recall Senior Obestsebi Lamptey, Peter Ala Adjetey, Obestebi Lamptey Jnr who was chairman of the party and then many others, Samuel Odoi-Sykes and the much younger ones Ayikoi Otoo, Adjiri Blankson and many others. I think that the role that the Ga Community has played in bringing us to power must be appreciated by our own party.



And so if it is Gods will that I lead this party and I become President I will make sure that Gas feature very prominently in the government that I will run.



He further stated that he will do so also for a very strategic reasons.



He said because Greater Accra is the capital of our country and it is the entry point into our country and first impressions are important. So it is in our own interest as a government to lift up the Ga State.



Secondly, the two most important challenges that confront us as a nation currently are maintaining a strong resilient economy and secondly, creating job opportunities, particularly for our youths. These two challenges cannot be dealt with significantly without transforming our country. Since independence, we have been to the IMF 17 times, and we are currently working towards receiving a package from IMF.



We have to reverse this trend. and the only way we can reverse this trend is to have a transformational leader who can move the country beyond growth to transformation. In all humility and modesty, I believe that I offer that opportunity to move this country forward to the transformation.







Source: 3news.com









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Ghana's fast-rising insurance platform, aYo MTN, has extended the ambassadorial deal of ace broadcaster MrGilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as AbeikuSantana.



The one-year extension would see the award-winning broadcaster continue various activations with the aYoMTN, which has insured over eight million Ghanaians subscribed on the digital insurance platform.



Speaking at a signing ceremony in Accra, Mr. Francis Gota, Chief Executive Officer of aYo Ghana Intermediaries Limited, stated that Abeiku Santana has contributed immensely to the growth of their brand, and they were elated to give him a one-year extension.



"It has been exactly one year since we signed AbeikuSantana as a brand ambassador, and we are delighted about the impact he has made to our brand and are elated to continue our working relationship with him.



"The aim of our brand is to create a future where everyone uses insurance by making it easily accessible, and by engaging Abeiku Santana, we want to further broadcast the good benefits one seeks to enjoy when they join the platform," he said.



Mr. Gota noted that over GHC 13 million in claims have been paid to its customers, and they are poised to aid people in difficult times, especially when it comes to health care.



Abeiku Santana, on the other hand, was grateful to the aYo MTN brand for sustaining their relationship with him, as he relishes telling Ghanaians about the need to get on the aYo Ghana insurance platform.



"I am grateful to aYo MTN for recognising my efforts in thriving their brand and honouring me with a one-year extension.



"I believe that through Gods Grace and Glory, we will be able to have an impact on poor and needy people who are either sick or have lost their loved ones and help them gain good health care and live protection packages," he added.

The 2021 Radio and Television Personality of the Year entreated Ghanaians to subscribe to the aYo MTN insurance platform because it has the best packages that could salvage their plights in difficult times.



"In this digital age, to have an insurance product that is easily accessible and so affordable, it is quite remarkable. I am yet to have an insurance policy that cares so much for the low-income earners than aYo, and I urge Ghanaians to subscribe to this insurance to secure the future," he said.



MTN Ghana users can subscribe to "Recharge with Care", "Send with Care and other insurance products by dialing *296#.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Kicking off the new year with a banger, Ghanaian hiphop and rap performing artist ClickHuus releases new single Same Time. https://bfan.link/same-time



Written by himself and produced by Flow Beats, the hip hop-drill single is a follow-up to his 2022's street anthem "As A Boy." "Same Time" is a motivational single aimed towards his homebrewed youths who need a message of encouragement to push through their daily struggles. The song is delivered in a typical drill pace, with the track showcasing a more inspirational side of ClickHuus, as he encourages listeners to keep pushing towards their goals, no matter what obstacles life may throw against them.



Born Evans Oppong, the renowned hip hop artiste broke into industry following his 2021's 'Ma Sparki' which featured Yaw Tog and Kofi Mole.



Thriving in the most popular hip-hop-aligned region in the country, Kumasi specifically, Click Huus combines hip-hop, drill, and afrobeats to produce a distinctive sound that has gained him a devoted following in his region and brought attention to the young artist in Ghana. Primarily a drill artist, he explores the most musical themes relating to societal challenges, life struggles, love, religion, and more to always achieve his life goals.



Watch "Same Time" (Lyrics Video) here: https://youtu.be/ZGwNrR-omWg



CONNECT WITH CLICKHUUS:



Twitter: @clickhuus

Instagram: @clickhuus

Facebook: Click Huss

YouTube: Click Huss





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged Ghanaians and other Africans in the Diaspora to project the rich African culture to the outside world.



The GJA president made the call at the launch of the 2023 edition of the African Most Beautiful USA on Saturday at the Palmyra Harbour Banquet Hall, New Jersey in the USA. Mr. Dwmfour was the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, which was organised by Abofrem Area Foundation



The African Most Beautiful USA is a beauty pageant that is aimed at showcasing and promoting African Culture by Africans to the rest of the world. It also aims at celebrating the diversity and beauty of young women from all parts of the African continent in the United States of America.



This is a worthy cause that everyone must support, which is one of the primary reasons I accepted this invitation. As Africans in the Diaspora, it is our foremost responsibility to convey to the world the true African Story. This can be accomplished in numerous methods, including through literature, music, films, documentaries, politics, and this evenings event which is being championed by Abofrem, Mr Dwumfour said.



As Africans, we have a diverse culture that we must share wherever we go, he added



According to him, representation of Africa, Africans, and African issues in the international media has always been problematic, because of the flow of news and the fact that international media reports are influenced by Western ideas, ideology, and political positions.



It is a well-established fact that media frames that appear in news are influenced by stereotypes and prejudices that shape the production of editorial content. Evidence abounds of the negative portrayal of the African continent in the elite global press, suggesting a socially constructed view of Africa, which some people have termed Afro-pessimism he said.



So the point I am driving at is that as Africans let's begin to believe in our rich culture, educate our children about our rich culture and prevail on them to let the African culture be a cynosure in their everyday life, Mr Dwumfour said.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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" " The Affordable Care Act has special benefits for senior citizens. Hemera/ Thinkstock

Senior citizens certainly had reason to worry during the debates over health care reform. Some of the most pervasive rumors involved people over the age of 65. For example, many claimed that health care reform legislation would involve dramatic cuts in service for Medicare recipients, which is untrue. Also false was the rumor that old people would be forced to face death panels, which would decide who could receive certain medical services. Nothing resembling such a panel was ever on the table.

So what was in the Affordable Care Act? As it turns out, a great many of the bill's provisions will benefit senior citizens, and we've got five examples right here.
" " Image Gallery: Makeup Tips Could you live without makeup for a week? A month? A day? See more pictures of makeup tips. Peter Dazeley/Photographer's Choice/ Getty Images

In 2010, blogger Rachel Rabbit White challenged her readers to join her in a week without makeup. That meant no foundation or mascara before an important work meeting, and no lipstick before a big date. White acknowledged on her blog that the thought of a week without makeup scared her, yet it was that response to the idea that let her know that she was on the right track. Makeup had become something she had to put on to leave the house, and White wanted to understand how cosmetics had taken up such a permanent role in her life. She wanted, she wrote, to have a better relationship with cosmetics by coming to terms with why she felt she needed them.

Throughout the week, White posted pictures of women sans makeup on her blog. She also explored issues like the alleged toxicity of makeup, whether men like makeup on women and when she first started using makeup. While White blogged, her readers weighed in on the experiment. Some bloggers and blog commenters said they'd never go a day without makeup, and then they grappled with whether that made them vain or whether it meant they felt empowered or artistic in their use of makeup. Other women wrote about how they never touched makeup, and such a week would be easy -- they'd already found inner beauty or just made peace with what they saw in the mirror. Men weighed in with their opinions on makeup, both on women and on themselves.

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White's experiment touched a nerve and inspired such a barrage of Internet activity because everyone has some experience with makeup, be it the decision not to wear it, the daily application of it or a partner's adoration of it. The worldwide cosmetics industry rakes in $40 billion each year, but there are some people who question what the industry sells and whether it delivers on that promise [source: Nixon]. Why do people wear makeup? Does it help someone's self-esteem to apply a product or are we all chasing unattainable ideals of beauty? Is wearing makeup good for our skin? In this article, we'll explore people's relationships with cosmetics, though unlike White's experiment, we won't ask you to take your makeup off. Whether you wear cosmetics daily or never touch the stuff, we promise you an interesting ride through the history, chemistry and psychology of makeup.
" " President Lyndon B. Johnson established a government-run health program in 1965 under the Social Security Act.  Bettmann/CORBIS

Medicaid is the U.S.'s primary public health insurance program; as many as 1 out of 5 Americans -- more than 62 million people -- receive Medicaid benefits [source: KCMU, AAMC].

The U.S. is not alone in offering public health insurance benefits to its citizens; in France, for instance, everyone has public health insurance (and so do illegal immigrants living in France). And only about 10 percent of Germans choose not to use the country's public health care system. Brazilians consider free public health care to be a person's right.

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The idea of a public national health system dates back to the beginning of America and the founding fathers, but a government-run program wasn't established until 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson under the Social Security Act (former President Harry S. Truman was the first beneficiary).

Today, just as in 1965, Medicaid provides health insurance benefits to low-income families and individuals. Medicaid also extends coverage to certain other groups, including pregnant women, some seniors and people with disabilities who are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) assistance. Adults who care for dependent children under age 19 and have a household income below the federal poverty level (FPL) are also eligible for benefits. As of 2014, as many as 17 million low-income Americans under the age of 65 without dependents or disability became eligible for Medicaid benefits with the implementation of a Medicaid expansion program under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 [source: KCMU, AAMC].
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  Murder and other cases were filed against the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said Monday.

In a press briefing, Abalos said apart from the eight murder charges, authorities filed six cases of frustrated murder, one case of illegal possession of firearms, and two cases of Illegal possession of explosives against the suspects.

Abalos also said 13 more cases are expected to be filed: a murder case, nine frustrated murder cases, and three attempted murder cases.

Nine were killed while 15 were injured, he added.

Degamo was gunned down inside his residential compound in Brgy. San Isidro in Pamplona town, Negros Oriental on March 4.

The Philippine National Police said Degamo was in the middle of a meeting with some of his constituents when around 10 armed men entered his compound and opened fire. The shooters were clad in military uniforms and bulletproof vests, and carried long firearms.

According to Abalos, two security personnel were supposedly on duty on the day Degamo was killed, but one of them got to work late.

Yung isa (security), nandoon in the scene. Yung isa, came in late, pero ine-imbestigahan pa yan. Yung sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), we also have it here pero hindi ko na muna sasabihin until I get the official report from the AFP, he added.

[Translation: One was in the scene. The other one came in late, but this is still under investigation. I will give an update once I get the official report from the AFP.]

RELATED: Romualdez wants House probe on supposed missing security of Degamo on day of ambush
"The main mission of the lost property service is to collect forgotten or lost effects ... identify the owners and keep them until they are handed over to them," according to the prefecture. "In the best case, an object found may be at the home of its legitimate owner the day after its arrival at the bureau."

The office's employees spend a great deal of time and effort reuniting people and their things. Items with a return address  like wallets containing IDs and driver's licenses  are easy enough to mail out. Other lost items are reclaimed by owners who come looking, speak to someone at a window, fill out a slip describing the thing they've lost and pay 11 euro in "custody fees."

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"I have a success story," says Shaughnessy-Larsson. "A couple lost their camera while on vacation." The couple reached out to her and asked that she take a trip to the Bureau of Found Objects on their behalf. "With the description, I eventually found their camera at the lost and found office."

" " Prosthetic legs await their owners at the lost property office on the rue des Morillons in Paris, France in March, 1968. Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Sometimes, if an item's been turned in by an individual, no one has come looking for it, and the office has been unable to find its original owner, the classic principle of "finders keepers" applies.

"The unclaimed object can be made available to the person who found it (the inventor) under certain conditions," says the prefecture. "There is an exception to this principle: Objects containing personal data cannot be returned to inventors. In particular, computers, tablets and smartphones fall into this category of objects."

Unclaimed items that might contain sensitive data are eventually destroyed. Other things, after a certain period of time, "are handed over for sale for the benefit of the State," according to the prefecture. Auctions are held for items like "latest-generation jewelry, computer, telephony and photographic equipment and any other valuables."
" " People may pray while they're standing, sitting, kneeling, you name it. Whatever the posture though, their eyes often are closed. Colin Hawkins/Getty Images

In 1952, the U.S. Congress and President Harry Truman established a National Day of Prayer and encouraged all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith through prayer. Prayer is a part of everyday life for many people all over the world. According to Pew Research surveys, more than half of Americans report they pray daily. An additional 23 percent pray weekly or monthly, and 76 percent of Americans believe prayer is an important part of each day [source: Lipka].

Prayer is an integral part of many religions and cultures. It can be a plea for aid, an expression of gratitude, a way to worship and a means to find fellowship with others. Along with the many different iterations of prayer, there are many rituals that surround the act of prayer. One of the most prevalent is closing one's eyes.

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Why do so many people close their eyes to pray? In the Bible, there are descriptions of prayers made standing, sitting, kneeling or with arms raised, yet there aren't any verses that insist the eyelids shut during prayer. There are, however, a number of verses that describe people praying in private, which may offer a clue. For many, prayer is a private matter, an intercession between a person and God or another higher power. Closing your eyes as you do it is a way to block out distractions and focus on the conversation. Instead of using your eyes to communicate with others, you shut them and turn your thoughts inward.

By closing your eyes during prayer, you may be continuing a ritual whose roots are steeped in history. Long ago, looking directly at a king or any ruler was considered insolent. The proper response when appearing before a ruler was to close your eyes or, if you were feeling really daring, look downward. Failing to do so could launch an unfortunate chain of events that might end with a sleepover in the dungeon or a date with the guillotine.

Adopting a deferential pose -- in other words, closing your eyes -- during prayer became an appropriate way to show humility, something that was especially important when asking for mercy. Today, it's a common posture for prayers of all kinds.
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Due to the harsh conditions in Arctic, relatively few observations are made in that part of world. Credit: Celine Heuze

Climate models used by the UN's IPCC and others to project climate change are not accurately reflecting what the Arctic's future will be. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg argue that the rate of warming will be much faster than projected.

Due to the Arctics sea ice cover and its harsh climate, relatively few observations are made in that part of world. This means that the climate models used for projecting the future of the Arctic have not been calibrated to the same extent there as in other parts of the world.

Two recent scientific studies involving researchers from the University of Gothenburg compared the results of the climate models with actual observations. They concluded that the warming of the Arctic Ocean will proceed at a much faster rate than projected by the climate models.

Climate models underestimate the consequences

"These climate models underestimate the consequences of climate change. In reality, the relatively warm waters in the Arctic regions are even warmer, and closer to the sea ice. Consequently, we believe that the Arctic sea ice will melt away faster than projected," explains Celine Heuze, climatologist at the University of Gothenburg and lead author of one of the studies.

Warm water flows into the Arctic Ocean via Fram Strait between Greenland and Svalbard. However, the volume of water in these ocean currents and its temperature in the climate models are too low, which is one of the reasons why the climate models' projections will not be accurate. Even the stratification of the Arctic Ocean is incorrect. The researchers argue that since roughly half of the models project an increase and the other half a decrease in stratification, the consequences of global warming cannot be estimated accurately.

Acquiring hard data in the Arctic must be prioritized

"This is a serious situation. If governments and organizations all over the world are going to rely on these climate models, they must be improved. Which is why research and data acquisition in the Arctic ocean must be prioritized. At present, we cannot provide a useful prediction of how quickly the Arctic sea ice is melting," Celine Heuze explains.

The Arctic is an important region for projecting what the future intensity of global warming will be. Its sea ice contributes an albedo effecta white surface that reflects sunlight away from the planet. If the ice were to disappear, more solar radiation would reach the Earth.

"We need a climate model that is tailored to the Arctic. In general, you can't use the same model for the entire planet, as conditions vary considerably. A better idea would be to create a specific model for the Arctic that correctly factors in the processes occurring in the Arctic Ocean and surrounding land areas," Celine Heuze explains.

The work is published in the Journal of Climate.

More information: Celine Heuze et al, The Deep Arctic Ocean and Fram Strait in CMIP6 Models, Journal of Climate (2023). DOI: 10.1175/JCLI-D-22-0194.1 Journal information: Journal of Climate
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Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) Structure and Quantitative Analysis Flow chart (Based on Heaps, 2020) used for analysis of Nepals strategies for net-zero GHG emissions and associated co-benefits. Credit: Energy Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.01.055

Achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement will require the combined efforts of states and companies around the world. How can developing countries achieve carbon neutrality and boost their resilience while pursuing economic growth and improved living standards? A study by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) draws on the example of Nepal to analyze the benefits of a net-zero emissions strategy.

Nepal is among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate-change-related disasters and risks. However, its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minor. As Nepal prepares to graduate from the category of least developed countries to middle income countries, anticipated by 2030, its consumption of fossil fuels is likely to continue to rise.

Nepal's supply of fossil fuels is mostly imported from the neighboring country of India. However, its total export earnings are not sufficient to pay for the imports of petroleum products, raising concerns about future energy security. At the same time, Nepal is still in the process of securing universal electricity access for its citizens as well as achieving various other economic development goals. Nevertheless, Nepal has continuously and actively supported international efforts on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In 2020, Nepal submitted its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, with quantified mitigation targets and supporting measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the country adopted a long-term strategy (LTS) for net-zero emissions, which aspires to achieve sustainable net-zero CO 2 emissions by 2045.

Methods of this study

In their study, "Environmental, energy security, and energy equity (3E) benefits of net-zero emission strategy in a developing country: A case study of Nepal," the researchers examined Nepal's long-term strategy for net-zero emissions using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP), a modeling tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute.

The tool includes both energy-related and non-energy-related emissions within a single modeling framework and incorporates GHG and other environmental pollutant emission factors as per the IPCC guideline for national GHG inventories. In addition, LEAP enabled the researchers to analyze interactions and their implications between the energy and non-energy sectors, the business sector and the environment.

The study aims to fill a research gap by analyzing for the first time various co-benefits of Nepal's long-term strategy for net-zero emissions relating to:

Emissions of seven other air pollutants in addition to greenhouse gases (CO 2 , CH4, and N 2 O), namely: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), soot and organic carbon (OC)

, CH4, and N O), namely: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), soot and organic carbon (OC) Energy security was analyzed in terms of the accessibility, availability and affordability of energy

The impact of the net-zero strategy on energy equity was measured in terms of access to sufficient electricity, as envisioned in SDG 7

The study examines two major policy intervention scenarios and compares their impacts on these parameters against a reference scenario (REF). The latter assumes that current trends will continue into the future and does not take into account recently adopted policy measures. The With Existing Measures scenario (WEM) takes into account plans and policy measures adopted through to 2020. A third scenarioWith Additional Measures (WAM)also takes into account the impacts of additional mitigation actions that are feasible for the country.

Compared to the reference scenario, both of these scenarios promise to deliver large reductions in air pollutant emissions and improved energy security as well as equity.

Air pollutants: Possible reduction of approximately 70%

For example, under the WEM scenario emissions of seven different air pollutants would be reduced by at least 40% by 2050. Under the WAM scenario, this reduction would increase to about 70% or more. Reductions in air pollutants, including short-lived climate-forcing pollutants (SLCPs) such as soot and methane, would provide additional benefits from avoided adverse health outcomes and crop yield losses, along with reduced impacts on glacier melting and climate.

Energy security would also improve as the share of renewables in the country increases while energy imports decrease. This would translate into a decrease in the imported fuel cost to GDP ratio.

The study examined whether net-zero GHG emissions strategiesin this case in Nepalcan also deliver additional benefits. These co-benefits, such as improved health outcomes and energy security, must also be considered in the development and implementation of decarbonization options, the authors argue. Doing so would help to address various constraints relating to the competitiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of low-carbon options.

The findings of this study will provide valuable guidance for decision-makers during the evaluation of existing and future policy options with respect to investment decisions, the prioritization of research and development needs, and the promotion of societal change in the pursuit of sustainable development pathways. Further studies could be undertaken to quantify, for example, the benefits for human health or the effects on agricultural yields of reductions in environmental emissions as Nepal treads its net-zero pathway.

The study is published in the journal Energy Reports.

More information: Shree Raj Shakya et al, Environmental, energy security, and energy equity (3E) benefits of net-zero emission strategy in a developing country: A case study of Nepal, Energy Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.01.055
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The Biden administration has decided to authorize a mammoth ConocoPhillips oil project in northwest Alaska, rejecting arguments from environmental activists who insist it will exacerbate climate change, according to people familiar with the matter.

After weeks of deliberations, senior advisers have signed off on the move, which represents one of the most momentous climate decisions yet for President Joe Biden. The approval is set to be released next week by the Interior Department, said the people, who asked not to be named because an announcement has not been made.

Under the draft plan, ConocoPhillips would be permitted to drill from three locations across its Willow site in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, unlocking an estimated 600 million barrels of oil as well as some 280 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions tied to burning it.

ConocoPhillips originally had requested to drill from across five locations at Willow but later supported a plan with three drilling sites after pushback from regulators and some nearby residents.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said "no final decisions have been made" on the project. "Anyone who says there has been a final decision is wrong."

In an email, ConocoPhillips said it could not comment until it had seen a formal record of decision on the project, and none had been shared with the company.

The project is enormous by almost any measure. Its $8 billion price tag puts it at the forefront of pending U.S. oil projects today. And the 180,000 daily barrels of crude it's projected to eventually yield represents roughly 1.6% of current U.S. production.

Willow presents a test of Biden's energy and political priorities. The president campaigned on a pledge to block new drilling on public lands and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Yet Biden also has implored oil companies to boost output to tame prices and address market disruptions spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Environmental activists who helped put Biden in the White House insisted approval would be a betrayal of his campaign pledges. At the same time, Biden has faced intense pressure from lawmakers, unions and many indigenous communities in Alaska who say the Willow project would provide an economic lifeline to the region, providing critical revenue to combat poverty, support local schools and even boost longevity.

Although the 23 million acre NPR-A was set aside for oil supply needs roughly a century ago and ConocoPhillips has held leases in the reserve since 1999, conservationists say new industrial drilling operations there could imperil critical wildlife habitat and unleash crude that a warming world cannot afford to burn. Some Alaska Natives who oppose Willow said it threatens already dwindling caribou herds they depend on for subsistence.

Environmental groups have dubbed Willow a potential carbon bomb because of the greenhouse gases the project would unleash over its potential three-decade lifespan, though they represent a small fractionless than 5%of what the U.S. emits annually.

If Willow is approved, "the Biden administration is betraying its core commitment to stop runaway climate change," said Abigail Dillen, head of the environmental group Earthjustice. "We are out of time for massive fossil development."

Supporters argued oil from Willow would be produced under more stringent environmental protections than elsewhere in the world while helping bolster U.S. energy security and providing an alternative to Russian supplies.

It would be years before that crude would actually start to flow from the site. ConocoPhillips must squeeze many operations into short seasonal windowstypically from late January to late April when a hard winter freeze allows the construction of roads and other infrastructure. Environmental groups also are expected to challenge the approval in federal court, opening new legal risk the project is further delayed or derailed.

ConocoPhillips applied to develop the project in 2018 and the Trump administration approved it two years later. But a federal district court tossed out that approval in August 2021 after concluding the government hadn't sufficiently analyzed the climate consequences and failed to consider more protective options.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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Enoplognatha ovata Cantilaga (candy-striped spider). Credit: Syrio/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

A pair of arachnologists with the University of Toronto Scarborough reports that in addition to its other ways of capturing and feeding on prey, candy-striped spiders also wrap up and feed on sleeping prey at night. In their paper published in the journal Ecology, Catherine Scott and Sean McCann describe their study of the predatory behavior of candy-striped spiders living on Vancouver Island in Canada.

Prior research has shown that candy-striped spiders, which look like candy jaw breakers with legs, capture prey using a web, similarly to other spiders. But they have also been seen stealing prey from other spiders. In this new effort, the researchers found that they also have another method of capturing and feeding on preysneaking up on them in the dark as they are sleeping and wrapping them in thread.

After noticing dead insects on plants while engaging in macrophotography at night, McCann teamed up with colleague Scott and the two of them ventured into the night to study the behavior of candy-striped spiders in action.

The pair found that things happened fast, which meant they had to use a high-speed camera. They found that the spider, which has poor vision, sensed a sleeping bug in a plant and climbed to it. Upon arrival, it sped into action, spinning thread around the bug, stopping occasionally to inject it with venom. Once the spider was convinced the prey was subdued, it began spreading digesting juices on parts of its exterior. Next, it chewed a hole through the prey's covering and proceeded to suck out a combination of juices and liquified meat.

To further test the spiders, the researchers captured some of them and placed them at the base of plants they knew were harboring sleeping insects. The spiders reacted as expected, climbing the stalks and encasing the prey. More surveillance showed that the spiders were capable of ballooning and rappelling between plants to get at prey. The researchers also found that that the spiders were not finicky eaters; they would wrap and dine on any insect of reasonable size. The pair note that the reason the tactic works is that it takes insects a moment to rouse themselves once asleep.

More information: Catherine E. Scott et al, They mostly come at night: Predation on sleeping insects by introduced candystriped spiders in North America, Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4025 Journal information: Ecology

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Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivers a speech during the Iraq Climate Conference in Basra on March 12, 2023.

Iraq's prime minister on Sunday announced a campaign to combat the severe impacts of climate change on the water-scarce country, including by planting five million palms and trees.

Oil-rich but war-battered Iraq suffers from extreme summer heat, frequent droughts, desertification and regular dust storms, problems that are all exacerbated by a heating planet.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told a climate conference that more than seven million Iraqis had already been affected by climate change and hundreds of thousands displaced by drought.

He cited challenges including "high temperatures, scarcity of rain and an increase in dust storms" as well as shrinking green spaces, which all "threaten food, health, environmental and community security".

Sudani, who took office in late October, said his government was launching "a grand afforestation initiative, which includes planting five million trees and palm trees in all governorates of Iraq".

In the spring of last year, Iraq was swept by about a dozen major sand or dust storms which blanketed Baghdad and other areas, causing breathing difficulties for thousands and forcing the closure of airports and schools.

Sudani said the government was working on a wider "Iraqi vision for climate action", speaking at a conference in the southern city of Basra attended by foreign ambassadors and UN officials.

A woman walks along a bridge during a sandstorm in Iraq's southern city of Basra, on June 26, 2022.

The plan would include promoting clean and renewable energy, new irrigation and water treatment projects and reduced industrial gas flaring, he said, without announcing details on funding or timeframes.

Sudani said Iraq was "moving forward to conclude contracts for constructing renewable energy power plants to provide one-third of our electricity demand by 2030".

Palm groves vs. dust storms

Sudani also cited "efforts to preserve Iraq's rights in the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers", the two waterways whose flows have been reduced, with Iraqi officials blaming dams upstream in Turkey and Iran.

"The unilateral water control in the upstream countries increases the vulnerability of countries challenged by the effects of climate change," the Iraqi premier told the Basra meeting.

As part of the wider plan, the government cited the creation of green belts around cities to act as windbreaks against dust storms.

Map of Iraq.

Iraq was once dubbed "the country of 30 million palm trees", but decades of conflict and failing public policies have ravaged the national symbol as urbanization has shrunk traditional green spaces.

Lush palm groves that once protected large cities such as Baghdad or Karbala have given way to concrete neighborhoods.

Sudani pledged that Baghdad would soon organize a regional conference to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise on combating climate change and other environmental pressures.

Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates rivers have witnessed a sharp decrease in water levels.

"I call on friendly countries and all United Nations organizations to support us in facing the effects of climate change," Sudani said.

Saudi Arabia, Iraq's wealthy neighbor, in 2021 announced a plan to plant 10 billion trees on its territory within a decade, as well as to plant 40 billion additional trees in collaboration with other countries.

 2023 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Colorado mountain snowpack measured above normal in early March, a few weeks before the closely watched seasonal peak, except in the Arkansas River Basin, where lagging snow could lead to low water flows.

The snowpack tracked by federal snow surveyors appeared relatively promising with the latest data showing the overall statewide level at 120% of the norm, which is based on a 30-year average between 1991 and 2020. In particular, watersheds that feed the heavily-tapped Colorado River held above-average snow, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service snow survey data.

"We still have a little bit more of winter to go, and then we will have the early spring and early summer precipitation that could still give us a boost. If we do get a good spring, things could get better," snow survey supervisor Brian Domonkos said.

"But things could go the other way, too."

Snow on Colorado's mountains typically peaks between March and mid-April and serves as a natural, slow-release source of wateressential to sustain urban settlement and agriculture in the West. Around April 1, Colorado Front Range cities and food growers on the eastern plains traditionally have calculated whether water supplies through summer will be sufficient for people, crops and cattle based on mountain snow.

Agriculture uses about 85% of Colorado's water supply. Urban water consumption per person has been decreasing, though the state's overall population has been increasing at faster than the national rate.

Denver Water utility officials last week measured water storage in their reservoirs at 82%above average for early March. The utility officials also noted, in an agency website posting, that soil in the watersheds where Denver draws water isn't as dry as last year. Long-term droughts can leave soil so dry that it quickly absorbs water from melting snow before the water reaches streams and rivers.

Climate warming has been shrinking mountain snowpack and reducing runoff into streams. Atmospheric scientists have projected a sharply reduced contribution of melting snow in the Colorado River Basin, a main source for 40 million people and agriculture producers across seven states including California.

Around Colorado, snowpack in the Colorado River Basin measured 118% of the norm, the federal data show.

Southwestern Colorado had the most snow with levels in the combined San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river basins at 138% of normal.

The South Platte River watershedcrucial for cities, including Denver, and food producers in the most populated parts of northeastern Coloradohad 103% of normal snowpack.

Along the upper Rio Grande River in southern Colorado, snowpack measured 107% of the norm. The Gunnison River Basin had snow at 136% of the norm, the Yampa and White rivers 133%, and the Laramie and North Platte rivers 120%.

But the Arkansas River Basin snowpack measured 73% of the norm, the data show.

From headwaters above Buena Vista and Salida to the southeastern plains out to Kansas, cities, towns, farmers and ranchers rely on Arkansas River water flows through the summer.

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Credit: California Institute of Technology

On August 17, 2017, about 70 telescopes collectively turned their gaze to a fiery collision between two dead stars that took place millions of light-years away. The telescopes watched the event unfold in a rainbow of wavelengths, from radio waves to visible light to the highest-energy gamma rays. As the pair of ultra-dense neutron stars crashed into each other, they flung debris outward that glowed for days, weeks, and months. Some of the onlooking telescopes spotted gold, platinum, and uranium in the searing blast, confirming that most heavy elements in our universe are forged in this type of cosmic collision.

Were that the end of the story, this cosmic event would have been remarkable in itself, but three other detectors were present for astronomical gathering that daytwo belonging to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) and one belonging to Europe's Virgo. LIGO and Virgo observe not light waves but gravitational waves, or shivers in space and time produced by massive accelerating objects. As neutron stars spiral together, they generate gravitational waves before they merge and explode with light. It was the LIGOVirgo gravitational-wave network that alerted the dozens of telescopes around the world that something astonishing was taking place in the skies above. Without LIGO and Virgo, August 17, 2017, would have been a typical day in astronomy.

Since that time, the LIGOVirgo network has detected only one other neutron star merger; in that case, which occurred in 2019, light-based telescopes were not able to observe the event. (LIGO-Virgo has also detected dozens of binary black hole mergers, but those are not expected to produce light in most instances.) With LIGOVirgo scheduled to turn back on this May, astronomers are excitedly preparing for more explosive neutron star mergers. One pressing question on the minds of some LIGO team members is: Can they detect these events soonerperhaps even before the dead stars collide?

To that end, the researchers are developing early-warning software to alert astronomers to neutron star mergers up to seconds or even a full minute before the impact.

"It's a race against time," says Ryan Magee, a Caltech postdoctoral scholar who is co-leading the development of early-warning software along with Surabhi Sachdev, a professor at Georgia Tech. "We are missing precious time to understand what happens before and right after these mergers," he says.

Eleven hours later, the source is found

Once LIGO detects a likely neutron star collision, the race begins for telescopes on the ground and in space to follow up and pinpoint its location. The LIGOVirgo network, which consists of three gravitational-wave detectors, helps narrow in on the approximate location where the fireworks are happening while light-based telescopes are required to identify the exact galaxy in which the neutron stars reside.

For the August 17 event, known as GW170817, most of the light-based telescopes were not able to start searching for the source of the gravitational-wave event until nine hours later. The LIGOVirgo team sent its first alert to the astronomical community 40 minutes after the neutron star collision and the first sky maps, outlining the event's rough location, 4.5 hours after the event.

But by that time, the region of interest in the southern skies had dipped below the horizon and out of view of the southern telescopes capable of seeing it. Astronomers would have to anxiously wait until nine hours after the event to begin combing the skies. By about 11 hours after the neutron star collision, several ground-based optical telescopes had at last pinned down the location of the source of the waves: a galaxy called NGC 4993, which lies about 130 million light-years away.

Gearing up for the next run

With 11 hours missing from the story of how neutron stars slam into each other and seed the universe with heavy elements, astronomers are eagerly awaiting more neutron star smashups. For LIGOVirgo's upcoming run, which will also include observations made by Japan's KAGRA, the detectors have been undergoing a series of upgrades to make them even better at catching gravitational-wave events and thus neutron star mergers. The team expects to detect four to 10 neutron star mergers in next run and as many as 100 in the fifth observing run of the current advanced detector network, planned to begin in 2027. Future runs with more advanced detectors are planned for the 2030s.

One new feature to be employed at the next run is the early-warning alert system. The specialized software will complement the main software that has been routinely used to detect all the gravitational-wave events so far.

The main software, also called a search pipeline, looks for weak gravitational-wave signals buried in noisy LIGO data by matching the data to a library of known signals, or waveforms, that represent different types of events, such as black hole and neutron star mergers. If a match is found and confirmed, an alert is sent to the astronomical community. The early-warning software works in the same way but uses only truncated versions of the waveforms so that it can work faster.

"The detectors are constantly taking new data in an observing run, and we are comparing our waveforms to the data as they come in. If we use truncated waveforms, we don't have to wait for as much data to be collected to do our comparison," Magee says. "The trade-off is that the signal needs to be loud enough to be detected using truncated waveforms. It's important to still run the main pipelines alongside the early-warning pipeline to pick up the weaker signals and get the best final localizations." Magee, Sachdev, and their colleagues are working on an early-warning pipeline called GSTLAL; additional early-warning pipelines for LIGOVirgo are also in the works.

Before the fireworks

As neutron stars spiral around each other like a pair of ice dancers, they orbit faster and faster and give off gravitational waves of increasingly higher frequencies. The final dance between neutron stars lasts longer than those between black holes, up to several minutes in the frequency bands LIGO is most sensitive to, and this gives LIGO and Virgo more time to catch the lead-up to the stars' dramatic finale. In the case of GW170817, the pair of mingling neutron stars spent six minutes at the frequency ranges detectable by LIGOVirgo before the two bodies ultimately coalesced.

The LIGO early-warning software's truncated waveforms are designed to catch snippets of this last dance; in fact, the researchers think the software will eventually catch a neutron star merger up to one minute before the collision. If so, that will give telescopes around the world more time to find and study the explosions.

"In the next run, we might be able to catch one of the neutron star mergers 10 seconds ahead of time," says Sachdev. "By the fifth run, we believe we can catch one with a full minute of warning."

For astronomers, one minute is a lot of time. Caltech professor of astronomy Gregg Hallinan, the director of Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory, says that early warnings of imminent neutron star mergers will be particularly important for gamma-ray, X-ray, and radio telescopes because the collisions may burst at these wavelengths right at the very start.

"Radio telescope arrays like the Long Wavelength Array at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO-LWA) and Caltech's future 2,000-antenna Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-2000) might be able to detect a radio flash that is theorized to occur at the time the neutron stars merge and in some models during the final inspiral before the merger," says Hallinan. "That will teach us about the immediate environments of these massively destructive events. What's more, seeing a radio flash could also help us quickly pin down the location of the mergers."

Shreya Anand, a Caltech graduate student, says that early optical and ultraviolet observations of the mergers can reveal new information about their evolution, such as how elements are formed in the fast-moving material ejected from the collisions.

Anand, who works in the group of Caltech professor of astronomy Mansi Kasliwal (MS '07, Ph.D. '11), is busy developing software herself, not for early-warning systems but to search the skies for neutron star mergers and other cosmic events once an alert from LIGO is received. Kasliwal's group is currently developing software for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and the upcoming Wide-field INfrared Transient ExploreR (WINTER), two survey instruments based at Caltech's Palomar Observatory. ZTF and WINTER can follow up on a LIGO alert to find and observe a neutron star merger. Anand is developing software that would speed up this search.

"Our algorithms figure out how to best cover different patches of sky and for how long to ensure the maximum chance of finding the target," she says. "We are missing interesting physics in the early phases of the mergers. The early-warning software from the LIGO team and the software for our telescope searches will speed up our chances of finding an event early. This will ultimately give us a more complete picture of what is going on."

The early-warning study led by Magee appeared in The Astrophysical Journal Letters in 2021. The study led by Sachdev also appeared in The Astrophysical Journal Letters in 2020.
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(A) shows a circuit diagram for transporting Bob's qubit, |0>+|1>, to Alice by means of two exchange-free CNOT gates and local operations. The purpose of the Hadamard gates is to keep the control qubits of the two CNOT gates on the same side, Bob's side. (B) A similar circuit, except for the phase-flip Z-gate acting on Alice's target qubit before the second CNOT, which corresponds to finding the photon in Port2 in figure 2(C), after the second application of the exchange-free CNOT gate. (C) Our proposed exchange-free CNOT gate. A single 87Rb atom trapped inside an optical resonator constitutes Bob's control qubit. Depending on which of two ground states the trapped atom is in, a resonant R-polarized photon impinging on the cavity from the left will either be reflected as a result of strong coupling, or else enter the cavity on its way towards detector D B . CQZE stands for chained quantum Zeno effect. As we show in the text, Alice's exiting photonic qubit, the target, has provably never crossed the channel to Bob. This CNOT gate allows universal exchange-free quantum computation, including counterportation. Credit: Quantum Science and Technology (2022). DOI: 10.1088/2058-9565/ac8ecd

One of the first practical applications of the much-hyped but little-used quantum computing technology is now within reach, thanks to a unique approach that sidesteps the major problem of scaling up such prototypes.

The invention, by a University of Bristol physicist, who gave it the name "counterportation," provides the first-ever practical blueprint for creating in the lab a wormhole that verifiably bridges space, as a probe into the inner workings of the universe.

By deploying a novel computing scheme, revealed in the journal Quantum Science and Technology, which harnesses the basic laws of physics, a small object can be reconstituted across space without any particles crossing. Among other things, it provides a "smoking gun" for the existence of a physical reality underpinning our most accurate description of the world.

Study author Hatim Salih, Honorary Research Fellow at the university's Quantum Engineering Technology (QET) Labs, and co-founder of the start-up DotQuantum, said, "This is a milestone we have been working towards for a bunch of years. It provides a theoretical as well as practical framework for exploring afresh enduring puzzles about the universe, such as the true nature of spacetime."

The need for detectable information carriers traveling through when we communicate has been a deeply ingrained assumption among scientists, for instance a stream of photons crossing an optical fiber, or through the air, allowing people to read this text. Or, indeed, the myriad neural signals bouncing around the brain when doing so.

This holds true even for quantum teleportation, which, "Star Trek" aside, transfers complete information about a small object, allowing it to be reconstituted elsewhere, so it is indistinguishable in any meaningful way from the original, which disintegrates. The latter ensures a fundamental limit preventing perfect copying. Notably, the recent simulation of a wormhole on Google's Sycamore processor is essentially a teleportation experiment.

Hatim said, "Here's the sharp distinction. While counterportation achieves the end goal of teleportation, namely disembodied transport, it remarkably does so without any detectable information carriers traveling across."

Wormholes were popularized by the mega-hit movie "Interstellar," which included physicist and Nobel laureate Kip Thorne among its crew. But they first came to light about a century ago as quirky solutions to Einstein's gravity equation, as shortcuts in the fabric of spacetime. The defining task of a traversable wormhole, however, can be neatly abstracted as making space traversable disjunctly; in other words, in the absence of any journey across observable space outside the wormhole.

The pioneering research, fittingly completed to the spine-tingling "Interstellar" score, sets out a way to carry this task out.

"If counterportation is to be realized, an entirely new type of quantum computer has to be built: an exchange-free one, where communicating parties exchange no particles," Hatim said.

"By contrast to large-scale quantum computers that promise remarkable speed-ups, which no one yet knows how to build, the promise of exchange-free quantum computers of even the smallest scale is to make seemingly impossible taskssuch as counterportationpossible, by incorporating space in a fundamental way alongside time."

Plans are now in progress, in collaboration with leading U.K. quantum experts in Bristol, Oxford and York, to physically build this otherworldly-sounding wormhole in the lab.

"The goal in the near future is to physically build such a wormwhole in the lab, which can then be used as a testbed for rival physical theories, even ones of quantum gravity," Hatim added.

"This work will be in the spirit of the multi-billion ventures that exist to witness new physical phenomena, like the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), but at a fraction of the resources. Our hope is to ultimately provide remote access to local wormholes for physicists, physics hobbyists, and enthusiasts to explore fundamental questions about the universe, including the existence of higher dimensions."

Tim Spiller, professor of quantum information technologies at the University of York and director of the Quantum Communications Hub of the UK National Quantum Technologies Program said, "Quantum theory continues to inspire and astound us. Hatim's latest work on counterportation provides another example of this, with the added bonus of a pathway towards experimental demonstration."

John Rarity, professor of optical communication systems at the University of Bristol, said, "We experience a classical world which is actually built from quantum objects. The proposed experiment can reveal this underlying quantum nature showing that entirely separate quantum particles can be correlated without ever interacting. This correlation at a distance can then be used to transport quantum information (qbits) from one location to another without a particle having to traverse the space, creating what could be called a traversable wormhole."
China rail-sea intermodal trains transport 120,000 TEU containers in first two months of 2023

People's Daily Online) 09:25, March 13, 2023

A container ship arrives at Qinzhou Port in south Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Chen Lei)

The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a major trade and logistics channel between provincial-level regions of western China and ASEAN countries, saw 120,000 TEU containers of cargo transported by the rail-sea intermodal freight trains in the first two months of 2023, up 11.2 percent year on year, official data showed.

On March 9, 400 color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens of TPV Display Technology (Xianyang) Co., Ltd. in northwest Chinas Shaanxi Province sailed from Qinzhou Port in south Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for Malaysia.

The LCD screens were transported by a freight train from Xian, capital of Shaanxi, through a land-sea transport route connecting Xian and Malaysia via the Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi. They are expected to arrive at Malaysias largest transport hub Port Klang after 10 days.

It took five days for the LCD screens to arrive at Qinzhou Port East Station from the Xian international port, said Huang Jiangnan, head of the Qinzhou Port East Station of China Railway Nanning Bureau Group Co., Ltd.

The rail-sea intermodal freight trains of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor can reach 115 stations in 60 cities of 17 provincial-level regions in China. The Beibu Gulf Port, an important transit point in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, currently runs 75 container routes and has access to 393 ports in 119 countries and regions across the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13) A Navotas City court convicted a policeman found guilty in the killing of teenagers Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo "Kulot" de Guzman in 2017 at the height of the previous administrations drug war.

Judge Romana Lindayag-Del Rosario of the Navotas City Regional Trial Court Branch 287 said PO1 Jeffrey Sumbo Perez was "guilty beyond reasonable doubt" for the crime of murder in the deaths of Arnaiz and De Guzman who were 19 years old and 14 years old, respectively, when they were brutally murdered.

The decision was made on March 1, but was only made public on Monday.

The court ruled Perez would suffer reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole for both deaths.

He was likewise ordered to pay a total of P690,000 in damages to the families of the victims.

"The foregoing amounts shall earn legal interest of six percent (6%) per annum from the date of finality of this decision, until full payment," the document said.

Arnaiz was killed on Aug. 18, 2017 in an alleged shootout with police, after a taxi driver supposedly complained that he was held up by the former University of the Philippines student.

Then Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa said Arnaiz fought with policemen during a legitimate operation, prompting them to retaliate.

Meanwhile, De Guzman, an alleged companion of Arnaiz, went missing for weeks until his body, which was stabbed 31 times, was found in a creek in Nueva Ecija.

A month after the deaths and a growing public outcry against the brutal slayings, former President Rodrigo Duterte said the killings of the teenagers were meant to sabotage the administration's anti-drug and anti-crime campaign.

In 2018, the Department of Justice filed murder charges against Caloocan cops allegedly involved in the deaths.
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Heavy rains produced floods that collapsed this road in Blantyre, Malawi.

Cyclone Freddy, packing powerful winds and torrential rain, killed more than 100 people in Malawi and Mozambique on its return to southern Africa's mainland, authorities said Monday.

Freddy, on track to become the longest-lasting storm on record, barrelled through southern Africa at the weekend for the second time within a few weeks, making a comeback after a first hit in late February.

Malawi bore the brunt, counting at least 99 deaths after mudslides overnight washed away houses and sleeping occupants.

"We expect the number to rise," Charles Kalemba, a commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, told a press conference.

Another 134 people were injured and 16 are reported missing.

Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre recorded 85 deaths.

Residents used their bare hands to dig through the mud hoping to find survivors.

Government rescuers were late to arrive, said one resident refusing to give his name, covered in mud, as he helped with the rescue effort.

"The people are overwhelmed. The situation is very difficult," said ambulance driver Honest Chirwa, adding rescuers lacked adequate equipment.

More than 11,000 people were affected by the storm, said the United Nations.

The impact of the cyclone has piled more woes on a country grappling with the deadliest cholera outbreak in its history, which has killed over 1,600 people since last year.

UNICEF said rains had abated on Monday but Mozambique's coastal city of Quelimane remained without access to clean running water.

"Severe weather events such as these are likely to exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera," the UN children's agency UNICEF warned.

President Lazarus Chakwera, currently in Doha attending a Least Developed Countries meeting, declared a "state of disaster in the Southern region" of the nation.

The government was responding to the crisis while appealing for local and international aid for affected families, his office said.

Malawi has ordered schools in ten southern districts to remain closed until Wednesday, with rains and winds expected to keep battering the nation's south.

At least 10 other people died and 14 were wounded in neighboring Mozambique, local authorities said.

The Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Management said the fallout from the storm's second landfall in the country was worse than expected.

'Rare' loop trajectory

National carrier Malawi Airlines said all flights to Blantyre have been canceled until further notice after an inbound plane ran into the bad weather and was forced back to the capital Lilongwe.

The country's energy utility also warned that electricity generation would be unstable, as it would have to temporarily shut down hydropower stations to prevent muddy water from damaging turbines.

The hard-hit Mozambique coastal city of Quelimane remained without access to clean running water.

Cyclone Freddy reached landlocked Malawi early on Monday morning after sweeping through Mozambique at the weekend.

According to the UN's World Meteorological Organization, Freddy, which formed off north-western Australia in the first week of February, was set to become the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record.

It crossed the entire southern Indian Ocean and blasted Madagascar from February 21 before reaching Mozambique on February 24.

Following what meteorologists describe as a "rare" loop trajectory, Freddy then headed back towards Madagascar before moving once more towards Mozambique.

In total, Freddy has so far killed at least 136 people99 in Malawi, 20 in Mozambique and 17 in Madagascar.

The last cyclones to cross the entire southern Indian Ocean were Leon-Eline and Hudah in 2000.

 2023 AFP
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The aim of the study was to analyze the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of the main agent of urinary tract infections. Credit: Ericc Erbe, Christopher Pooley/Agricultural Research Service

The human intestine is an environment inhabited by many bacteria and other microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome, gut microbiota or intestinal flora. In most people, it contributes to wellness. A healthy gut indicates a stronger immune system, improved metabolism, and a healthy brain and heart, among other functions.

Escherichia coli is one of the bacteria found in practically everyone's gut microbiota, where it performs important functions, such as producing certain vitamins. "But there's a vast amount of genetic diversity in the species. Some of its members are pathogenic and can cause diseases such as urinary tract infections," said Tania Gomes do Amaral, head of the Experimental Enterobacterial Pathogenicity Laboratory (LEPE) at the Federal University of Sao Paulo's Medical School (EPM-UNIFESP) in Brazil.

"E. coli is the main agent of this type of infection among both healthy people and hospitalized patients or users of healthcare services."

Amaral is first author of an article published in the journal Pathogens on the virulence of these bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics in hospitalized patients.

"Our study focused on hospitalized patients because patients who stay in hospital for a long period are more likely to undergo various procedures, such as urine catheter insertion or venous access. Although these procedures are performed to assure life support, they may facilitate the entry of bacteria into the organism and cause an infection," Amaral explained.

She earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from EPM-UNIFESP in 1988, conducting part of her research at New York University Medical School and the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) in the United States.

The article reports the findings of a broader study led by Amaral, with 12 co-authors who are researchers and graduate students, on the virulence and drug resistance of E. coli strains associated with urinary tract infections.

The main aim of this part of the study, described in the master's dissertation of Jose Francisco Santos Neto, was to evaluate the diversity and drug resistance of pathogenic E. coli strains isolated from the gut microbiota of inpatients, and to analyze the frequency of endogenous infection (caused by bacteria from the patient's own microbiota).

The UNIFESP group first investigated the genetic diversity and drug resistance of E. coli strains isolated from the gut microbiota of hospitalized patients, sequencing these strains as well as others isolated from their urine and comparing the results in order to evaluate dissemination of the bacteria in the hospital environment.

"We also compared the genomes of these strains with those of E. coli strains isolated in different parts of the world in order to see if any globally disseminated pathogenic bacteria were present in the study sample," said Ana Carolina de Mello Santos, a postdoctoral researcher working on the LEPE team.

Urinary tract infections proved to be endogenous for the vast majority of the patients in the study (more than 70%). The results also showed that the patients' gut microbiota contained at least two genetically different populations of E. coli and that about 30% were colonized by non-lactose-fermenting E. coli strains, which are less common, with some of the patients studied having only such strains in their gut microbiota.

"This finding is most interesting because previous research conducted in other countries to analyze the composition of human gut microbiota didn't investigate non-lactose-fermenting E. coli," Santos said.

The authors also note the presence of bacteria with all the genetic markers required for classification as pathogenic and the detection of pathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of all patients that had not yet developed an infection. "Hospitalized patients are more susceptible to infection because by definition they are already unwell. Colonization by pathogens is the first step in the spread of hospital-acquired infections now so frequent worldwide," Santos said.

With regard to antibiotics and other antimicrobials, the authors stress that drug resistance is also a growing global problem, and enterobacterial resistance to third-generation cephalosporins as well as colistin is critical. In all patients whose gut microbiota was colonized by drug-resistant bacteria, the same bacteria also caused endogenous urinary tract infections. In other words, the multidrug-resistant bacteria colonized the gut and traveled to the urinary tract, where they caused an infection.

"In light of these findings, early assessment of gut microbiota in hospitalized patients, at least in cases of E. coli infection, can facilitate and guide their treatment, while also identifying patients who risk progressing to extra-intestinal diseases such as urinary tract infections, which were part of the focus for our study," Amaral said.

"We don't yet know whether the findings also apply to other bacteria found in gut microbiota, such as the genera Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and others that can cause infections when they travel to extra-intestinal sites."

These bacterial genera tend to be even more drug-resistant than E. coli, representing a major public health problem in the hospital environment. As the researchers noted, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers E. coli strains resistant to cephalosporin and colistin to be a critical global health threat. "The presence in human gut microbiota of drug-resistant bacteria associated with severe infectious disease is a matter of great concern, not least because they could spread to people outside the hospital environment," Amaral said.

Another point raised by the study is the importance of finding out when colonization of the patient's gut by drug-resistant virulent bacteria occurred. The authors of the article were unable to determine whether the bacteria resistant to cephalosporins and colistin colonized the patients before or after they were hospitalized.

By analyzing the genomes of the strains, however, the researchers were able to identify global risk clones that can cause severe disease and are associated with antimicrobial resistance. "One such clone found in the gut microbiota of two patients was identical to others isolated from urinary tract infections in Londrina, Parana [a state in South Brazil], and in the United States, as well as European and Asian countries. This shows that some strains found in the study are clones generally associated with infections in all regions of the world," Amaral said.

This type of information is important when patients are hospitalized. Knowledge of bacterial virulence and drug resistance can be used to prevent infection in parts of the organism outside the intestine and stop the bacteria from spreading to other patients in the same hospital.

More information: Jose F. Santos-Neto et al, Virulence Profile, Antibiotic Resistance, and Phylogenetic Relationships among Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from the Feces and Urine of Hospitalized Patients, Pathogens (2022). DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121528

Provided by FAPESP
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Lewia Jimmysan from northwest Malakula was the first participant in the project, pictured here when she was almost 3 years old. She wears one of the team's cotton t-shirts with a USB recorder in the breast pocket. Credit: Heidi Colleran

Language learning is a human universality. There is no human culture without language, and in every culture, children naturally pick up the language or languages used by those around them. Yet cultures and languages are extremely varied. How does our cognitive apparatus manage to adapt to multi-linguistic situations rather than just a monolingual one? So far, this question has remained unanswered, as very few studies have looked into truly multilingual populations and/or those outside the Global North.

Researcher Heidi Colleran proposed to study the vocal experiences of the children of Malakula Island, in the archipelago of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, where multilingualism is the norm. She worked with families to collect naturalistic "long-form" recordings of children's speech environments as part of her long-term fieldwork on demography and culture on the island. Families from 11 different villages agreed to participate in this study, aware and proud of living on an island with the largest density of languages in the worldaround 40 languages in a population of about 25,000 people.

"A total of 38 children aged between five and 33 months, representing 22 language varieties, took part in our study," says Alejandrina Cristia, leader of the Language Acquisition across Cultures Research Group. "According to their parents, these children regularly heard 2.6 languages on average, and up to eight different ones."

USB recording device to go

To collect data, the team used a recording device the size of a USB key, which the children wore in a specially designed vest all day. This is a promising technique because it is very practical: it produces long-duration recordings that represent well the children's everyday experiences without the interfering presence of a researcher. Its small size makes it a discreet tool, very quickly adopted by children and their social network who soon forget its existence.

"Children wear the recording device directly on their clothing and are not limited in their movements," says Cristia. "This is particularly important in cultures where children are looked after by several people throughout the day and where they have the freedom to go play with other children as soon as they can walk."

As the length of the recordings makes transcription complex, the team has developed an automated analysis system, based on artificial intelligence, which identifies different types of voices: that of the target child, i.e. the one wearing the recorder; those of other children; and male and female adult voices.

The research is published in the journal Developmental Science.

"Data analysis revealed that children heard on average 11 minutes of speech per hourabout five minutes (31%) less than in previously studied monolingual populations," says Heidi Colleran, leader of the BirthRites Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. "Nonetheless, children produced about as much and sometimes more speech in the multilingual as in the monolingual populations studied."

Intriguingly, the strongest association between the amount of speech heard and the amount of speech produced was with vocalizations by other children, rather than those made by adults. This points to the importance of children in language acquisition, and not just parents.

These results invite further research in populations that are under-represented in developmental science, and emphasize the need to take into account the diversity of languages, cultures and demographic structures when studying language acquisition in humans.

More information: Alejandrina Cristia et al, Vocal input and output among infants in a multilingual context: Evidence from longform recordings in Vanuatu, Developmental Science (2023). DOI: 10.1111/desc.13375 Journal information: Developmental Science
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In a major joint project with top Indian scientists, PSI researchers have determined why smog forms at night in the Indian capital New Delhi, contrary to all the rules of atmospheric chemistry. Their results have now been published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

For the past three years, New Delhi has been ranked the world's most polluted capital. Its high levels of air pollution are responsible for a large number of premature deaths. In winter, the particulate matter levels exceed 500 micrograms per cubic meter of air. To get some idea of this magnitude, compare this value with the Chinese capital Beijing. In that smog-plagued metropolis, one cubic meter of air contains "only" 70 micrograms of particulates; whereas in Zurich the figure is just 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Where do these extremely high particulate levels come from in nighttime New Delhi in winter? A team of researchers from the Laboratory for Atmospheric Chemistry at PSI has been investigating this question together with local scientists, including members of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.

They found an extraordinary explanation. "The chemical processes that take place in the air at night are unique to the Indian capital and have not been observed anywhere else in the world," says Imad El-Haddad, an atmospheric chemist at PSI and one of the corresponding authors of the study. In their study, the team found that the trigger for the high levels of particulate matter is the fumes emitted when wood is burnt.

Wood burning is common practice for around 400 million people living in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, who use wood for cooking and heating. In the absence of strict regulations, materials other than wood are also burnt, sometimes including plastic and other waste materials.

Harmful mixture of gases

Such fires produce a mixture of gases containing countless chemical compounds, such as cresol, which our noses associate with the typical smell of fire, as well as sugar-like molecules from the burnt cellulose in the wood. These molecules cannot be seen in the air with the naked eye, even in high concentrations. However, as night falls the temperature in New Delhi drops so rapidly that some of the gas molecules condense and within a few hours clump together to form particles up to 200 nanometers across, which can be seen as a gray haze.

"Condensation from gas to particulate phase resembles the way in which water droplets form on kitchen surfaces when one is cooking. Particles in the atmosphere act as large surfaces on which gases can condense," says Lubna Dada an atmospheric scientist at PSI and one of the authors of the study.

This process is very different from that in other places. Beijing, for example, is probably the best-studied megacity in the world in terms of its air pollution. However, in the atmosphere of the Chinese capital, particle formation follow different chemical pathways. In China, the gases from emissions such as traffic and wood burning react in the atmosphere during the day when they are exposed to light resulting in the formation of less volatile fumes capable of forming particles during the haze.

Such a pathway was also expected in New Delhi, however the opposite happens. Haze formation from the condensation of directly emitted fumes occurs at night, without photooxidation, driven by increased emissions together with a sharp decrease in temperatures. "We have shown for the first time that semi-volatile gases can form such particles at night, contributing to the haze," adds Imad El Haddad.

Where does the smog come from?

The measurements were carried out in January and February 2019. For this purpose, the researchers from India, Sweden and Switzerland set up a station in the center of New Delhi with measuring equipment that included instruments to determine the number and size of the particles, as well as their chemical composition.

The mass spectrometers deployed are very sensitive and can detect thousands of different molecules in the air of New Delhi, whereby the particle concentrations sometimes reached hundreds of thousands of particles within the volume of air corresponding to a sugar cube. Some of the instruments came from PSI, others from partners such as the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the University of Stockholm.

A second measuring station was also set up in the city with scaled-down equipment to verify that the formation of particulates is indeed a regional phenomenon. Switzerland's contribution was financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

It took four years of data analysis and peer review before the results were ready to be published in Nature Geoscience. During this time, four groups from the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry at PSI, each with a particular area of expertise, led by Imad El Haddad, Andre Prevot, Claudia Mohr and Kaspar Dallenbach contributed to bringing everything together.

"More extensive measurements are currently being carried out, collecting samples at ten locations for a full year, five of them in New Delhi itself and five others in the surrounding region, which will later be analyzed at our lab," says Andre Prevot, the principal investigator of the study. Long-term changes in air quality at different locations allow conclusions to be drawn about the wider sources of air pollution.

"My dream is to drive around the streets of India with our mobile laboratory to characterize local sources of pollution that are caused by different kinds of solid fuel burning, industrial and other emissions, at a very high spatial resolution," adds Prevot.

Awareness of the severity of air pollution in India has certainly increased and an ambitious Clean Air Program has been initiated. "In this project, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, PSI scientists have teamed up with local researchers sharing their knowledge with one another to identify the sources of pollution. However, there is still a long way to go to improve the air quality, because that entails social changes and general public awareness," El Haddad concludes.

More information: Suneeti Mishra et al, Rapid night-time nanoparticle growth in Delhi driven by biomass-burning emissions, Nature Geoscience (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-023-01138-x Journal information: Nature Geoscience
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Muslim judges are more likely to give lenient decisions while fasting during Ramadan, a study said Monday, contrasting to previous research suggesting that judges who have not eaten give harsher rulings.

In what has been dubbed "the hungry judge effect", a 2011 study found that judges in Israel were more likely to deny criminals parole before they ate lunch than afterwards.

Sultan Mehmood of Russia's New Economic School, the lead author of the new study, told AFP that he was curious to see if the same effect occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims typically go without food or water from dawn to sunset.

To find out, Mehmood and two other economic researchers sifted through a huge amount of criminal sentencing data, including roughly half a million cases and 10,000 judges, covering a 50-year period in India and Pakistan, two of the top three countries with the largest Muslim populations.

They were "surprised" to find the opposite of the hungry judge effect, Mehmood said.

There was a "sharp and statistically significant" rise in acquittals from Muslim judges during Ramadanand there was no such increase for non-Muslims judges, according to the study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Mehmood said Muslim judges in both countries gave an average of around 40 percent more acquittals during Ramadan than other periods of the year.

And the longer the judges went without food and water, the more lenient they became.

They were 10 percent more likely to acquit with each additional hour of fasting, the study said.

'The idea of clemency'

The researchers also tried to quantify whether the more lenient decisions were better or worse than those made outside of Ramadan.

They found that the defendants on the receiving end of the lenient decisions were no more likely to commit another crime.

The rate of recidivism was generally slightly lowerincluding for defendants of violent crimes such as armed robbery and murder.

The lenient judgements were also less likely to be appealed, the study said.

"The probability that the initial verdict was overturned was also lower," said Avner Seror, a study co-author and economist at France's Aix-Marseille University.

Seror said that Ramadan was "well-suited to statistical analysis" because it offers numerous avenues for comparison, from being held on different dates every year to the duration of fasting differing depending on when the sun rises and sets.

He suggested that the change in the judges' decision-making could be connected to "the idea of clemency inherent in the Muslim ritual, a little like the spirit of Christmas among Christians".

"But it goes further because it seems to help the judges make the right decision," he added.

Previous research has suggested that intermittent fasting can improve mood, cognition and memory, which could help the judges make better decisions, the researchers speculated.

Mehmood said that when he talked to judges in Pakistan as part of the research, they all agreed that during Ramadan "we are too lenient".

"I'm not sure if they agree whether this is a good thing or not," he added.

More information: Sultan Mehmood, Ramadan fasting increases leniency in judges from Pakistan and India, Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01547-3. www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01547-3 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour

 2023 AFP
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With torrential rains drenching California, state water regulators have endorsed a plan to divert floodwaters from the San Joaquin River to replenish groundwater that has been depleted by heavy agricultural pumping during three years of record drought.

The State Water Resources Control Board approved a request by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to take more than 600,000 acre-feet from the river and send much of that water flowing to areas where it can spread out, soak into the ground and percolate down to the aquifer beneath the San Joaquin Valley.

The amount of water that's set to be rerouted under the plan is more than the annual supply for the city of Los Angeles. Some of the water will also be routed to wildlife refuges along the San Joaquin River starting next week, officials said.

The plan is intended to address potential flood risks, capitalize on California's near-record snowpack and capture some of the high flows from the latest extreme storms to store water underground.

"We are taking steps to maximize groundwater recharge in a way that the state of California has never really done before," said Erik Ekdahl, deputy director of the State Water Board's water rights division. "This is an immense opportunity to help recharge these depleted aquifers."

State officials said their order allows the Bureau of Reclamation to manage flood flows from Friant Dam and change points where water is diverted along the San Joaquin River.

Where water sinks into the ground and replenishes the aquifer, it could help address declines in water levels that have left families with dry wells in rural areas across the Central Valley. Stabilizing water levels could also help alleviate the widespread problem of collapsing ground triggered by overpumping, which has caused costly damage to canals and other infrastructure.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said after the three driest years in state history, "California is taking decisive action to capture and store water for when dry conditions return."

Newsom has sought to prioritize capturing stormwater and recharging groundwater as central pieces of his administration's strategy for adapting to more intense water extremes with climate change. On Friday, the governor's office announced that he had signed an executive order enabling the capture of water from the latest round of storms.

The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dams, reservoirs and canals of the Central Valley Project and sends water to contractors including large agricultural irrigation districts and other agencies. The state order allows the federal government to deliver floodwater from the Mendota Pool, a small reservoir on the San Joaquin River, to be used for replenishing groundwater.

The water, which would otherwise have flowed down the San Joaquin River, will be available for irrigation districts and other agencies to divert for replenishing groundwater for more than four months. Under temporary contracts with the federal government, they will be able to send water through canals to areas with permeable soils that allow for groundwater recharge.

Some floodwaters will also pour into wildlife refuges, among them the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Mendota Wildlife Area and Los Banos Wildlife Area.

The State Water Board said in its order that the changes allow for capturing "high flows that would otherwise go unused," easing pressures on flood-control infrastructure and helping to address chronic declines in groundwater levels.

Environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Bay Institute objected to the plan, saying in a letter that the water diversions would allow for lower flows in the San Joaquin River than called for under a 2006 legal settlement, and would likely be harmful for Chinook salmon.

"While the order does not completely dry up the San Joaquin River, it will divert most of the water that was supposed to flow down the river under the court-approved settlement agreement, primarily to benefit corporate agribusinesses in the Westlands Water District," said Doug Obegi, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Yet again, agribusinesses win while the environment gets less than its fair share of water."

Amanda Fencl, a senior climate scientist for the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists, said the plan raises questions about who will benefit the most, especially since many water contracts in the area are held by agricultural irrigation districts.

"It's critical to recharge aquifers, especially when there's an influx of rain," Fencl said. "But there's still an open question to me about whether other water users like households on domestic wells and community water systems will get to benefit."

State officials disagreed with the objections raised by environmental groups, saying the water diversions won't harm the environment and the flows left in the river will meet requirements.

"There's still going to be a lot of water moving down the San Joaquin," Ekdahl said. "The amount of water that will be rediverted here is still relatively low compared to how much water will be flowing in the system."

The Newsom administration and the federal government drew criticism from environmental groups for another decision last month, when they petitioned the State Water Board to temporarily waive water-quality rules in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in an effort to store more water in reservoirs. The board ended that waiver on Thursday, saying the latest rains and snow make it no longer necessary.

Newsom set a goal last year, as part of his water supply plan, to increase average annual groundwater recharge by about 500,000 acre-feet. The State Water Board said that since December it has signed off on diverting about 790,000 acre-feet of water for groundwater replenishment as well as supplies for wildlife refuges.

Most of the water pumped from wells in the Central Valley supplies farms that produce a wide variety of crops, from almonds to tangerines.

Scientists found in a recent study that the depletion of groundwater in the valley has accelerated in recent years. They estimated that groundwater losses since 2003 have totaled about 36 million acre-feet, or about 1.3 times the full water-storing capacity of Lake Mead, the country's largest reservoir.

As state officials have increasingly prioritized aquifer recharge, they have pointed out that there is vast storage space available underground, and that replenishing groundwater is one of the simplest and most economical ways to take advantage of wet years.

Local water agencies have started to plan recharge projects as they begin to implement plans to curb excessive pumping, as required under the state's 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

There has also been a growing focus among water management officials on finding ways to ease the permit process to use storm water for aquifer recharge, and to invest strategically in infrastructure to move water to areas where permeable soils make for fast paths to the groundwater.

The State Water Board said the single request from the federal government cleared the way for large-scale recharge without the need for approving numerous smaller permits.

The water that's used to replenish the aquifer will help local agencies move toward goals of addressing overpumping under the groundwater law, said Thomas Harter, a professor of water resources at UC Davis.

Harter said 600,000 acre-feet is "a significant chunk, and it's certainly an important stepping stone toward future wet years and getting to these goals." He said the water stored underground can allow for eventual cutbacks in well-water use to be somewhat less severe than the reductions would otherwise need to be.

"To the degree we can increase the supply, and we can only do that by capturing these large flood flows and storing them, that's our main card in this game," Harter said. "It's not going to take away the need to reduce the demand, but it will lessen the need to do that."

Ann Willis, California regional director for the group American Rivers, said she thinks the newly approved plan is a good approach to recharge severely depleted groundwater.

"It expedites the regulatory process to take advantage of these higher flows when they're available," Willis said. "This is a positive thing that we're doing this, and I think we're going to learn a lot from it."

She said the minimum river flow required under the permit seems too low to support a healthy San Joaquin River, but flow gauges have recorded rising flows above that level.

"I think right now we have plenty of water to do bothboth recharge and environmental flows," Willis said. "But that isn't always true. And we should be mindful about which one of those objectives we prioritize when there isn't enough water to go around."

While the state takes advantage of the storms to store water underground, efforts to rebuild depleted groundwater reserves will take time, said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources. She said state officials are working with local agencies to expand these efforts and improve the permitting process for more recharge projects.

"We hope that over the course of these next series of storms, we can identify those projects and get those recharge systems activated," Nemeth said. "We know drought conditions will return to California, and it's really these moments that we have to capture, so that we can be resilient in the event of future dry conditions."

2023 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Research in the International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development shows that there is a gap between the environmental messages given to consumers in verbal or visual form and the perception of and trust in those messages and whether consumers recognize some of them as nothing more than greenwashing.

Greenwashing is a neologism that refers to the scurrilous actions of some companies or organizations using misleading marketing tactics to create a false impression that their products or services are environmentally friendly or sustainable when they are not. The term "greenwashing" is a play on the term "whitewashing," which refers to the practice of covering up or hiding negative information. Greenwashing is used to conceal unsustainable or environmentally harmful practices. If consumers recognize greenwashing, then the company's fake appeal to environmentally conscious consumers in order to gain a competitive advantage in the market will be stymied.

Kenny Basso, Jandir Pauli, Priscila Cerutti, Marcia Perin, Vitor Francisco Dalla Corte, and Leila Dal Moro in the Faculdade Meridional, IMED, Brazil carried out a single-factor experiment. In this experiment, participants were shown either text or image-based materials. The researchers found that those individuals exposed to the text format materials engaged with it far less than those exposed to an image. Indeed, those people presented with images were more likely to be suspicious of greenwashing than the text-only group because they were more likely to engage with the material.

The findings of this study highlight the need for consumers to be wary of greenwashing tactics used by companies. The use of images is more engaging and so makes it harder for greenwashing claims by unethical companies to be accepted by consumers.

As climate change and environmental problems continue to be pressing global issues, it is crucial that companies and consumers work together towards more sustainable practices. This study sheds light on the need for more transparent communication from companies, and the importance of consumers educating themselves and taking a proactive role in buying from companies that do not greenwash their products and services.

More information: Leila Dal Moro et al, Greenwash, show your true colours: how verbal and visual messages influence consumers' perception, International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development (2022). DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10044789

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Heat engine exergy diagrams indicate useful work in the form of exergy buildup. They are arranged in order ((A) through (E)) of increasing exergy, decreasing heat loss to the heat sink, and decreasing specific entropy and net (universal) entropy generation. They present ecological thermodynamic parameters in terms of a heat reservoir (red rectangle, top, at temperature T H ), a heat sink (blue rectangle, bottom, at temperature T C ), heat transfer into material out of a heat reservoir (red triangles, with heat input Q H ), heat transfer out of material into a heat sink (blue triangles, with heat output Q C ) material displacement captured in heat engine cycles (brown counterclockwise circle arrows), and exergy (green circles). Larger bases of triangles indicate greater heat transfer. Larger circles indicate greater exergy. Gold force arrows inside of material displacement circle are conservative forces and do not generate additional heat; F G is gravity, F B is buoyancy, F e is electrical/electrochemical, and F car is the adiabatic and isothermal expansion and contraction of an ideal gas of a theoretical Carnot cycle. Black force arrows outside of material displacement circle are non-conservative forces due to inelastic collisions and increase heat output; F pu is pumping force, F tu is air friction/turbulence, F ex is exothermic/debonding explosive force, and F en is endothermic/bonding collision force. Relative directions of force arrows align with relative directions of material displacement circle, force arrows left of center matching to material displacement toward the heat release portion of the cycle and force arrows right of center matching to material displacement toward the heat absorption part of the cycle. Longer arrows indicate greater force, being additive according to Newtons Second Law with the sum either supporting or resisting the momentum of material displacement. Credit: Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2023.1081340

Is human migration into space inevitable? Is it based on facts, or is it based upon a belief in human exceptionalism?

These are some of the questions explored by Lee and Morgan Irons in a recent article published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, asking whether humans' evolutionary connection to Earth requires us to inhabit space the same way we do here.

Lee is a physicist, engineer, and the executive director of Norfolk Institute. Morgan is an astro-ecologist and Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University, a Carl Sagan Institute Fellow, a US National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and a Norfolk Institute Fellow. In this latest guest editorial, they explain whyand why notspace settlement might be possible.

How can such a feat be accomplished? Is it just a matter of leveraging the resources of a billionaire and the capital power of the economically developed Earth to ship the materials to Mars to build a city with a dome, followed by pressurizing the dome with an Earth-like atmosphere, and spreading biosolids (i.e., sterilized human fecal waste) and seeds? Will a sustainable, Earth-like ecosystem just 'take hold' anywhere we choose to 'plant' ourselves? What would it take to establish a sustainable city in space, with its humans and human civilization?

In 2019, we formed Norfolk Institute with the vision of enabling human life on Earth and in space. We started by mustering a team of government, university, non-profit, and industry stakeholders to support research efforts led by Morgan on the effects of gravity and rocket launch and return forces on natural Earth soils and biochar growth media.

Morgan, with the support of the team, conducted experiments on the International Space Station and a Blue Origin parabolic launch. Understanding how gravity affects soil will have applications to both Earth and space.

Earth-like ecosystems and infrastructure

Morgan's study of soil in space is toward the goal of establishing a sustainable human presence in space. We began investigation of the question of human sustainability in space with our first paper in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, "Terraform Sustainability Assessment Framework for bioregenerative life support systems."

A quantified measure of sustainability requires that such an off-Earth human habitation be able to maintain stable levels of all resources utilized by humans, at least as stable as Earth. Accomplishing the development of such capability is known as terraforming.

Dependent on Earth

In our new hypothesis and theory paper, "Pancosmorio (world limit) theory of the sustainability of human migration and settlement in space' we address the many questions that we set out in this editorial. For living in space, our theory states that a self-restoring basal (ie, natural) ecosystem with capacity and organization like what humans have on Earth must first be established before a human augmentational ecosystem (ie, technology, infrastructure, and society) can be sustained.

The basis for this theory is the science of ecological thermodynamics developed over the past 100 years and a new concept we call the semi-reversible heat engine cycle. A major conclusion of the theoretical development is that humans and all Earth-life have evolved to be dependent on conditions that are only naturally available at one place within our solar system, and that is Earth.

The human augmentational ecosystem requires a self-restoring basal ecosystem that utilizes dissipative structures functioning as semi-reversible heat engine cycles. Dissipative structures are a coalescence of materials into forms that enable the capture and movement of energy through the ecosphere in a way that builds up high levels of stored energy, also known as exergy.

The formation of a dissipative structure requires the presence of a conservative force, such as the gravitational force involved in our water and air cycles (eg, weather) or the electrochemical force involved in the geochemistry of water and soil and the biochemistry of life.

The self-restoring basal ecosphere of Earth to which all Earth life is evolutionarily connected is sustained by the self-restoring order of the gravity well of Earth, the capacity of the surface area of Earth and a continuous inflow of power from the Sun at exactly one astronomical-unit distance, and the organization of accumulated exergy in an ecosystem network of living things evolved from the material resources available on Earth.

It is this very same evolutionary connection that makes Earth life so successful on Earth. Applying abductive reasoning, the theory postulates that this same success can be duplicated in space at any location where the same conditions can be established. Unfortunately, there is no other place in our solar system that is like Earth, regarding these conditions.

Human life on Earth and in space

With the publication of the Pancosmorio theory, Lee has launched new initiatives and formed stakeholder teams to research and develop designs for space habitation systems that solve the problem of duplicating the self-restoring order, capacity, and organization of Earth.

The goal of such designs is to establish the gravitational dissipative structures necessary for self-restoring order, as described in the theory. There is the possibility that using a balanced sustainability approach to bootstrap a location into self-restoring order using artificial gravity and a sufficiently large soil-and-plant-based ecosystem could enable the establishment of a sustainable human settlement in space.

Such a feat would still require similar power levels to the solar insolation available on Earth, as well as a sustainable supply of material resources. And the area requirements are large indeed.

The Pancosmorio theory can also be applied to the establishment of more sustainable human living on Earth. One of our current Earth projects involves the challenges of food insecurity in the extreme environment of southern Alaska. The problems associated with extreme-environment agriculture have many similarities to space.

We are assisting native clans in establishing a localized agricultural circular economy. Norfolk Institute operates as a non-profit, specializing in cradle-to-deployment execution that involves the assembly of a team of stakeholders from scientists to philanthropic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to commercial businesses and end users all along the value stream of a local agricultural economy, just as we do with our space research. Assembling such teams better assures implementation of research in market solutions.

All of Earth life is evolutionary connected to Earth and space. The Pancosmorio theory postulates that sustainment of human life either on Earth or in space depends upon understanding how these connections enable life.

More information: Lee G. Irons et al, Pancosmorio (world limit) theory of the sustainability of human migration and settlement in space, Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2023.1081340

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The researchers of the Applied Genomics and Bioinformatics group Andone Estonba and Iratxe Zarraonaindia on the Unije island preparing the hives for the study together with their Croatian colleagues (UPV/EHU). Credit: Marin Kovacic / Universidad de Osijek

According to a study published by the journal Scientific Reports, when the anthropization of beehives decreases, the relative abundance of their beneficial bacteria increases

In an international study, the Applied Genomics and Bioinformatics group of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) explores the situation of bees in areas of intensive agriculture, semi-natural areas and natural areas, taking the beehive as a unit. The bees' microorganism pool was found to vary considerably depending on the degree of anthropization. After the hives had been kept in a semi-natural habitat for 16 days, their microbial imbalance resulting from agriculture was reduced.

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is endangered as a result of many of the stress factors it suffers in human-dependent areas, such as poor nutrition, pesticides and pathogens.

"It has become apparent over the last few years that bee mortality has increased significantly; that is why about 6 years ago we started to look at which factors influence the bee microbiota and what relationship this has with bee diseases or health," explained Iratxe Zarraonaindia, Ikerbasque research fellow of Applied Genomics and Bioinformatics. "The researchers attach great importance to the anthropization of the areas, in other words, "intensive agriculture, chemicals used, etc."

"In collaboration with three Croatian universities, we have had the opportunity to study some beehives located on the Croatian island of Unije, far from human influence. These hives have not been subject to any treatment for ten years; their bees were known to survive for a long time despite the presence of the Varroa mite, responsible for a disease that causes bees to sicken and die. We wanted to investigate how anthropization influences the microbiota or microorganism community of bees. To do this, we compared the hives on the island of Unije with the microbiota of two hives located in rural areas," said Zarraonaindia.

To be able to compare the two hives in the agricultural area, "genetic siblings" (hives comprising bees containing the same genetic material as those in the agricultural area) were used, and one of them was moved to a semi-natural area.

"Anthropization was clearly seen to exert a significant impact, since only 16 days later we detected that the microbial imbalance due to agricultural stress had lessened in the hive moved to the semi-natural area," explained Dr. Zarraonaindia. This shows that the honey bee microbiota has a great capacity to adapt. "We didn't think that the composition of the microbiota was going to change so rapidly," she said.

The researchers found a clear gradient related to the degree of anthropization and the microbial community of the hive. "The microbiota of the Unije Island hive is more balanced, its proportion of beneficial microorganisms is higher and in a semi-natural environment the proportion gradually decreases, whereas in the agricultural environment the composition of the hive is highly imbalanced, more opportunistic bacteria are found and it is more sensitive to diseases," explained Zarraonaindia. According to the researcher, "the stress factors in agricultural areas are highly activated."

Apibioma research

These findings have enabled the research group to determine biomarkers that will provide information on bee health. For example, the researchers have detected that a particular bacterium, Arsenophonus, is highly prevalent in agricultural areas, less present in semi-natural areas, and hardly present at all in natural areas.

They studied the hive as a whole, not just the bees. This is one of the most significant keys in this research. "This approach is innovative. We studied the apibiome: the set of microorganisms in the niches present in the hive. We studied the gut of the bees, the hive entrance, bee bread (the substance the bees feed on) and the air inside the hive."

Arsenophonus bacteria are the most prevalent bacteria in the agricultural area, and this is a trend that has been found in all the niches. So it is a very appropriate biomarker for measuring the impact of agriculture on hives and measuring their health; what is more, "this method is not invasive, since it can be implemented by taking a sample from the entrance to the hive."

The researchers have published this study in the journal Scientific Reports. The research reported in the paper represents only one year's work. And the research will go on. "We have now moved the hive from the semi-natural area to a natural area to see whether the microbiota becomes balanced and ends up the same as that of the bees in the natural area. This will tell us the extent of the genetic contribution as well as that of the environmental contribution."

More information: June Gorrochategui-Ortega et al, A short exposure to a semi-natural habitat alleviates the honey bee hive microbial imbalance caused by agricultural stress, Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23287-6 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Microscopy images of stained chromosomes are fed into a pre-trained neural network which analyzes the structure and classifies it into one of three chromatid arrangements. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have used machine learning to automate the identification of defects in sister chromatid cohesion. They trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) with microscopy images of individual stained chromosomes, identified by researchers as having or not having cohesion defects. After training, it was able to successfully classify 73.1% of new images. Automation promises better statistics, and more insight into the wide range of disorders which cause cohesion defects.

Chromosomes consist of long DNA molecules that contain a portion of our genes. When cells divide, chromosomes need to be copied so that both new cells have all the information they need to function. This is achieved through DNA replication, creating two identical copies known as sister chromatids which are held together by a ring-like protein structure called cohesion. It is vital that these copies be kept together during cell division. Problems with cohesion can lead to the chromatids falling apart, causing serious disruption to the healthy working of cells and organs.

The study of cohesion defects in chromosomes has been largely carried out by researchers observing the chromosomes under the microscope. With a special stain, experienced scientists can tell whether the chromatids are bound in the correct way or not. This kind of classification is vital in the study of chromosomal defects, including the correct functioning of cohesion. However, the entire process is manual. When statistics are required for how many chromosomes are in the correct or incorrect state, the process becomes extremely inefficient, taking vast numbers of man hours by experienced scientists.

Now, a cross-disciplinary team of biologists and machine learning specialists from Tokyo Metropolitan University led by Assistant Professor Takuya Abe, Professor Kiyoshi Nishikawa, Associate Professor Kan Okubo, and Professor Kouji Hirota have combined forces to automate this time-consuming process. They used the same technology that powers facial recognition and machine vision to analyze microscopy images of chromosomes with and without cohesion defects.

In their study published in Scientific Reports, they used a convolutional neural network (CNN), a type of machine learning algorithm particularly well suited to image recognition and trained it on more than 600 images of chromosomes which had been pre-classified into three groups manually by scientists. By the end of the process, new images fed through the algorithm could be classified in the same way as experienced researchers 73.1% of the accuracy. This has the potential to significantly streamline and speed up experiments with chromosome.

The team also used a cell line knocked out a gene known to affect cohesion called CTF18 and analyzed the chromosomes using the trained neural network. The network found significant differences between normal cells and CTF18 knockout cells, indicating that the network, by itself, was capable of picking up genetic problems which impacted cohesion. Though their method currently only recognizes three groups, it can be expanded to different patterns in different species, enabling rapid classification and unprecedentedly precise quantitation of chromosomal defects in a wide range of illnesses.

More information: Daiki Ikemoto et al, Application of neural network-based image analysis to detect sister chromatid cohesion defects, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28742-6 Journal information: Scientific Reports
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  The equipment and gear donated by Japan to help in the oil spill clean-up drive arrived in Oriental Mindoro on Monday, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines said.

The support items include oil blotters, heavy oil absorption masks, working gloves, rubber boots, and protective workwear that are expected to boost the clean-up campaign and protect all people who will participate, the agency added.

It noted that the donation is a strong addition to the team of experts that arrived from Japan last Friday to cooperate with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for faster clean-up of the oil spill.

To this end, it is expected that marine environment and affected communities can return to safer conditions, it added.

The Japan Coast Guard earlier thanked the PCG for rescuing Japanese crew members onboard a distressed vessel off the coast of Oriental Mindoro.
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Device characteristics. a) Optical image of an array of devices. b) Zoomed-in image of a single device. First, full-area coverage of monolayer MoS 2 was grown by solid-source CVD. The sample strips were prepared by optical lithography followed by oxygen plasma etching (red-dashed line rectangle). c) The device cross-section is shown schematically. d) Raman spectroscopy from the monolayer MoS 2 sample. The presence of two peaks (E and A 1  ) confirm the monolayer nature of CVD-grown MoS 2 . The excitation laser source was 532 nm. Credit: Advanced Photonics Research (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adpr.202300029

From microscopes and cameras to night vision devices and optical fiber communications, photodetectors have a wide array of applications. Photodetectors capture and convert light into electrical signals but are often limited to detecting a narrow part of the wavelength spectrum. The materials used to make these devices often hamper efforts to make improved broadband nanoscale photodetectors.

A new device from San Francisco State University Physics & Astronomy Associate Professor AKM Newaz and his graduate student Hon-Loen Sinn may overcome some of these challenges. In a new Advanced Photonics Research paper, the team and their Stanford University collaborators describe the impressive properties of their photodetector that has improved sensitivity in the ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared light range. They've submitted a provisional patent for their device and are working on the main patent application.

"A UV [ultraviolet] photodetector is very useful for [a range of applications from] biology to space astronomy to fire monitors. All these current communication channels [use] the visible range and infrared," Newaz said. "We don't have many higher efficiency UV photodetector devices, so people don't use UV."

Newaz's lab studies atomically thin semiconductor materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) to create broadband nanoscale photodetectors. Although MoS 2 shows promise, it has defects when interfacing with metals like gold found in some devices. Recent research suggests introducing semimetals like tin or bismuth may mitigate these interfering defects, Newaz explained.

"When you use regular gold, you have a high resistance, and the high resistance comes from an interface defect-related barrier known as Schottky barrier.  But when you use a bismuth semimetal, you can show that the barrier disappears," he said. "By analyzing the data, you can show that the interface with bismuth is kind of free of Schottky barrier."

Though this alone is not new, the San Francisco State team is among the first to describe the optoelectronic propertiessuch as measurement of optical-to-electrical conversion, response time and scalabilityof a bismuth-MoS 2 device.

The researchers showed that introducing bismuth made their device 30,000 times more photoresponsive than photodetectors with gold alone. Testing their photodetector, they saw that the device was most sensitive in the UV range and was responsive over a wide wavelength range (3801,000 nm). Not only did sensitivity improve, but the device was more sensitive with a low power level.

"It's telling us that you can make an extremely sensitive photodetector by using a one-atom thick semiconductor," Newaz said. "You have a better result if you use bismuth than typical gold or other noble metals."

Another key finding, he added, was that their device is fast. It works at about 10 kilohertz, which is 10 to 100 times faster than other devices.

"Using semimetal, industry is already thinking about going to extremely small size [with devices] and are planning to use MoS 2 and bismuth as a transistor," Newaz explained. "We are showing that [these same materials] can also work as a very good photodetector. They can be merged together so some part can work as an extremely sensitive communication tool via light and then communicate the signals to the transistor part."

Newaz suspects that their device might actually be faster and its speed may fall in the megahertz or gigahertz range, which means the device could be over a thousand times faster than the 10 kilohertz they showed experimentally in this paper. A faster device is necessary for faster data communications in which the photodetector converts fast optical signal into a fast electrical signal.

"We submitted a patent for our atom-thick semiconductors," Newaz said. "This is a very proud moment for my lab that a student's research results in a patent application and a publication in a top tier journal."

Newaz is excited about this work, particularly because it showcases the caliber of research performed by SF State students, noting that the lead author was a master's student in his lab. "This publication is Ph.D.-student quality work, and it was done by a master's student at SF State," he added.

More information: Hon-Loen Sinn et al, SemimetalMonolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Photodetectors for WaferScale Broadband Photonics, Advanced Photonics Research (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adpr.202300029
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Reconstruction of the earliest ichthyosaur and the 250-million-year-old ecosystem found on Spitsbergen. Credit: Esther van Hulsen

For nearly 190 years, scientists have searched for the origins of ancient sea-going reptiles from the Age of Dinosaurs. Now a team of Swedish and Norwegian paleontologists has discovered remains of the earliest known ichthyosaur("fish-lizard") on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. A paper describing the team's findings is published in Current Biology.

Ichthyosaurs are an extinct group of marine reptiles whose fossils have been recovered worldwide. They were among the first land living animals to adapt to life in the open sea, and evolved a fish-like body shape similar to modern whales. Ichthyosaurs were at the top of the food chain in the oceans while dinosaurs roamed the land, and dominated marine habitats for over 160 million years.

According to textbooks, reptiles first ventured into the open sea after the end-Permian mass extinction, which devastated marine ecosystems and paved the way for the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs nearly 252 million years ago. As the story goes, land-based reptiles with walking legs invaded shallow coastal environments to take advantage marine predator niches that were left vacant by this cataclysmic event. Over time, these early amphibious reptiles became more efficient at swimming and eventually modified their limbs into flippers, developed a fish-like body shape, and started giving birth to live young; thus, severing their final tie with the land by not needing to come ashore to lay eggs.

Computed tomography image and cross-section showing internal bone structure of vertebrae from the earliest ichthyosaur. Credit: yvind Hammer and Jrn Hurum

The new fossils discovered on Spitsbergen are now revising this long accepted theory.

Close to the hunting cabins on the southern shore of Ice Fjord in western Spitsbergen, Flower's valley cuts through snow-capped mountains, exposing rock layers that were once mud at the bottom of the sea around 250 million years ago. A fast-flowing river fed by snow melt has eroded away the mudstone to reveal rounded limestone boulders called concretions. These formed from limey sediments that settled around decomposing animal remains on the ancient seabed, subsequently preserving them in spectacular three-dimensional detail. Paleontologists today hunt for these concretions to examine the fossil traces of long-dead sea creatures.

During an expedition in 2014, a large number of concretions were collected from Flower's valley and shipped back to the Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo for future study. Research conducted with The Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University has now identified bony fish and bizarre crocodile-like amphibian bones, together with 11 articulated tail vertebrae from an ichthyosaur.

Unexpectedly, these vertebrae occurred within rocks that were supposedly too old for ichthyosaurs. Also, rather than representing the textbook example of an amphibious ichthyosaur ancestor, the vertebrae are identical to those of geologically much younger larger-bodied ichthyosaurs, and even preserve internal bone microstructure showing adaptive hallmarks of fast growth, elevated metabolism and a fully oceanic lifestyle.

Fossil-bearing rocks on Spitsbergen that produce the earliest ichthyosaur remains. Credit: Benjamin Kear

Geochemical testing of the surrounding rock confirmed the age of the fossils at approximately two million years after the end-Permian mass extinction. Given the estimated timescale of oceanic reptile evolution, this pushes back the origin and early diversification of ichthyosaurs to before the beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs; thereby forcing a revision of the textbook interpretation and revealing that ichthyosaurs probably first radiated into marine environments prior to the extinction event.

Excitingly, the discovery of the oldest ichthyosaur rewrites the popular vision of Age of Dinosaurs as the emergence timeframe of major reptile lineages. It now seems that at least some groups predated this landmark interval, with fossils of their most ancient ancestors still awaiting discovery in even older rocks on Spitsbergen and elsewhere in the world.

More information: Benjamin P. Kear et al, Earliest Triassic ichthyosaur fossils push back oceanic reptile origins, Current Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.053 Journal information: Current Biology
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The death toll from the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has reached over 50,000 people. Over 23 million people have been affected and millions have been displaced from their homes. In Syria alone, an estimated 5.3 million people have been left homeless.

In the aftermath of the earthquakes, the international community mobilized to offer humanitarian assistance and countries like Canada, Spain and Germany are expediting visa applications for those displaced.

However, there are already concerns in Germany that earthquake survivors could become embroiled in wider anti-immigrant sentiments; especially as Germany struggles to house the over one million Ukrainian refugees in the country.

These developments come at a time when climate and disaster-induced displacement is ascending on the global policy agenda. With climate change predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of disasters, there is mounting concern about how future displacement and migration will be addressed.

Fearmongering and inaccurate claims

On Feb. 14, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to take urgent action on climate change. He said that rising sea levels would lead to a "a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale" and that such a scenario would undermine international peace and stability.

The recognition of the challenges posed by climate-induced displacement is a positive step forward. Yet this framing is problematic for a number of reasons. First, it presents climate migration as a future risk instead of "a present reality that needs to be addressed."

Second, rhetoric about the threat posed by climate-induced displacement does not accurately portray the reality for most of those affected. Climate change often creates internal displacement before it causes people to be displaced across borders. Of the 23.7 million people displaced by disasters in 2021, over 90 percent (21.6 million) were internally displacedmeaning they did not cross international borders.

Due to the high financial, social and cultural costs of moving, most climate- or disaster-affected households do not have the means to leave their communities. Understandably, some people, like some Pacific Islanders, simply do not want to leave their communities.

Third, alarming statistics might attract public and political attention, but sensationalist predictions will not necessarily provoke the right kind of response. Threats of mass climate migration can fuel anti-migrant xenophobia and may result in the further securitization of migration.

Lastly, fearmongering about large movements of climate refugees is inaccurate and claims about the number of people displaced by weather-related events are often dubious.

Research has shown that estimates and predictions of people displaced by environmental changes lack any empirical basis. Forecasting is challenging because many developing countries do not have the statistical capacity to monitor migration movements and provide accurate data.

In fact, the often-quoted claim that there could be one billion climate refugees by 2050 is false. It's based on a misunderstanding of Christian Aid's 2007 report that predicted there would be one billion refugees and displaced people in total by 2050.

The one billion number is based on an aggregation of projected displacement by conflict (50 million), natural disasters (50 million), development projects (645 million), climate change-related phenomena (250 million) and political persecution (5 million). So the estimated number of people displaced by climate change-related phenomena is 250 million, not one billion.

What's more, these claims are coming at a time when a significant humanitarian crisis requires countries to open rather than close their doors. Twenty days after the earthquake, Greece fortified its land and sea borders with patrols and called for fences, surveillance and for emergency aid to be sent to Turkey and Syria to prevent refugees from migrating to Europe.

Language matters

When conveying the gravity of the situation before us, language matters. We must be careful when we describe people displaced by climate and weather-related events. The words we use have implications for how people are treated and perceived.

Intuitively, it makes sense to assume that highlighting the challenge of climate-induced displacement will help capture international attention and foster more humane responses.

However, in a context where states are hardening borders and justifying restrictive border controls in the name of security, alarmist notions of a mass exodus reproduce narratives that can lead to harsher responses, as we are seeing in the U.K. with their ban on people arriving on small boats claiming asylum. Narratives of fear risk playing into the hands of the security establishment and anti-migrant groups.

A briefing note created through a collaboration between Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, 350.org, Friends of the Earth U.S., and the Institute for Policy Studies and Climate and Migration Coalition, offers several alternatives to the current securitized framing.

Instead of using the language of a looming future crisis, or deploying alarming statistics, policymakers should adopt value-based language when they talk about climate- and disaster-induced displacement.

Such an approach would move us away from framing migration as a problem and towards recognizing that it is linked to broader political and economic dynamics that shape human mobility. It helps to humanize those affected and shifts focus towards their human rights and providing safe channels for people on the move.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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An artistic impression of electricity generation in a piezoelectric energy harvester made from piezoelectric nanofibers. Credit: Katharina Maisenbacher, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research

A 'best practice' protocol for researchers developing piezoelectric materials has been developed by scientistsa first in this cutting-edge field of technology.

The protocol was developed by an international team led by physicists at University of Bath in the UK, in response to findings that experimental reports lack consistency. The researchers made the shocking discovery that 9 out of 10 scientific papers miss experimental information that is crucial to ensure the reproducibility of the reported work. They discuss the urgent need for a standardized piezoelectricity research protocol in the journal Nano Energy.

Dr. Morteza Hassanpour Amiri at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany and first author of the study, said, "Research into piezoelectricity has accelerated in recent years, and for good reason: piezoelectric materials generate electricity when you exert pressure or mechanical vibrations, or when you tap on or distort them. Add a circuit and this electricity can be stored and then used."

High energy-harvesting efficiency

Because of the huge potential of the piezoelectrics, over the past 20 years a steady stream of new materials and composites have been developed and tested for their energy harvesting potential, with many claiming high efficiencies.

But the researchers, led by Professor Kamal Asadi from the Department of Physics, suggest these findingssometimes published in high-caliber journalsoften do not include details of key experimental parameters. These details are essential to ensure reproducibility when other research teams set out to independently evaluate or further improve the featured materials.

Explaining, Professor Asadi said, "Reproducibility of experimental research findings may not be the key to the success of a research, but it is the key to ruling out unreliable findings from being accepted as fact. The enthusiasm to develop a champion material that shows impressive performance should be accompanied with enough supporting data."

For the study, the Bath researchers assessed 80 randomly selected research papers published over the past two decades on piezoelectric energy harvesting devices. For nearly 90% of these papers, essential experimental parametersneeded to evaluate materials and deviceswere missing, thus rendering the experiments hard, and sometimes impossible, to reproduce.

The importance of reproducibility

Expanding, Professor Asadi said, "There are three important reasons why reproducibility is important: We are scientists and should strive to be as accurate as possible; we have limited resources, so by reporting all the necessary parameters that guarantee reproducibility, we are helping our peers to build up on our findings and advance the field; by being transparent, we also build trust with the public, and with science funding organizations and policymakers, and provide a better guidance for future 'big' decisions that can affect us all."

Professor Asadi, who is a leading expert in piezoelectricity, says this lack of data is hampering progress in the field, as researchers can't turn to the literature to identify materials with the best harvesting potential, and then further develop these promising materials.

New protocol

The new Bath protocol suggests a standardized data collection and reporting. Professor Chris Bowen from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath, who was also involved in this study, said, "We have basically created guidelines that would be helpful to researchers in their field of piezoelectricity."

Professor Asadi is hopeful that electronic devices powered by piezoelectricity will be on the market within the next 10 years.

"That's why it's important to have a standardized protocol for reporting research data for a quantitative evaluation of energy harvesting materials and devices. Doing so enables scientists to make real progress building on each other's experiments and working towards a common goal: making piezoelectricity a reality for anyone hoping to charge their devices more sustainably and without reliance on a traditional power source."

He added, "The field of piezoelectric energy harvesting is a really exciting field, it has lots of potential and great scientists are working on it, but it's still fledgling, and so to make sure we advance as well and as quickly as possible, ensuring experiments are reproducible is going to be crucial, so I hope our suggested protocol is adopted by the community at large."

More information: Morteza Hassanpour Amiri et al, Piezoelectric energy harvesters: A critical assessment and a standardized reporting of power-producing vibrational harvesters, Nano Energy (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.108073 Journal information: Nano Energy
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Galileo satellites are placed in medium orbits, at 23 222 km altitude along three orbital planes so that a minimum of four satellites will be visible to user receivers at any point on Earth once the constellation is complete. The fifth and sixth Galileo satellites, launched together on 22 August 2014, ended up in an elongated orbit travelling out to 25 900 km above Earth and back down to 13 713 km. In addition, the orbits are angled relative to the equator less than originally planned. Credit: ESA-P. Carril

Europe's Galileo is the world's most precise satellite navigation system, providing meter-level accuracy and very precise timing to its four billion users. An essential ingredient to ensure this stays the case are the atomic clocks aboard each satellite, delivering pinpoint timekeeping that is maintained to a few billionths of a second. These clocks are called atomic because their "ticks" come from ultra-rapid, ultra-stable oscillation of atoms between different energy states. Sustaining this performance demands, in turn, even more accurate clocks down on the ground to keep the satellites synchronized and ensure stability of time and positioning for users.

ESA's ESTEC technical center in the Netherlands is continously monitoring the "Galileo System Time" at the heart of Europe's satellite navigation systemon an independent basis from the operational Galileo system itself.

For this, the establishment hosts in its UTC Laboratory an "ensemble" of high-performance atomic clocks that are kept in thermally stabilized cleanroom conditions. This collection of fridge-sized atomic clocks, together with means to measure and compare them, provides stable, accurate timing typically accurate to a billionth of a second, almost ten times better than Galileo System Time.

Helping set global time

Pierre Waller, overseeing the Lab, explains: "Our UTC Lab is so named because italong with the Navigation Support Office's similar clocks operated at ESOC in Germanyis used to set a common timescale called UTC(ESA), which in turn is one of the inputs for the setting of Coordinated Universal Time, UTCthe world's reference timescalemaintained by the Paris-based Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, BIPM." More than 2 billion smartphones, with users worldwide, are now making use of Europe's Galileo navigation satellite constellation. But how do satellites thousands of kilometres away in space manage to tell you where you are and where you're going? Simply being so far away is part of the answerlearn the details of the world's most precise navigation system in this new video. Credit: European Space Agency

ESTEC's ensemble of atomic clocks has been running continuously for more than a decade now, enduring the COVID-19 pandemic and a change of locationwhen the clocks were progressively transported and re-synched from their original site to one further down the corridor. The additional contribution of the clocks located at ESOC since November 2021 has further boosted UTC(ESA)'s robustness.

ESA microwave engineer Cedric Plantard comments: "To measure anything properly, a suitable yardstick is essential. So UTC(ESA) can be used to perform an independent check on Galileo timing performance, as well as assessing the performance of candidate atomic clocks for the coming set on-board of Galileo Second Generation satellites, or any other tests requiring ultra-stable and accurate time reference."

"Think of the clocks here as working together in this carefully maintained environment like an orchestra, contributing to a weighted average time value. If one clock goes out of range of the rest then an alarm is triggered automatically."

Counting nanoseconds to measure distance

Why does exact positioning require precise timekeeping? Because of the way Galileo works, turning timing into distance. The principle resembles the way children are taught to estimate the distance of a thunderstorm: see a lightning flash, then count the seconds until a crack of thunder reaches them. Except in this case the timing involves billionths of a second, multiplied by the speed of light.

Your satnav receiver needs a minimum of four satellites visible in the sky to fix its position on Earth's surface. Each signal incorporates a time stamp. By calculating the time taken for these signals to reach your receiver from orbit, the receiver builds up a 3D positionlongitude, latitude and altituderelative to the satellites in space. Credit: European Space Agency

Galileo satellites orbit 23,222 km above Earth, transmitting signals downward that incorporate a time stamp. A satnav receiver on the ground picks up four or more Galileo signals to fix its position on the ground. By the time the signals reach it they have taken around a twelfth of a second down from orbitas revealed by the difference between the signal time stamp and the receiver time.

The receiver multiplies this difference by the speed of lightabout 30 cm per nanosecond, a billionth of a secondto derive its exact distance from each satellite in orbit, then combines these measurements in a triangulation to compute its overall position. If the clocks are in error by more than three nanoseconds then this positioning value already exceeds a meter in extent. A second's error would mean the receiver might as well be on the Moon.

Twin 'passive hydrogen maser' atomic clocks are the master clocks onboard each satellite, measuring time to an accuracy of one second in three billion years. Two smaller rubidium clocks provide an independent and alternative time source, accurate to three seconds in one billion years.

But in practice these onboard clocks are prone to drift slightly over time. So a worldwide network of Galileo ground stations keeps a continuous tab on the satellites' signals, to identify any clock drift compared to "Galileo System Time" (as well as any slight orbital drift). Any errors are then corrected for within an updated navigation message, compiled and upload to the satellites for rebroadcast within Galileo navigation signals every 100 minutes or less.

Galileo sensor stations, reversing the way satellite navigation usually operates, work together to pinpoint a Galileo satellites orbital position, its clock rate and signal health. Sensor station data gets fed through to the twin Galileo control centres so a set of corrections can be compiled. These corrections are uplinked to the satellites by Uplink stations every 100 minutes or less, for rebroadcast within the Galileo signal, keeping the system sufficiently aware. Telecommands to the satellite platforms are uplinked by dedicated Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) stations. Credit: ESA-F. Zonno

The best time for time

The general availability of Galileo and the other global satellite navigation systems, each with their own system times (and their own offsets relative to UTC), is contributing to a massive boost to worldwide timing accuracyused for instance for the synchronization of communications, finance and power networks. But in the end, the only sure way to check the performance of a clock is with another clockhence the need for UTC(ESA) and comparable reference timescales.

"UTC(ESA) is an engineering tool that can be used for all kinds of purposes," adds Pierre.

"So for instance we are currently looking into the performance of time transfer via optical fiber with the Dutch VSL National Metrology Institute, as a means of exporting precise time to wherever it is needed, along with assessing Galileo performance, candidate future hardware and services."
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Ultrasuperovulation is an advanced technique that significantly increases the number of oocytes produced by female mice. However, existing ultrasuperovulation techniques have a low fertilization rate, probably caused by the low incidence of sperm reaching the female's oocytes in vivo. Now, a group of researchers from Japan found that mating ultrasuperovulated mice with their breeding partner during or after ovulation can overcome this limitation and improve fertilization rates.

Mice are an indispensable part of experiments in several research fields, including biotechnology and medical science. Since maintaining a breeding strain of mice is essential in most cases, increasing the litter size of these animals is eagerly pursued. Female mice produce about eight to ten oocytes during ovulation. Usually, all the oocytes that are ovulated from the ovaries get fertilized during mating, resulting in a similar number of pups. Now, while scientists have invented techniques to vastly increase the number of ovulated oocytes, these "ultrasuperovulation" techniques fail to produce a similarly large number of fertilized oocytes.

In a study recently published in PLOS ONE on Feb. 6, 2023, researchers from Japan have demonstrated that synchronizing ovulation and mating can increase the fertilization rate in ultrasuperovulated mice. In the study led by Satohiro Nakao and Kotono Ito of Kumamoto University, researchers divided mice into three groups based on the timing of their ovulationpre-ovulation, during ovulation, and post-ovulation.

Mating female mice with their breeding pair during or after ovulation resulted in a significantly greater number of fertilized oocytes than when they were housed together before ovulation. Professor Toru Takeo, the corresponding author of the paper, who is also affiliated to Kumamoto university, noted that "the number of embryos obtained post-ovulation was three times higher than that obtained pre-ovulation."

Superovulation is induced in female mice by injecting equine chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It results in the production of about 20 oocytes and a similar number of fertilized oocytes. Researchers involved in this study had previously discovered an improved technique for superovulation in mice that uses inhibin antiserum and equine chorionic gonadotropin. While this technique, dubbed "ultrasuperovulation," resulted in over 100 oocytes being released by ovulating mice in each cycle, the number of fertilized oocytes remained around 20.

The team hypothesized that the low fertilization rate was caused by a low number of sperm reaching the oocyte in the ampulla, the region of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs. Although millions of sperm reach the uterus during mating, only a tiny proportion swim far enough to reach the ampulla. This can be remedied by timing the mating of mice. According to Prof. Takeo, "The results of this study suggests that a sufficient number of sperm reaches the ampulla to fertilize the oocyte when ovulation and mating are synchronized."

The time of ovulation induced by superovulation techniques has been accurately established. In the study, the mice in the "pre-ovulation" group were mated 0 to 10 hours, the "during ovulation" group mated 10 to 15 hours, and the "post-ovulation" group mated 15 to 19 hours after receiving an hCG injection.

The underlying physiological mechanism that is responsible for the three-fold increase in fertilization rate demonstrated in the study is not clear. However, Professor Takeo notes, "Synchronizing the ovulation and copulation timings may support the sperm to enter the oviduct and achieve fertilization by riding the oviductal fluid flow; although further studies are required to confirm this phenomenon."

The findings of the study have several potential practical implications. As mentioned before, a method to increase the reproductive capacity of genetically altered mice that are widely used in scientific research can be highly beneficial. Moreover, the results may help in improving infertility treatments in humans.

More information: Satohiro Nakao et al, Synchronization of the ovulation and copulation timings increased the number of in vivo fertilized oocytes in superovulated female mice, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281330 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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The earthquake destroyed many houses and buildings in northwestern Syria. Credit: Bahar Organization, CC BY-NC-ND

Three weeks after the February 2023 earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, I stood amid the rubble in Jindires, a devastated Syrian village. An estimated 50,000 people had lost their lives in the two countries by that point, with the number of casualties still climbing.

Around me, heaps of concrete and twisted metal mixed with bursts of colorfragments of furniture, children's toys, clothingthat served as reminders of the lives that crumbled when homes crumbled, trapping people inside and underneath the wreckage. Many bodies remained buried beneath those concrete heaps.

In the absence of the heavy equipment needed to remove large hunks of debris, I saw people using brooms and wheelbarrows to make a clean patch of earth where they could pitch their tents, often in front of their collapsed homes.

There was almost a sense of normalcy, at least on the surface. Some shops were open for business. Men passed by on motorcycles and bicycles, women bought fruits and vegetables.

For someone like me who researches war and humanitarian crises, there was also a glaring omission: I saw no international aid workers and no white SUVs with the logos of globally recognized institutions during the 48 hours I spent in the Afrin district of northern Syria.

As far as I could tell, there were no other foreigners there during my visit.

One group making a difference

Based on what I saw firsthand and have learned through my research, the international humanitarian response to the earthquake in war-torn northwest Syria has been deplorable.

With politics trumping humanitarian need, everyone from heads of state and news outlets to human rights groups and Syrian rescue groups has lambasted the United Nations for doing too little. U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths has even apologized for his organization's failures.

But some humanitarian aid is being delivered, I observed, thanks to Syrian groups like the Bahar Organization, a grassroots Syrian organization I've been studying for 10 years.

Aid delivery everywhere

I first met Dr. Sharvan Ibesh, a co-founder of Bahar, in 2013, when I was researching how Syrian civil society was responding to the humanitarian needs of civilians. At the time, the war had been going on for two years.

The staff members of many international aid groups and other foreign organizations had by then pulled out of opposition-controlled Syrian regions, citing problems with security as a result of ISIS and armed groups that were backed by the al-Qaida terrorist network.

International organizations were desperate to find partners to do the work they could no longer do because of safety concerns. But the brutal regime led first by Hafez Assad and later by his son Bashar Assad, who took over in 2000, meant that civil society was both weak and fledgling, and there were few organizations with skills to deliver humanitarian relief.

Ibesh had been a surgical resident in the Syrian city of Aleppo when the bombs started falling there in February 2012, less than a year after the uprising began. He and his fellow residents set up emergency medical care stations throughout the city to treat those civilians badly injured by Syrian and Russian barrel bombs. Back then, Bahar was operating with a makeshift mobile office and on a shoestring budget, and many members of its staff were volunteers.

Ibesh spoke little English and couldn't communicate directly with North American and European donors or international and nongovernmental organizations. What Bahar excelled at was getting aid to people affected by the war throughout northwest Syria, no matter which armed group they were living under.

Bahar volunteers or staff could cross checkpointsmoving from territory controlled by one warring party to anotherand they could deliver aid without being robbed or extorted, a feat unimaginable to any international organization.

Still a war zone

As the war has dragged on, Bahar has deepened its capacities and expanded its humanitarian programs with an annual budget that has averaged US$50 million for the past three years.

It still partners with international organizations, but I've learned through my research that it's also one of the few Syrian organizations to receive direct funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Northwest Syria remains a war zone. Turkey occupies Syria's Afrin district, having pushed out Kurdish forces and paved the way for armed militias from all over the country to find a new home there. During my visit, Syrian and Russian warplanes bombed nearby areas of Idlib province that were also harmed by the earthquake.

When the earthquake hit the Afrin district, Bahar was already there and already engaged with people affected by the Syrian civil war. Many Bahar staff members lost their homes, family members died, and one staff member was killed, but they mobilized immediately. Thanks to its direct relationship with USAID, the group could reallocate funds almost instantaneously.

Bahar, according to several conversations I had during my visit and beforehand, was the only organization operating in Afrin in the earthquake's aftermath. A second Syrian nonprofit organization, Takaful Al-Sham, has since joined them.

By the time I arrived, Bahar had set up a multiservice clinic in Jindires, with support from Doctors Without Borders, and distributed and helped set up 590 tents for families who had lost their homes. It was providing activities for children and psychological support for traumatized people, along with cash for many residents.

And its pre-earthquake work continues in the broader Afrin districtthe group is running a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic and a malnutrition center for infants and children, among other endeavors.

Bahar continues to navigate this impossible web of politics, danger and extreme humanitarian need with a staff the group says now numbers 800.

I believe that they can do it because they are localthey're embedded in the community, with a deep understanding of what their neighbors need. Bahar is directly funded by USAID, which means it can avoid going through an intermediary. It could also immediately redirect spending as needed following the earthquake.

On the ground

In 2016, under what was dubbed the Grand Bargain agreement, 61 donor countries and aid providers pledged to provide 25% of their humanitarian budgets directly to local groups, instead of large international organizations such as the United Nations and international nongovernmental organizations.

The most recent independent audit measuring progress toward these goals shows that this direct support for local organizations is "slow" and "stymied."

If the international community is unclear about why and how supporting local organizations can save lives, the earthquake in Syria is a case in point.

I'm not suggesting that Bahar can single-handedly manage the earthquake response in Syria. But I do believe that Bahar, and organizations like it, are best positioned to respond because they are already there.

They know the communities. And, due to the funding they receive directly from donors, they are nimble. They are also not mired in the geopolitical dimensions of humanitarian aid that keeps U.N. assistance and personnel in Damascus, Syria's capital, and on the Turkish side of the border.

Standing on the roof of a Bahar office in Jindires, Ibesh and I could see two collapsed apartment buildings across the street. Each was formerly four stories tallabout 100 residents were killed when the buildings crumbled to the ground in the earthquake.

Ibesh said he longs for additional support from foreign countries and aid groups to Jindires and the surrounding areas affected by the earthquake.

On top of the funds and materials they would bring, the presence of foreign aid workers might signal international solidarity and provide some hope for the Syrians who have been living through a dozen years of war and now this natural disaster.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The image captured with a high-speed camera shows several lightning rods trying to connect to the downward discharge. Credit: Diego Rhamon/INPE

With a high-speed camera and the luck of being in the right place at the right time, physicist Marcelo Saba, a researcher at Brazil's National Space Research Institute (INPE), and Ph.D. candidate Diego Rhamon obtained a unique image of lightning strikes showing details of the connections to nearby buildings.

The image appeared on the cover of the December 28, 2022 issue of Geophysical Research Letters (GRL), which featured an article with Saba as first author.

"The image was captured on a summer evening in Sao Jose dos Campos [in Sao Paulo state] while a negatively charged lightning bolt was nearing the ground at 370 km per second. When it was a few dozen meters from ground level, lightning rods and tall objects on the tops of nearby buildings produced positive upward discharges, competing to connect to the downward strike. The final image prior to the connection was obtained 25 thousandths of a second before the lightning hit one of the buildings," Saba said.

He used a camera that takes 40,000 frames per second. When the video is played back in slow motion, it shows how lightning discharges behave and also how dangerous they can be if the protection system is not properly installed: Although there are more than 30 lightning rods in the vicinity, the strike connected not to them but to a smokestack on top of one of the buildings. "A flaw in the installation left the area unprotected. The impact of a 30,000-amp discharge did enormous damage," he said.

On average, 20% of all lightning strikes involve an exchange of electrical discharges between clouds and the ground. The other 80% occur inside clouds. Almost all strikes that touch the soil are cloud-to-ground discharges. Upward strikes also occur, but are rare and start at the top of tall structures such as mountains, skyscrapers, towers and antennas. Lightning strikes can also be classified as negative or positive, depending on the charge transferred to the ground.

"Lightning strikes can be as long as 100 km and transport currents as strong as 30,000 amps, equivalent to the current used simultaneously by 30,000 100-watt bulbs. In some cases, the current can reach 300,000 amps. The temperature of a typical lightning strike is 30,000 C, five times the sun's surface temperature," Saba said.

How lightning strikes are formed

It all begins with cloud electrification, he explained. The mechanism is poorly understood but basically involves friction between particles of ice, water drops and hail, releasing charges and creating polarities between different cloud regions, with differences in electrical potential ranging from 100 million volts to 1 billion volts.

"Bear in mind that storm clouds are huge structures. The bottom is 2 km to 3 km from the ground, the top can reach 20 km in altitude, and the diameter can be 10 km to 20 km," he said.

Lightning strikes branch out as the electrical charges seek the path of least resistance, rather than the shortest path, which would be a straight line. The path of least resistance, usually a zigzag, is determined by different electrical characteristics of the atmosphere, which is not homogeneous. "A lightning strike made up of several discharges can last up to 2 seconds. However, each discharge lasts only fractions of milliseconds," Saba said.

Lightning rods neither attract nor repel strikes, he added. Nor do they "discharge" clouds, as used to be believed. They simply offer lightning an easy and safe route to the ground.

Because it is not always possible to rely on the protection of a lightning rod, and most atmospheric discharges occur in summer in the tropics, it is worth considering Saba's advice. "Storms are more frequent in the afternoon than in the morning, so be careful about outdoor activities on summer afternoons. Find shelter if you hear thunder, but never under a tree or pole, and never under a rickety roof," he said.

"If you can't find a safe place to shelter, stay in the car and wait for the storm to blow over. If no car or other shelter is available, squat down with your feet together. Don't stand upright or lie flat. Indoors, avoid contact with appliances and fixed-line telephones."

It is possible to survive being struck by lightning, and there are many examples. The odds increase if the person receives care quickly. "Cardiac arrest is the only cause of death. In this case, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the recommended treatment," Saba said.

Saba began systematically studying lightning with high-speed cameras in 2003, ever since building a collection of videos of lightning filmed at high speed that has become the world's largest.

More information: Marcelo M. F. Saba et al, Close View of the Lightning Attachment Process Unveils the Streamer Zone Fine Structure, Geophysical Research Letters (2022). DOI: 10.1029/2022GL101482 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters

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Schematic showing the proposed method. Credit: Dr Hossein Jafari Mansoorian/SCI Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

In recent years, there has been growing interest in harnessing microorganisms for simultaneous wastewater treatment and renewable bioelectricity production. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology can convert the chemical energy stored in organic matter in wastewater into electricity, using bacteria as a catalyst. Researchers in Iran have been investigating how modification of the electrodes can improve the performance of this technology.

In a new study, published in the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst (TiO 2 -HX@MWCNT-COOH-Al 2 O 3 ) that can improve and stabilize the power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater.

The choice of anode material is key to dictating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of MFCs, as it is the site at which bacteria grow and form a biofilm. Dr. Hossein Jafari Mansoorian, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, explains, "Electrode design is the greatest challenge in making MFCs a cost-effective and scalable technology. The anode of MFCs [] plays a vital role in the extracellular electron transfer between the electroactive bacteria and solid electrode surface. In this regard, it is of crucial importance to develop a novel anode material with synergistic effects between the properties of the anode surface and microorganisms."

Dr. Mansoorian notes that a desirable anode should offer the following properties:

Good conductivity to speed up the electron transfer rate Excellent biocompatibility and low bio-toxicity for microbes Higher specific surface area to provide more microbe attachment and catalytic activity sites Chemical stability and anti-corrosion resistance Flexibility and durability Low economic cost and convenience to commercial application

"In order to improve bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer between bacteria and the electrode surface, the electrode should be modified and its surface area increased to ensure efficient current collection and power yield through the decomposition of organic compounds in the wastewater [] Based on the results of this study, TiO 2 -HX@MWCNT-COOH-Al 2 O 3 structure of this composite is a suitable candidate for modifying the anode electrode and greatly enhances electroactivity," explains Dr. Mansoorian.

The team also investigated modification of the cathode to identify a cost-effective alternative to platinum. Carbon felt modified with powdered activated carbon (PAC) originating from Bambuseae (a family of bamboo plants) was found to be effective.

The findings from this study are the latest in continuing efforts to improve MFC performance. Dr. Mansoorian noted that in recent years, "a tremendous breakthrough has been made regarding power output in MFCs from a few mWcm-2 or mWcm-3 to several Wcm-2 or Wcm-3, an improvement of three orders of magnitude, owing to continuous efforts of researchers."

As global energy demand increases and fossil fuel concentration recedes, attention is turning to new energy sources. "Energy generation, storage and consumption are topics that are increasingly prevalent within modern research fields and are of global interest and importance. The use of fossil fuels, especially oil and gas, in recent years has accelerated and this is triggering a global energy crisis. Renewable bioenergy is viewed as one of the ways to alleviate the current global warming crisis," Dr. Mansoorian observes.

The large volumes of wastewater generated by the vegetable oil industry mean that the high energy requirements of conventional wastewater treatment are unsustainable. Dr. Mansoorian notes, "Since traditional wastewater treatment has various limitations, sustainable implementations of MFCs might be a feasible option in wastewater treatment as well as green electricity production, bio-hydrogen synthesis, carbon sequestration, and environmentally sustainable sewage treatment."

Asked about the scalability of MFCs, Dr. Mansoorian explains that "although some basic knowledge has been gained in MFC research, there is still a lot to be learned in the scale-up of MFC technology for large-scale applications."

"For MFCs to be a viable option for wastewater treatment, they need to be scaled up to accommodate large volumes of incoming wastewater, which has proven challenging for several reasons, including minimizing the distance between the anode and cathode to reduce electrical losses and being cost-competitive with other treatment technologies.

"The materials used are expensive, including membranes to separate the electrodes, which are prone to fouling, and a catalyst to produce enough power. At last, after obtaining superior anode electrodes, it is necessary to examine their long-term performance in real wastewater treatment to investigate their stability, durability, mechanical properties and secondary pollution effects," he elaborates.

Nonetheless, Dr. Mansoorian notes that "MFCs undoubtedly have potential in terms of energy recovery during wastewater treatment, occupying a market niche in terms of a stand-alone power source and also in the direct treatment of wastewater."

More information: Kamyar Yaghmaeian et al, Treatment of vegetable oil industry wastewater and bioelectricity generation using microbial fuel cell via modification and surface area expansion of electrodes, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology (2022). DOI: 10.1002/jctb.7301 Journal information: Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

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Pakistan is still reeling from flooding amplified by climate change that covered a third of its territory in the summer of 2022.

Diplomats from nearly 200 nations and top climate scientists began a week-long huddle in Switzerland on Monday to distill nearly a decade of published science into a 20-odd-page warning about the existential danger of global warming and what to do about it.

The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's synthesis reportto be released on March 20will detail observed and projected changes in Earth's climate system; past and future impacts such as devastating heatwaves, flooding and rising seas; and ways to halt the carbon pollution pushing Earth toward an unliveable state.

"It's a massive moment, seven years since the Paris Agreement and nine years since the last IPCC assessment report," Greenpeace Nordic senior policy advisor Kaisa Kosonen, an official observer at IPCC meetings, told AFP.

Since its creation in 1988, the IPCCan intergovernmental body staffed by hundreds of scientists who work for it on a volunteer basishas released six three-part assessments, the most recent in 2021-2022.

"It is scientists telling governments how they are doing during these crucial defining years," Kosonen said.

The report card is not good. Global greenhouse gas emissions have continued to grow, even as science has cautioned that deadly consequences are coming sooner and at lower levels of warming than previously thought.

Since the late 19th century, Earth's average surface temperature has risen more than 1.1 degrees Celsius, enough to amplify a crescendo of weather catastrophes on every continent.

Under the 2015 Paris treaty, nations promised to collectively cap the rise at "well below" 2C, and at 1.5C if possible.

Carbon budgets

This warming, the IPCC has concluded, is overwhelmingly caused by burning oil, gas and coal. In a video message on Monday UN secretary general Antonio Guterres urged world leaders who will gather in December at the COP28 climate summit "to accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels".

Under the 2015 Paris treaty, nations promised to collectively cap the rise in the planet's average temperature at "well below" 2C, and at 1.5C if possible.

An IPCC special report in 2018 made it alarmingly clear that the more ambitious aspirational goalsince adopted by governments and business as a hard targetwas a better bet for a climate-safe world.

But an already narrow pathway has become a tightrope. Humanity's "carbon budget" for staying under the 1.5C barrier is less than 300 billion metric tons of CO 2 , barely seven times current yearly emissions, according to the IPCC.

Two other special reportsone on oceans and Earth's frozen zones, the other on forests and land usewill also be covered in the summary for policymakers under review in Interlaken.

Global temperature anomalies by month from 1880 to 2022.

"The synthesis report matters because it will be the last IPCC product for some years, and one of the major sources of knowledge to be considered in the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement," Oliver Geden, one of report's lead authors and a senior fellow at the German Institute for International Security Affairs, told AFP.

To be unveiled ahead of COP28 in Dubai, the global stocktake will confront nations with the deep inadequacy of their Paris pledges to cut emissions, which would allow global temperatures to rise 2.8C above the preindustrial benchmark.

Among the IPCC findings that could be highlighted in the synthesis report is the looming threat of deadly heat.

'More politicized'

Even in a 1.8C worldan optimistic scenario, according to some scientistshalf of humanity could, by 2100, be exposed to periods of life-threatening climate conditions arising from the coupled impacts of extreme heat and humidity.

There are similarly dire projections for health, the global food system and economic productivity.

IPCC models show that any pathway for decarbonizing the global economy by mid-centry calls for the rapid phase out of coal-fired power.

"What is at stake matters to everyone on the planetour ability to have healthy, nutritious and affordable food, both now and in the future," said Rachel Bezner Kerr, a professor at Cornell University and an IPCC lead author for the most recent report on climate impacts.

Floods last year that covered large swathes of Pakistan and ongoing drought in East Africa both bear the fingerprint of climate change.

The synthesis report will also reflect debate over the best way to decarbonise the global economy, with some emphasizing the need to rapidly phase out fossil fuel use and reduce consumer demand, and others the potential of technological solutions.

Diplomats in Interlaken vetting the text line by line cannot change the science in the underlying 10,750 pages of reports but they can decide what to leave in or out and can highlightor obscurethings through wording.

"Over time, IPCC meetings became more politicized as government representativesmainly, but not exclusively, from oil-producing statesinterfered in the scientists' discussions," the journal Nature said in a recent editorial.

Despite that, "the main IPCC studies have an extraordinary reach, informing everything from global climate agreements ... to the school climate strikes movement Fridays of Future", the journal said.

 2023 AFP
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  Following the arrest of three suspects in Bukidnon on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the shooting incident involving Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. is now considered solved.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the suspects apprehended are known members of the Gandawali group engaged in various illegal activities in the bordering towns between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

He said the group is involved in marijuana cultivation, robbery, and gunrunning.

According to Azurin, police investigation showed that the suspects sought refuge in a Lumad community in Kalilangan after staging the shooting in Maguing, Lanao del Sur on Feb. 17.

The ambush perpetrated by unidentified gunmen in Kalilangan, Bukidnon left Adiong injured and four of his aides killed. A day after the shooting, one of the suspects identified as Otin was fatally shot in an armed encounter with local police.

READ: Suspect in Lanao del Sur gov ambush killed in clash with police

Meanwhile, the PNP also confirmed that business rivalry is among the possible motives behind the ambush on Aparri vice mayor Rommel Alameda last Feb. 19.

Alameda was among the six people killed in a shooting incident that took place in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.

READ: Aparri vice mayor, 5 others killed in Nueva Vizcaya ambush

The police said it will continue its operations against loose firearms, organized crime groups, and disbandment of private armed groups.
State Sen. Dan Stec recalls that decades ago Mike Brandt, long-time former owner of West Mountain Ski Center, frequently complained that state-owned ski centers unfairly compete with privately owned counterparts.

On that subject, he was 100 percent right, Stec said in a telephone interview on Friday.

Stec, R-Queensbury, said he submitted paperwork to become a co-sponsor of legislation that Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, announced Thursday to address that concern.

The proposed legislation would exempt private ski areas from sales tax on the purchase of energy-efficient lift, snowmaking and grooming equipment.

State-run ski centers are already exempt from sales taxes.

Under the proposed legislation, private ski areas also would be exempt from sales tax on fuel and electricity used to make and refrigerate snow.

New York State is home to many ski centers that attract visitors, support local and regional economies and are an important part of the communities in which they are located, Griffo said in a news release. In order to ensure their long-term sustainability, many privately-owned ski areas in New York, especially upstate, need to upgrade and maintain equipment and snowmaking systems. However, they may not be able to do so due to a variety of reasons, including financial constraints.

Stec said the proposed legislation  S5523  has a dual benefit of leveling the playing field between private and state-owned ski centers and of providing an incentive to purchase newer-technology equipment which uses less energy.

The legislation did not yet have a Democratic cosponsor or an Assembly companion bill sponsor, as of Friday, said Alex Gerould, a Griffo spokesman.

Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-Horicon, said the proposed legislation would be particularly helpful to ski centers in seasons, like the current one, when weather is less favorable for ski conditions.

I think this is a great bill he said in a telephone interview on Friday.

The legislation is also backed by the ski center industry.

New York State is home to over 50 ski areas, more than any other state in the nation, said Scott Brandi, president of Ski Areas of New York Inc., in Griffos press release. We have a $1.4 billion impact on the tourism economy of Upstate New York during the four months of winter when we need tourism the most. We support Sen. Griffos efforts in sponsoring this bill. We agree with his position specific to this bill. Snowmaking is a process that should not be subject to these taxes.
ARGYLE  The Argyle Central School Districts Board of Education is down to two finalists for the position of superintendent.

Finalists James Bennefield and Jennie Mueller will tour the district in the coming week, make a presentation to the public, and participate in a final interview with the board of education, according to a new release Monday.

The board is asking for the publics help with feedback on the two finalists.

Bennefield currently serves as the high school principal for Hudson Falls Central School District while Mueller serves as the pre-K through sixth grade principal for the Greenwich Central School District, the release said.

The public is invited to see each candidates presentation and provide written feedback to the board based on the presentation. Presentations will be held on Monday for Bennefield and Tuesday for Mueller, each beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the old cafeteria.

The school board anticipates making a final determination shortly after the completion of the feedback process. Once a decision is made the board will distribute a press release to the entire community.

Last fall the board began a search for a new superintendent following the departure of Michael Healey, who became superintendent of the Waterford-Halfmoon Central School District.

Argyle school superintendent leaving to lead Waterford-Halfmoon district Argyle Superintendent of Schools Michael Healey is leaving after five years to lead the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District.

Mondays news release said the search has been a great opportunity for the board to work alongside its staff, students, and community to find a leader who meets the needs of their district and community.

The search process began with an online survey, providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide input on the development of the candidate profile and the search brochure, the release said.

In addition, the board distributed an invitation to stakeholder groups to participate in the interview process for semi-finalist candidates.

The board is most appreciative of the 26 individuals who came forward to provide feedback and to participate in the interview process.
ALBANY  As Kyle Belokopitsky sees it, no child should go hungry and no child should be stigmatized or subject to bullying because he or she qualifies for a benefit due to family income status.

Belokopitsky, executive director of the New York State Parent Teacher Association, is among the advocates urging state lawmakers to fund a program designed to provide free breakfast and lunch to more than 700,000 New York school children each day.

Food insecurity continues to increase at each of our school districts across the state every day, Belokopitsky told CNHI.

A bipartisan initiative called the Healthy School Meals for All program has won support from more than 250 organizations, including the politically influential New York State United Teachers, the statewide teachers union.

The federal government had been providing funding for school meals during the pandemic, but that money dried up last June, and Congress has not renewed that flow of dollars.

Some school districts, such as ones in Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh, have been able to continue to provide free meals through the Community Eligibility Program, because the federal government has determined they have relatively high numbers of children from families living in poverty.

Many of the districts that have lost funding are in rural and suburban areas of New York, according to advocates. But the need in those communities is not insignificant, they say.

Healthy School Meals for All would get $200 million in state funding under a measure framed by Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-Greene County.

The health and economic crises brought on by the COV1D-19 pandemic have made the federal school meal programs more important than ever, Hinchey said in the legislation now gaining steam at the statehouse. A record number of New Yorkers do not have enough to eat, and it is likely that the economic recovery for families who struggle to put food on the table will take years.

Children who go to school hungry can develop mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and have difficulty focusing on their academic work, supporters of the measure say.

The universal meal program was absolutely vital during COVID, said David Little, director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State. It was one of the smartest things the federal government ever did in trying to hold people together during the pandemic.

But that momentum is now in jeopardy due to the uncertainty over whether the free meals can again be made available, he said.

This is a program that really hits the nail on the head in terms of making sure kids are well fed during the day and are able to focus, Little said. Providing meals to children at school is one of the most innovative ways to improve the education system and regain some of the social development and learning ground lost due to remote learning shifts conducted during the pandemic, he said.

Some children went through a period of virtual solitary confinement during the pandemic, having been isolated from their classmates due to restrictions on in-person learning, and having shared meals now is beneficial to their development, he said.

He and other advocates also stressed the importance of making free meals universal, so children dont have to qualify based on their familys income level.

Unfortunately, bullying and cyberbullying are real in our school districts, Belokopitsky said. Students who accept a free lunch or even families that accept a free lunch shouldnt have to feel stigmatized.

If there is any organized opposition to Healthy School Meals for All, it has yet to make itself known.

Niagara Falls Schools Supt. Mark Laurrie said while his district does qualify now for the Community Eligibility Program providing lunches to students at district schools, he supports the effort to provide the funding to other districts that are not included.

This is a critical piece of legislation that has to get passed, Laurrie said. We got used to this during the pandemic, and it has real benefits to it.

Jay Lebrun, superintendent of Plattsburgh City School District, holds a similar view.

The availability of free meals to children has helped alleviate at least a level of food insecurity and hunger, Lebrun said. It has further reduced possible shaming based on socio-economics surrounding participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, and has even provided an element of value-added for those families not in-need who now might spend less on food for their childrens meals.

Lebrun added: Its hard to find any negatives about free meals from a student health and well-being perspective.

A lawmaker from a farming region, Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, said he believes offering a universal meal program in schools is an idea that not only has merit but could also be enhanced if the menu included breakfasts and lunches made from New York farm products.

Its very important children get balanced meals, and we know that for a lot of children the best time of day for them is when they are in school, Tague observed.
GLENS FALLS  A Snow Emergency has been declared in the city, beginning at 8 p.m. Monday and ending 8 a.m. Wednesday.

In a news release Monday afternoon, acting Mayor Jim Clark announced the emergency as Mayor Bill Collins is out of town until later this week.

Much of upstate New York is in the path of the storm. Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier Monday declared a state of emergency for much of upstate New York, including Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.

Clark said in an email that the city of Glens Falls special budget meeting that was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday will be rescheduled for a later date.

The National Weather Service is forecasting eight to 12 inches of snow to fall between Monday night and Wednesday morning with higher accumulations just beyond the city limits, the release said. Wind gusts could exceed 30 to 35 miles per hour, causing blowing and drifting snow.

During a snow emergency in Glens Falls, on-street parking is banned to allow plow crews to clear away the snow, and to allow emergency vehicles to travel unimpeded; non-urgent vehicular traffic is discouraged.

If you must be out in a vehicle, safety experts recommend use extreme caution as the road conditions are going to be unpredictable, and they recommend carrying emergency supplies in the vehicle including blankets, water and food. Beyond that, individuals should also make sure to dress in protective clothing and layers.

All residents within the city should prepare for the possibility of power outages due to the combination of heavy, wet snow and strong, gusty winds, the release said. If residents have a fire hydrant near your house or business, the city asks them to clear the snow away from the hydrant.

Washington Countys Department of Public Safety also put out weather-related messages ahead of the expected storm.

We strongly encourage the members of all of our communities to Be Aware, Prepared and Informed using the many tools we have available for our residents! a morning briefing said. While we are upstate New Yorkers and snow is something were accustomed to, heavy snowfall in significant amounts always has the potential to cause issues with traffic, snow build up around homes and furnace vents and on roofs. Coupling the heavy snowfall prediction with the gusty winds, as we know, is a recipe for the potential for widespread power outages.

In announcing the broader state of emergency, Hochul urged New Yorkers to be careful and use common sense.

State agencies spent the weekend preparing emergency response assets, my team is in constant contact with local officials, and we have activated the National Guard to assist with emergency response, she said. This storm will create hazardous road conditions through Wednesday morning, and I encourage New Yorkers in impacted regions to stay home and avoid any unnecessary travel to allow plow crews to do their job.
The Coalition for a Safe Community and Mt. Zion Baptist Church are hosting an expungement seminar on St. Patricks Day, during which people can seek to have their criminal records cleared. The expungement event will run on Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist, which is located at 352 South New Road in Pleasantville.

Officials from New Jersey courts will be on site to process expungements. Social workers from Jewish Family Services are also scheduled to be at the expungement event to connect residents with social-service aid. Representatives from South Jersey Gas will also be on site to connect people with an energy-assistant program.

Although the events will take walk-ins, time permitting, registration is encouraged. Anyone interested in expungement can register by submitting pre-screening information, including a name, birthday and the last four digits of ones Social Security number, to the atlexpunge.mbx@njcourts.gov email address.

Masking is required at the event and those interested in expungement or other services are being urged to bring ID. Those who have open criminal charges against them or have been on probation or parole within the last five years are likely ineligible to file for expungement at the seminar.
NEWARK  Atlantic City will join with Newark and Asbury Park to stage a statewide monthlong arts festival in June.

The North To Shore, or N2S, summer festival will highlight the Garden States vast collection of musical and cultural excellence and play out over consecutive weeks, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday.

New Jersey is reclaiming our heritage as the worlds center of innovation, Murphy said. We are a state that attracts and grows top-notch talent. It is far past time that we shine a light on all that sets our state apart.

The governor, in announcing the events, said he and First Lady Tammy Murphy were influenced by the South by Southwest Festival held in Austin, Texas.

Murphy said he wanted to help give a platform to the New Jersey arts. He also said hosting a festival to rival the more established South by Southwest seems more important now, given the difference in political makeup of the two states.

Murphy, sounding a lot like a governor exploring the possibility of a bid for higher office, commented how South by Southwest (SXSW) is held in Austin, a small Democratic city in a largely red state.

With all due respect, thats kind of hoodwinking people into thinking theyre playing a home game in a community as august as Austin, Phil Murphy said.

The Garden State festival will play out over three weeks in June, starting in Atlantic City, which will host music, comedy and other cultural events from June 4 to 11.

From there, focus will shift to Asbury Park from June 14 to 18, followed by Newark on June 21 to 25.

More than 50 venues have already been identified, with more to come, said John Schreiber, president and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Are you excited by the North to Shore Festival? You voted: Yes can't wait No All events should be held in diners Vote View Results Back

Billed as one of the biggest festivals in New Jersey history, North to Shore seeks to highlight all of the Garden States talent, from top acts to the next generation of singers, directors and thinkers.

We will have something for you, Tammy Murphy said.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. joined Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Asbury Park Mayor John Moor on the stage in Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center as Murphy and Schreiber shared details of the festival during the live announcement.

Small said the city would be ready to host and promised visitors would have a good time.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, ladies and gentlemen. One thing about Atlantic City, we know how to host great events. Small said.

Atlantic City this year is also hosting the Adjacent, Bamboozle and Tidal Wave music festival as it looks to market itself as a landing spot for younger tourists.

Officials released details on the musical, film and cultural acts during a press conference Monday morning, but said they would be adding more names and events.

The festival will highlight major stars, innovation and technology leaders, as well as local artists, officials promised.

Headliners for the state-wide festival include Halsey, Santana, Bill Burr, Jay Wheeler, Stephen Colbert, Alanis Morissette, Marisa Monte, Demi Lovato, Daymond John, Natalie Merchant, The Smithereens, Southside Johnny, Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem and more.

Atlantic City will host Gavin DeGraw for a concert at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, while Small added that a major R&B performance is also in the works and should be announced when more details are available.

Film lovers can also have the chance to enjoy movies being screened on the beach.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority is listed as a presenting sponsor of the events planned in Atlantic City.

CRDA spokesperson Karen Martin did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday.

As part of the festival, Stockton University will hold a Whole Health Pavilion at its Atlantic City campus on June 9. The free event, sponsored by NJPAC, health and life sciences sector representatives from around the state will hold interactive exhibits and expert panels on health, wellness, and biotech news, spokesperson Stacey Clapp said on Monday.

We have been through so much together, Murphy said. It is time for New Jersey to gather with friends, to celebrate, to let our hair down and to showcase more creativity and talent that has been presented in one state, in one month, ever before.
Atlantic County Republicans will hold their 2023 convention Saturday while county Democrats will hold their forum Sunday.

Republicans will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Linwood Country Club in Linwood, and Democrats will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township.

The county committees will choose their candidates for county executive, county commissioner, state Assembly and Senate in advance of the June primary election and November general election.

All seats of the New Jersey Legislature are up for election this year.

Republicans are expected to endorse incumbents state Sen. Vince Polistina and Assembly members Claire Swift and Don Guardian, all R-Atlantic; as well as incumbent Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Commissioner Chair John Risley and 3rd District Commissioner Andrew Parker.

Democrats are expected to nominate a slate of challengers for the Legislature and county offices. Incumbent Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick is also up for reelection. It is unclear whether she will run for commissioner or join a Democratic slate for Assembly. Fitzpatrick ran in 2021 for Assembly on an unsuccessful ticket with incumbent Democrats state Sen. Vince Mazzeo and Assemblyman John Armato.

Levinson to run for seventh term as Atlantic County executive Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, 77, is running for reelection to his seventh term.

March 27 is the New Jersey deadline for candidates to file nomination petitions for the June 6 primary.

All House seats are up for reelection next year for their two-year terms; and the next U.S. Senate election in New Jersey will be in 2025, when U.S. Sen. Robert Menendezs seat will be up again. U.S. Sen. Cory Bookers seat is up again in 2027. U.S. Senate terms are for six years.

Testa and criminal justice reform

State Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, introduced several criminal justice reform bills last week, saying they were aimed at reducing crime, imposing harsher penalties for lawbreaking, supporting police and protecting residents.

In word and in action, the Governor has been dismissive of the concerns of the bipartisan majority of residents who follow the rules, respect the police, and demand their elected officials to help keep them safe, Testa said in a news release.

The bills would set rules for detaining those charged with motor vehicle theft and set mandatory sentencing for those thefts (S3616), set deadlines for publishing crime data (S3620), allow municipalities to set alcohol- and cannabis- free areas and impose penalties for violators (S3622), remove the five-year ban on municipalities passing ordinances or regulations on the cannabis industry (S3623), urge the governor and attorney general to assist municipalities in responding to unauthorized mass gatherings (SR113), and allow designation of special event zones for traffic regulation during large events (S3398), such as the unsanctioned H2oi car rally in Wildwood that killed two people in September and injured many others.

Carolyn Rush announces another run for Van Drew House seat Democrat Carolyn Rush is getting an early start on running in the 2024 election for New Jers

Testa real estate bill

Senate bill S-3578 recently passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. It would require that if someone who is not a licensed real estate agent solicits a homeowner regarding the sale of a home, they must first send a separate text specifying that they are not a licensed real estate agent.

Testa said his office has received complaints from many homeowners who have received unwanted text messages from alleged real estate agents concerning selling their homes.

This will help increase transparency for homeowners throughout New Jersey and crack down on shady individuals and their dishonest activities, Testa said.

Kim bill on lawmakers stock trading

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd, recently reintroduced his Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act, a bill that would prohibit ownership of individual stocks by members of Congress, the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices and others in the federal government.

This bill is intended to set a standard across our entire government because all public servants, especially those at the highest levels, owe the people they serve their undivided attention and loyalty, Kim said in a news release. Americans deserve to have complete faith in the people who choose to serve in our government as well as the people they elect, and this bill would be a first step in restoring that trust.
PORT REPUBLIC  There is a special election Tuesday for four seats on the Port Republic Board of Education.

It is the first such election to be held since residents voted in 2022 to have an elected, rather than appointed, school board.

The novelty of the election has not, however, attracted much formal interest.

Kristina Hanselman is the only person to have filed to run the election and is the only candidate who will appear on the ballot Tuesday, according to Atlantic County Deputy Clerk Michael Sommers.

The remaining three seats are likely to be filled by write-in candidates

Of the four vacant seats, two are for full, three-year terms that would run to January 2026; one vacant seat is for a two-year term that runs to January 2025; and one is for a one-year term that runs to January 2024.

School board members interested in running for reelection would have in the general election held in the November held before their term is set to expire.

Hanselman is running for one of the two three-year terms. On a post on what appears to be her Facebook page, Hanselman said she was born and raised in Port Republic and she has three children who attend Port Republic School. She indicated that she is running on an informal ticket with three write-in candidates whose names will not appear on the ballot.

Those interested in appearing on the ballot to run for school board were required to complete and submit a nominating petition on Jan. 23.

Hanselman has not yet responded to a request for comment left for her via Facebook on Monday.

The Port Republic School, which serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade, is currently governed by a school board consisting of five members appointed by the mayor. There was a municipal referendum in the November 2022 general election asking to switch to a school board with nine members directly elected by registered voters in the district.

The referendum question passed 341-180, meaning around 65.5% of voters casted their ballots in favor of an elected school board. The vote Tuesday will have elect four people to serve alongside the current, appointed five-member board, so as to fill all nine seats on the newly constituted school board.

There are around 900 registered voters in Port Republic eligible to cast their ballots in the election and 83 mail ballots have been distributed to voters, according to Sommers.

Registered voters can cast their ballots at City Hall on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Offshore wind projects tend to be best suited for areas where land is less available and more expensive. Generating a gigawatt of wind can require 250 square kilometers of open space.

Walter Musial, principal engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, told Stacker that some East Coast states are increasing dependence on offshore wind in future electricity portfolios for just this reason. "They can base their long-term needs on offshore wind a lot easier because there's more of an abundance of the resource," he said.

There are currently licensed wind energy areas along much of the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as parts of coastal California, Oregon, and Hawaii. New England is a popular region for offshore wind projects because it doesn't have the same amount of open land as a state like Colorado and its coastal region produces powerful wind speeds.

As offshore capacity expands, costs are expected to go down, replicating a pattern that's been shown with other renewable technologies like solar.

"What we are going to accomplish with these first few projects is a step up to commercialization and cost competitiveness," Musial said.

Future offshore wind farms could rely on techniques that let them go even further into the sea. All construction projects currently approved use fixed-bottom foundations, generally suitable for shallower waters. In December, however, BOEM auctioned the first commercial leases for floating offshore platforms, which act similarly to buoys. The Morro Bay area, designated last year by BOEM, is over 1,000 meters deep in some areas, making a fixed-bottom installation impractical. Research to identify the best methods to deploy floating technologies and deliver electricity back to the mainland with minimal environmental impact is still ongoing, but it opens up sites for energy development which may have fewer conflicts than areas closer to the shore.

The Biden administration wants at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity to be generated by floating platformsthis ties into the administration's goal for 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2035. The Department of Energy recently hosted a summit focused on advancing the technology and lowering the cost in order to meet that requirement. And while offshore wind is unlikely to ever represent the majority of electricity generation in the U.S., its growth is expected to be an important part of the overall picture.

Other renewable energy sectors have experienced rapid expansion over the past decade. The amount of electricity generated by wind in the U.S. has grown by over seven percentage points since 2012, and solar saw a 3.5 percentage point increase.

"In the full decarbonization scenarios that we've looked at, we're going to need everything," Musial said. "We're no longer choosing which kind of energy we're gonna depend on. We need a diversity of renewable energy."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  The owner of MT Princess Empress, the tanker that caused a massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, has apologized for the incident and has assured all those affected that it is taking steps to address the problem and minimize its impact especially on the environment.

We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spill's effect on the environment, RDC Reield Marine Services said in a statement on Sunday.

The company said it is committed to doing everything possible to minimise the ongoing impact on the environment and people's lives and clean up the spill.

On Feb. 28, MT Princess Empress, which was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil, capsized and sank.

According to local officials in Oriental Mindoro, the oil slick has reached their shores and has been causing sickness among residents.

The company said it is currently addressing the spill in three phases.

Under Phase One, we are currently undertaking emergency measures to limit oil reaching the shore, mobilise appropriate assets to the site, and integrate multiple response elements into a single cohesive strategy to ensure the most effective operation can be mounted, it explained.

Onsite, tugs with spill response equipment onboard continue working with the Philippine Coast Guard on at-sea containment, recovery and storage of the recovered oil, it added.

The company said it also tapped experts from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) to provide technical advice to all concerned parties, like the Philippine Coast Guard, the Environment department, and local officials.

According to its website, ITOPF provides a wide range of technical services to back up our core role of responding to ship-sourced spills.

ITOPF said it has responded to over 800 incidents involving oil or chemical spills worldwide.

In addition, we have retained the specialist French oil spill response company, Le Floch Depollution (LFD), who are mobilising local assets and personnel, deploying necessary assets within the Philippines and importing needed equipment from overseas, RDC added.

For phase two, RDC said the focus will be on the development of a detailed response plan by ITOPF and clean-up contractors. The company said the plan is expected to identify the at-sea and shoreline response for the affected areas. It added that the plan has to be approved by Philippine authorities.

In phase three, the company will implement the cleanup plan in coordination with public officials and other stakeholders.

ITOPF will lead a series of joint surveys of affected sites with key stakeholders to formulate and implement effective clean-up plans with shared agreement on when to end operations, RDC said.

While the company says it will prioritize the coastal cleanup, it assured those affected by the oil spill that it is working with its insurers, saying that affected parties will soon be advised on how to submit their claims for processing.
Allegations grave, report to be submitted to senior officer

A day after IANS broke a news story in which a woman claimed that Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik was allegedly murdered by her husband, the Delhi Police have initiated an inquiry, and have deputed an Inspector to record the testimony.

She will be summoned to join the investigation to get her statement recorded, the source said.

This report will be submitted to a senior police officer as allegations levelled by the woman are grave.

The woman lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police Commissioners office that her husband murdered Satish Kaushik for Rs 15 crore which were given for investment purposes.

The woman made the claim in a complaint she lodged with the Delhi Police Commissioners office, alleging that Kuashik was demanding the money back which her husband didnt want to repay.

She alleged that Kaushik was given some pills which were arranged by her husband. IANS
Centre tells Supreme Court that notion of wedding inevitably presupposes a union between two persons of opposite sex

The Central government has told the Supreme Court (SC) that living together as partners and having sexual relationship by same sex individuals, which is decriminalised now, is not comparable with the Indian family unit -- a husband, a wife, and children born out of the union --while opposing pleas seeking recognition of same-sex marriage.

It stressed that same-sex marriage is not in conformity with societal morality and Indian ethos.

In an affidavit, the government said the notion of marriage itself necessarily and inevitably presupposes a union between two persons of the opposite sex. This definition is socially, culturally, and legally ingrained into the very idea and concept of marriage and ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation, it added.

The affidavit said the institution of marriage and the family are important social institutions in India that provide for the security, support and companionship of the members of our society and bear an important role in the rearing of children and their mental and psychological upbringing also.

The Centre stressed that despite the decriminalisation of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the petitioners cannot claim a fundamental right for same-sex marriage to be recognised under the laws of the country.

The affidavit said that considerations of societal morality are relevant in considering the validity of the legislature and further, that it is for the legislature to judge and enforce such societal morality and public acceptance based upon Indian ethos.

The Centre said that marriage between a biological man and a biological woman takes place either under the personal laws or codified laws namely, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the Christian Marriage Act, 1872, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969. IANS

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Govt responds to a batch of petitions challenging certain provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, Foreign Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act and other marriage laws
People must choose a double engine govt, appeals Modi

Making an emotional appeal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that the opposition Congress was only concerned about his grave, and added that, my concern is about development.

Addressing a mega public rally here after inaugurating the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, PM Modi said, When leaders of Congress party are busy digging a grave for Narendra Modi, I am busy with project implementation of Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. The Congress leaders are cherishing the dream of my funeral, he stressed.

Before 2014, there was a Congress government which looted the poor. No concern was shown for the poor. For the development of Karnataka, the people must choose a double engine government.

People of the country blessed me with power in 2014. The government for the poor got installed then. From the past nine years, the life of the poor has been made better with the schemes by the central government. IANS

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Guards remove boys black T-shirt

The police and security guards of PM Narendra Modi at Mandya got the T-shirt removed from a boy who had come to attend the public rally on Sunday. Howeveer, she again put the T-shirt on him after passing through the metal detectors. But the police rushed to her and she had to remove the T-shirt again. IANS
Users to get protection from evolving online threats in banking & transactions

In order to adopt a unified approach to deal with the prevention of fraud in cases of online banking and transactions, and helping victims of cyber crimes, insurance products having safeguard provisions against cyber frauds are in the offing.

According to sources pricy to developments, subsequent to high-level consultations between the ministry of electronics and IT, finance and home to address related to cyber frauds, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has issued guidelines on Product Structure for Cyber Insurance for insurers with the objective of facilitating them in developing stand-alone cyber insurance products, specifically designed to address the evolving cyber risks.

As per the guidelines, insurers would strive to improve the development of cyber insurance market with new products and enhance benefits for policyholders, including others, sources informed further.

It has been further directed in the guidelines that considering the demand for new cyber insurance products due to the dynamic nature of cyberattacks and novel challenges, the general insurers shall continuously endeavour to design tailor-made products referring to model policy wordings and guidance provided in the document.

Sources informed that as cyber frauds are investigated by the law enforcement agencies, which come under the Union home ministry, it was informed during consultations that in order to facilitate victims or complainants to report cyber crime complaints online, the home ministry has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal which caters to complaints pertaining to cyber crimes only.

Complaints reported on this portal are dealt by the law enforcement agencies and police based on the information available in the complaints.

In addition to this, the National Helpline and Reporting Platform provides a mechanism for persons cheated in cyber frauds to report such cases to prevent loss of their hard earned money, sources informed.

The reporting platform works with active support and cooperation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), major banks, payment banks, wallets and online merchants. The facility empowers both the banks and the police, by leveraging new-age technologies for sharing online fraud related information and taking action in almost real time.

The loss of defrauded money in online cheating cases can be stopped by chasing the money trail and stopping its further flow before it is taken out of the digital ecosystem by the fraudster.

Sources said that the success of the helpline and reporting platform can be gauged from the fact that on several occasions, the cheated money has been stopped from reaching fraudsters even after it has been moved by the cheats to five different banks, to hide the trail. IANS
Calls it copy cat for planning to launch a rival to Twitter

Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Sunday mocked Meta for planning to launch a dedicated Twitter-like social media application and called it copy cat.

It all started when the music news website Daily Loud posted: Mark Zuckerbergs Meta exploring plans to launch a rival to Twitter.

On this, a user asked: Why tho? is he like people are mad at Elon musk, Ill make an alternative because everyone loves me and Facebook so much.

Commenting on this conversation, Musk said: Copy cat.

Several users expressed their thoughts on Musks post.

While one user said: Im sure people will by dying to join another Meta platform plagued with independent fact checkers suppressing conversations and content moderators taking down memes. Sounds fun!

Another commented: Facebook should start making rockets and electric cars as well since they so good at what they do.

Recently, it was reported that Meta is building a dedicated Twitter-like social media application for people to post text-based updates.

The product is still in its early stages, and no release date has been set, but legal and regulatory teams have already begun to investigate potential privacy concerns surrounding the app to address them before launch.

Several rival platforms have launched or gained traction in the months since Musk took over the microblogging platform - among them include Mastodon, Post.news, and T2.

Earlier this month, Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey came back into the social media game, with the launch of his Twitter alternative called Bluesky. IANS
The list is not long of people who know what's inside the former KONE elevator test tower.

Most can identify the iconic tower, though, even without the bold white KONE letters on blue background, occupying a dominant riverfront spot in Moline.

Built in 1966, the 180-foot structure has three elevator hoistways, or shafts. One elevator travels from the bottom all the way to the top, where conference and observation levels are located. Those rooms are surrounded by windows, offering 360-degree views of large swaths of Moline, the Mississippi River and portions of Iowa.

Another elevator was used for testing machinery, and one was a high-speed testing elevator.

Former KONE employee Dennis Donner started working for predecessor Montgomery Elevator the year the tower was built. He was in engineering, working on the control system. He and a friend were working on high-speed testing, Donner said, when the elevator crashed into the roof.

They were having trouble tuning a mechanism and thought the elevator was going to come crashing down. Instead, it went up.

"It was wedged up there tight," Donner said. "It took us a while to get it out."

The high-speed test elevator could reach speeds up to 1,500 feet per minute.

Testing was performed on various manufacturers' drives and motors, he said, along with ride comfort, stopping and open/close mechanisms. He worked for Montgomery, then KONE, until he retired in 2017.

He relocated to Texas in 1997, where he worked in change-management systems for electrical control systems.

"It's something to work for the same company your entire career," he said.

Construction of the tower

For more than a half a century, the tower has been standing astride what is now the old Interstate 74 bridge.

Building it was more dangerous than crashing an elevator into the top. No safety harnesses, straps, or other equipment was in use at the time.

Ivan Streit worked on the tower during the summer of his sophomore year of college. After spending hot summer days with the sun beating down on him, drilling holes in sheet metal, and tapping screws, Streit said he was going to make sure he got his college degree.

"I was never scared up there, but I was always cautious," he said. "It was pretty dangerous work quite frankly."

There were three levels of picks, or metal scaffolding, which were secured on top of the tower, and a cable that hung all the way to the ground. Streit worked on the top scaffold and his dad, who was a foreman on the KONE build, told him, "Nothing falls on the top guy."

"My mother was furious with my dad when she found out that I was the top," he said.

Once the workers were on top of the tower, Streit said, they didn't go back down until it was time to go home. They brought their lunch and sat on beams, watching the river from their perch.

Streit shared the story of a close call: A worker was carrying a piece of plywood above his head, didn't see part of the scaffolding wasn't covered, and fell, landing in a 20-foot round hole below. The plywood he'd been carrying fell over the hole, he said, and the worker wasn't discovered until quitting time, four hours later.

"That hole saved his life," he said. "It was half full of water, so it broke his fall."

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Hoisted to the top of the tower each year is the lighted, live Christmas tree that generations of Quad-Citians have come to love.

The first Christmas tree wasn't hoisted up during the holidays. A group of workers used long ropes in the summer to pull it to the top, where it waited for winter, Streit said.

When the tradition first began, Donner said, the custom was to take a tree into a shaft, post it on the elevator upside down and run it to the top.

Once up there, he said, the tree would be shimmied through a hole and placed upright in a stand. One year's tree came from Donner's yard in Geneseo, he said.

"There was a 30-foot blue spruce that I wanted to get rid of, because it was bucking my view of Billy Wolf Road," he said.

A group of guys from the research and development team went out and cut it down. The large spruce had to be carried out of the yard, he said, because its weight would have caused the truck to get stuck in the yard.

Future of the tower

As the land around the KONE test tower is redeveloped, it is likely neighboring buildings will be razed, city officials say.

Moline last year bought the seven-acre KONE campus for $3.1 million from Heritage Church.

When the city announced the acquisition, officials assured that the Christmas tree tradition will continue as long as the tower stands.

City Administrator Bob Vitas said the tower's fate will be left to architects and engineers. His hope is to keep it and one day get an elevator up to code and safety standards, so people can ride up and enjoy the views.

If the day comes when it's safe for people to travel to the top and see that view again, Streit said, he will be one of the first in line.

"I personally would love to go up there since I worked on it," he said. "That would be a treat for me, to come back and go up there."

Elevators were tested in the tower until at least 2017. The manufacturer vacated the property in 2012 and moved to KONE Centre in Bass Street Landing but continued to test in the tower.

At a recent city meeting, Vitas described the structure this way:"It's not an Eiffel Tower, but it's our tower."
The Iowa State Patrol has released the names of the victims of a head-on collision that occurred late Friday n the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Walcott.

Iowa State Patrol Sgt. James Lancaster said in a news release that the crash occurred at 11:15 p.m. in the inside eastbound lane of I-80 near mile marker 284.

Lancaster said that a 2014 Volkswagen four-door vehicle driven by Tameka Deann Payney, 46, of Rock Island collided head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet four-door vehicle driven by Andrea Rene Smith, 29, of Davenport.

Payney was killed while Smith was injured and taken to Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport, for treatment. Both Paney and Smith were wearing seatbelts.

Also killed were Jessica E. Carr, 34 of Fresno, California, and Brina Y. Anderson-Yoder, 23, of Cedar Rapids. Lancaster did not say in which of the vehicles Carr and Anderson-Yoder were riding. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.

Investigators had not been able to determine the direction of travel for either of the vehicles as of Sunday. The investigation is continuing.
An Iowa State Patrol investigation has led to the arrest of a Davenport man accused of impersonating an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, and conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle in Davenport in July.

Craig Edward Weber, 56, is charged with three counts of impersonating a public official. The charge is an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of two years.

Weber also is charged with possessing a short-barrel rifled, in this case a Springfield Saint. He allegedly has no paperwork or federal tax stamp for a short-barreled rifle. The charge is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

He also is facing a charge of false imprisonment, a serious misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to one year.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Iowa State Patrol Trooper Dwight Swartz, on Feb. 8, at about 12:50 a.m., the Iowa State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a red Ford Escape for speeding 75 mph in a 55 mph zone on westbound Interstate 74 at the Lincoln Road overpass in Bettendorf.

Weber was the driver and the only occupant of the vehicle and told police he is an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, out of the Quad-Cities and that he had been an agent for the past five years.

Weber had no identification on him, and told officers that everything was at his house. He stated his badge number was 11302.

Headquarters for the ATF in the Quad-Cities was contacted about his agent status, and the ATF confirmed that Weber is not and never has been an ATF agent. Instead, he is an employee at Great Escape in Davenport.

A follow up investigation was conducted on Weber during which it was learned that on Sept. 19, 2019, Weber was stopped on Interstate 74 at the Lincoln Road overpass, as he was traveling 70 mph in a 55 mph zone and for having his front windows improperly tinted.

The officer went to the squad to check Webers drivers license and when he returned, Weber had placed a tactical vest that had an ATF patch into the front passenger seat.

He had no police identification with him and he told the officer that his windows were tinted to hide his gear. The police believed his status as an ATF agent was valid at that time.

On July 4, 2022, at 11:45 p.m., Weber conducted a traffic stop by turning on red and blue lights at East Kimberly Road and Elmore Avenue. He stopped a Chevrolet Sonic for speeding. Weber called 911 stating he was an off-duty ATF agent and the driver was drunk.

Weber obtained the victims drivers license and gave the victim's name and the date of birth to 911.

The person who was stopped by Weber confirmed to investigators he was stopped by a vehicle using red and blue lights, and that the man who stopped him was wearing black clothing. He had a shiny badge on his chest while holding a flashlight.

The victim told Iowa State Patrol investigators he felt he could not leave the scene because he believed Weber was a real police officer. The victim was held on the side of the road by Weber for at least 19 minutes before Weber left the scene.

Iowa State Patrol served a search warrant Friday and found in Webers vehicle a black ASP expandable baton in the drivers door pocket.

A double magazine pouch with Smith & Wesson loaded magazines was found in the drivers center console. The magazine pouch was a Blackhawk tactical duty belt attachment. Also in the center console was a Uniden police scanner-style radio.

During a search of Webers residence, officers seized a fully equipped black tactical vest with an ATF Police patch on the front and back. Several different clothing items that had ATF, U.S. Secret Service and Illinois State Police printed on them also were found, along with several police duty belts and law enforcement-style belt attachments.

A black Sig Sauer duty belt holster was found next to the ATF vest. Weber admitted he uses a green Sig Sauer 9mm that was fully loaded, records show. The pistol magazines on the vest matches the handgun and had the same style black 9mm rounds.

Troopers also found multiple LED undercover lights and equipment to outfit a vehicle.

Also seized was a short-barrel Springfield Saint for which he did not have any paperwork or federal tax stamp.

During a post-Miranda interview, Weber denied ever telling any police officer he was an ATF agent.

He was booked Friday into the Scott County Jail. Weber was released Saturday on his own recognizance by Magistrate Stephen Wing. During a first appearance on the charges in Scott County District Court, a preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 31.
They came to listen.

Sitting in Mercado on Fifth's indoor venue with other artists and cultural leaders, Gaye Shannon Burnett spoke with state officials about the lack of accessibility the African American art community has to information and aid and how they deserve a seat at the table.

Burnett is board president and co-founder of the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts. Hers and other local institutions were invited by the Illinois Arts Council Agency to talk about their concerns with the group that supplies grants and other resources.

"I think that we're capable of directly dialoguing with the Illinois Arts Council, and I think we've earned it and we deserve it," she said.

Members of the Illinois Arts Council Agency visited Rock Island, Moline and East Moline last week as part of their state-wide listening tour, where they are meeting with arts organizations to collect information on how they've fared since the COVID-19 pandemic and how the agency can better help them.

The goals of the state agency are to support the Illinois arts sector, encourage arts education for all and promote creativity and working artists.

Agency Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto, Deputy Director Encarnacion Teruel, Board Chair Nora Daley and Program Director and ADA Coordinator Teresa Davis spoke with Quad-Cities artists and arts and culture groups throughout the day, joined by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's wife, M.K. Pritzker.

"What I love about this community is that there are so many wonderful leaders that are fighting for everybody," Davis-Ruperto said.

One leader Davis-Ruperto specified was Quad City Arts Executive Director Kevin Maynard, who gave a presentation on the organization's programs.

"This has been just an incredible opportunity to talk about the incredible things that are happening in our community," Maynard said. "Honestly, getting to spend half a day highlighting the incredible arts and culture in the Quad-Cities, that's the dream, and being able to share that with the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and M.K. Pritzker, it's great."

At Mercado on Fifth in Moline, one of the topics brought up by multiple Quad-Cities organizations was access to information on grants and other opportunities through the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For smaller, majority- or entirely-volunteer groups or individual artists, finding time to look through everything the Illinois Arts Council Agency has to offer is difficult or even impossible. A bridge should be built between them and the entities hoping to help them, Mercado Community Navigator Program Manager Greg Aguilar said.

He also agreed with Burnett's point about needing marginalized communities to have a larger voice in the arts community and having one-size-fits-all grants rather than ones meant to make the industry more equitable aren't helpful.

Daley acknowledged a lack of communication from the agency in the past and said one of the reasons they are traveling now is to better connect with communities and learn what they need, rather than continue with a top-down approach.

"These are public dollars. We want to make sure we're better stewards of these public dollars," Daley said.

Looking at next steps, Maynard said he's already planning to work with Davis on incorporating more about programming into the Quad City Arts website, as well as resources from the state agency in order to provide as much information as possible to those in the Quad-Cities searching for it. During the listening tour, other organization leaders mentioned connecting with the agency for future collaboration.

Davis-Ruperto said the Quad-Cities was the last stop in a three-week trip for a couple of weeks before the Agency members venture out again. The information they've gathered will be combined with data from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and brought to the grant team. Then they'll travel again to actually experience shows and other aspects of communities' arts scenes, then share the changes they plan to implement.

While not directly involved in the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Pritzker said she was happy to be able to join the group for the Quad-Cities leg of the tour and learn more about the area's arts scene.

It's important that communities have the opportunity to both showcase their successes and voice their concerns with the statewide agency in order for them to collaborate on new ideas and continue to dazzle residents with art, cultural events and more, she said.

"I think in our country now, we're so divided politically, and I think the arts and community are a way to unify people," Pritzker said. "I think it's very important to our culture and to our health as a nation and a community."
UPDATE: The two missing men on snowmobiles have been found alive. According to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, the pair were located and evacuated from the area and treated by medical personnel.

Here is the previous story...

Two men in their 70s have been reported missing after failing to return home from snowmobiling Tuesday near Rochford Road in western Pennington County.

According to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, Laurence "Jeff" Willett, 73, and Leon Kleingartner, 73, went snowmobiling at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, departing from 11465 Rochford Road heading westbound.

The two men were expected to return home before dusk Tuesday, but did not. The sheriff's office said the two men left their mobile phones and maps behind. Willett and Kleingartner were using a 2014 green Arctic Cat and a 2016 orange Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

Willett is described as a white male, 5-feet, 8-inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown eyes, grey hair and a white moustache. He was last seen wearing a 1970s-style snowmobile suit and leather snow boots.

Kleingartner is described as a white male, 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with blue eyes and grey hair. He wears glasses. He was last seen wearing a green helmet, black Polaris jacket, snowmobile pants, and black and green boots.

The sheriff's office said both men are in extreme danger because of an incoming snowstorm. A search and rescue team has been formed and is asking for assistance in locating the missing men.

Civilian snowmobile operators are asked to meet at noon Wednesday at the Rochford Volunteer Fire Department to aid in the search. Anyone with information about the missing men is asked to call 605-394-4131 or 605-584-2530.

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office, Pennington County Search and Rescue, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, and Lawrence County Search and Rescue are working the search.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  The Supreme Court's (SC) Third Division has dismissed the rape and acts of lasciviousness charges against television personality Vhong Navarro for lack of probable cause.

In a 43-page decision made public on Monday, the SC reversed and set aside the July and September 2022 rulings of the Court of Appeals (CA).

The high court said the CA gravely erred when it overturned the Department of Justice resolutions that dismissed the charges against Navarro and granted the appeal of model-stylist Deniece Cornejo, who claimed that the actor-host forced himself on her twice in 2014.

The ruling of the appeals court resulted in Navarros temporary detention at the National Bureau of Investigation before being transferred to the Taguig City jail in November last year. He was released in December after posting a 1-million bail.

Under the circumstances, the CA simply had no basis to reverse the prosecutor's finding of lack of probable cause. On the contrary, it is the CA that disregarded such parameters when it substituted its own judgment for that of the prosecutor's finding of lack of probable cause against Navarro, it said.

The SC also noted that Cornejos accusations involved glaring and manifest inconsistencies that are not trivial, minor, or inconsequential.

Indeed, no amount of skillful or artful deportment, manner of speaking, or portrayal in a subsequent court proceeding could supplant Cornejo's manifestly inconsistent and highly deficient, doubtful, and unclear accounts of her supposed harrowing experience in the hands of Navarro, the decision read.

Cornejo alleged that on Jan. 22, 2014, Navarro pinned her down and attempted to rape her at her condominium in Taguig City.

In a subsequent complaint, the model claimed that Navarro had assaulted her once more on Jan. 17, 2014. A third complaint was also submitted, detailing the events of the two incidents.

Navarro also earlier accused Cornejo, along with the group of businessman Cedric Lee, of grave coercion for allegedly forcing him to falsely admit that he raped the model-stylist. He was also attacked by the group, leaving him with multiple injuries.

The 45-year-old celebrity has denied the accusations against him.
Benjamin C. Cronly has been named executive director of The Byrd Theatre Foundation.

Cronly previously served the foundation as a board member, treasurer and, prior to becoming executive director, was assistant general manager.

We couldnt be more pleased with the dedication and work that Ben has demonstrated throughout his time here at The Byrd Theatre Foundation, and it is an honor to serve under his leadership, said Becky Dixon, general manager and CFO of the foundation, in a news release.

In an email, Cronly said, My immediate goal is to bring people back into the theatre through both public programming and private events.

As COVID affected many aspects of society, the movie industry has been negatively impacted due to movies being released and then going straight to streaming, he said. I am looking to find an economic environment between public showings and private events.

Cronly said his long-term goal is to have the theater renovated back to its original 1928 grandeur in time for its 100th anniversary.

Cronly, a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, previously worked in the investment management industry. He replaces former executive director Stacy Shaw, who served from June 2020 to March 2023 and had been hired as the Byrds first-ever executive director.

Though her departure might have seemed sudden on the surface, Shaw said in a text message, the foundation had worked with me over several months as I was dealing with multiple family and personal matters that had popped up simultaneously.

Ultimately, I left because I needed to relocate closer to my family, she said.

Shaw said she is thrilled that Ben Cronly has been tapped to take over as he is a trusted member of the organization and the community of Richmond, and now a trusted colleague and friend of mine from our work together for the Byrd these last three years.

The theatre is in good hands with Ben, and the community should expect the forward momentum to continue to restore the theatre that was begun under my tenure, Shaw said.

Oscars 2023: Some of the evening's top moments So, about last year ... Quan gets tears flowing early, and often Curtis: "I am hundreds of people" Stay strong, my love Gaga goes minimal Carter makes history, again The Daniels thank the teachers  and the mommies Yeoh is taking it home to Malaysia  and mom
There may be early signs  from moving companies  that a long-running trend, in which more people leave Virginia than move to the state, might be changing.

That out-migration trend is a key economic indicator Gov. Glenn Youngkin watches. He regularly cites data showing more people leaving Virginia for other states than coming from the other 49 as a reason for his $1 billion of tax cuts.

But somewhat more current, if limited, data from U-Haul and from United Van Lines shows a better balance between in- and out-of-state moves, his office notes.

We view these data points as a nod to the progress made under Governor Youngkins tenure, said press secretary Macaulay Porter.

United Van Lines reported more moves into Virginia than out last year  the ratio was 52% inbound to 48% outbound.

U-Haul said Virginia saw the fifth-highest total of one-way hires going into the state of all 50 states last year, up from 31st the year before.

Youngkin watches the Census Bureaus population estimates and how these estimates track moves in and out of states. He says data shows that more people have left than moved here for nine of the past 10 years. Although Virginias population has grown over that period, some 132,000 more people have moved out than moved in.

The top reason Youngkin has cited for this is the cost of living, and that is why he says it is critical for Virginias future to cut taxes. His current proposal, stalled now between the House of Delegates and the state Senate, calls for cutting the top rate for individual income taxes from 5.75% to 5.5%, boosting the standard deduction to $9,000 for single filers and $18,000 for joint returns, and cutting corporate income taxes from 6% to 5%.

United Van Lines says the most common reason people give for leaving Virginia is job change, with 5.7% of its customers citing the cost of living as the reason. On the other hand, the company reports that 11.7% of those moving to Virginia say they are doing so to take advantage of the cost of living here.

While the most recent Census Bureau data shows 23,952 more people left Virginia for other states than moved here from the rest of the U.S. during the 12-month period that ended July 1, 2022, it also shows some 37,692 more people moved here from outside the U.S. than left Virginia for other nations.

The main states with which Virginia competes when companies want to set up new facilities  which the Youngkin administration identifies as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas  saw 896,694 more people move in than leave last year, census data show.

Separately, IRS data, based on addresses and exemptions taxpayers report for themselves and their dependents, shows a net out-migration of 7,352 people between 2019 and 2020, the last year for which it reported the data. This is down from the decades peak of 25,556 between 2013 and 2014. The IRS reported a net in-migration between 2013 and 2014 and between 2011 and 2012.

The top five states Virginians moved to between 2019 and 2020 were low-tax North Carolina and Florida, followed by Maryland, where tax burdens are higher; low-tax Texas; and high-tax California, the IRS reported.

Close Year unknown: Workers clear overgrown lot by Broad Street Station. 12-18-1956: Towering trees--Two of largest indoor Christmas trees in Richmond are in place and lightened--one in Broad Street Station. 09-06-1962 (cutline): There will be no more free parking for motorists at Broad Street Station. The temporary toll booth shown has been set up at the Robinson St. entrance to the station parking lot to collect parking fees from motorists. A permanant booth is being built near the present booth. The Davis. St. entrance has been blocked off to prevent cars from entering the lot from that side. 07-18-1967: Broad Street Station. 12-11-1970: Broad Street Station , looking west at approximately 7 a.m. 04-23-1969 (cutline): Magnolia trees to flower amid columns at Broad Street Station. Mrs. W.K. Norman lends helping hand. 06-08-1951 (cutline): View shows damage caused to West Side of Broad Street Station dome. Removal of tile, broken in last week's slide, will begin today. 06-04-1951 (cutline): Dome of Broad Street Station after tile dropped. Lightning believed to have caused concrete collapse. 10-24-1942: Broad Street Station. 05-20-1972: Broad Street Station. 11-15-1975 (cutline): Last passenger train rates musical farewell at Broad Street Station. Seven-piece brass band gathered to note the occassion with 'Auld Lang Syne.' 05-20-1946 (cutline): A Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railway train pulls out of Broad Street Station on its was to Washington. 12-10-1970 (cutline): Broad Street Station yards looking West at approximately 7:15 AM. 12-10-1970 (cutline): Passengers and stations staff discuss the travel by rails halt at Broad Street Station at approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning. 04-01-1944 (cutline): Service for servicemen--A member of the 1345th Service Unit, Richmond Military Police Battalion (in booth), gives directions to visiting serviceman at a new servicemen's information booth established at Broad Street Station. A similar booth is in operation at Main Street Station. 05-23-1957 (cutline): Broad Street Station. 08-07-1951 (cutline): Repair of Broad Street Station front--The maze of scaffolding in front of Broad Street Station is being used by workmen doing routine work on the Indiana limestone building. This is the first time the mortar between the stone blocks has been working on since the building was constructed. The work is being done while the station's dome is being repaired. It leaves only one way to enter the front of the building--through the tunnel just visible in the center of the scaffolding. From the Archives: Broad Street Station A look back at the Richmond train station which houses the Science Museum of Virginia today. Year unknown: Workers clear overgrown lot by Broad Street Station. 12-18-1956: Towering trees--Two of largest indoor Christmas trees in Richmond are in place and lightened--one in Broad Street Station. 09-06-1962 (cutline): There will be no more free parking for motorists at Broad Street Station. The temporary toll booth shown has been set up at the Robinson St. entrance to the station parking lot to collect parking fees from motorists. A permanant booth is being built near the present booth. The Davis. St. entrance has been blocked off to prevent cars from entering the lot from that side. 07-18-1967: Broad Street Station. 12-11-1970: Broad Street Station , looking west at approximately 7 a.m. 04-23-1969 (cutline): Magnolia trees to flower amid columns at Broad Street Station. Mrs. W.K. Norman lends helping hand. 06-08-1951 (cutline): View shows damage caused to West Side of Broad Street Station dome. Removal of tile, broken in last week's slide, will begin today. 06-04-1951 (cutline): Dome of Broad Street Station after tile dropped. Lightning believed to have caused concrete collapse. 10-24-1942: Broad Street Station. 05-20-1972: Broad Street Station. 11-15-1975 (cutline): Last passenger train rates musical farewell at Broad Street Station. Seven-piece brass band gathered to note the occassion with 'Auld Lang Syne.' 05-20-1946 (cutline): A Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railway train pulls out of Broad Street Station on its was to Washington. 12-10-1970 (cutline): Broad Street Station yards looking West at approximately 7:15 AM. 12-10-1970 (cutline): Passengers and stations staff discuss the travel by rails halt at Broad Street Station at approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning. 04-01-1944 (cutline): Service for servicemen--A member of the 1345th Service Unit, Richmond Military Police Battalion (in booth), gives directions to visiting serviceman at a new servicemen's information booth established at Broad Street Station. A similar booth is in operation at Main Street Station. 05-23-1957 (cutline): Broad Street Station. 08-07-1951 (cutline): Repair of Broad Street Station front--The maze of scaffolding in front of Broad Street Station is being used by workmen doing routine work on the Indiana limestone building. This is the first time the mortar between the stone blocks has been working on since the building was constructed. The work is being done while the station's dome is being repaired. It leaves only one way to enter the front of the building--through the tunnel just visible in the center of the scaffolding.
Fitness trainer Riley Shaia is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, in a battleground political district that once belonged to Republicans but that Democrats have held for six years.

Shaia, owner of Riley Shaia Fitness in Henrico County and a fitness trainer at the Tuckahoe YMCA, is making her first run for public office in a high-stakes election with every seat in the General Assembly up for grabs in a political landscape transformed by redistricting.

I am passionate about helping people lead positive, healthy lives  and I think its time for positive, healthy leadership for western Henrico in the House of Delegates, she said in her campaign announcement on Monday.

It will be the first election in the 58th House District, created under a redistricting map that the Virginia Supreme Court approved at the end of 2021. The map created the district out of the former 73rd House District, which had been reliably Republican for decades until the first wave election turned it blue at the beginning of President Donald Trumps term in 2017.

The old district seat had been held for 18 years by Del. John OBannon, R-Henrico, who won nine elections, including six with no challengers, until Democrat Debra Rodman defeated him by about 900 votes in 2017. Before OBannon, the seat had been held by Eric Cantor, a future U.S. House majority leader, and Republican Walter Stosch, who then spent 24 years in the Virginia Senate.

After Rodman ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 2019, Willett won the first of two elections against Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg, each time capturing about 52% of the vote.

The Virginia Public Access Project rates the new district as competitive. Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe also carried the district with 52% of the vote in his unsuccessful run for a second, non-consecutive term as governor in 2021.

In 2017, the year Rodman upset OBannon, Democrat Ralph Northam carried the district with 51% of the vote in winning the governors race, even though his running mates, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor and Mark Herring for attorney general, narrowly lost there. In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton won just under 48% of the vote in the district, compared with just over 44% for Trump.

Willett begins the campaign with a financial advantage, with $140,356 in the bank at the end of last year, but the election is likely to turn on a gusher of political contributions to both candidates because of the high stakes.

Shaia promised to bring energy and enthusiasm to her campaign, while running on familiar Republican themes. I am so excited to jump into public service, she said in her announcement. I love this community and its people, and they deserve a representative in the House of Delegates who will be a strong and independent voice for what they believe in.

We need to empower parents when it comes to their childs education, cut costs for families living on a budget, and keep our neighborhoods safe from crime and fentanyl, she said.

House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, publicly welcomed Shaias candidacy in a district that Republicans say could cement the House majority they regained last year.

Make no mistake, with a candidate like Riley, this is a seat we can win this year, Gilbert said.

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Mexico sends 200 big cats to help populate Indias dying breeds

Culiacan, Sinaloa More than 200 big cats from various zoos around Mexico are being shipped to India. The animals are being donated to help the country restore their cat population and avoid extinction.

The 200 cats are Mexican rescues from either abandonment or confiscations. They were sent from Ostok in Culiacan, to a Rescue Conservation Center in India.

Through a statement, the Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM) reported that the project seeks to repopulate Asian territories with the species who are considered in serious danger of extinction due to poaching and the destruction of their habitats.

The President of AZCARM, Ernesto Zazueta, pointed out that he is aware that the best place for these animals is the one where they are native, despite the fact that the weather conditions and the reproduction and conservation programs in Mexico have been successful.

For several months, we have been working with the Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of India, he said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that there are fewer than 4,000 of tiger species in the world due to the deterioration of their habitats and poaching for either trophies or for body parts used for Chinese medical purposes.

Photo: AZCARM March 10, 2023.

The animals that were transferred went through a strenuous review process of their physical condition since they have to be in very good health to withstand a journey of so many hours by plane, Zazueta said.

The Director of Ostok added that in addition to the tigers, around 50 lions and leopards were also sent from confiscations and rescues, including some that were from previous circuses that could no longer continue with their care and feeding.

Zazueta explained that upon arrival at the Rescue Center in India, the specimens were placed in quarantine to keep them under observation and that later, they will enter a process of adaptation and coupling to the environment.

We will be giving them timely follow-up. We will be traveling to India to verify how they are adapting. I trust that they will be very well. It is a very, very spacious rescue center, one hundred percent natural, closed to the public.

We already have 100 more specimens that we will transfer in the same way, since here, there are not many spaces to give them a home nor is there the public or private funding required to support so many rescued, abandoned and confiscated big cats, he said.
PDC Walmart workers end brief strike over pay

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A brief strike between a Playa del Carmen Walmart store and its employees was reported Saturday. The group of striking workers were demanding their pay and bonuses.

The stores employees claimed irregular payments and no productivity bonuses, which caused them to strike outside the store. A CROC union leader was able to meet with Walmart managers and come to an agreement.

The employees went back to work after managers agreed to the terms of overtime payment and bonuses in accordance with the Federal Labor Law.

Talks are scheduled to resume Monday morning to ensure the Labor Laws are complied with regarding 8-hour shifts, lunches and periodic monthly meetings of the company with the workers review commission.
A Roanoke man charged last month with shooting another person while neighbors looked on was denied bond in Roanoke Circuit Court on Monday.

Curtis Eugene Keaton Jr., 39, admitted to the shooting while he was being transported to the Roanoke Police Department for questioning, Commonwealths Attorney Donald Caldwell said during Keatons hearing.

Caldwell said that around 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 police responded to reports of a man with a gunshot wound in the 2700 block of Massachusetts Boulevard Northwest.

In Keatons front yard, police found a man lying on the ground with gunshot wound directly to the chest, Caldwell said. The victim was taken to a local hospital.

Caldwell said some witnesses, including a woman and an 8-year-old boy, told police that the shooter was inside the home.

Police found Keaton there. He was not cooperative, Caldwell said, adding that police observed evidence of acute alcohol consumption.

Police said Keaton was taken into custody without further incident. On the ride to the police station, Keaton asked about the victim, whom he did not know, Caldwell said.

Police searched the home and found a .40-caliber pistol in a trash can, Caldwell said. Outside, officers found a shell casing that matched the brand of the ammunition found in the pistol.

Caldwell said Keatons case is not a who done it. He said Keaton has admitted to a crime of violence that cannot really be ignored.

But Keatons attorney, public defender Brian Barnett, said there are strong claims of self-defense. Barnett also noted Keaton has not much of a criminal record.

Keaton testified Monday that he has no prior felony convictions. According to Virginias online court case information system, he was found guilty of marijuana possession in 2014 and public intoxication in 2016.

On March 6, Keaton was indicted by a Roanoke Circuit Court grand jury on charges of aggravated malicious wounding and felonious firearm use.

Keaton testified Monday that an inmate in his pod at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center recently died at the hands of another inmate.

That could have been me, Keaton said, adding that being held at the jail is stressful and hed more more comfortable residing at home while awaiting trial.

Judge David Carson said that while he found Keaton isnt a flight risk and isnt a danger to himself, he may be a threat to others, and so denied him bond.

Keatons trial has been scheduled for April 18, according to Virginias online court case information system.
" " Letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots were finally decoded after more than 500 years of mystery. Gustavo Tomsich/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

From the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to the warring kingdoms of medieval Europe, humans have had plenty of good reasons to send secret messages. If you wanted to keep military plans from the enemy, or keep an illicit affair from your husband, you wrote it down as a "cipher," a coded message that could only be unlocked by someone possessing the key.

Before the computer age, if an historian came across a coded message in an archive of material, they would usually skip over it, because it just wasn't worth the trouble. Even ancient ciphers can be nearly impossible to crack with just a pencil and paper. But what juicy historical secrets were trapped in those ancient puzzles?

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"If you're looking through a diary and you come across a passage that's enciphered, you know that's the best part," says Craig P. Bauer, a math professor at York College of Pennsylvania and editor-in-chief of the journal Cryptologia. "When a message can't be read, the sky's the limit. It can be absolutely anything. It can resolve a historic mystery or shed new light on the personality of a historic figure. Maybe history itself is rewritten."

Bauer should know. His journal, Cryptologia, made history in February 2023 by publishing the work of three amateur code breakers who decrypted a trove of secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots. The encoded letters dated to the 16th century, during Mary's 19-year imprisonment by Queen Elizabeth I and show how Mary remained a shrewd political operative even while locked away in a castle.

The team that cracked the Mary, Queen of Scots letters harnessed powerful code-breaking technology that wasn't available even a decade ago, and those new tools have ushered in what Bauer calls "the second golden age of decipherment." The question is: What secrets will these historical code breakers uncover next?

What is Historical Cryptology?

" " The "Zodiac Killer" sent two letters and a cryptogram to the San Francisco Chronicle boasting of his exploits in 1969. The code was broken 51 years later. Bettmann/Corbis/Getty Images

Cryptology is the study of both writing and breaking codes. When we think of cryptologists, we might picture someone like the British mathematician Alan Turing, who cracked Nazi Germany's infamous Enigma machine during WWII.

But cryptologists don't just work for intelligence agencies like the NSA. There are also amateur code breakers who are fascinated with solving historical puzzles. Bauer is one of them. He wrote a book called "Unsolved!: The History and Mystery of the World's Greatest Ciphers from Ancient Egypt to Online Secret Societies," which catalogs some of the biggest ciphers that historical cryptologists are itching to crack.

The Zodiac cipher used to be one of them. For 51 years, no one could solve the riddle of the 340-character coded message written by the infamous Zodiac Killer in 1969. And then a team of amateur cryptologists led by David Oranchak cracked the Zodiac cipher in 2021 using supercomputers and custom decryption software. (The killer's identity remains a mystery.)

In recent years, historical cryptologists have broken ciphers created by the KKK, Marie Antoinette and the Masons. They even figured out how to decrypt the infamous Rohonc Codex, an ancient illustrated manuscript, discovered in the 1830s, written in an unknown nonsense language.

Bauer is quick to point out that it takes more than just raw computing power to break an ancient code.

"A good historical cryptologist has to be part accountant  able to very carefully keep track of numbers and statistics  but they also need to have the spirit of Mozart," says Bauer. "You have to be very creative and almost a psychologist to guess the key words or phrases to unlock the cipher. It requires a combination of creativity, powerful computers and persistence. If you lose one leg of that stool, you won't find a solution."

The team that deciphered Queen Mary's code used a process called hillclimbing, where a computer randomly assigns the symbols in the cipher to letters of the alphabet, decrypts the whole message, scores it based on readability and then repeats the process, only keeping the changes that increase the score of the translation. After the code was cracked, the cryptologists still needed to decipher the coded letters one word at a time and edit the transcriptions, a process that took one year.
" " The lucrative wine industry isn't the only thing in jeopardy from the Northern California wildfires. Cannabis farmers in Sonoma County and The Emerald Triangle are losing crops to the fires, as well. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The wildfires that have incinerated hundreds of thousands of acres in the Northern California in October have destroyed thousands of homes, acres of pristine vineyards and something else central to California life and culture  fields of marijuana.

The wildfires, which have burned more than 213,000 acres (86,198 hectares) and 5,700 structures and killed 41 people, have also raged in the so-called Emerald Triangle  Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties  where much of the marijuana in the United States is grown.

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In 2016, California voters legalized the recreational use of pot, and sales are scheduled to begin in January with estimates suggesting it could create a $5 billion market. Most farmers who decided to cash in on the fledging industry are small-scale and have put their life savings into the farms. The Redwood Valley Fire has burned more 38,500 acres (15,580 hectares) in Mendocino County, alone.

That's very bad news for pot farmers because harvest time is in November, so many of the plants are still in the field and in various stages of production. Though it's hard to estimate exactly how many growers are impacted by the fires, in Sonoma County, there are thought to be between 3,000 and 9,000 cannabis farms, and that's not counting undocumented growers.

"This time of year, everyone's harvesting. And now, the annual paycheck that we've been working all year to earn may have been burnt to a crisp or will soon dry out due to lack of water," farmer Ahren Osterbrink told the Cannabist.

To complicate matters even more, marijuana is still considered an illegal drug by the federal government, and pot growers do business mainly in cash, so insurance companies are reluctant to sell the growers policies. In addition, many farmers have spent thousands of dollars to get their farms and businesses to comply with the new California state laws. They have paid for permits, forms and licenses to make their farms and businesses legal. But farmers cannot write these and other business expenses off on their federal taxes, and they also cannot get federal crop insurance.

"Since hemp is classified as a prohibited substance under federal law, it is not eligible for federal crop insurance," Heather Manzano, acting administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency, which oversees crop insurance, said in a statement.

Although cannabis growing is a fledgling industry, Arcview Market Research, predicts that the marijuana market in California will hit $6.5 billion by 2020, up from $2.76 billion in 2015.

But even the fields of marijuana that escape the fires may still not be salvageable  the fallout from smoke could devastate what doesn't burn. Smoke can contaminate plants with a variety of substances making them unsuitable for use. Exactly what the financial impact will be when the fires die out is still yet to be seen.

Now That's Interesting California, as well as Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada and the District of Columbia, have the most liberalized marijuana laws. In California, adults 21 years and older can possess up to an ounce and grow up to six plants in their homes. A total of 29 states and D.C. have laws legalizing pot either for recreational or medical use.
Ukrainian scientists are working on net-zero transport systems that could be instrumental in rebuilding Ukraine's own infrastructure. Credit: CC0 via Unsplash

With its eye on the eventual reconstruction of Ukraine, Europe is helping academics from the country get their lives back on track.

Regis Nibaruta remembers the night of 24 February 2022 like no other. After months of speculation about rising tensions with Russia, at 3am his phone rang. It was a fellow electrical engineer also based at the Dnipro National University of Railway Transport in Ukraine and part of the same EU training programme.

'Have you seen the news?' the colleague asked. 'We're under attack.'

Rush to safety

Before long, with the industrial city of Dnipro a target of heavy Russian bombardment, reality dawned.

'We were terrified,' Nibaruta said. 'I didn't know what to do or where to go, but I knew I had to get away.'

The war started on a Thursday. By Saturday, with just his passport and laptop as luggage, he was at the Dnipro railway station along with thousands of others hoping to board a train to reach the border.

Roll forward 12 months and 35-year-old Nibaruta, originally from Burundi, is safe, settled and reunited with European colleagues at the University of Twente in the Netherlands that helped to orchestrate his escape. There he's conducting research that could improve future net-zero transport systems and one day be instrumental in rebuilding Ukraine's own infrastructure too.

The EU-funded project that he is a part of is called the European Training network in collaboration with Ukraine for electrical Transport, or ETUT. The initiative brings together three universities: Twente, Dnipro and Nottingham in the UK.

Led by Professors Frank Leferink and Gert Rietveld, both electrical-engineering specialists, it aims to harness expertise in power electronics and electromagnetic compatibility.

'The main engineering challenge in the development of a more sustainable, greener electrical transport system lies in the development of compact, highly-efficient and safe electrical power systems that deliver the necessary energy to charge electric vehicles or supply trains,' said Rietveld.

Through ETUT, which is funded by the Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the team is developing new ways to meet these power demands.

Two-way flows

One is through the development of electronics that allow energy to flow in both directions, a feature that could become a key component in electric trains.

When a train brakes, it creates heat and ordinarily this energy is lost. With this new ''bi-directional'' approach, braking energy can be recovered and fed back into the power grid, increasing capacity. Some of the first bi-directional railway supply systems are currently being installed and tested in Europe.

In other ways too ETUT is enabling new collaborations.

Regis Nibaruta and Ivan Struzho. Credit: Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine

Nibaruta shares an office with 31-year-old Ivan Struzho, who is originally from the Ukrainian city of Mariupol now occupied by Russia but who was already in the Netherlands when the war broke out.

Whereas Nibaruta's research focuses on improving battery technologies, Struzho's looks at electromagnetic interference. Together, the two are exploring how to help reduce the electrical ''disturbances'' that can be caused by power systems and lead to equipment failure or accidents.

The project's main goal, however, is to train and inspire the next generation of electronic engineers to develop the transport technologies needed for a zero-carbon world. Even though some of the team including Nibaruta have left Ukraine, the Dnipro National University of Railway Transport is still an active partner in ETUT.

Professor Vladimir Havryliuk, head of department at the university, supervises the project's work remotely. For him, ETUT has provided a lifeline during these past 12 months in enabling research to continue.

'The project allows me to maintain my activity in the field and has been a powerful motivational incentive for all university staff and students as it opens up new horizons in study and further work,' he said.

Awards and returns

Another major initiative improving links between the Ukrainian and EU research communities is the MSCA4Ukraine project to help displaced researchers from Ukraine.

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, the European Commission announced that MSCA4Ukrainewith a budget of 25 millionwould help more than 120 Ukrainian academics pursue their work in safety over the next two years.

The researchers, whose fields include life sciences, chemistry, engineering and humanities, are hosted by organisations across Europe and supported in their research until they can return home.

The project is being implemented by Scholars at Risk Europe (SAR Europe), based at Maynooth University in Ireland, in partnership with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany and the European University Association.

SAR Europe Director Sinead O'Gorman says it will have a significant impact in building bridges among researchers and bring long-term benefits for the EU and Ukraine.

Focus is also on helping the Ukrainian researchers maintain connections with colleagues and institutions in Ukraine. In particular, researchers will have the option to undertake a secondment to an institution in Ukraine when it is safe to do so.

'Our hope is that, by including these kinds of measures and linkages, the scheme will help researchers re-establish themselves more easily in Ukraine when the time comes,' said O'Gorman. 'This will contribute to the scheme's wider goal of sustaining the Ukrainian academic and research sector in the face of the Russian Federation's invasion and preventing permanent ''brain drain''.'

For both MSCA4Ukraine and ETUT, the idea is that supporting Ukrainian researchers now will ensure academic work advances and enable many to return to Ukraine one day to put their skills to use in rebuilding the war-torn country.

Struzho, who is still in regular contact with family that has remained in Mariupol, expresses hope.

'My city has been destroyed,' he said. 'If this project could help in the rebuilding of Ukraine's infrastructure in the future, that would be very good. I really hope I can use my knowledge to contribute in some part.'

Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY, Colo.  In Colorados quest to transition to renewable energy, the states leaders want to take an old-school approach: Drill, baby, drill.

They wont be prospecting for oil, though, but instead mining the Earths underground heat to power geothermal electricity plants. Other Western states are paying close attention.

Anything we can do to reduce time and cost associated with being able to drill for the purposes of geothermal energy is something that we're very excited about, said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, in an interview with Stateline. There's been great interest from other governors in the West.

Polis, who chairs the 22-member Western Governors Association, is spearheading an initiative to increase use of geothermal energy in the region. Last month, the group convened a workshop at the federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, bringing together several dozen state and federal officials, industry leaders and utility representatives to discuss the future of geothermal energy.

Backers think geothermal can play an important role in the clean energy transition, but they say its potential wont be unlocked without government investments, utility regulations and other policies to encourage development and help the industry become more cost-competitive over time. Most of the industrys U.S. potential for power generation  which relies on underground permeable rock with fractures that contain hot fluid  is in Western states.

The industry has drawn significant interest from oil and gas companies, which see the potential to convert existing fossil fuel wells into geothermal sites and transition their drilling expertise, equipment and workforce to clean energy projects. Development of geothermal projects is currently more expensive than other renewables, but backers note that wind and solar became commercially competitive after decades of government support.

Geothermal plants provide a steady, on-demand source of electricity, known as dispatchable generation. They pump steam or hot water from wells hundreds or thousands of feet underground to power turbines. Some leaders think such projects will complement wind and solar farms, whose production can vary based on weather conditions or the time of day.

To go all the way to 100% clean at the same time that we're electrifying transportation, buildings and industry  if you wanted to do it purely through wind and solar, you'd have to overbuild the system pretty significantly, said Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office. You need something to complement that, to close that last gap, and geothermal is one of the very promising technologies there.

Energy experts also note that the expansion of wind and solar projects can create land-use conflicts, while geothermal  with a footprint thats mostly underground  can produce power without threatening forests and farms. However, geothermal drilling has raised some environmental concerns, including the depletion of underground reservoirs and increased risk of earthquakes.

Geothermal plants currently provide less than half a percent of the nations power, mostly concentrated in California and Nevada. At present, building new geothermal projects is much more expensive than building other renewables such as wind and solar farms.

But some state and industry leaders think geothermal will have to grow significantly to meet the need for steady, dispatchable power thats currently provided by natural gas and coal plants. And they point out that geothermal has not enjoyed the same level of government subsidies and investments that helped wind and solar get off the ground.

No energy technology has scaled up or commercialized without government support, said Bryant Jones, executive director of Geothermal Rising, a trade association that advocates for the industry. Geothermal is playing catch-up, and we need policymakers to think about the specific needs of geothermal when they're looking at energy policy.

Colorado is taking a stab at those needs, Toor said, with a suite of legislative proposals that will be filed in the coming weeks. Among the state administrations proposed bills is a clean firm standard that would direct utilities to invest in dispatchable low-carbon generation, such as geothermal.

The Colorado bill follows a 2021 order from the California Public Utilities Commission that directed utilities in that state to build out more clean energy projects from firm, on-demand resources, calling for 1,000 megawatts of dispatchable power projects like geothermal, in addition to cheaper wind and solar.

With all of these states driving toward 100% grid decarbonization, at some point reliability becomes a massive issue, said Sarah Jewett, vice president of strategy with Fervo Energy, a geothermal developer. The rest of the states in the West havent felt the pain on reliability in the way California is, but at some point, they will.

Jewett said the Colorado bill is the first new proposal outside of California to mandate development of 24/7 carbon-free electricity, but she hopes to see similar requirements throughout the region.

Colorado lawmakers will consider another bill this year to establish a regulatory process for approving geothermal wells.

We basically want to approach geothermal permitting in a way thats more analogous to oil and gas permitting than it is to traditional power plant permitting, Polis said.

The side benefits of clean energy The side benefits of clean energy Clean energy provides almost 443,000 jobs in the US A federal carbon tax on all energy-related carbon emissions could raise $1.87 trillion over the next decade More than 25% of Americans live in states with carbon-pricing programs The US already produces enough clean energy to provide power for 58 million American homes The cost of wind and solar power fell 47% and 71% in the past decade, respectively Increased clean-energy use decreases the instance of heart attacks, asthma attacks, and other cardiovascular issues Clean energy is more resilient and reliable than fossil fuels
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13)  Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. will return to the Philippines once concerns about his safety are addressed, his legal counsel told the media on Monday.

Teves traveled to the United States on Feb. 28 for medical treatment. The House of Representatives issued him a travel authority which expired on Mar. 9. He has remained out of the country since then.

Teves intends to return to clear his name. However, in light of recent developments where the rights not only of Congressman Teves but the rights of others associated with him were trampled upon, may malaking concern sa security niya [There are big concerns on his security]. Hes weighing the pros and cons, Ferdinand Topacio, Teves head legal counsel, said.

On Mar. 9, a suspect in the killing named Congressman Teves as the mastermind behind the assassination of Roel Degamo. Topacio argued that this was hearsay.

Authorities raided four properties owned by Teves family. Police seized firearms of varying calibers, ammunition, and even a grenade.

Teves team alleged that the raid was highly illegal and irregular and that some of the seized weapons had been planted during the raid. They also said that Teves household members were afraid that another raid might take place.

READ: Authorities raid properties owned by family of Rep. Teves, alleged mastermind of Degamo slay

Topacio claimed they had received a report that Teves brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves, would be subjected to a police raid.

Meanwhile, the lawyers also said that they were attempting to contact House Speaker Martin Romualdez who earlier told Teves to return to the country to clear his name.

READ: House Speaker tells Rep. Teves: 'Come back to the country ASAP'

We are already reaching out to the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez kasi may mga pinapa-relay si Teves for his ears only para maintindihan niya yung sitwasyon [Teves has a message for Romualdez ears only, so he can understand the situation], Topacio said.

Sabi niya [He said] come home but he may not have been apprised of the complete situation with respect to the security concerns of Teves. Wala siyang firearms, wala siyang security escort, and nire-raid ang mga bahay niya [He has no firearms, no security escorts, and his homes are being raided], he continued.

However, Romualdez revealed that he had not received any communication from Teves since he urged him on Mar. 10 to come home.

I expect Cong. Arnie [Teves] to heed my appeal and report for work as soon as possible. His stay outside the country is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives, Romualdez said in response to the claims made by Teves lawyers.

Nagsalita na ang mga opisyal ng PNP [The Philippine National Police has spoken]. They are willing to provide security to protect him from bodily harm," the Speaker added. "All Cong Arnie needs to do is make the appropriate request. Our law enforcers cannot extend this protection outside the Philippines.

Teves lawyers added that the congressman was open to any inquiries or investigations  such as the probe by the House Committee on Public Order and Safety on his involvement in the Degamo slay  so long as these remain impartial.

CNN Philippines has contacted the Department of Justice for its comments on the matter.
 Opioid Crisis Commission advocates expanded federal drug court programs and lots of other (mostly public health) stuff | Main | With notable advocates, former Gov Blagojevich bringing notable sentencing issue to SCOTUS 

November 2, 2017

Is Prez Trump making a capital prosecution for NYC terror killer harder with his death penalty tweets?

The question in the title of this post is prompted by this new Guardian article, headlined "Trump's 'alarming' death penalty call threatens suspect's chance of fair trial, experts warn." And that article was prompted by this series of tweets by Prez Trump this morning:

Prez Trump tweet around midnight on 11/2: "NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!" Prez Trump tweets around 8am on 11/2: "Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system... ...There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

I welcome all sorts of comments from all sorts of litigators about whether and how they think these tweets might impact the federal prosecution of Sayfullo Saipov for mowing down people in NYC.

Prior related posts:

November 2, 2017 at 04:00 PM | Permalink

Comments

Well, at least he didn't toss in "mowing down" in that tweet.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 2, 2017 4:16:28 PM

How can there be anymore prejudice than from the demands of the terrorist for ISIS flags in his hospital room? How can it get worse than his only regret, that he could not kill more.

And, you lawyer morons need to explain why there would not be a fast track to the death penalty? When one of yours got it, Abraham Lincoln, we had a fast to the death penalty, not just for the shooter, but for all his collaborators. They found and dead in a month.

Posted by: David Behar | Nov 2, 2017 4:19:12 PM

Behar, go back into your cave.

Posted by: Emily | Nov 2, 2017 4:27:40 PM

Trump is the chief law enforcement officer of the land (he takes an oath to "take care" that the laws are faithfully executed). In a series of statements, he would have a permanent resident taken to Gitmo (he has since changed his mind) he has called our criminal justice system a "laughing stock"; and he has repeatedly called for the death penalty to be imposed even before the defendant has been tried much less convicted. Trump's impulsive tweets have handed defense lawyers powerful arguments, one of which is that the potential jury pool is irreparably tainted. As a remedy, a federal judge (with life tenure) could well take the death penalty off the table, an ironic result indeed.

Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Nov 2, 2017 4:31:45 PM

@Professor Levine

Well, a federal judge could take the DP off the table. He/she could also do 100 jumping jacks naked. The question is what is a federal judge likely to do and there is no reasonable basis for a federal judge to take the DP off the table for some idle tweets, even those coming from the POTUS. Trump has a right to his opinion. If a judge goes off their rocker because of a series of tweets the judiciary is the laughing stock Trump claims it is.

What happened to the adage that "a kind word turns away wrath"? Sometimes Trump's critics go out of their way to prove that they are just as prone to irrational knee-jerk reactions as he is.

Posted by: Daniel | Nov 2, 2017 4:50:57 PM

@Doug

You fail to link to the Guardian article you mention in the opening sentence of your post.

Posted by: Daniel | Nov 2, 2017 4:53:21 PM

As noted in a comment below in a related post, judges will take the death penalty off the table if the prosecutorial misconduct is sufficiently egregious. Having the chief law enforcement officer of the country calling our criminal justice system a "laughing stock" and repeatedly tweeting to 60 million folks or so that death should be imposed could do the trick. As noted below, in a case with entirely different facts, a judge did take the death penalty off the table.

Judge Removes Death Penalty Option in Murder Case Because of Law Enforcement Cheating

R. Scott Moxley | August 18, 2017 | 10:20am



Saying it would be "unconscionable perhaps even cowardly" to ignore Orange County law enforcement's "chronic" corruption exposed during a controversial murder case, Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Goethals today removed the death penalty as a punishment option, prompting gasps in a packed Santa Ana courtroom.

"This court finds that [Tony Rackauckas' Orange County District Attorney's office and Sandra Hutchens' sheriff department] are unwilling or unable to comply with lawfully issued orders," Goethals said during a 38-minute hearing in People v. Scott Dekraai where he repeatedly spoke about the importance of the rule of law in the criminal justice system.

Related Stories





Posted by: Ted | Nov 2, 2017 4:59:22 PM

Hi, Micahel. As stated before, any judge misuse loppholes or lawyer gotchas must be impeached by the Congress, then run out of the country. Zero tolerance for disloyalty to our country, especially by Harvard Law School radicalized judges.

I have, in the past, proposed a black list of lawyer traitors. All service and product providers would be required to deny that judge services.

Posted by: David Behar | Nov 2, 2017 5:00:51 PM

Until he does ...

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/02/new-york-attack-suspect-death-penalty-trump

Trump isn't some Joe-Smoe here. Trump is the chief law enforcement officer of the land. So, I'm not sure if the judiciary is going to take as much of a laissez faire attitude as Daniel desires. This is not just a matter of "should" but what the rules are deemed to be. Depending on the judge, unlike nudity, a special celebrity case like this, one where quite truthfully it is harder to guard against illegitimate bias as is, could decide such statements poisoned the well, at least in respect to capital sentencing.

Anyway, local examples are out there for those in the business, I'm sure, and they can provide examples of how local judges handled something comparable.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 2, 2017 5:02:09 PM

British authorities ruling Palestine hanged several members of the underground Zionist Irgun organization in the 1940s following their conviction on charge of bombing and other violent attacks. Menachem Begin, former Irgun leader and later Prime Minister of Israel, reportedly told a former British Government minister that the executions had galvanized his group, which subsequently hanged several British soldier in retaliation. Menachem Begin said the hangings got us the recruits that we wanted, and made us more efficient and dedicated to the cause  you were not sentencing our terrorists to death, you were sentencing a lot of your own people, and we decided how many

Amnesty International When the State Kills, 1989 ACT 51/07/1989 p. 19



Posted by: Claudio Giusti | Nov 2, 2017 5:04:06 PM

Hi, Emily. Are you a licensed lawyer? I am not going to get your URL, nor report you. I am just curious. You seem frustrated.

Posted by: David Behar | Nov 2, 2017 5:09:06 PM

Apologies for leaving out the link to the Guardian article when I had to scurry off to class. I have the link now, and I look forward to hearing continued perspective on what Trump's tweeting could mean.

Posted by: Doug B. | Nov 2, 2017 5:52:53 PM

"Trump isn't some Joe-Smoe here. Trump is the chief law enforcement officer of the land."he President,

Well sure. He is also the President, he is also the commander and chief of the military, and about a dozens hats as well.

"Elizabeth II, Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regnorumque Suorum Ceterorum Regina, Consortionis Populorum Princeps, Fidei Defensor"

So on any given utterance which of these hats should we interpret the words of the Queen of England?

The problem here isn't who Trump is or what role he fills. The problem is rather than exercising good will certain kinds of people put the worst possible construction of his remarks. Why? because these days everything is ammunition and so any hope of communal understanding goes out the window.

Posted by: Daniel | Nov 2, 2017 6:48:40 PM

Claudio. You make an excellent point. When it comes to the Middle East, people cannot be deterred. They can only be eradicated. That is why in the Bible, written by a bunch of Palestinian and Iraqi assholes, they kill everything in a conquered land, down to the last kitten. Why take a risk? The kitten might back later and carry out a thar (vendetta in Italian).

Those assholes talked their way into plunging us into a 1000 years of the Dark Ages. It is the Romans who were the civilized good guys. They were on the verge of making the discoveries of the Renaissance, also led by Italians. Can you imagine if were 1000 years ahead today, because the Middle Eastern assholes had not fooled the Romans into accepting their bullshit.

You may say, that was long ago. Hell, no. Those assholes are still radicalizing our Harvard Law students, making them accept their Middle Eastern bullshit, via the catechism. Those assholes still control the American legal system, 2000 years across time. This legal system is just about the very worst in the world. And the lawyers that radicalized this way have been made into the very stupidest people in our country, stupider than Life Skills students learning to eat w ith a spoon.

Posted by: David Behar | Nov 2, 2017 8:36:34 PM

"The problem is rather than exercising good will certain kinds of people put the worst possible construction of his remarks."

Or, his remarks are objectively bad, so bad that even those who are allies have trouble defending them. And, since he has a special role, one he took an oath to uphold, Trump cannot just blithely vent. He doesn't, nor does your average prosecutor, just get to opine like someone at the corner bar or something about this defendant. Those are the rules in place. Weren't just invented recently or something. If you don't like them, it's fine.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 2, 2017 8:51:01 PM

Joe. That was really stupid, even for you.



Posted by: David Behar | Nov 2, 2017 9:56:46 PM

Those who really think that death penalty can stop terrorist attacks or make them decrease, are naive people or dreamers. Usual punishments, death penalty included, don't provoke any fear within terrorists or political criminals, who are ideologically motivated and devoted to sacrifice for love of their cause [...]. Besides, terrorist activities are dangerous and the terrorist faces letal risks every day, so he isn't frightened by immediate death. How could he be discouraged by the risk of being sentenced to death?

Professor Ezzat A. Fattah, Simon Fraser University Canada



Posted by: Claudio Giusti | Nov 3, 2017 10:00:29 AM

Regardless of how bad Trump's comments are (which is almost a necessary precursor on any topic to any discussion of any of Trump's comments), the question is whether the comments preclude sitting a fair jury. I am not sure that any one politiican's comments on one occasion would meet that test. Some poetential jurors will be biased by those comments, but the majority will not.

Posted by: tmm | Nov 3, 2017 10:46:21 AM

"any one politician's comments"

tmm's bottom line very well might be correct but this trivializes things.

This isn't "one politician," as if some local congress person was involved. I would be interested to know what would happen if a local DA made such comments. This cannot be totally academic. It surely happened that some local DA made comments of this nature and defense attorneys claimed bias. Or, a local mayor or big picture, governor.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 3, 2017 11:04:24 AM

ETA: Mayor probably would be less on point, if they are not in charge of prosecutions.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 3, 2017 11:05:37 AM

I see that the military judge in the Bergdahl trial dishonorably discharged him, but gave him no prison time. I have no doubt that draft-dodger Trump's (and the other right wing, arm-chair warriors) repeatedly calling Bergdahl a traitor who should be executed played a part in this independent judge's thinking. So, President Trump keep up your inane tweeting.

Posted by: Ted | Nov 3, 2017 12:58:10 PM

I'm not sure how much of a part. An Army investigator early on recommended no prison time.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 3, 2017 1:44:35 PM

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 "Justice Scalia's Eighth Amendment Jurisprudence: The Failure of Sake-of-Argument Originalism" | Main | Sad start to what should become happier compassionate release tales after passage of FIRST STEP Act 

As reported in this New York Times piece, headlined "Trumps Tweets Do Not Bar Prosecutors From Seeking Death in Terror Case, Judge Rules," a federal judge yesterday issued a notable ruling in a high-profile capital case. Here are the details:

When President Trump said on Twitter that an Uzbek man charged with using a pickup truck to kill eight people SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY, the mans lawyers asked a judge to bar prosecutors from seeking execution, saying the decision had become too politicized. But a federal judge in Manhattan ruled on Thursday that prosecutors could seek capital punishment despite the presidents comments.

Defense lawyers had argued the presidents tweet and other statements he made on Twitter had put political pressure on the attorney general at the time, Jeff Sessions, to seek a death sentence. The lawyers pointed to public reports that Mr. Trump was considering firing the attorney general for not following his wishes, and said Mr. Sessions would not be able to make an impartial decision.

In his ruling, Judge Vernon S. Broderick wrote that Mr. Trumps statements advocating for the death penalty were perhaps ill-advised given the pendency of this case. Still, the judge said the argument that Mr. Sessions was improperly motivated to seek execution was pure speculation made without a scintilla of direct factual support. The judge said that without more evidence he could not interfere with the attorney generals presumptive authority to make charging decisions.

In September, Mr. Sessions went ahead and directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the defendant, Sayfullo Saipov, 31, if he is convicted at trial, even though Judge Broderick had not yet ruled on the motion concerning the presidents tweets. Six weeks later, Mr. Trump fired Mr. Sessions.

Mr. Saipov is accused of driving the truck down a crowded bike path along the Hudson River on Oct. 31, 2017, and, after smashing into a school bus, jumping out and running down the highway, shouting God is great in Arabic. He was taken into custody after being shot by a police officer. He has pleaded not guilty to eight capital counts of murder and other charges, and is scheduled for trial in October.

Judge Broderick wrote that Mr. Saipov had offered no evidence that the presidents remarks impacted the attorney generals decision-making process in any way. To the contrary, the judge said, Mr. Sessions had categorically renounced other provocative remarks made by the president and had vowed that the Justice Department would not be improperly influenced by political considerations.
 New Mexico seemingly poised to be latest state to elimination juvenile LWOP (after new press report about lost juve LWOPers) | Main | Last chance to register for "Drugs and Public Safety: Exploring the Impact of Policy, Policing and Prosecutorial Reforms" 

As reported in this new New York Post piece, "West Side Highway terrorist Sayfullo Saipov will serve life in prison after a Manhattan federal court jury could not unanimously agree to sentence him to death for killing eight people and wounding several others in an ISIS-inspired rampage." Here are more of the particulars of another high-profile case in which a jury did not all vote for a death sentence:

The jurys failure to reach a unanimous verdict  necessary to impose the death penalty  on Monday ended a dramatic, months-long trial that saw surviving victims tearfully testify about the horror of his attack and the killers family members urge jurors to spare his life.

Saipov was convicted in January of fatally mowing down eight people along a West Side Highway bike path on Halloween 2017 in a rented Home Depot truck. During the penalty phase of the trial, prosecutors questioned a host of witnesses  including surviving victims and family members of those slain  to show jurors the horrific violence carried out by Saipov.

Assistant US Attorney Alexander Li told jurors during the guilt phase of the trial that Saipov smiled, gave a proud confession and requested an ISIS flag to hang in a hospital room where he was being treated after the attack....

The jury convicted Saipov on 28 counts  nine of which carried the possibility of the death penalty  hours after they began deliberations on Jan. 26. The conviction triggered the penalty phase of the case  which functioned like another full trial, where prosecutors and defense attorneys questioned witnesses, presented evidence and delivered opening and closing arguments.

During the penalty phase, family members of those killed described in painstaking detail how theyve been devastated by the loss of their loved ones. The emotional testimony was referenced in prosecutors dramatic closing argument on March 7 as they urged jurors to condemn Saipov. The defendant caused unbearable pain to these families. They are still suffering, Assistant US Attorney Amanda Houle told jurors in her closing.

Has the government proven aggravating factors that show that the way that this defendant chose to commit murder, by terrorist attack and the unremorseful slaughter of innocent civilians. Does that make his crime worthy of a harsher penalty? Houle asked jurors. The evidence shows overwhelmingly that it does, she said. Houle then described the testimony jurors had heard about how families of the slain victims had been upended by the terrorist attack....

Saipovs defense attorneys had sought to humanize him by questioning his family members on the stand, most all of whom broke down in tears when they told the jury they still loved him  despite what he had done. The defenses penatly-phase case reached a dramatic peak when his father, sobbing uncontrollably, told jurors he still loved his son with all my heart from the witness stand.

The testimony prompted Saipovs uncle, who was seated in the gallery of the courtroom, to stand up and begin shouting in Uzbek. Dirty ISIS bastards! the man yelled in Uzbek before slamming his fist on a courtroom door and walking out of the room.

In an impassioned closing argument, Saipov attorney David Patton repeatedly told jurors they face a unique, individualized, moral decision in whether or not to sentence the terrorist to death. That is an awesome responsibility and power, and we are asking you to decide for life, to decide that the appropriate moral decision here is life, Patton said. It is not necessary to kill Sayfullo Saipov, not for our safety or anyone elses and not to do justice, Patton said.
 "Evaluating the (F)utility of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws in Pennsylvania" | Main | LWOP for NYC terrorist Sayfullo Saipov as jury unable to return unanimous death sentence verdict for his mass murder 

March 13, 2023

New Mexico seemingly poised to be latest state to elimination juvenile LWOP (after new press report about lost juve LWOPers)

This local press piece, headlined "Proposal to end juvenile life sentences in New Mexico on its way to governor," reports on notable new legislative developments in Land of Enchantment. Here are some details:

In the early-morning hours Monday, the state House signed off on legislation that would abolish the possibility of a life sentence without parole for someone who committed a serious crime before they turned 18. It would ensure that juveniles sent to prison would get a parole hearing 15 to 25 years into their sentence, depending on the severity of the underlying conviction. Release wouldnt be guaranteed, just a parole hearing. The proposal picked up more support this year among legislators  following the failure of a similar proposal last year  and is now on its way to the desk of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. A lot of meaningful work has happened in peoples hearts this year, Long said in an interview. She was in the gallery as the House took up debate on the proposal about 11pm Sunday and adopted the measure at 2:15am Monday, the last approval necessary to send it to the governor. The House passed the bill on an 37-25 vote. Children are works in progress, said House Majority Leader Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, and we need sentencing options that leave room for their potential to experience positive transformations. Republican lawmakers blasted the proposal. Some crimes, they said, are so heinous that a parole hearing shouldnt even be possible. Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, said the hearings will reopen trauma for families. I dont see how this is good for grieving parents or our community, she said.... In the Senate, six Republicans support the bill. But the House vote was along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. A year ago, the proposal died in the House without reaching the floor for a vote by the full chamber. This years proposal makes changes intended to address the opposition. It establishes a tiered schedule of parole hearings based on the severity of the crime, rather than calling for hearings at 15 years across the board. And this year lawmakers have encountered plenty of advocates in person, including parents speaking about their own children and young adults sharing stories of redemption.... About 75 people would be affected by the bill, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, making them eligible for parole earlier than they would otherwise.... If approved by the governor, New Mexico would become the 27th state to end juvenile life sentences without parole, according to the Sentencing Project, an advocacy group.

Interestingly, ProPublica has this notable recent piece about juvenile LWOPers in New Mexico headlined "New Mexico Has Lost Track of Juveniles Locked Up for Life. We Found Nearly Two Dozen." Here are short excerpts from the lengthy piece:

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office has indicated that she will likely sign the legislation, if it is passed, by early April; it would go into effect this summer. In the meantime, officials in her administration could not answer basic questions about the number of prisoners affected and were unclear about which office is responsible for maintaining that information. Carmelina Hart, spokesperson for the corrections department, initially sent ProPublica the names of 13 people in New Mexicos prison system who were sentenced to life as children, which she said was the extent of the cohort. But a disclaimer below the list read, Due to inconsistencies and mistakes over decades of data entry, as well as ensuing attempts of varying success to fix previous inaccuracies over that time, it is virtually impossible to conclude that all of these data are entirely correct.... Hart emphasized that the agency does have records of every person serving in its facilities, and that if the bill becomes law, NMCD will take the appropriate steps to ensure that it is in compliance.... One subset of New Mexicos juvenile lifers who seem to have been disproportionately forgotten are those serving their time in out-of-state prisons. Jerry Torres and Juan Meraz, for example, are both in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department for crimes they committed as juveniles in the state, yet they are locked up in Arizona  in a for-profit prison operated by the company CoreCivic.

March 13, 2023 at 12:15 PM | Permalink

Comments

In the federal system, as I understand it, under the First Step Act, judges have the power to reduce sentences for "substantial and compelling reasons." The states should enact similar legislation, perhaps with the caveat that before granting such a motion, the defendant must have served at least 50 percent of the original sentence.

Posted by: anon | Mar 15, 2023 10:14:13 AM

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Fire along corridor (left) and man holding handle of E-scooter (Photos: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE - A charging personal mobility device (PMD) caught fire along the second-floor corridor of a Housing Board (HDB) rental flat in Pipit Road last Friday (10 March) morning.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the fire at Block 94 at around 6.45am, and eventually put the fire out by a water jet.

One person was sent to KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Another individual was assessed by an SCDF paramedic for giddiness, but refused conveyance to the hospital.

Preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire indicates that it was of electrical origin from the PMD, which was charging at the time the fire happened.

According to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, the owner of the unit, a 54-year old man by the name of Yusof, was not at home when the fire happened.

My elder son and I both work as food delivery riders, and he usually comes back at around 4am to sleep and charge his PMD. When the fire started, both my sons tried to put out the fire with a small extinguisher but to no avail. So they had no choice but to call SCDF for help," Yusof told Zaobao.

Family kept 30 cats illegally, discovered after incident

On Saturday (11 March) evening, two food distribution volunteers discovered hungry cats around the block and fed them.

The couple contacted authorities for assistance, and were later informed that the family kept 30 cats and had thoughts of giving them up for adoption due to the fire.

Yusof told Lianhe Zaobao that the cats are fed by his family regularly and are often kept at home so that they do not affect others.

In response to queries, MacPherson's Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling said the family usually keep their door closed. We came to know that there were a number of cats in the house only on Friday, when a fire broke out and the family was forced to open the door," said Tin.

According to The Straits Times, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and Cat Welfare Society (CWS) are aware of the situation and will be sending a community engagement manager to the unit to understand the condition of the cats and offer assistance.

Story continues

Keeping cats as pets in HDB flats is currently illegal in Singapore. The government has been exploring the possibility of legalising it since September last year.

The owners have since returned to the unit. The SCDF would like to remind the public on the prevention of PMD/power-assisted bicycles/personal mobility aids fires, including not to charge batteries for an extended period of time or overnight. Owners are advised against purchase or use of non-original batteries.

Fire safety tips infographic for PMDs & PABs from SCDF (Photo: SCDF)

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

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Tracy, of Vermillion, has been a prosecuting attorney for more than 16 years. She was first elected Clay County state's attorney in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. She will join the attorney general's office in Sioux Falls on June 1.
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SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City Council will be asked Monday to approve a rezoning request so that a developer can convert the former East Junior High School into 38 apartment units.

Commonwealth Development Corporation of America plans to invest $17 million in the project, which would include a mix of apartment units ranging from one to four bedrooms.

The property includes the former school, 1520 Morningside Ave., and adjacent parking lots at 1525 S. Saint Aubin St., as well as 3814 and 3918 Peters Ave. The current zoning is Public Institutional and Neighborhood Conservation. The developer is asking that the property be rezoned to General Residential.

According to city documents, similar zoning requests were approved for apartment developments, including the former Everett School and Whittier School sites.

Several property owners spoke in opposition to the project at a Feb. 28 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, citing concerns about parking, privacy and maintenance of the property. One of them said he would prefer to see the property become a park for children in the neighborhood.

The owner of a rental property in the area expressed support for the project, stating that he sees no other use for the property other than apartments.

The commission unanimously approved the rezoning request, but required that the site plan come back for review.

The former East Junior High School closed in 1972. In 1985, the Sioux City School District sold the property to Western Hills Area Education Agency. The Education Agency sold the property to Morningside Preservation, LLC in 2021, according to the Sioux City Assessor's website.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Lauren Boebert's grip on Colorado's 3rd Congressional District didn't seem in question heading into last year's midterms. But in the end, the congresswoman who gained a national reputation as a combative member of the "Make America Great Again" movement won reelection by just 564 votes.

"This was supposed to be a slam dunk for the Republican candidate, the way the district is designed," said Don Coram, a former state senator who unsuccessfully challenged Boebert in the GOP primary last June.

Boebert's near miss was emblematic of the difficulties Republicans confronted in 2022 and may face again in 2024. While former President Donald Trump holds a tight grasp on much of the GOP base, there is a notable minority of Republican voters who do not consider themselves MAGA members.

Most of them, as faithful Republicans, backed GOP candidates in 2022, AP VoteCast shows. Still, the extensive national survey finds these Republicans made up a larger percentage of those who opted not to support a candidate in House races. A sliver of them showed their opposition to Trump for a second time, backing Democrat Joe Biden for president in 2020 and Democratic House candidates in 2022.

In a political climate where competitive elections are nationalized and decided by narrow margins, neither party can take these voters for granted.

Democrat Adam Frisch said he knew there was a "fairly unique" opening for a more conservative Democrat to connect with Colorado voters who did not like Boebert's aggressive political style.

"I spent most of my time trying to convince people I was a safe enough choice, not just to leave the ballot blank  but actually vote for a non-Republican for the first time ever or in a really long time," said Frisch, who has already announced he will run again in 2024.

The findings suggest Democrats, too, may need to be wary of the messaging against "MAGA Republicans," whom Biden hammered repeatedly before the November elections and is poised to do again in a 2024 campaign. Most of those who don't identify with the movement don't seem to find that compelling. Voters who do may be eager to revert to a Republican candidate who represents their traditional conservative values.

Republican strategist Alex Conant suggested GOP candidates cannot count on these voters so long as Trump is involved in politics. But 2024 can be different.

"There's no reason that the Republican nominee in 2024 can't put together a coalition that includes Trump's base and moderate Republicans and independents," he said.

Conant and others pointed to examples of Republican governors  Ron DeSantis in Florida, Mike DeWine in Ohio and Brian Kemp in Georgia  who were able to do that in 2022.

In Ohio and Georgia, for example, the two governors outperformed Republican candidates for Senate who were endorsed by Trump. DeWine earned nearly 390,000 votes more than JD Vance, who won an open seat, and Kemp received 200,000-plus more votes in the general election than did Herschel Walker, who failed to unseat a Democratic incumbent in a later runoff.

According to VoteCast, 10% of Republican voters who don't identify as "MAGA Republicans" voted for Democratic House candidates nationwide, compared with 2% of those who embrace that label.

Overall, 4% of Republicans backed Democratic candidates. That percentage swelled in competitive races for Senate and governor where far-right candidates were on the ballot, including as many as 13% of Republicans in Arizona, 16% in Colorado and 18% in Pennsylvania, and 11% in Michigan.

The Lincoln Project, a conservative group that staunchly opposes Trump, has targeted this voting bloc in elections. Co-founder Rick Wilson said it's a "narrow pathway, but a meaningful one" to electing pro-democracy, anti-extremist candidates, one that he thinks has expanded since 2020 because of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Still, partisanship can be "sticky," Wilson said, and traditional Republicans value checks and balances in Washington, driving disaffected conservative voters to support Republicans as an offset to Democrats.

VoteCast shows most Republicans voted for Republicans, even if they did so with reservations.

Republicans who don't identify with the MAGA movement and decided to back Republican candidates mostly say they didn't consider Trump, good or bad, when they voted. Only about half are positive in ratings of Trump himself, but most are favorable toward the party and say the GOP tends to try to do what's right. About two-thirds of them say they voted to show opposition to Biden.

"They're where I am  what choice do we have?" said GOP strategist Rick Tyler. "There are many in the Republican Party who would love to not vote Republican, but they can't vote Democrat because they don't believe in where Democrats want to take the country."

That may have helped some Republican candidates in Republican-leaning districts oust Democrats who were elected in the Trump era.

In November, then-state Sen. Jen Kiggans defeated two-term Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria in a district centered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, just two years after a Democratic presidential candidate carried the city for the first time since 1964. Kiggans overcame the self-proclaimed "MAGA candidate" in the Republican primary, and campaign operatives pointed to Kiggans as a "disciplined" candidate focused on kitchen table issues.

Her message also tied Luria to Biden and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as Luria herself campaigned on her role on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and called Kiggans an election denier. Kiggans shied away from explicitly repeating Trump's false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, but she refused to publicly reject them.

Zip codes donating the most money to Donald Trump Zip codes donating the most money to Donald Trump #50. 25276 (Spencer, West Virginia) #49. 53578 (Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin) #48. 61046 (Lanark, Illinois) #47. 18972 (Uppr Blck Edy, Pennsylvania) #46. 78124 (Marion, Texas) #45. 96027 (Etna, California) #44. 80807 (Burlington, Colorado) #43. 89501 (Reno, Nevada) #42. 2898 (Wyoming, Rhode Island) #41. 33042 (Cudjoe Key, Florida) #40. 10162 (New York, New York) #39. 53583 (Sauk City, Wisconsin) #38. 33480 (Palm Beach, Florida) #37. 98281 (Point Roberts, Washington) #36. 68638 (Fullerton, Nebraska) #35. 82730 (Upton, Wyoming) #34. 28594 (Emerald Isle, North Carolina) #33. 21874 (Willards, Maryland) #32. 37215 (Nashville, Tennessee) #31. 2199 (Boston, Massachusetts) #30. 42544 (Nancy, Kentucky) #29. 72137 (Rose Bud, Arkansas) #28. 85377 (Carefree, Arizona) #27. 76453 (Gordon, Texas) #26. 97623 (Bonanza, Oregon) #25. 59079 (Shepherd, Montana) #24. 85334 (Ehrenberg, Arizona) #23. 57567 (Philip, South Dakota) #22. 61776 (Towanda, Illinois) #21. 22747 (Washington, Virginia) #20. 54876 (Stone Lake, Wisconsin) #19. 99180 (Usk, Washington) #18. 5456 (Ferrisburgh, Vermont) #17. 51351 (Milford, Iowa) #16. 37356 (Monteagle, Tennessee) #15. 80135 (Sedalia, Colorado) #14. 62535 (Forsyth, Illinois) #13. 54437 (Greenwood, Wisconsin) #12. 80833 (Rush, Colorado) #11. 62711 (Springfield, Illinois) #10. 38076 (Williston, Tennessee) #9. 22967 (Roseland, Virginia) #8. 52142 (Fayette, Iowa) #7. 59922 (Lakeside, Montana) #6. 84774 (Toquerville, Utah) #5. 76578 (Thrall, Texas) #4. 13417 (New York Mills, New York) #3. 57384 (Wolsey, South Dakota) #2. 55974 (Spring Grove, Minnesota) #1. 53577 (Plain, Wisconsin)
A broken water pipe at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on Friday impacted 600 inmates in four minimum-custody housing units, according to a release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Portable restrooms and bottled water were brought to the penitentiary for those affected, according to the release.

Nebraska State Penitentiary warden Michele Wilhelm said water was restored Saturday afternoon.

"Admittedly, that will depend on identifying the initial break and ensuring no other leaks happen as the water is restored, which can sometimes occur with older pipes," Wilhelm said.

Nebraskas top corrections official made a pitch in February for lawmakers to finally sign off on building a new $335 million prison.

Diane Sabatka-Rine, interim director for the Department of Correctional Services, said the deterioration of the Nebraska State Penitentiary and the rising cost of construction mean the long-discussed project needs to move forward.

The 1,512-bed prison has been proposed as a replacement for the aging penitentiary, where a major water leak in one housing unit forced the relocation of 140 men in November. A similar leak last year left the Lincoln prison without running water for nearly two days.

Sabatka-Rine said such problems are likely to be repeated in a facility that includes the oldest buildings in the state prison system. The penitentiary is designed to hold 818 people, but currently houses about 1,200 men in maximum-, medium- and minimum-security units.

Photos: 1955 siege of the Nebraska State Penitentiary prisonriot1955006 prisonriot1955011 prisonriot1955008 prisonriot1955001 prisonriot1955010 prisonriot1955005 prisonriot1955009 prisonriot1955002 prisonriot1955003 prisonriot1955004
Cebu (CNN Philippines, March 13)  Culling of pigs in Carcar City in the Metro Cebu area was halted as the provincial governor doubts about an African Swine Fever (ASF) infection in the area.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said the province will come up with its own procedures in determining ASF infection and how it is managed, even if the Department of Agriculture (DA) has existing policies.

She said there was no massive death of pigs in Cebu, adding that the infection in Carcar may have just been "common swine fever or common swine cholera" which are not as deadly to hogs.

"I said. Okay immediately stop the culling," Garcia said in an interview on Monday after her meeting with mayors and other concerned agencies such as the DA and the National Meat Inspection Agency.

"We will now do our own policy as what we did during COVID-19 where we found that some of the policies that were being imposed upon the hapless population which included the poor who could not speak out and which made no sense to me at all, who saw the situation on the ground," Garcia said.

A total of 141 pigs were culled in Carcar since the supposed detection last week of the ASF and upon the direction of the DA.

Garcia said tests conducted in the city, which yielded positive results for ASF, were done inside a slaughterhouse and not in the farm. She said there is no way now of knowing whether the animal manifested symptoms.

The governor said cholera and ASF have similar symptoms.

For the next seven days, Garcia said there is no culling of pigs in the province.

She also ordered the Provincial Veterinary Office to look for other methods to test for ASF and that tests should be done only to pigs that show symptoms in the farms. There should also be a spleen test, she added.

Disinfection of backyard hog farms shall also be imposed while transport of pigs out of Carcar continues to be restricted.

Garcia said she will defy the DA policy to protect affected Cebuanos who are already seeking help when healthy pigs are culled.

"I will always stand for Cebu and I will always stand up for the Cebuanos. I am not accountable to people from Manila, I am accountable to the Cebuanos that voted me into this office," Garcia said.

"Now I know that the people being burdened are not the rich hog farms, but those who hope to afford to send their children to school or have a better life because of their backyard farming and even those who make livelihood out of their lechon," she added.
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals last week affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the parents of an Omaha bar owner who killed himself after being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of a Black man during unrest in May 2020.

In a ruling two years after protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police officers, U.S. District Judge John Gerrard dismissed David and Glenda Sue Gardner's lawsuit alleging their son, Jake Gardner, killed himself because authorities had violated his constitutional right to a fair trial.

"Gardner's parents are undoubtedly bereaved, and, of course, they have every right to be. The events that led to this case were tragic for Gardner's family and for (James) Scurlock's, and the loss of a child is devastating under any circumstances. But not all tragic circumstances ultimately lead to legal liability. This is one of those instances," Gerrard ruled in May.

After Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine reviewed the evidence in Scurlock's shooting death May 30, 2020, and decided not to charge Gardner, who shot Scurlock while allegedly protecting his business from rioters. Instead, Kleine deferred the case to a grand jury.

Led by special prosecutor Fred Franklin, the grand jury ultimately charged Gardner, 38, with manslaughter.

His parents appealed Gerrard's decision.

In a one-paragraph decision Thursday, Judges David R. Stras of Minnesota, Bobby E. Shepherd of Arkansas and Ralph R. Erickson of North Dakota, said simply: "Following a careful review, we conclude that the district court did not err in dismissing the case."
THE MINI: Too many of our elected County Board members seem unaware that the assessed value of property has nothing to do with the size of our
SAN DIEGO  When U.S. officials at the U.S.-Mexico border stamped the Ukrainian passports of Mariia and her daughter last April and gave them permission to stay for a year, she figured she would return home within months.

Now with that year almost up and the war that caused them to flee still raging, their permission to stay in the U.S.  known as humanitarian parole  is set to expire April 23.

"The word 'worry' doesn't capture what I'm feeling," said Mariia, who spoke through an interpreter and asked that only her first name be used over concerns that speaking publicly would hurt their immigration case. "This is something that frightens me, mainly because of my daughter and my daughter's future."

The 46-year-old woman and her daughter, now 13, are among 20,000 Ukrainians in a similar situation, according to resettlement agencies. Most arrived to the United States at its southern border after fleeing to Mexico, where it was easier and faster to get a visa in the first months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mariia's parole is tied to her work permit, enabling her to earn a living as a nanny, and makes her eligible for food stamps and other public assistance. Her husband flew to the U.S. to join them in July and received humanitarian parole for two years.

The Biden administration said it is working on a fix but so far issued no official guidance on what Ukrainians should do, according to advocates helping the Ukrainians. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.

Jewish Federations of North America, which provided support for the agency that helped Mariia's family get settled, is among the organizations that have written to the Biden administration to quickly renew humanitarian parole for Ukrainians.

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, said people are scrambling to figure out what to do. One option would be to apply for asylum, but a war doesn't necessarily qualify someone for that.

"Even short-term solutions like individual parole extensions are unclear since there's no uniform guidance, which leads to delays and confusion," she said.

Some Ukrainians have considered returning to the U.S. border crossings where they entered to ask for an extension, but that leaves the decision up to the port director, O'Mara Vignarajah said. It can also be expensive to travel and requires time off work, advocates said.

Some have been told by officials to write across the top of the government's parole form "Re-Parole," since there is no option to check for an extension, according to advocates.

"It highlights how ad hoc the process is," O'Mara Vignarajah said. "These requests often go unanswered or are transferred to different agencies, and because there is no clear process in how to handle them, sometimes they are simply denied."

The government turned to humanitarian parole as a quick fix to deal with the fallout from the many world crises that have occurred as the U.S. refugee system that was dismantled by the previous administration was being built back up. Now numerous groups are facing their permission to remain in the United States expiring in coming months, including tens of thousands of Afghans.

"Humanitarian parole was never meant to be over relied on at the expense of refugee resettlement or asylum protections," said Meredith Owen of Church World Service.

Liliia Lukianchuk, a Ukrainian mother of four, applied for asylum with the help of Lutheran Social Services, but she and her husband have not gotten an answer. Their parole expires April 16, and it is tied to her husband's mechanic job in Jacksonville, Florida, where they live. She fears that if they're sent back, her 17-year-old son will end up on the front lines as a solider.

"Of course, I'm worried because the worst-case scenario would be to be returned to Ukraine, but I have to be strong for my family," she said through an interpreter.

Mariia and her daughter arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border after trying to settle in four different countries. The lines at Poland's border were too long. In Hungary, they could find a hotel room for only one night at a time and were told by locals that the government was not in favor of hosting Ukrainians.

They went on to Belgium, where many Ukrainians were arriving, but the local school had no room for her daughter. In Spain, they were told it would be difficult to find work and an apartment. That's when Mariia decided to go to the United States and was told Mexico was the best way.

Jewish Family Services of Greenwich helped her find a job, enroll her daughter in school and get settled in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Mariia said only recently did she and her daughter start feeling hopeful about rebuilding their lives.

"To be honest, the first five months, my eyes to that were closed. My primary goal was to just make sure my child was OK, to calm her down and reassure her that she was safe," she said.

Photos: Ukrainian refugees safe, but not at peace Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees APTOPIX Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees
Chicagos mayoral primary, which cost Lori Lightfoot her job last month, has already been sanded down into an object lesson in how high crime will lose Democrats elections. But it was clear, even on election night, that the story wasnt nearly so tidy.

Look at the Chicago map, and youll note that people who live in high-crime neighborhoods voted overwhelmingly for Lightfootand not for front-runner Paul Vallas, who had the endorsement of the police union. Conversely, if the Paul Vallas Zonethe wedge of Chicago running north and northwest from the Loop whose 1.3 million residents rejected the mayorwere a city, it would be one of the safest big cities in the country, with a murder rate just a tick above the national average.

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In other words, Chicagos mayoral election offers another illustration of the dynamic observed in the 2022 midterms, in which the people least affected by crime support the most-aggressive pro-police politicians. Why different voters have different responses to crime is not rocket science: Lightfoot and her voters are Black; Vallas and his voters are white. In a WBEZ/Sun-Times poll from last month, Black Chicagoans were almost twice as likely to feel unsafe (84 percent) as their white neighbors (49 percent)but white Chicagoans were twice as likely (61 percent) as their Black neighbors (30 percent) to say that crime was the top issue affecting the city.

The more interesting question is how voters in the Vallas Zone got so worried about crime in the first place. The Vallas Zone doesnt exist just in Chicago; its a state of mind occupied by a much larger group of American voters whose concern about violent crime has become a major force in electoral politicseven as their own neighborhoods remain mostly unaffected, in a context where most violent crime is at or near a 30-year low. It goes all the way up to President Joe Biden, who has decided to overrule D.C.s criminal code reform, after a panic about the maximum sentence for armed carjacking being a mere 24 years in prison. In a debate last week over whether to preempt the local bill, GOP Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said the District no longer belongs to the people. The city now belongs to the criminals.

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There are plenty of explanations for this overcooked rhetoric. First, violent crime may be flat overall, but murders have risen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which Im aware is like saying dinner was great except for the main course. Nationally, murders are up by almost 30 percent since 2019a similar rate of increase to Chicago (43 percent) and D.C. (30 percent). Second, theres nothing odd about people personally unaffected by crime being worried about it. In fact, it is just this fear, of slipping from the suburban lifestyle dream to worse than Afghanistan, that motivates so much of conservative politics. Third, most of the country is locked in a media crime narrative cycle driven by ubiquitous phone cameras that makes the TV-news adage of If it bleeds, it leads look quaint. (If there are pics, it clicks.) On Fox News and social networks, hate crimes, shoplifting, and anything involving an undocumented perp is a viral news cycle unto itself. (If it offends, it trends!) Finally, some older Americans seem to have tragically lost the ability to process new memories of city life, their hippocampi zapped by a cellphone video of teenagers stealing North Face jackets in the summer of 2020.

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The most likely explanation, I think, is that American cities have experienced some very prominent signs of disorder since the pandemic that dont show up in crime data: homeless encampments, people in visible mental distress, public drug use, deranged driving, smoking on trains, turnstile hopping, rats, shuttered storefronts, empty streets. Rightly or wrongly, these elements of the urban landscape send signals of a society in decline that are more powerful than arcane debates about shoplifting data. And weve decided to group all this social breakdown in with the homicide surge under the umbrella of crime, a categorization that is sometimes inaccurate (homelessness isnt a crime) and mostly counterproductive (police dont build homes).

This disjointed relationship between violent crime, civic disorder, and public concern isnt new. In fact, its at the core of the theory that has shaped American policing for much of the past two generations.

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That a breakdown in everyday social norms might make people irrationally concerned for their safety was the thesis of a famous 1982 essay in the Atlantic, Broken Windows, by the criminologists James Wilson and George Kelling. Kelling later honed his pitch for what became known as the broken windows policing strategy: cracking down on grinding, day-to-day incivilities and minor street offenses that erode the quality of urban life, make people afraid, and create the milieu within which serious crime flourishes.

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There was a sleight of hand in that set of three: Did incivilities really create a milieu for serious crime? Or merely make people afraid?

New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who adopted this policing approach after taking office in 1994, always argued that the answer was both. He instructed the NYPD to arrest the squeegee men who wiped down car windshields at red lights and pursue other anodyne offenses, such as panhandling and playing loud music. Because he oversaw a drop from record highs in felonies like murder and auto theft, Giuliani claimed that thinking small had produced big effects: You cant be too busy to pay attention to those things, he said in his farewell address, because those are the things that underlie the problems of crime that you have in your society. Broken windows policing spread, and William Bratton, who ran the police in New York and Los Angeles, said that Kelling had been the most profound influence on American policing in the last 40 or 50 years.

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But Kelling himself was always a little more circumspect about the point of broken windows. The original essay began with a story of officers on foot patrol in Newark, New Jersey, an experiment that ran counter to the conventional wisdom of the time, because cops on a neighborhood beat would be unable to quickly respond to 911 calls. Sure enough, crime did not fall thanks to this approachit may have even gone up. But residents felt safer and believed that crime had gone down. And that, Wilson and Kelling wrote, was what mattered. In fact, they argued, solving crimes had always been a secondary responsibility of police after keeping order.

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In the 2010s, sociologists began to demonstrate serious doubts about the Giuliani narrative that aggressively policing small crimes stops big ones. New Yorks precipitous crime decline had come after a steep rise, suggesting a reversion to the mean. Crime had fallen in virtually all American cities at the same time. Numbers kept dropping even after one of the supposed cornerstones of the strategy, Michael Bloombergs stop-and-frisk policy, was halted by his successor, Bill de Blasio. The stakes of this debate were heightened by a number of tragedies that broke through the general pattern of racist civil rights abuses, including the suicide of Khalif Browder, who spent 700 days in solitary confinement for allegedly stealing a backpack, and the death of Eric Garner, after he was put in a police chokehold for selling cigarettes. The harms of broken windows policing were clear. But were the benefits all wed been promised?

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Kellings response to that query was surprisingly ambivalent. Even if broken windows did not have a substantial impact on crime, order is an end in itself in a cosmopolitan, diverse world, he told NPR in 2016. Strangers have to feel comfortable moving through communities for those communities to thrive. Order is an end in itself, and it doesnt need the justification of serious crime.

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Disentangling those two problemsurban disorder and violent crimeleads us to some challenging realizations. It raises the confounding prospect that it will not matter, in voters minds, if police succeed in raising their abysmal clearance rates for murder, or if a massive federal investment in violence interruption programs gets results, if they still see someone jump a turnstile on the way to work. In Vox, Rachel Cohen writes that a handful of mayors have explicitly said that their constituents do not care about progress in housing the homeless unless the tent encampments disappear. According to Pew, In 22 of 26 Gallup surveys conducted since 1993, at least six-in-ten U.S. adults said there was more crime nationally than there was the year before, despite the general downward trend in the national violent crime rate during most of that period. (To be very clear, politics arent everything: It will matter to the many people whose lives are affected if more homicides are solved and fewer occur in the first place, and its worth doing anyway.)

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On the positive side, however, it makes you wonder what an enlightened mayor might accomplish by explicitly distinguishing between crime and disorder, focusing police resources on stopping and solving crimes while thinking more creatively about the knottier problem of public norms, knowing what we know now about the harmful legacy of broken windows policing.

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Could a canny leader create cover for criminal justice reform simply by addressing noncriminal disorder? To take the original metaphor, if one broken window leads to more broken windows, why not hire a rapid-response team of glassworkers? Seen through this lens, investments like safe injection sites and mental health clinics are far more likely to make an impact on the sense of public order than ever-present squad cars flashing red and blue.

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The easiest possible solution comes from Jane Jacobs, who argued that the maintenance of urban order depended on nothing more than eyes on the street, a network of stakeholders who felt a sense of ownership over public space and would enforce the norms of civil society through watchful gazes or explicit intervention. Clearly, this is something that has gone missing from many American downtowns during the pandemic. Depopulated public spaces may or may not encourage misbehaviorbut they certainly make it more visible.

Still, the concept comes with baggage. The story Jacobs tells in The Death and Life of Great American Cities is a weird one: A man downstairs from her apartment is in a suppressed struggle to get an 8-year-old girl to walk with him, but she wont move. Neighbors emerge from their shops and their windows to watch. Jacobs: The man did not know it, but he was surrounded. Nobody was going to allow a little girl to be dragged off, even if nobody knew who she was. (Today theyd have their smartphones out.)

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The punchline the famous urbanist delivers next is shocking: I am sorrypurely sorry for dramatic purposesto have to report that the little girl turned out to be the mans daughter. Suddenly, the moral of the story changes: These nosy neighbors are participating in a parents worst nightmare, recasting a humdrum battle with an obstinate kid as societys most sinister behavior.

It puts a cautionary spin on Jacobs famous observation: Public order is a deeply subjective concept, and the pursuit of an orderly city is as prone to bias as the pursuit of a safe one. Isnt a city also supposed to be a place where societys norms can be freely transgressed by people who reject the quiet surveillance of a suburban cul-de-sac?

More substantively, the idea of public orderlike so much in American societyis subject to racial prejudice. In a study of Chicago, Robert Sampson and Stephen Raudenbush note, As the concentration of minority groups and poverty increases, residents of all races perceive heightened disorder even after we account for an extensive array of personal characteristics and independently observed neighborhood conditions.

This race-based sense of order is the buried theme of the neighborhood-level social network Nextdoor, as well as the source of the cultural phenomenon of the Karen, someone with an excessive interest in other peoples behavior, especially a white woman taking an interest in the behavior of her Black and brown neighbors. Its the inescapable context for a handful of ongoing disputes about what kind of behavior breaches the threshold of dangerous disorder in American citiesparades of dirt-bike riders that run red lights on summer days? Cars that play loud music? Even controlling speeding cars has become polarized along these lines. In short, even if we take the necessary step of recognizing that crime and disorder are different problems with different solutions, striving to give voters the sublime city they want could easily turn ugly.

That doesnt mean we shouldnt try to be specific about what, exactly, doesnt sit right about the American city in 2023. But it does suggest that a focus on public order is likely to be fraught, certainly if it involves the police, and possibly even if it doesnt. There are some neutral paths toward a city that feels good to everyone, like clean streets, handsome parks, and pest control, but few objective measures to tell us when weve gotten there. Fighting crimeactual crimecan at least be put down in numbers.
Since 1987, U.S. News & World Report has been ranking law schools. While the law school rankings have been criticized for decades, this year more than 40 law schools have announced they will not participate, and earlier this month, representatives of more than 100 law schools attended a conference to discuss a solution, hosted by Harvard and Yale law schools (the first schools to pull out), and featuring Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

In anticipation of the Harvard-Yale conference, U.S. News, which had been relatively quiet in the face of past criticism, responded ferociously, running a full-page ad in the Boston Globe and a Wall Street Journal op-ed defending the ranking system. In the op-ed, U.S. News executive chairman and CEO Eric J. Gertler suggested that law schools were withdrawing from U.S. News because, in anticipation of the Supreme Courts possible invalidation of affirmative action in admissions, they want to be able to ignore grades and standardized test scores in admitting students, without suffering a drop in their U.S. News ranking.

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But the law school deans efforts to challenge U.S. News is long-standing, contrary to what Gertler suggests in this latest aggressive salvo, which seems aimed at placing U.S. News and the law schools that have withdrawn on opposite sides of a larger culture war. Indeed, deans have been publicly criticizing U.S. News and pushing for it to change its approach for a long timemore than a generation.

My school, Georgetown Law, is one of the schools that withdrew from U.S. News. I decided to do so after personally reaching out to U.S. News repeatedly for a decade, urging them to improve their rankings, without success. I recognize the value of rankings as students try to decide which law school is best for them. The question is not how to end rankings but how to make them more useful.

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If its goal is to help students choose intelligently, U.S. News should make public how it ranks schools so that students know what lies behind the rankings. For example, under the algorithm U.S. News has used in the past, the magazine told its readers that the factor spending per student was only 9 percent of the overall ranking. But scholars who probed the U.S. News data have long recognized that spending per student was, in fact, a dominant factor in how each school was weighed. Rich schools (like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford) had so much money they could rack up points in this area that other schools couldnt come close to achieving. Thus, the top schools every year were always the richest schools. But mere wealth does not determine the quality of legal education or return on investment, the issues that students tell us are their biggest deciding factors.

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Fortunately, in response to the criticism it has received, U.S. News is dropping spending per student from its methodology. But we dont know what will replace it in the algorithm. To provide students with real guidance, U.S. News should make public how schools are evaluated.

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Second, U.S. News should have experts in legal education on the team that determines the nature of the algorithm. Right now, it doesnt. Many of the problems with the rankings have reflected a lack of knowledge about the way legal education works.

For example, U.S. News gives great weight to the median GPA of students in an entering class. But law school admissions people have a more sophisticated understanding of how to approach college grades in determining who will do well in law school. Freshman college grades are a worse predictor of law school success than grades received in the sophomore, junior, and senior years, because freshman grades largely reflect how good your high school is. Different undergraduate institutions have different grading curves. A 3.8 at one school is top of the class; at another, it is nothing spectacular. Science majors are graded more harshly than humanities majors. Experts in legal education know these things, and algorithms can be developed that take these realities into account.

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The solution to the rankings problems law schools are identifying with U.S. News is not to end rankings but to develop several alternative rankings that people can rely on. Business schools have a number of prominent rankingsnot just U.S. News, but Forbes, Financial Times, Fortune, and many others. Some give greater weight to academics, others to the student experience, others to career prospects. Students can look at the various rankings and decide which has the priorities that accord with theirs.

There are a number of international rankings systems that rate American law schoolsthe Times Higher Education World Rankings, the QS World Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. They are worth considering by prospective law students.

But it would be much more powerful if, as they do with business schools, prominent U.S.-based publications started their own law school rankings with different approaches. That would give prospective law students the opportunity to think about which approach reflects their goals. And these new rankings systems should be transparent and include experts on their decision-making team.

Prospective law students understandably rely on rankings as they make their decisions. As an educator, I dont want to end rankings. I want to ensure that they are helpful.
Monday marks three years since the death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Even after four of the officers connected to Taylors death were indicted for making false statements, we continue to learn more about a culture of discrimination and abuse within the Louisvilles Metro Police Department (LMPD). This culture not only created the conditions that ultimately resulted in Taylor being killed, but was also responsible for multiple violations of the civil rights of Black people in Louisville. Last week, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the results of the Department of Justices two-year civil rights investigation into LMPD, concluding that LMPD maintained a pattern or practice of discriminatory conduct on the basis of race and in violation of the federal and constitutionally-protected rights of Black people in Louisville. LMPD officers behavior included violations ranging from the unlawful execution of search warrants without knocking, to using pre-textual traffic stops to conduct unlawful searches, to the use of excessive force, chokeholds, and unlawful detention.

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For many, Garlands announcement and the brutalities uncovered in the investigation are likely to be met with myriad emotions. On one hand, the immediate response is one of anger and frustration that after all of the body cam footage, all of the marches, the hashtags, and harrowing cell phone footage we are again reminded of just how broken American policing is at the systemic level. At the same time, the investigation results may be unsurprising to many who have been paying attention to the LMPD in the years following Taylors death. Of greatest concern, however, might be a sense of apathy for many about what happens next. Garlands press conference also announced that LMPD will enter into a court-enforceable consent decree containing various provisions and mandates for LMPD to be overseen by an independent monitor to ensure compliance. During Democratic administrations, these consent decrees have been a typical federal response to pattern and practice abuses, which raises questions around whether this latest one will yield any sustainable culture change within a police department littered with systemic problems.

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Weve seen this movie before and the results of police department consent decrees remain mixed. In New Orleans, for example, a DOJ investigation resulted in a similar consent decree after a series of officer-involved shootings and dubious investigations. The consent decree created a degree of accountability where none had previously existed and led to legitimate more legitimacy in investigations of officer-involved shootings. Likewise, following the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, a DOJ investigation into the police also found widespread abuse and patterns of racial discrimination against Blacks. Again, a consent decree was entered and six-years later the once all-white police department has a greater number of Black officers within its force, more training, and a greater level of accountability through new vehicles to process citizen complaints. But, there have also been less successful stories involving consent decrees and police departments. For example, in the years following a similar agreement in Albuquerque entered n 2014 community members remain critical of a lack of progress and skeptical of the cost to the city.

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The truth is consent decrees can only go as far as the mandates contained within and only as long as the duration of the agreement itself. Success is often measured by the benchmarks of how much more training is offered, increased percentages of minority hires, and new systems for complaint review and investigations. It is difficult to actually bring down the number of citizen complaints, and equally as challenging to gauge whether the increased training results in the culture change it intends to affect. While consent decrees often impose hard boundaries for improvement, addressing the mindset of officers in a way that helps to chart real culture change is a much harder task. Critically, the Trump administrationand particularly Jeff Sessions Department of Justiceshowed how easy it is for adversarial Republican presidents to block the progress of new consent decrees and short-circuit existing ones. All it will take is for Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump to win the presidency in 20 months and Louisville could be right back where it started.

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Ultimately, an essential element of culture change within any organization is accountability. Even as consent decrees can be effective in creating accountability where none may have previously existed, the judge-concocted doctrine of qualified immunity still remains a significant barrier in holding officers responsible for wrongdoing and providing individual victims in communities substantive redress when their rights have been violated. In Louisville, for example, even as systemic racism was found to exist, the DOJ report was silent on identifying specific officers who would be held liable for various civil rights offenses, including calling Black people in the city monkey and boy. Such outrages are not issues that result from a lack of training and are indicative of a mindset that is hard to uproot. If this feels familiar, it is because it is. The pattern or practice determination in Garlands report is the most significant declaration of its kind, but falls short in this familiar way. Even in Ferguson, the DOJ failed to identify any individual actors as responsible, ultimately leaving community members to try to figure out how to transform a declaration of system-wide abuse into tangible remedies.

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Three years after the horrific killing of Breonna Taylor, the problem of systemic abuses in policing in America remain a fundamental threat to our democracy and must be corrected. Beyond increased training and citizen complaint boards, this imperative beckons a shift from the current police culture of violence and aggression to a true public safety model. Culture change, in any organization, occurs first through leadership and is then maintained through accountability. The penchant to rely on consent decrees as a catalyst in stimulating that culture change is a step in the right direction, but doesnt go nearly far enough.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have resumed diplomatic relations after a seven-year suspension, thanks to mediation by China. Some experts fear this bodes an acceleration of the decline of U.S. influence in the Middle East, in Chinas ascension as a global power, and in Israels isolation. But in fact, Beijings move is, for the most part, a good thing.

There are at least four reasons.

First, the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has sparked proxy wars, terrorist attacks, and other provocations, is the biggest source of possible war in the region. Calming that tension is in U.S. security interests, as well as the interests of all the parties, including Israel.

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Second, Washington currently has no leverage to haul the foreign ministers from Riyadh and Tehran into the same room, much less preside over a subsequent handshake and reopening of each others embassies. If the Chinesewho get along with both countries, owing to a largely mercantile foreign policycan get it done, good for them. Yes, the U.S. and China are rivals in many ways, but we are not in a zero-sum relationship, where one sides gain is the other sides loss. We actually do have a number of common or converging interests; stability in the Middle East is one of them.

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Third, this step, as significant as it is, does not remotely resemble a Saudi-Iranian peace pact. The schism between Sunnis and Shiites will remain the predominant source of conflict in the region. Saudi Arabiaalong with Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirateswill continue to have tense, often hostile relations with Iran. Israel has carved out good relations with those Sunni nations mainly from their common enmity toward Iran. The restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia does not change that. Israel will not be isolated from its Sunni quasi-allies.

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Finally, if China wants to step up and take responsibility for sorting out the biblical tangles of Middle East politics, welcome to our nightmare. The United States should welcome, not lament, President Xi Jinpings dive into the dark side of being a great power.

Another, lesser-noted part of the agreementthe continuation, and possible deepening, of a fragile cease-fire in Yemen, where Iraqi- and Saudi-backed militias have been waging a deadly civil waris an unequivocally positive step. If it holds, it may also reduce Saudi pressure on demanding more arms from Washington as a condition for their continued friendship with us or as a condition of their establishing formal relations with Israel. An unalloyed good thing, all around.

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Nothing in this new development will result in the U.S. getting kicked out of the Middle East. We still have the 5th Fleet in Bahrain, an aircraft carrier and escort ships in the Mediterranean, and some degree of military presence in nearly all the other Sunni states and surrounding areas. Most of those countries also rely on the U.S. for weapons and trade. None of them want us out altogether. And while the Chinese are certainly looking to nudge out U.S. influence in the region, they know they lack the military, economic, or diplomatic strength to supplant us.

But if China proves itself a successful mediator in Middle East conflicts, whats wrong with that? If were stuck with less of the blame for everything that goes wrong in the regionand less of the burden for feeling forced to solve itthen two cheers for Xi Jinping.
After every election cycle, the committee-assignment shuffle begins. This winter, once Democrats secured their 5149 advantage in the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington took over the Appropriations Committee chair position from retiring Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy. That left the top job on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee open for the taking. The Democratic senator next in line to sit in it was Bernie Sanders.

HELP is not the Senates top panel, but at Bernies direction, its hearings are already some of the most anticipated in the chamber. And with Republicans controlling the House and the filibuster still in place, the committee will be mostly about using the bully pulpit, something Sanders delights in more than almost any other Democrat. And now, his first major hearing is set for late March, with his first sparring partner acquired: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

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Sanders has wanted a piece of Schultz for years. In March 2022, the senator sent the CEO a letter demanding he end the union busting and obey the law. In 2019, when Schultz flirted with a run for president, Sanders was blistering about the billionaires political ambitions and about Schultzs opposition to Sanders proposals on taxing the wealthy.

Schultz had previously declined a request to appear before Sanders committee, with Starbucks claiming that because Schultz would soon be stepping down as interim CEO, there was no reason for him to attend. He will remain on the board, he is the CEO today, and he would be the CEO when we invited him  it is clear to everybody that it is Mr. Schultz who sets the policy of that company, Sanders shot back Tuesday, before a committee vote the next day to haul in Schultz via subpoena. Schultz ultimately caved, announcing hed come willingly to be interrogated on March 29.

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In a surprisingly frenzied two-year period of unionization across the U.S., no workplace has featured more prominently than Starbucks. Roughly 290 stores have voted to unionize, making the coffee chain an epicenter of the new labor movement. The national organizing wave has been embraced both by Democrats and an American public that is more positive on unions than at any point in the past 50 years. It has not been cheered by the Starbucks C-suite, though, which has desperately tried to stave off further union drives. Schultz was brought off the sidelines for a third stint as the companys CEO in part to thwart this campaign, becoming the national face of union busting in the process.

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Since Schultz returned, the company has been on the vanguard of union opposition, equal parts innovative and ruthless in repelling further organizing. Zero of the newly unionized Starbucks stores have successfully signed contracts. The union, meanwhile, has brought more than 500 separate charges of unfair labor practices to the National Labor Relations Board, alleging everything from retaliatory firings to store closures. Starbucks has raised wages and improved benefits for nonunion workers, while nearly 200 union organizers have been fired.

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Some of those tactics have run afoul of the law. On March 1, Starbucks was scorched by an NLRB ruling, which detailed hundreds of unfair labor practices and egregious and widespread misconduct demonstrating a general disregard for the employees fundamental rights.

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As Michael Hiltzik noted at the Los Angeles Times, Judge Michael Rosas even ordered Chief Executive Howard Schultz and Denise Nelson, the companys senior vice president for U.S. operations, to read out (or have it read out in their presence) a 13-page statement detailing workers unionization rights, all the ways they were violated and all the remedies he specified.

Sanders is expected to address all these details at length in Schultzs hearing. Will we be very aggressive to hold companies accountable? Sanders asked in an interview with the American Prospect. Yes we will.

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The hearing will also serve as a powerful reminder of how far the Democratic Party has come in its attitudes toward labor in the Biden years.

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The administrations appointments to the NLRB have established a union-friendly 31 Democratic majority on the board, and appointed onetime Communications Workers of America lawyer Jennifer Abruzzo as lead prosecutor. The incoming new labor secretary, Julie Su, has a strong pro-worker track record as well. Biden has been arguably the most vocally pro-union president in 50 years (though his record there is not without some blemishes), personally supporting union drives at places like Amazon and making unions a focal point of his most recent State of the Union. Its an especially dramatic transformation for the nations leading Democrat, given that it was the very same Howard Schultz who was reportedly in line to be secretary of labor in a Hillary Clinton administration, as Axios reported.

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And now Sanders, who is owed quite a bit of credit for fomenting Bidens pro-union awakening, will get his own crack at the action. The senator has already put more of an emphasis on the L in HELP than any other chair of the committee in recent memory.

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Schultz wont be the only corporate executive or billionaire Sanders drags in for questioning. Already, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel has agreed to come testify before HELP in March after his company announced plans to surge prices on the COVID vaccine. Bancel is coming willingly for a hearing titled Taxpayers Paid Billions for It: So Why Would Moderna Consider Quadrupling the Price of the COVID Vaccine? After a Sanders-led pressure campaign, the company has since backtracked on its plans, but that still didnt get Bancel off the hook.

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While the rest of this terms lineup remains unannounced, it would not be a surprise to see multiple insurance and pharmaceutical executives land in the Sanders hot seat shortly.

Meanwhile, Republicans on the HELP committee are already grumbling. Republican Bill Cassidy recently complained that the GOP senators on the committee should be more involved in the committees work, and lamented that Sanders was threatening long-standing bipartisan comity, per Politico, by moving quickly and without their input. HELP has not recently been the place where corporate executives go to get their comeuppance.

For the next two years, with a divided Congress and a narrow majority in the Senate, Sanders committee hearings could be the closest thing the Democrats have to must-watch TV. Thats great news for a party that struggles with messaging, and for anyone interested in seeing Americas richest, most powerful, and most exploitative executives squirm.
On Friday, District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who is among the most reactionary of former President Donald Trumps appointees, signaled a desire to conduct the judicial process around a momentous decision before him with the shades drawn. According to the Washington Post, Kacsmaryk scheduled for Wednesday a hearing on his case to decide the future of the abortion pill, but sought to delay putting it on his public calendar until Tuesday to avoid public attention and possible protest.

Transparency is among the most important features of our judiciary. Sunlight, Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis wrote before joining the court, is said to be the best disinfectant. Decades later, Chief Justice Warren Burger applied that principle to the courts: The crucial prophylactic aspects of the administration of justice cannot function in the dark.

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Dimmed light may be what Kacsmaryk prefers as he conducts his judicial process, but the outcome in this fraught actionwhich anti-abortion groups maneuvered into his courtroomwill not escape the peoples attention. The hyper-right Texas judge is expected to rule that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration improperly approved mifepristone, one of the pills in two-part medication abortions, a full 22 years ago. It has been safely used ever since.

Whats worse is that most observers think Kacsmaryk will issue an injunction halting the distribution of the drug, including in states where abortion is legal. That would exceed what the Supreme Court did in last Junes Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade but at least leaving womens reproductive rights intact in states that opt to respect them.

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The problem here goes beyond a single hearing, or even this single case. The real issue is systemic. Far-right groups have created a judicial pipeline to predictable triumph in one culture war battle after another: from Kacsmaryk in the plains of the Texas panhandle, to the hyperconservative U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, to the radically stacked majority on the Trump-packed U.S. Supreme Court. One Amarillo-based judge with carte blanche, virtually certain his extreme views will prevail on appeal, is apparently planning to curtail abortion access across the country.

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Whats happening is not mere judge-shopping, as many have called it. That term is traditionally used to describe an individuals search for a nearby court inclined to rule favorably.

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By contrast, here theres a coordinated national strategy, enabled by a district court federal bench, to bring right-wing legal causes into a single courtroom where a favorable result is a sure thing and where fair-minded appellate review has also been hijacked.

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Lets start with the local bench. In 1988, Congress left an easily closed loophole in the procedure for assigning cases to federal judges that made such gaming of the system possible. In July 2019, the judges of the Northern District of Texas took advantage of that loophole. They issued a special order funneling to Judge Kacsmaryk every case filed anywhere in the 25,914-square-mile area of the Amarillo Division in which he sits.

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Groups throughout the country sharing his religious-political ideology have found it easy to establish a plaintiffs residence within that sprawling 26-county region. Their goal is to ensure that test cases they design will land on his desk, even though the real forces behind the suit are national or global in reach.

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Consider the anti-abortion groups that brought this case to Kacsmaryk. They know he previously worked at the First Liberty Institute, a Christian conservative litigation operation that opposes womens reproductive freedom. Before Kacsmaryks appointment to the bench, he wrote that the erotic desires of liberated adults had taken priority over marriage and the unborn child.

And so national antireproductive rights organizations homed in on his judicial fiefdom. The complaint in the abortion pill case says that the named plaintiff, the Alliance of Hippocratic Medicineincorporated just months before filing suitis based near Amarillo. Rolling Stone reports that its mailing address is actually in Tennessee, but that is no impediment to gaining access to Kacsmaryks Texas courtroom due to the loophole that Congress left open and that conservatives are driving their truck through.

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Kacsmaryks views on abortion fit neatly into his right-wing political cosmology. Before this suit was filed, he held that the Affordable Care Acts prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex does not cover sexual orientation. That case was brought by lawyers for former Trump aide Stephen Millers America First Legal Foundation, a group based in Washington, D.C., that also found easy access to Kacsmaryk.

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He also vacated the Biden administrations protections for transgendered persons under Title VII. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton brought that case in Amarillo, even though its 496 milesa seven-hour drivefrom Austin, where Paxtons main office is located. Never mind that theres a federal district court for the Western District of Texas in Austin.

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That so transparently unprincipled a course is being charted by the newly emboldened ideological juristocrats is a tragedy for human rightsas well as for the broad public respect essential to an independent judiciary and therefore to the rule of law. The nation could easily get stuck in the judicial trench the right wing is digging by way of a single courtroom.

Getting out will take persistent organizing effort within our political system. We need to elect a Congress that will exercise its authority to modify federal court jurisdiction. We need a Congress willing to pass a bill that says, No more single-judge district courts where parties on either side of the aisle can handpick extremist judges to manipulate national policy.

Given the extent to which its conservative forces are taking advantage of the loophole, any reform will require that Democrats win a trifecta in 2024election of a majority in both houses of Congress, including a Senate that is willing to reform the filibuster, and a president committed to the vision of a more perfect union of individual rights.

To be sure, pulling it off is a long shot. But its an imperative if we are to keep an ideological juristocracy from destroying our freedom.
(CNN)  At least eight people have died after two smuggling boats capsized near the shore of Black's Beach in San Diego County, California, officials said.

Authorities responded Saturday around 11:30 p.m. local time after someone on one of the panga boats, a type of small fishing boat powered by an outboard motor, called 911 to report victims in the water, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The 911 caller, a Spanish-speaking woman, reported two boats had overturned near the Torrey Pines City Beach access route to Black's Beach, said James Gartland, lifeguard chief for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, during a Sunday news conference.

Lifeguards, US Customs and Border Patrol and the US Coast Guard were sent to the beach where one boat, carrying eight people, made it to shore, while another panga boat, carrying 15, "overturned in the surf," said Capt. James Spitler, sector commander for the US Coast Guard in San Diego.

"We arrived in rescue mode. We did the best we could to recover people from the water, try and find survivors," Gartland said. "The lifeguards, after about an hour of searching and recovering bodies, we were in recovery mode for about five hours after that."

The first rescuers could not access the beach because of the high tide and had to wade through "knee to waist deep water," the fire department noted.

Both boats were capsized when rescuers and federal agents arrived at the scene, Gartland said. All eight of those killed were adults, according to Gartland, and their nationalities were not certain.

As rescuers entered the water, "they started to see the bodies of victims who had drowned, and they started pulling people in, and they also saw some folks washed up on shore," Gartland told CNN.

It's not clear which boat the victims came in or what caused the boats to capsize. Weather conditions were foggy, and it was pitch black with little visibility when they overturned, said Gartland. Some of the passengers died on the beach and others died in the water.

Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, the US Coast Guard said it suspended the search for any survivors, "pending further developments." It is unclear how many migrants might be still missing.

Human trafficking in region has spiked, chief says

The area where the boats capsized is hazardous due to a series of sandbars and inshore rip currents that can "pull you along the shore and then back out to sea," Gartland said.

Gartland told CNN none of the victims found at the scene were wearing a life jacket.

"It's a world-class surf break here in San Diego," Gartland said. "But with all the storms we've had over the winter, there's a lot of inshore holes and the rip currents pull very strong, so usually the passengers are wearing a life jacket."

The chief said the passengers might have landed on a sandbar before stepping in one of the inshore holes, adding, "... if you are not a strong ocean swimmer, certainly in the middle of the night with those temperatures, it's a very scary, harrowing and obviously deadly experience."

Spitler called the incident a "tragedy" and said human trafficking incidents in the Southern California coastal region have increased significantly since 2017. Since 2021, 23 people have died at sea in the region, the captain said.

"This is not necessarily people trying to find a better life," Spitler said, referring to the migrant boats. "This is part of a transnational criminal organization effort to smuggle people into the United States. These people are often labor trafficked, and sex trafficked when they arrive."

In May 2021, three people died after a boat hit a reef and broke apart near the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, San Diego. Thirty-three people were pulled out of the water, including the bodies of the victims.

Gartland offered his condolences to the victims' families, saying, "This is the one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies that I can think of in California. Certainly, here in the city of San Diego."

Lifeguards initially only spotted seven bodies, but then found another with assistance from the US Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations, the department said.

The bodies were transferred to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office, fire department officials said.

This was first published on CNN.com, "At least 8 dead after two boats capsize in San Diego County, California."
Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan went to Stanford Law School looking for a fight, and he got one. The ultraconservative judge, a Donald Trump nominee, ostensibly visited the campus on Thursday to talk about COVID, guns, and Twitter at an event sponsored by the Stanford Federalist Society. But once in the classroom, he immediately faced protesters who shouted questions about his hostility to civil rights, especially LGBTQ equality. Duncan came prepared, striding into the room with his camera out to film the event so he could make a record of their demonstration. After an administrator and a student leader quieted the protesters, the judge skipped his speech and moved directly to Q&A. He then insulted various students (you are an appalling idiot, the judge told one) while refusing to engage with their questions. After departing, the judge embarked upon a conservative media tour, declaring that the coddled law students behaved like dogshit and urging Stanford to discipline them.

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Duncan got the attention he so obviously wanted, drawing instant support from GOP senators and Fox News. He emerged as a folk hero on the right, the audacious judge who punched back at crybullies on the left who tried to silence his free speech. Yes, his behavior was injudicious; that was the point. The judge has likely concluded that conducting himself like a truculent provocateur will increase his odds of advancing to the Supreme Court under a future Republican president.

This calculation is perfectly rational. Duncan is far from the only Trump nominee who is currently auditioning for SCOTUS. At Stanford Law, the judge saw an opportunity to brandish his demagogic bona fides. Nobody should be surprised that he ran with it.

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Before turning to the strategic element of Duncans very public tantrum, its worth clearing up some misinformation about the event. The initial narrative was heavily shaped by a video and accompanying Twitter thread posted by Ed Whelan, a conservative commentator best known for falsely accusing one of Brett Kavanaughs classmates of sexually assaulting Christine Blasey Ford on the basis of Zillow floor plans. At the start of Whelans video, it sounds as if progressive protesters shouted down Duncan (in Whelans words), preventing him from delivering prepared remarks.

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As multiple firsthand accounts and videos demonstrate, that is not what happened. In reality, at the start of those remarks, the protesters peppered the judge with questions and criticisms but did not drown out his speech. Instead, a frustrated Duncan asked for an administrator to step in to tamp down the heckling. At that point, Tirien Steinbach, the associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion (and a Black woman), approached the judge. In the video, it appears he did not recognize that she was the administrator he had requested; Youre an administrator? he asked. Students began shouting to explain to the judge that Steinbach was an administrator (and that is when Whelans video begins). Reluctantly, Duncan let Steinbach speak. She told the students that she agreed with their criticisms of Duncan, but that they had to let him express his views. (Duncan responded that she had participated in a setup.) Steinbach also invited protesters to leave if they wanted to, and many exited. Videos reviewed by Slate show that a student leader of the protests then asked the audience to stay silent so Duncan could talk. They did.

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The judge, however, decided he no longer wished to deliver his prepared remarks, and instead moved straight to a Q&A. Students responded with harsh but important questions about his jurisprudence, especially his adamant refusal to use a transgender litigants preferred pronouns. Duncan dismissed many of the questions and responded to others with insults. (For instance, he accused the protesters of asking When did you stop beating your wifetype questions.) Finally, he prematurely cut off Q&A and left.

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Heres another highlight (lowlight) from Stanford, when US Court of Appeals Judge Kyle Duncan told a student, You are an appalling idiot, youre an appalling idiot. (Video obtained by @lawdorknews.) pic.twitter.com/qekHuJLn4o  Chris Subscribe to Law Dork! Geidner (@chrisgeidner) March 12, 2023

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As Duncan told legal commentator David Lat, he knew his speech would be protested. Thats why he walked into the school with his phone out, recording student protesters (and taking care to get close-up shots of their faces). As one source told Lat, Duncan looked more like a YouTuber storming the Capitol, than a federal judge coming to speak. This source expressed surprise that the judge did not prepare himself to stay composed. But videos of the event, combined with Duncans behavior on the bench so far, strongly suggest that he did prepare himselfnot to stay composed, but to belligerently insult the protesters with schoolyard taunts.

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Recall that this man made his way to the bench by being a professional bully. Before his elevation to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018, Duncan tried to revoke gay parents rights over their adopted children, defended same-sex marriage bans, and fought against the rights of transgender schoolchildren. He condemned the constitutional right to same-sex marriage as a license to persecute churches and an abject failure, warning that it imperils civic peace. (Asked about the civic peace comment on Thursday, Duncan gestured toward the largely LGBTQ audience, as if they proved him right.) In his current position, he wrote a cruel, petty opinion misgendering a trans litigant while mocking the very notion of gender identity and preferred pronouns. Duncan has consistently voted with the most radical bloc on the far-right 5th Circuit; in one particularly notorious case, he sought to force the military to deploy unvaccinated SEALs over their commanders objections. (The Supreme Court soon overruled him.)

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In 2023, none of that is necessarily enough to place Duncan on the shortlist for the next GOP presidents Supreme Court nomineeparticularly if that president turns out to be Trump. Several of his fellow Trump nominees on the 5th Circuit are outflanking him: James Ho fills his opinions with rants against abortion, gun control, woke corporations, cancel culture, and other conservative hobbyhorses of the moment; he also launched a headline-grabbing boycott of clerks from Yale Law School. Duncans and Hos 5th Circuit colleague Andrew Oldham has become a vociferous critic of Big Techs alleged silencing of conservative voices and a law-and-order zealot. Over on the 9th Circuit, Judge Lawrence VanDyke has accused his liberal colleagues of playing dirty, declared that they should be embarrassed for siding with immigrants, mocked them for caring about mass shootings, compared them to criminals with rap sheets, and likened them to a sullen kid who spits in the cookie jar after being caught red-handed.

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This outrageous conduct may seem shocking to those who expect judges to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct by behaving with humility and restraint (and by treating their colleagues with basic dignity). But as attorney Matthew Stiegler noted on Monday, these jurists are making a rational calculation. Writing careful, serious opinions is no longer a viable path to SCOTUS. The conservative legal movement is increasingly looking for judges who approach the job with a politicians instinct for ruthless demolition of the opponent. John Roberts style of polite, restrained conservatism is out, jettisoned in favor of brawling, fiery radicalism. Trump and his advisersmost importantly, Federalist Society co-chair Leonard Leochose judges like Duncan because they represent a younger generation of jurists who defend their beliefs with rancor and fury.

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Members of this new guard know what they were put on the bench to do. They are cheered on in conservative media and welcomed as heroes by the GOP. And when a Supreme Court vacancy opens under the Republican president, whether its Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Josh Hawley, or some other demagogue, these judges will be first in line for a promotion. The cycle is already repeating itself: Hard-right Federalist Society judges tend to hire similar-minded clerks, creating a radicalization machine that pushes new conservative lawyers further and further to the extreme. When Federalist Society members in law school pull a stunt like blocking a progressive students graduation or flashing a gun in Zoom class, they are merely emulating their future bosses.

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These developments are the logical result of the Republican Partys longtime mantra No More Souters. Initially, this principle required a record of ideological purity. But that is no longer enough. There are now dozens of appeals court judges who are certain to remain staunch conservatives if lifted up to SCOTUS. What Republicans want now is performative fidelity to the cause: a Trumpian instinct for punching back twice as hard and a total commitment to the whole package of modern conservatism, trolling and gaslighting included. It is not enough for the next GOP justice to be to the right of Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. He must also yearn for a street fight with his ideological foes.

In past opinions and public appearances, Duncan has not exhibited these qualities; he typically comes across as droll and slightly reserved. On Thursday, he rebranded, premiering a far more combative persona whos hellbent on owning the libs. His decision to insult law students like a shameless, juvenile partisan reads like a bid for praise from the Republican power brokers who control judicial appointments. Theres already a crowded field of frontrunners for the next GOP seat on the Supreme Court. But with this provocation, Duncan may have moved toward the front of the pack.
This article is co-published with Zocalo Public Square.

Mental illness haunts me in two different ways. The first surrounds me, living and working in Los Angeles daily. When I see people half naked, lying on the hot sidewalk, on my way to the trendy new coffee house. When I meet parents searching for their missing adult children and being turned away by agencies who can helpbut will notbecause it would be a privacy violation. When I hear of people with untreated mental illness finding themselves locked in claustrophobic jail cells and chained to furniture for the few hours a day that they are allowed out in order to ensure they do not harm themselves or someone else.

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The other haunting also takes place here in Los Angeles, but is a product of my travel to Trieste, Italy, the city that cares. In Trieste, none of these tragedies existand that fact haunts me, in a good way. Recognized by the World Health Organization as demonstrating a global best practice in community-based mental health care, grounded in accoglienza (the Italian word for hospitality), Trieste is a North Star for the world.

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Ever since I first witnessed the human-centered system in Trieste in 2017and I have visited five times now, first on a fellowship and later as an observer for an entire monthI am more convinced than ever that my own city, Los Angeles, is capable of moving toward a true community-based system of care. That is, if we have the political will.

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The current American mental health care system dates back to the 1960s, when the vision to close the mental institutions in the U.S. and build out a community system of care was gaining traction. From L.A. County, we can see clearly the through-line of the abandonment of this vision. After President John F. Kennedy called for a community-based system of care in the U.S. in his last major policy address in 1963, a gradual devolution of authority from the federal government to the state and now to the 58 counties followed, culminating in the 2011 elimination of the California State Department of Mental Health. This moment served as a capstone to the withdrawal of direct responsibility, or accountability for, mental health care from the state.

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California is not alone in this downward slide. Today, Americas mental health system is fragmented, built upon clinical interventions, and tied to a reimbursement system that pays for some useful things but ignores all the life needs of a person in crisis.

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In Italy, I discovered, this same story played out differently. Like the U.S., Italy was involved in the mid-20th-century movement to bring an end to the horrible conditions in asylums and institutions. But unlike the U.S., Italy had a visionary psychiatrist who started a revolution in his country around mental health care that persists to this day.

As a young psychiatrist, Franco Basaglia railed against institutional life, influenced by his World War II imprisonment as a member of the anti-fascist resistance. When he was assigned to head an asylum in the town of Gorizia (in the same province as Trieste) in 1961, he was horrified by the conditions he witnessed. As documented in the excellent book The Man Who Closed the Asylums, Basaglia initiated radical changes that flew in the face of conventional treatment.

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Here are just a few measures he put in place: outlawing restraints, unlocking the wards, instituting meetings between patients and staff, and requiring that the doctors shun their white coats.

By the time Basaglia moved to Triestes asylum in 1971, his democratic psychiatry movement was gathering momentum. Basaglia and his supporters promised recovery for mental patients and pushed for measures to reintegrate people back into the community, where they could connect with family and friends and find meaning through work.

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But he didnt stop there. In 1977, Basaglia moved to close the asylum in Trieste, and the following year, the Italian parliament passed Law 180, known as Basaglias Law, which formally led to the dismantling of the asylum system throughout the country.

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Italys community system of careand the local mental health centers that anchor itcontinues to focus on treatment, recovery, and prevention today. But what struck me most about what I observed in Trieste was a culture that allows people to be treated with human kindness. I was particularly taken by the citys emphasis on supporting a persons life aspirations. Triestes community mental health program does not define people by their mental illness; they understand that a diagnosis is just one piece of information. Housing is integrated into the program, ranging from independent living to supportive family-style arrangements with 24/7 staff support. In a crisis-response situation, community mental health center staff steer people away from the trauma of hospitalization, or worse, incarceration, through short-term housing in a home-like setting managed entirely by peers. Peers play a significant role in the entire system, offering support and the wisdom that can only come from lived experience. The community mental health team also connects people to clubs, associations, and social cooperatives that help them find employment appropriate to their skills and capabilities.

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The current situation in California couldnt provide a starker contrast.

I have yet to meet a person or a family member who can describe a successful story of moving from the onset of mental illness symptoms to treatment, diagnosis, sustained support, and recovery. Instead, they find themselves stuck in a system (or rather, a nonsystem) built upon clinical interventions, tied to a financial model that emphasizes symptom management but ignores the longer-term life needs of a person in crisis.

Other solutions are available to us. In a podcast interview I conducted with Guyton Colantuono, executive director of Project Return Peer Support Network, we discussed the peer respite center, a cost-effective, trauma-informed alternative to hospitalization or jail. He explained that it costs $840,000 per year to run a 12-bed facilitywhich averages out to $295 to $368 per client, per day. By contrast, it costs $2,200 to spend a night in the emergency room of a typical hospital. Yet there are only two peer respite centers in all of L.A. County.

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The guiding principles that are so evident in Trieste dont require a secret handshake to unlock here. It will take the unwavering focus on the needs of the whole personnot just clinical interventions. A commitment to hold systems accountable to people and outcomesinstead of protecting the institutions. A culture shift to practice radical hospitalityas opposed to adhering to positional authority and power dynamics. A belief in every persons ability to recover and the right to pursue a purposeful lifeas opposed to writing off the hopes and dreams of a person with a mental health diagnosis. And a community ethos to foster social inclusionand eschew marginalization and isolation.

This movement for change will require involvement at all levels of governmentlocal, state, and federal. Some might say that is impossible to enact Triestes ethos of care here. But I would counter that it is immoral not to try.

State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health systemand how to make it better.
Firms in Slovakia may face a fine for allowing employees to work from home.

Shared services and business service centres are arranging fun zones to lure employees back to offices. (Source: Courtesy of Takeda)

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When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Slovakias shared service and business service sector adapted quickly, rolling out workfromhome programmes to keep operations running.

But like so many other businesses around the world, companies in the sector here are now moving to get their employees back into offices.

While the productivity and efficiency of shared service and business service centres did not decrease during lockdowns, creativity, speed of problem resolution, idea sharing and relationships did suffer, bosses in the sector have said. Various legislation on office-based working was introduced in response to the pandemic, and regulations still in place today mean that employers cannot force staff to return to the office unless they can show it is necessary.

Executives are employing various strategies to lure people back, including upgrading offices, offering free fruit and coffee to employees, organising yoga and aikido classes, and in some cases even having a massage therapist on hand to help staff unwind if they need to, among others.

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But as Lucia Gogova, Slovakia HR Operations leader & Strategic HR partner at IBM in Slovakia, points out, it is unlikely the offer of free snacks will get people back into workplaces. A banana wont motivate people to go to an office, she tells The Slovak Spectator, they need a full package of benefits. They can meet with people, interact and then go and get that banana, she says.

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Flexibility before Covid

Even before the pandemic, flexible working regimes were well established in the shared services and business service sector. Many companies allowed employees to work from home or from another alternative location within the country, usually for one day a week or a few days a month.
For Tomas Gasperak, preparing a cup of coffee is an art.

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Slovaks can now treat themselves to the same coffee enjoyed by connoisseurs in Australia. A native of Brezno has returned to Slovakia's central Horehronie region after many years in the southern hemisphere.

In the city, which is the gateway to the Low Tatras, he decided to make use of his twenty years of experience roasting and preparing coffee.

Tomas Gasperak, who lived in Australia from the age of eight, opened his first cafe and coffee roastery in Brezno last year.

Here, Gasperak and his wife Michelle and their sons Tomas and Gabriel offer a selection of high-quality coffee of their own Grinders brand to local and visiting coffee lovers.

The interesting thing is that visitors can see how the coffee is roasted right in the cafe.

"I earned the money for my first cafe business at my father's construction site," mentioned Gasperak, who graduated from a business school in Australia. There he met his partner Michelle, who was born in Australia, but whose parents are from the Czech Republic.
A legendary school in Kremnica, central Slovakia, is close to collapse.

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Teachers at two schools in Kremnica operated by Swedish Education Group have not received their paychecks since last year. Along with other school personnel, they are threatening to resign.

Swedish Education Group runs the Private School of Art Industry and the Private Gymnasium in the municipality of Kremnica, Banska Bystrica Region. Its founder's bank accounts are currently blocked as a result of a legal dispute with the regional government. Staff at the two schools are now essentially working for free for the third month in a row, the TASR newswire writes.

We waited to enforce the [legal order against the group] so as not to endanger the students at the schools. The [Banska Bystrica] region only proceeded with the enforcement after the founder himself threatened the teaching process by his irresponsible approach and by non-payment of his obligations, which resulted, for example, in the disconnection of the building from the energy supply and making face-to-face teaching impossible," said Banska Bystrica Self-Governing Region spokesperson Lenka Stepanekova. The founder, Swedish entrepreneur Kemel Benali, said that the region did not recognise the payment of rent as a form of investment in the leased property, as its contract stipulates.

There are only about 20 students attending the two schools, who are all learning online. Both schools occupy a building that lacks proper heating because it was disconnected from the power grid after the founder failed to pay the electricity bills.

The Pravda daily published an interview with one of the teachers affected, who said that some instructors had resigned at the end of February, while others are waiting till the end of March. Those of us who are supposed to be with the students at the written Maturita [school-leaving] exams will do so on March 16. Were ending our employment contract immediately, without a two-month notice period, by reason of non-payment of wages, teacher Juraj Cinkanic told Pravda.

Kremnica is known as the "golden centre" of Europe, for its its long history in the production of gold - and also because the town is located close to one of Europes supposed geographical centres. The towns niche is minting coins; the town has had a working mint since the 14th century. The Private School of Art Industry is focused on sustaining the tradition of working with precious metals. The crafts practised by artistic engravers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and designers are rooted in the towns history and the school was intended to keep these traditions going.

So as to not endanger students, the regional government has prepared curriculums and research at a similarly orientated school to sustain their studies.

The Kremnica school was founded in 1966. Several well-known people studied here, including car designer Jozef Kaban. The school had been run by the Banska Bystrica Region until 2011 when it was handed over to the private owner.
Are we all about to get dirty?

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Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. Ministers faced a pro-Russian crowd. Heger now leads the upcycled Democrats, while Dzurinda starts from scratch. Smer files criminal complaints against opinion writers.

How to talk in front of a booing crowd

There was so much booing and shouting from the audience that the host could hardly hear her guests, and was often forced to improvise. A noisy pro-Russian group that mingled with the crowd during the debate of two government ministers in eastern Slovakia gave an apt example of what a debate with pro-Russian agitators looks like. It begged the question: is it worth talking to such people at all?

Acting Foreign Minister Rastislav Kacer and acting Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad met on stage in the eastern-Slovak town of Michalovce for another in a series of live-streamed debates that the Foreign Ministry started organising under the previous minister, Ivan Korcok, as a channel to communicate with the public. They came to talk about the Russian aggression in Ukraine and its impact on Slovakia, and, as expected, were faced with a crowd that included a loud, pro-Russian element.
Commission assesses implementation of recommendations by Slovakia.

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Slovakia has persistently failed to adopt an action plan and related legislation aimed at enhancing LGBT+ equality, states the new assessment of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), on how the country implemented previous recommendations.

In this connection, ECRI highlights that the October terrorist attack in Bratislava, which resulted in the death of two LGBT+ persons, has been considered as the result of the long-term use of anti-LGBT+ hate speech in political discourse.

Similarly, Slovakia has partly implemented recommendation to provide compulsory pre-school education to young children, including in municipalities with a considerable proportion of Roma children.

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"High time" to adopt action plan

The ECRI notes that though there were several attempts on the part of Slovak parliament and the government to introduce legislation or guidance aiming at enhancing LGBT+ equality in the country, these have failed so far.

For example, earlier in 2022 the Health Ministry adopted guidelines to unify procedures on health care provision for transgender people. However, due to political pressure, the ministry later suspended the application of these guidelines.

This March, the Interim Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky signed the guidelines before his departure from the office. However, the OLaNO party that nominated him announced that they would look into the matter whether Lengvarsky could sign the document. OLaNO head Igor Matovic is known for his transphobic attacks on social media.

After the October terrorist attack, a proposal to introduce "life partnerships" or "cohabiting partnerships" was rejected.

Concerned, the commission also notes that the parliamentary session during which bills or proposals related to the LGBT+ community are discussed, "serve as platforms for political LGBT+-phobic hate speech".

"The ECRI considers that it is high time for the authorities to adopt an action plan on preventing and combating intolerance and discrimination against LGBT+ persons," reads the report.

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Roma children still face adversity

From September 2021, kindergarten attendance has become compulsory for all children aged five. Despite the country adopting several measures and initiatives to increase pre-school attendance, the recommendations have not been fully met.

The ECRI cites insufficient capacities, lack of territorial coverage and understaffing as the main problem. When it comes to Roma children, they moreover face persistent segregation and other barriers to inclusive education.

The report can be found here.
The meeting will take place in Kyiv.

President Zuzana Caputova and Czech President Petr Pavel in Bratislava on March 13, 2023. (Source: TASR)

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Slovak President Zuzana Caputova and Czech President Petr Pavel have said that they intend to travel together to Kyiv in April.

Pavel had expressed the trip as a wish before Czech voters elected him to office on January 28.

Today, on March 13, both heads of state confirmed the plan during their meeting in Bratislava. It is Pavels first official trip abroad. The fourth Czech president in post-November history arrived in the Slovak capital just five days after his inauguration, in accordance with the tradition that the Czech Republic and Slovakia have built up over 30 years of separate existence. Based on the tradition, new Czech presidents head to Slovakia on their first foreign trip and vice versa.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230312/china-plans-to-host-summit-of-persian-gulf-countries-iran-this-year-1108322167.html

China Plans to Host Summit of Persian Gulf Countries, Iran This Year

China Plans to Host Summit of Persian Gulf Countries, Iran This Year

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered the Arab states of the Persian Gulf and Iran to hold a summit in Beijing this year, The Wall Street... 12.03.2023, Sputnik International

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Xi made the proposal at a regional summit in Saudi Arabias capital of Riyadh last December, sources told the newspaper on Sunday, adding that a summit between Iran and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should take place in 2023. According to The Wall Street Journal, China wrapped up a deal to restore relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia on Friday, behind closed doors in Beijing. English was not used during the negotiations, with speeches and documents conducted in Arabic, Farsi or Mandarin. Iran and Saudi Arabia now have two months to agree on the details before reopening embassies. Sources told The Wall Street Journal that Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are expected to meet to seal the deal soon and the GCC summit with China will come "sometime after that." Iran has already agreed not to encourage cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia from Yemen by the Houthi rebels, while Saudi Arabia has agreed to tone down critical coverage of Iran, US, Saudi and Iranian officials told the newspaper.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/african-unions-systems-crashed-by-massive-cyber-attack-report-says-1108346062.html

African Union's Systems Crashed by 'Massive' Cyber Attack, Report Says

African Union's Systems Crashed by 'Massive' Cyber Attack, Report Says

The African Union's systems were crashed following a "massive" cyber attack, according to media report.

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The African Union's systems have crashed following a "massive" cyber attack, according to Ethiopia's The Reporter newspaper.More than 200 corrupted devices were found and cleaned up, while the cloud-based data was secure but unavailable to access, the media alleged.According to a memo written by Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, the "massive cyber-attack" began on March 3 and was followed by an emergency shutdown.The memo likewise reported that the disaster recovery system may recover some of the lost data. All of the affected devices must be cleaned before they can access the internet again, it added.According to several AU employees cited by the media, their work emails and the internet had been unavailable to use for about a week.Despite the fact they did not name the cause of the incident, some pointed to foreign elements, while others said it could have been a virus that got into the AU system when it tried to navigate its way through Ethiopias internet shutdown.AU Systems Under Cyber AttacksEarlier, media reported security breaches in AU systems, with the West accusing China of allegedly being involved in hacking and spying activities in Africa.In 2018, a French newspaper reported that China had allegedly installed listening devices in the AU headquarters that secretly sent data to a computer system in Shanghai each night between midnight and 2 am.Alongside that, in December 2020 there was another report by western media that said China had allegedly secretly redirected surveillance footage from the African Union headquarters located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.All in all, western media said that Chinese activities are allegedly part of a larger pattern to electronically infiltrate key communications channels in Africa.Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, responding to the December 2020 report, said that the allegations were an attempt to harm Chinese-African relations.Moussa Faki, the chairperson of the AU Commission, also reportedly denied any involvement of China in hacking concerning the AU.The current news of a cyber attack comes amid the AU striving to boost its autonomy by reducing its dependence on external actors.On the sidelines of the AU summit, which took place on February 15-19 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the AU's Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye said the United Nations Security Council should acknowledge and correct "historical injustices" affecting Africa.In February this year, Africa Union Commissioner Albert Muchanga also underlined the role of Ethiopia in upholding intra-African trade.In addition, during the opening event of the December 2022 US-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington, DC, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo said Africa would earn global respect and improve the external perception of the continent if it stopped "begging" the West.Before Akufo-Addo's statement, several African financial organizations have called on African nations not to "mortgage their future" to foreign lenders. Thus, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group, advised the continent's countries to be more cautious when borrowing funds  in order to prevent debt crises.Alongside promoting intra-African trade, non-relying on debts provided by foreign financial organizations, and adequate participation of the AU in global affairs, in recent years, many African leaders have been promoting the ideas of pan-Africanism. Earlier this month, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need for African nations to provide their own solutions to African problems. Moreover, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also said in February that Africans must reinvigorate pan-Africanism in order to "articulate and elevate" the African Union.

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(CNN)  North Korea launched two missiles from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend, according to state media, and vowed to take "the toughest counteraction" against the largest joint military drills by the United States and South Korea in years that kick off Monday.

Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said the "strategic cruise missiles" were launched on Sunday morning from a "8.24 Yongung" submarine in the Sea of Japan, also known in Korea as the East Sea. The same vessel was used to test North Korea's first submarine-launched ballistic missile in 2016, CNN previously reported.

The launches Sunday came some 24 hours before Washington and Seoul initiated their springtime joint military exercise on Monday, the biggest war games the two allies have put on in five years.

The 11-day Freedom Shield exercise "will integrate elements of 'live exercises' with constructive simulations," US Forces Korea (USFK) said in an earlier statement.

North Korea reiterated that it will take "the toughest counteraction against the most vicious plots of the US and its followers," KCNA reported Monday.

Pyongyang has issued multiple warnings against the scheduled drill, noting that it is watching "every movement of the enemy and take corresponding and very powerful and overwhelming counteraction against its every move hostile to us," Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said last month.

Tit for tat drills

North Korean missile launches and fiery rhetoric tends to spike when Washington and Seoul hold joint military drills.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said earlier Sunday that North Korea fired at least one unidentified missile from a submarine near the port city of Sinpo in the South Hamgyong province.

KCNA claimed the missiles flew for over an hour, traveling roughly 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) per hour and performing figure-of-eight shaped patterns before "precisely" hitting a target.

The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea "expressed satisfaction" after the drill, KCNA reported.

The US and South Korean intelligence authorities are analyzing the incident, JCS said.

The launch took place three days after North Korea on Thursday fired at least six short-range missiles into the Yellow Sea.

State media reported last week that Kim Jong Un said the artillery units should be prepared for two missions, "first to deter war and second to take the initiative in war, by steadily intensifying various simulated drills for real war."

Pyongyang is conducting its winter training and intelligence authorities in the US and South Korea are monitoring it, South Korea's Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

'Likely only the beginning'

US and South Korean air forces have also been conducting their own regular air exercises.

Last week, a US B-52 bomber was escorted by South Korean fighter jets as it flew into the South's air defense identification zone, USFK said Monday.

The US-South Korea exercises are expected to be the largest the two allies have put on in years, since they scaled back such military displays in 2017 when then-US President Donald Trump tried to offer an opening for North Korea to negotiate an end to its long-range missile and nuclear weapons programs.

That opening has long since closed, with North Korea last year conducting a record number of missile tests while pledging to develop its nuclear program to arm the missiles.

The North's missile testing has slowed in 2023, but tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high.

Analysts see little reason to think things will cool down.

"This is likely only the beginning of a series of provocative tests by North Korea," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said of Thursday's missile firings.

"Pyongyang is poised to respond aggressively to major US-South Korea defense exercises, as well as to President Yoon's upcoming summits with (Japanese) Prime Minister (Fumio) Kishida and (US) President (Joe) 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," Easley said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, 'North Korea fires submarine missiles ahead of largest US-South Korea military drills in years."
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/australia-pukes-up-its-independence-by-purchasing-us-nuclear-submarines-says-scholar-1108352443.html

Australia 'Pukes Up its Independence' by Purchasing US Nuclear Submarines, Says Scholar

Australia 'Pukes Up its Independence' by Purchasing US Nuclear Submarines, Says Scholar

Professor Joe Siracusa, US political expert and dean of global futures at Australia's Curtin University, shared his thoughts on how procuring nuclear submarines may affect Australia.

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This development comes less than two years after the establishment of AUKUS, a trilateral military pact between the US, UK and Australia, which appears to be aimed at containing China.Professor Joe Siracusa, US political expert and dean of global futures at Australia's Curtin University, shared his thoughts on the matter with Sputnik, providing his opinion on how this move may affect Australia and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and whether these vessels might pose a threat to China.Sputnik: Washington and other allied capitals have been abuzz with talk of nuclear submarines since the surprise announcement of AUKUS' creation in September. The new agreement has been met with adulation from the US foreign policy establishment - but what's behind the big words? How likely is AUKUS to deliver nuclear submarines anytime soon?Prof. Joe Siracusa: I think it's a bit of an illusion. I mean, the Australians are really happy to get on board this. They're committed to pay about $200 billion over a 30-year period. And I doubt they're going to receive more than one or two submarines. They're going to be these "Virginia" class submarines, which supposedly are going to be built in Australia, which require thousands of people in the industrial base. They're going to have to train thousands of young men and women to serve on these submarines. I mean, it'll be years and years. But Australia thinks it's acquired sort of a magical weapon, the kind the British had with the Dreadnoughts before the First World War. There's something magical about it. Well actually, there isn't. The Americans will be patrolling the western part of Australia until these ships can come online. Theyll probably initially be used, "Virginia" class submarines, and it's not going to be newish.And the Americans have control over the nuclear propulsion. And then Australians say they're in charge of the sovereignty of the ship. So I've been pointing out today to different people that if you got multinational groups on board a boat and the captain makes a decision to start a war or to engage in combat, there's no discussion. I mean, these ships to me are a very bad choice by Australia. They think they've bought some security. Maybe in the short term it gives them some peace of mind. But there's just no way that this acquisition, even if it ever comes true, is going to stop anybody from doing anything else. You know, generally, selling the Australians nuclear weapons, it's a bit of a con job. The Australian government isn't going to tell their own people what they cost when they're talking about percentage of GNP in the years that go forward. It's kind of like a Ponzi scheme. I'm going to sell you a great nuclear-powered submarine. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I'm going to deliver it and you're going to be paying for it over 30 years.And all the people who've organized this aren't even going to be alive to see it done, you know. They'll either be out of office or they're going to be dead. And so, the Australians are buying a lot of hope here. To me, this suggests a great deal of ignorance, as though these ships would be enough to frighten China. The Chinese, the PLA Navy is not going to lose any sleep tonight over these discussions. Australians have given up something else for the Americans. The Australians think they are leaders in the world of international nuclear nonproliferation. But by acquiring these nuclear-powered submarines, they've broken the spirit and letter of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. And the United States knows this, the Chinese government has correctly objected to this at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. In exchange for breaking the record of international cooperation on nuclear nonproliferation, they're not even going to get a weapon for years and years. And by that time, maybe the leadership in Beijing will change. I mean, the world will have changed. It's extraordinary what they think they've bought into.Sputnik: What are the implications of the AUKUS deal for nuclear non-proliferation?Prof. Joe Siracusa: The Chinese have said quite clearly in interviews with Australians over the last couple of months that they now regard Australia as a nuclear target because Australia is no longer a nuclear weapons-free zone, that is, the Southwest Pacific. So, one of the results is that the Chinese said they will now target Australia with nuclear weapons when the time comes... I mean, Australia has lost its reputation and the Chinese are very angry at Australia and China sees Australia as simply playing in with the Americans as part of this containment policy. So Australia is not going to move forward in the area of improving diplomacy with the Chinese. This is going to put them on the back foot and, of course, the Australians are very dependent on the Chinese to buy their coal and their iron ore and send their international students. I think Australia is going to pay a very heavy economic price to the Chinese as a result of this.Sputnik: Do you believe AUKUS can be a silver bullet when it comes to the Chinese maritime challenge?Prof. Joe Siracusa: Australia would just be part of a group of American and British ships. Canberra, the capital of Australia, is 10,000 miles to Washington and nearly 11,000 miles to London. Beijing is about 5,000 miles. If Australia plies the high seas or goes on patrol in the South China Sea or in the Taiwan Strait, it's far, far away from protecting the lines of communication here or in the homeland. Keep in mind that the parameters of Australia is 12,500 miles in its perimeter; and that's the distance between Sydney and London via Suez Canal. They don't have enough surface ships, they don't have enough anything to protect the country. This country is pretty vulnerable, as a matter of fact. So buying security here is a bit of an illusion.What I don't like is this: they reckon that for years that Australians would be part of American personnel on these ships. So you're going to have these mixed nationalities on these ships and of course, Australians are not going to be telling American captains not to fire or not to start a war, or not to engage the enemy wherever the enemy is. Australia has sort of devolved its sovereignty. They sort of puked up their independence by buying these things. They're not becoming more independent or more self-reliant, they become completely dependent now on the decision of the United States when theyre taking them into war.And of course, this idea of containing China with these ships is also an illusion, because it's just Britain, which is a declining empire, the United States, which is a declining great power, and Australia, which has got about 26 million people on a good day. I mean, these three nations cannot contain anybody between the three of them, as a matter of fact, and the nations that they'll be dealing with in the Pacific area, they've lived with China for thousands of years. They're not going to choose between Beijing and Washington. They're going to try to remain as neutral as possible. So I think the Australians have given up a great deal for very, very little. And this is not a "silver bullet". It's not going to solve any problems. If anything, it complicates Australia's security needs.Sputnik: To what extent, in your view, will the US be able to keep to its commitments given the already existing production issues?Prof. Joe Siracusa: This is very interesting. They keep saying that this is not going to be a burden on American boatyards. I've been following this like everybody else, these American boatyards claim they can build between 1.6 and 2.2 "Virginia" class submarines every year. There are about 23 more to go on the books. Australia wants five submarines from the United States. They're not going to get new ones, they're going to get used ones; theyre going to get the ones the Americans discard, probably. And then the Australians are going to build another three or four submarines with a British design and American technology here in Australia, in Adelaide. They expect thousands and thousands of jobs. This is never going to materialize.I've heard that in the past, a lot of Australian submarines have been sidelined because they can't get enough Australians to serve as submariners. They can't pass a psychology test. Australians aren't used to being cooped up in submarines. They're not a great maritime nation. They're a great war-fighting nation. If Australia is remembered for anything, it's remembered for its army and a little bit for its air force, but not for its navy, it's not a great sea power and it doesn't have that great tradition. I think they bought themselves a white elephant here, for all this money. And of course, to do this they had to break a contract with the French on diesel submarines. And that cost them about, I think, $380 million to break the contract and a great deal of travail with Macron, etc.I think Australians haven't thought very clearly about this, and I must say this too: I've been here 50 years, I'm 78 years old and Australia has not produced any deep thinkers or grand design or grand strategy people. They are not thinking in terms of the big picture, they're thinking in terms of the short term, they're thinking in terms of jobs for people, they're thinking in terms of joining the Americans, because it's the easiest thing to do. I mean, Australia is not really stretching its independence there very much. They're just siding up with the Americans and of course, the Americans as a result of this, they're going to be doing more patrols. They're going to have more rotational groups here in Australia. They're going to have more American troops on Australian soil, B-52 bombers and all the rest of it.And sure, Australia has become what it always has been, sort of an aircraft carrier for the United States, this beautiful continent in the middle of nowhere where the United States can then work from. I don't think this AUKUS has solved any problems. I woke up one day and saw on television here that we had the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, and we had Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, and we had Joe Biden talking about this new arrangement. This was not discussed in Australian politics. This is a decision made by seven people in a room on a Sunday afternoon about which way to take the country. And this upsets a lot of people. I'm willing to bet that there is a lot of blowback on this.It's going to boomerang on the Australian politicians. There are going to be a whole lot of people who don't want to pay this kind of money for very dubious protection in the future. There's going to be a lot of pushback. At the end of the day, the Australians are probably going to regret this. In the short term theyve bought themselves a little bit of happiness. People are really excited about this. They don't know what it's going to cost. They don't know when these ships are going to arrive and they don't know what they do. These are attack submarines, and who are they going to attack? I mean, are these aimed against China? China is not going to attack anybody unless they are attacked. And my fear is this: there's so much ignorance about great power politics in this neck of the woods that Australia is going to get themselves involved in a fight in which they cannot get out of. So I think they have gone into this blindly.Sputnik: Do you expect other countries to follow in the footsteps of AUKUS and create their own nuclear submarine alliances? Prof. Joe Siracusa: I don't think anyone's going to follow these footsteps. In fact, I think the AUKUS arrangement will be a cautionary tale for other nations on what to avoid.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/what-is-behind-australias-reported-plans-to-buy-us-nuclear-subs-as-part-of-aukus-1108338744.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221114/japan-could-host-australias-aukus-nuclear-subs-envoy-says-1104091326.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230312/uks-sunak-heads-to-us-for-latest-phase-of-aukus-deal-amid-inflated-allegations-of-china-threat-1108308604.html

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virginia-class nuclear submarine, aukus nuclera submarine deal
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/best-picture-oscar-goes-to-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-1108323742.html

Best Picture Oscar Goes to 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'

Best Picture Oscar Goes to 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'

Comedy-drama film "Everything Everywhere All at Once," written, directed, and co-produced by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, won the Best Picture Oscar.

2023-03-13T04:33+0000

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world

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The Daniels also won the Best Original Screenplay award for the same movie, according to the live broadcast of the Academy Awards. Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," while Jamie Lee Curtis took the Best Supporting Actress award for the same movie. "Avatar: The Way of Water" won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The German film "All Quiet on the Western Front", based on the 1929 novel by Erich Maria Remarque, won the Best International Feature Film Oscar.Best Actor, Best Actress OscarsBrendan Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor for his leading role in "The Whale," while Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for her leading role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."The 95th Academy Awards ceremony kicked off at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/biden-fails-to-quell-fears-of-svb-contagion-with-us-investors-hit-hard-ex-bank-gov-says-1108351236.html

Biden Fails to Quell Fears of SVB 'Contagion' With US Investors Hit Hard, Ex-Bank Gov. Says

Biden Fails to Quell Fears of SVB 'Contagion' With US Investors Hit Hard, Ex-Bank Gov. Says

The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has prompted fears of contagion which persist despite US President Joe Biden's Monday assertion that the... 13.03.2023, Sputnik International

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2023-03-13T17:13+0000

2023-03-13T17:13+0000

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US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on March 13 concerning the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank last week. The SVB became the second-largest bank failure in US history. But, according to the president, Americans should be confident that the banking system is safe.The Biden administration has insisted that it has taken all necessary measures to curb the potential contagious effect of the SVB collapse. On Monday, Biden placed emphasis on his team's effort to protect US workers and small businesses and explained how it looked to shield customers' deposits and not put taxpayer dollars at risk. The president also noted that those responsible would be held accountable: "If the bank is taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the people running the bank should not work there anymore," Biden said. The president also noted that investors in the bank won't be protected. "They're not meant to protect investors," highlighted Demetriades. "They [the investors] should have known the risks. This is capitalism. The taxpayer should not be protecting investors. It is absolutely not right, however you look at it. What happened in 2008 is that we learned that we had to bail out banks because there was no system in place to deal with banks that were too big to fail."The scheme proposed by the Biden administration has been used before in Europe, but not in the case of a large bank, according to Demetriades. The biggest bank in Europe that had dealt with a similar framework was Banco Populare in Spain, which was apparently the tenth-largest bank in the country. Spain dealt with the bank collapse without putting any taxpayer money into it. However, investors, shareholders and bondholders lost out, while deposits were protected. Banco Populare was sold to Santander Bank for 1 and business continued.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/how-wokeness-and-negligence-sank-silicon-valley-bank-amid-global-perfect-storm-1108349680.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230312/second-largest-bank-collapse-in-us-history-what-happened-to-svb-and-what-comes-next-1108312203.html

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silicon valley bank's collapse, svb shareholders, svb investors, svb deposits, joe biden's monday speech on svb, biden reassured depositers of svb, fear of contagion after svb's collapse, us banking crisis
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/biden-says-set-to-deliver-remarks-on-banking-system-situation-monday-1108322714.html

Biden Says Set to Deliver Remarks on Banking System Situation Monday

Biden Says Set to Deliver Remarks on Banking System Situation Monday

US President Joe Biden will speak about the current banking situation on Monday, following the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failure, according to a statement released by the White House.

2023-03-13T02:40+0000

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silicon valley bank

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janet yellen

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"Tomorrow morning, I will deliver remarks on how we will maintain a resilient banking system to protect our historic economic recovery," Biden said in a Sunday release, adding that he was "committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again." The president specified that at his direction, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen worked with banking regulators over the weekend to address problems with SVB and the New York-based Signature Bank. Earlier on Sunday, Yellen said in a joint statement with Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin Gruenberg that the US Federal Reserve System was going to allocate additional funds to American banks to help them meet the needs of all their depositors. Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13, according to the joint statement. Yellen, Powell and Gruenberg also specified that a systemic risk exception similar to the one made for SVB was also going to be made for Signature Bank, which was closed on Sunday by its state chartering authority. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation announced on Friday that it was taking possession of SVB, citing inadequate liquidity and insolvency. The SVB became the largest bank to fail in the US after the 20072008 financial crisis. According to the White House press pool, Biden told reporters on Sunday that he was going to answer questions about the banking crisis "tomorrow morning."To protect insured depositors, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB), to which all insured deposits of SVB were transferred.

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silicon valley bank bailout, fdic, svb
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/china-us-ought-to-cooperate-since-no-one-benefits-from-deterrence--1108324563.html

China, US Ought to Cooperate Since No One Benefits From Deterrence

China, US Ought to Cooperate Since No One Benefits From Deterrence

China and the United States must cooperate for the common good, since deterrence and oppression does not benefit either side, Premier of Chinas State Council Li Qiang said on Monday.

2023-03-13T06:06+0000

2023-03-13T06:06+0000

2023-03-13T06:06+0000

asia

us

china

deterrence

us-china relations

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The head of the Chinese government emphasized that the issue of severing economic ties between Beijing and Washington is regularly aggravated, however, it is unclear who ultimately benefits from this. The economies of the two countries are complementary, therefore mutual development is beneficial to all parties, Li added. The first session of the 14th NPC concluded on Monday at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital city of Beijing. The annual session, which kicked off on March 5, was attended by nearly 3,000 delegates from across the country. Over the past week, the NPC approved a number of documents defining the country's development plan for the coming year, as well as elected the country's leadership. In particular, the deputies unanimously reelected Xi Jinping as the president of China for a third five-year term.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/beijings-new-fm-qin-gang-chinas-rise-busts-myth-that-modernization-is-westernization-1108157468.html

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us-china rivalry, us-china relations, strategic deterrece, economic cooperation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/china-warns-west-not-to-cross-red-line-on-taiwan--1108341688.html

China Warns West Not to Cross Red Line on Taiwan

China Warns West Not to Cross Red Line on Taiwan

The scenario of Taiwan's reunification with the mainland may cause "severe shocks" in Sino-US relations, experts warn.

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2023-03-13T16:22+0000

2023-03-13T16:22+0000

asia

china

taiwan

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Xi also underlined that the 1992 consensus between Beijing and Taipei must be maintained.At the closing session of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, he stated that "The complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese people and the meaning of national rejuvenation. One should actively promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and resolutely oppose interference by outside forces and separatist activities aimed at achieving Taiwan independence."Shen Shishun, a senior researcher at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, is confident that the Chinese leader's message will reach the United States and western countries.According to the researcher, China has taken, is taking and will continue to take a firm stance and handle the coasts of the Taiwan Strait with great wisdom. Meanwhile, the will of the Chinese government and people against outside forces and separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" is undeniably strong.China is very resolute on this issue. I am sure that now, in an information-intensive society, the US and western countries that are trying to create chaos in the Taiwan Strait will surely heed this signal from the Chinese leadership. In the future, no matter how the fate of the world changes, China will continue to resolutely and unswervingly pursue its chosen path of development. No one can deny China's right to survival and development and prevent it from completing the great work of peaceful reunification.On the same day as Xi's remarks, at a press conference following the National People's Congress session, Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang pledged that authorities will work to encourage more Taiwanese to come and do business in mainland China. Restoring normal cross-strait cooperation is a common goal of both Beijing and Taipei, he said.In an interview with Sputnik, Alexander Lomanov, an expert on Chinese politics and deputy director of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAS), noted that China intends to resolve the Taiwan issue in close coordination with the country's development and security coordination. He also noted that China's policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. A peaceful, constructive solution to the Taiwan issue based on economic cooperation and dialogue continues to be China's preference in all respects. At the same time, the possible scenario of the future reunification of the mainland with Taiwan has a new meaning compared to what it was 10-20 years ago."There can be no development strategy that is carried out in isolation from consideration of China's comprehensive security. And that is external and internal security, which includes the economy, politics, and domestic development. This includes the serious challenges that China is now facing due to increasing western pressure and the US policy of containment," he said.According to Lomanov, the United States is failing to live up to its commitments on Taiwan, thus undermining China's interests."At the press conference, [Premier] Li Qiang expressed correct and constructive ideas on both Sino-US relations and the development of cross-Strait relations. However, many of his correct and constructive proposals cannot be implemented unilaterally by the efforts of the Chinese side alone. What is urgently needed here is a reciprocal desire on the part of the Americans, who always want to create "obstacles" for China. Unless the US has the same constructive desire to draw a line in the sand and stop using Taiwan as an instrument of pressure on the mainland, there will be no breakthrough for the better in bilateral relations.In a meeting with journalists, Li Qiang, the new Premier of China's State Council, described cooperation between China and the United States as "promising". Citing Chinese statistics, he noted that trade turnover between the two countries reached a record high of nearly $760 billion last year. Reflecting on his own experience in Shanghai, Li Qiang said that the top multinational executives he spoke with were optimistic about the future of Shanghai and China, and all believed that cooperation was the right way to achieve mutually beneficial results.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230305/chinas-top-political-two-sessions-kicks-off-in-beijing-1108032565.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/china-demands-us-stops-all-military-contacts-with-taiwan-defense-ministry-1107971578.html

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us-china rivalry, tensions over taiwan, us pumping taiwan with weapons, taiwanese separatism, peaceful unification with taiwan
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/deal-reached-on-return-of-another-200-russian-children-from-syria-1108323305.html

Deal Reached on Return of Another 200 Russian Children From Syria

Deal Reached on Return of Another 200 Russian Children From Syria

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights Maria Lvova-Belova says that an agreement has been reached with the Kurds in Syria... 13.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-13T03:38+0000

2023-03-13T03:38+0000

2023-03-13T03:38+0000

russia

syria

russia

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children

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On Sunday, 56 Russian children, aged three to 17, flew back to Russia from Syria, under Lvova-Belovas coordination. Seven of the children were transported from an orphanage in Damascus, while 49 were from refugee camps. In mid-February, Russian President Vladimir Putin heard a report from Lvova-Belova concerning difficulties in getting Russian children out of Syria. Putin said that it was possible to negotiate with the Kurds directly on this humanitarian issue, as well as the official authorities of Syria.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/discovery-of-suspected-bomb-fragment-marks-need-to-create-un-panel-for-nord-stream-probe---moscow-1108356309.html

Discovery of Suspected Bomb Fragment Marks Need to Create UN Panel for Nord Stream Probe - Moscow

Discovery of Suspected Bomb Fragment Marks Need to Create UN Panel for Nord Stream Probe - Moscow

An object found 30 kilometers from the site of the Nord Stream explosion, which is not part of the gas pipeline structure and may be a fragment of a bomb, underlines the urgent need to create a UN commission on this incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

2023-03-13T20:04+0000

2023-03-13T20:04+0000

2023-03-13T20:03+0000

nord stream sabotage

maria zakharova

nord stream

commission

the united nations (un)

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Moscow drew attention to recent information that during the inspection of one of the pipeline threads by Nord Stream AG in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark, at a distance of 30 kilometers from the explosion site, an object was found, "which is not part of the Nord Stream structure, but may be an element of an explosive device." "This discovery once again underlines the urgent need for the Security Council to urgently adopt a resolution on the establishment of a relevant commission by the UN Secretary General in order to shed light on all the circumstances of the sabotage so that this does not happen again in the future," Zakharova said. The discovery of an object that could be part of a bomb was discussed with Danish Ambassador to Russia Jacob Henningsen, who limited himself to general words, Zakharova added.The latest developments come after reports recently detailed the US' spy agency CIA had warned Germany about a potential attack on the Nord Stream pipelines months before the incident occurred. New intel earlier obtained by US media also indicated a "pro-Ukrainian group" had been involved in the sabotage.Although a culprit for the pipeline explosions has yet to be officially named, reports since early February have suggested the involvement of the US government, which had repeatedly opposed the initiative over fears of European dependence on Russian energy. Per Pulitzer-winning investigative reporter Seymour Hersh's bombshell February account, US Navy divers planted remotely-operated explosives on the pipeline under the cover of NATO's Baltops 2022 exercises. US President Joe Biden was reportedly involved in talks regarding the operation in the months that lead up to the explosion. Russia has deemed the incidents to be an act of international terrorism.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/russias-un-envoy-world-without-accountability-for-nord-stream-blasts-would-be-very-dangerous-place-1108217820.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/drc-prosecutors-demand-death-sentence-for-six-accused-of-killing-italian-envoy-1108330366.html

DRC Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Six Accused of Killing Italian Envoy

DRC Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Six Accused of Killing Italian Envoy

Prosecution demands death penalty for five men accused of killing former Italys ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local media reported.

2023-03-13T12:29+0000

2023-03-13T12:29+0000

2023-03-13T14:57+0000

africa

central africa

democratic republic of the congo

italy

m23

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Prosecutors are insisting on the death penalty for six men accused of killing Italys ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2021, while the defense, in its turn, is asking for the acquittal of five out of six alleged perpetrators, local media reported. The tribunal is expected to deliver a verdict within ten days, as the deadline from the initial hearing was set for March 18.Earlier, the defense argued that the military court lacked the jurisdiction to try the accused due to the fact that they are civilians, while prosecutor Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Malikidogo said a tribunal was appropriate as the defendants had allegedly resorted to "weapons and munitions of war" in the attack, media reports say.According to the United Nations, the Central African country has been effectively adhering to a moratorium on capital punishment for about two decades, yet the courts continue to impose death sentences. The last known death sentence there was carried out in 2003, international human rights NGOs said. Luca Attanasio, who served as the Italian ambassador to DRC from September 2017, was killed on February 22, 2021.He was one of the passengers in a World Food Program convoy, which was attacked in the North Kivu Province, DRC, according to Italys Foreign Ministry. The convoy was heading from North Kivu's capital, Goma, to a school located in Rutshuru, a town about 70 kilometers north, in the framework of WFP's school-feeding program.The accused men allegedly killed two other people  one of the humanitarian convoys drivers, Mustapha Milambo, and Italian police officer Vittorio Iacovacci.According to reports, Luca Attanasio became the first foreign ambassador to be assassinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1997.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221026/murder-suspects-of-italian-envoy-luca-attanasio-on-trial-in-dr-congo-1102661122.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/fewer-swedes-call-themselves-liberals-feminists-as-more-switch-to-conservatism-1108324382.html

Fewer Swedes Call Themselves Liberals, Feminists as More Switch to Conservatism

Fewer Swedes Call Themselves Liberals, Feminists as More Switch to Conservatism

Swedish pundits ventured that the liberal project is "no longer dominant," with the public debate moving into the opposite direction.

2023-03-13T06:48+0000

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2023-03-13T06:48+0000

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Fewer Swedish voters see themselves as liberals now compared to a year ago, a survey made by pollster Ipsos on behalf of Swedish media has shown.A year ago, 31 percent of Swedish voters called themselves liberals, a figure that has now dropped to merely 26 percent.The development is particularly clear among the ruling Moderates' voters, signaling a change of heart. In a single year, the percentage of self-professed liberals has fallen from 46 to 35 percent. At the same time, the proportion of Moderate voters who call themselves conservatives has increased to a corresponding degree, signaling that the party is returning to its roots, as it has long been the largest right-of-center force in the Nordic country.The Moderate Party (formerly known as the Right and the Conservatives) dates back over a century and is one the pillars of Swedish politics, as largely the only one to have challenged the Social Democrats' decades-long domination starting from the mid-20th century.However, it was under Fredrik Reinfeldt's tenure that the Moderates rebranded themselves as liberal and progressive. During the Reinfeldt years, when the then-prime minister called on his compatriots to "open their hearts" and embrace mass immigration, Sweden switched to an "open borders" approach. By contrast, current Moderate leader and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson ran on the platform of "straightening out Sweden," promising his voters to tackle issues ranging from crime to the immigrant crisis with a conservative agenda in mind, for which he came under fire internally from the liberal phalanx.A similar pattern of fewer voters calling themselves liberals and more conservatives is visible among fellow right-wing parties: the Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats.Feminism has seen a similar development. In 2021, 30 percent of the Swedish electorate called themselves feminists, and today the figure has fallen to 24 percent.Again, this is indicative of a paradigm shift in Swedish politics. In late 2022, Swedens minority coalition government led by the Moderates announced that it was ditching the countrys "feminist foreign policy" proudly launched by its left-wing predecessors less than a decade ago.Among others, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said the approach minted and popularized by the Social Democrats was counterproductive for Sweden's international agenda.While Sweden has long placed an emphasis on women's rights and made an effort to portray itself as their champion both domestically and internationally, the fruits of the self-proclaimed "feminist foreign policy" have been questionable at best, as Sweden under Social Democrat rule managed to damage relations with Israel and the Arab world alike, as its then-Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, an avowed feminist, recognized Palestine as a state and slammed Saudi Arabia's ways as "medieval."Swedish pundits acribed the apparent decline of liberalism and feminism to a news cycle dominated by wars, crime and crises ranging from energy to the economy. Among others, Ipsos analyst Nicklas Kallebring ventured that the liberal project is "no longer dominant," with the public debate moving into the opposite direction.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/sweden-sees-record-breaking-spike-in-food-prices-in-february-1108201683.html

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(CNN)  North Korea launched two missiles from a submarine in the waters of the Sea of Japan Sunday morning local time, according to the state-run news agency KCNA.

The "strategic cruise missiles" were launched from a "8.24 Yongung" submarine, according to KCNA -- the same vessel used to test North Korea's first submarine-launched ballistic missile in 2016, CNN previously reported.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said earlier Sunday that North Korea fired at least one unidentified missile from a submarine near the port city of Sinpo in the South Hamgyong province.

KCNA claimed the missiles flew for over an hour, traveling roughly 1,500 km (932 miles) per hour and performing figure-of-eight shaped patterns before "precisely" hitting a target.

The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea "expressed satisfaction" after the drill, KCNA reported.

The US and South Korean intelligence authorities are analyzing the incident, JCS said.

The launch took place three days after North Korea on Thursday fired off at least six short-range missiles into the Yellow Sea.

State media reported last week that Kim said the artillery units should be prepared for two missions, "first to deter war and second to take the initiative in war, by steadily intensifying various simulated drills for real war."

Pyongyang is conducting its winter training and intelligence authorities in the US and South Korea are monitoring it, South Korea's Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Tensions on Korean Peninsula remain high

On Monday local time, US, South Korean and United Nations Command forces on the peninsula were expected to begin the 11-day Freedom Shield exercises, which "will integrate elements of 'live exercises' with constructive simulations," US Forces Korea (USFK) said in an earlier statement.

At the same time, field training exercises dubbed Warrior Shield will take place, it said.

Meanwhile, the US and South Korean air forces have been conducting regular air exercises. Last week, a US B-52 bomber was escorted by South Korean fighter jets as it flew into the South's air defense identification zone, USFK said Monday.

The US-South Korea exercises are expected to be the largest the two allies have put on in years, since they scaled back such military displays in 2017 when then-US President Donald Trump tried to offer an opening for North Korea to negotiate an end to its long-range missile and nuclear weapons programs.

That opening has long since closed, with North Korea last year conducting a record number of missile tests while pledging to develop its nuclear program to arm the missiles.

The North's missile testing has slowed in 2023, but tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high.

Analysts see little reason to think things will cool down.

"This is likely only the beginning of a series of provocative tests by North Korea," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said of Thursday's missile firings.

"Pyongyang is poised to respond aggressively to major US-South Korea defense exercises, as well as to President Yoon's upcoming summits with (Japanese) Prime Minister (Fumio) Kishida and (US) President (Joe) 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," Easley said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "North Korea fires 2 missiles from submarine, state media reports."
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/harris-will-visit-africa-to-discuss-economy-effects-of-ukraine-crisis-white-house-says-1108340168.html

Harris Will Visit Africa to Discuss Economy, 'Effects' of Ukraine Crisis, White House Says

Harris Will Visit Africa to Discuss Economy, 'Effects' of Ukraine Crisis, White House Says

"Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Accra, Ghana; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia. The Vice Presidents visit will build on the recent US-Africa Summit

2023-03-13T12:19+0000

2023-03-13T12:19+0000

2023-03-13T12:19+0000

africa

us

white house

kamala harris

ghana

tanzania

zambia

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ukraine crisis

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"Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Accra, Ghana; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia from March 25 to April 2. The Vice Presidents visit will build on the recent US-Africa Leaders Summit that President Biden hosted in Washington in December 2022," White House said in a statement. The vice president will meet with the presidents of the three countries to "discuss regional and global priorities, including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security," and the effects of Russias special military operation in Ukraine, among other issues, the statement added. During the trip, Harris will advance efforts to expand access to the digital economy, support climate adaptation and resilience, as well as boost business ties and investment, the White House said. She will also discuss such issues as innovation, entrepreneurship, and the economic empowerment of women.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230311/blinken-to-travel-to-ethiopia-niger-march-14-17-us-state-dept-says-1108284123.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/iran-belarus-see-breakthrough-in-relations-over-past-2-years-1108341952.html

Iran, Belarus See Breakthrough in Relations Over Past 2 Years

Iran, Belarus See Breakthrough in Relations Over Past 2 Years

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that the visit of his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, to Iran would contribute to the development of relations between the two countries, which had already experienced a breakthrough in the past two years.

2023-03-13T12:45+0000

2023-03-13T12:45+0000

2023-03-13T12:45+0000

world

belarus

iran

trade

alexander lukashenko

ebrahim raisi

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On Sunday, Lukashenko started his two-day visit to Iran to discuss cooperation in various areas, including industry, agriculture, and transportation. On Monday, the presidents of the two countries held negotiations. In turn, Lukashenko noted that Belarus and Iran realized how beneficial their relationship was for each other. In 2022, the mutual trade between Belarus and Iran exceeded $100 million, which was about three times higher than in 2021. At the same time, Belarusian exports to Iran increased almost six times, reaching $81.3 million.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/iran-pardons-over-82000-commutes-sentences-for-34000-for-islamic-revolution-anniversary-1108356164.html

Iran Pardons Over 82,000, Commutes Sentences for 34,000 for Islamic Revolution Anniversary

Iran Pardons Over 82,000, Commutes Sentences for 34,000 for Islamic Revolution Anniversary

The head of Irans judiciary announced on Monday that more than 100,000 people would be either granted amnesty from charges against them or have their sentences commuted.

2023-03-13T20:13+0000

2023-03-13T20:13+0000

2023-03-13T20:11+0000

world

iran

amnesty

protests

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Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, Irans chief justice, said a total of 82,656 people have been pardoned, including 22,628 detained in the massive protests seen in recent months following the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. In addition, Ejei said the sentences of 34,000 people had been commuted.The announcement is also the first time the Iranian government has released official numbers about how many were arrested during the protests last year. International NGOs had reportedly widely differing claims about the number of people killed or detained during the demonstrations, which the government has called riots. Official numbers say at least 200 have died, although the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has claimed there were at least 530 deaths.The demonstrations saw peaceful protests, including women defiantly removing their hijabs, but also violent attacks on buildings, police and Guidance Patrol officers.The mass pardons also come as Iran is facing down increased pressure from the US and Israel over its nuclear program, which they allege is a secret nuclear weapons program, despite Tehrans fervent denials and no evidence of such a weaponization effort. Talks to restore a 2015 deal and remove US sanctions have been stuck for more than a year on a handful of disagreements, with Tehran saying it is up to the US to return to compliance since it was the part that left the deal in the first place, and Washington demanding additional concessions from the Iranians that werent part of the original deal.It also comes after a historic peace deal last week with Saudi Arabia, Irans major regional rival, to restore diplomatic relations that had been severed since 2016. The deal was brokered by China, a growing partner with both nations.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/they-now-need-democracy-internet-fears-for-irans-safety-as-tehran-finds-500-billion-in-lithium-1107988367.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230311/historic-saudi-iran-deal-proves-major-setback-for-us-but-raises-questions-about-jcpoa-lifeline-1108278478.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/kremlin-russia-india-oil-cooperation-to-be-based-on-contacts-with-contractors-1108352896.html

Kremlin: Russia, India Oil Cooperation to Be Based on Contacts With Contractors

Kremlin: Russia, India Oil Cooperation to Be Based on Contacts With Contractors

Russia will base its oil cooperation with India on contracts with contracting parties and not on media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

2023-03-13T10:50+0000

2023-03-13T10:50+0000

2023-03-13T17:57+0000

economy

russia

india

2022 russian oil price cap

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Last week, media reported that India would adhere to the price cap on Russian oil of $60 per barrel. After Russia began its special military operation in Ukraine, the West actively searched for ways to limit Moscows energy-related income, notably from oil and gas. The effort culminated with a $60 price-cap imposed by G7 member states and Australia on December 5.In response to the price cap, Moscow banned the supply of Russian oil and petroleum products if contracts directly or indirectly provide for a price cap, in a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in late December.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230306/russian-price-cap-has-created-difficulties-for-operations-in-energy-markets-chevron-ceo-admits-1108097992.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/nasa-requests-81bln-in-2024-budget-to-return-us-astronauts-to-moon-1108347935.html

NASA Requests $8.1Bln in 2024 Budget to Return US Astronauts to Moon

NASA Requests $8.1Bln in 2024 Budget to Return US Astronauts to Moon

NASA has requested more than $8 billion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget to return US astronauts to the Moon, according a FY 2024 Agency Fact Sheet released on Monday.

2023-03-13T15:00+0000

2023-03-13T15:00+0000

2023-03-13T15:00+0000

science & tech

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NASA seeks through the requested funding to also support continued human presence in low-Earth orbit with operations of the International Space Station through 2030, the release said. NASAs budget request also includes $4.525 billion for Common Exploration Systems Development to support lunar missions, the release said. In addition, the requested funding includes $3.235 billion for the Artemis Campaign Development to advance lunar exploration capabilities, the release said. Moreover, NASA asked for $4.535 billion to continue conducting space operations, the release added. On Thursday, the White House issued a document saying that President Joe Biden's budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 requests $27.7 billion in discretionary budget authority for NASA - an increase of $1.8 billion from the 2023 enacted level. Biden will submit his budget proposal to Congress and it will serve as a blueprint for lawmakers in crafting their own budget legislation. The US Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse as it is up to lawmakers to approve all spending levels for government agencies and programs.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230301/scientists-nasas-asteroid-diverting-dart-test-validated-using-kinetic-impact-for-earth-defense-1107918129.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/nicaragua-suspends-relations-with-vatican-after-pope-compares-ortega-to-hitler-1108322282.html

Nicaragua Suspends Relations With Vatican After Pope Compares Ortega to Hitler

Nicaragua Suspends Relations With Vatican After Pope Compares Ortega to Hitler

The break in diplomatic ties comes after months of increasingly hostile rhetoric from the Catholic Church, which openly supported an attempted coup detat that... 13.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-13T00:25+0000

2023-03-13T00:25+0000

2023-03-13T09:04+0000

world

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Nicaraguan authorities confirmed Sunday that theres been a suspension of diplomatic relations with the Holy See after Pope Francis compared Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to notorious Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.The Foreign Ministry of Nicaragua issued a statement affirming the news after reports emerged that the Vatican Embassy in Managua and the Nicaraguan Embassy to the Vatican in Rome had both been closed.Ties between the Central American country and the Catholic Church have been strained since high-ranking clergy lent their support to violent riots which devastated Nicaraguas economy and left hundreds dead in 2018.Last week, relations plunged to a new low after the pope insisted in an interview with Infobae that Nicaraguas elected government is akin to the "1917 Communist dictatorship or that of Hitler in 1935."Francis seemed particularly incensed by the incarceration of Bishop Rolando Alvarez  a "very serious man," he declared  who was sentenced to 26 years in prison last month for conspiring to undermine national integrity.The charges relate to Alvarezs role in the chaos which engulfed Nicaraguan cities in 2018 as US-government linked forces attempted a violent overthrow of the government.Alvarez continues to insist he maintained a neutral position, but he was recorded taking the side of rioters in a dispute with foreign truckers whod been stranded as masked, gun-toting militants erected barricades across the country.As a Costa Rican trucker pleaded with the bishop to intervene and order rioters to allow him and his cohorts to escape from the country, footage showed Alvarez refusing, jamming his finger toward the mans chest instead, and barking: "Respect the homeland!"When the Biden administration welcomed 220 other convicted Nicaraguan criminals to the US last month, Alvarez was offered the opportunity to flee as well, but in an apparent political statement, he refused to be transported.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220929/nicaraguan-president-accuses-catholic-church-of-coup-attempt-1101332338.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/one-family-xi-li-tell-lawmakers-china-to-promote-peaceful-development-of-taiwan-reunification-1108349243.html

One Family: Xi, Li Tell Lawmakers China to Promote Peaceful Development of Taiwan Reunification

One Family: Xi, Li Tell Lawmakers China to Promote Peaceful Development of Taiwan Reunification

In a speech before the National Peoples Congress (NPC), Chinas legislative body, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing would continue to pursue... 13.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-13T16:44+0000

2023-03-13T16:44+0000

2023-03-13T16:44+0000

world

china

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chinese national people's congress (npc)

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Xi on Monday said his government would actively promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and unswervingly promote reunification with Taiwan. He added that external interference and separatist activities in Taiwan would be resolutely opposed - the same pledges made in an August 2022 white paper on reunification.Such exchanges have been suspended since Tsai Ing-wen was elected President of Taiwan in 2016, who hails from the pro-separatist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).The department said on Monday that Beijing should "respect the Taiwanese people's commitment to the core concepts of holding fast to the sovereignty, democracy and freedom of the Republic of China, using the name the Taipei government claims for itself.Xis comments also echo the conclusions of US intelligence. Last week, Avril Haines, the US director of national intelligence, told Congress they did not believe Beijing wanted to go to war over Taiwan.'One Country, Two Systems'The government in Taipei is all that remains of the republican government defeated by the Communist Party of China in the civil war in 1949, when the new Peoples Republic of China was founded in Beijing. While the capitalist Taipei government claims it is the rightful government of all of China, the socialist Beijing government considers Taiwan to be a Chinese province in rebellion - a position endorsed by all but a handful of the worlds countries. Despite the US switching its recognition of the legitimate Chinese government from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it has continued to informally but openly funnel weapons and other aid to Taiwan, sufficient to guarantee its safety from "Chinese attack".For a peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the mainland, Beijing has since 1979 offered the island a One Country, Two Systems arrangement like that used to bring Hong Kong and Macau, once European colonies, back into the fold as Chinese provinces in the 1990s. Their capitalist systems and liberal democratic legal structure have been largely preserved, albeit under the aegis of Chinas market socialist system and a coordinated nationwide security policy.Reports circulating in Western media on Monday claimed quite the opposite of Li, with the British Defense Ministry claiming Beijing was preparing for a blockade of Taiwan later this year and adopting an actual war approach. Last August, Beijing demonstrated its ability to do so by staging military drills in the waters on all sides of the island, following a visit there by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. However, it issued the above-mentioned white paper just weeks later, saying it prefers peaceful reunification above all else.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230310/us-intel-chief-haines-tells-congress-not-our-assessment-that-china-wants-war-over-taiwan-1108275084.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/beijings-new-fm-qin-gang-chinas-rise-busts-myth-that-modernization-is-westernization-1108157468.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/philippines-us-kick-off-joint-military-drills-with-up-to-3000-soldiers-1108345669.html

Philippines, US Kick Off Joint Military Drills With Up to 3,000 Soldiers

Philippines, US Kick Off Joint Military Drills With Up to 3,000 Soldiers

The Philippines and the United States began a three-week long Salaknib (Shield) large-scale military exercise at the largest military reservation in the Philippines, Fort Magsaysay, on Monday, involving about 3,000 personnel, Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

2023-03-13T14:17+0000

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The first stage of the annual exercise will run through April 4, and the second is scheduled for the second quarter of the year. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the cooperation of Filipino and American troops in a spectrum of military operations. This year, the exercises will particularly focus on air defense and defense from shoreline operations under scenarios that involve the protection of the country from external aggression. The Philippines extended the USs access to its military facilities under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in early February, reportedly in an attempt to counter Chinas growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230202/1106916746.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/russia-perplexed-by-canadian-foreign-ministers-goal-to-change-russian-regime---envoy-1108357254.html

Russia 'Perplexed' by Canadian Foreign Minister's Goal to Change Russian Regime - Envoy

Russia 'Perplexed' by Canadian Foreign Minister's Goal to Change Russian Regime - Envoy

Moscow is baffled by Ottawass stated aim of changing the Russian government, Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov said in a statement on Monday.

2023-03-13T21:18+0000

2023-03-13T21:18+0000

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world

russia

canada

oleg stepanov

regime change

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"Quite perplexed to hear from Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly that her goal is 'regime change' in Russia. "Is it how she instructs Embassy in Moscow?" Stepanov said via Twitter. Joly said during the press briefing on Friday that Russia should be isolated economically and politically and "how much we're seeing potential regime change in Russia." The Canadian government banned imports of Russian steel and aluminum products, Global Affairs Canada said in a statement on Friday. Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, responding to requests by the breakaway Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics to defend them from intensifying attacks by Ukrainian troops. The countries of the collective West, including Canada, have imposed comprehensive sanctions against Russia and provided military support to Ukraine.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/russia-proposed-gas-hub-project-in-turkey-at-stage-of-legal-registration-1108323412.html

Russia-Proposed Gas Hub Project in Turkiye at Stage of Legal Registration

Russia-Proposed Gas Hub Project in Turkiye at Stage of Legal Registration

The gas hub project proposed by Russia is at the stage of legal registration in Turkiye and various details are currently under discussion, a source familiar with the negotiations told Sputnik.

2023-03-13T03:46+0000

2023-03-13T03:46+0000

2023-03-13T04:16+0000

world

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Last week, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said that the Russia-proposed initiative of creating a gas hub in Turkey was going to be on the agenda of the Turkish parliament in the coming days. The minister stated that the parliament would consider amendments to one or several laws to provide the necessary legal framework for the implementation of the gas hub project. He specified that reports about alleged talks between Ankara and Moscow on possible investments in the gas hub project are unfounded. "How can we talk about investments now if all the details, participants, the issue of supply and demand have not been settled?" the source said.

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China to step up policy support for employment: premier

Xinhua) 11:40, March 13, 2023

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that China's COVID-19 response strategies and measures are completely right and have delivered highly effective outcomes.

It took less than two months for China, a highly populous country, to achieve a smooth transition in COVID-19 response and resume normal economic and social order, which is indeed remarkable, Li told a press conference.

Noting that there are still risks of virus transmission, Li said China will continue to follow the evolving epidemic situation and build up its capacity for early warning and forecast.

Efforts will also be made to strengthen medical and health service systems at all levels, speed up the development of new vaccines and medicines, and keep communication and cooperation with the international community, Li added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/stenin-contest-roadshow-makes-a-stop-in-jakarta-1108337551.html

Stenin Contest Roadshow Makes a Stop in Jakarta

Stenin Contest Roadshow Makes a Stop in Jakarta

Indonesia is the next stop of the Andrei Stenin Contest international roadshow after the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2023-03-13T11:07+0000

2023-03-13T11:07+0000

2023-03-13T11:07+0000

andrei stenin international photo contest

andrei stenin

russia

indonesia

photojournalist

photojournalism

photo contest

world

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An exhibition of several dozen photos by the 2022 winners opened at Grand Studio Metro TV, Indonesias national broadcaster and co-organizer of the exhibition, on Monday. The Embassy of Russia in Indonesia is also a partner of the exhibition.This is the contests first visit to the country since its launch in 2014. Series and single images by photojournalists from Russia, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Iran, the Philippines, China and other countries will be displayed until March 17, with entrance to the exhibition being free.Jakarta is the sixth stop of the 2022 winners exhibition tour. Prior to it, the roadshow visited Pretoria (South Africa), Sharjah (UAE), New Delhi (India), Envigado (Colombia) and Kinshasa (DRC).Addressing the guests and participants of the exhibition, Russia's Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobyova emphasized: " Today you can witness a kaleidoscope of artworks gathered throughout the world that draws public attention to the challenges of photojournalism today. The exhibition is also held in the framework of the activities to commemorate the 73th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia which is celebrated on February 3rd."The exhibition will include a meeting with the Indonesian winner of the 2021 Stenin Contest, Joshua Irwandi. His single photo The Human Cost of COVID-19 is a poignant visual epitaph to all the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. This photo won the Top News category and was awarded the Humanitarian Photography Prize by the categorys partner, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).While in Jakarta, Stenin Contest experts will also hold workshops for local photographers.The deadline for submitting entries to the 2023 contest closed in Moscow on February 28. The international jury will begin its work in April, with the shortlist announced in mid-June on the Russian and English versions of the website.About the contestThe Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organized by Rossiya Segodnya under the patronage of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, aims to support young photographers and draw public attention to the challenges of photojournalism today. It is a platform for young photographers  talented and sensitive individuals open to all things new  to highlight people and events near us.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20211222/andrei-stenin-international-press-photo-contest-2022-opens-for-entries-1091713700.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/svbs-collapse-will-the-crisis-spread-overseas-1108329864.html

SVB's Collapse: Will the Crisis Spread Overseas?

SVB's Collapse: Will the Crisis Spread Overseas?

The shutdown of SVB has already prompted many to draw parallels with the financial crisis that rode roughshod over the world economy in 2008.

2023-03-13T10:43+0000

2023-03-13T10:43+0000

2023-03-13T10:43+0000

sputnik explains

us

uk

china

canada

india

silicon valley bank

collapse

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The Biden administration is hastily trying to hammer out material action in an effort to limit the ripple effect and repercussions across the US banking system after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). How will the situation develop, and will there be overseas risks? Sputnik is exploring.Is There Risk of Contagion for Regional Banks?Larry McDonald, founder of the investment newsletter Bear Traps Report, told a US media outlet that tech and start-up focused banks, as well as regional banks, could face serious contagion risk following the collapse of SVB.The outlet cited an unnamed source as saying that the situation with SVB was like someone shouting fire in a crowded theater where there is no fire, leading many businesses and tech investors to ask for their money back from banks just to be safe.Some, however, argue that SVB's failure is not a signal of systemic risk for the US financial system as a whole due in part to strict regulations adopted after the global financial crisis.We do not believe there is contagion risk for the rest of the banking sector on the heels of SVBs struggles. The deposit base from the major banks is much more diversified than SVB and the big banks are in good financial health, David Trainer, CEO of the investment research firm New Constructs, told a US media outlet.What About the Overseas Effect From SVB's Collapse?The fallout from the collapse of SVB seems to have started spreading around the world. With concerns of contagion already reaching Canada, India and China, SVBs unit in the UK was bought by the banking group HSBC to ease the fallout.The acquisition strengthens our commercial banking franchise and enhances our ability to serve innovative and fast-growing firms, including in the technology and life-science sectors, in the UK and internationally, HSBC CEO Noel Quinn said.Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in turn stressed that the deal ensures customer deposits are protected and can bank as normal, with no taxpayer support. This came after leaders of about 180 tech companies called on Hunt to intervene.Apart from China, Canada, India, and the UK, SVB had branches in Denmark, Germany, Israel and Sweden. SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co. - SVBs joint venture in China - was seeking to calm local clients overnight by reminding them that operations have been independent and stable.Repeat of the 2008 Financial Crisis?Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has, meanwhile, compared the fall of SVB to the same developments with Bear Stearns, the first bank to collapse at the start of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis.Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, who earlier announced his candidacy in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, has underscored the need to learn lessons."A key cause of the 2008 financial crisis was the use of social factors to make loans (back then, fostering home ownership). When we dont learn lessons, history repeats itself: did Silicon Valley Bank use ESG [Environmental. Social. Governance] factors to price its loans? Roll that log over & see what crawls out," he noted in a tweet.Are Implications Taking Place?It seems that the fallout from SVB's failure is already in place, given the closure of New York-based Signature Bank by regulators on Sunday. The goal is to try to prevent the spreading of a banking crisis in the US, according to an American media outlet.We are also announcing a similar systemic risk exception for Signature Bank, which was closed today by its state chartering authority, the US Treasury, Federal Reserve, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said in a joint statement on Sunday evening.The banking regulators, for their part, said that all depositors at Signature Bank would have full access to their deposits, claiming that no losses will be borne by the taxpayer.What Will the Federal Reserve Do?President Joe Biden is expected to deliver remarks later in the day on how the US government will maintain a resilient banking system to protect the countrys historic economic recovery. Touching upon SVB's failure, POTUS urged the necessity of continuing the governments efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again."The president specified that at his behest, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen worked with banking regulators over the weekend to address problems with SVB and New York-based Signature Bank. On Sunday, Yellen said in a joint statement with Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg that the US Federal Reserve System was going to allocate additional funds to American banks to help them meet the needs of all their depositors.Additionally, the Federal Reserve is reportedly considering easing the terms of banks access to its discount window. The move aims to help firms turn assets that have lost value into cash without the kind of losses that led to the collapse of SVB.The Treasury is also working to find a solution in order to provide assistance for uninsured accounts over the $250,000 threshold. Yellen, for her part, stressed that the main aim of the US government was to prevent a chain reaction after the collapse of the bank, but there would not be a bailout.One US media outlet warned that the Biden administration would face a banking crisis in case there would not be a plan of action to help the clients of SVB worked out by Monday.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230312/second-largest-bank-collapse-in-us-history-what-happened-to-svb-and-what-comes-next-1108312203.html

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collapse of svb, biden administration's efforts to take 'material action' to limit ripple effect from svb failure, risk of contagion for other banks
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/taiwan-planning-to-prepare-armament-for-possible-blockade-by-beijing-in-2023-media-reports-1108342496.html

Taiwan Planning to Prepare Armament for Possible Blockade by Beijing in 2023, Media Reports

Taiwan Planning to Prepare Armament for Possible Blockade by Beijing in 2023, Media Reports

Taiwan, as part of its military spending in 2023, will focus on preparing weapons and equipment, including parts for F-16 fighters, in anticipation of a "total blockade of the Taiwan Strait" by China, British media reported on Monday, citing a report prepared by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry.

2023-03-13T12:52+0000

2023-03-13T12:52+0000

2023-03-13T12:52+0000

asia

china

taiwan

taiwan strait

xi jinping

nancy pelosi

asian version of nato

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Taiwan also began reviewing its strategic fuel and repair capabilities last year, the report, which seeks parliamentary budget approval, noted. The defense ministry said in an updated threat assessment that the Chinese military was conducting joint operations to control strategic bottlenecks in the strait and prevent foreign forces from entering the region, the news outlet added. In addition, the countrys 2023 military budget would include the purchase of US-made armaments such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, the report read. The situation around Taiwan escalated after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in August as part of her Asia tour. Beijing condemned Pelosi's trip, which it regarded as a gesture of support for separatism, and launched large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of the island. Several countries, including France, the United States, Japan and others, have since sent their delegations to the island, further increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. In October, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Beijing would insist on peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but would never promise to renounce the use of force to resolve the issue.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230312/uks-new-comprehensive-defense-review-to-mention-chinas-threat-to-taiwan-reports-say-1108304001.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/top-saudi-diplomat-says-differences-with-iran-persist-despite-detente-1108350954.html

Top Saudi Diplomat Says Differences With Iran Persist Despite Detente

Top Saudi Diplomat Says Differences With Iran Persist Despite Detente

The recently signed deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties does not mean there are no outstanding issues between the two regional powers, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Monday.

2023-03-13T16:36+0000

2023-03-13T16:36+0000

2023-03-13T16:36+0000

world

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iran

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"This does not mean that an agreement has been reached to resolve all pending disputes between them," the Saudi royal told an Arabic newspaper. At the same time, Faisal reportedly said last week's agreement proved the neighbors' desire to resolve these issues though communication and diplomacy. They include the implementation of nuclear commitments undertaken by Iran and its return to close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The two rivals agreed last week to reopen their respective embassies within two months. The Saudi prince said Riyadh and Tehran recognized that their mutual interest lay in advancing development priorities rather than competing for dominance. Saudi Arabia expects the pact to "open a new chapter with Iran and bolster cooperation that would consolidate security and stability and push forward development and prosperity" not just between the two countries, but in the whole region, Faisal told the newspaper.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230311/china-brokered-iran-saudi-deal-threatens-to-push-us-out-of-the-gulf-and-washington-knows-it-1108298905.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/ukraine-loses-tens-of-thousands-troops-since-start-of-hostilities-media-reports--1108341056.html

Ukraine Loses Tens of Thousands Troops Since Start of Hostilities, Media Reports

Ukraine Loses Tens of Thousands Troops Since Start of Hostilities, Media Reports

Ukraine has lost tens of thousands servicemen since the start of a military conflict with Russia over year ago, though Kiev still continues to deny lacking troops, Spanish newspaper reported on Monday.

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Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk in her interview with the media outlet dismissed reports of a shortage of personnel in the country's armed forced. On Thursday, the British news outlet reported that Ukraine was taking heavy losses in the battle for Artemovsk, adding that some Ukrainian servicemen had suggested it might be reasonable to retreat. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also said last week that it would not be an "operational or strategic setback", if the Ukrainian army withdrew from the city. In late November, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of the hostilities in February 2022. However, the line with the number of causalities was later removed from the written and video versions of von der Leyen's speech. European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Dana Spinant explained that an "inaccuracy" had taken place due to estimation based on data "from external sources." She also said that the assessment "should have referred to casualties, i.e. both killed and injured."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221202/eu-commission-under-fire-after-tweeting-then-deleting-massive-ukrainian-military-losses-1104952655.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/ukraines-demands-for-uoc-monks-to-leave-kiev-pechersk-lavra-causing-concern-kremlin-1108342685.html

Ukraine's Demands for UOC Monks to Leave Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Causing Concern: Kremlin

Ukraine's Demands for UOC Monks to Leave Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Causing Concern: Kremlin

Ukraine's demands for monks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of the Moscow Patriarchate to leave the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra are a matter of concern, and the world community should respond accordingly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

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"It causes [concern]. This is an absolutely unprecedented attitude toward representatives of the church, the Russian Orthodox Church. We consider this unacceptable. We believe that the world community should respond appropriately to such an outrageous decision," Peskov told reporters when asked whether the deteriorating situation around the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is causing concern. Until the end of 2022, jurisdiction over the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra had been divided between Ukraine's National Kiev-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve and the UOC. On Friday, the National Kiev-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve ordered the monks of the UOC to leave the site before March 29 after an interdepartmental commission registered a violation by the monastery of the terms of the agreement on the use of state property. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' addressed religious leaders and international figures with a message about the situation around the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and called the decision by Ukrainian officials to expel the UOC monks repressive. In the wake of the military operation that Russia launched in Ukraine a year ago, the UOC said that it was independent from the Moscow Patriarchate and did not support the military conflict. In January, the Ukrainian government submitted to the country's parliament a bill that will ban the UOC in Ukraine if its connection with Russia is proven.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230311/ukrainian-opposition-leader-satanic-zelensky-regime-wont-be-able-to-destroy-orthodox-faith-1108293305.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/what-is-behind-australias-reported-plans-to-buy-us-nuclear-subs-as-part-of-aukus-1108338744.html

What is Behind Australias Reported Plans to Buy US Nuclear Subs as Part of AUKUS?

What is Behind Australias Reported Plans to Buy US Nuclear Subs as Part of AUKUS?

The acquisition of several US nuclear powered submarines by Australia will almost certain destabilize the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, Wang Guanglin from Shanghai International Studies University told Sputnik

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Australia plans to buy up to five US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines as part of a defense agreement between Washington, Canberra and London, known as the AUKUS pact, a British news agency has reported.The report cited unnamed sources as saying that the delivery of the submarine is expected in the 2030s. When asked whether Australia will retain full operational control of the submarines, or could they be commanded by Americans, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argued that Canberra will retain absolutely our sovereignty, our absolute sovereignty, 100%.He added that the US has always sought to secure its military presence and strategic advantage in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the Chinese expert, Beijings growing political and economic assertiveness angers Washington, but the US on its own cannot contain China.Recalling the tense situation in the Asia-Pacific region, the expert argued that Australia possessing 4-5 Virginia-class nuclear submarines will inevitably disrupt the strategic balance in the region, create new competition and force neighboring countries to increase military spending.Australia, the US and the UK announced the AUKUS pact in September 2021. The document stipulates 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.The Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected AUKUS as an alliance that fuels the arms race in the Asia-Pacific, undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and threatens regional stability.

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After 10 years, a regional food assistance nonprofit is holding its final distribution in Longviews Highlands neighborhood on Saturday, March 18.

Food Lifeline, a Seattle-based nonprofit that distributes food to Western Washington food banks, will hand out groceries from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Archie Anderson Park, Alabama Street at 21st and 22nd avenues.

Since 2013, the organization has partnered with the Highlands Neighborhood Association, Breakpoint, Lower Columbia CAP and other volunteers to distribute more than 450,000 pounds of food, said Mark Coleman, Food Lifeline spokesperson.

If you go What: Food Lifeline's final Highlands distribution When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday Where: Archie Anderson Park, 22nd Avenue parking lot Info: While supplies last. Bring your own box or bags.

Its always hard when we lose one of our food distribution sites, which we regrettably must occasionally do, Coleman said. However, attendance at this distribution has declined over the past few years, and the pandemic exacerbated this.

In the last three years, Food Lifeline has had trouble sourcing donated food, Coleman said. The organization is using data to inform distribution decisions, including cutting the Highlands site, he said.

The data tells us that there are other communities with a higher level of need that we must serve with the available resources, Coleman said.

Cowlitz County has several food banks and other volunteer food distributions throughout the month.

Cowlitz County food banks  FISH of Cowlitz County, call 360-626-1100 for location, 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Friday  Salvation Army, 1639 10th Ave., Longview, 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday  St. Vincent De Paul, 1222 Baltimore St., Longview, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays  Highlands Baptist Church, 317 20th Ave., Longview, 1 to 3 p.m., last Thursday of the month  Faith Center Food Bank 1209 Minor Rd., Kelso, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday  South Kelso Neighborhood Association, Three Rivers Mall, Kelso, 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday; noon to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday  Kelso Eagles, 609 S. Pacific Ave., Kelso, noon to 3 p.m., second Wednesday  Castle Rock Lions Food Bank, 224 Huntington Ave. S., Castle Rock, 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday  Kalama Helping Hand, 191 Cloverdale Rd., Kalama, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday  Woodland Community Action Center, 736 Davidson Ave., Woodland, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday

Local food banks have reported fluctuating demand throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as federal assistance programs came and went, and gas and food prices jumped.

Food Lifeline is bracing for an anticipated rise in demand following the end to the pandemic-era increases to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on March 1, Coleman said.

Additional benefits established in April 2020 allowed households to receive an additional $95 or up to the maximum amount for their household size, whichever value is greater.

About 8,475 Cowlitz County households, or 20%, received SNAP benefits in 2021, according to census data. Thats compared to about 12% in Washington.

Statewide, the number of households receiving SNAP benefits increased 7% from 486,975 in December 2021 to 521,095 December 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. County-level data from 2022 was not available.

Food Lifeline plans to purchase more food to add to its stock of donated items to keep up with the expected increase in demand, Coleman said.

Usually our purchased food makes up a small percentage of food to our partners, but in these circumstances, the number is likely to get large, he said. Were working on some help from the state level, but the political process is never easy.
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The California-based Silicon Valley bank was closed by US authorities on Friday.

Britain's technology and life sciences sectors are at "serious risk" following the closure of the Silicon Valley Bank, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned on Sunday.

The California-based SVB bank, which was closed by US authorities on Friday, manages the money of some of the UK's most promising businesses, Hunt said.

"There is a serious risk to our technology and life sciences sectors, many of whom bank with this bank," Hunt said in an interview with British television channel Sky News.

"Most people won't have heard of the Silicon Valley Bank but it happens to look after the money of some of our most promising and exciting businesses."

The bank is expected to reopen on Monday under a new name with the US deposit guarantee agency, the FDIC, taking control.

Hunt said the governor of the Bank of England had made it "very clear" that there was no systemic risk to the UK's financial system due to the SVB's collapse.

The government would bring forward plans "very soon" to ensure people are able to meet their cash flow requirements and pay staff.

It would also put a longer term solution in place to minimize or completely avoid losses to British companies, he added.

The British Treasury said Saturday that the problems of the failed SVB bank were "specific to the firm" and had no "implications for other banks operating in the UK".

The bank failed after its customers, mainly from the tech sector, made massive withdrawals, and after its latest attempt to raise new money proved unsuccessful.

Little known to the general public, SVB specialized in financing start-ups and had become the 16th-largest US bank by assets.

Its demise is not only the largest bank failure since Washington Mutual in 2008, but also the second-largest retail bank failure in the US.

The Bank of England said it intended to pursue insolvency with regards to the bank's British subsidiary.

"It was looking inevitable that the dramatic loss of confidence in SVB would also sweep its UK arm into insolvency," said Susannah Streeter of financial firm Hargreaves Lansdown.

"The run on the US bank spooked customers banking with the British subsidiary, despite protestations that it was ring-fenced from its parent," she added.

Sky News reported that the Bank of London, which launched just two years ago, is among those mulling a bid for SVB's British arm.

 2023 AFP
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From beneath a concrete pour, this black circular sensor transmits data about the concretes strength levels through a cord plugged into an above-ground handheld device called a data logger. Engineers receive real-time data from this device through a smartphone app. Credit: Purdue University/Rebecca McElhoe

An increasing number of U.S. interstates are set to try out a Purdue University invention that could save millions of taxpayer dollars and significantly reduce traffic delays.

The invention, a sensor that allows concrete to "talk," decreases construction time and how often concrete pavement needs repairs while also improving the road's sustainability and cutting its carbon footprint.

Embedded directly into a concrete pour, the sensor sends engineers more precise and consistent data about the concrete's strength and need for repair than is possible with currently used tools and methods.

"Traffic jams caused by infrastructure repairs have wasted 4 billion hours and 3 billion gallons of gas on a yearly basis. This is primarily due to insufficient knowledge and understanding of concrete's strength levels," said Luna Lu, the Reilly Professor and acting head of Purdue's Lyles School of Civil Engineering, who has been leading development of the sensors since 2017. "For instance, we don't know when concrete will reach the right strength needed to accommodate traffic loads just after construction. The concrete may go through premature failure, leading to frequent repairing."

According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, concrete pavement makes up less than 2% of U.S. roads but approximately 20% of the U.S. interstate system. Lu's research has focused on improving the conditions of concrete pavement first because it is the most challenging road material to repair. Concrete interstate pavement also must reliably support a large proportion of the nation's traffic.

More than half of U.S. states with concrete interstate pavement have signed up to participate in a Federal Highway Administration pooled fund study to implement the sensors. The participating states are Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Kansas, California, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Utah.

Additional states are expected to join as the study kicks off in the coming months. Two statesIndiana and Texashave already begun trying out the sensors in highway paving projects.

The technology also is on track to hit the market later this year as the REBEL Concrete Strength Sensing System, a product of WaveLogix. Lu founded WaveLogix in 2021 to manufacture the technology on a larger scale. The company licenses the technology from the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for patent protection on the intellectual property.

Sensors developed by Luna Lu and her team are installed into the formwork of Interstate 35 in Texas. Credit: Luna Lu

Fast Company magazine named this invention one of its Next Big Things in Tech for 2022, which recognizes projects already making an impact on a real-world problem while also showing promise to make a greater impact in the years to come. The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure also selected the technology as one of its "Gamechangers" for the year. Other organizations, such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, have followed the technology's developments since its initial introduction in 2019.

Replacing century-old industry standards to make roads last longer

The Purdue invention is gradually rising as a better alternative to tests that have been the industry's standard since the early 1900s.

Lu and her lab started developing the technology in 2017, when the Indiana Department of Transportation requested help in eliminating premature failure of newly repaired concrete pavement by more accurately determining when the pavement is ready to be opened to traffic.

After embedding an early prototype of the sensor into sections of various Indiana highways, INDOT added the sensor technology to its Indiana Test Methods Index. This index lists tests for contractors and construction workers to use to ensure road pavement quality.

Methods that the industry has used for more than a century call for testing large samples of concrete at a lab or onsite facility. Using that data, engineers estimate the strength level that a particular concrete mix will reach after it's been poured and left to mature at a construction site. Even though these tests are well understood by the industry, discrepancies between lab and outdoor conditions can lead to inaccurate estimates of the concrete's strength due to the different cement compositions and temperatures of the surrounding area.

With the technology Lu and her team invented, engineers no longer have to rely on concrete samples to estimate when fresh concrete is mature enough. Instead, they can directly monitor the fresh concrete and accurately measure many of its properties at once.

The sensor communicates to engineers via a smartphone app exactly when the pavement is strong enough to handle heavy traffic. The stronger the pavement is before being used by vehicles, the less often it will need to be repaired. The ability to instantly receive information about the concrete's strength levels also allows roads to open to traffic on time or sooner following a fresh pour.

Luna Lus lab is focused not just on making roads stronger and safer but also on helping the environment. Credit: Purdue University/Rebecca McElhoe

Construction workers can install the sensors simply by tossing them onto the ground of the concrete formwork and covering them with concrete. Next, they plug the sensor cable into a reusable handheld device that automatically starts logging data. Using the app, workers can receive information on real-time changes in the concrete strength for as long as the strength data is required.

Cutting carbon emissions by cutting down on traffic and cement

By decreasing road repairs and construction timelines, this technology could reduce carbon dioxide that vehicles would have emitted while waiting in traffic to get around a construction site.

Lu's startup, WaveLogix, also is developing a way to curb carbon emissions by cutting the amount of cement needed in concrete mixes. The manufacturing of cement is responsible for 8% of the world's carbon footprint. WaveLogix has made progress on a solution that uses artificial intelligence to optimize the design of concrete mixes based on data that the sensors would collect from highways across the country.

Construction codes call for a higher cement content in concrete mixes to ensure that concrete sample testing meets required strength thresholds. Excess cement can lead to premature cracks in pavement. Based on these code requirements and data from the Global Cement and Concrete Association, Lu estimates that concrete mix overdesign causes more than 1 billion tons of carbon emissions per year.

"The biggest problem with concrete mixes is that we use more cement to increase the concrete's strength. That won't help open the road to traffic any sooner," Lu said.

These codes are based on how concrete mixes were made in the early 1900s, which was before equipment that could grind cement into finer powder was developed in the 1950s. Since concrete mixes use that finer powder today, they should have different water-cement ratios than a hundred years ago. The codes also don't take into consideration how weather in different states impacts a concrete mix. A concrete pour in the middle of Indiana's winter, for example, requires different concrete mixes to reach the right strength level than if the concrete were poured during California's winter.

Lu believes that this new method using artificial intelligence could potentially reduce by 20% to 25% the amount of the cement used in concrete mixesand simultaneously make pavement more durable and less expensive.

"I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make an impact on our infrastructure through developing new types of technology. In the field of civil engineering, if we don't make an impact on the world, there won't be a world to worry about," Lu said.
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A federal judge on Friday said the Justice Department can sue Alphabet Inc.'s Google in Virginia, batting down efforts by the tech giant to change the venue of the litigation to New York.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria said there are "just enough" differences between the antitrust case by the government and a similar ongoing case in New York to justify keeping the case in Virginia.

"Put your running shoes on," Brinkema said, noting that she plans to move the case forward quickly.

The decision is an early win for the Justice Department, which sued Google in January over its alleged illegal monopolization of the digital advertising market.

Google's lawyers argued that the case, which calls for the break up of the search giant's ad-technology business, would be better suited to New York so lawyers could "coordinate" with a separate consolidated lawsuit there that also focuses on Google's power over the ad tech ecosystem. Those consolidated cases include dozens of private lawsuits against the tech giant as well as a case led by state attorneys general.

"While we wanted to transfer this case to be efficiently heard alongside other overlapping matters in New York, we'll continue to set the record straight and show how we compete fairly in a highly dynamic and crowded industry," Julie Tarallo McAlister, a Google spokeswoman, said in a statement.

The cases are similar, but the Justice Department's lawyers argued that moving the case from the Eastern District of Virginia to the Southern District of New York would delay the litigation for years.

"The need for swift action is particularly pronounced in this case given the pace of change in technology and the dynamic nature of Google's anticompetitive conduct across the ad tech industry," Justice Department lawyers said in their brief, which they filed alongside the eight other states that joined the department's case against Google last year.

The Justice Department's case against Google marks the Biden administration's first major case challenging the power of one of the nation's largest tech companies. It stems from a probe that began under former President Donald Trump.

Google is the dominant player in the lucrative U.S. digital-ad market, which brings in billions of dollars per year for the company. Globally, Google earned $168 billion in ad revenue in 2022. This year, Google's U.S. revenue alone is projected to reach $73.8 billion.

The Justice Department strategically chose the Eastern District of Virginia to handle the case because its court system is known for handling intricate business cases more quickly than other courts. The local rules are designed to expedite the process.

The government also argued the case should also remain in Virginia because the commonwealth's attorney general joined the Justice Department's case. Some of the allegations in the case also relate to the Department of Defense, which is headquartered in Virginia.

2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com.

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About 600 more tech and biotech layoffs rocked the Bay Area job market in a fresh round of cutbacks that suggest the staffing reductions in the region have yet to run their course, new state government filings show.

Four tech companies, two biotech firms and a real estate ally of Google that's been jolted by the search giant's development slowdown are among the most recent firms to reveal layoff plans to the Employment Development Department.

Here are the details for the latest staffing reduction plans reported to the EDD through an array of WARN notices:

Atlassian decided to cut 268 jobs in San Francisco, effective May 5. The software company rebalanced its workforce to focus on new opportunities.

KLA is eliminating 72 jobs in Milpitas on or around May 8. The semiconductor company is among the companies caught up in a downturn in the chip sector.

Lendlease is cutting 67 positions in Sunnyvale as of April 28. The company is a development firm that is Google's development partner in a number of major projects, including a transit-oriented village in downtown San Jose. Lendlease said a "reduction in work" was the main factor driving the layoffs.

AeroVironment, 62 layoffs in Petaluma, effective on May 6. The company makes unmanned aircraft vehicles and systems for the military and other customers. Just a few days ago, AeroVironment disclosed a first round of layoffs affecting 17 jobs in the same city.

Graphite Bio is cutting 59 jobs, effective by June 1, in Brisbane and South San Francisco. The company said the layoffs occurred after it had abandoned the development of therapies for sickle cell disease and had decided to shift to strategic alternatives.

Coherus BioSciences decided to eliminate 51 jobs in Redwood City, cutbacks that occurred on March 7. "A significant downturn in business" was the reason for the company's layoffs, the WARN letter stated.

Flex Ltd., an electronics equipment maker, is cutting 10 jobs in Milpitas, effective on March 3.

The companies that disclosed the most recent group of layoffs are eliminating a combined total of 589 jobs in the Bay Area, including the staffing reductions revealed by Lendlease.

Since mid-2022, tech and biotech companies have revealed plans to eliminate more than 22,800 jobs in the Bay Area. Some layoffs have occurred, and other cutbacks are upcoming.

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Researchers at USC Viterbi's Information Sciences Institute are developing an algorithm that teaches machines to learn without human supervision.

"Generally speaking, machine learning is the science of teaching machines to act similar to humans," said Mohammad Rostami, Research Lead at USC Viterbi's Information Sciences Institute (ISI). Teaching machines to learn without any supervision by humans is the subject of his latest paper, Overcoming Concept Shift in Domain-Aware Settings through Consolidated Internal Distributions, which he presented at the 37th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, held in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 7-14, 2023.

Rostami explained how machine learning is typically done: "We collect data that is annotated by humans, and then we teach the machine how to act similar to humans given that data. The problem we encounter is that the knowledge the machine obtains is limited to the data set that was used for training." Additionally, the data set used for training is often not available after the training process is complete.

The resulting challenge? If the machine receives input that is different enough from the data it was trained on, the machine gets confused and will not act similar to a human.

A bulldog or a shih tzu or something else entirely?

Rostami offered an example, "There are many categories of dogs, different types of dogs are visually not very similar, and the variety is significant. If you train a machine to categorize dogs, its knowledge is limited to the samples that you used for training. If you have a new category of dog that is not among the training samples, the machine is not going to be able to learn that it's a new type of dog."

Interestingly, humans are better at this than machines. When humans are given something to categorize, if they are given just a few samples in a new category (i.e., a new breed of dog), they adjust and learn what that new category is. Rostami said, "a six-year-old child can learn a new category using two, three, or four samples, as opposed to most modern machine learning techniques which require at least several hundred samples to learn that new category."

Categorizing in the face of concept shift

Often, it's not about learning entirely new categories, but being able to adjust as existing categories change.

If a machine learns a category during training, and then over time it undergoes some changes (i.e., the addition of a new subcategory), Rostami hopes that with his research, the machine will be able to learn or extend the notion of what that category is, (i.e., to include the new subcategory).

The changing nature of a category is what is known as "concept shift." The concept of what a category is shifts over time. Rostami offered another real-world example: the spam folder.

He explained, "Your email service has a model to categorize your inbox emails into legit emails and spam emails. It is trained to identify spam using certain features. For example, if an email is not addressed to you personally, it is more likely that it's spam."

Unfortunately, spammers are aware of these models and constantly add new features in order to trick the models, to prevent their emails from being categorized as spam.

Rostami continued, "this means that the definition of 'spam' changes over time. It is a time dependent definition. The concept is the sameyou have the concept of 'spam'but over time the definition and details about the concept change. That's concept shift."

A new way to train

In his paper, Rostami has developed a method for training a machine learning model that addresses these issues.

Because original training data is not always available, Rostami's method does not rely on that data. Co-author and ISI Principal Scientist Aram Galstyan explained how, "The model learns the distribution of the old data in the latent space, then it can generate latent representation, almost like generating a synthetic data set by learning the representation of the old data."

Because of this, the model can retain what was learned in the initial training phase, which allows it to adapt and learn new categories and subcategories over time.

It also, importantly, means it will not forget the original training data or what it learned from it. This is a major issue in machine learning. Galstyan explained, "When you train a new model, it can forget about some patterns that were useful before. This is known as catastrophic forgetting," said Galstyan.

With the approach developed in this paper, Galstyan said "catastrophic forgetting is implicitly addressed because we introduce a correspondence between the old distribution of data and the new one. So, our model will not forget the old one."

What's next?

Rostami and Galstyan are pleased with the results, especially because it does not rely on the availability of source data. Galstyan said, "I was pleasantly surprised to see that the model compares favorably to most of the state-of-the-art existing baselines."

Rostami and Galstyan plan to continue their work on this concept and apply the proposed method on real-world problems.

The paper is also published on the arXiv preprint server.

More information: Mohammad Rostami et al, Overcoming Concept Shift in Domain-Aware Settings through Consolidated Internal Distributions, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2007.00197 Journal information: arXiv
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RoboNinja is designed to cut multi-material objects with an interactive state estimator and adaptive cutting policy. Left: When the knife encounters a collision with the invisible core, the algorithm updates the core estimation and re-plans the cutting trajectory after a few retracting actions. Right: We deploy the learned model on a physical robot, allowing it to cut fruits in a way that maximizes the cut-off mass while minimizing collision occurrences. Credit: Xu et al

Humans innately learn to adapt their movements based on the materials they are handling and the tasks that they are trying to complete. When chopping specific fruits or vegetables, for instance, they might learn to cut around harder parts, such as avocado or peach seeds, or carefully eliminate the outer skin.

To assist humans with everyday tasks, such as cooking and preparing food, robots should also be able to effectively cut objects with mixed material compositions or textures. Transferring this capability to robots, however, has proved to be fairly challenging so far.

Researchers at Columbia University, CMU, UC Berkeley and other institutes in the U.S. recently created RoboNinja, a machine learning-based system that could allow robots to cut multi-material objects, particularly soft objects with hard cores. Their paper, published on the arXiv pre-print server, could ultimately help to enhance the capabilities of robots designed to help humans with chores and everyday kitchen tasks.

"In contrast to prior works using open-loop cutting actions to cut through single-material objects (e.g., slicing a cucumber), RoboNinja aims to remove the soft part of an object while preserving the rigid core, thereby maximizing the yield," Zhenjia Xu, Zhou Xian and their colleagues wrote in their paper. "To achieve this, our system closes the perception-action loop by utilizing an interactive state estimator and an adaptive cutting policy."

Xu, Xian and their colleagues set out to create a system that would allow a robot to effectively cut fruits like mangos, peaches and avocados, removing the soft pulp from the rigid seed in the middle. Their system's goal is to remove as much pulp as possible, while minimizing collisions with the central seed and consume a limited amount of power.

"The system first employs sparse collision information to iteratively estimate the position and geometry of an object's core and then generates closed-loop cutting actions based on the estimated state and a tolerance value," Xu, Xian and their colleagues wrote in their paper. "The 'adaptiveness' of the policy is achieved through the tolerance value, which modulates the policy's conservativeness when encountering collisions, maintaining an adaptive safety distance from the estimated core."

To evaluate their system for multi-material object cutting, the researchers created a cutting simulation environment that was more suitable for assessing the problem they were tackling. This environment features different scenarios in which a robot cuts objects made of a combination of soft and rigid materials.

"Existing simulators are limited in simulating multi-material objects or computing the energy consumption during the cutting process," Xu, Xian and their colleagues explained in their paper. "To address this issue, we develop a differentiable cutting simulator that supports multi-material coupling and allows for the generation of optimized trajectories as demonstrations for policy learning."

The results of simulations ran by Xu, Xian and their colleagues were promising, as RoboNinja allowed their simulated robotic gripper to remove a significant amount of soft materials from objects, while minimizing collisions with rigid parts and consuming a reasonable amount of energy. Subsequently, the team tested their framework on a real robotic gripper, to further validate its performance in real-world settings and while cutting objects with different core geometries.

"Our experiments show that our method is able to generalize well to novel core geometries and even real fruits," the researchers concluded in their paper. "We hope our experimental findings and the newly developed simulator will inspire future work on robot learning involving interactions with multi-material objects."

More information: Zhenjia Xu et al, RoboNinja: Learning an Adaptive Cutting Policy for Multi-Material Objects, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2302.11553 Journal information: arXiv

 2023 Science X Network
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Rendering of EEMS Traveller cargo ship with two suction sails installed. Credit:  bound4blue, 2022

New sails and boat designs are set to help shipowners slash fuel costs and emissions.

There is no mistaking Cristina Aleixendri's enthusiasmand competencewhen it comes to talking about how wind-assisted shipping is on the verge of making a planet-changing comeback.

Aleixendri founded a company called bound4blue with two fellow Spaniards in 2014 to develop sail technology inspired by their training in aeronautical engineering.

Dream come true

"When we started, we were seen as crazy engineers for wanting to bring sails back to ships," she said. "But when we speak to shipowners today, they tell us we'll go back to wind and it will never be abandoned."

It's easy to understand why. The shipping industry accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse-gas emissions and is trying to move away from heavy fuel oil, which is highly polluting.

"Wind-propulsion technology will become a standard," said Aleixendri. "It started as a dream of mine. Now, I see it less as a dream and more of a reality."

Not only has Barcelona-based bound4blue attracted growing interest from shipping firms in its wind-assisted propulsion system but Aleixendri has achieved significant personal recognition for her efforts.

In 2019, she made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for manufacturing and industry in Europe. The following year, Aleixendri won the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Woman Award recognizing inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Wind in the sails

Now, bound4blue is coordinating a sails project that borrows the company's name and runs for two years through February 2024. There's big room for growth in wind-assisted shipping.

As of September 2022, only 21 large commercial ships globally were equipped with the ability to harness wind energy, according to the International Windship Association. Though predicted to more than double to as many as 50 vessels this year, that's still a drop in the ocean compared with the global fleet.

Wind energy is viable for a variety of vessels, including cargo carriers, tankers, ferries and cruise ships, according to Aleixendri.

"It's a massive market because there are more than 60 000 ships sailing worldwide that could benefit from such solutions," she said. "This is very nascent."

As 2023 dawned, the entry into force of new regulations by the International Maritime Organization on energy efficiency and carbon emissions is also expected to spur growth.

"I think it's the right moment to invest in wind propulsionit's a very sweet spot for us," said Aleixendri, who is her company's chief operating officer and earned a Master of Sciences degree in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Suction fan

Bound4blue has developed what's called an autonomous suction-based sail, which looks nothing like a traditional one. It has the appearance of a cylinder-shaped tower that rises from the ship's deck.

Traditional sails work by "catching the wind." The wind creates a higher-pressure area behind the sail compared to its other side. This difference in pressure generates a force that propels the ship forward, known as lift.

By contrast, bound4blues eSAIL contains a suction fan to draw air inside the tower as wind flows around it, creating stronger lift to power the boat.

Largest suction sail in the world being installed at a shipyard. Credit:  bound4blue, 2021

This results in six or seven times the lift of a conventional rigid sail and could reduce fuel consumption by up to 40% if combined with better vessel design and adjustments in routes to take advantage of prevailing winds, according to Aleixendri.

The eSAIL is best suited for the types of windy conditions found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, she saidthough its use is by no means exclusive to those routes.

Emission savings will vary, depending on the general wind conditions on different routes. For example, bound4blue estimates that a merchant ship sailing the 25,000 kilometers from southern Brazil to north-eastern China could save 26% on fuel and emissions.

While it's still early days, some first movers have already reported savings of 15%. Bound4blue has also signed a range of deals with shipping firms including Japan's Marubeni and French-owned Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.

"We have more demand than we can supply today, so we're very happy about how it's going," said Aleixendri.

While new technology has previously been seen as risky to install on ships, wind-assisted options like bound4blue's are starting to make economic sense and can pay for themselves in fuel savings within five years, she said.

"In the end, wind propulsion is providing free, renewable energy that you don't have to store or invest in infrastructure to supply," said Aleixendri.

Vessel design

Amid the promise of wind-based options, a challenge arises: ensuring they are properly implemented to achieve their full performance potential or preventing negative knock-on effects on how a ship runs.

So another project, OPTIWISE, is investigating how the overall design of vessels can be adjusted to optimize wind-assisted propulsion.

Better attuning ships to the technology can help improve sailing efficiency and emission savings, according to Rogier Eggers, who leads the three-year project running through May 2025.

Design modifications could also help overcome some of the potential negative consequences of installing sails on ships. Doing so may, for instance, create an obstacle for passing under objects like cranes in ports or even affect ships in such a way that they struggle to stay on course.

"That's simply not acceptable, so it's required to look at the shape of the hull and appendages such as rudders to make sure that you get the ship in balance," said Eggers, a senior project manager at Dutch maritime research institute MARIN.

Over the next couple of years, OPTIWISE plans to use scale models of ships several meters in length to test wind systems and the effects of technological improvements in various sea conditions. The project also intends to employ computer-based voyage simulations and machine learning.

Innovations could deliver savings of well over 30% in carbon emissions, maybe even reaching as much as 50%, if effectively delivered, according to Eggers.

Blast from the past

If wind technologies can be successfully integrated, methods like suction sails, wing sails and cylindrical spinning rotor sails being produced by partners in OPTIWISE could gain real traction, he said.

Adoption of such rotor sails would resurrect a wind-based technology invented a century ago by Anton Flettner, a German engineer. It failed to become widely adopted as a result of the growing popularity of diesel fuel at the time.

"Several suppliers have been pretty active with wind technology and have been getting increased interest from the shipping market for installations," said Eggers. "Before, there was a big reluctance to put such things on ships, but devices like Flettner rotors, suction sails and wing sails are now gradually being trusted by the industry."

This transition promises to set the maritime sector on a course towards slashing emissions.

"We are at the start with shipping in moving towards a zero-emission future," said Eggers. "The number of ships equipped now with wind propulsion is still tiny compared to the world fleet, but the hope is that we will soon be seeing hundreds of ships being equipped per year."
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Chief Carriers of Grand Island has been honored for exceptional work.

Chief Carriers, a for-hire carrier based in Grand Island, won the Best Fleets to Drive For program in the small company category from the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge during the Truckload 2023: Orlando event at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Centre in Florida on March 6.

Chief Carriers was recognized for delivering "a broad range of innovative programs and a commitment to team engagement," the company said in a release.

Chief General Manager Andrew Winkler expressed his delight at the win, saying, "When you learn to put people first in your organization, great things begin to happen."

Winkler further added, "I certainly had a vision of what Chief Carriers could be, but that could never happen unless we have an entire support team behind us that believed too."

The Best Fleets to Drive For program is an annual survey and contest that recognizes the North American for-hire trucking companies that provide the best workplace experience for their drivers. To be considered, fleets must be nominated by a company driver or independent contractor working with them, after which they are evaluated across a broad range of categories reflecting current best practices in human resources.

The highest scoring fleets are identified as Best Fleets to Drive For and then grouped according to size. The highest-scoring fleet in each category is named the overall winner.

This year, Chief Carriers represented a first of its kind  Winkler is the first person to win the overall award at two different companies, having previously worked with Hall-of-Famer Grand Island Express.

Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO, referred to Winkler as the Best Fleets Master."

"Seeing Chief Carriers progress in the past few years, its not surprising that they won the overall award," Jazrawy said. "They clearly have a plan for developing driver support programs, and their scores across all categories show that the plan is working."

TCA President Jim Ward added, "Its imperative that fleets establish driver-centric offerings which attract and retain a skilled workforce while establishing programs that improve the work-life balance for their employees. Chief Carriers, Inc. has done just that, and their results show that those efforts pay off."

For more information on the Best Fleets to Drive For program, visit bestfleetstodrivefor.com or follow the hashtag #BestFleets23 on social media.

Chief Carriers was founded in 1968. For more information go to chiefcarriers.com.
Along with helping out the community, volunteering is a great way to make new, wonderful friendships.

Kathleen Nonneman and Linda Whiteley, two volunteers at the Grand Island Public Library, received the 2023 Nebraska Library Association Outstanding Volunteer Award at the NLA Advocacy Day luncheon at the Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln on March 3.

The Nebraska Library Association is a chapter of the American Library Association. The goal of the NLA is to support and promote all libraries, library media centers and library services in the state.

Nonneman and Whiteley were nominated by the Grand Island Public Library and the Grand Island Public Library Foundation for their volunteer work.

We have nominated people over the years, said Celine Swan, director of the Grand Island Public Library. We always made sure to nominate someone who puts in a lot of time and is very passionate about the library and literacy.

According to Kim Mettenbrink, Grand Island Public Library Foundation Coordinator, the duo has been volunteering at the library for a couple years. However, Nonneman and Whiteley havent always volunteered together.

Nonneman, a former librarian, started volunteering around 2019 after her sister, Mettenbrink, asked for her help organizing the daily book sale in the librarys foyer. For years, the book sale had been run by three women, but they all ended up leaving for various reasons.

The books used in the sale are ones that have been donated to the library. According to Nonneman, when the library was undergoing renovations, all the donated books were moved into a smaller space and piled up because no one was attending to them.

At first, Mettenbrink tried to organize everything herself, but the work ended up being too much for her.

I thought, You know, maybe she would help with the booksale, said Mettenbrink. Because I couldnt do it by myself and I needed someone to organize that and get it going.

Nonneman agreed to help sort out all the books and organize the book sale.

Mettenbrink helped her sister out in the beginning, but eventually had to stop because she had other duties to do. Afterwards, one volunteer had helped Nonneman out for a little bit before they had gotten sick and could no longer do it. When Mettenbrink was trying to find another replacement, she thought Whiteley would be a good fit.

Whiteley had started volunteering in 2020, as a part of the homebound delivery services.

Mettenbrink knew Whiteley from her volunteer work at the Grand Island Grand Theatre and knew she was also working at the library.

They just seemed like a good pairing to me, said Mettenbrink. They love the library, they love books, they love helping people.

When Mettenbrink asked if Whiteley would help with the book sale, she agreed to. When they went to meet Nonneman, Mettenbrink said there was an instant connection.

They just immediately hit it off, said Mettenbrink. They just loved working together.

From that point, Nonneman and Whiteley worked on the library book sales together. Every Monday afternoon, the pair organize all the donated books and replace which ones are on sale.

They also come up with monthly themes and decorations for the book sale. They also organize the Friends of the Library book sale, a giant fair where hundreds of books are brought out and sold to the public.

My favorite thing is seeing the happiness of the patrons, said Nonneman. They have always supported the library, so its always good to be a part of giving back to the public.

The pair have enjoyed their time working together. Nonneman thinks the job wouldnt be as fun without her.

The best thing about volunteering at the library is being teamed up with Kathleen, said Whiteley. Weve developed a friendship and have had a lot of fun together.

Library staff members have also commented on Nonneman and Whiteleys exuberant relationship.

They get here and the laughter just comes out of that room, said staff member Susie Cartwright. Because they enjoy working together so much and they work so well together.

Nonneman and Whiteley hadnt known they were nominated for the award and were very surprised. According to Whiteley, they had only learned about receiving the award on the Monday before the NLA luncheon.

It was a good surprise, said Whiteley. It felt nice to be honored in this way.

Both women felt honored by the Grand Island Public Library and the Grand Island Public Library Foundation for their nomination.

I felt very grateful, said Nonneman. I appreciate that the library noticed how much we enjoy our jobs and make it a special place for our patrons to come to.
YORK  The case against Imelda Ambriz, 34, of Los Angeles, California, has been dismissed. This was a situation where she was caught with nearly 20 pounds of cocaine in York County.

The case was dismissed upon a motion filed by the prosecution.

The case began last fall when a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol was on regular duty on Interstate 80, in York County. The trooper followed a vehicle to the York interchange, because of traffic violations and suspicious activity, according to court documents.

The trooper followed the vehicle to a truck stop at the York interchange where he spoke with the driver and lone occupant, Ambriz. The trooper says in the affidavit filed with the court that she was taking short rapid breaths and her entire body was rapidly shaking.

Ambriz gave the trooper paperwork that said the vehicle had been rented in Los Angeles on Sept. 15 and was due in Stateline, Nevada on Sept. 18.

Due to Ambrizs behavior, the trooper asked for consent to search the vehicle which was granted by Ambriz.

During the search, it was discovered that material was loose on middle row seats and when the trooper pulled back the fabric he saw a brick-like object wrapped in black electrical tape. The package tested positive as cocaine, weighing 19.9 pounds, which is a substantial amount.

Ambriz had earlier pleaded not guilty to possession of more than 140 grams of cocaine, a Class 1B felony which carries a possible maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison. She also pleaded not guilty to having no drug tax stamp, a Class 4 felony that carries a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison with 12 months of post-release supervision.

A status hearing was held this past week, during which the charges were dropped.
BELLEVUE  The last wreckage of Offutt Air Force Bases terrible flood is gone. Now the rebuilding can begin.

Some of Offutts top leadership gathered Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the 55th Security Forces Squadrons new $68.4 million campus, which will include a new headquarters building, firing range and military working dog kennels. The old ones were destroyed in the flood of March 2019.

After four years of cleanup, assessment, planning and demolition, the groundbreaking marks the start of one of the largest pieces of the bases reconstruction, which is expected to cost about $1 billion and continue until 2028.

This is a huge milestone, said Maj. Eric Armstrong, who heads the 55th Wings construction project management office.

He said more construction will begin quickly, with contracts expected to be awarded by May for the Nuclear Command Control and Communications (NC3) Alert campus and the SATCOM/MILSTAR campus.

The NC3 campus includes a new headquarters building for the unit that operates the E-4B Nightwatch fleet, and ready rooms for E-4B and E-6B Mercury alert crews. The SATCOM/MILSTAR campus will include critical communications links for the Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command.

The 55th Security Forces Squadrons members are the heirs to the revered SAC Elite Guard, which boasted of providing airtight security on Strategic Air Command bases during the Cold War. They provide Offutts police force, staffing the entrance gates and protecting the aircraft of the 55th Wing and the 595th Command and Control Group.

This is an organization that protects assets that cannot meet harm, Col. Jasin Cooley, commander of Offutts 55th Mission Support Group, told a crowd of about 200 airmen and civilians who gathered for the groundbreaking.

The units headquarters near the south end of Offutts runway filled with water 9 feet deep after the Missouri and Platte rivers overwhelmed levees that had protected the base for decades.

We filled sandbags. None of it did any good, recalled Tech. Sgt. Shane Crone, a 4-year veteran of the squadron, and one of just a few who were with the unit at the time of the flood.

When the deluge receded, it left behind a muddy, stinking mess.

The 55th Security Forces lost everything in the flood, Cooley said. Six-hundred and fourteen people had to find a new place to operate. Consider for a moment what its like to lose everything, your history, your heritage.

At first, Crone said, morale dropped when airmen saw the devastation. The squadrons members scattered to several sites across the base, including the basement of the World War II-era Martin Bomber Plant, an airplane hangar, and a reconditioned airmans dormitory.

More challenges followed. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 sent many members home to work. And the relocation of Offutts flight operations to the Lincoln Airport for 18 months in 2021 and 2022 meant some airmen had to relocate there for four days at a time.

In the face of all that adversity, Crone said, a funny thing happened.

It brought the squadron together again, he said, reminding him of the tight-knit Minuteman missile squadrons hed served in before his Offutt assignment.

Thursdays groundbreaking was accompanied by freshly fallen snow, but construction will start as soon as the weather clears and continue to November 2024. The campus will be ready for occupation a few months later.

The new buildings are being built atop pads resembling giant anthills that are 10 feet higher than the floodplain that surrounds them. Offutts levees have also been raised by 2-3 feet. Engineers believe those measures will raise the buildings above any future floods.
[Continued from the previous post.... This is complete now, or as complete as it's going to get. Thanks to everyone for all the questions! Mike]

Kye Wood: "WOW! What an engaged and thought provoking comments sectionespecially featured comments. Mike, you clearly have some very high-IQ creative people following your blog."

Mike replies: Kye's comment isn't a question, but man, do I agree. It's what keeps me coming back.

Beau Camel: "This might sound like a silly question, but it has been nagging at me for the many years in which I have been interested in photography: what makes a photograph 'good'? What is it about certain photographs that people who see them will say, 'that's really interesting' or 'that's really good.' Are there certain characteristics a photograph must have to meet that standard? Surprise? Beauty (whatever that is)? Singularity? Timing, either for the subject or for the viewing? Appealing composition? A combination of things? I don't think it's necessarily 'in the eye of the beholder' because there seems to be a consensus around examples generally deemed 'good' or 'great.'"

Mike replies: Pretty early on in my career I wrote a long article on just this topic, one I put a lot of thought, time, and effort into, but I'm really not sure how I would go about finding it now. I think I would find that my views have changed or evolved on the topic now. Still, it would be a good place to start. I'll make an effort to see if I can find it and post it here.

Doug Anderson: "When we travel we usually stay at a Hampton Inn, a part of the Hilton chain. A consistent element of the decorating scheme is black-and-white photographs, and they fascinate me. They are of a variety of subjects and in a variety of sizes but all of them are square format. And they were all clearly taken with that format in mind. I can not mentally crop any of them without spoiling the composition.

"Over the years my own photography has switched back and forth between 1:1 square format and 3:2 full frame 35mm format. And this is reflected in the assortment of my photographs hanging on our walls. I like the photographs individually but I have never liked the appearance of the mixed format groups. Do you think this is just a personal problem, or is there a more general issue with mixing the formats of photographs in groups (or books for that matter)?"

Rob Griffin: "What are your thoughts about print proportions? Do you feel photographic prints need to stick to standard aspect ratios such as 4x5, 2x3, 5x7, 1x1, or even 16x9? Do you have any feelings, good or bad, about square photographs?"

Mike replies: The three topics that seem to have emerged as loci of interest in this "thread" are format/proportion (i.e., aspect ratio), street photography, and museum/gallery shows and other ways of looking at original photography. I'll try to keep these in mind.

For me personally, I think either consistency or "consistent dissonance" in aspect ratio are important, because it's not something you want to call attention to in displaying workit can be a distraction, like a written piece with a lot of distracting typos or magazine design that tries too hard to be edgy. Part of creativity is calling attention to what deserves attention and not distracting people with what doesn't.

With my Sigma fp-Monochrome, I have it set to 4:3, but of course it still records 3:2, and I find that there are a few shots that just work better at 3:2. Here's a shot that I shoehorned into 4:3 when the subject really demands a little more air (especially on the left); here's a shot that just worked better at 3:2 and so I presented it that way.

This is one of several reasons why I used to like to print 35mm to the blacklinebecause it made all the work consistent across multiple pictures (and it forced me to compose in-camera rather than after the fact, which improves your seeing). But this is the kind of nuts-and-bolts problem that you work on in art school.

As for square photographs, I think they're a little harder to compose consistently, because the aspect ratio is inherently less dynamic. But some people are good at it (Fay Godwin and Mary Ellen Mark come to mind), and no, I don't have anything against square pictures. In my past life as an editor I presented pictures that were square and presented as diamond-shaped, that is, as if tipped up to balance on one corner, and Sam Wang's circular pictures which I thought were beautiful. Linda Connor did some Asian landscapes that mimicked antique scrolls in being long, skinny verticals, and they worked nicely. Any format can work if the artist is good enough at making it work.

Not THAT Ross Cameron: "Q for Mike. To raise something that was touched on a while back, are you using colour, ND or polariser filters with your B&W digital photography? And why, regardless? Thanks in advance.

Mike replies: I'm using a dark yellow filter outdoors with the Sigma fp-Monochrome. I'm not sure it makes much differencecertainly not as much as filters make with B&W filmbut I'm striving for a certain tonal range and I think it helps me to get there, at least a little bit. I haven't noticed much difference at all in artificial light, and I can use the extra sensitivity in low light, so I sometimes remove the filter shooting indoors or in low light. I presume and hope that clarity on this issue will be one of the things that will shake out as I do more work with my camera and get more familiar with its workflow.

Jeff: "Speaking of Leicas, do you still plan to assess the M Monochrom that was loaned?"

Mike replies: The owner is being remarkably patient with me, which I appreciate on top of his generosity. I've been a little scared of trying it because I fear demoralizing myself if it turns out to have an edge over the Sigma fp-M. But yes, I will get around to trying it and writing about it when spring springs up.

Terry Burnes: "I do think Kirk's questions about galleries (and perhaps museums) is a good one. I feel I've learned a lot by viewing the work of others. Where can I go to see reliably good photography? Or where can I get information about where it is on display? I've figured out a few spots. We go to Tucson every year and always visit the Center for Creative Photography at the U of A. And also the Etherton Gallery. When in Yosemite, always the Ansel Adams Gallery. The Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego. Perhaps an occasional feature of TOP could be you and readers letting everyone who visits TOP know about worthwhile gallery and museum exhibitions of photography. For instance, there is an Ansel Adams exhibit coming up at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco, April into July, that seems to take a somewhat different approach."

Mike replies: This has been a recurrent idea over many years, but it's far beyond my resources. I don't even get to all the shows at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, the major museum closest to me. If I won the lottery, however, I'd immediately do two very quirky things with the money: 1. build and staff a vast greenhouse so I could eat super-fresh fruits and veggies year-round, and 2. travel around the country and perhaps the world going to museum shows (art and photography both). One of my mother's friends did that with operaher golden-years boyfriend is also passionate about opera, and the two of them travel the world going to operas.

So, the answer for your question is: as soon as I win the lottery, TOP will provide a comprehensive list of photography venues around the world, information about all the shows on offer at those places, and exhibition reviews, some of which will be written by me. So as soon as that happens....

Kenneth Tanaka replies to Terry (partial comment): "One of the best sources of very current news of photography exhibitions, collections, and curation moves is Photograph Magazine. It features an informative newsletter emailed weekly with lots of doins."

Terry replies: "Thank you so much to Kenneth Tanaka for the tip about Photograph Magazine. Just what I was looking for. I'll be checking this in advance of travel to see what photography exhibitions we might take in along the way. And it is clear that in the areas of the West we visit most, S.F., L.A., Tucson and New Mexico have lots of opportunities to see photography. I was just in and missed a lot!"

Robert Roaldi: "Why are photos of ordinary objects or places in our environment more interesting in photographs than in real life?"

Mike replies: That's a very deep question. The very short answer is that I think it releases an impression of the object into the "free world" of timelessness as discussed by Vladimir Nabokov in Speak, Memory.

Jon Erickson: "As a writer and a photographer, are there similarities in how you compose a written work and how you compose a picture?"

Mike replies: The thought has never occurred to me and I think not, although I have always liked words coupled with picturesanything from John Szarkowski's mini-essays in Looking at Photographs to the captions I like to write to go with pictures on Flickr.

Mike Peters: "Hi Mike, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference between taking photographs of a variety of subjects, and creating a body of work over one's lifetime that hangs together both visually and thematically by making photographs with intention. Also, the idea of photographs being original in this time of photography ubiquity seems like an idea whose time has past. It seems to me that making photographs that are authentic to who one knows themself to be is much more important these days. And of course, over a lifetime, that knowledge will evolve and change. What are your thoughts on these subjects, or are they completely intertwined?"

Mike replies: Well, it would take an awful lot to truly unpack all that. I could argue that my three years of college-level art school only partially answered those questions (and of course didn't take into account possible recent changes).

Bearing in mind that I don't know much about how photography is taught in art schools nowassuming there is any general commonality at all between themI'd suggest that it might be most productive to think in terms of the traditional "body of work." As I understand it, a body of work might be anything from a brief albeit possibly intense project to a lifetime spent doing work that is virtually all thematically, technically, and/or visually related. An example of the first might be a photojournalist on a specific assignment overseas, to a fashion photographer reinventing herself by working out a distinctive style, to a hobbyist working on a Blurb book about the vanishing post-and-beam barns of Pennsylvania; examples of the latter might be the work of Edward Weston, say, or Michael Kenna. Thinking in terms of bodies of work can give us the benefits of both discipline and direction on the one hand, and freedom on the other.



As for whether the idea of originality is no longer meaningful, I don't think that will ever truly be the case. It might be that photography itself will not follow, in the future, the conceptual patterns that we developed for it in its first hundred and sixty years, but in any expressive medium, people will find ways to express themselves.

David Aiken: "I noticed that there were a lot of comments which mentioned street photography so I did a count. Twenty-four comments so far and five mentions of street photography. Those responses asked questions about your thoughts on street photography, whether YouTuber street photographers using film Leica M's with 28mm lenses were foretelling the end of street photography, and composition.

"Your only comment, to Pete Komar, was brief but hinted at some interesting thoughts on what makes a good street photography and why the genre is so easy to work in and so difficult to do well. How about a longer, considered post about street photography including on its beginnings and ongoing artistic development, what makes a good street photography, and where you think it may be heading. Personally I think street photography is alive and well. I think the best work being done today is just as good as the best work done at any time during the history of street photography and I think there's more of it being done than at any earlier time.

"If as you and Alex Webb both say, street photography is 99.9% failure, a view I have no reason to doubt, then given that a lot more street photographs are being taken today than at any other time in the history of street photography there are definitely going to be more great street photographs being taken but we have to work our way through a lot more poor results to find those great results. The standard only seems to be higher in prior decades because it's easier to come across the great photos from those periods than it is to come across the bulk of the poorer ones, time does a great job of culling what we can see. It just hadn't had a chance to press the Delete button for 99.9 % of the photos being taken today but it will eventually get there."

Mike replies: Several people have suggested longer, more thoughtful posts about some of the issues and questions raised over the past few days, and I'm going to keep that in mind.

Bear: "Why dont you do 'Ask Mike' as a regular feature?"

Mike replies: I could, I guess. Here are a few reasons why not: 1.) it's difficult. Many of the questions aren't simple, they're foundational. They require a lot of thought even just to construct answers that are responsive and not simply dismissive or trivial. 2.) I don't think I know all the answers. 3.) the format doesn't really allow each individual question or topic to "breathe"; it doesn't allow for a focused discussion either by me or by commenters. This thread has been entertaining and interesting (for me anyway), but we didn't really go into depth on anything.

But we will do it again sometime. Thanks again to all!

Mike

Original contents copyright 2023 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below or on the title of this post.)

Featured Comments from:
CARBONDALE  One of SIUs most well-known alumni, Bob Odenkirk, is returning to campus.

The 1984 SIU graduate will receive two degrees during a ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Shryock Auditorium. The first will be the bachelors degree he earned as a student. The second will be an honorary doctorate bestowed upon him in 2020.

After the presentation of his degrees, there will be a discussion and audience Q&A session. This event, hosted by the SIU Foundation and the College of Arts and Media (CAM), is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served.

Bob Odenkirk is one of the bright stars in our vast Saluki universe, Chancellor Austin Lane said. We are so excited for him to be back on campus and share his experiences.

Before the public event that evening, Odenkirk will spend most of the day on campus. He will speak to two CAM classes and meet with students, faculty, staff, and university leaders.

Being able to have someone like Bob Odenkirk speak to our classes is a truly unique experience for our students, said Hong Cheng, dean of the College of Arts and Media. When our most successful alumni engage with us in this way, it makes our college stronger and more robust.

Odenkirk was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at spring commencement in May of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to give a virtual address. It was during that address he coined the phrase, I am a Saluki, you fools, and I will destroy you, which has become a popular T-shirt worn by Salukis everywhere.

In the past, Odenkirk has spoken fondly of his time at SIU, including during appearances on talk shows, red carpet interviews, and in magazine articles.

Before the 2019 Emmy Awards, he was interviewed by Jenny McCarthy, who also attended SIU. McCarthy asked him if he knew they attended the same college.

Thats where I graduated from, Odenkirk said. Salukis! I love that college. Look at us, SIU made us.

From Carbondale to Hollywood

Odenkirk grew up in northern Illinois. After coming to SIU, he spent time as a radio DJ and comedian, working at student radio station WIDB. He earned a bachelors degree from SIU in radio-television.

After graduating, he moved to Chicago, where he performed comedy and took classes at the Players Workshop. He was later hired to write for Saturday Night Live, where he helped create beloved sketches such as Da Bears and Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker.

After many other writing credits and parts in film and TV, Odenkirk co-created the HBO sketch comedy show Mr. Show with Bob and David, alongside comedian David Cross. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Odenkirk could be found in a number of movies and television shows.

In 2009, he joined the cast of AMCs Breaking Bad, which catapulted him into the limelight. His character, lawyer Saul Goodman, quickly became a fan favorite. The character was also the focus of the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul.

Both shows were critically acclaimed, earning Odenkirk numerous awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Odenkirk also recently starred in the hit movie, Nobody, and his newest show Lucky Hank is set to premiere on AMC on March 19. Lucky Hank is based on the novel Straight Man by former SIU English professor Richard Russo.
Hounen Solar, a global solar panel manufacturer, announced plans Monday to establish its first United States manufacturing operations in Orangeburg County.

The companys $33 million investment will create 200 new jobs.

Hounen Solar Chief Executive Officer Jufang Lv said, We are excited to announce our first manufacturing operations in the United States. Our new solar panel assembly plant will allow us to produce one GW crystalline silicon PV panels for markets in the U.S.

We are grateful for the help and support of the South Carolina team and look forward to providing more economic opportunities in the state.

Headquartered in Chino, California, Hounen manufactures solar photovoltaic panels worldwide.

In addition to solar panels, the company creates other electrical products.

Hounen uses innovative power sources to create clean energy including sustainable systems, turbine energy and renewable energy, according to a release.

Located at 145 Millennium Drive in Orangeburg, Hounens plans include leasing a 200,720-square-foot plant, marking the companys first manufacturing operations in the U.S and first South Carolina location.

The Orangeburg County facility will allow the company to develop, manufacture and sell one gigawatt crystalline silicon PV panels in the U.S.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster said, Hounens investment in Orangeburg County not only adds to the states growing renewable energy economy but also shows that South Carolina is a place where companies in every industry can thrive.

We look forward to creating a strong partnership with Hounen for years to come and seeing the impact of these 200 new jobs.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Orangeburg County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said, This investment by Hounen will further strengthen South Carolinas growing reputation in the clean energy sector, and we are excited for the environmental and economic opportunities that they will bring to the state. We welcome them to Orangeburg County and look forward to seeing them excel.

Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr. said, We are delighted to welcome Hounen to Orangeburg County.

Orangeburg County is a dynamic community on many fronts, from our talented, quality workforce to being the prime location for diverse industries across the globe. Hounens $33 million investment and creation of 200 jobs demonstrate how our community and the state work together as a team and support one another for the betterment of all.

Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer said, As interest in alternative energy resources by businesses, communities and individuals grows, so too does the need for the means to access those resources.

Investments like todays from Hounen Solar create more than just a product for increasing solar demands  it also creates well-paying and stable job opportunities for workers. We welcome Hounen Solar to Orangeburg County, and congratulate the company and our county partners on a bright future.

Individuals interested in joining the Hounen team should email resumes to the company: christina@hounenus.com
(TBTCO) - Kho bac Nha nuoc cho biet, Bao cao tai chinh nha nuoc nam 2021 hien a co ban hoan thien, du kien se uoc bao cao Quoc hoi tai ky hop thang 5 toi. So voi cac nam truoc, Bao cao tai chinh nha nuoc nam 2021 uoc bo sung them nhieu thong tin moi. ay chinh la nhung no luc cua toan he thong Kho bac Nha nuoc trong viec cai thien chat luong cua bao cao.
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.
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.
Once again I must extend congratulations to Dr Keith Rowley for recognising and rewarding excellence in performance.

Just recently Richie Sookhai was chosen as a senator, and Friday he was made a minister in the Ministry of Works. Everyone knows this is a very prestigious promotion, and working in this ministry is both demanding and taxing.
Bluegrass queen Alison Krauss and Brit rocker Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame are reuniting 14 years after they collaborated on the critically-acclaimed duet album "Raising Sand."

The pair two years ago released the follow up, "Raise the Roof," and on June 15, they will perform songs from the album and the six-time Grammy-winning "Raising Sand" during their Arizona Arts Live concert at Centennial Hall.

It's one of the biggest shows coming our way this spring and early summer, and it marks the first time we will see Krauss on a Tucson stage since she and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas, played the Tucson Arena in 2006. Plant was here as recently as 2018 with the Sensational Space Shifters at Centennial Hall.

Other highlights of the spring arts season includes "The Linda McCartney Retrospective" that includes photos she took from her time in Tucson, a concert with one of the opera world's most dynamic rising stars, an evening with humorist Fran Lebowitz, the comic musical "Mean Girls" and a concert with 1970s Brit punk-rockers The Psychedelic Furs, which opens it U.S. spring tour in Arizona in late April.

We compiled as complete a list of upcoming spring arts events as we could with the realization that some dates can change and events will be added as we go along. Check with the venue for more details and updates.

Pop, rock

Pinback, March 18, 191 Toole

Greta Van Fleet, March 20, Tucson Arena at Tucson Convention Center

Holy Faint, Fairy Bones and Sky Creature, March 22, 191 Toole

The Blind Obedience Tour: Underoath, March 27, Rialto Theatre

Beabadoobee, March 28, Rialto Theatre

The Silos, March 29, 191 Toole

Built to Spill, April 3, 191 Toole

Foreigner, April 3, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

Xiu Xiu, April 4, 191 Toole

Pop Evil: Skeletons Tour, April 7, Rialto Theatre

The Residents, April 12, 191 Toole

Third Eye Blind, April 12, Rialto Theatre

Last in Line, April 13, Rialto Theatre

Silverstein: Misery Made Me 2023, April 18, Rialto Theatre

Lotus, April 19, Rialto Theatre

The Lemon Twigs, April 25, Club Congress

Insound & Flow, April 28, 191 Toole

Melissa Etheridge, April 29, Fox Tucson Theatre

The Psychedelic Furs, April 29, Rialto Theatre

Yoke Lore, May 18, 191 Toole

Bastille, May 24, Rialto Theatre

All Time Low, May 27, Rialto Theatre

Yachtley Crew, June 3, Rialto Theatre

Stryper, June 8, Rialto Theatre

Lilac, June 10, 191 Toole

Hip-hop, R&B, electronica

The Black Violin Experience, March 21, Rialto Theatre

Token: Never Too Different tour, March 25, 191 Toole

Onyx and RA the Rugged Man, April 1, The Rock

Long Beach Dub Allstars, April 13, 191 Toole

Devin the Dude, April 27, 191 Toole

The Wailers, May 5, Rialto Theatre

G Perico: Hot Shot Tour, May 13, 191 Toole

Ice Cube with Too Short, May 27, AVA at Casino del Sol

Death Grips, July 21, Rialto Theatre

Country, folk

Hanna Haas, Brian Lopez, & The Senators, March 21, The Century Room

Sophia Rankin & The Sound, March 24, 191 Toole

Josh Turner, March 24, Rialto Theatre

Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal, March 24, Fox Tucson Theatre

Jimmie Allen, March 24, Desert Diamond Casino

Teddy Morgan & Special Guests, March 25, Club Congress

TobyMacs Hits Deep Tour, March 28, Tucson Arena at Tucson Convention Center

Emily Nenni, April 7, 191 Toole

Gordon Lightfoot, April 13, Fox Tucson Theatre

The Brothers Comatose, April 15, 191 Toole

Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands, April 15, Hotel Congress Plaza

Dougie Poole, April 20, Hotel Congress Plaza

Tony Furtado, April 20, 191 Toole

Roots & Boots, April 23, Fox Tucson Theatre

Giovannie & The Hired Guns, April 24, 191 Toole

Ian Munsick, April 25, Rialto Theatre

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, April 27, Fox Tucson Theatre

Tish Hinojosa, May 18, Hotel Congress Plaza

Aaron Lewis, May 21, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

Sara Shook & the Disarmers, May 25, Club Congress

Junior Brown, June 14, Fox Tucson Theatre

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, June 15, Centennial Hall

Jazz, blues

Lauren Kinhan, March 16, The Century Room

Tom Wakeling & Steve Christofferson: Northwest Blues, March 17, The Century Room

Walter Trout Band, March 19, Rialto Theatre

Celebrating Anna Warr: A Memorial Concert, March 19, The Century Room

Century Room Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid, March 19 and 26, Century Room

Mysterious Babies Traditional Jazz Band, March 22 and 29, The Century Room

Mr. Hos Orchestrotica: Global Jazz & Exotic Chamber Music, March 23, The Century Room

Kristin Korb, March 24, The Century Room

Late Night with Paul Green, March 25, The Century Room

Vanessa Collier, March 26, Hotel Congress Plaza

Wynton Marsalis, March 31, Fox Tucson Theatre

Christian Sands, March 31, The Century Room

Eddie Roberts, April 1, 191 Toole

Roni Ben-Hur, April 15, The Century Room

Rachel Eckroth Trio, April 20, The Century Room

Diane & Lisa, April 23, The Century Room

Buffalo Nichols, June 10, Club Congress

Latin, world

Semillas Flamencas, March 18, MSA Annex

Lunasa (Celtic), March 19, Pima Community College West Center for the Arts

Kevin Kaarl, March 22, Rialto Theatre

Caloncho, March 22, Hotel Congress Plaza

Hermanos Gutierrez, March 23, 191 Toole

Los Caligaris, March 24, Club Congress

Etran de L'Air, April 10, Club Congress

Dyer-Logue: A Musical Journey Through Time, April 14, The Century Room

Los Angeles Azules de Iztapalapa, April 15, AVA at Casino del Sol

Benise, April 16, Fox Tucson Theatre

TIMC Espectacular Concert feat. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, April 22, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

La Maquinaria Nortena & Los Pescadores del Rio Conchos, April 23, Rialto Theatre

Molchat Doma Tour 2023, May 2, Rialto Theatre

Ottmar Leibert & Luna Negra, May 8, Rialto Theatre

Comedy, spoken word

"Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" March 23, Centennial Hall

Hyprov: Improve Under Hypnosis, April 1, Fox Tucson Theatre

Colin Quinn, April 1, Rialto Theatre

Fran Lebowitz, April 6, Rialto Theatre

Rory Scovel, April 14, 191 Toole

Nikki Glaser, April 27, Rialto Theatre

Steve Hofstetter, May 11, 191 Toole

Neil Hamburger, May 19, 191 Toole

Joe Gatto's Night of Comedy, June 9, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

CLASSICAL AND CHORAL MUSIC

Arizona Early Music

For more than 40 years, the group has brought world-renowned ensembles that focus on medieval, renaissance and baroque music to Tucson. Concerts are held at Grace St. Pauls Episcopal Church. azearlymusic.org, 520-314-1874

Les Delices "Winds of Change: Music from the Age of Revolution," March 26

Ensemble Caprice "Sweet! French Baroque Music and Chocolate," April 23

Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

For more than 75 years, the Friends have hosted chamber concerts including its annual Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival in March. Concerts are held at Leo Rich Theater. arizonachambermusic.org, 520-577-3769

29th annual Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival, now through March 19

Double bassist Xavier Foley with pianist Kelly Lin, April 2

Dolce Suono Trio, April 19

Arizona Opera

The professional company mounts performances at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. azopera.org, 520-293-4336

Mozart's "The Magic Flute," April 15-16

Arizona Repertory Singers

The mixed-voice choir performs at venues throughout the area. arsingers.org, 520-792-8141

"KidSong" April 16, Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Road; April 21, St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 W. Tangerine Road; April 23, Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road

Arizona Symphonic Winds

The community ensemble under the direction of Laszlo Veres performs free concerts, including its popular spring and fall parks series at Udall Park's Laszlo Veres Amphitheater. Admission is free. facebook.com/ArizonaSymphonicWinds

Spring concert, April 2, Catalina Foothills High School

"Music In the Park" series, Saturday evenings May 13-June 3

Civic Orchestra of Tucson

The community ensemble is now under the baton of Music Director Keun Oh. Admission to the concerts is free; cotmusic.org, 520-730-3371

"Bueno Dias and Bonjour," featuring Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School, March 19, Crowder Hall; March 25, Sahuarita District Auditorium, 350 W. Sahuarita Road. Young Artist Competition winner percussionist Campbell Stewart will perform at the March 19 concert and winners Hannah Zhang and Richard Peng will play at the March 25 concert.

"Light Classics and Pops," May 6, Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road; May 7, DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center.

Green Valley Concert Band

The community ensemble plays most of its concerts at the Sahuarita District Auditorium, 350 W. Sahuarita Road, unless noted. greenvalleyconcertband.org, 520-329-7915

"Love of Music," April 16

Pima Community College

Performances are at the PCC West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. pima.edu/centerforthearts, 520-206-4500

Spring showcase, April 2

Jazz Ensemble, May 10

Mariachi Ensemble, May 12

Guitar Ensemble, May 13

Orchestra, May 13

Chorale and College Singers, May 14

Concert Band, May 16

Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop, May 16 and 18

Old Arizona Brass Band

Performing as the 4th Cavalry Regimental Band at Ft. Lowell; oabb.homestead.com

Silver Spike Railroad Jubilee, Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave., March 18

Ft. Lowell 150th Anniversary Celebration, band concert, 2900 N. Craycroft Road, March 18

Annual Historic Military Ball at St. David High School Auditorium, 70 E. Patton St., St. David, March 25

Sons of Orpheus  The Male Choir of Tucson

The choir has been performing at venues throughout the greater Tucson area for 31 years. sonsoforpheus.org

30th annual Gala Spring Concert, April 13, Green Valley Community Performance and Art Foundation, 1250 W. Continental Road; April 22, St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, 4625 E. River Road; April 28, The Highlands at Dove Mountain, 4949 W. Heritages Club Blvd. in Marana; and May 1, St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 4725 E. Pima St.

Memorial Day Concert, May 30, East Lawn Palms Mortuary and Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road

Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra

The community orchestra performs in person at SaddleBrookes DesertView Performing Arts Center and at Oro Valleys St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Concerts also are live-streamed. sasomusic.org, 520-308-6226

"War and Remembrance: Von Suppe, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Schoenberg," March 18 and 19

"Wagner, Khachaturian, Beethoven," April 29 and 30

St. Philip's in the Hills music series

Events are held in the church and admission is free; stphilipstucson.org, 520-299-6421

Premiere of Eriks Esenvalds "Saint Philips Missa Brevis," May 7

True Concord Voices & Orchestra

The professional choir and chamber orchestra performs at venues throughout Tucson. trueconcord.org, 520-401-2651

Rachmaninoff's "Vespers," March 24-26; part of the 2023 Tucson Desert Song Festival

Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus

The boys chorus has been an institution in Tucson for more than 80 years, with a roster of singers who've gone on to careers in Hollywood and Broadway as well as corporate America. boyschorus.org, 520-296-6277

Pops concert, May 6, Catalina Foothills High School

Tucson Guitar Society

Performances are at Holsclaw Hall at the UA Fred Fox School of Music. tucsonguitarsociety.org, 520-342-0022

Raphael Feuillatre, March 18

Soprano Fatma Said and guitarist Rafael Aguirre, April 6; part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival

Tucson Guitar Society Orchestra, April 2

Tucson Masterworks Chorale

The mixed voice ensemble that got its start in 1949 specializes in the masterworks of choral repertoire. tucsonmasterworkschorale.org, 520-403-5630

"Adiemus Colores," with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, April 23, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Tucson Pops Orchestra

The professional ensemble is led by Khris Dodge, who replaced longtime music director Laszlo Veres who retired from the Pops after the spring concert series. Free "Music Under the Stars" concerts are held at Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center on Sunday evenings. tucsonpops.org, 520-722-5853

May 14, 21 and 28

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Music Director Jose Luis Gomez, now in his seventh season with the orchestra, has added a season-long Celebracion Latina! series that celebrates Tucsons Hispanic cultural heritage. Performances are at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall or Catalina Foothills auditorium. tucsonsymphony.org or 520-882-8585

"Tantalizing Tricksters," with guest violinist Kerson Leong, March 17 and 19

"An Evening with Hilary Hahn," March 22

"The Magic of John Williams," March 25-26

Mahler's "Resurrection," with soprano Kelley Nassief, contralto Emily Marvosh and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus, March 31 and April 2; part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival

"Star Wars: Return of the Jedi In Concert," May 12-13

Young Composers Project showcase, May 19-21

University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music

Performances are at Holsclaw and Crowder Halls at the music school, 1017 N. Olive Road, or 520-621-3341; music.arizona.edu

Schaeffer Guitar Competition Finals, March 19, Holsclaw

TurnUp Multimedia Festival, March 23-25, Holsclaw

Amelia Rieman Vocal Competition, March 25, Holsclaw

Trester Festival for Latin American Music, March 26, March 31, April 1, Crowder

"Beloved Quartets: A Benefit Concert for the University of Arizona String Project," featuring Theodore Buchholz, Molly Gebrian, Timonthy Kantor and others, March 29, Holsclaw

Tucson Desert Song Festival recital: Soprano Angel Blue, April 1, Holsclaw

Guitar Ensemble with Mack Wolz, David Sewell and Corey Denham, April 2, Holsclaw

Trumpeter Hayato Tanaka recital, April 4

Peter Brook's La tragedie de Carmen, April 14 and 16, Crowder

Opera Scenes, April 20, Crowder

UA Concert Jazz Band and Studio Jazz Ensemble, April 21, Crowder

Treble Glee, April 22, Crowder

University Community Chorus and Coro, April 23, Crowder

Collegium Musicum and Arizona Baroque, April 23, Holsclaw

UA Jazz Combos, April 23, Crowder

Percussion Ensemble, April 26, Crowder

Wind Symphony, April 27, Crowder

Philharmonic Orchestra, April 28

Assad Tribute, April 29, Holsclaw

Wind Ensemble, April 29, Crowder

Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Arizona Choirs, April 30, Crowder

Graduate Brass Ensemble, April 30, Holsclaw

UA Steel Pan Ensemble, April 30, Crowder

THEATER

Arizona Arts Live

The University of Arizona arts presenter dabbles in everything from classical and pop music to theater and performance art. arizonaartslive.com, 520-621-3341

"Dimanche," April 26-29, Tornabene Theatre

Arizona Repertory Theatre

The University of Arizona theater presents professional-quality performances by students at the Tornabene Theatre on campus. Get tickets through theatre.arizona.edu; 520-621-3341

"Romeo & Juliet," through March 19.

"Head Over Heels" musical, April 9-23

New Directions Festival, April 21-30 at the Harold Dixon Directing Studio in the School of Theatre

Arizona Theatre Company

Performances are at the Temple of Music and Art downtown. atc.org, 833-282-7328

"Pru Payne, through March 25

"Private Lives," April 15-May 6

"The Legend of Georgia McBride," June 3-24

Arts Express

The arts education program is a leader in musical theater, with performances Fridays through Sundays at its Park Place mall location. arts-express.org, 520-319-0400

"The Full Monty," March 24-April 8

"Ragtime," April 21-May 7

Broadway In Tucson

Performances are at Centennial Hall on the UA campus. broadwayintucson.com

"Mean Girls," March 28-April 2

"Riverdance," April 28-30

Gaslight Theatre

Family friendly performances include matinee shows. thegaslighttheatre.com, 520-886-9428

"The Ballad of Two Gun McGraw," through March 26

"Robin Hood," March 30-June 4

"The Revengers," June 8-Aug. 27

Invisible Theatre

The company, in its 51st season, performs at its venue unless noted. invisibletheatre.com, 520-882-9721

"Billie! Backstage with Lady Day," March 18-19, Berger Performing Arts Center

"Small Mouth Sounds," April 19-30

Live Theatre Workshop

The company mounts a childrens theater program in addition to its mainstage performances. livetheatreworkshop.org

"The Other Place," March 30-May 6

Tooth Fairies in Training, April 15-30

Pima Community College

Performances are at the West Campus on Anklam Road. pima.edu/centerforthearts, 520-206-4500

"Proof," April 13-23

Shakespeares "Romeo and Juliet in Less Than 30 Minutes," April 29-30

The Rogue Theatre

The theater, in its 18th season, offers performances at its venue. theroguetheatre.org, 520-551-2053

"The Seafarer," through March 19

"A Midsummer Night's Dream," April 27-May 14

The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre

The award-winning professional company is in its sixth season. scoundrelandscamp.org, 520-448-3300

"One Twig at a Time," April 13-30

"Pooh," May 12-21

Winding Road Theater Ensemble

Fifth annual "Eight 10s" 10-minute play festival, May 19-28, Temple of Music and Art

DANCE

Ballet Tucson

Spring concert, March 24-26, Leo Rich Theater

Pima Dance

Spring Dance Show, May 5-6

FILM

31st Arizona International Film Festival, April 19-30, The Screening Room; filmfestivalarizona.com

"I Dream in Widescreen" University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television student film showcase, May 6, Fox Tucson Theatre; tftv.arizona.edu

VISUAL ARTS

Center for Creative Photography

1030 N. Olive Road, ccp.arizona.edu

"The Linda McCartney Retrospective," through Aug. 5

"Sessions on Creative Photography: Hazel Larsen Archer," through Aug. 5

University of Arizona Museum of Art

1031 N. Olive Road, artmuseum.arizona.edu

The Samuel H. Kress Collection, through March 2024

"Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre," through May 20

Sculpture Tucson

3420 E. River Road, sculpturetucson.org

2023 Sculpture Festival, March 18-19

"Joy," through May

Tucson Museum of Art

140 N. Main Ave., tucsonmuseumofart.org

TMA Gala, March 18

Arizona Biennial 2023, April 1-Oct. 1

"Jose Luis Cuevas: Unpardonable Sin," May 4-Oct. 22

"Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling," May 4-Oct. 22

Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson

265 S. Church Ave., moca-tucson.org

Cecilia Vicuna's "Sonoran Quipu," through Sept. 10

Raven Chacon: While Hissing, March 24-Oct. 22

Na Mira: Subrosa, March 24-Oct. 22

Etherton Gallery

340 S. Convent Avenue, ethertongallery.com

"Again with the Real: Chris Rush & Ellen McMahon," through April 15

Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery

Pima West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road; tucne.ws/bernalgallery

Annual juried student exhibition, April 12-May 5

PCC Visual Arts Gallery

Pima West Campus, Santa Rita Building; 2202 W. Anklam Road

"Borderlands Southwest  Photography," April 17-Sept. 1; reception April 27

The Art Gallery @ Downtown Campus

PCC downtown campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.; facebook.com/pccdcart

Student Art Exhibit, through May 19

Desert Artisans Gallery

6536 E. Tanque Verde Road, desertartisansgallery.com

"Desert Expressions," through May 6
Black Violin is bringing its Black Violin Experience tour to the Rialto Theatre on March 21, its fourth Tucson concert since the classical music/hip-hop fusion duo introduced themselves to us at Fox Tucson Theatre in 2017.

Its starting to feel like home once youve been there three times, said violinist Kevin Sylvester, aka Kev Marcus, one half of the Black Violin duo with violist Wilner Baptiste, who goes by the stage name Wil B.

The pairs latest tour mixes classical music with original songs, hip hop, country and pop to create what they promise will be an experience.

We have classical and hip hop, but theres some good jazz with some R&B, Sylvester said.

Black Violin started its 23-city tour on Feb. 24 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and will continue through April, a much smaller trek than years past when the pair would do as many as 200 dates. Sylvester said they are deliberately slowing down this year to give themselves time to work on a new album.

Weve been getting older. We were trying to just kind of work smarter, not harder, he said. So, we wanted to play a few places that we really care about.

The duo plans to get to work on the new album in April. Its a follow-up to their 2019 studio album Take the Stairs. In 2020, they released a Christmas album, Give Thanks.

Sylvester said they are in the initial planning stages for the new album, which could be released later this year or in early 2024.

Sylvester and Baptiste were nominated earlier this year for their second Grammy Award for their work with The Blind Boys of Alabama on the track The Message. The pair attended the 65th Grammy Awards ceremonies in early February with the gospel group.

They lost to Bonnie Raitt, but Sylvester said the nomination just goes to kind of show and hopefully help validate sort of the career that weve had and the impact and being able to build it from the bottom up and be able to get to a place where we get nominated for a Grammy.

You can catch Black Violin at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St.

Tickets are $39-$58 through rialtotheatre.com.
PHOENIX  A Republican lawmaker won preliminary approval in the Senate Monday to make it illegal to use public funds for programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sen. Jake Hoffmans Senate Bill 1694, awaiting a final roll-call vote, would cover state and local governments and universities and community colleges.

Also forbidden under the proposal would be requiring workers for any of those entities to participate in such programs.

It also would preclude any requirement that companies contracting with the government have such diversity programs.

Hoffman said his measure to outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion training is simply an extension of a bill he got the Republican-controlled Legislature to approve and then-Gov. Doug Ducey to sign two years ago banning training, orientation or therapy that presents any form of blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity or sex. He said SB 1694 is necessary to pick up where that 2021 legislation left off.

These have become a prevalent tactic of the left to shame employees and to shame folks within the trainings, Hoffman said in pushing his measure through the Senate Government Committee earlier this year. He said eliminating such training gets us back to doing the job that theyve been hired to on behalf of the people.

The list SB 1694 would prohibit is comprehensive.

It would cover any description of methods to identify, dismantle or oppose systems, privilege or subordination on the basis of race, sex, color, gender, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Also barred would be advancing theories of unconscious or implicit bias, cultural appropriation, allyship, transgenderism, microaggressions, microinvalidation, group marginalization, anti-racism, system oppression, ethnocentralism, structural racism or inequality, social justice, intersectionality, neopronouns, inclusive language, heteronormality, disparity impact, gender identity or theory, racial or sexual privilege or any concept substantially related to any of these theories.

The legislation also would specifically bar public entities from adopting policies designed to influence the composition of their workforces on the basis of race, sex or color  except as required by federal law.

However, public agencies still could employ licensed attorneys and legal support staff whose sole purpose is to ensure compliance with federal law or a court order. And agencies could offer training to preclude sexual harassment.

Hoffman, of Queen Creek, chairs the Government Committee that approved the measure. At that time he only allowed limited testimony, with each speaker  and all who sought to testify were opposed to the bill  given only 60 seconds to express concerns.

Erica Keppler, who has lobbied for years on transgender and related issues, said the measure is another example of antipathy to wokeness, which she said is a term created by the right-wing media for the purpose of being derogatory to something that, is in fact, good.

Woke is to be kind, woke is to be respectful, woke is to wish well of others, Keppler said. Woke is to recognize the hurt and pain of others and want it to stop. Woke is to believe in justice. Woke is to believe that all men are created equal.

Anthony Sheedy told lawmakers about his experience with inclusion and diversity training while in the Army. And he said it works.

For example, Sheedy said, when someone gets promoted their photo is excluded from the process. So there is no more issue of looking at a photo and making some sort of opinion based on the picture that you see, he said.

It also would preclude any requirement that companies that contract with the government have such diversity programs.

Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, called Hoffmans measure incredibly hurtful.

Diversity inclusion training is what helps people and employees and students feel comfortable where they are, she said.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio  Heather Bable speaks rapidly, recalling the terror of the night when a train loaded with hazardous chemicals derailed Feb. 3 less than a half-mile from her home in East Palestine, Ohio. She heard an earthshaking boom and, from her bathroom window, all you saw was the flames.

I kind of kept myself under control, told my kids, OK, guys, we have to leave, Bable says.  The only thing I knew was I had to get my kids to safety. Take just the necessary things and get out of there.

Days after the derailment, after evacuating thousands of residents nearby, crews vented and burned toxic vinyl chloride from five cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion, sending another black plume skyward.

Bables voice catches, tears welling in weary eyes, as she describes eight days in a hotel and an uneasy return home; hoarseness, congestion, nausea and itchy rashes; inconclusive doctor visits; the god-awful smell that disturbs her at night; anger at train company Norfolk Southern over the crash and government agencies she thinks responded too slowly.

And constant fear  to breathe the air, drink the water, let her 8-year-old son play outdoors.

Her family has lived in East Palestine for four generations. Now, at 45, Bable is eager to move. So is her mother, who has been here even longer.

We dont feel safe anymore, Bable says at Sprinklz On Top, a cozy downtown diner. She pulls a bottle of water from her jacket pocket and takes a sip. She wont drink from the tap.

She glances at a smartphone application that reports local air quality. Just a couple of days ago, when it was so beautiful, I didnt dare to open my windows, because I didnt want the air to come in, she said.

Fear and mistrust still grip many in the village of 4,700 whipsawed by government assurances that the air and water are safe; warnings from activists like Erin Brockovich about coverups and danger for years to come; and misinformation on social media.

Outrage against the railroad company, widely condemned for failing to prevent the disaster and doing too little afterward, is palpable. A married couple recently sold yard signs reading, Together we stand against Norfolk Southern, from a sidewalk table to benefit the fire department. Business was brisk.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw expressed regret and pledged a thorough cleanup.

Sherry Bable, 64, stands near the roadblock keeping gawkers from the derailment site. Her house is just down the street. Heather Bable lives a couple blocks away with Ashton and her 25-year-old daughter, Paige.

Every time I hear a train, all I keep thinking is, Oh my god, dont let nothing happen this time, Sherry Bable says. And Im not the only one in town like that.

She gazes sadly at Sulphur Run, a creek near the railroad. Its now among waterways getting KEEP OUT signs amid testing and cleanup. Nearly 4.85 million gallons of liquid wastewater and 2,980 tons of soil have been hauled away, Gov. Mike DeWines office says.

That railroad company should buy all these houses, tear them down  get families thats got kids first, get the elderly ones out, and then work with everybody else, Bable says. Because I still say this stuff is going to cause cancer.

Federal agencies say prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride  primarily through inhalation  is associated with increased risk of some cancers. But experts say living near a spill doesnt necessarily elevate risk, and proving links between individual cases and pollutants is hard.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Norfolk Southern has yet to report exactly how much vinyl chloride was released. EPA is monitoring air at 29 outdoor stations and tested it inside more than 600 homes, finding no vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride  an irritant that can be generated when vinyl chloride is burned. It ordered Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins.

University researchers from Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon say their own sampling from a mobile lab picked up chemicals including vinyl chloride and acrolein  a foul-smelling, probable carcinogen that can form during burning of fuels, wood and plastics.

Most readings fell below minimum-risk levels for people exposed less than a year. But acrolein levels were high enough in some places to raise long-term health concerns, said Albert Presto, a Carnegie Mellon mechanical engineering research professor.

Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohios health director, said in February that foul odors and symptoms such as headaches can be triggered by air contaminants at levels well below whats unsafe.

State officials also say no contaminants associated with the derailment were found in the municipal water supply or in 136 private wells. Norfolk Southern plans soil sampling, with farmland a priority.

After more than a week in a hotel, Sherry Bable returned home. The next morning, she had congestion, a hoarse throat and itchy eyes, she said. Since then, shes had irritating red skin patches, headaches and a goopy substance in her eyes.

Heather Bable, interviewed three weeks after the crash, showed selfies of red face and neck splotches. The previous night, a powerful burned plastic stench woke her. The odors are worse at night, as cleanup work continues, she says.

The state opened a free clinic where residents get medical exams and meet with mental health specialists and a toxicologist. State and federal teams also distributed more than 2,200 informational flyers, according to EPA, which has an information center in town.
For some, its a reward. For others, its a punishment.

The tequila worm divides alcohol connoisseurs as the wiggly little prize at the bottom of a bottle.

What started as a marketing trend for mezcal, an alcohol made from agave but different from tequila, has grown to be a global phenomenon. Friends would pass around the bottle, getting drunker and drunker, and whoever got the last sip of mezcal also had to bite into the worm floating at the bottom.

Its become prominent in pop culture, too. In Poltergeist II: The Other Side, the father of the family becomes possessed by a demon after swallowing a mezcal worm in the last sip of a bottle of tequila. The worm later leaves the fathers body, becoming a giant, tentacle-like monster.

But in a new study, published in the scientific journal Zoological Science on March 8, scientists confirmed that not only is the worm not found in tequila, its actually not a worm at all.

Mexican entrepreneur Jacobo Lozano Paez is thought to have been the first maestro mezcalero or mezcal master to place larvae in bottles as a marketing strategy, to enhance the flavor and color of the drink, the study authors said.

Notably, none of these mezcal brands are tequila, as authentic tequila never includes a worm, they continued.

The wiggly specimen was identified as an agave redworm moth larvae using DNA testing from the worms found in mezcal bottles from 2018 to 2022.

The researchers bought bottles of mezcal that contained the larvae from distributors across North America and from distilleries in Oaxaca, Mexico. The larvae were removed from the bottles and placed in a mason jar where they could be photographed and their DNA could be extracted.

The researchers said alcohol can degrade DNA over time, so of the 21 worms collected, only 18 could be used.

The DNA was compared to 63 species of insects that the researchers had on their short list, taken from species of worms that have been known to be consumed in Mexico. Many species have similar larval stages, and many look like the larvae floating in the alcohol.

The results showed that all 18 larvae were from the same species, Comadia redtenbacheri, or the agave redworm moth.

Adding larvae to Mexican beverages and foods (salts, garnishes, powders, etc.) is driven by health benefits and by beliefs that these larvae contain aphrodisiac properties, according to the study.

But the demand for the little grubs has put pressure on their native populations.

Unfortunately, wild-caught larvae are becoming less common, and gatherers are having to travel further to find them, the study said.

Scientists said that some researchers are trying to find a way to grow the larvae in captivity, which can be done more effectively for the mezcal industry now that the exact species has been identified.
When Tucson artist Lex Gjurasic first received an email from Gov. Katie Hobbs' team, she thought it was a scam.

As it turns out, the email was real. Gov. Hobbs was reaching out, hoping Gjurasic would create an inclusive design to put on new merchandise.

"I was pretty amazed," Gjurasic says. "I was like, 'Kathleen Marie Hobbs knows who I am?' and (her team member) was like, 'Yes, she loves your work.' That, to me, was a little mind-blowing because I really admire Katie Hobbs, even prior to being governor  all the work she's done at the state level.

"As a Tucson artist, it's easy to feel tucked away," Gjurasic says. "Phoenix is a big city, and also as an artist not being on either coast. If you're not in New York or LA, you definitely get overlooked."

The goal for the design was inclusivity  the imagery wouldn't be focused on a campaign or an issue.

"I was the first artist they reached out to," Gjurasic says. "They said, hey we want to do collabs with Arizona-based artists and you're our guinea pig, basically."

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Ultimately, Gjurasic created a design that she feels is both unifying and joyful. The words "Arizona For Everyone" are bubbly, surrounded by colorful flowers sitting inside the shape of Arizona.

"I wanted it to reflect me as an artist. I wanted it to definitely speak to Arizona," Gjurasic says.

The design is inspired by a commission project that Gjurasic created for an event at the Tucson Museum of Art in October  a backdrop for attendees to pose in front of. When she posted photos of the backdrop, people suggested she turn the design into fabric.

"I was like, they want to wear that imagery so this is solid inspiration to pull from," she says. "I was like, what would my friend's mom want to wear? What would my friend's teenage daughter want to wear? What would I want to wear? I wanted it to really encompass every cool person I know."

Gjurasic hand-painted the design for the governor's office, then digitized it for the shirts, tote bags and stickers that are available to purchase online. Proceeds from the merchandise are donated to Katie Hobbs for Governor.

Hobbs' team gave Gjurasic full creative control for the design  "they just wanted me to bring my heart to the project," she says.

"I always think that's the best way," she says. "If anyone ever thinks about commissioning a project, find someone you love  and believe in them."
Okmulgee police are investigating a pair of shootings believed to be connected to a burglary reported earlier at a home.

Several rounds were fired into a residence in the 1300 block of North Collins Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Monday, according to Okmulgee Police Chief Joe Prentice.

A 41-year-old man was struck by gunfire and was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening, Prentice said in a news release early Monday.

A previous incident had been reported around 8:30 p.m. Sunday near Randolph Avenue and Ohio Street, where shots had been fired into a vehicle. No one was struck, police said of that incident about two miles from the residence where the shooting occurred six hours later.

Although information is limited currently, both incidents are believed to be related and may also be related to an earlier burglary at that same residence, Prentice said.

At least one of the suspects is a juvenile, according to investigators who will continue working to determine who is involved and what their involvement is, the news release states.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Environmental Protection Agency accused Gov. Kevin Stitt of political grandstanding after he turned away a shipment of hazardous materials being transported to the state.

EPA spokeswoman Maria Michalos said Stitt violated the law when he rejected a shipment of toxic waste from the site of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Rail company Norfolk Southern has a contract with a disposal facility in Oklahoma that is able to accept this waste, Michalos said in a statement.

Governor Stitt is playing politics at the expense of the people of East Palestine, Ohio, she said. Its not only wrong; its unlawful to refuse shipments of waste because they come from other states. We are reviewing all legal authorities to ensure that the people of East Palestine, whove suffered enough already, dont become victims of this political grandstanding.

The EPA has safeguards in place to keep communities safe through every step of the waste-disposal process, Michalos said.

Stitt said on Sunday that there were too many unanswered questions about the shipment of hazardous materials. His office did not respond Monday to questions about the EPAs comments.

The EPA is leading efforts to clean up millions of gallons of contaminated liquids and hundreds of tons of soil from where a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3.

Its not unprecedented for Oklahoma to accept toxic materials from other states. The shipment that was diverted over the weekend was scheduled to go to the Clean Harbors Lone Mountain Landfill Facility in Major County, in northwestern Oklahoma, said Erin Hatfield, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

While Oklahoma has facilities permitted to accept hazardous waste and does occasionally accept waste from other states, it was Governor Stitts decision that the contaminated waste from the Ohio train derailment not be sent to an Oklahoma landfill, Hatfield said in a statement.

Video: Norfolk Southern CEO 'deeply sorry' for derailment
OKLAHOMA CITY  The recently fired director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs disputes his termination, saying the state board that voted on his employment status Friday had no legal authority to meet.

Former Department of Veterans Affairs Director Joel Kintsel said the Veterans Commissions 5-1 vote to fire him was illegal because of several questionable appointments to the board.

These so-called personnel actions taken by the group holding themselves out to be the Oklahoma Veterans Commission were illegal, Kintsel wrote in a Monday email. Of nine seats on the commission, only three have been legally appointed and legally seated. There was no quorum present. There was no legal authority to call this meeting nor to take any action of any kind.

Whether Kintsel will take the dispute to court is unclear. Kintsel hinted at legal action in the email and said he is reviewing all possible courses of action in response to the boards actions Friday.

Veterans Commission Chairman Robert Allen said Kintsel was fired due to absolute insubordination because he intentionally skipped commission meetings, shunned agency oversight and shut the commission out of the department in every way possible.

Kintsel says he has taken those actions because of his belief that the board is acting illegally.

If Kintsel files a lawsuit challenging his termination, the commission will deal with it at that time, Allen said. He acknowledged that the commissioners had considered that scenario before Fridays vote.

Allen also disputed Kintsels allegation that the commission was meeting illegally.

We obviously believe that were a legally valid commission, he said.

The commission voted to hire former U.S. Navy Undersecretary Greg Slavonic as interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Monday was his first day on the job, according to an agency news release.

In an email to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs human resources director, Kintsel also disputed the firing of Deputy Director Sarah Lane, which also occurred at Fridays commission meeting.

He asked that both of them be placed on leave status until this matter is resolved through whatever legal action may be required to mitigate the illegal actions of this group holding themselves out to  be the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.

Kintsel asked that his and Lanes access to work email be restored and that their employee badges be reactivated so they can enter the Department of Veterans Affairs central office, which he referred to as our lawful place of employment.

The ousted director has alleged that Gov. Kevin Stitt made illegal appointments to the Veterans Commission. Attorney General Gentner Drummond determined that the governor did not follow state law in making several of his appointments. The commission is made up entirely of Stitt appointees.

Stitt has shifted one of his appointees on the commission, leaving in question the status of at least two commissioners. One of those commissioners voted Friday to fire Kintsel, though Stitt said he had urged that appointee and the other member in doubt to abstain from any votes.

Feb. 17 video  Gov. Kevin Stitt on VA Director Joel Kintsel: This is just a nightmare
OKLAHOMA CITY  German automaker Volkswagen will build its electric vehicle battery plant in Canada, not Oklahoma, it was announced Monday.

Oklahoma officials had put together a nearly $700 million incentive package hoping to draw the facility to the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor.

State lawmakers said previously that they believed the Volkswagen deal could have resulted in 7,000 new jobs and more than $5 billion in capital investment from the company. Average pay for the jobs was expected to be $75,000 annually.

Earlier in the legislative session, the states Large-Scale Economic Activity and Development Act was updated to require a company to make a minimum capital investment of $3.6 billion and create 3,500 new jobs over four years to qualify for a state rebate that would be funded through $698 million the Legislature set aside last year in a previous effort to lure an electric vehicle battery plant to Pryor.

Earlier today, Volkswagen announced that it has selected St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, as the location to build the companys first overseas battery cell plant, Canadian leaders said in a statement Monday. Todays move is a major vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario, and in our shared work to position the country and the province as global leader in the electric vehicle supply chain.

This historic investment is a testament to Canadas strong and growing battery ecosystem and Ontarios competitive business environment. With a highly skilled workforce, clean energy, an abundance of critical minerals, access to markets, and a flourishing automotive and battery sector, we are an attractive investment destination with everything companies need to grow. In addition, Canada and Ontario offer stability and predictability to their business partners.

Gov. Kevin Stitts office, when asked about the automakers decision, replied: Theres no doubt that todays announcement was disappointing

Oklahoma has never been in a position to compete with an entire country for a major project, but thats exactly what we did, and its a testament to the hard work of state leaders in the Legislature and the Commerce Department who are making Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the nation.

Now we are right back to work pursuing additional opportunities in the pipeline and will continue our critical efforts to help companies who are already in Oklahoma expand and grow. I remain committed and optimistic that if we continue to work together, Oklahoma will land one of these historic opportunities.

Last year, Oklahoma lost out on a deal to lure a $4 billion Panasonic electric battery facility to the MidAmerica Industrial Park.

Panasonic opted, instead, for De Soto, Kansas, to supply batteries for Tesla. It was expected to generate 4,000 direct jobs in that state.

MidAmerica CEO David Stewart said a continuity of leadership and strategic investments have laid the groundwork for the industrial park to compete for national and international projects.

As the eighth largest industrial park in the world, MidAmerica was among more than 100 sites considered by the site selection team and ultimately chosen as the number one site to represent the United States to compete for this project, Stewart said in a prepared statement. We continue to prove our ability to compete at the highest level for a mega project that will generate high-paying jobs for Oklahomans.

Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal commended the teams at MidAmerica, the Grand River Dam Authority and Tulsa Ports for their commitment through the site selection process.

Oklahomans should be proud of our growing competitive advantage, which includes not only a collaborative spirit of leadership, but also a strong workforce, plentiful natural resources, and low cost of living, Neal said in a prepared statement. Across multiple industries, Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma are receiving historic levels of global interest as a destination for future projects.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, announced the formation of a select committee on economic development as a result of the Volkswagen deals falling through.

He said the committee, which he plans to lead, will examine the states economic development strategies and compare them to what states such as Kansas and Texas have done to land major business-expansion projects.

In 2020, Tesla choose Austin over Tulsa as the home of its CyberTruck Gigafactory.

Treat said hes frustrated that Oklahoma keeps coming in second place for major economic development deals.

Weve just got to figure out how to become more competitive, he said.

World Capitol Bureau reporter Carmen Forman contributed to this story.

Timeline: Canoo electric vehicle startup, from 2017 to Oklahoma's investment and beyond February 2020 August 2020 December-January 2020 March 2021 May 2021 June 17, 2021 October 2021 November 2021 February 2022 March 2022 May 10, 2022 July 2022 November 2022 December 2022 Deadlines Citations HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES
Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Society -- The Da Nang Traffic Lights and Public Transport Management Center (DATRAMAC) said on Sunday that it has begun arranging about 600 bicycles at 61 stations in the citys five districts to pilot its first public bicycle rental service. -- Vietnam is likely to welcome the 100 millionth citizen in April, according to the Population and Labor Statistics Department under the General Statistics Office. Business -- Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank is nearing a deal to sell a 15 percent stake to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc for $1.4 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the transaction. -- Vietnam is one of the top five destinations chosen by Singapores super-rich for real estate investment, along with Australia, India, Hong Kong, and mainland China, according to The Wealth Report 2023, released worldwide by Knight Frank company. -- Vietnam remained the second-largest coffee exporter in the world from February 2021 to January 2022, behind only Brazil, according to the International Coffee Organization. Lifestyle -- The Peoples Committee of Can Tho City has approved the organization of a hot-air balloon festival on the occasion of Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers Day (May 1) this year. -- Hanoi ranks first on the list of the safest places for solo female travelers in Southeast Asia by Tripzilla, Southeast Asias leading online travel site. World News -- Ke Huy Quan, a one-time child star who was born in Vietnam, was named best supporting actor at the Academy Awards on Sunday (U.S. time) for his role as a metaverse-hopping husband in offbeat adventure Everything Everywhere All at Once, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- The Da Nang Traffic Lights and Public Transport Management Center (DATRAMAC) said on Sunday that it has begun arranging about 600 bicycles at 61 stations in the citys five districts to pilot its first public bicycle rental service.

-- Vietnam is likely to welcome the 100 millionth citizen in April, according to the Population and Labor Statistics Department under the General Statistics Office.

Business

-- Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank is nearing a deal to sell a 15 percent stake to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc for $1.4 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the transaction.

-- Vietnam is one of the top five destinations chosen by Singapores super-rich for real estate investment, along with Australia, India, Hong Kong, and mainland China, according to The Wealth Report 2023, released worldwide by Knight Frank company.

-- Vietnam remained the second-largest coffee exporter in the world from February 2021 to January 2022, behind only Brazil, according to the International Coffee Organization.

Lifestyle

-- The Peoples Committee of Can Tho City has approved the organization of a hot-air balloon festival on the occasion of Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers Day (May 1) this year.

-- Hanoi ranks first on the list of the safest places for solo female travelers in Southeast Asia by Tripzilla, Southeast Asias leading online travel site.

World News

-- Ke Huy Quan, a one-time child star who was born in Vietnam, was named best supporting actor at the Academy Awards on Sunday (U.S. time) for his role as a metaverse-hopping husband in offbeat adventure Everything Everywhere All at Once, according to Reuters.

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Many large roundabouts in Ho Chi Minh City have been replaced with flyovers and traffic lights with an aim to improve the regulation of traffic flows and ease congestion. Roundabout in front of Ben Thanh Market The roundabout in front of Ben Thanh Market in District 1, which was built in 1914, witnessed many ups and downs with the city. It was one of the first roundabouts in the metropolis. After over a decade, the roundabout has been demolished and replaced with an intersection with traffic lights. Many local residents have yet to be acquainted with the new arrangement. In late 2022, the space in front of Ben Thanh Market was returned and the roundabout there was turned into an intersection with traffic lights. Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout in Go Vap District Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout was initially large. It was built as a gateway to Go Vap District ten years ago. The volume of vehicles passing through Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout in Go Vap District is huge. Many residents have proposed reducing the area of the roundabout to make room for vehicles. After many upgrades, an overpass with many branches has been built there, significantly reducing traffic congestion. The roundabout was scaled down and a steel overpass from Hoang Minh Giam Street to Nguyen Thai Son Street was constructed. In addition, traffic lights were installed. Go Vap Intersection Go Vap Intersection where Nguyen Kiem, Nguyen Oanh, Quang Trung, Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Van Nghi, and Tran Thi Nghi Streets meet each other. In 2017, Ho Chi Minh City authorities scaled down the roundabout and built a steel overpass there, helping ease traffic jams. Lang Cha Ca Roundabout in Tan Binh District The roundabout is an intersection of large streets, such as Cong Hoa, Hoang Van Thu, Tran Quoc Hoan, Le Van Sy, and Bui Thi Xuan. The roundabout is easily recognized as it has a blue- and red-colored globe with a diameter of around two meters. Lang Cha Ca Roundabout is located near Tan Son Nhat International Airport, so the volume of vehicles passing through it is huge, resulting in congestion. To deal with the traffic congestion, a steel flyover was built there over 10 years ago. However, the traffic congestion remains in the area due to the high traffic volume. Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District was demolished and replaced with an overpass and traffic lights in 2013. This intersection helps connect traffic between the east and downtown area of the city. However, the overpass fails to completely relieve the traffic congestion there due to a huge volume of vehicles during rush hours. Cay Go Roundabout in Districts 6, 11 Cay Go Roundabout was large. It is an intersection of Ba Thang Hai, Hong Bang, Minh Phung, and Phu Tho Streets. A steel flyover later was erected to replace the roundabout, easing traffic congestion. Traffic congestion was often seen at the roundabout, so a steel Y-shaped overpass was built there in 2013. The roundabout was also scaled down, and a traffic light system was installed. Dien Bien Phu Roundabout in District 1 The roundabout is an intersection of Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Binh Khiem, and Hoang Sa Streets with a complicated traffic situation. Over the past few years, the roundabout has witnessed heavy traffic jams during peak hours. The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police have proposed removing the roundabout and turning it into an intersection with traffic lights. After considering the proposal, the municipal Department of Transport said the roundabout would not be demolished in the near future but traffic through it would be adjusted. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Many large roundabouts in Ho Chi Minh City have been replaced with flyovers and traffic lights with an aim to improve the regulation of traffic flows and ease congestion.

Roundabout in front of Ben Thanh Market

The roundabout in front of Ben Thanh Market in District 1, which was built in 1914, witnessed many ups and downs with the city. It was one of the first roundabouts in the metropolis.

After over a decade, the roundabout has been demolished and replaced with an intersection with traffic lights.

Many local residents have yet to be acquainted with the new arrangement.

In late 2022, the space in front of Ben Thanh Market was returned and the roundabout there was turned into an intersection with traffic lights.

Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout in Go Vap District

Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout was initially large. It was built as a gateway to Go Vap District ten years ago.

The volume of vehicles passing through Nguyen Thai Son Roundabout in Go Vap District is huge.

Many residents have proposed reducing the area of the roundabout to make room for vehicles.

After many upgrades, an overpass with many branches has been built there, significantly reducing traffic congestion.

The roundabout was scaled down and a steel overpass from Hoang Minh Giam Street to Nguyen Thai Son Street was constructed. In addition, traffic lights were installed.

Go Vap Intersection

Go Vap Intersection where Nguyen Kiem, Nguyen Oanh, Quang Trung, Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Van Nghi, and Tran Thi Nghi Streets meet each other.

In 2017, Ho Chi Minh City authorities scaled down the roundabout and built a steel overpass there, helping ease traffic jams.

Lang Cha Ca Roundabout in Tan Binh District

The roundabout is an intersection of large streets, such as Cong Hoa, Hoang Van Thu, Tran Quoc Hoan, Le Van Sy, and Bui Thi Xuan. The roundabout is easily recognized as it has a blue- and red-colored globe with a diameter of around two meters.

Lang Cha Ca Roundabout is located near Tan Son Nhat International Airport, so the volume of vehicles passing through it is huge, resulting in congestion. To deal with the traffic congestion, a steel flyover was built there over 10 years ago. However, the traffic congestion remains in the area due to the high traffic volume.

Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District

Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District was demolished and replaced with an overpass and traffic lights in 2013. This intersection helps connect traffic between the east and downtown area of the city.

However, the overpass fails to completely relieve the traffic congestion there due to a huge volume of vehicles during rush hours.

Cay Go Roundabout in Districts 6, 11

Cay Go Roundabout was large. It is an intersection of Ba Thang Hai, Hong Bang, Minh Phung, and Phu Tho Streets.

A steel flyover later was erected to replace the roundabout, easing traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion was often seen at the roundabout, so a steel Y-shaped overpass was built there in 2013. The roundabout was also scaled down, and a traffic light system was installed.

Dien Bien Phu Roundabout in District 1

The roundabout is an intersection of Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Binh Khiem, and Hoang Sa Streets with a complicated traffic situation. Over the past few years, the roundabout has witnessed heavy traffic jams during peak hours.

The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police have proposed removing the roundabout and turning it into an intersection with traffic lights.

After considering the proposal, the municipal Department of Transport said the roundabout would not be demolished in the near future but traffic through it would be adjusted.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Authorities in Vietnam are speeding up the application of facial recognition technology at local airports in a bid to reduce queue times and pressure on manpower and infrastructure. Fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris recognition are the three most common methods for passenger identification at airports. Among them, facial recognition is favored by airports and airlines thanks to its superiority in safety features and recognition speed. Huynh Bao Quoc, head of the information technology department at the state-run Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), stated that the ACV is testing a passenger authentication system via their electronic IDs. The method is being tested at Cat Bi International Airport in northern Hai Phong City, with the system in place on February 1. A separate lane is arranged in the security screening area for passengers traveling on domestic flights and using electronic ID cards. In this lane, passengers are identified via facial recognition. This is to reduce flight check-in time, increase accuracy, detect passengers using fake documents, and identify people who are wanted or banned from flying," Quoc elaborated. It is part of a road map for digital transformation at airports in Vietnam, he continued. Many passengers said that Vietnam's facial recognition system still falls behind other countries. In Thailand, it takes only 30 seconds for arrivals to scan their passports, take fingerprints, and scan their faces, said Hong Nga, a resident in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Heathrow Airport in the UK allows passengers to check in online and provide data by taking pictures of their faces and passports with their personal phones, according to Nguyen Son from Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. At Japans Narita Airport, passengers can use the Face Express for their boarding procedures using facial recognition technology, Son continued. Passengers only need to check in at an automatic kiosk that can crossmatch their passport photographs with facial images, he added. It is quite late for Vietnam to start applying technology at local airports at this point, an airline official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. The application of biometric technology is very complex and requires the participation of many parties. It is difficult, but must be done to attract more visitors, he stated. However, it may take a longer time for this technology to be applied at major airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, as these are much more crowded compared to Cat Bi, he said. We may have to deal with long queues at check-in areas of both domestic and international flights for at least a few more years. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Authorities in Vietnam are speeding up the application of facial recognition technology at local airports in a bid to reduce queue times and pressure on manpower and infrastructure.

Fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris recognition are the three most common methods for passenger identification at airports.

Among them, facial recognition is favored by airports and airlines thanks to its superiority in safety features and recognition speed.

Huynh Bao Quoc, head of the information technology department at the state-run Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), stated that the ACV is testing a passenger authentication system via their electronic IDs.

The method is being tested at Cat Bi International Airport in northern Hai Phong City, with the system in place on February 1.

A separate lane is arranged in the security screening area for passengers traveling on domestic flights and using electronic ID cards.

In this lane, passengers are identified via facial recognition.

This is to reduce flight check-in time, increase accuracy, detect passengers using fake documents, and identify people who are wanted or banned from flying," Quoc elaborated.

It is part of a road map for digital transformation at airports in Vietnam, he continued.

Many passengers said that Vietnam's facial recognition system still falls behind other countries.

In Thailand, it takes only 30 seconds for arrivals to scan their passports, take fingerprints, and scan their faces, said Hong Nga, a resident in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Heathrow Airport in the UK allows passengers to check in online and provide data by taking pictures of their faces and passports with their personal phones, according to Nguyen Son from Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

At Japans Narita Airport, passengers can use the Face Express for their boarding procedures using facial recognition technology, Son continued.

Passengers only need to check in at an automatic kiosk that can crossmatch their passport photographs with facial images, he added.

It is quite late for Vietnam to start applying technology at local airports at this point, an airline official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The application of biometric technology is very complex and requires the participation of many parties.

It is difficult, but must be done to attract more visitors, he stated.

However, it may take a longer time for this technology to be applied at major airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, as these are much more crowded compared to Cat Bi, he said.

We may have to deal with long queues at check-in areas of both domestic and international flights for at least a few more years.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
ABC has appointed Tyson Shine as Executive Producer of News Breakfast, having previously been the programmes Supervising Producer.

Shine has been acting in the role for the past year while Emily Butselaar was seconded to various projects, including helping to run our coverage of the Queens death and working with the Specialist Reporting Team, where Emily is now Deputy Editor.

Shine has worked for ABC News as a reporter in South Australia and Tasmania and returned to the ABC as a producer with News in Sydney before moving to Melbourne as NBKs supervising producer. He has also worked for Al Jazeera in London and Doha.

Updated.
SKY News has outlined its coverage for the upcoming NSW Election on Saturday 25 March, live from Sydney.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition Leader Chris Minns face off in the closest contest the State has seen in decades. Its the first battle at the ballot box for two new leaders, both offering competing policies and pitches for the States future. The voters verdict will have significant ramifications for federal politics and the leaderships of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

Could the Liberals be wiped-out on mainland Australia? Will the Climate 200 Teals win the State seats on Sydneys North Shore and Northern Beaches that they won federally last year? And what would a possible hung parliament mean for the States future?

Throughout election day Sky News will be live in the battleground seats that will make-or-break both partys prospects, speaking to voters about the issues that have determined their decision. Join Tim Gilbert and Jaynie Seal from 6.00am AEDT for Weekend Edition, as candidates and campaigners prepare for a busy polling day. Peter Stefanovic hosts Weekend Live from 10:00am AEDT as the leaders cast their votes and make their last pitches, before Ashleigh Gillon brings you the final hours of critical voting from 2:00pm AEDT.

Then, the biggest and best coverage of NSW Election Night begins live at 5.00pm AEDT with Sky News Australias Chief News Anchor Kieran Gilbert leading the team to bring viewers rapid results and expert commentary during election night. Joining Kieran Gilbert for live coverage of all the results, is an unrivalled political panel including Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell, Sky News Anchor Peta Credlin, former Labor Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, former Deputy Prime Minister and current Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs Barnaby Joyce, NSW Labor Party President & Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Sky News Political Contributor and former NSW Senator and Labor Cabinet Minister Graham Richardson, and NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads and Womens Safety Natalie Ward.

Dissecting the data for viewers, Sky News Chief Election Analyst Tom Connell is back to break down the votes as they come in, with detailed analysis on key battleground regions and trends that will decide who the States next Premier will be.

Weighing in as the results come through, Sky News Anchors Paul Murray and Laura Jayes will be reporting live from Labor HQ, while Chris Kenny and Sharri Markson will be on the ground at Liberal HQ.

In the lead up to election day, Kieran Gilbert will also host the Sky News / The Daily Telegraph Peoples Forum on Wednesday 22 March at 7:30pm AEDT live from Penrith, with Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns appearing in the last and most important debate of the 2023 State Election campaign.

Sky News Australias election coverage will be available to stream on SkyNews.com.au and to listen to on Sky News Radio, available on iHeartRadio. Australians abroad can keep up to date with the results on international streaming service Australia Channel.

Wednesday 22 March

7:30pm AEDT Sky News / The Daily Telegraph Peoples Forum

Saturday 25 March

6:00am AEDT Weekend Edition with Tim Gilbert and Jaynie Seal

10:00am AEDT Weekend Live with Peter Stefanovic

2:00pm AEDT Weekend Live with Ashleigh Gillon

5:00pm AEDT NSW Election Night Live with Kieran Gilbert and the Sky News election night panel

Sunday 26 March

8:00am AEDT Sunday Agenda with Kieran Gilbert, Andrew Clennell and Tom Connell
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Turkeys top court overturned a block on the leading pro-Kurdish partys access to government aid, in a boost to an opposition group that could be kingmaker in this years elections.

The Constitutional Court made the ruling as part of a trial over separatism charges against the party, known as the HDP, the state-run Anadolu Agency said. It had frozen around $29 million in government funds to the group in January.

Eight members of the court backed overturning Januarys ruling to block aid, while seven voted to keep it, Anadolu said.

HDP is the largest party that hasnt joined the main opposition alliance, which on Monday announced a joint candidate for Mays presidential elections.

Quiet Politician Steps Up to Challenge Erdogan as Vote Looms

Turkeys leading political parties get regular government aid, with the amount usually rising in election years.

The top court is yet to decide whether to disband HDP on grounds of separatism. Such a ban necessitates at least 10 votes from 15 judges.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Just one day after her historic Oscars win, Michelle Yeoh used her spotlight to redirect the attention to an issue dear to her: helping women around the world recover from disasters.

In a New York Times op-ed on Monday, the Everything Everywhere All At Once actor recalled her trip to Nepal in 2015, where she experienced the destructive 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed thousands, injured tens of thousands and displaced millions. As she evacuated days later, Yeoh said she couldnt shake the thought of how unfair it was that I had a home to go to, unlike the thousands of families whose entire lives were suddenly reduced to rubble.

The film star said she has since revisited Nepal multiple times  including as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations  to help with relief efforts, and witnessed the permanent damage to residents who were already living with minimal support. She recently recalled Nepals crisis when a devastatingly deadly earthquake hit Turkey and Syria last month.

Crises arent just moments of catastrophe: They expose deep existing inequalities. Those living in poverty, especially women and girls, bear the brunt, Yeoh wrote. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, lack of sanitation, health facilities and safety disproportionately affect women.

In my time as a goodwill ambassador, I have seen up close how women and girls are often the last to go back to school and the last to get basic services like clean water, vaccines, identity cards and counseling. They are typically the last to get jobs and loans, she continued. To fully recover from a disaster and be prepared for the next one, the specific needs of women and girls must be factored into the humanitarian response.

Yeoh, who has been a global star for decades, won her first Oscar on Sunday night. The decision was a historic one, with Yeoh becoming the first Asian actor  and only second woman of color  to win the award in the Best Actress category. In her acceptance speech, Yeoh said her win is a beacon of hope for young people who look like me, and told women to not let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.

Story continues

Im 60 years old, and I just won my first Oscar. I know something about perseverance, and I am all too aware of what society expects of women, the actor said in her op-ed. Im also well aware that my experience cant compare at all with that of the women heroes I met who are on the front lines of crises.

But if I can do one thing with this moment of my professional joy, it would be to point the spotlight on those who all too often go unacknowledged, the women who are rebuilding their communities, taking care of children and older people and putting food on the table, she continued. Lets make sure they are not missing from the room when decisions are being made that affect them the most.

Related...
Smog lingers over the city as heavy air pollution continues to affect Bangkok, Thailand (EPA)

Nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalised in Thailand this week due to hazardous air pollution, as the country is choking on a thick haze that has engulfed the capital city, Bangkok.

The severe pollution has been caused by a dangerous mix of industrial emissions, agricultural burning, and vehicle fumes.

The rising levels of air pollution in Thailand have put immense pressure on the countrys healthcare services. More than 1.3 million people have fallen sick since the start of the year as a result of air pollution, with nearly 200,000 admitted to hospital this week alone, AFP reported, quoting the public health ministry.

Bangkok, the capital city, is the worst affected with air quality continuing to worsen due to a combination of vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, and smoke from agricultural burning.

On Saturday, the popular tourist destination was ranked the third-most polluted city in the world by monitoring firm IQAir.

Kriangkrai Namthaisong, a doctor with the ministry, has advised pregnant women and children to stay indoors, as almost 50 districts in Bangkok have reported unsafe levels of PM2.5 particles.

PM2.5 particles, which are considered the most dangerous due to their ability to enter the bloodstream and damage organs, have been recorded at unsafe levels in 50 districts of Bangkok, with levels far exceeding the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.

The northern city of Chiang Mai, an agricultural region, is also badly affected due to incidents of stubble burning in the area.

To counter the situation, the Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunts spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala announced that another work from home order will be issued if the situation deteriorates and advised anyone going outside to wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask.

Authorities have taken some measures to counteract the situation, with nurseries in Bangkok setting up no dust rooms fitted with air purifiers to protect young children. In addition, checkpoints have been established to monitor vehicle emissions, Mr Amrapala told AFP.

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People wear face masks as high-rise buildings are shrouded in smog and haze from heavy fine dust at Lumpini Park in Bangkok (EPA)

The director general of the public health ministry has stated that more measures are required to tackle the problem. The public should work from home while schools might need to avoid outdoor activities to protect childrens health.

We have to intensify (efforts to tackle pollution) by encouraging people to work from home. For schools...they might have to avoid outdoor activities in order to prevent impacts on childrens health, the departments director general had said in a news conference.

The country had faced a similar situation in January-February when air quality had plummeted. Apart from vehicular emissions and agricultural fires, the stagnant weather conditions had played a crucial role in the rising levels of air pollution, according to officials.
Nyck de Vries, AlphaTauri, in the paddock. Bahrain, March 2023. Credit: Alamy

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reviewed the performance of Nyck de Vries in Bahrain, and concludes that the AlphaTauri driver needs to step up a gear.

Although De Vries made a stand-in performance for Alex Albon at Williams in 2022, that performance catching the eye of Red Bull, De Vries nonetheless was one of three Formula 1 rookies to take to the grid at the F1 2023 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The pressure is on both AlphaTauri drivers this year, the former Formula E champ De Vries required to prove himself across a season on the F1 stage, while Yuki Tsunoda is in need of a breakthrough season if he is to extend his stay with the Red Bull fold.

And in Bahrain it was Tsunoda who performed the better out of the pair, comfortably outqualifying De Vries before finishing the race P11 as he narrowly missed out on a point. De Vries going from P19 to P14 at the line nonetheless was a strong effort.

Marko has looked over the data though, and while happy with that opening effort from De Vries, his expectation of the Dutchman is that he takes his performance up a level from here.

Nyck has a wealth of experience, even though he is still officially a rookie, said Marko in an interview with the German edition of Motorsport.com.

He was closely involved with Mercedes, driving as a third driver or reserve driver in almost all their F1 cars and those of the customer teams. He has vast knowledge, but this is AlphaTauri and not Mercedes. In terms of budget and manpower, it is not comparable.

There were definitely positive things, but by now he also realises that this is a different team. The idea now is for him to focus on his own performance.

In sectors one and three he drove similar to Yuki, but in sector two he lost too much, also in the race. He needs to step up a gear.

However, while Marko confirmed that both De Vries and Tsunoda need to prove they are Formula 1-worthy this season if they want to stay, suggesting that whoever wins this intra-team battle has the best chance of achieving that, Marko does not want judgements to be made on either driver after just one race weekend.

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It applies to both AlphaTauri drivers that they have to prove they belong in F1, Marko stated. The best one probably also has the greatest chance of staying in F1, that goes for both Yuki and De Vries.

But please, only one race has been driven yet. We shouldnt want to know everything already for the future either.

Give him [De Vries] a chance. His way of working is fine, as is his approach. But what I said: he has to start delivering now.

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While the lines have become a little more blurred in recent years, the ultimate aim for an AlphaTauri driver is still to graduate to a Red Bull seat.

So, is there such a prospect for De Vries?

Staying in Formula 1 is the starting point first, Marko responded. To become a candidate for Red Bull, there really has to be an extraordinary performance.

Nyck de Vries lost a bit of steam in Bahrain

While Marko is absolutely right to point out that only one race has taken place in F1 2023, it did feel like De Vries lost some of his momentum in Bahrain, considering the intrigue surrounding him after that fantastic stand-in performance at Monza.

On that occasion De Vries showed that even at short notice, he can jump into a car and deliver a solid performance, so after three days of testing to prepare, it was worrying that over a single lap at least, De Vries was comfortably second-best, seven-tenths slower than his team-mate.

De Vries race performance was much stronger, so from here the Dutchman needs to grow even stronger in that regard, while working with urgency to unlock the one-lap pace from that AT04.

Red Bull are far from short of bright prospects competing in Formula 2 this season, so De Vries, and Tsunoda as well for that matter, need strong campaigns to keep that potential trap door firmly shut.

The article Nyck de Vries told he needs to step up a gear following AlphaTauri debut appeared first on Planetf1.com.
Edward Bergers antiwar epic All Quiet on the Western Front has won the Oscar for best international feature for Germany at the 2023 Oscars.

The drama, the first German adaptation of Erich Maria Remarques World War I novel, was the frontrunner in the category after the film picked up nine Oscar nominations, including for best picture.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Lewis Milestones 1930 adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front was also an Oscar champ, winning Academy Awards for best picture and best director.

When taking the stage, Berger gave credit to the many new friends he made while working on the film including the cinematographer, costume designer, the hair and makeup designer and the production designer. I owe everything to you and the rest of my crew, he said.

He later mentioned how he recently connected with Tar cinematographer Florian Hoffmeister: Were from the same town  we made our first movie together  I was his assistant  and we held each other, and for 30 years it felt like there was an embrace of all the hard work that went into this. And its just deeply moving for all of us.

Berger finished his speech by praising the stars of the film including newcomer Felix Kammerer. This was your first movie, and you carried us on your shoulders as if it was nothing. Without you none of us would be here. Thank you Felix.

Bergers film, which stars newcomer Kammerer alongside Albrecht Schuch (System Crasher), Devid Striesow (The Counterfeiters) and Daniel Bruhl beat out an impressive and eclectic list of international contenders, including Lukas Dhonts heartbreaking melodrama Close from Belgium, winner of Cannes Grand Prix, Santiago Mitres legal period piece Argentina, 1985 for Argentina, Colm Baireads exquisite family drama The Quiet Girl for Ireland and Jerzy Skolimowskis Cannes jury prize winner EO, a drama told entirely from the perspective of a donkey.

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All Quiet had a quiet launch at the Toronto Film Festival last year, but strong word of mouth and support from industry fans helped the Netflix film build momentum throughout awards season. Last month, the movie swept Britains BAFTA awards, taking seven trophies, including best film and best director for Berger.

In The Hollywood Reporters review of All Quiet out of Toronto, John DeFore called the film a visceral take on the German anti-war classic and another artful reminder that war is hell.

This marks the fourth best international feature win for Germany and the first since Florian Henckel von Donnersmarcks The Lives of Others won the Oscar in the same category back in 2006. The first-ever win was Volker Schlondorffs The Tin Drum in 1979, entered under the auspices of West Germany. Caroline Links Nowhere in Africa won the Oscar for Germany in 2002. All four of Germanys Oscar winners have been period dramas.

Jimmy Kimmel returned as host for the 95th Oscars ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Visit The Hollywood Reporters awards page for more awards season coverage. See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals here.

Click here to read the full article.
After more than four decades as seemingly implacable enemies on either side of a deep political-religious divide in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies. The deal, which was signed in Beijing, comes seven years after diplomatic relations were severed in the aftermath of the execution in Saudi Arabia of Shia cleric Nimr Al Nimr and has been heralded as a game-changing moment for the Middle East.

While undeniably a positive move, the agreement will not end conflict in the region  with serious domestic issues continuing to drive conflict and violence in Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. Yet serious economic challenges have prompted the Saudis and Iranians to engage in diplomatic talks over the past few years to create a more stable regional order, allowing their countries to engage in domestic reform programmes as a result.

The rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran has fractious roots, shaped by the interplay of security concerns, claims to leadership over the Muslim world, ethno-sectarian rivalries, and differing relationships with Washington. Lazy analysis has often reduced the rivalry to a sectarian conflict, a consequence of ancient hatreds. But such a reading of events is xenophobic and orientalist and ignores the context and contingencies shaping relations between the two states.

Despite the fractious roots, relations between the two states have oscillated between overt hostility and burgeoning detente since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, playing out in different ways across the Middle East.

Troubled region

The presence of shared religious, ethnic and ideological identities across the region has also prompted others to view conflict across the region through the lens of proxy wars. Various groups in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Bahrain and elsewhere have been seen as merely doing the bidding of paymasters in Riyadh or Tehran. This ignores the internal drivers of conflict and division, reducing analysis to a simplistic binary pitting Sunni against Shia.

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Map of Middle East, 2023

Across the region, states where Saudi and Iranian interests have clashed, have also been beset by a range of their own complex socioeconomic and political challenges.

Since Saddam Hussein was deposed, Iraq has been characterised by a struggle among various factions to dominate the state. Shia parties, representing the countrys majority, have typically won elections, often with the support of Iran and much to the chagrin of Saudi Arabia. Yet to think of Iraqi politics purely as representing a proxy war between its two neighbours would be wrong. It ignores the domestic concerns of many and efforts to create a political landscape that works for Iraqis and is not just an arena for Riyadh and Tehran to increase their power.

In Yemen, while Saudi Arabia and Iran have both played a prominent role in the civil war, the key drivers of conflict are domestic, amid a broader struggle over territory, politics, visions of order, tribalism, resources and sectarian difference. The involvement of Riyadh and Tehran  in different ways  exacerbates these tensions. Fears about gains by Iran-backed Houthi rebels across Yemen prompted Saudi Arabia to embark on a devastating bombing campaign to curtail the groups actions.

Tehrans support for the Houthis  and the groups attacks on the Saudi mainland  exacerbated the kingdoms fears. Yet the war in Yemen is also a consequence of the fragmentation of the state and the emergence of several different groups vying for influence across a landscape beset by serious environmental challenges and food shortages.

In Lebanon, a devastating socioeconomic crisis plays out in the shell of the state, with sectarian groups providing support and protection to their constituencies in place of a functioning government. Key groups have received support from Saudi Arabia and Iran  most notably Hezbollah, which possesses strong ideological links with the Islamic Republic, and the Future Movement the party of government across most of the past decade, which has a complex relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Clearly the Saudis and Iranians have a keen interest in Lebanese politics. But in reality any conflict here is driven by competition between local groups seeking to impose their visions of order on a precarious political, social and economic landscape.

While there is little doubt that Saudi Arabia and Iran have the means to exert influence on politics across the region, local groups have their own agendas, aspirations and pressures. It remains to be seen how the reconciliation between Riyadh and Tehran will resonate in spaces beset by division.

There are undeniably positives for regional security. The reconciliation improves the possibility of a revived nuclear deal with Tehran  although it remains to be seen what Saudi Arabia has offered Iran to facilitate the agreement, and vice versa. Also, there are questions as to what monitoring and enforcement mechanisms have been put in place by China.

The role of China

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of all of this concerns Chinas role in proceedings. While diplomatic efforts aimed at improving relations between the two rivals have been taking place for several years, Chinas ability to forge an agreement out of these talks points to Beijings growing influence in the region.

China has long had close economic ties with Iran, but in recent years Beijing has sought to increase its engagement with Arab states, notably Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Deteriorating relations between the two major Gulf powers would have had a negative impact on Chinese engagement and investment across the Middle East, both in terms of its infrastructure projects and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.

Although the US has publicly celebrated the initiative, privately there are several concerns about the broader implications for the Middle East and for global politics. This comes at a time when relations between Riyadh and Washington are tense.

This was perhaps best seen in the visit of the US president, Joe Biden, to Saudi Arabia after his vocal criticism of the kingdoms human rights record and the publication of a report stating that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman approved the operation to kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a US citizen. During the visit, Biden and bin Salman endured a tense meeting which largely failed to improve relations and highlighted the precarious nature of relations.

In such an environment, rising Chinese influence in the kingdom and across the Middle East is hardly surprising. Chinas move into mediation offers some semblance of hope that an agreement can also be reached to end the war in Ukraine, but at what cost? The Chinese model of investment and the provision of untied aid  the provision of financial support without conditions  has long ignored concerns about democracy and human rights. So the agreement between the Saudis and the Iranians has been read by some as a victory for authoritarianism, further marginalising reform movements in both countries.

Much like the US, Israel is also concerned about the deal. For successive Israeli governments, Iran has long occupied the role of regional bete noire, ultimately feeding into the signing of the Abraham Accords in the summer of 2020 which normalised relations between Israel, the UEA, Bahrain and Morocco as a strategic alliance against Tehran. The Netanyahu government has long sought to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia and hoped to use the Iranian threat as a means of achieving this goal.

Additionally, the deal raises questions about the future of regional security. The US has long been a mediator in regional disputes and has been viewed as a security guarantor by Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Chinas actions here suggest that it is seeking to assert itself more keenly in the regions politics. Reports suggest that Beijing is to host a meeting of Arab and Iranian leaders later in the year. If accurate, it positions China firmly as a  if not the  dominant actor across the Middle East.

A reconciliation between the Saudis and the Iranians is certainly good for regional order. But it will not address the causes of conflict in Yemen or elsewhere across the region. It also raises several serious issues around regional security and global order, the salience of democracy and human rights, and the future of US engagement with the Middle East.

While the initiative is a positive step, it is not a solution for the regions conflicts. This Beijing-mediated agreement may in fact lead to further significant challenges for the people of the region.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Simon Mabon receives funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Henry Luce Foundation. He is a Senior Fellow atthe Foreign Policy Centre.
ABC - Getty Images

The 2023 Academy Awards took place last night, with the biggest names and brightest talents in the film industry hitting the champagne-coloured red carpet. But there was one special accessory in particular that might have caught your attention.

Famous faces such as Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy, Dolly De Leon and Edward Berger all wore blue ribbons made by refugees to the 95th annual Oscars, to show solidarity for the United Nations Refugee Agencys #WithRefugees campaign.

Refugees working at Knotty Tie Co  a company in Denver, Colorado, which provides refugees with employment, training and education  made the ribbons to raise awareness for the campaign, which highlights those who have been forced out of their homes due to war and persecution.

Jesse Grant - Getty Images

What I love about film is the way it draws us into compelling human themes to uncover the connective tissue that binds us all, Blanchett, a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, previously explained.

Whenever I have met refugees  in places such as Lebanon, Jordan or Bangladesh, in the UK, or back home in Australia  what has struck me has not been their otherness but how many things we share in common.

Cindy Ord/VF23 - Getty Images

Mike Coppola - Getty Images

The star matched her blue ribbon to her gown for the evening, arriving in a Louis Vuitton design featuring a shimmering draped top and fishtail skirt.

As well as last night's red carpet, celebrities  including Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, Sheila Atim, Jamie Lee Curtis, Florence Pugh, Colin Farrell and Bill Nighy  also wore blue ribbons to the BAFTAs to show their support of the #WithRefugees campaign.

According to the UNHCR, more than 103 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced, having had to flee their homes because of war and conflict.

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The University of North Georgia (UNG) hosted Georgia's National TRIO Day celebration Feb. 25 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus, welcoming almost 300 high school students and TRIO professionals. UNG's TRIO programs include the McNair Scholars Program, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search Program.

The TRIO programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

The day included video messages from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Gabby Watts, senior director of student services for the U.S. Department of Education. It also featured a panel of five TRIO students sharing their college experiences. An Aztec dance, Mexican ballet, a Black History Month presentation, and a demonstration by the Blue Ridge Rifles, a cadet specialty unit, rounded out the day's events.

"What I appreciated most about TRIO Day was the institutional support. So many departments, from Multicultural Student Affairs to Regional Campus Administration to Cadet Admissions, stepped in to support potential first-generation, low-income college students on this day of advocacy," Dr. Latrice Richardson, UNG director of TRIO-Pre-College Access Grant Programs, said. "Our guests could really feel a sense of community and appreciate the diversity represented on campus. Hosting National TRIO Day at UNG was a first for us, and we look forward to welcoming our colleagues and their students back to campus in the future."
HA NOI  Viet Nam needs to seek funds to increase the national reserve of petroleum to deal with urgent situations in the context of fluctuating global markets.

According to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nams national petroleum reserve was quite low, around 300,000 cubic metres per year, equivalent to only nine days of net import and seven days of consumption, lower than the demand.

The ministry proposed the national petroleum reserve be raised from nine days of net import to 15 days and 30 days in the 2026-30 period.

Accordingly, it was estimated that Viet Nam would need around VN4.1 trillion (US$173.7 million) per year to increase the national petroleum reserve.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that the biggest obstacle was finding funds for the increase.

The storage must be enough for around 4-6 months of consumption to be able to cope with unusual situations in the global markets and avoid supply disruptions.

The Ministry of Finance, however, said that the sum was beyond the ability of the State budget. Currently, the State budget could arrange around VN1.5 trillion per year for the national total reserves, meaning that it only met a third of the needed amount.

Dien said that each year, the State should arrange an additional sum of around VN1-2 trillion, equivalent to 1-2 days of net import to increase the national petroleum reserve to 15 days of net import to 2025.

The ministrys statistics showed that last year the total petroleum supply was nearly 25.58 million cubic metres, including 8.87 million cubic metres from imports, and 15.69 million cubic metres from local refineries.

In 2023, the ministry asked that the total petroleum supply should be 27.34 million cubic metres, 15 per cent higher than last year, in which imports would still account for a large proportion.

Despite being a strategic product that plays an important role in ensuring energy security, the low reserve is one of the problems affecting fuel supply when unusual situations occur.

2022 was a difficult year for the global petrol and oil market due to the Russia  Ukraine conflict which caused disruptions and supply scarcity, pushing up prices and causing risks to enterprises.

Another problem is the shortage of infrastructure for the storage of petroleum. Currently, petroleum from the national reserve is being stored at more than 20 sites of major petrol wholesalers, triggering concerns that it would lead to a lack of transparency.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade admitted that it was difficult to separate the national petroleum reserve from the reserve of enterprises because the State did not have the infrastructure for petroleum reserves and must rent from enterprises.

The lack of infrastructure for petroleum reserves must be tackled in the long term, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said. However, in the short-term, renting storage units of enterprises must continue to avoid disruption and there should be mechanisms to increase transparency.  VNS
HA NOI More than 1,000 photos and documents on the activities of the Party, the State, and the personal life of late President Ho Chi Minh and other key figures have been donated by writer Son Tung's family to the National Archives Centre III.

Tran Viet Hoa, Director of the National Archives Centre III, Department of Records and State Archives (Ministry of Home Affairs), said that these documents contain photos related to late President Ho Chi Minhs life, including many that have never been published.

The Centre also receives valuable documents about writer Son Tung's life and career. This is the second time they received a large volume of documents from writer Son Tung.

Hoa said that writer Tung is highly esteemed for his writing about late President Ho Chi Minh. She mentioned that every anecdote in his novel 'Green Lotus Bud', which depicts the childhood and early life of Ho Chi Minh, serves as an exemplary lesson for people to learn and follow.

Bui Son inh, the son of writer Tung Son, spoke about his father's decision to donate valuable documents to the National Archives Center III. He shared that although he wished to keep the documents, it would be challenging to fulfil this desire. Obtaining the documents was a challenging process, and his parents had to go to great lengths to acquire them.

Currently, the documents have been temporarily arranged according to the provisions of the storage and follow strict preservation rules.

Writer Son Tung was born in 1928 in a poor family in Hoa Luy village, Nghe An province. He was active in revolutionary activities for 10 years (1944-1954) in the locality and met Nguyen Thi Thanh, late President Ho Chi Minh's sister.

After the end of the war against France, he came to Ha Noi to study and work. In 1967, he volunteered in the Southeastern Theater and was severely wounded.

After the war, he continued to write and learn about late President Ho Chi Minh and his family, and wrote numerous works on the subject. VNS
HA NOI  Based on the average population growth rate in recent years, the General Statistics Office of Viet Nam (GSO) forecasts that by the middle of next month, Viet Nam will officially become one of 15 countries in the world and the third in Southeast Asian with a population of 100 million people.

To mark this memorable event a parade, a conference and a celebration will welcome the birth of the nation's 100 millionth citizen.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has established a task force to prepare for the event, with Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong at the head, and director of the GSO Nguyen Thi Huong deputising.

Its members will include representatives from different ministries and concerned organisations.

At midnight on April 1, 2022, Viet Nams population reached 99.2 million, said the GSO.

The GSOs leaders said that in the global economic competition, all countries consider human resources to be the most important factor in improving national competitiveness.  VNS
Vietnam witnessed a boom in domestic tourists in 2022 with 101 million internal holidaymakers, but the country failed to woo international travellers. Last year, just 3.5 million foreign visitors had travelled to Vietnam, lower than the target of five million. While Vietnam has seen a slow recovery of inbound tourism, other Southeast Asian countries are achieving their targets.

This is partly because Vietnam's traditional markets in Northeast Asia have not yet reopened for international tourism. Geopolitical uncertainty and the economic downturn have also slowed the flow of tourists from Europe. But there may be another factor at play, according to industry insiders.

Chris Farwell, a member of the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) said, "Thailand is a major competitor of Vietnam and grants visa exemptions to tourists from 65 countries, allowing a stay of 3045 days and up to 90 days in some cases. On the other hand, Vietnam has yet to issue any policy that eases visa requirements. In fact, Vietnam has made its visa procedures more bureaucratic, which has dampened the flow of inbound tourism."

"Travellers often complain about the difficulty of obtaining visas at Vietnamese embassies. Some are charged with higher fees when using services from travel agencies. Citizens from some countries are not entitled to e-visas, so they have to wait up to 30 days and pay $800 to get a visa," said Farwell.

It is vital to change the policy to make Vietnam more attractive to international tourists. Vietnam should expand the list of visa-exempt countries and extend the period of stay to 3045 days. This will encourage more foreigners to travel to Vietnam, he added.

TAB also offered ideas on removing the paperwork burden for visas, suggesting more attention should be paid to the e-visa system. These include making e-visas available to visitors from all countries, changing the domain name to make it easier for foreigners to find online, and cutting down on service agents. In addition, the user interface on these websites needs to be improved and the system in general needs to be reviewed for quicker and more consistent response time to customers' enquiries.

Vietnam's tourism sector is aiming to welcome eight million international visitors this year as China is starting to gradually reopen to international tourism markets. Vietnam has an opportunity to attract Chinese tourists away from big markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, India, Europe and America.

Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said, "Authorities have to communicate with each other to streamline the visa-application process. Vietnam should take swift action, as guests can change their minds quickly when there are other destinations in Southeast Asia. If Vietnam drags its feet on these changes, the country could very well miss out on a golden opportunity."

From the perspective of tour operators, Nguyen Cong Hoan, general director of Flamingo Redtour, said that Vietnam needs to adopt policies that will attract the workforce back to the industry, support financing for the construction of new tourism products, and take measures to promote the market. "If tourism firms are to recover to pre-pandemic levels, then Vietnam will need to receive the same number of tourists as it did back then. A strong domestic tourism industry can play its part in attracting large numbers of international tourists," Hoan said.

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.

Ambitious action plan needed to lure international tourists Vietnam already has an ambitious tourism development strategy in place, but the country needs a concrete action plan to attract more international tourists. Doan Van Binh, vice president of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, told VIR about solutions to boost international tourist arrivals.
Our growing digital economy requires improvement in ICT infrastructure. How could Nokia's solutions help?

Nokia Vietnam general manager Ruben Moron Flores

Nokias data centre fabric solutions are designed to be simple and efficient, highlighting high performance and intent-based automation. This suite of hardware and software solutions is now in its third generation. Automation is now the key focus, allowing for automatic management of hardware and boxes in the data centres using software.

It is also more user-friendly in the sense that the operating system is open, based on standard Linux OS, and it can be handled much more easily. In contrast to previous data centre providers that supplied only regular switches and routers, our solution provides more powerful hardware for increased capacity.

Our platform is presented on time with the proper capacity to meet customers demand, which is interoperability with 4G. We are bringing in innovative solution with more capacity, that is easy to use and efficient in power consumption. Its critical to ensure that any solution we implement allows for backward compatibility, enabling both legacy systems as well as the modernised systems to coexist.

Additionally, we can also provide global support to enhance the overall effectiveness of the solution.

Industries have been increasingly looking for automation solutions to address the growing demand for applications like livestream videos, all of which requires data centres close to where the data is collected and consumed, and data saved close to the enterprises.

For data centres to be successful, a fast 5G deployment is important because it ensures the flexibility and scalability of these services. When 5G comes, there will be numerous requirements for operators across different enterprises.

Could you share some information about Nokias investment in Vietnam?

We have been investing substantially in Vietnam for more than 30 years. We work with all three major mobile operators and have been deploying 5G trials to the operators, mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

In August last year, we signed a MoU with VNPT to develop private wireless networks for smart ports and airports across the country. We are also collaborating with universities to create niche cases for 5G and data centres, and developing programmes that will most likely require a data centre for 5G.

This is crucial to co-create the ecosystem for 5G and for this technology to be successful, it will need many parts to work. Data centres are one part of that, but they also need the broad ecosystem to provide knowledge and human resources, as well as enterprises to help with funding and innovative solutions in logistics, engineering, education, and many other areas.

Thanks to the exceptional remote support provided by our regional leadership team, our team in Vietnam has the ability to rapidly scale up. This support has been instrumental in facilitating our growth and success. We are participating in all different angles from radio, core, and optics to fixed broadband networks, together with Vietnams major mobile operators.

Successful data centres need to be simple and efficient, highlighting high performance and intent-based automation

Will the development of 5G lead to increase cost for internet users?

With the rollout of 5G networks around the world, mobile broadband users only need to upgrade to devices that support the new frequency, with no significant increase in monthly payments. For general users, an ecosystem for devices and mobile terminals is growing to be compatible with 5G.

However, enterprises will more likely be charged if they are required to deploy a specific application depending on their needs. For example, manufacturing or logistics enterprises will probably invest in 5G to support specific applications that can use the benefits of the technology, such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communications, and massive machine-type communications.

I believe 5G can really help to solve the problem of internet disruption for users all over the country. In many countries where internet access is not feasible because people live in remote areas or for other reasons, access to fiber internet can be replaced by 5G with the same quality. Nokia has supported our partners to deploy 5G fixed wireless access services successfully in the US and Australia, for example, and can easily replicate it in Vietnam.

Amendments to telecommunication legislation are expected to be approved by the National Assembly by the end of this year. How would this benefit businesses in Vietnam?

This is a superb opportunity for data centres and different providers in Vietnam to increase their market share. The data centre market in Vietnam is growing with the presence of prominent global players, which include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft, and local providers such as Viettel IDC, VNPT, CMC Telecom, and FPT Telecom.

Many data centres traditionally consume a lot of electricity. How could Nokia provide a more sustainable solution for them?

One of our main focus areas as emphasised by our CEO is to make power consumption the most efficient. By 2030, we aim to reduce half of our carbon emissions, so thats at the centre of everything we do. The targets include our own operations, products in use, logistics, and final assembly supplier factories. Nokia is also part of ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) in the US and we are working together with the University of Illinois to develop a new data centre cooling system.

The two biggest electricity consumption sources in data centres are the power needed to enable the hardware itself, and the power used to cool down all the equipment. The hardware that is part of Nokia fabric solutions coming to the market will contribute to reducing electricity consumption. It is also recommended that energy used to power data centres should come from renewable sources such as wind or solar to align with the fights against climate change.

Nearby, data centres in Singapore have generated hundreds of millions of US dollars value for the economy in a year. What are your suggestions for their development in Vietnam?

Vietnam and Singapore share many similarities, including their geographic proximity to one another. Furthermore, both governments have set forth very ambitious plans for advancing the countrys digital transformation.

For example, data centres have grown very fast in Singapore, but something that we can also learn from the fast growth in data capacity is the growth in power consumption. Power generated in Singapore mainly derives from oil and gas, which underscores the urgent need for the country to prioritise sustainable energy alternatives.

Data centres in Singapore account for about 7 per cent of total electricity consumption. At the same time, as data continues to grow exponentially and the need for faster and more powerful computing needs increases, these figures are expected to rise in the future as well, without proactive steps to reduce data centres energy consumption.

This highlights the pressing need for the government to prioritise the development of renewable energy. By doing so, they can support the development of data centres in this country.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Kien Giang  Phu Quoc island city, along with other coastal localities in the southern province of Kien Giang, has been concertedly rolling out solutions and exerting great efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Doan Van Tien said between now and May, Phu Quoc will continue the communications work to raise public awareness, especially among the boat owners, captains and fishermen, of the Fisheries Law 2017 and relevant issues.

The city is resolved to complete the registration and licensing of fishing vessels with a length from 6m to below 12m within the first quarter of this year, establish inspection teams, and deregister 1,146 fishing boats that are no longer operational.

It will coordinate with competent forces and agencies to enhance the inspections, supervisions and handling of wrongdoings by vessels at fishing grounds, Tien said, noting that all of the boat owners and captains should be committed to not violating foreign waters and fishing regulations.

Notably, since the beginning of this year, groups of the citys steering committee on IUU fishing combat and its assistance forces have been set up via Zalo communication app, enabling them to stay updated and exchange information.

Inspections have been tightened over the installation and operation of the vessel monitoring system (VMS) on fishing vessels measuring from 15m in length. At the same time, all of the seafood handled at local seaports has been undergone product traceability.

Tien said such efforts have led to the absence of cases of illegal fishing in foreign waters by fishing boats registered in the city so far this year.

On October 23, 2017, the European Commission (EC) issued a "yellow card" warning to Vietnam, after the country failed to demonstrate sufficient progress in the fight against IUU fishing.

The commission is scheduled to conduct an inspection over IUU fishing in Vietnam in June 2023.

EC to visit Vietnam to examine measures against IUU fishing The European Commission's (EC) yellow-card warning is an opportunity for Vietnams fisheries sector, the business community, and fishermen to turn into responsible and sustainable fisheries.

EC recognises Vietnam's actions to rectify IUU fishing The European Commission (EC) acknowledges Vietnam's efforts to limit illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and over the next six months will continue evaluating IUU guidelines in the country.

Vietnam to deploy action plan to remove fishing yellow card With the right approach and modifications, Vietnam should be able to have its yellow card for unregulated fishing removed, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 12 chaired a meeting with ministries, sectors and localities, discussing plans to invest in an expressway connecting the northern provinces of Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh and Thai Binh, and another linking Gia Nghia city in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong and Chon Thanh township in southern Binh Phuoc province.

The Ninh Binh-Nam Dinh-Thai Binh expressway has a total length of 88km, while the Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh expressway is 128.8km long. The designing work of the two projects are being underway.

Participants underlined the significance of the two projects in socio-economic development and defence-security protection in the two regions, while giving proposals on their scale and investment methods as well as measures to mobilise resources from the society.

Speaking at the meeting, PM Chinh said that the Ninh Binh-Nam Dinh-Thai Binh expressway will help complete the expressway system in the northern region from Lang Son to Thanh Hoa, boosting the socio-economic growth in the eastern part of the Red River Delta.

Meanwhile, the Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh expressway is expected to better connect the Central Highlands region with economic hubs in the South, thus enabling its stronger development.

However, he said that the State budget for these projects are limited, and the public-private partnership will be a good solution.

The Government leader stressed the need for close coordination among relevant ministries, sectors and localities during the implementation of the projects.

The Government will set up working groups in charge of these projects, PM Chinh said, assigning Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha to lead the groups which will have the participation of deputy ministers from relevant ministries. Similar working groups must be established in provinces, led by the Chairpersons of the provincial Peoples Committees to direct the implementation of the projects, he said.

PM Chinh asked consulting units and contractors to work carefully with the projects with the highest sense of responsibility, ensuring that the expressways have four completed lanes at reasonable costs.

He requested the localities to promptly prepare construction material mines and hand over them directly to investors and contractors. The Peoples Councils of the involved provinces should approve planning schemes on land and forest to give space for the projects, the leader added.

Three large-scale expressway projects soon to be constructed Investment preparations are in full swing from the government, relevant ministries, and sectors, regarding highway construction projects during the next five years, focusing on three massive expressway projects undertaken by the Ministry of Transport between Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot, and Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang-Tran De.

Three more expressways to seek NAs approval The Ministry of Transport has been drafting a report seeking the National Assemblys approval on the development of three expressway projects in the south-central and southern regions of Vietnam.

Infrastructure pinpointed to spur socioeconomic fortunes The Vietnamese government is continuing to promote infrastructure development with the construction of expressways and new bridges, in efforts to spur socioeconomic development and welcome new private investment.
SEP Group plans to develop a carbon-neutral IP in Vietnam

At a meeting with the leadership of Binh Duong Peoples Committee on March 9, chairman of SEP group Dong Hoon Huyn said that based on the carbon-neutral model being piloted by the Banwol-Sihwa Industrial Complex in Korea, SEP Group wanted to invest in a carbon-neutral industrial complex specialising in the shoe industry and infrastructure to reduce carbon. The industrial complex is expected to cover an area of 180 hectares in Phu Giao district, with the total investment capital of $200 million.

He that at present large groups such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai were concentrating on transiting to carbon-neutral manufacturing.

Once completed, the industrial complex will welcome approximately 20 member companies of SEP to invest in carbon-neutral solutions in Vietnam. Besides this, Korea University of Technology and Education will award full scholarships for students who are trained on the environmental technology subject in Korea and then return Binh Duong to the sector, he said. It may be the second carbon-neutral unit in the province, following a carbon-neutral factory of the Danish toy production company firm Lego.

A number of big projects of Korean enterprises have been invested in Binh Duong such as Kumho Tires Vietnam Co., Ltd., which invested $128.3 million to produce car tires; DCT Partners Vietnam Co., Ltd. in hotels, a commercial centre, and high-rise apartment projects with a total capital of $100 million; and Orion Vina Food Co., Ltd. investing in confectionery production with a total capital of $60 million.

Deputy Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee Mai Hung Dung pledged to support the project and asked provincial departments and agencies to create conditions for investment procedures so that SEP Group could soon deploy the project.

Vietnam must step up carbon reduction to enter EU markets Vietnam must start monitoring and issuing carbon certificates to exporters and retailers in response to the EU's recently passed carbon levy, said industry insiders and policymakers.

Vietnam and Japan cooperate for a net-zero carbon future Japan is promoting green growth cooperation with Vietnam, with low-carbon value chains considered one of the leading priorities.

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.
Below are some important points that will be on the agenda as the bank holds its annual general shareholders' meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, March 15.

Average profit growth of 57 per cent/year

VIB's annual profit growth, 2016-2022

The intense focus on retail banking has helped VIB create a scale advantage. The business models of auto loans, home loans and credit cards showed their effectiveness, allowing the bank to gain a leading market share in many retail segments.

A customer-centric strategy has helped VIB attract and serve over four million customers and increase customer engagement.

The positive business results from 2022 contributed to the overall efficiency in the six years of transformation (2017-2022), making VIB one of the leading banks in asset size growth, revenue growth, effective cost management and tight risk control. VIB's profit has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 57 per cent per year over the past six years.

A leader in scale growth

VIB's growth rate compared to the Top 10 listed banks, 2017-2022

With Vietnam's economy among the most dynamic in the world, the substantial increase in demand for investment and financial services in recent years has created conditions for retail banks such as VIB to maintain a positive growth rate in the past six years and into the future.

Sustainable business performance

VIB's business performance compared to the Top 10 listed banks, 2017-2022

VIB has recorded its return on equity (ROE) ratio at over 30 per cent for three consecutive years thanks to its focus on retail and effective operating model.

Attractive dividend payout ratio

VIB's dividend payout, 2017-2022

With its ROE among the market's highest, VIB maintained the highest dividend payout ratio at 40 per cent in 2020, and 35 per cent in 2021. The bank is expected to pay dividends at 35 per cent in 2022.

The bank's Board of Directors has proposed that the 2022 dividend be paid 15 per cent in cash and 20 per cent in shares. VIB's leaders expect a dividend policy to be developed so that the bank can pay annual cash dividends to shareholders starting in 2023.

The bank with the lowest concentration risk in the market

VIB's outstanding balance, 2017-2022

VIB's outstanding retail loans account for up to 90 per cent of its total loan portfolio. Of the total, up to 91 per cent of loans are secured by assets, while the remainder is mainly credit card loans. Meanwhile, the outstanding balance of corporate bonds equals less than 1 per cent of the bank's total credit balance.

As a result, for five consecutive years, the ratio of provision expenses to VIB's outstanding loans was only 30-50 per cent of the average of other Top 10 listed banks. This is considered one of the crucial factors that have helped VIB achieve profitability and a high ROE ratio.

Ranked No.1 across several metrics

VIB has been ranked by the State Bank to be the top bank when it comes to capital, profit, asset quality, liquidity quality and sensitivity management criteria.

A pioneer in card and technology trends

Vie, VIB's AI virtual financial expert

Continuing sustainable growth momentum in 2023

VIB has marked essential milestones on its journey to becoming the leading retail bank in Vietnam during the first six years of its 10-year strategic transformation period from 2017 to 2026.

In a document sent to the AGM, VIB's Board of Directors outlined the goals for the five-year period from 2022 to 2026, including attracting 10 million customers and achieving an annual compound growth rate of 20-30 per cent each year, thereby sustainably increasing market capitalisation for shareholders.

VIB leaders said they believed the bank would achieve its objectives for 2023 and complete the 10-year transformation goal thanks to its creativity and persistence in large-scale transformation activities, excellent operating model, advanced corporate culture, and its staff's capability and enthusiasm.

VIB leads industry in 'Top 50 Most Effective Companies in Vietnam' During the recent ceremony to recognise the 'Top 50 Most Effective Business Companies in Vietnam in 2022,' eight banks with outstanding business performance and sustainable growth rates were named: VIB, Vietcombank, ACB, MB, VPBank, Techcombank, TPBank and SHB.

VIB launches LazCard and Lazada cashback offer Vietnam International Bank (VIB) has launched LazCard, which offers users 50 per cent cashback on Lazada.
Illustrative image (Photo: Vietnam Airlines)

Hanoi  Vietnam Airlines will operate one flight per day between Vietnam and India from March 26, raising the number of its flights between the two countries by 30 per cent compared to the present.

In particular, the national flag carrier will operate four flights per week on the Hanoi - New Delhi route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and three flights per week on the Ho Chi Minh City - New Delhi route on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The flight increase aims to meet the growing demand in bilateral passenger and cargo transportation.

On this occasion, Vietnam Airlines offers tickets at preferential prices for direct flights between Vietnam and India. Accordingly, a round-trip ticket are priced at a minimum of 7,113,000 VND (about 302 USD), including taxes and fees, when being bought via the firms website, mobile app, and ticket offices or agents in Vietnam; and a minimum of 23,950 INR (292 USD) when being bought via its ticket offices and agents in India.

The prices are applied for tickets purchased from now to December 31, 2023 for flights departing between March 26 and December 31, 2023.

In recent years, India has become one of the leading trading partners with close and extensive relations with Vietnam, especially in tourism. It is one of the 10 countries with the biggest search volume for tourism in Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines officially launched the direct air route between Vietnam and India in June 2022. In the time ahead, it is set to open a new route to Mumbai, one of the largest economic, cultural, and social centres of the South Asian nation.

Vietnam Airlines: lease of eight A320NEO aircraft Vietnam Airlines Corporation is planning to lease eight A320NEO aircraft with a lease term of 143 months, with delivery in 2024.

Vietnam Airlines resumes Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur route Vietnam Airlines has officially resumed the Hanoi  Kuala Lumpur route with four flights a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
It was a concern raised by the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) at the second annual report on foreign investment in Vietnam for the year 2022, released last week.

Professor Nguyen Mai, chairman of VAFIE and author of the annual report, shared specific examples. He said, "The United States has decreased corporate income tax from 25 to 21 per cent, while also reforming investment licenses procedures. In addition, the government is applying high taxes on imported products to increase the competitiveness of several industrial sectors, such as energy, automobiles, steel, and aluminium."

Mai added that the US is also promoting a prosperous economic network that connects allied countries to build supply chains of products such as semiconductors and 5G-remated technology.

Some countries in the EU, such as Germany and Italy, are trying to limit investment in overseas markets, while France is encouraging its enterprises to expand their operation in high-value sectors, such as automobiles, aviation, and digital technology, Mai added.

Japan and Korea, the top two foreign investors in Vietnam, are also applying significant policies that are encouraging their companies to seek investment opportunities at home. Notably, Japan has spent $2 billion supporting Japanese manufacturers to return their production from China. Korea is also trying to attract its investors back to the peninsula.

Last year, Indonesia attracted $45.6 billion in FDI, up 44.2 per cent on-year, which was the highest growth globally. China, despite the country being effectively closed due to the pandemic, saw its FDI surge by 6.3 per cent on-year. India was reported to have attracted $83.6 billion in overseas capital for the same period.

To encourage foreign investment, especially from the US and EU, Vietnam needs to adjust regulations to remove barriers for investors. Delphine Rousselet, executive director of EuroCham, said, "There are three barriers that are currently discouraging more EU capital, including unclear regulations, overly complicated administrative procedures, and a restrictive visa system."

Banking sector suffers difficulties in 2022 The State Bank (SBV) has looked back on the many difficulties for the sector in 2022, which relate to a number of areas, including credit, exchange rate, and liquidity.

Attracting Indian tourists The number of Indian tourists to Vietnam saw impressive growth in 2022, and it is expected to accelerate further.

APAC Realty acquires additional stake in ERA Vietnam APAC Realty, Singapore leading real estate services provider, has completed the acquisition of 984,697 shares in ERA Vietnam Real Estate JSC and 176,000 shares in Eurocapital JSC, representing 22 per cent of the issued share capital of each company for S$4.9 million ($3.7 million).
Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai and Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong

On March 10, 2023, in Hanoi, the second ministerial dialogue on economic cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea took place under the co-chairing of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, and South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Kyungho Choo.

DPM Khai said that after more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, the cooperation between the two countries has seen remarkable development in many fields.

At present, South Korea is the leading foreign investor in Vietnam with the total accumulated investment capital of $81.3 billion; ranking second in development cooperation, tourism, labour ($3.75 billion); and ranking third in trade value ($86.4 billion. They have carried out various cooperation activities in the fields of finance - banking, infrastructure, transportation, IT, science and technology, agriculture, forestry and fishery, education and training, and culture.

"The two countries are also important partners with active contributions to regional and international forums and multilateral cooperation frameworks," DPM Khai said.

He also said that the international and regional situation was complicated and unpredictable. "A scientific and technological revolution is taking place at an unprecedented speed and is an inevitable trend that forces countries to grasp and act if they do not want to be left behind. This requires us to be wise to take the right steps and decisions, to enable the two economies to keep up with the general developments of the world and region," he said.

South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyungho

South Korean DPM Kyungho confirmed that the favourable conditions of investment in Vietnam had attracted South Korean investors. They have contributed significantly to the development of Vietnam, as well as maintaining the leading position of South Korean investors in the Asean country.

"Going forward, the Korean government will continue cooperating with the Vietnamese government to help South Korean businesses expand their investment in Vietnam, especially in building eco-friendly infrastructure; clean energy development; finance; agriculture; medical; digital, and cultural sectors," said DPM Kyungho. "Vietnam is a global manufacturing hub with a favourable investment environment and an abundant young workforce. So, large South Korean enterprises investing in Vietnam have built their value chains in the region."

However, in the context of global volatility, the governments of the two countries should cooperate for sustainable development, expanding their supply chains and cooperation, while finding out opportunities to improve bilateral cooperation.

DPM Kyungho said that South Korea would like to accompany Vietnam in the context of significant changes all over the world. "The combination of Vietnam's potential and Korea's sci-tech will help the two countries develop sustainably," he said.

Strengthening Vietnam-South Korea investment and cooperation

At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong presented Vietnam's official development assistance (ODA) policy and South Korea's priority areas for using ODA.

He emphasised enhancing cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam using the Economic Development Promotion Fund, discussing the use of syndicated capital from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund and Economic Development Promotion Fund.

The Vietnamese government has also approved the policy to attract, manage and use ODA and concessional loans of foreign donors for the 2021-2025 period.

The two countries have proposed, discussed, and agreed on cooperation contents in five fields: trade; energy and infrastructure construction; development cooperation; IT - communication and investment; health and labour.

The two DPMs signing the minutes of the meeting

After the meeting, the two DPMs agreed to carry on exporting goods to each other based on Vietnam-South Korea Free Trade Agreement to the target of $100 billion this year, and $150 billion by 2030.

The two sides pointed out solutions to remove obstacles that South Korean investors are facing in Vietnam, as well as boost South Korean investment into prioritised sectors of Vietnam like ICT, green energy, infrastructure, smart urban, and logistics.

The two DPMs signed the minutes of the second deputy prime minister's dialogue on economic cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea, and witnessed the signing of the Loan Agreement for the renovation project of Hoa Duyet - Thanh Luyen, and Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City Railway.

Previously, in December 2022, the two countries levelled up the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam-South Korea forum takes peek at upcoming trade prospects Based on the 30-year journey of companionship between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Vietnam-South Korea Economic Cooperation Forum opened up opportunities for leaders and businesses of the two sides to discuss cooperation in the coming years.
Hong Kong: CE begins visit in Beijing

Chief Executive John Lee today attended the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress and met members of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China (HKCCC) to learn more about the development of Hong Kong enterprises there.

Mr Lee said that over the years, the HKCCC has been supporting the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, uniting Hong Kong people and enterprises in the Mainland, and providing assistance to Hong Kong entrepreneurs in exploring business opportunities and developing their businesses in the Mainland, showing the chamber's care and support for the city.

He emphasised that with the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, he believes more Hong Kong people and entrepreneurs will pursue their careers in the Mainland and proactively grasp the opportunities brought about by national development.

The Chief Executive expressed hope that the chamber will continue to provide assistance to Hong Kong people and business people, and offer valuable advice on facilitating their development in the Mainland.

He also said he is hopeful that the HKCCC, being the representative of Hong Kong people and entrepreneurs in Beijing, will promote to the world Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under one country, two systems, telling the good stories of the city.

Mr Lee will start calling on central ministries tomorrow and directors of bureaus will join in on the meetings.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China plays historic role in Mideast, ending Saudi-Iran years-long rift, say Syrian experts

Xinhua) 13:30, March 13, 2023

DAMASCUS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China has played a historic role in the Middle East after succeeding in brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, ending a years-long rift between the two countries, Syrian political experts have said.

Such an effort may positively reflect on almost all the current regional crises, the experts said.

As announced by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday, the latter two have reached a deal which includes the agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months, after talks in Beijing from March 6 to 10.

Both Saudi Arabia and Iran extended their appreciation and thanks to Iraq and Oman for hosting multiple rounds of dialogue between 2021 and 2022, and to Chinese leaders and the Chinese government for hosting, supporting and contributing to the success of the talks, the statement said.

Tension has long characterized the relations between Tehran and Riyadh, both main regional powerhouses. In 2016, Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran.

Syrian analysts said that fixing the broken Saudi-Iran ties is critical to stabilizing the region, and that's why China's role in bringing the two countries together is seen as "historic."

"We are talking about an effective presence of China for the first time in the history of this region as a patron of an understanding, or a disengagement of a strategic clash between two important regional countries," said Osama Danura, a Damascus-based Syrian political analyst.

Danura said that China was able to make this significant achievement thanks to its balanced relations with both countries.

In regard to the impact on Syria, Danura said the reconciliation could positively reflect on the 12-year-long crisis in the country. A possible detente between Syria and Saudi Arabia could be ushered in, he added.

Mohammad al-Omari, a Syrian political expert, said that China realizes the importance of reducing the provocations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in mediating their dialogue, which would positively reflect on finding solutions to the crises in different parts of the region, such as in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

"China has one of the most influential political actors in facilitating mediation and resolving disputes," he said.

He stressed that resuming the ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is crucial to boosting security and stability and reducing regional tension.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday that Syria values the Chinese role in brokering the Saudi-Iranian reconciliation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
HEMINGFORD  Box Butte State Reservoir State Recreation Area soon will have capacity to accommodate more campers. Those campers even will have a new facility for cleaning up during their stay.

Workers soon will begin construction of an $840,000 addition at Box Butte that includes 20 new electrical campsites and the installation of a shower house and sewage dump station.

Mike Morava, regional park superintendent for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said construction is scheduled to begin in March. He is hopeful the new sites will be ready for use as early as June.

Camping continues to gain popularity, and this will be a great addition for our region, Morava said.

The new amenities will be at the west side of the current campground, north and parallel to the existing paved road and sites 7-18. The addition is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Nebraskas Capital Maintenance Fund, which was established by the Legislature in 2016 to help preserve public outdoor recreation facilities and parklands, is a large contributor to the project. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation also is funding it.

The expansion follows many other improvements at the recreation area in recent years, including a new boat ramp and dock, concrete outhouses and an upgraded fish-cleaning station.

Morava has been advocating for needed repairs to the SRAs asphalt road; the project is on the list of candidates for funding by the Nebraska Department of Transportations Recreational Roads Program, and it is anticipated the project will begin in the next few years.

Box Butte Reservoir SRA and Wildlife Management Area, highlighted by the 1,600-acre lake, provide fishing, boating, hunting and picnicking opportunities 9 miles north of Hemingford.
The franchisee that owns all of the Lincoln Burger King restaurants as well as others in Southeast Nebraska has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Meridian Restaurants Unlimited, which is based in Ogden, Utah, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah on March 2.

Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that allows a company to reorganize its debts and keep operating.

In a statement, James Winder, Meridian's managing partner and chief restructuring officer, said the company has been meeting with its creditors and Burger King corporate officials for some time, and, "Financial restructuring is the natural next step as we take the company from surviving the pandemic to thriving in the post-pandemic environment.

But the company also said it doesn't plan to close any locations or cut its workforce.

In its bankruptcy filing, Meridian listed both its assets and debts as being in a range between $10 million and $50 million.

The company, which owns the nine Burger King locations in Lincoln, as well as locations in Beatrice, Hastings and York, said in court filings that it had "suffered significantly from a loss of foot traffic, resulting in declining revenue without proportionate decreases in rental obligations, debt service and other obligations." It also said it has seen a 33% increase in wages over the past few years and a 22% increase in the cost of supplies.

Meridian said in the filing that its original founder had acquired many Burger King restaurants with lower-than-average sales, hoping to improve their results. Instead, according to court documents, those stores' smaller profit margins made them more sensitive to recent rises in labor and other costs. The company said some of its restaurants operate at a loss and have done so for several years.

Meridian acquired the Nebraska Burger Kings and several in Kansas in 2018 from Horizon Holdings. The company owns a total of 119 Burger King restaurants in 10 states.

One of Meridian's Lincoln locations made national news in 2021 after several employees quit at once and changed the marquee sign to read, "WE ALL QUIT. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE."

Employees who spoke to the Journal Star at the time said they were forced to work under difficult conditions, including working in the restaurant with a broken air conditioner during the summer that Meridian failed to fix for two weeks.

Lincoln's most requested restaurants In-N-Out Burger Portillo's Whataburger White Castle California Pizza Kitchen A&W Tastee Inn Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria Bennigan's Jamba Juice Einstein Bros. Bagels Church's Texas Chicken Jason's Deli Peets Coffee Dave & Busters Shake Shack Potbelly Sandwich Works
MONDAY, March 13, 2023 (HealthDay News)  Migraine sufferers will soon have a new treatment option that works more quickly and may be safer for people at risk of heart attack or stroke.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer Inc.s zavegepant (Zavzpret), a nasal spray meant to treat severe headache pain, the company announced Friday.

The FDA approval of Zavzpret marks a significant breakthrough for people with migraine who need freedom from pain and prefer alternative options to oral medications, Angela Hwang, chief commercial officer and president of Pfizer's global biopharmaceuticals business, said in a company news release. Zavzpret underscores Pfizers commitment to delivering an additional treatment option to help people with migraine gain relief and get back to their daily lives."

Pfizer expects the nasal spray to be in pharmacies by July, but it didn't release pricing information.

Weve been waiting for this medication to come out, Dr. Timothy Collins, chief of the headache division at Duke University Medical Centers neurology department, told the New York Times. Its a really helpful addition to migraine management.

The FDA approval was based largely on the results of a clinical trial published this month in the journal Lancet Neurology that found those who took the medication were more likely to return to normal within 30 minutes to two hours.

The medication worked for about 24% of those who took the medication. About 15% of those who took a placebo also reported freedom from pain.

About 40% of the trial participants who took the medication were free of their worst symptoms two hours after using the medication. About 40% reported improvement compared to about 31% of those on a placebo.

About 20% of those who took the medication experienced an altered sense of taste. Nasal discomfort and nausea were other reported side effects.

Zavzpret blocks the release of calcitonin gene-related peptides, a type of protein. Past research has found these proteins are increased during a migraine, the Times reported.

And I think that discovery has been really groundbreaking in helping us to better understand what happens when someone is having a migraine attack, Dr. Rashmi Halker Singh, an associate professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic, told the Times.

Other available nasal products use a drug that targets serotonin receptors using triptans, the Times reported. However, those drugs are not indicated for people at risk of heart attack or stroke.

Nasal sprays can be absorbed more quickly than pills. Migraine sufferers also often have nausea.

Hopefully this will help us help more people, Halker Singh said. Thats the bottom line, right?

More information

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on migraine.

SOURCE: New York Times
CEDAR FALLS -- The Cedar Falls Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution will meet Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 719 Clay St.

The program Fun with Revolutionary Flags given by member Joyce Stout. Social time is at 9:30 a.m. and meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

DAR welcomes any woman over 18 to join this organization, If you think you can prove direct lineage to a patriot of the Revolutionary War, contact us at

cfchapterdar@gmail.com or call (319) 277-7514.
NASHUA  Mehari Tekeste, Iowa State University associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and Donald Lewis, ISU professor emeritus and entomologist, will speak Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Northeast Iowa Agricultural Experimental Association at the Borlaug Learning Center on the ISU Northeast Research Farm, 3327 290th St.

The program starts at 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. to noon will be the key presentations by Tekeste and Lewis.

Tekeste will focus on measurement and modeling of soil compaction from heavy equipment, and its impact on crop growth and crop yield. Lewis will discuss the current trend of monarch butterfly populations and the habitats that help them survive. In addition, Lewis will touch on insecticide usage.

Following lunch, Ken Pecinovsky, farm superintendent, will review 2022 research trial results at the Northeast Research Farm and discuss future research plans. The NEIAEA board of directors will then meet.

For more information about the event, call Terry Basol at (641) 426-6801.

Photos: Maple Syrup Festival at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Mar. 11 A SWEET DAY AT HARTMAN RESERVE Maple Syrup 2 Maple Syrup 3 Maple Syrup 4 Maple Syrup 5 Maple Syrup 6 Maple Syrup 7 VIDEO: Hartman Reserve Maple Syrup Demonstration
The line to see former President Donald Trump in downtown Davenport grew longer by the minute Monday.

The buzz of excited conversation floated on the cold winds that blew down 3rd Street.

Trump was in town to offer up a speech on his "America First Education Policy," and by 3 p.m. the crowd that started at the Adler Theatre's entrance near the Hotel Blackhawk soon stretched to Main Street, curving north toward the Davenport Library on 4th Street.

Doors to the Adler opened at 3 p.m., and the program started at 5:30 p.m., with Trump scheduled to speak at 6:15 p.m.

The faithful who lined up early in the cold were mostly boisterous. Their animated conversations covered everything from debating the "stolen" 2020 election to the merits of Iowa native and one-time-Arizona-gubernatorial-candidate, Kari Lake.

The number one topic, however, centered on the prospect of voting for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if he were to capture the Republican Party nomination over Trump. The former president's visit comes on the heels of a Davenport stop last week by DeSantis.

A reporter for the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus spoke with 20 people in Monday's long line, and 19 described themselves as "complete Trump supporters." Eighteen said they would vote for DeSantis if he was nominated. Just one of the 20 said, "There's no way I would vote for DeSantis."

Another loner from the line said he is "truly undecided" if faced with a choice between Trump and DeSantis. His name is Owen Hubbard.

Hubbard is a 16-year-old high school student who will be eligible to vote for the first time in 2024. He wore a Trump ski cap but said he doesn't know which of the Republican candidates he supports.

"I wish I got to see DeSantis when he was here; I really do," Hubbard said. "We all know that he's going to run. You don't come to Iowa just to sell a book. But I honestly really don't know where I sit. I know I'll vote Republican."

That was the mood throughout much of the crowd. Ann and Dean Ufkin drove from Morrison, Illinois, to see Trump. They said they are supporters who will vote Republican, "no matter what."

Dorann Burgart, Valerie Folkers, and "Becky S." all traveled four hours from New Hampton in Nan Ryan's car to see the former president. Ryan said they "got a little lost looking for parking" but all are firmly committed to Trump.

"Everything he (Trump) says has come true," Burgart said. "But it's almost too good to be true that if we don't have Trump, we will have DeSantis."

Folkers was the only one who said "No way" to DeSantis.

"I will not vote for DeSantis at all," she said. "I'm going with the man I trust. That's Donald Trump."
The United States now after Georgia illegally denied the law voted in that requires the register of foreign agents, is happy with Georgia again. The USA said, such a register of foreign agents is incompatible with democratic values. That is, the version that is imposed by the USA for vassals

Canada will create a registry of foreign agents, as this will protect democratic values. Such a register already exists in the US and Australia.They do this to protect democratic values. But Georgia does it and they are attacked on many fronts

~~ This is okay for that type of democracy, not for others. ~~

How two-faced do you have to be? Very I guess

Talked about this already, now proof of the pudding

No Georgia, you are bad and it does not matter that we do the same first

WtR
Weather Alert

...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 REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM MONDAY TO 8 AM PDT TUESDAY... * CHANGES...None. * WHAT...For Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, southwest to west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Wind prone locations may see gusts to 65 mph. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * 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...Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles Monday afternoon and evening 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. &&
March 12, 2023:

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office and the Fernley community are paying their respects as Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of Naomi Irion going missing.

The Sheriff's Office says they think of Naomi and her family every day and are asking the community to take a moment of silence in honor of Naomi.

Naomi's sister is also asking the community to wear rainbow colors to support Naomi.

March 6, 2023:

In his latest court appearance, accused killer Troy Driver pleaded not guilty to all counts he is facing in the death of then 18-year-old Naomi Irion.

Driver is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted person, burglary of a motor vehicle and destroying evidence.

Driver also waived his right to a speedy trial to give his legal counsel more time to prepare.

Prosecutors say they are seeking that Driver face the death penalty in the case.

While his next court appearance hasn't been set, the State of Nevada and Driver's attorney's will have 10 days to pick a date for his next appearance.

-------------------------------

February 27, 2023 Update:

A scheduled Monday preliminary hearing for accused killer Troy Driver is now happening March 6th.

Driver's February 27th hearing was continued due to snowy weather conditions.

Previously, Driver waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Driver was found competent to stand trial in early December.

Driver is accused of murdering and kidnapping 18-year-old Naomi Irion of Fernley.

December 5, 2022 Update:

After being found competent to stand trial, accused killer Troy Driver is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing this upcoming February.

On December 5th, the Fernley Justice Court announced that his preliminary hearing will be February 16 & 17 at 9 a.m.

Driver is accused of murdering and kidnapping 18-year-old Naomi Irion of Fernley.

November 14, 2022 Update:

A Yerington district court has found accused killer Troy Driver competent enough to stand trial.

Driver appeared in court Monday, November 14 on order of a competency hearing.

He's now been ordered back to the Fernley Justice Court for a preliminary hearing. There's no immediate word on when this may be.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The man accused of kidnapping and killing Naomi Irion of Fernley appeared in court to determine if he is fit enough to stand trial.

The court decided that Driver needed to be evaluated while recommending Lake's Crossing Center in Sparks.

After he is evaluated, they will come back together and review his evaluation.

There was no specific date given on when he will be evaluated or will appear in court again.

September 2, 2022 Update:

A Nevada justice of the peace has canceled this months preliminary hearing for a man accused of kidnapping and killing a Fernley teenager until a state judge decides if hes competent to stand trial.

Troy Driver was scheduled to appear in a justice court in Fernley Sept. 13-15 for a preliminary hearing to determine whether theres enough evidence to bound him over to Lyon County District Court on murder, kidnapping and other charges in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Naomi Irion.

Canal Township Justice Court Judge Lori Matheus vacated the hearing in an order on Thursday, along with a Sept. 13 hearing on Drivers public defenders motion to dismiss some of the charges.

The Fernley Justice Court says Driver's competency hearing is set for September 12.

On August 30, Lyon County deputies confirm that accused murderer Troy Driver is still alive despite social media rumors that he's killed himself in jail.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office addressed the rumor on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.

You can read the statement below -

AUGUST 5, 2022:

A judge has ordered a mental competency hearing for accused murderer Troy Driver, whose lawyers requested an evaluation last month.

Driver's lawyers had requested one out of concern that he may not be able to help in his own defense.

As of now, his preliminary hearing is still scheduled for September 13th, which is the first time he'll appear in court in person.

Driver is accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 18-year-old Naomi Irion back in March.

UPDATE: JULY 28, 2022

Defense lawyers for accused murderer Troy Driver have requested a mental competency evaluation. In a filed motion, "the undersigned counsel believes that good cause exists to refer Mr. Driver for an evaluation to determine whether he is competent." They claim that he may not be able to help in his own defense "with a reasonable degree of rational understanding" as requested by Nevada law.

They further request that any future proceedings be suspended until a decision can be made on whether he is allegedly competent to stand trial.

Also, Driver's lawyers have filed to amend the motion to dismiss his murder charge to include the newly filed sexual assault felony charge.

His lawyers also propose that the Court order a modified briefing schedule to include both of these charges concurrently.

UPDATE: JULY 27, 2022

The Fernley Justice Court reports that Troy Driver has waived his right to an arraignment after the district attorney added a charge of sexual assault against him last week.

2 News has also learned that Driver's attorney has until August 2nd to respond to the DA's opposition to a motion to dismiss the murder charge against him

His preliminary hearing is still set for September 13th, which is the first time he'll appear in court in person.

UPDATE: JUNE 21, 2022

The Lyon County District Attorney is asking the judge to oppose a motion from Troy Driver's attorneys to dismiss the murder charge against him.

Driver is accused of murdering and kidnapping 18-year-old Naomi Irion of Fernley.

Defense lawyers argue that Driver shouldn't be tried in Lyon County since investigators found Irion's body in Churchill County.

In the letter to the judge filed Wednesday, the DA argued that the motion does not provide any factual or legal basis for relief.

The district attorney also asked for a sexual assault charge to be added to the murder and kidnapping charges Driver is already facing.

A preliminary hearing is set for September 13th.

That is also the first time Driver will appear in the courtroom in person.

JULY 5, 2022:

The man suspected of killing Naomi Irion was back in court on Tuesday.

Troy Driver's defense team asked the judge to dismiss his first-degree murder charge.

Driver's attorney says the murder charge should be dropped because the homicide happened in Churchill County arguing that Lyon County doesn't have jurisdiction over that crime.

The prosecution is confident that the case meets the requirements to hold the trial in one venue, including the murder charge.

Driver's evidentiary and preliminary hearings will begin September 13, 2022.

The man accused of kidnapping and killing a woman from Fernley made a quick appearance on Zoom for a status hearing on his case.

The defense asked the pre-trial hearing for Troy Driver to be delayed as they seek more evidence.

The judge agreed to the request and has moved the pre-trial hearing to July 5, 2022.

Troy Driver, accused of killing Naomi Irion, was formally charged with murder and is being held without bail at the Lyon County Jail.

Driver, his defense attorney along with most of the Irion family will be appearing via Zoom.

His arraignment happened Friday, April 8th at a hearing at the Canal Township Justice Court in Fernley. Driver appeared via zoom from Yerington.

The Lyon County District Attorneys Office says Troy Driver fatally shot Naomi Irion before burying her body in the desert, according to an amended criminal complaint.

Lyon County District Attorney Stephen Rye filed the amended criminal complaint Tuesday adding first-degree murder and other crimes to the kidnapping charge already facing 41-year-old Troy Driver.

Driver is accused of kidnapping Irion from the Fernley Walmart parking lot on March 12, and killing her on or before March 25 - the same day Driver was arrested for kidnapping.

Four days later, authorities say investigators acted on a tip and found her body in a grave near the Churchill County line.

Hes now accused of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping, robbery, burglary of a motor vehicle and destroying evidence, according to the new complaint Rye filed Tuesday in Canal Township Justice Court in Fernley.

Drivers public defender, Mario Walther, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The complaint said Driver shot Irion in Churchill County northeast of Fernley, where he took her for the purpose of committing sexual assault and/or purpose of killing her.

The document also alleged that Driver destroyed her cell phone and left pieces in Lyon, Churchill, Pershing, Humboldt and Eureka counties.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says Driver shot Irion in the head and chest.

The local community has been rallying around this family since this all started - there are a couple of events this weekend.

Kim Lovett, a Fernley resident says, "For this to happen is a scary thing, that even in our quiet little sleepy town that we have predators out there that would do something like this."

A devastated community that carried hopes of finding Naomi for weeks, and went on countless searches with her family. They said this outcome wasn't one anyone wanted. Some of the resident we spoke with extended their condolences to Naomi's family, and want them to know they are supported. Tisha Leija, another Fernley resident visibly upset told us, "I can't even imagine... the first thing I thought of was poor mom...poor mom...very sad. "

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The man accused of kidnapping Naomi Irion will stay in Lyon County Jail on $750,000 bondable bail.

41-year-old Troy E. Driver was arrested and booked into the jail last Friday. He's officially now charged with first degree kidnapping, a felony.

"Should the defendant post bail, he will not be released from custody until a GPS monitoring device is installed," Judge Lori Matheus, Canal Township Justice Court said.

The judge set Driver's preliminary hearing for April 12 for 1:30pm.

Irion's family attended the court hearing.

"It does look like they're going to be posting bail, from what I understand, so he's the only one who can help us bring Naomi home," Casey Valley, Irion's brother said. "He's the only one that we know about."

If he does get released from jail, Driver will be ordered to stay out of Fernley. He also must not contact Irion's family.

Driver has a criminal history. According to old articles in the Ukiah Daily Journal, he pleaded guilty to accessory to murder after the fact for his role in a 1997 homicide in Willits, California. He was 17 years old at the time of the murder. The article says Driver stuffed the body of an alleged drug dealer, Paul Steven Rodriguez in a trunk and then left it in a wooded area. The article says he pleaded guilty to three charges of robbery and one of burglary. A judge sentenced him to 15 years in prison but the article said he could have been released after serving 12.

"It is upsetting to me that there is people out here in the general public that have these capabilities with this kind of past and people should be more aware of that," Naomi's brother, Casey Valley, said. "We talk about sex offenders all the time but where is the list with this guy?"

Deputies also announced Friday, March 25th that Driver's Chevy truck was impounded and is being processed for possible evidence.

This photo below, shows the truck being taken into evidence. David Ausano took the picture from his porch in Fallon, the night of March 25, 2022.

A second public search was organized for Saturday, March 26th, 2022 by Naomi's brother, Casey Valley.

In a Facebook post, he asked community members to gather at Love's Travel Stop on Commerce Center Drive in Fernley, Saturday at 10am. Valley says, "this will be the first of a few areas of a concentrated search." He also requested no pets or children.

During the search on March 26th, more than 110 people showed up to help find Naomi. Diana Irion says she's been getting massages from all over the country from people who want to help her family.

Casey Valley tells us, "Today's search covered more ground, if not just as much, as last weekends search."

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On Thursday, March 24th, Lyon County Deputies said they identified a potential witness vehicle and occupant(s) that appears in the Walmart parking lot minutes before Naomi was abducted. They say they've contacted the occupant of the car.

The 4-door sedan enters the east Walmart parking lot at approximately 5:15 a.m. and then drives around the median on the east side before parking at the the southeast corner of the Walmart building.

Police were able to locate the vehicle with help from the public.

Irion was last seen March 12th at the parking lot at the Fernley Walmart. Her car was found a few days later and is undergoing processing for possible evidence.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office held a press conference on Tuesday, along with Irion's family where again they asked for the public's help in finding her, adding they are getting "hundreds" of tips everyday.

They also mentioned that her car, which was found a few days after her disappearance, is still undergoing processing for any related evidence.

Her family also made another plea for help, with her mother saying, "please save my daughter. Bring her home." Because Irion's possible kidnapping happened near I-80, her mother also said that her daughter could be anywhere in the U.S. by now.

Irion's sister and brother also spoke, mentioning that tips to law enforcement can stay anonymous, if need be. He also said that another search will happen this Saturday.

During the weekend, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office released new surveillance video from the Walmart parking lot where Naomi was reportedly last seen.

The footage shows the suspect standing in front of the Walmart entrance, pacing the east side of the building, before walking toward the front of cars with their headlights on.

Authorities say this footage was recorded minutes before Naomi was abducted.

If you were in the east Walmart parking lot between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. on March 12th, 2022 and have not been contacted by law enforcement, reach out to the Lyon County Sheriffs Office, Major Crimes Bureau.

The Lyon County Sheriffs Office can be reached at 775-463-6620, Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or by email at detective@lyon-county.org.

Authorities said a cell phone ping led officers to the Wadsworth area last week.

She was last seen wearing a blue Panasonic company shirt, gray cardigan sweater, gray pants, brown boots and was carrying a black purse. She had an iPhone, Airpods and a fidget spinner.

She is 511 tall, weighs about 230 pounds and has green eyes. Her hair is currently dyed black and she has a septum piercing and smiley face tattoo on her right ankle.

On Thursday, March 17th, Lyon County deputies announced that they were working with the Pyramid Lake Police Department and the FBI near Highway 427 in Wadsworth searching for evidence related to the disappearance of Naomi Irion.

They asked the public to stay away from the area as not to damage any evidence.

Her family made a public plea on Thursday for her safe return.

Authorities also thanked the Fernley community for their help. Her family members said that they are in contact with police about the case's progression.

On Friday, supporters gathered at the Round Table Pizza in Fernley to make signs to post around town in hopes of someone recognizing Irion's photo and calling police with information.

The newest released photos show Irion on the morning she was last seen and also include a person of interest.

The investigation now indicates that the suspect may be driving a dark 2020 or newer Chevrolet, 2500, High Country 4-Door Pickup Truck.

Authorities say the forensic evidence collected by investigators show that her disappearance is 'suspicious' in nature and that the driver of the truck "has a direct connection to her disappearance and her current whereabouts."

Previous video surveillance showed that person walking from a nearby 'homeless camp' looking in cars.

The unknown person then gets into the driver's seat of Irion's Mercury Sable and then leaves with her in the passenger seat.

During the course of the investigation, evidence was discovered leading investigators to believe Naomis disappearance was suspicious in nature.

Her 1992 blue Sable has a Nevada license plate of 595T37 was located in a industrial park in Fernley and has since been searched and forensically analyzed.

The first vehicle photo with the plate is Naomi's actual vehicle. The second vehicle photo is a stock photo and not her actual car.

If you have any information, contact Lyon County Sheriff's Office with case number 22ly01068 at 775-463-6620, or call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.
Copyright  2023 Albuquerque Journal

Good morning everyone! This is Adam, your friendly neighborhood bartender at Rio Chama.

This is an example of what Adam Millay posts to the Santa Fe Bulletin Board group on Facebook.

With a rundown of whats happening at the Santa Fe restaurant, he is able to showcase his charm and hospitality, all while marketing the brand.

Millay is new to the Land of Enchantment  as he moved to Santa Fe on Sept. 15 with his wife, Sieria Gonzales Millay.

My wife is a native Santa Fean, he says. Its taken me a few years to get us to move back from Florida.

In months, Millay has built up a community online and hes seeing the results inside the restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.

Millay, 38, has been a bartender for 18 years.

Hes cut his teeth in the industry  first in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, then to South Beach, Miami.

Before Santa Fe, he was at Walt Disney World for 8 years.

I was looking for a place where there were regulars, he says of his job search in Santa Fe. I finally know that Im here for the long term. I wanted to place myself in an environment to build relationships with the city and the community. I want to see the patrons again and know them by name. This is the first time in 12 years that Ive had zero stress or anxiety at work.

Over the course of his career, Millay has learned from doing.

At 20, he transferred from Kentucky to Nashville, where he was driving a 35-foot box truck and delivering furniture.

The work was physically demanding and Millay knew he didnt want to do that for a lifetime.

A stint in retail brought some more experience  as well as a long commute.

Then a manager suggested that he should try for a job in the bartending industry.

They needed a barback and I spent a year learning the ropes, he says with a smile. I bartended there until 2009.

One aspect that Millay enjoys about his chosen career is he gets to bring hospitality to everyone.

He finds comfort in being able to listen to the patrons and wants to build a community with them.

I hope to continue making impressions on the beautiful people of this state. I know I am a transplant, but I am someone who has traveled the country and seen the good the bad and the ugly and I want to do my part to beautify the ugly and shine light in the darkness, Millay says. Being from Kentucky I have strong Southern hospitality and being at Disney World for eight years, I have the Disney Magic, so combine those two things and I can bring Southern magic to The City Different. Helping the local community helps everyone and I would love to be a beacon of light, love and success. We just need to support and be good to each other.

Millay utilizes his position to not only offer hospitality but make the connections to where he can make a difference.

Hes figuring out the logistics to somehow pull Santa Fe businesses together to help the less fortunate and also growing his hair out  which is currently shoulder length  and will donate it to children with leukemia.

I want to personally find how to do a food drive and maybe do something with YouthWorks, he says. Finding a way to help those people takes some time. I think Im on the right path to getting where I need to be in making a difference.

Being on his feet does take a toll on Millay as hes been in three major accidents.

Ive had problems with my spine and hopefully will be able to make it to Albuquerque to visit Dr. Beau Hightower, he says. Ive been watching him on YouTube for years.

When it comes to bartending, Millays not about the flash.

Flaring and throwing things in the air is something you can put on a show with, he says. For me, bartending is having your patrons and them telling you about their day. Youre there to listen. Sometimes, all a person needs is an ear or a shoulder. I take a lot of pride in being a bartender. Youre there for them to vent.

Millays love for the craft has grown over the years as well.

When it comes to his drink of choice  its a Blue Moon.

For somebody that doesnt drink beer, I love the balance of orange and coriander, he says. Ive been drinking that since I was legally allowed to.

Making a drink for somebody, he keeps in mind the benefits of some of the ingredients.

Ginger, lemon and honey, he says. Those are the classics. You can drink alcohol and get a little health kick with those three ingredients.

Hell often recommend an old fashioned or Manhattan.

One of my favorite drinks right now is the mojito, he says. You have to make it with crisp mint leaves because its fresh. You get the aroma and it hits the spot.

Millays slowly creating a community in Santa Fe and is hopeful his moves will make an impact.

I just want to be the best for myself, my wife, my job and my community, he says.

Night on the border (Spicy Margarita)

2 ounces Espolon Blanco Tequila

 ounce cold-pressed lime juice

 ounce Aperol

 ounce house-made habanero agave

Plaza Fiesta Chile Salt (A mix of maple sugar, hickory smoked sea salt, chiles, lime, coriander, paprika and chocolate extract. It is a locally bought spice here in Santa Fe.)

Add the first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour into glass rimmed with Plaza Fiesta Chile Salt.

Salted Caramel Snickertini

2 ounces caramel vodka

1 ounce Baileys (Irish cream)

1 ounce creme de cacao (chocolate liqueur)

.5 ounce Disaronno (amaretto)

Shaved chocolate

Coarse Kosher salt

Add the first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour into a martini glass rimmed with the Kosher salt. Optionally, you can line the inside of the glass with liquid chocolate or caramel. Top with shaved chocolate

Editors note: Cocina Connection is a once-a-month feature that takes a behind-the-scenes look at a New Mexico-based chef, who, in turn, shares some recipes.
Warrants have been issued for a man and a woman in connection with the fatal shooting of a man at an Albuquerque mobile home two years ago.

Albuquerque police on Sunday announced that warrants have been issued for Jeffrey Contreras, 27, and Samantha Shull, 34, in connection with the fatal shooting of Mario Delgado Jr., 47, in his mobile home in Albuquerque on Feb. 10, 2021.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court, police determined Contreras and Shull had left Roswell for Albuquerque because Contreras was wanted by authorities in connection with the killing of Johnny Pacheco in Roswell in February 2021.

The man and woman drove to Albuquerque the day after the Pacheco homicide and connected with Delgado, who Shull knew from a previous relationship, Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said in a news release.

A criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court says Delgados father drove by his sons residence the morning of Feb. 10, 2021 and saw his sons vehicle, making the father suspicious why his son wasnt at work.

Delgado Sr., entered the home and found his son dead in his bedroom.

The police investigation found that Shull contacted Delgado and got his address. She said she went to his house and was invited inside and her and Delgado were talking on his bed when Contreras entered the home and shot Delgado three times in the chest.

Warrants for Contreras and Shull were issued this month, which came after police investigators reviewed phone records obtained from search warrants.

Gallegos said that Contreras is in federal custody on separate charges but is charged with an open count of murder, armed robbery, tampering with evidence and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with Delgados death.

Shull is also charged with an open count of murder and other charges.
SANTA FE  A generous tax package taking shape at the Roundhouse would deliver $500 rebates to each tax filer, cut income taxes and reduce the gross receipts tax paid by shoppers at the register.

The proposal would also expand tax credits for rural health care providers and families with children.

And unlike an earlier version of the bill, it wouldnt raise income taxes on high-earning households  a move legislators said reflected a desire to avoid raising costs on doctors and small-business owners.

The package would cost New Mexico roughly $1.2 billion, a figure made possible by an oil boom.

This package is truly transformational, said Rep. Derrick Lente, a Sandia Pueblo Democrat who assembled the legislation.

The House voted 50-18 in favor of the proposal Sunday as seven Republicans joined all Democrats in support.

Rep. Jason Harper, a Rio Rancho Republican who supported the bill, called the size of the tax package unheard of.

Weve never seen something like this before, he said. This is really an opportunity to do some great things.

The debate, of course, isnt over.

The proposal, House Bill 547, now heads to the Senate in the final six days of the session. Its common for the two chambers to develop different tax priorities, resulting in last-minute negotiations to reach agreement.

All 18 dissenting votes Sunday came from Republicans, who sought unsuccessfully to strip some tax increases out of the package.

While the proposal would cut state revenue overall, the bill includes about $95 million in tax increases through changes to the capital gains deductions and higher tax rates on alcohol and cigars.

The capital gains change, Republicans said, was particularly problematic because it would discourage business investment. And they argued it isnt necessary to raise any taxes when theres a budget surplus.

Republican Rep. Larry Scott of Hobbs said the amended version of the tax package  dropping the higher income tax brackets  was a huge improvement.

But I do not believe it goes quite far enough, he said of the new version.

$500 rebates per filer, $1,000 for married couples filing jointly

The tax changes come as state revenue hits record highs, driven by an oil boom in the southeastern New Mexico and uptick in consumer spending. State economists have forecast a potential budget surplus of $3.6 billion next year  the difference between current spending and projected income.

But the tax package endorsed by the House is bigger than expected. An earlier version of the state budget proposal left room for about $1 billion in tax cuts.

Rep. Harper, who for years has pushed for changes to the tax system, estimated Sundays measure would cost about $1.2 billion  half of which would be dedicated to one-time rebates.

Individual filers would get $500 each, and couples filing jointly would get $1,000.

The other half of the tax package  including changes to gross receipts taxes and income taxes  is expected to cost about $600 million, an ongoing expense in future years.

The exact cost is difficult to estimate because lawmakers amended the tax proposal repeatedly during Sundays debate.

Parts of the measure are intended to make New Mexicos personal income tax system more progressive, allowing low- and middle-income families to pay a smaller share of their income in taxes.

The bill, for example, would sharply expand child income tax credits, allowing up to $600 per child, depending on the households income level. Theres also a provision expanding who qualifies for a rural health care practitioner tax credit.

For any tax filer, the legislation would cut tax rates for the first $50,000 of a households income. No one would see an increased tax bracket.

Were going to cut taxes for all New Mexicans, Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, said.

The measure also touches on gross receipts taxes, which are levied on most goods and services, similar to a sales tax.

The bill would result in a reduction of 0.625 percentage points by July 2024. Gross receipts tax rates vary throughout the state, but the change would be enough to reduce the rate in Albuquerque from 7.75% to 7.125%.

Changes to the package, of course, are still likely.

The Senate is free to amend the bill, which would send it back to the House for consideration of the changes.

The legislative session ends at noon Saturday.

New Mexico tax proposal at a glance

Rebates: About $600 million in one-time rebates would be issued. Individual tax filers would get $500 and couple filing jointly would get $1,000 this year.

Gross receipts tax: About $350 million in cuts next year, $470 million a year when fully phased in on July 1, 2024. The change would shave about 0.625 percentage points off the rate. In other words, the rate would go from 7.75% in Albuquerque to 7.125%, absent other changes.

Income taxes: About $120 million in cuts, largely to help lower- and middle-income filers. The highest tax brackets wouldnt be changed.

Child income tax credit: About $100 million in expanded child tax credits, up to $600 per child depending on the familys income.

Tax increases: The tax package would offset some of the lost revenue by raising an estimated $95 million by reducing the capital gains deduction and increasing taxes on alcohol and cigars.
SANTA FE  Amid accusations of political pressure and backroom dealing, the Senate voted late Sunday to approve a $9.6 billion spending plan that would boost state spending to record-high levels  more than 13.7% higher than current levels.

Democrats and Republicans alike voiced frustration with how budget-drafting was done  and specifically about last-minute changes to the spending plan  but some lawmakers said the revisions were necessary to ensure a budget bill that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will sign is approved with the adjournment of this years 60-day session looming in less than a week.

Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, the Senate Finance Committees chairman, said he tried to be transparent in his handling of the spending bill after it passed the House last month, but acknowledged difficulty in modernizing a system that has long been shrouded in secrecy.

Its time for New Mexico to change, Munoz said.

But the Senate voted 25-16 to approve the spending plan, with all Democrats except Sen. Shannon Pinto of Tohatchi voting in favor. All Senate Republicans voted against the bill, which now goes back to the House to consider the Senates changes.

The Senate Finance Committee had approved revisions to a House-approved budget bill on Saturday, but took the unusual step of bringing the spending plan back for additional tweaks Sunday morning  before it advanced to a full chamber vote later in the day.

One particular budget line-item that drew attention was $2 million for the Department of Game and Fish to protect threatened species that had been on the chopping block in a previous version of the budget bill before being restored.

The last-minute tweaks drew the ire of GOP senators, who suggested the Governors Office and some top lawmakers had conspired on the changes.

We shouldnt be putting the stuff in here without running it through the process, letting every legislator in the House vote for it, before we just stick it in the dadgum budget as a personal piggy-bank, Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, said during the committee hearing.

Those concerns were also voiced during the Sunday evening floor debate, with Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, saying, Theres a lot of us that still dont have any idea whats going on with the budget.

While the final vote broke down largely along party lines, Democrats also voiced frustration.

Are we moving New Mexico forward with this budget? asked Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces. Weve done some good things but we could have done so much more.

Specifically, he said the budget bill does not provide enough money for preventing child abuse, even with lawmakers sitting on an estimated $3.6 billion in new money due to gushing oil production in southeast New Mexico and an uptick in consumer spending.

Rapid state spending growth to continue

In its current form, the budget plan would provide average 6% salary increases for state workers and teachers, starting in July.

It would also appropriate $100 million in one-time funding for a law enforcement officer recruitment fund, though Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, questioned whether the entire amount could be used by the Lujan Grisham administration in the coming year.

Overall, the budget calls for year-over-year state spending to increase by nearly $1.2 billion over current levels. State spending levels have also increased dramatically over the last two years due to the unprecedented revenue windfall.

But some lawmakers have expressed misgivings about the budget growth, citing a revenue roller-coaster ride over the last decade that has caused lawmakers to alternate spending increases with budget cuts.

Changes aimed at resolving budget disagreements

While the Governors Office and the Legislature entered this years session with budget plans that called for similar spending amounts, key disagreements have surfaced over the course of this years session.

Those areas of disagreement include proper funding levels for the Opportunity Scholarship, a tuition-free college program championed by Lujan Grisham, and child care assistance programs.

Many of the budget bill changes adopted by the Senate were in response to concerns raised by the Governors Office after the House passed its version of the bill.

Meanwhile, the final changes also included revised budget language for how roughly $250 million should be spent to extend New Mexicos annual public school calendar.

A related bill, House Bill 130, requiring school districts provide at least 1,140 hours of instructional time per school year  or about 180 school days  was approved late Sunday by the Senate.

While that measure passed on a 34-6 vote, some senators suggested the last-minute changes represented an end-run of sorts around this years budget-drafting efforts, which began when state agencies presented their budget requests last fall.

I think this process made a joke of the budget, Sen. Crystal Diamond, R-Elephant Butte, said during Sundays debate. Its just unfortunate that our values and our priorities got undermined.
Between July and December last year, 743 people seeking detox or a short sobering stay were turned away from the Bernalillo County facility that provides such services.

The problem?

Mostly staffing.

County officials say they have struggled to maintain a sufficient workforce at the CARE Campus, a Southeast Albuquerque site providing a range of free programs for people with substance use and behavioral health issues.

The campus currently has 71 vacant jobs, leaving it 52% staffed. The shortage has at times been even worse; there were 90 vacancies a year ago, according to information provided by the county.

Coverage has been so lean that an employee calling in sick could on occasion force the 24/7 detox unit to temporarily halt intakes until a replacement could be found for the shift, a situation made more dire by COVID regulations.

Sometimes we were having to close (to new clients), because we didnt have enough staff, interim Behavioral Health Services Director Jessica Jaramillo recently told the Bernalillo County Commission.

Hiring has begun to improve after back-to-back pay raises, and the county has made other changes to better serve the community, but manpower shortages still prevent CARE from operating at full steam.

The CARE detox program  the largest government-run detox center in the county, according to a spokesman  is currently limited to 30 people, though it actually has physical space for 48.

The Observation & Assessment sobering unit is designed for 60 clients but is capped for now at 20.

That means some people who show up wanting to get clean are told there is no room at a time when drug overdose deaths are soaring.

According to state Department of Health data, the Bernalillo County overdose death rate rose 170% from 2017 to 2021, the most recent year figures are available.

Dr. Bill Wiese, who worked in addiction and behavioral health for 15 years, called detox a public safety issue and a critical step toward recovery.

He warned of grave consequences when it is not available.

If these things arent going on, he said referring to detox programs, then not much is going on. And these people just end up  more of them die faster and sooner, it really comes down to that.

John Chavez, a CARE Campus program supervisor, said turning people away is never easy.

Its nothing that you ever want to do, he said. It hurts to have to tell somebody, Sorry that we cant bring you in. 

Employee retention

Jaramillo said CARE employees have been fleeing to better paying jobs, sometimes with other government agencies.

A lot of our competitors were taking a lot of our staff, Jaramillo said in a public meeting last month.

The issues prompted Bernalillo County officials to raise salaries for certain jobs twice since last fall  substance abuse technician leads now earn 42.5% more than they did about five months ago  something that seems to have boosted the ranks and lowered the facilitys turnaway rate. Jaramillo credited county management for recognizing the situation.

Weve got to do something. Weve got to keep people, because its a hard job. Its not an easy job, Jaramillo told the Journal in an interview. Dealing with individuals with substance abuse and mental health (issues)  its hard.

Chavez said many of the employees who come in, only to leave soon after, were never truly committed to the job in the first place. He said some new employees figure out early on that this isnt their cup of tea.

Its a tough clientele, youre dealing with a lot of different personalities, a lot of alcohol abuse, a lot of drug abuse, and then tied in with some mental health issues. You have to be the person who wants to deal with that clientele, he said.

Chavez said fentanyl has exacerbated the situation, with an estimated 8 out of 10 intakes now detoxing from the drug. He said the synthetic opiate is the biggest and the scariest that were dealing with.

The drug has killed hundreds of New Mexicans over the past few years and Chavez said those who dont die have a harder time getting, and staying, clean.

It beats up their bodies way more severely, in my opinion, than heroin or alcohol, like sooner, he said. You can see them coming in and you can see how theyre physically changing.

Observe and assess

In addition to raising wages to boost staffing, the county has made changes that have reduced the number of turnaways.

That includes the October debut of the Observation & Assessment unit, or O&A, which replaced the Public Inebriate Intervention Program.

PIIP started 10 years ago as a place for inebriated people to briefly stay while being monitored  perhaps en route to the campus 10-day detox program  instead of costlier trips to the emergency room or jail.

O&A is similar to PIIP but operates around the clock instead of just overnight, serving those under the influence and, as of now, those requesting mental health care.

Often, Jaramillo said, individuals waiting for a detox bed to become available are starting in the O&A unit instead, where they can remain for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes per stay.

On a recent weekday morning, the O&A room was quiet and dimly lit with dozens of empty recliners spread across the floor, ready for incoming clients. Dozens of extra recliners were clustered in the corner  officials said they cannot be filled due to the staffing shortages.

Only two men napped in the rooms recliners around 11 a.m., but employees said the area would fill up by nighttime.

In addition, the CARE Campus now is referring some people it cannot accommodate to the city of Albuquerques West Side homeless shelter.

The majority of the clients coming to the county facility are homeless and, Jaramillo said, some of them are more interested in a place to sleep than a detox program. That makes the shelter a viable option.

They just kind of need a place to stay overnight, she said.

The countys turnaway numbers have fallen 60% since O&A opened, according to figures presented to the county commission. Jaramillo said the results of this quarter  which ends March 31  should reflect continued improvement.

County Commissioner Walt Benson lauded the progress given the tremendous demand for the services.

There are so many people out there who need the help when theyre coming and, to have to be turned away, its not a good thing, Benson said during a commission meeting last month.

The CARE Campus turned away 463 people from detox/PIIP from July through September 2022 due to capacity issues. There were 280 from October through December.

Its unclear how that compares with past years since the county only recently started tracking that data, but Jaramillo acknowledged the scale of declining county service to over 700 people in a six-month period.

Though the county recorded 4,285 detox or PIIP/O&A intakes during the same timeframe, about 1 in 7 people who wanted space was turned away.

It was hard, Jaramillo said.

The detox and O&A are offered at no charge to clients, take walk-ins and, Jaramillo said, may be the only option for some people, particularly those already banned from other programs.

So far this year, the campus has recorded 188 turnaways for various reasons, which could also include clients who do not meet admission criteria but also staffing challenges.

Pay increases

Jaramillo said the county competes with the city for behavioral health employees, particularly Albuquerque Community Safety.

The city launched ACS in 2021 to dispatch behavioral health workers and other non-police responders to 911 calls related to homelessness, inebriation and mental illness. The growing department now has 48 of its 51 responder positions filled, according to spokesman Connor Woods.

ACS lowest-tier responders make $20.48 per hour after probation; responders with more education and experience earn up to $31.50 per hour.

Woods said the city does not know how many came from Bernalillo County because it does not track former employer information.

Though there is medical staff on-site, CARE relies heavily on technician positions to operate; technicians, for example, monitor the O&A unit. Technicians are trained on the job and do not need to have previous medical training or special certifications.

Entry-level technicians were making $13.56 per hour last fall; two recent raises brought them to $18.48  the equivalent of $38,438 per year.

Substance abuse technician lead pay jumped to $24.84 per hour from $17.43, while community case managers now earn $27.18 per hour (23.9% more than last fall).

The county also boosted wages for positions that require licenses, such as clinical social workers/clinical counselors, who now make $32 per hour. The countys crisis response clinicians received a 22.1% pay hike to $38.93 per hour  the exact same pay they earn at the city.

Gonzales said he recognized at least five current ACS employees as former county employees, but there is no exact count of how many people have left the county for the city.

Though hes seen many people come and go from CARE, Chavez said he wouldnt want to be anywhere else. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, watching friends die of overdoses  Chavez said he was drawn to the work.

With these people, you get to actually see a level of success, he said, pointing to the rewarding part of the work he does.

It starts with watching their personalities emerge and hearing their aspirations unfold  to watching them fulfilled; getting a job, reuniting with their families.

For Chavez, a sense of duty outweighs the tough times.

Im not going to lie  its heartbreaking. And its gut-wrenching, and it sucks to see it. But the part that discourages you is the part that needs to encourage you also, he said. Like, if not for us, who? If were not going to be here doing it, then who is?


NEW YORK (AP)  Donald Trumps former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testified Monday before a Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money payments made on the former presidents behalf.

A Trump loyalist turned adversary, Cohen spent around three hours answering questions in the secret proceeding. He is scheduled to return again for more testimony Wednesday, his lawyer said as the pair emerged from the courthouse.

Michael has spent a long and productive afternoon answering all questions, all facts, and completely responsive, said Cohens lawyer, Lanny Davis.

The testimony comes at a critical time, as the Manhattan district attorneys office weighs whether to seek charges against Trump over payments made during his 2016 campaign to two women who alleged affairs or sexual encounters with him.

Before entering the courthouse for the session, Cohen, who orchestrated those payoffs, said his goal was simply to tell the truth, dismissing a suggestion that he might be motivated by a desire to see Trump behind bars.

This is not revenge, he said. This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds.

Trump denies being involved with either of the women, the porn actor Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal.

Cohen has given prosecutors evidence, including voice recordings of conversations he had with a lawyer for one of the women, as well as emails and text messages. He also has recordings of a conversation in which he and Trump spoke about an arrangement to pay the other woman through the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer.

Prosecutors appear to be looking at whether Trump committed crimes in how the payments were made or how they were accounted for internally at Trumps company, the Trump Organization.

One possible charge would be falsifying business records, a misdemeanor unless prosecutors could prove it was done to conceal another crime. No former U.S. president has ever been charged with a crime.

Appearing Monday on ABCs Good Morning America, Trump lawyer Joseph Tacopina said it is unlikely the former president will accept an invitation, extended by prosecutors last week, to testify before the grand jury.

We have no plans on participating in this proceeding, Tacopina said. Its a decision that needs to be made still. Theres been no deadline set, so well wait and see.

He characterized Trump as a victim, saying he was pressured into making the payment to Daniels.

This was a plain extortion and I dont know since when weve decided to start prosecuting extortion victims, Tacopina said. Hes denied  vehemently denied  this affair. But he had to pay money because there was going to be an allegation that was going to be publicly embarrassing to him, regardless of the campaign.

Daniels and the attorney who helped arrange the payment for her, Keith Davidson, have both denied extorting anyone.

Speaking briefly to reporters in Moline, Illinois, Trump called the investigation a big witch hunt. Asked if he planned on testifying, he said: I dont know. Nobodys even asked me.

Tacopina also wrote a letter to New York Citys inspector general, saying prosecutors were trying to hamper Trumps chances in the 2024 presidential election. Tacopina asked the citys Department of Investigation to probe a patently political prosecution.

The Manhattan district attorneys office declined to comment.

Trumps lawyers have tried several times to get judges in New York and Florida to intervene in or halt investigations of Trump and the Trump Organization, arguing that they are politically motivated. All of those attempts have failed.

Cohen served prison time after pleading guilty in 2018 to federal charges, including campaign finance violations, for arranging the payouts to Daniels and McDougal to keep them from going public. He has also been disbarred.

Trumps lawyers could point to those factors in an attempt to undermine Cohens credibility, if the former president is charged and Cohen ends up testifying at trial.

Cohen has been meeting regularly with Manhattan prosecutors in recent weeks, including a daylong session Friday to prepare for his grand jury appearance.

The panel has been hearing evidence since January in what Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has called the next chapter of his offices yearslong Trump investigation. But the hush money payments  perhaps the most salacious of the avenues of inquiry into Trump  are familiar ground.

Federal prosecutors and Braggs predecessor in the DAs office, Cyrus Vance Jr., each scrutinized the payments but didnt charge Trump.

Cohen declined to comment to reporters as he left the meeting, saying hed be taking a little bit of time now to stay silent and allow the DA build their case.

Trump continued to lash out at the probe on social media on Friday, calling the case a Scam, Injustice, Mockery, and Complete and Total Weaponization of Law Enforcement in order to affect a Presidential Election!

Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 through his own company and was then reimbursed by Trump, whose company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses.

McDougals $150,000 payment was made through the publisher of the National Enquirer, which squelched her story in a journalistically dubious practice known as catch-and-kill.

According to federal prosecutors who charged Cohen, the Trump Organization then grossed up Cohens reimbursement for the Daniels payment for tax purposes, giving him $360,000 plus a $60,000 bonus, for a total of $420,000.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report.

___

Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/.
Several New Mexico members of congress pushed back at their usual allies in the Biden administration and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland over the approval of a massive oil-drilling project in Alaska known as Willow.

The Biden administration announced its formal approval of the project on Monday. The project  proposed by ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.  will take place about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle on the countrys largest single expanse of undeveloped, pristine land, according to the New York Times.

The Interior Departments decision approves the infrastructure needed to produce and transport to market federal oil and gas resources in the Willow reservoir in northern Alaska.

Its disappointing to see Secretary Haaland and President Biden approve the Willow Project for ConocoPhillips, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said in a statement. The Western Arctic is one of the last great wild landscapes on the planet and as public land it belongs to every American. Industrial development in this unspoiled landscape will not age well.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., also pushed back on the decision, though she didnt single out Biden or Haaland by name. Stansburys seat was previously held by Haaland, who left the post after being appointed to president Bidens cabinet.

As the future of our planet hangs in the balance, I join millions  including Indigenous leaders, scientists, and lawmakers  in opposing the Willow Project and urging the Biden administration to reconsider its approval of this project and its consequences for global climate change and the communities and ecosystems it will impact, Stansbury said.

ConocoPhillips said on its website the Willow site is estimated to produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak, and that the project will create 2,500 construction jobs, 300 permanent jobs and generate between $8 billion and $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the State of Alaska, the North Slope Borough, and nearby communities.
EL PASO, Texas (AP)  A large group of migrants in Mexico who were poised to barge into the U.S. over the weekend were blocked from crossing a bridge leading from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman said.

The migrants were posing a potential threat to make a mass entry, and physical barriers were put up to restrict their entry at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge on Sunday afternoon, spokesman Roger Maier said in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday.

Barricades also were used in El Paso for a short time Sunday afternoon at other border crossings including the Bridge of Americas and the Stanton-Lerdo bridge, Maier said.

Video of the scene at the Paso Del Norte bridge on Sunday showed hundreds of migrants brush past Mexican National Guard officers on the Mexican side, some carrying children on their shoulders. Many appeared to be Venezuelan, by their accents.

Shouting We want to get through!, the migrants ran up to the center line of the bridge, where U.S. authorities had erected concrete and plastic barriers strung with concertina wire.

The migrants were stopped by the barrier, and remained on the Mexican side, shouting Open up for us! to the U.S. officers. After a time, the migrants ran back toward the Mexican side.

Traffic was reopened and flowing in both directions as of Sunday evening, Maier said. It wasnt immediately known what caused the attempted mass crossing. A message seeking comment was left with the mayors office in El Paso.

The rush across the bridge may have been sparked by false rumors, said Camilo Cruz, who works with the U.N. migration office in Ciudad Juarez.

Cruz said there was a rumor that they were going to let them cross massively, particularly people who arrived with children.

Cruz said the rumors are a recurrent problem. About a month ago, messages began circulating that there were going to be buses on the U.S. side to take them to Canada  and when they arrived, they were told it was a lie.

The worst thing, Cruz said, is that migrants often leave the shelters where they are staying to attend such mass crossing attempts, only to find the shelters full when they return.

Many of the migrants on Sunday appeared to be asylum seekers. One woman held out what appeared to be an appointment slip at the barricade. Migrants seeking asylum, a legal immigration pathway for people fleeing persecution in their own country, have been frustrated by newly-implemented limits on those showing up at the southwest border, as many Venezuelans do.

There has been frustration with the U.S. governments CBPOne mobile app for making appointments to apply for asylum, which has been overloaded since the Biden administration introduced it Jan. 12. New appointments are available each day at 6 a.m., but migrants find themselves stymied by error messages.

Also causing frustration is a pandemic rule, scheduled to end May 11, that denies migrants a chance to seek asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Under the public health rule, known as Title 42, Mexico recently began taking back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who crossed.

In addition, the Biden administration has said it will generally deny asylum to migrants who show up at the U.S. southern border without first seeking protection in a country they passed through.
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Meanwhile, the first award to be announced at the Jimmy Kimmel-hosted live telecast is for Best Animated Feature, which goes to Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'.

Mar 13, 2023

AceShowbiz - The 95th annual Academy Awards has handed out some of the trophies at the ceremony, which is currently underway at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" was the first winner of the night, with Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis also among the early winners.

The stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, which was the first category announced during the live telecast on Sunday, March 12. It bested "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On", "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish", "The Sea Beast" and "Turning Red".

Ke Huy Quan followed it up with his win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once". It's his first Academy Award nomination and win.

"Mom, I just won an Oscar!" he shouted as he began his speech. "My journey started on a boat, I spent a year at a refugee camp...They say stories like this only happen in the movies." He continued, "This is the American dream," as the crowd erupted in applause. He went on thanking his mother for his sacrifice and for his wife, whom he dubbed "the love of my life."

His co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, whose parents are actors Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, won the Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Daniels' absurdist comedy-drama film. She got emotional as she accepted the prize, which also marks her first Oscar nomination and win.

The "Halloween" actress thanked her parents and everyone in the industry who helped her get this far. "My mother and my father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories. And I just won an Oscar," she said as she held her head in disbelief.

Other winners already announced at the ceremony were Best Documentary Feature Film which went to "Navalny" by Daniel Roher, Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris and Best Live Action Short which went to "An Irish Goodbye Tom Berkeley" and Ross White.

Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the event, which will feature performances of Best Song nominees by the likes of Rihanna, Lady GaGa, Sofia Carson and Diane Warren.

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The 'Vanderpump Rules' star is seen dancing and partying while attending a wedding in Mexico after her ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval's affair with co-star Raquel Leviss was exposed.

Mar 13, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ariana Madix is taking time off from public drama. The "Vanderpump Rules" star was pictured enjoying some time in Mexico after her ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval's affair with co-star Raquel Leviss was exposed online.

In some pictures and a video that circulated online, Ariana was spotted smiling, dancing and partying in the city of Oaxaca. She flew to the place over the weekend to celebrate celebrity chef Michael Jenkins and Lauren Basco's wedding.

"Ariana was having such an amazing time dancing and socializing," a fellow wedding guest revealed to Page Six. The insider added that the Bravolebrity was "such a sweetheart" and "very respectful to everyone."

For the nuptials, the 37-year-old star donned a pink-and-green dress as she danced through the streets with a wooden fan in hand and a huge grin on her face. The source also claimed that they "didn't hear anything about Tom."

Also in attendance at the wedding were Food Network personality Alex Guarnaschelli as well as Peloton instructor Mariana Fernandez.

Ariana's Mexican vacay arrived after she broke up with Tom, his boyfriend of almost 10 years, after he was caught being engaged in a full-blown affair with Raquel. Speaking in the Thursday, March 9 episode of "Sex, Love and What Else Matters", Kristen Doute shared that Ariana found out their affair when attending Tom's cover band's March 1 concert in West Hollywood, California.

"I was actually with Ariana and Tom that night - we were watching his band play at TomTom," she recalled. "He's done playing, and we'd all gotten up to just kind of chatter and grab a drink."

"All of the sudden, I realize Ariana's gone for - it had to be like 20 minutes or something - because she left her coat and her purse," Kristen added. "So what had happened was, during Tom's performance, his phone fell out of his pocket, and a mutual friend of theirs picks up the phone and hands it to Ariana."

Kristen continued, "The real truth is that Ariana had his phone, and she told me that she just had this gut intuition to look at it." After seeing what was on the phone, Kristen said that Ariana was "not doing well," adding, "She's numb, and she's sad." A source previously claimed that Ariana found a video of Raquel masturbating on FaceTime with Tom.

In the wake of their scandal, Tom and Raquel have issued an apology. Ariana, meanwhile, has yet to publicly comment on the affair.

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The husband of the Trinidadian hip-hop star has since requested to reschedule the mediation with his rape accuser, Jennifer Hough, for a second time due to his illness.

Mar 13, 2023

AceShowbiz - Nicki Minaj's husband seemingly needs some time to rest. Kenneth Petty is reportedly "too sick" to attend any mediation appointments with his sexual assault accuser, Jennifer Hough.

AllHipHop reported that the 44-year-old claimed he was too sick to attend the initial mediation on March 6, so the courts rescheduled for March 9. He then canceled for a second time.

Citing official court docs, the outlet said that Nicki's allowing her man to use her attorney, Steven D. Isser, who asked Judge James R. Cho to move the meditation to March 24. Steven wrote, "We respectfully request that the Court extend the mediation deadline to March 24, 2023, which will hopefully be sufficient time for Mr. Petty to recover and the for parties and the Mediator to reschedule a mutually available date for the mediation. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

In April 1995, Kenneth was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree for an assault on the then 16-year-old Jennifer the year prior. He was 15 years old at the time. Petty was sentenced to 18 to 54 months in prison and served four years and he's currently listed as a level two registered sex offender in New York.

In an interview with "The Real" last year, Jennifer stated she and Kenneth were "casual acquaintances" and never in a relationship. Meanwhile, in a court filing, Kenneth insisted that he "never raped" Jennifer.

"I never raped the Plaintiff and I deny her accusations of rape contained in the Amended Complaint," he declared. "I also deny all of Plaintiff's allegations in the Amended Complaint that I committed any improper conduct, sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. The sexual encounter between Plaintiff and I, which occurred 27 years ago, was consensual and Plaintiff was a willing participant. I did not force Plaintiff into a house, I did not force Plaintiff to have sex with me and I did not sexually or physically assault Plaintiff in any way. Nor did I ever threaten Plaintiff."

Although Kenneth pleaded guilty, he told the court he took the plea deal out of fear. "I pled guilty to attempted rape, despite my innocence, because I was a scared 16 year old kid and was told that my sentence would be 20 years to life if I did not plead guilty to attempted rape," he explained.

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The Hot Girl Meg's sighting at the star-studded event comes only a couple of days after she announced her very first concert since scoring a victory in Tory Lanez shooting trial.

Mar 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Megan Thee Stallion makes sure that everyone's eyes are on her. The "Traumazine" artist looked stunning with her new hair transformation as she attended the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

The Houston hottie attended the star-studded event wearing a black body-hugging mermaid dress. The gown also featured some fishnet details around her chest that exposed her ample cleavage. For the event, she wore her dark hair in a big coily style.

The sighting came after Meg announced her very first concert since scoring a victory in the Tory Lanez shooting trial. The 28-year-old femcee is set to headline the AT&T Block Party as part of the 2023 NCAA March Madness Music Festival. Slated to take place in her hometown of Houston, the three-day weekend will begin March 31 during NCAA Men's Final Four and continue until April 2.

"There's no place I'd rather be for my first performance of the year than my hometown of Houston," Megan expressed her excitement in a statement. "The AT&T Block Party Concert is gonna be such a vibe, and I can't wait to get back on stage in the city where it all began. I'm looking forward to seeing my Hotties and putting on an unforgettable show for them."

The rest of the festival will include more superstar performances, day two will feature Lil Nas X and Maggie Rogers while day three will offer Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton.

This will be Meg's first hometown show since 2019 as she was initially scheduled to have another performance in late 2021 but canceled out of respect for the victims of the Astroworld Festival tragedy.

The "Hot Girl Summer" rapper herself has laid relatively low in wake of the Tory trial but was seen making her first public appearance last month celebrating Valentine's Day with her boyfriend Pardison Fontaine before attending a surprise party for her 28th birthday on February 15.

Tory was found guilty on all counts of shooting Meg in the feet during a drunken dispute in July 2020 following a high-profile two-week trial in Los Angeles in December last year. The Canadian rapper faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison as well as subsequent deportation to his hometown. However, his sentencing has been delayed in order to give his legal team more time for a new trial.

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After Candace McDuffie claims that the 'Grown Ups' star saw it coming because he's often joked about black women, the former 'The Jay Leno Show' correspondent finds the narrative 'ironic.'

Mar 13, 2023

AceShowbiz - D.L. Hughley has come to Chris Rock's defense after author Candace McDuffie said Chris deserved to be slapped by Will Smith. Weighing on the controversial 2022 Oscars moment, the writer claimed that the comedian saw it coming because he has often joked about black women.

Slamming Candace for her comments, D.L. said in a video for TMZ, "It's kind of crazy to me that... if you thought the slap was justified and you think that his comedy was too far, I think it's ironic." He went on defending Chris' jokes about the slap in his Netflix special "Chris Rock: Selective Outrage". "I don't think you should ever have the right to tell somebody how or when or what's appropriate for their response," he said.

Candace said Chris deserved the slap during an interview with CNN's Don Lemon. "It's not so much about being slapped as it's about accountability, right. He has made black women specifically the butt of his jokes for years and he's finally being held accountable," she said, blaming Chris.

She added, "So I feel this kind of sets the precedent going forward that people will be more careful about how they treat black women." When Don warned her that people might think she condones violence, she responded, "It's not about condoning violence, but words, especially ones that make black women the punchline, should have consequences."

The Root's writer went on claiming, "Honestly, sitting here, you know, calling Jada out of her name, making fun of her hair condition, talking about her alopecia, words can be violent as well. And as we see black girls and women, we suffer abuse at higher rates in this country, so continuing to humiliate us only perpetuates this."

She also spoke about Chris' Netflix special, saying, "What we saw on that stage wasn't comedy. It was really pain. He hasn't healed from what happened." She added that "instead of trying to deal with those emotions and his feelings," Chris was "just taking it out" on African-American women.

D.L. previously showed his support for Chris following his Netflix special. "I'm going to give my brother, his flowers and his respect, @chrisrock YOU DID THE DAMN THING, MOST IMPORTANTLY YOU STAYED TRUE TO YOURSELF!! as far as everyone else that seems to have an opinion on whether or not he should've mentioned what happened to HIM, you don't get to decide when, why or how someone else deals with THEIR trauma," he wrote on Instagram after the show's live premiere.

"The ONE PERSON YOU NEVER HEARD FROM ABOUT IT WAS CHRIS!!" he continued writing. "So NOW, that HE decides to address it on HIS TIME, people have the audacity to say: 'he's bitter Why is he still talking about that... let it go... or the best one WE'VE MOVED ON'. So YOU got to speak on it but he can't??? Y'all are a straight f*n trip."

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The Pakistani Nobel Peace prize winner pleads with her followers to 'treat people with kindness' after Oscars host was ridiculed over their interaction at 95th Academy Awards.

Mar 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Malala Yousafzai has encouraged "kindness" after Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel was viciously trolled over his interaction with her at Sunday night's March 12 ceremony. The 25-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner was asked by the presenter about the Harry Styles and Chris Pine "spit-gate" incident last year and the bizarre segment led to him getting a battering from online trolls who accused him of disrespecting the activist - who survived being shot by the militants in Pakistan when she was 15.

Following the awkward interview, Malala called for the abuse to stop. "Treat people with kindness," she wrote while sharing a video of the incident on Twitter.

She was among the guests at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night and she found herself on camera after presenter Jimmy walked into the audience to ask questions from fans. He turned to Malala and said, "[A fan named Joanne] asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration, as the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?"

Malala looked baffled before responding, "I only talk about peace," and Jimmy replied, "You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is. That's a great answer, Malala. The winner is malala-land, everybody."

The question was referring to an incident at the Venice Film Festival in Italy last year when One Direction star Harry was accused of spitting on his "Don't Worry Darling" co-star Chris as they sat in the audience at a screening. Chris later explained Harry was just leaning over to tell him a joke.

Malala found herself at the centre of attention again when a performer dressed as a bear - in reference to Elizabeth Banks' new movie "Cocaine Bear" - crawled along the aisle and seemed to paw at her, prompting the host to exclaim, "Cocaine bear, leave Malala alone!"

The activist was a guest at the ceremony as an executive producer of "Stranger at the Gate" which was nominated in the category for Best Documentary Short Film but lost out to "The Elephant Whisperers".

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The food and beverage industry in India is one of the high profit industries. As per Statista, the revenue in the Food market in Indi amounts to $963.60 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.23% (CAGR 2023-2027). According to management consulting firm Technova, the food and beverage industry accounts for about 3% of Indias GDP and around 2/3rd of the total retail market in India. In fact, the revenue in the food and beverage business segment is estimated to show a CAGR growth rate of 14.2% from 2020-2024. Also, the projected market volume is $1,264 million by 2024.

From neighbourhood kirana stores to online stores, the F&B industry has seen massive changes. The events of the past two years have accelerated both consumers and businesses. The shift towards e-commerce is evident and will continue to evolve in the coming years. As branded content has appeared on streaming video platforms, there has been a growing trend towards branded storytelling. A change in customer behaviour has led to a new purchasing approach.

Brands have revised their strategy to reach customers using digital tools and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal to name a few. There is no doubt that rural demand will increase in the coming years. Digitization would come first, along with the demand for packaged food. Online stores will gain the most importance, so brands that work with local and online platforms will benefit.

On how the changes in this industry have reshaped the consumer demand and consumer behaviour, Mayank Shah, Senior Category Head, Parle Products, noted, We have observed a considerable increase in spending, which has been spurred by the rollout of 5G services. The introduction of 4G technology, combined with the low cost of smartphones, resulted in seamless streaming and networking via digital mediums. In terms of overall media promotion and consumption, 5G will be a game changer. Marketers have been challenged to think creatively and use social media or digital channels to build brand loyalty. OTT platforms acquired the most popularity as consumers discovered on-demand content, greatly increasing screen time in both rural and urban areas.

FMCG has traditionally relied on long-standing brand loyalty. The first and most important stage is to establish the target demographic for the businesses, Shah added. He further noted, As a highly traditional and ancient market, our sector has a diverse client base ranging from older residents to our very own millennials. Unlike many businesses that have catered to a narrow set of consumers, the appropriate balance for us as a brand is to satisfy and remain relevant with a wide range of age groups.

With millennials being exposed to a wide range of technology and products from around the world, the FMCG market is under pressure to remain quiet in order to retain this generations customers. Finding a happy medium is critical. We believe that continually evolving marketing methods, digitalisation, and easy accessibility will assist us in striking this balance, Shah continued.

The adoption of the plant-based meat segment is just getting stronger, with consumers becoming more receptive to the category, more and more start-ups and leading FMCG players entering the segment, celebrities and athletes backing it and big investments coming in. Sohil Wazir, CCO, Blue Tribe, explained, Conscious consumerism has picked up and how. It all has spiralled up in just the last two and a half odd years with Gen Z, millennials, and Gen Alpha making a transition towards a well-balanced and ethical lifestyle, food choices, and keeping their choices guilt-free. An interesting thing to note is that 90% of our target audience are non-vegetarians who are trying to reduce their meat consumption.

Consumers are looking for quick and easy options when it comes to food, which has led to an increase in mobile ordering options at QSRs. Many QSRs have also implemented self-service kiosks and mobile apps to make the ordering process even more convenient for customers.

Viren DSilva, Co-founder, Good Flippin Burgers, stated that with the rise of food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy consumers have grown accustomed to being able to order from their favourite QSRs and have it delivered to their door. He added, Consumers are looking for more personalised and customisable options when it comes to their food, which has led to many QSRs offering build-your-own options, such as customisable Burgers in our case. The changes in the QSR industry have reshaped consumer demand by making convenience, customisation, and technology integration key factors in their offline and online experience.

Microbreweries

With the microbrewery landscape rapidly changing, newer entrants with an appetite for risk entering the market, innovation has grown by leaps and bounds, and so has the awareness about craft beers. This has led to demand and growth and as is obvious, the adoption of craft beer as a lifestyle choice has gathered steam. Taste palates are evolving and people are appreciating the nuances of different types of beer and gravitating to freshly brewed beer rather than the bottled beer.

With consumer behaviour being a function of availability, awareness and supply - as more entrants enter the market with bolder varieties, innovation will get a shot in the arm, shared Teja Chekuri, Managing Partner, Ironhill India. Adding further, Chekuri said, We believe this will trigger a migration of consumers from the traditional varieties to bolder, innovative styles. This combined with the consumer tending towards gaining a holistic experience through value added events and products, rather than just low priced products and offers, we will certainly see an explosive growth in the craft arena.

The industry will certainly see intense competition, with larger brands beginning to vie for a piece of the craft pie, Chekuri concluded.
iCubesWire, an ad tech-based digital marketing conglomerate, secured the digital media mandate for Mankind Pharmas dog food brand, PetStar. Founded in 2010, the company has grown into a team of 400 people across India, Dubai, Indonesia and Singapore, serving 250+ brands through its range of services.

PetStar is a pet food brand engaged in the business of nutritious food for pets. The mandate includes boosting the brands online presence, spearheading digital branding, SEO, media planning, and designing social media campaigns.

Commenting on the association, a PetStar spokesperson said, With this new partnership, we aim to develop an online brand identity for PetStar that appeals to the target audience. In addition, our target is to reach a larger audiencethrough relatable and up-to-date content.

Adding on the win, Sahil Chopra, Founder and CEO, iCubesWire, said, Were thrilled to partner with Mankind Pharma, and are looking forward to connecting their brand, PetStar, with its target audience. With our team working on cutting-edge strategies, we aim to position PetStar as one of the top choices for the target group.
India earned its first Oscar for 2023 with Netflix's "The Elephant Whisperer" by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga winning the Best Documentary Short Film category at the 95th Academy Awards. In her acceptance speech, director Gonsalves expressed gratitude to the Academy, producer Guneet Monga, her family, and her "motherland India" for the honour.

She spoke for cohabitation, respect for indigenous populations, empathy for other living things with whom we share the planet, and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world.

She added: "We are grateful that the Academy chose to honour indigenous people and animals in our movie. Thank you Netflix for recognising this's potential. Bomman and Belli, thank you for imparting your priceless tribal knowledge to Guneet, my producer..."

Finally, she addressed her mentor, team, and her motherland India, who she described as the centre of her universe together with her mother, father, and sister who are all deceased.

Haulout, How Do You Measure a Year?, The Martha Mitchell Effect, and Stranger at the Gate were the other finalists.

This short documentary, which lasts 41 minutes, depicts the shaky yet cherished link that Raghu, an orphaned young elephant, forms with his mahouts, a couple named Bomman and Bellie, who dedicate their lives to keeping him safe from poachers and raising him. Kartiki Gonsalves made his directing debut with this film. Gonsalves quit her comfortable employment for her first business venture. She had a successful career as a wildlife and social documentary photographer, photojournalist, and cinematographer.

In a previous interview, Guneet revealed some details about the movie, revealing that "The Elephant Whisperers" is "the narrative of individuals, who have been dealing with elephants for generations and they're so sensitive of the demands of the forest."

She said: "There is a great sequence in the movie that talks about simply taking what is necessary from the jungle because there is enough there for everyone. So whether we take what we need or hoard it is up to us. Humans have limitless demands, so it is up to us to draw the boundary and treat animals with the respect they deserve."

'Period. End of Sentence,' which won the 2019 Oscar Award for Best Documentary Short Film, was previously executive produced by Monga.
Programmatic Adtech platform Xapads Media has appointed veteran marketing expert and business leader Vishal Singh as the Country Head for the India market. In this role, Vishal will be responsible for creating new business opportunities and continuing strong relationships with the existing clients.



Expressing his excitement on joining Xapads, Vishal said,I am thrilled to join Xapads which is clearly at the forefront of the adtech space. My past experiences have given me a deep understanding of what it takes to make an impact in the market. In this new role, I will be able to put my skills and knowledge to work in order to help the company achieve new milestones. It's an exciting time for the industry, and I'm looking forward to being part of the change that's coming



With over 22 years of experience in brand management, digital marketing, business strategy and media strategy development, Vishal has played a crucial role in launching Telecom and Media brand portfolios across different markets in India. He has worked with some of the leading companies in India, including Idea Cellular, Big FM, Spice Group, and Mindshare. He most recently served as India GM and Global Marketing Head for Moca Technology Limited.

Commenting on his appointment, Nitin Gupta, CEO, Xapads Media, said,We are delighted to welcome Vishal to our team. He will play an instrumental role in new business development, client management, strategic partnerships and assist Xapads with its next growth phase. Through his diverse marketing and brand building experiences, as well as his leadership skills, he will be an important asset to the company as it strives to strengthen its leadership position in the region.



Adding to this Ramneek Chadha, Chief Operating Officer, Xapads Media, said, We believe in creating a better future for our customers, advertisers, and users and Vishal brings in a whole gamut of expertise and we are hopeful that collectively we will be able to provide an unparalleled experience to our clients.

Vishal has been part of multiple award-winning brand campaigns and his customer-centric approach has helped him to create lasting relationships with brands and agencies throughout his career. By prioritizing the needs and desires of his clients, Vishal has been able to achieve outstanding results

Alok Pandey, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Xapads Media, said, His in-depth understanding of the Indian market will bring a new outlook to the organization. Furthermore, his outstanding leadership abilities and capacity to foster enduring connections will prove to be extremely advantageous to our team.


Kaizzen, one of the fastest-growing communication agencies in the country, has received Great Place To Work  Certification  India (from March 2023 to March 2024). The esteemed Certification is the testimony to the culture and values that form the foundation of Kaizzen and serves as a reflection of employees' experiences working within the organization.

Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All Model and Trust Index Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work Certification and highly competitive Best Workplaces Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide.

"I am proud of our remarkable growth and success in the last 30 months. We have grown 300% and so has our culture. The journey has been quite exhilarating as we added new talents with diverse skill sets. We also strengthened our leadership. Together, we achieved great things and have become better as an organization. Culture plays a crucial role in any industry today and is a major focus area for all our clients as well. This is where we resonate with our clients, and becoming an employer of choice is a testament to our commitment as a people-first organisation. Moving forward, we will continue adding strengths and creating value for our clients. Our future is bright, and I am excited to see what we will accomplish next." Vineet Handa, Founder and CEO of Kaizzen.

Kaizzen is an award-winning integrated marketing communications firm that thrives on innovation and creativity. The company possesses a group of astute and innovative communicators and marketing professionals who operate in tandem to create compelling brand narratives through a comprehensive 360-degree communication strategy.

Headquartered in New Delhi and with a strong presence in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Kaizzen is committed to shaping brand perception through structured storytelling. The corporation has garnered a reputation for its "People's First" approach, leveraging on 15-year-long partnerships with various brands worldwide. Kaizzen takes pride in its service-led culture. If a unique and individualized approach to marketing communication is sought, Kaizzen emerges as the company to choose.

In India, Great Place To Work partners with more than 1400 organizations annually across over 20+ industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a great place to work for all.

The Institutes research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models for all leaders.
The first-ever edition of India Fintech Conclave, presented by Moneycontrol wrapped up today at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai with prominent participants from the Indian Fintech industry. The inaugural conference gave a platform to the greatest minds from the finance and technology ecosystem, who brainstormed on the booming fintech sector. The event hosted big names like the Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology- Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Executive Director of RBI- Ajay Kumar Choudary, V Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank along with other prominent policymakers, bankers, startup giants and other key stakeholders.

During the India Fintech Conclave, the Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar called for coordination between sectoral regulators and internet regulator in his opening speech We certainly need to navigate a better way and improve the inter play between sectoral regulators and MeitY. We are working on it, we will soon figure out a better way in working within the government and we wont let anything impact the entrepreneurs. he said.

While talking about India, the minister said India has gone from being a preeminent nation to a deeply eminent nation in using tech to transform people's lives. Because of the expansion of cloud computing in India, we will soon have the largest server market in the world.

I believe Mumbai is the heart of entrepreneurship, out of the box economic activity. the minister said in his speech.

The first session - Fintech Innovation And Regulation: A Fine Balance was a special fireside chat with Ajay Kumar Choudhary, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India. The session highlighted Choudhrys thoughts of creating a true balance between innovation and regulation and how it is always a challenge for regulators to regulate and introduce innovation.

We are working on a framework for the fintech lending ecosystem. A committee has been formed for fintech regulation where we are talking about legal lending apps, are they part of the regulatory entity is the bigger part, he said.

Talking about customer protection in fintech, Choudhary mentioned, Customer protection is the most critical risk as far as fintech is concerned. Today the risk of loss to consumers is quite high. Data security and breaches is the second major risk factor for fintech enterprises. And regulators need to keep a watchful eye on the risks by fintechs and big techs to ensure customer safety.

Commenting on India's current financial system, he said, The current financial system has been built by taking multitude of innovations on the way. Also, the focus on innovation in the financial sector and regulation is not new. Fintechs offer true balance between innovation and regulation.

Another panel titled "Bits to Billions - The Zerodha Journey" featured the CEO and founder of Zerodha, Nithin Kamath, and Kailash Nadh, the CTO of Zerodha, who gave a birds eye view into their product ethos and their founding principles. The next session titled Reimagining Banking in the Digital Era was also a fireside chat with V Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank. Sharing his thoughts on technology and its role in recent times, Vaidyanathan said, Technology is a large waterfront with different aspects like AI, IoT, hyper personalisation etc. In the case of banking, its not a traditional product but a service that can take the form of electronification on multiple levels, like savings, investment through DEMAT account, insurance, payments etc. Hence, banking benefits directly from technology by latching onto new ecosystems and moving faster with time.

The event was well-attended and included insightful panel discussions on "Future of Payments in India - Sustaining the Digital Payments Juggernaut" with notable participants like Harshil Mathur, the CEO and founder of Razorpay, Dilip Asbe, the CEO of NPCI, and Shinjini Kumar, the Founder and CEO of SALT App.

Talking about the future of UPI, Dilip Asbe, CEO of NPCI commented, UPI has not yet reached its total potential, it has a long way to go, and its a journey. We have covered some milestones, but for a country like India, we should be doing 10x than this and it is not a hypothetical number. I believe within 2-3 years we will reach 1 billion a day transaction on UPI. He further added, During Covid time, many new players came on the UPI bandwagon and there are lot many players who are looking at it currently, for example, PayZapp is coming on UPI, CRED is live on UPI, and Slice is there. The next few years will rationalise the market share in terms of expanding the market and it wont impact the growth of UPI.

A panel titled "Digital Public Infrastructure: India Shows the Way"followed and featured Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of Federal Bank, T Koshy, CEO of ONDC, Sabyasachi Goswami, CEO of Perfios, and Nikhil Kumar, Co-Founder of Setu. When asked about account aggregators, Shalini Warrior mentioned, Earlier there was a little scepticism around credit scores and CIBIL and now every bank uses the system extensively. If you take that forward now, theres where account aggregators come in. An account aggregator is definitely the next UPI from the banking sector because it democratises the availability of creditors and the amount of information available in a manner that is non-threatening for the customer.

In terms of use cases, lending is the most logical use case of account aggregators followed by personal financial management. she added.
As a leading global brand, OnePlus is on a mission of using technology for a better life and innovating for a sustainable future. The brands latest effort is the multi-chapter Before They Fade Away campaign to drive attention to the less visible, inspiring all to cherish the world we live in.

Explore the Wonders of Nature

In the first chapter of the Before They Fade Away campaign, OnePlus worked with adventure and landscape photographer Brayden Hall to unveil in front of the public eyes the imminent threats to plant biodiversity.

In February 2023, Hall journeyed over 2,500 miles through the wild west in the United States with his partner Chelsea Mealo and adventurous pup Ranger. From the magical Columbia River Gorge and the other-worldly land of Mount Shasta, to the iconic Oregon Coast and the wildflower blooms along the beaches of California, the trio road-tripped in a campervan from Seattle Washington to California in search for various plants  before they perish.

Unlike the decline of the emblematic animals, the anonymity and ordinary appearance of the rare, often vulnerable plant species mean that they are often ignored and forgotten. Unbeknown to most, two in five of the worlds plant species are on the brink of extinction*. Habitat loss is the biggest hazard to plant biodiversity. Sadly, people hardly notice they are disappearing.

This startling fact prompted OnePlus to acknowledge the importance and urgency to celebrate these extraordinary plant species, and share the amazing stories that the world should hear.

The Untold Stories of the Incredible World of Plants

Travelled with OnePlus latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 11 5G, Hall captured the fleeting beauty of the awe-inspiring nature world through the phone lens, and shined spotlight on two vulnerable plants including 

Coastal Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) is one of the most amazing species in the world due to its sturdy, robust, and vigorous trunk. Dubbed the worlds tallest tree species, Coastal Redwoods reach up to 380 feet in height and 29 feet in diameter. They are commonly found in humid coastal areas alongside the Pacific Ocean of North America, before 96 percent of them has been lost to logging, the unprecedented climate challenges have also lowered the odds of their survival. Coastal Redwoods is also a long-lived organism, it can live up to 2,000 years. Some of them living today were alive during the time of Roman Empire. This gives it the outstanding capability of storing carbon dioxide. Research findings suggest that Coastal Redwoods store more carbon dioxide per acre than any other trees in the world due to its longevity.

Bishop Pine (Pinus muricate) is mainly found in relict stands along the coast of California. Bishop Pine has been assessed for the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The reason for its decline is not clear, but according to research conducted by botanical scholars, the absence of wildfire might be a factor, due the surprising fact that Bishop Pine is a fire dependent and late-maturing species. Cones are produced every year but they remain closed, until opened by fire or strong heat, they then release seeds and disperse onto the newly-burned ground where they germinate.

Halls adventure did not only lead him to other beautiful native plants, it also instilled in him a sense of urgency on the importance of conservation. All of the other plants, be they endangered or not, are essential to maintaining a balanced and thriving eco-system.

A Heart of Green

OnePlus envisions to be a healthy company that endures. It has been walking the walk, and forging sustainability progress over the years.

In addition to environmental-friendly packaging and complimentary system updates to extend the product lifecycle, OnePlus has also partnered with climate action organization Ecologi and pledged to plant a tree in a dedicated forest area across the world for every OnePlus device returned, thereby encouraging users to recycle and minimize tech waste.

This current chapter of the Before They Fade Away campaign brings a new perspective to consumers as OnePlus continues its sustainability effort. The company is committed to making a positive impact in the world we live in, while moving toward a more sustainable operation.

*According to the State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2020 report published by the UK-based Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
E-Gaming Federation (EGF), an organization representing top online skill gaming operators in India, applauded the government for the proposed amendments in TDS on net winnings from online gaming, announced in Budget 2023-24. The industry body further urged the government to make the effective date for implementation of changes in the TDS regime to April 1, 2023.

The Finance Bill 2023 introduced two new sections  194BA for withholding tax on winnings from online gaming effective July 1, 2023, and 115BBJ for computation of taxes for those who earn income from winnings of online games. For online gaming users, TDS is required to be deducted under section 194B for the first three months i.e., April 1 to June 30, 2023, of the financial year based on the concept of winning (as per section 115BB), and under section 194BA for the remaining nine months based on the concept of net winning (as per section 115BBJ).

At the end of the financial year, as part of the ITR for the assessment year 24-25, owing to the applicability of section 115BBJ in relation to the assessment year 24-25, all online game transactions (for the first three months period and the next nine months) are then required to be redrawn for computing net winning by the users. This would result in significant operational difficulties in administering the amendments, discrepancies, and inconvenience for the users.

We welcome and appreciate the governments intent of providing three months to comply with the changes of the new tax regime. However, multiple regime changes within a short span would lead to confusion and significant inconvenience for the online gaming operators as well as over 200 million gamers in the country. Not only would this cause an increase in user grievance but also a significant reduction in the number of online gaming users. Furthermore, there is a high probability that many such users could move to unscrupulous operators, predominantly offshore, said Malay Kumar Shukla, Secretary, EGF.

Modifying the new TDS implementation date from July 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023, would ensure no loss of revenue to the government and align it with the users taxation based on net winnings for the entire financial year starting April 1, 2023, under section 115BBJ.
The powerful and very energetic Naatu Naatu song from SS Rajamoulis blockbuster RRR has brought much cheer for Indians as it won the Oscar Award for Best Music  Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards.

Composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, Naatu Naatu has been winning over international audiences even before the Oscar win. The energetic dance number has earlier won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for Best Original Song in January this year.

Picturised on two of South Cinemas biggest stars  Jr NTR and Ram Charan  Naatu Naatu was shot on the grounds of Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv, the official residence of Ukraines President. It has anti-colonial themes, where the two Indian revolutionaries challenge British officials to a dance standoff.

The song was also performed live at the 95th Academy Awards by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava and introduced by Deepika Padukone to a standing ovation from everyone present. The stage was converted to resemble the set of the Naatu Naatu in RRR.

Another Indian offering, The Elephant Whisperers, won the Oscars for Best Documentary Short Film. The film, which has been directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, narrates the story of the strong bonds between a South Indian couple, Bomman and Bellie, and an orphaned elephant calf.

However, another Indian documentary film, All that breathes, nominated in the Best Documentary Feature Film category, lost out to Navalny.
Shoppers Stop, Indias leading premier fashion and beauty omnichannel destination has announced the appointment of Mr. Kavindra Mishra as Chief Commercial Officer for External Brands and CEO of Home Stop.

Kavindra has more than 20 years of retail experience and comes from the House of Anita Dongre where he worked as Managing Director. An IIM-Bangalore alumnus, Kavindra had earlier stints with leading retail companies like Pepe, ABFRL, Benetton and Arvind among others in leadership positions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Venu Nair, Customer Care Associate MD and CEO at Shoppers Stop Ltd said, Kavindra brings a wealth of retail experience, that will provide strategic leadership to our External Brands and planning. He will further bring in special focus to our home business, as the CEO of Home Stop, where we see significant opportunity for growth. We are confident Kavindras appointment will add significant value to the organizing and drive business to the next level.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Kavindra Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer for External Brands and CEO  Home Stop, Shoppers Stop said, It has always been my desire to continuously learn and upgrade my skill sets to contribute to the organization and teams of which I am a part. In this journey, I am delighted to work with Indias foremost retailer Shoppers Stop and deliver an unmatched consumer experience across formats.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu will chair the G-20 Supreme Audit Institutions or G-20 SAI meeting (Photo: Twitter)

NEW DELHI / GUWAHATI: As a part of Indias G20 presidency, the government said on Sunday that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) would host discussions on the blue economy and responsible artificial intelligence (AI).

The three-day meeting, which will kick off on Monday, will be held in Guwahati.

According to a statement issued by the government, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu will chair the G-20 Supreme Audit Institutions or G-20 SAI meeting. The delegates from G20 member countries, guest nations and other international organisations would attend the event.

The event is expected to witness massive participation from the G20 SAIs members, including the countries such as Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Oman, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates among others.

"Under the guiding philosophy for Indias presidency of G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam  One Earth, One Family, and One Future, the CAG has proposed the collaboration of SAI20 engagement group on two priority areas  blue economy and responsible AI," the release said.

During the meeting, SAI India will present the concept themes on the blue economy and responsible AI. "There shall be further sharing of experiences by the participant SAIs, including member SAIs and guest SAIs of G20," it said.

While the blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, responsible AI is a governance framework aimed at what data can be collected and used, and how AI models should be evaluated and deployed.
The Advertising Club Bangalore, one of the oldest advertising clubs in the country, announced their flagship event  the Big Bang Awards Night, celebrating excellence in the areas of creative, media, design, digital and marketing. The much celebrated awards night will held on Wednesday, 22nd March, 6.00PM onwards at the Mukta Outdoor Arena, Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Main Rd, Bengaluru.

We are very excited to bring the Big Bang awards night in a whole new avatar. Last year, we reimagined our awards categories and it saw great participation from leading agencies across India. We are excited to organise this event going beyond the ordinary and move it to a beautiful outdoor arena. We are looking forward to creating a little more immersive & memorable experience for all our stakeholders. I am encouraging & inviting the young creative talent to come celebrate the great work and be celebrated. said Laeeq Ali, President, The Advertising Club Bangalore.

The Big Bang awards were open to all members of the advertising and marketing fraternity and it attracted a massive 650+ entries from over 50 agencies representing more than 180 brands, spread across India.

The high power jury, as in previous years, comprises of eminent advertising, media and marketing professionals, people drawn from across the country and the APAC region. The Big Bang Awards for Excellence will celebrate market winning campaigns covering various facets of brand and marketing strategy in the phygital world and will honour the innovative work being done by Brands, Creative, Media and Digital agencies.

Malavika Harita, Chairperson of Big Bang Awards, added, I am humbled by the response from all agencies for this edition. With the world order changing post covid, we have chosen the theme of Find the Balance for the Awards Night. Other than showcasing all shortlisted entries during the event, we are also in talks with some very interesting personalities who will share their perspectives on how to find the balance.
Leading male grooming and lifestyle brand, Beardo, today launched their new digital film for their flagship fragrance- Whisky Smoke EDP, featuring the charismatic Vicky Kaushal. Rated NFB (Not for Boys) the film is set in a high-stakes poker game that pits a group of boys against the lone Vicky, clearly distinguishing a boy from a true Beardo. Donning a smoldering avatar, Vicky warns the audience that this scent is exclusively for MEN.

Vicky's character in the ad represents the musky and attractive scent of Beardo's Whiskey Smoke perfectly. The notes of whiskey, tobacco, and spices, make the fragrance a great choice for a sophisticated and confident man. The film highlights the stark difference between a grown man and boys by showcasing that they have different priorities and the former focuses on things that are more important than impressing their peers.

Talking about the film, Vicky Kaushal said, When the concept was shared with me by Team Beardo, I was excited to be a part of the same as it perfectly blends the essence of the fragrance Whiskey Smoke which is masculine and bold. We have tried to incorporate this very thought in a fun yet thought-provoking manner which goes with the very ideology and success that Beardo is known for.

Sharing his thoughts on the ad, Sujot Malhotra, CEO at Beardo said, When we started conceptualizing this film, we were absolutely clear about the message it was going to portray. The gap between boys and men is not just about age, but rather it's about mindset and attitude. Whiskey Smoke is specifically designed for men who know what they want and are not afraid to go after it. We're thrilled to have Vicky Kaushal as the face of our fragrance line and especially of this campaign, as he perfectly embodies the spirit of a true Whiskey Smoke BEARDO.
The lawsuit alleges Rethy, director of the mobile clinic, held the children in the examination room longer than necessary for a regular check-up and vaccinated them against COVID-19 over their objections and without consulting their mother.

According to the complaint, on Sept. 2, 2022, McNeil took her two older children, ages 15 and 17, to the KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile clinic, operated by Georgetown Hospital, to complete their required annual physical exam for the 2022-2023 school year.

An attorney representing NaTonya McNeil last week filed a lawsuit in Superior Court for the District of Columbia against Janine A. Rethy, M.D., M.P.H.

The mother of two children who were given COVID-19 vaccines without the mothers consent is suing the doctor who administered the vaccines.

Childrens Health Defense is funding a lawsuit by a D.C. mother alleging a doctor vaccinated two of her children for COVID-19 without her consent after falsely telling the teens the shots were required for school.

Parental consent has always been on our watch list. Recently, as transsexual ideation has swept through schools, the topic has reached a heated level. Even hotter than abortion. The push to allow minors to make healthcare decisions continues, disregarding parental input. But remember the inverse has been true as well. Parents who choose not to approve a medical procedure or product or tretment are quickly judged and can be punished. Perhaps the erosion of parental healthcare rights has been marching in this direction for decades. As a teen, I thought I was grown up enough to make my own healthcare choices. That's just the teen brain. Smarter than everyone, until about age 25, right? From Children's Health Defense's The Defender: Please subscribe today .

In order to attempt to obtain the childrens consent  which they are not legally able to provide without a parent or guardian  the doctor falsely informed the children the COVID-19 vaccine was mandatory for school attendance and told them they could not lawfully decline it if they wanted to attend school.

The suit, filed by D.C. attorney Matthew Hardin, seeks damages for false imprisonment, battery and fraud.

Childrens Health Defense (CHD) is financing the lawsuit because, according to CHD President and General Counsel Mary Holland, CHD couldnt just sit still and not allow this wrong to go unpunished and not bring this to the publics attention.

In an exclusive conversation with The Defender, McNeil explained why she is suing the the doctor:

I just feel like people shouldnt be able to do whatever they want to do to other people and especially not to children. As a mother, I feel like, You all just took all my rights away from me to do what you wanted to do to my kids.

I do want justice to be done in this case. I feel like something needs to be done. This cant just continue to happen.

I feel violated

According to the complaint, Rethys stated goal is to vaccinate all children against COVID-19. The complaint quotes her statement to the press:

Our goal is to increase vaccination rates in children here in D.C.  For more than 30 years our role has been to be in the community to help address the problem of health disparities, bringing families care where they are.

For this particular effort, we are glad to be partnering with DC Health to provide both regular childhood vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines to all children.

In addition to her role as director of the mobile clinic, Rethy is chief of MedStar Georgetown University Hospitals Division of Community Pediatrics and assistant professor of pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

McNeil said that when she took her older children to the clinic, she stayed outside the examination room to care for her infant. As soon as the children entered the doctors office, she called her daughters cellphone to let Rethy know she was just outside the door if the doctor needed to consult her for anything.

According to McNeil, the doctor did not ask or inform her about any vaccinations, and did not ask her to sign anything. At the end of the physical, Rethy came out to talk to her.

McNeil said the doctor explained her sons asthma treatment plan, but thats all they discussed.

As they were heading home, McNeil said she was shocked when her daughter complained that her arm hurt pretty bad. When McNeil asked her why it hurt, her daughter said she was given the COVID-19 shot, even though she told the doctor she didnt want it.

When McNeil asked her why she allowed the doctor to administer the shot, her daughter said:

When she had the needle in her hand and she was coming towards me, I backed up and I asked her what is that needle, and she said it was the COVID shot and I  told her I didnt want it and she said, Well it is mandatory, you have to get it in order to go to school.

Rethy allegedly administered the shot to her daughter, and then to her son. McNeil said:

Hes 14 and he said they didnt even ask him if he wanted it or not, but when they gave it to him, he said he thought he had to get it because his sister got it.

According to the complaint, both children received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, authorized for emergency use, and the meningococcal vaccine. Her son was also injected with TDaP.

Both children were upset and angry they had been coerced into vaccination, the complaint says.

No school mandate, despite what clinic and doctor alleged

When she got home, McNeil said she called the doctors office, and asked them why they vaccinated her children without her consent.

I would have never consented to you all vaccinating my children, she said. Im not vaccinated and Im not getting vaccinated and my kids were never supposed to be vaccinated for COVID period, under no circumstances.

She said the person on the phone said they were supposed to get them for school.

After hanging up, McNeil said she was so irritated I even started crying because she couldnt believe they put this poison into her childrens bodies.

In July 2022, D.C. public schools imposed a vaccine mandate for schoolchildren ages 12 and up for the 2022-2023 school year. But on Aug. 26, just weeks after imposing the mandate, officials walked it back, postponing it until 2023.

That means when McNeils children saw the doctor, there was no school vaccine mandate in place, despite what the Rethy allegedly told the children.

The age of consent

The District of Columbia in March 2021 enacted the D.C. Minor Consent for Vaccination Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Minor Consent Act), allowing children 11 and older to consent to the administration of any vaccine  including COVID-19 shots  recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)  without parental knowledge or consent if the medical provider believed the minor is capable of meeting the informed consent standard.

The law also required healthcare personnel to provide accurate immunization records to the Department of Health and to the students school, but not to parents with religious exemptions.

CHD and Parental Rights Foundation filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to declare the D.C. Act unconstitutional.

A judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on March 18, 2022, granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the D.C. mayor, Department of Health and public schools from enforcing the law.

That means at the time McNeils children visited the clinic, they could not legally provide consent to be vaccinated without their mothers consent.

McNeil said:

To do that to my little children, my innocent children. They took her rights. When she backed away from you [the doctor] and said she didnt want it, that should have been the end of it.

Or you [the doctor] should have called me on the phone to find out what I feel about the situation. But you [the doctor] basically told my child a lie so you [she] could do what you [she] wanted to do to my kid.

An Enemy of the People

In his foreword, Kennedy alerts readers to the undeniable fact that the persecution of those who tell uncomfortable truths, which Ibsen described over one hundred years ago, continues to this day and is as relevant now as ever. We face environmental deregulation and degradation, politicians in lobbyists pockets, attacks on facts that are agreed upon by reputable scientists, corporate funded and controlled research, and attempts to impede and suppress whistleblowers. The battle continues and Kennedy joins Ibsen on the front lines.





ROAR by Bruce Wagner



The myth of an epic, public lifeits triumphs and tragediesis a particularly American obsession. ROAR is a metafictional exploration of such a life and attendant fame of an extraordinary, and completely made up, man.




Education minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy at a meeting of Intermediate Board officials in Hyderabad. (DC)

HYDERABAD: Even as Intermediate public examinations are all set to commence on Tuesday, several corporate colleges have not issued hall tickets to their students for not paying the fee, despite clear orders from the Intermediate board against the practice.

The board had issued a notice saying that students could directly download their hall tickets from the website of the Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) and there was no need for the signature of their principal. However, students are not aware of the guideline.

"SR College (earlier known as Gayatri College), Narayana, Chaitanya, Alphores Junior College and several other such commercial-minded corporate colleges trouble their students by withholding their hall tickets till the eleventh hour for not paying the complete fee," said Dr P. Madhusudhan Reddy, president of the Telangana Government Junior Colleges Lecturers Association.

He added that on March 13, he went to pay the pending fee of 1,000 of a relative at a private college who did not issue the hall ticket to the student. "The students parents are economically poor and requested the college to allow them to pay the fee later but to no avail," he said.

Meanwhile, even students from government and private junior colleges said that they were oblivious of any such notice about downloading of hall tickets.

A student from St. Mary's junior college said that a fine of 5,000 was collected from his friend as he had 60 per cent attendance. Only after he paid the amount was he given the hall ticket.

Lecturers Forum convener Syed Zabee said that there are many students from private colleges whose hall ticket has not been issued for not paying the fee.

"The government has made it clear that with regard to shortage of attendance, a college can collect a maximum of 500 and not 5,000. The colleges threaten parents, who end up paying exorbitant amounts," he said.

TSBIE had on March 6 said that all hall tickets have been uploaded on tsbie.cgg.gov.in and college principals can download them using their respective college logins and distribute them to their students immediately.

Chief superintendents of theory examination centres were also instructed to allow candidates with downloaded hall tickets.

Meanwhile, despite several attempts to contact him for clarification on the issue, the commissioner of collegiate and technical education Navin Mittal was unavailable.
Where did COVID-19 originate? Was it a lab leak, or spread from a Chinese wet market?

Any scientist or researcher suggesting that COVID-19 originated in or was released from a lab had been ridiculed as a conspiracy theorist.

But the lab in question, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, is the largest BSL4 lab in the world which is exactly where such research would have been conducted.

Wikipedia already has a page devoted to this conspiracy theory, titled COVID-19 lab leak theory. The page concludes, The prevailing scientific view remained that while an accidental leak was possible, it was highly unlikely.

Unlikely? Says who?

Aside from the fact that: There is no current confirmed intermediate host for the SARS-CoV-2, as published in the Journal of Medical Virology in 2022 and the fact that 3 Wuhan lab researchers fell ill in November 2019, as reported by NBC News, the lab origin theory of the virus is still considered fringe conspiracy theory. Say otherwise and risk censorship and ridicule.

Just like when Galileo had the audacity to challenge orthodoxy by asserting that the earth revolved around the sun and not vice versa.

Who were the voices critical of a lab leak? MSNBC crank Nicolle Wallace called the idea of a COVID-19 lab leak a "conspiracy theory," as did many of her fellow travelers. Fox News reported, MSNBCs Joy Reid took things even further, calling the lab leak theory "debunked bunkum" being pushed by Trump. New York Times reporter Apoorva Mandavilli, described the lab origin talk as racist.

CNN laughingly touts itself as the most trusted name in news. They lost their little remaining trust in their handling of discussion of the origins of COVID-19. As Fox News reported, In the early months of the pandemic, then-CNN president Jeff Zucker would not allow his network to chase down the lab-leak story because he believed it was a Trump talking point.

CNN and other corporate media followed the political science rather than the actual science in their analysis and reporting. Just as they did with masks, distancing, vaccines, off-label therapeutics, and many other aspects of COVID-19 policy that were called conspiracy theories and are now turning out to be true.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and the Department of Energy both recently concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from lab leak in China.

Was this a recent conclusion?

"The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan," said Wray in a Fox News interview.

When did the FBI conclude this and why are they only now casually mentioning this?

Was the timing related to news that, Beijing could start providing weapons and or ammunition  lethal support  to help boost Russia's war on Ukraine? After years of FBI leaks over Trump-Russia collusion and Hunter Bidens laptop, we can safely conclude that narrative-building is an FBI forte and news release timing is rarely coincidental.

Perhaps the Biden administration is encouraging China to stay away from Russia by starting to discuss the lab leak and the evidence against China for COVID-19.

Not only did the FBI and DOE believe in the lab leak hypothesis, the American people did, too. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 66% of Likely U.S. voters believe it is likely that the COVID-19 virus originated in a Chinese laboratory, including 49% who say it is very likely.

Fortunately a congressional subcommittee will be investigating this possibility, another preference of Americans: Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters agree that Congress should conduct such an investigation, including 45% who strongly agree, according to Rasmussen Reports.

One of the major COVID-19 players, Dr. Anthony Fauci, was adamant about not exploring COVID origins.

The Washington Examiner reported this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci and others "prompted" a scientific paper pushing back on the Wuhan lab leak hypothesis in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, emails show. Is it science to commission a paper to reach a predetermined conclusion rather than using research and analysis to reach a conclusion?

Perhaps Dr. Fauci along with his institutions and grant funding had some role in the gain of function research leading to the creation of COVID-19 and prefers that his role in the COVID pandemic remain hidden and obscured. The truth is dripping out, however.

Now that lab origin is no longer a conspiracy theory, Dr. Fauci is singing a different tune saying, We may never know the origins of the pandemic, but that we must all keep an open mind to all possibilities. Why is his mind now open to all possibilities when it was closed tightly just a few years ago? Hopefully congressional hearings will help clarify Dr. Faucis confusion and new attitude toward COVID-19 origins.

Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC director, isnt confused based on recent testimony to Rep. Jim Jordans congressional committee. Dr. Robert Malone summarized:

Dr. Redfield directly linked gain-of-function research and the creation of SARS-CoV-WIV to Dr. Fauci, and to the US Gov - including the DoD. He absolutely believes and gives sworn testimony to the effect that Dr. Fauci and Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and soon be the chief scientist at the World Health Organization, covered up the lab leak information. How Dr. Redfield himself was excluded from the meetings when the processes, strategy and tactics for covering up the lab leak were developed.

Dr. Redfield, a virologist aside from former CDC director, went further :

In Sept. 2019, three things happened in that lab. One is they deleted the sequences. Highly irregular, researchers don't like to do that. The second thing is they changed the command and control from civilian to military. Highly unusual. The third, which is very telling, is they let a contractor redo the ventilation system in that laboratory. Clearly, there was strong evidence that a significant event happened in that laboratory in September.

The media is, unsurprisingly, not interested in this story. As one example, the New York Times published only one story, buried on page A22, with this headline, Republicans push lab leak theory on Covids origins but lack smoking gun. It seems the sworn testimony of a former CDC director would be a smoking gun, along with Dr. Faucis efforts to control and direct the narrative. And that there is no evidence of natural origin.

It isnt just Republicans who are curious. The House voted unanimously to declassify intelligence on COVID-19 origins. Yet the New York Times blames Republicans in typical hyper-partisan fashion.

I suppose the Times is waiting for video evidence of Dr. Fauci with test tubes and a centrifuge explaining exactly what he is creating as a smoking gun. Which of course doesnt exist. And if it did, the Times fact checkers would claim missing context.

And is China the real source of COVID-19 or simply a waypoint? China suggests that the U.S. Armys Fort Detrick research institute might the source. The BBC calls this propaganda although it is curious that this lab shut down in mid-2019 over safety concerns as the New York Times described. And dont forget that last year Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland told Sen. Marco Rubio that Ukraine has numerous biolabs. Who knows the true pathway of COVID-19 from laboratory to infecting the world?

It is unfortunate that the corporate media, over the past seven years was driven not by honesty and objectivity in news reporting, but instead by what would most damage Donald Trump. Veracity took a back seat to propaganda and a concerted effort to knowingly suppress or promote stories to damage a duly elected U.S. president and prevent his reelection.

From the Trump-Russia collusion hoax and Hunter Bidens laptop to Tucker Carlsons recent January 6 revealations, members of Congress and their media allies boldly lied. This also extended into all things COVID-19. If Trump said X then the media pushed an anti-X narrative, even if blatantly false, by screeching misinformation and disinformation and censoring any opposing views.

The lesson is that the corporate media, in America and internationally, has destroyed what little credibility it once had. In the case of COVID-19s origin, the government health and intelligence agencies deliberately lied and attempted to cover up their gain-of-function tinkering with Mother Nature for reasons that we hopefully learn. And many died as a result.

The media have no one to blame but themselves for their loss of trust by the American people and continued COVID-19 revelations reinforce that trend.

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Truth Social @BrianJoondeph, and LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph

Image: YouTube screen grab
The former UN Ambassador and governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, appeared before a standing-room-only crowd on March 8, 2023 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The personal highlight for me was when I prefaced my questions to her by stating, Before God and this crowd, I can say that you are a woman in her prime. And I strongly emphasized the word prime.

She laughed and thanked me. The crowd loved it. I was glad I said it. She has a great amount of energy and is a very hard worker. The contrast with Joe Biden is stark.

The campaign is still new and the questions will become repetitive over time, so I wanted to ask her a timely question that dealt with Donald Trump.

Last weekend, Trump gave a long speech to CPAC. I asked her if she agreed with two promises that Trump made:

1. To carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.

2. Start doing mail-in ballots and ballot harvesting the way the Democrats do; fight fire with fire.

She sort of dodged the first and didnt respond about deportation, but she did say that she would close the border and do smart immigration reform. People will be admitted to this country based upon merit, not just numbers. During her speech she noted that her parents are legal immigrants and they very much resent people who cut the line. Her mothers comment was that these people broke the law to enter the country so they will just continue to disrespect the law. Also, during her speech she said she would demand E-Verify for any employment. She said she did it in South Carolina and illegals arent that much of a problem there.

On the second question, she said Republicans are too nice. So, so true. She then went on to praise voter ID and how she enacted it in South Carolina. Here in Nebraska, voters approved a voter ID law but the Dems in the Unicameral are trying to muck it up.

Any person who can win a state-wide political race is an impressive person with lots of energy and smarts. I saw that first-hand in the recent campaign of Jim Pillen, who is now Nebraskas governor. He put on over 100,000 miles on his pickup and worked tirelessly.

Having met many candidates during the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, I can attest that Nikki Haley is one of the smarter ones. She has a very quick mind and is good on her feet with questions. Since I was recently grilled by the Nebraska Supreme Court, this is not easy to do well.

My big impressions of her: Shes tough and tough-minded and very much a numbers person. But shes also personable and likes people. She wont be Accountant-in-Chief. On the first, she told the story about how she defeated a 30-year incumbent to win her seat in the South Carolina legislature. She then went on to win the GOP primary for governor against a large field.

When she became governor, she got a bill passed that increased the number of recorded legislative votes. Before that, fewer than 5% of the votes were recorded. The rest were voice votes! In Nebraska, the most prominent feature in the legislative chamber is a giant tally board.

As UN ambassador, she worked to have other countries respect America and she did that with foreign aid. She had a book compiled for President Trump (the only time she mentioned him by name) showing how much money we gave to countries that dont help us, including China. My view is giving any money to China is crazy; much less the money that Fauci sent to conduct deadly gain-of-function research.

The Mexican cartels are no different than ISIS. China is our number one security threat. She would hold both accountable. I believe her.

Haley rightly noted that our pull-out from Afghanistan never would have happened if she was President. Ill add that Trump never would have done it that way. My view is that stupid mistake by Biden gave Putin the green light to invade Ukraine.

Nikki Haley was trained as an accountant so numbers are important to her. Our debt is $32 trillion. Both Medicare and Social Security are in trouble. She would require a balanced budget. Shed limit benefits to the wealthy. Shed also move retirement age up for younger people. CNN latched onto that comment in its report.

Her parents are educated people and valued the American education system for their children. Our public education system is now broken. Kids should be able to read by the third grade. She favors school choice.

Politics is about addition; not subtraction. Younger people and minorities should be recruited to vote for the GOP. America is not a racist nation. If it was, she never would have been elected governor of the state that fired the first shot in the Civil War. Our national self-loathing must stop. No CRT in the schools.

A national purpose will unify us. That national purpose is the goal of becoming a strong and unified country. Thats kind of a tautology, but it sounds good for a political campaign. My view is that the Left doesnt want that at all. The Left wants to manage our decline as we pay for our past sins.

David Begley, a graduate of Creighton University, is a lawyer in Omaha, Nebraska. https://elderlawnebraska.com/

Image: National Archives
Pathocracy can be defined generally as a condition of government under psychopathic domination, one in which a sufficient number of psychologically defective personalities have organized to subjugate a vulnerable and passive citizenry. Pathocratic systems are not at all uncommon in the world's history, but it is only now that we have developed the language and the methods of analysis by which to identify them. They are known to arise from dogmatic and extreme forms of political ideology, often within well-ordered democratic systems, and evolve rapidly without correction towards hybrid forms of despotism.

After all the destructive conflicts of the 20th century, it would seem impossible that the barren seeds of a collective political psychosis could take root and flourish again in the modern world. But within two years of the Biden presidency, we have become aware of the same deep-running pathology emerging from the psychological bacteria that thrive and multiply in toxic liberal environments. Liberalism has abandoned its original defense of the principle of individual freedom and become one of those degenerative closed systems of thinking and behavior that allow for the accumulation of pathogenic material within them.

The liberal mind is highly susceptible to pathogenic suggestion. It is the last and perhaps most dangerous of the unlit caverns remaining to science regarding the psychology of radical conformist movements that contribute to the ideological colonization and overthrow of democratic systems. An organized search of its vast holding of intellectual deformities will yield countless volumes in the study of intelligence gone wrong. The liberal mind is Jung's concept of a "collective unconscious" presenting to the world, in its unrestrained egotism and denial of psychological reality, the troubled mind of a psychopath.

Regardless of the strong or weak potential for evil in psychopathic personalities, all psychopaths are deceivers who must lie to hide their personalities and intentions. Their deception is a survival tactic in societies that have learned to distrust them and to fear their pursuit of domination. Psychopaths in turn regard the conventions protecting society from their egotism as discriminatory, repressive, and unjust. Their ideal world would not be drawn from the great book of human understanding but from the erasure of those laws and customs that have successfully limited their influence. Their world would be one of "social justice."

Psychopaths find purpose in their sense of difference from others, in the certainty of their superiority, and in their ability to deceive, manipulate, and hurt. The normal personality has a choice as to whether or not to harm someone else, but psychopaths do not have that choice. They lack the empathy or the conscience necessary to care for the happiness and wellbeing of others. Their complete indifference towards those close to them is their power, and that power is of the nature of evil. Psychiatry typically encounters evil in a broad range of personality disorders and prescribes treatment on an individual basis, as each case presents unique features; but when these same disorders emerge collectively at the macrosocial level through the influence of social media and organized political activity, clinical study has yet to be attempted.

When psychologically defective personalities acquire the power of direct communication with a vast audience along with the ability to control public opinion, their thought-ending virus spreads quickly throughout social networks. If evil is to triumph in our nation's political affairs, its ministers need only the means of limiting the flow of information available to the public. The ignorant should be ruled by the informed, for that is the purpose of government, they tell us, and it remains for liberal news organizations to keep the people in a reliable state of ignorance. The authoritarianism this enables is beyond question. "Democracy Dies in Darkness," according to the Washington Post's deliberately ambiguous motto, which seems to read superficially as a general caution against tyranny but which functions in ministerial code as a daily reminder and general order to all liberal news organizations to extinguish any lights that may shine upon the plain truth of the Left's totalitarian ambitions. Conservatives may own the stronger argument, but liberals own the media.

What we do not know about the evil of pathocratic domination in the modern era will hurt us. A pathocracy, once established, cannot pause in its progression through the institutions of democracy and like a cancer, it can only perish with the host on which it feeds. An enlightened citizenry is the only cure for the political evil that now informs liberal culture. But the moment we cease to learn, we become stupid. It is the most crucial of obligations to our common humanity: to learn, to understand, to participate in the essential flow and exchange of knowledge. Knowledge is the only way out of the traps and cages of compulsory thinking that the ideologues have prepared for us.

But students can no longer attend school with the expectation of knowledge. Education in a pathocratic environment is revisionist, dogmatic, and final; and nothing good will come from the programed hostility of activists who are caught in the vortex of liberal propaganda. These are the ones who hate, who teach their hatred to others, and who are making copies of themselves in the minds of our children. We see the formation in liberal culture of a synthesis of Marxist ideology and structural racism originating neither from impulse nor anger, but from hatred without a cause, the kind of hatred that can only be learned through instruction in the pure evil of identity politics -- the new name for official racism in America.

Progress in human understanding cannot proceed along these political lines of force. The measurable degeneration of human intelligence is significantly a product of indoctrination into psychologically defective world views. The effects of compulsory belief systems as obstructions to normal psychological development must be understood if we are to confront the true nature of political psychopathy in free societies. A proper study of the genesis of evil at macrosocial levels is therefore necessary, specifically to examine the problem from a scientific rather than a moral point of view. If well-governed democratic systems are sustainable, then we must learn how to recognize the emerging political and social pathologies that threaten them, and then to popularize the science at earlier levels of public education.

Evil is written upon the gateway to every liberal dream of power. Better to enlist among the generals of a new liberal order, the words are telling us, than among the legions of a free society. But there can be no tolerance for the trauma that pathocratic domination brings to the millions of good people who must turn from their just pursuits to confront the terror of pernicious indoctrination. Certainly, this is evil. There can be no agreement with its terms nor space provided for its instruction. To tolerate evil is to give it sanctuary, but to bargain with evil is to give it legitimacy.

Philip Ahlrich can be reached for comment at phahl@icloud.com.
Let us resolve to reclaim our own words.

The cloud of defeat enshrouding America is a spiritual, moral, and political conquest that seeks to control minds, debilitate character, and destroy institutions from within. That conquest starts with the power to control our words. We react, we write, we rail against them  but always using their words. They control the conversation. We have let the enslavers control our words.

The disruptive force throughout American history has been Christianity. It disrupted slavery, segregation, and abortion because Christians rejected words of the oppressors. They called slaves their brothers; they call the pre-born babies. Freedom and sanity in your own life begin by reclaiming your words. Bring intentionality to the words you speak. If words don't serve truth and freedom, don't speak them. Be a loud, proud Freedom-Talker. Pledge to use language that expresses your values and beliefs, to refrain from false words, and to turn away from them without fear.

The Freedom-Talker's Oath

"I solemnly swear to speak words of truth of my understanding and reject false words, so help me God."

The following 10 phrases are links in the chains around your neck. But they can be pulled off. Some refer to things that don't exist; others are ignorant and dehumanizing linguistic distortions for things that do exist.

1. Our Democracy does not exist. The word "democracy" does not occur in the Constitution. We are a constitutional republic, not a democracy. Philosophical arguments can be made regarding the democratic process in America, but the relentless use of our democracy is a coffin nail for the Constitution.

2. People of Color, Communities of Color do not exist. The terms are actual hate speech designed to create a coalition of resentment among descendants of every continent except Europe. Next time someone uses the term "POC," if you are of European ancestry, point to your hand and ask, "Does my skin look like cellophane?" All human skin has color. The exclusionary term POC is racist.

3. Black, brown, red, white, yellow people. Human races may imprecisely exist, but there are no subspecies of humans based on skin tone. The conquerors and their treacherous retainers color-code people to devalue individuality, and to divide and conquer us by politically favoring some colors while punishing others. Skin color typology is the fallacious framework that enabled the catastrophic shift from honoring achievement to honoring identity. Want to understand why young people are discouraged? Start there.

Do you believe that the government-media obsession with race and reference to monochromatic color groupings advances the framework of freedom? If not, resist the conquerors' cudgel-word Black. It is rarely helpful to talk about race and never necessary to reduce human beings to a racial identity. If it is absolutely necessary to talk about these identities, use cultural, not color terms.

4. Disinformation does not exist. There are two kinds of false information: mistakes and lies. The term disinformation is promulgated to obfuscate and sanitize lying. Disinformation is lying committed by liars.

5. Conspiracy Theory does not exist due to a severe lack of efficient conspiracies. Hopefully, soon, there will be more competent conspiracies providing theories. Until then, conspiracy theory is the term enslavers use to discredit emerging information shared by people still capable of rational thought, which offers resistance to the destruction of America.

6. Climate Change. An extremely complex natural phenomenon for which the conquerors offer a simple solution: give up your freedom to live as you choose.

7. Gender does not exist in humans. It's been impossible for the enslavers to quantify the number of genders because it is zero. There are two sexes and zero genders. The hoax of gender as a socially acquired, fluid trait was cooked up by awful people like John Money and Judith Butler to inflict their own depravity and bitterness, to drain common sense, and to generate insanity in America. The correct term is "sex identity." The correct term for the subjective experience of being male or female is "sex identification." This area of research and discussion became an obsession due to the conquerors' hatred of human nature. Consider correcting the garbage science term gender fluid. If you suffer to hear it, substitute the word "ambisexuality."

If you are having a party to celebrate the sex of your pre-born baby, call it a "Boy or Girl?" party. Establishing immutable sex identity is a foundation of Godfulness, naturalness, and security from which the child can explore different feelings and activities. Your son will grow up in a sick society where a boy is told he does not have to be a boy if he doesn't want to. Don't give the insanity a head start.

8. Transgender does not exist. Powder and paint can't make a man what he ain't. Sex identity is the earliest and deepest form of ego identity, inseparable from the gift of life itself. There is no more perfect application of the term "disorder" than disunity between the sex of the body and the processes of ego mind. Centering life on sex identity disorder is an energetic sinkhole that undermines the chance of living a selfless, generous, fulfilling life for either sex.

Adults have the right to pass themselves off as the opposite sex, but unless the listener is another Helen Keller, it is not going to work. (Actually, Helen would have known.) Adults have the right to change their name, to have cosmetic surgery, to try to live what they hope will be their best life. They don't have the right to force their own disordered imagination on others. They don't have the right to dictate other people's perceptions or words. Males with sex identity disorder must not be allowed to commandeer areas or opportunities reserved to females. Freedom-Talkers, consider dropping transgender, and instead say "Male or Female Simulant."

9. Drag Queens, homely men who prance about in sexist, degrading caricatures of women, do exist. The term is a misnomer that suggests cultural royalty for tasteless, passe cross-sex narcissism, repopularized as a form of mental child abuse.

Prior to the current fashions in decadence, how often did you find yourself chatting about lewd tranvestism? Anyone who finds female impersonation entertaining, something is amiss. Reach out, get help. Suggestion for Freedom-Talkers, if necessary: "sexualized female impersonator." Ignore it, and avoid media outlets that feature it.

10. Gay. The cultural adoration of homosexuality is the second worst spiritual setback to befall America. The worst was destruction of the ideal of the privilege of physical love being reserved to sanctified marriage. That destruction arose in the 1950s with movements such as Hefnerism and Kinseyism and has gathered strength to this day, when the ever dwindling numbers of souls fortunate enough to enter the world are born out of wedlock.

A lie can never rest. Falsehood is always on the move. We watch a relentless march of untruths about human possibility and freedom, which has dallied for years in devotion to homosexualism. Don't say gay; don't say straight; don't say queer. Desexualize the words you speak; pull the pet names of the lie from your mind, root and branch. If anyone imposes unwelcome sexual self-reference upon you, don't accept it. Do not let any but God and your own conscience control your words regarding the spiritual questions of life.

The New Humanity will look back upon us with sorrow, much as we look back upon civilizations of the past that perished due to plagues. Those people suffered plagues of the body; our civilization suffers plagues of the spirit. The future will say of this time, they had the hand of God, and knowledge of science to end war, end hunger and poverty, to cure many of the diseases of that time. But they were detained by worship of the lowest degrees of consciousness, their own lusts and hatreds. They remained addicted to ancient grievances and clouded their own minds with novel ones.

Until the day of the New Humanity arrives, do one thing now: speak the words of truth and freedom.

Image via Pxhere.
Left-wing Axios recently reported-- apparently without blushing-- that frustrated Republicans want to move on from talk of January 6even as the far-right revives Jan. 6.

This, in the wake of Tucker Carlsons reports illustrating just how deceptive the January 6 Committee was. The roughly 44,000 hours of video to which Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy granted Carlsons team access clearly revealed that the Committee omitted evidence, doctored film footage, and, in some cases, outright lied about what really transpired at the Capitol that day.

And yet Democrats and their mainstream media propaganda arm accused Carlson of "cherry-picking," or, deliberately mischaracterizing what was plain to see on film.

What a load of crap. As always, the Democrat-Media Complex is employing its time-tested tactic of attempting to gaslight and petrify the American people through an onslaught of prevarication and projection.

Democrats push hoaxes and conspiracy theories for as long as they possibly can and get away with doing so. Then, when they are finally and demonstrably proven false, Democrats immediately say something like, Lets put this boring old timeworn issue behind us! Its time to move on. The American people want to move on, and deservedly so.

Sickeningly, many RINOs aid and abet them. And their media puppets promptly and persistently parrot the same message. The Uniparty + The Swamp=tyranny.

The Russia Collusion Hoax, the vaccines are effective and harmless hoax, the Hunter Biden laptop is Russian disinformation hoax, the those who believe the coronavirus came from a lab in Wuhan are dangerous, racist, xenophobic, conspiracy theorists hoax  and countless other assertions Democrats have made have all been proven to be baselessconspiracy theories. Democrats accuse conservativesor anyone who disagrees with themof trafficking in misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and lies. They employ the same smears against anyone telling the truth. They accuse Republicans of The Big Lie if and when they question the results of elections in which Democrats prevailed. Yet, they themselves have a lengthy track record of aggressively, even ruthlessly, questioning elections both local and national in which Republicans have won.

In reality, it is they who traffic in misinformation, lies, and conspiracy theories. It is beyond preposterous when they accuse anyone who questions them of wanting to destroy our precious democracy. This is what they are hell-bent on doing. How can making footage of what occurred on January 6 be detrimental to our democracy?

Democracy dies in darkness, not light. It dies when those in power obfuscate, lie, and hide that for which they are responsible. Who would have thought wed see the day when most media outlets decried the release of timely and highly newsworthy film footage? Especially when it could help speak truth to power?

Film at 11 was an old cliche used by many television news broadcasts. Today, these same outlets are demanding No film at 11! Bizarre. And deeply disturbing.

The party that wants to pack the Supreme Court, eliminate the filibuster, get rid of the Electoral College, make the nations capital a state, ignore the Constitution, take away your Second Amendment rights, also wants to prevent you from seeing what actually occurred on Jan. 6, 2021. That Democrats want to silence anybody with whom they disagree; they are not the safeguards of our democracy.

It is the party bent on its utter and rapid destruction.

Image: TapTheForwardAssist, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0
The New Dark Age that is sending Western Civilization into decline scored an important victory at the highly-regarded Indiana University Medical School in Bloomington, Indiana, where the UK Daily Mail reports:

Indiana University School of Medicine's mandatory 'Human Structure' course for first year students has been overhauled to include 'sex and gender primer' teaching them to use gender-inclusive language and avoid words like male and female. cervical cancer screenings should be offered to 'people' not 'women' to avoid offending patients. Students are also taught that gender is a 'social construct' separate from biological sex, and as doctors they should use 'gender-inclusive and language' to promote 'affirmation of identity.'

This is sheer pandering to a vocal (and frequently abusive) minority but does not directly contradict actual science, though avoiding the words male and female is ignoring reality in favor of pandering to the fantasies of a small percentage of patients. However, the following does contradict science:

It is stated that sex is a 'mostly biological construct,' while defining it as 'patterns of chromosomes, genes, and hormones produce common phenotypes but variations exist.'

I am sorry, but sex is purely biological, based on either XX or XY chromosomes in every cell of the body. What people do with the sexual hand dealt to them does vary, but that does not make sex anything other than biological in nature. And it has two categories: male and female.

As one fully should anticipate, the course materials descend to an infantile level illustrating its idiotic content, such as this gingerbread man.

(source)

Ive visited IU a few times, and it is a beautiful campus. Its a shame that it has been bullied (I assume) and has caved in, forsaking science for political correctness, and is now indoctrinating future physicians in nonsense.
US director Daniel Scheinert (L) and US director Daniel Kwan accepts the Oscar for Best Director for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

Los Angeles: The Daniels doubled down on everything. It's paid off in one of the most unlikely best director Oscar wins in history.

The directing duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took the elite filmmaking prize Sunday night for their multiversal dramedy Everything Everywhere All at Once", topping a talented field that included Hollywood royalty Steven Spielberg.

The Daniels came into the night the favourites for the Oscar, and their film, the top nominee with 11, had immense awards season momentum, making the victory no surprise.

It was the second Oscar of the night for the duo, who earlier won best original screenplay, one of five statuettes their film won Sunday night, including best supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan and best supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis. It may still win best actress and best picture.

When they won the earlier Oscar, Scheinert railed off the names of his favourite school teachers, saying, you guys all inspired me and taught me to be less of a butthead.

And Kwan said my impostor syndrome is at an all-time high. He called Scheinert my confidence. He is the person who told me I was a storyteller before I believed it.

Each 35 years old, the Daniels were the youngest and least experienced filmmakers in a group of nominees that also included 76-year-old Spielberg ("The Fabelmans"), 48-year-old Ruben Ostlund (Triangle of Sadness) 59-year-old Todd Field (Tar) and 52-year-old Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin).

Their win comes almost exactly a year after the film's release. The Daniels' only previous feature was the oddball dead-body comedy Swiss Army Man".

At the time it might have seemed a pipe dream that such a pair would win an award that has eluded star directors from Alfred Hitchcock to Ridley Scott to Quentin Tarantino.

But Everything Everywhere, which mixed the same kind of strangeness with elements of Hollywood sci-fi and action epics, stirred buzz - and inspired memes - from the start and became a magnet for awards in recent months.

Kwan becomes the third winner of Asian descent to win a directing Oscar. Chloe Zhao and Bong Joon also won the prize. The film was a boon for Asian actors, who were cast in most of the major roles, including Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan, all of whom got Oscar nominations, with Quan winning and Yeoh's best actress category still to be presented.

The Daniels are the third directing duo to win an Oscar. Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise won for the original West Side Story in 1962, and brothers Joel and Ethan Coen won for No Country for Old Men in 2008.

They are also among the youngest to win the award. La La Land director Damien Chazelle was the youngest at 32 in 2017.

Last month they won the Directors Guild of America Award, which has proven to be a strong predictor of Oscar victory.

Spielberg had once been expected to cruise through awards season with his autobiographical The Fabelmans, but the late surge in affection for Everything Everywhere All at Once proved too much.

Scheinert, from Birmingham, Alabama, and Kwan, from Westborough, Massachusetts, met while studying film at Emerson College in Boston.

They began their career making music videos before moving on to features, occasionally directing episodes of television.

There were no female directors nominated in the category. After two years of trend-bucking with back-to-back wins for women in the category, the Academy returned to its historic norm of nominating male directors only.
The big fear in Mexico is that American will stay away, or this is what a good friend told me. Tourism is a big deal south of the border, and Americans are the ones those resorts and hotels were built for. It's worth $22 billion, or about 2% of their GDP. To be fair, not all that money comes from the U.S., but a huge chunk does. After all, Cancun and Acapulco are two-hour flights from Dallas or Houston.

This is why they hate stories like this one at the BBC:

Authorities in the US state of Texas have advised American citizens not travel to Mexico during the spring break holidays for security reasons. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said that drug cartel violence represented a significant threat for anyone crossing into Mexico. It comes after four Americans were kidnapped shortly after crossing the border last week. Two of them were murdered, while two were released unharmed. Three American women who went to Mexico to sell clothes at a market have been missing for more than two weeks. "Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat to anyone who crosses into Mexico right now," said DPS director Steven McCraw. "Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time."

We've had warnings like this in the past. However, we've never had a Mexican president say he is going to work on defeating Republicans in the next election. My guess is that President Andres Lopez-Obrador will walk it back and maybe even apologize or say he chose the wrong words. Nevertheless, a lot of people heard him say it and may just change their vacation plans. Mexicans know they are not the only beach destination in the neighborhood.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Joachim Pietsch.
John Dale Dunn's blog piece from March 11 titled "Tucker Carlson pulled his punches" was a little bit harsh. A little bit.

While I agree that it appeared that Tucker Carlson shifted from a fairly assertive open (on Monday) to a significantly less assertive set of shows throughout the balance of the week, he did hit a few nerves and caused an apoplectic response from the January 6 committee members, the Democrats, a handful of weak-kneed Republicans, and the plurality media.

In his Monday open, Carlson expressed that neither the Capitol Hill Police nor Fox News executives or producers set any limits on his content. After Monday's show, with Chuck Schumer demanding that Tucker's show be censored, it sure looked as though any further video was squelched in the crib. Tucker Carlson should answer whether his producers demanded that he not air further content.

Mr. Dunn's anger, though, is partially misdirected. We all knew that January 6 was not an insurrection. The J6 committee (without further evidence) didn't establish any coordinated effort to overthrow the government.

On three important fronts, Carlson contradicted the bogus narratives (established by the J6 committee) around Jacob Chansley (the QAnon Shaman), the death (reported murder) of Officer Brian Sicknick, and the false testimony from Ray Epps. "They lied!"

While the media and Democrats (but I repeat myself) have attacked Tucker Carlson personally, none has directly challenged the content that he presented on his show. It could be that Tucker Carlson is allowing the first batch of videos to be absorbed and will circle back in the coming weeks with more revelations.

For me, there are more questions than answers surrounding January 6.

Where is the testimony from those in the room when Donald Trump recommended calling up the National Guard?

What did Nancy Pelosi know? When did she know it? Why did she loosen, not tighten Capitol security?

Interview more Capital Hill police. What direction were they provided prior to and during the riot? Were they instructed to remove barricades? Open locked doors? Who provided said direction?

Where's the video of the guy in the hoodie who planted bombs at the RNC and DNC offices?

There's video of a black-hooded guy throwing the fire extinguisher at Brian Sicknick. Is he one of the people in the D.C. gulag? If not, who is it? Can security video get more clips of him? Release it and post a reward for his identification and capture?

Antifa indicated that they were intending to "infiltrate the Capitol protesters" as a black flag operation. What video evidence is available that shows black-clad instigators of violence and property damage?

Christopher Wray has demurred as to whether FBI and/or other federal agents were present on January 6. What video evidence shows would-be agents (like Ray Epps) instigating the incursion on the Capitol? If bum-rushing the doors, damaging property, or otherwise directing others to do so, doesn't land one in custody, how come?

Most importantly, there are dozens of Americans illegally incarcerated for their alleged actions on January 6. Find any and all incarcerated persons on video and run a loop of all of their activities. If criminal behavior (beyond trespassing) can be ascertained, prosecute accordingly. Let everyone else free.

On this I agree with Mr. Dunn: January 6 was a Reichstag Fire event.

Tucker Carlson can only expose the truth. It will require some spines in Congress and/or law enforcement (or the military) to right the wrongs that were perpetrated against patriots two-plus years ago. The tyranny against good people cannot stand.

Image: Screen shot from Fox News video.
My hat is off to Mark Levin for his opening statement in Sunday's edition of Life, Liberty and Levin. While Mark's show is always worth watching, this particular segment is clearly in the must-see category for anyone concerned about the totalitarian turn Democrat party (the world's oldest political party) has taken.

Mark exposed, with video excerpts, the appalling Jew-hatred visible in Louis Farrakhan's February 26 "Savior's Day" rally in Chicago. The media have almost completely ignored the rally, which is itself a scandal. This is a rally that Ticketmaster had no scruples, no second thoughts, about enabling (and profiting off of) by selling tickets for it online.

In the rally, the phrase "the synagogue of Satan" was repeatedly invoked to characterize the entire Jewish community. The usual charges of Jews buying political influence and short-circuiting democracy were of course made. But the rhetoric also turned eliminationist, in a chilling way, as if Farrakhan is preparing the way for genocide (again).

Farrakhan's rhetoric went beyond hate in the direction of incitement. As Mark put it, he "seems to be predicting another Holocaust as far as I can tell." I would add that he seems to be justifying it. You must see the excerpts to believe them.

But Mark went beyond decrying the hate to document the shameful sucking up of the Democrats to Farrakhan. He featured the 2005 Congressional Black Caucus luncheon Farrakhan attended, where he met Barack Obama, then just beginning his political career. Obama had no compunction about being photographed with Farrakhan, and the media obediently covered up the photo for many years:

Mark asked: "Is there a reason Joe Biden didn't condemn this?" and "Is there a reason why the Washington press corps blows this off?"

The answers are all too obvious.

Watch and weep for our country that this man wields so much influence in the party that commands our bureaucracy, no matter who sits in the White House.

Hat tip: James Lewis

Photo credits: YouTube screen grabs.

Monica Showalter adds: And this Democrat penchant for Farrakhan is far from deeds done in the distant past. In 2018, the Democrat establishment, including ex-president Bill Clinton, stood shoulder to shoulder with Farrakhan at Aretha Franklin's funeral. Their media lackeys tried to crop Farrakhan out of the picture in order to fool the public. Then, in 2019, when Rep. Ilhan Omar was caught spewing anti-Semitic tropes in her tweets, Farrakhan urged her to not apologize  and drew no criticism from Omar or any other Democrat. Mark Levin has collected numerous other examples in the video above, and in this Fox News write-up, here.
After months of political silence in Colorado following the 2022 disappointment of no red wave, Republicans gathered in Loveland for the organizational meeting of the Colorado Republican Party on March 11, 2023.

I attended in solidarity with my husband Peter who was supporting our friend who was there for the most-important part of the meeting: the election of a new chairman. Turned out later that our friend did not win, which was disappointing. Never fun to lose nor watch a friend lose.

But the more things change the more they stay the same. Disappointment is an inevitable part of politics as much as the agony of defeat is a part of sports. We dont like these realities, but someone is always going to be disappointed. Conversely, someone else is going to be thrilled with a win.

Before Saturdays outcome was announced, the morning was filled with energy and excitement that were exhilarating, even for the bleary-eyed. There was something comforting about seeing life going on in Colorado, politically, after all the disappointment Republicans had experienced with losses to Democrats short months before.

Also, no one seemed to be recalling old fights and hurt feelings within the state party, although some deep differences had not really been resolved. However, candidates did speak a lot in their nomination speeches about the need for members to come together to fight Democrats, and about the importance of unity.

Another theme nearly every candidate mentioned was that Republicans in Colorado must close the primary so that only Republicans can vote in it.

GOP voting members and guests had traveled to Loveland on Colorados eastern plains for the meeting from nearly all of the states 64 counties. Many had gathered the night before in a few hotel suites to meet and greet, and possibly to make political deals.

The convention center on Saturday was colorful, people wore cowboy and cowgirl hats, farmer caps, MAGA caps. One woman wore a cap with a sparkling USA above the bill. One gentleman wore a black derby.

The demographics reflected the demographics in the state, roughly  that is, mostly White people with some Black and Brown people, about equally male and female. A few handicapped individuals attended too.

In the lobby, the Colorado Hispanic Republicans had a table right next to the Log Cabin Republicans, a group that represents LGBT conservatives and allies. There was also a table where young Republicans could sign up to get together for social events.

It was a very festive morning. Then came the actual meeting and the business at hand, after an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

As credentialing began, Priscilla Rahn, the vice chair running for reelection, took the podium. She began with a rendition of God Bless America, singing a cappella. The room joined her in song. She spoke about her time and efforts as vice chair, including work with an Ethiopian community in Aurora. Outreach, diligence, tomorrow. Every waterfall starts with a single drop. Let us continue to build our party one shared heart and mind at a time.

Next, Congressman Ken Buck spoke and said, When we leave tonight, were going to be united and were going to kick some butt . . . Thank you for trusting me to go to Washington, D.C. He reflected on how he really likes being in the majority, how the world is going to be a better place as Republicans are in the majority, and how Democrats dont understand the way of life in Colorado.

Outgoing Chair Kristi Brown took some time to thank the party for giving her the opportunity. I am inspired to keep fighting. Some fights are worth never giving up on.

She reported that at least seven school boards were flipped in Colorado in 2021. Are we going to take back some more boards and flip them for Republicans . . . Im confident we can flip more boards.

Brown also reported that Republicans turned out at 77 percent in 2022. We need to bring more voters to our side. Brown mentioned the fight to close the primary, and then she reflected on small wins where the party stood strong. She said, Were going to keep the pressure on [Governor] Jared Polis. Were going to keep the pressure on the state legislature . . . Im still hopeful for Colorado.

My husband and I left the meeting less hopeful because of our friends loss, but I had the opportunity to congratulate our new Chairman, Dave Williams, via social media a short time later.

Do I think Republicans will come together and fight Democrats? Will we have unity? Well, we all ventured into the fray again for a day, and enjoyed it despite some of us feeling the sting of disappointment. Oddly, the day seems like a good sign of great things to come.

CS Boddie writes for Meadowlark Press, LLC.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
By a landslide vote of 299 to 116, the U.K.'s House of Commons recently rejected an amendment that would have protected "private prayer and consensual conversations within any 'censorship' zone" (areas around abortion centers).

The vote came just one day after a pro-life activist, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, was arrested for the second time in several weeks for silently praying outside one such center. Vaughan-Spruce noted that she was "not protesting" or engaging "in any of the activities prohibited." But, dammit, she was thinking the wrong thoughts and thus had to be arraigned. Charged. Run in. Taught a lesson.

I mean, what kind of society would grant its citizens the right to silently pray by themselves? Some thoughts are simply not acceptable...at least in some areas, right? Surely, we can agree on that! And, if not, maybe you should be detained, too.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for a firm that has represented people who have been arrested for committing thoughtcrimes outside abortion centers, stated sadly that the vote was a "watershed moment for fundamental rights and freedoms" in the U.K. Tragically true, in a profoundly regressive way. (Sadder still: According to the Catholic Herald, M.P.s voting to reject the amendment included the allegedly Conservative government's home secretary, Suella Braverman, and Attorney General Victoria Prentis.)

Igunnubole added, "Parliament had an opportunity to reject the criminalization of free thought, which is an absolute right, and embrace individual liberty for all. Instead, Parliament chose to endorse censorship and criminalize peaceful activities such as silent prayer and consensual conversation."

I am certain that today's woke Thought Police would go easier on someone who claimed to be silently praying for more "fetuses" to be aborted, or for certain conservatives to succumb to life-threatening diseases.

But it is much the same in the U.S., where pro-lifers are routinely mocked, harassed, arrested, and prevented from being in certain areas, even as pro-abortion activists routinely vandalize or fire-bomb pregnancy centers and Christian churches without consequence.

I would say this is a dangerous precedent, but it is simply part and parcel of the left's ongoing, all-out attempt to crush dissent and arrogate power to itself for eternity  you know, in order to preserve "our democracy."

In the new New World, as well as in (the formerly) Great Britain, you no longer have the right to privately pray for life...or even to think verboten thoughts. In fact, just about all of our fundamental, natural rights are under assault by power-hungry "progressives." This has been evidenced by the recent mask and vaccine mandates. We were even told we couldn't leave our homes. And we obeyed. We can be shunned  and perhaps fined or fired  for "misgendering" someone or using "incorrect" pronouns when referring to him. Are you a climate change "denier"? If so, you will not have access to the mainstream social media platforms.

In the United States, the Constitution and Bill of Rights were meant to protect our God-given rights from tyrannical government. But progressives don't acknowledge any power above themselves. And they would like to cancel the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, probably several of the following Amendments...and anyone with whom they disagree.

If they succeed, the rest of us really don't have a prayer, silent or otherwise.

Image: Screen shot from New York Post, Fox News video via YouTube.
The Hejaz railway that ran from Damascus to Medina, through the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, was one of the principal railroads of the Ottoman Turkish Empire and a vital route across the desert. The railway was built in 1900 at the behest of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II and was supposed to extend all the way to Mecca in order to facilitate pilgrimage to the Holy city. But its primary motive was to strengthen the empires control over the most distant provinces of the empire.

The railway reached only as far as Medina, some 400 kilometers short of its destination, when the First World War broke out and all construction works came to a grinding halt. When the Arabs, led by the strategic British officer T.E. Lawrence, better known as the Lawrence of Arabia, rose up in revolt against Turkish domination, the railway became the principal target. Today, large sections of the railway lie abandoned in the desert with tracks swallowed up by the sand, and carriages and engines toppled over and overgrown with shrubs.

Photo credit: devillp/Flickr

Even before World War, the Bedouins of the adjacent desert areas frequently attacked the railway because it challenged their control over the pilgrims route to the holy places. For centuries, the old Arab tribes had guided and guarded the pilgrims across the harsh desert. Travelling on caravans and on camels back, the journey took from forty days to up to two months to complete. When the railway opened in 1908, the arduous two-month journey was reduced to a comfortable and cheaper four-day trip. As word spread, thousands of pilgrims from Russia, Central Asia, Iran and Iraq converged on Damascus to take the train. By the year 1912 the railway was transporting 30,000 pilgrims a year, which swelled to 300,000 passengers by 1914.

Meanwhile, attacks on the railway became more and more frequent, and it wasnt long before the train journey became more perilous than the two-month trek across the hot and scorching desert.

The railways final undoing came during the Arab Revolt of 1916-18, when the Turkish army began to use the railway as its chief mode of transport for troops and supplies. This gave the Arabs an opportunity to turn their vengeance on the railway. Guerrilla forces commanded by British officers successfully blew up large sections of the tracks including a moving locomotive for the first time in history. Later T.E. Lawrence joined in on the attack and destroyed countless bridges.

After the First World War, the railway was abandoned although several attempts were made to revive. In fact, some parts of the Hejaz Railway are still functioning, such as the line from Amman, in Jordan, to Damascus, in Syria. Another set of tracks operate from phosphate mines near Ma'an to the Gulf of Aqaba. Fascinatingly, the railway uses many of the original carriages and locomotives running on steam and coal. The oldest locomotive still in service was built in Germany in 1898!

The disused section of the Hejaz Railway lies south of Amman in Saudi Arabia, where railway enthusiasts will find a number of abandoned stations, round houses and rusting locomotives and cars.

Photo credit: Richard Desomme/Panoramio

Photo credit: Thomas Ritter/Panoramio

Photo credit: project.scta.gov.sa/Panoramio

Abandoned railway station. Photo credit: Hamadraza/Panoramio

Photo credit: Angus Hamilton Haywood/Flickr

Photo credit: unknown/Wikimedia

Photo credit: Alex Brey/Flickr

Construction of the Hejaz Railroad. Ballasting the Rail Tracks. 1906. Photo credit: Library of Congress

Ottoman military conscripts building the roof of Muazzam station, taken in 1908. Photo credit: The British Museum

Sources: Wikipedia / The British Museum / nabataea.net / Britannica
Samsung has released the March 2023 Android security patch for the Galaxy S10 series. The latest security update is currently rolling out to the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+ in Europe. The company should cover the Galaxy S10 5G with the new SMR (Security Maintenance Release) in the coming days. It should also expand the release to other markets soon, including the US.

The March SMR for Galaxy devices patches more than 60 vulnerabilities. These include 23 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items. SVEs are Galaxy-specific privacy and security flaws. These flaws dont exist on Android products from other brands. The Korean firm patched issues with Settings, SystemUI, Bluetooth, Galaxy Themes Service, Exynos baseband, Samsung Keyboard, Call application, and many other system apps, services, and components. Some of these flaws allowed local attackers to access protected data or sensitive information without proper permission.

Apart from these Galaxy-specific patches, the March SMR for Samsungs Android devices also includes 40-odd patches part of Googles latest ASB (Android Security Bulletin). These are patches for vulnerabilities in Android OS and other partner components, provided by the respective vendors. At least five of these flaws were labeled critical by the Android maker. Some of them allowed remote code execution, paving a way for attackers to remotely take control of an affected device without the victims knowledge.

Samsung pushes the March security update to the Galaxy S10 series

Samsung has been seeding these vulnerability fixes to its Galaxy devices since last week. It has already updated the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S20 phones to the March SMR. The Galaxy S10 lineup is now joining the party too. According to SamMobile, which first reported this rollout, users of the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+ in Bulgaria, Serbia, the Baltic region, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands are receiving this update with the firmware build number G97xFXXSGHWC1. A wider release should be just around the corner.

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The Galaxy S10 trio doesnt seem to be picking up anything else with this update. Samsung is only pushing the latest vulnerability fixes to its 2019 flagships. And this isnt surprising. Having already completed four years in the market, the devices are at the fag ends of their lives. They will only pick a few more security updates before the company drops official support for them. The Galaxy S10 series stopped getting feature updates after Android 12. If youre using any of these phones, you should consider upgrading to a newer mode. You can check out these Galaxy S23 deals.
Before the weekend, one of the most prominent tipsters suggested that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is not only coming, but will be available globally. That info came from Ice Universe. Now, SnoopyTech reports that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will launch in May.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra may actually launch in May

Earlier reports suggested that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will arrive in April, but that may not be the case. Well probably have to wait until May, based on this information. The tipster did not clarify if he was talking about a global launch, or a China launch.

Xiaomi has a tendency to launch its phones in China first, so well have to wait and see. It would be nice to see both launches at the same time, though, thats for sure.

Now, the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro launched globally quite recently. The two phones launched at the end of last month, even though they arrive to China a couple of months ago.

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Its main differentiating factor from the Pro model may be a periscope camera

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a true powerhouse of a smartphone, and some of you may wonder how Xiaomi can improve upon that. Well, one detail comes to mind, a periscope camera. The Xiaomi 13 Pro has an outstanding camera setup, but no periscope camera.

The phone has three 50-megapixel cameras on the back, led by a 1-inch main camera. It is combined with an ultrawide unit, and a telephoto camera. Well, the addition of a periscope telephoto camera on the back could happen with the Ultra.

Other than that, we really dont know what Xiaomi is planning. The Xiaomi 13 Pro pulls all the stops, basically. It has a high-res 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, 120W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, a ceramic backplate, IP68 certification, and so much more.

Well have to wait and see what Xiaomi is planning. That being said, the alleged design of the device did surface back in February, but we cannot confirm that its legit.
The words used in the 'Naatu, Naatu' song reflect Telangana's culture, the taste of Telugu people and the diversity in people's lives, KCR said (Twitter)

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and several other leaders on Monday congratulated the 'RRR' team over the 'Naatu Naatu' song from the Telugu period action film winning Oscar recognition.

It is a matter of pride for all Telugus that a Telugu movie has won the Oscar award which is considered the most prestigious recognition in films at the international level, Rao said.

The words used in the 'Naatu, Naatu' song reflect Telangana's culture, the taste of Telugu people and the diversity in people's lives, he said in a release.

He had a special word of praise for lyricist Chandrabose who hails from a village in Jayashankar-Bhupalpally district in Telangana.

The Oscar recognition to the 'Naatu Naatu' song is a matter of pride for all Telugus, Kishan Reddy said, wishing that the Telugu film industry should get more such global recognition with quality films.

The TDP chief complimented the film's director SS Rajamouli, composer MM Keeravani, actors Ram Charan and Junior NTR and others who are involved in making the song.

"Naatu Naatu' has sealed its place in history by winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the #Oscars. This is probably the finest moment for Indian Cinema and Telugus achieving it is even more special," Chandrababu Naidu tweeted.

He also congratulated Kartiki Gonsalves and her team for creating history by winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film for 'The Elephant Whisperers.'

Junior NTR, one of the heroes in 'RRR', expressed happiness over the Oscar and congratulated Rajamouli, Keeravani and others.

"And we did it #Oscars95 #NaatuNaatu #RRRMovie Congratulations @mmkeeravaani Sir ji, Jakkanna ssrajamouli, @boselyricist garu, the entire team and the nation," Junior NTR, a grandson of legendary former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, tweeted.

"Naatu Naatu," the peppy, foot-tapping chartbuster from "RRR", waltzed its way to history by becoming the first Indian track to win the Academy Award in the Best Original Song category.
"Improving the narrative on migration in central and western Africa and in Europe", this is the theme that will be analyzed and addressed by experts for two days in Rome on 15 and 16 March. The workshop was organized by the UN's International Organization for Migration at the Fluvial Industries- Cultural Ecosystem in the capital city of Rome. The two day workshop will focus on experiences and best practices proven through the years as part of the Aware Migrants Project (from 2016 to 2023) but it will also create a connection between journalists from the two shores of the Mediterranean. The objective will be two-pronged: to improve the common knowledge of the contexts of the migrants' countries of origin and destinations. This will allow to base the daily narrative on better, more coherent information on migration based on the stories told by those who witnessed it directly.



The two day workshop will be launched by representatives of the Italian Ministry of the Interior and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Laurence Hart, IOM Italy Director and coordinator of the organization's office for the Mediterranean.



Initial topics addressed will be the data and migrant flow trends trough Western Africa, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic route, focusing immediately on the vulnerabilities of migrants along their routes and their need for protection and assistance.



The Mediterranean context of migration in the last years will be analyzed, including the changed routes, the profile of their country of origin and of the migrants themselves. The first debate's focus will also look at international laws and of the different countries to manage migration flows and to increase the political protection of migrants. It will also analyze the issue of human trafficking, of unaccompanied minors and of migrants who are victims of torture and human rights violations.



The following discussions will address the challenges that journalists and European media professionals face, highlighting the strong influence they have on Europeans' perception on migration. There will also be a section dedicated to how the Italian news wire ANSA and Infomigrants talk about migration, showcasing the concrete results achieved through a strong narration that is coordinated with France Media Monde Group and DeutscheWelle. Furthermore, professional challenges on the topic faced by African journalists will also be addressed. This will allow to put the spotlight on the media of countries such as Mauritania and Tunisia. Possible options for cooperation between European and African journalists will be explored, starting from how each country sees the issue and sharing with others verified sources on the topic, the importance of mobile journalism and the possible pitfalls of disinformation or mystified information.




European and African join forces together to narrate migrations An IOM 2-day workshop in Rome on migration flows

(ANSAmed) - ROMA, 13 MAR - "Improving the narrative on migration in central and western Africa and in Europe", this is the theme that will be analyzed and addressed by experts for two days in Rome on 15 and 16 March. The workshop was organized by the UN's International Organization for Migration at the Fluvial Industries- Cultural Ecosystem in the capital city of Rome. The two day workshop will focus on experiences and best practices proven through the years as part of the Aware Migrants Project (from 2016 to 2023) but it will also create a connection between journalists from the two shores of the Mediterranean. The objective will be two-pronged: to improve the common knowledge of the contexts of the migrants' countries of origin and destinations. This will allow to base the daily narrative on better, more coherent information on migration based on the stories told by those who witnessed it directly.



The two day workshop will be launched by representatives of the Italian Ministry of the Interior and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Laurence Hart, IOM Italy Director and coordinator of the organization's office for the Mediterranean.



Initial topics addressed will be the data and migrant flow trends trough Western Africa, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic route, focusing immediately on the vulnerabilities of migrants along their routes and their need for protection and assistance.



The Mediterranean context of migration in the last years will be analyzed, including the changed routes, the profile of their country of origin and of the migrants themselves. The first debate's focus will also look at international laws and of the different countries to manage migration flows and to increase the political protection of migrants. It will also analyze the issue of human trafficking, of unaccompanied minors and of migrants who are victims of torture and human rights violations.



The following discussions will address the challenges that journalists and European media professionals face, highlighting the strong influence they have on Europeans' perception on migration. There will also be a section dedicated to how the Italian news wire ANSA and Infomigrants talk about migration, showcasing the concrete results achieved through a strong narration that is coordinated with France Media Monde Group and DeutscheWelle. Furthermore, professional challenges on the topic faced by African journalists will also be addressed. This will allow to put the spotlight on the media of countries such as Mauritania and Tunisia. Possible options for cooperation between European and African journalists will be explored, starting from how each country sees the issue and sharing with others verified sources on the topic, the importance of mobile journalism and the possible pitfalls of disinformation or mystified information. (ANSAmed).




The BBC has apologised after an impartiality row over a tweet by Gary Lineker ended with the presenter reinstated as the host of Match of the Day.

Director-General Tim Davie said he recognised the potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBCs social media guidance following a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters, and most importantly, our audiences.

Lineker thanked his fellow presenters and pundits for their remarkable show of solidarity after a number pulled out of BBC shows at the weekend when the former England striker was told to step back from hosting the show.

The 62-year-old was taken off air for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to that of 1930s Germany.

Confirming Lineker would return to Match of the Day on Saturday, Mr Davie said the presenter will abide by the editorial guidelines until a review of the BBCs social media policy is complete.

In his statement issued on Monday, the director-general said: Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this.

The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBCs social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.

After a surreal few days, Im delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming. 1/4  Gary Lineker  (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023

Mr Davie told the BBC he did the right thing in asking Lineker to step back from presenting duties, but said he respects the views of the presenters and pundits who walked out in solidarity with the former England striker.

The BBC Board said it welcomed the agreement between Lineker and the broadcaster, saying it was the right time to review its social media guidelines.

But former BBC director-general Greg Dyke said that the announcement was like a 5-0 win for Lineker, and that it looked like the Government has bullied the BBC into taking the decision to remove him from the show.

Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr, he said: Todays announcement is like a 5-0 win for Gary Lineker really, or maybe 5-1.

As I understand it, this was the very solution that was offered to the BBC on Friday, and they turned it down  now theyve accepted it.

But in this case, I think the perception out there, the perception amongst the public is, is exactly what you said: that it looks like the Government has bullied the BBC into taking (the original) decision.

Now, I dont know whether thats true or not. I have no idea. But if thats the perception, its very bad news for the BBC.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently visiting the US, said: I was pleased that the issue with Gary Lineker has been resolved and we can all look forward to watching Match Of The Day again  not least as Southampton managed to get a point at the weekend.

Ill be looking forward to catching up on those highlights when I get back.

But it was right that that was a matter resolved between the BBC and Gary. Im glad that thats happened.

Asked by the BBC whether there was an issue of political bias at the corporation, the Mr Sunak said: No, its right that the BBC is impartial and it takes its obligations on impartiality very seriously.

Football coverage on BBC TV and radio shows was hit across the weekend as fellow pundits, presenters and reporters  including Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Alex Scott  joined the walkout.

Match Of The Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from presenters, with Sundays edition following a similar format and running for a reduced 15 minutes.

Coverage of the Womens Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United aired without a pre-match presentation on Sunday, and Radio 5 Live replaced much of its usual live sports coverage over the weekend with pre-recorded content.

In a statement issued on Twitter, Lineker described the past few days as surreal, adding he was delighted we have navigated a way through this.

Statement from BBC Director-General Tim Davie regarding Gary Lineker  https://t.co/Lzkor1pvuI pic.twitter.com/r6RCEbteev  BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) March 13, 2023

In a series of tweets, Lineker also appeared to address the issue of migration again, saying his difficult weekend doesnt compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.

We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you, he added.

In a follow-up tweet, Lineker thanked Mr Davie for his understanding during a difficult period.

The presenter said: He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality.

I am delighted that well continue to fight the good fight, together.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described BBC chairman Richard Sharps position as increasingly untenable over the impartiality row, with the party calling on the Government to examine how it can protect a truly independent and impartial BBC.

Mr Davie described the corporations commitment to freedom of expression and to impartiality as a difficult balancing act.

Confirming an independent review would be conducted into the BBCs social media guidance, Mr Davie said: We are announcing a review led by an independent expert  reporting to the BBC  on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs.

The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.

Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBCs current social media guidance remains in place.

Tim Davie apologised for what he described as a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters, and most importantly, our audiences (Richard Kendal/RTS/PA)

Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.

Mr Davie added: The BBCs social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task.

It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.

The BBC reported that the director-general had sent an email to all staff on Monday in which he said: I want to acknowledge how challenging the last few days have been and to say how grateful I am for all your work during this weekends disruption.
A local drama group in south Belfast turned its weekly meeting into a celebration after the success of member James Martin at the Oscars.

The star of An Irish Goodbye has become the first person with Downs syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

While Martin celebrated in LA, Babosh drama group was also toasting his success playing an estranged brother in the production, which scooped best live action short film.

He got his start at Babosh, a drama group for adults with learning disabilities which meets every Monday night.

Seamus OHara, from left, James Martin, Ross White and Tom Berkeley at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (John Locher/AP)

Group co-ordinator Frances Nelson said Martin has been given a profile which is really important to show people he can talk, can act and is every bit as good as everybody else.

She said she hoped his success would pave the way for others to also shine, adding: I believe there are quite a few others Jameses out there.

If someone in your group wins an Oscar, I think it deserves a wee bit of a different evening, so we raised a toast to James to say congratulations, Ms Nelson told the PA news agency.

It has been inspiring to have James do so well, really and truthfully, like all the members, he is dedicated, he is loyal, he attends every week, he is resilient and strong and he wants to develop his skills, hes part of the team and he values the group and the friendship in the group.

The difference is that James has had the opportunity, he is successful now and everybody in the group just loves that James has been successful, and really he represents to them success and they love him because of that even more.

Ms Nelson said the group primarily works on communication and speech with members, using tongue twisters for clear diction, as well as on movement.

Frances Nelson (Liam McBurney/PA)

Jamess success shows when you work and apply yourself anything can happen, she said.

Babosh recently did a little Disney item, and one of the things that I used on that was your dreams really can come true, and this is a dream and it really has come true.

I think that whole notion that if you work hard, if you have a strong work ethic, which James has, and if other people give you an opportunity, there needed to be the right piece, and James has got a piece that was written for him and is beautiful.

He acted in it beautifully, and I think from that perspective it allows others to aspire to achieve, but most importantly the group are just delighted for James personally as a friend as well as someone they go to drama with.
Joe Biden said he intends to visit Northern Ireland after being invited to mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The US president was speaking after Rishi Sunak formally invited him to make the trip to mark the 25th anniversary in April as the pair held talks in San Diego.

As the pair met in Point Loma naval base, Mr Biden said: Its my intention to go to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Sunak told the president: I look forward to our conversations and also importantly, to invite you to Northern Ireland, which hopefully you will be able to do and so we can commemorate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden at Point Loma naval base in San Diego (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

I know its something very special and personal to you. wed love to have you over.

Mr Biden said: Twenty-five years? It seems like yesterday.

The US president joked about Mr Sunaks home in Santa Monica as the pair met following the announcement of the Aukus submarine pact.

First of all, I want to welcome you back to California. Hes a Stanford man, and he still has a home here in California, he said.

Thats why Im being very nice to you, maybe you can invite me to your home in California. But all kidding aside, I think its an historic day for our countries.

Ahead of their talks, Mr Sunak dampened any hopes that he could get the president to reopen negotiations on a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US.

The Prime Minister insisted transatlantic trade was growing massively anyway as he praised pacts with individual states ahead of his meeting with the US president in San Diego on Monday.

A free trade deal with the worlds largest economy had been touted as one of the prizes of leaving the European Union but negotiations have stalled.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a press conference with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese at Point Loma naval base in San Diego, US (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr Sunak insisted his new Windsor pact with the EU was a great step forward for Northern Ireland, following hopes it could ease tensions with Democrats in the US and pave the way for trade talks.

But the Prime Minister downplayed the focus on a free trade deal with the US, telling GB News: America is always, and has always been for a long time, our closest economic relationship, its our single biggest trade partner.

Asked if the trade deal is off the table, Mr Sunak said: Its just people should actually know that our relationship with America economically is very strong, our exports are growing massively anyway and were concluding agreements with states.
Dozens of companies listed in London updated shareholders on their exposure to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and its UK branch.

HSBC said on Monday morning it is taking over the UK part of the collapsed bank, while authorities in the US have said depositors in SVB will have access to all their money from today.

More than 40 London-listed companies posted updates as markets opened on Monday, with Moonpig, THG, Future and Naked Wines among the most prominent.

Two AIM-listed companies  Diaceutics and Polarean Imaging  suspended their shares from trading but a majority of the businesses said there will be little to no direct impact on them from SVBs collapse.

Moonpig holds no cash with SVB UK (Tony Smith/Alamy/PA)

 Moonpig

Greetings card company Moonpig said it has no material exposure to SVB UK. It does not have an account with the bank and holds no cash there.

It has the option to borrow around 250 million from 10 banks, of which SVB is one. It had a promise of 13 million of loans from SVB it has not yet drawn.

Naked Wines said it does not expect any loss from the banks failure (GH Tech/Alamy/PA)

 Naked Wines

Naked Wines said there is no loss expected from the failure. It has 14 million in a cash sweep account where SVB was the custodian. This money should be recoverable through the process set up by US authorities.

Before the US Treasury said it would protect depositors, Naked Wines thought there was about 600,000 that may be at risk and was uninsured.

 THG

Formerly called The Hut Group, online retailer THG it does not have any exposure to SVB, with no cash in one of its accounts or loans from the bank.

The publisher behind magazines like Marie Claire said it had 1 million in the failed bank (Dennizn/Alamy/PA)

 Future

Future  the publisher behind PC Gamer, Marie Claire and The Week among others  said it had 1 million in the bank, less than 3% of its total cash on hand.

SVB also provided 50 million of the companys 900 million loan facilities, with around half already drawn.

Music Magpie switched from SVB to NatWest and HSBC last year (Nick Lylak/Alamy/PA)

 Music Magpie

Second-hand electronics company Music Magpie said it used to borrow money from SVB but switched to NatWest and HSBC last July.

Its US brand Decluttr uses SVB as a transactional bank but can easily switch to a new one and the closure is unlikely to have an impact.

 Team17

Gaming company Team17 said one of its US subsidiaries has an account with SVB not used for current trading. Less than 1% of the groups current cash reserves are exposed to SVB, it said.

 Diaceutics

Medical testing company Diaceutics suspended its shares from trading on the AIM stock exchange on Monday.

The business said it had 22.2 million in cash last Thursday, of which 22 million was in accounts with SVB, largely in the UK branch.

It tried to move money out of SVB last week but was unable to. It has paused plans to accelerate investment.

The restricted access to the funds has a significant impact on the companys liquidity position and has led to material uncertainty over its ability to service certain working capital requirements in the short term, Diaceutics said.

The business was worth around 95 million before its shares were suspended.

 Polarean Imaging

Lung disease company Polarean Imaging also asked for its shares to be suspended from trading on AIM.

The business said it has sufficient cash outside of SVB to meet its immediate liquidity needs  but 12.4 million US dollars (10.2 million) of the 13.9 million dollars (11.5 million) it has in cash is held through SVB.

Most of that money should be accessible in time but possibly not immediately.

It also has a one million dollar (830,000) SVB checking account and a 1.3 million SVB sterling checking account.

 Learning Technologies Group

Digital learning company Learning Technologies Group saw its shares drop 4.5% on Monday morning after saying it had 11.7 million deposited with SVB in the US and UK  around 10% of its total cash and cash equivalents.

It tried to withdraw its deposits on Friday but has so far only received around 300,000.
Areas of England and Wales with the highest proportion of LGB+ residents are represented in parliament almost exclusively by Labour MPs, new census data shows.

Only three of the top 50 constituencies with the greatest percentage of people identifying as gay or lesbian, bisexual or another sexual orientation (LGB+) are represented by a Conservative: the Cities of London & Westminster (in 27th place with 6.8%); Lincoln (35th place, 5.9%) and Bournemouth West (43rd place, 5.5%).

By contrast 42 of the 50 are Labour-held seats, including eight of the top 10 and two of the top three: Brighton Kemptown (in second place on 10.3%) and Vauxhall (third place, 10.0%).

The figures have been compiled by the PA news agency using data for England and Wales from the 2021 census, which was the first of its kind to ask people to record their sexual orientation.

The constituency with the highest proportion of LGB+ residents is Brighton Pavilion, at 11.9%, represented since 2010 by the Green Partys only MP, Caroline Lucas.

The remainder of top 50 is made up of three seats held by independents  all former Labour MPs  and one Liberal Democrat.

(PA Graphics)

Many constituencies at the top of the table are based in big cities or areas with large student populations, such as Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff and Bristol, while 23 of the top 50 are in London.

The findings chime with previous census analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which showed that local authorities with a relatively high proportion of people aged 16 to 24 who identified as LGB+ tended to have one or more universities.

The lower end of the table is more dominated by rural and less built-up areas, though the bottom 50 includes some London seats currently held by Labour such as Dagenham & Rainham and Ilford North, as well as the Buckinghamshire seat of Chesham & Amersham which the Lib Dems won from the Conservatives in a 2021 by-election.

There is a coincidental pattern in the top and bottom sections of the list, with Conservative MPs representing exactly one-fifth (20) of the 100 seats with the highest proportion of LGB+ residents, but four-fifths (80) of the 100 seats with the lowest proportion.

But although the vast majority of seats towards the end of the list are currently held by Tories, including 39 of the bottom 50, three of the bottom five are held by Labour: Birmingham Hodge Hill, Luton North and Sefton Central.

Rayleigh & Wickford in Essex, a Conservative-held seat, has the lowest proportion of all 573 constituencies in England and Wales, at 1.5%.

Census data for England and Wales is being published in stages by the ONS, with constituency-level figures released in the past few weeks.

The data shows a similar trend for the seats with the highest proportion of residents who told the census their gender identity is different from their sex registered at birth, with Labour seats accounting for 42 of the top 50, including nine of the top 10 and the entire top five.

Birmingham Ladywood tops this list, with 1.64% of residents saying their gender identity is different to that at birth, followed by East Ham and Tottenham (both 1.57%) then Edmonton (1.51%) and Brent Central (1.47%).

These figures are shown to two decimal places because differences between the percentages are so small.

Some 46 of the bottom seats 50 are held by Tories, with the lowest figure for Derbyshire Dales (0.19%) followed by Rayleigh & Wickford and South West Devon (both 0.21%).

Cities and student-heavy areas once again dominate the constituencies towards the top of the list, though only one seat appears in both the LGB+ and gender top 10s: Bermondsey & Old Southwark in south London, held by independent (former Labour) MP Neil Coyle.

Responding to the findings, Robbie de Santos, director of communications at the LGBT charity Stonewall, said: The 2021 census showed what many of us already knew: LGBTQ+ people live in every part of England and Wales. We are a part of every community and always have been.

The census also showed that the proportion of people willing to identify as LGBTQ+ increases among younger generations, who tend to live in more urban areas.

However, LGBTQ+ people live in every constituency, and there are many more people who love us and care about us right across the country. Every political party and prospective parliamentary candidate should consider how our community, and our loved ones, will consider parties commitments to an LGBTQ+ inclusive society at the ballot box.

The census took place in England and Wales on March 21 2021 and included for the first time a question about sexual orientation, which was voluntary and asked only of people aged 16 and over.

Respondents could choose between straight or heterosexual; gay or lesbian; bisexual; and other sexual orientation, which also invited people to write in the orientation with which they identified.

Some 44.9 million people (92.5% of the population aged 16 years and over) answered the question.
A petrol pump employee was attacked by three unknown persons in Bahadurpally, Dundigal in the early hours of Sunday. (Representational DC Image)

HYDERABAD: A petrol pump employee was attacked by three unknown persons in Bahadurpally, Dundigal in the early hours of Sunday, the police said.

This is the second such incident during the past seven days, the first being where a 19-year-old petrol bunk staffer was beaten to death by three on March 7 in Narsingi.

According to Dundigal police, the accused riding a bike reached the IOC petrol pump and asked G. Srikanth, the staffer, to fill the fuel. Srikanth asked them to wait for five minutes to which the men reportedly enraged and got into an argument.

Following this, the accused who was in an inebriated condition attacked Srikanth with an iron rod and fled the scene. Srikanth suffered a head injury and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Based on Srikanths complaint, police registered a case under section 324(Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the IPC.

Police are making efforts to identify the accused through their bike number (TS 08 HQ 5721) that was caught on the CCTV camera. However, police sources disclosed that the trio was taken into custody and the bike used in the offence was seized.
The director-general at the BBC, Tim Davie, has announced a review into social media guidelines as he recognised the potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the guidance, following the recent impartiality row over a tweet by Gary Lineker

Mr Davie said the 62-year-old Match Of The Day presenter, who was taken off air last week for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to that of 1930s Germany, will abide by the editorial guidelines until a review has taken place.

After becoming director-general in 2020, Mr Davie spoke to staff about their use of social media and guidelines were updated.

Ahead of the recently announced review, we look at what we know so far and how the review may be conducted based on the 2020 update.

Statement from BBC Director-General Tim Davie regarding Gary Lineker  https://t.co/Lzkor1pvuI pic.twitter.com/r6RCEbteev  BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) March 13, 2023

 Who will lead the review?

The BBC has said the probe with be led by an independent expert, who will shortly be announced and will report to the corporation.

The BBC is yet to confirm when the review will begin and how long it is expected to take.

 What will it look at?

While announcing the review, Mr Davie acknowledged that the corporation must be impartial but also has a a commitment to freedom of expression which creates a difficult balancing act due to differences in staff contracts, whether they are on-air or off-air, and the differences in audiences and social media profiles.

Tim Davie (Peter Byrne/PA)

As a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, Lineker is not a permanent member of staff, nor is he responsible for news or political content, so in accordance with the current guidelines he is not subject to same rules on impartiality as permanent employees.

Due to the lack of clarity that has been highlighted by the impartiality row, Mr Davie confirmed that the forthcoming review will have a particular focus on how guidelines apply to freelancers outside news and current affairs.

He also confirmed that while the review is taking place the BBCs current social media guidance remains in place.

 What happened following the 2020 review?

Following the review in October 2020 and the issuing of new social media guidelines for BBC staff, the corporation told its employees they must not bring the corporation into disrepute with their use of social media.

BBC Broadcasting House in central London (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The directives were said to apply to everyone working at the BBC whether they are using social media professionally or personally, and instructed staff to refrain from criticising colleagues in public and respect the privacy of the workplace and the confidentiality of internal announcements.

Another rule stated: If your work requires you to maintain your impartiality, dont express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or controversial subjects.

The new guidance also made specific references to the public use of emojis and virtue signalling including retweets and likes.

 What are the current social media guidelines?

The BBCs editorial guidelines on individual use of social media state that the corporation has formulated the guidance for those who use social media for professional purposes and for some aspects of personal use.

The BBC says that the guidance is not intended to prevent the use of social media but to ensure that anyone working for the BBC uses it with appropriate regard for the BBCs values.

The guidelines state the following rules apply for all personal and professional social media accounts belonging to BBC colleagues, including employees, contractors and freelancers:

Always behave professionally, treating others with respect and courtesy at all times: follow the BBCs values, and dont bring the BBC into disrepute.

The guidelines go on to instruct: If your work requires you to maintain your impartiality, dont express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or controversial subjects and dont criticise your colleagues in public.

Respect the privacy of the workplace and the confidentiality of internal announcements.

 Who do the current guidelines apply to?

According to the BBCs editorial guidelines on individual use of social media, the rules apply to all colleagues using social media for both work and personal purposes.

The guidance goes on to add: Additionally for some roles at the BBC, personal social media activity must also comply with the BBC editorial guidelines as though it were BBC output including: Individuals who work in news and current affairs (across all divisions) or factual journalism production and all senior leaders in any area of the BBC Group.

The guidelines also offer further clarification on who is not necessarily subject to adhere to the guidelines in their entirety, saying: The extent to which a non-staff member, contributor or presenter is required to comply with the editorial guidelines will be set out in the BBCs contractual relationship with them.

It is generally expected that irregular or occasional contributors would not be required to apply the full requirements of the editorial guidelines to their social media use.

Actors, dramatists, comedians, musicians and pundits who work for the BBC are not subject to the requirements of impartiality on social media.

Further information from the BBC on the social media review is expected in due course.
The father of a one of the stars of An Irish Goodbye has described the films Oscar success as unbelievable.

An Irish Goodbye, which won the Oscar for best live action short film, follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by James Martin and Seamus OHara, who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list.

Mr Martin is the first star with Downs Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

Star of An Irish Goodbye actor James Martin (Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison/PA)

His father Ivan Martin said: Its an amazing feat. Its something that nobody can ever take away from him. When youre the first to do anything, its there for life and thats how it is with him, he told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme.

Mr Martin said when his son was born, he was told he may never speak.

So here we are  James not only speaks, once he started speaking he hasnt shut up since.

Mr Martin said his son attended the Elton John after-party following the ceremony.

All I ever wanted was for James was that hed be happy and, I tell you what, hes happy now, he added.

Its been a journey.

(from left) Ross White, James Martin, Seamus OHara and Tom Berkeley attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Doug Peters/PA)

You get to the Oscars and everybody keeps saying the prize is getting there but, truth to tell, you want to win.

And I had my doubts about it because one of the opposition films was a Disney film and they had in the last week they had really been ramping up the promotion for it.

But calm heads won it in the end and An Irish Goodbye (is) a film we can all be proud of.

He added: Its just crazy. But there were a few tears shed but what an achievement, just delighted.
The father of one of the stars of An Irish Goodbye has spoken of his pride in his sons performance, saying he made the film.

Belfast actor James Martin stars in An Irish Goodbye, which won the Oscar for best live action short film.

The film follows the story of two estranged brothers who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list.

Martin is the first star with Downs Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

Martins family and work colleagues from Starbucks have expressed their pride at his achievements.

His father, Ivan Martin, praised him, saying: James made the film. He put on a terrific performance. The proof of the pudding is in the Oscar.

They all have every right to be proud of themselves. Its won an Oscar not because James has Downs Syndrome  its a damn good film and they all acted their socks off in it. Deservedly, its been recognised.

Mr Martin revealed that his son was not feeling the nerves in the run-up to the Oscars ceremony.

It was getting closer and James says to me Dad, dont you worry, I just have a feeling were going to get nominated. Its a brilliant story, the Oscars are on the day of my birthday and hes not so slow, he was right, he said.

James has been a member of the Babosh drama group at Belfasts Belvoir Studio Theatre for a number of years.

He joined when he was about 10 or so and hes been there ever since, said Mr Martin.

He always enjoyed it and he loved the Christmas show and the end-of-term show.

James Martin with his brother Daniel, mother Suzanne and father Ivan with his Bafta for An Irish Goodbye (Family handout/PA)

Mr Martin admitted he felt some apprehension when his son started to take on bigger and more demanding acting roles.

Initially people think Will he be able to do this?  even me, he said.

When the final script came in, James had 59 pages and I said This is a big ask here, I dont know if James will be able to learn 59 pages.

We were going away on holiday and we always set aside time to read on holiday, but on this occasion James didnt. He brought his script and every day he was sitting going through it.

After the first day (of filming) I said How was James with his script?, and he was word perfect. He must get it by osmosis  he reads it and reads it and once its in it sticks.

He just fitted into that like someone with a favourite jacket. The rest, as they say, is history.

An Irish Goodbye star James Martin has been a member of the Babosh drama group in Belfast for a number of years (Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison/PA)

Mr Martin said that, despite obstacles, his son has always been confident in his abilities.

James went to the Oscars quite convinced he was going to win, he said.

He wasnt being big-headed or arrogant about it, thats not him. But he just had this belief and hes always had that. This belief that he can do this.

He wanted to act and he did it.

If you happen to have Downs Syndrome theres no doubt that you have it.

These folk have shown that they can do it, they can bring home the bacon, they can do the business. Thats important and it does inspire others.

Mr Martin spoke about the impact of his son being cast in An Irish Goodbye, which has now been globally recognised.

Theyll think James Martin was on the TV maybe I can do that, he said.

Thats marvellous, and hes very conscious of that and conscious that hes perhaps making a pathway for some other people.

Mr Martin has briefly spoken to his son, who is still enjoying the celebrations in Los Angeles.

What he did say is that he was knackered, he said.

He said I have loads to tell you but Ill tell it to you when I come back, in order, so we have more time to go through it.

I said You go and enjoy yourself. Are you going to bed now? He said No, nobody seems interested in going to bed so well maybe stay up a wee bit longer.

The celebrations are set to continue when the cast and crew return to Belfast, Mr Martin said.

We want him to get back, get settled and then well have a family and friends showing of the film.

He added: Its just crazy. But there were a few tears shed but what an achievement, just delighted.

James Martin has worked at Starbucks in Belfast for ten years prior to Oscar success.

His store manager at Starbucks, Barbara Hortavh, has described their stores response to his win.

The news came up first thing in the morning for everyone, we just woke up to Oscar-holding James Martin. Its absolutely fabulous, she said.

I dont think we thought that would happen, but whenever we seen the Baftas and they read the winner is An Irish Goodbye it was out of this world. We were all betting they were going to get the Oscar.

Ms Hortavh spoke of Martins rise to stardom.

Its like a dream come true for him. Who could imagine, working in a Starbucks and then next minute youre on the red carpet with all the famous people who you watch on the TV and youre actually one of them, she said.

Ms Hortavh described the love the colleagues and customers in Belfast have for Martin. She added: We hope hes coming back. Hes definitely missing us. We keep in touch so we know whats happening in LA.

He tells us that he was at Starbucks over there, we know that he was at a few parties, they had a birthday surprise for him, and we were sending him pictures of the snow in Belfast.

Martin works between two stores in Belfast which have been decked out with posters and decorations wishing him well.

Barbara Hortavh and Orla McManus revelling in their colleague James Martins Oscar success.

When we found out James was being nominated for the Bafta, everyone in the store wanted to do something extra for him, Ms Hortavh said.

When he arrived after the Baftas with his trophy we had birthday cake, we sang happy birthday, we had balloons, we had hampers with lots of favourite treats of his.

Starbucks supervisor Orla McManus is a supervisor has been working with Martin for two years.

My first shift with him, he said to me behind the bar: Im not just a barista you know, Im a famous actor as well so I knew him from then and he would tell me about his plays and what he was filming, she said.

Starbucks colleagues of actor James Martin, star of Oscar winning short film, an Irish Goodbye.

Martin was characteristically confident of the films success.

The way he was talking about it, we knew it wasnt like the things hes done before, we knew it was getting bigger and he had a feeling himself it was going to get bigger, Ms McManus said.

As things progressed, we found out he was nominated for the Baftas, the Oscars and its just been amazing.

We cant wait to see him again and catch up with him.
Police will prioritise freedom of speech over taking offence in non-crime hate incidents if new draft guidelines issued by the Home Secretary pass Parliament.

Suella Braverman said the draft guidelines, which will go before Parliament on Monday, will prevent police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate.

Under the guidance, the police will only record so-called non-crime hate incidents when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate and not simply because someone is offended, the Home Office said in a release.

Personal data will only be recorded for incidents motivated by intentional hostility and where there is a real risk of significant harm.

Ms Braverman said officers must have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds.

I have been deeply concerned about reports of the police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate in this country, she said.

We have been clear that, in recording so called non-crime hate incidents, officers must always have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds.

The new code will ensure the police are prioritising their efforts where its really needed and focusing on tackling serious crimes such as burglary, violent offences, rape and other sexual offences.

Under a section of the draft entitled necessary considerations  proportionality, common-sense approach, and least intrusive method, the guidelines reference the case of ex-police officer Harry Miller.

Mr Miller was visited at work by an officer from Humberside Police in January 2019 after a member of the public complained about his allegedly transphobic tweets.

The force recorded the complaint as a non-crime hate incident, defined by the College of Policings guidance as any non-crime incident which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice.

Mr Miller, from Lincolnshire, challenged both Humberside Polices actions and the College of Policings guidance at the High Court and, following a lengthy legal battle, the Court of Appeal ultimately found that the guidance breached his freedom of expression rights.

The guidelines say the court concluded that additional safeguards were needed to protect freedom of expression.

Crime, policing and fire minister Chris Philp said the guidelines create a clear threshold that must be met for hate incidents to be recorded.

We are committed to supporting the police to fulfil their vital role of keeping the public safe, including tackling the scourge of hate crime, he said.

Their focus must remain on catching dangerous criminals and bringing them to justice.

Thats why were taking action to ensure a clear threshold must be met in order for incidents of this type to be recorded.

Labour shadow policing minister Sarah Jones said that the Home Secretary is trying to pick fights instead of providing serious solutions.

We will wait to see the details of these guidelines, but it seems yet again the Home Secretary is trying to pick fights instead of providing serious solutions to the pressures on policing, she said.

The irony of the Government choosing this moment to emphasise freedom of expression will not be lost on anyone.

Labour has a plan to increase the number of neighbourhood police and give police the support and specialism they need to deal with the most serious crimes like rape and domestic abuse, as well as taking action to drive up standards across policing to rebuild trust and confidence.
It was a full circle moment for Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan who celebrated together on stage at the Oscars, 39 years since a 12-year-old Quan starred alongside the veteran actor in Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom.

Quans first film saw him play Short Round, a karate expert in what became a career-defining franchise for Ford, now 80, who played the titular character in 1984.

The pair shared a hug on stage at the Oscars on Sunday after Ford presented best picture to sci-fi epic Everything Everywhere All At Once, in which Quans performance also won him the Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role earlier in the night.

A 12-year-old Ke Huy Quan meets Diana, then-Princess of Wales at the premiere for Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom in London, 1984 (Ron Bell/Archive/PA)

Social media users were quick to spot the special moment as Everything Everywhere All At Once triumphed at the 95th Oscars, taking home seven awards.

In his acceptance speech, Quan thanked his 84-year-old mother and mentioned starting his journey on a boat and spending a year in a refugee camp.

At aged 12, the Vietnamese-American actor met Diana, Princess of Wales at Indiana Jones: Temple of Dooms premiere in Leicester Square, London, in 1984.

It has been 39 years since Ford and Quan starred together in Indiana Jones: Temple Of Doom (Chris Pizzello/AP)

They say stories like this only happen in the movies, he said in his speech at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

I cannot believe this is happening to me, this is the American dream.

Thank you so much to the academy for the honour of a lifetime.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is to set out plans for 12 new investment zones to supercharge growth in hi-tech industries when he unveils his first Budget on Wednesday.

Officials said the scheme  backed by 80 million of investment over five years in each of the new high-growth zones  is designed to accelerate research and development in the UKs most budding industries.

The move comes after the Government was forced to step in to facilitate the sale of the UK arm of the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank to HSBC to prevent dozens of tech companies being wiped out.

The Treasury said each of the new investment zones will be clustered around a university or other research institution, bringing growth to areas which have traditionally underperformed economically.

They will be focused on one of a series of key sectors  technology, creative industries, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and the green sector.

Eight areas in England have been shortlisted  the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the North East, South Yorkshire, the Tees Valley, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

The Government is also in discussions with the devolved administrations over how investment zones can be established in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland  accounting for the four final locations.

In addition, Mr Hunt will set out plans to accelerate the growth of high-potential innovation clusters in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands with 100 million of investment in 26 transformative R&D projects.

In a statement, Mr Hunt said: True levelling up must be about local wealth creation and local decision-making to unblock obstacles to regeneration.

From unleashing opportunity through new investment zones, to a new approach to accelerating R&D in city regions, we are delivering on our key priority to supercharge growth across the country.

The shortlist announcement was welcomed by both Conservative and Labour regional mayors.

Tracy Brabin, the Labour mayor of West Yorkshire, said: West Yorkshire has a strong and thriving economy, and Im pleased the Government has recognised the strength of our innovation by choosing to work with us to deliver an investment zone.

It will provide further opportunities for people across the region, as well as our world leading higher educational facilities, building on our expertise in digital, technology, and health and life sciences.

Ben Houchen, Tory Tees Valley mayor, said he was incredibly supportive of this proposal, in comments echoed by Tory West Midlands leader Andy Street and Labour mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard.
Jamie Lee Curtis wins first Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once

Everything Everywhere All At Once has enjoyed a successful start to the Oscars with Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan taking home major awards.

The sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, went into the night with 11 nominations after sweeping top prizes at other US awards ceremonies this year.

After the halfway mark of the ceremony at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, All Quiet On The Western Front led the way with four wins, while Everything Everywhere All At Once had three.

An emotional Curtis paid tribute to all the special people in her life, shouting we just won an Oscar, after collecting the best supporting actress gong  her first Oscar.

The US actress, 64, said on stage: I know it looks like I am standing up here on my own but I am not. There are hundreds of people and hundreds of people. We just won an Oscar.

To my family, my beautiful husband, Christopher Guest, my daughters, Annie and Ruby, my sister Kelly  we just won an Oscar.

To all of the people who have supported the genre movies that I have made for hundreds and hundreds of thousands, we just won an Oscar together.

Looking up to the sky, the actress, who was born into Hollywood royalty through parents Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, added: And my mother and father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories, I just won an Oscar.

Quan received a standing ovation as he took to the stage and hailed the American dream after claiming best supporting actor.

Ke Huy Quan accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role (Chris Pizzello/AP)

My mom is 84-years-old and she is at home watching. Ma I just won an Oscar! he said.

He continued: My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage.

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe this is happening to me  this is the American dream.

Thank you so much to the academy for the honour of a lifetime.

Quan has stormed this years award season, picking up best supporting accolades at almost every major ceremony.

The UK also enjoyed early success with wins in the categories for best cinematography and best short film.

James Friend picked up the cinematography award for his work on the epic First World War film All Quiet On The Western Front.

Friends win comes just weeks after similar success at the Bafta and on both occasions Friend pipped his fellow countryman Sir Roger Deakins, who had been nominated for the romantic drama Empire Of Light.

The co-directors of An Irish Goodbye led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star James Martin from the stage after the film won best live action short film.

Guillermo del Toro accepts the award for best animated feature film (Chris Pizzello/AP)

After Ross White thanked the Academy and their follow nominees, Tom Berkeley added: This award is actually the second most important thing about today because it is this mans birthday.

He is out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket. We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James.

The Oscar for best animated short film went to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse.

Charlie Mackesys illustrated book was adapted for the screen by the BBC and Apple TV+, and explores the friendship between the four titular characters as they journey together in search of a home.

Elizabeth Banks tripped as she took to the stage to present the award for best visual effects  which went to Avatar: The Way Of Water  but quickly managed to steady herself.

She was joined by a person wearing a bear costume in reference to her recent film Cocaine Bear and quipped: Oh my God. He tripped me.

The award for best documentary feature film went to Navalny, about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the events related to his 2020 poisoning.

Director Daniel Roher dedicated the award to Navalny and political prisoners around the world, saying: Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to the world.

Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalnaya, added: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free, stay strong my love.

The stars and directors of An Irish Goodbye (Chris Pizzello/AP)

The first Oscar of the night, animated feature film, went to Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio.

Taking to the stage, the Mexican filmmaker said: Animation is cinema, animation is not a genre and animation is ready to be taken to the next step.

Host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the night by entering the stage attached to a parachute, in a nod to best picture nominee Top Gun: Maverick.

Give me a second I need to adjust my danger zone. My Banshees are caught in my Inisherin right now, he said.

I know that being here is a dream come true for some people, thank you for inviting me.

He also made reference to last years slap while praising the Irish talent nominated at this years ceremony.

Five Irish actors are nominated tonight, which meant the odds of another fight onstage just went way up, he said.

The remark prompted laughter from the audience and cast members of The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a departure from previous years, the Oscars swapped its usual red carpet for a champagne carpet, with stars including Bill Nighy and Cate Blanchett wearing a blue ribbon as part of an initiative from the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR.
The King will attend his first Commonwealth Day service as monarch, delivering a message marking the occasion from the Great Pulpit in Westminster Abbey.

The Commonwealth Day theme for 2023 is Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future, and comes at a time when Charles has experienced great turbulence in his relationship with his youngest son, the Duke of Sussex.

Senior members of the royal family will gather with the King in the church where he will be crowned in two months time.

The King and the Queen Consort will be crowned on May 6 in the Abbey (Chris Jackson/PA)

The Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales will be there, with the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Afterwards, Charles, Camilla and the attending members of the royal family will entertain the Commonwealth secretary-general, high commissioners, foreign affairs ministers and other members of the Commonwealth community at a Buckingham Palace reception.

The annual service was the scene of Harry and the Duchess of Sussexs final official public engagement as senior working royals in 2020.

The couple, who stepped down for a new life in the US, have yet to confirm whether they will attend the Kings coronation, but have received email correspondence about it from Charles office.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Commonwealth Day in 2020 (Phil Harris/Daily Mirror/PA)

Harrys controversial autobiography Spare, published at the start of the year, included claims that William physically attacked him and that Charles did not hug him when he told him of Diana, Princess of Waless death.

Charles is now head of the Commonwealth, following in the late Queens footsteps after she successfully lobbied for him to take on the role.

A Commonwealth flag for peace will be carried in the procession of Commonwealth members flags to mark 2023 as Commonwealth Year of Peace.

The service will include musical performances from saxophonist Yolanda Brown, West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera, and the all-female Amalgamation Choir, from Cyprus.

The flag bearers parade at the Commonwealth Service in 2022 (Daniel Leal/PA)

Guests of honour among the 2,000-strong congregation will include the Commonwealth secretary-general, the prime minister of Samoa, high commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the UK and the Commonwealth.

Also attending will be athletes from the home nations who competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last summer, as well as faith leaders, and more than 750 schoolchildren and young people from throughout the UK.

The service will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Malala Yousafzai graced the Oscars welcome carpet in head-to-toe sparkling sequins before revealing pop star Rihanna would be most likely to make her fangirl at this years awards.

The activist and campaigner, 25, stood with her husband in a silver, sequined, long-sleeved gown with gathered detailing at the midriff and a matching hijab.

The Ralph Lauren dress harkened back to a look by the same designer donned by actress Janelle Monae at the 2020 Academy Awards, as Yousafzai posed next to Asser Malik, with whom she tied the knot in November 2021.

This is my first time, its just been so surreal, she said.

Malala Yousafzai and Asser Malik arrive at the Oscars (Ashley Landis/AP)

There are so many beautiful and gorgeous people walking around  I cant believe they are by my side.

Asked if there was anyone who would make her fan girl, she laughed and replied Rihanna.

I cant wait to see her and then hear her sing, I dont know whats going to happen to me.

Yousafzai is the executive producer of Stranger At The Gate, which is nominated for best documentary short film at the Oscars.

This is such a powerful story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, compassion and I was so honoured to be a part of it, she said.

I am so proud to be part of the Oscar-nominated short documentary STRANGER AT THE GATE, a story of compassion and kindness that will leave you feeling inspired. Watch it now on the @NewYorker: https://t.co/y96kCEmJpc pic.twitter.com/pqo0IHwcvU  Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) February 21, 2023

Yousafzai has previously spoken out about the lack of Muslim representation in Hollywood films.

She used her speech as one of the honourees at US outlet Varietys Power of Women in September 2022 to talk about the issue, saying that even the response of industry executives towards commissioning projects by minority creatives felt like being told we just dont belong here.
Michael D Higgins has marked Irelands success at the Oscars by hailing a remarkable year for the Irish film industry.

The Irish President congratulated those behind An Irish Goodbye which took the award for best short film, as well as Richard Baneham who was among those who won the Oscar for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water.

Shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland, black comedy An Irish Goodbye follows the story of two estranged brothers coming to terms with the death of their mother.

Its co-directors led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star, James Martin, after it was announced as the winner at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

James Martin stars in black comedy An Irish Goodbye (Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison/PA)

The film also won the short film category at this years Baftas.

President Higgins said: May I congratulate An Irish Goodbye and Richard Baneham for their fantastic achievements in winning the Best Live-Action Short Film and Best Visual Effects Awards respectively at last nights Oscars ceremony.

May I further extend my congratulations to Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Kerry Condon, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Jonathan Redmond and all involved with An Cailin Ciuin and The Banshees Of Inisherin for the exceptional recognition of their work which being nominated for an Academy Award constitutes.

This has been a remarkable year for the Irish film industry and is a testament to the hard work of so many people over recent decades.

It is particularly welcome to see the recognition which the Irish film industry is receiving on what is the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board, now Screen Ireland, in 1993.

The success which we are seeing is built on the acquisition of skills and pursuit of excellence by all in the Irish film community.

As a gesture to all that has been achieved, and the important contribution of the film and related industries to Irish life, Sabina and myself look forward to hosting a St Patricks Day reception celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities at Aras an Uachtarain this Friday.

Irelands culture minister, Catherine Martin, also congratulated the two Irish Oscar winners.

Culture Minister Catherine Martin said it was a historic night for Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ms Martin said it was a historic night for Ireland and testament to the wealth of talent that now exists in the Irish industry.

The minister and the Irish Consulate hosted an Oscars viewing event in Los Angeles for producers, film executives and the Irish community on Sunday night.

This evenings ceremony has been a momentous occasion on so many levels; for the nominees who have received richly deserved plaudits for their creative endeavours; for the Irish film industry which is riding the crest of a wave; and for all of us in Ireland who are so proud of your achievements, she said.

The Oscars ceremony showcased our talent, our language, and the beauty of our country as a tourism destination to a global audience, and with the pipeline of exciting projects in production at the moment, there is no reason why we cant be competing every year at the highest level, such is the creative talent within the country at the moment.

Ms Martin is in LA as part of a trade mission to boost investment in Irelands film industry, tourism and culture.

The trip is part of the Irish Governments St Patricks Day programme and includes meetings with US studios and production companies, including Sony and Disney, which includes representatives from Marvel, Searchlight and Lucas Film.

Ross White and Tom Berkeley win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for An Irish Goodbye. The @NIScreen backed short film is a blackly comic story of grief and family. #Oscar pic.twitter.com/dtgWlrMpxa  Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) March 13, 2023

Ireland had a total of 14 Oscar nominations, including nine for The Banshees Of Inisherin.

Susan Bergin, from Screen Ireland, said that, while those who missed out may be disappointed, she praised their amazing contribution to raising the profile of the Irish screen industry.

We couldnt be more proud of them, she told RTE Radio One.

Im sure theres some disappointment perhaps for them. But, for us, we couldnt be more proud because they have raised the profile of the industry.

Were here this week on a trade mission led by Minister Martin.

We have met several studios, and the raising of the profile with all these Oscars (nominations) is just amazing and the feedback and the positivity about Irish creative talent and how good it is to work in Ireland when inward productions come to us.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal speaks in the Rajya Sabha during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, March 13, 2023. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The second part of the Budget Session saw a stormy start on Monday as the Opposition and the Treasury benches traded charges leading to noise, chaos and adjournments in both the Houses of Parliament.

Adopting offense as the best way of defence as a strategy to counter the Oppositions move to pin it down in Parliament, the government on Monday attacked the Congress, targeting Rahul Gandhi in both Houses, demanding an apology from him for his comments made in London recently over the lack of democracy in India.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the deputy leader of the House in the Lok Sabha, raised the issue the moment the Lok Sabha met after the recess. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal led the attack. The Congress countered the comments against Rahul Gandhi vociferously and hit back, shouting slogans demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue.

Mr Rajnath Singh alleged that Rahul Gandhi had tried to defame India in London through his remarks on Indian democracy. "Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of the Lok Sabha, had gone to London and tried to discredit India and said the democratic system in India is completely crumbling. He also said tforeign powers should save India's democracy. He tried to deeply hurt India's honour and prestige," said the minister.

He was referring to Mr Gandhis recent comments in London where he had talked about the Indian political situation under the BJP government.

Mr Singh told Speaker Om Birla that the House should condemn Mr Gandhi's remarks and the Congress leader should be directed to tender an apology. "I appeal to you for condemnation of Rahul Gandhis remarks by this House. You should also direct him to tender an apology in this House for his comments," he said.

The Treasury members shouted slogans seeking Mr Gandhis apology. The Congress countered the allegations and came to the Well of the House to protest. Congress Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to Speaker Om Birla asking him to expunge the statement of defence minister Rajnath Singh in which he made "certain comments on Rahul Gandhi".

"Rajnath Singh is making baseless allegations on Rahul Gandhi. They wont let us speak. The party in power has adopted the policy to keep their points and halt assembly They are tarnishing the image of our party and Rahul Gandhi, this is a conspiracy," said Mr Chowdhury.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi condemned Mr Gandhi for "seeking the intervention of foreign powers like the US and the Europe", and asked where was democracy when fundamental rights were "trampled" during the Emergency and when an ordinance, duly approved by the Union Cabinet, was torn (by Rahul Gandhi during the UPA government).

Speaker Om Birla said democracy in India was strong and getting stronger. "Let the House function properly. Everyone will get an opportunity. Slogan-shouting is not good. The people of this country have great faith in our democracy. Even foreign MPs and chairs, who often visit us, accept this," he said.

In the Rajya Sabha too, the BJP and Opposition MPs traded charges over Rahul Gandhis statement in London. Leader of the House and Union minister Piyush Goyal said he had raised a serious matter of a senior Congress leader going abroad and stating that democracy was in danger in India and even urged the US and Europe to interfere in the countrys affairs.

"The House must condemn such statements and unless he apologises, the country will not forgive him," said Mr Goyal without referring to Mr Gandhi by name. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge objected to Mr Goyals statements, citing two previous rulings of the House, and asked Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to expunge the remarks of the Leader of the House.

"There is nothing for which Rahul Gandhi needs to apologise," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor outside the House.

Later, at a joint press conference, which also saw the attendance of AAP and BRS members, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said: "There is no rule of law and democracy under Modiji. We are demanding the constitution of a JPC on the Adani stocks issue. When we raise this issue, then mics are switched off and a ruckus erupts in the House."

After the joint press conference, Mr Kharge tweeted: "@narendramodi ji I want to remind you of your statement made in China. You said: Earlier, you felt ashamed of being born Indian. Now you feel proud to represent the country. Was this not an insult to India and Indians? Tell your ministers to refresh their memories! In South Korea, you had said: There was a time when people used to feel that what sin they committed in their past life which resulted in taking birth in India, is this what you call a country. First see the Mirror of Truth, before lecturing the Congress Party."

Meanwhile, raising its pressure on the government, the Congress posed fresh questions about Gautam Adanis alleged network of shell companies engaged in "opaque" financial transactions, and claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi got his "drum-beaters" to get Parliament adjourned so that the demand for a JPC into the Adani issue was not raised.
The Illegal Migration Bill is effectively a traffickers charter that will lock up children and remove support from women who have been trafficked, Yvette Cooper has said.

The shadow home secretary asked how low have the Tory party fallen as she lambasted the Governments new immigration plans in the Commons.

Moving an amendment that would decline to give a second reading to the Bill, Ms Cooper said the proposed legislation wont do the things the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have promised.

She went on: In fact, it makes it easier for those gangs as well.

It wont return everyone, in fact it makes it harder to get return agreements. It wont clear the asylum backlog, in fact it will mean tens of thousands more people in asylum accommodation and hotels.

It wont deliver controlled and managed safe alternatives. Instead, it will cut them back and it will rip up our long-standing commitment to international law. It will lock up children.

It will lock up children, remove support and safe refuges from women who have been trafficked, and it will deny citizenship for people like Mo Farah.

Referring to a tweet posted on the Prime Ministers account, which said if you come to the UK illegally you cant benefit from our modern slavery protections, Ms Cooper noted bringing people into the UK illegally in order to control and exploit them is exactly what trafficking is.

She added: The message from the UK Government to the criminal trafficking and slavery gangs is this: Dont worry, so long as you bring people into the country illegally, we wont help them. In fact, we will help you.

That is their message to the criminal gangs: We will threaten those people with immediate detention and deportation so that you can increase your control over those trafficking victims.

This Bill is a traffickers charter.

Ms Cooper said Conservative former prime minister Theresa May promised to end modern slavery but this one, the current one wants to enable it, adding: How low have the Tory party fallen?

And it is even worse for children. This Bill allows the Home Secretary to lock them up indefinitely, safeguards all removed.

SNP home affairs spokesperson Alison Thewliss branded the Bill nothing but an abhorrent dog whistle, adding her partys MPs do not support it.

She said: We support a functioning and fair immigration system, which is a million miles away from what we have just now.

There is no proof that this Bill will work  there is no return agreement with the EU or anywhere else, and, ironically for the Brexiteers on the benches opposite, leaving the EU has made this much, much more difficult.

What this Bill does do is create an underclass of people stuck in immigration limbo indefinitely.

On the cost, she said: It is sickening that it costs so much to treat our fellow human beings so badly.

As he closed the second reading debate, Home Office minister Robert Jenrick said on excluding children and families from the scheme: I have seen for myself, the depravity of the people smuggling gangs, there is no low to which they would not stoop.

They have no regard for human life and if we were to inadvertently create an incentive to split up families, to encourage adults to make false claims, there is no doubt in my mind that they would do it.

On the shadow home secretarys comments, Mr Jenrick said she couldnt bring herself to say that those crossing the Channel in a small boat are illegal, or that it is wrong to break into our country, nor could she explain what these migrants, the overwhelming majority of whom are young men, fleeing as they do through Greece, through Italy, through Germany, through Belgium, through the Netherlands, or indeed France are actually fleeing through.

Labours amendment seeking to decline the second reading of the Bill was rejected by 312 votes to 249, majority 63.
Australia will operate a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines based on a British design as both countries modernise their navies.

The Aukus deal  involving Australia, the UK and US  will see the new boats in operation in the late 2030s following a construction phase which will create thousands of jobs in the UK.

The new SSN-Aukus submarines will be in operation for the Royal Navy by the late 2030s under the plan, and will also give Australia its first nuclear-powered capability.

The UKs submarines will mainly be built by BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Rolls-Royce.

Astute class submarine Artful, designed and built by BAE Systems (Mike Vallance/BAE Systems)

They will replace the Royal Navys Astute-class boats when they enter into operation.

The plan could see the number of UK hunter-killer subs double.

Australias boats will be built in South Australia, using some components manufactured in the UK, and will be in service in the early 2040s.

Rishi Sunak, Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden met in San Diego to announce the next stage of the Aukus programme.

As part of the agreement, Australia will buy US Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s as a stop-gap measure until the new vessels are operational.

The new submarines will also incorporate US technology.

Mr Sunak said: The Aukus partnership, and the submarines we are building in British shipyards, are a tangible demonstration of our commitment to global security.

This partnership was founded on the bedrock of our shared values and resolute focus on upholding stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

And I am hugely pleased that the plans we have announced today will see pioneering British design expertise protect our people and our allies for generations to come.

The Aukus partnership was announced in 2021 as Australia sought to respond to Chinas assertive actions in the Pacific.

The latest stage comes as the UK publishes its updated integrated review of foreign and security policy, which highlights Chinas more aggressive stance.

The deal caused a diplomatic rift with France, which had expected to supply diesel-powered submarines to the Canberra government.

The 5 billion extra for defence announced by Mr Sunak will partly help develop the next phase of the Aukus programme.

This will be followed by sustained funding over the next decade and will build on the 2 billion invested last year in our Dreadnought-class submarine programme.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: This is a significant step forward for our three nations as we work together to contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific and across the world.

Supporting thousands of jobs across the UK, with many in the north-west of England, this endeavour will boost prosperity across our country and showcase the prowess of British industry to our allies and partners.

The Aukus programme will result in closer collaboration between the three nations.

Beginning in 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will embed with the US Navy and Royal Navy, and in the two countries industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel.

The US plans to increase port visits by nuclear-powered submarines to Australia this year, with the United Kingdom increasing visits in 2026.

From 2027, UK and US boats could be deployed on forward rotation to Australia to help develop training and expertise.

The three nations insisted that the deal did not increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.

The vessels will carry conventional weapons and the nuclear reactors will be sealed shut and not require refuelling in their lifetimes.
A business organisation backed by the King has urged the Prime Minister to not waste any more time in making it mandatory for big companies to report their ethnicity pay gaps.

Business In The Community (BITC) wrote letters to Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asking them to work together to introduce new legislation for employers with more than 250 staff.

The group, of which Charles was a royal founding patron when it formed in 1982, said it is a matter of urgency for the Government.

Just 3% of the UK workforce is employed by companies that publish their ethnicity pay gap, BITC said.

Yet predictions using census data show that by 2051 nearly a third of working-age adults in England and Wales will be from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Furthermore, if this diverse ethnic workforce is utilised, it could boost the economy by 36 billion by 2051, BITC predicted using data from the McGregor-Smith Review in 2017 on race in the workplace.

Sandra Kerr, BITCs race director, said: The Government needs to bring forward mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting as a matter of urgency.

Employers back it, evidence shows that reporting works, so Im not sure what Government is waiting for.

Sandra Kerr has called for action from the Government (Steve Parsons/PA)

Legislating for companies to publish this data is only the first step, closing the pay gap is when the real work will begin.

By continuing to ignore the inevitable, the Government is just wasting time when we could all be working together to address the problem.

BITC found that, without Government action, it will take until 2075 for companies currently capturing ethnicity data to publish it.

Reports in recent years have exposed divergences between ethnic minorities and white British workers.

The TUC found last year that the unemployment rate for black and minority ethnic employees was more than double that of their white counterparts, a gap which widened following the pandemic.

A separate report from race equality think tank Runneymede Trust in 2020 found that black and minority ethnic young adults were 47% more likely to be employed on a zero-hour contract than white young adults.

Responsible investment groups have piled pressure on UK businesses to disclose their ethnicity pay gap data to help address racial inequality across workforces.

ShareAction, a charity which works with investors to drive social change, has been targeting financial services companies in the FTSE 100 since July last year.

It has questioned 17 big firms at their annual general meetings and secured commitments from the likes of NatWest, Standard Chartered and Abrdn to publish data, or break it down in order to compare data across different ethnic groups.

British banking giants like Barclays and HSBC said they want to improve representation of ethnic minority employees in more senior roles, after reporting significant pay gaps between black and white staff.

Baroness McGregor-Smith, a British businesswoman and politician, said: It has been six years since I published my review into race in UK workplaces and since then, there has been no tangible action taken by the Government to address pay disparities for diverse ethnic groups.

Its clear that mandatory reporting is the only way to address the ethnicity pay gap, its too late for voluntary guidance.
Heathrow has sought to reassure families it is prepared for a successful Easter getaway after many saw their holiday plans ruined a year ago.

The west London airport said overall passenger satisfaction is close to pre-pandemic levels.

The punctuality of departing flights in February was the most consistent it has been in the last 12 months, while more than 98% of passengers passed through security in under 10 minutes for the second month in a row, according to Heathrow.

A failure to recruit and train enough staff to cope with the surge in demand for travel led to chaotic scenes at UK airports during Easter 2022, with long queues and more than 100 flights a day cancelled.

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: The February half-term went very smoothly, thanks to a great plan and teamwork across the airport.

This should give everyone confidence that we are prepared for a successful Easter getaway.

The last day of term before the two-week Easter break for many schools in Britain is March 31.

Last month, Heathrows Terminal 5 recorded its busiest day since before the coronavirus pandemic.

The airport said more than 94,000 passengers used the terminal on February 26.

That was its busiest day since December 20 2019, before the virus crisis began.

A total of 5.2 million passengers travelled through Heathrow last month, up from 2.9 million in February 2022.

The increase was partly driven by the number of people on flights to and from east Asia being eight times higher than a year ago as coronavirus restrictions in the region were eased.

The most popular holiday destinations served from the UKs busiest airport last month were Dubai, New York and Madrid.
UK technology firms have cheered the sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK (SVB UK) to HSBC after warning that about a third of the nations tech sector could have been lost if the bank collapsed.

An influential tech group said anxiety levels were off the scale for many start-ups in the hours of intense negotiations leading up to the rescue deal.

Russ Shaw, the founder of Tech London Advocates, told the PA news agency that well over 100 tech leaders and investors were working with the Government, the Treasury, the Bank of England and tech firms over the weekend to demonstrate the magnitude of the problem.

He told PA: We were trying to gather information, pass it to the Government to say, the size and scale of this is going to be big.

The Prime Minister has said he wants the UK to be a science and tech powerhouse, but if we dont get this sorted by Monday, we are going to probably lose about a third of our tech sector as a result of this one bank closure.

So it was significant and I think we felt like we were staring into the abyss.

It comes after the US government moved to stop a potential banking crisis after SBV failed, marking the second-largest bank failure in history.

Mr Shaw said the smallest firms still had about 25,000 with SVB UK, but he was in touch with one start-up that had more than 10 million of exposure to the bank.

Some firms had all their money with the flailing bank, he stressed, which led to high levels of anxiety amid the impending insolvency.

We estimated that probably several thousand UK start-ups were going to be impacted by this, so it was big.

But Mr Shaw said the sector breathed a collective sigh of relief when it was confirmed that HSBC would acquire the assets of SVB UK and banking services would continue as normal.

Dom Hallas, the executive director of the Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec) which represents UK scale-ups, was one of the tech leaders working closely with the Government over the weekend.

Mr Hallas echoed the sentiment of Mr Shaw that the sale comes as a big relief for concerned businesses whose deposits were at risk.

He said: The Government deserves huge credit from the very top, to HM Treasury who understood the challenge and gripped it, to the huge number of civil servants who have likely not slept since Friday.

Its glib to say it  but there are hundreds of founders around the country who will thank you for your work.

The Government deserves huge credit. From the very top, to HM Treasury who understood the challenge and gripped it, to the PRA, to the huge number of civil servants who have likely not slept since Friday. They have saved hundreds of the UKs most innovative companies today.  Dom Hallas (@Dom_Hallas) March 13, 2023

It is understood there were a number of banks interested in buying SVB UK, but that ultimately HSBC won the deal.

Mr Shaw added: HSBC just acquired an incredible portfolio of businesses, frankly, who are all very healthy. Its not like they were distressed  the issue is that they couldnt access their funds.

Suddenly, in one fell swoop, HSBC have acquired a number of great, high-growth, scaling businesses. It feels like it is a win-win.

Meanwhile, numerous venture capitalist funds also held money with SVB, particularly in the US where the bank was a major lender for the tech industry.

Konstantin Sidorov, the chief executive of the London Technology Club, told PA that the rescue deal marked a pivotal moment for the UK as a major global tech and science hub.

He said: It is thanks to the Government that it reacted quickly and understood the importance of the banks role in the industry. It is an amazing sign that it is very, very serious about supporting the industry.

I think it would have been impossible for the Government to say we support tech, and we are doing everything we can for the sector, and then just destroying what they had built over the years.

He added that the move will have given investors confidence after a very nervous weekend for the sector.
Rishi Sunak has said there are no plans to change a law which blocks the Elgin Marbles from being given to Greece.

The Prime Minister said the UK had cared for the sculptures in the British Museum for generations and they were shared with the world at the London site.

Athens has long demanded the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which were removed from Greece by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, when he was the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to San Diego in the US, Mr Sunak said: The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to members of the travelling media during his flight to San Diego, US (Leon Neal/PA)

Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country.

We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them.

The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.

British Museum chairman George Osborne, the former chancellor, has said he is exploring ways for the Elgin Marbles to be displayed in Greece.

But while decisions about the care and management of specific collections are a matter for the museum and its trustees, the Government has made clear that long-term loans would not be within the spirit of its position.

The 1963 British Museum Act prevents the institution giving away objects from its collection except in very limited circumstances.
Junior doctors on picket lines have said they have to work extra shifts just to to pay energy bills and told of their concerns for paying for basic home repairs.

One medic said the public would not want to be treated by a doctor who was worrying about how theyre going to pay their bills.

Others expressed frustration over the claim that baristas earn more money than the entry-level salary for junior medics.

Junior doctors are the people who are there when your babies are born, the people who are there when your heart stops if you need resuscitation, one said.

Speaking outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, junior doctor Shivam Sharma told the PA news agency: Junior doctors have faced a massive 26% real-terms pay cut over the last 15 years. We are not worth 26% less, we dont do 26% less work, we dont see 26% less patients. In fact, the work has only gotten harder.

Currently, 50% of junior doctors are struggling to pay rent, mortgage and bills, and 50% are having to borrow money from friends and family just to make ends meet.

If you or I were going into hospital critically unwell, we couldnt want our junior doctor to be worrying about how theyre going to pay their bills.

So something has to be done  we have to value doctors here if we are going to keep them.

Paul Smith, a first-year surgical trainee at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: I started in my training post in August last year and Ive spent 3,000 on course fees, professional fees and exams. We can claim some tax back but Ive still got to pay that upfront.

Me and my partner managed to save up enough money to buy a house locally and we found a hole in the roof last week.

Were genuinely struggling to find the money to fix that at the moment.

Hamish Bain, 29, a neurology trainee working at University College London Hospitals, told PA poor pay has forced him to continue living with his parents.

I live at home, after spending 11 years studying and training. I love my parents but this isnt something that I would choose to do if I had the money, he said.

Meanwhile Sumi Manirajan, 29, who works at a hospital in north-west London, said she had been forced to borrow money from her parents in order to sit her medical exams.

Rebecca Lissman, 29, a trainee in obstetrics and gynaecology, said that all that junior doctors are asking is to be paid a wage that matches our skill set.

Striking junior doctors on the picket line outside the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle (PA)

Speaking from the picket line at University College Hospital, on Euston Road in London, she told the PA news agency: I still want to work for a service thats free at the point of use when Im a fully qualified consultant. We want a health service that works for everyone and thats why Im here today.

In my field, we are working in surgery but we are also supporting people on the hardest days of our lives. Around a third of people drop out before they finish their training because it is so taxing.

We cant give people the service they deserve and see them as quickly as they need because we are so stretched.

I want to be in work, looking after people, getting trained. I dont want to be out here striking but I feel that I have to.

Edward Finn, an anaesthetist registrar at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: If you look at the overall cost of living, wages that havent kept up with that, and we dont go out for meals, we dont do anything.

My wife and I are both part-time  we couldnt afford to be full-time with the cost of childcare  but we still have to do the occasional extra shift on top of our contracted hours to keep up with things like the electricity bill.

When youre talking about somebody whos been a doctor for 12 years, its quite sad really, isnt it?

PA Graphics

Striking junior doctor Martin Whyte, on the picket line in Newcastle, said the public understood the need for the industrial action.

The paediatric registrar worked night shifts at the Royal Victoria Infirmary this weekend where the average wait for A&E was six hours.

He said: We used to say anything above four hours was a breach but we have missed that target so overwhelmingly now, its almost not worth counting.

These systems are failing chronically and I think the public understand that.

They know steps have to be taken to address that, and that starts with better retention of staff and for that you need better pay. We are seeing a lot of attrition from the workforce.

The 36-year-old said newly qualified doctors used to talk about the specialism they hoped to work in, adding: Now when I talk to them they say Im going to go to Australia, Im going to go to Canada, or Im going to quit medicine all together, because the pay relative to the work and the intensity and the hours just doesnt add up.

Speaking on a picket line at Leeds General Infirmary, Dr Chris Morris, doctor and British Medical Association rep, said: Its really reassuring when members of the public do go past honking their horns, giving us messages of support. It reemphasises why were doing this.

I dont think anyone has taken this decision lightly. Its the last thing we want to do as doctors but we feel that weve pushed into this decision by the Government.

A junior doctor participating in the strike in Bristol said the support from the public meant she felt at the end of the day like I have done the right thing.

Dr Emma Coombe, 34 from Nailsea, Somerset, a junior doctor training to be a consultant paediatrician and a BMA rep, graduated from medical school in 2011 and is 18 months away from qualifying as a consultant.

She told the PA news agency: Today was hard work. I was involved in setting up the picket outside our hospital and I didnt really sleep well last night because I was just so anxious about how it was going to go.

It was rewarding because we had so much support from the public  we had people honking their horns, we had members of the public coming up and telling us that they support us, we had donations of food and drink from the local cafes.

It was really heartwarming. It was wet, it was cold, it was very windy, I am tired through to my bones, but I have got a feeling at the end of the day like I have done the right thing.
The candidates to succeed Nicola Sturgeon have said the price of SNP support under their leadership for a minority Labour government after the next election would be another referendum on independence.

Labour could find itself in need of SNP votes at the next election  predicted to come some time in 2024  but Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly ruled out a deal with the nationalists.

He told party members at the Scottish Labour conference last month there would be no pact with the SNP.

The candidates took part in a debate on Sky News on Monday (Peter Devlin/PA)

Speaking during a Sky News debate in the hours after voting for the next SNP leader officially opened, all three candidates said they would extract another vote to put Sir Keir in Downing Street.

Give us the power to hold a referendum, because our democracy and our voice should not be denied any longer, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said she would work with the party on an issue-by-issue basis, particularly in the fight against poverty, adding: For anything more, (my price) has got to be another referendum.

Ms Forbes said she would not trade poverty for independence, but said any support would have to be contingent on another referendum.

Former minister Ash Regan said: At the moment, were obviously in a political stalemate where Westminster are denying the voice of Scotland being expressed, so a Section 30 order would be an obvious way to go there.

The Edinburgh debate, the third of its kind so far in the leadership race, was less aggressive than previous affairs, where the candidates  in particular Ms Forbes and Mr Yousaf  repeatedly clashed.

Elsewhere, Ms Forbes views on social issues were further probed after the early days of her campaign focused largely on her saying she would not have voted for equal marriage in 2014.

Asked if she would bring in a complete ban on conversion therapy  including the voluntary use of the practice  Ms Forbes stopped short of saying she would, but described it as abhorrent.

My commitment to you is to look carefully at (banning voluntary conversion therapy), she said.

What Im not going to do, because I dont think any government has done that yet, it is to precede the normal process of legislation.

She added: I think people should be allowed to live freely as they choose and I dont think there should be conversion therapy in existence in Scotland.

Asked if a gay man should be allowed to seek conversion therapy to change his sexuality, Ms Forbes said: Well, its his choice, but I do not think we should allow conversion therapy.

The Finance Secretary added: My position on this is that people should be allowed to live as they choose in a free, tolerant society, and I think the conversion therapy Bill should reflect that.

Ms Forbes also expressed support for the views of author JK Rowling in her criticism of gender self-identification reforms.

Kate Forbes said she did not disagree with the views of the Harry Potter author (Ian West/PA)

Ms Rowling has been a fervent critic of the changes, which were blocked by the UK Government in January after being passed by MSPs from all parties the previous month.

She has also levelled criticism directly at Ms Sturgeon, posting a picture of herself in a T-shirt branding her a destroyer of womens rights.

Ms Forbes agreed, when asked, that the author was a national treasure, as well as describing her as brave.

When asked if she supported Ms Rowlings views on gender reforms, she said: I dont disagree with her.

While Ms Regan struggled on the detail of her currency plan, saying she cant give the full details until it is fully devised by an independence commission she would form on the first day of her leadership.

This is a credible plan, I cant give you the full details of how it would work yet, because obviously, weve got to go through that process, she said.

Challenged by host Beth Rigby on the creation of other institutions on top of a central bank, Ms Regan  who said she was the only hope for the independence cause  added: I dont have the full detail on this at the moment because this is going to be the stuff that will be looked into by senior economists and bankers.

As first minister, youre surrounded by civil servants, you have top advisers to be able to advise you on this.

She went on to say that creating a detailed manifesto in a week as a result of the leadership campaign would be an impossibility.

Ballots in the SNP leadership contest opened on Monday, just hours before the debate took place.

Latest Scottish independence referendum tracker (9-13 Mar 2023) Headline voteYes: 46% (= since Feb 17-20)No: 54% (=) Full resultsYes: 39% (-1)No: 47% (=)Don't know: 10% (+1)Would not vote: 2% (=)https://t.co/sWFktC6EdH pic.twitter.com/Cy5oTv3uRG  YouGov (@YouGov) March 13, 2023

A new poll for Sky News by YouGov released on the same day also suggested the Scottish public felt all three candidates would not be as good at leading the country as Ms Sturgeon.

Ms Forbes and Mr Yousaf also clashed over their support in the country.

Ms Forbes said: On the polling, I dont think thats where youre particularly strong.

I have not only got net positive ratings, I have actually got higher net positive ratings than either of the opposition leaders. That is what matters for an election winner.

Mr Yousaf replied: I accept we have to reach out to No voters but it is so important that we dont lose our own supporters, and the way we do that is by not abandoning our progressive agenda, isnt that right?
The majority of Scots believe the candidates to replace Nicola Sturgeon would be worse than the outgoing First Minister, a poll has suggested.

The poll, of 1,002 Scots between March 9 and 13, was released on Monday in the hours after voting for the next SNP leader opened.

Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf were put to the participants, with pollster YouGov  commissioned by Sky News  asking if the prospective leaders would be better than their predecessor.

Ms Forbes was rated best, with 17% saying she would be better than Ms Sturgeon, but 33% saying she would be worse.

A further 21% said there would be little change between administrations, while 28% said they were not sure.

Ms Regan was the next best rated, with just 8% thinking she would be a better first minister, compared to 38% who said she would be worse and 35% who were unsure.

(PA Graphics)

Mr Yousaf, who has been described by some in the party as the establishment candidate, is viewed as the worst option by the public when compared to Ms Sturgeon, with just 6% claiming he would be better than Nicola Sturgeon and 46% saying he would be worse.

According to the survey, 20% said he would be roughly the same as Ms Sturgeon and 27% were unsure.

In the same poll, more respondents thought the candidates would be a bad first minster than a good one.

Ms Forbes was again viewed as the best option, with 27% saying she would be a good fit for the role, with 36% claiming she would be bad and 36% being unsure.

Mr Yousaf was next, with 22% saying he would be a good first minister, while 44%  the most of all the candidates  believed he would be bad and 33% saying they were unsure.

Ms Regan, who has long been considered an outside candidate for the job, is viewed by 14% of the public as good for the role, compared to 39% who believed she would be a bad fit and 47% being unsure.

Elsewhere in the survey, support for independence stagnated, with 46% of decided voters supporting separation, while 54% being against  the same as the previous poll done in February.

SNP president Mike Russell said the 46% figure was a rock solid starting point for a future independence campaign, adding that the opposition know that a referendum is on them to lose.

Controversial gender reforms have featured heavily in the race thus far, with the candidates laying out differing visions for dealing with the Section 35 order that blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Mr Yousaf pledged to fight the order in court and has said he would seek to remove Section 35 from the Scotland Act, while Kate Forbes gave a commitment to re-work the legislation and bring it back to Parliament.

Ms Regan, who resigned from Government in protest over the legislation, said she would drop the Bill entirely.

The poll found the Scottish public to be at odds with the current Government, with 56% of people opposing the legislation  35% strongly so  while just 26% supported it.
Xi to attend CPC and World Political Parties Summit

Xinhua) 14:06, March 13, 2023

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A dialogue between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and other political parties from across the world will take place Wednesday via video link, Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson for the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, announced Monday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, will attend the opening ceremony of the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting in Beijing and deliver a keynote address, Hu said.

The event, under the theme of "Path towards Modernization: the Responsibility of Political Parties," will gather leaders of political parties and political organizations from many countries, Hu said.

China hosted the first dialogue of its kind in Beijing in 2017.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
AP Government adviser Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said YSRC is committed to providing 50 percent reservations for women wherever possible as part of their empowerment. The party is also according priority to people from BC, SC, ST and minority communities, he added. Facebook

Vijayawada: YSR Congress general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on Thursday asserted that state government is committed to providing social justice in its true spirit.

The senior party leader, who is also government adviser (Public Affairs), justified this statement in front of media persons saying of 18 MLC seats from MLAs quota, 11 have been allotted to BCs while the remaining have been allotted to SC, ST and minority communities.

"It is historic that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has adhered to social justice. The whole nation is watching him keenly. Of the 44 YSRC MLCs, 30 are from BC, SC and ST communities and four belong to the minority community," Sajjala explained.

He pointed out that of the total 58 MLCs in State Legislative Council, 44 belong to YSRC and 10 are graduates. The strength of Telugu Desam is just four, he underlined.

The government adviser said YSRC is committed to providing 50 percent reservations for women wherever possible as part of their empowerment. The party is also according priority to people from BC, SC, ST and minority communities, he added.
Britain is committed to swift and robust action to counter any threat to UK national interests from China, under Rishi Sunaks updated blueprint for UK foreign and defence policy.

The refreshed integrated review (IR23) document says China under Communist Party rule represents an epoch-defining and systemic challenge to almost every aspect of government policy and the everyday lives of British people.

While the UK will seek to continue to engage constructively with the regime on tackling shared priorities, the review warns that this will become increasingly difficult if Beijing continues its trend towards greater authoritarianism and assertiveness.

The document describes the approach as a template for mature diplomacy between two permanent members of the UN Security Council, mirroring that adopted by key allies, including those in Europe, the US, Australia, Canada and Japan.

Where it is consistent with these interests, we will engage constructively

with the Chinese government, business and people and cooperate on shared priorities, the review says.

But wherever the Chinese Communist Partys actions and stated intent threaten the UKs interests, we will take swift and robust action to protect them.

In his foreword to the review, Mr Sunak says: China poses an epoch-defining challenge to the type of international order we want to see, both in terms of security and values  and so our approach must evolve.

We will work with our partners to engage with Beijing on issues such as climate change. But where there are attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to coerce or create dependencies, we will work closely with others to push back against them.

The document was unveiled as the Prime Minister was in California for a three-way summit with the United United States and Australia as part of the Aukus project to develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Australian navy.

The refresh of Boris Johnsons original integrated review from 2021 was drawn up in part in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Midway in San Diego (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

It highlights two developments of particular concern as Chinas deepening partnership with Russia and Moscows growing cooperation with Iran.

It refers to the threat posed by certain actions from Beijing but does not label the Chinese state as a threat in itself, which will likely lead to criticism from hawks in the Tory party.

Liz Truss had been expected to officially re-designate China as a threat if her premiership had not been so brief.

Mr Sunak has dialled down on his own language surrounding China since he challenged to replace Boris Johnson as Tory leader last summer. At the time, he called China the biggest-long term threat to Britain.

In the Commons, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he was confused as to what the Governments position was as he contrasted what he said was the UKs reluctance to impose sanctions on China compared with the US.

Does that now mean that China is a threat or an epoch-defining challenge or a challenging government epoch or none of that? he asked to laughter from MPs.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly replied: He will see through our actions that we do respond robustly to China when it behaves in a way that we disagree but we will also attempt to steer China in a better direction.

The review confirms plans announced overnight to increase defence spending by 5 billion over the next two years  less than Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had been reportedly seeking  with an aspiration to raise it to 2.5% of national income as fiscal and economic circumstances allow.

The promised funding will see an extra 1.98 billion this year and 2.97 billion next year for defence.

Some 3 billion will be invested in defence nuclear enterprises, including supporting the Aukus project, while 1.9 billion will replenish and bolster munitions stockpiles.

On Russia, the review states the UK will seek to contest Moscows malign influence on the world stage, working with countries from Moldova to Mongolia and central Asia, while degrading Russian capabilities which threaten the UK.

A vital part of this is supporting Ukraine to reassert its sovereignty and denying Russia any strategic benefit from its invasion, it says.

In other measures, a new National Protective Security Authority within MI5 launched on Monday will give expert advice to UK businesses and other organisations on how to counter foreign spies.

Funding for the government-wide China capabilities programme will be doubled, boosting Mandarin language training and diplomatic skills.

A new national security college curriculum will boost expertise across government while a 1 billion integrated security fund will replace an existing scheme to focus on the priorities in the integrated review.

The UKs critical minerals strategy will be updated to ensure access to vital resources while the BBC World Service will be given an additional 20 million to maintain 47 language services to help tackle disinformation from hostile states.
Rishi Sunak has committed to giving Tory MPs the freedom to rule over Boris Johnsons fate ahead of his live grilling on whether he lied over partygate.

The Prime Minister said on Monday he would not exert pressure on his Conservative colleagues to go easy on his predecessor as he faces a possible suspension.

Mr Johnson is scheduled for a televised appearance before the Privilege Committee some time next week so he can be questioned over whether he deliberately misled the Commons.

If the cross-party group of MPs rules he did, they could recommend a suspension that may ultimately lead to a by-election for Mr Johnson in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives in San Diego for meetings with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But speaking to ITV News during a visit to San Diego, Mr Sunak insisted he would not try to influence Conservatives on the committee not to impose a large punishment.

That wouldnt be right, Mr Sunak said.

Asked if he was not concerned that a suspension of more than 10 days could trigger a by-election, Mr Sunak added: This is a matter for Parliament, for the House.

Its not right for the Government to get involved.

In an interim report, the committee said the evidence strongly suggests breaches of coronavirus rules would have been obvious to Mr Johnson during the partygate saga.

They are examining at least four occasions when he may have deliberately misled MPs with his denials.

But Mr Johnson, who was fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaching his own Covid laws, has denied lying to the House and says he expects to be cleared.

The committee will publish its findings and make a recommendation on any punishment, but it will ultimately fall to the full House of Commons to decide whether to approve any decision over Mr Johnsons fate.

Mr Sunak also defended his predecessors massive earnings outside of Parliament, as analysis of official declarations suggest Mr Johnson has earned 4.8 million, mostly since leaving No 10.

The Prime Minister told Sky News: Theres lots of different ways that MPs combine what theyre doing in Parliament and the other things that they pursue. Its right theres balance in that.

He said there are guidelines from Parliament and its right that theyre adhered to.

A contrast was drawn between his firm criticism of Matt Hancock for jetting off to the Australian jungle to appear on Im A Celebrity and his defence of the former Tory leader.

Mr Sunak said: Theres a difference between physically unable to fulfil your job in the UK if youre abroad for a long period of time and being able to do all the things alongside it. I think most people will appreciate theres a difference there.
Suella Braverman has faced pleas from Tory MPs to reform the Governments controversial asylum reforms to protect trafficked women, children and modern slavery victims.

The Home Secretary said the Illegal Migration Bill is needed as people arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel have overwhelmed our asylum system, before adding there has been too much immigration in recent years.

Ms Braverman also told the House of Commons she has been subject to the most grotesque slurs for saying simple truths about the impact of migration on the country.

She added she will not be hectored by out-of-touch lefties who suggest a persons skin colour should dictate their political views.

I am not prepared to break international law or the human rights conventions that the UK has had a proud history of playing a leading role in establishing. I will not be voting for the bill tonight.  Chris Skidmore (@CSkidmoreUK) March 13, 2023

But Conservative former prime minister Theresa May warned modern slavery victims will be collateral damage and have the door shut on them by measures within the Bill.

Mrs May said she is expecting to hold further talks with Downing Street to resolve the issues, adding: The Government is working hard I know to find a solution to the problem of small boats.

But I think there are a number of reasons which shed doubt on the approach being taken.

Tory former minister Chris Skidmore, writing on Twitter, said he cannot vote for the Bill as he is not prepared to break international law or the human rights conventions that the UK has had a proud history of playing a leading role in establishing.

Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, said that he and other Tory MPs will offer their support at the Bills second reading on Monday evening on the basis that amendments follow.

Intervening during shadow home secretary Yvette Coopers speech, Mr Hoare told the Commons: There will be many on this side of the House, me included, who will vote for this Bill this evening, but with the clear understanding that we wish to see amendments to it as it progresses through Parliament, in particular in relation to women who are trafficked and to children.

So, our votes are being given on good faith tonight in the expectation that the Bill could be amended.

Mr Hoare was among those nodding when Ms Cooper replied: I do recognise that there are members on the benches opposite who are deeply troubled by many of the measures in this Bill.

Ms Cooper earlier warned the Bill is effectively a traffickers charter that will lock up children and remove support from women who have been trafficked.

The controversial Bill is designed to stop people claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means and has been denounced by the UNs refugee agency as an effective asylum ban.

Powers would be granted to detain migrants for 28 days without recourse for bail or judicial review, and then indefinitely for as long as there is a reasonable prospect of removal.

Challenges based on modern slavery laws would be barred, and any other legal attempt to stay would be heard overseas  after they are removed.

Opening the debate, Ms Braverman said stopping the boats is my top priority, before adding: The British people are fair, compassionate and generous.

Millions of legal migrants, including my parents, have experienced this warmth first-hand. But the British people are also realistic  they know that our capacity to help people is not unlimited.

The Home Secretary added: Since 2018, some 85,000 people illegally entered the United Kingdom by small boat  45,000 of them last year alone. They have overwhelmed our asylum system. Local authorities simply do not have the housing or public service capacity to support everyone.

She said: For too long, those of us voicing concerns about the effects of uncontrolled, unprecedented and illegal migration have been accused of inflammatory rhetoric. But nothing is more likely to inflame tensions than ignoring the publics reasonable concerns about the current situation.

(PA Graphics)

The public are neither stupid nor bigoted. They can see first-hand the impact on their communities and its irresponsible to suggest otherwise.

Ms Braverman went on: Its perfectly respectable for a child of immigrants like me to say Im deeply grateful to live here, to say that immigration has been overwhelmingly good for the United Kingdom, but that weve had too much of it in recent years and to say that uncontrolled and illegal migration is simply bad.

She later said the duty to remove will not be applied to detain and remove unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Ms Braverman added: Consistent with current policy, only in limited circumstances, such as for the purposes of family reunion, we will remove unaccompanied asylum-seeking children from the UK.

Otherwise, they will be provided with the necessary support in the UK until they reach 18. With respect to the removal of families and pregnant women, it bears repeating that the overwhelming majority of illegal arrivals are adult men under the age of 40.

Conservative former security minister Sir John Hayes said: Of course Britain should provide a safe haven for people in need, in genuine need. But it is a deceit to pretend the asylum system is not being gamed and the British people taken for a ride.

Labours amendment to block the Bill at second reading has been selected.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square to protest against the Bill.

Zrinka Bralo, chief executive of Migrants Organise, said: We are here to stand up for dignity and justice and speak out against this new Bill, which is further dehumanising and demonising refugees and is damaging our democracy.
Rishi Sunak has said it was sensible to maintain engagement with Beijing because China was not on a predetermined course towards increased autocracy.

The Prime Minister said the UK was not blind or naive about the risks posed by China, but he suggested Xi Jinping could still change course.

Mr Sunak has come under pressure from senior Tories to take a tougher line on China.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak having breakfast with the press during his visit to San Diego (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns said she was concerned an optimistic framing of China in the Governments new foreign policy review underestimates the scale of the challenge.

It is not just our economic security but our national security and sovereignty they are seeking to strategically undermine, she warned.

Speaking to reporters in San Diego, Mr Sunak said we dont believe its on a predetermined course, so engagement is sensible and responsible.

But we cant be blind or naive to the challenge it poses, he said, pointing out action on removing Chinese surveillance technology, ending its role in nuclear power stations and the new National Protective Security Authority within MI5 helping businesses tackle spies.

Those are all tangible things that will help protect ourselves. But theres a role for engagement on those issues too.

Mr Sunak has suggested China presents an epoch-defining challenge to us and to the global order. Its a regime that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, and has a desire to reshape the world order.

He said that you cant ignore China given the size of the economy, so it was necessary and right to try and engage with them, claiming the UK was following a similar policy to its allies in engaging with Beijing
When the mother of newborn twins could not tell her babies apart, she turned to the police for help.

"Tomorrow I have to go to the police to have my twins fingerprinted so they can tell me which one is which," Sofia Rodriguez, 25, of Cordoba, Argentina, recently tweeted in Spanish. "I won the 'Mother of the Year' award."

The mother tweeted photos of her 2-month-old twins, Valentin and Lorenzo, explaining that the boys look slightly different in photos, however, "in person, they are the same."

"I never thought I would get them confused  Valentin always (wore) a blue ribbon, but when I realized that it was too small for him, I decided to cut it (off)," Rodriguez tells TODAY.com in translated Spanish using Google Translate.

Rodriguez used a blue ribbon to identify Valentin from Lorenzo, but decided to cut it off when it looked too small. (Courtesy Sofia Rodriguez)

The babies were recently sick and when Rodriguez changed one of her sons onesies, confusion hit. "It was crazy, she says.

Rodriguez says that on March 2, she asked the police to have her babies fingerprinted, however, the prints "did not look very defined."

According to the mom, on March 15, Argentinas National Registry of Persons will identify the boys through their fingerprints.

Le sacamos las huellas pero no figuran en el sistema. Seguimos sin saber quien es quien. pic.twitter.com/HbrNf2Eg1t  Sofi Rodriguez (@sofiar388) March 2, 2023

Some people tried to help Rodriguez on Twitter.

"With my twin brother we used a bracelet, one on the left (hand) and one on the right," read a tweet loosely translated into English.

"Put ink on the sole of the foot and make an impression on a piece of paper and compare it with the sole you have in the documentation," someone else tweeted in Spanish.

A parent of twins wrote, "I bathed the same one two times and medicated the same one two times. But they survived the chaos."

"Rename and start from scratch," a person joked in another tweet.

According to Los Angeles based-psychologist Dr. Joan A. Friedman, author of "Emotionally Healthy Twins," Rodriguez is not alone.

"Identical twins look much alike, especially at birth," she tells TODAY.com. "Excluding a difference in weight, birthmarks or other obvious identifiers, it can be difficult to tell them apart," especially when parents are anxious, stressed or sleep deprived.

Foto de los gemelos , tienen 45 dias pic.twitter.com/wGYVRzGlLR  Sofi Rodriguez (@sofiar388) March 2, 2023

Cues such as colored bracelets, name tags, pierced ears, a painted toenail (with nontoxic polish), or using assigned seating in the car or at the table, helps too.

As twins grow and individual personalities emerge, it becomes easier for parents  but not outsiders  to tell them apart. Still, twin parents should help differentiate their children physically and not enforce "best friend" stereotypes, according to Friedman.

"Some parents complain that teachers don't know who is who, without a necklace or distinct haircuts," she notes. "Parents should take some responsibility for this as their children go out in the world otherwise, it can take a psychological toll."

Friedman advises parents of twins to make time for each child to encourage their individual interests and establish individual attachments, even from birth.

"By age 2-and-a-half or 3, if parents suddenly start having alone time with each twin, the protests start," she says. "Parents might assume it's because twins are being separated but it's usually because they have never experienced 1:1 time with their parents."

Friedman recommends that parents of twins celebrate their birthdays with two cakes, two rounds of the "Happy Birthday" song and different presents. And take photos, not only of your twins together, but also apart and with each parent.

Friedman says life will get easier for parents of twins like Rodriguez.

"She must feel anxious, confused, overwhelmed and guilty," she says. "I hope this mom got some solace by reading that other parents often have the same problem."

Related video:

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Michelle Yeoh thanks "all the moms in the world" while accepting a Best Actress Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. (Photo: Everett Collection, Getty Images)

Michelle Yeoh just made history.

On Sunday, Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The category is usually presented by the previous year's Best Actor winner but since Will Smith  who won last year for King Richard  was banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade after slapping Chris Rock during the 2022 broadcast, show producers had last year's Best Actress winner Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry  who became the first Black woman to win Best Actress in 2002 for Monster's Ball  jointly hand out the trophy to Yeoh.

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities," she began her acceptance speech. "This is proof that ... dream big, and dreams do come true. And, ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime."

Yeoh went on to thank the cast and crew of the film, including its dual directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who won the Oscar for Best Directing and Best Original Screenplay.

Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' #Oscars#Oscars95pic.twitter.com/fIDMBH1rEy  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

Pausing to take a breath, Yeoh went on to acknowledge other important people in her life.

"I have to dedicate this to my mom [and] all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes, and without them none of us would be here tonight," she said.

"Shes 84," the actress noted of her mom, "Im taking this home to her. Shes watching right now in Malaysia ... with my family and friends: I love you guys! Im bringing this home to you." She also thanked her "extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so I can be here today."

Janet Yeoh, mother of Michelle Yeoh, celebrates during a live viewing at a cinema in Malaysia after her daughter won the Oscar for best actress.



I have to dedicate this to my mom and all the moms in the world, Michelle Yeoh said during her speech. https://t.co/ZZrf9Ix6hHpic.twitter.com/nzT6mkfi1x  The Associated Press (@AP) March 13, 2023

Finally, "To my god children, to my sisters, all of them, to my brothers," she concluded. "To my family, thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the Academy. This is history in the making. Thank you!"

Yeoh's win was certainly historic, as she was the first Asian-identifying performer to be nominated in the lead actress category. (As noted on the Academy's website, Merle Oberon, who was of Sri Lankan and Maori descent, was previously nominated in the category for 1935's The Dark Angel; however, Oberon kept her heritage hidden due to fear that it would hinder her career.)

Yeoh joins castmates Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, both of whom were first-time Oscar nominees and first-time winners during the ceremony.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Monday asked U.S. lawmakers to approve legislation to bar airlines from charging family seating fees if adjacent seats are available during booking.

U.S. Transportation Secretary (USDOT) Pete Buttigieg wrote lawmakers and sent them draft legislation that would ban airlines from charging an accompanying adult to sit next to children 13 or younger if certain conditions are met.

Buttigieg wrote USDOT "remains concerned that airlines' policies do not guarantee adjacent seats for young children traveling with a family member and that airlines do not guarantee the adjacent seating at no additional cost."

The draft proposal reviewed by Reuters would apply to families traveling on the same reservation and in the same class of service and would make requirements effective 180 days after passage, subjecting airlines not in compliance to potential fines.

The bill would direct airlines to offer refunds or seats on another flight if adjacent seats were unavailable under certain conditions.

Last week, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines agreed to guarantee in customer service plans not to charge family seating fees if specific conditions are met. USDOT unveiled a government dashboard highlighting airline commitments.

Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Bob Jordan said last week the airline is in discussions with USDOT about the family seating dashboard. Southwest, which has an open seating plan, lets parents traveling with children six or younger board ahead of some other passengers.

Jordan says he believes the percentage of time families cannot find seats together on Southwest "is much, much lower" than other airlines.

Airlines for America, which represents large U.S. airlines, says its carriers do not charge for family seating, but most do not include commitments in customer service plans. Carriers not honoring written commitments can face USDOT enforcement actions.

USDOT has begun drafting regulations to end all family seating fees but that could take years to finalize.

President Joe Biden in February urged airlines to take the action, saying, "Baggage fees are bad enough - airlines can't treat your child like a piece of baggage."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
Floodwaters cover the Pajaro Valley on Sunday after stormwaters from a heavy atmospheric river broke through a levee along the Pajaro River, inundating homes and businesses. (Shae Hammond / Bay Area News Group)

An atmospheric river storm bearing down on California will drop more rain and snow this week, sparking fresh concerns about additional flooding and snowmelt in the already soaked state.

The storm, which originated near Hawaii, is expected to intensify Monday into Wednesday. It will create "considerable flooding impacts below 5,000 feet elevation across much of the California Coast and Central Valley and over the southern Sierra Nevada foothills," the National Weather Service said.

Rivers, creeks and streams in several areas are once again forecast to overtop  including some, such as the Cosumnes, Salinas and Russian rivers, that are still swollen from a similar storm last week.

"Antecedent conditions are extremely wet and the watersheds are primed, so it's not going to take a whole lot of precipitation to result in immediate runoff and rises on rivers and streams, and flooding in urban areas," UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said during a briefing Monday.

Last week's storm spurred dozens of water rescues and saw thousands of Californians under evacuation orders. Friday night, heavy rain breached a levee on the Pajaro River, flooding an entire town and trapping scores of residents  many of them migrant farmworkers.

Along the nearby Salinas River, evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for more than 10,000 people, with Monterey County officials warning of a "probable inundation of roadways between the Monterey Peninsula and the rest of the county" due to the incoming storm.

Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded his storm-related state of emergency to include Calaveras, Del Norte, Glenn, Kings, San Benito and San Joaquin counties, bringing the total number of counties under the declaration to 40.

President Biden issued an emergency declaration Friday, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support state and local responses to the series of storms.

Biden is closely monitoring the heavy rain and flooding, including the breach of the Pajaro River levee, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. Biden, who is traveling to California for a two-day visit that includes stops in San Diego and Monterey Park, spoke with Newsom over the weekend, Jean-Pierre said.

Flooding will be possible across portions of interior #NorCal Monday - Tuesday as a warm and wet storm brings widespread heavy rain, high elevation snow & gusty winds. #CAwxpic.twitter.com/fcsv3CAv0e  NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) March 12, 2023

Heavy rain remains a top concern with the incoming system, and the weather service has issued more than 40 flood watches and warnings, with the heaviest impacts expected as the system moves from the Central Coast toward the southern Sierra foothills. Flood watches have also been issued in Northern California, including portions of Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity counties.

Although the total precipitation from the incoming storm may not be higher than that of the storm last week, the flood risk could be significantly greater because of more intense rainfall and already moist conditions, Swain said.

"We just got all this rain, rivers are already running high, there's still some residual snowmelt  all of those things point toward elevated flood risks with this event compared to the last," he said.

In addition to Monterey County, evacuation orders and warnings are also in effect in portions of Fresno, Merced and Tulare counties, among other areas, and more than 30 evacuation shelters are open statewide. An evacuation order will be in effect beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday for areas associated with the Alisal and Cave Fire burn scars in south Santa Barbara County.

The San Francisco Bay Area has already seen urban flooding, rockslides and debris flows, said weather service meteorologist Eleanor Dhuyvetter.

"Things are very saturated; the ground is ready to move," Dhuyvetter said, adding that forecasters are "definitely looking at some flooding impacts for the heavier amounts going into Tuesday."

The storm started as convection near Hawaii before maturing into a strong low-pressure system, Dhuyvetter said, and was expected to link with some upper-level energy Monday.

"We've been watching it, and it's definitely been intensifying over the past 24 hours. Once it meets up with that upper-level energy, it's going to quickly move and crash into the coast there, right by the Bay Area," she said.

The storm is expected to be strongest in the Bay Area overnight Monday and into Tuesday, while the Central Valley and areas farther inland should see the brunt Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, said Brian Ochs, a meteorologist with the weather service in Hanford.

Inland areas of particular concern are Merced County near Bear Creek as well as portions of Mariposa, Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties, which will see the most rain, Ochs said. "Kern won't be quite as much, but there could still be some local flooding impacts."

Up to 6 inches of rain could fall in mountain areas as high as 7,000 feet, with up to 3 inches possible in foothills and 1.5 inches in the San Joaquin Valley, Ochs said.

Heavy, wet snow is also expected to fall in higher elevations, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, which will "further compound snow load impacts and issues," the weather service said. The state has already seen a spate of roof collapses from heavy snow.

Tioga Pass and Mt. Whitney could see up to 48 inches of fresh powder, with up to 24 inches of snow at Mammoth Lakes.

Widespread rainfall is also expected in Southern California, including up to 7 inches in the mountains of southeastern Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County, with the peak of the storm expected Tuesday. The Ventura River may get close to flood stage, and smaller creeks and streams are expected to fill, said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the weather service office in Oxnard.

"In Santa Barbara County, there's a ton of streams  the mountains are right there in their backyard  and so all that water just comes streaming down," Wofford said. "There's tons of them, and they are going to be filling up, and some of them spill out onto the highway, so there will probably be some issues on 101."

Freeway closures, mudslides and debris flows are likely, he said. In the Los Angeles metropolitan area, up to 3 inches of rain is possible, along with associated clogged storm drains and flooded intersections, he said.

The storm is "a little shorter in duration than the last one was, but it's higher intensity  we're going to end up with more rain in L.A. that we did with the last one," he added.

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services said Monday that it was positioning resources to fight flooding and respond to potential emergencies in nearly 20 counties across the state, including swift-water rescue teams in Fresno, Inyo, Sacramento, Monterey, Tulare, Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties.

The state's water managers are continuing to lower dam levels to make room for incoming flows, including Lake Oroville, the state's second-largest reservoir, which is at 76% of its capacity. Releases from its dam into the Feather River continued Monday at about 15,000 cubic feet per second, said Molly White, operations manager with the Department of Water Resources.

"We continue to closely monitor lake levels, weather and runoff forecasts," White said, "and we'll be making adjustments as needed to manage lake levels."

The weather service is warning that the system may also bring the potential for thunderstorms and strong winds, with high wind warnings in effect in several regions. Coastal areas from Cloverdale to Big Sur could see gusts of up to 70 mph, while the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley and surrounding areas could see gusts of up to 60 mph.

The storm arrives on the heels of one of California's wettest, snowiest winters on record. Nearly two dozen people were killed during nine back-to-back atmospheric rivers in January, and at least 13 people were found dead after heavy snow piled up in the San Bernardino Mountains in late February and early March.

Statewide snowpack on Monday was 212% of normal for the date, while Lake Shasta  the state's largest reservoir  was 63% full.

Though conditions are expected to clear in most areas soon after the storm, relief will be short-lived, said state climatologist Mike Anderson. Another atmospheric river may arrive in California between March 19 and 22, with potentially another one after that.

"We get a little bit of clearing, which is good," Anderson said. "But we're not done yet."

Times staff writers Courtney Subramanian, Susanne Rust and Ian James contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said that criminals' in Telangana were acting like satyagrahis', taking a shot at MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha (Photo: Twitter)

Warangal: Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday said that criminals in Telangana were acting like satyagrahis, taking a shot at MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, who is facing a probe in the Delhi liquor scam case.

"The artificial protest for a Women's Reservation Bill in New Delhi on March 10 and the drama that BRS leaders created while Kavita was summoned for her deposition before the ED on March 11 point to a systematic attack being unleashed by a nexus of leaders facing serious charges of corruption," he said.

The attack comes a day after, Chugh, at BJPs Lok Sabha Pravas Yojana in Warangal, accused the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of trying to divert public attention from the incident.

Chugh had alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and his government were trying to threaten and exert pressure on investigative agencies. "An Oscar award must be given to the CM KCR and his family members for diverting the issue of the fraudsters if they are questioned and inquired by investigative agencies," he had said in Warangal, accusing the state government of diverting funds granted under the Smart City project.

Continuing his tirade on Sunday, he said the BJP was taking strong exception to the way Opposition parties were trying to malign statutory institutions, without realising the impact of such a campaign on the morale of the personnel.

He also questioned why BRS leaders, including ministers, MPs, MLAs and public representatives, trooped into New Delhi as though the heavens had fallen, while K. Kavitha was being questioned by the ED.

"Their histrionics in the national capital are a glaring example of malicious propaganda to deflect the attention of the people from the core issue of brazen corruption," he said.

Accusing the Chief Minister and his family of looting the state in the past nine years, the BJP leader said: "As though that loot was not enough, the money-thirsty family descended on New Delhi to join the loot in connivance with AAP leaders. When the scam was out in the public domain, they took the usual recourse of propaganda to malign Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"People in general are curious. Aparadhis behave like satyagrahis, perpetrators of crime play victims, all this in the hope that their theatrics will bury their crimes under the carpet. The people of the nation are wiser. They know the truth about corruption and understand the tactics of criminals," he said.

Chugh said that the BRS leaders will repeat these games on the 16th, when Kavitha will be questioned for the second time. "It is wiser for Kavita to face the ED like any other accused and answer the questions. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao must refrain from orchestrating cheap polemics from the portals of Pragati Bhavan, as institutions wouldn't be intimidated by falsehood, and people wouldn't believe the propaganda," he said.

At the Warangal event on Saturday, the BJP leader also attacked the Congress, calling the Telangana Congress the "B team" of BRS.

"It is the Congress party MLAs who are in the BRS, not BJP MLAs. Winning on Congress ticket, many Congress MLAs are now in the BRS. It is the Congress which is the B-team for the BRS," he had said.
Testing is done on an Adderall pill in Cabo San Lucas. It came back positive for an illicit substance. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Congressional lawmakers are calling on the State Department to issue a travel advisory warning Americans that some Mexican pharmacies are passing off counterfeit pills made of fentanyl and methamphetamine as legitimate pharmaceuticals.

U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) sent a letter Friday to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken urging the department to immediately warn Americans traveling to Mexico of the danger they face when purchasing pills from Mexican pharmacies.

Some pharmacies in Cabo San Lucas are selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit substances and passing them off as legitimate pharmaceuticals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In explaining the need for such a high-profile warning, the letter repeatedly cited an investigation by the Los Angeles Times as well as a study by UCLA researchers  both of which found dangerous counterfeit pills being sold over the counter at pharmacies in northwestern Mexico.

U.S. tourists who unwittingly purchase counterfeit pills from Mexican pharmacies  both with and without a prescription, according to the Los Angeles Times  face deadly risks from medications that have effectively been poisoned, the letter said.

A State Deptartment spokesperson said in an email that the agency does not comment on Congressional correspondences. The department did not answer questions about the letter or whether it plans to issue a travel advisory.

Markey and Trone sent their letter one day before the Times published a new investigation detailing the final hours in the life of Brennan Harrell, a 29-year-old California man who overdosed and died in 2019 after consuming fentanyl-tainted pills purchased at a pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Harrells parents have fought unsuccessfully for more than three years for the State Department to issue a prominently placed warning about the dangers of Mexican pharmacies.

The risks of traveling to Mexico for its booming medical tourism industry came into sharp relief last week after four Americans were kidnapped in Matamoros, a cartel-plagued Mexican border town. Officials later said the travelers may have been victims of mistaken identity after the attackers thought their van was transporting rival gangsters.

Testing on an Adderall pill in Cabo San Lucas came back positive for an illicit substance. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The incident sparked international tensions, as Republican lawmakers in the U.S. suggested sending troops across the border, while the president of Mexico blamed the violence on America's appetite for illegal drugs.

We are very sorry for what is happening in the United States, but why dont they attend to the problem? Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said last week. Here we do not produce fentanyl, and we do not consume fentanyl, he said, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

The Gulf cartel has since condemned the violence, but not until after two of the kidnapped American travelers were killed. One of the two survivors  who have both returned to the U.S. since the harrowing ordeal  was in Mexico for a tummy tuck, one of the nearly 1 million U.S. citizens who seek medical procedures in the country each year.

The high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. has driven a lucrative Mexican pharmaceutical market that has seen some pharmacies selling dangerous, fake medications to oblivious visitors, as The Times reported last month.

These adulterated drugs place unsuspecting U.S. tourist customers  some of whom are seeking to avoid high pharmaceutical drug pricing in the United States  at risk of overdose and death, Markey and Trone wrote to Blinken. Markey was a member of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, and Trone was its co-chair.

The Los Angeles Times investigation found that 71% of the pills their investigators purchased from Mexican pharmacies were contaminated with powerful drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Travel advisories are public warnings issued by the State Department to inform Americans traveling abroad about risks they could face while visiting certain countries or locations. Its imperative that one be issued about Mexican pharmacies selling fake, tainted pills as an immediate step, Markey and Trone wrote in their joint letter.

Some pharmacies in Cabo San Lucas are selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit substances and passing them off as legitimate pharmaceuticals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The State Department, through the travel advisories it issues, plays an important role in protecting the health and safety of Americans traveling abroad, the letter said.

Steffanie Strathdee, a distinguished professor of medicine at UC San Diego and co-author of the UCLA-led study, said an advisory is not enough.

"My view is its a Band-Aid," she said. "Its not going to solve the problem, though it may help some people be more wary  as long as thats not the only thing thats done."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Over the last decade, I watched hot chicken take hold of Los Angeles in a way I'd never seen a dish grip an entire city. The fiery poultry with roots in Nashville is everywhere, with countless restaurants devoted to the stuff and hot chicken-inspired menu items across Southern California. With the Hotville food truck and two locations of Howlin' Ray's, it's easy to understand the obsession. If hot chicken has become part of your weekly rotation, I'm about to make the argument for hot fish. Hear me out.

Hot fried sea bass collars (and cheese bread) from Angler

Esther Tseng, a food writer and Times contributor, once called Angler Los Angeles at the Beverly Center a "steakhouse for seafood." She was right. It's a place where seafood is celebrated as the main attraction, showing up in dishes traditionally reserved for heavier proteins. Like a steakhouse, it wasn't somewhere I thought to visit beyond a special occasion. The restaurant recently reopened with a new menu under the direction of Paul Chung, culinary director of Saison Hospitality. Now, it's a place with cheesy bread, hot fried sea bass collars and a host of dishes you share and eat with your hands.

It's a menu actuated by the time he spent growing up in Virginia, his love of Southern food and his Korean heritage. And Chung, like the rest of us, is a fan of Nashville hot chicken.

"I know here that Howlin' Ray's is really big," he said. "I wanted to try a version with the hot fried collars."

He sources his collars from a sustainable striped bass farm in Baja California. They're fried like any good fried chicken, with a rough, crisp terrain. To make his hot oil for the fish (the ingredient that makes it a hot fried fish versus fried fish), he renders chicken fat in the smoker and combines it with clarified butter and oil. He also smokes dried guajillo, chile de Arbol, California and pasilla chiles and adds them to the oil with a handful of other spices. The collars are basted in the mixture, enveloping all available surfaces in the rust-colored oil.

If you've enjoyed a grilled fish collar at a sushi restaurant, you'll understand why it's the perfect ingredient for the hot chicken treatment. There's enough gelatin in the fish to mimic a piece of chicken that's both juicy and meaty. And the curve of the collars means more crispy edges. Chung's hot oil is something that should be bottled. The smoke from the chicken fat and the chiles adds depth and vigor, lending an additional flavor profile beyond the heat.

Luckily, I was at dinner with a colleague who was also not shy about excavating for every last morsel of meat. Multiple napkins were soiled.

Then there's the cheese bread, a dish that sells itself. The table to our left spied ours and ordered their own. We did the same after seeing an order on the table to our right.

Before you cut into it, it appears to be your average Parker House rolls, fused together, golden brown and shining with butter. It's actually a creation inspired by the sweet potato and cheese pizzas Chung ate as a kid in Korea.

"It's something that we just wanted to do that was fun," Chung said. "They always piped sweet potato on the crust and I hated it as a kid," he said. "In my older age when I went back and tried it again, it made sense."

Chung's cheese bread is filled with a molten center of cheese and potato puree and a top slick with anchovy butter. A few soft rind cheeses from Northern California lend a bit of funk, and there's enough of some good melty cheeses (he didn't specify the variety) so that when you break away a piece, the cheese stretch is impressively long.

Hot pot from Ma Lu Bian Bian

Hot pot with skewers of meat and shrimp alongside a plate of heart-shaped house-made Spam from Ma Lu Bian Bian in Tustin. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times)

The dining room at the new Malu Bian Bian location in Tustin feels like the inside a comic book. Large animated murals of characters playing arcade games, driving, holding a giant spear or an astronaut on the moon cover the walls. The color scheme is bright royal blue, McDonald's yellow and red. During peak and even beyond peak mealtimes, the tables are full and so is the condiment bar.

If you haven't experienced hot pot before, let me introduce you to the condiment bar. This is where you concoct your own dipping sauce out of a collection of condiments, seasonings and chopped herbs. You can count on vinegar, soy sauce, sesame paste, at least a few iterations of chile (paste, powder, sauce), chopped green onion, chopped fresh garlic, chopped cilantro and sliced oranges that I like to use as a palate cleanser.

If you need some inspiration, there's a mural above the bar with suggested ingredients and measurements for dipping sauces based on whatever you're dipping. Choose your own adventure, but as long as you have enough chile and vinegar in the mix, you should be fine.

On a recent visit, I ordered both the traditional spicy soup base and the tomato soup base, served side by side in a sort of yin-yang metal vat. The traditional spicy can appear menacing once your server turns on the burner below, the roiling liquid anathema to anything swimming in its chile-studded, crimson depths. It's hot. Hot in a way that will make you perspire both from the spice and the heat. And hot in a way that builds as dinner progresses, leaving your eyes watering and sweat dripping onto your bib. Yes, there are bibs.

The traditional spicy broth imparts heat and a little garlic to everything it touches, making it the ideal cooking base for the New Zealand lamb, shrimp, cabbage, mushrooms, lemon beef (raw beef wrapped around slices of lemon) and house-made "Spam meat." On the opposite side, the tomato base is mild with a subtle tomato flavor. I found it was the best way to appreciate the house-made meatball combo, served as 12 spoons, each filled with either beef, chicken or fish meatballs.

My go-to hot pot strategy is to cram as many skewers, stray vegetables and shavings of meat into the broth in one go as possible. I'm impatient and hungry. When you go, the pace is up to you. You're the architect of your own hot pot destiny.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Some 105,000 migrants reached Italy by sea in 2022.

Intelligence reports indicate nearly 700,000 migrants are in Libya awaiting an opportunity to set out by sea toward Italy, a lawmaker from Premier Giorgia Melonis far-right party said Sunday, but a U.N. migration official called the number not credible.

Tommaso Foti, the lower parliamentary house whip for the Brothers of Italy Party, told television channel Tgcom24 the Italian secret services estimated that 685,000 migrants in Libya, many of them in detention camps, were eager to sail across the central Mediterranean Sea in smugglers boats.

Separately, 30 migrants were missing and 17 were rescued some 100 nautical miles (180 kilometers) from Libyas coast after their boat overturned while a commercial vessel was trying to take them aboard, the Italian coast guard reported Sunday night.

A fishing boat with some 500 migrants enters the southern Italian port of Crotone, early Saturday, March 11, 2023. The Italian coast guard was responding to three smugglers boats carrying more than 1,300 migrants in danger off Italys southern coast, officials said Friday. Three small coast guard boats were rescuing a boat with 500 migrants about 70 nautical miles off the Calabria region, which forms the toe of the Italian boot. (AP Photo/Valeria Ferraro)

Stressing that the capsizing happened outside Italys area of search-and-rescue responsibility, the coast guard said several other merchant vessels were helping to look for the boats missing passengers.

The humanitarian group Alarm Phone signaled to Italys national coordination center and to Libyan and Maltese authorities on Saturday that the boat with 47 people on board needed assistance.

Libyan authorities, citing lack of naval assets availability, contacted the Rome-based maritime aid coordination center, which sent a satellite message about an emergency to all ships in the area, according to the Italian coast guard statement.

It said the commercial motorboat that took on the 17 survivors was headed for Italy but would first stop in Malta to disembark two people in urgent need of medical care. A spokesperson for the Libyan coast guard did not respond to a request for comment

Meloni is hoping a European Union meeting later this month yields concrete solidarity from fellow leaders of EU nations in managing the large numbers of migrants and asylum-seekers who come to countries on the Mediterraneans rim, including Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Spain as well as Italy.

Europe cant look the other way, Foti said.

While the intelligence services assessment sparked alarming headlines in Italy, a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration cautioned that the figure appeared to be confusing the high end of the estimated number of migrants in Libya with those who were actually seeking to head from there to Europe.

This number seems to be an estimate, that we also give, of the total presence in Libya, Flavio Di Giacomo told The Associated Press in Rome.

Police check a fishing boat with some 500 migrants in the southern Italian port of Crotone, early Saturday, March 11, 2023. The Italian coast guard was responding to three smugglers boats carrying more than 1,300 migrants in danger off Italys southern coast, officials said Friday. Three small coast guard boats were rescuing a boat with 500 migrants about 70 nautical miles off the Calabria region, which forms the toe of the Italian boot. (AP Photo/Valeria Ferraro)

But of that number only a minimum part want to leave and only a minimum part succeeds in leaving for Europe, Di Giacomo said. For example, many migrants in Libya come from Niger and Chad, two African nations on Libyas southern border, and eventually return to their homelands, he said.

The Italian intelligence services estimate is the last of a long series of alarms that weve seen in the last 10, 12 years, that turned out to be mistaken Di Giacomo said. That number doesnt seem to be absolutely credible.

Some 105,000 migrants reached Italy by sea in 2022.

From the start of this year through March 10, some 17,600 arrived, including a few thousand who disembarked at Italian ports in the last several days. Thats about triple the number for the same time period in each of the two previous years, although the COVID-19 pandemic might have led to fewer voyages.

On Sunday, three more bodies were found from a Feb. 26 shipwreck just offshore the Italian peninsula, raising the known death toll in that disaster to 79 migrants, Italian state TV said. A wooden boat that had sailed from Turkey ran into sandbank in rough seas off a beach in Calabria, the toe of the Italian peninsula.

There were 80 survivors, and an undetermined number of people were believed to be missing and presumed dead.

Melonis government has rebuffed criticism that the coast guard should have been sent out to rescue the boats passengers when the vessel first was spotted farther off the coast.

For years, Italy has tried with limited success to induce Libya to stop launches of people smugglers unseaworthy fishing boats and rubber dinghies toward Italian shores. Italian governments have trained and equipped the Libyan coast guard.

Police check a fishing boat with some 500 migrants in the southern Italian port of Crotone, early Saturday, March 11, 2023. The Italian coast guard was responding to three smugglers boats carrying more than 1,300 migrants in danger off Italys southern coast, officials said Friday. Three small coast guard boats were rescuing a boat with 500 migrants about 70 nautical miles off the Calabria region, which forms the toe of the Italian boot. (AP Photo/Valeria Ferraro)

But the traffickers behind the smuggling rings continue to operate amid Libyas amid feuding political and militant factions.

The International Organization for Migration and humanitarian groups say passengers whose vessels are turned back by the Libyan coast guard often are returned to detention camps, where they are at risk of abuse, including torture, until their families raise enough money for the migrants to set out again by sea.

Melonis government has made it harder for humanitarian organizations that operate rescue boats to carry out many rescues in the waters off Libya, adopting rules that force the vessels to disembark migrants in northern Italian ports, delaying their return to sea.

However many migrants actually set out from Libya on smugglers boats, it is a worrisome humanitarian flow because people die at sea, said IOM spokesperson Di Giacomo.

The U.N. migration agency estimates that some 300 people have died this year, or were missing and presumed dead, after attempting to cross the perilous central Mediterranean route.

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday called for former Vice President Mike Pence to apologize for the jokes he made about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs paternity leave and using postpartum depression as a punchline.

Pence said that Buttigieg took maternity leave and everyone else got postpartum depression in his absence during the annual Gridiron dinner for journalists on Saturday in Washington.

Jean-Pierre slammed the former vice president for the remarks that she said were homophobic and inappropriate.

The former vice presidents homophobic joke about Secretary Buttigieg was offensive and inappropriate, all the more so because he treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline, she said. He should apologize to women and LGBTQ people, who are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Pence said in his joke that while Buttigieg was out on leave thousands of travelers were stranded in airports, the air traffic system shut down, and airplanes nearly collided on our runways.

Pete is the only person in human history to have a child and everyone else gets postpartum depression, he said.

Buttigieg announced in September 2021 that he and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, welcomed twins into their family. The twins were hospitalized in October after a respiratory virus infection.

Doctors said the children were in critical condition at one point, and Buttigieg said, while reflecting on the experience a year later, that the hospital turned into a new home base for he and Chasten.

At the same time, the U.S. was facing a national crisis as supply chains were disrupted and President Biden was also pushing to get his bipartisan infrastructure law passed in Congress, both issues areas that were part of Buttigiegs portfolio as Transportation secretary.

While Buttigieg said he worked every day from the hospital, some conservatives criticized him for not working harder while his infants were hospitalized, comments that drew criticism from some as homophobic.

Jean-Pierre on Friday, just a day before Pences remarks at the Gridiron dinner, had condemned what she called shameful, hateful and dangerous attacks on the LGBTQ community, pointing to a speech given at the Conservative Political Action Conference by Michael Knowles in which he said, transgenderism must be eradicated from public life.

She highlighted that Republicans in Iowa and Tennessee have called for legislation attacking gay marriage, while in Florida GOP lawmakers have introduced a slew of bills to roll back the rights of LGBTQ communities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Education activist Malala Yousafzai was among the celebrities and notable figures spotted on the champagne-coloured red carpet ahead of this years Academy Awards ceremony.

The Pakistani-born Nobel Peace Prize laureate is attending the Oscars as an executive producer of Stranger at the Gate, a nominee for Best Documentary Short Film.

Ms Yousafzai, popularly known by her first name, was dressed in a glittering floor-length Ralph Lauren silver-sequinned gown with an incorporated head scarf. She also wore an emerald flower ring from Santi Jewels.

Malala was lauded for a classy and perfect response to a gag by Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel midway through the evening in which he pretended to ask questions from members of the public.

As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, Kimmel asked, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?

Malala responded: I only talk about peace.

Twitter users praised the moment calling it a mic drop moment, while others were unimpressed with the use of a Nobel Peace Prize winner to set up an unfunny joke.

Ok but did @jimmykimmel seriously just ask @Malala about Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine? ai Her answer was so classy and perfect, wrote one person.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to ABC earlier in the evening, Ms Yousafzai said she was determined to enjoy the night and was rooting for Austin Butler and Michelle Yeoh, as well as looking forward to seeing Rihanna perform.

Stranger at the Gate is the dramatic story of a former US Marine planning a terrorist attack on a mosque in Muncie, Indiana.

Richard Mac McKinney admits he had a deep hate for Muslims and he planned to bomb The Islamic Center in his hometown.

He visited the mosque to gather intelligence and found himself welcomed by the community.

This is a story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, kindness, compassion. I believe in those values, Ms Yousafzai has said of the film. What really stands out to me in this movie is Macs willing to accept that love, accept that compassion. He took his time, but he did not close the door to the love that he saw there.

Ms Yousafzai was once targeted for assassination by the Taliban for campaigning about girls right to education.

She recently called out Hollywood for its lack of Muslim and Asian representation in a speech at Varietys Power of Women event.

You can follow along with Oscars updates as they happen here.
"Navalny" won the award for documentary feature film at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on March 12 in Hollywood. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Daniel Roher just knocked Putin off his high horse, dedicating his Oscar to political prisoners around the world.

On Sunday night, after winning the Oscar for documentary feature for Navalny, director Daniel Roher used his acceptance speech to blast Russian President Vladimir Putin: "And there's one person who couldn't be here with us here tonight ... Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls 'Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine.'

"Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism. Wherever it rears its head," Roher said at this year's 95th Academy Awards, which Jimmy Kimmel hosted live from Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's wife, who also is featured in the documentary, attended the Oscars in her husband's place, along with their children, Dasha and Zahar. She joined Roher onstage and gave an emotional speech.

"My husband is in prison, just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison, just for defending democracy," she said. "Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free, and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love."

The Times caught up with Roher before the ceremony and he shared that he never could have anticipated the timeliness of "Navalny."

"We thought that our film was prescient to begin with but we never could have imagined how significant and timely our film would be. I think our film is a precursor in a way to this brutal war [in Ukraine.]"

"As a filmmaker it's the distinguished honor of my life [to be nominated], but I'm not just here as a regular filmmaker, I'm here as the sort of brand ambassador of Alexei Navalny," Roher continued. "I'm here because Alexei Navalny right now is languishing in a gulag six and a half hours outside of Moscow and I want to remind the world that he is there, remind the world that a brighter future for Russia is possible, and as Navalny asks his supporters: You have to have hope. Because if you don't have hope, then your future is guaranteed to be bleak and dark."

Other nominees for documentary feature on Sunday included "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed," "All That Breathes, Fire of Love and "A House Made of Splinters.

Navalny chronicles the investigation into the near-fatal poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The lawyer and activist was vocal about the Kremlins corruption, wouldnt give up the fight for democratic reform, and was poised and ready to challenge Putin for the Russian presidency.

In August 2020, Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok nerve agent during a hotel stay. The documentary was filmed while he recovered in Berlin.

Navalny suspected the Kremlin was responsible for the poisoning that nearly killed him, and he, Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev and Russian activist Maria Pevchikh set out to prove it through a series of investigations depicted in the film.

The bombshell moment that made Navalny so electrifying was when the prominent critic of Putin decided to call the men involved in his assassination attempt to confront them. The men promptly hung up, so Navalny switched to a savvier approach  he impersonated a Kremlin functionary asking for a report as to why the poisoning failed.

In January 2021, Navalny returned to Moscow, and the cameras captured the crowd of supporters awaiting his return and the moment he was detained by police, which prompted widespread protests across Russia. He reportedly was transferred within the past year to a maximum-security IK-6 prison in the Vladimir region village of Melekhovo, approximately 155 miles east of Moscow.

Shortly after the films premiere, Russia invaded Ukraine.

Its my hope that Navalny, through the film, is able to remind the world that an alternative vision for what Russia can be is possible, Roher told The Times in November, ... but ultimately, I hope the film helps to keep Navalny alive.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Host Jimmy Kimmel appears onstage with a donkey at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on March 12, in Hollywood. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

That wasn't Jenny, that was an impostor donkey!

While hosting this year's 95th Academy Awards, Jimmy Kimmel walked a donkey wearing a sequined emotional support vest onto the Dolby Theatre stage, claiming it was Jenny, the beloved donkey from "Banshees of Inisherin." But it was an impostor.

"This is Jenny, she's one of the stars of 'Banshees of Inisherin,'" Kimmel said on Sunday. "Not only is Jenny an actor, she's a certified emotional support donkey, or at least that's what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland. So if you're feeling upset, or you didn't win or you're anxious or you just love mules, feel free to come up and give her a hug."

"And Jenny, I want you to see there's your friend Colin right there," Kimmel said, pointing to Colin Farrell, who was nominated for his first Oscar tonight for lead actor. Brendan Fraser won for his performance in "The Whale."

Farrell blew a kiss to Jenny and looked genuinely excited to see the donkey, almost jumping out of his seat to greet his recent co-star.

"Let's get you back on that Spirit Airlines flight now, huh?" Kimmel says to the Jenny stand-in.

Backstage, the director of "Banshees of Inisherin," Martin McDonagh, revealed that they had used a stand-in, saying, "It wasn't Jenny. We never would have allowed that to happen."

And Kerry Condon, who was nominated for the supporting actress Oscar for her role in The Banshees of Inisherin" said, "No! All the way from Ireland? Course not!"

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Rishi Sunak boards plane for his flight to US ((Stefan Rousseau/PA))

Rishi Sunak has revealed an extra 5bn will be added to Britains military budget over the next year two years, as the government sets out the latest defence and foreign policy review.

The prime minister has also pledged to boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP in the long-term term, ducking his predecessor Liz Trusss more ambitious 3 per cent target.

Mr Sunak said he wanted to fortify Britains defences in an increasingly volatile world  as he vowed to make the country less vulnerable to threats from Russia.

The government launches an updated Integrated Review on Monday, while the PM meets the US president Joe Biden and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in California to discuss the expansion of nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus pact.

The review  to be presented to parliament by foreign secretary James Cleverly  will set out how robust plans to tackle new threats from Russia and China.

It will see the creation of a new National Protective Security Authority within MI5 to provide a wide range of UK businesses and other organisations with immediate access to expert security advice.

Funding for the China capabilities programme  including Mandarin language training and diplomatic China expertise  will be doubled. And the BBC World Service will get 20m to combat misinformation.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had reportedly argued for a hike to his departments budget of more than double the sum announced by No 10, of around 11bn.

Junior defence minister James Heappey admitted there has been robust private clashes between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Treasury over funding levels.

Ms Truss had promised to boost defence spending from its current level of 2 per cent to 3 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade at the estimated cost of 157bn. But Mr Sunak has stuck to the 2.5 per cent commitment made by Boris Johnson last year.

As the world becomes more volatile and competition between states becomes more intense, the UK must be ready to stand our ground, said Mr Sunak as he travelled to the US.

The prime minister added: We have seen all too clearly in the last year how global crises impact us at home, with Russias appalling invasion of Ukraine driving up energy and food prices.

We will fortify our national defences, from economic security to technology supply chains and intelligence expertise, to ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace was said to have asked for 11bn extra (PA)

The government said it is providing 1.98bn this year and 2.97bn next year for defence. Some 3bn will be invested across nuclear defence, supporting areas such as the construction of new infrastructure, enhanced support to in-service submarines and the delivery of the Aukus pact.

The remaining 1.9bn will bolster Britains munitions stockpiles to replace items donated to Ukraine, and invest in munitions infrastructure.

The PM also hailed the UKs global alliances as its greatest source of strength and security as he prepared to meet Mr Biden and Mr Albanese to flesh out a major defence deal.

He flew to San Diego on Sunday to discuss the procurement of nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus pact between the UK, US and Australia.

UK minister have hopes high that the Australian premier will announce the purchase of a British-designed fleet. Negotiations over the last 18 months have presented the Canberra government with a choice between a British or US design.

Reports suggest Australia could opt for a modified version of the British Astute-class submarine, plugging the gap until it enters into service in the 2040s with up to five American Virginia boats.

The UK hopes that Aukus will result in work for British shipyards such as BAE Systems facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
KYIV (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping could wade deeper than before into Ukraine diplomacy as soon as next week, staging both his first trip to Russia and his first talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy since Moscow's invasion.

Several sources familiar with the plans told Reuters Xi could visit Moscow next week, an earlier-than-expected trip in response to a long-standing invitation from President Vladimir Putin. His plans to also hold a video conference with Zelenskiy were reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources, which Reuters was not immediately able to confirm independently.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kremlin said it had nothing to announce yet. Ukraine's president's office did not immediately respond.

The sources who told Reuters of the plan for Xi to visit Moscow declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.

"As a rule, announcements of official foreign visits are coordinated synchronously by mutual agreement of the parties," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "When there is such readiness, we will let you know."

A visit by Xi to Russia would be a major event for Putin, who portrays the war in Ukraine as a conflict with the combined might of the West and has frequently spoken of his plans to host Xi in coming months. Russia relies on China to buy oil and gas it can no longer sell in Europe.

But if Xi's visit coincides with a video meeting with Zelenskiy, that could be an even bigger coup for the Ukrainians, who want Beijing to remain neutral rather than firm up their support for Moscow. Zelenskiy has called on Xi to speak to him.

China has declined to ascribe blame for the war while opposing Western sanctions against Russia. It unveiled a proposal in February for a peace plan, met with scepticism in the West but praised in Moscow and cautiously welcomed by Zelenskiy.

The United States has said repeatedly since last month that it believes China is considering arming Russia, which Beijing denies. Zelenskiy has said doing so would invite World War Three, but also that he believed Beijing was aware of such risks, implying that he doubted it was likely.

China and Russia struck a "no limits" partnership in February of 2022, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, and the two sides have repeatedly reaffirmed the strength of their ties in public. China's top diplomat visited Moscow in February during the week of the war's first anniversary, when U.S. President Joe Biden travelled to Kyiv.

BAKHMUT BATTLES

On the ground, both sides described relentless fighting in Bakhmut, a small ruined city in eastern Ukraine that has become the main focus of a Russian winter campaign involving hundreds of thousands of freshly conscripted reservists and mercenaries.

Kyiv announced last week that it had decided to defend Bakhmut rather than withdraw. Russian forces led by the Wagner private army have captured the eastern part of the city but have so far failed to encircle it.

"All enemy attempts to capture the town are repelled by artillery, tanks, and other firepower," Ukraine's Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of ground forces who has vowed not to withdraw, was quoted as saying by Ukraine's Media Military Centre.

Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Sunday the situation was "tough, very tough".

"The closer we are to the centre of the city, the harder the fighting ... The Ukrainians throw in endless reserves. But we are advancing and we will be advancing," Prigozhin said in comments released by his press service.

He also said Russian soldiers were providing his troops with truckloads of ammunition. He has previously complained that Russia's top brass was deliberately starving his men of ammunition, an allegation the defence ministry rejected.

The months-long fight for Bakhmut has become Europe's bloodiest infantry battle since World War Two, described as a meat grinder by both sides.

Moscow says taking it would be a major success, opening a path to capture the rest of the surrounding Donetsk region, a central war aim. Kyiv says it has decided not to pull out, continuing the fight to inflict losses on a Russian assault force it says is driven by Putin's need to claim his only victory in more than half a year.

After Ukrainian advances throughout the second half of 2022, Kyiv has focused on the defensive for the last three months, while Moscow has launched an offensive campaign using mobilised reservists and convicts recruited from prison as mercenaries.

Kyiv has signalled plans for a counter-assault later in the spring when muddy ground dries and hundreds of Western armoured vehicles and Challenger and Leopard battle tanks arrive.

The tanks would have a major impact, said Leonid Khoda, commander of Ukraine's 1st Tank Brigade which is fighting in the Donbas, comprised of Donetsk and Luhansk regions: "Everyone is waiting, 1st Tank Brigade is waiting too. Not long ago we sent personnel to learn to operate (Leopard) 2A6," he told Reuters.

Ukraine says wearing out Russia's military now will help its counter-offensive later. But not every Western military analyst is convinced that Bakhmut is the best battlefield to take on the Russians due to casualties on the Ukrainian side.

"The attrition ratio in Bakhmut is worse than elsewhere," tweeted Rob Lee, a U.S. defence expert who visited Bakhmut this month.

($1 = 0.9396 euros)

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by Robert Birsel and Philippa Fletcher)
TPCC president A.Revanth Reddy addressing the farmers' interaction programme at Kammarpally in Nizamabad district on Sunday as part of Hath Se Hath Jodo Padayatra. (Photo: By Arrangement)

Nizamabad: TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday promised a slew of pro-farmer policies, including crop support and loan waivers, as part of the partys intention to implement the Chhattisgarh model of governance in Telangana.

Speaking at a meet-and-greet programme with farmers of Kammarpally in Nizamabad, as part of the Haath Se Haath Jodo padayatra, Revanth Reddy said that the Warangal Declaration, announced by Rahul Gandhi last year, was aimed at helping farmers.

Donning a scarf that is traditionally worn by farmers of Armoor, Revanth Reddy said that the Congress will provide a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh per farmer and procure paddy for Rs 2,660, as being done in Chhattisgarh.

"Under Indiramma Rythu Bharosa, we will also provide Rs 12,000 to landless farmers. A separate turmeric board will be set up and we will reopen sugar factories within six months of coming to power. The Congress will also implement the Rythu Bhima scheme for farmers," Revanth Reddy said.

Promising to implement a crop insurance scheme, Revanth Reddy attacked the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the state and national levels.

"The state and Central governments are not serious about providing crop insurance to farmers. A government that does not provide crop insurance to the farmers claims it will give insurance if a farmer dies. This is a cruel intention on the part of the government in wanting farmer's death," Revanth Reddy said.

"If you look at BJP because of your anger against KCR, it is like falling from the frying pan into the fire. Think about how the farmers were cheated from 2014 to 2023," Revanth Reddy said.

The TPCC chief also promised to set up a Rythy Commission to resolve farmers issues.

"Once in power, we will provide Rs 5 lakh to build houses for every poor person. Through Arogyashree, the government will bear medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh. We will provide a gas cylinder for Rs 500 to the poor. We will fill two lakh government job vacancies within the first year," he said.

He said that his padayatra was to "free Telangana Talli", claiming there was no change in the lives of the unemployed even after Telangana achieved statehood.

Questioning minister Prashanth Reddy why the sugarcane industry was closed in this area, Revanth Reddy said: "BRS MLAs are destroying the reputation of the district. The names of BRS MLAs Prashanth Reddy, Ganesh, Jeevan Reddy names are heard whenever there is a robbery. They are also earning crores by illegal sand mining. There was never such a bad situation in the past," he said.

Earlier in the day, Revanth Reddy visited Sri Limbadri Laxmi Narasimhaswamy Temple at Bheemgal.
The March 10 failure of Silicon Valley Bank shocked the Washington wine industry, which relies on research by the banks well-regarded wine division to track harvest, sales, demographic and other trends that affect the bottom line.

California regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara on Friday and appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to serve as receiver.

Silicon Valley Bank is known for its deep relationships with Californias technology sector. But it is also the professional home of Rob McMillan, an executive who established the SVP wine division decades ago. The wine divisions future is unknown, according to a blog post McMillan released over the weekend.

It is also indispensable, said Erik McLaughlin, chief executive officer of Metis LLC, a Walla Walla merger and acquisition firm focused on the wine industry.

He called McMillans annual State of the Industry Report the single most important meta data for our industry. As regulators work to find a buyer, he is hopeful the wine division will be sold to an organization that recognizes its value.

I think Rob is a tremendous asset to the industry and someone is going to pay him for that work, McLaughlin said.

The Washington State Wine Commission shares that view.

Silicon Valley Banks State of the Industry report is widely read and well respected. We certainly utilize it as part of our analysis when making decisions and planning for the future, as part of larger research and data collection, said Chris Stone, vice president for marketing and communications for the commission, which is tasked with promoting Washington wine.

The banks demise was expected to be THE topic of discussion at Taste Washington, a food event held in Seattle over the weekend, according to one local wine journalist.

JJ Williams of Kiona Vineyards and Winery participated in the event. He confirmed he fielded numerous questions about the bank failure.

Silicon Valley Bank reportedly boasts 400 wine clients and issued $4 billion in loans over three decades. The outstanding balance was more than $1 billion at the end of the year, according to research by Shanken Communication Inc., a New York research firm.

Washington boasts 1,050 wineries, more than 400 grape growers and has 60,000 acres of wine grapes under cultivation.

Its the second largest wine producing state in the country, according to the Washington State Wine Commission.

The commission calculates its impact at more than $8 billion, though that figure has not been updated in several years.

Silicon Valley Bank is known for its roots in the tech world but it has played a key role in the Washington wine industry.

Uncertain future

McMillans research, much of it drawn from bank records, is cited by wine industry executives, academic researchers and the media that cover them. McMillan himself lends his expertise as a speaker at industry events, including symposiums and trade shows.

He provided industry and peer benchmarks and writes the annual State of the Industry report that was the wine worlds equivalent of the presidential State of the Union.

McMillan posted about the wine divisions uncertain future, calling the banks failure unnecessary and fear-based.

The wine industry had nothing to do with this, he wrote.

He said it is unclear if the wine divisions regular reports will continue.

Silicon Valley Bank provided them at no cost and drew heavily from data it owns. That may or may not exist after the collapse. Regulators and bank executives spent the weekend scrambling to find a buyer for Silicon Valley Bank and to assure depositors their money is safe.

Unless the Wine Division is working under a different brand in the next week or so, I can say with a fair degree of certainty that I wont be able to produce Direct to Consumer benchmarking information this year, he wrote..

He said peer group analysis is based on the banks own database of winery financial statements, which does not exist elsewhere.

If the bank has a buyer, the platform will go to that buyer to decide what to do, but the likelihood is that information will be lost sadly, he wrote.

McMillan indicated there is still time to see how things play out before October, when he typically begins compiling State of the Industry.

While SVP has done these reports gratis, there is a significant cost to produce them and logistics would have to be covered, he said.

2023 wine report

McMillans 2023 report, released in January, touches on a mix of both positive news and negative for the wine industry, which is worth an estimated $8 billion in Washington state alone.

On the positive side, demand for premium wines is growing and small harvests in California helped balance supplies.

On the negative, younger drinkers are apparently losing interest in wine.

Consumers are drinking across beverage challenges, and those under 60 dont have the same appreciation for wine as those over 60, he wrote.

Each vintage, Evergreen Vineyard in the arid Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area near Quincy, Wash., produces grapes that form the backbone of the Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling program.

Bank downfall

The downfall of Silicon Valley Bank came with stunning swiftness.

Word that it was struggling to shore up its balance sheet led to a run on the bank, which is federally insured, shortly before regulators moved to take control.

The FDIC created a new institution to hold deposits and pledged a return to business on Monday.

It said Silicon Valley Bank had approximately $209 billion in assets and $175.4 billion in liabilities at the end of 2022. The amount of deposits above the federal $250,000 insurance limit was undetermined at the time the bank was closed.

The FDIC said it would determine the amount of uninsured deposits as it obtains information from the bank and customers.

Silicon Valley Bank is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail this year and the first to close since a Kansas bank failed in October 2020.

Congress established the FDIC in 1933 to insure bank deposits. No depositor has lost FDIC-insured funds. FDIC insurance does not cover investments, cryptocurrency or similar products.
YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan on March 13 met with the former Secretary-General of NATO, founder of Rasmussen Global international political consultancy firm Anders Fogh Rasmussen and other representatives of the firm.

At Rasmussens request, Minister Papikyan presented the latest regional developments and the resulting situation, the defense ministry said in a read-out.

A number of issues related to regional security were discussed.
YEREVAN, 13 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 13 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.26 drams to 388.44 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 3.47 drams to 414.47 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 5.17 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.77 drams to 468.65 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 388.09 drams to 23244.47 drams. Silver price down by 0.20 drams to 250.90 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.
Today's headlines: in Afghanistan, the Taliban ask local residents to pay for road construction; Missing Taiwanese soldier found in China; Living conditions worsen in Nagorno Karabakh following further blockades of the Lacin corridor; In Japan the trial for the longest-serving man on death row is reopened.

BANGLADESH

According to the investigating authorities, the fire in the refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on 5 March, which displaced about 15,000 people, was a 'planned and intentional act of sabotage'. Militant groups, as yet unidentified, set the fire in order to 'dominate' the camp, where mostly people from the Rohingya minority who fled Myanmar since 2017 reside.

AFGHANISTAN

According to the testimonies of some teachers in Ghor province, the Taliban demanded one month's salary (about 70 US dollars) for the construction of a 15 km road that would connect Taiwara district to the Herat-Ghor highway. Civil servants and military personnel have also been asked to contribute but for local residents the pay is barely enough to feed their families.

JAPAN

The Tokyo High Court on Monday ordered a retrial for Iwao Hakamada, an 87-year-old former boxer and the longest-serving man on death row. The news comes nearly 60 years after Hakamada was convicted of murder for robbing and killing his boss and the man's family. A year after the trial began, blood-stained clothes were used as evidence, but recent DNA tests found no link between them and Hakamada.

CHINA - TAIWAN

A Taiwanese soldier serving on the islet of Erdan - part of the Kinmen Islands, near the Chinese coast - who went missing last week has been found in China, Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said today. 'The Ministry of Defence and relevant departments are aware of the relevant progress and situation,' he said. In the past, especially during the Cold War, defectors from both sides swam between China and the Kinmen Islands.

BELARUS

Lukasenko signed the law introducing the death penalty in Belarus for military and civil servants who betray the homeland, adding draconian punishments for the discrediting of the armed forces and all military compounds that help the country, propaganda of terrorism, violation of state secrets and damage to world peace.

NAGORNO KARABAKH

The inhabitants of Nagorno Karabakh complain on social networks about the worsening living conditions in the last few days, following further blockades of the Lacin corridor, as a result of which shops are becoming more and more deprived and prices higher and higher, despite the fact that the Russian peacekeepers are supposed to guarantee regular access to at least foodstuffs.
In addition to Michelle Yeoh's award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Vietnamese Ke Huy Quan also received recognition from the Academy Awards for the same film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Two statuettes were won by India for Best Original Song and Best Documentary Short Film.

Los Angeles (AsiaNews) - Four Oscars were won by Asia last night at the 95th Academy Awards. Michelle Yeoh, 60, a Malaysian actress of Chinese descent, is the first Asian woman to win the statuette for Best Actress in a Leading Role with "Everything Everywhere All at Once", a science fiction film that tells the story of a Chinese immigrant who owns a laundromat and struggles to make ends meet.

In the same film, the husband of protagonist Evelyn Wang, Waymond, is played by Ke Huy Quan, a Vietnamese actor who first fled to Hong Kong and then settled in the United States, who won the Best Supporting Actor award.

Two statuettes were won by India: one for best original song, with "Naatu Naatu", a composition from the Telugu-language film "RRR", which beat songs performed by stars such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga, and one for best short documentary film, won by "The Elephant Whisperers", which tells the story of a tribal couple caring for an orphaned elephant.

Yeoh, born in the city of Ipoh, capital of the Malaysian state of Perak, was awarded prizes in several beauty contests as a young girl and was a dancer for years. She achieved fame by acting in several Hong Kong films (learning Cantonese only later) alongside Jackie Chan, before landing in international cinemas thanks to 'Tomorrow Never Dies' - in which she played Asia's first 'Bond girl' - and 'The Tiger and the Dragon'.

In her acceptance speech at one point she said: 'Ladies, don't let anyone tell you that you are past your prime', a phrase from two Malaysian ministers, Hannah Yeoh and Nancy Shukri, who attended a special Oscar ceremony viewing event held in Kuala Lumpur and attended by friends and relatives of the actress.

Wee Ka Siong, president of the Malaysian Chinese Association - a political party of which the actress' father was also a member - also congratulated the fellow citizen.

In his acceptance speech, Ke Huy Quan, however, recalled that he was 'one who fled on a boat'. Born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1978 at the age of seven he had left Vietnam with his father for Hong Kong, while his mother and three other siblings had left for Malaysia.

The family was reunited in the US a year later: 'My journey started on a boat, I spent a year in a refugee camp and ended up here on the biggest stage in Hollywood. They say stories like that are only for the movies, but they are real stories, that's the real American dream,' said Quan, who began his career as a child starring in the film 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' alongside Harrison Ford, who presented him with the statuette.

For a long time, the former refugee had stopped acting, working mostly as an assistant director, but inspired by the success of "Crazy Rich Asians", a 2018 film, he said he wanted to give acting one last try at almost 50 years old.

"Naatu Naatu" (meaning "dance dance") is the first song from an Indian film to win an Oscar after it had already made history by winning a Golden Globe in January this year. "RRR", the film in which it can be heard and one of the most expensive in the history of Bollywood, tells the story of two (gradually deified) heroes fighting (sometimes very violently) for India's independence in 1920.

The Elephant Whisperers' is also the first Indian documentary to receive the award. The film tells the story of Bomman and Bellie, a tribal couple from the Kattunayakan community, who take care of an orphaned baby elephant.

Filmed in the picturesque Nilgiri Mountains in southern India, the film, by director Kartiki Gonsalves, explores the bond that is formed between humans and animals even after Raghu, the baby elephant, is separated from the tribals by the local authorities to be given to another caretaker. For generations, the indigenous Kattunayakan people have dedicated themselves to protecting the forests of the state of Tamil Nadu.
Hussein Abu al-Khair, a father of eight, was arrested in 2014 for amphetamine smuggling. His family was not informed of his execution. NGOs fought for his release after a "grossly unfair" trial. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reformist policies have been overshadowed by the kingdoms use of the death penalty.

Riyadh (AsiaNews)  Saudi Arabia has executed a Jordanian man, sentenced to death for alleged drug trafficking whose family say he was tortured into confessing.

Hussein Abu al-Khair, a 57-year-old father of eight who worked as a chauffeur for a wealthy businessman, is the latest victim of Saudi Arabias penchant for the death penalty, in an affair that saw several international NGOs fight for his release.

After he was arrested in 2014 after crossing the border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia for allegedly smuggling amphetamines, he was tried, convicted and sentenced to death in what various NGOs deemed a "grossly unfair" trial, including Amnesty International.

In a telephone conversation with his sister Zeinab Abul Al-Khair, he said that he had been strung up by his feet and brutally beaten. He never imagined a forced confession would be allowed in his trial," she explained.

Abu al-Khairs execution casts further doubts on Saudi Arabia's progress and its royal familys willingness to expand freedoms and rights.

In fact, last November Saudi authorities announced the end of the moratorium on the death penalty for crimes related to drug trafficking or drug use. Following this, at least 17 men were executed for drug offences in just two weeks.

For the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Abu al-Khair's imprisonment was without legal basis. Late last year, the UN Human Rights Office called for his release, saying the death penalty for drug offences is contrary to international law.

Campaign group Reprieve noted that Saudi authorities failed to inform the Jordanian mans family of the impending execution, denying them the right to say farewell.

In the meantime, Rather than condemn the Crown Prince, world leaders queued up to shake his bloodstained hands. Today's atrocity and others like it is the inevitable result. When partners signal that the Saudi regime can kill without consequences, you can be sure it will, said Reprieve's director, Maya Foa.

For Saudi Arabias Interior Ministry, Hussein Abu al-Khairs execution reiterated the kingdoms commitment to combat drugs of all kinds because of the severe harm they cause to the individual and society.

Since he came to power, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman[*] has been celebrated for his liberal, modern and reformist vision of the kingdom; however, during this period, the number of executions has almost doubled.

In a report released last month, Reprieve highlights the widespread use of the death penalty and mass executions in Saudi Arabia.

Since 2015, more than a thousand people have been executed after the rise of the kingdoms second most powerful man after King Salman.

[*] In addition to being heir to the Saudi crown, Mohammed bin Salman also serves as the countrys prime minister.
According to a local ethnic army, residents of Nan Nein sought refuge at a monastery to escape shelling and soldiers. The affected village is located along a crucial supply route. The incident once again highlights the brutality of the conflict.

Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Government forces slaughtered at least 28 people, including three Buddhist monks, in the southern Shan State, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) announced.

The KNDF is one of many ethnic armies fighting Myanmars regular forces following the coup d'etat of 1 February 2021.

On Saturday, the village of Nan Nein was shelled before soldiers entered it and killed civilians who had sought refuge at a local monastery.

A video released by the KNDF shows at least 21 bodies on the ground and the monasterys walls riddled with bullets.

It was like the [military] made them line up in front of the monastery and brutally shot them all, including the monks, a KNDF spokesperson said.

Seven more bodies were found later, nor far from the village, the group told the BBC.

Like last year, fighting has intensified in recent months, favoured by the dry season, while the monsoon season, which runs from May to October, usually makes it harder for planes and ground forces to operate.

According to another local organisation, the western state of Chin has seen at least one attack a day by planes in the first two months of 2023.

Nan Nein is located along a highway that connects Shan State to Kayah State and is considered crucial for resupplying local ethnic armies.

The region is inhabited by ethnic Shan, Karenni and Pa-o, but, unlike the first two, the Pa-o are allied with Myanmars ruling junta, and has received strong military support in recent weeks in an attempt to recapture the villages occupied by anti-coup forces.

Villagers probably thought that they would be safe inside the monastery since monks are well respected.

Since the coup d'etat, interethnic relations have changed. The countrys largest group, the mostly Buddhist Bamar, are concentrated in the central region; for this reason, they were spared from the fighting in the past.

Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, ethnic armies have operated along the countrys borders, and fought against the central government for greater autonomy.

After the coup two years ago, these same forces have not only joined together, but have also struck an alliance with the People Defence Forces (PDF), the armed group loyal to the exiled National Unity Government (NUG), who are mostly ethnic Bamar from central Myanmar. For several observers, this is unprecedented.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has reported that 40,000 homes have been destroyed since fighting broke out, and about one and a half million people have become displaced; at least eight million children are not going to school, while 15 million people are at risk of hunger.
Vatican News released a podcast by Francis to mark the 10th anniversary of his pontificate. For Francis, meeting seniors was the most beautiful moment. Asked about his dreams, he cites three words: fraternity, weeping, smiling. This morning, at Santa Marta, he celebrated Mass with all the cardinals present in Rome.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis celebrated an early morning Mass today in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta together with all the cardinals present in Rome to mark the tenth anniversary of his election as the successor of Peter on 13 March 2013.

The Vatican Press Office released no text or details about the service, but Vatican News posted a "Popecast," a podcast made with Pope Francis for this day and broadcast by Vatican Radio (in Italian)

Rather than an actual interview, the short programme gave the pontiff an opportunity to offer a personal take on these past ten years.

Time flies it's in a hurry, he says. When you want to grasp today, it is already yesterday. To live like this is something new. These ten years have been like this: living in tension.

When asked what was the best moment, Francis cites the meeting in St Peter's Square with senior citizens, on 28 September 2014. Old people are wisdom, he noted, and they help me so much. I too am old, am I not?

As for the worst moment, he points to all times he has to deal with the issue of war: from visits to the graves of killed soldiers to the many conflicts that continue to cause bloodshed across the world.

My thoughts go to the mothers who receive a letter from a child who died in war: this makes me hurt a lot," Francis said.

I would have never thought that I would be the pope of World War III. I thought that Syria was a one-off, but then came Yemen, and the Rohingya tragedy. Behind wars is the arms industry. It pains me to see the dead, young men  be they Russian and Ukrainian, it doesnt matter  who will not be coming back. It's hard.

Without hesitation, the pontiff said that the only gift he would really like to receive on the tenth anniversary of his election is peace. We need peace.

Lastly, asked about his dreams for the future, the pope mentions three words: Fraternity, weeping, smiling. Human fraternity: we are all brothers, reassembling. And then learn not to be afraid to weep and smile. When you know how to weep and smile, you have your feet on the ground and gaze on the horizon of the future. But if you can't weep, it means something is wrong. And if you forgot your smile, thats even worse.
Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Congress Party in Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury and members of INC in both the Houses during the CPP meeting, on the 1st day of the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, (PTI)

NEW DELHI: The BRS stayed away from the meeting of 16 Opposition leaders in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, at Parliament House on Monday, citing the Congress criticism of party president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, BRS MP K.R. Suresh Reddy said, "The opposition leaders had invited BRS for this meeting. But we rejected it because a few national Congress leaders are making unwarranted comments against the BRS and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao during their frequent visits to Telangana."

At a time the BRS and Rao were waging a battle against BJP and trying t bring all non-BJP parties together against BJP, the statements being made by these Congress leaders were not acceptable, Suresh Reddy said.

"For this reason, we abstained from the meeting. But our party is ready to join hands with the opposition parties in fight against the BJP's misrule in both the Houses. We have conveyed the party's decision to the opposition leaders."

Among the parties that attended the meeting were the Congress, DMK, JDU, AAP, CPI (M), CPI, Kerala Congress, RLD, NCP, National Conference, IUML, SS (Uddhav), MDMK, RSP, RJD and JMM. They discussed evolving a joint strategy to corner the government on several issues and decided to raise the issues of the alleged misuse of investigative agencies and the Adani row.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Police questioned Fr Saturnus over human trafficking, which he has fought in the Diocese of Pangkal Pinang, a key point along illegal routes to Singapore and Malaysia. Sister Laurantina, also an anti-trafficking advocate, organised a rally in the clergymans defence. The authorities should protect him rather than defaming him.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Fr Chrisanctus Paschalis Saturnus, a priest from the Diocese of Pangkal Pinang, on Galang Island, has allegedly been involved in human trafficking.

Police questioned the clergyman in connection with the allegations, which seem surprising given that he heads the diocese's migrant commission.

In fact, Fr Saturnus is very active in offering support to victims of human trafficking in a place like Galang; part of the Riau Archipelago, the island is considered the main transit point for Indonesian migrant workers going to Singapore or Malaysia.

The accusations against the priest sparked a peaceful protest involving other religious. One of them, Sister Laurantina, is a member of the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence; she is also a well-known activist who has been fighting human trafficking since 2017.

Concerned about the defamation of which Fr Saturnus is the victim, she organised a rally in front of police headquarters in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).

She was also moved to act by Card Suharyo, archbishop of Jakarta, who in his pastoral letter for Lent urged all Catholics to fight human trafficking, one of the most serious crimes against humanity.

"Our poorest, most vulnerable and disabled sisters, as well as women of all ages and children, migrants, refugees and our sisters who come from disharmonious families, are very vulnerable to being exploited by human trafficking practices," wrote the cardinal.

Sister Laurentina also started a public petition, asking Indonesian President Joko Widodo to stop the accusations against the priest, who is being treated like a criminal, something she deems unacceptable.

So far, more than 7,000 people have signed a petition launched on the change.org website, including over a hundred religious leaders, priests and nuns.

Fr Saturnus has also received the support of the Catholic Youth organisation, which said that "human trafficking is a serious crime that goes against all religious faiths."

Indonesias National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has also expressed solidarity with the priest. One of its members, Anis Hidayah, notes that Fr Saturnus should be defended by the countrys authorities.
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NC Democrats Push New Home Construction Building Code to Accommodate EVs

Written by Victor Skinner, The Center Square

Published March 13, 2023

North Carolinas forced transition to electric vehicles helped boost registrations by 54% in 2022, and even still, the transportation mode is still less than 1% of total registrations.

The Old North State has a long road ahead to meet Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers goal of 1.25 million EVs by 2030. House Democrats nonetheless want to require new homes to accommodate the trend.

For context, North Carolina would need to add more than 170,000 electric vehicle registrations per year over the next seven years to meet the 1.25 million registration goal. Last year's jump of 13,377 lifted the total to 38,374 on Dec. 31, according to North Carolina Department of Transportation data.

There are roughly 8 million gasoline and diesel vehicles registered for North Carolinas roads.

Democrats on March 13 introduced House Bill 318 to amend the state residential, energy and electrical codes to require all new one- and two-family dwellings to include at least one EV-ready parking space.

HB318 states the codes shall provide that all new one- and two-family dwellings shall include at least one electric vehicle-ready parking space, except where no parking spaces are provided for the dwelling unit.

For the purposes of this act, an electric vehicle-ready parking space means a designated parking space which is provided with one 40-ampere, 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for electric vehicle supply equipment, the bill reads. The circuit shall terminate in a suitable termination point such as a receptacle, junction box or electric vehicle supply equipment and shall be in close proximity to the proposed location of the electric vehicle-ready parking space.

HB318, which would change the codes effective Jan. 1, is sponsored by Democratic Reps. Deb Butler of New Hanover County, Terry Brown of Mecklenburg County, and Maria Cervania and Julie von Haefen, both of Wake County. The bill also has 11 Democratic co-sponsors.

Cooper in 2018 signed Executive Order No. 80 to set a goal of at least 80,000 registered zero emission vehicles in North Carolina by 2025, and to develop a Zero Emission Vehicle Plan for the state.

Cooper issued Executive Order No. 246 in January 2022 to add two other primary goals: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050; and to increase the total number of registered zero-emission vehicles to at least 1.25 million by 2030, with the goal of zero-emission vehicles comprising half of all in-state vehicle sales.

The latter order further tasked the state Department of Transportation with developing a Clean Transportation Plan within 15 months of the order. The Transportation Department published a draft report of the plan March 1, and officials are now collecting public feedback on the plan through March 15.

The Cooper administration has offered up at least $632.4 million in taxpayer-funded incentives to the electric vehicle industry in North Carolina over the last two years. Those incentives include a $316.1 million subsidy for the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast; up to $315 million for a Toyota battery plant; and $1.3 million for the electric boat manufacturer Forza X1.

The VinFast deal has run into trouble. The Vietnamese company did a realignment of North American operations in February, resulting in about 80 layoffs, and the exit of the financial leader for VinFast U.S. Then on March 10, VinFast said production for the Chatham County plant is pushed back to 2025.

We thank The Center Square for reprint permission.
SUV

On one hand, the latest installment, which is one of just two nameplates available with a hybrid powertrain alongside the F-150, thanks to its mighty i-Force Max with 437 combined hp, has ranked fourth during the 2022 season of sales across the United States market. It certainly improved - over 27% - on the previous year, and with more than 104k deliveries it was enough to beat stuff like the GMC Sierra HD or the Nissan Titan series, for example.But, on the other hand, the Titan is doing so badly it should not even be considered a foe anymore, and during the first months of 2023 we heard increasingly worrying news about Tundras well-being. It turns out that Toyotas legendary reliability has also taken a hit as of late, at least as far as the XK70 is concerned, judging by the software update needed to fix the potential blank instrument cluster or the fact that the tonneau cover might detach and fly out in pursuit of new adventures.Anyway, that is just like rallying to the troubling times, frankly. So, perhaps the Rising Sun carmaker should just contemplate new ways of expanding Tundras reach, beyond the already satisfying way it relates to the XK80 Sequoia full-size three-row. And no, we are not referring to the rumor mills passion for depicting the next-generation mid-size Tacoma as a smaller version of the Sequoia and Tundra. Instead, again by way of the imaginative realm of digital car content creation, we are going to discuss the idea of Toyota attacking the heavy-duty commercial pickup truck segment!The good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube are the ones who have imagined the CGI looks of the unreleased and unannounced Toyota Tundra HD, and we have to say that it is a veritable offense to the Ford Super Duty supremacy, as well as the GM and Stellantis HD pursuers. Naturally, that means the resident pixel master has also taken the time of thinking about a larger cockpit compared to the regular Tundra, although not much else has changed in terms of unofficial styling.Then it is time for the now traditional hypothetical color reel, which is more bounteous than a diamond store, and last  but certainly not least  the news outlet compares their imagined, ritzy 2024 Toyota Tundra HD 1794 Edition with a string of competitors. The Ford Super Duty is first, of course, by way of an F-350 apparition because the Tundra HD is a dually, too. Next up come the GMC Sierra HD and Chevy Silverado HD but, interestingly, the Ram HD series is missing in action  either intentionally, or not.
Pontiac 350 HO

Chrysler 340

Photo: Mecum

Oldsmobile Ram Rod 350 (W-31)

Photo: Hemmings

Ford K-code 289 (HiPo)

Photo: RM Sotheby's

Studebaker 289

Photo: RM Sotheby's

OHV

The V8 was not invented in the U.S. But it morphed into the worlds most popular engine thanks to the American automotive industry. In 1914, Cadillac became the first carmaker to mass-produce a V8 (the L-Head). But it would take another three decades until it would develop into the go-to engine choice for all other U.S.-based manufacturers.From the early-1960s, until the 1973 oil crisis, the V8 was at the center of a horsepower war that gave us a multitude of four-wheeled legends, all recognized worldwide as muscle cars These models came out with a huge variety of V8 configurations, but today, only a few flagship units take all the credit, while smaller and cheaper versions that were equally exciting have been unfairly forgotten. That said, lets look at five of the most underrated high-performance V8 from that exciting period.Before it was discontinued in 2010, Pontiac tried to stay alive by marketing badge-engineered GM models from Australia. It was a sad ending for what used to be GMs performance division. Many enthusiasts credit Pontiac for starting the muscle car craze when it transformed the Series 22 Tempest into the GTO in 1963. The division remained at the top of the muscle car food chain for the next decade with its exciting models and powerful V8s.Today, Pontiac is remembered for awesome eight-cylinder bangers like the 455 HO or the Tri-Power 389, but there was also a smaller sibling that deserves more credit.First introduced for the 1968 model year, the 350 replaced the older 326. Displacing 353.8 cu in (5,7 liters), it was available with either two- or four-barrel carbs and although it was a solid engine, it wasnt anything truly special in standard form. However, the HO (High Output) versions were a different story.With higher-compression heads and intake from the 400, a camshaft with a more aggressive profile from the 400 HO, as well as other improvements, the 350 HO could make 325 hp (329 ps) in 1969 models like the Tempest, Firebird , or Le Mans. In reality, this figure rose to over 350 hp (355 ps) when put on a dyno, making it one of the most powerful engines for its displacement back in the late 1960s.When it comes to Mopar V8s from the original muscle car era, the 426 HEMI is king. In more ways than one, it was the engine that everyone wanted to beat, but enthusiasts seem to forget that Chrysler build other race-bred , eight-cylinders during that period that deserve the same level of respect even if they werent as powerful.Probably the most underrated Chrysler V8 is the 340, which was introduced in 1968. Equipped with various forged components, and a four-barrel carb mounted atop a high-rise, dual-plane intake manifold that fed high-flow heads, it was conceived to perform well both on the street and the strip. Initially rated (conservatively) at 275 hp (279 ps) and bumped up to 290 hp (294 ps) in the triple 2-barrel carb Six-Pack version, which debuted in 1970 on the Challenger T/A and ' Cuda AAR , the 340s forte was its lightweight construction. Apart from this, it was extremely reliable, and a lot cheaper than its popular big-block siblings.Though cars that featured this engine were no match for the HEMI Mopars, the lower weight translated into better handling and sometimes, surprisingly-low quarter mile times that shamed larger, more powerful muscle cars. Even on the same platform - the Challenger, for example - the 340s power-to-weight ratio resulted in a better quarter mile time than the more potent, yet heavier 440 big block in multiple independent tests.Another GM division thats not around today, Oldsmobile wanted a piece of the muscle car pie back in the second half of the 60s, developing its very own V8 range that included high-performance big blocks like the 400 and 445.Oldsmobiles small blocks were used in the carmakers mundane models, so they are easy to forget when talking about high-performance engines of that period. However, there was a notable exception that still doesnt get the credit it deserves.Like the previous entries on our list, the Ram Rod 350 was introduced in 1968 and was available only on the F-35/Cutlass models equipped with the W-31 option. Unlike the standard 350, the Ram Rod came with a high-performance cam, ram air induction, and a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carb, goodies which helped it spit out 325 hp (330 ps). Like most high-performance engines of the period, the output was deliberately underrated to keep insurance costs at bay, so the true power potential of this terrific V8 stood around the 350 hp (355 ps) mark.Except for the 1970 models, which received visual upgrades similar to those of the 4-4-2 , Olds cars equipped with the W-31 option looked much like the regular models. This, coupled with the lack of advertising meant that few Ram Rod 350-powered cars were sold during the engines short lifespan.Although this engine is not as underrated nor as forgotten as the other V8s on our list, it was - and still is eclipsed by larger displacement siblings such as the 429, 428, 427, 390, or even the Boss 302 Affectionately known as HiPo or K-code, it debuted in late-1963 on the intermediate Fairlane as a high-performance version of the standard 289 - which, oddly, was not offered on the Fairlane. Then, a year later, it was added to the Mustangs options list, becoming the pony cars most powerful engine until 1967 when the 428 Cobra Jet was introduced.It featured many improvements over the standard 289, including thicker main bearing caps, heads with smaller combustion chambers, solid lifters, a hot cam, performance exhaust manifolds, and a bigger Autolite carburetor.All those upgrades meant that the K-code could produce 271 hp (275 ps), which was pretty impressive for a 1964 engine. However, Carroll Shelby would go on to prove that it was capable of more.From 1965 to 1967, the HiPo was used by the legendary engineer in the Mustang-based GT350 and the Cobra 289. With redesigned exhaust headers, an aluminum intake, and a 715 CFM Holley carb, the Shelby-tuned K-code could easily make 306 hp (310 ps). Moreover, an optional Paxton supercharger could take the already-impressive V8 close to the 400-hp (405 ps) mark.While now-defunct brands like Pontiac or Oldsmobile might ring some familiar bells for younger enthusiasts, Studebaker surely doesnt. Founded all the way back in 1852, the South Bend, Indiana-based carmaker was a fierce rival for Detroits three major corporations for many decades. It finally stopped producing cars in the late 1960s, but a few years before this happened, Studebaker was building one of the greatest American V8 of all time.Unveiled in 1951, the 289-cu. in. (4.7 liters) V8 was a bit too similar to Cadillacs overhead-valve () eight-cylinder introduced two years earlier, but the differences that seem to make it less advanced, actually made it legendary . It was known for its bombproof architecture that featured forged internals, a gear-driven camshaft, solid lifters, and no less than eighteen cylinder head bolts, which would help it handle virtually any supercharger one could fit on top.During the early-1960s, the 289 was still going strong even if it was considered heavy and outdated. It powered the companys remaining models, including the compact Lark and the luxurious Avanti four-seater in either standard, 240-hp (243 ps) four-barrel carbureted form or in R2 guise where a Paxton supercharger boosted its output to 290 hp (294 ps).The only Studebaker model that can be called a muscle car was the R2-powered Super Lark, but the company never advertised the model as such. Still, road tests made during the first part of the 60s concluded that the Super Lark was faster and handled better than any rivaling compact.There was also another version of the 289 worth mentioning: the R3. Though it was bored to 304.5-cu. in. (5.0 liters), it kept the 289s basic architecture and equipped with a Paxton blower, it could spit out close to 400 hp (405 ps). The R3 only powered a handful of Avantis and a single, special-order Super Lark . The engine helped a modified Avanti break 29 speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Photo: Daimler AG

VIN etching

Photo: Ivan Radic on Flickr

Nitrogen-filled tires

Photo: McLaren Group Limited

Wheel (and tire) warranty

Photo: Hannes Edinger from Pixabay

Rustproofing

Photo: ac_forgiato / Specialty Car Collection / Instagram

Various embellishments

The new and used car market remains unpredictable, and this uncomfortable fact may upset some, if not most, buyers. That's mainly due to automakers and their weird strategy to not make as many new units as before the global health crisis put a temporary stop to various industries. Knowing this, many dealerships keep refusing to sell cars at MSRP, and, as a direct consequence, used vehicles remain pricy because sellers know that you may have to either wait too much or pay a lot more than it's necessary for a brand-new vehicle.But, if you are among the lucky ones who can afford to wait a couple of months for a special car, then pay attention to these five things that dealers might try to sneak into the purchase agreement. Theres a high chance that you will never need these extras, so why spend more of your hard-earned cash?Just make sure to read everything before signing any binding document. Sometimes these extra costs might appear in some part of the final deal thats not necessarily of interest to an excited buyer who wants to meet their new car Some dealerships might proudly advertise that they do not include any price hike over MSRP dressed up as market adjustment. But, when the buying process is nearing the final stage, the customer may be informed that a couple of "mandatory fees" are included, which take the price a little bit over MSRP. One of those has seldom been presented as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching.The funny thing is carmakers do include this code on the lower left side of the drivers side dashboard or the drivers side door jamb. However, dealers claim they will add it on some other car parts, which might be of help with combatting theft in high-crime areas.Unfortunately, in todays car market, this might be presented by dealer representatives as a non-negotiable thing. In reality, they can't and wont force you to accept unwanted accessories, but salespeople might attempt to find a new buyer who might be willing to spend those $300-$400 more just to get their hands on the fresh off-the-lot car. If you wish to have the upper hand , mention that you do not need or want this done to your new vehicle before the car reaches the dealership.Some people claim that filling tires with nitrogen makes them resistant to temperature changes so the wear over time is better and you might not need to adjust the air pressure when the weather is acting up.Sadly, the air we breathe and put into tires is a mixture of oxygen, argon, and, you guessed it, nitrogen. In fact, almost 80% of what goes into our lungs constantly is nitrogen. So, dont pay for this add-on. Its just a fancy thing to increase your monthly payment and some shops may not have the proper gear to deal with oxygen extraction or they might just tell you that the tires have a 90% nitrogen air mixture in them while not using any special inflator. Plus, theres no easy way of figuring out by yourself if the technicians were able to meet the salespeoples demands. Nitrogen-filled tires are mostly necessary for aircraft that need to be better protected from moisture which may lead to the rubber rotting from the inside. However, planes go from hot to cold temperatures in a matter of hours or even minutes if we consider the difference between ground and air temperatures.Unless your new vehicle comes with some absurdly cool-looking and expensive wheels which require low-profile tires that may not protect the rims from a curb rash, then you truly do not need this add-on. Most new cars come standard with decently-sized wheels and tires that do a pretty good job at keeping you safe from damaging the rims.However, it is important to know your car, the route youll do most of the traveling, and your driving style. If being cautious while behind the wheel is not a strong suit, then you might consider getting this extra. At the same time, if the roads in your area are not very good, then it might make sense to tick this box. Just make sure to read exactly what it covers, who will reimburse you when something happens, and under what conditions the warranty will kick in.In some instances, salespeople might tell customers that this option protects them from costly replacements, while the warranty may not fully cover vandalism, theft, or sidewall and curb impact. City dwellers might not like that. Take your time and read it thoroughly if you end up considering this add-on.Depending on where you live, this might be controversial. But You most likely dont need to pay for some spraying that promises to protect the vehicle from rust. One, many new cars are using aluminum, and, at the same time, the steel is protected from the factory with special rustproof treatments. Two, automakers keep adding protective parts that may work well by themselves for those Americans who live in the Rust Belt states.If you are from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or West Virginia, then applying this treatment in November or December might be something you want to do. Fortunately, various shops have better rates than most dealerships offer. Sometimes, the price might even be half of what the middleman is asking.Besides that, you may want to ponder if rustproofing is what you need. Some research might tell you that undercoating  which is applied onto the entire belly of the vehicle  could be the better choice.But, in the end, rustproofing isnt something you must do at the dealer. So, if the price seems too much, then maybe it is, and you should refuse to add this extra to your final price.Ever felt like Rolls-Royce customers get the best vehicles ever? Well, your new Mazda or Volkswagen may boast that awesome thin contrasting paint line that adds a bit of spice to the exterior look. Unfortunately, its often priced like something a luxury automaker provides. Whats even sadder is that the practice of adding this extra is not anything new. Dealerships have been doing this nearly forever.If you value your time spent making money, you shouldn't accept the dealer-installed pinstripe. It wont improve your car in any real way and may even end up looking like an out-of-place addition.Also, remember that salespeople might tell you about other embellishments, which may sound exciting at first but will most likely end up as a thing you will regret paying for.Finally, always be patient when you must buy a new car. Check every document, ask questions, negotiate (if youre not buying a 911 Sport Classic), and make sure the vehicle is being delivered in perfect condition. Dont let excitement bring you disappointment after the euphoria wears off.
TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy. (Photo by arrangement)

HYDERABAD: Alleging massive irregularities in the construction of the Martyrs Monument at Lumbini Park, TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Monday accused roads and buildings minister V. Prashanth Reddy of pocketing Rs 50 crore in commissions and demanded a high-level investigation into the dealings.

Addressing a large crowd at a street corner meeting in Yergatla in Prashanth Reddy's Balkonda Assembly constituency, Revanth Reddy accused the minister of receiving massive kickbacks in several construction projects, including the new Secretariat complex, the Telangana Martyrs Memorial, and the Ambedkar statue.

The Martyrs Memorial cost tripled from Rs 62 crore to Rs 200 crore, demonstrating how the government wasted public money and how BRS leaders profited from the sacrifices of 1,200 statehood martyrs. " Prashanth Reddy pocketed Rs 50 crore as commission. The contractor is from Proddatur in Andhra Pradesh. Is there anything more insulting to Telangana's people than this," Revanth Reddy asked.

It wasn't just the Martyrs' Memorial; there were also cost overruns on other big projects. While cost of Dr Ambedkar's 125-foot statue increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, the construction of the Secretariat complex increased from Rs 400 crore to Rs 1,200 crore, he alleged. "If a probe is ordered, he will very certainly end up in Cherlapally jail on corruption charges," Revanth Reddy added.

Reminding BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind of his pledge to farmers to constitute a turmeric Board within five days of being elected had not been fulfilled even after five years, he told farmers: "You voted for Arvind to defeat Kavitha. Now is the time to defeat Arvind because he failed on his promise."

He urged farmers to vote for the Congress this time, promising that the would help not only farmers who own land but also those who do not. "I promise that the Congress government will acquire turmeric at Rs 12,000 per quintal, red jowar at Rs 4,000, maize at Rs 2,200, and paddy at Rs 2,500," he asserted.

Revanth Reddy also promised to set up sugar factories and expand the sugarcane crop to 10 lakh acres, among other vows such as offering Rs 5 lakh for home to the underprivileged and Rs 5 lakh cover for Arogyasri.

The TPCC president demanded that the Chief Minister clear outstanding salaries of panchayat workers. Following the suicide of a sanitation worker in Bibipet due to non-payment of salary, Revanth urged KCR in an open letter to guarantee that Panchayat workers were paid on time.
If we take the automotive industry as an example, some brands look like they could be designed by AI, and we would not even know the difference between fake work and what hordes of designers and stylists are supposed to do. Without any intention to offend anyone, a perfect example might be the Ingolstadt-based branch of the Audi  BMW  Mercedes-Benz premium German establishment.Mercedes, for example, is a bit more traditional than it used to be  albeit it still has a modern twist to its creations, especially the really important ones, such as the S-Class or G-Wagen. BMW, on the other hand, is like a kid that was allowed to roam free in a room full of Nutella jars, and it tried to eat them all and then also imagined some doodles posing as cars. Ahem, you get the picture, they are controversial, right?As for Audi, most of their latest releases along with a bundle of upcoming ones are playing with us the eternal blink, and youll miss the changes game. Still, that does not mean there are no fans of the German brand, all around the world. Including in places like North America, where people still remember that it can make pretty darn good and feisty cars. And there is no need to take our word for granted, as we have an example (or two, check out the second video embedded below) courtesy of the videographer behind the Wheels Plus channel on YouTube, who is a devoted fan of the Mission Raceway Park dragstrip, and now gives us an interesting all-Audi battle.His latest feature coming from Thunder by the River  aka MRP (the auto facility is located in Mission, British Columbia, Canada, and the video embedded below was uploaded on March 11th), does not have to do with the nine-turn road course or motocross track, as always. Instead, it is focused on the dragstrip and the brotherly confrontation between a crimson Audi RS 3 Sedan and a TT RS coupe. By the way, aside from the obvious form factor differences, these two are quite the same underneath the bodies  as they are motivated by the same, (in)famous 2.5-liter TFSI engine packing up to 400 ponies.As a reminder, they say that a TT RS gets the slightly lower-rated 394 hp version while the RS 3 has the full 400 hp advantage on its side. Alas, with just six ponies between them, this brotherly skirmish could have gone either way. In the end, though, the drivers showed that AI is still far from taking over, at least when it comes to the quarter-mile dragstrip world. As such, both rides had a great start and went neck-in-neck past the Christmas tree, but then the red RS 3 slowly but steadily gained the upper hand and nailed an intensely fought 10.12s to 10.37s victory.
#1 All Quiet on the Western Front

Photo: Netflix

#2 Avatar: The Way of Water

Photo: 20th Century Fox

#3 The Banshees of Inisherin

Photo: Searchlight Pictures

#4 Elvis

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

#5 Everything Everywhere All at Once

Photo: A24

#6 The Fabelmans

Photo: Universal Pictures

#7 Tar

Photo: Universal Pictures

EV

#8 Top Gun: Maverick

Photo: Paramount Pictures

#9 Triangle of Sadness

Photo: Neon

#10 Women Talking

Photo: United Artists Releasing

Best Car Representation:

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

Hardly as dramatic and controversial as last years Academy Awards, this year's event rolled down a champagne-colored carpet for the first time and awarded seven gold statuettes to Everything Everywhere All at Once.The multiverse film starring now a cast of Academy Award winners, including Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis, got 8 out of 10 on IMDB, with 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. While that's hardly a car-related movie, we decided to check all the nominees out and give our own Best Car Representation Award to one of the nominees.We wont focus all our attention on Everything Everywhere All at Once, though, but all the nominees for Best Picture at the 95th Academy Awards.The Netflix -distributed war film won big at the 95th Academy Awards, going home with a total of four Oscars, and Best International Feature Film being one of them.Since it's a movie about a young German's experiences on the western front during World War I, cars were not of particular interest to director Edward Berger.That doesn't mean there weren't a few vehicles there, and we had a Saint-Chamond tank, a 1915 Ford Model T, a 1914 Laurin & Klement Type MS truck, and a 1919 Unic MO.There's also a 1927 Chevrolet 1-Ton, an anachronism, given the action is set during WWI.The long-awaited Avatar sequel hit theaters in late 2022 and didn't fail to score four Oscar nominations, going home with Best Achievement in Visual Effects.The entire action in Avatar: The Way of Water happens on Pandora, the fictional planet where the Na'vi live, so we do not get any traditional Earth vehicles . It does, however, use some fictional vehicles. There's the S-76 SeaDragon, the mothership used by Cetacean Operations to hunt Tulkuns. From the SeaDragon, the Matador, a high-speed boat, is deployed. We also get to see a submersible crab suit called SMP-2 Crab Suit, ready to wrangle the whale-looking Tulkuns. At the beginning of the movie, we also see a train, proving how far humans have gotten on Pandora, as well as a Skel Suit, meant to increase humans' abilities against the Na'vi.To promote the movie, 20th Century Fox studios joined forces with Mercedes-Benz, using the German manufacturer's Vision AVTR , which, thanks to its bionic flaps, could've worked perfectly in The Way of Water.Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin is set on a remote island in Ireland, with a set purposefully created for the movie.In the typical small-island town style, there are no roads, so there are no cars in this movie, only a horse-drawn carriage. A pickup truck could've worked, probably, and our top picks are a Chevrolet C/K Series or a Ford F-Series to go with the setting.The highly acclaimed movie managed to score nine Oscar nominations but didn't win in any of the categories.The Austin Butler-lead Elvis Presley biography scored eight Oscar nominations, with the actor being favorite to win Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. He didn't go home with the gold statuette, but he did win our hearts with his portrayal of Elvis.If you know anything about Elvis, besides the fact that he was the king of rock'n'roll, he was also quite a car fan, and the movie does portray that.'The King' liked Cadillacs in particular . So the movie includes a 1956 Eldorado Biarritz, a Series 62 Convertible, and a Fleetwood 60 Special, plus a couple of Chevrolet Bel Airs, a Lincoln Continental Mark II, a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III, and a couple of Mercedes-Benz examples.The absolute winner of the night, Everything Everywhere All at Once has a multitude of elements from different genres, but cars aren't a focus point.However, the official vehicle of the Wang family was a 1980 Dodge RV that seems to be the Sportsman , which they drive around in different scenes, and a 1986 Volvo 240.The RV with Laundry Workers Center written on it was offered for auction exactly the way it was in the movie. Currently not street legal and in need of a new transmission, engine, tires, and interior updates, the RV sold for $11,000.The Steven Spielberg coming-of-age film has been in the works for over two decades, and on hold for almost the entire time.The semi-autobiographical story's action starts in the early 1950s, following Sammy from his childhood to high school, and it shows time-appropriate vehicles.The list includes a 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air, a Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country, a 1963 Ford Country Squire, a Plymouth Belvedere, and an Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 in main roles, with more age-appropriate cars and brands from Plymouth, Buick, Cadillacs, Ford, and Dodge.The Todd Field-directed psychological drama starring Cate Blanchett is a modern film, and the setting shows it. It received six nominations, including one for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Blanchett.Lydia Tar, the first female chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, acts the part and drives a modern car, an, on top of that - a Porsche Taycan Turbo S. A Ford Crown Victoria, a Mercedes-Benz GLS, and a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are also part of the movie.The motion picture also shows sights of even more Mercedes-Benz, Audis, Jaguars, and BMWs.The highly anticipated Top Gun sequel did not bring all the boys to the yard for cars, but for planes. While we do acknowledge that, there's no Tom Cruise movie without a few wheels.There are a couple of motorcycles, Maverick's Kawasaki Ninja H2 R Carbon and Kawasaki GPZ 900 R Ninja, plus a Ford Bronco, a Ford Expedition Max, and a 1973 Porsche 911 E.The movie does include plenty of aircraft, including a Lockheed Martin F35C Lightning II, a Sikorsky MH-60S Jayhawk, and a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.Triangle of Sadness might not have a lot of cars on display, save for a few fleeting scenes, but it does have plenty of luxury.With three Academy Awards nominations, the satirical black comedy that follows a couple on a luxury cruise is filmed on a real yacht: Christina O.The luxury vessel is a restored warship that belonged to Aristotle Onassis, and it does come with quite a Hollywood history. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly all stepped foot on board Christina O. The luxury yacht also recently appeared in the Netflix series The Crown.Women Talking, starring Rooney Mara and Claire Foy, is a movie focused on a group of women pertaining to the Mennonite colony in Bolivia.Since it's a movie about Anabaptist Christian church communities, there are no vehicles available.Out of its two Oscar nominations, the Sarah Polley-directed film left home with one of them, for Best Adapted Screenplay.And the winner of our Best Cars Representation in an Academy-Awards nominated Best Motion Picture goes to... Elvis.With eight nominations, the 2022 biography film was expected to leave with a few Oscars, with the lead actor, Austin Butler, winning his first. He lost to Brendan Fraser. For us, though, it feels like it embodied the car scene perfectly, including Presley's love for Cadillacs. Spielbergs The Fabelmans was almost at a tie.
SUV

Photo: YouTube / Hyundai USA

EV

ABC

A night full of powerful, high-quality productions, the 95th Academy Awards was the best place for Disney and Hyundai to debut their collaboration ad.Last fall, Hyundai Motor America became the first official sponsor for Disney's 100 Year of Wonder Celebration , taking place this year.Their collab kickstarted with a new ad called "There's Magic in the Journey," celebrating both the best of Hyundai and Disney.The 60-second commercial promotes the South Korean vehicles, combined with the most beloved Disney characters. Alice in Wonderland, Princess Jasmine and Aladdin, Mickey Mouse, and more make a short appearance in the carefully crafted ad. Disney's latest installment of Pinocchio (2022) provides the song "When You Wish Upon a Star," heard throughout the commercial. You can also listen to it at the bottom of the page.The "magic in the journey" ad thoughtfully blends real-life scenes with some of the most famous Disney films. We see a group of friends hanging out and using a projector powered by Hyundai Ioniq 5's Vehicle-to-Load two-way charging system to watch Steamboat Willie, Alice from Alice in Wonderland's curiosity at seeing a Tucson , Aladdin promoting the smoothness of a ride in the, or the Palisade bringing generations together, the way Encanto does.One of the first models we see is the Santa Cruz . Described as a Sport Adventure Vehicle (SAV), the pickup truck packs a 2.5-liter L4 engine, with or without a turbocharger, paired with an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.Next to the Santa Cruz is the fully electric Ioniq 5 . Its second generation debuted in 2021, offering a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive setup, or a dual-motor version, with one electric motor on each axle, and an all-wheel drive layout. Thetakes center stage, with the most screen time than the rest of the vehicles.The second vehicle that appears most is the Tucson, which Hyundai introduced in 2004, spreading over four generations at the time of press, offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, available both with front-wheel and all-wheel drive.In one fleeting scene, we also get a glimpse of the flagship Palisade . Refreshed in 2022, it offers a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.The Walt Disney Company will hold several celebrations throughout the year for its 100th anniversary, with all-new content, experiential activities, ads, and more.Since Disney has previously worked with Hyundai, it was a very obvious choice to join forces again. The two of them created several campaigns in 2021 with title characters from, ESPN, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, promoting the 2022 Hyundai Tucson "Question Everything" creative platform A couple of Hyundai vehicles also appeared in MCU's Spider-Man: No Way Home , the Tucson and Ioniq 5. Joining National Geographic in 2021, a part of the Disney conglomerate, Hyundai helped create Outside Academy, an immersive augmentative reality showing America's most iconic national parks.
Two recent cases from Ontario triggered an emergency warning from law enforcement.In one case, a driver found an AirTag hidden in the fuse box of a Jeep Wrangler. The thief somehow got access under the hood of the vehicle and planted the tracker next to the fuses, hoping it wouldnt be discovered.The driver of a Toyota RAV4 says an AirTag was found under the hood of the car as well. In both cases, the police believe the intent was to steal the vehicles.The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warn the number of vehicles stolen after thieves monitored owners with an AirTag is skyrocketing.The coin-sized tracker can be planted virtually anywhere given its form factor and reduced size. Thieves hide it behind the license plate , in wheel wells, or even under the hood.Once planted, the AirTag provides its location to the master smartphone using nearby iPhones. The tracker connects to other devices to share the information, allowing thieves to track the location of the vehicle in real time.AirTags come with built-in stalking protections that send warnings to nearby iPhones. This is how drivers end up finding the tracker in their vehicles. Due to its dimensions, however, figuring out where its hiding is extremely difficult.The police claim thieves use AirTags to follow vehicles and wait for the right moment to steal them. An investigation has already started in both cases, but for now, its not known if officers identified the AirTag owner or not.Finding the owner of an iPhone should be a rather straightforward process. AirTags require a master iPhone and an Apple account to share location information. The data is displayed in the Find My application that comes pre-loaded on the iPhone.AirTags have a unique serial number, and given they use an Apple account, this information should be enough for the Cupertino-based tech giant to find out who owns a tracker. Police in other states have already reached out to Apple to request such info in similar cases. The OPP did not reveal if it requested Apples help in the investigation.Finding a nearby AirTag with an iPhone doesnt require any special process. The tracker automatically sends the notification when its moving with an iPhone other than the master device. In the case of Android, users must download a dedicated application from the Google Play Store and manually scan for trackers in their proximity. Google is believed to be working on native detection for trackers, and the feature could be part of the next Android OS version.
Eventually, the new technology could replace the traditional owners manual.Digital assistants are already available in cars, as Google, Apple, and Amazon offer their technology both on mobile devices or directly integrated into the dashboard. Android Automotive-powered cars ship with Google Assistant built-in, therefore getting access to more vehicle functions, such as the air conditioning system.General Motors wants to overhaul the digital assistant concept with ChatGPT-like technology. The company is working on a personal assistant that would be installed in its vehicles to provide not only typical digital assistant capabilities but also double as a virtual mechanic.The carmaker wants the chatbot to have full access to the vehicle and therefore be able to read fault codes when they occur. Whenever a certain light shows up on the dashboard, the new assistant would be able to provide recommendations to the driver. For example, the chatbot would be able to determine if its safe for the driver to continue the journey or go to the closest repair shop for urgent servicing.If the vehicle gets a flat tire, the digital assistant can provide a video tutorial on how to change it based on information collected from tire sensors. The guide would play on the display on the dashboard, assisting the driver as they try to change the tire.The chatbot would include full details on vehicle functions, being able to provide the same information youd normally find in the owners manual.The digital assistant would be offered at the vehicle level, so it wouldnt require a mobile device to run. General Motors is working on the technology with Microsoft, the software company that purchased an exclusive license over the ChatGPT engine. General Motors has been working with Microsoft since 2021, but the work on this project is likely just a few months old.Microsoft has already released ChatGPT-powered capabilities in the Bing chatbot, and GMs implementation will be based on a similar approach. In addition, General Motors is training the chatbot to learn the automotive language. As such, the assistant should support car talk but also use generic terms to help everyone understand what it means.The chatbot is considered a high-priority project for General Motors, and the company has remained completely tight-lipped regarding its release date. The first vehicles equipped with the chatbot are expected to launch in late 2023 or 2024. Its not clear if the company has picked a name for this technology, but most likely, such information will surface as we approach the release date.
A bit of history

Photo: Aston Martin

Inspired by the Gods

Photo: Aston Martin

Photo: Aston Martin

Exceptional engineering and performance

Photo: Aston Martin

kW

The AMR Pro

Photo: Aston Martin

Photo: Aston Martin

Impressing journalists and racing drivers

Photo: Aston Martin

Imagine a car that can easily keep up with a Formula One racer, more beautiful than a sculpture and more special than even the rarest of diamonds. That car is called the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a hypercar that, for all intents and purposes, was conceived to defy the limits of engineering, design, and performance and show the world what the English manufacturer is really capable of.Born from the dream of creating the ultimate road-legal track car, the Valkyrie results from an outstanding collaboration between Aston Martin, Red Bull Racing Advanced Technologies, and several other world-class partners. Only 150 examples of this masterpiece will ever be made, making it a rare and coveted treasure for the lucky few who can afford it.In enthusiasts' eyes, Aston Martin is more than just a car company. It is a symbol of British excellence and elegance. The company was born in 1913 when two friends, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, decided to fabricate their own cars. Inspired by Martin'sMartin's success in racing at Aston Hill, near Aston Clinton, they named their company Aston Martin.Although it faced many challenges over its more than a century-old existence, the brand never deviated from its ultimate goal of making beautiful, fast cars. Even more, Aston Martin became a legend in motorsport, especially in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it won its first race in 1959 with the beautiful DBR1, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori.Not least, the company also gained cinematic fame, being portrayed as the carmaker of the famous international spy James Bond, who loved to drive many Aston Martin models in his movies. It all started with the iconic DB5 in Goldfinger, an exquisite machine featuring unheard-of gadgets such as an ejector seat, machine guns, and even a bulletproof shield.Setting the hypercar stage, Aston Martin has created some of the world's most unique and influential cars, such as the One-77, the Vulcan, the DBS, and, of course, the latest masterpiece, Valkyrie and its track-only counterpart, the AMR Pro. These projects never cease to amaze the public, showcasing the company's engineering skills, design vision, and performance passion, admired by car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.The Valkyrie is more than a car. It is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin as a brand. With a name inspired by the female warriors in Norse Mythology, it is the outcome of a daring vision to create a vehicle that would shatter all the limits of performance, technology, and design and revolutionize the hypercar segment. The adventure started in 2015 when Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing teamed up to work on a new car, codenamed AM-RB 001.Two brilliant minds led the project: Adrian Newey, the engineering wizard behind Red Bull Racing 's success, and Miles Nurnberger, one of the genius minds behind Aston Martin's stunning designs, with the Valkyrie being his last project before departing the British brand to take up similar roles at other car companies. It took about four years  too long by the customers' standards  from concept to production, and involved several other partners, such as Cosworth, Rimac, Ricardo, Multimatic, and Michelin.The Valkyrie's exterior design is a masterpiece of form and function, unmistakably shaped by the demands of aerodynamics and downforce. The car features an open underfloor that channels air through large Venturi tunnels, creating a massive suction that pins the vehicle to the ground.The bodywork is entirely carbon fiber and carries Aston Martin's signature upper grille outline before flowing into a radical and futuristic silhouette. The car also boasts some exquisite and innovative details, such as the headlights, the smallest and lightest ever fitted to an Aston Martin, the wing mirrors replaced by rear-facing cameras, and the exhaust, which exits from the top of the engine cover.What impresses the most about Valkyrie's aerodynamics is not the looks that etch any beholder's brain but also the unrivaled adaptability to the road or track surface. In this regard, the car features a sophisticated, active aero system, which can adjust the angle and position of the front and rear wings and underfloor flaps, thus catering the downforce and drag coefficient to any driving scenario.Even more, the Valkyrie also features a Drag Reduction System on the rear wing, also known in Formula One as DRS, which helps boost the top speed and acceleration for limited periods.The Valkyrie's power comes from a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine combined with an electric motor and a 1.8kWh Rimac-derived battery pack. The masters at Cosworth developed the 65-degree V12 engine, which produces around 1,000 hp at 10,500 rpm and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque at 7,000 rpm. On the other hand, the hybrid system has been developed alongside Rimac and Integral Powertrain. It adds another 160 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque to the mix, bringing the total system output to 1,160 hp (865or 1,176 ps) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque.The engine is mounted behind the cockpit and drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed Ricardo sequential transmission, which houses the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. It can act as a generator to recharge the battery using a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) or provide an extra boost during flat-out accelerations.The Valkyrie has a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis that significantly reduces the car's weight. Although initially achieving a proper 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, it has been slightly altered, in the meantime, due to several regulations and legislation requirements.The car's dry weight sits around the 2,800 lb (1,270 kg) mark, still giving it a power-to-weight ratio of over 850 hp per tonne when all fluids tanks are full. The complex aerodynamic package of the Valkyrie generates up to 2205 lbs (1,000 kg) of downforce at high speed, almost doubling the car's weight when exploring the last quarter of the speedometer.The Valkyrie AMR Pro is the ultimate no-rules hypercar, a radical evolution of the Valkyrie that takes the concept of a road-legal hypercar car to the extreme in the form of a track-only beast of a machine. The AMR Pro is not bound by any racing regulations or road registration constraints, being solely conceived to deliver the ultimate performance and driving thrill on any circuit in the world.The AMR Pro features a new longer wheelbase and wider track chassis, allowing for even more aerodynamic freedom and increased downforce. The car also has unique bodywork, incorporating a larger front splitter, a new rear wing, and a central fin that improves stability and reduces drag.The AMR Pro also features a similar light and powerful 1,000-hp naturally aspirated V12. It redlines at 11,000 rpm and pushes this groundbreaking machine up to a top speed of over 249 mph (400 kph).Dropping the battery-electric hybrid system and implementing numerous weight-saving strategies such as carbon fiber bodywork, carbon suspension wishbones, and Perspex windows for both the windshield and side panels combined with the additional track-focused aerodynamics, the Valkyrie AMR Pro even surpasses the regulations for Le Mans racing hypercars.The AMR Pro easily laps the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit in 3 minutes and 20 seconds, a performance that threatens many LMP1 cars. A very rare and exclusive machine, only 40 units of the Aston Martin AMR Pro will be produced. First deliveries of the vehicle are expected by the end of this year.With the Aston Martin Valkyrie being one of the most anticipated and exclusive hypercars in the world, recently, the British brand invited several motoring journalists to test the car at the Bahrain International Circuit, the home of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. For the selected few, the event was a rare opportunity to experience the car's performance, design, and sound on a challenging and fast track.Among the lucky reviewers invited on the track were Chris Harris from Top Gear and Collecting Cars, Matt Watson from Carwow, Henry Catchpole from Hagerty, Alex Hirschi, known as Supercar Blondie, or Jonny Lieberman from Motortrend. They all got to drive the Valkyrie for a few laps, attended by Aston Martin's chief test drivers, Chris Goodwin and Darren Turner, who gave them tips and insights on the car's features and capabilities.The journalists were impressed by the Valkyrie's power, handling, and aerodynamics, as well as its stunning looks and attention to detail. They praised the Valkyrie's sound, which they described as loud, raw, and exhilarating. The car's unique twelve-into-one exhaust system creates a distinctive and harmonious noise closely related to Formula One cars. They concluded that the Valkyrie is a remarkable and groundbreaking machine that pushes the boundaries of what a road-legal track car can do.Already sold out and with a price tag hovering around $3 million, this dream machine is a statement of Aston Martin 's engineering and automotive passion creating a piece of art on wheels that feels completely at home being driven to the limit on racing tracks all over the world or simply as an inspiring poster queen in enthusiasts' bedroom walls.
Photo: Bring A Trailer / steves_exotics

DOHC

Photo: Bring A Trailer / steves_exotics

Photo: Bring A Trailer / steves_exotics

Photo: Instagram / Rod Stewart

In 1988, Lamborghini decided to honor the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Countach with a special version named the 25th Anniversary Edition. Around that time, famous British rock star Rod Stewart had just released his fifteenth studio album, "Out of Order," produced by Duran Duran's Andy Taylor and Chic co-founder Bernard Edwards.Two years later, Stewart's and a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary 's paths crossed when the vehicle was delivered to the United States. A fan of everything on wheels and a Lamborghini enthusiast, the "Downtown Train" musician purchased the vehicle from new. While it was far from his first Countach, the anniversary edition was slightly more special.Here's why: approximately 658 examples of the 25th Anniversary model were built during its three-year production run, making it very desirable.Mechanically, it resembled the LP5000 Quattrovalvole (four-valve, also known as 5000 QV), with a 5.2-literV12 engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. But what was new about it was the styling, thanks to Horacio Pagani, the same engineer who would go on to create his own successful exotic car brand Before we go on, let's talk a little about the Countach's beginnings. The model replaced the successful Miura and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, with production going on between 1974 and 1990. Lamborghini's chief engineer, Paolo Stanzani, test driver Bob Wallace, assistant engineer Massimo Parenti, and designer Marcello Gandini worked together to create a car that would push the boundaries of the automotive world.Up until then, the Raging Bull named its cars after famous bulls, but the new supercar came to change that. "Countach" came from the Piedmontese language, spoken in the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy and is used to express an exclamation of astonishment.The story goes that the name came to be by accident, as one of the workers at Lamborghini, who spoke Piedmontese, used the word to express his admiration or amazement. The supercar was called Countach, first as a joke, and eventually, for real.Over the years, 1,983 examples of the Countach were produced, and it remains one of the most remarkable cars ever created.Coming back to the 25th Anniversary Edition, there were 205 built with U.S.-specification, with the rest intended for other markets around the world.It included modified air intakes with refashioned, longitudinal fins, carbon and Kevlar body panels, an integrated rear bumper, an updated front fascia, and the reconstruction of the engine-bay cover, among other changes.The 25th Anniversary Edition was considered the most refined and fastest Countach variant. Brand-new, the V12 power mill could pump out 455 horsepower (449 horsepower) and 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in 4.7 seconds, it reached a top speed of 183 mph (295 kph).The one that ended up in Rod Stewart's ownership was finished in black with a black leather interior, has the scissor doors, of course, a V-shaped rear wing, and a European-market front bumper. It's fitted with 15-inch multi-piece OZ Racing wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Assimtetrico tires from 2018 and 2019.In December 2022, it received a replacement brake master cylinder and new brake calipers from Azael Motorsport of Doral, Florida.The supercar with the super famous owner has approximately 7,300 miles (under 12,000 kilometers) on the six-digit odometer, but the Bring a Trailer listing mentions that the total mileage is unknown. It's offered with factory books, tools, a copy proving Rod Stewart's ownership, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Montana title.Stewart is a big Lamborghini aficionado, and, over the years, he's owned several Lamborghinis. He also had another Countach, a "younger" version, which, coincidentally, is also available for purchase, the LP400 Periscopio that traveled the world with him and was in his possession longer than the 25th Anniversary Edition.He's also had a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, a 1972 Miura SV Coupe, a 1991 Diablo, which was Countach's replacement, and the 2007 Gallardo Spyder.Besides Lambos, the British rock star owned several other brands. Among them, hes had a 1967 Shelby Cobra, a 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, a 2014 Ferrari 458 Spider, and a few Rolls-Royces Stewart felt the "rhythm" of the Countach's V12 for about five years, before selling it in 1995. The new owner parted with it in May 2022, and the vehicle is now up for auction again. The car is on sale in Miami Beach, Florida, at the time of press, and the listing holds quite a bit of interest, as bids have already surpassed $380,000, but there is still time to spare, as the auction ends on Tuesday, March 14.
Why offline maps are important

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

How to download offline maps in Google Maps

How Sygic GPS Navigation does it better

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution

Google Maps has evolved to become an all-in-one mapping service. It includes not only navigation features but also more advanced capabilities, such as busyness information, reviews, immersive view, and street-level imagery via Street View.Its navigation component remains a key feature for drivers, especially as the app includes offline map support.The way Google has integrated offline maps in Google Maps leaves a lot to be desired, and the feature hasnt received any improvements in the last few years.The main benefit produced by offline maps is highlighted by their name. With this feature, users can find addresses and get route guidance without the need for an Internet connection Offline maps, therefore, allow for offline navigation in a way that reminds nostalgic drivers of traditional GPS devices.The available options have improved significantly in the meantime, so offline maps come with additional functionality for drivers.In Google Maps, however, the application does not provide traffic information, lane guidance, and alternate routes.Given Google Maps gigantic user base, youd expect the app to come with a straightforward way to download offline maps.Unfortunately, it doesnt. Users need to define the area they want to download by selecting it on the map. This option comes with frustrating area limitations, and in the case of larger countries, you must repeat the process several times. This is because selecting a full country at once isnt possible, as the selection only allows for a smaller region.Offline maps in Google Maps are updated automatically when the application launches and a Wi-Fi connection is found.The map update can also take place in the background, as long as Google Maps is still running.Sygic GPS Navigation is a Google Maps alternative that also packs offline maps support.This time, the parent company has tried to make the download process more straightforward. Unlike in Google Maps, users can simply select the country whose offline maps they want to download. If you live in Denmark and plan to navigate without an Internet connection, select this country and the app will download the full maps for your country.The same steps can be used for any country where the application is available. Users can also download offline maps for several countries, as long as theres enough storage space on their devices.This particularly comes in handy when traveling abroad. By downloading the offline maps covering the countries where you plan to go, Sygic provides users with uninterrupted navigation. In Google Maps, youd have to plan the journey more thoroughly, as you must manually download the offline maps according to your route.Then, Sygic also makes the map updating process more convenient.You can download updates using Wi-Fi or cellular connections. If you have an unlimited mobile data plan, the latter option is recommended, as youll get the new map updates the moment they are uploaded to the server.Otherwise, you should just stick with the Wi-Fi option and use the Internet connection at home for map updates . The download should be faster as well.The application would need more automatic download options. For instance, users should be allowed to choose if they want the new map updates to be downloaded automatically. A notification system for new map versions should also be implemented, letting users know when updates are available for download.Additionally, map updates should support a download scheduling option to let users get the new versions at a more convenient time. As such, the new maps can be downloaded at night.Another feature that comes in handy is the frequency of map updates. Sygic tells users how often they get new maps. Free users are provided with a map update every three months, while subscribers receive new content every month. The application displays the latest map update date, as well as the ETA of the next release.Overall, Sygics implementation proves Google needs to further polish the integration of offline maps in Google Maps. Managing such data is critical for users, especially because the map updates typically land in large packages that take a while to download.The map downloading system in Google Maps must be urgently overhauled, as selecting the region makes it much harder for users to get the maps for an entire country. Users who plan to visit another country, for example, must download several packages of data to make sure all roads are covered. As such, Google Maps needs an option to download full countries from the very beginning, even if this might sometimes come down to saving more data on the device. The process can be further enhanced with support for cities, therefore helping users download only the maps they need.
Photo: Romanian Federal Archives

Photo: Uploadalt - Own work photographed at Musee de l'Air et de l'Espace

Photo: Romanian Federal Archives

ICE

Photo: Romanian Federal Archives

Photo: Flickr

But in Europe, there's another cornerstone aviator who, in some ways, was even better at building airplanes than the Wright Brothers. He's a Romanian national by the name of Traian Vuia, and he's so important to the history of aviation that the town he was born in was renamed in his honor. You can't say the same thing about Dayton, Ohio.It's not hard to compare Traian Vuia's life and exploits to that of two brothers who lived at least 5,100 miles away over in America. It just so happens that Vuia's priest of a father, Simon Popescu, worked in a similar religious profession as Wilbur and Orville Wright's clergyman father. In a move that was quite rare in the day, the young Traian took on the surname of his mother, Ana, in his adulthood.The fundamentals of flight and basic aerodynamics might have been a total mystery to the average Eastern European peasant of the day. But that didn't stop Traian Vuia's young mind from gazing at the heavens, seething with jealousy as all the pheasants, pigeons, doves, and geese native to nowaday's Western Romania flying with an effortlessness that inspired him to learn their secrets.Though the flight was Vuia's primordial passion, there were more important things to attend to in a young Romanian man's life during the late 1800s. Longing for the young Traian to escape the humdrum life of the local working class, Vuia's parents encouraged him to attend university once his schooling at the Roman Catholic High School in the city of Lugoj was completed in 1892.While at school, Vuia's teachers taught him ancient legends like the story of Icarus and his flight too close to the sun. These lessons only reinforced a notion in Vuia's head, which only reinforced his life-long passion for flight. Now complete with preliminary schooling, Vuia moved to Budapest and attempted to earn a degree in engineering there at the city's school of mechanics. Legend has it that financial difficulties plagued Vuia during his time there, which led him to leave after a year.Once finished, Vuia set his sights on earning a Ph.D. in law again in Budapest. All the while, Vuia worked odd jobs to be able to afford the tuition. Working full-time while going to school is a tall order for people with laptops and cell phones. But back in early 1901, this was a simply herculean effort. It all paid off in the end, as Vuia graduated magna cum laude with his degree in law.With newfound skills from Budapest now enshrined in his memory, Vuia returned to Romania. Now ready to apply what he'd learned to attempt what the Wright Brothers were also aspiring to. That being a heavier-than-air, powered, and controlled flight of an aircraft. But he alone wouldn't be able to pull it off, not that there weren't other talented flight pioneers in Europe that Vuia could draw inspiration from.One such man was a French national by the name of Victor Tatin. Back in 1879, Tatin constructed a model airplane approximately two meters long (6 ft 3 in) and weighing around 1.8 kilos (4 lbs) with twin propellers and a single engine running on compressed air. Tethered to a pole so as not to crash, the model became the first of its kind to achieve sustained flight. If there was a man in all of Europe who could help Traian Vuia, it was Tatin.In the primordial days of aviation, two locations thousands of miles apart became hotbeds where the founding members of human-crewed aviation gathered and discussed ideas and tested their prototypes. One was a region known as the Hempstead Plains in Long Island, New York, just east of New York City. But the other was the grassy fields just outside of Paris, France. Vuia traveled to Paris in 1902 with the purpose of seeking out Victor Tatin and building a working airplane.The suave young Romanian wowed Tatin with his vision of a propeller-driven crewed airplane but doubted an internal combustion engine existed in the day that was capable of getting the job done. As a result, Tatin doubted the project was possible altogether at first.Of course, the Wright Flyer that would finally bring mankind to the sky the following year had many of the same problems. Reports from the period claim the thing was even close to uncontrollable. But perhaps the single item the first Wright Flyer excelled in was the very thing Victor Tatin feared insurmountable, its home-built, 201-cubic inch straight-four engine jetting 12 horsepower.Though not yet aware of the Wright Brother's exploits in Ohio, Vuia was certain that with clever engineering and quality build materials, he could source an engine sufficient for the job. In February 1903, less than a year before that fateful day in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Vuia submitted a design proposal to the French Academy of Sciences in Paris titled "Project of an Airplane Car."Because early 20th-century inventors are often notorious for being finicky and eccentric people, the first reaction to Vuia's design was less than receptive. In the same way, it took Americans some time to warm up to an-electric hybrid; members of the French Academy of Sciences thought this strange chimera of a car and an airplane to be bizarre, even almost offensive to their old-school sensibilities.That didn't stop Traian Vuia from obtaining a patent for his design in August 1903. As Orville and Wilbur Wright toiled away on the Wright Flyer I back in Dayton, Vuia was on the precipice of being able to build something even better, if not the first. A century before gofundme.com, Vuia and his hometown friends back in Lugoj crowd-sourced enough money to bring his creation off the drawing board and into our mortal reality.Powered by a bizarre 20 horsepower engine running not on gasoline but carbonic acid, Victor Tatin himself designed the twin-blade propellers, which mounted on the front of this peculiar parasol-style monoplane. Perhaps the most striking feature of what Vuia nicknamed "Liliacul" (Romanian for the Bat) was the addition of four pneumatic rubber tires seemingly borrowed from a small motorbike or bicycle. The front wheels even sported a rudimentary suspension system with leaf springs.As anyone who's seen photos of the Wright Flyer knows, Wilbur and Orville dragged their heels mightily on adopting fixed-wheel landing gears on their airplanes. In what some historians attribute as an overdose of pride, the Wright Brothers seemed convinced their rail-launched catapult system was a far better solution for taking off than wheeled landing gears. This was a notion Vuia proved false on 18 March 1906, when the Vuia I made its first flight outside Paris to a height of roughly one meter (3.3 feet).Granted, Vuia may have hit a tree and damaged the airframe on his first time out. But that made no difference to the achievement the man had chalked up that fateful. The airplane flew several more times before an extensive set of modifications turned the plane into the updated Vuia-1bis. By 1907, the Vuia II, powered by a French Antoinette 25 horsepower engine, was ready to fly. Doing so twice before an injury after one hard landing prevented Vuia from flying it again.Add on two semi-functional concepts for a rotary helicopter built with help from Marcel Yvonneau in 1918 and 1922, and Traian Vuia's accomplishments in aviation rival that of other all-time great pioneer aviators. People like Alberto Santos-Dumont, Igor Sikorsky, and, of course, Orville and Wilbur Wright. For most people, that would already be a life well celebrated.But after obtaining French citizenship in 1918, Vuia began a less discussed second chapter of his life as a key figure representing all Romanians living under King Ferdinand I. Come the Second World War, Vuia was a key figure representing Transylvanian/Romanian ex-pats in France, helping form the backbone of French resistance to the Germans.Though he lived in France for most of his adult life, the newly formed Communist government of Romania convinced him to return in 1950. Upon arriving, Vuia desperately wished that they hadn't. With his homeland now under the jackboot of Stalin, the once thriving people of his homeland already showed the symptoms of living under the proxy worst authoritarian who ever lived. Vuia died in September 1950, sticking around just long enough to take in how profoundly the Soviets had subjugated his people.Today, the Romanian communists are long gone, and Vuia remains one of the most influential Romanians of the 20th century. He's buried in Bellu Cemetery, the largest and most famous in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Though perhaps a victim of a nationality not as adept at marketing as the Wrights were, the record will always state that Traian Vuia's airplanes were considerably more practical.We haven't seen any catapult-launched aircraft not flying off an aircraft carrier for over a century now, and it should be evident there's a good reason for that.
Contributing columnist Jose Gaspar is a news anchor/reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. The views expressed here are his own.
You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter.
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SDLP says deal offers unique dual market access and has been given a broad welcome

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen at the Fairmont Hotel on February 27, 2023 in Windsor   Getty Images

The SDLP has said the ongoing boycott of the Assembly by the DUP is becoming ever more inexplicable and unjustifiable as businesses have broadly welcomed the Windsor Framework.

Comments from Matthew OToole, the partys Assembly group leader, were made after the Belfast Telegraphs Lucid Talk poll showed two-thirds of people in Northern Ireland back the new protocol deal.

However, 73% of DUP supporters would vote against it in a referendum.

Mr OToole said: It is clear that the Windsor Framework offers meaningful changes to smooth the movement of east-west trade, while critically maintaining our unique dual market access  something the SDLP has championed louder and longer than most.

Given the businesses who will have to operate these new arrangements have given a broad welcome, the continuing boycott of political institutions is ever more inexplicable and unjustifiable.

It is time for the DUP to lead rather than simply be led by extreme voices.

Sinn Feins Declan Kearney said the negotiation is over and the deal is done.

Its now time to move forward. Our people want to see all political parties back in the Assembly and Executive, and working together to fix the problems in our health service and delivering good public services, the South Antrim MLA said.

We need a progressive power sharing Executive which supports workers and families who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Unprecedented economic opportunities are available that can strengthen our economy and create more and better jobs.

All political parties must work together to ensure this potential is maximised. There should be no more delays.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, who shared a platform with DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and TUV leader Jim Allister at anti-protocol rallies, has urged unionists to stand together by rejecting the Windsor Framework.

He said: It is unsurprising that the vast majority of unionists reject the Windsor Framework.

It entrenches the subjugation of the Union, and any effort to sell it would fatally split the unionist family.

Stand firm. Power sharing or Protocol, never both.

Mr Allister remains staunchly opposed to the deal, saying it only tinkers with the protocol and is bound by the Withdrawal Agreement from changing the essential elements of the protocol.

However, the DUP is currently weighing up its options through an eight-member consultative panel that includes former leaders Arlene Foster and Peter Robinson.

Meanwhile, major businesses including Amazon, Sainsburys, Airbus and Coca Cola have backed the Windsor Framework in an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who negotiated the deal with Ursula von der Leyen.

The companies have also called for the Executive to be restored.

In their letter, business leaders from the Confederation of British Industrys Presidents Committee and Northern Ireland Council said the framework represents a huge opportunity for both the Northern Irish and Great British economies.

They also call on politicians to use the momentum to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland as quickly as possible.

Welcoming that intervention, Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said the letter describes the agreement as the most sustainable path forward and calls for a restored Executive to focus on the economic opportunities of our unique access to the EU single market and British market.

That is a competitive advantage which is the envy of economies everywhere and we need an Executive in place to deliver on its potential, the partys economy spokesperson said.

It came after a DUP MP Gregory Campbell said he would advise party colleagues to oppose the new Brexit deal on Northern Ireland trade if further movement is not secured.

The East Londonderry MP said the Windsor Framework was better than the Northern Ireland Protocol, but it was still not what we need to see.
Companies in financial distress are more vulnerable to pursuit by creditors following the introduction of new regulations, a Belfast insolvency practitioner has warned.

New Insolvency (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) come into force today.

A company moratorium procedure introduced in 2020 had afforded struggling companies the breathing space to explore rescue and restructuring options free from creditor action.

However, the reintroduction of creditor winding up petitions on companies in Northern Ireland is expected soon, said Darren Bowman, a partner at Belfast practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.

Permanent procedural rules on company moratoriums are required to operate the system effectively and provide certainty to directors, creditors, and insolvency practitioners, he said.

Following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation Etc) Act 2022, and recent guidance from the Secretary of State on departmental powers in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice, Department for the Economy and the Lady Chiefs Justice Office have informed insolvency practitioners it is deemed in the public interest to introduce the Insolvency (Amendment) Rules.

The legislation is likely to be followed by fresh guidance to permit creditors to lodge winding up petitions in the High Court, leaving more companies open to pursual.

Insolvency practitioners, directors and creditors can expect movement on the restrictions on winding up petitions in the coming months as the Insolvency (Amendment) Rules take effect, said Mr Bowman.

This moratorium procedure has been necessary since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and throughout these recovery years as companies faced a drop in revenue and consumer confidence, administered the furlough scheme, and eventually navigated the withdrawal of government support measures.

We know the various measures put in place by government to protect businesses during the Covid pandemic will have created a number of zombie companies across Northern Ireland which are companies that essentially would not have survived under normal economic conditions.

Now, we are likely to see more businesses being pursued by creditors. Though a number of rescue and recovery options exist before the insolvency route, this recent move should come as a warning to businesses in financial distress and their advisors to seek expert advice urgently.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a meeting with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese (Stefan Rousseau/PA)   Stefan Rousseau

The UK, US and Australia will work together keeping our oceans free with a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines, Rishi Sunak said.

The Prime Minister said the Aukus partnership would deliver one of the most advanced submarines the world has ever known, creating thousands of jobs in British shipyards.

The new SSN-Aukus submarines will be in operation for the Royal Navy by the late 2030s under the plan, and will also give Australia its first nuclear-powered capability as it seeks to counter Chinese activities in the Pacific.

The boats will replace the UKs seven Astute-class subs and while there is no confirmed number of how many will be ordered, the size of the hunter-killer fleet could double, Royal Navy insiders said.

Mr Sunak and military officials at Aukus, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US (Stefan Rousseau/PA)   Stefan Rousseau

Mr Sunak met US President Joe Biden and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in San Diego to announce the next stage of the Aukus plan.

The Prime Minister said it was the most significant multilateral defence partnership in generations.

Aukus matches our enduring commitment to freedom and democracy with the most advanced military, scientific, and technological capability, he said.

For the first time ever, it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across both the Atlantic and Pacific, keeping our oceans free, open, and prosperous for decades to come.

He said the UK, US and Australia were three allies who have stood shoulder to shoulder together for more than a century.

He added: Three peoples who have shed blood together in defence of our shared values. And three democracies that are coming together again to fulfil that higher purpose of maintaining freedom, peace, and security now and for generations to come.

The UKs submarines will mainly be built by BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Rolls-Royce, with the US sharing sensitive technology for the project.

Australias boats will be built in South Australia, using some components manufactured in the UK, and will be in service in the early 2040s.

As part of the agreement, Australia will buy US Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s as a stop-gap measure until the new vessels are operational.

Astute class submarine Artful, designed and built by BAE Systems (Mike Vallance/BAE Systems)   Mike Vallance/BAE Systems

The new submarines will also incorporate US technology.

Mr Sunak said: The Aukus partnership, and the submarines we are building in British shipyards, are a tangible demonstration of our commitment to global security.

This partnership was founded on the bedrock of our shared values and resolute focus on upholding stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

And I am hugely pleased that the plans we have announced today will see pioneering British design expertise protect our people and our allies for generations to come.

The Aukus partnership was announced in 2021 as Australia sought to respond to Chinas actions in the Pacific.

The latest stage comes as the UK published its updated integrated review of foreign and security policy, which highlights Chinas more aggressive stance.

Rishi Sunak during a meeting with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese at Point Loma naval base in San Diego (Stefan Rousseau/PA)   Stefan Rousseau

The deal caused a diplomatic rift with France, which had expected to supply diesel-powered submarines to the Canberra government.

The 5 billion extra for defence announced by Mr Sunak will partly help develop the next phase of the Aukus programme.

This will be followed by sustained funding over the next decade and will build on the 2 billion invested last year in our Dreadnought-class submarine programme.

The Aukus programme will result in closer collaboration between the three nations.

Beginning in 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will embed with the US Navy and Royal Navy, and in the two countries industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel.

The US plans to increase port visits by nuclear-powered submarines to Australia this year, with the United Kingdom increasing visits in 2026.

From 2027, UK and US boats could be deployed on forward rotation to Australia to help develop training and expertise.

The three nations insisted that the deal did not increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.

The vessels will carry conventional weapons and the nuclear reactors will be sealed shut and not require refuelling in their lifetimes.
President Joe Biden speaks about the banking system in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington (Andrew Harnik/AP)   Andrew Harnik

US President Joe Biden has insisted that the nations banking system is safe, seeking to project calm after the collapse of two banks stirred fears of a broader upheaval and prompted regulators to offer emergency loans to banks to stave off additional failures.

Your deposits will be there when you need them, Mr Biden said.

Despite the message from the White House, investors continued to dump shares in bank stocks.

Shares of First Republic Bank plunged more than 70% even after the bank said it was accessing emergency funding from the Federal Reserve as well as additional funds from JPMorgan Chase.

Jessika Harville, centre, and Michele Barry, right, wait for the Silicon Valley Bank to open in Palo Alto, California (Benjamin Fanjoy/AP)   Benjamin Fanjoy

US regulators closed the Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after depositors rushed to withdraw their funds all at once.

It was the second largest bank failure in US history, behind only the 2008 failure of Washington Mutual.

New York-based Signature Bank also collapsed in the third-largest failure in the US.

Speaking from the White House shortly before a trip to the West Coast, the president said he would seek to hold those responsible accountable, and he pressed for better oversight and regulation of larger banks.

He promised that no losses would be borne by taxpayers.

We must get the full accounting of what happened, he said.

Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe.

Mr Biden also said the managers of the banks should be sacked.

If the bank is taken over by the FDIC, the people running the bank should not work there anymore, he said, referring to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the agency responsible for ensuring the stability of the banking system.

International regulators also had to step in to ease investor fears.

The Bank of England and UK Treasury said they had facilitated the sale of a Silicon Valley Bank subsidiary in London to HSBC, Europes biggest bank.

The deal protected 6.7 billion of deposits.

Under the plan announced by US regulators, depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, including those whose holdings exceed the 250,000 dollar (205,000 )insurance limit, will be able to access their money on Monday.

Under a new Fed programme, banks can post those securities as collateral and borrow from the emergency facility.

The Treasury has set aside 25 billion dollars (20.5 billion) to offset any losses incurred.

Fed officials said, however, that they do not expect to have to use any of that money, given that the securities posted as collateral have a very low risk of default.

A sign is displayed at a branch of Signature Bank in New York (Seth Wenig/AP)   Seth Wenig

New York bank regulators took possession of Signature Bank on Sunday, ousting its leaders and handing day-to-day control over to the FDIC as part of a move in which the federal government agreed to guarantee full deposits  even those over the 250,000 dollar threshold.

New York governor Kathy Hochul described the decision by the state Department of Financial Services as aimed at holding off a bigger crisis involving more banks.

Our view was to make sure that the entire banking community here in New York was stable, that we can project calm, Ms Hochul said at a news conference on Monday.

She said a high volume of withdrawals that began last week continued with online transactions through the weekend.

The bank remained open on Monday.

Signature, which was founded more than two decades ago, has about 40 offices across the country and says it focuses on banking for privately owned businesses, their owners and senior managers.

Though Sundays steps marked the most extensive government intervention in the banking system since the 2008 financial crisis, the actions were relatively limited compared with 15 years ago.

The two failed banks themselves have not been rescued, and taxpayer money has not been provided to them.

People look at signs posted outside of an entrance to Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California (Jeff Chiu/AP)   Jeff Chiu

Some prominent Silicon Valley executives feared that if Washington did not rescue their failed bank, customers would make runs on other financial institutions in the coming days.

Stock prices plunged over the last few days at other banks that cater to technology companies, such as First Republic and PacWest Bank.

Among the banks customers are a range of companies, including many California wineries that rely on Silicon Valley Bank for loans, and technology start-ups devoted to combating climate change.

Tiffany Dufu, founder and chief executive of The Cru, a New York-based career coaching platform and community for women, posted a video on Sunday on LinkedIn from an airport, saying the bank crisis was testing her resiliency.

Given that her money was tied up at Silicon Valley Bank, she had to pay her employees out of her personal bank account.

With two teenagers to support who will be heading to college, she said she was relieved to hear that the governments intent is to make depositors whole.

Small businesses and early stage start-ups dont have a lot of access to leverage in a situation like this, and were often in a very vulnerable position, particularly when we have to fight so hard to get the wires into your bank account to begin with, particularly for me, as a black female founder, Ms Dufu said.
HSBC has bought the UK arm of collapsed US lender Silicon Valley Bank in a last minute rescue deal to avert a crisis in Britains technology sector (Alamy/PA)

HSBC has bought the UK arm of collapsed US lender Silicon Valley Bank in a last-minute rescue deal to avert a crisis in Britains technology sector.

The sale  for a nominal sum of 1  was agreed after all-night talks between the Government and the Bank of England to try to secure a sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK (SVB UK) amid fears that the tech sector would have been thrown into chaos amid the fallout from the failure of the California-based lender.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned that some of the UKs leading tech companies could have been wiped out if a solution had not been found after Silicon Valley Bank went bust last Friday.

But he confirmed that all customer deposits have been protected under the sale to HSBC, with no taxpayer cash involved.

Customers and businesses, who had been left unable to withdraw money since the Friday collapse, are now able to access cash as normal, he added.

The US government also moved to stop a potential wider banking crisis after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank  the largest failure of a bank since the 2008 financial crisis  by stepping in to protect all customer deposits.

It came as the spread began to take hold, with regulators announcing that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed and was being seized on Sunday.

But financial markets remained sceptical that the contagion has been contained, with the FTSE 100 Index down by nearly another 2% on Monday despite the co-ordinated action.

Banks and financial stocks were among those seeing further steep falls after plunging on Friday.

Mr Hunt told broadcasters there was never a systemic risk to our financial stability in the UK from SVB UKs failure, but warned of the danger British companies faced on Monday morning if a way forward had not been found.

He said: When you have very young companies, very promising companies, theyre also fragile.

They need to pay their staff and they were worried that, as of 8am this morning, they might literally not be able to access their bank account.

For that reason, we were faced with a situation where we could have seen some of our most important companies, our most strategic companies, wiped out and that would have been extremely dangerous.

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It is understood that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was making phone calls from the plane to San Diego during weekend SVB UK rescue talks.

Asked whether the PM was personally involved in the talks, a No 10 spokesman said: He (Mr Sunak) was in conversation with the Chancellor and the Bank of England, yes.

SVB specialises in lending to start-up technology companies and is a key banking partner for venture capital firms, with more than 3,000 customers in the UK.

SVB UK had around 6.7 billion of deposits and loans of about 5.5 billion as at Friday last week, while its balance sheet stood at 8.8 billion, according to the Bank of England.

But the Bank said the scale of the deterioration of liquidity and confidence means that, in the view of the Bank and the Prudential Regulation Authority, the position was not recoverable.

It therefore stepped in to use resolution powers for stabilising failing banks that were brought in following the financial crisis.

The Bank stressed that all services will continue to operate as usual at SVB UK following the deal, with all staff remaining employed by the bank.

The wider UK banking system remains safe, sound, and well capitalised, the Bank added.

HSBC also moved to reassure SVB UK customers and said the deal makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK.

Group chief executive Noel Quinn said: SVB UK customers can continue to bank as usual, safe in the knowledge that their deposits are backed by the strength, safety and security of HSBC.

SVB imploded and had its assets seized by US regulators on Friday, just two days after Silvergate Capital, a central lender to the crypto industry, said last Wednesday that it would be winding down operations and liquidating its bank.

The Bank of England had subsequently said it intended to order the UK subsidiary into insolvency from Sunday night, sparking a scramble to secure a rescue deal before the deadline.

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The Bank of London  a UK clearing bank  was among firms that were involved in early-stage talks and had put forward a rescue bid for SVB UK.

It criticised the sale to HSBC as a missed opportunity.

Bank of London said: It cannot be right that, once again, the heritage banks that have provided a poor service to UK entrepreneurs over many years benefit from their already dominant position.

But the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA)  the industry body representing venture capital investors, which hold thousands of investments in UK tech and science firms, many of which have accounts with SVB UK  said the deal was welcome news.

BVCA director-general Michael Moore said: Confidence should return to markets and the affected businesses with an orderly transition and access to the cash frozen over the weekend.
People look at signs posted outside an entrance to Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California (Jeff Chiu/AP)   Jeff Chiu

The US government has taken emergency steps in an attempt to prevent more instability among banks after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank and assured clients of the failed financial institution that they would be able to recover all of their money quickly.

The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, California-based bank could spread, and only hours before trading began in Asia.

Regulators had worked all weekend to try to come up with a buyer for the bank or broker another intervention, and as another bank, Signature Bank, was shuttered.

The Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said on Sunday that all Silicon Valley Bank clients will be protected and have access to their funds and announced steps designed to protect the banks customers and prevent more bank runs.

A Silicon Valley Bank sign outside a branch in Wellesley, Massachusetts (Peter Morgan/AP)   Peter Morgan

This step will ensure that the US banking system continues to perform its vital roles of protecting deposits and providing access to credit to households and businesses in a manner that promotes strong and sustainable economic growth, the agencies said in a joint statement.

Regulators had to rush to close Silicon Valley Bank, a financial institution with more than 200 billion US dollars (165 billion) in assets, on Friday when it experienced a traditional run on the bank where depositors rushed to withdraw their funds all at once.

It is the second-largest bank failure in US history, behind only the 2008 failure of Washington Mutual.

Some prominent Silicon Valley executives feared that if Washington did not rescue the failed bank, customers would make runs on other financial institutions in the coming days.

Stock prices plunged over the last few days at other banks that cater to technology companies, including First Republic Bank and PacWest Bank.

Among the banks customers are a range of companies from Californias wine industry, where many wineries rely on Silicon Valley Bank for loans, and technology start-ups devoted to combating climate change.

Sunrun, which sells and leases solar energy systems, had less than 80 million dollars (66 million) of cash deposits with Silicon Valley Bank as of Friday and expects to have more information on expected recovery in the coming week, the company said in a statement.

Stitchfix, the popular clothing retail website, disclosed in a recent quarterly report that it had a credit line of up to 100 million dollars (82.7 million) with Silicon Valley Bank and other lenders.
Londons FTSE 100 index sunk into the red and US banking stocks saw sharp declines amid fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), sparking fears across Wall Street that interest rate rises may be crippling the banking sector (Ian West/ PA)   Ian West

Londons FTSE 100 index sank into the red and US banking stocks saw sharp declines amid the fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), sparking fears across Wall Street that interest rate rises may be crippling the banking sector.

It comes despite emergency action in the US to protect customers and a rescue deal in the UK cheered by concerned tech firms.

The top index closed 2.58% lower on Monday, with more than 50 billion wiped off the value of the stock exchange over the course of the day.

At one point in the days trading, the FTSE 100 tumbled by more than 2.6%, meaning that it suffered an even steeper decline than at any point following Septembers mini-budget, which had been described as the worst day ever seen in the markets by one analyst.

Over in the US, investors on Wall Street were hit with fears over the resilience of the banking sector after SVBs collapse marked the second largest bank failure in the nations history.

Furthermore, regulators had announced on Sunday that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed, which was its third largest bank collapse.

Some regional banks came under enormous pressure on Monday as investors had less faith in their survival than the too-big-to-fail banking giants.

Shares in First Republic Bank plunged by 78% at one point in Monday morning trading, even after the bank said on Sunday it had strengthened its finances with cash from the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase.

But unlike in the UK, the USs top index, the S&P 500, had picked up by about 0.35% by the time European markets closed.

It followed President Joe Biden reassuring US residents that the nations financial systems are sound.

He said Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe. Your deposits will be there when you need them.

Nevertheless, he promised to look at new banking regulation to make it less likely that such a large bank failure can happen again.

Meanwhile, HSBCs 1 deal to take over the UK arm of failed Silicon Valley Bank (SVB UK) did not halt the slide on the London market as fears over contagion mounted.

In the UK, banks were heavily lower after steep falls on Friday, with international bank Standard Chartered sinking to the bottom of the FTSE 100 with a 6.9% drop, and Barclays down by 6.3%.

Other UK banks were also caught up in the rout, with Lloyds Banking Group closing 5.1% lower, while NatWest was down 4.8% and HSBC down 4.1%.

Top European markets finished the day even more scathed than in Britain, with the German Dax tumbling more than 3% and the French Cac 40 declining 2.9% at close.

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Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, warned that jitters will remain over the long-term repercussions of the collapses.

She said: Joe Bidens words of reassurance did little to calm markets as worries raced around that other smaller US banks could become the latest dominos to fall.

His admission that fresh regulations may be needed to stop further failures exposes weaknesses in the current system and now lawmakers will be asked to toughen the rules.

So, even though the collapse has centred on a small tech-focused corner of the financial system, the fall-out risks spreading.

The era of cheap money has hurtled to an end and investors are waking up to some dramatic highly unintended consequences.
A person reads a notice posted on the front doors of a Silicon Valley Bank branch that reads FDIC Acts to Protect All Depositors of the former Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, in Pasadena, California (Damian Dovarganes/AP)   Damian Dovarganes

Depositors withdrew savings and investors broadly sold off bank shares on Monday as the US federal government raced to reassure Americans that the banking system was secure after two bank failures fed fears that more financial institutions could fall.

US President Joe Biden insisted that the system was safe after the second and third largest bank failures in the nations history happened in the span of 48 hours.

In response to the crisis, regulators guaranteed all deposits at the two banks and created a programme that effectively threw a lifeline to other banks to shield them from a run on deposits.

Your deposits will be there when you need them, Mr Biden told the public, seeking to project calm.

President Joe Biden speaks about the banking system in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington (Andrew Harnik/AP)   Andrew Harnik

He also said the banking executives responsible for the failures would be held accountable.

In other developments, the Federal Reserve announced that it would review its supervision of Silicon Valley Bank.

We need to have humility and conduct a careful and thorough review of how we supervised and regulated this firm, and what we should learn from this experience, said Michael Barr, the Feds vice chair for supervision, who will lead the effort.

Regulators closed the bank on Friday after depositors rushed to withdraw their funds all at once.

The only larger failure in US banking history was the 2008 collapse of Washington Mutual.

New York-based Signature Bank also collapsed in the third largest failure in the US.

In both cases, the government agreed to cover deposits, even those that exceeded the federally insured limit of 250,000 dollars (205,000).

Despite the message from the White House, investors broadly dumped shares in bank stocks.

Pasadena police officers drive past the Silicon Valley Bank Private branch in Pasadena, California (Damian Dovarganes/AP)   Damian Dovarganes

Shares of First Republic Bank closed down more than 60% even after the bank said it was taking emergency funding from the Federal Reserve and additional money from JPMorgan Chase.

Shares in KeyCorp and Comerica plunged by nearly a third. The stock of well-known franchises such as Charles Schwab, Fifth Third Bank, Truist and Huntington Bancshares all dropped by double digits.

The sell-off happened in part because the country woke up to a new banking system and investors had to find the winners and losers, banking experts said.

There was no guarantee that the anxiety would not spread.

Customers at other banks with deposits over the 250,000 dollar limit remained at risk of losing access to their money for a time.

Just because the government covered for Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank doesnt mean they are going to cover for these smaller banks, said Chris Caulfield, a senior partner at West Monroe.

But the governments actions suggested it would stand behind all deposits if doing so prevents damage to the broader economy.

Everything is now covered. Thats a fact. No matter how specialised or isolated your bank is, if theres a risk of contagion, regulators have made it clear that they are going to intervene, said Norbert Michel, a banking policy expert at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute.

Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York (Craig Ruttle/AP)   Craig Ruttle

Amid the sell-off of midsize banks, investors kept relatively calm over the health of the nations biggest banking bulwarks, such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Investors apparently concluded that the only place to be safe in banking was with the nations most strictly regulated institutions.

Regional banks were seen as the riskiest, since they do not have the scale to compete against larger competitors.

Large account balances  once seen as a positive sign that a banks clients are well off  were a liability since they could be withdrawn at the first sign of trouble.

I wouldnt want to be running a regional bank right now where my services are no different from my competition, Caulfield said.

International regulators also had to step in to ease fears.

The Bank of England and UK Treasury said they facilitated the sale of a Silicon Valley Bank subsidiary in London to HSBC, Europes biggest bank.

The deal protected 6.7 billion of deposits.

Under the plan announced by US regulators, depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were able to access their money.

A new Fed programme will allow banks to post those securities as collateral and borrow from the emergency facility.

The Treasury has set aside 25 billion dollars (20.5 billion) to offset any losses.

However, Fed officials said they do not expect to have to use that money, given that the securities posted as collateral have a very low risk of default.

New York bank regulators took possession of Signature Bank on Sunday, ousting its leaders and handing day-to-day control over to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

A sign is displayed at a branch of Signature Bank in New York (Seth Wenig/AP)   Seth Wenig

New York governor Kathy Hochul said the decision by the state Department of Financial Services was aimed at holding off a bigger crisis involving more banks.

Our view was to make sure that the entire banking community here in New York was stable, that we can project calm, Ms Hochul said on Monday at a news conference.

She said a high volume of withdrawals that began last week continued with online transactions through the weekend.

The bank was open on Monday under the name of Signature Bridge Bank.

Signature, which was founded more than two decades ago, has about 40 offices across the country and says it focuses on banking for privately owned businesses, their owners and senior managers.

Though Sundays steps marked the most extensive government intervention in the banking system since the 2008 financial crisis, the actions were relatively limited compared with 15 years ago.

The two failed banks themselves have not been rescued, and taxpayer money has not been provided to them.

Some prominent Silicon Valley Bank executives feared that if Washington did not rescue their bank, customers would make runs on other financial institutions.

People look at signs posted outside an entrance to Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California (Jeff Chiu/AP)   Jeff Chiu

Stock prices plunged at other banks that cater to technology companies, including First Republic and PacWest Bank.

Among the banks customers are a range of companies, including many California wineries that rely on Silicon Valley Bank for loans and technology start-ups devoted to combating climate change.

Michele Barry, a teacher who was at Silicon Valley Bank on Monday, said members of the FDIC and bank employees were available to answer questions.

Ms Barry, who also runs an after-school programme for children, wanted to make sure that her four employees would be paid.

She was told that all cheques from Friday would be honoured, along with her automatic payments.

Ms Barry left enough in her account to cover the payments, but she transferred the bulk of her money over to another bank.

She said Mr Bidens reassurance was helpful.

Im from South Africa. Chances are if this happened in South Africa, nobody would insure your money, she said.
Edith Bowman recalls trying dulse in Ballycastle as part of BBC Coast to Coast Food Festival show. Pic from BBC Breakfast.

Edith Bowman gagged on breakfast television as she recalled tasting a Northern Ireland delicacy as part of the new BBC show Coast to Coast Food Festival.

The presenter appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about the show she co-hosted with Colin Murray.

The first episode which airs on Monday evening shows the pair trying their hand at preparing oysters at a festival in Stranraer, Scotland.

"I couldnt get him [Colin] to try one, Edith said.

When asked why not she responded by saying hes just a wuss.

The popular duo travelled around Scotland and NI together to explore the fabulous food on offer and celebrate the stories behind it.

Edith revealed the worst thing she had to eat while filming the series was dulse at the famous Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

He was taking me through some NI delicacies as he called them, she explained.

"One of them was this seaweed snack, ugh, never.

"Im not quite sure if it had been picked off the beach and chucked in a bag.

Read more Railway adventurer hails north coast as one of most beautiful spots in UK

The show, which also features Countryfiles Sean Fletcher showcases a whole host of familiar faces from chefs to food enthusiasts as they travel to all four corners of the UK.

The programme promises to champion home-grown produce and put the nations local food festivals on the map.

"Whats been really nice is travelling all over the UK and Northern Ireland and just telling these stories about those people and their relationships with food, Edith said.

"Whether its Syrian refugees in York or whether its the guy from round the fish market and St Georges Market in Belfast.

Everyones got a story to tell around food.

Colin has previously said the series was an absolute joy to film.

"We had a blast exploring the places and meeting the people behind the award-winning produce, he added.

"I was in my element and blown away by the variety the food on offer, from Korean kimchi and Jamaican patties at Mela Festival in Belfast to sailing into Loch Ryan to discover what makes oysters so special ahead of the Stranraer Oyster Festival.

You can watch Coast to Coast Food Festival on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, weekdays at 6.30pm from Monday March 13.
Tom Berkeley (left), Seamus O'Hara, James Martin and Ross White (right) pose with the award for British Short Film Award for An Irish Goodbye in the press room at the 76th British Academy Film Awards held at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire

The writers and a star of An Irish Goodbye have shared a special message of thanks to the Northern Ireland public ahead of the Oscars.

The 95th Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

An Irish Goodbye is up for a gong in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

Northern Ireland Screen posted a message on social media encouraging the public to join them in wishing the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye the very best of luck.

In a video accompanying that post, Ross White, James Martin and Tom Berkeley delivered a direct message to the people of NI.

Speaking from an unusually overcast Tinsel Town, Ross said: Weve brought the weather with us.

He added: Were very excited because tomorrow is the Oscars and its this mans birthday (actor James Martin).

"We want to say a massive thank you to everyone back home. Your support, your enthusiasm for the film has just blown us away,

"Were really proud to be representing our wee country on the global stage.

James added that the timing of it is just perfect. Getting an opportunity to meet fellow actors is just class and he has his fingers crossed they can add an Oscar to the mantelpiece alongside their BAFTA.

Written and directed by Ross White and Tom Berkeley, the black comedy was shot on location in Derry, Templepatrick and Saintfield.

Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, the Bafta-winning and Oscar-nominated black comedy follows the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother.

Under the watchful eye of oddball parish priest Father OShea, the brothers pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome.

A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcans dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides hes sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland.

But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: hell only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have completed every single wish on their mothers list - all 100 of them.
James (fourth from the left) at one of his drama classes at BABOSH

An Irish Goodbye star James Martin has been a member of the BABOSH drama group in Belfast for a number of years. Picture: Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison

Actor James Martins drama teacher has said she is delighted for the Northern Irish star, as he continues to enjoy his post-Oscars success.

James was part of the now-Academy Award-winning short film An Irish Goodbye which picked up Best Live Action Short at Sundays ceremony in Los Angeles.

His journey to Hollywood began over 20-years ago after he joined BABOSH, a specialised drama club for those with learning disabilities taught by drama teacher Frances Nelson.

Were just so delighted for James on his success, everyone at the drama group is so proud of him and what he has achieved  and the entire cast and crew, said Frances.

Throughout the years James has always been a very loyal and extremely hard working member of our group. Every single person in our group has an ability, despite what sometimes people may think.

Frances says the group, which was originally founded by Bridge Hawkins who has since retired, helps aid their members with not only acting skills, but their speech, facial expressions and movement.

James always does everything with 100%. He takes his classes very seriously and always had a very serious ambition to be an actor.

He has such a busy life as well, but hes so well rounded and has grown in development and confidence."

Another member of the group is David Clark, son of UTV presenter and journalist Paul Clark, who like James has been part of the group for over 20 years.

Father of An Irish Goodbye Star hails unbelievable Oscar success

Paul said James' success on Sunday evening will "open the way" for other actors with learning difficulties.

"David and James are only a year a part, and they've been members since they were children and have always been greatly encouraged," said the broadcaster.

"They're all great actors and love what they do but James has opened the way, if people like David and James want to act, why not?

"No one has ever turned around to David, who has Down's syndrome as well, and said you can't because they can. It's a sight to behold when you see them all together in the group, they all look out for each other and that is a lesson for all of us."

Read more A win for An Irish Goodbye is a win for all of us in NIs film industry

The broadcaster added that he was especially struck by the filmmakers letting James come forward with the Oscar to invite the crowd to sing happy birthday to the star, who celebrated turning 31 on the evening.

Frances said BABOSH put a large emphasis on other factors associated with performance, not just acting skills.

We are very strong on having a good sense of commitment and loyalty, that you attend and if you start a project you see it through. The group is an opportunity for our members to have fun but also to learn."

The drama teacher also confirmed James is still an active member of BABOSH, who meet at the Belvoir Players Club in Belfast, and attended class last week before jetting off to celebrate.

She added she hoped James' spotlight during the ceremony help other actors like him in gaining roles in film and television.

The profile is obviously improving, it gives everyone like James the opportunity to be an ambassador. Its so positive because were all looking for equality in opportunities and this increases those for actors like James.
An Irish Goodbye director Tom Berkeley, actors James Martin and Seamus O'Hara alongside fellow director Ross White on the 'red' carpet at the Oscars

Belfast actor James Martin says it doesnt matter if you have Down syndrome following a successful night at the Oscars.

The film he starred in, An Irish Goodbye, won the coveted statuette for Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

It doesnt matter if you have Down syndrome, James told the BBC following star-studded ceremony.

"As long as you do what you do  and I do what I can to be funny.

"Im the first person with Down syndrome to win not just a Bafta but an Oscar especially on my birthday, its fantastic.

Co-director Ross White said they were all overwhelmed in the moment on stage and had always prioritised celebrating James big day.

The Belfast filmmaker led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star alongside fellow director Tom Berkeley and James co-star Seamus OHara.

The biggest night in the showbiz calendar coincided with James 31st birthday.

'Hollywood' sings happy birthday to James Martin as An Irish Goodbye picks up Oscar

Ross described the actor as the beating heart of our film and told PA he had wanted to create an extra special moment for James by having the biggest stars in Hollywood sing to him.

Our man James Martin who is the beating heart of our film, its his birthday today (and) this was always the second most important thing of the day, he said.

We just wanted to make sure he had an extra special moment so it was amazing to have everyone singing for him at the Dolby Theatre  how ridiculous!

The cast and crew continued celebrating the special win at the Vanity Fair after party.

Read more Michael D Higgins hails Irish Oscar success and remarkable year

This is the most bizarre and exciting and fulfilling and bizarre again twice experience of all our lives, co-director Tom Berkeley said.

Im sure that goes for the cast and the crew, because we won an Oscar.

James was dressed to impress when he took to the stage to collect the award alongside his team.

It is this mans birthday, Berkeley told the audience.

He is out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket. We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James.

Famous faces including fellow Irish star Colin Farrell were seen joining in the song, which was followed by cheers and a round of applause.

The Oscars' very special guest Jenny the donkey from Banshees of Inisherin on stage

An Irish Goodbye, follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by Martin and Seamus OHara, who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list.

James proud dad Ivan told BBC Radio Ulster his son never let his condition hold him back.

Hes taken it head on, hes done very well, and we are delighted for him, he said.

He tackles everything with great gusto and its certainly paid off this time.

Ivan, who said he was told his son may never speak when he was born, recalled an exchange James was having with 007 producer Barbara Broccoli in Hollywood when someone joked that he was trying to become the next James Bond.

Dont be stupid Im too small to be James Bond, James replied before turning back to Barbara to add but Ive got all the moves.

Meanwhile Academy Award-winning film director Terry George  who predicted success for the short film which was shot shot on location in Londonderry, Templepatrick and Saintfield prior to the biggest bash in Tinseltown getting underway  hailed what he described as a great win.

"They stole the show! he said.

"They made us all proud.

"Fantastic  we can make great films, short and long.

"What a joy to everyone in the province.

The Oscar winner, who picked up a gong in 2012 for The Shore, previously hailed the island-wide success in securing so many nominations and said the NI short had all the ingredients for success.

We have a history of, and a capacity for, telling good stories and hopefully we will be able to keep doing that, he told the Belfast Telegraph.

We love to tell a yarn and make people laugh. We are into stimulating those emotions and it pays off.

Thats what An Irish Goodbye has done. Thats the bedrock and we need to continue to build on that foundation.
Brendan Fraser hailed the virtues of perseverance after scooping the Academy Award for best actor at the 95th awards ceremony for his performance in The Whale.

The Hollywood actor, 54, said he felt light in the head following his win but said the film, which scooped two Oscars during Sundays ceremony, would change hearts and minds.

Fraser beat Elvis Austin Butler, Irish actors Colin Farrell from The Banshees Of Inisherin and Paul Mescal from Aftersun, as well as British actor Bill Nighy for Living.

The accolade is Frasers first Oscar nomination and win.

The Whale sees him play obese and reclusive schoolteacher Charlie, as he struggles to reconnect with his estranged daughter, played by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink.

Jessica Chastain, right, presents Brendan Fraser with the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for The Whale (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)   Chris Pizzello

Asked in the winners room how he was feeling, he said: I feel a little light in the head, this is actually kinda heavy  one arm might be longer than the other by the end of the evening.

On playing Charlie, he said: Charlie is so much more than just a gay man. Hes a father, hes an educator, hes a truth seeker and that he fell hopelessly, inconveniently, in love with whomever, is immaterial.

He found love, lost it, and then found it again  I think that thats something that we can all take a page from and know that with perseverance and if you put one foot in front of the other, like Charlie did, go to the light.

Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it. Good things will happen.

He added: I think its a film thats going to change hearts and minds  and that feels good, that feels really good.

During his emotional Oscars acceptance speech, Fraser thanked director Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative life-line and the studio for making such a bold film .

So this is what the multiverse looks like, he said picking up the gong.

I thank the academy for this honour Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship The Whale.

Addressing his fellow best actor nominees, he continued: You laid your whale-sized hearts bare so that we could see into your souls like no one else could do and it is my honour to be named alongside you in this category.

Brendan Fraser in a scene from The Whale (A24 via AP)   Uncredited

Fraser went on to thank his family and sons during the tearful speech, as well as his co-star in The Whale, Hong Chau.

I want to tell you that only whales can swim at the depths of the talent of Hong Chau, he said.

The Whale won two Academy Awards during the ceremony, with Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Annemarie Bradley scoring a gong for makeup and hairstyling.

In his acceptance speech, make-up artist Morot said: We would to thank the amazing makeup artists that worked with us to create the character of Charlie. Our director Darren Aronofsky who pushed us to new heights, thank you.

Our amazing actor Brendan Fraser over there, thank you. Our producer the studio and the Academy, thank you so much.
Ivan Martin has spoken of his pride in his son, James Martin, who starred in Oscar-winning short film An Irish Goodbye (Liam McBurney/PA)   Liam McBurney

The father of one of the stars of An Irish Goodbye has spoken of his pride in his sons performance, saying he made the film.

Belfast actor James Martin stars in An Irish Goodbye, which won the Oscar for best live action short film.

The film follows the story of two estranged brothers who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list.

Martin is the first star with Downs Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

Martins family and work colleagues from Starbucks have expressed their pride at his achievements.

His father, Ivan Martin, praised him, saying: James made the film. He put on a terrific performance. The proof of the pudding is in the Oscar.

They all have every right to be proud of themselves. Its won an Oscar not because James has Downs Syndrome  its a damn good film and they all acted their socks off in it. Deservedly, its been recognised.

Mr Martin revealed that his son was not feeling the nerves in the run-up to the Oscars ceremony.

It was getting closer and James says to me Dad, dont you worry, I just have a feeling were going to get nominated. Its a brilliant story, the Oscars are on the day of my birthday and hes not so slow, he was right, he said.

James has been a member of the Babosh drama group at Belfasts Belvoir Studio Theatre for a number of years.

He joined when he was about 10 or so and hes been there ever since, said Mr Martin.

He always enjoyed it and he loved the Christmas show and the end-of-term show.

James Martin with his brother Daniel, mother Suzanne and father Ivan with his Bafta for An Irish Goodbye (Family handout/PA)   Family handout

Mr Martin admitted he felt some apprehension when his son started to take on bigger and more demanding acting roles.

Initially people think Will he be able to do this?  even me, he said.

When the final script came in, James had 59 pages and I said This is a big ask here, I dont know if James will be able to learn 59 pages.

We were going away on holiday and we always set aside time to read on holiday, but on this occasion James didnt. He brought his script and every day he was sitting going through it.

After the first day (of filming) I said How was James with his script?, and he was word perfect. He must get it by osmosis  he reads it and reads it and once its in it sticks.

He just fitted into that like someone with a favourite jacket. The rest, as they say, is history.

An Irish Goodbye star James Martin has been a member of the Babosh drama group in Belfast for a number of years (Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison/PA)   Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison

Mr Martin said that, despite obstacles, his son has always been confident in his abilities.

James went to the Oscars quite convinced he was going to win, he said.

He wasnt being big-headed or arrogant about it, thats not him. But he just had this belief and hes always had that. This belief that he can do this.

He wanted to act and he did it.

If you happen to have Downs Syndrome theres no doubt that you have it.

These folk have shown that they can do it, they can bring home the bacon, they can do the business. Thats important and it does inspire others.

Mr Martin spoke about the impact of his son being cast in An Irish Goodbye, which has now been globally recognised.

Theyll think James Martin was on the TV maybe I can do that, he said.

Thats marvellous, and hes very conscious of that and conscious that hes perhaps making a pathway for some other people.

Mr Martin has briefly spoken to his son, who is still enjoying the celebrations in Los Angeles.

What he did say is that he was knackered, he said.

He said I have loads to tell you but Ill tell it to you when I come back, in order, so we have more time to go through it.

I said You go and enjoy yourself. Are you going to bed now? He said No, nobody seems interested in going to bed so well maybe stay up a wee bit longer.

The celebrations are set to continue when the cast and crew return to Belfast, Mr Martin said.

We want him to get back, get settled and then well have a family and friends showing of the film.

He added: Its just crazy. But there were a few tears shed but what an achievement, just delighted.

James Martin has worked at Starbucks in Belfast for ten years prior to Oscar success.

His store manager at Starbucks, Barbara Hortavh, has described their stores response to his win.

The news came up first thing in the morning for everyone, we just woke up to Oscar-holding James Martin. Its absolutely fabulous, she said.

I dont think we thought that would happen, but whenever we seen the Baftas and they read the winner is An Irish Goodbye it was out of this world. We were all betting they were going to get the Oscar.

Ms Hortavh spoke of Martins rise to stardom.

Its like a dream come true for him. Who could imagine, working in a Starbucks and then next minute youre on the red carpet with all the famous people who you watch on the TV and youre actually one of them, she said.

Ms Hortavh described the love the colleagues and customers in Belfast have for Martin. She added: We hope hes coming back. Hes definitely missing us. We keep in touch so we know whats happening in LA.

He tells us that he was at Starbucks over there, we know that he was at a few parties, they had a birthday surprise for him, and we were sending him pictures of the snow in Belfast.

Martin works between two stores in Belfast which have been decked out with posters and decorations wishing him well.

Barbara H

When we found out James was being nominated for the Bafta, everyone in the store wanted to do something extra for him, Ms Hortavh said.

When he arrived after the Baftas with his trophy we had birthday cake, we sang happy birthday, we had balloons, we had hampers with lots of favourite treats of his.

Starbucks supervisor Orla McManus is a supervisor has been working with Martin for two years.

My first shift with him, he said to me behind the bar: Im not just a barista you know, Im a famous actor as well so I knew him from then and he would tell me about his plays and what he was filming, she said.

Starbucks colleagues of actor James Martin, star of Oscar winning short film, an Irish Goodbye.

Martin was characteristically confident of the films success.

The way he was talking about it, we knew it wasnt like the things hes done before, we knew it was getting bigger and he had a feeling himself it was going to get bigger, Ms McManus said.

As things progressed, we found out he was nominated for the Baftas, the Oscars and its just been amazing.

We cant wait to see him again and catch up with him.
It was a full circle moment for Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan who celebrated together on stage at the Oscars, 39 years since a 12-year-old Quan starred alongside the veteran actor in Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom.

Quans first film saw him play Short Round, a karate expert in what became a career-defining franchise for Ford, now 80, who played the titular character in 1984.

The pair shared a hug on stage at the Oscars on Sunday after Ford presented best picture to sci-fi epic Everything Everywhere All At Once, in which Quans performance also won him the Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role earlier in the night.

A 12-year-old Ke Huy Quan meets Diana, then-Princess of Wales at the premiere for Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom in London, 1984 (Ron Bell/Archive/PA)   BELL RON BELL

Social media users were quick to spot the special moment as Everything Everywhere All At Once triumphed at the 95th Oscars, taking home seven awards.

In his acceptance speech, Quan thanked his 84-year-old mother and mentioned starting his journey on a boat and spending a year in a refugee camp.

At aged 12, the Vietnamese-American actor met Diana, Princess of Wales at Indiana Jones: Temple of Dooms premiere in Leicester Square, London, in 1984.

It has been 39 years since Ford and Quan starred together in Indiana Jones: Temple Of Doom (Chris Pizzello/AP)   Chris Pizzello

They say stories like this only happen in the movies, he said in his speech at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

I cannot believe this is happening to me, this is the American dream.

Thank you so much to the academy for the honour of a lifetime.
A Belfast man burgled his grieving neighbours home as she held a wake for her late husband, a court has been told.

Matthew Wilson (23) is accused of breaking into the house in the Cregagh area of the city at the weekend.

Wilson, of Stracam Corner, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with a count of burglary.

He allegedly stole 230 in cash and a bank card after entering another property on the same street sometime on Sunday.

A Crown lawyer disclosed that the victims deceased husband had been lying at rest in their home at the time.

Referring to the prosecution case against Wilson, District Judge Stephen Keown asked: He burgled a wake house?

Concerns were also expressed for the safety of the accused, with the court told of hostility towards him due to the alleged break-in.

Defence solicitor Adrian Harvey argued that the case against his client is based on poor quality CCTV recordings from the scene.

Mr Harvey insisted that the footage of the suspected burglar does not show Wilsons face.

The injured party only identified the accused on the basis of his walk and general mannerisms, he submitted.

Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of potential further offences.

Remanding Wilson in custody to appear in court again later this month, Judge Keown said: This case is distasteful to say the least.
Police allegedly failed to disrupt former loyalist terror chief Johnny Adairs murderous plans in advance of the killing of two Catholic council workers, the High Court heard today.

Counsel for one victims son questioned why there was no apparent surveillance of Adair and his notorious paramilitary unit before the gun attack in west Belfast 30 years ago.

James Cameron, 54, and Mark Rodgers, 28, were shot dead at their Kennedy Way work depot in October 1993.

Several others were wounded in an attack carried out by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

The shootings occurred three days after nine people died in the IRAs notorious Shankill Road bombing.

Amid suspected security force collusion with the loyalist gunmen, Colm Cameron is challenging the independence of a PSNI Legacy Investigation Branch probe into his fathers murder.

Mr Cameron is also taking legal action against the Police Ombudsman for alleged delays in dealing with a complaint about the case lodged back in 2008.

He claims the authorities have violated Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court heard the council workers were killed at a time when there was known to be a heightened risk against Catholic members of the community.

Hugh Southey KC, for Mr Cameron, cited material contained in a book which indicated the potential involvement of the UFFs C Company, then commanded by Adair.

Theres a reference to Mr Adair allegedly having said he was going to plan a mass murder in the days before (the shootings), he said.

That raises the issue of why there was apparently no surveillance of Mr Adair.

Amid raised tensions and threat level at that time, it was contended that the Kennedy Way depot was an obvious target because of its Catholic workforce.

But according to Mr Southey, a vehicle checkpoint had been stood down an hour before the gunmen arrived without any proper explanation.

There is no indication at all that Kennedy Way was protected, the barrister submitted.

(Mr Cameron) says he was told that the ring of steel was missing on that day.

In 1995 Adair, nicknamed Mad Dog, was convicted of directing terrorism and sentenced to 16 years in prison, only to be released early as part of the Good Friday Agreement.

An internal power struggle eventually led to him being ousted and expelled from the paramilitary organisation in 2002.

It was contended, however, that there were suggestions he received assistance from security forces during his time in charge of C Company.

Mr Southey also argued that the gun used to kill the council workers may have been part of an arsenal of rifles smuggled into Northern Ireland by the security force agent Brian Nelson.

There are issues of police failures, the importation of the weapons, the failure to disrupt the UFF and Mr Adair, the failure to protect Kennedy Way, and whether the UFF was alerted to the absence of a checkpoint, he claimed.

These issues havent been addressed by anyone at any stage in the investigation.

Counsel for the police stressed there had been no specific threat against the murdered council workers.

The court also heard that no decision was taken to withdraw any surveillance in operation at the time.

Reserving his judgment in the challenge, Mr Justice Humphreys pledged: There are significant interests at play I will deliver it as soon as I possibly can.

Following the hearing Mr Camerons solicitor, Kevin Winters, said: This is a big day for the families of those killed at Kennedy Way, and all survivors, in their quest to get some answers.
Firefighters battle blaze in Belfast City Centre on March 12th, 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)   Kevin Scott

Firefighters battle blaze in Belfast City Centre on March 12th, 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)   Kevin Scott

Firefighters battle a fire at Benedicts bar in Belfast City Centre on March 12th, 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)   Kevin Scott

Guests at a Belfast hotel escaped injury after a blaze broke out at the city centre venue on Sunday night.

Benedicts Hotel and bar on Bradbury Place near Shaftesbury Square was evacuated after the alarm was raised at 11.10pm.

A number of fire appliances were dispatched to the scene where firefighters were seen entering the building wearing breathing apparatus.

Firefighters battle blaze at Benedicts in Belfast City Centre

The owners of the business took to social media to thank the amazing Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) for their quick actions.

We also wish to thank our diligent staff for their rapid response in helping to evacuate everyone safely from the building, they said in a Facebook post.

To our residents, thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

"We will be in contact with each and every one of you tomorrow.

"To the Europa Hotel and The Lansdowne Belfast, your help in relocating our residents at such short notice was invaluable.

The bar and accommodation has since reopened, it may take a few days before our food service resumes, they added.

Firefighters battle blaze in Belfast City Centre on March 12th, 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)   Kevin Scott

An NIFRS spokesperson said one appliance from Central, two appliances from Cadogan, two appliances Springfield and one appliance from Whitla, alongside five officers and a specialist command support unit were sent to the incident.

"Firefighters used breathing apparatus and other specialist equipment to bring the fire under control, they added.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Bradbury Place has reopened to traffic after it was closed while the fire was ongoing.
A Co Down woman is fighting for her life in a Canary Islands hospital following a fall while on holiday with her husband.

Lisa Tumilty (44), from Annaclone, arrived in Lanzarote just over a week ago after booking a last minute escape to the popular Spanish destination with her husband Michael.

However Lisa suffered a major head injury as a result of a fall which has left her on a ventilator in ICU.

A GoFundMe account says she was airlifted to the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Dr. Negrin where she remains in critical condition.

"Lisa is a nurse in Belfast City [Hopsital] Cancer Centre and has spent years looking after everyone with kindness, compassion & empathy, a role she loves and wouldn't consider it as a job but as a vocation, it states.

"Lisa and her husband, Michael, love Lanzarote and decided a few weeks back to book a weeks holiday.

"Unfortunately on Sunday 5th March 2023, few days into the holiday, Lisa had a fall and suffered major head trauma."

The organiser of the fundraiser praised hospital staff who have been absolutely amazing and go above and beyond to not only help Lisa but providing support to Michael and their families as Lisa continues her fight.

They said the road to recovery will take some time as they expressed hope that Lisa will be transferred to a hospital in Belfast where her colleagues await her with open arms to continue her treatment.

The total amount raised has already exceeded the 10,000 goal to support the patients family as the endure a nightmare by helping to cover costs of treatment, flights, accommodation and lessen the financial pressure facing Michael as he remains by his wifes hospital bedside.

"Michael needs full time accommodation in the area  if you know anyone that has an apartment or room please let us know, the appeal continues.

"We understand times are hard if you're not in a position to help financially we ask you please keep Lisa, her family, doctors, nurses in your thoughts and prayers.

"We appreciate everyones messages and support it has been overwhelming and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Its hard for some to imagine how quickly one day can change many lives and unfortunately a lot of families know this all too well but for us, the journey has just begun.

So far almost 51,000 has been raised by over 1,600 generous donors.
The Democrat Party's 'BIG Lie'

By Mark Alexander

web posted March 13, 2023

Thirty years ago, Texas attorney and civil libertarian Mike Godwin, then associated with the Electronic Frontier Foundation but more recently associated with the ChiCom-controlled social media data-mining platform TikTok, sarcastically asserted a "natural law of Usenet"  Usenet being an early computer-based communication system that preceded the World Wide Web. He declared, "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one." That adage became known as "Godwin's Law."

Of course, back then online discussions were few and far between, as the coded framework for the Internet was still being developed. Today, given the growth of social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, and the aforementioned TikTok, online "discussions" are ubiquitous and frequently contentious when the topic is Donald Trump or gender devolution.

In 2018, Don Trump Jr. got spanked by the leftist fact-check commissars at PolitiFact for comparing the socialist Democrat Party platform to that of the National Socialist German Workers' (NAZI) Party: "You see the Nazi platform from the early 1930s ... look at it compared to the (Democratic Party) platform of today, you're saying, 'Man, those things are awfully similar.'"

The socialist apologists at PolitiFact gave Trump's assertion a "Pants on Fire" rating, because "only a small number of elements of the two platforms are clearly similar."

"Only a small number"!

A decade ago, when Barack Obama was the chief Demo propagandist, I outlined how he and his party had mastered the "Art of the BIG Lie," as have their Leftmedia publicists. No, I didn't call Obama a "NAZI," but it is a page right out of Adolf Hitler's 1925 autobiography, Mein Kampf, in which he noted that the lie must be so big that the public would not believe anyone would be so audacious as to fabricate it.

In the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying.

Democrat Party hacks have excelled at "distorting the truth infamously," but you won't find them propagating BIG Lies in their political platform. However, they exercise it every time they violate their sworn oaths "to support and defend" the Constitution.

For those who find the BIG Lie assertion too strident, perhaps they can make the socialist connection. In Mein Kampf, Hitler also wrote of his National Socialist party, "The party ... must not become a servant of the masses, but their master." With respect to the socialist state and individual Liberty, he wrote, "The unity of a nation's spirit and will are worth far more than the freedom of the spirit and will of an individual; and that the higher interests involved in the life of the whole must here set the limits and lay down the duties of the interests of the individual."

Hitler's regime was founded on his premise, "We are Socialists, we are enemies of the capitalistic economic system ... and we are all determined to destroy this system under all conditions."

His propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, affirmed, "To be a socialist is to submit the 'I' to the 'thou'; socialism is sacrificing the individual to the whole."

A few years ago, the libertarian president of Future of Freedom Foundation, Jacob Hornberger, paraphrased the esteemed classical liberal economist Friedrich von Hayek: "There is no difference in principle, between the economic philosophy of Nazism, socialism, communism, and fascism and that of the American welfare state and regulated economy."

Further, a noted expositor on the connection between the socialist NAZI Party and the socialist Democrat Party, British historian Dr. John Ray, notes: "Clearly, the idea that Hitler was a Rightist is probably the most successful BIG Lie of the 20th century. He was to the right of the Communists but that is all. Nazism was nothing more nor less than a racist form of Leftism (rather extreme Leftism at that) and to label it as 'Rightist' or anything else is to deny reality."

Fact is, there is no consequential distinction between Marxist Socialism, National Socialism, or the most recent incarnation of this beast, Democratic Socialism. Indeed, Democratic Socialism, like National Socialism, is nothing more than Marxist Socialism repackaged  behind the facades, there is little ideological distinction.

The most overt manifestation of contemporary socialist Democrat "brownshirt" cadres are the rising legions of so-called "antifa movement" self-styled "anti-fascist" fascists, some of whom were rioting in Atlanta this week.

Additionally, their like-minded Marxist Black Lives Matter radicals are on the move.

But the covert political and bureaucratic elements of Democratic Socialism are far more insidious and dangerous. This would include the small but influential deep state elements within the FBI and CIA that emerged in 2016 in an effort to take down Donald Trump's presidency.

The largest of the covert government cohorts are the "climate change" bureaucrats now infesting every federal agency, with collaborators in most state and local government agencies. Their underlying agenda has little to do with climate and everything to do with central government control of the economy.

Fact is, the Socialist Democrat Party fascists, currently under the tenuous but perilous authority of Joe Biden and his authoritarians, seek to incrementally install a centrally planned economy, and thus a society directed by a dominant-party state that controls economic production by way of taxation, regulation, and income redistribution, and public opinion by way of its mainstream media propaganda machine. The success of Democratic Socialism depends upon undermining the fundamental tenets of American Liberty  the "unalienable Rights of Man" as "endowed by their Creator"  with the notion that all such rights are granted by the state.

Leftists' ruse to ensure political dominance in order to implement their agenda is their BIG Lie claiming that identifying who is voting constitutes "voter suppression," a "fabricated colossal untruth" in order to nationalize their so-called "voter rights" bulk-ballot fraud strategy.

With that as a backdrop, I invite you to read the latest Democrat Party platform with an informed and critical eye. Then review the "25-point NAZI program." Considering the political and social objectives of today's socialist Democrats, see if you can find a "small number of elements of the platforms" that are "clearly similar." If so, it's past time to dispense with Godwin's Law.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
Police and ATO at the scene of a major search operation in Derry (Photo by Aodhan Roberts)

A major search operation in the Creggan area of Londonderry has continued into its second day.

The searches  being conducted around an abandoned farm site in the Magowan Park area of the city  are understood to be in relation to recent violent dissident republican terrorism, with police and Army ammunition technical officers attending.

It comes after police came under attack during the ongoing major search operation on Sunday evening.

Video shared on social media shows youths throwing bricks, bottles and missiles at police as the searches continued.

Police attacked with missiles during ongoing search operation at abandoned farm in Derry

The PSNI said officers came under attack when bottles and stones were thrown at them in the Magowan Park area of Derry on Sunday as the search operation in the vicinity of Brae Head Road continued.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "Shortly before 7pm, police officers came under sporadic attack from a group of approximately 30 young people who had gathered in the area and started throwing stones and bottles at them.

"Some damage was caused to police vehicles but thankfully no officers were injured.

"Police liaised with local community representatives who assisted in moving the young people away from the area.

"Shortly after 7.30pm, police were also able to leave the area after concluding the search and the situation has now calmed."

Bomb disposal officers with search dogs were focusing on a shed during the operation.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton issued a statement on social media: Shameful scenes in the Creggan this evening. Whilst PSNI officers are out trying to protect our communities from those who want to cause hurt and misery, they come under attack.

Those involved are destroying their own area and preventing the PSNI from protecting their neighbours.The Belfast Telegraph understands the intelligence-led operation comes following an upsurge in dissident republican activity in the area.
The scene at Ravenhill Reach Court on Sunday

A man has been charged in connection with a serious assault on a woman in south Belfast.

Two men, aged in their 20s and 40s, were also injured during the attack which took place at a property in the Ravenhill Reach Court area on Sunday morning.

The 25-year-old suspect has been charged with a number of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and grievous bodily harm with intent.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

PSNI Detective Sergeant McCartan previously said: Officers responded to the report, which was received just after 12.25am, and attended a property in the Ravenhill Reach Court area.

At this stage, we believe that an altercation took place within the property.

"As a result of this, a woman, aged in her thirties, sustained serious injuries.

"Two men, aged in their twenties and forties, sustained injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

Police have asked that anyone with information contact them via 101.
Members of Matthew McCallan's family praised the local community for their efforts in helping arrange the teenager's birthday tractor run

Hundreds of tractors in memory of Matthew McCallan make their way from Carrickmore to Dungannon on Sunday, March, 12, 2023. Picture by Peter Morrison

Hundreds of tractors in memory of Matthew McCallan make their way from Carrickmore to Dungannon on Sunday, March, 12, 2023. Picture by Peter Morrison

Dogs and members of SARDA NI also attended the tractor run, with donations from the event going towards the organisation

Hundreds of tractors in memory of Matthew McCallan make their way from Carrickmore to Dungannon on Sunday, March, 12, 2023. Picture by Peter Morrison

Hundreds of tractors in memory of Matthew McCallan make their way from Carrickmore to Dungannon

The presence of Matthew McCallan was very much felt on what would have been his 16th birthday in Co Tyrone on Sunday, his mother has said.

Alongside lorries and vintage cars, over 300 tractors from across the island of Ireland met up in his home village of Carrickmore and travelled to Dungannon to celebrate the life of the teenager who died of hypothermia in Fintona last year.

Tractor run held for Matthew McCallan in Co. Tyrone

Hes here, having a ball with us, said his mother Frances, who added that Matthew would have absolutely loved the whole day, which also doubled as a charity event for organisations that helped in the search for him last December.

Matthew disappeared after a night out at a country music event on December 4. His body was found in a ditch by a passer-by the following day.

As hundreds gathered at Thomas Clarkes GAA pitch in Dungannon following the tractor run, they sang happy birthday to the St Patricks College pupil, before his family released balloons displaying the number 16 and Forever 15 written on them.

Members of the Search And Rescue Dog Association (SARDA NI) also attended. Some of the funds from donations and raffle tickets for the event will be given to the voluntary group, which had been ready to help in the search, but had not been tasked to do so by the PSNI.

Whilst the day brought mixed emotions for his loved ones, Matthews grandmother Margaret Ann said: It is more sweet than bitter. The generosity of people is unbelievable. I cant believe there are this many tractors in Northern Ireland, she continued.

Matthew's mother Frances McCallan with her dog Patrick at Matthew's tractor run in Dungannon

Mum Frances added: We went to his grave this morning and put flowers on it. Id a good cry and then just said, thats it, this is just a special day for Matthew and Im going to enjoy it.

She also led the pack in the first tractor that set off on Sunday afternoon, and said the amount of people who took part just speaks for itself; its amazing.

Frances said her life would never be the same, and hopes her experience is something no parent ever has to go through, often referring to Matthew as the boy who never came home.

Its been awful; horrific. Unless you have lost a child you wont understand, she said.

Dogs and members of SARDA NI also attended the tractor run, with donations from the event going towards the organisation

Im empty. Theres part of me missing. My whole daily routine has changed. As a person, youre changed. Ill never be the person I was again, but I am a different person now and Im fit for anything to be perfectly honest.

Whereas I would have been shy before  doing an interview, I would have hidden away from that  but now, Im prepared to do anything.

I was going to say I cant believe it [the generosity of everyone], but I can believe it, because theres good people out there and the support they have given us this past couple of months has been amazing.

Matthews friends are amazing, I love them coming to the house, and all this today just speaks for itself and what people thought of him.

Matthew had loved farming, and Frances had previously described him as a country boy that lived in the town.

His coffin had been adorned with pictures of all the things that were close to his heart, including tractors and horses.

On Saturday night, Frances said a woman had arrived at her house with a framed photograph of Matthew in a tractor that she had never seen before. She took it as a spiritual sign.

In a personal tribute to her son, she added: To my angel. Today should be so different. Just know we are thinking about you, loving you, missing you, and celebrating you on this side of heaven. Happy 16th birthday Matthew.

Hundreds of tractors in memory of Matthew McCallan make their way from Carrickmore to Dungannon on Sunday, March, 12, 2023. Picture by Peter Morrison

Independent councillor for Mid Ulster, Barry Monteith, praised the local communitys efforts during the event.

Its been a fantastic response from the community, he said.

Well done to Peter [Matthews father], Frances and their team of helpers. It shows how well thought of Matthew was.

Amongst the long list of volunteers that helped organise Matthews tractor run, a local creche, Cabragh Childcare, made over 300 buns for the event.

His old primary school, St Marys Carland, presented Frances with a cheque for 525 that pupils and teachers helped raise.

On Monday, his secondary school, St Patricks College Dungannon, is arranging a jive and line dancing party, with entry proceeds also going towards the tractor run fundraiser.

Frances added: It would have been right up Matthews street, and I just think thats amazing.
Victims entitled to compensation and support urged to come forward

An awareness campaign has been launched for a compensation fund for survivors of historical abuse at institutions in Northern Ireland.

Support and compensation were among the recommendations of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry which revealed sexual, physical and emotional abuse at state, church and charity-run homes from 1922 to 1995.

Stormonts Executive Office said some 900 people have received help and support so far, and almost 65 million has been paid out in terms of redress.

Denis McMahon, permanent secretary at the Executive Office, said officials want to work to ensure all those who have not yet come forward know that help is available.

Victims and survivors of historical abuse face very personal, difficult and unique challenges as a result of their lived experience across a wide range of institutions and it is important that they get advice on making an application for compensation and access to services they need, he said.

The focus now is ensuring those who have not yet come forward know that help is available.

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse Fiona Ryan is supporting the campaign.

Her office is also launching a campaign to reach survivors who may have moved from Northern Ireland and make them aware of their entitlements.

I know from many survivors whom I have listened to, the trauma of the abuse they suffered as children is not a distant memory but a reality they live with every day, Ms Ryan said.

I know that for others even acknowledging what happened to them is a source of deep pain and shame.

Every survivor is an individual and the choice they make about whether, when and how they seek services or redress is their own and should be respected.

My hope is that these initiatives reach victims and survivors who are unaware or unsure of their entitlements and provides them with the information they need to make informed choices in accessing supports, services and redress.

Ms Ryan added: Whether through economic necessity, the impact of the Troubles, or the very real wish to leave the place they associated with their childhood trauma, there are a significant number of victims and survivors who are no longer living in Northern Ireland and who are living elsewhere.

They are in addition to the victims and survivors of the child migrant programme who were taken from Northern Ireland to Australia.

My office is beginning its awareness initiative in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland with the aim of reaching Northern Ireland victims and survivors of historical institutional childhood abuse living in these countries, and encouraging awareness of their entitlements.

The initiative will include advertising in newspapers, press and publicity and engaging with organisations, particularly at community level, who may come in contact with Northern Ireland victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse in the course of their work.
Police have appealed for those with influence to calm the situation.

Police and ATO at the scene of a major search operation in Derry (Photo by Aodhan Roberts)

Police have come under attack for a second night in a row as they undertake a search operation in Derry.

The PSNI have been conducting the operation in the Magowan Park area of the city since Sunday, and have come under attack for a second night running, with masonry thrown at vehicles on Monday evening.

"Our crews were attacked in Creggan earlier this evening with masonry thrown at their vehicles when they were in the vicinity of our policing operation in the Magowan Park area, said Derry City & Strabane Superintendent Willy Calderwood.

"We know the community does not want a repeat of the scenes witnessed in the area last night, and we would encourage all those with influence to ensure that does not happen.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said those involved in attacking police should grow up.

"Once again, those involved in attacking the police are not only trying to hurt police officers, they are harming their own community and neighbours, he tweeted.

"These shameful actions damage community policing and response times to those who require assistance. Grow up.

It comes as a major search operation at an abandoned farm site in the Creggan area has continued into a second day.

Read more

The searches  being conducted around an abandoned farm site in the Magowan Park area of the city  are understood to be in relation to recent violent dissident republican terrorism, with police and Army ammunition technical officers attending.

Video shared on social media showed youths throwing bricks, bottles and missiles at police as searches took place on Sunday evening.

The PSNI said officers came under attack when bottles and stones were thrown at them in the Magowan Park area of Derry on Sunday as the search operation in the vicinity of Brae Head Road continued.

Damage was caused to police vehicles during the incident, but no officers were injured. Local community representatives helped move young people away from the area.

Bomb disposal officers with search dogs were focusing on a shed during the operation. The Belfast Telegraph understands the intelligence-led operation comes following an upsurge in dissident republican activity in the area.
A programme of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement has been unveiled by the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A series of public gatherings will take place between March and July to mark the major milestone including an opportunity to view the Silent Testimony exhibition by internationally renowned portrait artist Colin Davidson.

Alex Maskey will host a formal ceremony in Stormonts Great Hall for current MLAs and figures who were involved in negotiating the historic peace deal in 1998.

It comes after Rishi Sunak confirmed he will formally invite the US President to Northern Ireland to commemorate the anniversary.

The Prime Minister spoke to reporters as he flew to California to meet Joe Biden and described next month as a "very important milestone to commemorate and celebrate".

Sinn Feins Stormont speaker Alex Maskey said the significant and transformational milestone should be marked.

"It is important that this is not just an occasion for politicians to talk to themselves, he added.

I am therefore very pleased that the Assemblys programme of events which has commenced this week offers increased opportunities for the public to visit Parliament Buildings, which has been the setting for many of our significant political moments over these 25 years.

One of the key events at Parliament Buildings will be Colin Davidsons Silent Testimony exhibition, which will run throughout April. It is vitally important that as we approach this significant milestone, these anniversary events should remember victims who have often felt left behind by our process.

"It is also fitting that the home of the Assembly, Parliament Buildings, should be a platform to showcase some of our best local talent and I want to thank Colin and National Museums NI for their initiative and cooperation in bringing the exhibition to Parliament Buildings.

A sitting of the Assembly has also been scheduled to take place on July 3 25 years after MLAs sat in the chamber for the first time since power-sharing was established.

However a decision on whether or not it proceeds will be taken in May depending on the political situation at the time.

Additional public tours of Parliament Buildings have been made available to encourage first time visitors and will incorporate both chambers and incorporate special images and items on display.

Local artist Colin Davidson said it was a privilege to produce an exhibition of victims of the Troubles.

"In many ways, this body of work represents my response to the Good Friday Agreement and my desire to acknowledge the massive section of our community daily living with their own stories of loss, he said.

It is my hope that these eighteen portrait paintings shine a light on the ongoing legacy of grief endured by victims and survivors of the conflict years.

"I would like to thank the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, National Museums NI and WAVE Trauma Centre for their support in enabling the public to view Silent Testimony in this iconic location during this anniversary period.

Mr Maskey said:the project - along with the Assembly Commissions own permanent exhibition documenting the political process here  is a really good opportunity for those who have never visited Stormont before to spend a morning or afternoon at Parliament Buildings.

While there have undoubtedly been many difficulties and frustrations over the years, this 25th anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on what has been achieved, particularly the building of a predominantly peaceful society," he added.

"It is also the time for us to focus on the work that remains to be done, which will undoubtedly be challenging but is necessary to build a prosperous and shared future for all of us.
Tributes have been paid to Patrick (Patsy) Hume, brother of the late SDLP leader John, following his passing.

Current SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he was very sorry to learn of the news.

Patsy stood with his brother John through hard times during the Troubles, was committed to the education of our young people and a passionate community worker, Mr Eastwood added.

Thinking of all of Patsys family at this time. May he rest in peace.

John Hume was an Irish nationalist politician who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the recent political history of Ireland, as one of the architects of the Northern Ireland peace process.

A native of Derry, he was a founding member of the SDLP and served as its second leader from 1979 to 2001.

Former SDLP MLA and close friend of the Hume family, Pat Ramsey expressed his condolences.

He said: I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Patsy Hume, long standing member and key player in the development of the Cursillo Community both in Derry and Donegal.

Our thoughts and prayers with all the Hume family at this most difficult time.

Local SDLP councillor Martin Reilly described Paddy as a kind soul who always had words of encouragement and support.

A funeral notice said Mr Hume died peacefully at home on March 12.

He was the beloved husband of the late Bridget, loving father of Paul, Brenda, Fiona, Ursula, Una and Seana, father-in-law of Maria, Tommy, John, David, Ray and Brendan, a devoted grandfather and dear brother of Jim and the late John, Annie, Harry, Agnes and his twin Sally.

Requiem Mass will take place at 10am in St Columbas Church, Longtower on Wednesday.
An exploratory drilling camp at the proposed site of the Willow oil project on Alaskas North Slope (ConocoPhillips via AP)   Uncredited

The Biden administration has said it is approving the major Willow oil project on Alaskas petroleum-rich North Slope, a major climate move by President Joe Biden.

The move drew quick condemnation from environmentalists, who said it flies in the face of the Democratic presidents pledges.

The announcement came a day after the administration, in a move in the other direction towards conservation, said it would bar or limit drilling in some other areas of Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

The Willow approval by the Bureau of Land Management would allow three drill sites, which would include up to 199 total wells.

A fourth drill site proposed for the project would be denied (AP)

Two other drill sites proposed for the project would be denied.

Project developer ConocoPhillips has said it considers the three-site option workable, and the right decision for Alaska and our nation, in the words of company chairman and chief executive Ryan Lance.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips will relinquish rights to about 68,000 acres of existing leases in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

The order, one of the most significant of interior secretary Deb Haalands tenure, was not signed by her but rather by her deputy Tommy Beaudreau, who grew up in Alaska and has a close relationship with state legislators.

She was notably silent on the project, which she had opposed as a New Mexico congresswoman before becoming interior secretary two years ago.

Climate activists were outraged that Mr Biden greenlighted the project, which they say puts his climate legacy at risk.

Allowing the drilling plan to go forward would also break Mr Bidens campaign promise to stop new oil drilling on public lands, they say.

However, administration officials were concerned that ConocoPhillips decades-old leases limited the governments legal ability to block the project and that courts might have ruled in the companys favour.

Mondays announcement is not likely to be the last word, with litigation expected from environmental groups.

The Willow project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, create up to 2,500 jobs during construction and 300 long-term jobs, and generate billions of dollars in royalties and tax revenues for the federal, state and local governments, the company said.

The project, located in the federally designated National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, enjoys widespread political support in the state.

Alaska Native state legislators recently met with Ms Haaland to urge support for Willow.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, (R-Alaska), said the decision was very good news for the country.

Not only will this mean jobs and revenue for Alaska, it will be resources that are needed for the country and for our friends and allies, Ms Murkowski said.

The administration listened to Alaska voices. They listened to the delegation as we pressed the case for energy security and national security.

Fellow Republican Senator Dan Sullivan said conditions attached to the project should not reduce Willows ability to produce up to 180,000 barrels of crude a day.

But he said it was infuriating that Mr Biden also moved to prevent or limit oil drilling elsewhere in Alaska.

Environmental activists who have promoted a #StopWillow campaign on social media were fuming at the approval, which they called a betrayal.

We are too late in the climate crisis to approve massive oil and gas projects that directly undermine the new clean economy that the Biden administration committed to advancing, said Earthjustice president Abigail Dillen.

We know President Biden understands the existential threat of climate, but he is approving a project that derails his own climate goals.

Christy Goldfuss, a former Obama White House official who is now a policy chief at the Natural Resources Defence Council, said she was deeply disappointed at Mr Bidens decision to approve Willow, which NRDC estimates would generate planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than one million homes.

This decision is bad for the climate, bad for the environment and bad for the Native Alaska communities who oppose this and feel their voices were not heard, Ms Goldfuss said.

Anticipating that reaction among environmental groups, the White House announced on Sunday that Mr Biden will prevent or limit oil drilling in 16 million acres in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

The plan would bar drilling in nearly three million acres of the Beaufort Sea  closing it off from oil exploration  and limit drilling in more than 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve.

The withdrawal of the offshore area ensures that important habitat for whales, seals, polar bears and other wildlife will be protected in perpetuity from extractive development, the White House said in a statement.

The conservation announcement did little to mollify activists.

Its a performative action to make the Willow project not look as bad, said Elise Joshi, the acting executive director of Gen-Z for Change, an advocacy organisation.

Alaskas bipartisan congressional delegation met with Mr Biden and his advisers in early March to plead their case for the project, while environmental groups rallied opposition and urged project opponents to place pressure on the administration.

City of Nuiqsut mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, whose community of about 525 people is closest to the proposed development, has been outspoken in her opposition, worried about impacts to caribou and her residents subsistence lifestyles.

The Naqsragmiut Tribal Council, in another North Slope community, also raised concerns with the project.

But there is majority consensus in the North Slope region supporting the project, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of the group Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, whose members include leaders from across much of that region.

The conservation actions announced on Sunday complete protections for the entire Beaufort Sea Planning Area, building upon President Barack Obamas 2016 action on the Chukchi Sea Planning Area and the majority of the Beaufort Sea, the White House said.

Separately, the administration moved to protect more than 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve, a 23-million acre chunk of land on Alaskas North Slope set aside a century ago for future oil production.

The Willow project is within the reserve, and ConocoPhillips has long held leases for the site.

About half the reserve is off limits to oil and gas leasing under an Obama-era rule reinstated by the Biden administration last year.

Areas to be protected include the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas, collectively known for their globally significant habitat for grizzly and polar bears, caribou and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.
Inter-not -- Has a Canadian right-wing blogosphere had an impact on politics, society, and culture in Canada?  updated to 2023 (Part Two) By Mark Wegierski

web posted March 13, 2023 Partially based on research done with Mike Krupa, M.A., for a paper accepted for the August 28-August 31 2014 American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting and Exhibition (110th APSA Annual Meeting)(Politics after the Digital Revolution) (Washington, D.C.), from which we had to withdraw because of unforeseen personal circumstances. Various right-leaning think-tanks maintain a substantial Internet presence, notably, the Fraser Institute, Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), and National Citizens Coalition (NCC)  all of which are almost entirely economically focused. In Western Canada, there are also the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP); and the Citizens Centre for Freedom and Democracy (CCFD) -- all that remains of the old Report newsmagazines. In Atlantic Canada, there is the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS). The well-known right-leaning economist, Brian Lee Crowley, has helped establish the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa. The Manning Centre for Building Democracy (MCBD) has existed both inside and outside the Conservative Party. In 2020, the name of the Manning Centre was changed to Canada Strong and Free Network, on the personal request of Preston Manning. In 2010, the Ludwig von Mises Institute Canada was established. There are two main outfits dedicated to legal issues, especially property rights and freedom of speech  the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF), and the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF). Two other think-tanks are the Toronto-based Mackenzie Institute, devoted to security matters, and the Arthur Meighen Institute for Public Affairs. One of only a few social conservative think-tanks is the Institute for Marriage and Family in Ottawa. The most prominent pro-life, pro-family association is the Campaign Life Coalition. Any putative impetus for conservatism in Canada would have come mainly from the 2011 election of a federal Conservative majority government. It could be argued that, ironically, it may have been precisely the minor role played by right-wing political online commentary that was one of the factors that made such a victory possible. Indeed, the election of a majority government may have been possible only by downplaying numerous aspects of conservatism, or, in fact, setting oneself at the head of progressive trends such as high immigration policies (as has been argued, for example, in The Big Shift by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson). The federal Conservatives had to downplay their conservatism in response to left-liberal hegemony in opinion-generating and -propagating institutions. And, as of the October 2015 federal election, the Conservatives lost their majority to a roaring Liberal tide. Justin Trudeau, the son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, won a strong majority  and has inaugurated another wave of progressive change. In the October 2019 federal election, the Liberals still won a strong minority government  which was supported by the New Democratic Party (NDP), which is even further left. Virtually the same result was repeated in the 2021 federal election, despite OTooles adoption of a centrist electoral strategy. Now, however, the young, dynamic Pierre Poilievre has won the leadership of the Conservative Party, which may give some chance for real change. Also, unlike in the U.S., more of the political debate in Canada is, in general, channeled top-down through the leaderships of major political parties, rather than upward from the so-called grassroots through independent commentary. Furthermore, in Canada, the infrastructural weight of such institutions as the main stream media, government bureaucracies, and the juridical apparatus far outweighs any Internet-based resisters. There is also the fact that websites and blogs of whatever outlooks are more likely to be replacing print newspapers than television  which leaves a huge and more immediately impactful medium unaffected. A more text-based vehicle such as blogs affects fewer of the general voting population. It could be concluded that the Internet in Canada is unlikely to provide conservatism with enough societal authority and financial resources needed towards re-introducing a more robust pluralism of ideas into the Canadian political system. But without the possible efficacy of dissent on the Internet, what else remains? Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Boat salvager Robert Butler, right, and KC Ivers, left, prepare to move one of two boats on Blacks Beach in San Diego (Gregory Bull/AP)   Gregory Bull

Eight people were killed when two migrant smuggling boats capsized in shallow but treacherous surf amid heavy fog in California, authorities have said, marking one of the deadliest maritime human smuggling operations ever off US shores.

A Spanish-speaking woman on one of the panga-style boats called emergency services on 911 on Saturday night to report the other vessel overturned in waves at Blacks Beach, authorities said.

She said there were 15 people on the capsized vessel and eight on hers.

Coast Guard and San Diego fire and rescue crews pulled the bodies of eight adults from the water, but fog hampered the search for additional victims.

An overturned boat on Blacks Beach in San Diego (Gregory Bull/AP)   Gregory Bull

Recovery efforts resumed on Sunday but no additional bodies were found.

Survivors may have escaped on land, including the woman who called 911. Authorities did not know her whereabouts.

San Diego lifeguard chief James Gartland said rescuers found the two boats overturned in shallow waters when they arrived.

Surf was modest, with swells around 3ft (about one metre), but skies were foggy and black.

That area is very hazardous, even in the daytime, Mr Gartland said at a news conference.

It has a series of sandbars and in-shore rip currents, so you can think that you can land in some sand or get to waist-high, knee-high water and think that youre able to be safe to exit the water, but theres long, in-shore holes. If you step into those holes, those rip currents will pull you along the shore and back out to sea.

Blacks Beach is about 15 miles north of central San Diego in a secluded area not far from the popular La Jolla Shores.

Its reputation for some of the best breaks in southern California draws many surfers.

Two boats, one overturned, on Blacks Beach in San Diego (Gregory Bull/AP)   Gregory Bull

Hundreds of maritime smuggling operations occur every year off Californias coast and sometimes turn fatal.

In May 2021, a packed boat carrying migrants capsized and broke apart in powerful surf along the rocky San Diego coast, killing three people and injuring more than two dozen others.

Smuggling off the California coast has ebbed and flowed over the years but has long been a risky alternative for migrants to avoid heavily guarded land borders.

Pangas enter from Mexico in the dead of night, sometimes charting hundreds of miles north.

Recreational boats try to mix in unnoticed with fishing and pleasure vessels during the day.

South of the US border, there are many secluded, private beaches with gated entrances between high-rises with magnificent ocean views, some only partially built because funds dried up during construction.

Popotla, a fishing hamlet where narrow streets are lined with vendors selling a wide variety of local catch, is favoured among smugglers for its large, sandy beach and relatively gentle waves.

A boat sits overturned near a row of life jackets on Blacks Beach in San Diego (Gregory Bull/AP)   Gregory Bull

At least some of Saturdays victims were Mexican, according to the consulate in San Diego, but how many was unknown.

Illegal crossings have soared under President Joe Biden, with many migrants turning themselves in to Border Patrol agents and being released in the United States to pursue their cases in immigration court.

A pandemic rule scheduled to end on May 11 denies migrants a chance to seek asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of Covid-19 but enforcement has fallen disproportionately on Mexicans, Hondurans, Guatemalans and El Salvadorans because those have been the only nationalities that Mexico agreed to take back.

As a result, people of those four countries have been more likely to try to elude capture, knowing they are likely to be expelled under the public health rule, known as Title 42 authority.

Mexico recently began taking back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans under Title 42.
Nepals newly elected president  the third since the Himalayan nation abolished its centuries-old monarchy in 2008 and became a republic  has taken the oath of office in Kathmandu.

Ram Chandra Poudel was elected on Thursday by members of the federal parliament and provincial assemblies.

Top officials, diplomats and parliament members lined up to congratulate the new president at the ceremony where the military band played national songs and delivered a salute.

Outgoing President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, having completed her maximum two terms in office, passed the position on immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.

The president is largely a figurehead with little political power. However, the election triggered a feud among partners in the governing alliance headed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who took office in December after a hung parliament left a fragile coalition government.

Ram Chandra Poudel was elected on Thursday (AP)   Bikram Rai

Mr Dahal backed Mr Poudel, who is also now the supreme commander of the Nepalese army, angering his main coalition partner, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), which backed Subash Chandra Nembang, its own candidate.

The party has since pulled out of the coalition, threatening Mr Dahals control.

Mr Dahal has since lost the support of three key political parties that were part of his initial coalition government, and must seek a vote of confidence in parliament later in March to continue in power.

There was no clear explanation of why Mr Dahal decided to back the opposition candidate and endanger his alliance, but struggles for power among the main political parties are common.

The country has had eight different governments in the past 10 years.
Northern Ireland could see a boost in the number of overseas visitors

Northern Ireland could see a boost in the number of overseas visitors

Its surely not hard to understand that a stable political arena provides a firm base for the future economic prospects of a country.

There will be a lot of coverage in the weeks ahead as Northern Ireland marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. And one of the key benefits it brought in its wake was a calming of economic waters after being churned up by years of internal conflict and division.

A new report published today highlights just how much the countrys economy has benefitted from the stability the Agreement brought with it.

A doubling of GDP would be a real cause for celebration on a job well done, were it not for the clouds that have gathered to block out those rays of sunshine.

But there also comes a rainbow of hope  the Windsor Framework could add billions more to the economy and usher in another boom time, if its allowed to do so.

It would mean 33,000 more jobs, a boost in the number of overseas visitors and air route capacity growing to 12 million passengers by 2033.

There is a carrot being dangled as the details of the Windsor Framework are being chewed over.

There are, as ever, difficult choices to be made.

The Good Friday Agreement was similar in many respects. At the time the DUP was vehemently opposed. Many within the wider unionism circle were too. David Trimble had a tough job on his hands to persuade unionists that signing up to that Agreement 25 years ago was the right thing to do for the future prospects of all.

But in many respects the DUP was a major beneficiary of the Good Friday Agreement. Very quickly the party overtook the Ulster Unionists as the main unionist part in Northern Ireland. And unionists who initially found the Good Friday Agreement a very difficult pill to swallow, soon began to see the overall benefits to the country. Northern Ireland started to thrive.

If unionists rejects the Windsor Framework, will they sit back in years to come and wonder what if?

And the argument that nationalists are all very much in favour should not be the reason for opposition to what the Windsor Framework contains.

The question is just how much of a sacrifice for the greater good is unionism willing to make?

In purely economic terms, the figures released today show the answer is clear. There is an opportunity offered to take positive steps towards a more productive future.

In Northern Ireland, though, things are never so simple.
Grieving parents who lost son to leukaemia determined to keep his legacy going

The team from Banbridge at the summit of Kilimanjaro

David and Sara at home with a picture of Adam

Adam before his death in August last year

Adam kept his sense of humour in dark times

Adam Watson wearing one of the hoodies he helped design

More than 280,000 has been raised in memory of a nine-year-old boy who set up a cancer charity before he died last August.

Thousands of people backed fundraisers organised by Adam Watson while he was battling acute myeloid leukaemia, which he was diagnosed with aged seven.

B Positive, the charity he founded with parents David and Sara, is this month giving every child with cancer in Northern Ireland a suitcase full of items to make their long stays in hospital easier.

Gaming fan Adam helped design a range of merchandise, including hoodies with the B Positive logo, to raise funds and buy the cases.

Well-wishers who became known as Adams army raised more than 280,000 for the charities that supported the young boy and his family.

What started as an idea by dad David and friend Stuart Magill to climb Kilimanjaro for charity before Adams diagnosis turned into a two-year juggernaut.

The massive campaign, which has helped Angel Wishes, the Cancer Fund for Children, the Childrens Cancer Unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital and B Positive, culminated with 24 members of Banbridge Orange Order scaling Africas highest mountain in January.

Adams parents, who continue to run B Positive in their only childs memory, thanked members of the public for their incredible support.

Adam Watson wearing one of the hoodies he helped design

David said: To say we were overwhelmed doesnt even do it justice. The support from friends, family, the people of Banbridge and from right across Northern Ireland has been phenomenal.

We have no words to describe our gratitude for the efforts of everyone, especially Stuart and the boys who climbed Kilimanjaro. They self-funded that trip.

Of the people who attempt to climb it, only about 85% succeed, but every one of those 24 made it to the top.

I am a firm believer that a wee boy was looking over and encouraging them to get to the top.

Stuart almost single-handedly organised that. He is one of the most modest men I have ever met.

What he and others have done for us as a family meant so much to me and Sara and to Adam.

David described his son, who attended Abercorn Primary in Banbridge, as an intelligent and loveable child who had a thirst for knowledge and loved gaming.

The familys world came crashing down soon after October 2019, when Adam started to complain of a sore throat.

After he became lethargic, his parents took him to A&E at Newrys Daisy Hill Hospital. Within a week he had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

David (39) said: Adam was admitted to hospital on October 21, and within hours a rapid response ambulance was taking him to the Royal Victoria Hospital with suspected leukaemia.

It was surreal, like your worst nightmare. It doesnt matter how many parenting classes you go to when expecting a child, nothing prepares you for that.

It is like your feet have been taken from under you and you dont know where to turn.

Adam with his dad David in hospital

Tests at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children confirmed Adam had acute myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer more commonly found in adults.

With doctors optimistic, he began a course of intensive chemotherapy which finished in February 2020.

The treatment appeared to have been successful and his relieved parents were told he was in remission.

However, a week before Christmas 2020, during a regular hospital check-up, it was discovered the cancer was back.

This time, Adams only hope lay in a bone marrow transplant, but there were complications when a new course of chemotherapy failed to control the cancer.

David said: They needed the disease levels to reduce before the transplant, but they couldnt get them low enough.

We heard about a procedure called a cord blood transplant. Adam had this on May 5, 2021, in Manchester Childrens Hospital, using cells from the umbilical cord of a baby girl born in 2016 which were transplanted into his body.

The baby girls blood type was B positive, and Adam was born with O positive, so he had to have a blood transfusion to change his blood type to B positive, hence the name of the charity.

David and Sara at home with a picture of Adam

In October of that year, doctors realised the transplant had been unsuccessful. Despite more chemotherapy, the cancer could not be controlled. Adams parents were told his condition was terminal around Easter last year.

David said: It is just absolutely cruel. It was like someone strapping a bomb with a timer to you but you have no idea when the timer is going to go off.

Until his death on August 3 last year, Adam remained upbeat and fully involved in helping launch his charity and the many fundraisers staged in his home town to support him.

His dad said: He got up every day and carried on. That is what is keeping me and his mum going now.

From the moment he was born, Sara called him too special because he was the best child.

He was never bold and you never had to tell him off. He was helping me collect money for charity on behalf of the Orange Order from he was no age, so fundraising was part of his life.

He loved helping other people and really got involved in all the fundraising for the charities who supported us throughout his cancer journey. Every single decision we took, Adam had a say in it. Sara calls him our forever CEO.

Adam passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 3 last year. On the day after his funeral, a huge 24-hour charity walk which he had helped to plan went ahead, with thousands turning up to take part from all over Northern Ireland.

The event is due to be staged again this year in Adams memory and in aid of his charity.

David added: The money that has been raised is phenomenal, and the charities it is going to have all helped us as a family and Adam in different ways.

From his diagnosis and through everything he went through, there wasnt a day Adam didnt get up and focus on life ahead.

That is whats keeping us going now. We are trying to live our life the way Adam did, but there isnt a day goes by that it doesnt hit you.

We want to continue Adams legacy with B Positive, which we will keep going to help children with cancer and their families in Adams memory.

You can find out more about B Positive on Facebook.com/BPositivewithAdamsarmy and Instagram/bpoisitive_with_adamsarmy
Pop star and his fiancee met at Belfast Fashion Week

Pop star Siva Kaneswaran from The Wanted has revealed his winter wedding plans for later this year  15 years after finding love in Belfast.

The Dancing on Ice star met his fiancee Nareesha McCaffrey when he was booked as a model by Belfast Fashion Week owner and organiser Cathy Martin in 2008.

She told Sunday Life how the pair clicked behind the scenes after shoe designer Nareesha jetted in from England and Siva arrived from Dublin to strut his stuff on the catwalk.

Cathy explained: We booked Siva and his brother Kumar and as male models they were fantastic, and Nareesha was working backstage as an assistant, literally putting shoes on models kind of Cinderella-style.

I was there the night they met and Im so delighted for them and in a room full of models, he chose Nareesha because, not only is she absolutely gorgeous, but she also has that sort of fairy dust sparkle.

She came over from England to work backstage as an assistant but ended up becoming a shoe designer in her own right.

Im just delighted that they are very happy, still together and its a lovely love story not only to come out of Belfast city but Belfast Fashion Week as an event.

Their eyes met and they fell in love without me  I didnt introduce them  but I guess my only intervention was bringing them both together at the event, so if I played Cupid a little bit in bringing them together, then Im very happy with that.

Siva Kaneswaran and Nareesha McCaffrey

I dont know if I need to get a hat or not but Im still very proud of them and very happy for them. Siva was 18 at the time  a year before finding fame with pop group The Wanted.

He said: I saw Nareesha first. Straight away I thought, Shes The One. I couldnt keep my eyes off her.

The pair have been engaged for a decade, when he surprised her with a bespoke 3ct diamond ring in autumn 2013.

But now the 34-year-old pop star, voted off Dancing on Ice last week, will get his skates on when it comes to his wedding.

He said: It feels very natural and right. After Covid, we said to ourselves, Whatever we want to do, lets take action towards doing it now.

Nareesha (38) revealed her wedding plans to Hello! magazine as she joked: Its about time, isnt it?

She continued: I think itll be more special now than if we had done it two years ago, five years ago, or even 10 years ago.

I didnt have an idea of what the wedding would look like before, but now I can envision it.

We want a winter wedding. We just need to find the right venue before setting a date.

The Wanted before the death of Tom Parker, far left

The couple are based in Los Angeles but will be returning to the UK for their big day as Nareeshas family is there and Dublin-born Sivas folks are a short hop away.

Siva hopes his fellow The Wanted stars Jay McGuiness, Max George and Nathan Sykes will be involved in the wedding, which will be all the more poignant following the death of bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away from a brain tumour in March 2022.
NPC deputy calls for protection of UNESCO-listed natural landscape

CGTN) 15:02, March 13, 2023

This year's NPC gathering has seen a number of attendees elected for the first time as deputies to the National People's Congress. Their concerns are focused on the country's development priorities for the next five years. CGTN spoke to Tang Jianwei, a new NPC deputy who oversees the protection and development of one of China's most well-known heritage-listed river environments. Tang suggests integrated protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grass and sand in the region.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Palestinian teenage terror  Inherently illegal, but does anyone care? By Amb. Alan Baker

web posted March 13, 2023 The recent resurgence and preponderance of acts of terror committed by incited Palestinian teenagers should be ringing alarm bells throughout the international community. This is especially among an international community that purports to show extreme concern for the abuse of children in any context, but even more so when it comes to their deployment in armed conflict and committing acts of terror. Regrettably, such alarm bells are not ringing, and the international community seems to be deliberately or naively turning a blind eye to such Palestinian teenage terror. Why? Recent Teenage Acts of Terror Recent acts of terror committed by Palestinian teenagers include the January 2023 shooting and seriously injuring of an Israeli father and son by a 13-year-old Palestinian boy in Jerusalem and a fatal terror attack in February 2023 by a Palestinian teenager carried out during a routine bus inspection outside the east Jerusalem refugee camp of Shuafat. This alarming resurgence comes at a time of concentrated mass of psychological propaganda and incentives to violence to which Palestinian youngsters are being subjected, principally through various social media platforms to which they have access, but also at home and school. Causes

Arts and Crafts in a Hamas summer camp, 2021. (Hamas) Journalist Yoni Ben Menachem, in a recent article entitled The Phenomenon of Palestinian Teen Terrorists," lists the causes that serve as the pretext for this recent resurgence of teenage terror. These include social network incitement through Tik Tok, Instagram and other platforms that permit graphic video footage, accentuating Israeli military actions against armed terrorist groups in Palestinian towns, including the demolitions of illegal houses. Such videos deliberately and artfully glorify those terrorists as role models for Palestinian teenagers. By the same token, video footage of Israelis visiting the Temple Mount area as part of the agreed status quo is presented as Jews storming the al Aqsa mosque  a provocation and justification for outrage and riots by Palestinian teens. These teens are incited to believe an age-old canard, employed whenever various interested parties, including the Jordanian leadership, seek to generate unrest and violence, falsely alleging that Israel seeks to destroy the Al Aqsa Mosque. Such riots, in turn, generate the need for Israeli police action to restrain such unrest, and restore and maintain order. All this complements the already delicate fabric of co-existence and governance of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. Ben Menachem also notes the incitement in Palestinian social society and especially in homes, schools and mosques in which children are instilled with hatred of Israel from the earliest of ages and encouraged to glorify the culture of death by celebrating the martyrdom of every child and teenager: The religious leaders in eastern Jerusalem support this phenomenon, and the public leaders there and PA officials refrain from removing children from the circle of terror. For them, all means are acceptable to fight against Israel: the children are brainwashed with a broad and warped social consensus and religious legitimacy. They cross the barrier of fear with false promises that they will reach heaven. Further causes of teenage terror include official incentivization by the Palestinian Authority, the official implementation agency established by Israel and the PLO under the Oslo Accords to administer those West Bank areas of Judea and Samaria transferred by Israel to Palestinian control. Such incentivization includes provision of monthly stipends to Palestinians jailed in Israel for terror attacks as well as compensation for families of dead terrorists. In 2021, the Palestinian Authority paid out an estimated $157 million as part of its pay for slay policy. International Norms Prohibiting the Use of Children One would think that the international community would show the utmost concern for this phenomenon of Palestinian teenage terrorism, based on widely accepted and acknowledged norms and principles of international humanitarian law and norms of humanity to which most countries are party. Such norms and principles specifically prohibit the placing of civilians, especially women and children, at the forefront of violent demonstrations, and their usage as human shields to conceal the presence of terrorists, and to attack Israelis. Such usage is a violation of universally accepted international treaties protecting children and prohibiting their involvement in warfare. Such instruments include: The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child While this convention was opened for signature and accession by sovereign states only on April 2, 2014, the Palestinian Authority, falsely and fraudulently, represented itself as a state, and in clear violation of its obligations pursuant to the Oslo Accords to refrain from conducting international diplomacy, was permitted by the United Nations, acting as the official depositary of the convention, to accede to the convention. Whether such accession by the non-state Palestinian entity was in order or achieved fraudulently, in effect the Palestinian leadership, of its own volition, placed itself within the aegis of the international obligations to protect children. The Palestinian leaders encouragement, support, and incentivization of teenage terror therefore directly violates the Palestinian Authoritys international obligations. Article 36 of this convention requires Parties to protect the child against all forms of exploitation prejudicial to any aspects of the childs welfare. Article 38 obliges States Parties to respect and to ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child, including the obligation to take all feasible measures to ensure that persons who have not attained the age of fifteen years do not take a direct part in hostilities. This provision prohibits states from recruiting any person who has not attained the age of fifteen years into their armed forces and requires states to take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict. 2000 Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict Similarly, the Optional Protocol to this convention, dated May 25, 2000, to which the Palestinians also acceded, deals with the rights of children involved in armed conflict. In its eleventh preambular paragraph, it expresses gravest concern at the recruitment, training and use within and across national borders of children in hostilities by armed groups distinct from the armed forces of a State, and recognizes the responsibility of those who recruit, train, and use children in this regard. The protocol prohibits the recruiting or use, by armed groups that are distinct from the armed forces of a State, any persons under the age of 18 years and requires states to take all feasible measures to prevent such recruitment and use, including the adoption of legal measures necessary to prohibit and criminalize such practices. In the Palestinian letter of accession dated April 2, 2014, the Palestinian leadership declared that their minimum age for recruitment of persons into Palestines national armed forces is 18 years. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) June 8, 1977 The prohibition on the recruitment of children also appears within International Humanitarian Law, and specifically in Article 77 of the above-noted Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, sub-paragraph 2 of which states: The Parties to the conflict shall take all feasible measures in order that children who have not attained the age of fifteen years do not take a direct part in hostilities and, in particular, they shall refrain from recruiting them into their armed forces. As with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Palestinian leadership also became party to the 1977 Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions in April 2014, under the fraudulent guise of its being a state, as well as in violation of its obligations under the Oslo Accords. This was accepted by the Swiss government which served as depository of the Geneva Conventions. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Similar to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Additional Protocol of 2000, the Palestinian leadership has acceded to the 1989 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, this, again, despite the fact that the Statute is open only to genuine sovereign states that are the only entities having the ability to provide jurisdiction to the Court. According to article 8(2)(b) of the ICC Statute, which lists serious violations of the laws and customs applicable within international armed conflict, within the established framework of international law, subparagraph (xxvi) lists as a war crime: Conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years into the national armed forces or using them to participate actively in hostilities is a serious violation of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict within the established framework of international law. Here again, the Palestinian leadership has, justifiably and even cynically, nevertheless obliged itself to this solemn obligation not to encourage, assist, or facilitate the use of children in armed conflict. Paris Principles on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict A detailed study carried out in 2007 by the UNICEF entitled Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups, defined such children as any person below 18 years of age who is or who has been recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity, including but not limited to children, boys, and girls, used as fighters, cooks, porters, spies, or for sexual purposes. It does not only refer to a child who is taking or has taken a direct part in hostilities.

These guidelines recognize that, in situations of armed conflict, states and armed groups are the primary actors responsible for the protection of civilians in their effective control. However, if they are unable or unwilling to meet all of their humanitarian responsibilities directly, they are charged with enabling the provision of humanitarian action by impartial actors. This would imply acknowledgment of a clear responsibility on those elements in the international community to take the requisite humanitarian measures of intervention in order to prevent the irresponsible and violative use of children in armed conflict. One wanders why such acknowledgment appears to have been ignored in the context of the Palestinian violations of their obligations in this context. International Criticism of Palestinian Deployment of Children for Armed Conflict Amnesty International In a public statement issued in 2005 entitled Israel/Occupied Territories: Palestinian armed groups must not use children, Amnesty International called Palestinian armed groups to put an immediate end to the use of children in armed activities: Palestinian armed groups have repeatedly shown total disregard for the most fundamental human rights, notably the right to life, by deliberately targeting Israeli civilians and by using Palestinian children in armed attacks. Children are susceptible to recruitment by manipulation or may be driven to join armed groups for a variety of reasons, including a desire to avenge relatives or friends killed by the Israeli army. Terrorism and Political Violence Article In an article dated June 4, 2010, published in the journal Terrorism and Political Violence entitled Education, indoctrination, and incitement: Palestinian children on their way to martyrdom, Dr. Daphne Burdman, a physician, pathologist, and psychiatrist discusses the methods and effects of a campaign to indoctrinate Palestinian children to an ideology of self-sacrifice, (martyrdom) by official organs of the Palestinian Authority: Children are incited to participate in stone-throwing and suicide-bombings against the Israeli Defense Forces, and told that if they die, they will become martyrs. The campaign has induced profound effects on the psychology of Palestinian children and will persist even if the violence stops. Specially devised programs will be needed to counteract these deleterious and dangerous effects. NGO Monitor Similarly, a recent article published by NGO Monitor dated December 15, 2022, entitled Excuse and Disregard: Palestinian NGOs on Teens Involvement in Terror Attacks and Violent Clashes, criticizes the hypocritical approach by Palestinian NGOs regarding childrens rights: On the one hand, they claim to champion childrens rights and allegations of their abuse feature prominently in NGO campaigns against Israel. Yet, NGOs ignore the recruitment and use of Palestinian children by terrorist organizations, as well as the indoctrination of children to engage in violence. [T]error-tied Palestinian NGOs  including Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P), Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and Al-Haq  regularly distort the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Palestinian minors in terror incidents. They ignore or minimize the violent attacks perpetrated by the minors that precipitated their deaths and blame Israel for deploying self-defense measures to protect the victims of such attacks. In situations where the minors died during clashes with Israeli forces and violent rioting, the NGOs erase this essential element of the incidents. In addition, they make factual claims that conflict with reports from media outlets and official accounts. Palestinian Media Watch In a detailed submission dated February 2020 by Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) to the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF), entitled How the PA weaponized Palestinian children against Israel, experts Maurice Hirsh and Itamar Marcus exposed the Palestinian Authoritys abuse, weaponization, and recruitment of the Palestinian youth to act as child terrorists and soldiers against Israel and Israelis, referring also to the PAs rewarding the child soldiers, both monetarily and socially, for their acts of violence and terror. In its submission, PMW called on UNICEF to recognize and directly attribute to the policies of the PA the participation of Palestinian children in widespread and systematic acts of violence and terrorism against Israel and Israelis. Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party broadcasts stories of mothers telling their children, My son, we were not created for happiness. In my eyes, you are meant for Martyrdom!  Jerusalem is ours, our weapon is our Islam, and our ammunition is our children. And you, O my son, are meant for Martyrdom. The PA schoolbooks teach the Palestinian children to emulate the Palestinian heroes who include mass murderer, Dalal Mughrabi  a terrorist responsible for the murder of 37 Jews, among them 12 children. Summer camps organized by Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party and the Palestine Liberation Organization teach the children to admire mass murderers such as Khalil AL-Wazir (Abu Jihad), who according to PA sources is responsible for the murder of 125 Jews. Teenage murderers are immediately transformed by the PA from nameless teenagers into heroes. UN Watch In a written submission to the UN Human Rights Councils Forty-sixth session dated February 22  March 19, 2021 devoted to the subject of Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development and the issue of Palestinian Child Soldiers, the NGO United Nations Watch expressed serious concern with regard to the practice of the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terror organization in their recruitment and use of Palestinian child soldiers in violation of the various instruments of international law. According to this submission: Both the PA and Hamas routinely indoctrinate Palestinian children to aspire to martyrdom through armed confrontations with Israel. According to Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), the PA operates a systematic and institutionalized policy and program to recruit child soldiers/terrorists. In its reports to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) on this issue, PMW accused the PA of indoctrinating Palestinian children to admire and emulate terrorists and noted, The PA openly admits, that the child terrorists are not acting in a vacuum, but rather they consider them to be the PAs soldiers who the PA has sent to carry out a mission. Obliviousness of the International Community Clearly, the well-documented fact that Palestinian teens are encouraged to be involved in acts of terror, receive support and inducement from the Palestinian leadership, Palestinian social society, as well as from their homes and schools, is all indisputable. Similarly, the fact that the Palestinian leadership has committed itself to abide by international norms and principles prohibiting the use of children in armed conflict has been accepted and acknowledged by the UN, the government of Switzerland, and the international community, as a whole. Given these facts, why does the international community choose to ignore Palestinian violations of international laws and norms, and why do Western states choose to mollycoddle the Palestinian leadership in the naive hope that this will encourage moderation and reduce their penchant for terror? Such a glaring double standard runs contrary to logic and good sense. It is hoped that the international community will realize that their naivete and obliviousness will not encourage moderation, but rather will be interpreted as giving license and carte blanch to terror against Israel. Amb. Alan Baker is Director of the Institute for Contemporary Affairs at the Jerusalem Center and the head of the Global Law Forum. He participated in the negotiation and drafting of the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians, as well as agreements and peace treaties with Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. He served as legal adviser and deputy director-general of Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Israels ambassador to Canada. Home
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) speaks to officials during his visit to the Natuna Islands, which border the South China Sea, Jan. 8, 2020. Indonesia had deployed fighter-jets and warships to patrol the islands near the disputed waterway, the military said.

China and Southeast Asian nations may test a crisis hotline in the South China Sea this year to prevent accidental clashes from escalating into conflict, but analysts are questioning its effectiveness amid ongoing tensions in the strategic waterway.

A senior official at Indonesias Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the plan to reporters on Friday after officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China met in Jakarta to discuss a code of conduct in the South China Sea, a flash point of geopolitical rivalry and maritime disputes.

What is most important is incident management, said Sidharto Suryodipuro, the ministrys director general of ASEAN cooperation. One of the things we may be able to do this year is  to do some kind of an exercise regarding the hotline.

Collin Koh, an analyst based in Singapore, called the plan to test out the hotline nothing more than a symbolic PR exercise.

The hotline was established in 2016 as part of a joint statement on applying the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, or CUES, a set of protocols for naval vessels and aircraft to communicate with one another and avoid collisions. The statement also called for more confidence-building measures and practical cooperation between ASEAN and China.

But progress on its implementation has been slow amid rising tensions and competing interests in the South China Sea, where about a third of global shipping passes through and where rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves are located.

Koh, a fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, questioned the usefulness of the hotline.

The hotline wont have any effect whatsoever on certain parties behaviors in the South China Sea, he told BenarNews.

To be blunt, the parties can have the hotline but China in particular wont be expected to roll back on its coercive behavior against its Southeast Asian rivals in the South China Sea.

The planned hotline exercise comes as ASEAN and China are also working to finalize a long-awaited code of conduct for the South China Sea, a document that would set rules and norms for behavior and cooperation in the disputed waters.

The negotiations, which began in 2002, resumed in Jakarta last week after being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, Sidharto said that Indonesia and other ASEAN members wanted a code of conduct for the sea to be effective, substantive and actionable.

In recent years, tensions have risen as China has asserted its sovereignty over most parts of the waterway by building artificial islands housing military facilities, deploying coast guard ships and enforcing fishing bans, prompting protests from other claimants as well as from Washington.

This years ASEAN chair, Indonesia, hopes to use its influence as the largest nation in Southeast Asia to expedite a successful outcome. The talks that ended on March 8 were the first round of negotiations this year after a meeting in Cambodia in October 2022.

Muhammad Arif, an international relations lecturer at the University of Indonesia, expressed doubts about the hotlines ability to de-escalate tensions.

As far as being a symbolic gesture and an attempt to come up with a new approach, I think it's a positive development, he said. But the problem is not with the absence of means of communication but the willingness to communicate.
People hold banners at a protest calling for an end to sexual violence against women in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, March 10, 2023.

The naked girl sits on the ground, terror in her eyes, as three men, their grinning faces painted yellow and red, grab at her breasts.

The photo, which appears to be a screenshot from a social media app, has spread widely online in Papua New Guinea since early March. The image of the girl, likely in her teens, has brought on the latest spasm of outrage at the sexual violence that women and girls face in this Pacific island nation.

When I saw the image of the little girl circulated on Facebook throughout the nation, I felt so much pain, I was broken, former parliamentary candidate Diane Unagi-Koiam said in a speech to a protest in the capital Port Moresby on Friday.

The image shook me to the core. I couldnt eat, I couldnt sleep or even speak to my husband, she said.

BenarNews could not independently verify the date the photo was taken and the location. A statement from Prime Minister James Marape said news had circulated about the rape of a young girl in remote Koroba in Hela province, a highlands region known for its warlords and gangs. He called for police to arrest the perpetrators.

The easy availability of pornography online is a factor in shaping attitudes towards women and encouraging rape, Unagi-Koiam said, calling for porn to be banned from social media in Papua New Guinea.

About 100 people marched to parliament in Port Moresby on Friday, in a protest against sexual violence organized by Samson Komati, who coordinates an online forum known as PNG Think Tank.

Carrying banners with messages such as Death Penalty for Rapists, women protesters chanted Do not rape your mother, do not rape your sister, do not rape your daughter, keep your hands way from me, respect my rights, respect my life.

Almost 60% of women and girls aged 15-49 in Papua New Guinea have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes  twice the global average  according to a U.N. database on violence against women. It estimates that more than a quarter of girls in Papua New Guinea are forced into child marriages.

The country also grapples with tribal violence and challenges such as corruption and lack of roads and primary healthcare in many regions. Police numbers per 100,000 people in Papua New Guinea are among the lowest for any country.

Komati told BenarNews he is aiming for a turnout of 10,000 men to an anti-violence protest he is organizing for Hela province.

Elizabeth Bradshaw, a company director who took part in Fridays protest, said she wanted more action from the government and police to combat violence against women.

Rape is becoming a norm in PNG, she said.

Police Commissioner David Manning received a petition from the protesters on Friday. He said police need cooperation from the public and provincial police forces to make arrests in rape cases.

Marapes statement, which was issued Thursday, said he had called on the police commissioner to receive the petition. Manning, in turn, told the protesters he would give the petition to Marape.

We have passed tougher laws like life imprisonment for rapists and gun handlers so it is now on law enforcement agencies to do their jobs, Marape said.

It cannot be the Prime Minister doing the police and magistrates job. Police must do their job of arresting offenders, prosecuting the case and securing convictions, he said.
Vietnam marks the 35th anniversary of the Johnson South skirmish in the South China Sea this week with a series of commemorations indicating an apparent shift in the domestic approach to the historical event.

In the short but bloody battle that took place at the uninhabited Johnson South Reef in the Union Banks on March 14, 1988, Chinese Navy troops backed by three warships shot dead 64 Vietnamese soldiers, who were attempting to land and raise a flag to claim control over the reef.

They also sank two Vietnamese transport ships and captured nine soldiers.

Ten days later, China occupied another feature in the South China Sea  Subi Reef  and by the end of 1988, it took possession of six atolls and rocks within the Spratly archipelago.

Reclamation works were carried out on all of them and three larger features  Subi Reef, Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef  have been fully militarized with missile arsenals, radar systems and other military facilities, according to the U.S. Navy.

An aerial view of China-occupied Subi Reef, in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. [Reuters/Francis Malasig/Pool]

Every year since 1988, the Vietnamese public have been holding ceremonies to honor the fallen soldiers, for a long time without the governments sanction as Hanoi was careful not to fuel anti-China sentiment among the population and offend its big neighbor.

Several public rallies to mark the Johnson South skirmish in the past were dispersed by the authorities who didnt want the crowds to get out of hand.

Recently though there have been noticeable changes.

Heinous crime

Chinas and Vietnams official accounts differ over what happened on March 14, 1988.

According to Chinese naval troops, the Vietnamese side attacked them after a dispute but Vietnam said the Chinese Navy opened fire first at unarmed Vietnamese soldiers.

Vietnamese media, which for years omitted the word China in their reports on the event, now have begun using more confrontational language.

VietnamNet, one of the largest news portals, in an editorial on Sunday called Chinas actions in 1988 perverse and a gross violation of international law.

On the same day, a large commemoration was held in Danang, one of Vietnams key seaports.

The official Voice of Vietnam also dedicated a prominent page on its website to the anniversary.

We should be sober and memorize this heinous crime that China committed against Vietnamese martyrs, Nguyen Dinh Bin, former standing deputy foreign minister, wrote on Facebook.

We should strive to develop the relationship with China into one of peace, cooperation and mutual respect, Bin wrote, pointing that these most important bilateral relations for Vietnam should conform to the international law as well as the norms of modern civilization.

Anti-China protesters hold placards, which read The country will not forget  Johnson South Reef  14th March, 1988, during a gathering to mark the 28th anniversary of the Spratly Islands clashes between Vietnam and China, at a public park in Hanoi. March 14, 2016. [Reuters/Kham]

Government and military officials however have warned about the need to keep a cool head and not let sentiments take over strategic calculations.

We need to stay clear-headed and rational in our dealings with China, said a senior Vietnamese naval officer who wanted to stay anonymous as hes not authorized to speak to foreign media.

The target is a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, he told Radio Free Asia (RFA, a news service affiliated with BenarNews. It is still a long way for us to achieve.

Diplomats from the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN and China held a three-day meeting in Jakarta last week to discuss the COC.

China and four ASEAN countries  Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam  hold overlapping claims in the South China Sea but Beijings claim is by far the largest.

A legally binding COC may help reduce tension and prevent conflicts in the region.
A volunteer collects oil spill debris from the sunken fuel tanker MT Princess Empress on the shore of Pola, in Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines, March 7, 2023.

Updated at 11:45 a.m. ET on 2023-03-13

A Japanese Coast Guard team has arrived in the country to assist in efforts to assess a major oil spill that has affected fishermen and is threatening a fragile marine ecosystem in the central Philippines, officials said Monday.

The 11-member team from Tokyo is to help evaluate the environmental fallout of the spill in the central province of Oriental Mindoro where several coastal areas have been impacted by oil that leaked when tanker MT Princess Empress sank off its shores on Feb. 28.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources previously said that nearly 600 hectares of coral reefs, 362 hectares of seagrass or seaweeds and more than 1,600 hectares of mangroves were in danger.

Lets work together, Philippine Coast Guard commandant Adm. Artemio Abu told reporters Monday.

If were talking about distance [of the oil spread], its 70 km [43 miles] from the sinking site, going to Antique in Caluya Island. Its the farthest it has gone so far.

Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Japanese ambassador to the Philippines, previously promised that his country would help contain the spill.

We are one with you in these trying times, he said.

On Monday, the coast guards BRP Corregidor ferried more than five tons of equipment from the Japan Disaster Response Team to help in the mission.

MT Princess Empress, operated by the domestic firm RDC Reield Marine Services, was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank in rough seas off the island last month. Its 20-man crew members were safely rescued by a passing ship.

Following the incident, officials imposed a fishing ban in seven coastal towns affected by the oil spill.

Abu said authorities have advised local officials in affected areas to put safety nets in place to shield areas projected to be affected by the spill.

An image provided by the National Mapping and Resource Imaging Authority (NAMRIA) appeared to show that the oil tanks on the ship were intact, and what had spilled was operational fuel, the coast guard said.

There are no visible leaks yet coming from its tanks, coast guard spokesman Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said in a radio interview in Manila on Monday, adding that the tanker is 400 meters below sea level.

However, it is not certain that the industrial fuel has not leaked.

A satellite image shows the oil spill linked to the sinking of the MT Princess Empress tanker, March 10, 2023. [Planet Labs Inc.]

Apology

On Monday, RDC Reield, the tankers owner, apologized for the spill, and said it was working closely with the government as well as contracted oil spill experts to minimize the damage.

We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spills effect on the environment, the company said in a statement.

We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and peoples lives and clean up the spill.

Focus at the moment is coming up with a phased approach as advised by experts, the company said, adding that tugs carrying oil spill response equipment were working with the coast guard for at-sea containment, recovery and storage of the recovered oil.

The company also retained a French oil spill response firm, Le Floch Depollution, to help in the clean-up, it said.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) said some of the oil slick in the waters off Oriental Mindoro could end up in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) by March 16, threatening more than 36,000 hectares of marine habitat.

Such a scenario was based on a model simulation from March 10 to 16, over two weeks after MT Princess Empress sank near Naujan town.

The VIP is home to endangered and threatened species, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers and giant clams, the UPMSI said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week said that he hoped locating the sunken tanker and safely siphoning off its cargo could be done in four months.

Jeoffrey Maitem and Basilio Sepe in Manila, and Froilan Gallardo in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, contributed to this report.
How the lefts corruption of the courts imprisoned another Republican as a fall guy for the 2008 real estate crash By Rachel Alexander

web posted March 13, 2023 The fallout from the 2008 real estate market crash has continued for years, as Republicans languish in prison, demonized as fall guys for the big banks. When the public clamored for scalps, Democratic prosecutors pounced on conservative small business owners in the real estate industry. Here is a classic example of how the legal system is manipulated on the inside to target a conservative and make them the fall guy for a bigger scandal, protecting the powerful who are really responsible. Settlement agent Mark Andreotti was accused of defrauding banks out of $2.1 million in 2010 and 2011, and convicted without an opportunity to fairly defend himself during trial. But what was the real story , which never came out at trial? Andreottis former business associate, a real estate attorney, misappropriated money from business escrow accounts at a title agency. When Andreotti discovered it and confronted him, the associate promised to repay the money but never did, then he died. Incredibly, none of this information was allowed to come out at trial, but Andreotti has compiled all the evidence . It appears to show his attorney, John P. McGovern, colluded with federal prosecutors, making a deal to help protect the credibility of the prosecutions key witness during trial. Andreotti recorded McGovern admitting to the deal several months before trial, but the Court refused to review the recording or allow Andreotti to change attorneys. Andreottis former bookkeeper was the prosecutions key witness. McGovern could have attacked her credibility, as was his responsibility as defense counsel, to cast doubt on her testimony and invalidate numerous claims made by the prosecutors. But something happened right after McGovern started cross-examining her. The prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Shana Chen, asked to speak privately with McGovern. After that conversation, McGovern shut down the cross-examination. Bizarrely, Andreotti was never allowed to put his accountant Steven Weiss on the stand to testify, whose testimony would have decimated the prosecution's case. When Judge Susan Wigenton was informed that Mr. Weiss could not testify before the weekend, she responded by stating, Were not waiting for him. Strangely, Andreotti said the judges comment was removed from the official transcript  which is a felony if true  but Andreotti recorded his attorney talking to him about it. McGovern never filed an objection or brought the judges statements up in Court again. McGovern did not cross-examine any witness, other than basic questions without direction and which favored the prosecution. He didnt offer Andreottis version or any version of events that conflicted with the prosecution. McGovern did not put any witness on the stand except for Andreotti, and he suggested that Andreotti NOT invite his family and friends to the trial. There were other shady maneuvers done to ensure Andreotti went away for a long time. The prosecution got him removed from his home with his wife by stating that his wife had volunteered to be a witness. They accused him of obstructing justice because hed spoken to his wife about the case. His wife, who is now his ex-wife, said she never volunteered to be a witness; the FBI forced her to be on the list. Ultimately, she was never prepared for trial by the prosecution or called to testify. But due to this alleged obstruction of justice, 30 months was added onto Andreottis sentence. The entire incident was bizarre considering in criminal law, spousal privilege protects a spouse from testifying against another. Another strange trick that was pulled on Andreotti was not allowing his bookkeeper to discuss at trial a property she bought from him, which was one of the properties where his associate had diverted funds. It would not have increased his sentence. Instead, it was brought up after he was convicted as relevant conduct which resulted in an enhancement to his sentence, translating to another 30 months added onto his prison sentence. Andreotti isnt trying to escape responsibility for the loss of the money, after all it was his business, and his mistakes. However, there was no deliberate intent to defraud, nor did he benefit from the loss. Certainly, he should not have been sentenced to 12 years in prison, which is longer than a conviction of this type would require. By comparison, Theranos Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to less time than Andreotti, and she defrauded investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. His recorded meetings with McGovern show there is collusion going on between the court-appointed attorneys and prosecutors. McGovern gets referrals from the prosecution, and in order for those referrals to keep coming, I believe hes expected to compromise his defense of clients. When Andreotti asked McGovern if he could hire him personally, he said McGovern responded and said no, The government is my client. Thats why Andreotti started recording his phone calls with him. At the very least, McGovern violated ethical rules by assisting the prosecution during trial, and for failing to report this deal. The legal abuses are continuing as Andreotti works on his appeal. He said the clerk has tried to dismiss his appeal three times for failure to file, but all three times has been reversed. This is concerning since it may show a pattern of dismissing allegations of fraud in order to protect the status quo. Hes had no luck reporting the prosecutors to various enforcement and prosecutorial oversight agencies, hes usually given the excuse that his appeal is still being litigated. Fortunately, Andreotti was allowed to transfer to home confinement last winter due to COVID-19. He must have been low-profile enough that the left didnt block it, in contrast to high-profile conservatives . But his family has suffered immensely. He was unable to see his mother before she died because he was in prison. Andreotti says, It was the overzealous, win at all costs attitude of the liberal prosecutors and agents of the DOJ Federal Housing Finance Office that caused them to act fraudulently. He is just getting started on exposing the corruption. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative . She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home
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

In Case You Missed It:

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New programme to leverage the complementary capabilities and resources of the innovation ecosystem of both the countries

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency, have joined hands by signing a Letter of Intent to encourage joint cooperation to drive innovation activities in areas of national challenges and shared priorities of both countries.

The move comes during the India visit of the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 March 2023 in New Delhi. The meeting between the Prime Ministers spanned across areas of mutual interest and explored avenues of strengthening bilateral engagement in a range of key areas with innovation as one key item.

The Letter of Intent between AIM and CSIRO calls for a greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest and strategic priorities and serves as a general framework for cooperation intended to facilitate the development of more program specific interventions.

The core of the bilateral engagement is the India Australia Innovation and Technology Challenge (IA-ITC) - a programme envisioned to bring together the innovation ecosystems of India and Australia to address shared environmental and economic challenges by supporting cohorts of startups and SMEs on their commercialisation pathways and bring to market innovative tech-based solutions spanning across circular economy, energy transition and food system resilience etc.

AIM and CSIRO are currently working on the design and development of the IA-ITC programme delivery model to ensure the IA-ITC is sustainable, innovative, impactful and aligns with the strategic interests of both India and Australia. The official launch of the programme is expected to be in July 2023.
Acquires Seagen for $229 per Seagen share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $43 billion

American pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pfizer will acquire Seagen, a US-based biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercialises transformative cancer medicines, for $229 in cash per Seagen share for a total enterprise value of $43 billion. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction.

Seagen expects to generate approximately $2.2 billion of revenue in 2023, representing 12% year-over-year growth, from its four in-line medicines, royalties and collaboration and license agreements. When combining the expected strong growth trajectories for these medicines with candidates that could emerge from Seagen's pipeline, subject to clinical trial and regulatory success, Pfizer believes Seagen could contribute more than $10 billion in risk-adjusted revenues in 2030, with potential significant growth beyond 2030.

Seagen is a pioneer in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, with four of the twelve total FDA-approved and marketed ADCs using its technology industry-wide. ADCs are a transformative modality that is emerging as a powerful tool across a broad range of cancers designed to preferentially kill cancer cells and limit off-target toxicities. Seagen has developed a leadership position in ADC technologies since its founding 25 years ago, with groundbreaking and proprietary technology that is positioned for significant growth in 2023 and beyond.
It is great to see many corporates recognising the importance of preventive action and also role of caregivers

The first case of Cancer was reported in the 16th and 17th centuries, and while there has been tons of research done on the subject including advancement in the treatment, the C word still creates a sense of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness for most people.

Today unfortunately, almost all of us know of someone affected by cancer or undergoing treatment. Many of us have lost our loved ones too to this dreadful disease. The statistics have only worsened in the last few years with research stating that 1 in 10 Indians is likely to get cancer once in their lifetime.

As per research by World Health Organisation, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research and National library of medicine and Lancet Global health journal:

About one in every five, or 21 per cent, cases of cervical cancer globally are reported from India

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer for women in India and 1 woman is detected of Breast Cancer every 4 minutes

Mortality due to tobacco use in India is estimated at upwards of 3500 persons every day and oral cancer is the most prevalent for men

These figures are scary and definitely alarming. In addition to this the economic burden in terms of GDP for the country, is estimated to be in the range of US dollars 36 to 40 billion by 2030 considering the potential productive life lost.

Why am I writing about it? The most important data point is that the number of deaths due to cancer in India as compared to USA and other developed countries is almost 50% higher. This is not due to lack of healthcare facilities or treatment but due to late detection. Like most things about health, we have a reactive approach to cancer.

Experts tell us that a very large number of cancers are curable if detected early and thus it is high time that we adopt a proactive approach to cancer and build in a discipline of regular and consistent check-ups irrespective of family history or symptoms. On one hand where we expect work to happen on making cancer treatment affordable and accessible and the relevant stakeholders are working in the area, there is room for each of us to make an impact.

Each of us can play an active role in ensuring that we spread awareness and conduct timely tests for ourselves and our loved ones. As leaders in organisations, we can build these into annual health checks for our employees. It is great to see many corporates recognising the importance of preventive action and also role of caregivers. Most progressive organisations have policies to support and provide flexible working options for caregivers. Moving from intent to action, requires a mindset change and if each one of us commit to take action, it will result in a significant multiplier impact.

Let us take a pledge to take at least one action that impacts our sphere of influence.

Preeti Malhotra, Co-Owner & Practice Head - Wellness, Great Place to Work India
Manufacturing companies rely on software and systems to ensure their operations are efficient, effective, and profitable. However, these systems also come with inherent risks . These risks can lead to costly errors, downtime, and security breaches.

For this reason, it's critical for manufacturers to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement risk management strategies to protect their operations and assets. In this article, we'll explore why software and system risk assessment and management are essential for manufacturers, the benefits of risk management, how to conduct a risk assessment, and how to mitigate risk using an ERP solution like Quickeasy BOS.

Surviving and thriving requires keen recognition and response to change. A manufacturers risk assessment practices should incorporate agility and flexibility, so the company can recognise and respond to risks that were not evident a year or two earlier. - Deloitte

Why system risk assessment is important

Manufacturing companies operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment, with new technologies emerging regularly. As such, it's essential to assess and manage the risks associated with these technologies and systems continually.

Fragmented technology

As new apps and software become available, they are gradually added and patched into the operations cycle. While each app brings its unique benefits, not many are designed to seamlessly communicate company data between itself and other apps.

For example, using a separate accounting system to your manufacturing platform could open up the business to risk, errors, time delays, duplicate work, and confusion. Ideally, accounting, manufacturing, and back office systems should be integrated into the ERP system.

Software and system failures can result in lost productivity, revenue, and damage to the company's reputation. Furthermore, in today's digital age, cybersecurity threats are a constant concern. A single cyber-attack can cause a significant impact on the business, ranging from financial losses to stolen intellectual property.

Outdated technology

In many instances, manufacturers have a system that was custom-built for them a few decades back when ERP systems were in their infancy. Slow, temperamental, laborious, difficult to maintain and update, these systems prefer to work in isolation and often lack the agility needed in modern business to interface with other essential systems.

Or, even more concerning, manufacturers may use spreadsheets and other manual, non-communicative systems to run their business.

This exposes the company to significant risk from human error, time-wasting processes, and lack of clarity.

Lack of process control

Sometimes the organisation has all the latest tech, integrations, and systems in place. However, processes and workflows are not set up with risk management in mind.

Without accurate setups, backups, documentation, workflow and process controls in place, the organisation could be exposed to significant risk.

The benefits of risk management

Effective risk management strategies can help manufacturers to identify potential risks and take measures to prevent them from occurring.

By conducting a risk assessment, companies can develop an understanding of their risks and develop mitigation strategies. This can include regular system updates and security patches, employee training, and more.

By implementing these strategies, manufacturers can reduce their risk exposure and minimise the impact of any potential threats. This leads to greater operational efficiency, increased productivity, and enhanced security.

How to carry out a risk assessment

A risk assessment involves identifying potential threats, assessing their likelihood and impact, and developing a mitigation plan.

Systems inventory. The first step is to identify the assets and systems that are critical to the manufacturing process, including hardware, software, and data. This involves conducting a thorough inventory of all systems, including those used by third-party vendors. Threat analysis. Once the inventory is complete, the next step is to identify potential threats, such as hardware failures, software vulnerabilities, and cyber-attacks. The likelihood and impact of each threat are then assessed, and a risk score is assigned. Impact analysis. Once you've identified potential risks, the next step is to assess their likelihood and impact. If you use an ERP system like QuickEasy BOS then it includes powerful analytics tools that enable you to evaluate risks based on various scenarios. By simulating different scenarios, you can gain a better understanding of the potential impact of each risk and prioritise your risk mitigation efforts accordingly. Risk management plan. Once the risk assessment is complete, manufacturers can develop a mitigation plan that outlines the steps necessary to reduce or eliminate the identified risks. This includes implementing measures to prevent cyber-attacks, such as firewalls and antivirus software, regular data backups, workflow checks, employee training, and more. By regularly reviewing and updating the mitigation plan, manufacturers can stay ahead of emerging threats and reduce their risk exposure continually.



How ERP helps assess, manage, and mitigate risk

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software like Quickeasy BOS can be an essential tool for manufacturers looking to mitigate risk.

Automation and standardisation

First and foremost, an ERP system allows for the standardisation of work processes. By automating repetitive tasks and providing a clear roadmap for employees to follow, an ERP system minimises the chances of human error and ensures that procedures are consistently followed. This, in turn, reduces the risk of mistakes that could lead to costly errors.

Closes the gaps

ERP systems integrate all aspects of a manufacturing operation, including inventory management, production scheduling, and financial management. By consolidating all of these functions into a single system, ERP software can help manufacturers to streamline their processes, reduce errors, and enhance their overall efficiency.

Checklists and audits

QuickEasy BOS has strong functionality that minimises transactional risk through a checklist or approval system.

This system ensures that all necessary steps are taken before a transaction is completed. It provides a clear audit trail and helps to mitigate the risk of fraud or other unethical behaviour.

Essentially, users need to literally tick all the boxes before they can proceed to the next step. This could be to ensure currency on the purchase order matches the supplier's currency, or that the product prices are not more than 5% higher than on previous purchase orders.

You can also add manual checks for users to confirm that the item purchased matches the engineering specification.

In doing so, the ERP system itself has checks and balances in place that significantly reduce risk.

Analyses data

Our ERP system allows you to easily track and analyse data across all areas of your operations, including finance, inventory, production, and sales. By having real-time visibility into your business processes, you can quickly identify potential risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them before they become major issues.

Tracks discrepancies

Furthermore, QuickEasy BOS has the capability to find discrepancies in master data such as customers, suppliers, items, and more. By identifying inconsistencies in this data, you can quickly take corrective action and avoid any potential negative impacts on your business.

Transactional clarity

In addition, our ERP system enables you to closely monitor transactions, allowing you to spot any irregularities or suspicious activity. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that handle sensitive financial information or deal with large volumes of transactions. By having a clear picture of your financial data, you can easily identify potential issues before they become major problems.

User access control

Furthermore, ERP software can also help manufacturers to mitigate risk by providing enhanced data security and privacy features. Quickeasy BOS, for example, offers robust access control features, user authentication, and encryption to protect sensitive data.

Risk management consulting

QuickEasy not only provides customised ERP solutions that in and of itself reduce risk, the consultants are experienced in implementing risk management processes.

Check setups with clients to identify potential weaknesses or oversights



Ensure backups are running



Setup work processes for documented processes



Train staff and new team members on new functionality



Integrate existing or new systems with the ERP to create a closed loop

Is once a year enough for risk assessments?

The short answer: no. Risk assessment and management should become part of the daily operations rather than a periodic project. By utilising available technology and data analytics tools, manufacturers can gain better insight into potential risks and respond quickly.

Mitigating risks often requires changes to your work processes, and that's where our ERP system and our consultants really shine. With QuickEasy BOS Software, you can easily customise workflows and automate processes to reduce the likelihood of errors and improve efficiency. By streamlining your operations and reducing the risk of manual errors, you can minimise the likelihood of disruptions and costly mistakes.

Final thoughts

A company's culture of risk management makes identifying and addressing vulnerabilities part of everyday operations. Challenge the existing processes, systems, and workflows to assess if there is a more efficient way to assess risk and enhance the risk management.

Effective risk management is critical for any business, and our ERP system is designed to help you identify, assess, and mitigate risks through your work processes.

By standardising work processes, identifying discrepancies in master data, closely monitoring transactions, and using a checklist and approval system, you can minimise the chances of costly errors and reduce your exposure to risk.

With powerful analytics tools, customisable workflows, and advanced security features, QuickEasy BOS helps you protect your business from potential disruptions and losses. Implementing an ERP system like QuickEasy BOS is an excellent way to manage risk in your business.
Innovations such as DBE-E3, the Department of Basic Education's flagship programme, is an attempt to change South Africa's education crisis. While most academic curriculums focus on the core academic subjects, which still remain important, many learners aren't gaining the skill sets required to seamlessly integrate into the business environment.

Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-and-boy-doing-school-project-7605901/ www.pexels.com]]

To achieve success in todays fast-paced, technology-driven and global economy a number of core skills are required to prepare learners for their future workplace.

"A matric that has experienced true project-based learning, even if that is not the term they or their teachers used, will benefit because they are developing the skills to turn their problems into projects. And they have developed the mind-set that failure is itself learning, and experienced the success that comes from persistence and finding support. Even a matric who failed their exams, or did not get the results they wanted, can shake off that failure and use opportunities like the second chance programme if they have had at least some experience to know that through iteration and support, they can try again. They are less likely to give up, or feel like they have to do it all on their own, says James Donald, executive director of DBE-E3.

Authentic learning

DBE-E3, the Department of Basic Educations flagship programme in South Africa, seeks to equip educators to prepare learner to be solution-seeking active participants in the world after school. We live in a project-based world. Think about it. Whether youre planning a virtual field trip or creating the perfect work-from-home space, youre working on a project.

In fact, many of us organise our tasks by projects and work collaboratively with other teams and colleagues to solve problems. DBE-E3 aims to bring authentic learning into the classroom so that learning has real-life applications and thus real meaning to learners.

Education has to be far more about the entrepreneurial mindset; it has to develop not just skills but also the attitudes that enable young people to enjoy a challenge and to seek solutions to every problem.

Project-based learning is not the only change to the curriculum that DBE is looking at. Over the last three years, they have been working in a very dedicated and strategic way to support learners in career pathing, based on the individuals abilities and interests. A one-approach-fits-all, where everyone follows an academic path, is simply not working. People are wired differently, and flourish in different settings.

DBE-E3 was originally a small research group piloting and testing new pedagogies or methodologies for activating 21st century competencies in learners. Their mandate now is to deliver a blueprint for a tested pedagogy that the Department of Basic Education can roll out at scale. By 2024, they want to have reached 24,000 schools.

The end game is the effective creation of better work habits and improved attitudes towards learning, resulting in the long-term retention of skills.
South African rapper Costa Titch, whose real name is Costa Tsobanoglou, has died. According to reports, the 28 years old collapsed on stage during his performance at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, 11 March.

Videos were posted on social media show the Big Flexa hitmaker falling twice while dazzling party-goers at Expo Centre in Nasrec. He's known for his many hits such as Activate and Nkalakatha.

His death comes just a month after another rapper Kiernan Forbes famously known as AKA was shot dead on Durban.

The family thanked "emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth."

"As a family, were are faced with a difficult time as we try to make sense of what has befallen us and ask that we be afforded the time and space to gather ourselves."

"The Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have given to our son, and may you continue to uplift him even in spirit. Please keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord", ended the statement.

Costa won Best Collaboration and Best Remix for his Nkalakatha remix featuring Riky Rick and AKA at the 2020 South African Hip Hop Awards.

He recently signed to Senegalese-American rapper Akon's record label Konvict Kulture. The Lonely rapper recently featured on the remix of Costa's hit song Big Flexa.
Saudi-Iran ties were renewed, which Arab countries and the EU saw as positive for their diplomatic relationship in the turbulent region. These countries see it as a step towards increasing cooperation and establishing stability in the Middle East.

Saudi-Iran Ties Restored

A statement from the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry of Syria said that seeking collaboration and less tension will help the two countries achieve common goals, as reported by Almayadeen.

The Syrian Ministry says that all efforts will extend to all countries in the Middles to face the many trial and tribulations of the region. It was not just Syrian expressing their opinion, which included the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is seen as a direction toward an environment of stability and prosperity in the region.

Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, met Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to show solidarity with the Syrian tragedy brought on by the quake. One of the first prominent foreign dignitaries who visited last month, noted Reuters.

A remark from a diplomatic of the UAE president commented on Friday about the news of diplomatic ties between KSA and Tehran. Anwar Gargash posted on social media that the two nations restored bilateral ties, which Beijing mediated.

The UAE considers diplomacy significant in communication and discussion among all regional nations. It would promote good relationships that will be the basis for a stable future, cited Gulf Today. Other Arab states like Egypt and Qatar expressed hope for a better future.

Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Women Make Strong Plea to Vladimir Putin

EU Reacts To the Regional Event

The bloc, like other countries, sees the Saudi-Iranian diplomatic ties due to China's efforts to convince Riyadh and Tehran it's time to end differences.

Peter Stano, the primary spokesman of the external bloc affairs, stated their official position that the bloc called resumption of ties between them is a development it approves diplomatic efforts which are focused on these diplomatic overtures, as mentioned by Anadolu.

Riyadh and Tehran are the lynchpins to achieving regional security for the whole region. Brussels points to the de-escalation of conflicts that allows a path to gaining peace with a stable region. While speaking of the matter, the representative of Brussels says that it will interact and promote an inclusive approach with transparency.

Last Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping helped the two reach an end to a strained relationship lasting seven years. Their consulates will be reopened again after getting close.

Based on the joint statement issued, Tehran and Riyadh agreed to restart diplomatic ties about two months from now. The two thanked Iraq and Oman for being involved in talks during 2021 and 2022. Ties were cut between Tehran and Riyadh after executing Sheikh Nimr Baqir Al-Nimr in 2016.

Saudi-Iran ties are welcomed by Arab countries as a positive move to stabilize the region. The EU also gave support to the thawing leading to closer ties.

Related Article: Saudi Arabia-Iran Conflict Timeline: How Did Tensions Start?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the newly appointed vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Johannesburg, was officially inaugurated into his position at a recent ceremony. The inauguration ceremony, which came with all the pomp and circumstance of a university graduation, was attended by UJ's executive leadership and student representative council (SRC) members, as well as its stakeholders, including alumni and donors, vice-chancellors of other universities and representatives of government and business.

The Sanlam Auditorium at the Universitys Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus broke into song and ululation as Prof Mpedis name was called. The jubilant scenes continued as he stepped onto the podium, where he gracefully accepted the baton to lead the University into a new era of education.

Prof Mpedi becomes the third vice-chancellor to take up the reins of UJ in its 18 years since the institution came into existence, following the merger between the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. Until his appointment, Prof Mpedi was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic (UJ), a position he was appointed to in 2021. Prior to that, he was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law (UJ).

University of Johannesburg vice-chancellor and principal Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi is officially robed. Image supplied

I am honoured to be leading this great university. I am ever mindful of the astonishing institution I am inheriting. In our countrys democratic history, UJ is still considered relatively young, despite the weight we hold of various historically important institutions. This is a story I want to build on as we commence with a new chapter, said Prof Mpedi, as he acknowledged his predecessors, Prof Ihron Rensburg and Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, UJs first and second vice-chancellors, respectively.

The commitment to innovation, Pan-Africanism and the emergence as a fourth industrial revolution (4IR) university has become part of our DNA. This will continue to remain our focus and ethos going forward. However, we cannot ignore the context of the world around us. Steep rises in inequality, growing divisions, pandemics, climate change and leadership crises are but a few descriptors of our current era.

In his address, Prof Mpedi shared his vision to further position the University for the future. As a public university at the southern end of Africa, UJ does not exist in a vacuum. It exists in and is buffeted by an environment that is marred by these social, economic and political challenges of increasing extent and complexity. There are issues in our local and national environments, such as corruption and ineptitude, that need to be addressed head-on, but equally, we are not immune from the wicked challenges of our time. Universities have a mandate that extends beyond their own walls  we have a responsibility to society to provide answers.

Prof Mpedi pointed out that UJ has led the way in building understanding and capabilities in a changing world. And as this change accelerates, the role of technology is changing. Beyond the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, for instance, there is a distinct need to co-create a purposeful and inclusive societal future, within the reality of technology and constant innovation.

Guided by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UJ has already demonstrated that it is uniquely poised to combine its 4IR and education expertise to enable this future, equipping our students and the world with the knowledge tools and opportunities to solve societys most pressing needs.

Professor Mpedi reminded everyone in attendance of the value of approaching education through the gaze of societal impact. Of course, doing this in isolation is not an option. I extend this invitation to the whole UJ community, including the council, senate, alumni, staff, students, unions, institutions, and allies of the university, to ensure that our strategy is impactful, and people centred.
The iconic Cape Grace Hotel is set to transition into a fully branded Fairmont property by end of 2023, becoming the Cape Grace by Fairmont. The property has recently been purchased by Kasada Hospitality Fund LP, one of the leading independent real estate private equity platforms dedicated to hospitality in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: Supplied

Guests staying at the hotel can choose to stay at one of the 120 luxurious rooms, take advantage of two food and beverage outlets, enjoy the diverse vibrant tourist attractions available at the V&A Waterfront, located a short walking distance from the hotel, or take in the relaxing and private surrounding offered by the undisturbed ocean view from the property.

"We are noticing a real momentum in South Africa for luxury hotel brands, and we couldnt think of a more iconic hotel than Cape Grace to establish our footprint in the country," says Mark Willis, CEO of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

"The world-class service of the brand combined with the unique location and unparalleled level of luxury the Cape Grace Hotel will be featuring, offers the promise of an unforgettable experience to any guest or visitor coming into the property."
In the wake of February's State of the Nation Address and the subsequent Budget Speech, it's become clear that the South African government has finally realised something that most people in the sector have known for a long time. That is, providing meaningful incentives for companies and households to install solar power (with the eventual aim of feeding back into the grid) is, in fact, very cost-effective.

Matthew Cruise, head of business intelligence at Hohm Energy

Once fully implemented, the new tax incentives will allow businesses to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables. Domestic users, meanwhile, will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of rooftop panels, up to a maximum of R15,000.

While these incentives are undoubtedly important and a step in the right direction, its worth asking whether they go far enough. If we truly are to turn as many businesses and households as possible into power producers, are more incentives needed?

A disastrous state of affairs

In order to answer that question, its worth reminding ourselves just how bad load shedding has gotten. You might, for instance, be aware of the fact that South Africa experienced 200 days of load shedding in 2022, eclipsing the previous record by some distance. But that doesnt tell the full story.

Things appear even more dire once you start looking at the gigawatt-hours that were shed through the course of the year. Once you do that, it becomes apparent that South Africa shed almost five times as much electricity in 2022 as it did in 2021 (already a record year in and of itself).

Also of huge concern is that the higher stages of load shedding can cost the economy around R1bn a day. That means that in a year like 2022, hundreds of billions of rands were lost to the economy. Given the countrys well-publicised growth struggles over the past decade or so, along with its unemployment crisis, it's clearly an untenable situation.

Eskoms chairman, Mpho Makwana, recently asked South Africans to prioritise installing solar on their roofs and use as little of Eskoms products as possible. This is indicative of the state of Eskom going forward, as it is commentary that is coming from the very top of Eskom.

The power of incentives

It should be clear then that unless the incentives cost South Africa more than R200bn (something thats highly unlikely to be the case), theyre worth it. We also know that the right incentives can dramatically change a countrys energy prospects.

Vietnam, for instance, added more than 9GW of rooftop solar in 2020 alone, representing a 25-fold increase in solar-generating capacity. That is equivalent to nine stages of daytime load shedding and more than the combined output of Medupi and Kusile power stations, once theyre completed (something that wont happen for some time). Other countries and regions that have accrued similarly powerful boosts by incentivising solar are Germany, California, and South Australia.

But theres an important difference between the incentives those countries provided and the ones offered up in the Budget Speech. In addition to tax incentives, almost all of those markets offered attractive feed-in tariffs. Those tariffs mean that anyone whos installed solar panels can earn money by feeding energy back into the grid.

To date, the only government of any level to indicate that itll provide such tariffs is the City of Cape Town. If the national government is really serious about using solar to turn South Africas energy fortunes around, itll have to find ways of offering similar feed-in tariffs.

Potential funding avenues

One potential avenue for that is to redirect a portion of the R6.12c it takes from every litre of diesel bought in the country. Of course, some in government might be reluctant to do so. Apart from a few notable exceptions that benefit from the diesel fuel levy refund, those taxes effectively represent a boost to government coffers every time someone buys fuel for their generator. Thats nothing, however, compared to the boost that it would get from the economic growth and job opportunities that would result from widespread solar installations.

There is, however, another potential avenue. The State of Disaster regulations, now gazetted, allow for net metering. Thats a system which essentially credits solar energy system owners for each kilowatt-hour unit of electricity they add to the grid. So, if such a user were to still use more municipal power than they feed back into the grid, theyll get a substantial discount (importantly at a higher rate than theyll get from a feed-in tariff). Its also an option that immediately allows ordinary homeowners and businesses to feed back into the grid without having to install expensive smart meters and the like.

More needed, quickly

While the solar tax incentives should undoubtedly be welcomed, its also clear that more needs to be done. Unless funding is found for the feed-in tariffs that have worked so well for other countries and regions, the impact of the current incentives will be limited at best.
The introduction of an augmented and accelerated capital expenditure deduction for the cost of constructing renewable energy infrastructure in South Africa is a boon for companies that have not yet reached their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. It provides the opportunity to undertake reportable ESG initiatives and simultaneously enjoy a reduction in tax costs. Fully leveraging this opportunity will require a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of amended incentives and the dynamics of ESG reporting.

Image source: Petr Malinak  123RF.com

In the 2023 Budget Speech, the South African Minister of Finance, as part of the package of measures to increase the generation of electricity in South Africa, indicated the intention to amend the existing renewable energy capital allowances to remove generation thresholds and accelerate the period over which the costs incurred can be set off against a company's taxable income.

Renewable energy capital allowance

The Minister of Finance has announced that the proposed renewable energy capital allowance will not be subject to any generation thresholds and, importantly, the full cost, plus 25%, of new renewable energy assets will be deductible in the first year. This is a significant acceleration of the allowance from the current version, which is applicable for tax years ending on or before 28 February 2023.

The current renewable energy capital allowance is contained in section 12B of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. In its present form, the section provides for a deduction of the lesser of the actual and arms length costs of acquiring and installing any machinery, plant, implement, utensil or article used in the types of generation projects listed in section 12B(1)(h). The following types of renewable energy generation projects may benefit from the allowance:

Wind power



Photovoltaic solar energy of more than 1 megawatt



Photovoltaic solar energy not exceeding 1 megawatt



Concentrated solar energy



Hydropower to produce electricity of not more than 30 megawatts



Biomass generation comprising organic waste, landfill gas or plant material.

This allowance currently requires renewable energy assets to be brought into use for the first time as part of the taxpayers trade, and to be owned by the taxpayer or purchased under a qualifying instalment credit agreement. The capital allowance for the costs of renewable energy assets is spread over three years on a 50%/30%/20% basis. However, an exception is made for photovoltaic solar energy not exceeding 1MW (megawatt), which is deductible fully in the first year of expenditure. Any foundation or supporting structure that is designed for the generation asset and built for the purpose of the generation project ought to be deemed to be part of the generation asset, subject to the allowance and claimable under section 12B.

The tax amendment bills, to be introduced into parliament in the coming months, will set out the specific requirements for the expanded renewable energy capital allowance. The particular parameters of the amended allowance will determine the utility and accessibility of the incentive. It is therefore critical for businesses seeking to utilise the allowance to ensure that the technical and other requirements are fully incorporated into the implementation of any renewable energy project.

To maximise the commercial and reputational benefits of deploying renewable energy initiatives, the outcome of the expenditure must enhance the company's reportable ESG credentials according to its selected reporting framework.

ESG reporting

Embracing environmentally sustainable business practices has become an essential part of doing business. While the importance of sustainability is clear from a climate risk perspective, it has recently grown into a key commercial driver, with a simultaneous increasing focus on ESG reporting.

ESG reporting requires companies to disclose the efforts taken to conduct business in a way that is cognisant of environmental sustainability, social welfare, and transparent and appropriate corporate governance. Recent trends indicate that accurate and consistent ESG reporting is directly linked to a company's financial stability, especially considering the rise of sustainable, socially responsible investing and consumption.

International directives

Various jurisdictions are considering compulsory ESG reporting requirements, with some mandatory reporting obligations already in place across international markets. In the United Kingdom and Singapore, certain companies are obliged to report on specific ESG topics, such as the impact of their activities on the environment. The European Commission will implement the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in 2023, with compulsory ESG reporting beginning as early as 2024-2025. The CSRD requires EU companies, as well as qualifying non-EU companies, to report on a wide range of ESG risks, and to make this information easily accessible to the public. Similarly, the United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has also considered mandating ESG disclosures.

In May 2022, the SEC published for public comment various changes to the existing regulatory framework, which will oblige public companies to include environmental risks, such as their independently verified greenhouse gas emissions, in their financial risk reporting. These changes would require investment fund advisers registered with the SEC to include the ESG risks and strategies of the funds they endorse in their prospectuses and brochures. This proposal ties in with the increase in demand for sustainable investment worldwide, and strengthens the importance of ESG reporting.

South Africa

While these international directives are important for South African companies conducting business in those jurisdictions, ESG is also developing into a key requirement for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) by virtue of the JSE Listings Requirements. Due to their obligations under the Listing Requirements and King IV, listed companies are required to incorporate ESG disclosures into their annual reports. The JSE further supports the incorporation of ESG through the Sustainability Disclosure Guidance and the Climate Disclosure Guidance, published in June 2022. These documents provide clarity for listed companies on best practices when making disclosures in line with their obligations under the Listing Requirements and King IV.

ESG reporting is still a relatively novel area of corporate governance and this fast growing field does not yet provide standardised guidance, given that there is no single source for authoritative reporting standards. This can make it difficult for companies to compare their reporting against different frameworks. Further, reporting is still voluntary in some jurisdictions.

It is important to note the difference between ESG frameworks and standards. An ESG framework provides broad principles that guide the reporting process. ESG standards contain specific outlines of the methodology, criteria and information required for a specific report. Where frameworks provide the final destination of a report, standards outline the route to get there.

GRI standards

Given that ESG reporting is not yet standardised, companies are free to report in terms of the standards most suitable to their industry and activities. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) are one example of such ESG standards.

The GRI Standards provide comprehensive and easily comparable standards for businesses to report on their non-financial metrics. They are designed as a modular set, covering three interconnected types of reporting:

The Universal Standards applying to all organisations, and which include reporting on human rights and environmental due diligence



The Sector Standards which are industry-specific



The Topic Standards, which deal with nuanced topics particular to a business.

A GRI report may cover all of the Standards collectively, or may only include information material to the needs of a specific company's stakeholders. It is important to note, however, that businesses looking to register a report with GRI will need to obtain third-party verification of the information contained in the report, as GRI carefully disclaims that they do not verify or pass judgement on the quality of disclosures. The GRI Standards make provision for reporting on renewable energy activities through the Environmental Topic Standards. In light of radical development of environmental sustainability interventions, these Standards are due to undergo a major review, to be finalised in 2024.

While ESG reporting may not yet be a regulated obligation, given the importance investors and other key stakeholders place in a company's ESG credentials, companies should take the necessary measures to report adequately. Comprehensive and accurate reporting requires expert guidance to help navigate this dynamic area of compliance.

Overall, ESG reporting metrics, like the Environmental Topic Standards, enable businesses in South Africa to capitalise on the potential for significant reputational and commercial benefits presented by the opportunity to install cost-effective renewable energy capacity. They can do so by leveraging the tax cost reduction available under the augmented renewable energy tax incentives announced in the South African Budget Speech. This opportunity requires the necessary expertise to ensure that renewable energy capital expenditure fits within the parameters of the tax incentive and that these initiatives are appropriately reported for ESG purposes.
Yesterday, World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced with great pleasure a joint project of the IPU Parliament and WHO, which can guide parliamentarians along the path towards health for all, including on law-making, finance, taxation and accountability.

A few days ago, we published an article warning that the World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to begin installing a One World Government under the guise of global health security. If you didnt believe us then, this latest development should convince you now.

IPU Parliament claims to empower parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development. Out of 190 parliaments in the world, 178 national parliaments are members of IPU. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) began in 1889 by Englishman William Randal Cremer and Frenchman Frederic Passy. You can read more about the history of IPU HERE.

And WHO is a private organisation, a puppet organisation that is funded by Globalist billionaires. Bill Gates, along with the organisations he controls, is, by far, the largest financial contributor to WHO. Only 13% of WHOs budget comes from assessed contributions, which are set amounts paid by member-state governments.

All parliamentarians who want to protect citizens and their nations sovereignty, freedom and rights from these want-to-be global dictators should be calling for their governments to stop funding and exit the WHO. Any who arent, by default, are identifying themselves as Globalists and puppets of the planned One World Government.

Some have been already calling to #ExitTheWHO  based on the secretive negotiations taking place regarding amendments to the international health regulations and a proposed pandemic treaty  but this latest development should leave no one in any doubt of the dictators at WHOs intentions. All parliamentarians and all citizens of all nations need to join the calls to put an end to the Globalists dystopian dreams of a one world totalitarian state which is under the rule of a very few.

Exit The WHO

Over the past two weeks, the US and other members of WHO have been negotiating ways to give sweeping new powers to WHOs Director-General. Through material changes to existing international health regulations and/or a new pandemic accord, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus would be able to declare actual or potential public health emergencies of international concern in any country based on privately supplied information and without the agreement of the nation(s) affected. Worse yet, he can unilaterally dictate what must be done in response.

The idea of granting WHO and its leadership such potentially fraught authorities is all the more problematic in light of their imperious, and malfeasant, conduct at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the course of the covid-19 pandemic. But, the approval of one or both of these agreements is likely  all other things being equal  to happen when the World Health Assembly meets in May 2023. The new WHO authorities would become provisionally binding on member states, irrespective of whether or not they ultimately endorse them.

Especially troubling is the convergence of these initiatives with measures promoted by WHO to institute global digital identity cards to document and monitor vaccination status and other medical conditions. When combined with the proliferating introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), these smart IDs would facilitate efforts to monitor, control and enforce WHOs diktats, and punish those who defy them.

Below is an easy-to-digest webinar describing the WEF-WHO-CCP power grab and the imminent threat to our country and our sovereignty. The webinar, hosted by the Committee on the Present Danger: China, covers the nature of WHO, the CCP as the dominant force at WHO and the consequences of the adoption of the China model. A copy of the transcript can be found HERE.

NTD News: Committee on the Present Danger (China), Whos on First at the WHO: The CCP Runs It  and We Must Leave It,

11 March 2023 (88 mins)

If the video above is removed from YouTube you can watch it on Rumble HERE.
Staffed by British special forces veterans, Pilgrims Group quietly shaped international coverage of the MH17 disaster as it shepherded journalists to and from the crash site.

In November of 2022, a final judgment arrived in the trial of alleged perpetrators of the attack on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). Russian nationals Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy, and Donbas separatist Leonid Kharchenko, were convicted in absentia for the murder of MH17s 283 passengers and 15 crew members. They were ruled to have arranged the transfer of the Buk surface-to-air missile system that reportedly struck the plane.

Oleg Pulatov, the only defendant to seek legal representation during the trial, was conversely acquitted on all charges, which prosecutors will not appeal.

The Malaysian airliner had been purportedly shot down by a missile on July 17th 2014, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew aboard.

Heavily dependent on information supplied by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the Western government-funded open source investigations organization known as Bellingcat, the guilty verdicts appeared to vindicate an established narrative in which Russia and its Donbas allies were solely culpable.

But as this investigation will reveal, much of the news coverage of MH17 was heavily influenced by a shadowy entity called Pilgrims Group, which is closely tied to British intelligence.

Staffed and led by British Special Forces veterans, Pilgrims Group is a private security company offering elite security services to Londons embassies, diplomats, spies, and business interests abroad, particularly in high-risk environments. It also trains foreign militaries and paramilitary groups, and provides protection to reporters and their employers.

It was in the latter context that Pilgrims Group shaped media coverage  and by extension, official investigations  of MH17. The company had maintained a presence in Kiev since the early days of the US-orchestrated Maidan revolution in late 2013, shepherding journalists to and from the scenes of major events in Ukraine. In the process, it maintained control over what the reporters under its watch saw and how they understood the situations they encountered.

As such, Pilgrims Group played a pivotal role in the effort by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and British intelligence to convict Russia and the Donbas separatists for MH17s downing. The operation began while the planes wreckage remained smoldering on the ground of rebel-controlled territory, and ultimately prevented the initiation of any genuinely independent investigations.

Suspiciously quick off the mark

Before Malaysia Airlines publicly announced it had lost contact with MH17, Ukraines then-Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashenko had published its flight number, destination, passenger numbers, the manner in which it crashed, the weapon used, and blamed Russia and Donbas separatists for the catastrophe.

From that point on, the SBU began flooding the information space with materials including intercepted audio of the separatists discussing a downed plane, as well as images its agents allegedly found on social media pointing to where the allegedly Russian-sourced Buk missile had been fired. Bellingcat, which serendipitously launched just days before, immediately seized on the deluge of carefully curated information.

With impressive speed, the US and British government-funded media outfit claimed to have precisely mapped out what happened and how. Bellingcats findings were accepted without a shred of critical scrutiny by the Western media, lawmakers, pundits, and the MH17 tribunal, which was launched on August 7th 2014.

In the process, any explanations for MH17s downing that did not reinforce the official narrative either vanished into the ether, or were maligned as conspiracy theory or Russian disinformation. One compelling counter-theory for the aerial disaster was that the plane had been used as a shield by Ukrainian fighter jets to deter ground-to-air attacks by the separatists.

There are clear precedents for such provocative tactics. In 2018, for example, the Israeli air force tricked Syrian air defenses into accidentally shooting down a Russian spy plane by using it as cover for its own fighter jets. A leaked JIT document noted Donbas separatists were convinced that authorities in Kiev were keeping eastern Ukraines airspace open for precisely this purpose, having conversely closed Crimeas at the time.

Furthermore, in a video published on June 18th 2014, separatists expressed concern that Kiev was attempting to provoke an in-air incident. Three days before MH17 went down, a Ukrainian military aircraft ferrying military equipment and soldiers to the frontline was shot down over Lugansk. Multiple witnesses have testified to the presence of Ukrainian jets in the sky near MH17, while contemporary local TV reports show a Ukrainian-operated Buk missile in the vicinity.

Yet, the JIT was simply unwilling to consider evidence diverging from the established Western narrative of MH17. And as the trial proceeded, Pulatovs defense team, independent journalists and researchers attempting to challenge the long-established narrative of Russian culpability were subjected to vicious attacks from Bellingcats army of online trolls.

The SBU-directed propaganda blitzkrieg that immediately followed MH17s downing ensured that the separatists accused of the attack, and the government accused of sponsoring them, were quickly convicted in the court of international opinion. This may explain why media reaction to the November 2022 verdict was so muted. Despite the enormous, enduring global outcry provoked by the MH17 disaster, the verdict hardly registered with mainstream journalists.

Yet many of the journalists that had covered the MH17 from Ukraine had been kept under the careful watch of an organization intimately involved with the same Western governments with a stake in convicting the separatists for the disaster.

British military veterans direct Maidan news coverage

Because Pilgrims Group operates largely in the shadows, references to the company by Western news outlets are extremely rare. However, the firm is well-known to all major media outlets, boasting on its website of significant experience of helping to facilitate safe and secure news-gathering and film-making. Pilgrims Group also claims expertise in ensuring that journalists and production staff can operate safely and securely in hostile circumstances, such as underdeveloped countries, failing states and post-disaster environments.

The British company made headlines for its work in late 2012, after armed militants abducted a six-strong NBC News team led by the networks chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel, whom the company was guarding. Engel and his team were freed after five days in captivity, when a vehicle in which they were being escorted was stopped at a checkpoint run by violent extremist group Ahrar al-Sham.

This resulted in a shootout, in which two fighters who kidnapped the team were killed by Ahrar al-Sham. Initially, Engel claimed his captors were affiliated with the government of Bashar Assad, while NBC implied Ahrar al-Shams rescue was completely serendipitous. Subsequent investigations revealed the abductors were, in fact, affiliated with the CIA-backed Free Syrian Army, and the checkpoints had been deliberately arranged by Pilgrims Group, which praised the terrorist militias brilliant job.

Decisive interventions by Pilgrims Group elsewhere have received much less attention. On June 3rd 2014, the firm issued a little-noticed press release boasting of its reputation as the security company of choice for media organizations operating in Ukraine at every stage of the Maidan political unrest, working with journalist teams throughout the country during key disturbances.

Oddly, despite their coverage of these events presumably being very publicly disseminated across the globe, Pilgrims Groups clients in Ukraine apparently preferred not to be named due to the sensitive nature of their role. Nonetheless, the company bragged that its teams were operational in many of the countrys major population centres, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, and throughout Crimea.

Pilgrims has been able to respond rapidly to broadcasters demands by drawing on its extensive networks to mobilise former special services personnel, who were on duty within 12 hours of the clients initial requests (and frequently considerably quicker). In addition, the company continues to maintain the highest level of awareness of the unfolding political situation in the Ukraine by maintaining its local contact network [emphasis added], with regular updates of information on the ground.

Further detail on Pilgrims Groups activities in Ukraine appears in a leaked June 2016 Foreign Office proposal to train Syrian rebel fighters in Jordan as part of the plan to overthrow the Syrian government. The company was central to the project, running simultaneous training programmes around the world, and therefore maintaining a large and flexible pool of staff who could be assigned to the mission. MH17 was cited as an example of the speed with which Pilgrims Group could mobilize its operatives.

As a global risk management company Pilgrims are routinely required to expand their operational footprint and support tasks at short notice, the proposal bragged. Pilgrims supported a large number of media organisations operating in Ukraine, which peaked at 27 active security teams on the ground. When the Malaysian Airlines aircraft was shot down over UkrainePilgrims generated seven additional teams within six hours [emphasis added].

This proposal was submitted to the Foreign Office by Adam Smith International, a British intelligence cutout with an extensive history of scandal, corruption and collaboration with jihadist groups. As The Grayzone has revealed, the company also funded Bellingcat to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars in the 2019-20 financial year. Both organizations have refused to reveal the purpose of this sum.

Pilgrims Group has also offered protection to Western journalists in other conflict zones. The LinkedIn profile of senior company staffer and British Army veteran Chris Bradley lists his work providing security risk management to two award winning news teams in Ukraine (2014) and Syria (2015), including coverage of MH17, as one of his biggest achievements at the firm.

Given the insidious role played by London and its assorted intelligence cutouts in shaping worldwide media coverage of the Syrian civil war, such professional history raises troubling questions about Pilgrims Groups involvement in influencing news coverage of MH17.

A frontline player in Britains global information war

Following the MH17 disaster, Western journalists flocked to the crash site while Ukraines State Emergency Service rushed to collect corpses. The collection work was halted after it came under fire from the Ukrainian army, however, and emergency workers left outright after Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representatives arrived at the crime scene. But reporters under the watchful eye of Pilgrims Group stayed and continued their reporting.

Over subsequent months, as the remaining bodies rotted in the sun, OSCE monitors and pro-Russian rebels frequently left MH17s wreckage unguarded for extended periods. It was not until November 2014 that the ground was comprehensively cleared. During that time, little would have prevented malicious actors from manipulating, removing or planting incriminating evidence at the site.

In order to operate in Ukraine, Pilgrims Group required the approval of the countrys government, as well as local security and intelligence services. Given the intense fervor with which these same actors sought to cement Kremlin culpability for MH17, Pilgrims Groups work in managing the protection and travel of Western reporters provided a logical tool to assist this effort, as its operatives were literally able peer over the shoulders of journalists while they worked.

British spies consider MH17 key disinformation battleground

Another extremely curious and thus far undisclosed component of the MH17 controversy is the clandestine role played by Londons information warriors in shaping public perceptions of the event. These operations began almost at the precise moment of the crash.

Leaked files related to the activities of Integrity Initiative, a Foreign Office black propaganda unit staffed by British military and intelligence veterans, contain countless references to battling Kremlin narratives around MH17. For example, one of its operatives was listed in the documents as a continuous commentator in the studio of LBC, one of Britains largest radio stations which reaches millions of listeners weekly, on the night of the incident.

In Foreign Office funding submissions in 2018, Integrity Initiative proposed organizing focus groups with select Russian and Russian-speaking audiences, who would be invited to rebut Western analyses of key media stories (e.g. MH17, Litvinenko, Skripal, doping) and explain why they supported counter narratives about these issues, which pointed away from Moscow.

The results of this effort would be shared with British intelligence agencies and members of the Initiatives overseas clusters  secret networks of spooks, academics, journalists, pundits and politicians  to assist in battling these narratives via news outlets and social media. Notably, all Integrity Initiatives cluster members are formally trained in the art of online trolling.

Integrity Initiative was one of several propaganda enterprises launched by a shadowy Foreign Office unit known as the Counter Disinformation and Media Development (CDMD). The unit is overseen by senior intelligence officer Andy Pryce, who personally handles British journalist Paul Mason and likely many other media personalities. Its stated remit is to weaken the Russian states influence in countries comprising the former Soviet Union, Warsaw Pact and Yugoslavia.

The flagship component of this multi-million pound effort is Open Information Partnership (OIP). Though OIP has posed as a grassroots endeavor to battle Kremlin disinformation, leaked files related to the project make abundantly clear it is, in fact, a British-sponsored troll factory. Through a covertly funded nexus of independent NGOs, fact-checkers, news outlets and citizen journalists across Central and Eastern Europe, the initiative deluges the media environment with a ceaseless stream of anti-Russian propaganda.

Among OIPs founding partners was Bellingcat. For the first three years of its existence, Bellingcat trained participating organizations in open source research and social media investigation, while developing a cadre of organizations with a digital forensic skillset. In the process, it raked in vast sums from the Foreign Office. Its MH17 investigation was explicitly cited as a reference point for this activity in the Partnerships founding documents.

OIPs network was also originally intended to include the Berlin-based non-profit independent newsroom Correctiv, which published multiple investigations blaming Russia for MH17. While some of this work won awards, a secret Foreign Office-funded appraisal of the outfit acknowledged its reporting on the crash [lacked] in-depth background research and due diligence. However, the outlets excellent public reputation made it perhaps the most impressive of all prospective OIP members.

To advance its anti-Russian machinations, CDMD commissioned extensive target audience analyses of the populations of Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine and the West Balkans throughout 2017. British intelligence indicated that it sought insights into citizens of these countries current perception and attitude towards Russia, especially with respect to the Kremlins handling of events such as Brexit, the Syrian crisis, and MH17.

At the same time, British cutouts like the Integrity Initiative and Pilgrims Group helped manage the Western publics view of MH17 as part of a wider agenda to cultivate popular resentment of Russia.

Pilgrims Group manages media covering Ukraine proxy war

These same entities continue to shape Western perceptions of events in Ukraine to this day. A May 2022 capability statement outlining Pilgrims Groups Eastern European footprint refers to the Russian invasion [triggering] a rapid scaling up of its operations in Kiev.

Pilgrims Group has provided support networks, including logistics and equipment, to media crews covering the conflict, and embedded dozens of security consultants in the ranks of almost all major international news organisations active in the country. Strikingly, the statement adds that all Pilgrims Group security teams in Kiev boast Ukrainian special police or MoD [Ministry of Defence] backgrounds.

Once again, Pilgrims Group has been effectively placed in charge of where journalists can travel, what they see, and who they interview in a conflict. Yet even as it helps shape public perceptions of a Western proxy war, the company has managed to remain conveniently in the shadows.
One issue is over Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city where Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in battle for over eight months. Biden administration officials think Ukraine has expended too many resources defending Bakhmut and worry it will impact their ability to launch a counteroffensive this spring, but officials in Kyiv have decided to keep fighting for the city.

Another point of contention is over Crimea as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists they will retake the peninsula, which has been under Russian control since 2014 and is populated by people who are happy to be part of the Russian Federation.

While some Biden administration officials have vowed support for Ukrainian attacks on Crimea, the POLITICO report said other US officials believe Zelenskys insistence that there will be no peace talks until the peninsula is taken will only prolong the war. But publicly, President Biden and other US officials maintain that negotiations will only happen under Kyivs terms.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also acknowledged the risk of escalation that would come with a Ukrainian attempt on Crimea, calling it a red line for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the Pentagon has said its unlikely Kyiv can take the peninsula.

The US also appears to be tired of Zelenskys constant demands for weapons. Two White House officials told POLITICO that there are grumblings in Washington over Zelesnkys constant requests and lack of gratitude. Despite the massive amount of support provided by the US and its allies, Ukrainian officials have frequently said that its not enough and are demanding fighter jets and longer-range missiles.

The POLITICO report mentioned the Nord Stream sabotage and how US officials are now linking the attack to Ukraine while insisting the Ukrainian government was not involved. But the vague claims are likely an attempt to shift blame from the US following the bombshell report from investigative journalist Seymour Hersh that alleged President Biden ordered the bombing of the pipelines.

Publicly, Biden still maintains he will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, but there are other signs that the US is thinking about winding down its support. CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv in January and told Zelensky that Congress might not pass any more massive aid packages for the war. Ukrainian officials are concerned that the administration might use Congress as an excuse to scale down assistance.
Iranian authorities said that they have agreed to a prisoner swap with American officials, a claim that United States President Joe Biden has denied and said is a "cruel lie."

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that these remarks from Iranian officials that there has been a deal agreed upon regarding the exchange of prisoners only add to the suffering of the families of those involved.

Iran's Prisoner Exchange Claims

Three American citizens are imprisoned in Iran, namely Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, and Morad Tahbaz. American authorities have considered all the individuals to be wrongfully detained in the country.

In a previous claim, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said a prisoner exchange agreement was reached between the two countries. During a Sunday interview, he said that the deal was agreed to recently and added that if everything went well on the Americans' side, the exchange would happen soon, as per CNN.

Amir-Abdollahian said that they were considering the situation as a completely humanitarian case. On the other hand, the US State Department said that no such agreement was reached between the two governments.

In a statement, Price noted that they were working relentlessly to ensure the release of the three wrongfully detained American individuals in Iran. He added that the US government would not stop until they were reunited again with their loved ones.

Furthermore, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said that the claims by Iranian officials regarding a prisoner exchange for the release of US citizens detained in Iran were "false."

A source who was briefed on the talks said that the prisoner exchange is "closer than it has ever been" but noted that one of the remaining sticking points is related to $7 billion worth of frozen Iranian oil funds that were affected by US sanctions in South Korea, according to Reuters.

Read Also: How Did Tensions Between Iran and Saudi Arabia Begin?

Spreading Misinformation

They added that the logistics of how the funds would be exchanged and how oversight will be provided still need to be solved. The source spoke under the condition of remaining anonymous due to the sensitivity of the negotiations between the two parties.

The source also said that Qatar and Switzerland were already involved in the prisoner exchange negotiations. On the other hand, Iranian sources said that two regional countries became a part of the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.

One of the detained Americans, Namazi, is a businessman with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2016 for allegedly spying and cooperating with the US government.

Shargi is an American-Iranian businessman detained in 2018 while working for a tech investment company; the third, Tahbaz, is an American-Iranian environmentalist. Tehran has for years sought to strike a deal regarding releasing more than a dozen Iranians in the United States.

The situation comes as a deputy Iranian foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, made a Sunday trip to Oman, a longtime interlocutor between Tehran and Washington. Furthermore, NBC News said that Amira-Abdollahian's claims came after Iran and Saudi Arabia announced the re-establishment of relations in a deal brokered by China.

Related Article: Hamburg Church Shooting Update

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Border patrol agents were forced to erect temporary barricades at a port of entry along the southern U.S. border on March 12, as thousands of illegal immigrants tried to enter the country, with hundreds stampeding border officials by force.

The stampede incident started at the Paso Del Norte International bridge entry point in El Paso, Texas, around 1.30 p.m. local time.

Hundreds attempted to forcefully cross the entry point to the bridge at Juarez, Mexico.

Video footage captured by Fox News showed the illegal immigrants rushing the border checkpoint, pushing down permanent barriers and overwhelming armed border officials who struggled to hold back the crowd as they attempted to cross the bridge to the United States.

Meanwhile, others tried to enter the United States from other points.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego told ABC network affiliate KVIA that in total, the crowd was sized around 2,000 illegal immigrants. The judge said the majority of the immigrants were Venezuelan males.

After the Mexican National Guard was called in to disperse the crowd, some of whom were attempting to pull down the port barriers and concertina wire, around 100 asylum seekers remained, KVIA reported.
Former United States Vice President Mike Pence said that history would hold former President Donald Trump accountable for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riot, which he says endangered his family.

In a speech on Saturday during the annual Gridiron Club Dinner held in Washington, which is usually a venue for lighthearted ribbing between lawmakers, government officials, and the district's media veterans, Pence took a shot at his former running mate during a time that conservative media commentators and some Republican officials in Congress are once again trying to downplay the severity of the Capitol Hill riot.

Mike Pence Criticizes Donald Trump

The former vice president said that tourists do not injure 140 police officers by going sightseeing to the Capitol. His remarks came as an implicit rebuke of a claim by Fox News host Tucker Carlson and other conservatives. It was used as they selected specific security camera footage to paint the incident as a largely peaceful demonstration.

Thousands of hours of footage were released to Carlson by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Pence added that tourists refrain from breaking down the doors to reach the speaker of the House or voice their threats against public officials, as per the New York Times.

The former Indiana governor also reprimanded Trump personally when he said that the former president was wrong when he claimed that Pence had the right to overturn the 2020 election. He added that his former running mate's words endangered his family and everyone else at the Capitol that day.

The timing of Pence's remarks is significant as Trump and his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, are currently the only two major candidates for the Republican presidential nomination. However, other potential candidates are edging closer to an official announcement of their runs.

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Republicans Downplaying the Capitol Hill Riot

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on a swing through early primary and caucus states, including Iowa and Nevada. On the other hand, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is holding a "listening tour" in the same states trying to shore up support. The situation comes as Pence himself is considering a 2024 presidential run.

The former vice president also took some time in his speech to scold people who downplayed the severity of the incident where a large crowd stormed the Capitol. He also chastised Republican lawmakers who minimized the insurrection, according to CNN.

Pence noted that the Capitol Hill riot was a "disgrace" and said it mocks decency to portray the incident in any other way. Furthermore, he said that people have a right to know what happened during the insurrection. This remark came days after he asked a judge to block a subpoena for this testimony to the special counsel investigating the Capitol Hill riot.

In the days before the Jan. 6, 2021, incident, Trump pressured Pence to overturn the election result where Joe Biden won. When the former vice president refused, the rioters later stormed the building with some chanting that they wanted to "hang Mike Pence," said Yahoo News.

Related Article: George Santos Pleads Innocent in 'Skimming Operation'

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Writing and publishing a book about a controversial public figure is like diving into shark-infested waters, says ABC investigative journalist Louise Milligan. She told her Adelaide Writers Week audience that if shed written her 2017 award-winning book Cardinal: The Rise and Fall of Cardinal Pell today, she wondered if it would even be published. Theres a lot more caution in the publishing world. Its a defamation-happy climate.

Her fellow investigative journalist, Nines Adele Ferguson, agreed: We have such punitive defamation laws, some of the worst in the world. People should be marching in the streets.

Louise Milligan says Australia has a defamation-happy climate. Credit: Simon Schluter

The Writers Week crowd were probably not the kind to march in the streets, but they were keen that all voices should be heard and read  even the two Palestinian authors whose social media comments had led to boycotts by some sponsors and writers. Yet one of the themes of this peaceful and respectful gathering was how many voices were being silenced.

Sometimes this happened through the timidity of publishers, even with no threat of legal action. Publishing veteran Hilary McPhee said she was very concerned about the Australian industry today.
Floodwaters stretched as far as the eye can see in Queenslands northwest are delaying residents returning to their homes amid calls for the army to be deployed to kick-start the recovery.

Three-quarters of the homes in Burketown, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, have water over their floorboards while the Barkley Highway, the major road link between Queensland and the Northern Territory, is set to be shut for repairs for at least a week.

Food and other essentials are being flown into Burketown, Gregory, Doomadgee, Karumba, Normanton and outlying cattle stations by helicopter or shipped by barge.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the deluge is slowly receding, but some communities will remain isolated indefinitely.

Sadly, many properties have been flooded, and we can expect significant damage, as well as widespread stock and wildlife losses, she told parliament on Tuesday.

The Albert River at Burketown rose well above the record 6.78m in March 2011 and the Nicholson River reached 8.54m at Doomadgee, a height only eclipsed by all-time record of 9.15m in 1974.

Burketown residents have been warned to avoid walking or swimming in floodwaters because of the risk of crocodiles, bacteria and submerged hazards.

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Cattle Australia chair David Foote says many producers whose herds were decimated in the 2019 floods have been smashed again.

The scale of these floods is unprecedented, with property after property underwater, as far as the eye can see, Mr Foote said.

The cattle industry would need ongoing financial assistance to get back on its feet, he said, while calling for fuel suppliers, grocers, stock feed and pet food suppliers to prioritise delivery and consider extended credit terms to those hardest hit.

The federal and state governments are offering disaster funding of up to $180 for individuals or $900 for families to cover personal essentials, while loans for primary producers and small businesses of up to $250,000 are also available.

Federal Senator Susan McDonald called for the army to be deployed to kick-start the recovery and to help feed stranded stock.

There arent enough services in the northwest for this to happen using local businesses alone.
Senior transport officials warned a year ago that parts of a critical digital system that failed last Wednesday, shutting down the entire Sydney rail network, were obsolete and needed urgent attention, government documents reveal.

After the failure of the digital train radio system last Wednesday, which disrupted 250,000 commuters during the evening peak, officials are now set to give train drivers hand-held radios as a backup in case the technology fails again and communications are temporarily severed.

The failure of the digital trains radio system halted all services at 2.45pm last Wednesday, leaving Sydneys major stations flooded with commuters. Credit: SMH

The digital train radio system crashed after a network switch, or router, integral to communications failed after 2pm last Wednesday. It took almost two hours to replace the switch and reboot the system, which connects train drivers to a rail operations centre at Alexandria.

A confidential report by Transport for NSW, completed early last year, warned that the digital trains radio system components are obsolete, and the problem had been identified as a priority. The components refer to switches, routers and other telecommunications devices for the digital radio system, which was built using equipment from Chinese telco company Huawei.
Residents with selfish NIMBY attitudes need to let go and accept sensible new housing options, an urban planning expert says, as Brisbane mulls introducing high-rises at South Brisbane.

Tall apartment towers would be allowed near Musgrave Park under a plan to be presented to Brisbane City Council on Tuesday.

Kurilpa Precinct Master Plan 2023 showing in yellow where developers can lodge applications for very high developments.

If adopted, the Kurilpa Precinct Master Plan would allow developers to build up to 274 metres  close to 90 storeys  in the area bounded by yellow in the map above, forever changing the low cityscape of South Brisbane.

We as a city need to consider carefully the type of housing packages that we introduce, University of Queensland urban planning expert associate professor Dorina Pojani said.
When Heiden bought a vacant lot one street back from the Pioneer Bay waterfront in 2021, in an area zoned residential, she had no idea flooding was a potential problem. Loading Later that year she sought permission to build a three-bedroom house, an application that was opposed by Melbourne Water and therefore rejected by the Bass Coast council. The main problem was that Melbourne Water seemed to have new rules for land near the coast at risk of inundation, Heiden told The Age. She said Melbourne Water objected because the houses floor level was too low and there was a risk access roads into the neighbourhood would be flooded.

After mediation, Heiden changed her plans, raised the floor level of her proposed home and provided Melbourne Water with an emergency evacuation plan in case of flooding. The council and Melbourne Water finally granted a permit in December. After her initial anger at the refusal of her application, Heiden said she now accepted the council and Melbourne Water had good intentions. Bass Coast Shire chief executive Ali Wastie wants greater leadership from the state government on planning for sea level rise. Credit: Justin McManus I think Melbourne Water changed the rules, she said. But I think they just wanted to protect people. But other property owners have lost planning battles and in some cases are left with vacant sites they cant build on.

The councils say people are buying into coastal areas zoned residential only to have their dreams shattered when told they cannot build due to inundation risk. Bass Coast is among the municipalities most exposed to sea level rise and inundation. Modelling released last year, for example, showed 40 properties could succumb to coastal erosion on the beachfront strip of Surf Parade in Inverloch, under the current planning benchmark of a forecast 0.8 metre sea level rise by 2100. Bass Coast chief executive Ali Wastie said the council would probably have to refuse more permits for new houses at risk from rising seas and worsening storms.

We understand that people want to live close to the water, but we dont want to see people going into vulnerable areas, she said. We already have many homes and community infrastructure that will be severely impacted; we dont need to make the situation any worse. Wastie said while facing the reality of climate change was the responsible thing to do, councils had been left to individually determine how to respond. The result is a hotchpotch of inconsistent approaches depending on the politics and resources of each municipality. Some coastal councils have done no planning for sea level rise.

The state government should be taking the lead role and providing a clear road map on coastal planning as it did over bushfire hazard planning after 2009s devastating Black Saturday bushfires, Wastie said. Before Black Saturday, councils did their own mapping to identify bushfire hazard locations in the planning scheme, with horrific consequences. A major outcome of the bushfire royal commission was the state assuming responsibility for mapping bushfire hazards across Victoria. The calamitous Black Saturday bushfires resulted in stronger planning rules for building properties in Victoria. Credit: Jason South The Planning Institute of Australias Victorian division president, Gabby McMillan, said her organisation had called for state government leadership on this issue, and described the current approach to flood risk in planning schemes as ad hoc.

The state needs to lead this process, McMillan said. There is a chance that people buying coastal properties may not be aware of the risk. Bass Coasts plea echoes calls from other councils, including neighbouring South Gippsland Shire, which in January warned that local government was being slammed with development applications while trying to manage the growing risk of inundation and to protect coastal environments. The shire is among those that have urged the state to introduce a special overlay to clearly identify where inundation is a risk. Climate change and coastal erosion is already affecting communities across Victoria. Credit: Joe Armao The Moyne Shire, in Victorias south-west, has also criticised the governments management of coastal inundation threat, saying it had not provided a clear road map for dealing with the issue.

Melbourne Water has defended its opposition to more housing being built on sites increasingly vulnerable to inundation. A spokesman noted the agency applied the state benchmark of a possible sea level rise of not less than 0.8 metres by 2100, but also allowed for the combined effects of tides, storm surges, flooding, coastal processes and local conditions. Loading On the south-west coast, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is increasingly objecting to applications for housing at Ocean Grove, Portarlington, Queenscliff, St Leonards and Newcomb. Corangamite floodplains manager Geoff Taylor said most of these cases were for two-lot subdivisions, which would have led to intensification of those sites.

In 2020, the authority recommended three refusals, followed by four in 2021 and then five last year. This year it has already opposed two applications. Taylor expected an increasing number of applications for intensification would be opposed if or when the government updated its sea level rise planning benchmark. The governments current benchmark is based on outdated, 15-year-old projections made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of not less than 0.8-metre sea level rise by 2100. In 2019, the panel revised its projections  factoring in ice melt  and found that inaction on climate change would likely result in a rise of 1.1 metres by 2100. It has since upgraded the figure to 1.2 metres. A spokesman for the state government said it was now reviewing and updating the sea level rise planning benchmark based on the latest and best available science.
The federal Greens will not repay more than $75,000 in donations made over 20 years by a pair of wealthy investors with significant fossil fuel holdings, despite the NSW Greens handing back a $7000 donation from the pair last week because it violated the state partys policy.

The donations were made by Fred Woollard and wife Therese Cochrane directly as well as through their company, Keep Them Honest, which they established to make political donations and of which they are the only directors and shareholders.

Greens leader Adam Bandt. Credit: James Alcock

Woollard is the founder and managing director of the $650 million Samuel Terry boutique investment fund and Cochrane is the general manager.

About 24 per cent of the $650 million fund is invested in commodities and energy companies, including 8 per cent in Horizon Oil, which operates in the South China Sea, and 15 per cent in Diamond Offshore Drilling, which owns ships that provide offshore drilling services for customers including BP, Woodside and Shell.
The sweeping plan will begin by arranging more visits to Australian ports by United States submarines this year and United Kingdom vessels from 2026, clearing the way for a fixed rotation of naval power in Perth. Over time, Australia will aim to build a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to a joint design with the UK called the SSN-AUKUS. The vessels, to be made in Adelaide and start entering service in the 2040s, will consist of eight submarines fitted with vertical launch systems to fire cruise missiles. Upfront costs The next steps in the AUKUS alliance with the US and UK will cost $9 billion over the next four years, including $2 billion for infrastructure in Adelaide and $1 billion for an expanded naval base in Perth.

Australia will contribute about $3 billion to the efforts in the US and UK to develop the submarine technology, including the design and development of the SSN-AUKUS. The US will commit $US4.6 billion ($6.9 billion) to its industry to support the Australian project, while the UK will spend 2.2 billion ($4 billion). With the government setting out a two-decade effort to develop the industrial capacity to build the new fleet in Australia, it will commit to hosting more foreign vessels and buying US-made submarines to fill a looming gap in the nations defences. While US submarines already visit Australia, the visits will increase from this year and Royal Australian Navy personnel will begin serving with the US and UK fleets.

The United States Navy and the Royal Navy will station nuclear-powered submarines in Perth from 2027 in the first step toward filling the capability gap. The rotational forces will include up to four Virginia-class US vessels and one Astute-class UK vessel. Bridging the capability gap From the early 2030s, the federal government will buy at least three and up to five Virginia-class submarines from the US, but this will depend on approval from the US Congress. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President of the United States Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the AUKUS announcement at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The result will give Australia an interim fleet with more capability and firepower than any Australian vessels to date, giving the country more capacity to project force throughout the region.

The three or more Virginia-class vessels will be under Australian command with Australian crews and will mark the first time the US has sold these submarines to another country. The US and Australian governments are yet to decide whether Australia will buy new or used Virginia-class vessels. Later in the 2030s, the UK will take delivery from its shipbuilders of submarines based on a new design that replaces the Astute-class, to be known as the SSN-AUKUS. Only after this point is Australia forecast to have the shipbuilding and technology capacity to deploy the SSN-AUKUS design with vessels built in Adelaide and due to enter service in the 2040s. The plan forecasts the delivery of a new SSN-AUKUS every three years and assumes all are built in Adelaide, but the government is not ruling out buying the first of this fleet from the UK, depending on the strategic outlook.

At a photo opportunity with the three world leaders before the speeches, Sky News political editor Kieran Gilbert asked Biden if the US could be relied on to honour the AUKUS deal, to which Biden replied: We can always be relied upon. All the submarines in the new plan will be powered by nuclear propulsion systems made overseas and fitted with nuclear fuel that will last the lifetime of the vessel. It is the first time the US has shared the technology with another country since it agreed to do so with the UK in 1958. None of the submarines in the Royal Australian Navy will have nuclear weapons. Australia will build a new fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide at a cost of up to $368 billion by 2055. Credit: Fairfax Media The new plans mark a major new step in the AUKUS pact after the intensely controversial move by then-prime minister Scott Morrison and federal cabinet in September 2021 to end an agreement with France for conventional submarines to be built in Adelaide. Albanese set out a deadline for the Adelaide shipbuilding project that is in line with Morrisons assurance that Australia would build its own submarines for delivery during the 2040s, a target that triggered argument over whether it would take too long to replace the Collins-class fleet, which is powered by diesel-electric engines and entered service from 1996.

Loading Australias ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos, said he was confident of congressional approval to transfer the Virginia-class vessels to Australia. We have very strong support in the Congress, he told reporters after the leaders statements on AUKUS. Whats important to understand is the support for Australia in this country [the US] is bipartisan. Its very strong. And weve had a lot of engagement with the Congress. The RAN has sought a dramatic shift to a more powerful submarine design out of concern at the vulnerability of the Collins-class vessels in an era of more powerful satellite surveillance and the limitations of diesel-electric engines compared to nuclear propulsion systems, which can power vessels for greater distances at faster speeds and with less noise and exposure to detection. Searching for the next generation of submariners

The need for skilled workers has been identified as a key challenge in the AUKUS project because of the scale of the construction as well as the shortage of submariners on the existing Collins-class submarine fleet before personnel move to the nuclear-powered fleets. Loading The government expects to need 20,000 jobs over the next 30 years including workers supporting AUKUS in the Australian Defence Force, domestic industry and the Australian public service. This includes 8500 direct jobs in Australias building and servicing the submarines, with jobs including scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians, welders, construction workers, electricians, metal fitters and builders. Albanese has previously named Adelaide and Western Australia as two locations that would win work from the AUKUS project. The $9 billion cost over the next four years will include $6 billion for Australian industry and workforce, separate from the infrastructure upgrades in Adelaide and Perth.

Overhauling our shipyards and ports HMAS Stirling in Perth will be upgraded to host more visits by US and UK vessels and become the base for the new fleet, in a plan that assumes the creation of 3000 jobs. The plan for Adelaide requires a mammoth investment in a new shipyard at Osborne to build the SSN-AUKUS, with up to 4000 workers involved at its peak. In addition, the construction of the new submarines will require 4000 to 5000 workers at the shipyard at the peak of the work two decades from now. The government estimate for the decade to 2033 ranges from $50 billion to $58 billion and could include some of the cost of buying the first Virginia-class vessels in the next decade. The cost is at least twice that of the $24 billion for the Attack-class submarines under the contract cancelled with the French.

Over the longer term, the project will cost 0.15 per cent of GDP each year on average, highlighting the vast cost when total defence spending is forecast to surpass 2 per cent of GDP. Australia has 900 serving submariners but needs at least 200 more as soon as possible so it can deploy personnel to US and British vessels to prepare for the transformation in the fleet. Over time, however, many more would be needed, depending on the number of submarines purchased. The plan commits Australia to using propulsion systems from the US that are installed in the submarines with a supply of nuclear fuel that lasts the lifetime of the vessels, avoiding the need for a civil nuclear industry. Loading The government will not disclose the cost per unit for the new submarines.
NSW Parliaments bear pit might need renaming after the upcoming state election. Perhaps the butterfly house would suit because a behavioural transformation is reshaping the states usually combative brand of electoral politics.

The nearer the March 25 poll gets, the more the differences between the incumbent Liberal-National Coalition and the Labor opposition melt away. Asked what they like about each other at a recent campaign debate in western Sydney, Premier Dominic Perrottet and Labor leader Chris Minns agreed each other were good company and great conversationalists.

Unity ticket? Labor leader Chris Minns and Liberal Premier Dom Perrottet are in furious agreement on many policies. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Maybe a podcast is in the works? Lets chat, with Dom and Chris. It could feature, say, reflections on Sydneys brutalist architecture or the tonal quality of AC/DC riffs. The audience figures might be modest, but the reviews would surely be glowing when set against the typical vitriol and toxicity of parliamentary culture.

Its not just a leaders detente. This campaign is shaping as a unity ticket in major policy areas once defined by intractable party-political difference.
Staff shortages in frontline services could stop Victoria from fulfilling the recommendations of the mental health royal commission, the chair of the psychiatrists college has warned, after a psychiatric unit for prisoners was forced to close.

The Age reported on Monday that the Thomas Embling Hospital, Victorias only mental health hospital for prisoners, was so short-staffed that patient and worker safety was put at risk and a unit for severely unwell men was forced to close for months.

The Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield. Credit: Scott McNaughton

The closure of the Apsley unit, which is slated to reopen in April, has meant people who need a mental health bed are in prisons instead.

While Forensicare, which runs the hospital, is unable to staff the existing facility, the state government is adding 82 beds in a $462.5 million expansion to respond to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victorias Mental Health System.
The Indian government has expressed opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage despite widespread support from the public by filing a challenge to the Supreme Court on Sunday.

The filing urges the court to reject and becomes a wall to the current legal framework that LGBT couples have lodged. Furthermore, the Ministry of Law believes that while there could be several forms of relationships in society, the legal recognition of marriage is meant for heterosexual relationships.

India Opposes Same-Sex Marriage

Officials also said that the state has a legitimate interest in maintaining this perspective despite public opinion. The ministry argued that living together as partners and having "sexual relationships by same-sex individuals" was not comparable with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife, and children.

It also noted that the court could not be asked to change the country's entire legislative policy deeply embedded in religious and societal norms. Businessman Uday Raj Anand, one of the litigants in the current case, said that petitioners had received wide support from people from all walks of life.

He added that it does not seem that many Indians feel injured or hurt by the thought of some loving families getting legal rights. In a historic 2018 verdict, India's top court decriminalized homosexuality when they scrapped a colonial-era ban on gay sex, as per Reuters.

The case is now considered a further significant development in LGBT rights in India. There are at least 15 pleas, some made by gay couples, that were filed in the last few months that ask the court to recognize same-sex marriages. They set the stage for the legal face-off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

In a Twitter post, Onir, a filmmaker and equal rights activist, said it was sad that government officials' concept of "Indian" is so non-inclusive and static that it refuses to evolve according to wider notions of human rights.

Read Also: Hamburg Church Shooting Update

Lagging Behind Western Adaptation

For the most part, Asian nations lag compared to the West in welcoming and accepting same-sex marriage. Taiwan became the first in the region to officially recognize such unions, as same-sex acts are still illegal in some countries, including Malaysia.

Another couple, Aditi Anand and Susan Dias, were among the four LGBT couples that filed the petition to the Supreme Court. The case will be heard on March 13, and if same-sex marriage is legalized in India, it would have widespread repercussions for other laws, according to NPR.

Anand said that she remembers changing her Facebook display picture to one that included Susan on the day the Supreme Court decriminalized gay sex in 2018. She said these small acts prove how freedoms can be exercised in a country such as India.

The petitions argue that the country's Special Marriage Act, enacted in 1954, should allow same-sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual married couples. It also argues that denying LGBT couples that right violates several articles of India's Constitution, said CBC.

Related Article: How Did Tensions Between Iran and Saudi Arabia Begin?

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The affirmation reflects the view that the Hindenburg report alleging governance issues at the Adani group has a limited near-term impact on AEML's cost of funding and access thereof, at the current rating level. Fitch Ratings affirmed 'BBB-' rating on Monday for Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd's (AEML) dollar-denoinated senior secured notes due in 2030.



We expect AMEL's credit metrics to have adequate headroom based on our conservative rating-case assumptions, Fitch Ratings said. The rating agency said in a statement that high cash-flow visibility from regulated assets, regulator-approved capex and an adequate liquidity position with no major debt maturity till February 2030 further support AMEL's financial flexibility.



Fitch Ratings flagged issues of management and corporate governance. Governance weaknesses at the sponsor level and other group entities, including a highly concentrated shareholding structure across group entities and aggressive debt-funded investments at some entities, can expose all Adani group-related firms to higher contagion risks than previously estimated. This could affect their financial flexibility. The rating agency has also affirmed AEML's $2 billion global medium-term note (GMTN) programme at 'BBB-', along with notes issued under the programme.

Also Read No immediate impact from Hindenburg on Adani firms' credit profiles: Fitch Hindenburg Research: All you need to know about US-based investment firm Fitch affirms India at 'BBB-', says medium-term growth outlook is key Fitch affirms India's sovereign rating at BBB- with stable outlook Fraud can not be obfuscated by nationalism: Hindenburg on Adani's rebuttal Nokia join hands with Netplus to deliver broadband services in India Hyundai Motor considers buying General Motors India's Talegaon plant assets Paytm monthly transacting users surge to 89 mn, leads offline payments Adani-Hindenburg saga: Over dozen involved in short-selling under Sebi lens Govt likely to miss divestment target as Hindustan Zinc sale delayed



We believe contagion risk from governance-related risks at the Adani Group are lower for AEML. The group is also re-evaluating to slow its investment plans, especially in non-infrastructure businesses, Fitch said. These group-related risks are lower for AEML than for Adani Transmission Limited (ATL), which owns 74.9 per cent of AEML, due to AEML's legal ring-fencing brought on by a strict cash flow waterfall mechanism. Plus, there is the presence of Qatar Investment Authority as a significant minority shareholder.

The family recently sold $1.9 billion in shares across various group entities, including 2.55 per cent in ATL to a US-based fund. It understands that the shareholder's family is in the process of raising additional funding, which is expected to support financial flexibility across Adani group entities, mitigating the risks, it added.




The American company had signed a deal with Great Wall Motors in January 2020 to sell the plant, but the deal fell through last June as the Chinese carmaker did not receive the required approvals from the Indian government in time. Hyundai India has signed a pact with General Motors India for the potential acquisition of the latters plant in Talegaon, Maharashtra.



If Hyundais agreement with General Motors is approved, the South Korean automaker could potentially increase its production capacity in India by about 15 per cent. At present, Hyundai operates two facilities near Chennai, capable of manufacturing approximately 824,000 units annually. These two plants are currently operating at an utilisation rate of around 93 per cent. Hyundai said on Monday: The term sheet (pact) covers the proposed acquisition of land, buildings and certain machinery and equipment for manufacturing situated at General Motors India, Talegaon Plant. General Motors stopped production at the Talegaon plant in 2020. The plant, established in 2008, has the capacity to produce 130,000 cars and 160,000 engines per year.



Hyundai India is the largest car seller in the country after Maruti Suzuki India, with a market share of 14.9 per cent, compared with Marutis 42.3 per cent. In the April-February period of financial year 2022-23 (FY23), Hyundai India sold 516,946 units, a jump of 18.3 per cent compared with the corresponding period of FY22. The proposed acquisition is subject to the signing of the definitive asset purchase agreement and fulfillment of conditions precedent, receipt of regulatory approvals from relevant government authorities, and all stakeholders related to the acquisition, it added.

Also Read General Motors' employee union sues global CEO Mary Barra: Report Hyundai's domestic sales increase by 50% to 49,700 units in September A first for industry: Hyundai may ink pacts for direct power purchase Hyundai India to invest Rs 4,000 cr for developing 6 EVs by 2028: CEO Aided by SUVs, Hyundai Motor India posts highest-ever sales in 2022 Shriram Finance aims to raise $2.44 bn in FY24 to fund growth: Official Warehousing developer Pragati Group raises $200mn from Singapore based fund SC to hear Torrent plea against NCLAT allowing 2nd RCap auction on March 20 BrightNight, ACEN ink $250 mn pact for India renewables buildout SVB collapse brings Softbank's startup financing under investors' lens



General Motors employees union, which represents about 1,000 employees of the Talegaon plant, is currently embroiled in a dispute with the American company to ensure employment with the new owners and wages for the interim period. Tata Motors, the third-largest player in the Indian automobile market, is the closest rival to Hyundai. However, if Hyundai succeeds in acquiring the Talegaon plant, it will be able to create a significant gap between itself and Tata Motors.



In FY22, Hyundai posted a profit after tax of Rs 2,861 crore, which was a 54 per cent jump year-on-year. Hyundai India plans to introduce six electric vehicles (EVs) by 2028, focusing on technology, sustainability, and innovation for growth, according to its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Unsoo Kim, who spoke to Business Standard in January. According to the direction of the Industrial and Labour Court, Pune, a mediator recently held two rounds of negotiations between the company and the union, but these out-of-court talks did not yield any results. It was unclear whether these employees would be hired by Hyundai at its new plant.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Monday said the provisions of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) cannot be turned into a debt recovery proceeding as the idea of this special code is to bring a debtor company back on its feet.

Setting aside an order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to initiate insolvency proceedings against Coppertun Brewing, the appellate tribunal observed it "clearly fell in error" in admitting the plea "while turning a blind eye" on the evidence of pre-existing disputes between parties.

When an operational creditor seeks to initiate an insolvency process against a Corporate Debtor, it can only be done in clear cases where no real dispute exists between the two, said the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and Member Barun Mitra.

"What also heavily weighs on our mind is that both in terms of the objectives of the IBC and settled proposition of law as expressed and explained time and again by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the provisions of IBC cannot be turned into a debt recovery proceeding as the underpinning of this special code is to bring a Corporate Debtor on its feet," the NCLAT order said.

The Cuttack Bench of NCLT had on May 12, 2022, directed to initiate insolvency proceedings against Coppertun Brewing, a company engaged in the business of restaurant/micro-brewery.

This was challenged by a director of the brewing firm before the appellate tribunal NCLAT, contending that there was a pre-existing dispute with the operational creditor, which had rented its premise to the company and later approached the NCLT, claiming default.

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The NCLAT also agreed and said prima-facie, there is a sufficient record to show that the two parties were embroiled in a long-standing dispute over the issue of NoC/ compliances for the rented premise.

"We are of the considered opinion that the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) committed a serious error in admitting Section 9 application in the facts of the present case. The Impugned Order dated May 12, 2022, initiating CIRP of the Corporate Debtor and all other orders pursuant to Impugned Order is therefore set aside," it said.

The appellate tribunal directed to release Coppertun Brewing "from the rigours of CIRP and is allowed to function independently through its board of directors with immediate effect".
Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, which is a medico-aesthetic dermatology services player, has said it has sold majority stake to Kedaara Capital for a consideration of USD 65 million (around Rs 530 crore).

With its third investment in the single speciality healthcare segment, Kedaara aims to fuel Oliva's growth towards becoming a leading medico-aesthetic dermatology chain, a statement said.

The transaction also provides an exit to InvAscent, which invested in the company in 2014, it said, without disclosing the details such how much was invested and for what stake. Nor the company disclosed what is the stake that Kedaara has picked up.

Founded by Prashant Soma in 2009, Oliva has been supported by multiple rounds of funding from InvAscent-advised India Life Sciences Fund II.

Oliva grew from a four-centre Hyderabad-based operation to a network of 23 centres across Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Kochi and Vizag now and offers a range of skin and hair treatments and products.

Kedaara is a private equity firm pursuing control and minority investment opportunities and advises/manages over USD 3.6 billion through investments in several businesses across consumer, financial services, pharma/healthcare, technology/ business services and industrials.
LIC's debt exposure in Adani group companies fell marginally to Rs 6,183 crore as of March 5 from Rs 6,347 crore as of December 31, 2022, Parliament was informed on Monday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has informed that its debt exposure to Adani Group of Companies, was Rs 6,347.32 crore and Rs 6,182.64 crore, as on December 31, 2022, and March 5, 2023, respectively".

LIC has a debt exposure of Rs 5,388.60 in Adani Ports and SEZ as of March 5. The exposure in Adani Power (Mundra) was Rs 266 crore, Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd - Phase I (Rs 81.60 crore), Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd - Phase III (Rs 254.87 crore), Raigarh Energy Generation Ltd (Rs 45 crore) and Raipur Energen Ltd (Rs 145.67 crore), as per the reply.

Sitharaman said five public sector general insurance companies have informed that they do not have loan/credit exposure to the Adani Group of Companies.

"Public Sector Banks have informed that loans are sanctioned after assessing the viability of projects, prospective cash flows, risk factors and availability of adequate security and repayment of loans are ensured by the revenue generated by the project and not by the market capitalisation of the company," the minister said.

US-based short seller Hindenburg in January made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, against the Adani group, following which shares of group companies had taken a beating.

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The group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
United States President Joe Biden is set to limit Arctic waters as Project Willow faces criticism over its potential climate and environmental impacts.

The situation comes as the Democratic president's administration is set to formally approve the massive oil drilling project in Alaska on Monday. Biden is also set to impose sweeping restrictions on offshore oil leasing in the Arctic Ocean and across Alaska's North Slope.

Project Willow Update

It is part of his apparent effort to temper criticism over the project's approval and to form a "firewall" to limit future oil leases in the region. Furthermore, the Interior Department is also expected to release new rules to protect more than 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from oil and gas leasing.

However, the restrictions are not expected to offset the widespread concerns that the massive $8 billion project Willow, which oil giant ConocoPhillips leads, will have in producing more than 600 million barrels of crude in the next three decades, as per the New York Times.

While burning that massive amount of oil, officials could release roughly 280 million metric tons of carbon emissions into the Earth's atmosphere. On a yearly basis, this emission would translate into 9.2 million metric tons of carbon pollution, which is equal to adding almost two million cars to the roads every year.

The United States, the biggest polluter on the planet following China, is currently recorded to be emitting roughly 5.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. Biden has also been fiercely lobbied by the oil industry and Alaska lawmakers trying to approve the project, Willow.

Several other supporters of the proposal, including labor unions, building trades, and some North Slope residents, have argued that project Willow would generate roughly 2,500 jobs and as much as $17 billion in revenue for the federal government.

Read Also: Mike Pence Says Donald Trump Endangered His Family on Jan. 6, 2021

Fight Against Climate Change

For several weeks, White House officials have been mulling project Willow, and deliberations have focused on the legal constraints resulting from the fact that Conoco has, for decades, held some leases. According to Politico, it also has particular valid and existing rights granted by the prior administration, which limits the Biden Administration's options on the matter.

The American Petroleum Institute (API), which represents the largest oil and gas companies, has come out against the Biden administration's plans. It argued that they sent mixed signals after the president and his cabinet officials asked the industry to pump more oil to keep fuel prices down nationwide.

API's senior vice president of policy, Frank Macchiarola, said that the Biden administration should be focused on strengthening U.S. energy security and supporting working families in Alaska by standing with responsible development of federal lands and waters instead of restricting it.

The Interior Department said that with the recent actions and decisions, the Biden administration continues to deliver on the most aggressive climate agenda in the history of the United States. The department added that the president has made the nation a magnet for clean energy manufacturing and jobs and has secured record investments in climate resilience and environmental justice, said Fox News.

Related Article: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Update

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We use SVB and several other banks for normal operations (receiving customer payments, processing payroll and payments to our vendors). Our exposure to the current SVB situation is minimal relative to our overall balance sheet, said Chennai-based Freshworks in a statement. The vast majority of our cash and marketable securities today is not held at SVB. Business software firm Freshworks said on Monday its exposure to Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the failed American lender, is minimal and it didnt see "any disruption".



The company said it is working with its customers and vendors who use its SVB account to migrate to alternate banks. We do not foresee any disruption to our employees or customers, the firm said. Freshworks worked with Silicon Valley Bank in its early phase as a start-up, but brought in larger, diversified banks such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and UBS as it grew.



SVB, which is a subsidiary of Santa Clara-based SVB Financial Group, has relationships with over 50 per cent of all venture-backed companies in the US and several venture capital (VC) firms. More than 50,000 companies use Freshworks SaaS (software-as-a-service) products for customers and employees. Its customers include Bridgeston, Synergy, and Honda, as per its website.

Also Read SVB Crisis: What led to the collapse of start-ups' favourite bank? SVB crisis sends jitters through startup world: Here's what we know SVB crisis: Depositors to get access to 'all of their money' from today No SVB-like scenario in India; banks are on a strong footing, say analysts SVB fallout impact: Govts across globe stepping in to look for solution SVB fallout: Fintech, venture capital companies come to the rescue Sebi revokes securities market ban on 8 former promoter entities of DHFL Silicon Valley Bank jitters likely to be felt among Indian start-ups Startup ecosystem witnessing robust growth, needs shift in mindset: CIEL HR Indian startups must tap $430 bn digital market in Southeast Asia: Report
The AAP on Monday kicked off signature and door-to-door campaigns as part of its protest against the arrest of party leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain on corruption charges.

The campaigns started near the Metro station at Laxmi Nagar in the presence of Gopal Rai, the AAP's Delhi convenor.

The AAP has alleged that Jain and Sisodia were arrested to stop the Delhi government's good work in health and education.

Through these campaigns, the AAP aims to apprise people about the "false cases" registered against Sisodia and Jain.

Jain is lodged in Tihar jail in connection with a money laundering case. He was arrested last May. The CBI arrested Sisodia on February 26 in connection with alleged irregularities related to implementation of the now scrapped Excise Policy, 2021-22.

The two leaders have since resigned from the Delhi Cabinet, being replaced by Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Also Read BJP's Manoj Tiwari questions AAP on Satyendar Jain's massage video Satyendar Jain undergoing physiotherapy for spinal injury: Manish Sisodia After Sisodia resignation, AAP to launch door-to-door campaign from March 5 Manish Sisodia to be produced in court today: All you need to know Delhi court dismisses Satyendar Jain's plea seeking special food items Karnataka a powerhouse of development, says PM Modi a day after his visit PM Modi lauds CISF for organising Raising Day parade outside Delhi SVB crisis: Depositors to get access to 'all of their money' from today PM Modi congratulates team 'RRR' for Oscar win, says India is elated, proud Oscars 2023: PM congratulates teams behind 'RRR', 'The Elephant Whisperers'

BJP leaders on Monday also staged a 'maun vrat (silent sit-in)' at Rajghat to press for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation over the alleged liquor scam.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hailed Telugu film RRR's song "Naatu Naatu" and Tamil documentary "The Elephant Whisperers" winning the prestigious Oscar awards, saying it was a landmark day for Indian cinema.

While "Naatu Naatu", the chartbuster from SS Rajamouli's Telugu period action film "RRR", became the first Indian track to win the Academy Award in the "Best Original Song" category, "The Elephant Whisperers" created history at the awards by becoming the maiden Indian production to win in the "Documentary Short Subject" category.

"A landmark day for Indian cinema, as the 'Naatu Naatu' song creates history by winning the Oscar Award. The song was on the lips of Indians as well as music lovers across the globe. Congratulations to Team RRR @ssrajamouli @mmkeeravaani @boselyricist @tarak9999 @AlwaysRamCharan," Shah said in a tweet.

In another tweet, the home minister said, "Congratulations to @EarthSpectrum and @guneetm on their Oscar win for the short film 'The Elephant Whisperers'. The film brings to the forefront India's efforts to save elephants. The award underlines the potential of the Indian film industry and will inspire young filmmakers.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Tuesday on the Centre's curative plea seeking an additional Rs 7,844 crore from Union Carbide Corporation's successor firms to extend higher compensation to the victims of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy that killed over 3,000 people and caused environmental damage.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul will pronounce the verdict. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Abhay S Oka, Justice Vikram Nath and Justice J K Maheshwar, had on January 12 reserved its verdict on the Centre's curative plea.

On January 12, the successor firms of UCC told the top court that the depreciation of the rupee since 1989, when a settlement was arrived at between the company and the Centre, cannot be a ground to now seek a "top-up" of compensation for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy.

The firms had told the top court that the Government of India never suggested at the time of the settlement that it was inadequate.

"There are series and series of affidavits starting from 1995 and ending as late as 2011, where the Union of India has opposed every single attempt to suggest that the settlement (of 1989) is inadequate. Affidavits upon affidavits were filed," senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the UCC successor firms had submitted.

Now, the actual argument before the court is that the settlement has become inadequate because the rupee depreciated, he had contended.

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The top court had, during the hearing, told the Centre that it cannot act like a "knight in shining armour" and decide the curative plea seeking additional funds from UCC as a civil suit, and asked the government to "dip into its own pocket" to provide enhanced compensation.

The Centre wants another Rs 7,844 crore from the UCC's successor firms over and above the USD 470 million (Rs 715 crore) it got from the American company as part of the settlement in 1989.

A curative petition is the last resort for a plaintiff after an adverse judgement has been delivered and the plea for its review is rejected. The Centre had not filed a review petition for rescinding the settlement which it now wants to be enhanced.

The Centre has been insisting that the enormity of the actual damage caused to human lives and the environment could not be assessed properly at the time of the settlement in 1989.

On January 10, the top court had questioned the Centre for pursuing its curative plea seeking additional funds from UCC, saying the government cannot reopen a settlement that was reached with the company after over 30 years.

The UCC, now owned by Dow Chemicals, gave a compensation of Rs USD 470 million (Rs 715 crore at the time of settlement in 1989) after the toxic methyl isocyanate gas leak from the Union Carbide factory on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984 killed over 3,000 people and affected 1.02 lakh more.

The survivors of the tragedy have long been fighting for adequate compensation and proper medical treatment for ailments caused by the poisonous gas leak.

The Centre had filed the curative petition in the apex court in December 2010 for enhanced compensation. On June 7, 2010, a Bhopal court had sentenced seven executives of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) to two years imprisonment.

The then UCC chairman Warren Anderson was the prime accused in the case but did not appear for the trial.

On February 1, 1992, the Bhopal CJM court declared him an absconder. The courts in Bhopal had issued non-bailable warrants against Anderson twice in 1992 and 2009 before his death in September 2014.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will chair a key cabinet meeting on Monday ahead of the presentation of the budget session, an official statement said.

According to an official statement, this cabinet meeting is considered very important. This meeting will be held Monday at 11:30 am in Vidhansabha Bhawan Bhararisain, it added.

"In this meeting, a decision can be taken on many important proposals including the proposal to increase the MLA fund, liquor policy, amendment in the Police Act and BRC-CRC outsourced recruitment," the statement added.

The Uttarakhand Budget Session is going to start on March 13 in Gairsain and the budget will be presented in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on March 15.

According to the Chief Minister Office (CMO), consultations are being held with all sections to prepare the budget and suggestions are being taken from each section. To prepare an inclusive budget, response is being sought from youth, women, entrepreneurs and newly emerging young entrepreneurs.

Earlier on March 4, government officials informed that, during the budget session of the Vidhansabha, the state cabinet would hold the meeting in Gairsain under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

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Earlier in the month, the opposition party Congress announced to lay siege to the assembly and protest against the recruitment scam, Ankita murder case and Adani case.

State Congress President Karan Mahara had said, "The youth, women and working class are agitating against the government, so to wake up the government, the Congress will gherao (encirclement) the assembly and demonstrate in Gairsain on the very first day of the budget session. During the gherao and demonstration, all the party's prominent leaders and all the MLAs will be present.
The Centre on Monday told the Delhi High Court that there has been a continuous increase in the green cover in the national capital and this shift towards increase in denser forest areas is a welcome sign.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in an affidavit filed before the court, submitted that the rising denser forest areas signifies an increase in the capacity of forests to sequester carbon and mitigate environmental pollution.

The affidavit was filed before a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, which listed the matter for further hearing on July 13 while granting time to the amicus curiae to file his response to the affidavit.

The high court was hearing a batch of PILs on the problem of poor ambient air quality in Delhi, an issue which it has also taken up suo motu and in which it has also appointed an amicus curiae.

The affidavit was filed in pursuance to the court's earlier direction asking the Centre, Delhi government, Forest Department and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to explain how did a multi-storeyed building, in ridge area, got permission for construction of flats.

The Centre, in its affidavit filed through Central government standing counsel Ajay Digpaul, said the day-to-day management of sanctuaries and national parks is the responsibility of states and Union territories.

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It said the Union ministry provides technical and financial support to the states and Union territories and as per the relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972, the Chief Wild Life Warden of the state or Union territory is the authority to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries and national parks.

"It may also be noted that in case of any encroachments in the sanctuaries and national parks, the powers to remove such encroachments are vested with States / Union Territories under Section 34A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972," the affidavit said.

It said the comparative areas of (Forest Cover and Tree Cover) Delhi reported from 2001 to 2021 has shown continuous increase in the forest cover and tree cover as reported between India State Forest Report (ISFR) 200I to ISFR 2021.

The Centre said as per ISFR 2021 published by Forest Survey of India, the Green Cover (forest and tree cover) of Delhi shows a manifold increase from 151 sq km in 2001 to 342 sq km in 2021, which depicts gradual improvement in percentage share of the geographical area of the state from 10.2 per cent in 2001 to 23.06 per cent in 2021.

The ISFR 2021 further reveals that 'Very dense forest' cover has remained constant and 'Medium dense forest' cover in Delhi has increased over the past two years. This shift towards increase in denser forest areas is a welcome sign as it signifies an increase in the capacity of forests to sequester carbon and mitigate environmental pollution, the affidavit said.

It added that large scale plantation programme has been taken up in Delhi in the last 3-4 years with the help of 20 greening agencies.

It said prior approval of the central government under section 2 of the Forest (conservation) Act, 1980 is mandatory for carrying out any non-forestry activity on forest land and that 'Land' is a subject matter of the state government.

The forest areas and the legal boundaries thereof are determined and maintained by the concerned state government. That being the repository of land records, the state government has the primary responsibility to determine status of any parcel of land giving due regards to the Gazette notifications, provisions under the State and Central Acts and concerned judgments and directions passed by the Supreme Court, the Centre said.

The high court had in February observed that the national capital was losing its forest cover drastically and injustice was being done to the nature.

It had asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati to personally look into the matter and asked her about the status of a pending case before the Supreme Court with identical issues, including depletion of green cover.

Amicus Curiae and senior advocate Kailash Vasudev, had apprised the court of an advertisement of selling of flats in Chattarpur area in South Delhi.

It is on the ridge area, you cannot build it as there is a prohibition. Somewhere some answer is needed, I can't say more. I think the court should issue notice to the MCD to explain this. Ask for an affidavit from the MCD commissioner to answer what is there, he had said, adding that the advertisement was being distributed to everyone freely.

He had also showed certain photographs to the court to highlight the loss of forest cover especially in the areas around Asola sanctuary, airport and the President's house.

While giving his suggestions to increase the forest cover in the city, Vasudev had said the government should clean the identified areas where encroachments have been done in ridge area.
MCD mayor Shelly Oberoi will take part in the 52nd general body meeting of the All India Council of Mayors in Madhya Pradesh, said an official statement.

The meet is going to be held in Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh during March 13-14. The main agenda of the meeting is to confirm the minutes of the 51st general body meeting of All India Mayor Council which was held in Chhattisgarh last year and to hold a discussion about the condition of various local bodies in the country.

Oberoi will present her views and plans for making Municipal Corporation of Delhi amongst the best of civic bodies, the statement said.

The Mayor said that she will present her plan of action based on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's health and education models, it said.

"It is an honour to take part in the 52nd General Body Meeting of All India Council of Mayors. I am looking forward to meeting with stakeholders of municipal corporations from across the nation and learning from their experiences. I will be sharing our learning on working of the Kejriwal Model in Delhi and how it can be adopted across India," Oberoi said.
A 34-year-old US citizen booked for allegedly smoking on board an Air India flight and unruly behaviour towards the crew was granted bail by a court here on Monday, police said.

The passenger was found smoking in the lavatory of London-Mumbai flight AI130 on March 10 and behaved in an unruly manner with the crew after they were alerted by the smoke alarm and threw the cigarette from his hand, the official said.

The airline officials handed him over to police when the flight landed in Mumbai, he said.

"The man, who is of Indian origin and holds a US passport, was produced in Andheri court and was granted bail on a surety of Rs 20,000. He will be released once he deposits this amount," the Sahar police station official said.

He was charged under section 336 (whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others) and other provisions of Indian Penal Code and Aircraft Act, the official added.
City-based National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on Monday signed a MoU to strengthen evidence-based research and capacity building on critical development issues.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to promote collaboration between the two institutions in areas such as climate change adaptation, rural entrepreneurship development, value chain development, sharing international best practices, scaling-up of identified agricultural and rural technologies, and livelihood development, a release from NIRDPR said.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will focus on different collaborative activities by sharing each other's strengths, including developing Rurban' clusters for ICRISAT mandate crops through value chain development, encouraging rural incubation and entrepreneurship development by integrating with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) activities, it said.

Enhancing the value of new generation watersheds through climate proofing of Gram Panchayats in India and promoting international best practices for poverty alleviation through agriculture and rural development programmes is also included, it said.

NIRDPR Director General G Narendra Kumar emphasised that the collaboration between the two institutions is very important in the background of international opportunities and enabling exports of agri-products from dryland areas.

"The technical competence of ICRISAT in research and development on high-yielding varieties and related value-added products, and the strength of NIRDPR in creating business opportunities and marketing support through self-help groups (SHGs) under NRLM across the country, will act in synergy to transform rural livelihoods," said Narendra Kumar.

Also Read The Hollywood sign is going to look jolly good on its 100th anniversary Is it time for India to abandon GMO crop fears? What is climate finance? Remunerative cash crops to be introduced as per land use: Agri min Chander Nestle to invest $1 billion towards sustainable coffee farming plan Mumbai sizzles at 39.4 degrees Celsius, logs highest temperature in India 79% employers willing to increase apprentice intake, says report CBI inquiry into 'corruption' launched at 5 state branches of Red Cross Excise policy scam: Delhi court extends Arun Pillai's ED custody by 3 days Pakistan engaging in hostile propaganda against India, says MEA report

ICRISAT Director General Jacqueline Hughes expressed her desire for the two institutions to work together for Africa, as they have several commonalities in terms of their vision, mission, and focus areas.

Partnership between NIRDPR and ICRISAT is expected to have a significant impact on rural development, poverty alleviation, and food security at the village level, the release added.
John Travolta wept on stage at the 95th Academy Awards when introducing the In Memoriam segment and paying respect to his former co-star Olivia Newton-John.

John's reference to the tune Hopelessly Devoted To You, which Olivia's character Sandy sang in the 1978 picture Grease, caused the audience to weep along with the actor. Before continuing to introduce the In Memoriam tribute, his voice cracked.

John Travolta Introduces Oscars 'In Memoriam'

Lenny Kravitz performed on stage while the names of individuals who had died in the industry in the past year were shown on a screen.

Per LADBible, Newton-John died in August of last year at 73, with her husband, John Easterling describing her as a "symbol of achievements and optimism." During the part, the names Irene Papas, Robbie Coltrane, Kirstie Alley, Dame Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, Burt Bacharach, Vangelis, James Caan, and Raquel Welch are displayed on the screen.

John Travolta's remark, which was met with cheers from the crowd, was as follows: "They've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends, whom we will always remain hopelessly devoted to."

Lenny performed on the piano and sang as photographs of the honorees appeared on a screen in front of the crowd. Olivia was the first recipient of recognition. When the renowned actress died in August 2022, Hollywood was in mourning.

John Travolta commemorated what would have been Olivia's 74th birthday one month after her passing by uploading a photo of them performing 'You're the One That I Want' after the 1978 film. John Travolta penned "Happy Birthday, My Olivia."

Hollywood Life reported that this was Lenny's first time performing at the Oscars. Being selected to head the 'In Memoriam' section is a tremendous honor for any industry professional.

John Travolta was overwhelmed by feelings, becoming teary-eyed and distressed. There was an audible response from the audience. Online fans reacted with sympathy to his emotional time.

Fans went to Twitter to comment on the poignant moment, with one user writing, "Moving and emotional intro by John Travolta to the In Memoriam segment with #Oscars #AcademyAwards."

One fan tweeted, "Not John Travolta quoting hopelessly devoted to you by Olivia newton john in his introduction to the #Oscars tribute performance."

Read Also: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Accept Royal Titles for Children Lilibet, Archie

Not John Travolta quoting hopelessly devoted to you by Olivia newton john in his introduction to the #Oscars tribute performance pic.twitter.com/pJATpFMbaD  . (@barchiebaby) March 13, 2023

The minute I saw John Travolta walk out I knew what was coming and I still wasnt prepared for his speech  #OliviaNewtonJohn #Oscars pic.twitter.com/s8pXzazKQO  Meghan McCains Trashy Side Account (@Matty2857) March 13, 2023

Find yourself a friend in life who clearly loves you like John Travolta loved Olivia Newton-John. #Oscar #Oscars pic.twitter.com/XICYs708bR  Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 13, 2023

Aaaaawwww John Travolta is so touched by Olivia's passing. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/9Vqkdn72cH  Diana Minda G. (@dmg1588) March 13, 2023

Olivia Newton-John's Death

Before her legendary part in Grease, the vivacious British-Australian had a tremendous singing career with five number-one songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1970s. 'Have You Never Been Mellow' was nominated for a Grammy and followed her last two chart-topping singles.

In the days following her death, her Grease co-stars expressed their grief. Didi Conn spoke on Good Morning America to discuss the dying days of Olivia. She became teary-eyed during the conversation due to her sensitivity. The actress described to the presenter what working with the Grease actor was like.

According to The Sun, Didi stated that she had communicated with Olivia just weeks before her death. The two women met on the set of Grease and were close friends for many years after the film's completion. Didi recalled the initial encounter with her co-star.

Related Article: Oscar Awards 2023: Everything Else To Look Out For in This Year's Ceremony

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President Joe Biden said on Monday that the administration's swift actions to help depositors in two US banks should give Americans confidence that the banking system is safe.


This has spread fears of contagion risk in the industry. The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has spread fears not only in the tech industry but also in the banking sector. Just a couple of days after US regulators shut the bank down on Friday, Signature Bank also shut its doors. According to Reuters, it is the third largest bank in US history to fail after Washington Mutual Bank (2008) and SVB.

What is contagion risk?

Contagion risk is the risk that financial difficulties at one or more banks will spill over to other banks or the financial system as a whole. In simpler words, it is the tendency of a financial crisis to spread to other markets and regions.



What is the US doing to reduce contagion risk? It is worth noting that this term is not used exclusively in the finance sector. The crypto industry also saw contagion after the collapse of FTX in November last year. Since then, several crypto firms like BlockFi and Core Scientific have filed for bankruptcy.

Also Read SVB Crisis: What led to the collapse of start-ups' favourite bank? SVB crisis sends jitters through startup world: Here's what we know SaaS firm Freshworks says exposure to Silicon Valley Bank minimal SVB crisis: Depositors to get access to 'all of their money' from today No SVB-like scenario in India; banks are on a strong footing, say analysts SC asks authorities to remove mosque from Allahabad HC complex in 3 months Maharashtra govt announces Rs 300 per quintal ex-gratia for onion farmers AAP launches door-to-door campaigns against arrests of Sisodia, Jain Karnataka a powerhouse of development, says PM Modi a day after his visit PM Modi lauds CISF for organising Raising Day parade outside Delhi



Later, in a joint statement, the US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg on Monday said that the depositors would get access to all of their money and that the taxpayer would bear no losses associated with the resolution. The US sprung into action almost immediately after the collapse of SVB. The Fed announced a new emergency loan programme for banks. The institutes can pledge collateral at par and not at the current market value to get a loan.



Can SVB's contagion risk spread to India? According to experts, the collapse of SVB may cause some contagion for regional banks, but the Biden administration's steps are likely to help reduce the risk in the whole banking sector.



Also, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar will meet representatives of start-ups this week to assess the impact of their exposure to the SVB. Government officials have said that the SVB crisis is not expected to have any lasting macroeconomic ripple effect on India. At the same time, Fintech and venture capital firms have come to the aid of Indian start-ups. Recur Club said it was allocating $15 million to all Indian founders affected by the crisis.
Coal imports have seen a 25 per cent fall in the last three years as India strives to increase domestic production and reduce dependence on imports, despite the fact that owing to global geopolitical turmoil which has put a strain on supply chains, it, along with other nations, has been forced to enhance its dependence on the dry fuel instead of moving to greener sources of energy.

The government imported 248.54 million tonnes of coal in 2019-20, which has come down by 25 per cent to 186.06 million tonnes in the current fiscal of 2022-23 (till December 2022), according to Coal Ministry data.

In fact, coal imports have gradually come down since 2019-20, as in 2020-21, it was 215.25 million tonnes while in 2021-22, it further came down to 208.93 million tonnes. In 2022-23, it further slid below the 200 million tonnes mark to 186 million tonnes till December 2022.

In 2018-19, India's coal imports stood at 235.35 million tonnes and had risen to 248.54 million tonnes in 2019-20, a rise of 5.6 per cent. However since 2019-20 till the current fiscal, imports have been following a downward trajectory.

Though India imports coal from several countries like Australia, Canada, China, Mozambique, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand and the US, its bulk of imports are from Indonesia.

Mindful of the fact that due to the Russia-Ukraine war impacting supply chains of green fuels, it has to depend on coal, India is aiming to improve its domestic production of dry fuel and plans to produce 911 million tonnes in the current fiscal, in order to reduce dependence on imported coal.

Also Read Centre asks Coal India to enhance supply to thermal power plants India's Russian thermal coal imports set to fall for first time in 4 months India's palm oil imports to jump 9% on rising demand, lower prices Edible oil imports surge 35% in Aug as share of Russia, Argentina rises CES 2023: Jabra unveils Elite 5, Evolve2, Enhance Plus wireless earbuds Former RBI dy governor says pricing power of 'Big 5' driving core inflation Govt holds talks with industry, academicians on IndiaAI platform rollout We hope RBI will opt for a pause on rate hikes: CII president Sanjiv Bajaj ICAR announces 1st international conference with World Bank Retail inflation above 6% in February, may trigger another rate hike

Government plans to enhance production of coal to 1,012 billion tonnes in 2023-24 and further increase it to 1.3 billion tonnes in 2025-26.

--IANS

ans/vd
The defence ministry signed a contract on Monday for refit of the Sindhukirti submarine at the Hindustan Shipyard Limited at an overall cost of Rs 934 crore.

Sindhukirti is a Kilo-class diesel electric submarine of the Indian Navy.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Sindhukirti will be combat worthy and will join the active submarine fleet of the Navy after the completion of the refit.

"In another boost to achieve 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', Ministry of Defence, on March 13 signed a contract for normal refit of Sindhukirti submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam at an overall cost of Rs 934 crore," it said in a brief statement.


The government on Monday held the first round of consultations on the IndiaAI programme with industry stakeholders, policy advocates, and academics to design a national AI (artificial intelligence) data platform and open up datasets held by the government for start-ups, researchers, and innovators. We need to design a national AI data platform, making data held by government organisations and the private sector available to researchers and innovation. The India dataset has a particular relevance that has not been seen elsewhere. Theres a perception that if we can do this right it will be a gold standard of datasets, said Chandrasekhar. Indian datasets will have restricted access and the government will decide the criteria for granting access to them, said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state for electronics and information technology, on Monday.



When industry stakeholders pointed out the need to focus on more fundamental and applied research on AI, the minister said: We will create an innovation and research network with an architecture that can collaborate among universities, researchers, and industry stakeholders. He added the programme would ensure that Indian datasets would help start-ups and researchers in building applications. The minister invited industry stakeholders and experts to volunteer on designing key aspects of the programme. The government plans to launch the programme by the end of April after around 40 days of consultation.



Other top issues discussed here included the situation of Indian datasets, research projects on AI, and ways to create use cases with the technology. Representatives from industry bodies such as the National Association of Software and Service Companies, policy advocacy groups, think tanks, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra took part in the consultations. The programme includes the design of the India Data Management Office (IDMO), which will aim to improve access, quality, and the use of public sector data to catalyse data-driven governance and decision-making, and create an ecosystem for data-based Innovation and research.

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The experts asked the government to create an index for responsible AI for standardising ethical practices and reducing concerns such as human bias. The meeting discussed the possible incentives that can be given to the private sector to open the non-personal datasets held by them.



The minister suggested the CoEs should not be conventional in design and have healthy private sector participation and involvement from start-ups and should focus on application-use cases.

The programme will also establish three Centres of Excellence (CoE) for AI, as announced by the Union Budget 2023. The centres will be set up in top educational institutions, allowing leading industry players to partner in conducting interdisciplinary research and develop cutting-edge applications and scalable problem solutions in agriculture, health, and sustainable cities.




Russian women and mothers have urged President Vladimir Putin to stop sending their husbands and sons "to the slaughter" by compelling them to join assault squads without proper training or equipment.

In a video released by the independent Russian Telegram channel SOTA, the women said that their loved ones had been "forced to join attack gangs" at the start of March despite having had just four days of training since their mobilization in September.

Per CNN, the video depicts the ladies holding a placard that reads "580 Separate Howitzer Artillery Division" in Russian and is dated March 11, 2023. Vladimir Maraktaev, 23, and a 30-year-old man who requested to be known as Andrey are among the five Russians who arrived at South Korea's Incheon International Airport on January 24, 2023, seeking refugee status after receiving their draft notification, but remain in limbo.

#Russia The wives of those mobilized from the Moscow region recorded an appeal to Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu. They are complaining that their husbands were thrown as cannon fodder to fight against Ukrainians after only three months of training. pic.twitter.com/oX6zF0ICam  Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) March 12, 2023

After four months of being confined to an airport in South Korea, this Russian is still not free. But his alternative is even worse. The decision by Russia to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight on the battlefields of Ukraine has sparked unrest and outrage and driven many Russians, particularly young men, to quit the country.

Families of conscripted Russian men have condemned the mobilization, citing concerns such as disciplinary issues, a lack of leadership from mid-ranking commanders, and a lack of training and logistical challenges such as inadequate uniforms and lousy food, and a shortage of medical supplies.

Putin's September decision to mobilize more than 300,000 men - the first since 1941 - shocked many ordinary Russians. Several individuals who were drafted have perished. Insufficient training and a lack of equipment have contributed to the high fatalities.

According to recruits, they were thrown into a war with outdated weaponry and inappropriate attire. A group of independent Russian journalists known as the 'No Future' project asserts that the government sought to conceal the deaths of dozens of Volgograd-based soldiers dispatched to combat without ammunition.

According to the organization, prospective recruits are also denied first-aid supplies and hot meals, and during a two-week training program, the guys "played on their phones." They are prepared to serve their country, not as stormtroopers but according to their training and specialization.

The woman requested that soldiers be withdrawn from the contact line and that artillerymen be supplied with artillery and ammunition. The group's criticism of the Kremlin is a response to the increasing resentment of Russian spouses and mothers over the war.

Putin told a group of enraged moms last year that he understood "their sorrow" at a staged sit-down when he sometimes seemed tearful. This was a rare admission of the government's shortcomings, per Daily Telegraph.

He has also stated that "errors" were committed to calling for reinforcements. The Kremlin has nonetheless hinted at a second mobilization. Lawmakers have proposed a measure that will give the Russian National Guard additional authority to execute military conscription orders, as well as another that will permit the confiscation of property from Russians who leave overseas.

Read Also: Hamburg Church Shooting Official Death Toll

Woman Interrupts TV Program to Criticize Putin

Meanwhile, a Russian TV editor who stopped a program to criticize Vladimir Putin for his war in Ukraine has described her terrible story of fleeing her country after being flagged as a potential target. Marina Ovsyannikova, a 44-year-old Ukrainian-born model, made headlines a year ago when she stood before Channel One cameras with a sign that read: "NO WAR. STOP THE WAR. DO NOT BELIEVE THE PROPAGANDA. THEY'RE LYING TO YOU HERE. RUSSIANS AGAINST WAR."

In August, she was imprisoned under house arrest and placed on the country's red list for another incident in which she held up a sign labeling the dictator a murderer and his forces fascists. The dictatorship accused her of distributing false information about Russia's armed forces, a Kremlin-invented felony for which she might be imprisoned for ten years in a harsh Russian penal colony.

Instead of waiting for the nearly likely guilty judgment, Marina and her small daughter made a daring escape to Paris. According to Mirror, they currently dwell in the French capital after President Emmanuel Macron granted them political refuge and round-the-clock security.

In October of last year, she cut her ankle tag with a pair of wire cutters she kept in her purse before embarking on a voyage that required her and her 11-year-old daughter Arisha to switch automobiles seven times before reaching the border.

At one point, one of the cars became inoperable after becoming trapped in the mud, and the two were forced to walk 12 kilometers over soggy fields and woodlands, using the stars to guide them to the border because they had no cell phone connection.

Related Article: Russians Use Hypersonic Missile in Big Attack

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The discussions were part of New Delhis move to create strategic partnerships with traditional allies focusing on emerging technologies, key among which is the country's current rollout of 5G, they told Business Standard. Telecom Minister Ashwani Vaishnaws meeting with Japans Digital Minister Kono Taro and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo over the weekend focused on firming up greater cooperation on 5G, telecom stacks, and enabling tech, officials said.



Strengthening industry cooperation between companies in the private sectors was also on the agenda, a diplomatic source said. Japan is also interested in being a part of Indias move to deploy its indigenous telecom stacks. Taro has reached New Delhi to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas visit to New Delhi next week and take in policy inputs for the G7 Digital and Technology Ministers Meeting in April hosted by Japan.



It is also creating Indias first-ever indigenously built standalone (SA) 5G core, considered to be a technological improvement on the NSA core, by October, 2023. The first domestically developed 5G radio and antennas would also be ready in the next six months, along with the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN), C-DOT officials had earlier told Business Standard. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is developing a full stack of sophisticated telecom equipment fully indigenously. This includes designing a fully indigenous non-standalone (NSA) 5G core.

Also Read India-US CEO forum discuss ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo begins four-day visit to India Will sign pact on chips on Friday, says US commerce secy Gina Raimondo LIVE: ED gets Manish Sisodia's remand till March 17 in excise policy case 4G and 5G stacks can handle 10 mn simultaneous calls: Vaishnaw at B20 meet Fiscal slippage in FY23 likely as govt seeks to spend Rs 1.5 trillion more 23 of 55 high-priority DRDO projects missed deadline: Govt in Parliament Delhi govt has no plan to revise power subsidy scheme, says Atishi India exported military hardware worth Rs 13,399 crore in current fiscal Defence procurement from foreign sources reducing, shows govt data



In 2021, both nations had decided to step up mutual cooperation in many of these areas, but the pandemic and other geopolitical distractions had kept the focus on other parts of the bilateral relationship. It has now been decided to set up focus groups in these areas, an official said. Vaishnaws meeting with Taro focused on accelerating cooperation between India and Japan on the same. The ministers have decided to fast-track cooperation on a range of telecom areas, including 5G technologies, telecom security, submarine optical fiber cable system to the Andaman islands of India, spectrum management, and high altitude platform for broadband in unconnected areas.



Industrial use cases for 5G across health care, manufacturing, and communications through robotics and automation are stressed upon by Indian telecom companies as the biggest source of revenue in the near future. Raimondo was in India to attend the India-US Commercial Dialogue and CEO Forum to discuss cooperation in various sectors that could unlock new trade and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, the meeting with Raimondo discussed ways to further the US. India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in January, earlier this year. Officials said US companies working in 5G-enabled technology areas, such as Verizon, were keen to test the Indian market.

Eye on the stack



13 foreign telcos have also evinced interest in end-to-end tech 18 countries interested in implementing India's indigenously developed 4G, 5G stacks
The Ministry of Electronics and IT on Monday set up a task force for framing a draft roadmap for the artificial intelligence ecosystem by end of April.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar after consultation with startups and IT companies working on artificial intelligence announced setting up of an IndiaAI platform which will focus on boosting research and facilitating tools required for the start-up community for growth.

"IndiaAI platform will focus on promoting Indian Startups, Research and Innovation. I expect task force to come up with design of IndiaAI by end of April," Chandrasekhar said.

According to estimates, AI is expected to add USD 967 billion to the Indian economy by 2035 and USD 450500 billion to India's GDP by 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of the country's USD 5 trillion GDP target.

IT industry Nasscom President Debjani Ghosh during the discussion asked the government to prepare a roadmap based on sectors like clean tech, biotech, and space tech.

"If you start with skills. Today we have roughly 500-1000 odd skilled professionals in India. The demand is much more. By 2025, we expect it to go up to a million. Can we say that the under IndiaAI program we all will come together to create a million world-class skilled professionals?" Ghosh said.

Also Read Govt will take a call on who can access Indian datasets, says MoS IT Arogya World wins the prestigious UN award for initiative against NCD DoT forms 4 task forces to boost domestic telecom mfg, remove hurdles Aggressive AI play: Amid ChatGPT revolution, govt to upgrade INDIAai Singapore sets up ransomware task force for rising threat to businesses Domestic air passenger traffic projected at 11.9 million in Feb: Icra Inflation and business pressure weigh on India Inc growth, says S&P India's exports to cross $750 billion this fiscal, says Piyush Goyal India's manufacturing growth to continue in Q4, says Ficci survey Mandaviya seeks report from Kerala govt on Brahmapuram plant fire

Some of the startups demanded availability of authentic data sets for creating solutions. Ministry of Science and Technology backed incubator ARTPARK(AI & Robotics Technology Park) Co-Founder and CEO Umakant Soni asked for enhancing computing nodes for artificial intelligence and providing market support for innovation done by the start-up.

Chandrasekhar asked start-ups and other participants to volunteer for the task force and asked them to put all the building blocks for AI in the country together for the government to take it up.

"IndiaAI will work for the benefit of Indians to deliver better governance, development and create an innovation ecosystem that will contribute to the digital economy," Chandrasekhar said.
Days after it decided to "absolve" the Delhi Waqf Board from all matters pertaining to 123 properties, including mosques, dargahs, and graveyards in the city, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Monday said that the ownership of these establishments already vests with the Central government.

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that progress of allotment of these properties for other purposes has not been initiated.

"The ownership of the 123 properties already vests with the Government of India (61 with Land and Development Office and 62 with Delhi Development Authority), therefore the question of seizure of these properties does not arise," Puri said.

The minister said that no representation or objections were made by the Delhi Waqf Board before the two-member Committee on the subject of de-notified waqf assets.

"The Government intends to inspect all 123 properties in question. However, the actual physical inspection process is yet to begin," he said in the written reply.

The Delhi Waqf Board, chaired by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, has moved the Delhi High Court, contending that all these properties are either dargahs, mosques or graveyards, which have always remained in its possession and cannot be taken away now on the basis of a report of a two-member committee.
Dates for the online Assam Combined Entrance Examination (CEE) 2023 examination have been announced by Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU). Applicants for the Assam CEE 2023 can check and download the exam plan from the official website astu.ac.in.

The Assam CEE 2023 exam will be held on May 28, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to a notice, the admission application form for the Assam CEE 2023 examination will be available from March 14, 2023.

What is Assam CEE Exam?

Assam Common Entrance Examination (Assam CEE) is held every year by the Assam Science and Technological University. BTech admissions to the state's participating engineering institutes are made through this entrance exam. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) holds the counselling system. Below are the Assam CEE eligibility criteria 2023 in points:

 Candidates must be between 17 and 21 years old to apply. The upper age limit is relaxed by three years for SC/ST applicants. The application deadline for the B.Sc. programme is 22 years old.

 Candidates must have passed the 10+2 standard (or an equivalent exam) and have studied English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

 Candidates must be Indian.

Also Read SSC CGL 2022 exam's registration process to end on Oct 8; check details CAT 2022: Registration for IIM entrance ends today; check all details here CAT 2022 registration last date today: Here's how you can apply online DUET 2022: NTA releases exam schedule for Delhi University PG entrance test MAT 2022 Special Drive registration process begins; step-by-step guide CUET: DU advises candidates to check syllabi of programmes before opting Deakin University's Indian teachers to get trained in Australia Karnataka 2nd PUC 2023 exam begins today, over 700,000 students appearing IIT Bombay declares UCEED 2023 results online for B.Des programmes Deakin University to start PG courses in cyber security, business analytics

 Candidates must be permanent residents of Assam.

 Candidates must have studied English, Physics, and Chemistry. Each of the subjects should have been passed individually.

Important Dates for Assam CEE 2023

Candidates who want to apply for the Assam CEE 2023 exam can look at the important exam dates in the table below:







Events Dates

Opening of application portal March 14, 2023

Last date to submit application April 3, 2023

Release of admit cards Will available from 15 days before and up to the exam date

Assam CEE 2023 exam May 28, 2023

Announcement of result Within 10 days of conducting exam









How do I apply for the Assam CEE 2023? To learn how to complete the admissions application, candidates can follow the steps listed below: 1. Go to the official ASTU website at astu.ac.in.

2. Select the application link on the screen.

3. Before filling out the Assam CEE application form, read the important instructions.

4. Press the submit button after completing the form successfully.

5. Complete the payment for the Assam CEE 2023 exam fee. On the screen, the Assam CEE 2023 application form will appear. Print all the documents related to the Assam CEE 2023 application form and examination for future reference.
The Daniels doubled down on everything. It's paid off in one of the most unlikely best director Oscar wins in history.

The directing duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took the elite filmmaking prize Sunday night for their multiversal dramedy Everything Everywhere All at Once", topping a talented field that included Hollywood royalty Steven Spielberg.

The Daniels came into the night the favourites for the Oscar, and their film, the top nominee with 11, had immense awards season momentum, making the victory no surprise.

It was the second Oscar of the night for the duo, who earlier won best original screenplay, one of five statuettes their film won Sunday night, including best supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan and best supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis. It may still win best actress and best picture.

When they won the earlier Oscar, Scheinert railed off the names of his favourite school teachers, saying, you guys all inspired me and taught me to be less of a butthead.

And Kwan said my impostor syndrome is at an all-time high. He called Scheinert my confidence. He is the person who told me I was a storyteller before I believed it.

Also Read Oscar nominations 2023 final list to be out today: Here's how to watch Oscar nominations: 'The Banshees of Inisherin' leads pack; 3 nods for India No words can describe this surreal moment, team 'RRR' on winning Oscar S S Rajamouli's 'RRR' joins Oscars 2023 race; check for more detail Oscars 2023: Vietnam-born Ke Huy Quan wins Best Supporting Actor award No words can describe this surreal moment, team 'RRR' on winning Oscar Oscars 2023: 'Naatu Naatu' from Rajamouli's 'RRR' wins Best Original Song Oscars: All Quiet on the Western Front wins Best International Feature Film Oscars 2023: Vietnam-born Ke Huy Quan wins Best Supporting Actor award Oscars 2023: The Elephant Whisperers wins Best Documentary Short Film award

Each 35 years old, the Daniels were the youngest and least experienced filmmakers in a group of nominees that also included 76-year-old Spielberg ("The Fabelmans"), 48-year-old Ruben Ostlund (Triangle of Sadness) 59-year-old Todd Field (Tar) and 52-year-old Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin).

Their win comes almost exactly a year after the film's release. The Daniels' only previous feature was the oddball dead-body comedy Swiss Army Man".

At the time it might have seemed a pipe dream that such a pair would win an award that has eluded star directors from Alfred Hitchcock to Ridley Scott to Quentin Tarantino.

But Everything Everywhere, which mixed the same kind of strangeness with elements of Hollywood sci-fi and action epics, stirred buzz - and inspired memes - from the start and became a magnet for awards in recent months.

Kwan becomes the third winner of Asian descent to win a directing Oscar. Chloe Zhao and Bong Joon also won the prize. The film was a boon for Asian actors, who were cast in most of the major roles, including Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan, all of whom got Oscar nominations, with Quan winning and Yeoh's best actress category still to be presented.

The Daniels are the third directing duo to win an Oscar. Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise won for the original West Side Story in 1962, and brothers Joel and Ethan Coen won for No Country for Old Men in 2008.

They are also among the youngest to win the award. La La Land director Damien Chazelle was the youngest at 32 in 2017.

Last month they won the Directors Guild of America Award, which has proven to be a strong predictor of Oscar victory.

Spielberg had once been expected to cruise through awards season with his autobiographical The Fabelmans, but the late surge in affection for Everything Everywhere All at Once proved too much.

Scheinert, from Birmingham, Alabama, and Kwan, from Westborough, Massachusetts, met while studying film at Emerson College in Boston.

They began their career making music videos before moving on to features, occasionally directing episodes of television.

There were no female directors nominated in the category. After two years of trend-bucking with back-to-back wins for women in the category, the Academy returned to its historic norm of nominating male directors only.
The German anti-war film 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is leading the Oscars as it has won four awards so far at the ongoing 95th edition of the Academy Awards. The film, directed by Edward Berger, was feted with the Best International Feature Film honour in addition to Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.

It defeated films like 'Argentina, 1985', 'EO', 'The Quiet Girl' and 'Close'.

'All Quiet on the Western Front' is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque.

The film, which is set during World War 1, follows the life of an idealistic young German soldier named Paul Baumer.

The 95th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, is currently underway at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.


Kremlin defiance is growing as efforts by the US and its allies to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine are stalling in the face of reluctance among other countries to join. For the moment, the Kremlin is planning for him to participate in the summit though no final decision has been made, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss plans that arent yet public. The Kremlin is opening up Vladimir Putins schedule around this years G20 summit in India in September to make it possible for the Russian president to participate in the leaders gathering after skipping the last two, according to people familiar with the planning.



Formally, India has invited Putin to the G20 summit and the Kremlin has accepted. But last year, amid pressure from the US and its allies over the war, Putin dropped plans to attend the gathering in Indonesia and sent Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in his place. He also skipped the G20 meeting in Rome a year earlier while he was planning his invasion of Ukraine. Officials this week shifted the dates for an annual economic forum in Vladivostok, which had been set for the eve of the September 9-10 summit, to a week later to give Putin greater flexibility and open the possibility that senior officials from India and China might attend the forum, the people said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment.



A similar meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank heads failed to reach a consensus on the language. Russia has stopped sending senior economic officials to such gatherings, seeing their participation as pointless, according to people familiar with the decisions. Since November, however, the Kremlin has found itself a bit less isolated in the group. At the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi in early March, Russia and China rejected wording on the war that had been agreed at the leaders summit in Indonesia less than six months before. They teamed up to block India, the host country, from negotiating a compromise. Russia has hardened its position since the fall after the US and its allies agreed to step up weapons supplies to Ukraine early this year, according to a person familiar with Kremlin thinking.

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India, meanwhile, may send a government minister to represent the country at Putins annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum again in June this year, according to people familiar with the plans. A final decision will be up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kremlin has said Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Moscow this year, as trade between the two countries surges despite sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and its allies over invasion of Ukraine.

Modi didnt hold an annual in-person summit with Putin last year, for only the second time in the last two decades. India and Russia are, however, continuing with established diplomatic engagements despite unease in New Delhi over Russias war in Ukraine. India hasnt joined the US and European sanctions and has seen trade surge with Russia since the invasion.


The head of the United Nations called on Monday for scientists to serve up cold, hard facts to push governments into making policies that curb climate change before a key global warming threshold is passed.

His comments came as experts and officials from around the world gathered for a week-long meeting in the Swiss Alpine town of Interlaken to finalise the last of seven reports issued by the global body's panel of top scientists since the Paris climate accord was forged in 2015.

In a video address to delegates, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change could not come at a more pivotal time.

Our world is at a crossroads and our planet is in the crosshairs, he said. We are nearing the point of no return; of overshooting the internationally agreed limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) of global warming.

That threshold, agreed in Paris almost eight years ago and measured against average temperatures during pre-industrial times, has become the yardstick for climate scientists who warn of the dangers of an ever hotter planet.

Guterres cited recent IPCC reports showing that while some impacts of global warming are already unavoidable, it is possible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees with rapid and deep emissions reductions across all sectors of the global economy."



Some scientists disagree, noting that the rate at which greenhouse gas is being pumped into the atmosphere makes this limit almost impossible to keep to.

Also Read What happened during the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union What is climate finance? Cold waves intensify across Kashmir, many places see season's lowest temp Severe cold wave conditions likely to grip parts of N India for next 3 days Energy colonialism, climate reparations: COP27 and key concepts to know UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hikes country's defence spending on US tour Senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel sworn in as Nepal's third President Pak govt makes public record of Toshakhana gifts; retainers include Shehbaz US turns to new aggressive ways to punish Russian oligarchs for Ukraine war Xi urges lawmakers to focus on China's stability at start of third term

The UN chief said the final installment in the IPCC's sixth reporting cycle known as the synthesis report because it brings together insights from six previous papers should provide governments with solid, frank, detailed scientific guidance to make the right decisions for people and planet when they gather for the annual world climate conference in Dubai at the end of the year.

Guterres stressed that speeding up the phase-out of fossil fuels is tough but essential.

Show the urgent need to end global heating with cold, hard facts, he told delegates.
Swiss says it will not compromise its neutrality by giving arms to Ukraine, which the West supports. The arms ban disallows its weapons to be used in war, contrasting the willingness of others to allow the conflict to fester.

Swiss President Says Ukraine Will Not Get Arms

President Alain Berset stated that Switzerland would not drop its arms ban on the warring faction, which fellow European nations have done, making a once neutral very complicit in the Ukraine war. He told NZZ am Sonntag weekly that arms made by their defense industry should not be utilized in wars, noted Swiss Info.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict has been a tempestuous affair since it began last year in February 2022, reported Anews.

The rich European nation went along with the demands to sanction Russia, which it did even though it is not an EU nation. But it has limits and needs others to drop being neutral and following the lead of the Biden administration is unacceptable.

It's no secret that they are pressured by a desperate Zelensky regime and its supporters, including the US, to get their way. Berne has not allowed its arms to be re-exported for Ukrainian use, mentioned Al Arabiya.

Swiss To Upheld Neutrality

Several European nations are asking for permission but did not get approval for the War Materiel Act that bans all buyers of Swiss-made arms from transferring them to a war-torn country.

Berset said that when diplomacy is the better option, Switzerland will not denigrate peace and humanitarian law.He stressed that their participation as the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions, and the UN's euro-based is shown in its laws, including the export of arms.

Read Also: SVB Collapse: How Did Silicon Valley Bank Fall in 48 Hours?

Furthermore, it said that keeping humanitarian and human rights law, Geneva Conventions is crucial as the situation stands. Stated that if they allow it to be overruled by certain parties, it could be tantamount to trouble.

Berset remarked that Switzerland would not be part of any war and stressed that Bern would be a party to mediation and peace, never to conflict.

At one point, he called Moscow and Kyiv to end the war and start negotiations for the better. The longer anyone extends the war will not benefit anyone.

Criticized the presence of warmongers in a sector demanding Berne drop its neutral stance. Stated that accommodations have been made to sanction sufficient Russia, but some want to change the status quo.

Lawmakers in Bern are pushing a dangerous precedent to allow arms export to Ukraine, which is unacceptable to the current leadership. The president of Switzerland said they would not allow Swiss-made weapons to be re-exported to Ukraine. Calls the neutral stance essential and be maintained.

Parties debate the outcome, leading to a final decision that will impact it. It is a question of whether to drop it via its direct democracy system in months. Swiss says that it will not end its neutrality for the benefit of Ukraine, stressing that mediation, not conflict, will be its path.

Related Article: Dropping of Switzerland Neutrality Urges the Pro-Ukraine Shift

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Speaking for the first time since the rubber-stamp Parliament last week approved his precedent-breaking third term as head of state, Xi called on the nation to uphold the leadership of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by him. China President Xi Jinping on Monday vowed to build Chinas military into a Great Wall of steel to protect the its sovereignty and developmental interests as he sought a bigger role for Beijing in global affairs, days after brokering a Saudi Arabia-Iran detente, regarded as a diplomatic coup.



He pledged that he would faithfully perform the duties entrusted by the Constitution and would never let down the great trust of all Chinese people. This is my third time assuming the lofty office of president, Xi, 69, said at the closing ceremony of Chinas national legislature, adding that the trust of the people is the biggest driving force for me to move forward, and it is also a heavy responsibility on my shoulders.

Xi to visit Russia as early as next week

Chinese President Xi Jinping could wade deeper than before into Ukraine diplomacy as soon as next week, staging both his first trip to Russia and his first talks with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the invasion.



Also Read Xi Jinping makes first public appearance since returning from overseas Chinese President Xi creates history, wins record third term in power President Xi Jinping, a princeling turned Mao 2.0 in China's 'new era' China's Communist Party Congress to endorse Xi Jinping for record 3rd time Xi Jinping aims to seize complete control over internet to curb dissent After SVB, Signature Bank latest casualty of turmoil in banking sector China's new Premier Li says achieving 5% GDP target this year not easy China could control a third of the world's Lithium supply by 2025: UBS AG SVB depositors will have access to their money starting Monday: Yellen US-based Silicon Valley Bank failed: Here's why it's not 2008 again





- Reuters



Achieving 5% GDP target not easy: Li Several sources familiar with the plans told Reuters Xi could visit Moscow next week, an earlier-than-expected trip in response to a long-standing invitation from President Vladimir Putin.


The London-listed lenders ring-fenced subsidiary, HSBC UK Bank plc, is acquiring Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited (SVB UK) for 1, HSBC said in a statement Monday. HSBC Holdings Plc is set to buy the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank, the culmination of a frantic weekend where ministers and bankers explored various ways to avert the SVB units collapse.



Ministers and officials had spent the weekend drawing up plans to ringfence the UKs technology and life sciences industries, following warnings that they would be crippled without intervention. Though small compared to the UKs largest banks, SVB has an outsized role in the world of startups, describing itself as the go-to banking partner for founders, entrepreneurs and investors. This acquisition makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK, Chief Executive Officer Noel Quinn said in the statement. SVB UK customers can continue to bank as usual, safe in the knowledge that their deposits are backed by the strength, safety and security of HSBC.



Another plan was for lenders to take on depositors from SVB Financial Groups British arm. Under the plan, several big banks would have taken on SVBs depositors, offering them access to money until their funds are released from the lender. A host of lenders were mooted as possible buyers  with such a deal the preferred solution of the government. Nascent clearing bank Bank of London Group Ltd. said in a statement on Sunday that it submitted a formal proposal to the Treasury, Bank of England and the board of SVB UK. Royal Group, an investment firm controlled by a top Abu Dhabi royal, and SoftBank Group Corp.-backed lender OakNorth were also among those considering a takeover, Bloomberg reported earlier Sunday.

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This is an urgent matter. Help is needed by tomorrow, Michael Moore, director general of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association said, before the Treasurys intervention. Long-term support will be required to protect the UKs innovators, entrepreneurs and funders. The leaders of roughly 180 tech companies had said in an open letter to Hunt seen by Bloomberg that the loss of deposits at SVB would have the potential to cripple the sector and set the ecosystem back 20 years.

The announcement comes after US financial regulators moved on Sunday to assure all depositors their money is safe following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and set up a new lending program offered by the Federal Reserve with funds from the Treasury Department.
"Everything Everywhere All At Once" came in the Oscar favourite, and it's winning like one, too. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis all won acting honours while the filmmaking duo known as the Daniels, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won for both directing and original screenplay.

Yeoh became the first Asian woman to best actress, taking the award for her lauded performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once".

The 60-year-old Malaysian-born Yeoh won her first Oscar for a performance that relied as much on her comic and dramatic chops as it did her kung fu skills. She's the first best actress win for a non-white actress in 20 years.

"Ladies, don't let anyone ever tell you you're past your prime,: said Yeoh, who received a raucous standing ovation.

In winning best director, the Daniels both 35 years old won for just their second and decidedly un-Oscar bait feature.

They're just the third directing pair to win the award, following Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins ("West Side Story") and Joel and Ethan Coen ("No Country for Old Men").

Also Read Oscars 2023: Vietnam-born Ke Huy Quan wins Best Supporting Actor award Oscars 2023: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' named Best Picture Oscars 2023: Jamie Lee Curtis wins Best Supporting Actress award Ke Quan wins Best Supporting Actor for 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Golden Globe Awards 2023: Michelle Yeoh wins trophy for 'Best Actress' Oscars 2023: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' named Best Picture Xi calls to uphold Chinese Communist Party leadership as session ends Silicon Valley Bank's collapse highlights fickleness of crypto money Oscars 2023: Vietnam-born Ke Huy Quan wins Best Supporting Actor award Oscars 2023: Jamie Lee Curtis wins Best Supporting Actress award

Scheinert dedicated the award "to the moms of the world".

Best actor went to Brendan Fraser, culminating the former action star's return to centre stage for his physical transformation as a 600-lb. reclusive professor in "The Whale".

The best-actor race had been one of the closest contests of the night, but Fraser in the end edged Austin Butler.

"So this is what the multiverse looks like," said a clearly moved Fraser, pointing to the "Everything Everywhere All at Once" crew.

The former child star Quan capped his own extraordinary comeback with the Oscar for best supporting actor for his performance in the indie hit "Everything Everywhere All at Once".

Quan, beloved for his roles as Short Round in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and Data in "Goonies", had all but given up acting before being cast in "Everything Everywhere All at Once".

His win, among the most expected of the night, was nevertheless one of the ceremony's most moving moments.

The audience including his "Temple of Doom" director, Steven Spielberg gave Quan a standing ovation as he fought back tears.

"Mom, I just won an Oscar!" said Quan, 51, whose family fled Vietnam in the war when he was a child.

"They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I can't believe it's happening," said Quan. "This is the American dream."



Minutes later, Quan's castmate Jamie Lee Curtis won for best supporting actress. Her win, in one of the most competitive categories this year, denied a victory for comic-book fans. Angela Bassett ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever") would have been the first performer to win an Oscar for a Marvel movie.

It also made history for Curtis, a first-time winner who alluded to herself as "a Nepo baby" during her win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

She's the rare Oscar winner whose parents were both Oscar nominees, something she emotionally referenced in her speech. Tony Curtis was nominated for "The Defiant Ones" in 1959 and Janet Leigh was nominated in 1961 for "Psycho".

Curtis thanked "hundreds" of people who put her in that position.

The German-language WWI epic "All Quiet on the Western Front" Netflix's top contender this year took four awards as the academy heaped honours on the craft of the harrowing anti-war film. It won for cinematography, production design, score and best international film.

Though Bassett missed on supporting actress, Ruth E Carter won for the costume design of "Wakanda Forever", four years after becoming the first Black designer to win an Oscar for "Black Panther". This one makes Carter the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

"Thank you to the Academy for recognising the superhero that is a Black woman," said Carter. "She endures, she loves, she overcomes, she is every woman in this film."



Carter dedicated the award to her mother, who she said died last week at 101.

The telecast, airing live on ABC, opened traditionally: with a montage of the year's films (with Kimmel edited into a cockpit in "Top Gun: Maverick") and a lengthy monologue. Kimmel, hosting for the third time, didn't dive right into revisiting Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock at last year's ceremony.

The late-night comedian struggled to find lessons from last year's incident, which was followed by Smith winning best actor. If anyone tried any violence this year, Kimmel said, "you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute-long speech."



But Kimmel, hosting for the third time, said anyone who wanted to "get jiggy with it" this year will have to come through a fearsome battalion of bodyguards, including Michael B Jordan, Michelle Yeoh, Steven Spielberg and his show's "security guard" Guillermo Rodriguez.

After landmark wins for Chloe Zhao ("Nomadland") and Jane Campion ("The Power of the Dog"), no women were nominated for best director. Sarah Polley, though, won best adapted screenplay for the metaphor-rich Mennonite drama "Women Talking".

"Thank you to the academy for not being mortally offended by the words women' and talking,'" said Polley.

Daniel Roher's "Navalny", about the imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, took best documentary. The film's win came with clear overtones to Navalny's ongoing imprisonment and Vladimir Putin's continued war in Ukraine. Yulia Navalnaya joined the filmmakers on the stage.

"My husband is in prison just for telling the truth," said Navalnaya. "Stay strong my love."



Some big names weren't in attendance for other reasons.

Neither Tom Cruise, whose "Top Gun: Maverick" is up for best picture, nor James Cameron, director of best-picture nominee "Avatar: The Way of Water", were at the ceremony. Both have been forefront in Hollywood's efforts to get moviegoers back after years of pandemic.

"The two guys who asked us to go back to theatre aren't in the theatre," said Kimmel, who added that Cruise without his shirt on in "Top Gun: Maverick" was "L Ron Hubba Hubba".

After last year's Oscars, which had stripped some categories from being handed out in the live telecast, the academy restored all awards to the show and leaned on traditional song and and dance numbers.

That meant some show-stopping numbers, including the elastic suspenders dance of "Naatu Naatu" from the Telugu action-film sensation "RRR", an intimate, impassioned performance by Lady Gaga of "Hold My Hand" from "Top Gun: Maverick", and an Super Bowl follow-up by Rihanna. Best song went to "Naatu Naatu".

It also meant a long show. "This kind of makes you miss the slapping a little bit, right?" Kimmel said mid-show.

The night's first award went to "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" for best animated film. That handed Netflix its first Oscar in the category.

After last year's slap, the academy created a crisis management team to better respond to surprises. Neither Rock, who recently made his most forceful statement about the incident in a live special, nor Smith, who was banned by the academy for 10 years, attended.
Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan on Sunday slammed the caretaker government of Punjab for its "double standards", saying it was giving a "free hand" to his political rivals to hold public rallies while illegally stopping his party from running the election campaigns.

Khan, 70, said the PMLN-led federal coalition, Punjab caretaker setup and the military establishment were trying to delay the elections in Punjab province.

"The cabal of crooks are trying their best to postpone the elections in Punjab scheduled to be held on April 30. They want to arrest me as they have instituted 80 fake cases against me," he said in a media talk on Sunday.

"I wonder how Maryam is getting away for launching a scathing attack on Pakistani judges as she has been a given a license to do so (by the establishment)," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the G-20 summit in India in September, but no decision has yet been made, his spokesperson said on Monday.

"It cannot be ruled out," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked if Putin's participation in the summit in India in September was being considered.

"But no decision has been made yet," Peskov was quoted as saying by the state-run Tass news agency.

"Russia continues its full participation in the G20 format, we intend to continue it," Peskov added.

The Russian delegation at the G20 leaders' forum in Bali, Indonesia last year was headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In 2020 and 2021 Putin attended the G20 summits via video link.

The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10 in New Delhi.

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G20 or the Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies.

The members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

The grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU).

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Lavrov attended a two-day meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi.

The meeting took place amid Russia's escalating confrontation with the Western powers over the Ukraine conflict and India's diplomatic tightrope walk on the issue.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Germany's Annalena Baerbock and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also attended the meeting.

During a press conference on the sidelines of the meeting, Lavrov hailed India's "highly responsible" and "worthy of a great power" stance on key matters on the global agenda.

"The final document was not adopted by the ministers because the Western countries insisted on the text that was agreed at the G20 summit last year in Bali. They were ignoring completely our argument that since then a lot has changed, a lot has happened," Lavrov said.

The G20 foreign ministers' meeting was unable to come out with a joint communique due to bitterly increasing rift between the US-led Western powers and Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
The reappointment of Kathpalia is effective from March 24, 2023. His current term ends on March 23, 2023.In the past three months, IndusInd Bank has underperformed the market by falling 12 per cent as compared to a 5 per cent decline in the S&P BSE Sensex.IndusInd Banks stock price has been under pressure not only due to the macro uncertainty but also because of the clarity around the extension. Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) thus believes the RBI approval will now shift the focus to the fundamental performance of the bank.There was uncertainty around his extension and all sorts of conjectures were made with respect to the tenure that will get approved by the central bank. We note that there had been instances in the past where despite a shorter term approval, the MD & CEOs of other banks had been able to secure a three- year regular term during subsequent renewals, MOFSL said in a company update.IndusInd Bank has been demonstrating a healthy improvement in operating performance fueled by a pick-up in loan growth, strengthening liability franchise and improving asset quality. The brokerage estimates IndusInd Bank to deliver a 20 per cent loan CAGR over FY23-25. Asset quality risks are receding with a gradual reduction in slippages, which will drive a continued moderation in credit costs, MOFSL said.
Markets regulator Sebi on Monday said it will auction 66 properties of Saradha Group on April 11 at a reserve price totalling Rs 32 crore to recover money raised by the firm from the public through illicit schemes.

The properties to go under the hammer include land parcels located in West Bengal, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a notice.

The regulator said that the e-auction will be conducted between 11 am and 1 pm on April 11, 2023. The total reserve price of these properties is pegged at about Rs 32 crore.

Sebi has engaged Quikr Realty to assist it in sale of the properties and appointed C1 India as the e-auction provider.

The development came after the Calcutta High Court passed an order in June 2022, whereby it directed Sebi to proceed with the auction of properties of Saradha Group of Companies. The entire exercise was directed to be completed within three months.

Saradha Group, a consortium of over 239 private companies, allegedly ran chit fund operations in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha and raised around Rs 4,000 crore from 1.7 million depositors before it collapsed in April 2013.

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As per the notice, the regulator said bidders should make their own independent enquiries regarding the encumbrances, litigations, attachments and acquisition of liabilities of the property put on auction, prior submitting their bid.

"The purchaser shall participate in the e-auction on his own behalf and no third party intervention, like authorized agent/representative, would be permitted. The successful bidder shall bear the charges/ fee payable for transfer of the property in his/her name. All taxes shall be borne by the purchaser," the notice said.

In September 2022, the regulator said that it will auction 69 properties of Saradha Group of Companies on November 1 at a reserve price of Rs 30 crore.
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Australia stock market sank deeper on Monday, 13 March 2023, with shares of financials and tech stocks led losses, as concerns over the U.S. financial system contagion fears grew after tech-focused U.S. lender Silicon Valley Bank collapsed late last week.

At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index declined 35.84 points, or 0.5%, to 7,108.85. The broader All Ordinaries index dropped 37.20 points, or 0.51%, to 7,311.02.

The top performing stocks in the S&P/ASX 200 Index index were CAPRICON METALS and RAMELIUS RESOURCES, up 15% and 10.16% respectively. The bottom performing stocks in S&P/ASX200 index were NICKEL INDUSTRIES and PERPETUAL, down 5.24% and 4.88% respectively.

Total 10 of 11 sectors were lower along with the S&P/ASX 200 Index. Energy was worst performing sector, falling 3.36%, followed by materials (down 3.1%), financial (down 2.8%), information technology (down 2.2%), and A-REIT (down 1.8%) sectors. Utilities was the best performing sector, gaining +0.61%.

Shares of financials tumbled, with the "Big Four" lenders losing between 0.4% and 1.9%. The country's prudential regulator said it was seeking more information from Australian banks regarding any impact from the collapse.

Shares of materials and resources were higher on strong iron ore prices. BHP jumped 1.8% to $45.83. Gold miner Evolution Mining was up 1.1% to $2.80 and Northern Star Resources jumped by 5% to $11.08, as SVB's collapse sparked a global flight to safety, sending gold prices surging.

Tech stocks fell, in line with U.S. peers on Friday amid risks from the SVB's failure.

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The offer received bids for 32.75 lakh shares as against 77.49 lakh shares on offer.

The initial public offer (IPO) of Global Surfaces received bids for 32,75,300 shares as against 77,49,000 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 17:00 IST on Monday (13 March 2023). The issue was subscribed 0.42 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Monday (13 March 2023) and it will close on Wednesday (15 March 2023). The price band of the IPO is fixed at Rs 133-140 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 100 equity shares and in multiples thereof.

The IPO comprises offer for sale (OFS) of 25,50,000 equity shares (14,00,000 equity shares by Mayank Shah and 11,50,000 equity shares by Sweta Shah, both promoter shareholders) and the fresh issue of 85,20,000 equity shares.

Of the net proceeds from the fresh issue, the company proposes to utilize about Rs 90 crore towards investment in Global Surfaces FZE (a wholly owned subsidiary) for part-financing its capital expenditure requirements in relation to the setting up of manufacturing facility for engineered quartz at The Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The balance amount will be utilized for general corporate purposes.

Post IPO, the shareholding of Mayank Shah will stand at 55.46% and that of Sweta Shah will be 5.66%.

Also Read Global Health IPO subscribed 26% Global Health IPO subscribed 49% Global Health IPO subscribed 9.58 times. Benchmarks end with minor cuts; Harsha Engineers IPO subscribed 2.25 times Harsha Engineers International IPO subscribed 2.87 times Divgi TorqTransfer Systems IPO ends with good subscription Divgi TorqTransfer Systems IPO subscribed 5.44 times Divgi TorqTransfer Systems IPO subscribed 38% Divgi TorqTransfer Systems IPO subscribed 12% Adani Enterprises FPO sails through

Ahead of the IPO, Global Surfaces on Friday, 10 March 2023, raised Rs 46.49 crore from anchor investors. The board allotted 33.21 lakh shares at Rs 140 each to 3 anchor investors.

Global Surfaces is engaged in processing natural stones and manufacturing engineered quartz. Its products find application in the flooring, wall cladding, countertops, cut-to size and other items and are used in both commercial and residential industry. The company sells its products both within and outside India.

The operating units of the company are located at Jaipur, Rajasthan, with Unit I located at Riico Industrial Area at Bagru and Unit II at Jaipur Mahindra World City SEZ. The company currently has a processing/manufacturing capacity of 4,71,164 sq m (square meters) and 5,21,643 sq m of natural stones and engineered quartz, respectively.

The company reported a net profit of Rs 13.59 crore and net sales of Rs 97.98 crore for the six months ended on 30 September 2022.

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China's manned submersible Striver returns from rewarding deep-sea research journey

People's Daily Online) 15:13, March 13, 2023

Photo shows Grimpoteuthis bathynectes taken by China's deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver) at 5,500 meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean in the Diamantina Trench on Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences)

China's deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver) returned to Sanya city, south China's Hainan Province, on March 11, with fruitful results, according to the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Fendouzhe completed 63 dives during its voyage aboard the country's scientific research ship Tansuo-1 in the ship's first international manned deep-diving scientific research mission in waters surrounding Oceania.

It dived 31 times into the Kermadec Trench in the southwest Pacific Ocean, submerging more than 10,000 meters under the Pacific Ocean's surface in the trench four times, and over 9,000 meters 10 times.

In the Diamantina Trench in the southeastern Indian Ocean, the submersible completed 30 dives, with destinations covering almost all the tectonic elements at the axial localities of the trench.

Fendouzhe has completed 189 dives, among which 25 reached a depth of over 10,000 meters. A total of 102 people from 23 domestic and international organizations have dived into the ocean with the submersible, with 29 people diving to a depth of over 10,000 meters with it.

In addition to manned deep-sea diving operations, the expedition team also completed routine research tasks like the deployment and recovery of landers, during the scientific research mission of the scientific research ship Tansuo-1.

The mission represented the first large-scale and systematic manned deep-diving survey carried out in the Kermadec Trench.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Michelle Yeoh offered encouraging remarks to every aspiring individual who witnessed her acceptance speech at the 2023 Academy Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her efforts in 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.'

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dreams... dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up."

Michelle Yeoh Becomes First Asian Best Actress Winner at Oscars

Yeoh recognized her mother, who she said was watching the Oscars broadcast in Malaysia, as she reflected on a person who had a significant influence on her life.

According to NBC Philadelphia, Cate Blanchett for 'Tar,' Ana de Armas for 'Blonde,' Andrea Riseborough for 'To Leslie,' and Michelle Williams for 'The Fabelmans' were all nominated in this category.

This is Michelle Yeoh's first Oscar victory in a 49-year career that includes 'Supercop,' 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' and 'Crazy Rich Asians.' And it's a moment that will go down in Academy Awards history.

Yeoh was the first Asian woman to be nominated for Best Actress, and she is now the first to take home the award.

Merle Oberon, whose mother was reportedly half Sri Lankan, is believed by some to be the first Asian candidate for Best Actress at the Oscars, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Yet, Oberon concealed from the public her ancestry.

Yeoh is the second woman of color to win the award for Best Actress. Halle Berry won Best Actress in 2001 for her performance in 'Monster's Ball.' Her onstage message is the latest award acceptance address that has garnered headlines in recent months.

At her first win at the Golden Globes in January, organizers attempted to end Yeoh's acceptance speech by playing music over her voice, which elicited laughter from the audience.

During the 2023 SAG Awards, Yeoh swore when winning the award for Best Performance by a Female Actress in a Leading Role for 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.'

Read Also: Russian Women Make Strong Plea to Vladimir Putin

Michelle Yeoh Takes Aim at CNN's Don Lemon

Moreover, Michelle Yeoh's acceptance speech looked to be an attack on Don Lemon, declaring, "Ladies, don't let anybody tell you you're ever past your prime."

Per Daily Mail, the statement appeared to be a reference to the CNN anchor who stated on February 16 that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, "isn't in her prime."

His co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins were visibly stunned by his comments, and he apologized profusely to the crew in an emergency conference call after missing the following several programs.

Michelle Yeoh thanked the cast and crew of' Everything Everywhere All At Once' and dedicated the prize to her mother, who was watching the ceremony from Malaysia. Yeoh's remarks were instantly met with responses on social media.

I think Michelle Yeoh just called out Don Lemon during her #Oscars acceptance speech...  Matt Wilstein (@mattwilstein) March 13, 2023

Michelle Yeoh putting @donlemon on blast in her Oscar speech and I am HERE FOR IT!  Elizabeth (@lizinlavida) March 13, 2023

Was that speech directed at @donlemon? Ladies, dont let anyone tell you youre past your prime. Congratulations #MichelleYeoh #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #Oscars  Brooke Hammerling (@brooke) March 13, 2023

Michelle Yeoh coming for Don Lemon was not on my #Oscar bingo card   Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) March 13, 2023

Related Article: John Travolta Sends Fans To Tears in Oscars 2023

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Nazara Technologies announced that two of the company's step-down subsidiaries Kiddopia Inc and Mediawrkz Inc hold cash balances at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which is currently under the receivership of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The balances held at SVB by Kiddopia Inc. and Mediawrkz Inc cumulatively account for USD 7.75 mn (~Rs 64 crore).

Kiddopia Inc is a 100% subsidiary of Paper Boat Apps (owned 51.5% by Nazara) & Mediawrkz Inc is a 100% subsidiary of Datawrkz Business Solutions (owned 33% by Nazara).

FDIC has stated that it would issue an advance dividend to depositors within the next week with future payments coming as asset sales occurred. Regardless of the ultimate outcome and its timing, both subsidiaries continue to be well capitalised and are generating positive cash flows along with profitability. Therefore, the company expects no impact on their day-to-day operations, business performance and growth plans due to the SVB event.

Further, Nazara Group (Nazara Technologies and its subsidiaries) continues to maintain healthy reserves of cash and cash equivalents in excess of Rs 600 crore excluding the SVB impacted funds

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Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned today following a ruckus over Rahul Gandhi's remarks about democratic backsliding in India during his trip to the United Kingdom (UK) last week.

While addressing a lecture at Cambridge University in London, Rahul Gandhi said, "Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy."

In the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of this House, insulted India in London. I demand that his statements should be condemned by all members of this House and he should be asked to apologise before the House."

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, meanwhile, stated, "(I have) never stopped anyone from speaking in House." Gandhi, while speaking at the British Parliament last week, had claimed that the mics of the Opposition leaders were silenced in the Indian Parliament.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Monday, "There is no rule of law and democracy under Modi ji. They are running the country like a dictatorship, and then they talk about democracy."

The second-half of the Budget session resumed from Monday (13 March) after a month long recess. It will continue till the 6th of April.

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Sona BLW Precision Forgings declined 3.10% to Rs 422.50, dragged down by large volumes.

On the BSE, over 2.40 crore shares of the company had changed at the counter as compared with an average trading volume of 0.85 lakh shares in the past two weeks.

On the NSE, 37.21 lakh shares of the company were traded in the counter so far as against an average trading volume of 14.02 lakh shares in the past three months.

The scrip extended its downfall for fourth consecutive session. The stock has lost 7.86% in four sessions.

On the technical front, the stock's daily RSI (relative strength index) stood at 35.720. The RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Traditionally, the RSI is considered overbought when above 70 and oversold when below 30.

On daily chart, the stock is trading above its 50-day, 100-day and 200-day simple moving average (SMA) placed at 443.08, 447.91 and 493.90, respectively.

Also Read Sona Comstar gains on acquiring Serbian sensors-maker NOVELIC Barometers trade near the day's high; auto stocks rise for 6th day Indices trade with minor cuts, auto stocks decline Key equity indices hit fresh intraday low; auto shares decline Barometers turn rangebound, auto shares in demand, VIX drops over 2% Paytm gains on good operating performance HAL gains on bagging contract from MoD Utilties shares gain Power stocks rise Metal shares edge higher

In the past one year, the stock has fallen by 30.93% while the benchmark Sensex has added 4.88% during the same period.

As per media reports, Blackstone was likely to sell 20.5% stake in Sona BLW Precision Forgings through a block deal on Monday. The floor price has reportedly been fixed at Rs 400 per share. Blackstone, through an entity named Singapore VII Topco III Pte Ltd., held 20.50% stake or 11,99,25,641 shares of Sona BLW Precision as on 31 December 2022.

As per reports, Blackstone had acquired Comstar Automotive Technologies in 2017, followed by the acquisition of Sona BLW Precision Forgings in 2018. The two entities were later reportedly merged to form Sona Comstar. In total, Blackstone invested around $385 million in both businesses, reports stated.

Singapore VII Topco III Pte Ltd. had sold shares worth Rs 5,250 crore at the time of Sona BLW Precision Forgings' IPO. Consequently, the shareholding of Singapore VII Topco III Pte Ltd. declined to 34.18% on expanded post issue equity base, from 66.28% pre-IPO.

Singapore VII Topco II Pte, Ltd had sold 7,94,33,500 shares, equivalent to 13.59% stake in the company, in August 2022. Consequently, its holding in the company came down to 20.52% post the said sale of shares.

Sona BLW Precision Forgings is one of the world's leading automotive technology companies. The company has emerged as a global supplier with nine manufacturing and assembly facilities across India, USA, Mexico and China. It is primarily engaged in designing, manufacturing and supplying highly engineered, mission-critical automotive systems and components to automotive OEMs.

The company reported a 23.9% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 107.10 crore on 38.95% surge in revenue from operation to Rs 675.26 crore in Q3 FY23 over Q3 FY22.

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Spandana Sphoorty Financial on Saturday announced that its board approved the transfer of stressed loan portfolio to an asset reconstruction company (ARC) for Rs 133 crore.As on 31 December 2022, the company's outstanding written-off portfolio stood at Rs 372.45 crore.

The company received a binding bid from an ARC, amounting to Rs.133 crore, on security receipt consideration basis.

The company said that it shall follow swiss challenge method for bidding and decision of sale shall be taken as per extant guidelines governing swiss challenge method and the relevant policy of the company.

Spandana Sphoorty Financial is a rural-focused non-banking financial company and a microfinance lender (NBFC-MFI) with a geographically diversified presence in India.

The company reported 58.6% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 71.37 crore on 7.2% rise in total income to Rs 375.01 crore in Q3 FY23 over Q3 FY22.

The scrip fell 0.89% to currently trade at Rs 555.35 on the BSE.

Also Read Spandana Sphoorty board OKs NCDs worth Rs 125 cr Spandana Sphoorty board OKs 300-cr NCDs issue Spandana Sphoorty gets Rs 95 crore bid from ARC for stressed assets Spandana Sphoorty board allots NCDs worth Rs 300 cr Spandana Sphoorty reports PAT of Rs 55 cr in Q2 Volumes spurt at Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd counter Sona BLW Precision Forgings falls on large volumes; extends losses for 4th day Paytm gains on good operating performance HAL gains on bagging contract from MoD Utilties shares gain

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Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power and one of the major renewable energy players in the country, signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tata Power Delhi Distribution (Tata Power-DDL), for 510 MW hybrid project.

The project will save on an average of 1540 MUs of CO2 emissions annually for Tata PowerDDL, a joint venture between Tata Power and Govt. of Delhi, that supplies electricity to a populace of over 7 million in North Delhi.

The PPA has the capacity bifurcation of 170 MW solar and 340 MW wind power. Located in Karnataka, it is one of the largest hybrid projects in the country and will be commissioned within 24 months from the PPA execution date.

TPREL won this project through a competitive bidding process, followed by the release of LOA by Tata Power-DDL. This win is an extension of the earlier LOA of 255 MW received in December 2022.

TPREL won this project through a competitive bidding process, followed by the release of LOA by Tata Power-DDL. This win is an extension of the earlier LOA of 255 MW received in December 2022.

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Tech Mahindra surged 7.91% to Rs 1,145 after the company announced Mohit Joshi, the former president of Infosys, as its managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) designate for a period of five years, effective from 20 December 2023.Mohit Joshi will take over as MD & CEO when CP Gurnani retires on 19 December 2023. However, he will join Tech Mahindra well before that date to allow for sufficient transition time, said the company.

Mohit Joshi will join Tech Mahindra from Infosys, where he was the president of the company. Mohit has over two decades of experience in the enterprise technology software & consulting space and has worked with the largest corporations in the world in driving digital transformation and building thriving businesses.

At Infosys, Joshi was head of the global financial services & healthcare and the software businesses, which included Finacle (the banking platform) and the AI / automation portfolio. He also led sales operations and transformation for Infosys and executive responsibility for all large deals across the company. He was also responsible for the company's internal CIO function and the Infosys Knowledge Institute.

T. N. Manoharan, chairperson of Tech Mahindra NRC said, Mohit's appointment is the successful culmination of a rigorous selection process during which the NRC evaluated a number of internal and external candidates. Mohit's experience with digital transformation, new technologies and large deals will complement Tech Mahindra's strategies and continue to build on the strong growth momentum demonstrated by the company.

Commenting on his appointment, Mohit Joshi said, Tech Mahindra's growth journey has been remarkable. I am delighted to be joining the Tech Mahindra family and look forward to working closely with all the associates, partners, and customers to achieve new milestones, make a positive difference and #Risetogether.

Meanwhile, Infosys on Saturday announced the resignation of Mohit Joshi, president of the company effective from 11 March 2023. He will be on leave and his last date with the company would be 9 June 2023, it addded.

Also Read Market near day's high; Sensex up 71 pts; IT stocks advance Mahindra Finance gains after arm signs MoUs for leasing 1000 EVs Mahindra & Mahindra to divest its entire stake held in Mahindra Consulting Engineers Mahindra & Mahindra announces cessation of Mahindra Tractor Assembly Inc. Mahindra Finance gains after tieup with India Post Tech Mahindra Ltd leads gainers in 'A' group BSE SME ITCONS E-Solutions lists at discount BSE SME ResGen slides on debut MoEF's expert committee recommends grant of environmental clearance for OMDC Bagiaburu mine Spandana Sphoorty board OKs to sell stressed loans for Rs 133 cr

Tech Mahindra is focused on leveraging next-generation technologies including 5G, blockchain, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more, to enable end-to-end digital transformation for global customers.

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Shares of Infosys fell 1.62% to Rs 1,447.50 on the BSE.

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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, mindful of the political costs of rescuing SVBs customer base  who, being largely from the well-funded tech and start-up industry, are no

The fall of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has had effects around the world. Its affiliate in the UK has been acquired by HSBC; Japans SoftBank Vision Fund, already under pressure, will see more of its investments sour; Swedens pension fund lost over a billion dollars. But the immediate risk of a major financial crisis and broader bank contagion seems to have been contained, thanks to swift action over the weekend by market regulators in the US. It was announced on Sunday that, while equity holders in the bank would be wiped out, the federal government would ensure that no depositors, even those above the mandated deposit insurance level, would lose money. The costs of this action, however, should now be analysed, and lessons from SVBs failures examined.
Tamil Nadu's principal opposition AIADMK on Monday staged state-wide protest demanding that the ruling DMK regime 'withdraw the false case' against party interim chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).

Former Ministers Sellur K Raju, R B Udhayakumar and AIADMK organising secretary V V Rajan Chellappa led a protest in southern Madurai condemning the DMK government.

Leader of Opposition and AIADMK interim general secretary EPS's name was included by police in an FIR registered in connection with an incident in which a man was allegedly beaten up by party workers after he shouted slogans against Palaniswami on March 11.

Addressing party workers, Udhayakumar slammed Chief Minister M K Stalin as a "doll CM" who was only inaugurating schemes initiated by Palaniswami.

Hitting out at Stalin as an "autocrat," he slammed the DMK regime for filing false case against EPS.

"AIADMK workers do not hesitate to go to jail (to protest against the government), this protest is only a trailer," he said.

Also Read EPFO relaxes withdrawal of accumulations norms for EPS-95 subscribers SC ruling allowing EPS as AIADMK chief not a setback: Panneerselvam Cyclone Mandous likely to hit TN on Friday, AIADMK postpones protests Rights group APDR demands release of leaders, withdrawal of ban on PFI EPFO's new guidelines: How can employees opt for higher pension under EPS? Erode bypoll win shows confidence of people in DMK govt: TN CM Stalin Kerala Oppn demands clarification from CM on Swapna Suresh's allegations BRS's Kavitha leads hunger strike seeking passage of Women Reservation bill BJP will not get more than 65 seats: D K Shivakumar on Karnataka elections Sanction Maharashtra two more airports: Aditya Thackeray urges Scindia

In Pudukkottai district, senior leader C Vijayabaskar led a human chain. A former Minister, Vijayabaskar said the case against EPS is unacceptable and condemnable. Police should be impartial, he said and wondered on what grounds police booked a case against Palaniswami. In Chennai, party workers took out a rally and former Lok Sabha member, J Jayavardhan said Stalin is merely enacting "dramas" rather than working for people's welfare and "the Oscar award for best actor should go to Stalin." Rather than taking action against the person who used defamatory language against EPS, the police has filed a case against Palaniswami said former legislator, I S Inbadurai.

Villupuram, Tindivanam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Thoothukudi were among the other places where AIADMK cadres staged protest. "We condemn the DMK regime, take back the false case against EPS," were among the slogans raised. When Palaniswami was travelling in an airport bus to reach the exit area after arriving in Madurai from Chennai on March 11, a man who was also inside that vehicle, raised slogans against the former CM and filmed it on his smart phone for a live video broadcast on Facebook. When the top opposition leader alighted the bus, the man who shouted slogans against EPS was "roughed up" by AIADMK workers.

In this connection, AIADMK workers and Rajeswaran submitted petitions to police seeking action and an FIR was registered.
Accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of abusing Indians and the Parliament, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said he visits Karnataka for 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', and while in London, speaks about 'Bharat Todo' (dividing India).

Repeatedly invoking Lord Ram and Hanuman while participating in the BJP's 'Vijaya Sankalpa Yatre' here, Sarma praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, and urged the people of the state to vote the party back to power in Karnataka in the Assembly polls, likely by May.

Anjanadri in Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and the state government has allocated Rs 120 crore for the development of the revered place.

"If Prime Minister Modi goes to London or America, he heaps praise on India, but when our Rahul baba (Rahul Gandhi) goes to London, he abuses Indians and India's Parliament," Sarma said.

Addressing a gathering here, the BJP leader said: "He (Rahul Gandhi) comes to Karnataka and does Bharat Jodo Yatra, and in London he speaks about 'Bharat Todo' (dividing India)."



Congress has repeatedly divided India, he alleged, adding that, "I had asked Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, as to who divided the country in 1947? It was your nanaji (apparently referring to Rahul's great grandfather, former PM Jawaharlal Nehru) who divided."



Prime Minister Narendra Modi too on Sunday had targeted Rahul Gandhi for his comments on democracy in the country.

He was apparently referring to Gandhi's remarks made in London recently -- that structures of Indian democracy are under "brutal attack".

Also Read Manish Tewari joins Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib What has the Bharat Jodo Yatra achieved? Can Rahul win from Amethi again? Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat joins Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Delhi Drenched in rain, Rahul Gandhi says nothing can stop Bharat Jodo Yatra Sonia Gandhi arrives in Karnataka to take part in Bharat Jodo Yatra Rajasthan plans to establish a film city in Jaipur with pvt participation Nashik-Mumbai farmers-workers march: Delegation to meet CM Eknath Shinde Rajasthan Congress holds protest against Adani Group issue in Jaipur Angry govt lashes out at Rahul Gandhi's London panning of Indian democracy Parliament panel raises concern over pace of Vande Bharat train production

Pointing at Congress' decimation across the country, the Assam Chief Minister said, during the recent polls held in three northeastern states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland, the party was once again routed.

"Congress is not to be found in most parts of the country, this is because it never worked for our development, culture. It instead always did appeasement politics and did injustice to the people," he said.

He also hailed Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in Karnataka, for its budget, developmental programmes for the people, and hike in reservation for SC/ST communities.

State Ministers B Sriramulu and Anand Singh, among others were present along with the Assam CM during the rally.

Terming Karnataka Assembly polls as the "semifinals" and calling on people to bring back the BJP government in the state, Sarma said: "Our main aim is to win the final (Lok Sabha polls), and make Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the third time. So like the people of Gujarat, Northeast supported Modi, people of Karnataka too will bless him."



"BJP winning Karnataka, also India, and Bharat becoming Vishwa Guru is certain...," he added



Noting that if the Ram temple had to be constructed during the 'Treta Yug' in Ayodhya, Lord Hanuman would have done it, Sarma said, "In Kali Yug, Narendra Modi took up the work of building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya."



He said Modi is today doing the same work that Lord Hanuman did in the Treta Yug for the resurrection of India's civilisational values and culture.


Goyal said: The entire country saw how an Opposition leader hurt the sentiments of Indians on foreign soil. He should apologise to the country and every Indian. He should apologise to the Army. He should come to the House and apologise to the Army, media and judiciary for his remarks on democracy. Leader of the Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal ripped into the opposition, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for criticising Indias democracy on foreign soil, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge rebutting the charge on procedural and political grounds. So heated was the exchange that the Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned for the day before lunch. Similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha, which too adjourned ahead of schedule. The result was the Oppositions plans to raise the issue of the Hindenburg report and demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) got no hearing.



Kharge cited rules to say Goyals charges must be expunged as Rahul is not a member of the Rajya Sabha, and the Congress party and the rules do not permit naming a person who isn't a member of the House. Goyal said he had not named Rahul Gandhi. Goyal added: He (Rahul) should understand what democracy is. Democracy had come under threat when the fundamental rights were suspended during the Emergency. Who did it? His party did it. Democracy comes under threat when the voice of the media is muzzled, freedom of speech is stifledhis party did it.



Kharge cited two previous rulings to say that no member of the House can level charges on a member of the other House. With protests from both sides continuing, Dhankhar said he would give his ruling on Tuesday and adjourned the proceedings of the House till then. Referring to Goyals remarks on democracy, Kharge said, The entire country knows what is happening in India. He alleged that democracy in India was not functioning in accordance with the Constitution and democratic ethos. Modi saab said in China that there was no democracy in India. There was nothing left in India, he said amid loud interruptions from the Treasury benches.

Also Read Mikes of opposition silenced; media under attack in India: Rahul Gandhi Why Rahul Gandhi remains in the BJP's cross hairs In Kochi, Rahul Gandhi reminds Congress leaders of one man-one post rule Rahul Gandhi sheds Bharat Jodo Yatra look, trims beard for Cambridge BJP wants to better its past record ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha election Parliament panel raises concern over pace of Vande Bharat train production Congress first list of candidates for Karnataka polls likely on March 17 Parliament adjourned till Tue amid protests over Rahul's remarks, Adani row LS speaker must take action against Rahul for London remarks: Giriraj Singh BJP stages sit-in at Rajghat, demands Kejriwal's resignation in liquor scam



Later, addressing a press conference where other opposition leaders were also present, Kharge said the Chairmans use of rules was somewhat selective. Kharge said Goyal used objectionable language, charging that he tried to insult democracy. Today the Leader of the House in the RS, Piyush Goyal was allowed to speak for quite some time on remarks made by an MP of the Lok Sabha. This is against all rules. The Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was then not allowed to be heard, Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh later said.



He then referred to some of the statements made by PM Modi on foreign soil. They (BJP) are throttling democracy. There is no place for the Constitution and democracy in Modi and BJP raj. They are misusing every autonomous body and agencyNo notice, rule of law He (Modi) is running the country like a dictator. And they are talking about democracy, patriotism and the prestige of the country, Kharge alleged.



He also said that In South Korea, the PM had said that earlier people would lament, they would ask what sin they committed to have been born in India, asking the Modi dispensation, First see the mirror of truth before lecturing the Congress party. In China, Modi had said that earlier you felt ashamed of being born in India, but now you feel proud to represent the country Who said this? The Prime Minister had said it, Kharge said.



A separate investigation into imports of Indonesian coal by the conglomerate hasn't reached finality, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said. Lok Sabha saw several questions being put by MPs to the government on the Adani issue, which were replied through written responses by the minister. To a question asking if the government had constituted any committee to investigate allegations made against the Adani group by Hindenburg Research, he said, "No". In the parallel, in written answers (over which no debate is held), the government said it had not set up any committee to probe allegations by a short seller against the Adani Group, but added that stock market regulator SEBI is investigating market allegations against the group.



"As per its mandate, it conducts investigations into any alleged violations of its Regulations by any market entity," he said. "It is, accordingly, undertaking investigation into the market allegations against the Adani Group of companies." He gave no further details. To a separate question, Chaudhary said the nine listed companies forming part of Adani group saw a 60 per cent decline in market capitalisation from January 24, 2023 till March 1 subsequent to the publication of the Hindenburg report. On the allegations, he said the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as the statutory regulator of securities markets, is mandated to put in place regulatory frameworks for effecting stable operations and development of the securities markets including protection of investors.

To a separate question on investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) into import of power generation and transmission equipment by Adani, he said the probe has "concluded" and the "report has been submitted before the relevant judicial authorities". He, however, did not reveal the findings. On the alleged irregularities in imports of Indonesia coal by the Adani group companies, he said, "investigations by DRI have not reached finality as information sought from exporting countries through execution of Letters Rogatory (LRs) is under litigation."
Seeing the cessation of the Black Sea grain deal on March 18, the Turkey defense minister said last Sunday that Ankara wanted to continue. Hulusi Akar stated that Russia and Ukraine are willing to extend and will not be canceled.

Black Sea Grain Deal Must Be Extended

He remarked on Ankara's effort to keep the deal afloat after delivering 24 million tons of grains, as reported by Anadolu.

In July, Russia, Ukraine, and the UN inked a deal in Istanbul to restart grain import from three Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, which was temporarily stopped when the conflict began on February 2022. Diplomatic outreaches by the Turkish government led to another 120 days from November 19.

Turkey's Defense Minister Discusses Major Issues

Akar added that the immigrant crisis of 56,000 Syrian refugees coming over had been solved after the February 6 quake caused them to return home after the southern Turkish region and north Syria caused massive damage, noted TRT World.

Denied allegations that more refugee is coming through the southern border, but it is contrary to many leaving with properties wrecked by the quake.

One concern the defense minister mentioned is keeping Turkish citizens on the southern border. Another is the PKK and other terrorists plotting against the government.

The Turks have been holding operations over the border without stops against the PKK which resumed regular attacks after the tremor and claimed that Ankara's forces took out 53 terrorists. He commented on NATO ally US going to YPG strongholds in North Syria and called them terrorists.

Read Also: US-Iran Prisoner Swap Is a 'Cruel Claim,' Says Joe Biden Admin

An attempt by the US and its allies to show they are not terror groups is incorrect and referred to the PKK and YPG, called fellow allies to see these groups for what they are. PKK has been terrorizing Ankara for 40 years, and the US and EU call them terrorists who took 40,000 lives, cited ANews. YPG supported by the US has bothered Ankara for a long time.

Turkey's Request for F-16s

The request for the F-16 defense deal has not been finished to date, as the US DoD talks are still hanging. Another is the Biden administration allegedly using it to manipulate Erdogan. He added the US should decide the right way because Ankara is looking at options. In 2021, a request for F-16 jets with modernizing kits was made.

Other concerns were addressed, such as the first meeting of Ankara and Damascus after 11 years. The tripartite meeting that included Moscow is hoped that will help solve differences. They are talking about the return of Syrian refugees' homes when right.

Ankara says Finland and Sweden will be allowed in NATO, but it should satisfy its demand before ratification. Turkish official wants the security problem to address first. This concern could cut their NATO bids. The Quran burning could end Sweden's bid, which might be rejected.

Recent problems with Athens changed after the quake thawed tension enough to pursue diplomacy. The Turkish government has reached out to foster more dialogue. Akar added they got problems with Greece, but things must change.

The Black Sea grain deal is just one of the concerns that Turkey's defense minister Akar has mentioned, which his government support.

Related Article: Kyiv Fails To Supply Grain for African Nations

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Union minister Giriraj Singh on Monday sought action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his recent comments in London that microphones in the Indian Parliament are often silenced against the opposition.

Singh alleged that Gandhi spoke like the "tukde-tukde gang" during his visit to the UK.

"He has spoken so much in Parliament, but in London he said he is not allowed to speak, the mic is switched off. I think this is an attack on democracy and insult to Lok Sabha and the country," Singh told reporters outside Parliament House.

Last week, Gandhi told British parliamentarians that functioning microphones in the Lok Sabha are often silenced against the Opposition.

"Our mikes are not out of order, they are functioning, but you still can't switch them on. That's happened to me a number of times while I am speaking, the Congress leader said.

Singh called Gandhi's remarks "utter lies".

Also Read Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi pay tribute to 2001 Parliament attack victims Indian embassy in China celebrates Gandhi Jayanti at Beijing's art museum Rahul Gandhi visits memorials of former Prime Ministers, Mahatma Gandhi Sec 144 imposed in Jharkhand's Chaibasa after Giriraj Sena chief's murder Winter Session: Sonia Gandhi chairs Congress Parliamentary Party meeting BJP stages sit-in at Rajghat, demands Kejriwal's resignation in liquor scam Rahul should apologize over remarks on Indian democracy: Piyush Goyal Rahul Gandhi insulted India in London, should apologise: Rajnath in LS Both houses of Parliament adjourned till 2 pm amidst protests by Opposition Farmers committing suicide is not new issue: Maharashtra agri minister

"The Lok Sabha speaker should take action against it. These statements are an insult to the country. India is getting respect from the world and he is going abroad and speaking like tukde-tukde gang," the rural development minister said.

Law minister Kiren Rijiju too slammed Gandhi in a tweet.

"It's most unfortunate that one MP of India went to London and appealed foreign countries to intervene in the internal matters of India.

We all are proud of our democracy and cherish our democratic legacies. Indians will never ever allow the foreign powers to rule India again," Rijiju tweeted.
Opposition leaders will hold a meeting on Monday morning to firm up their floor strategy for the second leg of the Budget session as they gear up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies and the Adani row.

The opposition leaders are expected to meet at Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office in the Parliament complex at around 10 am, sources said. The Congress MPs will gather at the Congress Parliamentary Party office before the meeting to deliberate on the party's strategy, they said.

The Congress is also set for a duel with the BJP over Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the UK over which the saffron party's leaders have been continuously attacking the former AICC chief.

Opposition parties are gearing up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies to target their leaders, allegations against the Adani Group, border standoff with China, price rise and unemployment.

The Congress continues to demand a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the allegations related to the Adani Group. Congress MP K Suresh maintained that his party will continue to raise the Adani-Hindenburg issue as the government is yet to give a reply on the controversy.

The focus, however, is on the alleged misuse of probe agencies with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family facing the heat from central agencies in the alleged land-for-jobs scam.

Also Read Mallikarjun Kharge becomes first non-Gandhi Congress President in 24 years Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Amid Adani vs Hindenburg row, Cong President Kharge calls opposition meet Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget VP flags 'free fall of info' in name of freedom of speech in all-party meet PM Modi attacks Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on democracy in Karnataka Statsguru: Six charts show fund flow to national-level political parties Kejriwal, Mann to lead AAP's 'Tiranga Yatra' in Jaipur on Monday Some people trying to defame country: UP CM on Rahul's remarks in London

Parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Left parties and the DMK have also lodged strong protests against the alleged attack on the federal structure and the misuse of institutions.

Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore has asserted that the Congress will strongly raise the issue of "misuse" of agencies.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of making "sinister attempts to kill democracy" by misusing probe agencies against opposition leaders, as he slammed the Centre over the ED searches on the premises of Prasad's family.

The Budget session of Parliament, which began on January 31, is likely to conclude on April 6. Parliament is meeting after a month-long recess, which allows various parliamentary panels to scrutinise allocations made in the Union Budget for different ministries.

The Trinamool Congress is set to raise in Parliament issues such as LIC and SBI's risk exposure, price rise of essential commodities, unemployment and "misuse" of central agencies during the second phase of the session, its Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O'Brien had said recently.

He had said LIC's risk exposure and price rise affect the lives and savings of the common people and should be highlighted.

The TMC will also raise the issue of "political vendetta" against non-BJP-ruled states in Parliament and also question the Union government on "holding back funds for schemes such as MGNREGA", O'Brien said.

The issue of LIC and SBI's exposure to the Adani Group was raised by various opposition parties in the first leg of Parliament's Budget session which saw multiple disruptions.
The Congress' Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday asked party workers to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi if they want to get rid of industrialists like Gautam Adani.

Randhawa was addressing a protest meeting here against the BJP government at the Centre for not agreeing to form a joint parliamentary committee to look into the allegations made by the US firm Hindenburg against the Adani Group.

Modi is destroying the country and the BJP at the Centre is selling the nation, so our fight is not with Adani but directly with the BJP, he said.

Everyone is talking about Adani while they should be talking about Modi. His defeat is important to remove Adani, Randhawa said.

The Congress held several protests Monday across the country over the Adani-Hindenburg issue.

Rajasthan ministers, party MLAs and workers took part in the Jaipur protest held near the gate of Civil Lines Gate.

Also Read Jaipur to host mega jewellery show with over 900 stalls from Dec 23-26 Rajasthan govt hasn't given any preferential treatment to Adani: Rahul Gautam Adani announces investment worth Rs 65,000 cr in Rajasthan Jaipur Literature Festival to be held from Jan 19 to 23 at Hotel Clarks Gurugram-Jaipur stretch of Delhi-Mumbai expressway to be completed by Nov Angry govt lashes out at Rahul Gandhi's London panning of Indian democracy Parliament panel raises concern over pace of Vande Bharat train production Congress first list of candidates for Karnataka polls likely on March 17 Parliament adjourned till Tue amid protests over Rahul's remarks, Adani row LS speaker must take action against Rahul for London remarks: Giriraj Singh

Randhawa said, PM Modi has brought the East India Company in the form of Adani. Today, businessmen like Adani are deciding the country's policy, not the prime minister.

Hindenburg Research has accused the Adani Group of fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation.

The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations.

The Congress and some other opposition parties have been demanding the Centre to form a joint parliamentary committee to look into the Adani issue.

Randhawa also urged the party's women workers to work towards strengthening the Congress.

He said, "We have to work for the Congress (as a whole), we don't have to work for any individualCongress does not run in the name of anyone."



Demanding an inquiry into the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Randhawa claimed, "Till date, it is not known how the jawans were martyred."



Earlier, hitting at the prime minister, state president Govind Singh Dotasra said that the people of the country were cheated by a particular person and his own political gains and election funding.


This is not the first time the state government is venturing into this area. Earlier it had tried to attract investors to set up a film city in Jaipur, but the response was poor. Considering that shooting for films and advertisements takes place on a large scale in Rajasthan, the state government plans to establish a film city with private participation.



This time we are going all out to attract investment, for which we will offer a customised package under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS), 2019, to the project promoter, and we hope for a positive response, a senior state government official said. The states film potential came into international limelight when Satyajit Ray shot a large part of Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) in Rajasthan. Many Bollywood and Hollywood movies have been shot in the state.



Moreover, the official said the state government was ready to offer a customised package to the prospective promoter for setting up a film city. A package of incentives (exemptions and subsidies) is available for investors under RIPS 2019. It includes an investment subsidy, employment generation subsidy, electricity exemption for seven years, land tax exemption for seven years, stamp duty exemption, among other things. Provision for a custom-built package of incentives for investments over Rs 100 crore and providing direct employment to more than 200 persons are also being provided.

Also Read More high-net Indians, Chinese applying for US 'Golden visa': Report Realme announces 'Golden Festival' sale offers on phones, earbuds, and more City Union Bank shares crash 13.5% after Q3 earnings dip on quarterly basis CCI urges self regulation for film industry, wants end to bans and boycotts Nifty Bank forms Golden Cross; SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bk can surge up to 18% Nashik-Mumbai farmers-workers march: Delegation to meet CM Eknath Shinde Rajasthan Congress holds protest against Adani Group issue in Jaipur Angry govt lashes out at Rahul Gandhi's London panning of Indian democracy Parliament panel raises concern over pace of Vande Bharat train production Congress first list of candidates for Karnataka polls likely on March 17



The government has decided to offer an exemption from all fees and charges for film shooting at monuments in its control. He added a film tourism cell would be set up so that all approvals were made available within 15 days of application. All district-level clearances will be facilitated by this cell.
Tech giant Google's upcoming "Pixel 7a" smartphone will come equipped with 8GB of RAM and will feature an updated camera bar design, the media reported.

The information came from hands-on leaked images of the tech giant's next budget phone, reports 9To5Google.

According to the leaked images, the device is expected to feature a single SIM slot, USB-C for charging and some waterproofing around the SIM tray.

The images also revealed that the smartphone will be equipped with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, that's up from the 6GB of RAM offered by last year's Pixel 6a.

The front of the phone will likely have the same thicker bezels similar to last year's smartphone.

Earlier, it was reported that the upcoming smartphone is expected to feature a Tensor G2 processor, will adopt wireless charging at 5W, and pack a significant camera upgrade with a 50MP primary camera, 64MP telephoto camera and 12MP ultrawide camera.

Also Read Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro review: Good phones set back by limited storage Highlights: Google unveils Pixel 7 series, Pixel Watch, Pixel Tablet & more Pixel 7 series to Pixel Watch, everything Google unveiled at hardware event Google shows design of Pixel 7 series, Pixel Watch ahead of Oct 6 launch Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6a to get 5G as part of December Feature drop: Google Tech giant Google announces 'Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1', launch on March 13 Apple's upcoming OLED iPad Pro may cost equal to MacBook Pro: Report Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 may feature 6.2-inch outer screen Google to now let beta users reorder devices in Home application WhatsApp rolling out 'multi-selection' feature for messages on Windows beta

It was also rumoured that the Pixel 7a smartphone might offer a 90Hz refresh rate display.

Also, the device is expected to offer a 90Hz 1080p display.

--IANS

aj/dpb
If early smartphone market trends are anything to go by, 2023 is going to be the year of foldable smartphones. In this segment, South Korean electronics maker Samsung has been the dominating smartphone brand to date due to lack of competition  especially in India. It is set to change with other smartphone brands soon joining the race. Among the first is the Chinese smartphone maker OPPO, which is set to bring to India its maiden clamshell design-based smartphone named Find N2 Flip.

Design

The OPPO Find N2 Flip is a visual treat, especially in astral black colour variant (review unit). The smartphone has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the cover  both front and back  and polished aluminium frame. The glass cover has matte finish with silky texture for a comfortable in-hand feel. It is resistant to fingerprints and smudges.

Like other clamshell form factor-based smartphones, the OPPO Find N2 Flip has a dual-display design with bendable screen on the inside, supported by a horizontal hinge at the centre  dividing the smartphone into two equal halves. Hinge is pivotal in the foldable devices experience, and OPPOs version is noteworthy for several reasons. From a design perspective, it fixes the issue of visible gap in the bendable screen (in folded state) that plagues the existing generation of flip smartphones in India.

Besides lifting the aesthetics, the neatly folded form factor provides some protection against dirt, dust, debris, and other particles ingress. This is important because the bendable screen is made of plastic-like material and it is susceptible to damages  if exposed to sharp elements. Important to note, however, the phone does not carry any official ingress protection rating.

As for the experience, the OPPO Find N2 Flip is comfortable to use and operate. It is easy to fold and unfold, but requires both hands for a smooth experience. Designed for right hand use, the phone has a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button that is placed along with volume rocker keys on the right side of the frame. In the folded state, both the power button and volume rockers are easily accessible. In unfolded state, however, the volume keys are on a higher side and require some effort to access.

Also Read OPPO Find N2 Flip foldable phone's global launch at 8 PM: Watch livestream OPPO Enco Buds2 review: Good in-ear type wireless earbuds in budget segment OPPO A77s, OPPO A17 launched in India: Price, features, and more Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 12 5G series smartphones in India: Details here OPPO A78 5G smartphone with 5,000 mAh battery launched: Price and specs Xiaomi 13 Pro review: Camera-focused phone that makes photography easy, fun Amazon Kindle 11th gen review: Ease-of-use helps rekindle love for reading OnePlus 11R 5G review: Not perfect, but mid-premium pricing makes up for it SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD review: No-brainer, but expensive iQOO Neo 7 5G review: Ticks right boxes for performance-centric smartphone

Display

The OPPO Find N2 Flip has two screens  a large 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED bendable screen of 120Hz adaptive refresh rate stretched in a tall 21:9 aspect ratio and a 3.26-inch screen cover screen. Starting with the main bendable screen, it is bright, vivid and responsive. Moreover, it has an anti-reflective film to reduce glare. Like other smartphones with bendable screens, the screen on the OPPO Find N2 Flip has a horizontal crease in the middle but it is not prominent and comes to notice only if you care to see it. Besides resulting in distraction free experience, the flat screen with no visible crease aid confidence with regard to longevity. OPPO said the screen was tested by TUV Rheinland in which the latter found the crease to remain imperceptible even after 216,000 folds.

Durability details aside, the screen is good for reading vertical content and watching content developed in a wide aspect ratio. Therefore, the experience with regard to social media use and streaming videos available on OTT platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video is top-notch. OPPO has optimised some of its apps and third-party apps to optimise the content based on the fold degree. For example, the camera app shifts the viewfinder on the top half and camera interface on the bottom half when the phones screen is open in 90-degree. Most of such optimisations are available on other flip smartphones, but it is good to see the company not compromising on the fundamentals here.

A clamshell smartphone is incomplete without a second screen because not all operations require the efforts of opening and closing the flap. The OPPO Find N2 Flip has one, and it is equally intriguing as the bendable screen. It is a vertical touchscreen on the cover with support for always-on display mode and widgets. The vertical form factor makes the screen feel natural to use. For example, there are nine quick toggles, swipe down from top to open, accessible right on the cover screen. Besides, the cover screen shows apps notification and allows quick replies for the supported messaging apps. Moreover, the swipe inward gesture (from the right) to access widgets elevates the experience. The cover screen is certainly better than other iterations of it available on competing smartphones, but it could have been better in terms of utility and touch response. In its current form, it seems underutilised.

Camera

The OPPO Find N2 Flip has a triple-camera system  a 50-megapixel primary camera sensor with optical image stabilisation and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor available on the cover, and a 32MP sensor with autofocus on the mail screen.

While the imaging performance is modest with primary camera sensor lifting the experience in most cases, it is the new use cases enabled by foldable form factor that the OPPO Find N2 Flip has going for it. With the flip capable of holding position between 45-degree and 110-degree, there are many more camera angles one can cover that are otherwise difficult with bar form factor smartphones. Moreover, it is possible to use the primary camera system, both wide and ultra-wide-angle, for selfie shots, portraits, and videos  in both folded and unfolded states.

Performance

The OPPO Find N2 Flip is a flagship smartphone with a performance to match, thanks to MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ system on chip. It works fine in regular daily operations and the experience is so even with power-and-graphic intensive workloads. The phones 8GB RAM is on the lower side, especially for the power users, but it does not hamper the experience if you keep clearing the unused apps from running in the background and restart the phone once in a week. The phone has ample 256GB on-board storage, but this is all you got for storage needs because there is no slot for a microSD card.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip boots Android 13 operating system-based ColorOS 13 interface. Though customisable and feature rich, the interface is marred with bloatware. For example, there are two different stores to download apps  Play Store (default) and App store. Besides, there are folders such as Hot Apps, Hot FreeGames, and Hot Games. Many of these cannot be uninstalled from the system.

Battery

The OPPO Find N2 Flip is powered by a 4,300 mAH battery, supported by a fast 44W SuperVOOC wired charger. The phones on-battery time is modest, but better than smartphones of similar kind. The phone easily sails through a day on basic everyday use, but requires charging towards the end of day if used extensively. Thankfully, charging time is fast with the supplied charger  charges full from 20 per cent in less than an hour.

Verdict

OPPO might be late to launch its first foldable smartphone in India, but the Find N2 Flip is worth the wait. It is a thin (unfolded) and lightweight (191g) smartphone that punches above its weight in terms of performance and features. Its neatly packed design and useful vertical cover screen put it a notch above others in terms of aesthetics and utility. It would have been a flip smartphone to beat in 2023, if it had a better interface and utility attached to the cover screen. Nevertheless, the OPPO Find N2 Flip makes a solid entrant in India's foldable smartphone market at Rs 89,999.
Tech giant Samsung is reportedly not planning to launch the Fan Edition for the S-series this year, which means that the "Galaxy S23 FE" will not be launched.

It is still unclear whether the Galaxy S23 FE is not launching this year, it is cancelled or postponed, reports Gizmochina.

However, it is safe to assume that the Galaxy S23 FE will not be launched as the company did not even release the Galaxy S22 FE last year.

Therefore, it seems that the tech giant is done with the Fan Edition offerings, the report said.

On February 1 this year, the South Korean giant had unveiled Galaxy S23 Ultra (with an embedded S Pen), Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 smartphones globally.

The series introduces fast autofocus and the company's first Super HDR selfie camera, jumping from 30fps to 60fps, for noticeably better front-facing images and videos.

Also Read Samsung announces Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus with Qualcomm SD 8 Gen 2 unveiled: Details Samsung Unpacked event highlights: Galaxy S23 series, Book3 series unveiled Samsung unveils Galaxy S23 series smartphones, Galaxy Book3 series laptops Samsung to sell Galaxy S23 series manufactured at Noida facility in India Google Pixel 7a may be equipped with 8GB of RAM, updated camera bar design Tech giant Google announces 'Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1', launch on March 13 Apple's upcoming OLED iPad Pro may cost equal to MacBook Pro: Report Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 may feature 6.2-inch outer screen Google to now let beta users reorder devices in Home application

For users who want the ultimate creative control and customisation, the Galaxy S23 series offers a suite of tools that differentiate any photography experience.

--IANS

aj/shb/
Bigguys Wingery, a subsidiary brand of Biggies Burger, today launched its first store at Dommasandra Bengaluru. The launch of Bigguys Wingery first store marks the beginning of a chicken wings revolution in India. With a menu filled with several varieties of chicken wings, Bigguys Wingery will become a go to destination for chicken lovers.



The launch event witnessed an overwhelming response from consumers, hinting that the brand has topped the list of consumers choice. Bigguys Wingery will be adding more stores soon to cater to the citys big appetite for chicken wings.



Bigguys Wingery is conceptualized to provide a unique experience for its consumers with its ambience, menu and offers designed to appeal to consumers of all age groups. Chicken wings that are made with unique and rare flavours, coupled with unique sauces in addition to the regular chicken wings sauce, sets Bigguys Wingery a distinguished restaurant for its consumers.



Ashutosh Patra, Co-founder of Bigguys Wingery said, We are thrilled to start off with our new venture that caters to Indias most in demand delicacy  the chicken wings. It is indeed a delight to see such a great response from our consumers right on the day of launch. Our menu specially curated to exceed the expectations of our consumers will surely take Bigguys Wingery to great heights.



While Bigguys Wingery is in its plans for a nationwide expansion, the brand aspires to acquire 10% of the market share expanding across southern markets initially. As a part of its expansion plans, Bigguys Wingery will be launching 50 stores this year, spread across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Coimbatore.



We aim to expand pan India and tap on market opportunities across tier I, II and III cities where global brands havent had their presence yet. We ensure consumers of these untapped markets are able to gain access to QSR chains and relish the chicken wings of both Indian and global flavours, he added.



Bigguys Wingerys expansion plans focus on franchising model and plans to empower its franchisees to be able to build thriving businesses in their communities. Bigguys Wingery will become a disruptive brand in the market with its special deals and promotions, including discounts on large orders, loyalty programs for its regular consumers, free sides with wings and many more.
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

News Summary

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas advised Deakin University, Australia (Deakin University), in setting up of its International Branch Campus. This would be the first international campus of Deakin University. It is also a major landmark for the GIFT City, as it marks the entry of the first International University to enter India.
March has arrived, so many Americans are planning travels for spring break. Ahead of the busy travel season, the US Department of State warns against traveling to some tourist areas, particularly in Mexico.

Last month, the State Department issued a Level 4 "do not travel" advisory for various regions of Mexico. As of March 9, most of these warnings are still in effect. This includes the state of Guerrero owing to violence and five states related to crime and kidnapping: Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas (where two Americans were murdered last month), and Zacatecas.

Places to Avoid During Spring Break

The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel warning for seven additional Mexican states: Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora. If you visit prominent tourist areas such as Cancun or the Riviera Maya (top destinations for 2023 according to AAA), the government advises you to "exercise heightened vigilance."

Whether you are considering spring break travel to Mexico or somewhere else, it is essential to conduct research. AAA's Senior Vice President of Travel, Paula Twidale, tells Nexstar. Twidale recommends staying in a resort for people who wish to travel to Mexico, but even this comes with concerns.

Twidale emphasized preparing ahead and studying State Department advisories online before traveling, adding that various places within a state or country may be more dangerous than others.

For instance, while the state of Quintana Roo is on a Level 2 alert, there are no restrictions in popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya. Nonetheless, the agency advises tourists to "exercise heightened situational awareness after nightfall in downtown Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to stick to well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones."

Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Russia are other nations without travel warnings. According to The Hill, individuals contemplating visits to Europe, including the United Kingdom and Sweden, are advised to exercise heightened vigilance due to terrorist fears.

Certain European nations are included in the State Department's "Level 1: Take Normal Precautions" advisory. This includes the Czech Republic, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, and Iceland. Canada, our northern neighbors, Australia, Bermuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, and New Zealand are also under a standard advisory.

Before traveling to Mexico, US residents are urged to register with an embassy or consulate before traveling to Mexico, according to the Texas agency. The advice follows the abduction of four Americans in the Mexican city of Matamoros earlier this month.

Reportedly coming for medical tourism, the Americans were taken after being trapped in the crossfire between competing cartel gangs. Two were repatriated to the United States, while two were discovered dead. Moreover, a Mexican onlooker was slain.

One of the cartels in Matamoros has apologized for the murders and turned up the persons they believe are guilty to the authorities. In Mexico, about 500 Americans and tens of thousands of Mexicans remain missing, as per NPR.

Read Also: John Travolta Sends Fans To Tears in Oscars 2023

Spring Break Trip Tips

Spring break is a popular time for families to take a break from their normal routine and go on vacation. The costs involved with a trip may pile up very quickly if you do not properly plan your finances.

Each year, spring break holidays are taken at prominent tourist places such as Destin, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Los Angeles, Miami Beach, Florida; the Bahamas; and others. But, if you still need to reserve a hotel or transportation, it is essential to conduct research. Runners brace against the cold and snow during a four-mile race.

When you consider a trip, it may sound like a good time but rapidly become costly. The financial component of what you can realistically buy is a crucial consideration.

Kara Hitchens, the Public Affairs Manager for AAA, asserts that budgeting should be noticed while planning a holiday. Tae Winston, a Dayton businesswoman, states that she could not take a vacation in 2022 due to her hectic schedule.

Per WDTN via MSN, Winston is one of the people who have decided to travel to Florida for vacation, but she has planned her trip intelligently. Those who wish to arrange a vacation may take advantage of last-minute offers or save money by utilizing their loyalty, rewards, or travel points to ease the burden on their wallets.

Related Article: Child Tax Credit 2023: How to Claim Up to $2,000 Payments Per Child

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In light of the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forums Startup Connect Program thanks the U.S. Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the U.S. Treasury Department for the steps they have taken to fully preserve the insured and uninsured deposits. A swift resolution is vital for the United States to maintain its leadership in the global startup and innovation ecosystem.



Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has been the go-to bank for U.S. and foreign tech startups and members of the venture capital (V.C.) industry for years, and its abrupt halt has left several of its customers worldwide in crisis. The most immediate task was to prevent contagion beyond this limited case and maintain U.S. leadership in the global startup ecosystem by ensuring a swift and orderly resolution at SVB. The authorities have done so, realizing that failure to protect the value of deposits would cripple many of these startup firms, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs and impacting millions of lives globally.



Furthermore, the startup ecosystem in the United States is tightly integrated with the ecosystem globally. The financial crippling of many startups would reverberate around the world, especially in innovative countries like Ireland, Israel, and India. The important measures were to preclude the loss of credibility and trust in Silicon Valley, which if lost, might never be restored and would further erode the United States' position as the global startup leader.



United States as the Innovation Engine of the World

One of the United States most significant and successful exports has been the idea of the American Dream, a dream many founders and co-founders of startups have emulated.

USISPF research shows that more than 70% of startups have immigrant co-founders, and as of 2022, over 50 CEOs of public companies are of Indian origin.



In the tech space, both the United States and India have seen tremendous collaboration and convergence. The synergy is best epitomized by Indias tech talent and the United States robust tech sector.



The technology industry for decades has provided the United States with a global competitive edge, and Silicon Valley continues to epitomize that hub for innovation. During his 2015 visit to the Valley, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, California is one of the last places in the world to see the sunset, but it is here that new ideas see the first light of day.



Decisive Action



The startup innovation economy houses millions of jobs, liquidity, and dreams, all of which stand at significant risk if liquidity goes awry. USISPFs immediate focus is to help ensure the safety of deposits of startups and V.C.s to be assured of security in a timely and efficient manner. The dislocation of funds from SVB is not just a financial crisis but can snowball into a tech crisis. As such, we thank the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the U.S. Treasury Department for acting swiftly and for reassurance to startups during this crisis. In the future, I urge the White House and Treasury Department, working in partnership with Congress, to strengthen the regional banking system.



The U.S. startup ecosystem has a tremendous impact worldwide, so immediate action was needed and thus taken to protect it during this critical time.
Former US President Donald Trump's team responded to Democrats' claims that he was responsible for the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, the 2nd largest in American history.

Donald Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called the Democrats and Biden administration officials "out-of-control" as they "pathetically" blamed Trump for "their failures with desperate lies, such as the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) spy balloons, the train derailment in East Palestine, and now the collapse of SVB," according to Fox News.

Cheung also noted that the economic measures of Pres. Joe Biden are "anti-America policies" that caused the suffering of ordinary Americans.

Silicon Valley Bank, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, was the sixteenth-largest bank in the United States until it failed last week and fell under the supervision of the federal government.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) only guarantees accounts up to $250,000, and some investors argue a government bailout is needed to safeguard depositors.

FDIC-insured deposits are scheduled to be ready by Monday morning, fueling worries that a rush of withdrawals may cause a domino effect.

Read Also: How Did Silicon Valley Bank Fall in 48 Hours?

What Did Donald Trump Do?

Donald Trump campaign responded to leftist criticism of his 2018 signing of a bipartisan package that scaled-down Dodd-Frank, a 2010 federal legislation that modernized banking regulation after the Great Recession.

The measure lifted the asset threshold for "systematically important financial institutions" from $50 billion to $250 billion, which indicated that Trump was relaxing requirements for major banks while exempting smaller banks from strict regulations.

As a consequence, the Silicon Valley Bank, which had $209 billion in assets by the end of 2022, was no longer considered to be a structurally significant financial institution and was thus exempt from the stricter requirements that apply to larger banks.

Yale University professor Howard Forman has revealed the names of the Republican senators who supported the proposal to lessen monitoring of SVB in 2018.



The list includes Republicans like Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell and Democrats like Joe Manchin and Tim Kaine, per The Independent.

In his Sunday message, Sen. Bernie Sanders said the Donald Trump administration ignored the 2008 Wall Street meltdown and Enron scandal.

Sen. Bernie Sanders noted that it's not the right moment for the US government to rescue Silicon Valley Bank from financial ruin.

He stated, "If there is a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, it must be 100 percent financed by Wall Street and large financial institutions." Business Insider reported.

Related Article: Tax Refund 2023: When To Receive Your Payment?

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The conversation is expected to occur when Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week in Moscow, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The report cited sources acquainted with the subject.

After Russia's full-scale invasion, Chinese and Ukrainian leaders are likely to speak online.

Xi Jinping's travel to Russia and likely meeting with Zelensky indicate Beijing's determination to mediate an end to Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

The Chinese president was considering adding stops in other European nations to his trip to Russia, but no definitive plans have been made.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said announcements of official foreign trips are often made simultaneously by mutual consent of the parties.

"When there is such readiness, we will let you know," Peskov said, according to Reuters.

Read Also: Turkey Comments on Global Peace Efforts

Russia vs. The West

Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his desire to welcome Xi Jinping in the coming months, and he has portrayed the Russia-Ukraine war as a struggle against the united power of the West.

China, which buys Russia's oil and gas that Europe won't purchase, has said that it would "continue" to help bring about this result via its actions.

Beijing often used the words "Cold War mentality" and "unilateral sanctions" to condemn the West's reaction to the conflict, both of which were called for in the document.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed skepticism about China's peace proposition for Ukraine, citing Beijing's muted response to Russia's incursion as proof, per the Kyiv Independent.

Related Article: Russian Women Make Strong Plea to Vladimir Putin



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Police said a 3-year-old girl discovered a loaded gun in a Texas house and unintentionally shot her 4-year-old sister, killing her on Sunday.

The girls were in the bedroom of their parents' apartment on Bammel North Houston Road in Houston at around 8:00 in the evening, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, according to CBS News.

The official said that five people, all of whom were either relatives or acquaintances of the family, were in various sections of the apartment while the girls were left unattended.

Sheriff Gonzalez said that one parent had left their daughters alone in a bedroom on the mistaken assumption that the other was supervising them. The sheriff said the 3-year-old girl discovered a loaded gun and fired a single shot.

The 3-year-old obtained "access to a loaded, semi-automatic pistol. "Family members heard a single gunshot," Gonzales said and added that they hurried into the room and discovered the 4-year-old girl unconscious, per an ABC News report.

Read Also: California Atmospheric River Storm Update

A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented

Gonzalez informed reporters the Texas gunshot victim was declared dead at the scene when police responded to the family's 911 call.

The sheriff noted that the preliminary police investigation will be used by the Harris County District Attorney's Office to determine if any of the adults will be charged.

Gonzalez remarked that the community is heartbroken by the gun accident, which could have been prevented.

The Texas police official urged the gun owners to be responsible by keeping their firearms locked and away from the reach of children.

"It's got to be more than just telling young kids not to touch the weapons," Gonzalez said, according to NBC DFW.

Related Article: Donald Trump Blames Silicon Valley Bank Collapse on Democrats





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Students in China are getting creative with their homework.

Chinese students are reportedly crossing China's Great Firewall to use OpenAI's ChatGPT to help them with homework and learn English faster.

Students on the other side of the Great Firewall also use ChatGPT to get their homework done, particularly on essays, for the same reasons, per The Atlantic.

ChatGPT Usage Within The Great Firewall

Esther Chen, an 11-year-old Chinese student, revealed in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) that she is bypassing the country's Great Firewall to "cheat" on their school assignments and do it quickly, per Interesting Engineering.

According to Chen, ChatGPT helps her do research quickly, cutting her home study time in half. Previously, she would devote four to five hours daily to get her schoolwork and studies done.

Meanwhile, Chen's sister, Nicole, uses ChatGPT to learn English - a growing popular fad in China. Another student, 17-year-old Stella Zhang, said that she didn't want to memorize world lists or entire conversations.

As such, she dropped out of learning English from language cramming schools and tutors that usually charge around $85 to learn the language through ChatGPT, per Hong Kong Free Press. Zhang believes that learning through ChatGPT puts less pressure on her while also offering instant feedback on her essays.

Read More: HBO Max is Dropping One Word for It's Name, And It's Not Hard to Guess Which It Is

The popularity of AI caused many students in language-cramming schools to drop out like Chen. Thomas Lau, a college admissions counselor in Suzhou, said that more than two dozen students he works with have dropped out of their cramming schools to learn English from ChatGPT.

Chen's mother, Wang Jingjing, mentioned to AFP that she isn't concerned about her daughters using ChatGPT as her family has been using a VPN for years. This service allows her to encourage her daughters to read from different sources wildly, though she closely monitors Chen for plagiarism.

Jingjing isn't an irresponsible mentor before the advent of ChatGPT; she would stay up late until Chen finishes all of her homework, though it sometimes led to constant fights.

Even teachers are usingChatGPT. According to Beijing-based tech Tim Wallace, teachers use the AI tool to generate customized lesson plans in seconds, though they can't tell students not to use it since their teachers are using it themselves.

ChatGPT's Effects On China's Education System

While ChatGPT has been a real help for students and teachers alike, it has its downsides. Lau said that he found many students use ChatGPT for their college application materials while checking whether parts of what they sent were written using AI.

As a result, schools are training teachers to ensure that students uphold academic ethics despite the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. After all, teachers in China have access to tools that help determine if a text was written using AI.

However, the biggest debate in the Chinese academic scene is whether academia should embrace or ban the use of ChatGPT by students and teachers.

"We can't tell students not to use it while using it ourselves," Wallace said.

Related Article: Apple Blocks Update To Email App With ChatGPT Tech
According to those with knowledge of the situation, Apple Inc. is restructuring the administration of its worldwide operations to put a greater emphasis on India, a reflection of the country's rising prominence. As a result of a rise in demand, Apple will now treat India as its own sales region for the first time. According to the people, who requested anonymity since the move hasn't been made official, that will offer the Asian country greater prominence within the internet giant.

Hugues Asseman, Apple's vice president in charge of India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, East Europe, and Africa, just retired, prompting the company to make the change. The iPhone manufacturer is promoting its head of India, who answered to Asseman, as a result of his departure. Ashish Chowdhary, the executive will now answer directly to Michael Fenger, Apple's vice president of product sales.

Despite a 5% decline in total sales, the corporation reported record revenue in India during the most recent quarter. Later this year, Apple hopes to launch its first retail locations in the nation after developing an online store to service the area. Tim Cook, the company's chief executive officer, said the company is placing "a lot of emphasis on the market" on the most recent earnings call and contrasted the present state of its operations in India to its early years in China.

Apple Looks to India for Growth

India is increasingly important to Apple's product development in addition to acting as a sales engine for the corporation. Crucial suppliers are relocating to the area, and Apple is collaborating with its manufacturing partner Foxconn to establish new iPhone manufacturing facilities there.

The most recent adjustments will modify Apple's management structure, but not how it discloses regional sales in its financial results to the public. The corporation lists Africa, the Middle East, and India under its category for Europe in those disclosures. The Americas, Greater China, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific are likewise divided into four separate geographic areas.

Apple accelerates job growth through manufacturing expansion in India

In the upcoming fiscal year, Apple's expanding investment in India might result in the creation of about 120,000 jobs, 40,000 of which will be direct manufacturing positions and 80,000 of which will be indirect ones. Less employment will come from retail, and the majority will be in manufacturing. This number is anticipated to rise to a minimum of 300,000 new jobs by the fiscal year 2026, with about a third being direct employees and another 200,000 being indirect jobs.

"We are already noticing a rise in manufacturing-related demands from Apple's Indian contractors. An additional 1 lakh direct jobs would be created in the next 36 months as a result of the proposed new factories and facilities, according to Kartik Narayan, chief executive of staffing. Foxconn Hon Hai, a company with headquarters in Tamil Nadu that only manufactures iPhones, has produced over 35,500 jobs, or more than a third, of the 100,000 total.

Pegatron, a Tamil Nadu-based company that only began producing this fiscal year, is now the state's second-largest employer with 14,000 employees. Karnataka-based Wistron has created 12,800 employees.

Below Are A Few Major Companies Making Big Investments In India

Google: In Bharti Airtel, India's second-largest mobile phone provider, the IT behemoth has invested close to $1 billion. Google wants to strengthen its position in the one market with more than a billion people that is open to foreign businesses. Previously, Google invested $4.5 billion in Mukesh Ambani, a business magnate, and his Jio platform.

Blackstone: Wall Street powerhouse Blackstone plans to increase its investment in India after realising a significant profit on its initial outlay. Its $25 billion investment in India is currently worth more than $50 billion. Over the previous ten years, the largest private market investor has made over $22 billion in the nation.

Blackstone made a $5.5 billion investment in the first four months of 2021. Several businesses, such as Piramal Glass, Mphasis, Nexus Malls, edutech player Aakash, and Prestige, among others, have benefited from its investments.

Airbus and Boeing: The nation has the fastest-growing air transport industry in the world, and the two largest airline manufacturers are competing for market share.

These two businesses are finalising transactions in an effort to overcome the COVID-19 doom and earn a healthy return. Also seeking to grow are US-based Delta Airlines, Emirates, and VietJet Air. They already have flights leaving India.

Microsoft: Earlier this year, Bill Gates-founded Microsoft announced that it would be investing Rs 15,000 crore over the next 15 years in Hyderabad to set up its largest Data Centre in the country. This would be the second largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the IT sector after Amazon Web Services in Telangana.

Oracle: The US-headquartered Cloud Infrastructure company has been clocking over 100 percent growth for the third year in India. To keep this momentum going and expand its penetration, Oracle wants to reach out to more MSMEs in India in the coming months.

Apple: Among the world's most valuable companies, Apple intends to invest heavily to develop its operations in India and engage with more suppliers. Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the company had doubled its business in India.

Apple was the fastest growing brand in the quarter ended September 2021 with a 212 percent growth in sales in India. Significantly, Apple said it had achieved a record revenue of $83 billion, up 2 percent year-over-year while announcing financial results for its fiscal 2022 third quarter ended June 25.

Petronas Hydrogen and Continental Automotive: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 32,000 crore investment in Karnataka has been inked by Petronas Hydrogen and Continental Automotive Components India.

Petronas has committed to investing Rs 31,200 crore in order to build a renewable energy facility in Mangalore which is expected to create employment opportunities for 3,000 people. Additionally, Continental Automotive is proposing a direct foreign investment of Rs 1,000 crore for a Research and Development Centre that will generate 6,000 jobs.
Table of Content In order to make Gaushalas economically viable, handle the issue of stray and abandoned cattle, and effectively utilise cow dung and cow urine in the agriculture and energy sectors, the Task Force was established by NITI Aayog. The report gives an accurate estimate of the operating expenses, fixed costs, and other concerns pertaining to Gaushalas, as well as the price and investments associated with establishing the Bio-CNG plant and PROM plant there.

Now, let's talk about NITI Ayog's latest report in detail with the experts' opinions on it.

In front of the Taskforce members, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, released the report. Prof. Ramesh Chand said during his speech at the ceremony that there has been a severe imbalance in the use of livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer over the past 50 years. He continued by saying that this has a negative impact on soil health, food quality, productivity, the environment, and human health.

Waste from cattle helps the circular economy

According to the report, cattle are a crucial part of India's traditional farming system, and gaushalas can be very helpful in encouraging organic and natural farming.

The agri-inputs made from cow dung and cow urine can minimise or replace agrochemicals while providing plant nutrients and protecting plants for reasons related to the economy, human health, the environment, and sustainability. The efficient use of cattle waste is a prime illustration of the circular economy's waste to wealth principle.

Gaushalas can serve as a hub for resources

According to the report, there has been a major imbalance in the usage of livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer during the past 50 years. This has a negative impact on the environment, human health, food quality, efficiency, and soil health.

In recognition of this, the Indian government is pushing sustainable agricultural methods including organic and natural farming. By serving as a hub for the provision of bio and organic inputs, gaushalas can play a crucial role in expanding natural and sustainable farming.

Budget and organic farming

Natural farming has received special attention in the Union Budget 2023, and the task force report's recommendations will strengthen these efforts, which emphasise the current trend towards organic farming and natural farming.

Members of the task group and gaushala officials discussed the role of gaushalas in promoting sustainable farming and waste-to-wealth programmes.

Statements by the experts

Dr. Neelam Patel, Senior Adviser (Agri), NITI Aayog and Member Secretary of the Task Force apprised the participants about the background, terms of references and approach adopted by the task force in developing the report. Cattle were an integral component of the traditional farming system in India and Gaushalas can be of great help in promoting natural farming and organic farming.

The agri-inputs developed from cattle wastes- cow dung and cow urine can reduce or replace agrochemicals, serving as plant nutrients and plant protection, on economic, health, environmental and sustainability reasons. The effective utilisation of cattle waste is an ideal example of a circular economy that harnesses the waste-to-wealth concept.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog highlighted that the unique strength of south Asian agriculture is the integration of livestock with crops. He stated that in the last 50 years, a serious imbalance emerged in the use of inorganic fertilizer and livestock manure. This is adversely affecting soil health, food quality, efficiency, environment and human health.

Recognising this, the Govt of India is promoting sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming and natural farming. Gaushalas can become an integral part in scaling up natural and sustainable farming by acting as a resource centre for supply of bio and organic inputs.

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan highlighted the experiences from Himachal Pradesh and shared that the task force report will strengthen the waste-to-wealth initiative by promoting the use of organic & bio fertilisers.

He also emphasised the importance of institutional support in improving the economic viability of gaushalas.

Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare mentioned that Union Budget 2023 has given special importance to natural farming and the recommendations of the task force report will further augment these efforts.

Task force members and representatives of Gaushalas shared their experiences and views about the role of gaushalas in the promotion of sustainable farming and waste to wealth initiatives.

Why Gaushalas Are Required?

The 20th Livestock Census estimates that India has about 19 crore cattle in total, with about 25% (4.7 crore) of those being male (Figure 1). These male cattle, which are aged and unproductive native cows that cannot be used for draught power, are possible candidates for entrance to gaushalas. During 1991-1992, total milk output and per capita availability has expanded at yearly rates of 4.45% and 2.85%, respectively, as dairying developed over the previous three decades. Between 2012 and 2019, the nation's total cattle population climbed by 8%.

The primary causes of the fall were the use of machines to replace male cattle used for draught purposes and farmers' lack of interest in maintaining their cattle once they passed the milking stage and became unprofitable to feed. Such cattle are frequently left behind by farmers, whereupon they either roam or end up in Gaushalas. 89% of the cattle confined in gaushalas in the 10 districts of Haryana were unproductive.

At the end of the day, some of them are slaughtered. 53 lakh stray cattle are thought to be present in the nation. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reports that there were 1604 traffic accidents in India that were caused by stray animals, with Gujarat having the greatest number (220), followed by Jharkhand (214), and Haryana (211).

The large population of aged, unproductive cows and male cattle is difficult to handle because several Indian states have banned the export of cattle. According to farmer testimonials from Haryana, some farmers also send their newborn male calves to gaushalas (paying the gaushalas to house their male calves) or leave them abandoned close to mandis (markets).

Funding for Gaushalas

Government grants, milk sales, general public donations, business entities, and a few corporations are the main sources of income for gaushalas. According to certain studies, gaushalas in Haryana received 74% of its funding from individual donations, 7% from grants from the government, and 20% from the sale of milk. 83% of Telangana's revenue comes from contributions, and 14% comes from the sale of milk and milk-related products.

In India, 81% of gaushalas operated independently of the government, receiving financing mostly for infrastructure improvements, animal adoption, food, medicine, and gaushala growth. Gaushalas incurred significant costs for feed and fodder, veterinarian care, and medical care.

Are They Profitable And Do They Have Sufficient Financial Support?

The majority of gaushalas in India rely primarily on donations, therefore internal income creation is necessary for them to be long-term financially viable. According to evidence from numerous studies, while some gaushalas are profitable or financially viable in the short term (revenues simply meet operating costs), they are susceptible over the long term.

For instance, running costs were up 70% of Gaushalas' incomes in Haryana, while overall costs were 97% of their income. 12 of the 14 gaushalas that examined in Telangana had negative net earnings, and four of them were unable to even cover their operational costs.

Gaushalas Management And Maintenance

A crucial aspect of animal husbandry is proper housing. Together with healthy breeding, feeding, and illness prevention, it aids in increasing the productivity of animals. Animals need a comfortable and healthy environment to live in. Moreover, it shields animals from bad weather.

Costs Associated With Gaushalas

The largest portion of overall costs was allocated to feed and fodder costs. In Telangana, it accounted for 82% of total costs, compared to 51% in Haryana. 2,236 animals on average were kept in ten gaushalas in Haryana, and 705 in fourteen in Telangana.

The minimal size of a gaushala for this many animals is around 15 acres in Haryana and 6 acres in Telangana, according to the guidelines given above. However, Haryana's actual gaushala area was only 8.15 acres, which is 46% less than what is advised, and the average area used for fodder was 9.42 acres, which is just 4% of what is advised.

Recommendations from NITI Ayog

The report recommends building a website similar to NITI Aayog's Darpan portal so that all gaushalas can register online and become eligible for help from the animal welfare board.

The report recommended that "all grants to gaushalas should be tied to the number of cows, and more attention should be placed on dry, recused or abandoned calves" in order to solve the problem of the threat generated by an increase in the number of stray cattle in urban and rural areas.

To promote the commercial manufacturing, packaging, marketing, and distribution of organic fertilizers based on cow dung, including brand development, it was said that specific governmental measures and support were needed.

Further, according to the report, efforts should be made to attract private investments in the mass manufacturing of organic and bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, products that enrich soil, stimulants, and different formulations for domestic use.

To establish technical characteristics and estimations of investments, benefits, and costs of potential economic activity by gaushalas, NITI Aayog requested research from the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
Well, it took Geely Philippines long enough. About two years after we said they needed a sub-compact crossover to penetrate the local market...
The wholesale distributor of stationary and office supplies owned by Staples is experiencing what they deemed as an outage in their systems, which has been going on for days and has affected customers and suppliers from ordering online.

The Outage

Not only is the outage affecting the company's customers and suppliers, but it was also reported that its freight carriers' pick-ups have been halted until things are resolved. The issue started around the evening of March 6th, 2023.

The company has not yet revealed how the outage started, so it is unclear whether it was caused by a cyber attack or the company's system is experiencing a technical issue. Regardless, the issue is likely to cause a disruption in the supply chain.

The company is based in Deerfield, Illinois, and is serving around 30,000 resellers. Their items include traditional office products, office furniture, janitorial and breakroom supplies, and technology products.

Although Essendant has been putting in the effort to continue its operations, the outage is still preventing customers from placing orders or contacting the distributor's customer care service. Customers were notified of the outage the next day after it was discovered.

There were orders that have been shipped on March 6th, 2023, but the company did not provide an advanced shipment notice (ASN). Essendant will work on the missing ASN, but the process may take several days, as mentioned in Bleeping Computer.

As for the orders that have not been shipped after the outage occurred, the company has canceled them. Customers will be notified by the ASN indicating that they were manually marked out, which is one of two ways.

The second is that the customer will receive a report from the company's team regarding the cancellation, wherein the process will take several days. Essendant mentioned that additional shipments should be withheld as they will not be able to receive anything in route.

Essendant told its customers that they should not contact the company about the affected orders' status. The company is still not able to place purchase orders in the next few days, but they anticipated that it will resume on the next scheduled purchase order date.

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Essendant Resolving the Issue

The company's update says that there has been additional progress over the weekend regarding its planned operational recovery efforts. They expressed that they are working "expeditiously" to bring their systems back online.

They have also successfully tested select systems, which would allow the company to resolve issues with the orders that were not processed due to the outage. Essendant has already begun looking into executing its initial clean-up efforts.

Still, the company's update still mentioned that the effort to resolve the delays may still take several days to complete. However, the company is preparing its next phase of systems that will allow them to have limited "pick, pack, and ship capabilities" for certain orders.

The efforts for the next phase will also be taking several days. The company said that it might take this entire week before they can be completely operational. They will provide more details on its directional timeline to make the customers aware of its next steps.

Related: Instagram's Back Online After Hours-Long Outage
Buzzi Unicem defends itself against defamatory campaign

13 March 2023

Buzzi Unicem has refuted allegations against its reputation with a company statement issued on 10 March 2023. We are aware of a defamatory campaign against Buzzi Unicem which has been launched since the beginning of February, aiming to undermine the companys reputation. The dissemination of the contents has been taking place through posts on social networks and/or direct messages, said the company statement.

The defamatory comments claim that Buzzi Unicem SpA, a company domiciled in Italy, is somehow involved in activities carried out by the subsidiary SLK Cement, a company domiciled in Russia, which would support the war of aggression against Ukraine. Buzzi Unicem rejects these claims.

Buzzi Unicem already clarified in its press release dated 12 May 2022 the decision to cease with immediate effect any operational involvement in the activities carried out by the subsidiary SLK Cement in Russia and to suspend all strategic initiatives and investments in the country. This means no involvement of our management in the decision-making process related to local initiatives and commercial actions, explained the statement.

SLK Cement is a Russian-domiciled entity operating exclusively in that country and therefore subject to domestic legislation. Payment of taxes and having employees being mobilised to the army are not discretionary decisions, rather legal obligations within the Russian jurisdiction. These implications are independent of ownership and are in no way affected by the affiliation to an international group.

Buzzi Unicem also made clear its support of its operations in the Ukraine and its ongoing humanitarian support in the country. Contrary to the allegations, Buzzi Unicem is present in Ukraine since 2001 and is one of the leading manufacturers of cement and ready-mix concrete of the country. Despite significant financial losses incurred as a consequence of the Russian invasion, Buzzi Unicem did not stop operations in Ukraine, keeps supplying products to Ukrainian customers, paying taxes in Ukraine and providing job and humanitarian aid to its nearly 1000 employees and families in the country, added Buzzi Unicem.

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Maple Leaf Cement becomes Pakistan's fourth largest producer

13 March 2023

Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd group) has become the fourth-largest grey cement producer in Pakistan after its capacity now stands at 7.9Mta after the completion of its Iskanderabad plant expansion last November. The companys domestic share in grey cement stands at 10 per cent and white cement at 90 per cent. White cement achieves good prices compared to grey cement due to a higher cost of 1.5 per cent over grey cement, positively impacting the companys margin.

According to AKD Securities Ltd, Maple Leaf Cement has a better edge due to the timely completion of expansion on a subsidised loan, less reliance on the national power grid, less leverage and growth-oriented profit margins. The company relies heavily on local coal while meeting its 80 per cent power requirement through a subsidiary power generation coal plant, solar power facility and waste heat recovery unit.

1HFY22-23 financial results

The company earned a consolidated profit of PKR4.308bn (US$15.35m) against PKR2.757bn for the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of 56 per cent. The total sales volume of 2.11Mt achieved represents a decrease of 12.2 per cent over 2.41Mt sold during the corresponding period last year. Domestic cement sales volume reached 2.05Mt, showing almost the same level of demand due to political instability causing uncertainty is another major factor contributing to negative growth of the construction sector.

The companys export volumes decreased by 8.2 per cent to reach 64,264t from 70,020t in the corresponding period. Exports have not picked up post the American departure from Afghanistan. This has slowed down the economy, and banking restrictions are another major reason for the decline in export sales. Cement dispatches to the rest of the world were not feasible due to high production costs in Pakistan compared to global markets and increased shipping costs, impacting competitiveness in the regional markets.

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Nepal exports 153,493t of cement to India in 7MFY22-23

13 March 2023

In the 7MFY22-23 Nepal exported cement and clinker worth NPR167.03m (US$1.273m), reports Khabarhub. According to Nepals Department of Customs, over the seven-month period, 153,493t of cement were exported, with a value of NPR60.66m. Clinker exports came in at 151,158t, worth NPR106.38m.

According to the government, two Nepali cement companies have been exporting product to India. These include Palpa Cement, which has been exporting cement under the Tansen brand since July 2022, and the Arghakhanchi brand since October 2022.

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Director Ahn Gil-ho of Netflix's recent hit series "The Glory" / Courtesy of Netflix



By Lee Gyu-lee



The director of Netflix's hit series, "The Glory," about a woman taking revenge against her classmates who tormented and tortured her in high school, has admitted to recent accusations of school violence, apologizing to a victim, who was a student at the time, for assaulting him.



The accusation surfaced when an online user wrote a post last Friday, saying the director, Ahn Gil-ho, had assaulted him and another student.



"Director Ahn had a girlfriend when he was studying abroad in the Philippines in 1996. When he heard his girlfriend was made fun of at her school because of him, he got emotional and inflicted enduring pain on others," the law firm that represents Ahn said in the statement on behalf of the director, Sunday.



"He deeply asks for forgiveness from the bottom of his heart from those who were hurt by this incident. He wants to express that if given the chance, he would like to apologize in person or via a call."



The user said he was in middle school at the time, attending the same school as Ahn's girlfriend in the Philippines. When Ahn, who went to a different school, found out people at his girlfriend's school teased her, he physically assaulted the user and one other student.









"There were about 15 people there, including Ahn. When he asked us who made fun of his girlfriend and we didn't answer, he made threats like 'I'll bring a knife' and 'I'll stab you,' and he beat us up. The assault lasted for about two hours," he wrote.



"I didn't want to bring up this bullying issue if Ahn was living rightfully. But for a bully to make a series like 'The Glory,' which is meant to teach lessons about bullying, it felt outrageous and unforgivable. So I've decided to share."





A poster for the series "The Glory" / Courtesy of Netflix
The bickering between the Nashville Metro Council and the Tennessee General Assembly over the selection of the Music City for the 2024 Republican (GOP) presidential convention (ultimately won by Milwaukee) may provide a unique opportunity for our hometown.

It has been vividly demonstrated that the Scenic City politicos have great experience in getting free grant money from both the legislature in Nashville and Congress in Washington.

Whether our local politicians should apply for either the 2028 GOP convention or the Democrat gathering of the faithful to replace President Biden since he will be ineligible to lead the nation after his anticipated eight years of progress (?) is beyond the knowledge of this writer.

It should be pointed out that the Dynamo of Dixie has many advantages over the homebase of Printers Alley and Tootsies Orchid Lounge.

However, when the author commenced to list the various elements of comparison of the Best/Worse features of the number 2 (Nashville) and 4 (Choo Choo City) ranked communities in the Volunteer State the number became too cumbersome and lengthy.

Therefore, it is respectfully suggested that our progressive leaders consider applying for the 2028 Democrat Presidential Convention in Gig City.

(If all of the positive media press releases become reality and not just to benefit a small group (you know who I mean) why not dream big?)

P.S. As one additional benefit of positive thinking it is respectfully suggested that our present traffic jams on Interstate 24 exceed those of our bigger brother (sister, etc.) on Interstate 40 and have a great opportunity to become much larger before 2028!

* * *

You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com


By Yi Whan-woo



The National Pension Service (NPS) had more than 100,000 shares in the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) that has been suspended from trading as it became the largest U.S. bank to collapse since the 2008-09 global financial crisis, according to industry sources, Monday.



The shares owned by the NPS were valued at over $230 million as of the end of 2022.



While it is uncertain how many shares the NPS still has, whether it can recover the investment remains doubtful in the wake of the SVB's downfall, adding to public concerns in Seoul after it suffered a record investment loss last year as the state-run pension operator.





Public concerns have been rising, especially as the pension fund is expected to be depleted faster over time in the midst of a rapidly aging population. It has been estimated that the fund, which was worth nearly 900 trillion won, might be fully drained by 2055.



According to industry sources, the NPS owned 100,795 shares in SVB as of the end of 2022, with the aggregate value of the shares amounting to $231.9 million.



The NPS acquired 27,664 of the 100,795 shares in 2022 alone, including 19,884 shares in the final three months of the year.



"Its decision to buy a massive amount of shares in SVB turned out to be a huge mistake," a source said, noting that the value of each SVB stock had more than halved to $106.64 a day before the company was suspended from trading, Friday.



The NPS said it is considering all possible measures in relation to its investment in the embattled U.S. bank. It did not give further details.



The investment capability of the NPS has been in doubt after it logged a record 8.22 percent loss on its rate of return in 2022.



Such losses come at a time when the government is desperate to carry out pension reforms because the current scheme falls short of slowing down the depletion of the fund.



The overhaul of the scheme includes revising the starting age of the pension and premium rate.




A Walmart employee reported that they had $140 stolen from their wallet.

An unknown 911 call came in from the Hills Parc apartment complex. An officer checked the area but located nothing.

A vehicle crash was reported in the 9000 block of Old Lee Highway after one vehicle sideswiped another.

An officer assisted a motorist having vehicle trouble in the Walmart parking lot.

An alarm was accidentally activated at the Collegedale Medical Plaza by a cleaning crew.

A traffic stop in the 9200 block of Lee Highway resulted in the driver being charged with driving on a suspended license.

Collegedale police were requested to assist the sheriffs office by checking the well-being of an individual near I-75s 12 mile marker. The officer was able to provide them a ride to the first Cleveland exit.

A concerned citizen called police to the Burger King for several individuals having a loud argument. The individuals were found to be siblings on a road trip. They continued on their trip in separate vehicles.

An officer was called to the 9400 block of Ooltewah Industrial Drive after a citizen reported a suspicious vehicle in the lot of a neighboring business that suffered some recent thefts. The vehicle was found to be occupied by a security guard.

Police were called to check on a vehicle in the ditch in the 10100 block of Lee Highway. The vehicle was gone upon the officers arrival.

A traffic stop in the 9100 block of Lee Highway resulted in a passenger being charged with possession of illegal narcotics.

A concerned citizen called in a disorder at the Circle K gas station at 9300 Lee Highway. No assault was found to have taken place; however, one individual was arrested on an East Ridge warrant and transported to the jail.

Police responded to an alleged domestic assault between siblings at the Hawthorne at the Summit apartment complex. No physical evidence of an assault was found.

An officer kept the peace while an individual returned property to a former partner in The Village at Apison Pike apartment complex.

A residential alarm was accidentally activated in the 9600 block of Collier Place by maintenance workers.

Officers got out with an individual who had been yelling and screaming at cars in the area of Main Street and Railroad Avenue. They were able to provide the individual a ride to their mothers house.

An officer responded to the 10100 block of Crestmont Drive after receiving reports of gunshots in the area. Nothing was located.

A traffic stop in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway for a handicap parking violation resulted in the drivers arrest for felony possession of narcotics and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Collegedale police were requested to assist the sheriffs office with a disorder at the Legends at White Oak apartments, located near the 6000 block of Ooltewah Georgetown Road.

While conducting routine business checks a night shift officer located an unlocked door of a business in the 5000 block of Ooltewah Ringgold Road.

An alarm was accidentally activated at the Aldi grocery store after a delivery person didnt have the correct pass code.

Officers investigated a suspicious vehicle in the Burger King parking lot. Everything checked out ok.

An officer got out with a vehicle parked behind a closed business in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway in the early morning hours. The vehicle was occupied by two students of a local university who advised that they were just sleeping in their car.

A Collegedale fugitive was booked on a bond revocation warrant from an original driving on a suspended license charge. The fugitive was released on bond.

An unknown 911 call came in from the Cracker Barrel. An officer checked the store and parking lot and found no one in distress.

Officers assisted a broken down motorist in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway. They were able to push the vehicle from the roadway and a wrecker service was called to the scene by the motorist.

Police made contact with a suspicious person at an abandoned property in the 5100 block of Ooltewah Ringgold Road. The individual was advised to leave the property.

Officers were asked to check the well-being of an individual in the College Park apartments. No one answered the door.

An officer put down an injured deer in the 5200 block of Little Debbie Parkway.

A traffic stop in the 10200 block of Lee Highway resulted in the drivers arrest for felony possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license. The driver was also found to have a petition to revoke bond warrant out of Collegedale from a previous drug arrest and was booked on that warrant as well.




On 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4, Kris Foster is trying to adjust to her new life in Colombia with her fiancee, Jeymi Noguera. Things take a turn for the worst when she finds out she may have to fly back home to Alabama to tie up loose ends regarding her stolen rare motorcycle. Here are some details and an update on Jeymis fathers bike.

Kris Foster, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4 | TLC

Kris may have to postpone their wedding because of her fathers stolen motorcycle

On the March 12 episode of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way, Kris and Jeymi shop for furniture together for their new Colombian apartment. Kris shares that her mom informed her that she has been served to appear in court the following week. She was served a subpoena to appear in court to prosecute the man who stole her rare motorcycle.

With their wedding less than a week away, Jeymi was taken aback by this news and knew this would mean postponing their wedding. Kris tells the cameras that many months prior, a man broke into Kris garage and stole a motorcycle that was not only rare but held a sentimental value to Kris. The bike was a gift given by her father right before he died.

Kris losing her motorcycle was not only devastating emotionally but also financially. I planned on selling my rare bike to have that money to further our future together here in Colombia, she said. Thats $50,000 that I lost from that I was gonna have here, Kris says. So I cant just let this man walk free.

This is the first time Jeymi has heard about this motorcycle or its theft. Kris told her fiancee, It was really, really hard to have it taken from me. I cant not put this man in jail for what he did, Kris told her. Jeymi understands that if she must return to appear in court, they will have to postpone their wedding, but is clearly disappointed.

Details about Kris stolen motorcycle

A $50,000 motorcycle does sound rare. Kris posted her fathers motorcycle on her Instagram account in January 2021. She wrote in the caption, Why cant Haleyville Police do their jobs!!! Why has my bike been in a impound lot for two months cause yall forgot to tell me it was found??? Why am I responsible for paying for two months of fees ??? I cant afford that and now I feel like Im being robbed of it all over again?!!!???!!? WHY???? Im heartbroken!!!!!

Starcasm dug into the type of motorcycle it was and determined it was a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The outlet showed that Kris had edited the caption that had previously named the thief as a man by the name of Zane Crutcher.

Crutcher has been arrested in several counties in Alabama, including Kris hometown, Haleyville. However, there are no records of whether or not Crutcher was convicted for the alleged theft of Kris bike.

Jeymi worries Kris has cold feet

In the preview for the March 19 episode of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way, Jeymi confides in her friends about her concerns about her fiancee. She worries that Kris has cold feet and is using the motorcycle as an excuse to run off. This wouldnt be the first time, according to Jeymi.

Kris and Jeymi, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way | TLC

Kris, she suggested that we change the wedding date. Because our wedding is on the 21st and she has to leave on the 20th, she explained. Jeymis friends arent buying Kris story. No, this is weird, they tell her. She has disappeared before, Jeymi tells them. So who says she wont do it again now?

It seems that Kris may have to return to Alabama for the court date and in doing so will have to postpone her wedding to Jeymi. Will they be able to get their relationship back on track?

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4 airs Sundays at 8 pm ET on TLC.
Adam Busby of OutDaughtered Claps Back After Follower Wonders If He Knows About Hard Work

Adam Busby of TLCs Outdaughtered is firing back at those who are wondering how he and his wife Danielle Busby afford their lifestyle. When the reality TV personality recently took to social media to share photos from a recent trip, one follower chimed in with questions about whether the couple  who share six daughters, including a set of quintuplets  knew about hard work.

Adam Busby takes a trip to Nepal

Adam Busby and Danielle Busby in OutDaughtered | TLC via YouTube

On March 12, Adam shared some photos from a trip to Nepal on Instagram.

First full day in Nepal after the jet lag kicked my butt, he captioned the slideshow. We visited the monkey Temple and walked through the city. It is sensory overload here. Just wait until you see my video from a ride in the taxi.

Adam is traveling without his wife and kids. In a comment, Danielle said that she love[d] that her husband was getting to see this side of the world.

In her Instagram Story, Danielle indicated that Adam was on a mission trip. She wrote that she was proud of Adam for being part of this journey to share Jesus with those around the world.

The OutDaughtered star defends his lifestyle

Adam and Danielle often post about their travels on social media, including recent kid-free trips to Utah and Cabo San Lucas. After the OutDaughtered stars latest post, one of his followers wondered how the Busbys made it all work financially.

YOU know I love this show. However. I just dont get how they can afford all they do? Having kids seems to pay better than hard WORK, the person wrote.

Adam was quick to defend himself. He explained that he and Danielle did indeed work hard. He added that they had made choices that allowed them to live a certain kind of lifestyle.

Yea, raising 6 kids on top of managing the 7 different companies we outright own or have vested interest in isnt hard work. I guess we are just really lucky, Adam replied. We continually seek Gods will and steward our family and our time well and he is always faithful.

What the Busbys do for a living

At the moment, the Busbys reality show is on hiatus and theres been no word on when  or if  OutDaughtered will return to TLC. But that doesnt mean Adam and Danielle havent been busy with other projects.

In 2022, Danielle opened the first brick-and-mortar location of her clothing boutique, Graeson Bee. The couple also has an active YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers, where they share highlights of their familys life. Until recently, Danielle and her sisters also owned a fitness apparel line, CADi Fitness, but they shut that business down in December 2022.

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Tony Angelotti is a renowned stunt performer who has worked on several high-profile projects, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films. He served as Johnny Depps body double in the movies and performed some of Jack Sparrows most memorable stunts in the series. However, according to Angelotti, there was one stunt he did that left Depp extremely angry.

Tony Angelotti served as Johnny Depps body double in 3 Pirates of the Caribbean movies

Actor Johnny Depp attends the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides press conference at the Palais des Festivals during the 64th Cannes Film Festiva lon May 14, 2011 in Cannes, France. | Francois Durand/Getty Images

Angelotti is a skilled stunt performer who served as Depps body double for three Pirates of the Caribbean films, including The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Mans Chest, and At Worlds End. Hes also worked on several other hit projects.

Angelotti sustained a serious injury on the set of his second Pirates of the Caribbean movie. While filming a yoyo stunt, he accidentally fell into a spinning freefall that ripped his pelvis apart.

The injury, and subsequent surgeries, left the stuntman with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When he returned to film the third movie, he only did lighter stunts. These days, Angelotti works as a stunt coordinator and performs mild stunts when needed.

I do still do training, Ill do choreography, I do a lot of sword choreography, he said in an interview with Metro.co.uk. I work on the Conan OBrien show when they have sketches, where there are some stunts in the sketches, Im obviously still keeping busy but not obviously like I used to be.

Im still very thankful for all the opportunities that I had during the height of my career and the opportunities that I still have, Angelotti added. Its still good.

Tony Angelotti recalls Pirates of the Caribbean stunt that made Johnny Depp extremely angry

Angelottis work as a stunt performer has not come without challenges and injuries. And in his chat with Metro.co.uk, he recalled how one stunt scene he filmed with Orlando Bloom sent Depp into a fury.

I do remember one time where I saw him extremely angry, Angelotti recalled. And it was when we were filming the blacksmith forge fight, and I was fighting Orlando Bloom, and Johnnys sitting over by the camera watching, and Orlando  the fights, theyll get really intense and fast.

The stunt performer continued. And Orlando I think got lost at one point, and went to another direction, he continued. And I ducked back and the tip of his blade caught right near my eyebrow. I was okay, it was literally like a nick. A hair closer would have left at a decent mark.

#TBT learn how the most memorable stunts from Pirates of the Caribbean were achieved. ?https://t.co/cWYHm7zQq4 pic.twitter.com/4BXr2OWGIj  Disney Careers (@DisneyCareers) December 21, 2017

The director dismissed it as a minor scratch. But the Pirates of the Caribbean star grew angry and insisted filming stop until Angelotti received medical care.

Johnny got up out of his chair, walked right over to this guy, and said, Were not doing a f****** thing until he gets looked at by the medic, Angelotti said. You could have heard a pin drop on that set.

Angelotti noted that while the cut was indeed just a nick, he felt grateful for Depps concern. And he recalls that incident being the rare occasion that he saw him blow a gasket.

Johnny Depp and Tony Angelotti grew close while filming the Pirates of the Caribbean films

Over three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Angelotti and Depp formed a close bond. The two became good friends, and Depp even commissioned and gifted the body double a Neil Lane replica of the Ring of Thieves.

I would have beautiful wine with him at the end of the night in his trailer, he would invite me in a couple times, Angelotti told Metro.co.uk. I can remember having beautiful Bordeaux and just sort of recapping the day and just talking about the stunts and things to come.
TL;DR:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Ben Birchall  WPA Pool / Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle held the christening of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, on March 3.

No members of the royal family reportedly attended, which a royal historian has dubbed a case of diary clashes, not a snub.

A royal expert previously said King Charles coronation being scheduled for Prince Archies birthday wasnt a snub.

In addition to a new title, Prince Harry and Meghan Markles daughter, Princess Lilibet of Sussex, has now had her christening. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held Lilis christening in California, but British royals werent there. However, a royal historian says the absence wasnt a snub but something else entirely.

Lilis christening included relatives but no King Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, or Kate Middleton

Unlike Prince Archie of Sussexs christening, Lilis didnt occur in the U.K. at a royal estate. Instead, the 1-year-old was christened at Harry and Meghans Montecito, California, home in a small and intimate ceremony (via 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, a spokesperson said.

Lilis christening ceremony  followed by food and dancing  reportedly included somewhere between 20 and 30 guests. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton received invitations. However, they didnt attend Lilis christening.

Among the attendees were Meghans mother, Doria Ragland, Lilis godfather, Tyler Perry, and Harrys aunts on Princess Dianas side. A gospel choir also performed, reportedly singing Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine.

Historian says royal family missing Lilis christening was likely due to scheduling clashes

King Charles, Prince William, Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry | Matt Cardy/Getty Images

So King Charles, the Queen Consort, and Prince and Princess of Wales werent in California for Lilis christening. A royal historian believes while people may read a lot into their absence, its likely not because of family tensions.

I think that people may read a lot into the fact that the royal family missed the christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs daughter, Lilibet, last week, Mok OKeeffe said (via Marie Claire).

Royal diaries are planned over a year in advance so they can fulfill official functions and support the immense amount of charities they visit each year, OKeeffe explained. And then there is the small matter of planning for the coronation. I doubt this is in any way a snubjust a case of diary clashes.

As we saw from the Netflix documentary, the Sussexes are great friends with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and it would appear that they did not attend the christening, the royal historian continued. We know the Sussexes value their privacy, and this is reflected in the way they have chosen to christen their daughter.

An expert previously said King Charles coronation falling on Prince Archies birthday wasnt a snub toward Harry and Meghan

The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.



The Ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort.  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 11, 2022

Having the coronation on Archies birthday is definitely not a snub. I think its very much a happy coincidence, royal expert and author Katie Nicholl said regarding King Charles coronation falling on May 6, the day Harry and Meghans son turns 4.

Obviously, a huge amount of planning has to go into an important moment in history, such as a coronation, and the royal calendar is full of anniversaries and birthdays, she continued. So I think this is absolutely one of those occasions where its a coincidence and hopefully a happy coincidence.
Now that Sammi Sweetheart Giancola is returning to Jersey Shore, that can only mean one thing for Ronnie Ortiz-Magro. Weve already addressed the likely reasons Sam chose now to make her return to reality TV. Heres what we think Sam joining Jersey Shore: Family Vacation means for Ronnie, who hasnt appeared in any new episodes of the MTV series.

Ronnie is unlikely to return to Jersey Shore: Family Vacation now that Sam is around

While we cant be certain, we can speculate that Ronnie wont be part of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation anymore, at least for the rest of season 6. The second half of the MTV series is currently filming and with Sammi Sweetheart involved, Ronnies reappearance is highly unlikely.

Sam initially didnt want to be part of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation when it started in 2018 because she wanted to avoid potentially toxic situations. Many fans presumed that meant Ronnie, a cast member at the time.

His exit from the show feels even more permanent now that Sam has joined the cast for their trip to Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pennsylvania. More than that, Ronnie might have a new job already. He has removed mentions of Jersey Shore from his Instagram bio. Hes now listed as an entrepreneur and has been promoting a brand called Sneaker Clinic.

Showbiz Cheat Sheet requested a comment regarding Rons thoughts on Sams return. He did not reply by publication.

Why did Ronnie leave Jersey Shore: Family Vacation?

Ronnie first stepped away from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation in May 2021. Shortly after being arrested for domestic violence that spring, Ronnie shared a statement to his Instagram Stories. After talking to the team at MTV, we have mutually agreed that I will step away from the show while I seek medical treatment for mental health issues that Ive ignored for too long, he wrote. My number one goal now is facing my struggles head-on. This process will be difficult, but my #1 priority is to get healthy and be the best man and father I can for my daughter.

Many fans were shocked when Ronnie reappeared in a few season 5 episodes of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. Havent been on the East Coast in a while, Ronnie said in The Meatball Show episode. [Its] been a long year, and its been a lot of doing the right thing, just being a full-time dad and being sober, you know. I am living my best life, one day at a time.

Since then, Ronnie hasnt been part of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. Season 6 hasnt featured Ronnie at all, and is unlikely to now that Sammi Sweetheart has joined the cast.

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro frequently posts about Jersey Shore on Instagram

He may not be part of the MTV series anymore, but that hasnt stopped Ronnie from sharing nostalgic content. Ronnie was recently a guest on the Jaxxon Podcast, where he spoke about the early days of Jersey Shore, from his casting story to working at Danny Merks t-shirt shop and beyond.

Since then, he has used that interview to create Instagram posts and reels. Before that interview, Ronnie was sharing old photos from the original series with captions like Ron Ron Juice and all smiles.

The entire cast of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 6 posted about Sammis return on March 11. On the other hand, Ronnie hasnt directly addressed his ex-girlfriend rejoining the show.

Cant wait for whats next, the entrepreneur captioned a photo of himself on Instagram dated March 13. He also shared footage of his daughter at the zoo to his Instagram Stories the same day but didnt address the Jersey Shore news.

Stay tuned for updates if and when Ronnie comments on Sams return. Watch new episodes of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.
In a review of the current state of structurally diverse metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks with unique electrical properties, researchers have found they offer great potential for facilitating the necessary reactions for metal-air batteries.

Sustainable energy solutions cannot be pulled out of thin air. However, combining air with metal and other frameworks may pave the way for environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage, according to a research team based in China.

They published their review of novel porous materials  called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs)  and their potential to advance metal-air batteries in Nano Research Energy.

The porous crystal material frameworks comprise various arrangements of bonded materials that can induce desired properties, including the ability to accelerate reactions between oxygen and metals for energy conversion and storage. Their diverse arrangements facilitate flexibility, with high porosity and surface area, allowing for the best chance of the necessary reactions. Their derivates, or products derived from the frameworks, also enhance previously insufficient electronic conductivity and improve chemical stability.

But their advancement has been limited by inadequate conductivity and stability, according to co-corresponding author Tao Wang, professor, Centre for Hydrogenergy, College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Metal-air batteries, with high specific energy, moderate pricing, high safety and environmental friendliness, are the most promising candidate for energy storage and conversion, Wang said. At present, however, metal-air batteries involve a complex catalytic process of gas-liquid-solid phases, making it difficult to deeply understand the mechanism of discharge and recharge processes.

Wang also noted that some of the MOF and COF arrangements have slow reaction kinetics, meaning an efficient catalyst is needed both to reduce potential conversion challenges and improve the batterys life cycle.

To better understand how to control benefits  and mitigate the challenges  of the frameworks and their derivates, the researchers reviewed the current available scientific literature. Among other insights, they found that the frameworks exhibit a unique molecular structure that enables high porosity with uniform distribution of catalytic sites, meaning their reactions can be more predictable than with other porous materials.

By systematically studying the effects between organic components and catalytic active centers of MOFs and COFs, we can gain a theoretical basis for us to select and synthesize the desired framework catalysts in the future, Wang said. We can also better understand the local microenvironment in MOFs and COFs and how it impacts the overall catalytic effect.

Wang and the team recommend further study of how to better prepare functionalized MOFs and COFs based on their reaction mechanism; of hybrid MOFs and COFs; and of the composition control and morphology of MOF and COF derivates. They also recommend developing more advanced techniques to detect the vibration signals of molecules on the electrode surface and observe the conversion process to fully elucidate the relationship between the structure and the performance.

By comprehensively reviewing the advantages, challenges and prospects of MOFs and COFs, we hope that the organic framework materials will shed more profound insights into the development of electrocatalysis and energy storage in the future, Wang said.

Contributors from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics include co-corresponding authors Hairong Xue and Jianping He and co-authors Yunyun Xu, Xijuan Li, Peng Li, Tengfei Zhang, and Kun Chang. Xiaoli Fan from Nanjing Institute of Technologys School of Materials Science and Engineering is also a co-author.

The National Defense Technology Innovation Special Zone Spark Project, the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province and a Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions funded this research.
Northeastern State University will host the Symposium on the American Indian on April 10-15 at its Tahlequah campus.
Shanghai imports more sesame from Africa

Xinhua) 15:45, March 13, 2023

SHANGHAI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- As of March 3, Shanghai's Waigaoqiao Port had seen a total of 1,845 tonnes of sesame imported from Africa this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.3 times, according to the Shanghai Customs on Monday.

China is currently the largest import market for African sesame, with Waigaoqiao serving as the main port of entry into Shanghai. During the first two months of this year, sesame imports mainly came from Mali, Togo, Mozambique, Niger, and Tanzania.

Wu Zhigang, who owns a grain and oil enterprise located in the city of Kunshan, east China's Jiangsu Province, said that due to their high quality and low price, African sesame imports are mainly used to extract edible oil. With a growing demand for sesame oil products in the Chinese market, Wu's company plans to import more than 10,000 tonnes of African sesame this year, up from over 3,000 tonnes last year.

Statistics from Shanghai Customs show that in the first two months of this year, Shanghai ports imported more than 40,000 tonnes of African agricultural products, including sesame, worth more than 100 million U.S. dollars.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Financial Services Commission Vice Chairman Kim So-young speaks during a taskforce meeting on globalization of Korea's financial industry in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap





By Lee Min-hyung







The Financial Services Commission (FSC) pledged Monday to spur the globalization of Korean financial firms and revamp the rules to increase foreign capital inflow to the country.







As part of its moves, the authority decided to set up a special team focusing on the tasks amid growing saturation of the local financial market, it said.







"Globalization is key for local financial firms to overcome the domestic market saturation and secure new growth momentum," FSC Vice Chairman Kim So-young said during a task force meeting with a group of financial associations, institutions and research bodies. "We will actively support their overseas expansion and help them widen foreign investment."







The watchdog also promised to ease complex financial regulations to induce more foreign investors to invest here.







Kim underscored the dire need for financial globalization amid looming fears of recession. Financial firms are also faced with falling investment returns amid the rapid aging of the country's population.







"We cannot expect the financial industry to achieve sustainable growth by simply focusing on development of the real economy," Kim said. "Financial companies should accomplish external growth through globalization. The financial globalization will serve as a turning point to help revitalize the real economy and overcome the country's low growth."







The FSC also promised to resolve complaints raised frequently by foreign financial firms when they make inroads here.







"Global financial firms face a tough time handling non-financial issues such as taxation, labor and education when making inroads into the Korean market," Kim said. "We will find measures to resolve such issues by teaming up with the relevant authorities."







Starting this month, the authority will hold seminars to discuss specific measures for each financial sector to go global. Officials from the local capital market will join the first seminar this month.







Fintech and insurance sectors will also share their obstacles toward the global drive in an upcoming seminar in April. The FSC will also hold the third seminar with financial holding firms and credit companies the following month. Lastly, banks are scheduled to speak on their globalization plans in June.







"The FSC's newly established financial globalization response team will support the drive with a creative and flexible mindset," Kim said.







He also expressed his strong willingness to tighten partnerships with overseas financial authorities and play a role as a "salesman" for local firms to expand their overseas presence.


Fewer Americans are going to church.

Thats the conclusion of a new study from the American Enterprise Institute. The share of Americans who attend church regularly is now less than one-in-four, while the share who never attend has increased by eight percentage pointsjust since 2018.

Its the latest in a series of headlines suggesting that (numerically, at least) Christianity is on the decline in the United States. In less than fifty years, Christianity will likely no longer be the majority religion in the United States, according to a recent Pew Research Center report.

Moreover, the last decade has seen more young adults in particular leave organized religions than any time before. In terms of the church in the U.S., a 2020 Barna survey noted: The share of practicing Christians has nearly dropped in half since 2000.

People are giving up on Christianity, writes Daniel Silliman of Christianity Today. They will continue to do so. And if youre trying to predict the future religious landscape in Americathe question is not whether Christianity will decline. Its how fast and how far.

For several years now, the three of us have had a front row seat to the changing dynamics of the American church, especially from the perspective of predominantly white evangelical institutions. Weve been grieved by the conditions cited by those leaving, including scandals that have marred the churchs reputation, high-profile leadership failures, and partisan divisions. Weve watched people we know and love walk away from churches or the Christian faith altogether, with many giving no indication they plan to return.

Nevertheless, weve chosen to face these realities not from a doomsday perspective, but from a hopeful one. In our book Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church, we bear witness to a phenomenon impacting the American Church thats rarely captured by surveys and articles focused on decline: the exponential Christian growth happening in the Global South.

Whereas roughly a century ago 82 percent of the worlds Christians lived in Europe and North America, 70 percent now live in the Global South. Today, Africa is home to more Christians than any other continent. Latin America is not far behind, with Spanish now the most common language spoken by Christians globally. If the growth of U.S. Christianity continues slowing and Chinas churches keep growing, China could soon become the country with the most Christians in the world.

We believe the Church in Africa, Latin America, and Asia could actually save the U.S. church, if American Christians are willing to assume a posture of humility and learn from our brothers and sisters from around the world.

In fact, we believe the Church in Africa, Latin America, and Asia could actually save the U.S. church, if American Christians are willing to assume a posture of humility and learn from our brothers and sisters from around the world.

If the U.S. is no longer the center of global Christianity, it could actually be good news for the American Church. Why? First, because global Christians are now both partners and leaders in the missionary task formerly thought of as moving one-directionally from the West to the rest.

Second, global Christians coming to the U.S. have much to offer our declining (and often distracted) churches to help us refocus on a genuine biblical faith less fettered to purely Western culture. As sociologist Stephen Warner notes, The great majority of immigrants coming to America are Christian, so immigrants do not represent the de-Christianization of American society but the de-Europeanization of American Christianity.

One of the most opportune ways the American Church can experience this impact is through interacting with immigrant Christians, who often bring a renewed focus on the core, inalienable truths of the Christian faith.

Hau Suan Khai, a former refugee from Myanmar who has become a pillar in his local American community, describes how he and several of his other Burmese friends were taken aback after arriving in the US and observing the current state of the American Church:

We did not think America was 99 percent Christian; we thought it was 100 percent Christian. America has In God We Trust on its money, obviously referring to the God of the Bible. We thought every city would have many churches all filled with people of all ages. Yet in all the American churches we first visited,we saw mostly elderly people. I remember in the first church where we witnessed this, the question came into my mind: Where are the younger adults? Are they in a different part of the building? One of my first surprises was learning they were not in the building at all.

Thankfully, Khai and many immigrant Christians like him have not given up on the American Church. They still have hope for it, believing they are called to be part of the solutions we desperately need. There was no way for us to come to America unless God had a plan, Khai maintains. God brought thousands and thousands of us to America, we believe, to help revitalize American churches. If we cannot influence churches from your pulpits and leadership positions in this generation, for now we can do it with our characterhow we live in our workplaces and neighborhoods.

As American Christians wrestle with our waning percentages and influence, we believe the voices and presence of global Christians represent hope for a new, more faithful direction for the American church. This is true both of those who have emigrated to the U.S. and those to whom we can be connected today via virtual spaces, in ways unimaginable decades ago. The question for many of us American-born Christians is: Will we have the humility and openness to receive their influence?

The Better Samaritan blog is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers a M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website

Eric Costanzo is lead pastor of South Tulsa Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Daniel Yang leads the Church Multiplication Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Matthew Soerens is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief. They are the authors of Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church.
Youre probably familiar with the popular arcade game called Whac-A-Mole, where mechanical moles randomly pop out of their holes while you try whacking them with a mallet before they retreat. I grew up in a reverse Whac-A-Mole world, feeling like the only mole in a family of mallets.

All the men in my family had significant issues. When I was 12, my dad left our family for a married woman with three kids. While some divorced fathers become Disneyland dadsshowering their kids with gifts and fun events to make up for their physical absencemine didnt. He withheld both financial and emotional support, and he rejected or mocked conventional displays of affection, even to the point of withholding birthday or Christmas gifts.

He was also verbally abusive. According to my mom, as he was exiting our family, he only came home to eat, sleep, and berate my brother and me. He especially relished picking on me, nicknaming me Idiot Child (as well as something worse that is crude and unprintable). In Matthew 7:9, Jesus asks, Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Well, I have someone I can nominate.

But my dad wasnt the only disaster in our family. His father was a sullen man who apparently had a mean streak. Im told that when my dad was about five years old, the two of them were having a conversation about electricity. My grandfather handed my dad a paper clip and told him to stick it into an electrical outlet to see what would happen. Such displays of malice may help explain why my dad ended up such a mess.

When my grandfather was in his 60s, he decided he had cancer, so one day he jumped in front of a speeding train at a railroad crossing about a mile from our home. His was not our familys sole suicide. My brother, who was a year older than me, suffered from schizophrenia and manic depression. After spending most of the last 20 years of his life in and out of mental hospitals, he hanged himself. Wed never had any kind of brotherly relationship, and I always felt like he treated me with contempt.

My mothers side didnt escape dysfunction either. Her father had an emotional breakdown and spent several months in a hospital for indigents. And then there were the uncles and cousins. These included an alcoholic, a hoarder and hermit, one who traveled to Thailand to participate in the sex-trafficking world there, and another who cheated on his wife and allegedly maintained low-level ties to organized crime. There wasnt a healthy man anywhere in sight.

Bottom line: I seldom felt accepted by my family and had to be on guard around most of them. This dynamic was one of the dominant factors of my upbringing; the other was my educational aptitude. I was always the smart kid, the proverbial teachers pet and curve-buster. I racked up dozens of academic awards, honors, and scholarships. This did nothing to endear me to my peers, which made my high school years very lonely.

Religion played almost no role in my family. And no one I respected intellectually seemed to have much use for the Bible, which led me to dismiss it as a quaint book filled with fairy tales and fables. But despite my facade of intellectual bluster, deep down I knew that something was wrong in my life, which led me to dabble in occult practices like astrology, seances, and white magic.

During my sophomore year of college, I stumbled into a campus Christian meeting and heard the gospel for one of the first times. As the presenter spoke, the Holy Spirit burned two realizations into my heart: that this new thing that I didnt even recognize as Christianity was 100 percent true, and that I would be a part of it. That night, even though I knew almost nothing about the theology of salvation, I brushed aside my intellectual skepticism and eagerly made a commitment to Jesus.

A few days later, as I was returning to the dorm after class, I saw that my roommate Ken had posted a nasty note about me on our door. Although Ken and I had only been roommates for a few months, his hypochondria and ultra-neatness had already bugged me to the point that Id been publicly ridiculing him around other guys on our floor.

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Furious, I ripped his note from the door and stomped off to take a shower, the rising steam mirroring the steam coming out of my ears. As I considered how to get even, a strange thought popped into my mind. I realized that I was the one responsible for starting this whole public spat. Ken had finally gotten sick of my verbal grenades and was only responding in kind. All these years later, I recognize I was merely replicating the pattern of harsh criticism I had learned from my family.

As I turned the shower off, something amazing happened. I dont know if it was truly a vision or just a vivid thought. I imagined I was in my mothers attic rummaging for something. Suddenly, I spotted a partially hidden door behind a metal wardrobe. In my mind, I pushed the wardrobe aside and opened the door to discover a previously unknown room.

My next thought was Wow! That Christian speaker had said that if we start a relationship with Jesus, he will show us new things about ourselves. I bet this is an example. Making the connection between discovering this new room and discovering that I, not my roommate, was the instigator in our conflict, I walked away from the shower surprisingly upbeat. No longer was my mind filled with thoughts of revenge. Instead, I decided I needed to learn more about Christianity.

Image: Ryan Contreras

Over the next few months, I became increasingly involved with a couple of campus Christian groups. I was impressed by how together the members seemed and by the quality of their relationships. I also began applying my intellectual curiosity to questions surrounding the Bibles reliability. I discovered far more support for the intellectual integrity of the Christian faith than I had ever supposed.

Unfortunately, not everyone celebrated my ability to ask a million questions. Rather than feeling inspired to keep seeking answers to my legitimate curiosities, I remember feeling tolerated at best. Recently, I reconnected with one of the first guys who discipled me. Recalling our weekly meetings, he said, Sometimes I thought you had a question mark for a brain.

Despite this lack of encouragement, I eventually found an outlet for my curiosity by writing a book called Thats a Great Question: What to Say When Your Faith Is Challenged, exactly the sort of resource I would have craved in my early Christian days.

Years ago I visited a counselor, hoping to piece together the complexities of my background. After hearing parts of my story week after week, he commented, There is no explanation for you. In my professional opinion, someone with your background should be unemployable, divorced three times, abusive, an alcoholic, or some other kind of addict. The fact that youre none of these things is a testimony to Gods incredible grace.

A wonderful advantage of my toxic background is how it allows me to relate to other peoples struggles. In recent years, Ive established one-on-one mentoring relationships with about two dozen younger men. These are informal meal meetings with no agenda. I just try to understand their circumstances, communicate that Im on their side, and point them to practical insights rooted in Scripture and tempered by real-life experience. Essentially, Im offering these men something I never had. Its just one way God continually uses what could have been a curse on my life to bring blessing to others.

Glenn E. Pearson spent 19 years as executive vice president of the Georgia Hospital Association. He and his wife currently live outside Los Angeles. More information about Glenn is available on his website.

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We all know the first words of Genesis: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Far fewer of us can recall the last words of Genesis: They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt (50:26, ESV throughout). The first sentence is cosmic in scope; the last, anticlimactic at best. But what if the future of the church has as much to do with the bone box as with the Big Bang?

Today, many Christians refer to Joseph as a model. Some focus on Josephs victimhood, trafficked into slavery by his own brothers. Others point to his struggle against temptation, fleeing from the unwanted advances of Potiphars wife. Still others focus on his rise to leadership in Egypt, demonstrating how influence can be exerted with integrity. But perhaps the most crucial example we can take from Joseph is not from his life but from his skeleton.

Genesis ends with Josephs brothers seeking his forgivenessa plea that can be viewed as manipulative and self-serving. Nonetheless, Joseph extends mercy, and through him, the line of Israel is delivered from famine.

Whats striking, though, is not what Joseph gives to his brothers but rather what he asks of them: I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.  And you shall carry up my bones from here (Gen. 50:2425).

When the Book of Hebrews speaks of Joseph in its description of faith, the only thing it mentions is the bones: By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones (11:22). Why?

This odd request reveals Josephs vulnerability. Even with all the technological mastery and political power of Egypt, Joseph knew no pyramid could protect him from death. He also knew he had to rely on his brothers to carry himthe same brothers he once couldnt trust with his living flesh or even his favorite coat. Yet Joseph knew who he really wasnot a prince of Egypt but an heir of Abraham. No matter his fame or wealth, he was a stranger in Egypt. Alongside his vulnerability is hope. Like his ancestors, Joseph could see the promise from afar.

In perhaps the most pivotal moment of the Old Testament, the Exodus, Scripture pauses in its description of the pursuing Egyptian army and the mysterious pillar of fire to tell us, Moses took the bones of Joseph with him (Ex. 13:19), just as Joseph had made his brothers swear. And after all the water parting, wilderness wandering, commandment receiving, and Canaanite fighting, the Book of Joshua ends with: As for the bones of Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought (24:32). Joseph could see not only that the future was bigger than him but also that he belonged there.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb owned by a religious leader named Joseph (Mark 15:4346). Jesus didnt have to rely on his brothers to carry him into the land of promise. Instead, after his resurrection, he tells the women, Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me (Matt. 28:10). All of Jesus bones were accounted for, and not one was even broken (John 19:36).

Whether in a local church or in a national movement, how much of the conflict, anger, and despair is really about our fear of mortality or irrelevance? Maybe one reason its so hard to hand over the faith to a new generation is that we lack the faith to entrust ourselves to others to carry us, to envision a kingdom bigger than us but to which we too belong. For an Easter people, such should not be.

Maybe the hopefulness we need is to realize that each one of us is headed for the gravebut not for long. We will not carry the kingdom to glory. We will be carried by hands we cannot see. Thats not an anticlimax. Thats a new creation. Even for the most forgotten box of bones, when God says, Let there be life! there is life. Jesus can count all his bones. He can count ours too.

Russell Moore is editor in chief of CT.

[ This article is also available in , , and . ]

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The disconnect crystalized 12 years ago when I (Dru) started teaching an introductory Old Testament class to freshmen. Every semester, devout Christian students would report to me that they read their Bibles every day. They could even recite key verses from memory. They were fluent in Christian theological cliches. Yet despite their constant engagement with the Bible, they were shocked by what we found in Genesissuch as there being some things God appears not to know (Gen. 11:5; 18:21; 22:12)not to mention Judges.

I began to realize that their poor grasp of Scripture wasnt necessarily due to a lack of reading, although thats also a large problem in the US. From 2021 to 2022, Bible engagementscored on frequency of use, spiritual impact, and moral importance in day-to-day lifefell 21 percent among American adult Bible users. It was the American Bible Societys largest recorded one-year drop in its annual State of the Bible study. And almost 1 in 5 churchgoers said they never read the Bible.

But for my students, many of whom read the Bible daily and have chosen to attend a Christian college, their poor grasp on and application of Scripture seems to be due to the way they engage with it. It is a way many American Christians have been reading the Bible for decades: through daily devotions or quiet time.

The way daily quiet time is typically practiced today is unlikely to yield the fluency required to understand and apply biblical teaching. Only when devotional time is situated within a matrix of Scripture study habits can it regain its power to transform our thinking and our communities.

How could my students be reading the Bible so much yet have so little understanding of the Torah, pay almost no attention to its focus on the new heavens and new earth, and be confused over concepts like salvation and evil? CT previously discussed the Lifeway Research statistics that reveal this trend of Bible illiteracy among the wider population. Their daily devotion to Scripture seemed to distance them from understanding key parts of it.

As a whole, Ed Stetzer wrote in 2017, Americans, including many Christians, hold unbiblical views on hell, sin, salvation, Jesus, humanity, and the Bible itself. Like many American Christians, my students didnt seem to understand details required to grasp the whole sweep of Scripture.

When I pastored a church in the early 2000s, these theological concepts were considered basic matters that my 80-year-old parishioners (some with only high school diplomas!) seemed to understand deeply and apply to their lives and ministries. Like my students, these Christians from the Greatest Generation also practiced short devotional readings every day.

However, thanks to various forms of study over time, they often understood the context of the passage they were meditating onwhat came before and after it. They might have read one small passage every day, but they did so to integrate it into their wider understanding of Scripture gleaned from more robust engagement outside of daily reading.

But my students who do not practice more robust forms of traditional Bible engagementsuch as inductive Bible study, yearly Bible reading plans, the lectionary, or lectio divinahave few tools to help situate a daily meditation on a verse such as What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31). Such microdosing of Scripture without a grasp of the whole can easily distort our interpretations. Time-tested traditions of long-form Scripture engagement expose us to and familiarize us with the contents of Scripture.

Only when devotional time is situated within a matrix of Scripture study habits can it regain its power to transform our thinking and our communities.

When my freshmen described their daily quiet times, I began to understand some of the disconnect. They lacked extended communal readings of Scripture where it was safe to interrogate the text and puzzle over its meaning.

For them, Scripture reading was an individuals responsibility with a necessary outcome: God showing the reader something from the passage that is immediately relevant to his or her life. Many were playing Bible roulette every morning, letting the Scriptures open to any page and asking God to show them what they should learn from the verses. Some of them would read just one verse a day. Others read a passage, or maybe a chapter.

Even when this practice superficially resembles their grandmothers or great-grandfathers daily habit, its effects can be entirely different. Most of my students, even the ones who had some sort of church or institutional Bible training, were caught off-guard by basic questions that I was asking about the Bible in their hands. Without context and more understanding, their thin study of Scripture only compounded their ignorance and misunderstanding over time.

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This phenomenon of reading without understanding is becoming more widely apparent. The Center for Hebraic Thought, the organization Celina and I lead, hosted a conference on Bible literacy in October 2021, gathering leaders specializing in Bible engagement and education. Nearly two dozen organizations were represented, including American Bible Society, The Gospel Coalition, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, and Museum of the Bible, as well as seminary faculty, You-Tubers, software designers, and Bible curriculum experts.

When I told them stories about my devout students who misunderstood the Torah and the Gospels, everyone agreed they had seen this same phenomenon in their own spheres and were equally concerned by the apparent inefficacy of many Christians devotional reading habits.

My students were not Bible literate. They didnt really know the stories, characters, ideas, and themes in the Bible, much less how the literature itself fits together and argues for a particular view of the world. And as Christians, we must aim beyond basic literacy. We hope to know and practice the thinking and instruction of Scripture fluently, extending its wisdom into all the areas of life that it doesnt directly address.

For example, someone who is Bible literate will know that ancient Israels justice system as described in the Torah did not involve incarceration or police. But someone who is Bible fluent will know that this fact doesnt automatically mean that we must eradicate all jails and police forces. Instead, the Bible-fluent person will be able to discern the underlying principles in the Torahthe deep structural themes and guidance that would inform and shape our thinking about crime, policing, and incarceration today.

Literacy focuses on knowing the vocabulary and grammar of Scripturewhat is in the Bible and how the literature works. Fluency is the ability to think alongside the repeated teaching of Scripture and extend its thinking and practices into modern situationswhere all the variables may be different from those in the ancient context but the principles are the same.

If mere literacy were the goal, people would just need to know most of what the Bible contains. But basic knowledge of Bible facts is insufficient. Scripture itself demands that Gods people meditate on and practice its instructions as a community to become wise (Deut 4:10, 30:910). God told Israel that his instruction through Moses was so all of Israelmen, women, foreigners, natives, young, and oldwould become a wise and understanding people (Deut. 4:6). Jesus claims that practicing his instruction will do the same (Matt 7:24) but merely knowing the texts will not (Luke 18:1830).

If we cannot fluently apply biblical principles, extending the thinking of Scripture into matters of cryptocurrency, police and prison reform, sexual and gender identity, and everything else the biblical authors did not directly address, then we are not the wise and discerning people God desires us to be.

Image: Unsplash / Aaron Owens / Roberto Nickson

For many Christians, particularly evangelicals, the morning quiet time is perhaps the most basic of all spiritual disciplines, writes David Parker in a 1991 issue of Evangelical Quarterly. Daily devotions are so fundamental to many evangelicals concept of a relationship with God that they cant imagine faithful Christianity without it. But its current iterationat least in the US todayis only about 150 years old.

Many evangelicals make the case for daily devotions by citing Matthew 6:6: Go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. But this passage doesnt account for the particular form quiet time generally takes.

Todays quiet time typically involves bringing a Bible into a private place, doing so first thing in the morning, not using prescribed written forms of prayer, [but] sitting quietly, and expecting God to speak to you with concrete guidance for the day, writes Greg Johnson, lead pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, in his dissertation From Morning Watch to Quiet Time.

Johnson traces the modern practice of quiet time to the 1870s, when American evangelicals merged two previously separate Puritan devotional practices: private prayer and private Bible study. This fusion of prayer and Bible study morphed into morning watch, which emphasized intercessory prayer. From there it became quiet time, which deemphasized intercessory prayer in favor of quiet listening or meditation. This new emphasis on individuals receiving daily insights from God transformed the nature of the Bible engagement taught to generations of American Christians.

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Daily devotions have been characteristically solitary and have not usually involved rigorous study of Scripture. Instead, readers often focus on one chapter or even a few verses per session, from which they may expect to receive Gods guidance for their personal life in that moment. Daily devotions typically include a period of prayerful listening for Gods voice, which is believed to manifest either in the verses read that session or via direct communication to the mind of the listener.

Though this listening may be expectant, it is essentially passive. Its often guided by a tacit belief that Gods Word speaks and transforms through sudden insights directed at individual readers, rather than through sustained study and active questioning in community.

This private daily ritual benefited greatly from the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909, an accessible and widely sold individual study Bible on the market. The Scofield Bible reflected and promoted the spread of dispensationalism among American Protestants. Dispensationalism had animating power, Greg Johnson told us in an interview, because it gave people a framework for reading the Old Testament and implied that readers were reengaging with major biblical ideas that Protestants had overlooked.

The use of the Scofield Bible in the dispensationalist movement encouraged an individualistic approach to Bible study. Or at least it inflated readers reliance on their own independent interpretation of Scripture. Mark Noll notes in Americas Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 17941911, As they deepened their belief in the ability of plain people to grasp the Bibles plain meaning, the Bible-only populism of the dispensationalist movement actually upheld an elite corps of teachers guiding others step by step in reading the Bible on their own.

In other words, the sense of independent study was propped up by the commentary alongside the biblical text. Ironically, Scofields bible guided readers by proclaiming their freedom from guidance, Noll writes.

In contrast to sermons and group Bible study, daily devotions became exercises in inward, individual formation, sharing tendencies with the secular modernism of the era. Quiet-time advocates began identifying the main benefit of daily devotions as a transformed self rather than a transformed world, Johnson writes in his dissertation.

While personal character formation is essential, in isolation it aligns better with modernist tendencies than with the biblical focus on character formation through habits, rituals, and guidance from the community. This inward focus can also cast the formation of justice in communities and systemsa primary concern of the biblical authorsas adhering to individualistic ethical principles.

Some quiet-time practitioners began treating the Bible more as a meditation tool than as the authoritative teaching of God and his people. During quiet time, contemplation would progress to confession and biblical meditation, which would culminate in the recording of any divine guidance received that day. The reading, as Johnson observes, might be just a short Bible passage or a devotional commentarynot an extended study of Scripture as a unified body of literature.

Today, daily quiet time often doesnt involve Scripture at all. As CT has noted elsewhere, 2023 Lifeway Research revealed that although 65 percent of Protestant churchgoers spend time alone with God daily, only 39 percent read the Bible during that time. If this statistic means that Christians are trading hurried and fragmented devotional reading for holistic group Bible study, then perhaps so much the better. But the drop in overall Bible engagement in the ABS study suggests that more Christians simply arent reading it.

Image: Unsplash / Kelly Sikkema / Zane Lee

By the late 20th century, daily quiet time had become a fixture of orthodoxy in some sectors of Christianity. Christy Gates, the national director for Scripture engagement for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, claims that the practice of DQT (daily quiet time) in campus ministries eventually became the low watermark for ones spiritual life. Asking about someones walk with God came to mean Are you doing your daily quiet time?

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Gates emphasized that even when ministries teach the practice of group Bible study alongside DQT, as InterVarsity does, group study will typically drop off while DQT persists. Why? She thinks DQT is related to our religious individualism that desires for God to reason with us directly. In the past, daily worship featured a family or community asking God for provision, but today it primarily consists of individuals asking God to talk to them. The danger is clear: Listening for Gods insights from Scripture and in prayer without communal accountability can produce a tenuous understanding of Christianity.

Christians who emphasize DQT as a necessary spiritual practice will typically point to Jesus times of isolated prayer as a model for this ritual: Very early in the morning  Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35). Of course, when found by his frustrated disciples, Jesus then explains why he left the village: Let us go somewhere elseto the nearby villagesso I can preach there also. That is why I have come (v. 38, emphasis added). Luke also points to Jesus habit: But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16). Jesus was, as usual, either finding respite from the demanding masses or moving on to the next place, for that is why I have come.

Its reasonable to see Jesus private prayer as a ritual that we should emulate. At the very least, it appears to be a wise practice that emerges from Scripture, even if quiet prayer time and Bible reading isnt ever commanded of the Hebrews or of Jesus earliest followers.

But contemporary experts on Bible engagement agree that daily quiet time, which we have come to couple with daily Bible reading, can distort our understanding of Scripture. The parachurch ministry leaders we interviewed had already identified daily quiet time and devotional reading as ones sole form of Scripture consumption to be potentially problematic in their communities of ministry.

The Bible professors, seminary administrators, and pastors, as well as those at the American Bible Society, Our Daily Bread, Cru, and InterVarsity, all told us they want to foster daily Bible engagement. But they also aim to reshape this engagement for people like my freshmen, the ones microdosing on the Bible every day but not understanding what they are reading.

There is no universal measurement for Bible literacy. Neither is there consensus about what degree of knowledge constitutes literacy. The ABS measures what it calls Bible engagement (engagement meaning frequency of use, impact, and centrality in morality) in its State of the Bible studies. But someone could rate high on engagement while not actually knowing that much about the Scriptures own theology or basic assumptions of the biblical authors. Further, the anecdotal evidence suggests that Bible literacy has been on an increasingly steep decline.

If Bible literacy is declining, even for those who read devotionally every day, then what is the way forward? Most of the parachurch ministries we talked to reported that they have been considering methods that provide a wider perspective of Scripture. These include ancient Scripture reading rituals that many evangelical churches have rarely practiced (such as lectio divina, the Daily Office from The Book of Common Prayer, and so on). But the practice most mentioned by ministry leaders was the public, or communal, reading of Scripture.

In some ways, this form of Bible engagement is the opposite of quiet time. Rather than reading, communities listen to long stretches of Scripture togethersometimes 30 minutes to an hour longeither using audio Bibles or having people read aloud. Bible professors have long noted that the natural habitat of Scripture is in the ears of gathered Christians, not the eyes of individuals. The effects of long-form Scripture engagement on Bible literacy are all anecdotal at this point.

From Moses to Josiah to Nehemiah, communal Bible reading was normal at key points of Israels history. Public reading of Scripture occurs at Sinai (Ex. 19:7), during Josiahs reforms (2 Kings 23:12), and for all the returnees to Judah in Ezras day (Neh. 8), among other instances. And the synagogue practice of reading the Torah and Prophets every Sabbath (Luke 4:1617; Acts 13:1415) emerged around the third century prior to Jesus.

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All of these public readings included explanation and communal response. As Brian Wright argues in his book Communal Reading in the Time of Jesus, the public reading of literature that swept the Roman empire also included Christians and their sacred texts. For the early church, that would have included not only listening together, but also questioning and reasoning together about what was heard.

So when Justin Martyr (A.D. 155) reports that early Christians gathered on Sundays to read the Scriptures as long as time permitted, we are to imagine that those communal readings did not merely end with an amen in unison. These early Jewish-Gentile Christian communities likely wrestled through what they had heard in order to understand it as a community.

Long-form engagement with Scripture is nothing new for the church. The Jewish Jesus sect of the first century was raised on weekly and lengthy Torah and Haftarah (Prophets) readings alongside the singing of Psalms. From the medieval lectionary of the Roman Catholic church, also used by the Protestant Reformers, to Robert Murray MCheynes 19th-century annual whole-Bible reading plan, broad and regular exposure to Scripture was one crucial component of widespread and low-level Bible literacy in the history of the church.

One could imagine how odd our daily devotions would look not only to ancient Israelites but also to ancient Christian and Jewish communities. What would they make of a devout follower who reads a few sentences of Scripture alone daily and then asks God to reveal something for me and for today? This ritual appears even more bizarre when the reader doesnt have a holistic grasp of the Bibles narratives, themes, theology, and more.

If many American evangelicals cannot imagine a thriving spiritual life without this daily devotional-style Bible reading, then they likely cannot imagine the spiritual life of most Jews and Christians throughout historyand of many Christian communities in the world todaywho lacked easy access to a personal Bible. We must rethink our image of devotion and our ways of reading Scripture, and reacquaint ourselves with the essential behaviors that have always characterized Gods people.

We may need to shift the devotional center of gravity away from solitary practices and toward communal ones.

Maybe we should follow the example set by the early church that Justin Martyr described, reading the Bible at length together and discussing the difficult questions it raises, rather than passively listening or uncritically relying on theological commentary. We can welcome loving, humble disagreement for the sake of mutual improved understanding. We should train ourselves to let our discomforts and confusions about this ancient text bubble to the surface so we can push past the quick and easy answers that often sweep our biggest questions under the rug.

And its precisely these questions and felt needs that guide us toward a better grasp of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, the consistent character of God, and the relevance of Scripture for every area of life, and not narrowly for speaking into my life today.

If todays common rituals of Bible engagement are not working, then we must disrupt them in favor of deep learning practices. These new habits could consist of communal listening, deep diving, repeated reading of whole books of the Bible, or some other strategy. But the assumption that daily devotions alone will yield scriptural literacy and fluency no longer appears tenable, because it never was.

The goal is not to ditch quiet time. We have been given easy access to the whole of Gods instruction, and times of solitary prayer and reflection are part of a well-rounded Christian life. But we may need to shift the devotional center of gravity away from solitary practices and toward communal ones.

We hope to see Christian families and churches recreate a culture of vigorous communal Scripture engagement that would cause quiet times to overflow into the practices that produce just and peaceful communities.

Dru Johnson is a professor of biblical and theological studies at The Kings College in New York City. He and Celina Durgin direct and edit The Biblical Mind, published by the Center for Hebraic Thought.

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Sometimes it feels hard to find comparable biblical language for present-day political problems. But Scripture speaks directly to one current US Supreme Court caseTyler v. Hennepin County, for which oral arguments are scheduled to begin in late April. To put it bluntly: The state of Minnesota devour[s] widows houses (Luke 20:47). Its handling of property tax debt is defrauding laborers of their wages and oppressing the widows and the fatherless (Mal. 3:5).

The cases plaintiff is Geraldine Tyler, a 94-year-old widow and resident of Minneapolis. In 2010, she moved out of her one-bedroom condo because she felt unsafe in her neighborhood after a shooting. She couldnt afford both the rent on her new apartment and the condos property taxes and left $2,300 in taxes unpaid.

Hennepin County, in cooperation with the state of Minnesota, added around $13,000 in penalties and fees, giving her a $15,000 bill she could not afford to pay. She forfeited her condo, but when the state sold it for $40,000, Minnesota didnt just take the $15,000 it said Tyler owed. It kept the full sale price and left her with nothing.

Minnesota isnt unusual as a state that permits this kind of taking, as Reason magazine (where I am a contributor) has reported. About a dozen states have similar laws. Some are even crueler than the Minnesota rule.

In Nebraska, for example, People who fall behind on their property taxes are bought out, without their knowledge, by private investors, Reasons Billy Binion explains. They receive no correspondence until three years later, at which point they have just 90 days to pay their back taxes, 14 percent interest, and all associated feesor lose everything to the investors.

And Tylers case isnt an anomaly. People who fall behind on their property taxes are often experiencing some extenuating circumstance, like sudden job loss or severe illness. Theyre frequently elderly, as its easier to rack up tax debt unaware if a resident owns a home outright and has no mortgage servicer automatically collecting property taxes.

The District of Columbia had to pay about $1 million in 2017, for instance, to settle a class-action suit brought by residents who lost their homes over what were often quite small tax debts.

In one particularly egregious case, the city sold the home of 76-year-old Bennie Coleman to a private investor over a $134 debt. The investor in turn sold the house for $71,000 and evicted Coleman, a widower with dementia who had nowhere else to live. He spent months living on the front porch, The Washington Post reported, believing hed accidentally locked himself out and asking emergency responders to help him get back inside.

Tax forfeiture, though ethically fraught, is standard practice. What isnt standard is what Minnesota, Nebraska, and other states are doingnor are the ethics complicated. Its merciless and unjust for the government to take vulnerable peoples life savings in the form of their home equity to service a much smaller debt.

Tylers case should be an easy decision for the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds. The Constitutions Takings Clause in the Fifth Amendment would be a dead letter if a state could simply exclude from its definition of property any interest that the state wished to take, wrote judge Raymond Kethledge of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in his decision on a similar case in Michigan in 2022.

Michigan lost, and Minnesota should lose too. Tylers contention is not that she and others in her position should be excused from paying their debtsthough maybe theres a biblical case to be made for that as well (Deut. 24:6, 17).

Shes not asking for partiality or special treatment (Deut. 1:17), only to not be exploited because she is poor (Prov. 22:22). Denying justice to the poor is deplorable, and its particularly unbecoming of the justice system.

The best-case conclusion for Geraldine Tylers ordeal is that it ends this practice altogether. But failing that, the local church can imitate God in being a defender of widows (Ps. 68:5) and consider targeted debt relief in their neighborhoods, as some churches do with medical debt.

We cant expect to eliminate poverty or injustice before Gods new world of justice and joy is fully realized, as N. T. Wright has written, but we are called to bring forth real and effective signs of that renewal now. We can cover debts to forestall these ordeals before they begin.

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Decades after dozens of missionary kids suffered physical and sexual abuse at the Christian Academy of Japan (CAJ), mission agency leaders associated with the Tokyo school fell prostrate on the ground to perform dogeza, Japans deepest form of apology.

The 13 leaders met with victims at a private retreat in Colorado last fall to hear their stories and offer a formal apology.

On their knees, heads on their hands, sobbing, recalled Janet Oates, a 1963 alum of the academy, which was founded in 1950 as a boarding school for missionary children. Alumni were sobbing too  one moment of justice.

The moment of repentance followed an unconventional abuse investigation process that involved CAJ alumni acting as consultants and advocates. Alumni like Oates pushed the school and its founding mission agencies to investigate historic abuse in the first place.

The results of the investigation were devastatingturning up 72 cases of alleged abuse from 1957 to 2001. But the recent response has brought a degree of healing for some victims and could demonstrate a new approach for other organizations facing historic abuse allegations.

A number of boarding schools for missionary children have faced records of abuse. Investigations have uncovered mistreatment and mismanagement at a New Tribes Mission school in Senegal, the Christian and Missionary Alliances school in Guinea, and Hillcrest School in Nigeria. Few of the 150 schools serving missionary children around the world still offer boarding.

Four years ago, CAJ alumni and survivors said they wanted accountability and an apology from the school and the six mission agencies that founded it.

At the retreat last fall where leaders apologized, the mission reps there werent somebodys assistant down the chain. It was top leadership, said Deborah Rhoads, another alum whose two brothers were abused at the school.

Along with the school, five of CAJs founding organizationsResonate Global Mission, ECC-Serve Globally, The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), WorldVenture, and One Mission Societycovered the cost of the extensive investigation, which was conducted by Telios Law and reviewed by an outside team of experts. The sixth group, SEND US, did its own narrower investigation.

Dave Hall, the CEO of TEAM, was one of the leaders at the retreat. He told CT that he felt it was important to accept responsibility even if abuse didnt happen during his tenure.

If we need to show up and just get punched in the face, it might be because we deserve to get punched in the face over this, he said. We failed as an organization. We didnt protect kids who needed to be protected. We cant just say, That was a different generation. Its maybe convenient for organizations, but its not very helpful or therapeutic for victims. Theyre left with no one who is accepting responsibility anymore.

The five agencies also pledged $1 million together to create a fund for counseling resources for victims.

The investigation, retreat, and other responses largely came about by the insistence of a group of tenacious alumni, several of whom met regularly and gave thousands of hours to the multiyear process. Though initially skeptical of the outside firm the mission agencies hired, those alumni also consulted with investigators throughout the process, addressing ongoing concerns and ensuring sensitivity.

In the Southern Baptist denomination or  the US gymnastic committee, what happens is that allegations are brought forward and an investigation commences, and the people who brought the allegations are reduced to witnesses only, Brenda Seat, a survivor and an alumna of CAJ, told CT. They are not allowed to choose who the investigators are going to be. They dont have any input into what law firms are going to be used.

In 2017, alumni began sharing accounts of abuse they experienced decades earlier on a private Facebook page. The school initiated an investigation in 2019, after alumni like Oates gathered multiple first-person accounts of abuse and sent them to the school. The school and mission agencies hired Telios Law to investigate.

Rhoads said survivors were reactive, distrustful, and angry after so many years of neglect and betrayal by authorities. That made communication between the sides difficult sometimes. Rhoads, Seat, and Oates tried to bridge the divides as alumni representatives.

Rhoads created a presentation for investigators, mission agency leaders, and others to help them understand the history of the school and what cultural factors contributed to the perpetuation of abuse. Alumni later noted in a statement a culture where obedience, sacrifice, silence, and endurance were expected of women and especially children.

The investigation had the institutions and survivors inching out on ice on both sides, said Rhoads. Because the alumni representatives maintained communication with the investigators throughout the process, over time they developed a more trusting relationship with the coordinating investigator at Telios, Theresa Sidebothamherself a fellow missionary kid. These alumni gave real-time feedback to investigators when tensions flared with survivors.

Rhoads flagged one or two situations that were getting pretty messy with misunderstandings and miscommunications, Sidebotham said.

When certain investigators were acting too much like FBI agents toward people recounting childhood trauma, the alumni representatives shared that with Sidebotham. Seat explained how difficult it is for adults to recount childhood abuse; as children they might not have even understood what was happening to them. The process is delicate and requires an interviewer trained to do that kind of interviewing, she said.

Investigators allowed survivors to bring a support person to interviews. Rhoads went with her brother and knew by looking at him when to ask for a break for water or a walk. They also allowed interviewees to bring a recording device to have their own record of the conversation.

Imagine being a 9- or 10-year-old molested by your teacher, then youre 65; how do you talk about that? Your memories begin to blur a little bit.  At some level the investigators had to be really pointedAre you sure thats what happened? Tell me again, Rhoads said.

Some said, That was an interrogation. There is a subtle difference in what that feels like emotionally. But some survivors appreciated the interviews because it put words to something they hadnt articulated.

For the survivors, Rhoads and the others worked to set expectations of what the investigation could accomplishlike that the final report might not include that persons particular story or describe their story as corroborated. She and the other representatives reached out to alumni about doing interviews with investigators, so investigators got more cooperation than they might have otherwise.

Organizations have a hard time making investigations by outside firms like Telios truly independent because the organization is the one paying for it; the organization is the law firms client rather than victims.

In this case, the Telios investigators assembled an independent panel of child abuse experts who would review the findings and offer recommendations based on the report. Sidebotham doesnt think a review panel is practical except with a really big investigation. But she said it serves as a corrective for ones own possible bias.

For this investigation, there were a lot of curtains. We couldnt see into stuff, said TEAMs Hall. We were just paying the bills. I dont think I have a clue who was on that council.

Telios released its report in 2021, uncovering 72 cases of alleged abuse over 44 years. Most of the allegations were of sexual abuse but also included physical abuse, emotional abuse, and child-on-child abuse.

The investigators said 25 cases of sexual abuse were substantiated by a preponderance of evidence. The substantiated cases involved four CAJ teachers and administratorsincluding 18 involving a fourth-grade teacher in the 1960s who has since died. Victims said this teacher would openly fondle children in his classroom and in their beds when he served as a dorm parent.

Victims who reported their abuse as students rarely saw action, and they were sometimes punished. Some had their mouths washed out with soap for lying and were whipped with a belt. Some felt pressure to keep it secret, worried that if they reported their abuse, their parents would be sent home from the mission field.

Children felt that the mission work of their parents came before their needs. One alum in the report said going away to boarding school as elementary-age children left children with a profound sense of abandonment.

CAJ enacted a new child protection policy in 2002 to screen and train staff and create better reporting standards. The investigators received no reports of abuse after 2001. The school ended its boarding program in 2009, and the majority of the schools students now are no longer children of missionaries.

When the law firm released its investigation findings in 2021, it also released a statement from alumni that outlined their response to the report, including their concerns with it.

The alumni representatives saw weaknesses, like that the report sidestepped the failures of school administrators who did not report abusers. They were frustrated with some of the standards for saying abuse was corroborated in the report. But overall they found it was beneficial to work with investigators rather than criticize them.

Some alumni, though, are still angry about the investigationon one side that it was done at all and impugned the school, and on the other that not enough had been done to bring justice for survivors.

Seat argues that without the investigators, survivors like her would not have gotten a report. And without the victim representatives, the investigators would not have gotten the level of cooperation they did for interviews.

Sidebotham, who has worked on other major investigations, said it was the first time she worked with survivor representatives in the process itselfgiving feedback on interview styles and communication.

In some investigations, she told CT, a survivor representative might not be feasible if an investigation is too diffuse or if there is too much mistrust. This time, the alumni representatives met every other week for two years, Seat said.

After the report was published, the five mission agencies supporting the investigation as well as the school all issued separate public apologies for their role in perpetuating abuse at the school. The five agencies also endorsed all of the independent review panels recommendations, which were listed in the final report.

One of those recommendations was the retreat for survivors to meet and for mission leaders to apologizewith certain protocols set by alumni and the abuse experts. Alumni had separate hotels and arrivals from mission agency leaders, ensuring that they wouldnt run into someone unexpected or feel trapped. The organizers also honored a request that the meetings not use religious language in official sessions, since some survivors associated that with their abuse.

Hall, the head of TEAM, said the agencies followed the alumnis requests for the structure and format of the retreat. We wanted to avoid any possibility that this was in reality or appearance an image management strategy, he said.

A key from Sidebothams experience is for organizations to give investigators a mandate to find out the truth, she said. Sometimes she encounters a defensive, Were fine, attitude in organizations, rather than the sense of humility thats necessary for healing to take place.

When the head of my mission said he believed my story, I cant tell you how much I needed to hear that, even though he was not responsible, said Seat, with tears. I think that one of our learnings was that when there is true and full repentance, it really makes a difference.
Tim Keller shared on Sunday that he will once again go through a brutal treatment for his pancreatic cancer and asked for prayers.

Last June, Keller participated in an inpatient immunotherapy trial at the National Institutes of Healths National Cancer Institute, which he said had shown great promise in potentially curing cancer. The 72-year-old is returning to the Bethesda, Maryland, facility next month to do another variation of that immunotherapy on new tumors.

The tumors are unfortunately in some fairly inconvenient places, Keller said, so the doctors encouraged us to go through the treatment again, this time targeting a different genetic marker of the cancer.

It was brutal last June, so we approach this with an awareness of how much prayer we need, Keller wrote on Twitter. Please pray for our trust and dependence on God, for his providential oversight of the medical preparations now in process, and for our desire to glorify God in whatever comes our way. Thank You.

The longtime pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Keller was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in May 2020. He went through 14 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a surgery to remove nodules the following year.

In June 2022, he first went through the month-long immunotherapy treatment at the National Cancer Institute. At the time, his son Michael Keller posted an update saying, Things were scary for a bit but God was gracious, working through your prayers and the skill of the doctors, and now he is doing much better.

Last July, Keller reported that the initial signs from the immunotherapy were encouraging. Eight months later, he said it was successful in eradicating 99% of the tumors, but new tumors developed afterward.

According to the National Cancer Institute, researchers are studying new combinations of immunotherapy treatments and drugs for pancreatic cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help the immune system fight the tumors.

Pancreatic cancer can be hard to treat surgically due to the location of the organ, and because the disease has often spread in the body by the time it is diagnosed, the institute says.

Earlier this year, Keller tweeted that since he spends a lot of his time in cancer treatments, he focuses the rest on writing, mentoring, and being with family.

During his cancer treatment, he wrote Hope in Times of Fear, a book on the Resurrection that released last Easter. The year before, he reflected on his diagnosis in a piece for The Atlantic titled Growing My Faith in the Face of Death.

I can sincerely say, without any sentimentality or exaggeration, that Ive never been happier in my life, that Ive never had more days filled with comfort, he wrote. But it is equally true that Ive never had so many days of grief.

He also wrote Forgive, which came out last November. He spoke on The Russell Moore Show about forgiveness as the key to Christian witness.

Last month, The Gospel Coalition announced the launch of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics in his honor. So far Kellers work with the center and its fellows has taken place behind the scenes; the initiative is meant to carry on his legacy after him, executive director Collin Hansen recently told CT.
Most young adults say schools do 'good job' teaching traditional values; older generations disagree

A strong majority of American adults believe it's important for schools to teach traditional values of Western civilization, but how well they think schools teach these values varies by age, according to a recent survey.

The survey, released Wednesday by Rasmussen Reports, assessed a national sample of 960 adults from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28, 2023, via telephone and online. The survey includes a 3 percentage-point margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

According to the results, 78% of respondents say it's at least "somewhat important" for schools to teach "traditional values of Western civilization." Fifty-seven percent of all respondents believe it's "very important," an increase of about 15 percentage points from a similar survey conducted in May 2022.

Another 12% of respondents said that they don't think it's important to teach traditional Western values, with 5% saying that it's "not at all" important.

When asked how well schools teach these values, 36% said that public schools do a "good job"  up from 25% in May 2022  while 42% don't think schools do an adequate job teaching this topic. Twenty-two percent of participants said that they weren't sure how schools are doing in teaching traditional Western values.

"Majorities of every racial category  78% of whites, 75% of blacks and 80% of other minorities  say it's at least somewhat important for schools to teach the traditional values of Western Civilization," the report reads. "More whites (40%) than blacks (20%) or other minorities (34%) believe public schools do a good job teaching Western values."

Americans 65 and older were significantly more likely to say that teaching traditional Western values is "very" important. But only 22% of adults 65 and older and 26% of those ages 40 to 64 think that schools do a good job teaching the subject. Among participants aged 40 and under, 53% said that public schools do a good job teaching traditional Western values.

Both male and female participants appeared to agree on the issue of teaching traditional values of Western civilization, with 58% of men and 55% of women stating that teaching these values is very important. However, women were more likely to say they were unsure how well schools teach the topic.

Married couples were significantly more likely than their unmarried peers to say that it's very important for schools to teach traditional values. In addition, couples with children at home were more likely to believe that public schools teach those values well.

Income level also appeared to play a factor, with 62% of American adults with annual incomes over $200,000 saying public schools are doing a good job of teaching the traditional values of Western Civilization. Less than a third of participants earning below $50,000 a year agree.

Opinions also varied based on participants' industry of work, with 82% of private sector workers saying that it's at least somewhat important for schools to teach traditional Western values, a perspective shared by 59% of government workers.

The survey comes amid a reported decline in public school enrollment as many states have experienced an increase in alternative forms of schooling.

As The Christian Post reported, a study published last month by the Urban Institute found that public school enrollment decreased by more than 1.2 million students within the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the study.

Meanwhile, homeschool enrollment increased by 30% in the 2021-2022 school year, and private school enrollment increased by 4.3% between the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2021. Even after many schools returned to in-person learning, the increase in homeschooling persisted, although the study noted that it varied by state.

The smallest increase occurred in North Carolina, where homeschool enrollment grew by 8%. States with larger increases included New York (65%), Pennsylvania (53%) and Florida (43%). Regarding private school enrollment, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Washington saw enrollment increase by 14% between fall 2019 and fall 2021.

While some of this enrollment appeared to be pandemic-related, according to the study, the growth was primarily in kindergarten and early elementary grade levels, consistent with the grade-level declines in public schools.

"In particular, the large growth in 202122 private school enrollment in first grade is consistent with the hypothesis that some of the many families who avoided public kindergarten in 202021 instead chose private schools and remained with that choice," the study reads.
House panel rejects hate crimes amendment as bid to add 'anti-Christian bigotry' stirs debate

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month, a plan to include "anti-Christian bigotry" to an amendment declaring congressional support for federal actions against hate crimes stirred debate between a Democrat and Republican.

In the March 1 meeting, California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff proposed what he called a "very simple, straightforward amendment" to the committee's authorization and oversight plan, which would have signaled support for "federal efforts to combat domestic violent extremism, with a particular focus on crimes motivated by bigotry."

After proposing the amendment, GOP Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado asked Schiff if he would consider placing the phrase "anti-Christian bigotry and bigotry against all faiths" in the amendment after the reference to anti-Semitism.

Schiff, who is Jewish, appeared to balk at the request, noting that he would "be happy to accept an amendment" that references "all forms of bigotry, including that against members of any faith."

When Buck asked whether that would mean deleting the reference to anti-Semitism, Schiff replied, "I'm not deleting anti-Semitism because that has been a unique scourge which is on the rise, but as I said, unless you want to add 'anti-Muslim faith and other religious faiths,' I don't think we should single out one to the preference of others."

In response, Buck stated that church shootings exceed shootings at other religious facilities. Buck did not identify a source for his claim.

Buck also made reference to a 2019 incident involving former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's response to Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and others making "incredibly offensive anti-Semitic remarks."

"The Speaker of the House watered down a resolution of anti-Semitism by including every possible group in the United States of America so that it wouldn't reflect poorly on those particular members," said Buck.

"I think it's only fair we recognize now that all forms of bigotry should be condemned, not just forms of bigotry where you can run home and tell your constituents that 'I have protected and guess what, those Republicans, they don't like this particular group or that particular group because they voted against my amendment.' Condemn all forms of bigotry, don't pull out a particular group."

All forms of religious bigotry should be condemned. pic.twitter.com/vrfXCzvBOO  Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) February 28, 2023

"It would be important to send a message that anyone who harbors a bigotry against Christians because of their faith is  every bit as condemned and repugnant to those members of Congress as any other faith," said Buck.

Schiff agreed such shootings are "as repugnant as crimes against other faiths" and said he would agree to an amendment that includes a reference to all faiths.

Ultimately, Schiff's amendment fell short in a 21-10 vote, even after Buck's request, which Republicans voted overwhelmingly against.

A Lifeway Research study published in February 2020 found over 23 fatal church shootings since the Columbine school shooting on April 20, 1999.

During that span, other religious sites have been targeted in deadly shootings, including Jewish synagogues in California and Pennsylvania, a Benedictine monastery, a Sikh temple and an Amish school.

The most recent church shooting was at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, in August 2022, where three people were killed.

The deadliest church shooting on record was the 2017 shooting at First Baptist Sutherland Springs in Texas, which left 26 people dead, including an unborn child.

While data on anti-Christian bigotry is scant, the Christian conservative activist group Family Research Council published a report last year finding at least 420 acts of hostility against churches occurred in the United States over the past five years, with 57 occurring between January and September 2022 being related to abortion.

Dr. Mark Creech, executive director of conservative Christian lobbying organization Christian League Action of North Carolina, told CP in 2021 that since 2007, there has been a church shooting "nearly every other year" with as many as 70 parishioners being killed and as many as 38 being wounded.

"So, we're living in a time where there's hostility toward the Christian religion," said Creech. "There's hostility toward Church."

In recent years, there has also been a rise in hostility and intolerance towards Jews in the U.S. The Anti-Defamation League's audit of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S., released in April, stated that 2021 saw the most acts of assault, vandalism and harassment of Jews nationwide (2,717 incidents) since ADL began tracking the statistic in 1979. That figure marked a 34% year-over-year increase.
An analyst monitors news related to the closure of Silicon Valley Bank at the headquarters of Hana Bank, Seoul, Monday morning. Yonhap



The bank's collapse likely to put brakes on government's drive on specialized banks



By Lee Yeon-woo



The financial authorities will extend the large exposure (LEX) limits for banks again this year because of expanding market volatility caused by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) following a liquidity crunch.



According to the financial industry, Monday, the Financial Service Committee (FSC) issued an administrative guidance, ordering the extension of LEX limits until next March to ensure that the sum of a bank's exposure values to a single counterparty or group of connected counterparties does not exceed 25 percent.



The LEX standard, set by guidelines from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), seeks to monitor and limit the losses that an internationally active bank can face from clients' fallout, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).



"We will continue to run large exposure limits and extend them for a year, in line with the BCBS' recommendations, to prevent banks from suffering huge losses due to counterparties' bankruptcy," the FSC stated.



To stabilize the market, financial authorities are also considering extending measures aimed at supplying liquidity to the country's short-term funding market. Last October, several regulations were lifted, including a six-month delay in the application of a higher liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), which is required for each bank.









The FSC and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) received opinions about the extension from financial institutions and banks on March 7. They are expected to extend the measures within this month.



"Whether to extend the temporary measures to stabilize markets will be announced through official channels after receiving opinions," an official from the financial authority said. "The prevailing opinion is that such measures should be extended until the market stabilizes."





Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, far right, discusses the establishment of an investment bank in his city with officials of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), at the SVB office in California, Jan. 9. Courtesy of Daejeon City
Christian ministry sues Rhode Island school district for blocking after school meetings

Good News Club, a longtime elementary school ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, has filed a lawsuit against a Rhode Island school district for prohibiting the student group from meeting on equal terms as secular clubs.

The Christian legal advocacy organization Liberty Counsel filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to seek preliminary and permanent injunctions against the Providence Public School District and its superintendent, Dr. Javier Montanez.

For nearly two years, the district has blocked CEF Rhode Island from hosting its Good News Club meeting on district school facilities, Liberty Counsel explained in a statement. The group noted that other organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA and Girls on the Run are given free use of school facilities for after-school programs.

CEF Good News Clubs meet once per week, immediately after school, and are led by trained and vetted local community volunteers. The clubs provide religious and other teaching and activities to encourage learning, spiritual growth and service to others, as well as social, emotional, character and leadership development, according to the advocacy group.

CEF Rhode Island repeatedly applied for facilities to hold after-school Good News Clubs in 2021, but the school district did not respond to any of the requests. In March of that year, Liberty Counsel obtained public records that showed the school district was approving similar groups requests while denying the Good News Clubs requests by failing to respond.

In late 2021, Liberty Counsel requested that the school district approve CEFs facilities use requests, but the district did not grant any approvals despite being presented with relevant information on applicable laws and policies.

In June 2022, the Good News Club submitted a community partner application, but the district did not respond while Girls on the Run was allowed to hold its first spring meeting in February 2023.

In June 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court in Good News Club v. Milford Central School ruled that public schools violate the First Amendment by not providing equal access and equal treatment to Christian clubs when the school has opened the forum to secular clubs, as in this case.

The law is clear that public schools cannot discriminate against the Christian viewpoint of Good News Clubs," Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said. Equal access means equal treatment in terms of use of the facilities, including fee waivers, time of meetings and announcements. The Good News Club must be given equal treatment as the non-religious groups.

The Satanic Temple has been attempting to counter the Good News Club by creating the After School Satan Club in some school districts across the country.

CEFs Lydia Kaiser told The Christian Post late last year that TSTs strategy seeks the closure of all Good News Clubs.

According to the TST website, the satanic clubs operate in select public schools where Good News Clubs are also present.

However, in terms of operational strength, the number of Good News Clubs was significantly larger, with around 5,000 clubs compared to the satanic clubs five at the time.

CEF also maintains a state office in almost every state and has 400 local chapters where staff can train volunteers.
Here are 3 chocolate companies that actually celebrate women

The Hershey Company is facing boycotts and backlash in response to a new ad campaign from Hershey Canada, which uses a male activist who identifies as a transgender woman as a spokesman for International Womens Day.

The activist, who goes by the name Fae Johnstone, is one of five individuals whose likenesses have been printed on limited edition HER for SHE chocolate bars for the campaign. While the other four people chosen are actually women, the inclusion of a male dressed as a female in a campaign promoting a holiday dedicated to women has drawn widespread criticism.

Sadly, the trend of kowtowing to the LGBTQQIP2SAA mob in direct opposition to supporting women has infested many mainstream chocolate producers. In 2021, both Mars, Inc. and Nestle USA joined an op-ed in support of transing kids and decrying state laws that protect womens sports. After years of popular chocolate companies supporting the erasure of women, it appears that Americans are fed up. This Thursday, #BoycottHersheys hit the number one trending spot on Twitter and inspired the creation of at least one pro-woman alternative to woke chocolate.

If youre a lover of both chocolate and biological reality, theres no need to continue buying from woke companies that hate women. Even in a world where radical corporate activism lurks around every corner, it is (nearly) always possible to find a small, family-operated alternative to the mainstream companies that profit from perversion and sin.

Here are three great alternatives to trans-idolizing chocolate companies like Hersheys.

1. Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange, a fair-trade worker co-op, was founded in 1986 with the inspirational question, What if food could be traded in a way that is honest and fair, a way that empowers both farmers and consumers? Specializing in chocolate, coffee, tea, and snacks, Equal Exchange sources from 40 small farmer organizations around the world. Equal Exchange regularly highlights how churches around the world use their products in fostering fellowship and teaching their congregations about the importance of fair trade. Equal Exchange has previously highlighted its efforts to support women as small business owners around the world and at all stages of its operation  from farmers to baristas.

2. Gertrude Hawk Chocolates

Chocolate company founder Gertrude (Jones) Hawk began her career in candy at the age of 12 in a local candy shop in Scranton, Pa. At a young age, Gertrude left school to support her family after her father died and her mother became ill. In adulthood, she founded Gertrude Hawk Chocolates in her own kitchen as a method of earning extra income for the family during the Great Depression. Today, Gertrudes family business continues to bear her name and celebrate her legacy as a female small business founder.

Gertrudes descendants also operate the Hawk Family Foundation, which funds nonprofit organizations and private schools that seek to positively impact children, seniors, those currently incarcerated, and returning citizens. The fund specifically notes that it will not contribute to causes that support abortion.

3. Laderach

This chocolate company was dropped by Swiss Air Lines in 2020 for its owners pro-life and pro-family views. Then-owner Jurg Laderach was also president and board member of Christianity for Today  an evangelical organization based in Switzerland. While simultaneously running his luxury chocolate company, Jurg was known for his advocacy on defending unborn children, upholding natural marriage, and fighting the pornography epidemic  all values that directly impact the human dignity of women. Leadership of the company has since been passed on to the newest generation of the Laderach family under son Johannes.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Woman faces prison time for dumping newborn baby in gas station trashcan

Police arrested a California woman on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse after a newborn was found abandoned in a trashcan inside of a Fullerton gas station restroom.

The Fullerton Police Department announced Friday that they had located the woman through surveillance footage and information about a vehicle that authorities believed belonged to the suspect.

Police served a search warrant in the early morning hours at the womans apartment complex on the 400 block of W. Orangethorpe Avenue before arresting the 25-year-old suspect.

Around 3:35 p.m. on Thursday, the Fullerton Police Department responded to a call from a service station about an abandoned baby in the restroom, according to a press release. The officers performed lifesaving measures until the Fullerton Fire Department arrived and transported the child to a local hospital.

The infant was reportedly in stable condition at the time of the press release.

The Fullerton Police Department did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

In a statement, the police issued a reminder to the public about Californias Safely Surrendered Baby Law. Created in January 2001, the law allows parents or individuals with lawful custody to legally leave an infant at a public or private hospital, designated fire station or location the local County Board of Supervisors determines to be a safe surrender site.

For identification purposes, a bracelet matching the one parents or guardians receive is placed on the baby in case the child is reclaimed. Parents who leave an infant at a safe surrender site have up to 14 days to reclaim the child.

Fullerton Police spokesperson Sgt. Ryan ONeil told The New York Post that the suspect's name is Venissa Maldonado. It is believed that the baby was hers, but it is unclear if Maldonado gave birth inside the restroom.

A similar case involving the discovery of an abandoned baby took place in Oklahoma.

As CP reported, Associate Pastor Ed Skidmore of House of Prayer on Harris Street confirmed in an interview with CP in January that local police found the baby at the church, stating that the congregation was heartbroken by the news.

Were pro-life from the moment of conception, Skidmore said. We support babies in the womb. We support our local pregnancy center. We support mothers. Our hearts have gone out to the dad, the mom, the baby. We are absolutely heartbroken.

The pastor told CP that the Ardmore police had informed him that the mother who left the child called the authorities to alert them that the baby was in the dumpster. The baby was several weeks old, according to what police officers told Skidmore.

Skidmore said that he doesnt know the reason why the mother left her child and that his church, which consists of a congregation of 60 people, has never experienced anything like this in the eight years that he has been there.

I do know that we have a wonderful pregnancy center here in town that works with lots of women and provides many avenues of help for women that are pregnant that want to keep their baby, he said.

I dont know any of the circumstances behind the situation  [but] I know this  in this world without Christ, the enemy will try to tell us that there are permanent solutions to temporary problems, he said. And when we are not surrounded by people that really care for us it can spin out of control really fast. But we were heartbroken [by the dumping of the baby].

The spiritual leader at the small church in Oklahoma said that he believed that the incident is a message from God to pray.

This is what I told my congregation. I dont know if this was an area of town that she lived in, I dont know. But I know that that baby was here so that we could be as a body praying specifically, he said. We just need to bind our hearts together to pray for the mom and dad and the child. We have a wonderful congregation. Were just heartbroken that somebody was put in a position of hopelessness like that.

In a January statement to WLBT 3, the Ardmore police said that the baby was found around 3 p.m. and was in stable condition at the time. Investigators did not provide any further details about the discovery.
4 things to consider before giving in to sexual temptation: Ex-porn star, pastor weigh in

Ex-porn star Brittni De La Mora and her pastor husband, Richard De Le Mora, shared in a recent podcast four things people should realize before they give into sexual temptation.

The couple warned listeners in a March 2 episode of their Lets Talk Purity podcast that sexual temptations don't just impact those who are single or dating, but they affect married people as well.

Oftentimes, what happens is, the enemy is quick to tell you the benefits, but he doesn't talk to you about the repercussions of what would happen if you get into sexual temptation, Richard De La Mora said.

The De La Moras said the first thing that Christians need to consider before giving in to sexual temptation is if their actions please and glorify Jesus.

Ask yourself this question: 'Does it honor God?" Richard De La Mora said. "Oftentimes, when temptation is at its highest, it could pull us away from the Lord. And too often, we can find ourselves straying from God all because we're giving in to sexual temptation.

Secondly, the couple said that Christians should ask themselves, "Is this worth affecting my anointing?

Even before we were dating, you had a conviction from a book," Brittni De La Mora said, speaking to her husband. "You wrote about having a vision, and one of the things that you wrote down on that vision was that you didn't want to fall into sexual sin because you didn't want it to hinder your anointing. Why did you write that down?

Richard De La Mora replied, "Because the anointing is everything," adding: "It's God giving us this empowerment to help us with what we're called to do."

"And I think that's exactly what the enemy wants to do.  He wants us not to operate in our anointing. He wants us to operate in our own strength, he said.

Christians need God's anointing to live fruitful lives, Richard De La Mora said, adding that it is "only the anointing that breaks bondages" and "breaks chains."

"Its the anointing that helps us, and I believe here today that we're not called to be average people. We are called to be anointed people, the pastor preached.

When we are anointed, it gives us the ability to do what God has called us to do in a supernatural way. And I think that's what the enemy wants to do. He wants to affect our anointing. And how does that happen? Well, one way is  giving in to sexual temptation.

Brittni De La Mora added that typically when someone falls into sexual sin, it is based on reoccurring temptations, and, "it's the demonic thought that keeps coming back."

"It's that woman in the DM that just won't quit. You know, it's that man that just won't stop pursuing, that just won't stop coming after you. And then eventually you give in, she said.

Brittni De La Mora encouraged listeners to have "accountability partners." She noted that such people were helpful when she and her husband were dating.

We didn't just come into our relationship with conviction. We stayed convicted. By doing what? By watching things like sermons. We also made sure to read the Bible together and pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to keep us convicted, Brittni De La Mora said.

Third, when tempted, an individual should ask themselves, "Is it worth breaking trust?

Maybe you're giving into sexual sin in different ways within your marriage, and when your spouse finds out, or if they have already found out, you probably realize that the trust has been broken up. You've hurt their heart. And once you broken trust, it is so hard to get that back, Brittni De La Mora said.

It's not that it's impossible. You can definitely get that back.  Hopefully, you haven't given in to sexual temptation yet. And maybe it's just a thought. I once heard somebody say that they'd rather confess the temptation than confess a mistake. Be open, walk in humility, ask for help.

Once trust is broken in a marriage relationship, Brittni De La Mora said, it creates scenarios where the spouse that was cheated on has to constantly watch over their partner to make sure it doesnt happen again.

Really try to get the help that you need before you fall into that sexual sin and just remember, is it worth it? Is it worth breaking my spouse's heart? Is it worth him having to check my phone every day to make sure that I'm not doing anything wrong? she said.

Is it worth him having to go through all of my DMs and my text messages and my emails to make sure that I'm not cheating on them or going through my browser, my search history to make sure I'm not searching and looking at porn? Because that's a great way to divide your marriage.

The fourth question Christians should consider when facing sexual temptation is, "Do I want to battle with shame?

The Bible says that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. ... The reality is, you know, God doesn't shame you. God doesn't condemn you. But the enemy does, Richard De La Mora said.

When you give into sexual temptation, the enemy will consistently try to shame you. He will throw at you your past mistakes. He will remind you of your failures and he is pretty persistent."

Richard De La Mora added that "at night, when you're going to go to bed, he'll start reminding you of doing these things. Oh, look at you trying to get back up again. Come on, you know you can't do it. Oh, look at the mistakes that you have made.

Even when a Christian repents of sexual sin, they are still left to face the thoughts that the devil will send into their minds, Richard De La Mora warned.

Understand friends, that when you repent, God restores you and when we repent, God will repair you. He does not bring up your past. The Bible says that when we repent, He 'throws it in the sea of forgetfulness,'" he added.

"But the reality is, the enemy remembers, and the enemy will throw it into your face. So before you give into sexual temptation, friends, I urge you, please remind yourself that shame is not worth it.
Actress Jane Fonda under fire for suggesting 'murder' of abortion opponents on 'The View'

Actress Jane Fonda has sparked outrage in the pro-life movement for suggesting the murder of abortion opponents as she insists that she means no harm and merely made the remark in jest.

Fonda, along with her Moving On, 80 for Brady and Grace & Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin, appeared on ABCs The View Friday. As a guest on the daytime talk show, the outspoken left-wing activist expressed outrage over the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

When asked for a solution to new pro-life laws around the country, Jane Fonda declares that they need to "murder" Republican politicians.

Joy Behar immediately jumps in to claim "she's just kidding," warning "they'll pick up on that and run with it."

Fonda gives a negative look. pic.twitter.com/17QJ4tP1pW  Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) March 10, 2023

We have experienced many decades now of having agency over our body, of being able to determine when and how many children to have. We know what that feels like, she said. We know what thats done for our lives. Were not going back. I dont care what the laws are.

Besides marching and protesting, what else do you suggest? co-host Joy Behar asked in response to her assertion. Fonda responded that it does involve murder as the panel continued to engage in crosstalk.

Tomlin asked her to clarify her remark and she restated the word murder. Behar insisted that Fonda was just kidding as Tomlin urged her dont say that and Behar warned theyll pick up on that, referring to critics of the program and the mainstream media as a whole. As Behar reiterated that Fonda was just kidding, the actress turned toward the panelist with an unhappy look on her face.

Pro-life activist Abby Johnson took to Twitter Friday to denounce what she characterized as Fondas suggestion that pro-life politicians should be murdered for trying to protect unborn children. Johnson concluded that I guess she believes in killing people both in and out of the womb.

Jane Fonda went on national television today and suggested that pro-life politicians should be murdered for trying to protect unborn children.



I guess she believes in killing people both in and out of the womb.  Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) March 10, 2023

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., announced on Twitter Friday that she had notified Capitol Police of Jane Fondas call to murder pro-life politicians. Luna condemned calling for the murder of a pro-life [politician] as dangerous and incredibly sick, adding this leads to targeting and can result in someone being seriously hurt.

I have notifed Capitol Police of Jane Fondas call to murder pro-life politicians.



I am a pro-life member of Congress. As she did not retract or clarify that she was joking with her statement, we are taking this threat as a serious one.



Jane Fonda and The View, must issue a https://t.co/BhUvQaH26Z  Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) March 10, 2023

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Fonda insisted that her comment on The View was obviously made in jest. According to Fonda, My body language and tone made it clear to those in the room  and to anyone watching  that I was using hyperbole to make a point.

Fonda also doubled down on her pro-abortion activism in her statement, describing womens reproductive rights as a very serious issue that is extremely important to me and expressing concern that women across the country are facing real threats when it comes to our bodies.

She maintained that people lose faith in our mission to protect women when others choose to focus on tangential issues and passing jokes instead of the actual problem at hand.

Even before Fondas comment on The View Friday, the pro-life movement has found itself subject to an upsurge in violence and vandalism dating back to immediately after Politicos publication of a leaked draft decision of the Dobbs ruling last May. In that time, pro-life pregnancy centers and churches have been firebombed, defaced with graffiti and had their windows broken.

In addition to pro-life organizations, pro-life activists themselves have become the target of violence as well. In September, an elderly volunteer was shot as she knocked on doors in opposition to Proposition 3, a measure that established a right to abortion in Michigan.

Last summer, a volunteer with Students for Life of America was assaulted as she campaigned on behalf of Kansass Value Them Both Amendment, which would have clarified that the Kansas constitution does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion.

Shortly after the publication of the leaked Dobbs draft, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a memo warning that violent threats against stakeholders in the abortion debate were likely to persist and may increase leading up to and following the issuing [of] the Courts official ruling.

The agency vowed to work with partners across every level of government and the private sector to share timely information and intelligence, prevent all forms of violence, and support law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe.

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, one of the justices who voted with the majority to overturn Roe, was the target of an assassination attempt last June. Authorities arrested the would-be assassin before he could carry out the crime.
Nevada's largest Christian school removes poster with racial slur after backlash

A Christian school in Nevada that claims to be the largest non-public school in the state has received public criticism over curriculum course materials and school decor that contained racial slurs.

Following a series of complaints from parents of students at Faith Lutheran High School of Las Vegas, a poster of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges was removed because it contained the N-word, according to a report by local media outlet KLAS. The racial slur reportedly also appeared in books at the school.

Faith Lutheran boasts on its website of being "the largest Lutheran school in the United States and the largest non-public school in the state of Nevada," with over 2,000 students enrolled at the K-12 institution.

School leaders were prompted to remove the poster after they received a notice from the Las Vegas Alliance of Black School Educators.

"The N-word, no matter where it is used, is derogatory. It's racial abuse, and students should not have to come to a safe space, which is school, and see the N-word used in curriculum materials," said Kamilah Bywaters, president of LVABSE, as quoted by KLAS.

An email correspondence sent to Faith Lutheran on March 1 from Bywaters addressed how parents are "highly upset that their voices have not been heard about the use of the N-word."

"If a Black parent comes to you who has experienced, one, racism and has the historical connection to the trauma and violence of slavery, you should listen to that parent," Bywaters said.

"I think that the school community is owed an apology. ... We're also teaching students who do not share the black experience, that it's [not] OK to call you the N-word."

The school's principal, Kat Stokes, told parents in a Tuesday email that the school agreed that the painting "needed to have context in the classroom if it was to be displayed."

"So a lesson was taught on the importance of it and how it pertained to the curriculum and our world today," the email states. "It was taken down after the lesson."

The Christian Post reached out to Faith Lutheran for this story. A response was not received by press time.

Born the same year as the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown v. the Board of Education, Bridges became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South in 1960, according to the National Women's History Museum.

Even after the Supreme Court ruled the "separate but equal" segregation of public schools unconstitutional, Southern states continued segregation schooling policies for years. After a federal court ordered Louisiana to desegregate in 1959, the state required African American students to take tests to determine if they could compete academically with white students.

Bridges and five other African Americans passed the exams.

"Her parents were torn about whether to let her attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School, a few blocks from their home," an online biography posted by the museum reads. "Her father resisted, fearing for his daughter's safety; her mother, however, wanted Ruby to have the educational opportunities that her parents had been denied. Meanwhile, the school district dragged its feet, delaying her admittance until November 14."

"Ruby and her mother were escorted by four federal marshals to the school every day that year. She walked past crowds screaming vicious slurs at her. Undeterred, she later said she only became frightened when she saw a woman holding a black baby doll in a coffin," the museum states.

"She spent her first day in the principal's office due to the chaos created as angry white parents pulled their children from school. Ardent segregationists withdrew their children permanently. Barbara Henry, a white Boston native, was the only teacher willing to accept Ruby, and all year, she was a class of one. Ruby ate lunch alone and sometimes played with her teacher at recess, but she never missed a day of school that year."

Ruby, now an award-winning author, wrote of her experiences in books. She also engaged in speaking tours with her teacher in the 1990s.

In her email to parents, Stokes said that the school is examining its entire "English curriculum to make sure it is fitting of our Christian worldview, mission, and vision of Faith Lutheran."

"[Administrators] met with parents on a variety of occasions to discuss concerns on campus regarding curriculum, culture, and hiring practices. In most cases, these concerns were addressed immediately or changes to policies and curriculum were made for the 2023-2024 school year," Stokes continued.
Nearly two-thirds of voters think FBI has been politically weaponized, poll suggests

A majority of voters in the United States believe that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has become politically weaponized, starting from the top in Washington, according to a recent poll.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement: The FBI has become politically weaponized, starting from the top in Washington? Rasmussen Reports asked 950 U.S. likely voters in a survey conducted March 6-8.

With an error margin of 3 percentage points, the results suggest that 64% of respondents agreed with the statement, with 44% strongly agreeing. On the other hand, 30% of voters disagreed with the statement, including 17% who strongly disagreed.

The poll also showed that the FBIs favorability rating stands at 50%, while 45% of view the agency unfavorably.

Some respondents who say the FBI has been politicized also approve of its actions, according to the survey, which also showed that 90% of voters who strongly approve of President Joe Bidens job performance also view the FBI at least somewhat favorably.

Given that Republicans have alleged weaponization of federal government agencies against conservatives, some suspect that Bidens supporters approve of the FBIs actions because of the perception that the FBI has been weaponized on behalf of the Democratic Party.

When broken down by political affiliation, 59% of Republican voters strongly agree the FBI has been politically weaponized, while only 28% of Democrats and 45% of voters not affiliated with either party said the same.

"While 69% of Democrats have at least a somewhat favorable impression of the FBI, only 37% of Republicans and 43% of unaffiliated voters share that opinion," the report states. "Sixty-one percent (61%) of Republicans, 24% of Democrats and 50% of unaffiliated voters view the FBI unfavorably."

Last month, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives held its first hearing of a new subcommittee dedicated to investigating the alleged "weaponization" of federal law enforcement agencies.

Witnesses included former FBI agents Thomas Baker and Nicole Parker; George Washington University Professor Jonathan Turley; Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who left the Democratic party last year.

Democrats argued that the hearing undermined government institutions, with some accusing Republicans of abusing power obtained by regaining control of the House in last year's midterm election.

Committee Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, claimed that whistleblowers allege that the FBI created a threat tag on Nov. 18, 2021, for parents who voiced concerns at school board meetings. In May 2022, an FBI whistleblower claimed that the bureau is investigating parents with a tag attached to their names.

Concerns about federal law enforcement agencies investigating parents who have voiced their concerns at school board meetings stem from Attorney General Merrick Garlands Oct. 4, 2021, memo attempting to address a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.

Garlands memo followed a heavily scrutinized request from the National School Boards Association for federal assistance to stop threats and acts of violence against public schoolchildren, public school board members, and other public school district officials and educators.

Critics suggested that the memo was an effort to silence concerned parents who descended on school boards to express outrage over sexually explicit material in school curriculum and school libraries, the teaching of racially divisive theories and coronavirus restrictions.

The Justice Department received much criticism last September following the arrest of pro-life activist and Catholic father of seven Mark Houck over an alleged altercation with an abortion clinic escort near a clinic in Philaelphia. Pro-life activists accused the Justice Department of political prosecution of a father who was defending his son when being harassed by the escort. Houck was acquitted by a unanimous jury in January.

At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this month, Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., attributed the alleged politicization of the federal government to the fact that the country has stockpiled more and more power in Washington, D.C.

"[W]e've laundered more and more money to Washington, D.C., and it has now become probably [that] the biggest business really in the United States is the federal government," Hageman, who serves on the House Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government, said.

She lamented that "conservatives and Republicans and parents are the targets of these folks," adding, "we need to ferret it out, we need to expose it, we need to be passing laws to stop it."

What Im focused on is that the FBI and the Department of Justice have been violating our First Amendment rights through surrogacy, Hageman said. So, we found out through the Twitter Files that they have been contacting Twitter and social media companies and demanding that they pull down folks.

Hageman noted that under the First Amendment, neither of these agencies would be able to do that directly, so theyre doing it through a third party. She insisted, Its just as illegal.
Pope Francis endorses civil unions for same-sex couples

Pope Francis has called for the creation of civil union laws that would help same-sex couples create families as children of God, challenging a previous conclusion by the Catholic Church that endorsing such unions would be an approval of deviant behavior.

Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it, Francis said in a documentary, called Francesco, that premiered Wednesday in Rome, the Catholic News Agency reported.

What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that, Francis, whose comments came as he reflected on pastoral care for those who identify as LGBT, added.

The documentary by Oscar-nominated Director Evgeny Afineevsky, which highlights the life and ministry of Pope Francis, is set to make its North American premiere on Sunday.

Francis has previously expressed support for same-sex civil unions. During his tenure as archbishop of Buenos Aires, he advocated for same-sex civil unions in a bid to block a same-sex marriage law. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in 2010.

In 2003, the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under the leadership of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and at the direction of Pope John Paul II made it clear that same-sex civil unions cannot be supported by the church.

The Church teaches that respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions. The common good requires that laws recognize, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society, the document said.

Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behavior, with the consequence of making it a model in present-day society, but would also obscure basic values which belong to the common inheritance of humanity. The Church cannot fail to defend these values, for the good of men and women and for the good of society itself, it concluded.

On Wednesday, the Human Rights Campaign, Americas largest LGBT civil rights organization, praised Pope Francis for shifting Catholic theology to be more accepting of the LGBT community.

Today, Pope Francis took a significant step for inclusion and acceptance in the Catholic Church by embracing unions for same-sex couples and affirming that LGBTQ Catholics are a part of their religious family, HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement.

By shifting Catholic theology in a more inclusive direction and making clear that LGBTQ people have a right to their own families, Pope Francis is letting LGBTQ Catholics know that being a person of faith and being LGBTQ are not mutually exclusive ... Many members of the LGBTQ community have had difficulty engaging with places of worship because they have not been accepting of LGBTQ people. We are hopeful that this is another in line of many actions toward full inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ people in Catholicism, and in all faiths.

James Martin, a Jesuit priest who also serves as editor at large of America Magazine, said in a statement on Twitter that Pope Francis comments are a major step for the Catholic Church.

It is in keeping with his pastoral approach to LGBT people, including LGBT Catholics, and sends a strong signal to countries where the church has opposed such laws, Martin wrote.

Retired Democratic politician Howard Dean also celebrated Francis comments on Twitter, noting: I knew I liked this Pope. This took a lot of courage and I am sure there are political knives out for him in the Vatican. This is a true act of Christian compassion and an example for all Christians not just Catholics.

Conservative Catholics saw the comments as a betrayal of Scripture.

Fr. Darin Schmidt, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls in South Dakota who currently serves as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Hoven and St. Augustine in Bowdle, argued in a series of tweets that the pope does not have any authority to challenge Gods plan for the human family.

Can someone remind me what magisterial weight a documentary has? Maybe the problem for many is that we don't ignore nearly enough. If I know what God has revealed about human sexuality and His plan for the human family, then I also know that no bishop on earth has any authority to change it, Schmidt wrote.

Writer Maike Hickson who has closely followed the papacy of Pope Francis and the developments in the Catholic Church urged Pope Francis to immediately recant the statements or risk being seen as a heretic.

Any words of a pope spoken in public do have a terrible weight. And they reveal his attitude toward Church doctrine, irreversible doctrine, doctrine that comes straight out of Holy Scripture. He must make an immediate recantation or will be under suspicion that he is a heretic, Hickson noted on Twitter.
Mike Signorelli says he knows why some pastors avoid deliverance ministry

MOUNT JULIET, Tenn.  Some pastors are to blame for blocking God's purpose of freedom for Christians oppressed by demons, says Pastor Mike Signorelli, who believes some pastors also need to be delivered from demons.

Signorelli is the lead pastor and founder of V1 Church based in New York City and is featured in the new film "Come Out in Jesus Name," which will be in theaters for one day only on Monday.

The film follows the journey of Pastor Greg Locke, who rallied together deliverance ministers including Signorelli, Alexander Pagani, Vladimir Savchuck, and Daniel Adams, along with YouTube preacher Isaiah Saldivar.

"If you add up everything that Jesus did as recorded in Scripture, one-third of all of His ministry was the ministry of deliverance," said Signorelli in a sit-down interview with The Christian Post. "But far too often, pastors do the things they're comfortable with, and so what happens is their preferences block God's purposes."

Signorelli believes many pastors avoid deliverance ministry because they fear it will expose the deliverance they need themselves.

"There's no way to fake deliverance," he explained. "You can get up and preach a sermon and not even be saved anymore because you know how to sound. But try to take authority over demons without a relationship with Jesus and you'll end up like the sons of Sceva where you get beat down and you get stripped down naked.

"I'm really blaming the pastors because I believe it starts with the house of God. They have a preference toward preaching and teaching. And they say, 'Well, I don't know how I feel about deliverance,' and they're blocking God's purposes because of their preference."

The New York pastor said he sincerely believes some ministers need demons to be cast out of them: "To be honest with you, I think a lot of pastors need deliverance."

Signorelli recalled telling "many prominent pastors" while they were in green rooms together that they needed deliverance, which they scoffed at.

"Within six months to a year, I watched those same people lose their entire ministry and church through infidelity, mismanagement of the church finances. ... And thankfully, some of them have been returning back to me recently saying, 'You know what, Mike? I remember when you told me I needed deliverance; I laughed at you. It probably was the demons in me laughing at you,'" he added.

"We're just starting to find out here in America [that] you can't counsel a demon, you have to cast it out! You can't solve it with a pill. It's going to take deliverance," he maintained.

Signorelli stressed that "people still need to go to doctors," and he is not advocating for people not to seek medical attention.

"Luke was a physician," he added. "I'm sure he's still used some of that. But not everything is biological. There's a spiritual aspect, and people are finding that out. I tell you, many pastors from the pulpit have lied to the people and tried to convince them that once you say The Sinner's Prayer, then every single demon immediately leaves you, leaves your life. And that's what we've made it out to be."

Signorelli highlighted the profession of faith in Romans 10:9 but said confessing Jesus as Savior does not mean people are completely delivered.

"When you accept Christ as your Savior, your spirit is regenerating, but your physical body still dies," he said.

"Jesus cast out the spirit of infirmity. We have a story illustration in the Bible where there was somebody who was hunched over for over a decade, the spirit of infirmity was cast out, and that person stood upright. So where was the demon? The demon was not in their spirit, the demon was literally in their body. It was the spirit of infirmity."

"I think that's what this movie and many of us are helping people understand. When you say that prayer of salvation, you are saved, but not completely free. You have to go on a journey of freedom."

"Sometimes it's the flesh. Sometimes it is lust and perversion. You need to stop watching pornography. You need to stop yielding to the desires of the flesh. But you can't crucify a demon, and you can't cast out the flesh," Signorelli added.

The minister said his hope is that people will find complete freedom in Christ  mind, body and soul.

"Come Out in Jesus Name" will be in theaters one day only on Monday. Click here for more information.
Ukraine orders Orthodox church with Russia ties to vacate historic Kyiv monastery

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has called on other religious leaders, including Pope Francis, to urge Ukraine not to close down a monastery historically tied to Russia.

Last Friday, Ukrainian officials told the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to vacate the 980-year-old Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex in the embattled nation's capital, according to Reuters.

The denomination has been given until March 29 to obey the order. Although the UOC has historical ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, it severed its ties with the Moscow patriarchate last year in response to the Russian invasion.

In a statement, the Ukrainian culture ministry claimed that UOC "violated the terms of the agreement regarding the use of state property" but didn't say how. The UOC contends it is a victim of a political witch hunt.

Patriarch Kirill implored on Saturday for faith leaders to "make every effort to prevent the forced closure of the monastery, which will lead to a violation of the rights of millions of Ukrainian believers," stated Reuters in a follow-up report.

The Russian Orthodox leader appealed to multiple faith leaders, including Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Pope Tawadros of Egypt's Coptic Church, and secular leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk.

Patriarch Kirill has openly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, prompting outrage and backlash from other Orthodox clergy.

Over the past several months, Ukrainian authorities have been cracking down on the UOC, accusing the Orthodox denomination of advancing pro-Russian ideas amid the invasion.

This has included raids on multiple UOC properties in which Ukrainian authorities have claimed to have found pro-Russian literature, which they argue undermines the war effort.

UOC Bishop Metropolitan Klyment has argued that the raids by Ukrainian security forces have shown no evidence of disloyalty and has stressed how UOC members are among those fighting the Russian invaders.

"There was no mention in the findings of weapons or saboteurs. What they said they found was printed matter, documents, which are not prohibited under Ukrainian law," Klyment told CNN in an interview in January.

"Members of the Ukrainian Orthodox ... are citizens of Ukraine, and sometimes among the best citizens of Ukraine, proving their patriotism with their own lives."

Last December, Ukrainian officials ordered punitive measures against seven Orthodox Church clergy who allegedly had sympathetic ties to Russia. These actions included seizing the assets of the clergy, banning them from certain economic activities and barring them from traveling.

"We are doing everything to ensure that no strings are available to be pulled by the aggressor state that could make Ukrainian society suffer," stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the time.

Some advocates have expressed concern over the Ukrainian government's measures, believing that they wrongfully interfere with the freedom of religion in Ukraine.

"Zelensky's ban on the religious activities of the UOC, despite its formal split from Moscow, effectively curtails the spiritual practices of millions of already beleaguered Ukrainian people," wrote columnist and podcaster Hedieh Mirahmadi Mirahmadi in an op-ed for The Christian Post.

"We claim Ukraine's battle against Russia is a fight for democracy, but sending the army into monasteries is not promoting liberty. This latest move by our ally in Ukraine should be grounds for a loud outcry from Christians, regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum."
An undated file photo released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state news agency of North Korea, shows an 'underwater test-fire of strategic submarine ballistic missile' conducted at an undisclosed location in North Korea. EPA-Yonhap



North Korea fired two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend, the country's state media said Monday.



The North's first known firing of cruise missiles from a submarine is widely viewed as an apparent show of force against a major South Korea-U.S. combined military exercise.



The missiles were fired from the 8.24 Yongung in waters off Kyongpho Bay in the East Sea in an underwater launching drill held at dawn Sunday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



"The drill confirmed the reliability of the weapon system and examined the underwater-to-surface offensive operations of submarine units that constitute one of other major forces of the DPRK nuclear deterrent," the KCNA said in an English-language report, using the acronym of the North's official name.





This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency shows the North's firing of two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast the previous day, March 13. Yonhap



The missiles precisely hit preset targets in the East Sea after "traveling the 1,500 km-long eight-shaped flight orbits" for 7,563 to 7,575 seconds."



The latest launch came on the eve of the start of the allies' 11-day Freedom Shield exercise, which the North calls "preparations for a war of aggression" against it.



North Korea said its latest underwater launching drill "verified the current operation posture of the nuclear war deterrence means in different spaces."









Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected an unspecified missile launched from a submarine in waters off the North's eastern coastal city of Sinpo on Sunday morning. It did not immediately provide other details.



Following the KCNA report on the launch, a JCS official said there is a "difference" between the North's claim about the missile's specifics and the analysis by the South and the United States.



He did not elaborate, while his comments have indicated that the military views the reclusive North as having exaggerated the results of its latest cruise missile testing.



He characterized the North's launch of the missiles as an "early-stage" test, indicating that the missile has not been deployed yet, speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity.





This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency shows the North's submarine "8.24 Yongung" from which the country fired two "strategic cruise missiles" the previous day, March 13. Yonhap
Most Christians Experience Doubt, Rick Warren Defends Women Pastors, Queer Disney Actors Shares Faith

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 09:57 09:57

Top headlines for Saturday, March 11, 2023



Over half of Christians say they sometimes experience doubts about their religious beliefs, according to a new study from the prominent Evangelical research organization the Barna Group.



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.



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.

An openly queer actor from the Disney+ streaming series "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" shared his Christian faith at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards weeks after being criticized for his baptism at Bethel Church.
Leading a church when the wrong people hold power

Can you lead a church without proper authority? Yes, but it is more challenging and complex.

Im assuming most church leaders would rather not step into a situation where they have the responsibility to shepherd without the corresponding authority. But there are churches with misaligned power structures in desperate need of good pastors. What if you end up in such a situation? Leading without power requires informal authority.

Informal authority is earned through social skills, emotional intelligence and expertise. Unlike being at the top of a chain of command, those with informal authority do not have coercive power. How might informal authority look in a church? When everyone in the business meeting waits on a nod from the matriarch in the back of the room before voting, thats informal authority.

While much power comes from formal positions with legitimate authority, a different kind of power is found in leadership roles with informal authority. How is this power exhibited?

Informal authority allows leaders to raise difficult questions. Leaders without titles and positions can vocalize the questions everyone is thinking about but will not say them out loud. Some questions are so difficult that if top leaders began posing them, people might question the organizations viability. For instance, imagine the media reaction if our president openly began asking about whats really going on at Area 51.

Informal authority allows leaders to focus on one issue. Top leaders typically deal with a number of issues within an organization. Such is the nature of positions with formal authority. For example, a CEO must be concerned about human resources, cash flow, marketing, and public relations. An individual with informal authority, however, is free to focus on more nuanced and narrow issues or even a particular issue. If you are a pastor without formal authority, you are freer to focus on one or two issues while letting others continue to lead.

Informal authority allows leaders to break through formal hierarchies, policies, and protocols. Formal authority, by design, has a hierarchy with an expected protocol. A leader with informal authority, however, is not bound by the structure of a formal authority system. A school superintendent, for example, must follow certain protocols in dealing with problems. An informal leader at the school, however, has more flexibility in breaking through these formalities and can deal with the problem in a way the superintendent cannot.

Informal authority allows leaders the flexibility not to be a figurehead for all people in the organization. Top leaders with formal authority must act on behalf of everyone within an organization. They represent the people. They speak on behalf of the people. Leaders with informal authority do not have to act as figureheads. Unlike formal leaders, informal leaders can offend some and favor others to accomplish a goal.

Ambitious leaders often pursue positions with formal authority. It makes sense. Those who desire to lead want the official capacity to do so. Positions with titles imply a legitimate endorsement to lead. But there are some advantages to leading with informal authority. Informal leaders have no official titles and no authoritative positions, yet they can wield much influence.

Informal authority has its limits, certainly, but also its advantages. And organizations need both informal and formal leaders to balance power and authority.

Originally published at Church Answers.






She saw beauty in everything: how Suzie Zuzek inspired Lilly Pulitzers fashion empire

The little-known artist created some of the most iconic designs of 60s and 70s fashion. Christies will offer 43 of her original watercolour and gouache paintings online this spring

You might not recognize the name Suzie Zuzek, but youre likely familiar with her work. The formally-trained artist and single mother of three was working as head designer for a shop called Key West Hand Print Fabrics in 1962 when Lilly Pulitzer walked in barefoot one day and ordered 300 yards of a Zuzek print on the spot. When Pulitzer returned home to Palm Beach, she called and changed the order to 3,000. It was the beginning of a relationship that spanned a quarter of a century and would change the course of American fashion.

Open a larger version of this image Suzie Zuzek, drawing Pretty Butters, in her Key West Hand Fabrics studio, late 1960s. Pretty Butters will be offered in Suzie Zuzek: The Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer from 31 March-17 April 2023 at Christies online.  The Original I.P. LLC

Between 1962 and 1985, Zuzek created 1,500 designs, many of which were used by Pulitzer. Her eclectic, playful prints, ranging from anthropomorphic zoo animals to the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys, became the hallmark of the American resort brand, loved by fashion icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy. Continuing to usher in Zuzeks legacy, Christies will offer 43 original watercolour and gouache drawings by Zuzek in Suzie Zuzek: The Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer online beginning this March. The works come from Zuzeks recently discovered archive, now privately held by a St Louis group. One of the owners Becky Smith serendipitously discovered Zuzeks story, and has since dedicated herself to preserving the collection and reuniting Zuzek with her oeuvre for future generations to enjoy.

Open a larger version of this image Suzie Zuzek (1920-2011), Tiny Tulips, 1969. Watercolour, ink, and graphite on paper. 22 x 30 in. (56 x 76.2 cm). Estimate: $6,000-9,000. Offered in Suzie Zuzek: The Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer on 31 March-17 April 2023 at Christies online.  The Original I.P. LLC

It all began when Smith flew to Key West in 2007 looking for vintage Lilly Pulitzer fabric to upholster an armchair. She knew that Key West Hand Print Fabrics, Inc. manufactured Pulitzers textiles in the 60s and 70s. When she tracked down former employee Martha De Poo, she was told, You dont want to meet me, you want to meet my mom  she created the art used by Lilly Pulitzer. Speaking with Christies, Smith explains what happened next: I hopped in Marthas white van, and we went to her moms house. Martha unlocked the gate: there was a peacock, roosters, and then there was Suzie, sitting underneath this huge banyan tree. I spent the entire day with them, and they shared their story with me.

A non-practicing lawyer, Smiths curiosity about Zuzeks story took her to the Library of Congress in Washington DC. A search through the card catalogue confirmed Zuzek as the artist of over 1,500 copyrighted titles. This one woman created all these iconic designs of my childhood, and yet no one knew her. Millions of people know and love the work, but they dont know Zuzek the creator, Smith recalled. She gathered investors and purchased the art and copyrights of Key West Hand Print Fabrics  previously owned by Lilly Pulitzer. The works were secreted away. When the first box was opened, Zuzeks flowers jumped out. They were so vivid you could almost smell them, says Smith. Her animals jumped out too, and they were so alive. It was magical.

Open a larger version of this image Suzie Zuzek (1920-2011), Elephants, 1970. Watercolour, ink, and graphite on paper. 22  x 15 in. (65.5 x 38.1 cm). Estimate: $5,000-7,000. Offered in Suzie Zuzek: The Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer on 31 March-17 April at Christies online.  The Original I.P. LLC

In 2020 Rizzoli Electa published Suzie Zuzek for Lilly Pulitzer: The Artist Behind an Iconic American Fashion Brand, 1962-1985, which featured over 100 paintings. The following year Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York launched the first solo exhibition of Zuzeks work, including over 35 original artworks. As Smith says now, We are partnering with Christies to continue to bring awareness to Suzie Zuzek  both as an artists brand with a heartfelt story and to view her designs in a new way. We want to breathe new life into them and for everyone to know and love Suzie.

The 43 works on paper offered at Christies showcase the full scope of Zuzeks imagination. In Zuzeks words, Theres really nothing different in this world. Its just the different twist you give a thing. Smith explains that Zuzek was inspired by the animals she grew up with on a dairy farm in Upstate New York, the flowers and fruits that surrounded her whilst she was working in Southern Florida, as well as the unicorn tapestries at The Met Cloisters in New York and the Musee de Cluny in Paris. Her art is very similar to the tapestries; she fills most of the paper with flowers and plants, and all kinds of unique, seemingly unrelated subject matter, Smith adds. Looking from a distance at the paintings, you think its one thing, but as you get closer, youre surprised by what youre seeing. You can spend hours entranced by her designs.

Open a larger version of this image Suzie Zuzek (1920-2011), Tarzan, 1973. Watercolour, ink, and white correction fluid on paper. 30 x 60 in. (76.2 x 152.4 cm). Estimate: $5,000-7,000. Offered in Suzie Zuzek: The Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer on 31 March-17 April at Christies online.  The Original I.P. LLC

She also points out that whilst were familiar with the beyond-bright, vivid hues of Lilly Pulitzers textiles of today, Zuzeks original designs had a naturalistic palette: she used bright colours for tropical flowers, and subtle browns, ochres and greys for her animals. The works in the sale allow us to see Zuzeks designs as they were initially intended. Zuzek was a true artist, she saw the beauty in everything, Smith adds. We want to celebrate her as the consequential figure in American culture she was. Its about time.
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Cambodian Ambassador to Korea Chring Botum Rangsay poses with the country's traditional clothes at the National Culture and Women's Day event at Urban Plant Myeongdong in central Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo



By Kwon Mee-yoo



From food and music to traditional clothes and craftwork, unique elements of Cambodian culture were unraveled in the heart of Seoul as the Embassy of Cambodia in Korea held the Southeast Asian country's National Culture and Women's Day event, Saturday.



The event, held at Urban Plant Myeongdong, offered visitors chances to experience Cambodian tradition and culture through art exhibitions, trying on traditional clothing, sampling delicious cuisine and enjoying traditional and modern performances and martial arts.



Ambassador of Cambodia to Korea Chring Botum Rangsay said she wanted the visitors to feel like they are in Cambodia through this event.



"When you go to Cambodia, we want you to feel like this. Even here in Korea, we welcome you like (you're) in Cambodia. You will receive this type of welcome when you go to Cambodia. I want to showcase that," the ambassador told The Korea Times.



"In Cambodia each year, we celebrate National Cultural Day, which is on March 3. So embassies and consulates of Cambodia all over the world are asked to promote culture and raise awareness about Cambodia  its story, its people, its culture and its tourism."





Cambodian craftworks are on display for the National Culture and Women's Day at Urban Plant Myeongdong in central Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo



The ambassador said she chose to host the event on the weekend when more people  Koreans and Cambodians alike  can stop by.



"This is not just about Cambodia, but also about the nation we reside in  Korea. We want to share about Cambodia with the Korean public so that they can understand more about Cambodia."



She said food is one of the key parts of the event as the embassy wanted more Koreans to sample Cambodian delicacies.



A variety of dishes, including Num banh chok khmer (Cambodian rice noodle topped with fish curry), num banh chok ka-ri (chicken curry with rice noodle), num kom (coconut or green bean sticky rice) and num ansam chek (banana sticky rice), were offered during the event.



"We can build a closer relationship between people through food. I hope that (more Koreans) would visit Cambodia because it is a beautiful country with a lot of things to see and a lot of things to do and friendly Cambodians will welcome them," she said.





A Cambodian painting depicting traditional apsara dance is displayed at the National Culture and Women's Day at Urban Plant Myeongdong in central Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo
Customer experience management company Qualtrics on Monday said private equity firm Silver Lake and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) have agreed to buy the entire company for $12.5 billion in an all-cash transaction.

CPP Investments, according to a joint statement, will pay $1.75 billion in equity and another $1 billion in debt for the deal.

US-based Silver Lake, which already owns a 4% stake in the company, along with CPP Investments will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares in Qualtrics, including the entirety of ERP software provider SAPs majority stake, the companies said.

Qualtrics will become an independent, privately held company, Qualtrics said, adding that it will continue to remain headquartered in Provo, Utah, and Seattle, Washington, with CEO Zig Serafin at the helm.

SAP acquired a majority stake in Qualtrics in 2018 for $8 billion with the idea of marrying customer experience management with ERP software systems. By doing this amalgamation of real-time customer experience data with operational data, enterprises would be able to make adjustments to business strategies to perform better against their competition in their respective segments and domain.

In January, SAP said it is also exploring selling its majority stake in Qualtrics to refocus on its core business.
Yang Geum-deok, a surviving victim of wartime forced labor by Japan, speaks during a meeting of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



President to travel to Tokyo on Thursday



By Nam Hyun-woo



Public backlash on Korea's resolution to compensate victims of wartime forced labor by Japan is weighing heavily on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is scheduled to sit down with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida later this week to discuss ways to improve bilateral ties.



Some victims expressed their rejection of the government's plan, under which Korean victims of Japan's forced labor during World War II will be compensated through a fund run by a public foundation without the direct involvement of the responsible Japanese firms.



In addition, Yoon's job approval ratings are also faltering amid criticisms that Seoul has taken a submissive stance at a time when Tokyo is showing a lukewarm stance to issuing a sincere apology.



On Thursday, Yoon will make a two-day visit to Tokyo and hold a third face-to-face summit with Kishida.



According to the legal representatives of the victims, Monday, Yang Geum-deok and Kim Sung-joo, two survivors who were forced to work at a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries factory from 1944-45, sent official documents to Japan stating that they will not accept the compensation made by the Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilization by Imperial Japan.



"The bonds, which the clients (Yang and Kim) hold against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are based on the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling, and they are exercised as the right to claim compensation against Japanese companies' anti-humanitarian illegalities, which were related to the Japanese government's illegal colonial rule," the representatives said in a statement.



"Therefore, the bonds are not a type of claim that can be extinguished by a third party's payment against the creditor's intention."



Along with Yang and Kim, Lee Choon-sik, the only surviving victim who filed compensation against Nippon Steel for his forced labor in 1943, also sent a similar document to the foundation, refusing third-party compensation.





Legal representatives of victims of Japan's wartime forced labor show documents in which they will reject the government's agreement of compensating them through a public fund, after submitting the documents to the fund's foundation in Seoul's Jongno District. Joint Press Corps
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This photo shows military choppers parked at Camp Humphreys, a major U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul, March 12. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States kicked off a regular combined military exercise Monday amid heightened tensions caused by North Korea's missile tests and hardening rhetoric against the allies.







The computer simulation-based Freedom Shield (FS) exercise began its 11-day run under "realistic" scenarios reflective of the North's evolving nuclear and missile threats, Seoul officials said. It is to proceed with the concurrent field training exercise, called the Warrior Shield.







The springtime exercise got under way at midnight after the recalcitrant regime fired what it claimed to be two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine on Sunday and conducted a "fire assault drill" three days earlier.







The FS is to continue without a weekend break, marking the allies' lengthiest command post exercise. It is known to involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilization campaign in the North.







"The combined exercise is a defensive one based on a combined operational plan designed to defend the ROK from potential North Korean aggression," the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. ROK stands for the South's official name, the Republic of Korea.






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In 1982, about twenty Black journalists quit their jobs at American news networks, banded together under the name Jacaranda Nigeria Limited, and flew to Nigeria, where they worked under the countrys newly elected president to revamp a state-funded journalism network. On todays episode of The Kicker, Feven Merid, a Columbia Journalism Review staff writer, tells their story.

She explains the many unforeseen challenges Jacarandas journalists facedthe Nigerian governments interference in their reporting, the Nigerians confusion over their racial identities, the lack of proper training and resourcesand, ultimately, how the problems they went to Nigeria to escape never really disappeared.

No matter where you go as a Black journalist, youre going to have pretty enormous challenges, Merid says in the episode. Whether you go to Nigeria and try to report newsor youre in America and youre dealing with all of the issues and racism that exist in the press today here, there is no escape.

MORE READING

Jacaranda Nigeria Limited, Feven Merid, Columbia Journalism Review

Q&A: Feven Merid on the Black American journalists who went to Nigeria in the eighties, Betsy Morais, Columbia Journalism Review

Beyond Atonement, various authors, Columbia Journalism Review

Emily Russell is a CJR fellow.
Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions hold a moment of silence in front of the National Assembly in Seoul in this Dec. 29, 2022, photo. Korea Times file



By Ko Dong-hwan



Rallies taking up all lanes of roads will be banned in Seoul, the city's police agency said Monday.



The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said rallies in the city from now on will be permitted only if they leave open a minimum number of lanes for the passage of emergency vehicles and public buses. The police agency said it will "secure the lanes by all means."



Street rallies often take up entire roads, occupying all lanes, in both directions, forcing the police to block traffic access.



Rally organizers must submit to the police their rally schedule. The downtown area around Gwanghwamun Square and City Hall, as well as the areas near the National Assembly and the Supreme Court often see large-scale street rallies especially during weekends, prompting police to keep the rally routes clear of traffic and causing traffic jams in adjacent roads.





Hundreds of thousands of protesters pack Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul calling for the impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, in this December 2016 photo. Korea Times file
Former sex slave Lee Yong-soo, right, and Yang Geum-deok, a victim of Japan's wartime forced labor, attend a rally against the government's move to improve relations with Japan in Seoul, March 1. AP-Yonhap



Despite S. Korea's proclivity for Quad, Beijing needs Seoul's help to advance semiconductor self-sufficiency



By Kim Yoo-chul



South Korea's foreign policy under President Yoon Suk Yeol has moved away from the country's previous stance of "strategic ambiguity" under the former Moon Jae-in administration and toward strengthening relations with the United States.



The latest example representing the Yoon administration's commitment to U.S.-led policy initiatives is South Korea's decision to compensate laborers forced to work at Japanese factories during World War II. The proposal is facing heavy criticism from some victims and South Korea's main opposition party as just a few wartime Japanese companies are expected to marginally contribute to a fund created by South Korean firms that benefited from a 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo.



The proposal to create the civilian fund reflects South Korea's push to repair frayed bilateral ties with Japan, which have deteriorated over the past few years due to historical issues. But it also reflects South Korea's acceptance of "indirect requests" by the U.S. to restore the bilateral relations with Japan.



The U.S. wants South Korea and Japan to overcome their differences in order to pursue mutual interests and jointly tackle North Korea's nuclear provocations and China's increasing global influence, according to experts at leading think tanks in Washington, D.C.



Ellen Kim, deputy director of the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Joshua Fitt, an associate fellow for the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, told The Korea Times that a future in which South Korea-Japan ties flourish does matter a lot in deterring any unilateral attempt to revise the status-quo, because Seoul and Tokyo are economically powerful and successful democracies that have stakes in preserving the rules-based liberal international order.



Now, as the White House is working to counter North Korea and China with South Korea's involvement in the multilateral security consultative body known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the South's leader plans to seek opportunities for various informal partnerships and consultations on "specific Quad initiatives" during his planned summits with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden, according to Washington officials.





In this photo provided by South Korea's defense ministry, a U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber, top, flies in formation with Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K fighters over South Korea during a joint air drill, March 3. AP-Yonhap



"It seems like the incumbent Yoon administration is hoping to join multilateral consultative security discussion groups based on the Quad Plus to better manage North Korean nuclear threats. If South Korea were to join the group, it will mark a total shift in the country's foreign policy, because that signifies the country's departure from an engagement-centric North Korea policy earlier sought by the former Moon administration," an aide to the ex-president, who handled inter-Korean affairs, said in a telephone interview.



Regarding South Korea's pursuit of formalizing its membership in the Quad Plus, political analysts in Seoul said any decision by the South to join the framework could negatively impact ties with China.



"China is South Korea's largest trading partner. Beijing wants Seoul to contribute more to its projects in advancing tech self-sufficiency. Regarding an issue about South Korea formally joining Quad Plus, I would say there are many things to consider and also many things to overcome," Park Jeong-ho, a professor at Myongji University, said.



'Anti-China alliance'



Because Beijing views the Quad and Quad Plus an anti-China alliance backing the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy, South Korea needs to highlight its role in some of the Quad's working groups, according to security experts.



"Any efforts by the U.S. to deepen military cooperation with South Korea, Japan, and other regional countries to address North Korea issues will likely make China uncomfortable since China could perceive such cooperation as being targeted at itself, as we saw from the THAAD case," Kim, the CSIS deputy director, said.





U.S. President Joe Biden, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, Nov. 14, 2022. AFP-Yonhap
These images of stones placed around the grave of Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Jae-myung's parents are captured from his Facebook account, March 12. Yonhap



Police have opened an investigation into damage inflicted on the grave of main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung's parents, officials said Monday.



The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police launched the probe a day after Lee's main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said the grave of Lee's parents in Bonghwa, 172 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was damaged in a suspected act of terrorism.



According to the party and photos released by Lee, four small holes were dug around the grave mound, and a stone was placed inside two of the four holes. On each of the two stones found, three Chinese characters were written in black, including those meaning birth, light and energy.



Lee wrote on his Facebook account on Sunday he has heard that it was a sort of a shamanistic cursing ceremony where unholy objects are buried at a grave to wish for "the extinction of their descendants and ruining of the family."



"I am very sorry to my parents who suffered insults in the afterlife due to me," Lee said, adding the stones will be removed within several days following a "simple ceremony" according to advice from his seniors.



The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police said a special investigation team comprising 30 personnel has been organized to look into the case.



The team will conduct on-site inspections, analyze CCTV footage, collect witness testimonies to determine the circumstances of the case and establish factual evidence, officials said. (Yonhap)


Colorado College has hired Khaleel Gathers as its new vice president and chief information officer starting May 16. Gathers is presently associate vice president and chief information officer for information technology services at SUNY Buffalo State University.

Gathers will bring more than 30 years in the technology sector and 25 years of higher education experience to Colorado Colleges ITS department. He is known for working across the campus to identify technology opportunities, efficiencies, and enhancements, and for his leadership in guiding strategic vision.

Khaleel is a skilled ITS professional, team player, and visionary leader, and he brings wisdom, passion, and a commitment to excellence, says Search Chair and Vice President for Enrollment Mark Hatch. He impressed the committee with his experience, his insights, and his passion for the work that we do to support faculty, staff, and students alike.

The VP/CIO will join Colorado College at a pivotal moment in the institutions history as we approach the 150th academic year of the College. Reporting directly to President L. Song Richardson, Gathers will serve as a strategic partner on the presidents cabinet and position the colleges technology infrastructure and operations for a digitally focused future. Gathers also shared his enthusiasm about joining Colorado College.

I am honored and excited to join the Colorado College community and work with the talented team of IT professionals to advance the colleges efforts in digital transformation, says Gathers. I look forward to collaborating with the colleges leadership team, faculty, and staff to provide innovative technology solutions that support student success and the colleges academic mission.

Gathers says he wants to develop an enterprise architecture for a digitally focused, student-centered, multi-modal smart campus for CC. He earned his B.S. in management information systems and his M.S. in higher education administration from SUNY Buffalo State.

The search for CCs new chief information officer spanned nearly two years, when Vice President and CIO Brian Young passed away in 2021. Katharina Groves and Tulio Wolford provided valuable contributions to the cabinet and steady guidance to the ITS team in the interim.
Today is March 13, 2023 and here is what you need to know:

Colorado Republicans on Saturday elected Dave Williams, a former state lawmaker from Colorado Springs who insists that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election, to lead the state party for the next two years.

"We need a wartime leader who will boldy articulate our conservative, America-first agenda while going toe-to-toe with the radical Democrats every chance we get," Williams said in a combative speech before the first round of voting at a party meeting in Loveland.

Williams takes control of a Republican Party riddled with infighting and reeling from a string of losses in a state whose voters elected Democrats to every statewide office in last year's midterm election.

Blaming the party's recent poor performances on "feckless leaders who are ashamed of you and ashamed of our principles," Williams quoted Ronald Reagan's call for "bold colors, not pastels" and vowed to build a clear contrast with the opposition.

He's no stranger to confrontational politics.

Williams lost a bid last summer to unseat U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in the GOP primary after trying to include "Let's Go Brandon," a phrase deriding President Joe Biden, along with his name on the ballot.

When Colorado's chief justice appeared before the legislature in early January, he boasted about the progress in diversifying the state's bench, thanks to a variety of initiatives meant to bring more women and lawyers of color into judgeships.

However, when judges are looking back at the lawyers arguing before them, they are not necessarily seeing the same thing.

Colorado Politics analyzed the race and gender of all lawyers who participated in oral arguments during 2022 in the state's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. A total of 85 attorneys argued before the Supreme Court, while 657 argued to the Court of Appeals.

In each venue, white and male attorneys dominated. Ninety-four percent of those who argued before the Supreme Court appeared to be white and 67% were men. For the Court of Appeals, white attorneys were 91% and men were 65% of those making arguments.

"It means that the legal profession is behind in taking the steps needed to promote our profession to resemble society," said Jeffrey M. Kane, who argued a civil case before the Court of Appeals last year. "The fact that reporters and the public and our profession are having to ask that question in 2023 tells us that our profession and legal system have a problem that should be addressed with much more urgency than I believe it has been."

Not all lawyers who spoke to Colorado Politics share that level of concern. Some do not believe the race and gender of those arguing before an appellate court make a difference to the outcome. Others suggested the focus is better placed elsewhere, such as the demographics of the judges hearing an appeal.

"Conventional wisdom is that oral argument plays only a very small part (and usually no part at all) in the outcome of a case," said Amy K. Hunt, who argued before the Court of Appeals last October.

In the first year of the pandemic, Colorados 100 hospitals accepted a total of $1.2 billion in direct relief under the CARES Act. Hundreds of millions more were given in grants to offset the cost of retaining staff and in advance payments for Medicare patients which were to be paid back.

But now, looking back, significant questions have emerged whether the large, wealthy Colorado hospitals truly needed the money.

And despite alarm bells at the time from the Colorado Hospital Association, predicting upwards of $7 billion in losses by 2021 and possible forced closures, reviews of financial records and state policy reports by The Denver Gazette show that during the pandemic the rich hospitals simply got richer, especially as time went on and revenues bounced back.

In part it goes back to how the CARES money was initially doled out. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services based allocations on previous Medicare payments and hospital revenue. It was a calculation, borne out of urgency and uncertainty, that was supposed to be a predictor of hardship.

But, in fact, the math rewarded wealthier hospitals while the states struggling smaller, rural and community hospitals got much less and arguably needed it more.

After two days of debate and filibuster, the Democrats who control the majority in both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly approved a package of proposals they say will help curb gun violence in the state.

The House on Saturday signed off on House Bill 1219, which establishes a three-day waiting period after purchasing a firearm but before delivery of that weapon.

House Republicans staged a filibuster on the bill for 14 hours, beginning early Thursday afternoon and continuing into early Friday morning. The most significant change to the bill came from a Republican-sponsored amendment to remove its safety clause, which would have allowed the measure to become law with the governor's signature. Instead, HB 1219 now has a petition clause, which would allow citizens to petition for a ballot measure for voters to decide on the law as soon as the 2024 general election.

That mechanism has only been used twice since 1932  on a bill that year on oleomargarine, and in 2020, when two Republicans now in the state House launched a campaign to overturn Colorado's participation in the national popular vote. That campaign made it to the 2020 ballot but voters approved the legislature's decision.

Lawmakers avoided a filibuster on Saturday, as third reading votes  that's when the full chamber votes on a measure  limit the amount of time someone can speak to 10 minutes each. But most of the Republicans used the maximum time allotted to make one final push for votes against the measure, leading to a debate of more than three hours.

The Denver City Council will likely approve spending $1.6 million to settle claims involving the Denver Police Department at its meeting Monday.

The six resolutions for settlements are a quarter of the resolutions on the council agenda ahead of Monday's weekly 3:30 p.m. meeting.

There are seven bills being introduced from various committees and one in final consideration. There will be two public hearings.
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Newly elected People Power Party Chairman Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, left, shakes hands with Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, who also ran for the position of chairman, during their meeting at a cafeteria near the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. The two lawmakers promised to cooperate in leading the ruling party to victory at next year's general election. Yonhap
Is there a turf war between Apples operations and design teams over the first-generation Apple AR glasses? Or are we now hearing about old news being rehashed as competitors spread negative gossip in fear of Apples looming AR launch?

What we think we know

We cant be certain, but this is what happened on the Apple Rumor Merry-go-round in the last 48 hours:

The Financial Times claimed Apple CEO Tim Cook might have ordered the launch of the new devices this year, despite warnings from those working on the project that the product isnt yet ready.

Bloombergs Mark Gurman later said the events described took place in 2018 when then-design lead Jony Ive pushed for AR above VR, with Apple compromising on a mixed-reality headset.

Gurman also said 11 high-ranking executives left the company in the second half of 2022. These were people in command of hardware, software, design, privacy, cloud, and other key verticals across the company. This may not relate to the above, but hints at some internal instability.

Apple has reportedly been working on AR glasses for seven years or more.

Years in development

I believe research began years before this, at least in 2008 when Research and Markets claimed Apple and Sony had begun developing wearable, head-mounted video displays. These products will offer navigation features in full see-through mode as well as video viewing with a clip-on to block the background, researchers claimed at the time.

The products are expected to be state-of-the-art with 4K OLED displays, advanced eye- and hand-tracking sensors, motion-based controls, collaboration tools, and easy-to-use development tools, including an App Store and powerful operating system.

With this in mind it is interesting that Cook took a trip to visit Sonys cutting-edge image sensor research facility in Japan in December 2022. Sony will provide Apple with state-of-the-art image sensors for this years iPhone, so its reasonable to think those sensors will power the dozen cameras that are expected in Apples V.1 mixed-reality headset.

Inventing Apple Reality? It's complicated...

We know the project is complex. Already, work towards shipping these devices seems to be demanding effort from across the company with software, hardware, and services development resources being poured into a project that Apple hopes will become another significant product line.

Weve also heard that while the ultimate aim is to produce mixed-reality glasses that are thin and light like normal spectacles, the product were about to experience wont be those. The first edition will be bulky and expensive, with cheaper models expected in 2024-25 and a lightweight model more like normal spectacles not expected until 2026.

The Financial Times report suggests that the design team wanted to wait until it was possible to ship the lighter product, but was overruled by operations, who felt the need to get a version-one product to market from which to iterate.

Is there a turf war between operations and design?

That ops now outweighs design is a change at Apple. The company's design team's word was law under previous CEO Steve Jobs.

At the same time, the operations team decision seems to make sense, because:

Competitors are already staking space in this emerging market, and Apple doesnt want to appear to have fallen behind.

The complexity of mixed reality is far more than a hardware design issue; it also requires evolution within software and experience design, along with the evolution of a third-party development environment and more.

For these reasons, it makes sense to get something out and build upon it from there.

From what we have heard, Apple is not expecting massive sales and will position its first-generation device as an expensive (up to $3,000) product for first adopters and developers.

Think on the context

It is highly probable that development of these new products has taken a hit during the COVID-19 crisis. This has stretched standard approaches to collaboration, broken supply lines, raised component prices, and exposed vast political differences between former trade partners. When planning such a complex product, these operational factors will be significant.

This complexity already means earlier expectation of a 2022 (or earlier) introduction of the products has been dashed; speculation about an early 2023 launch also proved false. At best, Apple is now expected to introduce the devices to developers at WWDC and ship them this fall.

For Apple, for Cook and for increasingly powerful Chief Operations Officer Jeff Williams, the product may be a "make or break" for their reputations and legacy. If they are correct and Apple can this year bring a visionary product to market innovative enough to spark evolution in the category, their reputations will be secured.

Expect headwinds

All the same, in the run up to and shortly after the product introduction its reasonable to expect critics of Apple and/or Cook to cast aspersions and share critical speculation concerning whats to come, even though most speculation pretty much says Apple will eventually make it possible to wear your Mac like you currently wear glasses.

Not for the first time in Cupertino, a lot now depends on what Apple brings to reality with Apple Reality.

Please follow me on Mastodon, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
Raffles Courtyard presents a refreshing array of Botanical Gin Cocktails with Tanqueray

Raffles Courtyard welcomes cocktail and gin lovers to experience its newest collaboration with Tanqueray, a London Dry Gin. For tourists and new to Singapore, Raffles Courtyard in the iconic Raffles hotel is open concept bar and F&B outlet.

Raffles Courtyard Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel website

Available between 15 March to 15 May 2023, revel in an exceptional array of six curated cocktails creatively concocted by Raffles Courtyard and Tanqueray.

As part of the collaborative menu, the unique range of handcrafted cocktails spotlights four award-winning expressions from Tanqueray, including the ultra-premium small-batch gin, Tanqueray N TEN, which highlights the use of fresh whole citrus fruits.

Unwind and discover an exquisite range of Tanqueray Gin with classic & innovative concoctions by Raffles Courtyard and Tanqueray from 15 March to 15 May 2023. Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Bartenders of Raffles Courtyard will put together three exquisitely handcrafted cocktails.

Sip the Raspberry Fizz, featuring zesty, fruity notes of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin elevated with elderflower syrup, fresh raspberry, orange juice, lime juice and soda for a tart and bubbly finish.

A summery twist on the classic Bloody Mary, Marys Breakfast showcases the classic Tanqueray Gin with a tangy blend of Pimms No.1, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, tonic water and a dash of Tabasco.

The award-winning Tanqueray N TEN is highlighted in Vinod Wallbanger, concocted with an amalgamation of Galliano Vanilla liqueur, Aperol, and lemon juice to exude a soft mouthfeel with lingering notes of citrus and vanilla.

Also exclusively available at Raffles Courtyard, enjoy three classic cocktails concocted by Tanqueray. Unwind in the lush and tranquil surroundings of Raffles Courtyard with a glass of Rangpur Negroni, presented with the exotic Tanqueray Rangpur Lime Gin, it is perfectly blended with Campari and Mancino Rosso. Relish in T-10 Martini, simply crafted with Tanqueray No.10 Gin and Dolin Dry Vermouth for a smooth, clean finish. Cap off the night with glass of Tanqueray Sevilla Spritz, made with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin, sparkling wine and soda water.

Additionally, gin aficionados may choose to indulge in a selection of Tanqueray expressions by the bottle, accompanied with premium tonics and mixers. These iterations range from Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Tanqueray N TEN Gin, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin, and Tanqueray Rangpur Lime Gin.

Guests can also enjoy a tantalising curated selection of Southeast Asian bites perfectly bundled with classic Tanqueray Gin and Tonic with the Emerald Bundle ($48++), which comprises of two glasses of Gin and Tonic along with a plate of succulent Spicy Tiger Prawns; or a Lush Bundle ($56++), which includes two glasses of Gin and Tonic and The Raffles Platter, comprising of Raffles Courtyards delectable signatures of Singapore Chilli Crab Cakes, Vegetable Spring Rolls and Spicy Tiger Prawns.

Raffles Courtyards collaboration with Tanqueray is available daily from 3:00pm to 9.00pm from 15 March to 15 May 2023.
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Professor Yunus is one of seven people in history to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the U.S. Presidential medal of Freedom, and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, a group that includes Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Elie Wiesel.

He founded Grameen Bank in 1976 and grew it to a world-renowned poverty-fighting institution of 9 million borrowers, 97 percent of them women, that has lifted millions out of poverty and been a model for other microcredit programs around the world.

In the mid-1980s Grameen Bank began offering housing loans of $200-$500 that have led to the construction of sturdy rural homes for more than 750,000 families.

Grameen Shakti, which Professor Yunus founded and chairs, has installed more than 1.8 million solar home systems and trained thousands of rural women to install and repair these systems.

The farsighted investment of Grameen Telecom, a nonprofit organization that he founded, in GrameenPhone, has allowed for the proliferation of social innovation throughout Bangladesh such as the establishment of Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing, the countrys largest private nursing college, four eye care hospitals that cater to the countrys poor, 150 primary health care clinics, and more.

He established Grameen America in 2008 to provide microcredit to low-income people in the United States, mostly in amounts under $2,500. It is about to cross the milestone of $3 billion lent, and it has a 99% repayment rate.

Click here for list of global signatories

A campaign has been launched to support Bangladesh-based economist, micro-finance guru and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, seeking signatures from citizens across the globe in order to protect his work, life and safety.Called Protect Yunus, the campaign has been initiated by 40 global leaders , including former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, former Mexican president Vicente Fox, musician Peter Gabriel, former NASA astronaut Ron Garan, former CEO, Rockefeller Foundation and International Herald Tribune Peter C Goldmark Jr, former US vice president Al Gore, Rotary International CEO John Hewko, Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Kerry Kennedy, 8th secretary general of the UN Ban Ki-moon, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.Asking people to write to elected representatives at the federal level (such as Congressperson and Senators if one lives in the US) and urging them to take action in support of Prof Yunus and human rights in Bangladesh, the campaign seeks individuals to write a letter to the editor of local newspapers support him on social media.Initiating the campaign, the 40 top global leaders from the fields of politics, diplomacy, business, the arts, and academia in their open letter to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, published as a full-page ad in the Washington Post, insist that positive steps be taken to support and recognize the great contributions Prof Yunus.The letter comes amidst running campaign against Prof Yunus supported by the Bangladesh establishment to allegedly denigrate his contributions.We write to you as friends of Bangladesh who admire the courage and ingenuity of the people of your country. We are public servants and businesspeople, civil society leaders and philanthropists. We are among the tens of millions of global citizens who have been inspired by the innovations that have been developed in Bangladesh and adopted around the world. It is out of this deep respect for your country that we write to urge you to take positive steps to support and recognize the great contributions one of your most notable citizens, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus.We have deep concerns for Professor Yunus well-being and his ability to contribute to humanitarian advancement in Bangladesh and around the world. As we are sure you are aware, Muhammad Yunus contributions to Bangladesh-especially to the very poor and the most vulnerable-as well as to the world, are recognized and honored around the globe. For example:Muhammad Yunus has not benefited financially from his involvement in Grameen Telecom or GrameenPhone. Rather, he has devoted himself to the poverty-fighting missions of the many organizations he has established and lives modestly in Dhaka. It is therefore painful to see Prof. Yunus, a man of impeccable integrity, and his lifes work unfairly attacked and repeatedly harassed and investigated by your government.We believe one of the most important roles of government is to create an environment where traditional and social entrepreneurs can flourish.We hope that Bangladesh will return to its role as a model for other developing nations of how a vibrant civil society can be nurtured to ensure sustainable progress. A good first step would be to recognize Professor Yunus achievements and allow him to focus his energy on doing more good for your country and for the world, rather than on defending himself.We, and tens of millions of people around the world, hope that you will embrace this vision.---
VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

Wow. Now thats what a protest looks like. Vietnam. BLM. Sell the Team. All protests that your childrens children will be reading about in their history textbook, from Philly, to Brookhaven, to South Jersey, and beyond. When Comcast finally sells the team, I want you to remember The Dirty Dozen. The 12 people who put their immune system on the line when they showed up on a cold and rainy day outside of an over-priced bar that has nothing to do with Comcast other than naming rights. Its a shame the ol lamestream media didnt even have the balls to show up. That is what it looks like when youre in Big Cables back pocket. Remember who was there. Remember who covered this. Fire Comcast! Sell the Team! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!
Ruins in northwest China confirmed as 3,000-year-old settlement

Xinhua) 16:19, March 13, 2023

XI'AN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Ruins discovered in northwest China's Shaanxi Province were confirmed to be a large-scale settlement from about 3,000 years ago, according to archaeologists.

The ruins of Xunyi Xitou are in the Xianyang City of Shaanxi, excavation of which started in 2018, according to the Society for Shaanxi Provincial Archaeology. They cover about 2 million square meters, one of the biggest settlements left from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

Archaeologists have found remains of earth circumvallation, trenches, and roads dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.) and believed there had been a city covering about 800,000 square meters.

They also discovered a cemetery more than 150,000 square meters in size, with nearly 1,000 tombs. In 2022, three massive tombs were uncovered, one of which, registered as M90, was from the end of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) and the beginning of Zhou. From the tomb, archaeologists unearthed the remains of 38 people buried as human sacrifices in three layers, as well as relics of seashells, stoneware, bone objects, jade articles, pieces of bronze artifacts and ceramics, etc.

Copper ore leftovers, stove relics, and pottery were found in the northeast of the city. Archaeologists believed the venue had been used during the early to mid-Western Zhou Dynasty.

Dou Haifeng, vice dean of the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University, heading the excavation project, noted that the findings could provide valuable evidence for studies in the settlement layout, the composition of residents, and social change in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. They are also significant for studying the origin and development of the Zhou civilization.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President Yoon Suk Yeol greets Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, new head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), during a dinner for the new leadership of the PPP at the presidential office in central Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of presidential office
Software firm Blackbaud has agreed to pay a $3 million penalty for failing to disclose the full scope of the ransomware attack it suffered in 2020, according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

South Carolina headquartered Blackbaud provides donor relationship management software to various nonprofit organizations, including charities, higher education institutions, K-12 schools, healthcare organizations, religious organizations, and cultural organizations.

The company detected unauthorized access to its systems on May 14, 2020, which impacted 13,000 customers. On July 16, 2020, Blackbaud announced that the ransomware attacker did not access donor bank account information or social security numbers.

However, in its order last week, SEC found that Blackbaud personnel were aware that the attacker also accessed bank account information and social security numbers but that the company failed to inform the same to authorities and customers.

Without admitting or denying the SEC findings, Blackbaud agreed to cease and desist from committing violations of these provisions and to pay a $3 million civil penalty, the SEC said in a press statement.

As the order finds, Blackbaud failed to disclose the full impact of a ransomware attack despite its personnel learning that its earlier public statements about the attack were erroneous, David Hirsch, chief of the SEC enforcement divisions crypto assets and cyber unit, said in a statement. Public companies have an obligation to provide their investors with accurate and timely material information; Blackbaud failed to do so.

Ransomware attack began in February 2020

Blackbaud detected the ransomware attack in May 2020, but the attack had begun in February of the same year. The company personnel found messages from the attacker in the companys system claiming to have exfiltrated data relating to Blackbauds customers, and subsequently demanding payment.

Blackbaud along with a third-party cybersecurity firm investigated the incident. The company also engaged in communications with the attacker to coordinate the payment of a ransom in exchange for the attackers promise to delete the exfiltrated data.

By July 16, 2020, the company analyzed the exfiltrated file names to identify which products and customers were impacted. However, the company did not analyze the content of any of the exfiltrated files, the SEC order said.

Blackbaud found that the attacker had exfiltrated at least a million files and based on the file name review, the company identified over 13,000 impacted customers and multiple impacted products, including various versions of the companys donor relationship software.

The company announced the incident for the first time on its website on July 16, 2020, and sent notices to impacted customers claiming the cybercriminals did not access bank account information or social security numbers. However, by the end of the same month, company personnel learned that the attacker had, in fact, accessed donor bank account information and social security numbers in an unencrypted form for a number of the impacted customers, the SEC order said.

Although the companys personnel were aware of the unauthorized access and exfiltration of donor bank account numbers and social security numbers by the end of July 2020, the personnel with this information about the broader scope of the impacted data did not communicate this to Blackbauds senior management responsible for disclosures, and the company did not have policies or procedures in place designed to ensure they do so, the SEC order said.

Blackbaud's series of nondisclosures

Blackbaud has been accused of a series of nondisclosures by the SEC. In a regulatory filing in August 2020, Blackbaud said, the cybercriminal removed a copy of a subset of data.

In the same regulatory filing, the company made no reference to the attacker removing any sensitive donor data, and made no mention of the exfiltration of donor social security numbers and bank account numbers, the SEC order said.

This statement omitted the material fact that a number of customers had unencrypted bank account and social security numbers exfiltrated, in contrast to the companys unequivocal, and ultimately erroneous claims in the July 16, 2020, website post and customer notices, the SEC order noted.

A compromise of our data security that results in customer or donor personal or payment card data being obtained by unauthorized persons could adversely affect our reputation with our customers and others, as well as our operations, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and could result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties, Blackbaud said in a section of the August 2020 filing that talked about cybersecurity risks.

This statement also omitted the material fact that such data was in fact exfiltrated by the attacker, which entailed that the risks of such an attack on the companys business were no longer hypothetical.

It was only on September 29, 2020 that Blackbaud furnished another statement to the regulator concerning the incident and acknowledged for the first time that the cybercriminal may have accessed some unencrypted fields intended for bank account information, social security numbers, usernames, and/or passwords.

The company also sent notices to customers that Blackbaud believed had such sensitive donor information accessed and exfiltrated.

The SEC investigation also found that the company did not have controls or procedures designed to ensure that information relevant to cybersecurity incidents and risks were communicated to the companys senior management and other disclosure personnel.
Phishing attempts are typically like fishing in a barrel  given enough time, a bad actor is 100% likely to reel in a victim. Once they recognize organizations as habitually vulnerable, they will continue to target them and the barrel-fishing cycle goes on and on.

Bad actors are highly motivated and funded with the sole attempt to be successful at attracting only one victim, says Johanna Baum, CEO and founder of Strategic Security Solutions Consulting. [However], as an organization, you are tasked with protecting all potential victims.

Overlooking or misjudging IT security hygiene greatly increases the susceptibility to an attack. But even if you are following a pristine protocol, have offered training to employees, repeatedly remind staff to verify suspicious communications, and keep up on the latest nefarious campaigns to fool the unwary, your organization is, and always will be, vulnerable.

Here are six reasons why your anti-phishing strategy isn't working.

Phishing attacks are becoming more believable and sophisticated

Cybercriminals are continuously developing new tactics to trick people into giving up sensitive information, and as a result, phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, says Krissy Safi, a managing director and global practice leader for attack and penetration testing at Protiviti.

Many anti-phishing solutions use static rules to detect phishing attacks, which can be easily bypassed by attackers using more advanced techniques, Safi says. Also with the introduction of ChatGPT, there will be a proliferation of phishing emails that have perfect grammar and no broken English, thus making it even more difficult to identify a phishing email sent by a cybercriminal.

With ChatGPT and open-source versions available to the perpetrators, a company's stolen communications become a panacea for scammers  AI can learn in real time what works and what doesn't, increasing the chances that one attack will find a willing target.

Even without employing chatbots, attackers are getting more proficient  take the 2022 breach of cloud communications company Twilio, for example. In that case, attackers were able to match employee names and phone numbers using publicly available databases. The social engineering attack succeeded in fooling some employees into providing their credentials, Twilio said in an incident report. The attackers then used the stolen credentials to gain access to some of our internal systems, where they were able to access certain customer data.

Putting all your eggs in the technology basket

Many organizations are trying to solve the phishing problem solely with technology. These companies are buying all the latest tools to detect suspicious emails and giving employees a way to report then block those suspicious emails, says Eric Liebowitz, chief information security officer, Americas at Thales Group, a Paris-based company that develops devices, equipment, and technology for the aerospace, space, transportation, defense, and security industries.

While doing that is great, in the end the bad actors are always going to be more sophisticated, he says.

One of the big things that I don't think enough organizations are focusing on is training their employees, Liebowitz says. They could have all the greatest tools in place, but if they're not training their employees, that's when the bad thing is going to happen.

While some organizations have deployed the right tools and have workflows and processes in place to combat phishing campaigns, they haven't adequately and proactively configured those tools, says Justin Haney, executive, North America security lead at Avanade.

For example, tools may flag and detect a malicious e-mail, but it's not automatically blocked, he says. With SIEM [security information and event management] and SOAR [security orchestration, automation, and response] technologies, organizations should deploy specific playbooks in response to identified potential phishing campaigns as opposed to more manual work by analysts.

Not taking a holistic, defense-in-depth strategy

Some organizations with failed anti-phishing strategies do not take a holistic and defense-in-depth strategy, Haney says.

They may focus on particular technologies  email anti-phishing, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, endpoint/mobile security  and not look at others that mitigate risks along with the cyber kill chain, for example, detecting compromised identities, he says.

The problem with not implementing a holistic, defense-in-depth strategy and relying solely on an anti-phishing program is that it only takes one successful attack to bring down the entire system, says Lexmark CISO Bryan Willett. Trusting an email-based defense approach or relying heavily on the training of users is inherently flawed, as people are prone to making mistakes and it only takes one for an attacker to succeed.

The best way to defend against phishing attacks is through a layered defense approach, says Willett. This includes having a good endpoint detection and response (EDR) system on every workstation, a strong vulnerability management program, enabling multi-factor authentication for every user and admin account as well as implementing segmentation across the LAN/WAN to limit the spread of an infected system.

By taking these precautions and implementing multiple layers of defense, an organization can best protect against a phishing attack, Willett adds. We must assume that the attacker will succeed at some point. Therefore, we need to defend with that assumption in mind by using a comprehensive and layered defense approach.

Failing to train employees to recognize phishing attempts

While training employees to not click on links or open attachments in emails from unknown senders is critical, employers must also educate workers on how to recognize fraudulent emails, says Jim Russell, chief information officer at Manhattanville College in Harrison, New York.

One of the things we talk about in our training is authentic voice, which is one of the most important elements in recognizing a fraudulent email, says Russell, who also functions as the institution's CISO. However, the folks that communicate kind of personally and quickly in an email are one of our security gaps. But luckily, as an academic community, most of our folks are writing in complete sentences. And they may have a standard salutation. For example, Hi Lauren, how are you? is a typical kind of introduction. So, if those things are missing, there's a lack of authenticity. Manhattanville College employees have also been trained to forward any suspicious emails to members of Russells team, which will determine their authenticity.

Dell Technologies CISO Kevin Cross agrees that a successful anti-phishing strategy needs to start by raising employee awareness about how to identify a phishing email and understand how to report it. This approach is a shift from the common dont click strategy used by many companies. Achieving a zero-click rate is an impractical and unrealistic goal, Cross says. Instead, teaching employees how to report suspicious emails allows security teams to quickly assess the potential threat and mitigate the effects of others targeted with a similar attack. And organizations can embed tools in their email platforms to make it easier for workers to report suspicious emails, Cross says.

However, this type of training doesn't go far enough, says Jacob Ansari, national PCI practice leader in the cybersecurity practice of Mazars, a global audit, tax, and advisory firm. Most anti-phishing strategies are limited in their effectiveness because they target the tip of the proverbial iceberg: user behavior, he says. Training users to spot phishing attacks is effective only so long as phishing schemes are distinguishable from legitimate business activities, he says. But any anti-phishing efforts are quickly undone when employees are expected to engage in the kinds of activities that bear similarities to phishing schemes.

For example, a company that requires users to click on a link sent from a third-party sender to complete a background check or enroll in benefits by entering personal information in a web form hosted elsewhere as a regular business practice diminishes the value of anti-phishing training, he says.

In addition to training users, Ansari says that organizations need to engage with business leaders to re-engineer business processes so they no longer appear similar to phishing schemes by minimizing the use of click-through links in emails and requiring third-party interactions with employees to follow company standards for secure communications.

[Companies] also need to ensure that all parts of the business, such as human resources, marketing, and finance, engage with third parties and company-wide communications in a responsible manner that avoids the conditions that allow phishing schemes to thrive, he says.

Lack of enforcement/lack of incentives

Even if a company has a strong training program and policy in place, it may not be effective if there are no consequences for employees who violate the policy, Safi says. For example, if an employee falls for a phishing email and fails to report it, there should be consequences to encourage better behavior in the future.

At Manhattanville College, employees who fall for phishing emails must complete a certain number of online training sessions over 10 days, Russell says. If they just click on a link, they only get one training session; however, if they actually give their credentials, they have to complete three.

I also review the list of people who fell for a phishing attempt and identify the folks who have enhanced privileges, such as a vice president, Russell adds. And they get about five minutes in the penalty box with me. I tell them there's no Geneva Convention to protect them. I also track repeat offenders and those who failed to do the training and they also get five minutes in the penalty box with me and we have one of those awkward conversations.

Too much reliance on simulated phishing tests

Another Achilles heel of current anti-phishing strategies is that some companies aim to train users to be 100% infallible, says Sushila Nair, head of cybersecurity services at Capgemini. Theres a widely held premise that end users are to blame when falling for phishing attacks, she says. However, organizations must ask themselves, Are we truly looking and measuring ourselves against a value that says we must aim for 100% of our users not falling for a simulated phishing test?

If the test is sophisticated, then more will fail. And if the test is fairly easy, then everyone will pass with flying colors, she adds. The lure of presenting improved user-infallibility metrics at board meetings can be tempting for some CISOs; however, leaders must accept that a small percentage of users will click on links no matter how much their companies train them  and in stressful times, that number will increase.

Even worse, many organizations run simulated phishing tests that normalize clicking on links, Nair says. You click on a link, and it may take you to a portal that says Well, darn it you are fooled, Nair says. But forcing users to do training as part of the simulation has the reverse effect  they are more likely to click on links. Being thrown into training because they clicked on a link during a busy, stressful day teaches most users to hate training sessions and to get through them  without paying attention  as quickly as possible, adds Nair.

Not only does it have that effect but it impacts the way the user might react to phishing emails, she says. They wont click on an odd email because they think its a test, but they also wont report it either.

The bottom line is that anti-phishing programs often fail because people are fallible. People make mistakes despite training and their best efforts, says Elizabeth Shirley, an attorney and co-chair of the cybersecurity and data privacy team at Burr & Forman LLP. People also are emotional and often have a gut reaction to phishing emails that create a sense of urgency or necessity, she says. These circumstances will not change. And phishing emails will continue, at least for the foreseeable future.
STORY LINK Pound Australian Dollar Exchange Rate News: GBP/AUD Fluctuated as SVB Collapse Prompts Risk-On Mood

Australian Dollar (AUD) Supported by Risk-On Sentiment

Pound (GBP) Undermined by Caution Ahead of Budget

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Loosening Labour Market to Sour Sterling?

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The Australian Dollar (AUD) enjoyed modest gains on Monday after news of Silicon Valley Bank collapsing last week prompted fears over the Federal Reserves aggressive monetary tightening policy.With SVB folding sending alarm bells ringing across the markets, investors are now repricing expectations for the Fed to cool their aggressive rate hikes. The central bank took measures to prevent a mass sell-off of funds, buoying global market sentiment. Concerns that if the Fed continued their path, similar repercussions could be felt. Richard Flax, Chief Investment Officer at Moneyfarm, commented:With the market turmoil following the collapse of SVB, there are now heightened expectations that the Federal Reserve will be less aggressive with its monetary policy.In light of the potential stress on the banking system, the market is now pricing a greater likelihood of only a 25bps hike at the next meeting (from an almost guaranteed 50 bps pre-SVB collapse). The markets expectation for the peak Fed Funds rate has also fallen sharply from where we were a week ago.Meanwhile, the Pound (GBP) traded without a clear direction amid a lack of economic data. With Chancellor Jeremy Hunt set to outline the governments tax and spending plans on Wednesday, GBP investors have turned cautious.The Spring Budget is scheduled for Wednesday and plans for the governments economic policies for this year will be in the spotlight. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will also be publishing their latest figures on the UKs growth forecast over the next five years. A myriad of mixed data and downbeat economic outlooks, GBP investors, and the UK itself, will be hoping for some solid growth plans.However, lending some modest support, and preventing a further slide, is HSBCs bailout of the UK arm of SVB. The government and HSBC eked out a deal in time to buy SVB UK, preventing a potential tech company fallout. Concerns had grown that hundreds of tech companies in the UK could fold in the fallout of SVB going under. But a last-minute takeover avoided that, Hunt commented on Twitter:This morning, the government and the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC. Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support. I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver that promise.Looking ahead, the Pound Australian Dollar exchange rate could see further daylight between the Pound and the Aussie when employment data is released on Tuesday. With an expected climb in unemployment to 3.8% and wage growth only increasing moderately, a cooling labour market could weigh on GBP investors.Meanwhile, consumer and business confidence could weigh on the Australian Dollar. However, despite an expected improvement in optimism from consumers, a slip in the business index could offset the optimism.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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Yoon Hyun-jeong from Youth 4 Climate Action speaks during the press conference, Monday, at Attic 99 in Jongno District, Seoul. Courtesy of Climate Media Hub



Three years into legal dispute, Youth 4 Climate Action recaps story so far



By Ko Dong-hwan



Three years after filing a complaint suit at the country's Constitutional Court against the Korean central government for their "inadequate" climate policies, Youth 4 Climate Action and their lawyers once again got together, Monday, to mark the ongoing initiative and recap key events.



Three youth activists from the group and as many lawyers representing them held a press conference in central Seoul, in which they stated that the government and the National Assembly haven't changed in how they are dealing with the climate crisis, which is an urgent matter.



"Their (the government) unchanging claim has been that they recognize the problem but solving it is unrealistic," the group said. "For those who don't share the value of time, the past three years may have meant nothing. But for us, that period meant hope and the reason for being patient, which prompted us to continue with this campaign."



Nineteen teenagers from across the country leveled accusations against the government and lawmakers on March 13, 2020. They claimed that the tardiness behind the authorities' overall response to the climate crisis was a violation of their "basic rights of living" by not preventing the threats that climate change poses to them. The legal proceedings, the first such action raised in East Asia back then, followed the moves of teens in Europe where climate conditions were becoming more extreme than in Korea.



Lucy Maxwell, co-director of Climate Litigation Network who sent her statement to the Monday conference, called the Korean case part of the growing movement of global communities turning to the courts to demand climate action from their respective governments so as to protect their rights based on the sound scientific findings currently available.



"The highest courts in the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Columbia, Nepal and Germany have all found in the last five years that climate action is a legal duty," Maxwell said. "We can see a growing consensus that states have human rights obligations to protect people from the harms posed by climate change because this is the greatest human rights crisis we've ever seen."





Members of Youth 4 Climate Action and their lawyers, following a press conference, rallied in front of Korea's Constitutional Court in Seoul. The poster reads "Three years into climate litigation at the Constitutional Court, it shouldn't be delayed any longer. Now is not the time for crisis but for judgment." Courtesy of Climate Media Hub
Kristine Mushkevych, a Ukrainian tradition-keeper residing in Beaverton, led a Pysanka  Ukrainian Easter egg painting  event in the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Sunday, March 5. Attendees learned about the history and symbolism of Pysanky and had the opportunity to view the process through Mushkevychs demonstration.

Mushkevych used a kistka, a wax pen, to draw on the egg. Between each wax application she dipped the egg in a bowl with colored dye. She repeated the step several times with different colors. Mushkevych then used a small white candle to melt the wax off and reveal the design. At that moment several attendees whispered words of amazement, one saying oh my God, this is magic. The room filled with applause as Mushkevych smiled.

Pysanka is a traditional form of egg painting that is specific to Ukrainian culture. Its symbolism and meaning varies from egg painting seen in other cultures. Mushkevych said many decorated eggs used in South Africa were used for utilitarian purposes, such as storing water. However, Pysanky are viewed by some as a gift of life.

During the Soviet era, when Ukraine was part of the USSR, Russia banned practices relating to Ukrainian culture. Mushkevych said that during that 70-year period only one book was written about Pysanky in Ukraine and all of its exhibitions closed off.

It wasnt until 1991, when Ukraine gained its independence, that the practice of Pysanky was revived. According to Mushkevych, with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, those living in Russian-occupied territories face restrictions on their culture similar to those seen during the Soviet Times.

This art was almost wiped out, Mushkevych said about Pusanky practice during the Soviet times. People were not allowed to practice art and that's what Russia is still trying to do.

Iryna Stavynska, a student pursuing a masters degree in folklore at the University of Oregon and one of the event organizers, was born in Ukraine in 1994. While she always lived in Ukraine as an independent country, she experienced internal colonization. According to Internal Colonization by Alexander Etkind, a historian and cultural scientist, this concept refers to culture-specific domination within a nations borders. Stavysnka said Russian propaganda presented Russian culture as superior and Ukrainian culture as inferior.

Putin and Russia want to destroy our lives. They want to rob us of everything that's dear to us on every possible level, Stavynska said.

Before the war, Stavynska didnt consistently speak Ukrainian, due to the Internal Colonization she experienced. However, today she takes great pride in her culture. Even when visiting Ukraine in September, she said shes seen a resurgence in others celebrating their traditions and heritage.

Our culture is finally a symbol of persistence and strength and freedom, as opposed to the image that was imposed on us by Russia, Stavynska said.

Currently residing in Oregon, Stavynska felt hopeless not knowing how to aid Ukrainian efforts. After being inspired by other initiatives, she collaborated with the Oregon Folklife Network to bring the Pysanky event to life. The Oregon Folklife Network is the states designated folk and tradition program.

The event ended with a call to action. Mushkevych urged attendees to come to Ukrainian events, write to their representatives and support the Ukrainian Foundation, which aids Ukrainian refugees and sends food and medical supplies to Ukraine.

I feel like it's one of the boldest things that we can do as Ukrainians right now is to continue [to] practice our art and our culture, Stavynska said.

Through the event Stavynska and Muchkevych hoped to educate the community about Pusynky, Ukrainian culture and the current war efforts. Stavynska said participating in art such as Pysanky is a way to support Ukraine.

By doing this art, you support Ukraine, Stavynska said. And by coming to events like this, you support the effort of decolonization.

As part of Stavynskas work, three other Ukrainian artists will be presenting their work on University of Oregons Campus. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History will host a Ukrainian weaving event on April 8, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will host events on the art of Petrykyivka on April 15 and art and Ukrainian resistance on April 23.
As is now customary, the Government has floated in advance one of the goodies in the Chancellor of the Exchequers forthcoming Budget  in this case, the first one to be presented by Jeremy Hunt.

We are told that this week he will deliver a childcare boost, increasing by 50 per cent the amounts that parents on universal credit can claim back on childcare.

This is less generous than it seems, in that the maximum level has been frozen for the past 17 years, while childcare costs have soared. Mr Hunts main reason, it seems, is to try to encourage more mothers to enter the workplace.

Sadly for him, this wont do it.

Why not? Because a family already on universal credits can only keep, at best, 31 per cent of new income. They have, in effect, a 69 per cent marginal tax rate  and sometimes higher. This is not much of an incentive to enter the workplace.

As is now customary, the Government has floated in advance one of the goodies in the Chancellor of the Exchequers forthcoming Budget  in this case, the first one to be presented by Jeremy Hunt (pictured)

The root of the problem is the nature of our income tax system, which ignores the family and has to be backed by the (means-tested) benefits set-up.

Stable

And it is shameful that our system, unlike those of Germany, France or, indeed, the United States, discriminates against families with children; and, in particular, those where there is a single earner, with one parent staying at home to look after those children.

That has been true for many years, and, because they have been in government for longer periods than Labour, mostly so under the Conservatives. It is a betrayal of the Tories perennial claim to be the party of the family.

As Prime Minister, David Cameron declared that he would adopt a family test: Put simply, that means that every single domestic policy that Government comes up with will be examined for its impact on the family . . . nothing matters more than the family. Its at the centre of my life and the heart of my politics.

A very similar line was expressed by Rishi Sunak in his New Year speech setting out his values and objectives: We cannot not talk about the thing that is most important in most of our lives. Not when the evidence is clear that strong, supportive families make for more stable communities . . . Thats why family runs straight through our vision of a better future.

As Prime Minister, David Cameron declared that he would adopt a family test: Put simply, that means that every single domestic policy that Government comes up with will be examined for its impact on the family . . . nothing matters more than the family. Its at the centre of my life and the heart of my politics'

It is indeed striking that Labour rarely employs the f word  or at least not under Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn. This might help explain why Labour, under those three gentlemen, had a general election record of played four, lost four.

The word family is regarded as reactionary in Left-wing circles, and their political representatives much prefer to use, instead, terms such as society or the community.

This is not, however, how most people view the world: family is at the centre of it. Family is what matters most to us  above all, our children.

Perhaps the most devastating analysis of how much this Conservative principle has been honoured only in rhetoric came in a recent report from the countrys most influential think tank, the centre-right Policy Exchange: Taxing Families Fairly, by Professor Philip Booth and Andrei Rogobete.

It pointed out: When we put the tax and welfare systems together, we find that family formation is penalised  to a substantial degree. If, for example, a woman has a child and does not work while the father is in paid employment, then, if they live together or marry, her entitlement to benefits is lost while he continues to pay tax at the same rate as if they were single.

They are, literally, better off apart.

The state, through having designed an individualised tax system alongside a benefits system based on household income, penalises the family as if, somehow, it is a bad thing that needs to be discouraged through taxation.

That phrase individualised tax system can be seen in a simple example. When a familys income is 70,000, if it is earned entirely by one of the couple, that family will pay over 10,000 more in income tax than one in which both adults are earning 35,000 each.

Vital

When you consider that the non-earning member of the family (more usually, the woman) will typically be in this situation not just because she has childcare obligations, but, at a later stage in life, an elderly parent or parents to look after, this is iniquitous. And also inequitable.

This is not so much about old-fashioned values; it is a basic matter of fairness within the tax system  regardless of what you think about the family as the most vital of all institutions.

But if you want heroes  unsung ones  in this debate, let me introduce you to Leonard Beighton and Don Draper. These are two former very senior officials in the Inland Revenue, now in their late 80s. When they retired (both in 1994) they devoted themselves to campaigning to address these unfairnesses, which they had become painfully aware of as officials within the system.

They later set up a charity, Tax And The Family, which is a tremendous source of data and research. Recent work by the indefatigable Don, which he sent me, shows the extraordinarily unfavourable treatment of families within the British tax system.

Thus, while a single person on an average wage pays a lower proportion of his income in tax here than in France, Germany, or even the U.S., a single-earner family with two children relying on the average wage (actual wage is different in each country) pays almost 14 per cent of its income in tax in the UK, 9.5 per cent in France, 2.3 per cent in the U.S. . . . and no income tax at all in Germany.

In Germany, spouses can choose between joint assessment or individual assessment. For most families, joint assessment is much more favourable.

The two incomes are added together and then divided by two. Tax is calculated on this figure and then multiplied by two. A similar system is operated in the U.S. It makes all the difference.

Speaking of families, this was exactly what my father, Nigel Lawson, had set in train (or thought he had) as Chancellor.

As he recorded in his memoir, The View From No. 11, he wanted a tax system that was neutral and fair: Everyone, man or woman, married or single, would have the same standard allowance.

But if either a wife or a husband were not able to make full use of their allowance, the unused portion could be transferred, if they so wished, to their partner . . . It would end the present discrimination against the family, where the wife feels it right to stay at home, which increasingly, nowadays, means discrimination against the family with young children.

Withdrawn

But Margaret Thatcher objected strongly to his proposed reform. As my father recalled in an interview for Tax And The Family in 2018: I was only able to get half the job done [introducing a Married Couples Allowance].

Margaret jibbed at the transferable allowances . . . her sympathies were always with women who went out to work.

But I never considered married women who stayed at home to look after their children as not working. They were working much harder, very often, than their husbands who went out to work.

Anyway, no succeeding Chancellor has attempted to pursue my fathers objectives, and, later, the Married Couples Allowance was gradually withdrawn.

Margaret Thatcher objected strongly to my father's proposed reform to make tax allowances transferrable between couples. As he recalled in an interview for Tax And The Family in 2018: I was only able to get half the job done [introducing a Married Couples Allowance]'

Obviously, there would be a cost to the Exchequer if transferable allowances were introduced. Don Draper estimates that it would be in the region of 6 billion a year. And, on the classic Treasury assumption that the money would have to be raised in a different way, it might well mean taxing single person households more.

A friend of mine  a former senior Treasury official, in fact  told me he got an unwelcoming response when he advanced a proposal along these lines to his own MP (a Conservative).

The MP also happened to be single, without children, and she exclaimed to him: But people like me would pay more tax! Well, yes.

But, as I say, arent the Conservatives meant to be the party of the family? And if they wont put families first, who will?
Home Secretary Suella Braverman will today continue her battle with Labour as the Commons holds the first vote on her Stop the Boats Illegal Migration Bill.

But Braverman is also locked in another political duel which could have far more serious consequences for her political career.

The feisty frontbencher, who ran for the Tory leadership after the fall of Boris Johnson, is fighting for her political life because boundary changes mean her Fareham constituency is to be merged with neighbouring Meon Valley at the next election.

This means she is having to compete for the nomination for the new seat of Fareham and Waterlooville with neighbouring Tory MP Flick Drummond.

Braverman, pictured, is not universally popular among Tory members. Some would prefer a local champion like backbencher Drummond to a high-profile Cabinet minister. But senior Tories are desperate for her to win the selection battle later this month. How will it look if the Home Secretary, piloting the most contentious Government legislation in years, is dumped by her local party? asks one senior party figure.

Braverman is also locked in another political duel which could have far more serious consequences for her political career

Local Tory activists, however, resent the party HQ interfering in candidate selections. Its the only power theyve got, observes one battle-hardened operative at HQ. They often do the opposite to what they think the leadership wants.

Braverman will be hoping shes Wellington rather than Napoleon in the Battle of Waterlooville.

Comedian and author David Baddiel tweeted prophetically on Saturday: What if Match Of The Day turns out to be better without commentators and pundits? Overnight ratings yesterday revealed viewing figures went up by 500,000 week on week.

Oh no, not another Hancock leak!

As Matt Hancock continues to belly-ache over his WhatsApp messages being leaked, former chancellor George Osborne reveals the ex-health secretary was involved in another messaging mix-up on the eve of the 2007 Tory conference.

In The Spectator, Osborne recalls that he intended to email his speech  outlining a huge rise in the inheritance tax threshold  to Hancock, who was then his chief of staff. Unfortunately it went a LibDem MP called Mike Hancock.

Osborne writes: If he had read his inbox and published it, our conference would have been a disaster not a triumph, and Gordon Brown would have called a general election rather than cancelling it.

Given Matt Hancocks record, perhaps the message was safer going to Mike after all.

How things have turned upside down in Scottish politics, where Lefties used to berate Tories for being posh. Humza Yousaf, favourite to be SNP leader, was educated at fee-paying Hutchesons Grammar School. So was Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour. Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tories leader, is the only one of them to have gone to a comp.

History mural ignores Mrs T

There is at least one scandalous omission from a mural claiming to show the 130 most significant women in British history, to be hung at the National Portrait Gallery.

Work In Progress, by Jann Haworth and Liberty Blake, was inspired by The Beatles Sgt. Pepper album cover, which Haworth co-created in 1967 with her husband at the time and Libertys father, Peter Blake. The women include Elizabeth I, Diane Abbott, Britains first black woman MP, Maureen Colquhoun, the first openly gay woman MP, and the suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

But the exhibit has no space for Margaret Thatcher, Britains female prime minister and the longest-serving occupant of No 10 in the 20th century. Why?

Sir Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatchers press secretary who died last month aged 90, knew what to expect at the Pearly Gates. On a train passing Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire, where he grew up, he once said: You are nearer to Heaven now than you will ever be on earth.
Of all the titles he now holds, this is the only one which has to be earned rather than simply inherited.

So the new Head of the Commonwealth was determined to make his mark on his first Commonwealth Day in charge.

In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, the King told a 2,000-strong congregation in Westminster Abbey yesterday afternoon, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.

The titular headship of the organisation is not hereditary.

However, it was almost five years ago that the leaders of the Commonwealth nations agreed unanimously at their 2018 summit that the then Prince of Wales should succeed the Queen.

The King and Queen Consort were welcomed by Kiwi conch-blowers and a swaying Maori chorus who effectively drowned out a small cross-section of assorted protesters

King Charles III stops to watch members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club perform

What was unusual yesterday was that the King was delivering the customary Commonwealth Day message in person and from the Abbey pulpit.

The late Queen would either issue her annual message in the form of a written statement or else pre-record it.

By delivering what served as both a sermon and a pledge to an organisation which spans almost a third of the worlds population, the King was underlining the seriousness with which he intends to take this role.

He was also alluding to the depth of personal knowledge which he brings to a famously diverse organisation.

What was unusual yesterday was that the King was delivering the customary Commonwealth Day message in person and from the Abbey pulpit

King Charles shakes hands with Commonwealth secretary general Patricia Scotland at the reception at Buckingham Palace after the service

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day Service

The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me, he went on.

Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.

There were also echoes of his previous speeches on environmental themes made when he was Prince of Wales.

Those who decreed that he would have to take a vow of silence on such matters once he became King have been proved wrong.

The Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future  one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come, he added.

His words complemented those of the other speaker at yesterdays service, a young Samoan environmental activist, who issued a plea for greater support of small island nations in the frontline of climate change.

There were also echoes of his previous speeches on environmental themes made when he was Prince of Wales (King Charles meets members of the Commonwealth community)

The Abbey service  the last major event before the Coronation in May  was the usual engaging blend of pop music, dancing and ancient ceremonial

This years Abbey service had the added bonus of being attended by an extra layer of international leaders since London is hosting this weeks conference of Commonwealth foreign ministers.

It should have taken place at the United Nations last autumn but had been delayed following the death of the Queen.

The Abbey service  the last major event before the Coronation in May  was the usual engaging blend of pop music, dancing and ancient ceremonial.

The King was joined by a full turn-out of the new-look working Royal Family  the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and his wife, Camilla

The new Duchess of Edinbugh attends the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey - where the order of service listed her as the 'Countess of Wessex

The Commonwealth Day celebration is always the quirkiest in the Abbeys calendar.

The King and Queen Consort were welcomed by Kiwi conch-blowers and a swaying Maori chorus who effectively drowned out a small cross-section of assorted protesters on the other side of the road.

The King was joined by a full turn-out of the new-look working Royal Family  the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Their elevation to the dukedom was still so new that the order of service had listed them as the Earl and Countess of Wessex.


By Lee Hyon-soo



Sister Kim Ae-ran's article titled "Promising Texas", which recently appeared in this column evoked memories of my trip to San Antonio.



I once went to Houston, Texas, on business. While staying there for two weeks, I took a side trip to San Antonio over the weekend. I drove and it took me roughly three hours to get there.



The first place I visited was the Alamo, an old Spanish mission that was the site of a famous battle between Texan rebels and Mexican forces in 1836. The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal event and military engagement in the Texas Revolution.



Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops reclaimed the Alamo, killing nearly all of the Texan defenders. This galvanized support for the Texan cause, leading to eventual victory and the creation of the Republic of Texas with Sam Houston as its president in 1836. Texas was admitted to the United States as the 28th state in 1846. The nickname of Texas is the "Lone Star State" and Texans pride themselves on their rugged individualism and independent spirit.



The Alamo is now the No. 1 tourist site in Texas. Visiting the Alamo was a sobering experience as I was able to learn about the events that shaped Texas' history.



Next, I visited the River Walk, a network of scenic walkways along the San Antonio River. The River Walk is a popular tourist destination, and it is easy to see why. The walkways are lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. I took boat tours to explore the area by water. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful landscaping and the colorful umbrellas that lined the river.



I also visited the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving four Spanish missions. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. I took a guided tour and learned about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at the missions as well as the role they played in the development of Texas.



Another memorable experience was visiting the Tower of the Americas, a 229-meter tower. Built in 1968, it is the tallest occupiable structure in San Antonio. I took the elevator to the top of the tower where there is a revolving restaurant that provides panoramic views of San Antonio and the surrounding area.



Finally, I had to try some of the famous Tex-Mex food that San Antonio is known for. I visited several restaurants during my stay and enjoyed everything from tacos and enchiladas to margaritas and guacamole. The food was delicious and always served with a friendly smile.



Overall, my tour of San Antonio was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. The city is full of history, culture and natural beauty, and there is so much to see and do. I can't wait to go back and explore more of this amazing city.





The writer (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is the author of "Tales of A Korean Globetrotter."


The memory will stay with me for the rest of my life. Working as a conservation scientist in Africa, I came across the tragic corpse of a lioness, whose hind legs had been cut off and whose swollen teats suggested she had recently given birth.

For days afterwards I agonised about the fate of those newborns, which I knew would be starving to death in the bush.

Lion killings cause particular outrage among Britons, particularly after the notorious shooting of Cecil the lion by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe in 2015. Indeed, trophy hunters are widely seen in Western circles as the darkest villains in the story of mans destructive relationship with nature.

So despised is trophy hunting that this week MPs are expected overwhelmingly to pass new legislation which will ban the import of trophies into the UK.

Lion killings cause particular outrage among Britons, writes Professor Amy Dickman. She claims trophy hunters are widely seen in Western circles as the darkest villains in the story of mans destructive relationship with nature

'The memory will stay with me for the rest of my life,' writes Dickman. 'Working as a conservation scientist in Africa, I came across the tragic corpse of a lioness, whose hind legs had been cut off and whose swollen teats suggested she had recently given birth. For days afterwards I agonised about the fate of those newborns, which I knew would be starving to death in the bush'

In a recent Commons debate, one Conservative MP even put the activity on a par with paedophilia, while Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign To Ban Trophy Hunting, has written a book in which he names and shames 100 British hunters, from London lawyers to Scottish farmers, some of whom were featured in the Mail last week.

Yet this focus on trophy hunting is unbalanced and potentially counterproductive. Driven by sentimentality, cheered on by celebrity campaigners such as Joanna Lumley and promoted by misinformation from lobby groups (who use these campaigns to raise money), the proposed ban could end up achieving the exact opposite of its supposed conservation purpose.

Counterintuitive as it might seem, blanket trophy hunting bans (including import bans) are likely to undermine vital conservation work, including the protection of iconic species.

MPs who vote for the Bill this Friday will no doubt feel virtuous. But they will have failed to recognise that, carried out properly, wild trophy hunting can provide vital revenue for conserving biodiverse habitats and many thousands of species.

In most areas, there is no other viable wildlife-based revenue available, so banning hunting will hinder effective management. Worse, it will increase the likelihood of land being converted into uses such as agriculture and livestock-keeping, because the maintenance of natural habitats for wildlife imposes major costs on local people and provides no meaningful economic benefit.

It is in areas where land has been turned over to farming that we find the corpses like that of the savaged lioness I saw. She died not from a hunters bullet but from a poachers snare.

I have encountered the horrific aftermath of many other wildlife killings during my African fieldwork, including a group of beautiful tawny eagles lying poisoned on the ground, a decapitated hyena and a leopard with its right paw mangled in a trap.

These animals met their harrowing ends  far more painful than most trophy-hunting deaths  because their lives had no perceived value to local people or they were seen as a danger.

I do not write this as a hunting enthusiast. I am an animal-lover, a vegetarian. I have committed my career to reducing wildlife killings and I loathe the idea of animal parts being treated as sporting mementos or badges of wealth.

'MPs who vote for the Bill this Friday will no doubt feel virtuous. But they will have failed to recognise that, carried out properly, wild trophy hunting can provide vital revenue for conserving biodiverse habitats and many thousands of species,' said Dickman (pictured at a roundtable discussion on the development and acceleration of African-led conservation at St James's Palace in November 2022)

'If trophy hunting is removed, that might take away a small threat in some places but it would also remove the incentive to maintain wildlife habitat, increasing the risk of land conversion, extinction and human-wildlife conflict,' she argued. Pictured: File photo of an unnamed British trophy hunter hunting an elephant

But in the case of this Bill, the supposed compassion is as empty as the moral bombast. If this ban was driven by the view that trophy hunting is morally unacceptable to British people, then Parliament would be moving to ban the export of hunting trophies from Britain as well as the import of them from overseas. Yet it is not.

British trade, dominated by the export of stag and deer heads from Scotland, is unaffected, which not only smacks of rank hypocrisy but also carries a whiff of outdated colonialism, where rules that must be adopted by Africans and people in other remote countries can be avoided by the British.

In 2019, the president of Botswana argued that Western policymakers speak as if there are no humans here. It is just a big zoo and they are the keepers of that zoo.

This sentiment was echoed in news that representatives of five African countries complained to the UK Government that they feel this is another way of recolonising Africa.

Even if this were about morality, is it moral to undermine the livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable communities in the world? Are we really saying animal lives matter more than human ones?

Lacking any true moral basis, the only possible justification for this ban is that it will improve the conservation of endangered species. It wont.

Campaigns to ban trophy hunting present the activity as a major threat to the survival of some of the most cherished animals on earth, especially lions. But the narrative of extinction being driven by trophy hunters today is false.

Red List data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) shows that trophy hunting is not driving a single species to extinction.

Although poorly managed trophy hunting can threaten some populations, overall it is far less of a danger than other problems such as habitat loss, land conversion and human-wildlife conflict.

READ MORE: Britain's proposed ban on big game trophies is 'arrogant' and five African nations say the plan smacks of 'colonialism' African leaders and conservationists have accused the UK of endangering animals by trying to ban the import of big game trophies. Pictured: File photo issued by Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting of hunters who have killed a lion Advertisement

If trophy hunting is removed, that might take away a small threat in some places but it would also remove the incentive to maintain wildlife habitat, increasing the risk of land conversion, extinction and human-wildlife conflict. A small threat is gone but far larger ones are amplified.

Furthermore, wild trophy hunting  however repulsive it might seem  can bring real benefits, which are particularly important at the local level. These do not apply to canned hunting in which animals are bred for the sole purpose of being hunted in an enclosure, which needs far stricter prohibitions. But wild hunting provides real incentives to look after habitats, provides money to maintain anti-poaching patrols and discourages deforestation and the conversion of land to agriculture.

More than 200 million is estimated to be made annually in South Africa alone from trophy hunting, and bans  including import bans would undermine that income. Claims that photo-tourism could be just as lucrative are wishful thinking.

About 90 per cent of protected areas with lion populations already fail to cover their costs despite income from both photo-tourism and trophy hunting, as well as state subsidies and donor aid. Removing one of those income streams would only increase threats to wildlife and people.

The positive impact of hunting can be seen by looking at the real experience of Africa and elsewhere. At Zimbabwes Bubye Valley Conservancy, a well-run system of hunting licences has not only brought in 1.2 million every year but also grew the lion population to more than 500.

Trophy hunting has played a vital role in the recovery of black rhino, white rhino, markhor, argali and many other species.

It is telling that the worlds top three nations for mammal conservation are now officially judged to be Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania, whereas the UK, so keen to indulge in condescending lectures, is in 123rd place.

Even the celebrated ecologist George Monbiot, who says he hates trophy hunting, recently admitted that the practice in Africa has sparked a remarkable revival in the numbers of rhinos.

In 2011 I was researching in southern Tanzania and found that the level of lion killing was more than 50 times higher than in areas with licensed hunting. Similarly, Kenya  often portrayed as an African success story since it banned trophy hunting 34 years ago  has seen wildlife numbers decline by nearly 70 per cent since then, while livestock numbers have soared.

'The reasons are complex, but banning trophy hunting certainly does not guarantee conservation success,' she wrote. 'Anti-hunting campaigners in Britain love to claim that the vast majority of the public supports such a proposal  hardly a surprise, given the misleading propaganda and celebrity cheerleading.' Pictured: File photo of three men on a legal trophy hunt in Africa

The reasons are complex, but banning trophy hunting certainly does not guarantee conservation success.

Anti-hunting campaigners in Britain love to claim that the vast majority of the public supports such a proposal  hardly a surprise, given the misleading propaganda and celebrity cheerleading.

But more nuanced polling shows that only 40 per cent of Britons would support a ban if it harmed wildlife or local communities. That is exactly what will happen if this measure is imposed.

Instead of signalling their virtue, parliamentarians should put the real interests of animals, local people and the environment first.

Professor Amy Dickman is a conservation biologist and senior research fellow in Wild Cat Conservation at the University of Oxford.
Salma Hayek turned the Oscars into the ultimate mother-daughter date. She brought her stunning 15-year-old child Valentina with her to the star-studded event on Sunday night, and the two of them stunned as they hit the red carpet in fiery Gucci dresses.

The actress, 56, opted for a figure-hugging, sequined, orange gown, which featured a cut-out across the cleavage and a long, flowing skirt, while Valentina donned a red, floor-length sleeveless dress.

Both of them paired their glamorous looks with metallic purses - Salma's was gold and Valentina's was silver.

Salma kept her long, brown hair in loose waves around her face and sported bold makeup - including a smoky eye and berry lip color - while Valentina, who Salma shares with husband, Francois Henri Pinault, kept her blonde locks in a similar style and wore a slightly lighter lip color.

Salma Hayek turned the Oscars into the ultimate mother-daughter date. She brought her stunning 15-year-old child Valentina with her to the star-studded event on Sunday night,

The two of them stunned as they hit the red carpet in fiery Gucci dresses

The actress, 56, opted for a figure-hugging, sequined, orange gown, which featured a cut-out across the cleavage and a long, flowing skirt

Hosted by late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, the 95th Academy Awards is taking place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California.

Salma and her French businessman husband tied the knot in 2009, two years after she welcomed Valentina at age 41.

She once admitted that it was 'a little nerve-racking' for her to have her daughter later in life, but she explained that she soon realized it was 'the best time' to become a mother.

'If you're 23, you don't know this because you think you have to do so many more things. But if you already did them, then you can really focus and enjoy every minute of [motherhood],' she added during an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008.

Valentina, on the other hand, donned a red, floor-length sleeveless dress. Both of them paired their glamorous looks with metallic purses - Salma's was gold and Valentina's was silver

Salma kept her long, brown hair in loose waves around her face and sported bold makeup - including a smoky eye and berry lip color

Valentina, who Salma shares with husband, Francois Henri Pinault, kept her blonde locks in a similar style and wore a slightly lighter lip color

She also called being a mom the 'most incredible experience' of her life in a 2008 interview with People.

'There is nothing that I have done that is more incredible than to have a child,' she gushed.

This isn't the first time the teen has stepped into the spotlight. She actually posed on the cover of Vogue Mexico alongside her famous mother in 2022.

And it seems like she wants to follow in her mom's footsteps. At the time, she told the publication, 'I would like to be an actress and then a director because that is what makes sense in my head.'

The pair was not the only mother-daughter duo to attended the highly coveted event - Andie MacDowell was accompanied by her lookalike daughter Rainey Qualley, 33, and Baz Luhrmann was supported by his wife and 19-year-old daughter, Lillian Amanda Luhrmann.
Princess Iman of Jordan was every inch the blushing bride as she tied the knot to her New York based financier partner in a lavish ceremony yesterday.

Princess Iman, 25, is the second-born child of Queen Rania, 51, and King Abdullah II, 60, and married her boyfriend Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in Amman at the weekend.

It was announced last July that Princess Iman was engaged to Venezuela-born Jameel, who is around two years older than the princess and works as a Managing Partner for a Venture Capital fund based in New York.

The stunning bride opted for a bespoke Dior gown for her big day, with pretty lace detailing across the bodice, and her mother's diamond tiara.

Meanwhile her mother Queen Rania was elegant in a blush pink gown and glittering diamond jewels for the occasion.

Princess Iman of Jordan, 25, was every inch the blushing bride as she tied the knot to her New York based financier partner yesterday

Princess Iman is the second-born child of Queen Rania, 51, and King Abdullah II, 60, and married her boyfriend Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in Amman at the weekend

The couple tied-the-knot in front of family and friends in a stunning glass venue which had been decorated with white flowers

The stunning bride opted for a bespoke Dior gown for her big day, with pretty lace detailing across the bodice, and her mother's diamond tiara (pictured, with her husband Jameel and her parents King Abdullah and Queen Rania)

Princess Iman's wedding gown featured pretty lace detailing across the bodice and sleeves.

She paired the look with her mother's diamond tiara, which kept a sweeping tulle veil in place during the ceremony.

Queen Rania first wore her Diamond Tiara for a spectacular State Banquet hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle in 2001. She wore it again for a portrait that same year.

Meanwhile she kept her makeup soft for the occasion, opting for a sweep of eyeliner and a touch of blusher for her big day.

The 25-year-old bride was walked down the aisle by her older brother, Crown Prince Hussein, who also announced his engagement at the end of last year.

He is due to marry Rajwa Al-Saif who received a degree from Syracuse University, New York, and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles after completing her secondary education in Saudi Arabia.

He later shared an Instagram post with snaps of the ceremony, writing: 'Grateful for all the precious memories we share and overjoyed to see you celebrate your wedding today

'I wish you, dear Iman and Jameel, a lifetime of blessings and happiness together.'

The venue was decorated with stunning white blossom trees, while guests watched on as the couple exchanged rings.

Later, Queen Rania shared an Instagram post, writing: 'Iman, I pray this next chapter in your life brings you as much joy, love, and laughter as you have brought us over the years. Congratulations to the bride and groom!'

Princess Iman of Jordan dazzled in a Dior gown as she ties the knot with New York based financier in lavish ceremony

King Abdullah and Queen Rania celebrated their daughter Princess Iman's, 25, wedding at the weekend

Princess Iman with her mother Queen Rania and sister Princess Salma on her wedding day over the weekend

Guests gathered in a stunning venue, complete with white flowering details, for the lavish wedding over the weekend

The happy bride and groom are pictured here surrounded by Princess Iman's family on their wedding day

Princess Iman was walked down the aisle by her brother Crown Prince Hussein, who later said he wished the couple a 'lifetime of blessings and happiness'

The stunning bride opted for a bespoke Dior gown and donned her mother's diamond tiara for the occasion

As she walked up the aisle, she was greeted by her father King Abdullah, who offered her a kiss on each cheek

Meanwhile Princess Iman had a close embrace with her mother Queen Rania ahead of the nuptials

Princess Iman's siblings Princess Salma, Prince Hashem, and Crown Prince Hussein watched on proudly alongside Prince Hussein's fiancee Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif

Princess Iman's mother and father watched proudly as did her brother Crown Prince Hussein and his fiancee Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif

King Abdullah appeared emotional as he watched his 25-year-old daughter exchange rings with the New York based financier

Meanwhile King Abdullah II joined the couple at the front of the venue to testify their union last night

The proud father watched on as his daughter signed her marriage documents during the ceremony last night

Prince Hashem and Crown Prince Hussein both signed documents testifying to their sister's wedding yesterday (left and right)

After the exchanging of rings, the couple appeared overjoyed as they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand as husband and wife

In photographs taken during the ceremony, the couple were both beaming with joy and could hardly contain their excitement about their big day.

It comes after Princess Iman gave a touching nod to her parent's wedding day as she took part in her henna ceremony ahead of the nuptials.

While the wedding may have only taken place yesterday, celebrations actually began Last week as Queen Rania hosted a henna party for her daughter.

The bride donned an embroidered white dress by Reema Dahbour, a Jordanian-Palestinian fashion designer, which she paired with the same white and gold belt Queen Rania wore for her own wedding to King Abdullah II in 1993.

In photographs released from the event, Princess Iman looked elegant in the white gown.

Meanwhile Queen Rania donned a warm red ensemble for the occasion, holding hands with guests and offering her daughter a warm hug.

The two royals posed for a snap with Princess Aisha bint Hussein, Princess Muna al-Hussein and Princess Zein bint Hussein.

It comes after Queen Rania shared a stunning new photograph of Princess Iman wearing her tiara.

After the event, Princess Iman posed for snaps with her mother Queen Rania (left) and sister Princess Salma, who were beaming with joy

Princess Iman paired her Dior gown with her mother's diamond tiara, which kept a sweeping tulle veil in place during the ceremony

After the ceremony, the couple walked hand-in-hand into the reception where they were greeted by cheering musicians

The newlyweds appeared emotional as they arrived at their reception last night to rapturous applause

Cutting the cake! Princess Iman placed her hands over her new husband's as they cut their elegant wedding cake

Queen Rania shared a video on Instagram in tribute to her daughter, with a number of pictures appearing in the montage - including a photograph of the 25-year-old in her glittering diamond tiara.

The 51-year-old wrote: 'After a week, God willing, I will see you as a bride... I put you in the name of God, Iman, the basil of the house... May God help you and enlighten your path.'

'The first time I held my baby girl, I knew my life would never be the same. In a week, she will be a bride.'

Queen Rania continued: 'My precious Iman, I am so happy for you and so proud of everything that you are.'

Meanwhile she added: 'Thanks to the creative artist Elissa for the dedication and to the great artist Marwan Khoury for lyrics and melodies... Heart touching voice and expressive words.

'Thank you to the very talented @elissazkh and to the brilliant @imarwankhoury for this wonderful gift and for your amazing ability to capture sentiments so beautifully.'

The engagement announcement last year was a delightful surprise for royal fans, since the couple have kept their relationship under wraps , and it was not clear how long they have been dating.

Queen Rania and King Abdullah warmly greeted guests attending the nuptials over the wedding in Amman

Meanwhile Crown Prince Hussein and his glamorous fiancee Rajwa Al-Saif, who announced their engagement at the end of last year, appeared overjoyed to be attending the big day

Rajwa opted for an eyecatching yellow gown for the occasion (left), while Queen Rania donned a pleated blush pink dress (right)

After the ceremony, the newlyweds posed for a snap with their wedding guests, including King Abdullah and Queen Rania

In a personal statement shared on her Instagram account, Queen Rania said: 'Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that Ive cherished since the day you were born. I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter!'

She also shared an official engagement photo of the couple, which showed the couple embracing.

Princess Iman wore a high-necked white dress matched with polished make up and sleek hair in a down 'do.

She has her hand placed on her fiance's chest, showing her square cut engagement ring.

Meanwhile beaming Jameel looks dapper in a navy, two-piece suit, and crisp white shirt.

And the whole family shared their well wishes in a statement shared by the Royal Hashemite Court announcing the betrothal.

Queen Rania first wore her Diamond Tiara for a spectacular State Banquet hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle in 2001. She wore it again for a portrait that same year (pictured)

It read: 'The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Abdullah II to Mr. Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, on Tuesday, 5 July 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as well as Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, in addition to members of Mr. Thermiotis family.

'The Royal Hashemite Court extends its sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Iman and Mr. Thermiotis on this occasion and wishes them a lifetime of happiness.'

Sporty Iman royal graduated from International Academy Amman in 2014 and was awarded top female athlete in her class.
Actor Ke Huy Quan topped off an incredible award season last night as he landed an Oscar nearly 40 years after he first rose to fame with appearances in eighties classics like The Goonies and Indiana Jones.

The 51-year-old has proven to be quite the Hollywood darling this season following his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

He played Waymond Qang, Evelyn's husband, which earned him the award for Best Supporting Actor at the Critics Choice Awards, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture at the Golden Globes and Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.

However he has been acting for decades but hadn't received any major awards for his work until now.

He actually became an actor at the young age of 12, starring as the sidekick in the Harrison Ford-led movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Actor Ke Huy Quan topped off an incredible award season last night as he landed an Oscar nearly 40 years after he first rose to fame with appearances in eighties classics like The Goonies and Indiana Jones

He became an actor at the young age of 12, starring as the sidekick in the Harrison Ford-led movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Temple Of Doom went on to become a global hit, though some viewers found the film too dark and violent, and it was pivotal in the creation of the PG-13 rating for films that were too mature for children but didn't qualify for an R rating.

Despite its financial and critical success, others criticized the film for what they found to be racist depictions of Indian and Chinese cultures.

After appearing in Steven Spielberg's film, Quan was on screen the following year in the cult film The Goonies, which was based on a story by Spielberg and was directed by Richard Donner.

But despite playing prominent parts in two cultural major films, opportunities for the Vietnamese-born actor began to dry up in the late 1980s and 1990s.

After giving up on an acting career in the late 1990s, he enrolled in the University of Southern California's film program to explore new opportunities.

He worked as a fight choreographer on 2000's X-Men, and he served as acclaimed Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai's assistant director on his science fiction romance 2046.

After the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Quan thought Hollywood was more accepting of Asian actors and began actively pursuing projects again.

He starred in last year's surprise indie hit Everything Everywhere All At Once, which also earned widespread praise for its star Michelle Yeoh.

After appearing in Steven Spielberg's film, Quan was on screen the following year in the cult film The Goonies, which was based on a story by Spielberg and was directed by Richard Donner

Iconic role: Quan played Indiana Jones sidekick Short Round int he second film in the series; Ford and Quan seen with Kate Capshaw in a publicity photo for Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

However during an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden, the actor, 51, revealed his inactivity as a performer, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in him losing his health insurance.

While chatting with Corden, he admitted how worried he was when he was faced with the notion when the shoot for Everything Everywhere All At Once was shut down for eight months.

And then, after the filming was finally completed, Quan still faced the tough task of booking another acting job, because studios were still not going full force due to all the new health rules and regulations.

Like people all over the world, the actor recalled how he was 'at home trying to stay safe like everybody' during the pandemic.

Faced with losing his insurance as he approached a year of not booking a new acting job, the former child star's worries were reaching a fever pitch.

After the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Quan thought Hollywood was more accepting of Asian actors and began actively pursuing projects again (pictured in September last year)

'I was about to lose my health insurance. So, I called my agent and I said, "Can you please get me anything? It doesn't matter, I just need one job to make the minimum requirement so I can qualify for health insurance the following year,' he told Corden.

He went on to reveal, 'I could not get one single job. Sure enough, 2021 came and went [and I] lost my health insurance.'

Now faced with living in the post-COVID world without insurance, and his confidence in limbo, Quan decided to call a producer on Everything Everywhere All At Once to ask about his performance.

'"Can you please tell me one thing? Am I good in the movie?"' he said he asked the producer, who then told him to "Just be patient. You just wait." The movie came out in March of last year and my life has changed.'

In September, he reunited with Harrison Ford for the first time in 38 years to promote their new projects in California.

Great guys: Harrison Ford, 80, praised his Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom co-star when he reacted to Quan getting an Oscar nomination

Quan shared two sweet photos of the actors catching up, both showing him wrapping his arms around the older screen star.

The two even matched each other with their jeans and gray blazers.

'"I love you, Indy,"' Quan wrote in his caption, referencing a pivotal moment from Temple Of Doom.

'Indiana Jones and Short Round reunited after 38 years,' he added.

Describing their reunion to The New York Times, Quan approached the superstar with a 'pounding' heart and wondered: 'Is he gonna recognize me? The last time he saw me, I was a little kid.'

Looking at Quan with his 'classic, famous, grumpy Harrison Ford look,' the 1923 star asked: 'Are you Short Round?'

'Yes, Indy,' Quan replied.

Hanging in there: After starring in the classic 1985 film The Goonies, Quan's acting prospects gradually dried up. He transitioned into roles behind the camera, working as a stunt coordinator and assistant director

Comeback vehicle: Quan has been dominating the awards circuit for his stellar performance as a naive husband in Everything Everywhere All at Once, repeatedly winning the category for Best Supporting Actor (Pictured in a still from the film with co-stars Stephanie Hsu and Michelle Yeoh)

'Come here,' replied Ford, giving his former sidekick 'a big hug.'

Quan said that the moment 'transported [him] back to 1984, when [he] was a little kid.'

And in January, Harrison praised the actor for his work as he began receiving critical acclaim for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

'I'm so happy for him,' Ford told ET, saluting the Hollywood comeback of 51-year-old Quan. 'He's a great guy.'

'He's a wonderful actor,' Ford said. 'He was when he was a little kid, and he still is. I'm glad. I'm very happy for him.'

And the Hollywood icon would love to work with Quan again in the future.

When asked about the potential of a reunion on-screen, Ford replied: 'That'd be great.'

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Quan detailed his reaction to learning about his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

'When I heard my name announced. I jumped and I screamed so loud.' Quan went on to add: 'I just cannot believe it. For so many years, I've always loved watching the Oscars.'

Frontrunner: The former child star recently took home a Critics' Choice Award after winning a Golden Globe

Poignant moment: The legendary actor, 80, presented Best Picture to Quan's film Everything Everywhere All at Once

In fact, Everything Everywhere All at Once was awarded seven Oscars on the night.

The film won Best Picture, Best Lead Actress, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor.

After receiving his Best Supporting Actor award for role as Waymond Wang in the movie, the star made a moving speech on stage.

'My mom is 88 years old and watching from home  Ma, I just won an Oscar!' the visibly emotional actor stated.

He then continued: 'My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage.

'They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe its happening to me. This  this is the American dream!'

What a comeback: The former child actor was moved to tears accepting the award for best supporting actor

Toast of the town: Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser and Jamie Lee Curtis celebrate back stage after their Oscar wins on Sunday night

He added: I owe everything to the love of my life - my wife Echo - who month after month, year after year for 20 years told me that one day one day my time will come.

'Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there please keep your dreams alive.

'Thank you so much for welcoming me back.

His co-star James Hong, who is 94, commented: He wasnt really retired, he was waiting to ambush - and once he came back into Hollywood again he said Im going to do it big.

Quans excitable personality and habit of grabbing delighted selfies with every famous person he has met over the course of the Oscars campaign has made him probably the most beloved figure of this years event.

Everything Everywhere All at Once came about after director and writer Daniel Kwan said to his partner Daniel Scheinert: Lets put my mum in the Matrix.
A mother-of-three ditched a 15-year long nursing career after her colleagues outed her OnlyFans side-hustle - and is now making more than $1 million a year.

But Allie Rae, 38, from Boston, says healthcare workers have since reached out to dub her a 'hero' who escaped the notoriously underpaid and grueling career.

'There are some things I would do differently but then again, I am pretty happy with where I am at, so it's hard to want to look back and change anything,' she said.

'One thing about me is, I am always gonna do what I wanna do.

'I own every decision I have ever made.'

Allie Rae (pictured), 38, from Boston, says healthcare workers have since reached out to dub her a 'hero' who escaped the notoriously underpaid and grueling work

Allie first made headlines in 2021 after being forced to quit her senior neonatal nurse position when co-workers allegedly informed the hospital of her saucy social media work.

Despite being forced out of her job, the online star hasn't looked back and stands firm that she has 'never lived a life of regret'.

Allie, who creates content exclusively with her husband, Steve, 39, is now raking in the cash and launching her own projects.

'I am still making over a million a year,' the influencer, who has 186,000 followers (@theallierae) revealed.

She has even launched her own raunchy content site, dubbed Wetspace, as well as a craft beer reviewing show called 'Tap That with Allie Rae'.

'This is something very special to me, considering it's kinda where my entire social media journey all began,' she said.

'It's very cool to go full circle and back to my roots doing what I love and what led me to starting my OF journey.'

But despite the highs of social media, and making her own money, Allie admitted she no longer keeps in touch with past colleagues and says only one person has since reached out to apologize.

The mother-of-three ditched a 15-year long nursing career after her colleagues outed her OnlyFans side-hustle - and is now making more than $1 million a year

Despite being forced out of her job, the online star hasn't looked back and stands firm that she has 'never lived a life of regret'

Although dealing with past co-workers has been tough, Allie says not all of the healthcare community has been as critical

She has even launched her own raunchy content site, dubbed Wetspace, as well as a craft beer reviewing show called 'Tap That with Allie Rae'

'I don't feel it was genuine though,' Allie admitted. 'I think it was because she was scared I might disclose who she was to the press.

'With that being said, she is the only one  out of the five mean girls who went to bat to get me fired  that has actually even tried to reach out.'

Although dealing with past co-workers has been tough, Allie says not all of the healthcare community has been as critical, and she has even received messages of encouragement from those in the industry.

'I recently had a fellow nurse reach out to me and say that I am somewhat of a "legend" and "hero" to the healthcare community of Boston,' she revealed. 'And that was probably one the coolest messages to receive.

'Especially considering how much backlash I got for what happened to me.'

Allie says that she has even received messages of encouragement from those in the industry online

The ex-nurse says many look up to her as 'someone who escaped the corporate atmosphere' and is now living her best life

After being forced out of her job when co-workers told the hospital about her saucy side-hustle, Allie has made more than $1 million

The ex-nurse says many look up to her as 'someone who escaped the corporate atmosphere of overworked and underpaid healthcare workers' and is now living her best life.

'Many people are afraid to make that jump,' she added. 'And I did it, despite the risk  and look at me now.'

Other challenges with her more work are a touch more sinister, as Allie revealed concerns over her family's safety after crazed fans took their support too far.

'As a wife, mother and veteran, I take a lot of heat for what I do, but that just rolls off my shoulders and doesn't bother me,' she explained.

'But on the other hand, I would say security is probably my number one downside to this industry.

Other challenges with her more work are a touch more sinister, as Allie revealed concerns over her family's safety after crazed fans took their support too far

She has had some people become 'very attached to her and her story', with many times there being a line crossed

Despite her overwhelming social media success, Allie admitted she has concerns about her family's safety

'I am constantly trying to protect my privacy and my life outside of OnlyFans.'

She has had some people become 'very attached to her and her story', with many times there being a line crossed.

Allie added: 'The other downside is that work never stops when you work for yourself, we are running a business and I am working 16+ hours a day.

'Although that may be a downside for most, it is not for me, it's the perfect environment for me to thrive and continue growing my brand.

'I am addicted to what I do, and that's why I do it so well.'
The parents of a nine-year-old with a life-threatening energy claim they may lose out on their 19,000 holiday to Florida, all because Virgin is refusing not to serve dishes containing eggs on the flight.

Dolly Fisher, from Rainham, Essex, who was diagnosed with the allergy when she was three, carries an epi pen and could go into anaphylactic shock if she's in the same room as a dish containing egg - because it's airborne.

Now the family is anxious and torn over whether to cancel their long-awaited getaway and flush thousands down the drain - or risk their daughter's health.

They were set to enjoy a trip to Disney World Florida in April this year for Dolly, her twin Betty and her older brother Freddie, 12.

But now they say the future of their holiday all relies on the airline's menu.

Dolly Fisher (pictured in hospital after suffering an allergic reaction) who was diagnosed with the allergy when she was three, carries an epi pen and could go into anaphylactic shock if she's in the same room as egg allergens

'The thought of losing all that money makes me feel sick,' mother Carly-Jane, 43, admitted. 'It's really frustrating.'

The law firm manager - who hadn't worked for five and a half years and went back just to pay for the holiday - says she reached out to Virgin in February to find out what meals they would be serving on the plane to make sure it would be safe for her daughter.

She was apparently told that egg mayonnaise sandwiches would be served in the last two hours of the flight as part of an afternoon tea - and Carly-Jane asked them to swap these for a different option.

Virgin reportedly refused to budge, explaining that it would be impossible to change the menu on one flight without changing it on all flights globally, even after the anxious parent explained that the situation was 'life and death'.

After being contacted by journalists, Virgin told Carly-Jane that egg mayonnaise sandwiches would not be on the April menu for economy, where the family will be seated.

Virgin has also told MailOnline that there are no egg sandwiches being served on the flight, but that there are still dishes which contain the ingredient in Premium and Upper.

The airline also stressed that its special assistance team is working with the family to help them continue their holiday.

'We have to find out what they're serving every time we fly because she could potentially die,' Carly-Jane explained.

Mother Carly-Jane, 43 (pictured with Dolly) says she reached out to Virgin in February to find out what meals they would be serving on the plane

Father Craig (pictured with his daughter) - who also seemed to be under the impression that egg sandwiches specifically are still on the flight's menu - added that he can't 'get his head around' the inflexibility of the airline

'She goes into anaphylactic shock. It's awful, horrific. Her throat closes, she coughs, her airways close up.'

Carly-Jane - who still appeared to be under the impression that egg mayo and cheese and pickle sandwiches are being served as part of their afternoon tea - added that the family contacted Virgin 'far in advance'.

'They weren't saying she couldn't go on the plane but it's at our risk,' the frustrated parent added.

'But we could get to the gate and the pilot says they aren't willing to take the risk. It's such an anxious time.'

She said that Dolly and Betty don't yet know about the dilemma.

The family set to enjoy a trip to Disney World Florida in April this year for Dolly, twin Betty and brother Freddie, 12

Craig is meeting with an allergy specialist to see if there are any medications or masks available. Dolly pictured crying after an instance where her egg allergy meant she couldn't get on the plane

The couple claim that they were left with the option of getting a flight with a different airline from Manchester or missing out on their holiday and the 19,000 they paid

Carly-Jane said: 'If we couldn't go, they'd be absolutely devastated, heartbroken, they'd be in bits. It will make holidays for them an anxious time.

'The last time we went away she was so anxious, she said she didn't want to ruin the family's holiday again. A little girl shouldn't have to deal with that. She didn't ask to be allergic.'

Father Craig - who also seemed to be under the impression that egg sandwiches specifically are still on the flight's menu - added that he can't 'get his head around' the inflexibility of the airline.

'They said they couldn't change it for one flight, it has to be global...It's one flight from Heathrow,' he said.

'It's the resistance that you get. There's no want to help or find a solution, it's very black and white.

The family pictured together on holiday. The parents revealed they are torn with anxiety over the upcoming trip

Now the family is anxious and torn over whether to cancel their long-awaited getaway and flush thousands down the drain - or risk their daughter's health

'Half of the battle is they say they can give her other food. The allergy is so severe, it's airborne so it can't be anywhere on the plane.

'Egg is in a lot of things but it would be in its purest form if it's in an egg mayo sandwich. Our hands are tied.'

The couple claim that they were left with the option of getting a flight with a different airline from Manchester - at an extra cost of 800, and risk egg also being served on that flight - or missing out on their holiday and the 19,000 they paid.

Carly-Jane said: 'No one will tell you what they'll serve on the flights. I contacted the airlines and no one could tell us so we can't make an informed decision.

'If we don't get the flight, we lose 19,000. We've got a flight with Easy Jet before and they went above and beyond so it can be done.

Carly-Jane and Craig now say that the future of their vacation all relies on the airline's menu in April

'Why do people with a peanut allergy be afforded any more protection than someone with any kind of life-threatening allergy?

'We're dreading having to tell her we might not be able to go. I can't sleep at night, I feel sick.'

Craig is meeting with an allergy specialist to see if there are any medications or masks available that would limit the risk of Dolly going into anaphylactic shock on the nine-hour flight.

'We'll do anything to limit the threat,' he added. 'We're looking into noise cancelling earphones so when they announce the food options it doesn't put her into anxiety.'

Virgin has also told MailOnline that there are no egg sandwiches being served on the flight, but that there are still dishes which contain the ingredient in Premium and Upper. Pictured: Carly-Jane's email to Virgin

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: 'The safety of our customers is always our top priority, and for special food requirements we ask customers to seek advice from our Special assistance team in advance of booking.

'We are able to offer various meal options for customers with religious or medical requirements such as kosher, diabetic meals and vegan meals.

'For allergies we would strongly encourage customers to take all necessary precautions including bringing their own meals on board and to prepare for the possibility of inadvertent exposure.

'On this occasion, we were able to seat the family at the back of economy, away from the meals being served in Upper and Premium, which contain eggs, as well ensuring all the cabin crew are aware of the allergy whilst also advising the family to bring their own food on board.'
The Royal Family braved blustery conditions outside Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service this afternoon, with the Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales both hanging on to their hats.

Camilla, 75, wore a sapphire blue outfit by Fiona Clare and a Philip Treacy beret with one of the late Queens sapphire and diamond brooches.

Kate, 41, looked equally elegant in a 3,000 Erdem outfit and a diamond Prince of Wales Feathers brooch  a sweet gift from the King. The mother-of-three chose a glittering pair of two-tiered flower-shaped earrings, which were previously owned by Princess Diana.

At the service, the King paid tribute to his remarkable mother as he delivered his Commonwealth Day message for the first time.

The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh  Edward and Sophie  and Princess Anne were also in attendance, as well as Spice Girl Geri Horner, who is an ambassador for King Charles' charity The Prince's Trust and is a regular at the event.

The Princess of Wales avoided a wardrobe malfunction as she arrived at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey today. The stylish mother-of-three opted for a deep navy peplum jacket with matching midi skirt for the annual event

And it wasn't just Kate! The Queen Consort Camilla was also battling the wind today as she arrived at service earlier this afternoon holding tightly onto her hat while trying to keep her coat down as she stepped out of the car

Hold onto your hats! Both Camilla and Kate Middleton were clinging onto their fascinators as they arrived at the Commonwealth Day service this afternoon at Westminster and a great gust of wind almost blew them off their feet

Spice for life! The royals were joined at the service by Spice Girl Geri Horner. The ambassador for The Prince's Trust wore a sharp white coat with stylish wide leg trousers and killer nude platform heels

The Princess of Wales had to hold onto her large navy hat as she arrived at Westminster Abbey with her husband Prince William, who coordinated his suit to his wife's sophisticated inky peplum co-ord

Royal mother-of-three Kate opted for an elegant ensemble for today's appearance, donning one of her favourite designers - Erdem Moralioglu.

It's a brand over which she is believed to have had tensions with Meghan Markle, according to reports, which stated that she was prioritised over the Duchess of Sussex by Erdem.

Both women are fans of the British designer, with the Duchess of Sussex falling in love with his clothes during her career as an actress, as reported by The Telegraph.

Despite sporting his designs to several engagements before entering royal life from 2016, once Meghan joined the Firm, the Princess of Wales is said to have been given priority over Meghan as she, too, was an existing customer.

The fact that frocks crafted by the British designer, who was born in Canada, were being handed to Kate first is said to have gone down badly with the Sussexes.

Today, the Princess wore her long brunette locks swept up into an elegant updo, revealing her late mother-in-law's earrings, and opted for a touch of makeup for the outing.

Diana was spotted wearing the earrings on several occasions before her death in 1997 - including when she attended the Met Gala in New York City in 1996 and during a visit to Canada in 1991.

Now, they've been passed down to Kate, who previously wore them back in June when she attended Trooping the Colour as part of the Queen's birthday celebrations.

She also donned Queen Alexandra's Three Feathers Brooch on the lapel of her jacket, which features the Prince of Wales feathers emblem.

She previously wore the brooch at the first state visit of King Charles's reign in November 2022.

The royals were greeted by members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club, who performed outside the abbey.

A warm welcome! King Charles III appeared in good spirits at the annual Commonwealth Day Service and offered a close greeting to a woman who was part of the congregation at Westminster Abbey

Double trouble! The windy weather caused problems for the Princess of Wales today. However, it did reveal a stunning inverted pattern on the other side of her skirt when the wind billowed at her hemline

The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared in high spirits as they left Westminster Abbey today. Catherine grinned as she held onto her fascinator, which was close to being blown off her head in the windy weather

The Princess of Wales paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing her sapphire earrings and brooch, which Diana wore as a necklace previously

Kate Middleton's polished outfit featured a sophisticated matching jacket and skirt featuring peplum detailing across the hemlines and a white floral pattern on an inky navy base. The stylish Princess matched her suede pumps, fascinator and clutch bag in the same navy

Today, the Princess of Wales wore her long brunette locks swept up into an elegant updo, revealing her late mother-in-law's earrings, and opted for a touch of makeup for the outing

Catherine Middleton's navy peplum jacket was from one her favourite designer's - Erdem. In typical Erdem style Kate's peplum jacket and skirt featured a floral pattern

The Princess of Wales beamed as a schoolgirl presented her with a posey of spring flowers featuring yellow, white and lilac buds, as she left the Commonwealth Day service this afternoon

When leaving Westminster Abbey, after the annual Commonwealth Day Service, the recently named Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh stopped to speak to the choir boys of the Abbey

Sophie, the wife of the Queen's youngest son Prince Edward, looked relaxed as she left Westminster Abbey this afternoon following the annual event, which is a particularly poignant engagement in the royal calendar

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the former Countess of Wessex appeared to be in deep conversation as they left Westminster Abbey this afternoon following the poignant Commonwealth Day Service

The Duchess of Edinburgh beamed with joy as she was presented with a posey of spring flowers. Sophie opted for a textured cream coat for today's events, with a matching pillar box hat

The Princess Royal donned a patterned emerald green outfit as she attended the service at Westminster Abbey alongside her siblings King Charles III and Prince Edward

The Queen Consort offered royal fans a wave as she and the King departed the service this afternoon in their car. Camilla, who wore a royal blue ensemble raised a leather gloved hand to the window to greet the crowds

King Charles III wore a pin striped blue suit with a patterned blue tie to attend today's service. He was seen afterwards greeting the choir boys and school children who were in attendance at the service

After the annual Commonwealth Day Service King Charles and his wife Camilla were eager to greet the choir boys of Westminster Abbey. They are pictured here engaging in conversation with the boys who were in attendance at the service

Inside, King Charles took to the Great Pulpit where he paid tribute to Queen Elizabeths pride in the family of nations, describing it as a force for good in areas such as climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as economic co-operation and health.

The late Queen did not deliver her message in person. Instead it was printed in the service programme.

It is understood that the new monarch  who also succeeded his mother as head of the Commonwealth  was keen to personally mark her passing, as well as his own inaugural address.

The King told the 2,000-strong congregation: Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late Queen  a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.

In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.

Senior members of the royal family looked on in awe at performers, who put on displays during the service at Westminster Abbey

The King appeared particularly amused by a group of dancers who performed at the service this afternoon

The dancers pictured were just one of the many performances, which took place during the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

King Charles III gave a poignant speech during the service about how important the Commonwealth was to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II who passed away in September last year

Members of the royal family sat together during the service, before King Charles III delivered his important speech about the Commonwealth, giving a nod to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II

The Prince and Princess of Wales watched on with concern and love in their eyes as the King gave the moving speech to guests at the service. The couple sat alongside Queen Consort Camilla

King Charles donned a smart blue pinstriped suit with a polka dot tie as he attended the service today. He chose a matching pocket square and crisp white shirt

The King appeared to gesture towards his service sheet during the service at Westminster Abbey. Charles was sat alongside his wife, Camilla, son and daughter-in-law

Camilla and Charles looked thoughtful during the service, which was the first since the late Queen's death. The pair sat side-by-side and were pictured taking a moment of reflection

The Prince and Princess of Wales today joined King Charles and the Queen Consort, Princess Anne, and hundreds of dignitaries and schoolchildren for the annual event, which is an important date in the royal calendar

The royal family were side-by-side in the front row at Westminster Abbey during the service this afternoon. Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and King Charles III were all in attendance with their partners, including the Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales were wore perfectly coordinated inky navy outfits for today's service at Westminster Abbey. The Pair are pictured here singing a hymn during the service

Likewise, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla also paired their outfits for the event. The couple opted for different shades of blue within the same tonal group

While Kate and Prince William were seated alongside King Charles and the Queen Consort in the front royal, the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne were seated behind

The Princess of Wales was seated alongside King Charles, the Queen Consort and Prince William inside the church. All four are pictured here in deep reflection, taking a moment of contemplation during the service

The Princess of Wales followed behind the Queen Consort as they attended the annual service in London today. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh followed on behind Kate Middleton as they walked through the Abbey

Today's service is particularly poignant to the royals, as it marks the first time that the event has taken place since the Queen's death in September. Senior members of the royal grouped together inside Westminster Abbey

Camilla smiled on during the service, while her husband King Charles took another moment of reflection. During the service the King referenced how much the late Queen, his mother, thought of the Commonwealth

Despite the windy weather outside, King Charles was in high spirits and chatted to attendees at the service. He is pictured here in animated conversation, shaking hands with one woman inside the Abbey

Likewise, the Prince and Princess of Wales appeared in high spirits as they also chatted with attendees at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Prince William and Kate appeared in high spirits at the service, shaking hands and speaking with other attendees and guests during the service at Westminster Abbey

The new Duchess of Edinburgh, who was radiant in a cream ensemble for the day, was beaming as she spoke with people lining up to meet her

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who arrived side-by-side at Westminster, appeared relaxed as they stepped out of the wind and into the church. The pair donned coordinated outfits for the event

The King's poignant speech at the Commonwealth Day Service Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother, The late Queen  a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life. In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years. The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me. Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold. This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values  peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and for the most vulnerable among us. These are not simply ideals. In each lies an imperative to act, and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home. Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action. In this we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world's population, including one and a half billion people under the age of thirty. Our shared humanity contains an immensely precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek. This extraordinary potential, which we hold in common, is more than equal to the challenges we face. It offers us unparalleled strength not merely to face the future, but to build it. Here, the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future  one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come. The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more. Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good. Advertisement

The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me. Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.

The Commonwealth is a global network of countries formed in the dying days of the British Empire but has proved to be so enduring that new members with no empirical ties have joined.

The member states have shared economic, environmental, social and democratic goals and boasts a combined population of 2.4billion people, almost a third of the world population, of which more than 60 per cent are under 30 years old.

The theme for this years Commonwealth Day is forging a sustainable and peaceful common future, something that the King himself highlighted in words that echoed his campaigning on the issue as Prince of Wales.

He said: Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.

Here, the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future  one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.

Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good.

The King and Queen Consort were met by the Dean of Westminster, with the multi-cultural and multi-faith service featuring special performances from saxophonist Yolanda Brown, the Rwandan National Ballet and an all-female choir from Cyprus.

Today is the first time the family have come together to celebrate the Commonwealth since Harry and Meghan's bombshell Netflix series branded the Commonwealth as 'Empire 2.0'.

In the third episode of the series, writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsh - author of the 2018 memoir Brit(ish) - described the Queen's beloved Commonwealth as being 'Empire 2.0' before then going on to describe Prince Harry as 'anti-racist'.

Discussing institutional racism in the UK, Afua said in the documentary: 'Britain calculated that it needed to grant these countries independence in a way that protected its commercial and capitalist interest. So it created this privileged club called the Commonwealth.

'The Commonwealth is still described as a club of friends who share common values. I find that language really problematic.

'I sometimes call the Commonwealth 'Empire 2.0' because that is what it is.'

Appearing on an episode of Palace Confidential in December, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor said the couple were 'lucky' that the late monarch wasn't able to watch their TV special, which landed on the streaming platform yesterday morning.

Discussing the first episodes of the series, Richard said: 'It's almost lucky that Queen Elizabeth isn't alive to see this because the Commonwealth was so central to her and bringing people together.

'It's a voluntary organisation whereas [in the documentary], it's dismissed as this colonial body used for Britain to extract money and resources from the rest of the world. She would have been horrified.'

Meanwhile, the Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large Charlotte Griffiths pointed out how all the filming for the series finished in August 2022 - just weeks before the Queen passed away at the age of 96.

She said: 'They were planning to do all of this thinking that The Queen would be alive to see it [...] Thank God she didn't.'

Prince William loving put his hand on his wife's, Catherine, back as they left Westminster Abbey following the Commonwealth Day service. The Pair attended the annual service together

The King used the 'Hongi', a traditional Maori greeting of touching noses, as he arrived at the service today. He is pictured here traditionally greeting a guest outside of Westminster Abbey today

The windy spring weather saw the King's hair blown across his face as he stopped briefly outside the church before walking inside. He is pictured here moving his hair out of his eyes are he makes his way inside

King Charles III stopped to watch members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club perform outside the Abbey today ahead of the annual Commonwealth Day Service. The group are pictured performing a traditional dance

Performers outside the venue wowed the royals as they arrived for the Commonwealth Day Service this afternoon at Westminster Abbey

King Charles looked thoughtful as he faced the windy weather outside of Westminster Abbey today ahead of the poignant annual service. The King donned a blue pin striped suit for the event

The Queen Consort Camilla looked radiant in royal blue. She is pictured here tucking a lock of hair behind her fascinator as she battled the windy spring weather outside of Westminster Abbey

Camilla was forced to hold onto her velvet royal blue fascinator as the windy weather threatened to blow it off her head outside of Westminster Abbey. Camilla also wore black leather gloves as she braced the cold winds

Blown away! Camilla kept her hand resting on her hat as she arrived at the service earlier this afternoon. She was seen laughing as she struggled to hold onto her fascinator in the windy weather

Camilla ensured her vibrant blue fascinator didn't leave her head as she attended the service in London today. The Queen Consort was seen laughing as she held onto her hat, which featured blue feather details

The Queen Consort opted for a royal blue ensemble for the poignant Commonwealth Day Service earlier this afternoon. She wore a royal blue dress coat with a matching velvet and feather fascinator

The Queen Consort battled the wind as she arrived at the event today, which blew up her coat dress and wrecked havoc with her fascinator

As she stepped out of her vehicle this afternoon, Camilla was seen struggling with both her coat and fascinator in the wind as she walked towards Westminster Abbey

The Princess of Wales' brown tresses were pulled up into an elegant, ornate up do, under her large navy saucer style hat, which she had to hold onto in the wind

The Princess was dressed in Erdem, which has become one of her favourite designers for royal engagements. Her stylish co-ord outfit featured peplum detailing around the hemline and a white floral design

The royal mother-of-three held onto her elegant fascinator as she arrived at the service today alongside her husband Prince William. The couple appeared to also be battling the windy weather

The royal mother-of-three coordinated with her husband in navy blue as they arrived for the service this afternoon. Prince William stepped out in a sharp navy blue suit, perfectly matched to his wife's Erdem outfit

The Princess of Wales was regal in navy as she attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey today. She paired her gloves, hat, bag and suede pumps perfectly in inky navy blue

The mother-of-three chose a glittering pair of two-tiered flower-shaped earrings, which were previously owned by her mother-in-law Princess Diana

Meanwhile the royal mother-of-three's skirt blew in the wind, revealing an inverted white floral detailing on the other side. Many of the royals were snapped struggling in today's windy spring weather outside of Westminster Abbey

The Princess of Wales held onto her hat as she arrived at the event for the Commonwealth Service this afternoon. The stylish Princess was dressed head-to-toe in an elegant inky navy colour and her late mother-in-law's jewellery

The Princess opted for a navy ensemble for the occasion, perfectly pairing her floral outfit with her fascinator, gloves and heels. Kate also wore Princess Diana's earrings and brooch, which Diana used to wear as a necklace

What's more, Charlotte said Meghan's 'stance on the Commonwealth seems to have changed dramatically' since her May 2018 wedding, where she wore a veil boasting different symbols to represent each nation.

In response to host Jo Elvin recalling how Meghan said she was 'excited' to visit the Commonwealth countries in her engagement interview, Charlotte said: 'So she hadn't done any research before getting married?

'Is that what's she saying? And now she's done her research? That's inconsistent with who Meghan is as a person, she's obviously a very well-researched person.

'I just think her whole stance on the Commonwealth has changed dramatically, maybe she fully believes what Afua is saying. I don't know but it's a pretty hard line [to take].'

It comes amidst a busy period for Kate and William, who last week praised 'amazing' communities fundraising for families left homeless after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Kate, 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.

The newly named Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were pictured arriving together outside of Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual Commonwealth Day Service

Sophie donned an elegant cream textured coat for the service, which she paired with a matching pillar box hat, complete with a black ribbon detail at the back

Sophie looked stunning in a cream coat with matching accessories as she walked up the steps of the abbey today. The mother-of-two pulled her blonde tresses into a neat up do under her hat

The new Duchess of Edinburgh arrived alongside her husband Prince Edward ahead of the annual Commonwealth Day Service. Prince Edward was captured smiling lovingly at his wife

Sophie, former Countess of Wessex, wore a pair of patent nude heels for the day's events. She was snapped outside of Westminster Abbey arriving with her husband

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.

And Kate also visited the snowy Salisbury Plain Training Area to take part in a training exercise with the Irish Guards.

Geri Horner battled the winds outside Westminster Abbey today to attend the Commonwealth Day Service

Gerri is pictured here inside Westminster Abbey speaking with other members of today's congregation

The former Spice Girl wore a white coat with large gold rose button detailing over a white roll neck jumper

Geri Horner opted for a wide leg pair of white trousers with killer nude platform heels for the annual service

Geri wore her auburn tresses loose and slightly curled, opting for minimal jewellery and make up

Geri beamed as she attended today's service. She joined many guests including senior members of the royal family

Geri Horner was among many guests who attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey

Geri Horner pictured inside Westminster Abbey speaking with members of the congregation attending the Commonwealth Day service

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.

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'.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai paid subtle tribute to an Afghan Queen who advocated for women's rights in the country at the Oscars last night.

Malala, 25, attended the Academy Awards in Hollywood in support of her nominated documentary, Stranger At The Gate.

The activist, who is known for human rights advocacy, turned heads as she walked the red carpet at the event wearing a silver sequin gown by Ralph Lauren Collection.

Meanwhile she also opted for jewelry from Fred Leighton that was previously owned by Queen Soraya Tarzi of Afghanistan, including a set of 1920s diamond pendant earrings and a 19th century diamond ring.

Queen Soraya was herself a strong advocate of women's rights and established Afghanistan's first women's journal, which advocated gender equality.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai paid subtle tribute to the women of Afghanistan last night as she wore glittering jewels owned by a Queen of the country to the Oscars last night

Queen Soraya Tarzi of Afghanistan was herself a strong advocate of women's rights and established Afghanistan's first women's journal, which advocated gender equality

After a speech given by her husband in which he said Islam did not require women to cover their bodies or wear a veil, Queen Soraya tore off her face covering in front of a crowd of onlookers.

In a 1926 speech marking the seventh anniversary of independence from British rule, she said the new freedom belonged 'to all of us' and called on women to 'take their part' in driving the country forward.

Speaking of Soraya, women's rights activist and Afghan politician Shinkai Karokhail told Arab News that the queen 'began a great revolution and managed to implement it through the king.

'She appeared in public and travelled extensively to inform women about their rights and that they needed to acquire education.'

Malala herself was a teenage education activist when the Pakistani Taliban hunted her down. They stopped her school bus and shot her in the face in 2012.

She survived and two years later won the Nobel Peace Prize. She is known for human rights advocacy, and campaigns for the education of women and children in Pakistan.

In November, she called on the UK Government to 'step forward more boldly' in their support for Afghan women living under the Taliban.

The Pakistani activist accused world leaders of going 'silent' as she addressed the Action for Afghanistan rally opposite Downing Street, central London, on Sunday afternoon.

The protest came as part of a campaign aimed at sparking renewed focus on Afghan women and girls becoming increasingly oppressed by the Taliban, which took over the country after the withdrawal of Western troops in 2021.

She opted for jewelry from Fred Leighton that was previously owned by Queen Soraya, including a set of 1920s diamond briolette pendant earrings in platinum and a 19th century diamond navette-shaped ring (pictured)

The activist, who is known for human rights advocacy, turned heads as she walked the red carpet at the event wearing a silver sequin gown by Ralph Lauren Collection

The 25-year-old was joined by her husband Asser Malik at the red carpet event in Hollywood last night

Addressing the crowd, Ms Yousafzai said her story is not 'unique' and that she can imagine what Afghan women and girls are going through since the regime banned their secondary education.

She said: 'That is why I'm here today because, in the face of gender apartheid in Afghanistan, our leaders have gone silent.

Malala Yousafzai: The youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Malala was a teenage education activist when the Pakistani Taliban hunted her down. They stopped her school bus and shot her in the face but she survived and two years later won the Nobel Peace Prize. 1997: Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan 2008: Forced to leave school after the Taliban ban girls from attending 2012: Speaks out publicly about girls having a right to learn and is shot by a masked Taliban gunman 2014: Joins her family in the UK after months of surgery and rehabilitation. In December she receives the Nobel Peace Prize 2018: Begins studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University 2021: Malala married Pakistani cricket coach Asser Malik in a small ceremony in her Birmingham home Malala continues to campaign for education and equality for girls and women Advertisement

'(Being) fragmented in their response has allowed the Taliban to increase their oppression of women and girls.

'Each of us who have the freedom to speak must not look away. We must call on our leaders to act with urgency.'

The Taliban is known for its extreme interpretation of the Sharia law - Islam's legal system which is based on the Quran and teachings from scholars.

It acts as a code of conduct for Muslims but some interpretations mean women can be treated harshly in terms of what they wear and what they are seen as being allowed to do.

Previously, under Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, women weren't allowed to work or be educated.

They were banned from wearing certain items of clothing, such as shoes with high heels, and could not leave the house without a male chaperone.

Elsewhere at last night's event, Jimmy Kimmel was branded a 'national disgrace' after fans claimed he 'harassed' Malala during a bizarre Oscars 2023 segment.

The host, 55, left the Nobel Peace Prize winner visibly uncomfortable as he approached her during a break in proceedings and asked her an awkward question about Harry Styles and Chris Pine's 'spit-gate' drama.

The presenter read out a question from a fan named Joanne, saying: 'She asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspirationas the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?'

Malala looked unsure and then responded: 'I only talk about peace.'

A breezy Kimmel retorted: 'You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is. That's a great answer, Malala. The winner is malala-land, everybody.'

The evening then took a further awkward turn as an attendee dressed as a real-life 'Cocaine Bear' from the movie crawled down the aisle and began to pester Malala.

After a speech given by her husband in which he said Islam did not require women to cover their bodies or wear a veil, Queen Soraya tore off her face covering in front of a crowd of onlookers. Above: The couple in France in 1928

In a 1926 speech marking the seventh anniversary of independence from British rule, she said the new freedom belonged 'to all of us' and called on women to 'take their part' in driving the country forward. Above: Her and her husband in the 1920s

King Amanullah and Queen Soraya are seen surrounded by dignitaries in Manchester during a visit to the UK in March 1928

Kimmel called out: 'Cocaine bear, leave Malala alone!' as the activist looked on with worry.

Fans quickly took to social media to slam Kimmel's 'disrespectful' behaviour, with one writing: 'I love @jimmykimmel but his interaction with Malala was one of the worst and most painful things I've seen on TV in so many years.'

Another wrote: 'Watching the #Oscars from home, I was absolutely horrified with the interaction between @jimmykimmel and @Malala Jimmy, you were incredibly disrespectful.

One fan typed: 'jimmy kimmel is a national disgrace. this woman deserves better' while a second wrote: 'why did jimmy kimmel and the cocaine bear just harass malala oh my god leave her alone.'

Another wrote: 'I hope Jimmy Kimmel pays for making Malala answer that question. She deserves better than that!'
Sophie, the former Countess of Wessex, has become the Duchess of Edinburgh

She has been elevated to the position of The Duchess of Edinburgh after her husband Prince Edward was given his late father's Duke of Edinburgh title.

And friends of Sophie, the former Countess of Wessex, 58, have since claimed she is 'relieved' that her move up the royal ranks means she no longer needs to curtsey to Meghan Markle.

Sophie had previously been duty-bound to defer to Prince Harrys wife who, as a Duchess, was of a higher rank.

Relations between the royal wives were said to have become strained when the Duchess of Sussex reportedly turned down the chance to have Sophie mentor her on life as a Royal.

But Sophie was previously labelled a potential ally of the Sussexes after being the 'first royal member of to go see them after the birth of their son Archie, sources at the time claimed. Here, FEMAIL takes a look at Sophie and Meghan's up and down relationship...

'RELIEVED' SHE WON'T HAVE TO CURTSEY TO MEGHAN

Prince Edward was promoted to Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday on Friday, meaning that Sophie is now a Duchess too. The former Countess of Wessex had previously been duty-bound to defer to Prince Harrys wife (pictured together in 2019) who, as a Duchess, was of a higher rank

Prince Edward was promoted to Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday on Friday, meaning that Sophie is now a Duchess too.

The former Countess of Wessex had previously been duty-bound to defer to Prince Harrys wife who, as a Duchess, was of a higher rank.

A friend of the couple said: Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left Royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.

Mother-of-two Meghan, 41, explained the intricacies of curtseying in her recent Netflix docuseries.

The Sussexes revealed that before a meeting with the late Queen, Harry asked Meghan: You know how to curtsey, right?

Meghan told the cameras: I just thought it was a joke, before re-enacting the exaggerated curtsey she gave Queen Elizabeth II and laughing.

It is, however, a tradition that the Royal Family takes seriously. Princess Anne was seen giving a poignant curtsey to her mothers coffin as it entered the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

MEGHAN 'WASN'T INTERESTED' IN HAVING SOPHIE AS A MENTOR

Queen Elizabeth II 'wanted Meghan Markle to make a success of her new role' and suggested Sophie (pictured together in 2018) as a mentor - but the Duchess of Sussex 'wasn't interested', according to Gyles Brandreth

Queen Elizabeth II 'wanted Meghan Markle to make a success of her new role' and suggested Sophie as a mentor - but the Duchess of Sussex 'wasn't interested', according to Gyles Brandreth.

The royal author told Palace Confidential in December that Her late Majesty did 'everything that she could' to welcome Meghan, who now lives with Prince Harry and their two children in a 11million mansion in Montecito, California.

He said the Queen suggested the former Countess of Wessex as a 'sort of mentor' to the Duchess, however, Meghan 'felt she had Harry' and didn't need further help from an advisor.

Gyles said: 'The Queen wanted Meghan to make a success of the marriage and of her new role, and indeed did everything that she could to encourage that.

'I think she suggested to her that Sophie Wessex, who certainly was a favourite with her, and had been through it because she had married into the royal family, and married Prince Edward, might help her, be a sort of mentor.

'I don't think Meghan was interested in that. She felt she had Harry, she didn't need to be offered a mentor... The Queen was very keen at first,' he concluded.

Sophie, who was a favourite with the late monarch, is well known for her down-to-earth nature and was viewed by the Queen as The Firm's safest pair of hands.

She was welcomed into the Royal Family after tying the knot to Prince Edward back in 1999, and the couple have since welcomed two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

AWKWARD COMMONWEALTH DAY MOMENT

In March 2020, Prince Edward was praised for diffusing any possible tension as he took his seat between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Commonwealth Day service that year (pictured)

However, while Edward deftly bridged the conversation gap between the Sussexes and the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , who were seated on the row in front, his wife Sophie appeared to largely avoid chatting to Meghan and Harry

In March 2020, Prince Edward was praised for diffusing any possible tension as he took his seat between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Commonwealth Day service that year.

The former Earl of Wessex was seen chatting to Meghan and Harry as the royals took their seats at Westminster Abbey.

However, while Edward deftly bridged the conversation gap between the Sussexes and the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were seated on the row in front, his wife Sophie appeared to largely avoid chatting to Meghan and Harry.

Photographs seemingly showed Sophie chatting to William and Kate instead of joining in the conversation with her husband, Harry and Meghan.

Edward's relaxed, easy-going nature was noted by royal supporters watching at home, who said he was 'chatting' and 'giggling' with Meghan to help put her at ease.

One tweeted: 'Prince Edward, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle giggling away together is the content I wanted to see. Good vibes all round!'

The former Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were in turn followed by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. All three couples made their own way to their seats.

'FIRST MEMBER OF ROYAL FAMILY TO VISIT AFTER THE BIRTH OF ARCHIE' Sophie was the first member of the Royal Family to visit the Sussexes following the birth of their son Prince Archie in 2019, going to the couple's Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, according to Valentine Low, writing in The Times. A source told the outlet that Sophie is 'normal' and has empathy that perhaps others in the Firm 'don't naturally have'. They said: 'She did the right thing. She got in the car and went over. She has got the empathy and warmth that maybe people who grew up in that family dont naturally have. 'Normal people would think: this is what you do. You go; you make sure the new mum is OK and see the baby.' Advertisement

SOPHIE 'BENEFITS' FROM MEGHAN MARKLE QUITTING ROYAL LIFE

Sophie 'undoubtedly benefitted' from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back from royal life because it has 'raised her profile', a royal expert claimed in March 2022.

At the time, the mother-of-two had embarked on a rare high-profile solo trip of New York, cementing her position as the late 'Queen's secret weapon' within the new look monarchy.

Royal expert Russel Myers explained how Sophie has seen her star rise after the Duke, 38, and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals and moved to California.

Speaking on True Royalty TVs The Royal Beat, he explained: 'Are the Instagram generation going to be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not.

'However, when youre dealing with them Sophies really across her subject matter. Its not just for show and she has really grown into that. With the Sussexes not here, the Wessexes will undoubtedly benefit.'

Meanwhile he also pointed to how similar Meghan and Sophie's interests are, saying: 'The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen.

'Sophies working with girls education, shes done a lot of stuff about violence against females in Africa.'

TRAVELLED TOGETHER FOR QUEEN'S FUNERAL

Meghan and Sophie walk outside Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022

Camilla, Queen Consort, Princess of Wales, Sophie and Meghan at Queen Elizabeth II's coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall in September 2022

Prince Edward's wife Sophie and Meghan travelled together in a car down The Mall ahead of the Queen's State Funeral in September 2022.

After travelling together, Sophie was described as a 'savvy peacemaker' who may be tasked with 'soothing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm.'

According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, writing in the Telegraph, the job of making sure the 'Sussexes are made to feel part of [the] sombre proceedings' appeared to have fallen to Sophie.

The royal expert cited reports of previous times the former Countess is believed to have 'stepped in to soothe tensions,' including after the funeral of Prince Philip, when she is said to have sought out Prince Harry and spoken with him for some 30 minutes.

And a former aide of Sophie told the Telegraph that she 'is made for the role of mediator.' They said: 'That's why she's the Queen's favourite daughter-in-law - she's down to earth and just gets on with it.

'Like Meghan, shes not only had a professional life before royalty but she also knows what it feels like to be vilified in the press. She understands what Harry and Meghan are going through.'
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked ethereal in a cream coat and matching hat as she stepped out at the Commonwealth Day service in London today.

Joining other royals such as the Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales at the annual event, this is the first time the wife of Prince Edward has attended the ceremony while using her new title.

Sophie, previously the Countess of Wessex, was elevated to Duchess of Edinburgh last week, after it was announced that her husband Prince Edward had been given his late father's Duke of Edinburgh title.

Arriving alongside her husband, the beaming mother-of-two wore a smart cream coat dress with a matching pillar box hat, with a black ribbon at the back, to the service at Westminster Abbey.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stunned in a cream coat and matching pillar box hat as she attended the Commonwealth Day service

The former Countess of Wessex was joined by her husband Prince Edward for the annual service at Westminster Abbey

Sophie, 58, was joined by her husband, the now Duke of Edinburgh, 59, and other senior members of the royal family.

She wore an agate brooch against her textured coat, and opted for a pair of matching shoes and a handbag.

The stylish royal pinned her blonde tresses up and kept her make up bronzed yet neutral for the service.

Prince Edward, meanwhile, wore a simple pin-striped navy suit with a brown patterned tie for the annual event.

This is the first Commonwealth Day service that the couple have attended under their new titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh

The mother-of-two wore a stunning cream textured coat dress with a matching hat and handbag to the service

The couple beamed as they entered Westminster Abbey for the annual service under their new titles

Today's service is particularly poignant to the royals, as it marks the first time that the event has taken place since Queen Elizabeth II's death in September.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were also in attendance alongside King Charles and the Queen Consort, Princess Anne and hundreds of dignitaries and schoolchildren for the annual event, which is an important date in the royal calendar.

Today is also the first time the family have come together to celebrate the Commonwealth since Harry and Meghan's bombshell Netflix series branded the Commonwealth as 'Empire 2.0'.

The Commonwealth was founded in December 1931 and currently contains 54 countries. According to the Royal Family's website, the purpose of the organisation is to 'foster international co-operation and trade links between people all over the world'.

Sophie pinned her blonde hair back showing off a pair of simple pearl earrings and kept her make up neutral

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh stood with Princess Anne and her husband Vince Admiral Timothy Laurence during the service

Sophie was seen shaking the hands of attendees at Westminster Abbey and engaging in conversation

The wife of Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Prince Edward, wore an agate brooch on her textured cream coat

It was last week that the King conferred the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his youngest brother to mark his 59th birthday on March 10.

This raise in royal status for Sophie is a touching tribute to the late Queen's daughter-in-law who lovingly called her 'mama'.

Married to Prince Edward for 24 years, she is well known for her down-to-earth nature and was viewed by the late Queen as The Firm's safest pair of hands.

Sophie's previous rank as Countess of Wessex, meant she was of an equal rank with her husband Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wore a nude pair of heeled pumps for the annual Commonwealth Day service

It was last week that the King conferred the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his youngest brother to mark his 59th birthday

This raise in royal status for Sophie, 58, is a touching tribute to the late Queen's daughter-in-law who lovingly called her 'mama'

However their new titles of Duke and Duchess are of a higher rank, elevating them in status to just below the monarch. Duchesses are also referred to as Her Royal Highness.

Meanwhile the title of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is one of the most senior in the Royal Family.

The move is a touching and lasting connection between the late Queen and her much-loved daughter-in-law, Sophie.

She was noted as the late monarch's 'favourite' family member and closest confidante.
Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong poses with students at Gumi Electronics Technical High School in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 7. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Kim Jae-heun



Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong met with his employees at the company's Smart City in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, and promised to make more anonymous donations, according to industry officials Sunday.



"I want to participate in volunteer works more actively, but I am well-known to the public so it's not easy for me. However, I try to donate a lot anonymously," Lee said during a meeting with employees.



"I make donations to a foreign worker's organization regularly and I wish it could create an environment where foreign laborers can live happily with their children," the chairman added.



Prior to his visit to Gumi Electronics Technical High School on March 7, Lee visited the Smart City to meet nine workers who have actively participated in the company's donation activities and community service.



Samsung Electronics' Smart City in Gumi is where the company first introduced "Sharing Kiosk" machines. Anybody can donate 1,000 won ($0.76) at a time just by swiping their employee cards on the machines that are installed in cafeterias, building lobbies and trails. The kiosks also have a monitor that shows the stories of children who are in need.



The donation kiosk is now installed in other Samsung Electronics' workplaces, including its Digital City in Suwon.



The chairman also talked about his hobby with his employees.



"I enjoy hiking and I like eating cup noodles afterwards. I have suggested an idea of inventing a thermos bottle that can boil hot water. When it comes out, I will give you guys one each as a present," Lee said.



Lee's love of hiking is well known to the public. When Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen visited Korea in 2021, Lee took him on a climb up Bukhansan Mountain that took five hours.



At the time, Lee learned that Ergen was an expert-level mountain climber and proposed hiking the mountain.



After that, Samsung Electronics won a contract to supply 5G communication equipment worth 1 trillion won to Dish Network in May 2022.


Her glam squad used a selection of eye masks and lashes to emphasize her eyes

Cara Delevingne looked positively radiant as she graced the red carpet at this year's star-studded Oscars ceremony on Sunday.

The British model, 30, was instantly crowned one of the most glamorous stars on the night as she joined the toast of Hollywood for the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles's Dolby Theatre.

The Carnival Row actress's breathtaking appearance continued to mark a stunning return to form for the model who has turned over a new leaf after sparking concern for her well-being last year.

Just days before the annual event, the model revealed she checked herself into rehab at the end of 2022 after 'heartbreaking' images of her at a private airport in Van Nuys, California, emerged and gave her a wakeup call.

Cara Delevingne looked better than ever as she graced the red carpet at the Oscars 2023 ceremony on Sunday

Cara then put on a very busty display as she posed at the Vanity Fair Oscars bash held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills

The outing continues to mark a stunning return to form for the model who has turned over a new leaf after sparking concern for her well-being last year (pictured in September 2022)

Cara explained that it caused her to reflect on her mental health struggles and addiction battle after the series of troubled public appearances.

Speaking to Vogue magazine as their April cover star, she confessed that she hadn't been 'ready' to tackle her demons until she fell into a 'bad place.'

She explained: 'I've had interventions of a sort, but I wasn't ready. That's the problem.

'I hadn't seen a therapist in three years. I just kind of pushed everyone away, which made me realize how much I was in a bad place.'

However, the model looked worlds away from her previous bedraggled appearances as her glam squad came together to help her channel old Hollywood glamour on Sunday night.

Wearing an eye-catching red Elie Saab FW21 Couture gown, the model wore her blonde locks slicked back into a neat bun and opted for a full face of makeup on the night.

Before the event kicked off she was among a number of stars who prepped their skin with a customized facial treatment by Joanna Czech using her eponymous line Joanna Czech Skincare at the L'Ermitage Beverly Hills.

The A-list facialist incorporated her skincare into her signature Oscars facial and used a Lyma Laser device to boost the results and help Cara look refreshed, sculpted, and hydrated.

The treatment included a combination of massage technique, LED technology, microcurrent, ultrasound, cryotherapy, oxygen infusion, and top-tier ingredients to help achieve tight and bright Oscars-worthy skin.

Then Cara's makeup artist Hung Vanngo hydrated and plumped the star's skin with NakedBeauty MD's Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Masks.

Described as the 'new era of eye care,' the treatment - which was developed by plastic surgeon - provides a cooling, restorative sensation without refrigeration.

First, Cara enjoyed a customized facial treatment by Joanna Czech using her eponymous line Joanna Czech Skincare and a Lyma Laser device

The model and her glam squad used a selection of treatments and products to transform her on the night

Cara's makeup artist Hung Vanngo plumped the star's skin with NakedBeauty MD's Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Masks

He also helped add drama to her smokey pink eye makeup with a little help from Ardell Beauty lashes.

Speaking to InTheKnow, Hung explained: 'For the Oscars 2023 look for Cara, we want to create a modern-classic, timeless movie star look. I created a monochrome makeup look with natural but full-fluttered lashes.'

Products used to create Cara's Oscars look Customized facial treatment by Joanna Czech: From $1,250 Lyma Laser device: From $2,695 NakedBeauty MD Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Masks: $110 Ardell Duralash Naturals Individual Lashes: $5.50 Sexy Hair Healthy Active Recovery Repairing Blow Dry Foam: $20 Big Sexy Hair Spray & Stay Intense Hold Hairspray: $9 Advertisement

Writing on Instagram, the make up artist added: 'I used Ardell knot-free individuals in short for the inner half of the eyes and medium knot-free individuals for the outer half.

'I also used few short and medium singles through out to create more dimension to complete the look.'

The finished look saw Cara dazzle with a shimmery eye and rosy lip, with the shade especially prominent on her lower lash line.

Meanwhile, the Only Murders In The Building actress teamed up with hairstylist Danielle Priano, who swept her hair off her face in a sleek bun.

Speaking to Marie Claire, Danielle opened up about the inspiration for the style as she stated: 'We wanted to channel true movie star energy, so we opted for a classic side part into a bun to show off Cara's amazing features.'

She continued: 'We're seeing slicked-back buns everywhere right now, because they are such a versatile look.'

The hair stylist used Sexy Hair Healthy Active Recovery Repairing Blow Dry Foam to slick the hair back before securing it with some bobby pins.

She then locked it all in place with a generous amount of Big Sexy Hair Spray & Stay Intense Hold Hairspray.

'Don't be afraid of hairspray! Spraying your hair is the best way to keep the look smooth and frizz free all day long,' Danielle told the publication.

He helped add drama to her smokey pink eye makeup with a little help from Ardell Beauty lashes

The finished result was a 'modern-classic, timeless movie star look'

Cara, who was styled by Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, put on a very leggy display in her scarlet number, which boasted a one-shoulder style with a full skirt and ruffled decoration on one arm.

She completed the look with a pair of towering red platforms, and accessorized with a dazzling diamond Bulgari choker and a matching bangle worn around her wrist.

Later in the evening, Cara put on a very busty display at the Vanity Fair Oscars bash held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills.

The model had her ample assets on display in a sheer white off-the-shoulder gown as she worked her best angles for the camera.

The incredible Del Core number had a glamorous sweeping design and frilly train, and featured see-through sections over her bust to reveal a nude corset underneath.

For her second look, she switched up her hairdo with wavy tendrils around her face.

Just days before the annual event, the model revealed she checked herself into rehab at the end of 2022 after 'heartbreaking' images gave her a wakeup call. Pictured September 2022

Cara, who was styled by Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, was back with a bang on Sunday as she put on a very leggy display in her scarlet Elie Saab FW21 Couture gown

She completed the look with a pair of towering red platforms, and accessorized with a dazzling diamond Bulgari choker and a matching bangle worn around her wrist

Though Cara is known for her supermodel turns in fashion shoots and star-studded events, the Paper Towns star recently confessed that she prefers not to wear makeup and enjoys the freedom of looking 'real.'

'Modelling is the opposite of reality; it's this glamorized version. I prefer to be grounded in reality and to be "ugly" and real and all the bits that people don't see,' she told Stellar Magazine in February.

She continued: 'To be able to do that is challenging, especially if you're trained to look good all the time or be perfect.

'I was acting when I was modelling because that's not me  I don't like wearing makeup every day. I can't spend an hour getting ready.'
Each has her own sense of style - but the wives of Windsor appeared equally elegant as they attended the Commonwealth Day service in London today.

The Princess of Wales, 41, stole the spotlight in a blue 3,000 Erdem outfit and a diamond Prince of Wales Feathers brooch  a sweet gift from King Charles.

Adding more glitz to her ensemble, the mother-of-three opted for a glittering pair of two-tiered flower-shaped earrings, which were previously owned by Princess Diana.

Colour coordinating with Kate's look, the Queen Consort, 75, commanded attention in a sapphire dress by Fiona Clare and a Philip Treacy beret with one of the late Queens sapphire and diamond brooches.

But not to be outdone by her royal counterparts, the new Duchess of Edinburgh looked ethereal in a cream 2,535 coat dress from Proenza Schouler and matching 990 Jane Taylor crown pillbox hat.

Each has her own sense of style - but the wives of Windsor appeared equally elegant as they attended the Commonwealth Day service in London today

Not to be outdone by her royal counterparts, the new Duchess of Edinburgh looked ethereal in a cream 2,535 coat dress from Proenza Schouler and matching 990 Jane Taylor crown pillbox hat

Sophie, previously the Countess of Wessex, was elevated to Duchess of Edinburgh last week, after it was announced that her husband Prince Edward had been given his late father's Duke of Edinburgh title.

The mother-of-two, 58, was joined by her husband, the now Duke of Edinburgh, 59, and other senior members of the royal family for today's service.

She wore an agate brooch against her textured coat, and opted for a pair of matching shoes and a 3,250 handbag from Valextra.

The stylish royal pinned her blonde tresses up and kept her make up bronzed yet neutral for the service.

Kate, meanwhile, opted for an elegant ensemble for today's appearance, donning one of her favourite designers - Erdem Moralioglu.

It's a brand over which she is believed to have had tensions with Meghan Markle, according to reports, which stated that she was prioritised over the Duchess of Sussex by Erdem.

Both women are fans of the British designer, with the Duchess of Sussex falling in love with his clothes during her career as an actress, as reported by The Telegraph.

Despite sporting his designs to several engagements before entering royal life from 2016, once Meghan joined the Firm, the Princess of Wales is said to have been given priority over Meghan as she, too, was an existing customer.

The Princess of Wales avoided a wardrobe malfunction as she arrived at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey today

The wind caught at the hemline of the Princess' skirt, revealing the inverted pattern on the inside, while she clung onto her fascinator to prevent it flying away

Perhaps conscious of the windy weather, the Princess held onto the brim of her fascinator as she left the service this afternoon

The Princess, who paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing her earrings and brooch, was beaming as she left the service

The Queen Consort tucked a lock of her hair beneath her fascinator after the wind wrecked havoc on her headwear during the outing today

Meanwhile Queen Consort Camilla also struggled with the wind, which whipped up her coat dress as she stepped out of her vehicle

The Queen Consort opted for a royal blue ensemble for the Commonwealth Day Service earlier this afternoon

The fact that frocks crafted by the British designer, who was born in Canada, were being handed to Kate first is said to have gone down badly with the Sussexes.

Today, the Princess wore her long brunette locks swept up into an elegant updo, revealing her late mother-in-law's earrings, and opted for a touch of makeup for the outing.

Diana was spotted wearing the earrings on several occasions before her death in 1997 - including when she attended the Met Gala in New York City in 1996 and during a visit to Canada in 1991.

Now, they've been passed down to Kate, who previously wore them back in June when she attended Trooping the Colour as part of the Queen's birthday celebrations.

The former Countess of Wessex was joined by her husband Prince Edward for the annual service at Westminster Abbey

Sophie pinned her blonde hair back showing off a pair of simple pearl earrings and kept her make up neutral

The wife of Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Prince Edward, wore an agate brooch on her textured cream coat

The Princess Royal opted for an emerald green outfit as she attended the service alongside her siblings King Charles and Prince Edward

King Charles also faced the wind as he arrived for the service at Westminster Abbey earlier this afternoon

She also donned Queen Alexandra's Three Feathers Brooch on the lapel of her jacket, which features the Prince of Wales feathers emblem.

She previously wore the brooch at the first state visit of King Charles's reign in November 2022.

During today's service, King Charles took to the Great Pulpit where he paid tribute to Queen Elizabeths pride in the family of nations, describing it as a force for good in areas such as climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as economic co-operation and health.

The King and Queen Consort were met by the Dean of Westminster, with the multi-cultural and multi-faith service featuring special performances from saxophonist Yolanda Brown, the Rwandan National Ballet and an all-female choir from Cyprus.
A woman had an emotional reunion with her long-lost dog who was thought to be dead after he went missing seven years ago.

The Spotsylvania Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg, Virginia, shared the heartwarming story on Facebook on March 4, explaining that Starsky was recently found in Spotsylvania and brought in.

Starsky and his brother Hutch went missing in Fauquier seven years ago and were presumed dead, according to the post.

Thanks to microchip technology, which serves as a pet's permanent identification, the shelter was able to reconnect him with his family.

An unnamed Virginia woman was reunited with her long-lost dog Starsky this month after he was found and brought into the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg

Starsky and his brother Hutch (pictured) went missing in Fauquier seven years ago and were presumed dead, according to the shelter

'So many happy tears, and a little bit of renewed hope that maybe one day Hutch will find his way back home as well,' the post said. 'This is why we preach about microchipping, and never to give up hope.

'We are so thrilled that his family has been reunited and that we were able to play a small part in that.'

The shelter shared a sweet photo of Starsky being held by his owner, who was not named, as well as a video of their reunion.

The 34-second clip showed the dog being walked out on a leash before he ran up to his owner, who was crouched on the ground, waiting for him.

'Starsky! Hi baby!' she said, tearfully, as her long-lost dog jumped on her knees. You don't even recognize me do you?' Poor baby.'

'You look like an old man now,' she added. 'You were still a puppy when we lost you.'

The post has received more than 2,000 reactions and over 200 people responded in the comments.

The shelter shared a heartwarming video of Starsky's reunion with his owner

'Starsky! Hi baby!' she said, tearfully, as her long-lost dog jumped on her knees. You don't even recognize me do you?' Poor baby'

Both Starsky's family and the shelter are holding out hope that Hutch will be found soon, making their family complete once again

'This is the best post ever! I can't imagine how happy they both are to be reunited after 7 years! Congrats to Starsky AND his Momma and praying that Hutch is brought home too!' one person wrote.

'Better than winning the lottery!! That sweet baby knows exactly who that is!! Yay!!' another commented.

Someone else added, 'So happy for this little guy and his family. If he could only talk to tell you about his travels!'

The owner's daughter, Kira Noel Wedding, also commented on the post.

'We are so grateful to have our 13-year-old Starsky home again! We hope one day we find our Hutch too!' she wrote, sharing a picture of the two dogs together before they went missing.

Both Starsky's family and the shelter are holding out hope that Hutch will be found soon, making their family complete once again.

In celebration of Starsky's return, the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office shared the shelter's post on its own Facebook page.

'What an amazing story!' the police department wrote. 'We are happy to see Starsky reunite with his family.'
A homeowner was left scratching her head over 'strange items' built into the steps on the front porch of her new house, before it was revealed they are tie-downs for awnings.

The mum, from Sydney, said she was going 'crazy' trying to work out what the small metal pieces screwed into the concrete were.

She said she turned to social media for answers after she couldn't find any on search engines.

Many people guessed the metal handle-like rods could be boot scrapers but others correctly said they were tie-downs.

'Please help save my sanity. Anyone know what these little whatsimajiggies are? I am being driven crazy by curiosity,' the woman wrote in a post.

A Sydney mum was 'going crazy' trying to work out what the mysterious metal gadget were screwed into the front porch steps of her new home

'They are on the front porch. Really want to know and not even sure what term to search Google.'

The query generated a flurry of guesses from fellow members.

'Maybe it used to have services underneath - electricity, phone, etc - before they had to label them?' one woman speculated.

'That's a trip hazard,' a second chimed in.

'It's where you tie your horses up, right?' a third joked.

'Are they for scraping mud off boots?' another asked.

The homeowner said there are two of the on either side of the porch entryway and while her partner guessed they were boot scrapers she doesn't think that's what they are as they're too small.

She turned to Facebook for answers after she couldn't find any on search engines. Many guessed they could be boot scrapers but most said they were tie-downs for awnings

Eventually some people had the most plausible answer saying they are used to hold or tie down awnings.

'I have never seen these on steps before. Does it get strong sun? Was there a shade sail covering the veranda before? Looks like clips to stop it blowing around,' someone asked.

'That's the road I've been going down too but it's east-facing so no hard afternoon sun. We lived in another house that had it too,' the poster replied.

Many confirmed the gadgets were in fact tie downs for shades and awnings.

'I am sure it's a tie down for an old awning,' one woman replied.

'Definitely awning tie down. They're super common in Melbourne. Helps with privacy and heat,' another agreed.
A British father has revealed how he went to extreme lengths to keep his daughter's teachers from controlling what she eats at school.

Father-of-three Ross Hunt, from Wales, took to TikTok to explain he had grown irritated by the way the staff at school were handling lunchtimes with his daughter.

He said teachers insisted she eat her vegetables and sandwich before her sweet treats, and explained he had placed a note in her lunchbox to stop them 'sticking their nose in (his) daughter's business'.

The label read: 'Welcome to my daughters' Lunch Box! We are aware of the contents of this box and are happy for her to eat whatever she wants.'

Many applauded the father's efforts and shared their own stories of schools trying to take control over what their students eat from their own lunchboxes.

Scroll down for video

Father-of-three Ross Hunt, from Wales, took to TikTok to explain he had grown irritated by the way the staff at school were handling lunchtimes with his daughter

He was 'irritated' at one of the dinner ladies at her school who has been telling her what she was allowed to eat (pictured)

In a TikTok clip, the father said he was 'irritated' at one of the dinner ladies at her school who has been telling her what she's allowed to eat.

He said the badgering has been 'putting her off from taking her lunch with them'.

'It's alright if you eat the chocolate cake the school gives you but if you put one in their lunchbox they go 'oh no you shouldn't have that',' he said adding he's now added a message to her lunchbox lid.

He said he had printed out a second label, but his partner Rachel had said no.

The second label read: 'Step away from the lunch box, you nosey f******** a*** bandit.'

He said he was tempted to 'ram (the lunchbox) full of sweets' but added a sandwich, carrot sticks, an apple, a pear, a small bag of crisps, rainbow drop lollies and a chocolate egg.

'In short stop telling kids what they should and shouldn't eat, let the f***ing parents decide,' he said.

After the dad put the note in the lunchbox, he hoped her teachers would see it and comply.

Hundreds of parents in the comments sympathised with the dad, with many sharing his frustration.

Many others were quick to comment on the video, with some saying their children had been 'so conscious' about what they were eating due to the school policy

One person wrote: 'Worked in a school which served cake but we had to confiscate a penguin bar from a kids lunchbox as its not allowed. It's silly to be honest.'

Another commented: 'My son and daughter are so conscious about what they eat due to the school promoting healthy eating.'

A third added: 'I work in a school and have this argument often. I would rather a child ate and was full than lots of 'healthy' foods they won't eat.'

Another suggested a new idea for a third label, commenting: 'My child is fed. THANK YOU!' could be an option.'

'You should sell these labels!' another TikTok user suggested.'

However in a follow up video, he went through what she ate when she got home from school the next day.

'Right, let's have a look what she brought home in her lunchbox. First thing's first, she didn't touch her rainbow drops.

'Apparently she could only eat them if she had her carrots first,' he said in a follow-up video.

Poll Should teachers be allowed to tell students what to eat from their lunch boxes? Yes No Should teachers be allowed to tell students what to eat from their lunch boxes? Yes 401 votes

No 4148 votes Now share your opinion





He claimed she didn't eat her carrots because they had fallen on the floor but she was too afraid to speak up to the dinner lady.

'She did eat her sandwich, which for reference this sandwich would have contained more sugar than these rainbow drops,' he said.

'That is six grams of rainbow drops - calm down.'

She ate some of her apple but didn't touch her pear, crisps or chocolate gg because she said she didn't have time.

'Of course she got in the car and was immediately hungry and nothing was said about the label,' the disgruntled dad said.

'In short stick your f***ing nose out of my kid's business hopefully this will get dealt with but I f***ing doubt it.'
Travellers are flocking north to visit a vibrant blue thermal pool in the middle of a rainforest.

Mataranka Thermal Pool is one of two thermal springs in the Northern Territory's Elsey National Park, the other being the famous Bitter Springs.

The series of breathtaking pools are near the small town of Mataranka, an hour south of Katherine, where temperatures are currently averaging 35C - making the warm water far from a refreshing dip.

The fresh spring-water pools can be found at the end of a 500-metre walking track that winds through the bushland under towering palms trees.

Thermal pools are said to reduce pain and inflammation thanks to the mineral content in the water, as well as improving circulation through dilated blood vessels, lymphatic drainage and a relaxed emotional state.

A stunning naturally heated thermal pool with strikingly blue waters is drawing in travellers from all over the country

Mataranka thermal spring is one of two thermal pools in the Northern Territory's stunning in Elsey National Park

The pools are near the small town of Mataranka, about an hour south of Katherine and are surrounded by a lush green forest

The 'healing waters' of Mataranka The Mataranka Pool has a volume of 30.5 million litres of water, with more pumping in every day through the 'underground mineral water veins'. This water comes straight from the Daly and Georgina basins, which turns up the temperature of the pool up to about 34C. Mataranka is famed for its healing properties. The heat and minerals created in a hot spring are said to promote physical and mental relaxation and lead to a better sense of overall wellbeing. Advertisement

Mataranka has become a poplar spot for adventurers as local issued a plea for more visitors after tourism dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There were almost 220,000 visitors to Elsey National Park, which includes Mataranka Thermal Pool, in 2019.

The number of tourists took a hit in 2020 due to border closures, but now as Aussies are free to move about the country, many have rediscovered the natural Northern Territory wonder.

The thermal pools, which are naturally filled with water from the nearby Daly and Georgina basins, make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms.

Mataranka has become a very poplar spot for adventurers as local issued a plea for more visitors after tourism dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic

The thermal pools make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms

Mataranka springs are famed for their healing abilities with legend saying a plunge in the impossibly blue waters can help improve aches and pains

Mataranka Thermal Pool's sandy-bottomed refreshing swimming hole is the perfect reward for visitors after the 20-minute walk that starts near the centre of town.

There are three main access points into Elsey National Park and visitors to Mataranka Pools can take the Homestead Road turnoff and follow it for around 7km to the start of the short and easy walking trail.

There are steel ladders and concrete edging around the perimeter making it easy to get in and out of the water.

The pool can get crowded on weekends, especially in the peak season between May and October, but they are large enough that everyone has their own space.

Mataranka springs are famed for their healing abilities with legend saying a plunge in the impossibly blue waters can help improve aches and pains.

Some lucky visitors may be able to spy the area's red flying foxes that inhabit the park while freshwater turtles can often be seen taking a dip in the pools.
New York has issued a health warning to travelers heading to Israel after a polio outbreak in the country paralyzed an eight-year-old boy.

The state Department of Health said Friday that anyone planning to visit the nation this spring should ensure they are up to date with their polio vaccines.

Four cases of polio have been detected among children in Safed, in the north of Israel, in recent weeks and hundreds more positive sewage samples have been found, indicating that the virus is spreading.

There are renewed fears about polio in the US, especially in New York, after a cluster of cases last year marked the first outbreak in nearly 40 years.

New York also has the largest Jewish population in the United States, with 1.7million people, and at least three direct flights to the country per day.

New York said anyone planning to visit Israel this spring should ensure they are up to date on their polio vaccines

The above map shows the five counties in New York that have detected polio in their wastewater. These were Rockland, Sullivan, Orange, New York City and Nassau

A 20-year-old man from Rockland County, upstate New York, was paralyzed with the virus in July last year.

There have been no other human cases in the state to date, although sewage samples have continued to test positive suggesting it is still present.

Samples have tested positive for the virus 100 times from five counties which are Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Nassau County and New York City.

It was not clear how the man caught the virus, but he tested positive for a strain used in live vaccines. The US stopped using this jab in 2000, but it is still rolled out in some countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In the UK, a case was linked to someone who had received the live vaccine and maybe infected others.

Polio was once on the verge of global eradication, but amid slowing vaccination rates the preventable disease is making a comeback.

In serious cases, it can leave patients with paralysis and meningitis, or spinal cord inflammation.

There is no cure for this, with doctors instead relying on vaccines to prevent serious illnesses.

Three doses of the vaccines are more than 99 percent effective against paralysis with the virus.

But inoculation rates have been ticking downward nationwide, and in New York just 79 percent of residents are now up to date on polio vaccines.

To reach herd immunity  where the virus can't spread  the World Health Organization says levels need to be at 80 to 85 percent.

In Rockland County, uptake of the polio vaccine has fallen to 60 percent while in Yates it is down to 54 percent. Only Rockland has reported cases so far.

In its warning, New York state 'urged all New Yorkers' to ensure they are fully immunized against the virus.

They said: 'In recent days, Israel's Ministry of Health confirmed four children had tested positive for poliovirus in Northern Israel after one unvaccinated child presented symptoms of paralysis.

'Israel has additionally reported widespread detection of poliovirus in wastewater systems.'

It added: 'The best way individuals can ensure they are protected from polio is by making sure they are up to date with polio immunizations.'

New York also said it was in touch with health officials in Israel to ensure a 'co-ordinated response' to the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising 'enhanced precautions' for people traveling to Israel and polio vaccination.

This means travelers should be vaccinated against polio and avoid close contact with any sick animals or people while in Israel.

It also tells people not to touch material used by the sick  such as clothing or bedding  and not to consume wild game or use creams, lotions or powders derived from wild animals.

Most of the samples in New York are from Rockland County (44), followed by Orange County (30), Sullivan County (13) and New York City (five). One sample has also been collected in Nassau county.

In Israel late last month an eight-year-old boy in the north of the country was diagnosed with polio after suffering weakness in his limbs.

Three children who had also been in contact with the boy in the city of Safed, in the north of the country, also tested positive.

They were asymptomatic and it was not clear what their vaccination status was. The boy who was paralyzed had not been vaccinated.

In February last year, another seven children tested positive for the virus  six of which were asymptomatic. The cases were in Jerusalem.

Like in New York, it had also been detected in wastewater from across the country including in Jerusalem.

This prompted a vaccination program to be launched encouraging all communities to get the polio vaccine.
West Virginia became the latest state to ban gender-affirming care for children

Kamran Abbasi, editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) said psychological support for gender dysphoric children is being bypassed in favor of surgery

American children with gender dysphoria are being rushed into surgery 'without psychological support', the editor of a prestigious medical journal has warned.

Kamran Abbasi said in an editorial in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) that the approach by doctors in the US is 'not in line with the strength of the evidence'.

The article followed a BMJ investigation last month that laid bare an explosion in gender dysphoria cases among children in recent years, especially in America.

Dr Abbasi said European countries had taken a more cautious approach to prescribing drugs and operating on transgender minors.

'The US, however, has moved in the opposite direction,' he wrote, adding: 'More and more young people are being offered medical and surgical intervention for gender transition, sometimes bypassing any psychological support.'

The above shows insurance claims for diagnoses with gender dysphoria - or a different gender to that assigned at birth - by year. These have also doubled since 2017

The above graph shows insurance claims for puberty blockers in the United States by year, which delay the onset of secondary sexual characteristics  such as facial hair and a deeper voice in boys. It shows claims have doubled since 2017

Dr Abbasi added: 'Much of this clinical practice is supported by guidance from medical societies and associations, but closer inspection of that guidance finds that the strength of clinical recommendations is not in line with the strength of the evidence.

'The risk of overtreatment of gender dysphoria is real.'

The BMJ probe cited data showing prescriptions for puberty-blocking drugs among under-18s have doubled between 2017 and 2021, while scripts for hormone therapies have seen a similar rise.

Influential groups like the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society all recommend hormonal and surgical interventions for children with gender dysphoria.

But Dr Abbasi points out that the evidence which those recommendations are based on is scant and inconclusive, and there is a lack of large-scale, long-term research.

The lack of certainty has caused the UK, Sweden, Norway and Finland to block or issue medical guidelines opposing pharmaceutical interventions for most trans children.

But in the US, medical and surgical interventions given at early ages are becoming increasingly common.

No national data is available, but one study found the number of mastectomies  sometimes called 'top surgery'  performed on girls under 18 in California had risen 13-fold in the last decade, with children as young as 12 offered the irreversible operations.

Chloe Cole says her short-lived transition to being a boy, Leo (right), was a mistake, and that years of treatment from age 13 onwards and the later reversal took a huge toll on her body

Luka Hein spoke out about how she feels she was rushed into surgery at a young age and doctors did not take into account her poor mental state

At the state level, however, a gradual pushback is emerging.

Yesterday, West Virginia introduced a bill that would make it the ninth state to ban gender-affirming drugs and surgery for people under 18.

The BMJ investigation, conducted by Jennifer Block, said the discourse is more 'polarized' in the US than other countries.

Dr Abbasi called for 'a better appreciation of the evidence, as well as the limits of medicine' in order to have a 'more constructive dialogue'.

He said: 'If the evidence base is weak, we must provide the necessary support to young people as well as prioritizing research to answer questions on issues that are causing a great deal of distress.'

Poll Has the issue of gender dysphoria in children become too political? Yes No Unsure Has the issue of gender dysphoria in children become too political? Yes 135 votes

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As gender-affirming surgery becomes more popular among minors, an increasing number of 'detransitioners' who regret having the irreversible procedure have come forward and claimed they were not challenged enough as children.

Chloe Cole, now 18, has given spoken out about how taking puberty blockers and having surgery 'irreversibly and painfully' damaged her body from the age of 13.

At age 14, Ms Close began taking puberty blockers and testosterone injections, that were administered by her mother. That same year she begins going by the name Leo.

Ms Close, from Central Valley in California, went under the knife at age 15 when she had a double mastectomy.

Almost immediately, she regretted the surgery. She was confined to her bed for the summer of June 2020 as she healed from her surgery.

She said her treatment left her unlikely to have children and unable to breastfeed if she can.

She said she could also be at risk of certain types of cancer - such as cervical cancer - due to her invasive treatment.

Ms Close told a hearing of Medicaid officials in Tallahassee last year: 'No child should have to experience what I have. My consent was not informed.'

West Virginia is the latest state to introduced a bill to become the ninth state to ban gender-affirming drugs and surgery for people under the age of 18

The above shows select states where diagnoses of gender dysphoria have been heading upwards

Luka Hein, another detransitioner, was prescribed hormone treatments to transition from female to male at 15 and was just 16 when she had her breasts removed.

The Minnesotan was a young teenager when she became unsure of her true gender, but thinks doctors were too quick to nudge her in the direction of surgery and did not take her mental health issues into account.

Hein said: 'It was presented both to me and my parents as, 'This is your option to fix things or not. There's not really any other choices. This is the track that you're going to be on if you want to fix these things.'

Four years post-operation, she transitioned back to female.

Hein said: 'I feel like dealing with some of the more underlying issues in depth would have definitely been a better place to start.

'Seeing that I was clearly a teenager that had mental health issues. I was on psychiatric drugs at the time for depression and anxiety.'

Doctors should have considered that her emotional state meant she could not properly consent to treatment relating to her gender, she said.

She added that doctors could have told her: 'Just take a wait-and-see [approach] and make sure you're healthy before anything else.'

West Virginia has become the latest state to introduce a bill to restrict gender affirming care.

It is estimated that West Virginia has more transgender children per capita than any other US state.

If passed, the bill will prohibit hormone therapy prescriptions and even reversible medication to suppress physical puberty changes for those under 18.

Gender-affirming surgery is also banned as as part of the bill, but doctors say that this is not currently happening in West Virginia anyway.

The state joins eight others who are banning sex change surgeries and puberty blockers for children.

Utah led the charge in January when it became the first state to ban all gender-affirming care for minors. Similar bans in Alabama and Arkansas have been blocked by the courts.

Legislation restricting healthcare for transgender youth has been proposed in roughly two dozen states.

Around 1.5 percent of American teens identify as trans, the highest of any age group.

Many trans-identifying children will undergo hormone treatments, hoping to prevent themselves from developing sex-based characteristics linked to their birth gender.

These often include puberty blockers, which push back the start of the process, and medication that boosts either estrogen or testosterone levels.

Puberty blockers are used to pause puberty and consider whether they want to transition.

By stopping the body's production of sex hormones, gendered characteristics like a deeper voice in men or the development of breasts in women can be halted.

The long-term effects of these drugs are not fully understood, but it can take years for the body to naturally start producing hormones after stopping the drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the drugs to stop precocious puberty - when a child goes through the process earlier than when is healthy - but they are used off-label for trans care.

Hormone therapy can then trigger desired sexual characteristics in a trans teen.

By giving a person born as a female testosterone, or a person born male estrogen, they will instead develop traits that match their wanted gender.

The long-term consequences of taking these drugs in youth has not yet been determined, leaving many experts fearful of the recent increase in their use.

Gender-affirming operations, often called top or bottom surgery, will either make changes to a child's genitalia or chest to match that of their new sex. These are irreversible and can leave a person infertile.

The success of surgery in particular is a contentious topic.

Finland's chief psychiatrist for a state-approved pediatric center said four out of five young people who do not receive intervention from professionals will come to accept their bodies.

She warned there was a problem of 'purposeful disinformation' among American doctors who pressure parents into transitioning young people.

Research has shown that young people are more likely to come out as trans if they have friends who have already come out as trans, though the cause cannot be inferred from correlation.

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of 'the quality of life in people with transsexuality after surgery', looking at 1,099 patients, found quality of life was generally better for people who underwent surgery, but that trans people remain at risk for low life quality and mental health issues.

It noted that '[transexuality] can convert to a source of identity crisis due to the... effects on the personality and behavioral system of the individuals as well as their social adjustment.'
American women are now out-binge-drinking men for the first time in history, a top Government doctor has warned.

Dr George Koop, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), said the trend had been spotted in college students.

He blamed the 'rebound' on the 'alcohol deprivation effect' during the pandemic, though he is unsure why it has affected women more than men.

Biden's alcohol czar also raised concerns that this year's spring break  which began today and is the first normal season post-Covid  could be carnage.

Dr George Koob, who directs the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said women in college were more likely to binge drink than men (shown during the interview)

College girls are more likely to binge drink than boys for the first time in American history, Biden's alcohol csar has said. He also issued a warning over Spring break

The above graph shows the proportion of men and women who report binge drinking in the past month while in college. Levels are now higher among women

Dr Koob raised the concerns to the Washington Examiner while talking about the negative health impacts of alcohol.

It comes amid the 'blackout rage gallon' (BORG) craze, where youngsters mix water, electrolytes and vodka before drinking the mixture out of gallon jugs.

He said: 'In 2021, there has been an uptick [in binge drinking], particularly among women.

'Now, it turns out on college campuses women are actually binge drinking more than men, for the first time in history.'

Asked to explain the trend, he said: 'It's what we call the alcohol deprivation effect. People tend to really rebound in drinking after a period of not drinking.

'We are a little concerned that this spring and spring break is going to be a return to a good amount of binge drinking.'

He added: 'I just want to caution everyone that when you start hitting the binge drinking level you start doing really bad things to your body.'

For women, binge drinking is when they consume four drinks or more in the same evening. For men, it is five drinks or more.

Women are at higher risk of health problems from alcohol compared to men.

This is linked to their lower weight.

Studies show that after drinking less and over a shorter period, women are at higher risk of heart disease, cancers and other alcohol complications than men.

Their blood alcohol concentrations are also higher after having a drink compared to men.

Dr Koob did not quote any data when he said women were now binge drinking more than men.

It comes as official data suggests that suggests binge drinking has been plummeting across college campuses in recent years.

At the turn of the century, about 38 percent of college women and 48 percent of men reported binge drinking within the past month.

The NIAAA also said in 2015 that about 40 percent of college students were binge drinking once every 30 days.

This has fallen massively since and by 2019, the latest date available, about 11.8 percent of women were binge drinking monthly and 10.4 percent of men.

The drop is thought to be linked to better public health messaging around underage drinking.

It may also be linked to the cost of living, with students having less money available to spend on alcohol.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is safe for women to drink no more than one standard alcoholic beverage a day and men no more than two.

A standard drink is equivalent to one glass of wine, one shot or one pint of beer.

America's rules are relatively lax compared to its northern neighbor Canada, which warns people not to have more than two drinks a week.

Some experts have blasted these strict guidelines, however, saying that they have not considered the social benefits of drinking.

There are around 4,000 alcohol-linked deaths in the US every year among underage drinkers, including car accidents, homicides and alcohol poisonings.

In a serious case revealed last year, a 19-year-old University of Missouri student was left blind and unable to walk and speak due to alcohol.

Danny Santulli was ordered to down a 1.75-liter bottle of Tito's vodka and was force-fed beer before collapsing during a hazing incident at his fraternity house.

He was rushed to hospital but after he stopped breathing his brain suffered serious damage. He is now wheelchair-bound and needs to be cared for by his mother.
High-tech wireless earbuds could detect hidden heart problems while you listen to music or chat on the phone.

The buds resemble those used by millions of smartphone users  they work like headphones to play sounds into the ear and have a miniature microphone for speech. But they are also packed with high-tech sensors which can pick up tiny vibrations generated by the heart as it beats.

These vibrations, which pass through blood vessels, bones and muscles around the ear canal, cannot be heard by the human ear, but can be recorded by the sensors (which must be used as much as possible).

The data is wirelessly transmitted to a microchip in a hand-held device, which analyses it for clues that might indicate a heart disorder. The results can then be relayed to the patient and doctors smartphones.

Tests on the earbuds show they can detect atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. Around 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with it, but thousands more are thought to have it without realising as, apart from the odd slight fluttering in the chest, there are often no symptoms.

The earbuds are packed with high-tech sensors which can pick up tiny vibrations generated by the heart as it beats - and can detect potential defects

Eating a handful of nuts daily could reduce the risk of serious heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, by 21 per cent, according to research by the University of Bergen in Norway. The scientists reviewed studies on nut consumption and heart health and found 28g a day had a significant effect, according to results published last year in the journal Advances in Nutrition. Its thought that nuts have high levels of cardio-protective ingredients that might ward off an abnormal heartbeat. Advertisement

In most cases, the heart beats extremely fast  150 beats per minute (bpm) or more, compared with a normal resting pulse of 60 to 100 bpm for an adult. Less commonly, heart rate in some sufferers can drop to below 60 bpm.

As the heart is beating irregularly, blood may accumulate and clot inside the chambers of the heart.

The risk is that these clots can travel to the blood vessels that feed the brain, leading to a stroke. Atrial fibrillation causes 16,000 strokes a year in England alone.

Treatments include blood-thinning drugs to stop clots forming, as well as cardioversion, where the heart is shocked back into normal rhythm.

But even diagnosing an abnormal heart rhythm in the first place can be problematic, as it may come and go. A Holter monitor  a bulky box connected to electrodes that track the hearts electrical activity  can be worn for up to 48 hours, but it is uncomfortable and provides limited information.

Recently, wearable tech such as the Apple Watch has helped with diagnosis. This shines green light through the skin to measure the volume of blood passing through the wrist, and then converts this into a heart rate.

However, most of these devices only check heart rate every five minutes or so. In comparison, the earbuds, which are being developed by U.S. firm MindMics Inc, record heartbeat vibrations once a second. The frequency and strength of these vibrations increase or fall sharply when atrial fibrillation is affecting the heart.

Tests on the earbuds show they can detect atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm - which 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with

A study by researchers from MindMics and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, published last December in the journal NPJ Digital Medicine, compared the earbuds with an electrocardiogram (ECG).

In an ECG, electrodes are placed on the chest to track heart rhythm. It is the gold standard for checking for atrial fibrillation, but needs to be done by a doctor or nurse. When doctors tested the earbuds on 15 patients with atrial fibrillation and 25 healthy volunteers, the earbuds were just as accurate as an ECG.

The first earbuds are expected to become available in the U.S. later this year, and the UK after that.

Francisco Leyva-Leon, a professor of cardiology at Aston University, and consultant cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, both in Birmingham, said: It is plausible that these earbuds can pick up atrial fibrillation. But they need full clinical validation and are a long way from everyday use.

SUPER SEEDS

The tiny foods that pack a nutritional punch.

This week: Sunflower seeds

These contain an impressive amount of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage.

Studies also link sunflower seeds with reduced inflammation in middle-aged and older people. Consuming sunflower seeds at least five times a week has been associated with reduced levels of C-reactive protein, a key chemical involved in inflammation and linked to heart disease and other health conditions.

Is your knee pain linked to plastic?

Could tiny pieces of plastic be a cause of knee pain?

Thats the theory behind a new trial at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, where around 50 people with knee osteoarthritis will have their synovial fluid (the thick liquid that helps cushion the joint) examined for microplastics  fragments of plastic less than 5 mm in length.

Microplastics have previously been found in the lungs, gut and blood and have been linked to higher levels of inflammation.

Sources of microplastics include synthetic textiles, plastic bags and bottles, and car tyres.

Could tiny pieces of plastic be a cause of knee pain?

Pill to detect risky bleeds in the gut

A smart pill is being used to detect internal bleeding caused by serious health conditions.

The experimental pill has sensors that can detect blood in the gut, caused by a range of problems including oesophageal cancer, Crohns disease, gastritis and liver cancer.

The pill then wirelessly relays the data to an external receiver so that doctors can see what is going on inside the body.

Around ten people are taking part in the trial of the pill at the Institute of Experimental Medicine in Prague, Czech Republic.




Kumho Tire CEO Jung Il-taik, right, shakes hands with U.S. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards during his visit to Kumho Tire headquarters to enhance cooperation, Friday. Courtesy of Kumho Tire
Hundreds of our vital independent community pharmacies are closing for ever this year, new figures show  and thousands more look set to follow them into extinction. Its the end of a vital lifeline for countless patients, but particularly for the vulnerable and frail.

As the Mail has highlighted, this is due to a massive NHS funding shortfall that effectively punishes pharmacists financially every time they serve us.

A chorus of voices  including cross-party MPs and peers, as well as major professional pharmacy groups  has called on the Government to rescue our pharmacies from this financial disaster.

And yet, instead, the Government has launched a costly advertising campaign, on TV, radio and social media, urging us to use pharmacies more  even though it will actually worsen their financial predicament. How could the Government minister in charge of our pharmacies be so tone-deaf to the crisis?

Step forward (or not) Neil OBrien, the missing minister, who in September last year was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Primary Care and Public Health.

Hundreds of our vital independent community pharmacies are closing for ever this year, new figures show

Step forward (or not) Neil OBrien, the missing minister, who in September last year was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Primary Care and Public Health

Since then, the MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigstons apparent reluctance to engage either publicly or privately about the pharmacy crisis has begun to develop legendary proportions.

Lord Michael Grade, the former BBC chief who has been leading parliamentary appeals to help stricken community pharmacies, has repeatedly received short-shrift replies from Neil OBriens office to his requests to discuss the crisis in person.

One response last month said in full: Many thanks for your letter addressed to Minister Neil OBrien about community pharmacies and the invitation to meet. Unfortunately, due to existing diary pressures, the Minister is unable to meet at this time.

Its insulting to say the least, says Lord Grade.

Last month, to try to achieve some action on the issue, 49 MPs and peers from across the political divide bypassed Neil OBrien by writing directly to his boss, the Health Secretary Steve Barclay, asking for an urgent injection of at least 400 million, along with long-term support, to enable the pharmacies to keep their doors open.

Among those who signed letters  composed under the auspices of the community pharmacists representative, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC)  are some 19 Tory MPs disturbed at their own Governments stance, as well as 21 Labour MPs, two Lib Dems and seven peers, including the former Conservative health minister Baroness Cumberlege.

So far the responses they have received  shared with Good Health  are the same cut-and-paste health department blandishments about existing funding and commitments which the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) press office consistently sends.

None of those who have signed the letter has thus far received a personal response either from Steve Barclay or from Neil OBrien, let alone an invitation to meet with the missing minister.

Neil OBriens public indifference to community pharmacies is in contrast with his prolific Twitter habit. The minister generally tweets daily on subjects ranging from vandalised park saplings and Tory Party leadership to bus services and Japanese pornography.

Only once in the past year has the minister for pharmacies mentioned pharmacies on Twitter.

In June 2022, Neil OBrien expressed delight that a plaque had been unveiled in Fleckney, a village in his constituency, to mark the home of Fanny Deacon, the first woman in Britain to qualify to register as a pharmacist, in 1869. The minister was not, however, among those seen gathered at the unveiling ceremony.

Lord Michael Grade, the former BBC chief, has repeatedly received short-shrift replies from Neil OBriens office after his requests to meet to discuss the crisis

Meanwhile, funding shortfalls are driving our High Street pharmacies ever deeper into financial crisis, with thousands now under threat of closure.

New figures revealed exclusively to Good Health last week show that one in three independent pharmacy owners could not even pay themselves a salary last year, so dire are their financial straits.

And nearly half of businesses lost money in at least six months of 2022, according to a survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) of more than 220 independent pharmacy owners in England.

At the heart of the crisis is the fact that their contract with the NHS was set in 2015 and has not been updated to reflect spiralling drug prices and staffing costs, as well as rising overheads such as store heating bills and IT upgrades to meet the requirements of the health department.

As a result, nine out of ten independent pharmacy owners made a loss dispensing medicines to NHS patients during 2022, according to the NPA study. Some 40 per cent of owners said they had increased their bank borrowing in 2022 to maintain operations.

One in five owners told the survey theyd had to turn to their own families for financial assistance. Mark Lyonette, chief executive of the NPA, told Good Health: If ministers continue to ignore our appeals for fair funding, they will be failing millions of people who rely on pharmacies for accessible healthcare, including many vulnerable older people.

Yet this crisis is happening right under the nose of the minister in charge of pharmacies. In Neil OBriens own south-east Leicestershire constituency, Moinuddin Kolia, 51, who runs Moins Chemist in Market Harborough, struggles to survive financially.

Moinuddin Kolia says he is absolutely one of the nine in ten who make a loss from dispensing NHS prescriptions. He has also had to turn to family and friends for loans to keep the pharmacy afloat.

His prescription-income shortfalls are caused, in part, by medicine supply shortages which cause sudden jumps in prices.

As he told Good Health: These mean that something life-or-death vital such as a customers asthma drug can suddenly shoot up from 5 to 58. But the Government will only reimburse us for 53, as thats the price its settled at, so I end up repeatedly out of pocket.

Moinuddin Kolia, 51, runs Moins Chemist in Market Harborough and struggles to survive financially

Moins Chemist is a quintessential community pharmacy, already very busy providing free hearing tests, a blood pressure clinic and free earwax removal on top of its dispensing services. But its bleak future is made bleaker by the health departments latest move to make independent pharmacies provide even more free services.

At the end of last month, the NHS launched a slick multi-media advertising campaign called Help Us Help You, exhorting the public to seek clinical advice, support and over-the-counter medicines from local pharmacists rather than going to their GP.

Health chiefs are hoping to divert into High Street community pharmacies many thousands of patients from overburdened GP surgeries.

Currently, one adult in four who needs to see a family doctor cant get an appointment, according to the latest figures.

The movie-style ads, with titles such as Sore throat and the lost voice and Night of the itchy eye are no joke for struggling pharmacies, where the additional demands of people seeking free consultations will cost them dearly.

Moinuddin Kolia says: While the Government now wants community pharmacists to provide more services to the public, there is no financial support to enable this.

In the past year, my funding problems have meant having to lose two full-time staff positions, and Im having to consider other cuts. It means workloads for the remaining staff have increased  and now the Government wants us to do even more.

Im pulling my hair out over finances and having to borrow money from family and friends just to keep the business going. I owe them quite a bit already, he admits.

A DHSC spokesman told Good Health that the NHS has already provided English pharmacies with a series of transition payments to help them to prepare for a more service-based role.

However, Moinuddin Kolia argues transition payments for developing new services are a joke. They give us about 5,000, but thats no substitute for the 30,000-plus that they are effectively taking from pharmacies like mine every year through their constant contractual underfunding.

He would love to tell Neil OBrien about this. But he has never seen him in his store, despite the fact that its situated just down the road from the missing ministers constituency office.

Pharmacy bodies are also deeply frustrated by the DHSC ad campaign. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told Good Health: We only discovered what we are being asked to do when the campaign literature launched.

Theres been no discussion on funding, the health conditions pharmacies will be asked to treat, or whether patients medical records will be updated to show pharmacy treatments, she adds.

Instead of springing it upon us, NHS management should have sat down with us to explore what they were hoping for and how we could assist in a planned, sustainable way. Were willing to assist but we cant afford to be out of pocket as a result.

Latest figures from the Company Chemists Association (CCA) show that at least 55 pharmacies have closed already this year. This figure compares with 720 pharmacies in the past seven years.

Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the CCA, says the Government is sleepwalking into a disaster within primary care.

This warning comes as the owner of LloydsPharmacy, which operates around 10 per cent of UK pharmacies, is reported to have launched a strategic review of its entire UK store base, which dispenses 150 million prescriptions annually.

Last year, LloydsPharmacy shut 76 stores and has announced that this year it will close 237 of its pharmacies in Sainsburys supermarkets.

A spokesman for Lloyds-Pharmacy told Good Health: Like all retail businesses, we regularly review our pharmacy estate to ensure it is operating sustainably.

The decision to close a pharmacy is very much a last resort and is only taken after all alternative options have been thoroughly explored.

Last year, LloydsPharmacy shut 76 stores and this year will see the closure of 237 of its pharmacies in Sainsburys supermarkets

Despite everything, Moinuddin Kolia somehow holds on to a shred of optimism.

Im just hoping for some kind of miracle where the Government changes its approach, he says. If they finance and support us properly, the results will be awesome because community pharmacy has so much to offer for the future.

As he points out, in 2025, all graduating pharmacists will be qualified to prescribe medicines that have previously required a GPs sign-off.

Imagine how much of a load we could take off GPs, he says.

Good Health last week submitted another request to discuss the crisis with Neil OBrien.

A DHSC spokesman replied, saying: Unfortunately the minister is not available for an interview.
ABC Chair Ita Buttrose has fronted advertising campaigns for two major private corporations raising accusations she is compromising the independence of the publicly-funded national broadcaster.

Ms Buttrose has been recruited to promote Covid antiviral medicines for US drug giant Pfizer and also takes part in ads for the Priceline Pharmacy chain of chemists.

ABC editorial policies state employees must 'not enter into any advertising or sponsorship arrangement if it would be likely to undermine the ABC's independence and integrity or could be reasonably perceived to do so'.

NSW One Nation Leader Mark Latham expressed surprise that Ms Buttrose was doing such advertising work while being the corporate head and face of the ABC.

'It's an inappropriate thing to be involved in these ads and be paid for it because obviously journalists at the ABC might be thinking 'maybe I need to go a bit softer on Pfizer' if they've done the wrong thing, or Priceline,' Mr Latham said.

ABC Chair Ita Buttrose has appeared on a promotional website for Pfizer's antiviral medicines

'Journalists might think the chair of the ABC is their advertising face, I better not upset her by exposing the true extent of this problem.

'I think it compromises the entire ABC and the independence they need to report on these corporations impartially and fairly and accurately.'

As a former high profile editor of women's magazines in the 1970s, employed by then media mogul Kerry Packer, and with many TV appearances under her belt Ms Buttrose enjoys a level of fame previous ABC chairs rarely did.

Mr Latham said this is undoubtedly what made Ms Buttrose a valued commercial spokesperson but questioned what prompted her to moonlight.

'She's on a good stipend at the ABC as the chair and to top it up with advertising revenue that compromises the entire organisation is plain wrong,' he said.

'I would have assumed she went into the ABC role just to be the ABC chair, not to continue with corporate contracts and money.

Ms Buttrose's appearance may contravene the public broadcaster's editorial guidelines that state it should not be seen to endorse a commercial product

'As a rule of thumb I think the chair of the ABC shouldn't have any advertising contracts or any connection to a major corporation that could be reported on by the ABC.

'That's the proper ethical standard she has breached.'

In the Pfizer campaign for Covid antiviral medicines, Ms Buttrose appears as the main image on the promotional website and features heavily in a slickly produced video.

In the video Ms Buttrose is shown, apparently at home, making a cup of tea while a pensive soundtrack plays.

'I felt a sense of loneliness and sadness because you don't realise what you are missing until you can't have it,' Ms Buttrose narrates.

'We've seen for ourselves the impact of Covid. Older people like me were considered most at risk and we need to make sure they do get the best possible health care all the time.'

The video cuts to testimonies by Sydney University Child Health Professor Robert Booy and NSW hospital cardiologist Daniel Nour, who was the 2022 Young Australian of the Year before the final shot of Ms Buttrose talking in a reassuring manner.

'Knowing about antivirals, knowing they are there, would relieve a lot of the anxiety that older Australians have about getting Covid,' she says.

'Don't take chances. Covid can still have a terrible effect on a person who gets it.

'We have to be vigilant. I think antiviral medications are a great step forward.'

Covid antivirals must be prescribed by a GP to those who have tested positive for the virus and are eligible for the treatments.

NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham (pictured front) has hit out strongly at Ms Buttrose appearing in commercial campaigns

With the ABC chair appearing alongside two prominent publicly employed people in the health sector Pfizer's campaign resembles 'official' government messaging, even though there is discreet Pfizer branding at the top left corner of the main website.

A spokesperson for Pfizer said the website was part of a 'public health education initiative'.

'Pfizer's activities, including sponsorship and payment arrangements, are reviewed to ensure compliance to full observance of the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, TGA laws and regulations and all other applicable regulatory obligations,' the spokesperson said.

'The website does not include mention of any specific prescription product.'

For Priceline Ms Buttrose plays second fiddle as celebrity endorser to radio and TV presenter Chrissie Swan.

In contrast to the Pfizer campaign emphasing the need for medical caution, Ms Buttrose makes a feisty appearance in the Priceline video as she enjoys a coffee seated outside a cafe.

'I'm still taking risks,' she says to camera.

In a slickly produced video on the website Ms Buttrose says the antiviral medicines 'are a great step forward'

Priceline's head of marketing Gabby Tully told advertising industry publication Campaign Brief the message being conveyed was about celebrating older woman.

'We want people to feel empowered to be their best selves, to feel represented and appreciated for who they are, to celebrate their individuality and give space for their voices to be heard,' she said.

'This latest instalment in our Festival of You positioning spotlights women who feel invisible and celebrates ageing positively, together.'

A spokesperson for the ABC said Ms Buttrose's participation in outside advertising campaigns was not an issue.

'ABC Chair Ita Buttrose is engaged in a number of activities outside of her role at the ABC, which is within ABC guidelines,' the spokesperson said.

'Given she is not involved in editorial decisions, there is no conflict of interest.'

US drug giant Pfizer has produced a Covid antiviral medicine, which is given to those eligible who test positive for the virus

This response did not impress Mr Latham.

'That's typical of the ABC. In there world they do nothing wrong they've never made a mistake,' he said.

'If this was some other organisation where the chair was compromising the independence of reporting then the ABC and Mediawatch would be all over them like a rash but with the ABC doing it they give themselves a pass all the time.'

'I'd much prefer she (Ms Buttrose) made the ABC impartial, politically neutral and work hard on cleaning up the political bias than fronting up for well paid advertising campaigns.

'She should have a different set priorities.'
The 19billion Elizabeth line will not run any direct trains between each end of the network when the final full timetable is launched in May, MailOnline can reveal today.

The two far end points of the line in Reading and Shenfield will not be connected by through trains  with passengers instead having to change in the central section.

The line will continue to run from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood, as it has done since last November, and also now from Shenfield to Heathrow in May.

But the full timetable - which Transport for London (TfL) has released before it comes into force on May 21 - reveals there will be no direct Reading to Shenfield services, despite TfL previously heralding the line as a 'new east-west railway'.

TfL told MailOnline this was because of very low demand for journeys between the eastern and western sections of the line, based on customer journey patterns. It added that there were never plans for trains to run direct from Shenfield to Reading.

But it has also emerged that at Acton and Hanwell, there will be almost no direct services to Shenfield or Reading - with these West London stations only served by trains between Abbey Wood and Heathrow every 15 minutes, as they currently are.

An Elizabeth line Class 345 train at Maidenhead railway station in Berkshire (file picture)

The two end points of the line in Reading and Shenfield will not be connected by through trains

The Elizabeth line map, included in the new timetable valid from May 21. [CLICK TO EXPAND]

The first page of the new timetable shows there will be no direct Shenfield-Reading services

The only exceptions are after 11pm each evening and before 10am on Sundays when there will be a handful of direct trains calling at Acton and Hanwell when running from Heathrow to Shenfield  but these are at useless times for most commuters.

From Cross London Rail Links to Crossrail: A 21-year timeline of the capital's Elizabeth line London's Crossrail project has suffered numerous setbacks over the past two decades, as follows: January 2002: Cross London Rail Links Ltd, a joint venture between the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London (TfL), is set up to develop plans for Crossrail. July 2004: The Government commits to introducing legislation to enable Crossrail to proceed. October 2007: Prime Minister Gordon Brown gives the green light for the project. It is expected to cost 15.9 billion and open in December 2017. May 2009: London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Lord Adonis break ground on the project at Canary Wharf. October 2010: Crossrail's budget is cut to 14.8 billion in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government's comprehensive spending review. Its opening date is pushed back 12 months to December 2018. January 2014: The National Audit Office says the scheme is 'just behind schedule', adding that Crossrail Ltd 'remains confident' it will open on time. May 2015: Tunnel boring is completed as a tunnelling machine named Victoria arrives at Farringdon. Some 13 miles of new tunnels have been dug under London. February 2016: The Queen visits Bond Street station and announces the railway will be named the Elizabeth line in her honour. July 2018: Rail minister Jo Johnson announces that Crossrail's budget has risen to 15.4billion as 'cost pressures have increased across the project'. August 2018: Crossrail Ltd announces it will miss its December 2018 opening date but the central section 'will open in autumn 2019'. The project is suffering from construction delays and difficulties installing complex signalling systems. December 2018: TfL says Crossrail may be delayed further and could require a 2billion funding boost, taking the cost up to 17.6billion. The Government, TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan agree a financial package. December 2018: Sir Terry Morgan resigns as chairman of Crossrail Ltd and HS2, days after predicting he would be sacked. He is replaced at Crossrail by London Underground managing director Mark Wild. April 2019: A 'delivery window' between October 2020 and March 2021 is announced for the central section of Crossrail. November 2019: Crossrail Ltd announces that the railway will open 'as soon as practically possible in 2021'. The cost has increased by up to 650 million to 18.25billion. January 2020: The 'latest assessment' is that services will commence in summer 2021. July 2020: Crossrail Ltd says the railway will not open in summer 2021 because of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It does not give an updated schedule. August 2020: It is announced that the line will open in the first half of 2022. July 2021: The National Audit Office says the estimated total cost of Crossrail is 18.9billion. May 17, 2022: The Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson visit Paddington station to celebrate the completion of Crossrail. May 24, 2022 : Elizabeth line services are launched in three sections. The line has services on Monday to Saturday from Paddington to Abbey Wood. Services from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, and from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, are rebranded from 'TfL Rail' to the 'Elizabeth line'. November 6, 2022: The three sections are integrated. Services from Reading and Heathrow now operate through to Abbey Wood. Services from Shenfield will go through to Paddington. May 21, 2023: The full timetable of up to 24 trains per hour is scheduled to be introduced, with direct trains from Shenfield to Heathrow for the first time - but not from Shenfield to Reading. Advertisement

Former Transport Minister Norman Baker, who now works for the Campaign for Better Transport, told MailOnline today: 'Crossrail has taken years and a great deal of money to get going. It seems bizarre now to have a timetable that fails to maximize the journey opportunities.'

Nick Rogers, the London Conservatives transport spokesman, added: 'The Elizabeth Line was meant to bring west and east closer together, and so it is disappointing that the new timetable fails to provide direct services connecting Reading and Shenfield, or improve access for residents in Acton and Hanwell to those stations.

'Sadiq Khan should instruct TfL to reconsider this decision, which affects a significant number of Londoners, and ensure the 18billion line lives up to its full potential.'

TfL told MailOnline that Acton - officially known as 'Acton Main Line' - and Hanwell have never been planned stops on services to Reading, but pointed out that both stations will benefit from shorter journeys when the May timetable begins.

Nearby West Ealing will also have no direct trains to Reading  but will get an extra two per hour to Shenfield, on top of the current four per hour to Abbey Wood.

The lack of extra services for Acton, Hanwell and West Ealing is because some Elizabeth line trains are required to run semi-fast to make space to allow freight trains to operate on the same tracks.

This is said to be the result of planning by Network Rail, which manages the network timetable, as officials try to balance the needs of various operators that run services on the network.

For that reason, direct services from Paddington to Reading, which began under the branding of 'TfL Rail' in December 2019, do not call at Acton, West Ealing and Hanwell. But customers travelling from these stations can change at Hayes and Harlington for services towards Reading.

If journeying to Shenfield from Acton or Hanwell, passengers will have to change at any station between Paddington and Whitechapel within the central section for a different service.

The restrictions within the timetable  which was published by Network Rail in late January, but has only been released in recent days by TfL - are the latest issue to beset the much-delayed project.

The Crossrail project suffered numerous issues including construction difficulties and complications installing signalling systems which delayed the opening multiple times.

In 2007, the line was given an opening date of December 2017, and set a budget of 14.8billion in 2010. But the estimated final cost was 18.9billion, including 5.1billion from the Government.

Only in May this year will the line finally run its full service, following a staggered opening since May 24, 2022 that has seen the timetable extended in stages.

It opened last May in three sections - from Reading/Heathrow to Paddington, Liverpool Street to Shenfield and the new Paddington to Abbey Wood section.

Then in November last year, the second stage began which saw through trains start running from Reading/Heathrow to Abbey Wood and Shenfield to Paddington.

The final stage from May this year will see services start running from Shenfield to Heathrow, as well as the current Reading/ Heathrow to Abbey Wood offering.

But there will be no direct trains from Shenfield to Reading  with trains from Shenfield instead forking off after Hayes and Harlington to terminate at Heathrow.

TfL pointed out that there are faster alternative routes for customers that wish to make the journey between both ends of the line at Shenfield and Reading, which would take more than two hours using just the Elizabeth line.

One way of doing the journey from Shenfield to Reading would be taking a Greater Anglia service from Shenfield over a 'stopping' Elizabeth line service to Liverpool Street. Then you would take an Elizabeth line train to Paddington, before changing for a Great Western Railway service if going onto Reading.

Howard Smith, TfL's director of the Elizabeth line, told MailOnline: 'This Elizabeth line timetable change is delivering in the original plans for the service, providing a number of benefits to customers and improving connections to Heathrow Airport and across London.

'As well as increasing peak time services between Paddington and Whitechapel to mean a train roughly every 2.5 minutes in both directions, there will also be direct services from Shenfield in Essex to Heathrow Airport for the first time, with more trains serving the airport each hour.

'The new timetable will also remove any significant dwell times for trains between Paddington and Acton Main Line, which were in place temporarily ahead of this new timetable.'

People queue for the Elizabeth line at Paddington station before the first train on May 24, 2022

The first passengers for the Elizabeth line at Paddington go down an escalator on May 24, 2022

He added: 'This timetable sees the completion of the Crossrail project, but we will continue to review the Elizabeth line timetables and changes can be made twice each year in line with National Rail timetable changes to add capacity where possible and provide the best service for customers.'

Reacting to the new timetable, a London TravelWatch spokesman told MailOnline: 'We welcome the new through running timetable, connecting Shenfield directly to Heathrow'. He added that the Elizabeth line has been 'transformative'.

The spokesman also pointed out that punctuality data from the Office of Rail and Road shows that the line is comparing favourably against other operators, but there have been 'some teething issues on the western section of the line' with busy trains as 'many passengers are using the service for the airport'.

In February, a YouGov survey found 45 per cent of London's residents have made at least one journey on the line - up from 24 per cent in July last year.

The estimated final cost of the line was 18.9billion, including 5.1billion from the Government

Passengers travel approach Tottenham Court Road on an Elizabeth line train in London (file)

And flexible office company WeWork has seen a rise in demand for its locations near Elizabeth line stations since services began.

Flexible bookings at those sites were said to have risen by an average of 28 per cent between the railway's opening and November last year.

More than 100million journeys have been made on the line, and TfL said on February 1 that ridership is 'above expected levels' with about 600,000 daily journeys.

Bosses added that the railway is 'on track to break even' based on operating costs by the end of the 2023/24 financial year.
A top scientist who dealt directly with victims of Havana Syndrome has slammed the government finding that the condition was not caused by foreign adversities as 'bulls**t.

The scientist  and their patients  remain convinced that the mysterious condition was caused by directed energy weapons: guns firing intense ultrasound, radio or microwaves.

Around 1,500 personnel at US embassies around the world were inflicted with strange headaches, dizziness, ringing sounds and even brain damage  dubbed Havana Syndrome after the Cuban embassy where the first case was detected in 2016.

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' said the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity because revealing their identity could unmask their patients, whom they are required to keep secret.

'And I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called pre-existing conditions.

A study by seven intelligence agencies concluded Havana Symptom was 'probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary'

In a statement last week, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said the 'symptoms reported by US personnel were probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors'

The mysterious aliment is named for the US embassy in Havana where the first cases were reported in 2016, and hundreds of people have since reported symptoms

Earlier this month, a study by seven intelligence agencies concluded the symptoms were 'probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors'.

But a top PhD who played a central role in the initial investigation of hundreds of embassy officials, told DailyMail.com that both they and their patients are convinced the mysterious condition was caused deliberately.

'A directed energy weapon is just focusing of electromagnetic energies,' they added. 'They've been around since the 80s.

'We know that the Soviets had sonic weapons. Anyone in the intelligence community will tell you the US has had these kinds of energy weapons for a while.'

The PhD expert worked with the US intelligence community, analyzing body scans of several Havana Syndrome patients and studied data on scores more.

They told DailyMail.com that both they, their scientific colleagues who worked on those cases, and the victims themselves, are furious at the government's explanation.

'A lot of the people I've spoken to, some of whom have been the target of this stuff, just throw up their hands in disgust,' one scientist said.

'Everybody just rolls their eyes and says bulls**t.'

Experts honed in on energy weapons as a potential explanation for Havana Syndrome early on  especially after a second wave of incidents occurred in China in 2018.

According to a paper by the German Foundation for Peace Research, 'in April 2007 an airman in an ADS test got an overdose and received second-degree burns on both legs that needed to be treated in a hospital for two days'

In December 2020 the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine published a report saying that 'directed, pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases.'

'Havana Syndrome' started in the US embassy in Cuba and causes memory and hearing loss The problem has been labeled the 'Havana Syndrome,' because the first cases affected personnel in 2016 at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. At least 200 cases across the government are now under investigation. People who are believed to have been affected have reported headaches, dizziness and symptoms consistent with concussions, with some requiring months of medical treatment. Some have reported hearing a loud noise before the sudden onset of symptoms. Countries it has been reported in include Cuba, United States, China, Russia, Vietnam, Austria, Germany, Serbia, United Kingdom, Georgia, Poland, Taiwan, Australia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Symptoms include: -hearing loss -severe headaches -memory issues -dizziness -brain injury Advertisement

One August 2021 incident in Hanoi, Vietnam, even caused Vice President Kamala Harris to delay her trip there.

A February 2022 report by a panel of independent experts, published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said a foreign power could have used 'pulsed electromagnetic energy' against US personnel, and that the theory 'plausibly explains' many of the victims' symptoms.

But the claim has now been denied by several US intelligence agencies  including the ODNI itself, which says it was ruled out in an extensive two-year investigation of about 1,000 'anomalous health incidents'.

In a statement, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said the 'symptoms reported by US personnel were probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors.'

She added that 'the evidence points away from a foreign adversary, causal mechanism, or unique syndrome.'

Intelligence officials told the Washington Post that they found no pattern or common set of conditions that could link individual cases.

Officials told the Post that forensics and geolocation data did not point to directed energy ultrasonic or radio waves, and that in some cases there was no 'direct line of sight' to the victim, making the case difficult to explain with an energy weapon attack.

But the expert who studied patients told DailyMail.com that the differences between cases was to be expected, and there was a core of patients within the larger group whose cases could be explained by nothing other than directed energy.

'It's just rubbish. It implies it's a single disease vector. It's not a single disease vector. It's probably multiple different players all using some kind of similar technology,' the top PhD said.

'There's a wide range of energy weapons. That's why it's called a syndrome. And in fact, they are quite consistent.

'What do you say to the people who have huge blotches on their body scans? Did a mosquito cause it? No. It just flies in the face of everybody's personal testimonies.'

Seven intelligence agencies took part in the most recent study, including the CIA.

According to the Post, five agencies determined that a foreign adversary being responsible was 'very unlikely', one agency 'unlikely', and one abstained. None dissented from the joint report's overall conclusion that it was not Chinese or Russian directed energy weapons.

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' said the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity. 'And I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called 'pre-existing conditions'

A now-deleted page on the Navy's website discloses a project with the codename Medusa, a prototype of a microwave weapon made for the Marine Corps in 2004 which had a 'temporarily incapacitating effect' and was small enough to fit in a car

CIA Director William Burns said in a statement: 'We applied the Agency's very best operational, analytic, and technical tradecraft to what is one of the largest and most intensive investigations in the Agency's history. I and my leadership team stand firmly behind the work conducted and the findings.'

The use of energy weapons around the world has been documented for years

A now-deleted page on the Navy's website discloses a project with the codename Medusa, a prototype of a microwave weapon made for the Marine Corps in 2004 which had a 'temporarily incapacitating effect' and was small enough to fit in a car.

In 2005 a patent was filed in the US for a 'electromagnetic personnel control' device, with side effects including those described by Havana Syndrome victims.

Raytheon has created a microwave crowd control tool called the Active Denial System (ADS) which creates an intense burning feeling on skin.

According to a paper by the German Foundation for Peace Research, 'in April 2007 an airman in an ADS test got an overdose and received second-degree burns on both legs that needed to be treated in a hospital for two days.'

Earlier this month, a highly trained former government staffer believed to be 'patient zero' of Havana Syndrome spoke to Fox News, slamming the joint intelligence report

The Pentagon confirmed in June 2010 that ADS had been deployed in Afghanistan.

The same year, Russia's military doctrine called for the use of sonic weapons in future wars. US police forces currently use a kind of sonic cannon called a Long Range Acoustic Device.

Earlier this month, a highly trained former government staffer believed to be 'patient zero' of Havana Syndrome spoke to Fox News, slamming the joint intelligence report.

'When I was first attacked, I was in my room. Very, very loud sound, penetrated into my room,' the official, named only as Adam, told the TV news channel.

'In reading the report, there's a myriad of errors, mistruths, twisting of the truth and flat out, as far as I'm concerned, lies in there.

'To say that a foreign adversary doesn't have the same sort of technology or equipment, frankly, is laughable. I mean, it was just two years ago that China was bragging that they were using microwave weapons on the Indian border against India,' he said.

'There is open source reporting that in 2012, the NSA released a report about one of their officers that was heading abroad with a high powered microwave system that was designed to bathe in living quarters and cause neurological deficits.'

'Russia sold a system to China in the early 2000s, and China developed their own off of that and called it Torch one. So we know that these exist. And so to say otherwise, this is frankly, is insulting to the U.S. public because a simple Google search will reveal all the things I'm telling you to be true.'
Official tests by the EPA deemed the municipal drinking water safe, but private contractor Scott Smith, 57, told DailyMail.com they don't detect dioxins - a carcinogenic byproduct of burning vinyl chloride

Five weeks on, the air is once again thick with the aroma of toxic chemicals, some residents still don't have safe potable water, some are suffering health issues, and layers of dark soot have covered their property

Residents are seeing a resurgence of environmental and health problems brought by excavation and clean up efforts at the site of last month's train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

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It's been five weeks since the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train carrying a toxic soup of carcinogenic and corrosive chemicals lit up the night sky over East Palestine but residents of the Ohio town are still faced with more questions than answers.

Is the water safe to drink or bathe in? Is the ground on which their homes sit safe for their children and pets to play? Is the air safe to breathe?

Now, one month after those who lived within the evacuation zone were told it was safe to return, DailyMail.com can reveal, many are choosing to leave as the air is once again thick with the aroma of toxic chemicals.

Residents are falling sick reporting nausea, headaches, respiratory problems and bloody noses. Children have been admitted to hospital, suffered rashes, burning eyes and skin.

Photos and firsthand accounts shared with DailyMail.com lay bare the devastating impact of the East Palestine train derailment disaster that saw a toxic soup of carcinogenic and corrosive chemicals light up the night sky on February 3

Clean up and excavation efforts are still underway at the site five weeks on, with the remains of burnt of train cars and other rubble still laying on the tracks

Crews began removing soil and railroad tracks last week, which has kicked up a heavy aroma of toxins and caused a resurgence of health and environmental concerns among residents living in the shadow of the site

On Thursday DailyMail.com was told an eight-year-old boy  taken to hospital struggling to breath and passing blood  was diagnosed with 'environmental exposure.'

Many are blaming the resurgence of problems on work which began at the weekend when Norfolk Southern started lifting the track and excavating the ground around the scene of the derailment.

The true scale of the devastation can be seen here for the first time in exclusive pictures of the site obtained by DailyMail.com.

The burned-out shells of many of the cars remain, hobbled on the railroad sidings.

This is ground zero where a mixture of six highly toxic chemicals  including carcinogens vinyl chloride, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobultylene  leached into the soil and water.

Rail workers have complained of nausea, headaches, migraines and other symptoms, with union bosses asking for PPE.

But none of the many workers whom DailyMail.com witnessed coming and going from the site this week were wearing respirators despite the risk of exposure to health threatening toxins.

So far approximately 2,070 tons of solid waste have been removed from the site. Pictured: Clean up operation at the site on February 19

Local officials made the decision to burn off approximately 116,000 gallons of vinyl chloride in a bid to avoid a catastrophic explosion in the wake of the accident

The site of the disastrous derailment (pictured on February 4) has become ground zero where a mixture of six highly toxic chemicals leached into the soil and water

So far approximately 2,070 tons of solid waste has been removed from the site, in a cleanup operation that has kicked up a heavy aroma and caused a resurgence of concern among residents living in the shadow of the site.

Courtney Miller, 35, was home the night of the crash. She lives barely 700 yards from where the cars derailed, at the epicenter of the one by two-mile evacuation zone.

Speaking to DailyMail.com she recalled: 'I just heard 'Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!' like the fourth of July only so fast. It was too loud; it was so clear that something bad had happened and then there were sirens all over the place.'

An officer came to Miller's door and told her to 'get out,' she said.

'He said there's a train on fire, it's real close to you and it could explode anytime.

'I just grabbed the kids, who are nine and five, and got out of there.'

Miller stayed with a friend until after the controlled burn  a pivotal decision made by local officials to destroy. some 116,000 gallons of vinyl chloride in a bid to avoid a catastrophic explosion.

She returned home on February 15 but almost immediately noticed that all was not well.

The creek runs at the end of her back yard. It is a place where children play, fishing for minnows and catching frogs. But there was no wildlife left when Miller went back.

Resident Courtney Miller, who lived in the evacuation zone, returned home on February 15 only to quickly realize that not all was well or safe. She has had to rely on bottled water as the drinking supply undergoes constant testing

Miller has refused to bring her children back into the family home since the crash and has now sought out a private contractor to test the soil and water as well as her the air filters from her home furnace

Scott Smith first visited the site two weeks ago and has returned to carry on testing, working with the blessing and cooperation of the Environmental Protection Agency as residents fear almost everything around them is contaminated

She said: 'There's no fish, everything's dead or dying, there's dead animals  deer, racoons. When people say the water's fine, I don't trust that for a minute. I can see with my own eyes something's not right.'

Latest figures obtained by DailyMail.com from Ohio's Department of Natural Resources lay bare the toll that the chemicals have taken on local wildlife.

The department estimates that 38,222 minnows were killed, with the total number of other aquatic life killed including fish, crayfish, amphibians, and macroinvertebrates standing around 5,500.

According to Miller, the environmental effects are now impacting on her health too.

She said: 'I wake up with a sore throat, I'm hoarse, I have a bloody nose, trouble breathing.

'My skin is breaking out and that's never happened before. One of the officials looked at it and said it looks like chloracne which is a reaction to the chemicals.'

EPA air quality meters hang on traffic signs dotted around East Palestine

Official tests conducted by the EPA have declared the municipal drinking water safe to drink.

But, as Miller points out, many residents of East Palestine have their own private wells and are not on the closed loop of the municipal supply.

It is why the single mother hasn't brought her children back into the family home since the crash and why she has sought out a private contractor to test the soil and water.

Scott Smith, 57, Chief Sustainability Officer at ECO Integrated Technologies Inc and President of ECO AquaFlex LLC, has carried out tests in more than 60 disaster zones across the past 17 years.

The Baylor- and Harvard-educated crusader whose interest in water testing and environmental disasters was inspired by his own experience of a devastating oil and chemical flood in Texas back in 2006, has gained a reputation as a respected independent expert and has come to East Palestine to test creek water and soil on residents' request.

He first visited two weeks ago and has returned to carry on testing, working with the blessing and cooperation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Today he is sharing the results from those initial tests for the first time and releasing them exclusively to DailyMail.com.

They show that water tested from Sulphur Creek, which runs through Miller's back yard, contained a host of dioxins were present 'above recommended levels.'

Other chemicals present in the water were: dibenzo (a,h)anthracene (a mutagen and likely carcinogen), acenaphthene which can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs when absorbed through the skin, fluorene which is toxic to aquatic life, phenanathrene which can cause blistering rashes and diesel range organics total petroleum hydrocarbons C20-C34.

Smith called out the inadequacy of official testing that drew only small samples from the bodies of water tested saying: 'It's important to understand that water and contaminants are never in equilibrium or a steady state people don't go in the water and/or swim for a split second and fish don't swim in the water for a split second.

'Therefore, testing only a few water samples in a 250ml jar from a surface of a body of water only tells you what's in that jar. Hence, it's important to take water samples from the entire water column using a variety of sampling methods.'

Since the crash, a constant process of testing and cleaning has been underway in the creek that runs through East Palestine City Park

Smith, a Baylor- and Harvard-educated crusader whose interest in water testing and environmental disasters was inspired by his own experience of a devastating oil and chemical flood in Texas back in 2006, has gained a reputation as a respected independent expert

Smith has come to East Palestine to test creek water and soil at residents' request

As he puts it: 'You can't find what you're not looking for. The official tests are not looking for dioxins.'

According to Judith Enck a former regional administrator for the EPA, writing for the New York Times last week, dioxins are, 'some of the most potent carcinogens on earth.'

She stated: 'There is no safe dose for humans, and pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to their effects.'

Dioxins are a byproduct of burning vinyl chloride and they and other potentially harmful toxins rained down from the plume of black smoke that belched over East Palestine during the controlled burn last month.

Smith has carried out meticulous testing of the creek water, the sludge at its bed and the soil of its bank where dioxins could settle.

He has also swabbed black soot from the air filters that Miller removed from her home furnace.

Ken Berresford, who built a home for his son's family, less than a half mile uphill from the crash, in 1975, said the decision to stay or leave has not been easy

The samples will be sent to three different laboratories: one in Pennsylvania, one in Texas and another in Ohio.

Later in the day, half a mile south-east and just across East Palestine's city line in Unity, Ohio, Smith swabbed a layer of dark soot from the top of children's toys outside the Berresford family's property.

Sam and Heather Berresford's home, less than half a mile uphill from the crash, was in the path of the wind that rained down dioxins following the controlled burn.

Ken Berresford, 77, who built the property back in 1975 and gifted it to his son, told DailyMail.com that the decision to stay or leave has not been easy.

He said: 'We're invested here emotionally and financially, this is a great place for Sam and Heather and our seven-year-old granddaughter, but we sat down as a family and asked is it better to just sell and get out? Or are we going to stay?'

The family was home the night of the crash.

Ken recalled: 'I just looked up at the sky and I was in awe. From the hill [behind the house] you could see all down the tracks, all the lights.'

According to Heather: 'We decided it was way too close and so we evacuated that night and then again when they did the controlled burn.

'We are very concerned about the long-term effects. I haven't experienced any symptoms, but I've had friends report headaches and bloody noses when they've never had that before.'

In the past few days, they have all noticed the dust and particles in the air as the ground around the derailment is excavated.

Ken says: 'Once they're done with all that I want to get everything cleaned  pressure washed  the pool cover, the buildings, everything.'

As for his granddaughter's playhouse, covered in a film of dark dust in the backyard, he favors disposing of it entirely.

'I just want to get rid of it, why take any chances? This stuff is so toxic,' he added.

'One of the firemen who was on the scene the night of the crash told me he went to put on his rubber boots the next day and they just pulled clean apart  the chemicals had destroyed the rubber.

All around signs read: 'East Palestine Strong,' and promise, 'the greatest comeback in American history'

The Abundant Life Fellowship, in New Waterford, Ohio, has opened its gymnasium up as a help center headquarters for the effected by the East Palestine train derailment

The assistance center has been opened offering help to people who need accommodation, food staples, bottled water or compensation of any kind

'He said their hoses are bust and that all the first responders who attended that night have to get new gear  including respirators  and new fire hoses. The vinyl chloride just destroyed it all.'

EPA Air quality meters hang on traffic signs dotted around East Palestine and a constant process of testing and cleaning is underway in the creek that runs through East Palestine City Park.

All around signs read: 'East Palestine Strong,' and promise, 'the greatest comeback in American history.'

But it is little wonder that, with normality so far from restored, East Palestine residents are still pouring through the doors at the Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford, Ohio.

Here, just four miles west of East Palestine, a Norfolk Southern assistance center has been opened offering help to people who need accommodation, food staples, bottled water or compensation of any kind.

Pastor Jeff Schoch estimates that 7,000 people came through his door in the first three weeks.

That figure now stands at around 10,000 with no sign of abating as people who returned home are choosing to leave once again.

'We've definitely noticed it picking up again in the past few days. We're here to provide anything we can to help  spiritual, practical, emotional or material,' he said.

Pastor Jeff Schoch estimates that 7,000 people came through his door in the first three weeks. That figure now stands at around 10,000 with no sign of abating as people who returned home are choosing to leave once again

'At the beginning we were open 8am to 8pm and there was a line of people wrapped round the building. Now it's 10am to 8pm and 4pm on a Sunday.

'At first, we offered the space as a shelter, but people were evacuated to local hotels and family and the High School in East Palestine was used instead.

'Now we're providing a space for people to talk to railway representatives about getting hotels, picking up food staples, clothing, hygiene products  we've been inundated with donations, pet food, palettes of water that sort of thing.'

Asked how long he anticipates the service being necessary, the pastor said simply: 'We'll provide it for as long as people need it.

'We don't have any answers to the scientific questions, but people have to live their lives and we can try to provide a place of peace in the middle of a situation that can feel very chaotic.'
The ex-wife of a serving West Yorkshire Police officer has claimed the force refused to investigate her claims that she was being abused for 19 months.

The woman, who remains anonymous, has spoken out following the arrest of disgraced sex monster PC David Carrick, who last month pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape.

Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars.

In an anonymous interview, the ex-wife said it has been an 'uphill battle' to see the force take her domestic abuse allegations seriously.

'It makes you feel worthless. And when you have come from that sort of relationship it kind of reinforces that feeling that my words don't matter.

'If anything I wouldn't feel safe calling 999 because I wouldn't trust they would even bother coming at all,' she told Sky News.

The woman, who remains anonymous, said it has been an 'uphill battle' to see the force take her domestic abuse allegations seriously

Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape

She explained that the extent of the abuse was so bad that on one occasion she 'had to hide in a room from him' and that 'he would make flippant remarks about household objects being a good murder weapon'.

In a statement West Yorkshire Police said: 'We encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact us.

'Allegations are taken seriously, including allegations involving West Yorkshire Police officers and staff and will always be fully investigated.

'A West Yorkshire Police Officer has been suspended as part of the enquiry and the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.'

The woman said she felt prompted to speak out after seeing the video of Carrick being arrested on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, which then sparked a major investigation and unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders.

The footage, released by police, shows Carrick arguing with officers and demanding to know what they are searching for as they arrested him at his home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in October 2021.

He was later jailed for a minimum term of 30 years for carrying out a string of 'violent and brutal' sex attacks on at least a dozen women.

The woman said: 'At the end of the day police perpetrators are actually the most dangerous type of perpetrators and it is a scary place to be where you feel like no body is on the other side of the phone to come and help you. It is petrifying.

'All these forces saying they are taking it seriously and i am a prime example that they are not taking it seriously at all,' she added.

This is the moment serial rapist David Carrick was arrested by police on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, sparking a major investigation which unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court in February

Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005.

The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women.

Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March.

He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders.

Carrick's crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021.

West Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment by MailOnline.
A dog has miraculously survived after spending days at the bottom of a mining bin where tonnes of iron ore is dumped.

Shanny was discovered inside the dumper near a Rio Tinto port facility in the Pilbara region, in Western Australia.

The dog is understood to have been living in the bin for two days after running away from its home at Dampier during a thunderstorm.

Some 600 ore carloads are dumped in the bin each day, with each car carrying more than 100 tonnes of iron ore.

A dog has miraculously survived after spending days at the bottom of a mining bin where tonnes of iron ore are dumped

Travis Burrows, who is part of Rio Tinto's emergency response team, said it was a 'miracle' the dog had survived.

'There was so much ore coming out, I do not know how that dog survived,' he told ABC.

He said he had received a call informing him that a dog had been found in the bin.

'Possibly where it went down, it got stuck somewhere and was able to not get hit by the ore, which is amazing,' he said.

More than 100,000 tonnes of iron ore are understood to have passed through the bin during the two days Shanny was holed up inside.

Mr Burrows said it was 'amazing' the dog had been found uninjured.

SAFE Karratha founder and chair Sue Hedley said workers on site became aware of the dog stuck in the bin after hearing squeaking noises.

'Rio Tinto have very tight security but this little determined dog - being so terrified by a thunderstorm - got through it in fear and ironically found herself in a more fearful place than a thunderstorm,' she said.

Shanny has since been returned to her home without any injuries.

Dog owner Eloise Dortch said her pet appeared to be in high spirits and back to her normal self.

'Shanny looked very pleased to see me, she wagged her tail and looked happy,' she told news.com.au.

'She gave a little shake and made a mess on my kitchen floor with dust everywhere.'

Shanny is a rescue dog adopted from SAFE Karratha, an organisation that pairs homeless animals with new owners and saves them from euthanasia.
She announced the shock move on social media

A popular television presenter has made a surprising career move, ditching journalism to work for the country's largest pokie machine operator.

ABC TV presenter Lara Hyams announced she would be leaving the national broadcaster to work for liquor giant Endeavour Group.

Endeavour Group runs the country's largest retail drinks network and owns Dan Murphy's and BWS while also running the country's largest portfolio of licensed hotels.

Endeavours 344 pubs own 2,400 poker machines, making it the largest owner of poker machines in Australia.

Ms Hyams worked at the ABC as a weather and news presenter for 10 years after starting at the public broadcaster back in 2013.

She was a regular on the ABC News Breakfast program, alongside hosts Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar.

ABC TV News presenter Lara Hyams has ditched the national broadcaster to work for liquor giant Endeavour Group

Ms Hyams (pictured far right) with ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland, Virginia Trioli and Georgie Tunny

Ms Hyams previously worked at Seven News, the formerly known Fairfax Media and Perth Now.

She is also an MC and a DJ specialising in 'house/disco/nu wave', according to her LinkedIn profile.

Ms Hyams revealed her sudden career change on Twitter on Friday, garnering plenty of support from admirers and fellow journalists.

'Moving out day from @abcnews! Bye roomie,' she tweeted, alongside a photo of fellow ABC TV journalist Jeremy Fernandez.

'Starting with Endeavour Group on Monday!'

Ms Hyams then shared a farewell note from a fellow ABC journalist that revealed some sage advice she'd given the young reporter 10 years ago.

'Dear Lara, Best of luck with the next chapter,' the note read.

'I'll never forget you encouraging me to take advantage of the buffet at a mining [conference] when I was on work experience with you.'

Ms Hyams tweeted goodbye to her ABC 'roomie' Jeremy Fernandez (pictured) on Friday

A goodbye note Ms Hyams received from a fellow ABC employee

A number of other ABC journalists took to Twitter to farewell Ms Hyams, including her News Breakfast colleague Madeleine Morris.

'Youre the best xx,' Morris tweeted.

'All the best and good luck in your next exciting chapter...thank you for all your wonderful stories and presenting over the years,' ABC Senior News Reporter Danuta Kozaki said.

SBS World News Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson thanked Ms Hyams for always 'being a booster'.
A federal senator slammed on social media for not officially declaring his weekend work in real estate to parliament has dismissed his critics as 'nut job leftist activists'.

United Australia Party's sole senator Ralph Babet, who represents Victoria, opened a can of worms on Saturday when he tweeted 'I work in real estate on the weekends when I can'.

This was quickly seized on by a Twitter user who pointed out that Mr Babet's parliamentary register of interests said he had 'no other substantial sources of income'.

But the rightwing firebrand senator had a very simple explanation for continuing to work.

'I don't do it for the money,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

Senator Ralph Babet (right) is pictured with fellow politician, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, who is a One Nation MLC in the Victorian Parliament

Senator Ralph Babet's tweet (pictured) about working in real estate at weekends has opened up a can of worms

'I do it because it's my small family business ... and I do it to help my family, just like somebody would go back to work on a farm if their family owned a farm,' he said.

'They would go back and help milk the cows or do whatever they do on the family farm. It's exactly the same thing.'

Mr Babet said he was under no obligation to declare his weekend work in real estate as 'there's no income' going into his bank account.

'I haven't received any sort of pay cheque on the business. So why would I declare something that I make no money from?,' he added.

Instead, the senator blamed 'nut jobs and leftist activists on Twitter' for saying he should have registered his work with Babet Brothers.

The register does disclose that he is a director of the company.

Senator Ralph Babet has not declared any other 'substantial sources of income' on his Senate declaration (pictured)

Mr Babet said the real estate controversy was because anything he says is turned into 'a huge problem' by some people.

'Everything I say, these people on Twitter find a negative in it. Nothing I say is something that they will actually look at and say, "OK, maybe he has a point,"' he said.

When he was elected last year, Mr Babet moaned about having to take a 'pay cut' to sit in parliament.

'This is a sacrifice for me I'm doing it to serve my country,' he said in a tweet.

'It's a pay cut. If you think $200,000 for the amount of work I will have to do and the amount of suffering I will endure is a good deal, then you're wrong.'

He said on Monday that tweet was taken 'completely out of context'.

When he was elected last year, Senator Babet (pictured) moaned about having to take a 'pay cut' to sit in parliament

Senator Ralph Babet tweeted (pictured) that becoming a politician earning $211,250 a year was a 'pay cut' for him

'A leftist troll troll was attacking me on Twitter, saying "oh, you're only doing this for the money. You only care about the money,"' he said.

Mr Babet said he was not doing the job for more than $200,000 a year 'to be dragged through the media ... by people like bloody Waleed Aly on Channel 10, by people everywhere that I look attacking me for no reason at all'.

'What is $200,000 a year? I could make that doing something else if money is all I wanted, I'm doing it because I care, because I want better for the future generations that will come next,' he said.

'But what I have a problem with is people saying that I'm just doing it for money, which is an absolute bulls***.'

The real estate drama comes after Mr Babet was dogged by allegations he regularly misses parliament.

Mr Babet dismissed suggestions on social media he had a 46 per cent attendance record in the Senate - confirming it was actually his voting record that sits at 46 per cent.

The Senate website lists him as the 'United Australia Party Whip' meaning it's his job to make sure the UAP politicians vote.

As he is the only UAP member in parliament, there is only one vote he needs to collect each time, but Mr Babet claimed it was Labor and the Greens' fault that he makes it to fewer than half of all votes.

'What they're referring to is how many times (I've) been in the Senate for a division. A division is when you vote on a piece of (legislation), on a change to something,' he said.

Labor senator Sue Lines (pictured) who is President in the Senate, has been accused of purposely not giving a United Australia Party senator an office close to the Senate chamber, causing him to miss more than half of the votes

The senator said his voting record was due to him not being on the Senate side of the building and so can't get to the chamber on time.

'I'm on the complete other side and I can't physically get there in time. That's why I'm not in as many divisions ... the Greens took up all the spare offices on the Senate side,' he said.

He said that three offices much closer to the Senate chamber became available and that under the rules, he should have got one because he was elected earlier than some other senators in the May 2022 federal election.

'And the president of the Senate, the Labor Party President (Sue Lines) gave the offices to other people instead of me, even though I was higher up in the hierarchy for those offices,' Mr Babet claimed.

'So they deliberately kept me on the House of Representatives side so that I couldn't partake in Senate business as easily.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Lines has been contacted for comment.
Violence broke out at a drag storytelling event over the weekend between various anti-drag protesters and activists defending the event, in a series of filmed clashes that saw two arrested.

Billed as the 'Rock-n-Roll Humanist Drag Queen Story Hour', the all-ages drag show was held in Wadsworth Memorial Park just outside of Akron in Ohio Saturday and tensions boiled over at several points as protesters vastly outnumbered supporters of the show.

Many were armed with weapons, and several shouted hateful slurs and gave Nazi salutes, as guns were pointed and mace deployed in a series of scuffles that broke out toward the end of the four-hour event.

The increasingly rowdy altercations resulted in men from both sides being arrested and later charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

One attack saw a protester wearing medieval body armor being maced by an attendee, and another involved a man pulling a gun and threatening to shoot several event supporters.

Scroll down for video:

Violence broke out at a drag storytelling event in Wadsworth, Ohio, over the weekend between anti-drag protesters and activists defending the event, in a series of clashes that saw two arrested

Recorded by journalists who attended the event, the increasingly rowdy altercations resulted in men from both sides being arrested and later charged with disorderly conduct

Those charges stemmed from a series of recorded melees including one where a man - seen being led away by lawmen here - pulled a gun and threatened to shoot event supporters

The civil disturbance serves as the latest example of the continuing backlash seen toward drag shows for children, which have caused many parents to accuse organizers of attempting to sexualize their young children.

That said, the event in a small city which serves as a sort of conservative outpost from its much larger, Dem-led neighbor a few miles east, was held as scheduled, despite a warning that the event could get out of hand.

Days earlier, in a letter sent to residents, the city of Wadsworth confirmed in a public statement that there would be a stark police presence at the event.

'After much discussion and legal review, we have no choice but to let the event take place,' Wadsworth Public Safety Director Matt Hiscock and Wadsworth Police Chief Dan Chafin told the city's roughly 24,000 residents.

One anti-drag and one pro-drag activist went face to face for a moment, leading to the one brief fight which left the anti-drag activist and a different drag supporter arrested. pic.twitter.com/hWiLsxi3ba  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

Many were armed with weapons, and several shouted hateful slurs and gave Nazi salutes, as guns were pointed and mace deployed in a series of scuffles the broke out toward the end of the four-hour event

CW for thread: Language and violence



Several anti-drag groups including avowed Neo-Nazis, "White Lives Matter," Proud Boys, Patriot Front, and non-affiliated conservative activists protested outside a drag show today at a public park in Wadsworth, Ohio.



"Pedophiles get the https://t.co/k4C2iNapvk pic.twitter.com/AUw0RtApfF  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

The officials further advised that everyday residents should not attend, saying that residents 'should avoid being in the park if at all possible.'

The pair's warning, however, seemingly fell on deaf ears - as more than 200 protesters descended on the small park Saturday, hailing from various hate groups including the neo-Nazi-aligned 'Blood Tribe' and White Lives Matter of Ohio.

Other organizations seen in attendance included the white nationalist Patriot Front, the Proud Boys and several unaffiliated conservative groups - many of whose members sought to distance themselves from their more radical counterparts.

Vehicles seen littering the police-occupied event sported out-of-state license plates, while Police Chief Chafin said officers from his department nearby Medina city and county lost track of those in attendance at around 200 people.

Chafin confirmed Sunday that his department made two arrests during the ordeal, but said they could not comment on the men's identities pending further investigation.

Two were arrested following a series of recorded melees - including one in which a protester wearing medieval body armor, seen here, was maced by an attendee

Violence broke out a couple times today between anti-drag protesters and activists defending the event in Wadsworth, Ohio.



In this scuffle, a drag supporter deployed mace, momentarily blinding a man wearing a full chain mail crusader outfit. pic.twitter.com/uGY34CWtNg  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

Protesters were seen toting signs bearing messages such as 'White lives matter' and 'Mothers against grooming,' referring to the alleged process of building trust with children or families with the ultimate goal of abusing children sexually.

Supporters, meanwhile -many of who grew violent at the sight of arriving hate groups - told reporters that the event's purpose was 'not to turn children gay but to keep gay children alive.'

Others protested the age appropriateness of people in drag reading to kids, while saying they were 'shocked' at the sort of radical groups the event had attracted.

The Proud Boys, for instance - an all-male neo-fascist organization known for its repeated clashes for its far-right nemesis Antifa - distanced themselves from white nationalist groups such as the red-clad neo-Nazi Blood tribe, waring them repeatedly to physically stay away.

Members of Ohio's White Lives Matter were among several to descend on the the Saturday event, clashing with non-race related groups like the Proud Boys and the Patriot Front

The neo-Nazi "Blood Tribe" group did get along well with "White Lives Matter Ohio."



"Weimar conditions!" the two groups chanted together outside the drag event. "Weimar solutions!"



"Heil Hitler!" yelled the Nazis, as they waved swastika flags. pic.twitter.com/ISHxTnOiId  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

When that group, led by known neo-Nazi Chris Pohlhaus, arrived, dozens of officers tasked with keeping the peace reportedly had to rush to their defense, as they received threats from their fellow anti-drag activists.

Amid the tense schisms on the anti-drag front, few of demonstrators could be heard hurling commands at the more brazen and openly hateful nationalist groups, shouting 'Nazis, go home' and other heated instructions.

In one recorded encounter, a member from Ohio's White Lives Matter showed similar ideological differences from more non-race related groups like the Proud Boys and the Patriot Front.

'We're all here for the same reason,' a White Lives Matter Ohio members told a nearby Proud boy.

'We are, but go over that way,' the Proud Boy replied, seeming deterred by some of the signage the group had been touting, which bore phrases such as 'unity or extinction' and 'children & f*****s don't mix.'

'They're civic nationalists,' explained a White Lives member, who accused organizers of engaging in pedophilia by holding the event. 'We're white nationalists.'

Protesters were seen toting signs bearing messages such as 'White lives matter' and 'Mothers against grooming,' referring to the alleged process of building trust with children or families with the ultimate goal of abusing children sexually

The Proud Boys were also at the anti-drag protest in Ohio today, but tried to distance themselves from the avowed Nazi groups.



"We're all here for the same reason," a 'White Lives Matter Ohio' guy said.



"We are, but go over that way," PB replied.



"They're civic nationalists," https://t.co/lNTS7maymQ pic.twitter.com/7s9mjlhw8U  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

White nationalist group Patriot Front also made an appearance towards the end of the four hour show, with members sporting masks and a sign that read 'Victory or death.'

The more radical Blood Tribe, joined by some other white Nationalists from unnamed hate groups, slammed those and other conservative groups including Republicans from Akron as 'weak,' egging on supporters by waving Nazi flags and repeatedly shouting 'heil Hitler.'

Despite the volatile amalgam of ideologies, no one was injured as a result of violence at the event - though one person twisted a knee and another had a seizure, with both receiving treatment onsite by paramedics, Chafin said Sunday.

The chief added that two people who attended the even were arrested, with one of the suspects in support of the show and another who was there to protest.

The identity of the men has not yet been released - though footage of their arrests and the violent encounters that preceded them was posted to social media by a documentarian chronicling the various clashes that transpired.

White nationalist group Patriot Front also made an appearance towards the end of the four hour show, with members sporting masks and a sign that read 'Victory or death'

Despite the volatile amalgam of ideologies, no one was injured as a result of violence at the event - though one person twisted a knee and another had a seizure, with both receiving treatment onsite by paramedics, police said Sunday

White nationalist group Patriot Front also made an appearance outside the drag show in Ohio today, but they arrived after it already ended and most had left.



"Victory or death" it read on their banner.



"Victory or death? Take that death!" joked a drag supporter. pic.twitter.com/nO5JIetHdt  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) March 11, 2023

The first, filmed altercation begins neither of the two men, but instead an unidentified anti-drag protester wearing medieval body armor to resemble a crusader, who is seen approaching a crowd of attendees.

As the protester nears the crowd, a volunteer is seen unleashing mace on the armored man, who immediately moves away and holds his face in his hands.

At this point, the protester who would eventually be arrested - seen in the footage with tan overalls - pulls what appears to be a handgun from his person before pointing it at the group of attendees.

Cops later identified that metallic object as a .22 caliber pistol, with witnesses saying the man was a member of Republicans for Akron. A police officer is seen only feet away from the suspect during the altercation, though his eyes are trained elsewhere on a another clashing.

Police proceeded to pull the maced man aside before letting him got, though the man in overalls is later seen coming face to face with another person supporting the event, this one a woman.

The pair proceed to yell at each other, before a man in a rainbow suit suddenly appears from behind the woman and seemingly attempts to strike the Akron Republican, who reportedly attended the event with his 12-year-old son.

The colorfully-clad man and the conservative father were both promptly cuffed and led into nearby squad cars, and are facing charges of disorderly conduct - a misdemeanor.

Aside from that unrest - which police said occurred toward the end of the controversial event - went through as planned. Officials acknowledge the footage seen of the anti-drag suspect brandishing the gun online, and said they are probing the incident.

Kristopher Anderson, a Republican from Akron who has run for local and state office, confirmed Sunday that the man seen toting the weapon was part of the conservative group.

He said he was surprised when he and others arrived to see the outflow of Nazi's supporting the planned protests, which many advertised on Facebook.

'Around noon, out of our complete shock, we had the white supremacist and white Nazi groups show up,' Anderson told the Akron Beacon Journal. He added that member of his group had not associated with any of those espousing more radical views.

'We were chanting "dont groom your kids" and all those other things," said Anderson, who described the other more hateful messages being preached as a 'distraction more than anything.'

'We werent all on one side,' Anderson said of the many groups protesting the event. 'These were like factions against an issue.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Wadsworth Police Department for an update on the case.




Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, right, and other conglomerate chiefs talk to each other before the government's New Year's ceremony held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul on Jan. 2, 2020. From right are, Lee, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won.
Brazen thieves are increasingly targeting cars and their number plates as a way of committing a crime in a different vehicle but getting off scot-free.

Sydneysiders in the southern suburb of Brighton woke on Sunday morning to find a number of streets had been hit by number plate thieves.

A video showed carnage across four streets with a number of thieves either completely stealing the plates or bending them out of shape in frustration when they couldn't dislodge them.

Burglars target number plates in order to duplicate the registration before putting it on their own cars.

The criminals then use the duplicated plates to commit further offences only for the police to fine unsuspecting victims for the original thefts.

Entire street blocks have been hit by thieves stealing number plates before they commit crimes, lumping unsuspecting victims with tolls and fines

How to protect your plates Park your car in a locked garage where possible to protect yourself from number plate theft. If you don't have a garage at home, park off the street in your driveway or carport so that the car is closer to your house (and therefore a riskier target to thieves). To protect your number plates online, ensure that you blur your number plates on any images you post to auto marketplaces when selling your car, or social media, with a free photo editor app or website. To protect your car from number plate theft, install anti-theft screws (also called safe plate screws, one-way screws or security screws) that can't be easily removed. Normal number plate screws have heads that are compatible with either a bladed or a Phillips head screwdriver and are very easy to remove. Anti-theft screws, on the other hand, can be installed with a bladed screwdriver but need a special tool to be removed. Anti-theft screws to protect your number plates are inexpensive (about $10) and available from most auto shops, hardware stores and service stations. You can also get them for free at Safe Plate events run by Neighbourhood Watch. Source: RACV Car Insurance Advertisement

Local community groups like Neighborhood Watch, and police forces have started urging drivers to increase both security and anti-theft measures to curb the advanced crime from continuing.

Instances of licence plate thefts have jumped in Australia since the pandemic as criminals become more savvy, moving on from syphoning fuel and breaking into cars to steal belongings.

While the latter still happens, police and the RACV warned drivers to secure their plates now in order to avoid receiving thousands in backlogged fines in the mail.

'Offenders use stolen number plates on cars to help them carry out other crimes without being traced and identified,' a RACV spokesperson said in a statement.

'The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) reports that over 50 per cent of fuel theft, and various other crimes, involves stolen number plates.'

Along with thieves using your plates and registration to get away with not paying for fuel, other more serious crimes include burglaries, drug trafficking, and avoiding speeding, parking and tollway fees.

Plate stealing is a global issue with London reporting an 857 per cent increase in 'car cloning' between April 2021 and April 2022.

In NSW, the rates have similarly jumped from 5,548 in 2021 to 6,034 in 2022 according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research.

An easy way to decrease the chances of your plates being stolen is to install anti-theft screws which require a special tool to remove, along with parking cars in secure garages or in driveways where they can be monitored through CCTV.

But even if drivers take their cars off the roadside, thieves can also use the internet to duplicate plates.

One RACV member revealed earlier this year that after listing their car for sale online, they were inundated with tolls and fines after realising they had forgotten to blur the plate out in the listing's photos.

'My number plate was stolen after listing my 2013 Toyota '86 for sale online on a trusted car marketplace website,' they told RACV.

'At first, I thought an unexpected toll road invoice that I received was a mistake - however, over the course of the next two weeks, I was inundated by toll road invoices for travel at all times of the day and night across Melbourne.'

A string of cars fell victim to the thieves in Sydney's Brighton suburb on Saturday night, with footage of the brazen crime uploaded to social media

Police and community groups are urging people in all states across the country to increase safety measures in order to protect their plates

This year, the Victorian Government began an Australia-first rollout of holographic license plates which aim to combat forgery by including invisible stamps similar to Australian banknotes, which cannot be reprinted by criminals.

A NSW transport spokesperson told the ABC in February that the department would monitor the effectiveness of Victoria's groundbreaking redesign.

'Transport for NSW is always looking at ways to improve the security of number plates used on registered NSW vehicles, including any technology that will help combat the illegal production of fake and cloned number plates,' the spokesperson said.
A $200billion nuclear submarine deal could cost the average Australian taxpayer about $13,000.

This is effectively the equivalent of every Australian buying a new small car - an astonishing outlay on just a handful of boats.

But experts say the deal - despite the extraordinary price tag - could be worth every cent.

They say the subs partnership will establish an 'unprecedented level of trust and collaboration' between Australia and its most powerful allies at a time of rising global tensions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to warn taxpayers of the enormous cost of the submarine plan on Tuesday, vowing to be transparent about the fiscal pitfalls of the 30-year deal.

Over the lifetime of the deal, which is expected to cost upwards of $200billion, every Australian taxpayer would spend an estimated $13,370 of their tax dollars on the fleet. That figure is based on the 14.9million who paid tax in the 2019-2020 financial year.

A $200billion nuclear submarine deal will cost the average Australian taxpayer about $13,000

The deal will create an 'unprecedented level of collaboration' between Australia, the United States and United Kingdom

The plan so far hinges on purchasing up to five US built Virginia class submarines by the 2030s.

Britain is then expected to work with Canberra on a new fleet by about 2040 which will be equipped with American combat systems and weapons. All three countries will use the same missile and defence systems.

These nuclear subs can stay underwater for longer periods of time and travel farther without surfacing, making them key to Australia's defence strategy moving forward.

Each sub can stay submerged for up to three months, carry 37 torpedo-sized weapons and travel at speeds of 46km/h, unlike our current diesel-electric subs which can stay submerged for no more than 70 days.

But beyond the capabilities of the subs themselves, expert sources say they'll strengthen ties between the three nations involved.

Charles Edel, a former State Department official and the Australia chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, earlier said the 'big story' behind the deal is the 'strategic convergence' between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The plan so far hinges on purchasing up to five US built Virginia class submarines by the 2030s

What the new subs have that make them so noteworthy - Can spend three months underwater - Travel at speeds of 46km/h - Carry 37 torpedo-sized weapons - Expected lifespan of 33 years Advertisement

'In a narrow sense, AUKUS is a trilateral partnership meant to enhance the defense capabilities of the nations involved,' he said.

'But its broader significance lies in its intention to drive technological innovation, grow the industrial capacity and deepen strategic coordination between the U.S., Australia and the U.K.,' he said.

'Ultimately, strategic convergence, and not submarines, is the big story behind AUKUS.'

There will be a long-term commitment between the three nations to cooperate on matters of cyberwarfare, missiles and artificial intelligence, among other things.

The agreement would create 20,000 Australian jobs, including 8,500 used to build and maintain the subs.

Additionally, a Virginia-class submarine requires 132 crew members on board, including 15 officers.

Currently, Australia runs one university program dedicated to nuclear engineering and produces about five graduates a year, meaning there would need to be a greater commitment to training and education in the field.

John Blaxland, an expert in international security from the Australian National University, told the New York Times dual national crews could provide an intermediary solution.

'We're going to need an unprecedented level of close, trusted collaboration to make this work  at the political, operational and worker-bee level,' he said.

The deal is being hailed across all three nations as 'the most significant multilateral defence capability endeavour the world has seen in generations'.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce more details of the deal on Tuesday, after meeting with President Joe Biden this week

The Opposition is promising bipartisanship in order to get this deal done in the most timely and cost-effective manner.

The Coalition's defence spokesman, Andrew Hastie, told reporters in Canberra the coming months and years could result in 'a level of bipartisanship that we probably haven't seen for a generation'.

'Of course were going to work with the government to make sure that we can finance this because, as you know, its a very competitive environment [for budget funds],' he said.

Speaking on Sunrise this morning, Labor's Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce agreed the significance of the nuclear subs deal.

Ms Plibersek said: 'These submarines will be very important in our ability to defend ourselves in the future.

These nuclear subs can stay underwater for longer periods of time and travel farther without surfacing, making them key to Australia's defence strategy moving forward

'Its a very longterm project and with it will come a substantial number of jobs and huge investment and a real capability in the Australian economy.'

Mr Joyce agreed that 'this is the cost of defending our nation', and supported the decision to buy 'off the shelf to start with' to get the ball rolling on the deal quicker.

'I understand about manufacturing jobs, but its main job is to protect Australia. Thats the main job.'

Speaking on ABC's Insiders, Democrat congressman Joe Courtney vowed Australia would receive 'the highest quality' nuclear submarines on offer. There have been suggestions the fleet of Virginia-class subs would be second-hand.

'The shelf-life of a Virginia-class submarine is 33 years. No one is going to be, you know, foisting off clunkers on good friends and allies,' he said.
A massive group of around 1,000 migrants were caught on camera attempting to rush the U.S. southern border from Mexico on Sunday afternoon.

Video captured by a Fox News reporter saw hordes of migrants rushing a border checkpoint from Juarez, Mexico into El Paso, Texas.

Footage sees the group, which consists of mostly of young men but also includes women and young children, running along a border road as they attempted to overwhelm those at official check points as they made their way through the port of entry in El Paso in an effort to get into the United States.

CBP officers say they 'implemented port hardening measures' including the use of barbed wire fencing and concrete barricades, by temporarily preventing northbound traffic at the Paso Del Norte Bridge.

CBP officials say the large group approached the international line 'posing a threat to make mass entry.'

On Sunday, a large group of migrants, numbering around 1,000, were caught on camera trying to rush the U.S. southern border from Mexico

Video footage of the migrants could be seen attempting to overwhelm official checkpoints as they made their way through the port of entry in El Paso, Texas

BREAKING: Our contact in Juarez, MX tells us a massive group of at least 1,000 migrants just attempted to rush a port of entry in El Paso in an effort to get into the United States. Video shows them pushing past the Mexican side of Paso Del Norte bridge. Awaiting CBP comment. pic.twitter.com/lxriIB3TSm  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

The clips also shows them pushing past the Mexican side of Paso Del Norte bridge forcing CBP to erect barricades of barbed wire and other physical barriers to prevent any crossings.

The video even sees one border patrol agent standing idly by as the pack of migrants pushes on by.

According to one reporter on the ground, a portion of the group was able to be pushed by CBP officials while another group decided to gather around smaller bridges including the Stanton Bridge and the Bridge of the Americas, also leading to the use of barricades by CBP officials armed with batons and riot shields.

Others attempted to get across the border into the U.S. by crossing the river.

'This is the type of event that doesn't help them (migrants),' said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas to KTSM.

'It doesn't help the migrant make their case. I know that they're tired of waiting and all that, but this type of thing just doesn't help their case,' Cuellar said.

'Even the president is saying, now, "Let's have 'em come in in an orderly process," you know. What they're doing, trying to rush through, doesn't help their case one bit at all. It does become a little frustrating.'

CBP released a statement early on Sunday evening explaining what had occurred.

'CBP officers including members of the CBP Mobile Field Force implemented port hardening measures at the Paso Del Norte international bridge at 1:30pm today temporarily preventing the northbound flow of traffic after a large group of individuals formed on the Mexican side of the border and approached the international boundary posing a potential threat to make a mass entry.

'The CBP response included the deployment of physical barriers to restrict entry. As of 5 pm there is no traffic processing occurring at Paso Del Norte. There were also temporary disruptions at two other crossings because of appearance of groups of migrants. Barricades were used at the Stanton Bridge crossing from 2pm until 2:45pm and at the Bridge of the Americas from 2:45pm until 3:30pm.

'The Office of Field Operations Special Response Team and U.S. Border Patrol agents have been assisting CBP officers.'

Another video from our contact. Were told some crowd control measures were used (unclear which side of border), and a chunk of the group was repelled, and is now gathering at another smaller bridge, while some are trying to cross in the river. Waiting for more details from CBP. pic.twitter.com/PEFeHlF4KH  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

The video even sees one overwhelmed border patrol agent standing idly by as the pack of migrants pushes on by

The group consisted mostly of young men, but there were also women and young children present

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December

BREAKING: Another video from our contact showing this massive migrant group trying to rush Paso Del Norte bridge in El Paso in an attempt to get into the United States. pic.twitter.com/q9v2myX333  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December.

The decrease in border crossings followed Biden's announcement in early January that Mexico would take back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans under a pandemic-era rule that denies migrants the right to seek asylum as part of an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

At the same time, the U.S. agreed to admit up to 30,000 a month of those four nationalities on humanitarian parole if they apply online, enter at an airport and find a financial sponsor.

The administration has also proposed generally denying asylum to anyone who travels though another country on their way to the U.S. without seeking protection there - effectively all non-Mexicans who appear at the U.S. southern border.

Agents detained migrants more than 2.5 million times at the southern border in 2022, including more than 250,000 in December, the highest on record.

According to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, Border Patrol agents stopped migrants about 130,000 times in February, similar to January.

More than 100,000 migrants each month were being released in U.S. border cities late last year with notices to appear in immigration court or report to immigration authorities.
An Insta-famous ex-bikie has landed back behind bars after a bizarre attempt to escape police where he ripped his ankle tracker off, dived into a creek and unsuccessfully tried to steal a boat.

But Ben Geppert's James Bond-style escape was foiled when the former Hells Angels enforcer - who went by the nickname 'Notorious' - realised he needed a key to start the motor of the dinghy that was parked in Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast.

Geppert, 31 - who has 'vendetta' and a distinctive tear drop inked on his face - then returned to shore and fled on foot, before cops eventually caught up with him during a traffic stop on Reedy Creek Road, Burleigh Waters.

In Southport Magistrates Court last Friday, Geppert claimed it was a 'brain snap' that drove him to remove his GPS monitor while at home in Varsity Lakes in the early hours of the morning on January 15.

Geppert was on parole at the time. He pleaded guilty to wilful damage to corrective services property, being unlawfully at large, and attempting unlawful use of a vessel.

Ex-Hells Angels and Finks bikie Ben Geppert (above with his former partner, Allaina Vader Jones, who he split from fiveyears ago), had been 'doing his best ever' on parole when he had a 'brain snap', tore off his tracking anklet and went on the run

Geppert, known as 'Notorious' has long split from Allaina (above, right) and from the Hells Angels since trying to turn his life around

Geppert was walking along Tallebudgera Creek when police spotted his distinctive tattoos and he dived into the water to escape, then tried to commandeer a dinghy but couldn't get the outboard motor going

The ex-Hells Angels bikie gang enforcer, who has been back in custody since his re-arrest, will remain behind bars despite receiving an eight month sentence, wholly suspended for a year.

Geppert had been on parole after completing a Queensland Government's Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) Exit program.

The onetime gangster - who became famous with his then heavily tattooed girlfriend Allaina Vader Jones for their exploits a few years back - has tried to turn his life around.

Geppert made headlines over several years for airing his feuds with rival bikies on social media.

Vader and her cousin Rikki Louise Jones were dragged into a fight between Geppert and Jones former boyfriend and former Bandidos bikie Brett Kaos Pechey, with the taunting images posted on their Instagram accounts.

Ben Geppert (above during a previous arrest) was finally re-arrested while identified during a traffic stop and taken back into custody where he remains

Ben Geppert and another man were filmed scuffling in a carpark where an adjoining McDonalds was seen in the background

In May 2018, Geppert was filmed brawling with another man outside a KFC restaurant in Robina, Queensland.

The clip showed Geppert charging across a car park as a female accomplice screamed, 'it's your turn now, idiot!'

The pair scuffled and swore at one another ('eat a d**k', one said) until the second man toppled into a white Range Rover.

After a stint in jail in 2019 and personal issues, Geppert vowed to change his ways.

He quit the Hells Angels, reconciled with his family and appeared with his mother Lisa in a video series about bikies and said he regretted his gangster lifestyle.

Geppert's lawyer told the Southport court that Geppert was doing 'the best he'd ever done' but then had 'a brain snap  he has no idea why'.

Queensland Police said GPS signals confirmed the anklet remained at the home while he was at large on January 15.

Police spotted him on Awoonga Avenue, Burleigh Heads on January 17, but he plunged into Tallebudgera Creek.

The court heard Geppert and his current partner had a seven-month-old daughter and were expecting another baby, and he hoped to be out in time for the birth.

It will be up to Queensland's parole board when Geppert is deemed suitable for release from prison.
Thunderstorms and floods will batter Queensland after a weekend of wild weather, with the wet conditions extending down the east coast of Australia.

More rain forecast for northwest Queensland could elevate already record water levels as residents in the southeast clean up after a wave of thunderstorms.

A man was hospitalised after being struck by lightning, trees were blown down and the state emergency service responded to 42 calls for help on Sunday.

In the northwest, an extended period of extreme rain led to almost 100 residents being evacuated in remote Burketown after river levels exceeded seven metres, surpassing the 2011 record of 6.78 metres.

The wet conditions will extend along the east coast of Australia with showers forecast for Sydney with flash flooding battering Cootamundra in NSW.

Thunderstorms and floods will batter Queensland after a weekend of wild weather with rainfall extending down the east coast of Australia

More rain forecast for northwest Queensland could elevate already record water levels as residents in the southeast clean up after a wave of thunderstorms

An evacuation order has been issued for parts of the Cootamundra township and include Muttama Creek.

NSW SES operations officer Brett Koschel said Cootamundra received 93mm over the last 24 hours.

'What we are seeing are similar levels to the October floods,' he said.

'Overnight we had two call-outs for flood rescues in Cootamundra and about 10 calls to other jobs.'

Thirty-seven houses had power disconnected as they were inundated in floodwaters in Burketown, while about 70 residents remained in the area with limited electricity and water supplies.

Burke Shire mayor Ernie Camp said water levels had dropped about 400mm on Monday morning, bringing some positive news for the flood-ravaged region.

Cr Camp said about 100 people had been evacuated from the town itself, and another 120 across the shire.

'Quite big numbers considering the shire population in Burketown, so a considerable amount of our citizens are now in neighbouring shires or towns and cities,' he told ABC News Breakfast.

He said parts of the town had stayed relatively high and dry, but it would be some time before the full extent of the damage would be understood.

'Those who are fit and healthy, we'd love to see them back in the next two weeks, but those who may have some medical conditions, please stay where you are,' Cr Camp said.

Severe flooding is continuing along the Gregory, Nicholson and Leichhardt river catchments, which recorded up to 35mm of rain in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.

A major flood warning is also active in the lower Flinders and Cloncurry rivers.

The Gregory River peaked at 12.3 metres and was falling on Monday morning, although it remained at major flood level.

The wet conditions will extend along the east coast of Australia with showers forecast for Sydney with flash flooding battering Cootamundra in NSW

An evacuation order has been issued for parts of the Cootamundra township and include Muttama Creek

With more showers and isolated thunderstorms forecast for the state's northwest, emergency services expect peak flooding to continue.

Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said there was extensive damage in the state's northwest after daily rainfall reached in excess of 300mm.

'This has caused significant damage to road infrastructure, with large washouts and ground saturation triggering the closure of a number of roads,' he said.

On Sunday, the federal and state governments announced more disaster funding, including payments for Urandangi residents of up to $180 for individuals or $900 for families to cover personal essentials.

In Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa, loans of up to $250,000 are being made available for affected small businesses and primary producers.

'This weather event has been impacting Queensland for several months, and as conditions escalate, we're working with the Queensland government to ensure appropriate levels of community assistance are available,' Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said in a statement.

Sydney will go through a maximum of 25C on Monday with showers continuing through to Tuesday before the skies clear and the mercury rises to 34C on Thursday.

Melbourne is expected to have partly cloudy conditions throughout the week with temperatures reaching a maximum of 29C on Thursday.

Brisbane will have showers before the conditions clear up on Tuesday and the sun returns on Thursday with a maximum of 35C to come on Friday.

Adelaide will enjoy mostly sunny conditions for most of the week while Perth will sweat through summer temperatures with 36C expected on Thursday.

Rainfall expected across parts of Australia as flooding continues to hit Queensland and NSW
Ms Trioli then explained she was dealing with 'family illness'

ABC presenter Virginia Trioli was meant to return to her popular Melbourne radio program on Monday after a three-month break - but suddenly pulled out because of a 'long and complex summer of family illness'.

ABC Radio Melbourne 774 had promoted Trioli's return, with stand-in presenter welcoming Trioli back to her regular slot at both the start and end of her show last Friday.

'It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be with you over the last couple of months,' Moore told listeners.

'VT will be back here on Monday in this chair.'

However, fans were left confused when Trioli did not resume her position on Monday morning.

Virginia Trioli, host of Melbourne ABC Radio 774, was due to return to the program this week

Virginia Trioli explained her continued absence on Twitter on Monday morning (pictured)

She explained her continued absence on Twitter.

'Some personal news: its been a long and complex summer of family illness, and my focus needs to be on home for now,' the presenter wrote.

'To my wonderful ABC Melbourne Mornings audience Ill see you very soon, and many thanks to my ABC colleagues and management for their kindness and support.

Trioli did not say when listeners could expect her back on the airwaves, but The Australian's Media Diary column suggested that she may not return until after Easter, citing insiders.

Melbourne drive host Raf Epstein had stepped in to replace Ms Trioli on Monday.

Fans flooded her Twitter profile with messages of support and encouragement.

'Wishing you and your dear family all the best and be assured that we are so looking forward to having you back on our radio but only when the time is right for you and yours,' one user wrote.

Trioli did not say when listeners could expect her back on the airwaves, but it has been suggested she may not return until after Easter

Another said: 'I turned the radio on at 08h30 looking forward to hearing you and was sad to hear you have illness in the family. Hope you are managing during a difficult time. All the best.'

Trioli announced her three-month hiatus in December last year, but rumours emerged claiming she may ditch her radio gig for TV.

It was previously reported the ABC was in the early stages of developing a prime time TV program for her.

Trioli has previously hosted arts-based episodes for the public broadcaster's panel discussion program, Q&A. She has also hosted Sunday Arts and Artscape.
A church devoted to Cannabis in Denver has been ordered to remove a sculpture but its founder said the demand is an attack on its religious freedom.

The International Church of Cannabis said the order from the city last month that it take down a pink android sculpture is also a violation of its First Amendment right to practice its religion.

Denver city claimed the sculpture was unsafe to drivers on the adjacent roads and said that even if the church applied for a permit, it would probably be denied.

The eleven-foot pink sculpture, called Public Defender, was donated by the artist who created it and sits in front of the church on the corner of a junction.

The eleven-foot pink sculpture, called Public Defender, was donated to the International Church of Cannabis by the artist who created it

The interior of the church, refurbished in 2017, is pained in colorful psychedelic patterns. Its members are referred to as Elevationists and use cannabis to improve themselves

Members of the church, founded in 2017, are known as Elevationists and use the 'sacred flower' of cannabis to guide themselves on journeys of self-improvement.

The church also operates as a tourist attraction and is number seven on Trip Advisor's 'Top Attractions in Denver'. It routinely puts on light shows inside its refurbished church, which is painted in colorful psychedelic patterns.

Founder of the church, Steve Berke, told Fox News that demands to take the art away are hypocritical as they come from a city that considers itself liberal.

'You'd think liberal city, liberal government, they'd welcome this cool new religion that is welcoming and bringing local people to the neighborhood and stimulating the economy,' Berke told Fox News.

'You'd think they'd love us, but they don't,' he added, claiming the city had repeatedly taken issue with his church.

Visitors to church were asked by local outlet Denver7 whether they agreed it was a hazard.

'Not at all,' said tourist Jason Pollock. 'I think it's beautiful.'

Scott Donahoe, an engineer who was working in the area also didn't think it was a problem.

'I think the parked cars are more in the way than the sculpture,' Donahoe said. 'I don't see it being an issue.'

Elevationists gather around the sculpture for 42-second meditations

The city of Denver claimed the sculpture in front of the church was a threat to drivers on adjacent roads

Elevationists often gather around the sculpture for 42-second meditations in which they reflect on how to achieve a better version of self, an important ritual for the church, Berke told Fox News.

'I hope the city of Denver recognizes our right to exist and our right to have this religious effigy, this representation of the freedom of religion that all Americans should have,' Berke told Fox News.

'The city of Denver is really encapsulating the perfect example of big government passing unnecessary laws that don't protect anyone and infringing on our First Amendment rights,' he said.

Berke claimed the city sent him a letter last month saying it had two weeks to apply for a permit or it would be bulldozed. The city's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure however denied those claims in a statement to Denver7.

'The idea of us bulldozing in two weeks is ridiculous and would not align with any established practices,' the statement read.

The department claimed Berke was confused about the two-week window. 'The instruction the church received was to reach out to our permitting team within two weeks - not to 'get' the permit in two weeks,' the statement read.

But then days later it sent another email, telling Berke that it could not stop the church from making an application but that if it did it would probably be denied.

The church was established in 2017 and devoted to using cannabis for the elevation of self

'Although we cannot prevent any application for Encroachment Permit to the City, we have taken the time to review photo and inspector notes from the field, and have reasonably determined that the sculpture as installed does not meet minimum placement, height, and vehicle sight line criteria,' it said in an email seen by Denver7.

Berke said he was upset the verdict on the sculpture was predetermined and proof of the city's unfair treatment of the church. He also argued that claims the sculpture presents any threats is invalid.

'Whether you're going here on Dakota Street or coming from Logan Street, the cars on Logan street are more of an encroachment than the sculpture,' Berke said.

'We're showing people that if you fight for your First Amendment rights, you are defending your American liberty,' he said. 'And that's a really important thing, even in left-leaning cities and states.'
Rishi Sunak is set to take on the China hawks in his own party as he sets out plans for dealing with the epoch-defining challenge posed by Beijing.

Speaking ahead of the publication today of the Integrated Review (IR) of foreign and defence policy, the Prime Minister said the UK would take a robust approach to Chinas communist regime.

But, in comments likely to be seized on by critics in his own party, he rowed back on a previous warning that Beijing was now the UKs largest threat.

Mr Sunak said the UK needed a smart and sophisticated approach to China, rather than simply treating it as a threat.

He also said it was right to engage with Beijing on issues such as economic stability and climate change.

The Prime Minister (pictured) said the UK would take a robust approach to Chinas communist regime

During the Tory leadership contest last summer, Mr Sunak described the country, led by president Xi Jinping (pictured) as the largest threat to Britain and the worlds security this century.

During the Tory leadership contest last summer, Mr Sunak described the country, led by president Xi Jinping as the largest threat to Britain and the worlds security this century.

But speaking yesterday, the PM declined to repeat his comments. He said: China presents an epoch-defining challenge to us.

Its a regime that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad and has a desire to reshape the world order.

What I would say is, I dont think its smart or sophisticated foreign policy to reduce our relationship with China. In the IR you will see a thoughtful and detailed approach.
A former Tory immigration minister said last night that Rishi Sunaks landmark Bill to stop illegal Channel migration criminalises pregnant women and children and fails to act as a deterrent.

Caroline Nokes, now chairman of the women and equalities committee, pledged to rebel against the measure in a Commons vote set for tomorrow.

The MP also voted against last years Nationality and Borders Act.

Her dramatic intervention came just hours after a Tory council leader said the Governments migrant plan puts childrens safety at risk as a row threatens to break out within the Conservative Party.

Ms Nokes told Times Radio: I cant vote for this. I didnt vote for the last one, I wont be voting for this one.

Caroline Nokes, now chairman of the women and equalities committee, pledged to rebel against the measure in a Commons vote set for tomorrow

A Tory council leader said the Governments migrant plan puts childrens safety at risk as a row threatens to break out within the Conservative Party (pictured: Rishi Sunak)

I might be an outlier in my party but I think we have an absolute duty to treat people humanely to keep people safe. I have absolute horror at the prospect.

My concern in the first instance about this Bill is that its removing protections for pregnant women, for families.

I am deeply troubled at the prospect of a policy which seeks to criminalise children, pregnant women, families and remove them to Rwanda.

I fail to see what this legislation is going to do to act as a deterrent.

Read more: Chancellor Jeremy Hunt doesn't rule out children being detained under new illegal migration laws Advertisement

Earlier Izzi Seccombe, Tory leader of Warwickshire County Council, said local authorities have to jump through hoops to set up safe shelters for children.

She criticised the Home Office for failing to communicate properly with councils over the migrant plan. We are putting people in risky situations, Mrs Seccombe told Times Radio.

That cannot be good for us as a society. I wish we had better communications with the Home Office because its very poor. We are the ones on the ground who have to deal with these issues.

Her comments came hours after the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, called the Bill immoral and inept.

He said: The proposals are unworkable but will restrict access to support for many legitimate refugees and victims of modern slavery, without even the dignity of having their case heard.

A ban on holding children who arrive in small boats in detention centres may be reversed.

Senior Tories, including ex-Cabinet minister Robert Buckland, have condemned the plans as draconian.
A driver leaving Queensland to head into New South Wales was furious after thinking he'd been snapped by a well-hidden speed camera.

But the the camera, placed metres inside the NSW border on Tourist Drive in the Tomewin Conservation Park and just some of many along the 3,339km border between the two states, aren't there to detect speeding drivers.

They are actually trying to control the movement of the noxious cattle tick.

While looking like speeding cameras, the devices instead keep track of vehicles potentially transporting cattle across the border that haven't been checked for the insect.

Cattle tick is considered a 'significant economic pest of the Queensland cattle industry', according to the state's Department of Business and all farm animals must be checked at a quarantine station before crossing the border.

'This camera surveillance system offers reliability, efficiency and addresses management issues, including non-compliance with animal movement regulations, to support any potential tick eradication solution in the future,' a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Primary Industries told Daily Mail Australia.

The tick is estimated by Meat and Livestock Australia to cost the industry around $160 million every year.

Mistaking the cattle tick cameras for speeding cameras, the driver posted a video to TikTok stating 'this is how you know you're in New South Wales'.

The driver, trying to make a point on the state's use of speeding cameras, unknowingly pointed out that NSW is the only state to implement cameras to help control the spread of the tick.

NSW expanded the line of cameras to cover all major, and numerous minor, crossings into the state in 2013 after being introduced in 2008.

'Since 2008, DPI Border Cam has monitored all livestock and bloodstock movements into NSW from the Queensland tick zone at Chindera, Cobaki, Terranora, Tomewin, Numinbah, Richmond Gap, Mount Lindsay and Boonah,' the spokesperson said.

The tick has devastated cattle populations in northern Queensland and spread across the nation's north coast to as far as Western Australia.

Heavy infestations of cattle tick cause tick worry, an infectious disease caused by bites, and loss of blood that can sometimes lead to death.

'It (cattle ticks) can also transmit three blood-borne tick fever organisms, which cause sickness and death in cattle,' the Queensland Department of Business website writes.

The tick also releases paralysing toxins that can kill calves and smaller household animals such as cats and dogs and also seriously affect humans.

A driver who was left shocked by speeding camera look-a-like just metres from the QLD-NSW border has instead highlighted NSW's attempts to limit the spread of cattle tick

NSW is the only state to use cameras to monitor potential cattle transporters spreading the pest that costs the Meat and Livestock Australia around $160 million every year

Despite the cameras attempting to stop the spread of the deadly parasite, 2020 was the worst year on record for cattle tick infestations with 170 incidents across NSW's north coast.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) urged cattle farmers to be on the lookout and report any sighting of the insect.

'We advise producers to adhere to biosecurity procedures which ensure their herds are protected from tick infestations,' Paul Freeman, NSW DPI senior veterinary officer, said at the time.

'Cattle tick must be reported as it is legally notifiable disease and producers are encouraged to come to us for support and assistance.

'If cattle ticks are found we will work with producers to carry out eradication treatment programs and monitor cattle on adjoining properties to isolate infestations  successful eradication of cattle tick can take 18 months.'
A soldier engages in a response drill to counter attacks by small unmanned drones at an air force base in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Feb. 12. Korea Times file





Yoon Yong-jin / Courtesy of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Two teenagers died in a 'tragic' car smash in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Best friends Riley Hedley, 17, and Mikey Easton, 16, were the teenagers who died in Morpeth, Northumberland, in a horror car smash, their families said.

Police were called to a report of a collision on the A196 near Coopies Way, in Morpeth, Northumberland shortly after 12.40am.

Emergency services rushed to the crash but despite the best efforts of medics, the teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emotional tributes have been left for the teenagers at the scene of the tragic crash by their families and well-wishers.

The best friends Mikey Easton (left) and Riley Hedley (right) could not be saved by paramedics at the scene of the crash and died early on Sunday morning

Riley Hedley, 17, died at the scene of the horror smash near Morpeth early on Sunday morning. His family posted emotional tributes to him online

On Sunday afternoon, dozens of bunches of flowers had been left on a tree near the scene. One of the floral tributes, left for one of the boys, said 'Fly High Mikey'.

Another bunch of flowers, left for Riley, said: 'Always a smile on your face' and 'Rip sweetheart gone too soon.'

Mikey's father posted a heartfelt tribute to his son on social media.

'Hardest post ever. Fly high my beautiful little boy.....Totally gutted, devastated hope you are peace my little angel dad and mam love you so much.'

Sister Ebony wrote that she 'couldn't believe' that her brother was gone and that the accident didn't feel real.

Two teenagers died after a crash near Morpeth in Northumberland early on Sunday morning. Flowers have been left where they died

Police rushed to the crash on the A196 after receiving reports of the smash at approximately 12.40 on Sunday morning

'I cant believe you are gone it doesnt feel real, we miss you so much already, honestly I dont know what to say Im still so shocked you're gone but we had some great times and even better memories.'

Riley's sister said she had lost her best friend and that he was 'far too good for this world'.

Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police's Motor Patrols department, said:

'This is an incredibly tragic incident involving two young men who had their whole lives ahead of them.

'Our thoughts go out to both the young men's families and close ones as they attempt to come to terms with today's devastating news.

Flowers have been left at the site and the victims' families are being supported by specialist officers

'We will support them in every way we can and ask that the family's privacy is respected.

'An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and we're asking for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch, especially if you were travelling in the area and may have some information or dashcam footage that could help our enquiries.'

Northumbria Police have said both families are currently being supported by specialist officers and officers have launched an investigation.
Experts are calling for a step up in safety advice after research revealed how common it is for parents to sleep in the same bed as their babies.

Nine in ten parents polled said they have slept alongside their baby  known as co-sleeping  but only four in ten said they have been advised by a health professional on how to reduce the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (Sids).

The survey found that more than 40 per cent of parents admitted they had fallen asleep with their baby in a potentially dangerous way, such as on a sofa or in an armchair, which can increase the risk of Sids by up to 50 times.

Results of the poll of 3,402 new parents for the charity Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of Sids, came as academics said more needs to be done to spread knowledge of safe sleeping practices.

Only four in ten parents said they have been advised by a health professional on how to reduce the risk of cot death. File image

A report by experts, including academics from the University of Oxford, called for open conversations between parents and professionals  and looked in particular at how advice can be conveyed to deprived communities, where Sids deaths are higher.

The Lullaby Trust says that if parents co-sleep, they should keep pillows and adult bedding away from the baby plus any items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat.

Babies should sleep on their backs and other children or pets should not be brought into bed.

According to the NHS, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. Around half of babies who die from Sids are co-sleeping at the time of death.
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An Australian expat living in Bali is being slammed for screaming at a police officer after she was caught riding her scooter without a helmet.

The woman was reportedly riding her scooter on a road in Canggu, a resort village on the south coast of the island, when she was stopped by the officer.

In a video shared online, the woman is seen arguing with the policeman who was blocking the path of her bike.

The officer tries to get the woman to move her scooter off the road as riding a motorbike without a helmet is illegal.

The woman points and gestures furiously at the officer and yells 'it's not my fault' claiming her helmet was stolen.

The Aussie woman was reportedly riding her scooter on a road in Canggu, a resort village on the south coast of the island, when she was stopped by an officer for not wearing a helmet

'We have rules!', the officer replied.

The woman fires back in Indonesian: 'I've been here for 23 years!'

Another officer approaches the woman asking her to get off her scooter but she tries to drive away, claiming she is on her way to buy a new helmet.

The woman eventually gets off her scooter, after moving it off the road, and continues arguing with another officer.

Balinese police confirmed the woman was an Australian citizen and was fined IDR $2,506 - which is the equivalent of AUD$24.70

The clip, captioned 'Australians, (and Russians), and those six-packed shirtless beach bums: Do not do this. It's so friggin' embarrassing,' left Aussies outraged.

'No Helmet, No Respect, No Brain!,' one person wrote.

'On behalf of Australia, I apologise. Unfortunately, we have losers here who think they own Australia as well as the entire world and they have no respect for anyone from another culture,' another person commented.

'I don't understand why she wouldn't want to just wear one when it's the law here in Australia... or you will get a ticket and $24 Aus is nothing compared what she would got here at home,' a third person wrote.

A fourth chimed: 'What a silly little brat. Embarrassed that this deviant is Australian. Sorry to our Balinese neighbours, we're not all like this.'

The woman argued her helmet had been stolen and claimed she was on her way to get a new one. Bali officials confirmed the Australian citizen was fined $24.70 for the traffic offence

One Aussie highlighted the woman's actions were not just embarrassing but also expensive as travel insurance does not cover a motorcycle accident if the rider is not wearing a helmet.

It comes after Bali officials launch a public campaign designed to crackdown on inappropriately dressed tourists and travellers who flout local rules and customs.

Bali Tourism Board Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana announced plans on March 7 to use billboards to build awareness amongst visitors and educate tourists on how to behave in cultural settings.

Authorities confirmed a minimum of 10 large billboards written in English will be installed where violations occur the most, including Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu.
Residents are complaining about burning eyes and breathing problems. Dead fish have washed up on beaches. A beachside festival has been canceled, even though it wasn't scheduled for another month.

Florida's southwest coast is experiencing a flare-up of the toxic red tide algae setting off concerns that it could continue to stick around for a while. The current bloom started in October.

The annual BeachFest in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, sponsored by a homeowners' association, was canceled after it determined, with help from the city and the Pinellas County Health Department, that red tide likely would continue through the middle of next month when the festival was scheduled.

'Red Tide is currently present on the beach and is forecasted to remain in the area in the weeks to come,' the Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Association said in a letter to the public.

'It is unfortunate that it had to be canceled but it is the best decision in the interest of public health.'

Florida-bound spring breakers expecting pristine beaches and clear blue seas may find their beaches closed after a toxic red algae bloom has hit

Florida's southwest coast is experiencing a flare-up of the toxic red tide algae setting off concerns that it could continue to stick around for a while

The toxic red tide algae has mainly been affecting Florida's southwest coast forcing the closure of some beaches

Nearly two tons of debris, mainly dead fish, were cleared from Pinellas County beaches and brought to the landfill, county spokesperson Tony Fabrizio told the Tampa Bay Times.

About 1,000 pounds of fish have been cleared from beaches in St. Pete Beach since the start of the month, Mandy Edmunds, a parks supervisor with the city, told the newspaper.

'I cannot say when it's going to go away,' Bob Weisberg, the former director of the University of South Florida's Ocean Circulation Lab, told the Tampa Bay Times. 'It could very well be that this thing may linger.'

Red tide, a toxic algae bloom that occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico, is worsened by the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen in the water.

Red tides have been appearing along Florida's Gulf Coast as far back as the 1840s, state officials say but scientists still find it hard to predict when they will appear.

The red tide is causing dead marine life across Gulf of Mexico beaches to wash ashore by the thousands everyday

Officials have cleaned up an 600 tons of dead fish, much of it from the St. Petersburg area, but are still working to remove more - and say 'there's no end in sight

Water along the shore takes on a red tinge when the population of algae living in the water becomes extremely dense (pictured above)

High levels of sargassum in coastal waters have been observed in recent years. It is believed that climate change, the rise in the sea temperature accelerates the reproduction of these seaweeds

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning people to not swim in or around red tide waters over the possibility of skin irritation, rashes and burning and sore eyes.

The microscopic algae also take a toll on the fish, eels, birds and other marine species that it kills.

Since last Monday, workers have removed two tons of ocean debris  mostly dead fish.

Other species have been killed too including a loggerhead sea turtle and a manatee found dead that were found dead in Boca Ciega Bay.

People with asthma or lung disease should avoid beaches affected by the toxic algae.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Friday reported that it had found red tide in 157 samples along Florida's Gulf Coast, with the strongest concentrations along Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

The City of Clearwater said it has picked up more than three tons of fish.

'It smells,' Michelle McCauley, a vacationer from Ohio, told WTSP this week. ' It's fishy, but I'm holding up fine.'

'The first few days we were down here, we were coughing a little bit and the itchy throat,' Cheryl Hones, from Toronto, said to WFLA. 'We would rather have that than the snow, so it's great being down here.'
A police inspector is being investigated for misconduct over alleged failures in the search for a mental health patient who died after absconding from a Priory hospital.

An inquest jury last year found that personal trainer Matthew Casebys death was contributed to by neglect after hearing how he was left unattended in a courtyard for five minutes, allowing the 23-year-old to scale a 7ft 6in fence.

He died in front of a train in Birmingham the next morning  three days after being admitted following his detention under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Casebys father Richard said the police dismissed all the obvious medical evidence of my sons acute vulnerability.

Priory Hospital Woodbourne had assessed Mr Caseby as being at medium risk of serious harm when he absconded in September 2020, and police only upgraded that to high risk 14 hours later.

The hospital had assessed Mr Caseby as being at medium risk of serious harm when he absconded in September 2020, and police only upgraded that to high risk 14 hours later.

His father Richard confirmed yesterday he had lodged a complaint over the initial police response.

It is believed the police watchdogs investigation will look at the way police resources were allocated by the inspector, believed to be a neighbourhood response manager, on the evening Mr Caseby escaped.

Mr Caseby, who drove from London to join the search for his son, said: West Midlands police dismissed all the obvious medical evidence of my sons acute vulnerability. Matthew was a psychiatric patient who had been sectioned for his own safety because he had been running on live train lines.

The police log states that he left the hospital saying he would harm himself. What more evidence do you need?

Not a single policeman was looking for him during that terrible night I was searching for him. I flagged down three patrol cars and none of the officers had even been told he had escaped from the hospital.

Mr Caseby, a 62-year-old communications consultant, believes the failure to upgrade the risk of harm assessment sooner meant that far less effort was made by the police to find Matthew than if he had been assessed as at serious risk of harm.

In September, Mr Caseby senior called for Birminghams Priory Hospital Woodbourne to be shut down before anyone else is hurt, after the Care Quality Commission warned it remained unsafe for psychiatric patients two years after his sons death

Mr Caseby lived in Blackheath, South East London, but was detained near railway tracks in Islip, Oxfordshire. He was sectioned and was later transferred to Birmingham because he was still registered with a GP in the city from his time at university there.

The inquest jury last year returned a narrative conclusion finding that Mr Caseby was suffering disordered thinking and did not have the capacity to form any intention to take his own life.

They criticised the lack of a supervision policy - which meant the courtyard was unsuitable for patients use -also criticised the hospitals failure to improve the security of the fence, despite concerns patients had previously absconded by climbing it.

An IOPC spokesman confirmed the watchdog was investigating West Midlands Polices (WMP) response.

He added: Our investigation began in October 2022 after we received from WMP the mandatory referral of a complaint.

We are considering the initial risk assessments and subsequent reviews by officers; the actions taken to locate Matthew; what consideration was given to concerns and information relayed by his parents; and the conduct of an officer during the inquest into Matthews death, which was held in April 2022.

During the course of our investigation, we have served a WMP inspector with a notice informing them that they are under investigation for misconduct, in relation to their decision making and handling of information after Matthew was reported missing. The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating a West Midlands Police inspector

Our enquiries, which are ongoing, have included applying to HM Coroner to obtain evidence and recordings from the inquest, and we are seeking statements from a number of witnesses.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: We are supporting the IOPC investigation and while this case is being investigated independently we cannot comment any further.

In September, Mr Caseby senior called for Birminghams Priory Hospital Woodbourne to be shut down before anyone else is hurt, after the Care Quality Commission warned it remained unsafe for psychiatric patients two years after his sons death.

In a damning report, the watchdog gave the hospital he lowest possible rating of inadequate. Last June the CQC opened a criminal investigation into the Priory Group and Victoria Colloby, a senior executive, over possible breaches of Health and Social Care law in relation to Mr Casebys death
The Catholic Church is open to reviewing its thousand-year-old practice of celibacy, Pope Francis has suggested.

He said the ban was only 'temporary' and there was also 'no contradiction' for a priest to marry.

Celibacy was made a requirement by the Catholic Church in the 11th-century for financial reasons, as clergy without children were more likely to leave their wealth to the church.

The Vatican enforces the rule among priests - but there are growing calls to end the ban.

It comes after Germany's Catholic Church voted for a resolution requesting that the Pope end the obligation for priests to be celibate.

Pope Francis, 86, said celibacy was only a 'temporary prescription' and there was also 'no contradiction' for a priest to marry

In an interview with Argentine publication Infobae, Pope Francis, 86, said: 'There is no contradiction for a priest to marry. Celibacy in the western Church is a temporary prescription.

'It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is for ever whether you like it or not. On the other hand, celibacy is a discipline.'

The Pope also cited the example of the Eastern Church - a branch of Catholicism which allows more leeway - and said: 'Everyone in the Eastern Church is married, or those who want to. Before ordination there is the choice to marry or to be celibate.'

It marks a change from his position in 2019, when he suggested celibacy was a 'gift' to the church and he didn't agree with 'allowing optional celibacy'.

In the interview, which is one of many to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his election as Pope today, he also spoke about rising divorce rates and suggested young people were sometimes getting married too early.

Pope Francis said: 'Sometimes one goes to a wedding and it seems more like it's a social reception and not a sacrament.

'When young people say for ever, who knows what they mean by for ever.'
Prince Harry's controversial Nazi costume will be recreated for the upcoming series of The Crown, it has emerged.

The hit Netflix programme will feature the 'native and colonial' fancy dress party that the Duke of Sussex, then 20, turned up to dressed in a shirt bearing a swastika.

A source familiar with the situation branded the costume as 'one of the most shameful incidents in Harrys life' and told The Sun it was 'ironic that Netflix is the one to bring up this incident.'

The Duke, 38, finally addressed the incident last year in his Harry & Meghan docu-series which also saw him address alleged racism within the Royal Family.

Prince Harry's controversial Nazi costume will be recreated for the upcoming series of The Crown, it has emerged. Harry is pictured in January 2023

The hit Netflix programme will feature the 'native and colonial' fancy dress party that the Duke of Sussex, then 20, turned up to dressed in a shirt bearing a swastika

Harry made headlines in January 2008 when The Sun newspaper published a photo of him dressed up as a member of the Afrika Korps.

The Prince wore the costume to a party hosted by Olympic showjumper Richard Meade. It featured the Nazis' infamous swastika on his arm and the badge of the German Wehrmacht on his collar.

He had arrived at the event with his elder brother Prince William, who reportedly dressed in a skin-tight black leotard with leopardskin pattern and a matching leopardskin tail and paws.

Earlier in the evening Harry had worn an army-style jacket with a German flag on the arm.

After the photo was released, The Royal Family 'quickly' apologised for Harry's outfit. But the Duke himself failed to address the incident until three months ago when he called it one of the 'biggest mistakes' of his life.

Speaking in the third episode of his Netflix show, Harry expressed his regret and 'shame' and said 'all I wanted to do was make it right.'

The party and its fallout will be highlighted in the series six of The Crown.

The party and its fallout will be highlighted in the series six of The Crown. Actor Luther Ford (right) will portray teenage Harry in the upcoming series, while Ed McVey (left) will play William

Insiders claim it is 'ironic' that Netflix is shedding light on the incident. Harry (pictured alongside his wife Meghan Markle in their docu-series) has launched a racial equality campaign and addressed alleged racism within the Royal Family on the platform last year

Insiders pointed to the irony that Netflix, which has acted as a platform for Harry's racial equality campaign, is shedding light on the incident.

'Harry has made claims about racism in the UK and unconscious bias in the Royal Family on Netflix,' a source told The Sun. 'It is kind of ironic that Netflix is the one to bring up this incident.'

The insider also noted that while 'older generations' undoubtedly remember the publication of the 'Harry The Nazi' story, 'younger audiences' may be experiencing it for the first time in The Crown.

Actor Luther Ford will portray teenage Harry in the upcoming series, while Ed McVey will play William.

MailOnline approached representatives for Harry and Netflix for comment via email.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah's villa has reportedly been ransacked by burglars who stripped it of electrical goods and valuables.

The break-in at the 350,000-a-week winger's home in Cairo, Egypt, was reported by Egyptian daily newspaper.

It was claimed that the burglary was not noticed until 30-year-old Salah's nephew passed the villa and spotted an open window, according to The Sun.

The family member contacted the police and went inside to discover items strewn around the floor of the burgled property.

It has not been confirmed what belongings were stolen, but Egyptian media said 'electrical' items and 'devices' were taken.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah's villa has apparently been burgled, as his nephew found the home ransacked

Father-of-two Salah is an icon in is home nation - dubbed 'The Egyptian King' and 'The Pharaoh'. He is considered one of Egypt's most famous sportsmen.

Police are looking through CCTV footage and interviewing security staff in search of the robbers.

A source told Al-Ahram: 'The surrounding surveillance cameras are being unloaded, and the security personnel in charge of securing the place are being interrogated.'

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution office in Cairo confirmed they have opened a case as they investigate the burglary.

Liverpool are currently sitting fifth in the table in the 2022/23 season - with two games in hand ahead of Newcastle and Brighton in sixth and seventh

Sportsman Salah has invested in a hospital in his home nation, and even helped rebuild a church that set fire in 2022.

It comes as Liverpool are currently sitting sixth in the table of the 2022/23 season - with two games in hand ahead of Newcastle and Brighton in sixth and seventh.

They lost 1-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Salah missing a penalty against the opposing team.

Salah has made 38 appearances and scored 22 goals since he signed for Liverpool in 2017 and came the club's leading Premier League goalscorer.

The Reds were also dumped out of the FA Cup with a fourth round 2-1 loss to Brighton.
Dr Anthony Fauci has been spotted leaping into action in a tuxedo after a woman passed out and hit her head on a table at the Gridiron dinner in Washington DC.

A speechwriter last night recounted how the infectious disease expert jumped into action when eventgoers asked if there was a doctor in the house.

Shared on Sunday by Chandler Dean, the tweet described how he and others looked on as the unnamed attendee lay on the floor of the event unmoving.

Dean recalled how fellow revelers at the exclusive black-tie gala, attended by the likes of former vice president Mike Pence and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, quickly gathered to help the woman, but were unsure of how to help her.

Eventually, one of the attendees rushed to find a doctor, and reportedly arrived back with Fauci, who despite stepping down from his hallowed post as the White House infectious disease expert in December, was able to revive the woman - with the pair even reportedly posing for a picture afterwards.

A woman collapsed at the Gridiron Club's star-studded dinner in Washington DC Saturday night, according to a speechwriter's tweet - and was tended to by none other than Anthony Fauci (seen here during the now-viral incident)

Shared Sunday by speechwriter Chandler Dean, a tweet laid bare the incident, and how he and others sought a doctor after the woman had fell and hit her head on a table

'Last night at the Gridiron Dinner in D.C., maybe 10 feet from me and [fellow West Wing Speechwriter Sarah Gruen], a woman collapsed, hit her head on a table, and was laying on the floor without moving,' wrote Dean, in a tweet Sunday

The post, within nine hours of being published, has already been viewed more than 1.6million times, and has garnered more than 10,000 likes.

'People gather trying to help, but no one is sure what to do,' Chandler continued, before going on with the heartwarming anecdote.

'Someone goes to find a doctor... They found one,' the White House staffer wrote.

An accompanying photo would then show the now-82-year-old Fauci standing over the still downed woman, who is obscured by the table she reportedly struck during her spill.

The doctor is seen smiling as the unseen woman seemingly responds to his impromptu treatment - which, while unknown, was reportedly offered at the drop of the hat.

Resharing a follow-up post from a fellow attendee that shed further light on the incident, Dean - a four-year vet of the presidential speechwriters group - revealed the woman was OK, and now had quite the party story despite the alleged ordeal

Another attendee, Sarah Gruen, who witnesses the incident wrote in a tweet: 'POV: you're Dr. Fauci, and you look up from the patient to see Sarah and Chan cheering you on'

Resharing a follow-up post from a fellow attendee that shed further light on the incident, Dean - a four-year vet of the presidential speechwriters group - revealed the woman was OK, and now had quite the party story despite the alleged ordeal.

'Thankfully, she was okay,' wrote fellow speechwriter Eric Schnure in his update, which was shared roughly three hours after his friend's.

Schnure's post would go on to reveal that after the reported rescue, Fauci even went as far as to pose with his unannounced patient, who, by all accounts, made a full recovery.

'The good doctor posed for a photo with her, documenting one of the best 'only in Washington' stories of all time,' the speechwriter joked, after penning another post that seemingly sought to make light of the unconfirmed scare.

'Is the world's most famous doctor in the house?' Schnure's tongue-in-cheek assessment of the ordeal read.

The reported incident came on a night where high-profile Democrats and Republicans put aside their respective differences to break bread for one of the most hallowed, black-tie events in all of Washington.

Fauci - who after 54 years heading the NIH stepped down in December - was among those in attendance, joined by figures such as Blinken, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pence, who used his time on the podium to slam his former running mate Donald Trump for the January 6 insurrection.

The former Indiana governor would also enflame rumors that he, like Trump, is currently mulling his own preidential run come 2024.

'I will wholeheartedly unreservedly support the Republican nominee for president in 2024. If it's me,' the Republican said, while distancing himself from his embattled former running mate.

Fauci, meanwhile, has continued to face criticism over his handling of the pandemic, now that the CDC and NIH have largely done away with mask and vaccine mandates, conceding they were not as effective as fighting the virus .

Initially a revered figure during his championing of such lockdowns and mask mandate measures, Fauci has also come under scrutiny in recent months for his repeated assertions a lab played no part in the virus' origins.

Many have since expressed belief Fauci lied to Congress and secretly funded 'gain-of-function' research, potentially killing 'millions of people.'

Fauci has continued to face criticism over his handling of the pandemic, now that the CDC and NIH have largely done away with mask and vaccine mandates, conceding they were not as effective as fighting the virus

Speaking to Nature late last year in one of his last interviews before retiring, Fauci attempted to put to bed speculation over Covid's origin and virus-tinkering experiments at the Wuhan lab- amid allegations he lied to Congress and secretly funded gain-of-function research.

'The NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain of function research in the Wuhan Institute,' he said, despite conceding it had indirectly funded the Wuhan virus lab.

In May 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Fauci appeared before a Congressional budget committee to defend the NIH's allocating of $600,000 to EcoHealth Alliance, which then paid the Wuhan Institute of Virology to study the risk that bat coronaviruses could infect humans.

He said: 'I would have been almost a dereliction of our duty if we didn't study this, and the only way you can study these things is you've got to go where the action is.

'You don't want to study bats in Fairfax County, Virginia, to find out what the animal-human interface is that might lead to a jumping of species.

'So we had a modest collaboration with very respectable Chinese scientists who were world experts on coronavirus, and we did that through a sub-grant from a larger grant to EcoHealth.'

He added: 'The larger grant was about $600,000 over a period of five years. So it was a modest amount. The purpose of it was to study the animal-human interface, to do surveillance and to determine if these bat viruses were even capable of [infecting humans].'

Exactly what constitutes gain-of-function has been debated - a possible point of contention when it comes debunking Fauci's assertions.
The foster mother of an Afghan migrant jailed for raping a 12-year-old girl then deported has told him not to come back to Britain  as he attempts to smuggle himself across the Channel on a boat.

Emal Kochai, 28, was thrown out of the country in 2019 after serving half a nine-year prison sentence for the attack in Reading five years earlier.

But he is now living in a French migrant camp waiting for his chance to board a dinghy back to the UK.

He had been fostered by a woman in Hungerford, a town near Reading, after claiming asylum in the UK as a 17-year-old in 2012.

The foster mother, who has not been identified, maintains contact with Kochai and is aware he is attempting to return to the UK. But she has warned him against trying to make the journey back.

Emal Kochai, 28, was thrown out of the country in 2019 after serving half of his nine-year prison sentence for the rape of a girl in Reading, Berkshire

She told The Times: 'When he said he wanted to come back from Afghanistan I did try and stop him. I said: "There is nothing here for you." His asylum case will be rejected because hes been to prison.

'But he loves Britain, the British people, and he wants to come back. Im concerned if he comes back. I want him to try another country but he loves England.

'I told him not to get on a boat. I said "dont do it". I dont want him to drown, he cant swim.'

Kochai last week tried to board a vessel to cross the Channel, but said that police arrived and punctured the boat with a knife.

He is said to have initially been 'homesick for Afghanistan', but now wishes to return to the UK.

The foster mother, a retired teacher who looked after three other Afghan migrants, visited Kochai several times in prison following his conviction.

She added: 'We were devastated when we found out about the accusation, we couldnt believe it. It was very sad that it happened. He moved out of our house because he was 18 and was with the wrong people. He got in trouble.

'He was young when it happened and I like to think hes changed. He is full of life. Even in prison he was happy, working in kitchens, doing his lessons, learning a trade.'

Kochai is now living in a French migrant camp like this one at Loon Beach near Dunkirk

Kochai's trial heard how the victim told police he pushed her on to a bed, pulled off her clothing and raped her.

After his deportation to Afghanistan, Kochai left his home country again and said he travelled through Iran, Pakistan and Turkey to make his way to France.

He had earlier been given the option to serve a longer prison sentence and stay in the UK, but took an option of leaving prison earlier and being deported.

His foster mother says he married a woman following his return to Afghanistan, with whom he now has a young daughter, but he wants them to claim asylum in the UK.

Kochai told The Times last week that the Governments Illegal Migration Bill will not stop him attempting to return to the UK with his cousin, his cousins wife and their two children aged four and six.

He said: I will never give up trying to get to the UK. I have been in France for three months and we dont get anything.

'In the UK I can get education, a job and a house. My brother was killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan and it is not safe for me there.

A Home Office source said: 'This case shows exactly why we need genuine deterrent measures in place to stop rapists and other serious criminals illegally entering the UK.'
This file photo shows a Korean Air passenger jet taking off from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, Feb. 20. Yonhap



Korean airlines said Monday they will expand flights to China from later this month, as the two countries recently agreed to increase flights on their routes to pre-pandemic levels.



Seoul and Beijing have the right to provide 608 flights a week on routes to each other's country, and they used to offer a combined 1,100 weekly flights before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the airline industry three years ago, according to the transport ministry.



Korean carriers used to offer 450 to 470 flights a week on their routes to China before the pandemic. The flights to China accounted for one-fourth of their international flights.



Local airlines plan to initially increase the number of flights on routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao and Yanji this month.



Korean Air, the country's biggest carrier, said it will increase the number of its weekly flights on Chinese routes from the current 13 to 84 at the end of this month and 99 at end-May.



The 99 weekly flights reach 43 percent of the pre-pandemic levels offered by the national flag carrier.



Asiana Airlines, the country's second-biggest carrier, plans to increase the number of weekly flights to China from the existing 10 to 89, 50 percent of the pre-pandemic levels, by April.



Jeju Air, the country's leading budget carrier, said it aims to triple the number of weekly flights to China to 16 by the end of this month.



Other low-cost carriers(LCCs) have already started to increase flights to China or are planning to resume their halted routes to the neighboring country.



Eastar Jet plans to resume flights later this month after it received an air operator certificate (AOC) from the transport ministry last month.



Eastar, a China-focused carrier, has suspended most of its flights on domestic and international routes since March 2020 due to the pandemic, and its AOC became ineffective in May that year.



The move comes as Korea lifted a PCR test requirement on March 1 for travelers from China after their arrival here and the pre-arrival test requirement on March 10.



In February, Korea resumed issuing short-term visas for Chinese visitors, and China also restarted the issuance of short-term visas for Koreans.



Korea has two full-service carriers  Korean Air and Asiana Airlines  and 10 LCCs  Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, T'way Air, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet, Fly Gangwon, Air Premia, Aero K Airlines and Air Incheon.



Air Incheon is a cargo-focused carrier, and the nine other low-cost ones are passenger carriers. (Yonhap)


Shocking footage has captured a man being violently punched in the back of the head in an unprovoked attack that left him lying motionless on the street.

A group of men and women had spilled onto Chapel Street, Prahan, in Melbourne's inner city at about 3am on Saturday when it's understood an altercation kicked off.

One man had his back turned to another man in the group when he was suddenly knocked in the back of the head.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, then fell backwards onto the road, with his head hitting the pavement on his way down.

He's then seen lying on the ground unable to move, while the man who threw the punch calmly walked off as if nothing happened.

A man in a white t-shirt is seen punching another in the back of the head on Chapel St, Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning

The victim was taken to hospital in a stable condition, while police said they did not receive any reports of the incident.

A witness, Len Scott, saw tensions escalating between the male members of the group when he left work on Saturday morning.

'There were women crossing the road, guys tearing their shirts off, muscling up,' Scott told 7NEWS.

'It was pretty horrible actually. It wasn't good.'

Victoria Police are appealing for the victim to come forward.
An iman who was involved in a row over a damaged Koran described 'the rise of homosexuality' as 'barbaric'.

Hafiz Muhammad Mateen Anwar, from the Jamia Masjid Swafia mosque in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, said music was toxic and that Muslims should be punished for 'conforming' if they celebrated Christmas.

It comes after the iman played a role in trying to deescalate tensions following reports that a Koran - the Islamic holy book - has been 'desecrated' at Kettlethorpe High School.

A 14-yuear-old autistic boy, who had bought in the book as a 'forfeit', received death threats after it was scuffed.

Just days ago Mr Anwar hosted a meeting at the mosque alongside police, members of the council and the mother of the boy involved at which he pledge to protect the honour of the holy book.

The boys mother  sitting before the all-male crowd  pleaded for forgiveness in front of an all-male crowd on February 24

A 14-yuear-old autistic boy, who had bought in the Koran as a 'forfeit', received death threats after it was scuffed

The cleric previously warned worshippers at the West Yorkshire mosque not to partake in traditional Christmas-time rituals, saying that to do so would be to 'conform'.

He criticised more liberal followers of Islam and said: 'If you conform to them you are becoming part of them'.

Mr Anwar also made derogatory remarks about LGBT+ people, The Telegraph reports, and said the 'rise of homosexuality' was 'barbaric'.

He allegedly said that music is 'toxic', another religiously conservative belief.

Dr Paul Scott, head of security and extremism at the Policy Exchange said that his comments were not 'the first time' someone who has demanded tolerance has struggled to show it themselves.

Mr Anwar was instrumental in managing community outrage after a Koran was 'scuffed' at a West Yorkshire school.

As a forfeit for losing a video game, a 14-year-old autistic boy was asked by his friends to buy a copy of the Koran and bring it to his school, Kettlethorpe High.

In the process, the book became slightly damaged - although not by the boy himself.

When the incident came to light, the school examined CCTV footage and conducted more than 30 one-on-one interviews before deciding to suspend the 14-year-old and three others for a week.

Police criticised the boys for their lack of understanding before thanking the community for the tolerance shown, although the death threats made against the 14-year-old were not addressed

Slight scuff marks on the 'desecrated' Koran. Muslims are taught that the holy book must be treated with care and respect

Then police began investigating and recorded a 'hate' incident.

The Koran is to be treated with respect and care, Muslims are told, and in some cases people must even wash their hands before touching it.

A Labour councillor, Usman Ali, then further stoked tensions by falsely claiming on social media that the book was desecrated.

The boy's mother found herself pleading for forgiveness at the local mosque after his life was threatened.

Some parents at the school described the outrage as a 'medieval witch-hunt' and teh family said they had received arson threats to their home.

The matter reached the desk of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who yesterday declared herself 'deeply concerned' by the case and the way it has been handled.

'The education sector and police have a duty to prioritise the physical safety of children over the hurt feelings of adults,' she said.

Iman Hafiz Muhammad Mateen Anwar  along with a mediator, independent councillor Akef Akbar  attended a meeting at the school and were invited to inspect the Koran to see that it had not been desecrated.

The iman appealed for calm and urged the community not to protest outside the school and a meeting was planned for February 24.

The boys mother  sitting before the all-male crowd  pleaded for forgiveness.

Mr Griffiths, the schools head, also told the audience  repeatedly  of his sorrow.

'Rest assured this is a very serious matter if more consequences have to follow that will be the case,' he added.

Police criticised the boys for their lack of understanding before thanking the community for the tolerance and understanding shown.
He is standing trial at Sydney's Downing Centre court

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is alleged to have performed oral sex and digitally penetrated a woman who said 'no and stop', leaving her bleeding as a taxi waited for him outside, a court has been told.

The former footy legend, 35, arrived at Sydney District Court flanked by his wife Amelia Bonnici on Monday morning as his sexual assault trial began.

Mr Hayne has denied sexually assaulting the woman at her home in Fletcher, on Newcastle's outskirts, in September 2018, on the night of the NRL grand final.

He has persistently maintained his innocence, claiming he engaged in consensual sexual acts and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.

A total of 14 jurors were selected from a group of about 50 people, who Judge Graham Turnbull warned about extensive media coverage of the matter prior to Monday.

Former footy star Jarryd Hayne faces Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Monday, flanked by his barrister, Margaret Cunneen SC

The jury panel was told Mr Hayne had gained notoriety from his sporting achievements, but the jury must not approach the matter if they have 'jumped to conclusions'.

'Familiarity with a sport may incline one to unfounded but instinctive conclusions,' Judge Turnbull told the jury panel.

'The jury must concentrate on the evidence, the evidence in this trial alone.'

In his summary to the jury panel, Crown prosecutor John Sfinas told the court Mr Hayne allegedly performed 'cunnilingus and digital penetration' on the woman's vagina without her consent, which led to bleeding.

'You will hear the complainant and the accused had never actually met,' Mr Sfinas told the court.

Mr Sfinas told the jury panel that contact was instigated by the alleged victim on Instagram and they messaged for two weeks on Instagram and Snapchat.

The court was told Mr Hayne was in Newcastle on the weekend of 29 and 30 September to attend a bucks weekend, while the pair were trying to arrange a meeting.

'You will hear the accused arrived at the complainant's home in a taxi that he made wait for him,' Mr Sfinas said.

'The complainant didn't know this taxi was waiting until she heard beeping.'

Mr Sfinas told the jury the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told Mr Hayne 'no' and 'stop' when the sexual act commenced.

He said the cunnilingus and digital penetration lasted around 30 seconds before it stopped as she was bleeding.

'I anticipate you will hear he left the premises after cleaning blood from his hands and mouth,' Mr Sfinas said.

Mr Sfinas is expected to give a detailed opening to the jury later on Monday.

The trial continues before Judge Graham Turnbull.
Young parents, early retirees and the long-term sick will be among the winners of this weeks back-to-work Budget, the Chancellor said yesterday.

Jeremy Hunt declared he believes in the virtue of work and will break down the barriers preventing people from getting jobs.

Although he backed Remain at the referendum, he said that Brexit was the right choice to stop all vacancies being filled by workers from overseas.

But he dashed the hopes of Tory MPs and businesses who thought he might cancel next months corporation tax rise, saying he had to be responsible with the public finances.

Expectations are low for big tax cuts or spending boosts in Wednesdays Spring Budget, given the fragile state of the economy.

Jeremy Hunt declared he believes in the virtue of work and will break down the barriers preventing people from getting jobs

Instead the Chancellor has indicated he will introduce a range of measures to get more Britons back into work, as figures suggest there are as many as 1million job vacancies  while more than 500,000 working-age adults have left the labour market since Covid struck.

One package will focus on parents of pre-school children, who in many cases cannot afford to go back to work because of the high cost of childcare.

The amount that parents on Universal Credit can claim for childcare, frozen since 2006, will be increased and paid upfront rather than in arrears.

To increase places and keep costs down, the ratio of nursery staff to children will be relaxed  while providers may see greater state subsidies for free childcare hours.

And to encourage the over-50s to get back to their desks or delay their retirement plans, the annual limit on pension contributions will be increased to 60,000, while the tax threshold on pension pots will also rise.

There will be bootcamps to teach older workers new skills, particularly in sectors such as construction and technology where there are shortages.

And the system used to assess eligibility for sickness benefits will be scrapped, allowing claimants to continue receiving payments after they take up jobs.

Mr Hunt told Sky News yesterday: We need to break down the barriers that stop people here in the UK from working, whether thats parents who have obstacles because of childcare costs, whether its older people who feel they need to retire earlier than they might perhaps want to, whether its the long-term sick, who find they have barriers to working.

This is a Budget in which I will be systematically going through all the areas where there are barriers that stop people working who want to.

He also said that the Brexit decision was a choice, the right choice in my judgment, so we shouldnt fill those vacancies [with] unlimited migration.

The Chancellor dashed the hopes of Tory MPs and businesses who thought he might cancel next months corporation tax rise, saying he had to be responsible with the public finances

One package will focus on parents of pre-school children, who in many cases cannot afford to go back to work because of the high cost of childcare

Mr Hunt said the Government fully respects the choice of people who dont wish to work but that many people, such as parents on benefits, do.

Reminded that he had once vowed to cut corporation tax to 15 per cent but that it is now going to increase from 19 to 25 per cent, he said: Its the same Jeremy Hunt that is with you now, and I still want us to have the most competitive business taxes anywhere in the world.

'I am a Conservative who believes in a low-tax economy.

I also have to be responsible with public finances. Were not going to do what the last Labour government did and run out of money. Businesses need the stability that comes from being responsible.

Told that he had abandoned his previous radical plans and only now wanted to run the economy like Jeremy from accounts, he replied: Jeremy the Chancellor will be responsible for the public finances. I make absolutely no apology for that.

I think families who want to know that their money is safe need to know that they have a responsible Chancellor and a responsible Conservative Government.
The largest protests in Israel's history have taken place against government moves to limit the power of judges.

Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demonstrate in cities across the country on Saturday night.

Normally such activism centres on the liberal city of Tel Aviv, where at least 200,000 are thought to have gathered, but organisers said another 300,000 also protested in other cities.

They are angry at attempts by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb the power of the courts in legislation going through parliament.

It will give ministers decisive influence over the choice of judges and limit the ability of the Supreme Court to strike out laws.

Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demonstrate in cities across the country on Saturday night

A protester holds a flaming torch during a massive protest against the government's judicial overhaul plan

They are angry at attempts by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb the power of the courts in legislation going through parliament

A person holds a banner during a demonstration as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nationalist coalition government presses on with its contentious judicial overhaul

Normally such activism centres on the liberal city of Tel Aviv, where at least 200,000 are thought to have gathered, but organisers said another 300,000 also protested in other cities

Israelis demonstrate against contentious judicial overhaul, outside the house of Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin

A woman protests against the government's controversial judicial reform bill, in Haifa

People demonstrate during 'Day of Resistance' as protests broke out across the country

Opponents believe the measures threaten the basis of the country's democracy and could lead to authoritarian government.
Social media users roasted pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's heavy ad presence during the ABC broadcast of the 95th Academy Awards Sunday night, which included commercials for Paxlovid.

After a performance by David Byrne, Son Lux and Stephanie Hsu of a song from Everything Everywhere All at Once, the screen went black and up popped and ad read for the big pharma leaders, followed by an ad for their new Covid antiviral.

It was one of several ads for Pfizer that ran throughout the hours-long Oscar broadcast. The company is one of the ceremony's 'lead sponsors,' according to The Hollywood Reporter, along with Rolex and Verizon.

Covid vaccine manufacturers have been under criticism in recent times for prioritization of profits over protection, raking in billions of dollars on selling the drugs to large purchasers like the U.S. and western European nations while leaving others in the developing world behind.

Regulators in the U.S. and elsewhere have been under fire for repeated approval for booster shots - which create more revenue for Pfizer and Moderna..

There is little evidence mandates have ever stopped transmission, though the shots are highly effective at preventing severe disease and death

Former Assistant Secretary for the US Treasury's Public Affairs Monica Crowley led the anger on Twitter, writing: 'The 95th Academy Awards...brought to you ... by Pfizer.' Because of course.'

The inclusion of a heavy ad presence for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer led to outrage on social media during the 95th Academy Awards Sunday night

Conservative journalist Benny Johnson added in: 'Of course Hollywoods biggest self-adulatory cringefest of the year is sponsored by Pfizer.'

Physician and Fox News contributor Nicole Saphier wrote: 'Two biggest advertisers of #Oscars2023 seem to be Pfizer and [US Health and Human Services]. Can we get beck to the day when the government and Big Pharma werent in complete lockstep?'

Others noted the irony of the Oscars taking in ad sales from Pfizer while also accepting donations from the notorious Sackler family, who founded and owned competitors Purdue Pharma.

'The sackler-donation-accepting academy awards presents the oscars 2023 sponsored by pfizer,' stated one tweeter.

Pfizer and Purdue are considered major competitors in the pharmaceutical business, with Purdue's long association with the Sacklers making it even more controversial.

The Sackler dynasty, makers of the powerful prescription painkiller, OxyContin, reached a landmark $6 billion agreement in 2022 over its role in fueling the opioid epidemic that led to the deaths of more than 500,000 people.

Another was shocked at Pfizer appearing in the context of one of the nominees for Best Documentary Film.

'The oscars brought to you by Pfizer nominating all the beauty and the bloodshed is bonkers.'

All the Beauty and Bloodshed is about how the career of a photographer and activist ended up intertwining with the downfall of the Sacklers.

The United States has become one of Pfizer's largest and most reliable customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New York City-based company's Covid shot is most frequently used in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having been administered well over 300 million times since it first became available in late-2020.

Pfizer's vaccine has launched the firm, which was already one of biggest players in the lucrative pharmaceutical industry, to one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and proved to be a financial boon for executives and shareholders.

It is also the manufacturer of Paxlovid, a White House-touted Covid antiviral pill that is believed to be able to reduce hospitalizations and deaths caused by the virus 90 percent.

Another was shocked at Pfizer appearing in the context of one of the nominees for Best Documentary Film. All the Beauty and Bloodshed is about how the career of a photographer and activist ended up intertwining with the downfall of the Sacklers

Interest in the vaccines, and the Covid pandemic overall, has waned among the public. A Gallup poll in 2022 found that a third of Americans are no longer worried about the pandemic, one of the lowest figures recorded yet.

Many have also criticized Pfizer's business practices related to the jabs over the past year. While major nations like the U.S., UK and others in Western Europe have east access to the shots - some nations even sitting on large stockpiles - many in the developing world have been left behind.

In Africa, for example, only 23 percent of residents have received at least one shot of the vaccine, and 17 percent are fully vaccinated - figures dwarfed by their peers in the west.
Primary schools should teach boys about the boundaries of acceptable behaviour as part of a 'whole society' approach to tackling misogyny, a senior police officer has said.

Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for violence against women and girls, said children should learn about the risks of sharing explicit images online and the danger of toxic influencers such as Andrew Tate.

The officer argued it was time for teachers to focus on finding ways to stop boys becoming future predators rather than leaving the issue to police.

'I think there's so much more that must and should be done at primary school into secondary about boys' behaviour, and what boys feel they get away with,' she told The Times.

'The exacerbated risk around Instagram and Snapchat, where behaviour goes on online that is unchecked  sharing of images, pornography, misogyny. The whole Andrew Tate line is really grave.'

Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for violence against women and girls

Ms Blyth said various measures are also set to be put in place in police forces, including the introduction of domestic violence specialists alongside detectives in an attempt to ease the approach towards victims.

But she said the problem is 'much bigger than policing' and needed a whole-society approach because forces alone cannot put an end to misogyny and violence.

She added: 'The bigger debate for society is around prevention. And how do we stop men and boys developing a [harmful] type of behaviour or attitude?'

Ms Blyth was appointed in 2021 to tackle what Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary called the 'epidemic' of female violence.

The police watchdog pointed to the record low rate of rape prosecution and the disproportionate number of girls affected by sexual violence.

Women's trust in the police has also been damaged by a series of scandals including the case of Wayne Couzens, who abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in March 2021.

The recent cases of rapist and murderer PC Wayne Couzens (left), and rapist PC David Carrick (right) have led to public distrust in the police

In January, David Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars after admitting to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape.

Ms Blyth said that members of police forces needed to be held to very high standards because of the power given to officers.

She also said rigorous internal investigations must be in place as well as correct supervision on shifts.

The senior officer warned male sexual predators had become adept at grooming behaviour, allowing to get away with their crimes without being stopped.

'Our job is to make sure they don't get in, root them out when we do find them, and stop them ever coming back,' she added.
After two hours in the cabin, passengers were free to leave without their things

Passengers were not allowed to touch their items as police K-9s swept the plane

The Vermont State Police Bomb Squad boarded a plane at Burlington Airport after a 'threatening note' was discovered.

Twenty minutes before landing, at around 4.10pm on Sunday, a member of the airline crew notified the air traffic control of a 'threat to the aircraft', according to Vermont State Police.

After landing in Vermont, 65 passengers on United Airlines flight 3613 from New Jersey were held on the plane for two hours and told they could not touch their items in overhead bins.

A 'phase 5' response - the most serious classification designated by the FAA - was issued and police K-9s were used to sweep the plane to look for a device.

After the search it was concluded that there was nothing unusual or suspicious on the plane. Passengers were allowed to de-board just before 7pm, but were not allowed to being their belongings with them.

A United Airlines flight from Newark to Burlington was boarded by a bomb squad after a note was discovered suggesting there was a device on the plane

Director of Aviation at Burlington International Airport Nic Longo (pictured at the lectern) said during a press conference on Sunday evening that nothing suspicious was found on the plane

'At this time there is no reason to believe this is anything but an isolated incident,' said Nic Longo, Director of Aviation at Burlington International Airport, during a press conference on Sunday evening.

Roads near the airport were closed as of 7pm and all flights in and out of the airport were put on hold until 7.30pm.

South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said his department was assisting the Burlington Police in investigating the threat. State police said the FBI was investigating.

An anchor for the local outlet WPTZ, Alice Kang, said on Twitter that she was on the plane and stuck for almost two hours as police and emergency crews flooded the runway.

'More than a dozen emergency crews at BTV airport after a report of a plane in duress,' wrote Kang. 'Pilot just told us there's a 'situation' and we need to stay seated.'

She posted an update nearly two hours after landing saying that people were starting to get restless.

'People are getting frustrated. They want to know what's going on. It's been almost 2 hours since we've landed. Flight attendants told us to expect law enforcement officers on the plane,' she wrote.

A 'phase 5' response was issued and police K-9's were used to sweep the plane to look for a device

Eye surgeon Dr. Sidney Chang tweets a photo of police response at Burlington Airport on March 12 after a possible threat aboard a plane

Roads near Burlington Airport were closed and flights in and out were put on hold on Sunday

WPTZ news anchor Alice Kang who was on board said more than a dozen crews attended the scene

Still on the runway. Its been about 1.5 hours since weve landed. Everyone is calm on the flight. Were just wondering what is going on. https://t.co/I4d905wM10  Alice Kang (@AliceMyNBC5) March 12, 2023

'We're not allowed to touch or take anything in the overhead bins.'

Then at 7.20pm passengers were free to go, but had none of their items that were left on the plane.

'Many people dont have their car keys with them,' tweeted Kang at the time.

According to Burlington Airport, a phase 5 is triggered either when there is an emergency involving 30 or more people requiring 'major off-airport emergency resources'.
The wife of a Russian opposition leader jailed for speaking out against Vladimir Putin delivered an emotional message on the Oscars stage Sunday after a documentary about her husband's life took home an Academy Award.

Taking the stage to accept the statue along with the film's director, Yulia Navalnaya - the wife of currently incarcerated Alexey Navalny - decried Moscow not only for its military invasion of Ukraine, but for its alleged assassination attempt of Navalny in 2020, around which the film is centered.

Eponymously titled NAVALNY, the documentary details Putin's alleged attempt on Navalny's life, and the United Russia opponent's subsequent attempt to track down his assailants as he recovered from being poisoned at a hospital Germany.

Upon being discharged, Navalny accused Putin of being responsible for his poisoning, with an investigation later implicating agents from the Federal Security Service as responsible for the incident.

Airing these allegations to his more than 6million followers, Navalny returned to Russia at the start of 2021, only to be immediately jailed by the Kremlin.

Taking the stage to accept the statue along with the film's director, Yulia Navalnaya used her time to decry Moscow not only for its invasion of Ukraine, but for the 2020 attempt on her incarcerated husband's life

Today, more than two years after his arrest, Navalnaya's husband Alexey remains imprisoned - a fact that the minds behind the film sought to not be lost in shuffle amid the bells and whistles of the 95th Academy Awards ceremony.

Eponymously titled NAVALNY, the documentary details Putin's alleged attempt on Navalny's life, and the United Russia opponent's subsequent attempt to track down his assailants as he recovered from being poisoned at a hospital Germany

Officials would later say the 46-year-old political theorist's incarceration stemmed from his hospital stay having violated his parole for a 2014 embezzlement arrest.

At the time, many criticized the arrest as erroneous, and the culmination of politically motivated campaign intended to bar him from running against Putin in future elections.

Now, more than two years after his arrest, the opposition leader remains imprisoned - a fact that both the minds behind NAVALNY and Navalny's wife sought to not be lost in shuffle amid the bells and whistles of the 95th Academy Awards ceremony.

Taking the stage moments after NAVALNY picked up the award for Best Documentary, Navalnaya said she's 'dreaming of the day' that both Russia - and her husband - 'will be free.'

'My husband is in prison just for telling the truth,' Navalnaya said Sunday, joining director Daniel Roher and several other film staffers in accepting the award.

The 46-year-old so-called First Lady' of the Russian opposition proceeded to use the glitzy venue as a platform to shine a light on her husband's current situation.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen in a video link from a prison, during a court session in December 2021

'My husband is in prison just for defending democracy,' she said, before addressing her husband directly.

'Alexey, I am dreaming the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love. Thank you.'

Navalnaya's short remarks were accompanied by a similar message form the film's director, whose work details the overwhelming evidence that suggests the 2020 assassination attempt on Navalny stemmed from his opposition to the Kremlin.

Hailing Navalny as both a hero and 'the leader of the Russian opposition', Roher - a documentary filmmaker coming out of Canada - pointed to the subject of his film's apparent absence upon accepting the statue.

'There's one person who couldn't be with us here tonight,' Roher said as he accepted the Oscar at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

'Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls - I want to make sure we get his words exactly right - "Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine,"' Roher said, quoting the now famous Russian figure, who he went on to credit for the film's critical acclaim.

Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation for years has been critical of Putin, who in 2021 elected to jail the opposition leader for violating the terms of his parole by seeking treatment in Berlin after allegedly being poisoned

'I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny, to all political prisoners around the world. Alexey, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all,' the 30-year-old director said.

'We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever rears its head.'

Coming as Roher's fourth-ever feature film, NAVALNY recounts the 2020 attempt on Navalny's life carried out with the deadly nerve agent from the same family as one used to poison former Putin agent-turned-SAS spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in 2018.

After Navalny came forward to allege that Putin's office played a part in the alleged murder plot, international officials would also cite "unequivocal proof" from toxicology tests that Navalny was poisoned, leaving him in a coma.

Those experts have since demanded the Russian government offer an explanation to the event and Navalny's imprisonment just a few months later, after the leader of Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation eventually regained consciousness.

The film uses a combination of physical evidence and expert accounts to connect the failed assassination to the Kremlin, who has maintained that Navalny's sentence is just.
Officials are searching for a radiographic camera that contains radioactive material after it went missing from a truck that had been parked at a Texas restaurant on Thursday.

The device, which is used to see hidden structures, is essentially a portable X-ray machine and commonly used in the construction and oil industries.

Officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services say the device - which was last seen in a truck in Houston - contains radioactive material that is 'sealed within multiple layers of protection,' making it safe if undisturbed.

However, if someone were to get into the part of the capsule where the material is stored, it could prove to be extremely dangerous with the potential to cause serious injury or even the loss of limbs.

Authorities in Houston are searching for a radiographic camera that contains radioactive material, which went missing from a truck parked at a restaurant

Houston area officials are searching for a radiographic camera that contains radioactive material which went missing on Thursday, from a truck parked at a local restaurant

Authorities are urging anyone who may come across the device to report its location to immediately, so that it can be safely retrieved.

The radiographic camera is marked with a radioactive symbol and weighs 53 lbs and owned by the Statewide Maintenance Company.

'It does have a radioactive symbol on the side of it, but if somebody were to get into the part of the capsule where the radioactive material is, it's extremely hazardous, like losing fingers,' said Lara Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services to NBC News.

'Our goal is for people to let us know if they see it, so that we can take back possession of it.'

Radioactive material is extremely hazardous if someone were to get into the part of the capsule where it is stored. It is clearly marked that it is radioactive

Officials have already contacted pawnshops and scrap metal places which are common places for similar stolen items to be sold.

'We've obviously already contacted pawnshops, because when it does happen and somebody tries to pawn it, pawn shops and are on the lookout for it  and scrap metal places,' Anton explained.

So far, a search for radioactive sources within a five-mile radius of the restaurant from where the device went missing has so far revealed nothing.

Although concerning, similar devices have been found intact in the past, even after being lost in flood waters.

In 2020, a radiographic camera was found in the community of Stonewall after it had been washed away on board a contractor's pickup truck. Health officials later confirmed that no radiation had been released in that case.

Similarly, in February of this year, authorities in Australia were able to recover a small but highly radioactive capsule that had fallen off a truck in the outback.

Despite the fact that the missing device is unlikely to pose a significant threat to the public, officials are urging caution and encouraging anyone who comes across the camera to report its location immediately.

If you find the camera, do not try to open it. Instead, officials ask that you call 911 or DSHS' 24-hour line at 512-458-7460 to report its location. The company is offering a reward for the camera's return.
LG Group's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul / Yonhap



By Baek Byung-yeul



Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group, Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate, has been embroiled in an inheritance dispute over the ownership of late Chairman Koo Bon-moo's shares.



Industry experts said Monday that the dispute erupted even though LG has traditionally handed over power to the chairman's eldest son.



"According to the law here, the deceased's estate shall be divided equally among the heirs while the surviving spouse inherits an additional 50 percent share, which means the spouse receives 1.5 shares and each child inherits 1 share. The spouse and the two daughters are raising the issue that LG Corp.'s stake held by the late chairman was not evenly distributed," Kim Dae-jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University, said.



In February, the chairman's mother, Kim Young-sik, and his two sisters, Koo Yeon-kyung, the chief of LG Welfare Foundation, and Koo Yeon-soo, filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Western District Court requesting the estate of the late chairman to be redistributed equally according to the law.



After the late chairman passed away in May 2018, his 11.28 percent share in LG Corp., a holding company of LG Group, was inherited by his son, the younger Chairman Koo, with 8.76 percent and his two daughters, Yeon-kyung and Yeon-soo, with 2.01 percent and 0.51 percent of the shares respectively. The current chairman, who is the nephew of the deceased chairman, was adopted in 2004 following the death of his only son in 1994.



The inheritance dispute comes unexpectedly as the group has been known for retaining its family tradition of handing the group's management power over to the eldest son of the chairman since the conglomerate was founded in 1947.



While many Korean conglomerates, such as Samsung and Hyundai, have been embroiled in family disputes over their respective estates, LG has been regarded as a family that has successfully maintained harmony within the family without causing any public scandals.



LG Group said that the inheritance was legally carried out through a family agreement.



"Any actions that shake the family tradition and management rights of the group cannot be tolerated," a group spokesman said.



LG said the inheritance left by the late chairman includes 11.28 percent of the shares in LG Corp., totaling 2 trillion won ($1.53 billion). The surviving spouse and her two daughters agreed to inherit a portion of LG Corp., as well as the late chairman's personal assets, such as financial investment products, real estate and artwork, amounting to a total of 500 billion won. The inheritance was legally completed in November 2018, and the relevant information was reported to the tax authorities.



Although all shares in LG Corp. should have been inherited by the late chairman's son according to the group's principles and traditions, Koo accepted the request of the other three heirs and agreed to distribute the 2.01 percent and 0.51 percent stakes to his sisters, LG added.



If the inheritance is divided by law, Chairman Koo's share, the largest at 15.95 percent in LG Corp., will be reduced to 9.7 percent. The deceased's wife's share, who did not inherit any shares at the time of the late chairman's death in 2018, would increase from 4.2 percent to 7.95 percent, while the share held by his sisters would increase from 2.92 percent to 3.42 percent and 2.72 percent from 0.72 percent respectively.



In particular, the combined shares of the deceased's wife and two daughters would amount to 14.09 percent, which could exceed the younger Koo's shares, potentially shaking his management rights over the group.



The key to this inheritance dispute is whether the court will accept the lawsuit filed at a point in time when the three-year statute of limitations of the inheritance claim has already passed.



Also, Chairman Koo agreed to pay an inheritance tax of about 720 billion won in six installments over five years in 2018 and has already made five payments with the final one scheduled to be made at the end of this year.



An accountant working in Seoul, who declined to be named, said, "It seems to be difficult for the three to win the lawsuit to receive inheritance rights since the three-year statute of limitation has already passed."


Premier surrounded by his wife Helen and their seven children

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet launched the Liberals' campaign for next week's state election surrounded by his wife Helen and their seven children on Sunday.

It was the sort of 'family man' image he has thrived on since becoming premier in October 2021 after his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian stepped down due to a corruption inquiry.

But there was one big problem with the premier's campaign photo - it was the opposite of what he said last month, when he warned the media and a NSW Parliament inquiry to 'leave my family out of it'.

The Premier fumed earlier this month when he was asked why two of his brothers - Jean-Claude and Charles - failed to show up to an inquiry into attempted Liberal branch stacking and an alleged $50,000 bid to unseat a federal Liberal MP.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet launched the Liberals' campaign for next week's state election surrounded by his wife Helen and seven children on Sunday - but there was one big problem

Dominic Perrottet warned the media to 'leave my family out of it' when asked why two of his brothers failed to show up to an inquiry into attempted Liberal branch stacking and an alleged $50,000 bid to unseat a federal Liberal MP. Jean-Claude Perrottet, who was the subject of a state-wide search to serve him with a summons to appear before the inquiry, is pictured left

Charles Perrottet wrote to the inquiry saying as he no longer lived in NSW he was not required to give evidence.

'I decline your invitation. I am a resident of Victoria. I have resided in Victoria since January 2021,' he wrote.

Meanwhile, Jean-Claude went missing for a month while summons servers looked for him across NSW to try to make him show up.

Because he was not found before the inquiry was required to finish, due to the state election on March 25, he avoided giving evidence at the inquiry into the Hills Shire Council.

The inquiry was sparked by claims made under parliamentary privilege by state Liberal MP Ray Williams of deals between party operatives and developers.

He alleged Liberal Party members had been paid to install new councillors on the council to benefit a development company called Toplace.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (centre) is pictured with his wife Helen (holding baby Celeste) campaigning before the March 25 election

Jean-Claude Perrottet was finally tracked down last Tuesday morning by a Channel Nine TV crew, holed up in a relative's house.

When asked where he had been, a shocked looking Mr Perrottet said he had been 'overseas'.

He offered no reply, though, when asked: 'Why did you try and dodge (the inquiry)?'

The parliamentary committee said it was the absence of Mr Perrottet and Liberal powerbroker Christian Ellis was the most committed, serious and coordinated avoidance it had ever seen.

Its final report recommended a new inquiry be established after the election, and that it should call on Jean-Claude Perrottet, Charles Perrottet, Christian Ellis and Toplace director Jean Nassif to give evidence.

Mr Nassif is currently in Lebanon. His glamorous lawyer daughter Ashlyn Nassif, 27, recently faced Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court charged with fraud after four family properties, including her father's home and office, were raided.

After initially warning the media to 'leave my family out of it' and refusing to answer questions, Premier Perrottet eventually announced an internal Liberal Party investigation into the claims.

'The state director from the organisation is looking into those matters,' he said.

Ashlyn Nassif, 27, faced Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court charged with fraud after four family properties, including her father Jean's home and office, were raided

'And as I've said, if anyone has done anything wrong, appropriate action should be taken, the book should be thrown at them.'

Out campaigning last Tuesday, Mr Perrottet was asked yet again if he did not know where his brother had been.

He simply replied, 'That's correct.'

The Premier had previously blamed Labor and the Greens for orchestrating the inquiry to embarrass him in the lead up to the election.
Australia Post has suddenly resumed its services to a suburb in crime-riddled Alice Springs after a veteran postie was violently attacked.

Residents in Sadadeen, in the east of the Northern Territory town, received a letter last week advising them they would lose their home delivery service for an indefinite period.

It was estimated at least 200 homes would be impacted by the service suspension.

The incidents involving the postie - who has worked for Australia Post for 38 years - happened over several months and saw her threatened with a knife on one occasion and have rocks pelted at her on another trip.

A veteran postie in Alice Springs was threatened with a knife and had rocks thrown at their bike (stock image pictured)

Australia Post on Monday resumed delivery services to Sadadeen after a series of attacks involving a veteran postie (stock image pictured)

An Australia Post spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia postal services to the affected areas were resuming on Monday.

'After close consultation with local police and relevant authorities, Australia Post is pleased to advise deliveries to Sadadeen will recommence as normal,' the spokesperson said.

'We thank our customers for their understanding and appreciate the support of the community and local authorities to ensure the safety of our team members'.

The spokesperson said the organisation could not comment on 'the specifics of the previous incidents', but there had been 'serious safety risks for our postie that included rocks and knives'.

'Of course we couldnt risk their safety so temporarily ceased delivery to that area,' they said.

Country Liberal Member for Braitling, Josh Burgoyne said 'more needs to be done to ensure workers can be protected'

Alice Springs has faced a high number of break-ins and assaults and the community has called on authorities to find a solution (stock image of Alice Springs pictured)

Country Liberal Member for Braitling, Josh Burgoyne, said the postie had gone on stress leave last year.

After bravely making the decision to go back to work in early 2023, she was soon threatened with a knife while delivering the mail.

Mr Burgoyne said the postie also had rocks thrown at their bike.

'When you've been in the job for 38 years, this is not something that you expect to happen,' he told ABC News.

He also stressed that 'more needs to be done to ensure workers can be protected'.

Northern Territory Police is investigating the claims.

The news follows several months of intense media scrutiny on the Northern Territory due to increased violent crime in Alice Springs.

The community faced a high number of break-ins and assaults and called on authorities to find a solution, particularly regarding the high level of youth crime.

Alcohol restrictions were re-introduced to Alice Springs last month and crime rates have begun to fall again.

Northern Territory Police have been approached for comment.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel couldn't resist a chance to make a January 6 reference against Fox News' Tucker Carlson after the award for film editing was handed out during Sunday night's ceremony.

'Anyone who's ever received a text message from their father knows how important editing is,' he began. 'Editors do amazing things. Editors can turn 44,000 hours of violent insurrection footage into a respectful sightseeing tour of The Capitol. Their work is underappreciated,' Kimmel said.

It was an obvious reference to Carlson, despite Kimmel not even mentioning him by name.

The comment generated big laugh from the audience in the Dolby Theatre.

It referred to how last week, Carlson was given footage so he could launch a new effort to explain away the deadly Capitol attack.

Carlson linked the Republican Party ever more closely to pro-Trump conspiracy theories about the 2021 riot and described the riot as 'peaceful'.

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel made a reference to the January 6th Capitol insurrection when presenting the award for film editing

Trump supporters are seen walking peacefully through the Capitol on January 6, 2021 from carefully chosen footage. Carlson described them as 'sightseers'

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy handed over more than 40,000 hours of surveillance footage from the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol, allowing Carlson to hand pick moments from the siege to create a narrative that Trump supporters that broke into Congress were in fact 'orderly and meek' sightseers.

Since the footage was pieced together, there has since been a furious reaction from both Democrats and Republicans as well as the Capitol Police.

'An opinion program aired commentary that was filled with offensive and misleading conclusions about the January 6 attack,' Chief of the force Tom Manger wrote in an internal memo shortly after the program aired.

'The program conveniently cherry-picked from the calmer moments of our 41,000 hours of video. The commentary fails to provide context about the chaos and violence that happened before or during these less tense moments,' he added.

Last week Carlson cherry picked footage from the siege to create a narrative that Trump supporters who broke into Congress were 'orderly and meek' sightseers

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

In footage screened on Carlson's show last Monday night, so-called QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley was apparently seen being escorted into the Senate by Capitol police officers.

Carlson challenged the prevailing narrative that Chansley - jailed for four years over the incident - aggressively barged into the chamber.

Also broadcast was footage of Capitol cop Brian Sicknick, who died shortly after the riot.

It was originally suggested Sicknick's death came as the result of being attacked with a fire extinguisher and pepper spray by rioters.

But a medical examiner later ruled he'd died of natural causes. And Carlson shared footage of Sicknick walking around the Capitol after the attack.

He appeared in good health, which the Fox News host said poured cold water on liberal outlets' insistence that the Capitol rioters had Sicknick's blood on their hands.

Chansley is seen being followed through the Capitol by a police officer

Chansley, with his bullhorn, is seen on January 6, 2021 inside the Capitol

He also referenced Ray Epps, who was seen among the rioters urging them to storm the Capitol, yet was never charged - giving rise to suspicion that Epps was in fact an informant. Epps has denied working for the government.

On Monday, Carlson suggested Epps was lying.

'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.'

Carlson pointed to footage showing the 'QAnon Shaman' - a bare-chested, Viking helmet-wearing Jacob Chansley - inside the Capitol.

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'

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.

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.
Heavily-armed Mexican military and US Customs and Border Protection officers were manning the El Paso border on Sunday evening after 'at least a 1,000' migrants unsuccessfully tried to rush a checkpoint.

Video shared by Fox News reporter Bill Melugin showed the 'bilateral show of force' on the border, which included armed security forces in riot gear, barbed wire, concrete blocks and mesh fence on the Paso Del Norte Bridge.

It was shared hours after different footage showed hordes of migrants charging past a line of Mexican officials at the border between Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.

Photos captured the moment the group reached the center of the bridge, where they were then blocked by CBP officers, tear gas and barricades.

Hundreds of migrants stormed the Paso del Norte, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in the hopes of crossing into El Paso on March 12

The migrants accumulated on the bridge before concrete barriers and barbed wire

Mexican National Guardsman stand guard on the Paso del Norte International Bridge after it was closed by Mexican and US authorities on March 12

The Paso del Norte International Bridge was blocked by Mexican and US authorities after migrants assembled and forced their way onto the bridge

Bill Melugin of Fox News tweeted a video from El Paso showing Mexican military (pictured) facing south on one side of the border and CBP officials on the other

NEW: This is the bilateral show of force that dispersed the huge group of migrants trying to rush a port of entry in El Paso today. Two lines of Mexican military, then on the US side, physical barriers, barbed wire, and a skirmish line of CBP officers in crowd control gear. pic.twitter.com/YPaNBUhQhu  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 13, 2023

CBP officers said they 'implemented port hardening measures' including the use of the fencing and concrete barricades, temporarily preventing northbound traffic at the bridge.

Officials say the large group approached the international line 'posing a threat to make mass entry.'

Footage showed the group, which consisted of mostly of young men but also included women and young children, charging along the border road.

The clips also shows them pushing past the Mexican side of Paso Del Norte bridge forcing CBP to erect barricades of barbed wire and other physical barriers to prevent any crossings.

According to one reporter on the ground, a portion of the group was able to be pushed by CBP officials while another group decided to gather around smaller bridges including the Stanton Bridge and the Bridge of the Americas, also leading to the use of barricades by CBP officials armed with batons and riot shields.

Others attempted to get across the border into the U.S. by crossing the river.

'This is the type of event that doesn't help them (migrants),' said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas to KTSM.

The group reached the hump of the bridge, where Customs and Protection elements prevented their passage with barricades of wires and tear gas

The horde was mostly men but also included women and children accompanied with children

US officials (pictured) said they 'implemented port hardening measures' including the use of the fencing and concrete barricades

On Sunday, a large group of migrants, numbering around 1,000, were caught on camera trying to rush the U.S. southern border from Mexico

Video footage of the migrants could be seen attempting to overwhelm official checkpoints as they made their way through the port of entry in El Paso, Texas

'It doesn't help the migrant make their case. I know that they're tired of waiting and all that, but this type of thing just doesn't help their case,' Cuellar said.

'Even the president is saying, now, "Let's have 'em come in in an orderly process," you know. What they're doing, trying to rush through, doesn't help their case one bit at all. It does become a little frustrating.'

CBP released a statement early on Sunday evening explaining what had occurred.

'CBP officers including members of the CBP Mobile Field Force implemented port hardening measures at the Paso Del Norte international bridge at 1:30pm today temporarily preventing the northbound flow of traffic after a large group of individuals formed on the Mexican side of the border and approached the international boundary posing a potential threat to make a mass entry.

'The CBP response included the deployment of physical barriers to restrict entry. As of 5 pm there is no traffic processing occurring at Paso Del Norte. There were also temporary disruptions at two other crossings because of appearance of groups of migrants. Barricades were used at the Stanton Bridge crossing from 2pm until 2:45pm and at the Bridge of the Americas from 2:45pm until 3:30pm.

'The Office of Field Operations Special Response Team and U.S. Border Patrol agents have been assisting CBP officers.'

The video even sees one overwhelmed border patrol agent standing idly by as the pack of migrants pushes on by

The group consisted mostly of young men, but there were also women and young children present

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December

Mexican National Guardsman walk back to Juarez after a closure on the Paso del Norte International Bridge

Another video from our contact. Were told some crowd control measures were used (unclear which side of border), and a chunk of the group was repelled, and is now gathering at another smaller bridge, while some are trying to cross in the river. Waiting for more details from CBP. pic.twitter.com/PEFeHlF4KH  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

BREAKING: Another video from our contact showing this massive migrant group trying to rush Paso Del Norte bridge in El Paso in an attempt to get into the United States. pic.twitter.com/q9v2myX333  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December.

The decrease in border crossings followed Biden's announcement in early January that Mexico would take back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans under a pandemic-era rule that denies migrants the right to seek asylum as part of an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

At the same time, the U.S. agreed to admit up to 30,000 a month of those four nationalities on humanitarian parole if they apply online, enter at an airport and find a financial sponsor.

The administration has also proposed generally denying asylum to anyone who travels though another country on their way to the U.S. without seeking protection there - effectively all non-Mexicans who appear at the U.S. southern border.

Agents detained migrants more than 2.5 million times at the southern border in 2022, including more than 250,000 in December, the highest on record.

According to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, Border Patrol agents stopped migrants about 130,000 times in February, similar to January.

More than 100,000 migrants each month were being released in U.S. border cities late last year with notices to appear in immigration court or report to immigration authorities.
She was arrested with her brother Adam back in 2017

The daughter of a former deputy commissioner for the tax office has broken down in court after being found guilty over her role in a massive tax fraud.

Lauren Anne Cranston was found guilty of conspiring to cause a loss to the Commonwealth and conspiring to deal with the proceeds of crime worth more than $1 million for her role in the Plutus Payroll scandal.

She was arrested along with her older brother Adam Cranston and several others in 2017.

Following a NSW Supreme Court trial that began in April 2022, the jury was sent to deliberate on their verdict in mid-January.

They returned the two guilty verdicts on Monday afternoon.

Lauren Anne Cranston (pictured) was found guilty of conspiring to cause a loss to the Commonwealth and conspiring to deal with the proceeds of crime worth more than $1 million

Cranston sobbed in court as she learned of the guilty verdict.

She will remain on bail until an application for her detention on Tuesday.

Three other co-accused were found guilty last week.

The jury is still considering the verdict for a fourth.

Jurors in the lengthy trial were told the Plutus financial services group withheld tax from the Australian Taxation Office using a number of second-tier companies.

The fraudulently obtained money funded lavish lifestyles including fast cars, planes and real estate.

Lauren was arrested along with her older brother Adam (pictured) in 2017. The jury heard she once fought with her brother about purchasing a Hyundai she wanted, because he wanted to buy her a Porsche

The siblings are the children of a former deputy commissioner for the tax office, Michael Cranston (pictured). The jury heard Adam used his father to find out whether the tax office knew about their scheme

The jury was told Cranston, whose only other professional experience was working at a supermarket, once fought with her older brother about purchasing a Hyundai she wanted, because he wanted to buy her a Porsche.

Adam Cranston would use his father Michael Cranston, who was deputy commissioner of the ATO at the time, to find out whether the tax office knew about their scheme, the jury heard.

The five accused denied their guilt, variously pointing the blame at each other and saying they thought the company Plutus, which was named after the Greek god of abundance and wealth, was a legitimate enterprise.
A man charged with dangerous driving after fatally striking a young girl walking with her mother on a pedestrian crossing in Sydney's west has been acquitted by a jury.

Abel Elias Lopez, 63, faced a criminal trial in the Parramatta District Court last week after hitting Taylor Maddock and her five-year-old daughter Alannah Sobolewski in Plumpton at 7.15pm on March 17, 2021.

Charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, he was found not guilty by a panel of jurors on Friday.

Mr Lopez was driving his Toyota Tarago van home from Bible study when he collided with the mother and child at the crossing on Rooty Hill Road North.

Around dusk on an overcast day, Ms Maddock and Alannah had picked up some pizza from a nearby Domino's and were walking home.

Alannah Sobolewski was rushed to Westmead Hospital after the accidental Plumpton at 7.15pm on March 17, 2021. She died the same evening

Alannah's mum Taylor Maddock was also struck but survived with serious injuries. This week the man behind the wheel Abel Elias Lopez was found not guilty in a criminal trial on dangerous driving charges

Alannah was rushed to Westmead Hospital, but died later that evening.

Her mother received significant injuries to her leg, hip and back, requiring surgery and multiple hospital visits. The 27-year-old appeared in court requiring a walking frame to get around.

Mr Lopez argued that he had slowed down before the pedestrian crossing but had not seen the mother or child because of the dim light, the clothes they were wearing and the glare of incoming traffic.

At the trial in front of Judge Andrew Colefax, jurors also heard that floodlights above the pedestrian crossing were not operational.

Crown prosecutors unsuccessfully argued Mr Lopez had failed to keep a proper lookout and had approached the pedestrian crossing at the speed limit of 60 km/h.
The infant's body was found inside a house in Mackay

QLD Police are investigating the sudden death of a baby

Police are investigating the sudden death of a baby girl at a family home.

The infant died at a property in Alexandra near Mackay in Queensland on Sunday morning, according to police.

Officers were called to the address later that day and discovered her remains.

A Queensland Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Investigations are ongoing and there is no further information available.'

More to come.
A body has been found in woodland in the search for a father who vanished without a trace three years ago.

Jamie Moreno disappeared after leaving his home in Cardiff on March 23, 2020, with no sightings of him since.

The father-of-two, who was 48 at the time he went missing, was last seen on CCTV in the Llanederyn area of the city, about two miles from his home in the Roath suburb, on the afternoon he disappeared.

South Wales Police said members of the public looking for clues found a body in woodland off Circle Way East, also in Llanederyn, on Sunday morning.

The force said that while formal identification is yet to take place, Mr Moreno's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Jamie Moreno, pictured, was last seen leaving his home in Roath, Cardiff, in March 2020

South Wales Police says a body was found in woodland just off Circle Way East in Llanederyn, Cardiff, on Sunday

Floral tributes left close to the site where the body was found over the weekend

Photos of the scene close to where the body was found on Sunday show a large police presence, along with a number of floral tributes left by members of the public.

Last month, Mr Moreno's sister Nilsa spoke about her brother and the circumstances of his disappearance, describing how he was struggling to cope with the death of their mother.

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: 'South Wales Police can confirm a body has been found in woodland in Pentwyn, Cardiff.

'Police were called at 10:42am today (Sunday, March 12) following the discovery by a community search party looking for long-term missing man, Jamie Moreno.

'Formal identification of the body has yet not been carried out as enquiries are on-going at the scene.

'The family of Jamie Moreno are being supported by specialist officers at this time.'
The FTSE 100 tumbled today as bank stocks suffered despite the HSBC buying the UK arm of collapsed US lender Silicon Valley Bank.

The UK's flagship index was down around 2 per cent in the wake of the government-brokered rescue - announced by Jeremy Hunt shortly before markets opened.

The Chancellor insisted all deposits had been protected, and customers will be able to access their deposits and banking services as normal from today.

He stressed that the financial system was 'resilient' and no taxpayer funding had been deployed. The transaction was 'facilitated' by the Bank of England in consultation with the Treasury, using powers introduced after the 2008 Credit Crunch.

But concerns about spread remain, with regulators announcing yesterday that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed and was being seized.

Banks were heavily lower on the FTSE 100 after steep falls on Friday, with shares in Standard Chartered dropping 4 per and Lloyds down 4 per, while NatWest and HSBC were 3 per cent lower.

Other financial stocks were also caught up in the rout, with investment giant M&G leading the FTSE 100 fallers with a 4 per cent drop and investment manager Abrdn down 4 per cent. Insurers such as Aviva, Prudential and Legal & General were hit.

The picture was similarly gloomy across Europe, with the Dax in Germany 1.7 per cent lower and France's Cac 40 off 1.7 per cent

The crisis erupted when California-based parent company Silicon Valley Bank imploded and had its assets seized by US regulators on Friday - the largest failure of a bank since the financial crisis.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (pictured jogging near Downing Street this morning) has revealed that Silicon Valley Bank UK had been sold to HSBC

The FTSE 100 opened marginally down shortly after the news was announced

The US government acted to head off banking sector contagion after the failure, protecting all deposits.

The Bank of England then ordered the UK subsidiary of SVB into insolvency from last night.

But that left more than 200 small British tech firms facing potentially catastrophic cashflow problems, with an estimated 2.5billion of capital in SVB.

HSBC is thought to have bought the UK arm for a nominal sum, taking on its liabilities.

Mr Hunt said: 'The UK's tech sector is genuinely world-leading and of huge importance to the British economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

'I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver on that promise and find a solution that will provide SVB UK's customers with confidence.

'Today the government and the Bank of England have facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK; this ensures customer deposits are protected and can bank as normal, with no taxpayer support. I am pleased we have reached a resolution in such short order.

California-based parent company Silicon Valley Bank imploded and had its assets seized by US regulators on Friday - the largest failure of a bank since the 2008 financial crisis

'HSBC is Europe's largest bank, and SVB UK customers should feel reassured by the strength, safety and security that brings them.'

Mr Hunt told broadcasters the UK's banking system is 'resilient'.

'We always have to watch everything that's happening everywhere in the world when it comes to financial stability,' he said.

'But what I would say is the Bank of England is very clear  the UK banking system is extremely secure, it's well capitalised.

'And I think we demonstrated that resilience by what was happening over the weekend and the fact that we were able to come up with a solution so quickly.'

All deposits are 'safe and secure' following the sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC, the Bank of England said.

In a statement, the BofE said: 'The Bank of England (Bank), in consultation with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), HM Treasury (HMT) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has taken the decision to sell Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited ('SVBUK'), the UK subsidiary of the US bank, to HSBC UK Bank Plc (HSBC).

'HSBC is authorised and supervised by the PRA and the FCA.

'This action has been taken to stabilise SVBUK, ensuring the continuity of banking services, minimising disruption to the UK technology sector and supporting confidence in the financial system.

Jeremy Hunt announced the sale of the SVB subsidiary this morning before markets opened

'The Bank and HMT can confirm that all depositors' money with SVBUK is safe and secure as a result of this transaction.

'SVBUK's business will continue to be operated normally by SVBUK. All services will continue to operate as normal and customers should not notice any changes.

'Customers can continue to contact SVBUK through the usual channels and borrowers should make any loan repayments to SVBUK as normal.

'SVBUK staff remain employed by SVBUK, and SVBUK continues to be a PRA/FCA authorised bank.'

JP Morgan had also been among the parties exploring buying the bank's British operations, Sky News previously reported.

Oaknorth Bank, a business lender founded by former Tory donor Rishi Khosla, had also been in takeover talks, the PA news agency understands.

There was also interest from The Bank of London and Abu Dhabi state-backed investment vehicle ADQ, according to Sky.

HSBC chief executive Noel Quinn said: 'This acquisition makes excellent strategic sense for our business in the UK.'

A survey of 31 venture capital funds, which hold thousands of investments in UK tech and science firms, found that 34 per cent of their portfolio companies - amounting to 336 - have accounts with bank.

More than 200 of those had faced short or long-term cashflow risk, according to the data from BVCA - the industry body representing venture capital investors - had SVBUK collapsed.

Around 2.5billion of capital from these firms is locked in the lender.

The Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec), a non-profit campaigning for policies to support digital start-ups, had previously warned that a collapse of SVBUK could have had a significant impact on these types of companies.

Many other businesses were feared to be affected with the Times newspaper reporting that more than 3,000 firms have around 7 billion in deposits with with the UK subsidiary.

Speaking before the HSBC deal, Mr Hunt had warned the tech and science sectors were at 'serious risk', but said there was no risk to the UK's financial system as a whole.
A widow has described her shock after claiming her seaside home close to a crumbling cliff edge was demolished at just a day's notice.

Sue, who did not wish to give her surname, said she only learned on Friday that her property on the Marrams in Hemsby, Norfolk, would be pulled down on Saturday.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she described a frantic rush to strip the property of all its furniture and valuables before it was torn down.

She said: 'The council did come and help remove everything, but obviously it was a shock.

'The week before, we had a little bit of land loss and they decided to cut the electricity off.

Homeowners were forced to look on as a digger moved in to destroy their clifftop houses that are inches away from toppling into the sea. Pictured is the house of Sue, which was demolished

Images show the gradual deterioration of the cliff edge in the Marrons, Hemsby, Norfolk, over the last three decades

'But in the week when I was trying to get the electricity pole re-sited and moved , I was told by the electricity people they weren't going to re-site it, because I was going to get the building pulled back [away from the cliff edge].

'The people who own the land had given permission for that to happen but the council didn't want to do that.'

A number of other homes in Hemsby have been moved away from the cliff edge and Sue was hoping the same thing would happen to her property.

When asking why this didn't take place, Sue says the local authority insisted planning permission was needed, although she argued retrospective permission could have been explored.

'You'd think in an emergency it would be fair to have retrospective planning, [but] they said they'd served the Section 78 and there was no argument or anything, they would just demolish it.'

Ten years ago, five homes in Hemsby fell into the sea after a storm and the damage to the cliff meant that others were demolished in 2018, as part of 'a managed retreat' by the local authority.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has told media it is doing everything it can for residents involved.

Despite the shock of the demolition, Sue acknowledged that the sea had been 'dramatic' in the prior week.

A number of other homes in Hemsby have been moved away from the cliff edge and Sue was hoping the same thing would happen to her property (pictured)

'The last week was dramatic, the sea was wild but you've got a lot of factors, you've got (we had) the bomb blast and I heard that miles away... according to the newspapers we had an earthquake over Yarmouth, the knock-on of that must have [been big], think what a tsunami does. Even though it was 3.7 on the Richter scale, it would have had some effect on the seabed and the sea.'

Sue also said two new sandbanks had formed along the cliff edge recently.

She added: 'I think, where we were exactly where we were, the water had been pushed in further.'

'I hadn't left the main property I was in. So I'm back here with things up to my eyeballs, so I'm luckier... I used to live there fulltime but unfortunately my husband died and I needed to be back [here].

'The erosion had been really slow in that area but geographically the tides have changed, it is different - it's not the same as three years ago.

Three residents from The Marrams in Hemsby, Norfolk, were forced to leave their wooden homes

The first of the demolished houses belonged to Sue (pictured), who hoped more could have been done to save her home for the past three years

Mary Withey, another resident whose home was being demolished, previously said: 'I'm not OK with it, it's been my home, I don't want to move... it's very sad.

'When I first heard I was in shock and today I've just been tearful, it's horrible.'

She and her partner had lived in their home for four years before hearing the terrible news.

The head of property and asset management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Jane Beck, claimed the plans were to demolish all three properties within the day, before the next high tide at 9.38pm.

'It's extremely sad for those people and we're trying to do everything we possibly can to help them through that process,' she said.

Fire crews were reported to have knocked on doors on Friday, urging those still in the affected properties to leave.

The head of property and asset management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council claimed the plans were to demolish all three properties within the day

Fire crews were reported to have knocked on doors on Friday, urging those still in the affected properties to leave

Noel Galer, Great Yarmouth Borough councillor for East Flegg ward, containing Hemsby, said: 'I think that the decline when you start to lose parts of it would be quite dramatic. I have a feeling that Hemsby would lose its prominence quite quickly'

Hemsby resident Sue looks out from her home on the cliff edge

Several other wooden properties, built on sand dunes in The Marrams, Hemsby, are also currently at risk of collapsing into the sea.

Noel Galer, Great Yarmouth Borough councillor for East Flegg ward, containing Hemsby, said the village plays an important role in the local tourism industry.

Tearful Mary Withey was forced to remove belongings from her home on the cliff edge

He said: 'It's the place where everybody's children tend to go to get a holiday job when they are 16 in the summer holidays and when they're at university when they come back.'

The councillor said there are 'loads' of 'little companies' there.

He continued: 'You can just imagine with virtually no other industry or commerce in Hemsby, I feel that about 90 per cent of Hemsby's economy is dependent on their tourism and if you were to lose the next bit of Hemsby.

'It's going to be very difficult to see how that holiday industry is going to continue to operate if you start chiselling little bits away from it.

'I think that the decline when you start to lose parts of it would be quite dramatic. I have a feeling that Hemsby would lose its prominence quite quickly.'

He added that there are 'precious little other employment opportunities' in the area.

Residents react as they watch a neighbours house get demolished

Sue and other neighbours who spent the morning packing their belongings before the demolition

Several other wooden properties, built on sand dunes in The Marrams, Hemsby, are also currently at risk of collapsing into the sea

 Slide me  Hemsby is largely built on sand which provides little protection against the raging sea, as pictured here in January 2007, but sixteen years later, on March 1, 2023, any remaining grass was long gone and some of the homes had sand up to their front door

The only access road to properties on the Marrams has been cordoned off and is expected to collapse

The shoreline has shrunk significantly in last 50 years and coastal communities risk falling into the ocean

Referencing tourism data collected by the council, Mr Galer insisted Hemsby has 'tremendous value' in the region.

'It's so important,' he said. 'It's difficult to stress how it would be if Hemsby lost 50 metres in a huge storm or a succession of storms over a week or so. It would be horrendous.'

'Can you imagine that with a large number, a majority, of the bookings for Hemsby holidays coming from home grown areas in the UK, the incredible effect that might have on people thinking: ''Oh crumbs, we were thinking of going to Hemsby, we better cancel our holiday - looks like it's going to be closed forever''?'

Mr Galer added: 'We could have a really bad year now as a result of bad news and people making assumptions over a few days when this sort of terrible thing is happening and lose a lot of business.'

On evacuated residents, the councillor said people will be 'trying very hard' to ensure they are looked after.

'Some people literally have a second home which happens to be very close to the beach,' he went on. 'Perhaps they knew the risks and understood the risks, accepted the risks.

'Others for various reasons may have found this is the only place they can find to live because of the cost and their circumstances and may not be so aware of what's going on.

'They may have felt there's no way this is ever going to be washed away.'
This file photo offered by Hyundai Motor shows its headquarters building in India. Yonhap



Hyundai Motor, Korea's leading carmaker, said Monday it is in the process of acquiring General Motors's car manufacturing facility in India.



Hyundai Motor has signed a term sheet with GM to take over the U.S. carmaker's Talegaon plant in Maharashtra, the company said in a statement.



A term sheet is a non-binding agreement on basic terms and conditions of an investment, and it is usually followed by more detailed, legally-binding documents.



"Hyundai Motor India is in the process of acquiring General Motors India's assets to supply a stable amount of vehicles in the rapidly growing Indian automobile market," the statement said.



The proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals from the relevant government authorities, and the signing of the "definitive asset purchase agreement" and fulfillment of conditions of related parties, it said.



GM stopped selling cars in India in 2017. The Talegaon plant, established in 2008, has an annual production capacity of 130,000 units and 160,000 engines, with the production of export models continued at the plant till late 2020.



Hyundai has two plants in India with a combined output capacity of 760,000 units a year, and 150,000 units of them are being exported.



The maker of Sonata sedans and Santa Fe SUVs ranked second after Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. in terms of market share in India in 2022. Its sales rose 9.4 percent on-year to over 550,000 units last year. (Yonhap)


The world's longest-serving death row inmate has been granted a retrial in Japan, 55 years after he was sentenced to be handed for murder.

Tokyo's High Court ordered the retrial for 87-year-old former boxer Iwao Hakamada on Monday, nearly six decades after he was first convicted in 1968 after confessing to the murder of his boss and their family. He later said he confessed under duress.

Lawyers for Hakamada left the court after a brief session and unfurled banners reading 'retrial' as supporters shouted 'Free Hakamada now'.

'I was waiting for this day for 57 years and it has come,' said Hakamada's sister Hideko, who has campaigned tirelessly on her brother's behalf.

'Finally a weight has been lifted from my shoulders,' the 90-year-old said.

Tokyo's High Court ordered the retrial for 87-year-old former boxer Iwao Hakamada (pictured in a wheelchair, centre, today) on Monday, nearly six decades after he was first convicted

Iwao Hakamada, a former boxer, is seen in this undated photograph as a young man. He was convicted in 1968 for robbing and murdering his boss, the man's wife and their two teenage children. However, evidence has since come to light casting doubt on the conviction

Hakamada spent nearly five decades on death row and was certified the world's longest-serving death row inmate by Guinness World Records in 2014, before a lower court ordered a retrial and freed him while his case proceeded.

Hakamada was born March 10, 1936. He was sentenced to death in 1968 for robbing and murdering his boss, the man's wife and their two teenage children.

He initially denied the accusations but later confessed after what he subsequently claimed was a brutal police interrogation that included beatings.

His attempts to retract the confession were in vain and his verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1980.

After a prolonged battle, a district court in the central city of Shizuoka granted a retrial in 2014, finding investigators could have planted evidence.

But Tokyo's High Court overturned the lower court ruling four years later, and the case was sent to the Supreme Court on appeal.

There, judges ruled in 2020 that the Tokyo High Court must reconsider its decision.

One key piece of evidence used to convict him was a set of blood-stained clothes that emerged more than a year after the crime.

Supporters say the clothes did not fit him and the bloodstains were too vivid given the time elapsed.

DNA tests found no link between Hakamada, the clothes and the blood but the high court rejected the testing methods.

National broadcaster NHK said the court's presiding judge cast doubt on the credibility of the clothes as evidence.

'There is no evidence other than the clothes that could determine Hakamada was the perpetrator, so it is clear that reasonable doubt arises,' NHK quoted presiding judge Fumio Daizen as saying.

Japan is the only major industrialised democracy other than the United States to retain capital punishment, always carried out by hanging.

The death penalty still enjoys broad public support, and debate on the issue is rare.

Supporters say nearly 50 years of detention, mostly in solitary confinement with the ever-present threat of execution, took a heavy toll on Hakamada's mental health.

He told AFP in 2018 he felt he was 'fighting a bout every day'.

Death sentences in Japan can be carried out at just a few hours' notice, and he would have spent much of his time in solitary confinement, not knowing which day would be his last.

Hideko Hakamada (front-left) and Hideyo Ogawa (second-right), a lawyer for Iwao Hakamada, share a smile in front of the Tokyo High Court on March 13 after the court ordered a retrial for Hakamada - the world's longest serving death row inmate. Hakamada's sister Hideko, who is 90, has campaigned tirelessly on her brother's behalf

Hakamada (seen left in 2018 and right in 2014) spent nearly five decades on death row and was certified the world's longest-serving death row inmate, before a lower court ordered a retrial and freed him while his case proceeded

Rights group Amnesty International welcomed Monday's ruling as a 'long-overdue chance to deliver some justice.'

'Hakamada's conviction was based on a forced 'confession' and there are serious doubts about the other evidence used against him,' said Hideaki Nakagawa, director of Amnesty International Japan.

Prosecutors 'must not appeal against today's ruling and prolong the limbo Hakamada has been in since his 'temporary release' nine years ago,' he added.

'They must allow this retrial to take place while Hakamada is still able to participate in the proceedings.'
Three hikers had their legs broken after coming under attack from angry baboons who rolled rocks over a cliff at them in South Africa.

The peeved-off primates became agitated when they saw the unusual sight of seven men abseiling down their territory in remote mountains.

The group of seven had reached a narrow ledge at a waterfall in the Banhoek Mountains near Stellenbosch when two of the hikers rapelled down.

The remaining five however suddenly came under fire from a barrage of rocks from the baboons above with a 130lb (60kg) boulder landing between them.

The giant rock exploded on impact and sent razor sharp rock shards flying like shrapnel breaking the legs of three hikers who collapsed in agony.

Three hikers had their legs broken after coming under attack from angry baboons in South Africa. Pictured: A rescuer guides a helicopter into the mountain range

The Cape baboons (similar to above) became agitated when they saw the unusual sight of seven men abseiling down their territory

One of the hikers was able to put out an SOS call and a rescue helicopter was deployed to recover the three seriously injured victims

The fourth suffered a flesh wound and the fifth was hit by part of the boulder and nearly knocked over the edge but was saved by his safety harness.

But the hikers ordeal was far from over as dozens more rocks rained down on them from the baboons above forcing them to shelter in by the cliff face.

One of the hikers despite being in such a remote area managed to make an SOS call for help and the Air Mercy Service helicopter was mobilised.

A team from Wilderness Search and Rescue was on board.

The baboons had moved on so the WSAR paramedics could be winched down and put the most seriously injured victim in a stretcher and winch him to the chopper.

They then hoisted the two other men with broken legs up to the chopper and all three were dropped off at a rendezvous point where ambulances were waiting.

The other four made their own way back down the cliffs.

WSAR spokesman Johann Marais said: 'We commend the two uninjured hikers for remaining calm and doing a fantastic job caring for the inured and wish them a speedy recovery'.

Pictured: The narrow ledge on the Banhoek Mountains in Stellenbosch where the hikers were forced to take cover to avoid the tumbling rocks

The moment that the rescue helicopter brought down the three seriously injured climbers to a safe landing zone before they were taken to hospital

The Cape baboon (pictured above) is one of the world's biggest monkeys and can weigh up to 80lbs and grow to 4 feet long

A baboon expert who specialises in rescuing the primates from urban areas said: 'Baboons are capable of throwing rocks but they can only throw them underarm.

'Their shoulder blades are at a different angle to the ribs than in humans and are flat in to their side they have to throw underarm but can throw very hard.

'Whether they were deliberately throwing the rocks at the hikers or just dislodging them I guess will never be known but that was a lot of rocks to accidentally dislodge.

'Baboons are curious and can become easily upset by things they are not used to and would be used to humans walking along cliff paths but not abseiling down them.

'It takes a lot to accidentally dislodge a 60kg boulder' she said.

All three patients are recovering after being taken to hospital.

The Cape baboon is one of the world's biggest monkeys and can weigh up to 80lbs and grow to 4 feet long not including the tail and have 5 inch teeth.

The omnivores can run at 30mph and have up to 50 in a troop and their biggest predator in the wild is leopards but they only attack if feel threatened.
The mother of a decorated Ukrainian prisoner of war who was killed by his Russian captors has revealed the 'soul-crushing' heartbreak of identifying her son in a video showing his execution.

Praskovya Demchuk, 67, told of her distress and horror at seeing the footage of Russians gunning down her son as he declared 'glory to Ukraine' to his captors.

She said her grandson, the soldier's child, was hysterical, screaming as he identified 'our daddy' in the video.

The cold-blooded shooting of electrician Oleksandr 'Sasha' Matsiyevsky, 42, by Russian invaders is now the subject of a war crimes investigation.

Matsiyevsky's body was returned to Ukraine after he was killed in the wake of losing contact with his comrades on 30 December.

Identified as the prisoner of war who stood tall, seen standing in a shallow trench, smoking, and declaring 'glory to Ukraine' as he was shot, Matsiyevsky has been posthumously honoured with the country's highest title, the Hero of Ukraine.

Praskovya Demchuk, 67, mother of Oleksandr Sasha' Matsiyevsky reveals her agony as she watched footage of her Hero PoW son being shot in cold blood for saying 'Glory to Ukraine'.

Zelensky awarded PoW electrician Oleksandr Matsievsky, pictured, his country's highest honour after he was shot in cold blood by Russian killers after declaring 'Glory to Ukraine'

Matsiyevsky and four colleagues were reportedly engaged in combat with a larger Russian contingent near Soledar on 30 December 2022 when he was captured.

His comrades are still missing in action.

Matsiyevsky's mother, Praskovya, identified her son from a video that appeared on social media on 6 March 2023.

The video shows the moment the man identified as Matsiyevsky is shot multiple times by Russian captors.

He is seen standing in a trench, smoking. Somebody out of the shot says 'film it'. The man smoking says 'glory to Ukraine' and is shot several times.

An earlier preliminary investigation by the army had suggested another Ukrainian soldier, Timofiy Shadura, 41, who had been missing since early February, was the hero.

The SBU secret service then identified the body of Matsiyevsky as the man in the video.

His mother had also identified his body - before the way he was killed was known.

'It was in the evening. I opened my phone, Facebook, and I looked at Sasha [short for Oleksandr],' she told German newspaper Bild, and Bild in Russian.

'This is the worst shot, this is a shooting. And II look and I understand, it's my son.

'And I screamed "Sasha!" It was a shock - "Sasha!"

'I look at it again and again. I stare... "Sasha! I look, it's Sasha, it's my Sasha."

'And I call Yulia, my daughter-in-law. I sent this to her on Viber. She looked and said, "yes that's our Sasha".

'Mishka [his son] confirmed it as well. That's our dad' - he was hysterical. That's our daddy, grandma it's daddy. The way he smokes, the way he stands.

'It was a terrible tantrum, it was... it was soul-crushing,' she said.

'He was crying, crying hard, just crying, sobbing into the phone.

'[Sasha] was not going to surrender, he could not take revenge on them. He had no submachine gun, no flak jacket, he was as if naked, you understand?...

'These were the last minutes of his life. What else could he do? "Glory to Ukraine!"'

Praskovya Demchuk told of how she had 'loved' Russia during the period Ukraine was a part of the Soviet Union.

Matsiyevsky was posthumously awarded the top honour for his service, the Hero of Ukraine

'I went to Russia many times.my son was working in Russia... It is very painful that people, Russian people, did this.

'And I don't know how much grief they brought to our people, so many children were left without parents, without fathers.

'It is a great sorrow. I do not know if we can forgive or not...

'They are hitting cities, houses where peaceful people sleep, and in an instant nothing is there.'

She told Suspilne media in Ukraine that the last time she saw her son, he 'crossed the house, himself, and said goodbye'.

He told her: 'Mum, thank you for life.'

An electrician before the war, Oleksandr was a fighter of the 163rd battalion of the 119th separate brigade of the territorial defence of Chernihiv region.

Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, insisted: 'There will be retribution for every such war crime. No-one can hide We will find everyone.'

Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba demanded that the International Criminal Court should launch an immediate investigation into the footage.

Praskovya Demchuck, 67, mother of Sasha Matsiyevsky, spoke of the moment she identified her son

Electrician Oleksandr Matsievskyi, 42, was identified as the man shot by Russian captors in December in a video that circulated online last week

Zelensky confers the highest honour upon Oleksandr 'Sasha' Matsiyevsky in his nightly address

President Zelensky said in his evening address that he had posthumously decorated the soldier.

'Today I conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine upon Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, a soldier,' he said in his nightly address.

'A man whom all Ukrainians will know.

'A man who will be remembered forever.

'For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine and for his 'Glory to Ukraine!'

'Glory to the Hero, Glory to the Heroes, Glory to Ukraine.'
Nicholas Tadros, the boy who survived the SeaWorld helicopter tragedy, has delivered a heartwrenching joke about having his right foot amputated.

Flanked by his dad Simon Tadros, and karate teacher Andrew Nasr, the brave 10-year-old gave a television interview two months after the tragedy claimed the life of his mum Vanessa and three others.

The western Sydney boy has been hospitalised since the chopper he was in collided with another mid-air before plummeting onto a sandbank in the Gold Coast on January 2.

He was in a coma and has undergone about 30 surgeries. Among them was a harrowing five-hour operation to remove Nicholas' badly damaged right leg from the knee down.

'At the beginning I was a bit nervous because I thought they'd get a chainsaw and chop it off, from Bunnings Warehouse,' he told A Current Affair's Allison Langdon.

Flanked by his dad Simon Tadros (left), and karate teacher Andrew Nasr (right), the brave boy gave his first television interview two months after the traumatic chopper crash

Mr Tadros said he'd lost count of all the operations and procedures his son has had, as he opened up about the initial stages when Nicholas on life support.

'Does that mean I was half dead?' Nicholas asked.

Despite being on the mend and eager to return home, the youngster admitted a normal day in hospital, even 10 weeks after the crash, still involves waking up and vomiting.

But Nicholas told Langdon he was looking forward to a McDonald's meal as his body slowly gets back on track.

'My kidney has woken up, yeah I'm having Maccas for lunch,' he said.

'Mate, that is awesome ... everybody wants you to get better,' Langdon said.

'I want to get better too,' Nicholas replied.

Nicholas' dad Simon Tadros (pictured together), who has been by his son's bedside every day since the devastating crash held his son's hand during the emotional interview

Sea World crash survivor Nicholas Tadros (pictured left with his father Simon), 10, has has undergone 30 operations including one last month where his right foot was amputated

He waved at the cameras and gave them a brave smile and thumbs up as he thanked everyone for their overwhelming support and prayers.

'Thanks Australia, I'm getting better now,' he said.

Mr Tadros told Langdon it was 'priceless' to see his son smiling and asked Nicholas if the boy would always be his right hand man.

He revealed it had been a 'daily struggle' grieving for his wife while being by his son's bedside in hospital but said the least he could do was be there for Nicholas.

The grieving husband last month shared the last moment he had with his wife Vanessa and Nicholas before the doomed aircraft took off.

The family had been on the Gold Coast for a well deserved holiday.

'I just gave them both a hug and a kiss and I said, 'Enjoy ithave fun,' he recalled.

Nicholas Tadros (pictured), 10, said he was well enough to have McDonald's now that his kidneys had 'woken up' in a segment set to broadcast across the country next week

The grieving husband shared last month about the last moment he had with his wife Vanessa and Nicholas (pictured together) before the doomed aircraft took off

'I'll see you when you get back down'.'

The doting father said he didn't join the pair because of his fear of heights.

Minutes later, Mr Tadros recalled hearing a 'big bang' and could only watch on in horror as the aircraft collided with another helicopter in mid-air.

The tragic incident claimed four lives, including Nicholas's mother Vanessa Tadros, 36, UK newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes and pilot Ash Jenkinson, 40.

Mr Tadros recalled the moment detectives informed him of the horror news his wife had died.

'Those were the worst words I've ever heard in my life,' he said.

'I was terrified. I lost my wife. To lose my son as well, that's my whole life ripped apart, that's everyone gone.'

Nicholas was on the doomed joy flight that collided with another chopper mid-air before plummeting onto a sandbank (pictured) in the Gold Coast on January 2

Mr Tadros said his son was 'keeping his spirits' despite 'still struggling on a day-to-day basis'.

'He's trying to comprehend still what really happened to him,' he said.

Mr Tadros had previously revealed the full extent of his boy's injuries.

'He broke nearly everything from top to bottom, you know, his arms, his legs, his sternum, his hips, his thighs, his legs, his arms, ribs, lungs collapsing,' Mr Tadros said.

'The only thing I think he didn't really break was his right arm. How he survived is a miracle.'
Several agents from Bureau 10 caught surfing the web without authorisation

A North Korean agent faces a firing squad after he was caught using his internet privileges to 'google' Kim Jong Un.

Several employees in the regime's secretive Bureau 10, which snoops on all internal and external electronic communications, were caught surfing the web without authorisation.

North Korea strictly curtails internet access to prevent its people learning about the outside world, and even agents must seek permission from their handlers to go online.

But a Pyongyang source said a colleague of the agents at the Ministry of State Security informed on them and a subsequent inspection revealed their illicit research.

The agents were dismissed, and one who researched Kim Jong Un now faces a firing squad, a ministry source told Daily NK, a newspaper based in neighbouring South Korea.

A North Korean agent faces a firing squad after he was caught using his internet privileges to Google Kim Jong Un (pictured on March 12)

The source said: 'Bureau 10 departments are given access to the internet, which had allowed agents to turn off their search word recording devices and search the web as much as they like without issue.

'But after a new bureau chief took over, even these previously routine issues have turned into major incidents.'

Greg Scarlatoiu, director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said the regime's attempts to prevent people from seeing information from the outside world were failing.

He said: 'Even the most trusted agents of the Kim regime are now attempting to access information from the outside world.

'The Kim family regime has stayed in power through overwhelming coercion, punishment, surveillance and information control.

'The regime continues to see the very limited information entering the country from the outside world as a grave threat to its grip on power.

'Despite the regime's efforts, the North Korean information firewall is slowly, but surely and steadily, crumbling.

'Due to information surreptitiously smuggled into the country, the oppression North Koreans face will eventually come to a swift end.'

All the individuals caught were young, having started at the bureau late last year after graduation, with some mid-ranked and some higher-ranked.

The agents who were caught surfing the web were dismissed, and one who researched Kim Jong Un (pictured March 10) now faces a firing squad

According to Daily NK, they had been developing computer programs for the country's domestic internet firewall, which monitors and controls network traffic, as well as managing remote access, bugging and security systems.

The incident has now led to a heavy crackdown in the ministry, with investigators also probing whether the agents involved had leaked illicit information to others.

The actions of the agent who had researched the leader were deemed unforgivable, since he was a 'security warrior tasked with defending the Greatest Dignity [Kim Jong Un] with his life'. 'This act alone could get him shot,' the newspaper wrote.

The article didn't specify whether Google was the search engine used, but it is one of the two leading search engines in neighbouring South Korea, along with Naver.

Only a handful of North Koreans are permitted internet access; most are expected to make do with a regime-run intranet service where the flow of information is tightly monitored.
Vladimir Putin is using deadly thermite bombs capable of burning through flesh to bring hell to Ukraine, several videos have shown.

In the most recent example from over the weekend, Russian incendiary munitions rained down on the Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, which has been all-but destroyed in brutal fighting as Moscow remains hell-bent on taking the nearby city of Bakhmut.

The footage, which emerged overnight on Saturday to Sunday, showed the deadly white flames illuminating the night's sky over the town - which had a pre-war population of 14,000 - and crashing to earth in a residential neighbourhood.

With a burn temperature of over 2,000 degrees Celsius, the weapons can easily set flammable surfaces alight, and can burn human flesh down to the bone. The payload spreads the munitions over a wide area to inflict maximum damage.

While the use of incendiary weapons is permitted against military targets, the use of such weapons against civilian targets is a war crime under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).

Footage from over the weekend showed Russian incendiary munitions raining down on the Ukrainian town of Vuhledar , which has been all-but destroyed in brutal fighting as Moscow remains hell-bent on taking the nearby city of Bakhmut

Pictured: A graphical representation of how Russia's 9M22S incendiary missiles are being used to wreak havoc against Ukrainian targets in Vladimir Putin's on-going invasion

Despite this, Russia has shown no hesitation when it comes to launching incendiary weapon attacks on civilian areas.

Several clips have emerged of such attack, showing flaming munitions being used to cause destruction on a mass scale, including a strike on the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol in May and on the town of Ozerne in September.

Is is thought that the weapon used in the most recent video, as well as the other footage from Azovstal, Ozerne and elsewhere, is the 122mm Grad 9M22S Rocket.

Launched by the Soviet-era BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system, the warhead of the surface-to-surface 9M22S contains 180 un-fuzed incendiary elements (ML-5s) which are ejected as the missile is a few hundred feet above its target.

Each single ML-5 is a hexagonal-shaped magnesium casing packed with a thermite-type pyrotechnic composition.

The 180 ML-5s are packed in a matrix into the rocket's 9N510 warhead, and eject when above their target - raining fire down from above.

With the missile designed to ignite vegetation, fuel and buildings, each munition has a burn time of at least two minutes to increase the chances of fires breaking out.

The weapons are often confused with phosphorus munitions - another type of deadly incendiary weapon, also used to create smoke and to illuminate large areas.

The effect is that which has been seen in several videos from Ukraine. From a distance, they look almost like fireworks as they burst across the sky.

But for anyone underneath the detonation, it is a terrifying spectacle. Thousands of white-hot flames rain down, scorching the earth and leaving nowhere to hide.

The use of incendiary bombs against civilian targets is outlawed by a UN treaty signed by Russia, Ukraine and 123 others. Nevertheless, such weapons have been used repeatedly by Putin's forces since its invasion began on February 24, 2022.

Moscow's forces have also been accused of using such weapons in the Syrian Civil war as well, in its alliance with Bashar al-Assad's government.

The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons bans the use of specific types of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering to combatants or to affect civilians indiscriminately, such as chemical weapons, cluster bombs or incendiary weapons.

The CCW protocol, signed in 1980, defines incendiary weapons as 'any weapon or munition which is primarily designed to set fire to objects or to cause burn injury to persons through the action of flame, heat, or a combination thereof, produced by a chemical reaction of a substance delivered on the target.'

MARIUPOL: Russian Incendiary munitions fall over the vast Azovstal steel plant, in a terrifying video posted to social media in May showing the relentless siege against the city's defenders

OZERNE: A terrifying cascade of Russian incendiary shells rains down on the Ukrainian village in apocalyptic footage shared by its defence ministry in September

In this sense, incendiary weapons have been used in warfare for centuries, be it during clashes on the battlefield, in sieges or in naval battles.

Flaming arrows, burning oil and lit trebuchet-launched missiles were among some of the staples of medieval warfare. Later, gunpowder was invented leading to the invention of fire lances, explosive cannons and other firearms.

More recently, modern flame throwers were deployed in the trenches in the First and Second World Wars, and later in Vietnam and Korea - as were Napalm bombs, which were dropped from planes on to enemy positions to devastating effect.

Thermite and other incendiary munitions are seen as the modern continuation of these forms of deadly weapons, which are deployed to strike targets across a large area when more precise strikes are not possible.

But it is for this reason that such weapons can also have a catastrophic effect on civilians. By indiscriminately striking a large area, the chance that innocents can be harmed or killed in such attacks is greatly increased.

And the harm caused by incendiary weapons can be horrific.

Thermite is a mixture made up of metal such as aluminium and iron oxide and can be used as an incendiary weapon, in a similar way to napalm.

The projectiles are incredibly hot - enough to destroy military equipment - and create fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish once lit.

The flammable thermite content of Russia's incendiary bombs burns at 2,200C, and can burn human flesh right down to the bone.

Victims of incendiary weapon attacks can suffer fourth and even fifth-degree burns that damage skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bones - that can also lead to severe infections, shock and death.

The treatment for such injuries is excruciating. Dressings must be changed daily and any dead skin removed in a process that has been likened to being 'flayed alive' by some first-hand accounts, according to Human Right's Watch - which describes the weapons as 'the cruellest in modern warfare'.

Pictured: Incendiary munitions are seen striking a residential area in Gaza in a report by Human Right's Watch

Pictured: A victim of a incendiary weapon attack shows a burn on their hand

Incendiary weapons 'contain various chemical compounds that inflict excruciating burns, respiratory damage, and psychological trauma,' the group says.

'The burning of homes, infrastructure, and crops causes socioeconomic harm. People who survive often experience lifelong suffering.'

Human Right's Watch, which has long called for more restrictions to be put on the use of incendiary weapons, said in November that it had documented at least 40 surface-launched incendiary weapons attacks during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It has also recorded the use of such weapons in Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, it said in the report.

Pictures from Syria since the civil war broke of people injured by incendiary weapons show the human reality of such attacks. Deep wounds that will never heal were seared into the flesh of victims, leaving them with life-long scars. Children and adults alike were left deformed and disfigured, never to be the same again.

Following the bombing of the Azovstal steelworks in May, Serhiy Haidai - the Governor of Luhansk Oblast - called the Russian attackers war criminals and compared their actions to that of the Nazis in the Second World War.

A day after the bombing, on May 16, Ukraine's prosecutor's office launched an investigation into the possible use of incendiary bombs against the plant.

At the time, a group of Ukrainian soldiers were held up inside to make a final stand against Russia's invaders in Mariupol. Civilians were also sheltered there.

In June, Russia was accused of deliberately targeting Ukraine's vast wheat fields with incendiary weapons in an attempt to ruin the country's harvest.

Ukraine is considered the 'bread basket of Europe,' with its harvest being vital not only to its own population, but to millions of others around the world as well.

And then in September, the then-recently liberated village of Ozerne was targeted by Kremlin forces just days after it was recaptured amid Kyiv 's stunning counter-offensive, with what appeared to be the same weapons from Azovstal.

As with the bombing of the steelworks, terrifying drone footage showed a cascade of fire raining down on the town, hitting buildings and lighting up the streets.

Speaking to Australian science magazine Cosmos, University of Queensland researcher Dr Lauren Sanders said in July 'the use of force in armed conflict must be only directed at legitimate military objects or persons.'

However, she said, in the case of Ukraine, 'it appears that the Russian military is purposefully and unlawfully attacking civilians and civilian targets.'

'This has been a problem documented since the commencement of their so-called special military operation in Ukraine,' the researcher specialising in international humanitarian law said at the time.

Ukraine and Western leaders have accused Russia of war crimes in both Syria and Ukraine, and have said Russian soldiers and leaders would one day be held accountable in a courtroom.

In addition to being accused of indiscriminately bombing civilian centres with artillery, cluster bombs and incendiary weapons, Russian soldiers have also been accused of kidnapping, raping, torturing and executing civilians and PoWs.
A former star of The Office, Rainn Wilson, said there is anti-Christian bias in Hollywood after episode 8 of The Last Of Us had a Bible-reading character turn into a 'horrific villain'.

In the episode, main character Ellie comes across a group of survivors led by David (portrayed by Scott Shepherd) a 'cult-leading cannibal who keeps quoting the Bible', according to the Daily Wire.

The former The Office star Rainn Wilson wrote about the character on Twitter: 'I do think there is an anti-Christian bias in Hollywood.

'As soon as the David character in "The Last of Us" started reading from the Bible I knew that he was going to be a horrific villain. Could there be a Bible-reading peracher on a show who is actually loving and kind?'

The tweet comes in the middle of the controversy surrounding this year's Oscars, as many criticised the awards for not being 'diverse enough' and the Best Actress winner Jamie Lee Curtis urged the Academy to consider genderless acting categories.

Former star of The Office, Rainn Wilson (pictured), said there is anti-Christian bias in Hollywood after episode 8 of The Last Of Us had a Bible-reading character turn into a 'horrific villain'

In the episode, main character Ellie comes across a group of survivors led by David (portrayed by Scott Shepherd), a 'cult-leading cannibal who keeps quoting the Bible' (pictured: Scott Shepherd as David in The Last Of Us)

Many Twitter users agreed with Mr Wilsons's tweet, with one saying that the 'defamation of Christianity' had become one of Hollywood's major 'unoriginal and tired' cliches.

Another added that making Christians the bad guy in a show was the norm nowadays.

Mr Wilson's My Super Ex-Girlfriend cast-mate Stelio Savante expressed his agreement with the actor and said he agrees with him 'wholeheartedly' and added: 'But unfortunately, Christophobia and Christophobic sentiment are alive and well in our industry.'

The Last Of Us, based on a video game with the same name, is a critical and commercial hit for US channel HBO.

The first season, which was wrapped up with the season finale last night, Sunday March 12, has followed the harrowing journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal - who discussed the show while eating wings on Hot Ones last week) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by the mutated cordyceps virus.

HBO announced when it renewed The Last of Us that the series premiere episode has surpassed 22 million viewers through on-demand formats, five times the audience for the linear broadcast.

Joel has been tasked with protecting Ellie, who has a mysterious immunity to the virus, in hopes to find a cure.

In episode 8 of the popular show, which raked in 8.1 million viewers, Ellie kills cult-leader David in self-defence after he tried to rape her.

One commenter pointed out that David wasn't actually a pastor in the video game: 'As SOON as the pastor started reading from the Bible I knew he was going to be awful.

'I was like "watch that guy be David the creepy cannibal from the video game." And then it was David. Shocked.

'Surprised. Never seen it before. He wasnt a pastor in the video game.'

The character in the popular TV show was revealed to not be Christian after all, something one Twitter user said was 'the most interesting thing about this on the show'.

Others also criticised naming the character David.

Writer Isaac Goodwin said: 'Hollywood doesn't know how to portray a genuine Christ follower.

'Any born again Christian knows David was not a true Christian.'

Rainn Wilson is best known for playing comedy favourite Dwight Schrute in the US version of The Office.

He has also recently lend his voice to the Smurf villain Gargamel in Smurfs: The Lost Village.

He is open about his views on topics like climate change, and back in November, the 57-year-old even changed his name on his social media platforms to 'Rainnfall Heat Wave Extreme Winter Wilson'.

He explained on Twitter: 'As the polar caps melt, it drives up the risk throughout the world, including extreme weather events that affect all of us.

'So as a cheap little stunt to help save Planet Earth, I've changed my name on Twitter, Instagram, and even on my fancy writing paper...because I'm an Arctic risk name changer, which is going to be a game changer.

'Our mission at Arctic Basecamp is to raise awareness of the global risks of Arctic weather change - it's not just bad news for the Arctic, but for us too.'

'That's why I changed my name, and you should too - to help tell the world leaders and influencers that we need to act now.

'So I'm reaching out to you and lots of folks in show business to change their names.'
Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt from senior moderate Tories over his hardline immigration policy ahead of a key Commons vote tonight.

Former chancellor George Osborne and ex-immigration minister Caroline Nokes both criticised the move to tackle Channel migrants and the rhetoric around the Illegal Migration Bill.

Ms Nokes said she would defy the party whip and refuse to back the bill tonight, warning it 'criminalises' pregnant women and children, and fails to act as a deterrent.

Former home Secretary Priti Patel is also reported to have concerns that the Bill will result in unaccompanied children and families being detained and then deported.

Meanwhile, Mr Osborne criticised the Government's rhetoric around immigration as voiced his support for BBC presenter Gary Lineker.

'Personally I think some of the language used on immigration by some Conservatives - not all - is not acceptable,' he told Channel 4's The Andrew Neil Show.

Former Tory immigration minister Caroline Nokes said she would defy the party whip and refuse to back the Illegal Migration Bill, warning it 'criminalises' pregnant women and children

Meanwhile, ex-chancellor George Osborne criticised the Government's rhetoric around immigration as he came out in support of Gary Lineker

The Government's plans, announced last week, would see migrants who arrive through unauthorised means deported and given a lifetime ban from returning

Gary Lineker, pictured outside his south-west London home, will be back on TV this weekend

Mr Osborne added: 'I have a lot of sympathy for Tim Davie, the director-general, who's trying to maintain impartiality for the BBC in a partisan age. But it's all ended up in a bit of a mess.'

The Government's plans, announced last week, would see migrants who arrive through unauthorised means deported and given a lifetime ban from returning.

Anyone who crosses the Channel in a small boat would only be eligible for asylum in a 'safe' third country, such as Rwanda.

Powers would be granted to detain migrants for 28 days without recourse for bail or judicial review, and then indefinitely for as long as there is a 'reasonable prospect' of removal.

It also places a duty on Home Secretary Suella Braverman to remove illegal entrants and it will 'radically narrow the number of challenges and appeals that can suspend removal'.

Ms Nokes, now chairman of the women and equalities committee, pledged to rebel against the measure when it gets its second reading tonight.

She also voted against last year's Nationality and Borders Act.

Later, fellow Conservative MP Chris Skidmore has said he will not vote for the bill either.

The backbencher, a former minister who is standing down at the next general election, tweeted: 'I am not prepared to break international law or the human rights conventions that the UK has had a proud history of playing a leading role in establishing.

'I will not be voting for the bill tonight.'

It came hours after a Tory council leader said the Government's migrant plan puts children's safety at risk as a row threatens to break out within the Conservative Party.

Ms Nokes told Times Radio: 'I can't vote for this. I didn't vote for the last one, I won't be voting for this one.

'I might be an outlier in my party but I think we have an absolute duty to treat people humanely to keep people safe. I have absolute horror at the prospect.

'My concern in the first instance about this Bill is that it's removing protections for pregnant women, for families.

'I am deeply troubled at the prospect of a policy which seeks to criminalise children, pregnant women, families and remove them to Rwanda.

'I fail to see what this legislation is going to do to act as a deterrent.'

Earlier Izzi Seccombe, Tory leader of Warwickshire County Council, said local authorities have to 'jump through hoops' to set up safe shelters for children.

She criticised the Home Office for failing to communicate properly with councils over the migrant plan. 'We are putting people in risky situations,' Mrs Seccombe told Times Radio.

'That cannot be good for us as a society. I wish we had better communications with the Home Office because it's very poor. We are the ones on the ground who have to deal with these issues.'

Her comments came hours after the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, called the Bill 'immoral and inept'.

He said: 'The proposals are unworkable but will restrict access to support for many legitimate refugees and victims of modern slavery, without even the dignity of having their case heard.'

A ban on holding children who arrive in small boats in detention centres may be reversed. Senior Tories, including ex-Cabinet minister Robert Buckland, have condemned the plans as 'draconian'.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Sunday did not rule out the prospect of children being detained under the Government's latest asylum plans.

He said 'special arrangements' would be made for children, but would not be drawn on whether the Government will effectively overturn a ban - put in place by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government - on minors being detained in relation to immigration cases.
Hugh Grant has been condemned by publications across the globe for his 'painfully awkward' red carpet interview with model Ashley Graham at the Oscars last night.

Many have hit out at the 62-year-old actor for lacking enthusiasm as he responded to the 34-year-old's questions on the red carpet at the Los Angeles event.

Grant has been lambasted by media at home and abroad for shutting down the enthusiastic reporter and even rolling his eyes during the 'excruciating' interview.

However, many have rushed to defend the actor, insisting that it was just Grant's typical British humour, while others deflected the scathing criticism towards Graham for her 'dull' questions.

ABC host Graham had begun her interview with the question: 'Whats your favourite thing about coming to the Oscars?'

Hugh Grant has been condemned by publications from across the globe for his 'painfully awkward' red carpet interview with Ashley Graham

The actor replied that the night was 'fascinating' and added 'The whole of humanity is here. Its vanity fair.'

His interviewer shot back: 'Oh, its all about Vanity Fair' presumably believing Grant was making reference to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, which was due to start straight after the awards.

But it is more likely Grant was making a reference to the 1848 William Thackeray novel, that is noted for its descriptions of the English elite gathering and gossiping.

Poll Who was to blame for car-crash Hugh Grant-Ashley Graham Oscars interview? Hugh Grant Ashley Graham Who was to blame for car-crash Hugh Grant-Ashley Graham Oscars interview? Hugh Grant 191 votes

Ashley Graham 986 votes Now share your opinion





When Graham pressed him on who he was most excited to see at the awards, Grant said: 'Um, no one in particular.'

Swiftly moving the conversation on, the model asked: 'What are you wearing?' Grant offered an insightful: 'My suit.'

Graham went on to ask: 'What was it like to be in Glass Onion? How fun is it to shoot something like that?'

But she was met with a slightly awkward response: 'Well, I'm barely in it, I was in it for about three seconds,' Grant replied.

'It still must have been fun though, you had fun right?' Graham said as she powered through the hat.

'Erm... almost,' the actor replied as he looked away.

In the fallout since, Norwegian publication TV2 wrote 'What a piece of s**t', in reference to the social media backlash he has endured, below a picture of the Notting Hill actor.

Meanwhile, FranceDaily ran the headline: 'Hugh Grant rolls his eyes after painfully awkward Oscars red carpet interview'.

In a brutal assessment of the The Four Weddings and a Funeral star's interview, the article opened by saying: 'Why stop doing a red carpet interview if you're going to be an a**hole on live TV?

'That's the question we have for Hugh Grant, who literally rolled his eyes after rejecting every one of Ashley Graham's questions during the Oscar pre-show airing on ABC on Sunday.'

But in response to the backlash Grant has faced, many users flocked to social media to defend the actor. One said: 'Her questions were dull and she didnt catch his vanity fair comment sorry Ashley but this is on you.'

FranceDaily did not hold back on Grant for his 'painfully awkward' interview as they accused him of being an 'a**hole on live TV'

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero also weighed in on the backlash, accusing 'bored' Grant of assuming a 'rude attitude during the interview'

Many flocked to social media to defend Grant and instead deflected the criticism onto Graham

Meanwhile another added: 'Not only [was Graham] boring, she missed his reference to vanity fair, thinking he was referring to the after party and she obviously did not see the movie he was in because if she had she wouldnt of asked the question she did.'

A third simply said: 'The "problem" was with Ashley - not with Hugh. And a fourth added: 'Everybody is criticizing him, but I dont think it what he said was personal against Ashley Graham. I think its just his and his sarcasm'.

But Italian newspaper Il Messaggero sided with Graham, accusing Grant of assuming a 'rude attitude during the interview, responding with a bored, blatantly uninterested way'.

They added: 'Despite the journalist's attempts to establish a normal dialogue, the face of "Notting Hill" has chosen monosyllables and sometimes contemptuous.'

Germany news website Bild also condemned the actor for behaving 'completely wrong' and asked: 'Aren't you ashamed, Mr. Grant?'

Norwegian publication TV2 ran the headline, 'What a piece of s***' below a picture of the Notting Hill actor in reference to the social media backlash he has received

Meanwhile, US magazine Rolling Stone did not hold back either, stating: 'Hugh Grant had a bad night, coming off as the ceremonys unchallenged b***** queen. He did a red-carpet interview with Ashley Graham, rolling his eyes and complaining about not having enough screen time in Glass Onion.'

The outlet also took to their social media channels to have a dig at Grant, tweeting: 'And the Oscar for Best Actress goes to Ashley Graham telling Hugh Grant "it was nice to talk to you".'

Grant's interview has been felt far and wide, with Greek publication OEMA running the headline, which was perhaps a little lost in translation: 'Killing Rude Hugh Grant and Ashley Graham's Snob Interview at the Oscars'. They too criticised Grant for being 'awkward' and 'brief'.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post labelled Grant's interview as 'excruciating' and Swedish paper Expressen simply asked: 'But what are you saying, Hugh Grant?'

US magazine Rolling Stone jokingly hailed Ashley Graham as Best Actress for 'telling Hugh Grant "it was nice to talk to you"'

Greek newspaper OEMA launched a scathing attack on Hugh Grant for being a 'snob' in the interview. The headline was perhaps a little lost in translation

Swedish paper Expressen simply asked: 'But what are you saying, Hugh Grant?' as global media lambasted the actor

Italian website Corriere rated Grant's performance at the Oscars a four out of 10 and branded him 'mischievous'

The Washington Post went as far to say that Hugh Grant's interview with Ashley Graham was 'excruciating'

Euro.esEuro slammed Grant for the 'uncomfortable interview' at the 95th Annual Academy Awards

Italian website Corriere rated different actors' displays at the Oscars - and Grant was not judged highly. The Love Actually star was given a four out of 10 and branded 'mischievous'.

They said 'he did everything to dampen the enthusiasm of the interviewer'.

It momentarily took away from a stunning night in Hollywood, where Everything Everywhere All At Once won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while Michelle Yeoh won Best Actress for her role in the film.

Brendan Fraser completed his incredible career comeback with a Best Actor win for his role in The Whale.
Defiant workers at an Amazon depot in Coventry are staging a five-day strike from today with a picket set to last until Friday evening.

Workers with GMB Union previously walked out on February 28 and March 2 after voting to strike in an industrial ballot last December.

But today heralds the start of the longest period of disruption, as around 310 workers are on strike this week to demand improved pay and conditions.

The workers had become the first ever UK employees of the online giant to take strike action on January 25, earning praise from Labour's Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana who said they were 'making history'.

GMB Union estimates the industrial action will cost Amazon more than 2 million

Amazon is the world's second largest retailer after Walmart and it has so far refused to recognise the GMB union, in line with its approach to organised labour across the globe.

Around 310 workers at Amazon's depot in Coventry are on strike this week to demand improved pay and conditions

The firm has regularly raised arguments over why its employees should not unionise.

The Coventry workers who have chosen to go on strike represent a minority of the 1,400 staff at the depot. They are seeking wages of 15 an hour - a 43% increase from the 10.50 rate they are paid.

Amazon offered a 5% rise, equating to another 50p an hour. The national living wage is 10.42 an hour for employees over 23 and is the legal minimum.

Amanda Gearing, a GMB senior organiser, said: 'Its crunch time for Amazon top brass and this unprecedented week-long strike shows the anger among Amazon workers in Coventry.

'They work for one of the richest companies in the world, yet they have to work round the clock to keep themselves afloat.

'Its sickening that Amazon workers in Coventry will earn just 8 pence above the NMW in April 2023.

'Amazon bosses can stop this industrial action by doing the right thing and negotiating a proper pay rise with workers.'

Amazon is the world's second largest retailer after Walmart and it has so far refused to recognise the GMB union, in line with its approach to organised labour across the globe (Pictured: Amazon fulfillment centre in Coventry)

Ms Gearing said workers 'have shown they're willing to put themselves on the line to fight for what's right'.

She added: 'But people working for one of the most valuable companies in the world shouldn't have to threaten strike action just to win a wage they can live on.

'GMB urges Amazon UK bosses to give workers a proper pay rise and avoid industrial action.'

An Amazon spokesman said: 'A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved. In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot - and that includes those who voted against industrial action.

'We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and were proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between 10.50 and 11.45 per hour, depending on location.

'This represents a 29 per cent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018.

'Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands moreincluding private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few.'
A worker arrives to the Signature Bank headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 12. Reuters-Yonhap



State regulators closed New York-based Signature Bank on Sunday, days after California authorities shuttered Silicon Valley Bank, in a collapse that roiled global markets and left billions of dollars of uninsured deposits belonging to companies and investors stranded.



The U.S. Treasury Department and other bank regulators said in a joint statement on Sunday that all depositors of Signature Bank will be made whole, and "no losses will be borne by the taxpayer."



New York banking regulators appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver for later disposition of the bank's assets. Signature Bank reported deposit balances totaling $89.17 billion as of March 8.



Representatives for Signature Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



The bank's failure followed Silicon Valley Bank's Friday shutdown, the largest failure since Washington Mutual went bust in 2008 during the financial crisis.






A child killer who abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered a three-year-old toddler will stay behind bars after being refused parole for the seventh time.

Shaun Armstrong, now 60, had his latest application turned down without being given an oral hearing by a three-person Parole Board.

And in a rare move, Armstrong was told he would not be able to make his case face-to-face with the Parole Board - and would have to wait until 2025 to apply for parole again.

The board also refused to sanction a move to a Category D open prison.

Armstrong is serving a life sentence for the horrific murder of little Rosie Palmer in the seaside port town of Hartlepool, County Durham, in June 1994.

Shaun Armstrong, now 60, had his seventh parole application turned down without even being given an oral hearing by a three-person Parole Board

Rosie was abducted when buying a lolly from an ice cream van. Her partially clothed and mutilated body was found stuffed in a bin liner in a flat 50 metres from her home days after he had snatched her.

Armstrong had a history of psychiatric problems and a year before the murder he had been identified as 'likely to be a risk to any child he comes into contact with'. But he was released from hospital and rehoused near the family.

A subsequent report into the standard of his psychiatric care found a number of failings.

Armstrong was convicted of Rosie's murder at Leeds Crown Court in July 1995.

In 2006 a High Court judge set the minimum term at 16 years.

The Parole Board now said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Shaun Armstrong following a paper review in January 2023. The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison.

'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.

'Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.

'Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.'

The abduction and murder of Rosie shocked the nation in the mid 1990s and even sparked a debate about the return of the death penalty for child killers.

Armstrong snatched Rosie after she had purchased an ice lolly from an ice cream van just 20 metres from her home in Henrietta Street on June 30, 1994.

The body of little Rosie was found inside a bin liner in Armstrong's home on July 3, 1994

Rosie's body was later found inside a bin liner in Armstrong's home on July 3 , 1994.

Armstrong, then 32, had a history of psychiatric problems and was known to neighbours as 'Tony the Pervert'.

In March 1993, a social worker had warned that Armstrong was 'likely to be a risk to any child he comes into contact with', but Cleveland County Council failed to act on the report.

Armstrong was convicted of Rosie's murder on July 27, 1995.

The case sparked huge anger and highlighted a number of issues including communication between governmental agencies, standards of psychiatric care and the conduct of the police search.

A report on the psychiatric care given to Armstrong was published in June 1996, with the local health authority criticising the care as 'inadequate and full of shortcomings'.

But the report added that the murder of Palmer 'could not have been predicted'.

In June 1997, Rosie's mother Beverley Yates launched a 200,000 compensation claim against Tees Health Authority and Hartlepool and East Durham NHS Trust - alleging negligence for allowing Armstrong to be released from their care.

This was thought to be the first damages claim against a health authority or NHS trust by a relative of someone murdered by a released patient.

But the claim was struck out in February 1998 in the High Court by Master Hodgson, who ruled that Armstrong had made no direct threat against Rosie and her family.

He said: 'In the absence of such a specific threat I think it is impossible, as the law currently stands, for me to hold that the hospital in these circumstances owes effectively a duty (of care) to the world at large.'

The case hit the headlines again in September 2001, when it was revealed that Armstrong had been granted legal aid to sue the author Bernard O'Mahoney, who had posed as a woman to gain Armstrong's trust.

Armstrong had confessed to O'Mahoney in letters from prison, which directly contributed to him pleading guilty.

He wanted 15,000, but dropped the claim in June 2002.

Armstrong's minimum term meant he was eligible for parole in July 2010.

In 2006, judge Mr Justice Crane said the horrific murder might have resulted in a whole life tariff if it had occurred at that time.

The judge said the 'murder of a child involving the abduction of the child or sexual or sadistic motivation normally now results in a whole life order'.

He added: 'It may well be that the degree of mental disorder and the plea of guilty would have led a sentencing judge to conclude that those normal consequences would not follow.'

The minimum term would likely have been 28 years and six months 'on today's principles', the judge added.

He continued: 'Even if greater weight were given to the applicant's mental state, a term of not less than 25 years would be inevitable.
He said this stopped him from being able to carry out his police work effectively

A retired St. Louis, Missouri, homicide detective says district attorney Kim Gardner led a 'concerted effort to break the system down' after he and other officers were placed on an 'exclusion list' which prevented them from carrying out police work.

Roger Murphey, who left the police force in 2021, said he had to ask other officers to file paperwork like warrants and subpoenas for him after George Soros-backed District Attorney Kimberly Gardner placed him on the infamous 'exclusion list'.

It is thought that around 75 police officers could be on Gardner's list which prevents them from bringing cases to her office and fulfilling the scope of their law enforcement work. They are also gagged from speaking out about the list.

'The system broke down, completely broke down. The police didn't break it down. Kim Gardner broke it down,' Murphey told Fox News Digital.

Gardner addressed the infamous list in 2019, arguing that they were officers who had credibility concerns and whose 'integrity is compromised'. The DA did not elaborate further.

Gardner, who was backed by billionaire George Soros in her election, has come under increased scrutiny for her approach to prosecution in St. Louis.

Roger Murphey (pictured), who left the police force in 2021, said he had to ask other officers to file paperwork like warrants and subpoenas for him

George Soros-backed District Attorney Kimberly Gardner (pictured) placed dozens of officers on the infamous 'exclusion list'

Murphey said all he could do was sit there 'collecting dust and just collecting a paycheck' as the 'exclusion list' prevented him from carrying out his police work.

'So what good am I here for the citizens? So I said, Well, I'm going to retire to turn my papers in,' Murphey said.

The St. Louis Police Pension Board outlined that 819 police officers have left Gardner's department since the DA entered the office in 2017. Between 2017 and 2019, an average of 119 police officers left the department each year.

Other than being cut off from submitting police paperwork, some cases are shut down completely if an officer on the list is viewed to be an essential witness. If Gardner's office views the key officer as without integrity and biased, the case may not be brought for prosecution at all.

'This was a political effort by her (Gardner), had nothing to do with bias,' Murphy told Fox News Digital.

'If it was true, if it was biased, then take me in front a judge, show proof that I'm biased  and she hasn't done that. If I'm biased, why did you have to have a secret list, you know? Because I'm not biased. Why was an order given out not to talk about it? No transparency.'

He added: 'I'm here 26 and a half years. Open all my cases up. Bring it forward. Why are you not reopening these cases? And the simple answer is because she's lying.

'And it was a political stunt because she wanted less policemen on the force, less arrests, and it made arrests go down.'

Investor and philanthropist George Soros has spent at least $40 million on the project to fund DA campaigns. He is pictured at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, May 24, 2022

Kimberly Gardner (pictured) received about $116,000 from George Soros-backed PACs

Murphey said he was placed on the list for two social media posts - one of which was critical of the DA and her approach to prosecuting crime. The retired officer said you would be 'blackballed' by Gardner if you were openly critical of her.

'She's got very thin skin. She's a very shallow person, in my opinion. And her whole thing was, we're not going to incarcerate and not put anybody in jail. Well, that's not what police departments are created for. We're created to provide protection to the citizens,' Murphey told Fox News Digital.

The list was created in 2018 after Philadelphia-based Plain View Project studied thousands of Facebook posts from St Louis officers.

Some of the posts were found to display the Confederate flag, suggesting Black History Month was racist, supporting roughing up protesters, and mocking foreign accents.

Addressing the list in 2019, when 22 officers were 'excluded' for their social media posts, Gardner said in a press release: 'When a police officer's integrity is compromised in this manner, it compromises the entire criminal justice system and our overall ability to pursue justice.

'After careful examination of the underlying bias contained in those social media posts, we have concluded that this bias would likely influence an officer's ability to perform his or her duties in an unbiased manner.'

Gardner is one of many liberal attorneys who Goerge Soros has thrown millions behind.

Soros has effectively bankrolled the campaigns of district attorneys across the country to implement a liberal vision of criminal prosecution.

Billionaire investor George Soros attends the Schumpeter Award in Vienna, Austria June 21, 2019

He has spent at least $40 million on the project, wrote Matt Palumbo, author of The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros.

As a direct result, crime has skyrocketed in major cities overseen by Soros's DAs. In 2021 under Kim Foxx's reign, Chicago had the most murders it's seen since 1994. And in Philadelphia, drug use and violent crime have seen a surge since Larry Krasner took office.

Kimberly Gardner received about $116,000 from Soros-backed PACs and his Vera Institute of Justice.

Under her watch, murder in St. Louis his a 50-year high and fewer and fewer felonies have been prosecuted.
Body camera footage shows the moment Ukrainian soldiers burst forward in a charge across no man's land, pinning down enemies before breaching a position near Bakhmut.

Gunfire is heard as members of the 24th Assault Battalion Aidar move across open ground, suppressing opposing forces with a spray of automatic fire as they push towards cover.

The men take brief respite, stacking up against a wall as another soldier looks to breach one of the buildings.

The Battalion is on the frontline of the city, fighting for control of the region which has been the longest-running and bloodiest battle of Moscow's invasion.

Ukraine said today that Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which has claimed to be leading Moscow's charge for the industrial city, was pushing forward into the industrial city.

'Wagner assault units are advancing from several directions, trying to break through our troops' defensive positions and move to the centre of the city,' the Ukrainian military said in a morning briefing. 'In fierce battles, our defenders are inflicting significant losses on the enemy.'

Russia suffered its deadliest day of the war over the weekend with 1,090 claimed to have died on Saturday amid the desperate push for control of the city.

Ukrainian forces use suppressive fire to push up to a damaged house around the Bakhmut area

The squad move up to the building and look around to see damaged homes around the city

Soldiers stack up outside of the building and prepare to breach and enter the position

In scenes that have been described by infantry as 'worse than Stalingrad', Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin also acknowledged that his forces were coming up against determined resistance.

'The situation in Bakhmut is difficult, very difficult. The enemy is battling for every metre,' Prigozhin said in a post on social media.

He added: 'The closer we are to the city centre, the more difficult the battles get and the more artillery there is... Ukrainians are throwing endless reserves [at the fight].'

Ukraine has said its strategy with the defence of Bakhmut is to degrade Russia's ability to launch any further offensive in the coming months and buy time to ready its bid to recapture ground.

Russian 'human wave'-style attacks have rapidly depleted forces in recent months.

Russia is reported to have lost about 159,800 personnel, 3,474 tanks and 6,774 armoured combat vehicles since the start of the war, as of 13 March 2023.

Last week, elite armoured divisions were reported to have mutinied, tasked with another suicidal drive forward in Vuhledar, also in Donetsk.

The Ukrainian defenders claimed last week that Russia's best units are pinned down in Bakhmut and said that they intend to continue to hold on, despite NATO warnings the city could fall within days.

Russia's Wagner Group has reportedly been able to open recruitment centres to maintain the push into Bakhmut, despite intelligence that Prigozhin has likely lost access to recruiting from Russian prisons due to his ongoing clashes with the Russian MoD.

Russian forces have been conducting assault operations on the city of Bakhmut since August 2022.

By December, Zelensky reported that Russian shelling had turned the city into 'burnt ruins'.

The slow war of attrition pushed both sides into murky, sodden trenches through the winter, hammered by artillery and trapped in close quarter battle (CQB) engagements.

Kyiv has cautioned that the city's fall would give Russian forces a clear path into the contested Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, which the Kremlin claimed to annex last year.

The victory for Putin would also offer a symbolic victory after being largely repelled from Ukraine in the early months of the war.

In mid-January, Russian forces celebrated the capture of the small town of Soledar to Bakhmut's north.

The Ukrainian retreat at the end of January, deemed necessary to 'preserve our personnel', edges Russian forces further west.

The Russian victory over Soledar came at the cost of 'colossal resources in lives and equipment', said military command spokesperson Colonel Sergei Cherevaty.

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  across a muddy quagmire. As Russian forces move in, the window to retreat is closing, but Ukraine is determined to continue its defence of the symbolic city

Ukrainian serviceman makes the victory sign as he moves towards Bakhmut, 11 March

A Ukrainian serviceman looks on from a BMP-2 approaching the city of Bakhmut, 11 March

A volunteer prepares ammunition to fire at Russian positions near Bakhmut on 11 March

A Ukrainian Volunteer Army soldier uses his mobile phone near the frontline on Saturday 11

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now more than a year old, has seen arms imports into Europe almost double in 2022, driven by massive shipments to Kyiv, which has become the world's third-largest arms destination, researchers said Monday.

'The invasion has really caused a significant surge in demand for arms in Europe, which will have further effect and most likely will lead to increased arms imports by European states,' Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), told AFP.

Russia's attack has had 'devastating' consequences for children in residential institutions, with thousands transferred to occupied territories or to Russia, Human Rights Watch also said Monday.

'This brutal war has starkly shown the need to end the perils faced by children who were institutionalised,' said Bill Van Esveld, associate children's rights director at the New York-based organisation.

At least several thousand children have been transferred to Russia or occupied territories, the report said.
A three-year-old girl accidentally shot and killed her sister, 4, after finding a loaded semi-automatic pistol in their Houston apartment while their parents had friends over and left them unattended.

The accidental shooting happened in the family home on Sunday, March 12, at 8pm local time in Houston, Texas.

The two girls were left unsupervised in a bedroom in the apartment as one parent thought the other was watching them, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

There were also five adults - family members and friends - present in the apartment on Bammel North Houston Road, among which were the girls' parents.

It is believed that the three-year-old found a loaded semi-automatic pistol and shot once, striking her four-year-old sister, the sheriff said.

The accidental shooting happened in the family home on Sunday, March 12, at 8pm local time in Houston, Texas. The two girls were left unsupervised in a bedroom in the apartment as one parent thought the other was watching them, the Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said (file image)

The adults rushed into the bedroom after the single shot was fired to find the four-year-old unresponsive.

They secured the firearm and called the emergency services via 911. The toddler was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff Gonzalez said: 'It just seems like another tragic story of, again, a child gaining access to a firearm and hurting someone else and this time there was a fatal shot.'

'Our hearts are broken. Our deputies are pretty shaken up,' Gonzalez continued, noting that support personnel would be at the scene to assist the officers and family members.

'The community is impacted when a child loses their life in this way,' he said and added that the shooting was another avoidable gun death.

'We continue to send the message that this is very preventable.

'You've got to be sure you're being a responsible gun owner, securing your weapons in a safe place. It's got to be more than just telling young kids not to touch the weapons.

'You know, we've got to do a little more. We see far too many tragic situations like this unfold.'

The Harris County District Attorney's Office will decide whether any of the adults will face charges based on the police investigation, which is still in the preliminary phase, according to Gonzalez.

Advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety analysed data on shootings so far in 2023 and found that there have been at least 58 unintentional shootings by children in the US, which resulted in 22 deaths and 37 injuries.

Last year, there were at least 353 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 156 deaths and 212 injuries, the group said.
There are fears for two young sisters who have been missing for two days - as their distraught family make a desperate plea for help.

Daniella, 7 and Indiana, 5, were last seen at a home in Kidman Park in Adelaide's western suburbs around 11am on Saturday, according to South Australia Police.

Their stepmother, Stephanie Mende, claims the pair went to their mother's house for a four-hour supervised visit in the morning but didn't return home.

'This is the scariest thing any parent could ever go through,' Ms Mende told 9News.

'This is the most concerning and worried state we've ever been in.'

Concerns are held for the welfare of sisters Daniella, 7 and Indiana, 5 (both pictured), who have been missing since Saturday

Their stepmother claims the two girls went to their mother's Kidman Park address in Adelaide's western suburbs for a supervised visit on Saturday but didn't return home

She called on the her community for help in locating the sisters on behalf of their father, Brodie, and the rest of their family.

'These two beautiful girls are my daughters! We need everyone's help and support finding Daniella and Indiana,' she wrote in a post to Facebook.

'If you even think you may know please contact me, Brodie or SAPOL.

'Everyone please help get my babies around so we can get them home safely.'

She included photos of the sisters in her post.

Daniella has long dark hair down to her waist and was wearing a Minnie Mouse long sleeved dress on the day she was reported missing.

Indiana has long blonde hair and was wearing a Minnie Mouse t-shirt and pink, blue and purple sparkly leggings.

Anyone who spots the girls or has information on their whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
Terrifying footage has captured a 42-vehicle pile-up that left one person dead and 39 injured when a dust storm swept across a motorway in Hungary.

Five lorries and 37 cars were inadvertently caught up in the horrific M1 motorway collision, near the village of Herceghalom, on March 11.

Local media reports claim that a 44-year-old man who was found dead amid the wreckage was not discovered until the following morning.

Among the 39 injured were 10 children, while 19 vehicles were destroyed beyond repair. Two casualties are reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries, while a further 12 are in a serious condition.

The mass motorway collision took place 16 miles (26km) away from Hungary's capital Budapest at around 2.25pm on Saturday.

Dashcam footage captured the moment that vehicles collided in an extreme motorway pile-up

Cars were smashed to pieces as they could not avoid crashing into one another on the M1 motorway

One person has died and 39 more are injured after a localised dust storm caused a 42-vehicle pile-up on a Hungarian motorway

Footage at the scene shows the impact of the horrific crash, with several cars completely destroyed

Around 19 vehicles were destroyed beyond repair, with windows smashed in and metalware mangled

Horrific dashcam footage shows a helpless driver, impacted by the poor visibility, drift into the middle lane before crashing into a car in front at some speed, sparking a horrible chain of events.

Shrapnel and other parts of the vehicles can be seen exploding as cars continue to crash into one another.

Further footage from the scene shows the scale of the motorway pile-up with several vehicles completely charred inside and out.

Smoke can be seen billowing out of the unrecognisable vehicles as rescue workers descended on the scene.

Some cars had visibly mounted onto others during the shocking collision, with windows smashed in and the metalware completely mangled.

Four helicopters and 16 ambulances arrived at the scene as they desperately attempted to recover those involved in the crash.

Rescue workers descended on the scene in a desperate attempt to put out fires and save casualties

The Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc., who operate and maintain the motorways, attributed the mass collision to a localised dust storm

Vehicles looked unrecognisable after the pile-up caused cars and lorries to catch fire on the motorway

Five lorries and 37 cars were inadvertently caught up in the horrific M1 motorway collision, near the Hungarian village of Herceghalom

Firefighters and volunteers from the local town of Bicske also rushed to the scene as they tried to extinguish the fire and cool down a number of vehicles caught up in the crash.

The 39 casualties were taken to hospitals in Gyor, Tatabanya, Szekesfehervar, and Budapest.

The Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc., who operate and maintain the motorways, attributed the mass collision to a localised dust storm.

Traffic has since resumed on the motorway in both directions, while a criminal investigation has been opened.
Voting has opened today in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister.

Ballot papers are being sent out to tens of thousands of SNP members for them to choose between rivals Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

Members will have two weeks to make their choice - after voting opened at noon - with the ballot closing on 27 March.

The SNP's new leader and Ms Sturgeon's successor will then be announced shortly after.

The opening of the membership ballot comes ahead of tonight's latest live TV debate between the leadership rivals.

The third televised showdown between Mr Yousaf, Ms Forbes and Ms Regan, being held in Edinburgh, will be broadcast on Sky News from 7pm.

Ballot papers are being sent out to tens of thousands of SNP members for them to choose between rivals Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan

Members will have two weeks to make their choice for Nicola Sturgeon's successor - after voting opens at noon - with the ballot closing on 27 March

The previous two debates have been marked by bitter clashes between the contenders, which has drawn comparisons to a 'circular firing squad'.

Mr Yousaf has seen his ministerial record panned by Ms Forbes, who has also suggested he should be sacked from his role as Health Secretary over Scotland's NHS crisis.

But Mr Yousaf has sniped back by highlighting the socially conservative views of Ms Forbes - a member of the evangelical Free Church of Scotland - and suggested her election as leader would see the SNP 'lurching to the right'.

Meanwhile Ms Regan, widely viewed as the outsider in the contest, has delivered a withering verdict on Ms Sturgeon's long spell in charge.

She has told SNP members the party has 'lost its way' and admitted there had been 'no progress' on Scottish independence in recent years.

Ms Regan has also continued her criticism of Ms Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, who is the SNP's chief executive.

'Effectively he's running the contest to replace his wife,' Ms Regan has claimed.

Mr Yousaf today pledged to shift the SNP's push for Scottish independence into 'fifth gear' if he is elected party leader.

It followed a suggestion by his Scottish Government colleague Ben Macpherson, the social security minister, to 'go down a gear' rather than pursue 'any reckless, overly disruptive path'.

Asked about Mr Macpherson's comments, Mr Yousaf said: 'I have the opposite view, I think we should be ramping up, not ramping down activity.

'If I was the first minister I'd put us into fifth gear  let alone take it down a gear.

'There's a number of prospectus papers I would commit to publishing around the case for independence as soon as I become first minister.

'But also, on day one, we've got to kick start the Yes movement.'

Some polls have put Ms Forbes ahead amongst the Scottish public, but Mr Yousaf - a close ally of Ms Sturgeon - has attracted the support of senior figures in the SNP.

The single transferable voting system being used means second preferences could be key in determining the next leader.

Party members will be asked to rank the three candidates in order of preference.

If no single candidate secures more than 50 per cent of votes on first preferences, the person in third place will be eliminated.

Their second preference votes will then be distributed amongst the two remaining candidates in order to find the winner.

The company Mi Voice  which runs all internal SNP elections  will be sending out emails to party members when voting opens at noon.

Paper ballots have also been sent out to those members who have requested them, with those also due to arrive today.

An SNP spokesperson said: 'SNP members will receive their ballots via email today and have until the morning of March 27 to cast their votes  the day the next leader will be announced.

'The ballot is being operated by an independent third party who will ensure the process is free, fair, and well-run.'
The family of a teenage soldier found dead in military barracks said they have struggled to get closure as they are forced to wait for information about his death.

Ebrima Nyabally, who joined the Army when he was 17, was found dead in his room at the barracks in Tidworth on February 25.

The 19-year-old's body was discovered at around 9pm but it was not until the early hours when his family were told he had died.

Ebrima joined the military in a bid to follow in his father's footsteps. His father, Army veteran Malang Nyabally, had to rush home from a night shift when a police officer visited them at 2am to deliver the tragic news.

Speaking out for the first time from their home in Bestwood, Nottingham, Ebrima's parents said they are yet to see the body of their eldest son.

Describing how the tragedy 'tore his family apart', Mr Nyabally said: 'I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks.'

He is now seeking more information from the Army about his son's death and claimed that Ebrima was put on a 'unit risk register' the day before he died.

Ebrima Nyabally, who joined the Army when he was 17, was found dead in his room at barracks in Tidworth on February 25

The grieving family said they are 'struggling to get closure' as they long for information about Ebrima's death

The tragedy has hit him even harder as Ebrima, who was his eldest son, wanted to follow in his footsteps and serve in the Army. Mr Nyabally added: 'My family legacy is broken.'

He described his son as a 'shy, generous and kind young man - who had his whole life ahead of him'.

Ebrima moved to the UK from Gambia when he was only six years old.

'He was a promising young man', his father added.

Trying to hold back their tears, Ebrima's parents said they feel like they have been 'left in the dark'.

His father said: 'I am so angry about everything. I wanted to see his body. I wanted to see the place where he did it. We want answers.

'What hurts us most is that we cannot see his face. We do not know what we are going to find.

'I was so proud of him. He was the one who would have carried on my legacy.'

Trying to hold back their tears, Ebrima's parents said they feel like they have been 'left in the dark' (pictured - file photo of Tidworth army barracks)

Mr Nyabally said that having to tell the devastating news to Ebrima's three siblings 'was the worst thing that I had to do'. 'They were all crying', he added.

'On the last day they spent together, Ebrima bought him a takeaway. They loved him very much.

'He was very generous. He used to send us 100 every month. He was very caring. He had a very strong faith as well.

'He has never been unhappy in the Army. Ebrima loved life.'

An Army Spokesperson said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier in Tidworth on 25th February 2023. Our thoughts are with the soldier's family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.'

A spokesperson for the Wiltshire & Swindon Coroner's Court confirmed that an inquest has been opened into the death of Mr Nyabally.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of abduction over the disappearance of a teenage girl three days ago.

The 19-year-old male, who has not been named, was detained after 15-year-old Joddielea vanished near Meadowhall in Sheffield, South Yorkshire on Friday.

The teenager was spotted at around 8.15am that morning in Barrow Road close to a shopping centre.

Joddielea, 15, was last spotted at around 8.15am on Friday morning close to a shopping centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

She was wearing blue jeans, white trainers, a short black coat with a fur hood and a black cross-body bag at the time she went missing.

South Yorkshire Police said the man in question has since been bailed as they conduct further inquiries.

News of Joddielea's disappearance on Friday prompted an urgent appeal from the force, as friends and relatives have now waited three days for news.

Anyone with information is advised to call police on 101.
President Joe Biden is traveling to San Diego on Monday to announce Australia's purchase of nuclear-power submarines to modernize its fleet and help the U.S. counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Before boarding Air Force 1, the president made brief remarks, hoping to reassure Americans that 'U.S. banking is safe' following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday.

Soon after Biden's departure, the New York Stock Exchange opened, and trading was quickly halted for three banks: First Republic Bank, Western Alliance and PacWest after shares fell by 75 percent.

Financial jitters continue to overshadow the international deal as Wall Street scrambles to figure out what is triggering multiple bank failures across the U.S. Stocks are swinging Monday sharply as investors scramble to find someplace safe to park their money.

President Joe Biden departs for San Diego, California to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to announce a nuclear submarine deal.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during morning trading on March 13, 2023 in New York City. Soon after Biden's departure to California, US stocks slumped Monday amid worries over the banking system following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and others.

San Diego is Biden's first stop on a three-day trip to California and Nevada. He will discuss gun violence prevention in Monterey Park, California, and his plans to lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas.

The trip will include fundraising stops as Biden steps up his political activities before an expected announcement next month that he will seek reelection in 2024.

Upon landing in San Diego, home of the U.S. Pacific fleet, Biden will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - two of America's closest allies - as part of the 18-month nuclear partnership known by the acronym AUKUS which stands for AUstralia, UK, US.

The consortium, announced in 2021, paved the way for Australia's access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered boats, as a counterweight to China's military buildup.

Ahead of the tri-lateral meeting, Sunak announced he will increase U.K. military funding by 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) over the next two years in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Chinese aggression.

The AUKUS partnership was announced in 2021, but Monday's announcement will cement the details. Australia is purchasing up to five Virginia-class boats as part of the deal, according to the Associated Press.

China objects to the deal, arguing it violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which outlaws the transfer of nuclear weapons materials from a nuclear-weapon state to a non-nuclear-weapon state.

Australian officials counter that they are working to acquire nuclear-powered and not nuclear-armed submarines.

Biden will also hold bilateral meetings with Albanese and Sunak in San Diego.

Australia will purchase up to five Virginia-class submarines - above the Virginia-class USS North Dakota

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, speaks with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in the Lionfish seafood restaurant in San Diego on Sunday

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the UK press traveling with him to San Diego

The logo of Silicon Valley Bank SVB is pictured at its German branch in Frankfurt, Germany as concerns about a potential international financial contagion grows

Signature Bank was taken over by New York state agencies last Friday, March 12, 2023.

The three sides have been working to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, given restrictions on technology transfers and classified nuclear processes.

On his way to the U.S., Sunak said China 'presents an epoch-defining challenge to us and to the global order. It's a regime that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, and has a desire to reshape the world order.'

But, he added, 'you can't ignore China' given the size of its economy.

'It's right to engage with China, on the issues that we can find common ground and make a difference on, for example, climate change, global health, macroeconomic stability,' he said.

'That's the right approach whilst being very robust in defending our values and our interests.'

The secretly brokered AUKUS deal included the Australian governments 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.

French President Emmanuel Macron pulled his ambassador from Washington in September 2021, and later met with Biden in Italy during a G20 so the two could make amends.

Biden called Macron on Tuesday, but a White House readout of the call didn't say if the AUKUS deal came up.

The two leaders did discuss the growing Chinese influence in the South Pacific, an issue that also worries Australia.




A soldier of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army prepares ammunition to fire at Russian front line positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, on March 11, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP-Yonhap



Both Ukraine and Russia on Sunday reported high casualties in Ukraine's Donetsk region with the slow, long-lasting and bloody fight for the small town of Bakhmut continuing as Moscow presses to advance into its neighbor's territory.



Ukraine forces control west of the now ruined and nearly deserted Bakhmut, while Russia's Wagner Group controls most of the eastern part, British intelligence said, with the Bakhmutka River that bisects the town marking the front line.



Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian forces had suffered more than 1,100 dead in the past few days fighting along the Bakhmut section of the frontline.



"In less than a week, starting from March 6, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russia's irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.



He said Russian forces had also sustained 1,500 "sanitary losses"  soldiers wounded badly enough to keep them out of further action.



Russia's defense ministry said its forces were conducting further military operations in the Donetsk region which, together with adjacent Luhansk region, makes up Donbas.



The ministry said Russian forces had killed more than 220 Ukrainian service members over the past 24 hours.



"In the Donetsk direction... more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, three armored fighting vehicles, seven vehicles, as well as a D-30 howitzer were destroyed during the day," the ministry said.



Both sides have admitted to suffering and inflicting significant losses in Bakhmut over the past few months, while the exact number of casualties is difficult to independently verify.



Ukraine has repeatedly said that the defense of Bakhmut would continue, with top commanders saying over the weekend the fight there allows to gain time needed to prepare a broader Kyiv's counterattack soon.



"On Bakhmut: the situation there is difficult, very difficult, the enemy is fighting for every meter," Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group of mercenaries said on Sunday in a voice recording published on the Telegram channel of his press service.



"And the closer to the city center, the fiercer the fighting."





Soldiers of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army drive a MT-LB vehicle towards the front line near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, on March 11, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP-Yonhap
Caroline Flack's mother has refused to accept the Met Police's apology over how it handled an assault charge against her daughter before her suicide and fears the force could be 'covering something'.

The Love Island presenter, 40, took her own life in her London flat in February 2020 after learning prosecutors would press ahead with the charge over an incident involving her boyfriend, Lewis Burton.

Last month, the Met told Caroline's family it was 'sincerely sorry' for failing to keep full records about why it wanted the Love Island host to face prosecution.

But speaking on Newsnight, her mother Christine said she did not accept that apology, adding: 'It just seems wrong. They haven't said why there were no notes taken, why nothing was recorded. I don't know whether they're covering something.'

Asked if she thought her daughter would still be alive if the caution had remained and Caroline had not been charged, she told the flagship BBC programme: 'I do, I really do.'

Caroline Flack (pictured in 2019) was accused of assault following an argument with her partner, Lewis Burton

The Met apologised to Caroline's mother, Christine, for failing to keep full records about why it wanted the Love Island host to be charged with assault. Last night she rejected the apology

'Once all the pictures came out in the newspapers and things were written about her on social media - they just picked up the bad.

'There was a lot of good, but Caroline wasn't reading the good - she was only reading the bad.

'She lost her job straight away, without even being found guilty or going to court. She had another series axed.'

Christine said she would campaign for a fuller apology from the Met.

She added that her greatest regret was not speaking out in the hours after her daughter's arrest to correct what she claimed were 'lies' printed by the press.

'Things that went into the press that she hit someone with a lamp or a fan - that was just totally untrue,' she said.

'And nobody ever came out and said, 'No, that didn't happen.'

The Met's apology followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into Christine's concerns.

Caroline Flack enjoying an evening out with her mother Christine

The force pressed for her to face a charge of assault by beating, despite the Crown Prosecution Service recommending she receive only a caution.

An inquest recorded a conclusion of suicide after hearing how Flack's mental health had deteriorated with the case in the media spotlight.

Christine launched a formal complaint against the Met, prompting the force to investigate the decision to pursue charges against the celebrity.

Her grievance largely related to her claim that Detective Inspector Lauren Bateman decided to appeal the CPS decision without reviewing key pieces of evidence .

DI Bateman also did not discuss the case with alleged victim Mr Burton.

Scotland Yard initially concluded that it had done no wrong, prompting Christine to escalate her concerns to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The IOPC wrote to Christine with the results of its inquiries.

It ruled that her daughter had not received different treatment due to her celebrity status, but criticised the Met for its handling of her complaint.

The findings prompted Chief Superintendent Andy Carter, the Met Police's borough commander for central north London, to write to Christine and apologise.

His letter outlined a number of measures that had been brought in to improve how officers went about appealing CPS decisions.

Flack allegedly assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her home in December 2019

The Met said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Ms Flack's family for their loss and we are sorry for the impact this has had on them.

'When a person is arrested they can be held in custody for a period of up to 24 hours to allow officers time to gather evidence and investigate the alleged offence.

'A review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct did not identify any misconduct in relation to the handling of Ms Flack's arrest, however, it concluded that an officer involved in the investigation should receive reflective practice.'

Flack had allegedly assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton with a phone in her home in December 2019.

He called emergency services, but later withdrew his complaint and said she 'was not in a good place emotionally'.

Coroner Mary Hassell told the inquest into her death in Poplar coroner's Court, east London, that Flack did 'intend to cause her own death'.

She added: 'I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty and she knew she would face the media, press, publicity - it would all come down upon her.'

Watch the Newsnight interview in full at 10.30pm on BBC Two or on BBC iPlayer
Vladimir Putin is desperately emptying Russian museums of obsolete tanks to repurpose them for his creaking war effort, it has emerged.

Ageing Soviet-era T-62s are seen being 'modernised' in a round-the-clock factory in Chita, Siberia, in alarming footage.

The drive to retrofit the decades-old tanks highlights the desperation of Putin's military machine - while Ukraine is being supplied with the most modern Western tanks.

Some of the tanks being revamped at the 103rd Plant may be 60 years old, dating from the time Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev were ruling the USSR.

'It is sad that the number of exhibits of military museums will be reduced,' said one report.

Vladimir Putin is desperately emptying Russian museums of obsolete T-62 tanks (pictured in a military history museum in Russia) to re-purpose them for his creaking war effort in Ukraine, that will soon come up against modern Western war machines on the battlefield

Russia halted T-62 production 12 years ago, but may still have as many as 2,500 of them held in stores and museums.

But war fanatic Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev, 55, a prominent state TV personality, Putin propagandist and MP, said there was method in the redeployment of the tanks.

On a visit to the plant that is found six time zones east of Moscow, he said: 'Tanks, more than 50 years old, are being transformed into modern, normal machines capable of carrying out tasks and meeting the current frontline challenges.

'Look at the finished products. A tank battalion has already been shipped to the front,' he claimed, while standing in front of some of the hardware.

He boasted: 'These T-62 tanks are completely modernised.'

They have new 'engines, communication systems, control systems, thermal imagers, dynamic active protection' is installed in the antiquated tank shells, he said.

'So here is a completely different tank for today that can work.'

A former tank commander and Putin loyalist who now serves on the Russian parliament's defence committee, Gurulev said the refashioned fighting machines were 'no worse than modern ones'.

He said: 'Our guys dismantle them, make them completely, and take off the turrets. They completely disassemble the machines. All the old units are removed. New ones are installed, upgraded.'

In order to motivate them, workers at the plant have been put on boosted pay - 750 a month - before unspecified bonuses.

The obsolete Soviet-era T-62s have been shown being 'modernised' in a round-the-clock factory in Chita, Siberia, in a video that has emerged from Russia (pictured)

Pictured: Russian engineers are seen working on T-62 tanks and other hardware as Vladimir Putin works to bolster the military vehicles his forces have at their disposal in Ukraine

Pictured: A Russian T-62 tank is seen in a factory as it is fixed up to be used on the battlefield

The tanks were first built in 1961, a further development of the T-55 series, and became the standard tank in the Soviet arsenal, and remained in reserve in many former USSR countries, and in frontline use for other countries.

More than 22,700 T-62s were built in total, and it was was replaced on the production lines by the T-72 in 1973 which is still widely in-use in Russia and Ukraine today.

Russia, as well as Ukraine, has relied heavily on the Soviet-era T-72 tanks in Ukraine, which have been destroyed in their thousands in more than a year of fighting.

Russia has also deployed around 1,000 of its advanced T-90 tank in Ukraine, compared to around 5,000 T-72s. The 4million T-90 is supposed to be one of the best tanks in the world, and has upgraded armour and missile protection systems - compared to the T-72 - which in theory make it harder to destroy.

However, since Russia invaded Ukraine, countless T-90M Russian tank have been destroyed by rocket launchers and western Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.

Some 50 BMP-2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles are also being repurposed for the war. These date from the 1980s.

The West is sending Leopard 2 tanks, made in Germany, Challenger 2 tanks from Britain and M1 Abrams tanks from the US.

After Ukrainian advances throughout the second half of 2022, Kyiv has focused on the defensive for the last three months.

Meanwhile, Moscow has launched an offensive campaign using mobilised reservists and convicts recruited from prison as mercenaries - targeting the city of Bakhmut.

Kyiv is widely believed to be planning a counter-assault of its own later in the spring when muddy ground dries and when the hundreds of Western armoured vehicles and Challenger and Leopard battle tanks arrive.

The tanks would have a major impact, said Leonid Khoda, commander of Ukraine's 1st Tank Brigade which is fighting in the Donbas, comprised of Donetsk and Luhansk regions: 'Everyone is waiting, 1st Tank Brigade is waiting too.

Pictured: A T-62 tank in a military history museum in Russia. The tanks were first built in 1961, a further development of the T-55 series, and became the standard tank in the Soviet arsenal, and have remained in reserve in many former USSR countries

War fanatic Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev (pictured), 55, a prominent state TV personality, Putin propagandist and MP, said there was method in the redeployment of the tanks

'Not long ago we sent personnel to learn to operate (Leopard) 2A6,' he told Reuters.

Ukraine says wearing out Russia's military now will help its counter-offensive later. But not every Western military analyst is convinced that Bakhmut is the best battlefield to take on the Russians.

'Bakhmut is no longer a good place to attrit Russian forces,' tweeted Rob Lee, a U.S. defence expert who visited Bakhmut this month.

'The attrition ratio in Bakhmut is worse than elsewhere.'
Residents who pay a 12p toll to cross a bridge every time they go in and out of their own village have slammed plans to increase the fee to 1.

Locals in Warburton, Greater Manchester, are now bracing themselves for the 733% price hike, the first in more than a century.

For 160 years, people have paid a modest sum to enter and exit the village via the Warburton Toll Bridge - the only route across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60 motorways.

The mere 12p toll has been in place since 1890, and has long been a source of heated debate among people in the village, which has a population of only 300.

The newly proposed plans have sparked controversy among the locals, who say that the historic charge should be scrapped altogether.

Locals who pay 12p to cross a toll bridge every time they go in and out of their own village are bracing themselves amid proposals for the charge to rise to 1 - a 733 per cent increase

The sleepy hamlet of Warburton in Trafford, boasts 17 listed buildings, including a grade 1 listed church, and toll bridge which charges 12p each way. Pictured above is Paddy Ruth outside his home in Warburton

And one resident says that the bridge poses a 'nightmare' for those who live there, as there is no upkeep to it.

In order for it to operate, a toll booth attendant simply waves his hand and cars can trundle across a bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal.

The village is home to 17 listed buildings, including St Werburgh's Church, which traces its roots back around 1,000 years.

Steve Ellis, who lives in nearby Church Green, said: 'The bridge is a nightmare. When the motorway has a problem, everyone tries to cut through.

'They don't upkeep it. If you drive over the bridge there's that many potholes you wouldn't believe it.'

The bridge was first built in 1863 by The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC), and it only cost one person on horseback or in a cart 1p - about 18p in today's money - to cross.

Some time later however, the toll was upped to 12p.

And since then, the sum has remained in place and can only be paid by cash and by hand.

But this could all now change after controversial plans to increase the toll.

It is the first time in more than a century that a plan like this has been put forward.

Now, it has been revealed that the proposed price of 1 is part of a 6.5 million plan to upgrade approach roads, footpaths and the tolling system by Peel Ports, which owns and operates the bridge.

If approved, the new toll will include 50 per cent discounts for nearby residents.

But this has sparked a major debate among the locals, who say that the historic charge should be scrapped altogether.

One local says that the proposed 733% price hike is 'unfair', adding he's supporting a campaign by the Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group to get rid of the charges altogether

Mr Ellis said: 'I drive over the bridge at least once a day. If they put it up to a quid, it's going to cost me 4 or 5 a day. It all mounts up.

'They say they can't afford to upkeep it but the turnover of that bridge must be in the millions.'

People living in the village say they regularly get caught up in huge tailbacks and queues as motorists wait to hand over their pennies.

At rush hour, queues on Warburton Bridge Road and surrounding roads stretch back for several hundred yards as hundreds of drivers await their turn to pay.

The situation is often made worse when there are incidents on the motorways - the M6 and M60 - as drivers attempt to use the bridge as a cut through, locals say.

According to Syd Rasheed, the number of cars passing through Warburton has 'trebled' in the 26 years he has lived there. He said: 'The bridge causes all sorts of traffic problems. At rush hour, it backs up right the way towards Lymm.

'I can drive from Manchester to the edge of the village for 20 minutes then it takes another 20 minutes to get home because of all the traffic.

'The air pollution from the standing traffic is an issue too. The village itself is lovely and it's a nice little community. We are quite tucked away here, it's just the toll bridge and the traffic.'

He has also described the proposed 733% price hike as 'unfair', adding he's supporting a campaign by the Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group to get rid of the charges altogether.

Mr Rasheed said: 'We put up with all the inconvenience of the traffic and now we are going to be slapped with higher rates.

'It's 40 a month for people that are working. It's not affordable and it's coming at a time when people are struggling. This is not a wealthy village.'

At one stage, locals became so fed up with the traffic chaos that they began paying the fee themselves - all in one go.

Each week, they would hand over 120 to speed up crossings over the privately-owned bridge, which they say left them 'prisoners in their own homes'.

However, other residents say they are content to put up with the bridge.

Paddy Ruth, whose picturesque cottage is just a stone's throw from the bridge, said: 'I'm quite happy to have it. It's not doing anybody any harm.'

Although he doesn't mind the bridge most of the time, Mr Ruth admitted it can become a nuisance when it gets busy, adding: 'People can be quite rude on the bridge because they haven't got 12p to spare.'

Speaking about the proposed plans, a spokesperson for Peel Ports said: 'A seven-day Public Inquiry took place in November 2022 at which MSCC presented the benefits of their Sustainable Investment Plan and Warrington and Trafford Councils and other interested parties were able to articulate the basis of their objections.

'We await the decision upon the TWAO (Transport and Works Act Order) by the Secretary of State for Transport in terms of next steps.

'The feedback we have received following our non-statutory consultation shows that upgrades to modernise the facilities, maintain the bridge and reduce travel times are needed and very much welcomed.'

The spokesperson added: 'The toll is the best way to fund these much-needed improvements and the current 12p fee has not changed since 1863, and which had to incorporate the introduction of a VAT liability. Users of the bridge deserve facilities fit for the 21st Century which will ultimately ease congestion, reduce tailbacks and improve the general flow of traffic in the area.

'The current toll is one of the lowest in England and will not fund the capital investment needed to support the maintenance and modernising of the facilities motorists are in favour of.'
But the Graceland estate has denied that any changes have been made since the death of Lisa Marie in January

Actress Riley Keough was accused of 'changing the locks of the upstairs doors and archives' during a trip to Memphis

Graceland's estate has denied that any locks have been changed in Elvis former home after the death of his daughter Lisa Marie  amid an ongoing legal batter between Priscilla Presley and her granddaughter Riley Keough.

Sources claimed that Elvis' ex-wife is banned from the estate temporarily after Keough, 33, 'changed the locks on the upstairs doors and archives' on a trip to Memphis.

But a spokesperson for the estate has denied that any locks have been changed since the death of Lisa Marie in January.

A source told RadarOnline Angie Marchese, Priscilla and Lisa Marie previously had the only keys.

Neither Keough nor Priscilla, 77, have commented publicly amid their ongoing battle over Lisa Marie's $35million will.

Sources claim Priscilla (right) is banned from the estate temporality after Keough, 33, (left) 'changed the locks on the upstairs doors and archives' on a trip to Memphis

A source told RadarOnline that only Angie Marchese, Priscilla and Lisa Marie had the only keys, with Priscilla now funding herself locked out of the megabucks estate

A spokesperson for Graceland told DailyMail.con: These reports are entirely untrue. No locks at Graceland have been changed since Lisa Maries passing.

Priscilla filed a petition questioning the 'authenticity and validity' of a 2016 amendment made by her daughter where she named Keough and her son Benjamin as the executors of her will.

Benjamin died by suicide in 2020, meaning that Keough is now the sole executor of the will  something which Priscilla has contested.

Lisa Marie's will includes the Graceland mansion and a 15 per cent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises, and the amendment also removed her former business manager Barry Seigel as co-trustee.

DailyMail.com reached out to Priscilla and Keough for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

After Lisa Marie's funeral, which saw Elvis' only daughter buried next to her son on the estate, Priscilla sparked a legal battle with her granddaughter just four days later.

Priscilla challenged the declaration's legitimacy, claiming Lisa Marie's scrawl on the doc 'appears inconsistent with her daughter's usual and customary signature'.

She also noted that Lisa Marie's name is misspelled, while the doc was never notarized or delivered to her as required.

Priscilla challenged the declaration's legitimacy, claiming Lisa Marie's scrawl on the doc 'appears inconsistent with her daughter's usual and customary signature'

After Lisa Marie's funeral, which saw Elvis' only daughter buried next to her son on the estate, Priscilla sparked a legal battle with her granddaughter just four days later

Lisa Marie's will includes the Graceland mansion and a 15 per cent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises, and the amendment also removed her former business manager Barry Seigel as co-trustee

Lisa Marie's living trust  which can serve as a will after death  seemingly cut her mother out of any claim to Elvis' estate entirely.

A source also told the Daily Mirror that the grandmother and granddaughter 'do not see eye to eye' and have clashed after Lisa Marie's death at the age of 54.

The family reportedly were put under more pressure after Priscilla allowed Michael Lockwood, 61, to attend the memorial to help look after the 14-year-old twins he shares with Lisa Marie.

Lockwood and Lisa Marie had one of the most toxic breakups in Hollywood, with the pair publicly battling for custody over Finley and Harper for years.

A friend of Lisa Marie's told People magazine in the US: 'Michael was not invited. He came to Memphis under the pretence he had to chaperone the twins.

'The last thing Lisa Marie would have wanted was for Michael to be there.'

Another added that Priscillas loyalty to Lockwood was a reason that she and her daughter Lisa Marie stopped speaking.

Lockwood and Lisa Marie had one of the most toxic breakups in Hollywood, with the pair publicly battling for custody over Finley and Harper for years

She seemed close to her mother in the weeks before her death of a cardiac arrest on January 123, attending events with Priscilla to celebrate the biopic of Elvis

The family reportedly were put under more pressure after Priscilla allowed Michael Lockwood, 61, to attend the memorial to help look after the 14-year-old twins he shares with Lisa Marie

She seemed close to her mother in the weeks before her death of a cardiac arrest on January 123, attending events with Priscilla to celebrate the biopic of Elvis.

But another source told the Mirror that their relationship had been fractured since Lisa Marie's split from Michael in 2016.

They added: 'I can assure you, in the last seven years of Lisa's life, she never discussed with Priscilla any business. She wanted each of her four children to have 5% of the estate.

'Priscilla doesn't want Riley solely in charge because then she has no say. It's a very sad situation.'
This is the moment a road trip through Spain turned into a road to nowhere for an unfortunate British couple who discovered Andalusian villages are not designed for modern-day motorhomes.

The middle-aged holidaymakers' stop-off in picturesque Sorvilan, a village of 614 residents south of Granada, turned into a nightmare they will not be forgetting in a hurry.

A tow-truck and the local police had to come to their rescue after their vehicle got stuck between two houses while they tried to find their way out of the village.

The couple are thought to have failed to spot a sign warning motorists with large vehicles to avoid the centre and got themselves into a jam after traversing streets that got narrower and narrower.

Their ordeal began around 9.30am on Saturday and their motorhome was only liberated about four hours later.

British holidaymakers get stuck in the narrow streets of a tiny Spanish town in Andalucia

A man sits in the shade while the motorhome remains wedged between two buildings

Can't park there: the motorhome became trapped next to a no parking sign on a tight corner

Fortunately the unnamed couple were able to continue their journey, albeit with damage to the vehicle and to the wall of one of the houses they got wedged between by accident.

Local police officer Jose Rivas said: 'They were passing through the village and never had any intention of staying so long.

'A tow-truck had to be called and there was very little they could do but sit and wait while we tried to free the motorhome.

'They didn't speak much Spanish and it wasn't really the sort of situation where we were going to get into detail about where they were coming from and where they were going because they were obviously upset at what happened.

'But it seemed like they were touring the Costa del Sol and southern Spain and they obviously didn't see a sign on the way into the centre of the village warning people about trying to go down the narrow streets with large vehicles.

'We're talking about streets that were laid when people used donkey-drawn carriages and weren't designed for the sort of vehicle that got stuck on Saturday.

'The operation to release it basically involved the use of a jack to lift it up and push it out of the spot where it was stuck. There was no other possible solution.

'The motorhome might have got through the gap if it had been driven at it in a straight line but it was coming from an angle and although the front half got through, the back was a bit wider and got wedged tight in.'

One of the photos of the unfortunate couple showed them sat by their trapped vehicle with their head in their hands before the rescue operation in the village of just over 500 inhabitants a short drive from Granada province's southern coastline called the Costa Tropical began.

Mr Rivas added: 'Fortunately no-one was hurt but there was obvious material damage.

'The side of the motorhome by the driver's door was pretty badly damaged but the vehicle was still drivable.

'I don't know whether the British couple had come to see the church which is one of the sights to see here or a pretty fountain we have or a museum which is closed at the moment but is going to open again soon after some restoration work.

'But I hope this experience doesn't put them off returning again. They just need to be careful about where they try and go with their motorhome.

'It's the first time in my year of service here that I've had to deal with something like this.

'You have to be careful about these sorts of things not just in Sorvilan but in all the villages in the area.'

Sorvilan village, a tiny outpost in southern Spain, home to as few as 614 residents

The south of Spain has cities dating back to the 8th century bc.

Many are designed only for pedestrians and small carts pulled by animals.

Narrower streets also help Spain's cities to stay cool.

In 2021, temperatures as high as 117.7 F (47.6 C) were recorded in Cordoba, Andalucia.
The governor of Oklahoma has blocked a planned shipment of toxic waste from the East Palestine train derailment to a hazardous disposal plant in his state, saying there are still too many unanswered questions about the materials.

The waste was due to be transported from the crash site in Ohio to the Lone Mountain Landfill Facility in Waynoka, Oklahoma.

Last night, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt blocked the shipment, saying he was not yet convinced that it was safe for Oklahomans.

The Environmental Protection Agency's bosses say he is 'playing politics', and insist it is safe.

The hazardous materials from the East Palestine derailment were due to be taken to Oklahoma, but the governor stopped their shipment at the last minute

The waste from the derailment was due to be transported to Oklahoma

Stitt, in a tweet and Facebook post, said: 'Late yesterday I was made aware that a shipment of toxic waste from the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio was coming to Oklahoma.

'Immediately I worked with my team, Senator Lankford, Senator Mullin, and Congressman Lucas to stop the shipment from coming to our state.

'There are too many unanswered questions and ultimately I made the decision that this is not in the best interest of Oklahomans.

'As of late last night that shipment has been blocked.'

It's unclear how much Norfolk Southern - the rail company responsible for the train that derailed - paid the facility in Oklahoma to accept the waste, or why it was chosen as the site for it to be sent to.

The waste was due to be transported from the crash site in Ohio to the Lone Mountain Landfill Facility in Waynoka, Oklahoma (pictured)

The plant in Waynoka is more than 1,000 miles from the derailment site.

It is also unclear how it was due to be transported, and who was responsible for that journey.

The EPA, which is part of the government, is desperate to have the materials moved.

It has been widely criticized for its handling of the crisis, which began on February 3, and has been labeled the largest environmental disaster in US history.

Residents of East Palestine have been reluctant to return to their homes for fear of contamination, despite repeated assurances from the EPA that it is safe.

'Lets be clear: Norfolk Southern is under contract with a permitted disposal facility in Oklahoma that is able to accept this waste.

'As is always the case with waste disposal, EPA has safeguards in place to ensure communities are protected every step of the way.

'Governor Stitt is playing politics at the expense of the people of East Palestine, Ohio.

'We are reviewing all legal authorities to ensure that the people of East Palestine, whove suffered enough already, dont become victims of this political grandstanding,' EPA boss Maria Michalos said.

Neither the EPA nor Norfolk Southern or Clean Harbors responded to DailyMail.com's questions on Monday morning.
Extreme weather continues to bombard swathes of California as a new storm threatens another onslaught of rain, snow and wins today as an atmospheric river that caused major flooding moves east.

The National Weather Service cautioned on Sunday night that the next system could exacerbate severe flooding that overwhelmed the area in recent days, prompting a levee failure and widespread evacuations Saturday near the state's central coast.

The new storm is not expected to bring as much rain, but forecasters warned that 'considerable flooding' could occur at lower elevations from additional rain and creeks and streams swollen with snowmelt.

Local schools and roads remained closed on Monday, as evacuation orders stayed in place across devastated central California around the Pajaro River where roads were submerged under water.

Adding to the chaos, a tornado briefly touched down in Tuolumne County during severe thunderstorms on Saturday that also dumped an inch (2.5cm) of hail.

The latest freak weather follows weeks of turmoil for the state that has seen catastrophic flash floods, storms, falling hailstones the size of quarters, and snowfall that has led to at least 13 deaths.

Floodwaters cover most of Pajaro, California on Sunday as evocation orders stay in place

Snowbanks piled up from new and past storms in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the wake of an atmospheric river event on Sunday

Local schools and roads remained closed on Monday, as evacuation orders stayed in place across devastated central California around the Pajaro River

The Pajaro River channel snakes along the county line between Monterey County with fields submerged under water

'Definitely prepare for some more flooding impacts. The ground is very saturated. We're already seeing some impacts from some light amounts,' National Weather Service forecaster Eleanor Dhuyvetter said.

Today's incoming rain and snow is expected to extend from central California to Oregon and northern Nevada. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph) are expected in some places and could damage power lines and snap tree branches.

But the new storm is moving fast, meaning it won't have time to dump as much rain.

Over the past two days, more than 20 inches (50 centimeters) of snow fell at a measuring station in the Sierra Nevada, and more is expected. The snowpack is now nearly twice the average, and the highest in about four decades, according to UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab.

The snowpack stores much-needed water for a state seeking to emerge from a three-year drought.

As much as a foot (30 centimeters) of rain fell in the Big Sur area of the state over a two-day period, weather data.

Authorities suggest that residents have a plan in case further evacuations orders are issued.

Across Monterey County, more than 8,500 people were evacuated Saturday, including roughly 1,700 residents - many of them Latino farmworkers - from the unincorporated community of Pajaro.

'We are still in disaster response mode,' said Monterey County spokesman Nicholas Pasculli on Sunday. He said the county is staging high water rescue teams around the county and opening more shelters in anticipation of more flooding.

Quick video update on the Atmospheric River arriving tonight and continuing into Tuesday night. Major wind and water impacts are expected. Now's the time to rush any preparations to completion before conditions go downhill later today. Stay safe everyone! #cawx pic.twitter.com/Za3dAm068J  NWS Bay Area  (@NWSBayArea) March 13, 2023

The National Weather Service cautioned on Sunday night that the next system could exacerbate severe flooding that overwhelmed parts of California in recent days

An atmospheric river storm broke through a levee along the Pajaro river inundating homes and businesses and leaving thousands of people without shelter

Floodwater rushes into farmland through the breach of a levee on the Pajaro River on Sunday

North Monterey County, just across the Pajaro River from Watsonville, Calif., was submerged with floodwaters on Sunday

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is closed at several points along Big Sur as well as near Pajaro due to flooding.

The atmospheric river, known as a 'Pineapple Express' because it brought warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii, was melting lower parts of the huge snowpack in California's mountains.

Because of the massive flooding over the early weekend, more than 50 people had to be rescued by first responders and the California National Guard. One video showed a Guard member helping a driver out of a car trapped by water up to their waists.

The extent of property damages was still uncertain but Luis Alejo, chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, sought help from the state and federal governments.

'The need will be great! Will take months for our residents to repair homes!' he wrote in a tweet Saturday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in 34 counties in recent weeks, and the Biden administration approved a presidential disaster declaration for some on Friday morning. President Joe Biden spoke with Newsom on Saturday to pledge federal support for California's emergency response, the White House said.

Weather-related power outages affected more than 17,000 customers in Monterey County late Saturday, according to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. By late Sunday morning, about 7,000 were still without electricity.

The governor's office said it was continuing to monitor the situation in Pajaro.

A thunderstorm and tornado warming was given for this cloud formation in north eastern Stanislaus County over the weekend

Highway 190 is closed after landslides during heavy rain in Springville, California on March 11, 2023

The Pajaro River separates the counties of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Officials had been working to shore up parts of the river's levee system when it was breached around midnight Friday into Saturday. Crews began working to fix the levee around daybreak Saturday as residents slept in evacuation centers.

Built in the late 40s to provide flood protection, the levee has been a known risk for decades with several breaches in the 1990s. Emergency repairs to a section of the berm was undertaken in January. A $400 million rebuild is set to begin in 2025.

This week's storm marked the state's 10th atmospheric river of the winter, storms that have brought enormous amounts of rain and snow to the state and helped lessen drought conditions.

State reservoirs that had dipped to strikingly low levels are now well above the average for this time of year, prompting state officials to release water from dams to assist with flood control and make room for even more rain.
Three Texas women remain missing two weeks after vanishing while traveling in Mexico to sell clothes at a flea market near the country's richest city.

Sisters Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 47, Marina Perez Rios, 48, and their friend, Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz, 53, vanished in Mexico on February 24 after travelling from Penitas, the small Texas border city where they lived.

The women were driving to a flea market in the Mexican city of Montemorelos, about three hours from their home in Penitas. Missing posters from Mexican authorities indicate the women were Mexican nationals living in the US.

The FBI has since launched a probe into their disappearances, while US authorities have cautioned spring breakers not to travel to the country amidst a recent spate of cartel-fueled kidnappings.

It comes after the highly publicized case where four Americans were abducted by a cartel after traveling into the country for a tummy tuck. Their abduction was caught on video last week and received an avalanche of attention.

Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 47, Marina Perez Rios, 48; both of Penitas, and their friend, Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz, 53, (pictured) went missing on February 24

They crossed into Mexico to sell clothes at flea market three hours away from the border (pictured: Maritza and Marina)

These are the current travel advisories for Mexico from the US government. Only two states - Yucatan and Campeche - are completely free of advisories

Officials said the three women were traveling in a green mid-1990s Chevy Silverado and never returned. Their home in Penitas is just a few hundred feet from the Rio Grande River.

The last to hear from the women was one of their husbands who spoke to her by phone while she was in Mexico. He later reported them missing after growing concerned when he couldn't reach her afterwards, the Penitas Police Chief Roel Bermea said.

The sisters' cousin Ludy Arredondo wrote on Facebook that they 'do not have a single piece of news [and] the authorities do not say anything,' as she and others continue to pray for their safe return.

'They do not have clues,' she wrote. 'PLEASE do not leave us alone.

'My cousins and their friend are women, workers, responsible, mothers of their children, noble, simple women, they are WOMEN WHO WENT TO WORK. PLEASE friends post [and] share,' she begged.

Officials at the state prosecutor's office said they have been investigating the women's disappearance since Monday. Beyond that, officials in the US and Mexico haven't said much about their pursuit of the three.

The FBI said it was investigating the disappearance and said in a statement it 'relentlessly pursues all options when it comes to protecting the American people, and this doesn't change when they are endangered across the border,' according to NewsNation.

Authorities search for the missing women from Texas who vanished two weeks ago

A missing poster for Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz, 53, issued by Mexican authorities

A missing poster for Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 47, issued by Mexican authorities

A missing poster for Marina Perez Rios, 48, issued by Mexican authorities

The coverage of their disappearances has been decidedly muted compared to that of four Americans who were kidnapped on March 3 after driving across the US to Mexico to allegedly receive a cheap tummy tuck operation in the country.

Latavia McGee, Eric Williams, Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard were snatched in Matamoros - just south of the Texas border - in a dramatic kidnapping that was caught on camera.

After a massive manhunt and national news coverage, the group were found on March 7 in a shed about six miles from where they were taken.

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.

Brown and Woodard had both been killed by the time they were found.

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.

But questions have been raised over why the Americans were in the cartel-run city in the first place after DailyMail.com revealed their previous links to drugs.

Shortly after the Americans were found, five cartel members turned themselves over to authorities, along with a note from the gang apologizing for the kidnapping and explaining the men had operated on their own.

'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.

'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.

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

But many relatives of the Americans still missing are asking why their loved ones havent been given a higher priority by Washington like the recent kidnapping.

Lisa Torres, whose son Robert disappeared at 21, grew angry as she watched the coverage of the four friends.

'Im so angry I couldnt sleep, thinking about how my US government acted in Matamoros with the kidnappings,' she wrote on Twitter. 'This only confirms that my US government can help, and they didnt, in the case of my son. WHY?'

A lawyer, Geovanni Barrios, whose son was abducted in Reynosa at 17, told the Washington Post: 'We see that when the US government makes strong statements, there are results. But there arent only four Americans disappeared in Mexico. We dont see [the US government] making these statements about the hundreds of other missing Americans.'

While many families are still holding onto hope their loved ones will reappear, they are resentful that they haven't been afforded the massive search and government attention like the four Americans did. For most of the 112,000 missing in the country, the only ones looking for them are their desperate relatives.

The three women are among a startling 550 Americans who have been reported missing in Mexico, according to public records. This is a small part of the total 112,000 people missing in the country - and is a tiny percentage of the millions of US citizens who travel to Mexico every year for vacations and work.

Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, of the Texas Department of Public Safety, told travelers gearing up for Spring Break to be careful when planning vacations to the popular travel destination.

'Our department is urging anyone traveling to Mexico, especially spring breakers, to avoid those areas, because right now it is too dangerous with the increase in violence and kidnappings in Mexico,' Lieutenant Olivarez told Fox News. 'I can't express enough to those thinking about traveling to Mexico, especially to spring breakers...to avoid those areas as much as possible.
Global security chaos is set to get worse amid Russian aggression and the challenge from China, a grim government assessment warned today.

The Integrated Review of the UK's policy stance has concluded that the current 'period of heightened risk and volatility' is likely to last for decades.

The document cautions that the 'fragmentation' of the world order has happened faster than feared at the time of the last IR only two years ago.

It lays out the urgent need to prevent Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine succeeding, as well as restocking and upgrading UK military capacity - with Rishi Sunak allocating an extra 5billion of funding.

There are also warnings about the growing danger posed by rogue states such as Iran and North Korea, as well as cyber attacks and artificial intelligence.

But there was also criticism that the UK's approach to Beijing is not tough enough.

China is branded an 'epoch-defining challenge to the type of international order we want to see, both in terms of security and values'. But although Mr Sunak admitted the Asian superpower is the biggest 'state-based threat to our economic security', he has defied Tory calls to tag it a wider threat, saying that would not be 'smart or sophisticated foreign policy'.

Alicia Kearns, the Tory chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: 'There is much to welcome in this pragmatic refresh, but the threat of China cannot be seen as primarily economic, that is to fail to understand the PRC's (People's Republic of China) strategic priority to undermine our security and sovereignty.'

Speaking to the BBC in San Diego, Mr Sunak said: 'China is a country with fundamentally different values to ours. And it represents a challenge to the world order. And that's why it's right that we are alert to that, and take steps to protect ourselves, protect both our values, stand up for our values and protect our interests. And that's what our new integrated review does, makes that crystal clear.'

The IR was published today with Rishi Sunak (right) in the US holding talks with Joe Biden (left) and Australian PM Anthony Albanese

The Integrated Review of the UK's policy stance has concluded that the current 'period of heightened risk and volatility' is likely to last for decades

What is in the Integrated Review? KEY FINDINGS Fragmentation of international order has happened faster than expected and 'we are now in a period of heightened risk and volatility that is likely to last beyond the 2030s'; There is a 'growing prospect that the international security environment will further deteriorate in the coming years, with state threats increasing and diversifying in Europe and beyond'; Russia is 'the most acute threat to the UK's security' and collective security is now 'intrinsically linked to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine'; China is an 'epoch-defining challenge' and the Communist Party continues 'to disregard universal human rights and its international commitments, from Tibet and Xinjiang to Hong Kong'; The CPP has 'chosen to strengthen its partnership with Russia just as Russia pursued its invasion of Ukraine; China 'has pursued rapid and opaque military modernisation with huge new investments, militarised disputed islands in the South China Sea, and refused to renounce the use of force to achieve its objectives with regard to Taiwan'; KEY RESPONSES Support Ukraine to reassert its sovereignty and deny Russia any strategic benefit from its invasion, with the UK repeating the 2.3billion in military assistance offered to Kyiv last year; Replenish and increase stockpiles of munitions, and invest in resilience of infrastructure; Invest 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence 'over time', as fiscal and economic circumstances allow; Boost UK resilience in the non-conflict sphere, including through the Defending Democracy Taskforce and enhanced cyber security measures; Improve UK's economic security with plans for supply of semi-conductors and key minerals; Focus on being a leader in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, future telecommunications and engineering biology; Support reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to welcome additional permanent members; Advertisement

Making a statement in the Commons this afternoon, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK 'cannot be blind to the increasingly aggressive military and economic behaviour of the Chinese Communist party, including stoking tensions across the Taiwan Strait and attempts to strong-arm partners'.

The review said: 'Where it is consistent with these interests, we will engage constructively with the Chinese government, business and people and cooperate on shared priorities.

'But wherever the Chinese Communist Party's actions and stated intent threaten the UK's interests, we will take swift and robust action to protect them.'

The IR was published today with Mr Sunak in the US holding talks with Joe Biden and Australian PM Anthony Albanese about the Aukus nuclear submarine programme  a project motivated by Canberra's concerns about China's actions in the Pacific.

The premier has already unveiled the 5billion boost for military budgets over the next two years.

However, the funding bump is only around half what Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was asking for - and Mr Sunak has set a vague goal of increasing spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, rather than the 3 per cent many are demanding.

Former British Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt accused Mr Sunak of behaving like 'an ostrich' with his head in the sand over the dangers the country faces.

The cross-government IR said that since 2021 'the transition into a multipolar, fragmented and contested world has happened more quickly and definitively than anticipated'.

'We are now in a period of heightened risk and volatility that is likely to last beyond the 2030s,' it said.

'There is a growing prospect that the international security environment will further deteriorate in the coming years, with state threats increasing and diversifying in Europe and beyond.

'The risk of escalation is greater than at any time in decades, and an increasing number of advanced weapons systems have been developed and are being tested or adopted.

'The strategic stability mechanisms that helped in the 21st century to mitigate the risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation and unintended escalation have not developed at the pace needed to ensure that competition does not spill over into uncontrolled conflict.'

The report also highlighted the friction between the US and China over Taiwan, suggested fallout from that could end up being worse than Ukraine.

'Tensions in the Indo-Pacific are increasing and conflict there could have global consequences greater than the conflict in Ukraine,' the document said.

China 'has pursued rapid and opaque military modernisation with huge new investments, militarised disputed islands in the South China Sea, and refused to renounce the use of force to achieve its objectives with regard to Taiwan'.

Turning to the wider risks, the IR said: 'The threat from Iran has increased, as demonstrated by its advancing nuclear programme, regionally destabilising behaviour and its actions in the UK  including 15 credible threats by the Iranian regime to kill or kidnap British or UK-based individuals since 2022.

'The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is also seeking to develop its nuclear capabilities while pursuing regionally destabilising activity through missile tests that threaten its neighbours.'

The review insisted the development of AI and other technologies was creating capabilities for states to be attacked 'anonymously'.

'As well as driving societal and economic change, these advances are leading to an increased ability to threaten, harm and damage countries, societies and individuals remotely and in some cases anonymously,' the assessment found.

'The use of commercial spyware, ransomware and offensive cyber capabilities by state and non-state actors has proliferated, highlighting the importance of engaging with technology.'

Among the gloomy findings, the review did stress that cooperation with allies, particularly in NATO, has been enhanced to help counter the burgeoning issues.

The IR urged the immediate bolstering of military capacity, replenishing munitions send to Ukraine as part of the struggle against Russia.

It said the UK needs to focus on being a leader in areas such as AI, quantum technology and biological engineering.

There is also a requirement for a strategy to ensure the supply of semi-conductors and key minerals.

Mr Sunak has announced a push to 'build expertise' in government on China.

That includes improving Mandarin language skills and understanding of the Asian giant.

Speaking to reporters accompanying him on the trip, Mr Sunak said: 'China represents a country that has very different values to ours.

'I think it presents an epoch-defining challenge to us and to the global order. It's a regime that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, and has a desire to reshape the world order.'

The IR stresses the different challenges posed by Russia (Vladimir Putin pictured left) and China (Xi Jinping right)

Asked about his previous comments on China, Mr Sunak said: 'We've recognised it as the biggest state-based threat to our economic security.

'What I would say is I don't think it's smart or sophisticated foreign policy to reduce our relationship with China  which, after all, is a country with one-and-a-half billion people, the second biggest economy and a member of the UN Security Council  to just two words.'

He said 'you can't ignore China' given the size of the economy, so it was 'necessary and right to try and engage with them', claiming the UK was following a similar policy to its allies in engaging with Beijing.

He said he was acutely aware of the challenge posed by China, adding: 'It's absolutely right that we are protecting ourselves against that. Since I've been Prime Minister, we've taken very significant action to do that. That's what we'll continue to do.'

Asked if he would travel to Beijing to meet the Chinese president, he said: 'It's not about going there or not going there. I think engagement is the point  that all our allies take the view that it's right to engage with China, on the issues that we can find common ground and make a difference on, for example climate change, global health, macroeconomic stability etc.

'That's the right approach whilst being very robust in defending our values and our interests.'

Tory Alicia Kearns, chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, is among those who have called for a tougher stance on China.

She said: 'I welcome the recognition of the threat of China, but this threat cannot be seen as primarily economic, that is to fail to understand China is foremost seeking to undermine our national security and sovereignty.

'Because no country can have economic security without national security.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he feared the review would be 'a wasted opportunity to call out China as they are, a threat to our way of life and physically to us'.

'By being weak in facing China, China doesn't respect us,' he said.

'If we don't show strength they won't respect us.

'Project Kowtow is alive and well.'
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin revealed in a blistering letter that House Oversight Committee Republicans have subpoenaed a Hunter Biden associate seeking years' worth of financial information.

Raskin (D-Md.) accused Republican panel chair Rep. James Comer of Kentucky of conducting a 'political dragnet' seeking to 'intrude' on private details of John R. Walker through the sweeping subpoena. He says a trio of subpoenas seek 'all financial records' of three individuals over a 'staggering 14-year period.'

Raskin appears to have learned about the subpoena from the majority, but he chastised Comer in his letter, dated Sunday, for brushing past a customary 48-hour notice period.

And he accuses Comer of intruding into private details of Walker, who was involved in a joint venture with Chinese firm CEFC energy, part of what Comer casts as a web of entanglements benefitting Biden family members.

The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed an associate of Hunter Biden seeking financial information as part of its probe into business practices of Biden family members and their associates

These include 'how much he pays for his child's dance lessons, when he has been to the hospital, how many parking tickets he has paid, how often he eats at Papa John's or has coffee at Starbucks, and how much he spends on groceries at Safeway,' according to Raskin, revealing the subpoena included a family joint checking account.

Comer's Oversight Committee confirmed the subpoena in a statement, and blasted Raskin's claims as 'completely unfounded.'

'The Oversight Committee has subpoenaed and obtained financial records related to the Biden family's influence peddling,' a panel spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

'These documents solidify our understanding of several areas of concern and have opened new avenues of investigation about the Biden family's business schemes,' the spokesperson added.

Raskin said the letter compelled a document production of thousands of pages of private financial information, including a decade worth of bank statements for the checking account.

Raskin called the subpoena 'wildly overbroad.' He also noted that Comer had sought documents from the 'estranged mother of Hunter Biden's child' who sued him for paternity and child support, a reference to Lunden Alexis Roberts.

Bank of America had turned over a 'considerable amount of material,' a source told CNN.

Walker held positions in the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and has previously been identified in a Senate Republican report on Hunter Biden.

Tony Bobulinski, who accused Biden family members of corruption and appeared at a presidential debate in the fall of 2020, identified Walker as being 'very very close' to the Biden family. He said he helped develop a deal with CEFC China energy.

Raskin then accused Oversight Republicans of trying to 'bury' Trump tax information  after Democrats prevailed at the Supreme Court following a multi-year saga to obtain years of tax information about former President Donald Trump.

The panel finally received and put out six years of Trump's tax information in December 2022, weeks before they handed over the committee gavel. The documents showed that Trump paid no tax in 2020 as his income dropped.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) accused Oversight Republicans of trying to 'bury' Trump tax information, and cites a letter by a Donald Trump lawyer

Raskin accused House Republicans of running a 'dragnet' to hurt President Biden and to get political 'opposition research' for Trump

He referenced a $2 billion Saudi investment in Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner's firm

Raskin called Comer's letter seeking information from Lunden Roberts, who sued Hunter Biden for paternity, a 'cheap shot'

A spokesperson for House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) blasted Raskin's claims as 'untrue'

He referenced information that foreign governments in including Saudi Arabia, China, and China 'spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at Trump-owned properties' while Trump was in office.

Then he accused Republicans of acting 'in coordination' with Trump's lawyers 'to bury evidence of such misconduct.'

Raskin referenced an email from Trump lawyer Patrick Strawbridge on January 19, 2023, after the GOP took over, to the Mazars accounting firm, which had produced documents to Congress under a court agreement.

Republicans are probing a deal with CEFC China Energy

'I do not know the status of Mazars [sic] production, but my understanding is that the Committee has no interest in forcing Mazars to complete it and is willing to release it from further obligations under the settlement agreement,' Strawbridge wrote, according to an email cited by Raskin.

Comer's office explicitly denied that allegation.

'The accusation by Ranking Member Raskin is completely unfounded and untrue. There has been no coordination or discussion with anyone from the Committee's majority with anyone about the Mazars documents,' said the spokesperson.

'So what is the point of the letter? To try to get ahead of the information the Oversight Committee is receiving in its investigation of the Biden family's influence peddling. Ranking Member Raskin may want to have his staff conduct another review of the records obtained by the committee, as there are several quite notable developments that have both solidified the committee's understanding of several areas of concern and opened new avenues of investigation about the Biden familys business schemes.'

Comer has previously announced a widespread probe into Biden family members' business dealings, and wrote in a release last month: 'If President Biden is compromised by deals with foreign adversaries and they are impacting his decision making, this is a threat to national security.'

The White House has said repeatedly Biden had no knowledge of business deals by his family members.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian speaks during a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria, March 9. Reuters-Yonhap



Iran and the United States have reached an agreement to exchange prisoners, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told state TV on Sunday, but Washington denied it as a "false" claim by Tehran.



"Regarding the issue of prisoner swaps between Iran and the U.S. we have reached an agreement in the recent days and if everything goes well on the U.S. side, I think we will witness a prisoner exchange in a short period," Amirabdollahian said.



"On our part everything is ready, while the U.S. is currently working on the final technical coordination."



A White House official denied Amirabdollahian's statement about the prisoner swap with Washington, adding that the United States was committed to securing the release of Americans held in Iran.



"Claims by Iranian officials that we have reached a deal for the release of the U.S. citizens wrongfully held by Iran are false," a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said.



One of several Americans held in Iran is Siamak Namazi, a businessman with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for spying and cooperating with the U.S. government.





USA and Iranian flags are seen in this illustration taken, Sep. 8, 2022. Reuters-Yonhap
Jose 'El Contador' Cardenas, who has been in jail since 2022, is identified as the boss of the Gulf Cartel

The cartel was involved in the March 3 kidnappings of four Americans, including two who were killed

A leaked Drug Enforcement Administration document has revealed the inner workings of the drug cartel that is responsible for the kidnappings of four Americans, including two who were killed.

The file is labeled 'sensitive but declassified' and breaks down the Gulf Cartel leadership structure that is made up by 44 key figures, from its top boss who is currently sitting in a Mexico City prison awaiting extradition to the United States to a councilman who is suspected of smuggling drugs across the United States-Mexico border.

The DEA also identified two individuals who represent the cartel's interests in Panama and Colombia.

The Gulf Cartel made headlines March 3 when members of its Scorpions Group opened fire on the Americans' minivan in the middle of a street in the northeastern border city of Matamoros.

A leaked DEA file revealed the Gulf Cartel's leadership chain. Jose Alfredo Cardenas Martinez is identified as the criminal organization's leader. He was arrested in February 2022 and is currently being held in a Mexico City jail, where he awaits extradition to the United States. Jose Alberto Garcia Vilano is the cartel's second high-ranking leader and is said to have been behind the March 3 kidnappings of four Americans, including two who were killed

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

A video captured the moment Latavia McGee, who had traveled South Carolina across the border for a tummy tuck, was escorted to a pickup truck by cartel henchmen. The armed men were also seen dumping the bodies of McGee's cousin, Shaeed Woodward, Eric James and Zindell Brown into the vehicle.

Arely Servando, a Mexican national, was caught in the middle of assault and was killed after she was struck by a stray bullet.

McGee and James were rescued last Tuesday from a stash house, where the dead bodies of Woodward and Brown were recovered.

The DEA identified Jose 'El Contador' Cardenas as the boss of the Gulf Cartel, an organization that has been around since the 1930s and is based out of northeast state of Tamaulipas.

Mexican authorities have arrested five more people in connection with the brutal kidnapping of four U.S. citizens in Matamoros, Mexico, in which two were murdered

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

Mexican authorities are offering $2.5 million pesos ($139,192 USD) for information that leads to the whereabouts and/or arrest of Jose 'La Kena' Garcia, who is identified by the DEA as the Gulf Cartel's second high-ranking leader

According to Mexican authorities, Cardenas, who was taken into custody on February 27, 2022 in Mexico City and who is expected to be handed over to U.S. authorities, commands 'The Cyclones' and 'The Scorpions,' two factions which supply military-style power for the cartel throughout the state of Tamaulipas.

In addition, Cardenas is also behind the movement of drugs and firearms. He is said to have been behind the massacre of 15 people in the Tamaulipas city of Reynosa in June 2021.

The Gulf Cartel's second high-ranking figure is identified by the DEA as Jose 'La Kena' Garcia and is suspected of being linked to the Americans' kidnapping.

Garcia reportedly leads 'The Cyclones,' a cell that has operated in Matamoros since 2015. The Mexican government is offering a reward for $2.4 million Mexican pesos ($139,192 USD) for information that leads to his whereabouts and/or his arrest.

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

A rumor surfaced online Saturday that he had been killed in a shootout, but authorities had not confirmed as on Monday.

The next leader in line is Armando Lopez, who is labeled by the DEA as being Cardenas' security chief. Mexican government records don't show that there are any warrants issued for his arrest or if he has ever been arrested.

The Gulf Cartel's leadership tree is rounded out by Alfredo 'Ardilla' del Rio, who oversees the group's operations and who is wanted by Mexican authorities, and Gusemindo 'Gume' Perez, who leads the criminal organization's dealings in the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) region.

The leaked document also revealed that Matamoros city council member Jorge Aguirre Jr. reportedly plays a role in the Mexican cartel's cocaine smuggling activities to the United States.

Members (pictured) of the Gulf Cartel's Scorpions Group were abandoned on a Matamoros street and accused by the criminal organization of being behind last Friday's kidnapping of four Americans

The cartel's note reads: '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'

At least two Gulf Cartel members are being searched for by the DEA.

Omar 'Trompas' Amaro is wanted by the DEA's Dallas office while the Miami is seeking the arrest of Moises de Dios, who works for the cartel out of the western city of Guadalajara.

At least five cartel members are in custody after Gulf Cartel itself left them tied up in the same Matamoros street where the kidnappings took place.

A photograph showed the suspects lying face down on the pavement and sitting against an SUV with smirks on their faces.

The leaked DEA document identified Matamoros councilman Jorge Aguirre Jr. of allegedly smuggling cocaine for the Gulf Cartel

Each suspect is faces 80 years in prison for kidnapping and 60 years for murder if slapped with the highest sentence.

The cartel also left behind a note written in Spanish, apologizing for the killings and claiming they were happy to hand over those responsible.

They claimed the assassins - who were part of the notorious Scorpions Group - operated outside of 'cartel rules' and 'condemn' the attack.

'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 message read.

The criminal organization claimed the suspects acted on their own.

'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!!'
It's known for being the bank for the super rich, with oyster-fueled events for clients, glitzy Christmas parties for staff and cut-price mortgages for the well heeled.

But First Republic finds itself at the eye of the storm after being sucked into the financial crisis sparked by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Shares nosedived 67 percent in Monday morning trading while panicked customers raced to branches to empty their accounts of their huge savings.

Meanwhile trading circuit breakers were swiftly imposed to protect the market from rampant volatility as Wall Street traders tried to shut the floodgates.

It is a far cry from a few months ago, when fancy-clad First Republic bankers flocked to San Francisco for a no-expense-spared Wonka-themed Christmas party.

It also marks a dramatic downturn for a small bank that exploded over the last decade to count even Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg among its wealthy clients.

First Republic Bank is known for being the bank for the super rich, with oyster-fueled events for clients and glitzy Christmas parties for staff. Pictured: Facebook post by Robert Callan Jr. of Sothebys from inside a Willy Wonka inspired First Republic Bank Holiday Event

But shares nosedived 67 percent in Monday morning trading while panicked customers raced to branches to empty their accounts of their huge savings

It is a far cry from a few months ago, when fancy-clad First Republic bankers flocked to San Francisco for a no-expense-spared Wonka-themed Christmas party

Over the last three decades the bank has boomed from a small operation to the lender of choice for wealthy clients including Zuckerberg - who was offered a 1.05 percent mortgage rate on a $5.95M loan for his five-bedroom Palo Alto home in 2011.

Customers with median net worth of $3.3M are enticed by lavish perks including cocktail parties at its 69 branches from Manhattan to Palm Beach.

Photos and videos posted to social media in December show a glitzy Willy Wonka-themed holiday party, complete with dancers and an orchestra, at the luxury Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

The bank's customers include businesses - the Lincoln Center and the San Francisco Ballet - as well as high-net worth individuals who are no longer happy to leave their money in low-interest accounts.

First Republic Bank - known as the bank for the uber wealthy - showered rich clients with lavish perks before stocks plunged 65 percent amid SVB Financial Group's downfall last week.

First Republic Bank is known to be the bank for wealthy clients - like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg - who was offered a 1.05 percent mortgage rate on a $5.95M loan in 2011

The bank's customers are businesses - including the Lincoln Center and the San Francisco Ballet - as well as high-net worth individuals who are no longer happy to leave their money in low-interest accounts

First Republic, like some other financial institutions, is known for catering to the rich as 'some are exempt from certain rules on diverse mortgage lending, while others don't face the same potential issues because they are private banks within firms that lend broadly,' The Wall Street Journal reported.

About three-quarters of the bank's mortgage approvals are 'jumbo' loans, or loans above $417,000, the WSJ reported. And the average mortgage at First Republic is more than $1.2 million.

Many clients are on a first-name basis with their branch manager and cite personal attention as their reason for banking with the lender.

A man who was leaving First Republic on 51st and Park told DailyMail.com he went to bank this afternoon to do 'business as usual.'

'I'm calm. I hope every bank has the right amount of deposits.' When asked about the frenzy happening, he seemed unaffected and said: 'One day at a time.'

Meanwhile another woman who also would not reveal her name said she banks at Wells Fargo not First Republic.

She was clutching some type of file folder and said she was 'very very nervous,' as she rushed off.

Clients previously posted online gushing about the institution, detailing appreciation parties on city rooftops, high end hotels and ballrooms in cities across the country.

A gallery of photos on the bank's homepage shows clients at swanky gatherings and events with champagne, spreads of food and live music.

But following SVB's fallout last week, First Republic Bank customers rushed to withdraw their money.

First Republic Bank clients have posted to social media and Glassdoor gushing about the institution, about appreciation parties held on city rooftops and high-end hotels

A gallery of photos on the bank's homepage shows clients at swanky gatherings and events with champagne, spreads of food and live music

Clients receive free swag from First Republic Bank at an Oktoberfest event

The San Francisco-based bank said yesterday it had secured additional financing through JPMorgan, giving it access to a total of $70 billion in funds through various sources.

The bank's chairman and CEO said in a joint statement its 'capital and liquidity positions are very strong' and that 'its capital remains well above the regulatory threshold for well-capitalized banks.'

Despite the cash infusion, investment bank Raymond James double downgraded its stock to 'market perform' from 'strong buy', highlighting the risk of deposit outflows that First Republic faces from panicked large depositors after the bank run at SVB.

President Joe Biden on Monday told Americans the nation's financial systems were safe, seeking to project calm following the swift and stunning collapse of two banks that prompted fears of a broader upheaval.

'Your deposits will be there when you need them,' he said.

U.S. regulators closed the Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after it experienced a traditional bank run, where depositors rushed to withdraw their funds all at once.

People line up in front of a First Republic Bank branch during rain in Los Angeles, California

Joe Biden spoke before the markets opened this morning, stating: 'Our actions should give Americans confidence that the US banking system is safe'. It comes after White House yesterday guaranteed it would make SVB customers 'whole' and that 'no losses will be borne by the taxpayer'

It is the second largest bank failure in U.S. history, behind only the 2008 failure of Washington Mutual. But the financial bloodletting was swift; New York-based Signature Bank also failed.

The president, speaking from the White House shortly before a trip to the West Coast, said he'd seek to hold those responsible accountable, and pressed for better oversight and regulation of larger banks . And he promised no losses would be borne by taxpayers.

'We must get the full accounting of what happened,' he said. 'Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe.'

Biden also said management of the banks should be fired. 'If the bank is taken over by the FDIC, the people running the bank should not work there anymore,' he said, referring to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the agency responsible for ensuring the stability of the banking system.

At more than $110 billion in assets, Signature Bank is the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history. Another beleaguered bank, First Republic Bank, announced Sunday that it had bolstered its financial health by gaining access to funding from the Fed and JPMorgan Chase.

Staff arrive at the SVB headquarters on Monday morning while customers line up to withdraw their funds in Santa Clara, California

The developments left markets jittery as trading began Monday. The Asian and European markets fell and while U.S. markets traded higher, shares in midsized commercial banks were hammered despite assurances from Biden.

The Bank of England and U.K. Treasury said early Monday that they had facilitated the sale of a Silicon Valley Bank subsidiary in London to HSBC, Europe's biggest bank, ensuring the security of 6.7 billion pounds ($8.1 billion) of deposits.

In an effort to shore up confidence in the banking system, the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and FDIC said Sunday that all Silicon Valley Bank clients would be protected and able to access their money.

Under the plan, depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, including those whose holdings exceed the $250,000 insurance limit, will be able to access their money on Monday.

Among the bank's customers are a range of companies from California's wine industry , where many wineries rely on Silicon Valley Bank for loans, and technology startups devoted to combating climate change.
The Pentagon has released details of a sharp rise in the number of sexual assaults in top US military academies, with two thirds of female students describing harassment and a fifth complaining of unwanted sexual contact.

The results of an anonymous survey covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies for the 2021-22 school year marked an 18 percent overall rise against the previous year and were the highest since the Pentagon started collecting data.

The report echoes similar findings of widespread sexual assaults and harassment against women serving in the US military, and comes as the Army and other forces are struggling to attract new recruits as they ready for a confrontation with China.

The military services and the academies have struggled for years to combat sexual assault and harassment, with myriad prevention, education, and treatment programs.

But despite reams of research, and expanded programs, the numbers continue to grow.

An anonymous survey covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies for the 2021-22 school year marked an 18 percent overall rise in sex complaints against the previous year

Freshman recruits at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, which had nearly double the number of reported assaults in 2022, compared with 2021

Calling the increase 'extremely disappointing and upsetting,' defense officials said teams are visiting all three academies in the coming weeks to target improvements and changes to address the problem.

The increase was driven largely by the Navy, which had nearly double the number of reported assaults in 2022, compared with 2021. It's unclear whether the phasing out of COVID-19-related restrictions contributed to the increase, including at the US Naval Academy, which is close to bars in downtown Annapolis, Maryland.

Alcohol use was involved in 60 percent of unwanted sexual contact incidents reported, says the 44-page report.

'These numbers are extremely disappointing and upsetting,' said Beth Foster, director of the Office of Force Resiliency.

'This year's report shows a significant increase in sexual assault prevalence at the military service academies  This is the highest sexual assault estimated prevalence rate for both women and men at the military service academies since the department started measuring this in 2006.'

A student survey accompanying the report found increases in all types of unwanted sexual contact  from touching to rape  at all the schools.

The military services and the academies have struggled for years to combat sexual assault and harassment, with myriad prevention, education and treatment programs. But despite reams of research, and expanded programs, the numbers continue to grow.

'Extremely disappointing and upsetting,' says Beth Foster

The increases have triggered outrage on Capitol Hill and a steady stream of legislation.

But as yet, the changes have not appeared to make a dent in the problem, although officials argue that expanded assistance programs have encouraged more victims to report the crimes.

According to US officials, 155 students reported assaults during the 2022 school year, compared with 131 the previous year. Of those, students at the US Naval Academy reported 61  nearly double the school's total for the previous year, when there were 33.

Cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado reported 52, the same as the previous year, and those at the US Military Academy at West Point in New York reported 42, a slight decrease from last year's 46.

Reports of sexual assaults at military academies have risen steadily since the Pentagon started gathering data in 2006

Male and female US Marine Corps recruits during a training exercise last year in Parris Island, South Carolina

Army chiefs have spoken of 'unprecedented challenges' in bringing in recruits, leading to a shortfall of some 10,000 soldiers and bigger problems down the road. Pictured: Army recruiters at a career fair in Michigan

Not all of the assaults in the report happened while the students were enrolled in the academies. Because students are encouraged to report assaults, they sometimes come forward to talk about events that happened in the years before they started school there.

As a result, 16 students reported an assault in the 2021-22 school year that occurred prior to joining the military.

The Pentagon puts out two reports every year on the number of sexual assaults reported by military academy students and by US service members. But because sexual assault is such an underreported crime, the department also conducts anonymous surveys every two years to get a clearer picture of the problem.

Based on the surveys, students at the academies are less likely to report an assault than service members who are out of school. Students may worry more about the impact on their military career or even on the career of their attacker.

Based on the survey, attacks against women were most often by a male who was usually in the same class year and more than half the time knew them from school or other activities. Attacks on men were more often  55 percent of the time  by a female who was in the same class year and knew them.

Alcohol use was involved in well more than half of the cases reported in the survey, with a high of 65 percent at the Naval Academy. The report recommends additional alcohol use policies.

The report also found that sophomores and junior men were most at risk. And women are still far more likely to actually report an assault than men.

Pentagon leaders have for years pushed public campaigns urging students to report any attacks, and they argue that an increase in assault reports suggests that students feel more comfortable coming forward to seek help.

According to the report, the rates of unwanted sexual contact reported in the survey are 'at or above civilian rates' based on 2014 and 2018 statistics from the American Association of Universities.

A vigil for murdered Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen in July, 2020 in Austin, Texas. Guillen was allegedly murdered at Fort Hood by a fellow soldier after reporting sexual harassment

In recent years, cases like Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, have spotlighted the issue. The 20-year-old, based at Fort Hood in Texas, was bludgeoned to death, mutilated and buried in a shallow grave after reporting sexual harassment.

The focus on sexual assaults comes at a tough time for the US military, which is struggling to attract new recruits and faced a shortfall of some 10,000 soldiers this year and bigger problems down the road.

While some Republicans blame the vaccine mandates or 'wokeness' for the Army's recruiting woes, the military service says young people are more often put off by the threat of death or injury, discrimination and other stresses of military life.

Research from the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) last year found that the number of military personnel who would advise others to enlist sank nearly 12 points to 62.9 percent between 2019 and 2021.

Three quarters of those surveyed were in debt, more than half could not save, 61 percent had trouble paying rent and a troublesome 17 percent said they were so cash-strapped they could not always put enough food on the table.
Anti-monarchy protesters took to the streets of London this afternoon to heckle King Charles as he attended the Commonwealth Day service.

It was the first time the King attended the service at Westminster Abbey as head of state.

But activists from campaign group Republic staged their latest demonstration against the Royal Family today and chanted 'not my King' as the monarch arrived. They were also armed with placards with spelled out their chant.

It comes just days after they booed the royal the King and Queen Consort as they visited Colchester in Essex.

The group, which has ramped up its rallies against His Majesty ahead of his May Coronation, has branded the King as 'just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money'.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside Westminster Abbey ahead of the Commonwealth Day service

Activists from Republic had gathered outside holding placards stating 'not my King'

Meet three of the team involved in Republic GRAHAM SMITH, chief executive Graham Smith, 48, is possibly the most well-known republican in Britain, and he has campaigned against the monarchy for 20 years. His group, Republic, was set up in 1983 but has gained momentum and supporters in recent years after being formally set up as a limited company in 2006. He recently labelled King Charles as 'just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money' but admitted heckling the Queen 'wouldn't have gone down well'. The Daily Beast once described Mr Smith as 'the most successful British republican since Oliver Cromwell'. GULLY BUJAK, protest organiser Gully Bujak is an experienced climate change protest organiser who has been convicted of criminal acts during Extinction Rebellion eco protests. She is also a privately-educated model and actress and former junior head girl at Stover School in Devon  where her father used to be headmaster. BEN CLINTON Ben Clinton is campaign co-ordinator for 'Labour for a Republic', a republican pressure group within the Labour Party. He has previously written for the Morning Star and is a councillor on the parish council in Peasmarsh, East Sussex. He also spoke in favour of proportional representation at the Labour Party conference in 2021. Advertisement

Republic's chief executive Graham Smith said Charles should be criticised like any other politician - but in an attempt to explain why the group was organising more protests against the King than his late mother, he admitted: 'The Queen enjoyed deference and it put people off criticising her directly. We were aware heckling her wouldn't go down well.'

Mr Smith - who was spotted today outside Westminster Abbey - last week told MailOnline: 'Charles is a very different person. He just inherited the throne and inheritance is an issue.

'We think now is the right moment for us to push our message. We did protest the Queen, such as at the 2012 Jubilee.

'Other people certainly had a greater level of respect for the Queen. The Queen enjoyed deference and it put people off criticising her directly. We were aware heckling her wouldn't go down well.

'But everything has changed, it's a very different monarchy. This has changed the nature of the campaign.'

The group believe hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle and ultimately want to abolish the monarchy.

Instead, they want a head of state that is chosen by the public and keeps politicians in check.

Mr Smith continued: 'If you think politicians are fair game for heckling and protests, you should see Charles in the same way. The Queen felt like the real deal. Charles is just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money.

'He should be treated like a politician. Heads of state should be fair game for criticism.'

The display comes as senior members of the Royal Family were gathering with the King in the Abbey where he will be crowned in two months' time.

The Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales attended with the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Afterwards, Charles, Camilla and the attending members of the Royal Family will entertain the Commonwealth secretary-general, high commissioners, foreign affairs ministers and other members of the Commonwealth community at a Buckingham Palace reception.

The annual service was the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's final official public engagement as senior working royals in 2020.

The couple, who stepped down for a new life in the US, have yet to confirm whether they will attend the King's coronation but have received an email invite from Charles' office.

Republic's chief executive Graham Smith (pictured speaking to the crowd) said Charles should be criticised like any other politician

Demonstrators have ramped up their protests in recent weeks and have been spotted heckling the Royal Family. Pictured is a protester in London today

The King and Queen Consort were met with boos and cheers as they visited Colchester last week. Pictured are protesters on Monday outside Westminster Abbey

Crowds of well-wishers had gathered to greet the monarch earlier this month in Colchester (pictured) but among them were anti-monarchy protesters who waved 'not my King' banners

Harry's controversial autobiography Spare, published at the start of the year, included claims that William physically attacked him and that Charles did not hug him when he told him of Diana death.

Charles is now head of the Commonwealth, following in the late Queen's footsteps after she successfully lobbied for him to take on the role.

A Commonwealth flag for peace will be carried in the procession of Commonwealth members' flags to mark 2023 as Commonwealth Year of Peace.

The protest in Colchester was also organised by the same group Republic

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Colchester Castle to mark its recently awarded city status

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla greeting some schoolchildren outside Colchester Castle

The service will include musical performances from saxophonist YolanDa Brown, West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera, and the all-female Amalgamation Choir, from Cyprus. And the King is expected to deliver a message.

Guests of honour among the 2,000-strong congregation will include the Commonwealth secretary-general, the prime minister of Samoa, high commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the UK and the Commonwealth.

Also attending will be athletes from the home nations who competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last summer, as well as faith leaders, and more than 750 schoolchildren and young people from throughout the UK.

The service will be broadcast live on BBC One.
A narco submarine containing an astonishing 72million of cocaine and two dead bodies has been discovered off Colombia.

The Colombian Navy seized the 49ft-long vessel - which had more than 2.6 tons of cocaine on board - in the Pacific Ocean.

When searching the submarine on Sunday, authorities also found two survivors who were given life-saving medical attention on a nearby ship.

Video footage has captured the moment that officers unload the submarine, laying out a substantial amount of cocaine they had seized.

A 49ft-long narco submarine (pictured) containing 72million of cocaine and two dead bodies has been discovered off Colombia

The Colombian Navy seized the submarine, which had more than 2.6 tons of cocaine (pictured) on it, in the Pacific Ocean

Two people found onboard were given life-saving medical attention but a further two were found dead

Colombian authorities trying to unravel the mystery believe that the two crew who died may have been killed by toxic gas inhalation.

Spanish media are reporting that the submarine was one of three seized by Colombian officials - with all alleged to have belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The FARC was a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group which operated in Colombia between 1964 and 2017 and attempted to overthrow the country's government and establish a communist state.

The group were involved drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and other criminal activities to finance its decades-long insurgency.

It's understood that each narco submarine could carry up to six tons of cocaine.

Narco submarines are designed to travel partially submerged to avoid detection by radar and other surveillance equipment.

They are often constructed in remote areas of the Colombian jungle, and their design and construction involve a high degree of sophistication.

Reports also claim that Colombian troops discovered and destroyed a cocaine processing centre in a rural area near the northern city of Santa Marta. It is believed they seized a further two tons of cocaine there.

Colombia's Ministry of National Defence said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: 'The Colombian Military Forces, in the course of maritime control and security operations in the Colombian Pacific, intercepted a semi-submersible approximately 15 metres long, in which 2,643 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride were being transported, destined for distribution in Central America.

'Once the illegal device was located, military personnel found two individuals in poor health conditions on the outside of the vessel. Apparently, there was an accident inside the semi-submersible due to the generation of toxic gases from the fuel.

'The two men were treated and transported to a nearby vessel, where they were given the necessary medical attention to safeguard their lives.

Spanish media are reporting that the submarine was one of three seized by Colombian officials - with all alleged to have belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

Pictured: The moment that Colombian police discovered and seized the narco submarine in the Pacific

Pictured: A positive test for the drugs found onboard the semi-submersible narco submarine

'During the inspection of the illegal device, which had a large amount of water in it, two bodies without signs of life were found and recovered. The Colombian Navy, after carrying out these procedures, recovered the alkaloid that was being transported inside the semi-submersible.

'Subsequently, the rescued individuals, the bodies, and the drug haul were transported to the municipality of Tumaco, Narino Department, where they were presented to the Technical Investigation Corps of the Attorney General's Office, which determined that the alkaloid was cocaine hydrochloride.

'With this operational deployment, which had foreign support, more than 87 million dollars entering the financial structures of the narco-trafficking organisations operating in the Colombian Pacific were prevented, and more than six million doses were prevented from circulating in the international illegal market.

'The Colombian Navy will continue to deploy all its capabilities to counteract the scourge of the narco-trafficking structures operating in the Colombian Pacific.'
Chase Allan, 25, was killed on March 1 as the result of an interaction with Farmington police during a traffic stop caused by the same issue

This is the moment the mom of a Utah law student who was shot dead by cops was pulled over for an expired license plate - a year before her son died during argument with police over the same issue.



Chase Allan, 25, was fatally shot in Farmington, Utah on March 1 during a traffic stop.

His family have since said that they discovered their son had been killed through the news and that police have not been cooperative in answering their questions.

In the two weeks since the fatal run in, it has come to light that Allan's mother, Diane Killian Allan, claimed in a September 2022 lawsuit that she is a sovereign citizen and not under the jurisdiction of Farmington City or any United States government.

The suit was the result of an April 2022 traffic stop for an expired vehicle registration, which is the same violation her son would be stopped for nearly a year later.

In 2022, Allan's mother Diane was stopped for driving without a license. She also refused to answer cops' questions. Now, she is suing the police department

Diane Allan questions the officer who stopper her on April 7, 2022

During the interaction, Diane Allan is seen on police bodycam footage asking what the 'probable cause' for the stop was, to which the officer explained that it was her 'expired registration.'

'That's not a probable cause,' she said, as she refused to provide her name, or tell the officer if the care was insured or registered.

The officer can at one point during the recording be heard calling a colleague to ask how to handle the situation.

'Is it worth pulling her out of her car and arresting her for failure to identify?' the officer asks.

'No. Probably not,' responded his colleague.

The colleague suggested instead that the officer ticker Allan for not having a driver's license and an expired vehicle registration.

Dispatch can also be heard on the call telling the officer that the woman has a concealed firearm permit.

Eventually Allan handed over her passport and a copy of the constitution. She ultimately received two tickets that amounted to roughly $100.

In her lawsuit, she claimed she is not under the jurisdiction of the city, state, or the United States, arguing instead that she is a sovereign citizen.

She argued that she had an 'inherent right' to travel in Farmington without being stopped by police.

Chase Allan was named in the lawsuit and accompanied his mother to the Farmington Police department to return the documents the officer had tossed into the car window.

The officer told Diane Allan that if she did not register her vehicle, it would be impounded.

The witness then replied: 'That's a threat.'

The officer said: 'No, it's a promise, it's a promise,' according to the lawsuit.

While it is unclear whether Chase Allan also considered himself to be a sovereign citizen, police said that he 'asserted his independence from the laws of the land,' during the fatal traffic stop.

According to the Department of Justice, members of the Sovereign Citizen Movement are part of an 'extreme anti-government movement whose members believe the government has no authority over them.'

Following the fatal shooting of Allan, five officers have been placed on administrative leave and the city says an investigation is underway.

In a statement, the department said: 'During an attempt to remove the driver from the vehicle shots were fired and the driver was injured.'

'At the time an observing officer yelled out the words, 'Gun, gun, gun!' A struggle, which appeared to last only seconds, ensued and gunshots could be heard,' police described in a statement.

Authorities added that the responding officers requested back up after Chase Allan refused to exit his vehicle.

In the wake of her son's death, Diane Allan has told local outlets that the family was not properly notified of Chase's death, nor have they been allowed to see him.

'Our family was not properly notified of Chase's death as next of kin. We found out about Chase's death along with the entirety of our community via news reporters and articles written online,' she said.

Nearly a year before Chase Allan was shot and killed by Farmington Police, his mother, Diane Allan, was pulled over for a similar reason and body cam footage showed both responded to officers in a similar manner

Allan is shown in the car, seconds before being shot dead. He had refused to step out of the vehicle, refused to give his name or identification and police thought he was reaching for his gun

Allan was a sovereign citizen (someone who does not believe that they have to abide by federal law) and was armed

The Allan family. Chase's mother also calls herself a sovereign citizen

Diane described her deceased son as a 'gracious, loving soul who was known by everyone in his community to be caring, thoughtful, and kind and would do anything for someone in need.'

'He was always selflessly helping and protecting others in need,' she said, adding that he was 'likely terrified for his safety' during the encounter with the police.

Law enforcement officers discharged their weapons at his car at least 12 times.

Diane Allan said her son was 'a patriot doing what he could to defend the people's freedom and liberty in his community.'

She said the family has 'learned more from media coverage about what occurred than anywhere else' and that officers 'claim it was a routine traffic stop, yet the officer requested multiple other officers to the scene...prior to the stop.'

'This resulted in the brutal murder of Chase at the hands of 5 Farmington Police officers, with them shooting him while he was still in his automobile and likely terrified for his safety. They shot 12 plus rounds at him while he was still inside the car with the engine running and lights on when reporters arrived.'
Republicans are placing the blame squarely on President Joe Biden after another large migrant caravan of at least 1,000 people tried to rush a border checkpoint in Texas over the weekend.

The latest comes as lawmakers and the court system in Florida is moving forward with attempting to put an end to Biden's new parole program that allows migrants to be swiftly released from Border Patrol custody into the U.S.

Bidens new policies announced earlier this year allows 30,000 migrants each month into the U.S. from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. But critics claim that the policies have only led to an exacerbation of the southern border crisis.

I think part of the president's policies are attracting more illegal immigration and what the Border Patrol calls pull factors  in other words the perception that there are no consequences associated with coming here outside of legal immigration channels, Texas Senator John Cornyn said in an interview with Fox and Friends on Monday morning.

A group of 'at least 1,000' migrants clashed with Mexican military and U.s. Customs and Border Protection officers as they rushed a checkpoint between El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico on Sunday trying to illegally enter the U.S.

Texas Senator John Cornyn slammed President Joe Biden's new migrant policies for exacerbating the southern border crisis after a massive group of illegal immigrants rushed a border checkpoint on Sunday

'So, once again I think the president will try to go it alone,' he added of the president.

'We're going to introduce the Congressional Review Act, which is a way Congress can overrule that administrative rule because I believe it will do nothing to make things worse but not better.'

Cornyn says that the rush of 1,000 migrants trying to illegally enter the country 'is exactly what president Biden's open border policies are inviting.'

Heavily-armed Mexican military and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were manning the El Paso border on Sunday evening after the massive group of migrants unsuccessfully tried to rush a checkpoint between El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico.

Video shared by Fox News reporter Bill Melugin showed the 'bilateral show of force' on the border, which included armed security forces in riot gear, barbed wire, concrete blocks and mesh fencing on the Paso Del Norte Bridge.

It was shared hours after different footage showed hordes of migrants charging past a line of Mexican officials at the southern border.

Photos captured the moment the group reached the center of the bridge, where they were then blocked by CBP officers, tear gas and barricades.

'Unbelievable, honestly, to see this kind of video. Our border is not secure,' Rep. Nancy Mace lamented in a Monday interview with Fox and Friends First.

'Secretary Mayorkas is like a firefighter running away from a fire,' she said of the Homeland Security secretary. 'He ought to be impeached from this and this lawlessness  unbelievable.'

'We are not following our laws,' the South Carolina Republican continued. 'We allow them to come here illegally and stay here illegally without consequence. You are seeing the results of that.'

'Deal with the problem at the border then. Your experiment failed. You don't want them in your community,' she said.

Cornyn says the bigger problem is that Bidne refuses to work with Congress on the issue and tries to take it on just at the administrative level, which has so far not been successful in addressing the prevailing crisis at all.

The migrants accumulated on the bridge before concrete barriers and barbed wire. CBP was able to prevent the group's passage with the barricades and use of tear gas

Migrant encounters in January were at their lowest level since February 2021 after five months of increases in apprehensions

'This is part of the plan and president Biden is not prepared,' Cornyn said. 'Unfortunately he insists on not working with Congress to solve that problem. I'm ready and able to work with him but it seems like he wants to go at it alone. So far, it's not working.'

Cornyn announced plans in his interview Monday to force a vote in Congress to overturn Biden's new 'parole' program, which seeks to admit migrants into the country outside of the usual process established under immigration law.

Meanwhile, a Florida federal judge last week ordered the Biden administration to end the expedited migrant release.

CBP officers said they 'implemented port hardening measures' on Sunday, including the use of the fencing and concrete barricades, temporarily preventing northbound traffic at the bridge.

Officials say the large group approached the international line 'posing a threat to make mass entry.'

Footage showed the group, which consisted mostly of young men but also included women and young children, charging along the border road.

The clips also show them pushing past the Mexican side of Paso Del Norte bridge forcing CBP to erect barricades of barbed wire and other physical barriers to prevent any crossings.

Hundreds of migrants stormed the Paso del Norte, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in the hopes of crossing into El Paso on March 12

Mexican National Guardsman stand guard on the Paso del Norte International Bridge after it was closed by Mexican and US authorities on March 12

The Paso del Norte International Bridge was blocked by Mexican and US authorities after migrants assembled and forced their way onto the bridge

Bill Melugin of Fox News tweeted a video from El Paso showing Mexican military (pictured) facing south on one side of the border and CBP officials on the other

NEW: This is the bilateral show of force that dispersed the huge group of migrants trying to rush a port of entry in El Paso today. Two lines of Mexican military, then on the US side, physical barriers, barbed wire, and a skirmish line of CBP officers in crowd control gear. pic.twitter.com/YPaNBUhQhu  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 13, 2023

According to one reporter on the ground, a portion of the group was able to be pushed by CBP officials while another group decided to gather around smaller bridges including the Stanton Bridge and the Bridge of the Americas, also leading to the use of barricades by CBP officials armed with batons and riot shields.

Others attempted to get across the border into the U.S. by crossing the river.

'This is the type of event that doesn't help them (migrants),' said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas to KTSM.

'It doesn't help the migrant make their case. I know that they're tired of waiting and all that, but this type of thing just doesn't help their case,' Cuellar said.

'Even the president is saying, now, 'Let's have 'em come in in an orderly process,' you know. What they're doing, trying to rush through, doesn't help their case one bit at all. It does become a little frustrating.'

The group reached the hump of the bridge, where Customs and Protection elements prevented their passage with barricades of wires and tear gas

The horde was mostly men but also included women and children accompanied with children

US officials (pictured) said they 'implemented port hardening measures' including the use of the fencing and concrete barricades

On Sunday, a large group of migrants, numbering around 1,000, were caught on camera trying to rush the U.S. southern border from Mexico

Video footage of the migrants could be seen attempting to overwhelm official checkpoints as they made their way through the port of entry in El Paso, Texas

CBP released a statement early on Sunday evening explaining what had occurred.

'CBP officers including members of the CBP Mobile Field Force implemented port hardening measures at the Paso Del Norte international bridge at 1:30pm today temporarily preventing the northbound flow of traffic after a large group of individuals formed on the Mexican side of the border and approached the international boundary posing a potential threat to make a mass entry.

'The CBP response included the deployment of physical barriers to restrict entry. As of 5 pm there is no traffic processing occurring at Paso Del Norte. There were also temporary disruptions at two other crossings because of appearance of groups of migrants. Barricades were used at the Stanton Bridge crossing from 2pm until 2:45pm and at the Bridge of the Americas from 2:45pm until 3:30pm.'

'The Office of Field Operations Special Response Team and U.S. Border Patrol agents have been assisting CBP officers.'

The group consisted mostly of young men, but there were also women and young children present

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December

Mexican National Guardsman walk back to Juarez after a closure on the Paso del Norte International Bridge

Another video from our contact. Were told some crowd control measures were used (unclear which side of border), and a chunk of the group was repelled, and is now gathering at another smaller bridge, while some are trying to cross in the river. Waiting for more details from CBP. pic.twitter.com/PEFeHlF4KH  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

BREAKING: Another video from our contact showing this massive migrant group trying to rush Paso Del Norte bridge in El Paso in an attempt to get into the United States. pic.twitter.com/q9v2myX333  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) March 12, 2023

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December.

The decrease in border crossings followed Biden's announcement in early January that Mexico would take back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans under a pandemic-era rule that denies migrants the right to seek asylum as part of an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

At the same time, the U.S. agreed to admit up to 30,000 a month of those four nationalities on humanitarian parole if they apply online, enter at an airport and find a financial sponsor.

The administration has also proposed generally denying asylum to anyone who travels though another country on their way to the U.S. without seeking protection there - effectively all non-Mexicans who appear at the U.S. southern border.

Agents detained migrants more than 2.5 million times at the southern border in 2022, including more than 250,000 in December, the highest on record.

According to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, Border Patrol agents stopped migrants about 130,000 times in February, similar to January.

More than 100,000 migrants each month were being released in U.S. border cities late last year with notices to appear in immigration court or report to immigration authorities.
The anti-monarchy protesters took to the streets of London this afternoon to heckle King Charles as he attended the Commonwealth Day service include a modern day Oliver Cromwell and privately-educated model and actress.

Activists from campaign group Republic staged their latest demonstration against the Royal Family today and chanted 'not my King' as the monarch arrived for the service at Westminster Abbey.

Among those who voiced their frustrations with the monarchy was CEO Graham Smith, far-left Extinction Rebellion activist Gully Bujak and campaign coordinator Ben Clinton who's trying to make a name as a young Labour campaigner.

The group, which has ramped up its rallies against His Majesty ahead of his May Coronation, has branded the King as 'just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money'. Today's demonstration comes just days after they booed the royal the King and Queen Consort as they visited Colchester in Essex.

The anti-monarchy protesters took to the streets of London this afternoon to heckle King Charles as he attended the Commonwealth Day service include a modern day Oliver Cromwell and privately-educated model and actress

GULLY BUJAK, protest organiser, (pictured today) only recently started her new role at Republic. She is an experienced climate change protest organiser who has been convicted of criminal acts during Extinction Rebellion eco protests

Republic is a pressure group calling for an end to the UK's system of constitutional monarchy.

Set up in 1983 as a group of republicans and officially founded as pressure group in 2006, Republic wants to replace a royal head of state with an elected figure.

It would bring the UK into line with countries such as Germany, which has both a political leader, currently Chancellor Angela Merkel, and an elected head of state, the President of Germany, currently Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It is a member organisation of Common Cause - the alliance of republican movements in the Commonwealth - as well as the Stockholm based Alliance of European Republican Movements.

The group protested the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018.

It is currently headed up by Peter Cafferkey - who took over as chairman of the pressure group earlier this year.

Mr Cafferkey is the UK's representative for the European Venture Philanthropy Association, having founded London-based 'social good' consultancy Boncerto.

Its current chief executive is long-term member Graham Smith, who has consistently called for the end to the Monarchy - a system he describes as 'wrong'.

As of 2015, the group had an income of 140,000. In 2016 it had over 5,000 paying members and about 35,000 online supporters.

Mr Smith - who was spotted today outside Westminster Abbey - declared during the demonstration that Charles should be criticised like any other politician.

But in an attempt to explain why the group was organising more protests against the King than his late mother, he admitted: 'The Queen enjoyed deference and it put people off criticising her directly. We were aware heckling her wouldn't go down well.'

Republic believes hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle and ultimately want to abolish the monarchy. Instead, they want a head of state that is chosen by the public and keeps politicians in check.

MailOnline takes a look at the Republic officials who assembled outside Westminster Abbey today...

Smith has claimed the organisation's overall mission is the 'abolition of the monarchy in favour of a parliamentary republic.' He is pictured today with Ben Clinton (right)

Activists from campaign group Republic staged their latest demonstration against the Royal Family today and chanted 'not my King' as the monarch arrived for the service at Westminster Abbey

Graham Smith, Chief Executive Officer

Graham Smith, 48, is possibly the most well-known republican in Britain, and he has campaigned against the monarchy for 20 years.

Graham Smith, chief executive (pictured today), is possibly the most well-known republican in Britain, and he has campaigned against the monarchy for 20 years. He was once described as 'the most successful British republican since Oliver Cromwell'

His group, Republic, was set up in 1983 but has gained momentum and supporters in recent years after being formally set up as a limited company in 2006.

He has claimed the organisation's overall mission is the 'abolition of the monarchy in favour of a parliamentary republic.'

Mr Smith - who was spotted today outside Westminster Abbey - last week labelled King Charles as 'just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money' but admitted heckling the Queen 'wouldn't have gone down well'.

'If you think politicians are fair game for heckling and protests, you should see Charles in the same way. The Queen felt like the real deal. Charles is just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money,' he told MailOnline.

'He should be treated like a politician. Heads of state should be fair game for criticism.'

He added: 'Charles is a very different person. He just inherited the throne and inheritance is an issue. We think now is the right moment for us to push our message. We did protest the Queen, such as at the 2012 Jubilee.

'Other people certainly had a greater level of respect for the Queen. The Queen enjoyed deference and it put people off criticising her directly. We were aware heckling her wouldn't go down well.

'But everything has changed, it's a very different monarchy. This has changed the nature of the campaign.'

He also told MailOnline last month that 'Charles has not inherited the respect and deference the Queen enjoyed.'

Republic is reportedly planning several protests in the coming weeks, but their main focus is a big protest at the coronation. Mr Smith previously revealed the group already has several hundred people pledging to be there.

The Daily Beast also once described Mr Smith as 'the most successful British republican since Oliver Cromwell'.

Mr Smith recently labelled King Charles (pictured today) as 'just a bloke in a suit who's spending lots of our money' but admitted heckling the Queen 'wouldn't have gone down well'

Gully Bujak, Protest Organiser

Eleanor 'Gully' Bujak is an experienced climate change protest organiser who has been convicted of criminal acts during Extinction Rebellion eco protests.

Eleanor Bujak, known as Gully, is a privately educated model and actress who previously led an attack on the press by Extinction Rebellion activists

She is also a privately-educated model and actress and former junior head girl at Stover School in Devon  where her father used to be headmaster.

Ms Bujak, 30, was one of six climate change protesters found guilty of obstructing a highway in an action that stopped the distribution of millions of newspapers, including the Daily Mail.

Despite it being a repeat offence, Bujak, whose real first name is Eleanor, escaped with only a 150 fine, which has left her free to plot a second attack on the media.

She also has prior convictions for obstructing the highway at other demonstrations, and appeared at road-blocking protests by Insulate Britain.

Last year, she stormed the chamber of the Commons with other climate activists who glued themselves to the Speaker's Chair.

In January, she put up a Polling Station sign on the gates of Buckingham Palace in a Republic protest aimed at calling for a referendum on the future of the monarchy.

She only recently started her new role as the protest organiser at Republic.

Gully Bujak (pictured) was one of six protesters found guilty of obstructing a highway in an action that stopped the distribution of millions of newspapers

Ben Clinton (pictured today, second from right) is campaign co-ordinator for 'Labour for a Republic', a republican pressure group within the Labour Party

LIZ STEVENS, administration officer, is pictured at today's protest outside Westminster Abbey

Ben Clinton, Campaign Co-Ordinator

Ben Clinton is campaign co-ordinator for 'Labour for a Republic', a republican pressure group within the Labour Party.

He has argued it's important that the organisation 'accelerates' its demonstrative action ahead of the Coronation and 2023 Labour Party Conference.

BEN CLINTON, campaign co-ordinator (pictured today), has argued it's important that the organisation 'accelerates' its demonstrative action ahead of the Coronation and 2023 Labour Party Conference

Take the Coronation, for example. Within a cost-of-living crisis, theres no way that a family as wealthy as the royals should be spending precious public cash on a decadent and unnecessary display of pageantry,' he previously argued in a press release. 'As republicans, we need to be able to protest and campaign against this extravagance.

He added: These actions will include acquiring resources to protest the coronation, commissioning polling surrounding republicanism amongst Labour voters and engaging with CLPs and Trade Union branches up and down the country.

Mr Clinton also claimed support for Republic's campaigns is 'rapidly growing.'

The co-ordinator has previously written for the Morning Star and is a councillor on the parish council in Peasmarsh, East Sussex.

He also spoke in favour of proportional representation at the Labour Party conference in 2021.

Victoria Street is closed off prior to King Charles' visit on March 13, 2023 in London. Anti-monarchy protesters gathered outside Westminster Abbey chanting 'not my King' and holding placards prior to the royal's arrival for the annual Commonwealth Day service

Carol Lever, Chair

Carol Lever was appointed to her role as chair in March 2020, according to Republic's Companies House filing.

CAROL LEVER, chair (pictured today), was appointed to her role as chair in March 2020, according to Republic's Companies House filing

The Welsh campaigner also holds director roles with Clever Milk LTD and the Free Range Dairy Network.

She has worked with Free Range Dairy since 2014 and, according to her LinkedIn bio, aided in the launch of the first free range milk in the UK.

Ms Lever claims she 'successfully took a new fresh milk product from conception to production' under the Pasture Promise logo.

Pasture Promise milk is now stocked in major retailers in the UK.

Ms Lever, who has a degree in marketing and advertising, claims to have worked on successful national campaigns including the comprehensive smokefree legislation and GM Free Britain.

She also held campaigner roles with Save the Children and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
Support for Scottish independence is continuing to lag behind support for remaining in the UK in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon's downfall, a new poll has shown.

A YouGov survey for Sky News revealed 54 per cent of Scottish voters would back 'No' at an independence referendum, compared to 46 per cent who would vote 'Yes'.

The poll also revealed that more than half of Scots (52 per cent) thought Scotland would probably still be part of the UK in 10 years time.

This compared to less than one-third (30 per cent) who thought the country would probably be independent in a decade.

The poll is the latest sign that the Scottish independence campaign has suffered a hit amid Ms Sturgeon's fall from power.

Nicola Sturgeon was pictured apparently struggling to convince Jaxon, aged 5, to take a selfie with her on a visit to the Big Hearts Community Trust at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh

The departing First Minister's visit came on the same day that voting officially opened in the SNP leadership contest to choose her replacement

A YouGov survey for Sky News revealed 54 per cent of Scottish voters would back 'No' at an independence referendum, compared to 46 per cent who would vote 'Yes'

The departing First Minister announced her shock resignation last month.

It came at a time when she was facing bitter SNP infighting over the party's independence strategy and after a furious row over her gender identity reforms.

Ms Sturgeon is set to officially leave office in a fortnight's time when her successor as SNP leader is announced.

She met with a group of kinship carers this morning at an annual big breakfast hosted by the Big Hearts Community Trust at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh.

The First Minister was pictured apparently struggling to convince Jaxon, aged 5, to take a selfie with her.

Her visit came on the same day that voting officially opened in the SNP leadership contest to choose her replacement.

Ballot papers are being sent out to tens of thousands of SNP members for them to choose between rivals Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

Members will have two weeks to make their choice - after voting opened at noon - with the ballot closing on 27 March.

The SNP's new leader and Ms Sturgeon's successor will then be announced shortly after.

Ballot papers are being sent out to tens of thousands of SNP members for them to choose between rivals Humza Yousaf (left), Kate Forbes (right) and Ash Regan (middle)

The opening of the membership ballot comes ahead of tonight's latest live TV debate between the leadership rivals.

The third televised showdown between Mr Yousaf, Ms Forbes and Ms Regan, being held in Edinburgh, will be broadcast on Sky News from 7pm.

The previous two debates have been marked by bitter clashes between the contenders, which has drawn comparisons to a 'circular firing squad'.

Mr Yousaf has seen his ministerial record panned by Ms Forbes, who has also suggested he should be sacked from his current role as Health Secretary due to Scotland's NHS crisis.

In last Tuesday's first TV debate, Ms Forbes told Mr Yousaf: '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 we've got record high waiting times  what makes you think you can do a better job as first minister?'

The Scottish Tories today wrote to Ms Forbes to ask for permission to use footage of her 'scathing judgment' on the SNP's record in their next party political broadcast.

'Unfortunately, until you broke ranks, nobody in your party was willing to accept that the SNP Government that you are a part of has been a disaster for Scotland's public services,' they said.

'We admire your truthful assessment so much that we would be pleased to feature it in our next Party Political Broadcast on the BBC and STV.

'We think your scathing judgement deserves to be seen by every voter in Scotland, as often as possible.

'Since your criticism of the SNP's record was delivered with such enthusiasm, we assume that won't be a problem, but we thought it best to give you a heads up anyway.'

The YouGov poll revealed that 27 per cent of Scottish voters thought Ms Forbes would be a good first minister, compared to 36 per cent who thought she would be bad.

Less than a quarter (22 per cent) thought Mr Yousaf would be a good first minister compared to 44 per cent who thought he would be bad.

Less than one-fifth (14 per cent) thought Ms Regan would be a good first minister compared to 39 per cent who thought she would be bad.

YouGov surveyed 1,002 adults in Scotland (16+) between 9 and 13 March.
Hate crimes surged by 11.6 per cent in 2021 from 2020, with the most frequent ones fueled by racial, ethnic and ancestral bias, the FBI announced on Monday.

The release on Monday of the FBI's new analysis marks the first time the bureau has been able to confidently report on national trends in hate crimes since it transitioned to a new data collection system.

Major cities like New York and Los Angeles, as well as large swaths of states including Florida and California, didn't send crime information to the FBI for 2021 due largely to changes in reporting requirements.

The delayed report was concerning for advocates trying to address spikes in hate crimes that have heightened fears among marginalized groups and sparked calls to address the issue head on.

In the final total for 2021, the FBI identified there were 9,065 hate crimes in 2021, up from 8,120 in 2020 - resulting in a surge of 11.6 per cent.

In the final total for 2021, the FBI identified there were 9,065 hate crimes in 2021

The uniform crime data released by the FBI in October 2022 contained gaps, with only 52% of U.S. law enforcement agencies reporting a full 12 months of 2021 information.

For the recent supplemental report, FBI officials said they were able to retroactively include crime data from some of the country's largest cities that had not yet made the switch to the new reporting format.

Officials said the top five hate crime categories reported for 2021 were anti-Black, anti-white, anti-gay male, anti-Jewish and anti-Asian.

The majority of victims were targeted due to their race, followed by sexual orientation and religion.

The troubling surging trend in 2021 saw a series of brutal, high-profile hate crimes.

One horrific incident saw a 58-year-old Asian woman fall into a coma after being attacked on the New York City subway in July 2021.

Than Htwe, an immigrant from Myanmar was hospitalized after being attacked by a man trying to steal her son's backpack at a Chinatown subway stop.

She subsequently died from injuries 11 days after the attack.

Hate crimes surged by 11.6 per cent in 2021 from 2020 the FBI announced on Monday. Pictured: FBI Director Christopher Wray, speaks at the FBI Norfolk Field Office, Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Officials said the top five hate crime categories reported for 2021 were anti-Black, anti-white, anti-gay male, anti-Jewish and anti-Asian

Another horrific case saw three men make anti-Asian comments before a group of five punched an Asian man and hit him with sticks. Police investigated the incident as a hate crime.

The man was repeatedly punched and bashed with sticks by the five attackers, suffering a head injury. He was treated at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.

The troubling trend then continued into 2022 with further brutal, high-profile hate crimes, including a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs and another that targeted Black people at a grocery store in Buffalo.

The FBI said: 'The 2021 supplemental release demonstrates the FBIs commitment to provide meaningful data sets to the American public to reflect a national picture of the hate crime trend.'
Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" during the Oscars show at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 12. Reuters-Yonhap



Michelle Yeoh has won the Academy Award for best actress and made history all at once.



The Malaysian-born actor became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for best actress on Sunday night for her multifaceted performance in the multiversal "Everything Everywhere All at Once."



"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof that dreams dream big and dreams do come true," she said. "And ladies, don't let anyone ever tell you you're past your prime."



Yeoh's victory comes almost 90 years after Luise Rainer, a white actor, won the same category for donning "yellowface" to play a Chinese villager in "The Good Earth."



As a nominee, Yeoh was the first in the category who identified as Asian. Merle Oberon, who was nominated in 1935 for "The Dark Angel" but didn't win, hid her South Asian heritage, according to birth records.



Yeoh beat out past Oscar winner Cate Blanchett ("Tar"), as well as Michelle Williams ("The Fabelmans"), Ana de Armas ("Blonde") and Andrea Riseborough ("To Leslie").



The category also received notice for who wasn't nominated: In a year of strong performances from Black women like Viola Davis ("The Woman King") and Danielle Deadwyler ("Till"), they were shut out. Meanwhile some criticized the grassroots campaigning by A-listers on social media for Riseborough.









Yeoh also used her speech to honor her 84-year-old mother.



"I have to dedicate this to my mom and all the moms in the world because they are really the superheroes and without them none of us would be here tonight," she said.





Michelle Yeoh, left, reacts in the audience with excitement as she accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Jamie Lee Curtis, from right, and Ke Huy Quan are seen in the audience. AP-Yonhap



Janet Yeoh got to watch her daughter's win at a live Oscar watch party in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



Yeoh appeared a lock after winning seemingly every award everywhere, including the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award, for her nuanced portrayal of Evelyn, an immigrant Chinese wife, mother and laundromat operator bracing for a tax audit.



Her win was one of seven Oscars for "Everything Everywhere All at Once," including best picture and editing. Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan also won best supporting actor Oscars. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won for best directors and original screenplay.



Yeoh got her start in the kung fu cinema world but rose to stardom in 1992 as Jackie Chan's co-star in "Supercop." American audiences got to know her even better over the next decade with hits like "Tomorrow Never Dies" and Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon."



When she first read the script for "Everything Everywhere," Yeoh thought it was "an independent film on steroids." She was ultimately swayed by the opportunity to give voice to immigrant mothers and grandmothers who go unnoticed. The multiverse movie was also a showcase across a bevy of genres  drama, comedy, sci-fi and fantasy.



At 60, Yeoh has been heavily in demand since her standout turn as a controlling matriarch in "Crazy Rich Asians." From there, she has done everything from a "Star Trek" spinoff to Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."



Yeoh will be seen later this year in the Disney+ series "American Born Chinese." She is also preparing to reunite with "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon M. Chu for the screen adaptation of the musical "Wicked." (AP)




A Japanese hotel boss who was forced to apologise after it emerged their spa bath water had only been changed twice a year has been found dead with a suicide note.

Makoto Yamada, 70, was discovered on a mountain pass in the city of Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sunday morning.

Mr Yamada was the former president of of the 158-year-old traditional inn Daimaru Besso in Chikushino, once visited by Emperor Hirohito. He had only quit his role at the hotel 10 days prior to his death on March 2.

The hotel came under immense scrutiny following an inspection in November when it emerged that legionella bacteria was found at 3,700 times the permitted limit in the bath water. Legionella can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease.

Police believe they found a suicide note in a car nearby to where Mr Yamada was found dead.

Makoto Yamada (pictured during apology) was discovered on a mountain pass in the city of Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sunday morning

Mr Yamada was the former president of of the 158-year-old traditional inn Daimaru Besso (pictured) in Chikushino, once visited by Emperor Hirohito.

The note reportedly read: 'I am very sorry. I feel morally responsible for everything. Please take care of the rest.'

Mr Yamada had been questioned by officers for about six hours on March 10 and he was summoned in again the next day but failed to show up at the police station.

After the inspection of the inn's hot springs, it emerged that the bath water was only changed twice a year instead of weekly.

The government of Fukuoka Prefecture filed a complaint against the inn with the police on March 8 in which t accused them violating the Public Bath Houses Act by lying that it changed the bath water much more frequently than it really did.

Mr Yamada, in a news conference on February 28, admitted: 'I told my staff it was OK not to change the bath water as fewer people were using it.'

The hotel (pictured) came under immense scrutiny following an inspection in November when it emerged that legionella bacteria was found at 3,700 times the permitted limit in the bath water

Mr Yamada admitted in a news conference on February 28 (pictured during apology) that he told staff to change the bath water less because fewer people were using it

He admitted to instructing staff to illegally give public health officials fraudulent chlorination records.

Mr Yamada also confessed to failing to chlorinate the bath water due to the fact that he and workers 'selfishly disliked the smell of chlorine'.

Fukuoka Prefectural Police official Eiji Kodama said in a statement: 'We would like to express our sincere condolences to the man who passed away.

'We believe there were no problems in how the police dealt with the case.'
The family of a Russian opposition leader jailed for speaking out against Vladimir Putin took to the Oscars stage in Hollywood last night as a documentary about their husband and father brought home an Academy Award.

Yulia Navalnaya - the wife of incarcerated dissident Alexei Navalny - along with their daughter Daria Navalnaya, 22, and son Zahar Navalny, 14, joined the crew behind the film 'Navalny' as it won the Oscar for best documentary.

Onstage, Yulia decried Moscow for its military invasion of Ukraine and its alleged assassination attempt of Navalny in 2020, around which the film is centred.

Dasha, meanwhile, said it was difficult to be attending the Oscars to bring attention to the documentary about her father's imprisonment, but he wanted her there.

The family's glamorous appearance was a far cry from Alexei Navalny's current situation. The opposition leader was on a remote link from jail to a court hearing when he found out that the documentary about him had won an Oscar.

The Russian opposition leader's wife Yulia (centre), 46, attended the Oscar's ceremony with their daughter Daria (right), 22, and son Zahar (left), 14

Navalny's family (Yulia [2-L], Daria [R] and Zahar [L]) join the crew of the documentary film Navalny at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party - held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA, on March 12

The judge had refused to allow his lawyer to speak to his client, so attorney Alexander Fedulov wrote 'Oscar' on a piece of paper. Navalny could not see it and asked the lawyer to speak. 'I can't see it, tell me,' he said.

Fedulov defied the judge and said: 'Oscar! You won an Oscar yesterday.'

A smiling but gaunt-looking Navalny said: 'Ahh. Fine. Well, it's not really me, though. Thank you.'

The film is on the bid by the Russian authorities to poison Navalny on a flight in Russia in 2020. He was evacuated to Germany, but since his 2021 return to Russia, his team have accused the authorities of seeking to kill him by harsh treatment in jail.

Taking the stage moments after the film picked up the award, Yulia Navalnaya said she's 'dreaming of the day' that both Russia - and her husband - 'will be free.'

'My husband is in prison just for telling the truth,' she said Sunday, dressed in red.

The 46-year-old so-called First Lady' of the Russian opposition proceeded to use the glitzy venue as a platform to shine a light on her husband's current situation.

'My husband is in prison just for defending democracy,' she said, before addressing her husband directly. 'Alexei, I am dreaming the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love. Thank you.'

Daria Navalnaya, wearing a bright green gown, later told reporters on the red carpet: 'I'm fighting for freedom of speech and trying to get Alexei out, my dad, and fighting for democracy in Russia.'

Canadian director Daniel Roher told reporters: 'We're having a good time but we're not losing sight of the fact that we made a film about the world's foremost political prisoner and we have a very strong message to say.

'That's freedom to Alexei Navalny and being here on this carpet, speaking to folks like you is a perfect platform we need to talk about our movie and to talk about Alexei,' he added.

The family were also joined on stage by Maria Pevchikh, a Russian investigative journalist who was on the plane when Navalny was poisoned.

Upon Navalny falling ill, she went back to their hotel to collect plastic water bottles which then allowed German experts to establish the Russian dissident had been poisoned with Novichok.

Since 2011, she worked with Navalny on several investigations published on his blog.

Roher's film looks at the political rise of Navalny, the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his poisoning with the nerve agent Novichok during a trip to Siberia in 2020 and the subsequent probe.

Canadian director Daniel Roher speaks on stage after 'Navalny' took home the Oscar for best documentary. He was joined by the crew and by Navalny's family on stage

Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's daughter Daria Navalnaya arrives on the champagne-coloured red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, March 12

Pictured: The moment Alexei Navalny hears the documentary about him won an Oscar. He appeared at a court hearing via video link, at which point he was told the news

Eponymously titled NAVALNY, the documentary details Putin's alleged attempt on Alexei Navalny's life in 2020, and the United Russia opponent's subsequent attempt to track down his assailants as he recovered from being poisoned at a hospital Germany

'There's one person who couldn't be with us here tonight - Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, who remains in solitary confinement for what he calls - I want to make sure we get his words exactly right - Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine,' Roher told the audience as he accepted the golden statuette.

The 46-year-old Navalny, who has been held for the past two years at a maximum-security prison outside Moscow after an embezzlement conviction, has accused Putin of being behind the poisoning attack.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he had not seen the film but speculated there could be a 'certain element of politicization of the subject'.

'Hollywood also sometimes politicizes its work. Such things happen,' Peskov said, referring to the award decision to hand the award to the film.

He said that Hollywood was no stranger to politics, 'but I can't talk about any cinematic merits of this film, because I'm not familiar with it.'

In the film, Navalny pinned responsibility for the poisoning episode on a team of agents from the FSB state security service. Russia denies attempting to kill him.

The film, which premiered at the Sundance film festival in January 2022, won a BAFTA last month. It bested 'All That Breathes,' 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,' 'Fire of Love' and 'A House Made of Splinters.'

Meanwhile, major Russian news outlets appeared to have been gagged by Vladimir Putin from revealing the Oscar win for the documentary about his leading foe.

Major state channels neglected to mention the victory for a film about a man Putin has jailed to prevent him spearheading protests and running for election, or waited many hours to briefly do so.

It took state news agencies some seven hours to report the fact of the documentary's win.

Meanwhile some state and pro-Putin outlets - including those in a media group headed by Putin's lover Alina Kabaeva - failed to report the Navalny Oscar at all by late morning in Moscow.

Russian state media outlets are known to take orders direct from the Kremlin on what they can report to Russians on 'sensitive' subjects.

On its website, state news agency TASS initially reported the winners without mentioning Navalny, only updating later. Outlets RIA Novosti, Zvezda, Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Komsomolskaya Pravda did not mention Navalny at all.

The same applied to Rev TV, as well as the websites of Channel One and Rossiya 1, the major Russian propaganda state networks.

Putin, 70, is so paranoid about Navalny, 46, he never mentions his name, observers say. Navalny and his team have regularly highlighted corruption in the Kremlin and among Putin's inner circle.

Dasha Navalnaya (left), Yulia Navalnaya (centre) and Zahar Navalny (right) attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12

Yulia Navalny, wife of jailed dissident Alexei Navalny, speaks next to her daughter Daria, son Zahar and director Daniel Roher after 'Navalny' was awarded for Best Documentary Feature Film during the Oscars show at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, March 12

Daniel Roher, the members of the crew from 'Navalny', and the dissident's family accept the award for best documentary feature film at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12 in Hollywood

Pictured, left to right: Zahar Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, Maria Pevchikh, Odessa Rae, and Dasha Navalnaya arrive at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the Oscars ceremony

Putin's FSB security service is alleged to have sought to poison Navalny with a nerve agent which almost killed him.

Navalny was flying from Tomsk to Moscow on August 20, 2020 when he fell ill, and was rushed to a hospital in Omsk. He was evacuated to Germany, where doctors confirmed that he had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent  from the same family used in the Skripal poisoning in the UK in 2018.

Despite the attempt on his life and knowing he would be imprisoned, Navalny returned to Russia after his recovery on January 17, 2021 from Germany.

Upon his arrival, he was detained at passport control for violating terms of his probation. The charges against him have mounted since then, and he is currently imprisoned in a labour colony.

The arrest has been called erroneous, and the culmination of politically motivated campaign intended to bar him from running against Putin in future elections.

Ultimately, Navalny wants to stand in a free election in Russia to oust Putin and rid Russia of its oligarchic rule and corruption.

The Tsargrad TV channel lashed out at the documentary's Oscar win, saying: 'The Oscars this year could not do without an attempt to humiliate Russia'.

And Media Russia-News put in the heading: 'Not a single Russian took part in the creation of the film about Navalny. It was filmed only by the Americans'.

Pro-Putin Russians on social media began to put their own spin on the Oscar.

Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin political analyst, said: 'The film Navalny won the Academy Award for Best Documentary. This is, of course, an example of Oscar degradation.

'After all, a documentary should show the truth of life in all its contradictions. And the film Navalny is absolutely one-dimensional propaganda. Anti-Russian propaganda. The film tries not to show the truth of life, but to hide the truth.'

Pictured: Russian opposition leader Navalny is seen in a Germany hospital with wife Yulia (right), daughter Daria (left) and son Zahar (second left) after he was poisoned in 2020

Navalny gestures sitting next to his wife Yulia in a Pobeda airlines plane heading to Moscow before take-off from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in Schoenefeld, southeast of Berlin, on January 17, 2021 - the day he was detained upon his return to Moscow

Former Putin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov said the Kremlin will now portray the film's victory as proof that Navalny is 'a showman, not a serious politician', as the USSR did when actor Ronald Reagan became president.

They will also argue that it shows the West underpins Navalny which 'we already knew,' Gallyamov, now a foe of the Russian president, said.

'Both lines are faulty. Navalny is in a Russian prison under torture conditions. It's anything but a show. This is a deadly serious story,' he added.

'Attempts to accuse the opposition figure in this situation of being a 'showman' will not work. This is how it was in 1980 with Reagan.'
A West Yorkshire Police detention officer has been charged with publishing images for a banned organisation behind hundreds of ruthless killings.

William Loyd-Hughes, 26, is charged with carrying out the offence in support of the Ulster Defence Association - contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.

He is also accused of three charges of sharing grossly offensive messages on Twitter under the Communications Act 2003.

Lloyd-Hughes, who is currently suspended by the force, is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 15.

The UDA is a loyalist paramilitary group which has been proscribed since 1973, two years after it was founded in Northern Ireland.

West Yorkshire Police detention officer William Loyd-Hughes is charged with carrying out the offence in support of the Ulster Defence Association - contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000. (Pictured: West Yorkshire Police headquarters)

At its height, it was a large umbrella group of ultra-loyalist sects which bore arms for almost 34 years as a leading player in the Northern Irish Troubles.

Its stated aim was to defend Protestant Ulster against Irish republicanism, specifically the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA).

The group was associated with a number of executions and bomb attacks, most prolifically during the early 1970s.

Lloyd Hughes is currently suspended from West Yorkshire Police, for whom he works as a detention officer based at Huddersfield Police Station.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed an investigation, carried out by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, into the messages following a mandatory referral from his force in September 2022.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised four charges against him.

The alleged offences are believed to have taken place in August and September 2022, while he was working in the civilian role within the force.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a West Yorkshire Police detention officer is currently suspended from duty in connection with an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

'William Loyd-Hughes, who worked in Kirklees District, has submitted his resignation, effective from March 16. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed an investigation into the messages following a mandatory referral from the force in September 2022.'
They say that only 0.5 per cent of their active sellers were a ffected by the SVB collapse

Online retailer Etsy has promised to pay back all sellers who have been left without money by Tuesday after funds were disrupted

A start-up founder says that the collapse of SVB has plunged her small business into crisis  leaving her unable to pay her employees as Etsy sellers fear that they won't be able to pay their rent after being left with nothing as funds continue to be frozen.

CEO of Strongsuit, Lindsey Michaelides, founded the company in 2018 and has been left unsure of how her business could recover  urging people to understand it is not just the 'tech elite' who have been affected.

The mother-of-four learned of the 'precarious' situation with her bank on Thursday, and removed all off the funds to a different bank bar $250k to cover expenses and payroll of 15 staff.

But the wires were not processed, and she attempted to ensure that her team got paid, before realizing that all of their money was loved up with 'very little insured'.

It comes as Etsy promised to fulfil all deposits for their sellers by Tuesday and say that only 0.5 per cent of their active base had any payments disrupted on Friday when SVB collapsed.

CEO of Strongsuit, Lindsey Michaelides, founded the company in 2018 and has been left unsure of how her business could recover - saying her 'family is at risk'

@metalladyboutique Tell me if Im wrong, but Etsy Sellers arent getting paid cause they process payments through Silicon Valley Bank which went under in less than 48 hours. #etsysellers #svb  original sound - Monica Anne

Lindsey is one of thousands of start-up founders who have been impacted by the collapse of the bank, with the mom saying it is not just the 'coastal-tech-elite' who are affected.

She said: 'This impacts small businesses made up of hard-working people making modest mortgage payments in the midwest. This impacts parents putting dinner on the table.

'I don't know how this ends. I know that the financial future of Strongsuit; my team and my family are at risk with the collapse of SVB.

'I know that my story and the stories of thousands like me that have been impacted by SVB's collapse do not match the current narrative

'I don't know the tech-elite. I do know hundreds of founders and early stage employees risking their personal financial health and well-being to build something great. They work constantly, obsessively even, with the hope of making a dent in the world.

'They work at wages far below market in exchange for ownership in a vision. A vision that may or may not become something. But, they are willing to work tirelessly in an attempt to turn this vision into something real. They are the epitome of the American ideal.'

Her comments come after hundreds of mompreneurs and other small business owners on Etsy say they need the cash form the site to 'feed their kids' and 'pay their rent' after the online marketplace froze some transactions following the collapse.

One panicked mother-of-three saying she needs 'those funds feed my family and pay my bills, while another revealed she would be unable to pay her mortgage next week if the issue wasn't resolved quickly.

Lindsey is one of thousands of start-up founders who have been impacted by the collapse of the bank, with the mom saying it is not just the 'coastal-tech-elite' who are affected

Small business owners on Esty say they need the cash form the site to 'feed their kids' and 'pay their rent' after the online marketplace froze some transactions following the collapse

Etsy emailed those who use their site to warn them of the delay, but have since confirmed to DailyMail.com that it is business as usual and sellers will get their cash on Tuesday

Others using the platform said it was 'time to say goodbye' after the collapse, while others put their accounts on 'vacation mode' while the problem was sorted.

Some even offered to sell their products privately, using Venmo as an alternative option, while some said they would be creating their own site to prevent any future impact from the collapse.

On Monday many users said that they were still waiting to be paid, with Etsy confirming to DailyMail.com that any delayed payments should be with their sellers by Tuesday at the latest.

A spokeswoman for the company told DailyMail.com: 'At Etsy, supporting our sellers is our highest priority, and we understand how important it is for these small businesses to be able to receive their funds when they need them.

'We recently experienced a delay in issuing payments to a small group of sellers related to the unexpected collapse of Silicon Valley Bank -- approximately 0.5% of our active seller base had their payments delayed on Friday.

'We are working to pay these sellers today and we've already started processing payments via another payment partner this morning.'

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) seized SVB's assets today after depositors - mostly tech workers and start-up firms - triggered a run on the bank following the shock announcement of a $1.8bn loss

Shoptify CEO Tobi Lutke said in a statement on Twitter that there would be a 'very minor' impact for the company  days before it appeared to go offline

They also confirmed that they were working with several providers in order to be able to pay sellers, and that those processed on Monday would be in bank accounts by Tuesday.

Etsy has a number of different banks they work with, and have a strong cash position  meaning that they intend to pay sellers as soon as the technical solution was in place.

The announcement made by the Fed and President Biden did not impact the decision to pay sellers as soon as possible with the new provider.

It is also understood that sellers who were affected by the collapse and turned their account onto vacation mode were a 'very small subset' of the 0.5 percent who were affected.

On Friday Etsy was forced to email its sellers to inform them their payments were being frozen because the firm relied on the bank for some of its accounts.

'We wanted to let you know there is a delay with your deposit that was scheduled for today,' an email to sellers read.

Ashley Tyrner, CEO of Boston wellness firm FarmboxRx, said she had at least $10m deposited with SVB and has been frantically calling her banker. She called it 'the worst 18 hours of my life'

Etsy's share price was sitting at $105.73 on Monday, having tumbled by 12.52 percent in the last week.

Trading was temporarily halted in dozens of regional banks this morning as shares fell by up to 75 percent when the market opened after Joe Biden claimed 'US banking is safe.'

Major US banks were also hit as contagion fears spread through the sector with Wells Fargo plummeting 7.5 percent, Bank of America falling 7.4 percent, Citigroup plunging 5.8 percent and JP Morgan down 2.7 percent.

The declines came despite US authorities on Sunday guaranteeing customers of SVB their money would be safe and ready to withdraw Monday following a run on the bank Friday that triggered the second-largest collapse in history, the worst since 2008.

The Fed also announced a new Bank Term Funding Program that will offer loans for up to a year to banks in return for premium collateral like Treasuries.

SVB's swift downfall has ignited anxiety over a contagion amid the Fed's sharpest rate hike cycle since the early 1980s.

Ohio entrepreneur Amanda Nielson told Dailymail.com she might be forced to close her Etsy account - where most of her sales come from - if the issue isn't resolved quickly

One small business owner said she could not afford to pay her mortgage in a few days time due to the freeze on her payments

Etsy is not the only online marketplace affected, with some Shoptify users also being unable to access their funds.

Shoptify CEO Tobi Lutke said in a statement on Twitter that there would be a 'very minor' impact for the company  days before it appeared to go offline.

It is not clear if the sudden shutdown is linked to SVB, with Lutke saying: 'We use SVB as one of ~12 or so banks spread over mostly Canada and US.

'Canada has stricter banking risk regulations. A small portion of our US operational fund flows is tied up in SVB but we are working around it and it should be business as usual.'

Panic rocked the financial sector Friday after the sudden collapse of SVB, plunging thousands into chaos.

Deposits up to $250,000 are protected by federal law - but anyone with larger sums tied up now faces loses their money.

Greg Becker, president of SVB, lobbied Congress in 2015 to lessen the oversight on his bank

Greg Becker (left) sold 12,451 shares at an average price of $287.42 each on February 27. SVB's CFO Daniel Beck (right) sold 2,000 shares at $287.59 per share on the same day as his boss. The price plunged to just $39.49 in premarket Friday before the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) seized its assets.

Meanwhile police were called to the bank's headquarters after a group of disgruntled tech founders turned up on the doorstep.

Dozens of customers were filmed lining up outside a branch to withdraw whatever cash they had to get out ahead of the fall-out.

It comes after it emerged that the beleaguered bank's CEO successfully lobbied Congress in 2015 to lessen the scrutiny on businesses such as his.

Greg Becker insisted at the time that 'enhanced prudential standards' should be lifted 'given the low risk profile of our activities'.

It was also revealed Becker had sold $3.57m of stock in a pre-planned, automated sell-off two weeks before the bank collapsed - and the CFO ditched $575,000 the same day.

Becker sold 12,451 shares at an average price of $287.42 each on February 27.

The price plunged to just $39.49 in premarket on Friday before the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) seized the bank's assets. It closed at $15.

Federal records obtained by The Lever showed that Becker had spent more than half a million dollars on federal lobbying in 2015-18.
The Trump-appointed judge who was heckled by law students at Stanford and the school's dean of inclusivity has spoken out to slam their ultra-woke stunt and attack on his free speech, saying none of them are fit to work in America's legal system.

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Kyle Duncan had been invited to speak about 'COVID, Guns and Twitter' at Stanford Law's Federalist Society last week.

When he got there, he was interrupted and 'mercilessly' mocked by a group of liberal students.

They were egged on by the school's dean of 'equity', Tirien Steinbach, who took to the lectern in an effort to humiliate Duncan, a conservative judge whose opinions on same sex marriage, trans rights and reproductive rights, have stoked controversy in the past.

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Kyle Duncan had been invited to speak about 'COVID, Guns and Twitter' at Stanford Law's Federalist Society last week. He was rudely heckled then escorted out of by US Marshals

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Kyle Duncan had been invited to speak about 'COVID, Guns and Twitter' at Stanford Law's Federalist Society last week but was rudely interrupted by a mob of students and Tirien Steinbach, the Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

Stanford apologized for her behavior but she has not been disciplined in any other way, and the school is now even advising the students who were impacted to seek support him her.

In an interview with Rod Dreher that he published on Substack, Judge Duncan said the entire debacle was an embarrassment that made him fear for the country's future.

'This is one of the best law schools in the world. The students are the cream of the crop. The future judges, senators, presidents, leaders of industry.

'And yet here is a mob of the best and brightest, shouting down a federal judge whos been invited to campus, and thereby demonstrating that they dont have the foggiest grasp of the basic concept of legal discourse: you have to meet reason with reason. Instead, their operating principle is: If I dont like what you say or think, I will silence you.

'Unless those students undergo a radical change in their whole approach to argument and disagreement, they are unfit to be members of any bar.'

Not only has Stanford Law not fired the dean, but it is now advising students to seek support from her

He said he sympathized with the other students who had gathered to hear him speak, but who missed out on the chance.

'The attack was intimately personal and, frankly, disgusting. If I talked to a dog the way those students talked to me, Id feel ashamed.'

Stanford apologized to the judge on the Steinbach's behalf but she remains in her position

He added that the entire 'sorry episode' was like the 'therapy session from hell' .

Acting Associate Dean of Students Jeanne Miro said in an email that is now circulating on Twitter: 'There is must to process about Thursday's event and its aftermath, but the focus of this email is to provide you with resources that you can use right now to support your safety and mental health.

'I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this difficulty at all.

'Please reach out to any of us here at SLS if you would like support or if you would like to process last week's events.'

She then listed Steinbach and her email address.

Students writing for student newspaper The Stanford Review said are calling for her to be fired, as is Judge Duncan, who said Steinbach and the others treated the other kids in the room who had gathered to hear him speak like 'dogs**t.'

'Dont feel sorry for me. Im a life-tenured federal judge.

'What outrages me is that these kids are being treated like dogs**t by fellow students and administrators,' he told Free Beacon.

In their article for The Stanford Review, three students said: 'It is unclear what Stanford plans to do to prevent such disruption in the future.

'Firing Dean Steinbach is a good start.

'The universitys apology will be completely meaningless unless concrete actions are taken to rid the administration of anti-speech zealots.'

In her attempted takedown of the judge, Steinbach moaned: 'It's uncomfortable to say this to you as a person. It's uncomfortable to say that for many people here, your work has caused harm  and I know that must be uncomfortable to hear.

'It must be.

'I'm also uncomfortable because many of the people in the room here I have come to care for.'

She didn't specify what exactly she was upset with him about, but Duncan is viewed as a villain by the LGBTQ community.
Environment groups say the decision to approve plan is 'bad for the climate, bad for the environment'

The Biden administration is defending its decision to approve the massive Willow oil drilling project on Alaska's North Slope from some of its usual environmental allies who say it would put tons of carbon in the air and be 'bad for the environment.'

The White House announced the plan on Monday after announcing limits on drilling in the Arctic, in a move likely designed to soften the blow but in a ploy one environmental lawyer called 'insulting.'

To allow ConocoPhillips to drill in a federal oil reserve approximately the size of Indiana is one of Biden's most consequential climate choices. And it continues to draw condemnation from environmentalists who say it flies in the face of Democratic pledges.

Biden pledged in 2020 to ban 'new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters.' The pushback comes as Biden is making preparations for the reelection campaign.

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. The administration announced it was approving a plan to drill 219 wells which could produce 180,000 barrels of crude each day

On the Willow project, where ConocoPhillips owns leasing rights, the administration faced a court battle if it rejected the plan.

The Willow plan would allow three drill sites initially, which project developer ConocoPhillips has said would include about 219 total wells. A fourth drill site proposed for the project would be denied. The company has said it considers the three-site option workable.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips will relinquish rights to about 68,000 acres of existing leases in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

With an estimated 600 million barrels of crude oil that could be produced over three decades, the project could put 280 million metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere, as first reported by the New York Times  even as the administration is seeking to drastically reduce global carbon emissions.

Christy Goldfuss, a former Obama White House official turned policy chief at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said she was 'deeply disappointed'' at Biden's decision to approve Willow. NRDC estimates would generate planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 1 million homes.

'This decision is bad for the climate, bad for the environment and bad for the Native Alaska communities who oppose this and feel their voices were not heard,' Goldfuss said.

Biden has regularly touted the nation's energy production during a bridge period even while pushing climate goals, and he has been battling gas prices at home while seeking to help meet Europe's energy needs amid Russia's war on Ukraine.

The announcement comes a day after the administration, in a significant move toward conservation, said it would bar or limit drilling in other areas of Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

Climate activists were outraged that Biden appeared open to greenlighting the project, which they said put Biden's climate legacy at risk. They say that allowing oil company ConocoPhillips to move forward with the drilling plan would also break Biden's campaign promise to stop new oil drilling on public lands.

The administration's decision is not likely to be the last word, with litigation expected from environmental groups.

Biden made a campaign pledge in 2020 to ban 'new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters.' His administration faced a likely court fight if it denied the permitting request

Pressure had been building on the social media platform TikTok to urge President Joe Biden to reject an oil development project on Alaska's North Slope from young voters concerned about climate change

To allow ConocoPhillips to drill in a federal oil reserve approximately the size of Indiana is one of Biden's most consequential climate choices.

Rep. Nancy Peltola (D-Alaska), the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, is supportive of the Willow project.

The news comes as Biden heads to California, where he will meet with Australian and British allies and speak on gun violence

ConocoPhillips Alaska's Willow project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, create up to 2,500 jobs during construction and 300 long-term jobs, and generate billions of dollars in royalties and tax revenues for the federal, state and local governments, according to the company.

Located in the federally designated National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, the project enjoys widespread political support in the state. Alaska Native state lawmakers recently met with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to urge support for Willow.

It is also backed by labor groups who say it could create 2,500 jobs and Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, the states first Alaska Native to serve in Congress.

But environmental activists have promoted a #StopWillow campaign on social media to remind Biden of his pledges to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy.

Anticipating that reaction among environmental groups, the White House announced on Sunday that Biden would prevent or limit oil drilling in 16 million acres in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean. The plan would bar drilling in nearly 3 million acres of the Beaufort Sea - closing it off from oil exploration - and limit drilling in more than 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve.

The withdrawal of the offshore area ensures that critical habitat for whales, seals, polar bears and other wildlife 'will be protected in perpetuity from extractive development,' the White House said in a statement.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, as part of an environmental review, advanced in February a development option for Willow, calling for up to three drill sites initially, which it said would include about 219 total wells. ConocoPhillips Alaska said it considered that option workable.

Alaska's Republican U.S. senators warned any further limits could kill the project, rendering it uneconomic.

Alaskas bipartisan congressional delegation met with Biden and his advisers in early March to plead their case for the project. Environmental groups rallied opposition and urged project opponents to pressure the administration.

Under the state's constitution, a portion of all oil lease revenues get put into a state Permanent Fund, with dividends paid to residents. Its value had reached $77 billion by the end of January.

City of Nuiqsut Mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, whose community of about 525 people is closest to the proposed development, has been outspoken in her opposition, worried about impacts on caribou and her residents subsistence lifestyles. The Naqsragmiut Tribal Council, in another North Slope community, also raised concerns with the project.

Kristen Monsell, a lawyer with the Center for Biological Diversity, dismissed the tradeoff of environmental protection for new oil extraction.

'Its insulting that Biden thinks this will change our minds about the Willow project,' she told the Times.

'Protecting one area of the Arctic so you can destroy another doesnt make sense, and it wont help the people and wildlife who will be upended by the Willow project,' she said.

But there is 'majority consensus' in the North Slope region supporting the project, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of the group Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, whose members include leaders from across much of that region.

The Sunday conservation actions announced complete protections for the entire Beaufort Sea Planning Area, building upon President Barack Obamas 2016 action on the Chukchi Sea Planning Area and most of the Beaufort Sea, the White House said.

Separately, the administration moved to protect more than 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve, a 23-million-acre chunk of land on Alaskas North Slope set aside a century ago for future oil production.

The Willow project is within the reserve, and ConocoPhillips has long-held leases for the site. About half the reserve is off limits to oil and gas leasing under an Obama-era rule reinstated by the Biden administration last year.

Areas to be protected include the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas, collectively known for their globally significant habitat for grizzly and polar bears, caribou and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.

Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental group Earthjustice, welcomed the new conservation plan, but said if the Biden administration believes it has the authority to limit oil development in the petroleum reserve, officials should extend those protections to the Willow site.

'They have the authority to block Willow, she said in an interview Sunday.
Experts divided on whether the threat is real and when nukes would be used

Fierce Putin critic warns Russia is not bluffing with the threat of nuclear war

Vladimir Putin's threats of nuclear war are real, according to Grigory Yavlinsky, a Russian opposition politician and founder of the liberal Yabloko party.

The Ukrainian-born Russian and longtime critic of Putin's regime, 70, told Newsweek that Putin's 'nuclear threat is a real threat... this is not [just] words.'

He warned that Russia might use its nuclear capabilities if Ukraine were to try to recapture Crimea.

Two weeks ago, former President Dmitry Medvedev said the effects of the potential global nuclear catastrophe would last decades 'until the rubble ceases to emit radiation', reiterating threats of nuclear war against Ukraine's allies.

Yavlinsky, born in Lviv, has gone up against Putin in three presidential elections.

Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery cannon aiming to Russian positions nearby Bakhmut frontline in Chasiv Yar as military mobility continues between Ukrainian and Russian forces

A Russian Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile launched in April 2022

The economist and politician authored a plan to transition the dying USSR into a free market economy.

He is the former leader of Yabloko, founded in 1993 as the progressive social-liberal party on the centre-left in Russia.

Yavlinsky has repeatedly called for a ceasefire to end the war, raising concerns about Putin's nuclear threat.

Putin has several times claimed Russia's readiness to use nuclear weapons in a conflict with the west.

Last month, he suspended the New START programme, the formal nuclear arms control between Russia and the US.

In January, Medvedev also warned that Russia losing the war could trigger a nuclear response.

The Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has maintained that Putin is 'not bluffing' about using nuclear weapons against the west.

Some have suggested that these claims by top Russian officials are merely bluffs to deter western intervention.

The Institute of the Study of War (ISW) think tank said in late February that nuclear warfare in Ukraine was 'extraordinarily unlikely' to happen.

They said the threats were part of 'an information operation meant to discourage Ukraine and the West' and did not 'represent any material Russian intent to employ nuclear weapons'.

A top advisor to Ukrainian president Zelensky also warned that the West must ignore Putin's threats at the end of January.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, told The Times: 'Putin is not ready to press the red button' as Russia understands the consequences of doing so.

Heavily damaged area with apartments and playground is cordoned off in the suburb of Saltivka, Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 11

Ukrainian servicemen on a BMP-2 tank drive towards the city of Bakhmut on March 11

Podolyak added: 'Any use of nuclear weapons, even tactical ones, will lead to the inevitable death of most of the Russian political elite. They understand this very well.'

Russia has a large stockpile of nuclear weapons built up since the Cold War.

Russian tactical nukes, with a yield of between ten and 100 kilotons, are designed for use on the battlefield in contested territory.

For comparison, the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima in 1945 was approximately 18 kilotons.

Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons.
A man and a woman have been charged with murder after four people were shot dead in a Dallas apartment Sunday, where a baby was also found unharmed.

Police responded to reports of a shooting in the northwest of the Texan city at 7pm where two men and two women were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds.

Azucena Sanchez, 20, and Artemio Maldonado, 18, were arrested three hours later after Dallas Police located their vehicle a few miles from the apartment complex along Villaverde Avenue.

An arrest warrant affidavit revealed that Sanchez was the ex-girlfriend of one of the victims and that they were in a custody dispute over their child, according to Dallas-based television station WFAA.

It is the third mass shooting, typically defined as four or more people are killed or wounded in a single gun incident, in Dallas this year.

Azucena Sanchez, 20, and Artemio Maldonado, 18, were arrested at 10pm after Dallas Police located their vehicle a few miles from the apartment complex along Villaverde Avenue

Police responded to reports of a shooting in the northwest of the Texan city at 7pm

The authorities have not released the victims names as their families are being notified and have not provided information on a possible motive for the shootings.

Sanchez and Maldonado were taken to Dallas Police Headquarters and to the Dallas County Jail and each charged with Capital Murder.

Jail records did not list an attorney for either suspect.

Family members of the victim are said to have told police Sanchez and Maldonado had made multiple threats against them.

Maldonado admitted to shooting all four of the victims in his police interview, the affidavit said.

Sanchez told police they thought the apartment was empty and they broke in through a back bedroom window to take money before they were confronted by the victims and Maldonado shot them.

They took an empty box from a bedroom closet believing it contained money as they left the scene.

Dallas Police have not provided information on a possible motive for the shootings

An 11-year-old boy was killed and his mother was wounded after a targeted shooting at their home in north Dallas Saturday.

He was identified as Jeremiah Green and his grandmother revealed he was asleep in his bed when he was shot and killed.

Jakeith Huntley, 30, was arrested in connection with the shooting and was identified as the mothers ex-boyfriend.

The United States is on course for its deadliest year ever for mass shootings as at least 165 people have been killed in 2023, according to the National Gun Violence Archive.

There were 647 recorded mass shootings in 2022 in which 762 people died.
Stanford University officials have commenced an investigation after multiple swastikas and an image of Adolf Hitler were found pinned to a Jewish student's dormitory room door.

The images were affixed to a whiteboard on the student's door in its Florence Moore Hall residence, in what the university called 'a particularly brazen threat to an individual student'. Stanford said they have not yet determined who is responsible for the incident.

In a letter to the school's community published on Saturday, Stanford said: 'the incident could be a crime given that a resident of the room identifies as Jewish and the location of the swastikas may have been selected to intimidate the occupant.'

The university said 'Stanford wholeheartedly rejects anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, and associated symbols' and incidents such as these 'will not be tolerated'.

The anti-Semitic incident is one of several in recent weeks at the Ivy League college, and aligns with an overall rise in hate crimes and anti-Semitic attacks across the country.

The university said 'Stanford wholeheartedly rejects anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, and associated symbols'

In a letter to the school's community published on Saturday, Stanford said: 'the incident could be a crime given that a resident of the room identifies as Jewish and the location of the swastikas may have been selected to intimidate the occupant.'

Following the most recent incident, the university wrote: 'We wish to be clear: Stanford wholeheartedly rejects anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, and associated symbols, which are reprehensible and will not be tolerated.'

The university says they have reached out to students implicated by the incident and the college's Jewish student community.

'We are determined to identify and hold accountable the perpetrator,' the university said. They have urged students with any knowledge of the incident to contact the Department of Public Safety.

The school also posted a notice on its Protected Identity Harm site where incidents can be reported.

'Purposely intimidating and threatening people based on protected identities is antithetical to Stanford's values.

'Anti-Semitism and other acts of hate and intolerance are unacceptable on this campus.'

This follows a similar incident at Stanford earlier this month. On March 3, the school said a swastika and the letters 'KKK' were found carved into a disabled bathroom.

Just a week earlier, on February 28, a separate bathroom was found vandalized with swastikas, the N-word, and letters 'KKK'.

Both incidents are considered hate crimes in California, the university said. A perpetrator has not been accounted for in either incident.

The university says they have reached out to students implicated by the incident and the college's Jewish student community

Stanford University has also apologized for limiting the admission of Jewish students in the 1950s after a task force commissioned by the school last year found records that show university officials excluded Jewish students

But these incidents come after the university was forced to apologize itself just months ago after it was found to have limited the admission of Jewish students in the 1950s.

A task force commissioned by the school found records that show university officials excluded Jewish students for years and later the school denied it occurred.

The task force was formed in January 2022 and issued a report last month confirming assertions that the school had admissions quotas for Jewish students, Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne said in a letter sent Wednesday to the Stanford community.

'This ugly component of Stanford's history, confirmed by this new report, is saddening and deeply troubling,' Tessier-Lavigne said in October.

The task force cited a memo from February 1953 in which the-then director of admissions discusses his concerns about the number of Jewish students enrolling at Stanford.

Further embracement was also caused to the university when it was also forced to apologize to a Trump-appointed judge who faced an embarrassing protest by a student mob - joined by the school's dean of 'equity' - after he was invited to speak at the college's Law School.

Judge Kyle Duncan, from the fifth circuit of appeals, was ambushed by associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion Tirien Steinbach during a discussion Thursday night.

'If we accept a few Jewish applicants from these schools, the following year we get a flood of Jewish applications,' stated a 1950s memo from a then-Stanford staff member

Steinbach - a former ACLU lawyer who previously defended free speech - initially claimed Duncan had a right to express his views. But she then launched into an impassioned six minute speech - which she had written down - condemning his life's work.

President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and dean of Stanford Law Jenny Martinez wrote an apology letter to Duncan, dated Saturday. Martinez had written a similar letter to students on Friday.

'We write to apologize for the disruption of your recent speech at Stanford Law School. As has already been communicated to our community, what happened was inconsistent with our policies on free speech, and we are very sorry about the experience you had while visiting our campus.'

The letter says that students had a right to 'protest but not disrupt' and that staff members like Steinbach 'failed' to enforce university policy.
This is the shocking moment a bare-chested thug sprayed a police officer in the face with ammonia before threating him with a pistol.

James Boyle has been jailed for 16 years following the attack against PC Samuel Goard on June 17, last year.

Boyle had been spotted acting suspiciously around parked vehicles in Commonside East, Mitcham, in Surrey.

Body-cam footage, revealed for the first time today, showed the 22-year-old strolling towards the officer - before then reaching into his right pocket spraying him with the chemical, temporarily blinding him.

PC Goard said: 'At the time of the incident I was in complete fear for my life. I did not know what the male had sprayed at me.



This is the moment James Boyle, 22, was caught on police body camera spraying an officer with ammonia before then pulling out a gun

'Thoughts of acid, ammonia or any liquid that could have caused me irreversible injuries to my eye, sight, or permanent disfigurement to my face overcame me.

'My thoughts turned to my son at home, was he going to grow up only knowing me as having a disfigured face, will he recognise me when I go home?'

PC Goard was temporarily blinded in one eye but managed to use his PAVA spray against his attacker, causing him to flee

After he fled, PC Goard and another Met police officer, PC George Garner, chased Boyle on foot.

As they approached, Boyle pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it toward the officers.

Without firing he managed to keep running and escaped on foot.

PC Garner said: 'When he [Boyle] pulled the gun on me I felt powerless and had to let him run away.

'I was left with the same recurring thought - if it was so easy to point a gun at a police officer what would he do to a member of the public?

The thug was seen approaching PC Samuel Goard on June 17, last year. The officer could be heard asking Boyle to remove his hand from his pocket

Once Boyle (pictured left) sprayed the officer, he fled the scene - before then being chased down by another officer, PC George Garner (right). Boyle then pulled out a gun before escaping

Boyle went on the run but was eventually caught and arrested by police on June 24 last year

'I returned to work the day after the incident. I love my job and didn't want what happened to affect me or make me fearful but it is a terrifying reminder that the most routine call could end up being something that could change my life or the lives of my loved ones forever.'

After trawling through CCTV footage, the police were able to identify their suspect.

He was found and arrested on June 24 last year. On his arrest he was found with a knife, an axe and a bottle of ammonia in his rucksack.

During a search of his home, they discovered the same grey tracksuit top Boyle had been wearing on the night of the incident.

The investigation also revealed that the firearm Boyle had used had been fired before the police arrived at the scene that night.

The live rounds of ammunition that were recovered and the bottle of ammonia all provided forensic matches to Boyle.

The man from Brixton was sentenced to 16 years in prison at Kingston Crown Court on March 13.

On his arrest he was found with a knife (above), an axe (below) and a bottle of ammonia in his rucksack, the Met Police said

He pleaded guilty at the same court on 11 November 2022 for a multitude of offences.

These included, administering a poison with intent, using a firearm with intent, assault and having a corrosive substance in a public place.

He was also charged for possession of various bladed articles and of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, from Specialist Crime, said: 'Boyle is an extremely dangerous offender and we are pleased that the overwhelming evidence gathered during our investigation left him with no choice but to plead guilty.

'We have no doubt that he would have caused further harm was he not identified and arrested so quickly.

'My thoughts remain with the officers involved in this incident who are fortunate not to have suffered lasting injury.

'Police officers routinely put themselves in harm's way but no-one should have to come home from work having being assaulted in the course of their duty.'

DCI Woodsford added: 'Tackling violent crime is one of our top priorities and this includes those who assault our staff.

'Abuse of emergency workers is never acceptable and we will always deal robustly with offences of this nature.'
Chinese Premier Li Qiang stands up to leave after a news conference following the closing session of the National People's Congress, at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, March 13. EPA-Yonhap



China's new premier warned Monday that the country's 5-percent growth target for 2023 would not be "easy" to achieve, as its rubber-stamp parliament wrapped up over a week of meetings.



The government set the economic growth target of "around 5 percent" this month, one of the lowest in decades as China emerged from strict zero-COVID rules that dragged on its GDP.



And Li Qiang  one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's most trusted allies, confirmed as premier over the weekend  admitted that goal would be hard to attain.



"I'm afraid that reaching our growth target of around five percent will be no easy task, and will require that we redouble our efforts," Li said at a press conference in Beijing held to mark the closing of the National People's Congress (NPC).



China posted just 3 percent growth last year, missing its stated target of around 5.5 percent by a wide margin as the economy strained under the impact of strict COVID policies and a property crisis.



Li said Monday that the modest figure "has been determined after a comprehensive consideration of various factors".



He warned of "many new challenges" to growth, but added that most people "don't fix their sights every day" on the country's economic indicators.



Instead, he said, they care more about "specific issues close to them" such as housing, employment, income, education and health.



He also hit out at the United States, with relations at lows not seen in decades as the powers grapple over trade, technology and security.



"Encirclement and suppression are not advantageous for anyone," Li said.



"China and the United States should cooperate, and must cooperate. When China and the US work together, there is much we can achieve," he added.





A general view of a press conference by China's Premier Li Qiang after the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 13. AFP-Yonhap
Florida legislature has several bills it is proposing that would restrict rights from minors who identify as LGBTQ  like banning transgender surgeries for kids

Joe Biden seems to be preparing for a head-to-head presidential election with Gov. Ron DeSantis with new attacks on Florida laws that the president claims are 'sinful' against the LGBTQ community.

A clip released from Monday's episode of The Daily Show offered a sneak peek at Biden being interviewed by guest host Kal Penn at the White House.

The actor and comic, known for his starring role in Harold & Kumar, took a break from acting in 2009 to work at the White House for over two years as Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement under President Barack Obama. He returned to acting in 2011 with the television series How I Met Your Mother.

Penn also came out as gay in November 2021 and revealed his engagement to his long-time partner, Josh.

President Joe Biden told Daily Show guest host Kal Penn in a clip released Monday from an interview at the White House that Florida laws related to LGBTQ rights are 'sinful' and 'cruel'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who could announce a bid for president any day now, is spearheading a slew of laws that would prevent minors from receiving transgender health care and surgeries

During the sit-down, Biden claims that recent laws in Florida, many of which are spearheaded by DeSantis, are 'cruel' and the clip features the president revealing his 'epiphany' moment in high school when he decided being gay was OK in his book.

'It's just terrible what they're doing,' Biden said in a preview clip.

Lawmakers in Florida, where a Republican supermajority runs the legislature, introduced several bills this session that activists claim will strip members of the LGBTQ community of their rights.

Opponents of the proposed legislation say that the governor is using the guise of education and parental rights to implement laws they say are anti-gay and anti-transgender.

One bill, for example, would outlaw transgender surgeries and healthcare, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for children who say they are the opposite gender in which they were born.

DeSantis released his memoir The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival last month and is currently on a book tour that many see as a pre-presidential bid announcement trip around the states.

The book and the priorities of Florida's current legislative sessions are primarily viewed as a platform on which DeSantis would run his campaign once he launched a 2024 bid for the GOP nomination.

The Parental Rights in Education law, which the governor signed last year, was dubbed by critics the 'Don't Say Gay' bill  because it prevented educators from including in their classroom curriculum discussions on gender identity or sexual orientation. The law currently includes children in kindergarten through third grade, but the Florida legislature is now considering expanding that to include minors up to the eighth grade.

'It's not like, you know, a kid wakes up one morning and says, 'You know, I decided I want to become a man, or I want to become a woman, or I want to change.' I mean, what are they thinking about? They're human beings. They love. They have feelings,' Biden said in his sit-down with Penn.

'It's cruel,' the president added of Florida's laws aimed at minors.

When Penn asked about the 'evolution' of his perspective on marriage equality, the president said it stemmed back to his time in high school.

Biden spoke with Kal Penn in a wide-ranging interview for The Daily Show. Part of the clip released Monday shows the two discussing when Biden had the 'epiphany' in high school that gay marriage was OK

Kal Penn with his long-time partner, Josh. The comic/actor came out as gay and engaged in November 2021.

'I can remember exactly when my epiphany was,' Biden said before telling a story about his senior in high school when he saw 'two well-dressed men in suits' kissing.

'I'll never forget. I turned and looked at my dad. He said, 'Joey, it's simple. They love each other,' he recollected.

'It's just that simple,' he said. 'It doesn't matter whether it's same-sex or a heterosexual couple, you should be able to be married. What is the problem?'

'Transgender kids is a really harder thing,' Biden told Penn. 'What's going on in Florida is, as my mother would say, close to sinful.'

While Biden says he came around to accepting gay marriage as a teenager, a 2006 video distributed during the 2020 presidential election shows then-Senator Biden speaking out against same-sex marriage.

'Marriage is between a man and a woman, and states must respect that,' Biden said in an interview with NBC's Meet the Press as he defended the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act, at the time.

Biden, a longtime senator from Delaware before becoming vice president and then president, voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and in 2006, claiming that the measure wasn't worth Congress' time.
Michael Cohen, the lawyer-turned-critic of former President Donald Trump, was spotted Monday arriving to testify before the Manhattan grand jury investigating hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Cohen facilitated payments between Trump and Daniels, a porn star who claimed to have a one night stand with Trump in 2006, and Playboy Platmate Karen McDougal, who also claimed to have had an affair with the married businessman.

He was the only person to go to jail over the hush-money payments when federal investigators were looking into them. Now Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is trying to determine if any state laws were broken.

'My goal is to tell the truth,' Cohen told reporters outside the courthouse, dismissing a suggestion that he might be motivated by a desire to see Trump behind bars.

'This is not revenge,' he continued. 'This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds.'

Earlier Monday, Trump's lawyer Joe Tacopina appeared on Good Morning America and said it wasn't likely Trump would also appear before the grand jury.

'We have no plans on participating in that proceeding,' he said. 'It's a decision that need to be made still. There's been no deadline set.'

Michael Cohen, the lawyer-turned-critic of former President Donald Trump, was spotted Monday arriving to testify before the Manhattan grand jury investigating hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election

Cohen facilitated payments between Trump and Daniels, a porn star who claimed to have a one night stand with Trump in 2006, and Playboy Platmate Karen McDougal, who also claimed to have had an affair with the married businessman

Former President Donald Trump (left) will likely face charges for his role in hush-money payments given to porn star Stormy Daniels (right) and Playmate Karen McDougal ahead of the 2016 presidential election

Earlier Monday, Trump's lawyer Joe Tacopina appeared on Good Morning America and said it wasn't likely Trump would appear before the grand jury

They've invited him to testify before a grand jury, which legal experts believe is a sure sign that criminal charges will follow.

Tacopina also said he believed that Trump wouldn't be indicted, despite The New York Times reporting Thursday that the ex-president's lawyers were told he could face criminal charges over the $130,000 payment.

'I expect justice to prevail. And if that's the case, George, there shouldn't be an indictment,' Tacopina told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. 'I mean, this case is outrageous, really. There should be a healthy dose of disgust from the bar.'

'It's not what we do,' Tacopina continued. 'We are distorting laws to try and bag President Trump. I don't know if it's because he's leading in all the polls. I don't know what it is. But clearly the prosecutor and this prosecutor's office has made an agenda of trying to get him - they've scoured his personal and business life for seven years to try and find something.'

Tacopina characterized Trump as an 'extortion victim' and said he paid Daniels through his 'personal funds' in order to prevent something 'embarrassing to himself, his family, his young son' from being made public.

Michael Cohen (right) walks into the New York courthouse alongside his lawyer Lanny Davis (left)

Tacopino continued to claim on Trump's behalf that the affair never happened.

Trump made similar denials on his Truth Social site in recent days.

'I did absolutely nothing wrong, I never had an affair with Stormy Daniels, nor would I have wanted to have an affair with Stormy Daniels.'

He went on to lay the blame at those who want to stop him from winning again in 2024, calling himself the leading candidate in the next presidential election.

He also claimed that 'Congress, numerous Democrat District Attorneys, Attorneys General, and the Department of Injustice itself, which has unprecedentedly placed top DOJ prosecutors into the Manhattan District Attorney's office in order to 'get Trump', have found that I did nothing wrong.'

'Now, they fall back on the old, and rebuked case which has been rejected by every prosecutor's office that has looked at this Stormy 'Horseface' Daniels matter, where I relied on counsel in order to resolve this Extortion of me, which took place a long time ago. Since then, I have won lawsuits.'

Manhattan's District Attorney Alvin Bragg's (pictured) office has been investigating whether any state laws were broken over hush-money payments were made to a porn star and Playboy playmate on behalf of Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election

Former President Donald Trump reacted with vitriol on social media after a report that he will likely face charges for his role in hush-money payments given to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election

Prosecutors gave Trump the option to appear before a state grand jury that's been assembled since January and has been hearing evidence in the case, generally a sign that an individual will be indicted.

Several of Trump's top advisers have been spotted going into the Manhattan district attorney's office in recent days including former counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway and ex-White House communications director Hope Hicks.

An indictment of Trump will make American history, as no ex-president of the United States has ever been slapped with criminal charges after leaving office.

President Richard Nixon, who left office over his role in the Watergate break-in, was pardoned by his Republican successor, President Gerald Ford, before any criminal charges could be brought.

A Trump indictment could also complicate the 2024 presidential election, as he announced his candidacy in November and continues to lead most GOP polls.

If Trump was convicted - which is a longshot - he would be sentenced with up to four years in prison, though serving time would not be mandatory, The Times said.

Trump already escaped being charged with a crime for his role in the hush-money payments by federal investigators.

Cohen was the only person ensnared in the federal probe.

Once the federal investigation concluded, Manhattan's District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg took the investigation up, to see if any New York state laws were broken.

Kellyanne Conway was spotted in New York Wednesday walking into one of the Manhattan district attorney's offices as part of the Stormy Daniels hush-money probe involving former President Donald Trump

Bragg's prosecutors have not concluded their work in front of the grand jury and he could decide against pressing charges, The Times reported.

The Manhattan district attorney's office has already brought six witnesses in front of the grand jury, the newspaper said.

Cohen has met with prosecutors 18 times through several iterations of the probe he told the Associated Press after another meeting with them last week.

He said the investigation was 'really progressing' and he expected to soon be called before the grand jury.

'The level of specificity to which they are attacking the various issues is extraordinary,' the former Trump lawyer said.

In his book, he also ties Conway - who made news this week due to her divorce from her Trump critic husband George - to the hush-money payment, writing that she was the person who informed Trump that Daniels had been paid off.

Conway, who served as Trump's 2016 campaian manager, said 'she'd pass along the good news' to Trump, once Cohen gave the money to Daniels, Cohen wrote in his 2020 memoir, Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump.

Conway ignored reporters Wednesday when she walked into Bragg's lower Manhattan office.

Trump's actions are also under scrutiny in Georgia, as Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis investigates whether crimes were committed when Trump and his allies tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Additionally, Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel to oversee the Department of Justice's investigations into whether Trump mishandled classified documents when he left office and his effort to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 win.
Tory MPs today put fresh pressure on Rishi Sunak over defence cash as they claimed the Prime Minister's 5bn boost for military budgets would only 'patch up' spending.

As part of a refreshed Integrated Review on foreign and defence policy, the Government has announced an extra 5billion of defence spending over the next two years.

This will see 3billion invested in nuclear enterprises - including supporting the Aukus submarine project - with 1.9billion to replenish and bolster the UK's munitions stockpiles following Britain's supply of weapons to Ukraine.

Ministers have also set out an 'aspiration' for 2.5 per cent of GDP to be spent on defence 'as fiscal and economic circumstances allow'.

Mr Sunak, speaking on a visit to San Diego, in the US, where he is fleshing out the Aukus pact with America and Australia, today hailed how Britain was 'one of the largest spenders on defence anywhere in the world'.

But, back in Westminster, senior Tory MPs questioned whether the fresh 5bn commitment was enough in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and 'as the world totters towards World War Three'.

Tory MPs put fresh pressure on Rishi Sunak over defence cash as they claimed the Prime Minister's 5bn boost for military budgets would only 'patch up' spending

Ex-minister Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative chair of the House of Commons defence committee, warned the UK is operating on a 'peacetime budget' as a new Cold War approaches

Senior Tory backbencher Sir Bernard Jenkin, a former shadow defence secretary, warned that defence funding was 'still the ghost at the feast'

Richard Drax - another Tory member of the defence committee - said the new cash commitment was not enough 'as the world totters towards World War Three potentially'

Former minister Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative chair of the House of Commons defence committee, warned the UK is operating on a 'peacetime budget' as a new Cold War approaches.

He highlighted how the refreshed Integrated Review noted the 'risk of escalation is greater than at any time in decades'.

'We are sliding towards a new Cold War,' he told MPs in the Commons as they debated the updated foreign and defence policy blueprint.

'Threats are increasing but here we are staying on a peacetime budget.'

Mr Ellwood also told the Government: 'Please can we move to 2.5% GDP now.'

Senior Tory backbencher Sir Bernard Jenkin, a former shadow defence secretary, warned that defence funding was 'still the ghost at the feast'.

He said: 'When are we going to see our Armed Forces restored to the critical mass that is capable of deterring the kind of aggression we're seeing in Ukraine, the kind of aggressive policies we're seeing from China?

'Because it seems that the 5billion that is announced today is going to patch up what we should have been spending already. It's not going to make a huge difference.'

Earlier, during defence questions in the Commons, Richard Drax - another Tory member of the defence committee - said the new cash commitment was not enough.

'The 5billion is not sufficient to ensure our core Armed Forces are properly equipped and prepared for, God forbid, something that we all dread as the world totters towards World War Three potentially,' he told MPs.

'What on earth is going through the mind of the Treasury officials?'

Fellow Tory backbencher James Gray said: 'The 5billion is disappointing, particularly if 3billion goes to Aukus and 1.9billion goes to filling up our warehouses.

'It actually means a cut in defence spending rather than increasing it.'

But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said it was 'incredibly important' that defence spending had been on an 'upward trajectory' since 2020.

'The defence spending is no longer declining as it has done for the last three decades, it is on the upward trajectory,' he told MPs.

'In defence of my colleagues at the Treasury, the Treasury is trying to balance an economic situation post-Covid that means we have to make sure we cut our cloth and make sure that we return to economic credibility thats so important for growing our tax receipts and our income.'

In an interview with BBC News tonight in San Diego, Mr Sunak stressed how Britain was 'one of a handful' of NATO members to meet the target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence.

'Today, we're going further, with 5billion more for our Armed Forces, strengthening of our nuclear enterprise - incredibly important to our future security.

'But also an ambition to keep increasing defence spending towards 2.5 per cent in recognition of the increasing threats that we face. That's our record.'
A woman who had a 'fling' with a 'gunman' accused of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel claims she had become 'infatuated' with him and that he 'groomed' her.

Thomas Cashman, 34, is accused of murdering the nine-year-old and injuring her mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46, at their home in Dovecot, Liverpool.

Cashman is accused of chasing another man, Joseph Nee, into Olivia's home and firing his gun, missing Nee and hitting the mother and daughter, fatally injuring Olivia, on August 22 last year.

The second week of the trial at Manchester Crown Court opened today with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, answering questions about her relationship with Cashman from the accused's lawyer, John Cooper KC.

The jury heard last week that the witness had implicated Cashman, telling police after the shooting that he had gone to her home, where he had changed his clothes. She also claimed she heard him say he had 'done Joey', the court was told.

Thomas Cashman, 34, is accused of fatally shooting Olivia (pictured) and injuring her mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46

Mr Cooper suggested to the witness that Cashman had used her for sex and this had made her tell lies to police to 'ruin' him.

He said: 'Central to your dishonest evidence in this court is you with Thomas Cashman.

'Made you want to ruin him?'

She replied, 'No. Ruin him... you find out what you find out.

'I have had to do what I have had to do for a little girl here. I have had to go through a lot of pain, to think about what Tommy done.'

The woman told jurors she felt she was 'groomed and lied to'.

Mr Cooper asked: 'Groomed?'

She replied:' A million percent. A million percent I was groomed.'

The woman said she was 'infatuated' with Cashman but 'it wasn't about the sex'.

She told the court: 'I was infatuated with him. I liked the way he listened to me. I have never had anyone who listened to me like he listened to me . He was a good listener and a good friend.'

Cashman, of Liverpool, denies the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Olivia's mother, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life

Cheryl Korbel, Olivia's mother, arriving at Manchester Crown Court on Monday for Cashman's trial

Mr Cooper, during cross-examination, told the woman: 'About the time of this tragic killing, you were angry, resentful and vindictive.'

'I was not,' she replied.

'I certainly didn't want a relationship with a thug with a little willy.'

She added: 'I have not been asked one question about a nine-year-old girl who lost her life. That little girl can't go home, so I'm passionate about that.

'Let's get to the good bits. Why not ask about the shooting?'

Mr Cooper replied: 'Good bits? Because we say you are a liar.'

The witness said she had not initially told police about having a 'fling' with Cashman because she was 'petrified'.

Aerial view shows a forensic tent outside Olivia's home on Kingsheath Avenue on August 25

She said: 'I have not got family. I was petrified. Absolutely petrified.

'Thomas Cashman has done what he's done and he can't own it, love.'

At one point during the exchanges, trial judge Mrs Justice Yip asked the witness to look at her, to take a moment and to calm down.

Cashman, of Liverpool, denies the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Ms Korbel, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The trial continues.
He has been charged with murder, child endangerment, having a concealed firearm in a vehicle and having a concealed loaded weapon

She was struck four times after Narag took aim with his 9mm handgun, according to Daly City Police Department

A 'loyal' mother-of-two was shot dead by the father of her children after they argued during a family dinner.

Frances Kendra Lucero, 27, was shot by her partner Romier Narag, 27, in front of the children, aged three and four, on March 6 in Daly City, California.

Investigators say Frances was shot by Narag with a 9-millimeter handgun as she ran towards their home at around 7.30pm.

She was shot four times, according to the Daily City Police Department, and Narag wasarrested shortly after.

He has been charged with murder, child endangerment, having a concealed firearm in a vehicle and having a concealed loaded weapon.

Frances Kendra Lucero, 27, was shot by her partner Romier Narag, 27, in front of their two children, aged 3 and 4, on March 6 in Daly City, California

She was shot four times, according to the Daily City Police Department, and Narag was arrested shortly after

Narag is currently behind bars at the Maguire Correctional Facility and will appear in court on March 16 in connection with the incident.

Their two children are under the care of the victim's family while also undergoing social worker evaluation.

In a tribute to Frances, her sister wrote: 'To my built-in best friend. I never imagined myself typing out something like this for you. You were my best friend, my (sic) ate, my 2nd mom, my platonic soulmate.

'I will forever love you and miss you. I wish I could just hug you one more time. Get one more conversation with you. I will forever be blessed with being able to call myself Frances Kendra's little sister.

'Kuya, Dad, Me and Mom will be okay. You rest now ate. I pray you're not in pain anymore. I pray you're at peace. My guardian angel. I love you so much.'

A fundraiser for the mother of two has surpassed its goal of $30,000, reaching $37,500  with funds going towards her funeral

Their two children are under the care of the victim's family while also undergoing social worker evaluation

Narag is currently behind bars at the Maguire Correctional Facility and will appear in court on March 16 in connection with the incident

A fundraiser for the mother of two has surpassed its goal of $30,000, reaching $37,500  with funds going towards her funeral.

One family member wrote on the GoFundMe page: 'Frances dedicated her life to her children and always spread the love she had to share. She was the most genuine, thoughtful, loyal and ambitious woman we've all been blessed to know.

'Frances was that friend that would help you celebrate good times and provide nothing but support during the bad times.

'She was a beautiful Mother, daughter, sister, and friend who touched countless lives of those around her.

'She sadly leaves behind her Mother, Father, little brother, little sister and her two babies.'
The massive group of migrants who attempted to enter the US on Sunday may have been motivated by cartel-spread online rumors that indicated the United States would welcome them in.

According to new reports, migrants who took part in the 'absolute madness' at the Paso Del Norte Bridge at the US-Mexico border had seen social media posts falsely advertising an open border.

One migrant who spoke with the Texas Tribune said they had seen a post about a 'day of the migrant' celebration which would allow them to enter the United States.

'On Facebook, we saw an image that said they were going to open (the bridge) today because it was Migrants' Day, something like that,' the migrant said.

In reality, the border had not opened and the online falsehoods could have been a tactic used by organized crime to create chaos at the border.

On Sunday, a large group of migrants, numbering around 1,000, were caught on camera trying to rush the U.S. southern border from Mexico

New reports indicate the migrants were motivated by social media rumors that falsely told them the border had been opened for a 'day of the migrant' celebration

Videos on social media posted Sunday sparked outrage as a horde of migrants - mostly from Venezuela - were seen running and walking toward the US.

In one video posted by a Fox News reporter, several members of the group can be heard yelling out 'to the US.'

The migrants, which appeared to be mostly male but also included some women and children, were reportedly under the belief that a migrant celebration would see them welcomed into the United States.

According to officials, rumors like this have been known to start online and spread by word of mouth among migrants.

It is believed that organized crime channels and cartels start the rumors to disrupt order at the border but to also drive up their fees for migrants who are looking to get into the US by any means.

In November, a similar incident occurred when several hundred migrants attempted to cross the Rio Grande.

Individuals involved in this incident said they said either heard or read that Title 42 had been lifted and that they could potentially enter the country.

One of the migrants who spoke with the Texas Tribune regarding Sunday's border rush said they took part because they were unsure if the rumors were true.

'We just want an answer, so we came to see if it was true,' the migrant said.

Videos on social media posted Sunday sparked outrage as a horde of migrants - mostly from Venezuela - were seen running and walking toward the US

Another view of migrants heading towards the US-Mexico border during Sunday's event

The group consisted mostly of young men, but there were also women and young children present

The group encountered Border Patrol agents upon arrival at the US Port of Entry

Another migrant who spoke with CBS News and told the outlet he had also seen the rumors and wanted to see if they were true.

'We all ran and they put a fence with barbed wire around us. They threw tear gas at us,' said Jackson Solis, a Venezuelan migrant.

Upon arrival, however, the group encountered 'post-hardening efforts' to stop them.

Customs and Border Patrol officers agents at one point shut down northbound traffic on the Paso del Norte bridge to manage the situation.

CBP officials said after the group had been dispersed that the individuals approached the international line 'posing a threat to make mass entry.'

Clips posted online show migrants pushing past the Mexican side of the bridge.

One video even sees one border patrol agent standing idly by as the pack of migrants pushes on by.

Reporters at the scene also said they saw some attempting to cross the border via the river.

'This is the type of event that doesn't help them (migrants),' said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas to KTSM.

'It doesn't help the migrant make their case. I know that they're tired of waiting and all that, but this type of thing just doesn't help their case,' Cuellar said.

'Even the president is saying, now, 'Let's have 'em come in in an orderly process,' you know. What they're doing, trying to rush through, doesn't help their case one bit at all. It does become a little frustrating.'

In January, President Joe Biden and his team urged against migrants coming to the border in search of asylum or citizenship.

'Do not just show up at the border,' Biden said in a speech.

CBP officials said after the group had been dispersed that the individuals approached the international line 'posing a threat to make mass entry'

Sunday's sudden surge comes after sharp drop in illegal border crossings since December

'Do not just show up at the border,' US President Joe Biden said in a January speech

Migrant encounters in January were at their lowest level since February 2021

Sunday's rush to the border comes after the US saw a drop in illegal border crossings at the end of 2022.

According to data from US Customs and Border Protections, crossings heading into January plummeted to just above 100,000, down significantly from nearly all of 2022.

At one point last year, an estimated 225,000 crossings were occurring at the border.

The Biden Administration has recently ramped up efforts to stop the border crisis, including generally denying asylum to migrants who travel through another country to appear at the border.

In total, some 2.5 million migrants were detained at the US-Mexico border in 2022.
A United Airlines flight that flew from New Jersey to Vermont on Sunday sparked an emergency response when a threatening note was found in the bathroom of the plane.

Flight 3613 departed from Newark Airport at 3.14pm with 65 passengers aboard on its way to Burlington International Airport.

However, 20 minutes before landing, the pilot was notified of a threat aboard the plane.

Authorities have not let on to the nature of the threat, but a passenger on the flight said that 'someone left a note.'

The pilot then notified air traffic control and a significant emergency response was launched by law enforcement at the airport, which shut down for several hours after the plane landed at approximately 4.30pm.

The flight from Newark to Burlington was evacuated on Sunday after a threatening note was found aboard the plane mid-flight

The plane was moved to an isolated part of the tarmac, where various agencies including the Vermont State Police Bomb Squad, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI inspected the plane.

Passengers said they were given limited information as they sat on the plane for about two hours before being allowed off.

K-9 units were brought aboard the plane around 6.30p, to sweep the cabin.

'They sniffed up and down the plane and then they sniffed each passenger,' said Vermont state Senator Phil Baruth, who was one of the 65 passengers.

'They isolated us with police at both ends and they dont know whether one of us could be a bad actor so that doesnt feel great,' added the Democrat lawmaker.

Once the plane was cleared, passengers were allowed to depart, but without their personal belongings.

Another hour and change later, passengers would be cleared to claim their items.

After two hours in an isolated section of the tarmac, the 65 passengers aboard were allowed to deplane

One of the sweeps of the plane included bringing in the K9 unit

'It feels unfair on one hand that someone left a note and ruined everyones day. Obviously someone a little deranged,' said Vermont state Senator Phil Baruth, who was one of the 65 passengers

Authorities eventually determined that no credible threat was discovered. No one was taken into custody either, though the investigation remains ongoing.

'What we have here is a safe group of people, we have a safe plane, we have a safe airport, we have procedures that were followed, and we have a successful outcome,' said acting Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad.

'It feels unfair on one hand that someone left a note and ruined everyones day. Obviously someone a little deranged,' said Baruth. 'On the other hand, authorities here handled everything perfectly and at no time did I feel unsafe.'
A former elementary school librarian was arrested after police found a stash of child pornography on his computer and a child-sized doll in his bed.

Charles Sutherland, 31, was charged in February following a nearly seven-month-long police search of his laptop, which was seized from his Takoma Park, Maryland, home in June.

Sutherland was previously arrested last year after allegedly spray painting the anti-LGBT term 'groomer' on the New Carrolton library and the Greenbelt library during Pride Month in 2022.

He had confessed to his crimes and permitted police to search his home. At the time, officers found children's dolls, diapers and a child-size doll despite Sutherland not having any children, according to WUSA9.

Charles Sutherland, 31, was charged in February following a nearly seven-month-long police search of his laptop, which was seized from his Takoma Park, Maryland, home in June.

During the search, Sutherland told police he didn't have nieces or nephews and openly confessed to having child pornography.

The former librarian was then placed on leave from Northview Elementary School in Bowie and never returned.

The findings on his computer in January revealed Sutherland downloaded seven files of pornography.

He is being held without bond as he awaits trial for the child pornography charges in April.

Sutherland was previously arrested last year after allegedly spray painting the anti-LGBT term 'groomer' on the New Carrolton library and the Greenbelt library during Pride Month in 2022

He had confessed to his crimes and permitted police to search his home. Sutherland previously sent a letter r to the Prince Georges County Memorial Library System warning them to refrain from celebrating Pride Month

Sutherland's arrest documents from his vandalism scheme showed he likely attacked the two libraries due to their support of the LGBTQ community, according to The Washington Post.

A year before the attack in May 2021, Sutherland sent a letter to the Prince Georges County Memorial Library System that read, 'I am asking you humbly to reconsider celebrating pride month next year. Or at least refrain from making pride displays for small children.'

The letter signed in his name continued: 'And that reason is because, typically, they are too young to understand vital parts of sexuality, like the sex act, the differences between sexes, etc

Sutherland has not been convicted for his vandalism charges and will appear in court later this year.
The Royal Navy has been escorting a Russian frigate and tanker through waters close to the UK, it announced today, warning Vladimir Putin's forces that it is 'watching their every move'.

HMS Portland deployed from Plymouth to track Russian Gorshkov-class guided missile frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, and support tanker, Akademik Pashin.

The British Type 23 frigate shadowed the warship, which is capable of firing Kalibr, Oniks or 'unstoppable' hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles, through the English Channel on Sunday morning as it headed towards the North Sea.

The revelation came after what was Russia's deadliest day on the battlefield in Ukraine on Saturday, with Putin's forces losing more than 1,000 troops.

Amid Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Admiral Kasatonov of Russia's Northern Fleet has been operating in the eastern Mediterranean since early 2022.

HMS Portland (pictured) deployed from Plymouth to track Russian Gorshkov-class guided missile frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, and support tanker, Akademik Pashin

Meanwhile, Akademik Pashin, a replenishment oiler, was in the region later in the year.

The Royal Navy said it had been watching every move made by Russia as they sailed north through the Bay of Biscay.

The Russians passed through the Strait of Gibraltar last Wednesday and NATO warships have been escorting them throughout their journey.

Portland with her specialist Merlin helicopter embarked - both equipped with cutting-edge sonars, sensors and torpedoes for specialist operations - are reporting on the movements of the Russian ships.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: 'The Royal Navy routinely responds to escort warships in our territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas to ensure compliance with maritime law and to deter malign activity.

'Escorting the Russian task group alongside allied partners demonstrates the commitment of the Royal Navy and the NATO alliance to maintaining maritime security which is crucial to our national interests.'

It is just the latest instance of Russian warships coming close to the UK in recent months.

Back in January, another Russian frigate, Admiral Gorshkov, and its accompanying tanker Kama as they sailed in international waters close to the UK.

The Russian vessel was armed with new Mach 9 nuclear-capable Zircon missiles, which travel at speeds of nearly 7,000mph, as well as Kalibr missiles.

Amid Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Admiral Kasatonov of Russia's Northern Fleet has been operating in the eastern Mediterranean since early 2022

Russian support tanker, Akademik Pashin. The Royal Navy has said it is 'watching every move' the Russian vessels make

HMS Portland deployed again to escort the boats, along with a Norwegian coastguard vessel, as they transited south through the Norwegian Sea.

A grim government assessment warned today that amid ramping up Russian aggression, threats to global security are set to only get worse.

The Integrated Review of the UK's policy stance has concluded that the current 'period of heightened risk and volatility' is likely to last for decades.

The document cautions that the 'fragmentation' of the world order has happened faster than feared at the time of the last IR only two years ago.

It lays out the urgent need to prevent Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine succeeding, as well as restocking and upgrading UK military capacity - with Rishi Sunak allocating an extra 5billion of funding.

The report laid out that Russia is 'the most acute threat to the UK's security' and collective security is now 'intrinsically linked to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine'.
The governor of Svalbard refused production company PolarX's request to land the choppers on an Arctic archipelago because it will disturb local wildlife

Tom Cruise must convince authorities governing the world's 'polar bear capital' that he won't disturb the Arctic wildlife when he lands 30 helicopters for a Mission Impossible shoot.

The Hollywood star is looking to film Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two in Svalbard, Norway.

Lars Fause, the governor of Svalbard, refused production company PolarX's request to land the choppers on an Arctic archipelago because it will disturb wildlife in the local area.

Local environment leader Kristin Heggelund said that the territory, which is 600 miles from the North Pole, is aiming to 'preserve a virtually untouched environment'.

'All passage in Svalbard shall take place in a way that does not result in unnecessary disturbance to humans or animals,' she said, The Telegraph reported.

Tom Cruise (pictured, file photo) must convince authorities governing the world's 'polar bear capital' that he won't disturb the Arctic wildlife when he lands 30 helicopters for a Mission Impossible shoot

The Hollywood star is looking to film in Svalbard, Norway (pictured, file photo) for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two in Svalbard, Norway

The polar night happens for four months of the year on Svalbard, as the earth rotates on a tilted axis, pushing it away from the direction of the sun - and plunging it into darkness.

The Arctic metropolis of Longyearbyen, located at latitude 78 North, has around only 2,400 residents and is home to even more polar bears, polar dogs and reindeer.

An estimated 3,000 polar bears live on the territory, while residents live mainly in the capital of Longyearbyen.

It is one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas and known for the rugged and remote terrain of glaciers.

The culture minister for Norway has also blocked the parliamentary grant which production companies would usually receive for filming in the country.

Cruise even missed Sunday night's Oscars ceremony for the sake of filming for the latest Mission Impossible installment.

His film, Top Gun: Maverick, took home the Academy Award for Best Sound, and was credited for saving cinema by Steven Spielberg.

Variety reported earlier this month that Cruise was filming part of Dead Reckoning Part Two aboard a carrier.

In addition to directing both upcoming entries in the Mission: Impossible series, McQuarrie is also writing and producing them.

He has been a regular collaborator of Cruise's since he wrote his 2008 WWII thriller Valkyrie, and he joined the franchise with the fifth film in the series, 2015's Rogue Nation.

Cruise will return to the big screen for the July 14 debut of Dead Reckoning Part One.

Fans of the blockbuster series won't have to wait long for the conclusion of the two-part film, as Part Two is expected to be released in June of 2024.

Lars Fause, the governor of Svalbard, refused production company PolarX's request to land the choppers on an Arctic archipelago because it will disturb wildlife in the local area

Cruiseeven missed Sunday night's Oscars ceremony for the sake of filming for the latest Mission Impossible installment. His film, Top Gun: Maverick (pictured in the film), took home the Academy Award for Best Sound, and was credited for saving cinema by Steven Spielberg

The first film will feature newcomers including Hayley Atwell, Guardians Of The Galaxy star Pom Klementieff, The Princess Bride's Cary Elwes, Catastrophe's Rob Delaney, Shea Wigham and Charles Parnell, who appeared with Cruise in his massive hit Top Gun: Maverick.

Their latest filming location of Svalbard has proven popular amongst Hollywood producers as it has been the backdrop to films including Bond blockbuster Die Another Day in 2002.

Having worked in Svalbard and with Cruise in the past, helicopter stunt pilot Marc Wolff told The Times that the actor prefers helicopters to snowmobiles.

He said: 'But its something we have to take into consideration nowadays, the noise and disturbance to wildlife in terms of helicopters.

'Its the polar bear capital of the world. Sometimes theres certain breeding that takes place at times of the year that they dont want to disturb. Its springtime now so theyre just coming out of hibernation.'

MailOnline has contacted PolarX production company for comment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping before an extended-format meeting of heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit (SCO) member states in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in this Sep. 16, 2022 file photo. Reuters-Yonhap





Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to travel to Russia to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said, which would be sooner than previously expected.







Plans for a visit come as China has been offering to broker peace in Ukraine, an effort that has been met with skepticism in the West given Beijing's diplomatic support for Russia.







Putin said last month that a Xi visit had been agreed, though the Kremlin chief gave no date for a possible visit. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May.







China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of Xi going to Moscow.







When asked about the Reuters report, the Kremlin said it had nothing to say on the matter.







"As a rule, announcements of official foreign visits are coordinated synchronously by mutual agreement of the parties," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.







"When there is such readiness, we will let you know."







No other details were immediately available.







The sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.







Last month, Putin hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi on a visit to Moscow. One source said that Wang's trip to Moscow was to help prepare for Xi's visit.







China and Russia struck a "no limits" partnership in February of 2022, when Putin was visiting Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. The two sides have continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties.







Xi has met Putin in person 39 times since becoming president, most recently in September during a summit in central Asia.







On Monday, Xi wrapped up the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress, during which he was unanimously confirmed in a precedent-breaking third term as president. (Reuters)






A heroic witness has revealed how they helped rescue a teenage boy and his mother from the rubble of an explosion in Swansea - as three people remain in hospital and another is missing.

At least 20 homes are believed to have suffered damage following the suspected gas blast in Morriston shortly after 11.20am earlier today.

The explosion at an address on the junction of Clydach Road and Field Close left the terraced street looking like 'a warzone' with debris strewn across the road.

Christopher Yeoman, 55, who said he lives three doors down from the blast, helped rescue a teenage boy and his mother from the rubble.

He said: 'I saw the debris explode outward into the street even before I heard it, then I heard this massive bang.

Emergency personnel at the scene after reports of a suspected gas explosion at a property on the junction of Clydach Road and Field Close in Morriston, Swansea

A house was destroyed and others damaged in a huge explosion heard more than five miles away earlier today

People living nearby reported windows shaking when the explosion rocked the street earlier today

'The house exploded and everything flew out into the road hitting the postman who was driving by and the flats opposite.

'Everything shook and all my pictures fell off the wall, and I was first most worried about my 95-year-old mother who was downstairs.

'I ran into the street and we got a teenage boy who was in the debris out, and me and another neighbour ran in because we could hear a woman shouting from inside.

'When we got to her, she was hysterical and worried about her cat and dog but we managed to find the puppy in the crate and get it out as well.

'We got them both to a bus that had stopped to help, because this was before the ambulance and police had turned up.

'They were both hysterical but seemed to calm down once they were together. My head is still totally mashed.'

Images from the scene appear to show one house has collapsed and another is badly damaged, with debris strewn into the street.

Meanwhile, South Wales Police said other neighbouring properties were also damaged by the blast, which shook houses miles from the scene.

A spokesperson for the force said: 'Our thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this morning's incident and we would like to thank the community for their support whilst this incident is ongoing.'

A house was destroyed in a huge explosion heard more than five miles away today - as emergency services were called to examine the wreckage.

Fire crews, ambulances and police were called to tackle the blast which wrecked the end of terrace house in Morriston, Swansea

Police have asked the public to avoid the area while they deal with the incident and a cordon is in place, with Clydach Road closed and traffic being diverted.

Donn and Donna Fernandez who live next door to the explosion told how they and other neighbours rescued a teenage occupant of the house who was taken to hospital.

Mr Fernandez said: 'I came out of my house and saw the young teenager who lives next door in the wreckage of the house near the roof.

'Me and our neighbours got him out, he's only about 13. They're a lovely family, a family of three. We just can't believe this has happened.'

Mrs Fernandez, an NHS worker, said: 'We're just still in shock.'

Jason Maynard, 43, from Morriston, said he was having breakfast with his partner in the nearby Red Lion pub when the explosion happened.

'Everything shook, my breakfast nearly went everywhere,' he said.

'We came out and we were all confused but then we saw it, there was loads of debris and dust high into the sky, and tiles everywhere.

'You could tell it was really bad.'

A police officer at the scene would not permit residents to go past the cordon, saying: 'We're still not out of the woods with the gas. We're not safe from another explosion.'

 Slide me  The house in Swansea pictured last year (left) and the scene of the devastation on the site today (right)

One house was completely destroyed as a result of the blast while the neighbouring property was also partially wrecked

An emergency centre for residents has been set up in Morriston Memorial Hall, a nearby community centre.

Many have also gathered in the Red Lion Pub.

Ioan Humphreys lives eight miles away in Rhos, Pontardawe, and had just started a Microsoft Teams meeting when he heard the bang.

'The house next door to me is having lots of building work done, so initially I thought it was a massive skip being delivered and dropped on their drive - it felt that close,' the 48-year-old Swansea University research officer told the PA news agency.

Abbie, a 26-year-old who did not wish to share her second name and lives half a mile from the scene, said the explosion sounded like a car had crashed into her home.

'I was working when we heard a huge bang, it sounded like a car had crashed into our garage and the impact shook the house,' she told PA.

A house was destroyed in a huge explosion which witnesses said was heard more than five miles away

Shocked neighbours survey the ruins of the two houses at the end of the street, one of which has been completely destroyed

Swansea Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said a major incident was declared at noon, adding: 'My thoughts are with the residents at this moment from what looks like an extremely serious incident, as we try and establish if everyone is safe.

'Our teams are on site and working with the emergency services.'

In a statement, Wales & West Utilities, which maintains the gas network across Wales and the south-west of England, said: 'We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea and immediately sent a team of engineers.

'On arrival, we found that there had been severe structural damage to the property and the emergency services were in control of the scene.

'We are now working with them to make the area safe - as we do on all incidents of this nature.

'We do not yet know the cause of the explosion and our engineers will continue to support the emergency services as they carry out their work.'

People living nearby reported windows shaking when the explosion rocked the street, with more than 100 people evacuated.

One said: 'It was an enormous bang - it shook the house and was heard miles away.'

South Wales Police have urged the public to avoid the area as they investigate the scene of the wreckage

The house in Clydach Road was destroyed along with neighbouring properties being damaged. Emergency services have not yet reported any casualties.

One neighbour said: 'It is a hell of a mess. If anyone was in the house they wouldn't stand a chance.'

Neighbour Gemma Evans, 33, said: 'Everyone has been evacuated. Two of the houses are just gone and we have no idea if anyone was in at the time.'

Emma Kavanagh wrote: 'Felt like the last earthquake we had. I thought our chimney had come down!'

A team of gas engineers from Wales and West are on their way to the scene.

There is no confirmation that emergency services are dealing with a gas explosion but the team have been called to assist with the investigation.

South Wales Police was called just after 11.20am this morning with a report of an explosion at a property on the junction of Clydach Road and Field Close in Morriston.

A spokeswoman said: 'Emergency services are working at the scene, and we are asking that people avoid the area so we can deal with this incident.'

Christopher Yeoman, 55, who said he lives three doors down from the blast, helped rescue a teenage boy and his mother from the rubble.

Mr Yeoman told the PA news agency: 'I saw the debris explode outward into the street even before I heard it, then I heard this massive bang.

'The house exploded and everything flew out into the road hitting the postman who was driving by and the flats opposite.

'Everything shook and all my pictures fell off the wall, and I was first most worried about my 95-year-old mother who was downstairs.

'I ran into the street and we got a teenage boy who was in the debris out, and me and another neighbour ran in because we could hear a woman shouting from inside.

'When we got to her, she was hysterical and worried about her cat and dog but we managed to find the puppy in the crate and get it out as well.

'We got them both to a bus that had stopped to help, because this was before the ambulance and police had turned up.

'They were both hysterical but seemed to calm down once they were together.

'My head is still totally mashed.'

Jason Maynard, 43, from Morriston, said he was having breakfast with his partner in the nearby Red Lion pub when the explosion happened.

'Everything shook, my breakfast nearly went everywhere,' he said.

'We came out and we were all confused but then we saw it, there was loads of debris and dust high into the sky, and tiles everywhere.

'You could tell it was really bad.'
Two Americans who were caught transporting cannabis into the UK on a flight from Los Angeles to London have become the latest US nationals to be jailed for smuggling.

Massa Momolu Talery, 35, of Pennsylvania, was stopped at Heathrow Airport last month after border officers found 20 kilograms of herbal cannabis with an estimated street-value of 400,000 in his bags.

He admitted the importation of class B drugs at Isleworth Crown Court last Thursday and was sentenced to eight months in jail.

Gerald Jean-Leger, 26, of Massachusetts, was caught with 27 kilos of marijuana in suitcases just two weeks prior. He was given a ten month sentence for the same offence the day after Talery.

Massa Momolu Talery (left) and Gerald Jean-Leger (right) have both been jailed for the importation of class B drugs. Talery was sentenced to 8 months and Jean-Leger for 10 months

Dozens of young US citizens are passing through the UK court system over allegations they smuggled huge hauls of cannabis from California - where the drug is legal. Pictured: Border officers seizing a suitcase filled with marijuana

Dozens of young US citizens are passing through the UK court system over allegations they smuggled huge hauls of cannabis from California - where the drug is legal.

Britain's FBI - the National Crime Agency - said young Americans are arriving from states where the drug is legal for it to be sold on for a premium to underworld gangs in the UK.

Talery, a construction worker, was stopped at Terminal three on February 4 after telling border officers he was visiting the UK on a two-week holiday.

But security opened his bags and found 20 kilograms of herbal cannabis that he had flown over from the states.

In his interview with NCA investigators, Talery claimed he smuggled the drugs to clear debts.

Jean-Leger was caught on January 19 attempting to smuggle 27 kilos of cannabis into the UK on a flight from LA. Similarly, the drugs were packed into his checked luggage.

Isleworth Crown Court handed the pair jail terms for importing class B drugs, with Talery receiving an eight-month sentence on March 9 and Jean-Legal being jailed for 10 months the next day.

'Organised crime gangs need couriers like Talery and Jean-Leger to bring their illicit substances into the UK,' NCA Heathrow Branch Commander Andy Noyes said in a press release on Monday.

'Couriers are often recruited with promises of payment or free holidays. But in reality these attempts just end in jail sentences.

He added: 'I'd urge anyone considering smuggling cannabis into the UK, whether from the US or elsewhere, to think twice. It isn't worth the risk.

'The NCA and our partners in Border Force are targeting drugs smugglers and will do all we can to disrupt the gangs involved.'

The latest smugglers to be convicted are just two of 25 US nationals caught allegedly trying to sneak the bulky class B narcotic into the UK since the start of 2023. Pictured: Cannabis seized at Heathrow Airport this year

Twenty-five American defendants, plus one Canadian, were caught bringing the 'unsophisticated' vacuum packed suitcases (pictured) in checked baggage, barely concealing the drugs

The NCA has warned couriers that they will face long jail sentences if they are caught smuggling drugs into the UK. Pictured: A suitcase containing smuggled cannabis

The latest smugglers to be convicted are just two of 25 US nationals caught allegedly trying to sneak the bulky class B narcotic into the UK since the start of 2023.

Another set of weed smugglers were arrested after arriving at Heathrow from LA between January 13 and 15.

New Yorkers Ara Janneh, 25, and Madani BA Junior, 23, plus Texan Sabrina Desiree Hobby, 29, were jailed at the same court earlier month.

On January 17, three more were arrested, all aboard one United Airlines flight from LA to Heathrow carrying weed with a combined street value of 1.7million.

Barrington Walters, 24, from Los Angeles, Mandy Silowka, 34, from Princeton, New Jersey, were also jailed at Isleworth.

Kiara Lanee Malone, 31, from St Louis, Missouri is currently remanded in custody until her hearing at the same court on April 5 after she pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Malone told NCA officers she was travelling to the UK for cosmetic procedures and someone gave her the bags, which she believed were filled with clothes, but were stuffed with 27.5 kilograms of cannabis.

Another set of weed smugglers were arrested after arriving at Heathrow from LA between January 13 and 15. New Yorkers Ara Janneh, 25, (left) and Madani BA Junior, 23, (centre) plus Texan Sabrina Desiree Hobby, 29, (right) were jailed at the same court earlier month

On January 17, three more were arrested, all aboard one United Airlines flight from LA to Heathrow carrying weed with a combined street value of 1.7million. Barrington Walters, 24, (left) from Los Angeles, Mandy Silowka, 34, (right) from Princeton, New Jersey, were also jailed at Isleworth.

Kiara Lanee Malone, 31, (pictured) from St Louis, Missouri is currently remanded in custody until her hearing at the same court on April 5 after she pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing

Twenty-five US-born defendants, plus one Canadian, were caught bringing the 'unsophisticated' vacuum packed suitcases in checked baggage, barely concealing the drugs.

As a result, a queue of pot-smuggling cases is racking up at Isleworth Crown Court, five miles from Heathrow in west London.

So far eight defendants have been tried, leaving 17 cases left to be heard, with one being handled in Edinburgh.

Until recently, the vast majority tried to import the drugs on flights from LAX to Heathrow. Border force officers have upped security on the flight path as a result.

However, some have now started flying in from other states, police said.

Detectives said an average of 30 and 40 kilos are being seized from Americans, with the largest bag measuring around 70 kilograms.

In January the NCA issued a warning after 11 American citizens were arrested in eight days, carrying over 400kg of cannabis between them.

Despite beefed up security at LAX, cannabis smugglers have still been arriving in the UK, with some working under the promise of a free holiday or money.

NCA could not comment on whether it was the work of a single gang, but are investigating whether the attempted imports are connected.
A music teacher who was sacked for skipping a staff meeting after finding out her mother had cancer has won more than 16,000 in compensation.

Jacqueline Dumigan, a piano and singing teacher who worked at The Mount School in Edgerton, Huddersfield for 24 years, was told to attend the gathering on her day off, an employment tribunal heard.

But she had to meet family members to discuss her 90-year-old mother, who had just been diagnosed with cancer, so emailed the owner of the school to tell him she could not attend, the panel was told.

The school's owner, Christopher Sellers, emailed her back to say 'resignation accepted,' the tribunal heard.

After Ms Dumigan sued the 9,000-a-year school in West Yorkshire, an employment judge decided she had been unfairly dismissed.

Music teacher Jaqueline Dumigan who was sacked for skipping a staff meeting after finding out her mother had cancer has won more than 16,000 in compensation

The piano and singing teacher had emailed the owner of the 9,000-a-year The Mount School in Edgerton, Huddersfield, explaining that she could not make the meeting due to family commitments

She has now been awarded damages of 16,800.

The tribunal in Leeds heard Ms Dumigan worked part time at the school for four to 11-year-olds, which Mr Sellers and his wife, Natalie, took over in 2017.

In December 2021, Mr Sellers sent an email telling all staff members to attend a compulsory meeting in the school.

Ms Dumigan had finished for the term so was not working on the day of the meeting, and would have needed to come in on her day off, the tribunal heard.

She told Mr Sellers she would not be able to attend because she was seeing her sister, who was travelling from a distance, but did not explain the reason why they were meeting, the panel heard.

The teacher was meeting her family members to discuss treatment and care for her elderly mother.

Mr Sellers responded to her email to tell her that the meeting was not optional, the panel heard.

But the owner of the school, Christopher Sellers, emailed her back to say 'resignation accepted,' the tribunal heard

When she told him again that she would not be able to make it, he replied: 'resignation accepted', the tribunal was told.

The teacher told Mr Sellers that she had not resigned, to which he replied telling her that the email was formal notice that her employment was to cease.

The tribunal heard Ms Dumigan was regarded by the school's owner to be a 'difficult' staff member.

He admitted a 'failing on his behalf' in not carrying out a formal investigation into the matter.

Employment Judge Amir Jaleel concluded that Ms Dumigan had been unfairly dismissed.

Having sued the 9,000-a-year The Mount School in Edgerton, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, an employment judge decided Ms Dumigan had been unfairly dismissed

Judge Jaleel said: 'Mr Sellers did not carry out an investigation and accepts that he did not hold a formal disciplinary process before dismissing Ms Dumigan.

'In his own evidence Mr Sellers did not think that an investigation or hearing was necessary.

'I found that Mr Sellers had made his mind up about dismissing (Ms Dumigan) without ascertaining the facts regarding her refusal to attend the meeting by way of an investigation meeting.

'She had finished for the term and in any event did not work on Mondays. She was essentially being asked to attend a meeting on her day off.'

Ms Dumigan - who also runs her own gin business - won a total of 16,802.31.
A barrister who worked with Tony Blair and his wife Cherie can no longer practice as a lawyer after attacking staff in her seaside hotel.

Dubbed 'the female Basil Fawlty', Shirley Bothroyd, 64, attacked staff at the 18-bedroom Bay hotel in Teignmouth, Devon, which she bought for 1.5million in 2013.

The five foot tall lawyer was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison and ordered to pay her victims 300 in October 2017.

And now she will be unable to return to her previous profession after she refused to cooperate with the Bar Standards Board.

The English Riviera hotelier, who has been compared to John Cleese's iconic Fawlty Towers character due to the way she treats guests, was also fined 2,128 in costs.

Dubbed 'the female Basil Fawlty', Shirley Bothroyd, 64, attacked staff at the 18-bedroom Bay hotel in Teignmouth, Devon, which she bought for 1.5million in 2013

Bothroyd was detained by police after she was seen hurling rocks and glass from a hotel window in 2017

Bothroyd, of Paignton, did not attend a hearing of the Bar Tribunal & Adjudication Service in central London and wrote a letter saying she wishes to resign from the profession in any event.

Rachael Gourley, for the Bar Standards Board (BSB), said: 'There has been a very considerable period where Ms Bothroyd hasn't engaged with the BSB and these proceedings.'

She was accused of behaving in a way likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in a barrister; failing to report her conviction to the BSB and failing to co-operate with the regulator.

The charges were found proved and Bothroyd was disbarred on Monday for 'repeated offences of violence and threats of harm that led to terms of imprisonment or a hospital order.'

Bothroyd was also ordered to pay 2,128 to the BSB in costs.

The numerous charges levelled at Bothroyd over the years include grabbing her chef Pauline Cave from behind by her hair, pulling her to the floor and repeatedly slapping her face in June 2017.

She also threw wine towards receptionist Hannah Glover, then her glass which missed her and smashed on the floor.

The hotelier then threw a pint glass containing Guinness, red wine and cranberry juice over a police officer.

Bothroyd had blamed her foul-mouthed rages at the hotel on her drinks being spiked.

She admitted assaulting Ms Cave and using abusive and threatening behaviour towards Ms Glover at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court.

The 18-bed hotel in Teignmouth Devon, which Shirley Bothroyd bought for 1.5million in 2013 after practising as a barrister

Bothroyd had blamed her foul-mouthed rages at the hotel on her drinks being spiked (at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court)

The Bay Hotel was closed by emergency services in July 2017 following several incidents (Bothroyd pictured outside the hotel)

Bothroyd also attacked hotel manager Christian Holland, Stephen Fenton and bar worker Jay French.

The five foot tall lawyer was jailed for a total of 22 weeks and ordered to pay her victims a total of 300 in compensation in October 2017.

Further charges against her involving dumping rotten food waste and smashed bottles outside her hotel were dropped.

Bothroyd then faced Exeter Crown Court in 2018 after she threatened to torch a neighbour's home in a bizarre argument about her pet lizard.

She became enraged when a hotel employee broke into her flat and removed the lizard which had been left alone while Bothroyd was away for three weeks.

Bothroyd was arrested after she was seen wearing a nightdress, drunk and shouting about her pet.

She was sentenced to a hospital order in September 2018.

The Bay Hotel was closed by emergency services in July 2017 following several incidents, including the collapse of three ceilings and a fire in the penthouse suite.

Bothroyd had been dubbed the female Basil Fawlty on review websites because of her rude and drunken behaviour towards guests.

John Cleese plays the rude hotelier Basil Fawlty running Fawlty Towers in Torquay with his bossy wife Sybul, long suffering chambermaid Polly and hapless Spanish waiter Manuel.
Shamed pop star Gary Glitter was recalled to jail after allegedly being caught trying to access the 'dark web' just 38 days after being freed.

The paedophile, 78, was seen browsing on a smartphone in a bail hostel, breaking the licence conditions of his release.

He was filmed staring at the screen saying he was trying to find 'the Onion', a term for the infamous online realm which is used by paedophiles and other criminals as it is hard to monitor or trace users.

As he was driven away from the bail hostel on Monday night under a brown blanket at 6.05pm, residents cheered, The Sun reports, with one saying: 'Good riddance! We don't want him back.'

The sex offender was freed last month after serving half a 16-year term imposed in 2015 for sexually abusing girls aged under 13 during his pop heyday in the 1970s.

Now Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, will have to face a UK Parole Board hearing to determine if he is fit to be released. The prison recall followed calls for action after publication of a video obtained by The Sun on Sunday in which he says: 'So what do I do next? Let's try and find this Onion.'

Paedophile Gary Glitter is reportedly being 'sent back to prison' just a month after being released from jail. The disgraced rock star, 78, (pictured at his bail hostel) is understood to have been caught 'trying to access the Dark Web on his phone'

This evening, Glitter left the bail hostel in the south of England just after 6pm in an unmarked police car escorted by a police van. He hid in the back using a blanket as cover.

Former home secretary Priti Patel had said Glitter should be sent back to jail, adding: 'This is very shocking and makes you feel sick.' Ex-justice secretary Robert Buckland, KC, had urged the Ministry of Justice to take 'swift action'.

Glitter is pictured under a brown blanket in the back of an unmarked police vehicle being taken back into custody on Monday night. He was heard saying he is trying to find 'the Onion' at the bail hostel, which is a term for the infamous online realm the Dark Web, used by paedophiles as it is hard to monitor or trace users

Gary Glitter is pictured in 2007 in Vietnam where he spent three years in prison for child abuse charges

The Ministry of Justice had said on his release that he would face 'some of the strictest licence conditions' and that if he flouted them at any point he could go back behind bars.

Following his relocation to the hostel, protesters gathered outside the accommodation reportedly shouting demands for him to be removed from their neighbourhood.

'That's why we set tough licence conditions and when offenders breach them, we don't hesitate to return them to custody.'

It came as Richard Scorer, head of abuse law at Slater and Gordon, which represents one of Glitter's victims, said his release was 'particularly distressing and traumatic' for those he attacked.

The sex offender was at the height of his fame when he preyed on his victims, who thought no-one would believe their claims because of his celebrity status.

He attacked two girls, aged 12 and 13, after inviting them backstage to his dressing room and isolating them from their mothers. His third victim was less than 10 years old when he crept into her bed and tried to rape her in 1975.

The allegations only came to light nearly 40 years later when Glitter became the first person to be arrested under Operation Yewtree - the investigation launched by the Metropolitan Police in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

The 78-year-old was freed from HMP The Verne, a low security category C jail in Portland, Dorset, after serving eight years of a 16-year term imposed in 2015 for sexually abusing girls aged under 13 during his glam rock heyday in the 1970s and 80s.

Glitter (pictured in 1972) was freed after serving half a 16-year term imposed in 2015 for sexually abusing girls aged under 13 during his glam rock heyday in the 1970s and 80s

He was previously jailed for four months in 1999 over a vile cache of 4,000 child abuse images found on his computer. Glitter went abroad and was jailed again in 2006 for sexually abusing two girls in Vietnam.

Glitter was subject to licence conditions on his release, including being closely monitored by the police and Probation Service and fitted with a GPS tag.

Last night, former justice secretary Robert Buckland KC called for 'swift action' after the freed paedophile was filmed apparently discussing the sinister 'Dark Web'.

Leading Tory MP Mr Buckland, who was also Lord Chancellor, told the Daily Mail: 'I would have thought there would be licence conditions prohibiting this sort of activity and I hope the Ministry of Justice takes swift action to deal with this.'

Former home secretary Priti Patel said if Glitter was breaching conditions imposed when he was freed last month, he should be sent straight back to jail.

'This is very shocking and makes you feel sick,' she added.

The Ministry of Justice said: 'Sex offenders are closely monitored by the police and Probation Service and face some of the strictest licence conditions including restrictions on internet use. If an offender breaches these conditions, they can be recalled to prison.'

But human rights laws protect the web use of even prolific paedophiles such as Glitter. Appeal Court judges ruled more than a decade ago that it was generally wrong to impose blanket bans.

That means it is hard to police Glitter's activities. He was freed from prison in Dorset and was at the hostel in the south of England, which is set in leafy grounds behind security gates.
At least 30,000 people are expected to visit Cancun despite a series of warnings from United States officials urging spring breakers to reconsider their travel plans due to 'violence and other criminal activity' in Mexico.

While spring breakers made plans to fly into the Caribbean resort city from March 3 to 25, the majority started flowing in this weekend, according to the Quintana Roo State Tourism Secretary.

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a warning for U.S. citizens, including Texans, stressing that spring break travel to Mexico should be avoided.

'Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat to anyone who crosses into Mexico right now,' DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a statement issued Friday. 'We have a duty to inform the public about safety, travel risks and threats. Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time.'

Mexico expects 30,000 spring breakers to visit Cancun despite recent warning issued by U.S. federal and state agencies urging Americans not to travel across the border due to ongoing violence

Sunbathers enjoy the day at a beach in Cancun on Saturday. The main touristic spot in Mexico expects to receive 30.000 people from the United States during the spring break season before the main wave during the summer

The latest warning came three days following the rescue of four Americans who were abducted by the Gulf Cartel in the northeastern border city of Matamoros.

Video footage showed the moment Latavia McGee, who had traveled South Carolina across the border for a tummy tuck, was escorted to a pickup truck by cartel henchmen in broad daylight March 3. The armed men were also seen dumping the bodies of McGee's cousin, Shaeed Woodward, Eric James and Zindell Brown into the vehicle.

Arely Servando, a Mexican national, was caught in the middle of assault and was killed after she was struck by a stray bullet.

McGee and James were rescued last Tuesday from a stash house, where the dead bodies of Woodward and Brown were recovered.

At least five cartel members were turned in by the criminal organization itself, who apologized for the attacks.

Mexican soldiers patrol a beach in Cancun on Saturday. The Quinta Roo State Tourism Secretary said about 30,000 visitors from the United States are expected to visit the Caribbean resort city between March 3 and 25

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday snapped criticism over the ongoing violence in the country by claiming in a news conference Monday that ''Mexico is safer than the United States. There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico'

At least 10 people were killed at a club in the central state of Guanajuato on Saturday.

The attacks on the Americans drove Republican members of Congress to call for an American military action against cartels.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador snapped back Monday and said that his country was more secure than the neighboring one across the north.

'Mexico is safer than the United States,' Lopez Obrador during his morning news briefing. 'There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico.'

Data shows that Mexico's nationwide homicide rate is about 28 per 100,000 inhabitants. On the contrary, the murder rate in the United States is about 7 per 100,000.

The high murder numbers have been among the many reasons why the U.S. State Department issued 'do not travel' advisories for six of Mexico's 32 states that have been unable to control cartel violence. There are also 'reconsider travel' warnings for another seven states.

The leftist leader said American tourists and Mexicans living in the U.S. have been cognizant of the country's safety and boasted that there has been an increase in. Americans resident in Mexico.

Latavia McGee and Eric James were kidnapped by the Gulf Cartel on March 3 and rescued security forces last Tuesday

Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, two of the Americans kidnapped in Mexico on March 3, were found dead last Tuesday

Members (pictured) of the Gulf Cartel's Scorpions Group were abandoned on a Matamoros street and accused by the criminal organization of being behind last Friday's kidnapping of four Americans

Lopez Obrador added that the 'anti-Mexico' rhetoric was the works of 'conservative politicians in the United States who do not want the transformation of our country to continue.'

The president also suggested the U.S. media was .also to blame in the supposed conspiracy

'These conservative politicians ... dominate the majority of the news media in the United States,' he said. 'This violence is not a reality,' he added. 'It is pure, vile manipulation.'

Robert Almonte, a former US Marshal for the Western District of Texas and retired deputy chief with the El Paso Police Department, told DailyMail.com last week that Americans should consider boycotting all travel to Mexico because the government there is not interested in curbing violence.

'The bottom line is when someone makes the decision to go to Mexico for any reason, you're basically risking your life. It's just a dangerous place to be,' he said. 'I tell people don't go to Mexico. I am advocating a boycott of Mexico. I am telling people do not go to Mexico. Do not go to the resorts. Let's send a message to the Mexican government that they need to get a handle on this situation.

'Right now they don't care because it's business as usual. It seems like we don't care, we're ignoring the situation.'
He said condition meant he was 'disorganised' and often misread his alarm clock

People with dyslexia and Aspergers may need to be accommodated with flexible working patterns, an employment judge has ruled, after a security guard accused his bosses of discrimination.

Raymond Joseph Bryce said he had been discriminated against after he told bosses his dyslexia meant he 'would be late for his own funeral'.

He said his condition meant he was 'disorganised' and that he often misread his alarm clock in the morning.

Mr Bryce insisted he would always be late and asked his managers for 'leeway' in turning up 15 or 20 minutes late, but after a a string of incidents they instead abruptly stopped offering him shifts.

The security guard, from Stafford, West Midlands, accused them of discrimination and a failure to make reasonable adjustments for his disability.

Raymond Joseph Bryce said he had been discriminated against after he told bosses his dyslexia meant he 'would be late for his own funeral'

Mr Bryce's claims have now been upheld by an employment tribunal in Nottingham, which concluded his dyslexia made it 'difficult' for him to wake up early, plan ahead, and read the time. He is now in line for compensation.

The panel heard Mr Bryce began doing shift work for Sentry Consulting Ltd, a private security firm, in December 2020 at the old Derby Royal Infirmary site in Derby.

But he was late on three occasions over the next three weeks, prompting his managers to call him in for a meeting.

Mr Bryce blamed his dyslexia and the time of year as the weather was 'cold, frosty, and snowy', so travel could be disrupted.

Giving evidence to the panel, he said: 'I will always be late with my disability. Im not intentionally late. I will try to be on time [but] no matter how I plan it fails. Im going to be late for my own funeral.

'Im late for everything. I dont foresee danger... Im like a rabbit in the headlights.'

Mr Bryce explained his dyslexia meant he often reads the numbers wrong on his digital alarm clock, and resultantly believes he has more time.

He said he struggled to wake up early for shifts and that the long hours made him feel 'overwhelmed'.

The security guard also claimed he had to give his brain time to start working 'like a computer' after it has been switched on.

Mr Bryce, who has Aspergers Syndrome as well, claimed that he sticks to 'inflexible routines' and that his anxiety 'goes through the roof' if he breaks them.

The panel, led by employment judge Rachel Broughton, ruled in favour of his claim of discrimination arising from a disability.

They also supported his complaint that the firm failed to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this disability.

The panel ruled that Sentry Consulting saw Mr Bryces 'timekeeping' as a problem and did not offer him further shifts after he requested 'flexibility over his start times'.

Judge Broughton said: 'We conclude that [Mr Bryces] disabilities had a number of long term effects on his normal day to day activities. He was inhibited in his ability to read, write and understand information.

'[Mr Bryce] sometimes misread times such as times on his digital clock. He described how he relies on a digital and analogue alarm clock to wake him.

'He has an analogue in the kitchen or bathroom and a digital to wake him up but he finds it difficult to read the numbers and can sometimes misread them and this can impact on his time keeping.

'[He] was impaired in his ability to keep to a timetable and plan for potential factors such as traffic and weather conditions and thus is often not able to arrive on time for events and engagements.

'He found it difficult to wake and get ready for work on time particularly for early shifts. He would suffer significant anxiety if he was late. He compared his cognitive functioning in the mornings to setting up a computer and he described needing more time to start processing properly than those without his disabilities.'

She added: 'The problems he had with his timekeeping and ability to plan were more than a trivial influence on the treatment he received. We find that it was in fact the main reason for the decision not to offer him more shifts.'

The tribunal found that the site did need to be manned at all times to ensure its security but this needed to be balanced against the discriminatory impact on the disabled person.

It ruled that the firm could, for example, have accommodated Mr Bryces request for 'flexi hours' and leeway to turn up 15 to 30 minutes later on occasion if theyd offered him weekend shifts, potentially at another site.

Mr Bryces separate claim of direct disability discrimination was rejected.

A further hearing will now decide what compensation he is owed.
'I think that what were seeing across the board right now is a road test for authoritarianism in the United States,' said Jones, a transgender activist

MSNBC host Ali Velshi agreed with his show guest's characterization of recently proposed legislation in Florida as a 'road test for authoritarianism' in the vein of the Nazi party in 1930s Germany.

Velshi, a host on the left-leaning network, was joined by transgender activist and journalist Imara Jones to discuss a series of bills that he described as 'aimed at limiting the rights of transgender Americans across the country.'

The host zeroed in on a bill currently pending in the Florida state senate that pertains to child custody under some conditions, like when a child's parents disagree about 'gender-affirming care.'

Velshi asked Jones of the bill, 'What exactly are we talking about here in this Florida bill?'

'What I get confused by is why people dont see that thats whats happening and dont understand that in some ways that we are  This is a prototype, just like the early 1930s were in Germany,' said Jones, invoking Hitler's Germany as a comparison for modern Florida,' said Jones.

Dimwits Ali Velshi and Imara Jones compare being trans in Florida with being a Jew in Nazi Germany because they're historically ignorant and mentally unfit to be in front of a microphone and camera.https://t.co/GaPmwLBv6J  Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) March 13, 2023

Online, backlash against the segment came expeditiously.

Conservative talk radio host Jason Rantz said: 'Dimwits Ali Velshi and Imara Jones compare being trans in Florida with being a Jew in Nazi Germany because they're historically ignorant and mentally unfit to be in front of a microphone and camera.'

'For them to make comparison [sic] between the two proves they have absolutely no perspective. At all,' responded Terry Lee Straub on Twitter.

A third Twitter user called Clay Ruppenthal wrote: 'Lmao! MSNBC = propaganda for people who are completely illiterate in history and who worship the progressive fascist political religion.'

Another Twitter user with the handle FLoridaDawg20 simply wrote, 'Embarrassing.'

Jones said that the bill is 'the predicate to separate parents from their children' and offered that it is not surprising to see the bill proposed in Florida.

'Usually, where we see one action work when it comes to anti-trans and other Christian nationalist legislation, it becomes the model for things to happen across the country,' said Jones.

As the conversation progressed, Jones referred to the legislation as a 'road test' for what's to come.

'I think that what were seeing across the board right now is a road test for authoritarianism in the United States. How can you sort of separate, demonize, stigmatize an entire group of people in order to build the type of society that religious zealots want,' said Jones, who identifies as a woman.

'Theyre trying this. And eerily, what I get confused by is why people dont see that thats whats happening and dont understand that in some ways that we are  This is a prototype, just like the early 1930s were in Germany.

'Im not saying that this is an equivalent period in terms of what is ultimately going to happen,' she continued.

Velshi then jumped in to shore up the claim: 'But they did road test everything in 1930S Germany, right?

MSNBC host Ali Velshi (left) and trans activist and journalist Imara Jones (right) discussed on Sunday the new Florida legislation, comparing it to Hitler's policy in 1930

Earlier this month, DeSantis' state Senate proposed a bill that could grant emergency custody of a child in danger of being given 'sex reassignment prescriptions or procedures' to the disapproving parent

'They went after trans and gay people first and they and they and they tried that out. And society was like, well, I dont really understand them and it doesnt really matter to me,' he said.

'That's exactly right. And the same thing is happening here,' replied Jones.

The bill, introduced earlier this month by state Senator Clay Yarborough, would allow parents to take 'emergency jurisdiction' over their minor children if the minor in question is 'at risk of' receiving so-called gender-affirming medical care.

Custody may also be reassigned if the minor's custodial parent received medical care in service of a trans identity.

The objecting parent could take temporary custody of a child or children if 'it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child' is 'at risk of or is being subjected to the provision of sex reassignment prescriptions or procedures.'
A Japanese woman who was molested by a group of men as they celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi in India has said she 'still loves everything' about the country despite the traumatising incident.

The woman in her 20s identified herself as the victim in the shocking video, taken as she celebrated the festival of colours with friends in Delhi.

The distressing footage, shared on her Twitter page before she says she took it down due to the backlash it sparked, has gone viral since the alleged attack on Wednesday.

It shows five or six men and boys forcefully smearing the woman's face with colours and even smashing an egg on her head as they shove her between them, all while screaming 'happy Holi'.

The tourist, who says she has now left the country, wrote on Twitter: 'I love everything about India, I have been there many times and it is a fascinating country. It's a wonderful country that you can't hate even if you receive this incident.

A Japanese woman was sexually assaulted by a group of men during the celebration of the Hindu festival of Holi

She added in her Tweet, which is translated from Japanese, that 'India and Japan will forever be 'Tomodachi''', a phrase meaning friends.

The incident reportedly took place on March 8 in the capital's Paharganj area, which is popular with Western backpackers, including Brits.

Swati Maliwal, the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, has since described seeing a number of videos showing incidents of sexual harassment against foreign tourists at Holi celebrations in the area this year.

She said she is issuing a notice to Delhi police to look at the videos and called for the arrest of those perpetrating the 'completely shameful behaviour'.

Amid an outpouring of support and outrage for her treatment, the Japanese tourist has apologised for the upset it caused.

She insisted on Twitter that it had not been her intention to show the negative side of Holi but rather the 'joy' of the festival.

But, she explained, she had been aware of the risks around attending the festival, which has seen women targeted by vile attacks in recent years.

She said she had gone with 35 other friends, and despite the shocking nature of the footage, did have help from the cameraman and others to escape the aggressive men.

In the clip, which MailOnline has chosen not to share, the woman can be heard repeatedly telling her attackers 'itai, itai', which is Japanese for 'it hurts'.

The video has sparked outrage about women's safety during the Hindu festival, which is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and water at each other (stock image)

She is seen being pushed around and grabbed by the jeering men, who pelt her with colours and hold her in place as they rub her head with them.

She eventually slaps one as he launches himself towards her, before she is able to slip away down an alleyway.

Three people, including a minor, have now been arrested in connection with the attack.

The tourist said she has now left the country, and is currently in Bangladesh.

After calls from many across India for justice to be brought over the upsetting footage, she said that police have now contacted her.

'In the wake of this incident, the police have promised to strengthen their crackdown, and we hope that harassment against women will decrease significantly at the Holi festival from next year,' she wrote.

The video has added to serious concerns about women's safety during the Hindu festival, which is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and water at each other.

It is just the latest case of what has become known as 'Holi harrassment' in India.

For years, women have complained about being harassed and groped by men under the pretext of applying colours.

In another shocking incident at Holi celebrations this year, a 65-year-old woman was reportedly beaten to death by a group of six in Balbadda, Jharkhand.

The mother, named as Bucchi Devi, had been trying to stop the perpetrators applying colours to her son Murari.

Both of them were thrashed by the group until they lost consciousness, and soon after Murari woke up to find his mother lying dead, according to local reports.

The incident reportedly took place in the capital's Paharganj area (pictured), which is popular with Western backpackers, including Brits (stock image)

Holi harassment has sparked angry protests in recent years, with women drawing attention to the dark side of the festival of colours.

In 2021, two teenage girls were gang raped in a forest area in Tripura, northeast India, by eight men who were later arrested by the local police.

The girls, aged 14 and 15, had been celebrating the festival when they went for a stroll with two of the accused.

In 2018, there were protests among female students in India's capital, with many using social media to highlight how uncomfortable the festival can be for women.

As well as the smearing of colours without consent, women described how water balloons thrown at them could be filled with disgusting substances, as well as eggs and mud being slung.

A post by student Tolino Chishi, claiming that someone had thrown a 'semen-filled balloon' at her went viral, triggering a anti-harassment protests at the Delhi University campus.
Residents have been told to remain inside and lock their doors as an armed person remains on the loose in a Queensland town.

Police issued an emergency declaration as the situation unfolded at Warwick, southwest of Brisbane, at 10 pm on Monday.

Wood Street, Gore Street, Grafton Street and Dragon Street residents were urged to remain indoors.

Residents have been told to remain inside and lock their doors as an armed person remains on the loose in a Queensland town

A Queensland Police spokeswoman told locals not to visit the area as police searched for the armed person.

'Police are currently conducting emergency operations in the area and requesting members of the public and aircraft not to attend the declared location,' she said.

It is the second time an emergency declaration has been made in as many days after a gunman died following a standoff in Kirwan, near Townsville, on Monday.

The area was plunged into lockdown at 9pm on Sunday, with the standoff lasting 10 hours and going through to Monday morning.

A 50-year-old man had barricaded himself in his home with a shotgun and rifle and fired shots at police cars before shooting out the tyres of one of the vehicles.

Police negotiators frantically tried to defuse the situation before the gunman died and the standoff came to an end.
British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has revealed she still has 'nightmares' from her ordeal of being held in a Tehran prison.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years before her release in 2022, spoke on Channel 4 News ahead of the release of the documentary 'Nazanin' later this week.

In September 2016 the mother was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly trying to topple the regime in Iran.

Speaking today with Channel 4 News' Krishnan Guru-Murthy, she revealed: 'I still have nightmares of being told that I'm going to be released but not being released.

'I live in the separate parallel world of Evin prison. I look at the time thinking oh, this is the time to cook dinner. I remember that I did not like Friday evenings just because it was very gloomy [inside the prison]. And I often think of Friday's as gloomy.

Speaking on Channel 4 today, British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has revealed she still has 'nightmares' from her ordeal being held in a Tehran prison

In September 2016 the mother was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Iranian government. Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe is pictured with her daughter Gabriella

'That is not because I am there, that is because I know that there are people now in that prison who are experiencing that Friday afternoon. And until they are out I will not be feeling free.'

When asked if she understands how she was able to cope, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said: 'It's very hard to experience and witness what is happening in Iran and then be like a normal person at home and to be like a mother for your child, effectively you don't want that to affect your relationship with your daughter... but then no one know what is normal normal is different.

'I was very angry for a very long time.

'It just didn't make sense and I couldn't understand how a mother and a child could be used as a pawn. So I came back with this anger in me... but I couldn't keep it forever, it would destroy me.

'I come from a country that the Islamic Republic of Iran as we have seen kills its own people.

The British-Iranian national said: 'I live in the separate parallel world of Evin prison. I look at the time thinking oh, this is the time to cook dinner. I remember that I did not like Friday evenings just because it was very gloomy [inside the prison]'

Last year Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe warned the world 'cannot turn a blind eye to Iran ' as she urged the UK Government to act over Tehran's human rights abuses that prompted hijab protests

'We saw the killing of Mahsa Amini in September. This is a government that poisons its school children. So I have pretty much no faith in that government. And I think hostage taking should be something which is costly, with serious consequences for the governments.'

'Nazanin' the observational documentary directed by Darius Bazargan can be seen on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursday 16 March.

Last year Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe warned the world 'cannot turn a blind eye to Iran' as she urged the UK Government to act over Tehran's human rights abuses that prompted hijab protests.

She said that the events brought back memories of her own imprisonment at the hands of the Iranian regime.

It came as the groundswell of opposition to the regime continued in Iran, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody after being detained by Iranian morality police last month for not wearing a hijab in accordance with government standards.

An Iranian coroner also claimed Amini had died from illness, not police violence, and insisted two girls killed during anti-hijab protests 'fell off roofs' despite claims security forces beat the teenagers to death.
A suspected gunman has been arrested after two officers in Missouri were shot during a 16-hour standoff - with a SWAT team swooping on a property.

Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, has has been on the run from authorities since April 2022

Authorities confirmed that Detective Sergeant Mason Griffiths, 34, died at the hospital following the shootout with Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, at around 9.30pm on Sunday.

The second officer who was injured has been identified as Officer Adam Sullentrup, 31, with Simpson barricading himself in a home across the street from Casey's General store.

Both were shot at by the suspect after a call of a disturbance at the store in Hermann, with police calling in that two officers were down following the shooting.

A Blue alert was issued on Sunday after Simpson fled the store before barricading himself inside a property close by.

A SWAT team swooped on a property in Missouri after an alert went out for two officers being shot nearby

BREAKING: After a nearly 12 hour standoff, it appears Kenneth Simpson is in custody. Heres the moment he surrendered to SWAT. @KMOV pic.twitter.com/V29PabtKAQ  Caroline Hecker (@carolinehecker) March 13, 2023

Authorities confirmed that Detective Sergeant Mason Griffiths (left) died at the hospital following the shootout with Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, at around 9.30pm on Sunday. The second officer who was injured has been identified as Officer Adam Sullentrup (right)

Sullentrup remains in hospital, in a serious but stable condition, according to MSHP Troop F.

Authorities also confirmed that Simpson left the property with his hands above his head after a standoff of 16 hours and was arrested.

Officers repeatedly gave verbal commands for the suspect to leave the scene, with SWAT troopers moving towards the house with flashbangs according to KMOV.

SWAT officers administered tear gas and broke through the front window of the house, after a robot was also used in an attempt to penetrate the building.

Court records show that Simpson has been on the run from authorities since April last year, and has had a long criminal history, dating back to 2004, with several current pending cases.

A Blue alert was issued on Sunday after Simpson fled the store before barricading himself inside a property close by

Authorities also confirmed that Simpson left the property with his hands above his head after a standoff of 16 hours and was arrested

Officers repeatedly gave verbal commands for the suspect to leave the scene, with SWAT troopers moving towards the house with flashbangs

A Casey's spokesman released the following statement regarding the incident:'Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the officers who were involved, their families, and everyone at the Hermann Police Department.

'Our team is grateful for the work these officers do to keep our community safe. The store team members were unharmed and the store is currently closed.

'We are working with the authorities to provide any information or assistance they may need as they investigate this incident.'

SWAT officers administered tear gas and broke through the front window of the house, after a robot was also used in an attempt to penetrate the building

Court records show that Simpson has been on the run from authorities since April last year, and has had a long criminal history, dating back to 2004, with several current pending cases
A PCSO who told children to perform sex acts on their siblings and dogs and filmed up to 100 young girls in swimming pools has been jailed for 14 years.

Matthew Shaw, 38, videoed children believed to be as young as six in swimming pool changing rooms and a Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire and admitted to police he may have done it around 100 times.

The Derbyshire PCSO - who had been on the force for 15 years - also spoke to seven girls aged between 11 and 15 from while posing as both a teenage girl and boy, asking for and sending sexual images and videos on Snapchat.

During the conversations, the 38-year-old father-of-two incited one victim to perform sexual acts on a dog and attempted to incite others to perform acts involving their younger siblings.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for 24 offences last week at Nottingham Crown Court.

The Derbyshire PCSO Matthew Shaw - who had been on the force for 15 years - also spoke to seven girls aged between 11 and 15 from while posing as both a teenage girl and boy and sent sexual images

Shaw, 38, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for 24 offences last week at Nottingham Crown Court (file image)

Shaw was first arrested last April when a 10-year-old girl noticed a GoPro filming her while she was changing at the Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, prosecutor Robert Underwood told the court.

Police later found 25 recordings of children taken in changing rooms at the Lammas Leisure Centre and the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre in Mansfield on a seized phone, dating back to October 2021.

Shaw also spoke to seven girls aged between 11 and 16 on Snapchat, first contacting them as a girl named Chloe before introducing a 'brother', falsely named Matt, to the victims.

He spoke to one victim, from New Jersey in the US, for over a year dating back to February 2021, starting shortly after her 12th birthday, referring to her as his 'baby girl' and leaving the girl feeling as if the pair were in a relationship.

With both this victim and others, he would ask for sexual images and videos, with Mr Underwood saying many felt 'uncomfortable', 'scared' and 'pressured' by the requests and one saying in a victim statement that they were often left crying in their school toilets due to the effects of Shaw's offending.

While on bail, Shaw visited Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, gaining entry by jumping over a fence and using discarded wristbands to access the changing rooms, taking another five recordings between June and August last year.

He was arrested again on August 31, with Derbyshire Police confirming he had been suspended the next day.

In a police interview, he said that he had potentially committed around 100 voyeurism offences but denied having a sexual attraction to children.

Further analysis of devices found at his home in Bernard Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, uncovered searches for indecent images and that he had exposed himself to children on the internet chat site, Omegle.

Shaw pleaded guilty last December to nine counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act, 12 of causing a child to engage in a sexual act, and three counts of voyeurism.

Harinderpal Dhami, mitigating, said Shaw, who has been given an autism diagnosis, was a 'lonely, sad and pathetic figure' who struggled to form relationships and initially spoke to the teenage girls to establish friendships, but 'age became irrelevant' due to the 'euphoria' of speaking to people.

He said: 'He took to social media and his mobile phone to strike up what he thought were relationships.

'It quickly took him to a very dark place and he effectively made a misjudgement. It did not start out with the aim of grooming young girls.

'He understands the consequences are catastrophic, not for him but for those who are left on the outside.'

Shaw visited Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, gaining entry by jumping over a fence and using discarded wristbands to access the changing rooms, taking another five recordings between June and August last year (file image)

As well as the custodial sentence, Shaw was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offender's register for life.

Judge William Harbage KC said: 'You have brought shame and disgrace on yourself, your family and the police service.

'These are appalling offences which will fill right-thinking members of the public with horror, revulsion and disgust.

'These are despicable offences you have committed against ordinary members of the public going about their everyday lives.

'I am satisfied that you pose a significant risk of serious harm.'

Speaking following sentence, Simon Blatchly, Deputy Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police, said: 'Matthew Shaw's offences are utterly shocking.

'As soon as the allegations came to light, Shaw was suspended from his role as a police community support officer - and the force assisted colleagues in Nottinghamshire Police with their investigation. He subsequently resigned from his position last year.

'Through that investigation, it was concluded that none of Shaw's offending was found to have taken place while he was on duty - and no victims were identified as being linked to his role.

'While all officers and staff hold a position of trust, PCSOs have a unique role that puts them in contact with a great many different groups within our communities, including young people.

'His role and position of trust make his crimes all the more shocking to the public and I share their revulsion at his actions.'

A number of police officers have recently been sentenced to prison time for sexual offences, including David Carrick, who was sentenced to at least 32 years.
A mother of three has been left paralyzed after she was body slammed by a robber who allegedly watched her withdraw money from an ATM and followed her for 23 miles.

Vietnamese Nhung Truong, 44, was attacked on February 13 by a black man in his early 20s in what Houston police believe was a jugging incident - where assailants stake out unsuspecting victims.

The horrifying moment was caught on surveillance video as the suspect is seen wrapping the woman in a violent bear hug until she drops her belongings, which included passports for an upcoming trip back home.

The robber then body slammed her to the ground, which resulted in a life-changing spinal cord injury. Now, cops say they need the public's help identifying the suspect.

Nhung Truong, 44, is paralyzed after she was body slammed on February 13 by a suspect who followed her 23 miles from a Houston ATM to a shopping center and attacked her

The horrifying moment was caught on surveillance video as the suspect is seen wrapping the woman in a violent bear hug until she drops her belongings

The robber then body slammed her to the ground, which resulted in a life-changing spinal cord injury. Now, cops say they need the public's help identifying the suspect

Houston police said Truong had withdrawn money from the Bank of America on Blackhawk Boulevard in Houston and was followed by the suspect nearly 24 miles away to a shopping center on Bellaire around 11:30 a.m.

In the video, the thief could be seen snatching an envelope that police believe he thought was Truong's cash from her scattered belongings. He began to flee but then turns around and body slammed Truong to the ground.

The family told FOX 26 that the robber made off with about $4,300. They said Truong had been saving up the money to visit her family in Vietnam.

The traumatic incident has left Truong paralyzed and in a wheelchair, unable to walk or use the bathroom without help.

'It's not a big loss of the money,' her daughter Linh Duong said. 'The big loss is her leg.'

Now the single mother of three children, who are 13, 15, and 20, now relies on them for help.

'I'm feeling very horrible and sad at the same time,' Truong said. 'They don't know when my leg can walk again.'

The traumatic incident has left Truong paralyzed and in a wheelchair, unable to walk or use the bathroom without help

The family told FOX 26 that the robber made off with about $4,300. They said Truong had been saving up the money to visit her family in Vietnam

The single mother of three children, who are 13, 15, and 20, who now relies on them for help, said: 'I'm feeling very horrible and sad at the same time'

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, 5'8' and weighing 140 lbs

Nearly a month has passed since the attack and Truong is in rehab, holding onto hope that she'll be able to walk again. She said she just wants people to be aware of what can happen.

'I just need to practice, try to walk and stuff,' Truong said. 'I'm very sad that this happened to me and I just want to let people know to be careful.'

Houston police believe this was a jugging incident, which involves thieves staking unsuspecting victims, like at an ATM, before following them and robbing and sometimes attacking them at the right moment.

Her children said they are worried about how their family will get by.

'I can still go to school, but my mind is just messed up thinking about her, worrying that nobody is going to watch out for her,' An Duong, Truong's son, said.

Her other daughter Van Duong said they were told by the doctors that there's only a 50 percent chance Truong will fully recover.

Nearly a month has passed since the attack and Truong is in rehab, holding onto hope that she'll be able to walk again. She said she just wants people to be aware of what can happen

A GoFundMe page was set up by Truong's family to help pay for her medical expenses. The fundraiser has already reached $19,354 of a $50,000 goal as of Monday night

'It's been really bad. We have to pay rent and stuff and she's the only one that can work and help us,' she said. 'We don't know what to do.

'If a miracle happens then she can walk again,' Van added.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Truong's family to help pay for her medical expenses. The fundraiser has already reached $20,000 of a $50,000 goal as of Monday night.

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, approximately 5'8' and weighing 140 lbs, according to the Houston police. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
President Xi Jinping has vowed to make China an even mightier power in a thinly-veiled threat to the West, saying its military will become a 'Great Wall of Steel' during his unprecedented third term in power.

Speaking at the National Peoples Congress, the Chinese premier also emphasised the need to step up China's ability to safeguard national security and manage public security.

'Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity,' he told 3,000 delegates at the closing of the annual parliament in Beijing on Monday.

Xi, 69, was handed a third term after being unanimously endorsed by the NPC as president for another five years in a rubber-stamp vote on Friday.

The historic move makes him the longest-serving head of state of Communist China since its founding in 1949.

President Xi Jinping has vowed to make China an even mightier military power at the closing session of the annual parliament in Beijing

Xi recently replaced top security officials with his trusted allies, and increased oversight from China's ruling elite on security matters is expected to come in.

He said that China must counter the interference of external forces and oppose pro-independence activities in the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

He added that it must also oppose the interference of external forces and achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

His strong words come as the UK pledged to spend an extra 5bn on its military as part of an updated strategy to counter intensifying threats from China and Russia.

China is branded an 'epoch-defining challenge to the type of international order we want to see, both in terms of security and values'.

While Mr Sunak admitted the Asian superpower is the biggest 'state-based threat to our economic security', he has defied Tory calls to tag it a wider threat, saying that would not be 'smart or sophisticated foreign policy'.

Alicia Kearns, the Tory chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: 'There is much to welcome in this pragmatic refresh, but the threat of China cannot be seen as primarily economic, that is to fail to understand the PRC's (People's Republic of China) strategic priority to undermine our security and sovereignty.'

China's President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC)

Members of a military band wait inside the Great Hall of the People ahead of the closing session of the National People's Congress

President Xi has vowed to step up security at home as well as China's military strength abroad

Speaking to the BBC in San Diego, Mr Sunak said: 'China is a country with fundamentally different values to ours. And it represents a challenge to the world order.

'And that's why it's right that we are alert to that, and take steps to protect ourselves, protect both our values, stand up for our values and protect our interests. And that's what our new integrated review does, makes that crystal clear.'

Xi's reappointment as China's president in a ceremonial vote on Friday comes after the ruler locked in another five years as head of the Communist Party and the military in October.

Since then, he has weathered widespread protests over his zero-Covid policy and its subsequent abandonment that saw countless people die.

Those issues have been avoided at the most recent NPC, a carefully choreographed event that is also set to appoint Xi ally Li Qiang as the new premier.
Arrived in San Diego during the fallout of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

Biden stepped off Air Force One into the California sun with Ashley and Natalie

President Joe Biden landed in San Diego on Monday with daughter Ashley and granddaughter Natalie to sign nuclear submarine deal with the UK and Australia - as the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves through Wall Street.

He stepped off Air Force One ahead of a ceremony on the military agreement to bring the nations together to combat China and bolster their nuclear fleets.

The deal with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will help Australia's PM Anthony Albanese acquire at three fast-attack U.S. Virginia class submarines in the next ten years.

Ashley, 41, and Natalie, 18, followed him out of the plane doors into the California sun - as contagion spread through the financial markets.

At least 20 regional banks were hit with trading halts during the turmoil on Monday after the President assured Americans that banking system is 'safe' and taxpayers would not be impacted.

President Joe Biden landed in San Diego on Monday with daughter Ashley and granddaughter Natalie to sign nuclear submarine deal with the UK and Australia - as the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves through Wall Street

Ashley, 41, and Natalie, 18, followed him out of the plane doors into the California sun - as contagion spread through the financial markets.

Hedge fund boss Bill Ackman warned the 'economy will not function' unless Biden 'guarantees all deposits now' as the contagion spread to the Big Four trillion-dollar US banks.

Wells Fargo's stock dropped 7.5 percent, Bank of America fell 7.4 percent, Citigroup plunged 5.8 percent and JP Morgan was down 2.7 percent.

Among the worst affected regional banks was Western Alliance which saw its stock dive by 75 percent as the opening bell sounded. Trading circuit breakers were also imposed on First Republic as its price fell by two thirds and PacWest which dropped by 35 percent.

'Our economy will not function effectively without our community and regional banking system. Therefore, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation needs to explicitly guarantee all deposits now. Hours matter,' Ackman said.

'We need to hear from our gov't that it is explicitly committed to preserving our system of smaller banks. While each small bank is not "systemically important" like @jpmorgan or @Citi, collectively they are as, if not more, systemically important.'

Declines came despite US authorities on Sunday guaranteeing customers of SVB their money would be safe and ready to withdraw Monday following a run on the $200 billion bank that triggered the second-largest collapse in history, the worst since 2008.

Before boarding Air Force 1, the president made brief remarks, hoping to reassure Americans that 'U.S. banking is safe' following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday.

Soon after Biden's departure, the New York Stock Exchange opened, and trading was quickly halted for three banks: First Republic Bank, Western Alliance and PacWest after shares fell by 75 percent.

Financial jitters continue to overshadow the international deal as Wall Street scrambles to figure out what is triggering multiple bank failures across the U.S. Stocks are swinging Monday sharply as investors scramble to find someplace safe to park their money.

San Diego is Biden's first stop on a three-day trip to California and Nevada. He will discuss gun violence prevention in Monterey Park, California, and his plans to lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas.

The trip will include fundraising stops as Biden steps up his political activities before an expected announcement next month that he will seek reelection in 2024.

Before boarding Air Force 1, the president made brief remarks, hoping to reassure Americans that 'U.S. banking is safe' following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday

Biden then sat down with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right)

The deal with Sunak will help Australia's PM Albanese acquire new U.S. Virginia class submarines and bolster their nuclear fleet

Upon landing in San Diego, home of the U.S. Pacific fleet, Biden will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - two of America's closest allies - as part of the 18-month nuclear partnership known by the acronym AUKUS which stands for AUstralia, UK, US.

The consortium, announced in 2021, paved the way for Australia's access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered boats, as a counterweight to China's military buildup.

Ahead of the tri-lateral meeting, Sunak announced he will increase U.K. military funding by 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) over the next two years in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Chinese aggression.

The AUKUS partnership was announced in 2021, but Monday's announcement will cement the details. Australia is purchasing up to five Virginia-class boats as part of the deal, according to the Associated Press.

China objects to the deal, arguing it violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which outlaws the transfer of nuclear weapons materials from a nuclear-weapon state to a non-nuclear-weapon state.

Australian officials counter that they are working to acquire nuclear-powered and not nuclear-armed submarines.

Biden will also hold bilateral meetings with Albanese and Sunak in San Diego.

Australia will purchase up to five Virginia-class submarines - above the Virginia-class USS North Dakota

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, speaks with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in the Lionfish seafood restaurant in San Diego on Sunday

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the UK press traveling with him to San Diego

The logo of Silicon Valley Bank SVB is pictured at its German branch in Frankfurt, Germany as concerns about a potential international financial contagion grows

Signature Bank was taken over by New York state agencies last Friday, March 12, 2023.

The three sides have been working to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, given restrictions on technology transfers and classified nuclear processes.

On his way to the U.S., Sunak said China 'presents an epoch-defining challenge to us and to the global order. It's a regime that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, and has a desire to reshape the world order.'

But, he added, 'you can't ignore China' given the size of its economy.

'It's right to engage with China, on the issues that we can find common ground and make a difference on, for example, climate change, global health, macroeconomic stability,' he said.

'That's the right approach whilst being very robust in defending our values and our interests.'

The secretly brokered AUKUS deal included the Australian governments 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.

French President Emmanuel Macron pulled his ambassador from Washington in September 2021, and later met with Biden in Italy during a G20 so the two could make amends.

Biden called Macron on Tuesday, but a White House readout of the call didn't say if the AUKUS deal came up.

The two leaders did discuss the growing Chinese influence in the South Pacific, an issue that also worries Australia.
Industry insiders are knocking new efficiency standards for washing machines proposed by President Joe Biden's Energy Department last month.

The Washington Free Beacon reported Monday on some of the complaints - from manufacturers, trade groups and the conservative Heritage Foundation - as the Democratic administration tries to force the country to go more green.

Industry giants like Whirlpool warned that the mandates would force washing machine manufacturers to reduce the cleaning performance of the machines.

Cycles would take longer, the detergent would be more expensive and clothing would be less clean, the manufacturers warned.

Machines could get more expensive too, with cheaper models pushed from the market.

The Energy Department wants new efficiency standards for washing machines, but industry insiders are complaining that the regulations will soil laundry day

President Joe Biden's Energy Department is pushing his green agenda by wanting washing machine manufacturers to make the machines even more efficient

'When you're squeezing all you can out of efficiency in terms of electricity use and water ... you by definition either make the appliance worse or slower,' Travis Fisher, a senior research fellow at Heritage Foundation's Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment told the Free Beacon. 'Why are we so focused on the energy output, as opposed to if it's helping me wash my clothes?'

'That standard has kind of gone off the rails,' Fisher added.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers warned that the revised regulations 'would have a disproportionate, negative impact on low-income households' by eliminating cheaper models on the market.

The Energy Department admitted that 'maintaining acceptable cleaning performance can be more difficult as energy and water levels are reduced,' but expressed confidence that Whirlpool and other manufacturers would be able to produce machines that comply with the regulations and perform well.

Overall, the Energy Department estimated it will cost manufacturers $700 million to make the conversion.

The department also argued that the regulations would ultimately save consumers money because they'd pay less in water and energy costs.

Though those savings would not be passed on to everybody, about a quarter of consumers 'would experience a net cost' due to the efficiency rule, the Energy Department said.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which Congress passed in 1975, mandates that the Energy Department conduct efficiency standard reviews every six years.

Earlier this year, conservatives rallied around the cause to keep gas stoves legal, after a Biden-appointed official said that the appliances should be banned.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted that Biden wasn't coming for Americans' gas stoves.
The White House has demanded an apology from former Vice President Mike Pence after he mocked Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg for going on 'maternity' leave.

Meanwhile, Chasten Buttigieg, Pete's husband, shared a photo of Pete holding their premature baby.

'An honest question for you, @Mike_Pence, after your attempted joke this weekend. If your grandchild was born prematurely and placed on a ventilator at two months old - their tiny fingers wrapped around yours as the monitors beep in the background - where would you be?' Chasten wrote on Twitter along with the photo.

Buttigieg and his husband Chasten welcomed twins Joseph August (called Gus) and Penelope Rose in August 2021

Over the weekend, Pence said at the annual Gridiron dinner in Washington that Buttigieg, who is gay, went on 'maternity leave' while Americans suffered from airline issues in 2021. At the time, Buttigieg's adoptive twins had been born prematurely and suffered health issues.

Buttigieg and his husband Chasten welcomed twins Joseph August (called Gus) and Penelope Rose in August of 2021.

Several Republicans mocked the Transportation secretary for taking at least three months of paid leave while President Joe Biden was trying to pass his infrastructure bill on Capitol Hill. At the same time, U.S. maritime ports were experiencing severe gridlock due to supply chain issues.

'Pete is the only person in human history to have a child, and everyone else gets post-partum depression,' Pence quipped at the dinner.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed the remark and demanded an apology.

'The former vice president's homophobic joke about Secretary Buttigieg was offensive and inappropriate, all the more so because he treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline,' she said in a statement. 'He should apologize to women and LGBTQ people, who are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.'

The Gridiron dinner attracts hundreds of journalists and politicians each year and features skits and comedic addresses from big-name guests. It also featured teasing from Democrats, including Sec. of State Antony Blinken and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Pence's former chief of staff, Marc Short, scoffed at criticism of the remarks as 'faux outrage.'

'The hypocrisy is especially rich considering their own Secretary of State Antony Blinken joked that he yearned for 'the old days' when 'Jews did all the work,'' Short said.

'The White House would be wise to focus less on placating the woke police and focus more on bank failures, planes nearly colliding in mid-air, train derailments, and the continued supply chain crisis.'

Pence joked at the Gridiron Dinner that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took 'maternity leave'

Chasten, left, went to bat for his husband Pete Buttigieg after former Vice President Mike Pence joked that he went on 'maternity leave'

Buttigieg is pictured with his twins in a photo posted Nov. 24, 2022

Pence's wisecrack on the Transportation secretary was overshadowed by his bold criticism of former President Trump.

'President Trump was wrong,' Pence said. 'I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.'

'History will hold Donald Trump accountable for Jan. 6,' Pence told the crowd of his former boss.

Pence also criticized those who have downplayed January 6 in an apparent jab at Fox News's Tucker Carlson, who has obtained archive security footage from Speaker Kevin McCarthy and aired nonviolent moments inside the Capitol during his show.

'Make no mistake about it, what happened that day was a disgrace,' Pence said. 'And it mocks decency to portray it any other way.'

Pence is believed to be shaping up to jump into the race for the presidency in 2024.

He also offered praise to the media for reporting on January 6.

'We were able to stay at our post, in part, because you stayed at your post,' he told reporters who covered the insurrection. 'The American people know what happened that day because you never stopped reporting.'

After schmoozing with Washington insiders and the media over the weekend, Pence will campaign in New Hampshire on Thursday and Iowa on Saturday.
The terrorist convicted of killing eight people on a New York City bike path in 2017 was spared the death penalty on Monday after members of a Manhattan federal jury remained deadlock in deciding his fate.

Instead, Sayfullo Saipov, 35, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole - a sentence to be served in Colorado's Supermax facility, the most secure federal prison in the US.

The verdict came as jurors failed to come to a unanimous decision after two days of deliberations, following a two-month trial in which they heard emotional testimony from survivors of the attack and relatives of those killed.

Killing eight people in total, Saipov was found guilty of all 28 counts he had been facing back in January - with jurors over the past month tasked with deciding if should put to death.

A native of Uzbekistan who had been living in New Jersey at the time of the attack, Saipov rented a 6,000-pound Home Depot truck, drove it into Manhattan and sped down on section of the Hudson River bike path on Halloween day 2017, plowing into bicyclists while sending some riders into the air and crushing others on the ground.

Sayfullo Saipov, the ISIS-inspired terrorist convicted of killing eight people on a New York City bike path in 2017, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

The Uzbekistan native bowed his head in court Monday as jurors told Judge Vernon S. Broderick Monday that they could not agree on whether to impose the death penalty

Apart from the indiscriminate carnage wrought by the strike, the incident grabbed headlines due to Saipov's supposed motive - gaining favor with and ultimately joining the terror group ISIS.

Now, nearly six years later, the case has once again entered the public eye - due to Saipov's federal trial being the since President Joe Biden, a Democrat who campaigned against capital punishment, took office in 2021.

On Monday, jurors in the all-important case - which treated as a federal crime due to Saipov's terror-ridden intent in carrying out the attack - offered the politician an unintentional gift when they revealed to Judge Vernon Broderick they had not come to a agreement on whether to dish out the increasingly uncommon death penalty.

Saipov was seen bowing his head in court as jurors aired the decision. Jurors, as instructed, did not reveal how they were split in their votes, leaving the number of those who voted for execution unknown.

The disjoined consensus comes as not particularly surprising, as even one holdout in the case would have resulted in the death penalty being tossed in favor for an automatic life sentence.

Jurors did, however, agree on the fact that Saipov carefully premeditated the attack, and carried it out in support of the terrorist organization.

Jurors also agreed on several mitigating factors while dishing out their verdict, including that many of Saipov's family members still love him despite what he had done

Saipov intentionally drove a Home Depot rental pickup truck down a Manhattan bike path in 2017. Prosecutors will ask a jury this week to give him the death penalty

A New York City police officer stands next to a body covered under a white sheet near a mangled bicycle along a bike path

A paramedic looks at a body covered under a white sheet along a bike path after the rampage

Investigators inspect the truck Saipov used to plow down hoards of people in New York City on October 31, 2017

Emergency personal respond after the Lower Manhattan tragedy on October 31, 2017

Marion Van Reeth, who lost both of her legs in the West Side Highway terror attack, arrives at Manhattan Federal Court with her husband Aristide Melissas on January 9

They also said that they are hopeful that a life sentence offers hope that he would one day realize that what he did was wrong.

The terrorist attack on Halloween day six years ago was the deadliest in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001, and left a scene of mangled bicycles, truck parts and bodies scattered on the pavement near the Hudson river.

During the strike, Saipov rammed a group of 10 men from Argentina, who had been biking in pairs on the bike path. During the trial, proscutors used security footage and witness accounts to show jurors how Saipov hit 'every single rider on the left side of the column,' killing five of them'.

Also killed in the initial ramming was New Jersey resident Darren Drake, 32, and Belgian tourist Ann-Laure Decadt, 31. Nicholas Cleves, 23, was the only New Yorker killed.

After those killing, Saipov went on to target a school bus for disabled children, slamming into it and seriously injuring an attendant and a 14-year-old girl in the process.

He then left his rented truck and produced a paintball and pellet gun, toting one in each hand and repeatedly shouting 'Allahu akbar' - Arabic for 'God is great.'

The carnage only ended after New York cops descended on the scene and shot Saipov, striking him in the abdomen and sending him to an area hospital.

While receiving treatment, Saipov allegedly smiled at FBI agents tasked with interviewing him, asking them if he could hang an ISIS flag in his hospital room.

During the penalty phase of the trial, jurors heard from survivors of the attack who testified about their ongoing suffering, and jail officers who described Saipov's outbursts and threats since his arrest.

The jury's decision came after an emotional trial, in which they heard testimony from survivors of the attack and relatives of the five tourists from Argentina, two Americans and a Belgian women who were killed

Saipov repeatedly proclaimed his support for ISIS following the 2017 attack, during which he allegedly plowed through a crowd of people on an NYC bike path

'The defendant is still committed to jihad and ISIS and violence,' prosecutor Amanda Houle said in her closing argument on March 7.

But Saipov's defense lawyer, David Patton, argued in his closing argument that the death penalty was 'not necessary to do justice.'

He said Saipov would spend 22 or 23 hours a day alone in a cell with a concrete bed if sentenced to life in prison.

In hearings last month, Saipov's team sought to strike the government's decision to seek the death penalty because the Biden administration has imposed a moratorium on federal executions.

Specifically they cited the government's decision not to seek the death penalty for Patrick Crusius who was found guilty of a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas, in which 23 people were killed. The defense argued therefore that Saipov was being discriminated against because of his ethnicity.

'Given the recent decision to accept Patrick Crusius's guilty plea to life imprisonment despite his unrepentant and premeditated hate killing of 23 Latinos at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas - Crusius being a white, U.S.-born citizen - the Court should have significant concern that a driving force behind the death notice in this case is Mr. Saipov's religion and national origin, in violation of the Fifth and Eighth Amendments,' defense attorney David Patton said.

'[After the attack] then-President Trump persistently demanded that Mr. Saipov face the death penalty based on nothing more than an intemperate assessment of his crime and his identity as an Uzbek Muslim immigrant who was a diversity visa lottery winner - an aspect of United States immigration policy that was long the focus of the Trump Administration's ire,' the defense added.

His lawyers had said before that the death penalty process was tainted by Trump, who tweeted a day after the attack that Saipov 'SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!'

Saipov bowed his head last month as he heard the verdict in a Manhattan courtroom, just a few blocks from where the attack ended.

Prosecutors said the rampage was inspired by his reverence for ISIS.

The dozen jurors deliberated for about seven hours over two days before convicting him of 28 counts of crimes that include murder in aid of racketeering and supporting a foreign terrorist organization.

During the trial, Saipov's lawyers conceded to the jury that he rented a pickup truck near his New Jersey home, steered it onto the path along the Hudson River, and mowed down bicyclists for blocks before crashing into a school bus near the World Trade Center.

He emerged from his truck yelling 'God is great,' in Arabic, with pellet and paintball guns in his hands before he was shot by a police officer who thought they were real firearms.

Aside from the eight casualties, the crash left others with permanent injuries, including a woman who lost her legs.

'His actions were senseless, horrific, and there's no justification for them,' Patton told the jury during the trial.

A New York City police officer stands next to a body covered under a white sheet near a mangled bicycle along a bike path

A paramedic looks at a body covered under a white sheet along a bike path after the rampage

Five members of this group of Argentinian friends were also killed. They are Hernan Diego Mendoza (far left), Alejandro Damian Pagnucco (second from left), Ariel Erlij (third from left), Diego Enrique Angelini (second from right) and Hernan Ferruchi (third from right)

New Jersey resident Darren Drake, 32, and Belgian tourist Ann-Laure Decadt, 31, were killed

Nicholas Cleves, 23, was the only New Yorker killed. His mother could not attend the memorial because she was only told about the service by the mayor's office at 4pm Tuesday

The defense had asked jurors to acquit Saipov of racketeering charges, saying he intended to die a martyr and was not conspiring with the Islamic State organization, despite voluminous amounts of propaganda from the group found on his electronic devices and at his home.

Saipov did not testify at his trial. Instead he sat quietly each day, unlike at a 2019 pretrial hearing where he insisted on questioning the judge about why he should be judged for eight deaths when 'thousands and thousands of Muslims are dying all over the world.'

Saipov moved legally to the US from Uzbekistan in 2010 and lived in Ohio and Florida before joining his family in Paterson, New Jersey.

His sentence is set to commence immediately.
President Joe Biden has agreed to sell three fast-attack nuclear submarines to Australia in a deal with the United Kingdom to combat the growing threat of China.

Biden announced the pact at the home of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in San Diego and in front of the 377-foot nuclear attack submarine the USS Missouri.

The AUKUS deal is about making sure the 'Indo Pacific will remain free and open', the president said in a clear message to Beijing as it ramps up its military presence around Taiwan.

He then told British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 'The United States could not think of two better friends to stand with.

'I am proud to be your shipmate,' he added.

The move marks one of Biden's most aggressive step towards China's growing military, and is combined with the Pentagon requesting its biggest peacetime budget in history.

President Joe Biden has agreed to sell three fast-attack nuclear submarines to Australia in a deal with the United Kingdom to combat the growing threat of China. He spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) in front of the nuclear attack submarine the USS Missouri

He then told British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 'I am proud to be your ship mate'

'You're all the best, and we're going to be the best in the world - the three of us,' Biden finished by saying.

The U.S. will share nuclear technology with Australia to help them develop their own fleet that can take on Chinese subs.

The announcement came as the financial markets continued to spiral because of the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank.

'The United States has safeguarded stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades for the enormous benefit of nations throughout the region,' Biden said.

'We're showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity, and not just for us but for the entire world,' he added.

Sunak called it 'a powerful partnership,' adding: 'For the first time ever it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across the Atlantic and Pacific keeping our oceans free ... for decades to come.'

In a joint statement, Biden, Albanese and Sunak endorsed plans for the so-called AUKUS project, first announced in 2021, which angered French President Emmanuel Macron.

Under the deal, the United States intends to sell Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s, with an option to buy two more if needed, the joint statement said.

The statement from the leaders said the multi-stage project would culminate with British and Australian production and operation of a new class of submarine - SSN-AUKUS - a 'trilaterally developed' vessel based on Britain's next-generation design that would be built in Britain and Australia and include 'cutting edge' U.S. technologies.

'The first UK submarines built to this design will be delivered in the late 2030s ... and the first Australian submarines will follow in the early 2040s,' a British statement said.

The vessels will be built by BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, it said.

The agreement will also see U.S. and British submarines deployed in Western Australia to help train Australian crews and bolster deterrence, the senior U.S. official said. The joint statement said the United States and Britain would begin these rotational deployments as soon as 2027 and a senior U.S. official said this would increase to four U.S. submarines and one British in a few years.

This first phase of the plan is already underway with Virginia, a nuclear-powered cruise missile attack submarine, currently visiting Perth, Australia, officials said.

AUKUS will be the first time Washington has shared nuclear-propulsion technology since it did so with Britain in the 1950s.

China has condemned AUKUS as an illegal act of nuclear proliferation. In launching the partnership Australia also upset France by abruptly cancelling a deal to buy French conventional submarines.

The move marks one of Biden's most aggressive step towards China's growing military, and is combined with the Pentagon requesting its biggest peacetime budget in history

Biden and Sunak shake hands after confirming the AUKUS deal in California

Sailors look on as the trio discuss the nuclear submarine deal that will bolster the bid to keep China at bay

Briefing a small group of reporters on Friday, Sullivan dismissed China's concerns and pointed Beijing's own military buildup, including nuclear-powered submarines.

'We have communicated with them about AUKUS and sought more information from them about their intentions,' he said.

Big questions remain about the plan, not least over strict U.S. curbs on the extensive technology sharing needed for the project and about how long it will take to deliver the submarines, even as the perceived threat posed by China mounts.

In a reflection of stretched U.S. production capacity, the senior U.S. official told Reuters it was 'very likely' one or two of the Virginia-class submarines sold to Australia would be vessels that had been in U.S. service, something that would require congressional approval.

Australia had agreed to contribute funds to boost U.S. and British submarine production and maintenance capacity, the official said.

He said Washington was looking at 'double digit billion' investment in its submarine industrial base on top of $4.6 billion already committed for 2023-29 and that the Australian contribution would be less than 15 percent of the total.

One senior U.S. official said AUKUS reflected mounting threats in the Indo-Pacific, not just from China towards self-ruled Taiwan and in the contested South China Sea, but also from Russia, which has conducted joint exercises with China, and North Korea as well.

President Joe Biden landed in San Diego on Monday with daughter Ashley and granddaughter Natalie to sign nuclear submarine deal with the UK and Australia - as the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves through Wall Street

Biden then sat down with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right)
Dozens of manta rays were laid out Monday on a beach in the blockaded Gaza Strip as local Palestinian fishermen celebrated the mass catch.

The rare fish flock to the Mediterranean waters off the coast of Gaza every year in March and April.

As well as being fished, many appear to wash up on the shores there and are then collected by locals who are desperate to make money. They can sell for around 12 shekels ($3.30) per kilo.

Fishing is a major commercial activity in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli-led blockade since 2007, when Islamist movement Hamas took over the territory.

In their latest flurry, fisherman Bashir Shoueikh caught more than 10 of the rays, each weighing between 200 and 300 kg (440-660 pounds).

Shocking pictures show people gathered on a beach in Gaza city as dozens of manta ray are laid out

People gather at a beach in Gaza City around Manta Rays caught by Palestinian fishermen near to the coast

'Each boat carries between 20 and 30 of these fish,' Shoueikh told AFP. 'People like them a lot.'

The fishing zone off Gaza, determined by Israel, varies from five to 16 nautical miles, depending on the security situation.

There are two species of manta ray - manta alfredi and manta birostris.

The majestic creatures' wingspans can be up to 18ft for the alfredi variety and as much as 23ft for the larger birostris.

Both are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's red list of threatened species due to their dwindling numbers.

'These manta rays have been washing up for years now,' another fisherman, Bashir Shuwaikh, told euronews.

'Every year, a large quantity of these fish wash up since it's currently their season. Each boat carries between 20 and 30 of this fish.

'They come out for the duration of a month approximately and we catch them daily, as long as the weather is warm,' he explained.

Gaza fishermen catch the rare, endangered rays when they pass offshore during their winter migration

Fishermen are seen dragging one of the rays out of the sea as people gather to watch

Other shocking photos show small children playing with and sitting on the dead manta rays

A little boy seemingly helps fishermen to drag the rays up the sand and line them up on the beach

Manta rays are considered 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which categorises them in its red list. Their primary threat is overfishing.

While there is limited popularity for the creatures' meat, their gills are often used in Chinese medicine and to filter plankton.

Pictures from the latest fishing frenzy in Gaza show crowds gathering to haul the fish out of the sea, using ropes which they wrap around their wings.

They then appear to be dragged up the beach before being laid out on the sand.

Rays' remains are also loaded onto awaiting carts, being pulled by horses seemingly to transport the carcasses to markets.

Gory photos show the rays' carcasses covering sandy beaches, with some of them bloodied as fishermen pluck them out of the sea.

Palestinian vendors gather to buy the manta rays on the beach of Gaza City

Palestinian fishermen carry maimed manta ray carcasses on a horse cart, ready to be sold

The mass hunt went on into the evening as pictures show boats approaching the manta-covered shore

Other shocking photos show children playing with and sitting on the dead beasts, as well as helping men to drag them up the beach.

The mass hunt went on into the evening as pictures show boats returning to the manta-covered shore at dusk.

Mantas are protected in international waters by the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals, but are much more vulnerable closer to shore, as these pictures evidence.
A man has suffered neck injuries after plummeting up to nine metres from a construction site in Sydney's east.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Coogee Bay Road and Carrington Road, Randwick, around 7.35am on Tuesday to reports a man, aged in his 20s, had fallen between three and nine metres.

Paramedics are treating the man for neck injuries while police assist with diverting traffic.

The incident will be referred to SafeWork.

A man has suffered neck injuries after falling from a construction site in Randwick. Pictured: Coogee Bay Road and Carrington Road intersection

More to come.
We lurch to a halt on the rain-lashed hillside, where two mud tracks merge into a quagmire.

An unwelcome message has just been received by our special forces escort.

The 'safer' detour into the Bakhmut salient is no longer passable by vehicle. The track has been hit by a number of unexploded Russian artillery shells which are now being defused by Ukrainian sappers.

If we are to continue forward, we will have to turn about, then take the only 'road' to Bakhmut left open  a more direct route that has the disadvantage of being 700 metres from the Russian lines and under direct observation by Russian artillery.

The rain falls even harder, it seems, and the late afternoon murk is pierced by a stab of orange lightning. I can't hear the storm over the racing engine and frantic wipers.

The 'safer' detour into the Bakhmut salient is no longer passable by vehicle. Pictured is Mail reporter Richard Pendlebury with Ukrainian Special Forces Junior Sergeant Oleh Leheza

The attacks intensified in the autumn as Russia mobilised thousands of troops, including the many convicts recruited by the Wagner mercenary organisation (Ukrainian forces in March)

But very soon we will be reminded that even the loudest crack of thunder pales in comparison to the noise of the struggle for Bakhmut, the most critical battlefield at this stage of the war.

Since last July the little hilltop salt-mining town in Donetsk Oblast has been under assault by Russian ground forces.

The attacks intensified in the autumn as Russia mobilised thousands of troops, including the many convicts recruited by the Wagner mercenary organisation that led the spearhead.

Outnumbered and outgunned, the Ukrainian defence of the town has become not only a symbol of national resistance to the Russian invasion but crucial in pinning down and breaking the invader's best assault formations.

In recent weeks the Russian onslaught has only increased. The pressure grows. The battle is now a hell of attrition, with the Russians employing World War I tactics: 'human wave' attacks against Ukrainian trench positions.

The attackers have suffered some 30,000 casualties in the battle so far, according to Western officials.

The Ukrainians claim to have killed more than a thousand Russians in and around the Bakhmut 'kill zone' in recent days.

Mail Writer Richard Pendlebury meets Ukrainian Special Forces Junior Sergeant Oleh Leheza in the village of Chasiv Yar

Injured twice in the fighting, latterly in Bakhmut, he has just been discharged from hospital and is returning to the front lines

But as Russia turns the screw, Ukrainian casualties also mount  between 100 and 200 are suffered daily  and reports suggest disagreement at the highest levels in Kyiv.

Should the town be held to the bitter end, whatever the cost in human lives and slim chances of success  as Mariupol was last year  or ceded for a new, more defensible front line?

Western military analysts say Bakhmut has little strategic value for either side. One report suggested that Ukrainian armed forces commander Valery Zaluzhny wants to pull his men out.

But last week, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky made clear that Bakhmut must hold out.

He said Russian forces would threaten key cities in eastern Ukraine if the town fell.

'We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further,' he explained.

'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.'

It is unclear how many thousands of casualties the Ukrainians have suffered in defending the Bakhmut sector. But two in particular have made headlines around the world.

The first was the execution of an unarmed prisoner of war, now identified as Oleksandr Matsiyevsky of the Territorial Defence Forces.

Video footage emerged on social media of Matsiyevsky standing in a trench in a wood, smoking a cigarette. He defiantly declares 'Glory to Ukraine!' before being cut down by multiple bursts of gunfire, apparently by his Russian captors, one of whom shouts: 'Die, b***h!'

Ukraine has called for a war crimes investigation of the case by the International Criminal Court.

The second iconic death took place last Tuesday, when the highly decorated Dmytro Kotsyubaylo, code named 'Da Vinci' and the youngest battalion commander in the Ukrainian armed forces, was killed by Russian artillery in the Bakhmut sector.

On Wednesday, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested Bakhmut could fall 'in the coming days'

Our escort will be travelling ahead of our own vehicle in a right-hand drive, British-registered pick-up

President Zelensky, who had presented Kotsyubaylo with the Order of the Golden Star as well as the title 'Hero of Ukraine', was among thousands who attended his funeral in Kyiv.

He said of Kotsyubaylo: 'He was one of the youngest heroes of Ukraine; one of those whose personal history, character and courage forever became the history, character and courage of Ukraine. He was killed in a battle near Bakhmut  a battle for Ukraine.'

How will this existential battle end? In recent days the Ukrainians have blown up key bridges to block a Russian breakthrough.

On Wednesday, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested Bakhmut could fall 'in the coming days'. And so Daily Mail photographer Jamie Wiseman and I set out to reach this key battleground.

Our escort is led by Oleh Leheza, a grizzle-bearded sergeant in a special forces unit who had been discharged from hospital in Izyum only the previous day, having suffered shrapnel wounds for a second time on the Bakhmut front line. His head is still bandaged; this time he lost part of his right ear.

Our journey starts in Kostiantynivka, a sad, war-battered little town where the men are either pensioners or soldiers.

Our escort will be travelling ahead of our own vehicle in a right-hand drive, British-registered pick-up.

They have fresh news of the worsening military situation. Comrades from their unit who were supposed to be rotated out of Bakhmut positions today have been told they must stay put. The Russian pressure does not allow for any rest.

As we leave Kostiantynivka, the bells of the town church begin to ring out. Rain begins to fall.

For a while we follow an aged armoured personnel carrier along a savagely rutted track. The roads are terrible; the route, by necessity, circuitous. Everything the war machine has touched has turned to mud.

Out in the open countryside, we pass between leafless trees with vast rolling fields beyond. Ambulances edge around the potholes as they return from the front. The vista is one that encourages foreboding  but then a cock pheasant, red-headed, tail held high, scurries across our path and for a moment the landscape could be East Anglia rather than eastern Ukraine.

The almost abandoned village is providing artillery fire to support troops further forward and is being pummelled in response. It's likely to be overrun if Bakhmut is lost

We begin to climb into the high ground that makes Bakhmut both defensible and desirable. One of the mud-bath hamlets we pass through is called Stinky. A small boy nods politely at us as we go by.

Beyond Stinky we have to stop at a choke point to let an armoured personnel carrier (APC) pass. The soldiers riding on it gesture wearily their thanks and comradeship. There are no smiles here, only slog, mud, death.

But we seem to be making steady progress  until we are told to turn around and take the 'short cut' under the Russian guns.

The pace increases, as does the distance between us and our escorting vehicle.

Smoke is billowing from a hollow next to the road  but it is not an artillery strike, only the exhaust fumes from Ukrainian armour gunning up the hill.

We cross a rusting railway line, abandoned trenches and other defensive positions by a treeline.

The sun emerges, briefly, from behind the shifting clouds and for a moment the sodden landscape has a Turneresque beauty.

Then an American-donated Humvee  still in Afghan or Iraqi desert camouflage  squelches past in the other direction and we begin to hear the sound of artillery fire and the drone of aviation from across the fields. The road is empty now except for us and our escort.

The settlement of Chasiv Yar lies at the base of the Bakhmut defensive salient, with the besieged town beyond it and Russian forces on three sides. Daylight is fading, the weather getting worse. Our escort picks up speed on this last leg and we weave between tank obstacles like racing cars.

Chasiv Yar is no more than a shabby collection of cottages behind primitive fencing and a few Soviet-era blocks. Once a charming location beside a lake in a birch forest, it is now a desolate artillery target.

This is where Ukraine's young hero, Da Vinci, was killed by a shell 24 hours earlier.

We stop on the waterlogged central avenue, beside a military memorial and an abandoned administrative building.

As we emerge from our vehicles, the heart-stopping crack of artillery fire echoes and re-echoes between the buildings  a nearby Ukrainian battery is engaging Russian positions farther up the road.

Smoke is billowing from a hollow next to the road  but it is not an artillery strike, only the exhaust fumes from Ukrainian armour gunning up the hill

Chasiv Yar is not entirely deserted by its residents. A figure is approaching  an elderly civilian carrying a bag.

'A crazy guy who won't leave,' one of the soldiers mutters. Whoever he is, he wants to talk to us. The chances to pass the time of day must be few and far between here.

His name is Vasyl Anatoliiovych, or, as he describes himself, 'Uncle Vasyl from Chasiv Yar and Hero of the Soviet Union!'

He adds, conspiratorially: 'The (soldiers) are going to say I have said something wrong by mentioning the Soviet past, but we don't forget history, do we? We won't forget this.'

No, we agree, we certainly won't.

There is a terrible, drawn-out howl as a multiple launch rocket system fires towards Bakhmut. Vasyl does not flinch.

Is he not afraid of the shelling? 'I'm used to it!' he says with a grin.

'When the shells fall, the soldiers yell at me to lie down but I don't give a f***, you know what I mean? I'm from Donbas. Donbas will never bend a knee! And Ukraine will never bend a knee! Remember that. We are free.'

And off he staggers, clutching his bag.

Sheltering from the downpour under a gaily painted municipal gazebo, I speak to Sgt Leheza.

The visceral sounds of artillery fire punctuate our conversation. We are making small talk amid a Gotterdammerung.

He is a 48-year-old father of three who, until the Russian invasion, worked as a senior civil administrator in central Ukraine. He has been told he may be sent to the UK for special training.

Oleh says that we must keep close together until we emerge from the relative concealment of the village, then fall back  at least 50 metres  from his tailgate and try to keep up

Will Bakhmut fall? He shrugs.

'The situation is stable at this moment. For the past two weeks the front line has been flexing 500 metres in one direction, then 500 metres in another. Some of the guys believe if the Russians make one single, massive assault they would probably break our defence. But they haven't tried it.'

Instead the Ukrainian positions are being fed platoon-sized attacks by Wagner mercenaries.

'They are lowlife, homeless people,' says Leheza.

'They do not behave like trained military. When they attack, the first batch of 30 come at us and are destroyed. Then the next batch, and this process is repeated maybe ten times.

'It looks like Putin wants to get rid of these people rather than win the battle.'

The Russians are suffering ammunition shortages, he confirms.

'When I was wounded this last time, I was with some engineers laying mines to block a possible line of Russian breakthrough. They hit us with two shells, that wounded us all. A third one would have killed us, but there wasn't a third shell. They are having to conserve.'

As he speaks, an APC rushes noisily past us down the avenue. The artillery continues to roar. So should Bakhmut be held?

'My personal belief is that we should hold it,' he says.

'We have to consider the overall situation but for us soldiers Bakhmut has become a symbol of resistance. It is in our souls.

'Any piece of our land is precious to us but from Bakhmut we can change the tide of war. To do that we need more armour, more equipment. It's Russian quantity versus Ukrainian quality, training and morale.'

More Humvees and armoured carriers go down the avenue at top speed. We are the only ones who remain in this landscape.

Uncle Vasyl has disappeared to whatever is his home and now the light is fading fast.

It is time to leave. Oleh says that we must keep close together until we emerge from the relative concealment of the village, then fall back  at least 50 metres  from his tailgate and try to keep up. He will drive as fast as he can.

As we move out, I notice a tank lurking in a copse. Its main gun is raised towards the Russian positions.

Every vehicle here is parked under, or in, the shadow of some form of cover. To be seen is to invite the Russian shells that killed Da Vinci.

With only sidelights glowing, we drive faster and faster into the gathering night. Behind us, Bakhmut holds, for now.
Joe Biden awkwardly pronounced Anthony Albanese's name wrong during a meeting between the two leaders on the historic AUKUS deal.

The US President was joined by the Australian Prime Minister and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego on Tuesday to unveil details of the $ 368 billion plan for Australia to acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines.

Mr Biden said it was an honour to welcome both leaders to the US, but referred to Mr Albanese as 'Mr Alba-neez' rather than 'Alban-ne-se'.

The US President's mispronunciation was swiftly followed up by Mr Sunak addressing Mr Albanese as 'Antony', rather than 'Anthony'.

The slip-ups caught the attention of Today Show host Karl Stefanovic who jokingly referred to Mr Albanese as 'Antony' when wrapping up their segment on the meeting.

'A very significant announcement there really geared towards Australia, wasn't it? Not quite getting the Prime Minister's name right, but who's counting,' he said.

'Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or "Antony", US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing the most significant defence pact in decades.'

Mr Albanese announced on Tuesday Australia would spend up to $368billion for the deal and will command a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines within the next three decades under a fast-tracked plan to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

Canberra will acquire three US Virginia-class nuclear submarines as a stop-gap from approximately 2033 before a new SSN-AUKUS-class hybrid vessel arrives in Australian waters a decade later as part of the trilateral alliance with the UK and US.

The cost to taxpayers will come in at an eye-watering $268-$368 billion over the next three decades.

The US President (centre) was joined by the Australian Prime Minister (left) and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) in San Diego on Tuesday to unveil details of the $368billion plan for Australia to acquire eight nuclear powered submarines

Australia will command a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines within the next three decades under a fast-tracked plan to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific

Beginning this year, Australian military and civilian personnel will embed within the US Navy and the Royal Navy, and in the UK and US submarine industrial bases to train up Australian personnel.

A new submarine base to house the nuclear powered-AUKUS fleet will be created along the east coast with Port Kembla, in NSW, tipped as the new location.

The announcement came as Chinese president Xi Jinping warned his country would strengthen its military in response to the AUKUS plan.

He addressed the National People's Congress on Monday saying the military would be bolstered to create a 'great wall of steel', labelled security the 'bedrock of development' and accused Western colonial powers of 'national humiliation'.

Mr Albanese is seen shaking hands with Mr Biden as they unveiled details of the AUKUS deal

'We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces, and build the people's armed forces into a great wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests,' he said.

Mr Albanese labelled the historic AUKUS deal a new chapter in the strengthening relationship with the US and UK.

'A friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to democracy and our common vision for a peaceful and a prosperous future,' he said.

'This is only the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology. And we thank you for it.

'This is a genuine trilateral undertaking. All three nations stand ready to contribute and all three nations stand ready to benefit.'

Mr Biden reiterated the submarines would be 'nuclear powered' and not 'nuclear armed'.

'Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state, and it's committed to stay that way,' he said.

'These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind on them.

'Each of us standing here today representing the United States, Australia and Great Britain, is deeply committed to strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime.'

Australia's current Collins-class submarines are due to come out of service in the late 2030s.

The plan ensures Australia will always have a baseline fleet of six submarines and have the option to buy an additional two Virginia-class submarines should there be any delays.
Americans with accounts at under-pressure banks flocked to branches to withdraw funds on Monday after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

DailyMail.com found long lines at Silicon Valley Bank branches across California and Massachusetts after its collapse on Friday, and similar scenes at San Francisco-based First Republic, which at one point saw its stock trading halted on Monday.

The queues stretched around blocks and into parking lots as concerned account holders raced to withdraw money, spooked by the recent banking turmoil.

Those fortunate enough to have managed to save more than the $250,000, the maximum amount which the FDIC insures against loss should their bank fold, decided to withdraw anything above that figure.

Customers wait in line to withdraw funds from Silicon Valley Bank's headquarters in Santa Clara, California on Monday

Customers outside an SVB branch in Wellesley, Massachusetts, after the White House guaranteed people would be able to access their funds Monday morning

The FFIC took control of the SVB bank's assets, making it the largest bank to do so since the 2008 financial crisis

A man in his 60s, leaving First Republic Bank on 51st St and Park Avenue in Manhattan, told DailyMail.com that he'd withdrawn everything except $250,000 from his account - the maximum insured limit by the FDIC.

He would not share the amount but said it was 'a lot'. He said he'd gone to the bank this morning, 'out if an abundance of caution.'

'I am not hysterical but a bit concerned, but I think the Feds are going to do what they need to do,' he told DailyMail.com.

He said a lot of people who were at the bank Monday morning were also withdrawing large sums of money.

Investors seemed to conclude that the only place to be safe in banking was with the nation's most strictly regulated institutions - the biggest names such as Chase, Citi, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Regional banks were seen as the riskiest, since they do not have the scale to compete against larger competitors.

Large account balances  once seen as a positive sign that a bank's clients are well off  suddenly became a liability since they could be withdrawn at the first sign of trouble.

Down the road, outside a New York branch of Signature Bank, which was closed by regulators on Sunday, Edward Tricomi, a hair salon business owner, said: 'We're staying with the bank.'

A few dozen account holders waited outside a San Francisco branch of stricken Silicon Valley Bank, which was seized by regulators on Friday.

'We know that things are in place with the FDIC,' said Wyatt Boumedine, the chief finance officer of a Silicon Valley start up, referring to a federal deposit protection scheme.

He said his company, which banks with SVB and other institutions, had experienced no difficulties making payroll, and was working to reassure employees that they would not lose out.

'Yesterday the information coming from the Fed really relieved everybody in (Silicon) Valley... that we will have less issue accessing the funds. The key thing, everybody should know this: don't panic, don't run on it, because everybody loses. So if everybody just keeps cool, you'll be alright,' he added.

Michele Barry, a teacher who was at Silicon Valley Bank on Monday, said members of the FDIC and bank employees were available to answer questions.

Barry, who also runs an after-school program for children, wanted to make sure that her four employees would be paid. She was told that all checks from Friday would be honored, along with her automatic payments.

She left enough in her account to cover the payments, but she transferred the bulk of her money over to another bank. She said Biden's reassurance was helpful.

'I'm from South Africa. Chances are if this happened in South Africa, nobody would insure your money,' she said.

Bank stocks have fallen around the world, with even major institutions getting hit as investors worried that the troubles of a few banks could spread.

Governments in Europe and the United States have moved to reassure markets that the world is not in for a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, when the global banking system seized up.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the US Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Treasury Department said SVB depositors would have access to 'all of their money.'

Concerned customers outside and SVB branch in Massachusetts on Monday

People line up in front of a First Republic Bank branch during rain in Los Angeles, California

Signature Bank, a New York financial institution with a big real estate lending business that had recently made a play to win cryptocurrency deposits, closed its doors abruptly on Sunday

A huge line formed at First Republic Bank in Brentwood as Californians are tried to withdraw their money from the bank

Customers line up outside a branch of Boston Private Bank and Trust Company, which is owned by Silicon Valley Bank, in Boston, Massachusetts

Account holders at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were still able to withdraw their money on Monday

There was a long line outside a branch of Silicon Valley Bank in California on Monday

US President Joe Biden on Monday said the sector was secure and Americans could 'have confidence that... your deposits will be there when you need them.'

Boumedine, who said he was only at the bank to get information, said he was reassured by Biden's statement.

'I think that he's taking the right approach,' he said. 'It's not a systemic issue (and) I have full confidence in the current administration.'

Others in the queue were also sanguine.

'This is not anything abnormal that hasn't happened in the past,' said one investor who declined to give his name.

'The FDIC said they're giving all their funds out today, so that's why I'm here.'

One New York finance worker, who did not want to give his name, said he had come to take the temperature at a branch of First Republic, whose stocks plunged 61 percent on Monday.

The government has promised to back all deposits that had been made with SVB bank

People wait outside the Silicon Valley Bank headquarters in Santa Clara, California, to withdraw funds after the federal government intervened

Customers of distressed banks across the U.S. including SVB as seen here in Santa Clara, California, were reassured on Monday after regulators stepped in to protect their deposits

The line was out the door at SVB in Santa Clara as customers raced to withdraw deposits

Customers waited patiently in line but seemed to be in good spirits generally

Fellow customers chatted and drank coffee while waiting to ever the failed bank

Igor Fayermark of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation walks into the Silicon Valley Bank headquarters while people wait outside to withdraw funds

Joe Biden spoke before the markets opened this morning, stating: 'Our actions should give Americans confidence that the US banking system is safe'. It comes after White House yesterday guaranteed it would make SVB customers 'whole' and that 'no losses will be borne by the taxpayer'

First Republic Bank's shares dropped as low as $21.50 from a high of $81.76 amid fears of a banking rout when Wall Street opens trading at 9.30am. It ended the day at $31.21

Banks and financial institutions that saw trading halted Monday AdvisorShares Trust Bank of Hawaii Corporation Charles Schwab Coastal Financial Corp Cm St Comerica Customers Bancorp East West Bancorp, Inc. First Horizon Corporation First Republic Huntington Bancshares Macatawa Bank Corporation Magyar Bancorp, Inc. Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp OceanFirst Financial Corp PacWest Bancorp Regions Financial Corporation Texas Capital Washington Federal, Inc. Western Alliance Zions Bancorporation Advertisement

'When you see there is no line here, it doesn't seem to be really an issue,' he said.

'I think that the government intervening and effectively, backstopping all the depositors in Silicon Valley Bank was helpful in de-escalating any potential issue.

'The stock is down 60% it's tragic, but I don't think it will spread to a contagion because the Feds are on it.'

'I think that the government intervening and effectively, backstopping all the depositors in Silicon Valley Bank was helpful in de-escalating any potential issue.

'This feels it could go to a financial crisis, but the big banks are too well capitalized- the Wells Fargo, the BOA, the JP Morgan's, Morgan Stanley-they get stress tested.

'The problem is that First Republic did not get stress tested so this is the lesson they are going to learn now. It was foolish. There was a lot of risk. Everyone should be scrutinized,' the First Republic customer explained.

'I am surprised there isn't a bigger line at the bank today. Everyone is doing the same thing. It's not smart, but foolish to leave my money in the account that it's not insured.

'I could have taken out more, but they have been a phenomenal institution.'

Curious bystander, Lak Lohani was looking inside the window of the First Republic on 48th and Sixth Avenue on his way to work.

He told DailyMail.com that he has been a customer at Signature Bank since 2013 and was thinking about moving over to First Republic.

He balked at all the hysteria that has been in the news and said he's not worried.

'The banking system is not going to fail in America...it is just not going to happen,' he said. 'This is the most powerful country in the world. Everybody is safe.'

'Everybody wants the banking system to fail. If it does fail it will be nationalized that's the worst-case scenario that can happen,' said Lohani, who works in precious metals. 'I'd rather leave it in the government's hands.'

He then offered his prediction.

'I think the bigger banks are going to come next personally. You might see Bank Of America, or one of the bigger guys like Chase because who owns all the small banks .... the big banks.'

He said this was 'bound to happen' explaining that a financial crisis like this typically happens every 10 years.

'We are going to find out a lot of truth in the next month,' he said.

He added: 'This is going to be another occupy Wall Street 2.0. You are going to see everyone going nuts. Hopefully, they will have a grip on it.'

'Blackrock has been unloading commercial real estate for the last six months losing hundreds of millions of dollars. We are in a bigger problem than what many think.'

'The banking system is not going to fail in America...it is just not going to happen,' he said. 'This is the most powerful country in the world. Everybody is safe,' said Lak Lohani standing outside of the First Republic bank on 48th and Sixth Avenue

At another branch of First Republic Bank on West 10th Street - one of the smaller branches of the Manhattan's 11 locations of the San Francisco-based bank, a 30-something man named Anthony was leaving the bank.

He told DailyMail.com the ordeal had been an 'inconvenience.'

'I think the Feds will bail them out.'

The man ran to the bank to transfer some of his money out of First Republic to deposit it into another financial institution.

He had been thinking about diversifying but after the news of SVB he felt that there was an urgency to transfer his money out of the bank today.

'I think that is why everyone is frantic. The bank is trying to reassure their clients that nothing will happen but they don't know.'

At an another, Christine Mielnik was at First Republic at 51st and Park Avenue.

She said her husband takes care of the banking, but she has some of her own money in a separate account at First Republic. Regardless, she told DailyMail.com that she's not worried.

'If the bank fails I am at least protected at least $250,000.'
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was released from the hospital on Monday after being treated for a concussion and will continue to recover in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, a spokesman said.

McConnell's office said his doctors at George Washington University discovered over the weekend that he had also suffered a 'minor rib fracture' after he tripped and fell at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening.

'Leader McConnell's concussion recovery is proceeding well, and the Leader was discharged from the hospital today,' McConnell spokesman David Popp said in a statement.

'At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home.'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is discharged from George Washington University Hospital after suffering from a concussion. He will now enter inpatient rehab to continue recovery

Interior of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, DC.

The Waldorf Astoria, the former Trump International Hotel at the Old Post Office Building in Washington, DC.

How long the 81-year-old senator will remain in the rehabilitation facility remains unknown.

McConnell's colleagues in the upper chamber were privately updated about his condition last Thursday and told he would remain in the hospital for several more days but was in 'good spirits,' several senators said.

In 2019, McConnell tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture that required surgery. 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.

McConnell is one of several senators who have been absent lately due to illness or hospitalization. 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. And Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., 89, said last week that she had been hospitalized to be treated for shingles.
China will strengthen its own military in response to Australia's $368billion AUKUS nuclear submarines deal with the US and UK - as Chinese experts warn it will be an 'expensive mistake' and a 'time bomb for peace' in the region.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood side by side with US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to announce the 'single biggest investment in Australia's defence capability in our history'.

The AUKUS deal will secure Australia at least three high-tech nuclear-powered submarines within the next decade and a fleet of eight in 30 years under a fast-tracked plan to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The alliance has prompted Xi Jinping to pledge to turn China's military into a 'Great Wall of Steel' - while Chinese state media reported a series of dark warnings from local military experts.

Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Centre in China, told the Global Times the move is likely to increase hostilities between the nations, describing the deal as a 'time bomb'.

'It would be a time bomb for peace and stability in the region,' Chen said.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping described the cooperation on nuclear-powered subs as an 'expensive mistake'.

'Such a huge investment would leave Australia with a heavy burden,' Song said.

'It cannot protect the security of Australia, but will protect the global hegemony of the US. It's an expensive mistake.'

Chinese military expert said Australia's best way to ensure peace and safety is to 'not take sides between China and the US'

Australia will command a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines within the next three decades under a fast-tracked plan to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific

Chinese president Xi Jinping also warned the country would strengthen its military in response to the AUKUS plan

'Australia should not fall into the category of a saboteur of regional security just because of US pressure.'

Song noted Australia's best way to ensure peace and safety is to 'not take sides between China and the US'.

Chinese president Xi Jinping pledged the country would strengthen its military in response to the AUKUS plan.

'We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces and build the people's armed forces into a great wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests,' he said.

Pictured: Chinese president Xi Jinping

Xi recently replaced top security officials with his trusted allies, and increased oversight from China's ruling elite on security matters is expected to come in.

He said that China must counter the interference of external forces and oppose pro-independence activities in the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Last week, before details of the deal had been confirmed, Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said China believes AUKUS poses a threat to international security and stimulates an arms race.

But President Biden on Tuesday reassured the global public the submarines would not be 'nuclear armed'. Instead, they're nuclear powered - which allows them to last for extended periods of time without resurfacing.

'Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state, and it's committed to stay that way,' President Biden said. 'These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind on them.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the AUKUS plan alongside US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego on Tuesday

Mr Albanese stood alongside Mr Biden and Mr Sunak at the US naval base in San Diego on Tuesday

'Each of us standing here today representing the United States, Australia and Great Britain, is deeply committed to strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

'AUKUS has one overriding objective. To enhance the stability of the Indo-Pacific amid rapidly shifting global dynamics. In this first project, this first project is only beginning.'

Mr Sunak told the BBC in San Diego 'China is a country with fundamentally different values to ours. It represents a challenge to the world order.

'That's why it's right that we are alert to that, and take steps to protect ourselves, protect both our values, stand up for our values and protect our interests.'

An American submarine for Australia will roll off the production line every three years before the new AUKUS class will be built at a similar rate from 2042.

Mr Albanese labelled the historic deal a new chapter in the strengthening relationship with the US and UK.

'A friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to democracy and our common vision for a peaceful and our common vision for a peaceful and a prosperous future,' he said.

'This is only the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology. And we thank you for it.

The UK will construct and use the first AUKUS sub from the late 2030s and acquire an estimate of eight to 12 of the same type

About 20,000 jobs will be needed for the project and operation of the new fleet with Canberra to lend support to the American production line

'This is a genuine trilateral undertaking. All three nations stand ready to contribute and all three nations stand ready to benefit.'

Australia's current Collins-class submarines are due to come out of service in the late 2030s.

The plan ensures Australia will always have a baseline fleet of six submarines and have the option to buy an additional two Virginia-class submarines should there be any delays.

Four American nuclear-powered submarines and one UK vessel will begin rotating through Western Australian naval bases from as early as 2027 to boost Australia's ability to operate its own vessels in the 2030s and 2040s.

These nuclear subs can stay underwater for longer periods of time and travel farther without surfacing, making them key to Australia's defence strategy moving forward.

Each sub can stay submerged for up to three months, carry 37 torpedo-sized weapons and travel at speeds of 46km/h, unlike our current diesel-electric subs which can stay submerged for no more than 70 days.

Increased visits from US and UK nuclear submarines will also begin from next year.

By the 2040s, Australia will have built and begun delivering the SSN-AUKUS submarine - the same vessel that the UK will have in the water a few years prior.

The plan so far hinges on purchasing up to five US built Virginia class submarines by the 2030s

Experts say the deal - despite the extraordinary price tag - could be worth every cent.

They say the subs partnership will establish an 'unprecedented level of trust and collaboration' between Australia and its most powerful allies at a time of rising global tensions.

Charles Edel, a former State Department official and the Australia chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, earlier said the 'big story' behind the deal is the 'strategic convergence' between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

'In a narrow sense, AUKUS is a trilateral partnership meant to enhance the defense capabilities of the nations involved,' he said.

'But its broader significance lies in its intention to drive technological innovation, grow the industrial capacity and deepen strategic coordination between the U.S., Australia and the U.K.,' he said.

'Ultimately, strategic convergence, and not submarines, is the big story behind AUKUS.'

There will be a long-term commitment between the three nations to cooperate on matters of cyberwarfare, missiles and artificial intelligence, among other things.

The agreement will create 20,000 Australian jobs, including 8,500 used to build and maintain the subs.

Currently, Australia runs one university program dedicated to nuclear engineering and produces about five graduates a year, meaning there would need to be a greater commitment to training and education in the field.

John Blaxland, an expert in international security from the Australian National University, told the New York Times dual national crews could provide an intermediary solution.

'We're going to need an unprecedented level of close, trusted collaboration to make this work  at the political, operational and worker-bee level,' he said.

The deal is being hailed across all three nations as 'the most significant multilateral defence capability endeavour the world has seen in generations'.
She was previously in prison after having sex with an underage girl

A trans predator has been convicted of raping a friend with 'her penis' just weeks after being released from prison for child sex offences.

Lexi-Rose Crawford, a biological male who now identifies as female, had previously been handed a four-year jail term after having sex with an underage girl she met online.

She only began using a female name and feminine pronouns around January 2019, when she was released from prison, but within weeks had raped a vulnerable friend.

At Bristol Crown Court, Crawford, 24, claimed to suffer from blackouts and said she could not remember the incident, but was convicted by jurors on Friday after less than two hours of deliberations. The former volunteer guitar technician stared blankly ahead as guilty verdicts to rape and sexual assault were returned. She was released on conditional bail until sentencing on May 10.

It is believed Crawford will be sent to a male prison if she is handed a custodial sentence, despite being referred to as Miss by lawyers and Judge Michael Longman throughout the four-day trial.

Lexi-Rose Crawford, 24, has been convicted of raping a friend with 'her penis' just weeks after being released from prison for child sex offences

The rape indictment also specified that 'her penis' was used during the rape on the formal indictment used in court.

Crawford appeared on the first day of her trial with long, brown hair with blonde highlights, as well as a small moustache and stubble before appearing cleanly shaven on day two.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Crawford came around to their home in April 2019 where they played computer games.

Describing what happened next, the victim said: '[Crawford] wanted me to lie down next to her and then tried to start, like, cuddling me, which I don't feel comfortable with anyway. And then she started removing my clothes, which I didn't want, I did keep saying that, like, 'I don't want to'.'

Despite her protests, the defendant began to rape the young victim. The victim said they later rolled over and pretended to go to sleep to end the ordeal. Discussing why they did not try and fight Crawford off, they said: 'What could I have done without using physical contact to stop her? And then that could have been me in the wrong by using physical contact to stop her.'

Prosecutor David Scutt suggested Crawford's claim of memory loss, which had no medical evidence to back it up, was a 'convenient excuse'. Mr Scutt said: 'It appears you can remember the good stuff, but you cannot remember the bad stuff. Are you pretending that you can't remember?'

The former volunteer guitar technician stared blankly ahead as guilty verdicts to rape and sexual assault were returned. She was released on conditional bail until sentencing on May 10

At Bristol Crown Court (pictured), Crawford, 24, claimed to suffer from blackouts and said she could not remember the incident

Crawford, who inexplicably spoke with a slight American accent despite not having lived in the US, replied: 'No.'

The prosecutor again asked: 'What I'm going to suggest is this  that you did those things and you know you did. Agree or disagree?' Crawford replied: 'Disagree.' Mr Scutt said: 'Is it just this, Miss Crawford, that you really can't bring yourself to admit what happened and take full responsibility?' Crawford replied: 'That's not the case.'

Only now can it be reported that Crawford was jailed for having sex with an underage teenager in 2017. Then aged 18, Crawford admitted to arranging to meet a 15-year-old, taking her to a secluded woodland spot before telling her: 'You are going to get laid.'

The case comes in the wake of Scottish trans rapist Isla Bryson, who was last month jailed for eight years for attacking two vulnerable female victims in their own homes while living as a man.
Britain's fleet of nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines could be doubled as part of a landmark deal with the US and Australia.

Rishi Sunak has confirmed a multi-billion-pound deal with the two allies to help develop and build the vessels after meeting US President Joe Biden and Australian PM Anthony Albanese at a naval base in California.

The initiative represents some of the first concrete steps taken by the three nations to strengthen the Aukus strategic partnership they announced 18 months ago.

It will see Britain and the US supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, enhancing its ability to counter the threat posed by Chinas growing military ambitions.

As part of the deal, British military chiefs are pushing to increase the size of the UKs hunter-killer submarine fleet from seven to as many as 20.

Rishi Sunak has confirmed a multi-billion-pound deal with the the US and Australia to help develop and build the vessels after meeting US President Joe Biden (centre) and Australian PM Anthony Albanese (left) at a naval base in California

Britain's fleet of nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines could be doubled as part of a landmark deal with the US and Australia

Rishi Sunak and Colonel Jaimie Norman, the Prime Minister's Military Attache (left), First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE (second right) and Royal Navy Captain Gus Carnie (right)

The move came as Mr Sunak warned the UK faces a difficult and dangerous decade as authoritarian states such as Russia, China and Iran flex their muscles.

A government source acknowledged the assessment in the new Integrated Review of foreign and security policy was gloomy but said it was right to level with people about the fact the world has become a more dangerous place.

The Aukus deal is a major coup for British engineering and is expected to create thousands of jobs over the coming years at Barrow, Cumbria, where the UKs submarines are built, and at Derby, where Rolls-Royce designs and manufactures nuclear submarine reactors.

Speaking at the Point Loma naval base in San Diego last night, the Prime Minister said the deal made reality John F Kennedys dream of a West united in a higher purpose  the maintenance of freedom, peace and security.

The initiative represents some of the first concrete steps taken by the three nations to strengthen the Aukus strategic partnership they announced 18 months ago

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: This is a significant step forward for our three nations as we work together to contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific and across the world'

President Biden said the UK, US and Australia had for more than a century stood together to protect freedom and democracy

He said the three allies who have shed blood together in defence of our shared values had come together again to agree the most significant multilateral defence partnership in generations. He added: The Aukus partnership, and the submarines we are building in British shipyards, are a tangible demonstration of our commitment to global security.

The Aukus pact was created in 2021 to strengthen defence ties and bolster the Wests presence in the Indo-Pacific, where China is a growing threat.

The Australian navy is expected to buy five Virginia-class submarines from the US in the short term. But from the early 2030s Britain and Australia will build an updated version of the British Astute class submarine.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: This is a significant step forward for our three nations as we work together to contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific and across the world. President Biden said the UK, US and Australia had for more than a century stood together to protect freedom and democracy.
More than 2billion in British aid to India over the last five years has failed to deliver its development goals due to an incoherent approach, a review has found.

Despite providing 2.3billion between 2016 and 2021 to invest in development goals, the UK Government has failed to achieve value for money in supporting inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

It also failed to adequately support Indian democracy and human rights, the audit from the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) found.

The review gave the UK's model of development cooperation  where aid is provided to developing countries  a score of amber-red which suggests it has resulted in a fragmented portfolio of investments without a strong development plan.

Dr Tamsyn Barton, chief commissioner of ICAI, said: 'India was the 11th largest recipient of UK aid in 2021, receiving more aid than countries like Bangladesh and Kenya, so it is all the more important that every penny is well spent or invested.

More than 2billion in British aid to India over the last five years has failed to deliver its development goals due to an incoherent approach, a review has found (stock image)

'However, we found that the portfolio wasn't coherent and that the development rationale for it wasn't clear. And while we appreciate that democracy and human rights in India is a sensitive area for the UK, we were surprised to find out that the UK had largely ceased supporting work at the local level.'

She said there were some positives  particularly on climate change  but aid should focus on helping the Indian economy grow.

Although the aid included more than 1billion in investments, with the rest of the money being for general support, the audit found the portfolio was not being managed 'coherently' to make full use of the money.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said that 'since 2015 the UK has given no financial aid' directly to the Indian government.

The spokesman added: 'Most of our funding now is focused on business investments which help create new markets and jobs for the UK, as well as India. UK investments are also helping tackle shared challenges such as climate change.'
Joe Biden said he intends to visit Northern Ireland after being invited to mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The US president was speaking after Rishi Sunak formally invited him to make the trip to mark the 25th anniversary in April as the pair held talks in San Diego.

As the pair met in Point Loma naval base, Mr Biden said: 'It's my intention to go to Northern Ireland and the Republic.'

Mr Sunak told the president: 'I look forward to our conversations and also importantly, to invite you to Northern Ireland, which hopefully you will be able to do and so we can commemorate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

'I know it's something very special and personal to you. we'd love to have you over.'

Mr Biden said: 'Twenty-five years? It seems like yesterday.'

Joe Biden said he intends to visit Northern Ireland after being invited to mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement

The US president was speaking after Rishi Sunak formally invited him to make the trip to mark the 25th anniversary in April as the pair held talks in San Diego

Following talks with US president Joe Biden in San Diego, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'It's great that we're going to see each other a lot over the next few months.

'I was pleased to accept the president's invitation to visit him in DC in June.'

The Good Friday agreement was signed on April 10, 1998. It cemented Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom, and set up a new government for the province, while allowing that it could join the Republic of Ireland if that was the wish of a majority.

It brought an end to 30 years of armed struggle against British rule.

Biden is among the American politicians who can claim a role in helping push through the deal. He was a a member of the Senate foreign relations committee which nudged the Clinton administration to deploy its political clout and broker the deal.

The US president joked about Mr Sunak's home in Santa Monica as the pair met following the announcement of the Aukus submarine pact.

'First of all, I want to welcome you back to California. He's a Stanford man, and he still has a home here in California,' he said.

'That's why I'm being very nice to you, maybe you can invite me to your home in California. But all kidding aside, I think it's an historic day for our countries.'

Following the talks, Mr Sunak told reporters: 'It's great that we're going to see each other a lot over the next few months. I was pleased to accept the president's invitation to visit him in DC in June.'

His Irish heritage has been a frequent touchstone for his political speeches, and he has described how his family left their homeland 'because of what the Brits were doing.'

Last year, on St. Patrick's Day, he set out what his Irish heritage gave to him and other Irish emigrants.

'Hope is what brought forth on the Emerald Isle a nation of poets and patriots, saints, scholars, artists, and engineers,' he said at the White House.

'Hope kept us looking toward the far horizon. It urges us over every obstacle. It tells us to try again when we fall short, to rise each time we fall.'

President Joe Biden hosted the traditional St Patrick's Day shamrock presentation ceremony in the East Room of the White House least year, when he riffed on his Irish heritage

Biden last visited Ireland in an official capacity in 2016 as vice president. That visit included stops in Dublin, Mayo, and Louth  the capital plus the two counties of his ancestors.

And he has repeatedly told Irish politicians and relatives that he will be back as president.

Soon after he took office, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: 'When I invited President Biden to Ireland, he just said, "Try and keep me out." So it won't be any lack of enthusiasm on his side.'

Rumors have repeatedly swirled through the Irish media that a presidential visit was coming.

And diplomats saw the 25th anniversary of the peace deal as the perfect moment.

The only stumbling block was a tussle between the UK and the EU over trade arrangements after Brexit.

In order to keep the border between northern and southern Ireland openin line with the Good Friday Agreement customs checks were imposed on goods traveling from the British mainland to Northern Ireland, placing a huge burden on businesses there.

The biggest pro-UK unionist party withdrew from power-sharing agreements in protest, causing the suspension of Northern Ireland's devolved assembly.
President Joe Biden on Monday accepted an invitation from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to visit Northern Ireland next month.

Sunak made the invite during a meeting with Biden at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, suggesting he come in April to celebrate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

'I know it's something very special and personal to you. We'd love to have you,' the prime minister told the American president.

Biden is proud of his Irish roots, speaks of them often and, in most of his speeches, quotes an Irish poet.

And he plans to make the trip.

'It's my intention to go to Northern Ireland and the republic,' Biden said in response to a question from DailyMail.com.

President Joe Biden accepted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's invitation to visit Northern Ireland next month

Biden has long made it clear he wanted to visit Ireland as president, but Northern Ireland's trade status was causing a diplomatic headache when it came to a presidential visit.

But that obstacle was cleared when Britain and the European Union agreed the Windsor Framework, paving the way for trade to make its way across the Ireland/Northern Ireland border.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, essentially stayed in the European Union market, along with its neighbor the Republic of Ireland, an independent country, when Britain voted for to exit the E.U.

The Windsor Framework will keep goods moving without upending the Good Friday Agreement. The Belfast Agreement is also known as the Good Friday Agreement, because it was reached on Good Friday, 10 April 1998. It helped end 30 years of sectarian conflict on the island.

Biden had urged British officials to protect the agreement as they hashed out post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland.

'Twenty five years. It seems like yesterday. Like yesterday,' the president mused about Sunak's invite. 'Thank you,' he added.

Biden's mother's family - the Finnegans - were Irish-American immigrants.

Joe Biden last visited Ireland in an official capacity in 2016 as vice president - above Biden on that 2016 trip with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy own a luxury condo in Santa Monica - the building is above - with ocean views

President Biden speaks during his event with Aussie PM Anthony Albanese and British PM Rishi Sunak in San Diego

Biden last visited Ireland in an official capacity in 2016 as vice president. That visit included stops in Dublin, Mayo, and Louth  the capital plus the two counties of his ancestors.

Biden and Sunak had their pull aside during a meeting of the aukus leadership - the joint pact between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The president noted Sunak was at home in California.

The prime minister is a graduate of Sanford University, where he met his wife, Akshata Murthy. The couple owns a luxury condo in Santa Monica with ocean views. It is valued at $7.2 million.

Biden hinted he'd like an invite.

'I want to welcome him to California. He's a Stanford man and still has a home here in California. If Im nice to him maybe hell invite me to his home in California,' the president said as Sunak chuckled.

The two leaders were also expected to discuss their support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion. The meeting came after Biden announced he'll sell three fast-attack nuclear submarines to Australia in a deal with the United Kingdom to combat the growing threat of China.
NASA recently confirmed its DART mission, the first planetary defense test, was a success, but the agency had help from 31 citizen scientists who watched the epic event unfold from their backyards.

Armed with Unistellar telescopes, these amateur astronomers observed and tracked how Dimorphos changed brightness before, during and after impact.

This data assisted NASA scientists in measuring the mass of the dust released when the box-shaped spacecraft slammed into Dimporphos at 15,000 miles per hour, allowing them to confirm the moonlet was nudged from its orbit.

Dimorphos' orbit went from 11 hours and 55-minute orbit to 11 hours and 23 minutes.

Scott Kardel, from California, told DailyMail.com: 'The coolest results came from Reunion Island, where somebody was positioned with their Unisterallar telescope to capture the event as it happened and see the dust plume come off [of the asteroid].'

'It is stunning they got that from such a tiny telescope and that is what makes this citizen scientist thing awesome is there's somebody somewhere at some point around the world that can see a thing in space.'

NASA launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in 2022, dubbed NASA's 'Armageddon moment,' could be put to use as an asteroid could hit Earth on Valentine's Day in 2046.

NASA's DART mission sent a spacecraft seven million miles into space. The craft slammed into Dimorphos, pushing the asteroid off of its orbit. Dimorphos' orbit went from 11 hours and 55-minute orbit to 11 hours and 23 minutes

Scott Kardel, who lives in California, was part of the 31 citizen scientists who captured a look of NASA's DART mission from the ground. He said seeing the plume of dust that came off that asteroid was the most meaningful thing.

The American space agency identified asteroid 2023 DW last month, noting it currently has a one in 560 chance of impact on February 14 at 4:44 pm ET - but where it will fall is not yet known.

However, for NASA is currently focusing on analyzing data from its DART mission.

The craft's target was a moonlet called Dimorphos circling its parent asteroid, Didymos.

On September 26, the world watched as DART soared 15,000 miles per hour toward Dimorphos to push it off its orbit.

And on March 1, 2023, NASA confirmed the mission was a smashing success.

The space agency's refrigerator-sized satellite managed to shave 33 minutes off the orbit of a 520-foot-wide asteroid - nearly five times greater than what was predicted.

The Unistellar network collaborated with eight SETI Institute astronomers, led by SETI Institute postdoctoral fellow Ariel Graykowski.

'It looks like they have not measured exactly what the orbital change was in miles, but if you assume the system obeys Keplers laws in the simplest form, a change in orbital period by 33 minutes means a change in semi-major axis of about 0.02 miles for this system,' Graykowski told DailyMail.com.

'Another way to look at it is that the orbit path is shortened by ~0.2 miles. However, these are very rough estimates, not measurements, which I am sure the NASA team has or is working on.'

NASA's results released this month included the observations made by citizens using an Unistellar eVscope2 telescope, which folds up small enough to fit in a backpack.

Justus Randolph, who lives in Georgia, told DailyMail.com: 'I was like watching the Super Bowl because I was doing the science and also watching the live stream event.'

Kardel is an associate professor of astronomy and assistant planetarium director at Palomar College in San Marcos, California and Randolph is a professor in the College of Nursing at Mercer University

Both are among the 31 citizen scientists who published a paper on their observations released in February.

Justus Randolph also watched the event unfold from Georgia. He said it feels incredible to be a part of something like NAS's DART mission

NASA recently confirmed its DART mission was a success, but the agency had help from 31 citizen scientists who watched the epic event unfold from their backyards

'The timing of observations during the DART impact and the continued monitoring of Didymos afterward was absolutely crucial to analyze the impact's effects on Dimorphos,' said Graykowski.

'The Unistellar Network was the perfect tool to do just that!'

From ground-based observations of the impact, the Unistellar Network captured the sudden brightening by a factor of 10 of the Didymos system due to the ejecta produced when the spacecraft hit Dimorphos.

These analyses resulted in an estimated momentum enhancement factor similar to what was reported by NASA's DART team.

The Unistellar telescope network also measured a change in color at the time of impact, as they captured the moment of impact.

'This whole mission was just a big experiment of can we actually do this right? Can we knock an asteroid and move its orbit, so it doesn't hit Earth?' said Kardel.

'NASA did the event but really didn't have something close there to watch by, but for telescopes in the Unistellar network to see the event as it happened and see the plume of dust that came off that asteroid was the most meaningful thing.

From ground-based observations of the impact, the Unistellar Network captured the sudden brightening by a factor of 10 of the Didymos system due to the ejecta produced when the spacecraft hit Dimorphos

NASA launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in 2022, dubbed NASA's 'Armageddon moment.' The craft's target was a moonlet called Dimorphos (pictured) circling its parent asteroid, Didymos

'It allowed people to determine how that energy went into the asteroid and how it kicked things off into space, and then by continuing to study the orbit of the little moon around the bigger asteroid.

That gives you a chance to see that the orbit changed.'

The citizen scientists determined impact had occurred at 6:15 pm ET, 'which agrees with the reported Earth-observed impact time of 23:15:02.183 UTC, itself coming 38 seconds after the actual 91 time of impact on the spacecraft due to light-travel time,' reads the study.

'We were able to make lots of observations before the event, during the event and then after the event, and it was because of the network that allowed us to do that. No one person could have done it alone,' Randolph said.
It's an issue that plagues many frustrated Britons, and now a new report has revealed the UK areas with the slowest broadband.

Think Broadband's State of Broadband report shows that when it comes to full fibre coverage, the City of Kingston upon Hull, Belfast and Coventry District top the list.

At the other end of the scale, the Isles of Scilly, Orkney Islands and Copeland District are revealed as the bottom authorities for coverage.

'As the demand for fast and reliable connectivity continues to grow, it is more important than ever to stay up to date with the latest developments in this ever-evolving industry,' the report states.

Full fibre, also known as fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband, has been described as the 'next generation of the internet'.

It's an issue that plagues many frustrated Britons, and now a new report has revealed the UK areas with the fastest and slowest broadband

The best regions for full fibre rollout City of Kingston upon Hull (99.73%) Belfast (94.85%) Coventry District (93.07%) Milton Keynes (92.64%) Ards and North Down (92.37%) Derry and Strabane (91.22%) Lisburn and Castlereagh (91.09) Antrim and Newtownabbey (90.78%) Mourne and Down (90.46%) Mid and East Antrim (89.65%) Advertisement

The worst regions for full fibre rollout Isles of Scilly (2.61%) Orkney Islands (2.74%) Copeland District (3.38%) Shetland Islands (4.44%) Woking District (5.32%) Rossendale District (5.62%) Enfield (5.70%) Gosport District (5.72%) Argyll and Bute (5.81%) Na h-Eileanan an Iar (5.88%) Advertisement

'Most fibre connections only use these cables as far as the street-level cabinet, with copper connecting the last stretch to the home,' Uswitch explains.

'Full fibre, however, uses fibre all the way to a customer's front door, offering far higher speeds than other fibre connections.'

New figures based on data extracted by Think Broadband between 9 and 13 February 2023 show that there's still a way to go in the full fibre rollout.

Overall across the UK, just 47.01 per cent of us have access to full fibre coverage.

This figure is expected to reach 85 per cent by July 2025, while we won't get to 100 per cent coverage until July 2026.

However, there's a huge discrepany in FTTP coverage across different regions, according to the report.

Hull tops the list as the region with the best FTTP coverage (99.73 per cent), followed by Belfast (94.85 per cent) and Coventry (93.07 per cent).

Also in the top 10 are Milton Keynes (92.64 per cent), Mourne and Down (90.46 per cent) and Mid and East Antrim (89.65 per cent).

It's an issue that plagues many frustrated Britons, and now a new report has revealed the UK areas with the fastest and slowest broadband

How fast are broadband connections? Full fibre: 1 Gbps. HD video conference or hour-long webinar takes mere seconds to download. Ultrafast: 300 Mbps. Can handle multiple online activities for multiple users at once without major interruptions in service. Superfast: 30 Mbps. Under ideal conditions this will be sufficient for your average internet user. The UK government recommends a minimum of 10 Mbps per household or business, as per its Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband. Advertisement

However, at the other end of the scale, the report shows that some Britons are living in areas with terrible FTTP coverage.

The Isles of Scilly is named as the region with the worst coverage (2.61 per cent), followed by the Orkney Islands (2.74 per cent) and Copeland District (3.38 per cent).

Meanwhile, people in Enfield (5.70 per cent), Gosport (5.72 per cent) and Woking (5.32 per cent) are also missing out on FTTP coverage.

The report comes shortly after a survey revealed that more than nine million broadband customers do not believe they get the speeds they pay for.

Research showed that a quarter of all customers surveyed said they regularly fail to receive the internet speeds they should, while seven per cent say they never do.

Despite this, only around half (46 per cent) of the affected customers said they had asked for compensation from their provider, according to the comparison and switching service Uswitch.com.

Ofcom's code of practice on broadband speeds, which most companies have signed up to, states that an internet provider should provide a minimum guaranteed speed for the service at the point of signing up, which customers can find in their contract.
Judges in India and Pakistan are more lenient with criminals when they're fasting during Ramadan, a new study has revealed.

Specifically, researchers found that with each additional hour of fasting there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of acquittals.

Experts wanted to explore a phenomenon known as the 'hungry judges effect', which previous research had suggested led to judges making harsher decisions.

The new study, by researchers at the New Economic School in Moscow, looked into how fasting during Ramadan had an effect on criminal sentencing decisions by judges in Pakistan and India using half a century of data.

They found that rather than being linked to harsher decision-making, it was actually more associated with greater leniency.

The 'hungry judges effect': Magistrates in India and Pakistan are more lenient with criminals when they're fasting during Ramadan, a new study has found (stock image)

The study analysed more than 372,000 judicial cases in India and over 5,800 in Pakistan, involving more than 7,600 judges in the former and over 900 in the latter.

WHAT IS THE HUNGRY JUDGES EFFECT? The hungry judge effect is a phenomenon that judges are supposedly more inclined to be lenient after a meal but more severe before the break. A previous study, in 2011, looked at the decisions of Israeli parole boards. It found that the granting of parole was 65 per cent at the start of a session but would drop to nearly zero before a meal break. 'Our findings suggest that judicial rulings can be swayed by extraneous variables that should have no bearing on legal decisions,' the experts said. Advertisement

The researchers looked for links between the intensity of the fasting  how many hours the fast lasted in a day  and judicial decisions.

Sultan Mehmood and colleagues at the New Economic School found that judges who were observing Ramadan were more likely to acquit when the intensity of Ramadan fasting increased.

These acquittals were five per cent less likely to be appealed and reversed in higher courts.

The researchers also found that with each additional hour of fasting there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of acquittals and a three per cent reduction in appeals during Ramadan.

'Our sample comprises roughly a half million cases and 10,000 judges from Pakistan and India,' the authors wrote.

'Ritual intensity increases Muslim judges' acquittal rates, lowers their appeal and reversal rates, and does not come at the cost of increased recidivism or heightened outgroup bias.

'Overall, our results indicate that the Ramadan fasting ritual followed by a billion Muslims worldwide induces more lenient decisions.'

They added: 'These results provide evidence that a religious ritual observed by one billion people worldwide can impact contemporary high-stakes decisions and that extrajudicial factors need not increase harshness in decisions.'

Analysis: The study analysed more than 372,000 judicial cases in India and over 5,800 in Pakistan, involving more than 7,600 judges in the former and over 900 in the latter. This graph shows the number of acquittals overseen by fasting Muslim judges and non-Muslim judges

The hungry judge effect is a phenomenon that judges are supposedly more inclined to be lenient after a meal but more severe before the break.

A previous study, in 2011, looked at the decisions of Israeli parole boards.

It found that the granting of parole was 65 per cent at the start of a session but would drop to nearly zero before a meal break.

'Our findings suggest that judicial rulings can be swayed by extraneous variables that should have no bearing on legal decisions,' the researchers said.

The new study has been published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
Two of the world's biggest icebergs  including one the size of Greater London and an even larger one the size of Cornwall  are being monitored by British scientists.

There is concern that the frozen behemoths are drifting towards areas where they could affect shipping, fishing and wildlife.

The enormous A81, which is as big as England's capital, broke free from Antarctica's Brunt Ice Shelf in late January and has just been photographed aerially for the most time.

Glaciologist Dr Oliver Marsh, who has returned from the British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) Halley Research Station, said: 'This was a calving we knew was coming.

'BAS has been monitoring the Brunt Ice Shelf and the chasms formed across it for over a decade.

Enormous: Two of the world's biggest icebergs  including one the size of Greater London (pictured) and an even larger one the size of Cornwall  are being monitored by British scientists

A separate team has also sailed around A76A, which is part of the A76 iceberg that began life after calving from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in mid-May 2021. As it travelled north, A76 broke into three pieces, the largest of which is called A76A (pictured)

'Since glaciologists first observed Chasm-1 widening in 2012, BAS science and operations teams have been anticipating the calving event.

WHAT IS A CALVING EVENT? Glacier calving is a natural occurrence caused by the forward motion of a glacier making its end unstable. During a calving event, part of the end of a glacier drops off, often forming an iceberg. Calving of glaciers is often accompanied by a loud cracking or booming sound before blocks of ice up to 60 metres (200 ft) high break loose and crash into the water. The entry of this ice into the water can cause large and hazardous waves. Advertisement

'High precision GPS instruments as well as satellite data have been used to monitor widening of the chasm and in 2016 BAS took the precaution of moving the Halley Research Station inland to protect it.'

A separate team has also sailed around A76A, which is part of the A76 iceberg that began life after calving from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in mid-May 2021.

As it travelled north, A76 broke into three pieces, the largest of which is called A76A and is shaped a bit like a giant ironing board.

At 83 miles (135km) long and 15 miles (25km) wide, this is the largest floating iceberg on the planet  as big as the English county of Cornwall  and is heading towards the gap between the British overseas territories of the Falklands and South Georgia.

There are fears that it could move east towards South Georgia and get stuck in the shallow waters of its continental shelf, or possibly head for the nearby islets known as Shag Rocks.

In both of these areas it could cause issues for local wildlife and people.

If the iceberg grounds on the shallow seabed in the region it could destroy fauna across the seafloor and disrupt the ocean currents and foraging routes of the local wildlife.

As well as the ecological impact, icebergs in the South Georgia region can present a great risk to local vessels.

At 83 miles (135km) long and 15 miles (25km) wide, A76A (pictured) is the largest floating iceberg on the planet  as big as the English county of Cornwall  and is heading towards the gap between the British overseas territories of the Falklands and South Georgia

Sailing by: In January, a team of BAS scientists onboard the RRS Discovery (pictured) completed a circumnavigation of A76A

If A76A grounds on the shallow seabed in the South Georgia region it could destroy fauna across the seafloor and disrupt the ocean currents and foraging routes of the local wildlife

Enormous icebergs like these two can take decades to melt and disappear, so they will be a potential threat for some time yet.

A81 broke free when a large crack in the ice, called Chasm-1, extended across the entire ice shelf. It is now floating around 93 miles (150km) away from where it began, after spinning around and heading south.

HOW DO SCIENTISTS MONITOR THE BRUNT ICE SHELF? Scientists use a network of 16 GPS instruments to measure any deformation of the Brunt Ice Shelf, which causes cracks, which report updates every hour. These include the Sentinel 2 satellites from the European Space Agency, NASA Worldview satellites, US Landsat 8 and TerraSAR-X. They also utilise on-site drone footage, as well as ground penetrating radar to image the subsurface The data has provided scientists with a number of ways to measure any cracks with high precision. They have also used computer models and bathymetric maps to predict how close the ice shelf was to calving. Advertisement

The Brunt Ice Shelf is one of the most closely monitored ice shelves on the planet because it is home to the Halley Research Station.

Currently, UK scientists say the research station and the area surrounding it is largely unaffected by the calving event.

A81 is the second major iceberg from the region in two years. It is expected to follow in the footsteps of previous icebergs swept by the strong Antarctic Coastal Current westwards.

In January, a team of BAS scientists onboard the RRS Discovery completed a circumnavigation of A76A.

While there, they sampled the waters around the iceberg to better understand its potential impacts on the environment.

Professor Geraint Tarling, head of the Ecosystems team at BAS, was on board RRS Discovery.

'An iceberg of this size will have a big impact on the ocean ecosystems which support the rich diversity of marine wildlife found in this Antarctic region,' he said.

'These impacts may be both positive and negative. On the positive side, as the iceberg melts, it will release a lot of nutrients that could benefit the growth of microscopic plants such as phytoplankton at the base of the oceanic food webs.'

Professor Tarling added: 'The negative side is that this same melting, at such a large scale, dumps lots of freshwater into the ocean which decreases salinity levels and makes the waters unsuitable for many phytoplankton and the zooplankton that feed on them.

'These effects could then cascade up the food web to fish, birds, seals, and whales.

'In addition, if A76A continues along a trajectory towards Shag Rocks, gouging of the shallow seabed found there may be catastrophic for biodiverse seabed communities, including nursery areas for valuable fish stocks.'

There are fears that A76A could move east towards South Georgia and get stuck in the shallow waters of its continental shelf, or possibly head for the nearby islets known as Shag Rocks
'Everything Everywhere All At Once' won seven awards at the Oscars Sunday and although science fiction, the film's plot combines two physicist-backed theories about the multiverse.

The award-winning film focuses on Evelyn Wang (played by Michelle Yeoh), who must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse.

The multiverse is a theory that our universe may not be the only one but is one of an infinite number of parallel universes that contain infinite versions of ourselves.

The film's creators said they pulled inspiration from the many worlds interpretation and cosmic bubble theory.

One suggests that when you decide, you split the universe in two and the other goes back to when the universe formed during the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' focuses on Evelyn Wang (played by Michelle Yeoh), who must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse

'Everything All At Once' was written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who call themselves the Daniels.

In an interview with the New York Times, the Daniels reveal how the film combines the two multiverse theories.

'It's fun to imagine both versions,' Kwan said. 'Both of them are pointing toward infinity or just pointing toward the unknown.'

The many worlds interpretation supports the idea that there are multiple versions of ourselves, which several physicists from well-known research centers, like Oxford University and MIT, created.

The concept was devised by Hugh Everett in the late 1950s, who developed the idea for his PhD thesis.

This interpretation proposes each event could have more than one outcome causing reality to splinter and branch off to create new universes where alternate events happen.

Max Tegmark, a physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a supporter of the idea, told The Washington Post: 'I actually try to think, when I get a parking ticket, 'Hey, there's another version of a parallel universe where I didn't get ticketed,' so I can feel a bit better. And there's another version where my car got towed.'

The cosmic bubble suggests that since the universe expanded at an extraordinary speed after the Big Bang, it created quantum fluctuations that caused separate bubble universes that developed in their own ways.

Evelyn and her husband, Waymond (played by Ke Huy Quan), go to an IRS building to discuss the issue and here, Waymond is controlled by a version of himself from another world (pictured) - the Alpha-Verse

Speaking with the New York Times, the Daniels said the movie is less about physics and more about how physics makes you feel.

'If you could see alternate lives, that would be  that would send you spiraling,' Scheinert said.

'It would send any of us kind of spiraling about, like, lives you could have led and choices you could have made.'

The film focuses on Evelyn, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant who owns a laundromat being audited by the IRS.

She and her husband, Waymond (played by Ke Huy Quan), go to an IRS building to discuss the issue.

While there, Waymond is controlled by a version of himself from another world - the Alpha-Verse.

The Alpha-Verse was the first to develop technology to track the other universes' direction and the ability to tap into the different parts of the multiverse mentally.

Evelyn is played by Michelle Yeoh (left), who won the Oscar for best actress, and Ke Huy Quan, who plays her husband, won the Oscar for best supporting actor

The Alpha-Waymond gives Evelyn a device to jump into the minds of Evelyn of other realities.

And the ability to jump through worlds was presented by Burt Goldman, a self-proclaimed spiritual master and energy healer.

Goldman created this as a self-help technique, believing people can shift their consciousness to access other realities and change their lives.

Physicist Cynthia Sue Larson has written the book 'Quantum Jumps: An Extraordinary Science of Happiness and Prosperity.

Larson proposes a similar idea that coincides with her 'paradigm shift' theory that we exist in an interconnected holographic multiverse.

Many scientists have resisted the concept of infinite universes because no one has found a way to measure the idea.

Geraint Lewis Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Sydney, Australia and author of 'Where Did the Universe Come From? And Other Cosmic Questions, told Forbes: 'Once we have the mathematics in hand, we will have a chance of seeing if we can detect the presence of other universes  currently we have no idea which path we are on.'
Saudi Arabia has announced the creation of a new national airline, part of a plan to turn Riyadh into a global aviation hub rivalling regional leaders such as Dubai and Doha.

Riyadh Air 'aims to launch flights to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030', the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Gulf kingdom is pursuing ambitious aviation goals as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's wide-ranging 'Vision 2030' reform agenda, including more than tripling annual traffic to 330million passengers by the end of the decade.

It also wants to move up to five million tonnes of cargo each year.

Last November officials announced plans for a new airport in the capital Riyadh - spanning 57 square kilometres (22 square miles) - that is set to accommodate 120million travellers per year by 2030 and 185million travellers by 2050.

Saudi Arabia has announced the creation of a new national airline, part of a plan to turn Riyadh (above) into a global aviation hub rivalling regional leaders such as Dubai and Doha

The capacity of the existing Riyadh airport is around 35million travellers.

The new airline is the latest in 'a huge package of projects' that will 'consolidate our country's position as an international hub for aviation and a global logistics centre', Saudi transport minister Saleh Al-Jasser said on Twitter.

Tony Douglas, former head of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, has been appointed CEO, SPA said.

Sunday's announcement said Riyadh Air would operate a 'fleet of advanced aircraft', but did not specify how big the fleet would be or from where it would be sourced.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund that will own the airline, was 'close to a deal' with Boeing for an aircraft order 'valued at $35billion' (28billion).

The kingdom's busiest international airport is currently in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, where flag carrier Saudia is based.

Known as the 'Gateway to Mecca', the city welcomes millions of Muslims performing the hajj and umrah pilgrimages each year.

Last November officials announced plans for a new airport in the capital Riyadh that is set to accommodate 120million travellers per year by 2030 and 185million travellers by 2050. The capacity of the existing Riyadh airport (above) is around 35million travellers

Officials have in recent years tried to position Riyadh, in central Saudi Arabia, as a rival to business hub Dubai.

'They want to make it a cosmopolitan city competing with the likes of Dubai and the likes of Doha from an investment perspective, from a tourism perspective, from an infrastructure perspective,' Khalil Lamrabet, former CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, told AFP last November.

'And to do that you need the country to develop a dedicated hub in Riyadh.'

The capital currently has around eight million people, but officials have said they want the population to grow to 15-20 million by 2030.

Industry analysts have questioned whether Saudi Arabia's goals are feasible, with some describing the regional market as already 'saturated'.

Yet the Saudi strategy hinges partly on tapping the domestic market in a country with a population of around 35million, which officials see as a major advantage for national carriers over rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways.

'There is sizable outbound traffic out of the kingdom as well as sizable domestic traffic,' Lamrabet said.

'The reliance on transfer (flights) will not be as high as the other hubs in the region.'
The Rhodes tourist department welcomed British tourists with free gifts, a water salute and music as they touched down on the island this weekend.

The first chartered flights from London touched down at Diagoras airport around midday on Saturday to a warm reception, with passengers met with a water arch from the local fire service.

Members of the tourism department offered gifts of sweets and honey, and the municipality's philharmonic band played local music, as the island continues to build back its tourism industry from the pandemic.

Tourism receipts made a 97% recovery on pre-pandemic figures last year, helped largely by a substantial increase in visitors from Britain, France and Germany.

Meanwhile, British holidaymakers have been put off by comments from Lanzarote President Maria Dolores Corujo suggesting the popular destination would aim to 'reduce dependence on the British market' and seek 'higher quality tourism and holidaymakers who spend more when they're here.'

British tourists are welcomed with a water salute from a fire engine as they land in Greece

The municipality's philharmonic band kick off the local tourist season with Greek music

As Greece looks to woo foreign travellers for the summer tourism season, the mayor of Rhodes, Antonis Kambourakis, underlined: 'Rhodes is once again at the top.

'For the first time so early, the tourist season opens in Rhodes with charter flights from Great Britain. Rhodes marks the opening of the summer for all of Greece.'

The island economy of Rhodes, home to about 125,000 people, is heavily dependent on tourism.

Nationally, tourism contributed 38.3bn EUR (33.9bn) to the Greek economy pre-pandemic, falling by more than half in 2020 and recovering to 27bn EUR (23.9bn) only by 2021.

Revenues still did not surpass pre-pandemic sums, in part as large markets from Russia and Ukraine were frozen due to the war.

Tourism to Rhodes was about 8% higher in 2022 than in 2019.

The 140 passengers from Britain were welcomed on the first charter flight of the year on Saturday.

Meanwhile, other holiday destinations still reeling from the pandemic have sought to attract new demographics to ease overreliance on any one group.

The President of the island of Lanzarote, historically a popular destination for British tourists, made headlines after raising concerns about depending too much on foreign tourism.

She said previously the island would pursue 'a diversification strategy to reduce dependence on the British market.'

About 45% of Lanzarote's tourists are British.

Since 2010, the UK market has also grown 73%, while the second largest demographic - visitors from Germany - has grown a flat 50%.

Lanzarote tourist board information shows Britons also spend an average of 34.94 per day on the volcanic islands, more than most foreign visitors.

Despite this, Ms Dolores Corujo said: 'It's essential to work on the diversification of the sector and the growth of markets like the German market, which adapt to our intentions of aiming at higher-quality tourism and holidaymakers who spend more when they're here and moves us away from mass tourism.'

Visitors from Britain to Rhodes were offered flags, sweets, honey and gifts from the island

Lanzarote seeks to diversify its tourist economy, reducing reliance on British visitors

Many British holidaymakers took offence to the comments, prompting the Spanish Tourist Office to reassure visitors that the island would not 'discriminate by type of visitor'.

UK Director Manuel Butler said: 'Spain is a socially inclusive destination and we do not discriminate.

'We warmly welcome our British guests.'

Francisco Martinez, vice-president of Lanzarote's Island Association of Hotels and Apartments, said leaders were opening an unnecessary debate and being 'badly advised'.
Chaotic footage has surfaced of female guests wrestling over the bridal bouquet at the wedding of Bachelor stars Irena Srbinovska and Locky Gilbert.

The couple exchanged vows at a lavish venue in Melbourne on Friday, but things became decidedly rowdy during the reception when it came time for Irena to toss her bouquet.

According to superstition, whoever catches the bouquet is supposedly next to walk down the aisle.

Bridesmaids Stephanie Lynch and Laura O'Loughlin, who both competed for Jimmy Nicholson's roses on The Bachelor in 2021, found themselves battling for flowers yet again after Irena threw her white bouquet into the crowd.

Footage taken by fellow bridesmaid Alisha Aitken-Radburn shows Stephanie and Laura lunging, grappling and clawing at each other in an attempt to secure the coveted posy.

Chaotic footage has surfaced of female guests wrestling over the bridal bouquet at the wedding of Bachelor stars Irena Srbinovska (left) and Locky Gilbert (right)

Bella Colwell, another Bachelor contestant from Locky's season in 2020, attempts to enter the fray, before tripping over Stephanie and tumbling onto the dance floor.

Petals go flying everywhere as Stephanie scrambles to rip the flowers out of Laura's hands, but not before Laura manages to declare herself victorious.

'The most dramatic bouquet toss in Bachelor history,' Alisha captioned the footage.

Bridesmaids Stephanie Lynch and Laura O'Loughlin, who both competed for Jimmy Nicholson's roses on The Bachelor in 2021, found themselves battling for flowers yet again after Irena threw her white bouquet into the crowd (pictured)

The video garnered a mixed response, with some saying it was 'hilarious' and 'brutal', while others called the women's behaviour 'embarrassing'.

'Someone really wants to get married,' one fan commented, while another added: 'Desperate is not a vibe.'

'Ladies, if you're throwing yourself at him like this he should be tossed, not the bouquet,' wrote fellow Bachelor star-turned-relationship guru Belinda 'Love' Rygier.

Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg applauded the women for their efforts, commenting: 'You're puttin' the real into reality. Solid effort.'

Stephanie Lynch (left) and Laura O'Loughlin (right) brawled over the bouquet. Both women are pictured on the 2021 season of The Bachelor
Pia Whitesell sent pulses racing in a daring dress while attending the William Morris Endeavor Oscar Party on Sunday with her husband Patrick Whitesell.

The former Home and Away star, 39, stunned in a $2,765 one-shoulder black Stella McCartney dress that featured semi-sheer mesh panels at the waist.

She accessorised with a gold cuff bracelet, and styled her long brunette tresses in loose waves.

Pia showed off the dazzling dress in a series of photos shared to Instagram.

'Last night,' she captioned her post, tagging her stylist and hair and makeup artists.

Pia Whitesell sent pulses racing in a daring dress while attending the William Morris Endeavor Oscar Party on Sunday with her husband Patrick Whitesell

She added: 'With mi amor and our gorgeous new stairs.'

In one photo, the Chilean-born Australian model held hands with her husband, 57, who is the chairman of Hollywood talent agency WME.

Friends and fans flocked to the comments to fawn over the loved-up couple and Pia's incredible dress, including footy WAG Bec Judd, who wrote: 'Are you kidding me?'

The former Home and Away star (pictured with her husband Patrick) stunned in a $2,765 one-shoulder black Stella McCartney dress that featured semi-sheer mesh panels at the waist

Pia showed off the dazzling dress in a series of photos shared to Instagram

'OMG queen you are the best most beautiful woman ever,' added a follower.

'You both look great. And so does your staircase,' one fan wrote.

The mother of two tied the knot in secret with Patrick just months after they announced their engagement in November 2020.

The mother of two tied the knot in secret with Patrick just months after they announced their engagement in November 2020

She relocated from Australia to LA to live with her beau in September 2021.

Pia emigrated with her sons Isaiah, 18, whose father's identity has been kept a secret, and Lennox, 13, whom she shares with her ex-husband Brad Miller.

Last month, the former soap star posted a sweet photo with her husband on Instagram.

In the black and white image, they shared a cocktail together with Patrick shooting a look of adoration at his gorgeous wife.
David Blaine persevered through a separated shoulder - with help getting it popped back in - during his performance Saturday evening at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas.

The 49-year-old performer had a miscue when he landed after leaping from an 80-foot distance into a pit of foam boxes at the venue, dislocating his right shoulder on impact, the hotel told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The New York City native informed the crowd that he injured in the opening sequence, eyewitnesses told TMZ.

He then recruited a group of crew members onstage who attempted to work his shoulder back into place, as he writhed in pain during the effort.

The veteran illusionist then sought out help from any doctors in the audience, and a number of people emerged to help, looking to pop his shoulder back in, eventually getting it done.

The latest: David Blaine, 49, persevered through a separated shoulder - with help getting it popped back in - during his performance Saturday evening at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas

Blaine took a break as he appeared to be reeling from the injury, but soldiered on with the show, impressing the audience in doing so, witnesses told TMZ.

A number of audience members took to Instagram Stories to laud Blaine for his perseverance in putting on an 'awesome show' in spite of injuring himself at the outset.

Blaine is 'fine' and 'the show must, and did, go on,' an insider close to Blaine told the outlet.

According to the paper, Blaine has upped the ante on risky stunts during his current stint at the venue. On Friday, Blaine said he almost blacked out onstage amid a routine in which he holds his breath while under water in a tank.

The magician also suffered a pierced left palm during a December 17 show. In the outing, Blaine slammed his hand over a trio of cups - picked out by people in the crowd - that were positioned over an ice pick.

Blaine says of his Sin City shows on his website: 'A lot of the show will be brand new things that people have never seen before. I visited Resorts World when the theater was still under construction - and fell in love with the room.

'The stage is high-tech. The ceilings are 85 feet tall. Having such great heights allows me to dream up things that Ive always wanted to do but has not been possible in any other theater, until now.'

He added that there will also 'be some of my favorite pieces of magic, and interaction with the audience.'

Blaine recruited a group of crew members onstage who attempted to work his shoulder back into place, as he writhed in pain during the effort

The entertainer appeared to be in significant pain as crew members worked to pop his shoulder back in

The veteran illusionist then sought out help from any doctors in the audience, and a number of people emerged to help, looking to pop his shoulder back in, eventually getting it done

A number of audience members took to Instagram Stories to laud Blaine for his perseverance in putting on an 'awesome show' in spite of injuring himself at the outset
Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix appeared to leave her recent relationship drama behind as she jetted off to Oaxaca, Mexico, for a friend's wedding.

The reality TV star, 37, looked incredibly in a vivid pink dress and appeared to be in good spirits as she flashed a smile, following her split from boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 39, last week over his shocking affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, 28.

The blonde beauty blended right in with the guests and locals and showed off her dance moves while enjoying the party.

The star's bright spaghetti strap dress featured front cut-outs and an ombre green bottom. She added extra height to her look with a pair of teetering white platform heels.

She accessorized the look with a woven basket crossbody bag, and wore her blonde tresses in a high bun.

Leaving the drama behind: Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix appeared to leave her recent relationship drama behind as she jetted off to Oaxaca, Mexico, for a friend's wedding

Jovial: The reality TV star, 37, looked incredibly in a vivid pink dress and appeared to be in good spirits as she flashed a smile and showed off her dance moves

Tom who? It comes following her split from boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 39, last week over his shocking affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, 28

Tom was reportedly invited to the wedding as well, but declined the invitation due to a prior engagement - reportedly before the cheating scandal was revealed, according to TMZ.

The cheating scandal broke last Friday, as it was revealed Sandoval and Ariana split after it emerged he had been 'hooking up' with Raquel, DailyMail.com has confirmed.

Madix - who dated Sandoval for nine years - is said to have found out about the alleged cheating with Leviss on Wednesday, ending their nine-year romance shortly afterwards.

A source informed People the alleged affair 'has been going on for upwards of six months - all the while, Tom was sleeping next to Ariana in bed. She was completely blindsided by this; devastated doesn't even scratch the surface of how she feels.'

The insider added: 'This is someone she thought she knew; someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with. You can't even put into words that betrayal.'

Insiders claimed that Madix caught sight of a raunchy selfie video from Leviss on Sandoval's phone while she was at the concert venue.

Upon inspecting his texts, she saw that Sandoval and Leviss had been corresponding in a way People described as 'inappropriate.'

Another source said that Sandoval and Leviss had been meaning to inform Madix about the affair 'for weeks' as per Page Six.

A natural: The blonde beauty blended right in with the guests and locals and showed off her dance moves while enjoying the party

A blast: The beauty appeared to be having a blast, despite the recent breakup

Ombre: The star's bright spaghetti strap dress featured front cut-outs and an ombre green bottom

Heels: She added extra height to her look with a pair of teetering white platform heels

Cute: She accessorized the look with a woven basket crossbody bag, and wore her blonde tresses in a high bun

Solo: Tom was reportedly invited to the wedding as well, but declined the invitation due to a prior engagement - reportedly before the cheating scandal was revealed, according to TMZ

They waited so long, though, that Madix wound up discovering their secret herself Wednesday night when she saw Leviss' texts on Sandoval's phone.

Both Sandoval and Leviss have since apologized, however Madix is reportedly not ready to accept at the moment, according to TMZ.

Last week it was revealed that Sandoval and Leviss were allegedly having a 'full-on affair' for months, leading up to his split from Madix.

Leviss and Sandoval 'have been communicating inappropriately for months' according to a source who spoke with Page Six, and now 'want to be together.'

Her ex beau's close friend and business partner, Tom Schwartz, 40, recently shared that Sandavol is doing 'okay' but added that he has 'a sense of profound sadness, rightfully so. I think he feels like a piece of s**t.'

'And to some extent, maybe he is,' Tom added while chuckling . 'But he knows he f****d up. The whole thing is just really sad.'

He also shared his thoughts on Ariana: 'Luckily Ariana has a good support system, and she's with her friends. I'm not sure where she is, but I hope she's living the good life, and just indulging. I hope she goes on a living spree.'

Madix unfollowed Sandoval and Leviss on Instagram after learning about their months-long affair. She also unfollowed Schwartz, who allegedly found out about his pal's cheating 'a month ago.'

'Blindsided': 'She was completely blindsided by this; devastated doesn't even scratch the surface of how she feels,' a source told People of the affair

Betrayal: The insider added: 'This is someone she thought she knew; someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with. You can't even put into words that betrayal'

How she found out: Insiders claimed that Madix caught sight of a raunchy selfie video from Leviss on Sandoval's phone while she was at the concert venue

Colorful: The beauty posed with a number of colorfully-dressed gal pals

Life of the party: The star appeared to have a grand time

Interesting: Another source said that Sandoval and Leviss had been meaning to inform Madix about the affair 'for weeks' as per Page Six

Unfollowed: Madix unfollowed Sandoval and Leviss on Instagram after learning about their months-long affair

Making her way: Ariana stunned as she made her way down the street in the vivid ensemble

Cute detail: She was pictured holding a chic fan in her hand

Sandoval first apologized for cheating on Ariana with their castmate in a social media post, in which he addressed his months-long affair, last week.

While addressing rumors that he was unfaithful for the first time online, he took to Instagram to plead with fans not to attack his loved ones and colleagues over his actions.

Sandoval, who is also business partners with Schwartz, wrote that his costar only learned of his infidelity 'very recently' and 'did not condone' his actions.

He later issues another apology on Tuesday evening, days after Ariana's name was omitted from his first public comment on the matter.

'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.'

Split: Last week it was revealed that Sandoval and Leviss were allegedly having a 'full-on affair' for months, leading up to his split from Madix; Sandoval and Madix pictured Feb 2023

Messy: Both Sandoval and Leviss have since apologized, however Madix is reportedly not ready to accept at the moment, according to TMZ (Sandoval and Leviss seen in 2021)

Apology: Sandoval shared an apology on his social media last week, pleading with fans not to attack his loved ones and colleagues over his actions
She is a hot favourite to win the Best Actress award for her role in Tar at the Oscars.

And Cate Blanchett made a style statement as she arrived at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Australian actress, 53, looked breathtaking in a unique turquoise and black Eighties-inspired custom-made Louis Vuitton ensemble.

Cate Blanchett certainly made a style statement as she arrived at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday

The top of Cate's ensemble was made from a gorgeous satin material and featured a draped top with shoulder pads and a fishtail skirt.

She accessorised with a pair of diamond drop earrings, a large matching ring and a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti shoes hidden under her outfit.

The blonde beauty wore her locks up in a chic chignon and her glowing visage was accentuated by a simple and elegant makeup palette.

Cate is up for her coveted third gong, landing the Best Actress nomination for her lead role in the psychological drama Tar.

She is a well decorated actress, having already won two Oscars from seven previous nominations.

The top of Cate's dress was made from a gorgeous satin material and featured a draped top with shoulder pads and a fishtail skirt

The star has recently been hard at work on the set of her new film Borderlands alongside Jamie Lee Curtis.

In Borderlands, Cate stars as Lilith, an infamous outlaw who leads a team on an intergalactic mission to find her missing daughter.

Curtis plays Dr. Patricia Tannis, a scientist grappling with her own sanity.

Directed and co-written by Eli Roth, the science fiction action comedy film is based on the video game of the same name.

The blonde beauty wore her locks up in a chic chignon and her glowing visage was accentuated by a very simple makeup palette
Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson was still on a high on Monday after placing the winning bid on her dream home over the weekend.

The mother of one, 48, splashed out $13.25million on a three-storey oceanfront house in Clovelly at an open auction on Saturday.

She continued her celebrations on The Kyle and Jackie O Show as her co-host Kyle Sandilands applauded her on her bold bidding.

KIIS FM newsreader Brooklyn Ross also noted that Jackie's reaction to winning the auction was caught on camera by nearby paparazzi.

'You know what? That was kind of good to have that moment, because you would never film yourself at an auction,' Jackie replied.

Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson was still on a high on Monday after placing the winning bid on her dream home over the weekend

After admitting the auction was 'hectic', Kyle critiqued her outfit choice.

'No bloke like girls in those little Jesus sandals,' he said.

'I don't care! I'm not there to get a bloke, I'm there to get a house!' Jackie responded.

Jackie looked absolutely elated when she placed the winning bid on her dream home on Saturday.

KIIS FM newsreader Brooklyn Ross noted that Jackie's reaction to winning the auction was caught on camera by nearby paparazzi (as seen here). 'You know what? That was kind of good to have that moment, because you would never film yourself at an auction,' Jackie replied

She was flanked by her daughter Kitty, 11, who watched her mum place the winning bid.

Jackie raised her paddle a final time to emerge victorious after going up against two other keen bidders in the final rounds.

The media personality had been spotted inspecting the six-bedroom house just days earlier.

The fixer-upper is set back from the road, offering privacy she didn't have on the narrow streets of her former address.

Henderson pocketed a tidy $2million in profit on the sale of her old home in Woollahra, after paying $1million over the $10million asking price for it in 2020.

Sources said she barely got to enjoy the luxury property the last few years due to the paparazzi frenzy in the nearby park.

'They were gazing in from the park and it's just such a narrow street making it difficult to escape,' they said.
Channel Nine was barred from covering the Oscars 'champagne carpet' at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, after rival network Seven secured exclusive rights to cover the awards.

Nine's U.S. correspondent Lauren Tomasi was denied access to the venue despite working for one of Australia's biggest networks, and was relegated to covering Elton John's Oscars viewing party, an annual AIDS fundraiser frequented by celebrities who typically aren't nominated for awards, at nearby West Hollywood Park.

This year's guest list included Victoria's Secret model Heidi Klum, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and actress Hilary Duff.

Meanwhile, Seven reporters Sonia Kruger and Ashlee Mullany had exclusive access to the world's biggest stars arriving at the Oscars as they reported live to Sunrise and The Morning Show.

Despite not having a spot in the media scrum, Nine's Today show did its best to cover the Academy Awards by combining Tomasi's live dispatches from West Hollywood Park with footage of A-listers arriving at the Dolby Theatre.

Channel Nine was barred from covering the Oscars 'champagne carpet' at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, after rival network Seven secured exclusive rights to cover the awards. (Pictured: Nine's U.S. correspondent Lauren Tomasi, right, reporting to Today host Sarah Abo, left, live from the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party at West Hollywood Park)

While Elton's event raises vital funds for AIDS research, the viewing party inevitably fails to attract the same level of star power as the official Oscars red carpet.

This year's Academy Awards was brimming with A-list talent, including Michelle Yeoh, Florence Pugh, Michelle Williams and Idris Elba.

Kruger, who used to work for Nine, rubbed shoulders with the world's biggest stars as she interviewed the likes of Nicole Kidman and Baz Luhrmann.

Channel Nine confirmed that media accreditation for the Oscars red carpet was only granted to official broadcast right holders, including Seven.

'Rubbing shoulders with the A-list at Elton John's viewing party, Lauren Tomasi did a superb job capturing Hollywood's night of nights for TODAY,' Nine told Daily Mail Australia,

Seven reporters Sonia Kruger (pictured) and Ashlee Mullany had exclusive access to the world's biggest stars as they reported live to Sunrise and The Morning Show

Nine's U.S. correspondent Lauren Tomasi (pictured) was denied access to the venue despite working for one of Australia's biggest networks, and was relegated to covering Elton John's Oscars viewing party, an annual AIDS fundraiser frequented by celebrities who typically aren't nominated for awards, at nearby West Hollywood Park

This year's Oscars received a makeover after the colour of its red carpet was changed to champagne - a beige-yellowish colour that derives its name from the French sparkling wine.

This marked the first time the carpet's colour had changed since 1961.

The Academy's creative team decided that because the celebrity arrivals were being held in a covered area rather than outside, the carpet should evoke a feeling of joy.

'We chose this beautiful sienna, saffron colour that evokes sunset, as this is the sunset before the golden hour,' said creative team leader Lisa Love.

'This is just a lightness and hopefully people like it,' she added.

While Elton's event raises vital funds for AIDS research, the viewing party inevitably fails to attract the same level of star power as the official Oscars red carpet. (Pictured: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban at the Academy Awards)

Kruger (left), who used to work for Nine, rubbed shoulders with the world's biggest stars as she interviewed the likes of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban for Seven's morning shows
Jennifer Coolidge looked phenomenal while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday.

The White Lotus star, 61, was ever the blonde bombshell in a clingy black gown with built-in gloves, and a Victorias Secret Dream Angels bra that showed off her hourglass curves at the bash celebrating the 95th Annual Academy Awards.

The beauty wore her blonde tresses in a gloriously voluminous style, with gentle waves, and accessorized with a black clutch.

The actress - who recently won a SAG award for her role on the hit HBO series - further sparkled up her look with large silver hoops and a number of rings.

As for glam, the Legally Blonde star opted for smokey eyeshadow and a hint of pink lipstick on her pout.

Phenomenal: Jennifer Coolidge looked phenomenal while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday

Vanity Fair's Oscar Party - which celebrates Hollywood's biggest night and is considered one of the most exclusive post-Oscar parties - is hosted by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones.

Jennifer has swept the board this awards season, gaining an Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, two Critics Choice Awards, and two SAG Awards, for her role as Tanya McQuoid in White Lotus.

She spoke about her character White Lotus character in a recent interview with W Magazine, saying: 'I feel bad for her, because she didnt know what she was made of. She didnt have that kind of faith in herself. Sometimes these scary things happen in life.

'And then you find out, in like two seconds, that you are a survivor and that you can really pull through for yourself, sometimes in a way that you never believed you could.'

Jennifer recently conquered the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series at the SAG Awards for her knockout performance in The White Lotus.

The star took to stage and gave an emotional acceptance speech as she talked about how her 'amazing parents' inspired her to act.

'I had these amazing parents. And they had this incredible gift. It was impossible for them to lie,' the bombshell explained. 'They just couldn't do it. Never, they just never lied.'

Coolidge went on to tell a heartwarming story of how her father forced himself to lie and say that she was sick, so that he could take her out of elementary school and go to a Charlie Chaplin film festival.

Bombshell: The White Lotus star, 61, was ever the blonde bombshell in a clingy black gown with built-in gloves that showed off her hourglass curves

Stunner: The beauty wore her blonde tresses in a gloriously voluminous style, with gentle waves, and accessorized with a black clutch

Sparkling: The actress further sparkled up her look with large silver hoops and a number of rings

Jennifer said: 'The school principal came to my first grade class and said that I needed to be called to the office. And I went to the office and she said, "Your father is here."

'My father was sitting there and saying "Yeah, Jenny, we have to go." And the principal said, "Jennifer, get well," and I didn't know what that meant.

'And then I got in the car with my dad and he was driving and he said, "I'm never going to tell a lie again, but we're going somewhere really cool."'

Coolidge then explained that her dad took her to the festival, which ignited her passion for acting.

'I swear to God, seeing Charlie Chaplin for the first time, and having that experience  it's my love of film, it's my love of actors, all of that came from my first grade.'

Jennifer also thanked the creator of The White Lotus, Mike White, saying: 'Mike White, you can give money to friends  and people like money. But the best gift you can give to someone is to change their perspective. And thats what Mike White did for me.'

The show has just been renewed for a third season.

Emotional win: Jennifer recently got emotional during her acceptance speech at the 2023 SAG awards, after winning for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jon Hamm and his new fiancee Anna Osceola coordinated on the red carpet while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Mad Men star, 52, was dapper as ever in a classic black tuxedo and bowtie, while the Conspiracy actress, 34, dazzled in a classy black and white one-shoulder gown at the bash celebrating the 95th Annual Academy Awards.

The beauty wore her brunette tresses parted in the middle and cascading down, and accessorized with a green clutch.

It was the first red carpet outing for the couple since the announcement of their engagement last month.

The pair first met when they co-starred on Mad Men in 2015, after Anna bagged a small role as the receptionist named Clementine at Esalen, a spiritual California retreat that Jon's character (Don Draper) attended in the final episode of the AMC series.

Dazzling pair: Jon Hamm and his new fiancee Anna Osceola coordinated on the red carpet while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles on Sunday

Vanity Fair's Oscar Party - which celebrates Hollywood's biggest night and is considered one of the most exclusive post-Oscar parties - is hosted by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones.

At the time of the couple's meeting, Jon was in an 18-year long relationship with Jennifer Westfeldt, 53, during which both frequently said they never wanted to get married. They broke up in 2015.

Jon and Anna have been spotted together dating as far back as 2017 but rumors of their romance really took off in 2020 when the pair were repeatedly spotted running errands together during the coronavirus lockdown.

In an appearance on Howard Stern in September 2022, the Baby Driver star said he could see himself getting married someday, after previously vowing it would never happen for him as he didn't have the 'marriage chip' inside him.

'This is all part of what I'm saying,' Jon said at the time. 'This is another place in my life that I feel very settled and comfortable. I'm in a relationship right now and it's comfortable.'

He added that that he's been able to sit down to start 'really thinking about all that stuff, that's made the relationship that I'm in now even more meaningful and opened up the possibility of things like being married, having kids, defining a new version of happiness, life, wellness.'

'It sounds hokey and whatever, but it's real and for one of a better word, it's what I'm working for,' he continued. 'What else is there other than that?'

During that interview, the Bridesmaids actor also said that he was 'very much in love.'

Classy: The Mad Men star, 52, was dapper as ever in a classic black tuxedo and bowtie, while the Conspiracy actress, 34, dazzled in a classy black and white one-shoulder gown

Newly engaged: It was the first red carpet outing for the couple since the announcement of their engagement last month

Stunner: The beauty wore her brunette tresses parted in the middle and cascading down, and accessorized with a green clutch

Where they made their debut: The couple made their red carpet debut in 2022, when they attended the Vanity Fair Oscars after party together

The interview was in stark contrast to comments he made in 2012, where he revealed he categorically doesn't believe in marriage and that he has no yearning to be a father.

He told the magazine: 'I don't have a driving force to have a baby.'

Before adding: 'That said, I'm in a committed relationship, and if it ever came up, I'm not ruling it out.'

But he's even more vehement on the subject of marriage.

'I don't have a particularly defined example of marriage in my life,' he said.

Before adding: 'My parents got divorced when I was two and never remarried. So it doesn't mean anything to me.'

The couple made their red carpet debut in 2022, when they attended the Vanity Fair Oscars after party together.

They also attended the 2022 ESPYs together, where they packed on the PDAs on the red carpet.

And Jon and Anna also reunited on screen for the first time since the Mad Men finale in 2022 in the third installment of the Fletch franchise, Confess, Fletch.

Where it all began: The couple met on the series finale of Med Men when Anna played Clementine, the receptionist at the wellness retreat Don Draper attended
Sarah McGilvray's brutal exit from Fitzy & Wippa was finally acknowledged on Monday, four weeks after she vanished from the airwaves.

McGilvray spent 12 years working for the Nova 96.9 breakfast show, eight of those in front of the microphone, before being pushed out to make way for Kate Ritchie, who was drafted in from the network's national drive show.

Co-hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli paid tribute to their long-time colleague on Monday - their first day on air with Ritchie as a presenter.

While they were no doubt being sincere in wishing their mate well, one remark came across as painfully awkward in light of the circumstances of McGilvray's exit.

Wipfli urged McGilvray to 'stay in the radio game', which felt like a hollow gesture given the fact she was pushed out of her job by Nova management.

Sarah McGilvray's brutal exit from Fitzy & Wippa was finally acknowledged on Monday by her former co-hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald (left) and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli (right)

McGilvray (pictured) spent 12 years working for the Nova 96.9 breakfast show, eight of those in front of the microphone, before being pushed out to make way for Kate Ritchie

'Guys, we wanted to have a chat here because with the announcement on Friday that we made about the show, the excitement of Kate Ritchie joining, it's clear that Sarah, who has worked with us for the past ten years, has left the show,' Wipfli began.

'So we wanted to say a couple of words just to acknowledge that and also thank Sez. She has been a huge part of the show for the past ten years, and as a colleague and a friend even more, we want to say that we love her to pieces and she's given everything to this show.

'We hope she stays in the radio game.'

Fitzgerald went on to say McGilvray had started as a producer before stepping in front of the microphone and helping create some 'amazing moments' on the show.

He recounted his 'favourite Sar moment' when the Fitzy and Wippa team was in LA on a work trip and they saw Leonardo DiCaprio having a cigarette 'round the back of their hotel' and McGilvray tried - and failed - to get a photo with him.

'We talk about it to this day. Those memories will stick with me forever, Sarah. I love you to death,' he added.

Wipfli concluded: 'So we say thank you, Sez. We know you're great at the radio game. We hope you stick with it, and we wish you all the best.'

Nova confirmed in a statement last Friday that Ritchie would be joining Fitzgerald and Wipfli on their Sydney breakfast show from March 13.

Nova confirmed in a statement last Friday that Ritchie (centre) would be joining Fitzgerald (left) and Wipfli (right) on their Sydney breakfast show on 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 came a day after Ricki-Lee Coulter was confirmed as Ritchie's replacement on the Kate, Tim and Joel national drive show

Fitzgerald and Wipfli's long-time co-anchor McGilvray (second from right) faced a 'brutal' exit from the breakfast show to make way for Ritchie

Ritchie had been absent from the afternoon slot for months, during which time she entered a rehab facility for alcohol dependency.

Over on breakfast, McGilvray faced a 'brutal' exit from the Fitzy & Wippa show to make way for Ritchie, with Nova FM staff speaking of their 'shock' and 'confusion' over her 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 two weeks ago.

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.

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.

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

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.
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The first official trailer Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey premiered during Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony, which aired on ABC.

Bailey, 22, introduced the two-minute and 18-second teaser to the audience at the Dolby Theater, as well as viewers at home with co-star Melissa McCarthy, 52, by her side.

Bailey plays mermaid Ariel - the film's main protagonist who dreams of life on land - while McCarthy will show off her vocal talents as malevolent sea witch, Ursula, who presents with an offer she can't refuse.

The trailer opens with a giant ship battling a raging storm and rough waters in the dead of night.

One man falls overboard but is soon saved by Ariel, who swims him to shore and places his unconscious body on the sand just as the sun begins to rise.

First look: The first trailer Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey premiered during Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony, which aired on ABC

The teaser was two-minutes and 18-seconds

Main character: Halle Bailey plays Ariel, the film's main protagonist who dreams of life on land

The man - who is the ever handsome Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King - slowly opens his eyes to see a blurry image of Ariel hovering over him.

But she suddenly hears Eric's shipmates, who had made it through the brutal storm, running in their direction. Ariel quickly makes her way back into the water and swims away.

The next scene gives viewers a glimpse of Ariel's underwater world which she ventures through with her loyal companion, a fish named Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), by her side.

Her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), is then seen scolding Ariel for 'breaking the rules' by 'going to the above world.'

She tries to explain that she did so in order to save a man in trouble, but King Triton won't have it.

'Your obsession with humans has to stop,' he says, to which Ariel replies: 'I just want to know more about them.'

Determined to get her wish, Ariel accepts the help of Ursula who says she can turn her into a human.

'Is that even possible?" Ariel asks.

She appeared in the iconic purple shell bra and green tale that was donned by the cartoon Ariel in Disney's 1989 animated feature

Villain: Her co-star Melissa McCarthy plays malevolent sea witch, Ursula

Familiar friends: Ariel is joined by seagull Scuttle, crab Sebastian and best pal Flounder

'That's what I live for,' Ursula says with a menacing smirk before her tentacles latch on to a wide-eyed Ariel.

After an eruption of colorful lights in the pit of Ursula's den, Ariel is seen swimming to the surface with legs instead of the tale she's always known.

Her seagull pal Scuttle (Awkwafina) can't quite tell what's different about Ariel, which prompts Ariel's guardian, a crab named Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), to fire back: 'She's got legs you idiot!'

Audiences get a better look at Ariel's colorful water world, as well a teaser of a new rendition of Under The Sea.

We also see Ariel trying her best to fit into Eric's life on land and, in order to stay human, she must experience the 'kiss of true love' or else she'll turn back into a mermaid.

'He's a human. You're a mermaid,' says King Triton, to which Ariel replies: 'That doesn't make us enemies.'

It gives viewers a glimpse at Ariel's underwater world

It opens with Ariel saving a man - Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King - who had fallen overboard during a raging storm

She bids farewell to him as she must return to the sea

The King: Her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), is then seen scolding Ariel to 'breaking the rules' by 'going to the above world'

A montage of exciting action sequences - including a glimpse of Ariel and Eric leaning in for a kiss - closes out the official trailer.

The Little Mermaid is slated for a May 26 theatrical release and will feature four original songs as well as old favorites.

Earlier this month, leading lady Halle Bailey shared a career milestone as she showed herself immortalized as a new Little Mermaid doll.

Dressed in a hot pink blazer with feather cuffs, the beauty appeared in a short video and addressed her 4.1 million followers.

'This is the new Little Mermaid doll!' she gushed before adding, 'This means so much to me and to have one that looks like me, that's my favorite Disney character, is very surreal.'

Getting her wish: Later, Ariel accepts the help of Ursula who says she can turn her into a human

Transformed: After an eruption of colorful lights in the pit of Ursula's den, Ariel is seen swimming to the surface with legs instead of a tale

Life on land: We also see Ariel trying her best to fit into Eric's life on land and, in order to stay human, she must experience the 'kiss of true love' or else she'll turn back into a mermaid

So close! A montage of exciting action sequences - including a glimpse of Ariel and Eric leaning in for a kiss - close out the trailer

Bailey, 22, introduced the two-minute and 18-second teaser to the audience at the Dolby Theater, as well as viewers at home with co-star Melissa McCarthy, 52, by her side

The actress wrote in a caption along with the snippet, 'The little girl in me is pinching herself right now.'

She opened the clip by stating, 'Today I have something really exciting to reveal to you all.'

Before holding up the miniature fixture she said, 'I am gonna cry.'

Then, speaking with a shaky voice, the vocalist said, 'I am literally choking up because this means so much to me.'

Adorably, the entertainer who's one half of musical act Chloe x Halle, pointed out, 'And look - she even has my mole!'

The Atlanta-bred music artist presented the doll, which was outfitted in a blue bustier and matching mermaid tail.

The superstar marveled at its flowing orange-red tresses as she said, 'Look! And the hair, and the tail...'

She also noted about the tiny toy, 'And it can be in the water!' as someone recorded her sitting with it in a chair.

'I'm just stunned, so I don't quite know what to do with it but I'm going to steal this and take it home and hide it forever,' she joked.

Thrilled: The 22-year-old songstress  who will star in a live-action remake of the classic later this year  took to Instagram to reveal the figure

Stunned: The actress wrote in a caption along with the snippet, 'The little girl in me is pinching herself right now'

Halle's caption continued, 'I have my own Little Mermaid Ariel doll!!! I cant believe how much she captures my version of this iconic character.'

She added a teary-eyed emoji along with pink hearts and finished the message, 'brb gonna go cry now.'

The performer looked typically gorgeous with her long, locked hair pulled into a high, braided ponytail.

Her face glowed with a palette of flattering, soft, natural-looking makeup that accented her features.

Bailey clutched the doll with gold-manicured hands as she wore a statement-making gold ring. She also wore earrings from Bevza.

Her post quickly collected more than 130,000 likes from her loyal online following.

The upcoming feature also stars Jonah Hauer-King as Principe Eric and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.

The plot's premise will stick closely to the original, following Ariel's deal with sea witch Ursula to have human legs in exchange for her voice.

Public appearance: Halle attended the 2023 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on March 4

Coming soon: Halle will embody the beloved Disney character Ariel in May's live-action movie

Deadline reported that last September's at D23 Expo Halle said, 'Im sure all of you in here can relate to Ariel and how special she is to all of us.

'Being a little girl swimming in the pool, imagining I was a mermaid, I never imagined that would come to life like this.'

Halle discussed filming the iconic scene where she sings Part Of Your World.

'The three days filming Part of Your World was the most beautiful experience of my life, feeling all the feelings she feels, her passion, discomfort, everything shes experiencing.'
Michael B. Jordan took a moment to give a special shout-out to his Black Panther co-star Angela Bassett at the 95th Academy Awards... after she lost the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Bassett, 64, was nominated for her second Oscar in her storied career for portraying Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, though she lost out to Jamie Lee Curtis for Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Jordan, 36, and his Creed III co-star Jonathan Majors, 33, took to the Oscar stage to present the award for Best Cinematography, but before they did so, they gave a short but sweet shout-out to Bassett.

As Jordan and Majors got to the mic, Jordan looked towards Bassett and said, 'Hey Auntie,' as Majors looked at her and said, 'We love you.'

Jordan played Erik Killmonger in both 2018's Black Panther and 2022's Black Panther: Wakonda Forever, the nephew of Bassett's Queen Ramonda.

Shout-out: Michael B. Jordan took a moment to give a special shout-out to his Black Panther co-star Angela Bassett at the 95th Academy Awards... after she lost the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress

Nominated: Bassett, 64, was nominated for her second Oscar in her storied career for portraying Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, though she lost out to Jamie Lee Curtis for Everything Everywhere All At Once

Bassett had previously won the Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, Hollywood Critics Association and NAACP Image Award for her performance as Queen Ramonda.

She was previously nominated for her powerful performance as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do With It, though she lost to Holly Hunter for her performance in The Piano.

The actress was considered a favorite by many to win her first Oscar for Wakanda Forever, though Jamie Lee Curtis ultimately won for her portrayal of Deirdre Beaubeirdre in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Bassett still made Oscar history by becoming the first actor or actress from a Marvel movie to be nominated for an acting Oscar.

She also made headlines in a much different way a few weeks ago, when she was mentioned in Ariana DeBose's bizarre song at the BAFTA Awards where she said, 'Angela Bassett did the thing.'

Bassett herself referenced the strange rap when she accepted her NAACP Image Award for playing Queen Ramonda, joking, 'Yeah! I guess Angela Bassett did the thing!'

The actress also revealed at the NAACP Image Awards that she actually reached out to DeBose after her song went viral.

'I DM'd her last night. I just wanted to make sure she was okay because, you know, it's a lot of attention. And she is A-Okay.'

Previous wins: Bassett had previously won the Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, Hollywood Critics Association and NAACP Image Award for her performance as Queen Ramonda

Favorite: The actress was considered a favorite by many to win her first Oscar for Wakanda Forever, though Jamie Lee Curtis ultimately won for her portrayal of Deirdre Beaubeirdre in Everything Everywhere All At Once

Moment: She also made headlines in a much different way a few weeks ago, when she was mentioned in Ariana DeBose's bizarre song at the BAFTA Awards where she said, 'Angela Bassett did the thing'

Oscar winners 2023: AT A GLANCE Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actor: Brendan Fraser - The Whale Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Original Screenplay): Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Sarah Polley - Women Talking Best Animated Feature Film: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio Best International Feature Film: All Quiet on the Western Front Best Documentary Feature: Navalny Best Film Editing: Paul Rogers - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Music (Original Song): "Naatu Naatu" from RRR Best Sound: Top Gun: Maverick Best Visual Effects: Avatar: The Way of Water Advertisement

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star also said that she thought the moment was 'beautiful'.

Ariana recently issued her first public statement regarding what has quickly gone down as arguably the most embarrassing opening performance in 76-years of rich and varied BAFTA history.

Bassett also offered some advice to her fellow Golden Globe winner Austin Butler, who made headlines for keeping his Elvis accent during his speech.

The 31-year-old actor was asked about the accent immediately in the press room after his big Golden Globe win, but he claimed, 'I dont think I sound like him still, but I guess I havent noticed cause I hear it a lot.'

If anyone could understand this particular predicament it's the 64-year-old Bassett, who also received her first Oscar nomination for a critically-acclaimed biopic, playing Tina Turner in the 1993 film What's Love Got to Do With It.

The actress - nominated this year for her turn as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - spoke with The New Yorker, and was asked about Butler's situation.

When asked if the character still 'took over' her after filming, she admitted, 'It absolutely did.'

'Tina's laugh and the way she spoke took over,' Bassett admitted, but said it didn't last as long as Butler.

Funny: Angela Bassett has broken her silence on Ariana DeBose's viral BAFTAs rap which included that iconic line about the actress 'doing the thing'

Statement: Ariana recently issued her first public statement regarding what has quickly gone down as arguably the most embarrassing opening performance in 76-years of rich and varied BAFTA history
The cast call themselves the everything bagel after the surreal concept at the heart of the film. And the Everything Everywhere All At Once team proved an irresistible force  scooping virtually every award at an Oscars where the film took best picture, best director and three out of the four acting awards.

It was a big night, too, for veteran actors and for comebacks with all of the acting winners massive sentimental favourites with the 3,300 strong audience in the Dolby Theatre  and all of them aged over 50, all of them with long careers, and all of them first-time nominees.

Jamie Lee Curtis, the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, started acting when she was a teenager and was rewarded aged 64 with her first Oscar nomination and first win. She dedicated it to her parents and said after the ceremony: I am a product of them and a proud product of them and I know that they would be incredibly proud of me.

Michelle Yeoh, 60, again was a first time nominee for her role as laundry owner Evelyn Wang, and said of her award after a 40 year career: Dream big, and dreams do come true  and ladies, dont let anyone tell you that you are past your prime.

She added: I have to dedicate this to my mum and all the mums in the world because they are the real superheroes. And without them none of us would be up here tonight.

Toast of the town: Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser and Jamie Lee Curtis celebrate back stage after their Oscar wins on Sunday night

An Oscar at last: Jamie Lee Curtis, the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, started acting when she was a teenager and was rewarded aged 64 with her first Oscar nomination and first win for Everything Everywhere All at Once

Moving moment: Michelle Yeoh, 60, was a first time nominee for her role as laundry owner Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once and she took home the best actress win

Yeoh, 60, dedicated the award to her 84 year old mother and said that she would be bringing it home to her in Malaysia.

Brendan Fraser, who won Best Actor for his performance as obese teacher Charlie in The Whale, had cause to celebrate that truth in his own life as he pulled off the final triumph in his own Brenaissance.

Once a hunky leading man, the star of the George of the Jungle films and The Mummy, he had barely acted in a film in a year before director Darren Arronofsky asked him to take the role.

Perhaps the most astonishing story belongs to former child actor Ke Huy Quan. His first role was in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984 as a child actor playing Short Round and in the years since then he left the acting business because there were no parts for him.

On Sunday night he was honoured for his performance as Waymond Wang, in the multiverse hopping, genre-busting action comedy film Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Quan was saluted with an ovation, kissed the Oscar and wept.

What a comeback: Former child actor Ke Huy Quan was forced to leave acting because there were no roles for him until he landed a role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. He was moved to tears accepting the award for best supporting actor

The incredible Brenaissance: Brendan Fraser, who shot to fame as a won Best Actor for his performance as obese teacher Charlie in The Whale. Once a hunky leading man, the star of the George of the Jungle films and The Mummy, he had barely acted in a film in a year before director Darren Arronofsky asked him to take the role

He said: Thank you! My Mum is 84 years old and shes at home watching. Mum I just won an Oscar. My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage.

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe this is happening to me. This, this is the American dream. Thank you so much to the Academy for this honour of a lifetime.

He added: I owe everything to the love of my life my wife Echo who month after month, year after year for 20 years told me that one day one day my time will come. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there please keep your dreams alive. Thank you so much for welcoming me back.

His co-star James Hong, who is 94, commented: He wasnt really retired, he was waiting to ambush - and once he came back into Hollywood again he said Im going to do it big.

Quans excitable personality and habit of grabbing delighted selfies with every famous person he has met over the course of the Oscars campaign has made him probably the most beloved figure of this years event.

Everything Everywhere All at Once came about after director and writer Daniel Kwan said to his partner Daniel Scheinert: Lets put my mum in the Matrix.

Kwan, named best director, said that the message of the film was: There is genius in every single person no matter who you are. You just need to find the right people to unlock it.

The pair  originally pop music video directors  pulled off a string of upsets which entirely shut out both The Banshees of Inisherin which won nothing, and Elvis, which also won nothing despite star Austin Butler being the favourite to take Best Actor.

Incredible: Everything Everywhere All At Once earned seven awards including Best Picture

Top Gun, nominated for six Oscars including best picture, only took home one  for Sound. Perhaps its star Tom Cruise had divined that it wasnt going to be his night and therefore stayed away.

There was disappointment, too, for Scottish Triathlete Lesley Paterson who bought the rights to the German novel All Quiet on the Western Front 16 years ago and made considerable sacrifices to keep the rights, including competing in an event with a broken shoulder in order to raise funds.

She and writing partner Ian Stokell came up with a script which was then revised by producer Edward Berger and translated into German.

All Quiet lost out in the Adapted Screenplay category to Everything Everywhere All At Once.

But although it wasnt Patersons night, it was still a great night for the film. It won four Oscars, having been nominated for nine, including Cinematography which went to a visibly emotional Brit James Friend, Best International Film and Production Design.

All the cast and crew wore blue ribbons to show solidarity with refugees as part of a UNHCR initiative.

James Friend told the audience: Its not my birthday, but it feels like it is.
Kendall and Kylie Jenner joined Hollywood's A-list for a night of sibling revelry at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday.

The 27-year-old supermodel took the plunge in a figure-hugging mermaid dress while the Kylie Cosmetics founder, 25, donned a velvet gown with a floor-sweeping train at the post-Oscars event.

In celebration of the 95th Annual Academy Awards , Kendall modeled a sleeveless black dress ornate with golden scale patterns and various flower petal designs.

Kylie put on a glamorous display in a light-reflecting gown with a bow on her chest that tied around the back and cascaded into a stunning train.

The Kardashians reality stars - who have been under scrutiny for their friendship with pal Hailey Bieber amid her alleged feud with actress Selena Gomez - appeared to have arrived together at the event but only took a sisters snap for social media.

Kendall and Kylie Jenner looked stunning in glamorous gowns as they arrived on the red carpet at Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday

Gilded in gold: For the special event celebrating the 95th Annual Academy Awards, Kendall modeled a sleeveless black dress ornate with golden scale patterns and various flower petal designs

Dazzling: In glamorous display, Kylie rocked a light-reflecting gown with a bow on her chest that tied around the back and cascaded into a floor-sweeping train

For the prestigious party, Kendall rocked the stunning gown with a crossed halter design across her back that concealed her shoes.

She - like her younger sister - styled her raven black tresses up in a sleek topknot.

Kendall parted her hair down the middle and pulled out a few money pieces to frame her face.

She opted for a monochromatic look featuring sultry, brown eye makeup and a nude lip.

She swept coral blush and gold highlighter across her cheeks for a flushed and radiant look.

The 818 Tequila founder kept her look simple by avoiding any jewelry or accessories and let her chic dress stand front and center.

Kylie's cocktail party attire was a grayish-black velvet gown with a light-reflecting sheen to the material.

The dress flowed into a train that hid her shoes of choice at the post-Oscars party.

Sisters: The Jenner sisters both styled their hair into polished updos and opted for barely any jewelry to show off their ensembles

Full glam: For makeup, the mother-of-two opted for copper eyeshadow look and a vampy brown lipliner-traced pout

Subtle makeup: She opted for a monochromatic look featuring sultry, brown eye makeup and a nude lip

Like Kendall, she opted for minimal accessories and was seen only in a pair of classic diamond stud earrings.

For makeup, the mother-of-two opted for copper eyeshadow look and a vampy brown lipliner-traced pout.

She rocked a copper blush and natural looking highlighter to emphasis her cheekbones.

Her jet black tresses were styled into a polished, high bun with her bangs parted to the side.

In contrast with her edgy look, she sported matching baby pink manicures with her sister.

The two later took to social media to share a clip of the pair holding hands and walking into the venue while looking back at the camera.

As they showed off their hourglass figures and the backs of their gowns, the Jenner sisters were seen smiling and raising their arms in excitement.

Kylie then posted a sideview snap of herself on the posing on the denim blue 'red' carpet.

Showing the love: The two later took to social media to share a clip of the pair holding hands and walking into the venue while looking back at the camera.

Ready to party! As they showed off their hourglass figures and the backs of their gowns, the Jenner sisters were seen smiling and raising their arms in excitement
Sharon Stone put on a show-stopping display wearing a stunning caped dress as she made a grand arrival at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar party in Beverly Hills on Sunday.

The Basic Instinct actress wowed as she stepped onto the red carpet alongside other celebrities at the annual event, such as Sarah Paulson, Olivia Wilde, Hailey Bieber, and Chrissy Teigen.

The star notably celebrated her 65th birthday on Friday and showed off a humorous new look while having a blast on the special day.

As she paused for a brief photo session, the Golden Globe winner glowed in a figure-hugging, pastel yellow dress that clung to her frame and pooled down past her feet.

The colorful ensemble contained a cape made of the same material that flowed down from her shoulders and fell into a short train behind her.

Wow! Sharon Stone, 65, put on a show-stopping display donning a stunning caped dress as she made a grand arrival at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar party in Beverly Hills on Sunday

Towards the bottom of both the dress and the cape, white floral patterns were embroidered on the fabric for an elegant detail.

Sharon carried a vibrant yellow, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion handbag that perfectly coincided with the color scheme of her look for Hollywood's biggest night. The purse is priced around $1,595, according to the official website.

Her blonde locks were slicked back into a chic style, revealing a pair of large, circular gold earrings that sparkled under the bright lights for a dazzling effect.

She looked incredible with Giorgio B jewellery including a chunky, oval-shaped ring on her right hand that contained a pink-colored sapphire in the middle.

The actress's makeup was glammed up, and comprised of a layer of black mascara along with a gold shadow to make her blue eyes pop.

A light pink blush and dewy highlighter was worn to better accentuate her cheekbones, while a satin pink tint to her lips was added for a finishing touch.

As she strolled on the red carpet before heading inside the Wallis Anneberg Center for the festivities, the stylish cape bellowed out behind her.

The star, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Casino in 1996, is no stranger to the Academy Awards and the numerous star-studded parties in celebration of the annual ceremony.

Stunning details: Towards the bottom of both the dress and the cape, white floral patterns were embroidered on the fabric for an elegant detail

Making a statement: As she strolled on the red carpet before heading inside the Wallis Anneberg Center for the festivities, the stylish cape bellowed out behind her

Colorful: Sharon carried a vibrant yellow, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion handbag that perfectly coincided with the color scheme of her out for Hollywood's biggest night

While she continuously puts on fashionable displays on the red carpet, Sharon admitted during an interview on the Table For Two podcast earlier Tuesday that her 1992 Oscars outfit was far from her favorite.

She explained, per WWD, that she had been invited to the ceremony before Basic Instinct was released, 'so no one would lend me a dress.' The actress added that the film finally premiered a few days before the Oscars and she was set to present, but still wouldn't be lent a gown.

'It was unbelievable because I didnt have any money,' she recalled. 'All these people in their $40,000 or $50,000 dresses and I went and bought a Betsy Johnson polyester jumpsuit, because that was the best I could do.'

The star also reminisced how she had also done her own hair and makeup for the big night. After the ceremony began, Stone stated, 'I got there and I was like in the fourth or fifth row back, which was really good.'

'And I was on the aisle, and I was seated right behind Anthony Hopkins, and when I walked by, he put his hands together and put them over his head like a champion and held them up to me when I passed him. I was like, Oh my God, he saw my movie.'

Following the event, she had a conversation with her father. 'I told my dad, and my dad was like, Kid, you could look good in a burlap sack. I was like Oh, right. So after that, I thought, It doesnt matter, I can wear a T-shirt to the Oscars so I did.'

According to WWD, the actress had made an appearance at the 1996 Academy Awards sporting an Armani dress and a GAP shirt.

Throwback: Sharon admitted during an interview on the Table For Two podcast earlier Tuesday that her 1992 Oscars outfit was far from her favorite, having had issues being lent a dress

Having fun: According to WWD, the actress had made an appearance at the 1996 Academy Awards sporting an Armani dress and a GAP shirt after a past conversation with her father; actress seen with father, Joe Stone, at the 1996 Oscars

Recent celebration! The star notably celebrated her 65th birthday on Friday and showed off a humorous new look while having a blast on the special day

Days before the 95th Oscars, Sharon celebrated her 65th birthday and shared a few humorous snaps on Instagram as she showed off a new look.

The actress, who recently mourned the loss of her brother last month in February, could be seen lounging in bed wearing comfortable black and white pajamas, with large birthday balloons next to her.

She jokingly added oversized, red lips onto her face that were made of candy and penned in the caption of the post, 'I did it. Finally. For my birthday I went Hollywood.'

The star added to her 3.6 million fans and followers, 'Sometimes u get EXACTLY what u wish for.'

The mother of three also jumped to her Instagram stories on Sunday to send her congratulations to the directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The duo notably won Best Director for the film during the ceremony.

'There is genius in every single person,' she wrote, quoting Kwan. 'Congratulations.' The science fiction movie garnered a total of seven Oscar wins during the event, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh, and also Best Supporting Actor for Ke Huy Quan.

Humorous: She jokingly added oversized, red lips onto her face that were made of candy and penned in the caption of the post, 'I did it. Finally. For my birthday I went Hollywood'

Sending her congrats: The mother of three also jumped to her Instagram stories on Sunday to send her congratulations to the directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
There's been no shortage of drama on Married at First Sight this year, but it looks like this year's Boys' and Girls' Nights on Tuesday's episode will take things to a whole new level.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Bronte Schofield and Sandy Jawanda will clash at the explosive reunion.

Dental Hygienist Sandy, 36, triggers Bronte, 28, when she questions her relationship with Harrison Boon and tells the Perth-based beauty that she doesn't believe their romance is genuine.

Bronte's romance with Harrison was apparently questioned throughout the night, which left her feeling extremely unsecure, prompting her to storm out.

'Sandy kept saying that she thinks Harrison was emotionally manipulating Bronte and was surprised to still see her in the experiment,' an on-set source revealed.

There's been no shortage of drama on Married at First Sight this year, but it looks like this year's Boys' and Girls' Nights on Tuesday's episode will take things to a whole new level. Pictured L-R: Alyssa Barmonde, Tahnee Cook and Melinda Willis

'Bronte wasn't having any of it. She couldn't cop it and pretended she needed to go to the bathroom and made a dramatic exit of course.'

Melinda Willis also clashed with Bronte.

Elsewhere, Caitlin McConville comes back to the show, and fills in the new intruders about her relationship with Shannon Adams.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Bronte Schofield (left) and Sandy Jawanda (right) will clash at the upcoming girls' night

Dental Hygienist Sandy, 36, triggers Bronte, 28, when she questions her relationship with Harrison Boon and tells the Perth-based beauty that she doesn't believe their romance is genuine

Bronte's romance with Harrison was apparently questioned throughout the night, which left her feeling extremely unsecure, prompting her to storm out

Melinda Willis (right) also clashed with Bronte

'She pretty much tells him he is a piece of s**t, and wishes that she was paired up with anyone but him on the show.'

Photos taken by Daily Mail Australia show brides Melinda, Alyssa Barmonde, Lyndall Grace, Bronte, Evelyn Ellis and Tahnee Cook all walking in together hand-in-hand.

Janelle Han, Sandy Jawanda, Claire Nomarhas, Melissa Sheppard and Tayla Winter were seen making fashionably late arrivals.

Elsewhere, Caitlin McConville (pictured) comes back to the show, and fills in the new intruders about her relationship with Shannon Adams

'She pretty much tells him he is a piece of s**t, and wishes that she was paired up with anyone but him on the show,' says a source

Janelle Han (left) and Sandy Jawanda (right) were seen making fashionably late arrivals

As did Claire Nomarhas (left) and Tayla Winter (right)

Meanwhile, over at the boys' night, Harrison Boon will go head to head with Adam Seed.

According to the production spy, Harrison and Adam clash over a debate about fellow groom Jesse Burford.

'Harrison is still in defensive mode about the whole Claire cheating situation and backs Jesse up. He still can't stand him and was ready to punch him in the face.'

Elsewhere, Dan Hunjas clashed with Rupert Bugden about the butt-dial.

Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine

Over at the boys' night, Harrison Boon (left) will go head to head with Adam Seed (right)

Security were seen keeping the two grooms apart while they made their way to a taxi
Heidi Klum looked nothing short of sensational as she party hopped around Hollywood during Oscars night on Sunday.

The supermodel, 49, started the evening in a quirky yellow mini dress as she hit the red carpet at Elton John's annual Aids Foundation gala.

The bright frock featured huge floral embellishments as well as a long train and perfectly showcased her long and elegant pins.

Heidi slipped her feet into towering gold heels and accentuated her features with a glowing make-up palette.

The stunner wore her blonde locks loose and oozed confidence as she arrived at the star-studded event.

Social butterfly: Heidi Klum, 49, looked nothing short of sensational as she party hopped around Hollywood during Oscars night on Sunday

Leggy lady: The supermodel started the evening in a quirky yellow mini dress as she hit the red carpet at Elton John's annual Aids Foundation gala

Sensational: The bright frock featured huge floral embellishments as well as a long train and perfectly showcased her long and elegant pins (pictured with husband Tom Kaulitz)

Oscar winners 2023: AT A GLANCE Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actor: Brendan Fraser - The Whale Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Original Screenplay): Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Sarah Polley - Women Talking Best Animated Feature Film: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio Best International Feature Film: All Quiet on the Western Front Best Documentary Feature: Navalny Best Film Editing: Paul Rogers - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Music (Original Song): "Naatu Naatu" from RRR Best Sound: Top Gun: Maverick Best Visual Effects: Avatar: The Way of Water

Next Heidi attended Vanity Fair's annual bash following the award ceremony and slipped into a plunging green gown for the occasion.

The sheer dress hugged her sensational figure and was adorned with sequins which glistened as she took to the red carpet.

The former Project Runway host completed her second look with a long ruched mint cape.

She was joined throughout the evening by husband Tom Kaulitz, 33, who cut a dapper figure in a black suit.

Everything Everywhere All at Once was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday taking home seven awards.

The American absurdist action comedy-drama film was the biggest winner of the night at the event featuring a star-studded red carpet as it earned Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, and Best Original screenplay at the gala event held at Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The movie's stars Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, took home the Leading Actress and Supporting Actress and Actor awards respectively.

In her acceptance speech, Michelle hailed her win as a 'beacon of hope and possibilities' for Asian people and urged those watching at home to 'dream big'.

Stars: The stunner wore her blonde locks loose and oozed confidence as she arrived at the star-studded event (pictured with Elton John's husband David Funrish)

Onstage: She was joined on stage during the event by Will and Grace star Eric McCormack

LOL: Later the couple joked around for a slew of playful snaps

She said: 'For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight. This is the beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true.

'Ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are past your prime. Never give up...

'Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making, thank you.'

The film beat out quite the field including: All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, The Fabelmans, TAR, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness, and Women Talking.

Meanwhile, Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Brendan Fraser, who was tearful as he picked up his prize for his work on The Whale.

He said: 'So this is what the multiverse looks like. I thank the Academy for this honour and our studio A24 for making such a bold film.

Wow: Next Heidi attended Vanity Fair's annual bash following the award ceremony and slipped into a plunging green gown for the occasion

Figure: The sheer dress hugged her sensational figure and was adorned with sequins which glistened as she took to the red carpet

Style: The former Project Runway host completed her second look with a long ruched mint cape

Happy couple: She was joined throughout the evening by husband Tom Kaulitz, 33, who cut a dapper figure in a black suit

'I'm grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship 'The Whale'. It was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse.'

German war movie All Quiet on the Western Front also had a successful evening, taking home four of the prizes it was nominated for, Best International Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.

This year's Academy Awards - which were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel - saw all the nominated tracks for Best Original Song performed, but the accolade went to Naatu Naatu from RRR.
Michelle Keegan has shown off her incredible figure as she modelled her latest collection from Very.

The actress, 35, put on a leggy display in a triple denim outfit, made up of a pair of shorts and a strapless top.

Over the top she wore a denim jacket and completing the look she sported a pair of denim high heel boots.

She then teamed the top with a pair of white jeans to show its versatility before slipping into a blue floral dress.

Michelle also modelled a cream button-up dress that showed off her long legs, while she boosted her height in a pair of knee-high cream boots.

Legs for days: Michelle Keegan has shown off her incredible figure as she modelled her latest collection from Very

Looking good: The actress, 35, put on a leggy display in a triple denim outfit, made up of a pair of shorts and a strapless top

Chic: Over the top she wore a denim jacket and completing the look she sported a pair of denim high heel boots

She then donned a black and white striped dress that clung to her lithe figure, as she leant on the back of a chair.

Her last outfit was a tailored white waistcoat with a pair of matching trousers and a coordinating jacket.

Michelle wore her brunette locks swept up in a half-up-half-down hairstyle and sported a light palette of make-up to accentuate her natural beauty.

Her photoshoot comes after Michelle was spotted on the set of her new Netflix drama Fool Me Once in Manchester last month.

She celebrated the news that she will be starring in the series as former ops pilot Maya with a bikini snap in a sun-soaked location.

Getting clued up on the story for herself, Michelle was pictured reading Harlan Coben's Fool Me Once, which the show is based upon.

Wearing a beige textured strapless bikini from Hunza G, Michelle's tan glowed as her bronzed skin took in the sun rays while on holiday abroad.

She also wore a wicker hat and sunglasses to protect her face and eyes from the baking hot sunshine.

Appearing to go makeup-free in the photo, Michelle looked like she was getting really stuck into the story as she prepared herself for the next job in her career.

She captioned the post, shared to her 6.4million followers: 'Finally the secrets out!!

'Im over the moon to be joining the cast of FOOL ME ONCE, a @netflixuk thriller based on the book by the extremely talented @harlancoben. Here we gooooo '

Strike a pose! She then teamed the top with a pair of white jeans to show its versatility before slipping into a blue floral dress

Leggy display: Michelle also modelled a cream button-up dress that showed off her long legs, while she boosted her height in a pair of knee-high cream boots

Stylish: She then donned a black and white striped dress that clung to her lithe figure, as she leant on the back of a chair

Classy: Her last outfit was a tailored white waistcoat with a pair of matching trousers and a coordinating jacket

Flawless: Michelle wore her brunette locks swept up in a half-up-half-down hairstyle and sported a light palette of make-up to accentuate her natural beauty

Over on the official Netflix Instagram page, the streaming service celebrated Michelle's arrival with a clip of the British star reading the book while dressed in character on set.

With the novel initially covering Michelle's face, the star pulls the open book down to reveal her made-up face and she smiles with excitement.

They captioned the post: 'Exciting news: @michkeegan will star in FOOL ME ONCE, a new thriller based on the book by @harlancoben. The limited series also stars @richardcarmitage, @adeelakhtar and Joanna Lumley! Coming soon to Netflix.'

On Monday, Michelle was spotted on the set of her new Netflix drama in Manchester.

The 35-year-old actress cut a stylish figure for her first day of filming in a plaid coat complete with leopard print lining.

She layered the look over a chic cream sweater which she teamed with high-waisted black trousers.

Michelle, who is best known for her roles in Coronation Street and Brassic, has reportedly signed a six-figure deal to star in the new series based on one of Harlan Coben's books.

Seven of Harlan's hit books have already been adapted into Netflix series, including psychological thriller The Stranger, which garnered huge popularity on the platform.

Michelle takes on the role of former ops pilot Maya, who gets a shock after returning from the war.

According to a book synopsis, Maya goes through a trauma when her husband Joe is brutally murdered, but two weeks later, she has to deal with a mystery when she sees her infant daughter playing with Joe on her baby monitor.

Speaking of Michelle's reported new role, a TV source told The Sun: 'This is a huge role for Michelle. Harlan's dramas are some of the most streamed on Netflix and people watch around the world.'

MailOnline has contacted Netflix for comment.

The 2020 adaptation of Harlan's book The Stranger, which starred Richard Armitage and Hannah John-Kamen, proved very popular on the streaming platform.

Celebrate: She celebrated the news that she will be starring in the series as former ops pilot Maya with a bikini snap in a sun-soaked location

Excited: She captioned the post, shared to her 6.4million followers: 'Finally the secrets out!!'

Guess who? Over on the official Netflix Instagram page, the streaming service celebrated Michelle's arrival with a clip of the British star reading the book while in character on set

Latest: They captioned the post: 'Exciting news: @michkeegan will star in FOOL ME ONCE, a new thriller based on the book by @harlancoben. The limited series also stars @richardcarmitage, @adeelakhtar and Joanna Lumley! Coming soon to Netflix'

The eight-part adaptation follows family man Adam, whose life comes crashing down after he discovers a shocking secret about his wife.

Hannah played the mysterious stranger who exposes the secret to Adam, entangling him in a conspiracy.

The star-studded cast also included Game of Thrones icon Paul Kaye, Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head, Broadchurch's Shaun Dooley, The Crying Games Stephen Rea and Black Mirror actor Kadiff Kirwan.

Elsewhere, Michelle recently wrapped filming on the fifth series of hit comedy-drama Brassic, on which she stars as Erin Croft.
Katie Price has vowed to always 'protect' her daughter, Princess, as she embarks on a new modelling career path.

The daughter of Katie and Peter Andre recently landed a four-figure deal with PrettyLittleThing.

Now Princess, 15, will follow in her mother's modelling footsteps - who rose to fame in the 1990s for her Page 3 spreads as a glamour model.

The teen is 'over the moon' to be joining the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Gemma Owen on the online fashion brand's roster, but Katie admitted she is very 'protective' and will make sure she is 'looked after'.

Speaking to OK! magazine, Katie said: 'I can absolutely see Princess being a successful model  she's stunning. And I will always be there to support and guide her.

Mini me: Katie Price has vowed to always 'protect' her daughter, Princess, as she embarks on a new modelling career path

New career: The daughter of Katie and Peter Andre recently landed a four-figure deal with PrettyLittleThing at the age of just 15

'I know when agents are taking advantage, so I would always step in if I felt something wasn't right for her. I'm a protective mother and I make sure my cubs are looked after.'

After signing the four-figure contract, a source revealed to MailOnline just how excited Princess was to take this step in her career, and how much an influence her mother had on her.

They said: 'Princess is so excited, she's looked up to her mum for years and has aspired to model for a brand like PrettyLittleThing since she can remember.

'She knows she's still young at 15 but Pete is going to oversee her work with PLT to ensure she's protected and well looked after.

'The partnership was born organically after Princess posted on Instagram about wearing the brand, it's naturally a great fit for both parties.'

Katie also shared how Princess's upbringing around her mother's glamour modelling era may have influenced her.

She told OK!: 'She's seen behind the scenes and experienced it from that point of view. She loves hair and make-up and I'm sure she will enjoy getting dressed up for her own shoots, which I'll be coming along to watch as a proud mum!

'Princess is very confident, she knows what she wants and is not afraid to tell you how she's feeling and if she doesn't like something.

History: Princess, 15, will follow in her mother's modelling footsteps - who rose to fame in the 1990s for her Page 3 spreads as a glamour model (pictured in 1995)

Statement: Former glamour model Katie just returned from holidaying in Thailand, where she displayed the results of her latest breast augmentation, which is the biggest she's ever been

'I'm very much like that too, so I think Princess gets that from me  her openness, confidence and honesty.'

Fans have previously criticised mum-of-five Katie for allowing her eldest daughter, who turns 16 in June, to wear a full face of makeup in glamorous photos shared to Instagram.

In July, Princess hit back after she wore a heavy makeup look to a wedding, saying she had only made an effort because it was a special occasion.

Katie and ex-husband Peter Andre, 50, divorced in 2009 after four years of marriage.

The former couple share son Junior, 17, and Princess, but have previously fallen out about their daughter's appearance.

Back in 2010, Pete kicked off over a photo of Princess that showed her wearing excessive makeup and false eyelashes.

He said at the time: 'It's a two-year-old girl with false eyelashes, full make-up for the whole world to see. To be honest I'm disgusted with it... I don't want to see that.'

Despite Junior and Princess growing up in the limelight after their parents fell in love filming ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Peter has always tried to shield them from the public eye.

He banned Princess from having a public Instagram profile or using her phone in her room until she was 14 and he's been explicitly clear when it comes to romance.

The Mysterious Girl hitmaker previously joked the idea of his teenage daughter dating gave him 'heart failure' and ordered Princess to keep a two metre distance from the opposite sex.

He's recently admitted to softening his strict parenting style thanks to his doctor wife Emily showing him some of his views towards Princess are old fashioned.

He said: 'One of the things she taught me was very early on when Princess and Junior were younger. I'd say Junior could do this and that and Princess had to be a nun and could never have a boyfriend.

'Emily taught me that whatever rule I gave to Junior, I had to treat all the other children the same and she has made me look at things differently and change my old-school mentality.'

As well as being a father to Junior and Princess, Pete shares children Amelia, nine, and Theo, six, with Emily, 33, who he married in 2015.

The family recently celebrated his 50th birthday with a luxury trip to Dubai while his ex-wife Katie holidayed in Thailand, showing off the results of her latest breast augmentation.

Excited! Princess, pictured alongside dad Peter Andre, 50, his wife Emily, 33, and her older brother Junior, 17, is said to be 'over the moon' after longing to pursue modelling for years

Proud dad: The teen is 'over the moon' to be joining the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Gemma Owen on the online fashion brand's roster

Katie, famed for her glamour modelling and cosmetic procedures, her most recent being an attempt at having the biggest boobs in Britain, is newly single following her latest split from Carl Woods.

In a recent scene from Katie's Channel 4 show Mucky Mansion, Princess told her mum she wasn't interested in having any cosmetic treatments and while she respected Katie's decision to surgically enhance her body, she prefers to remain natural.

Princess said: 'Like you know how much surgery you've had can your body actually move? Because you stretch so much skin.

'It's your body and your choice, I don't have an issue with plastic surgery but some people are so naturally pretty that they don't actually need it. You were naturally pretty.'
Holly Kingston had a very stressful experience during her holiday in Bali on Monday.

The Bachelor star was enjoying a day at the beach with her fiance Jimmy Nicholson when she lost her massive diamond engagement ring in the surf.

In a video shared to Instagram Stories, a clearly distressed Holly said Jimmy 'wasn't very happy' and had been looking for the ring in the ocean for 30 minutes.

The next set of Stories showed Jimmy emerge from the water triumphant with the sand-encrusted accessory found safe and sound near the shore.

'Oh my god!' Holly, 27, cried out, as Jimmy, 32, handed her the ring and admitted, 'My heart is pounding'.

Holly Kingston (pictured) had a very stressful experience during her holiday in Bali on Monday. The Bachelor star was enjoying a day at the beach with her fiance Jimmy Nicholson when she lost her massive diamond engagement ring in the surf

In a video shared to Instagram Stories, a clearly distressed Holly said Jimmy (pictured) 'wasn't very happy' and had been looking for the ring in the ocean for 30 minutes

'I've been out there for half an hour,' he continued. 'I thought it was a goner. Just don't take it to the beach'.

Later clips showed Holly wearing the now cleaned-up ring back on her finger where it belongs, but she admitted her hands were still 'shaking' after the shock.

It's unclear how much the marquise diamond bling is worth, but a commitment ring Jimmy gifted Holly on the Bachelor finale was worth $38,000 - so this one is likely to have cost the pilot even more.

The pair became engaged in August last year, and posted photos of the romantic moment Jimmy proposed in Sorrento, Italy.

Holly recently said that planning for her and Jimmy's upcoming wedding has been going well.

The next set of Stories showed Jimmy emerge from the water triumphant with the sand-encrusted accessory found safe and sound near the shore. 'Oh my god!' Holly, 27, cried out, as Jimmy, 32, handed her the ring and admitted, 'My heart is pounding'

Later clips showed Holly wearing the now cleaned-up ring back on her finger where it belongs, but she admitted her hands were still 'shaking' after the shock

It's unclear how much the marquise diamond bling is worth, but a commitment ring Jimmy gifted Holly on the Bachelor finale was worth $38,000 - so this one is likely to have cost the pilot even more

However, she admitted that they hadn't done much beyond booking things in advance, and that they still needed to send out invitations and do a lot of other things.

So far they've made arrangements for their venue, cake, the bride's dress, music, celebrant and florist.

'We have sorted an amazing wedding planner... woo!' she told her Instagram followers.

Meanwhile, Holly also revealed they wish to have children sooner rather than later after they announced their engagement.

They moved into an apartment together in North Bondi in September 2021, shortly after The Bachelor finale aired on television.

Holly and Jimmy will celebrate two years of dating this month.
Love Island host Maya Jama was left in shock during Sunday's episode of Aftersun after a row broke out between Will Young and his pal Casey O'Gorman.

Farmer Will, 23, and recruitment consultant Casey, 26, were close friends on the show along with Tom Clare, quickly becoming known as the 'three musketeers'.

However, the pals came into conflict on chat show Aftersun, where they both appeared live after Will and girlfriend Jessie Wynter were dumped from the villa.

While chatting to Maya, the couple were shown a clip from the ITV2 dating show when Casey told bombshell Maxwell Samuda that he thought Jessie, 26, was putting on 'an act'.

When Will had originally confronted Casey about the conversation in the villa, Casey had insisted he thought Jessie was 'genuine' and blamed the chat on Maxwell, 23.

Row: Love Island host Maya Jama was left in shock during Sunday's episode of Aftersun after a row broke out between Will Young and his pal Casey O'Gorman

Pals: Farmer Will, 23, and recruitment consultant Casey, 26, were close friends on the show along with Tom Clare, quickly becoming known as the 'three musketeers'

However, Will was left shocked after being shown the original video of Casey's remarks, turning around and branding Casey a 'snake' as Maya, 28, looked shocked.

In the clip from the villa, Casey was heard telling Maxwell: 'The more I'm seeing of Jessie, the more I think she's playing a game.'

'Honestly, it was one of the most strange interactions, the way she was speaking to me, it seemed like such an act,' he added in another conversation.

Footage then showed Will confronting Casey about the chat, where Casey had insisted that Maxwell had wanted to speak with him, not the other way around.

When Will explained that Maxwell had told him both he and Casey thought Jessie wasn't genuine, he reassured his pal, saying: 'No, it's got nothing to do with me and that's what I said. He doesn't feel she's being genuine.'

Will then asked his pal: 'Do you think she's being genuine?' to which Casey responded: 'Yeah, I think she is.'

After the clips were aired in the studio, where Casey was watching on from the audience, tense gasps could be heard while Casey looked uncomfortable.

As Maya said: 'Sorry to spill the tea like that,' a gobsmacked Will pointed across to Casey and shouted 'you snake' while host Maya looked very shocked.

Tension: However, the pals came into conflict on chat show Aftersun, where they both appeared live after Will and girlfriend Jessie Wynter were dumped from the villa

Drama: Will was left shocked after being shown a video of Casey's saying Jessie was playing a 'game', turning around and branding Casey a 'snake' as Maya, 28, looked shocked

Casey was heard shouting back that they had 'spoken about that' before Maya asked Will how he felt after watching the footage.

Though he was smiling, Will said: 'Do you know what it is a bit of a surprise. I did go up to Casey and was like "what are your thoughts, tell me?".

'I said so many times, look be honest with me, be open with me, that's all you want in here.'

He concluded by shouting: 'The boy lied!'

Casey then insisted that he had already told Will about his comments, saying: 'Me and Will, straight after my conversation with Jessie, I said I felt like it was a complete act. Did I not?'

But Will hit back with: 'Roll the tapes. Just roll the tapes.'

Not backing down, Casey said: 'You know I did! You know I said that to you, that I felt she was acting!'

Maya then tried to diffuse the situation as she said they could talk about it after, before Jessie shared their thoughts on the footage.

She said: 'Honestly if people want to sit there and back and judge me, you can do that, that's your problem. Will and I are fine.'

As Jessie spoke, Will sassily clicked his fingers in his friend's direction, but Casey looked unimpressed and could be seen mouthing 'wow'.

It comes after Will and Jessie were dumped from the South African villa, narrowly missing out on the show's grand finale, which will air on Monday night.

They were voted out after failing to secure the public vote after all of the couples were asked to pick which couple they thought was the least compatible.

Lana and Ron and Kai and Sanam also received votes from their fellow contestants, while Tanya and Shaq and Tom and Samie didn't receive any.

After the Islanders voted, viewers were asked to pick who they believed was the least compatible, ultimately sending Will and Aussie Jessie home.

The Islanders were gutted to say goodbye to original cast member Will and bombshell Jessie following the shock announcement.

The couple were seen hugging goodbye to their co-stars as their exit marked the last time a duo would leave before the final.

Describing the bittersweet feeling of their exit, Will said: 'Leaving Love Island is a very sad time, obviously.

'Starting right at the beginning and almost making it to the end, you're a little bit sad. However, I feel like I've found what I'm looking for in Jessie and made some lovely best friends along the way, too.'

He went on to reveal that his first plans with Jessie once they return home to the UK will be to get stuck in with lambing season at his farm.

Will also revealed he wouldn't say no to an Australian move, admitting that he can't rely on Jessie moving to suit his lifestyle in the UK.

Awkward: Will sassily clicked his fingers in his friend's direction, but Casey looked unimpressed and could be seen mouthing 'wow'

Farewell! It comes after Will and Jessie were dumped from the South African villa, narrowly missing out on the show's grand finale, which will air on Monday night

Will said: 'I think it's very fair to say I would go to Australia. A relationship is a two-way thing. It would be unfair for me to rely on Jessie moving here 100 per cent. Australia has always been a place I'd like to go to and travel.'

Will and Jessie both agreed that they would like Tom and Samie to go the distance and be crowned winners of the 2023 winter series.

Their exit came days after Jessie and Will made things official by becoming boyfriend and girlfriend during their final date together.

Reflecting on their new relationship status, Jessie said: 'It would have been nice for us to get to the final, but I've left the Villa with Will and he's my boyfriend, so that's good!'

Love Island continues tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Kourtney Kardashian put on a sultry display Sunday.

The 43-year-old, who recently bleached her hair blonde along with her son Reign, eight, donned a curve clinging black strapless gown for a pictorial on social media.

The reality star sat on a bed in what looked like a hotel room for the poses.

She wore long black opera gloves, with a large diamond solitaire and high heel black shoes.

The Kardashians star's blonde bob was brushed away from her face with the exception of a few carefully placed tendrils.

Sultry: Kourtney Kardashian put on a sultry display Sunday. The 43-year-old donned a curve clinging black strapless gown for a pictorial on social media

Bob: The Kardashians star's blonde bob was brushed away from her face with the exception of a few carefully placed tendrils

Seductive: The reality star appeared to be in a hotel room. She posed seductively on the bed, showcasing her black high heel shoes in a pinup pose, and wearing black opera gloves with a large diamond solitaire

Her locks appeared to be slightly wet and in one photo a hand can be seen helping to position her head.

In another snap, the Poosh founder showcased her round derriere and appeared to be wearing nothing beneath her very sheer frock.

Explaining the carousel of photos, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians alum wrote 'I couldn't sleep a week last night,' perhaps referring to the 1943 Frank Sinatra hit.

Kourtney's business partner Simon Huck helped promote their supplement brand, suggesting she take '@lemme sleep.'

Followers who have been criticizing the influencer's new style continued their negative comments.

Many blamed her changed aesthetic on her marriage to rocker Travis Barker, 47.

'All of a sudden shes into the goth look? Wow, dont change your style for a manthis does not suit you,' wrote one.

'Sorry guys but don't like the new Kourt, said another. 'She was always such a classy lady and now she's a kind of rock star, lying on the pavements doing whatever her husband does...just not her I think.'

Post: Kourtney wrote, 'i couldnt sleep a wink last night ' next to the post. Many of The Kardashians star's fans found the photos to be hot, posting multiple flame emojis

New style: Many of Kourtney's followers have been commenting negatively on her new style, blaming it on her marriage to rocker Travis Barker, 47. 'All of a sudden shes into the goth look? Wow, dont change your style for a manthis does not suit you,' wrote one

Position: In one photo, a hand can be seen helping to position the Poosh founder's head

Response: The Lemme founder didn't respond to the most recent comments, but last she did respond to questions about her change in style writing, 'Ooooh inquiring minds would like to know this is so fascinating'

Promotion: Kourtney's business partner Simon Huck helped promote their supplement brand, suggesting she take '@lemme sleep'

Kourtney didn't reply to the comments, but she did last week when trolls took to her page writing, 'Ooooh inquiring minds would like to know this is so fascinating.'

Lots of fans found the new look to be hot, posting a number of fame emojis in reaction to the pictures.

Kourtney's husband, Travis Barker, 47, has been recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in a finger her injured during rehearsals with his band Blink 182.

The rocker was supposed to be hitting the road for a series of concerts in Latin America, but the band had to cancel the dates so he could recuperate.

The band is expected to be able to begin the North American leg of their tour in May.
The four final couples are set to battle it out to be crowned the 2023 champions in Monday's hotly-anticipated grand final.

Tom Clare and Samie Eilishi, Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins, Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan and Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammad were revealed to be the finalists in Sunday's episode.

It came after Will Young and Jessie Wynter were dumped from the ITV2 show and narrowly missed out on the final after receiving the least amount of public votes.

And a spoiler for Monday's final has revealed that the couples will get dance lessons and share their love declarations before joining host Maya Jama live in the studio for the results.

Tom teased that he had something big to share with Samie in his romantic letter, but it remains to be seen what he will say to her in the grand final.

It's nearly here! The four final couples are set to battle it out to be crowned the 2023 champions in Monday's hotly-anticipated grand final (pictured: Tom and Samie)

Getting ready: And a spoiler for Monday's final has revealed that the four couples will get dance lessons and share their love declarations

Declarations: Tom teased that he had something big to share with Samie in his romantic letter, but it remains to be seen what he will say to her in the grand final

Keeping to the normal format of the show, the four couples excitedly woke up to enjoy their last day in the villa before they were told they would be getting dance lessons.

They received a text, which read: 'Islanders, tonight you will all attend the Love Island ball, but first it's time to limber up those hips and brush up on your dance moves #TheLastDance #FinalFourOnTheDanceFloor.'

They were joined by professional dancers, who dazzled them with a routine of their own before turning their attention to the Islanders.

As he learnt some new moves, Tom told Samie: 'We're magicians on the dancefloor.'

While Tanya joked to Shaq: 'You were stepping on me!'

Lana told Ron: 'We're better at this than I thought we would be, we're going to nail it tonight, hopefully!'

And Sanam confidently told Kai: 'Look how professional I am!'

After improving on their dance skills ahead of their love declarations, the girls were then swept away for a luxurious spa day, where they started drafting their letters.

Being called away from the villa, a text read: 'Girls, it's time to pamper and indulge. Please get ready to leave the Villa. #It'sAGoodDayForASpaDay #GirlsGetGlam.'

Relaxing: After improving on their dance skills ahead of their love declarations, the girls were then swept away for a luxurious spa day, where they started drafting their letters

Pals: As the girls relaxed, they reflected on their relationships both with the boys as well as each other, as Samie raised a toast to: 'Friendships that will last a lifetime'

Letters: They then started drafting their declarations of love, ahead of reading them out to their partners in a ceremony, following the final's normal formatting (pictured: Lana)

Drafting: Back in the villa, the boys were also tasked with preparing their very own declarations of love

As the girls relaxed, they reflected on their relationships both with the boys as well as each other, as Samie raised a toast to: 'Friendships that will last a lifetime.'

They then started drafting their declarations of love, ahead of reading them out to their partners in a romantic ceremony, following the final's normal formatting.

Speaking of the declarations, Tanya said: 'I know this is going to be easy for Shaq.'

And Sanam agreed, adding: 'I think this is going to be so easy for Kai, he's a school teacher, he's going to know how to write.'

As Lana began drafting her letter, she said she was writing 'chapter one of a long book', while Samie tried to put her feelings into words on paper.

Back in the villa, the boys were also tasked with preparing their declarations, with Shaq joking that he could help the others as he got high English grades at school.

Ron told the boys: 'I want to say something that I haven't said previously.'

While Shaq quipped: 'If you guys need any help, A* in English Literature, A in English Language, just saying.'

Later in the evening, the boys then got dressed up in smart black suits and headed outside to await the arrival of their other halves.

As they eagerly awaited the girls' arrival, a nervous Shaq said: 'Deep breaths boys.'

The glamorous girls then made their grand entrance to the villa, showing off their gorgeous ensembles for the romantic ceremony.

Tom raised a toast as he told his fellow finalists: 'So guys, we've had an amazing run, an amazing journey, we are all here in the final. I love you guys to bits!'

Samie looked sensational in an elegant rouge gown with a daring side split, which she styled with a pair of black strapped heels.

Meanwhile, Tanya opted for a stunning blue dress with silver jewelled straps and cream stilettos for the occasion.

Lana captured attention in a black dress with a very dramatic hot pink train and bodice as she joined her partner Ron for the ceremony.

And Sanam looked gorgeous in a blush pink gown with a side split as she arrived with the other girls to share their declarations.

One by one, the couples then stood in front of a picturesque heart shaped floral display as they shared their love letters while their fellow Islanders watched on.

Sanam told Kai: 'You charmed me with your smile and melted me with your warm brown eyes.

'I was hooked by your intelligence, values, kindness and you always manage to make me laugh. You've made me realise my worth and I can't wait for us to one day be official.'

Stunning: The glamorous girls then made their grand entrance to the villa, showing off their gorgeous ensembles for the romantic ceremony

Elegant: Tanya opted for a stunning blue dress with silver jewelled straps and cream stilettos for the occasion

Kiss: And Sanam looked gorgeous in a blush pink gown with a side split as she joined Kai to share her love declaration

While Kai gushed: 'My time here has been a dream since I met you. Sanam, you're one of a kind and I'm so happy to have you in my life because I adore you and can't wait to see what the future has in store for us.'

Ron also gushed that he feels like his 'life is complete' when he shared his romantic declaration with Lana.

First up, Lana said: 'Ron, when I walked through the Villa doors and saw your cheeky smile, I knew it was you and only you. There has been something missing in my life and that's you.'

While Ron said: 'You're an angel that never puts a foot wrong and you tick every single box. When I look at you, I feel whole, like my life is complete.'

Next up, Tanya told Shaq: 'I love the way you care so much, your cuddles that make me feel safe, your infectious smile that brightens up my day and most of all your heart of gold.'

While he replied: 'I can't wait to see what the future holds for us because no doubt it's a bright future ahead. I guess what I'm trying to say is, Tan, I love you.'

Tom famously wrote a poem for Samie in a bid to show her how he felt after his Casa Amor antics, and his partner repaid the favour in her love declaration.

She said: 'You wrote a poem for me and now it's my turn.'

Tom revealed he had something big to share with Samie during his declaration... but what will it be?

After sharing their declarations, the couples put their dancing lessons to good use as they took part in a sweet slow dance.

Monday's much-anticipated final will air live from South Africa and will see the 2023 winners crowned and take home the whopping 50,000 prize fund.

So far, there's been no confirmation about whether the infamous 'Split or Steal' twist will make a comeback, with MailOnline contacting Love Island representatives for comment.

Romantic: One by one, the couples then stood in front of a picturesque heart shaped floral display as they shared their love letters while their fellow Islanders watched on

Sweet: Tanya told Shaq: 'I love the way you care so much, your cuddles that make me feel safe, your infectious smile that brightens up my day and most of all your heart of gold'

Dancing: After sharing their declarations, the couples put their dancing lessons to good use as they took part in a sweet slow dance

In previous years, winners have picked an envelope which either has the prize money or nothing enclosed, with one person in the couple being given the 50,000 with the option to 'split or steal' the cash.

Last year, when Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti were crowned the 2022 winners, the option for Split or Steal wasn't available. Instead the couple were simply awarded the 50k and had shared it between them.

Hosted by Maya Jama for the first time ever, the presenter will be hitting screens live from the villa in Cape Town, with the islanders also live for the first time since entering the show.

The Love Island live final airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Tom Cruise skipped the Oscars on Sunday to 'avoid an awkward run-in' with Nicole Kidman, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned.

Insiders said the Top Gun: Maverick star was not at the ceremony due to his ex-wife being there - following their bitter divorce over 20 years ago.

Cruise's movie was nominated for six awards, including the coveted Best Picture Award.

Cruise and Kidman split in 2001, reportedly due to her refusal to join him in the Church of Scientology.

A source told DailyMail.com: 'Tom was not there because she was there, and he did not want a run-in.'

Happier times: Cruise and Kidman (pictured in 1992) divorced in 2001 after 12 years of marriage amid rumours his commitment his Scientology drove a wedge between them

Cruise and Spielberg gave each other a warm embrace at the 2023 Oscars' luncheon, where the director was heard saying Cruise 'saved Hollywood's a**'

However, sources close to Cruise claimed his absence was 'not personal' and was nothing more than scheduling difficulties, though they did not reply specifically to the claim that it was connected to Kidman's presence.

Cruise, 60, and his ex-wife have not been present at the same Oscars bashes this year and haven't been seen at the same event for years.

Kidman, 55 - who walked Oscars red carpet with her country singer husband Keith Urban, 55, before packing on serious PDA during the show - as notably absent from Oscars luncheon that was attended by her Scientologist ex last month.

Cruise was seen embracing Steven Spielberg during the February 13 luncheon, as the director was heard on video telling he action star that Maverick had 'saved Hollywood's a**' by bringing audiences back to theaters.

His ex-wife, with whom he shares two children - Connor, 28, and Isabella, 30 - was notably absent from that event.

Picture perfect: Kidman and Urban couldn't keep their hands off each other at the Oscars, which were not attended by her estranged Scientologist ex.

Kidman met Cruise in 1990 when the two were cast together in Days of Thunder, a film about motor-racing.

She was 23 at the time and, coming from Australia, was unknown in Hollywood. That all changed when the stars sparked a real-life romance during the filming.

After 12 years of marriage, Cruise walked out on his wife in 2001, leaving her in a state of 'utter shock.' He filed for divorce that same year, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

According to reports, the real reason for him abandoning her was due to her refusal to join the Church of Scientology.

In 2012, Kidman opened up about her painful split from Cruise in an interview with DuJour Magazine.

'I thought our life together was perfect. It took me a very long time to heal. It was a shock to my system,' she said.

'We were in a bubble, just the two of us. We became very dependent on one another. I was reeling with Tom,' she told the outlet. 'I would have gone to the ends of the earth for him.... I was totally smitten - I fell madly, passionately in love.'

Looking back, she told the outlet that she was 'naive' to think that Cruise was her happily ever after. She also said that she was 'happier' that she's 'ever been.'

'I'm living in a friend's house in Nice. My two daughters are with me, Sunday Rose, who's four, and Faith Margaret, who's two,' Kidman gushed.

Kidman and Cruise have not had any interaction in over a decade.

In fact, Kidman has also not spoken to the two children that she adopted with Cruise - Isabella, 30, and Connor, 28 - in years.

Isabella and Connor are both devoted members of The Church of Scientology like their father.

Kidman was shunned by the church and labelled an SP, which stand for Suppressive Person. As a result, she was cut off from her family.

In a 2015 interview with Australia's Who magazine, Kidman broke her silence about her relationship with both kids.

'They are adults. They are able to make their own decisions,' Kidman said, adding 'They have made choices to be Scientologists and as a mother, it's my job to love them.'

Epic ending: A photographer captured this photo of Nicole leaving her attorney's office when her divorce from Tom was finalized in 2001

That same year, Kidman also spoke out about her divorce from Cruise during a speech at the Women World Summit in NYC.

'I was running from my life at that time. I wasn't able to handle the reality of my life,' she told the audience.

At the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022, Cruise was celebrated with a 10-minute montage that included highlights from his entire career, which spanned four decades.

The montage left out Kidman, who made three films with her ex-husband during their marriage.

She nothing about being snubbed from Cruise's highlight reel. He, meanwhile, has never spoken publicly about their failed marriage.

In 2006, Cruise married actress Katie Holmes. They divorced in 2012 and it is alleged that his ties to Scientology caused the breakdown of their marriage. They couple's daughter Suri, now 16, does not have a relationship with her father.

A source close to Cruise said he attended the February 13 Oscars luncheon because 'his schedule allowed it at the time', and added that he skipped the Oscars because he is in the UK filming Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning 2 but he tuned in to watch the ceremony.

He is, sources say, 'very pleased Maverick got such recognition and he is very proud of the film'; adding he 'did not skip the show because he was not nominated'.

'Tom worked very hard on the film and has supported in every way that he can, work permitting.'

Top Gun: Maverick centered around Capt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell thirty years after the original film. In the flick, he was forced to deal with ghosts from his past. 's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly

Although Cruise was not in attendance at the 2023 Oscars, producer Jerry Bruckheimer was set to accept the award if Maverick won the award for Best Picture.

The movie starring Cruise was nominated for Best Picture along with Elvis, Avatar: The Way of Water, All Quiet on The Western Front and The Fabelmans. Everything, Everywhere All at Once won in the category.

Cruise was not nominated for his performance in the film. Austin Butler was nominated for his role in Elvis, as well as Bill Nighy for Living. Brendan Fraser won for his incredible performance in the film Whale.

Maverick was also nominated for Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Film Editing, Sound, Visual Effects and Music (Original Song). The only award that the film garnered was for Sound.

Kidman was nominated for five Academy Awards in the Best Actress category and, in 2002, seized the coveted golden trophy for her amazing portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours.
Colin Farrell used a divisive Saturday Night Live skit to his advantage after being quizzed by presenter Jimmy Kimmel during the 95th annual Academy Awards on Sunday evening.

The Irish actor, 46, was targeted by Kimmel as the chat show host read spoof questions, supposedly 'sent in' by viewers to members of the star-studded audience at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Referring to Farrell's dialogue-heavy role in critically acclaimed tragicomedy The Banshees Of Inisherin after selecting one such question, he joked: 'What were you saying?'

Turning to Kimmel, the quick-witted actor quipped: 'Id like you to go on YouTube, check out SNL last night, and youll have a good idea.'

Farrell was referring to the weekly comedy show's recent Oscars skit, during which Mikey Day and Molly Kearney parodied the Dublin-born actor and his co-star Brendan Gleason being interviewed on the red carpet, with completely impenetrable accents.

Banter: Colin Farrell used a divisive Saturday Night Live skit to his advantage after being quizzed by presenter Jimmy Kimmel during the 95th annual Academy Awards on Sunday

Jokes: The Irish actor was targeted by Kimmel as the chat show host read spoof questions, supposedly 'sent in' by viewers to members of the star-studded audience

Hitting back: But quick-witted Farrell had a perfect response when the host attempted to play his Irish accent in The Banshees Of Inisherin for laughs

All the stars are out at the Oscars pic.twitter.com/BHKygkLJPW  Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) March 12, 2023

After speaking complete gibberish for a few moments the pair wander off, leaving 'interviewer' Marcello Hernandez - an SNL regular - to quip: 'And they haven't even started drinking yet!'

The parody sparked a mixed response across social media, with a faction of viewers accusing show writers of lazily stereotyping the Irish by portraying them as drunken buffoons.

Others deemed the suggestion of alcohol inappropriate due to Farrell's well publicised addiction issues and ongoing commitment to sobriety.

Taking to Twitter, one incensed viewer wrote: 'A lot of people are (rightly) angry about anti-Irish bigoted stereotypes here (drunken irish) and the ridicule of an actor who's been quite open about his struggle with sobriety. Yes. AND. Portraying the speaking of the Irish language as incomprehensible garbled nonsense?'

A second commented: 'You wrote, filmed and edited that and STILL thought it was a good idea? Considering how many talented Irish actors are nominated this year, this is dreadfully insensitive.'

Elsewhere a third disdainful tweet read: 'God, this is absolutely dreadful stuff @nbcsnl. Im Irish and I find this more disappointing than I find it offensive - if worn out Irish stereotypes are the best your writers can come up with then I think SNLs future looks like itll be pretty unremarkable. Do better.

Another wrote: 'Apart from stereotyping and being incredibly offensive to Irish people, it's also just not funny.'

Hilarious: 'Id like you to go on YouTube, check out SNL last night, and youll have a good idea,' he quipped - a reference to the weekly comedy show's recent Oscars skit

Comedy: During the skit Mikey Day and Molly Kearney parody Farrell and his co-star Brendan Gleason being interviewed on the red carpet, with completely impenetrable accents

Awkward: After speaking complete gibberish for a few moments the pair wander off, leaving 'interviewer' Marcello Hernandez to quip, 'And they haven't even started drinking yet!'

Everything Everywhere All at Once was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday taking home seven awards.

The American absurdist action comedy-drama film was the biggest winner of the night at the event featuring a star-studded red carpet as it earned Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, and Best Original screenplay at the gala event held at Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The movie's stars Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, took home the Leading Actress and Supporting Actress and Actor awards respectively.

In her acceptance speech, Michelle hailed her win as a 'beacon of hope and possibilities' for Asian people and urged those watching at home to 'dream big'.

She said: 'For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight. This is the beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true.

Not amused: The parody sparked a mixed response, with a faction of viewers accusing show writers of lazily stereotyping the Irish by portraying them as drunken buffoons

'Ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are past your prime. Never give up.... thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making, thank you.'

The film beat out quite the field including: All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, The Fabelmans, TAR, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness, and Women Talking.

Meanwhile, Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Brendan Fraser, who was tearful as he picked up his prize for his work on The Whale.

He said: 'So this is what the multiverse looks like. I thank the Academy for this honour and our studio A24 for making such a bold film.

'I'm grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship 'The Whale'. It was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse.'

German war movie All Quiet on the Western Front also had a successful evening, taking home four of the prizes it was nominated for, Best International Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.

This year's Academy Awards - which were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel - saw all the nominated tracks for Best Original Song performed, but the accolade went to Naatu Naatu from RRR.
Blac Chyna has toned down her famed eye-popping curves by undergoing breast and butt reductions last week.

The OnlyFans star, 34, who has previously admitted to having a list of procedures, including four breast surgeries, liposuction , and a backside enhancement, posted a series of candid videos to Instagram documenting her surgery journey.

Chyna - who wowed in a plunging orange dress at the NAACP Image Awards recently - revealed that she never had a Brazilian butt lift but had silicone injections into her backside starting when she was 19-years-old.

'I just want all the ladies out there to know, do not get silicone shots because you can get sick, you can die, have complications and all this other crazy stuff,' she said.

She even cut her long, sharp nails off, saying, 'I'm past that stage. Been there, done that. I'm passing the baton to the younger ladies.'

End of an era: Blac Chyna has toned down her famed eye-popping curves by undergoing breast and butt reductions last week

Famed: The OnlyFans star, 34, who has previously admitted to having a list of procedures, including four breast surgeries, liposuction , and a backside enhancement, posted a series of candid videos to Instagram documenting her surgery journey

She added that she was 'stepping into a different way.'

The mom of Dream Kardashian, six, captioned the post, 'I want you all to be a part of my life changing journey. I Reduced my breast and Gluteus maximus. You all have the power to heal your life, and you need to know that. ~ Angela White'

She signed off with her real name, Angela Renee White.

The final video showed her laying in bed in a darkened room. She was bandaged up.

She revealed she was a few days post-op and that it was Sunday.

'I must say I am very very very happy,' the Pornhub Valentine songstress said. 'I'm in recovery mode. I've got my bandages on.'

She also said that getting her breasts reduced was 'one of the best decisions I could have done in a very long time.'

'Also I got the reduction in my butt. Normally my procedure would have taken four hours tops. My procedure took over eight and a half hours, y'all. Whatever that silicone mass in my buttocks kept clogging the machine and breaking the machine.

Cheeky: Chyna revealed that she never had a Brazilian butt lift but had silicone injections into her backside starting when she was 19-years-old

Life journey: She even cut her long, sharp nails off, saying, 'I'm past that stage. Been there, done that. I'm passing the baton to the younger ladies'

Signature look: 'I just want all the ladies out there to know, do not get silicone shots because you can get sick, you can die, have complications and all this other crazy stuff,' she said

Small talk: She chatted happily with the nurse getting a blood sample in one of the video clips

Recovery: The mom of two said that getting her breasts reduced was 'one of the best decisions I could have done in a very long time

Chyna's body modifications are returning her to her pre-surgically enhanced state - or at least close to it.

Recently, she revealed that she's deactivating her OnlyFans account because of her kids, Dream and son King Cairo, 10, who she shares with her ex, rapper Tyga.

Chyna fast became one of the most popular stars on OnlyFans when she joined the platform in 2020.

After charging subscribers $10 a month for her content, she was soon earning $20 million per month, according to The Richest.

Chyna began charging a $50 a month subscription fee, while offering a three-month package for $127.50 and a full year's subscription for $450.

She soon made over $240 million on the site, Chyna was eventually confirmed to be the top celebrity earner.
Love Island's Olivia Hawkins and Zara Lackenby-Brown risked an awkward run-in as they attended the same viewing party of the ITV2 show on Sunday.

During the current series, Zara, 25, got off on the wrong foot with the ring girl, 27, after they both had their eyes on Tom Clare and came to blows several times.

But ahead of the grand finale, the pair arrived separately - with Olivia keeping things casual in a brown tracksuit and white trainers.

She wore a pair of headphones around her neck as she lugged a suitcase into the five-star W London hotel ahead of the event.

Shortly afterwards, Zara arrived in a pink Ivy Park hoodie which she teamed up with a pair of light blue jeans featuring ripped knees.

Uh-oh: Love Island's Olivia Hawkins (pictured) and Zara Lackenby-Brown risked an awkward run-in as they attended the same viewing party of the ITV2 show on Sunday

Eek! During the current series, Zara, 25, (pictured) got off on the wrong foot with the ring girl, 27, after they both had their eyes on Tom Clare and came to blows several times

She wrapped up with a black padded coat and completed her look with black shoes, while framing her face with pink wraparound sunglasses.

It comes after Zara told how she felt 'lonely and isolated' in the villa amid her feud with Olivia.

The reality star claimed no-one else in the villa really cared that she was upset and that the other girls only comforted Olivia.

Speaking on the Reality with Will Njobvu podcast she said: 'No one really cared when I was down. They thought I was fine - but it takes two to tango.

'It was like she (Olivia) was the victim and I was the villain. I will defend myself. She didn't like me standing up for myself.

'I was made to be the villain as I was more confident so they just comforted her more. There are two sides to this. Every little thing I did she just ran with it. I felt so isolated and lonely. No one cared that I was upset.'

Speaking further about the feud she told how she really felt about Olivia, saying: 'She's the one who is trying to start drama! She was on Tanyel and then trying to start problems with Samie too.

'If anyone is about drama it is her. Maybe she was intimidated by girls who knew their worth. It's giving that. We should never have had an issue to begin with.'

Emerging: During the current series, Zara, 25, got off on the wrong foot with the ring girl, 27, after they both had their eyes on Tom Clare and came to blows several times

On the go: She wore a pair of headphones around her neck as she lugged a suitcase into the five-star W London hotel ahead of the event

Low-key: Shortly afterwards, Zara arrived in a pink Ivy Park hoodie which she teamed up with a pair of light blue jeans featuring ripped knees

Casual: She wrapped up with a black padded coat and completed her look with black shoes, while framing her face with pink wraparound sunglasses

Tragic: It comes after Zara told how she felt 'lonely and isolated' in the villa amid her feud with Olivia

Awful: The reality star claimed no-one else in the villa really cared that she was upset and that the other girls only comforted Olivia

The previous night, Will Young and Jessie Wynter were dumped from the Love Island villa.

The couple narrowly missed out on a place in the show's finale by one day, as the four remaining finalists were confirmed during the penultimate episode.

Will and Jessie were voted out after failing to secure the public vote after all of the couples were asked to pick which couple they thought was the least compatible.

Lana and Ron and Kai and Sanam also received votes from their fellow contestants, while Tanya and Shaq and Tom and Samie didn't receive any.

After the Islanders voted, viewers were asked to pick who they believed was the least compatible, ultimately sending farmer Will and Aussie Jessie home.

The Islanders were gutted to say goodbye to original cast member Will and bombshell Jessie following the shock announcement.

The couple were seen hugging goodbye to their co-stars as their exit marked the last time a duo would leave before this week's final.

Describing the bittersweet feeling of their exit, Will said: Leaving Love Island is a very sad time, obviously.

Gorgeous: Tanyel Revan exhibited her jaw-dropping figure in a black catsuit

Hot stuff: She certainly caused onlookers to gawk and point as she made her way to the hotel

Olivia's boyfriend Maxwell Samuda opted for a green tracksuit and white Tommy Hilfiger top

Serious: Keanan Brand looked stern as he was pictured arriving too

'Starting right at the beginning and almost making it to the end, you're a little bit sad. However, I feel like I've found what I'm looking for in Jessie and made some lovely best friends along the way, too.'

He went on to reveal that his first plans with Jessie once they return home to the UK will be to get stuck in with lambing season at his farm.

Will also revealed he wouldn't say no to an Australian move, admitting that he can't rely on Jessie moving to suit his lifestyle in the UK.

Will said: 'I think it's very fair to say I would go to Australia. A relationship is a two-way thing. It would be unfair for me to rely on Jessie moving here 100%. Australia has always been a place I'd like to go to and travel.'

Will and Jessie both agreed that they would like Tom and Samie to go the distance and be crowned winners of the 2023 winter series.
Love Island stars Will Young and Casey O'Gorman are not staying in South Africa for the grand finale on Monday.

Will, 23, was only booted out of the villa with girlfriend Jessie Wynter, 26, on Sunday night but is already flying back to UK after his row with Casey, 26, on Aftersun.

A clash broke out between the two boys on the ITV2 spin-off show, with Will branding his old pal Casey 'a snake' after hearing his comments Jessie is 'fake'.

On Monday afternoon, Casey took to Instagram to update his followers and shared a video from the airport as he prepared to catch his flight back to London.

The boys appeared to have brushed off their on air clash as they posed for a selfie together ahead of the long plane journey.

Back to the UK: Love Island stars Will Young and Casey O'Gorman (pictured) are not staying in South Africa for the grand finale on Monday

Row: Will, 23, was only booted out of the villa with girlfriend Jessie Wynter, 26, on Sunday night but is already flying back to UK after his row with Casey, 26, on Aftersun

Casey was joined by Rosie Seabrook as they walked through the terminal, with Will and Jessie following shortly behind.

Rosie said: 'Home-time'.

The friendly scenes were a far cry from Sunday's Aftersun, where the two men were at loggerheads.

While chatting to Maya, axed Will and Jessie were shown a clip from the ITV2 dating show when Casey told bombshell Maxwell Samuda that he thought Jessie was putting on 'an act'.

When Will had originally confronted Casey about the conversation in the villa, Casey had insisted he thought Jessie was 'genuine' and blamed the chat on Maxwell.

However, Will was left shocked after being shown the original video of Casey's remarks, turning around and branding Casey a 'snake' as Maya, 28, looked shocked.

In the clip from the villa, Casey was heard telling Maxwell: 'The more I'm seeing of Jessie, the more I think she's playing a game.'

'Honestly, it was one of the most strange interactions, the way she was speaking to me, it seemed like such an act,' he added in another conversation.

On Monday afternoon, Casey took to Instagram to update his followers and shared a video from the airport with Will, having seemingly brushed off their on air clash

Drama: Will was left shocked after being shown a video of Casey's saying Jessie was playing a 'game', turning around and branding Casey a 'snake' as Maya, 28, grimaced at the heated row

Pals: Farmer Will, 23, and recruitment consultant Casey, 26, were close friends on the show along with Tom Clare so it was shock to hear his pal talking about his girlfriend

Footage then showed Will confronting Casey about the chat, where Casey had insisted that Maxwell had wanted to speak with him, not the other way around.

When Will explained that Maxwell had told him both he and Casey thought Jessie wasn't genuine, he reassured his pal, saying: 'No, it's got nothing to do with me and that's what I said. He doesn't feel she's being genuine.'

Will then asked his pal: 'Do you think she's being genuine?' to which Casey responded: 'Yeah, I think she is'.

After the clips were aired in the studio, where Casey was watching on from the audience, tense gasps could be heard while Casey looked uncomfortable.

As Maya said: 'Sorry to spill the tea like that,' a stunned Will pointed across to Casey and shouted 'you snake' while host Maya looked on shocked.

Casey was heard shouting back that they had 'spoken about that' before Maya asked Will how he felt after watching the footage.

Though he was smiling, Will said: 'Do you know what it is a bit of a surprise. I did go up to Casey and was like "what are your thoughts, tell me?".

'I said so many times, look be honest with me, be open with me, that's all you want in here.'

He concluded by shouting: 'The boy lied!'

Casey then insisted that he had already told Will about his comments, saying: 'Me and Will, straight after my conversation with Jessie, I said I felt like it was a complete act. Did I not?'

But Will hit back with: 'Roll the tapes. Just roll the tapes.'

Not backing down, Casey said: 'You know I did! You know I said that to you, that I felt she was acting!'

Maya then tried to diffuse the situation as she said they could talk about it after, before Jessie shared their thoughts on the footage.

The Love Island final airs on Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Carrie Bickmore's loyal followers have lashed out at a group 'gross' men who made disgusting remarks about The Project star's body after she posted photos of herself wearing a pair of bike pants on Monday.

The TV star, 42, shared a series of Instagram pictures of herself enjoying a day out in bush in Victoria with her good friend Fifi Box, 46.

For the outing she wore yellow shorts and an oversized hooded jumper.

The images attracted some highly inappropriate comments from some of her male fans, prompting her female followers to hit back.

'The comments on this post from men are exactly why I am single and refuse to let a filthy, sleazy man into mine or my children's lives again,' one follower wrote underneath Carrie's post.

Carrie Bickmore's loyal followers have lashed out at a group 'gross' men who made disgusting remarks about The Project star's body after she posted photos of herself wearing a pair of bike pants on Monday

'Some of you have children and here you are commenting on Carrie's photos as if she is a slab of meat. It's disgusting. You're grown men FFS. Show some damn respect.'

'FFS it's 2023 and there are still guys that think it's okay to pass sexually inappropriate comments or body shame women all from the safety of their keyboards,' another wrote.

'What if people were saying these things about your mother, sister or daughter? It's 2023 we must be better than that and treat all women with the respect they deserve. Beautiful photos Carrie,' they added.

The TV star shared a series of pictures of herself enjoying a day out in bush in Victoria with good friend Fifi Box, 46, on Instagram

For the outing she wore yellow shorts and an oversized hooded jumper

'The comments on this post from men are exactly why I am single and refuse to let a filthy, sleazy man into mine or my children's lives again,' one follower wrote underneath Carrie's post

Meanwhile, Carrie's celebrity friends gushed over how great the star looked after a rough couple of months.

Carrie announced her split with her partner of 11 years, Chris Walker in January.

The TV and radio presenter announced the news in an Instagram statement, saying the pair was focused on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 15, Evie, seven, and Adelaide, four.

Carrie's celebrity friends, including Chezzi Denyer, gushed over how great the star looked after a rough couple of months

It came just one month after Carrie hosted her last episode of Channel 10's The Project after stepping down because she wanted to spend more evenings at home with her family.

'It's with immense sadness that Chris and I have decided to separate,' she wrote.

'While this is a tough time, our focus is on parenting, loving and supporting our three children Ollie, Evie and Addie with everything that we've got.

'They are doing great. We won't be making any further comment.'

The Project bid farewell to Carrie on November 30 after an impressive 13 years.

Carrie announced her split with her partner of 11 years, Chris Walker, in January

The TV presenter announced their split in an Instagram post, saying the pair was focused on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 15, Evie, seven, and Adelaide, four

She thanked her friends, colleagues and viewers at the end of the broadcast, as well as Walker, who was sitting in the studio audience with their children.

'Is it too late to change my mind?' she said, fighting back tears.

'To Chris. Thank you for everything. Your guidance and advice over the years, your amazing production skills...' she added.

'This show has given us so much. We wouldn't have our beautiful little prophets if it wasn't for The Project.'

Speaking to her children, she said: 'You guys are my world. Love you guys.'

'To my parents, and my friends and family. It certainly takes a village to help a mum of three do a job like this on TV and I couldn't have done it without all of you. So thank you so much for picking up the pieces,' she continued.

The split news came just one month after Bickmore hosted her last episode of The Project, after stepping down because she wanted to spend more evenings at home with her family

Carrie and Chris' love story captured the hearts of Australians.

They met as colleagues on The Project - she was a presenter and he was a producer - and they began dating in late 2012, two years after she lost her husband Greg Lange, the father of her eldest child Ollie, to brain cancer.

Despite his terminal diagnosis, Carrie had married Langue in 2005 when she was just 25 years old.

After Langue died in 2010 at the age of 35, a widowed Bickmore started the charity Carrie's Beanies for Brain Cancer in his memory.

Two years later and Carrie had found love again with Walker, who became a stepdad to Oliver, and with whom she later had two daughters: Evie, born in 2015, and Adelaide, born in 2018.
She oozed glamour at the 2023 Academy Awards.

But Salma Hayek is keeping it real behind-the-scenes.

The Hollywood icon, 56, shared video of her enjoying a snack break, as she wore her Oscars gown with the zipper pulled all the way down.

The video began with Salma standing with her exposed back facing the camera before she spins around and takes a bite out of her delicious food.

'Expectations versus reality!' a friend of Salma can be heard saying in the background with a laugh.

'Expectations versus reality!' Salma Hayek shared video of her munching on some food as she wore her glamorous Oscars gown, zipped down

Behind-the-scenes! The video began with Salma standing with her exposed back facing the camera before she spins around and takes a bite out of her delicious food

Salma was still exuding glam with her brunette hair perfectly styled into loose waves and her red lipstick remaining intact, even as she ate.

She captioned the post: 'Happy to keep the glamour going but first things first.'

Salma, who wore two different looks the night of the Oscars, was seen wearing the dress she wore to the ceremony in the video.

The Frida star attended the elite Hollywood event with her 15-year-old daughter Valentina.

The actress opted for a figure-hugging, sequined, orange gown, which featured a cut-out across the cleavage and a long, flowing skirt, while Valentina donned a red, floor-length sleeveless dress.

Both of them paired their glamorous looks with metallic purses - Salma's was gold and Valentina's was silver.

Salma kept her long, brown hair in loose waves around her face and sported bold makeup - including a smoky eye and berry lip color - while Valentina, who Salma shares with husband, Francois Henri Pinault, kept her blonde locks in a similar style and wore a slightly lighter lip color.

Keeping it real! Hayek gave herself a break as she momentarily freed herself from the dress

A very glam snack break: Even as she ate, her red lipstick remained intact

Hayek turned the Oscars into the ultimate mother-daughter date. She brought her stunning 15-year-old child Valentina with her to the star-studded event on Sunday night

The two of them stunned as they hit the red carpet in fiery Gucci dresses

The actress, 56, opted for a figure-hugging, sequined, orange gown, which featured a cut-out across the cleavage and a long, flowing skirt

Hosted by late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, the 95th Academy Awards is taking place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California.

Salma and her French businessman husband tied the knot in 2009, two years after she welcomed Valentina at age 41.

She once admitted that it was 'a little nerve-racking' for her to have her daughter later in life, but she explained that she soon realized it was 'the best time' to become a mother.

'If you're 23, you don't know this because you think you have to do so many more things. But if you already did them, then you can really focus and enjoy every minute of [motherhood],' she added during an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008.

Valentina, on the other hand, donned a red, floor-length sleeveless dress. Both of them paired their glamorous looks with metallic purses - Salma's was gold and Valentina's was silver

Salma kept her long, brown hair in loose waves around her face and sported bold makeup - including a smoky eye and berry lip color

Valentina, who Salma shares with husband, Francois Henri Pinault, kept her blonde locks in a similar style and wore a slightly lighter lip color

She also called being a mom the 'most incredible experience' of her life in a 2008 interview with People.

'There is nothing that I have done that is more incredible than to have a child,' she gushed.

This isn't the first time the teen has stepped into the spotlight. She actually posed on the cover of Vogue Mexico alongside her famous mother in 2022.

And it seems like she wants to follow in her mom's footsteps. At the time, she told the publication, 'I would like to be an actress and then a director because that is what makes sense in my head.'

The pair was not the only mother-daughter duo to attended the highly coveted event - Andie MacDowell was accompanied by her lookalike daughter Rainey Qualley, 33, and Baz Luhrmann was supported by his wife and 19-year-old daughter, Lillian Amanda Luhrmann.
Rebel Wilson and her fiancee Ramona Agruma were all smiles as they attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Beverly Hills on Sunday night.

And as the couple was spotted exiting the movie industry's night of nights, they couldn't help but share their joy with Elizabeth Banks.

Stopping to speak with the 49-year-old Cocaine Bear director, Rebel, 43, whipped out her phone to show her something funny.

The trio huddled around the phone as Elizabeth looked on with open-mouthed amusement and Ramona, 37, appeared to offer some kind of explanation.

It's unclear what the engaged couple was showing The Hunger Games star, but it could have been photos of their four-month-old daughter Royce.

Rebel Wilson (left) and her fiancee Ramona Agruma (right) were all smiles as they attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Beverly Hills on Sunday night

Rebel and Ramona looked more in love than ever at the famous Academy Awards after-party, sharing a passionate smooch on the red carpet.

The Pitch Perfect star cuddled up close to the clothing designer as they posed for photographers on the blue carpet.

Rebel looked glamorous in a glittering floor-length gown with sequins throughout.

As the couple was spotted exiting the movie industry's night of nights, they couldn't help but share their joy with Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks (right)

It featured a plunging neckline and the short sleeves sat slightly off the shoulders, while the cut of the gown clung to Rebel's slimmed-down figure.

The Aussie actress wore her blonde locks in a half-up 'do, and chose a bright makeup look with warm blush and a pink lipstick.

Ramona looked chic in a retro lace blouse with flowing sleeves and crochet elements.

Stopping to speak with the 49-year-old Cocaine Bear director, Rebel, 43, whipped out her phone to show her something funny

Her top was tucked into the long black skirt, which added a vintage silhouette.

The clothing entrepreneur carried a small, coffee-toned designer purse and accessorised with a dainty bracelet.

The couple also attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party together last year, before making their relationship public.

Rebel announced on Instagram last month she was engaged to Ramona.
A Jaguar previously owned and driven by Queen Elizabeth II has been donated by Chris Evans' CarFest as a prize for Red Nose Day.

The 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate was first owned by the late monarch, with its original vehicle handbook confirming its registration as 'PYN 1F', belonging to the Queen.

Radio DJ and presenter Chris, 41, said: 'I'm so grateful CarFest is able to support Comic Relief and I'm thrilled that we are able to donate this very special historic car, and so pleased to be able to share it with another enthusiast, especially for such an important cause.'

Speaking on BBC's The One show, he added: 'She ordered it in 2005, it's awesome, it's brilliant. People are saying it should be in the British Transport museum. She told it to a bloke, it's fine, we bought it off the bloke.

Going on to speak about when he first received the car, he said: 'We found a toy Corgi in it!'

Donation: A Jaguar previously owned and driven by Queen Elizabeth II has been donated by Chris Evans' CarFest as a prize for Red Nose Day

Owner: The 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate was first owned by the late monarch, with its original vehicle handbook confirming its registration as 'PYN 1F', belonging to the Queen

Chief executive of Comic Relief, Samir Patel, said: 'We are enormously grateful to Chris Evans and CarFest for this generous donation for Red Nose Day  this truly is a prize like no other which we have ever been able to offer our supporters.

'This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a real piece of history and will be such a special prize for the lucky winner.'

The 2009 Jaguar, which has covered around 73,000 miles, was sold at auction in November 2022 by Historics.

CarFest is a family festival that takes place on the last weekend of August at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire.

Fan-favourites McFly are back again to headline on Friday August 25 - marking 20 years since they first started gigging.

Headlining on Saturday is the legendary Craig David, who will return to his Hampshire roots after rising to global fame 25 years ago.

Texas will be tearing up the stage as Sunday nights headliner to close off what will be an epic Bank Holiday weekend.

Rick Astley will also be gracing the main-stage once more since his last appearance in 2021, as well as performances by BoyzLife, Reef, Rick Partfitt Jnr, and The Village People, plus DJ sets by Gok Wan and James Haskell.

The prize draw for the Jaguar is now open, with tickets costing 10 and entries are set to close on March 31.

For the very first time, AJ Odudu and Joel Dommett will host the Red Nose Day night of TV alongside Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, and David Tennant.

Returning to screens live on BBC One on Friday 17 March, they will be joined by a host of stars and supporters to bring viewers an unmissable evening of comedy, live music, exclusive prizes, and plenty of surprises.

This Red Nose Day will also see some of the nation's favourite famous faces put their willpower and determination to the test in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief.

Radio DJ and presenter Chris, 41, said: 'I'm so grateful CarFest is able to support Comic Relief and I'm thrilled that we are able to donate this very special historic car'

Speaking on BBC's The One show, he added: 'She ordered it in 2005, it's awesome, it's brilliant'

Historic: The 2009 Jaguar, which has covered around 73,000 miles, was sold at auction in November 2022 by Historics

It comes after Chris hinted he may not return to television last month after telling a fan he has reached his 'limit' with his breakfast radio show.

The broadcaster - who co-presented Channel 4 's The Big Breakfast from 1992 to 1994, fronted TFI Friday from 1996 to 2000 and again in 2015, and presented Top Gear in 2016 - told a fan he wants to focus on spending time with his family, according to the Mirror .

When asked if he had any plans to appear on TV again any time soon, he told the devotee: 'No can do. Family time is everything to me. Radio in the a.m is my limit.'

He first rose to fame as the presenter of Dont Forget Your Toothbrush, which he fronted for one year on Channel 4 from 1994.
Iris Law looked stunning as she slipped into an edgy ensemble for the Vanity Fair Oscars Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday.

The model, 22, who is the daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, showed off her edgy style credentials as she donned a khaki one-shoulder dress with a hood attached.

The stunner wore her short bleached blonde hair slicked back and left the her fringe out, framing her pretty features.

She accessorised with golden pendant earrings as she appeared to leave all the rest of the jewellery at home.

The actress stunned in a heavy smokey-eyes look, mixing dark tones with gold and blue on her eyelids - enhancing the colour of her eyes.

Edgy look: Iris Law looked stunning as she slipped into an edgy ensemble for the Vanity Fair Oscars Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills on Sunday

Wow! The model, 22, who is the daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, showed off her edgy style credentials as she donned a khaki one-shoulder dress with a hood attached

Oscar winners 2023: AT A GLANCE Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Actor: Brendan Fraser - The Whale Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Original Screenplay): Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Sarah Polley - Women Talking Best Animated Feature Film: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio Best International Feature Film: All Quiet on the Western Front Best Documentary Feature: Navalny Best Film Editing: Paul Rogers - Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Music (Original Song): "Naatu Naatu" from RRR Best Sound: Top Gun: Maverick Best Visual Effects: Avatar: The Way of Water Advertisement

The blonde beauty added a touch of colour with a cherry lipstick.

Iris made her runway debut at Miu Miu's A/W 2020 fashion show, and became a Dior ambassador in 2021.

Everything Everywhere All at Once was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday, taking home seven awards.

The American absurdist action comedy-drama film was the biggest winner of the night at the event featuring a star-studded red carpet as it earned Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, and Best Original screenplay at the gala event held at Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The movie's stars Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, took home the Leading Actress and Supporting Actress and Actor awards respectively.

In her acceptance speech, Michelle hailed her win as a 'beacon of hope and possibilities' for Asian people and urged those watching at home to 'dream big'.

She said: 'For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight. This is the beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true.

'Ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are past your prime. Never give up... Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making, thank you.'

The film beat out quite the field including: All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, The Fabelmans, TAR, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness, and Women Talking.

Look: Iris was wrapped in the floor-length dress, making her shoes not visible

Unique: The stunner wore her short bleached blonde hair slicked back and left the her fringe out, framing her pretty features

Strike a pose: She accessorised with golden pendant earrings as she appeared to leave all the rest of the jewellery at home

Stunner: The actress stunned in a heavy smokey-eyes look, mixing dark tones with gold and blue on her eyelids - enhancing the colour of her eyes

Runaway queen: Iris made her runway debut at Miu Miu's A/W 2020 fashion show, and became a Dior ambassador in 2021

Meanwhile, Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Brendan Fraser, who was tearful as he picked up his prize for his work on The Whale.

He said: 'So this is what the multiverse looks like. I thank the Academy for this honour and our studio A24 for making such a bold film.

'I'm grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship 'The Whale'. It was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse.'

German war movie All Quiet on the Western Front also had a successful evening, taking home four of the prizes it was nominated for, Best International Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.

This year's Academy Awards - which were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel - saw all the nominated tracks for Best Original Song performed, but the accolade went to Naatu Naatu from RRR.
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BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. (File Photo)

Adilabad: Bharat Rashtra Samiti chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao wants to expand the foothold of his rechristened party nationally by first contesting the local body polls in neighbouring Maharashtra under the banner of BRS.

TS forest minister Allola Indrakaran Reddy revealed the strategy at a BRS meeting held at Kinwat town in Maharashtra near the Telangana border. Indrakaran underlined that when Telangana Rashtra Samiti had been launched in 2001, the party first contested local body elections in TS and won many sarpanch posts, ZPTC and MPTC seats, apart from capturing the chairmanship of Nizamabad and Karimnagar zilla parishads.

TRS had then emerged victorious giving a tough fight to the then major parties  TDP, Congress and BJP  gaining ground in the name of Telangana sentiment.

Now that TRS has metamorphosed into Bharat Rashtra Samiti, the party will use the same strategy to expand its national foothold by contesting local body elections in Maharashtra, the forest minister told BRS party workers of Maharashtra unit in Kinwat.

Indrakaran Reddy said soon they will start selecting candidates to be fielded in the neighbouring states local body elections. He pointed out that Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao and BRS chief has already appointed party coordinators in the neighbouring state, who will look after election campaigning in the local body polls in respective districts of Maharashtra.

The minister underlined that BRS got very good response at the partys meeting in Nanded. People of the neighbouring state have been attracted to the welfare schemes being implemented by the BRS government in Telangana.

Sentiment within the top leadership of BRS is strong that the partys foothold will get strengthened nationally within no time if the party first contests local body elections in neighbouring states.

KCR feels the Telangana sentiment worked in 2001. Now, in 2023, farmers all over the country are sentimental about the problems they are facing. Telangana agitation-like strategy will work nationally, BRS sources asserted.
District officials have stopped supplying drinking water by tankers even to the villages that are facing a very serious water crisis. The tribal and hilly areas are the worst affected. The situation there is getting worse with the steady rise in temperatures. Water bodies are fast drying up in the Adilabad region.(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

ADILABAD: The public representatives of elected local bodies in Telangana State are under pressure from people for more borewells and repairs to the defunct ones. However, the state government has stopped funding such works after the launch of Mission Bhagiratha.

The alternative is the release of special funds from the Zilla Parishads -- unlike in the past when gram panchayats and mandals earmarked funds for borewell repairs and for digging new ones.

Some elected MPTCs and Sarpanches are releasing money from their official funds and getting the borewells repaired so as to meet the water needs of the people at the onset of the summer season. These representatives say this alone would not suffice and hence their plea to the state government to allocate special funds for the works on an urgent basis.

People in some villages are bringing drinking water by vehicles from long distances and many women are spending the whole day in queues at the local borewell to fetch water in various villages.

Adding to the problem, district officials have stopped supplying drinking water by tankers even to the villages that are facing a very serious water crisis. The tribal and hilly areas are the worst affected. The situation there is getting worse with the steady rise in temperatures. Water bodies are fast drying up in the Adilabad region.

Inhabitants of interior areas, especially Adivasis depending on streams and rivulets as their main water sources during the summer, are faced with hard times this summer. These water bodies are also on the verge of getting dried up as the heat keeps rising.

Interior villages and hilly areas in Indravelli, Gadiguda, Narnoor, Utnoor, Sirikonda, Boath, Ichoda, Lingapur, Tiryani, Sirpur (U), Wankidi and Kerameri mandals in Adilabad region are among the worst-hit.

Last year, Asifabad MLA Atram Sakku dug up borewells at his own initiative in some villages that faced an acute drinking water problem. He sought special funds from the state government for digging up more borewells in the villages.

Pandra Jayavanth Rao, MPP of Utnoor, said the two bore wells were repaired in Chaprala and Guttaguda villages in Ghanpur gram panchayat with ITDA funds last year. "There are no special funds for borewell repairs and for digging new borewells in the villages, especially during the summer to resolve the drinking water problem," he said.

The drinking water problem is acute in Dharmajipet, Rajulguda, Vadgalpur, Errachelka, Keshakunta and Gottipatar in Utnoor mandal, as per reports received here.
CID Police arrest Margadarsi Manager Srinivas in Vijayawada on Sunday. (Photo by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA:The Andhra Pradesh government is likely to order the winding up of operations of the Margadarsi Chit Fund Pvt Ltd in the state following the detection of a series of violations like diversion of funds and investing them in speculative markets.

CID additional director general N. Sanjay and Registration & Stamps Department inspector general V. Ramakrishna told the media here on Monday that the recent searches on the entitys branches showed there was no security to the deposits made by the chit subscribers.

"The foremen functioning as branch managers had no role to play except to forward the subscribers sums to the companys head office in Hyderabad, Telangana state," Sanjay said.

The senior official added, "Based on prima facie evidence, we noticed that the chit firm resorted to a series of violations. Hence, the need for a thorough probe to safeguard the interests of the subscribers."

He said the Registration & Stamps Departments assistant registrar was the authority to keep tabs on the chit fund business in his/her jurisdiction while the chit foremen or branch managers should protect the deposited amount from being diverted for other purposes.

"The firms branch managers were given power to issue cheques of upto `500 only. They have no clue where the deposited amounts were being diverted by the companys corporate office," Sanjay said.

Ramakrishna said, "In view of the serious rule violations, we may initiate proceedings to wind up operations of the Margadarsi for the various violations including acts like it investing such amounts in associated firms for personal gain."

He said that searches had been carried out in 37 chit fund companies in the state in October and November last. Among these were 17 offices of the Margadarsi. "We noticed grave violations with regard to Margadarsi."

He said that Margadarsi filed writ petitions in the high courts of both AP and Telangana. "When we obtained the financial statements and balance sheets of the firm and got them analysed with a qualified chartered accountant, we came to know about a series of violations of norms," he said.

Meanwhile, in the last two days, eight complaints were received from registration officials against the Margadarsi, alleging that the company resorted to financial fraud. A few branch managers were arrested. These included G. Venkata Ramaprasad from Visakhapatnam, Sati Ravishakar from Rajamahendravaram, Bandaru Srinivasa Rao from Vijayawada and Gorijavolu Sivaramakrishna from Guntur.
Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao. (Photo:Twitter @@MinisterKTR)

HYDERABAD: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao on Monday appointed district-wise incharges for coordinating and executing the partys public outreach programmes over the next four months in the run-up to the year-end state polls.

The IT minister designated a special team of district incharges, who are primarily tasked with coordination with the district presidents and local MLAs for effective implementation of the party programmes, which will be taken up aggressively, sources said.

Besides, the party has also decided to hold Atmeeya Sammellans (get-togethers) with party workers in every constituency to unite the party leaders and cadre. The BRS will also hold state-wide events  to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar on April 14, the party formation and flag hoisting day celebrations on April 26 and 27, constituency representative meetings and the BRS Vidyarthi (student wing) programmes in May and June, among others.

Rama Rao held a teleconference with the party district presidents and general secretaries on Monday, and issued directions in this regard.

He instructed special team members to immediately hold meetings with the district incharge ministers, local MLAs and other leaders to discuss the party activities. The party cadre was advised to coordinate with the special team.
The police had approached the top court against the Telangana High Court order to transfer the case to the CBI. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the CBI not to take over and proceed with the probe into the poachgate case of an alleged attempt to lure four BRS MLAs to defect.

Telling the CBI to hold its hand, the court listed the matter for hearing on July 31.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the Telangana police, opposed the transfer of the probe to the CBI. Dave also informed that the case material had not been handed over to the central agency.

Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the BJP, also said that investigation had not been initiated so far. With that, the court asked the CBI to maintain the status quo.

The police had approached the top court against the Telangana High Court order to transfer the case to the CBI.

The court felt that the matter is already under sub judice, hence the probe cannot go now.

"The investigation is not to be continued while the matter is sub judice or it will become infructuous. That is the thumb rule. Do not continue the investigation. Otherwise, we will have to pass interim orders," the bench said. The bench also made it clear that the case would have to be heard at length and regularly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: PTI)

BENGALURU: The stage is set for the inauguration of the 10-lane Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his sixth visit to the poll-bound Karnataka this year on Sunday.

The Prime Minister will lay foundation stones for key projects and inaugurate the Expressway in Mandya and Hubballi-Dharwad worth Rs 16,000 crore.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's office, Modi will dedicate and lay the foundation stones of key road projects in Mandya at noon.

Thereafter, at around 3:15 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of various development initiatives in Hubbali-Dharwad, the statement said. The rapid pace of development of infrastructure projects has been a testament to the vision of the prime minister to ensure world-class connectivity across the country, the statement said. Moving ahead in this endeavour, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway to the nation, it said. The project involves six-laning of the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta-Mysuru section of NH-275. The 118-km-long project has been developed at a total cost of around Rs 8,480 crore.

It will reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from around three hours to about 75 minutes, the statement said. It will act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region, it said. Earlier in the day, Modi tagged a tweet by Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari who said the construction of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, which encompasses a portion of NH-275, entails the development of four rail overbridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges, and 89 underpasses and overpasses.

Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone of Mysuru-Khushalnagar four-lane highway. The 92-km-long road project will be developed at a cost of around Rs 4,130 crore. The project will play a key role in boosting connectivity of Kushalnagar with Bengaluru and will help halve the travel time from about 5 to only two-and-a-half hours, it said. In Hubbali-Dharwad, the prime minister will dedicate IIT Dharwad to the nation. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by Prime Minister Modi in February 2019. Developed at a cost of over Rs 850 crore, the institute currently offers four-year B.Tech programmes, inter-disciplinary five-year BS-MS programmes, M.Tech. and Ph.D. programmes.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the longest railway platform in the world at Sri Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Station. The record has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records recently. The 1,507-metre-long platform has been built at a cost of about Rs 20 crore. The prime minister will also dedicate to the nation the electrification of Hosapete-Hubballi-Tinaighat section of the railway network and the upgradation of Hosapete station for boosting connectivity in the region. Developed at a cost of over Rs 530 crore, the electrification project establishes seamless train operation on electric traction.

The redeveloped Hosapete station will provide convenient and modern facilities to travellers. It has been designed to resemble the Hampi monuments, the statement said. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of various projects of Hubballi-Dharwad smart city. The total estimated cost of these projects is about Rs 520 crore, it said. These efforts will enhance the quality of life by creating hygienic, safe and functional public spaces and transform the town into a futuristic urban centre, it said.

Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Jayadeva Hospital and Research Centre. The hospital will be developed at a cost of about Rs 250 crore and will provide tertiary cardiac care to the people of the region. In order to further augment water supply in the region, Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Dharwad Multi Village Water Supply Scheme, which will be developed at a cost of over Rs 1,040 crore. He will also lay the foundation stone of Tupparihalla Flood Damage Control Project, which will be developed at a cost of about Rs 150 crore. The project aims to mitigate damage caused by floods and involves construction of retaining walls and embankments, the statement said.

Prime Minister's presence in Mandya assumes significance from political point of view in the poll-bound Karnataka where the general assembly elections are due in May. Mandya district, a key part of the old Mysuru region, has traditionally been a JD(S) bastion. The district has seven assembly constituencies and barring one rest are represented by the JD(S) legislators.

The BJP made inroads into Mandya district by winning one seat (KR Pet) during the 2019 bypolls.

At this crucial juncture, the party could persuade the Mandya independent MP Sumalatha to announce her 'full support' to the BJP two days before the Prime Minister's visit to the district.
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (Twitter)

HYDERABAD: Bharat Rashtra Samithis (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao directed party leaders and cadre to hold reach out to the public through a variety of programmes until June to strengthen the partys ranks in the run-up to this years Assembly polls.

Rama Rao issued the directions in a teleconference with the partys district presidents and general secretaries on Sunday, after Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao issued directions in this regard in a state executive meeting at Telangana Bhavan on Saturday.

The IT minister, stating that 60 lakh workers of the BRS were its core strength, asked MLAs to hold atmeeya sammelan (get togethers) with party workers, 10 villages at a time as a unit, to create awareness about the welfare schemes and developmental works done by the BRS.

He asked MLAs to involve local MPs, MLCs, chairpersons of corporations, DCCBs and DCMSs for the same, calling for completion of the same by the partys formation day on April 27.

Apprising party members of Chandrashekar Raos plan to celebrate Dr B.R. Ambedkars birth anniversary on a grand scale on April 14, Rama Rao called for programmes to be conducted across the state with a focus on the BRS governments welfare schemes for the Dalit community.

He said that the Chief Minister has decided to inaugurate the 125-foot-tall statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the tallest in the country, in Hyderabad on April 14 and also name the new Secretariat after Ambedkar.

The Dalit Bandhu scheme was also being implemented effectively, he said.

"Except for BRS, no other party has honoured and implemented welfare programmes for different sections by drawing inspiration from Dr B.R. Ambedkars principles in the country," Rama Rao said.

As the Telangana Martyrs Memorial will be unveiled on June 1, he asked party workers to several programmes across the state.

With the 2023-24 academic year commencing in June, he asked the student wing of the party to organise events like welcome meetings for Intermediate, degree and other professional course students. He asked them to enrol students in large numbers to strengthen the party's student wing and also called for the constitution of new committees.
A worker screen prints flags of various political parties in Coimbatore. (Representational Image/PTI)

One party appears to have the monopoly on bigotry in India. If you are not inclined to support the harassment and brutalisation of fellow citizens, you could vote for any number of parties. In Tamil Nadu, there are the two parties, both factions of the old DMK, while in Kerala there are various Left groups, in Karnataka former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowdas Janata Dal (Secular) is perhaps the only party in India that advertises its antipathy to communalism in its name. Then you have the various groups that have splintered from the Congress but retained its surname: the Trinamul Congress in West Bengal, the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra and YSRC in Andhra Pradesh. They are separate parties but have the Congress in their name because of brand recognition but also perhaps to assure their followers their core ideology is not different from that of the mother ship. Then nationally, there is of course the Congress Party.

You could vote for the PDP or the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir (assuming there is ever an election there again) or the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi or K. Chandrashekar Raos Bharat Rashtra Samithi in Telangana. Even the communally formed parties, like the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (Ittehad means unity) or Indian Muslim League do not have an agenda that is opposed to inclusive secularism.

None of these parties is perfect and many of them have a history of harassing minorities when in power and being unable to prevent their persecution. But there is only one party that actively seeks harassment, and if you want that sort of thing, then there is only one party for you, and that of course is the BJP. No other party seeks to push exclusionary laws on citizenship, on divorce, on food, on segregation, as the BJP has done actively, especially after 2019. No other party deliberately excludes Muslims  of the BJPs 303 Lok Sabha and 92 Rajya Sabha MPs, not one is a Muslim. Incredibly, of its more than 1,000 MLAs across India, there is not a single Muslim. This is a deliberate and calculated division of society based on religion that no other party wants to practice, even though it may be rewarding.

The BJP is in some sense resembles parties in the political landscape of Pakistan. There all parties tend to be anti-minority, even though the minority population is only around three per cent. Six months after Mohammed Ali Jinnahs passing in 1948, Pakistans constituent assembly was told that minorities would be allowed the right to practice their religion freely. They were told that the constitutions religious orientation was only to ensure that Muslims would be more devout and conforming. This did not happen of course because the assumption that they were not pious was wrong, and in any case, it is not the role of the state. But after it became clear that it was floundering, attention turned to the minorities. A series of laws excluding them from political office and then actively persecuting them came starting in the late 1950s, and by the 1980s it had peaked. Even the socialist Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had participated in this out of expediency, with his second amendment that went after the Ahmadiyya community in 1974. In the last few decades, this has begun to be reversed to a limited extent. Under Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the law on fornication was returned from Shariah back to the secular penal code, which Pakistan and Bangladesh share with India. Perhaps it was realised that there was no real benefit to persecution and that the damage to the nation and the state was long term.

In Bangladesh, the constitution opens with the Bismillah verse but it also, like Indias, commits itself in writing to secularism in its preamble. Further down, it says that "the principle of secularism shall be realised by the elimination" of communalism, political status in favour of any religion, abuse of religion for political purpose and discrimination or persecution. Bangladesh is as authoritarian as India is and the political Opposition and civil society are harassed in a similar fashion. It will hearten Indians to know that Bangladesh is even lower than us in the hated V-Dem liberal democracy index. On Freedom Houses Freedom in the World Index too, Bangladesh is lower than India and both nations are classified "partly free". However today, Bangladesh is the only nation of the three that has its principal minority community represented in the Cabinet, through Sadhan Chandra Majumderr.

India is experimenting after 2014 with the same things that Pakistan tried and failed with in its opening decades. Though Indias economic achievements of the current time lie primarily in rhetoric, it is instructive to know that Pakistan often touched 10 per cent growth in the 1960s. Gen. Auyb Khan was likened to Greek lawgivers Solon and Lycurgus by political scientist Samuel Huntington (of "clash of civilisations" fame). The point here being that economic growth, for a short period at least, can go hand in hand with exclusionary politics. But not for long. Modern states that are focused on targeting their own citizens, on constant harassment through law and policy, that encourage the raising of militias and lynch mobs, have no record of success.

This is perhaps the reason, or at least one of the reasons, that Indias political parties have stayed away from this as an ideology, even if it may be electorally rewarding. All parties other than one, of course.
The presidents of Iran and Belarus hailed their close ties during talks in Tehran Monday at a time both countries are sharply at odds with Western powers, including over Russia's war in Ukraine.

Ex-Soviet state Belarus serves as a rear base for Russian troops, and Iran is accused of supplying Moscow with armed drones for use in the invasion -- a charge it denies while proclaiming its neutrality in the conflict.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hailed three decades of close ties with Belarus after talks with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived late Sunday for a two-day visit.

"Thirty years after the start of relations... the two countries have the will to strengthen cooperation," Raisi said, praising their "common strategic vision".

Also Read | Iran-Saudi Arabia deal reflects USs weakening grip on West Asia

Lukashenko said he had observed "with great respect the perseverance with which the (Iranian) people resist external pressures, attempts to impose the will of others on them".

"And I see that, despite everything, you are developing modern technologies and nuclear energy," he added about Iran's contested nuclear programme which has sparked tough international sanctions against the country.

Iran denies seeking to acquire an atomic weapon.

Lukashenko has for years been hit with US sanctions, including for rights violations.

Also Read | China's Xi to speak with Ukraine's Zelenskyy

"We could be very helpful to each other if we really put our efforts together," added Lukashenko.

The two presidents, who did not mention the Ukraine war in their statements, signed a roadmap to boost political, economic and cultural cooperation.

Lukashenko and his delegation later met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the state news agency IRNA.

"Countries sanctioned by the United States should work together and form a group to eliminate the tactic of sanctions, and we think that can be done," Khamenei said, cited by IRNA.

Lukashenko is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Tehran also maintains close ties with Russia even as it has stressed a neutral diplomatic stance in the Ukraine war.

Washington has accused Iran of supplying suicide drones to Russia, and expressed alarm over a "dangerous" escalation in military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.

Iran -- which has denied sending drones to Russia specifically for use in Ukraine -- has said it has finalised a contract to buy Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.

Lukashenko early this month was in China, where he voiced support for Beijing's proposal to mediate in efforts to end the Ukraine war.

Belarus, a neighbour of Ukraine, has not sent soldiers to fight alongside the Russian army, but its territory has served as a rear base for troops from Moscow.

Lukashenko's visit to Iran was the third ever by a Belarusian president and the first in 17 years, according to state-run news agency Belta.
Taiwan's defence spending this year will focus on preparing weapons and equipment for a "total blockade" by China, including parts for F-16 fighters and replenishing weapons, the military said in a report.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, staged war games around the island in August, firing missiles over Taipei and declaring no-fly and no-sail zones in a simulation of how it would seek to cut Taiwan off in a war.

In a report seeking parliamentary budget approval, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters on Monday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it began reviewing its strategic fuel reserves and repair abilities last year, but did not give details.

Also Read | Taiwan to allow more China flights in show of goodwill

In "anticipation of a total blockade of the Taiwan Strait", spending this year would include replenishment of artillery and rocket stocks, and parts for F-16 fighters "to strengthen combat continuity", the ministry said.

In an update on its threat assessment from China, the ministry said China's military has been conducting joint force operations with an eye to controlling strategic choke points and denying access to foreign forces.

"Recently, the Communist military's exercise and training model has been adjusted from a single military type to joint operations of land, sea, air and rocket forces," it said in the report, issued ahead of Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng's taking lawmakers' questions in parliament on Wednesday.

"It is adopting an actual war approach and shifting from training to combat preparation." China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China must modernise its military to make it a "Great Wall of Steel". Xi also said that when it came to Taiwan, China must oppose pro-independence and secessionist activities and the interference of external forces.

Taiwan's defence ministry said China has systematically increased the strength of its "joint combat readiness" actions around Taiwan.

China's military's Eastern Theatre Command last year sent more than 1,700 aircraft into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. That is more than double the number from a year earlier and poses a "substantial threat" to Taiwan's defence, the ministry said.

Also Read | Chinese ships cut internet of Taiwan's outlying islands

China has been "normalising" no-navigation zones around the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the ministry added.

China hopes to hone its abilities to fight into the "second island chain", which includes an area from Japan to the Pacific islands, to "choke and control" the Bashi Channel, the Miyako Strait and Tsushima Strait, it said, three waterways crucial to access to the Pacific and East China Seas.

The ministry said China has also continued to use "grey zone" tactics to test Taiwan's response, including sending drones, balloons and fishing boats to areas close to Taiwan.

The ministry also said it would include prioritise funding in the budget this year for major U.S.-made weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) mobile rocket launchers
The Pakistan government has for the first time made public details of foreign gifts retained by officials amidst the controversy over the Toshakhana gifts sold by former premier Imran Khan.

The details of Toshakhana or the state depository were revealed on Sunday on the website of the Cabinet Division, showing the gifts retained by former presidents, prime ministers, federal cabinet members, politicians, bureaucrats, retired generals, judges, and journalists from 2002 to 2022.

The 446-page document showed those who benefited include President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former prime minister Imran Khan, ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, ex-president Asif Ali Zardari, late military dictator Pervez Musharraf, former premier Shaukat Aziz, ex-PM Yousuf Raza Gilani, ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, ex-PM Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Khursheed Kasuri, Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Jehangir Tarin, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Attaur Rehman among others.

Read | Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto says country in 'perfect storm' of crises

The document showed that most of the gifts were retained by the office holders free of cost except for a few.

Zardari and Nawaz Sharif received one bulletproof vehicle each during their visits and retained them after paying some money to the Toshakhana.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife received five precious wristwatches, ornaments, and other items.

Pervez Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz retained hundreds of foreign gifts without paying a penny.

In return for the gifts received from foreign dignitaries, these public office holders, especially the rulers, gave away gifts worth millions of rupees to the foreign delegates.

The details revealed that Zardari retained one BMW 760 Li white (security version) on January 26, 2009. The car's value was fixed at Rs 27.3 million while the former president retained it after paying a little more than Rs 4 million.

In March 2011, he retained a wristwatch worth Rs 1 million after paying Rs 158,250 for the watch and some other items.

In June 2011, he retained a wristwatch worth Rs 1.25 million after paying a sum of Rs 189,219 for the watch and some other items.

In October 2011, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader retained a Cartier wristwatch worth Rs 1 million after making a payment of Rs 321,000 for the watch and a gun.

The PML-N supreme leader was gifted a Mercedes Benz car on April 20, 2008, worth Rs 4.25 million.

Also Read | Islamabad court rejects Imran Khan's plea seeking suspension of arrest warrant in Toshakhana case

The former PM retained it after paying Rs 0.636 million, as per the document. The document did not mention in what capacity Sharif received the vehicle.

Khan received five precious wristwatches, including a Graff watch, worth Rs 3.8 million. He retained these gifts in October 2018 after paying a sum of Rs 0.754 million.

In September 2018, he retained a Graff wristwatch worth Rs 85 million, a pair of cufflinks worth Rs 5.6 million, a pen worth Rs 1.5 million, and a ring worth Rs 8.75 million after paying Rs 20 million for these items.

Another Rolex watch worth Rs 1.5 million soon followed and the former prime minister retained it after paying Rs 294,000 for the precious item.

In November 2018, Khan retained another Rolex wristwatch worth Rs 900,000 after paying a sum of Rs 338,600 for the watch and some other items.

In October 2019, he retained a boxed watch, assessed at Rs 1.9 million, after paying a sum of Rs 935,000.

In September 2020, the PTI leader retained another Rolex watch, assessed at Rs 4.4 million, after paying Rs 2.4 million for the watch and a number of other gifts.

In the same month, his wife Bushra Bibi kept a necklace worth Rs 10 million, a bracelet worth Rs 2.4 million, a ring worth Rs 2.8 million, and a pair of earrings worth Rs 1.85 million after paying a sum of Rs 9 million for these gifts.

President Dr. Arif Alvis wife, Samina Alvi, retained a necklace worth Rs 1.19 million in October 2019 after paying Rs 865,000 for it and other items in the jewellery box.

The president himself retained a Rolex wristwatch worth Rs 2.5 million in February 2022 after paying Rs 1.2 million.

Sheikh Rashid retained dozens of gifts, including two gold coins, on February 3, 2003, after paying a mere Rs 3,420.

Khurshid M Qasuri received several gifts in 2005 and retained these items free of cost.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf retained a Graff wristwatch assessed at Rs 890,000 in November 2012 after paying a sum of Rs 218,000 for it and other items, as per the document.

The revelation came after Khan was disqualified last year by the Election Commission of Pakistan for hiding proceeds of the sale of state gifts.

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.

In his assets declarations, he is accused of concealing details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana - a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept.

Officials are legally allowed to retain gifts provided they pay a pre-assessed amount, typically a fraction of the value of the gift.

Khan demanded that all beneficiaries of such gifts should be made public.
In order to ensure safety of trekkers and travellers in the country, Nepal has enforced a ban on solo travelling for all, a report in CNN said. The government had previously banned travellers from trying to scale Mount everest, the world's highest peak. The ban was put in place in 2017 and now, five years later, the government has decided to extend the same for trekking anywhere in the country.

The country, which has eight of the world's ten tallest mountain peaks, is also known for its trekking areas, some of which fall under remote regions and under the new rule, trekkers must hire government-licensed guides or join a group.

Also Read | 'Nadedu nodi': Trekking through Karnataka

Trekking has been a constant source of income for Nepal but the country has also spent a lot of money on the search and rescue operations of solo hikers who lose their way while trekking.

When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you. It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate. CNN quoted Director of the Nepal Tourism Board Mani R Lamichhane as saying.

Lamichhane told CNN that whenever trekkers go missing or are found dead, it becomes an uphill task for the government to track them due to the extreme remoteness of the routes.

Apart from the issue of missing trekkers, there is also the problem of unlicensed tour guides and companies who without registering and paying taxes for their businesses, run the trekking groups and hurt job prospects of native Nepalis. Lamichhane told CNN that such unlicensed companies pose a huge challenge to registered and authentic trekking organisations.

Also Read | Best Time to go on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking organisers have reportedly shown mixed reactions to the news. One Ian Taylor, a trekking company owner who frequently organises treks in Nepal rued the newly imposed rule but also admitted that solo travellers pose a problem for the country and as such, the changes are also necessary in a way.

The Nepal government doesnt have the capacity to vet every single visa applicant separately, hence it has taken the decision to enact a blanket ban, the channel quoted Taylor as saying.

The new decision will come into effect from April 1.

Eight of the worlds 10 tallest mountains are located at least partly in Nepal, which sits between India and China. Each year, deadly accidents, including ones caused by avalanches, blizzards and high-altitude sickness, are reported from Nepals mountains.
The Assam government has completed the process of shifting all "declared foreigners" to a newly built dedicated detention centre in Goalpara district, now renamed as "transit camp", a senior official said.

Assam Inspector General of Prisons Pubali Gohain told PTI that the last batch of 87 inmates from Silchar detention centre was taken to the dedicated Matia transit camp.

"The inmates started their journey from Silchar on Saturday and reached Goalpara on Sunday. With this, the process of shifting all declared foreigner inmates lodged in the six transit camps has been completed," she said.

Also Read | Assam: CID inquiry reveals wrong person killed in police encounter

Of the 87 "declared foreigners", 64 are from Myanmar, 22 from Bangladesh and one from Senegal, another senior official said.

The process of shifting the inmates began on January 27 with transferring of 68 "declared foreigners" from the Goalpara detention centre.

As the transfer process is complete, the six detention centres will be closed, Gohain said.

Altogether 217 "declared foreigners" are lodged at the new transit camp in Matia, Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Choudhury said.

"This figure changes very frequently with court verdicts and the deportation of foreigners. Just three days ago, three Bangladeshis were sent back to their country from the Matia camp," he told PTI.

The Matia dedicated transit camp is monitored and controlled by the Goalpara district administration and can accommodate 3,000 inmates, including 400 females.

The facility features hospitals, schools, recreation centres, dining and other amenities, officials added.
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The United States Air Force has sought assistance from communications-technology company Persistent Systems to facilitate seamless security operations networking across all three of the countrys intercontinental ballistic missile bases. It is a contract worth almost $76 million.



To connect security personnel in the field with operation centers at a massive distanceand to ensure all of these locations are securePersistent has said it will employ its proprietary Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network. Also called IRON, this framework utilizes interconnected antenna systems installed on fixed poles or toward to enable broad voice and video sharing. The technology will also have the ability to share sensor and GPS-related data.



Several days ago, Persistent revealed they would install 700 IRON assets at the Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana, the Minot AF base in North Dakota, and the F.E. Warren AF base in Wyoming. As part of the Air Forces Regional Operating Picture initiative, the IRON project expects to network 75 operation centers and at least 1,000 security vehicles spread throughout an area of approximately 25,000 sq. miles.



Indeed, Persistent vice president of business development, Adrien Robenhymer, comments that a single US military base can measure tens of thousands of square miles but lack a dynamic, high-bandwidth way for headquarters staff to track, and reliably remain in contact with the security personnel patrolling this vast area. And rolling out the ROP across the three AF bases is just the first step.



However, these military installations are a little different from the average Air Force base because carefully-guarded ICBMs are stored there. ICBM stands for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; they belong to part of the US nuclear arsenal that some advocacy groups strongly question (and even oppose). This explains the urgency to update their interconnectivity.



Regarding that update, the Biden Administration does have the plan to install a connectivity umbrella, and it should serve the militarys needs on this particular issue. The Pentagons Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative aims to bring together what had long been kept far apart. This includes various databases and forces across the air, land, sea, and space and cyber-related efforts.






The U.S. government is the largest customer for many defense companies, providing a significant portion of their revenue. This stability and predictability can be beneficial for both the companies and investors. However, the revenue... More of this article 
The Western Health and Social Care Trusts (Western Trust) Recovery College has launched their new Spring 2023 prospectus which details the wide range of courses relating to mental health and wellbeing available this term.

This term we are delighted to reach five areas of the Western Trust with our popular face to face courses running in Derry, Enniskillen, Omagh and Strabane along with Limavady which has recently been added as well as evening courses delivered via Microsoft Teams app.

Introducing the start of the Spring 2023 Recovery College programme Yvonne Cairns, Western Trust Recovery College Coordinator said: I would like to welcome everyone to our free mental health and wellbeing education and learning programme. We have a full timetable of courses and workshops both face to face and online through the Western Trust area.

We continue to offer on-line courses, now through Microsoft Teams as it offers flexibility and provides an outreach service to people unable to travel or meet face to face.

Yvonne continued: Valuing the combined lived experience of mental health and professional knowledge, we co-produce and co-facilitate our courses which provides a collective wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience.

"We appreciate all those individuals who give their time, experience, knowledge and skills to the College; whose passion and dedication are evident and who share the message of recover  hope, control and opportunity.

Launching the Western Trust Recovery College Spring 2023 Prospectus from left to right are: Pauline Travers, Primary Care Liaison Service; Mark Hunter, Respite Team Manager; Yvonne Cairns, Recovery College Coordinator and Bernadette Donaghy, Lead Peer Educator.

We really appreciate the effort and motivation that is required to attend the College and endeavour to make our workshops friendly and informal, where we support and learn from each other. All of us at the College are looking forward to meeting our new students and welcoming back familiar faces  we hope that this new term will be one of learning, growth and of course fun!

Courses are open to all - those who use services, people with mental health issues whether diagnosed or otherwise, carers and supporters, students, health professionals - in fact anyone who is interested in good mental health.

The term commences week beginning 13 March 2023 and registration for the courses is essential. Anyone who would like to register or find out more information please contact the Recovery College Tel: 028 82252079 or email: recoverycollege@westerntrust.hscni.net .

The prospectus can be viewed online and the application form downloaded at: www.westerntrust.hscni.net.

MAIN PICTURE: Launching the Western Trust Recovery College Spring 2023 Prospectus from left to right are: Sharon Vaughan, Peer Volunteer; Bernadette Donaghy; Lead Peer Educator; Mark Hunter, Respite Team Manager; Pauline Travers, Primary Care Liaison Service; Yvonne Cairns, Recovery College Coordinator; Melanie Patrick, Peer Volunteer; Brona Dyson, Mental Health Nurse and Simone McAleer, Peer Volunteer.
There was deep sadness in Derry and the North West as news emerged of the death of Mr Patrick Hume, the former head of governors at St Cecilias College in the city.

Fondly known as Paddy, Mr Hume was the brother of the late John Hume MP, Nobel Laureate and former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party. He passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Hume, formerly of 6, Iona Park in Derry, was predeceased by his wife Brigid in February 2022. He was the loving father of Paul, Brenda, Fiona, Ursula, Una and Seana; father-in-law of Maria, Tommy, John, David, Ray and Brendan; a devoted grandfather; and brother of Jim and the late John, Annie, Harry, Agnes and his twin Sally.

His daughter, Brenda, took up the familys political mantle, winning election to Derry City Council, serving for nine years, and becoming Mayor in June 2014.

Mrs Stevenson was the final mayor of Derry City Council before the formation of the new super-councils in 2015.

Although much of Mr Humes working life was spent as a nurse manager in several nursing homes locally, he was also dedicated to his role as chairperson of the board of governors of St Cecilias College in the city.

So much so, Mr Hume received the prestigious National Governor of the Year award at the annual National Teaching Awards Ceremony held in London, in 2006.

The awards were established by Lord Puttnam in 1998 to celebrate the exceptional achievements of teachers, heads, teaching assistants and governors in the North and Britain.

At the time of his award, Mr Hume had served as a governor at the school for 14 years and had spent the last five as chairperson. Mr Hume retired from the board of governors in April 2016.

On receipt of his award, Mr Hume was described by colleagues as an invaluable mentor, a charismatic larger-than-life character who has brought an informed perspective on special needs to the school, thanks to his background in the healthcare industry.

A modest Mr Hume said: I am absolutely delighted. I feel very humbled but also very proud not only for St Cecilias College but for my hometown.

"To be recognised for voluntary efforts such as these is absolutely brilliant."

Mr Hume, who retired in 2005, became involved with St Cecilia's College because four of his five daughters had attended the school.

"It was my way of giving back to the school," he said "Now that I have retired I am able to give more of my time to the school."

The father-of-six, earned himself the nickname 'No Problem Paddy' for his flexible, forward-thinking approach to work within the school. He was a driving force in cross-community projects and was a strong supporter of the school's successful bid to become a performing arts specialist school.

A minute's silence was observed by Bonagee United FC players prior to their Ulster Senior Cup semi-final against Greencastle FC. to remember Paddy Hume, the grandfather of Sean Hume and also senior ladies players Caitlin and Coilin.

Paddys wake will commence in his home on Monday at 1.00pm. Funeral from there on Wednesday at 9.30am for 10oclock Requiem Mass in St Columbas Church, Longtower. Interment afterwards in the City cemetery. Family time please from 9.00pm to 11.00am.

Mr Patrick Hume, Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam uasal.
Police in Derry have come under attack after conducting searches in the city.

Police said around 30 people were involved. While vehicles were attacked, no officers were injured.

Officers came under attack when bottles and stones were thrown at them in the Magowan Park area of the city this evening, (Sunday 12th March) as they conducted a search operation in the vicinity of Brae Head Road in relation to recent violent dissident republican terrorism.

Video: NI Emergency Response Vids (https://www.facebook.com/nierv)

Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: Shortly before 7.00pm, police officers came under sporadic attack from a group of approximately 30 young people who had gathered in the area and started throwing stones and bottles at them.

"Some damage was caused to police vehicles but thankfully no officers were injured.

Police liaised with local community representatives who assisted in moving the young people away from the area.

"Shortly after 7.30pm, police were also able to leave the area after concluding the search and the situation has now calmed.
The Oscar winning film An Irish Goodbye will get a special screening later this month at Derry's Strand Omniplex to mark World Down Syndrome Day.

The Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Ross White and Tom Berkley scooped the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Annual Academy Awards last night in Los Angeles.

Ross and Tom shared the stage with global A-listers at the glittering ceremony in the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Scenes of the jubilant duo alongside actors James Martin and Seamus OHara were beamed onto screens around the world.

This latest accolade follows the films BAFTA win for Best British Short Film last month.

The heart-warming short film has been captivating audiences around the world having already screened at over 60 film festivals across six continents.

Local audiences can watch the award-winning short film now on BBC iPlayer. A special homecoming screening is planned to mark World Down Syndrome Day at Omniplex Cinema, Strand Road on 22 March.

An Irish Goodbye was filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland, showcasing the beauty of our rural landscape in Co Derry, Saintfield and Templepatrick.

The black comedy follows the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan after the untimely death of their mother.

Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father OShea, the brothers pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome.

A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcans dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides hes sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland.

But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: hell only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mothers listall one hundred of them.

The film stars Seamus OHara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).

Congratulating everyone involved in making An Irish Goodbye on their Oscar success Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said: Ross and Tom have done us incredibly proud. This Oscar win not only raises the profile of the film industry in Northern Ireland but also the beauty of our landscape. To win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest possible level. This win, along with their recent BAFTA win, is a huge milestone for the professional careers of this filmmaking team.

Hundreds of thousands of short films are produced every year around the world and for Northern Ireland to win one really underlines the world class talent we have working in the industry here.

With new filmmakers breaking through on shorts and first features, we've got a lot to be proud of, and so much to look forward to. We must also acknowledge the continued support of our partners, the Department for the Economy and Department for Communities, Lottery Fund and the Arts Council who allow much of this talent development to happen.

Together we are creating an ecosystem whereby talent like this can reach its full potential.
As part of Enterprise Week 2023, over 80 students from Derry Strabane took part in a Catalyst Generation Innovation Impact Day, a fully immersive design-thinking experience for young people.

Enterprise Week 2023 took place from Monday 6 to Friday 10 March with the aim of inspiring the next generations of entrepreneurs in the City and District.

Catalysts Generation Innovation Impact Day, sponsored by Seagate and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, aimed to inspire and encourage young people to develop their skills and entrepreneurial mindset. The process involved students identifying a real-world problem and designing a solution all in one day.

Each stage of the design process aimed to teach students a range of valuable skills including user-centred design, critical thinking and the ability to collaborate in a team.

To end the day, several different partner companies provided an insightful presentation into their own start-up journey, as well as demonstrating a range of innovative technologies.

Tristan Doran, from St Josephs College, who took part in the Impact Day said: The Generation Innovation Impact Day hosted by Catalyst was a great experience which myself and my friends really enjoyed. We came together to solve a real-world challenge for Seagate.

It was a really great day and has made me consider taking part in the Generation Innovation work experience programme later on in the year.

Judith Camblin, Generation Innovation Programme Manager at Catalyst, said: The Generation Innovation Impact Day during Enterprise Week was a great success and saw so many ambitious young people work together and create solutions to some big problems faced by businesses today.

The Impact Day gives young people an idea of the full Generation Innovation work experience programme which will take place across three locations in June. We hope to see some of the students who took part in the Impact Day again in the Summer.

Generation Innovation is a one-of-a-kind work experience programme for young people aged between 17 and 18.

It aims to empower, inform, and upskill future entrepreneurs.

Young people will work with well-known employers, such as EY, Artemis Technologies, Bank of Ireland and Dawson Andrews, to discover a solution to a real-life problem. Participants will then pitch their group idea to a partner company and their peers, alongside learning new skills and receiving training from expert facilitators.

The programme will take place in Derry in The Guildhall from 13-16 June 2023.

For more information visit: generationinnovation.co. Applications close on 31st March 2023.
Derry and Strabane Council will hold a special meeting at 4.00pm today with Department of Health representatives from the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to discuss the future of GP services at Shantallow Medical Centre and Bridge Street.

Ahead of the meeting People Before Profit Cllr Maeve O'Neill said: "The future of GP services in Derry and elsewhere is uncertain.

"There's understandably tremendous concern about access to GP services. People in local areas have made very clear the need for Shantallow and Bridge Street GP services to remain open.

"The DOH must work with the Western Trust to ensure this happens. The Council has a duty to make sure residents are protected.

"People Before Profit will continue to amplify the concerns of residents, workers and patients."

Councillor O'Neill continued: "All of the Stormont Executive parties have undermined the health service by voting to slash workers pay, outsource services, facilitate the privatisation of care homes and by running down GP services. The Derry Save Our NHS campaign has been launched to push back on this.

"At the weekend we seen thousands marching in London to Save the NHS. We need the same type of people power mobilisations here to support striking healthcare workers and to challenge what's been done to our health service.

"This will be up to trade unions, community organisations, local residents and the many groups oriented on health provision to demand the health service, including GP services, is fixed and protected into the future."
A local drama group in south Belfast turned its weekly meeting into a celebration after the success of member James Martin at the Oscars.

The star of An Irish Goodbye has become the first person with Downs syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

While Martin celebrated in LA, Babosh drama group was also toasting his success playing an estranged brother in the production, which scooped best live action short film.

He got his start at Babosh, a drama group for adults with learning disabilities which meets every Monday night.

Group co-ordinator Frances Nelson said Martin has been given a profile which is really important to show people he can talk, can act and is every bit as good as everybody else.

She said she hoped his success would pave the way for others to also shine, adding: I believe there are quite a few others Jameses out there.

If someone in your group wins an Oscar, I think it deserves a wee bit of a different evening, so we raised a toast to James to say congratulations, Ms Nelson told the PA news agency.

It has been inspiring to have James do so well, really and truthfully, like all the members, he is dedicated, he is loyal, he attends every week, he is resilient and strong and he wants to develop his skills, hes part of the team and he values the group and the friendship in the group.

The difference is that James has had the opportunity, he is successful now and everybody in the group just loves that James has been successful, and really he represents to them success and they love him because of that even more.

Ms Nelson said the group primarily works on communication and speech with members, using tongue twisters for clear diction, as well as on movement.

Jamess success shows when you work and apply yourself anything can happen, she said.

Babosh recently did a little Disney item, and one of the things that I used on that was your dreams really can come true, and this is a dream and it really has come true.

I think that whole notion that if you work hard, if you have a strong work ethic, which James has, and if other people give you an opportunity, there needed to be the right piece, and James has got a piece that was written for him and is beautiful.

He acted in it beautifully, and I think from that perspective it allows others to aspire to achieve, but most importantly the group are just delighted for James personally as a friend as well as someone they go to drama with.
By Purav Patel, eInfochips

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed our way of living and working, enabling greater convenience and efficiency through connected devices and systems. Projections indicate that the worldwide number of IoT devices will nearly triple, rising from 9.7 billion in 2020 to over 29 billion by 2030. However, with the widespread adoption of IoT technology comes increased concerns about security.

The security concern was also highlighted in CNBCs article which says," According to cybersecurity specialists, the swift expansion of IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets in 2022 may have signaled a turning point. Hackers can exploit cars and medical devices, which are essential to daily life and have security vulnerabilities.

IoT devices serve as a primary access point for numerous attacks, as stated in Microsoft's Digital Defense Report 2022. The report highlights that despite the increasing security of IT software and hardware, IoT security has not progressed at the same rate.

This blog aims to investigate the impact of IoT security on various domains, from personal devices to critical infrastructure, and analyze potential measures to mitigate the associated risks.

Introduction to IoT Security: Why It Matters

As the number of connected devices continues to increase, IoT security has emerged as a major concern for both businesses and individuals. Hackers and cyber criminals are drawn to the vast amounts of data that these devices collect and share, making them an attractive target. For instance, even a simple IoT device like a baby monitor can be exploited to gather sensitive information such as credit card numbers or spy on a family.

Recently, Sonic Wall's report revealed that there was a 77% rise in malware attacks on IoT/Connected Devices during the first half of 2022. The report also stated that while ransomware attacks declined by 23%, there was an increase of 30% in cryptojacking attacks and 19% in intrusion attempts.

Although IoT devices offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to consider the associated risks. One of the most significant threats to IoT security is the lack of encryption on regular transmissions. Many IoT devices transmit data without encryption, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information and credentials.

The utilization of malware by cyber criminals to take over IoT devices or connected machines and engage in malicious activities has become a common occurrence across a variety of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, consumer electronics, agriculture, retail, and healthcare. Given the sensitive and confidential nature of the information stored within these industries, implementing IoT security solutions is crucial to safeguard against such threats, leading to an increase in the market demand for IoT security.

Image courtesy: IoT Security Threats and Solutions (einfochips.com)

Going forward, this write-up will present instances of companies from various domains leveraging IoT devices, how they were affected by cyberattacks, and countermeasures to improve IoT security in your company.

Healthcare Industry: The healthcare sector is grappling with the repercussions of IoT security issues in several ways. One of the primary concerns is maintaining the privacy and security of patient data. As the usage of IoT devices in healthcare continues to increase, the chances of patient data being compromised also rise. Additionally, the safety of medical devices is also at risk. IoT devices are commonly utilized to monitor and control medical equipment, and if they are not appropriately secured, attackers may exploit them to access private patient information.

In November 2022, a cyberattack struck the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi (AIIMS), causing extensive damage to its servers and the National Information Center's eHospital network. The attack resulted in the manual management of all functions, including emergency, ambulatory, inpatient, and testing areas, for more than a week. The Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit registered a case of cyber terrorism and extortion but refuted any claims of AIIMS receiving a ransom demand of Rs 200 crores in cryptocurrency, which is typical in ransomware attacks. It is necessary to investigate the motive behind the attack and assess the readiness of organizations and systems for cybersecurity threats.

Retail Industry: The retail industry is intriguing due to its continuous adoption of modern technologies to improve efficiency and enhance the appeal of their products to consumers. Among the latest technologies making an impact on the retail sector is the internet of things (IoT).

A case in point is the January 2021 breach in which a 70-gigabyte SQL backup file belonging to Bonobos, a Walmart clothing subsidiary, was stolen from a third-party cloud provider and shared on a hacker forum. The stolen data included 7 million shipping addresses, 1.8 million registered customer accounts, and 3.5 million partial credit card records.

Manufacturing Industry: Manufacturers are extremely concerned about the security of IoT. The more connected devices and data collected, the greater the risk of security breaches. The manufacturing industry is being impacted in numerous ways due to IoT security, with data theft being a major concern. Hackers can now more easily access collected data due to the proliferation of connected devices.

For instance, multinational aluminum manufacturer Norsk Hydro, which operates in 40 countries, had to shut down several plants following a LockerGoga ransomware attack. The attack had a detrimental effect on IT systems in various business functions, including smelting plants situated in Norway, Qatar, and Brazil.

Automotive Industry: IoT security is a hot topic in the automotive industry. As cars become more connected, there is a greater risk for hacking and data theft. A report in CNBC stated that even a company like Toyota had to stop their operations in of its plants due to a cyber-attack last February.

Image source:Automotive IoT Security  An Inevitable Factor in Growing Market of Connected Vehicle Ecosystem (einfochips.com)

According to security week, a team of seven security experts has discovered several vulnerabilities in vehicles manufactured by 16 car makers, allowing them to control car functions and start or stop the engine. Furthermore, the researchers revealed that numerous other security defects enabled them to access car makers internal applications and systems, which resulted in the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII) of customers and employees, as well as account takeover. The hacks targeted infrastructure, telematic systems, and automotive APIs. The affected car models included premium brands from Ferrari to BMW to even Rolls Royce. The car makers were notified, and they have released patches to fix the security issues.

Consumer Electronics Industry: As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, the need for improved security measures is also increasing. This is particularly true for the consumer electronics market. It not only puts the companies at risk but even the individuals purchasing the electronics.

There have already been several instances of high-profile security breaches concerning IoT devices. For example, in 2016, the Mirai botnet hijacked hundreds of thousands of devices, including numerous consumer electronics.

There are different ways to improve IoT security

Ensuring the security of the network, data, and devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) is the primary concern. Thus, providing IoT security presents a significant challenge in safeguarding devices against malicious attacks and unauthorized access. The IoT is now deeply integrated into our daily lives as an increasing number of devices connect to the internet, making IoT security a top priority. IoT devices offer enhanced user convenience.

Keep your devices secure by installing the latest security patches regularly.

Segment your network to prevent unauthorized access and attacks.

Use strong passwords for accessing software and implement multifactor authentication to enhance security.

Take a layered approach to security by using multiple security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.

Do not rely on default security settings, which may be vulnerable to attacks.

Maintain a global access map to track and control access to your network and devices.

Ask the manufacturer about SSL/TLS and use encrypted protocols to protect data in transit.

Restrict internet usage on connected devices to enhance security.

Protect important data by blocking programs behind a firewall or restricting the use of certain software features.

Install the most recent software on all network-connected devices to stay up to date with security features.

Create a separate network for IoT devices to prevent unauthorized access to other devices.

Implement security measures that ensure IoT-connected devices cannot be easily spoofed, such as assigning unique IDs to each device.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, IoT security is a growing concern for individuals and organizations alike. As the number of devices connected to the internet continues to grow, so does the potential for security breaches. While there are many ways to secure IoT devices, it is important to consider all aspects of security when deploying these devices. By doing so, organizations can ensure that their devices are protected from potential threats.

References:

Author Bio 

Purav Patel - Purav Patel works as an Engineer at eInfochips in the Cybersecurity domain. A Certified Ethical Hacker with experience in Web Application Penetration Testing, he also holds a bachelors degree in cyber security.

If you wish to download a copy of this white paper, click here






Infinix is planning to roll out a new budget phone and the phone is Infinix Hot 30i. Infinix Hot 30i leaks have been making rounds on the web lately, creating buzz and telling us what we need to know about it. A tipster named TechDocterz has tweeted the supposed specifications of the Infinix Hot 30i. Let's see what we can expect from the Realme C55.

Infinix Hot 30i Launching on 27th March'23 in India



- 6.6" HD+ Display

- MediaTek Helio G37 SoC

- 50MP Dual Rear Camera

- 6000mAh battery

- 8GB Actual RAM + 8GB Virtual RAM

- 128GB Storage#Infinix #InfinixHot30i #TechNews pic.twitter.com/zOYDPxykKn  TechDocterz (@TechDocterz) March 12, 2023

Here are the five things about Infinix Hot 30i we know so far:

Infinix Hot 20i image used for representational purpose

Infinix Hot 30i expected specifications

Infinix Hot 30i is expected to roll out with a 6.6-inch HD plus display.

It is tipped to be powered by the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset. In terms of storage, tipster revealed that its going to launch with up to 8GB RAM along with 8GB Virtual RAM. It will come out with up to 128GB of storage reportedly.

The phone could have a 50-megapixel dual camera setup on the back.

It is said to be backed by a 6000mAh battery.

The phone is tipped to launch on March 27.

Tipster has also leaked teaser footage as well which reveals the design of the Infinix Hot 30i and it seems that the budget phone is going to have a glass body with two camera rings and one flash ring on the back. It might come in more than one colour even though the teaser only revealed the phones green colour.

Thats all we know about Infinix Hot 30i yet but it appears to be a decent upgrade over the Hot 20i which comes with Mediatek Helio G25. Let's refresh our memory with Infinix Hot 20i details:

Infinix Hot 20i image used for representational purpose

Infinix Hot 20i specifications

Infinix Hot 20i is powered by the Mediatek Helio G25 SoC paired with 2GB, 3GB and 4GB RAM options.

The phone runs on XOS 16.1 which is based on Android 12.

The phone features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels.

It comes with a single 13-megapixel camera on the back and an 8-megapixel selfie shooter.

The Infinix Hot 20i packs a 5000mAh battery with 10-watt fast charging support and it also supports 5-watt reverse wireless charging.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
The iPhone 14 was launched in September last year along with three more models which are iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It matches with the iPhone 13 a lot in terms of design and specifications. The iPhone 14 is available on Apples website at a price of 79,990 but on the other hand, if you are looking to buy the latest iPhone, you can get your hands on the iPhone 14 with discounts and deals on Flipkart as the e-commerce platform is offering great discount on the phone in Big Saving Days sale. Heres how:

Flipkart discounts on Apple iPhone 14

Flipkart reduced the price of the iPhone 14 from 79,990 to 66,999 essentially a discount of 12,901. Along with that, Flipkart has offered a 1000 discount on an American Express Credit card and a 750 discount on an ICICI Credit card.

It is offering a huge exchange offer of 20,000. If you have an old phone in good condition then you can trade it with the new iPhone 14 and you might be able to avail of 20,000 discount on the iPhone. This will drop the price of the phone straight to 45,999.

iPhone 14 specifications

iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. The display panel supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

The phone features a dual camera setup with a 12-megapixel main camera along with a 12-megapixel 120-degree ultrawide lens. It has a 12-megapixel selfie shooter.

It is powered by an A15 Bionic chipset and runs on iOS 16 but can be upgraded to iOS 16.2.

The iPhone 14 has a 3,279mAh battery which can be charged to 50% in 30 mins, Apple claims.

The design of the iPhone 14 is very similar to the iPhone 13. The display and the notch are pretty much the same as the iPhone 13 and even cases of the iPhone 13 can be used for the iPhone 14. But iPhone 14 is a little lighter in weight and has a very minor difference in thickness as compared to iPhone 13.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
Everything Everywhere All At Once has enjoyed a successful start to the Oscars with Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan taking home major awards.

The sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, went into the night with 11 nominations after sweeping top prizes at other US awards ceremonies this year.

After the halfway mark of the ceremony at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, All Quiet On The Western Front led the way with four wins, while Everything Everywhere All At Once had three.

An emotional Curtis paid tribute to all the special people in her life, shouting we just won an Oscar, after collecting the best supporting actress gong  her first Oscar.

The US actress, 64, said on stage: I know it looks like I am standing up here on my own but I am not. There are hundreds of people and hundreds of people. We just won an Oscar.

To my family, my beautiful husband, Christopher Guest, my daughters, Annie and Ruby, my sister Kelly  we just won an Oscar.

To all of the people who have supported the genre movies that I have made for hundreds and hundreds of thousands, we just won an Oscar together.

Looking up to the sky, the actress, who was born into Hollywood royalty through parents Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, added: And my mother and father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories, I just won an Oscar.

Quan received a standing ovation as he took to the stage and hailed the American dream after claiming best supporting actor.

My mom is 84-years-old and she is at home watching. Ma I just won an Oscar! he said.

He continued: My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage.

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe this is happening to me  this is the American dream.

Thank you so much to the academy for the honour of a lifetime.

Quan has stormed this years award season, picking up best supporting accolades at almost every major ceremony.

The UK also enjoyed early success with wins in the categories for best cinematography and best short film.

James Friend picked up the cinematography award for his work on the epic First World War film All Quiet On The Western Front.

Friends win comes just weeks after similar success at the Bafta and on both occasions Friend pipped his fellow countryman Sir Roger Deakins, who had been nominated for the romantic drama Empire Of Light.

The co-directors of An Irish Goodbye led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star James Martin from the stage after the film won best live action short film.

After Ross White thanked the Academy and their follow nominees, Tom Berkeley added: This award is actually the second most important thing about today because it is this mans birthday.

He is out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket. We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James.

The Oscar for best animated short film went to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse.

Charlie Mackesys illustrated book was adapted for the screen by the BBC and Apple TV+, and explores the friendship between the four titular characters as they journey together in search of a home.

Elizabeth Banks tripped as she took to the stage to present the award for best visual effects  which went to Avatar: The Way Of Water  but quickly managed to steady herself.

She was joined by a person wearing a bear costume in reference to her recent film Cocaine Bear and quipped: Oh my God. He tripped me.

The award for best documentary feature film went to Navalny, about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the events related to his 2020 poisoning.

Director Daniel Roher dedicated the award to Navalny and political prisoners around the world, saying: Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to the world.

Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalnaya, added: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free, stay strong my love.

The first Oscar of the night, animated feature film, went to Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio.

Taking to the stage, the Mexican filmmaker said: Animation is cinema, animation is not a genre and animation is ready to be taken to the next step.

Host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the night by entering the stage attached to a parachute, in a nod to best picture nominee Top Gun: Maverick.

Give me a second I need to adjust my danger zone. My Banshees are caught in my Inisherin right now, he said.

I know that being here is a dream come true for some people, thank you for inviting me.

He also made reference to last years slap while praising the Irish talent nominated at this years ceremony.

Five Irish actors are nominated tonight, which meant the odds of another fight onstage just went way up, he said.

The remark prompted laughter from the audience and cast members of The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a departure from previous years, the Oscars swapped its usual red carpet for a champagne carpet, with stars including Bill Nighy and Cate Blanchett wearing a blue ribbon as part of an initiative from the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR.
TWO brothers have been jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a younger brother in the family home in Cork over 30 years ago.

The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a total of 15 charges of both sexual assault and anal rape, while his 44-year-old brother pleaded guilty to a total of 13 charges of both sexual assault and anal rape on dates between May 1990 and December 21, 1993.

The victim was aged between seven and 10 years old at the time of the offending, while his brothers were teenagers.

Mr Justice Paul Burns sentenced each of the brothers to a three-year term with the final 18 months suspended for the rape charges and a concurrent 12-month prison term for the sexual assault of their brother.

He acknowledged that they are both registered as sex offenders now and said that given that both men are considered to be at a low risk of re-offending, a post release supervision order is not needed.

He said he had taken into account the fact that both accused were children at the time of the offending.

Mr Justice Burns offered his sympathies to the victim and said he hoped with further intervention and the support of his loving family, the hurt and damage caused may be lessened.

He described the victim impact statement as extremely moving and said the man had shown considerable courage in disclosing the abuse.

Mr Justice Burns acknowledged that one of the accused brothers has a child with significant needs but noted that the man is not her only care giver and that there are agencies that can assist the family. He accepted that innocent people are reliant on him but he said this situation cannot justify the imposition of a non-custodial sentence.

A local garda told Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting that the victim made a statement of complaint to gardai in early 2018. He told gardai that his then 14-year-old brother began abusing him on a weekly basis when he was seven years old and sharing a bed in the family home.

He said the abuse started when his brother asked him to scratch his back before instructing him to scratch lower until he was eventually scratching his brothers backside. He told the boy to keep going before he told him to touch his penis.

The victim told gardai that the abuse continued on a weekly basis in the same manner but escalated dramatically until he was raped by his brother. The abuse continued in this way and always occurred on a week night.

He outlined one incident during which his brother called him into his bedroom and told the boy to perform oral sex on him.

The victim was also abused by another brother, who was five years older than him when he again began by molesting him. The first incident involved his brother masturbating him and performing oral sex on him.

This brother also then began to molest and rape the victim on a regular weekly basis.

The victim began to realise what was happening and began to get anxious and angry. He threw his elbow back at his brother when he tried to abuse him again and told him to push over in the bed. The abuse came to an end shortly after that.

The older brother was arrested after the complaint was made to gardai and made admissions, accepting his younger brothers allegations as they were put to him during interview. He is a married man with four children, including a daughter who has special needs and requires ongoing care. He has no previous convictions.

The younger brother was arrested that same day and accepted the allegations as they were put to him. He also had no previous convictions and is a single man with no children.

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT

The victim outlined in his victim impact statement, how he recalls being repulsed and disgusted by the abuse.

It was a monstrous and horrible act to do to any young child, he said.

Who do you think you were and what gave you the right to use me like that? the man asked. He described it as consistent abuse that happened on weekday evenings that his mother went to mass.

He said when he learned what sex was and what it meant to be gay, he began to worry about contracting AIDs and felt it was a death sentence".

I thought it was something that you get from being gay. That memory will stay with me for as long as I live, wondering if I was going to die soon, the man said.

Every time I would swear it would be the last time but I never got up the courage, the man said before he outlined the occasion when he told the younger brother to leave him alone.

I was ready to fight. I roared at him to move off. That was it, it was over, he said outlining how that brother never abused him again.

The man spoke of how he worried that his younger brother would be abused in the same way, and he felt his only option was to watch over him like a hawk as tried to make sure that he was never alone with them.

He said he struggles with anxiety and to this day is taking ongoing medication and undergoing counselling. He spoke of his difficulties fitting in with others when he began secondary school and falling into a deep depression, with thoughts of suicide.

He said in his third year in college, he confided in friends and began to seek help from a counsellor and the college chaplain. He said those meetings changed my life and helped me to deal with a lot of things.

He referred to his older brother getting married and having children and he became afraid that one of the children would suffer as he had done.

He initially reported the abuse to Tusla and then the rest of his family but still felt that the thoughts of making a statement seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

The victim said he later lost contact with his family and his mother stopped speaking to him.

'I WAS ALONE'

I was alone in the world. The relationship I was in fell apart, but he said he eventually built the strength to report to the gardai.

He said to the younger of his two brothers, that he (the accused) was a pillar of the community,  yet you are not then or were ever sorry  you were only sorry when you were caught.

He concluded his statement by thanking the gardai, his friends and counsellors for their support and partner who has stuck with me through thick and thin.

Blaise OCarroll SC defending the older of the two brothers, asked the court to take into account his clients guilty pleas.

He handed in a number of reports, including one that outlined the full-time care that his daughter requires. Counsel said his client had fully engaged with Tusla in relation to his own children and a probation report concluded that he is at a low risk of re-offending.

Mr OCarroll said his client is in full-time employment, with no previous convictions, no interest in deviant sexual fantasies or activities and said his client suffered sexual abuse as a child himself but never disclosed that abuse.

Thomas Creed SC defending the younger of the two brothers, said his client is heavily involved with the local GAA club and has no previous convictions. He asked the court to take into account that this was a crime committed when the accused himself was also a child.

Mr Creed suggested to the court that his client made immediate admissions and expressed remorse for what he had done and identifies the hurt and harm his behaviour caused his brother.
WHEN the Minister for Transport is spending his time making the burning of turf a hanging offence, badgering rural dwellers without easy access to charging points to buy electric cars, and fighting a State proposal to provide continued support for consumers stuck with astronomical electricity bills, he wont have much energy left for sorting out drone attacks at Dublin airport.

Sure, the poor man must be exhausted. Maybe thats why hes appeared to be asleep at the wheel on the drone issue.

I always liked Michael OLeary. How could you not like that caustic wit which shoots straight from the hip into the heart of the matter, no matter how serious?

Never a man to suffer fools gladly, the Ryanair CEO, I felt, showed uncharacteristic restraint about the fact that it has taken the best part of six years for the government to decide which kind of anti-drone technology it was going to buy to deal with ongoing disruptions at Dublin airport. It was only when the protests over the ongoing disruption of flights reached ear-splitting levels and an exasperated OLeary called for his resignation that the Minister for Transport and Green Party head honcho appeared to wake up about the necessity to actually do something about all of this.

If this was somebody blocking a bicycle lane in Ranelagh, he would be on it before lunchtime, an irate OLeary told a radio station.

The aviation business, he said, couldnt comprehend why the minister wasnt acting on the issue. It was a case for Eamon Ryan to either deal with the issue, or resign, he said.

The government finally - and only, Id say as a result of massive pressure from the aviation and business sectors, pilots, opposition politicians, the media and the biting observations of OLeary - got around to deciding what kind of anti-drone technology it was going to use to counteract the disruptions. Then the minister has turned around and declared that it will take weeks to get it all up and running. Weeks, he said. On top of an investigation that took the guts of six years.

The Green Party has loyally argued that the Ministers department had been assessing the legislative framework and the appropriate technology since the problems first started to emerge. Pause for a minute there. The problems started to emerge in 2017. Yep. 2017.

Yet Michael OLeary, who has spent his career in aviation, says the solution to the illegal drone activity is relatively easy. He could probably have told them long ago what to buy and where to buy it. So why didnt they ask him? Havent they heard of cutting off the head of the snake, nipping problems in the bud or putting the kybosh on something?

What are they using up there at Transport HQ to carry out their investigations? Stone carvings? Hand-written letters? Paper library archives? Because the technology, theyre now thinking about buying  which disables drones by blocking the signals  has reportedly been in use at Heathrow for three years or more.

Lads, this problem is not new. The Irish Airline Pilots Association was expressing about drone disruptions as far back as 2017. There have been six disruptions alone since early January.

All of this is not just a matter of drones delaying a few retirees en route to a spring break in Lanzarote. Drones - as aviation experts have repeatedly warned - are extremely dangerous things. A drone can destroy the engine of a jet in seconds. If one of these things is sucked into the engine of a jet it can cause massive damage - far more than a bird strike, because, after all, the drone is made of metal or plastic and contains high-capacity batteries. Just as scary is the fact a drone can penetrate the windscreen of a cockpit  killing the pilots while the plane (full of passengers) is airborne. These things are not toys, boys.

Plus, the ongoing drone disruption at Dublin Airport is a significant problem for Irelands economy as it affects the business sector. As a prominent businessman has warned, Ireland is but a small island located alongside some very big global markets and we really depend on an excellent transport network. The Dublin-London air route, it has been pointed out  and surely the Department of Transport should know and prioritise this - has for years been the second busiest in the world. Did you know that? I didnt.

John McGrane of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce has described the delay in stopping the drones as deeply alarming.

The failure by the government to get its skates on regarding the issue will not have gone unnoticed by Irelands trading partners abroad. Irelands perceived laxity in terms of prioritising Irelands international business relationships is already a cause for major concern. Tell me this. How many more red flags will the aviation and business sectors have to wave around before Minister Ryan gets this technology working and puts an end to all the carry-on?




VIV Asia 2023: A resounding success underpinning leading market position





VIV Asia 2023, which was held on March 8-10 in Bangkok, Thailand, concluded successfully, as a robust platform for B2B international business.

Over three days, the show facilitated face-to-face interactions, networking, knowledge-sharing and a lively marketplace. With 47,527 visitors from 112 countries, the event maintained its stable attendance and even slightly exceeded the previous edition.

Despite the global circumstances and the past three long years of COVID-19 restrictions, the show's international appeal for the feed-to-food industry remained evident, confirming its significance as a world expo.

With more than 31,544sqm of exhibiting space, VIV Asia featured more than 1,186 exhibitors from 57 countries, representing five continents and showcasing the latest developments in their respective sectors at Thailand's IMPACT exhibition center.

In addition, VIV Asia was co-located with Meat Pro Asia, the premier trade platform for processing and packaging solution in the meat industry. This represents another significant milestone in the VIV global series of events.

"VIV Asia is the first VIV show in 2023 and it represents  and rightfully so - our goal to connect the markets, and enhance industry trade both locally and globally," said Birgit Horn, managing director of VIV Worldwide, during the event.

"It's always pleasing when a new trade fair is warmly received, and this was certainly the case with this first edition of Meat Pro Asia," said Richard Li, executive director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. "More importantly, however, it was encouraging to see a high number of energetic business discussions taking place throughout the fairground. From the feedback, we've received, it's clear that holding these two fairs concurently is popular among buyers and exhibitors alike  it consolidates so many resources together in one place. I think everybody will conclude that Meat Pro Asia is a valuable new addition to the trade fair calendar in Southeast Asia."

VIV Asia serves as the primary platform for sector leaders in Asia to showcase their latest developments. This year's innovations spanned a wide range of topics, including safe and effective farming automation tools, ingenious medical and medicinal products, and efficient broiler house control systems.

Other innovation-related events included a regional seminar on Innovations in Good Farming led by by the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association, as well as a seminar presented by Tony Hunter of Future Cubed on new technologies for a future sustainable and equitable global food system. "We need to reimagine the food system using the new technology. The industry needs to think about this issue as they are in the business of supplying food. VIV Asia and Meat Pro Asia is a really great place to gather new information on this new and important topic. I am very impressed with the show," said Hunter.

Knowledge-stacked programmes were a major highlight at the event. With more than 120 sessions spread over four days, attendees could gain an all-round understanding on industry insights, technologies and best practices.

The day before the show, the Aquatic Asia Conference organised by International Aquafeed of Perendale Publications and VIV, featured a variety of industry experts with captivating presentations on the latest in fish and shrimp nutrition.

On the first of the show, the Asian Inspiration brought together key speakers that discussed the latest on local and sustainable farming based on the Netherlands model.

VIV Asia will return on March 12-14, 2025, carrying on the tradition of providing a premier platform for the animal protein industry to connect, learn and innovate.

- VNU




HKScan plans development investment in Rauma, Finland poultry unit

HKScan is planning a development investment of approximately 4.6 million (US$4.9 million) in its Rauma, Finland poultry unit's cutting department to improve profitability and competitiveness.

The planned investment will also involve reorganising operations, adjusting staff levels and renewing working practices.

With the planned investment in Rauma and the related operational restructuring, HKScan aims to achieve total annual savings of around 3 million (US$3.2 million) in Finland. The planned investment and reorganisation of operations are expected to generate savings after completion of the investment in the second half of 2024 at the latest.

HKScan will launch statutory negotiations related to the plan in the Rauma unit's poultry cutting department. The negotiations will concern blue-collar employees and affect 225 people in total.

The planned measures, if implemented, may lead to staff reductions and/or material changes in the terms of employment of staff in the Rauma unit, which would mean an estimated maximum of 45 contract terminations and/or an estimated maximum of 214 substantial changes to the terms of employment contracts. The changes now planned do not concern HKScan's other production units in Finland.

"We have made significant development work and investments in production equipment in Rauma during the past few years," said Jari Leija, HKScan's executive vice president for Business Unit Finland. "At HKScan, we determinedly focus on improving the profitability of our core business, which is one of our main priorities this year. To strengthen our market and competitive position in the strategically important and growing category of chicken products, we are also looking for new ways to meet customer expectations and future consumer needs.

"This planned investment in increasing the level of automation and related development activities will have an impact not only on cost efficiency, but also on product quality and the wellbeing of our employees. With the changes planned, we are building a stronger foundation for the future competitiveness of our poultry business and the profitability of the company."

The development investment planned in the Rauma poultry unit is a continuation of the productivity and profitability improvement programme for the poultry business launched in 2020.

As part of this programme, investments have been made, for example, in the Rauma unit's process productivity in 2020-2022.

- HKScan




Value of Vietnam's chicken meat imports hit US$237 million in 2022

The value of Vietnam's imported chicken meat reached US$237 million with about 178,000 tonnes last year.

The market research company Ipsos published a report assessing the meat consumption and livestock market in Vietnam on March 8. The report showed that chicken has been consumed more in recent years, with 17.8kg per person in 2021 and 18.3kg last year.

As Vietnam signed free trade agreements, imported meat has been eliminated from tariffs, leading to fierce competition as imported chicken prices have always remained low.

The country only exported 1,000 tonnes, with a total value of US$2.2 million.

While chicken farmers are looking for solutions to lower costs to compete with cheap imports, bran prices increased six times within half a year.

According to calculations and analysis by Ipsos, it is not until the second quarter or the third quarter of this year that bran prices in Vietnam have begun stabilising and decreasing following the general global trend.

Another important factor is the decline in the land fund for livestock in the country. The Law on Livestock 2018 regulated that livestock production would no longer be allowed in the inner city, which has affected the livestock land fund.

In addition, due to the recent increase in housing prices, many households choose to sell their land or stop raising livestock to make a profit.

A representative of the Dong Nai Animal Husbandry Association said that the total chicken population of Vietnam, including white-feathered chickens, coloured chickens and egg-laying hens, was 498 million in 2020. This number is forecast to rise to about 555 million this year.

For pig production, Ipsos Vietnam forecasts that consumer demand has not recovered compared to the period before the 2018 African swine fever outbreak.

Pork is losing its position as the number one choice in the animal protein category.

- VNA
Flight Chaos - Navigation Equipment To Blame?



Runway 26 - Ronaldsway Airport

There were widespread cancellations and diversions at Ronaldsway Airport today due to issues with the Airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS).

A "NOTAM" (Notice to Airmen) had been published by National Air Traffic Services warning pilots that for the month of March, the ILS system on Runway 26 is currently 'Unserviceable'.

Runway 26 is used when aircraft approach the Island from over the sea along the east coast.

The Easyjet flight from London Gatwick (EZY855) made an approach attempt, but then diverted back to Gatwick.

Loganair's Heathrow arrival (LM676) was diverted to Liverpool and other flights were cancelled at their departure airport.

The Airport told some passengers that flights were disrupted due to 'visibility' issues.

However a pilot has told Energy FM News, that a fully functioning ILS would have likely enabled most, if not all the flights to have arrived safely.

There was nobody available from the Airport for comment this evening.

Pilots have warned that more disruption is highly likely without a fully functioning ILS.

This afternoon's Arrivals Board

Dublin EI3216 16:20 Cancelled London Heathrow LM676 16:30 Diverted Manchester LM698 17:25 Cancelled London Gatwick EZY855 19:30 Diverted Liverpool LM688 19:55 Cancelled London City LM678 20:05 Cancelled

This afternoon's Departures Board

London Gatwick EZY854 15:40 Cancelled Manchester EZY326 16:00 Departed 16:12 London City LM677 16:40 Cancelled Dublin EI3217 16:45 Cancelled Liverpool LM687 18:00 Cancelled London Gatwick EZY856 20:00 Cancelled

Photos
With models like the A7R V and A7S III, Sony is known for pushing camera technology to the bleeding edge. With its newest release, however, the company isnt touting the capabilities of its latest sensor or autofocus system. Instead, its a device thats about making photography accessible to those who couldnt enjoy the hobby before.

Announced today, the DSC-HX99 RNV is a camera kit designed for those with visual impairments. The system consists of two parts: a Sony point and shoot and a viewfinder with a retinal laser projection system. The camera is a Cybershot DSC-HX99. First released in 2018, the HX99 features an 18-megapixel backside illuminated sensor with built-in image stabilization and a 24mm to 720mm zoom lens.

Sony

As for the viewfinder, its a Retissa Neoviewer from Japans QD Laser. It projects a digital image from the camera directly to the retina of a user. Sony notes the technology wont work for everyone, but for those who it does, the viewfinder will allow them to use the HX99 to see faces, read signs and capture photos and videos. The laser retinal projection of Retissa Neoviewer is a completely new technology that has been put to practical use for the first time in the world, according to Dr. Mitsuru Sugawara, the president and CEO of QD Laser.

The HX99RNV kit will cost $600 when it arrives this summer. That means it wont cost more than a DSC-HX99 on its own. In a show of support for the low-vision community, Sony says it will bear the majority of the cost to produce the device. That said, the kit will only be available directly through Sony, and the company will limit purchases to one per person. Sony also plans to work with American and Japanese schools to provide the device to low-vision individuals.
Netflix took home six Oscars last night, besting all the other streaming services, but a single film, Everything, Everywhere All at Once, dominated the biggest awards. It claimed three of four of the acting awards, along with Best Director and Best Picture.

Netflixs All Quiet on the Western Front won Oscars for Best International Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design and, perhaps surprisingly, Best Original Score. Netflix also claimed Best Animated Feature trophy for Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, while Apple TV+  the only other streaming service to win anything  claimed Best Animated Short Film with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. However, itll be a muted celebration compared to last year, when Apple won the first-ever Best Picture Oscar for a streaming service with CODA.

 Mat Smith

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He's trying to build a company town for Tesla, Boring and SpaceX workers in Texas.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk is attempting to build a company town for Tesla, Boring and SpaceX workers. The mooted town, around 35 miles from Austin, Texas, would likely be called Snailbrook. The plan would encompass 110 homes next to Boring and SpaceX facilities in Bastrop County. The report states Boring employees were invited last year to apply for housing, with rents expected to start at around $800 per month for a two- or three-bedroom home. The median rent in nearby Bastrop is around $2,200 a month.

Continue reading.

The two-wheel E-tron takes some cues from Audi's Dakar Rally car.

Audi

Audi is the latest automaker to dip into upscale e-bikes, with a pricey electric mountain bike that takes design cues from its RS Q E-tron E2 electric Dakar Rally racer. Built by Italy's Fantic, it combines a 250W Brose motor with a 720Wh battery, but Audi hasnt announced the range or top speeds yet. Like other Brose-powered e-bikes, the ride has four levels of electric assistance ranging from a mild Eco through to the all-out Boost mode. The Audi electric mountain bike comes in three sizes, but you'll need to act quickly and have a large bank balance. The bike is only available as a "limited run" model priced at 8,499 (about $10,200) in the UK.

Continue reading.

Companies like Etsy and Roku will gain immediate access to their funds.

US regulators have announced they're acting to "fully" protect all deposits at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The institution is home to many startups and established companies, like Roku and Etsy, which will have full access to their funds as of today. At the same time, officials said there will be "no bailouts." On top of SVB, regulators closed Signature Bank on the weekend. It's one of the largest banks used by cryptocurrency companies, and Crypto exchange Coinbase had $240 million in deposits at the bank. In a joint statement, federal regulators said, "all depositors of this institution will [also] be made whole."

Continue reading.

It was a trip for the history books.

SpaceXs Crew-5 mission has safely returned to Earth. On Saturday evening, the companys Endurance Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Florida, following a five-month stay at the International Space Station. The capsule was carrying NASA astronauts Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann, Japans Koichi Wakata and Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina. Not on the flight was NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who flew to the ISS on MS-22, the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that sprung a coolant leak late last year following an apparent micrometeoroid strike. The Endurance crew temporarily retrofitted their ride to carry Rubio in case of an emergency evacuation from the ISS after Roscomos determined MS-22 could only safely transport two people. Fortunately, theres now a replacement craft at the ISS.

Continue reading.
Scientists reveal a key mechanism of a thermoelectric material that could lead to the recovery of the waste heat produced by electronic devices. The results are published this week in Nature Materials.

Transport, household appliances and electronic devices produce waste heat- lots of it. Thermoelectric materials, which can convert a heat gradient into a voltage, are a possible solution for recovering and using waste heat. However, their exact mechanism is still unclear. This is despite decades of applications, including in the power packs of the Voyager space probe and Mars rover, for example.

Now, a team of researchers led by Universite Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Columbia University, Brookhaven National Laboratory and the ESRF has developed new scattering techniques to address this question for the material GeTe. This is part of a family of so-called IV-VI materials, which are some of the oldest and best performing thermoelectrics.

The thermoelectric effect relies upon a heat gradient; therefore, it requires materials that resist heat flow, while preserving electrical conductivity. In the case of GeTe, this was believed to be due to intrinsic nanoscale disorder, despite its apparently simple table-salt structure.

The team used the brilliant high-energy X-rays of the ESRFs ID15 beamline to investigate GeTe, using the X-ray Pair Distribution Function technique. "The high-energy X-rays available on the ID15 beamline were crucial for this study, as they allowed us to chart the real-space atomic displacements relevant to thermoelectricity in exquisite detail", says Simon Kimber, post-doctoral researcher at the ESRF at the time and first author of the publication. And he adds: "All of the X-ray measurements were performed in collaboration with my peers, and this paper is a testament to the excellent scientific atmosphere and international spirit of collaboration at the ESRF".

At high temperatures (~550 C), which correspond to device operating conditions, researchers observed local structural deviations. At first glance, these seem to break symmetry locally, i.e. to represent static disorder. However, complementary measurements performed with neutrons at ORNL showed that these displacements were actually dynamic, and induced by the high temperature.

To resolve this apparent contradiction, the researchers turned to molecular dynamic simulations performed using the supercomputers at ORNL. This showed that, on average, the atomic structure of GeTe looks highly crystalline. However, snapshots on a picosecond time-sale reveal an intricate pattern of atomic vibrations, which disrupt heat flow.

The X-ray data contained a further mystery: The data showed that the crystal structure of GeTe was much more rigid in certain directions than along others. Theoreticians from Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Chicago, and the University of Costa Rica explained this final piece of the jigsaw. Their model shows that the local fluctuations seen by X-ray scattering actually reinforce chemical bonding in certain directions. This explains the mystery of GeTes properties. Dynamic disorder is found at high temperature, which suppresses heat conduction. However, at the same time it reinforces the overlap of atomic orbitals along the unit cell edges. This favours electrical conduction. The model is surprisingly general, and can be applied to many other materials.

Simon Billinge, professor at Columbia University and co-author of the publication, concludes that "wide adoption of thermoelectrics in devices in households is tantalizingly close, but still out of reach. A better fundamental understanding of the basic science behind what makes current thermoelectrics good will help us take the next step in increasing performance. At that point, every household will have a quiet, efficient solid-state refrigerator, a development comparable to the solid-state lighting revolution we just went through. Advancing this basic understanding is what I find so exciting about this study.

Reference:

Kimber, S.A.J., et al. Nat. Mater. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-023-01483-7
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for 'urgent clarity' over the potential for the easing of trade in breeding sheep between Northern Ireland and Britain.

The body has also called for more information on future of access to medicines following the announcement of the Northern Ireland Framework last month.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the new deal which aims to fix post-Brexit problems in Northern Ireland.

This included the development of a green lane for goods destined for the nation and a red lane for those destined for the European Union.

However, since its agreement, the sheep sector has been working to identify any detail that would impact the two pressing issues for the livestock industry; movements and medicines.

Northern Irish farmers rely heavily on sourcing breeding stock from the British mainland.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: It is a welcome relief that many troubling aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol have now reached some sort of resolution to the trade barriers and difficulties seen over the past three years."

But he warned that the sector was 'continually disappointed' at the lack of movement on high risk issues.

"There are no changes within the framework to the movement of livestock between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the separation between our nations in the trade of breeding stock is not helping viability of sheep farms, nor the possibility of easily sharing genetics.

"The three year extension for veterinary medicines from December 2022 was given with a view to providing industry with the requisite time to make the necessary changes.

"However, it is extremely short sighted and disappointing for government to indicate that preventative vaccines for conditions that are often life threatening, can be an item that is even up for discussion.

NSA Northern Ireland Development Officer Edward Adamson added: NSA Northern Ireland has welcomed the extension to the veterinary medicine cliff edge, but it does not go far enough.

"NSA has long been highlighting the immediate risk to the livestock industry with the potential loss of vital veterinary medicines and vaccines.

"The government must step in and find a solution or risk the health of the nations flock."
The average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry in January this year was 2.9 per cent lower than in the same month in 2022, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This is the first decline in almost two years. Contraction was seen in most industries, with nearly three out of five manufacturing industries seeing their output decrease year on year.

As in the previous months, the chemical industry witnessed the strongest decline among the larger industries.

After adjustments for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern, a 3.3-per cent decrease is seen in manufacturing output from December 2022 to January this year.

The average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry in January this year was 2.9 per cent lower than in the same month in 2022, according to Statistics Netherlands. This is the first decline in almost two years. Contraction was seen in most industries, with nearly three out of five manufacturing industries seeing their output decrease year on year.

Confidence among Dutch manufacturers hardly changed in February this year. Producer confidence increased from 3.6 in January to 3.7 in February. This is due to the fact that manufacturers were somewhat less negative about their stocks of finished products.

Germany is an important market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. In February, German entrepreneurs again showed improved confidence, according to the Business Climate Index of the IFO Institute.

Germans were less negative about their future situation, but also slightly less positive about the current situation. The average daily output generated by the German manufacturing industry was down by 0.9 per cent year on year in January, according to Destatis.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The popular song from RRR, Naatu Naatu, has won the Best Original Song Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards, giving Indian film fans around the world cause to rejoice. It goes without saying that the blockbuster's Oscar victory is a source of pride for everyone connected to the project. Actor Ram Charan, who stars in the movie with Jr. NTR, has expressed his happiness and thanks in the wake of the historic event.



Congratulations to everyone on the RRR team including our director S.S. Rajamouli, the composer and lyricist of Naatu Naatu, M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose the vocalists who sang it, Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, our choreographer Prem Rakshith, and the cast who brought this song to life, and to the world. Naatu Naatu has become a global phenomenon and proof that a great story, as well as a great song can transcend language and borders. This song is no longer our song. Naatu Naatu belongs to the public and the people of every age and culture who have embraced it. I would also like to congratulate Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga for their big win for The Elephant Whisperers. It's a great moment for India today!





Naatu Naatu from RRR is the first Indian song to acquire this honour after winning the Best Original Song category at the 95th Academy Awards, and the movie itself has also accomplished this astounding achievement.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blender Bites Limited. (the "Company", "Blender Bites" or "Blender"), (CSE: BITE, FWB: JL4, WKN: A3DMEJ), a two time award-winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium, organic and plant-based pre-portioned frozen functional foods, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Steve Pear, former CEO of Odwalla, a subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Company ("Coca-Cola"), as the Company's Chief Operating Officer (COO).



Mr. Pear has extensive experience in the beverage and consumer packaged goods (CPGs) space, bringing over three decades of executive level expertise to his new role with Blender Bites.

Mr. Pear's impressive career includes 22 years with industry giant Coca-Cola where he held executive level roles under subsidiaries of the multibillion-dollar beverage corporation, including Senior Vice President National Sales for Miller Coors LLC (now Coors Brewing Company) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Odwalla Inc., Coca-Cola's then natural health foods and beverage subsidiary, where he witnessed Odwalla reach $300,000,000 in top line revenues.

In addition to an impressive career with various Coca-Cola subsidiaries, Mr. Pear has seen much success in leading start-up companies. Steve is the former CEO of Cheribundi, a functional beverage start-up company, where in a short 4-year period he led the company from $3,000,000 to approximately $44,000,000 in annual sales.

Mr. Pear's breadth of industry knowledge, along with his expertise in sales, marketing, operations and working with high growth brands, are invaluable assets, and will lend well to the bolstering of Blender Bites' impressive and growing executive management team.

"Blender Bites is at a stage now where the company needs top talent to scale aggressively into the US market. Steve brings a level of expertise that will elevate the brand to an exciting new level. He will compliment my skill set as CEO perfectly and allow me to focus on selling our products into US retailers and working to develop more first to market innovations. The fact that Steve decided to join the Blender Bites team is another testament to the potential of this brand. I am incredibly grateful and honored to have him by side as we scale the company in 2023 and beyond," commented Chelsie Hodge, the Company's CEO and Founder.

ABOUT BLENDER BITES

Blender Bites is an award-winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium frozen food products with a focus on functionality. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and was first to market in Western Canada with a pre-portioned "easy smoothie" product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and soy free. They contain no added sugars and are made in Canada. Blender Bites products are distributed internationally across Canada and the US, and are currently sold in over 900 stores, including Sobeys, Loblaws, Safeway, Save on Foods, Real Canadian Superstore, Whole Foods Market, Buy-Low/Nesters, IGA, Thrifty and Fresh Street.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Blender Bites Limited

Chelsie Hodge, Chief Executive Officer

Email - chelsie@blenderbites.com

Telephone - 236-521-0626

For further information, contact Blender IR Team at:

Email - investors@blenderbites.com

Telephone - 1-888-997-2055

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties, and uncertain capital markets. Readers are cautioned that actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices fell around 2 percent on Monday as investors fretted about contagion effects to other banks and the tech and start-up industry post the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. Brent crude futures fell a little over 2 percent to $81.11 per barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 2 percent at $75.12. Markets continue to worry about contagion effects despite U.S. regulators rushing to contain the fallout. Investors are waiting to see whether the SVB collapse was a systematic event, or a one-off. The U.S. dollar yield slid, and global bond yields collapsed as new concerns surrounding the U.S. banking sector raised expectations for a potential pause in further interest-rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Investors were also reacting to reports suggesting that Argentina's state oil company YPF will double oil output and pump-up natural gas by 30 percent in the next five years. 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.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The euro retreated from early highs against other currencies in the European session on Monday. The euro dropped to nearly a 4-month low of 0.9739 against the Swiss franc and nearly a 1-month low of 142.07 against the yen, from early highs of 0.9834 and 144.38, respectively. Against the NZ dollar, the euro fell toa 4-day low of 1.7253 from an early near 5-month high of 1.7415. The euro edged down to 0.8830 against the pound, from an early high of 0.8863. Against the U.S. dollar, the euro slipped to 1.0663 from an early near 1-month high of 1.0737. Against the Australian and the Canadian dollars, the euro dropped to 1.6058 and 1.4674 from an early more than a 1-year high of 1.6205 and more than a 1-year high of 1.6205, respectively. If the euro extends its down, it is likely to find support around 0.95 against the franc, 140.00 against the yen, 1.70 against the kiwi, 0.87 against the pound, 1.04 against the greenback, 1.66 against the aussie and 1.44 against the loonie. 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.
Recognized for demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

BENGALURU, India, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been recognized, by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies. Infosys received the honour, for the third consecutive year, for demonstrating the high standards of business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.





Infosys has become the only Company in India, and one of the four companies globally, in the software and services industry to receive this recognition. This recognition is awarded to global companies that have exceptional business ethics and are committed to advance business integrity.

Infosys has been recognized among 135 honorees spanning 19 countries and 46 industries. These companies were evaluated based on the Ethisphere Ethics Quotient across multiple categories, including culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain.

"Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said, Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Infosys for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys, said, "We are honoured to be part of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies community. This recognition is a testament to the strong foundation of ethical business practices and accountability that we continue to build on. As a responsible corporate entity, we are fully committed to nurturing excellence and transparency of operations and outcomes for the businesses that we drive."

The complete list of 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found here: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

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.

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Targets 142.17 to 213.26 Mt of Vanadium Oxide Grading 0.22 to 0.33% V2O5 at Flinders River

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - Currie Rose Resources Inc. (TSXV: CUI) ("Currie Rose" or the "Company") is pleased to report the review and definition of a drill-defined Exploration Target for the Flinders River area of the North Queensland Vanadium Project ("NQVP") situated within the "Vanadium Hub", approximately 450 km west of the port of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

The Flinders River Exploration Target currently measures approximately 5.7 km in length and 3.9 km in width, with an average thickness of 5.2 m and an average depth of 10 m. The Exploration Target remains open to the northwest, east and southeast. The Exploration Target was calculated using validated historical data and hosts a target of 142,170,000 tonnes up to 213,260,000 tonnes, with an average grade ranging from 0.22 to 0.33 per cent (%) vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and 192 to 288 ppm molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) utilizing a 0.12% V2O5 cut-off (Table 1). The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource at Flinders River and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

Mike Griffiths, CEO, President and Director, said: "We've already proven there are significant mineral resources in the Cambridge Deposit, and the new Flinders River Exploration Target is an important step forward for the NQVP and Currie Rose. Historical exploration at Flinders River, including radiometric data, historical mapping and darker soils identified from radiometric imagery, indicate the potential for additional mineralization within the Toolebuc Formation to the southeast of the historical drilling. In addition to the infill diamond drill hole program planned for the Cambridge Deposit, Currie Rose is planning an infill aircore drill program at Flinders River to verify the historical drilling and to potentially upgrade the Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate.

"Vanadium redox flow batteries will soon begin to play an integral role in supporting power grids and bridging the gap of reliable alternative sources of energy. We believe that NQV Project presents a massive opportunity to make our mark in the ever-evolving battery and energy metals markets."

Table 1 - Exploration Target*** Tonnes and Grades

Volume (m3) Tonnes V2O5 (%) MoO3 (ppm) Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Cut-off Minimum Maximum 78,990,000 118,480,000 142,170,000 213,260,000 0.22 0.33 0.12 192 288

*The potential quantity and grade presented represent an Exploration Target and are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource at Flinders River and it is uncertain if future exploration will result in a target being delineated as a mineral resource. The Target has not been evaluated for reasonable prospects for future economic extraction. Metallurgical work is ongoing and future drill programs are planned for the NQVP.

** For the conceptual estimate, the range of elemental V2O5 is provided by multiplying the mean volume, density and vanadium concentration of the Flinders River Exploration Target by +/- 20%.

***Molybdenum was treated as a by-product of Vanadium.





Figure 1 - Location of the North Queensland Vanadium Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2005/158093_554d82377485f9bc_002full.jpg

The Exploration Target is based upon a mineralization horizon that was constructed utilizing the results of a 14-hole historic aircore (AC) drill program totalling 414 m. The drill program was completed in 2020 by CGM Lithium and intersected anomalous vanadium mineralization in the coquina horizon of the Toolebuc Formation. The Toolebuc Formation is a flat-lying, early Cretaceous (Albian ~100 Ma) sedimentary package that consists predominantly of black carbonaceous and bituminous shale and minor siltstone, with limestone lenses and coquinites (mixed limestone and clays). Thirteen of the drillholes are situated within NQVP tenement EPM 26866. Section by section geological and mineralization interpretation at a 0.12% V2O5 lower cut-off was conducted, and the shapes were block modelled and estimated for V2O5. The mineralization solid was intersected by a total of 11 drill holes, which have been sampled by 1 m samples in their entirety. The mineralization solids contain a total of 57 sampled intervals representing 57 m of sample drill hole chips. For the conceptual estimate, the range of elemental V2O5 is provided by multiplying the mean volume, density and vanadium concentration of the Flinders River Exploration Target by +/- 20%.

The Flinders River Exploration Target is situated immediately to the east of Vecco Group's Debella Vanadium and High Purity Alumina Project. The Debella deposit is hosted within the Toolebuc Formation, which is reported to be flat-lying and occurring at a depth of approximately 16.4 m.





Figure 2 - Plan view of Flinders River Exploration Target outlining the size and potential of the area

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2005/158093_554d82377485f9bc_003full.jpg

Currie Rose has not yet conducted any drilling at the NQVP. In preparation of the calculation of the Exploration Target, Mr. Nicholls reviewed CGM Lithium's annual technical reports and drill hole database. The AC samples were submitted to SGS in Townsville, Queensland, for preparation and shipped to SGS in Perth, Western Australia for analysis. SGS is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited third party geoanalytical laboratory. The entire sample was pulverized and analysed via XRF78S, which includes a borate fusion with XRF analysis.

About the North Queensland Vanadium Project

The North Queensland Vanadium Project is the merger of the Toolebuc and Flinders River Vanadium Projects and is situated approximately 450 km west of the port of Townsville (Figure 1). NQVP covers an area of approximately 124,000 Ha and is close to rail, road and power infrastructure.

An Indicated Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V2O5 and an Inferred Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V2O5 for the Cambridge Deposit was announced in November 2022 (see Currie Rose news release dated November 1, 2022 and the Technical Report by Dufresne et al., 2022). As with Flinders River, the Cambridge Deposit vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) mineralization is hosted within marine sediments of the Early Cretaceous Toolebuc Formation.





Photo 1 - Surface view of the Cambridge V2O5 deposit - looking south

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2005/158093_554d82377485f9bc_004full.jpg

Preliminary metallurgical testwork on composited drill samples from the Cambridge Deposit is currently underway. Currie Rose is planning an infill diamond drill program of large diameter core holes at the Cambridge Deposit in order to conduct a larger bulk metallurgical sampling program and move toward a process flow sheet appropriate for Preliminary Economic Assessment. In addition to the metallurgical studies, drill holes will be:

Geotechnically logged for pit design

Assayed for inclusion in an updated resource estimate

Monitored for water information

In addition, an in-fill aircore drill program is planned for the Flinders River area to verify historical drilling and to potentially upgrade the Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate.

Relevant clearances and approvals are underway and further updates will be released when available.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., and Steven Nicholls, BA.Sc., M. AIG., both qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Nicholls conducted the most recent property visit in November 2021, compiled the mineralized domains for the mineral resource estimation of the Cambridge Deposit, and calculated the Flinders River Exploration Target.

About Currie Rose Resources Inc.

Currie Rose is a publicly traded battery metals explorer and developer focused on identifying high-value assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's immediate focus is the advanced North Queensland Vanadium Project in Queensland, Australia. The NQVP hosts the Cambridge Deposit with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V2O5 and 234.6 ppm MoO3 along with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V2O5 and 241.9 ppm MoO3 (Dufresne et al., 2022). The Cambridge Deposit Resource is open for expansion. The Project also hosts multiple other drill-ready targets that represent large areas of underexplored, prospective vanadium-rich host strata. Please visit our website at www.currierose.com.

For additional information, please contact:

Mike Griffiths, CEO

Office: 905-688-9115 ext. 104

Email: info@currierose.com

Iryna Zheliasko, Investor Relations

Office: 905-688-9115 ext. 322

Email: communications@currierose.com

Forward-Looking Statements

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 that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158093
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has awarded the Penco Module Feasibility Study (the "Penco Feasibility Study") contract to Pares & Alvarez ("P&A"), a Chilean engineering company with more than 28 years of experience in the design and construction of similar mining and industrial projects, located in both Chile and abroad.

The scope of the Penco Feasibility Study contract includes the feasibility engineering for the process plant, mine infrastructure and mine services. Pursuant to the contract, P&A will also be responsible for the preparation of the associated technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, which is expected to be issued during the first half of 2024.

Barry Murphy (Aclara Chief Operating Officer) commented:

"We are thrilled to be working with such an established and highly regarded Chilean engineering company during this next important phase of the development of our Penco rare earths deposit in Chile. P&A has a reputation for designing cost effective, and fit-for-purpose mine and process facilities and bring a wealth of local project development knowledge due to their long-standing presence in Concepcion, Chile. Aclara is pleased to continue its support of the local Chilean workforce through awarding the contract to P&A, as the design work will be undertaken in their offices in Concepcion. We look forward to working collectively with P&A to advance the Penco Feasibility Study."

About Aclara

Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage rare earth mineral resources company with its principal project located in Chile. The Company is focused on the development of its mineral resources through a project called the Penco Module, which covers a surface area of approximately 600 hectares and hosts ionic clays rich in rare earth elements. Aclara is currently focused on the development and future construction and operation of the Penco Module, which will aim to produce a rare earth concentrate through a processing plant that will be fed by clays from nearby deposits. Aclara's extraction process offers several environmentally positive attributes such as: no blasting, crushing, or milling; no tailings facility; minimal water consumption due to a high level of water recirculation; is amenable to leaching with a fertilizer; and contains no radioactivity. In parallel with the development of the Penco Module, the Company intends to define additional opportunities to increase potential future rare earth element production via intensive greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional project "modules" within the Company's concessions.

About Pares & Alvarez

P&A is a Chilean engineering company with more than 28 years of experience across various disciplines including environmental, consulting, engineering, procurement, and construction management, both at the local and international level. P&A provides a wide range of engineering services for numerous industries such as mining, energy, chemical, pulp and paper, oil and gas, food, manufacturing and infrastructure, among others, and specializes in delivering high quality solutions to its clients.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to: the expectations of the Company's management as to the timing of completion and issuance of the Penco Feasibility Study. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 30, 2022 filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results, timing, performance, achievements or future events or developments could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein.Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws.

For further information, please contact:

Ramon Barua

Chief Executive Officer

investorrelations@aclara-re.com

SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743068/Aclara-Awards-the-Penco-Module-Feasibility-Study-Contract-to-Pares-Alvares
AT&T, PayPal, and Microsoft top the list of most impersonated brands in phishing attempts

Most targeted industries include Finance, Technology, and Telecom for phishing scammers

New anti-phishing protections in Cloudflare One block the tricks phishers use to confuse end-users

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today published a global report on the Top 50 Brands Used in Phishing Attacks. Nearly 20% of all websites are protected by Cloudflare's global network and its email security offering stopped 2.3 billion unwanted emails from hitting inboxes in 2022. As a result, Cloudflare's machine learning and data analysis give it unique insight into the phishing domains most frequently clicked on by Internet users and the ability to proactively protect its Zero Trust customers.

"Phishing" refers to an attempt to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank and crypto account information, or other important data in order to utilize or sell the stolen information. Today, phishing is the fastest growing Internet crime, and a threat to both consumers and businesses. By masquerading as a reputable source sometimes with an enticing request, other times with a severe consequence an attacker lures in the victim in order to trick them, similarly to how a fisherman uses bait to catch a fish. Oftentimes, these attempts come in the form of an email, text message, or mistyped website URL that looks like it's from a well-known brand, but is actually a malicious party.

"Phishing attacks prey on our trust in the brands we love and use everyday, and are becoming more difficult to spot for even the most digitally-savvy person. Our sanity, bank accounts, and passwords shouldn't be compromised because we glossed over a misspelled 'from' field or accidentally clicked on an obscure URL," said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO, Cloudflare. "We've extended our Zero Trust services with real-time protection against new phishing sites, so our customers won't fall victim to attacks leveraging the brands they trust."

Most Impersonated Brand of 2022: AT&T Inc.

The top 50 brands most commonly impersonated by phishing URLs are:

1. AT&T Inc. 26. Coinbase Global, Inc. 2. PayPal 27. Banco Bradesco S.A. 3. Microsoft 28. Caixa Economica Federal 4. DHL 29. JCB Co., Ltd. 5. Facebook (Meta) 30. ING Group 6. Internal Revenue Service 31. HSBC Holdings plc 7. Oath Holdings/Verizon 32. Netflix Inc 8. Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS Co., Ltd. 33. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation 9. Adobe 34. Nubank 10. Amazon 35. Bank Millennium SA 11. Apple 36. National Police Agency Japan 12. Wells Fargo Company 37. Allegro 13. eBay, Inc. 38. InPost 14. Swiss Post 39. Correos 15. Naver 40. FedEx 16. Instagram (Meta) 41. Microsoft 17. WhatsApp (Meta) 42. United States Postal Service 18. Rakuten 43. Alphabet 19. East Japan Railway Company 44. The Bank of America Corporation 20. American Express Company 45. Deutscher Paketdienst 21. KDDI 46. Banco Itau Unibanco S.A. 22. Office365 (Microsoft) 47. Steam 23. Chase Bank 48. Swisscom AG 24. AEON 49. LexisNexis 25. Singtel Optus Pty Limited 50. Orange S.A.

Cloudflare found that finance, technology, and telecom brands were the most commonly impersonated industries, notably for the unprecedented access and financial benefit that bank accounts, email and social media, and phone companies can give attackers. Technology and telecom companies are a unique threat because phishing attacks can intercept the emails and text messages that are used to verify a user's identity via two-factor authentication. Therefore, these phishing attempts can lead to other accounts being compromised as well.

The top 50 brands we found, along with the most commonly used domain for phishing those brands can be found on Cloudflare's blog.

New Anti-Phishing Protections with Cloudflare One

Today, Cloudflare also announced new capabilities to provide customers the most comprehensive and effective phishing protection available. Building on Cloudflare Area1's recent launch of advanced Zero Trust email security tools, customers can now automatically and immediately identify and block "confusable" domains to better protect their corporate networks. This offering can help protect against phishing attacks similar to the one that threatened Cloudflare and 100 other companies last summer, when attackers created the misleading "cloudflare-okta.com" domain just 40 minutes before sending it to employees. Using Cloudflare Gateway, customers can create zero trust rules that prevent their employees from resolving or browsing to these "confusable" or lookalike domains.

Report Methodology

To generate the report, Cloudflare used 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver resolution data to find the domains associated with phishing URLs that were most commonly clicked. All domains that are used for shared services (like hosting sites Google, Amazon, and GoDaddy) that could not be verified as a phishing attempt were removed from the data set.

To learn more, please check out the resources below:

Blog: Top 50 Most Impersonated Brands in phishing attacks and new tools you can use to protect your employees from them

Cloudflare Announces Comprehensive Email Security Data Protection Tools to Help Secure Enterprises Against Phishing Attacks

Blog: The mechanics of a sophisticated phishing scam and how we stopped it

Cloudflare Area1 Email Security

Cloudflare Zero Trust

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (www.cloudflare.com @cloudflare) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare's suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. Cloudflare was awarded by Reuters Events for Global Responsible Business in 2020, named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2021, and ranked among Newsweek's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in 2022.

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, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of the Cloudflare One suite of Zero Trust solutions (including Cloudflare Area 1) and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using the Cloudflare One suite of Zero Trust solutions (including Cloudflare Area 1) and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the expected functionality and performance of the Cloudflare One suite of Zero Trust solutions (including Cloudflare Area 1) and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the timing of when any new Cloudflare One features (including Cloudflare Area 1) will be generally available to all current and potential Cloudflare customers, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO and others. Cloudflare's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2023, as well as other filings that we may make from time to time with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements.

2023 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005193/en/

Contacts:

Cloudflare, Inc.

Daniella Vallurupalli

Vice President, Head of Global Communications

press@cloudflare.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - High Fusion Inc. (CSE: FUZN) ("High Fusion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on March 9, 2023, it closed the sale of the Company's property in Pueblo Colorado ("Property") with funds received on March 10, 2023 to be applied to the repayment of the 2020 Debentures. The Company also announces settlement of director's fees.

Colorado Property Sale and Repayment of 2020 Debentures

Under the terms of a purchase agreement for the sale by the Company of the Property, the purchase price of US$1,175,000 was paid in cash less settlement of outstanding property taxes, commissions and transaction costs. The Property is pledged as security against the Company's 2020 Senior Secured Convertible Debentures ("2020 Debentures") which have an outstanding balance of $1,124,000 (approximately US$833,000). With the sale of the Pueblo Colorado property, funds have been deposited with the collateral agent to be used for the repayment of the 2020 Debentures in full. After the settlement of the above obligation and repayment of the 2020 Debentures, the remaining balance will be used to satisfy current and pending obligations.

The Property was originally purchased by the Company in 2014 and was leased to Palo Verde LLC, a licenced cannabis business under the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division ("MED"). In March 2021, the Company was approved for the transfer of the MED licence and Palo Verde LLC was purchased by the Company at that time. However due to a lack of funding, the Palo Verde operation had minimal activity during 2022 and both the medical and adult use licenses have not been renewed.

"While it is unfortunate that Palo Verde was not successful, the decision to sell the property and discontinue the Colorado licenses was a necessary part of the Company's reorganization and refocus on California," said John Durfy, CEO of High Fusion.

Settlement of Director's Compensation

As announced on January 20, 2023 the compensation committee and board of directors of the Company have approved $214,000 in deferred compensation to directors of the Company. Subsequently the board of directors approved settlement of this obligation with the transfer of 2,853,333 Neural Therapeutic Inc. shares held by the Company to the following directors as compensation for board services:

1,120,000 NT shares to Adam Szweras;

566,667 NT shares to Brian Presement;

333,333 NT shares to Billy Morrison;

200,000 NT shares to Jason Dyck;

400,000 NT shares to Aaron Johnson; and

233,333 NT shares to Rachel Wright.

About High Fusion Inc.

High Fusion Inc. (formerly Nutritional High International Inc.) is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry with a specific focus on flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company operates and controls licenses in California.

High Fusion has manufacturing, retail and grow operations in California through its acquisition of the business of OutCo. The Company's main portfolio includes the OutCo and Thrive brands recently acquired.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please visit www.high-fusion.com.

For further information, please contact:

High Fusion Inc.

Robert Wilson, Chief Financial Officer

416-666-4005

Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements include statements regarding: the sale of the Colorado property and statements regarding the development of the Company's business. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plans and legal changes relating to the cannabis industry proceeding as anticipated.

The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could 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 information contained herein. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company's ability to obtain external financing.

A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158224
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTC Pink: AAIRF) (the "Company" or "Aires") is pleased to announce that it has been successful in its application to the Ontario Securities Commission, Alberta Securities Commission and British Columbia Securities Commission (collectively, the "Commissions") to revoke the failure-to-file cease trade order issued by the Ontario Securities Commission on May 6, 2022 (the "CTO").

The CTO was issued as a result of the Company's delay to file its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and certificates of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the year ended December 31, 2021 (collectively, the "Annual Continuous Disclosure Documents") which were due to be filed on May 2, 2022. The Company experienced delays associated with the completion of its annual audit due to difficulties in obtaining third-party shipping data from some of the Company's fulfillment centres.

Subsequent to the issuance of the CTO, delays with the audit continued and the Company failed to file the interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and certificates of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the periods ended March 31, 2022 which were due to be filed on May 30, 2022, June 30, 2022 which were due to be filed on August 29, 2022 and September 30, 2022 which were due to be filed on November 29, 2022 (collectively, the "Interim Continuous Disclosure Documents" and together with the Annual Continuous Disclosure Documents, the "Continuous Disclosure Documents").

The Company has remedied these defaults by filing the Continuous Disclosure Documents and the CTO was revoked by the Commissions on March 10, 2023. In the absence of the Company's filing of a management information circular, it has filed a Form 52-110F2 Audit Committee Disclosure as required by National Instrument 52-110, Form 51-102F6V Statement of Executive Compensation as required by National Instrument NI 51-102 and Form 58-101F2 Corporate Governance Disclosure as required by National Instrument NI 58-101 on SEDAR.

Additionally, as a condition to revoke the Cease Trade Order, the Company provided an undertaking to the Ontario Securities Commission that: (i) it will hold an annual meeting of shareholders within three months after the date on which the Cease Trade Order is revoked and (ii) that it will not complete a restructuring transaction, significant acquisition or reverse takeover of a business not located in Canada unless the Company first receives a receipt for a final prospectus in respect of such business.

About American Aires Inc.

American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company which has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The technology was developed by a team of highly accredited scientists and confirmed by independent third-party validation including peer-reviewed studies and publications in scientific journals. Aires' Lifetune products specifically target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi radiation, including the rapidly expanding next-generation high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under ticker 'WIFI' and on the OTCQB under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at www.airestech.com .

On behalf of the board of directors

Company Contact:

Josh Bruni, CEO

Email: wifi@airestech.com

Telephone: (415) 707-0102

Website: www.airestech.com

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158225
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / For Angela Dodd, finding a career as a female senior scientist meant navigating the STEM world without many women mentors. "When I joined the International Paper Innovation Center out of grad school, there really weren't many senior scientists who were female. I'm proud to be a senior female scientist and I hope younger scientists can look up to me."

Located at International Paper's Innovation Center in Federal Way, Wa., Angela has assisted IP's GCF business with front-end innovation that creates innovative solutions for our customers' problems. It's something Dodd calls "customer-centric, outcome-based innovation." She said, "We've taken on a big role of working directly with our customers to understand their needs and then create a solution that's measurable, meaningful and delivers value to our customers and their end-use consumers."

One example is optimizing the production of Supersoft Odor Control pulp in order to allow IP to offer this product to a broader customer base. Read the full article to learn more about Angela and her work at the IP innovation center: https://www.internationalpaper.com/resources/articles/defining-women-stem-angela-dodd

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. See how we're building a better future for people, the planet, and our company at internationalpaper.com/Vision-2030.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International Paper Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International Paper Company

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743449/Defining-Women-in-STEM-Angela-Dodd
Leading cloud-based billing and monetization platform receives the highest score possible (5 out of 5) in nine criteria including product configuration, usage rating & pricing calculation, security & reliability and configurability & extensibility amongst others

DENVER, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BillingPlatform, the enterprise monetization platform for today's innovative business models, today announced that Forrester Research, a leading global research and advisory firm, has ranked BillingPlatform as the Leader in its "The Forrester Wave: SaaS Recurring Billing Solutions, Q1 2023" report (Forrester Research, Inc., March 13, 2023, Lily Varon). In a detailed market analysis evaluating 10 vendors, Forrester writes, "BillingPlatform is a rapidly growing company with a strong engineering backbone and a growing portfolio of solutions.[it] dedicates significantly more resources to innovation than its peers and has some unique products and services."





In this Wave, Forrester evaluated 10 vendors against 26 criteria, grouped into three high-level categories: Current Offering, Strategy and Market Presence. BillingPlatform received the highest score possible (5 out of 5) in nine criteria, including product configuration, usage data transformation, usage rating and pricing calculation, customers and accounts, dunning and collections, configurability and extensibility, and security and reliability. In its vendor profile of the company, Forrester writes, "[BillingPlatform] has an ambitious vision that focuses on steadily building more applications to manage the entire accounts receivables lifecycle."

"At BillingPlatform we're on a mission to help companies reimagine the way they go to market and monetize their products and services by optimizing the entire revenue management lifecycle to maximize profitability and improve the customer experience," said Dennis Wall, CEO at BillingPlatform. "We believe our position as the Leader in this Forrester Wave validates our vision, strategy and investment in innovation for today's digital enterprises and hybrid business models - and, most importantly, highlights the tremendous business value our customers achieve with our solutions."

In analyzing BillingPlatform, the Wave also notes:

"Extensibility is the strength of the platform. It supports a broad set of use cases out of the box. If a use case isn't supported, users at customers' businesses can build it with tools to create custom user interfaces, data models, and workflows."

"[The platform is] very good at processing usage data and rating it for billing purposes. Reference customers say that BillingPlatform has 'been able to handle anything we've thrown at them' for product and pricing configurations."

"The growth of digital payments represents a huge opportunity for us," said Alon Binyamin, Financial Processes Development Lead at GoCardless. "As more businesses demand faster, safer and more cost-effective payments for everything from subscriptions to e-commerce, we believe interest will grow in account-to-account payments - a method that ticks all those boxes. But the billing structures are as diverse as the use cases, and that's where BillingPlatform comes in. Its flexible billing models enable us to serve a wide range of customers, providing businesses a better way to pay."

Working with customers including CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., InComm Payments, Vantage Towers and Emburse, BillingPlatform is the only enterprise billing and monetization solution on the market that enables enterprises to monetize any type of product offering, from simple subscriptions to sophisticated usage-based pricing models and everything in between. BillingPlatform provides full lifecycle support of the quote-to-cash process - all on a secure, next-generation cloud platform. The unparalleled flexibility of the platform puts enterprises in control of how they differentiate in the market, maximize profitability, reduce operational costs and improve the customer experience.

BillingPlatform has earned many accolades this year, including being recognized for a third year in a row as a fast-growing company on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, honored by Best in Biz Awards for its third consecutive year and listed on the 2022 Inc. 5000.

For more information about BillingPlatform and the SaaS recurring billing market, download "The Forrester Wave: SaaS Recurring Billing Solutions, Q1 2023" report.

About BillingPlatform, Corp.

BillingPlatform's agile revenue management platform gives innovative enterprises the freedom to effectively monetize and deliver products and services that result in growth and competitive differentiation. Our industry-leading, cloud-based platform adapts to every unique business model and pricing structure. With global customers across multiple industries, including communications, transportation, manufacturing, banking, technology, energy, media and software, BillingPlatform processes billions of transactions and dollars every year, enabling enterprises to grow revenue, reduce costs and improve overall customer experience. To learn more, visit billingplatform.com.

Press Contact:

Abigail Souza

BillingPlatform

billingplatform@threeringsinc.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/216332/3935329/billing_platform_logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/billingplatform-named-the-leader-in-saas-recurring-billing-solutions-report-by-independent-research-firm-301770382.html
In 2022, the Nicor Gas Foundation committed to help fund the proposed Technology Lab within the Goodwill Excel Center School, a tuition-free charter school in Rockford, IL, that supports adult students in earning industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas. The Excel Center Technology Lab will be a critical component to the Northern Illinois campus and will serve up to 300 low-income adult students per semester as they work to earn their high school diplomas and obtain jobs in growing, sustainable local industries. Nicor Gas is committed to advancing equity in education by serving our neighbors and ensuring students at the Excel Center School have access to the latest technology and tools needed to take the next step in their career.

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.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Tapestry, Inc.



Congratulations to Stuart Weitzman's Head of Design Edmundo Castillo, who was honored at Mercado Global's Fashion Forward Gala. The event took place in NYC on International Women's Day, Wednesday, March 8th. Castillo was honored for his support of Mercado Global's mission to empower Indigenous women artisans in rural Central America with the skills they need to become independent entrepreneurs. During his speech to receive the award, he also announced that Stuart Weitzman will be collaborating with Mercado Global for a capsule in Spring 2024.

"With everything I do, I strive to support creating positive change within the fashion industry and support the Latino community. It was an honor to be part of such an inspiring event for this wonderful organization, and I'm so excited to finally be able to share that we are working on a very exciting collaboration together."

Stuart Weitzman is committed to celebrating the strength of women and girls, inspiring their confidence and empowering them - through authentic partnerships and programs - to create meaningful change in the communities we live and work in around the world.

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/743489/Stuart-Weitzmans-Edmundo-Castillo-Honored-for-His-Empowerment-of-Indigenous-Women-Artisans
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC is proud to announce the success of partner Ben Bingham, Esq. obtaining a $2.5 million dollar settlement in a car accident case for an injured client. The case involved an incident in which the client's vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at a red light, resulting in the force of the impact pushing the client's vehicle into the car in front of him. The client was immediately transported to the hospital by ambulance and underwent a two-level spinal fusion surgery. As soon as Benson & Bingham was engaged by the client, they began working on the case to obtain the best possible outcome.

Professional Car Accident Injury Representation to Achieve Unparalleled Results for Nevada Clients

Partner Ben Bingham was able to negotiate a settlement which spared our client the stress and aggravation of litigation, while at the same time obtaining an excellent financial award. This success is yet another example of Benson & Bingham's ability to achieve great outcomes for their clients throughout the State of Nevada.

When asked to comment on the settlement, Attorney Ben Bingham stated:

"A settlement like this, for such a great client, really makes me proud. The fact that we were able to avoid a protracted litigation and ensure the client was taken care of financially is rewarding. I am grateful for my staff, both in Las Vegas and Reno, who participated in developing this claim. Another great result!"

Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers: Quality Representation in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno

Benson & Bingham is a highly respected personal injury and car accident injury law firm with offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, committed to providing exemplary legal services throughout the state of Nevada. The firm maintains extensive experience in representing clients who have been affected by the negligence of others in car accidents. The attorneys understand how to effectively and favorably resolve cases in order to maximize their clients' monetary claims. Their success in this case is further testimony to their expertise and dedication to obtaining the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC

Summerlin Location

11441 Allerton Park Dr #100

Las Vegas, NV 89135

Phone: 702-684-6900

Fax: 702-382-9798

Downtown Location

626 S 10th St

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: 702-382-9797

Fax: 702-382-9798

Henderson Location

9230 S Eastern Ave #155

Las Vegas, NV 89123

Phone: 702-463-2900

Fax: 702-382-9798

Reno Location

1320 E Plumb Lane Ste A

Reno, NV 89502

Phone: 775-600-6000

Fax: 702-382-9798

SOURCE: Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/741793/Benson-Bingham-Accident-Injury-Lawyers-Secure-25-Million-Settlement-for-Client-Injured-in-Car-Accident
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Traditional philanthropy has a problem. The top-down, hierarchical power structure often undercuts efforts to make lasting change. In fact, the system itself can mirror the very conditions that created inequity and drove the need for charitable giving in the first place.

One of the biggest critiques is the divide between funders and grantees. So often there is a gap between the people being served and the ones calling the shots about how funds are distributed. Folks in the sector have long been voicing their concerns about this imbalance-and while arguably overdue, many funders are now actively taking steps to shift their practices.

One promising way forward is through participatory grantmaking. Participatory grantmaking reimagines the relationships and decision-making processes that shape programs and organizations.

In this article, we cover the benefits of participatory grantmaking and current trends. Plus we lay out the challenges as well as step-by-step instructions to help you transition your organization to a more community-centered model.

What is participatory grantmaking?

Participatory grantmaking is an approach to grantmaking that centers the community being served. Community members help design and drive programs. They are included in setting goals, making decisions about how to allocate resources, and evaluating success.

Participatory grantmaking breaks down the binaries that have become entrenched in traditional philanthropy. It closes the distance between funder and grantee. And it upends the notion that program recipients should be separate and distinct from decision makers.

This model of giving relies on the expertise of those with lived experience. Who knows a community's challenges and strengths better than someone from within it?

For example, Brooklyn Community Fund seeks feedback from local leaders to set priorities. Rather than taking on a savior mentality and imposing an outside set of values, the organization supports the community's self-determination. Brooklyn Community Fund invests in the agendas set by local residents and amplifies their voices.

Benefits of making the change

Addressing inequity

Traditional philanthropy has for centuries perpetuated inequity by favoring certain voices and further concentrating power. Shifting to participatory grantmaking is a means for your organization to address these imbalances. For example, charity and foundation boards are overwhelmingly white. This has contributed to skewing who gets funding and how much they get.

Moving to a participatory framework breaks this cycle of racial injustice by shifting the power to the communities. It's an incredible vehicle to democratize philanthropy and tackle the inequities that have long been plaguing the sector.

For example, Seeding Justice has built their organization around participatory practices.

Philanthropy should be transparent and people-led, and rooted in community; should focus on over-resourcing the communities who have been and continue to be disenfranchised and left behind, and who, despite it all, continue to resiliently thrive; and should seek deep, systemic, and long-lasting change-not charity. From the Seeding Justice website

Ensuring efficacy and longevity

Centering the community in your program design means understanding the values and needs of the folks you're looking to serve. This connection gives you a much higher chance of building a meaningful and lasting program.

When folks feel engaged and listened to they are much more likely to participate. Community involvement and investment are keys to long-term success in grantmaking. If folks feel like your program is steamrolling community voices and imposing an outside set of values, it'll be difficult for your organization to build trust.

Community members know best what works and what doesn't. They have a deep understanding of how issues and solutions intersect, and likely they have witnessed past attempts to make change. Using a participatory model means that their expertise will shape your program. Not only will this help you sharpen your tactics, but it ensures that you'll get honest feedback about the impact of your work.

Matching resources to needs

As a grantmaker, you're delivering funds to the individuals and organizations that make change. By involving community members in designing your program, you can direct resources to the projects that address the most pressing needs. Getting feedback from those who know best prevents you from investing in the wrong approach.

For example, say you're looking to improve educational outcomes for students in a certain neighborhood. Based on your experiences, perhaps you think a tutoring program would be a good approach. Without community input you might move forward with this idea-but what if there are more urgent needs that have even greater impact on student outcomes? What if food insecurity is a big issue? Or maybe kids do not have access to mental healthcare or trauma support. A tutoring program isn't going to help much if these needs aren't met first.

6 trends in participatory grantmaking

1. Understand that the process is part of the impact

Of course, distributing funds is a big aspect of how traditional philanthropy makes change. But in participatory grantmaking, money is only a piece of the story. The process itself is part of the impact. Empowering the community and enabling their self-determination is as meaningful as the resources they receive.

2. Commit to transparency

Being open and honest about how your organization operates is essential. Again, it's not just about where the money goes, but about who holds the power. The public should be able to understand how decisions are made and who is making them. For instance, the Indigenous Women's Flow Fund brings together five indigenous women from across the U.S. to form a cohort that makes decisions about grantmaking dollars. They shape the program for three years, and then a new cohort takes over.

3. Include the community in the full program lifecycle

Truly centering community members in decision making means involving them throughout the whole lifecycle of your grantmaking program. They should have a voice in designing strategy and setting priorities. They should also be a part of the review and evaluation process.

4. Operate on community timelines

It's easy to get caught up in your schedule, whether you're thinking about reporting to donors or stakeholders or building your program around other initiatives. But prioritizing the community means operating on their timeline even if it doesn't quite sync up to yours. Rushing to meet artificial deadlines will hamstring your ability to build relationships. On the flip side, moving too slowly to address an urgent need can undermine your program.

5. Be open to a flat power structure

If you're shifting from a traditional approach to grantmaking, you might be used to a top-down power structure with one person in charge. However, the community might have a more fluid or collective style of leadership. Be open to this structure and think less about who's in charge and more about how folks are working together.

6. Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion

With philanthropy's long history of inequity, supporting true diversity takes a concerted effort. It has to be a priority. And organizations need to be careful not to engage in tokenism-the practice of using people of color as the "face" of the organization without giving them meaningful power. Remember DEI is not a standalone initiative-it touches every part of your organization. Make tangible commitments, and use data to support and evaluate efforts.

Facing the challenges

As with any transformation, shifting to a new approach in your grantmaking does pose some challenges. Understanding these from the outset can help you set realistic expectations and keep unexpected issues from derailing your progress.

It takes time

Because participatory grantmaking is rooted in relationships, it can take time to get the pieces in place to support this transformation. You need to build community and establish trust-which is hard to do on a short timeline. Though you want to be proactive, do keep in mind that patience is part of the practice.

Rethinking power can be complex

As you work to connect with the community, it might be tricky to identify the right leaders and ensure participation. You'll also need to be mindful to prevent past power dynamics from replicating themselves within a new system.

There's no one "right" way

Unfortunately, it won't work well to simply copy exactly what another organization is doing. The only way participatory grantmaking works is if you build the right system for your team, your mission, and the community you seek to serve. Of course, this can require more work on the front end. Sometimes experimenting is the best way to see what works, which can feel risky. But the payoff can be huge-check out how Mama Cash, an international women's fund, went all in on a participatory model.

Letting go is part of the process

Your team will have to let go or scale back some of the formalized policies and structures that have likely become part of the organization's identity. This process requires humility from everyone involved. Some folks will have to have to give up power that they've grown accustomed to, which might be an uncomfortable process.

A leap of faith is required

You're building a whole new ethos for your grantmaking. It will take time to show results. Committing to this new model requires a leap of faith in some ways. Not everyone may be on board to make these big changes, and you'll likely have to figure some things out along the way. Part of making this shift is getting accustomed to some discomfort as you and your team figure out the best way forward.

7 steps to get started

1. Make a commitment

Shifting your practices requires buy-in from all levels of your organization. Get your leadership behind the effort and give everyone on the team a chance to voice their questions and concerns.

Clarify your vision. What does a participatory approach look like for your organization? What changes are you hoping to make? Push beyond vague notions to set tangible goals to help you stay accountable. Be sure to plot out how a participatory approach aligns with your mission. This will help guide your work.

2. Connect with community members

Relationships are essential. If you don't already have strong ties in the community, work to build those connections. Hold space for dialogue and lay out your plans for including new voices into your decision-making processes. Of course you want to be open to feedback, but feedback alone is not enough if final decisions remain in the same hands.

Approach these conversations with humility and be sure to listen more than you talk. You want community members to feel heard. This will help inspire them to show up and get invested in the work.

3. Take a new approach to risk

Perhaps in the past you required nonprofits to have a proven history of success before you would offer support. Maybe you even prioritized folks you worked with in the past or organizations that had secured certain credentials. Of course the impulse was likely to minimize risk, but that often leaves out emergent organizations. In turn, you might be ignoring a whole subset of the community that larger nonprofits aren't able to reach.

Shift your understanding of risk so that you can support those local grassroots efforts even if they don't have a history with your organization or slick promotional materials. Perhaps you need to eliminate certain requirements or restructure your grant application process. It's also worth examining how unconscious bias can influence decisions around funding.

4. Redefine expert and changemaker

Breaking down the binary between community members and decision makers also means redefining who can make change. An expert is no longer a scholar or someone who's had a long tenure in philanthropy. Instead it's defined as someone with lived experience.

Change is not just an outside force, but comes from within the community. Redefining these terms will help your team center the right voices in their work. For example, Global Greengrants Fund follows the lead of community members and provides resources that folks on the ground may use however they see fit.

5. Find the right balance for your organization

The shift to participatory grantmaking doesn't have to be all or nothing. Maybe you want to move to a purely peer-led model. Or perhaps you want staff and donors to be involved in some aspects of the work. Find the right balance for your team and mission.

You can also start small by implementing changes to one or two of your programs without overhauling all of the work you do. This gives you the opportunity to try out new ideas on a small scale before you integrate them more broadly. This toolkit has more resources to help you get started.

6. Build participatory practices into your internal structure

It's difficult to switch to a more communal approach with grantees if your internal organization structure is still built on a top-down hierarchy. Think about how you can incorporate these new practices into your internal work. You might encourage staff members to collaborate across programs. Or you could work to involve staff from all ranks to weigh in on policy discussions rather than leaving it only to folks in leadership roles.

Starting with your team allows you to get practice involving the community, listening openly, and collaborating effectively. Plus it prevents the whiplash and resentment of moving back and forth between two opposing frameworks.

7. Find the right solutions to support your work

Technology can be the lynchpin in facilitating collaboration and streamlining communication between your organization and the community you serve. A grant management software that's built to support a new era of philanthropy will make the shift to participatory grantmaking easier to navigate.

Look for an easy-to-use platform that allows folks to be a part of the review process without being in the same room. This lowers the burden on community members and allows you to include more perspectives. Plus it gives all voices equal weight, rather than favoring the loudest person in the room.

To ensure you're choosing the right technology solution to run your grant programs, get this free guide:

The Next Generation of Grants Management Software

This buyer's guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right solution for your programs.

Evolve with confidence

Shifting to a participatory model means rethinking the structure and workflow of your organization. As you adopt new practices, you want to leverage tools that will make the transition as easy as possible.

As a social impact platform, Submittable was built to facilitate these evolutions. We make it easy to launch and manage your grantmaking programs. With tools to support equity, build relationships, and collaborate easily, it's the ideal solution to support your work.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Submittable on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Submittable

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/submittable

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Submittable

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743500/The-Rise-of-Participatory-Grantmaking
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - McLaren Resources Inc. (CSE: MCL) (FSE: 3ML) ("McLaren" or the "Company") announces that it has added an additional 18 mineral exploration claims, covering approximately 380 hectares ("ha"), to its prospective McCool gold property. McLaren recently announced it had intersected high grade gold mineralization, including 16.5 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 6.0 metres ("m"), including 21.1 g/t Au over 4.5 m; 10.8 g/t Au over 9.0 m, including 59.3 g/t Au over 1.5 m; 7.9 g/t Au over 4.5 m, including 21.8 g/t over 1.6 m; and 58.4 g/t Au over 1.5 m; as well as wide intervals of lower grade gold mineralization, in recently completed exploration diamond drilling on the McCool property. This high grade gold mineralization was intersected over a strike length of approximately 500 m and to a vertical depth of approximately 340 m (see news release dated January 24, 2023 and Table 1 below - List of Composite Assay Results). McLaren completed 4,361 m of diamond drilling in 11 holes on the property in the fall of 2022 as follow-up to historical diamond drilling completed by previous operators during the period 1982-1987 (see news release dated August 31, 2022 and Table 2 below - List of Selected Historical Drill Results (Placer Development Limited).

McLaren's McCool property is located in the prolific Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario, Canada where well over 70 million ounces of gold have been produced to date. In addition, the property is located adjacent to neighbors that are rapidly expanding large gold deposits in the area (Moneta Gold Inc., Mayfair Gold Corp. and HighGold Mining Inc.) and is also adjacent to Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's Holt Mine Complex property and along trend from McEwen Mining Inc's Black Fox Gold Mine.

Table 1: List of Composite Assay Results: Holes MCC22-01 to MCC22-11

Click the link for January 24 news release: McLaren Intersects 16.5 g/t Au Over 6.0 Metres, 10.8 g/t Au Over 9.0 Metres and 7.9 g/t Au Over 4.5 Metres on Its McCool Gold Property (newsfilecorp.com) [ https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152240 ]

Table 2: List of Selected Historical Drill Results (Placer Development Limited)

Click the link for August 31, 2022 news release: McLaren Resources Commences Phase One Exploration Diamond Drilling Program on Its McCool Gold Property (newsfilecorp.com) [ https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/135586 ]

Seven of the new claims were acquired from two independent Timmins area prospectors (see news release dated January 4, 2023). The other eleven claims were recently acquired from another independent prospector for 100,000 common shares of McLaren. These new claims are all contiguous with McLaren's original McCool property which now comprises a mining lease and 76 mineral claims, together covering approximately 1,770 ha. The new claims cover a known gold showing as well as the western extension of the Center Hill Fault, which hosts the gold mineralization drilled to date on the McCool property and which is interpreted as a splay off of the Destor-Porcupine Fault, which hosts numerous gold deposits in the surrounding area.

Mr. Radovan Danilovsky, President of McLaren Resources Inc., stated, "We are pleased to be able to add additional mineral claims to our prospective McCool gold property and we are excited about the high grade gold results encountered in our fall diamond drilling campaign. We look forward to continuing our exploration diamond drilling efforts on the McCool property during 2023 with the aim of outlining a potentially economic gold deposit in the near future."

McLaren also announces that it has granted 125,000 options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company exercisable at a price of $0.10 per common share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The options will vest immediately and will replace a like number of options that have recently expired.

Qualified Person

The information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kenneth Guy, P.Geo, a consultant to McLaren and the Qualified Person for McLaren, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects".

About McLaren

McLaren has been focussed on exploration work on its gold properties in the Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario. McLaren owns a 100% interest in the past-producing, 640 ha, Blue Quartz Gold Mine property as well as the 1,770 ha McCool and 775 ha Kerrs gold properties, all located within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt along the Destor-Porcupine Deformation Zone, which is host to many of the gold deposits in the area, approximately 85 km east of Timmins city centre. McLaren also owns a 100% interest in the 408 ha Augdome gold property which is located in Tisdale and Whitney Townships immediately east of the Dome Mine owned by Newmont. The Augdome property is currently under a four-year option to Newmont.

For more information, please contact: Radovan Danilovsky, President, Phone: 416-203-6784, www.mclarenresources.com

MCLAREN RESOURCES INC.

44 Victoria Street, Suite 1616

Toronto, Ontario M5C 1Y2

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of the press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management; however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. McLaren Resources Inc. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

Not for distribution in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158286
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - Budget Saudi, one of the leading car rental companies in Saudi Arabia, has announced record-breaking profits for 2022. The company's net profit surged to 252 million Saudi riyals, marking a 14.06% increase over its 2021 results. This impressive growth was largely driven by an increase in sales revenue, which totaled over 1 billion riyals. The company's short-term rental fleet saw strong demand throughout the year, while long-term leasing also contributed significantly to the profits.

The company's optimized use of its growing fleet, which expanded by 6,000 vehicles to 32,000 by the end of the financial year, was a major factor in boosting revenue and profit. In recognition of its outstanding performance, the board of directors recommended distributing cash dividends of 142 million riyals for 2022, a company record.

Mr. Fawaz Abdullah Danish, the Group CEO, attributed the growth in income to an increase in the number of tourists and Umrah performers visiting the Kingdom, thanks to the country's openness to tourism and its excellent airport infrastructure. The company sold 5,900 cars in 2022 and is expected to sell more cars in 2023.

Although the supply of new cars presented a challenge up until August of 2022, it improved during the final quarter, and the company expects it to return to normal levels during the second half of 2023. Budget Saudi's ongoing dedication to providing top-quality service to customers has been a major factor in achieving these historic results. Mr. Danish expressed confidence that the team's continuing dedication will pave the way for even greater achievements and successes in the coming years.

Budget Rent a Car is the flagship brand of United International Transportation Company, which has been proudly serving customers for more than 44 years. The company offers domestic and international short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and corporate leasing, among other services, through 91 locations throughout the Kingdom, including 13 international and domestic airports, that cover the major population centers, and five used-car showrooms located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Abha.

Media Contact:

Name- Anil Mathew Abraham

Email- marketing@budgetsaudi.com

Website- http://www.budgetsaudi.com/

Contact- +966 92000 4124 / +966 (0)12 692 7070 Ext 1444

Address - 3, Al Basateen District, Bin 3 Complex, King Abdul Aziz Road, Jeddah 23719, Saudi Arabia

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158294
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ankura Consulting Group, LLC ("Ankura"), a leading global expert services and advisory firm, today announced that Dana White, former Chief Pentagon Spokesperson for Secretary James Mattis, is the new business group leader of Ankura's Global Strategic Advisory practice. She will expand the group's services to propel the firm's global growth.





Dana has spent more than 20 years working in government, media, and global business. She most recently served as the Chief Communications Officer for Hyundai Motor North America.

"I am excited to welcome Dana to our leadership team. Her experience as a trusted advisor to top U.S. government officials and C-suite executives makes her uniquely qualified to lead and expand our global strategic advisory group," said Kevin Lavin, CEO of Ankura Consulting Group. With experience in the US, Europe, and Asia, Dana has worked at the nexus of business, media, and government. She has managed and advised some of the world's top leaders on the most consequential global events. Dana is the ideal candidate to advise and support clients navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic information and operational environment."

"I am thrilled to join Ankura and work with Kevin and a team of highly qualified experts to bring cross-functional solutions that help clients identify, navigate, and mitigate risks to their reputation and operations," said Dana White. Over the past 20 years, I've had the privilege to work alongside some of the best leaders and decision makers in the world. With the strong support of our geopolitical experts at McLarty Associates and the other members of our Global Strategic Advisory team, I am confident that we will bring the foresight, insight, and solutions clients need to stay agile and nimble in an ever-changing global environment."

Prior to Hyundai, Dana was the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesperson under Secretary of Defense James Mattis. She was also responsible for strategic communications for all branches of the U.S. Armed Services, Combatant Commands and their senior military, civilian and political leadership.

Dana was the Director of Policy and Strategic Communications for the Renault-Nissan Alliance in Paris, France, and a Professional Staff Member on the United States Senate Armed Services Committee under Senator John McCain.

She was an editorial writer for the Wall Street Journal, the Taiwan Country Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of the Washington Roundtable for Asia-Pacific Press at the Heritage Foundation, and a publicist at the Fox News Channel in Washington, D.C. Dana started her career as a deputy press secretary on the U.S. House Republican Conference.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Languages & Civilizations from the University of Chicago. She studied at Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul.

About Ankura

Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is an independent global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end-to-end solutions to help clients at critical inflection points related to conflict, crisis, performance, risk, strategy, and transformation. The Ankura team consists of more than 1,800 professionals serving 3,000+ clients across 55 countries who are leaders in their respective fields and areas of expertise. Collaborative Lateral Thinking That Delivers??, hard-earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results and Ankura is unrivalled in its ability to assist clients to Protect, Create, and Recover Value??. For more information, please visit, ankura.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1685741/Ankura_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ankura-appoints-dana-white-to-lead-global-strategic-advisory-group-301770714.html
Vivasure Medical, a Galway, Ireland-based company focused on absorbable technology for percutaneous vessel closure, received a 30m strategic investment from Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE) as part of its previously disclosed Series D financing.

Haemonetics joined Fountain Healthcare Partners, Orchestra BioMed Holdings, LSP Health Economics Fund, Panakes Partners, Evonik Venture Capital, Enterprise Ireland, and European Investment Bank.

The company intends to use the clinical study results to support an FDA pre-market approval submission as well as multinational commercial launch of the PerQseal system for large hole vessel closure.

Led by CEO Andrew Glass, Vivasure is focused on the development of advanced polymer implants and delivery systems, primarily focused on minimally invasive vessel closure in cardiology, interventional radiology and vascular surgery. PerQseal is designed to be the first sutureless, fully absorbable synthetic implant for large-bore vessel punctures. Its low profile patch can be placed from inside the vessel and is intended to make deployment simpler and more controlled than conventional closure techniques. Clinical studies to date have shown a low complication rate and high technical success.

The company operates a fully integrated R&D and ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and is backed by leading international medtech investors.

Vivasure Medical has also received support from Enterprise Ireland and the European Investment Bank.

FinSMEs

13/03/2023
The upcoming Google Pixel 7a has been spotted in live photos and additional specifications have been confirmed, thanks to zingnews.vn . A test device for programmers has surfaced in Vietnam, revealing the nearly complete phone. The latest leak includes images of the 7a and some of its specifications.

Google Pixel 7a Design

The Google Pixel 7a has a similar design to its predecessor and features a 6.1-inch screen that is easy to hold. Despite being a mid-range device, the phone is made with high-end materials such as a metal frame and two glass sides. One of its standout design features is the Camera Bar strip on the back, which has a metal protective layer for the camera and a matte finish, unlike the glossy finish of its predecessors.

Google Pixel 7a Camera

The Google Pixel 7a has two 12MP cameras, one standard and one super wide angle, which is consistent with the previous generation. Google phones typically do not have top-of-the-line hardware, but the company compensates with advanced software and algorithms powered by AI. The device features a speaker strip and a USB-C charging port on the bottom edge, and like other recent Google devices, it does not include a 3.5mm audio jack. As it is a test device without a box, it is unclear what the charging capacity and accessories will be for the upcoming Pixel 7a.

Google Pixel 7a  more specifications

The Pixel 7a features a speaker strip and a USB-C charging port on the bottom edge, but does not have a 3.5mm audio jack like other recent Google devices. As a test device, it is unclear what charging capacity and accessories will be included with the final product. The device currently has one physical SIM slot, but it is uncertain whether it will support a second eSIM.

The device appears to have a protective rubber ring around the slot, suggesting it may be dust and water-resistant, similar to last years Pixel 6a, which was IP67 certified.

The screen border and hole-punch camera on the front of the Pixel 7a are quite thick and large, respectively, by modern smartphone standards. However, the device has a balanced appearance due to even edges. The owner of the device claims it is a software prototype from the manufacturer, not an official product, so there may be variations from the final product.

The device has 8 GB of DDR5 memory manufactured by Samsung and 128 GB of internal memory. After the images of the device were shared online, the phone was remotely locked and access to its internal software is currently limited to fastboot mode.

The owner of the Pixel 7a, Mr. D. Phi, confirmed that the device was working normally with stable Android 13 software and had a 90 Hz screen option in the settings. However, the devices chip is unknown to the software. Mr. D. Phi purchased the device for 8 million VND from an acquaintance, and it is not covered by the sellers warranty after being locked remotely. Rumors suggest that Google plans to move more production lines from China to Vietnam this year.

Via
Noise has just launched the Noise Scout, their newest kids smartwatch. Its designed to let kids explore the outdoors with features like Geo-Fencing, Built-in SIM Connectivity, and SOS.

With the Noise Scout, parents can easily keep track of their kids activities. It follows the launch of Noise HRX Bounce smartwatch earlier this month.

Noise Scout Kids Smartwatch

Noise Scout is a smartwatch designed to help children become more independent and develop healthy habits. It features a 1.4-inch touch screen with colourful graphics, built-in games that promote cognitive development, and a camera to capture memories. It is also IP68 certified for spills and splashes, and comes with a habit formation feature to help kids tackle their daily tasks. Parents can also set up timely reminders for 8 pre-defined activities, such as brushing teeth and finishing homework.

In addition, Noise Scout offers various health features to monitor a childs heart rate, step count, and sleep patterns. It also contains useful utilities such as a calculator, stopwatch, timer, and calendar.

To top it off, the smartwatch offers over 150+ cloud-based watch faces for kids to express their creativity. Recent data from the NCRB has revealed an alarming 33.6% rise in offenses against children, raising parents concerns for their safety. To address this, Noise Scout has developed a smartwatch with a range of safety-enhancing features.

It includes GPS and geo-fencing technology to monitor childrens location and mark safe zones, a 2MP camera and SIM connectivity for two-way calling, and an SOS feature to alert parents in emergencies. The accompanying Noise Buddy app offers further parental control, such as setting reminders, accessing the phonebook and more.

Quick specifications: Noise Scout Kids Smartwatch

1.4 HD TFT LCD screen; 240240 resolution; 500nits of brightness

Strap: 20mm & Silicone

150+ cloud-based watch faces

In-built Camera: 2MP

4G Video & Voice Calling

Sensors: Accelerometer, GPS

Battery: 680mAh; up to 3 days; 28 days of Standby

Charging time: 1 hr

Inbuilt Mic and Speaker

Habit information, In-built games, School mode

Monitoring: Multisport Tracker, Alarm Clock, Activity Tracker, Calorie Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor

SoS, Reminder alert, Smart notifications etc.

Noise Buddy App

IP68 Water-Resistant

Dimension: 55.7*41.7*12.8mm; Weight: 45 grams

Pricing and availability

Noise Scout comes in Twinkle Purple and Racing Black colors. It is already available on Amazon.in and Noise Website for a special launch price of Rs. 5999.

Commenting on the launch, Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise, said,
University of Wisconsin-Madison provost John Karl Scholz will be the next president of the University of Oregon, the school announced Monday, March 13.

A noted economist who served as an economics adviser to both Republican and Democratic presidents, he has specialized in studying household finances, low-wage workers and bankruptcy.

Scholzs hiring capped a six-month search by a 22-member committee of trustees, faculty, staff, students and community leaders at the University of Oregon. Scholz will replace Michael Schill, who resigned last summer to become president of Northwestern University in Illinois. Schill had held the University of Oregons top job since 2015.

Connie Seeley, a University of Oregon trustee and chair of the search committee, said Scholz, who goes by his middle name, Karl, has the background and temperament to take on the job as the 19th president in the universitys history.

Karl Scholz is an inspiring, humble, and approachable leader with an impressive depth of experience, Seeley said in a statement Monday. He radiates his joy for working in public higher education and care for serving students. He personifies the qualities the university community said they most value.

Scholz said in a statement that he and his wife, Melissa, an attorney specializing in nonprofit law, were looking forward to the move to Eugene. A statement Monday by the University of Wisconsin announcing Scholzs departure said one of his three daughters is currently a graduate student at Oregon, working on a Ph.D. in volcanology.

Melissa and I are excited to be Ducks, and we cant wait to join you on campus soon, Scholl said.

A Nebraska native, Scholz graduated from Carleton College. The small, private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, also counts former Oregon state senator and 2022 unaffiliated candidate for governor Betsy Johnson among its alumni. Scholz went on to get a doctorate in economics from Stanford University.

Scholz joined the faculty of at the University of Wisconsin in 1988. He served as senior staff economist for the Council of Economic Advisors in 1990-91 under President George H.W. Bush, a Republican.

He returned to serve as deputy assistant secretary for tax analysis at the U.S. Treasury Department from 1997-98 during the second term of President Bill Clinton, a Democrat. Prior to becoming provost in August 2019, Scholz was dean of the College of Letters & Science.

University of Wisconsin Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said in a statement Monday that Scholz had been a key university leader in navigating academics through the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the safety of students and staff while working to bring classes back to in-person teaching on the campus.

Well miss him for all the ways that he has contributed over many years, including, above all, his warm presence and thoughtful leadership.

Mnookin said Scholz had been a strong supporter of diversifying the teaching and student ranks at the University of Wisconsin.

In announcing Scholz as the new president, the University of Oregon said Interim President Patrick Phillips will return to teaching as a biology professor.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global diabetes treatment device market size was valued at around USD USD 9,700 Million in 2022 and size is projected to surpass USD 17,599 million by 2032, it is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2023 and 2032. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal due to a defect in insulin(a pancreatic hormone) production. However, Blood sugar is the core source of energy and can be obtained from the foods we eat and controlled by insulin.

Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 and 100 mg/dL, but diabetics patients may experience elevations of 80 to 130 mg/dL which causes severe problems to the health of the patient. To monitor the glucose levels in the blood, diabetes care devices are used. This technology is especially useful for people with diabetes. Many diabetic treatment devices can monitor diabetes status, including continuous blood glucose monitors, injection pens, insulin pumps, and others, which allow them to control their blood sugar and improves the patient's overall health.

To get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request a Diabetes Treatment Devices Market sample report at https://market.us/report/diabetes-treatment-devices-market/request-sample/

Key Takeaway:

By Device , the Insulin Pens Segment is anticipated to grow with the increasing revenue during the forecast period (2023-2032).

, the Insulin Pens Segment is anticipated to grow with the increasing revenue during the forecast period (2023-2032). By Distribution channels , online pharmacies can purchase diabetes devices directly from manufacturers. This allows them to offer customers lucrative deals. This segment is driven by a growing awareness of online pharmacies among patients and an increase in public-private funding over the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

, online pharmacies can purchase diabetes devices directly from manufacturers. This allows them to offer customers lucrative deals. This segment is driven by a growing awareness of online pharmacies among patients and an increase in public-private funding over the forecast period 2023 to 2032. By End users , This market was dominated by the hospital segment, which held 48.9% of the total market in 2022.

, This market was dominated by the hospital segment, which held of the total market in 2022. In 2022, North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 43% .

dominated the market with the highest revenue share of . Europe is expected to be the second-largest market due to the presence of a large patient population and increased healthcare expenditure.

Asia-Pacific will grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

According to the report, The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the market for diabetes care devices remains positive due to patients with diabetes and high blood pressure at greater risk of any infection. Diabetic patients need continuous insulin access and care, such as administration done with syringes, pens, or via a drip. Therefore, insulin pens and continuous glucose monitor devices were developed to increase the demand for optimal diabetes management.

Factors Affecting the Growth of the Diabetes Treatment Devices Market?

There are several factors that can affect the growth of the diabetes treatment devices market. Some of these factors include:

Increasing prevalence of diabetes : The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing worldwide, which is driving the growth of the diabetes treatment device industry.

: The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing worldwide, which is driving the growth of the diabetes treatment device industry. Growing awareness among patients : Growing awareness of the availability and effectiveness of diabetes treatment devices is encouraging more people to seek out these treatments.

: Growing awareness of the availability and effectiveness of diabetes treatment devices is encouraging more people to seek out these treatments. Technological advancements : Advancement in technology have led to the development of more efficient and effective diabetes treatment devices in coming years.

: Advancement in technology have led to the development of more efficient and effective diabetes treatment devices in coming years. Increasing adoption of home monitoring devices : Home monitoring devices allow for easier and more accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, which is driving the growth of the diabetes treatment device market.

: Home monitoring devices allow for easier and more accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, which is driving the growth of the diabetes treatment device market. Government initiatives : Governments across the globe are taking initiatives to promote diabetes awareness and treatment to encourage more people to get the required treatment for avoiding life harm; this factor improves the growth of the diabetes treatment device market.

: Governments across the globe are taking initiatives to promote diabetes awareness and treatment to encourage more people to get the required treatment for avoiding life harm; this factor improves the growth of the diabetes treatment device market. Rising healthcare expenditure: Increasing healthcare expenditure is leading to more people having access to diabetes treatment devices, which fuel the market growth.

To understand how the diabetes treatment devices Market report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/diabetes-treatment-devices-market/#inquiry

Market Growth

As a result of changing lives and an increase in the diabetic population globally, there is ultimately growing demand for diabetes treatment devices. When comparing the population without and with diabetes, there is a 300% greater chance of them being hospitalized. This means that they are more likely to need healthcare, and because of their earlier age and longer duration of diabetes, youth are at greater risk for developing diabetes. This can hurt the quality of life, reduce life expectancy, increase healthcare costs, and decrease their ability to pay for healthcare. The current lifestyle and technological advancements that have led to increased use of diabetes care devices, as well as the possibility of diabetes occurring more frequently in young adults and youth, raise concerns.

Regional Analysis

North America accounted for the largest revenue and it is expected to grow with a moderate CAGR in the forecast period. Asia Pacific is projected to grow at an even higher CAGR. This is due to increasing diabetes prevalence, increased use of insulin delivery devices that are more technologically advanced, and increased demand. An increase in diabetes diagnosis rates, and increased awareness among patients regarding early diagnosis, are two factors that will drive greater demand for insulin. This will drive the growth in the global diabetes treatment devices market during the forecast period from 2023-2032. Europe, on the other hand, is expected to experience significant growth in the market because of the rising prevalence of diabetes and government initiatives toward awareness about diagnosis and treatment. A rising healthcare cost increased diabetes awareness, and greater awareness of diabetes treatment will lead to a significant increase in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the market has also been examined in this report. Some of the major players include Medtronic plc, Abbott Laboratories, Hoffmann-La-Ltd., Bayer AG, Lifescan, Inc., B Braun Melsungen AG, Lifescan, Inc., Dexcom Inc., Insulet Corporation, Ypsomed Holdings, Other key players.

Have Queries? Speak to an expert, or To Download/Request a Sample, Click here.

Scope of the Report

Report Attribute Details Market Value (2022) USD 9,700 Million Market Size (2032) USD 17,599 Million CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 6.3% North America Revenue Share 43% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032

Market Drivers

The main driving factor for the diabetes care devices market will be created by increasing awareness of diabetes monitoring devices and untapped markets in developing countries. The demand for home care is also increasing due to the aging population. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of all the world's elderly live in low- or middle-income countries. The total population of 60-year-olds and over is expected to grow to 2 billion by 2050. Due to this step, the demand for insulin pumps in home care settings is increasing rapidly. This will lead to an exponential growth rate. Obesity is a leading cause of diabetes in the general populace. The WHO records show that around half of the world's population is overweight or obese. In that population, men are more likely to be obese than women. Diabetes is directly linked to increasing rates of obesity, so the disease rate is high in the male gender. The above factors lead to the growth of the diabetic treatment device market.

Market Restraints

On the other hand, Painful sensor insertions and difficulty fitting multiple devices into small bodies additionally disruptive alerts, leading to data gaps, lost signals, adhesive issues, skin irritation, and improved information generated by difficult-to-carry diabetes care devices are factors inhibiting market expansion.

Market Opportunities

The market is also being driven by awareness campaigns and government initiatives. The UK DESMOND education program is an organized, patient education and management program for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics. Their goal is to help people recognize early health risks. The government has increased funding for healthcare. According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes-related healthcare spending is on the rise. Bigfoot partnered with Abbott to develop the Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System, and U.S. FDA approved the collaboration. This system 2 is the first of its kind and includes smartpen caps that can be used to insert insulin via disposable insulin pens. They integrate with Abbott's Freestyle Liber 2 technology. Many supportive initiatives and increased awareness are expected to increase diabetes device demand in foreseeable future.

Grow your profit margin with Market.us - Purchase Premium Diabetes Treatment Device Market Report at https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=95307

Report Segmentation of the diabetes treatment device Market

Device Type Insight

Based on Device Type, the market is segmented into insulin pens, pumps, jet injectors, and syringes. The market for insulin pens will grow at an impressive CAGR over the forecast period. At the initial stage, insulin syringes could be used easily and were self-administrable, but the advent of reusable, minimally invasive, and prefilled insulin delivery devices has reduced the need for insulin syringes. The growth rate of insulin pumps is expected to be significant during the forecast period.

Distribution Channel Insight

Hospital pharmacies have been responsible for high market penetration in recent years. This is due to their high footfall and the availability of products. Inpatient and outpatient pharmacies are the two types of pharmacies found within a hospital campus. Online pharmacies can purchase diabetes devices directly from manufacturers, and this allows them to offer customers lucrative deals. A growing awareness of online pharmacies drives this segment among patients and an increase in public-private funding. Outpatient pharmacies are usually located in the hospital's lobbies or entrances. The outpatient pharmacy has insulin delivery devices and handheld glucose meters. The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the e-pharmacies industry. Diabetes device sales volumes have increased via this platform.

End User Insight

The hospital segment dominated the market in 2022, accounting for 48.9% of the market overall. This is due to the high prevalence of diabetes patients in hospitals, who are three times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than those without it. In recent years, the technology for diabetes has advanced rapidly, driving increased usage of insulin pumps in clinics and hospitals. Meanwhile, the homecare sector is projected to expand with a 7.4% CAGR over the forecast period, as more people become aware of diabetes prevention and the user-friendly capabilities of insulin pumps.

For more insights on the historical and Forecast Diabetes Treatment Devices Market data from 2016 to 2032  download a sample report at https://market.us/report/diabetes-treatment-devices-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

By Device Type

BGM Devices

Self-Monitoring Devices

Blood Glucose Meters

Testing Strips

Lancets

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices

Sensors

Transmitters

Receiver

Insulin Delivery Devices

Pumps

Disposable pens

Cartridges in Reusable Pens

Syringes

Needles

Diagnostic

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hospital pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Diabetes Clinics/Centers

Institutional Sales

Online Pharmacies

Other Distribution Channel

By End-User

Hospitals

Homecare

Diagnostic Centers

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Other End-Users

By Application

Knees

Shoulders

Ankle & Foot

Back & Spine

Elbow & Wrist

Hips

Other Application

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

APAC 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:

Medtronic plc

Abbott Laboratories

Hoffmann-La-Ltd.

Bayer AG Company Profile

Lifescan, Inc.

B Braun Melsungen AG

Dexcom Inc.

Insulet Corporation

Ypsomed Holdings

Other key players.

Recent Development of the diabetes treatment device Market

March 2021 - F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. announced the launch of a new Accu-Check Intl system. This new system monitors blood glucose and supports Roche's personalized, integrated diabetes management approach.

- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. announced the launch of a new Accu-Check Intl system. This new system monitors blood glucose and supports Roche's personalized, integrated diabetes management approach. April 2021  BIOCORP and Roche Diabetes Care France announced Mallya, a smart insulin pen for France. BIOCORP will be able to leverage Roche's extensive distribution network in pharmacies.

 BIOCORP and Roche Diabetes Care France announced Mallya, a smart insulin pen for France. BIOCORP will be able to leverage Roche's extensive distribution network in pharmacies. August 2020 - Medtronic plc announced their intention to purchase Companion Medical. Companion Medical is a privately owned company that manufactures InPen, an FDA-approved smart insulin pen system that integrates diabetes management software.

- Medtronic plc announced their intention to purchase Companion Medical. Companion Medical is a privately owned company that manufactures InPen, an FDA-approved smart insulin pen system that integrates diabetes management software. June 2020 - Tandem Diabetes Care and Abbott agreed to jointly develop and commercialize integrated solutions for diabetes. This agreement will combine Tandem's innovative insulin delivery system with Abbott's continuous glucose monitoring.

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Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Medical X-Ray Detectors Market - A Global and Regional Analysis - Focus on Product and Application, Supply Chain Analysis, and Country Analysis - Analysis and Forecast" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





The global medical X-Ray detectors market report highlights that the market was valued at $2,019.0 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $ 3,702.0 million by the end of 2032. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

The market is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of fractures and spinal injuries augmenting the growth of the market, technological advancements in X-Ray detectors, and the use of new-age materials for the development of X-Ray detectors and dose management.

Market Lifecycle Stage

The global medical X-Ray detectors market is still in the development phase. Increased research and development activities are underway to develop more products.



The opportunity for growth of the global medical X-Ray detectors market lies in the innovations in technology and the development of AI-based digital X-Ray systems enabling diagnostic accuracy and productivity.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for X-Ray Examination in Acute Injuries

Technological Advancements in X-Ray Detectors

Thinnest X-Ray Detectors

Flexible Detectors

Hybrid Detectors

Use of New-Age Materials for the Development of X-Ray Detectors for Better Spatial Resolution and Dose Management

Increasing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Digital Imaging

Market Restraints

Demographic and Socio-economic Factors Restraining the Growth of the Market

Factors Hindering the Growth in Emerging Economies

Low Rate of Digitalization in Emerging Economies

High Cost of Implementation of X-Ray Detectors in Emerging Companies

Market Opportunities

Development of AI-Based Digital X-Ray Systems Enabling Diagnostic Accuracy

Innovations in Technology Leading to Various New Offerings Shaping the Market

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

iRay Technology

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Canon Inc.

Konica Minolta Inc.

Analogic Corporation

KA Imaging Inc.

Carestream Health Inc.

Varex Imaging Corporation

Agfa-Gevaert Group

Detection Technology

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

DRTECH

Rayence

Trixell

Market Segmentation:



Segmentation 1: by Product

By Type

By Panel Size

By Panel Connection

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by-product) is expected to be dominated by the type segment.

Segmentation 2: by Application

Static Imaging

Dynamic Imaging

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by application) is expected to be dominated by the medical segment.

Segmentation 3: by Modalities

Portable Detectors

Fixed Detectors

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by modalities) is expected to be dominated by the portable segment.

Segmentation 4: by Module Type

New Digital X-Ray Systems

Retrofit X-Ray Systems

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by module type) is expected to be dominated by the new digital X-Ray segment.

Segmentation 5: by End User

Hospitals and Clinics

Diagnostic Centers

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by end user) is dominated by the hospitals and clinics segment.

Segmentation 6: by Region



North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

U.K.

France

Italy

Spain

Rest-of-Europe

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Rest-of-Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest-of-Latin America

Middle East and Africa

U.A.E

K.S.A

South Africa

Rest-of-Middle East and Africa

The global medical X-Ray detectors market (by region) is dominated by the North America region.

Recent Developments in Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market

In February 2022, KA Imaging Inc., secured a Taiwan license for the Reveal 35C dual-energy X-Ray detector; through this license, the detector can be sold in the Taiwan market.

In May 2022, EXAMION partnered with Systemhaus GmbH & Co. KG to offer an even broader range of products to our customers in the future. With this cooperation, both companies emphasize their industry expertise in the healthcare sector and focus on added value for the customer.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is medical X-Ray detectors?

What are the key trends in the medical X-Ray detectors market?

What kinds of new strategies are being adopted by the existing market players to strengthen their positions in the industry?

For a new company looking to enter the medical X-Ray detectors market, which areas could it focus on to stay ahead of the competition?

Who should buy this report?

Key Topics Covered:





1 Markets

2 Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market (by Product)

3 Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market (by Application)



4 Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market (by Modality)



5 Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market (by Module Type)



6 Global Medical X-Ray Detectors Market (by End User)

7 Regions



8 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dnu03a

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Korea Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The South Korea data center market size will reach USD 6.74 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.89% from 2022 to 2028

This report analyses the South Korea Data Center Market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments.

The increasing demand for migration to cloud platforms by various sectors is attracting local and global cloud service providers. For instance, Neowiz, an online gaming company in South Korea, closed its on-premises data centers to shift to AWS and MegazoneCloud. Neowiz opted for AWS cloud because of its highly reliable and scalable infrastructure and secure environment.



In terms of 5G connectivity, telecom operators such as SK Telecom, KT Corp, LG Uplus, Samsung, Nokia, and Contela are involved in deploying the 5G network services across the country. For instance, Nokia announced the launch of its private 5G open lab at its Seoul office to support the development of 5G private wireless networks in the country.



The market is also witnessing the development of several smart city projects that will significantly benefit industrial land availability and data center construction opportunities in the coming years. For instance, in 2021, Sejong City and Hancom Group joined hands to develop a new smart city based on technologies such as artificial intelligence.



The government established several free economic zones, such as Incheon FEZ, Busan-Jinhae FEZ, Gwangyang Bay Area FEZ, and Yellow Sea FEZ, that will offer space for industrial development with benefits such as tax exemptions.



Government steps towards the personal data protection law named the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the establishment of the Korea Data Center Council have strengthened the South Korea data center market.



The country's market is among the prominently growing markets with a significant rise in job opportunities, and the government of South Korea is leveraging the migration of foreign workforce. For instance, in June 2022, Tencent Cloud signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Megazone Cloud, Korea Mobile Game Association (KMGA), and Yeonsung University to encourage cloud-based mobile game developers in South Korea.



WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH?

Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and South Korea colocation market revenue.

An assessment of the data center investment in South Korea by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country.

A detailed study of the existing South Korea data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in South Korea

Facilities Covered (Existing): 34

Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 18

Coverage: 10+ Cities

Existing vs. Upcoming (Area)

Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in South Korea

Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028)

Retail and Wholesale Colocation Pricing

Retail vs Wholesale Colocation Market

The South Korean market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast.

A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry.

Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

South Korea data center market has the presence of several local and global data center operators such as KT Corp, Kakao Corp, LG Uplus, Digital Realty, Equinix, and others. The prominent growth potential of the market has also attracted several new entrants, such as ESR, Empyrion DC, STACK Infrastructure, SC Zeus Data Centers, Pure Data Centres Group, Princeton Digital Group (PDG), and others.

The significant opportunities in the South Korea Data Center Market have attracted several joint ventures by local and global investors to construct facilities in the country. For instance, STACK Infrastructure announced a joint venture with ESR Group to develop a data center with a power capacity of around 48 MW in Incheon, South Korea.

The adoption of renewable energy is gaining traction in the market; most data centers are investing in developing green data centers and targeting carbon neutrality. For instance, Equinix's two new xScale facilities in South Korea are operated by 100% renewable energy sources.

In terms of IT infrastructure, the market is dominated by global vendors such as Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Arista Networks, IBM, Atos, Fujitsu, and Lenovo. For instance, Cisco Systems provided its Catalyst 9000 series switches to pharmaceutical company Kolmar Korea for network expansion.

Local construction contractors dominate the South Korea data center market, including GS E&C, POSCO ICT, Samsung C&T, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction. For instance, Samsung C&T has provided services for constructing IGIS Asset Management's data center in Hanam.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 121 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4.19 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $6.24 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.8% Regions Covered South Korea

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

IT Infrastructure Providers:

Arista Networks

Atos

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

IBM

Inspur

Intel

Lenovo

NetApp.

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors:

BEHIVE Architects

DPR Construction

GS E&C

HanmiGlobal

Hyundai Engineering & Construction

ISG

POSCO ICT

SAMOO Architects & Engineers

Samsung C&T.

Support Infrastructure Providers:

ABB

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

Eaton

Fuji Electric

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Piller Power Systems

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Vertiv.

Data Center Investors:

Actis

Digital Realty

Dreammark1

Digital Edge DC

Equinix

Hostway IDC

Kakao Corp

KT Corp

LG Uplus

LG CNS

NAVER

NHN Corp

SOLISIDC

SK Broadband

Samsung SDS.

New Entrants:

Empyrion DC

ESR

OneAsia Network

Princeton Digital Group

Pure Data Centres Group

SC Zeus Data Centers

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

STACK Infrastructure

EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Seoul

Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

The segmentation includes:

IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgears

PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units

Chiller Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Core & Shell Development

Installation & commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Fire Detection & Suppression Systems

Physical Security

DCIM

Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Geography

Seoul

Other Cities

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2lm6t5

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
MONACO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG) (Scorpio Tankers or the Company) announced today that it has exercised the purchase options on six ships.



The Company has given notice to exercise its purchase options on two 2016 built LR2 product tankers (STI Grace and STI Jermyn), one 2019 built LR2 product tanker (STI Lavender), two 2019 built MR product tankers (STI Magnetic and STI Marshall) and one 2020 built MR product tanker (STI Miracle). The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50% per annum. The purchase, which is expected to occur in May 2023, will result in a debt reduction of $149.8 million for the Company.

About Scorpio Tankers Inc.

Scorpio Tankers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. Scorpio Tankers Inc. currently owns, finance leases or bareboat charters-in 113 product tankers (39 LR2 tankers, 60 MR tankers and 14 Handymax tankers) with an average age of 7.1 years. Additional information about the Company is available at the Companys website www.scorpiotankers.com, which is not a part of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forwardlooking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forwardlooking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forwardlooking 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, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan, target, project, likely, may, will, would, could and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements.

The forwardlooking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although management believes 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 the Companys control, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forwardlooking statements include unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, the length and severity of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including its effect on demand for petroleum products and the transportation thereof, expansion and growth of the Companys operations, risks relating to the integration of assets or operations of entities that it has or may in the future acquire and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of such acquisitions may not be realized within expected timeframes or at all, the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for tanker vessel capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, 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 offhires, and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of certain of these and other risks and uncertainties.

Contact Information
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) is pleased to announce that it has commenced its 2023 Phase 1 drill program at its 100% owned West Red Lake Gold Project. The West Red Lake Gold Project is a 3,100-hectare (ha) area consisting of three properties (Mount Jamie, Red Summit, and Rowan) all located in the Red Lake District of Ontario and borders Evolution Mining's Red Lake gold complex.



The Phase 1 drill program consists of 7,000 metres (m) of oriented diamond core drilling, completion of a property-wide high resolution LiDAR survey, as well as reprocessing and reinterpretation of two legacy geophysical data sets. The 2022 drill program highlighted several promising high priority targets with varying styles of mineralization that the Company will further test and delineate.

Tom Meredith, CEO, stated, We are excited to be back drilling on the West Red Lake Gold Project. The team will be following up on numerous high caliber drill targets that have demonstrated the potential for high-grade, structurally controlled gold mineralization characteristic of the prolific Red Lake District. The Companys plan for Phase 1 drilling consists of 7,000 m to be completed on its patented claims during the first half of 2023. This initial phase of work will be immediately followed by a larger drilling campaign to further delineate Phase 1 successes, and to begin testing early-stage targets over the Companys entire, highly prospective 3,100 ha land package.

The 2023 Phase 1 drill program is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2023 and lead into the Phase 2 drill program, which is planned to include an additional 10,000 m of drilling. All of WRLGs exploration plans for 2023 represent the most aggressive exploration campaign in recent history at the West Red Lake Gold Project.





Figure 1: Photo of drill rig at West Red Lake Gold Project

West Red Lake Golds Rowan Property presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) inferred mineral resource of 2,790,700 tonnes at an average grade of 9.2 grams per tonne Au (g/t Au) containing 827,462 ounces of gold with a cut-off grade of 3.8 g/t Au (NI 43-101 Technical Report authored by John Kita, P.Eng., dated December 13, 2022 and filed December 30, 2022 on sedar.com). The inferred resource is located in the area of the historic underground Rowan Mine site and situated within a 1.8 kilometer (km) strike length portion of the regional scale Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone.

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and dedicated to creating value for its shareholders by discovering new gold mines in the highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada. This district has yielded 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG holds an extensive property position spanning 3,100 ha in West Red Lake, including three former gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. The West Red Lake Project covers a 12-km strike length along the Pipestone Bay St. Paul Deformation Zone, and WRLG plans to continue exploring this property along strike and to depth aggressively in 2023. Resource investor Frank Giustra holds an 18.1% stake in WRLG, a testament to the Company's potential and the prospects for new gold discoveries in the region.

ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD.

Tom Meredith

Tom Meredith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tel: 416-203-9181 ext 4600

Email: investors@westredlakegold.com or visit our website at

https://www.westredlakegold.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f48f8572-6ab4-48f5-a415-11b097ce67d9
New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Intralogistics Market by Component, and by End User Industry  Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20232030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428923/?utm_source=GNW

Moreover, the demand for intralogistics has increased along with the rising adoption of ASRS systems including Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and shuttle systems among others in manufacturing, For instance, in January 2023, Exotec, a global warehouse robotics provider announced the expansion of its product portfolio with three innovative solutions: a new conveyor system, an improved picking solution, and new proprietary warehouse software. This enables the customers to run efficient, scalable, and modular warehouses that flex to fit their needs.



However, high installation costs of intralogistics solutions hamper the market growth. On the contrary, introduction of drones in intralogistics to automate a wide variety of tasks, including inventory management, order picking, and delivery. Drones can also increase the flexibility and scalability of intralogistics, allowing companies to swiftly adapt to demand shifts. These factors are expected to create ample opportunities for key players operating in the intralogistics market during the coming decade.



Segment Overview



The global Intralogistics market is segmented on the basis of component, end user industry, and region.

- By component, the market is divided into hardware, software and services.

- By end user industry, the market is categorized into logistics, food and beverages, retail and e-commerce, automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, airport, and mining.

- Region wise, the market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW.



Regional Analysis



North America is dominating the major market share in Intralogistics industry

The intralogistics market in North America is driven by growth of e-commerce, early adoption of technology, along with digitalization of the supply chain and mobilization of high technologies such as intralogistics solutions and 5G. Also, several initiatives taken by the governments in North America, further increases the adoption of robotics in the industries for applications such as product handling or sorting, which in turn driving the growth of the market. For instance, in April 2022, the Canadian Government announced an investment of USD 780 million over the next five years to create a funding agency focused on innovation in science and technology, to offer strong programs in robotics and related field.



Moreover, the United States is a major producer of intralogistics solutions, with many domestic manufacturers producing a range of equipment and software solutions. The key players in this region include Honeywell international Inc, MHS global, among others. For instance, in March 2022, Material Handling System Global (MHS global) collaborated with Hai Robotics and Mujin to launch fully automated order fulfilment solution. The collaboration was aimed at developing warehouse execution system (WES) that integrates the various automated components and robotics technology together to work as a smart, efficient system.



Key Market Players



Emerging and efficient key players in the intralogistics industry research include companies such as:

 Daifuku Co. Ltd.

 Jungheinrich AG

 Kion Group Ag

 Honeywell International Inc.

 Midea Group

 Vanderlande

 SSI Schaefer Ag

 MHS Global

 KNAPP Group

 Beumer Group Gmbh & Co. Kg

 Kardex Group

 Muratec Murata Machinery Ltd.

 Rockwell Automation Inc.

 Yaskawa Electric Corporation

 Omron Corporation



Recent Developments



February 2023

SSI Schaefer Group signed an agreement, under which the company will acquire the remaining shares of DS Automation, a provider of AGVs and AMRs. The acquisition of the remaining shares will take effect on March 2023. This development represents an important milestone in strengthening the companys competitiveness and innovation power in robotics and automation, that are pioneering for intralogistics.

December 2022

OMRON announced opening of 1st Automation Center exclusively catering the Logistics Industry in Singapore, South-East Asia and Oceania. It is one of the first solution development centers to support the adoption of Robotics Middleware Framework (RMF) in the logistics sector.

November 2022

Rockwell Automation partnered with Comau to showcase robot control solutions and its benefits of the full integration of Comaus articulated robots with the unified robot control platform by Rockwell Automation



June 2022

Daifuku Co., Ltd. announced the reopening of Hini Arata Kan, one of the worlds largest full-scale material handling and logistics demo centers, located within Daifukus manufacturing plant Shiga Works, Japan. The renewal has added 54 of Daifukus latest material handling systems and equipment to the center, as well as adding large displays for visitors to watch case studies and other videos of the systems in action on-site.

March 2022

Muratec and Cimcorp, both part of the Murata Machinery showcased their range of automation technologies at the MODEX 2022 supply chain trade show. the featured technologies include robotic order-picking systems, as well as automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). The companies showcased end-to-end automation solutions that solve top warehousing and distribution challenges.



KEY BENEFITS



 The intralogistics market report provides quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations from 2023 to 2030, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

 The study comprises a deep dive analysis of the intralogistics market trends including current and future trends for depicting prevalent investment pockets in the market.

 Information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the intralogistics market is provided in the report.

 The competitive analysis of the market players along with their market share in the intralogistics market is provided in the report.

 SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces model is elaborated in the study.

 Value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of role of stakeholders.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428923/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

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NORTH BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The leadership of Lucky Man Cree Nation has launched a brand new mobile application in order to communicate with their membership at a moments notice. The app works on iPhones and Android phones, as well as tablets  the cross-platform nature means that all members who have a smartphone or tablet of any kind can access the app to receive updates directly from the Band Office.



The Lucky Man Cree Nation App runs on the Communikit SaaS mobile app service  an advanced mobile app platform created specifically for Indigenous communities and Nations to stay in touch with their members on and off-reserve.

We are a small Nation  nearly our entire registered membership lives off-reserve, spread all across Canada, explained Chief Crystal Okemow, we needed a fast and easy way to get messages out to our people at any time and an app gives us that.

The Lucky Man Cree Nation App sends push notifications to users to notify them of meetings, events, votes, community news, emergency alerts, and important announcements. Because push notifications are sent directly to members phones, it is also an ideal way to distribute resources to and request data from them  quickly, easily, and privately.

According to IT Technician Richard Okemow, ease of use was also a concern in choosing a communications tool. We have a lot of elders and other members who are less technically inclined, he explained, so making sure that the app is intuitive was of major importance to us. There is even phone and email support available to our members directly from the technical team if they need help at any point."

Download the Lucky Man Cree Nation app today and never miss an update from Chief and Council; get it on Google Play or the App Store now!

About Lucky Man Cree Nation

Lucky Man Cree Nation ( or papewe in Cree) is a small but progressive community located roughly 125 kms northwest of Saskatoon. The Nation had previously been amalgamated into Little Pine First Nation in 1879 and remained that way until the bands descendants reorganized. Lucky Man Cree Nation was awarded 12 sections of land in the Thickwood Hills which is now the Lucky Man Reserve.

About Communikit

The Communikit mobile app platform was created by Aivia Inc. (pronounced AY-vee-yuh) and provides a suite of tools to Indigenous Nations, leaders, and organizations to communicate with their members at a moments notice  no matter where they are. As the first network of its kind in Canada, Communikit currently serves over 20,000 users spanning more than 80 Nations and Indigenous organizations.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/feed62fe-d402-4ed0-b0e3-272fa451f357
English French

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) (NYSE: BLK), is pleased to announce that at a special meeting held today, unitholders approved the proposal to merge (the Merger) the iShares U.S. High Yield Fixed Income Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (Merging ETF) into the iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (the Continuing ETF)



The Merging ETF will be wound down following completion of the Merger. Unitholders of the Merging ETF will receive full units of the Continuing ETF based on the Continuing ETFs net asset value per unit, and cash in lieu of fractional units.

BlackRock Canada expects that the Merger will be implemented on or about March 27, 2023. The last day of trading of the Merging ETF will be March 24, 2023.

The Merger is expected to take place on a taxable basis, and for tax purposes, will generally be treated as a disposition of the property and units of the Merging ETF.

The Merging ETF and Continuing ETF have substantially similar underlying investment exposure. In addition, the Continuing ETF has greater secondary market liquidity, measured by average spreads and volumes, to that of the Merging ETF.

BlackRock Canada continually reviews its product range to ensure it meets the evolving needs of

our clients. The priorities and needs of Canadian investors are key as Blackrock Canada evolves its ETF lineup to provide investor choice.

For more information about the Merging ETF and Continuing ETF, please visit www.blackrock.com/ca.

About BlackRock

BlackRocks purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

About iShares

iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1300+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$2.91 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

iShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

Contact for Media:

Reem Jazar

Email: reem.jazar@blackrock.com
Mcbrown unveiled host of Onua TVs Onua Maakye show

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Mar - 13 - 2023 , 13:37

The dust has settled on where popular actress, Nana Ama McBrown is moving to following a huge jamboree welcome by Media Generals Onua TV to officially announce her joining the Media General team earlier today, March 13.

Rumours of the maverick presenter parting ways with Despite Medias UTV had been rife in the last few weeks when television presenter, Gloria Akpene Nyarku-Acquah popularly known as MzGee started hosting United Showbiz a fortnight ago.

Well, the big announcement is out and the Ghanaian screen goddess is joining Onua TV as host of the Onua Maakye morning show. Nana Ama McBrown hosted United Showbiz on UTV for almost three years.

Akwaabaa.... From the entire Media General family, we welcome the beautiful and amazing @iamamamcbrown to the Onua family.

You are welcome home Nana Ama, a statement from Media General and published on their social media handles said.

Speaking during an Instagram live session on Berla Mundis page, Nana Ama McBrown stated;

I dont have the words to describe how I feel right now. God is taking me to the next level.

The glorious reception was carried live on all Media General outlets including all their social media platforms.

As part of the welcome package was a performance by Akwaboah Jnr in honour of McBrown who also joined him to perform live to the admiration of the fans.
There's no doubt McBrown is the biggest TV personality  Francis Doku

Jayne Buckman Owoo Showbiz News Mar - 13 - 2023 , 17:10

The General Manager of 3 Group, Mr Francis Doku has stated that his outfit is confident of the abilities of actress/ TV presenter, Nana Ama McBrown to help push the Onua brand to the heights they want to achieve.

He told Graphic Showbiz that there was no argument that McBrown was currently the best at what she does which was evident with her exploits as host of the United Showbiz programme on UTV.

General Manager of 3 Group, Francis Doku is confident McBrown will push the heights of Onua TV brand

I think that there is no argument that Nana Ama McBrown is the biggest TV personality in Ghana.

Her United Showbiz programme on UTV attracted millions of viewers in Ghana and all over the world. In our quest to improve our Akan broadcast channels Onua TV and Onua FM, we looked at some of the people who can help achieve that goal.

We brought in Captain Smart and Mona Gucci, now we are bringing in Nana Ama McBrown to spice up the team and see to the development of the Onua Group. We believe she will deliver the best to our audiences and our clients.

We also thought that Nana Ama McBrown will help push the Onua brand to the heights we want to achieve, we are really excited to have her in our fold, he mentioned to Graphic Showbiz in an interview earlier today.

Related article Mcbrown unveiled host of Onua TVs Onua Maakye show

Ghanaians woke up on Monday, March 13, to the news of screen goddess Nana Ama McBrown joining the Media General Group specifically Onua TV and Onua FM.

Nana Ama McBrown was officially welcomed to the media house by management and staff amidst drumming and dancing.

Nana Ama McBrown takes on new role at Onua TV

She was later formerly introduced to the staff who warmly welcomed the pretty actress and gave her a large bouquet of flowers.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, Nana Ama McBrown stated, I am grateful to God because He orders my steps and He has brought me here. I am so excited, I am excited to be here. I think I have the energy and I am capable and I think it is a wonderful family to be part of.

For Media General to look out for me, it means that I am worth coming here too, I have a lot under my sleeves, I have a lot to do here. I am capable to do all the things we do here so watch out for me, things that will impact the society especially women and children. Just watch out for me, she stated.
Thriving in the storm: Sectors to drive growth and returns for investors in medium term

Yaw Lartey & Dennis Brown Opinion Mar - 11 - 2023 , 16:34

The global economy, over the last two years, has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, and Ghana was not insulated.

The Government of Ghana (GoG) is on the verge of finalising a debt restructuring programme as part of measures needed to secure a three-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended credit facility programme, with the aim of restoring macroeconomic stability.

For investors, this calls for a cautious and diligent approach to taking investment decisions to optimise value from investments.

This article is intended to point out to investor sectors in the Ghanaian economy that will potentially drive growth and returns for investors, notwithstanding the challenging economic environment envisaged over the next three to four years.

Agribusiness sector

The Agribusiness sector continues to be a potential high growth area in Ghana. According to data from Ghanas 2023 budget statement, agricultures contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is projected at an average of 20.6 per cent over the period 2023 to 2026 and it is expected to record an average GDP growth of 4.1 per cent over the same period. The heightened global food insecurity presents the agribusiness sector with various growth opportunities to meet the food demands of the growing population in Ghana.

Aside the growing population, the availability of youthful workforce, availability of arable lands for commercial farming, increased government focus on the sector and increased demand for green and healthy foods are all indications that the Agribusiness Sector in Ghana is well placed to drive growth for investors.

In terms of downside risks, the sector is threatened by illegal mining and its related destruction of agricultural lands and water bodies, negative effect of climate change, competition from well-established Agribusiness firms within the subregion and beyond and a lack of access to Agribusiness financing.

The key segments of the sector that are likely to drive growth for investors include cocoa processing, raw cashew processing, rice production and oil palm production, climate resistant seeds and technology, aquaculture production and agriculture mechanisation services.

ICT sector

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is considered by many analysts as a catalyst for innovation and growth in other sectors of the economy. The Ghanaian ICT sector contributed about five per cent to GDP, which was estimated at $1 billion in 2021.

The sectors contribution to GDP is projected at an average of 4.8 per cent over the period 2022 to 2026 and it is expected to record an average GDP growth of 5.5 per cent over the same period. The sectors contribution to GDP is further expected to increase to US$5 billion by 2030, with the growth mainly anchored by telecommunication service providers, electronic and payments system services, media companies and software developers and training institutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and issues emanating from it, has accelerated the adoption of digitalisation in Ghana, including embracing the new norm of working remotely, transferring resources across financial platforms and purchasing goods and services online. This trend saw a huge demand for e-commerce, fintech and other collaborative software to facilitate the new lifestyle of the growing middle class.

In terms of strengths, greater market access to neighbouring countries due to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), increasing demand for e-commerce and e-money-related transactions due to implementation of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), supportive regulatory environment and growing Government investments in the digital ecosystem provides good prospects for the sector.

The downside risks include low number of tech savvy workforce, increasing competition from well-established firms across the globe, rising cases of cyber security issues and difficult access to reliable and affordable power supply in certain areas.

For investors, segments such as Fintechs, payment services and remittance businesses, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, E-commerce and Artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to be key value drivers in the short to medium term.

Manufacturing sector

Ghanas rich and diverse natural resources provide the key inputs needed for a thriving manufacturing sector. The 2023 Budget Statement projects that the sector will contribute an average of 10.9 per cent to Ghanas GDP and to grow at an average rate of four per cent over the period from 2022 to 2026. Additionally, Ghanas relatively young population and her 54.1 per cent urbanisation rate are key growth drivers for the manufacturing sector.

The recent economic turmoil has brought all stakeholders, including government, to a concerted solution of adding value to raw materials and moving on a tangent of domesticating manufacturing of essential items to reduce imports to a minimal level.

For investors, we expect segments such as pharmaceutical product manufacturing, textiles and garments manufacturing, iron/steel processing, production of construction materials and fabrication and manufacturing of agricultural machinery and equipment to be key value drivers for investment returns and growth.

Conclusion, recommendation

The current economic challenges present a bleak picture of overall growth. However, investors will need to take a deep dive into the presented business segments to identify the best approach to exploit industry opportunities to spur growth and generate investment returns amidst the challenging economic environment envisaged over the next few years.

The writers are Partner and Financial Advisory Leader, and Senior Manager, Financial Advisory

Deloitte Ghana
World War III must be prevented

Dr Albert Antwi Boasiako Opinion Mar - 13 - 2023 , 17:14

The precise import for the formation of the United Nations (UN) was to come together to resolve conflicts that might result in war.

The UN replaced the League of Nations.

The aftermath of World War II premised the advent of this international organisation.

The enormity of the death, destruction and terror that wreaked our community of nations was a sufficient testimony of the need to prevent a third world war.

There are so many horrifying stories about World War II.

The war could be termed as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, with states and individuals committing appalling human rights violations.

There was unimaginable horror across countries, with towns largely empty of inhabitants.

1945

The UN is the only international organisation which takes a universal character.

States have agreed together to meet the challenges relating to international peace and stability.

States have agreed that the UN charter be accepted and recognised as the document to guide the conduct of nations and individuals in matters relating to international peace and stability.

As member states, the contents of the charter is to be our watch word. Member states have the legal responsibility to adhere to the statutes of this document.

The UN continues to articulate a vision to lift the world from impending conflicts.

Our assurance in the organisation is based on the fact that the League of Nations failed to prevent the World War II.

The charter which was to regulate the running of the UN was drawn based on the proposals from the representatives of the US, The Soviet Union (Russia), and the UK.

These three countries became permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The cardinal aim of the UN as inscribed in the preamble of the charter is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of wars.

The implication is that the UN will endeavour to avoid mass scale wars, at the scale of the first and second world wars.

In this perspective, the UN became an organisation in which the international community, which primarily constitutes the member states, could build trust.

Some of the states which were the architects of the UN charter suffered as a result of the Second World War.

The UN after 1945, through its diplomatic efforts, has been trying to prevent a Third World War.

Series of conflicts, civil wars like what occurred in Liberia, Sierra Leone, the war in the former Yugoslavia, and currently Russias invasion of Ukraine had individual or state action contradicting the requirements of the preamble to the charter, which states: And to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.

Has UN failed?

No. Though member states which accept the obligations of the charter continue to defy human rights and international humanitarian laws, it could be deduced from this that the UN has challenges, but hasnt failed.

For the United Nations theres no higher goal nor deeper commitment and no greater ambition than preventing armed conflicts.

The prevention of conflicts begins and ends with the development of human security.

Kofi Annan General Assembly Security Council A/52/871S/1988/318.

The cardinal aim of the UN is clearly defined, preventing of wars, and defending humanity.

Security Council

The mandate of the UN Security Council is to ensure global peace and stability.

The Security Council has to deal with interstate and intrastate conflicts.

The Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and stability under the charter.

Its involvement in the maintenance of peace and stability is manifested in various roles, calling on countries to contribute troops for peace keeping operation, the formation of observer missions, all within the framework of peace building.

The Security Council influence should be supreme, pervading and controlling every other, the Security Council at its 9135-meeting presided over by Shirley Ayorkor Botchway Ghanas Minister For Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The meeting was of the view that Russias action is at war with international humanitarian laws and that Russian initial pronouncements as a special military operation has been converted into a full-scale war.

The writer is Initiator,

International Forum on the Status of Refugees in the World,

Senior Lecturer, Coordinator, Russian Section.

University of Ghana.
UK to host African Investment summit in April 2024

International News Mar - 12 - 2023 , 13:54

The UK Prime Minister will host African leaders in London for the second UK-African Investment Summit on .

The announcement comes as Foreign Secretary James Cleverly signs new trade and investment agreement with Sierra Leone whilst in Freetown.

The Summit aims to promote two-way trade and investment, creating jobs and growth and supporting women entrepreneurs.

The UK-African Investment Summit will bring together political and business leaders from the UK and 24 African countries, as well as representatives of international and regional organisations.

The Summit will bring together Heads of State and Government from 24 African countries with British and African business leaders.

It will strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and growth, supporting British and African talent in sectors such as finance and technology, and promote women entrepreneurs.

The 24 countries are: Algeria; Angola; Cameroon; Cote dIvoire; Democratic Republic of Congo; Egypt; Ethiopia; Ghana; Kenya; Malawi; Mauritania; Mauritius; Morocco; Mozambique; Namibia; Nigeria; Rwanda; Senegal; Sierra Leone; South Africa; Tanzania; Tunisia; Uganda; and Zambia.

The Summit will build on the results of the UK-African Investment Summit 2020 and virtual UK-African Investment Conferences in 2021 and 2022.

The UK-African Investment Summit 2020 marked an important milestone in partnerships with African countries and announced over 6.5bn of deals, plus a further 8.9bn of investment commitments.

The virtual conferences in the following years built further connections between UK and African businesses, with more than 3,000 UK and African delegates looking at future opportunities to facilitate deals, with a focus on clean growth opportunities across the continent.

By 2050, two billion people will live in Africa, more than half will be under 25.

During the next two years, faster economic growth is expected across Sub-Saharan Africa than the global average. And as the world faces the stark and shared challenge of climate change, the UK is working with African countries to support them to mitigate and adapt to its effects, recognising Africas abundant potential for renewable energies of the future.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

To grow the UKs economy, create opportunities for growth and bolster our economic security, we must deepen our ties with partners across the world.

This summit will ensure we are able to harness the potential of our relationships across Africa and grow our economies together, making them stronger, resilient, and innovative.

By facilitating business-to-business links, trade opportunities and investment, UK-AIS will help harness this potential for the creation of mutual prosperity, economic growth, jobs and a global transition to green energy.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary, James Cleverly, working closely with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade, Kemi Badenoch, will lead work across Whitehall to prepare for the Summit.

The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UKs trade and investment relations with countries right across the African continent are delivering significant mutual economic benefits to all of us.

Affirming the UKs position as a leading investor in Africa, this second African Investment Summit in London will build on our successes since 2020 which have combined the strengths, innovations and expertise of the UK and our partners across Africa to support reliable, sustainable and long-term investment.

The UK and Africa go far when we go together.

The Foreign Secretary committed last December to focusing on partnerships of the future with countries whose economies, populations and ultimately influence globally are growing.

He sees countries in Africa as central to this and is seeking to build on our partnerships across the continent on the basis of respect, mutual benefit, common interests, and, most importantly, by listening to African countries perspectives.

That has been a major part of his visit this week to Sierra Leone, where he has signed an agreement between the UK and Sierra Leone on trade and investment. He also met members of the government and opposition leaders to take stock ahead of upcoming elections, and discuss UK support towards growing the Sierra Leonean economy.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets up annual UK  Sierra Leone trade and investment forums; and deepens the trade partnership between Sierra Leone and the UK.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Im pleased that we are building on the success of the 2020 Summit as we continue to strengthen our excellent relationships with our African partners.

These partnerships have already helped grow our economies, and I look forward to coming together again to discuss our joint ambitions to increase trade and investment, enhance market access and create jobs.
Women can now swim topless in Berlins swimming pools

International News Mar - 12 - 2023 , 13:55

Women in Berlin can now swim topless in the citys public pools if they choose to  just as men can.

As well as being hailed as a step forward for gender equality in the German capital, the measure introduced this week is symptomatic of Germanys love of Freikoerperkultur  literally translated as free body culture  which has its roots in the late 19th century.

Berlins authorities took action after a female swimmer said she was prevented from attending one of the citys pools without covering her chest in December 2022. The woman lodged a complaint with the citys ombudsmans office at the Senate Department for Justice, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination.

Authorities agreed that the woman had been a victim of discrimination and this week said that all visitors to Berlins pools, including women and those who identify as non-binary, are permitted to go topless.

It follows a similar incident at a Berlin water park in the summer of 2021. French woman Gabrielle Lebreton sought financial compensation from the city after security guards ordered her to leave the premise when she refused to cover up her breasts.

She was with her five-year-old son when the incident happened. Speaking to German newspaper Die Zeit at the time about why she believed it was gender discrimination, she said: For me  and I teach this to my son  no, there is no such difference. For both men and women, the breast is a secondary sexual characteristic but men have the freedom to remove their clothes when it is hot and women do not.

Berlins state government confirmed the move in a press release Thursday. As a result of a successful discrimination complaint, the Berlin bathing establishments will in future apply their house and bathing regulations in a gender-equitable manner, the statement reads.

The head of the ombudsmans office, Dr. Doris Liebscher, hailed the move as a step forward for gender equality in the city.

The ombudsman very much welcomes the decision of the bathing establishments because it creates equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff in the bathing establishments, she said.

Berlin resident Ida  who asked not to give her surname  welcomed the loosening of restrictions while questioning what it would really do for gender equality.

It is certainly great that a simple complaint has made this topless development a reality in Berlin. However, I am not exactly sure how this serves gender equality, she told CNN.

Women, if comfortable with their own bodies and sometimes gawking strangers, wont have a problem displaying their torsos in any case. It is great that there are no penalties for an accidental nip-slip so all in all, this is a beautiful thing.

Ida also remained skeptical at how widely women would make use of the new rule. I was once at a swimming pool in the Pankow district and remembering the audience, I would not go topless there. Germans, as a rule, are very neutral in that regard and wont mind, but whether that translates well, we have to wait and see.

The move is not unprecedented for Germany, with Goettingen in central Germany becoming the first city in the country to allow women to swim topless in public pools last summer.

City authorities made the decision following a gender identity row which saw a swimmer asked to cover up at a local pool. The swimmer refused on the grounds that he identified as male, and was subsequently banned from the premise, according to a report by Germanys public broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Another way of being

As well as gender equality, the move also speaks to Germanys love of Freikoerperkultur or FKK  which has its origins in the German Empire.

Rather than sexualizing the naked human body, the movement places emphasis on the health benefits of communal open-air nudity while exercising or being in nature.

Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, has investigated attitudes towards nudity in various countries in Europe as well as further afield.

Most people understand that Germans are much more relaxed about nudity than Britons or Americans, he told CNN.

The major contrast in attitudes towards nudity in Germany compared with the UK and America is that naked people in Germany are not kept separate from others.

Instead, nudity is simply accepted as another way of being.

He explained that this is because, in Germany, people who are nude in public spaces are not automatically seen as dangerous or deviant.

They tend to let people do it and be very comfortable with it.

Germanys passion for nudity finds its origins in late-19th-century health drives. The countrys first FKK organization was established in 1898 and the concept quickly spread around the country, according to Deutsche Welle.

In 1920, Germany established its first nude beach on the island of Sylt. Barely a decade later, the Berlin School of Nudism, founded to encourage mixed sex open-air exercises, hosted the first international nudity congress.

The nudist movement was initially banned by the Nazis in a moral clampdown. However, it continued to gain popularity and had support among members of the paramilitary SS.

After World War II, nudism remained prominent in both East and West German states but was particularly prevalent in East Germany, becoming a form of escape from the uniforms, marches and conformity of the communist state.

The cultural movement remains popular in modern Germany. Today, there are about 600,000 Germans registered in more than 300 private nudist or FKK clubs and a further 14 affiliated clubs in Austria.
Ghana Education News

Education Director advises teachers against negative comments

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Education Mar - 13 - 2023 , 07:54

THE Akuapem North Municipal Education Director, Lawrence Dzah, has charged teachers to portray a positive image of the profession they have chosen.

He said making negative remarks about the teaching profession in public tended to portray a bad image of the profession.

Mr Dzah made the remarks at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong - Akuapem.

The event on the theme, "Attaining excellence in modern teacher education: The role of the pre-service teacher", witnessed the admission of 341 new students, including students with special needs.

Another significant aspect of the new students was that two of them are minors and siblings, Mawuli Dieudonne Tasiame, 16 is offering science and information, communication and technology (ICT) while the other, Michael Blair Tasiame, is offering Mathematics.

Out of the figure, 51 per cent was females with 49 per cent males.

According to the education director, such negative comments often made by the teachers put the profession in a bad light and that was negatively affectingteachers.

Mr Dzah, therefore, asked teachers to desist from such negative utterances.

Negative words

"Sometimes, teachers use negative words about the very profession they have chosen to earn income and put food on the table and also cater for their families," Mr Dzah told the new students.

God ordination

The teaching profession, Mr Dzah indicated, had been ordained by God as such they should study well and come out with success to be able to handle students that would be placed under their care.

The Principal of the College, Rev. Dr Nicholas Apreh Siaw, said teacher training was all about hard work as such they should not relax but focus on their studies to achieve their ultimate goals.

Good grades

"The college stands for excellence, so you have no option than to study well to graduate with good grades and get all the needed skills of a professional teacher," Mr Siaw stated.

He assured the students that all the resources had been made available to support them during their stay on campus.

Innovative & adoptive

The Chairperson of the Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Ebenezer Acheampong Asiedu, who was the guest speaker, asked the new students to be innovative and adaptive, as well as creative, to be able to manage students they would be teaching.

According to him, the new students should be morally upright and be abreast of technology since technology was now the order of the day.

Rev. Asiedu said the new students should inculcate in themselves the presbyterian spirit of humility and discipline since they were in a presbyterian tertiary institution.
Ghana Education News

GCTU, Jospong ICT Group sign pact for cybersecurity training

Nana Konadu Agyeman Education Mar - 13 - 2023 , 07:40

THE Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) is to sign an agreement with the Jospong ICT Group, for the establishment of a world-class cybersecurity training centre at its main campus in Accra.

The agreement, which will also involve an Israeli cyber security company, will see to the construction of 400,000 facility to train, explore and lead the pace in cybersecurity and ICT solutions in the country and the West African sub-region.

The Vice-Chancellor of the GCTU, Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, who made this known at the 30th matriculation of the university in Accra, said the centre would be one of a kind needed to combat cybersecurity threats.

In all, 2,333 students were admitted to pursue various diploma and degree programmes.

Fully-fledge university

Prof. Afoakwa said in GCTU, technology was embedded in all aspects of teaching and learning, which made students quest for knowledge more interactive, easy and fun for students.

He said e-mail, course-based websites and computer-based chat rooms were some of the technology-enabled resources that were used by the university.

GCTU will empower you to continue the search for knowledge through constant learning and innovation, he said.

He informed the matriculants that the GCTU had been a public university since August 2020 following the passage of the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022).

The Act, he said, converted the institution into a fully fledged public university by Parliament.

The GCTU Act was assented to by the President on August 13, 2020, he said.

Rebranding

The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would this year continue its effort of massive rebranding to position the GCTU brand as the premier ICT university in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

He said the school would embark on a physical, media and digital public relations campaign to introduce the new GCTU brand.

Last year, he said, management of the GCTU managed to complete the inner roads and car parks project using highly resilient and durable materials, as well as the painting of all buildings at the main campus at Tesano and Abeka.

Enhanced students experience

Prof. Afoakwa indicated that starting from this year, the university would promote scholarship through transformative student experiences, problem-based learning and experiential learning approaches through the application of ICT-based cutting-edge technology.

To allow its graduates make positive impact on society, he said the university was embarking on the total development of its students.

This will be done by enhancing the knowledge, skill, and attitude of students by linking practical industrial attachment and leadership skills to develop their entrepreneurial ability.

At least 80 per cent of our students will be made to undergo industrial attachment in organisations where their services will be required after graduation, he said.

He disclosed that management, as part of its international partnerships, had signed partnership agreements with Ghent University in Belgium, Brent University in France, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the USA and Jiangsu University in China for student exchange programmes.
Controller and Accountant General's Department launches 3 new operational documents

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Mar - 13 - 2023 , 06:40

The Controller and Accountant General's Department (CAGD), has launched three new documents to improve its work culture and strengthen its corporate character to enable the department to deliver on its mandate in an efficient and effective manner.

The documents are a bank account management operational manual for covered entities, an operational manual and a welfare health scheme fund.

The three documents were launched at the end of the two-day annual conference of the CAGD in Abetifi in the Kwahu East District in the Eastern Region last Friday.

The Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem, said under the bank account management operational for covered entities, the government had to implement policies and programmes through covered entities headed by principal spending officers responsible for managing public funds.

He explained that the principal spending officers were enjoined by Section 7(1) (a) of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2016 (Act 921) to, among other things, ensure the regulatory and proper use of money appropriated to their entities and also manage the resources received, held or disposed of by the entities.

He indicated that in line with best practices, covered entities were to operate bank accounts, from which deposits and disbursements were to be made.

Legal framework

Mr Bosompem, who dwelt on various aspects of the law, pointed out that Section 51 of Act 921 had provided the legal framework for the management of bank accounts by the covered entities, with sections of the law stating that a bank account shall be managed by a covered entity in accordance with the terms and conditions determined by the Controller and Accountant General.

With regard to the CAGD operational manual, he said, it was inspired by the organogram of the department and key activities for the various operational areas.

Health

On the welfare health scheme fund, he indicated that because health is wealth, the fund was introduced to ensure that staff were in good state of mental and physical health to enhance productivity.

Mr Bosompem said the health scheme would ensure lower rates of employee absenteeism or fewer sickbays, as studies had shown that corporate health programmes helped workers to make lasting health changes, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy weights, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as engaging in regular physical activities.

Central role

Addressing the closing ceremony, Senior Presidential Advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, said the CAGD had played a central role in the economic management of the country.

He indicated that the CAGD had led the implementation of key government interventions, all geared towards the governments commitment to crack down on financial malpractice and wasteful public spending.

He said the government was aware that achieving the development objectives of the PFMRP and other interventions was key to the delivery of judicious public financial management.

That, Mr Osafo-Maafo noted, would invariable meet the governments fiscal objectives and achieve its debt strategy aimed at providing Ghanaians with solid, progressive physical policies that would improve the economy and give the citizenry better opportunities and conditions favourable for their economic activities.
Desist from glorifying corruption  Naa Alhassan Andani

Juliet Akyaa Safo Mar - 13 - 2023 , 06:52

Individuals and organisations have been urged to desist from glorifying corruption and rather be bold enough to call out people who are involved in corruption.

A former Managing Director of the Stanbic Bank, Naa Alhassan Andani, who made the call, said corruption was promoting poverty and enriching a few in society.

He said corruption was the bane of the development of the country and also eroded public good and trust and weakened the countrys democracy.

Corruption is destroying public good, for the benefit of a few individuals or a small group of people. Religious and political leaders and individuals must, therefore, ensure that we avoid corruption.

We should stop glorifying corruption, call out corruption and do what it takes to fight it.

Spread teaching and caution and be part of the anti-corruption movement, not only in Ghana but the world, he said.

GAMP Durbar

Naa Andani was speaking at a durbar in Accra last Saturday to climax the 30th anniversary of the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP).

He spoke on the topic: The role of Muslim professionals in curbing corruption in Ghana.

The durbar was on theme: 30 Years of community service  The GAMP story.

It was attended by Muslim scholars, representatives of Islamic organisations, public servants, heads of organisations, members of the Diplomatic Corps, leaders of non-profit organisations and members of GAMP.

The GAMP was formed in November 1992 and officially inaugurated in February 1994 as the Ghana Muslim Academy (GMA) to promote education and humanitarian services in the country, particularly in deprived communities.

It is also to foster and promote unity among Muslims in Ghana and the world at large by organising programmes aimed at empowering the youth socially, morally and intellectually.

Legislative instruments

Naa Andani indicated that there were about 20 legislative instruments to check corruption, yet corruption still prevailed.

He said it was, therefore, crucial for the public to fight corruption by not cordoning corrupt acts.

If you see rottenness and you dont change it, then you are part of the rottenness.

As Muslims, we must know that every time a corrupt act happens, its victory for Satan, so we should not be part of it, he said.

He advised Muslim professionals to do what was right, since they were in influential positions to cause a change.

Commitment

The Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inner Cities Development, Alhaji Ben Abdallas Banda, congratulated members of GAMP on 30 years of community service and urged them to continue inspiring future generations.

For 30 years, you have been at the forefront of serving our communities, uplifting the less-privileged and promoting social justice.

Your commitment to these values has been exceptional and your impact immeasurable, he said.

Alhaji Banda added that the GAMP had worked tirelessly over the years to provide education, counselling, mentorship and youth empowerment for the under-served, demonstrating the true spirit of Islam.

He expressed the governments commitment to develop the Zongos and inner-cities and said the creation of the Zongo Development Fund (ZDF) and the Zongo and Inner-cities Development Secretariat was an affirmation of that commitment.

Thus far, the ZDF has delivered over 400 projects in our Zongo communities across the country, trained the youth in various skills and continues to provide bursary support for the less-privileged, he said.

He said the projects included 500 metres of access roads at Konongo Zongo, 1,000 metres of drains completed at Techiman Zongo and Asem-Kumasi, as well as 3,050 dual desks supplied to schools across the country.
Galamsey: Healing our land, restoring our future

Timothy Ngnenbe Mar - 13 - 2023 , 09:37

He was one of the bitterest enemies of the state. Ghanas Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995), forbids mining in forest reserves, water bodies or without licence.

But the 52-year-old Yaw Nkrumah and thousands others defied the law with impunity. Armed with excavators, toxic chemicals, such as, cyanide and mercury, they destroyed agricultural lands, forest reserves and left water bodies heavily polluted. They left behind uncovered pits which were death traps for residents of mining communities.

It was this enemy of the state that I met on February 6, 2023; but this time around, he was a friend of the environment. He now works with a land reclamation project to restore lands that have been degraded through illegal mining activities.

When I met him at Asawinso in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality in the Western Region, he and 50 others were busily watering seedlings and controlling weeds on a 139-hectare degraded land that had been reclaimed.

Mr Nkrumah said ever since he was recruited to work under the land reclamation component of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) in October 2022, he has been a changed person.

"I was blind. I did not know that by harming the environment, I was harming myself and the future of my six children. Now, I can see; and I have pledged never to engage in illegal mining," he indicated.

A 45-year-old woman, Agnes Ackah, who, until October 2022, was also neck-deep in galamsey, was on a confession spree: I have destroyed the environment for many years, with nothing to show. Since i joined the reclamation project, I have something to live on, I pay my children's school fees, and I can sleep with a clear conscience," she said.

NAELP



Some beneficiaries of the NAELP reclamation project watering economic trees planted on reclaimed lands at Asawinso in the Western North Region

The government launched the NAELP in 2021 as part of national efforts to curb illegal mining. One of the modules under the programme is the national land reclamation programme, targeted at reclaiming degraded lands closer to water bodies.

Under the NAELP reclamation project, over 1,000 hectares of degraded lands are being reclaimed in mining communities in the Ashanti, Western North and Eastern regions.

A private company, Dredge Masters Ghana Limited, is reclaiming about 500 hectares of the degraded lands located at four sites in the Western North Region. My visit to the four sites 

Asawinso site A and B, Mpesiem and Antobia, in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, Sefwi-Wiawso and Juaboso districts respectively, showed that the entire work was more than 90 per cent complete. Earthworks had been completed at the Asawinso sites A and B, as well as Mpesiem while the Antobia site was 90 per cent done.

At the time I got to the two sites at Asawinso around 10a.m. on Monday, February 6, the site manager of the NAELP reclamation project, Gilbert Atima (G.A), was on site. I engaged him in the following conversation:

Timothy Ngnenbe (TN): What was the situation here before you started work?

G.A: The destruction to the land at this place was terrible. The gullies were deep and filled with water. When we examined the extent of work to be done, we knew we were in for real work.

TN: Walk me through the reclamation process.

G.A: We mobilised four excavators, eight dozers and other equipment to this site. We created access routes to the project sites and started dewatering, a process which involves draining the pits of water. This process allowed us to get a clear picture of how deep the pits were and how we can fill them. We went on to backfill it with excavated pit materials, and in situations where we could not find the materials, we imported by looking for farmers who had good materials, paid them and used their materials to fill the pits. After backfilling, we had to fill the top with good soil which can support plant growth, and planted some economic trees on the land.

TN: Did you encounter any challenges working on this project?

G.A: Some pits were hidden because they were excavated from underground, so by the time you realise, the equipment will fall into it and get stuck. Sometimes, we spend a whole day to get a machine out. Some illegal miners also use all means to prevent us from reclaiming the lands. Some of them confronted us and said that was their only source of livelihood so nothing could stop them. There have been instances where some of the galamsey operators approached us to use our equipment for illegal mining, but we told them that our duty was to reclaim degraded lands and not to get involved in galamsey. The security agencies gave us protection, so we overcame the challenge.

Benefits

My interactions with the residents of these mining communities showed that apart from creating alternative livelihood for them, they were particularly happy that their lands would be restored.

We endorse the reclamation project because it will save our children from falling to death in mining pits, a Chief (Odikro) of Sefwi Mpesiem, Nana Nkansah Obirimpong II, said.

A specialist in artisanal small-scale mining (ASSM), Yaw Biritwum Opoku, said when mined lands were reclaimed, they served as wildlife habitat, agricultural lands and help to create carbon sink, which contributes to addressing climate change.

An expert in collaborative natural resource management, Daryl Bosu, observed that reclamation of land after every mining enterprise is crucial because it ensures that when the gold is gone, we can still benefit from the land for purposes of food security and other ecosystem services.

Action

Mr Bosu said while the efforts being made to reclaim degraded lands were commendable, there was the need for advanced planning to reclaim lands as companies mined.

The environmentalist also underscored the need to integrate the Polluter Pay Principle into the countrys mining regulations and operations such that every company will be required to set aside, in advance, some amount of money or resources for land reclamation.

This view expressed by Mr Bosu is catered for by Regulation 23 of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652), which requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make sure that prospective small-scale miners post reclamation bonds in the form of cash into an escrow account based on approved reclamation plans.

Regulations 472 (2c) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182) also requires the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission to ensure that prospective small-scale miners submit an operating plan, together with other requirements, for acquisition of SSM operating permit.

The plan explains how the miners intend to rehabilitate the mined areas by detailing the methods and procedures for revegetation. Unfortunately, these regulations have not been enforced, almost 23 years after their enactment.

It will be an exercise in futility if a colossal amount of money is sunk into reclamation of degraded lands only for illegal miners to continue destroying land and forest reserves with impunity.

The regulatory agencies must strictly enforce these laws to ensure that no small-scale mining company leaves behind uncovered mining pits. There is also the need for stronger collaboration between state agencies, traditional authorities, who are the custodians of land, and residents of mining communities to halt illegal mining activities so as to save the environment from further destruction.
Ghana urges Commonwealth to reaffirm commitment to forging peaceful common future

GNA Mar - 13 - 2023 , 18:47

A Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Thomas Mbomba has urged Commonwealth Member States to reaffirm their commitment to forging a sustainable and peaceful common future.

"Let us work together, in the spirit of cooperation to build a more resilient world against the future," Mr Mbomba said on Monday in his address at a flag raising ceremony at the forecourt of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.

The ceremony was to mark this year's Commonwealth Day Celebration on the theme, "Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future".

"Let us also celebrate the rich diversity of our Commonwealth, a community that is united in purpose and bound by shared values," Mr Mbomba stated.

Commonwealth Day, which is observed annually on the second Monday of March, seeks to unite 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens in celebration of their shared values and principles, and in pursuit of a common future, centred on sustainability and peace.

This year's event is the first Commonwealth Day presided over by King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

The day also marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which outlines the values and principles that unify the 56 Commonwealth countries, representing one-third of humanity.

Mr Mbomba hoisted the Ghana National Flag whilst Mr Theophile Rurangwa, the Charge d'affaires and Chair in Office, Rwandan High Commission, hoisted that of the Commonwealth.

The Deputy Minister noted that the theme for this year's celebration demonstrated the opportunity the Commonwealth Organisation afforded members annually to reflect on their present challenges, consolidate their gains and chart a sustainable and peaceful future for their Commonwealth Family.

He reiterated that Ghana was a committed and active member of the Commonwealth, having joined the Organisation as a young independent nation in 1957.

He said the countrys firm belief in the Organisations fundamental principles and shared values such as development, democracy and peace was a pull factor for joining what many at the time considered a club of former British Colonies.

He said Ghana cherished the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who played an important symbolic and unifying role in reinforcing the links by which the Commonwealth unites people across the globe adding, they ushered in a new dispensation with King Charles III as the new Head of the Commonwealth.

He said the leadership of King Charles would witness renewed solidarity and cooperation that would bring peace, hope, and prosperity for their people amid immense global challenges.

"We live in a modern and expanding Commonwealth, and I would like to extend a sincere and hearty welcome to our friends -Togo and Gabon -to the family," he said.

"Our continuous expansion is a reflection of the value of Commonwealth membership and the strength of our association."

Mr Mbomba said at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Kigali in 2022, Ghana together with other member nations, reaffirmed their commitment to the common values and agreed actions and policies of the Commonwealth to improve the lives of all their citizens.

King Charles in a statement read on his behalf by Madam Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, said: "The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more."

"Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good."

Madam Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, in speech read on her behalf by Mr John Obeng Apea of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, said the values and aspirations of Commonwealth Charter, and their application in the Commonwealth and the wider world, were enduring  but they were at their most important during difficult times.

As part of activities marking the day, Mr Ambrose Dery, the Minister for the Interior; Mr Mbomba, Madam Thompson and Mr Rurangwa each planted a tree seedling at the premises of the Foreign Ministry.

credit: GNA
GIJ 93 year group calls on Editor, Graphic

Justice Agbenorsi Mar - 13 - 2023 , 17:59

The 1993 Year Group of the Ghana Institute of Journalism has paid a courtesy call on the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, to congratulate him on his appointment to the high office of the national newspaper.

The President of the year group, Eleanor Bellamy-Burke, explained that the visit was to congratulate Mr Yartey, a member of the year group, on his appointment as Editor and assure him of any support he might require to have a successful tenure.

The team, popularly known as Tribemates, also comprised the Legal Manager of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Stephen Sah, and the Editor of Graphic Showbiz, Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu.

The rest are Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, George Brian Annan; Communications Consultant, Africa Media Empire, Efam Awo Dovi, and Dr Henry Shirazu Alhassan, who is with the Ghana Exim Bank.

The delegation presented the editor with his portrait.

Mrs Bellamy-Burke explained that the year group was proud of their colleagues achievements.

She said the Daily Graphic had over the decades been an important medium of communication within the journalism space, adding that with Mr Yartey as its Editor, the year group was hopeful that he would take the brands of the GCGL a notch higher.

As journalism transitioned into the digital space, she said the team had no doubt that Mr Yartey would be able to carry the publications fully through this transitioning stage into the digital space.

Aside commending the Editor, the president noted that she was also proud that two other members of the year group, Mr Sah and Ms Bonsu were serving the company at top management level.

Supportive

For his part, Mr Yartey said he was humbled to have a year group made up of supportive friends happy about his rise to the present position.

The 1993 year group, he said, had contributed significantly towards his growth by its continuous peer review and constructive criticism.

All these have helped to shape me and contributed immensely to where I am today, he noted.

Mr Yartey further said he was looking forward to the expert advice of members of his year group to enable him to add value to the brands of the GCGL.
Koforidua Anglican Church to build maternity hospital

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Mar - 13 - 2023 , 06:32

The Koforidua Diocese of the Anglican Church has raised funds to put up a hospital solely to take care of the maternity needs of both congregants and the public.

The hospital will be housed in a one-storey building located near the Jackson Park, Koforidua in the New Juaben South municipality in the Eastern Region.

The Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese, Rt Rev. Felix Annancy, announced this yesterday when he marked the fifth year of his consecration as bishop of the diocese in Koforidua.

The event was attended by a number of clergymen and other dignitaries, such as a presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen; the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, and the Piehene of Asante Akyem Agogo, Barima Boasiako Brogya Sarpong.

Donations

Mr Kyerematen donated GH50,000 and 500 bags of cement to support the construction of the new hospital, while the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, also gave GH134,000.

There were other individual donations to the same cause.

Addressing congregants, Rt Rev. Annancy said his outfit decided to put up the hospital because God's work was holistic and included services to mankind.

According to him, the hospital would be located at the centre of the town to ensure that women seeking medical services would not travel long distances to access health care.

He explained that fulfilling God's mission was not only spreading the Gospel but also taking care of the physical needs of the people.

Complement

Rt Rev. Annancy indicated that Koforidua was expanding and the diocese had agreed to complement the existing health facilities, both government-owned and private, and that it would go a long way to supplement governments efforts at providing the health needs of the people, especially women.

Addressing the congregation, Mr Kyerematen appealed to the diocesan bishop to take particular interest in promoting financial stability of the diocese.

According to him, mobilising funds to run dioceses had been the main challenge facing bishops.

He added that the diocese should also engage in income-generation activities to enable it to obtain the needed resources to undertake development programmes.

Economic hardship

Regarding the current economic situation in the country, he said Ghanaians were passing through a difficult period and they should pray for God "to take us through to overcome the difficulties".

Mr Kyerematen congratulated Rt Rev. Annancy on his outstanding performance as bishop of the Koforidua Diocese.

Less-privileged

Nana Wadie, who is also the Founder of the Kabaka Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the welfare of the less-privileged, affirmed his support for the construction of the new hospital.

He commended the Anglican Church for the initiative and assured the Bishop of his commitment to support the project anytime he was called upon to do so.
Maintain excellent public relations "Togbui Gobah urges Editor, Graphic"

Justice Agbenorsi Mar - 13 - 2023 , 08:02

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gobtensed Kente Limited, Togbui Gobah Tengey Seddoh, has urged the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, to embrace all by inviting more stories from every geographical area of the country.

He said for the brand to remain at its admirably best, it must continue to tell critical stories, particularly from rural areas, in a creative manner.

Your public relations must be extraordinary.

Never shy anybody away.

As the police say, any potential caller is an ally; this is how to conquer the world, he said when he paid a courtesy call on the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, today (March 8).

He was accompanied by Godwin Banini, a broadcast Journalist formerly with Ghana Television (GTV).

The team was received by the Editor, Graphic, and a sub-editor, Timothy Gobah.

As part of the visit, Togbui Gobah Tengey, adorned the Editor with a smock called Takpekpe le Anloga, meaning conference at Anloga, which was woven by his familys late father, Gilbert Atsu Gobah Tengey, in 1950 to commemorate a special meeting called by the colonial governor to discuss an additional tax or levy being imposed on the subjects

The Gobah Tengey Seddoh family has been in the Kente weaving industry since 1821.

Image

Togbui Gobah Tengey, an International Peace Ambassador, explained that the countrys image had advanced in the world because of Kwame Nkrumahs legacy, saying the Graphic brands must continue to sustain that image.

He urged the Editor to be enthusiastic, positive, and unassuming to everyones level.

Commending the Editor for his appointment, he said, Leadership is not a walk in the park; it means you will use sleepless nights to do the work for the country and the whole world.

Do not be bossy.

Instead, be operational, because anything you put down means a lot, and it goes far.

Therefore, be very objective and neutral, he added.

He further noted that as a peace ambassador, he was interested in passing on his exploits to everyone to propel the next generation.

Gratitude

Mr Yartey commended the team for the gift and the feedback Togbui Gobah Tengey, had always been given the Daily Graphic cover the past four decades

With a stronger relationship, he said, the two parties could take the collaboration a notch higher for the benefit of the public..
Meet the six suspects in connection with killing of soldier in Ashaiman and how police arrested them

Emelia Ennin Abbey Mar - 13 - 2023 , 06:50

Six persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of the 21-year-old soldier, Private Imoro Sherrif, in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led, week-long police operation.

Those arrested separately at their various hideouts include two persons who are believed to have stabbed the soldier during an attempt to rob him of his mobile phone and his backpack, with the four others suspected to have bought the stolen phone.

A highly placed police source gave the names of the suspected killers as Safianu Musah, alias Dayorgu, and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib.

Both were arrested at their hideouts in Ashaiman on Thursday, March 9, this year.

Last Friday, the police arrested two other suspects  Samuel Tetteh, alias Wiper, and Abubakar Sadick, alias Birdman.

Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim, were arrested last Saturday and yesterday, respectively.

The source said all the six suspects were currently in police custody and would be put before court today.

Background

Private Imoro was found dead in a pool of blood at Taifa, Ashaiman, at dawn on Saturday, March 4, this year.

In a statement, the police said they received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashaiman Taifa and a team of policemen was dispatched to the scene where they confirmed the incident.

Investigation

It said the police immediately commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim.

As part of investigations, it said, the police cordoned off the crime scene and called in the crime scene team from the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to process the scene for forensic analysis.

At the scene, the statement said, the team retrieved a number of items, including a knife with bloodstains on it and a backpack containing a Samsung tablet, an Apple laptop, a military uniform with the name tag Imoro, eight other pieces of clothing, a Ghana Card and a health insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sheriff.

It said the police suspected that the victim could be a military person, and in line with police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the military was informed about the incident and some military men subsequently identified the deceased as Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.

The body of the victim was conveyed to a hospital for autopsy and preservation.

The police said an intelligence operation was immediately launched within Ashaiman and other strategic locations of interest to follow up on all relevant leads on the case.

Visits

After identifying the residence of the parents of the deceased, a team of police officers visited to commiserate with them, in line with Ghanaian tradition and as part of the investigation process, and assured the parents of thorough investigations into the matter.

The parents told the police investigators that the deceased was stationed in Sunyani but had come to Accra on a course.

The police said their investigations revealed that on March 3, 2023, Imoro had visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown about 10:30 p.m. and left the place about 1:30 a.m. the following day, March 4, 2023.

Facts

The police said investigations established that suspects Tetteh and Sadick had, about 1:45 a.m. on March 4, attacked Private Imoro at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his mobile phone and a backpack.

Private Imoro resisted and struggled with the suspects but was allegedly stabbed in the arm by Tetteh, who snatched the soldier's phone, an iPhone 6, and bolted with it, leaving Imoro with the knife stuck in his arm.

Investigations also revealed that suspects Tetteh and Sadick had sold the iPhone which they had taken from the soldier to suspect Rakib, who later sold it to suspect Musah.

During interrogation, the statement said, suspect Musah was evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone, claiming that he had sold it to suspect Mohammed and later to suspect Karim, leading to the arrest of the two suspects who are assisting in investigations to recover the phone.

On March 8, 2023, a postmortem examination was performed on the victim's body, after which the pathologist gave the cause of death as exsanguination  severe loss of blood  and laceration of major vessels of the left arm, consistent with stabbed injury, it added.

Private Imoro was laid to rest at the Military Cemetery, Burma Camp, last Thursday, in line with Islamic tradition.

Military swoop

Private Imoro grew up in Ashaiman but was stationed in Sunyani in the Bono Region.

He was attending a military course in Accra and sought permission from his commanders to go home and visit his parents in Ashaiman on Friday, March 3, 2023.

The soldier was later found dead in a pool of blood at dawn the next day.

His death resulted in a military swoop in the Ashaiman community on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, during which many people were brutalised in an operation the Military High Command said it had sanctioned to fish out the perpetrators.

A total of 184 suspects were picked up and detained in military custody and 150 were released the following day.

On the second day of their detention, the remaining 34 suspects were reportedly released from military custody.
Ashaiman soldier killing: 6 Accused persons remanded in police custody

Benjamin Xornam Glover Mar - 13 - 2023 , 12:33

The six accused persons in connection with the killing of the 21-year-old soldier, Private Imoro Sherrif, in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region have been remanded in police custody,

The six were arrested between March 9th and 12th at different locations.

They were arraigned at the Ashaiman Circuit Court presided over by Simon Gaga on Monday morning (Mar 13), reports Benjamin Xornam Glover.

According to the prosecution, two of the accused persons robbed the soldier and in the process, one of them stabbed him in the arm.

The other four are said to have bought a stolen mobile phone taken from the deceased soldier.

In court Monday morning, Abdul Fatawu Alhassan, the defence counsel for the four accused persons said to have bought the stolen phone prayed the court to grant the four bail as they were not part of the robbery nor the alleged killing.

The prosecution opposed the bail application and said the accused persons have no permanent place of abode.

The court remanded the four accused persons together with the two other accused persons said to have been involved in the robbery in police custody.

They are to re-appear on March 27, 2023.

The accused persons are Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib.

They were arrested at their hideouts in Ashaiman on March 9, 2023.

Two other accused persons are Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman. They were also arrested at their hideouts on March 10, 2023.

Two additional accused persons, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on March 11 and March 12, 2023, respectively.

Attached below is a briefing by the police on the arrest of the six suspects

GHANA POLICE SERVICE STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF A SOLDIER, IMORO SHERRIF

1. The Ghana Police Service, after a week of sustained intelligence-led operation, has arrested six persons at different dates and various locations within Ashaiman and its environs for their suspected involvement in the murder of Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.

2. On 4th March 2023, Police received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashaiman Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.

3. A team of Police officers proceeded to the said location and confirmed the incident.

4. Police immediately commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim. The officers cordoned off the scene and called in the specialist Police Crime Scene team to process the scene for forensic analysis.

5. The Crime Scene team retrieved a number of items, including a knife with blood stains on it and a backpack. In the backpack, Police found one (1) Samsung tablet, one (1) Apple laptop, one (1) military uniform with the name tag "Imoro," eight (8) other items of clothing, as well as a Ghana card and a Health Insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sherrif.

6. Judging from the contents of the backpack, the Police suspected the victim could be a soldier, and in line with Police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the Military was accordingly notified of the incident and some military personnel came to identify the deceased to Police as Imoro Sheriff, a soldier.

7. The body of the deceased was thereafter conveyed to a hospital for preservation and autopsy.

8. As part of the investigation, an intelligence operation was immediately launched within Ashaiman and other strategic locations of interest to follow up on all relevant leads on the case.

9. On the same day, consistent with Ghanaian tradition and as part of the investigation process, a team of Police officers, after identifying the residence of the parents of the deceased, visited them, commiserated with them and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.

10. During the visit, the parents informed the Police that the deceased was stationed at

Sunvani but had come to Accra on a course.

11. Investigations further revealed that on 3rd March 2023, the deceased had visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown at about 10:30 pm and left the place in the middle of the night at about 01:30 am, on the 4th March 2023.

12. After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on 9th March 2023, the Police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman. Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on 10th March 2023. Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023, respectively.

13. Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack. The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.

14. A postmortem examination was performed on the deceased's body on 8th March 2023, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury.

15. Investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah. Suspect Safianu Mush is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim. Both suspects have been arrested and are assisting the investigation to recover the phone.

16. On 12th March 2023, a team of Police officers led by the Tema Regional Police Commander visited the family of the deceased and briefed them on the investigations done so far.

17. We wish to commend all Police officers at all levels of Command, especially the crack Police intelligence and investigation teams as well as the Ashaiman District Police Command for their professionalism and meticulous dedication, working around the clock to unravel this case.

18. We would like to assure the public, especially the family of the deceased, that all the suspects are in Police custody and will be put before the court on Monday, 13th March 2023, to face justice.
Soldier killed minutes after leaving female friend's house, Meet 6 suspects arrested in connection with killing

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Mar - 13 - 2023 , 05:48

The police have established that the slain soldier, Private Sherrif Imoro visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown at about 10:30 pm on March 3, 2023.

He left the place in the middle of the night at about 1:30am on March 4, 2023.

It was when he was on his way from the female friend's house towards his parents house that he was attacked at Ashaiman Taifa, according to the police.

The suspects have been named by the police as Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib.

They were arrested at their hideouts in Ashaiman on March 9, 2023.

Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on March 10, 2023.

Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on March 11 and March 12, 2023, respectively.

Six suspects arrested

Six suspects have since been arrested in connection with the killing of the soldier.

Attached below is a briefing by the police on the arrest of the six suspects

GHANA POLICE SERVICE STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF A SOLDIER, IMORO SHERRIF

1. The Ghana Police Service, after a week of sustained intelligence-led operation, has arrested six persons at different dates and various locations within Ashaiman and its environs for their suspected involvement in the murder of Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.

2. On 4th March 2023, Police received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashaiman Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.

3. A team of Police officers proceeded to the said location and confirmed the incident.

4. Police immediately commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim. The officers cordoned off the scene and called in the specialist Police Crime Scene team to process the scene for forensic analysis.

5. The Crime Scene team retrieved a number of items, including a knife with blood stains on it and a backpack. In the backpack, Police found one (1) Samsung tablet, one (1) Apple laptop, one (1) military uniform with the name tag "Imoro," eight (8) other items of clothing, as well as a Ghana card and a Health Insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sherrif.

6. Judging from the contents of the backpack, the Police suspected the victim could be a soldier, and in line with Police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the Military was accordingly notified of the incident and some military personnel came to identify the deceased to Police as Imoro Sheriff, a soldier.

7. The body of the deceased was thereafter conveyed to a hospital for preservation and autopsy.

8. As part of the investigation, an intelligence operation was immediately launched within Ashaiman and other strategic locations of interest to follow up on all relevant leads on the case.

9. On the same day, consistent with Ghanaian tradition and as part of the investigation process, a team of Police officers, after identifying the residence of the parents of the deceased, visited them, commiserated with them and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.

10. During the visit, the parents informed the Police that the deceased was stationed at

Sunvani but had come to Accra on a course.

11. Investigations further revealed that on 3rd March 2023, the deceased had visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown at about 10:30 pm and left the place in the middle of the night at about 01:30 am, on the 4th March 2023.

12. After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on 9th March 2023, the Police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman. Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on 10th March 2023. Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023, respectively.

13. Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack. The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.

14. A postmortem examination was performed on the deceased's body on 8th March 2023, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury.

15. Investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah. Suspect Safianu Mush is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim. Both suspects have been arrested and are assisting the investigation to recover the phone.

16. On 12th March 2023, a team of Police officers led by the Tema Regional Police Commander visited the family of the deceased and briefed them on the investigations done so far.

17. We wish to commend all Police officers at all levels of Command, especially the crack Police intelligence and investigation teams as well as the Ashaiman District Police Command for their professionalism and meticulous dedication, working around the clock to unravel this case.

18. We would like to assure the public, especially the family of the deceased, that all the suspects are in Police custody and will be put before the court on Monday, 13th March 2023, to face justice.

Read also: Ashaiman soldier killing: 6 Accused persons remanded in police custody

Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Vaccines arrive: Immunisation resumes for 3 childhood diseases

Doreen Andoh Mar - 13 - 2023 , 05:19

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said routine childhood immunisation for the three conditions that has been interrupted due to shortage of vaccines has been restored.

This follows the arrival of a consignment of the vaccines in the country over the weekend and their subsequent distribution across the country.

Although the immunisation resumes today, on island and hard-to-reach communities, it will resume tomorrow due to transportation time.

The vaccines that have been in short supply since the last quarter of last year are Measles-Rubella, Oral Poliomyelitis Vaccine (OPV) and Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for tuberculosis (TB).

Confirmation

The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the government had procured stocks that were enough to last beyond this year, but they were being received in batches.

He said the first consignment would take not less than six weeks, stressing that it was absolutely free from any charges.

He said more vaccines would be coming in the course of the week up to two weeks.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye appealed to parents of eligible children to visit their respective child welfare clinics to get their children vaccinated.

He explained that the GHS was going to continue with the routine process with an in-facility catch-up strategy put in place to vaccinate children who missed their vaccines.

We are going to boost our human resource capacity at the various welfare clinics to cater for any bulge in numbers caused by the shortage, he said, adding: In places where health

facilities are already doing outreaches to increase access and ensure no child is left out, such arrangements will continue.

He said with the help of Zipline, drones would be used to serve very distant communities.

We will go into the communities and announce the availability of the vaccines, so that the families of eligible children will know, the GHS Director-General said.

He reminded the public that the vaccines were absolutely for free, and that people should, under no circumstance, pay for them.

They are BCG, OPV and measles, with accompanying devices  needles, syringes and safety equipment, he said.

Regional cold chain vans have been deployed with consignments to their various regional cold rooms for onward distribution to the districts and facilities from today, he added.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye reiterated the fact that the children who were not vaccinated earlier were at no risk of complications because of the little lapse and encouraged families to avail their eligible children for vaccination.

Background

The Daily Graphic, after a nationwide check, reported about the shortage of the three vaccines in the Thursday, February 23, 2023 edition of the newspaper.

The situation was perceived to have the potential to increase the vulnerability of children to the diseases against which the vaccines sought to protect them.

Daily Graphic reporters across the country visited primary healthcare facilities to ascertain the veracity of the situation, which was confirmed by caregivers, directors and mothers.

The three vaccines are part of the 10 that give protection against 13 conditions.

Following the reportage, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, and Dr Kuma-Aboagye, and on different platforms, acknowledged the shortage and assured the public that the government was working hard to accelerate the restocking of those vaccines.

The minister told Parliament last week that the government had paid an additional $6.4 million to UNICEF to facilitate the procurement and delivery of the vaccines.

Writers email: [email protected]

com.gh
Claims by President to have built more roads untrue  Minority.... But Roads Ministry counters assertion

Daniel Kenu Politics Mar - 13 - 2023 , 08:43

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has described as erroneous and misrepresentation claims by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the State of the Nation address to have built more roads than any other government under the Fourth Republic.

The President said his government had built a total of 11,000 kilometres of roads since assuming office in 2017.

Reaction

But the Spokesperson for the Minority and a former Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Isaac Adjei Mensah, said the total roads constructed under the ruling government was 6,400 km.

NDC built more roads

At a press conference in Parliament last Friday, Mr Adjei Mensah told journalists that claims by the President that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) constructed only 4,000 km of roads under John Dramani Mahama was inaccurate and rather it was 15,553 km.

Indeed, Mr Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Wassa East, said, at the time the former President left office, he had constructed a total of 78,402 km with a health road motorability rate of 71 per cent.

He pointed out that since 2017, the Roads Ministry had defaulted in conducting the road condition survey to determine the health of the country's roads in terms of good, bad and poor.

Mr Mensah said the National Road Condition Mix, which was normally done by professionals within the ministry equally rated high the era of Jerry John Rawlings which gave the country 71 per cent in terms of good, bad and poor.

The other such survey, he claimed, was under late President John Evans Atta Mills.

Interchanges

On the issue of interchanges, the Minority said the President's assertion that his government had also built more interchanges under the Fourth Republic was not true.

The MP said with regard to the Pokuase, Tema Motorway and the Flower Port interchanges, the funds and drawings were all secured under the John Dramani Mahama's administration.

The only interchange that stands in the name of the NPP is the Tamale Interchange. All the rest are in limbo. Indeed, works have been suspended," he added.

Besides, he said the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and that of Kasoa were all built by John Dramani Mahama.

Roads and Highways Ministry reaction

However, reacting to the Minoritys accusation, the Ministry of Roads and Highways debunked the allegation.

It, therefore, outlined a number of interchanges and roads that had been constructed.

It named some of them that were completed by the current government as the Pokuase Interchange, which was awarded on February 17, 2018 and inaugurated on July 9, 2021; the Tema Motorway Interchange phase one awarded on December 1, 2017 and inaugurated on June 5, 2020.

The others, it said, were the award of the Obetsebi interchange phase one on October 2016 and inaugurated on November 24, 2020, the Flower Pot interchange on November 7, 2016 but currently ongoing, East Legon underpass on August 1, 2017 and inaugurated on August 9, 2018 and the Suhum interchange awarded on September 26, 2008 and inaugurated on June 26, 2020 and the Tamale interchange awarded on September 1, 2018 and inaugurated on April 5, 2022.

The ministry mentioned ongoing interchange projects as the Adjiringanor interchange, PTC interchange, Kpong Barrier interchange, Dawhenya interchange, Prampram interchange, Savannah interchange and the Obetsebi interchange phase two.
Eni and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a spin-out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement with the aim of accelerating the industrialization of fusion energy.

Eni made its first investment into CFS in 2018 and is a significant shareholder. This strategic agreement will leverage Enis global engineering and project management experience for a series of projects to support CFS and the development and deployment of fusion energy on an industrial scale.

Eni says it was the first energy company to believe in and invest in fusion, which could make a major contribution to the energy transition once it is developed on an industrial level.

Eni says CFS has the fastest pathway to commercial deployment of fusion energy. In September 2021, the company reached a major milestone with the successful test of its high-temperature superconducting magnet technologythe strongest magnet of its kind in the world, which will ensure plasma confinement in the magnetic fusion process, and which has paved the way for achieving net energy from fusion in a future demonstration plant.

The CFS path with support from Eni is one built on a pragmatic and progressive approach towards the deployment of magnetic confinement fusion technology in the next decade. SPARC, projected to become the worlds first magnetic confinement pilot plant with net production of fusion energy, is in construction and will be operational in 2025. SPARC will pave the way for ARCthe first commercial power plant capable of feeding electricity into the grid, which is projected to be operational in the early 2030s.





We will see the first CFS power plant based on magnetic confinement fusion at the beginning of the next decade, with then almost two decades ahead to deploy the technology and achieve the energy transition goals by 2050. Having this technology at the industrial level, providing large quantities of zero carbon energy produced in a safe, clean and virtually inexhaustible way, will mean that we will contribute substantially to the energy transition challenge. This is why we are facing a potentially momentous technological breakthrough. For several years, Eni has placed technology leadership, with a neutrality and diversification approach, at the heart of its decarbonization path. Being aware of the great strategic value of this technology and the soundness of CFS, since 2018 Eni has invested in the business and was the first energy company to concretely engage in this sector. We now further strengthen this collaboration with our expertise and experience with the aim of accelerating the industrialization path of fusion as much as possible. Enis CEO Claudio Descalzi

The Framework Agreement aims at accelerating the industrial development of ARC as well with a series of projects now under development that could include operational and technological support, technological development, project execution through the sharing of methodologies learned from the energy industry, as well as relationships with stakeholders.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra only conceded the lead for a single week and it's back in its customary top position this time around.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro had to settle for second as the Galaxy S23 took third position.

Two more Samsung phones follow with the Galaxy A53 in fourth and the Galaxy M14 in fifth. Apple's sole representative on the chart this week is the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which took sixth.

Poco X5 Pro is seventh, while upcoming Galaxy A54 makes its first trending chart appearance in eight place. Knowing its predecessors we'll probably keep seeing this one for a while longer.

Xiaomi 13 Lite is down to ninth, while newly announced Realme C55 rounds up the top 10 this week.

See you in seven days!
Cash, real property and other assets transferred to a trust to help pay survivors of Guam clergy sexual assaults are valued at least $45.7 million, while legal fees and costs of other professional services in the Archdiocese of Aganas bankruptcy have so far reached more than $9.2 million.

This is based on information from the archdiocese and multiple documents filed in court as part of the archdioceses four-year-old bankruptcy case.

Law firms filed their final application for compensation, a combined total of more than $270,000 that still requires bankruptcy court approval before the archdiocese could pay them.

The archdiocese already paid a little more than $9 million to multiple law firms, accounting firms, real estate-related firms and others that worked on the bankruptcy case since 2019.

Theres no specific date given yet when more than 270 survivors of Guam clergy sexual assaults dating back to the 1950s will start receiving settlement payments from the archdiocese.

Minneapolis-based Stinson LLP, representing the archdioceses creditors, including abuse survivors, said the value under the confirmed reorganization plan transferred to the trust is at least $45,718,032.29 and it also strongly believes the ultimate funding to the trust will exceed this number.

Tony Diaz, the archdioceses director of communications, said the archdiocese transferred its $6 million cash contribution to the trust on Feb. 7.

This is in addition to the transfer of more than $19 million in contributions from archdiocese insurers, as well as the transfer of Catholic church and school property and other archdiocese property, valued at $18 million to $28 million, or more. Earlier estimates said the settlement could reach as much as $101 million.

No charges

Stinsons final application for compensation is over $157,000, for services and expenses from October 2022 to February 2023, including preparing for and attending the confirmation hearing trial, confirming the joint plan of reorganization, and addressing issues related to the trust formation.

This is in addition to the $4.5 million-plus compensation that the archdiocese already paid to the law firm from 2019 to 2022.

All services performed by Stinson were necessary to the administration of this case or were beneficial toward the successful completion of this case at the time such services were rendered, the law firm stated in its latest court filings.

Stinson said they were able to reduce their fees and costs throughout the case. The law firm said it agreed not to charge for any of its attorneys time or expenses involving more than $151,874, during 12 trips to Guam for the bankruptcy case. The law firm said this was part of its compensation arrangement with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.

Stinsons attorney rate on the case is $340 to $550 an hour.

Idaho-based Elsaesser Anderson Chtd, bankruptcy counsel for the archdiocese, submitted their final application for compensation of $46,263, for Nov. 1 to Feb. 7.

Time spent in this category included working on the sales of the FHP/TakeCare leasehold and the Chancery real property, the law firm said.

This is in addition to the $1.9 million in approved and paid compensation since the bankruptcy filing. Elsaesser Andersons attorney rate is $350 to $375 an hour.

Guam-based archdiocese special attorney John Terlaje submitted his final application for compensation amounting to $12,387 for Nov. 1 to Feb. 8, in addition to the $358,782 that the archdiocese previously paid to his law firm.

Terlaje on March 1 was sworn in as a Superior Court of Guam judge. The archdiocese has selected another counsel, Diaz said.

Terlajes rate in the archdiocese work was $250 an hour.

$575 an hour

California-based Law Offices of Paul A. Richler submitted a final application for compensation amounting to $3,565. Previous amounts that the court awarded to the law firm totaled nearly $50,000.

Richler was the special insurance counsel for the creditors committee in the archdiocese bankruptcy case.

For the Guam church bankruptcy case, Richlers attorney rate was $575 an hour, and that was a discounted rate, court filings show.

The law firm actively consulted with the creditors committee counsel on matters related to the archdioceses insurance coverage under insurance policies issued to it, and regarding potential insurance coverage afforded to the archdiocese under insurance policies issued to the Boy Scouts of America, among other things.

Retired U.S. District Court Judge for Oregon Michael Hogan, the unknown claims representative in the archdiocese bankruptcy case, also submitted his first and final application for compensation totaling $53,820. His rate for the Guam case was $450 an hour.

There were other law firms that previously worked on the archdiocese bankruptcy case, payments for which were completed.

Child protection

There are also nonmonetary terms that were part of the settlement agreement, including a final version of the Child Protection Protocols that clergy assault survivors led by Leo Tudela, have been pushing for.

They are expected to include prohibiting minors from sleeping in priests rectories, where many of the alleged Guam clergy sexual abuses happened for decades.

These protocols, which must be filed by early April, will reaffirm and strengthen the archdioceses existing policies for the protection of children and young people from sexual abuse.
Less than $1 million in additional spending in February has brought the total remaining federal American Rescue Plan funding down to $239.6 million, or about 41% of the total amount.

The February spending included more than $245,000 in additional support to senior citizen services under the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

It was the second consecutive month the governor pumped money into this program, now totaling more than $381,573.

Earlier in the year, mayors voiced their concerns about the lack of financial resources and personnel to properly run manamko centers.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has until 2024 to allocate all ARP funds, and until 2026 to spend all of them on COVID-19 pandemic recovery programs and activities.

But most or $160 million of the remaining money has already been reserved for the governors plan for a new Guam Memorial Hospital, which is expected to cost at least $1 billion to build.

Also remaining untouched is the $9 million that the governor set aside to help start a universal trash collection.

As of the end of February, the remaining ARP funds totaled $239.6 million, about $900,000 less than the $240.5 million by end-January, based on Bureau of Budget and Management Researchs latest report to senators.

Guam received $586.9 million in ARP funds that are under the governors purview, of which $347 million-plus has already been spent and encumbered.

Spending included $184 million so far for public assistance programs such as cash aid for low-income families under Prugraman Salappe, rent relief and cash aid for small businesses, and paying $24 million for COVID-19 quarantine and isolation hotels.

In the dark

Sen. Telo Taitague, whos constantly seeking more transparency in Adelups reporting of how its been spending federal money, said the February ARP funding status report continues to deny Guamanians, and federal taxpayers who funded these generous programs, details on how exactly these funds have or will be spent.

At a time when (Guam Department of Education) facilities are falling apart and families across our island challenged with rising costs for food, medicine, fuel and other essentials, Adelup continues to keep Guamanians in the dark on how millions of dollars in federal aid will help move our island beyond this artificial economy, the senator said.

The governor moves ARP money around, depending on the urgency of needs, so no remaining allocation has been set in stone.

For example, the governor in February pumped more allocation for Prugraman Salappe to cover a prior $188,800 shortfall. An additional $40,000 was transferred to cover a prior shortfall in the bereavement grant, which provides $10,000 to the families of those whose deaths were deemed COVID-19 related.

Encumbrances for the Commission on CHamoru Language went down from more than $107,387 in January to $7,456 in February, and allocation for the Department of Public Works building maintenance decreased from $783,511 to $71,735.

Allocation for DPWs Guam Highway Funds, however, went up by $1.2 million to more than $13.39 million in February.

The report does not itemize the specific items paid for, or the names of private contractors that bagged contracts using ARP funds, other than saying theyre spent on contracts, salaries, overtime, equipment or miscellaneous items.

Taitague urges her colleagues to demand transparency from Adelup in the use of ARPA and infrastructure funds as they approach deliberation on the fiscal 2024 budget.

We have a duty as policymakers to ensure these federal resources are prioritized for services and programs that benefit all who call Guam home, the senator said.

Sen. Joe San Agustin, appropriations committee chairman, also said that the governor will be allocating an additional $5 million in ARP money to supplement his bill seeking to appropriate $15 million in excess General Fund revenue to help tourism-related businesses.

The total $20 million business assistance, as planned, will be similar to the Local Employers Assistance Program, although two other bills also seek to extend the LEAP.
Local government has missed out on around $22 million in potential tax revenue from military contractors in recent years due to deficiencies at the Department of Revenue and Taxation, an audit released Monday found.

The audit, conducted by the Office of Public Accountability, looked at a selection of income reported by and taxes collected from on-base contractors between fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2020.

However, there are still issues with available data caused by Rev and Taxs computer system, and several complicating factors, the Accountability Office noted in its findings. Therefore, we cannot accurately ascertain the impact of potentially uncollected revenues on military construction contracts on GovGuam revenues.

Read the full audit here:

Unregistered contractors

Several contractors listed on federal spending tracker USASpending.gov as having won contracts on island were not registered with Rev and Tax, according to the report.

The OPA looked at 28 out of 135 contractors listed on the site. From that sample, four had no record with Rev and Tax, no business licenses and did not report their gross receipts. These four companies combined had won $85 million worth of contracts.

Rev and Tax has since listed them as nonfilers, the report stated, as part of an enforcement program launched 16 days after the audit was announced on June 1, 2021.

Another nine contractors from the sample taken were listed as filers but had either no business license or an expired business license. These nine companies had contracts totaling over $70 million and reported gross receipts of over $200 million from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2020.

According to the report, Rev and Tax did not check regularly to verify if contractors had required licenses and were registered.

No income reported

Several military contractors that did have a record with Rev and Tax either reported they received no income or were listed as non-filers between fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2020.

Six contractors tagged by Rev and Tax as nonfilers were listed on USASpending as having been awarded construction contracts that would not be completed until 2024. These companies had won over $90 million, and revenue from their tax collections could be upward of $4 million, the report stated.

One contractor, with a seven-year, $10 million project, reported no earnings and had no business license between fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2020 but was listed as having filed taxes.

Another won an eight-year, $50 million contract but reported no earnings for fiscal 2019, and was listed as a tax filer.

Gross receipts reported by 11 different contractors were different from what they were listed as having won on USASpending. Deficiencies were as high as $315 million.

Tax exemptions unclear

A number of contractors are paying Business Privilege Taxes below the current 5% rate, and even below the 4% rate that the government of Guam legally cant drop tax rates below.

This is possibly due to a large number of exemptions being claimed, according to Rev and Tax, but verification of these exemptions by the agency is lacking, the audit found.

For example, a number of tax filers had claimed exemptions as sub-contractors, but there was no follow-up by Rev and Tax to determine if they were sub-contractors. There was also no written procedure to verify supporting documents submitted by contractors, and the processing of tax documents is often delayed due to manpower issues at Rev and Tax.

Some recommendations made by the OPA include:

Rev and Tax should create a continuing list of exempted contractors and their tax exemptions for each tax year.

Rev and Tax should increase its manpower.

More coordination with the Defense Finance Accounting Service.

The Guam Legislature should identify an oversight commission responsible for monitoring military contractors.

Problem is systematic

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, chair of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Public Accountability, said in a news release that she plans to work with Del. Jim Moylan and Joint Region Marianas on a solution.

The vice speaker said she also planned to contact the appropriate federal and local law enforcement to ensure that GovGuam gets paid the taxes owed to it. Muna Barnes had requested that the OPA conduct the audit back in 2021.

Though the total scope of the problem is uncertain, we know we neglected $22 (million) that couldve gone to schools, GMH, Public Health, Public Safety, the vice speaker said.

She called the problem systematic, and referred to findings from the Department of the Interiors Office of the Inspector General. The office in 2008 estimated that inefficiencies at Rev and Tax led to a loss of an estimated $23.5 million in tax revenue each year, though issues go back as far as 1998.
The Guam Brewery set up a new shop in the village of Dededo, serving locally brewed craft beer.

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Guam Brewery held a grand opening event for their new location in the newly renovated Micronesia Mall Pay-Less.

This is kind of like basically a place to come sample and taste a few things, were trying to go in that direction, said Andrew Brunson, head brewer for the Guam brewery.

Brunson explained how this new location can serve as a place for people to try out a particular type of their selection of crafted beers before they make a purchase.

If you want to try one and see if you like it before you commit to a four pack or case or however many, pop by and have a beer, said Brunson.

Comparing this new location to the first one that they have, its unique.

Brunson explained how this new location shows off some highlights of the beer selections that they offer, as well as more places for people to try out their beer.

This one is a little smaller, we got kind of the highlight reel going on. We got six taps over here and twelve over at our Tumon location, said Brunson.

With the grand opening of the Guam Brewerys new location, there was a Keep the Pint promo for the first 40 customers. The first 40 customers received a special Guam Brewery pint glass.

The grand opening also had live music from Xion Michael.
Piritta Asunmaa , a director at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, told YLE that the meeting was held exceptionally on a Sunday because the calendars of ministers are packed with campaign-related events this week.

PRESIDENT Sauli Niinisto and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy met yesterday to discuss the Finnish accession to Nato.

It appears that the meeting was called at a short notice. Turun Sanomat reported earlier yesterday evening that the meeting prompted Minister of Education Li Andersson (LA) to cancel a campaign event in Southwest Finland.

The decision-makers discussed the accession process based on takeaways from a meeting between Finland, Sweden and Turkey in Brussels on Thursday, 9 March. The trilateral meeting marked the resumption of a process to pave the way for the two countries to accede that had been gridlocked for weeks.

While Jukka Salovaara, a state secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, said the meeting was constructive, Ibrahim Kahn, a spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said neither Finland nor Sweden has done enough for Turkey to ratify their bids to join Nato, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

The ministers were also briefed about the five-day visit of Niinisto to the US.

Niinisto last week sat down, among others, with US President Joe Biden and Kevin McCarthy, the newly elected Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Biden, he said at a press conference in Washington DC on Thursday, reaffirmed his support to the membership bids of both Finland and Sweden.

A meeting between the two presidents was not originally on the itinerary, but it was put together at short notice at the initiative of the White House.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The six-month trial found that allowing employees to work one day less each week at the same pay reduced work-related stress and exhaustion without denting the productivity of companies.

THE FINDINGS of a British four-day work week trial are intriguing, Mikko Harma , a research professor of health and working time at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, stated to YLE in February.

Harma told the Finnish public broadcasting company, though, that the effects of a four-day work week should be monitored for longer than six months  for one to two years  as the motivation of employees can decline after the initial excitement.

Thatd show how long productivity can stay unchanged after working hours are cut. The danger of reducing working time is that the pace of work increases as breaks and such decrease, he explained.

The British companies that participated in the pilot did so voluntarily, meaning they may have been better equipped than the average company to adapt to a four-day work week. Harma also pointed out that the pilot did not have a proper control group that would have allowed a comparison between participating and non-participating companies in the UK.

Its challenging from a research point of view if you only make comparisons to other companies involved with the trial, he said.

Harma, who has examined the results of numerous working hours trials, told that the trials generally find that a shorter working time reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. A shorter work week, he added, could be viable particularly in sectors where employee productivity can be supported by adopting technological solutions and developing work processes.

Its difficult to see that Finland could cut working hours generally. Its worthwhile to look at the possibilities at the company or organisation level. The issue is certainly worth looking into, he said.

Proposals for a shift to a four-day work week have been made also in Finland.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) made such a proposal while serving as the minister of transport and communications in 2019. Matias Makynen, a deputy chairperson of the Social Democrats, voiced his support for a trial in the wake of the pilot conducted in the UK.

So did the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK). Juha Antila, the director of development at SAK, in February said a 20-per-cent shorter work week should be trialled during the next electoral term, adding that the trial could be organised in collaboration between the central administration and labour market organisations.

After the trial has ended, you could draft a research-based working time policy that takes into account peoples well-being and the need to lengthen careers, he said in a press release from SAK.

Markus Aimala, the head of legal affairs at the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), rejected the idea in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat. Working time, he argued, should rather be increased due to pressures arising from population ageing and labour shortage.

Increasing working time is not the answer, Harma stated to YLE.

Increasing working time is probably roughly the same as proposing a pay cut in negotiations. Theres also the danger that productivity decreases as sickness-related absences and staff turnover increase. In times of labour shortage, its best to improve working conditions if you want to make sure that staff are content and remain productive, he argued.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is presently looking into possibilities to trial reduced working hours in Finland.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Finland's National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) has proposed 15 measures to prevent youth and gang-related crime. The party's chairman, Petteri Orpo , and vice-chairman, Antti Hakkanen , say that Finland needs to wake up to the reality that violence committed by minors and even children is on the rise and has become more brutal. The party is calling for stricter punishments for crimes, increased resources and powers for law enforcement agencies, and measures to prevent youth from becoming marginalized.

The party also wants to reform Finland's integration policies. Kokoomus has been warning about the rise of gang-related crime for some time and has proposed measures to combat it. The party says that gang activity is increasing in Finland and becoming more violent, with innocent bystanders at risk. The party believes that traditional organized crime is also becoming more international and tougher. The party wants to raise the number of police officers in Finland to 8,000 and confiscate criminal profits.

Kokoomus also wants tougher sentences for gun-related crimes and gang-related offenses. The party believes that Finland must take responsibility for the problem, and everyone must do their part. Kokoomus wants to promote a shift in values so that the use of violence is no longer seen as a good way to progress in life. The party believes that the entire society, starting with families, must participate in creating a new mindset.

HT
In the past, the credit transfer process has been laborious for students and higher education institutions, and it has relied heavily on paper documents and the students' own activity.

At the beginning of 2023 , Metropolia University of Applied Sciences became one of the first Finnish higher education institutions to introduce an electronic service that enables the agile and reliable transfer of study credits completed abroad to be counted towards a Finnish degree. The reform paves way for cross-border digital public services.

This has easily led to errors, and requests for supplementary or additional information have been frustrating for both the students and higher education institutions. The newly-introduced service now makes the transfer process easier, particularly at the time the student is returning from the exchange to Finland or to their home institution abroad.

 In the past, the student had to attach a large number of documents to their credit transfer application, and the processor has then used the documents to verify the completion of the credits. Processing and verification have been carried out manually, which has made the process laborious as majority of the applications may have been returned to the students due to incomplete or incorrect information. The reform will significantly ease the everyday life of teachers, student counsellors and students, says Project Manager Tapio Ekholm from Metropolia.

The new service is based on the EMREX solution, which has been widely adopted in Europe, for example in Norway. EMREX is included in the latest version of the Peppi study system. It enables the cross-border exchange of study credit information in an electronic, machine-readable format. Studies completed elsewhere can efficiently and reliably be counted towards a degree being studied for, without any manual work.

Data exchanged electronically between higher education systems is also more reliable, as it cannot be destroyed or amended along the way. The reform does not require any measures from the students. The new procedures can be implemented as soon as the personnel processing the applications have been trained. The service can be adopted by all Finnish higher education institutions that use the Peppi study system.

Part of a broader Nordic collaboration

The reform introduced at Metropolia will facilitate and automate the exchange of information between higher education institutions. It works both between higher education institutions in different countries and between different higher education institutions in the same country. There are many potential use cases for the solution also outside education. The Finnish National Agency for Education coordinates the Studying in another Nordic country and the Baltic countries project, which focuses on study credit data. The goal is to raise awareness for good practices, as their widespread use would promote the digitalisation of the region.

 Regional collaboration is carried out under the leadership of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The aim is for the local reforms and solutions to be interoperable with Nordic and European solutions and policies. They should therefore be scalable for more widespread use, just like the solution introduced at Metropolia, says Project Manager Riikka Rissanen from the Finnish National Agency for Education.

The Studying in another Nordic country and the Baltic countries project is a Cross-Border Digital Services Programme advanced in close cooperation with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. A key strategic initiative of the Council of Ministers, the Cross Border Digital Services (CBDS) programme promotes the interoperability of cross-border digital services through several projects.

HT

Source: Digital and Population Data Services Agency
A national chip program initiative, called "Siruja Suomesta," has been proposed by the Semiconductor Industry Group of Technology Finland, along with other partners such as VTT, Tampere University, Aalto University, and the cities of Tampere and Espoo. The initiative aims to establish Finland as a European leader in semiconductor and quantum technology. The initiative will bring new expertise and growth to Finland, strengthen Europe's chip self-sufficiency and technological security, and create growth in high-tech expertise, innovation, and industry.

Finland is already one of the leading designers of mobile network system chips in the EU, and is also a pioneer in microelectronics and quantum technology. The initiative will focus on these strengths to create a European center for chip expertise. The United States and China are currently vying for control of the chip market, and Europe has created its own chip regulations to ensure self-sufficiency in the market. The "Siruja Suomesta" initiative aims to contribute to this goal.

HT
The bill, which was withdrawn after two days of protests, would have required organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as "foreign agents" or face substantial fines. Protesters in Georgia compared the proposed law to Russia's 2012 legislation, which has been used to suppress western-funded NGOs and media.

As protests erupted in Georgia against the proposed "foreign agent" bill, some critics argued that the move was a part of a larger pattern of US influence and color revolutions in the region.

Some Georgians fear that the introduction of such a law would harm the country's chances of joining the EU. The opposition has vowed to continue protesting until the government formalizes the legislation's withdrawal and releases all detained protesters, but later has demanded the resignation of the parliament.

Interestingly, The Foreign Agent Law (also known as Foreign Agents Registration Act or FARA) is a US law that was first passed in 1938. It requires individuals and organizations working on behalf of foreign governments, political parties, or lobbying organizations to register with the US Department of Justice and disclose their activities, finances, and relationships with foreign entities.

The law was originally enacted to counteract Nazi propaganda efforts in the US prior to World War II. In recent years, the law has gained renewed attention due to concerns over foreign interference in US elections and political affairs, particularly from Russia.

Other countries have passed similar laws, including Canada, Australia, and Israel, among others. The exact requirements and penalties vary by country, but generally, individuals and organizations are required to register with government agencies and disclose their activities, and failure to do so can result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

In the United States, failure to register as a foreign agent under FARA can result in both civil and criminal penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment for up to five years. The US government has increasingly used FARA to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations for activities related to foreign influence, including lobbying and political activities.

Individuals who violate FARA can also face additional charges, such as conspiracy or making false statements to federal investigators. In 2018, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was convicted on multiple charges related to his failure to register as a foreign agent under FARA. Manafort had worked as a political consultant for a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine and was found to have received millions of dollars in payments that he failed to disclose.

In 2019, the Flynn Intel Group, a consulting firm owned by former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn, was found to have violated FARA by failing to register as a foreign agent for the government of Turkey. The firm was fined $536,000 and one of its associates pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal investigators.

The Foreign Agent Law is in fact about transparency. Although the organisations are obliged to declare funds received from foreign sources, their activities are not necessarily restricted. Punishments are issued for failing to declare funding.

At the same time USA has given billions of dollars in funding to NGOs, Think Tanks and other organisations and institutions in other countries with the purpose of influencing the politics of the country to be more pro-US and push or punish governments with views independent of the US foreign policy. Other semi-governmental or private organization like the Soros Foundation have also actively funded opposition groups in different countries such as Hungary where Soros is regarded as persona non grata by Viktor Orban government.

At the same time as Protests are ongoing in Georgia, Samantha Power's visit to Hungary has raised eyebrows and concerns about US interference in Hungary's democratic process. The former national security council member, now USAID Administrator, has promised to support "locally driven initiatives" and "strengthen democratic institutions," but many Hungarians are wary of what this actually means. Only in 2021, USAID allocated approximately $2.3 billion in foreign assistance funding for programs related to democracy, human rights, and governance, mainly to NGOs opposing governments unfavorable to the US.

According to a US Embassy press release, Power's visit is meant to support democracy in Hungary, which is a democratic country and a member of the European Union and NATO alliance. However, the current government, which won re-election in 2022, has been taking independent stance on various issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, immigration, same-sex marriage, and LGBT rights. This has not been pleasant to the US government and the deep state which demands total obedience from allies and punishes disobedience from others with sanctions and military force.

Many believe that Power's visit is an attempt to undermine the current government, which Washington and Brussels dislike. The idea that the US Government needs to spend taxpayer dollars to support opposition newspapers in Hungary, a democratic NATO ally, is insulting and manipulative, some say. If the situation were reversed, and China were dedicating tens of millions of dollars to promoting its own ideological interests in the United States, it would be seen as unacceptable interference. In fact, the US government has used the same FARA law to force Russian and Chinese news agencies to register as foreign agents, but not British state owned BBC or other government owned agencies from allied countries.

The idea that US support for democracy in Hungary is a cover for advancing US strategic and ideological interests is not new. The language of "rule of law," "independent journalism," and "strengthening democracy" is often used as a cover for promoting specific ideological agendas that benefit globalist elites. Many in Hungary are skeptical of Power's promise to "support independent media," as they believe that the media is already diverse and critical of the government.

Furthermore, many are concerned about USAID's focus on advancing wokeness as part of its strategy, according to its 2022 Joint Strategic Plan. The idea that liberal elites are exporting the revolution of wokeness to Central Europe is seen as a cause for concern by many.

In the end, the concern is that Power's visit is part of a larger strategy to promote a Color Revolution in Hungary, which could have disastrous consequences, as seen in other countries. It remains to be seen what the actual impact of Power's visit will be, but many in Hungary are wary of what it could mean for their country's democratic process.

Hungary does not have an exact equivalent to the United States' Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), but it has a similar law that requires foreign-funded organizations to register with the government and report their activities.

In Hungary, the law is called the "Law on the Transparency of Organizations Receiving Foreign Funding," and it was enacted in 2017. Under the law, NGOs that receive more than 24,000 euros annually in funding from foreign sources are required to register with the government and report their activities, including financial transactions and expenditures.

As for Georgia, the events are looking disturbingly like the Maidan riots of Kyiv in 2014 and the previous color revolution of Georgia itself which resulted in a regime change and instalment of Mikheil Saakashvili, a US educated lawyer as the leader of Georgia.

Saakashvili served as the President of Georgia from 2004 to 2013. He was known for his pro-Western stance and his efforts and pursued a policy of closer integration with the European Union and NATO, which was met with opposition from Russia. After leaving office, Saakashvili became involved in Ukrainian politics, was given Ukrainian citizenship and was installed as the Governor of Odessa from 2015 to 2016, but was later stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship and deported from Ukraine.

The current government of Georgia, led by the Dream coalition of Bidzina Ivanishvili was democratically elected in 2012 in an internationally monitored election. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) sent a large team of observers to Georgia to monitor the election process. The mission was led by a special coordinator, and included around 300 observers from 39 countries, including the United States, European Union, and Council of Europe.

HT
Legislature can strike a blow for openness

Coinciding serendipitously with Sunshine Week 2023  March 13-19  a bill has been filed that would vault our state from the bottom of the pile in government transparency.

The legislation  in the form of Senate Bill 254  mirrors last sessions Government Transparency Act  with an important difference. Imprinting the bill with bipartisan sponsorship for the first time, Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) has joined ranking Republican Sens. Norm Sanderson and Bill Rabon as primary sponsors of the bill. Putting the Government Transparency Act of 2023 on the legislative docket sets the stage for another showdown in the quest to allow public access to state and local government employee disciplinary records for the first time.

Compared the most robustly open states, this bill represents a modest step toward improving the publics right to know. It only gives the public the right to see a general description of the reasons for a state or local government employees demotion, suspension, transfer, separation or termination. The bill stops far short of affording the public and press access to all personnel files of public employees the way the law allows in top open government states like Georgia, Ohio and Florida. In fact, more than 38 other states offer better access to disciplinary records than North Carolina does.

As we celebrate Sunshine Week, its worth pointing out that the Government Transparency Act is the best vehicle weve had in years to protect the publics right to know, hold elected leaders and managers to account and expose wrongdoing when wrongdoing has happened.

The record is replete with stories of terminations or demotions  even crimes committed  that are reported but unexplained. A schools superintendent in Alamance County abruptly resigned and pocketed a large farewell check while the public is left in the dark. A preschool Title II reading teacher in Henderson County who was quietly passed along from school to school eventually was convicted of multiple child sex offenses and sent to prison for life  though his personnel file remains locked in a file cabinet. A police body cam or bystanders smartphone may record a rogue cops excessive force and although there may be a disciplinary action by his superiors, the local newspaper reporter requesting documentation will confront a stone wall.

The North Carolina Press Association and its 173 members have been working for the passage of the Government Transparency Act since 2021 and weve advocated for improved access to personnel records for decades before that.

The State Employees Association of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Educators, the Teamsters Union and other opponents of Senate bill 254 will issue their usual canard about fishing expeditions and argue that public employees deserve due process protection. The bill takes care of the latter, guaranteeing employees an avenue of appeal before a disciplinary record is released.

To their credit, Sens. Sanderson, Rabon and Meyer and other friends of open government have not been cowed by the stale talking points designed to derail the Government Transparency Act.

Its high time for North Carolina to join the ranks of the better-performing states when it comes to public records and government accountability. Enacting Senate Bill 254 is the way the General Assembly can do that.

* * * * *

NCPA president Bill Moss is editor and publisher of the Hendersonville Lightning. Phil Lucey is executive director of the NCPA.
RESIDENTS of Wargrave are stepping up their campaign to improve road safety in the village.

More than 20 villagers stood together in the road at the junction of High Street, School Lane and Church Street to raise awareness of dangerous driving there.

Chris Cordrey, who is spearheading the campaign, sent a photograph of the group to Maidenhead MP Theresa May, Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Valley Police in an attempt to engage them on the issue.

It follows two incidents of dangerous driving that the 71-year-old witnessed.

In December, he was waiting at the traffic lights in High Street from the direction of Twyford when he was overtaken by a white Tesla which jumped the red light.

In January, another driver overtook him in School Lane in order to jump a red light and turned right towards Henley.

After posting about his experiences online, Mr Cordrey received more than 100 responses from other villagers about similar experiences at the junction.

He said: So many people have come forward saying theyve had experiences just walking across, not even driving.

He installed a mirror on the wall of the Daisy Love Cafe at the junction to enable drivers to see if another car is coming towards them against the lights.

But he says that he has heard little from the authorities in response to his calls for action.

Mr Cordrey, who lives in Victoria Road, said: Ive tried to contact Wokingham Borough Council and the police but nothing much has been forthcoming from them.

A lady from the highways department said, Well come out to do a survey but now theyve said, Were not coming out as we dont have enough staff. I said, This is very disappointing, youll be hearing from me. Ill just keep going and keep being a pain in the backside.

Theresa Mays office said they would like to be kept in the loop.

The campaign is supported by fellow villager Shaun Caradine, whose Ford Kuga was written off in February 2017 by a driver jumping the lights at the junction.

Mr Caradine, 53, said: I was waiting at a red light to turn left towards Twyford, at the front of the line of cars.

The light went green and I pulled away. A car coming from Twyford jumped the red lights and smashed my car up.

It all went through insurance. The guy who did it did try to deny it, which made it a protracted process, but the guy in the car behind me was a witness. We had a 20,000 car and we got an 8,000 payout. I was extremely angry.

It is so dangerous that corner as its blind. There are no cameras and there was no mirror then so you couldnt see anything. Years ago there was a convex mirror so you could see the road was clear. Id like to see cameras there so when theres an accident, theres evidence.

Now theyre planning to build thousands of houses further up the A4 it will only making things worse.

Megan Rowson, who moved to High Street seven years ago, said she had noticed the problem at the junction immediately.

She said: The traffic lights are right outside the house so we see it all the time, the speeding and the red light jumping. You only need to stand here for 15 minutes. People speed down the first bit of road between the roundabout and the village. Its supposed to have a 40mph limit but when they see a green light at the junction they put their foot down.

Ive had two cats hit and killed on that road. That can happen on a quiet country road but the chances are much higher when people are speeding.

Mrs Rowson said residents had been complaining to the authorities for years.

She said: Quite a few of the neighbours contacted Theresa Mays office, Thames Valley Police and Wokingham Borough Council. They tend to pass it on to another department. So many people have written in to complain and nothing happened so you give up in a way.

We all take our hats off to Chris, who has really taken it on. There has never been a concerted, joined-up effort before.

Weve all felt it was an accident waiting to happen. It shouldnt take a fatality or a serious injury for the authorities to take action.

Its not just High Street but all over the village. Lots of people would love to see a 20mph zone or traffic-calming measures brought in. The council and police and should come up with some sort of plan.

It has always been bad but it has got worse. Obviously it gets busier during the regatta, Henley Festival, Rewind and all these events when people come from the A4 and cut through the village.

Last month, the issue was discussed at a meeting of Wargrave Parish Council which resolved to find out whether the traffic lights are working correctly.

Councillor Michael Etwell said: Its a growing problem. More and more people turning right, through the traffic lights, into School Lane, just come through on red.

When youre waiting at the lights you can get the signal that youre free to go but youre not. Traffic is still coming round.

Chairman Dick Bush said: Have those lights been checked recently? I was waiting there, Tuesday or Wednesday, I think, coming from the Twyford direction and the lights just didnt change. And there were two or three cycles from the other side.

Parish clerk Stephen Hedges said he would ask the borough council about this and also ask if a survey had been carried out at the junction.

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: The Wokingham north neighbourhood policing team is aware of concerns from the community in Wargrave surrounding the traffic lights at the crossroads.

There are currently no plans for any changes to the road layout but the relevant roads policing inspector is in liaison with our partners at the borough council.

Any changes to the speed limit or road restrictions remain matters for the council.

Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, at the borough council said: The safety of our residents is our number one priority. We understand the concerns some residents have in regard to drivers speeding and running red lights at Wargrave crossroads and although these issues fall under the remit of local police, our traffic management team will work with the police to consider what changes could potentially be put in place to help the situation.

Our highways team has been out to check there were no faults with the traffic light system to ensure the lights were not stuck on red for longer than they should be and that the vehicle detection is working and they are working correctly.

Requests to change a speed limit can be submitted to the council but the enforcement of a speed limit is not within our remit as this remains with the police.
THERE was success for Leander Club at last Saturdays womens eights head of the river race.

Thirty Leander athletes took to the tideway for the annual event, alongside crews from Upper Thames, Henley Rowing Club and Shiplake College.

A total of 320 crews totalling 2,880 athletes charged down the course from Chiswick to Putney.

The Leander A crew were the defending champions and featured two-time Olympian and silver medallist Karen Bennett in the bow seat.

Conditions were favourable and with a clear run the Leander A crew stormed down the track to take the overall victory.

Next up, starting fourth, was the full club-based crew which was stroked by Abi Topp. At the first timing marker this crew was only one second down on the A crew, which showed they got off to a strong start.

As the crews approached their tideway base, Fulham Reach Boat Club, they were in an attacking rhythm heading into the final stretch.

Cox Henry Fieldman steered an excellent line and pushed the crew to their limits with the Leander B crew finished 8.5 seconds behind the squad eight and second overall.

All was being set up for a Leander first and second place finish with only the GB scullers composite eight containing three Leander athletes could challenge this ranking.

Starting 51st, the sculler eight, which had only been put together on the day of the race, finished fourth overall.

Leander also fielded a young club development eight which contained current gap year athlete Isabel Diaz and finished seventh overall.

Upper Thames had two senior womens eights racing. The A crew of Alice Pickthall, Tilda Mann, Sophie Lane, Lauren Herrington, Rachel Borrows, Hope Kannor, Yasmin Ryman-King, Emily Paul and cox Freddie Bryce broke into the top 30, finishing 29th.

To finish just over one and half minutes behind the full-time professional athletes in the Leander crew is a strong result.

The crew had a very good race catching the two crews who started immediately in front of them. Unfortunately, the crew lost some valuable time as they tussled with Durham University B crew and were forced slightly off the best racing line.

The B crew of Emily May, Elise Cope, Lucy Darke, Claudia Adams, Lucy Bird, Ella Wandless, Beth Arscott, Chloe Knight, coxed by Zoe Thomas finished 64th. The crew raced with a lively rhythm setup by Chloe and Beth in the stern. Henley Rowing Club had four crews racing, all Juniors, including the under-15 squad.

The first eight where looking for the third win in a row and the crew of Freya Weiser, Tilly Macartney, Gwennie Hunter, Issy Kelland-Shorthose, Nonnie Luke, Tabby Hall, Ailish Harkin, Pippa Jamieson cox Matilda Ley produced the fastest time of the day.

They were 9.4 seconds quicker than Headington in second place and this would have put them 17th of all the crews competing.

However, the crew where penalised 10 seconds for getting to the start two to three minutes before race time rather than the stipulated minimum of five minutes before. This put them into second place 0.6secs behind Headington and 22nd overall.

The second eight Ella Dickson,Sophia Spanswick, Nicolette Pagdin, Leah Reddy, Emily Simmons, Abigail Smith , Emma Eltze , Sophie Eltze and cox Allysha Stokes, finished 92nd overall, also having incurred a 10 second time penalty and were 15th of the 44 junior crews competing. The third eight of Daisy Janes, Freya Smith, Annabelle Hunt, Florence Lenthall, Lilya Wild, Abilene Artherton, Francesca Reeves, Jess Mack and cox Ruby Rodger finished 122nd overall and 22nd in the juniors.

The J15s of Martha Dickson, Evelyn Meeks, Lilian Graham, Lucy Green, Chloe Hughes, Jemima Painter, Jemima Butterworth, Molly Hall and cox Eden Kent finished 158th overall and 28th in the juniors.

Shiplake College's girls squad boated a first eight. Despite having to wait for two hours on the water before racing, due to having a late starting number, the crew maintained high spirits while waiting in the cold conditions for their time to race.

The crew comprised Jessica Weir, A Merritt, Georgia Catlin, Emily Over, Emily Downing, Lara Vahle, Amelie Parker, Sophia Foreman and cox Monty Walker finished and were the fifth fastest school crew on the day.

Meanwhile, following the cancellation of the Hammersmith Head, Shiplake College managed to get a late entry into the University of Readings Head of the River race over the 4.7km course.

The boys first eight demonstrated their strength by finishing second overall, finishing only behind Oxford Brookes Universitys first eight. The second eight beat St Edwards and Etons second eights.

The girls eight finished behind St Edwards while the girls quad won the senior womens event, finishing ahead of second placed Hartpury College by 26 seconds.

Elsewhere, year 9 had their first ever formal fixture, racing against St Edwards and Radley College. Each school entered three octupoles to compete in some side-by-side races. Shiplake boys had the upper hand, beating both St Edwards and Radley College.
Hong Kong: Deputy SJ to visit Bangkok

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will lead a 30-strong delegation comprising Hong Kong legal professionals to Bangkok on March 15 to strengthen ties with the legal sector in Thailand.

His visit also aims to promote Hong Kong's unique strengths and consolidate its leading position as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Mr Cheung will attend the "Resolve2Win - Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All" campaign co-organised by the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

He will speak at the event to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services, including the "Mediate First" Pledge campaign, which will be the first time the pledge is promoted overseas.

Mr Cheung and the delegation will return to Hong Kong on March 17.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), which brings together the industry to create a prosperous and responsible global hospitality sector that gives back to the destination more than it takes out, is released its latest Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality v2.0 at ITB Berlin.

First launched in March 2022, this updated version of the Pathway provides a more holistic and practical four-stage roadmap to accelerate hospitality towards a sustainable and contributory future. It harnesses the power of the four pillars of people, planet, place, and prosperity combined with the industrys transformative power, innovation, and resources. It aligns with leading global frameworks and standards and integrates them into one place to combine the collective power of resources available to industry and reduce fragmentation of effort. This approach enables every hotel to advance its positive impact, regardless of size, starting point, or location.

Specific elements of the Pathway released today include:

Definition of Net Positive Hospitality and demonstration of how people, planet, place, and prosperity are interrelated.

An outline of the material topics for the industry.

Ambitions that the industry should look to achieve on its journey towards net positive hospitality.

Alignment with various leading frameworks and standards, including the World Travel and Tourism Council Hotel Sustainability Basics, Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, Global Business Travel Association RFP template, Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria, Travalyst Accommodation Criteria, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Net Positive Hospitality is a philosophy and approach that unlocks our industrys potential to contribute to the worlds future. When we look at critical global issues, both social and environmental, it requires bold and collaborative approaches. The Pathway creates an integrated and pragmatic framework which any hotel can follow to advance their sustainability journeys in a prosperous and responsible way. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Across all industry sectors, the private sector is implementing actions to reduce carbon emissions, improve biodiversity, conditions for employees and impacts on local communities. This Pathway builds on that effort and promotes pollution minimisation, efficient resource use, protection, and regeneration of destinations, creating fairness in the workplace, including equitable and better opportunities for employees, working with communities to develop partnerships and social respect, and maintaining net positive governance.

Were pleased to be a part of the Alliances Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality which includes our Hotel Sustainability Basics; the globally recognised and coordinated set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible and sustainable Travel & Tourism. Our research shows that most business owners know their environmental responsibility, but many sustainability practices, such as efficient water use initiatives, are patchy. Basics fill the gap by creating that level playing field for the sector. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO

The Pathway has been developed in close collaboration and strong support with the industry and sustainability experts, such as EY, Considerate Group and Greenview. It will continue to evolve as understanding of what it means to be Net Positive advances. In future releases, the Alliance will include detailed guidance to support every hotel (regardless of ownership structure, size and location) to work towards these ambitions. Further, to help measure progress towards Net Positive, this additional guidance will include content on regionality and a KPI measurement framework aligned with ESG reporting requirements.

To explore the Pathway, visit https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/our-work/pathway/.

Messages of support from leading hotels

Its a matter of moving from compensation to contribution. To do this, it cannot only be talk. You need a Pathway, and you need a guide. You need to think together and act together, regardless of how big or small you are. So, within this Pathway and this ambition, we will make a marker. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor Group

To maximise the effect of our efforts, we have chosen the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as an experienced and knowledgeable partner. For us, it is important to take this strategic journey with the leading industry experts at our side. In our ambition to minimise our footprint and implement the highest ethical standards, we fully support the objectives of net-positive hospitality. We are confident to set our goals higher and contribute positively rather than only reducing our negative impact. Jorg Bockeler, CEO, Dorint Hotels & Resorts

Our future depends on preserving and regenerating the beautiful places we operate and leaving a positive, enduring impact on our communities. We must meaningfully work together as an industry to advance sustainable practices and leave the world a better place for future generations. Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Theres never been a more important time to take meaningful action to protect the destinations where we live, work and travel. So were doubling down on our environmental and social ambitions for our communities, with an eye towards a net positive future across the hospitality industry. But we cant get there alone. Collaboration and innovation will be critical for achieving this shared vision. So, all of us at Hilton are committed to working with our friends and colleagues across the industry to make a brighter future a reality. Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton

People have an inherent desire to travel, to see the world, to connect and have new experiences. We know this has to be done in a responsible way and that no one company can shape the future of responsible travel alone. It requires teamwork and a collective effort across the industry to achieve a common goal. The Pathway will help create tangible change locally and internationally at scale, supporting every hotel globally, no matter their starting point. Alongside our own clear sustainability plans and programmes, IHG looks forward to working with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to ensure the Pathway plays its part in helping write a more sustainable future for us all. Keith Barr, CEO, IHG Hotels and Resorts

Kerten Hospitality is focussed on ESG because its the future of all generations coming after us. So whats important to us, and why we are part of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is that we collaborate. We partner so we can make that needed impact to stop where the world is going, reverse whatever we can still reverse and ensure that people, the environment, the globe and everything else is sustained for many years in the future. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality

We are proud to be part of creating the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality. Led by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, this collaboration will allow the hospitality industry to have a much greater impact collectively than we can individually. We encourage others in the industry to join us on this Pathway to help our communities remain vibrant places to live, work and visit and create a better, more sustainable future for all. Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International

Sustainability in the hospitality industry cannot be a matter of competition. It requires collective and coordinated action. Only by working together can we tackle the major challenges of our time and make a positive change for a better future for the entire planet. Therefore, I am inviting everyone in the hotel industry to go beyond a vision for sustainability and commit now to very concrete actions on the Pathway to net positive hospitality. Federico J. Gonzalez, CEO, Radisson Hotel Group

Soneva is proud to support the development of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality  an industry collaboration led by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. As an industry, it is paramount that we work towards a net positive future and at Soneva, we continue to pioneer a more sustainable solution. Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-founder, Soneva

The Alliance wants to encourage all hotels to embrace the journey to net positive. We are spearheading the dialogue beyond having zero impact and setting a vision for what we can put back into the natural world, communities and destinations to have a lasting positive impact on our planet and its people. Our Pathway not only sets the vision for the industry but provides a practical framework for any hotel, no matter their starting point, to prioritise and progress along measurable sustainability actions. Wolfgang M. Neumann, Chair, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The world is in the midst of rapid change. As an industry, we all have a collective responsibility to collaborate, move quickly and take action to reduce our environmental impact. We all believe in the power of travel. Being part of an organisation like the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are helping achieve a more sustainable and inclusive world for all, so our future remains bright. Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

About the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together the hospitality industry and strategic partners to address key challenges affecting the planet and its people, local destinations and communities. They develop practical free resources and programmes to create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back more than it takes. Their members represent over 50,000 hotels  totalling 7 million rooms  and include world-leading companies including Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, BWH Hotel Group and Radisson Hotel Group, as well as regional brands. Their network also includes other parts of the hospitality value chain, including owners, investors and suppliers, to further drive joined up action on sustainability, and accelerate the industry on the path to net positive hospitality. For more information, please visit: www.sustainablehospitalityalliance.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Hundreds of Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Members and leaders from across the United States flew into Washington D.C. for AAHOAs Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) earlier this week to discuss critical issues impacting Americas hotel owners.

As the premier voice of hotel owners, AAHOA seeks to partner with elected officials in Washington, D.C. to identify viable solutions to the biggest challenges facing the industry. The 2023 AAHOA SNAC provided the opportunity for Americas hoteliers to meet with and cultivate relationships with more than 200 elected officials in Washington, D.C.

AAHOA Members focused on obtaining greater access to capital and addressing the severe labor shortages plaguing the industry. AAHOA leaders helped expand lawmakers knowledge around the importance of hotels to their communities and the economy at large. When AAHOA Members receive assistance, their local business communities see an uptick in employment rates, profitability, state and local tax contributions, and business sustainability.

It was an honor to attend my final advocacy conference as Chairman of AAHOA. We brought nearly 200 AAHOA leaders to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of our industry and on behalf of AAHOAs 20,000 members. Creating relationships with our elected officials is a top priority for AAHOA, and we will continue to work on your behalf, strengthening relationships so we can continue to represent the entire hospitality industry with your best interests at heart. AAHOA Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel

Political affiliations aside, those in attendance were representing the interests and issues that are important to Americas hoteliers and the broader travel and hospitality industry.

AAHOA provides a platform to voice our concerns by continuing to strengthen its position and influence in the hospitality industry, as well as in key political circles at the federal, state, and local levels. We are making a true difference for the benefit of our members, and it is fantastic to see the impact we are having. I know policymakers will remember us the next time they make decisions affecting the hospitality industry. AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake

To ensure the sustainability of hotels and the broader American travel industry, AAHOA Members urged Congress to support the following four issues:

Promote access to capital by increasing SBA loan caps/limits

SBA 7(a) and 504 Loan Limits to $10 Million: Obtaining access to capital is a critical factor for small businesses to operate and thrive in a challenging economy. Currently, Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and 504 loans are capped at $5 million, which was last set in 2010. For hoteliers, the costs of constructing and purchasing properties have skyrocketed over the past decade.

Permanently Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Business owners across the country face critical labor shortages. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) improvements affecting workers without children that expired at the end of 2021 should be made permanent.

Address the industrys labor shortage by significantly increasing the number of H-2B visas and creating a new H-2C visa.

Address the Hospitality Labor Shortage with H-2B visas: The unemployment rate in the leisure and hospitality sector is 5.2%, which is 36% higher than the 3.6% overall unemployment rate for the country, according to the latest February 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Biden Administration announced its expansion of an additional 64,000 temporary nonagricultural worker H-2B visas for FY 2023. This is in addition to the 66,000 H-2B visas that are normally available each year. However, the total number of available visas does not come close to the estimated 1.5 million open jobs in the industry.

AAHOA seeks for Congress to: Eliminate caps on the H-2B visa program altogether so there are no constraints on addressing employers needs for additional seasonal workers. Also, if an already-approved worker is brought back, they should not be counted against the cap of a new visa.

Allow these visas to be valid for multiple years, so businesses do not have to undergo the onerous filing process every year.

Cosponsor the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA) would help business owners address the critical labor shortage by filling a need currently unaddressed in the U.S. immigration system.

The EWEA creates an H-2C visa program for nonimmigrant, nonagricultural service workers. It is intended for small businesses in industries with lower educational thresholds and comparatively low sales per employee.

AAHOA further offers numerous opportunities for elected officials to utilize and learn about the needs of AAHOA Members and to speak directly with key constituents back home. These include attending regional conference meetings and speaking at AAHOA town halls as well as participating in interviews with Todays Hotelier, AAHOAs monthly magazine distributed to 20,000 Hoteliers.

AAHOA rounded out the event with a HerOwnership Panel with Sonali Desai, Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus, along with Women Hotelier Directors Lina Patel and Tejal Patel. This panel was held in celebration of International Womens Day, and focused on championing women in entrepreneurship in D.C. and giving women hoteliers the tools to take charge of their hospitality careers.

To learn more about AAHOAs policy priorities and issues advocated for at the 2023 AAHOA SNAC, download our Spring National Advocacy Conference Policy Backgrounder and Guide.

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation's GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
The industry expects 2023 to be a record year despite economic challenges  Fully booked halls on the trade shows return: Personal contact crucial for tourism as a peoples business  Positive response to the three-day focus on B2B customers  Growth in leading international buyers  24,000 convention attendees at the leading travel industry event of its kind.

ITB Berlin 2023 has come to a successful end: With around 5,500 exhibitors from 161 countries, the World's Leading Travel Trade Show maintains its position as the leading platform for the global travel industry.

The industry expects 2023 to be a record year despite economic challenges  Fully booked halls on the trade shows return: Personal contact crucial for tourism as a peoples business  Positive response to the three-day focus on B2B customers  Growth in leading international buyers  24,000 convention attendees at the leading travel industry event of its kind

At ITB Berlin the international travel industry was delighted with the huge demand and peoples desire for travel, despite the challenging market situation. Following the break due to the pandemic and taking as its slogan Open for Change, the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show was back for the first time as an exclusively B2B event and confirmed its standing as the leading platform of the global travel industry. Over the three business days a total of 90,127 attendees from more than 180 countries were in Berlin. For ITB Berlin, the ITB Buyers Circle with its 1,300 members was also an impressive success. Membership of this exclusive circle was limited to leading travel industry buyers. Their sales volume increased noticeably, and international participation grew from 50 per cent in 2019 to 70 per cent overall. The international nature and diversity of the approximately 5,500 exhibitors from 161 countries was equally impressive. ITB Berlin also attracted considerable media attention, with around 3,000 media members and 333 travel bloggers and high-profile international political figures at the event.

Big boost for the industry

At ITB Berlin the industry agreed that 2023 could become a record year  peoples desire for travel is back in many parts of the world. Only the Asia-Pacific region is lagging somewhat behind  due among other reasons to China opening up its borders late. Over the past few days the tourism industry has displayed incredible confidence despite the difficult overall situation and geopolitical crises, said Dirk Hoffmann, Managing Director of Messe Berlin.

Personal contact crucial for the peoples business that is tourism

This years ITB Berlin was proof of the vital need to meet face-to-face. We are delighted with the trade shows spectacular comeback as a live event and the huge response from exhibitors and visitors. Our industry is a peoples business, and not without reason  everyone at ITB Berlin agreed with that. Numerous networking formats including the ITB Speed Networking event, get-togethers and events on exhibitors stands as well as evening events on the exhibition grounds and in Berlins city centre were proof of the desire to meet in person.

The ITB Berlin Convention with high-profile figures attending offered wide-ranging orientation on specialist subjects. At 18 theme tracks, 400 internationally recognised top speakers took part in a total of 200 sessions and discussed highly pressing topics as well as current trends including digitalisation, Artificial intelligence and the skills shortage. Under the heading Mastering Transformation, experts presented ways to turn the pressing global challenges facing the industry into opportunities. A total of 24,000 attendees visited the lectures, panels and discussions at the leading international thinktank of the travel industry.

Notwithstanding the joy and euphoria following the global recovery of the markets, the industry also agreed that having overcome the pandemic it now faced enormous challenges. Prior to the pandemic criticism had already been mounting that business as before would no longer really be possible and that growth could only achieved by taking all aspects of sustainability into account. Socially responsible tourism has long been on the agenda of the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show. This year it again offered a wide range of panel discussions, seminars and lectures, in order among other things to raise awareness for social responsibility in tourism. The Equality in Tourism Award, presented for the first time on International Womens Day at ITB Berlin 2023, aims to draw global attention to gender equality in tourism. Three candidates made the final  the award went to the tour operator Travel Excellence from Costa Rica, followed by Adventure Women from the USA and Etur from Ecuador.

Fully booked halls on the trade shows return

Fully booked halls also reflected the industrys positive mood. Exhibitor numbers were especially high in the Travel Tech and Cruise segments at this years show. Among individual regions the Arab countries were particularly well represented. Overall, many exhibitors occupied noticeably larger stands this year and a lot of tourism companies were back after a long break. Others in turn were newcomers at this years ITB Berlin. The new multi-purpose hall hub27 made a successful debut.

As well as ITB Berlin, the Official Host Country Georgia also welcomed visitors with open arms. Taking as its slogan Infinite Hospitality, the destination also presented its tourist attractions at a spectacular opening gala on the eve of the show, attended by both the host country and high-profile figures from the industry and politics. Over the next few days, B2B customers visiting the new multi-purpose hall hub27, Hall 4.1, the south entrance and attending many activities and events throughout the exhibition grounds were able to gain an insight into the wide-ranging tourist attractions the country in the Caucasus had to offer.

The next ITB Berlin will take place from 5 to 7 March (Tuesday to Thursday) 2024 on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

*The total number of exhibitors without additionally represented companies who as co-exhibitors solely distribute information material for example.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention

ITB Berlin 2023 took place as a pure B2B event under the slogan Open for Change from Tuesday, 7 March, to Thursday, 9 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show. The internationally renowned ITB Berlin Convention takes place parallel to the show and is held live on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.
Join us to understand the latest industry trends in the exciting "as a service" world and learn why Aruba is leading the way in this transition for the hospitality industry. We'll explore how the network as a service (NaaS) from HPE, GreenLake for Aruba, combines the breadth of Aruba solutions with flexible ways to consume network infrastructure, accelerating the value of your technology investments. For hospitality, NaaS can alleviate the burden of long-term network planning and budgeting by delivering all hardware, software, and services in a single month.

This webinar is hosted by Aruba Networks
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Pittsfield Man Found Guilty After Stabbing

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  On Friday, March 10 in Berkshire Superior Court Joshua Lofink was found guilty on all counts: 2 counts of Mayhem; 2 counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury with a knife; and 2 counts of Vandalism, slashing tires on a car.

Lofink, a resident of Pittsfield in his late 30s, has a criminal history in Massachusetts, Connecticut and California. Sentencing will take place on Tuesday, March 14. Honorable Judge Agostini presided.

On Sept. 16, 2021, at 10:30pm police were dispatched to the area of Tyler Street and Curtis Terrace for the report of a stabbing.

When the officers arrived, they noted that there were several vehicles in the roadway and two male victims with stab wounds who were identified as Ernest Ferry and Jamie Hassan. Both victims sustained serious injuries and were immediately transferred to Berkshire Medical Center. Two vehicles involved in the incident had their tires slashed.

As reported by the District Attorney's Office, the injuries sustained by Ferry and Hassan were so severe that they continue to affect their daily lives.

Bystanders at the scene assisted in both helping the victims and bringing attention to the area Lofink fled following the incident.

The Pittsfield Police Department led the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. Victim Witness Advocates Tarra Jones-Nutting and Jason Pilot supported the victims and witnesses throughout the investigation and trial.
Pittsfield School Officials Adopt Safe Gun Storage Resolution

This article contains language about suicide and gun violence.



PITTSFIELD, Mass. The School Committee has unanimously voted to adopt a safe firearm storage resolution as an effort to shield its students and staff from gun violence.



The resolution warrants communications to parents, guardians, and students on the importance of secure firearm storage as soon as possible, distributed to each school at least once annually, and included in the district website and student registration materials.



Additionally, it directs the superintendent to update the student handbooks with this information to continue work with local law enforcement, health agencies, and nonprofit organizations on the effort.



Massachusetts law states that a firearm should be locked and unloaded while in a home and vehicle and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends storing ammunition separately.



Patrie Sardo of the national Be Smart for Kids advocacy group and Vicki Zacharewicz of Berkshire County Moms Demand Action brought the resolution forward. Last month, the newly created Social Emotional Learning and Safety subcommittee voted in favor of it.



"What I really respect about this resolution and what Be Smart has presented with it is that this doesn't infringe on any rights but rather supports those rights by making it safer for everyone around," School Committee member Alison McGee said.



"And I feel like that's a really valuable component of this because many people who are gun owners go through significant training and practice safe measures but it's not necessarily carried over into their social sectors or shared with people in the household who aren't using the firearms."



Though the district's primary focus is to educate its students, she pointed to the importance of reaching further.



"Our responsibility is to educate and even though students are our primary recipients of that education, the families are really directly attached to them and impact how much those students can access that education," McGee said.



"So I think this really fits for me with how our district has been moving forward in trying to really educate families, bring families to a greater awareness of how their responsibility can impact students and other students."



The full committee's approval on Wednesday was preceded by affirmative testimony from community members during open microphone.



In the nine years that former teacher Gabriela Sheehan worked for the district, guns were confiscated from students at her workplace three times: in an elementary, middle, and high school. After each incident, she felt lucky that students and staff survived a potential incident of violence.



"Adopting language in the handbook to support the protection of students and staff through safe gun storage is essential," she said.



"Gun violence has affected hundreds of children and adults in Pittsfield and the trauma of these events is long-lasting. Any action that we take is a step towards a safer community and an acknowledgment that we care about the students and the teachers that are a part of it."



Brian Berkel, board president for the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, said this is not a Second Amendment, political, or anti-gun debate. Instead, he said it is anti-suicide and anti-crime.



"I want to make it clear that we understand that being a gun owner does not make someone more vulnerable to depression, or feelings of suicide, or experiencing any other mental health crisis. That being said, we cannot have a conversation about suicide without talking about firearms," Berkel said.
At least three people have been killed, including two journalists, and over 30 injured in an Islamic State (IS) bomb attack at a press award ceremony for media workers in northern Afghanistan on March 11. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU), in calling on the Taliban to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and end impunity for crimes against journalists.

A wounded journalist holds a camera tripod near the site of a bomb blast during an event commemorating the media in Mazar-i-Sharif on March 11, 2023. Credit: Atif Aryan / AFP

The explosion occurred at an event honouring journalists working in the north of Afghanistan at the Tabyan Cultural Centre, located in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh province, where media workers, local authorities and religious figures gathered to celebrate Afghanistans National Journalists Day.

According to the Afghanistan Journalists Centre (AFJC), a parcel bomb detonated at around noon in the grounds of the cultural centre, which is also the office of the news outlet Afghan Voice. While reports confirmed the death of one security guard, the AIJU later confirmed the deaths of journalist Hossein Naderi and media trainee and journalism student Akmal on March 12.

A spokesperson for the Balkh police, Mohammed Asif Waziri, confirmed that at least eight people were injured in the initial impact, including five journalists and three children. The AIJU confirmed the names of 14 media workers injured with some in critical condition, while the AFJC estimated more than 30 attendees were wounded in total.

Local journalist Atif Arian said that after a senior Taliban official gave a speech, he heard a loud explosion, while journalist Atef Erian, who was also present, said that chaos erupted after the targeted attack.

The IS militant group has since claimed responsibility for the act of terror, the second incident within three days in the Balkh province. On March 9, Balkh governor Mohammad Dawood Muzammil was killed in a suicide bombing also claimed by IS, one of the highest-level attacks since the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan.

The blast targeted a rally held inside a Shiite centre to reward several journalists working in agencies involved in the war and instigation against IS, said an IS statement on its Amaq news agency.

Since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021, the IFJ has monitored the increasing restrictions and persecution facing Afghan journalists and media workers, as the countrys media industry experiences a prolonged financial collapse. Acts of violence and harassment against the media from IS militants and members of the Taliban have been frequently documented.

The AIJU said: Journalists are the true voice of the Afghan people and an attack on the lives of journalists is an attack on freedom of speech and the Afghan people. While condemning this attack, the Afghan Independent Journalists Union wants the relevant authorities to follow this case seriously and identify its perpetrators. At the same time, the AIJU asks the authorities of the Islamic Emirate to pay serious attention to the safety and security of journalists in the centre and provinces.

IFJ Secretary General Anthony Bellanger said: The IFJ strongly condemns the heinous and targeted act of violence against journalists and media workers in Afghanistan and calls on the Taliban to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. This attack and the deaths of two media workers is a tragic reminder of the dangerous and challenging environment in which journalists work in Afghanistan and underscores the urgent need to provide greater protection and support to those who risk their lives to report the news.
Just fresh from its initial rollout in Japan, Australia, and Italy, GCash Overseas is now expanding into the United States allowing the first 1,000 Filipinos there to use the e-wallet even without a Philippine SIM Card.

Select Filipinos in the US can start signing up to use GCash without a Philippine SIM

Filipinos in the US can soon sign up for GCash by using their American mobile numbers and start supporting their families back home by sending money for free (GCash to GCash), paying bills, and buying them prepaid load credits.

Now that we have activated GCash outside of the Philippines, we are now working towards making it available in more countries. This time, we are adding the US to our list to be able to service over 4 million of our kababayans residing there, said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash. With strong support from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), we are able to make significant headway in scaling our services, aligned with our vision of Finance for All.

Earlier this month, GCash received the green light from the BSP to start the initial launch of its overseas service which allowed Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to use GCash using any SIM from those countries. This has made GCash the first and only e-wallet in the Philippines to offer this kind of service overseas.

In just a few easy steps, Filipinos in the US and the initial three countries can soon begin using GCash. First, they just need to download the app from Google Play Store for Android, the App Store for iPhone and iPad users, or the Huawei Gallery. Then, users can select their country and input their details. To verify their account, they just need to scan their Philippine passport or other valid IDs and take a selfie. Fully verified users can then cash in via Remitly to start sending money, paying bills, and buying load wherever they are, with just a few taps on the app.

Aside from making GCash services available to more Filipinos worldwide, the leading e-wallet has also been continuously expanding its international payments touchpoints in partnership with global fintech giant, Alipay+. GCash can now be used to pay in select merchants across countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Qatar as well as top European destinations like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

To learn more about GCash Overseas, visit www.gcash.com/profile/overseas#
PLDT, the largest fully integrated telecommunications provider in the Philippines, has reached another strategic milestone by becoming the first Philippine telco to receive one of the most and widely respected designations in the global networking industry, Cisco's Gold Certification in a Service Provider role. The Gold Provider certification from Cisco elevates the recipients profile, leverages the power of the Cisco Systems brand to gain increased market recognition, and realizes greater business opportunities.

From left to right: Rico Carpio, PLDT Enterprise Category Head for Transformative Enterprise Networking Solutions; Marc Roxas, PLDT Enterprise Assistant Vice President and Category Head for Enterprise Internet and Digital Solutions; Shaundy Pada, PLDT & Smart Partner Development Manager; Edith Gomez-Cudiamat, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head for Enterprise and International Business Solutions - FIXED; Gela Camacho, PLDT & Smart B2B Lead for Strategic Partnerships; Melvin Jeffrey Chan, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Enterprise Innovations, Business Development, Consulting and Presales; Nico Alcoseba, PLDT Enterprise First Vice President & Head of Enterprise Product Management & Marketing; Mitch Locsin, PLDT and Smart First Vice President & Head of Enterprise & International Business Groups; Zaza Soriano-Nicart, Cisco Philippines Managing Director; Charisse Pau, Cisco Philippines Director for Global Service Provider; Rommel Angeles, Cisco Philippines Partner Organization Head; Kate Dayanghirang, Cisco Philippines Partner Account Manager; Johnroe Guray, Cisco Business Development Manager for Service Provider as a Channel

This accomplishment recognizes PLDT's exceptional performance in delivering and supporting Cisco-Powered Services for Cisco SD-WAN, Meraki SD-WAN, and Meraki Access Point. Fully committed in enabling enterprises with digital tools and solutions in their transformative journey through the Better For Business campaign, PLDT has consistently delivered high-quality managed networking services to its customers by streamlining operations, implementing strict design solutions, and providing end-to-end networking management servicing.

PLDT affirms its promise to always innovate and deliver valuable solutions for enterprise customers across all industries; in this case, our Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), Branch-in-a-Box, and Beyond Fiber. These services help uplift and accelerate businesses in their cloud journey through faster access to their applications via the internet while delivering resilient and secure network connectivity, says Mitch Locsin, First Vice President & Head of Enterprise & International Business Groups, PLDT and Smart.

The Cisco Gold Certification was achieved through a third-party audit on PLDT Managed Networking solutions processes covering product and marketing, capacity management, after support and customer experience management.

We are honored and gratified by this achievement as it encapsulates PLDT's commitment to delivering the best possible experience to our enterprise customers, from simple services to more complex solutions such as SD-WAN, says Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President & Head of Enterprise Product Management & Marketing, PLDT and Smart.

Cisco values its partnerships, and we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to PLDT for reaching Gold Provider status. This achievement is a testament to PLDT's expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional network and technology solutions to its customers. With this designation, PLDT is poised to support the digital transformation of businesses in the Philippines and drive economic growth on a global scale, says Zaza Soriano-Nicart, Managing Director, Cisco Philippines.

Becoming a Cisco Gold Service Provider reinforces PLDT's position as a leader in managed networking services and customer excellence, not just in the Philippines but worldwide. With ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure, along with its extensive fiber optic network spanning over 1.091M kilometers, PLDT continues to support customers, industries, and the public sector further in their transformative journeys so they may achieve greater heights through digital transformation.
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What was the idea behind OLL?

I started OLL When I was 15, at that time I took the biggest risk of my life. I left my home and on the way started donating all my belongings - wallet slipper watch, mostly all essentials. And finally when I gave my cycle to a boy who was under privileged he took the cycle and said these exact words, ' Bhaiya Mera sapna poora ho gaya.'

I started OLL as I realised that kids have a lot of potential but not enough opportunities and exposure. I had first-hand experience with the limitations of the current educational system and wanted to create a platform that could help students develop practical skills that they could use in the real world.

Help us understand the companys business model.

OLL is a platform for Learners to explore Certified Courses for New Age Skills at affordable prices. Their current target audience is Standard 1st - 10th grade kids in Tier 2 and 3 Cities. Where awareness of education outside schooling is low and teachers are not available!

They Filter and Partner with Top teachers to List their Live Classes in Skills like Coding, Robotics, Public Speaking, Financial awareness and OLL connects them to eager Learners through Schools.

OLL is trying to bridge the gap by introducing technical skills for students across the country. Using technology as an integrator, OLL has reached out to 32000 students across India and counting. More than 2000 teachers have joined the OLL bandwagon to help students with skills related to technology, finances, robotics, Fintech, coding, public speaking, courses in multiple languages.

What are your plans to disrupt the ed-tech market in the Tier 2/3 cities and beyond?

I wanted to reach to 1 Billion Children, I want to create awareness and distribution to reach each and every town and city and village, through the schools and physical centers. We are investing in Tech and Product, our main focus is to create a great renewal and word of mouth

What are your growth and expansion plans after fund raising from shark tank?

We have planned to offer free skill development training to 1 Lakh underprivileged students and contribute to their bright futures. We have always known the importance of urgent need for the 100 basic courses which will be offered to 1 lakh students that register on our platform. OLL is offering 4 courses  Public Speaking, Personality Development, Vedic Math, Resume Building, Python Coding to underprivileged for a duration of 2 months. The classes will be conducted online through our portal. OLL offers engaging live courses that are Stem and UNESCO accredited for new age trending skills. OLL will offer engaging live courses that are Stem and UNESCO accredited for new age trending skills.

Are you looking to raise funds again in the next 18-24 months?

We've already raised Rs.1.5 crore in seed funding so far, This year, we're planning to raise another round of funding of Rs 1.5 crore.
The United Nations (UN) recently reached an agreement on a new treaty that aims to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.



The agreement was reached during the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which was held in New York.

The treaty represents a significant step forward in the global effort to protect the ocean's biodiversity, particularly in areas that are beyond the jurisdiction of individual nations.

The treaty will apply to areas of the ocean that are beyond national jurisdiction, such as the high seas and the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

The UN spearheaded the talks, which involved representatives from various nations. However, the treaty has not been officially accepted yet because its members have not yet ratified it.

Once adopted, the treaty will be legally binding, which means that signatories will be required to comply with its provisions.

What is High Seas Treaty?

BCCL/Representational Image

The High Seas Treaty is a legally binding international agreement being developed within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework to protect oceans and marine life, particularly in the high seas, which were previously not covered by any such framework.

The UN treaty on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is significant in achieving the 30x30 target set at UN CBD COP15. The countries agreed to protect 30% of oceans by 2030. The treaty aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction, which covers about 64% of the ocean's surface area.

By establishing regulations for access and benefit-sharing, environmental impact assessments, and indigenous community consent, the treaty aims to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

Although the process of creating the treaty was initiated in 2015, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In order to speed up the finalization of the treaty, the European Union established the High Ambition Coalition on BBNJ in 2022, reports The Hindu.

What are the key features of the treaty?

The establishment of an Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) committee will frame guidelines for the access and sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Marine genetic resource activities in high seas areas must be peaceful and serve the interests of all states and humanity.

The requirement for signatories to conduct environmental impact assessments before exploiting marine resources beyond national jurisdiction.

The evaluation procedures involve a series of steps, such as examining, outlining, conducting an impact analysis of the marine environment that might be impacted, and identifying measures to prevent and manage any unfavourable outcomes.

This provision aims to ensure that the exploitation of marine resources is done sustainably and with minimum harm to the marine ecosystem.

The treaty mandates that the marine resources in areas outside national jurisdiction, which belong to indigenous individuals and local communities, can only be accessed with their free, informed consent and or approval and involvement.

AP/Representational Image

This provision aims to ensure that the rights of indigenous people and local communities are protected and that their knowledge and practices are respected and used sustainably. By doing so, the treaty recognizes the important role of indigenous communities in the sustainable management of marine resources.

Additionally, the treaty establishes a Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) that will facilitate the sharing of information among member states on the access and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Members will have to provide the CHM with details like the objective of the research, geographical area of collection, names of sponsors, etc. This provision aims to enhance transparency and promote the equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources.

Finally, a special fund will be established as part of the pact, which will be fixed by the conference of parties (COP). The COP will also oversee the functioning of the treaty. The fund will provide financial support for developing countries to participate in the implementation of the treaty.

What are the high seas?

The high seas are areas of the ocean that are beyond a country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and are not under any country's jurisdiction. According to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas, the high seas refer to those parts of the ocean that are not considered territorial or internal waters of any country.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is within 200 nautical miles of a coastline, and a nation has jurisdiction over living and non-living resources in this area. The high seas cover over 60% of the world's ocean area and contain about 2.7 lakh known species.

AP/Representational Image

They play a crucial role in regulating climate and provide resources such as seafood, raw materials, genetic and medicinal resources, air purification, climate regulation, and aesthetic, scientific, and cultural services.

However, they are under threat from human activities such as overfishing, pollution, climate change, and the exploitation of resources. It is essential to balance the use of the high seas with the need to preserve and protect these vital resources and services for future generations.

What are the threats?

The high seas face many threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. They absorb heat from the atmosphere and are affected by phenomena like El Nino, which can endanger marine flora and fauna.

The high seas are facing acidification, which could harm marine life, and thousands of species could face extinction by 2100 if current trends continue.

AFP/Representational Image

Anthropogenic pressures on the high seas include seabed mining, noise pollution, chemical and oil spills and fires, waste disposal, overfishing, the introduction of invasive species, and coastal pollution.

These threats pose a significant risk to the health and sustainability of the high seas and the resources and services they provide.

Despite the serious threats facing the high seas, only 1% of them are under protection, making them one of the least-protected areas. This lack of protection and management is a significant danger to the health and sustainability of the high seas and the resources and services they offer.

It is essential to protect and manage the high seas to ensure their continued health and sustainability, as well as the continued provision of resources and services crucial for human well-being.
Being a "robot lawyer" cannot be easy. DoNotPay describes itself as the "world's first robot lawyer" and has now been accused of practicing law without a licence. DoNotPay is now facing a proposed class action lawsuit that was filed by a Chicago-based law firm Edelson on March 3.

"Unfortunately for its customers, DoNotPay is not actually a robot, a lawyer, nor a law firm. DoNotPay does not have a law degree, is not barred in any jurisdiction, and is not supervised by any lawyer," the complaint said.

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Why DoNotPay is being sued

The lawsuit, as Business Insider reported, was filed on behalf of Jonathan Faridian, who apparently used DoNotPay to write a series of legal documents like demand letters, a small claims court filing, and a job discrimination complaint.

Faridian alleges in the complaint that he was under the impression that the legal documents were sourced from a "lawyer that was competent to provide them" but only received "substandard" results.

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Also read: This Robotic Arm Can Perform Surgery And 3D Print Inside The Human Body

DoNotPay, founded in 2015 as an app to help customers dispute parking tickets, can now use artificial intelligence to assist customers in many legal services without hiring a lawyer. According to its website, DoNotPay can help customers fight corporations, find hidden money, and "sue anyone."

Bad news! Jay Edelson, America's richest class action lawyer, is suing my startup @DoNotPay in California. Mr Edelson, who has made billions suing companies, is attacking us for "unauthorized practice of law" and seeking a court order ending any A.I product.



Here's my response: pic.twitter.com/6PvFVW65rB  Joshua Browder (@jbrowder1) March 9, 2023

On Twitter, DoNotPay's CEO Joshua Browder said that these lacked any merit and promised to fight the lawsuit, adding that DoNotPay was "not going to be bullied by America's richest class action lawyer."

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Also read: Watch This Spider-Like Flying Robot Take Off With Its 16 Thrusters



Earlier this year, DoNotPay said that it was planning to use artificial intelligence to advise people facing a traffic court. This was, of course, postponed after he allegedly received "threats from State Bar prosecutors."

What do you think about using AI to deal with your law needs? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning already deliver plenty of practical value to enterprises, from fraud detection to chatbots to predictive analytics. But the audacious creative writing skills of ChatGPT have raised expectations for AI/ML to new heights. IT leaders cant help but wonder: Could AI/ML finally be ready to go beyond point solutions and address core enterprise problems?

Take the biggest, oldest, most confounding IT problem of all: Managing and integrating data across the enterprise. Today, that endeavor cries out for help from AI/ML technologies, as the volume, variety, variability, and distribution of data across on-prem and cloud platforms climb an endless exponential curve. As Stewart Bond, IDCs VP of data integration and intelligence software, puts it: You need machines to be able to help you to manage that.

Can AI/ML really help impose order on data chaos? The answer is a qualified yes, but the industry consensus is that were just scratching the surface of what may one day be achievable. Integration software incumbents such as Informatica, IBM, and SnapLogic have added AI/ML capabilities to automate various tasks, and a flock of newer companies such as Tamr, Cinchy, and Monte Carlo put AI/ML at the core of their offerings. None come close to delivering AI/ML solutions that automate data management and integration processes end-to-end.

That simply isnt possible. No product or service can reconcile every data anomaly without human intervention, let alone reform a muddled enterprise data architecture. What these new AI/ML-driven solutions can do today is reduce manual labor substantially across a variety of data wrangling and integration efforts, from data cataloging to building data pipelines to improving data quality.

Those can be noteworthy wins. But to have real, lasting impact, a CDO (chief data officer) approach is required, as opposed to the impulse to grab integration tools for one-off projects. Before enterprises can prioritize which AI/ML solutions to apply where, they need a coherent, top-down view of their entire data estatecustomer data, product data, transaction data, event data, and so onand a complete understanding of metadata defining those data types.

The scope of the enterprise data problem

Most enterprises today maintain a vast expanse of data stores, each one associated with its own applications and use casesa proliferation that cloud computing has exacerbated, as business units quickly spin up cloud applications with their own data silos. Some of those data stores may be used for transactions or other operational activities, while others (mainly data warehouses) serve those engaged in analytics or business intelligence.

To further complicate matters, every organization on the planet has more than two dozen data management tools, says Noel Yuhanna, a VP and principal analyst at Forrester Research. None of those tools talk to each other. These tools handle everything from data cataloging to MDM (master data management) to data governance to data observability and more. Some vendors have infused their wares with AI/ML capabilities, while others have yet to do so.

At a basic level, the primary purpose of data integration is to map the schema of various data sources so that different systems can share, sync, and/or enrich data. The latter is a must-have for developing a 360-degree view of customers, for example. But seemingly simple tasks such as determining whether customers or companies with the same name are the same entityand which details from which records are correctrequire human intervention. Domain experts are often called upon to help establish rules to handle various exceptions.

Those rules are typically stored within a rules engine embedded in integration software. Michael Stonebraker, one of the inventors of the relational database, is a founder of Tamr, which has developed an ML-driven MDM system. Stonebraker offers a real-world example to illustrate the limitations of rules-based systems: a major media company that created a homebrew MDM system that has been accumulating rules for 12 years.

They've written 300,000 rules, says Stonebraker. If you ask somebody, how many rules can you grok, a typical number is 500. Push me hard and Ill give you 1,000. Twist my arm and I'll give you 2,000. But 50,000 or 100,000 rules is completely unmanageable. And the reason that there are so many rules is there are so many special cases.

Anthony Deighton, Tamrs chief product officer, claims that his MDM solution overcomes the brittleness of rules-based systems. Whats nice about the machine learning based approach is when you add new sources, or more importantly, when the data shape itself changes, the system can adapt to those changes gracefully, he says. As with most ML systems, however, ongoing training using large quantities of data is required, and human judgment is still needed to resolve discrepancies.

AI/ML is not a magic bullet. But it can provide highly valuable automation, not only for MDM, but across many areas of data integration. To take full advantage, however, enterprises need to get their house in order.

Weaving AI/ML into the data fabric

Data fabric is the operative phrase used to describe the crazy quilt of useful data across the enterprise. Scoping out that fabric begins with knowing where the data isand cataloging it. That task can be partially automated using the AI/ML capabilities of such solutions as Informaticas AI/ML-infused CLAIRE engine or IBMs Watson Knowledge Catalog. Other cataloging software vendors include Alation, BigID, Denodo, and OneTrust.

Gartner research director Robert Thanarajs message to CDOs is that you need to architect your fabric. You buy the necessary technology components, you build, and you orchestrate in accordance with your desired outcomes. That fabric, he says, should be metadata-driven, woven from a compilation of all the salient information that surrounds enterprise data itself.

His advice for enterprises is to invest in metadata discovery. This includes the patterns of people working with people in your organization, the patterns of people working with data, and the combinations of data they use. What combinations of data do they reject? And what patterns of where the data is stored, patterns of where the data is transmitted?

Jittesh Ghai, the chief product officer of Informatica, says Informaticas CLAIRE engine can help enterprises derive metadata insights and act upon them. We apply AI/ML capabilities to deliver predictive data by linking all of the dimensions of metadata together to give context. Among other things, this predictive data intelligence can help automate the creation of data pipelines. We auto generate mapping to the common elements from various source items and adhere it to the schema of the target system.

IDCs Stewart Bond notes that the SnapLogic integration platform has similar pipeline functionality. Because theyre cloud-based, they look at all their other customers that have built up pipelines, and they can figure out what is the next best Snap: Whats the next best action you should take in this pipeline, based on what hundreds or thousands of other customers have done.

Bond observes, however, that in both cases recommendations are being made by the system rather than the system acting independently. A human must accept or reject those recommendations. Theres not a lot of automation happening there yet. I would say that even in the mapping, theres still a lot of opportunity for more automation, more AI.

Improving data quality

According to Bond, where AI/ML is having the most impact is in better data quality. Forresters Yuhanna agrees: AI/ML is really driving improved quality of data, he says. Thats because ML can discover and learn from patterns in large volumes of data and recommend new rules or adjustments that humans lack the bandwidth to determine.

High-quality data is essential for transaction and other operational systems that handle vital customer, employee, vendor, and product data. But it can also make life much easier for data scientists immersed in analytics.

Its often said that data scientists spend 80 percent of their time cleaning and preparing data. Michael Stonebraker takes issue with that estimate: He cites a conversation he had with a data scientist who said she spends 90% of her time identifying data sources she wants to analyze, integrating the results, and cleaning the data. She then spends 90% of the remaining 10% of time fixing cleaning errors. Any AI/ML data cataloging or data cleansing solution that can give her a chunk of that time back is a game changer.

Data quality is never a one-and-done exercise. The ever-changing nature of data and the many systems it passes through have given rise to a new category of solutions: data observability software. What this category is doing is observing data as its flowing through data pipelines. And its identifying data quality issues, says Bond. He calls out the startups Anomolo and Monte Carlo as two players who claim to be using AI/ML to monitor the six dimensions of data quality: accuracy, completeness, consistency, uniqueness, timeliness, and validity.

If this sounds a little like the continuous testing essential to devops, thats no coincidence. More and more companies are embracing dataops, where you're doing continuous testing of the dashboards, the ETL jobs, the things that make those pipelines run and analyze the data that's in those pipelines, says Bond. But you also add statistical control to that.

The hitch is that observing a problem with data is after the fact. You cant prevent bad data from getting to users without bringing pipelines to a screeching halt. But as Bond says, when dataops team member applies a correction and captures it, then a machine can make that correction the next time that exception occurs.

More intelligence to come

Data management and integration software vendors will continue to add useful AI/ML functionality at a rapid clipto automate data discovery, mapping, transformation, pipelining, governance, and so on. Bond notes, however, that we have a black box problem: Every data vendor will say their technology is intelligent. Some of it is still smoke and mirrors. But there is some real AI/ML stuff happening deep within the core of these products.

The need for that intelligence is clear. If were going to provision data and were going to do it at petabyte scale across this heterogeneous, multicloud, fragmented environment, we need to apply AI to data management, says Informaticas Ghai. Ghai even has an eye toward OpenAIs GPT-3 family of large language models. For me, whats most exciting is the ability to understand human text instruction, he says.

No product, however, possesses the intelligence to rationalize data chaosor clean up data unassisted. A fully automated fabric is not going to be possible, says Gartners Thanaraj. There has to be a balance between what can be automated, what can be augmented, and what could be compensated still by humans in the loop.

Stonebraker cites another limitation: the severe shortage in AI/ML talent. Theres no such thing as a turnkey AI/ML solution for data management and integration, so AI/ML expertise is necessary for proper implementation. Left to their own devices, enterprise people make the same kinds of mistakes over and over again, he says. I think my biggest advice is if youre not facile at this stuff, get a partner that knows what they're doing.

The flip side of that statement is that if your data architecture is basically sound, and you have the talent available to ensure you can deploy AI/ML solutions correctly, a substantial amount of tedium for data stewards, analysts, and scientists can be eliminated. As these solutions get smarter, those gains will only increase.
Closes experience spans employee benefits, payroll, and human resources. He has worked with clients across a breadth of industries, and is adept at using analytical tools to identify the issues and challenges clients face.
The incentive program is only one part of our plan to protect our homeowners and our way of life from the ongoing crisis in the international insurance market. We will keep fighting for Louisiana homeowners, and this is a critical step. #lalege https://t.co/w58Jc6E7HK  LA Dept of Insurance (@LAInsuranceDept) February 8, 2023

The Louisiana Department of Insurance expressed optimism in the immediate benefits of this passage, and assured the general public that more will be added to the amendments in order to bring utmost security and coverage to people living within the state.
The first State survey of how many people in Ireland have long covid begins tomorrow, Tuesday The HSE plans to invite people from seven counties who had covid to take part.

Until now, it has not been clear how many people have or had the debilitating condition, which has been a source of great frustration to advocates pushing for supports.

This is phase one, with results expected in September. It may be extended to cover a wider area at a later date, a HSE spokeswoman said.

For now, the long covid follow-up after disease acquisition (Fada) survey is limited to people living in Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, West Wicklow, and South Dublin, who will be invited by SMS text message to take part. The spokeswoman said:

Invitations will issue on a rolling basis over a number of weeks from mid-March to mid-May.

We hope to use the information to help us to estimate how common long covid is in the community, ie the prevalence rate. It will also help us to understand how people who had covid-19 are feeling now.

Up to now, the HSE has relied on international estimates showing that between 10% and 20% of infected people develop longer-term symptoms.

It defended the delays in setting up this survey as the third anniversary of the first cases of the virus comes around.

It took time to develop a robust and reliable survey that will yield maximum value and potential, said the spokeswoman. The long covid model of care is in development and this survey will help inform this programme.

She urged anyone invited to take part in the survey to click the link to take part, even if feeling well. She said:

For us to understand this, it is important to know about people who feel fine today as well as those who are still feeling unwell.

Questions will include when the infection happened, the current state of peoples health, recovery time after covid-19, symptoms, and social or economic impacts.

A University College Cork study on people with long covid found the median reported time since the initial infection was 12 months.

More than two out of three people who took part in the UCC study continued to experience fatigue, post-exertional malaise, palpitations, chest pain, stomach upset/nausea, memory problems, muscle pain or joint pain.
Government ministers are already discussing the possibility of an early election, with senior sources saying it could be as early as November 24.

Several ministers and senior coalition sources have told the Irish Examiner an election could follow quickly after Octobers expected giveaway budget.

An election does not legally have to happen until March 2025 and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously said there were no plans for one in 2023. However, in recent days, rumours of an early election this year have been gathering momentum in Leinster House.

With a major boundary redraw coming in July, which will see an extra 18 to 20 seats added to Dail Eireann, Government figures are keen to block and stymie any advantage such an increase may hand to Sinn Fein, which is now polling consistently as the countrys most popular party.

Rationale behind the date

Among Government TDs and ministers, there is a desire to benefit from a post-budget multi-billion euro cost-of-living splurge.

The belief in a late November election is based on the premise that some of the budgetary cost-of-living measures would have kicked in and there is no appetite to call an election in January or February, when the weather tends to be at its worst.

The Government press secretary said yesterday that there are no plans for an election this year. Yet privately, senior coalition sources have made clear it is very much an open question and TDs are preparing their local operations, should the decision to go to the people be made.

It is very possible, one Fianna Fail minister said, pointing to increased tensions within the coalition.

We are into the second half of the coalition, where decisions need to happen and promises made will inevitably be broken. That could spell trouble.

Indeed, senior sources close to the coalition leaders said if there is insufficient progress made under the Programme for Government it is more likely they will go early.

Certainly no decisions have been made and so much can happen before then. A lot of things to achieve in the programme for government, said another senior Government source.

Sinn Fein's poll ratings

In the 2019 local and European elections, Sinn Fein suffered heavy losses, losing 78 council seats and seeing its number of MEPs drop from three to one.

Yet, should it deliver on its current and consistent poll ratings of above 30%, the party could expect to see a significant increase in councillor numbers.

This would also see Sinn Fein in the driving seat in the next Seanad, as councillors are among the key electors to the Upper House.

Party bosses have indicated that preparations for selection conventions will begin as soon as the boundary redraw is published, in order to be ready in case of an early election.

At the next general election a 40% gender quota will apply, forcing the larger parties to ensure more gender-balanced tickets.

Sources have also pointed to the positive state of finances of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail as a reason to consider an early election.

According to latest published accounts, Fine Gael posted a surplus of 1.3m in 2021 compared to 340,000 in 2020, while Fianna Fail posted a surplus of 1.1m in 2021 compared with a 1m deficit in 2020.
Burma Court Rejects Appeal to Seize Land From Daw Aung San Suu Kyis Charity

The design of the La Yaung Taw project / Daw Khin Kyi Foundation Facebook

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal to seize Naypyitaw land from the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, a charity founded by jailed former State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and named after her mother.

In 2018, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi bought about 100 acres of land in Naypyitaw for the planned La Yaung Taw project to establish a vocational training school and forest to raise public awareness of the impacts of deforestation.

Following the 2021 coup, the junta accused Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of abusing her power to purchase land for the project at lower than market value and filed three counts of corruption against her. A junta court sentenced her to three years in jail for each charge, to be served concurrently.

In December, the junta-controlled Attorney-Generals Office appealed, seeking also to seize the land and buildings for the La Yaung Taw project.

The Supreme Court rejected that appeal, as well as an appeal by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a source close to the court told The Irrawaddy.

However, the rejection of the regimes appeal is not final, according to a legal expert. It could still submit a special appeal to confiscate Daw Khin Kyi Foundation assets.

The foundation owns 23.855 acres of land and buildings in Poppathiri Township, close to former president general Thein Seins private farm, known as Shwe Lel Taw.

It also owns 101.33 acres near Raja Theingaha Housing in Ottarathiri Township, the site of the La Yaung Taw project. The land was bought at five million kyats per acre, a price officially set by the Naypyitaw Development Committee, said the foundation.

Land was also sold at five million kyats per acre to 23 other organizations, including the Myanmar War Veterans Organization (MWVO), the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Organization (predecessor of the USDP), and Myat Sedana Foundation, according to the Presidents Office of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Both the MWVO and the USDP have built their headquarters on this land.

While no action was taken against the other organizations including the MWVO and USDP, junta courts handed three-year jail sentences to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, then Naypyitaw Mayor Dr. Myo Aung, deputy mayor U Ye Min Oo, and member of the Naypyitaw Development Council U Min Thu over land permits for the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation.

The foundation was established in 2012 to improve the health, education and living standards of Myanmars people, especially in the countrys least-developed areas. The not-for-profit foundation provided free vocational training and carried out humanitarian work.

Following the February 2021 coup, the foundation announced it was closing temporarily. The junta then launched an investigation into its finances, seeking excuses to imprison ousted civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The regime has also sealed off the foundations offices.

Junta courts have sentenced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to 33 years in prison on 19 charges including corruption. She is being held in solitary confinement in Naypyitaw and has submitted appeals to rulings against her.
Burma Myanmar Junta Troops Massacre 23 Civilians Including Monks in Shan State: Resistance

Nam Name village is burned by junta troops on Saturday. / KNDF

Myanmar junta troops massacred 23 civilians including a female resident and three Buddhist monks during a raid on Nam Name Village in Pinlaung Township, southern Shan State on Saturday, according to resistance groups.

At 5 a.m. on Saturday, a large number of regime forces raided the village while a military unit from a hill nearby shelled it with heavy explosives.

In the morning, a fierce clash broke out in the village when several Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and Karen Nationalities Defense Force fighters from Pinlaung, Pekon, Mobye and nearby Naypyitaw and Kayah State attacked regime forces that were torching houses, said the Karenni Revolution (KRU), which joined the firefight.

During the clash, a large amount of ammunition was seized from the regime forces. Many junta troops are believed to have been killed and injured, the KRU said.

In the clash, several resistance forces including a KRU fighter suffered serious injuries. Resistance forces were forced to leave the village when junta aircraft attacked in the evening.

On Sunday morning, the combined resistance forces found the dead bodies of 23 civilians including three Buddhist monks who had been shot to death in the villages monastery, which regime forces temporarily occupied, a representative of the KRU who saw the bodies told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

Video and photos recorded by the resistance groups show several bodies including those of three monks. Most of them had been shot in the head. The bodies were found behind the monastery building.

Before the resistance groups issued their statement and photo evidence, pro-regime Telegram channel Ko Thet shared photos of some of the slain people, labeling them as Karenni PDF forces who were killed by military troops in Nam Name. The time on the pictures show they were taken at around 9 a.m. on Saturday. Pools of fresh blood can be seen oozing from the victims.

In the photos shared by the pro-junta channel, homemade air-guns are placed on the bodies of the victims.

Junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun said via the military-owned Myawaddy Television Channel on Monday that clashes occurred in Nam Name Village as terrorist groups, which he identified as the PDF, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), ambushed military troops and allied Pa-O National Army (PNA) fighters.

He said there were some casualties among villagers due to random shooting by the terrorist groups. However, the junta spokesman did not specifically comment on the massacre of the 23 residents including the three monks.

Instead, he insisted the terrorist groups, referring to the resistance forces, invaded the area aiming to destroy the stability and development of the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone (SAZ).

Pinlaung Township is part of the Pa-O SAZ, which is governed by the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), the political wing of the pro-junta PNA.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited his ally, PNO leader U Aung Kham Hti, on March 7 at his home in Kyauk Ta Lone Gyi Town in the Pa-O SAZ, according to regime-controlled media. It is not known what the two men discussed.

However, local observers believed the regime boss would have been pushing U Aung Kham Hti to help defend the SAZ. The area is strategically important, as it stands between Myanmars capital Naypyitaw and resistance groups from Kayah and Karen states.

On the day of Min Aung Hlaings visit, the PNA released a statement calling on young ethnic Pa-O people to help fight the invaders.

Following the Nan Name massacre, local resistance group the Pa-Oh National Defense Force (Kham Koung), which joined the resistance attacks at Nam Name, claimed in a statement on Sunday that the junta troops had committed war crimes and crime against humanity by massacring war refugees sheltering at Nam Names monastery.

Clashes have been occurring in Pinlaung Township since Feb. 24 when the KA, KNDF and local resistance groups launched an attack on a junta outpost in Saung Pyaung.
War Against the Junta Over 70 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks

A PDF fighter of Tawgyi Mwaybawe poses with a rocket-propelled grenade. / Tawgyi Mwaybawe PDF

At least 74 Myanmar junta forces were killed in the last four days as Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) continued to attack regime targets across the country.

Currently, the Myanmar junta is deploying large numbers of troops in Sagaing Region and Chin and Kayah states.

Incidents were reported in Mandalay and Sagaing regions and Chin, Kayah and Mon states.

The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs.

Some military casualties could not be independently verified.

Military detachment faces land-mine ambushes in Mandalay

Local PDF group Tawgyi Mwaybawe claimed to have killed 17 regime troops in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region on Saturday as it ambushed a military detachment twice.

First, the detachment was ambushed with land mines between Mway Taline and Mway Hintha villages on Friday night, killing eight soldiers.

On Saturday, nine more soldiers were killed when the PDF groups again used land mines to ambush the same detachment heading to Sakyin Village in the township.

Later, ambulances transported the killed and injured soldiers, the PDF group said.

Regime targets bombed by PDF drones in Mandalay



PDF drones drop bombs on regime targets in Myingyan District last week. / MDDS

Local PDF group Myingyan District Drone Strike Team said it and other resistance groups conducted drone strikes on a military vehicle factory outside the town of Myingyan in Mandalay Region on Saturday.

The factory building was damaged after being hit by four bombs.

Last Thursday, the group also used drones to drop 12 bombs on a police outpost in Kokkae Village, killing two police officers.

Military convoy carrying 1,000 troops faces repeated ambushes in Mandalay

Local PDF group Wild Elephant Guerrilla Force claimed it and another PDF group killed at least 20 regime troops as they repeatedly ambushed a military convoy of 49 vehicles carrying around 1,000 reinforcements in Thabaikkyin Township, Mandalay Region last Friday.

The PDF groups used land mines and firearms in three ambushes against the convoy.

The convoy was traveling from Mandalay to Sagaing Region.

Military convoy ambushed in upper Sagaing

At least 10 junta troops are believed to have been killed in Indaw Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and PDF forces ambushed a military convoy of 46 vehicles from the militarys Battalion 309 in Katha Township, said Indaw Revolution, the media wing of local PDF groups.

The combined group used land mines and firearms to attack the convoy traveling in Indaw township, in which two vehicles were destroyed.

Regime forces bombarded in Sagaing

Local PDF group Black Wolf Army said it used mortar shells to bomb regime forces stationed in Han Lin Village in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday night. Military casualties were unknown.

Junta troops responded with heavy explosives, but all PDF fighters retreated from the area without casualties.

Regime troops ambushed with land mines in Sagaing

At least three regime forces were thought to have been killed and some others injured in Khin-U Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when Royal Tiger Guerrilla Forces and another urban PDF group used land mines to ambush a military detachment of 100 troops, the PDF groups said.

The detachment left from the town of Ye-U and was ambushed while entering the town of Khin-U.

Three military detachments ambushed in Kayah

At least 16 regime forces were killed and many others injured in Demoso Township, Kayah State last Friday when the Karenni Army (KA) and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) ambushed three military detachments attempting to raid resistance bases in Demoso, said the Karenni Military Information Center, the media unit of the KA.

At 6 a.m. on Friday, the combined resistance forces clashed with a military detachment at Daw Thae Village in the township. Fourteen soldiers were killed and others injured. Junta helicopter gunships bombed the village the next day.

Resistance forces also ambushed another military detachment on a hill in the eastern part of the township, killing two soldiers last Friday.

On the same morning, the KA and KNDF ambushed one more military detachment from Bawlakhe Township while it was traveling to raid villages in Demoso. There were some military casualties. Fighting continued in the area the next day.

Police outpost bombed by PDF drones in Mon



A PDF drone drops bombs on a police outpost in Paung Township on Saturday. / S.O.F

Some regime forces were killed or injured in Paung Township, Mon State on Saturday when PDF group Special Operation Force used drones to drop two bombs on a police outpost in Yin Nyein Village, the group said.

An ambulance transported the killed or injured junta forces from the police outpost.

Military detachments ambushed in Chin State

Local resistance group Civic Defense Militia-CDM-Siyin said it and two other PDF groups killed six soldiers and injured 21 others as they conducted 10 ambushes using land mines against a military detachment marching to Chin State on the Kale-Falam highway on Saturday.

Regime forces raided in Chin

Local resistance group PDF Zoland said it attacked regime forces stationed at the public hospital in Tedim Township, Chin State on Sunday night.

After facing an hourlong attack from PDFs, the regime forces fled after abandoning their base at the hospital. Military equipment, weapons and ammunition were seized by the PDF forces.

The number of military casualties was unknown.
Guest Column Myanmars Ruling Generals Trapped in Warrior King Mentality

Myanmar regime troops on parade under the shadow of statues of the countrys warrior kings during the Armed Forces Day parade in Naypyitaw in March 2022.

There are two questions, some would argue enigmas, at the center of Myanmars ethnic and social crises: Why has the military, for decades the countrys most powerful institution, failed to build a functioning nation state? And why have the soldiers remained so immensely loyal to their officers that they are willing to carry out the most horrendous atrocities against the civilian population, who obviously despise the dictatorship they are being forced to live under? Myanmars civil wars are the worlds longest-lasting, and there has never been any serious factional infighting among the officers, nor have the rank-and-file risen in mutiny against their tyrannical leadership. The answer can be seen at the parade ground in the capital Naypyitaw: three larger-than-life statues of the most prominent warrior kings in Burmese history, Anawratha, Bayinnaung and Alaungpaya. On March 27, 2006when Armed Forces Day was commemorated in the new capital for the first time, and the citys name, Naypyitaw, was announced to the publicthen junta leader Senior General Than Shwe declared: Our Tatmadaw [armed forces] should be a worthy heir to the traditions of the capable tatmadaws established by noble kings Anawratha, Bayinnaung and Alaungpaya.

Genuine democratic reforms have never been on the minds of the generals. They see themselves as successors to the pre-colonial warrior kings, a fact reflected in the name of the capital, which means abode of kings in old-fashioned usage. Than Shwe oversaw the construction of Naypyitaw, which is populated almost exclusively by military men and their families, associated government officials, and those serving them. But, as any serious study of Burmese history would reveal, while those warrior kings, whom todays military leaders see as role models, may have been excellent warriors and conquerors, they were very bad state builders. The empires they established were poorly organized and never lasted more than a couple of reigns under weaker successors. The kings lost their conquests because they established few administrative institutionsother than those responsible for tax collectionand depended solely on military might to control the people they had subjugated.

Anawratha became king of Pagan, then a small state on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, and founded the First Burmese Empire in 1057 when he conquered the Mon city-state of Thaton. As booty, he brought back 30,000 Mon prisoners of war, who were used by Anawratha and his successors to build temples and pagodas. The Burmans also adopted the Mon writing system, and the presence of the new Mon population brought the kingdom more firmly under the influence of Theravada Buddhism. It is generally assumed by historians that Pagan was ransacked by the Mongols in 1287, which led to the collapse of the First Burmese Empire. There is no doubt that wars were fought between the forces of the First Burmese Empire and the Mongols, but Pagans temples dont show any serious damage that would be consistent with a destruction of the place. The damage to some of the temples could just as well have been caused by earthquakesor general neglect and decay of whatever institutions existed at that time. By the 13th century, Pagan was an empire in decline, mainly caused by massive spending on the construction of temples and pagodas and very little actual nation-building.

A Second Burmese Empire was founded under the Toungoo Dynasty in 1531 and Bayinnaung, who reigned from 1551 to1581, was its most celebrated warrior king. He reigned from his palaces on the central plains of Pegu between 1551 and 1581 and conquered territories north of Pagan, parts of the Shan plateau in the east, and pushed as far east as Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and Vientiane in Laos. According to Czech Burma scholar Jan Becka: He failed, however, to create an effective administration and the stability of his empire rested solely on military strength and allegiance to his person. The incessant military campaigns exhausted the countrys human and material resources. On Bayinnaungs death, the people who were subjugated to his rule reasserted their independence. The Second Burmese Empire, with a new capital established at Ava (Inwa) in 1634, saw its ups and downs and began to fall apart due to increasing rivalries among the ruling elite.

An unnamed Englishman wrote around 1750 about an uprising in the province of Pegu against the Court of Ava: People are chusing to live among the Wild Beasts, than be at the Mercy of the cruel and tyrannical Government, which at present has a King, without any experience, and intirely ruled by Ministers, without any other knowledge but a bare private Interest, which makes the Country in general wish for change, because every petty Governor of Towns or Cities, if he can but satisfy the Minister at Court, can at his pleasure oppress the people under him, without any fear of punishment, which has caused the Revolt of the richest and largest Province of this Kingdom [Pegu], who for this last 10 years has baffled all attempts that have been made by all the Kings forces to bring them again under Subjection; having at present no hopes to accomplish it, being quite disheartened by their continual losses, which are wholely owing to the bad Government all over the Kingdom. Although this was written in the 18th century and Ava was sacked in 1752 by ethnic Mon rebels, the account strikingly resembles todays Myanmar. Little has changed since the days of the old warrior kings. The only differences are that the current revolt is not confined to the richest and largest province but nationwide, and now there are hopes to accomplish the overthrow of the present despotic order.

The last version of the Second Burmese Empire finally collapsed after the fall of Ava, and a Third Burmese Empire ruled by the Konbaung Dynasty was established by Alaungpaya in 1755. He launched wars against the Mons and recaptured and completely destroyed Pegu in 1757. Dr. Than Tun, one of Burmas foremost historians, writes in his study A Modern History of Myanmar 1752-1948: Most of the buildings [in Pegu] were set on fire. Many fled to Chiang Mai and Thailand. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives during the fightings. Alaungpayas son Hsinbyushin then sacked the Thai capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, a deed for which the Thais have never forgiven the Burmese. At the same time, he fought the Chinese and his decision to fight two simultaneous warsagainst the Chinese and the Siameseforced him to withdraw from Siam. The Konbaung kings were eventually defeated by the British in the the Anglo-Burmese wars of 1824-1826, 1852-1853 and 1885. Developments before the first of those wars have been described by Dr. Than Tun: He [the then king Bagyidaw, also known as the Sagaing Min] inherited a large empire and it was left to him to consolidate it and give the people good administration. But he hopelessly failed in this. Bagyidaw, Dr. Than Tun writes, lived on the glory of past empires and was not able to understand the strength of the English power.

It was not until Mindon became king in 1853 that Burma saw some meaningful reforms. A new revenue system was implemented, industry and commerce were encouraged, and reforms were introduced to make the armed forces more disciplined and professional. Under his reign, a newspaper called Yadana-bon Nay-pyi-daw was published in the new capital of Mandalay. Mindon, an enlightened monarch, even enacted Southeast Asias first indigenous press freedom law. But it was too late. Mindon died in 1878 and in 1885 his successor Thibaw was led away by the British in front of a mourning and wailing crowd, who had gathered to say farewell to the last monarch of an independent Burmese state. Thibaw was sent with his once-powerful wife Supayalat and their children into exile in Ratanagiri in India, where he died in 1916.

Most empires and kingdoms in ancient Burma were actually chaotically run by rulers who thrived on suppression, and had their resources depleted by costly military campaigns or, as Dr. Than Tun puts it: The theory of Myanma [Burmese] Kingship was quite different from the Divine Right Theory of Kingship in Europe. In Myanma the claim to rule was through conquest. There might have been a strong center at the court of the kings, but the further away one got from that center, the weaker the administration became. The chaotic nature of the Burmese empires and kingdoms has been thoroughly described and analysed in Victor Liebermans Burmese Administrative Circles: Anarchy and Conquest, c. 1580-1760.

The myth of a strong Burmese state has most prominently been disseminated by Robert Taylor, a British-American academic whose main work is appropriately called The State in Burma, the first edition of which was published in 1987. Taylors main aim in the book appeared to be to prove a thesis fostered by him and some other Western academics: Traditionally, Burma has been an authoritarian state with a strong center, gradually expanding its authority over the minority-inhabited, peripheral areas in an inevitable process of integration and assimilation of the non-Burman nationalities. Consequently, the 19th- and 20th-century liberalism of the British colonial era, and its extension after independence in 1948, was little more than a brief, alien interlude in the countrys history. Following the military coup detat in 1962, the country reasserted the continuity the colonialists and the liberals had upsethence the title of the books last chapter: Reasserting the State 1962-1987. The then dictator General Ne Win, Taylor wrote, emanated some kind of benevolence. The book had hardly been published before the country erupted in one of the most massive anti-government manifestations in modern Asian history. In August and September 1988as in 2021tens of millions of people took to the streets to demonstrate against a repressive regime that had kept them in a choking grip for more than two decades. Taylors notion of Ne Win being benevolent was brutally crushed when his army fired indiscriminately on largely unarmed protesters, killing thousands of men, women and children. A slightly sanitized version of Taylors book, now called The State in Myanmar, was published in 2009.

Nevertheless, and despite lots of subsequent events that would contradict what Taylor wrote, his theories have led to a belief among certain likeminded Western scholars that only the military is capable of preserving that strong state. That fiction was expressed by Marie Lall, a London-based academic, in a virtual conversation with the UN University in Tokyo on Feb. 19, 2021: We have to understand that the Tatmadaw is the glue of the nation and is very much perceived by a lot of people as the stalwarts to keep Burma together. Lall made this astonishing comment less than three weeks after the coupwhen tens of millions of people in virtually every city, town and major village across the country were demonstrating against the military takeover. So who precisely would a lot of people be? Certainly not the vast majority of the people of Myanmar. Lall is also the author of a book titled Understanding Reform in Myanmar: People and Society in the Wake of Military Rule. In the wake of? The military remained the countrys most powerful institution even during the decade of relative openness, 2011 to 2021. A longtime observer of the political scene in Myanmar commented after listening to Lalls online claptrap and having read her book: Her overly optimistic assessments in the early phases of reform were not vindicated by subsequent events, and her failure to understand deep systemic military interests and abusive behavior limited her outlook.

And it is often forgotten that the army Ne Win created is a far cry from Aung Sans army of the 1940s. Of the legendary Thirty Comrades who went to Japan for military training before the Japanese invasion of Burma in 1942, twoBo La Yaung and Bo Tayacommanded the Peoples Volunteer Organization rebellion after independence. ThreeBo Zeya, Bo Ye Htut and Bo Yan Aungjoined the Communist Party of Burma (CPB)-led insurrection when it broke out at about the same time. Of the Thirty Comrades, only Kyaw Zaw, Ne Win and Bo Bala remained in the army in the 1950s. Four of the othersBo Let Ya, Bo Yan Naing, Bohmu Aung and Bo Setkyarallied behind the right-wing resistance, which former Prime Minister U Nu organized on the Thai border in the 1950s. And in 1976, Kyaw Zaw, once the most popular commander in the army who had been pushed out by Ne Win in 1957, went underground and joined the CPB. On Sept. 6, 1988, nine of the 11 surviving Thirty Comrades denounced Ne Win and called on the army to join the pro-democracy uprising of that year. Only Kyaw Zaw, who then was still with the CPB, was unable to join the appeal, but, later, he also expressed his support for the pro-democracy movement.

The power base of the military regime that seized power in 1962 was actually a very narrow one. It consisted mainly of officers from Ne Wins old regiment, the 4th Burma Rifles, and nearly all officers who became prominent after the coup came from this particular unit. When the first junta, the so-called Revolutionary Council, was set up in 1962, it was popularly referred to as the Fourth Burifs Government. What Ne Win established when he had gained control of the armed forces was not a modern, professional force but one that works and functions in a way that could best be described as feudal and deeply rooted in the authoritarian values of the old warrior kings. The kingand now the military dictatoris God and as such he demands and rewards loyalty. He disowns and punishes those who dare to be different, hence the blind loyalty of his soldiers.

The other side of Myanmars heritage is represented by a solid intellectual and creative tradition. The yearly cycle in any Burmese village traditionally includes a number of pwes, which is usually translated into English as fairs, but they are actually much more than that. Every pwe worth mentioning includes a theatrical performance and there are few people in the world who are so fond of culture and drama as the Burmese. Sir J.G. Scott, a Scotsman who wrote about Burma under the pseudonym Shway Yoe in 19th century, aptly said that probably there is no man, otherwise than a cripple, in the country who has not at some period of his life been himself an actor, either in the drama or in a marionette show; if not in either of these, certainly in a chorus dance.

Burma has always had a high literacy rate and education has been a source of national pride since pre-colonial days. At a young age, every Burmese boy was sent to a local monastery to learn to read, write and memorize Buddhist chants and Pali formulas used in pagoda worship. For girls, education was less universal but even so, the census for British Burma in 1872 stated that female education was a fact in Burma before Oxford was founded. The long and strong tradition of widespread literacy was further enhanced with the introduction of British-style education during the colonial era. Needless to say, the colonial authorities were mainly interested in procuring a stratum of English-speaking civil servants for the administration and skilled clerks for foreign companies, but the inevitable result was also an abundance of bookshops and newspapers. The movie industry flourished and cinemas sprung up all over the country. The highly creative Burmese psyche also became increasingly politicized, which led to an active independence movement. After freedom from colonial rule had been achieved in 1948, Burma had 21 newspapers in Burmese, seven in English, five in Chinese, two in Hindi, and one each in Gujarati, Urdu, Tamil and Telugu. Ne Wins 1962 coup put an end to those freedoms and did not reassert anything but a return to an old despotic order that most Burmese thought belonged to ancient history. The period of relative openness during the decade after 2011 saw a return of a vibrant press, active political parties and an abundance of non-governmental organizations.

That brief period of relative freedom also came to end and when Min Aung Hlaing staged his politically, economically and socially disastrous coup in February two years ago, and the feudal, warrior-king mentality of crush-and-subdue remains the guiding principle of the generals. And now, according to a leaked letter dated Feb. 17 and made public by the Democratic Voice of Burma, the regime states it would take action against private schools in Burma teaching what it says is western democratic culture. More precisely, what Min Aung Hlaing and his cohortswith promises of elections this year or nextcall Myanmar-style democracy is just another name for a dictatorship that can only push Myanmar further into the abyss. The military is no glue of the nation, and what Burmas various nationalities need are strong civil society organizations built on their own, creative traditions. Not a return to the middle ages and the worship of some old belligerent rulers who oppressed their own people and waged senseless wars against the neighbors of their respective kingdoms.
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ABUJA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- "We've seen long-held dreams about integration, long dreams about trading within ourselves, coming true." A Nigerian expert said that after a decade of development, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has brought positive changes to the African continent. Produced by Xinhua Global Service
by Dr Arpita Hazarika

India will begin exporting diesel to neighbouring Bangladesh through a pipeline this month after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurate the cross-border oil pipeline on 18 March.

Good news is India will send us diesel, the (oil) pipeline has been completed. The two premiers will inaugurate the pipeline on 18 March, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said.

The India-Bangladesh cross-border pipeline will be inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India virtually.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 6 to discuss deals on connectivity, energy, food security and trade. [ Photo  AP]

Till now, Bangladesh used to import diesel from India through railway carriages. The announcement of India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline (IBFPL) launch by Momen came a week after he held talks with Indian counterpart, Indias External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting last week in New Delhi.

India-Bangladesh oil pipeline

India would export diesel to Bangladesh through the 130-km pipeline. The India-Bangladesh oil pipeline has been constructed at a cost of Rs 3.46 billion and has been drawn from the Indian line of credit (LoC).

The pipeline stretched 125-kilometre inside Bangladesh territory and 5-kilometre inside India.

The cross-border pipeline will carry fuel from Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Ltds (NRL) marketing terminal at Siliguri in eastern Indian state of West Bengal to the Parbatipur depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

The mechanical works of the project was completed on 12 December last year. The ground breaking ceremony for IBFPL was held in September 2018 in the presence of PM Modi and PM Hasina through video conferencing.

During his meeting with Hasina in 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to finance the cross-border pipeline with a capacity of one million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA)..

The project once completed will solve the problem that 100,000-ton tankers cannot dock at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, and must rely on maritime ships to transport crude oil.

The pipeline with India will cut transportation cost of fuel oil for Bangladesh by 50 percent, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Friday said the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline will effectively contribute to the country's energy security.

"It [the pipeline] will be a milestone in providing quick and uninterrupted fuel supply to the northern region of the country in a cost-effective manner,"

During a visit to the receipt terminal at Parbatipur in Dinajpur on Friday, Nasrul described the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline as groundbreaking in Bangladeshs energy history. It will ensure energy security and low-cost fuel.

In the near future, Bangladesh needs to transition from conventional energy sources to ensure its energy security and long-term sustainability. Following the Ukraine crisis, energy security has become a major concern for developing and least-developed countries. In this context, cross-border energy cooperation and revitalising the idea of the power corridor could perhaps help Bangladesh to mitigate its energy crisis.

Friendly and warm relations between Bangladesh and India since the birth of Bangladesh in 1971. In any time of crisis, India and Bangladesh have got each other's side just like a close mother. Be it the current corona epidemic, or the liberation war of 1971. However, the whole world is currently in a turmoil due to the post-pandemic wartime global crisis. Along with the political and economic crisis, the energy crisis has also intensified. Bangladesh is also in the grip of this crisis. To solve this global energy crisis, Bangladesh government has decided to reduce energy consumption. Importing fuel oil at an affordable price was very important for Bangladesh to reduce this cost. Although talks were started with countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Brunei about the import of fuel oil, Bangladesh's neighboring friendly country India was the first to come forward to supply fuel.

The initiation of multi-dimensional avenues of cooperation with Bangladesh is only possible because of its geographical proximity to India. A prime example of this is the import of diesel from India through pipelines. These imports will ensure maximum utilization of Bangladesh's geographical proximity to India. Diesel will arrive in the pipeline from India in June this year. Once this diesel starts coming in, it will be profitable for both Bangladesh and India. In this diesel trade, both countries will benefit economically and Bangladesh will be able to face its energy crisis more firmly. India will also benefit from it. India will earn revenue through this diesel export. India has already expressed a positive attitude towards increasing cooperation with Bangladesh. Not only that, recently Bangladesh-India has signed several agreements and memorandum of understanding to increase bilateral trade and investment.

Bangladesh-India diesel trade

Since 2017, India-Bangladesh diesel trade has been going on through railways. About 2,200 tonnes of diesel is sent from Numaligarh Refinery Limited through West Bengal Railway every month. This transportation cost was very expensive for Bangladesh Petroleum Company. When this pipeline is operational, the supply of fuel in the country will increase significantly and the cost of transporting fuel by rail will be reduced. As the demand for diesel is highest in 16 districts of northern region during Aman and Boro season, the government decided to import this fuel through pipeline. If the project is implemented, diesel will reach consumer level in 16 districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions within a short period of time. As a result, besides saving a huge amount of money, it will be able to provide it to the farmers at a low cost in a short period of time. This export of India will not only strengthen Bangladesh's economic relationship with India but also strengthen the bond of friendship during energy crisis as well as dollar crisis. Apart from ensuring uninterrupted, cheap and fast fuel supply, the cross-border pipeline is also expected to help reduce system losses through petty pilferage due to rail transport.

India-Bangladesh Partnership Pipeline Agreement

An agreement was signed between the two countries in November 2018 to implement the India-Bangladesh Partnership Pipeline Agreement project. The work of this project started in March 2020. whose term was till June 2022; But the project has been extended till July 2023 as the pace of work has slowed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the construction of this Bangladesh-India friendship pipeline is almost at the final stage. The 131.57 km long pipeline project connects Siliguri and Parvatipur, Dinajpur in West Bengal. Out of the total length of the pipeline, 126.50 km is inside Bangladesh and the remaining 5.07 km is in India. Out of the construction cost of Tk 520 crore, Government of India is contributing Tk 303 crore and BPC is paying the remaining Tk 217 crore. About 1 million metric tons of diesel can be imported from India annually through this pipeline. However, in the initial phase, two and a half lakh tons will be imported. According to the 15-year agreement, the import volume will increase by 4 to 5 MT annually.

Light of hope in times of crisis?

When Bangladesh along with the rest of the world is troubled by the energy crisis, this diesel business is showing a kind of light of hope. An alternative source of diesel import is being created for Bangladesh through this pipeline. According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation data, Bangladesh imports 6.5 million tons of fuel oil annually. Among these imported fuels, 4 million tons of diesel are imported annually. About fifty percent of the imported fuel will come to this country by reducing the significant amount of transportation cost through this pipeline.

Moreover, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation data, currently the average premium cost per barrel (159 litres) of fuel oil (including freight) is $10. If this fuel is imported from India, it costs eight dollars. A reduction of two dollars per barrel can save about $1.5 million per 100,000 tons. Apart from taking less time for fuel supply, the people of 16 districts of the northern region will be able to enjoy this benefit. So, importing from India will also save foreign exchange. Now if it is possible to import in rupees instead of dollars, our dollar crisis will be reduced to some extent. Later, if India gives some price concession to Bangladesh, Bangladesh may benefit more.

Exporter India on the other hand can earn foreign currency inflows from its export earnings and invest it in other sectors to benefit economically. Even if India exports refined oil to Bangladesh at cheaper prices, it will bring overall economic benefits to both countries. India and Bangladesh through bilateral and multilateral energy cooperation can address the global problem of high energy prices in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. When diesel starts coming in, the India-Bangladesh alliance pipeline, if properly managed, could be a prime example of bilateral energy cooperation. Not only this, it will usher in a new dimension in energy cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

Dr Arpita Hazarika is a Gauhati University, Assam, India-based researcher. She is interested in refugee affairs, political economy, security and strategic affairs, and foreign policies of the Asia-Pacific region. With numerous foreign exposures, she has conducted research works on India-Bangladesh affairs.
From a Sri Lankan viewpoint, the finance ministers of the G20 countries, did discuss the challenges faced by the global economy and recognised the urgency to address debt vulnerabilities and look (ed) forward to a swift resolution to Sri Lankas debt situation.

by Ayanjit Sen

New Delhi: Despite diplomatic differences in the G20 Foreign Ministers summit, India has been able to prove that it has been able to make the countries achieve consensus on many issues including climate change, food, fuel and energy security, etc. Keeping in mind the arising differences between countries on many issues including the Ukraine war, India has certainly proved that it not only deserves the Chair it holds, but also holds a coveted position in the current scenario of global diplomacy.

The consensus India hammered out in the last G-20 meet in Bali, Indonesia, had emerged as a challenge for it in its own backyard. But under the great stewardship of Indias Foreign Minister, Mr S Jaishankar, India has played its part diplomatically very well, even while walking a tightrope.

G20 India's 1st Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting commences last week of February this year in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. [ Photo: Special Arrangement]

The on-going Ukraine war has created a sharp divide between the West and Russia-China. What precipitated it was NATOs hardening stance against Russia and at the same time, Russia, with its historic ties with India, would like to expect Delhi to be a coveted strategic partner. Remember, India and China abstained from the UN General Assembly resolution regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India has reminded the G20 countries through the mantra of its Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, that todays era must not be of war.

While the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr Sergey Lavrov, put the blame on West, saying unfortunately the joint declaration was not adopted because of the rhetoric of the West, The US Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken, referred to Russia and China as outliers. However, Mr Blinken did agree with the Indian Foreign Minister that 95 percent issues have got consensus.

India will have to keenly watch out for the Sino-Russian closeness and chart out a future course of partnership with Moscow. The growing diplomatic battlelines between China and the US, is a test for India, which Indian diplomats think, will not dilute its bilateral relations with Russia or the US.

In fact, on the other hand, it is a brilliant opportunity for India to showcase its soft-power projection in other geographies. Do not forget, the Quad foreign ministers conference hosted by India close on the heels of the G20 summit.

Indias Prime Minister, Mr Modi, will want to pull off a formula to solve the Ukraine issue with several world leaders urging India to play the role. It may well see the day when Ayurveda settles the issue between allopathy and homeopathy! Hectic diplomatic parleys have already established Indias stupendous growth on the global high table. But the September 2023 G-20 meeting is still a long way to go. Experts think India will be walking the tightest tightrope then, but foreign policy history has proved time and again, that issues and parleys change in hours and days.

India may win the T20 by a comfortable margin in the G20.

From a Sri Lankan viewpoint, the finance ministers of the G20 countries, did discuss the challenges faced by the global economy and recognised the urgency to address debt vulnerabilities and look (ed) forward to a swift resolution to Sri Lankas debt situation. Despite media reports that no concrete commitments were made, it is better not to jump the gun. Policy is laid on a certain day and action taken on another day, and they are fine if they are in time.

Indias Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, had said that a common position for debt language had been arrived at. Sri Lanka, Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia would benefit from the discussions. ..Further, we look forward to a swift resolution to Sri Lankas debt situation, she has said late last month.

It is a time now to set realistic expectations during Indias G20 Presidency. Experts say it is just a matter of time before G20 will offer innovative solutions to many problems pressing the world over before critics continue to question its relevance.

Even now, during the geo-political fragmentation and diplomatic hurdles in the backdrop of a pandemic, the ray of hope is still alive. It is expected that the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), will truly resonate.

Ayanjit Sen is our Special correspondent in New Delhi. He International Affairs expert, international-award winning senior journalist and author. He has worked for over 24 years as a digital and television journalist with CNN (Delhi and Hongkong), BBC News, ESPN, ABP, The Statesman, India Today Group & Times Now. Nearly half of his career, he has worked with international media organisations. He is currently working as a professor of journalism in Bennett University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (part of the Times of India Group). He has worked in several parts of the globe including Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, France, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UK and Afghanistan.
Today

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Mainly sunny. High 67F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
03/10/2023



The JSU Trumpet Ensemble will travel to Colorado during spring break to compete against 25 universities.

by Buffy Lockette

For the second consecutive year, the JSU Trumpet Ensemble has been invited to participate in the National Trumpet Competition. The group will spend Spring Break 2023 at the University of Colorado, Boulder, performing alongside 25 peer universities in the quarterfinal/semifinal round of the competition.

Comprised of music majors with concentrations in music education and/or performance, the ensemble includes John Blakely, Gabe Bowles, Sam Estep, Brody Hester, Will McCutcheon, Holly Stokesbary, Justin Story and Del Valdez. They are led by Dr. Christopher Probst, associate professor of trumpet.

Founded by Dr. Dennis Edlebrock, the National Trumpet Competition is a nonprofit organization that showcases the talents of up-and-coming trumpet players. Since 1992, it has supported the education of more than 3,000 students from more than 40 states and six countries.
Goo Hye Sun dishes on her experience going back to school and how her classmates remembered her from her "Boys Over Flowers" days.

The actress and filmmaker recently appeared in MBC's "Radio Star" where she spoke about life behind the camera and continuing her studies.

During her hiatus in the industry, she is honing her skills and decided to enter a university majoring in film and video.

In 2012, she returned as a student at Sungkyunkwan University where she is among the top students.

She also flaunted it on social media and seemed happy with her decision to go back to school.

In her previous Instagram post, she revealed that she received a scholarship but plans to donate it to her fellow classmate.

"To be honest, I got the first place in school," she said, adding "I am going to donate my scholarship to another student in need. It's called, 'studying to give away.'"

Goo Hye Sun Remembered as Geum Gan Di By Classmates

Interestingly, now that she is slowly making a name for herself in the world of filmmaking, she revealed her early years in college.

Her classmates, who are a lot younger than her, remembered her as the girl in "Boys Over Flowers."

She even mentioned that some of her classmates were in kindergarten or elementary when the hit series premiered in 2009.

One of the iconic K-dramas, "Boys Over Flowers" skyrocketed Goo Hye Sun's popularity along with Lee Min Ho, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun Joong, and Kim Joon.

Besides being an actress, Goo Hye Soon is also known for being active in school.

She revealed that she often sits at the front and asked various questions during classes.

However, her friends called her as a show-off, teasing her that she is very proactive at school.

"My college friends (because I asked a lot of questions) said, 'I didn't know you were such a show-off'," she recalled.

Apart from Goo Hye Sun, several South Korean stars graduated from the university. It includes Song Joong Ki majoring in business administration.

Cha Eun Woo is also a noted alumnus of Sungkyunkwan University under performing arts as well as Moon Ga Young who took up Korean Language and Literature.

Goo Hye Sun's Upcoming Projects

She might be on hiatus on-screen but Goo Hye Sun is thriving in the filmmaking department.

Her recent work as a director was the short film "Dark Yellow" which won an award at the International Short Film Festival, known to focus on Asian short films.

Interestingly, she decides to donate the cash prize from the film festival and plans to give back to her alma mater,

"I received the 'Audience Award' prize at the 24th International Short Shorts Film Festival," she wrote, adding that she wanted to help deserving students who want to continue their education.

"When I heard the news that there were students who couldn't get their education due to the economic hardship, I donated to my alma mater, Sungkyunkwan University's 'Senior Love Learning Support Fund, Senior Shoots Campaign," she wrote on her Instagram.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Goo Hye Sun Hints at K-drama Comeback



KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Through the years, Ahn Hyo Seop has starred in a variety of acclaimed works.

Since he made his debut, the Canadian-Korean star was able to create a name for himself in the competitive industry of show business.

This 2023, Ahn Hyo Seop returns to the small screen with new beautifully helmed stories that fans will surely love. Read on to know more.

Ahn Hyo Seop Reprises Role In New Season of 'Dr. Romantic'

Before he stole the spotlight with his rom-com drama "Business Proposal" last year, Ahn Hyo Seop had a wide array of works where he showed off his charisma and skills.

The actor has worked with big names in the industry in the dramas "Abyss," "Lovers of the Red Sky," "Still 17" and more.

Ahn Hyo Seop also took the challenge to star in the medical drama "Dr. Romantic" with Lee Sung Kyung in 2019 which was successful, thanks to their chemistry and hard work.

This year, he reprises his role in the third installment of the smash hit series. 80% of the original cast are set to return to the limelight including Lee Sung Kyung and Han Suk Kyu.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS: Song Hye Kyo Reveals Sacrificing THIS For 'The Glory' Role, Opens Up About Her Struggles

"Dr. Romantic 3" began its filming in the later half of September 2022 with the intention to release the work within 2023.

Ahn Hyo Seop Headlines South Korean Remake of 'A Time Called You'

Apart from reprising his role in "Dr. Romantic," Ahn Hyo Seop is also gearing up for his forthcoming Netflix Korea series with "Vincenzo" star Jeon Yeo Bin!

The two internationally acclaimed actors headline the South Korean remake of the Taiwanese drama "A Time Called You."

It follows the tragic romance of a woman yearning for her deceased lover who gets transported back in time and meets someone who looks exactly like her beloved partner.

A romance drama with a hint of angst and fantasy, "A Time Called You" transcends fate which will surely appeal to the prospective viewers.

On the other hand, "A Time Called You" began filming in April 2022, and it is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: 5 Things You Should Know About 'Oasis' Star Chu Young Woo

Are you excited to see Ahn Hyo Seop in the small screen once again? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
In the remaining four episodes of "The Glory" Part 2, Song Hye Kyo stops at nothing to deliver her wrath to Lim Ji Yeon whose life is slowly, painfully falling apart.

After 18 long years of planning her revenge, will Song Hye Kyo succeed and find happiness on her own? Read on to know more.

Park Yeon Jin's Downfall

With Park Yeon Jin's (Lim Ji Yeon) career being put on the line due to the gossip that circulated on the Internet about her being a bully, things become more complicated.

During crises, the truest of friends stay and the ones who don't care leave. Lee Sa Ra (Kim Hieora) struggles alone in prison while waiting for bail.

Choi Hye Jeong (Cha Joo Young) sees this as an opportunity to ruin Park Yeon Jin and Lee Sa Ra's bond to snatch the title as the new Queen Bee.

Joo Yeo Jeong (Lee Do Hyun) purchases an abandoned funeral home; the same place where Detective Shin Young Jun (Lee Hae Young) stored Son Myeong Oh's (Kim Gun Woo) corpse.

It is later revealed that the decaying body is his retirement plan: a tool used to blackmail Park Yeon Jin for money to buy a home in Hawaii.

Little do they know, the scar tissues that were extracted from Park Yeon Jin during her visit to Joo Yeo Jeong's clinic were used to incriminate her as they were planted into Son Myeong Oh's nails.

Ha Do Young Chooses Side

Ha Do Young (Jung Sung Il) learns about the crimes that his wife committed. This drives him to side with Moon Dong Eun to achieve her revenge.

He also pays for Yoon So Hee's (Lee Soe) medical bills after being kept in the hospital's freezer for 18 long years.

Interestingly, Son Myeong Oh's body is found at the same building where Yoon So Hee died, startling Park Yeon Jin, Jeon Jae Joon (Park Sung Hoon) and the rest of the gang.

Park Yeon Jin's mother also kills Kang Hyeon Nam's (Yeom Hye Ran) husband under the pretense of an accident, proving that the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree.

With the series of mishaps and unfortunate events that happen around the people that surround her, Park Yeon Jin slowly starts to lose her cool.

She begins to dissociate and even experience hallucinations, seeing and hearing dead girls in her head. However, she still doesn't show any remorse for all the things that she did.

What's worse is that Park Yeon Jin is about to face a lengthy jail time, and her public reputation, which defined her for most of her life, is now ruined.

Her husband's affection for her is slowly fading, driving her even more insane. Things blow out of proportion when Lee Sa Ra leaks old videos of Park Yeon Jin bullying Yoon So Hee, becoming a spectacle once again.

A Bittersweet Ending

Choi Hye Jeong also exposes Lee Sa Ra for having sex with Son Myeong Oh and in return, gets stabbed in the neck with a pencil that causes her to lose her voice.

Things progress quickly when Moon Dong Eun coaxes Choi Hye Jeong to strip off Jeon Jae Joon his rights to see.

Furthermore, Moon Dong Eun learns that Joo Yeo Jeong is also plotting his revenge against the person who killed his father by applying as a medical officer in a notorious prison.

All of Moon Dong Eun's sacrifices and hard work have paid off as she welcomes her perpetrators to hell.

Now unable to see, Jeon Jae Joon arrives at a construction site, which becomes his final resting place after Ha Do Young pushes him from the rooftop into a pool of cement.

Meanwhile, Ha Do Young takes in Park Yeon Jin and Jeon Jae Joon's daughter as his own, and the father and daughter duo fly to Europe to start a new life free from secrets and crimes.

Park Yeon Jin Sees Hell

Park Yeon Jin doesn't see the light of day as she gets arrested for murder when the police find her DNA at Son Myeong Oh's murder scene.

When she visits her in prison, Moon Dong Eun promises that she'll rot in jail; her own hell where no one loves her.

At the end of the drama, Moon Dong Eun becomes Joo Yeo Jeong's executioner in his own revenge on his late father's murderer.

The two end up together, becoming each other's anchors. Joo Yeo Jeong continues to practice medicine while Moon Dong Eun, who restarts her life, enrolls at a university while working part-time.

Moon Dong Eun also contacts Kang Hyeon Nam, telling her that she needs her assistant once again.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO, WITHIN, OR FROM ANY COUNTRY WHERE SUCH PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE IN VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH COUNTRY.

Publication of the decision to launch a voluntary public takeover offer (freiwilliges offentliches Ubernahmeangebot) in accordance with Sec. 10 para. 1 sent. 1 in conjunction with Sec. 29 para. 1 and Sec. 34 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz, WpUG)

Bidder:

SWOCTEM GmbH

Rudolf-Loh-Strae 1

35708 Haiger

Germany

registered with the commercial register of the local court (Amtsgericht) of Wetzlar, Germany,

under HRB 3483

Target Company:

Klockner & Co SE

Am Silberpalais 1

47057 Duisburg

Germany

registered with the commercial register of the local court (Amtsgericht) of Duisburg, Germany,

under HRB 20486

ISIN: DE000KC01000, WKN: KC0100

On March 13, 2023, SWOCTEM GmbH (Bidder), 100 % of the shares of which are directly held by Prof. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Friedhelm Loh, who thereby controls the Bidder, decided to offer to the shareholders of Klockner & Co SE (the Company or Klockner), to acquire, by way of a voluntary public takeover offer, all no-par value registered shares of the Company (ISIN DE000KC01000) with a notional interest in the share capital of the Company of EUR 2.50 per share (the Klockner Shares) not directly held by the Bidder against payment of a cash consideration in the amount of EUR 9.75 (the Offer). The offer price complies with the statutory requirements.

The Offer will be launched based on the terms and conditions to be set out in the offer document for the Offer. The offer document for the Offer (in German and a non-binding translation in English) as well as further information relating to the Offer will be published on the internet at https://www.offerswoctem.com.

The closing of the Offer will be subject to certain conditions. These are expected to include, amongst others, antitrust and other regulatory clearances and other conditions in line with market practice. However, the Offer will not subject to a condition that a minimum number of Klockner Shares are tendered. The Bidder further reserves the right to deviate from the conditions and other key data presented herein and/or to include additional conditions in the final terms and conditions of the Offer, to the extent legally permissible.

Important Notice:

This announcement constitutes neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares in the Company. The Offer itself as well as its terms and conditions and further provisions concerning the Offer will only be communicated in the offer document after the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) has granted permission to publish the offer document. Investors and shareholders of Klockner are strongly advised to carefully read the offer document and all other documents relating to the Offer as soon as they have been announced, as they will contain important information.

The Offer will be governed exclusively by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and certain applicable provisions of the securities laws of the United States of America (the United States). Any contract formed by acceptance of the Offer will be governed exclusively by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Shareholders of Klockner whose place of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode is in the United States should note that the Offer is made in respect of securities of a company which is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and the shares of which are not registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Offer is being made in the United States in reliance on the Tier II exemption from certain requirements of the Exchange Act and is principally governed by disclosure and other regulations and procedures of the Federal Republic of Germany, which are different from those of the United States. To the extent that the Offer is subject to the securities laws of the United States, such laws only apply to shareholders of Klockner whose place of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode is in the United States so no other person has any claims under such laws.

It may be difficult for shareholders of Klockner whose place of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode is outside the Federal Republic of Germany to enforce rights and claims subject to the laws of a country other than their country of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode, in particular since Klockner is organized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and registered with a commercial register maintained in the Federal Republic of Germany, and some or all of its directors and officers may be residents of a country other than the country of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode of the relevant shareholder of Klockner. Shareholders of Klockner may not be able to sue in a court in their country of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode, a foreign entity or its directors and officers for violations of the laws of their country of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode. Further, it may be difficult to compel a foreign entity or its affiliates to subject themselves to a judgment of a court in the country of residence, incorporation, or habitual abode of a shareholder of Klockner.

The Bidder and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents of the Bidder or its affiliates, if any) may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws or regulations, directly or indirectly acquire shares in Klockner or enter into agreements to acquire shares outside of the Offer before, during or after the term of the Offer. This also applies to other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for shares of Klockner. These purchases may be concluded via the stock exchange at market prices or outside the stock exchange on negotiated terms. If such purchases or agreements to purchase are made, they will be made outside the United States and will comply with applicable law, including, to the extent applicable, the Exchange Act. All information regarding such purchases will be disclosed in accordance with the laws or regulations applicable in Germany or any other relevant jurisdiction and on the website of the Bidder at https://www.offer-swoctem.com. To the extent that information on such purchases or purchase agreements is published in Germany, such information shall also be deemed to be publicly disclosed in the United States. In addition, the financial advisors of the Bidder may also act in the ordinary course of trading in securities of the Company, which may include purchases or agreements to purchase such securities.

To the extent any announcements in this document contain forward-looking statements, such statements do not represent facts and are characterized by the words will, expect, believe, estimate, intend, aim, assume, consider and similar expressions. Such statements express the intentions, opinions or current expectations and assumptions of SWOCTEM GmbH and the persons acting together with SWOCTEM GmbH. Such forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and forecasts, which SWOCTEM GmbH and the persons acting together with it have made to the best of their knowledge, but which they do not claim to be correct in the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and usually cannot be influenced by SWOCTEM GmbH or the persons acting together with it. It should be kept in mind that actual events or consequences may materially differ from those contained in or expressed by such forward-looking statements.

Haiger, March 13, 2023

SWOCTEM GmbH
Tailings samples are being tested during a tour of Imperial's oil sands research centre in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018. Recent leaks of toxic tailings from northern Alberta oilsands mines have revealed serious flaws in how Canada and Alberta look after the environment, observers say. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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Over the past decade, Ive kept a close eye on the emergence of artificial intelligence in health care. One truth remained constant: Despite all the hype, AI-focused startups and established tech companies alike have failed to move the needle on the nations overall health and medical costs.

Finally, after a decade of underperformance in AI-driven medicine, success is approaching faster than physicians and patients currently recognize.

The reason is ChatGPT, the generative AI chatbot from OpenAI thats taking the digital world by storm. Since its launch in late November, ChatGPT has accomplished impressive featspassing graduate-level exams for business, law, and medical school (the answers to which cant simply be Googled).

The next version, ChatGPT4, is scheduled for release later this year, as is Googles rival AI product. And last week, Microsoft unveiled an AI-powered search engine and web browser in partnership with OpenAI, with other tech-industry competitors slated to join the fray.

It remains to be seen which company will ultimately win the generative-AI arms race. But regardless of who comes out on top, weve reached a tipping point.

Generative AI will transform medicine as we know it

In the same way the iPhone became an essential part of our lives in what seemed like no time, ChatGPT (or whatever generative AI tool leads the way) will alter medical practice in previously unimaginable ways.

Heres how:

1. By becoming exponentially faster and more powerful. The human brain can easily predict the rate of arithmetic growth (whereby numbers increase at a constant rate: 1, 2, 3, 4). And it does reasonably well at comprehending geometric growth (a pattern that increases at a constant ratio: 1, 3, 9, 27), as well.

But the implications of continuous, exponential growth prove harder for the human mind to grasp. When it comes to generative AI, thats the rate of growth to focus on.

Lets assume that the power and speed of this new technology were to follow Moores Law, a posit that computational progress doubles roughly every two years. In that case, ChatGPT will be 32 times more powerful in a decade and over 1,000 times more powerful in two decades.

Thats like trading in your bicycle for a car and then, shortly after, a rocket ship.

So, instead of dwelling on what todays ChatGPT can (or cant) do, look ahead a decade. With vastly more computing power and more data and information to draw from, future generations of ChatGPT will possess analytical and problem-solving powers that far exceed current expectations.

This revolution will enable tomorrows technology to match the diagnostic skills of clinicians today.

2. By emulating how doctors make clinical decisions. Generative AI isnt a crystal ball. Like Vegas oddsmakers and Wall Street investors, it cannot definitively predict the winner of the World Series or the next stock-market crash.

Instead, ChatGPT and other generative AI apps can access terabytes of data in less than a second (using hundreds of billions of parameters) to predict the next best word or idea in a series of words and concepts. But forming sentences is only the beginning.

Generative AI solves problems, unlike other AI tools. In fact, it closely resembles how doctors solve problems:

Begin with a large database. For physicians, data comes from classroom lectures, published research and professional experience. For AI, its the totality of digitally published material.

Extract useful information. A physician will recall (or look up) the relevant information that applies to a patients symptoms. Generative AI will use billions of parameters to pinpoint appropriate text.

Use a predictive process to identify the right pieces. Physicians compare possible diagnoses, whereas todays ChatGPT tests sentences. Both weigh the options and predict among (all of available possibilities) the best match.

Right now, the biggest difference is that doctors can perform an additional step: asking patients a series of clarifying questions and ordering tests to achieve greater accuracy when drawing conclusions. Next generations of generative AI will be able to complete this step (or at least recommend the appropriate laboratory and radiology tests). Already, Microsofts new

AI-powered interactive chat feature can ask iterative questions and learn from the conversations.

Just like residents in a hospital, generative AI will initially make mistakes that require a skilled physician to correct. But with greater experience and computing power will come increased acuity and accuracy, as happens with physicians. With time, ChatGPT will make fewer errors until it can match or surpass medical professionals predictive powers (and clinical quality).

3. By providing around-the-clock medical assistance. In the United States, 40 percent of Americans suffer two or more chronic illnesses, which, as the name implies, affects their health every day.

What these patients need is continuous daily monitoring and care. Unfortunately for them, the traditional office-based, in-person medical system is not set up to provide it. This is where AI can make a tremendous difference.

Unlike a solo doctor, the next generations of generative AI will be able to monitor patients 24/7 and provide ongoing medical expertise. Doing so would help patients prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes and minimize their deadly complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. This service would cost just pennies a day (ideal at a time when chronic diseases contribute to 90 percent of all health care expenditures).

Generative AI could help patients with chronic disease by:

Syncing with wearable devices and supportive consumer technologies like Alexa to provide round-the-clock monitoring while giving patients individualized, daily health updates.

Comparing wearable-device readings against the expected ranges preset by each patients doctorcreating patient and physician alerts when somethings wrong.

Reminding patients at home when theyre due for preventive screenings, Rx refills, or daily exercise (along with other lifestyle improvements).

4. By preventing medical errors. Given OpenAIs success with Dall-E, an image-based AI platform, along with promising developments in video-based AI from companies like Meta, we expect machine-learning capabilities to evolve far beyond predicting text.

As an example, video-enabled AI in hospitals could help prevent medical errors, a leading cause of death in the United States.

Lapses in patient safety, especially in hospitals, kill tens of thousands of people annually (with some estimates reaching as high as 200,000 deaths). Scientists have defined the steps needed to prevent these unnecessary fatalities. Yet, doctors and nurses often fail to follow evidence-based protocols, leading to avoidable complications.

A recent paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine calculated that nearly 1 in 4 individuals admitted to a hospital will experience harm during their stay. Health care pundits have gone so far as to recommend that hospitalized people bring a family member with them to protect against deadly mistakes made by humans. That wont be necessary in the future.

Next generations of ChatGPT with video capability will be able to observe doctors and nurses, compare their actions to evidence-based guidelines and warn clinicians when theyre about to commit an error.

This advancement would prevent nearly all medication errors and the majority of hospital-acquired infections, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.

5. By helping all doctors perform like the best. There is an art and a science to medicine. Medical students and residents learn both skills through a combination of textbooks, journal articles, classroom instruction, and observation of skilled clinicians. Future generations of AI will follow the same approach.

Once ChatGPT is connected to bedside patient monitors and can access laboratory data and listen to physician-patient interactions, the application will begin to predict the optimal set of clinical steps. Each time it compares those decisions against the clinical notes and orders of attending physicians in the electronic health record, ChatGPT will learn and improve.

A matriculating first-year medical student needs ten years of education and training to become fully skilled. Future generations of ChatGPT will complete the process in months or less, learning from the actions of the best clinicians in hundreds of hospitals. And once generative AI becomes sufficiently adept at predicting what experts will do, it can make that expertise available to doctors and nurses anywhere in the country.

What ChatGPT cant do

No matter how powerful and skilled ChatGPT becomes, it will have limitations. The application will always be dependent on the accuracy of human-inputted data. It will be influenced by the biases of doctors on which the application is trained.

But it will continually improve and address ever-more complex medical problems over time. Whether that requires ten years (and 32 times the computing power) or 20 years (and 1,000 times the power), future generations of generative AI will rival and ultimately exceed todays physicians cognitive and problem-solving abilities.

To prepare the next generation of doctors, todays educators must break health cares unwritten rules and build this technology into medical school and residency training. Rather than viewing ChatGPT as a threat, trainees will benefit by learning to harness the clinical powers of generative AI.

Robert Pearl is a plastic surgeon and author of Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients. He can be reached on Twitter @RobertPearlMD.
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Self-awareness and courage. Out of all the information and knowledge you gain during medical school, from a personal development standpoint, I would say that self-awareness and consistent courage are what make the difference between a good student and an excellent student. As a third-year medical student, I can confidently say that beginning medical school with these traits and continuing to keep these traits close during medical school will take you far in your journey and beyond.

During my third year of medical school was when I questioned my self-awareness. The third year is the year when you start making important decisions that will shape your life. In my opinion, it is the year of medical school that feels a bit more serious and scarier. On top of my professional stressors, I also had personal stressors that I realized robbed me of many potentially awesome experiences. This year, I realized I still had a lot of self-exploration to undergo. While I am currently learning some hard truths about myself, I am hopeful because I know I still have the power to change. Living is easier and liberating when you have a good idea of who you are. When you can comfortably be yourself, you are inclined to be courageous and do what you are called to do.

I encourage others to identify what may be holding them back from being the best versions of themselves and to reasonably challenge those issues. Safely and reasonably go against those challenges one by one. If you identified an issue of a fear of public speaking, for example, make a promise to yourself to say one thing during a class discussion one day. Or, if you identified an issue of social anxiety, make a promise to yourself to try a new experience with a classmate, friend, or by yourself every month. And as always, seek help from mental health services at your school or a trusted source. Challenges need not stop you from living your life to the fullest; with a lot of self-awareness, courage, and a positive mindset, change is possible.

Self-discovery is an ongoing process that will protect you from unnecessary pain and heartache down the line. It is a dynamic process that evolves as you change and develop; I guarantee it. By checking in with yourself and constantly practicing self-awareness, you will be able to enjoy your journey that much more. You will be able to genuinely and fully connect with others which is imperative to medical school success. Whether you believe it or not, understanding yourself makes all the difference.

Self-awareness and courage are soft skills I have yet to hear anyone mention are keys to maneuvering through medical school. It is imperative to become familiar with these qualities and to keep them close so that you can have a meaningful, productive, and successful medical school experience. Self-awareness and courage should be prerequisites for a journey of constant adjustments and changes that medical education brings, and for life, for that matter.

Kaelor Gordon is a medical student.
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In recent weeks, an outpouring of new research has highlighted the severity of the Black mental health crisis. One new poll shows that 77% of Black and Latinx women face mental health barriers related to racism. Another new study found that Black women are undertreated for depression. Yet another shows that even vicarious experiences of racial discrimination increase anxiety. All this is on top of research showing that suicide rates for Black children are higher than for white children and increasing faster than any other ethnic group. Similar problems plague other underrepresented groups: Suicide was the leading cause of death for Asian/Pacific Islanders ages 15 to 24 in 2019, and in 2020, rates of suicide increased in Latinx and Black communities.

In short, it has never been more clear that we need a new approach to mental health for underserved communities that considers that communitys historical context. We already know that underrepresented communities are less likely to receive correct diagnoses and treatment for mental health issues. Only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it. The same holds true for Latinx adults. The current system is not prepared to meet the unique mental health needs of Black and brown communities.

Here are three ways to start doing that, taking Black mental health as an example.

1. Ask new (and different) questions. Access does not mean equitable treatment. There are long-standing differentials in mental health diagnosis, access, and treatment. We need to probe why this is through new questions.

Why are Black people more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and less often diagnosed with mood disorders? And why are they offered medication or therapy at lower rates than the general population?

Why do only 6% of licensed psychologists identify as Latino when nearly 20% of the population is Hispanic? And only 5.5% therapists speak Spanish?

Why do policymakers only expand Medicaid coverage to address health inequities in care and outcomes? Middle and high-income, educated Black Americans still experience the same health inequities in care and outcomes as their low-income counterparts. Nearly 20% of Black Americans have low income, which means 80% of Black Americans are not experiencing poverty.

2. Find solutions that address structural racism. Current and historic white nationalism greatly contributes to the ongoing trauma of racism and gendered racism Black communities experience. The legacy of sexual violence of enslaved Black women may help to explain the treatment of other marginalized women too. A deeply embedded sense of entitlement over the bodies of women who are not white may explain why three out of five Native/American Indian/Indigenous/Alaska Native women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes and why for every one Black woman who reports rape, at least 15 Black women do not report. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that the historical legacy of trauma resonates through multiple generations, manifesting in behavioral issues ranging from low-self esteem and depression to violent or aggressive behavior, to addiction to high rates of suicide. But todays mental health policies have barely scratched the surface of finding new ways to address the generational trauma of the Black and Indigenous communities. The same holds true for other communities sharing histories of trauma and exclusion.

Consider just how long and far-reaching that trauma is in the Black community. For instance, U.S. colonial laws codified sexual exploitation, violence, and family separation, normalizing trauma and violence in the lives of Black communities. As far back as 1662, the Partus Sequitur Ventrem of 1662 Virginia stated, Negro womens children to serve according to the condition of the mother, making it legal to assault, rape, and impregnate a Black woman and then profit off the resulting child, withholding legal paternity but claiming property ownership of both child and mother. Some 200 years later, in 1855, a 19-year-old enslaved Black woman was sentenced to death in Missouri for killing the white man who enslaved and raped her because Missouri law protecting women in such cases did not recognize Black women as people. From 1877 to 1945, one in four of the 6,500 Black people lynched were accused of improper contact with a white women. The legal protection of white womanhood has historically threatened the lives of Black women and men.

This all may sound like ancient history. But the remnants of that legacy echo down through the generations. White supremacy is everywhere and is particularly linked to the intersection of trauma, gender, and gun violence, as demonstrated by the anti-Asian hate during the rampage in three Atlanta spas in 2021.

In fact, Black peoples trauma, like Native/Indigenous peoples trauma, and the resulting pain and compromised mental health rise from policies that ignore our lived experience and penalize us for circumstances we did not create. Research and treatment need to start taking seriously the lingering effect of historic atrocities.

3. Ask us what we need and help us build it. Mental health status, treatment, and prevention in Black communities are challenging and complex, and its nuances are rarely teased apart. Policymakers rarely listen to and engage the population most impacted by the policy. Communities have asked for increased racial concordance  where the race of patient and clinicians match  which matters in patient and provider communications. However, policies have not been implemented to address the need of Black communities. According to the American Psychological Associations Center for Workforce Studies, Black clinicians only represent 2% of practicing psychiatrists and 4% of psychologists providing care (and thats after a 166% increase of racial and ethnic minorities within the workforce between 2000 and 2019.). We need policymakers who ask us what we need and help us obtain it.

Solutions in our own communities

One of the most effective solutions to this wide-ranging problem is fostering existing support of traditions indigenous to communities of color. For instance, Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a D.C. psychologist and hairstylist, has launched a movement to focus on hair-related rituals and history to foster emotional and mental health reparations in Black communities.

Similarly, we need support for existing networks of innovative, grassroots organizations embedded in Black communities. For instance, the Community Healing Networks Emotional Emancipation Circles offers self-help support groups that share stories and healing around anti-Black racism and white supremacy. Around the country, dozens of grassroots mental health organizations, like the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective and The Weight Room, are doing the same, providing access to innovative mental health measures addressing the specific context of Black mental health. In Native/Indigenous communities, organizations like WeRNative, StrongHearts Native Helpline, Indigenous Story Studio, and One Sky Center also stand in the gap of their communities mental health needs.

Black communities face unique mental challenges because the U.S. has not addressed the economic, social, physical, emotional, and mental health impact of slavery. As we confront the mental health crisis in Black communities, we must do it in the context of other conversations around reparations. From obtaining better historical data on children taken from enslaved mothers to current discussions of economic reparations by Chicago and California, the U.S. must address the trauma created by U.S. and colonial policies, which intertwine at every level of the lived experience of Black people, Native/Indigenous nations and Latinx communities share today. Such measures will model solutions for other underserved communities and pave the way for an antiracist approach to mental health. We can address mental health for healthy and whole Black communities by asking new questions, supporting communities self-determination and organizations, and engaging in new practices.

Jameta Nicole Barlow is a community health psychologist.
The new Turkish Navy flagship is the 27,000-ton LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) Anadolu. Not only was Anadolu built in Turkey but so are the combat aircraft operating from the LHD. These ships have a well deck in the rear from which to launch landing craft. Anadolu is a multi-purpose ship with a crew of 261 as well as accommodations for several hundred troops, or civilians being evacuated from a disaster area. Anadolu has a top speed of 39 kilometers an hour and max range of 17,000 kilometers at cruising speed of 30 kilometers an hour.

Originally the Anadolu was supposed to have F-35B VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) stealth fighters but that order was canceled when Turkey bought the Russian S-400 air defense system. There are other advanced aircraft Turkey can use from the Anadolu; notably its locally produced Kizilelma jet-propelled UAV. At the end of 2022, Bayraktar, the Turkish firm that developed and produced the popular TB2 missile carrying UAV, successfully flight tested Kizilelma. Production of the new jet UAV is now planned to begin in 2024, and it will operate from the LHD Anadolu. The flight deck was large enough for Kizilelma to take off from and land on because of its ski-jump design. Kizilelma can carry 1.5 tons of weapons and travel at speeds of up to 1,100 kilometers an hour at altitudes of about 12,500 meters (40,000 feet) for five to six hours. Kizilelma has an AESA radar enabling it to use air-to-air missiles and GPS guided bombs. A satellite link is used to remotely control Kizilelma. In theory, Andalou could carry up to 50 TB3s (a carrier version of the 1.5 ton TB2 UAV) but if Kizilelma was on board there would be no more than 30 TB3s and Kizilelmas. In practice there would be about 20 on the LHD, to make room for helicopters. Over the last decade the U.S. Navy developed flight control software enabling UAVs to safely take off and land on carriers. The six-ton Kizilelma is 14.7 meters long with a ten-meter wingspan and uses a Ukrainian-made turbo-jet engine. Anadolu could also operate the new Turkish made Hurjet trainer aircraft. Hurjet is actually a little smaller than the Kizilelmas UAV and carries fewer weapons. Its first flight takes place in 2023 and a naval version would not be available for five years or more.
It's Cheltenham Racing Festival week and who better to talk to than Kilkennys Maureen Mullins  the mother of Irish racing.

At the age of 93 years young, she is certainly a remarkable lady. We spent the best couple of hours on her couch chatting about all things racing, Cheltenham, growing up on a farm, and how proud she is of all her children and grandchildren.

Maureen's late husband, the great Paddy Mullins

Behind every great man is an even greater woman and many would agree that Maureen was the driving force behind her late Paddys success. She was instrumental in encouraging him to race further afield, abroad in the UK, France, and America.

Cheltenham week will have us on the edge of our seats as her sons Willie, Tom, Tony and grandson Emmet take the best of Irish horses they have trained to the track, with her grandsons Danny, Patrick and Charlie riding.

Mrs Maureen Mullins with grandson Danny Mullins at first win in the Thyestes was the Thyestes Handicap Chase on Total Recall trained by her son Willie Mullins. Photo by Vicky Comerford

After more than six decades at the helm of Ireland's greatest horse racing dynasty, here is a glimpse into Maureen world

Tell us about Maureen Doran, before you became Mrs. Maureen Mullins.

I grew up on a farm near Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow and I was one of nine children. My passion for horses and the sport was sparked decades ago as a child. Many of my siblings played musical instruments but my interests were hunting and show jumping.

We had wonderful parents, and my father was a great farmer and stock man. Our farm had a lot of sheep and cattle, so we were lucky to have a few horses too.

Growing up I remember the cows all had to be milked by hand by 6.30am, for the milk collection for Bagenalstown. I think my father was one of the first to get an electric milking parlour in those days. He was also one of the first to grow tobacco in the area, which he later sold onto Carrolls.

My father was also a wonderful musician, he played the piano and fiddle every day. My mother was a beautiful piano player too.

I was one of the first ladies to have a drivers licence at the age of 16. I headed to Dublin when I finished school and got a job for the British Paint Company as a secretary. My boss Mr. McNally was an advent hunter, so I didnt spend a lot of time in the office! I spent most of it out hunting and going to race meetings with him.

Where did you meet Paddy Mullins?

I had known Paddy since I was 14 years of age. We used to go hunting together with the Mount Loftus Harriers. We got married in 1954 and had five children - Sandra, Willie, Tom, George and Tony. We were married for 54 years, and sadly Paddy passed away 11 years ago.

Paddy was 34, when he took over his father Willie's training licence, and rode his first winner as a trainer, Flash Parade II, at Punchestown.

After his riding career ended, Paddy turned his attention to training from his Goresbridge yard. Only for Paddy, I would never have gotten into horse racing so much.

You both had some fantastic years on the track.

Id say our greatest win was when Vintage Tipple, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Irish Oaks in 2003. Theres a lot of people in National Hunt racing that had more money, farmers didnt have a lot of money at that time.

Id say it was the greatest thrill of any race we have ever won. Paddy was 81 years old, and it was over 50 years since he trained his first winner. He won other races that were a lot more valuable, but the Irish Oaks was his biggest win.

The biggest national hunt race winner was of course Dawn Run, who was an iconic mare in Irish racing.

Maureen Mullins and Harry McCalmont of Noreland Stud (grandson of Major Dermot McCalmont). Photo by Vicky Comerford

Who do you think is the greatest influence in racing in Ireland?

I think Major Dermot McCalmont from Mount Juliet was. He was the joint master of the East Kilkenny Hunt, and the owner of the famous horse, The Tetrarch.

He was a great influence as he knew a lot of the people that governed racing. He had such a knowledge of it because he used to mostly race in England. He had an idea of how good jockeys could be, even if they were local lads that were not brought up with horses.

He bred some successful horses and that in turn gave an interest to the local farmers to get a brood mare of their own. To have one good broodmare to sell at the end of the year was some help to farmers.

You have said the Kilkenny mare Height of Fashion from Goresbridge, was one in a million.

She was owned by Jack Donohoe and trained by my husband Paddy. She really put us on the map. She was the national hunt mare of the century.

The Height of Fashion had speed and stamina and was always ready to race. She was not temperamental at any stage; she was easy to ride and easy to look after. Every jockey that rode her, agreed with her.

We knew on the days that she was racing that she would always run well, even if she didnt win. There are some very good flat mares now, but I think she was the brood mare of that era.

You were a successful point to point rider. You even beat your daughter Sandra into third place at a race in Gowran.

I wasnt a great point to point rider, I just scraped two wins. I only stopped riding 20 years ago at the age of 75. As for the win in Gowran in 1982, that was great fun, but my daughter didnt think so!!

You are still a regular in all your glamour in the parade ring. Ive seen you in action in Cheltenham, you are like the Queen Mother, and the crowd parts for you.

(She laughs at this). I am not sure about the best dressed, but I am certainly the oldest one there!

I do remember one year in Cheltenham, walking in somewhere and the security guard stopped me. He told me that my name wasnt on the list, and I responded by walking on through and saying, make sure its on it tomorrow.

Its been on it every year since!

During Paddys 52-year career as a trainer, he achieved success at Cheltenham six times. You must have some great memories of Cheltenham.

Winning the Gold Cup was special and the Champion Hurdle with Dawn Run. She was the only horse and mare in history that won both.

I was terribly nervous; it was the first time that I couldnt stand still on the stand. I was going from one foot to the other.

Mauren's son Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer of all-time at The Cheltenham Festival with 88 wins, including a record 10 victories in 2022. (Photo: RVN Management/The Jockey Club)

What do you think of your sons bringing so many runners to Cheltenham again and again?

I hope they have a few that will go up that hill!

All my children are doing something that they like, and I am proud of that.

Whats the best piece of advice you have given your family?

Just believe in yourself, even if it's something that your parents dont want you to do. Also, to be honest with people.

Who is your style icon?

A long time ago I got some suits and tweed coats made by a German designer Wolfangle who was based in Dublin. They have lasted me a lifetime and I still wear them to the races.

Also, theres my daughter in law Helen who has a boutique in Carlow called Touch of Class. She knows exactly what you must wear for each season. Thats the thing about style - that you know what to wear on the day to suit the weather.

My last question, what is the secret of the Mullins dynasty?

Paddys father  the late Willie Mullins was the best rider at his age and at an early age. He did everything for horses and the horse industry here. He was asked to judge every horse that Major Dermot McCalmont brought from England to Mount Juliet. Willie Mullins was a brilliant judge of horses, and he had a good eye for a foal and yearling.

Its followed down through in the genes and onto the track.
John Shark Hanlon says Hewick is better than he ever was  but will make a last-minute decision on whether or not the American Grand National winner will run in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The eight-year-old shot to prominence when landing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April last year and followed up winning the valuable Galway Plate.

He then looked poised to add the Kerry National at Listowel to his CV, only to unseat Jordan Gainford at the last. But he earned compensation when taking the American Grand National at Far Hills, Maryland.

He has not run run since that success in October and after his final piece of work on the sands at Woodstown Beach in Waterford on Sunday morning, Hanlon was more than satisfied with his preparation.

However, while he is not cowering at the prospect of taking on the likes of Irish Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, last years victor A Plus Tard and King George hero Bravemansgame in the blue riband, he is concerned about the potential for soft ground this week.

Were just coming off the beach and he is in great old form, said Hanlon. We just have to keep him fresh now.

The ground is the only thing. Thats the only thing Im afraid of. Im hoping you wont get a lot more rain over there.

He is a much better horse on good ground and hed handle good ground where other horses wouldnt.

Hewick went back for a trip to the beach ahead for leaving for Cheltenham. pic.twitter.com/gC7PgglPnk  Shark Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) March 12, 2023

Hewick is also entered for the Randox Grand National at Aintree on April 15, where he is due to shoulder joint-top weight of 11st 12lb along with last years runner-up Any Second Now and dual Grade One winner Conflated.

Hewick is a general 20-1 for the Gold Cup and 25-1 for the Grand National, and the Bagenalstown handler says he would not mind which race Hewick won, though his chance would improve with a sounder surface than is forecast at this weeks Festival meeting.

You dont want to leave his race at Cheltenham with the National only four weeks away, added Hanlon.

We have to think of everything. But we are bringing him over on Wednesday morning and well make a decision on the morning (of the Gold Cup).

Hes in great form and I think he is better than he ever was. Everything went well with his preparation.

Any of the two races will do us now. The National is something you dream of all your life, but a Gold Cup would be very special, so if we could be placed in it, wed be very happy.

The Gold Cup is the purists race, while the National is the peoples race  and hes the peoples horse.

He has a lot of weight for the National, but hes carried a heavy weight everywhere he went before and he managed it, so Im not over-worried by it.
The war in Ukraine isnt over yet but Russia is already working on needed reforms so, they hope, that the next time Russian troops are in combat they perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there were far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians had a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster are typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change.

The new plan calls for a massive training program to replace all the officers lost in the first few months of 2022s fighting. The immediate problem with that is all the officer instructors were sent to the front in March and April 2022 where they too became casualties. Next is that military and political leaders are still unable to restore one crucial aspect of an improved military; NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers, sergeants in the army, petty officers in the navy). A century ago, Russia abandoned a long tradition of NCOs. Instead, junior officers would try to do everything NCOs handled. That never worked. Providing adequate training for new combat troops is something else that never had a high priority. The new reforms are supposed to change that. There have been similar efforts in the past and none lasted long. There is another serious problem that few want to discuss; corruption. Even in wartime, especially during the recent fighting, corruption was still a problem. Officers and other government officials continued to put their own financial gain above the need to equip the troops with what they needed to survive and win. The difficulty here is that the militarys corruption is rooted in political corruption at the highest levels (Putin and his cronies) and inevitably drifted downward until even supply sergeants routinely steal back (and sell) gear issued to new troops when they are outside their barracks just before leaving for the front. Russia is descending into a Third World state known as a resource kleptocracy, but run by a for-real gangster confederacy. Only with nuclear and biological weapons from before it fell apart.

All this enthusiasm for military reform was thought to have been taken care of in 2022, on the eve to the invasion of Ukraine. As before, it was discovered that previous reforms had not worked.

Those who had followed the history of failed efforts to reform the Russian army since the 1990s were not surprised at what happened to Russian troops when they encountered their Ukrainian counterparts. Before the invasion, most Russians believed that the Ukrainian troops were no match for Russian soldiers. Russians also found it hard to believe that the Ukrainians, who were part of the Soviet Union until 1991 had managed, in less than a decade, to implement many fundamental reforms. Some of these reforms were far more ambitious than any Russia ever attempted. After a few months of fighting in Ukraine it was painfully obvious that Russian troops were no match for their Ukrainian adversaries. Before that, Russians believed that their dismal reform efforts had magically worked as nearly half their combat units assembled on the Ukrainian border.

Reports from the Russian capital, which Ukrainian military leaders believed, indicated the decision had been made to invade despite obvious defects in the training, morale and equipment of Russian units. The reality of the differences between Russian and Ukrainian forces was soon made clear as the advance was stopped short of its goals and suffered heavy casualties in the process. Copies of the attack plan, which were only distributed to a few senior commanders leading the attack, showed that the Russians believed they could quickly reach and take the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and replace the government with a pro-Russian one and declare the war over. At that point the rest of Ukraine was supposed to surrender and get used to being Russian once more.

Many Russians, especially recent veterans or parents of sons approaching conscription age, knew the truth and were perplexed at the decision to invade when so many soldiers were poorly trained and suffering from low morale. Conscripts supposedly prohibited by law from service in a war zone were sent in anyway.

Much of the Russian population continues to cope with the continuing use of conscription, something that has been unpopular since the end of World War II. The post-1991 government goal of having an all-volunteer force failed because it cost more than the government could afford and not enough young Russians were willing to voluntarily serve, even as better paid and treated contract soldiers.

Even though over half of Russian military personnel are now volunteers (serving on contracts) or career officers, the ability of the military to hold onto those contract (contrakti) soldiers is always weakened if there are a lot of casualties or too much chance of being sent to a combat zone. Volunteering to be a contract soldier used to be considered a smart move because the Russian economy had been increasingly weak over the last decade. After the fighting began in Ukraine, the contract soldiers suffered has much as the conscripts and junior officers did.

The result of this was contract troops refusing to renew contracts. Most of the combat units sent into Ukraine were composed of contract troops who were killed in large numbers. When the survivors got back to Russia, either because of wounds or because many combat battalions returned because of heavy losses, there was a sudden shortage of contract soldiers. That was because most contract troops were near the end of their two-to-three-year contracts and refused to renew. The army had signed up many soldiers for the new (since 2016) short term (six to twelve month) contracts for former soldiers, or conscripts willing to try it, and found that there were far fewer vets willing to sign these short contracts because so few recent short-term contract soldiers had survived service in Ukraine. The government tried to solve this reluctant contract soldier problem by changing the contracts so that contract soldiers had to remain in the army for as long as the fighting continued. Realizing that it was a death sentence if they were sent back to Ukraine, many contract soldiers simply refused to go. There were so many men refusing to go that the government backed off from threats to prosecute the reluctant contrakti.

Soldiers with time left on their contracts were a liability because they told anyone who would listen that the Ukraine operation had been a disaster for Russian troops because of determined and well-armed (with anti-tank weapons) Ukrainians regularly ambushing columns of Russian armored vehicles and quickly destroying most of them. While Russian troops were forbidden to take cell phones with them into Ukraine, the Ukrainians still had them to take photos and videos of the aftermath of these battles, and these were getting back to Russia where Russian veterans of the fighting confirmed they had seen the same grisly evidence of Russian losses or even survived one of these battles.

Russia played down these losses but the Ukrainian military maintained, and published daily updates of Russian losses in terms of soldiers killed, wounded or captured as well as equipment losses. After thirty days of fighting the Ukrainians were claiming that over a third of Russian troops sent into Ukraine had been killed, wounded or captured with even larger quantities of vehicles and weapons lost. After six weeks the Russian military admitted that losses were heavier than previously acknowledged but would not give exact figures. In part that was because an accurate count was not possible until most of the combat units (BTGs, or Battalion Task Groups) had returned or confirmed as destroyed.

Few BTGs were wiped out but many were reduced to half or a third of their original size (about 800 troops and several hundred vehicles). BTG survivors were assigned to other BTGs. Communications, even for BTG or brigade commanders, was unreliable inside Ukraine because of defective radios. That meant senior commanders of armies (which controlled over a dozen BTGs and many support units) were always using outdated data on unit strength and capabilities. This was reported back to Russia and was declared a state secret.

In fact, Russia is making a major effort to keep Ukrainian reports on the fighting from spreading on the Russian Internet. That has been difficult because the Ukrainian after-action reports are all Russians can get as their own government refuses to release much data on casualties. Moreover, the Ukrainian data appears accurate because it often includes pictures and identities of the dead Russian troops and details on the losses individual BTGs suffered. The Ukrainians had better access to where these battles took place and proved it with photos and videos showing destroyed vehicles, some of them identifiable as belonging to a particular Russian unit.

Without a lot of contract soldiers Russia could not replace losses. Replacing lost tanks and other vehicles also proved to be more difficult than expected. On paper Russia had thousands of fully armed and equipped tanks and other armored vehicles in reserve for quickly replacing combat losses. Not surprisingly those reserve vehicles were often in bad shape, having been poorly maintained by conscripts and larcenous civilians who made a lot of money by taking key items from these vehicles and selling them on the black market. These missing items were usually not reported missing until troops received these vehicles, which were generally mobile enough to be driven onto a railroad flatcar for transportation to units needing them. Once received these reserve vehicles were found missing equipment and in need of extensive repairs to make them combat-ready. This was nothing new and has been common since the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 and the mighty Red Army lost 80 percent of its personnel strength but few of its ships, aircraft, vehicles and heavy weapons. Most of these were in reserve though many were found abandoned throughout Russia, and new groups of these resting vehicles are still being found in forests while known concentrations of these vehicles or aircraft have been picked clean of saleable parts.

Conscription was in even worse shape, with the number of conscripts available declining each year. In April 2018 the Russian military only ended up with 128,000 conscripts during the semi-annual draft call. This was the lowest since 2006, a year when there were more young men available as well as more deferments and rampant draft dodging. In the years since 2018 the decline was reversed by issuing fewer deferments, punishing more draft dodgers and enforcing laws against conscripts serving in combat zones. The one exception was if the fighting was in Russia, which was the excuse the government used as it claimed they were not invading Ukraine but reuniting Ukraine with Russia. The Ukrainians as well as Russian conscripts and their families disagreed with this interpretation of the invasion.

Another reason for fewer conscripts is that there were fewer young men to conscript because of lower birth rates and more young men who were in poor physical shape, or addicted to drugs, or had a police record and considered more trouble than they are worth if conscripted. All this was expected but since the 1990s Russia has been seeking solutions and finding none that work well enough to keep the military up to strength.

As early as 2012 a parliament-ordered investigation found that the army was short a third of the privates (lowest ranking enlisted troops) they were supposed to have. The Russian military (mainly the Army and Interior Ministry paramilitary units) are supposed to have a million personnel. But officials admitted in 2011, off-the-record, that the real number was closer to 800,000 and slowly but relentlessly declining. A subsequent investigation confirmed this. In 2021 it was still no more than 800,000. Since 2012 the military has come up with a growing list of solutions for the problem but all these efforts do is slow the decline of military manpower numbers, not reverse it. Current fixes involve calling up reservists (usually for a brief period to test the system) and instead of letting the reservists quickly return to civilian life the military is keeping many of the reservists for six months or more. This was one reason for the short-term (less than 12 month) contract. Doing this too often made reservists refuse to appear when recalled. The economic recession since 2014 (because of low oil prices and sanctions) was supposed to encourage more Russians to volunteer but that did not happen and there was less money for increasing the pay for contract soldiers. Recruiting foreigners had minimal impact and so the Russian military keeps fading away.

The military has 220,000 officers, also on contracts, and many veteran "contract personnel" who provide technical experts and other senior enlisted personnel. These are higher paid contract soldiers, some with a decade or more of service, who often become the long-absent Russian NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer, or sergeants) but there are not enough of these NCOs to make a difference. Conscripts still make up nearly half of the military and it's getting harder and harder to find enough people to conscript or willing to sign a contract. This means there are two classes of Russian military personnel. Most (about 70 percent) are much less capable with most of them conscripts in for one year of service or new contract soldiers on two or three-year contracts. These are supervised by inexperienced junior officers, a few career NCOs and a splattering of senior contractees. A third of the military are more enthusiastic volunteers and conscripts. These staff the elite special operations, airborne, security and specialist units. In other words, while the government claims to have a million military personnel on duty, the reality is the reality is that there are only about 200,000 troops on active duty who are good at what they do and want to be in the military.

Conscripts are inducted twice a year, in April and October. In 2011, the April intake was nominally 220,000 but fewer than that actually made it into uniform. In 2018 the April draft was 128,000. In 2011 only about 75 percent of the men who showed up were considered fit to take. In 2018 standards of fitness for military service became much less strict and the military had to cope with a lot more recruits who are of marginal use.

By 2012 the military reluctantly accepted the fact that they would not be able to obtain more than 270,000 conscripts a year needed to reach the official strength of a million personnel. In the last six years maintaining anything close to that number meant taking less willing and able men. Senior leaders now accept that they will never command a million-man force.

Lowering their standards in order to make their annual quotas just fills the ranks with more troublesome people, who cause more of the good troops to get out. In the last few years, the military has quietly stopped accepting many volunteers or conscripts from Moslem areas, especially the Caucasus (particularly Chechnya and Dagestan). The wisdom of this was made clear when Russian intelligence reported that the most effective Russian Moslems who joined and fought for Islamic terrorist groups were military veterans. In contrast, Russian Moslems who had not served in the military were less likely to become Islamic terrorists and if they did, they were used as suicide bombers or support staff, not as long-term fighters. Moreover, commanders continued to report that if more than a few percent of their troops were Moslem there would be morale problems or worse.

The basic recruiting problem is twofold. First, military service is very unpopular, and potential conscripts are increasingly successful at dodging the draft deliberately or otherwise. The corruption of conscription officials has reached staggering levels. But the biggest problem is that the number of 18- year-olds is rapidly declining each year. By 2009 all draftees were born after the Soviet Union dissolved. That was when the birth rate went south year after year. Not so much because the Soviet Union was gone but more because of the economic collapse (caused by decades of communist misrule) that precipitated the collapse of the communist government. The number of available draftees went from 1.5 million a year in the early 1990s to less than half that today. Less than half those potential conscripts are showing up and many have criminal records or tendencies that help sustain the abuse of new recruits that have made military service so unsavory.

With conscripts now in for only a year, rather than two, the military is forced to take a lot of marginal (sickly, overweight, bad attitudes, drug users) recruits in order to keep the military and Ministry of Interior units up to strength. This worked during the cold war because conscript service was three years for elite units. With one-year conscripts, elite airborne and commando units using some conscripts find that these eager conscripts take a year to master the skills needed to be useful and then they are discharged. Few choose to remain in uniform and become career soldiers. That's primarily because the Russian military is seen as a crippled institution and one not likely to get better any time soon. With so many of the troops now one-year conscripts, an increasing number of the best officers and NCOs get tired of coping with all the alcoholics, drug users, and petty criminals that are taken in just to make quotas. With the exodus of the best leaders and a growing proportion of ill-trained and unreliable conscripts, the Russian military is more of a mirage than an effective combat (or even police) organization.

The military is unpopular for conscripts mainly because of the brutal treatment they receive. This has not been getting better and "hazing" incidents are still increasing each year. This is serious stuff. There are a lot of reasons for not wanting to be in the Russian Army but the worst of them is the hazing. One year conscription was supposed to solve this but new conscripts are tormented by conscripts who have been in a few months longer. It was thought that this sort of thing would speed the demise of conscription in Russia once the Cold War ended in 1991. Didn't work out that way. The government found that, even among the contract soldiers, the old abuses lived on and that most of the best contract soldiers left when their contract was up. It was because of the brutality and lack of discipline in the barracks. The hazing is most frequently committed by troops who have been in six months or so against the new recruits. But this extends to a pattern of abuse and brutality by all senior enlisted troops against junior ones. It remains out of control. The abuse continues to exist in part because of the growing animosity against troops who are not ethnic Russians and especially against those who are Moslem. Because of higher birth rates among the Moslem populations, nearly 15 percent of eligible conscripts are Moslems and that is seen as more of a problem than a solution.

This hazing originally developed after World War II, when Russia deliberately avoided developing professional NCOs. They preferred to have officers take care of nearly all troop supervision. The Soviets failed to note that good NCOs were the key to effective troops. The Soviets felt that officers were more politically reliable, as they were more carefully selected and monitored. The NCOs that did exist were treated as slightly more reliable enlisted men but given little real authority. Since officers did not live with the men, slack discipline in the barracks gave rise to the vicious hazing and exploitation of junior conscripts by the senior ones. This led to very low morale, and a lot of suicides, theft, sabotage, and desertions. This hazing has been one of the basic causes of crimes in the Russian armed forces, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all soldier crimes. This caused a military suicide rate that is among the highest in the world. Poor working conditions in general also mean that Russian soldiers are nearly twice as likely to die from accidents, or suicide, then American soldiers. Long recognized as a problem, no solution to the hazing ever worked.

Conscription itself, and the prospect of being exposed to hazing, produced a massive increase in draft dodging starting during the Soviet period. Bribes and document fraud are freely used. Few parents, or potential conscripts, consider this a crime. Avoiding the draft is seen as a form of self-preservation. The government has cracked down on parent-backed draft dodging with little effect. Thats because there is still so much corruption in Russia and evading conscription is seen by many as not really criminal, especially when the parents can afford to pay a bribe to keep their only son (and often an only child) out of the Russian military.

The Russian lack of sergeants (praporshchiki) has been difficult to fix. Just promoting more troops to that rank, paying them more, and telling them to take charge, has not done the job. So going back to look at how Western armies do it, the Russians noted that those foreign armies provided a lot of professional training for new NCOs and more of it as the NCOs advanced in rank. But this is a long-term process and takes years before benefits will be felt. By 2022 there were more veteran NCOs available and they probably made a difference. But the losses were so heavy in Ukraine that it may never be known how good Russian professional NCOs had become.

All this is in sharp contrast to the old days. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it had five million troops in its armed forces. Now it's less than 800,000 in just Russia (which has about half the population of the Soviet Union but most of the territory). Although the Russian armed forces lost over 80 percent of its strength by the end of the 1990s, a disproportionate number of officers remained. This problem was solved, after encountering much resistance from officers in general and, after a series of reforms, the number of officers was reduced by over 50 percent.

The Russian military has an image problem that just won't go away easily. This resulted in the period of service for conscripts being lowered to one year (from two) in 2008. That was partly to placate the growing number of parents who were encouraging, and assisting, their kids in avoiding military service.

All this comes after more than a decade of reforms in the armed forces, particularly the army. Poor discipline, low morale, and incompetent performance are all legacies of the Soviet era (1921-1991). Russian commanders, envious of the success of all-volunteer Western forces, have long studied their former foes and decided to adopt a lot of Western military customs. For example, one recent reform ordered that Russian troops would not be confined to their barracks most of the time. In the Soviet era, the conscripted troops were treated like convicts and their barracks were more like a prison than the college dormitory atmosphere found in troop housing for Western military personnel. Russian conscripts are now free to leave the base on weekends and work only a five-day week. All barracks have showers (a recent achievement) and troop accommodations are the best they have ever been. Things like this help a bit but not enough.

Russia tried to change public attitudes towards the armed forces by publicizing all the new changes and programs. But word got around that most of these efforts failed. Blame that on the Internet. Polls consistently show that most military age men do not want to serve in the military and the main reason is the hazing and prison-like conditions in the barracks. As a result of all these factors, prospects of a revival of the traditional large Russian armed forces continues to fade. The defeats in Ukraine have not helped.
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HERMANN  A suspect is now in custody following a nearly 14-hour standoff in Hermann. One police officer was killed and another was seriously injured in a shooting Sunday night.

Kenneth Lee Simpson exited a home on Highway 19 around 2 p.m. Monday and was taken into custody by a Missouri State Highway Patrol SWAT team.

Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith, 34, died from his injuries Monday morning. The second officer, Adam Sullentrup, 31, is in critical condition but is stable at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MSHP Sgt. Mike Mitchell said in a press conference Monday.

MSHP sent a statewide Blue Alert to the public about Simpson around 9:40 p.m. Sunday.

According to Mitchell, officers attempted to take Simpson into custody at the Casey's gas station on Market Street for multiple warrants from Franklin and Warren counties. Law enforcement declined to discuss what led the officers to Simpson's location at the gas station due to the ongoing investigation.

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Law enforcement said Simpson shot at the two officers at the gas station and then fled the scene.

In an update Monday morning, law enforcement said Simpson was possibly hiding in a home on Highway 19. Mitchell said it's unknown why Simpson used the house. A perimeter was established around the residence, and troopers tried to contact the suspect.

KOMU 8 News crews heard officers over a loud speaker saying, "Sheriff's Department, come out with your hands up." They also had weapons pointed at the residence.

After Simpson exited the residence, he was taken to Crawford County Jail, where he waits for formal charges from the Gasconade County prosecutor, according to Mitchell.

According to The Associated Press, Simpson has a history of criminal charges involving drugs, weapons offenses, assault and property damage. A St. Louis County judge issued a warrant for Simpsons arrest in August when he failed to show up in court in a drug possession case.

The Gasconade County R-1 School District was closed Monday as a safety precaution.
K-pop is a profession where idols undergo lots of interpersonal interaction. That includes both off-cam and on-cam occasions, which can be understandably draining for introverted idols. However, their love for performing and fans surpasses all limits, leading them to become stars in the industry.

Nowadays, fans are now engaged on K-pop's fourth generation, where more idols and groups debuting. Many are also curious which of these idols are quiet, mysterious, or introverted.

Here are 6 fourth-gen K-pop idols who are known for being introverts!

1. NMIXX Sullyoon

Sullyoon of NMIXX is an endearing oddball in the group, and is the only introverted one among members! While the rest of NMIXX members are all extroverted in their own unique way, Sullyoon begs to differ.

On most occasions, members would goof around playfully, with Sullyoon being inside of her own little world. Their fandom, NSWERs, find this habit of her adorable, due to her calm demeanor and angel-like visuals!

2. NewJeans Haerin

Haerin of NewJeans is indeed an introvert on the group. While she shines brightly on the stage with her fierce dance moves, Haerin's personality traverses through the introvert spectrum, since in most cases, she's considered to be the quiet one.

However, on an interview with GQ Korea, the idol expressed how she's making an effort to improve her expression. Haerin being an introvert doesn't mean she's not allowed to have fun, as the idol also knows how to let loose when necessary.

3. Former (G)I-DLE Soojin

Former (G)I-DLE member Soojin rakes attention from everyone with her stage presence, talent and flawless visuals. Although ferocious on the group's performances, Soojin does have a bit of shyness around her, as witnessed through several livestreams and variety shows.

Soojin is occasionally shown to be quiet, but can go crazy with other members when she wants to. On (G)I-DLE's stages, Soojin is quite the stan attractor, making it hard to distinguish her introverted personality.

4. TXT Soobin

TXT Soobin generates introvert energy, despite being a great performer, and the group's charismatic leader. On several instances, TXT's four extroverted members are shown having chaotic vigor in shooting sets, while Soobin differs with his relaxed personality.

5. LE SSERAFIM Chaewon

In her IZ*ONE days, Kim Chaewon really showed her reserved manner, which is a match for her fairy-like visuals back then. During the course of her career, Chaewon was revealed to be an ISTP, according to her MBTI results. Simultaneously delicate and headstrong, Chaewon serves as a catalyst for strong leadership in LE SSERAFIM, while maintaining her introverted self.

6. TREASURE Jeongwoo

TREASURE Jeongwoo threads into the ISFP, which is located on the introvert scale, according to his MBTI results. However, it's difficult to see through his introverted personality, given ATEEZ's synchronized and energetic live stages!

Do you have any other introverted fourth-gen K-pop idols in mind? Let us know in the comments below!

Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
DKZ Kyoungyoon has admitted his involvement with JMS cult, which was relayed through an exclusive interview from Dispatch.

Here's what he said.

DKZ Kyoungyoon Admits His Affiliation With JMS Cult

On March 13, Dispatch published an exclusive interview regarding DKZ Kyoungyoon on his involvement with JMS (Jesus Morning Star).

According to Dispatch, several interviews were conducted with both Kyoungyoon (March 8, 10) and his parents (March 9). The interviews' purpose was to allow Kyoungyoon, and his family admit their affiliation with the church, as well as reflect on their experiences.

In relation to Kyoungyoon's issue, Netflix has released a documentary titled, "In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal," which premiered on March 3. The docu-series revealed the exploitation of cult leaders in Korea.

Amid the show's popularity, the K-pop community was taken aback upon learning Kyoungyoon and his family's alleged inclusion with the cult. In the docu-series, it has come to light that the cafe Kyoungyoon's family ran was also connected to a nearby church under JMS known as Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God).

The interview started with Dispatch having asked Kyoungyoon which church Kyoungyoon and his family were affiliated with. Kyoungyoon replied that they were indeed drawn in JMS's Providence Church.

Kyoungyoon also shared that her mother had attended a Presbyterian church before. However, in 1994, she was led to JMS's Providence Church, as well as Kyoungyoon's aunt who studied theology and became a pastor.

In February 2020, Kyoungyoon's aunt opened her own church, which was linked to the cafe of Kyoungyoon's mother. With the revelations in hand, rumors started to spread like wildfire, only to be confirmed by Kyoungyoon on Dispatch.

"I was a part of the Providence Church ever since I was in my mother's womb. At such a young age, I was already going with her. I went wherever she would go."

How Did Kyoungyoon End Up Joining JMS?

Kyoungyoon then explained how he joined JMS and how he left. The idol was exposed through the church's sermons and his aunt's praises over the church's leader, Jung Myung Seok. Kyoungyoon stated he has also seen "In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal," expressing his disbelief and admitted how he was "brainwashed" slowly but surely.

The idol recalled a difficult time when he felt unwell on his head. To mend the sickness, several pastors who were his aunt's connections came to pray for him. Afterwards, Kyoungyoon went through surgery and found nothing serious, leading his mother to be ingrained further with the church.

"When I went in for surgery three days after the pastors visited, there was nothing wrong with me. After my mother realized that that was God's doing, she began to have a lot more faith in JMS and began sharing the reality of healing stories."

Moving onwards, the topic pointed out to Wolmyeong-dong, where the Providence Church's headquarters was stationed. In relation to the place, Kyoungyoon has previously mentioned a painting of his during a live broadcast, which concerned many netizens.

Kyoungyoon revealed that his parents would take him there, with the purpose of doing recreational activities such as swimming, volleyball, eating food and more. Regardless of the fun activities, Kyoungyoon was unaware of the "sexual exploitation" part.

"Sexual exploitation? I was unaware that was taking place. We, who traveled to Wolmyeong-dong from the countryside, had no idea what had occurred," Kyoungyoon stated.

Kyoungyoon Reveals His Activities During His Time With JMS, Vows To Leave Church

According to Dispatch's report, Kyoungyoon was also asked if he was ever active in JMS's activities. Kyoungyoon enumerated that various groups related to music were in the church. From hip-hop to singing groups.

The idol shared that he applied on its singing club during his ninth grade, and was invited in a group chatroom called Naver Band, after passing the audition. Kyoungyoon claimed the chatroom was utilized for assigning homework and other group endeavors.

During his ninth and tenth grade, Kyoungyoon was active on the singing club. He also claimed there were no actual performances that occurred, and that JMS had allegedly used teenagers to perform missionary work.

Dispatch then asked why the idol had attended a JMS-affiliated church despite its leader, Jung Myung-seok, being behind bars between 2008 to 2018.

Kyoungyoon stated:

"I've been told since I was a child that JMS was wrongly accused of his crimes. There are numerous explanations taught to us how he was innocent." "They essentially forced us to accept such justifications. Thus, gradually, we were all misled into believing that JMS had experienced persecution similar to what Jesus had." "I experienced bullying as a child because I followed a pseudo-religion. Without even realizing it, I developed a guarded personality and identified myself a Christian when someone inquired about my faith." "However, we all had faith in God. I have never brought up JMS to my colleagues, agency, or anybody else."

Kyoungyoon added, "I am terminating my involvement with the church at this point, even though it is already too late."

What are your thoughts on this?

Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
Hometown Patriot goes above the call of duty to help man from burning car
New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted searches in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar in the ISIS Kerala module case and seized several digital devices.

The raids were conducted at the house of one Uzair Azhar Bhat in Srinagar's Karfali Mohalla. Bhat is suspected to have been part of the conspiracy.

Also Read | Lt. Governor of Ladakh, Brig. B.D. Mishra Called on PM @narendramodi.  Latest Tweet by PM Narendra Modi Office.

In 2021, the NIA said, it had started investigations into Mohammed Ameen alias Abu Yahya, a resident of Kerala's Mallapuram.

The agency said Yahya had been running various ISIS propaganda channels on different social media platforms, such as Telegram, Hoop, and Instagram. Through these channels, he was propagating violent Jihadi ideologies of ISIS and was radicalizing and recruiting new members to this ISIS module. He and his associates had even identified certain individuals for targeted killings. They had also made plans to undertake Hijrah to Jammu and Kashmir for engaging in terrorist acts and had raised funds from various sources for this trip.

Also Read | Bihar Has Lowest Literacy Rate Followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, Says Ministry of Education.

During the probe, the NIA said, it was found that Mohammad Ameen was in touch with Deepthi Marla of Kerala, a converted Muslim married to Anas Abdul Rahiman of Mangalore.

In 2015, the anti-terror agency said, Deepthi Marla had gone to Dubai to pursue studies where she met Mizha Siddeeque and both women developed an inclination towards ISIS.

"In 2019, they tried to do Hijrah to Khorasan and reached Tehran, Iran. After reaching Tehran, their contact with ISIS operatives based in Khorasan could not be established."

They both returned to India, and Deepthi Marla got in touch with Ameen, Obaid Hamid Matta, Madesh Shankar alias Abdullah, and others and made plans to undertake Hijrah to ISIS-administered territory, said the NIA.

In January 2020, the NIA further said, Deepthi Marla went to Srinagar in January 2020 to meet Obaid to plan the Hijrah and stayed in Srinagar for one week.

One of the common contacts between Deepthi Marla and Obaid was Uzair Azhar Bhat, whose house was raided by the NIA today, said the agency, adding the seized digital devices from the residence of Bhat are being examined and further investigations are in progress. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, March 13: After being summoned by the Delhi Police in connection with the death of veteran actor Satish Kaushik, businessman Vikas Malu's second wife has said that she won't cooperate in the investigation, until the investigating inspector with "suspicious role" is changed. Vikas Malu's second wife, who levelled serious allegations against her husband has been summoned by the Delhi Police to record her statement in connection on Monday.

"Whereas the above mentioned complaint filed by you on 11.03.2023, is being enquired by the undersigned. There are reasonable ground to examine you to ascertain facts and circumstances in relation to the enquiry of the above mentioned complaint. Therefore, you are requested to join the enquiry before the undersigned on 13.03.23 at 11 am, at your home or any other place convenient to you," the Delhi Police stated in the notice. Satish Kaushik Death Case: Actor-Directors Wife Dismisses Rs 15 Crore Angle, Urges Farmhouse Owner Vikas Malus Wife To Drop Case.

However, the woman's lawyer Rajendra Chhabra has told ANI that Vikas Malu's wife won't cooperate in the investigation pertaining to the "suspicious" role of the investigating officer.

Talking to ANI, Rajendra Chhabra said, "The role of the inspector, under whose supervision the whole investigation is taking place, is already under scanner. My client (Vikas Malu's wife) will not join the investigation till the inspector is changed". The lawyer said that they have also sent an email to the Delhi Police Commissioner regarding this and has told about the "suspicious" role of the Inspector

"The woman had made rape allegations against her husband Vikas Malu, and it was the same inspector investigating the case. But, he was removed from investigation for allegedly tampering with the evidence. Now, again after the complaint of my client, the same inspector has been appointed for investigation, which is surprising," Chhabra added.

Vikas Malu's wife has levelled serious accusations against her husband. She alleged that actor Satish Kaushik and her husband had business links and there was a monetary dispute between the two.

Speaking to ANI, she had said, "I have got a complaint registered in connection with Satish Ji's death. He had come to my husband's farmhouse for a party, where his health deteriorated. Some objectionable medicines have also been found from the farmhouse. Satish Ji and my husband had business connections as well. In August 2022, an argument broke out between Satish Ji and my husband, where Satish ji demanded Rs 15 crores that he had earlier given to him. But, my husband said that he will give the money in India."

She further alleged, "When I later asked from him about the money, my husband said that he borrowed the money from Satish ji, but the money went for loss during the Covid period. My husband was not in the mood to return the money, he even said that he will use blue pills and Russian girls to do away with Satish Kaushik. That's why I have brought this angle to the police for fair investigation."

However, Satish Kaushik's wife Shashi Kaushik reacted strongly to the allegations and refuted the claims of financial transactions. She also asked Vikas Malu's wife to withdraw the case. In an interview with ABP News, Shashi Kaushik said her husband had gone to Delhi to attend the Holi party.

"Satish Kaushik and Vikas Malu were good friends and they would never fight. Shashi Kaushik said Vikas Malu is very rich, so there will be no situation where he needs money from Satish Kaushik. She said the allegations of money transactions are baseless," she said. Shashi Kaushik said that the post-mortem report has confirmed that the late actor had 98 per cent blockage in his arteries and no drug was found in his sample.

"The Delhi Police has verified everything but she does not understand how Vikas Malu's wife is claiming that the actor was drugged and killed. I do not understand why she is trying to defame my husband after his demise. She has some agenda, maybe because she wants money from her husband and she is now involving Satish into this," Shashi Kaushik told ABP News.

After his wife levelled accusations of his involvement in the death of veteran actor Satish Kaushik, the farmhouse owner Vikas Malu alleged that his name is being used in "wrong light". He also urged the media to respect everyone's sentiments. Satish Kaushik Death: Vikas Malu, Businessman Accused by Wife for Actor's Death, Breaks Silence on Allegations; Shares Video of Actor Dancing at His Holi Party.

The matter pertains to the death of veteran actor, Satish Kaushik who died on March 9 allegedly due to cardiac arrest. Satish Kaushik celebrated Holi with his friends, and danced, after which he went to sleep at around 9:30 pm and at around 12 am his health deteriorated. He called the manager and told him that he was having difficulty in breathing. His manager took him to Fortis Hospital in Gurugram where he died at 1.43 am despite being given Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The Delhi Police said that it is examining seven hours of CCTV footage at the farmhouse in Delhi where the actor celebrated Holi. The police also said that the detailed post-mortem report of Kaushik confirms that the death was a "natural" one and occurred due to 'cardiac arrest'. Satish Kaushik had a medical history of hypertension and sugar, the police said. Further investigation is underway in the case.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru, Mar 13 (PTI) The joint statement from the US Treasury, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) stating that depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13 in connection with the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse has come as a relief to the startups who were exposed to the bank.

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Startups hope the crisis would now be resolved soon.

Also Read | Torrent Investments Moves Supreme Court Against National Company Law Appellate Tribunal Decision.

"FDIC's communication yesterday saying all depositors will get access to their funds is a relief to the startup community, said Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO & Co-founder at Facilio, a property operations software provider.

Facilio has significant exposure, as a major portion of the company's funds is with SVB.

"But we expect the crisis to be resolved this week and we should get access to our funds. We have money outside SVB to cover 4-5 months of our operations. This gives us more than sufficient time for the crisis to be resolved, and for us to access our funds at SVB," Ramachandran said

He added "while most SaaS (Software as a Service) startups had some kind of exposure, most of them had diversified their funds and operations did not get impacted as such. Also, we knew it was only a matter of days that this issue would get resolved."

"We understood the way it snowballed into and most of us didn't get carried away by the noise. We took stock of our financials outside SVB and believed this problem would get resolved in a few weeks. We kept our internal teams updated on the situation. SaaS is a close-knit community here and we are speaking to each other to ensure the confidence within the community is held up," Ramachandran added.

However, the number of startups that are affected is miniscule say some.

"In the Indian startup ecosystem, the number of companies that have US bank account is miniscule. It is a problem for US companies, for Indian companies, a very miniscule section of the Indian ecosystem has been affected by the Silicon Valley Bank collapse," said K Ganesh - Serial Entrepreneur, Promoter - Bigbasket, Portea Medical, Bluestone, HomeLane.

"None of the startups mentioned in a section of the Indian media  BlueStone and TutorVista  have been impacted by the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. This is pure case of wrong understanding and sensationalising, Ganesh said.

He added SVB had invested in these companies and taken equity or shares from them.

"The money came from SVB. Both BlueStone and TutorVista received money from SVB and gave them shares against that. Tutor Vista got the money 16 years back. BlueStone got the money 10 years back. That money has been consumed and utilised. Subsequently the shares have been sold and SVB is no longer a shareholder in any of these companies. Therefore, what happens with SVB has no relevance to these companies. Whether it is PayTM, Bluestone or TutorVista," he said.

Ganesh added, "if the same situation had happened 15 years ago, the news would not have spread so quickly. Now, the moment you get a whiff of a problem on social media or news reports, internet and mobile banking help people move funds immediately. Something like 20 billion dollars was removed in a day. Mobile internet banking makes a run on the bank' possible. While not blaming SM or mobile internet banking, the lesson is that the banking regulators have to learn how to avoid similar situation repeating in the age of social media."

Meanwhile, payment solutions and fintech companies are coming up with ways for affected startups to work around the issue.

A Razorpay spokesperson said, "we have been working round the clock and have created a dedicated RazorpayX desk to help our fellow startups urgently move funds from their US banks to India. For all existing RazorpayX users, we are offering to move their money into their Indian current account as FDI through our partner banks. For anyone who is not a RazorpayX user, we are helping them move their money to a Nostro account through our partner banks."

"We also understand that this event may cause a few companies to be unable to make payroll in the next 30 days. We are working things internally to see how we can help resolve it. Our teams are working hard along with our banking partners to explore all possible solutions to reduce the panic amongst founders because we know if we don't come together and help them out now, these young disruptive startups may not see the light of day," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tehran [Iran], March 13 (ANI): Iran's mission to the United Nations has said that the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran will contribute to finding a political solution to the war in Yemen, state news agency IRNA reported.

"The restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran [would] speed the ceasefire, help launch a national discussion, and build an inclusive national administration in Yemen," the Iranian UN mission stated on Sunday, according to IRNA.

Also Read | Madagascar: Boat Carrying 47 Migrants Capsizes off Coast, 22 Killed.

On Friday, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a historic agreement to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after seven years of heightened tensions, backing opposing sides in regional conflicts, and supporting various parties in political disputes throughout the Middle East. China mediated the deal.

Gulf nations have long charged Iran with inciting instability in the Middle East by providing financial and military aid to its network of Shia proxies there, particularly in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Iran.

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Since its outbreak in 2014, the conflict in Yemen has been fought on a battlefield where Riyadh and Tehran have supported opposing parties. The Arab Coalition was established by Saudi Arabia to defend the Yemeni government, which is recognised internationally, militarily against the Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran, reported Al Arabiya News.

Arab and Western governments have long accepted that Iran supplied weapons to the Houthi militia, which was then used to launch cross-border strikes primarily against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout the years, the regional warships of the US and the UK have successfully stopped numerous shipments of weapons built in Iran aboard ships bound for Yemen.

Analysts have hailed the significant diplomatic achievement as a huge step towards resolving several regional military crises.

According to the statement from the Iranian envoy, relations between Riyadh and Tehran are significant on three tiers bilateral, regional, and global levels. All three tiers, including West Asia and the Islamic world, will benefit from the reestablishment of political links between the two nations, Al Arabiya News reported. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Amid the shutdown of three banks in the United States within a week, President Joe Biden has said that American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them. "I'm firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again," the US President added. President Joe Biden's statement comes after the Federal Reserve on Sunday said that Signature Bank has been shut down by state authority. The collapse of Signature Bank marks the end of the third bank this week, following Silvergate Bank's voluntary liquidation and Silicon Valley Bank's shutdown on Wednesday and Friday respectively. Signature Bank Closure: Coinbase Says It Has About $240 Million Cash Balance With Collapsed New York-Based Lender.

Im Firmly Committed to Holding Those Responsible

Im firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again. Ill have more to say on this tomorrow morning.  President Biden (@POTUS) March 13, 2023

US President Joe Biden Dodges Question After Assuring Action

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Beijing, March 13: China's new Premier Li Qiang on Monday strongly defended the much-hated 'zero COVID' strategy followed by the country for over three years which hurt its economic growth also led to public protests, saying the policy was completely right and delivered highly effective outcomes.

Addressing his first press conference, Li said it took less than two months for China, a highly populous country, to achieve a smooth transition in COVID-19 response and resume normal economic and social order, which is indeed remarkable.

"For over three years, under the leadership of the Communist Party, the Chinese people have united in fighting COVID-19, and now we have achieved a major and decisive victory against the disease, Li said and avoided using the term zero COVID.

"China is a country with a large population and unbalanced development. It took less than two months for it to achieve a smooth transition in its response to the disease and to restore normal socioeconomic order. It is indeed a remarkable achievement," Li said.

He said China's COVID-19 strategy is completely right and its response is highly effective. Under the 'zero COVID' policy, China completely insulated itself from the world for over three years and finally lifted it early this year resuming normal international travel links.

Besides causing rare public protests, including calls for Chinese President Xi Jinping to quit, the policy was largely attributed to the slowdown of the world's second-largest economy to three per cent, the slowest in decades.

The sudden lifting of restrictions in December last also caused a massive upsurge of Omicron variant infections leading to a heavy death toll, especially among the unvaccinated elderly population, but the government has not officially acknowledged it.

Noting that there are still risks of virus transmission, Li said China will continue to follow the evolving epidemic situation and build up its capacity for early warning and forecast. US to Relax COVID Testing Rules for Travellers from China.

Efforts will also be made to strengthen medical and health service systems at all levels, speed up the development of new vaccines and medicines, and keep communication and cooperation with the international community, Li added. The coronavirus which first emerged in Wuhan has turned into a global pandemic causing massive deaths and infections in all parts of the world.
Karachi, March 13: Members of Pakistan's minority Hindu community will organise a rally and converge at the Sindh Assembly building here later this month to protest the rising incidents of forced conversions, abductions and marriages of minors.

The rally, which is being organised by several Hindu community leaders in Sindh province, will be held on March 30, under the banner of Pakistan Darawer Ittehad, an organisation working for minority rights in the country. Pakistan: 52% Forced Conversion Cases Reported in Punjab Province.

Posters released by the organisation on social media said the rally is being held to protest the abduction, forced conversion and marriages of minor girls and forced possession of land belonging to the Hindu community in the Sindh province. Hindu Girls Conversion Can't Be Considered Forced in Sindh Province as Girls Had 'Some Degree of Willingness', Says Pakistan Senator.

We are expecting thousands from the Hindu community to participate in the rally as the government has turned a blind eye to the abductions, forced conversions and fake marriages of our women and girls, Chairman of Pakistan Darawer Ittehad Faqir Shiva Kuchi said.

He said the outfit has already begun mobilising rallies across the province to raise awareness. When this protest rally will be held on March 30, we want everyone to see the issues faced by Hindus and members from other minority communities in the country, he explained.

Kuchi added that their demand was that a stalled bill against forced conversion and marriages be passed in the Sindh Assembly. In 2019, the issue of abducting and forcible conversion of Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly.

A resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to only Hindu girls.

But the bill, which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed, but it got rejected in 2021. In January this year, as many as 12 United Nations rights experts expressed alarm over the rising incidents of kidnapping, forced conversions and marriages of girls as young as 13 in Pakistan.

Forced conversion and forced marriages are prohibited in Islam. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's report, around 1,000 girls are forcibly converted to Islam every year. It noted that most of the converted girls belong to the impoverished Hindu community from the Sindh province.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in the Muslim-majority country. Muslims account for about 96 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population, Hindus 2.1 per cent and Christians about 1.6 per cent according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan estimates.

The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with their Muslim residents.
Some of the world's notorious serial killers, like Pedro Alonso Lopez, Daniel Camargo Barbosa, and Luis Garavito, come from Colombia.

Garavito has killed more than 180 boys, putting his name at the top of the list of notorious criminals not just in the South American country but worldwide.

The Colombian serial killer was convicted of murdering 189 boys in the 1990s, with most of his victims living in poor neighborhoods and having families who could not afford to support them.

According to Britannica, it led observers to consider that it was one of the reasons why the victims' disappearances were ignored or overlooked.

Garavito was the eldest of seven children raised in western Colombia. His father and several neighbors reportedly abused him.

Many of his victims were between the ages of eight and 16, with their bodies brutally mutilated and showing signs of sexual assault.

READ NEXT: Murder Files: 4 Most Notorious Serial Killers in South American History

Colombian Serial Killer Luis Garavito Caught

Duran Saavedra Aldemar started to investigate the case. Aldemar was a 31-year-old criminal investigator with the Fiscalia General de la Nacion, which is equivalent to the attorney general's office.

Aldemar discovered there were 13 unsolved cases from years back, with bodies of different poor boys found with knife wounds to the neck, chest, and groin.

However, the detective told VICE News that their directors at the time did not believe that there could be a serial killer in Colombia. Aldemar said they "never imagined we have serial killers in Colombia."

Aldemar and his team eventually found the serial killer and discovered that it was then-42-year-old Garavito who befriended young boys and lured them to go with him by offering them small jobs.

The case had a breakthrough when a man contacted them saying he had been attacked as a young boy by someone who promised him giving work by moving cattle.

But instead of offering work, he had been tied up, raped, and tortured. However, the attacker was so drunk that he fell asleep, which allowed the boy to escape.

The teen who reported the incident saw his attacker while buying lunch in a restaurant. He realized the cashier was the man who attacked him.

When he returned to the restaurant with his uncle to confront the man, the attacker walked off from work and vanished.

From there, Aldemar managed to get the man's name from the former restaurant owner he interviewed. The owner said the name of his former cashier was Luis Alfredo Garavito.

Aldemar and his team eventually caught up with Garavito and found him in Villavicencio City, near Bogota.

Aldemar said Garavito's victims were always "blondish" skin and hair, with blue or green colored eyes. The detective noted that the Colombian serial killer liked "children with cute faces."

Serial Killer Luis Garavito of Colombia Is Eligible for Parole This Year

For murdering more than 190 people, Luis Garavito was sentenced to 1,853 years and nine days, the longest prison term in Colombia's judicial history.

However, the country's law changed and limited imprisonment to 40 years. Garavito's sentence was further shortened to 22 years as he had helped authorities find the victims' bodies.

According to an August 2022 UNILAD report, the Colombian serial killer is scheduled to become eligible for parole this year.

Garavito initially confessed to raping, torturing, and killing 140 boys between 1992 and 1999, but later proven to be 193 in total. However, he is suspected of murdering more than 300 victims.

Garavito, also called "The Beast," has the highest number of victims among serial killers in the world.

He previously claimed to have felt a force within himself that compelled him to murder children after he also experienced abuse and violence when he was a child.

Garavito reportedly experienced psychosis, paranoia, and depression. The Colombian serial killer has sought psychiatric help on several occasions.

READ MORE: Is Argentina's Notorious Serial Killer Carlos Robledo Puch Still Alive? Where Is 'The Angel of Death' Now?

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Luis Garavito (The Beast) - Serial Killer Documentary - From Red Square Documentaries




A migrant boat incident near the shore of Black's Beach in San Diego, California, resulted in the deaths of at least eight people.

CNN reported that someone on one of the two panga boats that capsized called 911 to report victims in the water, prompting officials to respond to the scene at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Lifeguard chief for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, James Gartland, said during Sunday's news conference that the 911 caller was a Spanish-speaking woman.

Gartland also called the incident "one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies" in recent years.

Aside from Fire-Rescue Department, lifeguards, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the scene of California's capsize boat incident.

Capt. James Spitler, sector commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's San Diego, noted that they carried eight people to the shore while another panga boat, carrying 15, "overturned in the surf."

Gartland said all of the eight people killed were adults, with their nationalities still uncertain. He noted that these migrant boats are often "poorly maintained and overloaded."

READ NEXT: Arizona: Female Border Agent Injured After Attack From Immigrant

Human Trafficking in California

A spokesman for CBP, Jason Givens, noted that about 600 people were caught in the first two months of 2023 from the waters of San Diego, according to The New York Times.

Givens said there were around 3,500 migrants apprehended in the prior two years. He added that a huge part of the apprehensions was part of a "criminal smuggling operation."

Spitler said at least 23 people have died in U.S. human trafficking cases in Southern California since 2021. The sector commander noted that cases like this have been happening "for quite some time" and continue.

Spitler said it was "not necessarily people trying to find a better life" but was part of a "transnational criminal organization network" smuggling people into the U.S.

Three people died in 2021, and two dozen people were rescued in the waters off San Diego after a packed boat suspected of being used to smuggle migrants capsized.

U.S. Immigration Crisis

The latest available government statistics showed that monthly encounters between U.S. Border Patrol agents and migrants attempting to cross into the U.S.-Mexico border have levels not seen in more than two decades, Pew Research reported.

In 2022, U.S. authorities made over two million immigration arrests along the southern border during the past 11 months. CBP detained 203,598 migrants in August 2022. The migrants were crossing from Mexico.

The historic migration wave has been driven by soaring numbers of people crossing from outside Mexico and Central America, the two largest sources of illegal entries.

According to Texas Tribune, more than one-third of those taken into custody were migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba.

CBP noted that it was a 175% increase over August 2021. President Joe Biden's officials blamed the government of those countries. Many of the migrants apply for humanitarian protection in the U.S. and have asylum claims.

Biden administration officials said they will continue to create a "safe, orderly, and human" immigration system.

READ MORE: Texas, Arizona Keep Sending Buses of Migrants to Washington; D.C. Mayor Devotes $10 Million to Help

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: At Least 8 Dead After Smuggling Boat Capsizes off San Diego Coast, Authorities Say - From ABC 7 Chicago




When the pro-Trump mob chanted "Hang Mike Pence" during the January 6 Capitol insurrection, the former vice president knew his life was in danger. Mike Pence recently opened up and said that Donald Trump also placed his family in danger during that fateful day.

Pence was among the politicians who attended the annual white-tie Gridiron Dinner on Sunday in Washington, D.C. and said the former president was wrong.

"President Trump was wrong... I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable," Pence said during his remarks at the event.

According to ABC News, this was the sharpest remark from the former vice president yet.

Pence acted as Trump's most loyal lieutenant during the previous administration. However, when Trump pressured his vice president to go against the constitution and overturn the elections, everything changed.

Pence refused and chose to go with his constitutionally-mandated duty as the vice president.

This angered Trump and allegedly incited the mob to disrupt Congress and storm the Capitol, where Pence presided over the ceremonial certification of the election results at that time.

READ NEXT: Mike Pence Won't Commit to Backing Donald Trump if He Wins Republican Presidential Nomination

Mike Pence Says What Happened on January 6 was a 'Disgrace'

Mike Pence reportedly often shied away from confronting his former boss. But with Pence being a prospective Republican candidate and the 2024 presidential elections looming, he might soon loosen a few more barbs.

According to The Guardian, Pence let loose even more blistering remarks that night, calling what happened on January 6 a "disgrace."

"And it mocks decency to portray it any other way. For as long as I live, I will never, ever diminish the injuries sustained, the lives lost, or the heroism of law enforcement on that tragic day," he added.

Pence said he is currently exploring his options and may announce his candidacy soon. However, Donald Trump remains the current frontrunner for the Republican nomination, followed closely by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Mike Pence Slams Tucker Carlson for Downplaying January 6 Capitol Insurrection

The former vice president and Indiana governor also went after pro-Trump rightwing media and commentators who downplayed the events of January 6.

"Tourists don't injure 140 police officers by sightseeing," Mike Pence said. "Tourists don't break down doors to get to the Speaker of the House or voice threats against public officials."

These remarks came after Fox News host Tucker Carlson falsely portrayed the January 6 attack on the Capitol as a "peaceful chaos."

Carlson received much condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as Capitol Police, for his portrayal of the events. The former vice president added that people "have a right to know what took place" during that fateful day.

However, CNN reported that these remarks came a few days after he asked a judge to block a subpoena for his testimony to the special counsel investigating the insurrection.

READ MORE: Steve Bannon Declares War on Fox News

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Mike Pence Says Donald Trump Endangered His Family - From ABC News
Guillermo del Toro took home his third Oscar after winning the Academy Award for best animated film for "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio," beating "Turning Red," "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On," "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," and "The Sea Beast."

The Mexican filmmaker made a musical fantasy adaptation of the 1883 Italian novel "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi.

The animated film can be streamed on Netflix and is set in Fascist Italy during the interwar period and World War Two.

Del Toro has won Oscars in 2018 for best picture and best director for "The Shape of Water."

Aside from his animated film, Del Toro also created Netflix's "Cabinet of Curiosities," with introductions at the start of every episode.

He is known for incorporating elements of fairy-tale magic, horror motifs, and grotesque imagery, among others.

READ NEXT: Guillermo Del Toro Net Worth 2022: Here's How Rich the Mexican Movie Genius Is

'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'

Del Toro said that "animation is ready to be taken to the next step," calling for the said industry to be kept in the conversation.

Seattle Times reported that the animated film has a "dark look" on love and mortality between the puppet and its surrogate father, Geppetto.

Del Toro's take also includes themes of Catholicism, fascism, and the "ugliness of war."

Co-director Mark Gustafson said it was good to know that stop motion "is very much alive and well."

The voice cast for "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" includes Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton.

Gregory Mann voiced the protagonist Pinocchio.

Gustafson accepted the award and thanked Del Toro, who he claimed to be the "genesis of everything," including his drinking problem, as cited by Deadline.

"Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio's" win also marks Netflix's first win in the Best Animated Feature Oscar category.

Guillermo del Toro Filmography

Guillermo del Toro has been known for his 2006 film "Pan's Labyrinth," which revolves around the story of a young girl named Ofelia, which was played by Ivana Baquero. Ofelia has an evil stepfather who is also a Francoist officer at the start of the Spanish Civil War.

It was ranked as one of the best movies of the Mexican filmmaker by Vulture, noting that the director, who is masterful in generating horrors, creates a new world that "remains grounded in the scary real one."

Another Spanish Civil War drama that Del Toro created was 2001 "Devil's Backbone," which is set in an orphanage of children who have lost their families in the fighting.

Del Toro's career debut was marked with 1993 "Cronos," which is a vampire movie. He was 28 when his first movie premiered at Cannes. It was also the first film that he collaborated with "Hellboy's" Ron Pearlman.

In 2008, Del Toro's popularity skyrocketed with the "Hellboy" franchise despite the first film failing to be a huge hit.

Other works he has been known for include Gothic horror "Crimson Peak," "Nightmare Alley," and "Pacific Rim," among many others.

READ MORE: Guillermo del Toro Praises 'Gravity Falls' on Twitter

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO | Official Trailer | Netflix - from Netflix


A Texas man filed a lawsuit against three women, alleging that they illegally assisted his ex-wife in having an abortion.

Marcus Silva filed a $1 million lawsuit against Jackie Noyola, Amy Carpenter, and Aracely Garcia on Thursday in Galveston County. The Texas man claimed that the three assisted his ex-girlfriend Brittni Silva in obtaining abortion medication in July, the NY Post noted.

This case is being called one of the first significant legal tests of legislation cutting down on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overruled, according to CNN.

"Under the law of Texas, a person who assists a pregnant woman in obtaining a self-managed abortion has committed the crime of murder and can be sued for wrongful death," the lawsuit argues.

State law protects pregnant women who have abortions from legal responsibility; therefore, Silva's ex-wife is not a party to the lawsuit.

Silva's ex-wife alleges she found out about the pregnancy in July 2022, just after Texas Senate Bill 8 became law, which outlawed most abortions after around six weeks.

Moreover, it is illegal to knowingly engage in activity that assists or abets the performance or encouragement of an abortion, which means that you can be held legally responsible if you help facilitate an abortion.

The Texas man and his ex-wife divorced in February 2023, and the lawsuit says that Silva says he is the baby's father.

READ NEXT: California to End Business Ties With Walgreens Due to Abortion Pills

The Abortion Pills Manufacturer Might Also Be Named as Defendant

Conservative legal group Thomas More Society, Republican state representative Briscoe Cain from the Houston region, and former Texas solicitor general Jonathan Mitchell are all working together to defend Silva in court.

"Anyone involved in distributing or manufacturing abortion pills will be sued into oblivion," Cain said in a statement from the attorneys.

After the pill's manufacturer has been discovered, the lawsuit states that it will also be named as a defendant, said USA Today.

The women plotted to help the pregnant lady get her hands on abortion drugs and exchanged texts detailing where to get the drugs and how to give the pregnant woman the push she needed to use them, the lawsuit said.

Five Women Sue Texas for Banning Abortion Pills

Meanwhile, five Texas women sued Texas because the state's strict laws on abortion put their lives in peril while they were refused access to the procedure.

This is the first time that women, as opposed to doctors on behalf of patients or advocacy groups, have taken legal action in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, as the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a case in state court on Monday.

Women were "denied necessary and potentially life-saving obstetrical care because medical professionals throughout the state fear liability under Texas's abortion bans," the lawsuit claims.

Each of the five plaintiffs in the complaint, Ashley Brandt, Lauren Hall, Lauren Miller, Anna Zargarian, and Amanda Zurawski, expressed joy over their pregnancies. However, the women developed conditions that put them or their babies in danger; thus, they needed an abortion.

They claim they were denied medical attention when their lives were in danger, ABC News reports.

READ MORE: Washington Podcast Host, Husband Killed by Texas Stalker

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 3 Texas women being sued by friend's ex-husband for allegedly helping her get abortion pills - Form ABC 7 Chicago
Nicaragua has delivered another blow to the Vatican after Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega ordered the closure of the Vatican Embassy in Managua. Reuters reported that Ortega also ordered the shutdown of the Nicaraguan Embassy to the Vatican in Rome, according to a senior Vatican source.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church's Pope, Pope Francis, likened Nicaragua's government to a dictatorship. Ortega's decision was considered a "suspension" of diplomatic relations.

The Vatican source added that the closures of the embassies do not entirely mean a definite break of relations. However, it is considered to be a serious step toward that possibility.

The relationship between the Nicaraguan Catholic Church and Nicaragua's government has been suffering ever since Ortega's crackdown on the anti-government protests in 2018. The Church then decided to act as a mediator between both sides.

In 2019, Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Baez went into exile. He was also known as a critic of the Nicaraguan government.

More recently, bishop Rolando Alvarez was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison in Nicaragua. He was also known to be a staunch critic of the Nicaraguan president.

READ NEXT: Chile, Argentina Offer Citizenship to Nicaraguans Exiled by Daniel Ortega's Government

Nicaragua and The Catholic Church

Last September 2022, Ortega described the Catholic Church as having a "perfect dictatorship" as it does not allow its members to elect the pope.

Ortega said in his televised speech that in the Church, "everything is imposed," describing it as a "perfect dictatorship" and "perfect tyranny," according to Al Jazeera News.

The Nicaraguan president said that if the Church were to be democratic, it should start with Catholics "voting for the pope, for cardinals, for bishops."

Ortega claims that the protests in Nicaragua were part of a U.S.-backed opposition plot to overthrow him. He even went on to call out bishops and priests as "killers" and "coup plotters" in his speech and accused them of working on behalf of "American imperialism."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis earlier noted the importance of "never stopping the dialogue" with Nicaragua. He noted at the time that the Catholic Church was talking with the Nicaraguan government.

On Friday, the pope called Ortega "unstable" and likened his government to the Nazi government, as published by the Catholic News Agency.

Protests in Nicaragua

Seven presidential candidates and 32 known government critics were detained in Nicaragua in late May and October 2021. Human Right Watch reported that prosecutors opened investigations against most on alleged "treason" charges.

In addition, most critics were held incommunicado and subjected to abuses in detention. It also included daily interrogations and prolonged solitary confinement while being provided with insufficient food.

Authorities have also barred critics' lawyers from participating in public hearings. They were also assigned public defenders instead.

Human rights experts also denounced the shutdown of more than 700 civil rights groups, as cited by United Nations.

Experts said that the shutdown does not only affect human rights organizations but also includes those working towards the rights of women and indigenous people in the country.

It also affected organizations providing humanitarian aid and medical services, including educational, cultural, and artistic foundations.

READ MORE: Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega's Critic Edgard Paralles Picked Up by Two People Not in Police Uniform and Was Detained

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Pope Francis compares Nicaraguan regime to Nazi and communist dictatorships - from ROME REPORTS in English


In response to Silicon Valley Bank's and Signature Bank's bankruptcies, President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that at his instruction, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and his top economic advisor Lael Brainard worked with financial regulators to guarantee that affected individuals and businesses could access their deposits. He also vowed to prosecute those accountable.

"I am pleased that they reached a prompt solution that protects American workers and small businesses, and keeps our financial system safe. The solution also ensures that taxpayer dollars are not put at risk," Biden said in the statement.

The president also said he is committed to fully holding those who caused the mess accountable. They will keep working to improve the regulation and oversight of larger banks so people do not end up in this situation again.

Officials from the Treasury gave a briefing to a group of lawmakers from both houses of Congress on Sunday evening, and Biden plans to talk about keeping a "resilient banking system" Monday, per CNN.

The administration decided to move forward with drastic emergency moves on Sunday to expand a federal backstop to all Silicon Valley Bank's deposits to guarantee access to all that money on Monday, said a senior Treasury official.

In response to mounting anxiety over the destiny of small businesses and people who were at risk of being unable to access their assets, the U.S. government took immediate action. It simultaneously announced a new Federal Reserve lending facility throughout a single weekend.

Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank customers will be allowed to access their funds on Monday, regardless of whether their balances exceed the $250,000 insurance maximum.

READ NEXT: Pres. Joe Biden Labels Supreme Court Leaked Opinion on Abortion Case

Authorities Seize the Assets of Signature Bank

Signature Bank, which had been accepting cryptocurrency deposits, was seized by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) on March 12, the Coin Telegraph noted.

The Federal Reserve added that the decision to shut down Signature Bank was taken to safeguard the American economy and boost public confidence in the banking system.

Also, a $25 billion fund was announced to support institutions that may experience future liquidity problems.

The agencies have "reached a solution that protects workers, small businesses, taxpayers, and our financial system," President Joe Biden tweeted to his 29.9 million followers on March 13.

Another Troubled Bank First Republic Bank Boosts Their Financial Health

First Republic Bank, another troubled institution, said it had improved its financial standing by securing loans from the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase, AP reports.

The Federal Reserve, in a separate announcement late Sunday, unveiled a massive emergency lending program designed to avert a wave of bank runs that may jeopardize the integrity of the banking system and the economy.

The Fed explained that the initiative was like what other central banks have done for decades: lend freely to the banking sector so that clients would feel secure having access to their accounts anytime they needed to.

Instead of selling Treasuries or other securities to raise capital, banks that need to pay depositors can borrow from the Fed using this lending facility.

When customer withdrawals exceeded deposits, Silicon Valley Bank was compelled to sell some of its treasury at a loss.

READ MORE: 3 Women's Mysterious Disappearance Sparks Police Search

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Silicon Valley Bank collapse, biggest since 2008 - From MSNBC
Tesco has informed its Laois customers that it is shutting its pharmacy in Portlaoise.

The supermarket giant says has told customers that it has made the difficult decision to close the Portlaoise branch as part of a nationwide closure of all seven Tesco pharmacies in Ireland.

"We understand that patients and customers will have questions, and our trained pharmacists and pharmacy teams will be on hand to support you through this change," said a letter to customers.

The communication says the in-store pharmacy in the Laois Shopping Centre store will close at the end of April 2023. All other Irish Tesco pharmacies will close at the same time.

Tesco has provided customers with a list of alternative pharmacies in Portlaoise.

As for patient data, it says this will be available through your pharmacist until the end of April at your local pharmacy. After April, you can access your person information by submitting a data subject access request to data.protectionroi@tesco.com. They say this is being managed by Tesco Privacy Officer.

They say pharmacy staff will be able to assist with queries.

A letter from Tesco Ireland, which is being handed to patients of the pharmacy in its Portlaoise shop, concludes with a thank you to colleagues and customers for their support at this time.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked Tesco Ireland for comment.

We recently completed an extensive review of our pharmacy offering in Ireland, and for operational reasons have made the difficult decision to close all seven Tesco-operated pharmacies across the country at the end of April 2023.

"We understand that patients and customers will have questions, and our trained pharmacists and pharmacy teams will be on hand to support them through this change. We thank them for their understanding and assure them that we are committed to providing a smooth transition over the coming weeks, said a statement.

Voluntary redundancy packages will be offered to staff.

"Alternative roles within the business will be offered to colleagues. As an alternative to transitioning back to regular store operations, customer assistants working in the seven pharmacies, can apply for consideration for a voluntary severance package," said Tesco.
Aerial photo taken on April 27, 2020 shows the Xumishan Grottoes in Guyuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

YINCHUAN, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Cheng Yaodong, a part-time tourist guide, has told hundreds of tourists about the history and folklore of Xiaoguan Pass in Liupanshan Mountain, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

"Although the exact location of Xiaoguan Pass has always been disputed by historians, we are certain that it served as a military fortress and an important stop on the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in the Guyuan region of southern Ningxia," said Cheng.

The Silk Road had been a vital corridor connecting the East and West since the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) about 2,000 years ago. Its name was derived from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried along the route. It was significant for trade and culture and brought civilization and prosperity to cities and towns along its network.

Cheng, 50, is a staff member of Ningxia Liupanshan Tourism Group Co., Ltd. in Guyuan, one of the cities that witnessed the history of the Silk Road. He also likes to present tourists with ancient poetical works on the subject of Xiaoguan Pass.

These poems told stories of the homesickness of the soldiers posted there, the eagerness of the merchants to return home and the beauty of the frontier scenery.

Liupanshan Tourism Group is a government-run tourism company promoting local life in southern Ningxia to tourists by tapping the Silk Road culture. It arranges tours for over 1 million visitors each year.

In 2005, a park modeled after the ancient Xiaoguan Pass was built 36 kilometers south of Guyuan City, where tens of thousands of visitors have left their footprints ever since.

"Tourism helps people better understand Guyuan's role in the history of the Silk Road and the rich culture it has developed over some 2,000 years of interaction with ethnic groups and foreign merchants," said Cheng.

About 55 km north of Guyuan City lies another Silk Road tourist attraction, the Xumishan Grottoes. It draws hundreds of visitors weekly, although still under restoration, with its 20-meter-high Buddha statue shielded by scaffolding.

Nearly three years ago, cultural relics experts across China began a restoration project on murals in the Xumishan Grottoes dating back over 1,500 years. The restoration project is still in progress.

The Xumishan Grottoes, initially built in the late period of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), make up 162 caves and more than 1,000 Buddha statues. The area was listed as a key state-level cultural site in 1982.

Located on the northern road of the eastern section of the ancient Silk Road, the Xumishan Grottoes is one of China's top ten grottoes sites. It was listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the 100 most endangered architectural and cultural sites in the world in 2007.

"The grottoes, known by many as 'the Pearls of the Silk Road,' contain a whole set of cultural heritage, including Buddhist sculptures, murals, temple buildings, ancient trees, Danxia landform, and strange stones," said Wang Xi, head of the cultural relics management bureau of Xumishan Grottoes.

The Xumishan museum at the foot of the mountain focuses on the Silk Road and Buddhist artwork, demonstrating the history of the Silk Road in China, the historical position of Guyuan on the Silk Road, and the history of Buddhism's entry to China via the Silk Road.

"By popularizing the ancient Silk Road culture, we have promoted local tourism and boosted the economy," Wang said.
Honor to the Togolese Movement for Restoration through Dr Gnagnon

The Togolese Movement for Restoration and its first leader, the local elected Dr Jean Emmanuel Gnagnon, continues to trace its path within the political parties and movements of the continent. On March 7, again, the honor was given to this movement to make people talk about it and it was during the 1st congress of the Ivorian party "Force aux Peuples" of Innocent Gneblin.

During this congress, Dr Gnagnon had the right to speak. The Deputy Mayor of the Commune of Agbodrafo, and former National Secretary for Communication of the FDR (Democratic Forces for the Republic), in his speech, much appreciated by the delegates, welcomed the commitment of the Forces to the Peoples, which, according to him, is a great opportunity for a real alternative of social cohesion, pledge of living together.

We have a fairly close view of everything that is happening in Africa and it is absolutely necessary that a new generation begins by truly emerging and being able to retrace the path for a new Africa. We always say that we must capitalize on the efforts already made by each other, but today it is completely well founded to be able to see Africa again with another eye", this is what advanced the president of the MTR. And to continue, "we must build united nations, we must build nations by joining hands, we must not have enemies when we engage in politics, but we must continue to work truly for peace and stability and especially for the conviviality, the fraternity of our nations. This is why living together was developed in Togo, we continue to spread this message of living together.

He did not elude the question of the generational transition which shakes the various African political chessboards.

In any case, in an appeal that some may consider solemn, Dr Jean-Emmanuel Gnagnon, expressed the urgent appeal of the young generation of political actors, "to set up a network of convinced actors for the restoration of African States by giving strength to the peoples ! We have already started a similar project to bring together in several African countries, in particular Guinea Conakry, Cote dIvoire, Togo, Mali, Liberia, Burkina, the Central African Republic, Ghana, young political actors to federate the energies in order to achieve generational transitions and safeguard the capital of experience and achievements for the benefit of a new Africa, truly independent and resilient in the face of global challenges of all kinds".

For information, this congress of the Ivorian party, "Force aux Peuples", the first of its kind in the life of this political formation, had as its main theme, "Force aux peuple for an alternative of social cohesion, modernity and shared prosperity". .

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A man who called gardai on himself also gave doctors dogs abuse at Portlaoise Hospital, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told.

Jimmy Cash, 23, of 29 Churchfield Heights, Castletown, Laois was arrested in the Emergency Department of the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise on January 10 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was annoying doctors in the hospital at 2.30am on the morning of January 10.

I wont repeat what he said to one of the doctors, said Sgt Kirby.

I dont give a f**k, he told gardai when asked about his behaviour.

On another occasion the defendant was arrested for being highly intoxicated at Churchview Heights on February 18 last.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the defendant has significant mental health difficulties but is mild mannered in the absence of alcohol.

What was he doing in the hospital apart from giving them dogs abuse, asked Judge Andrew Cody.

Gardai said the man had called gardai and asked to be arrested. However, when they arrived he no longer wanted to be arrested. The court was told gardai spent a number of hours dealing with the defendant.

Judge Cody imposed a six month prison sentence which he suspended for three years. He also fined the man 250.

Hospitals have enough to be doing, he told the defendant.

Judge Cody told the man that if appears in court in Portlaoise again on a similar public order offence he will serve six months in prison.
A Ukrainian choir called Mallows which which was set up January 2023 on the verge of taking part in its first

Co-ordinated and facilitated by Music Generation Laois, the choir are meeting twice-weekly in Laois Music Centre under the direction of Nataliia Rehesha, a choral director from Kyiv who has been living with her family in Laois since March 2022.

The choir has brought about a new network of Ukrainians living in Laois, creating a space for them to support each other and express their rich culture in singing traditional Ukrainian songs.

The formation of the choir sparked an idea to have a community concert with groups who work with Music Generation Laois throughout the year in various programmes across the county.

The event at the end of March will feature Mallows Ukrainian Choir; The Heath NS Childrens Choir  MGL Whole Classroom Singing Programme; Children from Laois Partnership After-Schools Programmes; Uilleann Pipes Quartet  MGL Trad Programme; MGL Transition Year Music Ensemble; Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Rathdowney Mens Sheds  MGL/Healthy Ireland Programme. MORE BELOW PICTURE OF REHEARSALS.

"This concert promises to be a fantastic community event, bringing together a diverse range of musical genres and performers," say the organisers.

Admission is free but donations are welcome when it takes place on Friday, March 31 at 5pm in St. Peter & Pauls Church, Portlaoise.

Mallows are supported by the Ukrainian Health and Well Being Support fund. The event is supported by Healthy Ireland/Department of Health, Laois County Council, Laois Offaly Education and Training Board Further Education and Training Centre and Local Creative Youth Partnership, Laois Partnership/CYPSE, Music Generation.
Work is needed where local roads meet bridges over motorways in Laois to address sinking problems faced by those who use the local routes to cross the roads, Laois County Council has been told.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, raised the issue at a recent meeting in County Hall Portlaoise.

He tabled a motion calling on the local authority to examine the subsidence on all bridge structures crossing the M7 and M8 in south Laois.

He explained that there is no risk to the bridge structures but is the approach roads that are the problem due to settlement caused by traffic use. He expected it to be a common issue on roads to such bridges.

In a written reply, Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, Roads Department, said the bridge structures on the M7 & M8 Motorway form part of the Project Road and are the responsibility of the Motorway Operators.

Laois County Council will contact both TII and the relevant Motorway Contractor to advise of the concerns raised and request an assessment and remediation works as required be undertaken, he replied.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, told Cllr King that the motorway contractor would carry out the repairs if work is needed.

The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.
A Kildare councillor has criticised the government's lifting of the eviction ban.

Last week, the government faced controversy when it announced that it would phase out eviction bans by the end of the month.

One of the most prominent critics of the announcements was new Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns TD, and this sentiment has been echoed by councillor Chris Pender.

The Newbridge-based politician said in a statement: "Already this week, I have been contacted by a number of families and individuals facing homelessness as a result of the lifting of the eviction ban, with some tenants being issued notices the day the eviction ban was lifted. Its easy to dismiss the stats, but not the stories."

"I have had single mothers, young people and pensioners on to me seeking support and wondering where they will go when theyd be lucky to find any kind of rental property.

Cllr Pender continued: "Simply put, I have single parents, young people and pensioners worried they might have to sleep in a Garda Station.

"With our overstretched emergency accommodation where will the go?"

He further said that new data from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has shown that there was a marked increase in the number of notices of termination served to tenants in Kildare in the final quarter of 2022, compared to the same period the previous year.

Cllr Pender added: "This increase is likely to be exacerbated by the lifting of the eviction ban, which will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants.

"In Kildare, the lifting of the eviction ban is a particularly concerning development as we are already facing significant challenges when it comes to accessing affordable housing.

Cllr Chris Pender, Social Democrats. File Photo.

"For too many families in Kildare, this will only serve to exacerbate their difficulties and further deepen the housing crisis that we are facing."

"According to recent reports, Kildare has been one of the areas in Ireland that have seen the largest increase in rental prices over the last year.

"This, combined with a shortage of affordable housing, has made it extremely difficult for many families to find and maintain stable housing in the area."

Cllr Pender said that instead of lifting the eviction ban, the government 'needs to be taking bolder steps to address the housing crisis in Kildare.'

He explained: "This includes increasing the supply of affordable housing, introducing stronger protections for renters, and ensuring that those who are most vulnerable in our society have access to safe and secure housing."

"The RTB report has shown an additional 219 Notices of Termination with a rental address of Kildare have been issued, that's 219 of a possible 3,000 households being added to the already overstretched homeless services in this country.

"That's households, not people. We still don't know how many (numbers of) people are about to be evicted.

"Again I ask, Where will they go?"

Cll Pender concluded his statement by calling on the government to reconsider its decision to lift the eviction ban, and to take immediate action to address the housing crisis in County Kildare, as well as across Ireland as a whole.
A woman faces being arrested by the gardai if does ot see to it that her children attend school.

The woman made an appearance before Naas District Court having been prosecuted because none of her six children was attending school regularly.

Judge Michele Finan was told that the children (the eldest of whom is 15) were absent for a total of 572 days during the 2021 to 2022 academic year.

The prosecution was initiated by Tusla, the child and Family Agency.

Judge Finan directed that the woman sign a bond undertaking that each child would attend school.

Read more Kildare news

The judge also requested a probation report.

She further said that the matter should be reentered in court if there is a breach of the bond.

If she breaches it she should be arrested by a garda, said Judge Finan adding you will end up in prison if the children dont go to school.

The case was adjourned to March 22.
A Dublin man caught in possession of over 80,000 of drugs and 125,000 in cash has been jailed for six years.

Fiachra Slator (40), of Lindisfarne Green, Clondalkin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a small quantity of drugs at his home and a larger amount of drugs, as well as bagging material, weighing scales and a blender, at a location in Straffan, Co Kildare.

This drugs offence comes with a presumptive mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment, which a judge can depart from in exceptional circumstances.

Slator further pleaded guilty to a count of money laundering in relation to 125,110 found at his mothers home. All offences occurred on April 14, 2022.

Garda Ciaran ONeill told Oisin Clarke BL, prosecuting, that gardai acting on confidential information obtained two search warrants - one for Slators home and another for a location in Co Kildare.

The search at Slators home recovered a small amount of cannabis and a hallucinogenic drug called DMT.

Keys found during the search were later found to open an outhouse at the Kildare location which Slator had been renting. Cannabis and cocaine valued at a total of 85,000 were found concealed in car engines and batteries. A large amount of bagging material was also recovered.

A further search was carried out at Slators mother's home where the cash was recovered in a locked box. Slator was arrested and made certain admissions.

James Dwyer SC, defending, said Slator had begun using drugs after the tragic death of his brother a number of years ago, which had a dramatic effect on him. He confirmed to Judge Nolan that Slator had a drug debt, when the judge inquired if Slator was holding the items for third parties.

He outlined Slator had a serious medical condition but was using his time in custody productively.

Mr Dwyer asked the court to take into account Slators early guilty plea, admissions in relation to his own role and submitted his client was not living in circumstances showing any benefits of drug dealing.

Judge Martin Nolan noted Slators medical issues and his desire to change his life but said Slator was a mature man who took a decision to involve himself in these offences.

Judge Nolan said he could depart from the ten-year mandatory minimum in this case but said it was a good amount of money and drugs. He imposed a six-year sentence and backdated to when Slator went into custody.
Members of the Garda Siochana are preparing to take to the streets for a protest day of action.

The Association of Garda Sergeant and Inspectors (AGSI) will stage a protest march later to the forces headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin over roster concerns.

Gardai were moved to a new roster during the Covid-19 pandemic and the AGSI said undertakings by the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) that we would return to our normal working patterns have not been honoured.

Last week, the commissioner described the planned protest march as unnecessary and not particularly helpful.

He said roster issues have been examined for three-and-a-half years and have moved to an external process at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

On Monday, 100 members of the AGSI will take part in the day of action to draw attention to concerns around health, safety and welfares issues relating to the roster.

Representatives from 31 branches along with the National Executive will march to Garda Headquarters where the general secretary, Antoinette Cunningham, and president, Paul Curran, will hand a letter over for the commissioner to outline the memberships concerns.

Ms Cunningham said the move is a clear sign of the frustration, stress and anger that members are feeling in relation to their working arrangements.

And in particular, given that this roster has been extended 15 times in three years, she said.

Policing the Covid-19 pandemic and responding to the National Emergency and playing our part in policing during the crisis was a source of great pride to Sergeants and Inspectors, but previous commitments given by the Garda Commissioner that members would return to their normal work pattern have not been honoured.

The commissioner is now trying to impose a Roster without agreement, and this is unacceptable.

AGSI have appealed on a number of occasions, including on Wednesday, last week, for the Garda Commissioner to engage directly with them on the issue of Rosters. However, he is insisting on elevating the matter to the WRC dispute process which AGSI believe is premature at this time.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of our members and the National Executive will meet next week to discuss our next steps.

Separately, the International Council of Police Representative Associations (ICPRA) have issued a statement of support for the AGSI.

General secretary Calum Steele said: The International police union community stands full square with our colleagues in AGSI as they embark on this unprecedented action in protest over their duty rosters.
Former US president Bill Clinton and the ex-leader of Sinn Fein are set to reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Gerry Adams is taking part in the event in New York next month organised by Irish American organisations.

Event coordinator Marty Glennon said Irish America has been steadfast in support of the peace agreement.

Twenty-five years ago, Irish America united in the pursuit of peace and justice. The Good Friday Agreement was signed, and a new chapter in Irish history was written, he said.

Irish America has been steadfast in their support of the Agreement and peace.

We look back with pride, and we look to the future with optimism and hope that we realize fully the promise of the agreement.

Among the organisations taking part includes the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, James Connolly Labour Coalition, Brehon Law Society and Friends of Sinn Fein.

LAOH president Marilyn Madigan said: Irish-American trade unionists stand on the shoulders of a great generation of labour leaders, who contributed mightily toward peace and justice in the north of Ireland.

We celebrate the 25th anniversary of the GFA and look forward to its full realisation, a reunited 32-county Irish Republic.

Cathy Stanton, Brehon Law Society president, Nassau County, said: The Good Friday agreement is a shining example of what can be accomplished if all parties truly share a desire for peace. But the desire for peace is not enough.

The agreement is reminder of what still needs to be done to truly realise the dream for a united Ireland.

Mark Guilfoyle, Friends of Sinn Fein president, added: We look back with pride to the events of April 1998 and to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Ireland is changing, and the agreement endures as we navigate a peaceful and democratic pathway to a new and united Ireland.

Irish Americans will remain in lock step with the wishes of the people of Ireland.

The event will take place in New York on April 3. Tickets are free, but registration is required.
Awareness campaigns have been launched for a compensation fund for survivors of abuse at historical institutions in Northern Ireland.

Support and compensation were among the recommendations of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIAI) which revealed sexual, physical and emotional abuse at state, church and charity-run homes from 1922 to 1995.

Stormonts Executive Office said some 900 people have received help and support so far, and almost 65 million has been paid out in terms of redress.

Denis McMahon, Permanent Secretary at the Executive Office, said officials want to work to ensure all those who have not yet come forward know that help is available.

Victims and survivors of historical abuse face very personal, difficult and unique challenges as a result of their lived experience across a wide range of institutions and it is important that they get advice on making an application for compensation and access to services they need, he said.

The focus now is ensuring those who have not yet come forward know that help is available.

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse Fiona Ryan is supporting the Executive Office campaign.

Her office is also launching a campaign to reach survivors who may have moved from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, Australia, Canada and the Republic of Ireland and make them aware of their entitlements.

I know from many survivors whom I have listened to, the trauma of the abuse they suffered as children is not a distant memory but a reality they live with every day, Ms Ryan said.

I know that for others even acknowledging what happened to them is a source of deep pain and shame.

Every survivor is an individual and the choice they make about whether, when and how they seek services or redress is their own and should be respected.

My hope is that these initiatives reach victims and survivors who are unaware or unsure of their entitlements and provides them with the information they need to make informed choices in accessing supports, services and redress.

Ms Ryan added: Whether through economic necessity, the impact of the Troubles, or the very real wish to leave the place they associated with their childhood trauma, there are a significant number of victims and survivors who are no longer living in Northern Ireland and who are living elsewhere.

They are in addition to the victims and survivors of the Child Migrant Programme who were taken from Northern Ireland to Australia.

My office is beginning its awareness initiative in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland with the aim of reaching Northern Ireland victims and survivors of historical institutional childhood abuse living in these countries, and encouraging awareness of their entitlements.

The initiative will include advertising in newspapers, press and publicity and engaging with organisations, particularly at community level, who may come in contact with Northern Ireland victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse in the course of their work.
Leitrim is getting global attention after one of its restaurants and award-winning chefs appeared on a travel show which has been aired by Netflix, Sky and Channel 5.

The Courthouse, Kinlough features in the first episode of Adrian Dunbar's Coastal Ireland a mini-series which follows the Enniskillen actor on his journey from Cork all the way up the West Coast and across the northern coast of Ireland.

In the beautiful travel programme, Adrian stops off at his favourite spot in the West Streedagh Beach, Sligo before he makes it to Kinlough to visit his good friend Piero Melis.

Piero Melis from Sardinia came to Ireland 24 years ago, met a local woman and settled. He set up the award winning The Courthouse restaurant in Kinlough. As Piero cooks up a seafood culinary delight he tells Adrian that where he is situated allows him to get "the best of best" ingredients for his dishes.

Adrian then moves on to Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. The two-part TV series has already aired in the USA and UK, but it's new slot on Netflix is sure to bring a few more tourists following in Dunbar's footsteps.
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Sinn Fein Justice spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has supported calls by the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors for the Minister for Justice Simon Harris to intervene in the ongoing roster talks.

His comments come as AGSI staged a day of action today which saw over 100 members from across the country march to Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park, in a bid for a fair roster.

Speaking today, Sligo/Leitrim Deputy, Martin Kenny said: It is clear that the Gardai are at crisis point after a decade of poor governance by Fine Gael in the Justice Department. The fact that Gardai feel they have no other option but to engage in a public march exposes the severity of the crisis facing members of all ranks right across the state.

Over the past year, I have asked both the Minister and the Taoiseach to intervene in the roster dispute. So far, they have failed to do so and Gardai feel that political leadership on this crisis is clearly lacking.

Gardai of all ranks on the ground tell me that they feel badly let down. They sacrificed their previous working agreements during the pandemic in order to ensure each community had the support they required - with the agreement that their previous roster would be reinstated once the emergency had passed.

They are now in a situation where they are forced to do more with less resources due to the skyrocketing number of resignations, particularly in the Dublin area. They worry that this leaves them overstretched, beyond a point where it is safe for them and the communities they are trying to protect.

There is a clear and growing crisis in Garda retention, which undermines already overstretched staff numbers. One remedy to this would be a return to a roster which would offer the work life balance that many members of the Gardai want and deserve.

The Justice Minister and the Taoiseach cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand. It is time for political leadership and a desire to get to grips with this issue to deliver the change needed.

I support the AGSI in their calls to the Minister to intervene. We must not see a further extension to the current contingency roster again in the Autumn. This is a clear failure of government policing policy.

After more than a decade with responsibility for the Justice Department, all Fine Gael have delivered is a policing service which is seeing record numbers of resignations amid deepening levels of low morale. Communities deserve to feel safe and protected. They need to know that when they need help from the Gardai it will be available. Sinn Fein in government would stand up for communities and ensure that they get the policing service they deserve."
The directors of An Irish Goodbye led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star James Martin after it won best live action short film at the Oscars.

Accepting the award, Tom Berkeley told the star-studded audience that the win was the second most important thing about today.

This year the biggest night in the show business calendar, taking place on March 12, also marks Martins 31st birthday.

An Irish Goodbye, follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by Martin and Seamus OHara, who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list.

It is directed by Berkeley and Ross White.

Martin took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre to collect the award alongside his team, dressed in a leopard print blazer.

This award is actually the second most important thing about today because it is this mans birthday, Berkeley said.

He is out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket. We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James.

Famous faces including fellow Irish star Colin Farrell were seen joining in the song, which was followed by cheers and a round of applause.

Martin previously told the PA news agency that having the two big events coincide was like a Cinderella story.

The timing of it has been just perfect. You know, you cant plan somebodys birthday to be on the Oscars, he said.

So its a big day, (but) I just want to enjoy it really, just enjoy the experience.

I mean, its not every day that you go to LA for the Oscars.

The actor previously said the Hollywood names he was most looking forward to meeting at the Oscars were Tom Cruise and Robert De Niro, as well as Friends stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
The wreck of the boat 'Francia', that sank off the coast on Monday, is pulled towards the beach in northeastern Madagascar, December 22, 2021 in this picture obtained from social media. MADAGASCAR DEFENCE MINISTRY / REUTERS

At least 22 migrants died when their boat sank off the coast of Madagascar over the weekend, the island's maritime authorities said on Monday, March 13.

"Forty-seven people had clandestinely taken a boat headed to (the French territory of) Mayotte, but that boat sank," the Madagascar maritime authority APMF said in a statement.

"Twenty-three of the passengers were able to be saved. 22 bodies were found," it said, adding the accident occurred on Saturday. Search-and-rescue operations were continuing for the two people who remained missing.

Many migrants try each year to reach Mayotte which lies north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

In 2021, more than 6,500 were detained trying to enter the territory clandestinely, according to French authorities.

There are no viable statistics on how many people have lost their lives in attempting such crossings. A report of the French Senat, published in the early 2000s, estimated that, at that time, around 1,000 were dying each year.

Le Monde with AFP
2023: Emmanuel Macron's promise of neutrality

Emmanuel Macron and Denis Sassou-Nguesso at the presidential palace in Brazzaville, March 3, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP

More than 60 years after the end of colonization, the "age of 'Francafrique' is well and truly over," said Emmanuel Macron on March 2 in Libreville, Gabon. The French president said that France has even become a "neutral partner" on the African continent, a far cry from the political and economic interference that had prevailed following independence.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Macron defends 'renewal' of military cooperation in Africa

A new reality, reflected in the promise of a "visible decrease" in French military presence. Nonetheless, this did not stop the tenant of the Elysee Palace, during his four-day tour of Central Africa, from meeting with Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. The latter has been in power for more than 40 years and represents the legacy of past relations.

2017: The dream of a new world by Emmanuel Macron

The French president stands next to Roch Marc Christian Kabore, president of Burkina Faso, on November 28, 2017, in Ouagadougou. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP

Age was already part of the discussion when Macron delivered a speech in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, on November 28, 2017, six months after his election. At 39, determined to embrace the future, the president of the Republic portrayed himself as the representative for "a generation that has never known Africa as a colonized continent."

"I am from a generation where we don't come to tell Africa what it should do or what the standards are for the rule of law," said the former economic minister, noting that "there is no longer an African policy by France."

2012: An ambiguous coda under Francois Hollande

Francois Hollande and Senegalese President Macky Sall on October 12, 2012 upon their arrival at the presidential palace in Dakar. PHILIPPE WOJAZER/POOL/AFP

You might have thought you were hearing an echo. "The era of what used to be called 'Francafrique' is over," said Francois Hollande on October 12, 2012, in Dakar, Senegal, five months after he took office. "There is France and there is Africa. There is the partnership between France and Africa, with relations based on respect, clarity and solidarity."

But old habits die hard: During his five-year term, the Socialist met with several African autocrats. Also, at the request of the ruling power, he sent French troops to Mali and the Central African Republic.

2008: Nicolas Sarkozy's overzealous minister

The secretary of state for cooperation and la Francophonie and outgoing UMP mayor of Mulhouse, Jean-Marie Bockel, after announcing his victory in the second round of municipal elections, March 16, 2008, in Mulhouse. SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP

On March 18, 2008, former Socialist and Secretary of State for Cooperation and La Francophonie Jean-Marie Bockel (under Prime Minister Francois Fillon) was reassigned as secretary of defense and veterans. His mistake? Having stated two months earlier, in an interview with Le Monde, that he wanted to sign "the death certificate" of "Francafrique," including its "rent seeking" and "parallel networks."

Nicolas Sarkozy had promised such a change as a presidential candidate, but he declined to follow through once elected. Gabonese President Omar Bongo had his French pal transfer the problematic Bockel.

1990: The stipulations of Francois Mitterrand

Francois Mitterrand, here with Gabonese President Omar Bongo during the 16th France-Africa summit, June 21, 1990 in La Baule. MARCEL MOCHET/AFP

"France does not intend to intervene in the internal affairs of friendly African states," said Francois Mitterrand on June 20, 1990, before 37 heads of state and government gathered for a summit in La Baule (Loire-Atlantique). This "subtle form of colonialism, under which France would attempt to coordinate internal political changes through plotting or conspiring" is over.

Nevertheless, at a time when the winds of freedom were blowing in the East, with the fall of the Iron Curtain and the USSR, the French president warned that his economic aid to African countries would remain linked to "efforts made to move toward greater" democracy. Essentially, a way to continue interfering.

Olivier Faye Translation of an original article published in French on lemonde.fr; the publisher may only be liable for the French version.
An Alaskan black bear in hibernation JOHN HECHTEL

Interstellar, Avatar, Alien, and 2001: A Space Odyssey... Four masterpieces of cinema, each made in a different decade, all use the same premise: human hibernation. It is a choice ingredient of films depicting future exploration of the cosmos  for most of us, the stuff of sci-fi. However, Angelique Van Ombergen, head of life sciences at the European Space Agency (ESA), makes it clear: "While for many people hibernation is science fiction, our approach is truly scientific." In a few points, the neuroscientist outlines the roadmap: "First, determine our needs. Observe what hibernating animals do that would be likely to help us. Determine what non-hibernating animals can do and how that might be applicable to humans. Finally, implement the associated technologies. The process has begun. There is still a long way to go. But it is essential to work in this direction, as the promise is so great."

Immense, even. Hibernation seems tailor-made to help humans explore outer space. Developed by many animal species to cope with the scarcity of resources in winter, it offers potential answers to three of the main challenges of space travel. First, the hope of drastically reducing onboard mass. "This is one of the obsessions of the space agencies," said Alexander Chouker, an intensive care specialist at the University Hospital of Munich and co-leader of the group of 20 experts on hibernation at ESA. "Because it affects the size and power of the spacecraft, but also because each kilo on board costs more than 10,000 euros. Imagine what this means for a crew going to Mars, a two-and-a-half-year mission. But animals that hibernate stop eating and drinking, and no longer produce waste. That's a godsend."

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Paris-New York, Washington-Kabul in less than an hour: SpaceX's other military and commercial dream

Another constant concern of space agencies is protecting astronauts' muscles and bones. "Gravity alone imposes an action on our muscles," noted Fabrice Bertille, from the Hubert Curien Interdisciplinary Institute in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, whose research on bear hibernation is supported by the ESA. "In the International Space Station, in microgravity, despite continuous exercise, astronauts face serious problems of muscle wasting, and when they come back, they are at risk of bone fragility. In a more constrained environment and over a longer period of time, this can become critical. However, bears do not encounter these difficulties. They lose 15% of their muscle in the first month, then nothing."

Finally, space holds an invisible, but pernicious danger: cosmic rays. On Earth, the magnetic field that surrounds our planet protects us from this radiation emitted by the sun and other stars. However, beyond a distance of 50,000 kilometers from the Earth's surface, we are naked to the protons, ions and X-rays of the solar wind. It is out of the question to surround a vessel with a lead shell, as the weight would prevent it from flying. Other, lighter materials are being tested. But early experiments, conducted for NASA in the 1960s, and especially a more recent study conducted at the Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany, for ESA, have established that rats  a non-hibernating species, like us  that were artificially placed in a state of torpor were largely protected from ionizing radiation, a likely effect of reduced cellular metabolism.

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THE LATE Tom Moran, who passed away this Sunday morning, has been described as an "iconic figure".

Fellow West Limerick man Cllr Liam Galvin, who knew Mr Moran very well, said his friend was one of Limerick's greats.

"Tommy was able to mix with the millionaires, the billionaires and the people who have nothing," said Cllr Galvin, a former mayor of Limerick.

Mr Moran built a hotel empire and was synonymous with The Red Cow Moran Hotel on Dublin's Naas Road, and his support of Limerick GAA.

"When the country was going bad and when Limerick was going bad, Tommy Moran was going well and he was so generous and so kind to people and, particularly, the parish that he came from.

"He gave them work when they wanted work and he was most generous to the GAA, particularly the Limerick teams and their supporters when they went to Dublin. He always came over to the table and made himself known. He was very very generous and very kind," said Cllr Galvin, who extended his sympathy to the Moran family on their sad loss.

The Abbeyfeale councillor said Mr Moran never forgot where he came from.

"The people of Athea, Carrigkerry, West limerick and Limerick further afield will certainly never forget Tommy Moran and the contribution he has given to the people of West Limerick and GAA. He put money into the GAA when very few had it.

"He was a man that everyone wanted to know, he was a man that everyone wanted to meet and he was everyone's friend. If you met Tommy Moran you wouldn't think Tommy Moran had a bob in his pocket. He was just so down to earth.

"He spoke the ordinary language that the ordinary people of Ireland speak. That's the way he was - he was just a gentleman. He will be dearly missed," said Cllr Galvin.

The county councillor's words are echoed in a tribute from Athea Tidy Towns on Facebook.

"We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of Tommy's passing this morning. A proud Athea man, who never forgot his roots and who delighted in supporting many community projects in his native village and county. May he rest in eternal peace," read the Facebook post.

No funeral arrangements have been announced thus far.

May he rest in peace.
GARDAI have launched an investigation following the theft of a licenced firearm from a house in County Limerick.

The house in Ballingarry was targeted in recent days and one line of enquiry is that the intruders were aware that the weapon was in the property.

"In this case a firearm was stolen, nothing else was disturbed or taken from the house. This is very serious as the gun could be used in criminal activity," said divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch.

"I want to remind all firearms holders that if you are licenced to own one firearm, you must use a trigger lock, disassemble the firearm and securely store the parts separately," she added.

Those who are licenced to hold three or more firearms are further reminded that they must store them in a locked gun safe that is bolted to a solid wall.

Anyone with information about the incident in Ballingarry is asked to contact gardai in Newcastle West or any garda station.
HOPES of some Limerick success in the Oscars were dashed overnight as there were just two Irish winners at the 95th Academy Awards.

Surprisingly, Banshees of Inisherin, which has been winning numerous awards this season, walked home empty handed.

Staring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the film was nominated for nine academy awards.

Set in the West of Ireland, it has strong Limerick links including costume designer, Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh and comic duo, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny.

Kenny and Shortt play a small role in the major blockbuster, which was Directed by Martin McDonagh. The Lough Gur actor plays Gerry, a lad who sits at the bar in the local pub owned by Jonjo Devine (Pat Shortt) and the pair pick up where they left off from their comedic antics of the 90s, a double act.

Sign maker and creator Tom Collins, whose studio is based at Erson's Lane in Limerick city, created mirrors for the pub which was built on set on Achill Island.

Elsewhere, An Cailin Ciuin was nominated for Best International Feature Film but failed to take home the coveted golden gong.

It too has strong Limerick connections as Actor Andrew Bennett, who grew up in Caherconlish playing Sean, the man of the house, in the movie which tells the story of Cait (Catherine Clinch) - a nine year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer.

The Northern Irish comedy-drama An Irish Goodbye won the Oscar for best live action short film while the second Irish winner, in he best visual effects category, was awarded to Dubliner Richard Baneham and his team for Avatar: The Way of Water.

Irish actor Paul Mescall was nominated for Best Actor for his role in Aftersun but it was Brendan Fraser who won that while Tipperary actress Kerry Condon missed out to Jamie Lee Curtis who won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

The best actress award went to Michelle Yoeh for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, which also won Best Picture.

The 95th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles in the Dolby Theatre.
TENS OF thousands of people are set to line the streets of Limerick on Friday as the citys annual St Patricks Day parade takes place.

They will witness around 1,500 people clad in green taking part in the parade, which, this year, has a special theme of Discover Limerick, with Viking warriors providing a reminder of who discovered Limerick.

It all kicks off at noon, and will be headed by actor and comedian, D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny who is this years grand marshal.

For the second year in-a-row the parade will not take in the majority of OConnell Street due to the ongoing works on the thoroughfare.

Instead, those marching will start at the OConnell Avenue/Roden Street junction before taking a left onto Glentworth Street, then a right onto Henry Street before winding up in Rutland Street.

Its also the second year in-a-row the parade has returned in full, with the spectacle cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Old favourites will return to the parade including Bui Bolg who this year are collaborating with Limerick Youth Festival to help celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Lumen Street Theatre return along with Limerick Youth Dance Company, Cloughjordan Circus Club, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with stilt-walkers, musicians, and of course many of Limericks bands and clubs adding to the colour on the day.

The festivities will continue the following day with an afternoon of comedy and acrobatics at the St Patricks Festival Street Show Saturday.

Street performers Wobbly Circus, Hakuna Matata Acrobats, Fanzini Brothers, Stephen McGinleys crazy circus, and magician Jack Wise will have performances in Thomas Street and Bedford Row from noon to 3pm.

On Sunday at noon the International Band Parade returns to Limerick for the 51st time.

A total of 20 bands from Limerick, Ireland, wider Europe and the USA will battle it out for the title and a number of other category prizes.

The parade will follow broadly the same route as the St Patricks Day event, finishing instead in Arthurs Quay Park where a free concert will take place.

You can follow all the action from both the city and band parade on our social media and limericklive.ie
MBABANE  The municipality is in partnership with other organisations to train micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

Four young entrepreneurs who came up with the top four business proposals under the Municipal Council of Mbabane out of School Youth Entrepreneurship Training got an opportunity to pitch for funding at FINCORP. The entrepreneurs have been under the mentorship of Junior Achievement Eswatini (JAE) since they graduated from the programme. FINCORP Senior Manager Credit Operations (SMCO) Sipho Mkhwamubi said this was more than just a mere pitch, as the company is seriously looking at funding more viable proposals from young people.

Challenges

We get a lot of insights from the business cases of young people. What we have observed is that they face unique challenges from the older age group in terms of access to land, for example, and issues that have to do with providing a deposit. While we do have the Small-Scale Enterprise Loan Guarantee Scheme, we appreciate that we need to do more to position young people to fully benefit from this arrangement. As a business, we commit to continuing to explore ways in which we can assist young entrepreneurs better. Or else, we have advised each one of them on the areas they need to polish up and come back to apply for funding in any of our branches closer to them, he said.

One of the youth entrepreneurs, Bongiswa Dvuba, said it was his first time pitching for funding, and he has learned a great deal from the presentation and feedback. One of the key takeaways for me is that my business needs to be viable both on paper and practically, and that because I am already in business, I should avoid cutting corners, keep track of everything, and have a clear cash flow, he said. Dvuba runs East Men Farms. He started the business in 2020.

Assistance

He produces different lines of convection-grown vegetables, beans, and seedlings. He already has a market, especially through the assistance of the Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU). He is looking for funding to cover costs such as fencing land for security, setting up an irrigation system, buying seeds, installing a greenhouse and buying insurance. JA Programmes Manager Nomcebo Dladla thanked FINCORP for providing the pitching platform for young entrepreneurs. We appreciate the feedback. We have also seen the key areas where we need to help our young people as we mentor them to ensure that they are financially viable, she said. Mbabane Municipal Council City Economic Development Officer Winile Dlamini also thanked FINCORP for opening their doors to young people and their commitment to assist them. We have also learnt that as we help young people, we should apply a more comprehensive approach to ensure that by the time they come here to pitch, they are ready to be financed, she said.
DETAILS of this year's Lifelong Learning Festival, which takes place later this months, have been announced.

According to Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kieran OHanlon, who is encouraging people to take part in the festival "variety is the spice of life".

The week-long festival, now in its 13th year, features over 160 events with a wide variety to choose from - and they are all free of charge for the people of Limerick to attend.

This year's theme of the festival is Come Learn with Me, 2023 and participants can choose from workshops from art to IT, language courses to professional development or even martial arts and dance.

Guests who attended this Monday's launch, took part in a free morning Zumba class prior to hearing from Cllr OHanlon and representatives of festivals organising committee.

It has often been said that variety is the spice of life - that is an apt metaphor for this Lifelong Learning Festivals offerings, said Cllr O'Hanlon, who was representing Mayor Francis Foley who is currently in the United States.

I have no doubt that this years lineup of events will be something of interest for the people of Limerick, he added.

The core of this inclusive Limerick-based festival is to encourage people, no matter what age, to continue learning and acquiring new skills no matter what stage of life one may be.

Close associate with the festival, Eimear Brophy of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and keynote speaker at the launch, echoed this when she said that Limerick is committed to supporting, promoting and improving lifelong learning.

A variety of in-person, online and hybrid events will take place during the festival which takes place between Monday, March 26 and Sunday, April 2, 2023.
NOTORIOUS criminal Gerard Mackin, who was once the first person convicted of a Belfast murder by a Dublin court before his conviction was quashed and a retrial collapsed, has pleaded guilty to laundering thousands of euro in crime cash in Limerick nearly four years ago.

Mackin, aged 40, who was extradited from Alicante in Spain last December, pleaded guilty, this Monday, to laundering 4,780 which was allegedly the proceeds of criminal behaviour at Rhebogue Road, Limerick, on April 17, 2019.

Mackin, who is originally from west Belfast and who has a previous address at Rhebogue Road, pleaded guilty to "knowing or believing, or being reckless as to whether property, 4,780, was the proceeds of criminal conduct, did handle, acquire and/or possess the said property" contrary to Section 7 of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010.

Mackin spoke only to confirm his name and answer "guilty" when the sole charge was put to him by the registrar at the non-jury Special Criminal court.

Detective Garda Stephen Ahern, who is based in Limerick, previously told the court that he arrested Mackin at Dublin Airport on December 5 last in relation to a European Arrest Warrant which issued on April 7, 2022.

After the guilty plea was entered, Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, requested that a governor's report from Portlaoise Prison be prepared for his client which was granted.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Alan Mitchell, adjourned the matter to March 30 for sentence.

In January 2011, Mackin's retrial for the murder of Edward Burns, a taxi driver and 36-year-old father-of-five, dramatically collapsed at the Special Criminal Court after the State entered a 'nolle prosequi' [a decision not to prosecute].

Several of Mackin's supporters who were in court applauded and cheered while members of the victim's family openly wept.

The chief prosecution witness refused to give evidence at the trial after telling a Belfast High Court judge he was threatened that if he gave any evidence, he would be shot dead.

Mackin had pleaded not guilty to the murder at Bog Meadow, Falls Road, Belfast on March 12, 2007.

It was the second trial of Mackin after a 2008 conviction - which made Mackin the first person convicted in a Dublin court for an alleged murder in Belfast under a rarely-used cross border anti-terrorism law - was quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal and a retrial ordered.

In July 2013, another nolle prosequi was entered against Mackin at the non-jury court on a charge of IRA membership and demanding money with menaces on behalf of the INLA in Co Monaghan on May 18 and 21, 2012.

Mackins last criminal conviction in Ireland goes back to March 2017, when he was jailed for three years by the Special Criminal Court for a "depraved and barbaric" assault in which a man in his 50s was nailed to a kitchen floor with a nail-gun.

On the second day of this trial, Mackin admitted to assault causing harm at Larch Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick, on September 14, 2015.
Royal Group, an investment firm controlled by a top Abu Dhabi royal, is considering a possible takeover of the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank following its collapse last week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The conglomerate, chaired by United Arab Emirates National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is discussing a potential buy-out through one of its subsidiaries, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.

No final decision has been made and a bid may not be tabled. Representatives for Royal Group didnt immediately respond to requests for comments outside of normal working hours.

Other firms are also said to be exploring making a bid. Clearing bank Bank of London Group Ltd. said in a statement on Sunday that it has submitted a formal proposal to the Treasury, Bank of England and the board of SVB UK.

SoftBank Group Corp.-backed lender OakNorth is in detailed talks about an offer, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Tech Sector

The turmoil at Silicon Valley Bank UK is spilling over into the nations technology sector, stoking concern among startups and venture-capital firms worried about losing access to funds sitting at the lender. While the lender is small compared to the UKs largest banks, it plays an outsized role in the world of startups, describing itself on its website as the go-to banking partner for founders, entrepreneurs and investors."

A potential takeover by Sheikh Tahnoons firm underscores Abu Dhabis increasing financial heft on global deals and rekindles memories of 2008, when the Gulfs richest monarchies stepped in to buy stakes in western lenders such as Citigroup Inc.

Sheikh Tahnoons profile has risen in recent years as hes emerged as the most powerful business figure among the Abu Dhabi royals. On top of his role as chairman at Royal Group, he also oversees the wealth fund ADQ as well as lender First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC. Last week, he was appointed chairman of the emirates $790 billion wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

The Financial Times reported earlier that an unnamed Middle East buyer had expressed interest in a potential purchase of SVB UK.
New Delhi: Cereal maker Kelloggs India will focus on selling more muesli and granola while ditching attempts to scale up Indian breakfast options such as ready-to-cook upma, said a top executive at the company.

Muesli and granola could draw a third of the sales for the maker of Kelloggs Chocos and Froot Loops cereals up from the current 20%. The move comes after young, upmarket urban consumers have shown a propensity to spend more on mueslia category priced at a premium to breakfast cereals.

Within the overall ready-to-eat breakfast cereal space, the muesli and granola segment is the fastest growing," Prashant Peres, Managing Director, Kellogg South Asia, said in an interview with Mint. The reason its going faster is because its starting from a smaller base. Globally, too, the category is doing well. It is a significant growth driver in markets like Korea, Japan, Australia, Middle East, etc."

The move comes as the company plans to double its household reach over the next four years. We serve around 40 to 50 million people in India todaywe want to double that," Peres, who joined the company in early 2022, said.

While the staple Kelloggs cornflakes and brands such as Chocos will continue to drive household penetration with their lower priced packs, Peres said muesli will lead the companys growth at the top-end of the market. The move is also in line with other fast moving consumer goods makers premiumizing their portfolio.

Thats because high-income urban consumers are showing strong appetite for new products and categories; they are also willing to pay more.

The number one (driver of growth) will continue to be Chocos, its the biggest brand for us, and will drive the highest increase in penetration and households. Followed by cornflakes and muesliMuesli is targeted at young urban adults who are looking for a healthier lifestyle," he said.

To be sure, Kellogg India Pvt. Ltd that was set up in 1994, sells its Kelloggs corn flakes, Chocos, muesli, oats, and upma in India. Muesli could be more than a third of the business in the next five years, he added.

Meanwhile, over two years after launching hot Indian breakfast options such as packaged upmathe company has no plans to scale the business nationally. Upma, when launched, was seen as the companys attempt to drive greater appeal among Indian consumers who for years have resisted switching to cereals opting instead for hot paranthas and home-made idlis and poha for breakfast. However, it could look at different formats in the savoury health foods space, Peres said.

Were not looking at scaling it up. It was always something that we had considered that we would launch for specific geographies. Weve seen some opportunities which actually will be slightly different and probably have national scale-up opportunities. Well be pivoting our strategy in the space. The idea is not to scale upma to multiple states and take it to places where its not a big core meal," he said.
New Delhi: United Parcel Service (UPS) is open to making acquisitions in India to grow its operations, executive vice-president Laura Lane said.

The American logistics company is focusing on expanding its presence in the domestic logistics market, and is planning to electrify its fleet in line with similar growth in Europe and China, Lane said in an interview.

We are a company that looks always to grow organic and inorganic, and so, we are looking across the globe, including here in India, about additional ways to grow," she said.

The logistics giant has been present in India since 1989 and employs more than 3,000 people in the country.

I have to say that our presence has been growing. With the launch of our partnership with InterGlobe with MOVIN Express, we are now looking at growing a bigger share of our domestic service offerings here. We have been traditionally more engaged in the import-export side of things, providing the best value, best reliability for cross-border logistics, but we are trying to also grow the domestic operations so that we can provide greater end-to-end solutions to end customers on all sides," said Lane, who is also the companys chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer.

UPS and InterGlobe Enterprises formed MOVIN, a joint venture, in May last year. Lane said UPS is placing major focus on its Indian operations as there is an appetite for growth".

UPS has set a net-zero target, committing to turn carbon-neutral by 2050, in line with the global push to decarbonize.

Every company that is in logistics is still trying to find out how to decarbonize aviation, thats why we made a carbon-neutral commitment by 2050, because we know that there are still innovation gaps that need to be closed, in terms of how to decarbonize aviation. Its why we are working to increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel in the key airports around the world and it is also why we are trying to be part of a solution for electrifying air operations."

She said UPS has been looking at ways to use green hydrogen, and is already testing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in California, US.

In India, we are looking at ways to electrify our fleet. In Europe and China, we are moving faster in terms of moving towards alternative fuel vehicles. We are one of the largest in terms of alternative fuel vehicles fleet," Lane said. The company has over 13,000 ground vehicles powered by alternative fuels.

An area that we are obviously going to be expanding here in India is that we are going to be making an initial $15-20 million investment in information technology...technology centre in India. It will bring about a thousand more jobs to start with, and we are going to evaluate what contribution that centre can bring to both our global operations as well as our Indian operations. It is in Chennai. The investment will be done till 2025," she said.

The UPS executive further said the technology centre will support the companys operations in the US and Europe. UPS has other technology centres in the US, Europe and Singapore.

She also spoke on efforts to boost exports by small businesses in the country, with a focus on women-led businesses. It recently partnered with India SME Forum to train 500 women entrepreneurs in India in export and related business areas. The training will be provided through experts via online and offline modes.

Its a personal passion, but also an important business and strategic priority for our company to really help grow SMBs around the world, but with a particular focus on women-owned businesses," Lane said.

rituraj.baruah@livemint.com
Startups will have to scale back and preserve capital in the backdrop of the sudden collapse of the US-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Singapore Monetary Authority chief fintech officer Sopnendu Mohanty said on Monday.

SVBs collapse has sent shockwaves globally as the lender is considered to be crucial for early-stage businesses as it had ties with nearly half of venture-backed companies in the US. Its abrupt failure marks one of the largest bank failures since the 2008 global financial crisis.

It will not be easy. Existing founders will struggle even getting the existing capital. So they have to deal with this market crisis from a profitability perspective. So the startups will have to scale back, spend less. Do not burn the money irresponsibly. They have to preserve capital and find a way to survive the winter," Mohanty said while speaking at India-Singapore Hackathon 2023.

Mohanty further added that the collapse of the lender would create a gap in the startup ecosystem and the entrepreneurs would need to find ways to survive the winter".

On the recently announced integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore, Mohanty said the move is going to be the global template for multi-country connectivity.

I think this will become a foundational infrastructure upgrade for the future of financial services, he added.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India is a major power in the digital world. The minister for education and skill development and entrepreneurship said that the government is working with Singapore on increasing cooperation in areas such as education and skill development.

With inputs from PTI
NEW DELHI : Beauty and wellness products company The Ayurveda Co., (T.A.C) has raised 100 crores in a series A funding round from Sixth Sense Ventures.

The round also saw the participation of actress Kajal Agarwal, apart from a clutch of start-up founders and venture debt funds. T.A.C that started out as a direct-to-consumer brand is set to raise another Rs150-200 crore as part of the current Series A round over the next eight-to-ten months.

Param Bhargava, Founder, The Ayurveda Co., said, the company was formed after identifying gaps in the mass-to-premium Ayurveda products market in India. Companies such as Dabur and Patanjali participate in the market for herbal and Ayurvedic products apart from more premium brands such as Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda.

Funds raised will be used to expand offline presence, improve product manufacturing, expand research and development, and accelerate digital awareness around Ayurveda and T.A.C in the ecosystem, the company said in a statement. We will be strengthening our R&D and product quality segment. Part of the funding will go into strengthening our product development teams. Money will also go into opening more touch points which act as experience centres for the brand; third will go to working capital which is required for managing large inventories as we go deeper into retail apart from brand building and generating more awareness for the category," Bhargava said.

The company is set to go live in general trade later this monthselling more of its hair care and skin care products in mom-and-pop stores. Currently, it already draws half its sales from offline channels. By fiscal 2025the brand plans to increase its retail footprint from 3,000 to 20,000 stores apart from taking its network of exclusive branded stores to 100 from the current 20. The company draws 45% of its business from skin-care products such as face wash, creams, face oil, gels etc.

T.A.C also has also made minority investments in two contract manufacturing units; the company works with other third-party manufacturers.

The funding will help the company sell its products to a wider audience, especially millennials and GenZ to make Ayurveda mainstream, said Shreedha Singh, Co-founder and CEO.

T.A.C recently forayed into global marketsafter it launched its range of products in Dubai.

Several homegrown brands have popularized Ayurveda products with their range of hair solutions and skin treatments. Meanwhile, several digital-first brands have also launched products based on Ayurvedic recipes.

Though there is a huge clutter of digital-first beauty and personal care brands, only a handful have been able to get shelf space in the offline world, where 90% of the market still resides. General trade presence is critical to drive real scale for any consumer brand. Having moved offline early, establishing distribution across offline retail formats and geographies, T.A.C is garnering shelf space in areas dominated by incumbents to become an omnichannel BPC brand," said Nikhil Vora, Founder & CEO Sixth Sense Ventures.
The seemingly unhurried demeanor of the police in concluding investigations into the Swaziland Women Empowerment Trust (SWEET) that swindled women investors tens of thousands Emalangeni is feeding into the narrative of Frederic Bastiat: When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men (add women too) in a society, over the course of time they create for themselves a legal system that authorises it and a moral code that glorifies it.

It is mystifying that, to date, there is no headway in bringing to justice those fingered to have used SWEET as a vehicle to defraud women who had invested in the venture with the hope of becoming shareholders in and co-owners of the first womens bank through SWEET Microfinance (Pty) Ltd. This even after much of the groundwork had been accomplished by a joint investigation initiated by the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) that determined grounds for a criminal investigation by the police. But the police have still not come to the party.

Among other indiscretions, whereas SWEET Microfinance (Pty) Ltd was a legally registered entity, its mother body, SWEET, was never registered. The ire of investors was raised in 2019 when they found its offices in Manzini closed whereupon they approached the CBE and FSRA for intervention. SWEET has since been placed under liquidation after the initial investigations by CBE and FSRA found, besides fraudulent activities, that it was insolvent, meaning its creditors were owed more than its assets value or its liabilities outstripped its assets.

As I see it, the apparently slouchy handling of the SWEET matter by the police does not augur well for the kingdoms criminal justice system that is perennially mired in controversy. Consequently, this has created the impression, and indeed the belief, that some people are more equal than others in the eyes of the law. A snap profile of SWEET investors reveals a picture of predominantly rural women eking a hand-to-mouth existence, who, in the face of their daunting circumstances, had sacrificed their scant resources in the hope of pulling themselves out from the claws of poverty.

Messiahs

On the other end of the SWEET justice scale are powerful and well connected individuals who were driving the institution and are seemingly insulated from the law. These well-heeled fake messiahs not only did they steal from the poor investors, but they also literally destroyed their future because their future was encapsulated in the dream of co-owing the first womens bank. Unless there is some intervention, specifically from government, the SWEET investors are unlikely to recoup their investments now that the organisation has been found to be also insolvent, which means it is unable to pay its creditors.

It is ironic that during last weeks International Womens Day, which will encompass a month-long campaign to motor gender equality and empower young girls and women, none of the luminary speakers mentioned the plight of the women who are victims of the SWEET fraud. None of them called on the justice system to take the side of these silent victims. None of them, who included politicians, reminded the police to expedite the investigations in order to bring the culprits to justice. Could this be because the chief suspects are women too?

Yet for some odd reasons, the interests of various speakers was the election of women into Parliament in the forthcoming elections to the extent of issuing indirect threats should this not happen.

Given the political undercurrents it is tempting to hazard the intention of exploiting the volatile socio-political environment to forestall political reformation. Especially with Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu, then Acting Deputy Prime Minister, even invoking Their Majesties in a drive to coerce women to conform. Not that women have been found wanting in activism for political change, or anything for that matter. No! They remain the vanguard for the total emancipation of this nation. Therefore, they should refuse to be traded as commodities on the altar of political expediency  merely because it is politically correct to call for their election. If women are elected it should not be a means to a predetermined political end, but should be for substance, their valuable contributions, and moral and ethical leadership qualities other than for window dressing purposes.

Agents

As I see it, given the prevailing political climate, the call ought to be for men and women of value to come to the fore as agents of the change this kingdom needs urgently at this point and time. These are men and women who can stand for and suffer for the truth. These are sons and daughters of the soil who do not put a premium on their stomachs, but rather on creating a nation where everyone has a place in the sun. These are fathers and mothers who are ready and willing to deconstruct a society built on lies, rumours and bad-mouthing others in order to get ahead. These are compatriots who put the country and this nation ahead of themselves  a contradiction to what is obtaining where even men and women of the cloth orbiting the seat of power have lost their voices and could not even bring themselves to condemn the mass slaughter of emaSwati during and post June 2021 pro-multiparty democracy protests. Women must refuse to be forced to conform in order to find social identity and belonging and only do and act in their, and the nations, best interests.
The number of middle-income taxpayers in India has declined dramatically after 2018-19, falling 17% in the subsequent two years, from 49.8 million to 41.1 million. In the same period, the number of high-income taxpayers rose 15%, underscoring how the pandemic accentuated inequities.

Last month, the government released data in the Lok Sabha on the number of individual taxpayers by three income bands: up to 5 lakh, 5-10 lakh, and above 10 lakh. The total taxpayers rose from 40 million in 2015-16 to 65.4 million in 2018-19, reflecting an overall expansion of the taxpayer base. In 2020-21, however, this fell to 63.3 million.

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The share of those earning up to 5 lakh a year had started to decline even before the pandemicfrom an 81% share in total in 2014-15 to 76% in 2018-19. In 2020-21, this fell to 65%. Post-covid, the decline was also in absolute terms. Thus, the shrinking of the lowest tax brackets dramatically worsened due to economic disruptions caused by covid.

As incomes rise, taxpayers move up income slabs. But another major reason for these shifts is greater income inequality. The pandemic has exacerbated an existing divide between rich and poor, shows an ICE360 survey of about 120,000 urban households across 100 districts.

Of the five income bands, the three lowest bands saw their mean household income fall between 2015-16 and 2020-21. In contrast, the richest 20% saw a 39% increase in income.

Pre-pandemic Trend

Driven by this top end, over these five years, average income among direct tax payers rose 8.4% to 3.23 lakh per annum. While the pandemic made things worse, the income share of taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket (up to 5 lakh) was falling even before the pandemic, from 44% in 2013-14 to 33% in 2018-19. Meanwhile, the share of the other two brackets (above 5 lakh) in the overall income rose by the same amount.

One reason why people at the top are earning more could also be diversity of income. The non-salary income component of the higher-income bracket has increased over the years, but decreased for the lower-income bracket. Demonetization, the migration to goods and services tax (GST) regime (which disproportionately hit smaller firms employing lower- and middle-income workers) and the pandemic all combined to pare down the relative position of middle-class Indians in the income pie.

Less Secure

The salaried middle class forms the backbone of the urban economy. Yet, as the governments Periodic Labour Force Survey shows, the proportion of workers in urban India who are salaried has declined since the pandemic, from 48.8% in 2019-20 to 46.4% in 2020-21. Across both rural and urban areas, the share of salaried workers fell from 23.8% in 2018-19 to 22.9% in 2019-20 and further to 21.1% in 2020-21.

Women were affected more. While the proportion of male workers who were salaried fell by 1.9 percentage points, the decline for women was 4.1 percentage points over the same period. At the same, informalization and casualization of the workforce increased. The proportion of casual labour in the workforce has risen from 13.4% in 2019-20 to 14.1% in 2020-21 in urban India, suggesting that lower-income groups shifted to informal employment due to a severe job crunch during and after the pandemic.

Corporate Impact

The shifts in income structure of the Indian consumer has far-reaching, longer-term implications for the economy. Internet businesses is one place where this plays out. Firms like Zomato, Swiggy, MakeMyTrip, Naukri, and Paisabazaar are essentially relying on their consumer base to grow as a result of more people entering the formal workforce and moving up in it.

But if the middle-income category, which forms a majority of the urban household population, is not growing at a brisk rate, then such companies will find it difficult to expand beyond a point. The tapering in the average monthly transacting user base of food-delivery company Zomato points to the challenges of maintaining growth. Increasing inequality and a bleak overall employment market, with people leaving the formal workforce, is a conundrum that the economy is yet to solve.

www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data.
Sustainability has been at the core of the G20 agenda for several years now but for India, sustainability is a way of life, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday at CII Partnership Summit 2023 here.

His comments come amid increasing stress on sustainability by western countries in multilateral and bilateral trade deals. Several sustainability related compliances introduced by EU, UK and US are expected to have a bearing on New Delhi based suppliers.

Goyal said that it is important that we build resilience in our economies and enforce sustainability while focusing on inclusivity, adding that partnerships between citizens, communities and countries, when working together in the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and sometimes competition, collectively can contribute to a more stable and prosperous future.

Businesses must accelerate to become responsible, innovative, sustainable and equitable, but must also identify partnerships to achieve these goals, said H.E. Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade & Industry, Republic of Singapore. He said that beyond the extensive and friendly relations between the governments of India and Singapore, they also share deep and enduring friendships, kinships, and shared histories and cultures.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, United Arab Emirates said that global issues require global solutions and cannot be resolved by a single nation or a small group of nations, and require significant concrete actions. UAE is dedicated in collaborating with international partners bilaterally and multilaterally in order to tackle the world problems and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, he added.

Vikramjit Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Punjab said that Skilling is the only solution to address global unemployment where the jobs gap is at 473 million. At CIIs B20 Summit, Sahney emphasized on skilling in rural areas to generate gainful employment for the youth in the villages.

Sahney added that women need to have fair share in skill ecosystem and involvement of students at school level for vocational education is very significant he added.
The closure of Signature Bank, a lender that counted a number of crypto companies as customers even as it recently signaled a pullback from the industry, marks another major setback for digital assets.

The US Treasury Department said the lender was closed by New York state financial regulators on Sunday and that all depositors will have access to their money on Monday.

The shutdown comes soon after the twin collapses of Silvergate Capital Corp. and Silicon Valley Bank. All the banks were, at least at one point, counted among the USs most crypto-friendly financial institutions.

Signature and Silvergate not only stored crypto companies funds but also enabled fast payments between clients like hedge funds and exchanges. Those transactions were key to maintaining liquidity for the digital-asset markets.

Pull Back

Although Signature began a pull back from crypto recently, its still important for the industry. It had $16.5 billion in crypto-related client deposits as of March 8. Signature also ran Signet, a payment network that allowed commercial crypto clients to make real-time payments in dollars at any time, seven days a week.

After the shutdown of rival Silvergates SEN network in early March, Signet was the only game in town for many crypto customers when it came to quickly sending payments to exchanges and vendors, or meeting payroll. LedgerX, a crypto derivatives platform, earlier instructed clients to send domestic wire transfers to Signature instead of Silvergate.

Circle Internet Financial Ltd., the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has said that it has $3.3 billion at Silicon Valley Bank and maintains transaction and settlement accounts for USDC at Signature.

Signet System

Coinbase Global Inc., the USs biggest crypto exchange, integrated Signet to allow clients to instantaneously transfer funds last October. Back in 2021, stablecoin TrueUSD integrated into Signet for instant settlements. Signet also integrated with Fireblocks in 2020.

As Signet goes out of commission, users may have trouble getting rapidly in and out of exchanges, dramatically impacting crypto-market liquidity.

Already, ease of trade for Bitcoin-to-dollar and Bitcoin-to-Tether transactions on some US exchanges has dipped between 35% and 45% from the beginning of March to Saturday, according to research firm Kaiko. Signatures collapse is likely to increase the impact.
Yes Bank lock-in period ends today: Yes Bank shares are expected to remain volatile as the three-year lock-in period will end today, 13 March 2023. Recently, the bank has concluded sale of its stressed assets loan portfolio to JC Flowers. In March 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) superseded Yes Banks board due to the banks issues with deteriorating asset quality, inadequate capital and losses on its books. As part of the central banks reconstruction scheme, Indias largest lender, SBI, initially infused a capital of 6,050 crore for a 48% stake in Yes Bank.

Here are 10 things you should know about Yes Bank

1) The reconstruction scheme 2020 imposed a lock-in period till March 2023 for all investors. The terms of the reconstruction scheme barred investors from selling shares acquired in Yes Bank in the secondary market for three years. Additionally, SBI had to hold at least a 26% stake in the bank till March 2023.

2) SBIs lock-in period ended on Monday, the lock-in for other investors ends on March 13.

3) Nine banks led by State Bank, which picked up almost 49 per cent of Yes Bank stocks in March 2020 for 10 per share -- at a premium of 8 on the face value as part of the RBI bailout.

4) Under the RBI's rescue plan, these nine financial entities had infused 10,000 crore in Yes Bank. They were mandated to hold these 75 per cent of their shares bought as part of the rescue plan for three years.

5) As of December 2022, SBI held 26.14 per cent or 6,050 million shares of Yes Bank; HDFC & HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank held 1,000 million shares each; Axis Bank 600 million; Kotak Mahindra Bank 500 million; Federal Bank and Bandhan Bank 300 million each and IDFC First Bank held 250 million shares before it went belly up on March 5, 2020. These eight banks held originally almost 11 billion shares in the bank. That apart, SBI AMC holds 23.67 million of Yes Bank shares in its Nifty 50 ETF, Kotak AMC holds 11.99 million, Nippon India has 10.56 million, SBI ETF of Bank Nifty has another 6.72 million and UTI AMC holds 5.89 million.

6) Under the lock-in period, as much as 1.35 billion shares are with individual investors. This includes retail, HNIs and NRIs, and another 67 million with exchange-traded funds.

7) Even since the crisis, the stock has been trailing and closed at 16.50 on BSE, down 0.3 per cent last Friday. But this is nearly a 65 per cent premium over their buy value.

8) Yes Bank was taken over by the central bank on March 5, 2020, and sold to a consortium of banks after a dramatic rise in toxic assets, which jumped to over 26 per cent.

9) Yes Bank has also been profitable from the third quarter since the rescue. Its loan book grew 10 per cent growth in Q3 FY23, and deposits are also expanding at a reasonable pace.

10) Analysts believe that shares of Yes Bank may face selling pressure today as the central bank's -mandated three-year lock-in period for individual investors and exchange-traded funds is ending today.

-With agency inputs

Know your inner investor Do you have the nerves of steel or do you get insomniac over your investments? Lets define your investment approach. Take the test
Do all retail investors analyse stocks thoroughly and then invest for the long term? Not all. Many of them rely on fund managers and invest indirectly through mutual funds, while some of them, try their hand at cash trading to make quick profits. This short-term trading is based on the daily price movement of a stock mostly triggered by factors such as macro data or corporate announcements, be it of earnings, new orders, projects and special situations. And, if it is an intra-day trade in which traders buy and sell the stock on the same daymarket participants also make use of debt to buy more stocks.

While there is a possibility of making quick gains from this, investors also face a greater risk of losing money as the fluctuation in stock prices is generally higher in the short term.

Also, traders can easily give into fear and greed as there is no conviction on the traded stock, a prerequisite for long-term investing. Needless to say, luck plays a major role in the success or failure of all such trades.

Mint spoke to a few individuals who trade in the cash market. Note that the cash market trading here doesnt include options and futures trading in the derivative segment. (Mint does not suggest trading for the short term as it is extremely risky for retail investors.)

All the participants that Mint spoke to said they abided by the following rules: One, they did not treat gains from trading as the primary source of income. Two, the holding period lasted a few weeks to two years. Three, they set aside a core portfolio designed for the long term. Four, they re-invested gains back into the market. And five, they followed risk-mitigating practices such as having a stop-loss order in place.

View Full Image Trading in the cash market

Not the core portfolio

For most of these participants, the capital to trade in the cash market is only a small percentage, about 10%, of the overall portfolio.

Nirali Shah, a 30-year old resident of Mumbai, says the income generated from cash trading is only ancillary income. I categorically divided my portfolio into long-term investing and short-term trading. The latter does not account for more than 10% of my portfolio. I know my core portfolio can only generate wealth in the long run. Income from cash trading is only ancillary and I do not depend on it," she adds.

Ditto for Rishi Kothari from Gujarat, who has been investing and trading in the stock market for more than 25 years now. He says, I have about 72 stocks in my universe. Of this, I have currently invested in 12-13 stocks that form part of my core portfolio. I am holding some of those stocks for more than a decade."

As to why he still trades in the cash market, he says, Trading is part of my satellite portfolio. As I keep track of the stocks in the universe, I make use of any special situations that provides trading opportunities in the short-term. There will not be more than 25 such trades in a year."

Triggers

While all of them have been targeting quick cash in the short-term, their stock-picking methods vary: They either use technical charts or fundamentals including corporate actions or a mix of both.

Shahs mother, 55-year-old Shilpa Shah, has been dabbling in intra-day trading since 2014. After both my children settled down, I wanted to take up something challenging and so started to learn intra-day trading," says Shilpa Shah. She religiously attends the Ignite session (an educative session on trading) offered by Sharekhan online trading platform everyday from 8:45 am to 9:30 am. She analyses and selects stocks based on the information gleaned from these sessions.

Abhijit Yelegaonkar, a full-time trader, is into swing trading for the last 5-6 years. He uses both technical and fundamental metrics to pick a stock for trading in the cash market. I look at the stocks with 52-week highs, volume spurts and open interest (OI) spurts data that NSE discloses every day. I also look at multi-year or multi-month breakouts using technical charts. On the fundamental side, I check the valuations of the stocks and also whether the company is profitable or not," he says.

Yelegaonkar belongs to the camp of investors that firmly believes in technical analysis. To exit a stock, he depends on charts such as ascending triangle breakout and rectangle breakout to set targets.

Chirag Mahawar, a 27-year old, doesnt believe that trading has much to do with science. I dont think technical analysis is any definitive science. Otherwise, I would have earned endless money from this and would have never failed. Markets can be more irrational than the time I can be rational," he says. Mahawar adds that he first tries to understand a good stock idea fundamentally during the weekend and enters only when the time is appropriate.

Some of these participants also use the leverage in intra-day trading. This is called trading on margin. Day trading on margin allows traders to borrow funds from a broker and buy more stocks than they can afford to. The leverage can amplify the returns generated from trades but can result in bigger losses if the bet goes wrong.

Most participants believe that taking leverage is either risky or that the current Sebi norms on margin requirements make it unattractive.

Not without losses

Note that even those well experienced in the markets make losses. The ratio is higher when it comes to trading, either in the derivative market or the cash market.

While the participants shared that they make net gains (gains minus any loses) from their trades in a year, none of them is an exception to incurring losses and experiencing the mental stress that comes along with it, at least in the beginning phase of trading.

One such participant initially borrowed money from his father and made losses. He said it was a pretty bad experience and defined the moment as the cost of learning the markets.

Mahawar explains the reason why he decided to stop intraday trading. The risk reward is skewed in the case of intraday trading. There were behavioural changesbeing glued to the screen, greed of earning more, inability to concentrate on anything else and thinking about positions all the time. When I noticed these changes, I began to realize there is more to life than just earning money through stocks."

While losses are inevitable, most of these participants have put in place certain risk-minimizing plans to cut down the extent of losses.

Mahawar now trades in the cash market only when he finds good opportunities but with a strict stop loss orderan order placed with the broker to sell the stock once it falls by a certain percentage or to the specified price. Having a stop-loss order and sticking to it is essential and helps in not succumbing to the thought that the stock price may go up after some time, say experts.

Over the years, Kothari practiced the art of admitting to his losses and exiting the stock the moment he realizes his thesis is wrong.

Yelegaonkar, too, knows the importance of stop-loss orders. I maintain a journal for all my trades. It includes the reason for buying the stock, the chart pattern observed, target I set and whether it worked or not. One can only learn from experience" he adds.

Also, one should define the universe of stocks to trade. Ideally, one should stick to highly liquid, well-known stocks and trade in them" says Vikas V Gupta, chief executive officer and chief investment strategist, OmniScience Capital. Having said that, he believes that retail investors should stay away from trading in any form any day.

Prashanth Bisht, deputy CIO of True Beacon asks traders to be cautious of the costs that they would incur.

Transaction costs are higher (in cash market) compared to F&O, so it will eat into a more significant chunk of profits made," he added

It is also important to have a portfolio approach rather than an individual stocks approach. Paying heed to how the overall portfolio is performing rather than focusing on the outperformance or underperformance of any individual stock is important, as per experts.
The Biden administration approved the massive Willow oil-drilling project in the Alaskan Arctic over the objections of environmentalists and many Democrats who wanted the project scuttled.

The green light means Houston-based ConocoPhillips can start construction on its roughly $7 billion project in Alaskas National Petroleum Reserve, which the company expects will produce about 180,000 barrels of oil a day at its peakequivalent to about 40% of Alaskas current crude production.

The Interior Department said it would allow drilling on three of the five drill sites proposed by ConocoPhillips, which announced the Willow discovery in 2017.

The discovery pitted environmental groups denouncing the project as a carbon bomb that would hamper President Bidens campaign goals to phase out fossil fuels against supporters who argued that the project would generate jobs and revenue for Alaska. Opposition to the project resulted in years of litigation and thousands of pages of environmental analysis by the Interior Departments Bureau of Land Management.

The Alaska delegation praised the White Houses decision. After years of relentless advocacy, we are now on the cusp of creating thousands of new jobs, generating billions of dollars in new revenues, improving quality of life on the North Slope and across our state," said Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Ryan Lance, the CEO of ConocoPhillips, said it was the right decision for Alaska and our nation."

Environmentalists denounced the approval, saying that greenhouse gas emissions from the project contradicted Mr. Bidens vow to fight climate change, would cause harm to Alaskans and leave residents contending with the impacts of drilling operations.

We are too late in the climate crisis to approve massive oil and gas projects that directly undermine the new clean economy that the Biden administration committed to advancing," said Jeremy Lieb, a senior attorney with Earthjustice, which sued the federal government over its support of the project.

The Bureau of Land Management has estimated that oil and gas extracted from its recommended version of the Willow project would generate more than 270 million metric tons of CO2 over the projects lifetime.

The approval paves the way for ConocoPhillips to build an airstrip, more than 430 miles of ice roads and nearly 270 miles of individual pipelines, among other infrastructure, according to the BLMs environmental review of the project.

Reducing the projects footprint from five to three drilling sites allows Interior to protect migratory routes for the Teshekpuk Lake caribou herd, an important source of subsistence for nearby Alaska Native communities, while respecting the constraints of decades-old leases held by ConocoPhillips, the department said.

With the decision widely expected, the administration on Sunday took steps to quell criticism and demonstrate its environmental commitment, announcing a plan to block future oil and gas leasing in the Arctic Oceans federal waters.

As part of the approval, ConocoPhillips has agreed to relinquish the rights to about 68,000 acres of its existing leases in the National Petroleum Reserve, including about 60,000 acres in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area.

The company, which is the largest crude producer in Alaska, sits on abundant reserves in the state. As of the end of 2021, it owned about 1.6 million net undeveloped acres in the state, according to ConocoPhillips.

Approval of the project means that ConocoPhillips now has a hub from which to further expand into Alaska, said Ryan Todd, an analyst with investment bank Piper Sandler Cos. The initial build-out from Willow will allow ConocoPhillips to develop more wells and infrastructure in the coming years, he said.

It will be in many ways the gift that keeps on giving," he said.

Lindsay Wise contributed to this article.

Write to Benoit Morenne at benoit.morenne@wsj.com
SINGAPOREChinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war, likely after he visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with the matter.

The meetings with Messrs. Putin and Zelensky, the latter of which is expected to take place virtually, reflect Beijings effort to play a more active role in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine, some of the people said.

Mr. Xi is considering visiting other European countries as part of his trip to Russia, though his full itinerary has yet to be confirmed, according to the people.

A direct conversation with Mr. Zelensky, if it happens, would mark a significant step in Beijings efforts to play peacemaker in Ukraine, which have so far been met with skepticism in Europe. It would also bolster Beijings credentials as a global power broker after it facilitated a surprise diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week.

Reuters earlier reported that Mr. Xis Moscow visit could happen as early as next week. The Wall Street Journal reported in February that Mr. Xi was preparing to visit Moscow in the coming months.

The overseas trip would mark Mr. Xis first after he secured an unprecedented third term as Chinas head of state. It comes as the 69-year-old leader seeks to burnish his status as a global statesman and navigate escalating competition with the U.S. and its allies.

Chinas Foreign Ministry didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Xis travel schedule is intended in part to capitalize on momentum from the Saudi-Iran deal, signed in Beijing, which marked the end of seven years of estrangement, according to some of the people. That agreement heralded a notable rise in Chinas influence in the Middle East, which had been previously dominated by the U.S. as the primary power broker.

The bridge-building effort marked the first time that Beijing has intervened so directly in the Mideasts political rivalries, and was its first time successfully brokering such a deal.

Chinas last ambitious effort to play the role of global peacemaker came in the early 2000s, when it launched six-party talks aimed at curtailing North Koreas nuclear weapons program in exchange for aid. The talks, which included the U.S., failed in 2008 when North Korea withdrew despite relying heavily on economic support from Beijing.

Achieving a breakthrough in Ukraine would be a taller task than the Saudi-Iran deal, especially as both sides in the war believe too much remains to be played out on the battlefield. Neither has shown an inclination to stop fighting.

Beijing nevertheless has an active interest in bringing an end to the conflict. The war has put Beijing in a precarious situation, forcing Mr. Xi to balance Chinas no limits" partnership with Russia and his own close relationship with Mr. Putin against increasing distrust and tension with the U.S. and its allies.

Last month, China cast itself as a neutral mediator in calling for a cease-fire and peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. In a 12-point document, Chinas Foreign Ministry called for the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict and an end to unilateral sanctions. It also appeared to warn Moscow against escalating the conflict with nuclear weapons.

During an event last month marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, Mr. Zelensky said he planned to meet with Mr. Xi to discuss Chinas ideas on ending the conflict in Ukraine. He also expressed his hope that China wouldnt supply weapons to Russiaa step the U.S. said it believed Beijing has been considering but which China has denied.

Russias government said it shared Beijings views of the conflict and welcomed Chinas peace proposal.

The first item in Chinas peace plan, which calls for respecting the sovereignty of all countries," is a bedrock of Beijings foreign policy. It is one that has been tested over the past year by Russias invasion.

China officially regards Ukraine as a sovereign nation, and Messrs. Xi and Zelensky had a phone call to mark 30 years of relations between the two nations just weeks before Russian troops attacked. Yet Beijing has refrained from condemning Russian military action in Ukraine, which it has resisted defining as an invasion.

Mr. Xi isnt known to have spoken with Mr. Zelensky since the hostilities broke out, though the Chinese leader has engaged with Mr. Putin several times through video calls and face-to-face meetings since the war unfolded. That included a meeting in Uzbekistan in September in Mr. Xis first international trip since the pandemic.

China was Ukraines largest trading partner before the war, importing almost 30% of its corn from the Eastern European country. China has also invested in infrastructure projects in Ukraine, though at least one of thema rail line connecting Kyivs main airport to the city centerwas scrapped following corruption allegations.

Trade between China and Ukraine fell 60% in 2022 from a year earlier to $7.6 billion. Meanwhile, trade between Moscow and Beijing rose by roughly 29% from a year earlier to $190 billion, according to official Chinese data. As Russias sales of oil and gas to Europe have declined, China has emerged as a significant buyer. Russia has also begun to increase its use of Chinas currency, the yuan.

Write to Keith Zhai at keith.zhai@wsj.com
Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that all the 'Ahatas' (open-air bars or liquor vends) running in Madhya Pradesh will be shut from April 1.

"All the Ahatas in Madhya Pradesh will be closed from April 1. Whoever wants to drink alcohol should take it to his house," CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan was speaking at the foundation stone laying program of Sheopur Medical College. The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet in February decided to close all 'ahatas' in the state in a bid to cut and discourage the consumption of alcohol.

The decision effectively mandates the closure of all open-air vends as alcohol will, henceforth, be sold and purchased over the counter at liquor shops and no public consumption will be allowed.

Earlier, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "The Cabinet has approved a proposal to close all (open-air) bars operating in the state. Now, liquor can only be bought and sold over the counter at liquor shops,"

"Since 2010, no new liquor shop has been closed in the state. We have introduced a new liquor policy this year to discourage people from consuming alcohol," Mishra said.

The minister added that the Cabinet also decided to go for stricter enforcement of rules to suspend the driving licences of those accused of drink-driving.

He added, "The minimum distance of liquor shops from educational and religious places has also been increased from 50 to 100 metres. This apart, rules will be enforced more strictly against those caught driving under the influence of alcohol."
At Rajghat on Monday, BJP leaders held a 'maun vrat' (silent sit-in) to demand the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an alleged liquor scam.

During the protest at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, Virendra Sachdeva, the working president of the BJP's Delhi unit, Leader of the opposition in the assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and other party workers not only demanded Arvind Kejriwal's resignation but also prayed for Kejriwal government to act wisely.

The BJP has intensified its criticism of the Kejriwal government after the arrest of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the scrapped Excise Policy, 2021-22.

Last year, the city government withdrew the Excise Policy, 2021-22 after Lt Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into alleged rule violations and lapses in its implementation.
Under its Operation Trishul, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has extradited 33 fugitives involved in various criminal activities in the past one year. The information was provided by a senior official of the investigative agency to the news agency ANI.

CBI has successfully extradited 33 criminals since January 2022 that includes six criminals in 2023," a senior official with the agency told news agency ANI.

As the nodal agency of India coordinated with the bureaus of other nations, the extradition process of criminals became more streamlined. The officials added that currently, extradition requests of certain criminals are underway and the CBI is working to bring these criminals to India soon.

Several cases are under process, and the absconding accused will be extradited soon," the official added.

The CBI official also cited the recent extradition of Red Notice subject Mohammed Haneefa Makkatt, who was extradited on Sunday and was wanted by Kerala police in a 2006 case of kidnapping and murder. The officials also shared the details and said that the accused was arrested with the help of Interpol Saudi Arabia, who zeroed down upon his location and requested a team to be sent for the arrests. The Kerala police completed the remaining formalities and brought the accused back.

On 7 March, CBI also arrested Harchand Singh Gill, director of Pearls Group who was absconding after a multi-thousand crore scam in the company and was deported to Fiji. Interpol had also released the Red Notice against Gill.

The extradition process of big fugitives like Nirav Modi is also processing at a good pace and the agency expects that the diamond merchant, who is involved in the $2 billion Punjab National bank (PNB) loan scam will be back in India soon. Currently, he is lodged at Wandsworth Prison in southwest London.

The UK court doesn't seem to be interested in staying his extradition requests and has also accepted that the Government of India will treat its assurances on Niravs medical care after being extradited.
MANZINI - Following the legal strike by the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) employees on award performances (notching), management has shown interest in engaging in talks with its employees.

The employees, who are members of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) are currently on a non-stop (waya-waya) strike over notching. The strike began last Wednesday whereupon employees from the Kwaluseni, Mbabane and Luyengo campuses downed tools and convened at the Kwaluseni Campus to demonstrate. For the past couple of days, the workers were seen parking their cars outside the Kwaluseni Campus and sitting under trees, while others were doing the vusela exercise around the university premises. They were singing and dancing to political songs and lectures were not conducted.

In this period, the university had been quiet, save for stating that there was no money for notching. On Thursday, the university was quoted as having clarified that there was still no money for what the employees were asking. It was mentioned that there was an impression that a majority of the employees were not up to date with the laws that they had signed, that there was no notching. The university said it was agreed upon that there would be a performance management system instead. However, fast forward to the past weekend, this publication was informed that the university reportedly showed an interest by approaching its workers to broker a way forward and bring the strike to an end.

Confirmed

This was confirmed by UNESWA Registrar Dr Salebona Simelane, who said the management team met with a view to broker a way forward on the impasse at the bequest of the management team. We are grateful to the ALAAP team for accepting and honouring the invitation. The management team will report the outcome of the meeting to the university council in due course, Dr Simelane said. The registrar stated that the date of the meeting had not been set yet. He further said unfortunately, there was nothing he could disclose at present.

Meanwhile, ALAAP General Secretary Dr Mduduzi Shongwe also established that they were called to a meeting to broker a way forward pertaining to their issue. Dr Shongwe said they (management) was willing to talk about the issue and would go and report their demand to the council. Nonetheless, the general secretary maintained that they would continue with the strike until their demand was met.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) earlier announced a heatwave in Mumbai after two of its weather stations recorded temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius in the city. The IMD also issued a heatwave warning for the Konkan region, which included Mumbai.

Just a few months after experiencing extreme rainfall, Kerala is now facing severe heat conditions, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The summer season has just begun in the coastal state, and the daily heat index is already showing a concerning trend. On Thursday, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) released a report stating that some areas in the southern state have recorded a heat index of more than 54 degrees Celsius.

This poses a significant health risk and increases the likelihood of heatstroke. It is essential for residents to take immediate action to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure their safety during this time.

Also Read: Parts of Kerala experience record-breaking temperature

During a recent speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to the concerning rise in fire incidents in densely populated urban areas, such as hospitals, factories, hotels, and multi-storey residential buildings, in recent years, particularly during periods of increased heat. PM Modis remarks shed light on a critical issue that threatens the safety and well-being of citizens, and underscore the need for more significant efforts to prevent and respond to fires in these high-risk settings.

The IMD has issued warnings of heat waves from March to May, with temperatures expected to rise 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. The onset and aftermath of the monsoon season are also predicted to be severe, posing a significant threat to agriculture and public health.

Also Read: IMD forecasts 'abnormal' temperatures for these areas

The potential consequences of these weather patterns make it imperative for authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations and ensure that essential resources are available to those in need. Heres what to do and what not to do during a heatwave.

DO's

Stay indoors as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water and fresh fruit juices, to stay hydrated.

Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to allow air to circulate and cool your body.

Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Eat light meals and avoid heavy, spicy, and oily foods that can increase body heat.

Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

Use fans or air conditioning to keep your home or office cool.

If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and carry an umbrella for shade.

DON'Ts

Don't drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can lead to dehydration.

Don't engage in strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Don't leave children, the elderly or pets inside parked vehicles.

Don't expose yourself to direct sunlight for extended periods.

Don't ignore signs of heat exhaustion such as fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.

Don't smoke or use tobacco products as they can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Don't consume food or beverages that are not stored properly or exposed to the sun for an extended period.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday announced that the state government will provide a compensation of 300 per quintal to onion farmers, amid the fall in onion prices. The announcement was made by the CM in the Maharashtra Assembly during the ongoing budget session of the state.

Onion cultivators are battling a crisis as the prices of the kitchen staple have taken a hit at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Lasalgaon, the largest wholesale onion market in Asia, in Nashik.

The topic of onion price was also in the limelight in the budget session. In the background, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced in the Legislative Assembly today to provide a compensation of 300 per quintal to onion farmers who are in trouble in the state.

The price per kilogram of onion came down to 2 to 4 last week, which angered the growers, who had stopped the auction at the APMC last week for a day.

Onion production in the country is pegged higher at 318 lakh tonne in the 2022-23 crop year (July-June) against 316.98 lakh tonne in the previous year.

Onion is grown in all the states. However, Maharashtra is the leading producer with a share of around 43 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 16 per cent, and Karnataka and Gujarat contribute around 9 per cent of national production. It is harvested thrice a year, with cropping seasons during Kharif, Late Kharif and Rabi.

The harvest of rabi onion during March-May is most important as it contributes nearly 72 -75 per cent of the national production. Rabi onion's shelf life is better and therefore stored.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently told the legislature that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India had purchased 18,743 quintals of onions from the market.

Last month, Shinde said, We are firmly standing by the onion growers in the state. NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited) has started onion procurement and that would push the prices up." NAFED, an apex organisation under the Union Ministry of Agriculture, deals with marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India. On our request, NAFED has increased its onion procurement and 2.38 lakh tonnes have already been purchased from farmers.

If a particular area does not have a procurement centre, then it will be opened for farmers," Shinde said on the second day of the budget session of the state legislature. The price per kilogram of onion came down to 2 to 4 on Monday at Maharashtras Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee, Asias biggest onion market, prompting angry farmers to stop the auction of the bulb. There is no ban on the export of onions. If required, farmers will get some financial assistance as well," the chief minister said.
New Delhi: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and fittings manufacturers are set to sustain their momentum with a 13-15% on-year volume growth next fiscal, driven by higher budgetary allocation for government schemes in water supply, irrigation, housing, and infrastructure, rating agency Crisil stated on Monday.

In the current fiscal, pipe makers will see a decadal-high growth of 22-24%, driven by strong pent-up demand, after a subdued compound annual growth rate of around 2% over the past three years.

A Crisil Ratings analysis of 18 PVC pipes and fittings manufacturers, representing 45-50% of the sector, indicates as much.

For players in the sector, more than 70% of the demand comes from agriculture, water supply, irrigation, and sewerage, and depends, directly or indirectly, on government funding. The remaining demand is from residential plumbing and industrial applications.

The volume growth next fiscal will be sparked by two key demand drivers. One, higher capital allocation in the Union Budget for irrigation and housing schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission ( 69,684 crore, up 27% on-year) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna ( 79,000 crore, up 62%). And two, continued healthy demand from the residential real estate sector," said Anand Kulkarni, director, Crisil Ratings.

Revenue, however, may grow by a modest 5-8% next fiscal, after 8-10% growth this fiscal, due to softer realisations, precipitated by moderation in input prices.

Interestingly, the drivers have reversed since fiscal 2022, when revenue growth of around 30% was driven by higher realisations even as volume growth was subdued, due to deferment of purchase by industries such as agriculture and irrigation.

According to the report, the average landed PVC resin prices corrected by around 20% on-year in the first nine months of this fiscal, as covid restrictions in China led to dumping of PVC resin into India. This resulted in significant inventory losses for players, with PVC resin forming almost three-fourths of the total cost.

Ergo, operating margins may decline around 600 basis points on-year to a five-year low of 9-10% this fiscal. The margin should improve to 13-14% next fiscal, led by expected stabilisation in PVC resin prices.

Strong balance sheets with low debt will support credit risk profiles of PVC makers despite the temporary slide in profitability this fiscal. While large players may incur higher capital spending to meet increasing demand next fiscal, adequate cash flow will obviate the need for material debt addition," said Aditya Jhaver, director, Crisil.

The ratio of debt-to-Ebitda may rise to around 0.45 time this fiscal, from 0.27 time in fiscal 2022, due to lower profitability, and improve to 0.35 time next fiscal as profitability stabilises.

That said, volatility in PVC resin prices and demand conditions, which also depend on the monsoon, will bear watching," it added.
LGBTQ rights in India have expanded in recent years and, if the current case in Supreme Court goes in favour of the petitioners then the country will become only the second Asian jurisdiction after Taiwan to recognise same-sex unions. It was in 2014 that transgender people were given official recognition as a "third gender" and in 2017 Supreme Court recognised sexual orientation as protected under a fundamental right to privacy.

It was in 2018 when the landmark ruling struck down a colonial-era law that banned gay sex, and in 2022 the court ruled that unmarried partners or same-sex couples were entitled to welfare benefits.

A judgement for the plaintiffs would more than double the number of people globally with marriage equality rights, eventually extending inheritance, adoption and other protections to 1.4 billion Indians. Just a handful of places outside of the West  and only Taiwan in Asia  allow same-sex marriage. Indias case is being closely watched in countries like Thailand, Greece, Japan and South Korea, where similar debates are gaining momentum.

Last year, the Supreme Court offered a hint at how the case might go, expanding the definition of a family to include same-sex couples and ruling that such partnerships are entitled to social welfare benefits.

Meanwhile, Centre, in its affidavit, has opposed the plea seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage, saying that living together as partners by same-sex individuals, which is decriminalised now, is not comparable with the Indian family unit and they are clearly distinct classes which cannot be treated identically.

The Centre has filed the affidavit countering the demand made by various petitioners seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage.

In the affidavit, Centre has opposed the plea and said that pleas seeking legal recognition of same-sex ought to be dismissed as there exists no merit in these petitions.

"I think the central Government has taken the right stand," Rahul Easwer added. "There are still debates going on in scientific communities on this subject".

Same-sex relationships and heterosexual relationships are clearly distinct classes which cannot be treated identically, the government said as its stand against the petition seeking legal recognition of LGBTQ marriage.
The apex IT industry body Nasscom on Monday said the US administration's stance on protecting depositors of Silicon Valley Bank that collapsed, is "reassuring" for Indian startups who have funds in that bank.

The announcement by Biden administration's that depositors of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) will have access to their money, has given hope, said Nasscom's Senior Vice President and chief strategy officer Sangeeta Gupta reported PTI.

It will address the immediate financial issues that Indian startups were grappling with, she added.

Silicon Valley Bank, the16th largest bank in the United States, was closed on Friday by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation which later appointed the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as its receiver.

SVB was deeply entrenched in the tech startup ecosystem and the default bank for many startups; its abrupt fall marked one of the largest bank failures since the 2008 global financial crisis.

The bank failed after clients, many of the venture capital firms and VC-backed companies began pulling out their deposits, creating a run on the bank.

"The statement (issued by the Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC) is reassuring for Indian startups who had funds invested in SVB, and will address immediate financial issue they were grappling with," Nasscom's Gupta said.

Gaurav VK Singhvi, Co-Founder at We Founder Circle, noted that over the years, SVB has been a reliable and go-to bank for many Indian SaaS (Software as a Service) and Y Combinator-backed startups owing to its versatility, adaptability and convenience of fundraising activities, reported PTI.

"... the news of its sudden collapse came as a surprise to many, forcing many startups to transfer their accounts to different banks, however, the jitters of its downfall will have a limited impact on Indian startups both directly and indirectly," Singhvi said.

"Wwe must also recognise that SVB's clients have been struggling for cash over the past year and with the restricted runway, the consequences could be hugely damaging if they do not withdraw their cash on time for payroll and other operational purposes", Singhvi added.

Established in 2020 in Mumbai, We Founder Circle (WFC) is a global community of founders and strategic angels that have come together to push the startup industry and steer it towards robust growth path.

WFC provides seed funding, business development, and global networking opportunities to startups as it believes early-stage ventures need a lot beyond just financial support to become scalable and stable. It has already enabled USD 20 million worth of investments across 100-plus startup deals since incorporation.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has caused ripples across the financial world but is unlikely to affect Indian lenders. There are a few reasons why. Mint explains how stressed banks were managed in the past.

Has India faced bank failures in the past?

India has also had its share of bank failures in the past, both pre- and post-Independence. In fact, the failure of Laxmi Bank and Palai Central Bank in 1960 prompted the government to introduce the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) Bill in August 1961 to protect depositors. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), when DIC started operations in the early 1960s, 287 banks were registered as insured. But in the next five years, this shrank to 100 as RBI pushed reconstruction" and amalgamation of small and financially weak banks. In 1968, the Act was amended to widen its ambit to cover co-operative banks.

View Full Image Mint

What is the impact of SVB on Indian banks?

As of now, there seems to be limited impact on Indian banks as they have little exposure to Silicon Valley Bank. Experts said that given how tightly local banks are regulated, they are unlikely to face a similar fate in the foreseeable future. Macquarie Capital says Indian banks largely do not fund startups and hence any impact on the startup world should be manageable to a large extent. In December, RBIs stress tests found that banks would be able to withstand severe stress. It found that even if customers withdraw 15% of uninsured deposits, liquid assets equivalent to 12.2% of total assets would be available.

Do local bank depositors have their deposits insured?

Deposit insurance started with a sum of 1,500, way back in 1962. This was gradually increased to 100,000 in 1993 and most recently, to 500,000 in 2020. In dollar terms (as of end-December 2021), this comes to 3.01 times Indias per capita income. In the US, the deposit cover is at $250,000 or 3.6 times that nations per capita income.

How has RBI handled recent cases of stress?

Recent examples include Yes Bank and Lakshmi Vilas Bank from 2020. These cases show how the regulator and the government acted in time to stitch together rescue plans. In the case of Yes Bank, private and public sector lenders were brought together to take stakes and bail out the bank. For Lakshmi Vilas Bank, RBI roped in foreign lender DBS Banks local arm for a merger. These banks were first put under a short moratorium to check for outflow of funds till the final plans were drawn up.

How are Indian banks expected to perform?

Although the brisk pace of credit growth is expected to slow down in FY24, banks are at their best shape in decades. Led by fewer bad loans, better recovery of legacy stressed assets and significantly high provisions as buffer, banks have been able to clean up their balance sheets. That said, the sector is not without its challenges, including the problem of convincing depositorssome of whom had left for higher returns in other investment avenuesto return to park their funds with banks.

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
Andromeda, a slender, 50-foot-long sailing yacht with a teak deck, has become a key piece of the puzzle that international investigators are trying to solve as they probe the blasts that destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines off Germanys northern coast.

German prosecutors said this week investigators had searched a boat in January they believed could have been used in relation to the bombings.

Reached on the phone, a representative of Mola Yachting GmbH, a charter company based on the German island of Rugen, confirmed on Friday that Andromeda was the vessel searched by investigators. The representative declined to comment further. Prosecutors have said the companys owners arent suspected of wrongdoing.

The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, consisting of two pipes each, run largely parallel to each other below the Baltic Sea between the western shores of Russia and the northern coast of Germany. Three of the lines, which were at the time full of gas, were severed by underwater blasts that prosecutors said were caused by planted explosives on Sept. 26 last year.

Days earlier, a group of people, some of whom presented Ukrainian passports as identification, rented a boat in northern Germany, a senior German government official who has seen a report summarizing the results of the countrys investigation told The Wall Street Journal this week.

The prosecutors comments and the confirmation of the charter company make it highly likely that the rented boat was the Andromeda, described on the companys website as a Bavaria Cruiser 50 model equipped with a small diving platform and a 75 horsepower diesel engine.

German weekly Spiegel named the boat in a report on Thursday.

Investigators found traces of explosives on the yacht they searched, according to the senior government official. Since then, investigators have faced more questions than answers, the official said.

German officials and other people familiar with the investigation have said that the findings around the boat and its crew, and their possible Ukrainian links, could signal a breakthrough in the probeor point to a false-flag operation designed to divert attention from the real culprits.

Initially, Western officials named Russia as the key suspect, but U.S. and German government officials have since told the Journal that they no longer believed that Moscow was behind the attack.

Ukrainian officials have denied any involvement in the explosions.

Russian officials have both denied involvement in the blasts and, this week, pushed back against claims that Ukraine could have orchestrated the attack, pointing instead at the U.S. and Britain. The U.S. and the U.K. governments have both denied any role in the blasts.

A key operational question investigators are looking into is whether the small boat could have carried the explosives and other supplies needed and whether the six people known to have been aboard would have been enough to carry out the attack, the German government official said. Another possibility is that the boat was part of a larger operation. They are also asking whether the mission was state-sponsored or a private effort, the official added.

Concrete conclusions, in particular regarding the question of state involvement, cant be made at this time," Germanys federal prosecutor general said in a statement this week.

The yacht, which has five cabins and sleeps 11, can be rented for just over $3,000 a week.

Investigators believe it departed on its voyage on Sept. 6 from Hohe Dune, a small Baltic Sea port in the northern German city of Rostock, according to officials and representatives of the ports visited by the crew on their journey.

A crew of six was registered with Mola to use the boat, according to the German government official, but it is not known how many people actually boarded the vessel on its various stops.

It made at least two more stopson Sept. 7 in Wiek, Germany, and between Sept. 16 and 18 on the Danish island of Christians, according to officials and ports representatives. Both places are close to the spots where the pipeline blasts occurred on Sept. 26.

At least part of the crew stayed for at least a night at the port hotel in Wiek, according to a port representative there.

Witnesses told German television that they had noticed a crew of five men and one woman who spoke an Eastern European language during the time the Andromeda was moored in Wiek. Port officials declined to comment.

The administrator of Christians, a tiny state-owned archipelago where the suspected boat docked in September before the sabotage, said he had received a request from Danish police in December 2022 asking for any records of boats that had entered the main harbor between Sept. 16 and 18, a little over a week before the pipelines blew up.

Christians is Denmarks easternmost point, located an hour by boat from the larger island of Bornholm. At the request of the police, the administrator, Sren Thiim Andersen, wrote a post on the internal Facebook page for the islands 98 residents, asking for photographs or video footage of the port from those three days, he said.

The police returned to Christians in January to look at data from a machine on the harbor, on which visitors register their boats, and to interview local residents, Mr. Andersen said. Visitors would be able to register with a false name and nationality, but would have to register the boats details.

Mr. Andersen, as well as the islands port master John Anker Nielsen, added that in the late summer, when boats swarmed the island, no one would have noticed individual vessels, even ones carrying diving equipment, which most boats did.

Write to Bojan Pancevski at bojan.pancevski@wsj.com and Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com
The fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is starting to spread around the world.

SVBs UK unit is set to be declared insolvent, has already ceased trading and is no longer taking new customers. Fears of contagion have also spread in Canada, where the banks loan book has doubled in the past year. Startup founders are panicking about accessing money and paying employees. On Saturday, the leaders of roughly 180 tech companies sent a letter calling on UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to intervene.

The loss of deposits has the potential to cripple the sector and set the ecosystem back 20 years," they said in the letter seen by Bloomberg. Many businesses will be sent into involuntary liquidation overnight."

The UK and Canada are just the beginning. SVB had branches in China, Denmark, Germany, India, Israel and Sweden, too. Founders are warning that the banks failure could wipe out startups around the world without government intervention. SVBs joint venture in China, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., was seeking to calm local clients overnight by reminding them that operations have been independent and stable.

This crisis will start on Monday and so we call on you to prevent it now," UK startup founders and chief executive officers said in the letter to Hunt. The companies listed in the letter include Uncapped, Apian, Pockit and Pivotal Earth.

Hunt spoke with the governor of the Bank of England about the situation on Saturday morning, and the economic secretary to the Treasury was due to hold a roundtable with affected firms later in the day, the Treasury said.

Underscoring the challenge governments face in getting a handle of the full extent of the fallout: The UK Treasury has begun canvassing startups, asking how much they have on deposit, their approximate cash burn and their access to banking facilities at SVB and beyond, two people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because the information isnt public. Treasury declined to comment on the survey.

Uncapped, a financial tech startup that lends to other startups, said its launching an emergency funding program to help companies meet payroll and other obligations, as well as longer-term bridge loans to help with working capital.

UK tech startup association Coadec said on Twitter that panic" is setting in as it is clear SVBs collapse could have a significant impact on the UKs tech startup ecosystem." The group said it has been in engaging with Treasury and No. 10 about the potential impact" and work has been going on overnight on policy options."

Alexander Fitzgerald, founder of broadband startup Cuckoo and a former Treasury official, noted that the finances of British startups are already stretched due to a slowdown in venture capital funding market. British startups need the Treasury to step in fast," he said.

In Canada, SVB Financial Groups unit in the country reported C$435 ($314 million) in secured loans last year, double the C$212 million a year earlier, regulatory filings show. Its customers include e-commerce software provider Shopify Inc. and pharmaceutical company HLS Therapeutics Inc., according to a previous statement by the bank.

Toronto-based advertising-tech firm AcuityAds Holdings Inc. revealed on Saturday it had $55 million in deposits at SVB, amounting to more than 90% of its cash. The firm had halted trading of its stock Friday after a 14% slump, citing the unfolding situation" with Silicon Valley Bank.
Hate crimes in the U.S. rose sharply in 2021, with victims most commonly targeted because of their race or ethnicity, the FBI said Monday after earlier incomplete data had suggested a decline.

Newly compiled figures showed an 11.6% jump in hate crimes, to 9,065 in 2021 from 8,120 in 2020, with 79% of law-enforcement agencies reporting. Statistics released in December suggested such offenses fell, but the agency acknowledged the data were incomplete because thousands of police departmentsincluding in New York and Californiahadnt yet reported their numbers to the federal government.

Los Angeles and New York City are now represented in the hate-crime report. Chicago provided two quarters worth of its data.

We are continuing to work with state and local law-enforcement agencies across the country to increase the reporting of hate-crime statistics" to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. Hate crimes and the devastation they cause communities have no place in this country," she added.

Hate crimes are defined as those motivated by prejudice based on race, gender and gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity. In 2021, such offenses were most commonly fueled by bias against Black people, followed by that against white people, gay men, Jewish people and Asian people, officials said.

The new data provide a more-reliable portrait of a period in which the U.S. was racked by high-profile hate crimes. Those crimes include a wave of anti-Asian attacks during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a mass shooting at an LGBT nightclub in Colorado where the accused gunman has been charged with hate crimes and a rise in antisemitic threats.

The Biden administration has called fighting hate crimes a priority, with the Justice Department charging more than 70 people in 60 cases across the country since January 2021.

Thorough reporting of hate crimes is crucial to preventing and prosecuting them, Ms. Gupta said.

The FBI blamed earlier data shortcomings on a new crime-data reporting system. While the new system includes more details about each incident, law-enforcement agencies, including some of the largest in the nation, had been slow to switch over and were unable to submit data in time last year, the bureau said.

Officials previously said the Justice Department had been working to help more agencies to transition to the new system, using more than $120 million in grant funding to speed that process.

Write to Sadie Gurman at sadie.gurman@wsj.com
King Charles brother Prince Andrew is reportedly unhappy that he has not received any inheritance from Queen Elizabeth II's 650 million Duchy of Lancaster estate since her death last September. Although the estate was automatically left to King Charles, the Prince feels "bewildered" that his older brother has not shared any of the new wealth with his siblings, as per Daily Mail.

The situation has caused resentment for Prince Andrew, who feels left in the dark about the inheritance. The Queen's fortune passed directly "from monarch to monarch" for tax efficiency reasons, leaving no inheritance for family members, the publication reported. The new legislation passed in 1993 meant that no inheritance tax had to be paid on the transfer of assets from one sovereign to another.

Also Read: King Charles takes away Queen Elizabeths wedding gift to Harry-Meghan, their UK home

As a result, Prince Andrew is in despair and faces losing his annual 249,000 allowance from the Duchy of Lancaster from April. He may have no choice but to vacate his home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, due to rising refurbishment costs, according to Daily Mail. The King has reportedly refused to pay for Prince Andrew's Indian healer guru, who charges 32,000 a year, causing further tensions between the siblings, the publication added.

The situation has only worsened for the Prince, who stepped back from public life in 2019. Although Royal sources insist that the King would not leave his brother "homeless or penniless," the Prince's financial predicament appears to be a disaster".

Also Read: Big celebs refuse to perform at King Charles coronation

Whats he meant to do? Go cap in hand to his older brother to keep a roof over his head? Its a disaster," a friend of the Prince told the publication.

Two American broadcasters, according to recent reports, have approached Prince Andrew with offers for a new tell-all interview in the UK. The Duke of York is said to be considering "telling his side" of the story in hopes of redeeming his reputation, more than three years after his controversial interview with Emily Maitlis on BBC's Newsnight regarding his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince Andrew has faced accusations of sexual assault from Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, when she was underage in the US. Despite his consistent and vehement denials of the allegations, he was stripped of his military titles and asked to step down as a working royal last year. He subsequently paid Giuffre a multimillion-pound settlement to avoid the case going to court.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author
MBABANE - The MPs are now playing politics in what they are saying.

This was said by Eswatini Schools Committee and Parents Association (ESCPA) Secretary General (SG) Cyprian Dlamini yesterday regarding the Members of Parliaments (MPs) submissions that the 2020/2021 school fees owed by learners must be written off. He was responding to whether it would be practical to have this done. Some of the MPs wanted school fees owed by learners to be scrapped because the whole world was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a majority of parents losing their jobs. Dlamini said it was unfortunate that the MPs wanted to take such a decision just because their term in Parliament was almost elapsing and, therefore, wanted to cause more problems for the upcoming MPs.

Unbudgeted

Sebafuna kushiya lukhwekhwe lapha ngemuva since they know very well that they are going home. The MPs are trying to bring something which has not been well-planned or unbudgeted for, he said. He further said such a move by the MPs would be good news to the parents but what would happen to the arrears in schools. He also wanted to know from the MPs whether government would bail out all those parents owing school fees for the 2020/2021 academic year. What the MPs are proposing is good news to parents ears, however, how will the schools function without enough funds? wondered Dlamini. Thereon, Dlamini said it seemed as if the MPs were just playing politics. He said if the MPs were truthful on what they were saying, then government would focus on each school, looking at the amount owed and how it would be paid. It is true that people lost their jobs during the COVID-19 era, but I am against what the MPs are saying. They want to leave behind unresolved issues. This is not the way to vacate office, he narrated.

Meanwhile, some head teachers are also against the writting off of the owed school fees. They said what the MPs submitted was totally wrong because they did not know how schools operated and the funds needed to run them on a daily basis. They argued that they were always being criticised when schools performed badly, without taking into consideration whether funds to run the schools were available or not.

Money

They wanted to know where exactly were they expected to get money from to run the schools since government always failed to pay on time. One frustrated head teacher, in one of the schools in Mbabane, said it was totally wrong for the MPs to make such a submission. He asked the legislators to come and run the schools themselves and see if it would be possible to do so when parents failed to pay, not because they did not have money but they didnt feel like doing so. I am really shocked that the MPs are saying this. We have been always complaining about funds, no food and textbooks but they kept quiet. They mustnt do as they please about what is happening in schools, said the head teacher. Another head teacher revealed that it was unfortunate that even learners of parents occupying higher positions at work owed school fees for the 2020/2021 academic year. She wanted to know from those parents whether they thought they were doing the right thing.

Pleaded

She pleaded with government to not even consider such an idea because that would cost taxpayers. She said parents must approach them and negotiate. Meanwhile, government still insists that head teachers and parents must agree on how the owed school fees would be paid. Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Bhekithemba Gama said any form of disagreement between the two parties must be reported to the regional education officers to come up with a solution. We are saying parents and head teachers must work together regarding the payments of owed school fees. They must come up with strategies on how the situation can be handled, he said.
Nepal government has now imposed a ban on solo trekking throughout the country, five years after banning the same on Mount Everest. The mountainous witnesses a huge influx of mountain loving travellers who hike on the beautiful Himalayan peaks.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)took the decision in this regard which would come into force from April 1, confirmed the director Maniraj Lamichhane.

Nepal is home to eight of the worlds tallest mountains, but it is also known for its beautiful rural trekking regions. From now on, travelers who hope to trek in remote regions must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group.

Tourism and especially trekking forms Nepal's biggest revenue earner. However, the cost of search and rescue missions that the country ensues every time looking for solo hiker who got lost account for a bigger monetary share.

When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you," Mani R. Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, told CNN. It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate."

When tourists go missing or they are found dead, even the government cannot track them because they have taken remote routes." Lamichhane added.

In addition to the challenges caused when hikers go missing in rural areas, Lamichhane says that unlicensed tour guides and companies are also an issue. These companies who do not register with the government do not pay taxes and, the tourism director alleges, take jobs away from Nepalis.

There have been some cases where the trekking association has been requesting us to stop these unauthorized trekking operations. This has been a demand from tourism associations for a long time," he says.

Those in the climbing and trekking community have mixed opinions on the new ruling.

According to the NTB, around 50,000 tourists trekked without a guide or a porter in Nepal in 2019. These tourists trekked by obtaining a route permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

A TIMS card is a basic trekking permit that is required by foreign tourists who go around in adventure tourism. But the latest round of decisions also has put a ban on the TIMS permit without a guide. "Tourists would have to trek via a trekking company," added Lamichhane.

The board has also increased the price of the TIMS permit to 2,000 per person. Prior to this, people who travelled in large groups paid 1,000 for the TIMS card while those who travelled alone paid 2,000. TIMS permit for SAARC nationals has also increased to 1,000.

(With agency inputs)
Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suggested on March 12 that he had a contingency plan in case he was arrested. He stated that the plan would be shared with the public at the appropriate time, but did not provide any further details. This announcement came after he postponed his party's election rally in Lahore on the same day, according to a report by Geo News.

"In case I am arrested, we have a plan ready which will be shared with the nation when the time is right," Khan said.

As the possibility of Imran Khan's arrest is being widely discussed, he confirmed that a plan has already been prepared, although he did not provide any specific information. Khan also defended his decision to delay the rally, stating that he was concerned that the large number of PTI supporters might lead to violence. He stated that he was scared after seeing the turnout of the PTI supporters and was afraid that there might be bloodshed if everyone came out.

In June 2022, PTI lawmaker Attaullah threatened to carry out suicide attacks" against the Shehbaz Sharif administration if any harm came to Imran Khan. He vowed that his party members were prepared to carry out such attacks, even if a single hair on Khan's head was touched.

The Punjab caretaker government had imposed Section 144, which bans public gatherings, in the provincial capital, prompting Khan to postpone the rally. The PTI leader had earlier announced the rally in Lahore on March 11, but it was banned due to concerns following a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match in the city.

While the PTI leaders called off the rally to ensure peace, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders criticised them, with PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz calling Khan a "jackal" for his decision. She stated on her official Twitter handle, "Those who cancel movements and prefer to hide inside their houses due to the fear of the police are called jackals."

Also Read: Imran Khans live speeches now banned from satellite TV channels in Pakistan

Currently, Pakistan is facing political turmoil and economic crisis due to Imran Khan's push for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the ruling coalition's efforts to delay elections and extend their tenure as much as possible.

(With ANI inputs)
Even as Russia is relying on irregular foreign soldiers in its military effort against Ukraine, the Ukrainian defense ministry doesn't seem to be ready to consider such a proposal yet. Volodymyr Zelensky-led Ukrainian government has turned down hundreds of US-trained Afghan soldiers who wanted to join its war effort against Russia.

According to the reports published on the news platform SEMAFOR, the induction of Afghani troops doesn't seem to be part of Ukraines military strategy yet. The news platform even quoted one Afghanistan soldier, Sgt. Maj. Kadim who called Russias invasion a war against democracy and humanity and a full-scale genocide." He added that there are hundreds of Afghan soldiers wanting to fight for Ukraine.

After Russia invaded the country in 2022, Zelensky created Ukraines International Legion and during the first month of the war around 20,000 people from 50 countries volunteered to fight for Ukraine. The applicants include 300 Afghan nationals, including 150 members of the Ktah Khas, a counter-terrorism unit of the Afghanistan army trained by the United States.

The sources close to the Ukrainian government told SEMAFOR that people in the government have concerns regarding infiltration by spies, as Russia has a considerable presence in Afghanistan.

The development came as both Russian and Ukrainian defense forces are witnessing a huge casualty in the fight for Bakhmut.

Serhiy Cherevatyi, a representative of the Ukrainian military, informed that 221 soldiers who supported Moscow were killed and over 300 were injured in the Bakhmut area. The Russian defense ministry stated that as many as 210 Ukrainian soldiers died in the wider Donetsk region of the front line.

Although Moscow did not give exact figures for Bakhmut, the town in eastern Donetsk has been the location of one of the most violent and protracted battles of the year-long conflict, leaving the town almost completely deserted.

The Ukrainian government maintained that it was maintaining its position in Bakhmut and effectively resisting Russian military forces. The commander responsible for defending Bakhmut emphasized that the town's defense was critical for launching a Ukrainian counter-attack.

(With inputs from agencies)
As political temperatures soar ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the health of Indian democracy is likely to be in focus. One common strand in the statements issued by several opposition leaders is a threat to it posed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led regime. Vote BJP out, restore Indias democratic health" is likely to be part of their electoral pitch.

This concern about erosion of democratic norms is not restricted to India. To many observers, democratic norms appear to be under siege globally, even as elections become increasingly polarized.

At first glance, the available data seems to back such a narrative. A number of global indices of democratic health have been flashing red, suggesting that democratic values are in danger. The most prominent and widely cited of these, the V-Dem indices, show that the share of autocracies has been rising sharply over the past decade.

V-Dem indices are prepared by researchers at the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Its list of autocracies includes electoral autocracies such as India and Hungary, where rulers are elected through a popular vote but other democratic norms (such as freedom of expression) are not fully honoured.

A closer look at these indices, however, suggests that the conclusion of a global democratic retreat may be unwarranted. Analysing data for over a century, American political scientist Daniel Treisman has argued that the recent stasis in the global spread of democracy is neither unprecedented nor alarming. The proportion of countries in the world that are democracies by any measure is either slightly below or at an all-time high," wrote Treisman in a 2022 research paper. While some backsliding has occurredespecially in the legal underpinnings of liberal democracyit is far from reversing the massive burst of democratization that occurred in the last quarter of the twentieth century."

Another research paper by Andrew Little and Anne Meng of the University of California, Berkeley, published this year shows that evidence on democratic backsliding is based entirely on subjective indicators. If one were to focus on objective measures of electoral processes and outcomes, there is no evidence of backsliding, Little and Meng argue.

Most indices of democratic health, including the V-Dem indices, combine easily observable and verifiable data (such as the share of population with voting rights, voter turnout and allegations of fraud by international observers) with subjective data (such as the impartiality of the election watchdog, the extent to which the legislature is able to hold the executive to account and harassment of civil society organizations). The V-dem indices of electoral democracy and liberal democracy are based on an aggregation of such subjective and objective indicators.

Trends in the two sets of indicators have diverged over the past decade. The objective indicators point to a trend of democratic stability, while the subjective ones point to democratic backsliding, Little and Meng show.

Given that these subjective indicators are scored by a panel of political experts, it is possible that their judgement is influenced by global media coverage of autocracies over the past decade, Little and Meng say. Hence, expert assessments of a decline in democratic health may reflect greater media attention on this issue rather than an actual decline in the true state of democracy. Their argument is only a hypothesis at this stage, and needs further corroboration. Nonetheless, they raise valid doubts on the subjective components of well-known democracy indices.

A small sample of people from similar backgrounds can distort the scoring patterns of subjective indicators. Expanding the sample size of such surveys, and providing greater details on respondent backgrounds can help check bias and bolster the credibility of global democracy indices.

In Indias case, there are several objective indicators that point to a deepening of democracy over the past few decades: the growing turnout of women voters, a decline in instances of booth-capturing and the growing share of legislators from socially marginalized castes.

Yet, there are valid concerns on issues that elude objective measurement, such as the growing opacity around electoral funding, rising bigotry in our public discourse, and the harassment of civil society organizations unaffiliated to the Sangh Parivar. Indias decline in V-Dem indices since 2008 is largely because of poor scores on the relatively subjective indicators.

Several questions pertaining to a countrys democratic healthlike the question of media freedom, or whether a person from a minority group is able to voice her opinions freely, or whether the judiciary is acting independentlyare inherently subjective. Yet, answers to such questions are vital to gauge the true state of a democracy.

The best way to get such answers is to organize a large-scale survey to elicit opinions across the country. It would allow us to see how democratic freedoms vary across regions and demographic groups. Such a survey must be conducted by an independent body and must be perceived as such for it to be taken seriously.

This calls for a collaborative effort between academics, media houses, businesses and civil society organizations. The findings of such a survey can help check democratic erosion across all tiers of government, enabling all Indian citizens to realize the freedoms envisioned by Indias founding fathers.

Pramit Bhattacharya is a Chennai-based journalist. His Twitter handle is pramit_b
The Union budget for 2022-23 has a generous outlay of 7,000 crore for the third phase of the e-courts project administered by the e-committee of Indias Supreme Court in partnership with the ministry of law and justice. The Chief Justice, as the chairperson of the e-committee, has acknowledged that these funds will improve the Indian legal systems efficiency.

This project, originally conceived in 2005, aims for computerization of district courts across the country, and while 2,605 crore has already been allocated, there has not been much to show so far.

Sure, there have been small victories, like easier availability of judgements and case progression updates on the e-courts website. But these are underwhelming. The larger story of this project is one of opacity, missed opportunities and dubious constitutionality. In December, a parliamentary standing committee worryingly acknowledged that no money was spent on the project in 2022-23. The department of justice under the ministry and the e-committee had failed to get the necessary approvals in time. Who is accountable for these delays?

As it stands, nobody really knows how the e-committee is run by the Supreme Court. It does not release any minutes of its meetings. As far as we know, neither the e-committee nor the e-courts project has ever been audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, or even subject to a basic performance review by the parliamentary panel. Similarly, we do not know how the e-committee co-opts various outsiders for the expert panels it has been setting up. Does it even conduct basic due diligence for conflicts of interest? This remains unclear.

A rare attempt at transparency was its decision to publish a draft of the Phase III policy document prepared by privately funded think-tanks and invite public comments. However, the final draft after the consultation process, for which the government has earmarked funds, is unavailable. To understand what the money would be used for, we filed an application under the Right to Information Act, seeking a copy of the final proposal for the projects Phase III. The public information officer of the Supreme Court refused to share the proposal, stating that the e-committee is working in close coordination" with the department of justice and that the final proposal is still under consideration of the government. How then was the budgetary funding obtained?

How was the 7,000 crore outlay figure arrived at? What will the money be spent on? What is the larger ambition for this phase? The non-disclosure of project details is worrisome and contrary to the principles of public finance.

We suspect that a closer review of the functioning of the e-committee will likely expose a litany of problems with the design of Indias e-courts project, starting with its anti-federal structure. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that high courts are in charge of the administration of the district judiciary in Indian states. However, when it comes to the e-courts project, the e-committee ensured that Phase I was implemented centrally. In the second phase, the high courts were put in charge of procurement and implementation, but the e-committee was still responsible for the crucial function of planning and setting standards; more importantly, the purse strings were held by it. While the Supreme Court has attempted to democratize the committees composition by staffing it with high court judges, it does not compensate for the centralized manner in which the planning is being done.

Chances are that high courts and state governments will do a far better job than the e-committee, since they have an incentive to use e-technology to reduce their own workload vis-a-vis the administration of the district judiciary. Such decentralization can vastly improve the efficiency of the e-courts project by facilitating greater technological integration with the e-systems of state governments. The issue of interoperability between e-courts and the prison system grew stark during the Aryan Khan bail fiasco, when it turned out that the star child had to spend an extra night in jail because there was no secure digital system to immediately communicate a bail order to the prison system.

Why is it that the e-committee has failed to take such basic steps? This is a valid question in a democracy. As it stands, our elected representatives cant question the e-committee during Question Hour in Parliament, since the law minister has little say in how the e-committee functions. It is doubtful whether the parliamentary standing committee can summon the chairperson of the e-committee (always a sitting judge of the Supreme Court) for a hearing. These are just some examples of the undemocratic and anti-federal nature of the present structure of the countrys e-courts project.

Perhaps a decentralized framework with different high courts and state governments at the helm wouldve worked better by encouraging competition between states to modernize their own judiciary. It is not too late for the Union government to attempt reform. It should get the e-committees buy-in for a law enacted by Parliament to create a new legal structure for Indias e-courts project. It would be ill-advised to hand 7,000 crore over to the e-committee, given its less than enviable record.

Chitrakshi Jain & Prashant Reddy T. are, respectively, a legal researcher and a lawyer.
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Longford trans activist, Rebecca Tallon de Havilland, appeared on the Tommy Tiernan Show.

Rebecca, who grew up in Granard, is the first Irish trans person to change the gender marker on her passport and the groundbreaking interview covered her transition and her struggles with abuse and addiction.The only thing I ever wanted to be was myself, and I had to pay the highest price for that.

Following her TV appearance, Rebecca is appealing to the public to support Project Bootcamp, which empowers trans people to gain employment.



Rebeccas brave and eventful journey began in the 1980s and has paved the way for others to live life as their true selves and the appetite for her story just keeps growing.

Rebecca wears many professional hats, having started her career as a sought after hair stylist for fashion shoots, the Eurovision song contest, and celebrity clients, she then went on to own and operate Tallon Model Agency and establish herself as a well known name in Irish showbiz.

Since writing her biography in the well-received book His Name is Rebecca, she is now an established public speaker and has spoken at various events all over Europe with the Terrence Higgins Trust. Rebecca has roles with the NHS and 56 Dean Street as a Peer Support Worker and HIV Awareness campaigner.

In 2016, Rebecca created Project Bootcamp, a training programme to empower trans people to gain employment, life skills and encouragement to live authentically.

Rebecca returned to Ireland in 2021 so Project Bootcamp can empower the Irish trans community, and is currently working with HIV Ireland on raising awareness on HIV detection in trans people. Rebecca was the first person to be the Grand Marshall of both Dublin Pride 2022 and the Dublin Pride float of the St. Patricks Day Parade 2022.

Rebeccas upcoming engagements include her highly anticipated Virgin Media show named Rebeccas Second Chances where she works with people across Ireland to give them a second chance at life.

Rebeccas main mission is to fully fund Project Bootcamp in Ireland, and following her appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show she is appealing to the public and companies to help make her dream a reality. You can donate to Project Bootcamp at https://www.certified proud.com/ project-bootcamp
ICSA members gathered at Dail Eireann and the Department of Agriculture to seek financial support for the crisis hit sheep sector.



Speaking at the protest ICSA president Dermot Kelleher said, We are here to fight for the very survival of the sheep sector and to fight for economic sustainability of each and every sheep farmer. These are the people who despite working seven days a week to put food on your table are experiencing severe financial hardship; they urgently need to be thrown an economic lifeline  not thrown to the wolves.



ICSA Sheep chair Sean McNamara said, ICSA is demanding an emergency support package of 50 million for sheep farmers  to be funded from the Brexit Reserve Fund. We also want the Sheep Improvement Scheme increased towards 30/ewe and an extra 5/ewe for correct presentation of wool.



Lismacaffrey farmer Mr McNamara said, Brexit brought untold turmoil to the sheep sector and the ramifications are still being felt to this day. The New Zealand lamb imports are a consequence of Brexit; the weakness of sterling since 2016 is a consequence of Brexit; and the importation of more than 500,000 lambs per year in live and carcase form is a consequence of Brexit.



The purpose of the Brexit Reserve Fund is to mitigate the negative effects of Brexit and we can see no reason for those monies to go unspent - and be returned to Brussels - when sheep farmers are in such dire straits. This Government needs to do the right thing by accessing this fund and supporting sheep farmers.



He added, We also want to see real movement of the Sheep Improvement Scheme. A payment of 12/ewe is an insult to sheep farmers and the work they do. As a CAP support it is pitiful; the payment is simply not fit for purpose and must be revised upwards as a matter of urgency.



Sheep farmers are producing world-class top-quality food in an environmentally sustainable way  all we are asking is that our economic sustainability be given some consideration. Our margin per ewe is down over 80% to just 7/hd.



It wouldnt even buy a pint in Temple Bar. The bottom line is we are not getting an adequate price for our product, nor are we in receipt of enough government support. Both of these issues must be tackled in order to save the sheep sector.
Five Longford projects are set to receive almost 70,000 in funding under this years Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced on Thursday, March 9 that 556 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of 4.5m.

This years BHIS includes awards to local historic structures;

15,000 to Frances' Cottage, 44th Lockhouse Ballyclare, in Killashee, for roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork;

11,112 to St Michaels, Ard Michael, Ballinalee Road, Longford town for rainwater goods repair/replacement and mitigation of damp;

12,915 to the old post office in Ardagh, for draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings;

15,000 to Cloghan Mills, Shrule; for stabilisation of masonry;

15,000 to 1 New Street, Longford for draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings.

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 but also provides assistance to a wide range of other important heritage structures.

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.

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.

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.
Michelle Yeoh made history at the 95th Oscars as Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a clutch of major awards.

The multiverse sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, claimed seven prizes including three acting gongs, best directing and best picture, the biggest of the night.

It was a disappointing evening for Irish talent with The Banshees Of Inisherin going home empty-handed despite its nine nominations.

Yeoh claimed the Oscar for best leading actress, fending off competition from two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett to become the first woman from an Asian background to win the prize.

Taking to the stage, she said: For all the little boys and girls who look like me, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.

Dream big, dreams do come true. Ladies, never let anyone tell you you are past your prime.

She added: This is history in the making.

Speaking in the winners room later, she told reporters that she had kung-fud the glass ceiling with her win.

You never forget your first. Congratulations to @jamieleecurtis for winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress! #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/hHdUTNhTQW  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

I think this is something that we have been working so hard towards for a very long time and tonight we frigging broke that glass ceiling, she said.

I kung-fud it out and shattered it, and we need this because there are so many who have felt unseen or unheard.

Yeohs co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, 64, won her first Oscar, for supporting actress, and paid tribute to all the special people in her life.

The actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood stalwarts Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, added: And my mother and father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories, I just won an Oscar.

Kwan and Scheinert, jointly known as The Daniels, took home the award for best directing  only the third time it has gone to a duo.

Vietnam-born American star Ke Huy Quan received a standing ovation as he took to the stage after claiming best supporting actor for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, becoming the first person from an Asian background to win the category.

My journey started on a boat, he said. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage.

Brendan Fraser won the best actor Oscar for his performance as a reclusive English teacher with morbid obesity in The Whale, completing a dramatic career comeback after years out of the spotlight.

The Mummy actor, 54, was visibly emotional as he thanked director Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative life-line.

Costume designer Ruth E Carter became the first African-American to win two Academy Awards for best costume design  for her work on the first Black Panther film and now its sequel, Wakanda Forever.

All Quiet On The Western Front also enjoyed a successful night, continuing its runaway success at the Baftas last month, by securing four awards including best cinematography and original score.

The UKs tally of four Oscars is the lowest since 2017, when the country came away with just a single award. Last year the UK won six.

The co-directors of An Irish Goodbye led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star James Martin from the stage after the film won best live action short film.

Baz Luhrmanns Elvis failed to capitalise on its eight Oscar nominations, going home empty handed despite its star Austin Butler being touted as a favourite to take best actor.

Elsewhere on the night, Elizabeth Banks tripped as she took to the stage to present the award for best visual effects, which went to Avatar: The Way Of Water, but quickly managed to steady herself.

She was joined by a person wearing a bear costume in reference to her recent film Cocaine Bear and quipped: Oh my God. He tripped me.

John Travolta became emotional as he introduced an in memoriam segment which began with a tribute to his late Grease co-star Dame Olivia Newton-John.

The award for best documentary feature film went to Navalny, about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the events related to his 2020 poisoning.

Director Daniel Roher dedicated the award to Navalny and political prisoners around the world, saying: Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to the world.

Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalnaya, added: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free, stay strong my love.

Host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the night by entering the stage attached to a parachute, in a nod to best picture nominee Top Gun: Maverick and made references to last years slap incident which involved Will Smith and Chris Rock.

In a departure from previous years, the Oscars swapped its usual red carpet for a champagne carpet, with stars including Bill Nighy and Cate Blanchett wearing a blue ribbon as part of an initiative from the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 13 2023

Omar Stevenson Sexually Abused the Victim on Multiple Occasions.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Omar Stevenson, 44, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison followed by 15 years of post-release supervision for raping and sexually abusing a 12-year-old female.

This defendant violated the trust of the victim by taking advantage of her innocence, said District Attorney Tierney. He will serve a substantial prison sentence for his actions thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward to tell her story.

According to court filings and the defendants admissions at his guilty plea, Stevenson assaulted the young victim on four separate occasions from November 2021 through December 2021. The crimes were discovered when the victims mother saw that Stevenson called the victim in the early morning hours after his last attack. After confronting Stevenson as to why he was calling her daughter, the mother discovered inappropriate text messages between Stevenson and the victim through the childs social media account. The evidence against Stevenson included the matching of his DNA to DNA recovered from clothing the victim wore during the last assault.

On November 22, 2022, Stevenson pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, to Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. On March 1, 2023, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison, followed by 15 years of post-release supervision.

In addition, Stevenson has been certified as a sex offender. His sex offender risk level designation will be determined upon his release from prison. Stevenson was represented by Howard Lee, Esq.
Pan African Resources PLC - Rosebank-headquartered gold producer - Completes a ZAR400 million transaction with Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Ltd, as the final component to the funding package for the Mintails project's construction. The funding brings the full upfront capital to ZAR2.5 billion.

This transaction following the issue of the group's inaugural domestic medium term note programme of ZAR800 million in December and receipt of a ZAR1.3 billion credit approved and underwritten term sheet from RMB for the senior debt tranche of Mintails project's funding, it says. Pan African says it is in the process of finalising detailed engineering optimisation studies for the Mintails project. Commencement of construction is expected by June 2023, with steady state production forecast by December 2024.

Current stock price in Johannesburg: ZAR3.07, up 4.8% on Monday

12-month change: down 25%

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News:

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Woodbois Ltd - Guernsey-based sustainable wood manufacturing company operating in Africa - Raises GBP3 million via placing 250.0 million new shares at 1.2 pence per share. Chief Executive Officer Paul Dolan says the fundraise will help the company "to assist in its further expansion and towards achieving full FSC certification." He adds: "This placing significantly strengthens our balance sheet as we take the company towards cashflow positivity in 2023 where our overriding priority is to generate consistent, positive cash flow from our substantial forestry assets."

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RC365 Holding PLC - London-based company focusing on payment gateway solutions & IT support and security services - Says its subsidiary Regal Crown Technology Ltd signs white-label application development agreement with Wching Technology Ltd, under which Wching will develop a mobile application product for Regal Crown. Regal Crown will pay Wching Technology HKD6.0 million, around GBP629,452, in cash, from RC365 reserves. If the programme can not be successfully launched on Android or iOS versions within 90 calendar days, Wching will refund HKD4.0 million to Regal Crown.

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Ariana Resources PLC - London-based mineral exploration and development company with gold mining interests in Europe - Says 3 target areas at the Kepez Main in Turkey show gold and silver potential, explaining that geophysical data supports the presence of a low-sulphidation vein system. Managing Director Kerim Sener says that Kepez Main is associated with high-grade silver mineralisation of up to almost 400 grams of silver per tonne, and lower-grade gold of about 1.5 grams of gold per tonne. Further, notes an additional exploration potential identified at Kepez North.

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First Tin PLC - London-based tin development company with advanced, low capex projects in Germany and Australia - Notes that the Taronga diamond drilling project in Australia is completed, with 1,619 metres drilled. Ongoing drilling has proven an over 400-metre extension of resource area. Meanwhile, gets positive results from second two deep drillholes at Tellerhauser Tin project in Germany, where it finds 2.02% tin in hole Saxdre31, and 20 grams of silver per tonne in hole Saxdre24.

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Hydrogen Utopia International PLC - London-based company specialising in turning non-recyclable mixed waste plastic into hydrogen and other carbon-free fuels, new materials or distributed renewable heat - Says it will lead to its first EU waste plastic to hydrogen facility as it enters option to lease greenfield site at Fishertown Energy Park in Ireland. "Fisherstown Energy Park has its own electrical grid connection, an electrical substation and the potential for HUI to utilise the existing waste water treatment facilities on site, which previously serviced a very large denim manufacturing business. The costs of installing such facilities are generally very substantial, therefore the availability of existing facilities should produce significant construction cost savings in building a plant," Hydrogen says. Chief Executive Officer Aleksandra Binkowska says: "I hope that Longford will be the start of a pioneering technology in Ireland."

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Kavango Resources PLC - London-based, Botswana-focused metals exploration company - Completes relogging of hole DITDD004 at Ditau project. Says additional core samples have been taken and will be sent to a laboratory in Canada for additional assays.

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Ricardo PLC - West Sussex, England-based environmental and engineering consulting company - Buys 90% stake in Melbourne, Australia-based water-and-natural-resources advisory consultancy Aither Pty Ltd for up to GBP17 million. Aither will be integrated into Ricardo's Australia operations. Ricardo says paid GBP9.6 million on completion of acquisition. The remaining figure of between nothing and GBP7.4 million is contingent upon the performance of Aither, at an annualised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation multiple of under 11 times. In financial 2022 ended June 30, Aither had a pretax profit of around GBP1.3 million and revenue of around GBP5.8 million. The Ebitda margin was around 22%.

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Zinnwald Lithium PLC - Germany-focused lithium development company - Signs heads of terms agreement with base metal ores trader Ocean Partners UK Ltd, under which Ocean Partners will buy Zinnwald's subsidiary Erris Zinc amid a commitment by Ocean to spend EUR130,000 by the end of 2025. Zinnwald will receive a 1% net smelter royalty and a EUR200,000 cash payment six months after the start of the commercial production from Abbeytown in Ireland, where Erris owns a zinc license.

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By Tom Budszus, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
MBABANE - The recent arrest of the three men, who have been charged with terrorism, allegedly quelled an operation to attack four MPs and disrupt the ongoing EBC civic voter education exercise.

On Thursday evening, the police arrested the three men, including the son of former Siphofaneni MP Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane, Zweli Brian Simelane. The others were Economic Freedom Fighters Swaziland member Siphosethu Malinga and Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) member Mxolisi Simelane. According to an impeccable source, one of the men was arrested along the borderline by soldiers, who found him in possession of a firearm.

Interrogation

After the soldiers handed him over to the police, during interrogation, he allegedly revealed the plot to attack the Members of Parliament (MPs) and further disrupt the ongoing civic voter education exercise being conducted by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). He is also alleged to have revealed the identity of their handler or the person who had sanctioned the operation. The man, who was later to make disclosures to the investigators, was arrested at Lundzi on his way to Eswatini. Lundzi is located close to the border with South Africa, 25 kilometres west of the capital city, Mbabane. It is alleged that during interrogation by the law enforcement agents, he further disclosed how the plan was to be carried out. The insider alleged, the man also divulged that he was in constant communication with others who were part of the operation who were in Eswatini.

He disclosed that the targeted MPs were those who were seen not to be supporting the call for democratic reforms. During the interrogation, he also revealed how with others, they previously attacked a police post and how they staged other operations, which saw the shooting of law enforcement agents, among others and burning of certain institutions, alleged the source. Through their intelligence, the police, according to the impeccable source, then traced and located some of the people who were part of the plan. During the arrest, it was reported that one of the men was found in possession of a number of cellphones, which were suspected to have been taken from some of the members of the underground forces during their training.

It was previously reported that one of the alleged members of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, upon arrest revealed to the investigators that during their training in the Republic of South Africa, their cellphones were taken by a person whom they referred to as the commander so that they did not communicate or share information with anyone. The commander was later unveiled to be Thabo Kunene, a former senior police officer. Notably Malinga, who was a pupil at Mhubhe High School, was out on bail during his arrest, after he was found in possession of a slingshot during the unrest in 2021. The trio is expected to make its maiden appearance at the High Court this week, where the number of charges they are facing would be disclosed in an indictment to be presented by the prosecution. The arrest of the trio brings the number of those arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act to eight. Others are Musa Clement Kunene and Msindiso Ntshalintshali.

The pair was allegedly found in possession of two grenades, 20 live rounds of ammunition and an Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) pair of trousers. Kunene and Ntshalintshali were arrested by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) on November 8, 2022 at Mbhuleni, Matsapha. Another case, wherein the accused are charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, is that of the three men who are alleged to have killed members of the security forces. The accused in this matter are; Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu, who is a member of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), Philani Sihlongonyane, a member of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) and their co-accused, German Robert Dlamini, whose political home is uncertain. They are facing 29 counts under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. Three men who are accused of burning the Ngudzeni Inkhundla centre were also slapped with a charge of terrorism. These are Bongani Goodman Mamba, Bongumusa Kenneth Kunene and Sibongiseni Hoshoba Shongwe.

Charged

A number of the accused persons who had been charged under the Act are facing over 38 charges emanating from the different incidents where either property was burnt or there was a loss of life. Mostly, a number of the incidents are where members of the law enforcement agencies were killed. In most of the cases, the prosecution had filed indictments, which is an indication that it was ready to prosecute them. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati declined to be drawn to comment about the matter, stating that it was still under investigations. However, she confirmed that the trio would appear at the High Court today.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates on exposure to Silicon Valley Bank by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News:

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Argo Blockchain PLC - London, England-based global cryptocurrency mining company - Confirms that neither Argo Blockchain, nor any of its subsidiaries, have any exposure to Silicon Valley Bank or Silvergate Bank. Says subsidiary held some cash deposits at Signature Bank which are secure and available for use as of March 13. Shares rose 13% to 13.50 pence each in London on Monday.

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Pantheon International PLC - Exeter, England-based investment trust specialising in private equity - Confirms Pantheon has no credit or deposit facilities with SVB directly. In addition, the company does not have any investment in SVB stock. Engaging with engaging with key venture capital relationships, to continue to closely monitor the situation. Shares fell 2.3% to 237 pence each in London on Monday.

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RTW Venture Fund Ltd - New York-based investor in life sciences, biopharmaceutical, and medical technology companies - Says company and its investment manager, RTW Investments, have no direct exposure to SVB. Adds no public companies in the portfolio have material exposure to SVB. States four private core portfolio companies totalling 1.7% of net asset value have some exposure to SVB. RTW does not envisage that this exposure will have a specific impact on the company's NAV after US regulators moved to guarantee all SVB depositors. Shares fell 0.4% to 1.26 pence in London on Monday.

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HarbourVest Global Private Equity Ltd - London-based investment fund focused on private equity opportunities - Says SVB represents only 2% of the aggregate cash and cash equivalents held by HarbourVest funds. Explains SVB provides subscription line credit to a small number of HarbourVest funds in which it is invested and initial analysis shows that exposure is limited, with less than 6% of the HarbourVest fund-level borrowing. Points out this borrowing represents delayed capital calls and is therefore already factored into unfunded commitments and key ratios. Shares fell 3.0% to 2,080 pence in London on Monday.

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Tremor International Ltd - New York based advertising-technology company - Advises that less than 10% of the cash and cash equivalents are currently held as deposits at SVB. Does not expect any material impact to its business, adjusted earnings or cash position. Shares fell 3.8% to 230 pence in London on Monday.

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RIT Capital Partners PLC - British investment trust dedicated to investments in quoted securities and quoted special situations - Confirms it has no direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank in either the US or UK, nor to any of SVB's affiliate entities. Adds vast majority of RIT's holdings have confirmed either no or de minimis exposure to SVB, while for the remainder a substantial portion of any funds is held in money market accounts custodied with a third-party bank, and therefore ringfenced from SVB. Continues to monitor the situation closely. Shares fell 0.1% to 1,889 pence in London on Monday.

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TMT Investments PLC - Jersey-based venture capital company investing in high-growth technology companies - Says company currently has total cash and cash equivalents of approximately USD11.5 million, of which around USD8 million is on deposit with SVB. Expects to retain access to all its funds in SVB and that therefore that the developments regarding SVB are not expected to have any material impact on TMT's financial position. Of the company's 56 portfolio companies, notes five have material deposits with SVB and a further six have minor deposits. Shares fell 6.8% to 2.78p in London on Monday.

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By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy with periods of rain. High around 60F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 43F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Hassan Allam Utilities, the investment and development arm of leading Egyptian group Hassan Allam Holding, said it has joined hands with Agility, the industrial development specialist, to set up a new venture, Yanmu, that will focus on the development, build and operation of modern logistics parks and Grade A warehousing facilities in the country.

Their first park, Yanmu East Logistics Park, is coming up on a 270,000-sq-m site on the new Cairo Suez road, 15 km from Cairo Airport.

The new facility, which is located in close proximity to the Ring Road, will open in August, while the second park, Yanmu West Logistics Park, is set for launch next year.

Hassan Allam Utilities said these Yanmu parks are designed to meet the storage and distribution needs of companies in e-commerce, manufacturing, consumer products, food and beverage, technology, automotive, energy, industrial goods, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and other sectors.

Yanmu East Logistics Park offers Grade A warehousing at a unique, strategic location and provides tenants with 24/7 security, power, connectivity, and facility management, it stated.

Hassan Allam Utilities Chairman Amr Allam said: "Yanmu will offer Egypt's most modern, efficient and sustainable warehousing. We are proud to have strategically partnered with Agility, which has nearly four decades of experience in developing and operating Grade A warehousing across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia."

"In addition, the facility provides advanced warehouse engineering features, such as 14-meter ceilings, super-flat floors, efficient docking systems, and docking," he noted.

Yanmu is a green park incorporating sustainable design, including solar rooftops and other features that reduce power and water use and increase operational efficiency, he added.

Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said: "When it comes to warehousing capacity and distribution capability, Egypt is underserved. Yanmu will fill the gap with modern, efficient infrastructure that is going to power growth domestically and strengthen Egypt's role as a vital trade partner and crossroads."

"Hassam Allam Utilities' reputation for excellence and intimate knowledge of the market gives Yanmu a huge advantage," observed Sultan.

Both Agility and Hassan Allam Utilities recently announced significant new investments and expansion plans in Egypt, he added.

In October, Agility had announced that it is investing roughly $60 million to develop and operate two customs and logistics centres in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The project is intended to modernize operations and improve the flow of goods and commodities in the Ein Sokhna industrial zone and at East Port Said.

In September, Hassan Allam Utilities had signed two concession agreements to develop and operate strategic warehouses for the Internal Trade & Development Authority (ITDA) in the governorates of Luxor and Sharqiyah under a Boot (Build, own, operate and transfer) scheme.

The project is part of Hassan Allam Utilities' investments in the logistics sector to establish an integrated logistics platform covering the entire value chain for storage and handling services in Egypt, and to further develop the industry and leverage a fast-growing market opportunity, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
The fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national legislature on Sunday decided on the new lineup of the State Council, or the cabinet, at its ongoing annual session.

Upon nomination by Premier Li Qiang, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers, governor of the central bank, auditor-general, and secretary-general of the State Council were endorsed by lawmakers at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to appoint these officials.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the meeting.

Lawmakers also approved by voting chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members of eight special committees of the 14th NPC at the meeting.

The vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledged allegiance to the Constitution.

Vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. Nominated by Premier Li Qiang, Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong were endorsed as vice premiers, while Li Shangfu, Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, Shen Yiqin and Qin Gang were endorsed as state councilors and Wu Zhenglong was endorsed as secretary-general of the State Council at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

State Council's ministers, heads of commissions, governor of the central bank, and auditor-general pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Members of special committees of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
How to use the mindat.org media viewer

Click/touch this help panel to close it.

Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image)

Controls - all media types

Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device.

Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen.

< and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys.

< and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys.

> in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys.

? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key.

Other keyboard shortcuts:

1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons

Scalebar

If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular.

Controls - Video

Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key.

Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation)

Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys.

The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types.

The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control.

Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images

If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways:

- without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method

- with stereoscope

- with anaglyph glasses.

- on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system)

For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D

To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them.

Controls - photo comparison mode

If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu.

Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder.

Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
The UK based Ghanaian fashion designer paid homage to one of her alma maters when she touched down in Kumasi upon a short trip to Ghana.

Meeting some of the officials from the fashion department and a cross section of the fashion studies students, Giberky who is formerly known as Gifty Berko took it upon herself to do her best, by promising to support with some of the needs of the fashion department.

Rev. Dr Timothy Crentsil, the head of fashion department added in his introduction, that: Giberky studied here in the 1990s, and the good news is that we are pleased to see her re-visiting where she started her fashion design journey. This goes to show that those of you studying here, are in a good place, if you take your studies seriously.

By striking a clear balance on a scale of preference, quipped as to how she intends to do her best for her former school, she said:" I will start with what I think they need instead of what they want, given the state of affairs within the fashion industry."

In response to Giberkys statement the Dean, Dr Thomas Obeng Asare of Creative Arts and Technology at the Polytechnic University said: These things are to motivate you, to let you know that when one talks about fashion, its not just about ordinary sewing, dressmaking or being a seamstress. But think of it, as a big industry with so many facets.

Although she started independently and alone up until this while, in a related conversation about investment and investors within the Business of Fashion and its financial challenges, Giberky opined, saying: I wouldnt mind if an investor comes in to invest in what I do, it is something I have thought of.

Branching into Ready to Wear Collection while still maintaining her Bespoke Styles will see some of her fans up and running again this summer given her fashion forecast for 2023.

For someone who also counts Saint Monica's Secondary School as Alma Mater, one would not be arguably wrong in saying the fashion students at Kumasi Technical University are very lucky in the direction of her benevolence.

BY WILFRED CLARKE.
Best friends now turned political opponents, John Dumelo and Frederick Nuamah of the Ghana Movie Awards have accused each other of betrayal ahead of the upcoming NDC primaries.

Reacting to several news reports that he gave his blessings to actor and businessman, Fred Nuamah to run for office, former parliamentary candidate for the constituency, John Dumelo denied the claims calling the reports full of lies and a stab in the back.

He made this revelation when he appeared on United showbiz with MzGee on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

This is someone who called me two months ago and told me he has heard I am coming back so he will support my bid and now he is saying I gave my blessing. When did I give my blessings to him, he quizzed.

He also recounted how Fred had attended a surprise birthday party in his honor, only to find out that same night that he had released flyers to contest.

On my birthday, he came for my surprise party on 3rd February, that same night he released his flyer, after that he sent me a long text message and I told him I never told him I am not coming back, he revealed

When asked about his reaction to the flyer and announcement of candidacy from Freds camp, the award winning actor said he felt betrayed by his best man and did not consider him as a friend anymore despite knowing him for 20 years.

That is a stab in the back and he will lose the primaries.I know that for a fact. If you speak to people and the delegates they say they want John back so I dont know why Fred is running, he said

Fred Nuamah and John Dumelo's scuffle begun earlier in the week when the former granted Graphic Showbiz an interview accusing the latter of reneging of his promise not to contest in Ayawaso West Wuogon.

Frankly, it's late to step down. My brother informed me and a lot of people that he was not going to contest the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency again. He gave me his blessings when I made up my mind to contest, he said

Dumelo, age 39, who represented the NDC in the 2020 parliamentary elections after defeating the incumbent parliamentary candidate, Delali Kwasi Brempong said Fred's interview was full of lies

John Dumelo in the 2020 election was praised for his tactful campaigning skills that landed him a few figures behind New Patriotic Party's Lydia Seyram Alhassan for the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat.

Does he think politics is a joke. Does he think we are joking around? Can he stand the NPP? I was able to match up to the ruling party boot for boot in 2020. Can he??, he told MzGee on the show.
Muzigal opens Music academy in Hyderabad 17 Apr 2023 | 12:13 AM Hyderabad, Apr 16 (UNI) Muzigal, Indias largest Music Education Platform, on Sunday announced launch of its 4th state-of-the-art music academy at Kothapet in Hyderabad. see more..

Ex-MLA Neeraja Reddy killed in road accident 17 Apr 2023 | 12:11 AM Kurnool, Apr 16 (UNI) Former MLA and BJP leader P Neeraja Reddy was killed when the car in which she was travelling overturned at Bachupally village on the Kurnool-Hyderabad highway on Sunday. see more..

Two children drown at Aripara waterfalls 16 Apr 2023 | 11:49 PM Kozhikode, Apr 16 (UNI) Two children drowned in the Aripara waterfalls at Thirivampadi, while three other children were rescued by lifeguards,when they were bathing on Sunday. see more..

Van rams into ravine killing driver 16 Apr 2023 | 11:46 PM Kakinada, April 16(UNI) Driver of a van was killed when the speeding vehicle lost control and rammed into a roadside drainage canal at Raparty village in Pithapuram mandal 30 kms from here on Sunday, police said. see more..
The Paris Opera on Saturday appointed 23-year-old dancer Guillaume Diop to its Etoile category, the first time a black person has received the ballet's coveted top rank.

The promotion, announced on stage at the end of Diop's performance of "Giselle" in Seoul, propels him to the ballet's highest rank without having to go through the "Premiere" category for several years as is usually the case.

The "Danseur Etoile" ("Star Dancer") rank is given for rare excellence, and only a handful of dancers of made it there directly in the past 50 years.

Diop, who was born in Paris to a Senegalese father and a French mother, was among five black or mixed-race authors who in 2020 published a manifesto "About the Race Question in Opera".

Since starting at the Paris Opera in 2018, Diop has danced in several Etoile roles, with lead performances in La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliette.

"I didn't expect this at all," Diop told the Le Figaro newspaper on Saturday.

"I hope that this reassures the parents of kids like me who want to follow this career path, but I'm not sure I want to talk about this. I basically worked like everybody else."

Jose Martinez, the Paris Opera Ballet's dance director, told the paper that Diop's "artistic qualities, his charisma and his potential" had been the reasons for his choice.

"At no point did it cross my mind to appoint him because of the colour of his skin," Martinez said, adding: "It's a very good thing that this has happened."

(AFP)
12.03.2023 LISTEN

An Intelligence-led operation by the Ashaiman Police has led to the arrest of three more suspects at their various hideouts within the municipality in connection with the killing of Imoro Sheriff, a soldier in the area.

This brings the number of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of the soldier to five.

The three suspects dishonestly received an iPhone 6, belonging to the slain soldier.

The phone went through their hands, DGN Online can report.

According to sources, the phone was retrieved Sunday March 12, 2023 dawn at a location near the Ashaiman overpass which was in possession of a driver who bought it at a cheaper price.

All the arrested suspects have been transferred to Police Headquarters in Accra to assist with investigations.

Already, police have arrested the prime suspects who killed the military man at Taifa, a suburb of Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

The arrest follows a long sustained intelligence-led operation, according to the police.

Imoro Sherrif was laid to rest on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Military Cemetery, Burma Camp in Accra.

Imoro Sherrif was gruesomely murdered on Saturday, March 4.

He was found in a pool of blood in Ashaiman and suspected of being stabbed to death.

The Military High Command last Tuesday sanctioned an intelligence-led operation to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

During the operation, several civilians reported of brutalities meted out to them as 184 persons were rounded up with 150 released and 34 persons handed over to the Police through the Military Police for further action.

-DGN online
Reverend John Kworshie Azumah, Ghanas HIV/AIDS Ambassador, has urged Ghanaians to encourage persons living with the Human Immune Virus (HIV) take their antiretroviral drugs rather than stigmatise against them.

He said, using the antiretroviral drugs would boost the immune system of such persons, prolong their lifespan, and help reduce infections in the country.

The drugs are available at every district, every government hospital, polyclinics, and health centers. They can be accessed for free, he said this at a workshop organised for selected journalists in Accra.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using anti-HIV drugs.

The standard treatment consists of a combination of drugs (often called highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART) that suppress HIV replication.

Rev. Azumah said the use of the drug was the surest way of preventing the virus from developing into the disease (AIDS).

Ghana has seen an upsurge in infections in recent years, especially among the younger population.

Data from the Ghana AIDS Commission indicates that a total of 18,928 new infections of the virus were recorded in the country in 2020.

In all, 5,211 of these infections were reported in young people between the ages of 15 to 24, representing 28 per cent of the total infections recorded that year.

Also, as at the end of 2020, some 346,120 people were living with HIV in the country, with a prevalence rate of 1.6 per cent.

Rev. Azumah bemoaned the continuous stigmatization of persons living with the virus, indicating that the situation had compelled many to go into hiding rather than seek early treatment.

The HIV/AIDS Ambassador who has lived with the virus for more than two decades, said he had lived that long because he had never missed taking his medication and remained healthy due to his early acceptance of the antiretroviral drugs.

He noted that due to the constant stigmatisation, many HIV persons preferred to travel miles away from their communities just to access the antiretroviral, putting them in precarious situations.

Somebody lives in Accra but will travel all the way to Temajust to access the antiretroviral for fear of being seen and stigmatised against when they go to health facilities in their local communities for the drug. It is not helping anybody, he bemoaned.

He also urged journalists to be more circumspect, use appropriate words when reporting on the disease to help fight stigma.

Your description of HIV/AIDS hurts instead of giving them hope. We have to, therefore, modify our language when reporting on the virus because, if we do not do that, it means we (the media) are perpetuating stigmatisation, he expressed.

The workshop, organised by the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or personally affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+ Ghana), with funding from the UN Women, was aimed at sensitising journalists on their role in addressing HIV stigmatisation in the society.

It was also aimed at empowering them on how to use the pen to save lives.

Nana Yamfoah Amua-Sekyi, Director, Public Education at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), said journalists had a responsibility to protect the identity of children when reporting on matters that affected them.

Do not publish a story or any image which might put the child, siblings or peers at risk even when identities are changed, obscured or not used, she urged.

Mrs Paulina Louisa Essel, a certified Counselling Psychologist at CHRAJ, also urged journalists to be careful when reporting on sexual and gender-based violence, bearing in mind the need for accuracy.

Not every sexual assault is rape so, use the right language when reporting on such incidents, she added.

GNA
The Northern Regional executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) of secretly registering people for Ghana cards in their homes.

Executives of the party in the region are urging party supporters across the country especially in the Zabzugu constituency to monitor and report any such activity.

The NDC made this allegation at Zabzugu constituency in the Northern Region when the party held a health walk on Saturday morning, March 12.

He commended the 137 NDC MPs for their stand against the Electoral Commissions proposed Constitutional Instrument (CI) to make the Ghana card the sole identification for registration of the Voter Card.

Addressing the gathering, the Northern Regional Organiser of NDC, Abdulai Baba Zee said, I have said it, and Im going to say it again, we are most proud of our 137 MPs. The good fight they are doing, we are with them. We pray to God to give them the strength to continue the fight. We are sending this warning once again to Jean Mensa and the NPPall that they are doing to rig the 2024 elections, we are not going to accept it.

We have equally picked up signals that the NPP is clandestinely registering people for the Ghana card, secretly in their houses. We are saying that anytime anybody sees anybody in Zabzugu doing all manner of registrations, and it is not in the NIAs office or ECs office, please I beg you, dont allow that person to come out of that house.
It has emerged that Imoro Sherrif, the soldier who was murdered in Ashaiman Taifa on Saturday, March 4, was stabbed in the left arm.

It had initially been reported that the trooper in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) was stabbed in the neck following the attack by armed robbers.

Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45am on 4th March 2023 attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashiaman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack, police said in a statement issued on Sunday, March 12.

The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects.

During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.

This is said to have been confirmed by a pathologists report after a post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday, March 8.

A postmortem examination was performed on the deceaseds body on 8th March, 2023, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of left arm consistent with stabbed injury.

The soldier was laid to rest on Thursday, March 9 at the New Military Cemetery in Burma Camp.

The police led by the Tema Regional Police Command on Sunday, March 12 visited the family of the deceased and briefed them on the investigations done so far.

We wish to commend all police officers at all levels of Command, especially the crack police intelligence and investigation teams as well as the Ashiaman District Police Command for their professionalism and meticulous dedication, working around the clock to unravel this case.

Six suspects have so far been arrested and they are set to be put before court on Monday, March 13.

3news.com
The Registrar General's Department has declared 80% of Islamic marriages as null and void.

This is due to the refusal of spouses to register under the registrar General's Department as demanded by law.

Head of marriages at the Registrar Generals Department, Oladele Kwaku Aribike made this known at a dialogue organized by civic society organisation, Telling Ghana, on the theme "Working together for a better Society".

Mr Aribike said The bridegroom, the bride, two witnesses to the marriage and the Mohammadan priest licensed under section 31 shall before the expiration of one week after the celebration of the marriage attend at the office of the district assembly for the purpose of registering the marriage. This means the marriage should be registered within one-week of the celebration of the marriage if it is not registered within one week, that marriage is null and void. And on this, I will like to say on authority that almost 80 per cent of Islamic marriages are not valid.

MP for Asewase, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak underscored the need for extensive stakeholder consultation to help the process.

Speaking on behalf of Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said, the Muslim Marriage and divorce bill when passed will help resolve most divorce cases.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak is calling for investigations into claims by Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, that elements within both the governing New Patriotic Party and the Akufo-Addo government are involved in illegal mining also known as galamsey.

In February 2020, while still in office as the chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Prof Frimpong-Boateng disclosed that some of the 500 excavators allegedly seized by the IMCIM had gone missing.

In a recent interview with state broadcaster GTV, however, Prof Frimpong-Boateng said the missing excavator story was trumped up against him by his own party and other government officials involved in galamsey, just to get him out.

No 500 excavators got missing. Who said that? It was thrown into the media space to tag something on Frimpong-Boageng, he said.

What am I doing with 500 excavators? he wondered.

Reacting to Prof Frimpong-Boatnegs latest interview, Dr Apaak in a statement said galamsey is a crime and those involved must be punished.

According to Dr Apaak, by his stature and previous position in the NPP government, his allegations cannot and must not be ignored.

Read below Dr. Clement Apaaks full statement

We DEMAND an investigation into allegations by Prof. Boateng, a former NPP Minister, then head of the anti-galamsey fight, that People in the NPP, people in govt and people at Jubilee House are engaged in galamsey. Galamsey is a crime and those involved must be punished.

Ghanaians expect the requisite state agencies/institutions (OSP, BIN, CID) to show loyalty to Ghana by initiating investigations into the allegations made by Prof. Boateng. By his stature and previous position in this NPP govt, these allegations cannot and must not be ignored.

CSOs, organised labour, the clergy and all well-meaning Ghanaians must canvas for an investigation into these allegations that elements in the Presidency, govt and NPP are engaged in galamsey, and consequently, the pollution of our rivers and destruction of our environment.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak

M.P, Builsa South

Source: Classfmonline.com
Ghanas Parliament has been urged to pass the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Excise Duty & Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bills and the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill to complete the prior actions of the Ghana/IMF $3 billion Agreement.

The plea made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo indicated that would put the government in readiness for our presentation to the Fund Board and more importantly, bolster our domestic revenue mobilisation efforts.

The President, who thanked Parliament for its support throughout the process, which included the passage of some key revenue laws, said the government recognises that sustained growth must be deliberate, especially in a global landscape marked by forces of technology, trade and intense competition.

He said sustained economic growth required deliberate policy implementation, combined with leadership, social cohesion and deep investments in the core capabilities of people, firms, and institutions to harness the countrys opportunities.

That, President Akufo-Addo indicated, is why together with the private sector counterparts, the government had anchored Ghanas medium-term growth drivers on competitiveness, integration, adaptation and digital innovation.

All these, according to him, are aimed at raising Ghanas per capita GDP from the current US$2,500 to US$4,500) (aligning with the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter) by 2030.

Apart from the enhancement of revenue and the judicious use of resources, President Akufo-Addo said it is imperative that a deliberate policy initiative need to be introduced bring the countrys huge import bill.

Last year, the President set up a five-member ad hoc Cabinet committee to work on a policy to enhance domestic production and export development with a four-fold strategy.

They include 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, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In 2021, Ghanas total import bill was put at US$13.7 billion, according to GRA/ICUMS. On the evidence of existing local productive capacity.

President Akufo-Addo said the government had identified a list of 20 priority products in the categories of primary agricultural products, processed foods and manufactured goods, where we can confidently enhance domestic production.

Amongst these are rice, fish, poultry, fruit juice, sugar, tomatoes, vegetable oils, oil palm, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, soaps and detergents, insulated wire, ceramic products, corrugated paper and paper board, cement/clinker and motor vehicles.

According to President Akufo-Addo the report on the implementation modalities to enhance domestic productive capacity has been prepared and, once confirmed, the new Minister for Trade & Industry will roll out urgently a series of initiatives to implement the policy.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong has made it clear that he is against the plan by the Electoral Commission (EC) to make the Ghana Card the only source of identification for Voter Registration.

Speaking in an extensive interview on Kumasi-based Sompa FM, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central opined that Ghana has people taking what he described as bogus decisions for the country.

According to him, if a person has a Ghanaian passport, he should be able to use that to register to vote.

I am against it. Ghana has people taking bogus decisions.

We have a whole Ghana passport, but you (EC) claim that to register to vote you cant use it to register as a voter. What makes me know that I am a Ghanaian? It is my passport, Kennedy Agyapong shared.

Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission chairperson Jean Mensa visited Parliament to provide a briefing on the new Constitutional Instrument it has sent to the house for consideration.

It is through the new CI that the EC is attempting to make only the Ghana Card the source of identification for voter registration ahead of the 2024 General Elections.

In Parliament, Jean Mensa argued that the move has become necessary to make the countrys Voter Register more credible by eliminating minors and foreigners.

The use of only Ghana Card will ensure and guarantee the credibility of the register and elections, prevent enrolment of minors, prevent foreigners from voting, eliminate the guarantor system which is prone to abuse.

The Ghana Card will not be used for voting in 2024, it will be used to register, Jean Mensa explained.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

The presiding judge of High Court 2 in Bolgatanga, Justice Alexander Graham, has been hailed by an anti-corruption group for exposing an underhand attempt by the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, to allegedly influence his decisions on some mining-related cases filed from Talensi District.

The group  National Patriots against Injustice and Corruption Ghana (NAPAIC-Ghana)  revealed that the judge caused the arrest of the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, and Richard Sunday Yinbil, the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang after they had met with the judge in his chambers, apparently to influence the judge who is currently presiding over a mining-related suit.

The judge walked them out and ordered the court warrant officers (police) to arrest and handcuff them immediately. They were arrested and handcuffed immediately on the Judge's orders. Subsequently, the judge instructed the Chief of Baare and the Secretary to the Tongraan to tell the open court what they had told him privately in chambers.

Below is the full statement by the NAPAIC-Ghana

PRESS STATEMENT

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, good evening. We wish to welcome you all to this all-important press conference organised by the National Patriots against Injustice and Corruption Ghana (NAPAIC-Ghana).

For the first time, we begin by saying that we are happy to share this good news from the circles of justice to you, dubbed The Judicial Service is Working.

The acting Upper East Regional Supervising High Court Judge, His Lordship Alexander Graham, has demonstrated that the laws of Ghana are supreme. This is so because this morning, at about 9:00 am today Friday, March 10, 2023, a serious piece of drama unfolded in his courtroom, High Court 2, where the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, and Richard Sunday Yinbil, the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, were arrested after they had met with the judge, His Lordship Alexander Graham, in his chambers, apparently to influence the judge who is currently presiding over a mining-related suit.

The judge walked them out and ordered the court warrant officers (police) to arrest and handcuff them immediately. They were arrested and handcuffed immediately on the Judge's orders. Subsequently, the judge instructed the Chief of Baare and the Secretary to the Tongraan to tell the open court what they had told him privately in chambers.

Ladies and gentlemen, shamefully, the Chief of Baare and the Secretary to the Tongraan became dumb and were shivering seriously. For three minutes, they could not utter a word before the court audience. Then, the judge said, If you cannot tell the court, I will tell them.

His Lordship furiously started by saying that he had issued warnings several times in his courtroom against people who might want to circumvent justice by visiting judges in their homes and in their chambers and that this act was common in the Upper East Region.

He further stated that the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, and the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Richard Sunday Yinbil, came to him in his chambers and told him that they had been sent by the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, to invite him (the judge) to his palace to discuss some mining-related cases which the judge was presiding over and for the judge to understand the cases before him.

They further told the judge that the Tongraan was an accountant, a member of the Council of State, former board chairman of the Tema Oil Refinery, etc. His Lordship Alexander Graham considered their act as a trap and contemptuous.

The two (the Chief of Baare Naab Nyakora Mantii, and the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Richard Sunday Yinbil) were promptly charged with contempt of court. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were convicted on their own plea. Even before their conviction, the judge had asked that the two accused persons produce the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, in court today.

In fact, the whole bench of lawyers numbering about twelve, who were in the courtroom today on different cases from Sunyani, Tamale and Bolgatanga, pleaded profusely on behalf of the two accused persons and especially on behalf of the Tongraan. One Lawyer Mohammed from Gbewa Chambers in Tamale said the Tongraan said he had regretted his action and had asked him to intervene by pleading with the court to not give a custodial sentence to the two accused persons.

The lawyer further stated that the Tongraan had regretted and said that he would not repeat such an act. Lawyer Jalaldeen of CHRAJ and Lawyer Issahaku Lawal of Legal Aid all pleaded for a non-custodial sentence. Lawyer Mohammed Nambe, who is currently the lawyer for the Tongraan, also told the judge that it was even enough punishment by rebuking the accused persons in the open court and that they were first offenders and would not repeat the act.

Ladies and gentlemen, His Lordship Alexander Graham truly listened carefully to the lawyers and said the accused persons wanted to trap and destroy his job and if they had fallen into their own trap, why all these pleas from the lawyers. He further asked the lawyers what they themselves would do if they were judges in this contempt case. The whole courtroom was quiet like a cemetery.

Justice Alexander Graham is, indeed, deserving of the noble title His Lordship. He convicted the accused persons and asked them to sign a bond of six months and to be of good behaviour. He also directed that the bond should be signed before the Upper East Regional Police Command. The two accused persons were held in court custody from around 9.00 am to 3:18 pm before they were sent by police to the Upper East Regional Police Command.

We at NAPIAC-Ghana see the development recorded today within the Judicial Service of Ghana as one of the best actions led by a judge in the Upper East Region and we humbly would ask of him to do more. We also would love to suggest to the Chief Justice of Ghana to identify good judges like His Lordship Alexander Graham and award them enormously to serve as motivation for others to emulate and to make the vulnerable also receive deserved justice when the need arises.

We are aware of the modus operandi of the Tongraan in trying to twist the arms of the law by using his positions and his agents like the accused persons who were exposed today. Ladies and gentlemen, think about the well-known Rockson Bukari Saga in which Hon. Rockson Bukari was caught in a recording saying the Tongraan had told him to kill a mining-related investigative story involving Shaanxi Mining Company Limited and a High Court judge, Justice Jacob Boon.

This action of the Tongraan has become one too many. It is also a big dent on the Talensi paramount skin and we suggest that he refrains from such fishy dealings to avoid further embarrassment. We see this as a big embarrassment to the entire region.

By Citi Newsroom
New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with visiting Singapore Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed about taking forward the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable process.

In a tweet, he said:

Good to catch up with Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Trade & Industry of Singapore this afternoon.

Spoke about taking forward the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable process.

The meeting between the two sides comes three weeks after the two countries launched a real-time link between Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapores PayNow to facilitate easier cross-border money transfers.

Earlier on Monday, the Singapore Minister and Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Singapore-India Hackathon 2023 as part of Indias G20 presidency.

The Singapore Minister and Dharmendra Pradhan also held talks on strengthening linkages in skill development and education through Capacity, Capability and Capital, and also on India-Singapore Knowledge Collaboration.

On Sunday, the Singapore Minister held talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on boosting trade and investment between the two sides.

UNI RN
Minority in Parliament is alleging several causalities have been recorded as a result of the shortage of certain childhood vaccines.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minority spokesperson on health, claims five children died from measles due to lack of vaccines.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu have both publicly denied reports that some children have died due to vaccine shortages.

However, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh believes that the government is concealing the information.

The President and the Minister responsible for Health made a statement that we havent recorded any fatality. That is false. We have recorded about five fatalities. I dont want to believe that government wants to deliberately withhold the information from the public.

Recently, several parts of the country were hit with a shortage of vaccines despite claims by the National Health Insurance Authority that over GH70 million has been released for the procurement of vaccines.

The situation heightened after major health facilities in most regions turned away nursing mothers away due to the erratic supply of vaccines including measles, polio and tetanus.

But over the weekend, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed taking delivery of a consignment of childhood vaccines entreating caregivers to desist from rushing to hospitals for the vaccines.

The GHS said the Ministry of Health has made adequate provisions for the supply of vaccines that will last for the rest of the year and beyond.

The vaccines, according to GHS include BCG, OPV and Measles with accompanying devices such as needles, syringes and safety boxes.

Vaccinations for children will begin today, Monday, March 13. 2023.

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, urged all parents to vaccinate their children during a media interview.

He entreated caregivers to desist from rushing to hospitals for the vaccines.

By Monday morning, there will be vaccine available for those who need it. The doses that are available are enough for at least six weeks across the country. So, by Monday, we will start vaccinating all.

By Citi Newsroom
Former Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto says he has been campaigning underground since resigning.

He claims to have toured the entire country in order to rally New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates ahead of the partys primaries.

Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has announced his intention to lead the NPP in the 2024 election.

He told journalists that he is waiting for the party to officially announce a date for the primaries before launching his campaign.

I have been running around the country now for six years. Every year except 2020 that COVID prevented me, I had been going around the country as the Minister for Agriculture because I have been waiting for the party to come out with a date for the primaries, and then I will draw up my programme accordingly. It doesnt mean, my supporters are asleep. They are very active in all the 16 regions.

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto officially resigned to focus on his Presidential ambition as he wants to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2024 general elections.

He served as a Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region for two terms.

In Parliament, he held the position of Deputy Ranking Member and subsequently the substantive Ranking Member for the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs until 2017 when he was appointed the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

In November 2022, in the midst of economic challenges and rising food prices, Dr Afriyie Akoto implemented the controversial Planting for Food and Jobs policy at the premises of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to sell cheaper foods to Ghanaians.

By Citi Newsroom
The Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong has described his wife, Stella Wilson Agyapong, as corrupt.

According to the lawmaker who is contesting to become flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), his wife was not corrupt when she returned from America but now compromised.

Explaining why he says his wife is corrupt, who could be Ghanas First Lady should he become president, Mr Agyapong said A woman I met at Airport told me that a nurse who treated her friends daughter wrote a wrong receipt for her, and that she confronted the nurse for writing a receipt of GHS50 when she had paid GHS250 at the hospital. My wife, who was present and who knows me very well, urged the woman not to mention the name of the hospital to me; this is why I say the she is corrupt. She wants to be first lady yet told the woman not to tell me the name of the hospital this happened because she knows Ill mention the hospital. That is why I say she is corrupt

Mr Agyapong said this in an interview on Sompa TV.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The leadership of the Kumasi Central Mosque led by the Ashanti Regional Imam, Sheik Abdul-Moomin Haruna has asked the Muslim community to shun critics and show gratitude to Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for leading the refurbishment of the facility.

He said assertions that the Saudi Government and other individuals funded the renovation of the mosque and not the Vice President must be treated without merit and locus.

His comments come after an outburst by a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare who doubted assertions that Dr. Bawumia single-handedly financed the renovation of the Kumasi Central Mosque.

The NDC stalwart in a recent interview claimed that he was previously in charge of the modernization of the mosque and called on the Vice President to disclose the source of funding he used for the works.

Speaking to journalists in Kumasi on Friday, the Ashanti Regional Imam insisted that Dr. Bawumia spearheaded the refurbishment of the mosque and deserves commendation.

Sheik Haruna advised critics to desist from politicizing the matter and also refrain from attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Vice President for political gains.

He said, with political conscience, they want to tarnish the name of the Vice President and that is not good. Lets stop it. We have to thank him and Almighty Allah. God used him to renovate this mosque for us.

I have heard some people saying it is not Dr. Bawumia who renovated the mosque. If it is true that the project was done by the Arabs. They would have brought their cameras and will be present during the commissioning and we didnt see any single Arabian on that day, he added

He indicated that the Vice President did not renovate the mosque for political gains but did it for Allah.

The Regional Imam asked the Muslim community to continue to support and pray for the Vice President in his political journey.

Chief Executive Officer of Shaddis Limited, the Construction firm that renovated the mosque, Alhaji Kabiru Idris dared critics to show proof that the Vice President did not renovate the mosque.

He called on Alhaji Said Sinare and other critics to name the real person behind the renovation works if they insist it is not Dr. Bawumia.

Alhaji Idris called on the Muslim Community to look forward and seek development rather than paying attention to detractors.

The Kumasi Central Mosque built in 1951 has served as the major worship center for the Muslim community in Kumasi and parts of the Ashanti Region.

The facility with time was expanded and minor renovation works were done to cater to the increasing numbers of congregants that patronize it.

In 2020, Vice President, Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia promised to facilitate the reconstruction and renovation of the Central Mosque and that has been fulfilled.

citinewsroom
Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced that vaccinations for children will begin today, Monday, March 13. 2023.

Following months of shortage, some childhood vaccines arrived in the country over the weekend.

Dr. Patrick Kuma -Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, urged all parents to vaccinate their children during a media interview.

By Monday morning, there will be vaccine available for those who need it. The doses that are available are enough for at least six weeks across the country. So, by Monday, we will start vaccinating all.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Saturday, March 11, 2023, took delivery of the first consignment of Measles vaccines, BCG vaccines and Oral Polio Vaccines.

The Ministry of Information in a Facebook post said distribution to various regions and facilities is underway.

The Information Ministry assured that more vaccines are expected in the country in the coming weeks from multiple sources.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed taking delivery of a consignment of childhood vaccines entreating caregivers to desist from rushing to hospitals for the vaccines.

The GHS said the Ministry of Health has made adequate provisions for the supply of vaccines that will last for the rest of the year and beyond.

The vaccines, according to GHS include BCG, OPV and Measles with accompanying devices such as needles, syringes and safety boxes.

A statement issued and signed by the GHS Director-General, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, on March 12, said, the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service has just taken delivery of some childhood vaccines that have been in short supply in the country for some time now.

The vaccines are free and can be obtained at designated health facilities and all Child Welfare Clinics (weighing centres) across the country. We entreat all caregivers not to rush for the vaccine since the Ministry of Health has made adequate provisions for vaccines for the rest of the year and beyond, it added.

By Citi Newsroom
Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, claims that his businesses are under attack as a result of his decision to run for president.

He claims that state institutions are frustrating and intimidating him in his quest to lead the NPP in the 2024 NPP elections.

Kenndey Agyapong, speaking on Kumasi-based Sompa FM, said he will do everything in his power to ensure that the right things are done.

Let me state it clearly, they cannot use the system to intimidate me. It wont work. It is so sad for me to make this statement. I operated businesses during all the regimes in the Fourth Republic, but I never went through any of this harassment and intimidation unlike under this Akufo-Addo government that I have been MP for six consecutive terms.

In 2022, Mr. Agyapong opened up on his presidential ambitions on the ticket of the NPP saying he is the best option as presidential candidate for the party in the next general elections.

He said he will be leveraging on his philanthropism, honesty, love for humanity and most importantly his desire to develop the country.

For Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, any attempt by the NPP to field Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia or former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen will spell doom for the party.

He argued that NPP needs someone like him if it wants to retain power and break the eight-year election cycle jinx.

The vociferous legislator is convinced voters are ready to rally behind him given his traits and personal qualities.

Citi Newsroom
Over the generations, leaders have ranged from noble souls to shameless charlatans  Thomas Sowell.

I cannot help but agree with the American author, economist and political commentator. We do not need to look far to find a shameless charlatan who will denigrate his own to win political points.

It is an open secret that even the Chairman of Anagolands Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) himself knows that the body he heads cannot be compared in any shape or form to Asomdwekroms efficient Electoral Commission (EC).

So only a shameless charlatan who pretends to love Asomdwekrom will say INEC is better than EC. One such charlatan is no other than President 'Ogwanfunu'.

After heaping praises on the leadership of INEC and virtually taking his countrys EC to the cleaners, President 'Ogwanfunu' must be having scrambled eggs all over his face now. Before the Anagoland election, he exaggerated the efficiency of the INEC and said same could not be said of Asomdwekroms EC.

The elections are now over and voters, politicians and even observers say the blatant irregularities and abuse of the electoral processes make it impossible for the Anagoland election to be certified as free and fair. Indeed, all agree that there is nothing free and fair about that election.

Such abuse of the electoral processes cannot happen here in Asomdwekrom. All can now see that Asomdwekroms EC has a very robust electoral system in place. Anagolands INEC pales into the shadow in comparison.

So you see, INEC has put President Ogwanfunu to shame and exposed his lies and habitual antagonistic attitude towards the EC. Indeed, the wind has finally blown and exposed the messy anus of the fowl.

Next on my plate is the sordid killing of the young soldier and the consequent brutalities meted out to innocent citizens at Ashaiman. I agree with the sentiments that the reaction of the military was uncalled for. The inhumane attack on the innocent Ashaiman youth casts a very bad image on Asomdwekrom as a democracy.

I have no doubt that it will affect the countrys rating on human rights in the next report by US State Department and other agencies.

I, however, disagree with those who say President Nana Dee should publicly condemn the action of the military as sanctioned by the Military High Command. It will be politically unwise to do so considering the current economic challenges. Publicly condemning the military could be the trigger some adventurous soldiers are waiting for to attempt a coup detat. Yes, it may make President Nana Dee look like a coward. But it is better to be a wise coward than a foolish brave person.

As for the call on the president to apologize, the least said about it, the better. If that is to be accepted, then the president will have to apologize anytime a state agency makes a mistake. By extension, Mr. President will be expected to apologize for the shortage of child vaccines. He will also have to apologize for this years chaotic school placement. And the list goes on. Do you now see the absurdity of the call on him to apologize?

It is however gratifying to hear that suspects that could help solve the murder puzzle have been arrested. I pray the suspects are given the opportunity to have the needed legal representation and also be presumed innocent until proven guilty. With the public display of undemocratic actions by the military, I shudder to imagine what the military can do to the suspects in secret.

President Nana Dee presented the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week. My take away from the SONA is this. Yes, the economy has been challenged and things havent been rosy at all. But we need to acknowledge some positives even in the midst of difficulties. Electricity supply has been stable, all necessities are available on the market, and we do not queue at fuel stations for fuel.

We take all these for granted, but they are little things we should applaud the government for. To those screaming we are suffering, you will know the true meaning of suffering when one or a combination of any of the three positives mentioned above becomes a negative.

So lets count our blessings one by one, and we will see what the Nana Dee government has done!

See you next week for another interesting konkonsa Deo volente!
A 24-year-old Nigerian has been picked up by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for allegedly murdering a cash point operator, Patience Ago Quaye, at the Twumasiwaa Memorial Clinic in Accra.

The suspect, Gideon Vitallis, according to information available to DAILY GUIDE, visited the hospital where he was once a store keeper but was fired for stealing, having come to Ghana in 2021.

He sneaked back to the hospital targeting the cash point for money, and after spotting Patricia Ago Quaye who had just closed from work, confronted her.

The lady went missing and could not be traced.

The suspect used the deceased's phone to send a message that she had been kidnapped, and demanded a ransom of GH20,000, issuing an ultimatum of 24 hours for the money to be paid. This attracted the attention of the NIB operatives who were ordered to deploy because of the kidnapping element in the crime. The security personnel got information from the hospital that a dead body had been found within the hospital and so went into action.

The hospital authorities later sent information about discovering the remains of Patience Ago Quaye.

Intelligence indicated that the suspect left his Accra Madina location for Koforidua, where he was traced and arrested at the Koforidua Central Market.

During interrogation on March 11, 2023, the suspect gave a graphic description of how the deceased died. According to him, he pulled her arm to her back and turned the neck to get the cash point key but she resisted and both of them fell to the ground.

He said her head hit the floor and she died, adding that he concealed the body in the store with the key.

NIB operatives have confirmed that he had in his possession the victim's phone, the SIM of which they have retrieved.

The suspect will be handed over to the police for further action, DAILY GUIDE has learnt. It has been learnt that the suspect was brought to Ghana by his compatriot to engage in internet fraud.

Daily Guide
Michael Nyinaku, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the defunct Beige Bank Group, has challenged claims by Mr Julius Ayivor, a chartered accountant on secondment from KPMG to the office of the receiver for Beige Bank, over assertion that the GH4.5million paid to one of the bank's customers was paid out of the Government of Ghana (GoG) bailout package.

He said the amount was paid by Beige Capital Assets Management (BCAM) and not the Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), as Mr Ayivor wanted the High Court trying the matter to believe.

In a Cross-examination by Nyinakus defence counsel, Mr Thaddeus Sory, at the Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare- Botwe, an Appeal Court Judge with an additional responsibility at the High Court heard that BCAM had several bank accounts and assets, which made it capable of meeting that obligation to its customer.

Mr Sory said even at the revocation of the license of Beige Bank, it was still in business and that it was evident on a document before the court that BCAM paid cash to the customer in question, and not CBG making cash deposit into an account held by itself.

He told the court that BCAM had as much as GH200 million in its First African Saving and Loans account.

The defence counsel argued that it was not enough for the receiver to base its claim on just one account statement of BCAM with the Beige Bank.

Mr Ayivor, testifying as first Prosecution Witness (PW), maintained that the GH4 million was money paid to one William Addo out of the GoGs bailout package.

The PW said BCAM, as at the time of the revocation of the license of Beige Bank, did not have enough funds in its account to meet that obligation.

He also alleged that the GH200 million was customers funds that were siphoned from their accounts with Beige Bank to BCAM and then to a fictitious account with First African Saving and Loans.

Nyinaku has been charged with the theft of GHC2.1 billion but he denied the charge and since been granted bail.

GNA
Pope Francis marked 10 years as head of the Catholic Church on Monday with a podcast, a private mass and a series of interviews, one of which triggered a diplomatic spat with Nicaragua.

"It seems like yesterday," the 86-year-old recalled of his election during a podcast for the official Vatican News outlet -- after first having to be told what a podcast was.

Asked what he would like as a gift for his 10-year anniversary, for which he had no public plans beyond a mass with cardinals, Francis added: "Peace. We need peace."

Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, after his predecessor Benedict XVI stunned the world by becoming the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages.

He has said he never expected to be elected, only packing a small suitcase to travel from Argentina to Rome for the conclave on the assumption he would soon be back in Buenos Aires, where he was archbishop.

But he had a vision, and over the next decade he would overhaul the governance of the Church, including cleaning up the Vatican books and taking action against clerical child abuse.

He also shifted many people's perception of the papacy by engaging less in theology and more with social issues from migration to the environment.

And even while maintaining traditional doctrine on issues such as abortion and gay marriage, he has sought to forge an image of a more open, compassionate Church.

Nicaragua row

"He is a Pope for this time," said Italian priest Father Roberto, who travelled to Saint Peter's Square to hear the pope deliver his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday.

"He managed to grasp today's needs and to propose them to the whole universal Church... And now he's giving the Church a push forward for the years to come. He is sowing good for the future."

However, not everyone is enamoured of Francis' approach, notably the conservative wing of the Catholic Church. One critic, German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, recently criticised the pope's "doctrinal confusion".

Francis has never shied away from controversy, regularly using his pulpit to rail against everything from the mafia to consumerism and the arms industry.

In one of his anniversary interviews, with Argentine news outlet Infobae, he described the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega as a "crude dictatorship".

Ortega's government -- which has long had tensions with the Catholic Church -- responded on Sunday by saying it was considering suspending diplomatic ties with the Vatican.

In another interview, with Swiss broadcaster RTS last week, the pope denounced the involvement of all the "great powers" in the Ukraine war.

He prays regularly for the victims of the war, although he has been criticised for failing to squarely put the blame on Russia as the aggressor.

'It's not easy'

Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with Islam during his papacy, and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo's prestigious Al-Azhar mosque, was one of those who sent their congratulations on his 10-year milestone.

In a letter published by Vatican News, al-Tayeb hailed the pope's efforts to "build bridges of love and fraternity among all human beings".

Messages of congratulations also came in from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, and Anglican leader Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Profile of Pope Francis, who celebrates 10 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2023. By Gal ROMA (AFP)

Welby joined Francis on a recent peace mission to conflict-ridden South Sudan, where huge crowds flocked to see the pontiff, as they do everywhere he goes.

The pope continues to travel widely, despite his age and health issues.

Francis was hospitalised in 2021 for colon surgery and now uses a wheelchair due to knee trouble -- something he admitted in one interview he was "a little ashamed" about.

The pope has said he would follow Benedict in resigning if he ever became too infirm for the job but insists that is not on his agenda.

Asked by Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano what his hopes for the future were, he replied: "That the Lord be merciful with me. Being the pope is not an easy job."
The Centre for Development and Policy Advocacy (CEDEPA), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Tamale, in partnership with Safe Child Advocacy (SCA), another NGO based in Kumasi has provided support for 17 prospective and returnee Kayayei girls to undertake training in hairdressing, tailoring and weaving in three communities in the Northern Region of Ghana.

The communities are Zangbalun in the Kumbungu District, Gbrimani in the Tolon District and Kotingli in the Tamale Metropolis.

The beneficiaries were supported with the training tools and equipment that they need to learn the various skills and money to pay their training fees.

This support forms part of the "Promoting Child Rights and Equal Opportunities Project" which was launched in the three selected communities in January 2022 with financial support from KZE Misereor in Germany, as well as Wilde Ganzen and Adamfo Ghana, both based in the Netherlands.

The aim of the project is to safeguard the rights and create equal opportunities for street-connected children, and children in other vulnerable situations. It is also intended to stop the increasing trend of migration of young girls to the big cities of Kumasi and Accra, which exposes them to many abuse and dangers.

Presenting the support to some of the beneficiaries and their guardians at Kotingli on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Mr. Ziblim Alhassan, the Project Coordinator and Focal Person at CEDEPA, urged parents and guardians to constantly monitor, support and encourage their wards to take the skills training programme seriously to become self-sufficient.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, the Assembly Member for the Kotingli Electoral Area, Hon. Abubakari Imoro expressed gratitude to CEDEPA and their partners for their generous and continuous support.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has said Gas will feature prominently in his government if he is elected President.

According to him, the Ga state is important because it is the entry point into the country.

Speaking to the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II today, Monday, 13 March 2023 when he paid a courtesy call on the King, Mr Kyerematen lured the traditional leader to convince his subjects within the NPP to vote for him as the partys next flagbearer.

If it is Gods will that I lead this party and I become President, Ill make sure that Gas feature very prominently in the government that I will run and I do so also for very strategic reasons because Greater Accra is the capital of our country and it is the entry point into our country and first impressions are important and, so, it is our own interest as a government to lift up the Ga state, Mr Kyerematen stated.

He noted that even without becoming the flagbearer of our party, I put up a bold plan for the bold transformation of our country and I hope that even though youre not supposed to do politics, you can talk silently to the delegates of our party to think beyond our party.

Breaking the eight will be a historical feat because this will be the first time that we will go beyond eight years of our political cycle, but it is important that we break the eight, but we can only break the eight with somebody who has a proven record to deal with the two challenges [youth unemployment and maintaining strong resilient economy] that I have already alluded to.

So, I want you to speak silently to those of your subjects who will be voting as delegates in our party and I also want you to be able to make a case not only to stand as leader of our party, but also to move onto the presidency of the nation. I want the Ga state to stand solidly behind me, Mr Kyerematen added.

The former Minister of Trade further said he is the best man to transform the country as he has bagged lots of experience in politics.

The two most important challenges that confront us as a nation currently are maintaining a strong resilient economy, and secondly, creating job opportunities particularly for our youth. These two challenges cannot be dealt with significantly without transforming our country. Since independent, weve been to the IMF 17 or 18 times and we are currently working towards receiving a package from the IMF.

Weve to reverse this trend and the only way is to have a transformational leader who can move the countrys growth to transformation and in all humility and modesty, I believe that I offer that opportunity to move this country forward to transformation, he stated.

For his part, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II told Mr Kyerematen not to forget the Gas when he gets the nod to lead.

He stated that many politicians have taken the Ga state for granted but he is appealing to the former Minister of Trade to change the narrative when he is elected to lead.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The Minister for Education, Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum has debunked claims that his outfit will scrap the Basic Education Certificate Examinations BECE written by final-year Junior High School students.

The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency has described earlier reports which claimed that the Education Ministry will scrap BECE as a means of enrolling Junior High School students into the various Senior High Schools in the country as a hoax.

Publications on the possible cancellation of the BECE divided the public and major stakeholders in the education sector, with many calling on the government to reconsider the decision.

Responding to questions on the matter at a media briefing at Fumesua on Sunday, March 12, 2023, Dr Adutwum assured the public that there were no such reforms that seeks to cancel BECE.

The minister said this when he met the members of the Conference of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kumasi on Saturday, March 11, 2023

The meeting which is an annual ritual was to share with them the current state of education in the country, discuss new development in the sector and answer questions on issues affecting them.

The meeting which was in two batches saw all SHS heads attending on Saturday while Principals of TVET institutions across the country also attended on Sunday.

He assures government is committed to making the necessary investments to create appropriate environments for pupils and students to be able to access quality education.

"Government is committed to ensuring every school-going Ghanaian child is provided with the best of infrastructure and materials needed to train him or her.

"I can assure you that my Ministry will help create a conducive learning environment and the necessary interventions to guarantee this outcome," he said.

Dr Adutwum however applauded the heads for their roles in the transformation of education in the country and pledged to continue providing the needed resources.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

Mr. Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, General Secretary, National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has cautioned journalists to undertake fact-checking and due diligence before publishing stories on the blue economy as false publications affect the nation's ratings.

He said untruthful and unverified stories do not only affect the stakeholders in the sector but degrade the countrys performance in the eyes of the international community.

He cautioned Ghanaian Journalists to be careful not to fall into the hands of international and foreign interest groups seeking to benefit from the downgrading of Ghana, such people come through subtle means to gather negative information and publish it to either embarrass the nation or their foreign competitor.

Mr. Amarfio said this in reaction to a BBC report published on January 4th this year with the headline Ghana fishing: Abuse, corruption, and death on Chinese vessel.

The news report suggested that the Chinese crew on the vessels flying the flags of Ghana treated their local fishermen colleagues like slaves, beat them, they spit on them, they kick them.

Mr. Amarfio who was speaking with the Ghana News Agency in Tema said most of the International Regulators usually relied on the reports to decide the faith of a country in the sector.

He said the country was under yellow card, which meant that the country had been pre-identified for not respecting the fisheries regulations act explaining that once the country moved to red, the fishery sector would be on the verge of collapsing.

When European Union (EU) pre-identifies you for Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) it means your country will suffer the consequences and so it is easy for a country or a company to be targeted by unscrupulous entities, let us go at the industry, the Chinese, and the Koreans, Mr. Amarfio stated.

He added that the current state of Ghana in the fishery sector was not encouraging and called on media persons to endeavour to engage the right persons, especially in delicate issues so as not to escalate any form of misunderstanding and confusion.

He said the sector was highly regulated by International Maritime Organizations, the Fishery Commission, Ghana Maritime Authority and other stakeholders who do not permit any form of misconduct and abuse by any party onshore.

He admitted that although sometimes accidents occur, safety measures were highly adhered to on vessels.

He mentioned that in the case of death, the police and Ghana Maritime Authority were notified to proceed with the investigation while the vessel is fumigated.

The NAFAG General Secretary said every worker on the vessel was insured so in case of any accident or death, the person injured was covered and the family of the deceased compensated through the insurance cover.

GNA
_The Banyamulenge are a minority ethnic group in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In December 2022, the UN adviser on the prevention of genocide raised concerns about attacks against the community based on  ethnicity or perceived allegiance with neighbouring countries . The Banyamulenge have long been viewed as not being Congolese. The government, however, has often dismissed claims that the community is facing targeted attacks as fiction . Delphin R Ntanyoma, who has extensively researched the Banyamulenge, explains why they are facing persecution.

Who are the Banyamulenge and how has their status changed over time?

The Banyamulenge live in eastern DRC in South Kivu province. They are mostly seen as affiliated to the Tutsi of the African Great Lakes region , and they speak a language close to Kirundi (Burundi) and Kinyarwanda (Rwanda). The Banyamulenge settled in South Kivu between the 16th and 18th centuries, having come from what are today Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. They are largely cattle keepers.

They mostly occupy the southern part of South Kivu province: the Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira territories. In the 1960s and 1970s, some Banyamulenge moved to Katanga in the DRC's southern region. The region has rich pastures for cattle herding and is close to the large cities of Lubumbashi and Mbujimayi, providing business opportunities. However, in 1998, nearly 20,000 Banyamulenge were forced to flee Katanga after they were attacked for being foreigners .

Since 1984, the DRC has not organised a general census . The historian Joseph Mutambo estimated the group had around 400,000 people in 1997. There are no clear estimates today, but it's safe to assume that they have grown in number.

Colonial history in the Great Lakes region has categorised local communities into native and immigrants . Farmers are seen as native, while cattle herders are largely perceived as immigrants, foreigners and invaders.

Read more: Why history matters in understanding conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Based on these assumptions, the Banyamulenge have been viewed as foreigners and were denied citizenship in the 1980s . A decade later, the Congolese state sought to expel them after a parliamentary resolution to send back all Rwandan and Burundian descendants.

This added to the perception that the Banyamulenge were invaders. I have researched the drivers of violence in South and North Kivu for six years, with a focus on the Banyamulenge situation . It's clear that much of the violence targeting them revolves around the misconception that they are strangers in their own country .

Who's who on the list of their political adversaries?

The Banyamulenge's political adversaries range from local politicians to armed groups and militias. Most of the politicians who rally their constituents against the Banyamulenge are from neighbouring ethnic communities. These include the Babembe, Bafuliro, Banyindu and Bavira. Members of these ethnic communities consider themselves native. Political figures outside South Kivu have also spread the idea that the Banyamulenge are outsiders.

Those who take issue with the Banyamulenge claim to be protecting their country from invaders. This has led to armed mobilisations and the use of local militias, like the MaiMai and Biloze-Bishambuke. These militias have vowed to expel the Banyamulenge or eliminate them .

Read more: How conflicts intertwined over time and destabilised the DRC  and the region

Since 2017, Burundian rebel groups like Red-Tabara and Forces Nationales de Liberation have joined local militias in attacks against the Banyamulenge. The Red-Tabara's involvement raised questions about Rwanda's role after UN reports claimed that the country had supported the rebel group with logistical and training skills.

How are the Banyamulenge targeted?

The Banyamulenge have been targeted by Congolese security services and local militias in major attacks in 1996 , 1998 and 2004 .

A new wave of violence against the group began in 2017 , and has since led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and the destruction of hundreds of villages . That year was marked by intensifying conflict in the DRC over election delays.

The looting of Banyamulenge-owned cattle has been a constant occurrence since the 1960s . Cattle constitute a major source of income and livelihood, and looting has worked as a strategy to impoverish the community and jeopardise their future.

Read more: Burundi's Gatumba massacre offers a window into the past and future of the DRC conflict

Due to the widespread destruction of villages, the remaining Banyamulenge in South Kivu live in small localities like Minembwe, Murambya/Bijombo, Mikenge and Bibokoboko. They continue to face regular and coordinated attacks , which have prevented the community from accessing pastures and farmland beyond a two-kilometre radius.

Armed militias in South Kivu have prevented and constrained humanitarian organisations from getting aid into Banyamulenge settlements.

Hate speech has played a major role in fuelling violence against the community. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms have thousands of posts and videos that claim the Banyamulenge are not Congolese citizens and shouldn't be in the country.

Such dehumanising and hateful speech feeds the minds and hearts of young people, mainly men, who consider attacks against the Banyamulenge a noble cause . Researchers and activists have called for greater attention to be paid to these attacks.

Who's behind the attacks?

The Banyamulenge are targeted because they are viewed as foreigners. For decades, local armed groups and militias have mobilised to get rid of those perceived as invaders. This ideology is transmitted across generations.

In addition, the Congolese national army has played a role in enabling attacks against the Banyamulenge by providing ammunition to militias or opening breaches when rebels attack civilians . Huge destruction has taken place in areas where the Congolese army is present but didn't intervene.

There are three possible reasons for the army's general inaction. First, some military commanders and soldiers may believe the narrative that the Banyamulenge are not Congolese. Second, some military commanders create chaos and conflict pocket zones to serve one or more protagonists in the Great Lakes region . Third, violence allows military commanders to access operational funds  and looted cattle can be turned into money.

Delphin R. Ntanyoma does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Delphin R. Ntanyoma, PhD Visiting Researcher, International Institute of Social Studies
13.03.2023 LISTEN

The Minister of Education Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum has extolled President Akufo-Addo over his efforts to streamline Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) in the country.

The Minister believes President Akufo-Addo's decision to strengthen TVET in the country was timely as it has come at a time the public has accepted Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics STEM Education as the way to develop quality human resources for the country.

According to him, the intervention forms part of strategies to promote STEM education in the country.

The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency lauded the President for honouring his promise of setting up the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (Ghana TVET Service) as mandated by the Pre-Tertiary Act.

Setting up the TVET Service has harmonised and strengthened the governance, management and delivery of TVET service in Ghana.

"Its now evident that the country has departed from the previous arrangement wherein over 200 TVET institutions were scattered under various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, creating an amorphous and incongruous governance system that affected effectiveness, efficiency and accountability in TVET service delivery and i must say president Akuffo Addo deserves a huge applause for this achievement, he said.

Dr Adutwum said this at a media briefing at Fumesua on Sunday, March 12, 2023, after meeting the members of the Conference of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training instruction in Kumasi.

"The Akufo-Addo administration will remain the best in terms of Education as it has sanitized the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to ensure effective regulation.

"TVET as we are all aware is a key catalyst to spurring industrialisation and decent job creation for the citizens of this country and so the aim is to use TVET to produce quality human resources that can leave up to the task in the current job market.

"The vision of this government, lead by President Akufo-Addo has brought a lot of innovation and transformation in the education sector, creating opportunities for thousands of Ghanaian youth to excel in their academic endeavors without difficulties," he stated.

He appealed to the public to support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to continue to deliver more.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah described the military structures in Africa as Sandhurst mentality in page 63 of his book Africa must unite because the use of brute force by the colonialists was a common practice in Africa. For instance , not only were Ghanaian soldiers used in world war I and II by colonial powers especially Britain, these soldiers and other security service personnel were used to suppress dissenting views back home. For example, in 1948, the British colonial force opened gunfire on group of peaceful protesters for protesting against the rising cost of living. Corporal Atipoe, Sergeant Adjetey and Private Odartey Lamptey were part of several unarmed ex-servicemen who the British colonial police force ordered by Superintendent Collin Imray opened fire on for demanding the promises made by British colonial government to them such as pensions and other benefits through peaceful protest which came to be known as the 28th February crossroad shooting on February 28, 1948 in Osu, Accra Ghana (Acheampong & Gates, 2012).

Ghanaian military personnel loyal to the colonial government were sent abroad especially Sandhurst in Britain and the United States to be trained and given senior positions in the Ghana army upon their return. Notably among them are General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka who received his military training in Sandhurst in Britain and described Sandhurst as one of the best institutions in the world .Also is Lieutenant General Joseph Arthur Ankrah who received his military training in the United States. The two men played leading role in orchestrating the coup detat of the first democratically elected government led by Dr.Kwame Nkrumah on February 24, 1966.

These soldiers trained abroad began to see themselves as colonial officers mainly British Colonial Generals as they frowned upon almost everything African and carried orders based on colonial doctrines to please their colonial masters at the expense of their own people. This mindset set the agenda for post-independent Ghana.

MILLITARY BRUTALITY ON CIVILIAN DISSENT IN POST INDEPENDENT GHANA

Ghana gained independence from colonial rule on 6th March 1957 and despite becoming a republic on 1st July, 1960, the country struggled with numerous coup detats, violence and military brutality. In the 1960s and 70s, the Ghana armed forces were notorious for their oppression of civilians who dared to express dissenting views.

On January 14, 1969 for example, unarmed peaceful protesters in the University of Ghana were met with gunfire from soldiers. In that year, the armed forces were ordered to suppress students protest against government policies leading to several deaths and injuries (Asante 2000, 107-123).In 1979, peaceful protesters who were demonstrating against mass corruption by the General Fred Akuffo regime were met with catastrophic brute force, killing many and arresting thousands of people (Arhin 1980).

FROM HOPE TO DESPAIR: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RECENT BRUTALITY BY THE GHANA ARMED FORCES

Despite the onset of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana which guarantees the fundamental human rights of the people including right to personal liberty, freedom from torture, among others (chapter 5, 1992 constitution of Ghana), ensures the police maintains law and order (article 200.1) and ensures the armed forces defend Ghana and its people (article 210.3), many thought that a new dawn had risen. Over three (3) decades later, things seem not to have changed much. According to a press release by the Ghana Armed Forces signed by Brigadier-General Emmanuel Aggrey Quashie on Saturday, March 4th, 2023, a young army officer, Trooper Imoro sheriff was found dead in a pool of blood near Amania hotel in the small town of Ashaiman in the capital city of Ghana, Accra allegedly as a result of a mob attack. On Tuesday March 7 ,2023, the Ghana Armed Forces lunched what they referred to as a military swoop to avenge the officers death in the Ashaiman neighborhood with flying helicopters and armored vehicles and unleashed catastrophic brutality on civilians particularly males in the community. They used all forms of objects including branches of trees to beat civilians in an unprecedented manner.

This was not the first time such an incident had happened. On May 29, 2017, a Ghanaian army officer named Major General Maxwell Adam Mahama was lynched to death due to mistaken identity. The military responded swiftly to maintain law and order. However, there were several reported incidents of brutality by the military against unarmed civilians in the in Denkyira-Obuasi community where the incident took place.

Surprisingly, the president of the republic of Ghana and the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed forces(article 57.1) who is well known for showing his grief towards mourning families and similar incidences by organizing state funerals in Ghana for people including foreigners like George Floyd, an American who died as a result of Police brutality in the United States and even attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain addressed the parliament of Ghana in the annual State of the Nations address on March 8,2023 in accordance with article 67 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana and was completely silent on the issue of the late army officer, Trooper Imoro sheriff.

Even though the president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo had also initially vowed not to allow a foreign military base in Ghana following a huge backlash from the Ghanaian populace upon rumors that the United States was planning to establish a military base in Ghana, today, Ghana hosts some of the armed forces and contractors of United States of America under the name; West Africa Logistics Network (WALN) at the Kotoka International Airport (the biggest airport in Ghana) through the Ghana - United States Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between Dominic Ntiwul (Ghanas defense minister) and Robert P. Jackson,(US Ambassador to Ghana 2015-2018) on May 9, 2018. .The agreement gives the US soldiers the right to carry arms on duty (article 3.3), US army and civilians can enter Ghana without passport nor visa but just identification cards (article 4) , Other than contractual claims ,the US army will not take responsibility for the death of any other person aside US military personnel (article 15.1) and third party issues involving US military personnel will only be resolved according to the laws of the United States ,among other preferential treatments . On March 8,2023, Ghanaians woke up to the news about the British High Commission in Ghana hosting the Joint Military Headquarters of operation Flintlock 2023 involving 1300 military personnel from twenty-nine(29) nations.

Most Ghanaians have expressed their growing skepticism about these military operations in the country. However, as things continue to remain unclear, Ghanaians can only hope for a better future as they continue to fight for their basic rights and confront the lingering colonial Sandhurst syndrome.

MAXWELL BOAMAH AMOFA

[email protected]
Rwanda is working to end a showdown with the United States and rights groups over the jailing of a government critic whose life inspired a Hollywood film, President Paul Kagame said Monday.

Paul Rusesabagina was jailed for 25 years in 2021 on terrorism charges, after a trial his supporters say was a sham that was plagued with irregularities.

Without offering any commitment to release the ailing 68-year-old, the Rwandan leader told an international forum that "there is work going on" over the case.

Rusesabagina was the manager of a Kigali hotel and is credited with helping to save hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide in which about 800,000 people died.

Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the 2004 movie "Hotel Rwanda", became a vocal critic of Kagame, founding his own party.

The United States said Rusesabagina -- who holds Belgian citizenship and a US green card -- was "wrongfully detained" after a plane carrying him to Burundi was diverted to Rwanda in 2020.

He was accused of supporting the National Liberation Front (FLN), a rebel group which is blamed for attacks inside Rwanda in 2018 and 2019 that killed nine people.

Rusesabagina has denied any involvement in the attacks, but was a founder of the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD), an opposition group of which the FLN is seen as the armed wing.

He was found guilty one year later and his family says his health has deteriorated in detention.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and rights groups have raised the case with Rwanda, but Kagame said last year that the United States could not "bully" him into ordering a release.

Speaking via videolink at the Global Security Forum in Doha, Kagame signalled a possible softening in Rwanda's approach.

"There is discussion, there is looking at all possible ways of resolving the issue without compromising the fundamental aspects of that case. I think there is going to be a way forward," Kagame said.

Rusesabagina's family last year filed a $400 million lawsuit in the United States against Kagame, the Rwandan government and other figures for allegedly abducting and torturing him.
The National Peace Council has lauded the Ghana Police Service for showing that it has the capacity to investigate the murder of young soldier Trooper Imoro Sherrif at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking to TV3 in an interview on Monday, March 13, Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, George Amoh said on the grounds of human rights, the military shouldnt have embarked on the operation in Ashaiman that resulted in the brutalisation of residents.

According to him, the military should have allowed the Police to handle the matter.

We havent done that and, the Board has to discuss some of these things before I can come out or the Chairman says something. But coming from a human rights point of view, I think that the Military could have allowed the Police to investigate it, George Amoh shared.

The National Peace Council Executive Secretary continued, Our Police have the resilience and all the strategies to get whoever was involved so I think they should have exercised restraints and allowed the Police whose duty it is to arrest people of such nature, those who commit crimes to do it. The Police have indicated strongly that they have the capacity to do that.

In the latest development to the murder of Trooper Imoro Sherrif, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed that six suspects have been arrested.

After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on 9th March 2023, the Police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman. Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on 10th March 2023.

Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023, respectively, parts of the police press release said on Sunday, March 12.

The release added, Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack. The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

Police in Koforidua are on a manhunt for a hit-and-run driver who knocked a young lady at the Central Hospital traffic light on Sunday [March 12] evening.

The unidentified woman who was on a motorbike was crushed by a speeding Kia Rhino truck which was heading towards the Charlie Junction area from the Koforidua Polyclinic side.

The suspected driver according to witnesses after hitting the lady made a turn toward the Central Police road without attending to her even though the incident happened less than 40 meters away from the Eastern Regional Hospital.

Police personnel who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident assisted to convey the bleeding victim who was unconscious to the hospital.

The police who have begun investigations want the public to assist with relevant information which will lead to the arrest of the suspected driver.

-Citinewsroom
Manama (Bahrain) March 13 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that India has robust participatory democracy and a vibrant multiparty system where hopes and aspirations of the citizens find expression through the elected representatives.

Sharing his thoughts on the subject - 'Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fight against intolerance' at the General Debate during 146th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union he said that all members enjoy the freedom to express their views and thoughts in Lok Sabha.

Reiterating Indias longstanding view that all global issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, he said that the Parliament of India has always held extensive and meaningful debate and deliberations on contemporary global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, sustainable development and covid-19 pandemic.

He emphasized that global institutions propagating peace, harmony and justice are crucial for peace, prosperity, sustainability and a just world order.

Birla said that in global institutions like the UN Security Council, there is a broad consensus among many nations to bring about reforms to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world order.

Observing that this important matter requires serious discussions, Lok Sabha Speaker stressed that "reform in the UN Security Council cannot be delayed any further".

He said that "it is crucial that the subject is included in future global agendas so that we could contribute more and more in addressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, poverty, gender equality and terrorism".

Highlighting Indias readiness to fulfill its global obligations, Birla invited attention to the fact that India has carried out the worlds largest vaccination programme against COVID-19 for its citizens and at the same time helped other nations in their respective fights against the pandemic.

Observing that India has always given the message of peace and harmony to the entire world, Birla reiterated Indias belief that building inclusive and tolerant society is only possible through peaceful coexistence, mutual discussions and dialogue.

He mentioned that Parliaments have a decisive role to play in this regard.

Birla exhorted the world community to come together to build a better future for the humanity.

UNI JA RKM
Violence against children is a global problem. A 2020 Global Status Report revealed that every year, almost one billion children globally encounter some form of violence, such as neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

All forms of violence affect children in different ways, but sexual violence in particular embodies trauma that lasts for a long time .

It is linked to negative health consequences such as reproductive health issues, impairments in brain functioning, poor immune system and higher risks of sexually transmitted diseases. Beyond the poor physical health outcomes, it also leaves victims with a wide range of psychological problems including trauma , depression and anxiety .

The World Health Organization reports that one in five women and one in 13 men report having been sexually abused as a child.

The Nigerian government has policies aimed at addressing the varying forms of violence against children, as well as strategies to provide care, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims. Protection for children is legislated in the Child's Rights Act 2003 .

But a UNICEF report based on 2014 figures says one in four Nigerian girls and one in 10 Nigerian boys have been sexually abused.

Our study explored the subjective experiences of female adolescent survivors of child sexual violence who tried reporting their experiences to adults. We found that they were sometimes discouraged from speaking out, and were even blamed for what had happened to them. Adults should learn to give children safe spaces where they can be heard, understood, believed and supported.

What we did

We interviewed 11 female adolescents who had experienced at least one episode of sexual abuse or molestation. Participants for this study were part of a larger study in which participants were randomly selected by trained research assistants during a child sexual violence awareness campaign and asked if they were willing to participate in the study. Those who accepted were told about the nature and purpose of the study. They were also assured of confidentiality and told they were free to withdraw from the study at any point, without any consequences. Consent was equally given by school authorities, and informed consent to participate was obtained from the participants.

The researchers decided to focus on female adolescents aged 15 to 17 who had experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse or molestation and who could communicate in English. The types of abuse included in the study ranged from kissing to fondling genitals and vaginal intercourse. The responses from 11 survivors were included in the present study. Eleven responses are considered adequate as studies exploring lived experiences do not require a large sample. The interviewees were students from different secondary schools in Benue State, north-central Nigeria, who were attending a child sexual violence awareness programme. Consent to undertake the study was obtained from their parents.

The students were informed about the nature and purpose of the study and those who agreed to take part were interviewed in sessions which lasted around six to 13 minutes for each participant.

The interviewees discussed issues around their experiences of sexual abuse and opening up about it. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed and analysed. Here we highlight the themes that recurred.

What we found

We wanted to understand what happens within the primary environment of the victim and how front line health and social workers as well as parents and others can extend support to victims.

We found that parents, teachers, siblings and other relatives were implicated in decisions not to speak up about abuse. Because of the reactions that some victims received in the process of speaking out, eight of them concluded that it was better to stay silent.

All the participants reported they had begged the abusers to stop, to no avail. Some had cried. One interviewee said she screamed silently.

The interviewees said that after the abuse incidents they began to look for people they could talk to, people who would understand them. They reported experiencing trauma in this process, followed by feelings of stigma.

They also reported that they were blamed for the events. They experienced verbal abuse, were called names by parents and in some instances were ignored.

Coupled with the shame they already felt, some had no option but to withdraw and keep to themselves.

These findings agree with previous studies . They also go further, to show that children are not listened to by parents and other people significant to them at the time of abuse. Even when adults hear them, the children are not understood; they are rather blamed.

What we need to do

While children are the primary victims, the physical and psychosocial health effects of abuse will be felt by families and the community at large. Families, communities and governments should combine their efforts to tackle this problem.

Governments need to enforce policies that criminalise child sexual violence. More importantly, adults who are within the primary environment of abuse (like parents, wardens, teachers and religious leaders) must learn to listen and make meaning from the voices of abused children. Families and all front line health, education and welfare professionals need to be trained to respond to violence against children, listen therapeutically and offer tailored interventions.

Children should be encouraged to speak up, be provided with safe spaces to do so and be assured of protection. Children can also speak out more promptly if they experience, see or hear any abuse situations.

Even though the patterns may be similar, every sexual abuse case is unique. It is only in listening to the individual stories that collective and meaningful progress can be made.

There is very little children can do. However, if they are given safe spaces, they will speak up.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Steven Kator Iorfa, Post Graduate Student of Social and Personality Psychology, University of Nigeria And

James Edem Effiong, Senior Lecturer, The University of Uyo And

Tanya Johri, PhD Research Scholar, University of Delhi
Many futuristic novels and films have explored what the world might look like without water. But water scarcity isn't a problem for the far-off future: it's already here.

In its 2021 report UN Water outlined the scale of the crisis: 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries and 733 million of those people are in high and critically water-stressed countries.

In 2018 Cape Town, where I live and conduct my research, residents found themselves staring down  day zero , when household water supplies would run dry. Good rains spared the South African city, but now other parts of the country face similarly dire predictions of empty taps.

This scenario is threatening to play out across Africa. In the Horn of Africa region, for example, large areas of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya have seen four consecutive rainy seasons pass without decent rains. The rise of  megacities  in Africa  with millions moving into city areas  puts further pressures on already limited infrastructure.

And the crisis extends far beyond the African continent .

There is no one solution for this grim reality. A multi-pronged approach will be necessary, as Cape Town's experience illustrated .

Technology will be a key part of solving the global water scarcity crisis. Technological solutions can run the gamut from the most basic, like water leak detectors for households, to highly sophisticated, like ways to pull moisture out of the air to produce clean drinking water, or convert the planet's abundant salt water into fresh water.

In a recent paper colleagues and I outlined another potentially powerful technology: carbon nanomaterials, which have been shown to remove organic, inorganic and biological pollutants from water.

Contamination threatens water sources

Contamination is one of the factors putting strain on water sources. All water supplies contain some microbes and pathogens. But industrial waste is a huge problem: vehicles release heavy metal pollutants, for instance, and acid mine drainage seeps into water sources. This results in contaminated ground and surface water that cannot be safely used for most human activities, much less for drinking or washing food.

Read more: Marine life in a South African bay is full of chemical pollutants

Some current technologies make the treatment of water too expensive. Others are simply not up to the job and are unable to remove microorganisms. In removing organic pollutants like pharmaceutical waste, organic dyes, plastics and detergents from wastewater, for instance, some conventional techniques such as membrane filtration have been found wanting.

That's where carbon nanomaterials come in. With others, I am exploring their use and finding that they are more efficient and economically viable than conventional materials.

Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials are broadly defined as materials that contain particles of between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm) in size. One nanometre equals one-billionth of a metre. Different nanomaterials are composed of different atoms  some, like those I research, are made up of carbon atoms.

Carbon is, by mass, the second most abundant element in the human body after oxygen. It is also a common element of all known life. Carbon nanotechnologies are environmentally friendly because they hold less risk of secondary pollution than some adsorbents (solid substances used to remove contaminants from liquid or gas).

Engineered into nanomaterial form, carbon nanomaterials are being hailed by many scientists around the world for their superior physical and chemical properties. They are increasingly prized for their potential to remove heavy metals from water thanks to their large surface area and adsorption capabilities, their nano-scaled size and their chemical properties.

Carbon nanomaterials have all been shown to be effective in the treatment of wastewater.

Tackling water scarcity

I work with carbon-coated magnetic nanomaterials. This blended composite plays a crucial role in decontaminating water. At the same time, it removes materials such as heavy metals. That makes it ideal for water treatment, as do its easy, fast recovery and recyclability, thanks to what's known as magnetic filtration. In this process, the magnetic nanomaterials added to the contaminated water are recovered after treatment by an external strong magnet. The recovered materials can be regenerated and be reused again.

Carbon-based nanomaterials still have shortcomings. Nanomaterials tend to clump together into large particles, reducing their capacity to adsorb (attract and hold) pollutants. And nanoparticles are not always fully recovered from treated water, leading to secondary contamination. We're still not sure how to separate exhausted  fully utilised  nanomaterials from treated water.

The work continues in our lab and others all over the world. Scientists dislike timelines, since breakthroughs rarely happen within set deadlines. But our hope is that more and more advances will be made with carbon-based nanonmaterials in the years to come, giving the world an important tool to tackle water scarcity.

Salam Titinchi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Salam Titinchi, Professor, University of the Western Cape
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the consignment of vaccines that arrived in Ghana over the weekend is from Nigeria.

On Saturday, March 11, the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service received the first consignment of Measles vaccines, BCG vaccines and Oral Polio Vaccines.

The vaccines arrived in the country after months of shortage that raised a lot of concern about the safety of newborn babies.

Today, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asked government to admit that the vaccines are from Nigeria and show appreciation publicly.

The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government should not be embarrassed to admit that it reached out to Nigeria and Cote dIvoire for an urgent bailout on Ghanas avoidable and indefensible shortage of childhood vaccines.

Yesterdays consignment came in from Nigeria as a benevolent gesture which the Ghanaian government has promised to replace when it finally puts its house in order, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in a post on Facebook.

The North Tongu MP added, There is absolutely nothing wrong saying THANK YOU to a neighbour who exhibits superior public health policies, better prioritization, and who responds positively and swiftly when you come begging.

Ghanaian officials should not be concealing this fact and therefore appearing ungrateful within the comity of nations even though I acknowledge that an honest and transparent narrative from government will further expose false claims by President Akufo-Addo during his Message on the State of the Nation last week that childhood vaccine shortage was a global phenomenon.

Since taking delivery of the in-demand childhood vaccines, the Ministry of Health has distributed them to various regions to be made available for free to caregivers.
Sunyani Technical University says it is determined to offer sponsorships to students who come up with innovations and inventions that would contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country.

Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, who announced this, said the university would offer these sponsorships through its Research and Innovation Fund.

Speaking at the 27th matriculation of the university, the Vice-Chancellor said the Students Support Fund, set up by the institution, is also there to support needy but brilliant students who encounter financial challenges during their course of study.

Statistics

This year, the university issued admission letters to a total of 4,934 prospective students. Out of this number, a total of 3,014 applicants, representing 61.1%, responded positively and were admitted into the university for the 2022/2023 academic year.

Out of the total enrolment, 2,181, representing 72.4%, are males, whilst 833, representing 27.6%, are females.

The university also admitted two foreign students this year. In terms of disciplines, 2,503, representing 83%, enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and TVET programmes as against 511, which constitutes 17%, in the Humanities.

The total enrolment of 3,014 fresh students for this academic year shows an increase of 30.2% over last years figure of 2,104. The appreciable rise in student enrolment at the university this year can be attributed to a number of measures put in place by management to increase intake, including improved visibility of the university resulting from the 55th anniversary celebration and the introduction of new academic programmes.

This, according to the Vice-Chancellor, calls for more efforts to continuously improve and sustain visibility of the university through advertisement of its new Engineering, Science and TVET academic programmes to attract more prospective students, especially foreign students into the university.

When patronage of such skill-oriented industry-driven programmes is improved, it would help produce more skilled and entrepreneurially inclined graduates, who can readily find jobs or set up their own businesses to help accelerate the socio-economic development of Ghana, he emphasised.

In his view, this will also reduce the proclivity of other institutions having the opportunity to produce many graduates in the chocked sectors of the national economy in order not to worsen the existing high spate of youth unemployment in the country.

Security

The Vice-Chancellor assured the freshers that management had put in place measures to protect life and property on the universitys campus.

These include the setting up of a police post on the university campus to augment the existing security architecture of the university. The lighting system on campus has been enormously improved, whilst security patrols and visibility have been enhanced, he explained.

He, however, urged the students not to be careless about their personal security, saying do not walk alone on campus during the night as that might not help your personal security.

Discipline

Ing. Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah reminded the students of the need to exhibit high sense of purpose and diligence in pursuing their academic career to enable them to achieve the required skillsets and competences that will make them successful in the world of work.

You are the future leaders of this country, as some of you here are going to become lecturers, engineers, businessmen, parliamentarians and even president of this country one day. You should, therefore, be serious with your studies so that you can climb the academic ladder systematically and successfully in order to achieve your future goals and ambitions, he said.

Notwithstanding, the university requires you, as students, to be disciplined and law-abiding. You are here to be trained not only in academic work, but also to help you form a decent character that will make you responsible citizens in future to enable you contribute positively to Ghanas development, he added.

He said anti-social practices such as violation of laid down rules and regulations, including examination malpractice, alcoholism, betting and sexual promiscuity, would not be tolerated by management.

He warned that culprits of such acts would be made to face the full rigours of the university's disciplinary procedures.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

Residents of Paninamisa, who reside outside Ghana, have pledged to team up and mobilise resources towards the development of the community.

They have therefore decided to help improve security in the town, especially at night, by providing street lights, which have been well fixed along the principal streets of the town and other vantage points.

They have also ensured that electricity is extended to some newly developed areas of the town, which is in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region.

At the ceremony to officially hand over the newly-fixed street lights to the people, Mr. Ayaa Kwadwo Mfodjo, a representative of Paninamisa residents abroad, said it had always been the desire of his compatriots to contribute toward the development of the town.

He encouraged other residents of the area living outside the country, who had not yet joined the good course, to do so as early as possible.

The Assembly Member for Paninamisa, Charles K. Appiah, who is the Presiding Member of the Kintampo South District Assembly, on behalf of the community thanked the donors for their kind gesture.
The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade has appointed a Ghanaian, Ambassador Prof.Hugh Aryee as the country's first Trade Commissioner to Ghana.

The appointment as per section 42 of the Foreign Service Act of 2013, also gives Ambassador Prof. Hugh K Aryee, additional responsibility for West Africa.

According to the Vanuatu Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, Ambassador Georges Manuiri, the Vanuatu government appointed Prof. Hugh Aryee due to his seasoned business profession with astute acumen over 27 years in business development, trade facilitation, and tourism.

He said the Government of Vanuatu believes his several years of global trade experience will help in exploring and expanding global trade between Ghana, Vanuatu and the world.

In his acceptance speech to the Vanuatu Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, H.E Ambassador Georges Manuiri, the new Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu to Ghana, Amb. Prof. Hugh Aryee, said, he would do his best to ensure there is an improved and strong economic tie with Ghana whiles increasing economic exchanges and establishing new relations between businesses from Vanuatu and Ghana, remains, a key priority for his administration.

He added that the future looks bright and exciting for business opportunities in Vanuatu and many other trade relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Manuiri, said the Trade Commissioners appointment, will play an important role in supporting the Government of Vanuatu in establishing business connections, promotion of trade, tourism and investment, and supporting Vanuatus business delegations or dignitaries travelling to assigned jurisdictions abroad.

The Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan and Economic Policy Objectives, place emphasis on increasing trade and investment, and access to markets for Vanuatu exports.

The Ministrys contribution to implementing the plan is through the strategic appointments of Trade Commissioners after extensive due diligence carried out on its appointed officers globally, of which this appointment equally meets the desired criteria for his appointment.

The Trade Commissioners are prominent business people who can support the government in connecting the right people and potential markets, hence, the choice of Prof. Hugh Aryee.

Vanuatu is an archipelago nation spread across 82 islands situated just between New Zealand and Australia. Various colonisers, each speaking a different language, relocated to the Melanesian islands in the millennia leading to European exploration.

Vanuatu is most peoples idea of paradise. Still, other than just a vacation destination, it has become a place to live, work or retire. Vanuatu also offers the only Citizenship by Investment Program of its type in the Asia Pacific Hemisphere, where Vanuatu Citizenship is as different as it is relevant to hold.

The new Trade Commissioners appointment takes effect from January 2023 and is expected of him to tap into his expertise and reservoir of trade and international experience over the years enure to the benefit of both countries in bilateral trade, business, cultural diversity enhancement and tourism potential development.
The Minister for Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has launched a website ghanatoday.gov.gh to combat misinformation.

The website, which is managed by the Information Services Department (ISD), is expected to combat misinformation by providing direct information from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies about the works of the government and becoming a repository of all happenings in government.

It will also provide facts about the government projects and programmes, full texts of all speeches by heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, official communications and publications, policies and programme documents to reduce the level of misrepresentations and sometimes outright misinformation online.

The Information Minister, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, noted the website's launch on Monday, forms an integral part of the re-organization and retooling of the ISD and it is aimed at equipping the Department to serve more audiences with its work even as the times and media consumption patterns change.

He stated, As you may be aware, a significant section of our population now relies on online platforms and other social media platforms for information. It is also important to note that some unscrupulous persons have used many of these portals and social media platforms to propagate falsehood and misinformation. This phenomenon is gradually undermining our democracy.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah pointed out that the Department is represented in all 16 regions and 261 districts of the country and despite the successes that have been chalked in the delivery of its mandate over the years, the Department had lost some steam primarily as a result of successive administrations' failure to adequately equip it and the failure to keep up with the rapidly evolving media landscape and the associated technology.

In response to this difficulty and to make the Department relevant in contemporary times, Cabinet approved a Programme for the Department to undergo vigorous re-tooling and re-organization to meet the needs of the present day.

So far, we have established a state-of-the-art research department, an ultra-modern Public Relations Coordinating Division, and the Media Division, which rolls out its first project today. All these are geared towards positioning the Department to become a very vibrant institution for the dissemination of authentic government information to keep the public well informed. We expect to complete processes shortly to open up the new Public Education Campaign, featuring the iconic Green and Yellow Vans popular known as Aban Cine. This will be useful in ensuring that word gets to the last mile about Governance, he added.

The Minister charged the ISD Media Division to accurately and consistently update the website so that the citizens could quickly access all the facts and the necessary documentation as soon as possible.

As I have charged you earlier, platforms like this are only as useful as how regularly and accurately you update them. So, work quickly and accurately to ensure that the Ghanaian citizen is reached with all the facts and the necessary documentation as soon as possible. Do not wait until tomorrow. Do it now.

"To your PROs across the MDAs, it is your job to ensure that the information and the documents reach ISD Media today, so they are published. The regular delays in getting materials to your colleagues at ISD media will only undermine the potential efficacy of this very useful tool. So, get to work with speed and call for help if you need help with the bureaucracy in your ministries, he stressed.

The Minister further advised the media to make the most of this essential tool to facilitate their work.

To the general public, reach out to www.ghanatoday.gov.gh if you want to validate the information about Govt works that you may come across, he added.

On his part, the Acting Head of the Newsroom, Mr Sule Jotie assured that the website would be used to disseminate timely information to counteract misinformation.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

The Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has implored members of the Conference of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to improve their educational outcomes.

He said, There is no way any student should be turned away from school because the parents have not been able to procure some items on the schools prospectus let them come to the school and the rest could be procured with time.

He said this when he addressed members of CHASS and Principals of TVET institutions in Kumasi over the weekend.

He bemoaned the addition of many other unapproved items on the schools prospectus, bloating the prospectus for first-year students.

He advised the heads of institutions to create an enabling environment for students to study and not to do anything that would discourage any student from having access to education.

The Minister also lauded the Heads for their roles in the transformation of education in the country and pledged to continue providing the needed resource, while urging them to work very hard to ensure that they attain the right results.

The meeting, which is an annual event, was to share the current state of education in the country, discuss new development in the sector and answer questions on issues affecting them.
The Minister of Information, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, together with the leadership of the Information Service Department (ISD) of government has launched a news portal, Ghana Today.

The Minister observed that a significant section of the population now relies on online platforms and other social media platforms for information.

According to him, some unscrupulous persons use many of these portals and social media platforms to propagate falsehood and misinformation.

This phenomenon, he said, "is gradually undermining our democracy."

On the score, the new portal was introduced with the aim of combating misinformation about government activities, which is mostly disseminated in various media platforms, particularly social media and some unprofessional online portals.

The Ofoase Ayirebi lawmaker noted that the portal will be used to counter false publications by issuing press statements, rejoinders, and responses to false claims and to correct perceptions formed by the general public.

"The rollout of this website will, therefore, aid the Department in the fight against misinformation by providing direct information from Ministries, Departments and Agencies about the works of government and becoming a repository of all happenings in government.

"It will provide facts about government projects and programs, full texts of all speeches by heads of MDAs, official communications and publications, policies, and program documents to reduce the level of misrepresentations and sometimes outright misinformation online," he noted.

Speaking at the launch, held on Monday, March 13, at the Information Ministry in Accra, the Minister urged the journalists who will be working on the site to be swift and consistent so that they would not give fake news a chance.

"As I have charged you earlier, platforms like this are only as useful as how regularly and accurately you update them.

"So work quickly and accurately to ensure that the Ghanaian citizen is reached with all the facts and the necessary documentation as soon as possible. Do not wait until tomorrow. Do it now," the Minister urges.

Having said that, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah told Ghanaians to also make it a habit to visit the site www.ghanatoday.gov.gh regularly to cross-check information they chance on in any of the media platforms.

He also told PROs of the various ministries, government agencies, district assemblies, and others who will be bringing reports to the media department to also be fast about it because delays may give false information a chance.

"To our PROs across the MDAs, it is your job to ensure that the information and the documents reach ISD Media today, so they are published. The regular delays in getting materials to your colleagues at ISD Media will only undermine the potential efficacy of this very useful tool. So, get to work with speed and call for help if you need help with the bureaucracy in your ministries.

"To our colleagues in the media, we hope this becomes a useful tool that makes your all-important work easier." To the general public, reach out to www.ghanatoday.gov.gh if you want to validate the information about government works that you may come across," he said.
A commemoration for the men and women from the Commonwealth who served with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars was held today at the Memorial Gates in central London.

The annual wreath laying ceremony was attended by significant individuals including High Commissioners and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

The event was hosted by the Memorial Gates Council in partnership with The Royal British Legion and the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, led the prayers.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC said:

This Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the many lives lost to these wars and the ties of kinship built through great hardship that binds the Commonwealth family. This Commonwealth Day, we mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, a historic document that encapsulates the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth, values that caution us not to repeat the mistakes of the past but demand that we always work for a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Our charter commits our member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth. Together in the Commonwealth, we work to realise these aspirations and values to build a safer, fairer, more prosperous and peaceful future.

Chief guest, journalist Clive Myrie, said: Today we remember the commitment and bravery of those for whom the Memorial Gates were inaugurated. Its particularly poignant for me to speak at the Gates in the year we mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush.

My own parents arrived here from Jamaica in 1962, part of the Windrush Generation, following in the footsteps of my uncle Cecil, who was a munitions driver for the RAF during the Second World War, and chose to settle here.

These Gates are a lasting memorial to those five million men and women, not only from the Caribbean, but also the Indian subcontinent and Africa, who volunteered to serve during the First and Second World Wars.

We should also reflect on the contribution their descendants continue to make to the rich diversity of British society today.

Baroness Flather, Lifetime President of the Memorial Gates Council, said: It is 21 years since we opened these Memorial Gates, and I am gratified that, over that time, the awareness and appreciation of the huge contributions to our war efforts made by some five million Commonwealth soldiers is so much more widely shared - and it is across all communities.

The war raging again on the continent of Europe makes it all the more poignant to recall such sacrifices in the past. We owe this to the memory of all Africans, West Indians and Indians who fought for us in the two great wars.

They knew which was the right side. I hope all Commonwealth countries, all democracies, remember that  and come out on the right side today  and not hide below the parapets.

Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, said: As Field Marshal Auchinleck said, The British couldnt have come through both wars if they hadnt had the Indian Army.

I am proud to be Chairman of the Council of the Memorial Gates. The Memorial Gates Ceremony on Commonwealth Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of the five million volunteers from South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean in the First and Second World Wars.

This year is particularly important as we mark the historic 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks and the start of the Windrush generation, which was an utterly symbolic moment in the overall timeline of the incredible contribution by the black British community to this nation, which has significantly shaped the modern-day Britain that we witness and share today.

Marking the 75th anniversary alongside the Ceremony provides an opportunity to commemorate and remember, as we continually do on Commonwealth Day, and through the activities of the Memorial Gates Council, the significant contribution that those from around the Commonwealth and world have made to the success of our great nation.

The Royal British Legions Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: The RBL is proud to support this ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates to pay tribute to the five million men and women from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve during the First and Second World Wars, helping to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

The Gates also recognise the major contribution of these men and women, and their descendants, to the rich diversity of British society. For example, 75 years ago among the passengers on the ship HMT Empire Windrush were more than 100 serving and former Caribbean RAF personnel. Armed Forces personnel were a foundation of the Windrush Generation who helped rebuild post-war Britain, and today we especially mark their contribution.

Todays event highlights the vital contribution of people from across all the Commonwealth who stood together in the face of global conflict.

The Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill were officially inaugurated by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 6th of November 2002.
Karachi, Mar 13 (UNI) An aircraft of Indias IndiGo Airlines on Monday made an emergency landing at Karachi airport after a passenger died during the flight.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan, the IndiGo flight 6E-1736 took off from Delhi at 10:17 pm Sunday night.

The flight, en route from Delhi to Doha, was diverted to the Jinnah International Airport in Pakistans Karachi due to the medical emergency on board.

Upon being informed of the medical emergency by the flights captain, Karachi Air Traffic Control cleared the Indian airlines plane for landing.

The 60-year-old passenger, identified as Abdullah, was a Nigerian citizen and passed away before the plane landed.

Unfortunately, on arrival, the passenger was declared dead by the airport medical team, the airline said.

It added, We are deeply saddened by the news and our prayers and wishes are with his family and loved ones.

Once on the ground, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and doctors from the Federal Ministry of Health attended to the passengers remains and issued a death certificate, news reports said.

In a statement, the airline said it was making arrangements for transferring other passengers on the flight.

UNI RN
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the recent held general elections in Nigeria, has cleared the air about his relationship with H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to Mr. Obi, is a man he respects and, as such, has no personal issues with him.

However, Mr. Obi, who has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria over an alleged rigged election, maintained that the system must be challenged.

"I have no issues with Tinubu. He is somebody I have so much respect for as a brother and regard as a father.

"I am only challenging the process through which INEC declared him as the President-elect. I have no issues with his declaration as the President-elect," said Mr. Obi.

While speaking in an interview on Nigeria-based Arise TV on Monday, March 13, the Labour Party leader said he will fight to guarantee a new Nigeria to deepen democracy.

"We are committed to a new Nigeria. We must do everything that is right.

"We need to build strong democratic institutions that will teach people what their job requires and what government is all about," he said.
The ECOWAS Consultative Committee on Competition (CCC) held its 6th meeting to review the Draft ECOWAS Directive on Consumer Protection and various instruments from the 06th to 09th March 2023, in Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde.

The meeting brought together Members of the ERCA Consultative Competition Committee (CCC) and Consultants to review the draft ECOWAS Directive on Consumer Protection prior to the submission to the meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI) for validation. The Committee also had the opportunity to consider the presentations from consultants on the draft Manuals of procedures and Forms on the Community Competition Framework as well as ECOWAS Competition Information System (ECIS) which are necessary instruments to facilitate the implementation of the mandate of ERCA on promoting competition and protecting the rights and interests of consumers within the ECOWAS region.

The Chairman of the Competition Authority of Cabo Verde, Eng. Emanuel BARBOSA, representing the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, His Excellency Eng. Alexandre MONTEIRO, welcomed the members of the CCC to Praia and expressed the willingness of the Government of Cabo Verde to work in harmony with other Member States in the region in support of competition and regional integration. This he stated, is demonstrated by the recent establishment and inauguration of the Board of Directors of the Cabo Verde Competition Authority.

Speaking on behalf of the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar TOURAY, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Cabo Verde, Dr. Samuel LAMPTEY, expressed the sincere thanks and gratitude of ECOWAS to the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, His Excellency Jose Maria NEVES and his government for the significant efforts made in favour of regional integration.

The Chairperson of the CCC, Ms. Boladale ADEYINKA, welcomed the CCC members to their 6th Meeting, thanked them for their attendance and craved the indulgence of members to diligently review and validate the draft document, while taking due cognizance of the orientation of the Ministers in charge of trade with respect to draft Directive on Consumer Protection. She also recalled the holding of working group meetings to thoroughly reviewed and the draft Directive and instruments submitted to the consideration of the Committee.

The Executive Director of ERCA, Dr. Konan Simeon KOFFI, on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Madame Massandje TOURE-LITSE, warmly welcomed the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority of Cabo Verde, Eng. Emanuel BARBOSA, at the 6th Meeting of the Consultative Competition Committee (CCC). He expressed delight at the creation of the Competition Authority of Cabo Verde and pointed out the resolve of his office and all the members of the CCC to cooperate with the Authority towards the enforcement of competition in the region.

The Executive Director recalled the purpose of the meeting which was to further review and validate the draft ECOWAS Directive on Consumer Protection prior to its presentation to the next meeting of the ECOWAS Minister of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI) for consideration. In addition, the meeting considered the presentations from consultants engaged by ERCA on the draft Manuals of Procedures, Forms and the ECOWAS Competition Information System (ECIS),

The Meeting reviewed and validated the draft ECOWAS Directive on Consumer Protection and agreed that written comments from CCC Members on the draft Manuals, Forms and ECIS should be transmitted to ERCA no later than 15 April 2023 to finalise the said instruments before the next CCC meeting.
The Upper East Regional Queen Mothers Association has called on Parliament to as a matter of urgency, enact legislation that would give Queen Mothers the legal backing to represent at the Regional and National House of Chiefs.

As it stands, the Queen mothers are not represented in the Regional and National House of Chiefs making male traditional rulers solely taking important decisions relating to customary and development.

The Upper East Regional President of the Queen Mothers Association, Pognaba Alice Ayamga made these observations on behalf of her colleagues at the commemoration of this years International Womens Day held at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.

It was held on the theme, Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, organised by the Our Lady of Mercy Community Services (OLAM) with funding from the Open Society Initiatives for West Africa (OSIWA-Senegal).

The President stressed that although the 1992 Republican Constitution of Ghana recognised a queenmother as chief in its definition, only few traditional settings in the country recognized female traditional rulers.

This, she indicated, did not only defeat the provision in the Constitution and denied them the right to be represented at the various levels of the Houses of Chiefs, it also denied women the opportunity to participate in critical decision making processes which affected the growth of women, thereby deepening the gender inequality and discrimination.

Pognaba Ayamga who is also the Paramount Queenmother of Naaga Traditional Area noted that although some few traditional areas in the South had taken the initiative to include queenmothers in their traditional councils, same could not be said about Northern Ghana.

Comparatively to the Southern part of the country where queenmothers are recognised and assigned roles and made to take part in decision making processes effectively, the situation is not so in the five regions of the north of Ghana.

For instance, most of the traditional political areas in the Upper East Region have not initiated the move to enskin queenmothers to be part of the decision making process at the traditional councils, the regional and national house chiefs, she lamented.

Aside that, she stressed that even those who have been enskinned would have to pay an amount of GH500.00 and follow cumbersome processes in order to be gazette which has disempowered them to take part in decision making processes.

Society is dynamic and research has shown that countries that have yielded for change are advancing in development. Classic example of these countries includes South Arica and Liberia and the queenmothers are actively participating at the decision-making process, she added.

The Paramount Queenmother noted that the fight for gender parity and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals would not be realised if urgent action was not taken to address the challenge, adding it is therefore unjustifiable for female chiefs to be denied the opportunity at the houses of chiefs where critical decision making regarding women takes place.

Pognaba Ayamga also called for the integration of women into the digital world to help breach the gender gap and assist them to engage in modern transactions including banking services among others.

The Executive Director, OLAM Mr Emmanuel Atiiga reiterated the commitment of OLAM to continue to collaborate with other partners to champion the welfare of women and children. He noted that a new training center would soon be established at Doba and Kandiga following the return of peace in the areas.

This center will add to the existing Paga and Navrongo Centers bring the total number of training centers to three. Conflicts affect women and children the most and we are always willing to support initiatives to enhance peaceful coexistence and community development, he said.

A total of four paramount queenmothers from the region were awarded for their contribution to development especially women's issues in their traditional areas and were each given a citation, woven smock cloth and an undisclosed amount of money.
The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has dared the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide evidence that minors and foreigners used the guarantor identification process to register as voters.

According to Organized Labour, the ECs argument that the use of the Ghana Card as the main source for identification to register as a voter will prevent unqualified persons from influencing our elections and having a say as to who should govern our country is unfounded, I dare EC to provide any evidence of any foreigner or minor on our voters register who participated in Election 2020.

The EC has been the sole body that recruits both temporal staffs supported by the permanent staff to undertake any electoral process. If there are flaws, the EC must be held accountable, using Ghana Card as the main source for identification for registration cannot cure any infractions in the registration process.

Mr. Abraham Koomson, GFL General secretary made the statement at the Ghana News Agency Tema Industrial News Hub Boardroom Dialogue platform when reacting to the ongoing debate, and parliamentary discourse on continuous Voters Registration CI which has drawn divergent arguments from parliamentarians, political parties, civil society organizations, and the public.

He also disclosed that the EC has dented the integrity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Passport Secretariat with the justification for the use of the Ghana Card as the sole document required for voter registration.

Mr. Koomson explained that rating the Ghana Card higher than the Ghanaian passport undermines the sanctity of the passport and dents the integrity of the bodies responsible for the issuance of the passport  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Passport secretariat.

He, therefore, called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Passport Secretariat to purge their institution of the perception created by the EC that Ghanaian passport cannot be relied on or the process of acquiring it is floored.

The GFL General secretary stressed that EC cannot shift responsibility for the poor recruitment process to blame the sanctity of the Ghanaian Passport which is the major means of identification as a national of the state of Ghana.

EC is running away from its responsibilities, Ghana cannot roll on using Ghana Card as the sole form of identification for the registration, we must reform through transparent and well-established means and not to derail the democratic development, the GFL General secretary stated.

Mr. Koomson, therefore, cautioned EC against rushing to get its proposed Constitutional Instrument passed into law to avoid disenfranchising many eligible voters.

He said no one was against the use of the Ghana Card as a document for the acquisition of a voters ID card, but rather the rush to do so without recourse to its effect on the fundamental rights of the citizen.

He noted that the decision of the EC to rely on the Ghana Card as the main source of identification for those who wish to register as voters also discredit the Ghanaian passport which was used as a means for the guarantor system.

The GFL General Secretary also discarded ECs argument that using the Ghana Card as the sole means of identification will prevent foreigners and minors from getting onto our Voters Register, the sanctity of the voters register is based on the integrity of the registration officials.

--CDA Consult II Contributor
Security Analyst, Adib Saani has expressed disappointment in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over his silence on the military swoop in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

According to him, it is absolutely scandalous that after the military brutalisation of residents in Ashaiman following the murder of Trooper Imro Sherrif, the President has still not issued a statement or commented publicly on the matter.

It is absolutely scandalous to say the least. I am absolutely disappointed in the father of the nation who claims he cares about his children. Who by the way is quick to be the very first to write on his social media handles anytime similar issues crop up from the international community clear case being George Floyd, Adib Saani shared in an interview with Starr News.

The security analyst continued, So, for a critical issue like that of Ashaiman that has taken over the news headlines for the past days we have all seen the videos circulating on social media about the carbonization of military hardware and human resources. Yet the President didnt see the need to touch on that is something that still beats my imagination. How on earth will the President miss that.

After weeks of intelligence-led investigations, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of the young soldier.

Meanwhile, an autopsy has confirmed that Trooper Imoro Sherrif was killed after he was stabbed by his attackers.

Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack. The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.

A postmortem examination was performed on the deceased's body on 8th March 2023, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury, a Police statement on Sunday said.
13.03.2023 LISTEN

GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings has held its maiden GROHE X Summit on the theme; Caring for Water.

The three-day summit had nearly 9,500 guests registering to be a part of the programme which had experts and senior GROHE brand representatives sharing first-hand insights on trends that are shaping the future of homes.

On day 1 of the first GROHE X Summit Caring for Water, GROHE leadership, experts, researchers, and business leaders came together to discuss the numerous social, economic, and environmental issues society face today.

The first day of the three-day event focused on the question of 'when we call a place home', as well as looking at how 'our homes have evolved and will evolve in the future.' The day was packed with unique insights, inspiring conversations, and exciting discussions.

"Water is the basis of life and our shared passion  and it needs protection, now more than ever, said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA, as he welcomed the viewers, guests, and experts to the GROHE X digital experience hub.

The first expert to take the stage was Elina Hiltunen, a Finnish researcher, and advisor on future thinking. Her work over the past twenty years has resulted in the analysis that the keys to the future are anticipation, innovation, and communications.

In her keynote address, Elina brought numerous techniques and all her knowledge to the important question of how 'we can anticipate the future to find a better way forward.'

Next at the summit was a discussion of how 'we envision the home of tomorrow.'

A question so fundamental to GROHEs business and the industry in general that it was discussed by a roundtable of experts: Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA; Katrin Franzen-Lohning, Leader Market Research, LIXIL EMENA; Gudy Herder, Futurist; and Steve Collinge, Managing Director at Insight Retail Group.

They discussed trends, consumer behavior, and scientific research on the matter.

Katrin Franzen-Lohning concluded: There is a higher need for relaxation and conscious me-time; and when we look at sustainability, its not a trend any longer. It is really an obligation for all of us. Consumers look for products that save money and water.

The first masterclass analysed the influence of megatrends on product design

In the events first masterclass entitled Adapted to our needs: Interior Design and Products for new Spaces LIXIL experts Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design EMENA, and Carina Buhlert, Leader LIXIL Global Design Brand Environment, discussed the needs and forces that drive changing consumer expectations.

For GROHE, the megatrends that determine these drivers are urbanization, sustainability, and health and well-being.

In fact, many of the current trends in interior design can be traced back to the workings of these forces. Both Carina Buhlert and Patrick Speck explained that GROHE tries to reflect a personal and ever-growing individuality and style within its product portfolio, with different finishes, sub-brands, and technological innovations. Through our products, we want to empower that sense of belonging  because in the end home is a feeling.

To close out the first day of the three-day summit, three Fact Snacks dove into a range of topics: customer relations with Doreen Radis, Leader CRM & Loyalty, LIXIL EMENA; insight-based innovation with Jungbeom Han, Senior Designer LIXIL Global Design EMENA; and new timeless colors and innovative finishes with Benjamin Kraus, Leader Categories, LIXIL EMENA.

In a release, GROHE expressed appreciation to all guests, participants, and partners for making the summit a great success.
Six people were confirmed dead Monday and 31 others were still missing from a ferry disaster off the coast of Gabon as divers found the wreck and searched for more bodies, authorities said.

The privately-owned Esther Miracle went down in calm waters overnight Wednesday to Thursday carrying 161 passengers and crew from the capital Libreville to the oil town of Port-Gentil.

Dozens of relatives of the missing and those supporting them have been waiting for days on the Libreville dock.

But pain has turned to anger amid accusations the authorities have failed to keep them properly informed and that rescuers were too late to arrive on the scene.

'Pathetic' rescue

Officials said 124 of the 161 passengers and crew survived.

The wreck was located Sunday "about 30 metres deep and in a sitting position," the ship's captain Bekele Meyong said Monday on Gabon state television, as he coordinated recovery efforts.

Relatives are angry amid accusations authorities have failed to keep them properly informed and that rescuers were too late to arrive on the scene. By Steeve JORDAN (AFP)

He added the wreck was about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the coast near the entrance of the gulf sheltering Libreville.

Three bodies were found on Sunday and three more on Monday.

"We will not stop the search until we locate the wreck and are sure we have brought up all the bodies," Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze said on Sunday before the ferry had been located.

On Monday, around 100 relatives and friends lit candles and placed flowers on the dock where the ship left last week.

Under tents, some prayed in silence while others chanted their despair.

Photos of the missing are displayed at the port in Libreville. By Steeve JORDAN (AFP)

"It's pathetic. For a rescue (required) of this scale, we did not even see the minimum," said 49-year-old Eve Mouanambatsi, four of whose family members are missing.

"The distress signal was launched at two in the morning from the boat and we understand the public authorities did nothing at all," she said.

Instead it was left to a barge from a private company to come to the rescue, albeit hours later, she said, referring to the accounts of survivors and their families.

Libreville public prosecutor Andre Patrick Roponat told AFP on Thursday an inquiry had been launched to see whether negligence, poor maintenance or "factors beyond human control" caused the accident.

Social and mainstream media raised questions over the state of the ship and sailing permits given to a vessel allowed to carry both cargo and passengers.

It is not clear how old the vessel was but it was owned by the private firm Royal Cost Marine (RCM).

AFP was unable to reach RCM for comment.

It had been inaugurated in November after it was fitted with a cabin for passengers at prices below those offered by other companies between Libreville and Port Gentil, 150 kilometres to the south, according to the ship owner's web site.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Gabonese government suspended overnight passenger ship voyages until at least March 31 and ordered an audit of all passenger vessels.

Most of the 124 survivors were picked up off Libreville after dawn on Thursday by locals in dugout canoes, fishermen, an oil barge and a navy patrol boat.
The RBA is already insolvent and the Federal Reserve is only months away from being the same. But does any of this matter? And if so, what can you do about it? Thats what todays piece is about

The US Federal Reserve (the Fed) is only months away from going broke.

Technically, this means its liabilities will exceed its assets and itll be trading insolvent.

Our own Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is in the same boat already, after losing $37 billion last year.

Now, a normal bank would go bust if this was the case.

But central banks arent normal. They can go on operating even though theyre broke by normal definitions.

So does any of this matter?

Thats what well look at today

1934 on repeat

I shared this chart with subscribers of my Crypto Capital service recently:

This diagram shows our current hierarchy of money.

As you can see, the debt of the US Government sits at the top of the tree with the Federal Reserve pulling the strings.

But it wasnt always this way

For three quarters of the 20th century, gold was the top layer of money too:

Then, in 1971, President Nixon took the US off the gold standard once and for all. And since then, the US dollar has been king.

A key point to understand is that every other form of money, including our own Australian dollar, is further down the pecking order.

Thats why a lot of countries, like Japan and China, tried to get hold of US Treasuries (the top layer of money) in the past.

They used US dollars to support the value of their own financial system, though, this trend is starting to reverse, as Ill explain shortly.

But for now, the US still remains top dog.

So what happens then if the Fed goes broke, as seems to be imminent?

Well, we have a precedent

You see, in 1934, the Fed did go bust.

Back then, the US was still on a gold standard and the Fed had to hold enough gold at $20.67 per ounce to back their US dollar banknotes.

Gold was the Feds asset that backed the banknotes which were the Feds liability .

This is basic double-entry accounting. Your assets (plus equity) must match (balance with) your liabilities.

Hence the name balance sheet.

Anyway, in 1934, the Feds balance was shaken up.

In the depths of the depression, the US Government suddenly ended gold convertibility for private citizens and ordered the Fed to hand over its gold reserves to the US Treasury department  the finance department of the US Government.

In other words, the Fed now only had liabilities on its books and zero assets.

Why did this matter?

Well, a central bank with no assets isnt an independent force anymore. Its merely another arm of the government, reliant on politicians for its funding and very existence.

Thats a problem.

A political currency becomes subject to the political whims of the day. This makes it less trusted by other countries.

So back then, some enterprising US officials came up with a novel solution to this conundrum.

It was this

The US Treasury Department provided the Fed with gold certificates equal to the amount of gold theyd just pilfered.

These certificates were non-redeemable, which meant the Fed couldnt actually take back the gold.

But as an accounting trick, it did its job. The gold certificates ensured the Fed had the assets to cover its liabilities.

Over time, gold was silently shoved to one side as layer one money in favour of US Government debt.

And what was once the core of the entire US financial system is, today, an inconsequential fragment of the total balance sheet.

[Editors note: The Fed actually still has those certificates on their balance sheet! But they represent a tiny US$12 billion out of a US$8.5-trillion balance sheet.]

The trillion-dollar coin solution

This history lesson is important for two reasons

First, to show you how base layer money changes over the years, even if its not always directly obvious to us in the public how.

But secondly, to show you how ridiculous the monetary system is at its very core.

I mean, were talking about literally making up a fake asset to cover up an accounting hole.

This is the kind of thing you might expect from some shonky back street accountant. But from the eminent economists of the worlds premier economic institution?!

Itd be funny if it wasnt so serious.

And the bad news is nothing has changed.

Take one crazy proposal to deal with the USs burgeoning debt load, for instance

In recent times, serious people in the US Government have actually floated the idea of minting a trillion-dollar coin to solve the debt issue.

How it works is completely loopy, yet entirely possible in the system we live in.

You see, because of a legal loophole, the president of the US has sole authority to direct the issue of commemorative coins.

These are usually $5 or $10 coins to celebrate a famous occasion or important person.

But the rules dont put an upper limit on the value of these commemorative coins.

So, the idea is that the president could order the minting of a one-off $1 trillion commemorative coin.

They would then deposit this coin with the Fed and voila, problem solved!

The US Governments debt load would reduce by US$1 trillion.

If that sounds ridiculous, thats because it is. But as the gold story from 1934 showed, these are the kind of ideas our money actually runs on.

It reminds me of the old quote from Henry Ford who reportedly said almost 100 years ago:

It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.

Which brings us back to the original question.

Does it matter if the Fed is about to go broke?

The curtain is being pulled back

Well, yes and no.

Yes, it matters in the long term, as Ill explain shortly.

But in the short term, things will go on as normal. Though, there is one immediate tangible cost to the US budget when the Fed starts making losses.

You see, right now, the Fed share profits to the tune of US$100 billion a year with the US Government.

But theyre about to make losses so big, itll wipe out their equity and make them technically insolvent.

Theyll be broke.

As these losses build, they have to cover them first before they can start paying the government a dividend again.

And US$100 billion a year isnt chump change (its about four times the annual budget of NASA, for a start), especially for the current debt-laden US Government.

But apart from that immediate consequence, business will go on as usual for the Fed.

As I said before, central banks arent normal banks, so the rules dont apply to them.

But the longer-term consequences of what happens next are probably more important to think about.

How ridiculous can things get before people realise what a sham it all is?

I liken it to the famous scene in The Wizard of Oz, when they pull back the curtain to find the all powerful wizard is actually a frail, old man talking through a loud speaker.

You cant help but feel were getting close to that stage with the US dollar and the current financial system.

Many countries were already starting to lose faith in the US dollar as a store-of-value asset.

The main issue is this ever-growing debt pile:



Source: US Money Reserve [Click to open in a new window]

If you hold US Treasuries, youre holding the debt of the US Government. What if they cant pay it back?

The confiscation of Russias US Treasury holdings last year in response to the Ukraine war was another warning shot to countries like China and India.

What good is holding US Treasuries if the US decides to confiscate it for some reason?

Everyone, everywhere, is asking themselves, can we still rely on US money? And if not, what comes next?

This is certainly an open question right now.

And now with the Fed about to go broke too, we seem to be approaching some sort of crunch point.

What does this mean for investors?

In my opinion, make sure you own hard assets like commodities, energy stocks and infrastructure, and Bitcoin [BTC].

Real stuff thats in demand and cant be printed at will.

The rest could end up being as valuable as Monopoly money

Good investing,





Ryan Dinse,

Editor, Money Morning
March 13, 2023 China's Prestigious Middle East Deal May Soon See Challenges The big deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which China mediated, may soon lead to new trouble. The deal included security clauses: [C]onfidential clauses were inserted into the Beijing Agreement to assure Iran and Saudi Arabia that their security imperatives would be met. Some of these details were provided to The Cradle, courtesy of a source involved in the negotiations: Both Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake not to engage in any activity that destabilizes either state, at the security, military or media levels.

Saudi Arabia pledges not to fund media outlets that seek to destabilize Iran, such as Iran International.

Saudi Arabia pledges not to fund organizations designated as terrorists by Iran, such as the Peoples Mojahedin Organization (MEK), Kurdish groups based in Iraq, or militants operating out of Pakistan.

Iran pledges to ensure that its allied organizations do not violate Saudi territory from inside Iraqi territory. During negotiations, there were discussions about the targeting of Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia in September 2019, and Irans guarantee that an allied organization would not carry out a similar strike from Iraqi lands.

Saudi Arabia and Iran will seek to exert all possible efforts to resolve conflicts in the region, particularly the conflict in Yemen, in order to secure a political solution that secures lasting peace in that country. According to sources involved in the Beijing negotiations, no details on Yemens conflict were agreed upon as there has already been significant progress achieved in direct talks between Riyadh and Yemens Ansarallah resistance movement in January. These have led to major understandings between the two warring states, which the US and UAE have furiously sought to undermine in order to prevent a resolution of the Yemen war. In Beijing however, the Iranian and Saudis agreed to help advance the decisions already reached between Riyadh and Sanaa, and build upon these to end the seven-year war. The Saudi pledges are significant for Iran. Since last October there had been on and off protests and riots combined with terrorist attacks by Sunni militants in Baloch region in southeast Iran and terrorist attacks in northwest Iran by Sunni Kurdish militants which had crossed over from north Iraq. The protests were fueled by Iran International, a Saudi funded channel in London. That channel is now moving to Washington DC where it seems to have found new funding. Saudi Arabia was also financing the Kurdish and Baloch rebels. They have now stopped their attack in Iran. Today Iran announced an amnesty for some 22,000 people who had been arrested during the riots: [Irans judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi] said a total of 82,656 prisoners and those facing charges had been pardoned. Of those, some 22,628 had been arrested amid the demonstrations, he said. Those pardoned had not committed theft or violent crimes, he added. The Iranian pledges have likewise solved Saudi Arabia security problems. There will be no more attacks on its oil infrastructure. An additional item in the Cradle report is also significant: On a slightly separate note related to regional security  but not part of the Beijing Agreement  sources involved in negotiations confirmed to The Cradle that, during talks, the Saudi delegation stressed Riyadhs commitment to the 2002 Arab peace initiative; refusing normalization with Tel Aviv before the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital. This is of course bad for Israel which had hoped to drag Saudi Arabia onto its site to then attack Iran. That has for now become impossible. The China mediated deal is also a red flag for Washington: [T]he agreement undercuts the posture of the U.S. in the region. The U.S. has downsized in Syria after withdrawing forces in 2021 from Afghanistan. The deal also comes as Saudi Arabia is demanding certain security guarantees, a steady flow of arms shipments and assistance with its civilian nuclear program in order to normalize relations with Israel, a major U.S. ally, the White House confirmed on Friday. Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. was informed about the Saudi Arabia-Iran talks but played no role in them. One wonders if the recent anti-Chinese campaign was launched because the U.S. knew of the deal and tried to interrupt it. The deal may well have implementation issues: Chinas role in the Saudi-Iranian deal is momentous. However, Beijing may find that its relations in the region are undermined by failures in its implementation.

...

As the broker of the deal, or at least the third-party country listed in the statement, the key question is whether China will  or even can  realistically underwrite or support the translation of the agreement into practice. The first issue is one of capabilities. Unlike Washington, Chinas power projection capabilities are highly limited. With its sole foreign military base in Djibouti, and no substantial security architecture in the region, Beijing would be unable to enforce the deal with the use  or threat  of force. While this very absence of military might may be a source of soft power for China in the eyes of regional states, given that it signals a genuine desire to avoid interfering in other states affairs, Beijing cannot protect key assets in the region or respond to transgressions. Beijing is still reliant on Washington in this regard. Who's are the 'key assets' in the region? Are they not owned by the countries they are in? If Iran and the Saudis hold onto the agreement there is no need for the U.S. to be there. Beijing is certainly not relying on anything Washington could do there. The second, and far more pressing, issue is one of willingness. Chinas role in brokering the deal is unlikely to see it raise its head above the parapet if violence or tensions erupt. Beijing has expended decades of diplomatic effort to cultivate good relations with all regional states. We are simply unlikely to see China risk blowing it all by siding with one partner at the expense of the other. The author seems to believe that China should take sides. If the agreement holds there will be no need to do that. If it doesn't hold China will mediate again until peace returns. Fundamentally, this deal comes down to the two regional states (and indeed the other GCC states). If they play ball, China can claim a monumental victory in Middle Eastern diplomacy. If, as is more likely, tensions surface, Beijing will find that it has overstretched. It will almost certainly be unable and unwilling to act as a guarantor of the deal. For a quick diplomatic win, China has placed its policy of neutrality in jeopardy. The current question from Chinas perspective is whether it will retain the respect of all parties if the agreement fails. The real implementation problems the deal and China will face are not the ones the author quoted above mentions. The U.S. does not like the deal because it diminishes its role in the region. Israel does not like the deal because it lessens its chances to go after Iran: The U.S. and Israel dont look kindly on the news of the diplomatic breakthrough. They first fear that China is increasingly assertive in its role in the region, and the U.S. does not want to experience what Britain experienced in Suez in 1956: a watershed moment signaling its global decline. The U.S. stood up to Britain, France and Israel who combined to attack Egypt after its leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. The event is seen as the final act of the British Empire before joining the more powerful U.S. imperium.

...

If the agreement does accomplish the goal of truly bringing peace and amity between the two rivals, China may then enjoy a Suez moment: when the world signals the end of the American Empire like what happened to the British. Both, Israel and the U.S, are capable and likely willing to do whatever is necessary to prevent an implementation of the deal. They can probable use their good relations with the United Arab Emirates to make things difficult. False flag attacks in Iran and in Saudi Arabia could be a way to do that. If a new 'Iranian' drone attack happens in Saudi oil fields or new 'Saudi financed' terrorist attack in Iran happen the deal could indeed be scraped. One hopes that China and the other parties involved in the deal are conscious of that. Posted by b on March 13, 2023 at 17:55 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
March 13, 2023

Ukraine Open Thread 2023-61

Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict.

The current open thread for other issues is here.

Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators.

Posted by b on March 13, 2023 at 19:34 UTC | Permalink

Comments

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Visiting veterinarian Whitney Collins with one of the few horses on Saipan.
* From common prosperity to high-quality development, the vision of the Communist Party of China and the will of the people converge at the Great Hall of the People on the action plan for modernization.

* An array of development tasks for 2023 were mapped out in a government work report that was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation, focusing on steady and quality growth for the Chinese economy.

* High-quality development is deemed as the "first and foremost" task in China's modernization bid, which entails development that is innovative, coordinated, green, open and for everyone.

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- For any China observer, the "two sessions" provide a chance not to be missed to get a glimpse of how its grand blueprint for modernization turns into policies and actions.

With development and reform priorities reviewed and discussed by over 5,000 national lawmakers and political advisors ranging from farmers to state leaders, the annual meetings of China's top legislature and political advisory body serve to build up consensus and pool strength for the country's modernization drive.

An all-important political event, this year's "two sessions" took place after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last October, which has laid out major policies and strategic plans for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

From common prosperity to high-quality development, the vision of the CPC and the will of the people converge at the Great Hall of the People on the action plan for modernization.

Employees work at an intelligent truck plant in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 31, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

PROSPERITY FOR ALL

An array of development tasks for 2023 were mapped out in a government work report that was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation, focusing on steady and quality growth for the Chinese economy.

The report unveiled a target for the Chinese economy to expand by around 5 percent this year, faster than the 3-percent growth recorded in 2022. Other objectives include creating around 12 million urban jobs, consumer price index increasing around 3 percent, and personal income rising generally in step with economic growth.

The national legislature on Friday approved a plan for reforming the institutions of the State Council, which focuses on optimizing and adjusting the responsibilities of institutions to enhance the capacity and efficiency of governance.

While these moves will all make a difference in advancing China's modernization, the most challenging tasks remain in rural areas, which are generally less developed than the cities.

Dong Jianxin, Party secretary of Yuangudui Village in Dingxi, Gansu Province, said an affluent life, prosperous industries, an environment desirable to live in, and a stable and safe society full of goodwill were his vision of modernity.

Yuangudui was one of the 128,000 villages nationwide that had been removed from China's poverty list since 2012 thanks to its vigorous fight against poverty.

Contributing his wisdom to China's bid to revitalize the countryside, Dong, also a national lawmaker, put forward suggestions at the "two sessions" on attracting talent to rural regions and boosting rural tourism.

This aerial photo shows workers conducting routine cleaning along a river in Dongheng Village of Deqing County in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 12, 2022. (Photo by Wang Zheng/Xinhua)

China should foster rural industries with local features to create more channels for increasing rural incomes and consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation to prevent large-scale relapse into poverty, according to the government work report.

Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all, said President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, when participating in a joint group meeting of national political advisors on Monday.

In the eastern province of Zhejiang, a demonstration zone aiming to basically achieve common prosperity by 2035, local authorities are trying out various programs to narrow urban-rural income gap and ensure that no one will be left behind amid China's modernization drive.

Zhang Tianren, Party secretary of Xinchuan Village in Changxing County of Zhejiang, is leading villagers to develop rural tourism, leisure agriculture, and a homestay economy, shifting from a reliance on resource-intensive industries that brought about environmental damages.

To achieve common prosperity, targeted efforts must be made to foster industry clusters and chains, said Zhang, also a national lawmaker. "The road to common prosperity is bound to feature green and sound development that brings happiness to the people."

This photo taken on Dec. 9, 2022 shows the delivery ceremony of the first C919 large passenger aircraft in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

High-quality development is deemed as the "first and foremost" task in China's modernization bid, which entails development that is innovative, coordinated, green, open and for everyone.

China has placed innovation at the heart of its modernization drive. One eye-catching move in the country's reform of State Council institutions is to restructure its Ministry of Science and Technology to better allocate resources to overcome challenges in key and core technologies.

The reform also includes setting up a national data bureau to coordinate the integration, sharing, development and application of data resources, a key asset in a modern economy.

Building self-reliance and strength in science and technology is key to building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects within the set time frame, Xi said when attending a deliberation with lawmakers from Jiangsu Province during the "two sessions."

In its pursuit of high-quality development, China is trailblazing a new path of seeking harmony between humanity and nature.

To embrace green development, China's top political advisory body set up a new sector on the environment and resources this year to pool wisdom for the country's transition to a more eco-friendly and sustainable path.

This photo taken on March 1, 2023 shows black-necked cranes in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Shen Hongbing)

The move is a solid step to promote environment conservation and high-quality development, said Yu Guodong, a national political advisor from the new sector.

Yu put forward five proposals this year on such issues as zero-waste cities and biodiversity conservation. "I look forward to working with my fellow advisors to contribute to promoting harmony between humanity and nature," he said.

The role of the private sector in pursuing high-quality development is highlighted. The government work report pledges "encouraging and supporting the private sector and private businesses in growing and expanding."

Private firms should take the initiative to pursue high-quality development, Xi said while attending Monday's joint group meeting of national political advisors, stressing that private enterprises and entrepreneurs "belong to our own family."

"The Party and the government remain committed to supporting the private sector. Neither the direction nor intensity of supportive policies has changed," said Liu Yonghao, chairman of China's agricultural conglomerate New Hope Group and a national political advisor.

Private enterprises can contribute largely to the development of Chinese modernization, said Wang Yu, board chairman of Spring Airlines and a national political advisor.

"With strong confidence in the overall stable business environment, companies will expand investment and explore new markets, and entrepreneurship will be effectively stimulated, fully unleashing market vitality and driving forces for development," said Wang.

Deputies to the national legislature make up a broad cross-section of people, with every region, ethnic group and sector of society having an appropriate number of representatives. The national political advisors also come from diverse backgrounds. They all have one common aspiration: to bring the largest-scale modernization in human history into reality.

This year, Chinese lawmakers submitted over 8,000 suggestions to the legislative session, while some 5,400 proposals had been put forward by national political advisors to the advisory session as of March 5. The suggestions and proposals covered a wide range of issues such as development of the real economy, pollution control, and accessibility to high-quality medical resources.

Xi has urged solidarity in the face of profound and complex changes in both international and domestic landscapes, noting that it is the source of strength.

"Only when all the people work together with one heart and one mind, unite as one, and have the courage and ability to carry out our fight, will we continue to win new and greater victories," said Xi.

(Video reporters: Lu Haiyue, Wang Ping, Sun Lei, Gu Lu, Wa Yang, Xu Zheng, Yang Yunqi; video editors: Jia Xiaotong, Zhu Jianhui, Liu Yutian)
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By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Gabriella Gabby Stern has been the Director of Communications at the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2019. She serves as spokesperson for WHOs director general. Before that, she worked for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as Director of Media & External Relations starting in 2016. Before moving into public relations, Stern had been a journalist, spending almost 25 years at the Wall Street Journal, rising to Deputy Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal, and the Editor for Strategic Initiatives.

Such a distinguished biography makes the tweets I am about to unfold all the more remarkable, both for the level of pique displayed, which is unworthy of a public relations professional, and for the fact that they come from a Comms Director for a major international player. Sterns tweets also show that WHO  arrogant and blinkered  has not (a) fully internalized its resistance to accepting the science on airborne transmission, and (b) resists to this very day. What could Stern have been thinking?

I now present Sterns tweets.

Unwarranted

From March 11, 2023:

First, Sparrow is a highly qualified professional[1], even if Stern treats her like a Twitter rando or troll.

Further, Sparrows question is entirely warranted. So far as I can find, @mvankerkhove has not apologized, or even expressed regret, very much unlike quondam WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan:

Q: Was that your biggest mistake as chief scientistnot calling SARS-CoV-2 airborne? A: We should have done it much earlier, based on the available evidence, and it is something that has cost the organization. You can argue that [the criticism of WHO] is unfair, because when it comes to mitigation, we did talk about all the methods, including ventilation and masking. But at the same time, we were not forcefully saying: This is an airborne virus. I regret that we didnt do this much, much earlier .

Nor has Stern. And WHO should apologize. (Heck, if WHO were the Yakuza, they would have seen fit to sacrifice a few digits.) See COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission: Science Rejected, Lives Lost. Can Society Do Better? for what it took, and how long it took, for scientists to get WHO to even admit the possiblity that Covid is airborne. WHOs molasses-like response mattered, because the pandemic spread exponentially, and each day of delay meant millions more were unable to protect themselves, not having correct guidance on transmission, not to mention government having bad guidance for policy.

Finally, when a public relations professional loses it on the Twitter and tells an MD that their remarks are unwarranted, somethings gone very wrong in the comms shop.

Grotesque

From March 12, 2023:

Theres nothing grotesque about Sparrows tweet whatever. Heres the episode to which Sparrow refers, from the highly respected atmospheric chemist Kimberly Prather:

One day we will find out why @DrTedros changed his words and covered up the fact this virus is spread via airborne transmissionrumor has it @DrMikeRyan might know. What is he writing on his note pad? Any lip readers? https://t.co/axW5DThe4c  Kimberly Prather, Ph.D. (@kprather88) October 17, 2021

In the most charitable interpretation, Tedros butchers the framing completely on transmission. In the least charitable interpretation, Tedros wandered off the reservation and spoke the unspeakable truth  Covid is airborne  and Ryan yanked his chain and got him to unsay what he said. In either case, I would have thought WHOs Director of Communications would have done their job, and made sure Tedros was properly briefed during a presser at a critical moment during a pandemic, but what of that.

Further, when a public relations professional flips out on the Twitter and tells an MD that their remarks are grotesque, somethings gone very wrong in the comms shop.

Naming and shaming

From March 13, 2023:

Hi Andrew, and thanks. In a nutshell: Publicly naming-and-shaming people needs to stop. Scientific conversations should be civil, not ad hominem. The blame game doesn't advance understanding. Hope this helps. https://t.co/44oMI6qhzL  Gabby Stern (@gabbystern) March 13, 2023

Sterns touching concern for civility in the face of WHOs policy and communications debacle that surely cost many, many lives is noted. Further, naming and shaming is a well-known tactic in the human rights community, and many see the Wests response to the Covid pandemic through a human rights frame (indeed, its hard to local at the eugenics-like policy of Let er rip and not consider that frame). Discussion can be had about whether naming and shaming is an effective tactic, but theres no good reason for Stern to rule it out a priori.

Next, when Group 36 documented how they forced WHO to change course on airborne transmission (COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission, above), they included the names and email addresses of every WHO functionary with whom they communicated, with the correspondence. If thats not naming and shaming, I dont know what is. And if thats ad hominem, then have at it, say I.

Finally, when a public relations professional gets on their high horse about civility  instead of addressing the issue at hand  somethings gone very wrong in the comms shop.

All such solutions

From March 11, 2023:

 @WHO and @DrTedros were, are and will remain insistent and persistent on this point: During a dire health crisis, medications/vaccines/tests/treatments  all such solutions must be shared ASAP and be accessible to all those in need. https://t.co/6xbeUIzuVM  Gabby Stern (@gabbystern) March 11, 2023

Readers will at once notice what Sterns list  medications/vaccines/tests/treatments  omits: Ventilation, masking, and indeed all non-pharmaceutical interventions. That seems very odd in the midst of an airborne pandemic. But perhaps its not so odd after all. The most parsimonious explanation would be that Stern is simply expressing the unspoken views of WHOs top management, and WHOs top management  no matter that they changed the website for the proles  still doesnt accept transmission (John Conly, chair of WHOs Infection Prevention and Control Research and Development Expert Group for COVID-19, which makes key decisions on the research that informs the WHOs recommendations, certainly doesnt). This thesis is supported by the fact that WHOs infamous tweet of March 28, 2020 is still up. Here is a screen shot that shows[2] how even today, its still being read and still doing damage:

If Stern genuinely believed that Covid is airborne, she  and as Comms Director, she surely has the clout  would have already had that tweet taken down, long ago. She hasnt, so she doesnt.

Conclusion

One can only wonder what Stern does in the office all day. Once more from the departed and regretful Soumya Swaminathan:

Q: Before you arrived, the role of chief scientist did not exist at WHO. How has your understanding of that role evolved? What would you tell a successor about it? A: Its a multifaceted role. During the pandemic I became a spokesperson for WHO , which wasnt really considered one of the functions of the chief scientist.

It seems a very odd thing for a Chief Scientist to become a spokesperson. Isnt that a job for the Comms people? Sterns own bio defines her as a spokesperson for the Director General, so why is Swaminathan playing such a role at all? Wikipedia (sorry) defines a Director of Communications:

A director of communications is responsible for managing and directing an organizations internal and external communications. Directors of communications supervise public relations staff, create communication strategies, and may serve as the key spokesperson and media contact for the organization. A director of communications may also be called a public relations manager,communications director, or press secretary .

This is pure speculation, but it would seem reasonable for Stern to have taken this role, particularly for a topic as important as Covid. Instead, Tedros wasnt properly briefed, and Swaminathan ended up doing a Comms job that wasnt really hers to do.

To be fair, perhaps Stern sees her job as slapping down the proles, rather than scientific communication. Or perhaps, to her, slapping down the proles is scientific communication. In any case, she still has it, so shes well-placed with her superiors, good job.

NOTES

[1] @annie_sparrow: MBBS FRACP MRCP MPH MD. Flying doctor. Scientist. Strategist. Aid worker. Activist. Associate Professor Global Health Icahn School Medicine @ Mount Sinai.

[2] Twitter does not give the dates of likes or retweets, but they are listed in reverse chronological order, so this Like occurred after March 12.

APPENDIX

Here is Sterns profile picture on Twitter, setting an example for the world:

Never mind Stern being unmasked. Lets just hope Oscar the Cat isnt infected, because cats can transmit during close contact (CDC; Emerging Infectious Diseases).
(Natural News) The American Civil Liberties Union is a left-wing legal organization that engages in countercultural activities aimed at tearing down traditional American values and societal norms, which helps explain why the group is so keen to protect and defend domestic terrorists who belong to Antifa.

Tyler ONeil, the managing editor of The Daily Signal and the author of Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, wrote an analysis of the ACLU this week and its relationship with Antifa after several members of the group were arrested on terrorism charges in connection with attacking an Atlanta police training center under construction just outside the city.

As ONeil explained in the analysis:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged a staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center with domestic terrorism for his involvement Sunday in a violent attack on police officers at the construction site for a police training facility near Atlanta.

Although the SPLC claimed the attorney was a legal observer, the agitators were dressed in Antifa-style black bloc for the attack on the facility they call Cop City, and the SPLC has a long history of carrying water for Antifa rioters.

The SPLC that the attorneys arrest is not evidence of any crime, but of heavy-handed law enforcement intervention against protesters.

The Atlanta Police Department, meanwhile, reported that agitators threw rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at police, destroying multiple pieces of construction equipment and threatening bodily harm. But the SPLCs statement didnt condemn the violence, instead directing criticism at a months-long escalation of policing tactics against protesters and observers.

The National Lawyers Guild, another fascistic left-wing group, issued a joint statement with the SPLC and identified the SPLC attorney and alleged terrorist as one of their legal observers. The group denounced all 23 arrests made on Sunday, out of 34 people detained, as part of ongoing state repression and violence against environmental justice protesters.

The police released footage that depicted over 100 rioters progressing toward the location of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

The National Lawyers Guild affirmed that it stands in solidarity with the movement to Stop Cop City, while the SPLC called for the de-escalation of violence and police use of force against Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. However, the SPLC did not mention the violence inflicted on police officers at the construction site, ONeil noted.

This move echoes a long pattern at the SPLC, which has become notorious for branding mainstream conservative and Christian organizations hate groups, putting them on a map with chapters of the Ku Klux Klan yet keeping Antifa off its list and map despite its extremist, violent methods, ONeils analysis continued.

Amid a scandal involving racial discrimination and sexual harassment in 2019, Richard Cohen resigned as president of the SPLC but, in 2017, did explicitly denounce Antifa violence, though he defended the SPLCs choice to exclude Antifa from its list of hate groups.

We oppose these groups and what theyre trying to do. We just dont think anyone should be able to censor someone elses speech, Cohen told the Washington Examiner at the time. He went on to warn that Antifas violent tactics are likely to lead to other forms of retaliation.

In Berkeley, Antifa showed up and shut down speeches. The next time the white supremacists brought the Oath Keepers with them, they brought their own army, Cohen added. Yet he insisted that the SPLC would not brand Antifa a hate group because its adherents dont discriminate against people on the basis of race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics protected by anti-discrimination laws.

There might be forms of hate out there that you may consider hateful, but its not the type of hate we follow, Cohen said.

In short, as ONeil points out, the ACLU is joined at the hip with Antifa for one simple reason: Both groups seek to destroy traditional American values, culture, and society.

Sources include:

DailySignal.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The jig is up: Tony Fauci is a criminal who lied to the public about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). This fact is among the many others that former United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redford revealed in testimony about what really happened prior to and during the so-called pandemic.

The below video shows Redfield spilling the beans about three suspicious events that took place that the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in communist China in September 2019, just months before covid would be officially unleashed throughout the world. Those three suspicious events include:

 Researchers at the Wuhan laboratory deleted the sequences of the alleged virus, a highly irregular occurrence

 Researchers at the Wuhan laboratory changed the command-and-control apparatus from civilian to military, another highly irregular occurrence

 Those in charge of the Wuhan laboratory had a contractor completely redo the ventilation system just prior to covid being declared a pandemic

Clearly, there was strong evidence that a significant event happened in that laboratory in September, tweeted the Kanekoa Substack account on Twitter  watch the video below:

Dr. Robert Redfield, the former CDC Director, talks about three suspicious events that took place at the Wuhan lab in September 2019: In Sept. 2019, three things happened in that lab. One is they deleted the sequences. Highly irregular, researchers dont like to do that. The https://t.co/YjHfyEok1g pic.twitter.com/nIT5b96AbE  kanekoa.substack.com (@KanekoaTheGreat) March 8, 2023

(Related: In the early days of covid, Redfield warned the public that hospitals were given a perverse incentive to inflate the coronavirus death numbers.)

Fauci, Collins excluded Redfield from meeting about covid because they were trying to keep a lid on the lab leak theory

As for Fauci, Redfield revealed that his position on covid being natural rather than engineered is specious. Contrary to Faucis public claims, gain of function research was taking place in Wuhan for many years prior to the advent of covid.

Prior to 2012, we werent doing gain of function research, Redfield told the room. SARS and MERS never learned how to go human to human, so those original outbreaks were less than 1,000 people, and the epidemics died. But this virus was immediately the most infectious virus behind measles that weve ever seen.

So I immediately said, wait a second; this isnt natural. Then you go back and look at the literature, and in 2014 this lab actually published a paper in which they put the ACE2 receptor in humanized mice so it can infect human tissue, and then you learn that the new covid, which came from bats, can hardly replicate in bats. So how does that happen?

The way that happens is through intentional manipulation, of course, which Fauci and his comrade Francis Collins deny. And because Redfield supports the lab leak theory, he was excluded from all of Fauci and Collins meetings about the virus as they sought to control the narrative and stop the lab leak theory from spreading.

As a virologist, this wasnt anything like SARS or MERS because they never learned how to transmit human to human, Redfield explained. I felt this virus was too infectious for humans; there was a lot of evidence that the lab published in 2014 that they put the ACE2 receptor into humanized mice so it could infect human tissue.

I didnt know I was excluded; I didnt know there was a February 1st conference call until the FOIA came out with the emails, and I was quite upset as the CDC director that I was excluded  they came up with a single narrative which I will argue is antithetical to science.

The latest news about the ongoing covid scandal can be found at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Michele Swinick of Everything Home called for an investigation on the corruption in Arizona exposed by investigator Jacqueline Breger during the March 6 episode of Right Now with Ann Vandersteel on Brighteon.TV.

Swinick, a former election judge in Arizonas Maricopa County, said Breger came forward after three and a half years of research and information gathering about the Grand Canyon States corruption. The most explosive findings of the investigator with the Harris/Thaler Law Corporation were publicly released and included in the preliminary report, which state legislators were furnished a copy of.

According to Breger, former Arizona secretary of state turned State Sen. Ken Bennett sabotaged the election audit. She also named several collaborators involved in the scheme, such as Karen Fann, during the Feb. 23 hearing of the Arizona Legislatures bicameral election committee. Breger remarked during the hearing that the revelations were a vindication for all of them who had talked about the corruption happening in Arizona for years.

Vandersteel then put in her two cents, saying that Arizonans are now demanding an investigation based on Bregers Feb. 23 testimony. She added that the Arizona State Senate has plenary power, enabling it to demand things such as an audit. The Steel Truth and The Zelenko Report host lamented that the audit did not go the way Arizona voters expected it to be.

Arizona officials involved in web of corruption

Vandersteel said during the program that Breger has looked into several people involved in financial crimes and money laundering in Arizona. The investigator based her testimony on the evidence she found: The Sinaloa Cartel was laundering money through deeds, warrants, home purchases, mortgages and more. This money was not only being issued to a lot of people in Arizona, but also to others in 22 states.

Swinick remarked that there is a long list of people involved in the corruption in the Grand Canyon State. She also responded to Vandersteels query as to why the Arizona State Legislature refuses to take the issue seriously: It [exposes] the whole infrastructure of crimes, corruption, racketeering, bribery and election fraud throughout the whole state.

Incumbent Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, U.S. Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema are some of the big names included in the list. Also included are three members of the Maricopa Country Board of Supervisors and several judges. Swinick also mentioned that many Arizona mayors are controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel, in partnership with some organizations.

The Everything Home host said Arizona State Sens. Sonny Borrelli and Wendy Rogers were not included in the list. However, Swinick lamented that Rogers  chairwoman of the Arizona State Senates Elections Committee  chose not to conduct an investigation on the corruption issue. Rogers ironically ran her entire campaign for the past two years on election integrity.

Swinick told Vandersteel that Rogers has the plenary authority and subpoena power to conduct an investigation based on Arizona law.

Wendy [Rogers] issued a press release saying that she cant do anything. And that was not the place to present this type of information. Well, it actually is the place to do it and she does have the ability, she said.

The job of a committee is to investigate. Their job is to get information and investigate. And now we know that she actually has the subpoena power, according to the law of the state of Arizona.

Follow Corruption.news for more news about the corruption happening in America.

Watch the March 6 episode of Right Now with Ann Vandersteel below. Right Now with Ann Vandersteel airs Monday to Friday at 8-8:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Michele Swinick urges Americans to engage and get involved in politics  Brighteon.TV.

Cartel now in complete control of Arizona state government, Kari Lake warns.

Toni Shuppe tells Dr. Alan Keyes: There is a lot more corruption going on at certain levels of our government  Brighteon.TV.

Arizona lawmaker suggests 2020 election fraud investigators may have found racketeering evidence spanning several states.

Dan Happel, Jim Beers talk about exposing corruption in the federal government  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

FreedomFirstNetwork.com

SGTReport.com
(Natural News) South American countries Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil are planning to form a lithium cartel to turn more of their mined lithium into batteries and get involved in the electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturing sector.

The said countries are looking to emulate similar schemes, such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), with regard to organizing production flows, pricing and good practices.

Argentina, Chile and Bolivia have been talking about it since July last year, when foreign ministers of each nation gathered at the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) conference in Buenos Aires.

The three nations form the so-called lithium triangle, which has about 65 percent of the worlds known resources of lithium and reached 29.5 percent of world production in 2020.

While Brazils lithium sector is relatively new, the country has the automaking experience and it is already an international case study in low carbon mobility  powering cars with ethanol, biofuels and natural gas.

With Sigma Lithium opening its Grota do Cirilo lithium mine in April, Brazil will have one of the few corporations with proven its capability to generate lithium in an environmentally sustainable manner.

We have to prepare ourselves for whats coming and be able to adapt  beginning perhaps with cells, working toward industrialization, and getting to batteries, Argentinas Mining Undersecretary Fernanda Avila stated in an interview.

A common interest in raising the benefits of high demand for batteries and rising prices has renewed regional talks for cooperation. Even Mexico has made moves to cooperate with its southern neighbors.

Studies suggest that Mexico has about 1.7 million tons of lithium reserves. While close to a dozen foreign corporations have active mining permits that plan to develop those possible deposits, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has announced all of them will be reviewed in light of the current nationalization of the resource.

Argentina will be the No. 2 lithium producer in the world by 2027

JPMorgan said last year it anticipated Argentina to expand from supplying six percent of the worlds lithium in 2021 to 16 percent by 2030.

If the forecast proves to be correct, Argentina will surpass Chile as the No. 2 lithium producer in the world by 2027, just behind Australia.

Argentina has been accepting foreign investment since the 1990s, while Chile and Bolivia have been reluctant to permit foreign companies to use their reserves.

The country has attracted leading miners over the past two years, along with the worlds second-biggest miner Rio Tinto and South Korean steelmaker Posco.

Data from the Camara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros, a group of mining businessmen, showed that investments in the lithium sector reached approximately $1.5 billion last year.

The group predicts that investments would reach more than $5 billion in the coming years, as the country presently hosts more than 20 projects in different stages of development.

Chinese carmaker Chery Inc. disclosed plans last month to construct a $400 million EV and battery plant in Argentina.

Fellow battery maker Gotion High-tech Co. is considering working with the administration of Jujuy, one of Argentinas three lithium-producing provinces, while evaluating the creation of a lithium carbonate refinery in the area.

Chile is by far the largest lithium producer in the region, with a supposed output of 26 thousand metric tons in 2021. (Related: Chile is sitting on a lithium goldmine, but locals say that exploiting it will come at a terrible environmental cost.)

Production is focused exclusively in the Atacama desert, a part of the the so-called lithium triangle in South America, along with the salt flats in Bolivia and Argentina.

In spite of the overall increase in yearly output in recent years, Chile has not managed to keep pace with the increase in worldwide demand, losing a crucial share in global production.

This is at least partly connected to the governments historically strict regulations, which provide Chilean mining company SQM and U.S.-based Albemarle exclusive exploration rights in the country.

Even though other mining corporations have begun investing in Chiles lithium projects, the markets development has encountered a great deal of resistance from environmentalists.

Meanwhile, Argentinas reserves in the provinces of Jujuy, Catamarca and Salta have been a target of foreign investors in the past years. With foreign investment flowing in, lithium production in Argentina has more than doubled since the start of the decade.

Follow RoboCars.news for more news about lithium battery-powered electric vehicles.

Watch the video below to know how Mexico found the worlds largest lithium deposit.

This video is from The Last American Vagabond channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Lithium production setback will hinder EV growth; locals revolt over lithium mining impacts on water supplies.

LITHIUM mining for electric vehicles is incredibly destructive to the environment and about as far from green as you can imagine.

Lithium mining for electric vehicle batteries is harming indigenous groups in Arizona.

EV maker Tesla looking to set up lithium refinery in Texas, eyes tax relief.

Volkswagen reconsidering plans to build new EV battery plants in Europe due to soaring energy costs.

Sources include:

Mining.com

Statista.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Former United Kingdom Health Secretary Matt Hancock is in very hot water for his involvement in the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic conspiracy.

The Telegraph this week published a headline calling for Hancock to be arrested and thrown in prison for wilful misconduct in public office, citing the recent U.K. Lockdown Files leak exposing Hancocks criminal activity throughout the scamdemic.

More than 100,000 private WhatsApp messages, in case you missed it, were brought to light showing that Hancock was engaged in mass deception, fraud, and criminal conspiracy against the people of Great Britain. Here is what Allison Pearson, the author of the Telegraph article in question, tweeted about Hancock and his ilk:

Even at the height of WW2, Government never used propaganda to frighten its own people. This lot did. Kids killed themselves, mental health collapsed. Unforgivable. Matt Hancock should be arrested wilful misconduct in pub office.

(Related: Check out our earlier coverage about the U.K. Lockdown Files to learn more about Hancocks crimes against humanity.)

Care-home resident families to sue Matt Hancock for crimes against humanity

Pearson explains in her article that Hancock lied, as many other politicians at the time did, about hospitals supposedly overflowing with covid patients. This was intended to scare the public while bringing the U.K.s National Health Service (NHS) to its knees under oppressive lockdowns.

Children with special educational needs were also used as leverage by Hancock and other political cronies, Pearson reveals. This is part of why she hopes Hancock will be brought before a Select Committee for investigation and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Personally, I would like to see him in jail for the vast hurt he has caused, Pearson expressed about Hancock.

There are apparently a number of lawsuits in the works as well. The families of care-home residents who were impacted by Hancocks criminality plan to sue him now that the WhatsApp messaging evidence has been unleashed.

Today for the first time a major mainstream media (The Telegraph) in a Western country (UK) called for arrest and prosecution of health minister (Matt Hancock) for his Covid crimes, said researcher and lecturer Dr. Eli David in a tweet about the matter.

The first domino has fallen.

The first domino has fallen indeed, and there are many more to follow. Hancock is just one covid crony among many who abused, tortured, and murdered members of the public with his medical fascism.

In the comments, someone wrote further that what Hancock and his ilk did throughout covid was a despicable global attack by elite minorities in a class war for total control.

Another wrote that what Hancock did amounts to terrorism in that the very definition of this word covers the purposeful use of tactics meant to engender fear in a population to achieve specific responses, actions, etc.

Just exactly how are these people NOT worthy of domestic if not even international terrorism charges? this same person asked. I mean of course in addition to the charges of crimes against humanity.

Someone else responded that just like how weapons are deployed, so was the control and fear narrative being peddled by Hancock and his ilk.

Compliance, fear and submission of the populace was the obvious goal, which is CONTROL, this person added. This agenda, still being pushed is an evil attack on liberty.

As to be expected, the American media, save for independent outlets like this one, is all but ignoring the Matt Hancock revelations and their implications for the rest of the covid criminals throughout the world who await justice.

Want to learn more about the effort to hold covid criminals like Matt Hancock responsible for their crimes against humanity? You can do so at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

Newspunch.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Former President Donald Trump tore into Joe Biden and those working in his administration as losers and warmongers who are putting America last again and angling to embroil the countrys sons and daughters in another conflict.

Despite the regime medias relentless effort to exclude GOP frontrunner Trump from their coverage, he has been releasing numerous high-quality policy statements. One of his recent declarations directly targets the corrupt national security establishment and serves as a reminder to the American people why he was the first president in decades to refrain from dragging our country into an unnecessary war, Revolver News noted in a report this week.

However, if you pay close attention, Trump reveals a detail that is possibly one of the most rebellious truths he has ever expressed (which is quite a statement). If you listen closely, you can catch President Trump calling out a certain Victoria Nuland, and the State Departments role in regime change operations in Ukraine, Revolver News noted.

Heres a link to the video.

For decades, weve had the very same people, such as (current Under Secretary 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. These people have been seeking confrontation for a long time, much like the case in Iraq and other parts of the world. And now, were teetering on the brink of World War Three, Trump said.

In his statement, Trump alludes to the expansion of NATO, which numerous geopolitical analysts have identified as a significant provocation against Russia. This action may have prompted Putin to initiate the extended and tragic special operation in Ukraine. This aligns with the insightful lecture on this subject by John Mearsheimer, which was given over seven years ago.

While its important to comprehend the foreign policy risks of assertive NATO expansionism, the more direct and incriminating allegations made by Trump pertain to specific individuals, the report continued.

By daring to mention Nuland by name, Trump sheds light on the true nature of power in the United States. Nuland, who currently serves as the undersecretary of state for political affairs in Bidens State Department, and previously as undersecretary for European affairs under President Obama from 2013 to 2017, offers a unique insight into the inner workings of American politics and her biography speaks volumes about the true nature of power in the United States, the report says.

Revolver News noted as well that it may come as a surprise to some that Victoria Nuland, a fervent Russia hawk, holds senior positions in the State Department under Democratic administrations (Biden, Obama), given her husbands identity. Her spouse is none other than arch-neoconservative Robert Kagan, a vocal supporter of the Iraq War during the Bush era and co-founder of the controversial Project for a New American Century.

This think-tank was dedicated to promoting Bush-era interventionism principles. Kagan, who left the Republican Party in protest over Donald Trump in 2016, described the former president as a fascist, said the outlet.

The fact that Obamas and Bushs war hawks are married to each other underscores, in the most intimate and direct sense, the deep states dominance over superficial and fake partisan divisions. Trumps victory in 2016 was a blow to this uniparty and shook the corrupt system to its core, the report added.

Regarding Nuland, its worth mentioning that she plays a crucial role in Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hershs explosive report that alleges direct US interference with the Nordstream 2 pipeline. Interestingly, this is a topic that Trump has also fearlessly discussed with a level of candor and insight that is uncommon among politicians, said the outlet.

Trump is going to have an uphill climb to the presidency this time around because he wont get the airtime he did in 2015 and 2016 because the deep states media knows hes a disrupter and they are under threat of exposure as well if he wins again.

Sources include:

Revolver.news

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police wants more access to the DNA of non-violent offenders who commit crimes like driving drunk, breaking and entering, and stealing things.

The law enforcement arm of our neighbors to the north is pushing for the passage of Bill S-231, entitled An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, which would accomplish just that, allowing police officers in Canada to collect the DNA of non-violent crime suspects.

Right now, only violent offenders can have their DNA collected and stored in a government database in Canada, but the passage of Bill S-231 would expand that to include any person convicted of committing a crime punishable by five years or more in prison.

Canada currently has on the books the 2000 DNA Identification Act, which allows for the DNA sampling of criminals convicted of violent crimes like murder, sexual assault, or hijacking. That law has facilitated the collection and storage of more than 500,000 DNA profiles, which government officials have used in 73,000 cases to help identify suspects, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

In arguing for its passage, Police Chiefs in support of Bill S-231 claim it would help put an end to wrongful convictions by expanding the scope of DNA that police officers have access to while fighting crime.

The National DNA Databank is under-utilized, the Police Chiefs said, adding that they feel as though current laws are too restrictive. Bill S-231, they claim, poses an opportunity to make the databank more effective for law enforcement.

(Related: At the height of the Wuhan coronavirus [Covid-19] scamdemic, Canadian politicians introduced a bill to police all speech on the internet.)

How much should police be allowed to invade peoples genetic privacy in order to fight crime?

As part of their argument in favor of Bill S-231, the Police Chiefs cited a case from 1992 in which Guy Paul Morin, a Queensville, Ontario, factory worker, was wrongfully convicted of murdering a nine-year-old school girl named Christine Jessop.

Years after his wrongful conviction, Morin was exonerated through DNA testing. Jessops likely killer, Calvin Hoover, was a family friend who ultimately died by suicide.

Had Bill S-231 been in effect in 2007, according to the Police Chiefs, Mr. Hoovers DNA would have been added to the National DNA Databank when he was convicted of impaired driving.

While some may argue that DNA collection is a necessary evil to fight crime, others say that what the Police Chiefs are demanding is a gross invasion of privacy. Where does it end in terms of the scope of what the government has access to?

Applying the same argument to the infamous Freedom Convoy protest in 2021, every criminal caught protesting against Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus covid vaccine passport scheme could have been DNA-profiled and targeted, in addition to having their bank accounts frozen.

Later that same year, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) called for the expansion of government power for public security reasons, calling the need urgent in order to create an Office of Biometrics and Identity Management. That office would allow the Canadian government to track and monitor the personal information of travelers, including their medical information and vaccination status.

Ive lost all confidence in the police, one commenter wrote. After what I witnessed during the covid lockdowns, I can no longer support the police. The brown shirts said they just followed orders. Its no different today.

The slow creep of totalitarianism, said another. They couldnt pull it off in great leaps, so they advance in incremental steps.

The latest news about the expanding global police state can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) In an attempt to keep a lid on the lab leak theory of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), shamed government career criminal Tony Fauci commissioned a paper, leaked emails show, to debunk it.

Fauci reportedly prompted the studys launch, as well as finalized its approval, in the hopes that doing so would keep the public believing that the Fauci Flu came from bat soup at a wet market in Wuhan, China.

There was a study recently where a group of highly qualified evolutionary virologists looked at the sequences  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 a species from an animal to a human, Fauci told reporters on April 17, 2020, pretending as though he has nothing to do with the research.

So, the paper will be available. I dont have the authors right now, but we can make it available to you, he added in a statement to the press pool. (Related: It was amateur sleuths who first embarrassed the media over its dismal handling of the Wuhan lab leak theory.)

Fauci and his cronies manipulated science to suit their own agenda

Entitled The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2, the paper in question was forwarded to Fauci for editing in draft form, and once again for final approval before it was ultimately published in the Nature Medicine journal on Feb. 17, 2020.

It was written just four days after Fauci and his National Institutes of Health (NIH) boss Francis Collins held a call with the four authors to discuss the notion that covid may have leaked from a Wuhan lab and may have been intentionally genetically manipulated.

The implicating emails revealing that all of this occurred were published by the House Oversight subcommittee this past weekend. Its Republican members now want to know: what will become of Fauci, the apparent ringleader of this scientific fraud?

Dr. Kristian Andersen, one of the papers co-authors, now admits that Fauci prompted him to write the paper with an explicit goal to disprove the lab leak theory.

There has been a lot of speculation, fear-mongering, and conspiracies put forward in this space, reads the cover email that Andersen sent to Nature Medicine along with the study. [This paper was] Prompted by Jeremy Farrah [sic], Tony Fauci, and Francis Collins.

Jeremy Farrar  Andersen misspelled his last name in the correspondence  was head of the British nonprofit group Wellcome Trust at the time. This group has historic ties both to Big Pharma and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

On the day of the papers publishing, further emails to Farrar indicate that various last-minute changes were made.

Sorry to micromanage / micro edit! Farrar wrote. But would you be willing to change one sentence?

The change in question involved replacing the word unlikely, referring to the lab leak theory, to improbable. The sentence containing the new word now reads (with italicized emphasis added):

It is improbable that SARS-CoV-2 emerged through laboratory manipulation of an existing SARS-related coronavirus.

In other words, it was not enough for the paper to say that covid leaking from a lab was unlikely. Fauci et al. wanted it to definitively suggest that there is no possible way covid escaped from a Chinese lab.

Lets just say that the timing of the spread was convenient, wrote a commenter on a news story about the release of covid, adding that he believes it was all intentional. Perhaps a bit too convenient.

Are the latest covid developments of interest to you? Be sure to check out Plague.info to learn more.

Sources for this article include:

NYPost.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) New research shows the average intelligence quotient (IQ) of people in the United States has dropped for the first time in nearly 100 years.

This is according to a study from scientists at Northwestern University and the University of Oregon published in the journal Intelligence, which indicates that IQ levels, especially for those with less education in the 18 to 22 years age group, has lowered.

The researchers looked at the test results of online IQ tests taken by 394,378 adults. These tests were taken from 2006 to 2018 to see whether the researchers could find evidence of what is known as the Flynn effect. (Related: Education Department report shows school shutdowns caused HISTORIC learning losses for students nationwide.)

The Flynn effect is a theory that suggests the IQ of a population generally appears to increase each generation. As the study authors themselves noted, IQ scores have substantially increased since 1932 and through the 20th century. Per decade, average IQ points would increase by three to five points.

The researchers noted that there have been very few, if any, studies focusing on average IQ in the United States when compared to studies in European countries.

IQ scores declined across the board regardless of age and gender

Instead of proving the validity of the Flynn effect, the researchers found the exact opposite of what they were looking for. Overall, the results suggest that IQ points from 2006 to 2018 have declined.

Declines were seen widely across the board irrespective of either age or gender, but the steepest decline in IQ was found among people with lower levels of completed education and participants between the ages of 18 and 22.

The study authors did note that people with higher levels of education, such as four-year degree holders, had less of a decline.

Of the five test categories in the IQ tests the researchers studied, they only saw improvements in one category: 3d spatial reasoning. Scores for the 3d spatial reasoning portion of the tests increased from 2011 to 2018. Other test categories  verbal reasoning, visual problem solving, inductive reasoning and numerical reasoning  all dropped.

While the researchers didnt explicitly make any conclusions as to why the IQ of Americans has dropped over the years, they did speculate that it might have to do with changes in education in the United States.

It could be the case that our results indicate a change of quality or content of education and test-taking skills within this large United States sample, the study authors wrote in the conclusion. As scores were lower for more recent participants across all levels of education, this might suggest that either the caliber of education has decreased across this studys sample and/or that there has been a shift in the perceived value of certain cognitive skills.

Learn more about the latest research in the field of science at Research.news.

Watch this clip from War Room: Pandemic on Real Americas Voice as host Steve Bannon and his guest, Liz Yore, discuss how IQ dropped dramatically during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Public schools are collapsing fast as teacher says they are now indoctrination centers, not places of education.

Study: Babies born during COVID-19 lockdown show signs of cognitive disabilities.

American children are losing millions of IQ points thanks to exposure to toxic chemicals.

Babies born during the pandemic have lower IQs than those born pre-pandemic, studies reveal.

COVID tyranny linked to 23% decline in childrens cognitive abilities: STUDY.

Flame retardants, pesticides now leading risk factors for IQ loss.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NYPost.com

IFLScience.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) There are some in Congress who never seem to tire of sending American military men and women into battle, even if it means semi-invading a next-door neighbor and erstwhile ally.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is one of them.

On Tuesday following the kidnapping of four Americans and the murder of two of them by drug cartel operatives, Graham said he was going to introduce legislation that would authorize the use of American military forces in Mexico.

Yes, Mexico  not something the Mexican government is going to look kindly upon (think how youd feel if a foreign nation sent its military into the U.S. to take care of a problem).

During an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime on Monday, Graham shared his thoughts on the recent kidnappings and the drug war in general. The senator expressed agreement with former Attorney General Bill Barrs view that the U.S. government should classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations, according to Mediaite.

What would Lindsey Graham do in this situation? asked host Jesse Watters.

I would follow Bill Barrs advice and get tough on Mexico, he responded. 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.'

Graham pointed out that tens of thousands of Americans have died due to fentanyl overdoses caused by its influx across the border, and he went on to criticize President Joe Biden for the same.

This administration has done nothing about it, he said. Im going to introduce legislation, Jesse, to make certain Mexican drug cartels foreign terrorist organizations under U.S. law and set the stage to use military force if necessary to protect America from being poisoned by things coming out of Mexico.

He added: I would tell [the] Mexican government, If you dont clean up your act, were gonna clean it up for you.

Mexicos drug cartels are notorious for their violent and illegal activities, which have been a major issue for the country for decades. The cartels have been responsible for countless deaths and have caused significant damage to the countrys economy and social fabric.

Mexicos drug cartels originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the Colombian drug cartels were dismantled. Mexican cartels stepped in to fill the void and began trafficking cocaine and other drugs to the United States. Over the years, the cartels diversified their operations, and now they are involved in everything from human trafficking to extortion and money laundering.

The drug cartels are highly structured organizations that operate like well-oiled machines. They have a hierarchical structure, with a clear chain of command, and each member has a specific role to play. The cartel leaders are known as capos and are responsible for overseeing the entire operation. They are often the most violent and ruthless members of the organization.

Below the capos are the lieutenants who oversee specific regions or territories. These lieutenants are responsible for managing the drug trafficking and other illegal activities in their area. They are also responsible for enforcing the cartels rules and eliminating any threats to the organization.

The foot soldiers or sicarios are at the bottom of the hierarchy. They are responsible for carrying out the cartels violent activities, such as assassinations and kidnappings. Many of these foot soldiers are recruited from poor communities where job opportunities are limited.

The impact of Mexican drug cartels on the country has been devastating. The violence and corruption associated with the cartels have led to a breakdown of law and order in many parts of the country. The cartels have also infiltrated the government, leading to a lack of trust in law enforcement agencies.

The economic impact of the drug cartels is also significant. The cartels control many of the countrys ports and transportation routes, which has led to a rise in the cost of goods and services. The drug trade has also led to a significant increase in money laundering and corruption, which undermines the countrys economy.

The cartels hierarchical structure and violent activities have led to a breakdown of law and order and have caused significant harm to the countrys social fabric and economy, making Mexico essentially a large narco-state.

Sources include:

SanDiegoUnionTribune.com

Mediaite.com
(Natural News) In 2019, the head of one of the top pharmaceutical corporations that participated in Operation Warp Speed told his employees to start churning out billions of doses of a new vaccine that would come into play next year in response to a planned plandemic.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel not only had this disturbing pre-pandemic conversation with his staff, but he also confirmed that Seth Berkley, the CEO of GAVI, knew all about it in advance.

Keep in mind that at the time Bancel said all this, the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) was not even yet a thing. Somehow, he knew well in advance that a planned incident would occur that his company needed to be ready to profit from once governments began announcing the threat publicly.

Bancel admitted all this during a recent panel discussion at the World Economic Forums (WEF) Davos 2023 meeting in Switzerland. When asked about the development, adoption, and scaling up of the covid jab for different variants and subvariants, Bancel responded with:

As Seth knows, when the pandemic happened Moderna made 100,000 doses in 2019 for the whole year. And I remember walking after that into the office of Moderna manufacturing and I say: How about we make a billion doses next year? And [you / they] look at me a bit funny say: What? I said: Yeah, we need to make a billion doses next year; theres going to be a pandemic.'

(Related: Bancel is said to have direct ties to the communist China lab in Wuhan where covid is believed by some to have escaped.)

Did Moderna know about Operation Warp Speed long before it was launched?

While it is unclear whether Bancels pre-pandemic conversation with his staff occurred in late 2019 or early 2020, we know for a fact that it took place before March 11 when then-President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, opening up the floodgates for Operation Warp Speed.

Moderna was a top recipient of Operation Warp Speed funding, and it appears as though Bancel already had an arrangement in place prior to its official launch that he knew would allow the company to participate by manufacturing billions of messenger RNA (mRNA) injections for the global market.

Moderna knew, in other words, that it would be given special contracts to supply at least one billion doses of its so-called vaccine. And somehow the company knew how to produce these injections for a disease that had not yet fully emerged on the global stage.

And those vaccines were, supposedly, for an unknown virus for which the lethality, number of cases and infection rate could not have been known, added The Expose about the matter.

The corporate-controlled media has been working overtime to try to excuse away Bancels admissions, which basically admit to fraud and conspiracy. One fake news outlet tried to claim that Bancels statements were misrepresented, and that he somehow did not say what he actually said.

So-called fact checkers published piece after piece claiming that what Bancel said was taken out of context by extremists pushing a conspiracy narrative. The reality, though, is that Bancel said what he meant and meant what he said  without shame, it should be noted.

Is it time to get the ropes out? asked one commenter in response to the news.

Of course it was a pre-planned event, remarked another.

Back in 2014-15 when Moderna was basically a nobody, Rishi Sunak through his company Theleme, had the forethought to purchase 6.5 million shares in Moderna, revealed someone else.

With the increase in share value and the proceeds from the Moderna jab, the criminal Sunak has undoubtedly made a satisfactory return on investment.

The latest news about the corrupt pharmaceutical industry can be found at BadMedicine.news.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The corporate media in America has long been subverted by the deep state, serving not as watchdogs on government abuses as our founders envisioned but rather as state-controlled organs of official propaganda.

That was in evidence again this week after The New York Times once again allowed itself to be used for misinformation purposes by men and women behind the scenes of government who care about nothing but enhancing their own power.

Specifically, the paper reported that, according to U.S. intelligence officials, the Biden regime had nothing to do with the destruction of Russias two Nordstream gas pipelines that, prior to Moscows invasion of Ukraine, brought affordable natural gas energy to the European continent and Germany especially. Rather, the paper claims the saboteurs are likely pro-Ukraine, possibly government-trained Ukrainian or Russian nationals, or some combination of the two, but that no American or British nationals were involved.

CIA officials declined to disclose the nature of the intelligence, how it was obtained or any details of the strength of the evidence it contains but were supposed to believe this isnt a smokescreen after the CIA was credibly accused of orchestrating it https://t.co/6cAgYvXvG6  Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 8, 2023

The Times report began:

New intelligence reviewed by U.S. officials suggests that a pro-Ukrainian group carried out the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines last year, a step toward determining responsibility for an act of sabotage that has confounded investigators on both sides of the Atlantic for months.

U.S. officials said that they had 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 brazen attack on the natural gas pipelines, which link Russia to Western Europe, fueled public speculation about who was to blame, from Moscow to Kyiv and London to Washington, and it has remained one of the most consequential unsolved mysteries of Russias year-old war in Ukraine, the Times said, going on to give itself  and the deep state leakers  plausible deniability by adding:

U.S. officials said there was much they did not know about the perpetrators and their affiliations. The review of newly collected intelligence suggests they were opponents of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, but does not specify the members of the group, or who directed or paid for the operation.

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. They have said that there are no firm conclusions about it, leaving 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.

But award-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh laid out how the operation was indeed carried out by the U.S. and allies under the guise of a scheduled military training exercise.

Over the next several meetings, the participants debated options for an attack. The Navy proposed using a newly commissioned submarine to assault the pipeline directly. The Air Force discussed dropping bombs with delayed fuses that could be set off remotely. The CIA argued that whatever was done, it would have to be covert. Everyone involved understood the stakes. This is not kiddie stuff, the source said. If the attack were traceable to the United States, Its an act of war,' he wrote, adding that the Russians have superlative surveillance of the Baltic Sea, through which the pipelines traveled.

Also, the Russians know that the story from the Times was planted.

I wonder who allows such leaks, filling the media scene with them? asked Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova this week. The answer is: those who do not want to conduct an investigation in the legal field and are going to divert the attention of the audience from the facts in every possible way.

Sources include:

SeymourHersh.Substack.com

NYTimes.com
(Natural News) The demise of Silicon Valley Bank is the second-largest bank collapse in the history of the United States. The banks collapse on Friday has sparked concerns among customers who risk losing deposits worth tens of billions of dollars. The failure of the bank is only surpassed by the collapse of Washington Mutual in 2008.

When the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation closed SVB, the bank had assets worth $209 billion. In comparison, Washington Mutual had $307 billion in assets when it met its end, the UKs Daily Mail reported this week.

The FDIC, a U.S. government-owned corporation that ensures bank deposits of up to $250,000, has stated that SVBs customers with accounts of that amount or lower will be able to access their funds by Monday morning.

Update: Yesterday the US Treasury announced that all account funds would be covered by the FDIC, not just those of $250K or lower.

However, several of SVBs depositors are corporate clients with significantly larger accounts and must now face an indefinite wait for their funds. Investors who hold SVB bonds are also set to experience substantial losses, the report said.

The collapse of Washington Mutual transpired during the 2008 global financial crisis. The bank had approximately 43,000 employees, 2,200 branches, and deposits amounting to $188.3 billion in late 2007. However, it was bankrupt by the end of the subsequent year.

The banks downfall was largely attributed to the burst of the housing bubble in the United States. Washington Mutual failed after customers withdrew $16.7 billion within ten days, resulting in an unmanageable bank run, the report added.

Similar to SVB, the FDIC seized Washington Mutual on September 25, 2008, and assumed control of the bank. JPMorgan Chase acquired Washington Mutual for $1.9 billion, as regulators often merge bankrupt financial institutions with larger, more stable companies to mitigate the impact.

It remains uncertain how the FDIC will handle the aftermath of the SVB takeover, though, the Daily Mail noted.

The outlet noted:

The largest losses after the fall of Washington Mutual were among bondholders, shareholder and investors, as opposed to retail customers. Bondholders lost a reported $30 billion, while investors clawed back just five cents per share. At the beginning of 2007, shares were worth about $45 each. After Washington Mutual and Silicon Valley Bank, the third largest bank failure in the US happened in 1984, when Continental Illinois failed with approximately $40 billion in assets.

The bank, which has a history dating back to the 1800s, was granted a bailout worth approximately $13.5 billion, consisting of a blend of government funds and fresh capital. The rescue operation popularized the phrase too big to fail, which was mentioned by Rep. Stewart McKinney (R-Conn.) during the congressional hearings regarding the FDICs intervention. Continental was procured by Bank of America in 1994, said the outlet.

Prominent figures in the finance sector and Silicon Valley are publicly urging the federal government to prompt another bank to take on Silicon Valley Banks responsibilities and assets following its collapse on Friday, according to a report from CNBC.

As per regulatory filings from December, over 95 percent of the banks deposits were not insured, meaning they had more than $250,000 in their accounts. And now, many of these depositors are startups who fear that they may not be able to pay their employees this month, potentially resulting in significant failures and job losses across the tech industry.

Investors are worried that these potential failures may erode trust in the banking sector, particularly mid-sized banks with less than $250 billion in deposits. These banks are not categorized as too big to fail and do not have to undergo routine stress tests or other safety measures established after the 2008 financial crisis, CNBC noted further.

Venture capitalist and former tech CEO David Sacks urged the federal government to prompt another bank to purchase SVBs assets, writing on Twitter, Where is Powell? Where is Yellen? Stop this crisis NOW. Announce that all depositors will be safe. Place SVB with a Top 4 bank. Do this before Monday open or there will be contagion and the crisis will spread.

Where is Powell? Where is Yellen? Stop this crisis NOW. Announce that all depositors will be safe. Place SVB with a Top 4 bank. Do this before Monday open or there will be contagion and the crisis will spread.  David Sacks (@DavidSacks) March 10, 2023

Sources include:

CNBC.com

DailyMail.co.uk
(Natural News) During a congressional testimony on Tuesday, the Director of the U.S. National Security Agency, Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, expressed concern over the data collection practices of Chinese-owned video app TikTok and its potential to facilitate wide-ranging influence operations.

But he didnt say anything about the incredible and wide-ranging spy capabilities of big tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, all of who also gather Americans personal and private information.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama asked Nakasone about his concerns regarding TikToks influence on American children. Nakasone responded by expressing concerns about TikToks data collection and potential to facilitate broad influence operations. TikTok concerns me for a number of different reasons, he said, according to a report by Reuters.

Nakasone said his concerns include the data that they have.

Secondly is the algorithm and the control of who has the algorithm, Nakasone noted further, according to Reuters.

Nakasone concluded his remarks by stating that TikTok has the potential to facilitate significant influence operations. He expressed apprehension not only about the platforms capacity to sway users but also its capability to shut down the message, citing its vast user base.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has recently expressed concerns about the potential national security threats posed by TikTok, the popular video-sharing app owned by Chinese company ByteDance. The FBIs foreign investment unit is involved in the national security review of TikTok by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which approved a preliminary agreement on safeguards with TikTok in September 2021.

TikToks data collection practices, which include tracking users personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, and WiFi networks, have raised concerns about Chinas access to user data and the potential for espionage. As a result, a growing number of US states and the military have banned the use of TikTok on government-issued devices. The Biden administration is also investigating TikToks plan to house its data in the US, while the GOP is planning to investigate TikToks links to China.

Reuters adds: The app is used by more than 100 million Americans. The NSA, part of the Defense Department, is the agency responsible for U.S. cryptographic and communications intelligence and security.

During testimony before the House last week, Wray discussed the countrys biggest concerns with TikTok and China, writ large.

They include the possibility that the Chinese government could use it to control data collection on millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm, which could be used for influence operations if they so chose, or to control software on millions of devices, which gives it an opportunity to potentially technically compromise personal devices, Wray said.

In June, Buzzfeed News reported on leaked meeting audio that revealed how ByteDance employees based in China had repeatedly accessed non-public information, such as phone numbers and birth dates, of TikTok users in the US. In a separate report in October, Forbes claimed that ByteDance intended to employ TikTok as a means to track the whereabouts of specific American individuals, an allegation that the company refuted.

According to NPR, Wray said during the hearing that Chinese law essentially requires companies to do whatever the government wants them to in terms of sharing information or serving as a tool of the Chinese government.

And so thats plenty of reason by itself to be extremely concerned, he added.

When questioned about the measures being taken by the US, Wray stated that the matter would be better addressed in a classified forum. However, he did reveal that the FBIs foreign investment division is participating in the CFIUS procedure.

Our input would be taken into account in any agreements that might be made to address the issue, he told lawmakers.

Why isnt he equally concerned about U.S. big tech companies spying on Americans? Or the government he serves?

Sources include:

NPR.org

BuzzfeedNews.com

CBSNews.com

Reuters.com
(Natural News) Award-winning writer and radio documentary maker Asad Ismi has blamed the food collapse triggered by the West for causing the starvation of 278 million Africans. Ismi, also a radio documentary maker, put forward this accusation in the March-April 2023 issue of The Monitor, the bi-monthly magazine of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives.

One in five [Africans] are facing hunger. The number of East Africans in this predicament has gone up by 60 percent in 2021 alone and it has gone up by 40 percent in West Africa, Ismi said.

The World Food Program (WFP), an entity under the United Nations, noted that violent conflict remains the primary driver of acute hunger. Hunger and conflict fuel one another, with armed conflict and widespread displacement prevailing for the past 25 years, it said.

The WFP pointed out that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces one of the largest hunger crises in the world. Mali is also facing an unprecedented food crisis. From January to June this year, 26.4 million people could face acute food insecurity.

A WFP report stated that from October to December 2021, nearly 1.2 million people were known to be in need of emergency food assistance  almost three times higher than the year before.

The late Glen Ford, erstwhile editor of the Black Agenda Report, had concurred with this observation and noted that Western intervention was behind many of these conflicts.

The U.S. government has fueled wars on the continent through arms transfers and military training, as well as both proxy and direct invasions, since the 1980s. It has also given military assistance to 51 out of 54 African countries. Countries that have received such aid from the U.S. include the DRC, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Angola, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo-Brazzaville and Nigeria.

When there is conflict, it becomes practically impossible for farmers to produce the food needed to sustain the population. There is a clear correlation between the many conflicts ongoing in Africa, food scarcity, drought and climate change, explained University of Michigan Afro-American and African studies professor Omolade Adunbi.

According to Ford, Washington has drenched Congos eastern provinces with the blood of more than six million people since 1996. The governments of Rwanda and Uganda, the direct perpetrators of the said holocaust, are in every sense of the word agents of U.S. foreign policy.

Western powers were also responsible for invading Libya in 2011, successfully overthrowing its leader Muammar Gaddafi. The attack destroyed the North African nation and spread violence to several African states.

Ismi denounces climate change mitigation efforts by the West

Ismi also blasted the Wests efforts to address climate change.

He cited a Reuters report that countries in Africa make up only three percent of the emissions responsible for the so-called climate crisis. In spite of this, Africa suffers more than any other region.

Yet they have externalized the effects of their environmental destruction on people who are amongst the poorest in the world, Ismi said, highlighting that 16 out of the 20 countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis are in the said continent.

Other experts also voiced out their thoughts on the matter.

Pan-African News Wire Editor Abayomi Azikiwe said the climate crisis is another form of neo-colonialism. Adunbi, meanwhile, blasted the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference as a jamboree where promises that are never kept are made. He added that the conference, also known as COP 27, is more performative than anything. (Related: UN climate change conference delegates to stay at five-star hotels and luxury resorts.)

Starvation.news has more stories about hunger in Africa.

Watch the video below where Irish MEP Mick Wallace said NATO is a war machine.

This video is from the PureTrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hypocrite globalists enjoy smorgasbord of fine foods while urging regular people to eat BUGS.

CHAOS all over the world: UN food chief describes destabilization of nations resulting from FAMINE.

Global food collapse: 49 Million people at risk of experiencing famine or famine-like conditions, warns the FAO.

Hell on Earth: UN warns that the worst famine in history is now emerging.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
As scientists become increasingly concerned about the effects of the algae, a massive carpet of seaweed stretching 5,000 miles is set to cause problems along the beaches of Florida and Mexico.

The "Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt" is a massive bloom of brown algae that extends from West Africa's coast to the Gulf of Mexico.

It is the world's largest seaweed bloom, weighing approximately 20 million tons and visible from space.

A 5,000-mile blanket of seaweed threatens the beaches of Florida

Seaweed is typically harmless and has benefits such as providing a habitat for fish and absorbing carbon dioxide, as per Insider.

However, the sargassum, which spans roughly twice the width of the United States, could wreak havoc on beaches as ocean currents push it toward land.

While scientists have been concerned about the consequences of the Sargassum Belt for the past decade, experts said this year's bloom is exciting, according to NBC News reporting by Denise Chow published Saturday.

"It's incredible," NBC News reported Brian LaPointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. "The satellite imagery we're seeing does not bode well for a clean beach year."

LaPointe, who has studied sargassum for four decades, told the news outlet that despite the piles usually washing ashore in May, beaches in Key West are already covered with the algae.

Beaches in Mexico, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, are also bracing for a large sargassum buildup this week.

The size of the seaweed mass grows each year, with record-breaking increases in 2018 and 2022, according to Brian Barnes, an assistant research professor at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science.

He claimed that this year is on track to break these records.

According to Sky News, the mass of algae can destroy coastal ecosystems, suffocate coral, harm wildlife, threaten infrastructure, and decrease air and water quality.

According to one 2019 study, deforestation and fertilizer use may be to blame for the alarming rate at which the mass is growing, all of which are exacerbated by climate change.

Furthermore, as beached sargassum dies and rots, it emits a "distinctive rotten-egg odor," as previously reported by Insider, posing a major problem for tourism in both Mexico and Florida.

Hotels and resorts in Mexico, for example, spend millions of dollars each year to remove sargassum from their beaches, hiring workers to collect it and transport it elsewhere.

Also Read: Expansion of Worldwide Seaweed Farming Might Contribute Significantly To Solving the World's Issues

Waters that are warmer and more nutrified

Data collected over the last decade has revealed the most likely causes of these seaweed invasions: Saharan dust clouds, rising temperatures, and an increasing human nitrogen footprint, as per FIU News.

Nutrients feed sargassum, which thrives in warmer water, just as they do red tide blooms.

Climate change also increases nutrient upwelling from deep ocean waters at the West African end of the sargassum belt.

The recent influxes appear to have originated along Brazil's Atlantic coast, rather than in the Sargasso Sea.

Fertilizer from large-scale agriculture and ranching flows into the Amazon River and then into the ocean.

The Mississippi River also contributes nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico.

Rainfall caused by climate change increases runoff.

Sargassum poses a threat to tourism, which is a major economic engine in the Caribbean and Florida.

Mexico has sent Navy ships to Cancun to assist with cleanup efforts.

To keep seaweed offshore, some Caribbean destinations have installed floating barriers similar to those used in oil spills.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley compared the economic fallout to that of a hurricane in 2019.

There is currently no effective way to dispose of such large quantities of seaweed.

It's time-consuming and costly. In 2019, the cost of removing sargassum from 15 miles of Miami-Dade beaches was $45 million.

Some towns plow seaweed into the sand.

Others, such as Fort Lauderdale, collect it, wash it to remove the salt, and turn it into natural fertilizer or mulch.

Some entrepreneurs in Mexico are compressing it into bricks and using it for building construction, similar to adobe.

In the long run, only addressing climate change and nitrogen emissions from human activities will yield long-term solutions.

Related article: Carbon-Sucking Seaweed Farm Proposed to Curb Climate Change
Another round of storms is on its way to flood-ravaged California, where residents are still dealing with impassable roads, overflowing rivers, inundated neighborhoods, and a levee breach that forced hundreds of people to flee.

By Sunday afternoon, parts of California's famed Highway 1 had turned into ponds, prompting authorities in Monterey County to close a section of the scenic road.

15 million people could endure flooding in California

The National Weather Service predicts that a new atmospheric river will slam the state on Monday, threatening heavy rain and even more flooding in central and northern California as another atmospheric river winds down.

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of moisture that, like a fire hose, can carry saturated air thousands of miles.

In California and Nevada, approximately 15 million people remain under flood warnings.

"As a result of this event, rainfall totals of 6 inches or more are possible across portions of central and northern California," CNN Meteorologist Haley Brink said on Sunday.

According to the Weather Prediction Center, the rain will begin to fall on Monday night in increasingly vulnerable areas of central California that were hard hit by rain on Friday and early Saturday.

As a result, once the steady heavy rain begins, flooding will resume quickly.

More flooding could exacerbate the situation in some neighborhoods, where recent torrential rains turned streets into rivers and damaged roads, stranding people and necessitating rescues.

Monterey County was among the hardest hit, with the swollen Pajaro River breaching a levee around midnight Friday.

According to Monterey County Board of Supervisors Chair Luis Alejo, the "worst case scenario" for the community was water gushing uncontrollably into nearby Pajaro, forcing residents to flee.

Some residents were unable to evacuate before the floodwaters arrived, and crews were still performing high-water rescues Saturday, according to Cal Fire Capt. Curtis Rhodes.

Also Read: California Weather Forecast: 13 Counties Under State of Emergency Due to Significant Snow

At least two people have died as a result of the most recent California storm

On Friday, the state's tenth atmospheric river of the winter prompted evacuation orders for hundreds of people and inundated previously drought-stricken areas.

The latest storm to hit the West Coast brought additional flooding hazards to California on Friday, killing at least two people and isolating several communities amid the year's first flash flood emergencies.

According to AccuWeather, one of the two deaths associated with the storm occurred in Placer County, located in northern California, and the other in San Bernardino County, located in southern California.

On Friday, a third person was killed when the roof of a commercial warehouse and distribution facility for Peet's Coffee partially collapsed in Oakland, California.

According to Michael Hunt, spokesperson for the Oakland Fire Department, the cause of the collapse is currently being investigated to determine whether heavy rain played a direct role.

As part of the investigation, state and OSHA officials were on the scene on Friday.

The man killed was a longtime Peet's Coffee employee who was in the building with a woman who was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to officials, they were the only people in the building at the time.

A boat capsized in San Diego County on Saturday night, killing at least eight people, and the search for additional victims is still ongoing.

These deaths had not been confirmed as weather-related as of Sunday morning.

Due to the ongoing storms, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for California, which means the state will be able to access federal resources to deal with the flooding, landslides, and severe weather from what will be the state's 10th atmospheric river of the winter.

Related article: California Weather Forecast: Heavy Snow That's Now Above Historical Average Expected to Continue This Week
guest column

As former leaders of the Press Union of Liberia, we issue this open letter appealing for collective action to prevent rigging of the October 2023 presidential and general elections and avert violence in Liberia. With our country facing increased instability, we call on all parties and candidates to come together and devise a mechanism to ensure free and fair democratic elections.

Consultations are urgently needed to address serious concerns that Liberia's electoral process is being compromised by actions of the government, which appears to be working in partisanship with the National Elections Commission (NEC), a body constitutionally mandated to supervise free and fair elections in keeping with internationally established democratic standards.

Parties must come together to ensure a fair election and avert more violence.

Accordingly, the mechanism to be devised from such consultations should incorporate a roadmap to ensure a electoral process that is peaceful, free and fair. We also call upon the international community to engage the Liberian government in this regard.

If this is not done as soon as possible, politically motivated violence could be the outcome with dire consequences for Liberian democracy. The urgency for consultation could not be more pressing, given growing public alarm that the country is becoming a powder keg of political discontent. Our concerns that Liberia is gradually slipping into yet another state of political violence are based, in part, on several recent incidents.

These include three reported attempts to assassinate a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Gloria Musu-Scott - the most recent on February 23, 2023  that resulted in death of her daughter. According to Justice Scott, who is also a former senator and a prominent political figure in the opposition Unity Party, her home was earlier attacked - on February 8 and 9 - by individuals who searched for documents in her residence and her vehicle. The attacks have spurred public protests calling for a full and fair investigation.

The alleged attempted assassination of the former Chief Justice is the latest in a series of what appears to be politically motivated killings in which the culprits have not been brought to book since the government of President George Weah came to power in 2018.

We recall that in January 2023, the Liberia National Police announced the seizure of about 450 military-style weapons at the Freeport of Monrovia and parts of Montserrado County. Since then, the government has not announced the outcome of any investigation, amid growing public speculation and fear that the country is being saturated with arms. Recent pronouncements by the AFL Chief of Staff and the Minister of National Defense give us further reasons for grave concern that the AFL could once again be used by the government to terrorize and murder defenseless people as was the case in Liberia's recent evil past. We are also alarmed by the increasingly partisan role of the Liberia National Police (LNP).

The recently released preliminary census has been widely criticized as poorly conducted, and there has also been delay in registering voters, and the National Elections Commission has ruled out the use of biometric technology for the registration process this year.

As the election date approaches, many critical benchmarks to ensure credible democratic elections have not been met. Election guidelines and regulations are being flagrantly violated, such as the recent mass political rally held in Monrovia by the ruling party. Most disturbing is how the National Elections Commission (NEC) appears to be conducting its affairs as an extension of the ruling party and the government of President Weah, who is seeking re-election.

If the election process is interrupted by disputes and other challenges, the country runs the risk of a major constitutional crisis. What would happen if there were no elected government before Weah's tenure ends in January 2024, as the Constitution stipulates?

This is why we urge leaders of all registered political parties that are not part of the ruling coalition to designate representatives to a roundtable convened to address election the logistics. The political parties whose attention is urgently needed include the following: Unity Party (UP), Alternative National Congress (ANC), Liberty Party (LP), Liberian People's (LPP), All-Liberia Party (ALP), United People's Party (UPP), Liberia Action Party (LAP), Liberia National Union (LINU), Liberia Unification Party (LUP), All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP), New Deal Movement (NDM), and People's Liberation Party (PLP).

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Liberia is like a ticking time-bomb. You can save our war-ravaged country from further bloodshed by acting collectively to to ensure that the October 2023 elections are free, fair and peaceful.

Gabriel I.H. Williams is a career journalist, former deputy Liberian Minister of information and diplomat at the Liberian Embassy in the United States. He served as president of the Press Union of Liberia and was a founding leader of the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas. He is author of Corruption is Destroying Africa: The Case of Liberia (2019) and The Heart of Darkness: Accounts of Liberia's Civil War and Its Destabilizing Effects in West Africa (2002).

Emmanuel D. Abalo is a journalist and rights activist and author of Enemies Of The State: A Fictional Thriller of International Intrigue (2022) and Liberia: Dawn of A Nation and Evolution of Its Military (2021)
Traffic in Lagos (an east view of the Ojuelegba bridge, Yaba).

analysis

Nigeria is rapidly urbanising, with more people living in urban areas than in rural communities. A recent World Bank estimate shows that 53% of the 213 million Nigerians live in urban areas. That's projected to rise above 70% by 2050.

Lagos, Nigeria's biggest city, already has over 15.9 million people. The country's urban growth rate is 6% and the general population growth rate is about 2.4%.

Although urban areas are hubs for socioeconomic development, many large cities are unsafe and unhealthy.

Unfortunately, infrastructure development and service delivery aren't keeping pace with urban population growth in Nigeria. Millions of urban residents face enormous challenges like housing deficits, overcrowding and limited economic opportunities. Poverty, air and noise pollution, insecurity, heightened criminality and environmental degradation are others. Climate change is also causing rising sea levels, flooding, heatwaves, more intense droughts, crop failures and famines that affect residents of urban areas across Nigeria.

All these pressures, combined with poor planning, make life difficult in the country's cities. One of the tools to deal with unsustainable urbanisation is family planning.

In my study I explored how family planning policy and urban development programmes in Nigeria were linked between 2000 and 2020. The study suggests the need to integrate family planning and health more effectively into urban and territorial planning. This will contribute to preventing unsustainable urbanisation and urban poverty.

Migration, fertility and urban growth

High population growth in cities across Africa is mainly driven by a natural increase: more births than deaths. When a country is 30% or more urban, the contribution of natural increase to urban growth becomes larger than that of migration.

The total fertility rate for Lagos is 3.4 children per woman - higher than the replacement fertility level of 2.1.

Nigeria's total fertility rate is 5.3 (4.5 in urban and 5.9 in rural areas), which is far higher than the rate of countries like South Africa (2.7) and Rwanda (3.6).

Only 12% of married women in Nigeria use modern contraceptives (18.2% in urban and 7.8% in rural areas). Again, this is far lower compared to South Africa (48%) and Rwanda (58%).

The unmet need for family planning among currently married women is high in urban Nigeria, at 20%.

Evidence from research

Meeting the family planning needs of the urban population can help to achieve population growth rates that make cities to be good places to live. But family planning remains a neglected subject in urban development programmes in Nigeria. My study set out to explore how population and city planning could be integrated better.

Part of the study consisted of interviews with 37 key informants in the family planning and urban development sectors in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria and Kaduna, north-west Nigeria.

More than two thirds of the informants recognised the importance of making family planning part of urban development initiatives. It can help address complex urban governance challenges such as pressure on infrastructure and social services.

But I found that family planning and urban development actors mostly worked in silos. This was a result of systemic barriers like the lack of a policy framework and support for sectors to work together.

The respondents said there were no policy documents or programmes that clearly linked family planning to urban development. Existing guidelines in each sector weren't always carried out or monitored properly. For example, housing standards to prevent overcrowding weren't enforced. And some people working in these fields didn't have enough knowledge about each other's work, or were frequently transferred to other government jobs. Buy-in was also identified as an issue: family planning can be a sensitive area for religious reasons. And informants noted a lack of will among professionals in different sectors to work as a team.

Urban development stakeholders, city planners and municipal authorities didn't see family planning as a critical element in their initiatives.

But actors in both sectors suggested possible ways to achieve more effective working relationships. These included more research and sharing of knowledge, involving civil society organisations and the media, and sensitisation talks with government officials and political leaders.

They said a policy and regulatory framework would need to be in place to guide collaboration.

Family planning for healthy cities

Effective family planning services can give women more control over their health, time and activities. They can then play a greater part in meeting national development goals.

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Read more: Why Nigeria's weak health system affects women and girls the most

With a high rate of natural population increase across urban Nigeria, government investments in infrastructure won't be sufficient. Housing deficits - already at 28 million units - and overcrowding will remain big challenges. Slums - already home to 49% of Nigeria's urban population - will grow. Urban poverty - already afflicting 42% of urban residents in Nigeria - will rise. Insecurity will remain a big problem. Climate change crises will worsen.

Read more: Nigeria floods: expert insights into why they're so devastating and what to do about them

There is no single solution to unsustainable urbanisation in Nigeria. But adequate investments in family planning programmes will help.

Effective and consistent use of family planning will reduce unintended pregnancies and unwanted fertility. A slower population growth rate consistent with national development goals can be achieved.

National and sub-national governments ought to consider the critical role of family planning in their urban development initiatives. This will make rapidly growing Nigerian cities more suitable for healthy living.

Sunday Adedini, Associate Professor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Windy with evening rain...then a mix of rain and snow overnight. Low near 35F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Windy with evening rain...then a mix of rain and snow overnight. Low near 35F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Hundreds of sub-Saharan Africans are heading back to their homelands amid a spike in vigilante violence -- including the stabbings of African migrants. Despite their ordeal, they have expressed relief to be back home.

Mariama Bangoura has just returned to her home country of Guinea from Tunisia after fleeing xenophobic attacks.

"They sent us out of our houses it is deplorable. At 10 p.m. they would knock on your door and send you outside of your room. We can't buy bread in the shops and in the markets, they chase us away," she told DW.

Despite appearing tired and haggard, Bangoura said she was happy and "proud to be back at home."

She is one of several migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who had to flee Tunisia amid rising tensions sparked comments made in a speech by Tunisian President Kais Saied.

What did the president say?

Saied said that migrants were behind most crime in Tunisia and ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration.

His remarks fueled a spate of sackings, evictions and attacks against African migrants in Tunisia.

Rights groups were quick to condemn his comments.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said it had documented human rights violations including arbitrary arrests and detentions, assaults, evictions and dismissals in the weeks following Saied's remarks.

Amnesty International said it had interviewed 20 people in Tunisia, including five asylum seekers and 15 undocumented migrants from Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea and Ivory Coast.

All 20 interviewees said they had been attacked by mobs and, in at least three cases, police officers were present but failed to intervene, the rights organization said.

The African Union (AU) described Saied's comment as "racist hate speech" and postponed a planned conference which had been penciled in for Tunis this month.

Tunisia defends crackdown

The Tunisian leader however said his crackdown on illegal migrants was aimed at fighting human trafficking but opposition parties claimed it was designed to distract people from Tunisia's economic woes.

Migrants have described the actions of the Tunisian authorities as offensive and inappropriate.

Ibrahima Diallo, a Guinean who fled Tunisia, told DW that he witnessed attacks perpetrated by Tunisians on some Black people.

"When the president issued a racial and hate speech against Black migrants, then the population started interfering and attacking Blacks, mostly women they grabs their telephones from them, beat them," Diallo said. "I witnessed most of the attacks."

Unexpected repatriation

Guinea was the first sub-Saharan country to start repatriating its nationals from Tunisia following the clampdown on migrants.

Guinea's Foreign Minister Morysanda Kouyate accompanied the first planeload of Guinean returnees.

One of the passengers, Mohamed Cisse, described his gratitude to the Guinean government.

"Really, they have helped us, we were in a distress. This is a big relief," Cisse said

The embassies of Ivory Coast and Mali provided emergency accommodation for dozens of their citizens evicted from their homes, including young children.

The first flight from Tunis landed in Mali at the weekend with 135 Malians on board. Among them was Korotoumi Diakite.

"We had enough problems with both the police and the population," he explained. "Students were attacked for no reason. We're getting arrested for just being Black."

Another Malian, Mahamadou Diarisso -- who had been based in Tunisia since 2021 -- said it was a stopover as he hoped to reach Italy.

He told DW that he was also affected by the violent attacks on Black migrants and had to leave his apartment.

"I slept on the street in Tunis for two weeks before we were repatriated," he said.

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Among those fleeing the country are dozens of fee-paying or scholarship students who were enrolled in Tunisian universities and in the country legally.

Africa cannot be divided

Guinea's junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, described what is happening in Tunisia as unacceptable and not normal.

"In the name of the people of Guinea, I am expressing our position, our vision on the situation in Tunisia, for us it is unacceptable and not normal in this 2023," Doumbouya said.

"We are pan-Africanists, and we stand by it. Africa is not a continent that can be divided," he added.

As the wave of migrants returning to their homelands continued, Guinean officials said and Doumbouya has promised to assist them resettle.

"I want to tell you that our brothers that are still there we would search for them. Finally you are at home there is no place like home," he said.

Edited by: Keith Walker
Money matters

Among the local community service organizations receiving, or projected to receive, federal COVID-19 relief funding to date from Champaign, Urbana and Champaign County, here are the top-funded 10 that have been chosen to receive multiple grants.

1. City of Champaign Township: Three grants from Champaign and Urbana totaling $4,860,787 for the new Strides homeless shelter.

2. Champaign County Housing Authority: Eight grants for various projects from Champaign, Urbana and the county totaling $3,010,000.*

3. Urbana Park District: Two grants from Urbana and the county totaling $2.5 million for the districts new health and wellness center.

4. First Followers: Four grants totaling from Champaign, Urbana and the county for various projects totaling $1,952,882.*

5. Carle Foundation Hospital: Two grants totaling $1,250,000, including Urbana grant for tiny homes project with Champaign County Health Care Consumers and Champaign grant for staffing Carle emergency room with social workers 24/7. (Health Care Consumers is additionally receiving $500,000 from Urbana for a separate project.)

6. DREAAM: Two grants totaling $932,000 from Champaign and the county. The city grant is for the Hope for the Future initiative focusing on proactive violence prevention strategies and the county grant is to help expand programming particularly in Rantoul and Urbana, with a focus on developing an early childhood development program focusing on Black boys ages 3-5.*

7. Champaign County Environmental Stewards: Two grants from Urbana and the county totaling $825,000 for the establishment of a household hazardous waste facility.

8. C-U at Home: Three grants from Champaign and the county totaling $734,360 for shelter service and staffing increase.

9. University YMCA/New American Welcome Center: Two grants for immigrant assistance initiatives from Urbana and the county totaling $700,000.

10. Cunningham Township: Two grants from Urbana and Champaign totaling $698,944 for street outreach vehicle and filling gaps in homeless services.

*-Totals assume second-year funding from the city of Champaign and projected 2023 funding from Champaign County are awarded in upcoming months.
Active monitoring of prostate cancer has the same high survival rates after 15 years as radiotherapy or surgery, reports the largest study of its kind today.

The latest findings from the ProtecT trial, led by the Universities of Oxford and Bristol, are presented today at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Milan and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The trial was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Although men on active monitoring  which involves regular tests to check on the cancer  were more likely to see it progress or spread than those receiving radiotherapy or surgery, this didn't reduce their likelihood of survival.

The trial also found that the negative impacts of radiotherapy and surgery on urinary and sexual function persist much longer than previously thought  for up to 12 years.

The findings show that treatment decisions following diagnosis for low and intermediate risk localized prostate cancer do not need to be rushed, according to lead investigator, Professor Freddie Hamdy from the University of Oxford.

It's clear that, unlike many other cancers, a diagnosis of prostate cancer should not be a cause for panic or rushed decision making. Patients and clinicians can and should take their time to weigh up the benefits and possible harms of different treatments in the knowledge that this will not adversely affect their survival." Professor Freddie Hamdy, University of Oxford

The trial was conducted in nine UK centers and is the longest running study of its kind. It is the first to fully evaluate three major treatment options: active monitoring, surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiotherapy with hormones for men with localised prostate cancer.

Between 1999 and 2009, 1,643 men aged 50-69 years across the UK, who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer after a PSA blood test, agreed to be randomized to active monitoring (545), radical prostatectomy (553) or radical radiotherapy (545). The research team followed the men over an average of 15 years, to measure mortality rates, cancer progression and spread, and the impact of treatments on quality of life.

They found that around 97% of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer survived 15 years after diagnosis, irrespective of which treatment they received. Around a quarter of the men on active monitoring had still not had any invasive treatment for their cancer after 15 years.

Patients from all three groups reported similar overall quality of life, in terms of their general mental and physical health. But the negative effects of surgery or radiotherapy on urinary, bowel and sexual function were found to persist much longer than previously thought.

In earlier findings released in 2016, the researchers found that, after ten years follow up, men whose cancer was being actively monitored were twice as likely to see it progress or metastasize than those in the other groups. The assumption had been that this might lead to a lower survival rate for men on active monitoring over a longer time period. However, the results from the 15-year follow-up show that this isn't the case and that survival rates remain similarly high across all groups.

Professor Freddie Hamdy said: "This is very good news. Most men with localized prostate cancer are likely to live for a long time, whether or not they receive invasive treatment and whether or not their disease has spread, so a quick decision for treatment is not necessary and could cause harm."

"It's also now clear that a small group of men with aggressive disease are unable to benefit from any of the current treatments, however early these are given. We need to both improve our ability to identify these cases and our ability to treat them."

Co-investigator, Professor Jenny Donovan, from the University of Bristol, said: "Patients and doctors now have the necessary information on the long-lasting side effects of treatments to better understand the trade-offs between their benefits and harms. Survival no longer needs to be considered when deciding on treatment  as that's the same for all three options. Now men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer can use their own values and priorities when making the difficult decisions about which treatment to choose."

The trial has also highlighted flaws in current methods to predict which prostate cancers are likely to grow quickly and spread. Initially, all those recruited to the trial were diagnosed with localized cancer and 77% of them were deemed low risk. A reassessment using more modern methods showed that a far greater number would now be considered intermediate-risk  and in around 30% of men, the disease had spread beyond the prostate already. This means that the participants in the study had higher grade and stage disease than was thought initially. Despite this finding, mortality was still low, even when men with intermediate disease delayed or did not have radical treatment. Some of the men who subsequently died of their prostate cancer had been assessed as low risk at diagnosis, which the researchers highlight as an issue of concern.

Professor Peter Albers, chair of the EAU's Scientific Congress Office and a urologist at Dusseldorf University, said: "The fact that the greater progression of disease seen under active monitoring didn't translate into higher mortality will be both surprising and encouraging to urologists and patients. Active monitoring and biopsy protocols today are much more advanced than at the time this trial was conducted, so it's possible we could improve on these outcomes still further. It's an important message for patients that delaying treatment is safe, especially as that means delaying side effects as well."

"But it's also clear that we still don't know enough about the biology of this disease to determine which cancers will be the most aggressive and more research on this is urgently needed."
Parents can now use a 'COVID calculator' to help weigh up the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations for their children.

University of Queensland virologist Associate Professor Kirsty Short said an update to the Immunisation Coalition COVID-19 Risk Calculator (CoRiCal) gives parents access to the latest information, and will help boost vaccination rates in children.

"The calculator was initially designed to help adults make an informed decision around vaccination based on their current circumstances and their risk of getting COVID-19 under different transmission scenarios," Dr Short said.

"This update allows parents to gather that same information and apply it to their children's circumstances."

Dr Short said one of the main challenges for parents and clinicians has been a lack of access to the latest evidence regarding vaccination risks versus benefits, or illness and deaths prevented, in children.

"There is a lot of misinformation online about COVID-19 and vaccinations, so this calculator plays a critical role by providing tailored, evidence-based information in a convenient way," Dr Short said.

Dr Tej Shukla, a current Infectious Diseases Registrar in Queensland, led the design of the updated CoRiCal and said its risk calculations are based on a framework that allows researchers to update information as new evidence becomes available.

"The calculator streamlines and summarises large amounts of information and stores it in one reliable place," Dr Shukla said.

CoRiCal team member, Associate Professor John Litt from Flinders University, said promoting COVID vaccination in children was more important than ever, with current approaches yielding concerningly low uptake.

"In particular we've observed a very low vaccine uptake in children aged 5 to 11, with only a 10 per cent increase in the last six months," Dr Litt said.

"Anxiety about potential adverse events, especially for relatively new COVID-19 vaccines, may lead to hesitancy to receive first or subsequent doses.

"It is therefore crucial decisions are informed by transparent risk-benefit analysis and effective risk communication, ensuring higher vaccine uptake in children  especially as we enter the winter months.

"We hope the CoRiCal tool for children will provide a stable and reliable stream of information, without the risk of being misinformed or misled."

CoRiCal is a collaboration between the Immunisation Coalition, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Sydney University and Flinders University.

Risk calculations are based on a modeling framework developed by Professor Colleen Lau and Dr Helen Mayfield from UQ's School of Public Health and Professor Kerrie Mengersen from QUT.
In a recent study published in PLOS ONE, researchers assessed the impact of irregular schooling during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the intelligence quotients (IQs) of students.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the related countermeasures have resulted in numerous temporary but extensive effects on global societal systems, including work, social life, education, and culture. Several institutions including schools were unprepared for a major shift and partial closure of their operations, resulting in a protracted period of improvised teaching along with school absenteeism worldwide.

Several potential repercussions of the disturbance in normal schooling have been studied and researched, such as learning loss, students' sentiments, and mental health as well as students' experiences and views toward online learning. However, the impact of the pandemic on students' intelligence is scarcely understood.

About the study

In the present study, researchers assessed the intelligence test scores of grades 7 to 9 secondary school students during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and student samples assessed in 2002.

Between August and September 2020, 424 pupils in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades answered the Berlin Structure-of-Intelligence Test (BIS-HB). In four German grammar schools in Rhineland-Palatine, these pupils attended either regular or special classes. The sample cohort had an average age of 13.34 years with 41.98% female students. In July 2021, 257 students with an assessed IQ score at the initial measurement point were retested.

The BIS-HB involves a paper-and-pencil intelligence exam developed to measure the intellectual structure of teenagers with above-average and superior abilities. The operation component consists of processing speed [S], creativity [C], memory [M], and reasoning [R]. The exam content comprises linguistic, numerical, and figurative skills. Each test item is associated with a certain mix of content and operation. From 2011 to 2013 (called the "2012 sample"), the BIS-HB was administered to 197 eighth-grade children from the same four schools as the students in the 2020 sample. In 2002, 1,506 pupils in grades 5 to 10 from schools in five German states were also assessed as part of the BIS-HB standards.

A comparison of the 2020 sample against the 2002 sample was performed in analysis 1a and a comparison of the 2020 sample to the 2012 sample as well as the 2002 samples was performed in analysis 1b.

Results

In Analysis 1a, the propensity score (PS) matching algorithm paired 104 students belonging to the 2002 sample with 104 students belonging to the 2020 sample. The proportions of class type, grade level, and gender in the matched samples were identical, and there were minimal differences in age and PS. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a large and statistically significant variation between the samples' BIS-HB values, with the matched 2002 sample performing significantly better. Analysis of the discriminant function revealed a significant function that distinguished the 2002 sample from the 2020 sample.

All intelligence scales, except for creativity, displayed large structural coefficients showing that the 2002 sample performed significantly better than the 2020 sample. There was essentially no correlation between creativity and the estimated function, hence creativity did not differentiate between the samples. Lastly, the ANOVA discovered a moderate difference in the g-factor between the samples, favoring the matched 2002 sample.

Almost 113 students belonging to the 2012 sample were matched with 113 students belonging to the 2020 sample by PS matching. Using a second PS matching technique, 110 pupils from the 2002 sample were matched with 110 pupils from the 2012 sample. A third PS matching technique then paired 110 pupils belonging to the 2012 sample that was selected by the second PS matching procedure with 11 pupils belonging to the 2020 sample. The examination of discriminant functions revealed two significant functions that distinguished 2002, 2012, and the 2020 samples.

All intelligence scales displayed significant structural coefficients in Function 1. This function differentiated the 2012 sample from the 2002 and the 2020 samples, demonstrating that the 2012 sample had higher IQ scores than the other two samples. On the other hand, function 2 showed that all intelligence scales except C and R exhibited significant structural coefficients. Function 2 mostly distinguished the 2002 sample from the 2020 sample, indicating that the 2002 sample had higher IQ scores.

All scores increased significantly from the tests to retests. The correlations between tests and retests were between r = 0.71 for memory to r = 0.87 for general intelligence. Furthermore, the median improvement in IQ was 6.86 points, varying between 3.56 for creativity and 11.93 for processing speed. For the 20202021 school year, there was neither a significant decline in intelligence test scores nor a significant increase that could be regarded as "catching up" to earlier cohorts.

Conclusion

The study findings imply that COVID-19-related issues may affect the cognitive capacities of children. Although intelligence plays a vital role in numerous facets of life, it would be crucial to examine further the disparities between pre-academic and current student samples in order to account for these variations in test norms and for potential disadvantages by delivering appropriate interventions.
The human intestine is an environment inhabited by many bacteria and other microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome, gut microbiota or intestinal flora. In most people, it contributes to wellness. A healthy gut indicates a stronger immune system, improved metabolism, and a healthy brain and heart, among other functions.

Escherichia coli is one of the bacteria found in practically everyone's gut microbiota, where it performs important functions, such as producing certain vitamins.

But there's a vast amount of genetic diversity in the species. Some of its members are pathogenic and can cause diseases such as urinary tract infections. E. coli is the main agent of this type of infection among both healthy people and hospitalized patients or users of healthcare services." Tania Gomes do Amaral, Head of the Experimental Enterobacterial Pathogenicity Laboratory (LEPE), Federal University of Sao Paulo's Medical School (EPM-UNIFESP), Brazil

Amaral is first author of an article published in the journal Pathogens on the virulence of these bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics in hospitalized patients.

"Our study focused on hospitalized patients because patients who stay in hospital for a long period are more likely to undergo various procedures, such as urine catheter insertion or venous access. Although these procedures are performed to assure life support, they may facilitate the entry of bacteria into the organism and cause an infection," Amaral explained.

She earned a PhD in microbiology from EPM-UNIFESP in 1988, conducting part of her research at New York University Medical School and the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) in the United States.

The article reports the findings of a broader study led by Amaral, with 12 co-authors who are researchers and graduate students, on the virulence and drug resistance of E. coli strains associated with urinary tract infections. The study was supported by FAPESP via three projects (18/17353-7, 19/21685-8 and 17/14821-7).

The main aim of this part of the study, described in the master's dissertation of Jose Francisco Santos Neto, was to evaluate the diversity and drug resistance of pathogenic E. coli strains isolated from the gut microbiota of inpatients, and to analyze the frequency of endogenous infection (caused by bacteria from the patient's own microbiota).

The UNIFESP group first investigated the genetic diversity and drug resistance of E. coli strains isolated from the gut microbiota of hospitalized patients, sequencing these strains as well as others isolated from their urine and comparing the results in order to evaluate dissemination of the bacteria in the hospital environment.

"We also compared the genomes of these strains with those of E. coli strains isolated in different parts of the world in order to see if any globally disseminated pathogenic bacteria were present in the study sample," said Ana Carolina de Mello Santos, a postdoctoral researcher working on the LEPE team.

Urinary tract infections proved to be endogenous for the vast majority of the patients in the study (more than 70%). The results also showed that the patients' gut microbiota contained at least two genetically different populations of E. coli and that about 30% were colonized by non-lactose-fermenting E. coli strains, which are less common, with some of the patients studied having only such strains in their gut microbiota.

"This finding is most interesting because previous research conducted in other countries to analyze the composition of human gut microbiota didn't investigate non-lactose-fermenting E. coli," Santos said.

The authors also note the presence of bacteria with all the genetic markers required for classification as pathogenic and the detection of pathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of all patients that had not yet developed an infection. "Hospitalized patients are more susceptible to infection because by definition they are already unwell. Colonization by pathogens is the first step in the spread of hospital-acquired infections now so frequent worldwide," Santos said.

With regard to antibiotics and other antimicrobials, the authors stress that drug resistance is also a growing global problem, and enterobacterial resistance to third-generation cephalosporins as well as colistin is critical. In all patients whose gut microbiota was colonized by drug-resistant bacteria, the same bacteria also caused endogenous urinary tract infections. In other words, the multidrug-resistant bacteria colonized the gut and traveled to the urinary tract, where they caused an infection.

"In light of these findings, early assessment of gut microbiota in hospitalized patients, at least in cases of E. coli infection, can facilitate and guide their treatment, while also identifying patients who risk progressing to extra-intestinal diseases such as urinary tract infections, which were part of the focus for our study," Amaral said. "We don't yet know whether the findings also apply to other bacteria found in gut microbiota, such as the genera Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and others that can cause infections when they travel to extra-intestinal sites."

These bacterial genera tend to be even more drug-resistant than E. coli, representing a major public health problem in the hospital environment. As the researchers noted, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers E. coli strains resistant to cephalosporin and colistin to be a critical global health threat. "The presence in human gut microbiota of drug-resistant bacteria associated with severe infectious disease is a matter of great concern, not least because they could spread to people outside the hospital environment," Amaral said.

Another point raised by the study is the importance of finding out when colonization of the patient's gut by drug-resistant virulent bacteria occurred. The authors of the article were unable to determine whether the bacteria resistant to cephalosporins and colistin colonized the patients before or after they were hospitalized.

By analyzing the genomes of the strains, however, the researchers were able to identify global risk clones that can cause severe disease and are associated with antimicrobial resistance. "One such clone found in the gut microbiota of two patients was identical to others isolated from urinary tract infections in Londrina, Parana [a state in South Brazil], and in the United States, as well as European and Asian countries. This shows that some strains found in the study are clones generally associated with infections in all regions of the world," Amaral said.

This type of information is important when patients are hospitalized. Knowledge of bacterial virulence and drug resistance can be used to prevent infection in parts of the organism outside the intestine and stop the bacteria from spreading to other patients in the same hospital.
A map of Ethiopia, showing the regional states of Tigray, Amhara and Afar.

As Ethiopian courts support a motion to cut short a United Nations-mandated inquiry into atrocities committed during the Tigray war, observers fear the move could widen the divide between African and Western nations.

Ethiopia's proposed motion has yet to be formally submitted to the 47-member rights council, which meets from Monday until April 4.

Though the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council has never ended a probe before its mandate, Addis Ababa has circulated a draft version of a resolution calling for the Tigray inquiry to stop some six months early. That would also block the publication of findings, as well as a final debate at the council.

Ethiopia has opposed the investigation from the outset, calling it politically motivated and trying to block funding. It now wants the UN Human Rights Council to terminate the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE).

"It would be a terrible precedent," a Western diplomat in Geneva told Reuters news agency.

Amnesty International's Suad Nur, who campaigns for human rights in the Horn of Africa, told DW "we believe that it will have serious consequences for the credibility of the Human Rights Council," adding that stopping the investigation would "deny justice for victims and survivors of gross human rights violations, including sexual violence from this highly atrocious conflict."

The Ethiopian government's two-year conflict with forces in the northern Tigray region ended last November with thousands dead and millions uprooted.

The war pitted the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) against federal troops, who were also backed by fighters from the nearby Amhara region and neighboring Eritrea. Both sides blamed each other for widely documented atrocities, including massacres, rape and detentions without trial.

Rights groups reject Ethiopia's move

A petition signed by about 60 civil society groups and human rights organizations said, "Ethiopia's attempts to terminate the council's mandate during its term are unprecedented."

The statement further says, "not only does it suggest that states can politically maneuver to overturn the decisions of the Human Rights Council to avoid independent scrutiny and accountability, but it could also set a dangerous precedent regarding international scrutiny and impunity for rights abuses elsewhere."

Ethiopian human rights activist Yared Hailemariam told DW that "the crimes being investigated are those that require an international court. When the most serious human rights violations are committed in any country, the violations will be investigated by independent experts and organizations."

Human Rights Watch (HRW), which collected the signatures from the organizations, said the independent mandate and work of ICHREE is crucial to preserve the opportunity for victims of grave international crimes, to have access to justice, particularly because of the eroding environment for independent media and human rights monitoring of conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia.

"The organizations are deeply concerned about the government's ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, including at the judicial level," HRW said.

DW contacted Ethiopia's embassy in Geneva for comment, but has not yet received a response.

African opposition to probe

Since three independent experts began work at the end of 2021, the inquiry has found "reasonable grounds to believe" that all parties in the conflict committed war crimes and other abuses of international human rights law and humanitarian law.

But political support has faded in recent months, most notably among some African states which opposed its renewal in October. The probe was extended for another year by a tiny margin.

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"We believe that it's highly unacceptable for the government to continue to obstruct justice and accountability for the gross human rights violations being committed in Ethiopia," said Amnesty's Suad Nur.

Diplomats said any vote on a possible Ethiopian motion would be tight and would pit Western countries -- as well as the European Union, which helped set up the investigation -- against African partners.

The West needs allies against China in the divided council and against Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

"It would be a big fight," said one of the diplomats who opposes early termination of the mandate.

The US ambassador to the council, Michele Taylor, confirmed that Ethiopia was considering an early halt to the mandate.

"We oppose the precedent that it would set. We do not think it is helpful for their current process and progress," Taylor said.

Edited by: Keith Walker
Scientists led by the Lieber Institute for Brain Development are studying how a mother's SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy affects the biology of the placenta and the corresponding trajectory of the child's brain development, including the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. The work is made possible by a $3 million, five-year grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The project announced today stems from a collaboration between the Lieber Institute for Brain Development on the Johns Hopkins medical campus in Baltimore, Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center at Inova Health System in Virginia.

The group aims for a clearer picture of how a mother's SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy affects neurodevelopment in utero, the effects of which may manifest early in a child's life. The researchers hope to understand how the infection interacts with other factors relevant to brain development, including genomic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, maternal stress and social determinants of health. The team will study whether the relationship between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and offspring brain development is mediated by changes in the biology of the placenta and the activation of the mother's immune system. They will also gauge any differences in the effects of SARS-CoV-2 between female and male children and in the offspring of vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers.

We know that what happens in the womb is crucial to the early stages of development, particularly of the brain, and we also know that viral infections contracted by pregnant women can place offspring at higher risk for disorders of brain development. We suspect that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in utero may affect the developing brain too, with potential outcomes manifesting later in life in a portion of those born over the course of the pandemic." Gianluca Ursini, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of the project and investigator at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development

The researchers hope to turn their findings into clinical interventions as quickly as possible, Dr. Ursini said.

"We expect that this study, made possible by the generous and visionary funding of the NIH, will benefit this vulnerable population in a timely manner, by informing preventive and therapeutic interventions and guidelines for SARS-CoV-2-exposed women and their infants," Dr. Ursini explained. "The results of this study could help us understand the mechanism through which other infectious and non-infectious exposures during pregnancy pose a threat to the developing brain."

Preliminary data show that pregnant people with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections are more likely to have a preterm delivery, abnormalities in the placenta, and prenatal and perinatal complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. All these complications have been found to increase a child's risk of neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.

The study will involve 500 pairs of mothers and babies from northern Virginia, half of whom had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and half of whom were asymptomatic, along with 400 healthy controls. Dr. Larry Maxwell, President of the Inova Women's Service Line, and Thomas Conrads, Director of Women's Health Research for the Inova Women's Service Line, will coordinate assembly and analysis of biological samples from patients prior to the pandemic as well as at different intervals during the pandemic.

Additionally, the team at Inova will use laser microdissection technology to collect specific cells from the placenta for protein analysis, as well as for use by investigators at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development for genomic testing and RNA sequencing. The genetic and proteomic data will be combined to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the placenta in infected mothers compared to uninfected pregnant women serving as controls.

Sarah Mulkey, M.D., a prenatal-neonatal neurologist at Children's National Hospital, will lead the neurodevelopmental evaluations of the infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy to understand any long-term neurological effects in offspring from mothers cared for at Inova. The researchers will evaluate the children's neurodevelopment at both 24 and 36 months of age. This work builds upon Dr. Mulkey's longitudinal neurodevelopmental evaluations in children exposed to Zika virus in utero.

"What we've learned is that even when babies don't have Zika-virus-related birth defects, we still find differences in early child development compared to children who weren't exposed to Zika virus," said Dr. Mulkey. "With SARS-CoV-2, there is still so much we don't know. But by better understanding the long-term impact of COVID exposure during pregnancy, we can ultimately find ways to prevent adverse outcomes."

The scientists aim to assess the factors that might mediate or moderate the relationship between a mother's infection and her child's neurodevelopmental outcomes. These factors include the components of a mother's immune system, changes in the placenta, gene and protein changes, and fetal sex. They will also consider the impact of social determinants of health, including the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play , that contribute to health risks and outcomes.

Notably, the study group from Inova Health System is racially and ethnically diverse and reflects the vulnerable populations highly impacted by the pandemic and health disparities. By identifying the mechanisms at work in neurodevelopmental complications from maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, scientists hope to discover how to limit or ameliorate any ill effects.

Dr. Ursini, the principal investigator for the project at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, has focused his research on investigating the role of the early life environment in affecting the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorder. His research has examined placental biology, its relationship to genomic risk for schizophrenia, and how early-life complications might interact with the genome to increase that risk.

"The placenta is a critical organ for research about early child development, though it is most often discarded after birth without investigation," said Dr. Daniel Weinberger, M.D., Director and CEO of the Lieber Institute for Brain Development and an investigator on this grant.

"The placenta is an organ of the fetus, not the mother," Dr. Weinberger noted. "It is a rich source of information about the genome and the fetal environment of a person at the time of their birth, with direct implications for the growth and health of the newborn. Throughout development, interactions with the environment make changes in the machinery that regulates the function of a person's genome. These interactions are thought to underly many developmental disorders such as schizophrenia."

NIH Program Director Dr. Sai Majji is supportive of this award that will address specific factors or mechanisms that are responsible for brain development following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, leading to identifying biomarkers that may allow prognostication for maternal health and the well-being of the offspring.
Not all probiotics are created equal. In a new study, researchers found that certain enzymes within a class known as bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) can restrict Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) colonization by both altering existing bile acids and by creating a new class of bile acids within the gut's microbial environment. The work could lead to "designer" probiotics that protect against disease by introducing specific BSHs to the gut after antibiotic treatment.

Selecting the right suite of BSH-producing bacteria is critical, because the study found that interactions between BSHs and bile acids differ depending upon the type of bacteria the BSHs come from.

Certain bacteria within the gut microbiota contain BSH enzymes, which chemically modify bile acids. Bile acids are made in the liver and play an important role in modulating cholesterol levels, regulating fat absorption, shaping the immune system, and affecting which bacteria can colonize the gut.

Although researchers had long suspected a connection between BSHs from beneficial bacteria, the bile acid pool, gut microbial composition and host health, until now relatively little was known about how BSHs function and their potential impacts on host health.

The old dogma  that BSHs are needed for gut colonization because they render toxic bile acids non-toxic  oversimplified what's actually happening." Casey Theriot, associate professor of infectious disease at North Carolina State University and co-corresponding author of the study

"The reality is that BSHs' interactions are context-dependent, meaning they're affected by the type of bacteria they come from," Theriot says. "And they don't just interact with bile acids produced by the host. BSHs in the microbiota can create and interact with a new class of bile acids called microbial conjugated bile acids (MCBAs)  bile acids that we didn't even know existed until recently."

In the new study, Theriot led a collaborative research team that included microbiologists, chemists, biochemists, and clinicians from NC State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of California, San Diego on a deep dive into BSHs.

Specifically, they looked at hundreds of BSHs from different Lactobacillaceae bacteria (which houses most probiotic strains) and then included BSHs from the gut microbiota (nearly 1,000 unique BSHs in total).

Matthew Redinbo, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in UNC-Chapel Hill's College of Arts and Sciences, and his departmental colleagues (led by then graduate student Morgan Walker) were instrumental in determining the structure of BSHs and how they "choose" to interact with bile acids, by either adding or taking away certain amino acids.

"We found the tiny molecular fingerprint that defined whether a BSH would 'turn left' or 'turn right' in terms of what they processed," Redinbo says. "Knowing that allowed Casey's team to steer the bile acid pool in whatever direction they wanted."

The researchers used a cocktail of Lactobacillus BSHs to figure out if they could change the bile acid pool enough to alter C. diff colonization in both human stool samples collected from patients susceptible to C. diff infection (CDI) and in a mouse model of CDI. In both human stool samples and mice, the researchers saw that pre-treatment with BSH cocktails impacted C. diff colonization. Interestingly, the researchers noted elevated levels of MCBAs in the gut microbiota of the BSH-treated mice.

To determine whether the MCBAs were also involved in inhibiting C. diff germination and growth, they tested the MCBAs against C. diff in vitro. In most cases, the presence of MCBAs inhibited multiple steps of the C. diff life cycle.

"This is more evidence that BSHs are driving changes in the bile acid pool  including making MCBAs  that could serve to inhibit C. diff," Theriot says. "We've uncovered a new function for BSH enzymes."

"This work highlights the importance of BSHs as key intestinal enzymes and promising new therapeutics," says Matt Foley, research scholar at NC State and co-first author of the study. "Using BSHs in combination with other strategies may offer a new approach to treat C. diff."

The researchers see the work as the first step toward potential probiotics that could be customized to protect against a variety of bacterial infections and intestinal diseases. But first, more work must be done to determine how and why the BSHs decide which MCBAs to produce and/or target.

"This is an important illustration of how deciphering the biochemical and genetic basis for probiotic functionality both leads to a better understanding of how we can combat gut disease with novel modalities, and also practically design and formulate next-generation commercial probiotics," says Rodolphe Barrangou, the Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor in Probiotics Research at NC State and co-corresponding author of the study.

The work appears in Nature Microbiology and was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, IFF Corporation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The MCBA detection work was done by Erin Baker, formerly of NC State and currently at UNC-Chapel Hill, Allison Stewart of NC State, and Emily Gentry and Pieter Dorrestein from UCSD.
Data integrity regulation compliance starts with any data-generating instruments and continues through lab systems.

Image Credit: Sartorius

Data integrity for labs

The present world of digital transformation, streamlining workflows, enhancing operational efficiencies, and eliminating paper demands connected workflows with fully integrated systems and equipment.

Preserving data integrity is a primary concern, especially as auditors increasingly require fully electronic data handling to increase security, adding to the digitalization trend.

A growing regulatory network impacts an expanding number of labs connecting to the highly regulated biotech, pharmaceutical, life science, and food industries, e.g. the fine chemical companies providing pharmaceutical and biotech product pipelines.

Non-compliance may cause product recalls, shutdowns, or delayed drug approvals, which is expensive and risks the organizations reputation. The task of continuing compliance centers on the requirement for improved data handling.

Data integrity measures that guarantee the correct recording and processing of data help to improve workflow automation, reducing errors typical of manual or hybrid data entry, such as data breaks and transcription errors.

These measures increase efficiency, reproducibility, and time and cost savings, affecting critical timelines, such as time to market and discovery time. Removing the need to repeat work due to inaccurate data or reporting allows organizations to remain competitive.

Protecting data integrity

Compliance with the FDA 21 Part 11 CFR guidelines, and the EU Annex 11 in Europe, necessitates all electronic instruments in the lab to have supporting features within either native OEM software or third-party bridging software.

Features that support compliance include access control with personalized user and role management, audit trails, data backup, electronic signatures, and safe data transfer options for electronic lab notebooks (ELN), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), or other system integrations.

Most violations of FDA 21 Part 11 CFR guidelines, highlighted by warning letters from the FDA, evolve from data integrity issues (79 percent). Most concern access and role management, improper data handling, missing or incomplete audit trails, or failure to adhere to procedures.

Personalized user accounts that restrict access to functions specific to the users role are essential to satisfy access control and user traceability guidelines. Frequent violation arises from utilizing a universal account, often with administrative permissions that enable users to manipulate or change data.

Maintaining comprehensive audit trails is crucial and necessitates backups of all data produced, irrespective of whether the data is correct. Full traceability demands documentation of every instrument-related event, including adding new users or altering operational settings.

Non-conformance to audits also occurs due to transcription errors when data is manually entered into LIMS and ELN.

Starting with a top-down systems perspective of operations helps to guarantee compliance is retained throughout the lab by recognizing gaps in data integrity measures and adopting a quality culture focused on compliance.

Concentrating mainly on specific software or instruments will likely lead to overlooking other critical systems or difficulties where systems interface.

The top-down attitude confirms start-to-end traceability by first recognizing all GxP-relevant processes in the lab, followed by sub-processes, then individual actions with standalone systems and instruments.

Although analytical equipment is usually top-of-mind when contemplating data integrity measures, a comprehensive assessment of processes generally identifies supporting lab equipment that needs to be included for full traceability.

For example, lab balances are critical to data accuracy but are often overlooked or only considered alongside the implementation of third-party software.

The value of instrument-based compliance support features

Some lab instruments have native compliance support, removing the middleware requirement, reducing operating costs, and simplifying qualification processes.

Incorporating data integrity features on an instrument, e.g. a lab balance, enhances data quality, removes the ability to falsify process data or signatures, facilitates control to the entire lab process, and decreases costs associated with rework.

When obtaining new electronic lab equipment, considering the current and future requirements of the lab during the digitalization process helps to inform purchasing decisions.

A compliance-ready instrument must have comprehensive audit trail features, technical control features, and effective and compliant connection to ELN, LIMS, and alternative IT systems.

FDA guidelines regarding data integrity demand that data is complete, consistent, and accurate, and advise adhering to the ALCOA framework: attributable, legible, contemporaneously recorded, original or a true copy, and accurate.

Instruments may be evaluated entirely utilizing the 21 CFR Part 11 compliance checklist below.

What does compliance support look like on an instrument?

The design aspects needed for onboard compliance support can be demonstrated by utilizing the Sartorius Cubis II lab balance. Designed with the ALCOA framework in mind, the Cubis II with the QApp pharma package includes all technical control features necessary for following the CFR Part 21 and Part 11 guidelines.

A complete explanation of these features and how they allow compliance support follows.

Guaranteeing that data is attributable necessitates the inclusion of metadata, such as balance ID, user ID, date and time, sample and batch information, software version, etc.

This depends on complete user management and access control, which the Cubis II offers via local and centralized single sign-on user management options. Password and login security measures can be set in line with company policies.

Final weighing reports, including the relevant metadata, may be printed or electronically exported with electronic signatures attached, which are associated with secure username and password combinations. Complete traceability is accomplished with audit trails and advanced reporting.

Audit trails comprise complete, time-stamped, tamper-protected data files that include all events relating to record creation, modification, and deletion. The Cubis II is designed to produce this data in filterable, exportable reports that are simple to read and understand.

In addition, the Cubis II keeps separate, immutable records of the most recent 150,000 datapoints in weighing data raw (Alibi) memory. Data must be recorded at the time of generation with accurate timestamps that are traceable to UTC.

The Cubis II proposes automatic time synchronization with network time protocol to guarantee accuracy in metadata. Origin, content, and meaning are maintained through file metadata and preserved utilizing a calculated MD5 checksum for each file by the Cubis II.

This enables other IT systems, such as LIMS, to confirm the trustworthiness and authenticity of data files. Ensuring data is complete and accurate also demands correct documentation of all errors and corrections.

The Cubis II permits users to identify incorrect datasets and add any clarifying comments. Invalid datasets are displayed clearly with crossed-out text accompanied by the correct dataset. Complete compliance involves long-term data storage systems and additional procedural controls in the lab.

Data backup and archives are essential for protecting data in the short and long term. Cubis II backups can be automatically scheduled, including audit trails, log files, printouts, configuration data, and Alibi memory. IT may easily carry out archival in a compliant way, as records are readable without system-specific software.

Image Credit: Sartorius

Safe data transfer is vital for confirming unbroken data integrity across systems. The Cubis II enables secure data transfer via numerous options, such as SMB (Windows file server protocol), FTPS (secure file transfer protocol), or external hard drive connection.

It integrates easily with existing IT infrastructure, securely connecting to LIMS, ELN, and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) servers. Complete compliance also relies heavily on human behavior.

The Cubis II also aids compliance with safety features such as the safe weighing settings and QApps (quality assurance project plans), offering clear user guidance. This involves tolerances, limits, and best practices for reliable weighing results.

Data integrity guideline compliance entails accurate recording, archival, and data sharing. As digitalization changes, lab operations and regulations develop and grow, it is increasingly critical for labs to employ solutions that meet current and future operational needs.

Implementing measures to safeguard data integrity supports organizations in meeting regulatory requirements and improving workflow efficiency and reducing costs.

Download the full application note

About Sartorius

Sartorius is a leading international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. With our innovative products and services, we are helping our customers across the entire globe to implement their complex and quality-critical biomanufacturing and laboratory processes reliably and economically.

The Group companies are united under the roof of Sartorius AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and holds the majority stake in Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange, this subgroup is comprised mainly of the Bioprocess Solutions Division.

Innovative technologies enable medical progress

A growing number of medications are biopharmaceuticals. These are produced using living cells in complex, lengthy and expensive procedures. The Bioprocess Solutions Division provides the essential products and technologies to accomplish this.

In fact, Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products that are currently used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Making lab life easier

Lab work is complex and demanding: Despite repetitive analytical routines, lab staff must perform each step in a highly concentrated and careful way for accurate results.

The Lab Products and Services Division helps lab personnel excel because its products, such as laboratory balances, pipettes and lab consumables, minimize human error, simplify workflows and reduce physical workloads

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
A 2021 online symposium hosted by H.E.L Group invited four specialist flow chemistry professionals to discuss the subject in-depth. This article will look at the speakers pain points of working in flow chemistry.

Image Credit: H.E.L Group

The online/offline analysis argument explored

The first problem highlighted by Dr. Russel Taylor (EPSRC Fellow and lecturer in synthetic inorganic chemistry at Durham University) and Durham University Ph.D. student Samuel Raynes is analyzing online gas phase.

The main challenge with online analysis is that all substances being analyzed must be kept in the gas phase. This is especially important when working with GC-MS-BID. Achieving certain temperatures in research can be challenging.

Taking propane dehydrogenation and methane aromatization as an example, the high temperatures needed for online analysis (600 oC and 800 oC, respectively) can cause issues with keeping all products in the appropriate phase during analysis.

Both speakers agreed that online analysis is preferred when comparing online and offline analysis. It is beneficial where studies require parameters to be changed mid-experiment, such as step increases in temperature.

The main advantage of online analysis is that results can be investigated in real-time, whereas offline analysis cannot adequately account for everything in real time. For instance, researchers may need to ask themselves if there is a risk of contamination in the sampling procedure or if there was loss of sample.

Online analysis has the benefit of knowing that everything that comes out of the reactor goes directly into the GC. However, the detection method must be set up correctly, and online analysis cannot be used for helium or neon due to their inertness.

Parallel reactors reduce screening challenges

Taylor and Raynes also recognized that it is typical to use batch catalysis screening techniques. Employing this approach allows multiple catalysts and reactors to run simultaneously on the same system.

Flow processes usually adopt single reactor experiments which investigate catalysts one at a time to provide differentiation. The ideal flow process would involve more than one flow reactor, especially for high-volume screening. Using parallel reactors can help significantly reduce the time needed for analyses.

Parallel flow catalysis brings with it its own set of engineering challenges. A main challenge is the need to extend the time needed for testing for data quality reasons. Fewer data points are created when multiple flow reactors run through one analysis system.

Dr. Taylor highlighted that this requires compromise when using a single or limited analysis system. Experiments either yield many data points for one catalyst or fewer data points per catalyst in a parallel screening mode. The experimental needs drive researches to choose the most suitable approach.

The problem of particle size

Questions were put to chemist Lee Edwards, GSK Associate Fellow and investigator. Edwards felt that the key problem his work faced was the catalysts themselves.

Pharmaceutical companies need to buy in catalysts with very specific particle sizes for their flow applications, usually between 50 to 400 microns.

Finding a sufficient quantity of catalysts within this range is a main challenge. GSK invest heavily in sourcing specific catalysts from several catalyst suppliers and working with academics to generate new ones. In a bid to combat this, GSK has formed an informal cooperative with other pharma companies to improve their buying power and petition the catalyst suppliers for improved supply.

Edwards is hopeful that a collective approach will improve supply across the pharma industry as a whole.

Dr. Joshua Barham, Sofja Kovalevskaja Group Leader at the University of Regensburg, agreed with Edwards about the importance of particle size.

The issue of flow catalysis techniques, especially to achieve online characterization of events in a heterogenous suspended flow, is critical.

Dr. Barham noted that the Max Planck Institutes have characterized particle size distribution in photocatalysts they have supplied to his group. However, there are further challenges.

When handling the catalysts in flow, they can conglomerate, leading to significant pressure drops that need to be mitigated. To immobilize the catalyst would mean that light could not penetrate, which is a significant issue for a batch heterogeneous reaction using a photocatalytic system.

Improving the problem of gas/liquid solubility

Dr. Barham spoke about several gas/liquid solubility issues. Specifically, challenges arise with maximizing the amount of oxygen in solution when working with organic solvents.

Issues exist in balancing gas/liquid flow rates, pressure drops, and reactions that evolve gas, or where there is not enough gas in solution  especially at the smaller scale where Dr. Barhams team operates.

Increasing pressure, slowing down feed rates, and other factors could help resolve these issues, but these can create an additional problem. Higher flow rates to increase productivity and mass transfer would mean losing out on residence time, which is an important element in photochemistry.

In summary

Flow chemistry is providing both academia and industry with innovative solutions, but several key challenges and pain points still exist. To hear more about current developments in flow chemistry, watch the full webinar recording of the H.E.L Flow Chemistry Mini-Symposium 2021.

About H.E.L Group

H.E.L develops and manufactures innovative scientific instruments and software designed to optimize the efficiency, safety and productivity of key processes in chemistry and biology applications.

The H.E.L team of 70 includes highly skilled process and software engineers, based at their extensive research and manufacturing facilities in the UK, as well as sales and support offices around the world.

H.E.L has a long history of solving complex challenges for customers. Since 1987, the Company has worked with businesses and laboratories globally, providing proprietary automated solutions for the pharma, biotechnology, chemical, battery and petrochemical sectors.

We continue to extend the reach of our products and service to support and enable R&D and process optimization further across Europe, the US, China and India.

H.E.L is accredited with ISO 9001 : 2015

Our mission

To help create a Healthier, Sustainable, Safer world for everyone.

Our vision

We equip scientists with the right tools and knowledge to develop safe, efficient new processes and molecules that benefit the world and its population.

Our values

Insightful through experience.With over 30 years of in-house expertise and experience, we know how to overcome a challenge

Collaborative by design. Dedicated to listening, learning and working closely with industry experts, we empower others to fulfill potential

Tenacious in spirit. Always looking for new and innovative solutions, we dont stand still, instead focused on reaching the next success

Proud of progress. Fueled by our ability to make a real difference, while celebrating the achievements of others

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Lilongwe  The Ministers of Health and Ministers of Water and Sanitation, as well as their senior technical experts from 12 African Union Member States, attended the High-Level Emergency Ministerial meeting on Cholera Epidemics and Climate-Related Public Health Emergencies in Lilongwe, Malawi from 9th - 10th March 2023. The Ministers agreed on joint collaborative measures to combat the spread of cholera and ensure country preparedness and readiness for climate-change-related health emergencies.

Welcoming the delegates and officially opening the meeting, Vice President of Malawi, Rt Hon Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, said that "it is widely said that "Diseases and Public Health Emergencies know no borders. Our convergence on Lilongwe today attests to the realization that we can only triumph if we work together as partners beyond our borders."

On the first day of the high-level Ministerial meeting, the technical experts from the 12 countries met and shared their experiences and various response efforts implemented to mitigate and control the spread of cholera. Additionally, key thematic areas discussed included strengthening cross-border collaborations, putting communities at the centre of preparedness and response plan, accelerating local manufacturing and access to cholera vaccines, and political commitments backed by adequate funding.

"This is the time to tighten our coordination, collaboration and communication; and renew the continental and global commitments in disease control and elimination, including Cholera," Dr Merawi Aragaw, Africa CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Head of Division.

The high-level meeting culminated with a communique where Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe endorsed key measures to tackle the cholera outbreak and climate-related health challenges. These include the establishment of the Africa Elimination of Cholera Epidemics Coordination Task Force (AECECT), scaling-up cholera prevention and control through robust community engagement, strengthened surveillance and cholera vaccine availability through local production; enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across countries through policies, access to safe drinking water and targeted social behavior change interventions; Addressing underlying drivers of outbreaks - climate change, conflict and beyond by reviewing national climate adaptation plans to have robust multisectoral plans on climate-sensitive health issues using One Health Approach, increasing investment on research and analysis on climate change impact on health, enforcement of environment management protocol and laws as well as incorporating economic indicators in social factors.

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The importance of cross-border collaboration and timely information sharing in disease prevention and control was highly emphasized, and delegates concurred on developing a joint multi-country cross-border preparedness and response plan for harmonized and timely interventions as part of the key actions moving forward.

"We will continue to support all our Member States to strengthen their public health systems, enhance surveillance and diagnostic capabilities and facilitate the procurement of essential medical supplies. We have also been promoting scientific research and innovation to help develop and deploy effective diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines," said Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Acting Director of the Africa CDC, reiterating the critical role and mandate of Africa CDC in promoting partnership and collaboration among Member States to address emerging and endemic diseases and public health emergencies.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low near 10F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low near 10F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low around 10F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low around 10F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain will begin the process for the issuance of the new e-Passports on March 20, as part of the Kingdoms digital transformation.

This was announced by Interior Ministrys Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa at a press conference.

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs will first issue the e-Passport to those whose passports have expired and those that are nearing the expiry date, he said.

Sheikh Hisham said that the issuance of the e-Passport reflects the Kingdoms interest in digital transformation, explaining that the new design contains modern security technologies that are used for the first time.

He said that the passport contains an electronic chip that raises Bahrain's global ranking and helps to obtain various visas around the world more easily.

Colin Howell, representative of HID, said that the data page contains seven protected layers that constitute the highest security standards ever.

There are important symbols in Bahrains heritage represented by horses and falcons, and from the sea the beautiful fisker fish, in addition to the stars, the most important of which is the star of Suhail. All these details have been embodied in the design of the passport, he said.

The new design combines the past with the present, as the pages of the passport contain paintings of distinctive urban buildings. The rich history of Bahrain has been merged with the modern, with consideration of many historical and cultural stations. A tale of beauty, civilisation and originality.
Tunisia severed ties with Syria during the Arab Spring to protest the Assad government's brutal crackdown against the opposition. President Kais Saied has now vowed to reverse this move.

Tunisian President Kais Saied said on Friday that he plans to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, more than a decade after Tunisia broke off relations with Bashar al-Assad's government over its repression of political opponents.

"Nothing can justify the absence of a Tunisian ambassador in Damascus and an ambassador from Syria in Tunis," Saied said during a discussion with Tunisia's Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar that was broadcast on Friday night.

Saied previously mentioned his desire to "reinforce Tunisia's diplomatic representation" in Syria in February.

A change in direction

Tunisia has long been hailed as one of the few success stories of the Arab Spring after protesters overthrew authoritarian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and ushered in democratic elections.

The country subsequently expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 to protest Assad's brutal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations that emerged from the Arab Spring. This crackdown descended into the ongoing civil war.

In 2017, Tunisia reopened a limited diplomatic mission in Syria to track more than 3,000 Tunisian militants fighting in Syria.

Saied, who took power in 2019, said on Friday that the "question of the regime in Syria concerns only the Syrians."

In recent months, thousands of Tunisians have held several large protests against a power grab by Saied that was later enshrined in a new constitution. Opposition parties, civil society groups and trade unions say they fear a return to authoritarianism.

(Reuters, AFP)
Passengers can take advantage of new tools to make the experience smoother

No matter the weather, Pearson's storm protocols keep you moving

TORONTO, March 10, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), operator of Toronto Pearson, held a media day to provide travel tips for passengers ahead of March Break.

March Break has always been one of the busiest times at Pearson, and this year the GTAA expects up to 125,000 passengers per day during the peak travel weekend, starting today. This represents approximately 85% of pre-pandemic volume seen during March Break 2019.

Pearson has been collaborating with its partners to support their operations, including working with airlines since August of last year to ensure they balance their activity with their resources during the traditionally busy travel period.

For passengers, Pearson and its airport partners have introduced a number of tools to make travel easier.

These include:

YYZ Express , an online reservation program, allows travellers to book a spot in the security line ahead of their flight, up to 72 hours in advance. This will help speed up security wait times for passengers.

an online reservation program, allows travellers to book a spot in the security line ahead of their flight, up to 72 hours in advance. This will help speed up security wait times for passengers. Mobile Passport Control , an app introduced by United States Customs and Border Protection, allows travellers to digitally submit their customs form for a smoother departures experience from Pearson if they're travelling to the US.

, an app introduced by United States Customs and Border Protection, allows travellers to digitally submit their customs form for a smoother departures experience from Pearson if they're travelling to the US. Pearson's live wait times dashboard provides travellers with real-time information ahead of arriving at the airport.

provides travellers with real-time information ahead of arriving at the airport. Pearson's peak travel times dashboard gives passengers a look at historical data to help them understand if they'll be passing through the airport during a busy period.

dashboard gives passengers a look at historical data to help them understand if they'll be passing through the airport during a busy period. Advance Declaration continues to be offered by Canada Border Services Agency, which lets travellers submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada , giving them a faster border experience and saving them time at Pearson. And new at Pearson, passengers who complete Advance Declaration will have access to an Express Lane in the customs area, further saving them time.

Passengers can brush up on what to do to make the security screening experience smoother by checking out travel tips from CATSA. There are specific tips for families, seniors, passengers with special needs and more.

To keep the kids entertained, Pearson will be offering activities in both terminals, including appearances by Lester the Toronto Pearson mascot, who will be handing out lip balms, colouring books, crayons and more. Ron the magician will also be on-hand to entertain families while they wait for their flights.

Travellers should also be mindful that this is the time of year when winter weather can impact travel. Potential weather disruptions in the form of snow are expected today. While every partner in the Pearson ecosystem works diligently to mitigate the effects of weather events, it's important to know that snow, ice and extreme cold weather can impact flights.

Pearson has robust protocols in place to limit the negative impact of winter weather on flight operations. These include:

Our Central Deicing Facility (CDF) is capable of deicing 500 aircraft in a single day as quickly and safely as possible.

State-of-the-art snow removal equipment keeps the runways clear so aircraft can land and take off safely. If snow is in the forecast, we make sure extra staff are scheduled and equipment is in position so we're ready to roll as soon as the snow falls.

We strongly encourage all passengers to check their flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport.

About the Greater Toronto Airports

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto  Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods. Toronto Pearson has been named "Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers" for five years in a row by Airports Council International (ACI), the global trade representative of the world's airports. In recognition of its Healthy Airport program, ACI has also awarded Toronto Pearson the "Best hygiene measures in North America" award for three years running, and Toronto Pearson was the first Canadian airport to receive ACI's global health accreditation for its response to COVID-19.

For more information, please visit Toronto Pearson on Twitter (English and French), Facebook or Instagram.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority

For further information: GTAA Media Office, [email protected], (416) 776-3709
Woman-owned business Auberge La Merveilleuse receives $83,750 in financial assistance from CED to adapt its products and services to today's context and position itself for the future.

TADOUSSAC, QC, March 10, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Honourable Pascale StOnge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, today announced a nonrepayable contribution of $83,750 for the Auberge La Merveilleuse. This CED support will enable the business to develop its tourism offering through a project to renovate its buildings. The inn wishes to improve its outdoor studio and build a new insulated studio in an annex to its main building in order to extend its services yearround and welcome visitors in the winter.

Founded in 1985, the Auberge La Merveilleuse specializes in tourism accommodations. Led for over 10 years now by daring, dynamic entrepreneur Charlotte Pozzi, the inn is constantly improving its offering with functional rooms that are regularly renovated, including two new highend units with a seaside theme, and by opening the lower level of one of its buildings to reservations as half a house.

Women such as Charlotte Pozzi play an instrumental role in the country's economic development. Following International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, the Government of Canada wishes to showcase their leadership and knowhow, which are essential in building a Canadian economy that is stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.

Quotes

"Our government has set itself the mission to support the growth of Canadian businesses and the economic diversification of communities, which cannot be done without the key contribution of our women entrepreneurs. Assisting women from Quebec who choose the path of entrepreneurship leads to inclusive growth in our regional economies, paving the way for a prosperous future. SMEs such as the Auberge La Merveilleuse are key drivers in our economy and our communities. I am delighted with CED's support for this project by this thriving business. Its success will contribute to the economic vitality of Tadoussac and the greater CoteNord region. Congratulations!"

The Honourable Pascale StOnge, Member of Parliament for BromeMissisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED

"The life of a woman entrepreneur is full of challenges, and this has been particularly true in recent years. CED's support has enabled me to transform these challenges into opportunities. Beyond the crucial financial assistance, I have been able to use these challenges to develop the confidence needed to stay on course, because I firmly believe in Tadoussac's potential in the winter! I proudly submitted my application on March 8, 2022, a year ago. I am all the more proud to see the project wrapping up one year later, on International Women's Day 2023."

Charlotte Pozzi, Owner, Auberge La Merveilleuse

Quick facts

The funds have been granted under the Tourism Relief Fund, created specifically to help businesses and organizations in the tourism sector offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back international travellers.

CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

Associated links

Stay connected

Follow CED on social media

Consult CED's news

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Ariane Joazard-Belizaire, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]
Following high-end investigations, the Texas Board of Nursing, United States, has announced that it has charged no fewer than 75 nurses to court over issues bordering around falsification of certificates.

On the list posted on the website of the board, 43 of the names were identified as nurses of Nigerian origin.





Back in February 18 Nigerian nurses in the US were charged with certificate forgery.





The US authorities had said that list would be updated continuously as the board received additional information about the fraudulent diploma/transcript scheme.





Checks by our source revealed that the list had grown longer with the number of Nigerian rising from the previous 18 to 43.





The investigations tagged, Operation Nightingale, was described as a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action involving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and was launched on January 25, 2023, to arrest individuals engaged in a scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts.

Commenting on the matter, the board said, The board has filed formal charges against the following nurses for fraudulently obtaining educational credentials. The board is authorised to file formal charges against a nurse if probable cause exists that the nurse has committed an act listed in Tex. Occ. Code 301.452(b) or that violates other laws. See Tex. Occ. Code 301.458. Further, formal charges are publicly available. See Tex. Occ. Code 301.466(b).





Please note that formal charges are not a final disciplinary action, and a nurse is permitted to work, as a nurse, while formal charges are pending.





The Texas Board of Nursing had charged the health workers at the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, saying the nurses allegedly participated in a wire fraud scheme that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses.





According to the charge documents, the scheme fraudulently sells nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to individuals seeking licences and jobs as registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses.





A special agent in charge of the investigations, Omar Aybar, said the alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honourable profession of nursing.





The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Fl; Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, Fl; Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County.




President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election for a third 5-year term as President and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Peoples Republic of China.





This was contained in a statement by Buharis spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja.





According to Buhari, under the leadership of President Xi, relations between Nigeria and China, which dates back to 1971 when both nations formally established diplomatic ties, have expanded rapidly on strategic cooperation and bilateral trade.





The Nigerian leader, therefore, expressed the hope that the future outlook of the strategic partnership with China would continue to blossom in bounds and leaps in the areas of military, trade, political, oil and gas and finance relations.





Buhari also expressed the belief that such a partnership would include cooperation in the telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure development, and manufacturing sectors.





The President wished the government and people of China continued peace, progress, and prosperity under the able and trusted leadership of President Xi.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has finally directed commercial banks to dispense old currency notes and to also receive same as deposits from customers.





This was disclosed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who is a former CBN Governor.





It can be recalled that some commercial banks had commenced payment of the old naira notes despite the absence of any directive by the CBN.





The Anambra Governor said tellers at the commercial banks are to generate the codes for deposits and there is no limit to the number of times an individual or company can make deposits.





Soludo said the CBN Governor gave the directive at a Bankers Committee meeting held on Sunday, 12th March, 2023.





The Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele, personally confirmed the above to me during a phone conversation on Sunday night. Residents of Anambra are therefore advised to freely accept and transact their businesses with the old currency notes (N200; N500; and N1,000) as well as the new notes, Soludo added.





He called on residents to report any bank that refuses to accept deposits of the old notes. Anambra State Government will not only report such a bank to the CBN, but will also immediately shut down the defaulting branch.









Checks by NigerianEye with the CBN to independently confirm the claim proved abortive as the spokesman, Isa Abdulmumin, could not be reached.









Sources at the Apex bank told our reporter that there have been several virtual meetings between Emefiele and the bank chiefs leading up to Sunday evening and there are strong indication that the news is true.





The CBN has at the time of this story has not debunked the claim of Governor Soludo.
Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the ninth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) decided to put several important documents to the vote at a plenary meeting Monday.

The decision was made at the presidium's ninth meeting Sunday afternoon, presided over by Zhao Leji, the presidium's executive chairman.

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, and on the implementation of the central and local budgets in 2022 and the budgets for 2023.

Draft resolutions on the work reports of the 13th NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate will also be put to the vote.

Before the presidium meeting, executive chairpersons held their seventh meeting, also chaired by Zhao.

The first session of the 14th NPC will conclude Monday.

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the ninth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 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 seventh meeting of the executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned farmers in Abuja and the adjoining North Central States who have experienced some rainfall in the last two weeks to desist from planting crops as the rainy season hasn't commenced in these areas.

The Director General of NiMet Prof. Mansur Matazu told our correspondent that the rains that we have witnessed in Abuja and the environs are just a false onset and don't represent the commencement of the rainy season.

"What happened in Abuja is a false onset as it was predicted in our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) which we categorized as pre-onset activities. However, extreme southern coastal states like Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa, and a few other states have already reached their onset which we predicted was starting from March 3," Prof. Matazu said.

"But for Abuja, it is pre-onset activities that are temporary. Farmers should use the opportunity to do land clearing and pre-raining activities. The onset for FCT is predicted to be from late April to early May depending in the local council" he stated.

Meanwhile, as the rainy season commences in parts of the country, especially in the coastal states NiMet has warned pilots and the general public to be wary of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events.

"NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.". It reads" Statement signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the GM/ Public Relations, NiMet said.




Former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has refuted claims that hes back in the All Progressives Congress, APC.





The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain on Monday responded to an enquiry by newsmen.





Its complicated. I am supporting candidates not parties, Dogara replied.





Dogara was at the weekend seen with the APC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar.





The 63-year-old retired Air Marshal was Nigerias Chief of Air Staff from July 2015 to January 2021.





Dogara is being courted by politicians because he played a major role in the PDPs defeat of the APC in the 2015 gubernatorial poll.





He commands large followership, which helped a protege in the APC, Jafaru Gambo Leko, emerge victorious at the February 25 national assembly election.





The young politician won the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency seat, which Dogara occupied from 2007 to 2019.





They procured thugs to attack us and stole BVAS from some polling units, but regardless, a protege of the one they wanted to forcibly retire will succeed him.





We took a righteous stance based on justice, fairness and accommodation for all regardless of tribe/creed and the God of justice showed up, Dogara tweeted after Lekos victory.





The former lawmaker defected to the PDP last year in protest of the Bola Tinubu-Kashim Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC.





Others who opposed it were ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Senator Elisha Abbo, among others.
The Ogun State Police Command has rescued a journalist, Seun Oduneye, from some kidnappers after engaging them in a gun battle for almost 45 minutes.





Oduneye, the publisher of Issues Magazine, was reportedly kidnapped by the gunmen at Mobalufon in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday.





The journalist was returning to Ijebu-Ode from Abeokuta when the kidnappers struck and attacked his Toyota Camry car at about 7:50 pm.





The abductors were said to have called his wife on phone the following morning to demand a ransom of N30 million before the husband could be freed.





Abimbola Oyeyemi, the police spokesman, confirmed on Monday morning that the Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, had directed the DPO of Obalende division, SP Murphy Salami, to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.





According to Oyeyemi, the team had embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation that led them to Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.





Oyeyemi said the hoodlums engaged the operatives in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.





The kidnappers later abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot injuries.





He appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals and traditional healers, to inform the police if anybody with a gunshot injury is seen in their area.




A social activist, Reno Omokri said the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had no path to victory because he lacked national spread.

Omokri said the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, who was aware of that fact, used his trusted business partners to deceive Obi into joining the presidential race.

According to him, the president-elect did that to reduce the votes of the Peoples Democratic Party, which came second in the election.

Omokri spoke further that Tinubu displayed mastery in understanding the mentality of the Obidients, who he said lacked the humility to see that they were being played.

In places like Kaduna, Omokri maintained that the APC is using the same strategy, saying the party is funding the Labour Party gubernatorial campaign, knowing that Southern Kaduna people will emotionally vote Labour and divide PDPs votes.

Peter Obi had no path to victory. He lacked national spread. Tinubu knew that. But he used his trusted business partner, who likes to dance publicly with him, to deceive Obi into contesting, knowing that that was the only way to reduce PDPs numbers.

And more importantly, Tinubu displayed mastery in understanding the mentality of the average Obidient. He knew they lacked the humility to see that they were being played!

And it is not yet over. In places like Kaduna, the APC is using the same strategy. They cannot win on their own. So, they are funding the Labour gubernatorial campaign, knowing that Southern Kaduna people will emotionally vote Labour and divide PDPs votes, Omokri said on his social media handles.
The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi on Monday rubbished claims that he helped the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, win the just-concluded presidential election.

Obi said he contested the presidential election to win and not to help Tinubus emergence.

He was reacting to a remark by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, that God raised him to make Tinubu president.

Keyamo said Obi was a means to an end for Tinubus emergence.

However, the LP presidential candidate dismissed Keyamos claims.

Appearing on Arise Televisions Morning Show, Obi said: I did not contest the election to help anybody to win; to win is to win the people.

Democracy is the government for the people, and if you have not won the people it means you have not won, and this is what we are challenging because the declared winner did not win.

I have never and will not ask anybody to rig an election for me.




The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Sunday disclosed that over 170,000 polling unit results of the Feb. 25 presidential and National Assembly elections have been uploaded on its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).





Okoye also revealed that the reconfiguration of the Bimodal Voter Registration Systems (BVAS) would be completed by Tuesday, March 14, in preparation for the March 18 governorship and state Assembly elections.





He stated this while featuring on Channels Televisions Sunday Politics.





According to him, no political party will be given permission to look into the brain of the BVAS used for voter accreditation and electronic transmission of votes.





Okoye said, As of the last time, over 170,000 of those results have been uploaded.





In fact, the BVAS will not allow itself to be reconfigured or reset if the entire data isnt pushed to the accreditation backend.





I am sure that by Tuesday when we hope to complete the resettling of the BVAS for the purposes of the governorship and state assembly elections, the results in all the places where elections were conducted wouldve been pushed to the accreditation backend.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has debunked allegations of a fresh plot against the president-elect, Bola Tinubu.

There have been rumours that a N500 million budget was mobilised through top CBN agents in Lagos State.





He was said to be plotting with a billionaire retired general from the north and allegedly provided funds to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos state, to enable him defeat Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent, in Saturdays election.





The money was said to be Ogas own contribution to the takeover-Lagos-from-Tinubus-influence.





However, in a statement on Monday signed by CBNs Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isa Abdulmumin, Emefiele denied that money was given to the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a story alleging that the Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has launched a fresh plot against President-elect. The aforementioned story went further to allege that the Governor has made certain amount of money available to a political aspirant ahead of March 18, 2023 gubernatorial poll, Abdulmumin said.

We wish to inform members of the public that this story is completely false and malicious as the Governor does not know and has never met or even spoken with Mr Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour either in person or through proxy, the statement read in part.

It added, We wish to reiterate that the CBN Governor does not take part in politics and called for evidence to prove otherwise.
State governments, which sued the Federal Government on the naira redesign policy, have given the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, till Tuesday to comply with the order of the Supreme Court on the currency.





The state governments threatened to file contempt charges against the two top officials on Tuesday should they fail to obey the apex court which ordered that the old N1,000, N500 and N200 should be in circulation alongside the new notes till December 31, 2023.





Over one week after the court handed down the order, the AGF and the CBN have kept mum over the verdict. Their silence has emboldened Nigerians and businesses to reject the old notes as legal tender.





The Federal Government had been served with the enrolled order and Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment ordering the use of old notes as legal tender for 10 months.





The counsel for Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, which dragged the Federal Government before the Supreme Court on the matter, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), disclosed that Malami was served with the enrolled order and the CTC of the judgment on Friday afternoon, adding that he expected immediate compliance with the judgment as the non-service of the documents had given the government and the CBN an escape route.





Mustapha said, The Attorney-General of the Federation has been served now and we will take it up from there; if there is no compliance now, we will commence committal proceedings against the attorney-general and the CBN governor.





But giving an update on the move to enforce compliance with the order of the apex court on Sunday, the Zamfara State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Junaidu Aminu, revealed that since the Federal Government had refused to implement the judgment, the plaintiffs in the suit would approach the court again to ensure compliance with the courts order.





Aminu told newsmen that the states would file contempt charges against the Federal Government on Tuesday.





He said, We have just served the Attorney General of the Federation with the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order of the Supreme Court last Friday. We are waiting for them to respect the courts decision on the naira notes and comply with the decision. If they fail to comply on Monday, we are filing our case on Tuesday.





The AG insisted that Emefiele must address Nigerians on the naira notes issued on or before Monday (today), noting that that is what Nigerians are waiting for.





If he fails to do so, we will go back to court again to sue him and the Federal Government on contempt charges, he warned.





The Zamfara State justice commissioner explained that it was the duty of the AGF to direct the CBN governor to implement the courts verdict on the naira notes.





Aminu further said, The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is the one who should direct the CBN to comply with the Supreme Courts verdict and allow the old naira notes to remain legal tender until December 31.





Explaining why the CBN governor was not a party in the matter, he stated, The matter is between some states and the Federal Government. The CBN governor is an ordinary civil servant who receives directives from the Federal Government.





Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, said the state would align with other states on whatever legal steps would make the Federal Government comply with the Supreme Court judgment on the naira redesign and cash swap policy.





Apata said, Definitely, we are all in the same boat and what is important to us is to ensure compliance with the court order. So, whatever we will do legally that will make the parties comply, we will align with it.





Whatever that is going to be legally possible for us to achieve the aims and objectives of our going to court, we will align with other states.





In the same vein, the Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, said the state would join other states to sue the FG.





Yes. You are aware we were part of the parties that took the Federal Government to Court. The state parties are together, he said.





Also, the Kogi State Government affirmed that machinery had been set in motion to compel the CBN to comply with the judicial directive.





The state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, in a telephone chat with our correspondent explained that the plaintiffs in the suit including Kogi State had already commenced work on enforcing the judgment.





Commenting on the continued silence of the Federal Government on the order, the Rivers State Government said it was disturbing.





The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chris Finebone noted that it was important the FG made pronouncements on the Supreme Court order rather than keeping mum in the face of the suffering being experienced by the citizens.





The way to go is clear. The Supreme Court has ruled that the old notes should remain valid as legal tender.





So, I think what the Federal Government should have done is to come out to say yes, we have heard from the Supreme Court and we will give it everything to support the use of those old currencies until such a time as specified by the court judgment.





On his part, the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Charles Titiloye, told newsmen that together with other states, Ondo State would take steps to ensure compliance.

He, however, declared that the state would not hesitate to deal with people rejecting the old naira notes.





Currently, Titiloye disclosed that the government had been appealing and sensitising the people to the order of the Supreme Court on the matter.





He said, We have taken a lot of steps: Last week, we visited banks informing them that no bank should reject the old notes. They must collect and they must disburse and we discovered that almost all of them complied.





The AGF could not be reached for comment on his alleged refusal to obey the court order. Several calls to him and his media aide, Umar Gwandu, rang out.





Also, the CBN spokesman, Abdul Isa, was unreachable as calls to his line on Sunday indicated that it was switched off.





He had yet to respond to a text message on the failure of the apex bank to comply with the Supreme Court order as of the time of filing this report.





Meanwhile, human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has disclosed his intention to sue the CBN over its failure to disclose the number of new notes issued to commercial banks.





The senior lawyer had in line with the Freedom of Information Act written to the apex bank asking for the amount of new naira notes issued to commercial banks.





A letter from Falana Chambers signed by Femi Adedeji dated February 16, 2023, demanded that the CBN should provide details of how the new notes were disbursed to commercial banks.





Before this, the CBN had maintained that it printed sufficient new N200, N500 and N1,000 notes to go around, blaming politicians for hoarding the new notes.





In a Freedom of Information Act letter sent to the bank, Falana said, Our attention has been drawn to your statement wherein you claimed that some unnamed politicians have mopped up the new naira notes made available to all commercial banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria.





We are compelled to request you to furnish us with information concerning the amount of the redesigned notes of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations made available to each commercial bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria.





Furthermore, we also request you to furnish us with the list of customers of the commercial banks who collected more than N100,000 approved by you from the commercial banks.





However, speaking with one of our correspondents on Sunday, Falana noted that despite the FOI Act, which mandates the bank to provide the details within seven days, the apex bank had yet to furnish him with the requested information.









He said, We reached out to them and we were told that they are still working on it. But I can assure you that they dont have any information to give us. If they truly have any information, they would have written a reply.





They had seven days in line with the FOI act. We will be suing them if they fail to furnish us with the necessary information. The court will have to compel them to do so.





People are suffering because of this naira policy. It is highly unfortunate and the truth is that the printing and minting company cannot print enough new naira notes that will be compared to the number of old naira notes that the CBN took away from circulation. That is the truth. They do not have that capacity. So why should they let people continue to suffer?
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has declared that he is not going to run for the presidency again.

Wike while addressing party supporters during the governorship election campaign rally, said power will shift to the North after eight years in the South.

Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election but his closest challengers have gone to court to seek redress.

Wike said the reason he fought for power to return to the South was not to become President, insisting that it was not about him but a matter of principle.

Its not everyone that started a revolution that will benefit from it. I did it. I fought it and it doesnt matter. Whether I become President or not is immaterial.

What is material is that power has come to the South. It must not be me. It must not be me. Its a matter of principle.

If it finishes from the South, it goes to the North. I wont run again. Because the South will finish in eight years and it goes to the North. Because its that principle of [power rotation] that brings peace. Its what brings unity.

Wike had fought against the national body of his party the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for fielding a northern candidate and ensured the party did not win the presidential election in Rivers State.




The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported killing of residents at Ungwan Wakili community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.





Obi, in a statement on Sunday said high casualties were recorded in the attack.





The former Anambra governor said some of the cardinal principles of his pact with Nigerians is to protect and fight insecurity to the barest minimum.





Obi said he is always saddened by reports of violence, terror attacks in any part of Nigeria.





I am shocked by the reports of terror attack on Ungwan Wakili community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State with high casualties. I condemn the act in its entirety, he said.





The LP candidate said the security of Nigeria and Nigerians must form the top priority of any serious government in power.





In building a new Nigeria, where Nigerians can feel safe and free, Obi charged security agents to live up to their duties.





He urged security agents to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to book, praying God grant eternal rest to victims of the attacks and console their bereaved families.
A group of protesters on Monday staged a demonstration in the federal capital territory (FCT), warning Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP), against intimidating the judiciary.

The group known as The Natives said both candidates should allow the courts to address their grievances without intimidating them.

Speaking with reporters, Smart Edwards, leader of the group, said Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the election because he was better prepared.

Edwards said it is time for the PDP candidate to retire from politics.

The Obidients should understand that Asiwaju is a political juggernaut and election strategist. They were all part of the plan because the candidature of Peter Obi was an asset to the APC, he said.

The Obidients made Tinubus victory easy, they all made it possible. Ordinarily, it should have been Obi or Tinubu. Tinubu was not in the best position to steal the election but he planned well and worked vigorously for victory.

We also have a message for the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Your Excellency, it is your time to test the court and not to intimidate the court. It is your time to retreat and retire or reset and re-contest again if your party is not tired of you.

Your inability to be consistent in a party like Bola Ahmed Tinubu shows it is all about you alone. No sir, the Supreme court is not about you, the Appeal court is not about you, and even the Tribunal is not about you, it is about rule of law.

So, today we are putting the nation on notice that no one will be allowed to intimidate the Nigerian judiciary any longer, we will not entertain it. These judges and the judiciary are the most crucial party of the hope that democracy holds.

We want to say categorically that Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC won the election. The Lagos state he lost should have been a taboo but the Democrat in him publicly accepted the outcome without calling for anybodys head.




President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks to his Botswana counterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi at Munhumutapa Offices in Harare

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi is flirting with a proposal to allow nationals of the two countries to use national identity cards (IDs) to enter either jurisdiction.

Currently, citizens from both countries require valid passports for cross-border travel.

According to media reports emerging from Botswana at the weekend, Masisi told democrats attending the Boteti West constituency celebrations that he was expecting to pitch the idea to President Emmerson Mnangagwa when they meet soon.

"President Mokgweetsi Masisi has just revealed that in a few months' time, he will be meeting his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa on a visit where he will make sure they discuss the use of identity cards for border crossing among the two countries," wrote The Parrot newspaper.

Last month, Masisi and Namibian President, Hage Geingob signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to permit citizens of the two republics to use IDs to cross borders.

According to the Botswana leader, a former army general, the same bilateral initiatives will be rolled out with other neighbouring countries that share borders with his country.

Most Zimbabweans migrate to Botswana as economic refugees seeking employment while others visit specifically for shopping.

On the other hand, Batswana citizens mostly cross into Zimbabwe to seek tertiary education, or as religious tourists.

Botswana and Zimbabwe have a shared history, culture, and family ties that predated the two countries' diplomatic relations, which were established in 1983.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has reacted to the ethnic strife brewing in some states, especially Lagos, following the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections and the upcoming governorship and state assembly polls.

There have been anger and disagreement in Lagos since Obi defeated the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the state.

Peter Obis Labour Party and his Obidient movement are also working towards unseating the incumbent Governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the March 18 governorship election and for this reason, there appears to be a clash of interest between the Igbo and Yoruba in the state.

Just last week, properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed following a fire incident alleged to have been orchestrated by suspected political thugs in a market predominantly occupied by Igbo.

Obi recalled that past presidents, such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and MKO Abiola, all recorded their highest votes in the SouthEast during their respective elections, insisting that politicians are trying to pit the Yoruba against the Igbo.

The Obidients leader said that the ethnic strife is the handiwork of politicians who are bent on creating trouble where there is none, adding that those who voted for him in Nasarawa, Lagos, Plateau, Abuja and other states where he claimed victory were people from all across the country and not just Igbos.

People are just trying to hide in what does not exist to cause confusion. Theres no such thing. The vote I got in Lagos State cut across everybody in Lagos. Call it Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas, Ijaws and all the tribes that are resident in Lagos.

So I can tell you that I know people who are purely Yoruba that supported me 24 hours. And it shouldnt be. In 2003, Obasanjo got over 90% of the vote in the South East despite the fact that our own leader, Ojukwu was contesting.

Then nobody shouted at anybody or stopped doing business with anybody. Obasanjo failed in Yoruba land but we gave him more votes even when our own revered leader was contesting. Nobody quarrelled over it.

There are still Yoruba people who live in the East. In Onitsha, two prominent people that Im dealing with are from the South West. They are there, and nobody harasses them. They have the right to vote for whomever they want. In 2011, we voted for Jonathan. He got more votes in the South East than the South-South.

When Abiola contested for president, he got more votes in the South East than the South West even when his Vice Presidential candidate was a Muslim Northerner. When Tofa had a respected Igboman as a Vice president, Abiola won. When election was annulled, Igbo people lost more in NADECO.

So when people bring up issues that are nonexistent. So who are the people that voted for me in Abuja? Nobody got 25% in Abuja. I got 95%. Were the Igbos that voted for me in Plateau? Were they the ones that voted for me in Nasarawa? Are there 300,000 Igbos in Kaduna? Im appealing to people[to stop all these things].

Today, we have a Pakistani as the Mayor of London and an Indian as Prime Minister. And theyre doing far better than were doing in this place that is not even working; were still trying to divide ourselves.

It is this rascality, this structure that were trying to remove. It brings hatred and must be removed so that the system can work. Theyre shouting that Peter campaigned on religion but they are the ones doing it. Ive never told anyone to vote for me based on religion.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has sent a message to Nigerians on the state of the country.

The former governor of Anambra State polled 6,101,533 votes to take third place in the 25 February presidential election, and has appealed to Nigerians on the need to recalibrate their Basic Values of Acceptable to Society, dubbed BVAS.

As the reconfiguration of BVAS has become our watchword today, I humbly appeal to Nigerians that its time to Reconfigure our own BVAS  BASIC VALUES ACCEPTABLE TO SOCIETY.  Have a nice Sunday and may God Almighty bless Nigeria, he posted on his Twitter handle.

Peter Obi rejected the presidential elections outcome, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerging as the winner.

Dissatisfied with the results, Peter Obi is trying to reclaim his victory through the judiciary. To this end, he hired 15 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to pursue his case at the Presidential Election Court of Appeal Tribunal.

Earlier, the court granted the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reconfigure its Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, BVAS, ahead of the 18 March governorship and state House of Assembly elections, a situation which did not go down well with Peter Obi.
A spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar has chided Rivers State Governor Nysesom Wike for abandoning his official duty on Monday morning to drink alcohol.

Wike who spoke at an event in Emohua Local Government Area last week said he was drinking alcohol while watching Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party national chairman, Iyorchai Ayu, and other party members on a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

I called some of my friends and opened the 40-year-old whisky as they were protesting, Wike told the gathering.

In a statement on Sunday, Phrank Shaibu advised Wike to stay off alcohol which he said had affected his voice and demeanour.

Shaibu recalled that on March 6, Atiku, party members, and supporters demonstrated against the stealing of the mandate of the Nigerian people.

The protest occurred around 11:30 am. Governor Wike says he was drinking whiskey during the protest at 11:30 am on a Monday.

This reveals the sort of man he is  a dipsomaniac who abandons his official duties on Monday morning to binge on whiskey, he stated.

Noting that it was unfortunate that Wike steers the wheel of governance in Rivers with such a habit, Shaibu insisted the governors vituperations and wailings had nothing to do with ensuring that the South produces the next president.

Wike, according to him, is a sore loser who had gone on to deceive other members of his G5 who are now battling for political survival. 

Shaibu said Wike has been wailing because he lost the PDP ticket in a fair contest and deceived four other governors to join his futile campaign.

The aide further mocked the three G5 governors who failed woefully at their senatorial elections, despite being in office for years.

Shaibu added that the re-election of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde is hanging by a thread after his misadventure cost the PDP to lose all three senatorial elections.

The statement observed the Rivers helmsman has not held a meeting with his colleagues having dumped them since their defeat.

It hailed Nigerians that have signed a petition demanding that the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union impose a visa ban on Wike.
The son of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, Bashir, has suggested that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is saving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Bashir disclosed that Wike could be the anointed messiah that would revive PDPs lost glory.

Wike has been at loggerheads with the PDP leadership since he lost the partys presidential ticket.

Following his defeat at the PDP primaries, Wike had refused to support the partys flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike and his G-5 governors also demanded the resignation of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

The governors said Ayu should resign and allow a southerner to take over the partys leadership.

They noted that the North cant produce PDPs presidential candidate and national chairman.

Due to the fallout, Wike had distanced himself from Atiku during the just-concluded presidential election.

However, Bashir tweeted: Wike could turn out to be the anointed messiah that will revive the PDPs lost glory.

He stood by his principles & for the sake of the health of our democracy, the opposition should be robust. I truly wish him & his team of patriots well.
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The leading candidates for the presidential elections are Peter Obi of the Labour Party Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.

What was accurate in the pre-election polls was that the polls predicted a three-horse race.

In the weeks leading up to the 25 February presidential election, most polls predicted that Labour Party candidate Peter Obi would win the election and become Nigeria's next president.

But as votes were sorted and collated by INEC after the elections, nervous supporters and pollsters began to experience a sense of deja vu. More ballots were ticking toward Bola Tinubu, now president-elect, than the polls had projected.

No fewer than nine polls projected Mr Obi to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in May. Only three of the public opinion surveys indicated the ruling party candidate Mr Tinubu would win the election.

However, Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, was declared the winner of the election after he scored 8,794,726 votes. Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 6,984,520 votes while LP's Mr Obi came third with 6,101,533 votes.

Messrs Atiku and Obi, however, dispute the outcome of the election and have commenced a legal challenge against it.

Although the true picture of pre-election polling's performance is more nuanced than depicted, analysts said Mr Tinubu's strength was not fully accounted for in many, if not most, polls.

What was accurate in the pre-election surveys was that the polls predicted a three-horse race. That did not change as each of the three major candidates won in 12 states of the federation.

The Polls that got it wrong

In the third and final poll commissioned by ANAP Foundation and released on 15 February, NOI Polls said Mr Obi was leading with 21 per cent of voters willing to vote for him; 13 per cent said they were voting for Mr Tinubu while 10 per cent of them went with Atiku.

However, a total of 53 per cent of the respondents were either undecided or refused to answer. This led to several people criticising the foundation and its research methodology but the organisation said the methodology used by NOIPolls was almost the "exact same" methodology that was used in previous presidential polls in 2011, 2015 and 2019.

"In all those past presidential polls, the front-runner that was identified by our Polls ended up winning the elections, irrespective of a rather large percentage of voters who were undecided and/or refused to indicate who their preferred candidate was," ANAP said.

The foundation published two polls last September and December showing the Labour Party candidate as the most favourable candidate while acknowledging that undecided voters could tilt the outcome.

The outcome of the 2023 election, thus, shows that the 2023 polls were the first to be wrongly predicted by ANAP/NOIPolls.

Another poll conducted by SBM Intelligence for Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria projected Mr Obi would win 15 states and cross the 25 per cent threshold in 25 states overall. According to the poll, Atiku would take 11 states and get a 25 per cent share of the votes in 27 states, while Mr Tinubu would win in nine states and get 25 per in 20 states overall. The poll did not project a winner for Imo State. It said it was "not confident enough to call the election for any candidates."

However, the forecast was in error as the three leading candidates all won 12 states during the presidential elections. On the other hand, Mr Tinubu is the only candidate that scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 29 states. Atiku got 25 per cent in 21 states while Mr Obi gained 25 per cent in 16 states.

The SBM Intelligence survey polled 11,534 Nigerians and concluded that "Nigerians will need a second round to decide their next President definitively."

Eventually, the election was decided on a first ballot. To be returned president in Nigeria's presidential election, a candidate must win the popular vote and score at least 25 per cent in 24 states and Abuja.

Before the SBM survey, the Labour Party candidate was identified as the "preferred president" by almost 53 per cent of participants in Kwakol's 1,008-person survey that was released on 13 February. Messrs Tinubu and Atiku both tallied less than 20 per cent.

Then, a survey conducted for Bloomberg News by San Francisco-based Premise Data Corp said Mr Obi was the preferred candidate to become Mr Buhari's successor with 66 per cent of respondents voting in favour of the LP candidate. Earlier in September, Premise Data published a poll where Mr Obi was the first choice of 72 per cent of participants. Messrs Tinubu and Atiku lagged far behind in the Premise poll.

In the same vein, a 2,000-person survey published by Nextier showed that Mr Obi had the brightest chances with 40.37 per cent. PDP's Atiku got 26.7 per cent, closely followed by Mr Tinubu at 20.47 per cent.

A survey by Political Africa Initiative (POLAF) and BusinessDay found something entirely different and projected PDP would win the presidential poll.

"Atiku secured 38 per cent to emerge as the preferred candidate, followed by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who got 29 per cent, while Obi secured 27 per cent to take the third position. Rabiu Kwakwanso of the New Nigerian People's Party (NNPP) is a distant fourth with only 5 per cent of the total votes," the poll predicted.

None of the aforesaid polls was bang on the nail as shown by the result of the election.

The surveys that got it right

A survey by Stears predicted victory for Mr Obi in the event that a large number of Nigerian voters turned up to vote. The poll projected Mr Tinubu to emerge victorious in a low voter turnout scenario. The voter turnout in the election was below 30 per cent, the lowest ever in Nigeria's history, and the result seemingly validated the Stears poll.

In the final results of the election, Mr Tinubu scored 37 per cent; Atiku 29 per cent; Mr Obi 25 per cent and NNPP's Mr Kwankwaso got 6 per cent.

Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research in its report on the election predicted Mr Tinubu to win but did not also rule out the "rising" possibility of a run-off.

Fitch said while the election had traditionally been between the APC and the PDP, the vote would be a three-horse race for the first time since Nigeria's 1999 return to democracy due to the popularity of Mr Obi, "especially among Nigeria's urban and affluent voters."

Mr Obi's campaign generated momentum that many people did not expect. But the ruling party and the main opposition, the PDP, had always dismissed his popularity saying he could not triumph on 25 February. They said Mr Obi's supporters were only on social media and that his appeal was too thinly spread across the country's states to give him victory.

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After the election, Atiku maintained that Mr Obi could not have gotten the constitutionally required spread needed to be declared president.

Mr Obi won 12 states in the contest (five states in the South-east; three in the South-south; two in the North-central; one in the South-west, and the FCT). He also secured 25 per cent in only 16 states.

"Yes, I agreed that he (Peter Obi) took our votes from the South-east and the South-south and that of course would not make him a president. You all know that to win the presidential election in Nigeria, you need votes from everywhere," Atiku said at a press conference after the elections.

Finally, Dataphyte Research conducted a "state by state ground-truthing stats," which involved "analysing past voting patterns, voter turnouts, voter choice homogeneity, the religious homogeneity index, and so on" and "found the current scenario to be similar to that in the 2015 elections."

The media firm projected that Mr "Tinubu would win the popular votes and would be the only candidate to satisfy the spread criteria of a minimum of 25 per cent votes in two-thirds of the 36 states and FCT.

The organisation said there would be no need for a run-off election. That poll got it right.
A woman who suffers from long COVID in her home in Massachusetts. The emergence of long COVID coincides with an increase in women with disabilities. Brian Snyder/Reuters
Compared with Tennessee Williams best-known works, Night of the Iguana is an entirely different animal. The clashes between characters like Brick and Maggie, or Stanley and Blanche, have a knife-fight-in-a-phone-booth intensity, but in Iguana, the characters wrestle more with their own demons than with each other.

Night of the Iguana, Williams last big Broadway hit, is presented this month as part of the upcoming Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival, running concurrently with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Le Petit Theatre. Iguana is a little more introspective and self-reflective than the scheming and backstabbing of plays like Cat and A Streetcar Named Desire but the play still delivers Williams signature fabulously flawed characters in search of some kind of salvation.

Staged by the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans at Loyolas Lower Depths Theater, Night of the Iguana is a hot, sultry affair set at the rundown Costa Verde Hotel in the Mexican rainforest.

The shabby bungalow hotel is owned by recent widow Maxine Faulk, whose passions are roused by the arrival of an old acquaintance, defrocked reverend T. Lawrence Shannon, ousted from the church after accusations of fornication and heresy. Shannon is leading a tour group of women from a Texas Bible college, and has provoked the womens ire after bedding a 16-year-old girl traveling with the group.

Also at the hotel is painter Hannah Jelkes, a Nantucket spinster traveling with her elderly grandfather, a minor poet working to complete his final poem. The pair are destitute, depending on the kindness of strangers for accommodations.

As Maxine, Lauren Wells is blowzy and brassy, a commanding stage presence who embodies the characters lust and loneliness. Jake Wynne-Wilson plays the disgraced reverend on the verge of breakdown, running his lines loud and fast at the plays outset, eventually settling into the poetic depression and self-loathing of Williams script. Justice Hues gives the character Hannah a soft touch, though at times too soft, often delivering lines with a lilting upspeak that undermines the painters inner strength and resilience.
Kigali, Rwanda  10/03/2023 - The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) hosted its lead partners at a meeting on the sidelines of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, from 05 March to 08 March 2023. The meeting took place on 09 and 10 March 2023. It brought together the PAVM's secretariat with representatives from partner organizations, including, amongst others, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AfriExport-Importport Bank (Afreximbank), the Africa Vaccine Manufacturers Initiative (AVMI) and members of the Academia. The meeting was dedicated to identifying objectives and deliverables for the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing in 2023.

The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) was established by the African Union (AU), under the Africa CDC, in 2021 to deliver a bold goal: enable the African vaccine manufacturing industry to develop, produce, and supply over 60 percent of the total vaccine doses required on the continent by 2040, up from less than 1 percent. Achieving the PAVM vision--which will mean developing the manufacturing capacity to produce at least 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually by 2040--will be a massive undertaking. The need is clear: while the supply of routine vaccines has been stable, the supply of outbreak vaccines remains uneven and unreliable, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Safeguarding Africa's health can only be achieved through our ability to manufacture the health products we need on the continent. The new public health order outlines it well in its Pillar 3: Expanded Manufacturing of Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics to democratize access to life-saving medicines and equipment," said Dr Ahmed Ogwell, Acting Director of Africa CDC. "The ability for PAVM to achieve its bold goal will require all the partners in the room to invest in all aspects of local manufacturing required for an increased supply of locally manufactured health products. This will include access to financing, market shaping and design, technology transfers, talent development, etc."

PAVM is cementing an ecosystem of action-oriented partners to achieve the African Union's vision of 60% locally produced vaccines by 2040. The lead partners reviewed PAVM's eight bold programs outlined in the PAVM Framework for Action, prioritized a set of practical actions and defined a collaboration framework that enables implementation effectiveness and quick results in support of African vaccine manufacturing. To increase the bankability of projects, co-lead partners of the Access to Finance bold program, AfDB and Afreximbank, agreed to collaborate with PAVM to explore the readiness of existing project preparation facilities on the continent to finance early project preparation activities.

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The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from partners to strengthen the collaboration and coordination of efforts for an improved vaccine ecosystem in Africa.

########

About Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous Public Health agency of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.Abi

For more information, visit https://africacdc.org/

About AUDA - NEPAD

At the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government in Nouakchott, Mauritania, June 2018, a decision was taken to transform the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency into the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD). The establishment of AUDA-NEPAD is part of the global reforms geared at improving the Union's impact and operational efficiency.
Lara Nicholson writes for The Advocate as a Report for America Corps Member. Email her at lnicholson@theadvocate.com or follow her on Twitter @LaraNicholson_.

To learn more about Report for America and to support our journalism, please click here.
Rex parades through New Orleans on Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
LSU students Dora Rasulova, left, of Uzbekistan, and Violeta Kovalemko, right, of Ukraine, carry the flag of Ukraine as they march with others on the steps of the State Capitol during a demonstation to show support for Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Jake Muriillo, an American from New Orleans, is just behind them, at center. ORG XMIT: BAT2203011100140815
Richard Gallot Sr. sits in his barber's chair at his barber shop in Grambling, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. Grambling State University students, Grambling city business people and citizens often visited to discuss business, politics, the latest community news or to get something notarized. Gallot, 87, who was Grambling's mayor from 1981-1985, recently died after an extended illness.
In Niger, many young children are suffering the effects of malnutrition.

Lagos State accounts for about 2,000 children with stunted growth as a result of malnutrition, Mrs Ada Ezeogu, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Nutrition Specialist said.

Consequently, Ezeogu said that it was imperative to ensure that the numbers did not continue to increase because stunting has dire consequences on physical growth and cognitive development.

Ezeogu, who spoke at a Media Advocacy Meeting organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos, in collaboration with UNICEF, explained that stunting and wasting were health conditions as a result of malnutrition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day programme attended by no fewer than 50 media practitioners was held in Patron Hotel, Lekki, Sangotedo, with a thrust on COVAX and RI (Routine Immunisation) Uptake in Lagos State.

She said: "Stunting affects not just physical growth but cognitive development. And stunting, once the effect of stunting has set in, it is irreversible and cannot be changed.

"That means, when a child is stunted, you can't change that. That child is compromised in terms of height, physical development and cognitive development.

"So, you will not get the best from that child and that child will not achieve the full potential in life.

"Also, there are implications for the onset of adult non-communicable diseases like diabetes, and a tendency for a stunted or malnourished child to have it later in life," she said.

The specialist said that stunting had implications that went beyond childhood even unto adulthood which was why it should be prevented as much as possible.

"Once there is malnutrition, the child easily falls ill and the immune system is also compromised, and because of that, health cost increases because the child is taken more often to hospital and will be treated.

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"Also, that child may also not be as good as one who is fully nourished in school and by implication, result in repetition of class. All these have an economic impact in the economy and in the school system," she said.

Ezeogu also said that the percentage of wasting in Lagos was higher than the global target of less than five per cent, stating that Lagos had a 6.4 per cent, translating into about 200,000 children in numbers.

"Immediately a child is screened and found to be severely malnourished, the child should be referred to a health centre.

"Fortunately, Lagos is already doing something with the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

"They are using the ready-to-use therapeutic food and if there are underlying conditions, they will be treated.

"We encourage mothers to take these children immediately to health facilities for attention because for wasting, if these children are not treated on time, we may lose them," the specialist said. (NAN)
analysis

When he was presented to a cheering crowd at St Peter's Square, Vatican City, on 13 March 2013, few people outside Latin America knew much about Jorge Bergoglio.

But a decade later, based on my work as a scholar of Catholicism, I would argue that most Catholics know and love Pope Francis. They also see a deep connection between his message and priorities, and their dreams and hopes for a better church and a world that is reconciled.

When Pope Francis was introduced in 2013, I was working as an African expert on global Catholicism for Canada Television. I went blank when the new pope was presented to the world on live TV because I had no biographical information on him. So, I ran off the list of what we African Catholics wanted from the new pope.

This included a decentralised and decolonised Catholicism, with more powers given to local church leaders to address local challenges using their own cultural and spiritual resources. There was also the urgent need to give African Catholics more places at the decision-making table in the world church.

Before Pope Francis, many of these challenges were either ignored, spiritualised or papered over through moral platitudes. Pope Francis has taken them on. He is the first post-colonial pope to challenge the system within the church and society that exploits the poor and vulnerable.

Pope Francis' papacy is anchored on what he calls a "revolution of tenderness". This reflects two central themes: the courage to dream and the culture of encounter.

These two themes have resonated with African Catholics. They awaken a sense of hope that by collectively tapping into Africa's human, material and spiritual resources, it's possible to address the continent's social, economic and political challenges.

The courage to dream

The word "dream" is a constant in Pope Francis' vocabulary. It is the title of one of his recent books, Let us Dream: The Path to a Better Future. In it, he invites people to work together as one human family and break the chains of domination driven by nationalism, economic protectionism and discrimination.

He described his recent trip to Africa as a dream come true. It gave him the opportunity to share a message of hope and peace with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Read more: Pope Francis' visit to Africa comes at a defining moment for the Catholic church

When he stood alone at St Peter's Square in March 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis asked humanity "to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength", and embrace the courage to dream again.

Reflecting on the question Jesus asked his disciples in the Bible, "Why are you afraid?". He encouraged humanity not to lose hope because of the fear and despair surrounding the loss of lives from the virus.

The culture of encounter

In his speech to the UN General Assembly in 2015, Pope Francis invited the world to embrace a culture of encounter.

This, he said, would lead to a "revolution of tenderness" and the globalisation of love and solidarity.

I have argued in my research that the "culture of encounter" is his way of capturing the communal ethics of ubuntu, which encompasses African values of community, participation, inclusion and solidarity.

Under this theme, Pope Francis is challenging people to envision a world freed from violence and war; of a common humanity dwelling in peace in a healthy climate; and of economies that work for all, especially the poor.

Read more: Francis is the first Jesuit pope - here's how that has shaped his 10-year papacy

In his letter to bishops, Fratelli Tutti (no.195), Pope Francis says the culture of encounter can shatter socially and historically designed narrow structures, systems and institutional practices. The dream of a better world, he says, can be realised if people learn to love rather than hate.

Pope Francis challenges all global citizens to contribute to mending the interconnections that have been ruptured among peoples, nations, cultures, churches and religions. These ruptures, he says, are the result of long years of exclusionary practices, unjust economic and global systems and false ideologies of identity.

Realising the dream

In his apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia, Pope Francis writes about four dreams he has for all people.

First is a social dream, where everyone can live an abundant life in dignity and in a healthy environment. This can be realised, he proposes, through "an arduous effort on behalf of the poor".

The second is a cultural dream where people's cultures are affirmed. Their talents are valued, and they can apply their human potential and material resources as free agents. For an African continent that continues to suffer the effects of colonialism in both church and state, Pope Francis proposes a strong resistance to the destructive forces of neocolonialism.

The third dream is the hope for humanity that flourishes through responsible stewardship of Earth's resources. This invites all peoples to care for, protect and defend the environment.

The fourth dream is Pope Francis' hope that the Catholic church will become a community of communities, where people seek common ground. This requires the rejection of any forms of exclusionary practices in the church. It advocates the liberation of the poor, and the protection of the rights of the vulnerable and those who have suffered neglect, oppression and abuse.

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Read more: It shouldn't seem so surprising when the pope says being gay 'isn't a crime' - a Catholic theologian explains

Realising this dream, in Africa particularly, requires dismantling the structures of neocolonialism, the global structures of injustice, and the dependency cycle that continues to characterise the relationship between the continent and the rest of the world.

It will also require a new crop of transformational leaders who are on the side of the people. Leaders who place the interest of their countries and the continent above selfish, ethnic or partisan interests.

New identity

Pope Francis' revolution of tenderness can help bring about a new cohesive identity in Africa built on a historical consciousness of who we are, how far we have come, and how we can reach the future of our dream.

The courage to dream and the culture of encounter are capable of ushering in new ethics of co-operation, collaboration and inclusion so that the common good is promoted and preserved for the benefit of all.

Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor, World Christianity and African Studies, DePaul University
The Presidency says it has noted the outcomes of the Public Protector's preliminary report on the investigation of whether President Cyril Ramaphosa breached the executive ethics code with respect to the Phala Phala matter.

The report has cleared the President of any wrongdoing with regard to the theft of the equivalent of R8 million in US dollars from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo during February 2020.

"The Presidency is in receipt of the Public Protector's preliminary report. As stated before, we reiterate that the President did not participate in any wrong doing, nor did he violate the oath of his office. Instead, the President was a victim of a crime that he duly reported to the relevant authorities," the Presidency said on Saturday.
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Many factors played to the advantage of Atiku in Northern Nigeria including the internal crises in many APC states.

Despite being in control of only four of the 19 states in northern Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled a major upset in the 25 February presidential election, winning more states than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, Bola Tinubu, in the region.

Mr Tinubu scored 8,794,726 votes to be declared the president-elect, ahead of Atiku Abubakar of the PDP who scored 6,984,520, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who scored 6,101,533 and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) who scored 1,496,687 votes.

However, the ruling party performed below expectations in the North, which was considered its stronghold.

Though Mr Tinubu scored the required 25 per cent in almost all the states, his performance, especially in the North-west region, was unimpressive. He only managed to win Jigawa and Zamfara states, losing Kano to Mr Kwankwaso and Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states to Atiku.

In the North-east, Atiku won Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe and Taraba while Mr Tinubu won only Borno State.

In the North-central, Mr Tinubu won Benue, Kwara, Kogi and Niger states while Mr Obi snatched Plateau and Nasarawa states.

Statistically, the president-elect did not, like Mr Buhari, secure overwhelming victories in the states he won in the region. In Zamfara State he got 59 per cent, in Borno he got 54 per cent, in Kwara he scored 56 per cent, in Kogi he scored 53 per cent, in Benue he scored 40 per cent, he scored 46 per cent in Jigawa and 48 per cent in Niger State.

The presidential election result from Northern Nigeria came as a surprise to many political watchers as the APC had overwhelmingly won the last two general elections in the region. In the 2015 presidential poll, the APC got 12,228,491 while the PDP got 3,560,620 votes in the 19 northern states. In 2019, the ruling party polled 11,448,806 votes while PDP scored 5,299,594 votes in the northern states. In the 2023 election, the APC also won more total votes than the APC although it won in fewer states. The ruling party got a total of 5,507,784 votes while the PDP got 5,159,541 votes.

Ethnic sentiment

Ethnic sentiment played a key role in determining who won the region. To be fair to Nigerians in the North, they gave Mr Tinubu enough votes to enable him to get the needed 25 per cent in most states in the region. But they also queued behind "their son" who they believe would do more for the region than a southerner.

Also, Atiku contested as the strongest northerner (ahead of Mr Kwankwaso) in the election. In the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari (who has a cult following in the North), who has contested in every presidential election since 2003, many northerners voted for the person they considered the next strongest contestant from the region.

In the build-up to the election, a group, Na Ka Sai Naka, loosely translated as "Your own is your own," campaigned vigorously in the North for Atiku, asking the people to vote for their "own".

Even Atiku played on the sentiment.

"What the average Northerner needs is somebody who's from the North and also understands that part of the country and has been able to build bridges across the country. This is what the Northerner needs, it doesn't need a Yoruba or Igbo candidate, I stand before you as a pan-Nigerian of northern origin," he said during a meeting with some northern leaders.

The only state Atiku lost in the North-east was Borno. His firm grip on the sub-region showed that residents of the area decided to throw their weight behind their "son" instead of a second in command: APC's vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima.

Yobe had voted APC in previous elections. But it is obvious that the people of the state decided to support someone from their region, especially with the belief that it was time for the region to produce a democratically elected president.

Border opening and economy

Atiku's campaign style no doubt helped him in gaining ground where the APC held sway. In most of the northern states he visited for his campaign, Atiku used the issues at hand to campaign for himself.

"When you look at how clever Atiku was throughout his campaign rallies in the North, you will agree with me that the states where he promised to open borders, revive the economy and help fight insecurity no doubt helped him," AbdulRahman Jani, a political reporter in Katsina State, said.

Mr Buhari had shut land borders in the country to help revive the local economy and fight transborder crimes. But the local economy has instead suffered greatly due to the measures.

In Yobe, Katsina and Kebbi states, Atiku promised to reopen the borders.

According to him, reopening the borders would foster trade and investment between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

"I promise you that I will open the borders that have been closed. I am more knowledgeable on border issues than all the other presidential candidates," he said, apparently referencing his career as a customs officer.

In Kaduna, Kano and Zamfara states, he promised to revive the economy and rebuild moribund manufacturing industries just as he promised to tackle insecurity in most of the northern states.

"Remember that Bola Tinubu and his campaign council even went to Abuja to ask people not to vote for a candidate that would reopen borders. It gave Mr Atiku an edge over Tinubu here in the North," Mr Jani said.

Banditry and insecurity

Judging from the result of the election, northerners had more faith in the ability of Atiku to solve the growing insecurity in the region. Of the six states mostly affected by banditry, Atiku won four - Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi - while Mr Tinubu won Niger and Zamfara. Even in Zamfara where he won, Mr Tinubu lost in local governments like Bungudu and Gusau.

In Katsina State, for instance, all the local government areas (with the exception of two - Danmusa and Faskari) witnessing insecurity voted for Atiku. Batsari, Kurfi, Dutsin Ma, Bakori, Kankara, Batagarawa, Jibia and Safana all went to the former vice president with some of them recording a margin of over 8,000 between the two.

"I was not surprised with the outcome of the result," a political analyst, Saifullahi Kuraye, told PREMIUM TIMES. "When you look at the results, you know that these people (vulnerable communities) are really angry with APC. During the campaigns, nothing of banditry attacks happened. So, most of them felt the government could tackle this insecurity issue. It is not as if Atiku Abubakar is better. But you know APC has been in power for eight years and bandits are still killing people. Those in the areas felt that a new leader from a different party can do the magic."

In Kaduna State, the troubled areas were all won by Atiku with the exception of Birnin Gwari. Atiku won in Kauru, Giwa, Lere, Kubau, Soba, Kudan and Igabi.

Aggrieved APC members

In several states where Atiku won, some top members of the APC openly campaigned for him. In Katsina State, two commissioners, two permanent secretaries, and some top special advisers were sacked for allegedly working for PDP. Several permanent secretaries and a commissioner have also been redeployed to ministries and offices considered "dead zones" for the same reason

Widespread decamping

Another factor that helped Atiku against the APC presidential candidate in Northern Nigeria was the widespread decamping of top politicians from the APC to the PDP immediately after the former's primary elections last year. While some left for the NNPP, most joined the PDP.

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Many people were surprised Atiku won Katsina, President Buhari's home state. But the state chapter of the APC has been witnessing a series of setbacks since the gubernatorial, national and state assemblies' primary elections.

Mustapha Inuwa, the immediate former Secretary to the State Government; the senator representing Katsina North district, Ahmad Babba-Kaita; House of Representatives members, Hamza Dalhatu, Salisu Iro, Ahmad Dayyabu; as well as other top politicians in the party joined the PDP.In Sokoto, several top APC members joined the PDP. Those who switched sides include a former minister of transportation, Yusuf Sulaiman; the member representing Gudu/Tangaza, Yusuf Kurdula; a former Minister of Culture, Bello Jibrin and the lawmaker representing Gwadabawa/Illela, Abdullahi Salame.

In Kebbi, two senators, Adamu Aliero and Yahaya Abdullahi left the APC for the PDP and vowed to deliver the state to Atiku. They were swiftly followed by several members of the House of Representatives and members of the state's House of Assembly.

In Kaduna, rival groups within the party were brought together through the efforts of former vice president, Namadi Sambo, and former governors Ahmad Makarfi and Ramalan Yero, which kept the opposition largely united before the election.

Also, some Southern Kaduna politicians, who felt threatened by the APC's Muslim-Muslim tickets in the presidential and gubernatorial elections, decamped and pitched their tent with either Atiku or Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Despite the disagreement between the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, and some bigwigs of the party, they all worked for Atiku. In fact, the disagreement was largely due to the support the former vice president got from every group trying to outshine one another in providing support to Atiku. Bauchi, known to be one of President Buhari's most supportive states, was also won by the PDP.
The industrial market has been outpacing all other sectors in Northwest Indiana in terms of growth.

The Crown Point-based commercial real estate firm Latitude Commercial noted in its annual report that months-on-market for industrial buildings fell to a five-year low of seven months in the second quarter of 2022 and ended the year at 9.2 months, after starting 2022 at 12.1 months. Market price per square foot soared to a record $53 per square foot as a result of low supply and high demand.

E-commerce has driven a boom in the construction of new industrial properties in both Northwest Indiana and the nation, Latitude Commercial stated in its report. Customers have increasingly shifted from shopping at brick-and-mortar stores to shopping online, creating more demand for industrial and logistics space, and slashing into the available supply in the Region.

Vacancy rates remain low in Northwest Indiana, ending the year at 5.49%, ticking up slightly year-over-year as new construction came online. Rents rose to an average of $7.73 per square foot, an 8% year-over-year increase.

"Volume was low because of the lack of inventory. It peaked at $35.2 million in the second quarter. In case you havent driven down I-65 this year, the highlight not only in our area but nationally is the industrial sector," Latitude Commercial President Aaron McDermott said in the report. "The term speculative industrial was previously thrown around Northwest Indiana development circles as a wish list item. Now here we are in 2022 discussing how much spec industrial is planned around Northwest Indiana. This year three new business parks were announced in Merrillville, Crown Point and Gary and multiple spec industrial buildings already went up and filled."

Major projects are underway, including one totaling over 1 million square feet.

"Perhaps the largest development that is already underway is The Silos at Sanders Farm, which is located on the east side of I-65 across from the nearly full AmeriPlex at the Crossroads," McDermitt said. "The 196-acre park, being developed by Crow Holdings, broke ground and is already on the second of three spec buildings. The newest of which is over one million square feet and is expected to be delivered by the third quarter of 2023."

The Region lost one of its biggest advocates for industry development last year, the late president of the Lake County Economic Alliance Karen Lauerman.

"She was one of Northwest Indianas great Economic Development leaders but more importantly, an overall great person and friend of ours," McDermott said. "Northwest Indiana is a better place because of her hard work and dedication. We are very thankful to have known her for so long and Im sure shes up there making connections and friendships already."

Lauerman is credited with bringing in thousands of jobs and millions in investment to Northwest Indiana, which has long been an industrial powerhouse. Indiana again led the nation in steel production last year, producing more than twice as much steel as second-place Ohio.

"Heavy industry is alive and thriving in Northwest Indiana. We have seen record-breaking numbers from many of the steel mills. Indiana is still producing around a quarter of the nations steel," Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis said. "Per capita, we have more people working in manufacturing than any other state."

Heavy industry remains Region's backbone

The steel mills, oil refineries and factories remain a major economic driver in the Region.

"Heavy industry is still a top employer in Northwest Indiana, rivaling health care and topping construction. The economic impact of these jobs is still over 4 to 1," Ennis said. "The wages paid in heavy industry are generally superior to office jobs, especially compared to education attainment needed to obtain those jobs. Average earnings in the construction industry are $80,405 while average earnings for manufacturing are $110,666."

But companies have to keep up with changing dynamics in an increasingly globally competitive landscape.

"The biggest trends are sustainability, the ability of companies to be nimble to evolve to meet the quickly changing demands of the marketplace," Ennis said.

Industry has been embracing and investing in technology.

"Industry continues to evolve to stay competitive. Automation is happening in companies all over Northwest Indiana. Some like Konrady Plastics, Fiber X, Hammond Machine Works and Michigan City Box and Paper have advanced automation in their plants through the Manufacturing Readiness Grant awarded by the State of Indiana," Ennis said. "We are also seeing companies evolving to more sustainable solutions like Fulcrum BioEnergy, which is creating renewable, drop-in transportation fuels from landfill waste. The evolution of carbon sequestration and the eventual hydrogen hub planned for our region by a consortium of heavy industry will put Northwest Indiana at the forefront of the renewable energy sector."

Finding workers continues to be a challenge for the industrial sector, especially as manufacturing has gotten more advanced, requiring more skilled labor.

"Northwest Indiana is rich in assets and infrastructure to make it attractive to additional industrial investment. The challenges, like many other places in the world, is to find the skilled workforce," Ennis said. "With funds granted through the READI process Center of Workforce Innovations is working more closely to align workforce to employers needs. Game-changing projects like the South Shore Commuter Lines Double Track and West Lake projects along with the RDAs Transit Development Districts are helping to attract additional residents."

The Region's workers benefited from the infrastructure bill being passed, United Steelworkers District 7 Director Mike Millsap said.

"Congressman Frank Mrvan played a big role in fighting for that," he said. "It will mean using American-made products from almost every industry we represent. They'll be using American-made steel, paper, pol and other projects. The benefits will be huge. They're using American-made steel to rebuild roads, bridges and other things. Northwest Indiana will benefit because we're one of the largest areas for steelmaking. If you increase the product and use more of it, it benefits the company, employees and the community. It's good for the American worker. For once, we're saying we're not going to take our business to China or some other country. We've been importing steel and other products for too long."

Last year, the USW also negotiated new contracts for workers at the BP Whiting Refinery and steel mills that will mean better pay and benefits for years.

"It was one of our best contracts," Millsap said. "We got 20% wage increases and did not take any concessions. Our healthcare is a little bit better. We got huge pension increases. Workers will retire with higher pension benefits. Last time we got a small wage increase when the industry wasn't doing very well. But in 2022 we had record production."

Steel prices fell but are starting to rebound. The tin sector took a hit and U.S. Steel idled its tin lines at Gary Works just years after indefinitely idling East Chicago Tin. But the union partnered with steelmakers to pursue a trade chase against tin importers and are optimistic it will result in new tariffs.

U.S. Steel also paid out a record $43,000 in profit-sharing last year after turning the second-highest profit in its history. Its largest profit in 122 years was the previous year.

"The last few years have been very good for labor," he said. "We got good agreements at the refinery and mills. It's been very good for labor."
The engineering firm leading the study of the potential realignment of the South Shore Line into South Bend International Airport will host a public meeting next month on the project.

DLZ was hired in November to advance plans to move the airport station to the west side of the terminal and to reroute the railroad into the station to reduce travel time and increase safety by reducing the number of road and pedestrian grade crossings.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation Districts board of trustees entered into a $6 million contract with DLZ for engineering work on a project that, with other projects, would reduce the travel time from the airport to Millennium Station in Chicago to about 90 minutes and open the possibility of running hourly two-car shuttles between Michigan City and the airport.

The station move would include a new and modern platform/airport waiting room, and the project would eliminate up to 19 at-grade crossings, according to DLZs announcement of the meeting, which is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. CDT April 5 at Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts Academy, 4404 Elwood Ave.

The contract expects its environmental study to be finished in September, which would allow the railroad to apply for matching funds in U.S. Department of Transportation grant programs that have grown with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.

The full DLZ engineering plan is scheduled for completion in March 2024.

The April meeting aims "to provide a general project introduction to the community, as well as share how the project has progressed thus far and what the next steps are, DLZ project manager Anthony Glenn said.

The meeting will include introduction of project partners; a project summary, including its benefits, goals and schedule; renderings of the improvements; an explanation of the federal process required by the National Environmental Policy Act; and details of needed right-of-way acquisition.

NICTD has established a website for the project, sslairportrealignment.com, which includes a proposed map and a comment form.
More investment is also on the horizon, Ennis said.

"We are seeing more pure tech companies looking at potentially locating in Northwest Indiana, but much of the recent growth has been in existing industries working to automate their processes and adding technological components to advance the work they are already doing," she said.

One of the biggest tech sector investments in recent years was Digital Crossroad, which took over the old State Line Generating Plant site on the lakeshore in Hammond right by the Chicago border.

"Digital Crossroads has been actively changing the landscape of the entire Chicagoland data center universe by expanding its offerings to customers, increasing its footprint and making more fiber connections to downtown Chicago," Principal Tom Dakich said. "The result is that larger customers are now making commitments to become either a customer or a fiber provider to the Digital Crossroads campus. Companies that had never previously considered Indiana as a destination for their data have made commitments to the campus, which in turn has brought in more fiber providers. The momentum across all the Digital Crossroads offerings is real."

Digital Crossroads could help bring in more tech investment to the Region, Dakich said.

"We want to attract hyperscale customers to a tech corridor we are creating here in Northwest Indiana  the combination of the metro fiber ring we are building out here combined with the infrastructure that is already here will do that," he said. "This will create jobs and opportunities in the same way that Silicon Valley was infused with their technology and infrastructure transition."

The fiber is laid and the groundwork is in place, Dakich said.
Kaden Jakeb Alexander, a 28-year-old man, was born as Kaitlyn Sowers, an emotionally troubled girl. He knew he was in the wrong body.

After years of self-discovery, he found the correct term that transformed his life: transgender. That term has since confused people who either dont understand it or dont want to understand it. Ive since learned about its complex nuances and controversial emergence in our society, thanks in part to Alexander, who I consider a friend.

When I first met Alexander nearly 10 years ago, he was struggling as a transgender male after going through adolescence as Kaitlyn, a confused anarchist, as he recalls. As a child, Alexander played with action figures, not dolls. He wore pants, not skirts. He hung out with boys yet was attracted to girls. As a teenager, he first came out as a lesbian before further exploring his sexual identity.

It was very confusing, he told me years ago. It was very lonely.

When Alexander looked at earlier photos of himself, as Kaitlyn, he felt a disassociation between his current self and his former self.

The only thing that hasnt really changed is my shoe size, he once told me with a chuckle.

Ive watched his transformation, year after year. And Ive applauded it, column after column.

His voice is deeper. His face is furrier. His features are becoming more masculine every month, I wrote five years ago.

Today, youd never know Alexander is a transgender male without knowing his admirable backstory. His complex gender transformation involved weekly testosterone shots, gender-study counseling and years of finding his place in life.

Everything on his body has changed dramatically. He underwent top surgery to remove his breasts after years of binding them with a tight, harness-like undergarment, which caused chronic pain to his rib cage. The testosterone treatments bulked him up. He began oozing masculinity with lots of facial hair, which he still has.

In the queer community, trans women have more challenges than trans men, Alexander said.

In 2018, he married his high school sweetheart, Teri, whos been with him through every transition, every challenge, every victory. I hope to someday have them as guests on my She Said, He Said podcast to share their story with my viewers and listeners.

The couple, who have a young son, now live in Indianapolis, where Alexander works as a Marion County public defense attorney. There, he has a front row seat to watch Indiana legislators push their Slate of Hate bills, attacking the rights of LGBTQ Hoosiers, according to the ACLU of Indiana.

We wont sugarcoat it: this is an unprecedented, coordinated campaign targeting LGBTQ Hoosiers, especially trans youth, for unequal treatment under the law, an ACLU press release states.

This includes pending legislation that would ban nearly all forms of life-saving, science-based medical care available to transgender youth; censor discussions about LGBTQ people in schools; and force teachers to out trans students without their consent, risking their safety, the ACLU states.

As my colleague Dan Carden wrote in a story last month, Transgender children living in Indiana received a drubbing like few others Wednesday at the Indiana Statehouse.

This drubbing didnt escape Alexander.

This is not about transgender or LGBTQ+ rights. This boils down to the government invading your private medical choices, Alexander said. People are failing to realize the full implications of what laws like this do to everyone.

Essentially, what the legislature is doing is saying that they know what is in someones best medical interest, even over the recommendations of medically trained physicians. Further, the government is saying that you cannot make a medical choice for yourself or your child even if the doctors think that is what is best, he said.

For now, they are aiming their attacks at children, but that is still taking away proper research and discussion between parents, children, and their doctors. There is a constitutional right to parent your child, although it is not absolute, medical decisions are left to the parents.

This complete invasion of the doctor-patient relationship is completely unnecessary and unfounded medically. The large consensus in the medical field is that medical intervention is paramount to helping these people. Even if you dont personally agree with it, no one should be forced or denied the ability to make medical decisions.

These medical decisions do not affect the general public, Alexander said. These are choices between parent, child, and doctors. Statistics show that these procedures are medically necessary. Take a look at the rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ and specifically trans youth.

According to the Trevor Project, which provides advocacy, education, and crisis support for LGBTQ young people, this population of youth is not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Theyre placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth at significantly increased risk, more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

Focusing on LGBT+ people, especially youth, is a political tactic to gain favor, Alexander said. We need to understand that LGBT+ people are not pawns to be used for political gain to distract from other issues facing the government. The legislature should not be permitted to deny years of research and medical advice because they do not agree with the concepts.

Things as little as pausing puberty can greatly increase the quality of life for trans youth. Puberty blockers do not have long-term consequences as compared to a full transition. You can always stop puberty blockers and then your body will continue through puberty as it otherwise would have, he said.

However, you know what isnt reversible? Suicide and trauma inflicted upon LGBT+ people by society, Alexander said. Research indicates that the best way to lower and ultimately prevent suicide is through societal acceptance and medical treatment when deemed necessary.

We as a society should keep the privacy between patients and their physicians, he said. The root of this issue isnt about LGBT+ people. Its about my right to go to my doctor, receive confidential medical advice, and pick what option is best for me. The government should not take that away from me or any parent.
VALPARAISO  After traveling to Ohio over the weekend to take custody of a 16-year-old boy, Porter County officials are seeking to waive him to adult court to face charges of calling in threats and causing panic at multiple area schools earlier this year.

The youth, who The Times is not naming as long as he remains in the juvenile system, faces three counts of intimidation and one of impersonating a public official, Porter County Deputy Prosecutor John Shanahan said.

He is accused of falsely reporting to Valparaiso police Jan. 4 that someone had been shot in the city, Shanahan said. He then allegedly contacted Valparaiso High School on Jan. 9 and reported a bomb in the building, and then called in another threat to the school Jan. 17.

On Jan. 26, the youth called in threats to schools in Valparaiso, Portage, Hobart and Wheeler, Shanahan said.

The teen, who turns 17 Wednesday, is being housed at the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center and made an initial appearance in juvenile court Monday morning.

A determination was made Monday that he poses a threat and will remain in custody at the juvenile center, Shanahan said. A request was also filed to waive the case to adult court.

An initial hearing on the charges will be held Monday, Shanahan said. A hearing will also be scheduled that day on the waiver request.

The teen was arrested Jan. 26 in Ohio, and all the threats he is accused of making proved to be noncredible, officials have said. But the threats sent schools scrambling into lockdown or lockout status.

The Jan. 9 call to Valparaiso High School resulted in a lockdown and early release of students, police said. A false threat of violence Jan. 17 at the same school triggered a lockout response from police and disrupted school operations.

The Portage Police Department said in a social media post at the time that the local high school had "received an anonymous phone call in which a person threatened violence later in the day," prompting its lockdown.

Hobart police said the caller didn't specify a school in the threat there, "but erring on the side of caution, Superintendent (Peggy) Buffington ordered the schools to be locked down."

Wheeler High School had implemented a lockout, officials said.
WINFIELD  Two weeks after a 36-year-old woman was found beaten to death in her home, police remain mum on the status of the investigation.

Neither Winfield Town Marshal Daniel Ball nor county police, who were called in to help with the investigation, have responded to requests for an update.

The last report came March 1, when Ball said investigators believed the death, which has been ruled a homicide, was an isolated situation. He said there was no immediate danger to the public, but there has been no subsequent word of anyone in custody.

"We will provide public safety and investigatory updates as more information becomes available," Ball said at that time.

The battered and deceased body of Haley Losinski was discovered during the early evening of Feb. 27 by her parents, who showed up to check on her at her home in the 11000 block of Pike Place, Ball said.

"There were indications within the home that led the officers to believe that foul play may have been involved," Ball said of the 5:40 p.m. call.

Lake County Sheriff's Department crime scene investigators and the Lake County coroner's office were called to the scene, and Losinski was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.

An autopsy done Feb. 28 revealed Losinski suffered a blunt force injury to the head, Ball said, and her death was ruled a homicide.

The Major Crimes Task Force was called in to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information that could be helpful to the investigation was encouraged to contact Winfield police Detective Cpl. Jordan Billups-Taylor at jbtaylor@winfield.in.gov or at 219-713-7119.

The brutal death of Losinski stunned and saddened friends, including fellow intensive care nurse and Crown Point resident Leah Hasza.

"She was a friend, an amazing ICU nurse and we are all sad and miss her so much," Hasza said.

Losinski worked at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus in Merrillville, according to Hasza.

Colleen McDermott said she graduated from the Valparaiso University accelerated nursing program with Losinski and they had worked in critical care together.

"We were close friends," McDermott said.
The new, two-year session of the U.S. House started barely two months ago, but national Republicans already are planning to again target Northwest Indiana's Democratic congressman in a bid to grow the narrow GOP majority.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the party organization that works to elect Republicans to the House, announced Monday that Indiana's 1st Congressional District of Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties is one of 37 districts across the country it's hoping to flip in the 2024 general election.

No Republican has filed yet to run for Congress in Northwest Indiana.

Nevertheless, NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson said U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, as well as the other targeted Democratic lawmakers, "should be shaking in their boots."

"Republicans are in the majority and on offense. We will grow our House majority by building strong campaigns around talented recruits in these districts who can communicate the dangers of Democrats' extreme agenda," Hudson said.

Mrvan was reelected to a second term in November with a 12,053-vote margin of victory, or 5.6%, over Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green, of Crown Point.

While that was considerably reduced compared to Mrvan's 16.1% margin of victory in 2020 over Republican Mark Leyva, of Highland, the improvement in the Republican vote share came at a hefty price for backers of the GOP candidate.

Records show Green raised and spent about $3.5 million on her campaign, and outside groups supporting Green plowed another $9 million into numerous television ads and other spending condemning Mrvan and boosting Green.

Also a factor was dismal voter turnout, particularly in Lake County where barely one in three registered voters cast a ballot last year, compared to the county's 47% participation rate in the 2018 midterm election.

Northwest Indiana voter turnout in presidential election years, such as 2024, usually is around 60%, according to the Indiana Election Division.

Mrvan and national Democrats aren't taking anything for granted, however.

Julie Merz, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), recently named Mrvan to the DCCC's Frontline program that provides additional financial resources to the campaigns of vulnerable incumbents.

"In order to move our country forward and restore sanity to the halls of Congress, its critical that we elect Democratic leaders who will stand up for reproductive freedom, fight for working families and defend our democracy. We must reject a Republican Party that bows to authoritarianism, prioritizes special interests and embraces MAGA extremism," Merz said.

Mrvan has represented the Region in the U.S. House since 2021.

He succeeded former U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, whose 36-year tenure representing Northwest Indiana is tied with former U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., for the longest of any Hoosier on Capitol Hill.

PHOTOS: U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Mrvan tours Opportunity Enterprises Gallery HTML code
JASPER COUNTY  Two crashes on Interstate 65 left two injured and caused major traffic backups Monday in Jasper County.

A little before 1:30 a.m., a semi-tanker traveling southbound near the 221-mile marker had driven off the roadway into the median and rolled, according to the Indiana State Police. The driver reportedly refused medical treatment at the scene.

The tanker was filled with liquid sugar that needed to be offloaded prior to the truck being towed, police said. This led to the left lane of the road being closed for emergency crews to work.

In the resulting traffic backup, at around 5:45 a.m., the driver of a 2022 Ford F750 truck rear-ended a 2020 Subaru, police said. The Subaru was reportedly stopped in the right lane behind a 2019 Toyota Tundra, which was in turn behind a 2018 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. The Ford struck the Subaru with such force that it also struck the Toyota and the Peterbilt, causing what police described as "catastrophic damage" to both the Subaru and the Toyota.

The driver of the Subaru had to be rescued from the vehicle and was transported to IU Health in Lafayette with "serious injuries," police said.

In the Toyota, a 4-year-old boy was taken to Franciscan Health in Crown Point with life-threatening injuries, police said. His parents were also taken to Franciscan Health for treatment. The child was later transported to Comer Childrens Hospital in Chicago for further treatment.

The driver of the box truck, a 22-year-old man from Shorewood, Illinois, wasn't injured, according to police. The driver of the Peterbilt was also not injured.

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CROWN POINT  Residents of Crown Point's Wingate subdivision were subjected to an alleged drive-by shooting about noon Thursday.

Officers with Lake County Sheriff's Department responded Thursday to reports of shots fired in the 700 block of West 129th Court in Crown Point, the department said in a statement to The Times. When they arrived, officers reportedly discovered that a home had been struck by multiple rounds, one of which penetrated interior walls.

Authorities said no one was injured.

The incident was captured on a video that depicts someone driving toward the house and shooting. That video was shared with police and posted to Facebook. It's unclear from the video what direction exactly the shots were fired, but authorities said they were fired at a nearby pole where a camera was mounted.

The Sheriff's Department said it quickly identified a suspect: 22-year-old Garrett Blaize, of Vincennes in southern Indiana. Blaize was possibly suffering "an undetermined mental health crisis," the department said.

Investigators with the department reportedly tracked his location and alerted law enforcement agencies along his path of travel south toward Vincennes. An Indiana State Police trooper reportedly took the man into custody without incident near Cayuga, one hour south of Crown Point. Upon his arrest, Blaize was allegedly armed with a handgun, and several spent shell casings were reportedly found with him.

Blaize was charged with criminal recklessness, a level 5 felony, as well as two misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief. He was taken to the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, the department said.
Mr Muhammed apologised to electricity consumers for the inconveniences caused by the load shedding.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) said insufficient power allocation to the company by generation stations was responsible for the unstable electricity supply in the region.

Adamu Muhammed, public relations Officer, Niger Region, AEDC, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Minna.

"The Management of AEDC PLC wishes to inform its valued customers that it is aware of the unstable power supply experienced in recent times essentially caused by insufficient power allocation.

"Due to the limited energy allocation, we have had and will continue to implement load curtailment directives across our franchise to manage the situation for grid stability.

"This will involve occasional/temporary interruption of power supply to certain areas for a limited period.

"All this instability in power supply has to do with generation/transmission stations. If the generation stations improve, definitely our allocations will improve as well," he said.

Mr Muhammed apologised to electricity consumers for the inconveniences caused by the load shedding.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure that the impact of the power outages is minimised, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.

"We appeal to our esteemed customers that we will continue to update them on the situation and provide any necessary information when it is available," he said.

NAN reports that AEDC's franchise area covers the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa States.

The company is organised into nine regions and 39 area offices across the four states.
CROWN POINT  Mariana Naglosky was once paralyzed by fear stemming from domestic violence.

Naglosky was with her abuser for seven years before realizing she needed to leave.

The night it happened I could have died. So many different things occurred, she said. The next day I realized I had people I could reach out to and we came up with an escape plan.

Nagloskys friend encouraged her to seek assistance from St. Jude House two days she escaped from her abuser and contacted police. Naglosky was immediately comforted by advocates when she knocked on St. Judes doors in 2019.

They just wanted to make sure I was safe, Naglosky recalled. Even now I could go to them at any point. Theyre like family.

St. Jude House is a family violence-prevention center and shelter in Crown Point providing assistance to men, women and children primarily in Lake County. The shelter offers trauma-informed care to create a homelike environment for survivors.

On Feb. 1, St. Jude House launched a mobile advocacy program for survivors experiencing domestic violence, allowing them to meet with a community advocate in a park, school, church, coffee shop or other public setting. Community advocates can provide help to address domestic violence and discuss the necessary resources and services available.

The mobile advocacy program is for people to understand were here 24/7 and people can call at any time, Executive Director Ryan Elinkowski said. Were here and we can go anywhere.

St. Jude House has two community advocates to assist survivors, with access to vans to pick them up for appointments or to take them to court. Advocates have already had meetings in Crown Point, Gary and Griffith.

Were all in this together, Elinkowski said. This new opportunity is exciting. I knew itd be effective, but you dont know until you start doing it.

Advocates have collected data from survivors after each appointment. Response rates have been high: 100% reported feeling safer, 96% reported increased self-confidence, 98% reported a sense of hope from support services.

Though they are just getting started with their mobile services program, the survivors that St. Jude has already served with this model report overwhelmingly positive experiences, said Laura Berry, executive director of Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Connecting with St. Jude House services not only increases the safety factor for clients, it reduces the physical and social isolation that most survivors of domestic abuse experience, she said.

Her organization has assisted St. Jude House with implementing mobile advocacy. It helps provide a combination of community-based advocacy services, housing support and flex funding to assist survivors, Berry said.

The goal is to expand the reach of services by reducing logistical and emotional barriers that make it difficult for survivors to seek assistance, she said.

According to national estimates, fewer than 10% of people experiencing domestic abuse utilize the services of assistance agencies.

By actively working and engaging with survivors in the community, agency visibility and awareness of services is increased, Berry said.

To schedule an appointment with a community advocate, call St. Jude House at 219-662-7066 or 800-254-1286. For more information, visit stjudehouse.org. The website offers visitors a quick escape button to exit the site immediately if needed.

Naglosky believes she would have benefited from deeper level of support if mobile advocacy was offered in 2019. At the time, St. Jude House provided support services, clothing, meals and gifts for her two children. Also, a legal advocate attended court hearings with her so she wouldnt have to be alone with her abuser.

Im grateful, she said.

Naglosky now manages a division of family resources at a local office helping people gain access to food stamps and Medicaid. Her fear has turned into strength.

There is life on the other side and its so beautiful, especially once you get to know yourself, she said. The hardest part is taking that step out.
WINFIELD  The Plan Commission has approved plans for a retail development to build on property west of Walgreens in downtown Winfield.

Winfield Commons representatives have been granted primary plat approval for a 21-acre, six-lot subdivision at 7909 E. 109th Ave., on farmland just west of the drugstore.

The proposed 240,000-square-foot retail area, which developers have said would include a Wendys and other national franchises, would bring in about $1.2 million in property taxes.

Developers said other possible tenants could include an Auto Zone, Aldis, a high-end coffee franchise, multiuse retail businesses and medical offices.

Town officials tagged a few stipulations onto the approval. Their biggest concern is traffic. They said no business can open until a traffic light is in place at 109th Avenue and Pike Street.

I think we solved that piece. Nothing can open until the light is in, Town Councilman David Anderson said.

Anderson, who is a member of the Plan Commission, has been one of the town officials pushing for a traffic-control device at the busy intersection.

Winfield Commons owner Jim Lyons, agreed to pay half or up to $150,000 of the cost of the new traffic light.

The commission imposed restrictions on an access road planned for the development, allowing only right turns.

Lyons said the earliest any business would be opening would be spring 2024.

Commission members, Anderson and Town Councilman Tim Clayton, said it will still be necessary for each new business, such as Wendys or others wishing to build in Winfield Commons, to come back to town officials for individual approval.

In other business, the Plan Commission approved construction of a new medical clinic called Fast Pace Health Urgent Care to be built at 10736 Randolph, next to Winfield Liquors.

Representative Aaron Dickenson said the facility should be completed later this year and handle only non-emergency cases such as the flu and COVID-19. It will also have X-ray equipment to handle such incidents as broken arms.

Fast Pace Health Urgent Care has 200 clinics throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana.
Other than Watchmaking Tools Art, very few companies make decorative tools for watchmakers. One of them is Horotec, founded in 1946 in the Swiss watchmaking town La Chaux-de-Fonds, which now makes more than 14,000 specialized watch assembly and repair tools. In September it began to sell watchmaking presses, used for work such as attaching bezels to cases, that have been decorated with the same water printing method employed by Ms. Jean-Louiss company.

Up until now, said Eric Zuccatti, managing director at Horotec, the colors of tools were military style, very gray-green.

Horotecs signature red and black tools were considered innovative when they were introduced about 30 years ago, he said  but now the company is applying motifs such as wood and graffiti to a limited-edition series of its presses. Its still very new, in the sense that there is still a great respect for traditions in the industry, he said. People tend to think, This is a watchmaking tool; its a watchmaking job; and its better not to be colorful.

The basic design of some watchmaking tools has not changed a great deal over the years, Mr. Zuccatti said: Some designs date from 50 or even 100 years and still perfectly match the operation. Theres no point in making it more or less different if it works very well.

But things have changed a lot when it comes to availability. There are a lot of Chinese who have entered the market on Alibaba, for example. You can find low-end watchmaking tools, about the tenth of the price of what we sell, he said. But those are pure imitation products and disposable tools that you use once and throw away afterwards.
In this lesson, students will learn about the current child labor crisis in the United States and, now that it has been exposed, what is being done to tackle the problem.

Warm-Up

Step 1: Listen to the first minutes of The Daily.

To get an introduction to what this investigation is about, listen to the Daily episode A New Child Labor Crisis in America from 0:30 to 3:45 and then answer these two questions:

How did the investigative reporter, Hannah Dreier, come to this story?

What did she find in her investigation?

Continue listening from 3:45 to 5:11 and then answer the following question:

How did she find the children she interviewed for her article?

Step 2: Respond to a short excerpt from the featured article.

Choose one of these three excerpts from Ms. Dreiers investigative article and respond. What does the excerpt make you think of? What questions does it raise for you?

Excerpt No. 1: Underage workers in Grand Rapids said that spicy dust from immense batches of Flamin Hot Cheetos made their lungs sting, and that moving heavy pallets of cereal all night made their backs ache. Excerpt No. 2: Charlene Irizarry, the human resources manager at Farm Fresh Foods, an Alabama meat plant that struggles to retain staff, recently realized she was interviewing a 12-year-old for a job slicing chicken breasts into nuggets in a section of the factory kept at 40 degrees. Excerpt No. 3: After a week of 17-hour days, she [Carolina, age 15] sat at home one night with her aunt and considered her life in the United States. The long nights. The stress about money. I didnt have expectations about what life would be like here, she said, but its not what I imagined.

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the featured article  or continue listening to the Daily episode to 26:05  and then answer the following questions.

1. Why are so many unaccompanied minors coming to the United States? What factors are pushing them to leave their home countries? What factors are pulling them to America?

2. Who are sponsors? What role are sponsors supposed to play in the immigration system?

3. Ms. Dreier writes, These are not children who have stolen into the country undetected. The federal government knows they are in the United States, and the Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for ensuring sponsors will support them and protect them from trafficking or exploitation. What are the many reasons the governments system of support and protection for migrant children has broken down?
Chris Rock: In the aftermath of the incident, the comedian said little. At a standup show a few days later, he told a sold-out crowd, Im still kind of processing what happened. Fast-forward nearly a year and Rock was clearly ready to talk on his livestreamed Netflix special Saturday night. Rock laid into Smith, criticizing him for picking on someone much smaller  Will Smith is significantly bigger than me. We are not the same size. Will Smith does movies with his shirt off. Youve never seen me do a movie with my shirt off  and relishing any takedown of Smith: Now I watch Emancipation, just to see him get whupped, Rock joked. (For a fascinating perspective also delivered via standup comedy, try Marlon Wayanss new HBO Max special, which is all about the Slap from the point of view of an artist who has known the Smiths and Rock for decades.)

Jada Pinkett Smith: The actress rolled her eyes when Rock spoke about her hair, and part of the controversy has focused on the insensitivity of the line given that she has alopecia, a condition involving hair loss. She has made a few comments over the past several months on social media but did not address the joke itself. (In his apology video, Will Smith took care to point out that Pinkett Smith had nothing to do with his decision to hit Rock.) Mainly the actresss focus was on healing between the two men. On Red Table Talk, her Facebook Watch show, she said, My deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have the opportunity to heal, talk this out and reconcile.
An industrial camera that contains sealed-off radioactive material has been missing for several days in the Houston area after workers noticed it was gone from their work site, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.

Multiple layers of protection surround the radioactive material, and levels of radiation outside the camera are not dangerous to the public at large, the department said, but it should be handled with caution by whoever has it.

The device, called a radiographic camera, was reported missing on Thursday after the workers had been north of downtown Houston. It had not been found as of Sunday.

The radioactive material is sealed inside a capsule, which is in turn sealed inside the camera with protective shielding and other safety features, the department said in a statement on Saturday.
North Korea said on Monday that it had fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine, its first such missile test, as South Korea and the United States were about to begin a major joint military exercise.

The missiles were launched at dawn on Sunday and flew for more than two hours, covering a distance of 932 miles, according to the Norths state-run Korean Central News Agency. The report said they were fired from the 8.24 Yongung, the only submarine capable of launching missiles that North Korea is known to possess. South Koreas military confirmed that the test had taken place.

The North Korean report indicated that the missiles were capable of carrying nuclear warheads, calling the launch part of a test of the Norths nuclear deterrent. North Korea has said that it is developing nuclear-capable missiles of various ranges and types, but some outside analysts are skeptical that it has warheads light enough to be mounted on cruise or small ballistic missiles.

The launch, North Koreas sixth missile test this year, marked the first time the North had tested cruise missiles from a submarine. The country last launched a short-range ballistic missile from a submarine on May 7 off its east coast.
Artwork about abortion is, historically speaking, vanishingly rare. And the future display of such work seems dimmer after a small public college in Idaho removed six works about abortion and birth control from an exhibition, citing a state anti-abortion law.

Lewis-Clark State College, in Lewiston, removed the works days before the opening this month of Unconditional Care: Listening to Peoples Health Needs. The schools Center for Arts & History described its show as an exploration of todays biggest health issues through the stories of those affected, including chronic illness, disability, pregnancy, sexual assault, and gun violence and deaths.

Several national civil rights organizations have criticized the schools decision or the state law it was trying to navigate.

Three artists had their work taken down, including Katrina Majkut, the shows guest curator. Her censored work is an embroidery that depicts bottles of mifepristone and misoprostol, medicines taken in conjunction to end a pregnancy; accompanying wall text explains their efficacy and state laws governing their use.
SUPERMAN AND LOIS 8 p.m. on The CW. After defeating supervillains and monsters in season two, Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) and Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) are back for a third season. Now working at The Smallville Gazette, the couple finds their peace cut short when Lois is given a dangerous undercover assignment and their sons deal with their own dilemmas. Pulled in different directions, the Kents must work to keep their family together.

GOTHAM KNIGHTS 9 p.m. on The CW. Set in Gotham City, this new series follows Bruce Waynes adopted son, Turner Hayes (Oscar Morgan), after he is framed for Batmans murder and forges an unlikely alliance with the children of the superheros enemies. With the district attorney and police chasing them, the Knights will have to save themselves and the city.

Wednesday

ALL THE KINGS MEN (1949) 6 p.m. on TCM. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Robert Penn Warren, this three-time Academy Award winning film tells the story of Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford), an ambitious politician from the rural South who campaigns against corruption, only to become corrupt himself. Loosely based on the rise and fall of Huey Long, the governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932, the film follows this disillusioned fellow as he gets the hang of politics and discovers the strange intoxication of his own unprincipled charm, Bosley Crowther wrote for The Times.

Thursday

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022) 8 p.m. on HBO Signature. This Academy Award-nominated film from the director Martin McDonagh takes place at the tail end of the Irish Civil War in 1923 on a remote island. The lifelong friendship between Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson) abruptly ends when Colm decides Padraic is too dull for him. McDonaghs new film embellishes the cartography without necessarily breaking new ground. Its a good place to start if youre new to his work, and cozily  which is also to say horrifically  familiar if youre already a fan, A.O. Scott wrote in a review for The Times.

Friday
He impersonated specific individuals using fake domain names  for instance, penguinrandornhouse.com instead of penguinrandomhouse.com, with an rn in place of the m. The business of publishing is small and relationship-based, and few manuscripts are closely guarded, especially at certain stages of the process, like when agents submit a book to publishers. Bernardini found that if he asked in the right way, he could get the books he wanted. He said it became an obsession, a compulsive behavior, and that he wanted to feel as if he were still a part of the industry.

At first it started as a challenge; I never believed that it would snowball into me performing these crimes as prolifically as I did, I got carried away, he wrote.

I never wanted to and I never leaked these manuscripts, he continued. I wanted to keep them closely to my chest and be one of the fewest to cherish them before anyone else, before they ended up in bookshops. There were times where I read the manuscripts and I felt a special and unique connection with the author, almost like I was the editor of that book.

Bernardini, 30, is an Italian citizen who has lived in London for many years. When he was arrested in New York City last year, at John F. Kennedy International Airport, he was working as a rights coordinator for Simon & Schuster U.K.

His letter was part of a package submitted to the judge in advance of his sentencing, which is scheduled for next month. The dossier included letters from his lawyer, his partner and his parents, as well as from friends and former colleagues. In their correspondence, they argued that Bernardini should receive no prison time, saying that as a gay man from a different culture and country, he would be particularly vulnerable. They also said that his crimes had not resulted in any monetary gain for Bernardini nor in any diminished value for the authors whose work he took.
The police authorities warned against attack on their officers.

Police in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, have spoken about the 9 March assault on a police officer by officials of the Nigerian Navy who invaded a police facility in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES, relying on a clip posted on Twitter, had reported the incident which happened in Enerhen, near Warri.

The one-minute 30 seconds clip showed the assaulted officer moving about restlessly inside the premises of the police station, surrounded by angry colleagues who were appealing to him to stay calm.

His face was bloodied and his police uniform was partially torn.

The police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, in a statement on Sunday, said 15 naval ratings were involved in the officer's assault.

He said the attack was led by a rating, Kevwe Ejaita, who had had an altercation a previous day with the officer they later came to beat up in the police station.

"The DPO Enerhen Division promptly responded with his men, and the attack was successfully repelled while the said Kevwe Ejaita, who was the arrowhead of the group, was arrested.

"The Naval authority in Warri on being informed of the situation detailed a team of Naval Police personnel to proceed to the Division. The arrested Naval Rating was released to the navy authority on request for necessary disciplinary action. The injured police sergeant was taken to the hospital for treatment and later discharged," Mr Edafe, a deputy superintendent of police, said in the statement.

The police in Delta State were working with naval authorities to forestall a reoccurrence of such an incident, the statement said.

The statement said the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Muhammed Ali, condemned the action of the naval ratings and warned that "assault on police officers while performing their lawful duties by anyone will not be tolerated".
Kenzaburo Oe, a Nobel laureate whose intense novels and defiant politics challenged a modern Japanese culture that he found morally vacant and dangerously tilted toward the same mind-set that led to catastrophe in World War II, died on March 3. He was 88.

His publisher, Kodansha, announced the death on Monday. It did not specify a cause or say where he had died.

Mr. Oe (pronounced OH-ay) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994 for creating what the Nobel committee called an imagined world where life and myth condense to form a disconcerting picture of the human predicament today.

Though he often said he wrote with only a Japanese audience in mind, Mr. Oe attracted an international readership in the 1960s with three works in particular: Hiroshima Notes, a collection of essays on the long-term consequences of the atomic bomb attacks; and the novels A Personal Matter and The Silent Cry, which had their genesis in a crisis for him and his wife, the birth of a son with a deformed cranium.
THE DOG OF THE NORTH, by Elizabeth McKenzie

In the road novel The Dog of the South, Charles Portiss feckless hero Ray Midge traces a route from Little Rock to Belize in pursuit of an acquaintance named Guy Dupree, who has stolen his car, his credit cards and his wife. The dog of the title is the name of a bus belonging to a crooked doctor Ray encounters in Mexico. The dog is also a dog (Guy Duprees) and its also, arguably, Ray.

The Dog of the North," a new novel by Elizabeth McKenzie (The Portable Veblen), borrows that books road trip structure, canine preoccupations and antic style. Penny Rush has quit her job as a dental receptionist to travel south from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. She has just under $850 to her name, a broken marriage behind her, and has been tasked with helping to mitigate two crises related to her grandparents.

Pennys grandmother, known as Pincer, presents the more pressing of the two. She is in her 80s, suffers intermittent dementia, lives in a house full of rats and hoarded jars. Her living arrangements have raised alarms with Adult Protective Services. Penny has been summoned by Pincers accountant and close associate Burt Lampey, a large, bewigged man in his 50s, with problems of his own.
Eightfolds experience offers insight into the potential and the challenge of applying A.I. to high-stakes decisions like hiring, promoting and charting career paths for workers. The company is at the forefront of using A.I. and data to assess a persons potential for success in a job. That assessment is based on measuring skills and experience rather than on university degrees or personal connections.

The skills-based perspective has been embraced by labor market and policy experts as a vehicle for broadening opportunity in America, especially for the nearly two-thirds of workers who do not have four-year college degrees. Screening by degrees hits minority workers particularly hard, eliminating 72 percent of Black adults and 79 percent of Latino adults, compared with 58 percent of non-Hispanic white adults.

A.I. optimists say the technology, by harnessing data and clever algorithms, can make hiring fairer and more diverse. Skeptics say the technology is unproven and may just automate past discrimination in new ways.

A New York law, which is scheduled to take effect next month, will require companies using A.I. hiring software to notify job candidates that an automated system is being used and to have the technology checked for bias by independent auditors.
Chinas new premier, the countrys No. 2 leader after Xi Jinping, sought on Monday to reinvigorate confidence in the faltering economy, promising that private-sector companies would be treated equally with state-owned ones and that the property rights and other interests of entrepreneurs would be strictly respected.

Premier Li Qiang, who took office on Saturday, strongly endorsed the role of entrepreneurs after a decade in which the state and the ruling Communist Party have played a steadily growing role in Chinas economy, with some pro-party commentators castigating big businesses. Weak confidence, spending and investment by consumers and private businesses have hurt the economy, which has slowed sharply over the past few years.

The Communist Party is under immense pressure to revive growth, which was battered by nearly three years of zero Covid restrictions, including mass testing and quarantines. Lengthy city lockdowns that confined hundreds of millions of people to their homes disrupted factory production and left consumers and businesses alike with little confidence to spend.

Even after the government lifted those pandemic rules in December, many entrepreneurs have been wary of making new investments. Some have even left the country as the climate for private businesses has deteriorated.
The party has sought to demonstrate that Mr. Li has Mr. Xis trust. When Mr. Xi was reappointed as president at the National Peoples Congress last week, the two men were seen sitting next to each other on the stage, chatting animatedly. But the position of premier has also been diminished under Mr. Xi.

Mr. Li will only focus on domestic livelihood issues, said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, who specializes in political and economic issues in China. Mr. Xi will be in charge of virtually everything else.

Even within that limited scope, Mr. Li faces serious challenges. To revitalize Chinas economy, he needs to restore confidence that had been battered by Covid restrictions as well as clampdowns on tech and real estate. Mr. Li, at his first news conference as premier on Monday, sought to reassure private companies of their importance to the party and Beijings commitment to market-oriented economics, despite Mr. Xis emphasis on national security and Communist ideology.

Mr. Li pointed to his long experience working in cities and provinces with strong private businesses and entrepreneurs. I have some understanding of their aspirations and apprehensions in the course of their development, he said at the briefing.

Mr. Lis record points to a commitment to promoting business. As Shanghais party secretary, he pushed successfully for the creation of another stock market in the city. Under Mr. Lis watch, Elon Musk built in Shanghai what is now Teslas largest electric car factory. The factory began manufacturing cars in less than a year after construction crews took turns working around the clock under floodlights, as is common for priority projects in China.
As regulators moved to limit the fallout from the demise of Silicon Valley Bank, the fortunes of a mobile gaming company in India showed the lenders global reach.

Shares in the company, Nazara Technologies, fell as much as 6.5 percent on Monday after the company said two of its subsidiaries had accounts with Silicon Valley Bank, which collapsed on Friday. The two units had together more than $7.7 million in balances at the failed bank.

Indian officials, like their counterparts elsewhere in the world, have tried to calm investors about any potential contagion in the nations banking industry. They have also said they were meeting with representatives from Indias start-up community in the coming days to understand the impact on them.

For Nazara, the situation with SVB remains fluid, it said in a statement, but emphasized that operations at its subsidiaries were not affected by the American banks collapse. The company, whose portfolio includes games based on Chhota Bheem, a mythological character in a popular childrens cartoon, said that it had enough funds. The stock had regained most of its losses by late afternoon in Mumbai.
Six years after nabbing the best picture Oscar for Moonlight, the hip, art-house studio A24 succeeded at Sunday nights Academy Awards on a scale that seemed to surprise even its executives, who entered the post-show Governors Ball with what-just-happened-looks on their faces.

The studio became the first in the 95-year history of the Oscars to capture the top six awards at once: the four acting categories, director and picture. It won nine trophies in all  out of 18 nominations  with seven, including best picture, going to Everything Everywhere All at Once. That film, about a family of Asian immigrants who travel through a multiverse in their quest to find one another, was made for $20 million and grossed $106 million worldwide.

The acting awards went to Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Brendan Fraser (The Whale) in the lead categories, along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, both from Everything Everywhere All at Once, for their supporting roles. (Among those Mr. Fraser beat out was Paul Mescal, nominated for A24s Aftersun, while Ms. Curtis faced her co-star Stephanie Hsu and Hong Chau from The Whale.)
Lifehacker, the online how-to guide for exercise, cooking, technology, parenting  and just about everything else  is being sold to the digital-media giant Ziff Davis, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

The site is being sold by G/O Media, which owns Lifehacker and several other remnants of Gawker Media, including the tech site Gizmodo and the automotive site Jalopnik. Great Hill Partners, a private-equity company, purchased those sites from the Spanish-language media company Univision and renamed the collection G/O Media.

The price of Lifehacker could not be learned. The sale is expected to be announced later this week, the people said.

G/O Media and Ziff Davis had no immediate comment.

Ziff Davis approached G/O Media in recent months seeking to purchase the site to complement its existing portfolio of publications, which include Mashable, PC Magazine and IGN, according to one of the people. (Ziff Davis had been an interested bidder in the former Gawker sites when they were up for sale.)
Mr. Braggs prosecutors have already questioned at least seven other people before the grand jury this year, and Mr. Cohen is likely one of the final witnesses, according to people with knowledge of the matter. It would be rare for a prosecutor in a high-profile white-collar case to question nearly every relevant witness without intending to seek an indictment.

Another signal that an indictment is likely came when Mr. Braggs office informed Mr. Trumps lawyers that the former president could appear before the grand jury this week should he want to do so. Such offers almost always indicate an indictment is close, because in New York, potential defendants have the right to answer questions in the grand jury shortly before they are indicted.

Mr. Trump declined the offer, people with knowledge of his decision said. And members of his legal team recently met privately with prosecutors to make their case against an indictment, one of his lawyers, Joseph Tacopina, said on Good Morning America on Monday. One of the lawyers at the meeting was Susan R. Necheles, who Mr. Tacopina said was leading the charge for Mr. Trump.

The former president has blasted Mr. Braggs investigation, saying that the Democratic district attorney is conducting a politically motivated witch hunt. Last week, Mr. Trump issued a statement in which he denied having an affair with the porn star, Stormy Daniels, and said Mr. Braggs inquiry was an effort to take down the leading Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

If Mr. Bragg ultimately decides to ask the grand jurors to vote to indict Mr. Trump, the case could hinge on Mr. Cohens testimony.
Silicon Valley Banks British subsidiary will be acquired by the banking giant HSBC, the Bank of England announced on Monday as it emphasized the stability of the nations banking system.

This action has been taken to stabilize SVBUK, ensuring the continuity of banking services, minimizing disruption to the U.K. technology sector and supporting confidence in the financial system, the central bank said in a statement, referring to the American banks British subsidiary. The wider U.K. banking system remains safe, sound, and well capitalized.

The announcement came just hours after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain assured investors and the general public that the countrys financial system was in good health and would not suffer from the demise of Silicon Valley Bank in the United States.

Theres nothing to worry about there, Mr. Sunak told reporters on Sunday in San Diego. He added that Britains financial system is sound and resilient.
This morning, the First Session of the 14th National People's Congress concluded in Beijing, and the Anhui delegation confidently stepped out of the Great Hall of the People. One hundred ten deputies from the Anhui delegation attended the session, shouldering the heavy responsibilities of the people and carrying out glorious missions. With full political enthusiasm and a rigorous work style, they faithfully performed their duties for the people, exercised their powers by the law, and put forward high-quality opinions and suggestions for the development of the Party and the country. The deputies unanimously stated that they should unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and wholeheartedly support the "Two Establishes" and faithfully practice the "Two Upholds," strengthen confidence, work hard and move forward courageously, publicize and implement the spirit of the congress in their respective work positions, and strive in unity for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country and the comprehensive promotion of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Reported by Zhang Yipu Video producted by Sheng Jiayu Translated by Zheng Chen
Traffic Lights Up for 'Adoption'

As load shedding causes havoc on roads and municipalities battle to secure backup power for traffic lights due to rampant theft, businesses are "adopting" them during power cuts, reports TimesLive. Several Mpumalanga businesses plan to connect robots to generators or solar equipment in Mbombela and White River, while Johannesburg plans to pilot 50 "adopted" intersections by June. In Mpumalanga, Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) COO Linda Grimbeek said two traffic lights have been "adopted" and are functioning, while another 15 businesses have expressed interest. "A shopping centre or business next to a busy intersection will, with the oversight of the city's traffic and electrical department, and at the cost of the business, connect the traffic lights to their generator or solar system. As soon as the centre switches to the alternative energy, the traffic lights automatically connect to the alternative power," said Grimbeek.

Public Sector Union Vows to Intensify Strike

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) has vowed to intensify the public service workers' strike which began last Monday and caused chaos at public institutions across the country, reports News24. NEHAWU says the strike follows collapsed wage negotiations, continuous implementation of austerity measures, and the aggressive attack on collective bargaining by the government. Thousands downed tools to force the government to agree to demands for a 10% wage hike. The government has offered 4.7% but the union has rejected the offer, calling it an insult. The week-long protests have been marred by violence and intimidation.

Air Pollution Fear in Cape Town Community

Kuils River residents are fearful their health and safety will once again be threatened by the actions of big business and the government following the resumption of activity at a steel mill near the Cape Town suburb, reports News24. The Cape Town Iron & Steel Company (CISCO) recently reopened a steel mill that stood idle from 2019 until last month. The previous owners, Turkish brothers Dagestan, Hakan, and Oguzhan Turanli, abandoned the business three years ago. An independent study commissioned by residents during the mill's operations under previous owners found "exposure to heavy metals". Residents claim that it left behind tons of toxic furnace dust, which the company had neglected to contain and store in compliance with environmental regulations. Residents believe the toxic dust could be one of the causes of the medical ailments they have experienced in recent years, including headaches, nosebleeds, sinus issues, and insomnia.

More South African news
Theres an old joke about a street with four restaurants side-by-side. The first has a sign saying, Best Food in the City, and its tables are sparsely populated. The second says, Best Food in the Country, and even fewer people are inside. The third says, Best Food in the World, and its empty. The fourth says, Best Food on the Block, and its packed.

The joke could well be about the intentions of wine producers.

Some aspire to make the best wines in their region; others, the country or the world. But for me, the most enlightened approach is simply to try to make the best possible wine from the place where the grapes are grown.

This might sound like the least ambitious path, but its the most demanding one of all, requiring a strong set of beliefs.

My favorite wine producers look inward, not outward. They ask themselves, How can I do my utmost to convey the character of this particular patch of earth? And they often conclude: Im going to make the wines that I like to drink. If nobody buys them, Ill drink them myself.
NEW ORLEANS  In this storied Louisiana city, where shrimp etouffee, gumbo and po boys loom large, red beans and rice stand above.

I dont think New Orleans would be the city that it is if we didnt have not only rich traditions and history, but also red beans and rice, said Freddie King III, a city councilman.

The dishs popularity is well documented: The jazz musician and New Orleans native Louis Armstrong was such a fan that he was known to sign his letters Red Beans and Ricely Yours, Louis Armstrong. And, at Dooky Chases in the citys Treme neighborhood, where the culinary matriarch Leah Chase cooked for local politicians, civil rights leaders and former presidents, red beans and rice have been an integral part of the menu since the restaurants inception in 1941. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was known to meet with organizers over the meal.
Spring might be just around the corner, as Toads friend Frog says, but it certainly doesnt feel that way in New York yet. I still need to layer on scarf-hat-and-gloves before heading out to face the wind, but I make up for it with a hot bowl of soup for dinner. Recently I simmered a version of my turkey soup with beans and greens, substituting chickpeas for the white beans and lime for the lemon, and it warmed me head to toe.

This week, New York Times Cooking has two new and gloriously easy soup recipes. Kay Chun brought us a lemony leek and fish soup with orzo (above), inspired by a Greek avgolemono. Its after-work fast and supremely warming, with pieces of white fish poached in a broth made silky from eggs whisked in right at the end. (For a slightly more classic take on avgolemono, theres my version with escarole.).

Equally compelling is a pot of tchicha from Nargisse Benkabbou. This simple soup, from the Amazigh, or Berber, community in North Africa, combines pearl barley with tomatoes, sweet paprika and thyme. Its filling and thick, but, made without meat, its still relatively light.

The same can be said for Jocelyn Ramirezs garlicky, cumin-laced sopa de fideo, a Mexican noodle soup thats perfect for any chilly weeknight.
Calling It Quits is a series about the current culture of quitting.

Driving home one day in the fall of 2021 from her job as an art teacher at a low-income public charter school near Sacramento, Calif., Ruth Santer fell asleep at the wheel. She often came home physically spent after a day of arriving early, wielding heavy art supplies and staying late to prepare art materials, all while managing a full classroom of middle school students. The work had always been strenuous but pandemic stresses had added to her level of exhaustion.

On that drive home, Ms. Santer, 63, struck another car, and though no one was harmed, she took the incident as a sign for her to leave her job a few years before her planned retirement. There were a lot of factors but that was the moment when I said, OK, I dont think that this is safe or wise, to be this exhausted, she said.

Ms. Santer is far from alone. In a 2022 survey conducted by the National Education Association, 55 percent of educators said that they were thinking about leaving the profession, many of them citing pandemic-related difficulties and burnout. Teachers must not only face long hours in a stressful environment, but also the rise of political debates around Covid policies and curriculums. Here are a few of their stories.

Ruth Santer, Davis, Calif.

When the pandemic first began, Ms. Santer worked hard to figure out how to teach art remotely, but new issues emerged at the same time hybrid schooling did. In addition to the physical toll of her work, debates about masking, vaccines and gender identity entered the classroom, she said. There are always a lot of stresses in teaching because everyone feels like they know about it. Everyones gone to school, everyone has an opinion about how it should be done.
SENECA FALLS, N.Y.  Along a stretch of County Road 124 in New Yorks picturesque Finger Lakes region, men stand guard at a barbed wire blockade, tending a fire they keep burning around the clock and protecting a two-story home that is on the verge of collapse.

The scene is the latest front in a fight that has riven the Cayuga Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe in upstate New York, pitting two groups within the Nation against each other.

It is a conflict in which homes and property have been destroyed and accusations of thievery and greed swirl. On one side is the tribal government and its longtime leader, Clint Halftown, who has begun to reclaim the land that once belonged to the tribe; on the other is a group of self-described traditionalists, who say they do not recognize Mr. Halftowns administration and who have staked their own claims to some of the property the Nation has bought.

The two sides disagree even on basic facts in a dispute that touches on questions of how the tribes deep traditions should inform the way its people are governed today.
The morning he was shot dead, Najee Seabrooks had contacted two groups to report that he was suffering from a mental health crisis: the police and his friends at the Paterson Healing Collective, an anti-violence organization where he worked as a counselor.

I want to hear one of yalls voice, he wrote on March 3 to members of the Paterson, N.J., collective, according to text messages shared by Equal Justice USA, a Brooklyn-based anti-violence organization, which met with members of the group after the shooting.

Before they try to kill me, Mr. Seabrooks, 31, added. I have a few minutes left.

After a more than four-hour standoff that included efforts by the police to use nonlethal force, two Paterson officers fired their guns, striking Mr. Seabrooks, who died at a nearby hospital, according to the New Jersey attorney generals office.

Members of the healing collective  a group funded in part by a federal anti-violence grant  said they were barred by the police from intervening as they waited for hours in the lobby of the multistory apartment building where the shooting occurred. Kevin J. Slavin, the president of St. Josephs University Medical Center, where Mr. Seabrooks died, said in a strongly worded statement that the police never contacted his team of trained mental health professionals either.
Ganser mentioned that as a candidate and as a newly elected mayor, Adams said he supported 1 percent for parks, and a Parks Department spokeswoman said that we are committed to working toward the goal of 1 percent for parks. So did a City Hall spokeswoman, who said that Adamss administration had made significant investments to improve our parks and keep them safe.

But New Yorkers for Parks is so concerned that the parks budget could be vulnerable that it is releasing a 43-page document titled the 1 Percent for Parks Impact Report.

It details the benefits of increased funding for parks, including hiring enough maintenance workers to keep the lawns and trees looking their best, and the trash bins from overflowing. The report also says that more money would make parks feel safer, because the Parks Department could hire more Parks Enforcement Patrol officers. With only about 180 on duty on any given day, they are too thinly deployed to respond to problems in parks, the report says.

The report says the Parks Department has done the best it can with available resources. But constrained staffing of maintenance workers means that parks may not be clean during visitation spikes. Or they may lack functioning playground equipment, in part because of $590 million in deferred maintenance.

Ganser is not only fighting budget-cutting, he is also fighting confusion over nonprofits like the Central Park Conservancy, Friends of the High Line and the Prospect Park Alliance that raise contributions from donors. People who live in New York will go to Central Park and the High Line and say Look at how the city cares for its parks, Ganser said. Thats not a negative on the conservancies, its a call out to the city that youre not living up to your end of the bargain for the nearly 1,700 other parks.
Yet even the sharply reduced Russian and American nuclear arsenals are still enough to wipe out much of the world, China is pushing hard to become the third nuclear superpower, and at least six other countries, including the uber-dictatorship North Korea, have nuclear weapons (the others: Britain, France, Israel, India and Pakistan).

Perversely, the complexity of todays world has even generated something akin to nostalgia for a time when there were only two superpowers to deal with and stability depended on mutually assured destruction. But it is hard to be nostalgic about a time when President John Kennedy urged all Americans to prepare nuclear shelters (The time to start is now) and nuclear nightmares were the stuff of popular movies like On the Beach, Fail Safe and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

True, there were fears when the Soviet Union collapsed that a terrible second nuclear age of unchecked proliferation and nuclear terrorism would follow. In fact, since the end of the Cold War only North Korea got its own bomb, and its nuclear program began long before the Soviet Union ended. On the opposite side of the ledger, South Africa abandoned its nuclear program in 1989, and three new states that inherited some Soviet nuclear weapons  Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan  surrendered them (perhaps now to their regret).

Whether Americans are justified in no longer worrying so much about the bomb is another question. Jon Wolfsthal, a senior adviser to Global Zero, a group that advocates the abolition of nuclear weapons, and a fellow at the Center for a New American Security, thinks not. A lot of this is subjective, he said. In the 60s and 70s we believed that Russians would launch unless we were on our guard. They were sure that we would launch. As that fear receded, he said, so did awareness of the ever-present threat. Before, all senators had to know the language of throw-weight  the payload of a nuclear missile. Today, theres not five senators who understand the issue.

Yet nuclear arms controls are as needed today as they ever were, and not only with Moscow. Mr. Putin obliquely acknowledged that when, after saying on Feb. 21 that Russia would suspend participation in New START, Russia quickly added that the country would continue to respect the treatys limits on nuclear warheads and delivery systems. The alternative, he knew, could be a new arms race in which Russia was no match for Americas economic and technological abilities. In effect, Mr. Putins announcement extended a suspension of on-site inspections that began during the pandemic.
To the Editor:

Re Voters Should Pick the Vice President, by Greg Craig (Opinion guest essay, March 5):

Mr. Craigs article raises a larger question. The vice-presidential nominees of the two major parties are too often chosen largely or entirely because of their perceived ability to help elect their presidential running mate, rather than an apparent ability to act as president if needed.

Considering the stakes, the main or sole criterion in selecting a vice-presidential nominee should be that persons capacity to immediately and competently step into the presidents shoes, if required.

Just in the last century, Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan all labored under the specters of age, infirmity or both. This clearly demonstrates the national interest in vice-presidential nominees having the qualifications, experience, health and ability to competently represent the country as a whole.

If a vice-presidential nominee is also a plausible national candidate in her or his own right, all the better, and having a nominee of such stature should benefit his or her party and the ticket.
For over three hours on Sunday night, we watched beautiful people pass golden statuettes back and forth while bestowing awards on worthy winners. As usual, four of the Oscar categories  best actor, supporting actor, actress and supporting actress  were divided by gender. None of the others were. There is no award for best sound editing by a female or best screenplay by a gentleman. So why are acting awards split up this way?

The division has been in place since the first Academy Awards ceremony, in 1929, but there are signs that change is coming. Last month Justin David Sullivan, a star of the Broadway musical & Juliet, made headlines for declining to be considered for a Tony because, as a trans nonbinary performer, they did not feel comfortable being nominated for a gender-specific prize.

Nonbinary actors such as Emma Corrin, Bella Ramsey, Emma DArcy and iris menas have all given award-worthy performances in the past few years, so it seems inevitable that the Emmys, Golden Globes and Oscars will need to reconsider how they categorize people when it comes time to hand out awards. But in a society where the criteria for what makes a strong performance can be gendered, how can this be done?

Getting it right wont be easy. In music, the Brit Awards recently switched to a gender-neutral format for artist of the year  and ended up with a slate of nominees this year that consisted entirely of men. (Harry Styles won and dedicated his award to female musicians.)
Criticisms continues of the British government's tough new legislation which will ban anyone who arrives in the United Kingdom (UK) in small boats across the English Channel from ever settling in the country.

Announced the measures last Tuesday, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the government had "pushed the boundaries of international law" with a bill that will bar asylum claims by anyone who reaches the U.K. by unauthorized means, and will compel the government to detain and then deport them "to their home country or a safe third country." They would be banned from ever reentering the country.

"If you enter Britain illegally, you will be detained and swiftly removed," Braverman told lawmakers in the House of Commons as she introduced the government's "Illegal Migration Bill."

But critics said the plan is unethical and unworkable, since people fleeing war and persecution can't be sent home, and is likely to be the latest in a series of unfulfilled immigration pledges by successive U.K. governments.

Stanford Biti came to the UK in March 2006 to claim asylum as a refugee from Harare, Zimbabwe, after facing persecution from the national regime, and said he is "angry, disappointed and deeply concerned" by the Government's proposed Bill.

Stanford Biti

"This is an unworkable, costly, inhuman and anti-refugee legislation - it is cruel and it is abhorrent," the 52-year-old, who lives in Southend-on-Sea, told PA.

"The language that is being used by the Government is all inhumane.

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"The worst thing is that no normal person would risk their lives to come through the English Channel... it is a choice between death and life."

Mr Biti is now the chief executive officer for Communities and Sanctuary Seekers Together (Cast) - a refugee community organisation which he said "aims to end destitution within the UK draconian immigration system".

He said the Government needs to work with refugees and organisations like Cast to tackle the issue of asylum seekers crossing the Channel by boat and help them to find safer routes.

"The Government has always appealed to the British community to assist in the global crisis of refugees... they should do the same thing when they're designing or when they're crafting Bills like this," he said.

"Let's sit down at the round table. We give in our ideas, you come in with your ideas and resolve the problem together.

"We can, together - as asylum seekers, the refugees who have settled here, the refugee community organisations, charities working with refugees, and the Government - stop people getting into the boats."
And a 5-to-4 conservative majority relied on similar standing concerns in June 2021 to hold that the Constitution foreclosed suits by some consumers who sought to challenge credit reporting companies that kept inaccurate records of their credit information  holding that it wasnt enough that Congress believed such conduct should be legally actionable. In each of these cases, a central argument was that courts would have too much power if they had the right to defy the jurisdictional limits that they themselves have read into the Constitution, no matter how compelling the substantive arguments of those challenging the policy at issue might have been.

Under these rulings and the long-settled standing principles they reflect, neither set of plaintiffs in the student loan cases has even a strong claim to standing. In the case brought by two private plaintiffs (Department of Education v. Brown), their claimed injury is that they were denied a procedural chance to persuade the Education Department to adopt more expansive eligibility criteria. As implausible an argument as that is in the abstract, the larger problem is that the relief they are seeking, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor made clear, would not exactly redress their injury, since theyre seeking to have the entire program thrown out.

The standing arguments in the challenge brought by six red states (Biden v. Nebraska) are no closer to the mark. Five of the states have based their standing solely on the indirect economic effects of the program  effects that, even if they were more than just speculative (a 2013 Alito opinion requires them to be certainly impending), are hardly particularized. Only Missouri claims a direct injury: Its basic claim is that it can sue on behalf of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, or MOHELA, which will be directly affected by the program. The problem for Missouri is that MOHELA is a quasi-independent entity  with its own ability to sue and be sued under Missouri law. And it has chosen not to sue here. Under the courts limits on when a third party can sue to enforce the rights of others, that ought to be the end of the matter.

And yet during the oral argument, Justice Alito tried to stake out what even he suggested was a new possible standing argument  that Missouri should be allowed to sue on MOHELAs behalf entirely because MOHELA is a state actor for at least some constitutional purposes. By that logic, any time that I, as a public university professor in Texas, am injured by a federal policy, the State of Texas could sue on my behalf.

Reasonable minds can differ as to the wisdom and even the legality of Mr. Bidens student loan debt forgiveness program. They can also differ over whether federal courthouse doors ought to be opened more broadly to encompass more challenges to government action.
Few spiders in the United States have a more fearsome reputation than black widows. But throughout the South, the bulbous arachnids with red hourglasses on their bellies are engaged in a lethal competition with the brown widow, a relative from abroad  and theyre losing.

This isnt a case of one species outcompeting another for food or habitat. In research published Monday in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, biologists found that young brown widow spiders have a dramatic tendency to seek out and kill their American cousins.

Brown widows will aggressively go after black widows, chase them down, said Louis Coticchio, a science tutor at St. Petersburg College in Florida and an author of the paper. They dont play well with being neighbors.

Three species of black widows are native to North America, including the Southern black widow, Latrodectus mactans. Exceedingly shy insect hunters, black widows like to live in crawl spaces, woodpiles and sheds. This fondness for human habitation does occasionally lead to people getting bit  1,004 cases in 2021, according to Americas Poison Centers  but deaths are extremely rare. Black widows generally dont bite when harassed, preferring to run, play dead or flick webbing at a poking finger, Mr. Coticchio said. Its only pinching them thatll get you bit.
BRYCE SCARLETT All Ive ever cared about is being respected by my peers. Chris calling me and asking me to do this with you guys was one of the most touching things thats ever happened in my career. Im so beyond moved that someone like Chris would look at my work, respect me and my work.

When did you first notice each others work?

SCARLETT Everyone knows who Chris is, but the first time I was really aware of his work was when I saw an editorial with the women from Sex and the City. I remember thinking that they all looked so insanely good and looking at the credits and thinking, Oh my god, did he do all of them?

McMILLAN Marie Claire?

SCARLETT Yes, Marie Claire. That was my earliest memory of really noticing Chriss work. I was an assistant in L.A., and of course, I already knew his salon.

McMILLAN I remember Bryce was working with Margot Robbie, and she was just starting to look relaxed and modern, not all done up. Every time we saw her she looked so natural, like her hair just grew out of her head like that. It didnt look forced. Of course, I knew that there was a lot of work that went into that hair.

SCARLETT Thank you! Yes! I have never felt more seen.

McMILLAN I love that kind of hair, and I know that youve got to put a lot of effort and muscle into it to get it to look like that. I did Gwyneth Paltrow for the Oscars one year  she was in a big pink Stella McCartney dress  and someone said, Did he even do anything to her hair? and I was like, If you only knew.

SCARLETT Exactly.

McMILLAN To me, that means I succeeded. When the hair looks natural but beautiful, thats what I want.
WHEN THE FRENCH chef Yann Nury moved to New York 17 years ago to work in private events for the restaurateur Daniel Boulud, hed often be sent to cook in Park Avenue penthouses  some of the most beautiful places in the city, he recalls. But the home he really coveted was a clients loft on Wooster Street in Manhattans SoHo: The rounded windows, the view  the fact that the whole space was shared. Its always stayed in my mind, he says. If Paris, where hed worked for years at the esteemed French catering firm Lenotre, is about sophisticated luxury, as Nury sees it, New York is fancy street culture.

Nury, 39, is explaining the citys appeal while sitting 12 floors above Crosby Street, in an open-plan loft inside a 1901 cast-iron-and-brick building just below Houston Street. Unusually for the area, there are windows not just at either end of the narrow nearly 3,000-square-foot space but also along its northern wall; huge and almost square, they frame Edward Hopper-like vignettes of the Williamsburg Bridge and downtown rooftops. When he found the place four years ago, it was terrible, Nury says, overstuffed with furniture and fitted with wall-to-wall carpeting.

The chef gutted the apartment  leaving original details like distressed wood floors and industrial pipes that run the length of the 16-foot-high ceiling  to create La Residence, as he calls it. In collaboration with the Parisian architect Charles Zana, who also designed the low dark green mohair sofa in a back seating area beneath a tall mirrored bar, Nury went about building a home where the kitchen isnt just the nucleus but the entire atom. Amid a custom Molteni stove from Lyon, more than 100 vintage copper pots (some made for historic hotels, including the Ritz in Paris) and a cache of one-of-a-kind knives  hidden like prized possessions inside a 19th-century Polish filing cabinet  theres space for half a dozen prep cooks. They come to help Nury run his namesake business, which co-hosts culinary events for private clients and luxury brands like Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
But a race call is not an ordinary prediction. Its not like calling heads or tails in a coin toss. A race call means that a candidate has something like a 99.9 percent chance of winning. As a result, a call can be wrong, even if the expected outcome ends up happening. If you assert that theres a 99.9 percent chance that a coin flip will come up heads, youre wrong  regardless of what happens next.

Of course, everyone knows heads or tails is a 50-50 proposition. Its much harder to know whether Mr. Biden had a 50.1 percent or 99.9 percent chance of winning Arizona based on the data available at 11:20 p.m. Eastern on election night, when Fox called the state for Mr. Biden. Most other news organizations didnt think so; only The Associated Press, a few hours later, joined Fox in making the call so quickly. And in the end, Mr. Biden won Arizona by just three-tenths of a percentage point  a margin evoking a coin flip.

Was the Fox call the result of the most sophisticated and accurate modeling, or more like being right when calling heads in a coin flip? It appears to be the latter  a lucky and dangerous guess  based on a review of televised statements by the Fox News decision team and publicly available data about the networks modeling.

The Fox team believed Mr. Biden would win Arizona by a comfortable margin at the time the call was made, based on erroneous assumptions and flawed polling. While it worked out for Fox in the end, similarly risky decisions could have easily led to a missed call, with potentially dire consequences for trust in American elections.

I should disclose that Im not an entirely disinterested party. Here at The Times, we rejected the A.P. call on Arizona (The Times usually accepts A.P. calls, but we independently evaluate A.P. projections in very important races) because we couldnt rule out a Trump victory based on the available data. I believe we were right about that decision. But much as the Fox team has an incentive to argue its case, readers may believe that I have an incentive to argue against the Arizona call. I should also disclose that I know and like the Fox News decision desk director Arnon Mishkin.
Another compounding factor, especially along the Central Coast and in the Bay Area, is that thunderstorms and gale-force winds are expected. Wind gusts could reach 55 to 70 miles an hour or more along the immediate coastline and at elevations above 1,000 feet in the hills. The winds will spread into the Sierra Nevada, where there could be gusts over 100 miles an hour at mountaintops.

In some areas, residents are still coming to grips with the damage caused by last weeks storms. The small farm community of Pajaro remains flooded after a levee broke early Saturday along the Pajaro River, between Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

The latest atmospheric river  a narrow conveyor belt of water vapor in the sky  arrived first in Northern California late Monday, and then slowly spread into the central part of the state early Tuesday. It is expected to deliver rain in Los Angeles and other regions of Southern California later in the day.

All told, the storm is predicted to bring another two to five inches of rain along the coast and in valleys, and up to eight inches in the mountains. At elevations above 8,000 feet, the Sierra Nevada could receive another foot of snow or more, increasing the weight bearing down on roofs and the risk of roof collapses and roof avalanches, when large frozen sheets of snow and ice suddenly slide off buildings.

The Los Angeles region has already received at least twice the average amount of cumulative rainfall for this point in the year, according to Mike Wofford, a senior meteorologist for the Weather Service office in Los Angeles.
While pharmacists can request increases to their controlled-drug limits, distributors must thoroughly vet each request, which can be a lengthy process. A pharmacist in Washington State, who did not want to be identified as having potent pain drugs on hand, said his morphine supply had been cut off before the end of a month, nearly preventing him from fulfilling a large contract with a local hospice. He found another source for that order, but six weeks after asking his distributor to increase his threshold, he still has not received an answer.

Theres not an independent pharmacy Ive talked to that hasnt had a problem with not getting medication shipped because they hit some threshold and they dont know about it, said Jenny Arnold, chief executive of the Washington State Pharmacy Association.

The constraints also appear to be interfering with attempts to help people with addiction. The settlement singles out as a red flag some dispensing of buprenorphine, which is routinely used to treat opioid use disorder. The drug helps blunt symptoms of withdrawal and cravings for opioids, and is considered a key tool in fighting addiction.

Wesley Hickman, who owns a pharmacy in Leland, N.C., said he receives a call about every two hours from someone looking for buprenorphine. He hits his limit on the drug each month and has to turn patients away, including some who come to him after the local CVS or Walgreens runs out. (Although Dr. Hickmans pharmacy uses a smaller distributor that is not part of the settlement, the company has also enacted restrictions.) He noted that southeastern North Carolina has disproportionately high rates of opioid overdoses.
The parents of a Louisiana State University student who died in 2017 after an on-campus hazing event have been awarded $6.1 million by a jury in Baton Rouge, La., according to the familys lawyer.

The student, Maxwell Gruver, 18, of Roswell, Ga., died the day after he took part in a Phi Delta Theta fraternity ritual that required pledges to take several three- to five-second chugs from a bottle of Diesel, a 190-proof liquor, according to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

According to court documents, an autopsy determined that Mr. Gruver had a blood-alcohol content of 0.495 percent, which is more than six times the legal limit in the state for drivers over 21.

On Wednesday, the jury reached a verdict in the case against one of the former fraternity members and his insurance company, the lawyer, Jonathon Fazzola, who works for the Fierberg National Law Group, said during a phone interview.
WASHINGTON  Senator Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican and minority leader who suffered a concussion in a serious fall last week, was released from the hospital on Monday and will move to a physical rehabilitation center before returning to the Senate, according to his office.

A spokesman, David Popp, said that the lawmakers concussion recovery is proceeding well and that Mr. McConnell, 81, had been discharged from George Washington University Hospital, where he was taken after the accident at the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington about 9 p.m. Wednesday.

At the advice of his physician, Mr. Popp added in a statement, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home.

Mr. Popp said Mr. McConnell had also suffered a minor rib fracture in the fall that his medical team discovered during his hospitalization. He is being treated for that injury as well.
How do you solve a problem like Peoples Park? It all depends on whom you ask.

The leaders of the University of California system want to build much-needed student housing in the famous park, just blocks from U.C. Berkeleys campus. But moving forward with the plan hasnt been easy.

The universitys $312 million project, initially set to break ground last summer, has been repeatedly delayed by protests and lawsuits from Berkeley residents and activists who say they want to preserve the park, the center of bloody counterculture protests in the 1960s, as a historic site. In late February, a state appeals court in San Francisco sided with the opponents and indefinitely halted construction.

U.C. Berkeley officials say they will appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court. The university houses only 23 percent of its students, by far the lowest percentage in the 10-campus U.C. system  and a telling illustration of the Bay Areas affordable housing shortage.

Our commitment to the project is unwavering, Dan Mogulof, a U.C. Berkeley spokesman, told me. The universitys plan for the park includes building housing for 1,100 students, as well as for 125 people who are homeless, with half the park remaining open space.
After currying blame for the incident that led to the bus-train collision at the PWD by Shogunle railway line, on the Agege Motor road, Lagos on Thursday, driver of Lagos State Government Staff bus, Oluwaseun Osinbajo has pleaded with the accident victims to forgive him.

The driver, who works with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, told some family members that visited him at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID) yesterday that: "It is a pity this has happened. I beg everyone affected to please forgive me in the name of God."

Blaming the cause of the accident on a mechanical fault in the bus, the driver is further quoted as saying "It was not my fault. How could I have ignored warning signs? The bus had a mechanical fault.

However, some survivors from the accident have insisted that the 44-year-old driver had his earpiece on while driving and ignored the directive of the Flag Officers at the rail line.

This is as the police disclosed that they were still awaiting the outcome of the medical report, which includes a blood sample to ascertain if the driver was on drugs or mentally fit.
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WASHINGTON  Erika Moritsugu was two days in to a visit to Park City, Utah, to celebrate the first community space for Asian Americans at the Sundance Film Festival when she was called away to Monterey Park, Calif., where a mass shooting on the eve of Lunar New Year ultimately left 11 people dead.

Overdressed in the wool layers and puffer coat she had packed for her original trip, Ms. Moritsugu, 51, the first White House senior liaison to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, was forced to switch gears quickly: from cheerleading mode in ski country to caretaker in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

I cant imagine how excruciating it must be, how painful and how hurtful this must be for those of you who have lost friends and neighbors and aunties and uncles and grandmas, she said at a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting two days after the shooting in January, pausing to regain her composure. I share my grief with you as we mourn the tragic death of our brothers and sisters.
SAN DIEGO  President Biden took his most aggressive step yet on Monday to counter Chinas military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, formally unveiling plans with Britain and Australia to develop and deploy nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Standing in front of the U.S.S. Missouri, a nuclear submarine, at the Point Loma naval base in San Diego, Mr. Biden and the leaders of the other two countries described the naval partnership as a critical way to confront China at a time of heightened tension with Beijing. It will create, U.S. officials said, a nuclear stewardship among the allies.

The United States has safeguarded stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades for the enormous benefit of nations throughout the region, Mr. Biden said, adding, Were showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity, and not just for us but for the entire world.

For the first time in 65 years, Mr. Biden said, the United States will share the technology at the heart of its nuclear submarines, allowing Australia to build powerful war machines that will grow into fleets capable of facing off with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea and other waters. Initially, Australia will buy three submarines like the Missouri, and will eventually build a new version, called the AUKUS, with British and American help.
DAVENPORT, Iowa  Ron DeSantis may be a rising star among Republicans, but the way Donald J. Trumps arrival brought downtown Davenport to a halt on Monday suggested the former president remains, at least for now, the center of the partys galaxy.

Residents of the Mississippi River city had one of the first opportunities in the country for a side-by-side comparison between the two Republicans leading the partys early presidential primary polls, Mr. Trump and Mr. DeSantis, the governor of Florida.

Three days after Mr. DeSantis drew a strong crowd of 1,000 people for a speech on an icy Friday morning, Mr. Trumps arrival shut down traffic by 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. The enthusiastic Trump crowd, wrapped in Trump flags and dressed in bootleg pro-Trump shirts  Jesus, Trump & Freedom, read one  started lining up at 7 a.m. for an event 11 hours later at the 2,400-seat, standing-room-only Adler Theater.

The dichotomy showed the wide gap between the two politicians at this embryonic stage of the 2024 presidential race. The Republican front-runner is a 76-year-old politician seeking the White House for the third consecutive time after a lifetime in the public eye. His chief potential rival is a 44-year-old governor whose book tour event last week was his first visit to Iowa as he decides whether to run for the White House.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration said on Monday that thousands of Ukrainians who fled to the United States in the first months after Russia invaded their country would be eligible to extend their stay, as the war in Ukraine continues into a second year.

About 25,000 Ukrainians and their family members who came into the country through Mexico at a U.S. port of entry between Feb. 24 and April 25 last year were allowed to stay for a year. The Department of Homeland Security said it would consider one-year extensions for that group.

The total two-year period aligns with the length of time Ukrainians fleeing the war were later permitted to stay in the United States under a program in a system known as humanitarian parole.

As Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis it has caused continue, D.H.S. assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians and family members on a case-by-case basis, Angelo Fernandez, a homeland security spokesman, said in a statement on Monday.
Amy Wax, a law professor, has said publicly that on average, Blacks have lower cognitive ability than whites, that the country is better off with fewer Asians as long as they tend to vote for Democrats, and that non-Western people feel a tremendous amount of resentment and shame.

At the University of Pennsylvania, where she has tenure, she invited a white nationalist to speak to her class. And a Black law student who had attended UPenn and Yale said that the professor told her she had only become a double Ivy because of affirmative action, according to the administration.

Professor Wax has denied saying anything belittling or racist to students, and her supporters see her as a truth teller about affirmative action, immigration and race. They agree with her argument that she is the target of censorship and wokeism because of her conservative views.

All of which poses a conundrum for the University of Pennsylvania: Should it fire Amy Wax?

The university is now moving closer to answering just that question. After long resisting the call of students, the dean of the law school, Theodore W. Ruger, has taken a rare step: He has filed a complaint and requested a faculty hearing to consider imposing a major sanction on the professor.
A late-winter storm dumped heavy, wet snow in parts of the Northeast on Tuesday, causing widespread power outages and dozens of flight disruptions.

The brunt of the storm appeared to be affecting a broad area in upstate New York, southern Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts, where 28 inches of snow had been recorded in Windsor, according to the National Weather Service. In Pittsfield, Mass., southwest of Windsor, the police said there were downed power lines and felled trees throughout the area.

If you dont have to drive, can you please do us all a favor and not go out on the roads, the Pittsfield Police Department said on Facebook. We have wires down everywhere. We have trees down everywhere, and its not going to get any better.

Two feet of snow had been recorded in Franklin County in northwest Massachusetts, and 11 inches of snow had been reported in southern New Hampshire, according to the Weather Service.
What is introversion, and how does it shape friendship?

Experts dont necessarily agree on a set definition of introversion. Laurie Helgoe, an associate clinical professor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis and the author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength, described it to me as an inward or internal orientation.

I am thinking of a persons control center or laboratory  the place where they work things through, Dr. Helgoe said. For example, if you ask me how my day is going, Im going to pause and go to my inner laboratory, scan my day and then formulate my response. My husband, the extrovert, is going to say what first comes into his head in order to keep the conversation going, because his laboratory is outside, in the interaction. (Research suggests the population is split nearly evenly between introverts and extroverts, she said.)

Others tend to define introversion more in terms of how one responds to social stimulation. The key feature of introversion is that social energy tends to overwhelm you more quickly, and you need more time to restore, said Marisa Franco, the author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make  and Keep  Friends.

While the terms introvert, shy and even social anxiety are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. The American Psychological Association defines shyness as the tendency to feel awkward or tense during social interactions. Social anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others that gets in the way of daily life.

Introverts are mistaken for being antisocial, said Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Cant Stop Talking. Actually, theyre differently social.
LILONGWE, Malawi  Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, swept in from the southeastern coast of Africa and traveled to the landlocked nation of Malawi, where by Monday it was responsible for at least 99 deaths, government and relief officials said.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi reported that 85 people had died in Blantyre, the second-largest city in the country, and the flooding and mudslides across the southern region prompted the government to declare a state of disaster in 10 districts.

Schools were closed, flights were canceled, and rescue workers frantically dug through mud and collapsed buildings in an effort to save lives. Police and aid workers said they anticipated that there would be more found dead and injured.
Senior Russian officials were meeting with representatives of the United Nations in Geneva on Monday to discuss extending an agreement that allows cargo ships to transport Ukrainian grain past a Russian blockade.

The Black Sea grain deal has been a rare example of cooperation between the countries and is set to expire on Saturday. The agreement, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, was renewed in November three days before its previous expiration date.

Russian leaders have indicated that they are not satisfied with the deal, and it remains unclear whether or not Moscow will support an extension. Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told Russian state media on Sunday that, so far, only the Ukrainian part has been effectively implemented, while the Russian end of the bargain continues to be blocked.

Although the grain deals primary goal was to end Russias blockade of Ukrainian exports, it also allowed for more shipments of Russian grain and fertilizer. As part of the pact, the United States and the European Union gave assurances that banks and companies involved in trading Russian grain and fertilizer would be exempt from sanctions. The U.N.s secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said last week that exports of Ukrainian  as well as Russian  food and fertilizers are essential to global food security and food prices.
The International Criminal Court intends to open two war crimes cases tied to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and will seek arrest warrants for several people, according to current and former officials with knowledge of the decision who were not authorized to speak publicly.

The cases represent the first international charges to be brought forward since the start of the conflict and come after months of work by special investigation teams. They allege that Russia abducted Ukrainian children and teenagers and sent them to Russian re-education camps, and that the Kremlin deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure.

The chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, must first present his charges to a panel of pretrial judges who will decide whether the legal standards have been met for issuing arrest warrants, or whether investigators need more evidence.

It was not clear whom the court planned to charge in each case. Asked to confirm the requests for arrest warrants, the prosecutors office said, We do not publicly discuss specifics related to ongoing investigations.
The first elected female Senator in Nigeria, Franca Afegbua, has died. Aged 81.

She was said to have died in Benin City, Edo State at a private hospital after battling an illness in the last few months.

Her death was confirmed by Kassim Afegbua, one of her younger brothers and a journalist, who served as a Commissioner for Information in Governor Adams Oshiomhole administration in the State and currently a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

He said his sister died Sunday morning and that her body has been taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary.

The late Franca Afegbua, who was born in 1942 and was elected Senator on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1983, represented the then Bendel North Senatorial District in the defunct Bendel State.

She served in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly from October to December 1983 before the military coup brought the Second Republic to an end on December 31, 1983.
ROME  Pope Francis once envisioned serving only a few years as pontiff. On Monday, he commemorated his 10th anniversary as leader of the worlds Roman Catholics, saying it seemed like yesterday that he took control of an ideologically divided church that has opposed him from the right for going too far and criticized him from the left for not going far enough.

Throughout the past decade, Francis, now 86, has visited far-flung countries and strode across the international stage as a major figure willing to use his moral capital on the major issues of the day. He has made the College of Cardinals, which will pick his successor, much more global and has opened doors to debate in the church, seeking to make a torn institution more collegial, unified and less centralized in Rome.

But deep into Francis longer-than-average papacy, many of the faithful are wondering whether the pope, slowed by a bad knee but perhaps less inhibited after the death of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, will make concrete and transformative change or decide once and for all that such shifts will not happen on his watch.

Its been 10 intense years, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state and second-highest-ranking figure after the pope, told reporters on Monday evening. He said that the reform of the Roman bureaucracy that governs the church, which is deeply resistant to change, took a lot of time and a lot of energy.
On Oct. 8, 1965, the chief of Israels foreign intelligence service, the Mossad, presented the countrys prime minister with a plan to assassinate several leading Palestinian militants based in Beirut, Lebanon, with letter bombs.

It will be a woman doing it, said the Mossad chief, Meir Amit, according to transcripts of the meeting with the prime minister, Levi Eshkol, seen by The New York Times. The agent would travel to Beirut and slip the bombs into a mailbox there, he said. At a later meeting, Mr. Amit told the prime minister that the woman was a Mossad agent using a Canadian passport who was working as a photographer for a French press agency.

The womans identity, Sylvia Rafael, and her face, later became known across the world when she was arrested as a member of a Mossad team that had planned to kill another top Palestinian militant in Norway but shot the wrong man.

Ms. Rafael and parts of her life story are widely known, but her work as a press photographer, documenting the unique access she attained in countries where foreigners were not usually welcomed, in secret training camps used by Palestinian militants, as well as to leaders of Arab states and Hollywood stars, had never been publicly revealed.
In higher education, there is one professional golden ticket: tenure. For academics, securing tenure  a highly coveted permanent teaching position at a college or university  usually requires years of education, a rise through the professorial ranks and scholarship. Its benefits are significant: job security that lasts indefinitely, better pay and prestige. One of tenures key protections is academic freedom, allowing professors to speak and work freely without fear of punishment by their institution.

At the University of Pennsylvania, a conflict involving Amy Wax, a tenured law professor who is accused by some students of making racist and xenophobic statements, has put a fresh spotlight on tenure and free speech protections.

Here is what you need to know about tenure.

What does it mean to have tenure?

Tenure is a permanent academic appointment that exists to safeguard academic freedom, according to the American Association of University Professors. A tenured position can be terminated only for cause or under extraordinary circumstances, such as a financial emergency or if a program gets discontinued, the association says.

But professors can lose their tenure if a university determines that there was personal misconduct. Even then, there can be much controversy over the decision, as was the case with Joshua Katz, a tenured classics professor at Princeton. The administration fired him last year, saying that he had not been fully honest and cooperative with an investigation into his sexual relationship with an undergraduate student about 15 years ago. Others, however, felt that Dr. Katz was instead being targeted for his politics. In 2020, he wrote an article in Quillette, an online journal, that criticized anti-racist proposals by Princeton faculty, students and staff.
The United States of Kailasa, a non-existent country created by a controversial Indian guru, somehow managed to sneak into two United Nations meetings this year.

Founded by Indian fugitive and self-proclaimed godman Nithyananda Paramashivam, the United States of Kailasa claims to be the first sovereign state for Hindus. However, youll have a tough time trying to locate it on any map, not because of its size, but because no one knows where it actually is. In 2019, when Nithyananda announced the formation of Kailasa as a state, he claimed to have bought an island off the coast of Ecuador as its headquarters, but the government of the South American country denied any knowledge of the transaction. The controversial guru hasnt made any public appearances in the last 4 years, but the fictional nations ambition has grown, and this year its representatives have attended two UN meetings.

Nithyananda Paramashivam, known as the supreme pontiff of Hinduism by his followers, has a rather complicated past. A female disciple had accused him of rape in 2010, but he was only briefly arrested and then released on bail. He was later accused of kidnapping and confining children at his ashram in Gujarat, India, but days before he was due to show up in court, Nithyananda disappeared and has been on the run ever since.

Even though the so-called godman hasnt made any public appearances in recent years, videos of his sermons are regularly released on his many social media channels, and his followers have been pushing the idea of Kailasa as a state of 2 billion Hindus really hard. It is claimed that the United States of Kailasa is a country for Hindus who are the victims of persecution, just like its founder

Nithyananda and his followers claim to be the victims of persecution (for) over a decade including over 70 assassination attempts, over 250 sexual assaults, lawfare of 120 false cases, massive hate propaganda in electronic media of over 17,000 hours and print media of over 25,000 articles. They consider any attempt to bring their leader to justice as an attack on Hinduism itself.

Although the United States of Kailasa  named after a mountain in the Himalayas that is considered the home of the Hindu god Shiva  has been around for a few years, it only started getting international attention in 2023, after its representatives were spotted at a couple of United Nations meetings. A woman who introduced herself as Vijayapriya Nithyananda, the permanent ambassador of the United States of Kailasa, even took the microphone and asked about indigenous rights and sustainable development. A UN official later said that their submissions were irrelevant and tangential to the issues being discussed at the meetings in Geneva.

Describing Kailasa as the first sovereign state for Hindus, Vijayapriya claimed that the country had provided necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care for free to all its citizens, although those claims are basically impossible to clarify. As to how the representatives of the non-existent countries gained entry to the meetings, a UN representative said that the events were public, so virtually anyone could attend. Still, being associated with a fictional nation founded by a controversial fugitive was not a good look for the UN.

In January of this year, the United States of Kailasa announced that it had been officially recognized by the United States of America, citing a sister-city agreement with the US city of Newark as proof. That agreement was recently rescinded by US authorities, suggesting that Newark officials had been deceived by the fictional nations representatives.
A TULLAMORE man received a three months suspended prison sentence for burglary during Tullamore District Court last week.

Patrick Ward, 74 Saint Columba's Place, Clonminch, Tullamore was charged with several offences.

These included trespass and theft at 38 St Columba's Place, Tullamore on September 16, 2020; no insurance and no driving licence at Cormac Street, Tullamore on September 6, 2021; trespass, criminal damage and attempted theft at Clonminch Medical Centre, Clonminch Tullamore on April 26 2020; possession of a pen knife with the intention of using it for a burglary at Clonminch Medical Centre, Tullamore on April 26 2020; damaged four front windows at 176 Church Hill Tullamore on August 9, 2021; damaged a window and theft at Srah House, Srah Road Tullamore on March 15, 2020; damaged front windows of 109 Arden View, Tullamore on July 31 2021; damaged front windows of 56 Chancery Park Road, Tullamore on August 2, 2021.

Sergeant James O'Sullivan told the court that on December 16 2020 at 38 St Columba's Place the injured party left her house and then sometime later CCTV footage captured Mr Ward entering the house, where he stole an item from the premises.

On March 15 2020 at Srah House, he stole an old copper cylinder from the kitchen. He cut himself during this. We took a sample of this blood and its DNA matched Patrick Ward's. 100 of damage was caused during the break in.

At 109 Arden View 340 of damage was caused.

The defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client is 31 years of age and has three children aged ten, eight and five, the youngest of whom has a brain tumour. Some of these crimes were committed when he had a drug debt and he was trying to repay that debt. He is presently unemployed and he hasn't come to the Guards' attention since."

Judge Andrew Cody convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment, suspended for three years. He fined 500 for no insurance.

Because he has a very ill daughter and therefore needs a licence, I won't disqualify.
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 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.
More snow and freezing temperatures are on the way for Ireland tonight as Met Eireann has issued a warning for large parts of Ireland.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.

According to Met Eireann, wintry showers will lead to icy conditions in some areas on Monday night and on Tuesday morning.

Met Eireann is warning of hazardous road conditions and slippery paths.

The warning comes into place at 8pm on Monday and remains in place until midday on Tuesday.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast, it will beold and blustery tonight with clear spells and scattered wintry showers, with falls of snow in places. Some of the showers will be heavy with hail and thunder. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees in fresh to strong northwest winds. Icy stretches developing on some untreated roads and paths.

Status Yellow - Snow/Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath



Potential Impacts:

 Hazardous road conditions and slippery paths.



Valid: 20:00 Monday 13/03/2023 to 12:00 Tuesday 14/03/2023 pic.twitter.com/1A39oAUiH1  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) March 13, 2023

There will be an icy start in many areas on Tuesday. It will be a cold and breezy day with sunny spells and showers, many of the showers will be wintry with the chance of hail and thunder. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in fresh and gusty northwest winds.

According to Met Eireann, it will remain cold on Tuesday night with widespread frost along with some icy stretches. Wintry showers will die out to leave most of the country dry for a time. Lowest temperatures of -4 to zero degrees. Later in the night, rain will develop in the southwest, spreading northwards over the country during Wednesday morning, preceded by sleet or snow for a time in the north.

Wednesday will be a wet day with outbreaks of rain, heavy in places, especially in Munster and Connacht. Some falls of sleet or snow are possible for a time in north Ulster. Maximum afternoon temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees in Ulster, but ranging 7 to 11 degrees elsewhere, in fresh to strong and gusty south to southeast winds. Mild and breezy on Wednesday night with outbreaks of rain. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in fresh southwest winds.
Hollywood heavyweights have begun to descend on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles ahead of the 95th Academy Awards.

The biggest event in the showbusiness calendar sees Irish talent well represented this year, but up against stiff competition.

Nominees Brendan Fraser and Jamie Lee Curtis were among those arriving early to be greeted on the carpet which, in a departure from previous years, is the colour of champagne.

Cast members from last years best picture winner Coda  Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur  were reunited on the carpet, and were joined by veteran actor James Hong.

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai was also pictured arriving for the event, dressed in a shimmering silver gown.

The Banshees Of Inisherin has become the most Oscar-nominated Irish film ever, clocking up nine nominations ahead of Sundays show.

The films four main stars  Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan  have all received nods for acting awards.

But it faces strong challenges in all major categories  including the coveted best picture  by awards season juggernaut Everything Everywhere All At Once, which leads the field with 11 nominations.

The sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, recently swept top prizes at the Film Independent Spirit Awards and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards, marking it out as a clear frontrunner at the Oscars.

Its stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan are both hotly tipped for their respective categories of best actress and best supporting actor, respectively.

Yeoh takes on Cate Blanchett for best actress, as well as Michelle Williams, Ana de Armas and Andrea Riseborough.

Quan, who has scooped the best supporting actor at most other major awards shows this year, goes head to head with Gleeson and Keoghan.

Farrell is joined in the category for best actor by Elvis Austin Butler and The Whale star Brendan Fraser for best leading actor, as well as veteran British actor Bill Nighy for Living, and Irish actor Paul Mescal for coming-of-age drama Aftersun.

In the best picture category, All Quiet On The Western Front is up alongside The Fabelmans, Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Banshees Of Inisherin.

Other contenders include blockbuster sequels Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way Of Water, as well as Tar, Elvis, Women Talking, and Triangle Of Sadness.

US comedian Jimmy Kimmel will host the 95th annual ceremony, which is due to begin on Sunday at midnight UK time .

Lady Gaga is reportedly set to join fellow pop titan Rihanna in the performing line-up, after organisers previously said she would be unable to do so due to scheduling clashes.

Presenters include British stars Hugh Grant and Florence Pugh, though Hollywood veteran Glenn Close will reportedly not attending after testing positive for Covid 19.
press release

As a blockade by the Ethiopian authorities on selected social media platforms enters its second month, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Flavia Mwangovya said:

"Ethiopian authorities have, for a month now, blocked people in the country from accessing selected social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, Tik Tok and YouTube. The authorities thus continue to violate people's right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information.

Authorities continue to violate people's right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information Flavia Mwangovya, Deputy Regional Director, East and Southern Africa

"This blockade on selected social media platforms clearly violates citizens' rights to freedom of expression and access to information. It also flies in the face of Ethiopia's own constitution, and national laws, as well as regional and international treaties to which Ethiopia is a party to. The restriction further stains the country's already dismal record on media freedom.

"Amnesty International urges the Ethiopian authorities to lift this blockade without delay and to end this culture of interfering with people's right to express themselves and to seek and receive information."

Ethiopia's government must end this culture of interfering with people's right to express themselves and to seek and receive information Flavia Mwangovya

Background

Following tensions caused by the disagreement in Ethiopia's Orthodox Church, the government blocked social media platforms since 9 February 2023 as the Church leaders threatened to call for country wide rallies and counter rallies.

According to media reports security forces killed people during a standoff with protesters in a Church in West Arsi zone, in Shashamane city in Oromia region.

Since 2016 Amnesty International and other organizations have documented frequent internet shutdowns or restrictions during widespread protests and in conflict areas. The war-torn Tigray Region has been cut from any means of communication, including the internet, for almost two years. The connectivity partially resumed after the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) agreement was signed by the warring parties in November 2022.
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President Joe Biden is set to meet with two of America's closest allies to announce that Australia will purchase U.S.-manufactured, nuclear-powered attack submarines to modernize its fleet. The agreement comes amid growing concerns about Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden is traveling Monday to San Diego to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for talks on their 18-month-old nuclear partnership. In a three-day trip to California and Nevada, Biden will also discuss gun violence prevention during a stop in Monterey Park, California, and his plans to lower prescription drug costs in a visit to Las Vegas.
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Olivier Dubois was last seen in April 2021 while reporting in Mali.

French journalist Olivier Dubois was taken hostage in Mali nearly two years ago. His family and support group regularly contact the French authorities and try to raise public awareness, but as time passes, they fear negotiations for his release have stagnated.

Dubois was kidnapped in Gao, in northern Mali, on 8 April 2021 by JNIM, the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, linked to al-Qaeda. He had been trying to interview a local al-Qaeda commander.

Working as a freelance journalist in Mali since 2015, Dubois announced his abduction in a video posted on social media on 5 May, 2021.

Since then proof he is still alive has dwindled, with his last contact in March last year.

The French and Malian governments have assured the family that everything is being done to get Dubois released.

But information is scarce partly due to confidentiality for security reasons. But concerns are rising that diplomatic efforts have fallen by the wayside.

No presidential visit

Pierre Legrand, a member of the SOS Hostages association, was one of the former hostages of Arlit, kidnapped in Niger in 2010, and released in northern Mali in 2013.

He told RFI's David Bache earlier this week that there are some key differences in how his case was handled compared to Dubois' situation.

"The government is acting like it's not really concerned by Olivier's case. An example of this is that for the last two years the family has not been hosted once by President Emmanuel Macron.

"He's the first French president to not have received families of kidnapped people since the hostage-taking episode in Lebanon in the 1980s."

By contrast, Legrand says his own family held several meetings with Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande - the presidents during the time of his capture. This was an important symbol for his loved ones, showing that the leaders were involved personally.

After two years Legrand admitted he felt extremely tired and somewhat abandoned. But one of his few comforts was being able to listen to the radio. He said that all of the leaders of Al-Qaeda he met who spoke French listened to RFI consistently.

From time to time he would hear news of support groups mobilising for him. "Hearing the voices of my friends gave me courage," he said.

Politicians talking about his case also gave him a boost, he added.

"When people who have power get involved, you know that something is really going to happen, it was concrete action," he said.

@EmmanuelMacron, Olivier Dubois is the longest French journalist held hostage.You previously negotiated the release of numerous French hostages in #Mali successfully.Why is it taking so long to #FreeOlivierDubois?@MinColonna, you have to #bringHimhome! @O_DuboisFamille pic.twitter.com/Tf2QcPG9k2-- Hostage Aid Worldwide (@HostageAid) February 3, 2023

No proof of progress

However this was not enough, Legrand says. From the moment his family stopped receiving concrete updates from the presidential office, they decided to launch their own investigation and sent a video message directly to one of the senior al-Qaeda leaders.

"Abdelhamid Abou Zeid responded to them personally by saying that interaction with the French government had stalled for the past year," Legrand recounts.

Legrand says he fears that Dubois might be facing a similar situation as the government has not "provided any proof" that negotiations are advancing despite their assurances.

Political pressure

Jiovanny William, a French deputy for Martinique (first constituency), where Olivier Dubois has family roots.

He has been keeping up the public awareness campaign in the Caribbean island and maintained contact with Dubois' family.

As well as a huge poster of the journalist in front of the town hall in Le Francois, home to some of Dubois' family, he has encouraged all the deputies to wear bracelets with the words: "I will not forget Olivier Dubois". There is also a social media campaign with #freeolivierdubois.

The Support committee established by the family has also set up a petition and awareness campaigns in numerous cities such as Marseille and Avignon.

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"My job is to keep pushing the government to go further with the negotiations, to keep them in a state of alert," William says.

Confirmation from Al-Qaeda

Meanwhile, Algerian Islamist Abu Obeida Youssef al-Aanabi, the current leader of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) confirmed on Monday that his group is holding Dubois. However, he denied AQIM had lured Dubois into being abducted.

It was the first official confirmation from the group, providing perhaps a step forward for the family.

In an exclusive interview given to France 24 television's terrorism expert Wassim Nasir, Al-Aanabi said his group is open to negotiations and that it is up to French authorities to make the first move towards opening talks.

He said AQIM considers it a victory that French troops withdrew from both Mali in August last year and Burkina Faso in February 2023, calling it a vindication of 20 years of jihad in the region.

France's relations with Mali have deteriorated sharply since a junta took power in the west African country in an August 2020 coup.
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Life-threatening hunger caused by climate shocks, violent insecurity and disease in the Horn of Africa, have left nearly 130,000 people "looking death in the eyes" and nearly 50 million facing crisis levels of food insecurity, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

In an appeal for $178 million to support humanitarian assistance across the seven affected countries in the Greater Horn region, veteran WHO worker Liesbeth Aelbrecht warned that the situation was worse than anything she'd seen in more than two decades in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

"These 48 million people do include as many as 129,000 who are facing catastrophe; and catastrophe, that means they are facing starvation and literally looking death in the eyes," Ms. Aelbrecht told journalists in Geneva. Those most at risk, are living in both South Sudan and Somalia.

"You can talk about levels of IPC and all that, but that's what it means," she said, referring to the food insecurity assessment index that humanitarians use to assess levels of assistance.

Disease outbreaks

In addition to the dramatic hunger crisis, the region has never seen such a high number reported disease outbreaks this century, according to WHO.

"All seven countries are battling measles, a deadly disease," Ms. Aelbrecht said, before highlighting how people suffering from malnutrition are much more vulnerable to sickness than those who have enough to eat.

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"Four of the countries are fighting cholera, South Sudan being one of them; they just declared an outbreak. Malaria, which we know is endemic in this region and remains the biggest cause reason for (medical) consultation, is really on the rise."

Dengue first in Sudanese capital

The Greater Horn region is also in the grip of concurrent outbreaks of hepatitis, meningitis and dengue, which was declared for the first time in Khartoum in February.

"The frequency of these disease outbreaks is directly linked to these extreme weather events and to climate change," the WHO officer said. "I've been working on and off in this region for almost 25 years now - and in terms of accumulated emergencies, this is bad as I've ever seen it."

In response to the emergency, the UN health agency intends to use its $178 million appeal to scale up treatment of people suffering from medical complications linked to severe malnutrition.

Mobile clinics

The WHO appeal will also help to make sure that the health system does not collapse by providing mobile health clinics, as increasingly desperate pastoral communities leave their homes and arrive in towns.

"We need to do anything possible to control these disease outbreaks," said Ms. Aelbrecht. "We know how to control cholera, what we need is really the resources to scale this up."
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Humanitarians issued an alert on Friday for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where heavy fighting continues to uproot hundreds of thousands of people in east of the country.

Renewed violent clashes between non-state armed groups and government forces have sparked the latest emergency, with 300,000 people forced to flee their homes in North Kivu Province in February alone.

According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, another 20,000 fled at the start of the week and nearly 50,000 became displaced from the Kitchanga region in Masisi territory during the week of 17 February.

Survivors

"Civilians continue to pay the heavy and bloody price of conflict, including women and children who barely escaped the violence and are now sleeping out in the open, in spontaneous or organized sites, exhausted and traumatised," said UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh.

"UNHCR teams on the ground reported horrifying testimonies of human rights violations in affected areas, especially in Rutshuru and Masisi territories, including arbitrary killings, kidnappings, extortion and rapes," the UNHCR spokesperson continued.

Lacking resources

Conditions are dire for those arriving at spontaneous or organized sites, which the UN refugee agency said were now buckling under the strain.

The resurgence of violence in eastern DR Congo has displaced more than 800,000 people since March last year, including towards the provinces of South Kivu and Ituri.

More than 130 armed groups operate at the border between DR Congo and Rwanda, including the M23 militia, which has in the past targeted Government forces and the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO.

An M23 ceasefire deal brokered last week and due to start on Tuesday, has failed to materialize.

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The resurgence of violence in the region has displaced over 800,000 people since March last year, including towards the provinces of South Kivu and Ituri.

Standing by

Where access permits, UNHCR teams are positioned to provide psychosocial counselling and community support for those traumatised by what they have witnessed or endured.

Humanitarians have continued to warn that despite "all efforts" to provide protection and assistance to those displaced close to Goma, Nord Kivu's provincial capital, relief access remains complicated as major routes have frequently been rendered inaccessible because of ongoing conflict.

More than 5,500 people have also crossed the border into neighbouring Rwanda since January, and a further 5,300 into Uganda as insecurity and violence continue to ravage border regions.

Stop the fighting

"UNHCR strongly reiterates its call on all actors in eastern DRC to stop the violence which is taking an enormous toll on the civilian population," the UN agency said in a statement.

The DRC is the largest internal displacement crisis in Africa, with 5.8 million people internally displaced, mainly in the east of the country. It also hosts over a million refugees from neighbouring countries.

It is also one of UNHCR's most underfunded operations worldwide. For 2023, UNHCR is asking for $232.6 million to assist internally displaced people and refugees in the DRC. As of today, the DRC operation is only eight per cent funded.
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Local journalists and foreign press correspondents were barred from entering parliament to cover the inaugural session of the new legislature which began on Monday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The US Special Envoy to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland, announced here Monday that he had had "very useful" consultations with Algeria on how Libya's neighbours could support the political process for the benefit of the country and the region
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A viral family photo depicts an encounter between a 98-year-old matriarch and her first biological 6th-generation granddaughter in Kentucky.

MaeDell Taylor Hawkins met seven-week-old Zhavia Whitaker at a nursing home residence in Kings Mountain, Kentucky.

The photo shows six generations of women gathered together, with the youngest member being the great-great-great-granddaughter of MaeDell Taylor Hawkins.

The heartwarming meeting was captured on camera and quickly spread across social media platforms.

Family photo featuring 6 generations of women goes viral

According to the Daily Mail, a rare and touching moment was captured on camera when six generations of women gathered in one room in Kentucky.

The eldest of the group, MaeDell Taylor Hawkins, is 98 years old and serves as the family's matriarch.

MaeDell's granddaughter, Gracie Snow Howell, shared the family photo on social media, which quickly went viral. MaeDell has a large family, with over 620 grandchildren, thanks to her daughters and grandchildren.

Gracie Snow Howell and MaeDell appeared in the photo, stating that the gathering was particularly special because it involved only women.

The viral photo includes MaeDell's daughter Frances Snow, 77; granddaughter Gracie Snow Howell, 58; great-granddaughter Jacqueline Ledford, 39; and great-great-granddaughter Jaisline Wilson, 19.

The photo was taken by another granddaughter, Sheryl Blessing. Coordinating the meeting of these six generations was challenging, given that many of the women live out of state.

According to the New York Post, the gathering exceeded expectations.

They spent three hours together, during which time the matriarch met the family's youngest member, a 7-week-old baby named Zhavia Whitaker.

Although the baby grew fussy, MaeDell promptly took her into her arms, where she was comforted.

MaeDell has led a long and full life, and Gracie mentioned that she is set to turn 99 years old in July.

The gathering was a special opportunity for the family to catch up with the matriarch, who was admitted to a nursing home two years ago after suffering a fall.

Despite travel challenges and schedules, the women came together for a memorable and heartwarming experience.

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MaeDell's 6 generations of women

As reported by Fox News, at the tender age of 16, MaeDell Hawkins got married in 1940 to a 50-year-old railroad worker who had ten children from a previous relationship.

Despite this challenging situation, MaeDell managed to take care of the household, assuming the role of mother to 10 stepchildren and raising 13 children of her own later.

She took on the role of caregiver, nurturer, and provider, doing everything she could to ensure that everyone in the household was well-cared for and loved.

According to her granddaughter, Amy Howell, MaeDell accomplished all this without many modern conveniences people take for granted nowadays.

She didn't have running water, indoor toilets, electric stoves, washing machines, radiators, or window insulation. Nevertheless, MaeDell never complained and took care of everyone in the household.

MaeDell's strong work ethic and dedication set the foundation for the rest of the women in her family, as Howell noted.

She never heard MaeDell complain about her duties. Instead, MaeDell instilled in her descendants the belief that working hard keeps you young.

MaeDell's descendants include Snow, Howell, Ledford, and Wilson, all of whom gave birth at 19.

Fox News added that MaeDell has an impressive 623 descendants, according to a family chart compiled by her daughter-in-law, Janice Taylor.

This impressive number includes 37 great-great-great-grandchildren, 234 great-great-grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, and 106 grandchildren.

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Photo: (Photo : ANGELA WEISS / Getty Images)

Lockport first responders delivered a miracle baby in an emergency premature birth.

The swift actions of the first responders from the City of Lockport Fire Department have been praised for saving the lives of a mother and her baby boy.

The mother, Rosanna Roman, who was in her 24th week of pregnancy, gave birth unexpectedly while being transported in the ambulance after experiencing excessive bleeding.

Lockport first responders immediate rescue

Rosanna Roman found herself in a life-threatening situation.

According to the New York Post, she had been experiencing extreme vaginal bleeding, and despite initially planning to drive herself to Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, her condition quickly worsened.

Fortunately, her 19-year-old son called 9-1-1, and City of Lockport fire rescuers was dispatched to the scene.

Lockport paramedics Karen Gavin and Matt Devine quickly arrived and found Roman in a precarious situation.

Gavin reported that she realized Roman had lost a lot of blood, and as transport progressed, it became apparent that she was bleeding heavily and would need advanced care.

However, before they could make it to the hospital, Roman went into premature labor.

The first responders were taken aback, as none knew that a baby was coming, not even Roman.

The crew sprang into action in a matter of moments, determined to do whatever was necessary to save both mother and baby.

Gavin asked the ambulance driver to pull over, and she and Devine quickly got to work. The baby was born still inside the amniotic sac, a rare occurrence that added to the already tense situation.

The team had to break open the sac to begin life-saving efforts, which they immediately did.

It was a harrowing experience for Roman, who feared for her life and her baby's life. The expectant mother said she thought she would not make it and thought for a moment that she would die.

The mother also thought the baby would not make it as the bleeding continued. The baby boy was born weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces and will require ongoing medical care, but he is alive and well.

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Premature births in America

According to the CDC, premature birth, which happens when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy, remains a concern in the United States.

In 2021, about 1 in every 10 infants born in the country was preterm. Unfortunately, the preterm birth rate increased from 10.1 percent in 2020 to 10.5 percent in 2021.

However, certain racial and ethnic groups are still disproportionately affected by this issue. Preterm birth can lead to severe complications for babies born before 32 weeks.

These infants have higher rates of death and disability, and preterm birth and low birth weight are estimated to account for approximately 16 percent of infant deaths in 2020.

Surviving preterm infants may experience feeding difficulties, breathing problems, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision issues.

As per WKBW, the first responders needed to perform CPR on the baby boy due to the mother's bleeding.

Sebastian Harris, the baby's father, shared that witnessing the first responder saving his son's life was frightening and powerful.

The baby, now named after his father, Sebastian Harris, is in stable condition in the hospital. The mother also received the necessary medical care and is now recovering.

Karen Gavin shared her happiness with the outcome, stating that she was in the right place at the right time and that she was thrilled to see everyone doing well.

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Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Cottonbro Studio)

Asian-American parents held a rally outside New York City's Department of Education headquarters sending the message that their children also have the right for the 'best education,' and thus, should have the right as well to choose whether to enroll their children in publicly-funded charter schools or traditional public schools regardless of economic status, race, color of their skin or family background.

The Asian community pushed for school choice following a pro-charter school event that happened outside City Hall participated with 500 predominantly black and Hispanic parents three days prior, according to the New York Post.

'Kids over politics'

"We say, 'Kids over politics.' We pay so many taxes. We have a right as parents and children to the best education, best schools and best academics for all our children,"declared Phil Wong, president of the Chinese American Citizens Council of New York, one of the three groups that organized the pro-charter event.

Wong, also a parent of two public school kids ages 11 and 15, further stated that she feels like their community is "not competitive" enough, with their students learning a lot about politics, sex and other things but cannot do well in math.

President and founder of Asian Wave Alliance Yiatin Chu, who is also a parent of a 12-year-old student, stressed that the public schools are failing them and it would be unacceptable if they do not do anything and continue to be "trapped" in the failing system. She shared that her daughter is receiving a "very mediocre education," despite being part of a talented and good program under a Brooklyn traditional public school.

She also said that their families should have more choices and be given the right to choose charter schools, which have "delivered results."

The rallies came after state Democratic legislators resisted Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to lift the charter school cap and allied with the United Federation of Teachers, an anti-charter teachers union claiming that charter schools empty funds and draw away students from traditional public schools.

According to Spectrum Local News, Hochul's controversial proposal does not only plan to life NY's cap but also set aside a $227 billion worth of budget to create 85 new charter schools within the city.

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Charter schools 'outperform' traditional public school

Currently, 275 charter schools are serving the city, with additional 12 that are set to open next fall, bringing the total to 287 by then. The imposed cap on the city disallows any more charter schools from opening. more sent to open next fall, bringing the total to 287. The state-imposed cap on the city bars any more charters from opening.

NYC charter schools are hugely outperforming traditional public schools in terms of the state's standardized exams in math and English language arts by up to eight percent as of 2021. And, they are doing so at half the school cost, Off The Press reported.

This could be because they have the flexibility in their operations and in creating their own curriculum,

Lester Chang, the newly-elected Republican Assemblyman representing Brooklyn expressed his support to what the parents from the minority groups are fighting for. He stated that his fellow Republicans in the assembly show support as well to Hochul's proposal and invited fellow legislators to do the same and "heed the voice of parents," emphasizing that democracy is all about having the right to choose.

Related article: NYC Parents Demands Increased School Security Measures for Children's Safety
Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Tom Fisk )

A newborn baby boy was found inside a trash can of a gas station, after about an hour of being born.

Metro Cities Fire Authority in Fullerton, California were alerted Thursday at around 3:30 in the afternoon after a gas station clerk found a one-hour-old baby boy dumped in the garbage can inside the gas station's restroom, CBS News reported.

The baby was said to be placed inside a bag.

The firefighters immediately responded at the Chevron gas station located at the 900 block of Orangethorpe Avenue and conducted life-saving measures to the infant.

The newborn was taken to a nearby children's hospital in Orange County. He is currently still in the hospital having a critical yet stable condition.

Alleged mother also charged with felony child abuse

Police authorities straight away investigated the case and did a search of the birth mother.

At about 1:45 in the morning of Friday, police detectives of Fullerton served a search warrant in the 400 block West Orangethorpe Avenue and arrested 25-year-old resident Venissa Maldonado. She was located after authorities obtained surveillance footage with what the latter believed as the suspect's vehicle.

Maldonado is being charged with attempted murder and felony child abuse, according to People.

It is yet to be confirmed whether the baby's mother has given birth to the gasoline station or some place else.

Read More: Woman Pleads Guilty to Leaving Newborn Baby Under Tree (VIDEO)

Charter schools 'outperform' traditional public school

Fullerton Police Sergeant Ryan O'Neil, who made the announcement about the arrest, expressed how "tragic" it must have been for the mother or anybody to be place in that kind of situation.

Further, he made sure to remind the public about California's Safe Surrender Baby law.

"There are Safe Surrender Baby laws that allow parents, guardians or mothers to surrender their child within 72 hours of birth with no questions asked. There are hospitals that are designated as safe surrender along with fire departments," explained O'Neil, as quoted by Fox 11.

The process will not only be legal but also confidential and free.

The individual surrendering the baby needs to state that he/she voluntarily went to the safe surrender facility and has the intent to safely surrender his/her baby. The person will then be given one of the matching ID bracelets with the baby for the purpose of reclaiming the latter if there will be a change of heart. An optional medical questionnaire will also be provided to the individual surrendering the baby.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law is California Department of Social Services' response to the growing number of newborn baby deaths caused by abandonment of parents or adults in unsafe locations. It was created in January 2001 with the intent to save the lives of newborn babies with high risk for abandonment by encouraging parents or guardians to safely surrender the child with no questions asked, as long as within 72 hours from birth.

There has been no report yet if Maldonado has entered pleas to her charges or got an attorney to comment on her behalf. Meanwhile, the Fullerton police department is encouraging the public to contact Detective Marcus Saenz at 714-738-5361 for additional information.

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Photo: (Photo : SERGEI SUPINSKY / Getty Images)

Children who experience respiratory infections at a very young age may be at risk of it again in their adulthood.

Adults who were affected by a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, during their infancy may have an increased risk of premature death due to respiratory disease.

In fact, these types of infections have been found to be linked to one-fifth of all deaths according to a recent study.

However, experts caution that while this decades-long research provides valuable insights into the long-term health effects of such infections, its direct applicability to today's children may be limited.

Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of understanding how early-life health experiences can have lifelong consequences.

Early respiratory infections in children

Based on the research, individuals who had a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before their second birthday have a 93% higher risk of dying from respiratory disease between the ages of 26 to 73.

Smoking habits, birthweight, gender, household overcrowding, socioeconomic position, and other factors were also taken into account in the findings of this research.

The New York Post reported that although not involved in the study, Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist based in New York, expressed little surprise at the findings.

She pointed out that previous data have already shown that early respiratory viruses could sensitize airways, leading to the development of asthma and COPD in later life.

She also noted that the lungs and immune system are still developing before age 2, which makes them more vulnerable to damage.

According to Dr. Parikh, the damage caused by infections during this developmental stage can lead to lasting effects on lung tissue, impact the immune system, and including scarring and inflammation.

The researchers also suggest that such infections during childhood may result in impaired lung function in adulthood, which in turn could increase the likelihood of respiratory disease.

The study found that the most common causes of respiratory-related death were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, respiratory disease due to external agents, acute lower respiratory tract infection, and other respiratory diseases.

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Manifestations of respiratory infections in adulthood

As defined by Temple Health, LRTI is a type of infection that affects the airways below the larynx, including the trachea and the alveolar sacs.

These infections are transmitted by tiny droplets and can be passed from person to person through sneezing, coughing, and indirect contact with surfaces.

The research on lower respiratory tract infections and premature death suggests that early-life health experiences can have a lasting impact on respiratory health.

The study, which was conducted by researchers from London and led by Dr. James Peter Allinson of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, analyzed data from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development.

According to CNN, Dr. Christian Sandrock, a pulmonologist at the University of California Davis Medical Center, commented that children today are vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia and pertussis, which may impact the prevalence and severity of LRTI.

However, the study serves as a reminder of the importance of managing respiratory health throughout one's life.

While the research may not directly apply to children today, it highlights the potential long-term consequences of early-life LRTI.

LRTI-related deaths accounted for one-fifth of the deaths in the study, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being the most common cause of respiratory-related death.

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Photo: (Photo : Rick Kern / Getty Images)

A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against three women, whom he believes helped his ex-wife obtain medication for an abortion.

This man, named Marcus Silva, is accusing the women, who were friends of his ex-wife, of wrongful death and is seeking over $1 million in damages from each of them.

He argues that their alleged involvement in procuring the abortion medication amounts to aiding murder under Texas law.

Texas man files a wrongful death lawsuit

According to CNN, the Texas man, Marcus Silva, has filed a lawsuit against three women, claiming that they helped his ex-wife obtain medication for an abortion.

This is the first lawsuit filed under Texas' new near-total abortion ban, which prohibits abortion once cardiac activity can be detected, which typically occurs around six weeks of pregnancy.

The ban also makes it a crime for anyone to aid a pregnant person in accessing the procedure.

Silva alleges that his ex-wife discovered she was pregnant in July 2022, a month after the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, and a month before Texas' trigger ban went into effect.

Two of his ex-wife's friends allegedly provided her with information about Aid Access, an international group that provides abortion pills via mail, and they appeared to figure out a way to obtain the medication in Houston.

While the third woman allegedly delivered the abortion medication to his ex-wife.

Silva is pursuing damages exceeding $1 million from each woman, asserting that their purported involvement in obtaining abortion medication qualifies as assisting in a murder, according to Texas law.

The legal action does not include Silva's former spouse as a defendant since she is exempted from liability under Texas law for having undergone the abortion.

The lawsuit also consists of text messages that the women allegedly shared with each other.

Silva's ex-wife expressed concern that he would use the situation against her and try to force her to stay with him.

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Texas abortion ban

According to ABC, the complaint intends to sue the manufacturer of the medication once it is identified.

Wendy Davis, the senior adviser of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, condemned Silva's lawsuit, calling it a direct result of the dangerous policies championed by Governor Greg Abbott and his supporters.

The legal action asserts that Silva's former spouse discovered her pregnancy in July of 2022, one month after the decision in Roe v. Wade was overturned one month before the activation of Texas' trigger ban.

However, the ex-wife is not listed as a defendant in the civil case. Divorce records reveal that she filed for divorce in May of 2022, which was finalized in February.

The complaint emphasizes that she is protected from responsibility under Texas law as the individual who received the abortion, and Silva has no intentions of pursuing any claims against her.

Axiom reports that, according to the lawsuit, the abortion was performed in July. However, at the time, the state's trigger ban had not yet taken effect, and the law became enforceable in late August.

While Texas' trigger ban states that providing an abortion could be considered a first-degree felony, punishable by life imprisonment or a term between five to 99 years, it makes no mention that abortion should be considered murder.

The lawsuit has drawn criticism from pro-choice advocates, who argue that it is an attack on reproductive rights and an attempt to intimidate people who support access to abortion.

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The United Nations on Friday commemorated the first-ever International Day to Combat Islamophobia with a special event in the General Assembly Hall, where speakers upheld the need for concrete action in the face of rising hatred, discrimination and violence against Muslims.

The International Day was proclaimed following the unanimous adoption of an Assembly resolution last March that called for global dialogue that promotes tolerance, peace and respect for human rights and religious diversity.

As the UN Secretary-General stated, the nearly two billion Muslims worldwide - who come from all corners of the planet - "reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity". Yet, they often face bigotry and prejudice simply because of their faith.

Furthermore, Muslim women can also suffer "triple discrimination" because of their gender, ethnicity, and faith.

Islamophobia 'epidemic'

The high-level event was co-convened by Pakistan whose Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, underlined that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and pluralism.

Although Islamophobia is not new, he said it is "a sad reality of our times" that is only increasing and spreading.

"Since the tragedy of 9/11, animosity and institutional suspicion of Muslims and Islam across the world have only escalated to epidemic proportions. A narrative has been developed and peddled which associates Muslim communities and their religion with violence and danger," said Mr. Zardari, who is also Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers.

"This Islamophobic narrative is not just confined to extremist, marginal propaganda, but regrettably has found acceptance by sections of mainstream media, academia, policymakers and state machinery," he added.

Everyone has a role

The President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, noted that Islamophobia is rooted in xenophobia, or the fear of strangers, which is reflected in discriminatory practices, travel bans, hate speech, bullying and targeting of other people.

He urged countries to uphold freedom of religion or belief, which is guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"All of us carry a responsibility to challenge Islamophobia or any similar phenomenon, to call out injustice and condemn discrimination based on religion or belief - or the lack of them," he added.

Mr. Korosi said education is key to learning why these phobias exist, and it can be "transformative" in changing how people understand each another.

Hatred on the rise

The growing hate that Muslims face is not an isolated development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told attendees.

"It is an inexorable part of the resurgence of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies, and violence targeting vulnerable populations including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities and others," he said.

"Discrimination diminishes us all. And it is incumbent on all of us to stand up against it. We must never be bystanders to bigotry."

Stressing that "we must strengthen our defenses", Mr. Guterres highlighted UN measures such as a Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites. He also called for ramping up political, cultural, and economic investments in social cohesion.

Curb online bigotry

"And we must confront bigotry wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. This includes working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the internet," he added.

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To this end, the UN is working with governments, regulators, technology companies and the media "to set up guardrails, and enforce them."

Compassion and solidarity

Other policies already launched include a Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and the Our Common Agenda report, which outlines a framework for a more inclusive and secure "digital future" for all people.

The Secretary-General also expressed gratitude to religious leaders across the world who have united to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony.

He described the 2019 declaration on 'Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together' - co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb - as "a model for compassion and human solidarity."
. . . In Which Dr. Salmon Accuses Cardinal Newman of Lying Through His Teeth in His Essay on Development, & Dr. Murphy Magnificently Defends Infallibility and Doctrinal Development Against Gross Caricature



The book, The Infallibility of the Church (1888) by Anglican anti-Catholic polemicist George Salmon (1819-1904), may be one of the most extensive and detailed  as well as influential  critiques of the Catholic Church ever written. But, as usual with these sorts of works, its abominably argued and relentlessly ignorant and/or dishonest, as the critique below will amply demonstrate and document.

The most influential and effective anti-Catholic Protestant polemicist today, Dr [???] James White, cites Salmon several times in his written materials, and regards his magnum opus as an excellent work. In a letter dated 2 November 1959, C. S. Lewis recommended the book to an inquirer who was vexed about papal infallibility. Russell P. Spittler, professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, wrote that From an evangelical standpoint, the book has been standard since first published in 1888 (Cults and Isms, Baker Book House, 1973, 117). Well-known Baptist apologist Edward James Carnell called it the best answer to Roman Catholicism in a 1959 book. I think we can safely say that it is widely admired among theological (as well as emotional) opponents of the Catholic Church.

Salmons tome, however, has been roundly refuted at least twice: first, by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Murphy in The Irish Ecclesiastical Record ( March November 1901 and January March 1902): a response (see the original sources )  which Ive now transcribed almost in its totality  which was more than 73,000 words, or approximately 257 pages; secondly, by Bishop Basil Christopher Butler (1902-1986) in his book, The Church and Infallibility: A Reply to the Abridged Salmon (1954, 230 pages). See all of these replies  and further ones that I make  listed under George Salmon on my Anti-Catholicism web page . But no Protestant can say that no Catholic has adequately addressed (and refuted) the egregious and ubiquitous errors in this pathetic book. And well once again see how few (if any) Protestants dare to counter-reply to all these critiques.

Vol. IX: May 1901

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Dr. Salmons Infallibility (Part 2)

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Murphy, D.D.

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[I have made a few paragraph breaks not found in the original. Citations in smaller font are instead indented, and all of Dr. Salmons words will be in blue. Words of St. John Henry Cardinal Newman will be in green ]

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Dr. Salmons second lecture is on The Cardinal Importance of the Question of Infallibility. The truth is, he says, that the issues of the controversy mainly turn on one great question, which is the only one that I expect to be able to discuss with you: I mean the question of the Infallibility of the Church. If that be decided against us, our whole case is gone (page 17). And the book itself is named The Infallibility of the Church: and yet, in the opening sentence of the twenty-second lecture (page 424) he says, the question of the Infallibility of the Pope is that with which I am directly concerned in this course of lectures. This is an ordinary instance of the confusion that is manifested, all through Dr. Salmons book; and, even without studying the volume, one may safely infer, that the Infallibility of either Church or Pope, is not likely to suffer much from the attack of one, who really does not know which of the two he is assailing.

Random shooting of this sort is not likely to be effective. Perhaps, however, it was his keen attention to our movements that made him so oblivious of his own; and notwithstanding the indefiniteness of his aim, he is sanguine of success. We are, according to him, impervious to argument; continually changing our ground; retreating from one post to another; and our present condition, he says, is this: The Romish champions, beaten out of the open field, have shut themselves up in this fortress of Infallibility, where, as long as their citadel remains untaken, they can defy all assaults (page 46). Our fate is, however, sealed; for he says: 

But, though it is on the first view, disappointing, that our adversaries should withdraw themselves into a position, seemingly inaccessible to argument, it is really, as I shall presently show, a mark of our success, that they have been driven from the open field and forced to betake themselves into this fortress. And we have every encouragement to follow them and assault their citadel, which is now their last refuge (page 24).

And the Doctor contemplates with delight, the prospect of our immediate annihilation, saying:  This simplification then of the controversy realises for us the wish of the Roman tyrant, that all his enemies had but one neck. If we can but strike one blow the whole battle is won (page 18). Dr. Salmon is in a very heroic state of mind; and, as he is a veteran in the service, his students must have expected wonderful results, when he is let loose on the Catholic Church. Well, the siege has gone on for a long time, and the fortress bolds out defiantly still. No flag of truce has been raised, no signal of distress has been seen. And Dr. Salmon may rest assured, that when he shall have been gathered to his fathers, and his book quite forgotten, that fortress will still stand secure. She has a higher warrant than Dr. Salmons to ensure her triumph over the gates of hell.

Dr. Salmon has a theory of the Church, which, if he could only establish it on a solid basis, would save him a great deal of labour, and would completely remove the necessity of disproving Infallibility. He sees no reason why the Church should not be a plastic institution which would change with the times, and adapt itself to the habits of good society. He says: 

May it not be supposed for example that He (God) wisely ordained that the constitution of His Church should receive modifications, to adapt it to the changing exigencies of society; that in times when no form of government but monarchy was to he seen anywhere, it was necessary, if His Church was to make head successfully against the prevalent reign of brute force, that all its powers should he concentrated in a single hand: but that when, with the general spread of knowledge, men refused to give unreasoning submission to authority, and claimed the right to exercise some judgment of their own, in the conduct of their affairs, the constitution of the Church needed to be altered in order to bring it into harmony with the political structure of modern society (pages 40, 41).

Again: 

Let us liberally grant, that an ecclesiastical monarchy was the form of government best adapted to the needs of the Church at the time, when, in temporal matters, the whole civilized world was governed by a single ruler; and yet it might be utterly unfit for her requirements, in subsequent times, when Europe had been broken up into independent kingdoms; and we might be as right now, in disowning Papal authority as our ancestors wore in submitting to it (page 369).

This is none of your cast-iron Romanism, but an up-to-date progressive Church, marching hand in hand with civilization, and never offending against good manners by insisting on any definite articles of faith as necessary conditions of membership. Such a weather-cock Church would be sufficiently fallible to satisfy even Dr. Salmon and his pupils, and would have the unique advantage of showing that they are as right in rejecting Catholic doctrines as their ancestors were in professing them. On reading such passages one is forcibly reminded of St. Hilarys indignant exclamation (Ad Const)  0, tu sceleste quod ludibrium de Ecclesia fads? [0, you are a criminal who makes fun of the Church?]

Dr. Salmon is quite right in insisting on the cardinal importance of the question of Infallibility. If the Church be infallible, that doctrine is a sufficient warrant for the truth of every other doctrine she teaches; and discussion on details becomes needless, and Catholics, who believe that doctrine, accept the Churchs teaching without the slightest difficulty or hesitation. But Dr. Salmon is not content with a priori considerations of the importance of the doctrine. He says: 

I should have been convinced of it from the history of the Roman Catholic controversy, as it has been conducted in my own lifetime. When I first came to an age to take a lively interest in the subject, Dr. Newman and his coadjutors, were publishing, in the Tracts for the Times [link], excellent refutations of the Roman doctrine on Purgatory, and on some other important points. A very few years afterwards without making the slightest attempt to answer their own arguments, these men went over to Rome, and bound them selves to believe, and teach as true, things which they had them selves proved to be false. . . . While the writers of the Tracts were assailing with success different points of Roman teaching, they allowed themselves to be persuaded, that Christ must have provided His people with some infallible guide to truth; and they accepted the Church of Rome as that guide, with scarcely an attempt to make a careful scrutiny of the grounds of her pretensions (pages 18, 19).

This unconditional surrender, Dr. Salmon attributes to the craving for an infallible guide, and the craving for an infallible guide arises from mens consciousness of the weakness of their understanding (page 47). It would be amusing if the matter had not been so serious to find Dr. Salmon charging Newman, Ward, Oakley, and Dalgairns, with weakness of understanding, with going over to Rome without making the smallest attempt to answer their own arguments against her, and with scarcely an attempt to make a careful scrutiny of the grounds of her pretensions. Dr. Salmon frequently refers to Newmans Essay on Development, and he may, therefore, be presumed to have read it; and on the very first page of it he could have seen a statement of the writers objections to Rome, and immediately following it are these words:  He little thought, when he so wrote, that the time would ever come, when he should feel the obstacle, which he spoke of as lying in the way of communion with the Church of Rome, to be destitute of solid foundation.

Therefore, before Dr. Newman joined the Catholic Church he satisfied himself that his arguments against her were destitute of solid foundation, though according to Dr. Salmon he did not make the smallest attempt to answer them. Again, on the last page of the Essay, after his magnificent analysis of Patristic teaching, Newman says: Such were the thoughts concerning the Blessed Vision of Peace, of one whose long-continued petition had been, that the Most Merciful would not despise the work of His own hands, nor leave him to himself:  while yet his eyes were dim, and his breast laden, and he could but employ reason in the things of Faith. And after a like analysis, in the twelfth of his Lectures on Anglican Difficulties, Newman says: 

What was the use of continuing the controversy, or defending my position, if, after all, I was but forging arguments for Arius and Eutyches, and turning devils advocate against the much-enduring Athanasius, and the majestic Leo? Be my soul with the saints! and shall I lift up my hand against them? Sooner may my right hand forget her cunning, and wither outright as his who once stretched it out against a prophet of God:  perish sooner a whole tribe of Cranmers, Ridleys, Latimers, and Jewels  perish the names of Bramhall, Usher, Taylor, Stillingfleet and Barrow, from the face of the earth  ere I should do aught but fall at their feet, in love, and in worship, whose image was continually before my eyes, and whose musical words were ever in my ears, and on my tongue (page 306).

To charge the writer of these magnificent passages  the writer of the Apologia  who had for years devoted all the energy of a giant mind to the earnest pursuit of truth  to charge such a man with going over blindly to Rome without an attempt to answer his own arguments against her, or to examine her claims  is a specimen of recklessness, all the more extraordinary in such a theologian as the writer of these lectures. But he has a much graver charge against Dr. Newman. In a note at page 22, he says: 

I never meant to impute to Newman insincerity in his profession of belief.

But how are we to understand the following?

When Dr. Newman became a Roman Catholic it was necessary for him, in some way, to reconcile this step with the proofs that he had previously given that certain distinctive Romish doctrines were unknown to the early Church. This is the object of the celebrated Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, which he published simultaneously with his submission to the Roman Church (page 31). . . . The book having been written before he had yet joined them (page 33).

Now, whatever Dr. Salmon meant by the words quoted, any ordinary reader will take them to mean, that, Dr. Newman had accepted all the teaching of the Catholic Church  had become a convinced Catholic  but that he felt that some justification of his conduct was rendered necessary, by his previous career, and that in order to provide this justification he wrote the Essay on Development, and published it simultaneously with his public reception into the Church, though he had been during the time of its composition a Catholic on conviction  not publicly, for he had not yet made his public submission, but secretly. This is the meaning of Dr. Salmons words. When Dr. Newman became a Roman Catholic it was necessary, etc., therefore he was a Roman Catholic, at least secretly, before the necessity arose for justifying his action. This is the object of the essay etc., therefore while he was engaged in providing this justification he was a Catholic, at least secretly; and when he had his justification ready, he published it, and made his public submission to the Roman Church simultaneously.

This is the ordinary logical meaning of Dr. Salmons words, and if there be not a charge of insincerity in the profession of belief conveyed by them, words have no meaning. But the charge was answered, once for all, and it is amazing that the spectre of Kingsley, on the pillory, should not have made Dr. Salmon more cautious. Dr. Newman, then, did not leave his own arguments against the Church unanswered  he pronounced them to be destitute of solid foundation, like those of the devils advocate; he did not go over to Rome without inquiry; he devoted to the inquiry many years of hard study, and of constant prayer. One would expect that, as Dr. Salmon undertook to convince his students of the cardinal importance of the doctrine of Infallibility, he would have explained the doctrine to them. They could not know its importance unless they knew what it really was.

And, moreover, as he professed to be training them to refute the doctrine, he should have told them what it was. But, instead of doing so, he devotes a very long lecture to a series of mis-statements, well calculated to intensify their ignorance of Catholic teaching, and to strengthen their prejudices against the Catholic Church. Had he put the doctrine clearly and correctly before them, any student of average ability could have seen for himself that the professors declamation left it untouched. He said to them: An infallible Church does not mean a Church which makes no mistakes, but only one which will neither acknowledge its mistakes nor correct them (page 111). There was no necessity for devoting twenty-three lectures to proving the fallibility of such a Church. It is openly proclaimed. But the teaching of the Catholic Church is not so easily disposed of; and in order to put that teaching clearly before him, it is necessary to call Dr. Salmons attention to a few facts that ought to be regarded as first principles by anyone who accepts the New Testament as a truthful record.

When our Blessed Redeemer came amongst us, He proved His divinity, the reality of His divine mission, and the consequent truth of His doctrines, by a series of extraordinary miracles, and by prophecies fulfilled in Him, and spoken by Him, and subsequently verified. For those who witnessed His miracles, and yet rejected His doctrines, there was no reasonable excuse; and He Himself frequently said so. He gathered

to Himself a number of disciples,  the nucleus of His Church  and out of the number, He selected some whom He trained specially to be the future teachers of that Church. He did not write a book which they were to study in order to learn His doctrines. He Himself, in person, taught them orally. In proof of the truth of His teaching, He frequently appealed to the works which He had done; and He exacted from His followers, full unconditional faith in His doctrine, and obedience to His moral precepts; and this faith and obedience, He exacted as a necessary condition of salvation.

This system of oral, personal teaching, our Lord continued during His earthly career; and when that career was about to close He commissioned His Apostles to continue His work and His method as well. He gave them His own authority, and sent them forth to teach as His ambassadors. They were to continue His mission,  that which He had got from His Eternal Father,  and the Holy Ghost was to be with them to ensure their success; and He promised that signs and wonders, even greater than His own, would confirm their mission. And after our Lords ascension, we find the Apostles carrying out their commission, both in its matter and in its manner, exactly as they were commanded. They went forth teaching the truths that bad been revealed to them; they represented themselves as His legates, teaching His doctrine, manifesting His power. The miracles they performed were, they said openly, not performed by any power of their own, but by His power and in His name.

They did not write books and hand them to their disciples to be studied by them in order to learn the truths of faith. Few of them wrote anything, and the Church was well established, and widely diffused, before any of them wrote a line at all. Like their Divine Master they taught orally, personally, the truths of faith; and like Him, too, and in His name, they exacted from their followers faith in their teaching and obedience to their moral precepts. And this obedience of faith, too, they exacted as an absolutely necessary condition of salvation. Not for any words of their own, but for Gods Word revealed to them, did the Apostles demand acceptance and faith; and they gave abundant proof of their divine commission to teach in His name; nor did they tolerate amongst their followers a rejection of any portion of their teaching, or any divergence from it. Thus, then, the first Christians believed the Word of God on the authority of God Himself; and that authority was brought home to them by ambassadors divinely commissioned to do so, and divinely assisted in doing so.

The teaching authority of the Apostles imposed on their followers the obligation of believing; the obedience of faith. There was thus an authoritative teaching body established, and the members of the Church accepted, and were bound to accept, from that teaching body the truths of faith, and moral principles, and the explanations of both. Thus was Gods Kingdom on earth established; supernatural in its origin, for it is founded by God Himself; supernatural in its life, the Spirit of God working in it through faith and grace; and supernatural in its end, which is Gods glory and mans salvation. The kingdoms of this world change with time and die away; the kingdom of today may become the republic of tomorrow, and the pandemonium of some day in the near future. Not so the Kingdom of God. Like the mustard-seed in the Gospel, it becomes the widespreading tree, giving shelter to all that seek it; but its identity remains. It is ever the same  a living, active teaching body, and such it shall continue till its mission shall have been accomplished. When the Christian faith was for some time established, and already widely spread, the Gospels were written, giving our Lords personal history and some of His teachings.

The Epistles, too, were written, called forth by special circumstances, and fragmentary in doctrine. They were so far instruments of Revelation in the custody of the Church, which lived and taught as before. This was the system, the method of teaching and propagating the faith, adopted by our Lord, and continued by His Apostles. It is, therefore, the Christian method and system, and there is not in Christian antiquity the slightest grounds for any departure from that system. Such as it was, it was our Lords institution, and men could not change it; and such a departure from it as would strip the teaching Church of her authority, and condemn her to silence, and would substitute, as sole source and sole teacher of faith, a written book that is dumb and speaks not  such a change would be a subversion of our Lords institution, would be anti-Christian, a triumph for the gates of hell.

We, therefore, believe that the entire body of Revelation, the entire, complete deposit of faith, was entrusted by our Lord to His Church; that he made her its guardian, interpreter, and teacher; and that, in her office as such, He promised efficaciously to protect her against error or failure till the end of time. In virtue of this promise the Church is infallible; that is, she is exempt not merely from actual error, but from the possibility of error, in believing and in teaching the divine deposit of faith. The Christian Revelation terminated with the Apostles, and the deposit of faith comprises all that was revealed to them, and nothing that was not revealed to them. It can receive no addition; it can suffer no diminution; it is in the Churchs keeping; and she is its infallible custodian and teacher. The Church may be considered as a body of believers, embracing both the teachers and the taught, but regarding them as believers; and, so regarded, the Church is infallible in believing the whole deposit of faith. Whatever it believes to be of faith is so certainly, and whatever it rejects as opposed to faith is so with equal certainty.

It is thus a witness to the fact of Revelation in this sense, that the universal belief of any doctrine by the Church, as revealed, is a proof that the doctrine was revealed. This is called passive infallibility, because the Church, so regarded, does not raise its voice in controversy; its teaching must be gathered from it by the teaching body  the Ecclesia Docens. The Infallibility of the Church, in this sense, Dr. Salmon does not discuss, and it shall be alluded to only briefly here. The doctrine is clearly contained in the celebrated text of St. Matthew xvi. 18: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. This text, and many others bearing on the subject, have been beautifully developed by Dr. Murray in his admirable work De Ecclesia. In that work Dr. Salmon will find the arguments for our doctrine fully and ably stated, and had he read it, before delivering his lectures, he would have been able, if willing, to give his students a more accurate conception of the work before them in the controversy with Rome.

Nothing can be more certain than that our Lord wished that His doctrines should be preserved pure, and perpetuated in their purity. Often did He warn his disciples against false teachers  the leaven of the Pharisees, the Father of Lies, and his agents; and He promised them the Spirit of Truth to preserve them from error. The spirit of their Divine Master animated the Apostles also; and we find them always jealously guarding against any deflection from revealed truth. Even St. John, the Apostle of Charity, forbade his followers to speak to a believer in false doctrine. Therefore, belief in true doctrine, in its integrity and purity, must have been a vital principle of the Church; and any betrayal of truth, rejecting a true doctrine as false or accepting a false doctrine as true, would have made the Church the prey of her great enemy. But, according to St. Matthew the prey of her enemy the Church shall never be. The text speaks of the Church which our Lord was to establish, and contemplates it as a spiritual edifice of the highest degree of stability.

Its foundation is the immovable rock. Its Architect is infinite in wisdom and in power; and the purpose of its construction, one dearest to Him  to serve as a home for His chosen followers, and as a treasury for the blessings He was to leave them. Therefore must it be permanently secured against sudden destruction or gradual decay. Enemies of the most formidable kind were to assail it in vain. Amongst the worst, the most deadly of these enemies is heresy, that would poison the source of the Churchs life. Were heresy to prevail against the Church, were she to disbelieve a true doctrine, or profess a false one, her Founders solemn promise would have been falsified, and Satan would have gained the victory which, according to the promise, never can be won.

This passive infallibility of the body of believers presupposes the active infallibility of the teaching body  the Ecclesia Docens. The Ecclesia Audiens is bound to accept the doctrine of the teaching body; and in its divinely guaranteed fidelity in doing so, its own infallibility consists. This active infallibility  infallibility in teaching  has a twofold seat in the Church. It exists in the body of bishops united with their head  the Pope  whether assembled in a general council or dispersed throughout the worlds wide extent; and it exists also in the Pope himself, when teaching officially, ex cathedra. Each is an article of faith, and if Dr. Salmon could disprove either, or disprove any article of faith so held, he would have simplified the controversy for his students very considerably. But he has not done so, nor even made a clever attempt to do so. He has but reproduced the old stock-in-trade of Protestant controversialists; and that, too, without rising above the usual level of such disputants. And, as already stated, he has so confused the Infallibility of Church and Pope that he does not seem to know which he is assailing. For clearness sake the doctrine shall then be kept distinct; thus the interests of truth will be better served, though more labour will be incurred in making order out of Dr. Salmons chaotic book.

The bishops of the Catholic Church, in union with the Pope, their head, whether assembled in a collected body or dispersed throughout the world, constitute the teaching body  the Ecclesia Docens  and that teaching body is infallible. This body is the infallible guardian, interpreter, and teacher of the entire deposit of faith, and of all that appertains to faith and morals; and the infallible judge of every controversy in which faith or morals are involved. Whatever it declares to be revealed, and of faith, is so certainly; and whatever it declares to be opposed to faith, or inconsistent with it, is so, with equal certainty; and in virtue of its Founders promise it shall continue to fulfil its divine mission as guardian, judge, and teacher of revelation till the end of time. And though the teaching Church is concerned directly with the deposit of faith, its authority extends indirectly to many things not contained in that deposit. As custodian of the faith the Church preserves her precious charge from all admixture of error, and so she detects and condemns those systems and doctrines that aim at impairing the purity of the deposit of faith. It is the shepherds duty not merely to feed his flock, but also to ward off the wolf from the fold.

This gift of Infallibility differs very much from Inspiration; though Dr. Salmon either intentionally or inadvertently confounds them, and, as a consequence, makes some very silly charges against us. Inspiration is the direct action of the Holy Spirit on the mind of the writer or speaker, moving him to write or speak; suggesting to him what to write or speak, and often even how to do so. The inspired teacher then is under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost moving him to write or teach what God wills him to write or teach. Infallibility is a much lower gift. The infallible teacher as such receives no interior revelation or suggestion from God. He is under no direct divine influence to teach. The Holy Ghost does not dictate to him what to say or how to say it. It is only his external utterances that are controlled, so that when he does teach officially, he can teach nothing that is not true. He is preserved from error in his teaching by a supernatural providence, an exterior over-ruling guidance of the Holy Ghost. What the inspired teacher says is the Word of God Himself, and is either a new revelation or a divine statement of a truth already known. What the infallible teacher says is a true declaration or explanation of a revelation already made. This is what we mean by the Infallibility of the Church. But Dr. Salmon of course knows our doctrine much better than we ourselves do, and in a note at page 43, he says: 

A Roman Catholic critic accuses me of forgetting that the Catholic claim is not inspiration, but only inerrancy. I consider the latter far the stronger word. In popular language the word inspired, is sometimes used in speaking of the works of a great genius, who is not supposed to be exempt from error, but no one can imagine the utterances of a naturally fallible man to be guaranteed against possibility of error, unless he believes that man to be speaking not of his own mind, but as the inspired organ of the Holy Spirit.

This is very clever. Now Dr. Salmon in his Introduction to the New Testament, speaks of its inspiration. Does he use the word there as it is used in popular language? Ah, no. If he had so used it, there would be an end of the inspiration of the New Testament Scripture. He uses it then as a technical theological term, in its proper sense, to enable him to defend the truth of Scripture (though he does not, and on his principles cannot prove the inspiration), but he uses it here in its popular sense  a false sense  to enable him to attribute false doctrines to us. I consider it, he says, the stronger word  yes; if it be taken in a false sense. And in any case, that he should consider it the stronger word, is not a conclusive proof that it is so.

The Infallibility of the teaching Church in the sense here explained Catholics believe as an article of faith. According to Dr. Salmon our great argument for this doctrine is its necessity. The great argument by which men are persuaded to believe, that there is at least somewhere or another an infallible guide, is that it is incredible that God should leave us without sure guidance when our eternal salvation is at stake (page 97). Now, so far from this being our great argument it is not, in the sense indicated by Dr. Salmon, an argument at all. God could have remedied our shortcomings in many ways besides by the appointment of an infallible guide  even supposing He was bound to remedy them at all. And, again, the creed for which Dr. Salmon says we profess to require an infallible guide, is only a very small fraction of our creed, and for arriving at sufficient knowledge of the few articles contained in it, God might have provided in various ways.

But on the supposition that Christ established a Church, to which he entrusted a Revelation; that this Church was to spread all the world over, and to last till the end of time; that the Revelation was to be preserved pure and unchanged, and preached to all mankind; that it contained many doctrines opposed to human prejudices, and many mysteries impervious to human reason; that faith in this Revelation is necessary for men in order to please God and save their souls; that men are very prone to error, and especially so in matters of faith; taking all this into account the argument for the necessity of an infallible guide becomes too strong for Dr. Salmons carping criticism.

But our argument for the Infallibility of the Church is the express and unmistakable Revelation of that doctrine by God Himself, both in His written and unwritten Word. It is clearly contained in St. Matthew xxviii. 18, 19, 20, and in many other Scripture texts besides. And as the argument for this doctrine is given, and fully developed by most of our dogmatic theologians, and developed at great length and with special force by Dr. Murray, it will be sufficient to refer to the matter briefly here.

On the eve of our Lords ascension He appeared to His Apostles, and delivered to them His final charge saying:  All power is given to Me in Heaven and on earth: going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and behold I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world. [Mt 28:18-20] The object of the Apostles mission was to bring men to a knowledge of revealed truth and to teach them the observance of moral laws. To do this at any time, was a tremendous task for a few poor illiterate men, or for any men to undertake. And hence our Lord began His commission to them, by setting forth His own power, as the principle on which they were to rely  the source of their strength, the warrant of their success. It is as if He had said to them:  Fear not the magnitude of the task I impose upon you; but armed with My own power go out into the world; make disciples of the nations; teach them to know and require of them to believe My doctrines, and teach them to observe all My commands, and in the execution of this commission  a difficult one  I shall be with you, aiding you, directing you, protecting you, and ensuring your success for all time.

Now, whatever be the extent of this commission, it was given to the teachers of the Church, it was a teaching commission. Make them disciples, and do so by teaching them to observe, or rather to guard with care (as the Greek text has it) all that I have entrusted to you. Now, this commission and the accompanying promise were not limited to the Apostles, but were intended for their successors for all time, because (1) they were to teach all nations which the Apostles could not, or at least did not do, and (2) the work of teaching was to continue till the end of time, which necessarily supposes that others were to continue what the Apostles had begun. And the teaching commission embraced all the truths revealed to the Apostles, and extended to all men without exception:  Teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And for the successful discharge of this commission, our Lord promised His own special efficacious aid to His Apostles and their successors to ensure this success. I am with you all days.

Now, according to Scriptural usage, conclusively established by Dr. Murray, this expression, I am with you, means a special divine efficacious aid and protection to the Apostles, ensuring the faithful discharge of their mission. And this divine assurance and pledge of success is not limited to the Apostles themselves; it is equally promised to those who are to continue the Apostles work till the end of time. Now, were it possible for the Church to teach false doctrines, how could the God of Truth be said to be with her, aiding her in doing so? How could He lend His efficacious positive assistance to the propagation of falsehood? Since, therefore, He has pledged Himself to be with His Church in her work of teaching, the Churchs teaching must be always true.

This is our doctrine. It is intelligible; it is consistent; it ensures to as the possession of that true faith without which salvation is impossible; it secures us against those wretched systems that make shipwreck of the faith. Isaias saw in the distant future the beauty of the Bride of the Lamb, and St. Paul described her admirable symmetry, when the reality was before him; but instead of the beauty foretold by Isaias; instead of the order and symmetry insisted on by St. Paul, heresy shows us a deformed thing, corrupt and corrupting, and asks us to recognise it as the spotless Spouse of Christ. Instead of the harmony which Scripture everywhere attributes to the Kingdom of God on earth heresy presents to us a picture of that other kingdom in which no order but everlasting horror dwells; and we are told that our Lord preached up and propped up this other Babel, and called it the Ark of His Covenant with men; that He left His Church a mistress of manifold error, and called her, at the same time, the pillar, and the ground of truth. Surely it can be no difficult task to vindicate the God of Truth against such an imputation as this  and this imputation is the sum and substance of Dr. Salmons lectures.

Our dogmatic theologians give several arguments, from the written and unwritten Word of God, to prove the Infallibility of the Church; they develop those arguments at considerable length, and answer the objections both to the doctrine and to the proofs; but Dr. Salmon conveniently ignores the arguments, and repeats the objections, with as much apparent confidence as if they had never been answered. When the powers of his young controversialists come to be tested they will discover that the Doctors training of them was not the best. And not only does Dr. Salmon not consider our argument for Infallibility, but he actually maintains that we can have no argument at all; and that he has a perfect right to put out of court all Roman Catholic attempts to prove the Infallibility of their Church, as being attempts to build a fabric without a foundation (page 79).

This may be a very convenient, but certainly not a very effectual way of disposing of us. But he goes further, and informs his students, that we ourselves must admit the hopelessness of our case, for there is one piece of vitally important knowledge, he says, which Roman Catholics must own, God has not given men never-failing means of attaining; I mean the knowledge [of] what is the true Church (page 99). Now Dr. Salmon has given in his book, as an appendix, the Decrees of the Vatican Council, and it may therefore be presumed that he has read them. And if he has read them how could he make the extraordinary statement given above that we ourselves must admit that we have no never-failing means of finding out what the true Church is? In the chapter on Faith he could have read  he must have read  the following: 

But in order that we may be able to satisfy our obligation of embracing the true faith, and of persevering constantly in it, God, by His only begotten Son, instituted His Church, and gave to it marks of its divine origin so manifest that it can be recognized by all as the Guardian and Teacher of His revealed Word. For to the Catholic Church alone belongs all those things, so many and so wonderful, which are divinely arranged to show the evident credibility of the Christian faith. Nay more, even the Church, considered in herself, because of her wonderful propagation, her extraordinary sanctity, and her inexhaustible richness, in all good things; because of her Catholic unity, her unconquerable stability; she is herself a great and never-failing motive of credibility, and an indisputable proof of her own divine mission.

With this text before him (page 480), which he must have read, it is amazing that Dr. Salmon should have made the extraordinary statement given above, and at the same time have supplied so readily the means of refuting his calumny. But the proof of the statement is more extraordinary still. He says:  They must own that the institution of an infallible Church has not prevented the world from being overrun with heresy (page 100). And he develops this argument (?) at great length. Of course we own it; but what follows? Does the admission disprove Infallibility? The vast majority of those who heard our Divine Lord teaching, and who witnessed His miracles, rejected Him, called Him a demon, and cried out, Crucify Him. Does this prove that He was not the Son of God?

If I had not come, and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. . . . If I had not done among them the works that no other man hath done, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated both Me and My Father. [Jn 15:22-24]

They disbelieved Him, therefore, in the face of most conclusive proof of His Divinity. And shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect. [Rom 3:3] As well might Dr. Salmon have quoted the pagan millions of China, India, Africa, and Japan, against Christianity, as quote the prevalence of heresy against the teaching of the true Church. As the Vatican Council well and truly says the Catholic Church bears on her brow the mark of her divine institution. She is her own argument by reason of her extraordinary history. Pagan persecutors, heretics in each succeeding age, the jealous enmity of worldly powers, enemies from without and from within, she has confronted with a wisdom, a fortitude, a success that must have been divinely given. Each age has had its Dr. Salmon to asperse her, and its Dr. Cumming to predict her fall; but she, calm in the consciousness of divine protection, has gone on discharging her heavenly mission, whilst they have been wafted on the stream of time to oblivion. Such has her history been in the past, and such too shall it be in the future  always a fulfilment of her Founders promise to be with her all days even to the end of the world.

As already stated, Dr. Salmon does not meet the arguments of Catholic theologians in favour of the doctrine of Infallibility. He aims rather at bringing the doctrine into doubt by a series of assertions and charges, none of which really touches the doctrine at all, and most of which are false. The readers of Oliver Twist will recollect the cleverness, and the tone of lofty indignation, with which the Artful Dodger always managed to charge some one else with the crimes of which he was himself guilty. Dr. Salmon must have taken lessons from this able tactician. He says the Church of Rome is perpetually changing her doctrines, and that which changes is not true; she has been always boasting that she never changes, and she has before our eyes quite recently promulgated doctrines never heard of before. This, Dr. Salmon told his students, was a conclusive proof of her fallibility. He says: 

The idea that the doctrine of the Church of Rome is always the same is one which no one of the present day can hold without putting an enormous strain on his understanding. It used to be the boast of Romish advocates that the teaching of their Church was unchangeable. Heretics, they used to say, show by their perpetual alterations that they never have had hold of the truth. . . . Our Church, on the contrary, they said, ever teaches the same doctrine which has been handed down from the Apostles, and has since been taught everywhere, always, and by all. Divines of our Church used to expose the falsity of this boast by comparing the doctrine now taught in the Church of Rome with that taught in the Church of early time; and thus established by historical proof that a change had occurred. But now the matter has been much simplified, for no laborious proof is necessary to show that that is not unchangeable which changes under our very eyes. This rate of change is not like that of the hour hand of a watch, which you must note at some considerable intervals of time in order to see that there has been a movement, but, rather, like that of the second hand, which you can actually see moving (pages 19, 20).

Again : 

The old theory was that the teaching of the Church had never varied. . . . No phrase had been more often on the lips of Roman controversialists than that which described the faith of the Church as what was held always, everywhere, and by all (page 33).

This was always our boast; but now the logic of facts, brought borne to us by theologians like Dr. Salmon, has compelled us to abandon this boast, and to admit that we, too, are changing with time. He says: 

You will find them now making shameless confession of the novelty of articles of their creed, and even taunting us Anglicans with the unprogressive character of our faith, because we are content to believe as the early Church believed, and as our fathers believed before us (pages 31, 32).

It is to be regretted that Dr. Salmon did not give the names of the Romish advocates who charge Protestants with the unprogressive character of their various creeds. The charge could certainly not be sustained, for the authors of the Higher Criticism are all Protestants; and they have so far progressed as to have left the Bible far behind them. And it would be equally unfair to charge the Protestant Church with the unprogressive character of her teaching, for she teaches nothing. Individual Protestants may take their creed from the Bible, or from any other source they please; but their Church cannot tell them whether they are right or wrong. She has received the divine commission not to teach, and she is discharging it with admirable fidelity.

But now as to the Catholic Church. Dr. Salmons great charge is that she is boasting to be always the same, and yet is perpetually changing. If he bad given the language in which the boast is conveyed by the Romish advocates, we should be able to judge of its meaning; but be has not done so. He has given a paraphrase of the teaching of Dr. Milner and of Bossuet, perverted in both cases; and he has given an extract from a popular lecture of Cardinal Wiseman which proves nothing for him. If he were anxious, as he should have been, to give his students a correct version of our doctrine, he should have consulted our standard theologians, such as St. Thomas, Suarez, De Lugo, Dr. Murray, Franzelin, or Mazzella; and if he had consulted them, he would find them all flatly contradicting him as to the sense of the boast which he attributes to us.

He would find them, and every dogmatic theologian who has written on faith, asking the question whether there is any growth or increase in faith with lapse of time  utrum fides decursu temporis augeatur? Now, the very fact of our theologians putting this question shows that the sense put upon our boast by Dr. Salmon is a false sense, and their answer makes this more clear, and gives the true sense. The invariable answer is that since the Apostolic age there has been no growth, no increase in faith, considered in itself (simpliciter); that the divine deposit of faith remains unchanged and unchangeable; but that there has been a growth, an increase in a qualified sense (secundum quid), limited to the interpretation  the explanation of the divine, unchangeable deposit by the infallible authority of the Church.

St. Thomas says: Articles of faith grew with the lapse of time, not, indeed, as to their substance, but as to their explanation and explicit profession; for what has been explicitly and more fully believed in later times was implicitly and in fewer articles believed by the early fathers [Summa Theologica, 2, 2ae, q. 1, a. vii]. Suarez has this same doctrine stated more at length in his Disp. 2, s. vi., on Faith, and De Lugo has it in his Disp. 3, s. v. ; Dr. Murray has it Disp. 1, s. iv., n. 55. It is, and always has been, the universal teaching of our theologians. And Dr. Salmon could have read this same doctrine in his own book, for it is distinctly stated in the fourth chapter of the Constitution De Ecclesia of the Vatican Council, which he gives in his Appendix (page 482). The Council says: 

Neither is the doctrine of faith, which God has revealed, put forward like a philosophical system to be improved by human ingenuity; but as a divine deposit given to the Spouse of Christ to be faithfully guarded and infallibly declared . . . therefore, let the understanding, the knowledge, the wisdom of each and all, of every age and time, of each individual, as well as of the entire Church, increase and progress very much; but let the progress be within its own kind only; that is, in the same truth, the same sense, and the same sentiment.

He must have known, therefore, from his own book, what our teaching was when he misrepresented it. The body of doctrines which constitute the divine deposit of faith comprises the revelation made by our Lord to His Apostles during His life on earth, supplemented by the revelation made to them by the Holy Ghost after our Lords ascension. With the death of the last of the Apostles, the deposit of faith was completed. Into that deposit, henceforward, no fresh revelation could enter. New revelations may, perhaps, have been made subsequently to individuals; but they form no part of the deposit of faith, and no article of Catholic faith can be grounded on them. The deposit of faith can receive no increase; it can admit of no diminution.

It remains in the custody of the teaching Church, as its infallible guardian, interpreter, and teacher. As its infallible guardian the Church maintains that deposit in all its purity and integrity. She will permit no new doctrine, however true, to enter into it; she will not permit even the smallest portion of it to be lost. Her commission is to guard it faithfully, and under the guidance of the Holy Ghost to interpret it and teach it to us, as times and circumstances demand. From this one source of divine truth all the Churchs teaching comes; and the Holy Ghost is with her assisting her in drawing her teaching from this one source of truth. It is to this complete body of doctrines that our Lord referred when He commissioned His Apostles to teach all that He had commanded them; to it also He referred when He promised to send the Holy Ghost to teach them all things, and to bring to their minds all that He had told them. The Apostles themselves were the first promulgators and teachers of this body of truth. Their commission of teaching passed on to their successors, and shall continue with them till the end of time.

Now, from the very nature of the case, it is clear that the Apostles did not, and could not, put forth all revealed truths, to all men at the same time; there must be some order, some succession in their teaching. And we find quite abundant evidence in the New Testament to convince us that all the truths contained in the deposit of faith were not put forward at first with equal prominence. St. Paul told the Corinthians:  I judged myself not to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And he added: Howbeit we speak wisdom amongst the perfect. [1 Cor 2:2, 6] Again: And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not meat; for you were not able as yet. [1 Cor 3:1-2] And again: For everyone, that is a partaker of milk, is unskilful in the word of justice: for he is a little child. But strong meat is for the perfect; for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and evil [Heb 5:13-14].

It is then clear that in communicating religious knowledge the Apostles took into account the circumstances of their hearers, and their capacity for receiving instruction. And the above texts are understood in this sense by the best Protestant commentators by Dr. Lightfoot, Dr. Ellicott, Dr. Westcott, Dr. Evans, in the Speakers Commentary; Alford, Bloomfield, and MacKnight. It must be, then, that the deposit of faith contained doctrines of so sublime a character, that neophytes could not readily take them in; and, at the same time, it is clear that it also contained doctrines so absolutely necessary to know and to believe, that without knowledge and belief of them, no adult could be saved. For he that cometh to God, must believe that He is, and is a rewarder to them that seek Him [Heb 11:6]. Such truths are said to be necessary as means of salvation (necessitate medii).

Then there are other truths, the knowledge and belief of which are so necessary for our spiritual well-being that it is our duty to know and to believe them. The necessity of faith in such truths is called the necessity of precept. Now, it is clear that truths of this sort by reason of this necessity should occupy, and did occupy, a more prominent place in Apostolic teaching than the more recondite and speculative truths of faith. Such truths should enter into the public, obligatory profession of faith of the Church ; they were explicitly proposed to the faithful, and explicitly believed by them; while other truths, equally contained in the deposit of faith, were not thus explicitly put forward, and were believed only implicitly. But the Church was to teach all that her Lord commanded her, and this implied the obligation of believing all on the part of the faithful; and they fulfil the obligation by believing explicitly all that is proposed to them by the Church, and in accepting her as a divinely authorized teacher they have implicit belief in all else that is contained in the divine deposit of faith.

Now, in this deposit there are doctrines that are either obscure in themselves, or that have not been prominently set forth, for a time, in the Churchs teaching; and there are doctrines also, apparently clear, and explicitly proposed which, in time, are found to require further explanation. Regarding such doctrines controversies necessarily arise, and the Church, assisted by the Holy Ghost, decides the controversy, and by a new definition, or rather by a new and more explicit statement of an old truth, makes known to her children the divinely revealed truth on the disputed question. Then again, we know how busy Satan is in this world, and how often he succeeds in bringing the vagaries of mens minds, in various departments of knowledge so called, into conflict with Gods revelation. And when such conflicts arise it is the duty of the Church to ward off error from the faith of which she is the custodian. Thus more explicit statements of revealed, truths become necessary, in order, more clearly, to point out to the faithful where the error lies.

And as difficulties of such kinds are arising in every age of the Church they are to be met in every age by like action on her part. And by such definitions no new truth is announced; a truth, always contained in the deposit of faith, and thus hitherto an object of implicit faith, is by the definition authoritatively proposed to the faithful, and thus enters into their explicit faith  a divinely revealed truth passes from the category of implicit into that of explicit faith. This is the meaning of each new definition of faith by the Church, and the decrees of Councils, and of Popes as well, prove this most conclusively. And the moment the definition is announced the faithful accept it unhesitatingly, and it passes into the public obligatory profession of their faith; controversy ceases, and doubts disappear. And hence it is, that all over the Church there is always one profession of faith, and in that profession all Catholics of every tongue, and tribe, and nation agree with the most absolute unanimity. Just as there is no fear that any doctrine shall be defined that is not already contained in the deposit of faith, so there is no fear that a doctrine once defined shall ever be withdrawn or contradicted  all is harmonious and consistent because infallibly true.

And, were any professing Catholic to refuse to accept a doctrine defined by the Church, he is by the very fact cut off from his communion, and left to herd with the heathen and the publican abroad. We have a divinely appointed teacher, securing to us absolute unity of faith, and we follow her guidance. This is our proud boast, or rather our grateful acknowledgment of Gods mercy towards us. But this is not the sense of our boast according to Dr. Salmon. According to him our boast was that the teaching of the Church had never varied; that is, that our explicit faith, the articles of faith defined and obligatory, were always the same, and that no addition could be made to their number, and consequently that no definition of faith could be admitted  a boast which no Catholic ever made or could make, for it would be a denial of the mission of the Church. Now, when Dr. Salmon undertook to lecture on Infallibility, as held by us, he owed it to his students, at least, to learn himself the doctrine he was training them to refute. If he did so, why has he so greatly misrepresented us? If he did not learn our teaching (and it is charity to him to suppose that he did not), then he was lecturing his students on a subject of which he was himself ignorant, an insult to any self-respecting body of young men.

By all means, let him refute our doctrines, if he can, and let him teach others to do so; but to represent our doctrines as a series of childish absurdities is to act as if he had been lecturing in a lunatic asylum. He fancies that he has an explicit and final condemnation of all new definitions of faith in the celebrated saying of St. Vincent of Lerins  Quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus [That which is believed everywhere, always, and by all]. We have been in the past always quoting this, saying, that our teaching has never varied (pages 20, 33, 183). New definitions have, however, completely falsified our boast, and we quote St. Vincent no longer. Now, though Dr. Salmon thinks St. Vincents rule a serious difficulty for us he does not appear to expect much advantage from its use himself. He says, it is obvious that this rule can give us no help in a controversy (page 270); and in a note he modifies no help into little help. But whether it gives no help, or little help, he thinks it useful against us. St. Vincent says that our faith must be what was held everywhere, always, and by all, and as this must refer to explicit faith, it excludes all new definitions. This is Dr. Salmons case against us, from St. Vincent of Lerins, and it is one of the commonest Protestant objections.

Again Dr. Salmon is misleading his students, and if they had read for themselves the chapter of St. Vincent from which the words are taken, they would have seen that their professors inference was groundless. In the second chapter of the Commonitorium St. Vincent says that he had frequently inquired from holy and learned men how he could find some safe general rule to enable him to distinguish Catholic faith from heresy, and the rule he gives is this: In the Catholic Church itself, then, we must take special care to hold what was believed everywhere always, and by all; for this is truly and rightly Catholic. The Protestant inference from this is that nothing cam be believed except what was held everywhere, always, and by all, and therefore that there can be no new definition.

But St. Vincent did not say this nor did he mean it. He said that what was held everywhere, always, and by all, was Catholic faith; but he did not say that nothing else was. The fact that a doctrine was thus always universally held showed that it was of Apostolic origin, and therefore of faith, but St. Vincent did not say that a doctrine could not be of Apostolic origin unless it was thus universally held. Had this been his meaning, several truths controverted, and decided before his time, could not have been defined at all. He did not intend by his maxim, therefore, to exclude future definitions of faith, and he has himself taken care to make this clear and indisputable. In forcible and eloquent language he has himself anticipated, and answered, the Protestant objection. In chapter xxxiii. he says : 

But, perhaps some one shall say, shall there then be no progress of religion in the Church of Christ? By all means, let there be, and very much progress. For who is he, so envious to men, so hateful to God, that would try to prohibit this? But let it be a real progress of faith, not a change. It is the character of progress that each thing should grow in itself; but it is the character of change that a thing should pass from one thing into another. It is right, therefore, that the understanding, the knowledge, the wisdom of each and all, of every age and time, of each individual as well as of the entire Church should increase, and progress very much, but each in its own kind only, that is in the same truth, in the same sense and sentiment.

He then goes on to compare the growth of faith in the Church with the growth of the human body, and he shows that just as the grown man is the same as the child, though his limbs have grown and progressed, so, too, is the defined article of faith the same as the truth out of which it has

grown. And he says: 

It is lawful that the original truths of the heavenly philosophy should in the course of time be systematized, explained, illustrated; but it is not lawful that they should be changed, robbed of their meaning, or mutilated. Let them receive evidence, new light, classification; but let them retain their fulness, their integrity, their distinctive character.

And after saying that if one doctrine could be corrupted, all would soon be corrupt, and a shipwreck of faith would follow, he says: 

But the Church of Christ, the careful, watchful guardian of truths entrusted to her, never changes anything in them; never takes anything from them, never adds to them; she cuts away nothing necessary, she adds nothing superfluous; she loses nothing of her own, she takes nothing that is not her own, but with all zeal and care she aims at this one thing, that by faithfully and wisely handling her ancient dogmas she might explain and illustrate whatever was originally obscure and vague, that she might strengthen and confirm what was express and clear, and that she might guard what was already confirmed and defined. Finally, what else has she ever aimed at by the decisions of her Councils, except that what was hitherto simply believed, may henceforth be believed more diligently; that what was hitherto rarely preached may henceforth be preached with greater emphasis; that what was hitherto remissly cultivated may henceforth be cultivated with greater solicitude. This, I say, and nothing else, has the Catholic Church, when assailed by heretical novelties, done by the decrees of her Councils. What she received at first by tradition alone, from those who went before, this she has handed down, even in written documents, giving a great deal of truth in a few words, and very often for clearness sake giving a new name to an old truth of faith.

This is Catholic doctrine and practice to the letter, taken literally from a saint who is called up as a witness against both. And St. Vincent gives an instance of a definition which fully and forcibly illustrates the transition of a revealed truth from implicit to explicit faith. In chapter vi. he speaks of the controversy between Pope Stephen and St. Cyprian on the validity of Baptism given by heretics, and alter referring to the writings and disputations on the question he says: 

What then was the result of it all? What surely but the usual, the customary result, the ancient doctrine was retained, the novelty was rejected. And o, wonderful change! the authors of the opinion are accounted Catholics, its followers are heretics; the teachers are acquitted, the disciples are condemned, the writers of the books shall be the children of the kingdom, but hell shall receive the upholders of them.

Thus, then, we have a controversy in which up to the time of its definition Catholics were free to hold either side, but the moment the question was authoritatively settled by the Church, the adherents of the condemned doctrines were heretics. The authors of the writings, such as St. Cyprian and Firmilian, are accounted Catholics because they submitted to the voice of authority; but those who persisted in their opposition to that voice are declared heretics. One would imagine that St. Vincent is writing the history of the Vatican Council, that he has before him the history of the Catholic Church for all the centuries of her life  so accurately, so vividly, does he describe her working in the discharge of her divine commission as guardian and teacher of all revealed truth.

And if Dr. Salmon had read St. Vincents Commonitorium, he could not have indulged in his silly charges against the Catholic Church. With a confidence not begotten of knowledge, he quotes glibly four words from the entire book, as if they were to be the epitaph of the Catholic Church; and he poses before his students as a fountain of Patristic lore, though his book is a monument to his ignorance of the fathers, and nowhere is the ignorance less excusable than in his reference to St. Vincent of Lerins. What, then, becomes of his charges against us of new doctrines, of changing faith? The charges are groundless: the whole life and action of the Church brands them as false, the Church is only doing now what she was doing in the days of St. Vincent of Lerins, what she shall continue to do till the end of time; fulfilling her office as guardian of revelation by condemning errors, and faithfully discharging her teaching office by the promulgation and explanation of all revealed truth.

And the proud boast, attributed to us by Dr. Salmon, we have never made at all, and therefore have never retracted. The boast we did make, and do make, has been traced down from St. Vincent to the Vatican Council, and it is the same all along the line; and there is nothing in Dr. Salmons lectures by which it can be in the slightest degree imperiled. His arguments against us are in reality arguments against his own reputation for learning and prudence. He should have taken the advice of the judicious Hooker[:]
There was drama at the High Court in Bolgatanga last Friday (March 10, 2023) when two persons who attempted to influence the acting Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Alexander Graham, were convicted by the court.



The drama unfolded at the High Court Two in Bolgatanga.



The two who are influential people in Bolgatanga had gone into the chambers of the judge in an attempt to influence him.



The judge handed them over to the court warrant officer for arrest, and in the open court moments later, Justice Alexander Graham asked the two to repeat exactly what they had told him in chambers.



The two, Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii and Richard Sunday Yinbil, were convicted after they pleaded guilty to contempt.



The court found them guilty of contempt and accordingly made them sign a six-months bond to be of good behaviour at the Upper East Regional Police Command before they were released.



This was after about 12 lawyers who were in court for various cases at the same court pleaded with the court to pardon them and not hand them a custodial sentence.



Events leading to conviction



The events leading to their conviction as narrated in court were that on Friday before the commencement of proceedings at the court, the two persons sought permission from the court clerks to see the judge in chamber for a private conversation which was duly granted.



The court heard that after entering the judge's chamber and being granted audience, they duly identified themselves that they had been sent to deliver a message to him.



They then informed Justice Graham that they were sent by a chief in the area, to invite him [judge] to his palace for him to properly explain to his understanding a number of mining-related cases from the area which are currently pending before the court.



Action contemptuous



The Presiding Judge realised that the action by the two persons was contemptuous since many mining cases were before the court he was presiding for determination.



While considering the action of the accused persons as entrapment to tilt his judgement towards a certain direction, he quickly walked out and ordered their arrest.



After that, they were charged with contempt and hauled before the court to tell the court what transpired between them and Justice Graham privately.



The two did not utter a word about what they had told the judge in chamber in the fully packed courtroom.



As a result, Justice Graham told the open court what the two persons had told him in his chamber.



Lawyers plead for clemency



Knowing the implications of the action by the two persons, the lawyers, in turns, pleaded with the judge not give them a custodial sentence.



The lawyers took turns to acknowledge that the action by the two was contempt of court, which offenders can be given a prison sentence, they however pleaded that they should be forgiven and not be handed custodial sentence they openly admitted their wrong in court.



According to them, the open rebuke of the accused persons in court was enough and that they were first time offenders as well.



After listening to the lawyers, Justice Graham, while delivering his judgement warned the public to desist from visiting judges in an attempt to get favourable outcomes.



"You are hereby convicted of contempt and directed to sign a six-months bond to be of good behaviour," Justice Graham said.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail in the sum of GHS500,000.00 with three sureties to the Economist, who allegedly took GHS475,500.00 from an unemployed woman under the pretext of investing it in a kako business but failed.



The Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah directed that all the sureties be civil servants earning not less than GHS3000.00, GHS2000.00 and GHS1000.00 a month respectively.



The matter has been adjourned to March 16, 2023.



Mr Alex Koduah is facing a charge of defrauding by false pretense.



He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.





Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The St Anthony of Padua Catholic Basic School in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) of the Western Region has won the annual eighth edition of the Western Region Independence Day Inter-District JHS Quiz Competition, which was held last Thursday in Bogoso, capital of the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, to commemorate the region's 66th Independence Day Celebration championed by the traditional leadership of the region.



The competition, which featured fourteen (14) basic schools representing their respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, saw EKMA emerge as the 2023 champions, defeating the defending champions Shama Aboadzie VRA International School and their close competitors Goldfield International School from Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal with 43 points.



Tarkwa Goldfields International School came in second with 39 points, followed by Peace International School from Half Assini in the Jomoro Municipal, which came in third with 38 points, and Aboadzie VRA International School from the Shama District, which came in fourth with 36 points.



The Christ Leading School from the Ellembelle District finished fifth with 36 points, while the host school Nana Amoako Basic School from the Prestea Huni Valley Municipal finished sixth with 28 points and St Augustinus School from Axim in the Nzema East Municipal finished seventh with 21 points.



The 2023 champions, St Anthony Padua Catholic School representing EKMA, received two brand new Lenovo laptops, one for the GES directorate and the other for the GES basic school coordinator's office, a trophy, tablets for the tree contestants, text books, plaques, gold medals, and certificates, and the first runner up, Tarkwa Goldfields International School, received two brand new Lenovo laptops, one for the school and the other for the GES basic school coordinator's office.



Peace International School, representing the Jomoro Municipality, received two Lenovo laptops, one for the school and one for the GES office to be used by the basic school coordinator, bronze medals, text books, tablets for the contestants, plaques, and certificates, with the fourth to fourteenth positions all receiving text books, plaques, and certificates.



The Special Guest of Honour, the Acting Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu whose speech was read on his behalf, commended Nananom of the Western Region for promoting such a commendable initiative and urged the service's continued partnership. He advocated for more inclusive participation in the planning and organisation of future quiz events.



Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, the leader of the Goldfields Ghana Ltd delegation and headline sponsors of the 2023 event, spoke about his company's ongoing commitment to supporting education in the region, which has been one of their hallmarks since the inspection of Goldfields operations in Ghana.



Despite the difficulties encountered during this year's event, he expressed hope that plans will be developed to streamline arrangements in order to improve future events, and he congratulated Nananom and all participating schools on a successful event.



"Goldfields will continue to support activities that promote quality and healthy educational competitions, particularly among districts in the region."



HRM Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area and Patron of the Planning and Organising Committee, lauded and thanked this year's quiz competition sponsors, Goldfields Ghana ltd as headline sponsors, Ghana Gas Company ltd, Takoradi International Company (TICO-TAQA), Adamus Mining Resources, AEL Mining, Engineers and Planners, Westfield, Samarthex Timber and Plywood Company Ltd for assisting the region's traditional leadership in heralding such an innovative programme primarily to promote education and healthy competition among the region's fourteen Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) through a quiz competition that has become an annual festival on the GES calendar.



He urged everyone, especially students, to instill the habit of selflessness and commitment to nation-building in all of their endeavours, as well as to take their studies seriously in order to be useful to society.



The Wassa Amenfi paramount urged more corporate organisations operating in the region to consider contributing to the programme, which has been running for the past eight years in a row, as the traditional leadership through the regional house of chiefs will support companies committed to such worthy course in the region.



In his speech, HRM Obrempong Hima Dekyi IXV, the Executive Chairman of the Organising and Planning Committee and the Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove Traditional Area, congratulated all participating schools representing the fourteen MMDAs and the regional Ghana Education Directorate (GES) for their commitment and partnership over the years.



He also thanked BCM Ghana, Seedco Construction, Bensat Company Ltd, Prestea Huni Valley Offices, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Amenfi West, Nzema East, Ahanta West, Effia Kwesimtsim, and Ellembelle Municipal District Assemblies for their collaboration and support.



He also expressed gratitude to the offices of Ellembelle, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Prestea Huni Valley, and Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Members of Parliament for their contributions to the program's success.



Mr. Alexander Mensah Hagan, General Manager of Adamus Resource Ltd, expressed delight at his company's involvement with the quiz programme, which aims to bring together basic schools from fourteen districts across the western region to compete for a common goal.



He reiterated Adamus' commitment to supporting the region's traditional leadership in promoting education, as well as urging students to focus on their studies and avoid engaging in activities that would jeopardise their future opportunities.



Dr. Isaac Dasmani, MCE for Prestea Huni Valley Municipal, reiterated the government's ongoing commitment to providing and improving quality education for the benefit of all.



He also praised the competitors for their zeal and commitment, particularly to contributing to the knowledge base through the competition.



Nana Akwasi Sompreh II, Divisional Chief of Bogoso and co-chair of the programme, for his part, thanked and commended Nananom for hosting such an innovative event in Bogoso and urged that his doors be opened for consultations to help strengthen the programme ahead of future endeavours.



Mr. Francois Van Niekerk, Financial Director of AEL Mining Services, emphasised the importance of his company's focus on education and expressed his excitement to support the 2023 eighth edition of the quiz programme, which was held in his company's operational area. He urged the students to take their education seriously in order to achieve their future goals.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has held talks with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met at Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan (the official workplace and office of the Amir) in Doha today (Sunday, March 12, 2023).



The talks took place on the occasion of President Akufo-Addo's visit to the country to attend the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), a statement issued by the Amir's office said.



During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and support them in various fields, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.



The President was among 5,000 participants that attended LDC5, including 47 Heads of State or government and 130 Ministers and Vice-Ministers.



They called for developed countries to urgently provide the most vulnerable countries with the assistance they need to drive socio-economic and environmental development.



Corporate leaders together with civil society, youth and other partners shared plans, innovations, and recommendations in several areas: from enhancing the participation of LDCs in international trade and regional integration to addressing climate change, strengthening global partnerships, supporting graduation, and leveraging the power of science, technology, and innovation.



United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries ends



The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar ended on March 9, 2023. with member states committing to measures to deliver on the Doha Programme of Action, a ten-year plan to put the worlds 46 most vulnerable countries back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



Bold commitments at the conference marked a transformative turning point for the worlds poorest countries, whose development has been hindered by crises including COVID-19, climate change and deepening inequalities.



Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Least Developed Countries is a litmus test for achieving the 2030 Agenda writ large, including by ensuring that no one  and no LDC  is left behind said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. That is why the Doha Programme of Action must be seen as a vehicle for SDG Acceleration.



Under the theme From Potential to Prosperity the conference aimed to drive transformational change to positively affect the 1.2 billion people who live in the LDCs.



The commitments made this week are a true embodiment of global solidarity and partnership and will pave the way for a new era of international cooperation, said Rabab Fatima, Secretary General of the Conference and UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.



This will result in more of the Least Developed Countries achieving the goal of graduation and a more prosperous and sustainable future, she continued.



Doha Programme of Action



Discussions at LDC5 centered around the delivery of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022-2031, which aims to manifest a new generation of renewed and strengthened commitments between the least developed countries and their partners, including the private sector, civil society, and governments.



The Programme, agreed upon in 2022 after LDC5 was postponed due to the Omicron outbreak, outlines a transformative agenda to tap into the potential of the LDCs. Measures include the development of a food stockholding mechanism for LDCs; an online university focusing on STEM education, especially for women and girls; an international investment support centre; a sustainable graduation support facility; and comprehensive multi-hazard crisis mitigation and resilience-building measures for least developed countries.



Agreements reached this week will help the LDCs to address the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, to return to a pathway to achieve the SDGs, address climate change, and make strides towards sustainable and irreversible graduation.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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The Ghana Police Service, after a week of a sustained intelligence-led operation, has arrested six persons at different dates and various locations within Ashiaman and its environs for their suspected involvement in the murder of Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.



On 4th March 2023, Police received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashiaman Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.



A team of Police officers proceeded to the said location and confirmed the incident.



Police immediately commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim. The officers cordoned off the scene and called in the specialist Police Crime Scene team to process the scene for forensic analysis.



The Crime Scene Team retrieved a number of items, including a knife with blood stains on it and a backpack. In the backpack, Police found 1 Samsung tablet, 1 Apple laptop, 1 military uniform with the name tag Imoro, 8 other items of clothing, as well as a Ghana card and a Health Insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sherrif.



Judging from the contents of the backpack, the police suspected the victim could be a soldier, and in line with Police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the Military was accordingly notified of the incident and some military personnel came to identify the deceased to Police as Imoro Sheriff, a soldier.



The body of the deceased was thereafter conveyed to a hospital for preservation and autopsy.



As part of the investigation, an intelligence operation was immediately launched within Ashiaman and other strategic locations of interest to follow up on all relevant leads on the case.



On the same day, consistent with Ghanaian tradition and as part of the investigation process, a team of police officers after identifying the residence of the parents of the deceased, visited them, commiserated with them and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.



During the visit, the parents informed the Police that the deceased was stationed at Sunyani but had come to Accra on a course.



Investigations further revealed that on 3rd March 2023, the deceased had visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown at about 10:30 pm and left the place in the middle of the night at about 01:30 am, on the 4th March 2023.



After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on 9th March 2023, the police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman. Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on 10th March, 2023. Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and 12th March 2023 respectively.



Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023 attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashiaman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack. The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.



A postmortem examination was performed on the deceased's body on 8th March 2023, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury.



Investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah. Suspect Safianu Musah is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim. Both suspects have been arrested and are assisting in the investigation to recover the phone.



On 12th March 2023, a team of police officers led by the Tema Regional Police Commander visited the family of the deceased and briefed them on the investigations done so far.



We wish to commend all police officers at all levels of Command, especially the crack police intelligence and investigation teams as well as the Ashiaman District Police Command for their professionalism and meticulous dedication, working around the clock to unravel this case.



We would like to assure the public, especially the family of the deceased, that all the suspects are in Police custody and will be put before the court on Monday,13th March 2023 for justice.

Source: Ghana Police









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Some unknown persons have cut parts of some newly laid electricity cables at the Smelter Two Bulk Supply Point by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Emmanuel Akinie, Tema ECG Regional General Manager has said.



Mr. Akinie told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Tema that power disruptions that occurred in Kpone, and its environs some few days ago were the result of their acts.



The areas and industries served by the Bulk Supply Point cable include B5 Plus, Mass Industries, Mavis Industries, Blow-Chem, the entire Kpone Township, Community 25, Ghana Steel, Affordable Housing, and Adi Steel among others.



He said ECG discovered the cable cut on the morning of March 08 as part of investigations into the outage which occurred at dawn.



He noted that the cable was part of a set of new cables which had been laid a few days prior to the incident, adding that they were the replacement for some old and worn-out cables



He disclosed that the said cables were replaced due to the challenges of supplying electricity to these places for some time now.



The ECG General Manager said the cutting of the cable after it has been laid and energized (electricity was running thru them) led to the outage.



As it is now, the cable has been decommissioned as work has to be done on it before it can be energized again, he said.



He added however that the load of customers who did not have supply because of the cable cut had been transferred to other networks and were on supply now while engineers worked to fix the cut cable.



He also pleaded with customers and the public to help protect ECG property and equipment as damage to them, such as the cable cut, ended up affecting customers, while adding cost to the company which must spend resources meant for other projects on such repair and replacement works.



Mr. Akinie cautioned criminals against such acts, saying such attempts were dangerous as one could easily lose their life through electrocution.



When cables are laid, you may not know whether there is electricity in them or not; in this case, while the person was cutting it, there was an explosion which then caused the outage and the person also bolted, leaving behind a hacksaw, he said





Source: GNA









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Information gathered by DGN Online indicates that the 22-year-old soldier, Imoro Sherrif who was killed at Taifa, a suburb Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region died because of iPhone 6.



Sources told DGN Online that, the two prime suspects allegedly killed the soldier attached to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) band in Sunyani because they wanted to collect his iphone.



He was said to have resisted and attempted to struggle with the attackers when one of them stabbed him.



The suspects thereby took the iPhone6 which got cracked in the process of struggle and disappeared from the scene, leaving the young soldier to his fate in a pool of blood until he passed on.



Police announced on Saturday March 11, 2023 that the two main suspects involved in the heinous crime have been arrested.



They are preparing them for court.



But four more suspects have also been picked up by the police in connection with the crime and are assisting police with investigations.



The four were persons who bought and also resold the phone among themselves in the municipality.



Police have managed to track down the phone and retrieved it to aid in investigations and prosecution.



The phone, according to DGN Online sources was retrieved from a driver near the Ashaiman overpass Sunday dawn.



Interrogations of the suspects are currently ongoing at the Police Headquarters in Accra in the presence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare who has shown so much interest in the case by spending a night in Ashaiman on the day the prime suspects were apprehended.



Imoro Sherrif was laid to rest on Thursday, March 9 at the Military Cemetery Burma Camp in Accra.



Imoro Sherrif was gruesomely murdered on Saturday, March 4.



The Military High Command last Tuesday sanctioned an intelligence-led operation to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.







Source: Daily Guide









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Sylvester Tetteh, Member of Parliament for the Bortiano Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency in the Greater Accra Region has called for a centralised Independence Day celebration across the 16 regions to save cost.



In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tema, Sylvester Tetteh stressed that centralising the Independence Day celebration would go a long way in cutting costs associated with the multiple celebrations across the districts.



He stated that the executive arm of government must consider the recommendation saying that the country as it stands now was walloping in serious debt and some pragmatic decisions must be implemented to save the country.



He stressed that the centralised parade by the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within Greater Accra saved over 60 percent of the cost of expenditure incurred in previous years.



According to him, the 15 remaining regions must replicate the move due to the financial crises the country was facing.



He said the Independence Day celebration serves as a moment where the country takes stock of its gains and reflects on how to make progress in the years ahead.



Meanwhile, Henry Quartey, Greater Accra Regional Minister has disclosed that hosting a consolidated Regional Independence Day in the region instead of the usual detached District celebrations saved the country over GHs1.5 million.



Henry Quartey called on Ghanaians especially residents of the Region to continue to try to deepen the countrys democracy even as Ghana commemorates its independence and the 30th anniversary of the fourth republic.





Source: GNA









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A major contender for NDC 2024 Presidential candidate Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has said he will prioritize the restoration of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to full operating capacity, if elected as NDC flag bearer and subsequently President of Ghana.



The former finance minister who is one of four contenders for the leadership of the main opposition party going into the 2024 general elections was speaking to party delegates during a campaign tour of the Greater Accra region this week.



The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) shut down its operations in June 2018 due to several management issues including an inability to make available a steady supply of crude oil, the main raw material for the refinery. He believes that TOR is one of Ghanas biggest national assets which must not be left to deteriorate especially at a time when it is essential to bring down the cost of petroleum products, critical for the economic well-being of all Ghanaians.



The renowned economist told NDC party supporters that he will fix TOR and commit to ensuring that the refinery operates efficiently and sustainably, providing affordable fuel to the people of Ghana.



"I understand the importance of TOR to the Ghanaian economy, and if given the opportunity to lead, I will work tirelessly to bring it back to full operation. The high cost of petroleum products is a significant burden on the average Ghanaian, and we must do everything we can to make fuel prices more affordable, Dr. Duffuor assured.



He explained that his plan to revive TOR includes a comprehensive review of the refinery's operations and infrastructure as well as the implementation of sustainable measures to ensure that the refinery runs efficiently. He added that he will also work with industry experts to explore alternative sources of crude oil to ensure a steady supply for the refinery.



Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who was once governor of the Bank of Ghana said his plan to revive TOR will not only bring down the cost of petroleum products but also create job opportunities for Ghanaians and contribute to the country's economic growth.



Supporters of Dr. Duffuor have hailed his commitment to bringing back TOR to full operation as a testament to his vision for a better Ghana and his dedication to making life more affordable for all Ghanaians.



As the NDC Presidential primary elections approach, Dr. Duffuor's pledge to revive TOR is one of the many policy initiatives that he is presenting to the grassroots with the confidence that his vision for a better Ghana will resonate with voters and bring about the change that NDC and Ghana need at the moment.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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interview

Sao Tome and Principe is due to graduate from its current status as one of the world's Least Developed Countries (LDCs), a journey that is testament to its economic successes, but is not without challenges, as Eric Overvest, the senior UN official in the country, tells UN News.

There are currently 46 LDCs listed by the UN and countries graduate once they have reached certain development targets.

Eric Overvest, Resident Coordinator for Sao Tome and PrincipeEric Overvest: Sao Tome and Principe is doing well in terms of social indicators, such as GDP per capita, but is lagging in others, such as the Economic Vulnerability Index, and that's where the UN provides a lot of support because it's the health of the economy that will allow the country to graduate from its LDC status.

For example, we've helping the country to market itself as a place that sells organic, high-end products. So, instead of just exporting cocoa beans, they're exporting chocolate bars. Organic palm oil, coconut oil, and vanilla pepper are also being sold.

Finding the resources to adapt to the climate crisis is also very important, and we've been supporting the government's efforts to find more funding for the protection of biodiversity, and preserve marine resources. This country is moving towards the use of renewable energies; the UN supported the country's first solar park, which opened last year, and solar panels are going up on schools and health centres.

We're also helping to develop the private sector; promoting a form of ecotourism that's integrated into the culture and history of the country, and supporting small and medium sized enterprises.

UN News: What challenges could hold Sao Tome back even after graduation, and how does the UN plan to deal with that?

Eric Overvest: I would say it's a mentality shift, from the idea of being dependent on foreign aid, towards a model where you are generating the resources for your own economy, making sure you have the sources of growth to sustain your social protection system, to sustain the social sectors, and to make sure that your country can accelerate towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

It's about assuming your development challenges and looking ahead and seeing what we can do as a country to move ahead. So, it puts a lot of pressure on the country to make sure they are ready for graduation.

Linked to that is the migration challenge. Many are still looking for opportunities abroad, but the human resources needed to support the development process are needed in the country.

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A particular challenge for Sao Tome and Principe, and other Small Island Developing States, is the vulnerability of the islands to the climate crisis, because we have seen floods, hurricane and storms, which can have a very disruptive impact on the economy. In December 2021, around seven per cent of GDP was lost to damage caused by heavy rainfall.

UN News: What advice would you give to the leaders of Least Developed Countries to help them achieve economic development and poverty reduction?

Eric Overvest: Invest more heavily in the economy and the sectors of growth where you have the competitive advantages, where you can add value, and where you can create more jobs.

You need to analyse your weaknesses and strength, and that develop a national development plan. And that requires commitment at the highest level, political commitment to invest in those economic sectors where you really see the future growth of the country.

I've seen it here in Sao Tome and Principe. There is a real shift towards more private sector involvement, and towards agriculture that is not just based on exporting raw materials. LDCs need to find their niche and develop it for future growth.

Eric Overvest is the UN Resident Coordinator in Sao Tome and Principe. He was talking to UN News at LDC5, a major UN conference, held in Doha, Qatar from 5-9 March 2023.
Former Information Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government should not be embarrassed to admit that it reached out to Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire for urgent bailout on Ghana's avoidable and indefensible shortage of childhood vaccines.



According to the MP, sunday's consignment came in from Nigeria as a benevolent gesture which the Ghanaian government has promised to replace when it finally puts its house in order.



"Why is the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government not willing to publicly admit that it begged Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire to bailout Ghana on the indefensible shortage of childhood vaccines?



"Why is our government embarrassed to accept that yesterday's vaccine consignment were borrowed from Nigeria," he tweeted on Monday afteroon.



"There is absolutely nothing wrong saying Thank You to a neighbour who exhibits superior public health policies, better prioritization, and who responds positively and swiftly when you come begging," he added.



The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, told the media yesterday that the government had procured stocks that were enough to last beyond this year, but they were being received in batches.



He said the first consignment would take not less than six weeks, stressing that it was absolutely free from any charges.



He said more vaccines would be coming in the course of the week up to two weeks.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye appealed to parents of eligible children to visit their respective child welfare clinics to get their children vaccinated.



He explained that the GHS was going to continue with the routine process with an in-facility catch-up strategy put in place to vaccinate children who missed their vaccines.



Background



The Daily Graphic, after a nationwide check, reported about the shortage of the three vaccines in the Thursday, February 23, 2023 edition of the newspaper.



The situation was perceived to have the potential to increase the vulnerability of children to the diseases against which the vaccines sought to protect them.



The three vaccines are part of the 10 that give protection against 13 conditions.



Following the reportage, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, and Dr Kuma-Aboagye, and on different platforms, acknowledged the shortage and assured the public that the government was working hard to accelerate the restocking of those vaccines.



The minister told Parliament last week that the government had paid an additional $6.4 million to UNICEF to facilitate the procurement and delivery of the vaccines.

Source: Peacefmonline









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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.



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 outfits 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.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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Police say the man, who shot and wounded two officers after stabbing an individual to death over the weekend in London Ont., didn't have a license to legally own the long gun which was recovered at the scene. A London Police cruiser sits outside a home in London, Ontario on Friday, May 30, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
The Anhui delegation of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress(NPC) held a press conference on March 12th. The spokesperson for the delegation announced that during the conference, the Anhui delegation and its deputies submitted a total of 14 motions to the NPC session, all of which were listed for legislative processing. They also proposed 377 suggestions, of which the delegation proposed 13. Deputies from Anhui to the first session of the 14th National People's Congress sat together to discuss motions and suggestions. Photo by Xu Guokang

These motions and suggestions focused on serving significant national strategies, major issues regarding the long-term development of Anhui Province, and the most-concerned public issues and obstacles. They are characterized by unequivocal reasons, sufficient evidence, specific plans, broad scope, and well-targeted solutions. This is particularly true with the 13 suggestions put forward by the delegation. Marked by both necessity and feasibility, they all firmly stick to the primary task of high-quality development and aim to improve the overall condition of people's livelihood and increase the sustainability of innovation based on both the interest of the entire country and the reality of Anhui.

NPC deputy Yu Qingqing made a speech during the deliberation of the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on March 8. Photo by Xu Guokang, Yang Zhu

NPC deputy Guo Guoping made a speech during the deliberation of the Report on the Work of the Government on March 5. Photo by Xu Guokang, Yang Zhu

The Anhui delegation attached great importance to the motions and suggestions. Before this year's NPC annual session, the delegation organized deputies to participate in group investigations and widely solicit opinions. During the Two Sessions, the motions and suggestions were further refined according to the deputies' experience of deliberating reports and motions to improve their quality. They were highly valued by national ministries and commissions, which discussed them with the delegation face-to-face and responded actively.


interview

Women in The Gambia face high levels of female genital mutilation (FGM), period poverty (an inability to afford menstrual hygiene products), and domestic violence. In an interview with UN News, Ndeye Rose Sarr, the head of the UN reproductive and sexual health agency (UNFPA) in the country, underlines the challenges they face, and the efforts the UN is making to address the issues.

Ndeye Rose Sarr When a girl starts to menstruate, that's when the problems usually start. From the age of 10, she begins to be looked at as a potential bride for an older man. And if she has not yet undergone FGM, there will be those in her community who will want to make sure that she does.

The rate of FGM in The Gambia is around 76 per cent in the 14 to 49 year age range, and about 51 per cent for girls up to the age of 14. That means that, on average, every other young girl you see in The Gambia has undergone this mutilation, which involves altering their genitals by cutting the clitoris or labia.

This leads to health consequences later in life. When they give birth, they may encounter complications, and the chances of a stillbirth are higher. If the baby survives, they may end up with obstetric fistula, holes that develop between the vagina and the bladder, that make women urinate when they sit. This can lead women being excluded from their communities, and their husbands to leave them.

'Women are the ones practicing FGM'

Women are the ones practicing FGM. It is usually a grandmother, the keeper of the tradition in the family. Gambians living abroad will even bring back their children to be subjected to FGM. And men will tell you that this is a "women's thing."

What we are looking to do is engage men and boys. We are in a society where decision makers are men; they are husbands, traditional leaders, religious leaders who will indicate what to do and what not to do in society.

We want every young man in this country, all the men, whether they are fathers, husbands or traditional leaders in their community, to say no to the practice. We have studies that show that, in countries where men have become involved, the rates have gone down.

UN News: How long, realistically, will it be before we can see the end of FGM in this country?

Ndeye Rose Sarr: FGM has actually been illegal since 2015. However, only two cases have been brought to justice since then, with no convictions.

UNFPA Circumisers hand in implements during a ceremony calling for an end to female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia (file).

There has to be enforcement of the law. And the willingness of the government to continue prosecuting and also helping us with increasing awareness of the problem is key.

We also need to engage at a community level. Rites of passage for girls are important, but we don't have to go to the extreme of female genital mutilation. We can find innovative ways to create rites of passage, just as it is boys in this part of the world. It doesn't have to be harmful, and it doesn't have to be something that invades the bodily autonomy of the person.

Currently, it is even carried out on babies; you can't tell me that a baby girl knows what she's going through, and is able to consent.

UN News: Period poverty is also widespread. What can be done to address it?

Rose Ndeye Sarr: Yes, period poverty is an issue across The Gambia, but it's acute in rural areas, where women are less likely to have access to sanitary pads.

Period poverty leads to girls skipping school for around five days every month because, if they don't have access to adequate menstrual products, they worry about staining their clothes, and being shamed; that's between 40 and 50 days in a school year.

Boys will therefore have an advantage because they will be attending school more often than the girls, who are more likely to drop out of education.

So, we developed a project in Basse, in the Upper River Region, to produce recyclable sanitary pads. This is a way of empowering young women in the community, who now have a secure job, learning new skills, and improving the menstrual hygiene of women and girls.

We go to schools to distribute the pads and, when we're there, we take the opportunity to talk about bodily autonomy, and comprehensive health education, so that the girls know more about their bodies, what is happening to them, what is okay, what is not okay. I think we are making a difference in Basse.

We need to understand that there are girls in this world who don't have access to menstrual health and hygiene and who don't have access to menstrual products when they have their menstruation. And we need to put an end to that.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 71F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
When Jennifer Pinckney lost her husband in the 2015 racially motivated shooting at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, she leaned on friends and family to help her through a tough time.

"Family is there to support you, friends are there to support you, and during that time family and friends have been there for us," she said.

Jennifer shared her story of tragedy, loss and hope with Mt. Sinai Baptist Church members during its Family and Friends Day on Sunday, March 12. The event included praise through gospel music and reading the poems Our Family" and I Still Rise" by Maya Angelou.

Jennifer spoke about the loss of her husband as well as the importance of friendship and family. She also shared how she choose love after her husband was killed.

She is the widow of the late Clementa C. Pinckney, who had served as Mother Emanuel's primary pastor and was a state senator. He was one of nine people killed when Dylann Roof opened fire during a Bible study June 17, 2015.

"Never in million years I would have thought my husband wouldn't return home with Malana and I on that night," Jennifer said.

In April 2017, Roof pled guilty to nine murder charges to avoid a second death sentence. Roof was sentenced to death in January 2017 for 33 federal charges relating to hate crimes, the Associated Press reported.

On March 8, the South Carolina House passed H.3014  the the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act  which would add penalty enhancements for violent crimes where the victim was targeted because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or religion.

The bill was passed with bipartisan support in 2021, but stalled in the senate.

South Carolina is one of two states without a hate crimes law.

The state does not have a bill on that (hate crime) and to have a bill named after Clememta is an honor," Jennifer said.

Jennifer is a native of Aiken County and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She was married to Clementa and has two daughters, Eliana and Malana.

Jennifer said it's important to value relationships with family and friends, even when things get tough.

She said her family was already close, but after her husband's death, they became closer.

"You pray for your family and don't take them for granted because you don't know how long they are going to be here," she said.

Jennifer recalled the day she lost her husband and how it started like any other day. She protected her daughter during the shooting and is thankful she was there in the pastor's study with Malana.

She said she wouldn't be here without her daughter not wanting to come with her to church that night.

"Malana saved her momma, and I am very grateful for that because it wasn't my time yet," she said.

She said sometimes friendships are so close they are more like family, and true friends will always be around.

Pearlean Woodson-Robbins said she was inspired by Jennifers message and understands the importance of family and friends.

I wish I had the energy and the stability she has, after all that she has been through, she said.

Her message of forgiveness is what I am taking from it," Anna Dangerfield said.

Jennifer ended her message by stressing the importance of family and friends.

"Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so embrace the relationships," Jennifer said.
Opponents of the proposed zoning request for the Union Pier project in Charleston have created a new website to generate more public input, adding to the ways residents can voice opinions about what the State Ports Authority envisions as a mix of shops, hotels and homes on the 64-acre waterfront site.

The Historic Charleston Foundation calls its MakeItCharleston.com a "resource so the citizens of Charleston can be in the best position to determine the direction forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The group is not opposed to redeveloping Union Pier but has expressed concerns about what is being proposed to the city. The foundation said the property near the foot of Market Street "must not become the next cookie-cutter apartment or office building development," and added the SPA and its development partner, Lowe, "are rushing to hastily develop what could become the same generic apartment buildings, hotels and retail spaces that have been popping up all over the peninsula."

The SPA said in a written statement that its proposal is "reflective of a Charleston feel and neighborhood that we can all be proud of."

The maritime agency  which owns and operates the Port of Charleston, including Union Pier  has submitted a draft zoning document that shows 1,600 multifamily residential units and 600 hotel rooms on about 36 acres of developable land at the site fronting the Cooper River and sandwiched between Concord and Laurens streets. The master plan also calls for a combined 540,000 square feet of retail and office space  about two-thirds the size of Northwoods Mall in North Charleston.

The SPA said its proposal "calls for more public waterfront access, more green spaces, a beautiful park over the piers, more commercial spaces and housing on the peninsula  including much-needed workforce housing, more connected streets and walkways, and significant flooding solutions for the site and surrounding neighborhoods."

Winslow Hastie, the foundation's president and CEO, did not respond to a request for comment, but the foundation has said the proposal is too dense and out of character for the city's Historic District.

In addition to news articles and opinion pieces, the website features a section for comments that will be forwarded to Charleston City Council, which will decide whether the Union Pier master plan is approved.

"It is important for them to fully understand that the process is in their hands," the foundation, in an email to its members, said of city officials. "They can control the timeline and ensure that adequate public engagement is promoted."

The SPA, which held a series of public meetings on the proposal last year, also has a comment section on its UnionPierSC.com website. The agency said the redevelopment proposal is in the early stages and "the public will continue to have numerous opportunities to weigh in during the citys public process."

In addition to the two websites, The Post and Courier hosted a public meeting this month to discuss the proposal, and the city said it will host three public meetings to provide information and get feedback. The first of those meetings, to discuss the plan's environmental impact, will be held at 5 p.m. March 23 at the Gaillard Center. Comments can also be submitted online at www.innovate.charleston-sc.gov/comments.

The city's Technical Review Committee got its first look at the plan on March 2 and made several recommendations, including reducing the height of waterfront buildings, halving the maximum number of hotel rooms to 300 and moving park space off of marshland and onto the propertys mainland. The committee, which is made up of city employees, will take up the proposal again at a future meeting. The plan will go before the planning commission later and it will need three approvals from the City Council before it is finalized.

The SPA decided to sell its Union Pier site in 2020 after years of trying to get approvals for a new cruise ship terminal to replace its aging, 1970s-era facility. The maritime agency said last year it won't renew a contract with Carnival Cruise Line  which has sailed year-round from the terminal since 2010  when that deal expires at the end of 2024. The SPA will continue to host short, port-of-call visits from cruise ships at the existing terminal afterward.
RAVENEL  This small town of 2,700 people southwest of Charleston could double in population within 10 years to the current size of neighboring Hollywood as more than 1,100 new homes are built in two previously annexed large tracts and another one vote away from being added.

At the same time, officials are considering annexing another parcel for more new residences, its fourth tract in two years.

Ravenel's planning board will consider a request March 23 to annex 20 acres on New Road adjacent to a 24-acre parcel already in the town for a new housing development called The Stables on the combined 44-acre tract.

Homebuilder D.R. Horton plans to build 52 single-family houses on 19 acres, according to site plans. The company also wants to set aside just over 1 acre for commercial space, about 8 acres for a water feature and 16 acres for green space. Part of the property is undevelopable wetlands.

The development, south of U.S. Highway 17 at 5823 and 5827 New Road, would have public water but be served by septic systems.

The pending annexation comes as the town considers a proposal to annex 755 acres on Davison and County Line roads for a new housing project called The Preserve. Augusta-based developer Southeastern wants to build 350 homes and set aside 25 acres for commercial space across from the firm's Poplar Grove development.

During a recent public hearing for The Preserve tract, residents expressed concerns over the planned number of homes, increased traffic, the amount of acreage set aside for commercial use and whether 336 acres designated for agricultural use would see a limited number of houses in the future or have a permanent restriction on development.

Southeastern CEO Vic Mills said he has no current plans to develop the agriculturally zoned land on the backside of the proposed Preserve. Town Council is expected to address residents' concerns at a future meeting.

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The move to annex both parcels on opposite sides of the town comes after the municipality grew by 3,600 acres two years ago.

The municipality, which stretches along Savannah Highway from near Rantowles Creek to New Road, annexed the nearly 3,000-acre Tea Farm tract off Old Jacksonboro Road in 2021.

About 400 homes are planned for 397 acres closest to Old Jacksonboro Road within the Tea Farm parcel, which abuts the 755-acre Preserve tract.

That same year, the town annexed another 600-acre tract near Old Jacksonboro and New roads where 381 homes are planned in the Golden Grove development.

Mayor Steve Tumbleston said the wave of annexations during the past two years comes after the town placed a moratorium on new subdivisions with more than five lots about five years ago while town leaders updated the comprehensive plan to guide future growth.

"We had some pent-up demand," Tumbleston said. "West Ashley is filling up, and there is nowhere else for people to go on this side of Charleston."

The Stables parcel will be the last in the current flurry of annexations, according to the mayor.

"We don't have any pending that I know of," he said.
HANAHAN  Lowcountry Dog Magazine will host its fourth annual Woofstock Music Festival for concert and pet lovers alike.

Woofstock will return to the Hanahan Amphitheater, 3100 Mabeline Road, on March 25. The family-friendly and dog-friendly music festival will last from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and include food trucks, vendors and adoptable dogs from local rescue groups and shelters on-site.

This year's lineup includes headliners Drivin 'N Cryin, along with Mark Bryan (the guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish), one32west, Bennett Coleman, Jared Petteys & the Headliners and Kate Vera.

Tickets, which can be purchased online at woofstockmusicfest.com, are $35 in advance or $50 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, and attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets but no coolers or outside food and drinks.

Woofstock benefits 10 local shelters and rescues: Pet Helpers, Dorchester Paws, Berkeley Animal Center, Eunoia Rescue, Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, Waters Edge Great Dane Rescue, Libby and Maces Place, All 4 Paws, Save the Clefts and Carolina Boxer Rescue.
Johannesburg, South Africa  A group of U.S. lawmakers recently drafted a resolution criticizing South Africa's government for its close relations with Beijing, including its use of Chinese technology, and called on President Joe Biden to review American's relationship with Pretoria.

The resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as South Africa conducted naval exercises with China and Russia in February.

There are U.S. concerns about the surveillance risks of Chinese telecommunications, but some analysts say it falls on each government to responsibly use technologies, and China is not the only player in the tech industry.

The U.S. has already banned Chinese technology company Huawei at home, saying it's a risk to national security. There is also a push on Capitol Hill to ban Chinese social media app TikTok.

In sub-Saharan Africa, where less than 30% of people use the internet, most governments welcome China's investment in digital infrastructure - a part of the Belt and Road Initiative dubbed the "Digital Silk Road." Because of Chinese government subsidies, they see it as a cheaper path to greater connectivity.

The U.S. resolution mentioned two South African companies with links to Chinese tech that the lawmakers felt were of concern. One of them, Vumacam, operates about 2,000 cameras in Johannesburg, with the technology intended to crack down on the rampant crime that plagues the commercial capital.

The U.S. concern is Vumacam "has partnered with Chinese company Hikvision for the cameras' hardware," the resolution said. The sale of Hikvision products was also recently banned in the U.S.

Contacted by VOA about its use of Hikvision, Vumacam responded: "We can confirm that we have multiple hardware vendors and not one single vendor. ... Any hardware is susceptible to penetration risk if not properly managed, regardless of its brand or country of origin. Vumacam's focus is therefore firmly on system security, and as such, Vumacam's network is run by its own proprietary platform, which undergoes rigorous and regular testing."

Huawei dominates

The U.S. resolution also pointed to Telkom, South Africa's partly state-owned telecom operator, which "launched its 5G network throughout the country in October 2022 using technologies from Huawei technologies."

Neither Telkom, a spokesperson for South Africa's state security agency, nor a spokesperson for the Government Communication and Information System responded to requests for comment.

The U.S. faces an uphill battle in vying for telecommunications influence in Africa. Washington has been trying to catch up to China's vast network in Africa, announcing last year that U.S.-backed telecom company Africell had invested to deliver a 5G network in Angola.

But across the continent, Huawei dominates: Its subsidiaries own up to 70% of all 4G networks.

Last year, Ethiopia rolled out its first 5G network powered by Huawei. Zimbabwe has a Huawei Smart Cities program - as do Kenya and Uganda - and has installed Hikvision cameras in public spaces. Insurgency-wracked Nigeria recently announced it was planning to buy Chinese cameras to monitor its borders.

"China has signed resolutions to increase cooperation in areas like counterterrorism, safe city projects, border security and cybersecurity," Bulelani Jili, a South African cybersecurity fellow at Harvard University, told VOA. "China also supplements this promise with commitments to offer finance, technical assistance and training to African governments on topics ranging from digital forensic techniques to cybersecurity."

Spying concerns

Digital watchdogs, however, often label China as one of the worst abusers of internet freedoms domestically, and observers from the West worry that African regimes with undemocratic tendencies could adopt not just Chinese tech but the way China uses it to monitor dissent.

Already in Zambia and Uganda, the governments were found to have used Chinese technology to spy on the opposition and critics. In Zimbabwe, there are concerns it will be used to do the same ahead of elections later this year.

China also made headlines in 2018 with reports of Beijing having bugged the Chinese-built African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. China stridently denied the allegations.

Responsibility of local governments

In some parts of Africa, Jili said, technology and the potential of its risks are tied to local and geopolitical factors.

"What is clear is that digital surveillance devices do not simply constitute smooth-functioning systems that provide the means of socially equitable and competent policing. Rather, they are convoluted assemblages that are entangled in broader economic, legal and political arrangements," he said.

"And the risks of using them with inadequate laws are great, particularly in a region with established problems at the intersections of inequality, crime, governance, race, and policing. ... The adoption of new technologies on the continent is rarely accompanied by the implementation of robust regulatory frameworks," he added.

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Some China experts say the risks from Chinese tech to Africa are overblown and the focus should be on all the players in the tech arena, including European and American firms.

As well as Vumacam, U.S. firm IBM also has a contract with the city of Johannesburg for digital surveillance, said Iginio Gagliardone, an associate professor at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University and author of the book China, Africa and the Future of the Internet.

In terms of spying on opponents, he said, there's evidence a previous Ethiopian administration spied on dissidents in the diaspora, using software from a number of European companies. Meanwhile, Israeli spyware firm Pegasus has also been used by African governments.

Whether such technology is used to clamp down on opponents is not up to China, Gagliardone argued, but rather the African governments who utilize it.

"China with no doubt is an autocratic regime. ... At the same time, China has not tried to impose or suggest that other countries follow in its footsteps," he told VOA.

Gagliardone said it's important to hold all large and powerful actors to account when it comes to the possible misuse of tech in Africa.

"The responsibility is really widespread. ... If we just focus on China, we miss the bigger picture," he said.
BEAUFORT  Madelyn Confare was in her AP English Literature class the first time she heard about the 97 books some adults wanted out of her school districts libraries.

Her classmates at Beaufort High School passed around the list, pointing out ones they had each read. Many saw favorites cataloged, books they gushed over and couldnt stop talking about. One of them, Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale, was assigned reading in another class. Confare was outraged but also baffled. Why remove books that students want to read?

Confare is a bookworm. Two tall shelves in her bedroom are filled, and they dont even hold all her books. But for most of her 17 years, reading has simply been a pleasant hobby, a way to disappear into fantasy worlds and learn about people whose lives are nothing like her own.

Then, two adults made a list of books that touched on issues of race, gender and sexual identity, books that dealt with those topics in ways the grown-ups felt werent appropriate for students, and they petitioned district officials to pull them from Confares school library.

The senior now finds herself part of a band of Beaufort teenagers who are indignant over the adults efforts to keep books out of their hands. Theyve become fixtures at school board meetings, patiently waiting their turn for three minutes at the microphone to plead for their right to read.

Its quite frustrating to have parents who want these book bans in place to say they are concerned for their children, and that theyre prioritizing children, Confare said. But here I am. And here are my peers at a school board meeting, and we are the students affected by this and we are speaking out against it. It all just feels so hypocritical.

People objected to books in more than a dozen school districts across South Carolina last year. Beaufort County saw the most challenges of any. The complaints came from a former County Council member from Bluffton and a Seabrook mom with two sons, one of whom attends school in the district. They compiled their lists by cross-referencing the district's library catalogs with a book-rating website created by a Florida member of Moms for Liberty, a fast-growing conservative group that advocates for what it calls parental rights in schools. The mom said there were parents who would go to the police if the books werent removed immediately.

More Coverage To read more in-depth stories from The Post and Courier's Education Lab, go to postandcourier.com/education-lab.

By late October, Superintendent Frank Rodriguez ordered that the books be removed from library shelves pending review.

Ivie Szalai, the Seabrook mom, declined an interview for this story, saying she has been harassed.

Those objecting to the books have framed their fight as one against pornography, obscenity and discrimination. The targeted books are primarily ones that center stories about race and sexual identity, something Mike Covert, a Bluffton businessman and former County Council member, said is coincidental but which is an argument the books supporters view suspiciously. Covert said he read all 97 books that comprise his list in about six weeks and didnt find much educational value in them.

Its some of the most disgusting things Ive ever seen, he said.

Covert read passages that he thought denigrated women and glorified rape, child abuse and human trafficking. Other books, like Jodi Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes," about a school shooting, read to him like a how-to guide.

Many of the titles the pair flagged are facing similar challenges across the country, the result of what free expression defense group PEN America attributed to increased networking and coordination by local conservative political and advocacy groups, including Moms for Liberty.

Those who want the books to stay on shelves are also organized. Advocates launched a statewide Freedom to Read coalition last fall, and the South Carolina Center for Community Literacy at the University of South Carolina recently unveiled its own guide to fighting bans.

But from both camps, its mostly adults talking  and sometimes yelling  at one another.

As the debate rages and review committees wrestle over whether to return the 97 books to shelves, adults are making decisions about whats best for students without their input. Confare and other Beaufort teens want that to change.

Finding their voice

Besides a love of books, Confare and the other Beaufort teens speaking out now have one thing in common: Theyre all part of the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization.

The group started as an after-school club at Beaufort High in 2020. Battery Creek High and the Beaufort Academy, a private school, also have chapters with students who are protesting the book removals.

It was a book club first. The teens pick works written by authors from diverse backgrounds or books with characters from underrepresented groups. Theyre currently reading Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye, chosen after they saw it on the list of challenged books.

The teens like reading about people who are different from themselves. They see it as a way to broaden their understanding of life beyond Beaufort County, which is 79 percent White by the latest census count and which voted for former President Donald Trump by 55 percent in 2020.

Youre in a small town and you dont see a lot of people who arent sort of absorbed in the homogeneity of it, said Pete Cooper, a senior at Beaufort Academy who joined last fall. These books, these stories, are the closest we can get to understanding someone elses inner life.

Seeing the list was what triggered the turn from book club to advocacy. Confare and classmate Millie Bennett couldnt stop talking about it after their AP class and brought it up with another friend in the group, Elizabeth Foster, who also goes to Beaufort Academy. Even though the private school wasnt facing bans, Foster worried about the repercussions if her friends and other students in public schools couldnt access books. She also figured that the efforts to remove the books permanently were part of a larger campaign and that other restrictions would follow if it was successful.

This is such a proxy war for something so much bigger because its just not even conceivable that people are actually thinking that books are doing this much harm, Foster said.

The three girls pitched other book club members on the idea of speaking out, and thats how the teens found themselves writing letters and speeches for board meetings that they rehearse in advance to make sure it fits the allowed time.

We needed to get our voices out there, Bennett said. We needed to give a student perspective to counter the voices of people who oppose the books.

After months of listening to the other sides arguments, the students said they still dont understand why adults wouldnt want them to have the experience of reading books that have helped them understand the lives of people different from them.

Were at an age where were supposed to be learning and connecting, Bennett said. The books are a way for us to understand each other and learn about each other.

Teens are less sheltered than many adults want to acknowledge, Foster said.

Banning books with sex will not stop teenagers from having sex, it never has, she said.

Instead, students will just go to less reliable sources of information, or theyll feel isolated.

Kids who have experienced racism every day arent going to forget about the harsh impacts of that just because theyre not allowed to read about it, Foster said.

A rise in book challenges

The intensity of efforts to restrict books has surprised Tamara Cox.

Cox is president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians and a high school librarian in Anderson County. Her colleagues like to describe books as both mirrors and windows. Students can see themselves and into the lives of others.

The ability of books to build those connections is what led Cox to the library in the first place. She was an English teacher for eight years before ending up in the job she has held for the last decade. Seeing how different stories resonate with students was powerful.

For most of her time as a librarian, she and her colleagues have fielded very few complaints. When they did, it was individually tailored. Thats not been the case recently. Lately, parents are asking for the books they oppose to be restricted from all children, not just their own. And frequently, requests now arent coming from parents at all. Coxs group tracked challenges across the state in 2022; 9 percent came from parents like Szalai. The majority, 61 percent, came from community members like Covert. The rest were from school board members or administrators.

Cox traces the start of the book fight in South Carolina to November 2021. Following complaints about the book, Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, Gov. Henry McMaster called on the S.C. Department of Education to investigate it and other books in school libraries. He said images in the graphic novel were sexually explicit and obscene." The Education Department advised school districts to review their book collections.

Many more challenges have followed. In 2019, the association documented just one book challenge across all of South Carolina, Cox said. There were none in 2020 and eight in 2021. That figure jumped to 307 in 2022. (The association relies on self-reporting by librarians, so Cox said these numbers are an undercount of the challenges.)

The 307 challenges account for 144 books by 105 authors. Among the most challenged books were The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, Stamped, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

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Beaufort accounts for most of the challenges  99 in all  but Coxs group documented them in 15 districts that stretch from the Upstate to Horry County and down to the Lowcountry.

More Information The Post and Courier Education Lab is a multi-year project, employing four reporters, focused on the need for public education reform in South Carolina. The Coastal Community Foundation and Spartanburg Foundation serve as fiscal sponsors for the Education Lab, which is supported by grants from the Jolley Foundation, Intertech, anonymous donors, and generous donations on behalf of donors to The Post and Courier Public Service and Investigative Fund who designate to the Education Lab.

Taking a book off a librarys shelves isnt something that should be done lightly, Cox said. Librarians are trained to select age-appropriate books with educational value and they do extensive research before purchasing. Its a time-consuming and thoughtful process, and their expertise should be considered.

We dont go into the field to try and offend people, she said. We try to be inclusive.

Adult objections to classroom books are by no means new, said Adam Laats, a professor at Binghampton University in New York who has studied the history of how cultural conflicts play out in education. He has found objections tend to be connected to educators' efforts to include more diverse books and ideas in their libraries and lessons.

Laats sees some parallels between todays debate and what happened in West Virginia in the 1970s. New textbooks in schools there put a greater emphasis on multiculturalism, prompting criticisms that the new material was anti-Christian and anti-American. Students became more vocal as the protests dragged on, pushing for access to the books. Eventually, they were allowed.

Its schoolchildren asking for books, Laats said. Thats just so powerful.

Books and lessons that offer a different interpretation of the real" America have always been controversial, Laats said. Its no surprise theres conflict now, given efforts by historians and educators to more accurately reflect the past.

But the arguments in favor of access to books and students' intellectual freedom have historically prevailed, he said. Laats predicts the current efforts will ultimately resolve in the same way.

In the meantime though, school librarians are tiptoeing around, Cox said. Its scary when members of the community are calling librarians groomers and pedophiles and threatening to report them to police. Many have been harassed and targeted by social media campaigns calling for their firings. Cox said one elementary school librarian was shunned by parents.

They wouldnt even let her open the car door for kids in the car line when she had car duty, she said. Its been very disturbing.

Its making many of her colleagues rethink their careers.

Theyre talking about my life

Isabella Troy Brazoban attended the Beaufort County school board meeting in December to hear her cousin sing.

But after the Coosa Elementary chorus performed, Troy Brazoban heard the public comments. She was struck by how angry many of the adults seemed, and what they said upset her. They were blaming books for problems in the Beaufort schools.

Troy Brazoban, a senior at Battery Creek High, hadnt planned to talk but felt she had to say something. Shed never done any public speaking before, but the comments hurt.

Theyre talking about my life, she said. And theyre telling me the reason I had to go through that was because certain books exist in schools. It just sounds very ignorant.

Her favorite book is on the list. Troy Brazoban loved "The Freedom Writers Diary," a nonfiction collection of journals that recount the difficult life experiences of California high-schoolers. They wrote about their struggles with racism, violence and other hardships, and Troy Brazoban felt she was seeing her own experiences reflected for the first time. She grew up around people who abused drugs and alcohol and said a family member used to hit her, her siblings and her mom.

Those difficult experiences left her deeply depressed as she started high school. It felt like a black hole had sucked up all the positive aspects of her life. And then she read The Freedom Writers Diary. It felt like a lifeline. She could relate to all the students.

She hates the argument adults have made that students are only learning about inappropriate or difficult topics through books. She and her classmates have experienced a lot firsthand. Theyve grown up in the aftermath of school shootings at Sandy Hook, Parkland and Uvalde. Had their high school careers disrupted by COVID-19. Theyve experienced or know people who struggle with gang violence, substance abuse and sexual violence.

Honestly, its just frustrating to have to continuously explain to adults that I was not exposed to drugs and child abuse because of The Freedom Writers Diary, she said.

Troy Brazoban hadnt heard of the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization before the first time she spoke to the school board. One of the clubs advisers approached her after she talked and invited her to meet the other students. Now, she leads the chapter at Battery Creek.

She has spoken at school board meetings several more times now. Other students will focus their speeches on statistics or try to rebut specific arguments made by the other side. Troy Brazoban likes to talk about her personal experiences because she wants adults to understand what its like. She feels like adults are in denial about what many children have gone through.

Its hard for them to understand that these things are really happening. Theyre not just made-up stories, she said. I guess that these people were privileged enough where they didnt have to be exposed to these things.

'Kids are going to figure out their own path'

Most of the 97 books are still in limbo in Beaufort.

After they were taken out of circulation in late October, the district created review committees that are deliberating over the list. Each group includes a teacher, librarian, administrator, parent, community member, district-level director and a member of a school improvement council.

The first few books reviewed were returned to shelves, though some, like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, have been restricted to high-schoolers. Most of the books are still awaiting review. Covert has filed appeals to some of the decisions but said he was satisfied with others that restricted the books to older students.

The Beaufort students say theyre going to keep speaking up until the books are returned.

They were skeptical at first that adults would care what they had to say.

But when they stand up and speak at school board meetings, it feels like all eyes are on them. Board members put their phones away. People in the audience look up and listen.

It has felt refreshing to have my voice heard, Confare said. As a student, you dont necessarily feel that all the time.

People seem surprised the students speak so convincingly, the teens said. Its like they dont expect students to have opinions and be able to express them.

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So much of the conversation, when I heard adults talking, its like we dont exist, Foster said. Or as though were toddlers. Its like when your parents talk about you when youre sitting right there and theyre acting like youre not sitting there. Thats how it feels.

They know some, like Covert, think they were put up to this. The adults in their lives support their advocacy, but it was their idea to speak out, the students said.

Students arent just an extension of their parents, theyre their own people, Bennett said. And whether these parents like it or not, kids are going to figure out their own path in life.

The teens just want adults to consider their perspective.

They also want more students to speak out.

The support they have from adults in their lives was crucial, Foster said. But they know not every teen has that, so her group has been networking with other students across South Carolina. They spoke at an event in Columbia last month and detailed how they've organized. They want to buck up other students. It can be pretty daunting to stand up to adults.

Students need to realize the power they have, Confare said. Individuals really can make a difference.

She didnt always believe that. This fight has convinced her otherwise.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct that Ivie Szalai has a son in the district and to clarify that she told district administrators parents were ready to escalate their concerns if the books were not removed.
BEAUFORT COUNTY  A developer has dropped an effort to obtain a permit to build a luxury resort on the barrier Bay Point Island.

Talks of the 50-unit resort date back to 2016. It has faced opposition since then from environmentalists, locals and government officials who acknowledge the island is a highly erosional natural preserve.

Bay Point Island LLC and opposing parties last month agreed to dismiss the appeal of a denied permit that would have sought ecotourism-related housing and dining facilities, plus other amenities, according to a S.C. Court of Appeals document dated Feb. 28.

Beaufort County and its zoning board of appeals, the Coastal Conservation League and the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association were all listed as respondents to the appeal.

Environmentalists count on this latest move to mark the end of the developer's hopes for building a resort on Bay Point. It is still possible for a new plan to be pursued there.

"(The appeal) is unequivocally a good thing and signals a true victory for the outpouring of citizens who spoke out in opposition to a resort on Bay Point," said Jessie White, the Coastal Conservation League's south coast office director.

Bay Point sits at the northern edge of where Port Royal Sound meets the ocean. It can only be reached by boat or aircraft and has become highly erosional in some parts.

Migratory birds use the island as a spot to stop, rest and feed. Sea turtles and horseshoe crabs use the beach there too.

Recreational boaters often pull up on the Bay Point shores, and the Gullah/Geechee people have long used the surrounding marsh and waterways for sustenance fishing.

"With very few remaining natural barrier island left in South Carolina, and particularly those as culturally and ecologically rich as Bay Point, their protection is needed now more than ever," said Amy Armstrong, executive director of the South Carolina Environmental Law Project.

Since the Bay Point developer reversed its course on the resort plans, Armstrong said the Environmental Law Project is optimistic for a conservation outcome for the valuable resource.

The prayer now is that the land will officially become the preserve it is zoned as in Beaufort County, said Marquetta Goodwine, also known as Queen Quet, chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

"Rest assured that our Gullah/Geechee ancestors that worked the waters surrounding Bay Point and who no doubt left tracks in its sands of that place are pleased that a resort will not destroy it," Goodwine said in a news release.

There were concerns that a 50-unit resort couldn't be well maintained on the island.

Although not as large-scale, a previous structure on the island illustrated what impacts erosion could have. A fish camp structure once sat back in a forest on the island but eventually ended up on the beach, succumbed to erosion and had to be removed.

The island was subdivided in the late 1990s, White said. But many of those lots are now in the water.

"So even though there were technically 50 individual lots created, the likelihood that they would be buildable is also low," Smith said.

Beaufort County granted a zoning permit in 2021 for a house on the island. At that time, Timothy Pitcher, one of the multiple partners that own Bay Point, said the permitted structure would be his private home. Zoning on the island allows for single-family homes.

A septic permit from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control was appealed by SCELP and is still outstanding, White said.

"I believe as long as that septic permit is still being challenged, they can't proceed with the construction," White said.

In order for tourist lodging to be built on the island at all, a special use permit for "ecotourism" is required since the island is zoned as a natural preserve.

But the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to reject Bay Point Island LLC's special-use request for ecotourism in Sept. 2021. The owners then filed the appeal which they dismissed last month.

Attempts to reach the developer's representatives were unsuccessful.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Bon Banh Mi co-owner James Romano says the casual kitchens third location is part of the dining concepts evolution.

Romano and business partner Jason Sakran opened the new 1100 Oakland Market Road location, in part, to make Bon Banh Mi more accessible to residents of North Mount Pleasant. More locations could eventually follow, meaning other South Carolina communities could soon have access to Bon Banh Mi's "healthy, vibrant and fresh" Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine.

For now, their focus is on the largest of three outposts where patrons will find banh mi sandwiches, salads, tacos and rice bowls. In the coming months, diners can expect a few new items from executive chef Bon Dahling, an alum of Trattoria Lucca and Coda Del Pesce.

We definitely have some plans to let our specials drive some new items here once we get our feet under us, Romano said.

Bon Banh Mi first debuted in the Charleston Farmers Market before moving into its first brick-and-mortar location at 162 Spring St. in August 2011. Bon Banh Mi opened its second location seven years later at 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.

Bon Banh Mi Oakland Market Road is now open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit bonbanhmi.com.
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
Details remain scarce regarding a FBI investigation into the death of a passenger aboard a Charleston-based cruise ship.

The vessels operator also remains mostly mum not only about the incident but also when it comes to sharing information on the frequency of passenger deaths and the companys protocol for handling such occurrences.

The FBI filed two search warrants in connection with the death of a female passenger aboard Carnival the cruise ship Sunshine on March 8. It remained sealed five days later.

Agents' requested information from a search of the passenger's cabin and a vehicle with North Carolina tags to be sealed because "there is reason to believe that disclosure of the information in these documents would seriously jeopardize the investigation," according to the motion to seal.

The FBI has not released further information on the case.

FBI called in after death of Carnival Sunshine cruise passenger who sailed from Charleston The death of a passenger on the Carnival's Sunshine after leaving the Charleston port is under investigation.

The Sunshine departed Charleston on Feb. 27 for a journey to Nassau, Bahamas. The unidentified woman was found unresponsive in her cabin during the five-day voyage and was pronounced dead in her room. She and her husband had disembarked in Nassau.

Bahamian authorities are investigating the circumstances and conducted an autopsy. Police in Nassau have not responded to a request for further information.

The trip otherwise was completed unimpeded, with no ship-wide acknowledgement of the women's death being made from crew to passengers.

Carnival Sunshine passenger death may be natural causes Cruise ship passenger may have died of natural causes brought on by a medical condition, according to cruise line.

Some passengers on the trip said they heard calls for medical personnel the night of Feb. 27, but that there was nothing else out of the ordinary.

I learned of the death from other passengers I was talking to on the beach at Half Moon Cay (two days later), said Todd Shoemaker, a 46-year-old North Wilkesboro, N.C., resident who was on his fourth Carnival cruise.

Id heard the emergency call in the middle of the night, but thought nothing more about it until the beach conversation, he shared.

Others  such as Charleston realtor Angela Miller  didnt learn about the incident until she and her party of 20 returned home March 4.

I dont believe Id want to know being on a ship on my vacation that somebody died, Miller said, unless it was going to cause harm to other people on the ship. Otherwise, I dont think Id want that black cloud over me on my vacation.  I think it would cause worry and concern. And put a little damper on our fun.

There were more than 3,000 passengers on the cruise.

Carnival issued a statement March 6 addressing the womans death but has since remained silent. That includes declining to provide clarity as to the frequency and total of deaths aboard its ships; the company's protocol when a passenger dies; and how it addresses concerns for current and future passengers who might be apprehensive after an at-sea death.

People die on cruise ships all the time, said Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and syndicated columnist who specializes in the travel industry.

You know the old saying that cruising is for the overfed, newlywed and nearly dead? Its absolutely true," he added. "Every cruise ship has a morgue. Ive heard of cruise ship morgues reaching capacity and the cruise line has to clear out a refrigerator to hold the bodies.

(But) a death under mysterious circumstances is highly unusual. If I were Carnival, I would be emphasize how rare that is  and be honest and transparent about it.
The idea of defunding police was never taken seriously in South Carolina. Although activists in Charleston and a few other cities called for such a move, it was dismissed out of hand. At the Statehouse, it was never even considered  and not just because Republicans so overwhelmingly dominate state government. Democrats didnt propose it.

So any suggestion that S.C. Republicans are pushing back against a defunding movement in favor of super-funding police in next years state budget has more to do with political posturing than reality. What House budget writers are actually doing is taking important steps to make it easier for SLED, the Highway Patrol and other state police agencies to fill vacancies, which in turn is forcing local police agencies throughout the state to increase their salaries to compete for officers. And all that is making it more likely that we will increase the caliber of police at both the state and local levels.

Its a sensible idea that should appeal to law-and-order types as well as people who are concerned that we have too many cops in South Carolina who shouldnt be cops.

As the police chief in the tiny Hampton County town of Estill, Chauncey Solomon, told The Post and Couriers Seanna Adcox: If you pay your officers well, not only are you going to get officers, you get well-qualified officers. When you dont pay well, thats when you get officers who are more likely to get into not-so-good things. You get what you pay for.

But raising the starting salary for state law enforcement officers to a minimum of $50,000 raises an obvious question: What about teachers?

If that $50,000 starting salary sounds familiar, thats because its identical to the goal Gov. Henry McMaster has set and legislative leaders have embraced for starting pay for teachers  by 2026. Next year, under the Ways and Means Committee budget proposal the House is debating this week, the minimum pay for first-year teachers will go up $2,500, to $42,500.

Like police, teachers are essential to a well-functioning society. As with law enforcement, we have underpaid teachers so much and for so long that we have a deepening shortage, with officials increasingly coming up short on enough bodies to fill the positions. As with law enforcement, teachers are leaving the profession for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with the pay  but low pay makes it a lot easier for them to move on.

Budget writers brag that this years salary increase for teachers represents a 33% raise for beginning teachers over six years  which is really impressive. Until you compare it to the starting pay for state police. Lawmakers increased the pay for law enforcement officers by an average of 15% last year, and are proposing another 15% this year. SLED salaries went up 31% last year and are set to go up another 15% next year, to a minimum of $58,000  which is about $3,000 more than the average pay for all teachers will be next year.

This massive difference in pay comes in spite of another thing teachers have in common with law enforcement: If you make do without enough people or with people who arent up to the job, the consequences can be devastating; they might not be life-ending, but they certainly can be life-altering  and not in a good way.

As appreciative as most teachers are that the Legislature finally seems committed to increasing their salaries, itll be difficult for them not to get the message that our lawmakers consider police to be much more important than teachers.

If youre a budget writer, the reason for this discrepancy is easy: The state law enforcement workforce is only a small fraction the size of the state's teacher corps, so it takes a lot less money to raise police pay to $50,000 than to do the same for teachers: $30 million for police compared to about $1 billion for teachers.

Thats essentially the same reason lawmakers gave huge pay raises to statewide elected officers and huge backdoor raises to judges  even though we have no trouble filling those positions, for which people spend huge amounts of money and time campaigning  while doing little to nothing to raise pay for teachers, law enforcement, social workers, dam inspectors, nurses, mental health counselors and other critical positions for which we couldnt find enough people to do the job.

But simply because its easier to raise pay for a smaller group of workers doesnt mean its smart policy. What it means  particularly until they come up with other ways to convince teachers to stay in the classroom  is that lawmakers need to work harder to figure out a way to raise teachers pay faster.

Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.
April's Yard of the Month recipient is 58-year Goose Creek resident Mrs. Lee (seen posing with City Code Enforcement Officer Chris Torres at left) was recognized for her beautification efforts and was awarded with a $50 Lowes gift card, certificate, and sign to display for the duration of t Read moreYard of the Month
NORTH CHARLESTON  Mayor Keith Summey stopped just short of endorsing Police Chief Reggie Burgess as his successor, but he all but named him as his preferred choice for the top job when he praised Burgess as a well-qualified individual who loves his community and knows how to lead.

Summey's laudatory comments were made March 13, three days after the seven-term mayor announced he would not seek reelection in November.

The decision, announced on Summey's 76th birthday, marks the end of a political era for the state's third-largest municipality where he has overseen the citys transformation for nearly three decades.

Summey confirmed during a wide-ranging press conference he has a successor in mind, but cautioned "it wouldn't' do me any good to endorse anybody that hasn't totally decided if they're running, right?"

Then, in the very next breath, Summey heaped praise on Burgess despite him not being an officially declared candidate.

"I think Chief Burgess is a very qualified individual," Summey said.

He recalled meeting Burgess as a young man, and said that even then he saw that Burgess had an undeniable love for the North Charleston community. Summey further predicted that "of all the people that are talking about running," Burgess is the only person who manages 400 to 500 employees on a daily basis.

"I think he's a great person. A lot of the other candidates are great people, as well," Summey continued. "I think the voters will end up having a good choice."

Though Burgess has not formally announced he is running for mayor, Summey said Burgess already has his early support because he has been impressed with his ability to deal with people across North Charleston regardless of neighborhood or socioeconomic background.

"Whether they be traditionally White neighborhoods or traditionally Black neighborhoods, he has the respect, I think, of the majority of the people in every community in this city," Summey said of the city's first Black police chief. "It has nothing to do with his color. It has to do with his ability to lead and his attitude. He has a great personal attitude, the way he communicates with people."

Reached for comment, the North Charleston police department referred The Post and Courier to a previous statement Burgess made after Summey announced he would not run for reelection.

In that comment, Burgess thanked Summey for "taking the city to unimaginable heights" and for his personal mentorship and guidance.

"Mayor Summey provided me the opportunity to serve as the first African American Chief of Police, for which I am deeply grateful," Burgess said. "I consider Mayor Summey a dear friend and I wish him well in his much-deserved and well-earned retirement from a life of public service."

Despite Summey's praise for Burgess, several people are already expected to seek the mayor's job, which comes with the highest pay for a mayor in South Carolina.

Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome and North Charleston businessman John Singletary have both formally announced mayoral bids. Other potential candidates include Charleston County Councilman Teddie Pryor and former City Attorney Brady Hair.

State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, announced March 13 he has decided not to run for mayor and will instead continue serving his community in the state Legislature.

Most of Summey's press conference was a public exit interview with reflections from the mayor about some of the significant milestones North Charleston has reached during his 29-year tenure, as well as some failures.

Under Summey, North Charleston saw the arrival of aerospace giant Boeing, along with some redevelopment of the old Charleston Naval Base and the installation of a new pedestrian bridge at Noisette Creek, among others.

When reporters asked which of the many projects hes most proud of, Summey  who sat in his corner office at City Hall that overlooks the massive parking lot soon to be transformed into Roper Hospitals billion-dollar medical complex  highlighted the incoming health care complex.

North Charleston, which sold its former City Hall building to Roper for $9 million, will be home to the new expansive medical campus, replacing the downtown Charleston facility on Calhoun Street.

I think it's going to be a great asset as far as health care, and then for the economic economy, as well, he said.

On the citys southern end, development is shaping up, particularly along Reynolds Avenue, which was once a vibrant hub for businesses. Summey said he envisions the area as another East Montague Avenue, a strip of restaurants and bars in the citys popular Park Circle neighborhood.

That said, the mayor pointed to the lack of a grocery store in the southern section of North Charleston, where many neighborhoods still sit in federally designated food deserts.

Not having a grocery store anywhere in that southern district has been a headache for all of us, he said.

The mayor said it is important for the city to continue expanding its borders west of the Ashley River. North Charleston and the city of Charleston are in a legal annexation fight for several parcels of land of S.C. Highway 61, among them a 2,200-acre piece of land known as the Whitfield Tract.

The S.C. Court of Appeals decided in February not to block North Charlestons attempt at adding the property within its borders. An appeal from the city of Charleston is expected.

Every city has to have the ability to grow, he said. If you don't have the ability to grow, the cost of services go up and you either have to cut services or you have to increase taxes to pay for those services.
Ahead of today's meeting with the National Assembly members-elect slated at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has elected to form a government of national unity, Vanguard can competently reveal.

Coming after the presidential election, which outcome is perceived in some quarters as controversial, the moves were ultimately initiated to calm frayed nerves around the country and reunite the people.

It was learnt that already, the President-elect is disposed to the zoning of the Senate presidency of the incoming 10th National Assembly to the South East to assuage the feelings of real or perceived disparity among the people.

A reliable source who craved anonymity told Vanguard that Tinubu has vowed to leave no stone unturned at ensuring that all parts of the country are embraced in his new government, regardless of their political inclinations in the last elections.

The source, a long-standing associate of Tinubu, further revealed that Tinubu's cabinet will be devoid of lopsidedness or ethnic discrimination.

He added that it was one of the agenda to be discussed at the meeting with members-elect of the National Assembly.

He said Tinubu had already informed some of his proteges among the elected senators to start shopping for anyone from the South-East as the next Senate President.

'Tinubu shopping for Senate President from S-East'

It would be recalled that despite the Labour Party's "Obidient" wave in the South-East, the zone produced six senators from the ruling APC.

The source said Tinubu's preference for a South-East Senate President might be made known at today's closed-door meeting of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; APC senators and members of the House of Representatives-elect at State House in Abuja.

"For the balance of power, our President-elect understands that to have a rancour-free administration, every region must be carried along and the South East is very paramount to him.

"He has confided in us his commitment to support the emergence of a Senate President from the South East for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, thus maintaining the balance of power and a sense of inclusion.

"In 2015, the South East was told to blame itself for not voting for APC, which could have given them the Senate Presidency.

"In 2019, they said the South East had no ranking senator but in 2023, there's no excuse because the South East, despite the massive votes they gave to the Labour Party still voted for six APC senators, some of whom are ranking lawmakers.

"Tinubu has fully committed a Senate President of South East extraction. I can confirm because he believes it is the right thing to do and the move will also calm frayed nerves in the South-East.

He also wants to prevent unnecessary spending, bad blood lobbying which might culminate in hijack of the National Assembly, as it happened in 2015," the source disclosed.

According to the source, the President elect's preferential candidate may be the Chief Whip and returning senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, who he said was a close ally of Tinubu.

Reps' Speakership

Another issue the meeting is also expected to discuss is the zoning of the speakership of the 10th House.

According to the source, many ranking members of the House have already shown interest.

He stressed that there was a need to provide an acceptable zoning direction that would be sensitive to the religious affinity of the incoming administration, especially as Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shetima, are of the Islamic faith.

Vanguard gathered that at the moment, five lawmakers are jostling for the position of the speaker without recourse to either religious sentiment or geopolitical zones.

Amongst the lot are Aliyu Betara representing Biu/Kwaya Federal Constituency of Borno State; Aminu Sani Jaji, former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and intelligence in the 8th Assembly, who has been re-elected to represent Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency of Zamfara State.

Also included is the current Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase from Plateau State; the current spokesman of the House, Ben Kalu and the Majority Leader of the 9th House, Ado Doguwa, who is currently undergoing trial for murder.

Gbaja tipped as Tinubu's Chief of Staff

It was also learned weekend that the current speaker of the 9th House, Femi Gbajabiamila, a protege of the President-elect, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, is most likely to relinquish his seat in the next assembly for the position of Chief of Staff (CoS) to Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila was initially considered alongside the Minister of Works and Housing and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who may be assigned another portfolio in Tinubu's government.

El-Rufai/ Ganduje as SGF

Similarly, Vanguard gathered that Kaduna State governor, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, is being considered for the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

The choice of el-Rufai is, however, being weighed with that of Kano State governor, Umar Ganduje.

All the issues, Vanguard gathered, yesterday are expected to be tabled and discussed at the meeting, with the aim of securing the commitment of everyone to form a common front before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June.

Tinubu's support groups root for Betara as speaker

Meanwhile, the Network of Tinubu Support Groups in Nigeria has urged the leadership of APC to back the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State, Muktar Aliyu Betara, for the position of speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

At a briefing yesterday in Abuja, the group said Betara remained the most competent returnee lawmaker with an unblemished track record of excellence, integrity, and diligence.

President of the group, Dr Moses Ikani, noted that Betara had excelled in all tasks in the National Assembly since 2007 and had a well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges confronting the House of Representatives.

He said: "As things stand now, Nigeria needs a crop of new leaders, especially at the legislative arm of government which section 80-84 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 vest the power and control of public funds as representatives of the people.

"The legislature is a key democratic institution for political representation. So, to fix Nigeria, we will have to tweak some of its working parts by separating the gold diggers and power thirsty from those who truly want to serve at this level of leadership, and to accomplish this is to do away with mediocrity and clannish interest.

"Every true Nation must have a sense of purpose that subsumes all sub-national interest. We are yet to identify or define what our national raison detre is. Until it is more beneficial to be Nigeria than to be Ibo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, etc we will continue to suffer nepotism and misallocation of national resources.

"However, amid this seeming hopelessness in our polity, we found a highly resourceful parliamentarian in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly who is familiar with the challenges inherent in leadership at the Nigerian legislative arm of government. He is Muktar Aliyu Betara, the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shwa and Kwaya Kusar Federal constituency in Borno State.

"By our assessment, he did quite well, extremely well, taking into account the challenges-- the enormity of challenges faced by the 9th National Assembly shortly after the inauguration in 2019 when he was unanimously elected as Chairman, of the House standing committee on appropriation.

"Muktar Betara is one individual whose capacity to complement the actions and policies of the executive as speaker of the House of Representatives would expeditiously guarantee the much-needed turnaround of Nigeria.

"A detribalised and cosmopolitan person, Muktar Betara is experienced as a team player whose contribution to nation-building has been applauded within and outside this country.

"Batera is a performer with well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges restraining the House of Representatives from performing optimally as a major institution of democratic governance. "He has been rated as one of the most successful members of the 9th Assembly in terms of parliamentary activities, and this success story resonated with his immediate federal constituency where his effective representation at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly is felt directly.

"He has proven that his foray into politics is solely service to humanity, hence his towering popularity among members of the National Assembly."

Zone Reps' speakership to north central, support Wase, APC told

Cham Faliya Sharon, a social commentator and ally of the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Idris Wase also yesterday appealed to APC to zone the speakership of the incoming 10th House to North Central geopolitical zone.

He also urged the party to specifically give the position to Wase, who he said had been a loyal party man.

Sharon, who made the call in a statement he issued yesterday, said: "For any honest observer, as well as any good student of Nigeria's developmental history, the party's triumph at the polls is well-earned because the party's achievements in office, especially in the provision of infrastructure and growth of local productivity, are unprecedented.

"These achievements are the result of the progressive collaboration and support were given the Executive branch by the leadership and members of the National Assembly who are major of the APC.

"With the party set to commence another journey of leading the country into another phase of development, and considering also that certain key national leadership offices will be zoned to respective geopolitical zones, it becomes imperative to call on the national leadership of the APC to, as a matter of principle and honour, zone the position of the office of the speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th Assembly to the North Central geopolitical zone.

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"If it does that, it should also kindly throw its weight behind Ahmed Idris Wase, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to become the next speaker.

"Zoning the office of the speaker to the North Central region and supporting Ahmed Idris Wase to occupy the office should be considered an exercise of recognition and reward for loyalty and sacrifice.

"Since the 2015 general elections to date, a significant section of the North Central region has maintained an unalloyed support for the APC, and it will be just and noble to appreciate this support and loyalty by ceding this important national office to them so that the party can expand and maintain its hold in the region."

Sharon said that supporting Wase to emerge as the speaker would be a reward to dedication and loyalty.

"As a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Ahmed Idris Wase has consistently shown that he is a perfect example of what loyalty and respect for the APC ought to be.

"Always toeing the party's line on all matters, and having demonstrated his panache for excellent congressional leadership by the way he adroitly deputized the speakership of the current House of Representatives under the leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila, it is, therefore, easy to fathom that he can resolutely lead the next House to help the party achieve more wins for the Nigerian people.

"His loyalty and subscription to party supremacy came to the fore in 2019 during the contest for the speakership of the House when, in spite of having secured overwhelming support from the majority of members to elect him as a speaker, toed the party's line by stepping down for Femi Gbajabiamila after the party decided that the position has been ceded to the Southwest.

"He marshalled the caucus to honour the party's decision in the interest of peace, unity and progress of the party, and since then, he has remained committed to whatever will promote the party's progress and stability. This is an act of nobility and sacrifice worth remembering and equally worth rewarding by the party.

"The All Progressives Congress, APC, should not miss the opportunity of harnessing this bundle of talents and faithful servant of progressive politics to implement its legislative agenda. Nigeria needs him in such capacity as speaker of the House of Representatives, beginning from June 2023," he said.
Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on business owners and government agencies in the state to accept the old naira notes.

The governor in a press statement signed by the states commissioner of information, Gbenga Omotoso, on Sunday said it is illegal to reject the old notes.

Despite the Supreme Courts ruling which validates the old naira notes until 23 December, Nigerians are refusing to accept them in exchange for goods and services despite the scarcity of the new notes.

Many Nigerians are awaiting the CBNs directives on legal tender.

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The Lagos State government has noted the hardship sparked by the naira redesign policy, which has affected business and commercial activities, the statement reads.

There is no reason to reject the old notes, going by the Supreme Court judgment delivered on March 3, 2023.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged business owners, especially retailers, to accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes  in line with the Supreme Court judgement that the currency remains legal tender until 31 December 2023. It is illegal to reject the notes.

All agencies of the Lagos State Government are advised not to reject payments made with the old currency by the public.

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By the time he is sworn in on 29 May, Bola Tinubu should be fully aware that the Boko Haram crisis presents an immense challenge to his government. After being declared winner of the 25 February presidential election, he has likely started working on the transition, including getting security briefings.

As leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Tinubu can also benefit from first-hand information from his vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima. Mr Shettima was governor of Borno State, which remains hardest hit by insecurity, at the height of Boko Harams violence between 2013 and 2015.

Pledging allegiance to Islamic State, the insurgents controlled 27 local government areas across north-east Nigeria, causing one of the worlds biggest but most under-reported humanitarian crises.

Boko Haram presents the hardest security test for Mr Tinubu. Now in its 14th year, the insurgency has defied solutions, which to date have been mostly military. Mr Buhari was the third president unable to end the crisis, despite promising to do so during his campaigns. He claimed to have defeated the group after becoming president, but Boko Harams violent attacks have continued, including outside its core areas of the North-east.

More disturbingly, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)  founded less than three months before Mr Buhari became president in 2015  grew and spread during his presidency. In the past year, ISWAP has claimed attacks in at least seven states outside Borno: Abuja, Edo, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ondo and Taraba. All were places ISWAP had not attacked before.

Boko Haram is not the only security concern the next president will have to contend with, however. Banditry has reached such an alarming level that people in the North-west are fleeing their homes across the borders to Niger. Villagers cannot access their farmlands due to fear of attacks.

In some cases, communities are forced to pay bandits in order to be allowed to farm. The damage this causes to livelihoods has increased malnutrition among children in the region. Banditry is already spilling over into Niger, a country that is also facing the Boko Haram challenge.

Similarly, in North-central Nigeria, the farmer-herder crisis remains a major concern. At the same time, communal clashes and separatist agitation threaten peace in the South, notably the South-east and South-south zones.

Mr Tinubu undoubtedly has his work cut out for him, but the incoming president also has an opportunity to show Nigerians that he can rein in insecurity.

Some of the early appointments a Nigerian president usually makes are heads of the security agencies, ranging from the national security adviser to the chief of defence staff. These are the people who will drive his vision on security, so getting these appointments right will show how much importance he attaches to the issue.

As Commander-in-Chief, the president must be seen to be in charge of the situation. He can do this by being decisive, holding appointees to account and linking their tenure to meeting deliverables. He should heed the litany of complaints and public outcries calling for previous security chiefs to be sacked  and Mr Buharis refusal to budge. Mr Buhari in fact continued to defend them in the face of worsening insecurity.

READ ALSO:

Mr Tinubu should consider an intelligence-driven sector that nips security threats in the bud before they manifest. To achieve this, the Nigerian security sector must be transformed from its current largely predatory nature to one that is civilian-centric and focused on building trusting relations with civilians. If Nigerias people trust security officials, they will be willing to help, especially when it comes to intelligence gathering.

The president must also consider long-term solutions that go beyond military intervention. He should devote equal attention to the governance and socio-economic issues that provide fertile ground for recruitment into violent extremism and criminal gangs.

Mr Tinubu also has the opportunity to provide leadership in West Africa and the Sahel in tackling the rising insecurity from different terrorist groups. Successes borne from decisive action on Nigerias internal security challenges can be used to rally other countries leaders into cooperative efforts. These efforts must address the problem regionally and holistically by denying insurgents the space to operate and expand.

Developments in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel have shown that violent extremism cannot be defeated by one country alone, due to the internationalisation of the crisis. This makes recruitment and attacks across borders easy.

With the best land force in Africa and the second-best military in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria has the capacity to provide leadership in the region. What is lacking is the political determination to translate that capacity into tangible results  and this is the opportunity that Mr Tinubus incoming administration should capitalise on.

Mr Buhari will be remembered for Operation Safe Corridor, the countrys programme to reduce radicalisation and reintegrate former combatants. The operation significantly reduced Boko Harams members by more than 1,000 fighters. However, Mr Tinubu has the opportunity to be remembered as the leader who finally ended the crisis.

Malik Samuel, Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin

Research for this article was funded by the governments of The Netherlands and Denmark.

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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President Muhammadu Buhari has denied reports that he instructed Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to disobey court orders.

The president spoke through a statement by his media assistant, Garba Shehu, on Monday.

He called on the general public to disregard such reports as the president never gave such directives.

The Presidency wishes to react to some public concerns that President Muhammadu Buhari did not react to the Supreme Court judgement on the issue of the N500 and N1,000 old currency notes, and states here plainly and clearly that at no time did he instruct the Attorney General and the CBN Governor to disobey any court orders involving the government and other parties.

Since the President was sworn into office in 2015, he has never directed anybody to defy court orders, in the strong belief that we cant practise democracy without the rule of law and the commitment of his administration to this principle has not changed.

Following the ongoing intense debate about the compliance concerning the legality of the old currency notes, the Presidency, therefore, wishes to state clearly that President Buhari has not done anything knowingly and deliberately to interfere with or obstruct the administration of justice.

The President is not a micromanager and will not, therefore, stop the Attorney General and the CBN Governor from performing the details of their duties in accordance with the law. In any case. it is debatable at this time if there is proof of willful denial by the two of them on the orders of the apex court.

The directive of the President, following the meeting of the Council of State. is that the Bank must make available for circulation all the money that is needed and nothing has happened to change the position.

It is an established fact that the President is an absolute respecter of the judicial process and the authority of the courts. He has done nothing in the last eight or so years to act in any way to obstruct the administration of justice, cause a lack of confidence in the administration of justice, or otherwise interfere or corrupt the courts and there is no reason whatsoever that he should do so now when he is getting ready to leave office.

The negative campaign and personalised attacks against the President by the opposition and all manner of commentators is unfair and unjust, as no court order at any level has been issued or directed at him.

As for the cashless system the CBN is determined to put in place, it is a known fact that many of the countrys citizens who bear the brunt of the sufferings, surprisingly support the policy as they believe that the action would cut corruption, fight terrorism, build an environment of honesty and reinforce the incorruptible leadership of the President.

It is therefore wide off the mark to blame the President for the current controversy over the cash scarcity, despite the Supreme Court judgement. The CBN has no reason not to comply with court orders on the excuse of waiting for directives from the President.

President Buhari has also rejected the impression that he lacks compassion, saying that no government in our recent history has introduced policies to help economically marginalised and vulnerable groups like the present administration.

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Although Nigerians are suffering from the recent naira policy of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, many of the citizens still support the policy, an official has said.

Garba Shehu, President Buharis spokesperson, said this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Monday.

As for the cashless system the CBN is determined to put in place, it is a known fact that many of the countrys citizens who bear the brunt of the sufferings, surprisingly support the policy as they believe that the action would cut corruption, fight terrorism, build an environment of honesty and reinforce the incorruptible leadership of the President, Mr Shehu wrote.

The naira redesign policy has had a significant impact on Nigerians, particularly on businesses and individuals who have been affected by the scarcity and confusion surrounding the validity of the old notes as a legal tender.

The Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have defended the naira redesign policy, describing it as a move towards a cashless system and an effort to fight crime and terrorism.

However, millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from the policy with many unable to obtain cash for their daily transactions.

The confusion and economic hardship caused by the naira redesign policy initially led to protests in parts of the country with Nigerians demanding access to their money.

The Supreme Court later ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must extend the use of old banknotes until 31 December.

The court also found that President Muhammadu Buharis directive to the CBN on the withdrawal of old notes and redesign of new banknotes without proper consultation was invalid.

Since the verdict, both the President and the Central Bank of Nigerias governor, Godwin Emefiele declined to comment on the court order.

The uncertainty has caused confusion among bankers and many Nigerians as commerical banks issue the old notes while motorists and traders reject them.

Many Nigerians have equally had to face the harsh realities of paying exorbitant charges to get new notes from POS agents or traders.

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Osita Okechukwu, the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON) has called for zoning of the 10th President of the Senate to the South-east for equity and fairness.

Mr Okechukwu, also a foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Methinks its strategic to zone the President of the Senate to South-east, based on equity, fairness and natural justice.

Nigeria is on tripod and since South-east didnt get the president or vice, it becomes strategic to start a process of reconciliation and recovery with the zone.

Yes agreed South-east east didnt vote huge for my great party; however, my leadership must think of tomorrow, he said.

Mr Okechukwu said that the zone had qualified high ranking senators that can be elected as the President of the Senate.

Luckily, we have six senators elect, two of whom are in the ranking cadre  Sen. Orji Uzo Kalu and Sen. Osita Izunaso. Lets choose one of them.

At least nobody will blame us that its because we dont have any senator which was the case in 2015.

We the foundation members of APC need to be accommodated by our brothers and sisters in other geopolitical zones.

On the two ranking senators on the ring, one would prefer Orji Uzo, as current Chief Whip, he has more gravitas for better representation and mobilisations of the South-east for future political electoral battles, he said.

Mr Okechukwu added: My brother Izunaso has a less than democratic godfather, while Orji is his own masquerade.

On the possibility of electing Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State as Senate President, the VON DG said,  he (Umahi) is not a ranking senator and is provincial. He needs four years to go national. Orji studied in the north, doing business in Lagos and (is) more Pan-Nigerian.

The 19th session of the National Assembly will be inaugurated in June.

(NAN)

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Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, staged a protest against alleged intimidation by the traditional ruler of Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the crowd of protesters carried placards with different inscriptions like Election is not war, and Stop cursing residents voting for other parties.

The PDP called for caution and peace from leaders and elders in the community, saying Imota PDP has brought development to the community.

The protesters who gathered in their numbers moved around the community displaying their placards. They also visited the palace of the traditional ruler to express their grievances.

Earlier, Adewale Oyebo, the PDP candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, (LAHA), Ikorodu Constituency 2, appealed to the community leaders to allow residents to vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming governorship and assembly election.

Mr Oyebo assured the residents of his support and appealed to the electorates to go out en masse and exercise their franchise as directed by the constitution of Nigeria.

The protest is good and very successful in this our community in Imota.

We have some other communities that make up Ikorodu constituency 2, such as Ijede, Ibeshe, Igbogbo, Baiyeku and others with traditional rulers.

Traditional rulers are not supposed to be political but this area of Imota, the ruler is intimidating voters with charms, and cursing those who will want to vote for other parties apart from the All Progressives Congress (APC), he alleged.

He assured members of victory and urged residents to come out en masse to vote for the PDP which, he said, will bring more dividends of democracy to the community if voted into power.

He promised to organise sporting activities and empowerment programmes for the youth, provide affordable shops for market men and women, provide clean water, and sponsor bills on health and education.

He also promised to provide scholarships to students among others.

It is high time people should allow another government to take over and solve the current hardship residents are passing through.

I have different programmes ranging from free education, women empowerment and so on if voted for, he said.

Also speaking, Adedolapo Arowolo, PDP chairman, Ward B1 Imota, appealed to party supporters and electorates to disregard the intimidation and concentrate on canvassing for votes to avoid apathy.

This is the usual attitude of our traditional leaders in this area, especially during election period. Eventually, it will cause voter apathy because they have instilled fear into the electorates, he said.

Responding, the traditional ruler, Oba Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, said that he directed other traditional leaders to perform rituals to the gods to ensure peace and avert any form of violence that may occur during the election in the community.

It is indeed true that we did something (Etutu) in Imota, but it is for the benefit and peace of our community, however, no name or party was mentioned.

When I saw them, I thought they are doing political campaign or rally, not knowing it was a protest because I was in the palace.

We only do Etutu for the community to be peaceful during election considering what we have gone through in the past on violence during elections.

There are about 26 political parties, why is it that only PDP are the ones complaining, I dont want anybody to overheat the polity, he said.

(NAN)

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The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has met with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State to ramp up preparations for Saturdays governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

The meeting was held on Sunday at the residence of the minister in Ikeja, Lagos. Mr Aregbesola was a commissioner and influential politician in Lagos before he left to run for governor in Osun State in 2007.

At the meeting, the minister who later became estranged from the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, over his successor in Osun, former governor Gboyega Oyetola, urged the APC leaders to embark on a door-to-door campaign for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is seeking reelection.

The media aide to the minister, Sola Fasure, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Monday.

It is important to let you know that we cannot allow those who have not been with us since the days of the struggle from SDP, AD, AC, ACN and now APC to take what belongs to us. We worked tirelessly for the success of what we have today in Lagos. We cannot allow those fanning the embers of discord within the party to derail us. Let us forget whatever may be the issue and work for the success of the APC on Saturday, he said.

Winning Lagos is not just about shutting the doors to those who do not have the capacity to rule us but to ensure we crown all that Asiwaju has achieved so far, especially now that he is President-elect, to the benefit of our party, and the generality of Lagosians. Let us go back to our various units, wards and communities to work for the APC.

Responding, the party leaders pledged to ensure the victory of Mr Sanwo-Olu and other candidates of the APC in Saturdays election.

They expressed appreciation to the minister for his readiness to work in support of the APC in Lagos.

Mr Aregbesola and the president-elect, Mr Tinubu, were close allies until their relationship collapsed over a dispute between Mr Aregbesola and Mr Oyetola.

Mr Aregbesola was angry that his successor abandoned some of his legacy policies and also sent many of his loyalists out of government.

Following the disagreement, Mr Aregbesola opposed the second-term ambition of Mr Oyetola, who in July lost the election to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke.

At a meeting ahead of the partys primaries, the minister condemned Mr Tinubu for refusing to withdraw his support for Mr Oyetolas second term bid.

The outcome of the election worsened the rift as Mr Aregbesola and his supporters were believed to have connived in the defeat of Mr Oyetola.

The minister has also been accused of not being enthusiastic about the presidential bid of Mr Tinubu.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, following the postponement of the governorship and state assembly elections by INEC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president was in Daura for the presidential and National Assembly elections as well as gubernatorial and state assembly polls.

The Nigerian leader, who successfully participated in the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 25 February, departed Daura for Abuja as INEC postponed the governorship elections to March 18.

While in Daura, the president received Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and the Kano State APC gubernatorial candidate, Nasiru Gawuna.

He also had a parley with his former classmates who visited him at his residence.

The president also inspected a Guard of Honour at Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport Katsina shortly before his departure.

The president is expected back in Daura on Friday for the gubernatorial and state assembly elections on Saturday.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family, friends and associates of Franca Afegbua, the first female Senator of Nigeria, whose adventure into political leadership lifted the glass ceiling for women in the legislature in the Second Republic.

The late senator was elected under the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), to represent the old Bendel North.

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Mr Buhari believed that the historical feat completely altered the perception and position of women, her state and the country, especially with the projection of exemplary leadership traits of empathy and inclusiveness, which earned Afegbua trust and respect.

The president also condoled with the Government and people of Edo, and her community, where she had remained an inspiration to young women, lifting many out of hopelessness through mentorship, and creating opportunities for others to realize their dreams in various careers.

Buhari prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed while urging the family to approximate her good works for posterity.

(NAN)

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President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, following the postponement of the governorship and state assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president was in Daura for the Presidential and National Assembly elections as well as Gubernatorial and State Assembly polls.

The Nigerian leader, who successfully participated in the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 25 February, departed Daura for Abuja as INEC postponed the governorship elections to 18 March.

While in Daura, the president received Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Kano State APC gubernatorial candidate, Nasiru Gawuna.

He also had a parley with his former classmates who visited him at his residence.

The president also inspected a Guard of Honour at Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport Katsina shortly before his departure.

The president is expected back in Daura on Friday for the Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections on Saturday.

READ ALSO:

Meanwhile, Mr Buhari has condoled with the family, friends and associates of Franca Afegbua, the first female Senator of Nigeria, whose adventure into political leadership lifted the glass ceiling for women in the legislature in the Second Republic.

The late senator was elected under the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to represent the old Bendel North.

Mr Buhari believed that the historical feat completely altered the perception and position of women, her state and the country, especially with the projection of exemplary leadership traits of empathy and inclusiveness, which earned Ms Afegbua trust and respect.

The president also condoled with the Government and people of Edo, and her community where she had remained an inspiration to young women, lifting many out of hopelessness through mentorship, and creating opportunities for others to realise their dreams in various careers.

Mr Buhari prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed while urging the family to approximate her good works for posterity.

(NAN)

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The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Court on Friday 10th March, 2023, adjourned to 21st March, 2023, hearing of the sentencing submissions for three Chinese nationals accused of serious money laundering in excess of MK500 million (about $500,00), among other charges.

The three--Li Hao Yuan, Hua Qin Zhang and Huixin Lin--promptly pleaded guilty to the charges on 31st January, 2023, as part of plea bargaining, which also includes restituting the money they laundered.

The Chinese were accused alongside a Srilankan national Kankanige Piyaratana Alwis who, with Huixin Lin, face another charge of dealing in foreign currency. But the Srilankan pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against him.

The court adjourned hearing of the sentencing submissions for the Chinese after their lawyers stated that the convicts raised new issues in the submissions. They asked for seven more days to prepare.

The court, on the other hand, has not proceeded hearing the cases of Kankanige Piyaratana Alwis as the state is yet to bring the 10 witnesses it has lined up against him.

The money laundering case involving the three Chinese and a Srilankan has dragged, with the parties now hoping for a conclusion soon.

According to the charge sheet Nyasa Times has seen, the first charge of money laundering is contrary to section 42 (1) (b) of the Financial Crimes Act and reads:

"Lin Huixin, Li Hao Yuan and Hua Qin Zhang between 1st September 2017 and 26th November 2020, in the City of Lilongwe, disguised the true nature of the sum of K379, 408, 048.79 knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the same represents proceeds of crime by depositing and transacting with the said cash through account number 9100000342170 of Moni International Limited domiciled at Standard Bank Malawi, Capital City Branch".

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The second charge of money laundering is contrary to section 42 (1) (a) of the Financial Crimes Act states:

"Lin Huixin, Kankanige Anura Piyaratana Alwis, Li Hao Yuan and Hua Qin Zhang between 5th December 2017 and January 2021, at Marina Casino in the City of Lilongwe, converted K128, 590,518.00 into gambling chips knowing or having reason to believe that it directly or indirectly derived from the proceeds of crime".

On the other hand, the offence of dealing in foreign currency read as follows: "Lin Huixin and Kankanige Anura Piyaratana Alwis between 1 January 2019 and 11th June 2021, in the City of Lilongwe, without the permission of the Minister of Finance, exchanged foreign currency with each other amounting to United States Dollars 310, 000.00".
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has responded to the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the state, Chijioke Edeogas allegation that they (PDP) were plotting to destabilise the 18 March governorship and state assembly elections in the state.

The LP candidate alleged that the PDP had hired thugs who were being armed and prepared to operate freely, appearing in police, army and civil defence uniforms, to enjoy free movement across the state during the elections.

He also accused the PDP-led state government of diverting weapons procured for vigilante groups and other security agencies to the hired thugs who have been paid to destabilise and rig the elections for the PDP.

Reacting on Monday, the spokesperson of the PDP Campaign Council in the state, Nana Ogbodo, said the LP was suffering from an inability to manage its victories during the 25 February National Assembly elections in the state.

The LP won seven of the eight House of Representatives seats in Enugu State. It also won one out of the two senatorial districts where elections took place on 25 February.

We wont condescend to join issues with the Enugu Labour Party, which has been understandably unable to manage its unexpected success at the 25th February National Assembly election.

It is a fact that whatever victories they scored were not predicated on the strength or popularity of their candidates, most of whom are either perennial losers or unknown quantities, buts rather on the popularity of one man, who will not be on the ballot on 18 March, Mr Ogbodo said in a statement.

In any case, we thank the Enugu LP for letting us into their grand designs to unleash terror on Enugu people and massively rig the electoral process as announced by the LP Senator-elect for Enugu North Senatorial District, Chief Okey Ezea, who declared the forthcoming governorship election in the state as a do or die affair, he added.

The campaign spokesperson said the PDP had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali (IGP) over the alleged threat by Mr Ezea, which he said the LP was yet to condemn, several weeks after.

He said the party has asked the IGP and heads of other security agencies not to spare any troublemaker plotting deaths and mayhem in the forthcoming governorship and state assembly elections in the state.

The PDP, however, failed to address some of the allegations made by the LP candidate.

The PDP, for instance, was silent on the allegation that it had hired armed thugs who would appear in police, army and civil defence uniforms to disrupt the election in selected council areas believed to be the strongholds of the LP candidate.

It did not also respond to the allegation that the state government, which is being controlled by the PDP, had diverted weapons procured for vigilante groups and other security agencies to their alleged hired thugs.

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President Muhammadu Buhari Monday refused to take the bold step to end the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are experiencing difficulties because of his governments naira redesign policy.

In his first public remarks to criticisms by Nigerians of his governments disobedience to an order of the Supreme Court, President Buhari refused to categorically say that his government would obey the order.

Instead, Mr Buhari said he did not instruct the Attorney General and the CBN Governor to disobey any court orders involving the government and other parties.

Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu made the presidents position known in a Monday evening statement.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Supreme Court recently ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian government to allow the continued use of both the old and new naira notes until December.

Despite the ruling, banks and other businesses have continued to reject the old N500 and N1,000 notes, saying Mr Buhari and CBN governor Godwin Emefiele have not given them the go ahead.

Mr Buhari refused to give such a go ahead in the Monday statement.

Background

For weeks, Nigerians awaited the position of President Buhari and Mr Emefiele on the court ruling, given the uncertainty surrounding the validity of the old notes as a legal tender.

Due to the uncertainty, many Nigerians have been reluctant to accept the old notes as a means of payment. This has worsened the already difficult situation for businesses experiencing poor sales.

Penultimate Friday, the Supreme Court directed the central bank to extend the use of old banknotes until December 31.

A seven-member panel of the court led by John Okoro unanimously directed that the CBN must continue to receive the old notes from Nigerians

The court ruled that President Buharis directive for the redesign of new banknotes and the withdrawal of old notes without proper consultation was invalid.

The disobedience of orders of courts by the President in a constitutional democracy as ours is a sign of the failure of the constitution and that democratic governance has become a mere pretension and is now replaced by autocracy or dictatorship, Emmanuel Agim, a member of the Supreme Court panel, said in the courts lead judgment.

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The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has okayed the use of old naira notes in the country, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State said on Monday.

The CBN had last December introduced new N200, N500, and N1000 notes, which led to the withdrawal of the old notes from circulation.

This policy resulted in widespread chaos across the country, with protests erupting in various regions as Nigerians faced difficulties doing business and making cash payments in daily transactions.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the CBN must extend the use of old banknotes until 31 December due to the negative impact of the policy.

A seven-member panel of the court, led by John Okoro, unanimously ordered the CBN to continue receiving the old notes from Nigerian citizens.

Since the court ruling, the CBN and the Nigerian government have not reacted to the new development.

As a result, many Nigerians have continued to reject the old naira notes for transactions.

But in a statement on Monday, Mr Soludo said the CBN governor has directed commercial banks to dispense and receive old naira notes from customers, and that there is no limit to the number of times an individual or company can make deposits with the old notes.

The governor of the CBN gave the directive at a Bankers Committee Meeting held on Sunday on 12th March, 2023. The Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele, personally confirmed the above to me during a phone conversation on Sunday night, Mr Soludo said in the statement which was also posted on his verified Facebook page.

The governor asked residents of the state to freely accept and transact their businesses with the old naira notes of N200, N500, and N1000 alongside the new notes.

He enjoined the residents to report any bank in the state that refuses to accept deposits of the old notes, and threatened to shut down such banks.

Anambra State Government will not only report such a bank to the CBN, but will also immediately shut down the defaulting branch, he stated.

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The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Monday, reserved judgement in an appeal filed by Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the decision of the election petition trial that invalidated his election as governor of Osun State.

A three-member panel led by M. F. Shuaibu, after listening to counsel for the parties in the case, said the date of the judgement would be communicated to them later.

Mr Adeleke was represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate Nigeria (SAN), and Gboyega Oyetola, the former governor who lost his reelection bid in the poll, was represented by Lateef Fagbemi, also a SAN.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Paul Ananaba, SAN, and PDP, represented by Alex Iziyon, SAN, did not file any processes in the case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Mr Adeleke of the PDP is the appellant, Mr Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the 1st and 2nd respondents in the appeal marked: CA/AK/EPT/GOV/01/2023.

INEC and the PDP are also joined as the 3rd and the 4th respondents respectively.

The appellate court is also expected to sit on the cross-appeals filed by the PDP, INEC and Mr Oyetola.

NAN reports that the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had, on 27 January, voided the 16 July 2022 election that produced Mr Adeleke of PDP as the elected governor.

INEC had declared Mr Adeleke the winner of the election after polling a total of 403,371 votes.

He was said to have won in 17 of the 30 local government areas in the state.

But the election petition tribunal, in a split decision of two-to-one, invalidated the election and declared Mr Oyetola of the APC as the winner of the poll.

The tribunal led by Terste Kume directed INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Mr Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, both of whom had been sworn in.

It, however, directed that the certificate of return should instead be issued to Mr Oyetola.

Mr Kume held that the governorship election was not held in compliance with Nigerias Electoral Act.

The tribunal also held that the governorship election was characterised by over-voting.

It said after deducting the excessive votes, the figure Mr Oyetola polled at the election was 314, 921.

The tribunal, thus, ordered that Mr Oyetola should be returned as governor of Osun State.

NAN reports that INEC, in its earlier results, said Mr Oyetola won in 13 LGAs with 375,027 votes in the 16 July 2022 governorship election.

Fifteen candidates contested the election which was largely a two-horse race between Messrs Adeleke and Oyetola.

In his petition, Mr Oyetola, the immediate-past governor of the state, had alleged that the election was characterised by over-voting in 749 polling units.

He also argued that Mr Adeleke forged the academic credentials he submitted to NEC to contest for the election.

The tribunal commenced sitting in August 2022, a few weeks after the governorship election.

Mr Oyetola and the APC were the petitioners in the case with Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Akin Olujimi, SAN, as their lead counsel.

INEC was the 1st defendant, Mr Adeleke was the 2nd defendant and PDP was the 3rd defendant.

(NAN)

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The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ordered the reversal of the renaming of Adogba Central Mosque in Iwo Road, Ibadan after him.

The reversal is coming barely 24 hours after an Islamic group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), criticised the renaming of the newly reconstructed central mosque after Mr Makinde.

The state government demolished the mosque in 2020 to allow the construction of a bus terminal on the location.

After the mosque was rebuilt in a new location, it was renamed after Governor Makinde.

However, some Islamic organisations, including MURIC, kicked against the new name, threatening to campaign against the reelection of the governor if his name was not dropped from the mosque before Saturdays governorship and state house of assembly elections.

In response to the threats, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, on Sunday reportedly led a government delegate to the central mosque to erase the governors name from the mosques signboard.

The Executive Director of MURIC, Ishaq Akintola, in a statement on Monday, lauded the governor for bowing to criticisms on the issue.

Reports reaching MURICs Lagos headquarters say Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has removed his name from the signboard of Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ibadan. The governor gave orders for the removal yesterday, Sunday 12th March 2023 after MURIC criticized the governor for inscribing his name on the rebuilt mosque, he said.

It will be recalled that Adogba Central Mosque was demolished by the Makinde administration in 2020 despite our protestations. The governor promised to rebuild it and it was recently rebuilt. But the governor renamed the mosque after himself and MURIC asked him to remove his name, he added.

We advised him to delete his name and leave the mosques original name there before the fast-approaching gubernatorial election of Saturday, 18th March 2023 to avoid protest vote from Muslims in the state. The state branch of MURIC has confirmed that the governors name has been removed from the inscription on the mosque which now reads Adogba Central Mosque. This was done yesterday, Sunday, 11th March 2023, Mr Akintola confirmed.

According to a newspaper report, the removal of the name was carried out by some workers led by the governors media aide, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, he said.

We appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for complying with MURICs advice. MURIC may be radical but it is rational. We affirm that we are not confrontational or militant. Neither are we unnecessarily difficult to relate with once the relationship is based on mutual respect and once no attempt is made to trample on the Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims. We believe that the adherents of different religions can peacefully coexist in this country and work together towards making Nigeria great.

May Allah continue to protect and bless Governor Seyi Makinde. We are satisfied with the removal of his name from the mosque. No more bitter feelings, no more distrust. MURIC will continue to pursue cordial relations with both government and private institutions in Nigeria as long as they continue to give Muslims their rights and dues and as long as they allow their actions to be guided by the principles of equity, fairness and justice, Mr Akintola said.

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But shockingly, in another video, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, an attendant at a filling station belonging to Governor Dapo Abiodun has been captured rejecting the old N500 and N1000 notes, despite a warning by the governor against the act.

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Mr Abiodun threatened to lock up stores, banks, and supermarkets among other businesses which have refused to accept the banknotes as legal tender.

The governor further asked residents to report to him directly any case of rejection of the old notes, saying he would shut down any business involved.

In February while campaigning in Abeokuta North Local Council at the popular Kampala market in Itoku, the governor told traders that he would shut down any bank that refused the old notes.

Again, while speaking to his followers in a video sighted by a PREMIUM TIMES reporter on social media, the governor re-emphasised his stance.

In the video, Mr Abiodun said: I am hereby sounding a note of warning to every market trader, petrol station, bank that are reducing old naira notes; if youre reported to me, I will deal with you with the fullest extent of the law.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest court of the land. The Supreme Court has ruled that the old naira notes remain legal tender. The deadline has been moved to 31 December

I will lock up your shop if they tell me you dont accept old notes. Anytime you take an old note to banks and they refuse to accept it, call me. I will lock up the doors of such banks, including supermarkets.

You transport unions and transporters, dont reject the old money. If you take it to the bank and it was rejected, I will collect it from you and take it to the bank myself, Mr Abiodun stated emphatically.

However, despite the governors threat, banks and businesses in the state have been rejecting the old naira notes.

READ ALSO:

But in a new video, the attendant at the governors own filling station told a motorist that the station was not accepting old naira notes.

The motorist, who spoke in Yoruba, retorted, Why will you not take old notes? The governor has ordered that businesses should accept old notes, or is this not the governors fuel station? No problems, thank you.

Efforts to speak with the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Shomorin, were fruitless as he neither picked up calls put across to his phone nor responded to text messages.

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The Presidency has described the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections as an improvement on past elections.

Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu said this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

This election is an improvement on past elections and due credit should be given to the government and people of this country, Mr Shehu wrote.

Nigeria held the presidential and NASS elections on 25 February with the candidate of the ruling party, Bola Tinubu, emerging president-elect.

The two main opposition candidates, who came second and third in the election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are, however, challenging the result in court. They have alleged irregularities, especially in the result collation and announcement processes.

Mr Tinubu won the majority votes and also scored over 25 per cent in 29 states to meet the constitutional requirement.

However, Messrs Tinubu, Atiku and Obi won in 12 states each, the first of such in Nigerias history, indicating a close contest.

Read Mr Shehus full statement below.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

MARCH 25 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS A MARKED IMPROVEMENT ON PAST ELECTIONS, THE WORLD SHOULD NOTE THIS

The Presidency thanks former ambassadors Mark Green and Johnnie Carson  along with other foreign observers  for their concerns over the logistics of the recent general election in Nigeria and their work as observers on the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Missions.

It is worth setting their comments in context. No one has disputed the result of the election, except the candidates that fell short. The biggest and the most competitive presidential election in the history of Nigeria has been won by one man: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The US State department congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC and the people of Nigeria on the outcome of the competitive election. British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was also quick to congratulate the winner, on this victory. And so did many others in ECOWAS and the African Union.

Though it is true there were some delays and technical faults in the process that we can learn from  as is the case in any election the world over  the vote progressed and consolidated democracy in Nigeria. The integrity of the Electoral Act of 2022 was strengthened. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System cut out ghost, unauthorised or multiple votes to stem fraud. The election may not have been pluperfect, but due to the steps the government has taken, it is an improvement on previous polls. That achievement should not be overlooked. The next step is for the Election Commission to ensure transparency in collation.

Adverse reactions as received from some quarters are themselves a part of the learning process for everyone. Elsewhere, the world had been treated to epic lies, obfuscation, jingoism and hate, and told by global media to expect a different outcome. Nigerians shocked the world by refusing religious hatred and sectarian politics.

All true friends of Nigeria should join the people in proceeding forward for sustainable peace.

APC victory in the presidential election, underscored by the nationwide wave of support in the National Assembly results is clear mandate for the party to retain power for another term of four years.

This election is an improvement on past elections and due credit should be given to the government and people of this country.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

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No matter the feelings or opinions we might have about anything whatsoever, it would do us good to always give others and ourselves the benefit of the doubt. This is one quality that is not too popular with us Nigerians. We do not give ourselves or others the benefit of doubt

Let us examine this principle further.

Benefit of Doubt: Its when we regard someone as innocent until proven otherwise. Or lean toward a favourable view of someone. That is to say: whenever you are not certain about something, or there are no proofs, facts, figures or statistics to support your arguments, it is better not to blame, accuse or judge. In such instances, you must rather lean towards a more favourable judgment, in favour of the opposite side.

I believe that if Nigeria were to be great, we must adopt this principle, not only in our judicial system, but even so in our daily conducts with each other. It is in the absence of this fundamental value of human relationships that we often find ourselves suspicious of each other. For example, many people assume that I supported the Tinubu ticket simply because he is a Yoruba man like I am. And, I wonder: what a bold move, how could you just assume that? Could there be any other possibility why I supported his ticket? Remember, this is despite the fact that I wrote about my reasons for supporting the ticket. I dont care where anybody is from, I simply supported the quality of the candidates and not their ethnicities.

I can only imagine how Nigeria would change for the better if this principle could be taught in our schools, from the primary to the tertiary institutions. This singular principle, if it becomes a value system and mindset of our people, could stop the ills of our society like violence, Boko Haram, militancy, armed robbery, kidnapping, etc.

It is the same reason behind our suspicions of Northerners, Igbos, Yorubas. We dont want to give people the benefit of doubt, that they could have good intentions in their deeds and actions. At times we are not even willing to consider the probability of other Nigerians from other parts of the country as being as good or as sincere as we are.

I have heard Southerners saying that Northerners want to rule Nigeria by force, and as their birth right. That is prejudice! If that were true, they would not have voted for President Obasanjo for two terms. If that were true, they wouldnt have voted for President Jonathan in 2011. We dont give people the benefit of doubt. It would really be helpful for the general advancement of Nigeria if we could sometimes ask ourselves the question, could I be wrong in my argument and assumptions about other Nigerians?

A vivid example is this: while growing up in the Western part of Nigeria, I always heard that Northerners spoke bad English (in reference to their accent) until I traveled abroad and discovered that we all speak bad English (in terms of our accent). A typical Nigerian would not even consider that his assumptions could be wrong. A similar example that comes to mind right now is a popular phrase also in the Southern part of Nigeria, which the people often tell each other: The North is the problem of Nigeria, They have taken all our wealth.

I did not have any way to prove or disprove this until I traveled to the North for the first time and discovered that the standard of living in there is much lower than it is in the South. The Northerners are less privileged in a lot of other things than I have witnessed in the South. The sight of devastation that I witnessed in the North made me almost weep. Most of this people in the South who have never been to the North naturally assume that they are enjoying, while we are suffering in the South.

If we could look into each others heart and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently with more love, patience, tolerance and care.  Marvin J Ashton.

Yes I know all about the fact that Northerners have ruled the nation more than Southerners, etc. But the problem of Nigeria is much more complicated than that. We would do ourselves a lot of good if we would be less bashful in our assumptions about each other. This attitude of COULD I BE WRONG? could save us from a lot of that.

EI INCUMBIT PROBATIO QUI DICIT, NON QUI NEGAT is a Latin expression which means that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. It is mostly known and used by the judiciary. However, this principle of presumption of innocence is so powerful that any society that wishes to build a prosperous and civilised nation must adopt it. We must adopt it not just into our judicial and legal practices, we must go further than that. We must intentionally popularise this value of presumption of innocence in our daily dealings.

Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.  Aristotle

The down side of this principle that we see in some advanced countries is that it could often lead to political correctness. When it now becomes a taboo to condemn anything or criticise anybody for their actions, all in the name of being nice to everyone.

So where is the balance? The balance in my own view is when we correct, rebuke or criticise only on the basis of truth or fact. We must make sure we have our facts right before we claim anything whatsoever. Even when we are convinced in our hearts, we should refrain from declaring anything until we can factually prove our convictions.

That is the beauty of the concept of Innocent until proven guilty. There is always room for correction, rebuke and criticism after the facts has been proven, not before.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty: is one of the most sacred principles of the American criminal justice system, holding that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. In other words the prosecution must prove beyond any reasonable doubt each essential element of the criminal charges.

When it comes to the way this principles could help us build a better nation, it is to always know that we can speak the truth only when the truth is established or there are facts to back our arguments. Otherwise we should intentionally refrain ourselves from any form of condemnation, judgmentalism and castigation. *

Half of the time, the Holy Ghost tries to warn us about certain people that come into our life. The other half of the time he tries to tell us that the sick feeling we get in a situation is not the other persons fault, rather it is our own hang-ups. A life filled with bias, hatred, judgment, insecurity, fear, delusion and self-righteousness can cloud the soul of anyone you meet. Our job is never to assume, instead it is to listen, communicate, and ask questions then ask more, until we know the true depth of someones spirit.- Shannon L. Alder

COULD I BE WRONG? A simple question that could help us build a better nation. A nation where peace and unity reigns.

Sunday Adelaja is a Nigeria born leader, transformation strategist, pastor and innovator. He was based in Kiev, Ukraine.

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If ever there was a pictorial depiction of the phrase existential crisis, conditions in Nigeria today would be it! Now, this raises a lot of questions. But the most obvious of these questions, if not the most fundamental, are the ones about how policy is made and why it is clear today that the ideas in the heads of men matter only in terms of their outcomes. The extent to which, when put to work, these outcomes have a beneficial or a negative impact is just as important.

The signs are not good at all. The early morning queues at bank branches as customers scurry to secure access to their deposits have never made sense. Especially, when by midday the throngs disperse without customers having access to the cash they need for their quotidian necessities. The cashless economy hype is simply that. The domestic financial services industrys infrastructure has not invested enough in the equipment and processes required to hold up its end of the conversation in a zero-cash environment. This explains the epidemic of dispense errors. Not too long ago, you were likely to see these reversed within a day. Not anymore. Now they hang about like the mythical wraiths of murdered victims  miserably hoping for some sort of closure.

Can any economy account for the labour time that we have lost over the last three months? Whether at the supermarket checkout counter, or at the filling station  five to 10 minutes are now added to each transaction simply to complete payment. And ought a people to be made to go through a process this dreadful? Our recent troubles, unfortunately, are not exhausted by any possible answers to these questions. For the negative auguries do not end here. A casual stroll through most neighbourhoods reveals that much of the local economy has shrivelled. The abokis corner shop is now more off-line chatroom than the thriving marketplace it used to be. The middle-aged lady with the stall by the estate gate no longer comes  her roast plantain and groundnuts having made their way back into local folklore. I saw the vulcaniser by the main intersection last, two weeks ago. He has no bank account, so he cannot receive transfers. His customers having run out of cash aeons ago, it was only a matter of time before he ran into trouble extending them credit. The mom-supermarkets on the pedestrian walkways now offer a thinned out salver  they have no change, their clientele have no cash.

Then there are the more disturbing anecdotes. Of hospital deaths because kith and kin cannot raise the cash to purchase medicines for family members who are on admission, or to pay for medical procedures. Of distressed pensioners, either falling ill or dying because they have no access to the monies in their bank accounts. Urban petty bourgeois folk with elderly people living all by themselves are todays biggest worrywarts. Suddenly grandma and grandpa can no longer pay for their carers and helps to come to work. A few weeks back, they were still able to buy cash (this particular experience is the Buhari governments most important contribution to economics) to get fuel for the generator. But even the most imaginative point-of-sale terminal (PoS) operators long since ran out of their stock-in-trade. And, of course, without the generator working these old age pensioners have no access to pumped water.

There is space in the febrile Nigerian mind for celebrating the bodyblow to street trading from the banknotes swap. But as with the otherworldly idea that reforms to our political system could be wrought by asphyxiating the economy ahead of a general election, the gains from this policy goal are likely to be pyrrhic. Far better to design policies on the back of a thoroughgoing understanding of the economy.

If ever there was a pictorial depiction of the phrase existential crisis, conditions in Nigeria today would be it! Now, this raises a lot of questions. But the most obvious of these questions, if not the most fundamental, are the ones about how policy is made and why it is clear today that the ideas in the heads of men matter only in terms of their outcomes. The extent to which, when put to work, these outcomes have a beneficial or a negative impact is just as important. If this is so, the corollary query is how did we arrive at the policy set that has resulted in this crisis? Evidently, the heightened threat to the economy that we are seeing today is the consequence of conflating the internal, hermetic beauty of an idea with the certitude of the same idea working as well as it did in the imagination, when rubber encounters the tarmac.

There is space in the febrile Nigerian mind for celebrating the bodyblow to street trading from the banknotes swap. But as with the otherworldly idea that reforms to our political system could be wrought by asphyxiating the economy ahead of a general election, the gains from this policy goal are likely to be pyrrhic. Far better to design policies on the back of a thoroughgoing understanding of the economy. With data-driven policies, unintended consequences still crop up. On a whimsy, interventions in the economy will be just as effective as shooting in Stygian darkness.

At the end of this season, we may all agree that never before in the history of this country have so many suffered (outside of the civil war) from the misguided activities of so few.

Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin.

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As expected, political attention is shifting to the courts as aggrieved candidates and political parties that contested in Nigerias 2023 general elections are approaching the courts to challenge the outcome of the polls and seeking legal remedies. The polling unit was the arena of electoral competition a few weeks ago, but the courts have displaced the polling units as the new arena for electoral contests.

Litigating election disputes is contentious, complex, and excessively technical. The technicality of electoral dispute litigation is fueled by the strict requirements of the Electoral Act, coupled with judicial attitudes over the years. The complex and technical nature of election petitions is largely responsible for the failure of election tribunals and courts to address the grievances of litigants, despite efforts at resolving such election disputes. As expected, political attention is shifting to the courts as aggrieved candidates and political parties that contested in Nigerias 2023 general elections are approaching the courts to challenge the outcome of the polls and seeking legal remedies. The polling unit was the arena of electoral competition a few weeks ago, but the courts have displaced the polling units as the new arena for electoral contests. As it stands, the courts will determine the final vote in all election disputes it entertains, thereby raising further concerns about the apparent excessive judicialisation of the electoral process.

The process of registering a complaint or challenging the outcome of a election is called an election petition. Election tribunals or courts address grievances over election results as ventilated by litigants. Unlike other cases, election petitions are special cases in a class of their own. Due to their special nature, the procedures, courts, and timelines for filing documents are unique. Some technical defects or irregularities considered immaterial in other proceedings could be fatal to proceedings in election petitions. In addition, election petition tribunals and courts have adopted a strict constructionist approach, which admits no extension to the timelines provided in the legal framework. Lets consider five critical components of Nigerias election adjudication process.

Not All Persons Can Be Parties To An Election Dispute

Different categories of persons participate in elections, but not all possess the right to challenge or question the result of an election. Section 133 of the Electoral Act 2022 defines persons entitled to present an election petition. They include candidates in an election and a political party that participated in the election. On the other hand, parties also include a person whose election is questioned in an election petition. Where the complaint is against a permanent or adhoc official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), INEC will be listed as a party due to its role in the administration of elections. Nigerias electoral law considers these persons as necessary parties in an election petition. An election petition will suffer an ill fate if these parties are excluded.

The person(s) or political party that initiates or files an election petition is referred to as the Petitioner, while the person or party the petition is made against is called the Respondent. In most cases, the Petitioner will seek to establish that the candidate who INEC declared as the winner of an election was not validly elected or that s/he is entitled to be declared the winner instead. The respondents will include the person or party declared the election winner. A tribunal or Court would not entertain any petition that questions an election result or a winner declared by INEC, unless the person announced as a winner is joined as a party. This is logical as the outcome of the petition affects the said winner declared by INEC. The winners joinder affords him/her an opportunity to defend his victory in line with the long-established principle of fair hearing.

Special Tribunals and Courts Resolve Election Disputes

A distinctive feature of election petitions lies in the courts and tribunals with judicial powers to resolve election disputes. Election petitions are determined by election tribunals or courts vested with the authority to hear and determine cases within their jurisdictional competencies. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) (CFRN) and Electoral Act 2022, establish the following tribunals and courts to resolve election disputes:

National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals for each state of the federation and the FCT, with authority to entertain petitions on National Assembly and House of Assembly elections (Section 285(1) CFRN); Governorship Election Tribunals to hear and determine petitions for governorship elections (Section 285(2) CFRN); Court of Appeal to adjudicate petitions against presidential elections (Section 239(1) CFRN); Area Council Election Tribunals to resolve disputes related to the elections into the office of the Chairman and Councilors within the FCT. (Section 131(1) Electoral Act 2022).

As a matter of law, election petition tribunals are constituted not later than 30 days before an election holds. The tribunal is required to open registries for business seven days before the election. These tribunals and courts can only resolve an election dispute if the law gives them the authority to do so. Without the legal power, any proceeding conducted by these tribunals or Courts will be an exercise in futility. An election tribunal or Court must fulfill certain conditions before it assumes jurisdiction to resolve an election dispute. First, a Tribunal or Court must be properly constituted. Members of the panel should be duly qualified as prescribed by law. Secondly, the subject matter of the case is within the defined scope or powers of the Tribunal or Court. Lastly, due process is followed in initiating the case before a court, when all pre-conditions have been satisfied.

All Timeframes Are Sacrosanct

The Constitution and Electoral Act make explicit provisions on the timeframe within which an aggrieved person can institute a legal case challenging the result of an election. The law also provides a timeline for the courts to determine an election petition. The Court will only entertain an election petition if it is filed within the timeframe prescribed by the law. The Petitioner intending to challenge an election result must file their petition within 21 days after the declaration of the election results. Filing a petition outside the fixed period renders it incompetent and strips the Tribunal of the jurisdiction to hear and determine the petition.

An election tribunal has 180 days from the date of filing to hear and determine an election petition. Any petition determined outside 180 days is invalid. An appeal against the decision of an Election Tribunal is also constitutionally timebound, as it is provided that any person displeased with the decision of the National/State Assembly or Governorship election tribunal must file a notice of appeal in the registry of the Tribunal or Court within 21 days from the decision date. An appeal against the decision of the Tribunal must be disposed of by the appellate courts (Court of Appeal and Supreme Court) within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment by the Tribunal or Court. In addition, appeals from the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court shall be filed within 14 days from the date the decision appealed against was delivered. It takes approximately eight months to resolve a dispute on National/State Assembly elections, ten months in the case of a governorship election petition, and eight months to determine a presidential election petition. No matter the exigencies, or emergencies, the time fixed by the constitution to hear and determine election cases cannot be extended. This is intended to cure the mischief of the past where election petitions lasted for almost the term of office of the person whose election was questioned, thereby rendering the entire judicial process near fruitless.

Grounds for Challenging An Election Must Be Recognised By Law

Any individual or political party that intends to challenge or question the result of an election must ensure the petition is established on a valid ground or reason recognised by law. An election petition can only succeed with valid grounds recognised by the 1999 Constitution or 2022 Electoral Act. Section 134 of the Electoral Act 2022 lays out three grounds. They include:

Non-qualification: An election can be questioned if the person declared as a winner was not qualified to contest the election at the time of the election. Where a candidate fails to meet the criteria enshrined in the constitution, such a person is ineligible to contest an election. The requirements of citizenship, age (President  35 years; Senate and Governor  35 years; House of Representatives and State House of Assembly  25 years), membership and sponsorship by a political party, and education qualification are the foundational criteria for running for office. Corrupt practices and non-compliance: A petitioner must establish that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. Corrupt practices include electoral offences like election fraud, bribery, falsification of election results. Non-compliance refers to outright violations of the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines, which confers an undue advantage on a candidate or party. A petitioner should avoid lumping corrupt practices and non-compliance together under one ground to avoid the attendant negative consequences. Failure of the person declared a winner to score a majority of lawful votes: Once the person initiating the petition can establish the candidate declared a winner of an election was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election, the election will be nullified. This ground relates to errors, computational accuracy in the collation of votes, exclusion of votes against the person filing the petition and that the person declared the winner fails to meet the legal requirement to be returned as a winner.

Tribunal Judgments Are Appealable

Litigants who are dissatisfied with rulings delivered by election tribunals or courts of first instance can appeal such judgments as a matter of constitutional right. Appeals arising from the decision of the Court of Appeal in respect of a presidential election shall be heard by the Supreme Court, which is the Court of last resort. In contrast, appeals against the decision of a governorship election tribunal lie with the Court of Appeal and from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter. Lastly, appeals on National and State Assembly Election tribunal judgments are filed at the Court of Appeal, the final Court for all appeals related to legislative elections.

Conclusion

While the recourse to an unelected body of judges to resolve election disputes signals increasing faith in the judicial process, it also exposes the desperation of politicians to exploit the litigation process to clinch electoral victory. Without good judges, the aspiration of advancing electoral justice and political legitimacy may be thwarted. Charles Evans Huges, in his presidential address to the American Bar Association, described who a good judge is: An honest, high-minded, able and fearless judge is, therefore, the most servant of democracy, for he illuminates justice as he interprets and applies the law; as he makes clear the benefits and shortcomings of the standards of individual and community rights amongst a free people.

This calls for courage on the part of the judiciary to assert itself as a fundamental pillar of democracy, insulate itself from the influence of politicians and uphold the rule of law to the highest standards in the interest of democracy. By so doing, the judiciary would be the true last hope of the common man.

May good judges rise when it matters most to enforce the will of the people expressed through the ballot box.

Samson Itodo is an election, democracy, and public policy enthusiast. Itodo serves as the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa. He is also a Board member of the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Board of Advisers of International IDEA. Please send comments and feedback to sitodo@yiaga.org. He tweets @DSamsonItodo.

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Arusha  A SENIOR official with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has rooted for promotion of decent work and safety and health in the forestry sector.

Ms Alette van Leur, who is ILO's Director of the Sectoral Policies Department

(SECTOR) noted that much as the sector plays significant role in the country's economy and ecosystem stability, forestry was still grappling with a lot of challenges that needed to be resolved.

Ms van Leur outlined some of the challenges as persistent decent work deficits and poor and unsafe working conditions in the sector.

"Let's strive to address the inequalities in the sector, mindful low productivity results to low wages," observed the ILO senior official at a Sub-regional tripartite workshop on promoting decent work in the forests sector, here midweek.

Ms van Leur also expressed her concern on the rate of deforestation on the continent and other parts of the globe, calling on countries to implement all the protocols that they are party to.

According to ILO, decent work is fundamental to ensuring sustainable and productive forestry operations that are environmentally friendly, safe for those working in, and benefit the millions of people, many of whom hail from indigenous communities.

A participant from Uganda, Grace Ndabakuza called on renewing of thoughts in promoting decency in the forestry sector.

She equally rooted for the removal of what she deemed precarious working environment in the sector.

"It is high time we start promoting safety at work by coming up with decent work programmes in our respective countries," she added.

For her part, a policy and plan expert from the Prime Minister's Office (Labour, Employment, Youths and the Disabled) Fatma Urari said Tanzania was committed in implementing decent employment opportunities in the forestry sector.

She was however quick to acknowledge the informalities in the industry.

Despite its potential to promote growth and employment in rural areas, forestry is among the most hazardous sectors for workers, often characterised by decent work deficits including high incidence of informality, occupational safety and health risks, and the lack of social protection.
Twenty-two residents of Majifa, a community in Kankara Local Government, were killed by terrorists on Saturday.

Several other people in the community were also wounded in the attack.

Multiple local sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the attackers were celebrating the wedding of one of their kingpins known as Mai Katifar Mutuwa, who married a second wife around the community.

The police spokesperson of the state, Gambo Isa, confirmed the attack but told journalists the command was still gathering details of what happened.

Yes, there was an attack at Majifa. We learnt some group of bandits from Zamfara, came for a celebration and later attacked Majifa village. We also learnt there was some cattle rustling. But the report is still sketchy. I will revert as soon as I get full details, Mr Isa said in a terse statement.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered from security sources that the kingpin sent out invitations to other terrorists in the area including Zurmi and Tsafe in Zamfara State to attend his wedding.

A local source, Musa Mamman (real name hidden), a resident of Dan Marke said contrary to what some people are saying, the terrorists attacked only one community but other casualties were residents of some neighbouring villages who went to help the residents of Majifa.

Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, we saw motorcycles passing towards Lamba forest which is not far from Majifa. Later we discovered that it was Mai Katifar Mutuwa who was getting married to a Fulani lady in one of the hamlets inside Lamba forest.

You know when they do ceremonies, they normally get excited. So, they entered Majifa and started shooting sporadically and vigilante members in the area tried to defend the community, Mr Mamman said.

He said the terrorists did not abduct any resident, but killed 17 people and wounded others in Majifa alone.

The other people killed were vigilante members coming from other communities including from here (Danmarke), Gurbi, Makera, Unguwar Sale and Dan Mangoro, he said.

He said the terrorists divided themselves and launched merciless attacks on those coming into Majifa to help.

Another local source who simply gave his name as Abba said he counted 17 injured residents at the General Hospital in Kankara.

Some of the people who helped police and other vigilante members to bring the wounded people to the hospital said the number of those killed and those wounded could increase because others were still in the forest, he said.

A security operative, who asked not to be identified because he does not have permission to speak with the media, told PREMIUM TIMES that 22 people have been confirmed dead in total.

The senator-elect representing Katsina Central, Abdulaziz Yaradua, condemned the attack in a Twitter post.

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 23 innocent villagers who lost their lives in the recent bandit attack in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. This heinous act is a reminder of the continued security challenges we face in our beloved state and country. I join all well-meaning Nigerians in condemning this act of cowardice and I call on the relevant authorities to intensify efforts in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Allah grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, he tweeted via his official handle @Col_Yaradua.

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 23 innocent villagers who lost their lives in the recent bandit attack in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. This heinous act is a reminder of the continued security  Lt Col. Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua Rtd (@Col_Yaradua) March 12, 2023

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The Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, says his entourage was attacked and fired at during his campaign stop in Epe. But the police have said they were yet to see evidence of the alleged incident.

Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Mr Rhodes-Vivour described the incident as an attempt to assassinate him.

Theres been a lot of threats, we have gotten a lot of intel about the potential assassination on my life, he said.

Yesterday in Itapo, Epe, we had Honourable Wale Oluwo and Noheem (Balogun) from the PDP working with us and they were also shot at in Epe yesterday.

Mr Oluwo, the candidate of the Boot Party for the 18 March governorship election, recently endorsed the LP candidate.

He is a former commissioner in the administration of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

How we were attacked

Mr Rhodes-Vivour said as his convoy was moving out, a lot of young men came out and tried to block the road.

And obviously we cannot go in because we had quite a lot of force with us in terms of police. And it was very important that we do not show any force because what will then happen is as they were trying to propagandise Gbadebo to Chinedu and they will now say I came in there trying to take over Epe and I am using guns and all of that.

So we had the police go in there and talk to and try to allay everything. And DSS was also very helpful in that situation to neutralise the situation, but they didnt shoot at us. And they did try to intimidate.

READ ALSO:

They (DSS) went ahead and took me down from the top of the bus and put me back down and they said theres a threat in front and were going to neutralise the threat. And then as we went in there, we heard gunshots.

Speaking on his Twitter handle, Mr Rhodes-Vivour said that despite the attack, the campaign rally was great.

Yesterdays rally was great, we connected and saw supporters in Epe. We were attacked but we are all safe & secure, he tweeted.

Police

Banjanmi Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, did not answer a phone call from PREMIUM TIMES.

He, however, told Daily Trust that the police were yet to see any evidence of the attack on supporters of the Labour Party at Epe.

The police are not saying that they are lying, but like the build-up to the Presidential and National Assembly, we saw videos of attacks and those who had been injured on social media, he was quoted as saying.

There was no such evidence when the police visited the scene. We are still yet to see anyone come up to say that he or she was injured in the attack.

So for now there is no evidence to show any such attack, he said.

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MILWAUKEE, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the country's premier financial news publications has named 11 Northwestern Mutual-affiliated advisors to its list of the nation's top wealth professionals.

"Northwestern Mutual's comprehensive approach to financial planning is proven to deliver better financial results over the long-term, and our advisors are the best of the best in offering it," said Aditi Javeri Gokhale, the company's chief strategy officer, president of retail investments and head of institutional investments. "As uncertainty clouds our economic future, we're proud of our elite advisors and their teams, and all they do to provide sophisticated advice to help clients protect what they've already built while creating long-term prosperity."

The Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors ranking serves as an industry scorecard, as well as a starting point for clients seeking an advisor. When ranking advisors, Barron's evaluates a variety of quantitative factors such as assets and revenue, along with several qualitative factors including the advisors' experience, advanced degrees, industry designations, charitable contributions, and the diversity of their teams.

The Northwestern Mutual advisors recognized on this Barron's ranking include:

Jerry David, Prescient Financial Solutions, Milwaukee, WI

Michael Erpelding, Erpelding Wealth Management, Edina, MN

Tim Harrison, Harrison Financial Services, Omaha, NE

Matthew Heckmann, Heckmann Financial, Middleton, WI

Matthew Lytell, Riverwalk Wealth Advisors, Tampa, FL

Ryan B. Smith, Smith Capital Advisors, Atlanta, GA

Scott Sparks, Sparks Financial, Denver, CO

George Starnes III, G3 Wealth Advisors, Columbia, SC

Nolan Stokes, Two Lights Private Wealth, Fairfax, VA

Scott Underwood, Socium Advisors, St. Louis, MO

Matthew Wunder, Wunder Financial, Westport, CT

"With an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and superior outcomes to the clients they proudly serve, these Northwestern Mutual advisors truly stand out in the industry," said Tim Gerend, chief distribution officer, Northwestern Mutual. "Our clients, our company and our industry are so fortunate to have these mission-driven financial professionals providing trusted advice so that people can live their best lives today and in the years to come."

Along with delivering for their clients, these Northwestern Mutual advisors  and thousands more nationwide  were core to driving the company's outstanding 2022 business results. Last month, Northwestern Mutual announced a record number of total clients (more than five million), full-time financial professionals (nearly 8,000), revenue ($35 billion), surplus ($37 billion) and permanent life insurance sales. Additionally, in 2022 Northwestern Mutual Investment Services was ranked the sixth largest independent broker-dealer by total revenue by InvestmentNews and the seventh largest by Financial Advisor.

Northwestern Mutual is a leading provider of wealth management and investment solutions  with a growing number of clients turning to the company's financial advisors to help them protect and grow their wealth. The company's broad range of investment options, combined with its industry-leading risk protection solutions, gives clients the ability to achieve better long-term financial outcomes.

No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss.



About the Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors List

The Barron's Top 1,200 names the top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state's population and wealth. Rankings are based on assets under management, revenue generated by advisors for their firms, the quality of the advisors' practices, regulatory record, 100-plus points of data provided by the advisors themselves and other criteria. Neither the brokerages nor the advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for inclusion in the Barron's Top 1,200. Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success. Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors" list is based upon data as of September 30th of the preceding year.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $558 billion of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, nearly $35 billion in revenues, and $2.2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 97 on the 2022 FORTUNE 500.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

Jerry David uses Prescient Financial Solutions as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Michael Erpelding uses Erpelding Wealth Management as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Tim Harrison uses Harrison Financial Services as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Matthew Heckmann uses Heckmann Financial as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Matthew Lytell uses Riverwalk Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Ryan B. Smith uses Smith Capital Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Scott Sparks uses Sparks Financial as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual, George Starnes III uses G3 Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Nolan Stokes uses Two Lights Private Wealth as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Scott Underwood uses Socium Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual, Matthew Wunder uses Wunder Financial as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Prescient Financial Solutions, Erpelding Wealth Management, Harrison Financial Services, Heckmann Financial, Riverwalk Wealth Advisors, Smith Capital Advisors, Sparks Financial, G3 Wealth Advisors, Two Lights Private Wealth, Socium Advisors, and Wonder Financial are not registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, insurance agencies, or federal savings banks. Jerry David, Michael Erpelding, Tim Harrison, Matthew Heckmann, Matthew Lytell, Ryan B. Smith, Scott Sparks III, George Starnes, Nolan Stokes, Scott Underwood, and Matthew Wunder are Insurance Agents of NM, Registered Representatives of NMIS, and Advisors of NMWMC.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual
EVANSTON, Ill., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 160 Driving Academy's newest location in Lenexa, Kansas hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Academy.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Lenexa Location occurred on Thursday, February 23rd from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees included Mayor Michael Boehm, 160 Driving Academy Lenexa Leadership team, several media outlets, local partners and many enthusiastic students and recent graduates of the Academy.

160 Driving Academy Lenexa Leadership Team Celebrates their Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Lenexa Branch is located at 9150 Marshall Dr. Lenexa, KS 66215.

Overview of 160 Driving Academy CDL Training Programs in Lenexa:

Starting salaries for 160 Driving Academy graduates (on average) start at $65,000 /annual, with tremendous growth potential

/annual, with tremendous growth potential Commercial Truck Driving is one of today's fastest growing career paths. Estimates predict 300,000 new jobs for CDL Holders.

Technologically Driven: Our unique and data-driven programs focus deeply on driver safety and personalized analytics to provide our students with individual feedback and top of the line instruction via our proprietary App.

Lifelong Career Support: We offer continuous job placement opportunities through our subsidiary company, Truckers Network the premier job posting and hiring platform in the trucking industry.

About 160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy is the nation's largest commercial driving school. As the fastest growing vocational school in the country, in 2023, the Company will train over 35,000 students on how to safely operate a semi-truck. 160 Driving Academy is licensed and operates in 43 states and each school is certified and licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Entry Level Driver Training Program. The 160 Driving Academy is integrated with over 400 Workforce offices nationwide to create jobs for unemployed and underemployed workers.

The 160 Driving Academy supplies the largest employers in the nation with an unparalleled level of recruiting, high-quality training, safety effectiveness, and driver analytics. Many of these employers have trusted the Company to provide the majority of their driving workforce.

160 Driving Academy's sister companies, Truckers Network, and the 160 Driver Score provide the most advanced job placement and compliance scoring capabilities in the industry.

SOURCE 160 Driving Academy
LUOYANG, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The press conference of the 2023 World Research Travel Conference was held on March 8. It is said that the Conference is scheduled to start on April 3 in Luoyang, Henan Province. During the Conference, Programs of Field Trips Along the Long Yellow River in Henan and Ten Themed Routes for Field Trips will be released to the whole world. In addition, the World Research Travel Organization (WRTO) will release the Luoyang Declaration concerning field trips in Henan.

Up to now, 68 study bases have been built with more than 200 related programs, among which the programs like the "Trip to 'Yingtian Changge'" (involving a 50-meter-long mural depicting part of the history of Yingtian Gate) in Sui and Tang Dynasties Luoyang City National Heritage Park, the "Lectures of Intangible Cultural Heritage" in Luoyi Ancient City, and the "Trip to Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital", are extremely popular among tourists.

It is reported that the Conference will meanwhile launch four sub-forums featuring field trips in the ancient capital city of Luoyang, field trips by the Yellow River, innovation in outdoor education of colleges and universities, and brands of the camps providing services concerning outdoor education. A total of three field trip routes offering immersive experiences, namely "Exploring Around Luoyang", "Bluish Section of the Long Yellow River in Mengjin" and "Encounter with Tang Tri-Color Glazed Ceramics", have been launched beforehand.

Yang Zhenzhi, Executive President of WRTO, believed that Henan, a major birthplace of Chinese civilization, is also an unrivaled, marvelous place for developing the field trip sector. Yang further commented that Luoyang, as the hosting city of the Conference, is just like an "encyclopedia" of immersive field trips.

Zhu Jianwei, Deputy Director-General and a Level I Department Rank Official of the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province, said that Henan possesses precious resources and has a solid foundation for developing field trip services, and that the Conference will be helpful for Henan Province to build itself into a "world-renowned destination of field trips", so as to present to the whole world a reliable, admirable and respectable image of China.

The 2023 World Research Travel Conference is jointly hosted by the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province, the People's Government of Luoyang Municipality and WRTO.

SOURCE WRTO
The final 10-day national mobile biometric voter registration exercise begun yesterday, with some people excited that they will be voting for the first time this year.

The mobile voter registration exercise, which has a budget of $24 billion and ends on March 21, is being conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Yesterday, The Herald visited several voter registration centres in Harare and found that in some areas, people turned up in their numbers, whilst others recorded low turnout. In separate interviews, the prospective voters thanked ZEC for affording them an opportunity to register for the forthcoming elections.

Mr Gibson Nziramasanga of Sunningdale, said: "I am happy that I managed to register, I will be voting this year for the first time. The previous blitz was conducted when I was in South Africa and I thought I would never get the opportunity again."

Ms Alice Chaonza, who registered at Sunningdale 2, said the process was slow.

"I came here at 11am, but it is now one 1pm and the queue is actually moving at a snail's pace. I do not know what is happening inside," she said.

At St Peters Primary School in Mbare, those who wanted to register for the first time were being told to wait due to technical challenges, while those transferring their names to new polling stations were being prioritised.

At centres such as Gwinyai A Primary School in Mbare, people had turned up in their numbers, but the queue was also moving slowly, while at Mhizha A Primary School in Highfield, there were less than 10 people.

The situation was different at Chipembere A Primary School in Highfield, with people expressing satisfaction with the registration process.

"It is just a matter of minutes," said Mr Simbarashe Chibaya. "When I came, there were at least 15 people ahead of me and they have already been served."

In an interview, ZEC deputy chairperson, Commissioner Simukai Rodney Kiwa, said the delays in some areas could have been caused by equipment challenges.

"It's unfortunate that you observed slow voter registration at Mhizha Primary School," he said. "The Commission believes that it is one of those few isolated cases of malfunctioning equipment which do not reflect the overall picture on the ground.

"The reports countrywide indicate that the mobile voter registration started off very well with most of the centres expecting to register an average of 50 registrants on the first day.

"Low turnout in Harare and other urban areas may be due to the fact that most of the residents are already registered. For instance, there was very little activity at the ZEC Harare provincial and district offices on the first day of the exercise."

In Bulawayo, scores of people yesterday visited various registration centres to get registered, while others were transferring from one polling station to the other after relocating. Among the new registrants in Bulawayo was Mr Nathan Gadzi from Njube suburb, who said he wanted to participate in electoral processes for the first time since the country obtained independence."I was out of the country," he said. "I have been a resident in South Africa and I only returned here in 2019. I participated in the first general election that was held in 1980. So, I left after the country attained independence and I have been living in South Africa ever since.

"I married a South African woman and my children are in South Africa, but I felt it was time to come back home. So, registering to vote will enable me to enjoy my full rights as a citizen of Zimbabwe."

Mr Gadzi was registering at Egodini registration centre.

Another new registrant Mr Jonas Ndlovu said his religious beliefs had previously prevented him from registering to vote.

"I grew up in a Christian family and it was our belief that we should not participate in political issues, but now I have a different understanding. I have to vote as this is my right. I also want to make a difference with my vote," said Mr Ndlovu.

Ms Sithembinkosi Zondo, who was registering to vote at Engen Fuel Station centre in Nkulumane, said her husband was the one who influenced her to register to vote.

"I was disinterested in political matters, but my husband is the one who pushed us to register to vote," she said. "He said even the children who have turned 18 should register to vote and drove us here so that we can register to vote."

Her husband, Mr Antony Mguni, said it was a constitutional right that no citizen should not take lightly.

He said Zec should be commended for extending the voter registration closer to communities.

"This is a welcome move for ZEC to extend this programme closer to the people," said Mr Mguni. "I hope this is the same for those living in rural areas as rural communities are affected with such a process where you will find people travelling up to 15km to access registration centres."

Mr Mguni said it was critical for the voter registration programme to be streamlined with the issuance of identity cards.

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"I thought it would have been better if they coincided this process with the issuance of IDs," he said. "This because we have children that have attained 18 years, but do not have IDs and they can't register without them.

"It will be difficult for them to first queue at Msitheli and come back and register as voters which is strenuous."

Another resident, Mr Keith Munyengeterwa, said he relocated and wanted to change his polling station. He said the mobile voter registration exercise enabled him to get a chance to do so.

"I'm here to change my polling station after I changed my place of residence," he said. "It's one right to register to vote and that right should not be taken away from anyone. So, people have to come in their numbers so that they can choose whom they think should lead them."

Conclusion of the voter registration blitz will pave the way for ZEC to undertake various other activities, including opening the voters' roll for public inspection, which will lead up to the elections.

ZEC has since tabled a $130 billion budget to conduct the polls, with the Treasury expected to start disbursing the funds.

This process will lead to other routine electoral procedures such as accreditation of observers and the media, production of the voters' roll, constitution of the nomination court and establishment of the Multi-Party Liaison Committee.
Vantagepoint A.I. has clinched an eighth consecutive title as a 'Best Place to Work' in the Tampa Bay area by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantagepoint A.I. (www.vantagepointsoftware.com) has secured a position in the "larger company" category (50-99 employees) in the Best Places to Work competition by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. This year is Vantagepoint's 13th year of being featured in the list, and their 8th consecutive year as a ranking large company.

The Tampa Bay region has emerged as one of the swiftest developing markets in the United States, attracting numerous corporations to shift their headquarters to this area, while also witnessing the establishment of several new businesses in this burgeoning market. Among these, Vantagepoint A.I., a family-owned and operated enterprise, has been consistently acknowledged for its workplace environment and for being one of the fastest-growing privately-held companies in the Tampa Bay vicinity.

"Our team's feedback has been the foundation for achieving this award for eight years in a row. Such recognition is not a coincidence," said Lane Mendelsohn, President of Vantagepoint A.I. "It means so much to know that the company's workplace culture and commitment to our core values have been recognized as key aspects of our success." Mendelsohn added "Our team at Vantagepoint A.I. is akin to a closely-knit family who are passionate about empowering traders worldwide."

By introducing its patented system of neural network processes, Vantagepoint became the pioneer in providing traders with the ability to leverage artificial intelligence on their home computers. VantagePoint's innovative solution has been proven to forecast trend changes and market movements with up to 87.4% proven accuracy, up to three days in advance. The launch of its software essentially gave birth to the FinTech industry.

"I am proud of the consistent recognition the company has received as a long-standing business that has become an integral part of the Tampa Bay community," concluded Mendelsohn.

About Vantagepoint AI, LLC. Vantagepoint A.I., makers of VantagePoint AI software, forecasts Stocks, Futures, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. Second-generation, family owned, Vantagepoint employs over 80 team members and is actively committed to giving back in the Tampa Bay community including regularly donating a portion of revenue to Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Children's Cancer Center. To see artificial intelligence in action, schedule a demonstration at www.vantagepointsoftware.com/demo

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jordan Youtz

[email protected]

SOURCE VantagePoint Software
LANZHOU, PINGLIANG and QINGYANG, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --The seven-day Foreign Journalists' Visit to Gansu 2023, jointly organized by The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government and the China Center for International Communication Development of CICG, came to a successful conclusion on February 26.

The Foreign Journalists' Visit to Gansu 2023 jointly organized by The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government& and the China Center for International Communication Development of CICG comes to a successful conclusion

The delegation of journalists visited Lanzhou, the city that earned its fame for being one of the key stops along the ancient Silk Road, Qingyang, the cradle of Chinese agricultural civilization and medicine culture, and Pingliang, one of the original sources of Chinese civilization.

Understanding Gansu culture through its historical heritage

The journalists visited Lanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, Qinqiang Museum and Lanzhou Yellow River Bridge Museum, and viewed several contributions to Chinese intangible cultural heritage, including the Lanzhou Taiping Drum, the Lanzhou Drum, and the Lanzhou Gourd Carving. Through the distinctive exhibitions, the tradition-rich Qinqiang Opera performances, and precious original exhibits and miniature landscape models, they learned about the history of the bridges dotting the Yellow River, and experienced Gansu's many folk cultures and their development.

Observing sustainable development through new technologies

The delegation also visited the Comprehensive Intelligent Emergency Control Center at Lanzhou New Area Green Chemical Park, the production facilities of Gansu Hailiang New Energy Materials Co., Ltd., and the Pingliang Industrial Park (High-tech Zone) Comprehensive Energy Supply Area. They were given a tour of the area's traditional coal sector, and developed an understanding of how the sector had been transformed through an optimization of the energy structure supporting the province's traditional industries by extending the "coal industry chain", and building on top of that chain to develop energy and chemical industry clusters.

Witnessing rural revitalization in Gansu Province through field visits

The journalists also toured Maosi Village, Xiansheng Town, Xifeng District, and the Master Herbalist Cave Health Town. The walks through the restored ancient buildings and local cave farmhouses, and the stop at the top of the glass bridge from which one can take in a panoramic view of the town's scenery, gave the journalists a genuine feel for the attraction and charisma of the area's history and traditional customs. They learned more about the folk culture of eastern Gansu and the province's experience in promoting rural revitalization as well as about the area's economic and social development through the integration of culture and tourism.

Gansu province was one of the first regions in China to develop strategies for environmental protection and to promote the kind of quality development in the Yellow River Basin that takes into account the local ecology. In recent years, Gansu's government has understood the degree to which the province's "lucid waters and lush mountains" are invaluable assets, and has integrated this viewpoint into its economic and social development. With the advantages bestowed on the eastern half of Gansu as a result of its energy reserves, the province has driven quality economic development while conserving the ecological environment. Gansu aims to promote the development of its cultural tourism industry by virtue of its precise positioning in the industry and the implementation of policies that support rural revitalization.

Guo Jinshi, director general of Publicity Department of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, said that he welcomed the journalists to visit Gansu in person to collect information first-hand, to take note of the amazing changes that have taken place throughout Gansu and tell the province's story. Fan Daqi, deputy director of the China Center for International Communication Development, said that he looked forward to experiencing the cultural charm of Gansu with the world's journalists, listening to the real stories about the ecological and economic achievements made by the province, and helping build a bridge for communication between China and the rest of the world.

SOURCE The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government; China Center for International Communication Development,CICG
- More than 20 abstracts, including one late-breaking presentation, underscore AbbVie's dedication to advancing care for dermatologic conditions

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced it will present more than 20 abstracts, including one late-breaking presentation during the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, March 17-21, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

"The data at this year's AAD conference demonstrate AbbVie's commitment to investing in its dermatology portfolio to further improve outcomes for patients with immune-mediated skin conditions," said Celine Goldberger, M.D., vice president, head of U.S. medical affairs, AbbVie. "We look forward to sharing new evidence that further builds upon AbbVie's strong scientific foundation and helps to elevate the standards of care for patients."

The oral and poster presentations from AbbVie highlight research across the company's collective portfolio, further demonstrating leadership in dermatology innovation. Data feature outcomes in psoriatic disease, atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa to support patients living with immune-mediated skin conditions. Notable data presentations will include:

A late-breaking oral presentation and several poster abstracts assessing the efficacy, durability, and safety of risankizumab in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, including follow-up of over 256 weeks in patients with prior biologic treatment, as well as abstracts assessing long-term outcomes of risankizumab in patients with active psoriatic arthritis.

Subgroup analyses of outcomes, including skin clearance (EASI 75, vIGA 0/1) and patient-reported outcomes (pruritis, skin symptoms, sleep and quality of life), in adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis from three Phase 3 trials assessing the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib across 52 weeks.

A Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

Select AbbVie abstracts at AAD 2023 are outlined below. The 2023 AAD Annual Meeting e-Posters are available here and late-breaking sessions are available here.

Abstract Title Presentation Details

(All Times CT) Psoriasis Efficacy and Safety in Psoriasis Patients Switching to Risankizumab After

Suboptimal Response to Secukinumab or Ixekizumab After 52 Weeks Late-Breaking Oral Presentation; Theater B;

March 18, 2023 11:40-11:50 a.m. Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Risankizumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-

Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Interim Analysis of Results from the LIMMitless Open-

Label Extension Trial Up to Five Years of Follow-Up Poster #43928;

Poster Center 2: Poster with Oral; March 19, 2023

1:25-1:30 p.m. Long-Term Real-World Treat-to-Target Skin Clearance and Maintenance of

Response with Risankizumab in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis from

the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry Poster #44047 Poster Center 2 Poster with Oral; March 19, 2023 1:30-1:35 p.m. Risankizumab Efficacy for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis Over 256 Weeks

in Patients with Prior Biologic Treatments Poster #44102; Poster Center 2;

Poster with Oral;

March 19, 2023

1:40-1:45 p.m. Real-World Switch Rates of Biologics and Associated Costs in Patients with

Psoriasis Poster #41279; Poster Center 2; Poster with Oral;

March 19, 2023

1:45-1:50 p.m. Long-Term Efficacy of Continuous Risankizumab in Psoriasis by Body Region: An

Updated Integrated Analysis from the LIMMitless Open-Label Extension Study Poster #44022; E-poster Long-Term Improvement in Difficult-To-Treat Areas and Quality of Life in Patients

with Psoriasis Up to 204 Weeks Post Switch from Ustekinumab To Risankizumab Poster #44134; E-poster Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Risankizumab on Nail Psoriasis and Enthesitis Among Psoriatic Arthritis

Patients with High Nail Symptom Burden Poster #44094 Poster Center 2 Poster with Oral; March 19, 2023 1:35-1:40 p.m. Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Patients with Resolution of

Enthesitis and/or Dactylitis: Post Hoc Analyses from the KEEPsAKE 1 and 2 Trials

of Risankizumab in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis Poster #42267; Poster Center 2; Poster with Oral; March 19, 2023

2:05-2:10 p.m. Improvements in Manifestations of Active Psoriatic Arthritis with Risankizumab

Treatment After Intolerance or Inadequate Response to Prior Biologic Therapy:

Subgroup Analyses from the KEEPsAKE 2 Trial Poster #43944; E-poster Atopic Dermatitis Sustained Improvement Over 52 Weeks in Patient-Reported Itch, Symptoms, and

Quality of Life with Upadacitinib in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Results from

Phase 3 Studies (Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2, and AD Up) Poster #42262; Poster Center 2; Poster with Oral;

March 17, 2023

1:40-1:45 p.m. Improvement in Itch, Symptoms and Quality of Life with Upadacitinib Through

Week 16 in Adults and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: results from Phase 3

Studies (Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2 and AD Up) Poster #42065 E-poster Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Moderate-to-

Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Subgroup Analysis of the Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2

and AD Up Phase 3 Clinical Trials at 52 Weeks Poster #43049; E-poster Hidradenitis Suppurativa Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Moderate-to-Severe Hidradenitis

Suppurativa: A Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Poster #43799; Poster Center 2; Poster with Oral;

March 19, 2023

1:25-1:30 p.m.

SKYRIZI is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization of SKYRIZI globally.

About SKYRIZI (risankizumab-rzaa)

SKYRIZI is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor that selectively blocks IL-23 by binding to its p19 subunit.1 IL-23, a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes, is thought to be linked to a number of chronic immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis.1 Phase 3 trials of SKYRIZI in psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis are ongoing.2-7

SKYRIZI U.S. Uses and Important Safety Information 8

SKYRIZI is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:

moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy).

active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

moderate to severe Crohn's disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI (risankizumab-rzaa)?

SKYRIZI is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious allergic reactions:

Stop using SKYRIZI and get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

- fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)

- swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

- trouble breathing or throat tightness

- chest tightness

- skin rash, hives

- itching

Infections:

SKYRIZI may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with SKYRIZI and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with SKYRIZI if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with SKYRIZI.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

- fever, sweats, or chills

- cough

- shortness of breath

- blood in your mucus (phlegm)

- muscle aches

- warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis

- weight loss

- diarrhea or stomach pain

- burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal

Do not use SKYRIZI if you are allergic to risankizumab-rzaa or any of the ingredients in SKYRIZI. See the Medication Guide or Consumer Brief Summary for a complete list of ingredients.

Before using SKYRIZI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions,

including if you:

have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section "What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI?"

have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back.

have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.

have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). Medicines that interact with the immune system may increase your risk of getting an infection after receiving live vaccines. You should avoid receiving live vaccines right before, during, or right after treatment with SKYRIZI. Tell your healthcare provider that you are taking SKYRIZI before receiving a vaccine.

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if SKYRIZI can harm your unborn baby.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SKYRIZI passes into your breast milk.

become pregnant while taking SKYRIZI. You are encouraged to enroll in the Pregnancy Registry, which is used to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider or call 1-877-302-2161 to enroll in this registry.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of SKYRIZI?

SKYRIZI may cause serious side effects. See "What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI?"

Liver problems in Crohn's disease: A person with Crohn's disease who received SKYRIZI through a vein in the arm developed changes in liver blood tests with a rash that led to hospitalization. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver before, during, and up to 12 weeks of treatment and may stop treatment with SKYRIZI if you develop liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: unexplained rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach (abdominal) pain, tiredness (fatigue), loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark urine.

The most common side effects of SKYRIZI in people treated for Crohn's disease include: upper respiratory infections, headache, joint pain, stomach (abdominal) pain, injection site reactions, low red blood cells (anemia), fever, back pain, and urinary tract infection.

The most common side effects of SKYRIZI in people treated for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis include: upper respiratory infections, headache, feeling tired, injection site reactions, and fungal skin infections.

These are not all the possible side effects of SKYRIZI. Call your doctor for medical advice about

side effects.

Use SKYRIZI exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

SKYRIZI is available in a 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe and pen, a 600 mg/10 mL vial for intravenous infusion, and a 180 mg/1.2 mL or 360 mg/2.4 mL single-dose prefilled cartridge with on-body injector.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SKYRIZI.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About RINVOQ (upadacitinib)

Discovered and developed by AbbVie scientists, RINVOQ is a selective JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.9 Based on enzymatic and cellular assays, RINVOQ demonstrated greater inhibitory potency for JAK-1 vs JAK-2, JAK-3, and TYK-2.10 The relevance of inhibition of specific JAK enzymes to therapeutic effectiveness and safety is not currently known.



The use of upadacitinib in hidradenitis suppurativa is not approved and its safety and efficacy have not been established by global regulatory authorities. Phase 3 trials of RINVOQ in rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are ongoing.11-18

RINVOQ (upadacitinib) U.S. Use and Important Safety Information 10

USES

RINVOQ is a prescription medicine used to treat:

Adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

when 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers have been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation when a TNF blocker medicine has been used, and did not work well or could not be tolerated.

It is not known if RINVOQ is safe and effective in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Adults and children 12 years of age and older with moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis [AD]) that did not respond to previous treatment and their eczema is not well controlled with other pills or injections, including biologic medicines, or the use of other pills or injections is not recommended.

RINVOQ is safe and effective in children 12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg) with atopic dermatitis.

It is not known if RINVOQ is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about RINVOQ?

RINVOQ may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. RINVOQ can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious infections have happened while taking RINVOQ, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider (HCP) should test you for TB before starting RINVOQ and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with RINVOQ. You should not start taking RINVOQ if you have any kind of infection unless your HCP tells you it is okay. If you get a serious infection, your HCP may stop your treatment until your infection is controlled. You may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster).

RINVOQ can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious infections have happened while taking RINVOQ, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider (HCP) should test you for TB before starting RINVOQ and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with RINVOQ. You should not start taking RINVOQ if you have any kind of infection unless your HCP tells you it is okay. If you get a serious infection, your HCP may stop your treatment until your infection is controlled. You may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster). Increased risk of death in people 50 years and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor.

Cancer and immune system problems. RINVOQ may increase your risk of certain cancers. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. Current or past smokers are at higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer. Follow your HCP's advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment with RINVOQ. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight. Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun and use sunscreen.

RINVOQ may increase your risk of certain cancers. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. Current or past smokers are at higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer. Follow your HCP's advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment with RINVOQ. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight. Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun and use sunscreen. Increased risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, in people 50 years and older who have at least 1 heart disease (CV) risk factor, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs and arteries can happen with RINVOQ. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years and older and with at least 1 heart disease (CV) risk factor.

Blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs and arteries can happen with RINVOQ. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years and older and with at least 1 heart disease (CV) risk factor. Allergic reactions. Symptoms such as rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, that may mean you are having an allergic reaction have been seen in people taking RINVOQ. Some of these reactions were serious. If any of these symptoms occur during treatment with RINVOQ, stop taking RINVOQ and get emergency medical help right away.

Symptoms such as rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, that may mean you are having an allergic reaction have been seen in people taking RINVOQ. Some of these reactions were serious. If any of these symptoms occur during treatment with RINVOQ, stop taking RINVOQ and get emergency medical help right away. Tears in the stomach or intestines and changes in certain laboratory tests. Your HCP should do blood tests before you start taking RINVOQ and while you take it. Your HCP may stop your RINVOQ treatment for a period of time if needed because of changes in these blood test results.

Do not take RINVOQ if you are allergic to upadacitinib or any of the ingredients in RINVOQ. See the Medication Guide or Consumer Brief Summary for a complete list of ingredients.

What should I tell my HCP BEFORE starting RINVOQ?

Tell your HCP if you:

Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won't go away or keeps coming back, or have symptoms of an infection, such as:

















- Fever, sweating, or chills - Shortness of breath - Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body - Muscle aches - Feeling tired - Blood in phlegm - Diarrhea or stomach pain - Cough - Weight loss - Burning when urinating or urinating more often than normal

Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.

Are a current or past smoker.

Have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke.

Have or have had any type of cancer, hepatitis B or C, shingles (herpes zoster), blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs, diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine), or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.

Have other medical conditions, including liver problems, low blood cell counts, diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system.

Live, have lived, or have traveled to parts of the country, such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest, that increase your risk of getting certain kinds of fungal infections. If you are unsure if you've been to these types of areas, ask your HCP.

and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest, that increase your risk of getting certain kinds of fungal infections. If you are unsure if you've been to these types of areas, ask your HCP. Have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People who take RINVOQ should not receive live vaccines.

Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Based on animal studies, RINVOQ may harm your unborn baby. Your HCP will check whether or not you are pregnant before you start RINVOQ. You should use effective birth control (contraception) to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with RINVOQ and for 4 weeks after your last dose.

Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. RINVOQ may pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with RINVOQ and for 6 days after your last dose.

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RINVOQ and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

Especially tell your HCP if you take:

Medicines for fungal or bacterial infections

Rifampicin or phenytoin

Medicines that affect your immune system

If you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines, ask your HCP or pharmacist.

What should I avoid while taking RINVOQ?

Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with RINVOQ as it may increase the risk of side effects.

What should I do or tell my HCP AFTER starting RINVOQ?

Tell your HCP right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. RINVOQ can make you more likely to get infections or make any infections you have worse.

Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking RINVOQ, including:

- Discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back

- Severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw

- Pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort

- Breaking out in a cold sweat

- Nausea or vomiting

- Feeling lightheaded

- Weakness in one part or on one side of your body

- Slurred speech

Tell your HCP right away if you have any signs or symptoms of blood clots during treatment with RINVOQ, including:





















- Swelling - Pain or tenderness in one or both legs - Sudden unexplained chest or upper back pain - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Tell your HCP right away if you have a fever or stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

What are other possible side effects of RINVOQ?

Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), shingles (herpes zoster), herpes simplex virus infections (including cold sores), bronchitis, nausea, cough, fever, acne, headache, increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, allergic reactions, inflammation of hair follicles, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, increased weight, flu, tiredness, lower number of certain types of white blood cells (neutropenia, lymphopenia), muscle pain, flu-like illness, rash, increased blood cholesterol levels, and increased liver enzyme levels.

A separation or tear to the lining of the back part of the eye (retinal detachment) has happened in people with atopic dermatitis treated with RINVOQ. Call your HCP right away if you have any sudden changes in your vision during treatment with RINVOQ.

These are not all the possible side effects of RINVOQ.

How should I take RINVOQ?

RINVOQ is taken once a day with or without food. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet. Take RINVOQ exactly as your HCP tells you to use it. RINVOQ is available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg extended-release tablets.

This is the most important information to know about RINVOQ. For more information, talk to your HCP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for RINVOQ.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

AbbVie Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, failure to realize the expected benefits from AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan plc ("Allergan"), failure to promptly and effectively integrate Allergan's businesses, competition from other products, challenges to intellectual property, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry and the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

References:

Duvallet E., Sererano L., Assier E., et al. Interleukin-23: a key cytokine in inflammatory diseases. Ann Med. 2011. Nov 43(7):503-11. A Study on the long-term efficacy and safety of risankizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03047395. Accessed on February 17, 2023 . A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03105128. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Participants With Ulcerative Colitis. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03398135. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Induction Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03398148. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . BI 655066/ABBV-066/Risankizumab Compared to Placebo in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03675308. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . BI 655066/ABBV-066/Risankizumab Compared to Placebo in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03671148. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . SKYRIZI (risankizumab) [Package Insert]. North Chicago, Ill. : AbbVie Inc. Pipeline  Our Science | AbbVie. AbbVie. 2019. Available at: https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/pipeline.html. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . RINVOQ (upadacitinib) [Package Insert]. North Chicago, Ill. : AbbVie Inc. A Study Comparing Upadacitinib (ABT-494) to Placebo in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis on a Stable Dose of Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs) Who Have an Inadequate Response to csDMARDs Alone (SELECT-NEXT). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02675426. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . Evaluation of Upadacitinib in Adolescent and Adult Patients With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) (Measure Up 1). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03569293. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study Comparing Upadacitinib (ABT-494) to Placebo and to Adalimumab in Participants With Psoriatic Arthritis Who Have an Inadequate Response to at Least One Non-Biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (SELECT - PsA 1). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03104400. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Adult Participants With Axial Spondyloarthritis (SELECT AXIS 2). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04169373. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib (ABT-494) in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease Who Have Inadequately Responded to or Are Intolerant to Biologic Therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03345836. Accessed on Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib (ABT-494) for Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis (UC). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02819635. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Participants With Giant Cell Arteritis (SELECT-GCA). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03725202. Accessed on March 8, 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Subjects With Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) (SELECT-TAK). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04161898. Accessed on March 8, 2022 .

US-MULT-230266

SOURCE AbbVie
Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today announced certain senior management changes and that it will release its first quarter 2023 results on Thursday, April 27, 2023, after normal trading hours. Additionally, the Company will host its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM") the following day, Friday, April 28, 2023, in a hybrid format (in Toronto and virtually).

SENIOR MANAGEMENT CHANGES

After more than 17 years with Agnico Eagle, David Smith, most recently the Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, has made the decision to retire as of April 28, 2023. David was instrumental in building the Company's best in class investor relations team and has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2012.

"We want to thank Dave for his many contributions and guidance during his long career with Agnico Eagle. Dave has been an important member of our senior executive team for the last 17 years, a period where we grew our annual gold production from approximately 250,000 ounces to more than 3 million ounces. Dave is also a good personal friend to many of us at Agnico Eagle and we appreciate his decision to spend more time with his family. We wish him a happy retirement," said Ammar Al-Joundi, Agnico Eagle's President and Chief Executive Officer.

With Mr. Smith's retirement, the Company is pleased to announce that Mr. Jamie Porter will be joining Agnico Eagle effective as of May 1, 2023, in the position of Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer.

Jamie has over 20 years of progressive experience in the mining industry. Most recently, Jamie was the Chief Financial Officer of Alamos Gold Inc., a position he held from 2011 after joining Alamos Gold in 2005. Prior to Alamos Gold, Jamie was Controller and Corporate Secretary for a Central American-based gold producer, and started his career at PwC. Jamie is a Chartered Professional Accountant and in 2022 he was recognized as a CPA Ontario Fellow, which is the highest distinction for a Chartered Professional Accountant and recognizes an individual's outstanding career achievements and valuable community contributions. Additionally, in 2016 and 2017, Jamie was the recipient of the Best Investor Relations by a CFO (small and mid-cap) Award at the IR Magazine Awards (Canada). He holds a Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies from the Western University and is also a Certified Public Accountant in the United States (Illinois).

"We are excited to have Jamie join our senior executive team. Jamie is a seasoned mining executive and proven leader, who will bring strong financial, investor relations and strategic planning skills to Agnico Eagle. We look forward to him contributing from day one" said Ammar Al-Joundi.

FIRST QUARTER 2023 RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 08:30 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast :

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via URL Entry :

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://bit.ly/3VJ2EKh to receive an instant automated call back. You can also dial direct to be entered to the call by an Operator (See "Via Telephone" details below).

Via Telephone :

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 416-764-8659 or toll-free 1-888-664-6392. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay archive :

Please dial 416-764-8677 or toll-free 1-888-390-0541, access code 175235#. The conference call replay will expire on May 28, 2023.

The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

ANNUAL MEETING

The AGM will begin on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 am (E.D.T). During the AGM, management will provide an overview of the Company's activities.

Hybrid Format

The AGM will be held in person at the Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, Simpson Tower, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2Y4 and online at: https://meetnow.global/M5UPTSH.

The Company is conducting a hybrid meeting that will allow registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders to participate both online and in person. The Company is providing the virtual format in order to provide shareholders with an equal opportunity to attend and participate at the AGM.

For details explaining how to attend, communicate and vote virtually at the AGM please see the Company's Management Information Circular which will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Shareholders who have questions about voting their shares or attending the AGM may contact Investor Relations by telephone at 416.947.1212, by toll-free telephone at 1.888.822.6714 or by email at [email protected] or the Company's strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, at 1-877-452-7184 (toll free in North America), at 1-416-304-0211 (for collect calls outside of North America), or by e-mail at [email protected].

Investor Relations

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

145 King Street East, Suite 400

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7

[email protected]

Telephone: 416-947-1212

Fax: 416-367-4681

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. It has a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects in these countries as well as in the United States. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading environmental, social and governance practices. The Company was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
BENGALURU, India, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance University's School of Law held the Justice N. Santosh Hegde National Moot Court Competition with registration from 38 teams and participation of more than 100 students representing 11 states. Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor and Dr. Anubha Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Alliance University along with Dr. Kiran D. Gardner, Dean, Alliance School of Law welcomed the participants to Alliance University on the first day. This was followed by an orientation session, researchers' test, draw of lots and memorial exchange for preliminary rounds.

Clockwise: Justice N. Santosh Hegde Delivering the Keynote during the Inaugural of the National Moot Court Competition; Justice Michael John DCunha (C) along with Ms. Roopa Doraswamy (R) and Dr. Mukul Saxena (L) judging the finals; Winners being awarded; and Participants along with volunteers of the Alliance University National Moot Court Competition after the event

The next day Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge Supreme Court of India; former Solicitor General of India; and former Lokayukta, State of Karnataka inaugurated the event with an address where he stated that law is a wonderful profession financially and reputation-wise. He encouraged students to work for the cause of justice and towards the welfare of the society.

Fierce battles were fought during the preliminary rounds judged by Alliance School of Law Alumni and semi-final rounds were judged by Mr. Gaurav Sahay, Partner, Link Legal, Mr. Priyesh Sharma, Assistant Vice-President (Legal), Nucleus Office Parks, and members from academia. The final round of the competition was judged by Justice Michael John D'Cunha, former Judge Karnataka High Court; Ms. Roopa Doraswamy, Acting Legal Head at Microland and Co-founder at Flywork.io; and Dr. Mukul Saxena, Professor at Alliance School of Law.

All girls' dominated teams were at their best for the finals. They impressed the judges with their research, legal reasoning and oratory skills and left no stones unturned in their attempt to win the competition. During the valedictory, Justice D'Cunha praised the efforts and commitment of the finalists and was happy to state that the participants were well-prepared and legal profession will be in safe hands. School of Law, SASTRA Deemed University emerged as winner to bag the trophy and cash prize of Rs. 30,000/-. IFIM Law College was the runner-up and won a trophy and cash prize of Rs. 20,000/-. Individuals also won awards for Best Memorial, Best Researcher, and Best Speaker.

The event that witnessed intellectually stimulating discussions from participants across the country concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shyam Kishore, Associate Dean, Alliance School of Law. All participants were thoroughly impressed by the way the competition was professionally hosted by Alliance University.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031255/National_Moot_Court_Competition_AU.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1966520/AU_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Alliance University
CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association applauds the decision by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide coverage of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved lecanemab (Leqembi). We appreciate the agency's thoughtful approach to making this decision.

"This is an important step toward access to medically necessary and beneficial treatments for people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's, a fatal disease," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO. "Each day matters to someone living with early stage Alzheimer's when it comes to slowing the progression of this disease and for our nation's veterans living with Alzheimer's, today is a good day."

In sharp contrast, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to ignore the needs of their beneficiaries living with Alzheimer's. Each day CMS blocks access to treatment, more than 2,000 individuals aged 65 or older transition from mild dementia due to Alzheimer's to a more advanced stage of the disease where they are no longer eligible. Treatments taken in the early stages of Alzheimer's would allow people more time to participate in daily life, remain independent and make health care decisions for their future.

While the Alzheimer's Association does not agree with all elements of the VHA's criteria for use, we commend the Biden Administration for this important action today on behalf of veterans living with Alzheimer's and their families.

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia  by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

SOURCE Alzheimers Association
~National Sexual Abuse Law firm urges others to come forward~

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 13th, 2023, Andreozzi + Foote filed a lawsuit against the Philadelphia School District,Tyree Dumas, Dollar Boyz, Inc. aka DollarBoyz, and Y-Not (Youth Now on Top). The lawsuit alleges the School District and the other defendants were negligent, careless, and reckless in their failure to protect children under their direct care from Howard Rubin, the Philadelphia school police officer, who pled guilty to child sexual abuse offenses in 2021.

Related Documents View PDF Court Filing

The lawsuit names Howard Rubin as the perpetrator of the child sexual abuse against John Doe, the firm's client in the lawsuit. Rubin, now a well-known sex offender, was a former Philadelphia school police officer, once called the "Hip-Hop Cop For the Stars." Rubin's role with the School District and the other defendants gave him access to children even after he had a well-known history of child sexual abuse allegations.

As far back as 2014, it was being publicly reported that Rubin was accused of child sexual abuse. That year, Rubin was fired from a school where he then worked due to the allegations. Years later, Rubin was finally charged for the abuse. Now, Rubin is serving a lengthy prison term.

Stated Nathaniel Foote, the victim's attorney: "Howard Rubin is a monster who used his role as a youth mentor and school police officer to gain access to and groom children for abuse. Thankfully, he was eventually prosecuted and put in prison. However, over many years, the organizations and schools with which Rubin was affiliated knew about allegations against him but failed to stop him. This lawsuit seeks to hold everyone accountable who failed to stop Rubin before it was too late."

It is believed there are many other children abused by Howard Rubin who have not yet come forward, as indicated during a press conference by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner last Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Andreozzi + Foote urges those victims to come forward to seek justice by contacting the District Attorney's Office, or Andreozzi + Foote.

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading law firm representing victims of abuse against powerful organizations like school districts. If you, or a loved one, is seeking legal counsel related to abuse by Howard Rubin, or anyone else in a position of trust, , contact us for a free consultation at (866) 405-3305 or visit victimscivilattorneys.com.

For press access, reporters can contact Nathaniel Foote at [email protected]

SOURCE Andreozzi + Foote
ADA has partnered with Arizona's Poison Centers in opposition to SB1271

PHOENIX, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Dispensaries Association (ADA), the voice of Arizona's cannabis industry, along with Arizona Poison Centers, aim to educate consumers on the dangers of hemp products that are intoxicating and oppose SB1271.

The ADA is no longer neutral on Arizona Senate Bill 1271 (SB 1271). "Since the Bill does not provide any of the amendments discussed in hearings to remove intoxicating products, the Arizona Dispensaries Association has recently registered as opposed to SB 1271," said Ann Torrez, executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association.

SB 1271 allows for the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products without parody in oversight or regulation as seen in the marijuana industry. Products may not have the same stringent testing for toxic chemical byproducts along with excessive and dangerous amounts of THC in these products. More information about the bill can be found at stop1271.com.

Hemp-derived impairing products are similar to the "black market THC vapes" that caused the EVALI vaping crisis. There is a loophole which puts hemp-derived products containing unlimited amounts of intoxicants in compliance with the Farm Bill definition of hemp. This is very concerning because impairing delta 8,delta-9, and other products are being sold and will continue to be sold in the marketplace with far higher concentrations of THC than what is allowed in Arizona's marijuana program. The current loophole is also allowing counterfeit products which replicate children's candy and licensed cannabis brands which creates tremendous consumer confusion.

Arizona Poison Centers saw 739 cases of cannabis-related incidents in 2022, over half of which involved children. Of the 394 pediatric cases, 60% involved a hospital visit.

"We're asking our legislators to not pass SB1271 to prevent the proliferation of intoxicating products." "Arizona voters have trusted our legislators to honor their wishes that intoxicating products are sold in a legal, regulated and limited manner," said Torrez.

On March 6, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH) offered the following comment on Arizona's proposed SB 1271: "Make no mistake, SB 1271 will permit anyone with an industrial hemp license in Arizona to produce unregulated and untaxed intoxicating products which could create one of the largest loopholes for intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids in the country. The bill unequivocally would permit the legal sales of intoxicating cannabinoid products without age verification and to children and unwittingly allow retail outlets such as convenience stores and gas stations to sell products that are the functional equivalents of regulated intoxicating products sold at adult-use dispensaries; yet without any public health and safety guardrails like that of Arizona's adult-use cannabis program."

Additionally, according to Arizona Department of Revenue, the Arizona cannabis industry has contributed $124 million in tax revenue to improve our state since January 2021. If SB 1271 passes, future tax revenue could significantly decrease. "The Arizona Dispensaries Association wants to see the tax revenue continue to go right back into our local economy," said Torrez.

"The ADA's primary mission is to promote and advocate for a safe, consumer-focused cannabis industry in Arizona," said Torrez. "We aim to continuously educate consumers on the importance of visiting only licensed dispensaries and consuming only THC and CBD products that have been lab tested and approved."

To find out more, visit the Arizona Dispensaries Association website.

For more resources and information from the Arizona Poison Centers, please visit https://azpoison.com/ or https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/poison-drug-information

About Arizona Dispensaries Association

The Arizona Dispensaries Association (ADA) is the voice of Arizona's cannabis industry. ADA is dedicated to advancing the Arizona cannabis industry through political advocacy, public education, and professionalization. Our mission is to promote and advocate for a safe, consumer-focused cannabis industry in Arizona.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alison Walsh

Serendipit Consulting

[email protected]

602.741.0866

SOURCE Arizona Dispensaries Association
WISTON, England , March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The passenger-to-freighter conversions market has experienced rapid and unprecedented growth over the last three years. Here, Jim Scott, owner of components solutions specialist Artemis Aerospace, discusses this impressive market expansion and how PTF conversions programmes are adapting to future demands.

How the passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion market took off (PRNewsfoto/Artemis Aerospace)

When the pandemic pulled the plug on global air travel in 2020, the aviation industry was left reeling. Air passenger traffic was cut off overnight and billions were wiped from industry revenues. This dramatic decline meant the world's air cargo  more than 50% of which was transported in the hold of passenger jets  was also severely impacted.

Despite freight aircraft continuing to operate, the grounding of passenger fleets resulted in a huge gap for air cargo operations that relied heavily on the extensive route networks travelled by passenger airlines.

Yet demand for air cargo capacity during this time was not waning. As well as the need to transport essential medical equipment and supplies, the sudden acceleration in e-commerce meant logistics providers, eager to take advantage of this growing sector, were searching for quick solutions to satisfy e-consumers' appetites for fast and efficient deliveries.

In response, airlines adapted quickly seeking to mitigate huge losses by redeploying their passenger aircraft as 'preighters'.

As passenger flights resumed, and demand for travel began to grow again, many of these 'preighters' have since returned to normal service.

However, with global e-commerce sales expected to grow by 10.4% in 2023, and 57% of people reporting that they shop internationally, according to Forbes, the need for air cargo capacity remains strong.

As supply chain logistics diversify and adapt to meet an ever-increasing list of customer expectations, the demand for new freighter aircraft has intensified with MROs working round the clock to fulfil orders.

The PTF market faces numerous challenges and resolving these has become essential for airlines that require flexibility in a continuously evolving industry.

One company that has been pioneering innovative, advanced and agile PTF solutions is Artemis's customer Avensis Aviation with its portfolio of fully reversible cargo modifications, including MEDIUS  the first and only EASA STC certified conversion of its kind.

Initially launched by Avensis's customer TAP Air Portugal for its division TAP Air Cargo in September, MEDIUS is a completely reversible solution that transforms passenger cabins into full Class-E cargo compartments, allowing airlines the freedom to adapt quickly to industry demands.

Suitable for both narrow and widebody aircraft types, and incorporating a supernumerary cabin section, MEDIUS is undoubtedly a practical choice for airlines that need to consider aircraft leasing restrictions while responding to fluctuating demands.

Boeing's 2022 World Air Cargo Forecast predicts the global freighter fleet will grow by more than 60% by 2041 with the Asia-Pacific region taking more than a third of deliveries. For airlines, this presents multiple opportunities for future-proofing their businesses.

Sources

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/ecommerce-statistics/

https://www.aircargonews.net/services/freighter-conversions-mro/avensis-gains-stc-for-its-reversible-freighter-conversion-solution/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031740/Inside_freight_aircraft.jpg

SOURCE Artemis Aerospace
International partnership will see sensor installations in senior care facilities in all of Austco's operating regions, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US.

DALLAS and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Austco, an international manufacturer of nurse call systems and healthcare communications solutions for hospitals and senior care facilities, has partnered with Vayyar, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, to provide touchless, camera-free fall detection and activity monitoring.

Austco is partnering with Vayyar to bring touchless fall detection and activity monitoring to its global care provider customer base.

Austco plans to integrate Vayyar Care devices directly with its Tacera nurse call platform to power several solutions for different segments of the market: independent living and aged care, remote patient monitoring, and dementia/memory care. The integrated solution will provide fall alerts in all scenarios, including those when resident or patient is unable to operate a standard alarm system, or has neglected to put on a wearable device.

Austco will also leverage the rich behavioral data gathered by Vayyar Care. Insights into how long residents spend alone in their suites, in bed or at rest, and the frequency and duration of bathroom visits will reveal a range of issues. These include changes in residents' clinical conditions, reduced mobility, level of medication compliance, morbidities such as UTIs (urinary tract infections), and mental condition, such as early signs of depression.

With the ability to "see" residents in all conditions without revealing personally identifying information, the integrated solution gives caregivers the visibility they need to monitor residents and patients without violating their privacy.

Austco is planning installations across the company's key geographies, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Europe, the US and Canada.

In independent and assisted living, the focus will be on fall reduction and prevention by identifying behavioral changes and detecting "hidden" falls  incidents that residents often fail to report but which are the leading predictor of subsequent, more serious falls.

In higher acuity facilities such as skilled nursing and post-acute care, Austco will assess and mitigate fall risk through multifactorial activity analytics and vital signs monitoring, while in memory care, operators will be able to overcome the challenge of residents' inability to report health and wellbeing issues through 24/7 monitoring.

The integrated solution will also enable a suite of automated applications such as lighting, environmental control, and security features, that will reduce risk and enhance comfort for residents in all types of facilities.

"Residents and patients deserve both protection and privacy, and caregivers and facility administrators need a new level of data-driven insight," said Kevin Higgins, VP of Product, Austco. "Integrating Vayyar's best-in-class camera-free technology will keep Austco at the cutting edge of emerging monitoring markets, as we look to expand worldwide."

Easing the burden on facility staff is a key dimension of the partnership. Vayyar Care's exceptionally high accuracy rate enables caregivers to instantly verify that a real fall has occurred, mitigating alarm fatigue  and potential delayed response  due to resident overuse of nurse call systems.

"Integrating with a system of the caliber of Austco's is a significant milestone for our solution," said Guy Meger, Head of Vayyar Care Business Unit. "Our technology is designed and built to provide the data that will transform the industry and I'm excited to collaborate with Austco on driving that change."

This data is at the core of an emerging model of predictive, data-driven care that will enhance resident and patient outcomes, reduce the burden on frontline caregivers, and increase profitability for healthcare facilities across all categories.

About Austco

Austco is a worldwide provider of IP Nurse Call Solutions with over 30 years experience in the healthcare market, across 4500+ sites, in over 60 countries. With products designed to comply with global healthcare standards, the Austco team is fully committed to providing quality products and global support services to all our clients. Our flexibility to integrate into various technologies enables a healthcare facility to continue to drive efficiencies to achieve an overall quality healthcare solution. Austco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Austco Healthcare Ltd (ASX: AHC).

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

+1.972.929.0974

About Vayyar Care

Vayyar Care's touchless 4D imaging radar gathers the data caregivers need to protect residents, as well as their dignity, privacy, and independence. The solution delivers instant fall detection and 24/7 visibility on room presence, mobility, time at rest, bathroom visits and more, overcoming the limitations of standard technologies. Vayyar Care is interoperable with any nurse call system and care platform, enabling person-centered, predictive care that enhances outcomes and staff efficiency.

vayyar.com/care/b2b

Contact:

Marc McGrann,

US Director of Sales

[email protected]

+1 919 747 401 899

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031023/Austco_Vayyar_Care.jpg

SOURCE Vayyar Care; Austco
AFTER keenly fought National Assembly contests across 98 senatorial zones and 325 federal constituencies on February 25, only 17 women are left standing.

No fewer than 92 women fought for 109 senatorial seats and 288 women contested for the 360 House of Representatives seats. There were 1101 senatorial candidates and 3,122 House of Representatives flagbearers in all.

So far, 11 senatorial and 35 House of Representatives slots are yet to be occupied due to inconclusive polls that will be conducted on March 18, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Unless women win more seats on Saturday during the 46 polls, only 17 of them will be in the 10th National Assembly made up of three senators and 14 Reps.

While none of the eight serving female senators will be in the 10th Senate, seven of the 14 female Reps are returning legislators.

The number of those elected is a great setback for women representations in the Senate where they had eight slots in the 9th Senate but a slight improvement of in the House of Representatives where figure increased from 13 to 14.

As it is, with 17 women, 2023 marks the worst outing for women since 1999 when 16 women (three senators and 13 Reps) served in the National Assembly. The best outing for women, so far, was in 2007 (see table) when 36 women (9 senators, 27 Reps) made it to both chambers.

Attempt to provide 111 special seats for women in the National Assembly to bridge the wide gender gap in the federal legislature failed as a bill proposed to that effect was not voted on during the last constitutional amendments.

Currently, women's representation in Nigeria's parliament is among the lowest in the world. The overall national average for women participation is around 6 per cent for elective and appointive positions which is below the West African sub regional average of 15 per cent. Nigeria ranks 32 out of 35 sub-Saharan countries when it comes to representation of women in politics.

Dwindling fortunes of women in NASS

1999 (4th Assembly): 3 Senators, 13 Reps

2003 (5th Assembly): 4 Senators, 21Reps

2007 (6th Assembly): 9 Senators, 27 Reps

2015 (8th Assembly): 7 Senators, 22 Reps

2019 (9th Assembly): 8 Senators, 13 Reps

2023 (10th Assembly): 3 Senators, 14 Reps

Senators-elect

*Banigo Ipalibo Harry, PDP, Rivers West

*Ireti Heebah Kingibe, LP, FCT, Abuja

*Adebule Idiat Oluranti, APC, Lagos West

House of Reps

*Nnabuife Chinwe Clara, YPP, Orumba North/Orumba South, Anambra *Orogbu Obiageli, LP, Awka North/Awka South , Anambra

*Gwacham Maureen Chime, APGA, Oyi/Ayamelum, Anambra

*Regina Akume, APC, Gboko/Tarka, Benue

*Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, PDP, Ethiope East/Ethiope West, Delta

*Fatima Talba, APC, Nangre/Potiskum, Yobe

*Onuh Onyeche Blessing, APC, Otukpo/Ohimini Benue

*Zainab Gimba, APC, Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge, Borno

*Beni Butmak Lar, PDP, Lantang North/Lantang South, Plateau

*Goodhead Boma, PDP, Akuku Toru/Asari Toru, Rivers

*Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, APC, Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa, Yobe

*Onuoha Miriam Odinaka, APC, Isiala Mbano/Okigwe/Onuimo, Imo *Adewunmi Ariyomi Onanuga, APC, Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North, Ogun KingibeIreti, wife of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and 1993 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, was born on June 2, 1954. Ireti, who is also the younger sister of Ajoke Mohammed, the wife of former Head of State, Major General Murtala Muhammed, won the sole Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja sole seat.

She was educated at Queens College, Lagos; Washington Irving High School, and the University of Minnesota, United States, where she bagged a degree in Civil Engineering.

The Senator-elect worked as a quality control engineer at the Bradley Precast Concrete Inc from 1978 to 1979/ Ireti was project supervisor for the Directorate of Works at the Nigerian Air Force station in Ikeja, Lagos between 1981 and 1982, after completing the mandatory one-year national youth service.

She joined the Minnesota Department of Transportation Design unit, where she worked as an engineer between 1979 and 1991.

She entered partisan politics in 1991 when she joined the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). She was appointed as the adviser to the party's national chairman.

Ipalibo

Dr Ipalibo, the medical doctor-turn-politician is the deputy governor of Rivers State. Born to the Harry family of Obuama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State on December 20, 1952, she is the first female deputy governor of Rivers State and has been in the saddlesince May 29, 2015.

Ipalibo was schooled in Queens College, Yaba, Lagos between 1964 and 1968 and returned to the same school between 1969 and 1970 for a high school result.

Thereafter, she proceeded to the University of Ibadan and obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and qualified as a medical doctor in 1976.

Adebule

Born on November 27, 1970, at Alaworo in Ojo Local Government area of Lagos State, Dr Adebule is a writer, educationist, and a politician. The lecturer-turn politician served as the 15th deputy governor of Lagos state and the sixth woman to occupy the office from 2015 to 2019.

She began her working career as an academic at Lagos State College of Primary Education, LACOPED, Noforija, Epe as a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies and later transferred her service to the Lagos State University as a lecturer in the Department of Curriculum Studies and later Language Arts and Social Studies in the Faculty of Education.

Her political sojourn started with an appointment as a commissioner 1 in the Lagos State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (PP-TESCOM), now Teachers' Establishment and Pensions Office, by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from October 2000 to February 2005 and later as board member of the Lagos State Scholarship Board from February 2005 to November 2005.

She was appointed Secretary to the State Government by the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in July 2011. She was elected as deputy governor Akinwunmi Ambode in 2015.

Lilian Orogbu

Professor Lilian Orogbu, a lecturer in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, won the Awka North and South federal constituency of Anambra State on the platform of the LP.

Professor Orogbu, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe, is a Professor of Strategic Human Resource Management. The accomplished administrator has served in many capacities in the university including being head of the Department of Business Administration.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

The returning officer of INEC, Mr Uche Nriagu, declared the Labour Party candidate, Lilian Orogbu winner with 29,629 votes, defeating her closest rival, Obi Nwankwo, who got 18,081 votes.

Khadija Bukar Abba

Khadija Bukar Abba is a four-time member of the House of Representatives, representing Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Tarmuwa federal constituency of Yobe State. She is returning for the fifth time. She was first elected in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Abba has also served as commissioner for transport and energy, Yobe State, as well as minister of state for Foreign Affairs under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Regina Akume

Regina Akume is the wife of Senator George Akume, a former two-term governor of Benue State, and current Minister of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties.

Blessing Onuh

Onuh Onyechi Blessing is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark.

Beni Lar

Beni Lar is the daughter of late foremost politician , Second Republic Governor of Plateau State, and first National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Solomon Lar.

She has served in various committees of the House of Representatives such as Women Affairs and Human Rights.

Ibori-Suenu

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is the daughter of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori. She won the Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State on the platform of the PDP. She was elected after scoring 20,814 votes, while her closest rival, Halims Agoda of the APC, got 15,172 votes.
First to Connect are CVS Health, Cleveland Clinic, Elevance Health, and Sentara Healthcare

CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avaneer Health, a secure digital network for healthcare, today announced that it has launched its private, peer-to-peer network with several leading healthcare organizations. With a single connection to the Avaneer Network, participants can collaborate and share real-time data, streamlining healthcare administration and enhancing the healthcare experience for all stakeholders.

For decades, the healthcare industry has been challenged with fragmented data silos, numerous point-to-point connections, layers of technology debt, incomplete information and manual processes. The Avaneer Network is building a secure healthcare data fabric to help solve for these challenges. It is the first of its kind peer-to-peer network created exclusively for healthcare to accelerate care delivery with connectivity between payers, providers and innovators to drive efficiencies, reduce costs and improve outcomes.

CVS Health, Cleveland Clinic, Elevance Health, & Sentara Healthcare First to Connect to Avaneer's Decentralized Network Tweet this

"When we were founded, we embraced a bold vision of a new way to enable data fluidity in healthcare, one that began in 2017 by a group of industry leaders that were committed to re-inventing healthcare from the inside out. This vision is now built and live," said Stuart Hanson, CEO of Avaneer Health. "Our secure and trusted network creates the foundation for innovation that will reimagine healthcare administration and save billions of dollars each year. It's an incredibly exciting time for Avaneer Health, our partners and the industry. We finally have the answer to reducing administrative costs while focusing on the patient and clinician experience."

Advantages of the Avaneer Health network include:

Streamlines revenue cycle and lowers costs: With a single connection to the network, participants can collaborate and share real-time data, streamlining healthcare administration. Real-time access to data that is current and automatically updated maximizes efficiencies.

With a single connection to the network, participants can collaborate and share real-time data, streamlining healthcare administration. Real-time access to data that is current and automatically updated maximizes efficiencies. Strengthens data security and protection: The network seeks to protect against data breaches with a secure platform that features an immutable audit trail and is decentralized, so data remains in control of its originator.

The network seeks to protect against data breaches with a secure platform that features an immutable audit trail and is decentralized, so data remains in control of its originator. Empowers innovation and collaboration: Participants can subscribe to and launch innovative solutions in collaboration with payers and providers. With such close collaboration between parties, they can work together to create joint processes that are more efficient and effective.

Participants can subscribe to and launch innovative solutions in collaboration with payers and providers. With such close collaboration between parties, they can work together to create joint processes that are more efficient and effective. Improves patient experience: Streamlined processes expedite care, resulting in cohesive processes that create better patient experiences, as well as less administrative burden for payers, clinicians and provider teams.

"This advancement is a foundational step towards simplifying health care processes, which streamlines finding and transacting with peers on a secure, permissioned network," said Sherif Kamel, SVP Enterprise Delivery at CVS Health. "We're excited by the real-time capabilities this unlocks and look forward to enabling these services on the Avaneer Health network."

"Joining the network and transacting differently with payers and other providers will enable healthcare organizations to improve efficiencies and automate administrative processes, resulting in an enhanced patient and clinician experience," said Sonja O'Malley, Senior Director of Innovation at Cleveland Clinic. "Another clear advantage to the network is that data is not aggregated  it remains with the originator. We look forward to seeing additional payers and providers join us on the network in the near future."

Rajeev Ronanki, Senior Vice President, Elevance Health and President, Carelon Digital Platforms explains, "Elevance Health is committed to simplifying and enhancing the healthcare experience, and joining the Avaneer Network is another step in that direction. With a decentralized design, the network enables Elevance Health to more securely collaborate with providers, payors, and other network participants as we share relevant health information on the customers we have in common. While maintaining strict data privacy, this effort can give everyone involved a more holistic view of an individual's' health, empowering more personalized, whole-health solutions that help us address healthcare's most complex challenges."

Soon the Avaneer Network will also include a real-time adjudication application, which will drastically expedite and increase the accuracy of how healthcare claims are submitted and adjudicated.

In November 2022, Avaneer Health completed a rigorous System and Organization Control (SOC 2) Type 1 examination of the platform, including the Avaneer SparkZone and Avaneer Collaboration Services. Obtaining the SOC 2 Type 1 certification reinforces Avaneer Health's ongoing commitment to exemplary customer service, and to the security, availability, and processing integrity of our platform.

About Avaneer Health

Avaneer Health is a secure digital network and platform designed for healthcare to connect, collaborate and give permissioned access to data in real time, simplifying healthcare administration. Built on innovative technologies, Avaneer Health facilitates access to updated data for transparency and interoperability in healthcare through a decentralized network. Through a permissioned process, data can be shared with anyone on the network while remaining in the creator's control. First of its kind, Avaneer Health allows for true collaboration between industry stakeholders and technology vendors to launch solutions that streamline and speed administrative processes, improving the healthcare experience. Avaneer Health was founded in 2020 by a consortium of industry leaders including Aetna, a CVS Health company; Elevance Health; Cleveland Clinic; Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC); Merative; The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.; and Sentara Healthcare. These founding members remain engaged with the company and its mission to solve inefficiencies in the healthcare industry.

For more information, visit AvaneerHealth.com and follow Avaneer Health on LinkedIn and Twitter.

FHIR is a registered trademark of Health Level Seven International (HL7) and is used with the permission of HL7. Use of this trademark does not constitute an endorsement of products/services by HL7.

SOURCE Avaneer Health
Session to Include Discussion on How Certificate-Based Authentication Can Improve Phishing Resistance and Dramatically Enhance Overall Cybersecurity Posture

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiad, a leading provider of organization-wide passwordless orchestration, today announced it will co-present a session with CarMax at the Gartner Identity & Access Management Summit 2023. The event will be held March 20-22, 2023, at The Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Axiad Co-Founder and Co-CEO Bassam Al-Khalidi will discuss passwordless authentication as well as how organizations can fortify their investments in existing Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools with certificate-based authentication  to dramatically enhance authentication practices and to attain phishing resistance.

Additional details about the session are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Time: 2:45  3:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Location: Room Texas A

Session Title: Axiad: A Pragmatic Path to Phishing Resistance with Certificate-Based Authentication

Session Description: Phishing resistance is a top priority for 1 in 2 security executives for 2023. With a sharp increase in attacks last year, plus the U.S. White House OMB, CISA, and NIST strongly advocating for greater efforts to become more phishing resistant, it's easy to see why. IAM systems can help, but without certificate-based authentication (CBA), most of these systems fall short. In this session, learn how to supplement your existing investments in IAM with CBAto add phishing resistance, deliver value, and improve your overall cybersecurity posture without ripping and replacing.

"Phishing attacks are not only increasing in volume but also in sophistication, which leaves companies more vulnerable than ever before," said Al-Khalidi. "The purpose of this session is to discuss how security teams can seamlessly add CBA to their existing IAM systems in an integrated and scalable way to better defend against phishing attacks  which can often lead to loss in reputation and trust."

The Gartner Identity & Access Management Summit 2023 will help IAM and security leaders discover the top trends and technologies they need to empower IAM teams to support ongoing change driven by the continued evolution of technology, user expectations, and opportunities and threats.

Axiad is a premier sponsor of the summit and will be exhibiting at booth 109 as well as conducting one-on-one meetings on the show floor in room 7. For more information about the summit and to view the full agenda, visit https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/identity-access-management-us.

About Axiad

Axiad delivers organization-wide passwordless orchestration to secure people, machines, and interactions for enterprise and public sector organizations that must optimize their cybersecurity posture while navigating underlying IT complexity. The company's flagship product, Axiad Cloud, is a comprehensive, secure, and integrated authentication platform that allows customers to move to a passwordless future without the friction and risk of fragmented solutions. Axiad supports the widest range of credentials in the industry including FIDO, mobile MFA, Windows Hello for Business, YubiKeys, smart cards, TPM and biometrics, and is trusted by public sector organizations and Fortune 500 companies across aerospace & defense, financial services, insurance, healthcare, oil & energy, and more.

For more information visit axiad.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Axiad
MIDVALE, Utah, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Insurance, a reimagined insurance organization offering a customer-driven experience through ease and innovation, announced today it has no direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank through depository, lending, investing or other relationships. The organization has identified six vendors and partners that have a banking relationship with Silicon Valley Bank; however, Bamboo does not anticipate any service interruptions at this time and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

About Bamboo Insurance

We're a growth-oriented insurance organization on a mission to deliver an easy and innovative insurance experience with an unwavering focus on customer advocacy. We're using data and technology to simplify the insurance process, while enhancing transparency for our partners and policyholders. For more information on Bamboo Insurance, visit our site at www.bambooinsurance.com

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services (Bamboo) is Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046; AZ License #3000209096; CA License #0M31082.

Bamboo Insurance Media Relations

Becca Powell

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE Bamboo Insurance
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors has authorized regular cash dividends on the outstanding shares or depositary shares of the following series of preferred stock:

Series of Preferred Stock Dividend per Share

or Depositary Share1 Record Date Payment Date







7.25% Non-Cumulative

Perpetual Convertible

Preferred Stock, Series L $18.125 April 1 May 1







Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series Z $32.500 April 1 April 24







5.875% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series HH $0.3671875 April 1 April 24







4.375% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series NN $0.2734375 April 15 May 3







4.125% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series PP $0.2578125 April 15 May 2







4.375% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series RR $10.9375000 April 1 April 27







6.125% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-

Cumulative Preferred Stock,

Series TT $15.3125000 April 1 April 27





1 Each series of preferred stock, other than Series L, is represented by depositary shares. Dividend payments are made on a quarterly basis for each series of preferred stock, other than Series Z, for which dividends are paid on a semi-annual basis.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATM and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Bill Halldin, Bank of America

Phone: 1.916.724.0093

[email protected]

Christopher P. Feeney, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.386.6794

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
Tech-Enabled Mobile Dog Grooming Company Brings Luxury Services to Dallas

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Barkbus , a luxury mobile dog grooming company headquartered in Southern California, today announced that it will be expanding its services to Dallas, Texas. Potential customers can check out the expanded service area and reserve appointments directly on the Barkbus website starting today.

The company has already hired experienced groomers and a veteran leadership team. The service areas will include central and north Dallas, Plano, and Frisco.

Barkbus, a luxury mobile dog grooming company headquartered in Southern California, today announced that it will be expanding its services to Dallas, Texas.

Jeff Safenowitz, CEO of Barkbus, shared, "We are thrilled to start serving dogs and pet parents in Dallas, a city already recognized by Mayor Eric Johnson and the Better Cities for Pets organization as a 'pet-friendly city'. Our mission has always been to provide an unparalleled experience for the dogs in our care and to make dog-grooming appointments as seamless as possible for our customers."

He continued, "Dallas is home to more than 600,000 dogs and cats  with 41% of households having at least one dog and over 57,000 households having 4 or more dogs . In the past year alone, there were over 1.2 million grooming-related inquiries in the Dallas/Fort Worth area including thousands for mobile pet spas, luxury grooming, and mobile groomers. Barkbus is here now to serve that need and we can't wait to meet your pups."

For additional information, please visit https://www.barkbus.com/ .

About Barkbus

Founded by Los Angeles dog-loving entrepreneurs and creatives, Barkbus is centered around building a community of world-class grooming talent and providing reliable service through seamless technology. Our goal is to end traumatic trips to the grooming salon by providing a safe and stress-free mobile grooming experience at your doorstep.

SOURCE Barkbus
Made in the U.S.A. with real beef tripe, Benebone's latest bone will have dogs chewing their guts out!

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Benebone, a leading brand of high-quality U.S.A.-made dog chews, has launched their newest release, the Tripe Bone. Flavored with 100% real beef tripe, this squiggly shape has a curved, paw-friendly design that will have dogs chewing their guts out.

Benebone, a leading brand of high-quality U.S.A.-made dog chews, has launched their newest release, the Tripe Bone Now available in three sizes, the Tripe Bone is available at specialty pet stores across the U.S.A.

"Dogs can smell a fake a mile away. The Tripe Bone is fun to handle, has great flavor, and stands up to heavy chewing," says Benebone Chief Growth Officer Nate Harceg. "I know what you're thinking, tripe stinks. But thanks to a bit of Benebone magic, we flavored this bone with real beef tripe that pups will dig, while humans can't smell a thing!"

"At Benebone, we started with the premise that dogs experience scent and flavor in a way we can't even grasp," continued Harceg. The Tripe Bone is a long-lasting durable chew that's packed with flavor. Nothing else is added except nylon and real beef tripe  unless you decide to stuff the ends with your dog's favorite spreadable treat!

Now available in three sizes, the Tripe Bone is available at specialty pet stores across the U.S.A.

ABOUT BENEBONE:

At Benebone, we know that dogs make us better people  they help us live healthier, happier lives. Our simple mission is to make lives a little bit better for dogs and their peeps. We do it through a commitment to quality, community, and giving back. For more information, visit www.benebone.com .

Benebone Contact:

Megan Hanson

(763) 229-7023

[email protected]

SOURCE Benebone
Ethisphere recognizes companies demonstrating exceptional leadership and a commitment to business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

OAKLAND, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2023 by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

For 11 of the past 12 years  the nonprofit health plan has received this designation. In 2023, Ethisphere recognized 135 organizations spanning 19 countries and 46 industries.

"Blue Shield of California's ongoing commitment to ethical behavior is the foundation for our company's values of being human, honest, and courageous," said Venetia Marshall, vice president, chief risk, and compliance officer at Blue Shield of California. "It is how our more than 7,800 employees focus on 'doing the right thing' in serving our members, customers, and communities."

Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan driven by its mission of providing access to quality health care that's sustainably affordable for everyone. The company and its employees also continue to be at the forefront of responding to major health and social issues.

Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies assessment considers more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

"Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said Erica Salmon Byrne, CEO of Ethisphere. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Blue Shield of California for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

The full list of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found here.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.7 million members, over 7,800 employees and more than $22.9 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $192 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last five years to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust, and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine. Ethisphere also helps to advance business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset focused on ethical culture and featuring the responses of 2+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 200+ data points highlighting the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.

CONTACT:

Mark Seelig

Blue Shield of California

510-607-2359

[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Shield of California
MIAMI, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand Institute, the world's #1 naming agency and the global leader in pharmaceutical and healthcare-related name development, is pleased to announce the promotion of Steffen Lorenz to the role of Divisional President for Central and Eastern Europe.

In his new role, Mr. Lorenz will be responsible for overseeing client services in Germany, Denmark, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece, and Eastern Europe. Mr. Lorenz previously served as President of Brand Institute's office in Frankfurt, Germany, where he managed healthcare accounts for companies such as Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, BioNTech, Sandoz, Stada, and Merck, as well as clients outside of the pharmaceutical industry, such as BASF and BMW.

During Mr. Lorenz's 15 years with Brand Institute, he has delivered exceptional results for the company and its clients. His expertise in healthcare branding makes him the ideal candidate to lead client services in Central and Eastern Europe.

"I am honored and excited to take on this new role at Brand Institute," said Mr. Lorenz. "I look forward to building on the success we have achieved so far and earning the trust of new clients, so that we can partner on one of their most important assets, their brands."

These new regions represent a significant expansion in stewardship for Mr. Lorenz and his team. The medical valley belt around Copenhagen, Denmark alone includes more than 200 startup biotech and medical device companies.

"Steffen's clients are in great hands, and I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new role," said James L. Dettore, Chairman and CEO of Brand Institute. "With Steffen's leadership, we look forward to expanding Brand Institute's global presence and delivering our valued services to new markets."

About Brand Institute and our wholly owned regulatory subsidiary, Drug Safety Institute

Brand Institute is the global leader in pharmaceutical and healthcare-related name development, with a portfolio of over 4,000 marketed healthcare brand names, 1,300 USAN/INN nonproprietary names for 1,200 clients. The company partners on over 75% of pharmaceutical brand and nonproprietary name approvals globally every year with healthcare manufacturers. Drug Safety Institute is composed of former naming regulatory officials from global government health agencies, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada (HC), American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Contact:

[email protected]

www.brandinstitute.com

SOURCE Brand Institute, Inc.
CRANFORD, N.J., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BWG Strategy ("BWG"), a leading primary research platform for institutional investors, announced today that it completed the acquisition of OTR Global ("OTR"), expanding its suite of research services and positioning the platform to be the leading provider of primary research services specializing in timely, in-depth and compliant insights for institutional investors. The combined company will provide best-in-class primary research services to evaluate company performance and generate unique investment ideas.

Anil Prahlad, CEO of BWG Strategy, commented: "Our mission is to provide our clients with investable insights from industry sources that they are unable to access otherwise. OTR Global has been operating with that same mission by setting the industry standard for unbiased marketplace research for 28 years. This merger provides unparalleled value for both BWG and OTR clients."

"For the first time in the industry, investors will be able to access the multiple viewpoints a panel of industry experts provide in our timely forums, as well as standardized, detailed global channel research on their companies and sectors of interest  all from a single research provider," he added.

"We are very excited to join forces with BWG. The combined strengths of BWG and OTR will allow investors to deepen their knowledge of a company or sector, save hours in their workflows, and access a comprehensive suite of products that is unrivaled by any other research vendor," said Mark Conley, President of OTR Global.

He added: "In the coming months, BWG and OTR will develop new industry-leading products and services to continue our mission of uncovering unique and timely information that enhance our clients' understanding of the companies and sectors they cover."

To learn more about this acquisition, please visit www.bwgstrategy.com/bwg-acquires-otr-global/

About BWG Strategy

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cranford, New Jersey, BWG has fundamentally changed the way investment managers and corporations access real-time information to enhance business performance through its unlimited subscription-based content and data architecture. BWG provides much needed transparency by creating access to real-time information and data on sector, company, and technology trends. BWG serves more than 100,000 professionals across the world's leading corporations and investment management firms, including mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity firms and private credit funds, through its Research Forum, Corporate Intelligence Forum, Research Synopses, Insight Report and Due Diligence Report products. Visit www.bwgstrategy.com for more information.

About OTR Global

OTR Global is a leading platform for primary research and one of the largest channel research firms servicing the institutional investment community. Founded in 1995, OTR Global uses the investigative interview-based methodology it pioneered to look for key market inflections and uncover unique investable ideas. OTR research staff conducts over 12,000 live, in-depth interviews annually with industry customers, suppliers, vendors, distributors and executives in more than 25 countries and has set the industry standard as the premier provider of industry intelligence while having a world-class compliance structure. OTR's content is consumed through a license subscription to its database of thousands of written reports. Visit www.otrglobal.com for more information.

SOURCE BWG Strategy
Participating families now have access to resources across grade levels and a range of subjects including history and geography, language arts, math, science, and spelling

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Calvert Education is now a participating provider in the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program, available through Calvert Homeschool and Calvert Academy, its fully accredited online private school for 3rd-12th grade students. Calvert's at-home learning resources and online courses offer parents greater flexibility to customize learning and allow students to work at their own pace. As a participating provider in the ACE program, Calvert's at-home learning resources and online academy curriculum align with and meet the academic content standards adopted by the Ohio State Board of Education.

The Ohio ACE educational savings account program is offered through a partnership between Merit International, Inc. and the Ohio Department of Education with the goal of providing educational activities to students who experienced learning disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program makes an ACE Educational Savings Account available to any Ohio child between the age of six and 18 years old whose family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The program provides qualifying families with a $500 credit that can be used to pay for a variety of educational and enrichment activities that support learning, including tutoring, day camps, music lessons, study skills services, and field trips.

According to data collected from thousands of parents of K-12 students following the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half of parents would prefer to direct and curate their child's education rather than relying on the local systemand more than two-thirds believe that learning can, and should, happen everywhere, as opposed to in-school alone. Additionally, nearly half (48%) of parents reported having the desirebut lacking the capacityto pursue new educational opportunities, including at-home learning. Programs like Ohio ACE are creating new opportunities and providing key resources for combatting the learning disruptions of the pandemic and architecting new educational paths forward.

"At-home and remote education have grown significantly over the past two years, which is driving an uptick in the number of states supporting home-based education resources as part of state-funded enrichment programs," said Josh Rose, Vice President of Customer Experience, at Calvert Homeschool. "We greatly look forward to helping Ohio's students assess and address skill gaps, excel to reach their full potential, and rediscover their excitement about learningin whichever environment works best for them."

Calvert Education's curricula and resources create meaningful learning experiences that activate learners' natural curiosity, encourage their unique strengths, and fuel their developing interests. As a leading curriculum publisher, Calvert Education's award-winning products have enabled thousands of families to discover the unique benefits of a personalized education, interact with students around the world through online, interactive courses, and enrich their growth via participation in various events, activities, student government opportunities, and clubs.

Calvert Homeschool and Calvert Academy resources are available in the Ohio ACE Education Marketplace, which lists service providers by category, grade, and location. Ohio families that qualify are encouraged to visit aceohio.org to apply for an ACE educational savings account.

ABOUT CALVERT EDUCATION SERVICES

Calvert invented modern homeschooling 110 years ago and has been perfecting teaching and learning models outside of the traditional classroom experience ever since. Calvert has helped more than 600,000 students in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries around the world.

For more information, visit www.calverthomeschool.com/.

SOURCE Calvert Education
Abiodun, Amosun renew tussle in Ogun

SATURDAY'S governorship election in Oyo and Ogun states will not be a tea party for Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.

The outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, in which the All Progressive Congress, APC, won the seats in Oyo State is a source concern in the ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP in the state.

As it is, all eyes are on the two leading political parties- PDP and APC, as the results of the last elections have emboldened the APC in Oyo State and appears to have weakened the ruling party.

Consequently, the PDP has returned to the drawing board to retrategise. There are moves to woo groups loyal to the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Makinde's romance with the G5 governor's and the defeat of PDP's Presidential and National Assembly candidates have heightened apprehension that the PDP may lose the governorship poll.

The G5 governors' romance with the ruling APC and Labour Party's candidates, who are from the southern parts of the country, however, came at a cost, as some candidates fielded by the governors in their respective states for the senatorial and House of Representatives seats lost their bids.

The PDP, in Oyo state, lost its three senatorial seats and eight House of Representatives seats out of 14 seats to the APC and won four. Two House of Representatives seats are still under contention.

Three-horse race

The three major political parties and their candidate namely Seyi Makinde (PDP), Teslim Folarin (APC) and Bayo Adelabu of Accord, A, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that they emerge victorious at the governorship election slated for Saturday March 18, 2023.

In spite of the results of the Presidential and National Assembly poll in Oyo State, Makinde still remains confident of carrying the day going by his people centered programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people..

The oyo PDP has stepped up its campaign through radio adverts, jingles and social media platforms to sensitize the populace on its achievements and to reelect the party's candidates at the polls.

Unwritten agreement

Political analysts believed that there was an unwritten agreement between Makinde and Tinubu for Makinde to work for the President-Elect in the state. Since Makinde delivered, will Tinubu honour the gentleman's agreement and work for Makinde? How that will work out this Saturday remains unknown.

Folarin upbeat

Basking in the euphoria of the Presidential election victory, the APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, is optimistic that the votes will go the same way as that of the February 25 election and Makinde would become history in Oyo State.

Also, the candidate of the Accord party, Bayo Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is hopeful of emerging victorious.

His quest to run on the platform of the APC was truncated by Senator Folarin during the primary election in the state. He decamped to the Accord in order to realise his ambition to become Oyo State governor.

Political pundits are of the view that except there is a coalition between the APC and Accord, it might be difficult to oust the ruling PDP whose candidate is enjoying the support of LP and some other parties in the state.

Will endorsements save Abiodun?

In Ogun, political parties and their candidates for the governorship and state assembly polls are putting last minute touches to their campaigns, with door-to-door campaign strategies and other means of wooing voters to their side.

The battle for the soul of Ogun State remains that of two major contenders -- the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun of the APC, and PDP's Ladi Adebutu.

Currently, Governor Abiodun and his APC candidates appear as the party and flagbearers to beat on March 18.

Abiodun, who is seeking re-election and the APC appear firmly rooted in the State and are poised to repeat the 2019 feat and the chances have been brightened the more with the 100 percent success recorded in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The APC swept all the three senatorial seats and nine House of Representatives seats across the state.

This feat is a morale booster for APC.

Kolawole Lawal, the APM candidate for Ipokia/Yewa South Federal Constituency, and a House of Representatives aspirant in Abeokuta South, Akeem Amosun, have endorsed Abiodun for second term.

Abiodun is looking forward to harvesting bulk votes from the Ijebu extraction of Ogun East Senatorial district that has six local governments while the Remo zone comprising three local governments will be a battle ground between him and his kinsman, Ladi Adebutu of the PDP.

Although pundits favour Abiodun to win, the state's slippery large army of civil servants, workers in the state's education sector, local government staffers, the aggrieved retirees as well as the disengaged political office holders who have not been paid their severance package since 2015/ 2019, may be the undoing of Abiodun on March 18, if their anger and grievances against his style of governance were not addressed before the poll.

Some observers see ambition of Adebutu at a time his kinsman is the incumbent governor as an attempt to disrupt the prevailing political calibration in the Gateway State.

The question agitating the minds of the people is whether he will govern for only one term, if he wins?

Series of endorsements

Both candidates have been enjoying a series of endorsements from different parties. While 12 political parties under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, endorsed Abiodun, another nine political parties threw their weight behind Adebutu.

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A group of PDP members loyal to late Senator Buruji Kashamu from all the 20 local government areas of the state have equally endorsed Abiodun for a second term in office.

While Abiodun is having the upper hand in the series of endorsements, the question is, what are his chances in the coming election?

Abiodun's spat with Amosun

A big factor that may work against Abiodun is the frosty relationship between him and the former governor, Ibikunle Amosun. The former governor has pitched his tent with Biyi Otegbeye, the governorship candidate of the African democratic Congress, ADC.

Otegbeye is a lawyer and an insurance guru. He moved to ADC when lost out in the APC governorship primary.

He contested for the senatorial seat of Ogun West but could not push it through. He is running on the wing of popular sentiment that Ogun West has not produced a governor yet and that equity, justice and fairness demand that the rest of the state support him to actualize the aspiration.

Acting independently, he does not have the political stamina to face either Adebutu of the PDP or the incumbent Abiodun.

His critics perceived his ambition as Amosun's proxy war agains Abiodun.
Lee-Wen, Casoro Founder and former Executive Chairman, appoints Laura Klein as Chief Operating Officer, Mehul Chavada as Chief Investment Officer and Doug LoPinto as Managing Director of Capital Markets

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Casoro Group, a multifamily real estate investment firm that has acquired, managed, renovated and repositioned more than $1 billion in properties across the Sunbelt, today announced that Founder and former Executive Chairman Monte Lee-Wen has resumed active management of the firm as Chief Executive Officer with a new leadership team. Laura Klein, who served as Casoro's Vice President of Asset Management and Chief Operating Officer until 2020, has returned as Chief Operating Officer. Also joining Casoro are Mehul Chavada, serving as Chief Investment Officer, and Doug LoPinto, as Managing Director of Capital Markets.

"I'm excited to be leading the firm as we move forward with a new team and new strategies," said Monte Lee-Wen, CEO at Casoro. "The addition of Laura, Mehul and Doug's operational and investment expertise are an important part of the changes underway at our firm that will enhance and evolve Casoro's reputation as a top-ranked, vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment firm. I'm confident that the very talented leadership we now have in place has made us well-prepared to grow successfully and develop new opportunities in today's challenging investment landscape."

Monte Lee-Wen founded Casoro in 2002. After serving as Chief Executive Officer until 2019 and overseeing the firm as Executive Chairman until 2022, Lee-Wen has returned to an active management role to strengthen Casoro's capabilities as a vertically integrated multifamily owner/operator. With deep investment experience in renovating and repositioning properties for success, Lee-Wen will focus on multifamily acquisitions, developing funding sources, building out the firm's capital markets platform, and leading the new leadership team in a range of restructuring initiatives.

Laura Klein brings more than 20 years of multifamily asset management experience for both new developments and acquisitions. As COO she will lead Casoro in executing the operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures and people systems to ensure growth, financial strength and operating efficiency, and also oversee the asset management division and ensure policy and procedural compliance in all investment-related activities. Klein originally joined Casoro in 2016 and served as the Chief Operating Officer before departing in 2020 to serve as an asset management consultant working with institutional lenders. Klein also brings decades of best practices to Casoro from past roles with several national multifamily industry leaders including CWS Apartment Homes, JPI, Trammell Crow residential and The Wolff Company. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from St. Cloud State University and has earned certificates from numerous postgraduate business courses.

Mehul Chavada, Chief Investment Officer, brings deep investing experience in the multifamily, retail, industrial and office sectors, as well as relationships with some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices. He is responsible for strategizing and executing the firm's growth strategy in investing in real assets that meet or exceed performance goals for Casoro Group's institutional, family office, and high net worth clients, as well as its discretionary non-traded multifamily income REIT, Upside Avenue. Prior to joining Casoro, Chavada was Vice President and Head of Investments at Nitya Capital, where he developed investment strategies for the firm's North America operations and investment products for retail and institutional investors. He also served as Director  Fund Management at Hines, one of the largest privately held global real estate investment, development and management firms, where he managed several opportunistic, value-add and sustainable income funds. He holds a Master of Science from Virginia Tech in Civil Engineering, a Master of Science from MIT in Real Estate Development, and is an adjunct Professor in Management - Real Estate at Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business.

Doug LoPinto joined Casoro in the new position of Managing Director of Capital Markets, with nearly 15 years of commercial real estate financing expertise and capital raising. LoPinto will work closely with Lee-Wen to oversee Casoro's business development and investor relations. Prior to Casoro, he was Director  Capital Markets at Aspen Heights Partners, a real estate development firm investing in multifamily, condo, senior and student living sectors, where he raised equity and debt for over $1 billion of new developments and led investor relations. In addition, he was an integral team member in originating the real estate portfolio for a Fortune 500 family office. He holds a B.S. in real estate from University of St. Thomas and is pursuing an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

About Casoro Group

Casoro Group is an award-winning vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment firm with an investment team that has more than 100 years of combined experience in multifamily acquisitions and asset management. The firm's deep expertise and ability to navigate a variety of business cycles means adding value and capturing the upside for investors. Casoro is committed to providing Better Homes for Better Lives, with a resident-focused approach to improving its multifamily communities. To learn more please visit https://casorogroup.com/.

Media Contact

Lisa Baker

Lambert

[email protected]

603.868.1967

SOURCE Casoro Group
25-year veteran closed more purchase loans in 2022 than any originator from any company

CLEVELAND, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CrossCountry Mortgage's (CCM's) Matt Weaver closed more purchase loans in 2022 than any loan officer from any company, according to public record data. Despite a dynamic market, Matt and his team helped more than 1,450 families purchase a home, more than 100 a month, throughout the Boca Raton, Florida region. Together these purchase units funded more than half a billion dollars in mortgages.

CCMs Matt Weaver helped more than 1,450 families purchase a home, more than 100 a month, throughout the Boca Raton, Florida region in 2022. Matt credits his success to strong relationships within the real estate community, as well as a dedication to making every mortgage feel like a win.

"It's no surprise Matt consistently finds himself at the top of the industry leaderboard," said CrossCountry Mortgage Founder and CEO Ron Leonhardt Jr. "Matt makes it easy for borrowers to get the mortgage they deserve, partnering with real estate agents and referral partners to deliver a clear, fast, and easy process, whether it's getting a borrower into their first home or into their forever home."

A 25-year industry veteran, Matt credits his success to strong relationships within the real estate community, as well as a dedication to making every mortgage feel like a win.

"I view every loan as a relationship and recognize customers are trusting us with the biggest purchase of their lives," said Matt. "I share this ranking with my real estate partners, without them there is no me. I am forever grateful to them for their partnership."

Matt prides himself on providing value to the real estate agent community throughout the state of Florida with his cutting-edge concepts, unique process, and business development ideas designed to support agents at the highest level.

To reach Matt and his team for mortgage support, visit whymattweaver.com.

About CrossCountry Mortgage

CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is one of the nation's largest retail mortgage lenders, with more than 7,300 employees operating nearly 600 branches across all 50 states. Our company has been recognized nine times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 100 mortgage, refinance, and home equity solutions  ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers  and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae. Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win. Visit ccm.com.

Contact: Natalie Lonjak

Communications Manager

440.201.9234

[email protected]

SOURCE CrossCountry Mortgage
SHENZHEN, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 3rd Glow Shenzhen, with the theme of "Chasing the Flowing Light", has come to an end recently. This "Chasing Light" event, which lasted for more than two months, not only attracted the cooperation of famous curators and artists at home and abroad, but also triggered a "conjunction" between art and business, consumption and space, city and aesthetics with its diversified expression, having also aroused extensive attention.

Glow Shenzhen 2022 shows 217 pieces of light and shadow artworks from various countries spreading across 10 districts in Shenzhen and have sparked 460 million views on Tik Tok and 35 million online consumption.

A City-Wide Event of Light and Shadow

The Glow Shenzhen has been held 3 times. Shenzhen has taken a different approach to master the art of "light and shadow" instead of dazzling blocks and shining commercial complexes.

Based on the experience of the previous sessions, the 3rd Glow Shenzhen has adopted the "1+5+4+n" model, i.e., 1 main exhibition area + 5 sub-exhibitions + 4 exhibition sites + 35 event venues, showcasing 78 groups of 217 light and shadow artworks by renowned curators and artists from various countries and regions.

To promote the integrated development of urban industry, academia and research, Glow Shenzhen 2022 has set up a "Green Channel for Young Artists" in conjunction with universities to explore new expressions of young artists on urban space art.

As the largest session, many insiders believe that the 3rd Glow Shenzhen has developed into a light and shadow grand event throughout Shenzhen.

From Data collected, since its opening in mid-December 2022, the Glow Shenzhen has been popular among the public. It received 460 million views on Tik Tok, and once ranked among the top 3 popular destinations on Tik Tok Shenzhen area.

A "Cultural Card" that Lights up Shenzhen

"Light and shadow is the expression of a city's spirit and temperament, and the Glow Shenzhen has brought the city and the public closer." Wu Chunhai, the representative of the Glow Shenzhen organizer, said that after more than 40 years of urban development, Shenzhen is now more willing to stimulate the energy of public space, design more cultural life scenes for citizens to be involved in, and provide Shenzhen people with some kind of wonderful everyday experience.

As stated above, since the first Glow Shenzhen in 2020, a large number of outstanding art works have encountered Shenzhen citizens on the streets, not only adding different aesthetic scenes and fun, but also igniting the vitality of going out and artistic imagination in people's daily lives.

"People's first impression of a city often comes from its public space. And the operation of a city's public space is not only the renewal of the existing form of the city, but also a reflection of the spiritual core of a city, as well as exploration and thinking of how to serve the people in the city, which is our original intention of planning the Glow Shenzhen." Huang Ying, the planning and executing party of the Glow Shenzhen, expressed that through the operation and service of urban public space, we hope to create a city's cultural card: from the dazzling art works to the cultural landscape of the city, and the multiple experiences and interactions of people in the urban space, we light up Shenzhen with light and shadow, and create the future with art together.

Stimulate Nearly 600 million in Consumption at One Time

In addition, this year's Glow Shenzhen also realized huge success between art & business.

In order to boost consumption, stimulate the city's nighttime economy and fully promote the development of the city, Glow Shenzhen 2022 lasted for more than 2 months, and also connected 7 carnivals, 25 Glow Shopping Go business districts and 68 thematic activities with the help of New Year's Day, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and other festive celebrations, fully innovating the industry's consumption scene, creating special commercial brands and enriching the city's commercial vitality.

The data shows that Glow Shopping Go generated a total of nearly 35 million online voucher transactions, driving an estimated total offline consumption of 500-600 million. At the same time, there was a significant increase in the flow of people and sales in the participating shopping areas during the event.

"The art of light and shadow is the driving force for the vigorous development of the nighttime economy." In the view of Shenzhen OCT Harbour, the interactive power of Glow Shenzhen not only extends the urban scene during the day, but also expands the experience and consumption dimension of the city spanning day and night.

With the three-dimensional night consumption experience of "night performance, night tour, night shopping, night fun and night banquet", OCT Harbour achieved a 107% increase in customer flow and 53% increase in turnover during the festival.

Inspire Aesthetic Education by Light and Shadow, Empower the City with Art

Looking forward, how will the Glow Shenzhen progress, and how will it make efforts to become an international top light and shadow art brand and make Shenzhen the capital of light and shadow art?

The 3rd Glow Shenzhen Forum may give us the answers, where guests sat around to discuss how to explore and release the potential of Shenzhen's nighttime economy in a deeper manner, and how to contribute to the integration of light and shadow art with nighttime culture, life, leisure, recreation, consumption, and other multiple industries.

Zhao Li, chief curator of the Glow Shenzhen 2022 and associate dean and professor at the School of Art Management and Education of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, delivered a keynote speech on the sociality of public art under the title of "Public Art: Cultural City and Social Cooperation".

Zhao Li said that the Glow Shenzhen is not a light show, nor a fleeting memory exhibition, it is an effort to build the city's reputation. It carries the meaning of urban public culture, and it needs to expand to the squares, the blocks, and different social spaces, allowing the public to feel art in their daily lives. It needs to truly combine with the cultural essence of the city and live in harmony with the urban routine.

Zhao Li took the creative culture cultivation of Karlsruhe in Germany, the Linz Electronic Arts Festival, Austria, the Amsterdam Light Festival in Netherlands, and the Vivid Sydney as examples to illustrate the great potential of creativity in activating the city's nighttime economy, promoting local development, and helping the city to form a unique cultural brand and cultural identity. After that he sent the following message to Shenzhen: "The world is watching Shenzhen, and she has to be more future-oriented than the city in the cases I mentioned above. The art of light and shadow can take root in Shenzhen, it can integrate with industry and society, and combine with technical skills and knowledgeable people."

Looking into the future, we believe that the Glow Shenzhen should not only show the infinite vitality of digital art, but also think about the integration of digital art industry and urban development.

SOURCE GLOW SHENZHEN
HOUSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Holding, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), today announced its offer to purchase (the "Offer") for cash an aggregate principal amount of up to $406.645 million (the "Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount") of its 9.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the settlement date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 13, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase").

The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 10, 2023, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company (the "Expiration Time"). Subject to the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of $406.645 million, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Expiration Time and accepted by the Company, holders of Notes will receive $1,000 in cash (the "Offer Price"), plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the settlement date. Tendered Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Time, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company. The settlement date is currently expected to be the fourth business day following the Expiration Time.

If the aggregate principal amount of the Notes tendered in the Offer exceeds the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of $406.645 million, the Company will purchase Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount on a pro rata basis (subject to the applicable procedures of The Depository Trust Company), with adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee (as defined below).

The Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of August 1, 2019 (as amended to the date hereof, the "Indenture"), by and among the Company, the Guarantors party thereto and TMI Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee"). Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company is obligated to offer to purchase for cash an aggregate principal amount of up to the Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of its outstanding Notes at the Offer Price. The Offer is being made to satisfy this requirement.

The Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount is equal to 50% of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries for the Excess Cash Flow Annual Period (as defined in the Indenture), minus the Quarterly Available Excess Cash Flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022.

None of the Company, its board of directors (or any committee thereof), TMI Trust Company, the paying agent for the Offer, or the Trustee or their respective affiliates is making any recommendation as to whether or not holders should tender all or any portion of their Notes in the Offer.

This announcement is not an offer to purchase or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The Offer is being made solely by the Offer to Purchase. The Offer is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

About CITGO Holding, Inc.

CITGO Holding, Inc. ("CITGO Holding" or the "Company") is the direct parent of CITGO Petroleum Corporation ("CITGO"). CITGO Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PDV Holding, Inc. ("PDV Holding"), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. ("PDVSA" or "ultimate parent"), which is a Venezuelan corporation 100% owned and controlled by the Government of Venezuela.

CITGO manufactures or refines and markets transportation fuels as well as petrochemicals, other industrial products and lubricants. We own and operate three large-scale, highly complex petroleum refineries with a total rated crude oil refining capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels per day, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Corpus Christi, Texas and Lemont, Illinois. Our refining operations are supported by an extensive distribution network, which provides reliable access to our refined product end-markets. We own 35 active refined product terminals with a total storage capacity of 18.3 million barrels and have equity ownership of an additional 3.5 million barrels of refined product storage capacity through our joint ownership of an additional eight terminals, spread across 22 states. We own or have an equity interest in four additional terminals, consisting of approximately 1 million barrels of refined storage capacity, which are currently inactive or only utilized to store feedstocks used in refining operations. We also have access to more than 150 third-party terminals through exchange, terminalling and similar arrangements. Our retail network consists of approximately 4,200 independently owned and operated CITGO-branded retail outlets located east of the Rocky Mountains. We and our predecessors have had a recognized brand presence in the U.S. for over 100 years.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "will," "would," "should," the negative of these terms and similar terms and phrases. These statements relate to, among other things, expectations regarding revenues, costs and expenses, refining and other margins, profitability, cash flows, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, our working capital requirements and other financial and operating items. These statements also relate to our industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position and future operations. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We caution readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results that are projected, expressed or implied. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE CITGO Corporation
Image Viewer is a comprehensive, intuitive solution for clinical trial imaging needs, providing real-time, on-demand viewing and manipulation at high resolution

New Image Viewer Tool provides real-time on-demand images for clinical trials

Viewing and manipulating images taken during clinical trials was a complex and time-consuming process that now can be done simply using new cloud-based system

It is data privacy compliant, enabling easy electronic image accessibility, and all within a streamlined, fully integrated process and platform

PHILADELPHIA, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clario, a healthcare research technology company that delivers the leading endpoint technology solutions for clinical trials, has launched a cutting-edge cloud-based Image Viewer tool for sponsors and CROs to view the images of their clinical trials.

Previously, to view images for a clinical trial, multiple groups were involved in the image transfer process, which added risk of delay and potential errors to an already complex process. Due to third-party access and allocation, most sponsors would have to wait until the end of the study phase or longer to view their images.

"At Clario we are committed to accelerate Clinical Trials by solving complex problems; and this world-class Image Viewer is a leap in that direction by providing powerful insights to Clients early on. The Cloud-native Image Viewer is an innovative tool incorporating advanced usability features and is custom built working closely with our in-house radiologists specifically for Clinical Trial needs," said Gaurav Josan, SVP R&D at Clario.

With the new Image Viewer tool, sponsors and CROs can access read-quality images in near real-time through an intuitive web-based imaging viewer. The tool streamlines the process and eliminates manual steps, making the image accessibility easy and secure. It provides viewing and manipulation tools for full-resolution, empowering the end users to gain valuable insights into their trial subjects. The tool is data privacy compliant, enabling easy electronic image accessibility, and all within a streamlined, fully integrated process and platform.

"We expect our Cloud-Based Image Viewer to greatly simplify and accelerate viewing images during clinical trials," said Brad Dean, EVP Medical Imaging at Clario. "We have a long history of innovation in medical imaging for clinical trials. This new offering is unmatched in the market, providing user-friendly image access minimizing cost, time and risk."

About Clario

Clario is a leading healthcare research and technology company that generates the richest clinical evidence in the industry for our pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device partners. Across decentralized, hybrid and site-based trials, our deep scientific expertise, global scale and the broadest endpoint technology platform in the industry allows our partners to transform lives. Clario has the only technology platform that combines eCOA, cardiac safety, medical imaging, precision motion, and respiratory endpoints. Clario's global team of science, technology and operational experts have helped deliver over 24,000 trials and contributed to over 500 FDA and EMEA new drug approvals involving more than five million patients in 120 countries. Our innovation has been transforming clinical trials for 50 years. For more information, visit Clario.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact:

Alexis Navratil

[email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1677749/Clario_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Clario
Silicon Valley Bank Receivership Has Non-Material Impact

BOISE, Idaho, March 13, 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, is aware that Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") has been placed into receivership by U.S. banking regulators. The Company does not hold any deposits at SVB or have any other direct investments at SVB and we do not expect the SVB closure to have any effect on our liquidity or treasury operations.

An affiliate of SVB is a client of the Company that represented less than 1.5% of annualized recurring revenue ("ARR") of the Company as of December 31, 2022. The client was current in its payments; therefore, the client's receivable balance is de minimis. Our services to the entity entailed providing reports to the entity's end-clients of their investments held at a third-party custodian. We do not have an indication that this entity is also in receivership, and so the entity may continue as a client. Moreover, if the entity ceases to be a client, end-clients of the entity may continue to use our services directly or via another asset manager.

Based on the foregoing, the Company does not believe it has any material exposure to SVB receivership.

Use of 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 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 Clearwater Analytics' 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 may cause actual results to differ materially from Clearwater Analytics' current expectations and include, but are not limited to, risks related to exposure to affiliates of SVB, uncertainty with respect to the liquidity and solvency of other financial institutions, and counterparty risk with other companies with which the Company does business, including the Company's customers and financing sources, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed in Clearwater Analytics' periodic public filings with the SEC, including but 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 on March 3, 2023, and in other periodic reports filed by Clearwater Analytics with the SEC. These filings are available at www.sec.gov and on Clearwater Analytics' 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 Clearwater Analytics' expectations or beliefs as of any date subsequent to the time they are made. Clearwater Analytics 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 Clearwater Analytics.

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.

SOURCE Clearwater Analytics, LLC
VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Clio , the leading provider of cloud-based legal practice management software and developer of the world's first comprehensive legal operating system, announced today that it is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

On its journey to becoming a 100-year legacy company, Clio marks the occasion of its 15th anniversary (CNW Group/Clio)

When Clio launched in 2008 at ABA TECHSHOW, no one could have predicted its significant impact on the legal industry. Clio has grown into a global force in legal technology, with over 150,000 customers in more than 100 countries. For 15 years, the Canadian company has been transforming how lawyers manage their practices through its innovative software, eliminating manual processes and streamlining workflows, giving law firms the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

"Our goal was to make legal services more accessible and transform the practice of law," said Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. "15 years later, it's amazing to see how far we've come and how much we've been able to accomplish. We're honored to have earned the trust of legal professionals worldwide. From our early days, we have always believed technology is the key to unlocking a more productive and profitable future for law firms. And as we celebrate, we remain as committed as ever to our missionalthough we've made a huge amount of progress over the last 15 years, in so many ways, we feel like we're just getting started."

While many contemplated the future of the cloud in the legal industry, Clio leaned into the opportunity, building the most comprehensive legal practice management solution available. The company raised US$6M in its Series B financing led by Acton Capital Partners, with participation from existing investors, including Point Nine Capital. The company's aggressive growth continued with a US$20 million series C funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners. In its US$250M Series D funding followed, led by TCV and JMI Equity, and its US$110M Series E investment, led by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and OMERS Growth Equity, Clio made history by becoming the first legal practice management unicorn in the world. In 2022, Clio announced centaur status a title reserved for private SaaS companies with more than US$100 million in annual recurring revenue.

"We believe Jack and Clio have the same characteristics that we've seen with some of our best partnerships, including Netflix, Toast, Spotify, Facebook, and Zillow." said Amol Helekar, General Partner at TCV . "All have, in our view, powerful value propositions, distinctive engagement with their customers, deeply embedded cultures of product innovation, and leading management teams who are passionate about building enduring businesses. We're a proud partner to Jack and the entire Clio team  we can't wait to see what the coming years bring for this remarkable company."

Clio has since built infrastructure for high growth and expansion, including product innovation and key investments in legaltech. It has expanded its platform to include online payment processing, new document management workflows, and the launch of a dedicated CRM and client intake solution. Along with an expanding product platform, Clio is also extending its presence into new markets. Earlier this year, Clio announced its expansion into the APAC region , beginning with Australia, as it seeks to meet the global demand from customers using Clio in more than 100 countries across the globe.

"Our mission is to transform the legal experience for all, and that means being at the forefront of meeting the global demand for efficient and innovative legal technology solutions," said Ronnie Gurion, Chief Operating Officer at Clio. "In the last 15 years, Clio has consistently enabled lawyers to focus on what matters most  providing exceptional service to their clients. Our expansion into Australia is a significant milestone in our history, and we are excited to continue to serve the law community."

The close connection with customers has been a core part of Clio's 15 year history. "We looked at Clio and Clio's competitors across the board and decided that Clio was the best. It had the best reputation." said Mary Chartier, Partner and Litigator at Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC. "Clio had the most to offer us. We always want to be affiliated with the best, never the second best. We went with Clio, and we've never looked back."

In addition to its cloud-based software, Clio continues to invest in its app ecosystem to provide lawyers with the most customizable legal operating system. The company has developed an API to provide a secure, scalable, and intuitive development ecosystem, integrating with 250+ third-party apps and offering developers an opportunity to tap into its large user base.

"Simply put, Clio is a great leader for law firms and companies that serve law firms," said McKay Allen, VP of Marketing at Kenect. "When law firms realize that we partner with and integrate with Clio, suddenly that puts us on the map. We're proud to be a Clio partner and even more proud that hundreds of law firms trust the Clio and Kenect integration."

Over the years, Clio has received support from numerous journalists who have covered the company's progress. "Clio is a great example of how technology can transform the legal industry," says Bob Ambrogi, Founder of LawSites , a blog dedicated to covering legaltech and innovation. "The legal industry has been in need of a tech disruption, and innovative solutions like Clio are leading the charge."

As Clio looks to the future, the company remains committed to becoming a 100-year company, leaving a legacy that will impact the legal industry for generations.

"I want to thank our customers, investors, partners, and the media for their support throughout the years," said Newton. "We would not be where we are today without their unwavering commitment to our vision. I am also grateful for the lessons we have learned along the way. Success is a journey, not a destination. Our goal is to be a 100-year company, and we will continue to evolve to stay at the forefront of legaltech innovation."

For more information on Clio and its suite of legal technology solutions, please visit clio.com .

About Clio

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world's leading cloud-based technologies for law firmsto keep lawyers and their clients better connected throughout the legal process. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products Clio Manage , Clio Grow , and Lawyaw to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. Following its US$250M Series D funding led by TCV and JMI Equity and its US$110M Series E investment led by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and OMERS Growth Equity, Clio made history by becoming the first legal practice management unicorn in the world in 2021 and became a centaur in 2022 after reaching US$100M in ARR. Learn more at clio.com .

SOURCE Clio
OSAKA, Japan, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a global provider of hyperscale and large enterprise data centre solutions, has today announced the opening of a major Data Centre in Osaka Keihanna, Japan . This forms part of the Keihanna Science City, near Osaka, one of Japan's main centres for industry and research. This site will meet the needs of Colt DCS' local and global customers who are looking to expand further in the APAC region and marks yet another progressive milestone in the company's expansion strategy.

The design of the Osaka Keihanna data centre further builds on Colt DCS' key learnings from their Inzai campus consisting of three data centres with a combined capacity of 50MW which is 97% occupied. The latest opening in Osaka Keihanna represents one of the largest data centres in Japan, with 42,000m2 of space and a designed capacity of 45.9MW, of which 75% has already been committed.

From a technological and environmental perspective, the Osaka Keihanna data centre incorporates cutting-edge cooling techniques to minimise environmental impact for Colt DCS and its customers. This is in line with the organisations wider ambition of achieving global net zero emissions by 2045, and the company's desire to be a driver for change in tackling global climate change issues.

Following early government technology investment, Japan is now one of the world's leading tech hubs and continues to grow at a vast pace. Osaka in particular has become a major centre for business and technology companies, driving enhanced data usage across the region. The spike in technology investment has led Colt DCS' customers to enter into this region, particularly those looking to spread their mission-critical operations across multiple sites in the country.

The Osaka Keihanna data centre will provide carrier neutral connectivity services allowing customers to partner with their suppliers of choice. Osaka Keihanna represents an attractive proposition, as it is located in an area which has very low risk of natural disasters, yet has great connectivity solutions, is easily accessible to customers, and diversely connected to all of the amenities which are necessary to running a fully operational data centre facility.

Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO Colt DCS said "In 2021, we were appointed by the joint venture between Fidelity and Mitsui as the exclusive service provider for the design, development, distribution, operations and customer service management for the venture. The launch of Osaka Keihanna represents a major advancement in our journey to addressing the needs of customers for a robust and scalable solution rooted in operational excellence, sustainability, and exceptional customer service."

The facility will allow Colt DCS to further accelerate its hyperscale strategy in Japan, where it has seen unprecedented success. The company pre-sold 94% of its capacity before the launch of its Inzai Three facility in 2020, and has recently been named Frost & Sullivan's 2021 Japan Data Center Services Company of the Year, a prestigious award which examines criteria such as customer experience, operations excellence, technical capabilities, and innovation. With the launch of Osaka Keihana, Colt DCS has 100MW of IT capacity under management in Japan with planned growth in excess of 150MW.

Ellen Hall, Fidelity's Head of Direct Real Estate commented "We are excited for the official launch of Osaka Keihanna. This is the first development under Fidelity's joint venture with Mitsui and validates our belief that having local partners in Mitsui and Colt DCS, with long track records in the region, is key to success. We look forward to replicating that success with the additional sites currently under development."

Takashi Nakai, General Manager of the Financial Business Division of Mitsui & Co said "Following the announcement of our joint venture with Fidelity we have been working closely with Colt DCS in every aspect of the delivery of this new facility in Osaka Keihanna. The demand for sustainable hyperscale data centre services and solutions across Japan is unprecedented. Enabling businesses to undertake their digital transformation journey is critical in order for businesses to enter new markets faster than the competition. With the launch of the new Osaka Keihanna facility we are confident the capacity we are delivering with this data centre will satisfy both the immediate and future capacity requirements of our customers"

About Colt DCS

Colt Data Centre Services provide true service and operational excellence in the sustainable design, build, delivery and operational management of hyperscale data centres across Europe and APAC. We provide data centre solutions to hyperscale and large enterprise customers across 14 state-of-the-art carrier neutral data centres spanning 8 cities.

Our Hyperscale and colocation solutions allow our customers freedom to plan effectively for the growth of their business, knowing that their data centre strategy is ready for the demands of tomorrow.

We have over 25 years of experience in the industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer centric data center operator in the market. We put environmental awareness at the heart of everything we do because we know it's the right thing to do for our planet. That's why we're taking the ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability journey, alongside our sister company we are committed to achieving global net zero emissions for our own operations by 2045.

https://www.coltdatacentres.net

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1603343/Colt_DCS_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS)
Report highlights progress on key environmental and social initiatives

CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced the publication of its 2022 Citizenship Report, an annual update that shares the company's progress against key environmental and social initiatives and details its efforts to nourish people, the planet and communities.

"At Conagra, our approach to citizenship supports a healthy planet, healthy communities and a healthy business," said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands. "We are conscious about how our business impacts the world and our latest Citizenship Report underscores our focus on collaboration, transparency and action. It is especially meaningful that our employees continue to drive sustainable and societal impact across our business while producing exceptional results. I thank them for their ongoing dedication to doing the right things and doing things right."

The report covers a broad range of topics across four focus areas: Good Food, Responsible Sourcing, Better Planet and Stronger Communities. Highlights from the 2022 report include:

Good Food : Conagra continuously strives to make safe, delicious and nutritious foods, while providing nutrition information about its food that consumers need to make educated choices.

: Conagra continuously strives to make safe, delicious and nutritious foods, while providing nutrition information about its food that consumers need to make educated choices. As of the end of fiscal year 2022, the company added more than 350 SKUs to states' Women, Infants and Children-approved product lists, enabling access to eligible foods that otherwise would not be available for these shoppers.

Responsible Sourcing : Conagra approaches the sourcing of ingredients and packaging materials with care and consideration, taking into account environmental and social impacts across the value chain.

: Conagra approaches the sourcing of ingredients and packaging materials with care and consideration, taking into account environmental and social impacts across the value chain. In fiscal 2022, continued growth of plant fiber-based packaging as an alternative to plastic resulted in an estimated 35 million pounds of plastic avoided since 2017  exceeding the company's aim to avoid the use of 33 million pounds of plastic through plant-based packaging options and other packaging innovations.

Better Planet : The health of the planet and availability of natural resources are intricately linked to Conagra's business. The company is especially focused on reducing its impact on climate change, minimizing packaging waste, supporting regenerative agriculture, preserving water resources and eliminating waste in its operations.

: The health of the planet and availability of natural resources are intricately linked to Conagra's business. The company is especially focused on reducing its impact on climate change, minimizing packaging waste, supporting regenerative agriculture, preserving water resources and eliminating waste in its operations. Through its employee-led Sustainable Development Awards program, since 2009, the company has conserved 3.7 billion gallons of water, decreased its carbon footprint by 215,000 metric tons, reduced waste by 122,700 tons, decreased packaging materials by more than 32,000 tons and saved over $280 million .

. Stronger Communities : Conagra cares deeply about its employees and invests in their growth, success and wellbeing. The company's ambition is to be the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. The company also supports the communities where its employees live and work, and takes action to address the issue of food insecurity through volunteerism, product donations and financial contributions.

: Conagra cares deeply about its employees and invests in their growth, success and wellbeing. The company's ambition is to be the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. The company also supports the communities where its employees live and work, and takes action to address the issue of food insecurity through volunteerism, product donations and financial contributions. To help alleviate hunger and food insecurity, Conagra donated more than 20 million pounds of food to Feeding America and its network of food banks, which is equivalent to more than 16 million meals, while employees across the U.S., Canada and Mexico contributed more than 9,000 hours in volunteer service.

For more information about these highlights, including information about calculations, measurements and methodology, please see the full Citizenship Report for fiscal year 2022, ending May 29, 2022. All numbers referenced are approximate values.

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.ConagraBrands.com.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA:

Tim Wrona

708-495-1119

SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.
CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ConceiveAbilities Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency is thrilled to once again support milk banks across the country with the #MilkBankChallenge. The goal? One million ounces of donated breast milk. Every qualified woman donating to their local milk bank will earn a $250 gift card for their time and expenses.

Every qualified woman donating to their local milk bank will earn a $250 gift card for their time and expenses. Tweet this In 2022, over 500 women joined the Milk Bank Challenge and donated nearly 650,000 ounces of breast milk to milk banks across the nation. ConceiveAbilities Egg Donor and Surrogacy Agency is continuing their support to help replenish milk banks from the infant formula supply by renewing the #MilkBankChallenge. Women can learn more on how to help us reach our one million ounce goal and earn $250 to help with pumping expenses and time at conceiveabilities.com.

The infant formula shortage unfortunately is not over and support is still needed. "We have enormous gratitude for the women who joined the 2022 Milk Bank Challenge who, together, donated almost 650,000 ounces of breast milk to milk banks across America," shares ConceiveAbilities founder Nazca Fontes .

"Collaborating with ConceiveAbilities #MilkBankChallenge to save the littlest lives among us, has been one of the biggest successes of our past year. Mothers' Milk Bank of San Jose couldn't be happier to partner with them to reach another milestone of 1,000,000 ounces! With this precious resource of human breast milk, we can continue to support families helping other families in the biggest way," says interim Executive Director Cristal Ciancutti.

Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes Marissa Grossenbach adds, "Not only is ConceiveAbilities generously rewarding our families who donate their excess milk, they are also supporting our ongoing mission to expand access to donor milk and save tiny lives."

Every ounce of donor milk makes a profound impact. Because one ounce of breast milk can feed a NICU baby for an entire day, last year's donations helped a remarkable number of families. Lenna Gregory with Denver's Mothers' Milk Bank appreciates that more people are learning about milk donation through ConceiveAbilities, "Nonprofit milk banks provide safe, screened human milk for the most fragile infants, and we always have a need for new donors of this precious resource." ConceiveAbilities is ready to support even more needy infants with the goal of attracting 1,500 women donating to 2023's one million ounce goal.

There are two ways people can join this year's 2023 Milk Bank Challenge. First, everyone can be a #MilkBankChallenge Champion and earn rewards by sharing a customized link to text, email and share on their social channels with potentially lactating women. For each person in their community who enters their email to learn more about the Milk Bank Challenge, they will both earn a $5 reward.

Second, lactating women can donate breast milk to their local milk bank. Even small donations can make a profound impact and every donor receives a $250 gift card for their efforts. Learn more about joining the #MilkBankChallenge on ConceiveAbilities.com.

ConceiveAbilities is a leading surrogacy agency with over 25 years of experience building families. With their innovative All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package that includes top surrogate pay and a proven Matching Matters process, ConceiveAbilities is a top agency for surrogates and parents alike.

SOURCE ConceiveAbilities
Forty-eight days after, a 14-man steering committee constituted to tackle petrol supply hurdles and regulate the price of the product, under the chairmanship of President Muhammadu Buhari, has failed to end the scarcity.

Reports from our correspondents showed that the scarcity of the product has worsened in states with motorists buying a litre for N300.

Credible sources in the petroleum industry, however, confirmed to this paper that the president is yet to inaugurate the panel, which is raising concerns in the country.

Daily Trust reached out to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was to superintend the committee headed by Buhari himself, but he could not be reached.

Officials at NNPC Limited, a strong member of the committee and the sole importer of petrol, did not immediately respond to this paper's enquiries.

A top official told this paper that industry players are keen on the inauguration of the committee but that has not been done.

"We were keen to see that the committee is inaugurated and running but that has not been done. What happened was that heads of relevant agencies tried to deepen actions to solve the problem," said the official.

Also speaking, another regulatory official said the president may have been told that the relevant agencies could handle the situation and there was no need for the committee.

Scarcity worsens across states

The situation in states across the federation has continued to worsen as Nigerians look forward to a lasting solution.

Motorists in Kano said although fuel is now more readily available compared to late last year, the price is still high at private fuel stations. They also lamented difficulties in getting fuel after joining queues in the petrol stations, as a result of the cash crunch.

Malam Labaran Ibrahim, a commercial bus driver said: "We normally sacrifice a whole day to get fuel at either N210 or N220. That is how we can get something to pay our balance and feed our families. We join the queue where we think or confirm fuel will be sold the following day. We normally join in the evening and stay there until the next day," he lamented.

In Kaduna, a businesswoman, Fatima Raji, said in the past three months, she had been buying petrol at between N300 and N350 per litre.

"The situation has not improved. I buy from Future View, a filling station near Command Secondary School, Kaduna, at N300. It has not changed. When the committee was announced, we thought it would address the problem of scarcity. Unfortunately, it has not," she said.

The Managing Partner, ABOPE Chambers, Barr. Femi Aborisade, said the perennial rise in fuel prices and the NNPC factor are nothing but a policy to rob the masses of their little earnings for the benefit of dealers in the oil sector.

We patronise private depots at N240/litre - IPMAN

The Kaduna Unit of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has faulted the federal government's inability to keep the nation's refineries functional as being responsible for the lingering scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

The IPMAN chairman in Kaduna, Alhaji Abdulfatah Murtala, while speaking on phone with our correspondent in Kaduna, said instead of buying petrol from the federal government at N171 per litre, they have been forced to patronise private depots and buy at N240 per litre.

Murtala, who is also the managing director of Yussufa Petroleum and Gas Company, said IPMAN members opted to buy petrol from private depots because it takes months to load the product when they bought from the government.

"The problem of petrol scarcity is solely from the federal government and not IPMAN. The government sells the product to us at N171 per litre but before we can load the product, it takes between one and three months. That is why we opt to buy the product from private depots at N240 per litre.

"To transport the product from the deport in the southern part of the country to the North, we spend more than N2 million and if you add that to other costs at the deport before loading, the price of the product would be N295 per litre. That is why the product is sold above N300 per litre by many independent marketers," he said.

FG spends N2.4trn subsidy in 6 months

Despite the huge amount of money spent on petrol subsidy, the acute scarcity of the product has continued for nearly two years and worsened in the past six months with over N2.4 trillion believed to have been spent to subsidize the product, Daily Trust reports.

In February 2023, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, said about N400 billion is spent to subsidise petrol every month which is about N202 per litre of petrol. At that amount, Nigeria would have spent N2.4 trillion as a subsidy on petrol to keep the official rate at N124/l.

However, more stations sell the product at N200-N600 per litre, thereby defeating the purpose of the subsidy.

Breaking down the cost of importing the petrol, Kyari had said, the landing cost of imported petrol was N315 per litre but that NNPC transferred it to the marketers (depots) at N113 per litre.

"Today, by law and the provisions of the Appropriation Act, there is a subsidy on the supply of petroleum products, particularly PMS, into our country. In current data terms, three days ago the landing cost was around N315/litre."

"Our customers are here, we are transferring to each of them at N113/litre. That means there's a difference of close to N202 for every litre of PMS we import into this country.

"In computation, N202 multiplied by 66.5 million litres, multiplied by 30 will give you over N400bn of subsidy every month. There is a budget for this but it is also a drain on our funds.

"It is a strain on the cash flow of our company when you don't get a refund from the ministry of finance. But we will continue to support the country and provide energy security to the country," Kyari stated.

In its latest update on petrol availability in Nigeria last week, NNPC said there are 2.1 billion litres of PMS in stock, representing 0.9 billion litres in all the land depots nationwide and 1.2 billion litres on marine vessels, which is equivalent to 35 days sufficiency as of March 4, 2023. NNPC also said it plans to close March 2023 with about 2.8 billion litres, which is equivalent to 47 days of sufficiency.

Subsidy not getting to Nigerians - NASME

Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Adams Adebayo, said the subsidy not getting to ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, many filling stations are buying fuel from other sources in addition to the high cost of logistics.

"This is the fault of the government that is not regulating it. I have said so many times that subsidy is a scam.

"If you want to subsidise and you want people to be okay, you subsidise exactly what people are consuming daily," he said.

Why Buhari raised committee

On January 24, Sylva, in a statement, announced the constitution of a 14-man steering committee to enforce petroleum products supply and compliance with official prices.

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The committee has the President and Minister of Petroleum, Muhammadu Buhari as chairman and the Minister of State as alternate chairman. It is expected to ensure stock management and visibility on the NNPC Limited refineries rehabilitation and track daily distribution to tackle smuggling.

That would be the first time the minister of petroleum and Nigeria's president will be directly chairing a committee in the petroleum industry and Nigerians had expected so much action, which has not happened, with the committee not even ready to operate, according to sources.

"The campaign and election activities overwhelmed the president. That was why he may not have made time to inaugurate the committee," another source said. The minister had directed NMDPRA to ensure strict compliance with the government-approved ex-depot and retail petrol prices.

It directed NMDPRA to ensure that NNPC Limited, which is the sole supplier, meets the domestic supply obligation of petrol and other petroleum products in the country.

"The federal government will not allow misguided elements to bring untold hardship upon the citizenry and attempt to discredit the government's efforts in consolidating the gains made thus far in the oil and gas sector of the economy," it stated.

Other members are the Minister of Finance, Permanent Secretary, petroleum ministry, National Economic Adviser to the President, DSS, Customs, EFCC, NSCDC, NMDPRA, CBN, and NNPC.

We stand by NNPC's explanation - Presidency

When contacted, the Presidency said the explanation given by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the current development was enough.
The bipartisan, bicameral program's inaugural class includes 24 Latino Hill staffers

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to provide leadership, public service, and policy experiences to outstanding Latino emerging leaders, thanks to a generous grant from General Motors, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) has launched the Latino Hill Staff Academy (LHSA).

The non-partisan, bicameral leadership program is dedicated to the professional and leadership development of Latino/a/x Capitol Hill Staffers, at every role and level, in the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Program participants will engage in both self-paced online modules and in-person leadership and professional development sessions over the course of four months.

The bipartisan, bicameral program's inaugural class includes 24 Latino Hill staffers Tweet this

The 24 members of the inaugural class include Latino staffers at every level - from staff assistants to senior advisors - who represent a wide range of political ideologies.

"Part of fulfilling our mission to develop the next generation of Latino leaders is continuing to think innovatively about how we provide professional and leadership development to Latinos in every facet of their careers," said Marco A. Davis, President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. "Thanks to our partners at General Motors, the Latino Hill Staff Academy will serve as a way to empower Latino Capitol Hill staffers at all levels to continue their personal and professional growth, and strengthen the pool of outstanding leaders in the Congressional workforce."

"General Motors is honored to support the launch of the Latino Hill Staff Academy," said Omar Vargas, Vice President & Head of Global Public Policy, General Motors. "We are committed to doing our part to help create further opportunities for the professional and leadership development of Latino public policy professionals, and recognize the importance of ensuring that the diversity on Capitol Hill is representative of the Latino populations across the nation. We are excited to build upon our relationship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), and can't think of a better partner to bring this program to life."

SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Increase in the incidence of diabetes cases, high-end technological advancements, and the benefits of CGMS over POC glucometers drive the growth of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Market By Component (Sensors , Transmitters and Receivers ), By Demography (Child Population, Adult Population), By End User (Hospital and Clinics, Home healthcare, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the global continuous glucose monitoring systems industry was estimated at $6.62 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to hit $31.70 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 17% from 2022 to 2031.

Download Report Sample- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1795

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities-

Increase in the incidence of diabetes cases, high-end technological advancements, and the benefits of CGMS over POC glucometers drive the growth of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market. On the other hand, adverse effects of the system and several stringent regulatory issues restrain the growth to some extent. Nevertheless, high adoption rate of CGMS in home healthcare & ICUs and the rise in product awareness are expected to create multiple opportunities for the key players in the industry.

Impact of Covid-19 on Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Market-

Increase in demand from healthcare workers for safer ways to monitor hospitalized diabetes patients with COVID-19 impacted the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market positively.

FDA had encouraged manufacturers to supply continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for use in the hospital setting during the global health crisis. This way, the frontline healthcare workers in hospitals were able to monitor diabetic patients remotely.

Procure Complete Report (284 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures)

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/continuous-glucose-monitoring-systems-market

The adult population segment to dominate by 2031-

By demography, the adult population segment accounted for more than 90% of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market share in 2021, and is anticipated to rule the roost during the forecast period. The same segment would also portray the fastest CAGR of 17.1% throughout the forecast period. This is due to the rise in the prevalence of diabetics and increase in the geriatric population across the world.

The hospital and clinics segment to maintain the dominant share-

By end-user, the hospital and clinics segment held the major share in 2019, garnering nearly half of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market. The same segment would also portray the fastest CAGR of 17.4% from 2022 to 2031. This is owing to the rise in the number of continuous glucose monitoring systems in hospitals.

The sensors segment garnered the major share in 2021 

By component, the sensors segment accounted for nearly three-fifths of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market share in 2021, and is expected to rule the roost by the end of 2031. The same segment would also cite the fastest CAGR of 17.2% throughout the forecast period. Advancements in technology in the development of continuous glucose monitoring systems fuel the segment's growth.

For Purchase Inquiry- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1795

North America garnered the major share-

By region, North America garnered the highest share in 2021, contributing to nearly half of the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market revenue. This is attributed to the higher adoption of advanced CGMs, surge in the geriatric population suffering from diabetes, availability of well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes across the world. Asia-Pacific, simultaneously, would showcase the fastest CAGR of 17.9% from 2022 to 2031. High prevalence of the diabetic population in India, improvement in healthcare awareness, and rise in R&D activities for developing innovative CGM systems fuel the growth of the market.

Frontrunners in the industry-

DexCom Inc.

Johnson & Johnson

Novo Nordisk A/S

F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd

Abbott Laboratories

GlySens Incorporated

Medtronic plc

Ypsomed AG

Senseonics

Menarini Diagnostics S.R.L.

The report analyzes these key players in the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
MONTREAL, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - SANEXEN Environmental Services Inc. ("SANEXEN"), a subsidiary of LOGISTEC Corporation ("LOGISTEC"), has been awarded Phase 2A of the large-scale environmental remediation project located on the Couchiching First Nation land, near Fort Frances, in Southwestern Ontario.

This important phase marks the beginning of a multi-phase project to return Couchiching First Nations land once used for heavy industrial purposes, to clean and safe land for use by the community.

Couchiching First Nation Contaminated Sites | Sites contamines de la Premiere Nation Couchiching (CNW Group/Logistec Corporation - Communications)

The site has been used for sawmill operations, as a wood treatment plant and as an asphalt production facility among other industrial uses. In Phase 2A, SANEXEN will be treating and disposing 44,000 metric tonnes of contaminated soils off-site. As well, they will be cleaning rocks in place, removing construction and demolition debris and restoring the site for future use. SANEXEN's priority will be to ensure that the land surrounding the site remains protected with as little disruption to the community and the local economy.

"We're proud to demonstrate our commitment to Northern Canada through our work on essential environmental remediation projects such as this," said Eric Sauvageau, Executive Vice-President at SANEXEN. "We are thrilled have assembled a specialized team of experts for this project who are ready to hit the ground running, with unmatched technical knowledge, proven methodologies and years of experience in site remediation."

SANEXEN is well known for its tailor-made, community approach, which will be employed once again for this remediation project. This is not the first time SANEXEN has completed environmental work for Canadian Indigenous communities. The Company currently has six successful Indigenous business partnerships in Quebec, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick. Furthermore, SANEXEN has worked with the Weenusk, Attawapiskat and Fort Severn First Nation communities in northern Ontario for the past 10 years. Through these collaborations, SANEXEN has led several key soil remediation and site clean-up projects on traditional lands, which aligns with their mission to deliver sustainable solutions that have a positive and long-lasting impact on the communities where they work.

"Our team has been involved in complex remediation for over 38 years and we are extremely honoured to expand our partnership with the First Nations to help deliver this critical work, protecting our environment and restoring traditional territory for the community," added Jean-Francois Bolduc, President of SANEXEN. "I am particularly pleased that this work will be performed with the support of the Couchiching First Nation. We are excited to be a part of another pivotal project in Canada's history."

The site remediation work to be performed during this phase consists in:

Clearing of the wooded area

Establishment of a laydown and staging area

Construction of temporary roads within the site

Excavation, loading and disposal of debris and contaminated soils

Abandonment of monitoring wells

The remediation work of this phase of the project will take place between March and October 2023, with most of the soil excavation and hauling occurring from June to September 2023.

About SANEXEN

SANEXEN Environmental Services Inc., a member of the LOGISTEC family, is a leading provider of environmental solutions for over 38 years. With its key business lines  Site Remediation, Major Projects, Infrastructure, Soil and Materials Management and Water Technologies  SANEXEN continues to deliver creative and customized solutions to industrial, municipal and governmental customers and partners. SANEXEN's environmental engineers and scientists combined with their in-house research and development teams continue to explore and implement new technologies to address the ever-evolving environmental issues the world faces today.

About LOGISTEC

LOGISTEC Corporation is based in Montreal (QC) and provides specialized services to the marine community and industrial companies in the areas of bulk, break-bulk and container cargo handling in 53 ports and 79 terminals located in North America. LOGISTEC Corporation also offers marine transportation services geared primarily to the Arctic coastal trade as well as marine agency services to shipowners and operators serving the Canadian market. Furthermore, the Company operates in the environmental industry where it provides services to industrial, municipal and other governmental customers for the renewal of underground water mains, dredging, dewatering, contaminated soils and materials management, site remediation, risk assessment, and manufacturing of fluid transportation products. More information can be obtained on the Company's website at www.logistec.com.

SOURCE Logistec Corporation - Communications
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DCS Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Marracino as Vice President of Proposal Development and Strategic Communications. Since joining DCS in 2010, Lori has played an essential role in all stages of the company's proposal development. In this new role, Lori will continue and expand her leadership of proposal development and strategic communications efforts as an integral part of the DCS growth strategy.

Lori Marracino, DCS Vice President of Proposal Development and Strategic Communications

"As a long-time contributor to the success at DCS, it gives us great pleasure to promote Lori to Vice President," commented Raul Sagun, DCS Chief Growth Officer. "Through her leadership in proposal development and marketing initiatives, DCS's image will be more aligned with our values, resonating better with our customers and resulting in a more compelling and effective brand. Few in our industry have Lori's drive and commitment."

Lori brings more than 25 years of Government contracting experience across the business development lifecycle, with particular focus on all phases of proposal management and solution development. She previously held positions at DCS as Proposal Center Director and Director, Capture and Proposal Development. Lori holds a BA in Professional Writing and Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University as well as a Master of Journalism degree from Temple University.

About DCS

An employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to government agencies in the national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com.

Contact: DCS Media, [email protected], 571-227-6000

SOURCE DCS Corporation
High 5 Plumbing highlights importance of clean, safe water to the community

DENVER, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- High 5 Plumbing, a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area, is focusing on the importance of water conservation and quality as a way to highlight World Water Day on March 22.

World Water Day is celebrated each year in an effort to put a spotlight on water and raise awareness for the 2 billion people around the world who are living without access to safe water.

High 5 Plumbing is focusing on water conservation and quality to highlight World Water Day, which is March 22.

"World Water Day gives us a chance to advocate for sustainable methods that help us manage our freshwater resource," said Levi Torres, co-owner of High 5 Plumbing. "Oftentimes, we can take for granted our ability to walk in and grab a glass of water or take a hot shower. Those resources aren't available to everyone in other countries. By celebrating this occasion, we hope to bring awareness to how important it is to not only keep our water clean, but also preserve it for future generations."

There are several ways homeowners can contribute to the conservation of water in the Denver area. Opting for low-flow faucets or toilets will reduce the amount of water used in homes. According to the EPA, WaterSense-labeled bathroom accessories can reduce a sink's water flow by 30%or more.

In addition, turning off the water while washing dishes or spending less time in the shower can also cut down on water usage.

Just as important as conserving water is keeping our water supply clean. According to Torres, homeowners should only flush toilet paper. They should not pour or flush these items down the drain: cleaning wipes, paper towels, feminine products, bandages, medicine or other hazardous materials. Torres said these items may not dissolve and could end up in our freshwater sources. These items could also create a major plumbing breakdown.

"Keeping our water clean is a goal of ours, and we do that by educating homeowners on what not to put down their drains," Torres said. "This not only helps keep the community's water safe, but it also keeps their plumbing operational and prevents future breakdowns. At High 5 Plumbing, we care about the community and want to do our part in keeping its water clean and safe."

High 5 Plumbing offers a variety of plumbing services to residents in the Denver area, including repair and installation, drain cleaning, pump plumbing, piping, garbage disposal services, sewer line repair, gas plumbing, water heater installation and much more. In addition, the company offers 24/7 emergency services.

To learn more about High 5 Plumbing, visit https://high5plumbing.com/.

About High 5 Plumbing

Founded in 2012, High 5 Plumbing is a local, family-owned company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area. With a professional team that has extensive experience and a commitment to service, High 5 Plumbing offers comprehensive plumbing, sewer and drain services. The company was built on the values of solving plumbing problems and serving every customer with professionalism and respect. For more information about High 5 Plumbing, visit https://www.high5plumbing.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

(865) 977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE High 5 Plumbing
One Lucky Duo to Reimagine the Ultimate Whiskey Drink Will Win Prize to Score a Trip to Dublin

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Roe & Co, an Irish Whiskey crafted in collaboration with bartenders for bartenders, is encouraging cocktail enthusiasts across the country to team up for the chance to win a $10,000 travel voucher to put towards a trip to Dublin and an immersive cocktail session at the brand's Dublin-based distillery. Starting today, the brand is kicking off the "Dublin' Up Cocktail Challenge" Contest where innovative, at-home bartenders can pair up to form a team of two and display their inner creativity by putting their personal spin on their favorite whiskey cocktail.

Are you a cocktail aficionado, or do you have a secret cocktail recipe that you want to share with the world that takes any gathering to the next level? If you answered yes, then grab your challenge partner and prove why your teams recipe should win the grand prize! Starting today, the brand is kicking off the Dublin Up Cocktail Challenge Contest where innovative, at-home bartenders can pair up to form a team of two and display their inner creativity by putting their personal spin on their favorite whiskey cocktail. Roe & Co is a super-premium Blended Irish Whiskey, named in honor of George Roe, a true pioneer of Irish Whiskey.

Are you a cocktail aficionado, or do you have a secret cocktail recipe that you want to share with the world that takes any gathering to the next level? If you answered yes, then grab your challenge partner and prove why your team's recipe should win the grand prize!

Distilled by Lora Hemy, the super-premium Irish whiskey brand knows St. Patrick's Day traditions  and cocktail recipes  run deep. At the same time, the number of those who love to make their own drinks at-home has only continued to rise in the last few years.

"As St. Patrick's Day celebrations have certainly evolved in recent years, we've been inspired by the passion and creativity we've seen from the holiday's biggest fans  who have balanced honoring traditional Irish heritage while bringing modern Irish culture and cocktails to the forefront," said Lora Hemy, Head Distiller at Roe & Co Distillery in Dublin. "Roe & Co is proud to be created in collaboration with a team of bartenders for bartenders, and now we're looking to foster that same spirit of partnership with cocktail enthusiasts who can not only serve up unique takes on classic whiskey drinks but also become the best version of their home-bartender self."

To help bring the campaign to life on social media, Roe & Co has engaged Lynnette Marrero, American bartender, mixologist and philanthropist, to help give tips to fans to further hone their recipes via social media. Marrero will be promoting the "Dublin' Up Cocktail Challenge" on her social media (@drinksat6) so be sure to stay tuned so you don't miss any of the fun!

Starting today, two person teams of adults 25+ will have the opportunity to submit their cocktails by posting a photo or video on Instagram with #DublinUpCocktailContest and tagging @RoeAndCoWhiskey, ending at 11:59:59 pm ET on May 1, 2023. Fans (21+) will have the chance to vote for their favorite reimagined cocktail from among the three finalists via the Roe & Co Instagram before the lucky winning duo is named after World Whisky Day (May 20, 2023), and their cocktail may be featured by the brand during St. Patrick's Day 2024 celebrations.

Roe & Co is a super-premium Blended Irish Whiskey, named in honor of George Roe, a true pioneer of Irish Whiskey. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, non-chill filtered and bottled at an ABV of 45 percent (90 proof), Roe & Co can currently be purchased for all of your St. Patrick's Day across the US in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York State, North Carolina, Ohio or Rhode Island.

No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Roe & Co this month, please remember to drink responsibly. For more information, visit roeandcowhiskey.com or follow Roe & Co at @RoeandCoWhiskey on Facebook and Instagram.

**NO ALCOHOL OR OTHER PURCHASE NECESSARY. Cocktail recipe may include alcohol alternative (i.e., mocktail). Each team member must be legal U.S. resident, 25+, of state where Roe & Co whiskey is sold. Professional bartenders are not eligible. For entry to be valid, both team members must follow @roeandcowhiskey and #DublinUpCocktailContest must be included when posting recipe. Only 1 team member may post recipe. Recipe must be original and cannot violate 3rd party rights. Subject to Official Rules, including judging criteria for determining Finalists, public voting procedure, prize restrictions and other details. Contest sponsored by Diageo Americas, Inc., New York, NY. **Not sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.

Roe & Co Irish Coffee Recipe

1.0 oz Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey

1.0 oz MR BLACK Cold Brew Liqueur

1.0 oz Cold Brew

0.5 oz Simple Syrup

Instructions:

Vigorously shake all ingredients with a handful of ice and pour over glass.

About Roe & Co

Roe & Co is named in honor of George Roe, the once world-famous whiskey maker who helped build the golden era of Irish Whiskey in the 19th century. His distillery, George Roe and Co, extended over 17 acres on Thomas Street in Dublin and was once Ireland's largest distillery.

Diageo will now build on this rich heritage with the creation of a new distillery by converting the historic former Guinness Power House on Thomas Street. Roe & Co is made from the finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies and aged in bourbon casks. It has the signature smoothness of Irish Whiskey with remarkable depth of flavor  a luxuriously smooth blend, with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies. The first blend of Roe & Co debuted in key European cities as part of Diageo's growing Reserve portfolio. For more information, visit roeandcowhiskey.com or follow Roe & Co at @RoeandCoWhiskey on Facebook and Instagram.

About Diageo North America

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Media Contact:

TAYLOR

Roe&[email protected]

Related Links

https://www.roeandcowhiskey.com/

SOURCE Diageo
While brokers deliver significant value for life insurance carriers, their top challenge is a lack of technology that would improve broker, advisor, and end-customer experience, Equisoft commissioned study reveals.

MONTREAL, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Equisoft, a leading global digital solutions provider to the financial industry, is pleased to reveal the results of a newly commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Equisoft, "Digitalizing Life Insurance Distribution." The study1 explores the digital synergies among life insurance carriers, brokers, and advisors and identifies key challenges.

One of the study's findings is that while 75% of brokers use agency management systems to manage their relationship with carriers and customers, only 14% of broker respondents have digital commission accounting capabilities fully integrated into those systems  creating delays in payments to advisors and obscuring payment transparency.

"The life insurance industry is in a time of flux. Every company in each part of the ecosystem is undergoing some type of digital transformation, and each is at a different stage in their journey," said Grace Ata, AVP Product Development at Equisoft. "Carriers depend on brokers to build their business because they do a great job of guiding life insurance customers through the purchase journey. Unfortunately, many brokers still lack the digital tools needed for advisor success."

The study also revealed that compensation management remains a perennial sore point for brokers, which is a critical issue since compensation is so important for creating superior advisor experiences. In fact,11% of carriers said it takes more than 60 days to pay their brokers. At the same time, brokers are hungry for better tools to help them manage commission plans and get them paid faster. They identified a poor commission process as a strain on their relationships with carriers.

"Both of these findings reveal that there's a clear digital transformation opportunity available here. Better digital management tools could mitigate tension around compensation," said Ata. "What the responses to the study showed was that more effective digital management tools will turn brokers and advisors from adversaries into advocates."

Download the full study on "Digitalizing Life Insurance Distribution" here.

Sign up for our Accelerate Webinar "Life Insurance Distribution: New Solutions to Agency Management and Commission Accounting Challenges" on March 15 to learn more about this study.

1 Respondents consisted of 200 life insurance carriers, brokers, and advisors in both the U.S. and Canada

About Equisoft

Founded in 1994, Equisoft is a global provider of advanced insurance and investment digital solutions. Recognized as a valued partner by over 250 of the world's leading financial institutions, Equisoft offers a complete ecosystem of solutions, from innovative front-end applications to extensive back-office services and unique data migration expertise. The firm's flagship solutions include SaaS policy administration, CRM, financial needs analysis, financial planning, asset allocation, fund and portfolio analysis, quotes and illustrations, electronic application, agency management systems, as well as customer, agent and broker portals. Equisoft is also Oracle's largest and most experienced partner for the OIPA platform. With its business-driven approach, deep industry knowledge, innovative technology, and multicultural team of experts based in North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Australia, Equisoft helps its clients tackle any challenge in this era of digital disruption. For more information, please visit www.equisoft.com .

SOURCE Equisoft
Recognition Honors Companies Demonstrating Business Integrity Through Best-In-Class Ethics, Compliance, And Governance Practices

CALGARY, AB, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera" or the "Company") has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies ("WMEC").

Frontera has been recognized for the third time since 2021 and is one of only two honourees in the oil and gas industry. In 2023, 135 honourees were recognized spanning 19 countries and 48 industries.

Orlando Cabrales, Chief Executive Officer, Frontera commented:

"At Frontera we strive to excel in our operations, ensuring we always act with integrity, responsibly towards the environment, mindful of the safety of our people and the well-being of the communities we impact. We think good business requires sustainability for all our stakeholders."

Luz Maria Zea, Chief Compliance Officer, Frontera commented:

"Being recognized by Ethisphere as one of 2023 WMEC's makes us proud and motivates us to further our commitment to integrity and sustainability. We believe we have the opportunity and the responsibility of being an integrity influencer."

Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere CEO commented:

"Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance. We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Frontera for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

Ethics & Performance

According to Ethisphere's Ethics Index, the listed 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies honourees outperformed a comparable index of large cap companies by 13.6 percentage points from January 2018 to January 2023.

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

Honorees

To view the full list of this year's honorees, please visit the World's Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees .

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust, and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine . Ethisphere also helps to advance business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset focused on ethical culture and featuring the responses of 2+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 200+ data points highlighting the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com .

About Frontera

Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 31 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.

If you would like to receive News Releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe .

Corporate Presentation

See Frontera's corporate presentations at: https://www.fronteraenergy.ca/reports-presentations/

Social Media

Follow Frontera Energy social media channels at the following links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fronteraenergy?lang=en

Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/FronteraEnergy/

LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/frontera-energy-corp.

SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation
Recognition honors companies demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

MINNEAPOLIS, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), a global leader in powersports, has been recognized as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

ETHISPHERE NAMES POLARIS AS ONE OF THE 2023 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

"Being recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies is an incredible honor and a testament to the more than 16,000 Polaris employees who bring to life our Geared for Good efforts and help to foster a culture that is centered around integrity," said Mike Speetzen, Polaris CEO. "We believe accomplishments should be about more than just what was achieved, but how they were achieved, and we take pride in operating in a manner that reflects our values and builds trust with our customers, dealers, employees, suppliers, and the communities where we do business."

In its inaugural debut on Ethisphere's 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies list, Polaris is one of only eight honorees in the Automotive industry. This year, 135 honorees were recognized spanning 19 countries and 46 industries.

"We remain committed to doing business the right way  every day," said Polaris' Global Head of Ethics & Compliance, Ash Mishra. "This commitment requires our team to understand our expectations and hold themselves and each other accountable to operating with the highest level of ethics and integrity. Through our global ethics and compliance program, we are focused on bolstering awareness of that expectation, educating on our policies, and reinforcing our values."

"Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Polaris for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

More information on Polaris' Geared for Good efforts can be found on the Geared for Good section of Polaris.com and in its most recent Geared for Good Corporate Responsibility ESG Report.

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

To view the full list of this year's honorees, visit the World's Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust, and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine. Ethisphere also helps to advance business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset focused on ethical culture and featuring the responses of 2+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 200+ data points highlighting the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.

"World's Most Ethical Companies" and "Ethisphere" names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.

 2023 Polaris Industries Inc.

SOURCE Polaris Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brattle Group has welcomed Dr. Andrew Roper to its San Francisco office as a Principal in the firm's Securities Class Actions practice. Dr. Roper is a financial economist specializing in securities litigation, class certification, internal or regulatory investigations, and matters requiring valuation or damage estimates.

Dr. Andrew Roper | Principal | The Brattle Group

"With his extensive expertise in securities trading, valuation, and causation, Drew is a robust addition to our firm's Securities team," said Brattle Interim President & Principal David J. Hutchings. "His testifying experience and ability to help parties understand risk in complex portfolios involving options will be a major asset to Brattle's clients."

With more than 15 years of litigation consulting experience at top consultancies, Dr. Roper has served as a testifying expert in several high-profile commercial litigation matters, including as a class action certification expert. He has consulted on matters involving options trading, claims relating to risk management, fixed and variable rate annuities, and more.

Dr. Roper's consulting experience is supported by a strong background in academia. He has held research and teaching positions focused on corporate finance at the Stanford Law School, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. His work has been published in several leading economic and financial journals.

"I look forward to continuing to build the Brattle brand in securities litigation," said Dr. Roper. "With the deep bench of expertise already in place and opportunities to invest going forward, Brattle should be on the top of the short list for clients looking for experienced securities experts that use innovative approaches."

Before joining Brattle, Dr. Roper founded his own litigation consulting firm Catalyst Economic Consulting, and gained prior experience as an Executive Vice President and a Vice President, respectively, at two global economics consultancies.

To learn more about Dr. Roper, please see his full bio.

ABOUT BRATTLE

The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across four continents. For more information, please visit brattle.com.

SOURCE The Brattle Group
Two United States diplomats, Ambassador Mark Green and Johnnie Carson, have said even Nigerian citizens who supported the winners of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections in the country were disappointed with the electoral process.

In a joint treatise, both envoys, who monitored the elections, insisted that critical lessons must be learnt very fast from the shortcomings of the last polls by Nigerians and Africans, with a view to forestalling such flaws in the future.

Writing for the Washington-based President Woodrow Wilson Centre, a United States non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research, Green and Carson noted that, among other issues, many polling stations opened late while poll workers reported material shortages.

While Green was administrator of the US Agency for International Development, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, US ambassador to Tanzania and four-term House of Representatives member, Carson was ambassador to Nigeria and several other African countries.

The ambassadors recalled that on February 25, Nigeria held its presidential election with millions of Nigerians going to the polls for the opportunity to elect their new leader, but noted that the process was fraught with irregularities.

The diplomats wrote, "At a time when the world is experiencing a democratic decline, Nigerians stood in line - sometimes for hours - for the chance to have their voices heard.

"Unfortunately, the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission - for which we were both observers - declared that this election 'fell short of Nigerian citizens' reasonable expectations.'

"Citizens were disappointed with the electoral process, including those who supported the candidates who were declared winners. Among other issues, many polling stations opened late, and poll workers reported material shortages.

"Overall, as the IRI/NDI joint mission found, Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to live up to the high expectations it had created for itself."

They recalled that three days after Election Day, the candidate of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, was declared president-elect. They stressed that the main opposition parties had now gone to court to challenge the results.

According to the envoys, there is a lot of evidence that Africans prefer democratic systems of government to other forms. They explained that in addition, Africans also wanted accountable governance.

The diplomats contended that even with improvements over the last decade, governance overall had struggled, "flat lining" across the continent since 2019, a worrying development since it can affect African Union's Agenda 2063 goals.

According to the duo, success for democracy in Nigeria - the biggest economy and largest democracy on the continent - has the potential to inspire democracy in neighbouring countries and across the continent, as Nigeria is one of the most influential countries in Africa - and the world.

While much of the world's attention is "understandably" taken up by headline-grabbing events, such as the Russia/Ukraine conflict and earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Green and Carson argued that the world could not afford to ignore happenings in Nigeria.

They stated, "However, the international community cannot afford to overlook elections - and importantly, democracy - across Africa this year. Case in point, Nigeria: Africa's most populous country and one of the world's largest democracies.

"With projections to become the world's third most populous country by 2050, it is imperative that a solidified democratic system is established in order to effectively support the people's needs and promote progress throughout the continent.

"US foreign policy toward Nigeria should focus on proactively strengthening democracy and governance. To help reach this goal, our direct engagement with African leaders and citizens is important - not because we have it perfectly figured out but because we know that democracies build better futures."

The ambassadors noted that US policy toward Nigeria should consistently advocate strong civil society involvement, fortify political parties, implement checks and balances on government officials, and establish strong legislative systems.

The US and other international partners, the envoys stressed, must continue to support civil society and the institutions that support democratic principles, and in turn, strengthen democracy.

Although the logistical issues associated with the elections disappointed many Nigerians, the ambassadors argued that their continued hope for their country's democratic system should inspire all.

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While elections are an important benchmark in democratic development, they said the real work of building democratic institutions happens between elections.

According to the ambassadors, "What happens over the next weeks and months in Nigeria will be vital. It is important that the president-elect prioritises forming an inclusive government that considers the voices and concerns of all Nigerians.

"On March 18, Nigerians will go back to the polls to vote for their state governors and Houses of Assembly, and there will be several important elections on the continent this year.

"The world should continue to watch the process closely, and ensure that lessons from the Nigeria presidential election are not just recorded but used to strengthen every election that lies ahead."

The envoys stated that there was no question about the enormous potential that existed in the country and Africa, stressing that the continent can only achieve its full potential if citizens have an opportunity to participate in a democratic process that allows their votes to be cast and their voices to be heard.
Four Programs Aim to Bring New Audiences and Exposure to Creators

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Flipboard introduces its Flipboard Creator Collective, allowing independent voices to scale the distribution of their content via four distinct programs. These programs are intended to help creators grow their audience as well as their business, and represent $2.5M in value on an annual basis. Mike McCue, Flipboard's co-founder and CEO, made the announcement during a conversation with The Information's Jessica Lessin at SXSW in Austin, Texas.

"Flipboard has found its place in the creator ecosystem as an important platform for independent voices and an emerging 'middle class' of creators," said Mia Quagliarello, Flipboard's head of creator community. "It's incredibly hard for most starting and mid-size creators to break through the noise of large platforms, but on Flipboard they can find a quality audience, drive traffic and engagement, and build community."

Starting today, creators can apply to become part of the Flipboard Creator Collective and gain access to the programs, including paid residencies and content promotions in Flipboard's newsletters and mobile apps. Here is a full overview:

Newsletter Takeover Program

This program gives experts a platform to showcase their area of expertise, including their own work, articles that have contributed to their success, and items of inspiration. Guest curators can bring their voices to some of Flipboard's largest newsletters , about food, travel, photography and more, allowing them to reach new audiences. Flipboard has earmarked 10 newsletters per month, across food, travel, photography, personal finance, tech and climate, for these creator takeovers.

Promoted Stories Program

Flipboard donates a portion of its inventory for sponsored content within its newsletters and mobile apps to creators' initiatives, including books, courses, and subscriptions to their own newsletters. This program lets creators get their initiatives in front of receptive readers in relevant topics based on Flipboard's interest graph, helping them to kick-start their businesses.

Sponsor Referral Pilot Program

Flipboard offers an opportunity for creators to scale their brand relationships and earn a commission in return. A creator who partners with a brand to sponsor their newsletter takeover will keep 100% of the revenue associated with that sponsorship. Additionally, if that same brand continues to advertise on Flipboard, the creator will receive a one-time $5K referral bonus.

Residency Program

The program offers a monthly stipend to creators who come in-house for a period of at least three months, during which they provide curation, community expertise, and consultation in their area of expertise. Each resident is expected to work a set number of hours per week. To be eligible, creators need at least two years of expertise in fields such as food, travel, and photography.

Creator Status

Moreover, Flipboard Creator Collective members are treated like publishers on the platform. Their content will be added to topics in Flipboard's ecosystem and they will be eligible to receive a red check on their profiles, at no charge, to verify the authenticity of their accounts, allowing them to establish themselves as credible sources of information and grow their authority on the platform.

About Flipboard

Flipboard is the world's first social magazine where people go for information and inspiration. On Flipboard, quality articles, videos, podcasts and products are recommended for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts from around the world. It is a platform that lets people spend time on their interests, develop deeper understanding of issues, and share the best ideas with others by collecting them into their own Flipboard Magazines. Download Flipboard for free in any app store or visit flipboard.com .

SOURCE Flipboard
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Eye Specialists , the largest multi-specialty eye practice in Northeast Florida, will soon offer the first cataract lens implant that can fine-tune vision after cataract surgery. Using the groundbreaking Light-Adjustable Lens technology, cataract surgeons can make precise adjustments to patients' eyes based on their personal preferences. This allows more patients to achieve 20/20 distance vision without glasses.

"Every patient heals differently after cataract surgery, so it can be difficult to predict vision outcomes," said CEO and managing partner Rajesh K. Shetty, MD . "We now have the power to adjust a patient's prescription until they see exactly how they want to, just like we would with glasses or contacts."

After cataract surgery with the Light-Adjustable Lens, patients meet with their eye doctor to test their vision. They then preview and compare prescription changes to choose the option that looks best to them. The ophthalmologist uses a series of three to five light treatments to customize the photosensitive material of the lens. Each treatment is painless and takes less than a minute to complete.

"At Florida Eye Specialists, we've always been on the forefront of new technologies and it's our priority to bring the latest advancements to our patients. That's why we're proud to be the first in Northeast Florida to offer this incredible technology," said Dr. Shetty. "We're not satisfied until our patients are thrilled with their sight."

Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Thanks to modern advances in cataract surgery, patients have the opportunity to not only restore their vision, but to possibly see better than they ever have before. Cataract surgery can reduce dependency on glasses and make daily activities like reading and driving easy again.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com .

About Florida Eye Specialists

Florida Eye Specialists is the largest multi-specialty eye practice in North Florida with locations in Jacksonville, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Neptune Beach, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and beyond with doctors who have served the community for more than 40 years. The experienced team of ophthalmologists and optometrists is dedicated to leading the industry in eye care and helping patients see clearly.

SOURCE Florida Eye Specialists
PHILADELPHIA, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) has announced the retirement of Dr. Karen Totland, vice president and chief sustainability officer (CSO), following a nearly 30-year career in the specialty chemical industry. Julie DiNatale, director of Truterra Sustainability Partnerships, a division of Land O'Lakes, will succeed Totland as vice president and CSO on July 1, 2023. DiNatale will report to Mark Douglas, president and CEO, and will join the company's Operating Committee.

"For well over a decade, Karen has been the driving force behind FMC's global sustainability strategy and award-winning programs that have positioned our company as a progressive leader in ESG," said Douglas. "During the last two years serving as our first chief sustainability officer, Karen has accelerated FMC's targets to reduce waste and water usage across the enterprise, reset our goals with more ambitious targets and restructured our sustainability narrative to focus on a growing set of global issues, including climate change, biodiversity and food security."

Under Totland's leadership, FMC was one of the first crop protection companies to commit to a net zero goal, and among a select group of companies across all industries to commit to net zero by 2035.

She joined FMC in 2010 as vice president, global procurement and facilities, responsible for the development of a new strategic procurement organization with an annual spend of several billions of dollars. Totland was instrumental in modernizing the function with new processes and policies that maximized savings in all spend categories and launching a system that provided greater visibility of costs and improved efficiencies. She also co-led the company's relocation to a new global headquarters in Philadelphia in 2016. Totland serves on The Heritage Group's Sustainability Advisory Panel and has been a member of the American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania's board of directors since 2014.

"On behalf of all of us at FMC, I thank her for her leadership and many contributions to our company," Douglas added. "We wish her a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement."

DiNatale joins FMC with more than 25 years of experience in the agricultural and chemical industries, including extensive roles in sustainability leadership. In her most recent position, she oversaw commercial and strategic partnership development for Truterra, where she has led the development and delivery of ESG initiatives through multi-stakeholder collaborations. Earlier in her career, DiNatale held sustainability and related roles of increasing responsibility at large cap, start-up and investor organizations, including Eastman Kodak Company, institutional research firm OTR Global, Farm Journal Media, VC-funded startup Granular and Corteva Agriscience.

"Julie brings extensive global experience across many critical areas of sustainability, including advocacy, climate change initiatives, ESG reporting, regenerative agriculture, food supply chain, carbon reduction technologies and external partnerships," said Douglas. "She is a dynamic leader who will drive our sustainability strategy, continue to build critical engagements with key external stakeholders and ensure FMC is recognized as a company committed to impactful sustainability priorities in all aspects of our business. Our management team looks forward to welcoming Julie to FMC."

DiNatale will join the company on April 1, 2023, and will work closely with Totland during the next three months on a transition of responsibilities. She will become an FMC vice president and CSO on July 1.

About FMC

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions  including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture  enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 6,600 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the risk factors and other cautionary statements included within FMC's 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC as well as other SEC filings and public communications. FMC cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. FMC undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they were made, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE FMC Corporation
High-end publication explores the architectural process while celebrating the beauty of brick in both traditional and innovative designs

WYOMISSING, Pa., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glen-Gery Corporation , a part of Brickworks North America, has announced the launch of Folio 2, a high-end publication featuring the most inspiring new brick buildings in North America and Australia. Following the popular first volume of Folio, Folio 2 is a source of inspiration and an invaluable reference tool for architects and designers alike.

Glen-Gery celebrated the launch of Folio 2 at Brick Design: Incorporating Unique Detailing in Architecture, an exclusive panel discussion featuring moderator Doug Patt and panelists Morris Adjmi of Morris Adjmi Architects; Steve Knight of David M. Schwarz Architects; Mateusz Nowacki of Everyday Studio; and Isaac-Daniel Astrachan of Stephen B. Jacobs Group Architects, on March 9, 2023 at the Brickworks New York Design Studio.

"Brick has long been a trusted material, used worldwide by architects who appreciate strength, versatility and sustainability in design. Due to its proven value to both traditional works and contemporary designs, we've seen brick increasingly become the building material of choice for many architects and designers," said Tim Leese, director of marketing at Glen-Gery. "Folio 2 is a thoughtfully curated collection of projects that show how architectural ideas - no matter how big or small - can be made real through the material. The publication not only celebrates the beauty of brick but also explores the 'how' and 'why' behind the architectural process."

Folio 2 features highly visual photos and drawings detailing innovative designs and interviews with the architects and designers behind the designs. Projects, including single-family homes, university buildings and offices, show the endless design possibilities of brick. Each project uses brick manufactured by Glen-Gery or its sister company, Austral Bricks, in a variety of shapes, colors and textures, from conventional brick to custom-designed brick for unique implementations.

"The publication is a beautiful culmination of brick projects. Despite being in a digital era, we wanted to offer a fulfilling reading experience where architects and designers could physically flip through the pages, take their own notes, and truly connect to the exceptional projects within the publication," said Leese.

Glen-Gery celebrated the launch of Folio 2 at Brick Design: Incorporating Unique Detailing in Architecture, an exclusive panel discussion featuring moderator Doug Patt and panelists Morris Adjmi of Morris Adjmi Architects; Steve Knight of David M. Schwarz Architects; Mateusz Nowacki of Everyday Studio; and Isaac-Daniel Astrachan of Stephen B. Jacobs Group Architects, on March 9, 2023 at the Brickworks New York Design Studio. The panelists, whose firms were featured in Folio 2, explored how unique designs are achieved through the utilization of brick.

To receive a complimentary copy of Folio 2 or to submit a project for a future edition, visit https://www.glengery.com/folio .

MEDIA CONTACT

Kelly Nguyen

[email protected]

609-385-6701

ABOUT GLEN-GERY

Headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Glen-Gery Corporation is one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America. Since 1890, Glen-Gery has built a reputation for its superior service and high-quality building products that meet both innovative design challenges and demanding construction specifications. Through technology advancements and product innovations, Glen-Gery offers a diverse, premium product portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products that caters to the high-style needs of today's architects, designers and homeowners. Operating as part of Brickworks North America, Glen-Gery has ten manufacturing facilities, 24 company-owned Supply Centers and three Design Studios, including Philadelphia, Baltimore and the global flagship location in New York City. www.glengery.com

SOURCE Glen-Gery
DUBLIN, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Ambient Commerce Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report by End-use (Department Stores, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, and Others), Component, Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Ambient Commerce Market size is expected to reach $33.6 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 32.4% CAGR during the forecast period.

With ambient commerce, also known as checkout-free retail, customers can leave stores with their desired goods in hand. Without the use of lines or cash registers, a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies monitor their movements and automatically charge their accounts.

Retailers are getting more inventive as they work to entice customers back into physical stores after the lockdown restrictions were relaxed. By implementing this method of shopping in a few of their branches, retailers like Amazon, Tesco, and Aldi are influencing the future of grocery shopping.



To give customers a multisensory purchasing experience, ambient commerce blends the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), sensors, actuators, as well as other cutting-edge technology. The ease of purchasing, restocking, and cheaper store operating expenses are a few advantages of ambient commerce that can be used to explain the market's expansion. Additionally, it offers various e-commerce information, including data on financial transactions, consumer preferences, and behavioral trends.



Due to the fact that ambient commerce enables customers to leave businesses with the merchandise they want without waiting for the checkout procedure, it is sometimes referred to as checkout-free retail. There is no need to wait in long lines because a variety of AI technologies and cameras monitor the customer's activities and charge them for the purchased items immediately from their account or digital wallets.



COVID-19 Impact Analysis



The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak is anticipated to further stimulate the ambient commerce business. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online and contactless payment methods, leading many merchants to embrace cutting-edge technology like ambient computing. Retailers are implementing long-term strategies that can give their customers a sensory shopping experience while also providing the highest levels of safety and ease. Following the pandemic, consumer awareness of ambient products has increased.



Market Growth Factors

Rising demand for smart gadgets



Smart devices are distinctive electronic devices that can communicate, share, and collaborate with the user as well as other smart devices nearby. World's population growth has increased the use of smart cities and smart spaces for cost- and energy-effectiveness, which has increased the acceptance of smart houses.

In smart homes, ambient intelligence can be used for a wide range of purposes, including music playback, voice interaction, podcast streaming, playing audiobooks, giving real-time information, and more. Owing to this, the ambient commerce market would grow over the projection period.



Demand for contactless shopping is rising



Numerous of these key elements of the consumer experience such as the absence of fitting rooms, interactions with retail associates, acceptance of cash payments, and in-store product testing were put to the ultimate test during the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting social isolation.

In-store checkout automation now heavily relies on radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. As their name implies, RFID tags are very small strips of metal that send information via radio waves about the object to which they are attached. All these factors are supporting the market growth for ambient commerce.



Marketing Restraining Factor:

Inadequate infrastructure



Numerous retailers lack the necessary network and infrastructure components that the vast volumes of IoT data demand. Retailers need a cloud solution, a robust network, and end-user solutions such as tablets, barcode scanners, and mPOS to digitalize their physical stores. The retailers must make a significant investment in these items. Owing to these elements, the ambient commerce market growth may decline over the projection period.

Key Market Players

List of Companies Profiled in the Report:

Apple, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.

Tesco PLC

Alibaba Group Holding Limited

Trigo Vision Ltd.

Adroit Worldwide Media, Inc.

Grabango Co.

Zippin

Standard Cognition, Corp.

Sensei

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology



Chapter 2. Market Overview

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Overview

2.1.1.1 Market Composition & Scenario

2.2 Key Factors Impacting the Market

2.2.1 Market Drivers

2.2.2 Market Restraints



Chapter 3. Strategies Deployed in Ambient Commerce Market



Chapter 4. Global Ambient Commerce Market by End-use

4.1 Global Department Stores Market by Region

4.2 Global Convenience Stores Market by Region

4.3 Global Supermarkets Market by Region

4.4 Global Grocery Stores Market by Region

4.5 Global Others Market by Region



Chapter 5. Global Ambient Commerce Market by Component

5.1 Global Sensors Market by Region

5.2 Global Cameras Market by Region

5.3 Global Actuators Market by Region

5.4 Global Others Market by Region



Chapter 6. Global Ambient Commerce Market by Region

Chapter 7. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uw0hkm

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
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A latest research report [115+] pages with 360-Degree visibility, titled "Commercial Printing Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Printing Technology (Digital Printing, Lithography Printing); By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" published by Polaris Market Research in its research repository.

"According to research report, the global commercial printing market size/share was valued at USD 466.64 Billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 574.12 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period."

What is Commercial Printings? How Big is Commercial Printing Market Size & Share?

Overview

Commercial printing is printing for businesses. Companies use commercial printing services to produce a large volume of printed materials. The rapidly rising demand for the commercial printing market can be attributed to the fact that it is used by businesses to strengthen communication, drive sales and build brand awareness. Physical touchpoints, whether large or small, have to be created that reach the target audience.

The increasing need for businesses and enterprises for advertising materials such as brochures and pamphlets is driving the demand for commercial printing services. Advertising is one of the excellent marketing tools. Growing technological proliferation, such as faster presses and new color and toner technology, allows better production capabilities and superior quality. Further, technical development of printing techniques proves to offer cost-effectiveness and efficiency for bulk printing.

Request Sample Copy of Commercial Printing Market Research Report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/commercial-printing-market/request-for-sample

(The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, Table of Contents, Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis and our research methodology.)

Our Sample Report May Includes:

2032 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis.

115+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research).

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request.

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends.

Includes Updated List of table & figures.

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis.

What are New Additions in 2023?

Detailed industry outlook

Additional information on company players

Customized report and analyst support on request

Recent market developments and its futuristic growth opportunities

Customized regional/country reports as per request

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

Quad/Graphics Inc.

Acme Printing

Cenveo

RR Donnelley

Transcontinental Inc.

LSC Communications US LLC.

Gorham Printing Inc.

Dai Nippon Printing

The Magazine Printing Company

Cimpress plc

Quebecor World Inc.

Duncan Print Group

For Additional Information on Key Players, Request to Download Sample Pages Here: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/commercial-printing-market/request-for-sample

Key factors driving market growth

Increasing demand for packaging and labelling to push the market

The booming demand for packaging and labelling from the e-commerce industry contributes significantly to the growth of the target market. The commercial printing market size is expanding as the e-commerce vendors such as Amazon, eBay, and target are adopting innovative packaging solutions such as additive manufacturing and AI-powered design tools to improvise the packaging. Market players from the logistics, warehousing, and retail sectors are investing in hybrid print technologies. Hybrid technology helps in combining the benefits offered by analog and digital technologies.

Commercial printing market sales are soaring as the growing popularity of print is in demand amongst consumers. Print-on-demand is an order delivery method in which goods are printed as soon as an order is placed. POD allows users to get customized designs for a wide range of products. Increasing consumer preference for customization and personalization also contributes to target market growth.

Recent trends influencing the market

Packaging applications such as label printing to drive the market

Folding cartons, flexible packaging, and label printing are three packaging applications that require printing and cutting with folding cartons adding a few more processes to the file preparation and finishing.

With the rise in the digital delivery of information, commercial printers have been imbibing digital technologies to enhance packaging print quality. Quick response codes have become a basic mainstream print on product packaging to be scanned with a smartphone for additional display of data such as product info and promotional content.

Request for a Discount on this Report Before Purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/commercial-printing-market/request-for-discount-pricing

Segmentation assessment

The lithography printing segment dominated the market

Based on printing technology, the lithography printing segment dominated the market due to the rising demand for printing in packaging-related applications. Lithography technology has several benefits, such as consistent and excellent imaging quality, which encourages more usage. Commercial printing market demand is on the rise as lithographic printing is perfect for high-volume static mailings such as directory and product advertising.

The advertising segment will account for a higher share of the market

Based on application, the advertising segment will account for a higher market share. One of the elements fuelling the segment's expansion is the legal requirement for packaging printing on goods, including prescription medications, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages. Commercial printing market trends include print advertisements covering events, offering in-depth analysis, and disseminating news and promotions in vast quantities increasing conversion rates and enhancing trustworthiness.

Inquire more about this report before purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/commercial-printing-market/inquire-before-buying

(Inquire a report quote OR available discount offers to the sales team before purchase.)

Commercial Printing Market: Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 574.12 Billion Market size value in 2022 USD 476.21 Billion Expected CAGR Growth 2.4% from 2022 - 2030 Base Year 2021 Forecast Year 2022 - 2030 Top Market Players Quad/Graphics Inc., Acme Printing, Cenveo, RR Donnelley, Transcontinental Inc., LSC Communications US, LLC., Gorham Printing, Inc., Dai Nippon Printing, The Magazine Printing Company, Cimpress plc, Quebecor World Inc., and Duncan Print Group. Segments Covered By Printing Technology, By Application, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options

Geographic Overview

Advancements in the print sector to propel the Asia Pacific market

Asia Pacific held the most significant commercial printing market share due to advances in the print sector, such as digital technologies, notably in China and India are the growth facilitating factors in the region. Due to these advancements' high-speed capabilities, conventional printers have been supplanted by high-tech commercial printers.

North America also dominated the market share due to rising demand for commercial printing for marketing, packaging, labeling, and advertising. Further, it is projected that the presence of essential firms in areas such as Quad/Graphics Inc., Acme Printing, Cenevo, and RR Donnelley, will further spur the industry's expansion.

Browse the Detail Report "Commercial Printing Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Printing Technology (Digital Printing, Lithography Printing); By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" with in-depth TOC: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/commercial-printing-market

For Additional Information OR Media Enquiry, Please Mail At: [email protected]

Polaris Market Research has segmented the commercial printing market report based on printing technology, application, and region:

By Printing Technology Outlook

Digital Printing

Lithography Printing

By Application Outlook

Packaging

Advertising

Publication

By Region Outlook

North America (U.S., Canada )

(U.S., ) Europe ( France , Germany , UK, Italy , Netherlands , Spain , Russia )

( , , UK, , , , ) Asia Pacific ( Japan , China , India , Malaysia , Indonesia , South Korea )

( , , , , , ) Latin America ( Brazil , Mexico , Argentina )

( , , ) Middle East & Africa ( Saudi Arabia , UAE, Israel , South Africa )

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About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for PMR's clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve PMR's diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide PMR's customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to PMR's customers.

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SOURCE Polaris Market Research
CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GOWithsUs.com (formerly GO Airport Shuttle), is pleased to welcome two new operators in Jacksonville, Fla. and Raleigh, N.C. to its consortium of airport ground transportation providers.

GO offers safe, reliable airport ground transportation The GO Group, LLC

GO now offers private airport shuttles and private car services to and from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), hotels, businesses and resort areas. At the airport, passengers can find the GO ground transportation booth located left of baggage claim. Service areas include all of northeast Florida, including Duval, Nassau, St. Johns Flaglar and Clay counties plus all of Southeast, Ga.

In Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), GO offers private cars for non-stop service to 38 destinations throughout the Research Triangle Region including the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Passengers can find GO by following signage outside baggage claims in each terminal to the brown limo zones.

Booking reservations in advance for all GO destinations in recommended to ensure vehicles are available and waiting for passengers when they are ready. All cities offer flat rates and never charge surge prices regardless of inclement weather or peak travel times.

"GO is continuing to grow to be able to provide our consistently high quality, affordable, safe and reliable services with trained, professional drivers to airports and cities around the world," says John McCarthy, president of The GO Group LLC, GOwithUs' parent company. "We are excited to work with our new partners in both Jacksonville and Raleigh and helping travelers get around these great cities."

The GO Group LLC is one of the world's largest airport transportation providers, offering shared rides, private vehicles, charters and tours, serving airports and cities in the United States, plus Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia and Europe. Under GOWithUs.com, travelers can book ground transportation to and from both departure and destination airports, around town travel, tours and attractions.

Media contact:

Dyana Flanigan

Flanigan Communications, Inc.

[email protected]

312-213-6233

SOURCE The GO Group, LLC
CALGARY, AB, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce we signed a Lithium Processing Test Work Program Agreement (the "Koch Agreement") with Koch Technology Solutions ("KTS"), a Koch Engineered Solutions ("KES") company. Under the Koch Agreement, GLC's brine will be processed using KTS's proprietary Li-Pro technology at a KES location in Pickering, Ontario, Canada in order to determine the efficacy of Li-Pro for direct lithium extraction ("DLE"). KTS and more broadly, Koch Industries ("Koch"), is a globally recognized entity that helps create value for customers across a growing portfolio of technologies. KTS is developing and leveraging synergistic technologies such as membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and more to provide an optimized DLE solution. KTS has decades of experience in the development and transfer of advantaged technologies and will apply these capabilities working with GLC during this testing phase.

The selection of KTS for brine extraction testing and evaluation is in line with the Company's previous communications involving our engagement with Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") and the process to screen a number of diverse potential DLE technologies. The selection of KTS, and a soon to be announced second candidate, stems from extensive and deliberate screening procedures conducted by Hatch and GLC's internal expertise. The Koch Agreement's scope includes brine characterization and pre-treatment, followed by scoping lithium loading, washing and elution testing.

The results from the Koch Agreement are expected to be completed in the next 6-8 weeks. Upon a review of these results, we will make a final selection of the optimum extraction technology which will form part of the preliminary economic assessment ("PEA"), expected to be filed by the end of Q2 2023.

"GLC remains committed to our vision to build a commercial resource project by leveraging the technical expertise of those focused on extraction technology," commented Gregg Smith, President & CEO. "We are delighted to be working with KTS to assess their Li-Pro process to determine if it supports our commerciality objective. Koch is a world-renowned company and we look forward to potentially partnering with entities such as Koch which provide scale, scope, expertise and credibility."

"We are thrilled to be selected as a potential lithium extraction solution for Grounded's lithium operations," stated Adam Sackett, KTS President. "At KTS, we are committed to developing advantaged technologies and see the potential to apply our expertise to a growing global critical minerals industry for the benefit of our stakeholders. We look forward to conducting this evaluation and are confident our process will yield positive results leading to a mutually beneficial technology partnership."

About Koch Technology Solutions

KTS is the technology licensing business of KES. KTS creates value for its customers across a growing portfolio of technologies including direct lithium extraction, the polyester value chain, refining industry and the 1,4-Butananediol plus its derivates. KTS combines its exclusive technologies, expertise, and capabilities with those of other KES companies to provide overall solutions to optimize customer's capital investments and existing manufacturing assets.

About Grounded Lithium Corp.

GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 3.7 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent of inferred resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/.

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng, Suryanarayana Karri, P. Geoph., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo. and Meghan Klein, P. Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing of future achievements, the ability of the Company to enhance shareholder value, commercializing the Company's projects, timing of the test results using the Li-Pro process, the announcement of a second technology provider, the timing of the PEA, and GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition.

Among the important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact the production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

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 Grounded Lithium Corp
Oracle Energy and Water recognized for its DER-aware advanced applications that help utilities manage their rapidly evolving grid

SAN DIEGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ORACLE ENERGY AND WATER EDGE -- As distributed energy resources (DERs) surge, distribution utilities need new tools to modernize the grid and safely integrate and manage the influx of new energy sources and devices. Recognizing Oracle's ability to deliver the holistic enterprise-wide platform and data intelligence utilities need to navigate this transition, Guidehouse Insights again named Oracle Energy and Water a leader in its ADMS Vendors report.1 See the results here.

The Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard for Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) Vendors scored eight companies on their strategy and execution based on 10 criteria. Moving up in the leaderboard this year, Oracle scored in the top two in technology and partnerships and in the top three for vision.

"Oracle is actively demonstrating the reliability and technological sophistication of its ADMS solution." Tweet this

To learn more, follow the conversation from Oracle Energy and Water Edge this week in San Diego, California on Twitter and the Oracle Energy and Water blog.

"Oracle benefits from a deep and broad network of (co-development) technology partners, systems integrators, implementation partners, and value-added service providers," said Michael Kelly, associate director for market intelligence and advisory firm Guidehouse Insights. "This complements a series of strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing Oracle Utilities NMS functionality and extending the company's product portfolio. In supporting some of the largest IOUs across North America, Oracle is actively demonstrating the reliability and technological sophistication of its ADMS solution."

Oracle Utilities Network Management System (Oracle Utilities NMS) is used by six of the top 10 U.S. utilities and serves more than 61 million customers globally. The report adds "the company features one of the highest average deployment sizes amongst profiled competitors, at over 1.3 million endpoints. This illustrates Oracle's impressive in-roads and brand recognition as a relatively new entrant within the ADMS space." From the largest utilities down to the smallest co-operatives, Oracle is empowering utilities of all sizes with the latest functionality they need to manage the evolving grid.

Technology-led conversion success

Describing Oracle's success in converting ADMS customers from competitors' solutions, the report noted "customer dissatisfaction with existing solutions (e.g., performance, stability), superior functionality with Oracle Utilities NMS, and a desire to standardize on common solutions after mergers/acquisitions or IT consolidation" as the main drivers. In one recent competitive win, Dominion Energy Virginia implemented new ADMS capabilities in Oracle Utilities NMS to improve its network visibility, reliability, and outage management response. The expanded platform will also help the utility better manage increased data from distributed energy resources (DERs) and meet its regulatory requirements.

The report adds that "Oracle's customer base benefits from the cross-cutting nature of its functionality improvements; if the company develops more sophisticated functionality for one of its ADMS customers, these capabilities are then deployed across its entire customer base upon major upgrades." To learn more about Oracle's recent ADMS innovations, including Oracle Utilities NMS Flex Operations and Grid Edge DERMS, visit: https://bit.ly/3Z6DjMx

"The ADMS market is rapidly expanding globally as more utilities embrace integrated solutions that help them control surging distributed energy resources and achieve other KPIs," said Brad Harkavy, vice president of product, Oracle Energy and Water. "The Guidehouse Insights report clearly shows that Oracle Utilities NMS continues moving up the Leaderboard by fueling grid evolution at scale. Oracle Energy and Water has a clear vision to deliver productized solutions, not one-off consulting projects, to help utilities accelerate product and service delivery market and lower operating costs free of costly customizations."

Oracle was also noted for its unique, deep cloud platform and broad set of cloud services across 41 commercial and government cloud regions in 22 countries on five continents to serve its growing global customer base. The report notes Oracle's "shift to cloud-native architectures and product offerings may help enhance the company's level of cost competitiveness, as more light-weight analytics applications and testing environments can be hosted in the cloud." Read the full report here.

Oracle was also named #1 in Guidehouse Insights reports - AI Vendors for Distributed Energy Resource Integration, Home Energy Management, and Smart Meter Analytics.

1. Guidehouse Insights, "Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: ADMS Vendors," Michael Kelly and Roberto Rodriguez Labastida, Q1 2023.

2. Guidehouse Insights, "Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: AI Vendors for DER Integration," Hannah Davis and Roberto Rodriguez Labastida, Q4 2021.

3. Guidehouse Insights, Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: Home Energy Management Providers," William Hughes and Neil Strother, Q1 2021.

4. Guidehouse Insights, Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: Smart Meter Analytics," Michael Kelly and Richelle Elberg, Q1 2021.

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 oracle.com.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.

SOURCE Oracle
This aerial photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sept. 28, 2022 shows a gas leak on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. (The Swedish Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua) "Western 'intelligence' and the New York Times (are) in deeper waters than usual, offering us a devious spin and fake story," said Oberg, adding that he did not "hesitate to call (the claimed theory) fake and invention and simply so dumb, improbable and unlikely." STOCKHOLM, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A Swedish expert rebutted 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. On Tuesday, the New York Times has cited new intelligence suggesting that a pro-Ukrainian group carried out the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. However, the paper failed to identify a source for the claim that a rented yacht was used to perpetrate the act. Aerial photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sept. 28, 2022 shows the fourth leak on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Sweden's exclusive economic zone.(The Swedish Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua) "How stupid do they think we are? A small pro-Ukrainian group in a yacht did what?" questioned Jan Oberg, director of the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, in a recent opinion article on his personal portal. "Western 'intelligence' and the New York Times (are) in deeper waters than usual, offering us a devious spin and fake story," said Oberg, adding that he did not "hesitate to call (the claimed theory) fake and invention and simply so dumb, improbable and unlikely." He said that the "orchestrated mainstream Western media" having kept silent on Seymour Hersh's earlier analysis but now reporting widely on the obvious "fake" theory revealed "their journalistic and moral decay." In an article published in February on the U.S. portal Substack, an investigative reporter and Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh revealed that the United States partnered with Norway in a top-secret operation in June 2022 to plant remotely triggered explosives that took out three of the four Nord Stream pipelines three months later. Photo taken in Arlington of Virginia, the United States, shows a screen displaying U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (not pictured) attending a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C. Feb. 7, 2022. Joe Biden told the press conference that if Russian tanks and troops cross the border and enter Ukraine, "there will be no longer Nord Stream 2," referring to the now-finished pipeline delivering natural gas from Russia to Germany through Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Compared with Hersh's detailed and convincing revelation, Oberg dismissed the latest theory as "an invented story that comes with much less documentation, analysis and credibility than Hersh's." Calling Hersh "truly independent, highly qualified, and well-connected," Oberg strongly insisted that the sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines "was done by the U.S. with some help from Norway and perhaps others." Referring to comments by U.S. President Joe Biden earlier "that the U.S. would blow it up," Oberg said an "interest analysis" would also lead to an obvious conclusion of U.S. criminality. "Who could have an interest in destroying this hugely important piece of energy infrastructure which also connected Europe to Russia? And who would have the technical and other capacities to do it?" Oberg asked. Picture taken on Oct. 8, 2012 shows Nord Stream pipeline equipments before the opening ceremony of the North Stream second gas link in Portovaya bay, some 60 kilometers from the town of Vyborg in northwestern Russia. (Xinhua) The Nord Stream pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to European markets via Germany, were severely damaged last September after blasts in the Baltic Sea. One pipeline, Nord Stream 1, was in operation at the time of the explosion and Nord Stream 2, though had not been operational, was filled with gas.
Most of the firms that won the marginal oil fields auctioned during the 2020 marginal field bid round are currently struggling with how to translate their licences to field development and first oil production after more than one year of acquisition of assets.

THISDAY learnt that the oil firms are mainly handicapped by lack of corporate governance, which is a key requirement for them to be able to raise capital needed to progress to field development.

The 2020 marginal field bid round was originally superintended by the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which had in 2021 issued licenses to over 50 per cent of the winners.

However, its successor, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), concluded the award process in June 2022, with the issuance of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to the winners in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Some of the fields and their awardees included: Egbolom - Oando Energy Resources and two others; Udibe - Folstaj; Omofejo - AsherDelta and two others; Ugbo - Energia; A.A Rano - Oloye; Nkuku -Vhelbherg E&P, NIPCO and four others; Mesan -Accord Petroleum; and Kuri - Shepherd Hill and Nord Oil.

Others were: Ekpat - Duport Midstream, Magnum Flo Ltd; Bita - Odu'a Investments; Atamba - Matrix Energy and Naptha Global; and Ruta - Faceato and seven others.

THISDAY learnt that most of the assets were currently in a state of inactivity, as their owners were still trying to set up proper corporate governance and move to rally funds needed to get to the next level.

Part of the constraints in making headway with the assets, according to THISDAY findings, is the issue of joint ownership, known as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). This is where more than one company, in some extreme cases, about eight firms, jointly own a single asset, which delays decision taking and expected progress.

One of the awardees told THISDAY on condition of anonymity, "You know, the problem with marginal field is that each asset has several owners. So, a lot of people are going through the corporate governance now and it's not easy when you are dealing with several people.

"It is after the corporate governance and, then, reviewing the field development plans before you can even start looking for money. So, much progress has not been made with all these marginal fields."

The source added, "So, basically, most of the SPVs are focusing mostly on corporate governance, rules, how do we work together? How do we raise capital? How do we appropriate costs? How do we select people to manage the affairs?

"If a field is awarded to one individual, it's very easy to progress. Like one of my assets, we are six companies. So, for you to get an agreement through, it will take like two or three months because each company will be going back to back with their principals and asking if the terms are good for the company and if it is something they can live with in the future. It's difficult. But it's a good thing and we will get there."

However, THISDAY learnt that Udibe marginal field, awarded to Folstaj International, and Omofejo field, awarded jointly to AsherDelta, Zigma Limited and GlenPetro, are currently active.

Although, Folstaj is disputing the production capacity, claiming that the actual daily output capacity as shown by its analysis is far less than the 15,000bpd contained in the NUPRC data, an issue the company said it was presently trying to resolve with the commission.

THISDAY gathered that the discrepancy had negatively impacted work progress on the field, having stalled the first oil milestone Folstaj had been aggressively racing towards achieving before the end of 2022.

Managing Director of Folstaj International, Mr. Tajudeen Yahaya, told THISDAY, "We had some arrangements already which was pushing us ahead. If what we saw at the field eventually was what we expected, by now, we would have been able to hit first oil, because we had some financing arrangements on ground. Some people went to the US and other places to check out rigs, jack-up barges, that we were going to use for our drilling.

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"We had gone very far with our planning until the reservoir evaluation by Baker Hughes showed that the actual quantity of oil in the field was far less than the 15000 barrels per day that was in the dataset of NUPRC. So, we had to slow down. And we have set up a team of experts to go and meet with the NUPRC to renegotiate the terms.

"You know, in deploying funds, you have to look at what you are doing and the returns on investment and all of that. So, that has slowed the activity."

A former President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Bank Anthony Okoroafor, whose firm, Vhelbherg Exploration and Production Limited, is a part owner in three marginal fields, said they were making progress.

Okoroafor said, "We are going to arrive hitting first oil, but we are following it step by step. A lot of work is going on. Boards have been set up; technical committees are working."
In partnership with Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, HMH launches a nationwide contest to recognize teachers who have positively affected students, teachers and their communities

BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, learning technology company HMH announced the inaugural HMH Lighthouse Awards, in partnership with acclaimed speaker and author of The Lighthouse Effect, Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, Chief Operating Officer at NAIC and a "human lighthouse" featured in Pemberton's book. The nationwide contest invites people to nominate, or self-nominate, teachers who have positively affected students, other teachers, and their communities. HMH believes that it is more important than ever to recognize teachers and celebrate all that they do for those around them. Call for entries opens today.

"The Lighthouse Effect tells the stories of ten seemingly ordinary people who I met along my life journey. Their lives are much like lighthouses, humble in purpose and yet illuminating in their ability to guide and protect. The book was inspired by a high school teacher, John Sykes, who took me in as a teenager and turned my doubts into a destination," said Steve Pemberton, acclaimed speaker and author of The Lighthouse Effect. "Carmen and I are thrilled to partner with HMH to recognize the special impact teachers have on students, schools and communities."

Nominators are invited to write about a K-12 teacher who embodies one of the key characteristics of a teacher lighthouse, as exemplified in Pemberton and Ortiz-McGhee's stories, and uplifts their students and community. The stories used in submission must have taken place in the 2022-2023 school year.

"These awards center around the idea that any of us in any given moment and any given interaction can be a lighthouse for someone or find a lighthouse for ourselves. I attribute much of the success in my life to the teachers who supported me, including Duchene Gerardi, my 7th and 8th grade French and English teacher," said Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, COO at NAIC and a "human lighthouse" featured in The Lighthouse Effect. "All teachers deserve recognition for the important work they do and being able to celebrate some of them with Steve and HMH is an honor."

"We know that the most important factor in student success is the strength of the student-teacher relationship. Empowering educators is vital to HMH's mission, and we're honored to partner with Steve and Carmen to recognize and shine a light on inspirational teachers who show resiliency, steadiness and mentorship to students, peers and their broader communities," said Jack Lynch, CEO of HMH.

HMH will select ten K-12 teachers, currently employed and residing in the US. The ten award winners will receive a visit from Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee at their school in the 2023-2024 school year. Winners will also receive an all expense paid trip to the 2023 Model Schools Conference, June 25-28, in Orlando, FL.

The contest will run from March 13 through April 7, 2023. To nominate a teacher please submit your nomination here.

About HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions, and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com

Media Contact

Victoria Walker

360PR+

[email protected]

SOURCE Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
One in five adults experiences neurodivergent conditions like Autism, ADHD, Tourette's, and OCD, and is more likely to avoid care due to previous negative healthcare interactions

Chronically underserved patient population is twice as likely to visit the emergency department, and more likely to experience co-occurring mental health issues and other chronic conditions

Founded by former US Army combat medic Katya Siddall-Cipolla , an autistic healthcare leader with deep payer experience, Hopper Health aims to deliver contextual, collaborative care to 31M neurodivergent adults

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopper Health , a digital-first personalized primary care platform for neurodivergent adults, today announced its launch in California and New York. Hopper supports neurodivergent adults by connecting them with neurodivergent care navigators and primary care teams trained in the communication and sensory needs of neurodivergent healthcare.

One in five adults in the US is neurodivergent, experiencing a range of conditions like autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or Tourette's. For people with these conditions, visiting the doctor can be a waking nightmare. Dense paperwork can overwhelm them, bright lights stoke anxiety, and the doctor-patient dynamic can lead to camouflaging . People with neurological differences are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while their neurodevelopmental conditions are often misdiagnosed as mental illness. They are also more likely to experience other comorbidities , including GI issues, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain.

The U.S. healthcare system is not equipped to serve neurodivergent people. For example, 85% of medical students feel inadequately prepared to provide care for autistic patients. As a result, neurodivergent adults often experience diagnostic overshadowing , which occurs when a physician unconsciously attributes a patient's physical symptoms to a known condition, such as OCD or ADHD, to the exclusion of other potential causes. Less than 3% of physicians report having a disability, inclusive of neurodevelopmental disorders. The inability to find care providers who relate to their lived experiences and understand their unique healthcare needs leads many neurodivergent adults to avoid seeking care for potentially serious or life-threatening conditions.

Founded by a neurodivergent team , Hopper Health provides culturally-competent and contextual primary care and healthcare navigation services to a chronically underserved patient population. Upon signup, members are connected with a neurodivergent peer navigator who understands the unique challenges of seeking healthcare through their own lived experience. Clinically-validated screeners gather in-depth family, social, and health history experiences as well as sensory and communication preferences that are shared with the clinician. Hopper's primary care clinicians are trained and educated in neurodivergent accommodations, and adapt to the patient's needs to provide the best patient care possible. Each visit includes an extended history review, longitudinal care plan development, and insurance navigation that removes friction and supports patient engagement.

"As an autistic and ADHD person with co-occurring chronic health conditions, I built Hopper Health for people like me to receive higher quality care," said Katya Siddall-Cipolla , CEO and Founder of Hopper Health. "Clinicians often don't know how to effectively accommodate neurodivergent patients, and an imbalanced patient-provider power dynamic can mean we aren't taken seriously as experts on our own symptoms or experiences. My goal is to create a path for neurodivergent adults to take their health into their own hands with a support system that inherently understands their challenges and needs."

With years of healthcare leadership experience at top insurers including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas, Katya understands the payor system and how best to partner on value-based programs for outcomes that improve patient experiences and reduce total cost of care. She is also a veteran, having served as a US Army combat medic at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.

At launch, Hopper Health will offer a direct-to-consumer $99 monthly membership to patients living in California and New York, with the goal of expanding in-network insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage in the future. Those who would like to join can sign up for the waitlist here . Hopper Health is also actively hiring primary care practitioners and peer navigators who specialize, or have an interest in working with neurodivergent adults. PCPs and navigators interested in working with Hopper Health can contact [email protected] .

About Hopper Health

Hopper Health is the first virtual primary care and navigation platform created specifically for neurodivergent adults. Created by autistic healthcare industry veteran Katya Siddall-Cipolla, the platform directly connects neurodivergent people with the individualized care they deserve via clinicians and peer navigators who understand how difficult it is to find primary care through firsthand experience. Hopper Health's monthly subscription supports those with ASD, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette's in getting care that meets their individual needs. To learn more, visit https://www.hopper.health/

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Hopper Health
DigiTruck will provide free digital skills training for more than 10,000 beneficiaries.

KIRUHURA, Uganda, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched a new DigiTruck project in Uganda.

The project will provide free training in digital skills for more than 10,000 beneficiaries over three years.

DigiTruck project launched by H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda

Launched on March 8 at an event celebrating International Women's Day (IWD) in Kiruhura District, the DigiTruck project is a part of Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, the company's long-term initiative for driving inclusion and sustainability across the globe.

President Yoweri Museveni commented in a tweet, "I launched the Huawei DigiTruck project in Uganda. A project that will benefit over 10,000 Ugandans in a span of 3 years especially jua-kali, enterprise owners, women, young girls and students through Digital Skilling." He added that, "Digital transformation is one of the key drivers of effective human capital development, it therefore gives me pleasure to launch this Huawei Project."

In line with the IWD theme of 'DigitAll: Innovation for a gender equal future' and Uganda's national theme of 'Equal Opportunities in Education, Science Technology for Innovation and a Gender Equal Future', priority beneficiaries of the Uganda DigiTruck project include girls and women. Other target beneficiaries are young people and 'Jua-Kali' micro and small business owners.

"Digitization of Jua Kali enterprises will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the informal sector, as it will enable small businesses to participate in regional and national trade, expand the customer landscape, and allow businesses to provide clients with a greater range of services and products," said Col. Rtd Okello P. Charles Engola, Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations in Uganda. "The training will also improve financial inclusion through improved ability to operate mobile money operations and expand employment opportunities, especially in rural areas."

Running in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development and the international social enterprise Close the Gap, the Uganda DigiTruck project is aligned with the nation's 2040 vision, National Development Plan, and Education Digital Agenda Strategy. The focus of these initiatives includes promoting digital foundation skills, digital communications and information, digital transactions, using the Internet for problem-solving, online safety, civic responsibility, and data privacy.

"As an international social enterprise that exists to bridge the digital divide, Close the Gap believes that access to digital skills is key to empowering individuals economically and socially," said Francisca Muema, DigiTruck Project Manager from Close the Gap.

Converted from used shipping containers, DigiTrucks are truck-mounted mobile classrooms that can be driven to remote communities that lack training facilities. Each 40-hour course trains students in digital literacy skills such as how to use devices, office software, and the Internet, alongside soft skills such as writing a resume, applying for jobs online, and running an online business. Connected by 4G, the Uganda DigiTruck can accommodate 20 learners in one session and comes equipped with a Huawei IdeaHub smart screen, smartphones, and laptops. As all devices are solar powered, DigiTrucks can serve communities that lack a power supply.

"This project will enable people in the most rural areas of Uganda to obtain ICT skills and boost their businesses with e-commerce and online marketing. This is why we have the slogan 'A better You for a Better Uganda'," said Gao Fei, Managing Director for Huawei Uganda. "We will keep innovating and making efforts with our partners to promote a more inclusive and sustainable digital world for all."

Huawei has so far run DigiTruck projects in Kenya, Ghana, and France with a focus on bringing digital skills to people that are most likely to be left behind in the digital world, including rural communities, the elderly, and unemployed youth, people with disabilities, and women.

About Huawei TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei's long-term digital inclusion initiative and action plan. Enabled by innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL is designed to help promote inclusion and sustainability in the digital world.

For more information, please visit Huawei TECH4ALL website at https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all

Follow us on Twitter at

https://twitter.com/HUAWEI_TECH4ALL

SOURCE Huawei
Success in digital transformation requires understanding the unique complexities of the wealth management data ecosystem

TAMPA, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Incedo, Inc ., a leading digital transformation consulting and technology solutions firm, will announce the results of the recent T3/Incedo Data Readiness survey at the Tools and Technology for Today (T3) conference during their scheduled session, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 9:25 a.m.. Incedo CEO Nitin Seth will talk about whether wealth management firms are ready to win in a Data-First World. Enterprise Track participants (broker/dealer, bank, insurance, custodian, TAMP, and other executives from leading financial services companies) will learn the results of the survey, which will help them understand the challenges across the data value chain and what firms need to do to maximize the value of data. The T3 conference, produced by fintech thought leader and practice management expert Joel Bruckenstein, is being held at the JW Marriott Water Street in Tampa Florida March 13 - 16, 2023.

"The wealth management industry is advancing in its digital efforts," Seth explained. "However, it still lags other peer industries. This leads to suboptimal experiences for advisors and investors. Data is at the core of the digital transformation for the wealth management industry however the industry needs to address core data challenges such as data availability, data quality and tying data to business impact. This survey will assess the data maturity of the wealth management industry and expose areas that need further consideration and work."

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The survey, which involved the participation of over 40 data and business executives, including Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Officers, and Chief Data Officers of large enterprise firms with combined AUM (assets under management) of $1.5 trillion and over 30,000 advisors, assessed the industry's maturity across key dimensions. In his T3 session, Seth will reveal:

The biggest opportunity areas for firms to leverage data

The key challenges firms face in their quest to get maximum value from data

Changes wealth management firms need in insights generation and delivery to make analytics more effective

Some of the use cases implemented by best-in-class firms in the industry to move KPIs

Seth will dive deeper into each of these areas with insights and implications, and what industry leaders are doing right, and what still needs to be improved. The session will provide recommendations about how leveraging data can improve client/advisor acquisition, client growth and maturity and operation efficiency.

In addition to the session, readers are encouraged to obtain a copy of Seth's bestselling and award winning book, Winning in the Digital Age, a practical handbook for understanding and winning in the post-COVID digital age and becoming a 21st century leader. The first 50 to stop by the Incedo booth at T3 (#401-403) will get a personally signed copy. The book brings clarity to the transformation process, breaking down the seven key building blocks, and discusses the fundamental shifts needed to win in the digital age.

ABOUT INCEDO, INC.

Incedo, Inc. is a digital transformation expert empowering companies to realize sustainable business impact from their digital investments. Their integrated services and platforms that connect strategy and execution are built on the foundation of design, AI, data, and strong engineering capabilities blended with their deep domain expertise from digital natives.

With over 3,500 data and technology professionals in the US, Canada, Latin America, and India and a large, diverse portfolio of long-term, Fortune 500 and fast-growing clients worldwide, Incedo works across financial services, telecom, product engineering, and life sciences industries. Visit their website to learn more about how they help clients transform today: Incedoinc.com .

ABOUT NITIN SETH

Nitin Seth is an accomplished industry leader with a unique combination of experiences as a global manager, entrepreneur, and management consultant. Seth is the Chief Executive Officer of Incedo, Inc , a firm focused on digital transformation and analytics. Prior to Incedo, Seth held several top management positions. He was Chief Operating Officer of Flipkart, India's largest e-commerce company; Managing Director and Country Head for Fidelity International in India where he also led Global Offshore Operations and Business Strategy for Fidelity's International business; and Director of McKinsey's Global Knowledge Centre in India, where he developed multiple new knowledge and analytics-based capabilities that has far reaching industry impact. He is the author of the bestselling book Winning in the Digital Age, which has won 5 best business book awards globally.

Media Contact:

Dori Thomas

Impact Communications, Inc.

913-649-5009

[email protected]

SOURCE Incedo Inc.
DAYTON, Ohio, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infoscitex (IST) recently completed an organizational transition as part of its ongoing growth strategy. IST is a wholly owned subsidiary of DCS Corporation headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, providing research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) support to Government and commercial customers including the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Personnel Center, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Pictured (left to right): Tom Hughes, Mike Gilkey and Don Emerson (PRNewsfoto/DCS Corporation)

Mike Gilkey has led IST since 2017, serving as a Vice President and Division Operations Manager as part of the DCS operational structure. He was promoted this year to Executive Vice President and Sector Operations Manager. Mike brings over 37 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and other Government customers. He was recently named to Dayton Business Journal's Who's Who in Aerospace and Defense 2023, marking his second consecutive year on the list. Mike has reorganized his team into three organizations, focusing expertise and resources in key areas to facilitate and support sustained growth.

The Human Systems Division is led by Tom Hughes who was recently promoted to Vice President. Tom has provided the Air Force with Human Systems support for 40 years, most recently focused in Human Autonomy coordination and Man-Machine Teaming research. In addition to these disciplines, his portfolio includes machine learning, visualization, operator interface design and human performance research.

The Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) Division is headed by Don Emerson, also recently promoted to Vice President. Don has been supporting AFRL since 2010 and provides engineering, management, operations, and MS&A support to a broad range of DoD and manufacturing domains. His portfolio consists of modeling of systems and synthetic environments, advanced simulation development and battlespace analytics.

IST's legacy Air and Space Operations Division, Sensors and Intelligence Department is now led by John Tate. John brings 34 years' experience in Air Force and contractor roles supporting avionics, flight test, systems engineering and program management. His portfolio consists of sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance research as well as intelligence analysis and threat modeling support.

"The DoD is making big investments into RDT&E to develop advanced warfighting capability. This is a technically demanding market that brings tremendous opportunity, but significant competition as well," commented Mike Gilkey. "This reorganization strengthens our ability to pursue new business and sustain organizational growth."

About Infoscitex

Infoscitex and its parent company, DCS Corporation, offer advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to Government agencies in the Department of Defense and national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of our Nation. For more information, please visit http://www.infoscitex.com and https://www.dcscorp.com

Contact: DCS Media, [email protected], 571-227-6000

SOURCE DCS Corporation
Recognized for demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

BENGALURU, India , March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been recognized, by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies. Infosys received the honour, for the third consecutive year, for demonstrating the high standards of business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.

Infosys has become the only Company in India, and one of the four companies globally, in the software and services industry to receive this recognition. This recognition is awarded to global companies that have exceptional business ethics and are committed to advance business integrity.

Infosys has been recognized among 135 honorees spanning 19 countries and 46 industries. These companies were evaluated based on the Ethisphere Ethics Quotient across multiple categories, including culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain.

"Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said, Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Infosys for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys, said, "We are honoured to be part of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies community. This recognition is a testament to the strong foundation of ethical business practices and accountability that we continue to build on. As a responsible corporate entity, we are fully committed to nurturing excellence and transparency of operations and outcomes for the businesses that we drive."

The complete list of 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found here: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

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.

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SOURCE Infosys
Consumer-favorite housewares company honored for exemplary impact on local Mississippi communities

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Instant Brands, maker of consumer favorites like Instant Pot, Corelle, Pyrex and more, was recently recognized by the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce with its Industry of the Year Outstanding Service and Leadership Award. Instant Brands' Byhalia, Miss.-based distribution center earned the coveted accolade for making a positive social and economic impact on the Marshall County area.

Laura Taylor, Executive Director of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the Industry of the Year Award during a ceremony on Thursday, March 9 at the Byhalia Convention Center.

"On behalf of the Byhalia Area Chamber, we appreciate Instant Brands' civic-minded efforts and intentional investments that directly benefit our residents, our schools and the places we live, work and play," said Laura Taylor. "We appreciate Instant Brands' leadership and commitment to giving back to Byhalia, and we are grateful to have them as members of our chamber and the Byhalia community."

Over the past year, Instant Brands supported the Byhalia community in myriad ways, including community-focused initiatives and outside-the-box partnerships with local organizations including:

Hearts & Hands Ministries Food Bank , donating nearly 2,000 pounds of canned food in summer 2022, holding an annual Thanksgiving food drive, and donating Snapware  food storage solutions;

, donating nearly 2,000 pounds of canned food in summer 2022, holding an annual Thanksgiving food drive, and donating Snapware food storage solutions; Mid-South Food Bank , serving Greater Memphis and Northwest Mississippi , through donations of Instant Pot  appliances and Snapware  to keep produce fresher longer and stretch grocery dollars;

, serving and , through donations of Instant Pot appliances and Snapware to keep produce fresher longer and stretch grocery dollars; Marshall and DeSoto County High Schools' Career and Technical Education Programs , hosting five local high schools for open houses and career fairs and providing workforce development support and representation on Marshall County School District's Student Advisory Board to help create career pathways for the next generation of manufacturing employees;

, hosting five local high schools for open houses and career fairs and providing workforce development support and representation on School District's Student Advisory Board to help create career pathways for the next generation of manufacturing employees; Keep America Beautiful , participating in the organization's Great American Cleanup Day around the Byhalia Town Square;

, participating in the organization's Great American Cleanup Day around the Byhalia Town Square; The Market Festival , sponsoring the festival and supporting local farmers, crafters, non-profits and small businesses;

, sponsoring the festival and supporting local farmers, crafters, non-profits and small businesses; Porter-Leath , donating gifts to the annual Christmas Toy Drive and supporting the non-profit's commitment to empowering at-risk children and families in the Greater Memphis Area ; and

, donating gifts to the annual Christmas Toy Drive and supporting the non-profit's commitment to empowering at-risk children and families in the ; and Byhalia High School, providing faculty and staff with breakfast and product giveaways.

"I'm incredibly proud of our Byhalia team for their commitment to serving the local community. We are all connected, and by partnering with other purpose-driven organizations, we collectively play a part in addressing real needs and giving back in ways that tangibly impact people," said Ben Gadbois, President and CEO of Instant Brands. "It's wonderful to see the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce recognize our team's contributions to the local community, and we thank them for this honor."

Operating in Byhalia since 2019, Instant Brands currently employs several hundred employees at its 1.2 million-square-foot facility. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit Careers  Instant Brands.

About Instant Brands

Instant Brands designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands: Instant, Pyrex, Corelle, Corningware, Snapware, Chicago Cutlery, ZOID and Visions. With people-first and purpose-driven solutions in mind, Instant Brands is reimagining how people live, eat, connect, and play inside the homeand in the spaces where people gather. The Cornell Capital-backed company is headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., and employs more than 2,000 people across four continents. Today, Instant Brands' products are in millions of homes worldwide. For more information visit Instant Brands or join the community at LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Instant Brands
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global intelligent virtual assistant market size is expected to reach USD 14.10 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 24.3% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The rising demand for smart speaker-based technologies for digitization and home automation in the retail sector has led to the implementation of conversational e-commerce, which is one of the major factors in the overall industry. Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVAs) help consumers find appropriate information and perform assignments with actionable advice. The information gathered from IVAs helps organizations create and execute various marketing strategies in real-time. Virtual assistants have been integrated into many retail shops' operations, expanding the opportunities for customer interaction, and improving the shopping experience.

Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report:

The smart speaker product segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Constant innovations within the virtual assistant solution intended for various end-use industries support the demand for smart speakers.

Text-to-speech technology emerged as the largest segment in 2022 and is estimated to remain dominant throughout the forecast period.

North America held the largest revenue share in 2022 and will expand further at a steady CAGR from 2023 to 2030.

held the largest revenue share in 2022 and will expand further at a steady CAGR from 2023 to 2030. On the other hand, the Asia Pacific region is projected to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period.

Read 130-page market research report, "Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Technology (Text-to-Speech, Text-based), By Product (Chatbot, Smart Speaker), By Application (IT & Telecom, Consumer Electronics), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research.

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Growth & Trends

For instance, Walmart customers can order groceries from a virtual assistant with the help of smartphones. Development in speech technologies and voice recognition has been the driving factor behind the increasing growth of the industry. Smart speakers and chatbots can help people with various chores by listening to their needs, recognizing them, and responding accordingly. As a result, consumers are becoming more and more common for various use cases, including calling, shopping, making reminders and alarms, consulting, and more. In 2022, Google Home and Amazon Alexa will hold most of the market share for smart speakers. The banking, retail, education, e-commerce, travel, and hospitality industries are now easily accessible with the help of chatbots.

IVA helps streamline human efforts to create effective procedures, which is advantageous for all organizations. The IVA application increased output and improved work quality while reducing operational risk when scaling up. As a result, adoption has grown in several applications, such as retail, BFSI, healthcare, and automotive. IVA service providers implement organic and inorganic growth strategies to introduce new products, business growth, partnerships, and cooperation. For instance, in May 2022, Nuance Communication, Inc. partnered with athenahealth, Inc., and with the help of athenahealth, Inc. marketplace nuance dragon ambient eXperience (DAX) ambient clinical intelligence solution is available.

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global intelligent virtual assistant market on the basis of product, technology, application, and region

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market - Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Chatbot

Smart Speaker

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market - Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Automatic Speech Recognition

Text to Speech

Text-based

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market - Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

BFSI

Consumer Electronics

Automotive

Healthcare

Education

Retail

IT & Telecom

Travel & Hospitality

Others

Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

U.K.



Germany

Asia Pacific

China



India



Japan

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico

Middle East & Africa

List of Key Players of Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market

Apple Inc.

Baidu, Inc.

Clara Labs

CSS Corp.

Creative Virtual

CodeBaby Corp.

eGain Corp.

Google Inc.

IBM Corp.

Kognito

Microsoft Corp.

MedRespond

Next IT Corp.

Nuance Communications, Inc.

Oracle Corp.

True Image Interactive, Inc.

Verint

Welltok, Inc.

Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research:

Data Center Virtualization Market - The global data center virtualization market size is expected to reach USD 23.14 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 16.0% from 2022 to 2030. The necessity for centralized and unified management of data centers and the growing need to lower operating costs for businesses and increase business agility are major drivers of the market. It is anticipated that factors including the growing demand to reduce data center complexity, rising spending on data center technology, growing demand for improved network security, and adoption of optimization services will also contribute to the market growth.

The global data center virtualization market size is expected to reach by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 16.0% from 2022 to 2030. The necessity for centralized and unified management of data centers and the growing need to lower operating costs for businesses and increase business agility are major drivers of the market. It is anticipated that factors including the growing demand to reduce data center complexity, rising spending on data center technology, growing demand for improved network security, and adoption of optimization services will also contribute to the market growth. Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality In Manufacturing Market - The global augmented reality & virtual reality in manufacturing market size is anticipated to reach USD 62.71 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 29.3% from 2022 to 2030, according to the latest report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to witness substantial growth over the next eight years as more manufacturing industries have incorporated Augmented Reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in their production processes. AR and VR technologies in manufacturing are used for training the workforce, safety testing, error detection, and quality assurance, among others. The advancements in 3D technology and the combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with VR offer growth prospects to the market, especially in the automation and manufacturing businesses. Therefore, all these factors positively impact the growth of the market.

- The global augmented reality & virtual reality in manufacturing market size is anticipated to reach by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 29.3% from 2022 to 2030, according to the latest report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to witness substantial growth over the next eight years as more manufacturing industries have incorporated Augmented Reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in their production processes. AR and VR technologies in manufacturing are used for training the workforce, safety testing, error detection, and quality assurance, among others. The advancements in 3D technology and the combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with VR offer growth prospects to the market, especially in the automation and manufacturing businesses. Therefore, all these factors positively impact the growth of the market. Virtual Cards Market - The global virtual cards market size is expected to reach USD 60.06 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 20.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing usage of digital payment platforms is creating the demand for virtual cards worldwide, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the market. In addition, various types of virtual cards offer the consumer a particular set of benefits, such as efficiency and convenience, which also bodes well for the growth of the market.

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
PLANO, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim executives can keep hospitals running smoothly while permanent leaders are sought to fill C-suite vacancies that can disrupt operations, according to Community Hospital Corporation (CHC).

Interim leaders often make great candidates for hospital CEOs and other senior management positions because they bring decades of experience in improving operational, financial and clinical performance, says Laurie Breedlove, CHC's Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

Hospital Exec Turnover Remains High, Impacts Providers and Others

Recruiting interim executives can significantly ease the pain of hospitals experiencing high executive turnover, which has been the case in recent years. Healthcare organizations  along with technology firms, government agencies and nonprofits  topped other industries for CEO turnover in 2022, according to a report by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

CEOs aren't the only executives leaving their positions. The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) has found a correlation between a CEO departure and other C-level executives leaving within a year of the CEO. All C-suite vacancies fuel the uncertainties staff and providers face in today's ever-changing healthcare environment, according to Breedlove, a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

C-level departures at community and rural hospitals tend to be more disruptive than those at larger hospitals because their leaders have broader scopes of responsibility and less administrative support.

Interim Exec Availability Widens Amid Pandemic

In the best-case scenario, when a leader departs, succession planning has taken place and there is already someone identified to fill the position. More often, though, Breedlove says an immediate replacement is unavailable and recruitment is a prolonged process. To fill talent and sustain operations, interim executives can fill an important role.

"Since the pandemic, many hospital executives have semi-retired, creating a pool of ready-to-deploy temporary execs across C-suite disciplines," says Breedlove. "They can assume critical tasks, offer objectivity, and bring knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to the position. They also can shine a light on organizational blind spots when it comes to resource management and operational efficiencies."

Breedlove adds that with a desire to improve outcomes on a temporary, full-time basis, "these leaders can be valuable change agents, positioning hospitals for success while laying the groundwork for recruitment of a full-time C-suite executive."

Additionally, hospitals utilizing short-term executives can provide the steady leadership needed during challenging times, minimizing the impact of executive departures that can destabilize an organization.

Interim Leadership Is Efficient and Can Also Offer Advantages

Interim leaders also should be seriously considered for permanent leadership positions. That's because they have gained valuable insight into the organization, led the team through various operational challenges, and positioned them to achieve successful outcomes. "There have been numerous instances of hospitals and health systems embarking on exhaustive searches for new permanent leaders, only to find that their interim leaders were the best candidate for the positions," Breedlove says.

Many hospitals have incorporated interim leadership into their talent strategies by partnering with a consultant to find the right fit for vacancies. Working with a partner, the process should include a national search for qualified, culturally aligned candidates; a multipoint screening selection protocol; background checks; and assistance with interviewing and negotiating.

"Placement of Interim leaders buys time and provides stability during transitions," Breedlove notes. "But it can accomplish so much more by assessing organizational needs and growth potential through fresh eyes. Going forward, trends in healthcare and human capital will continue to drive the use of interim executives."

Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE.

Contact: Anne Block

[email protected]

972-943-6470

SOURCE Community Hospital Corporation
Innovative technology with unparalleled service brings new opportunity to the American aesthetics industry

PARK CITY, Utah, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentient, LLC announced today the U.S. introduction of Sentient Sculpt, the first non-invasive professional electromagnetic wave and microwave treatment for cellulite reduction that consistently produces results on all skin types. Sentient is the aesthetic medical device industry's leading full-service provider that's transforming the way the aesthetics industry does business  with integrity, innovation and operational excellence. Unlike other products on the market that are absorbed in the skin or medical devices that incise tissue, Sentient Sculpt's controlled energy elevates tissue temperature to reach all-important cellulite fibers and fat cells, while simultaneously cooling the skin.

Successfully utilized in Europe over the past four years under a different trade name, it is being offered in the U.S. exclusively by Sentient. The technology behind Sentient Sculpt has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Sentient Sculpt is not a laser. Instead, it is a patented all-in-one cellulite reduction device that uses 2.45 Gigahertz energy; two thousand times more powerful than other cellulite reduction modalities. This exclusive technology, including a flat-panel applicator, sends 80 percent of Sentient Sculpt's energy into the fat tissue. This is a significant improvement over competing radiofrequency devices which typically only reach between 10 to 20 percent of those tissues. Furthermore, Sentient Sculpt has been shown to deliver impressive and very satisfactory results after a few treatment sessions.

"We see the aesthetics industry still depends on equipment with old technology that really doesn't effectively address cellulite, leaves many patients disappointed, and undermines opportunities for customers' businesses to grow," said Chris Cella, Chief Executive Officer of Sentient. "We went around the world to find industry leading innovations in aesthetics and are excited to offer the first impactful non-invasive device for cellulite, Sentient Sculpt, which we expect to be a game changer."

Scientific American reports that cellulite affects 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men, mostly in industrial nations, presenting an unprecedented market opportunity for aesthetic providers. Sentient Sculpt eases the struggle to reduce the appearance of cellulite, as it circumvents the long downtime invasive treatments require and the constant treatment maintenance of other non-surgical technologies.

Clinical results of a multi-hospital study conducted in Europe and published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine showed 73 percent of patients went from moderate or severe cellulite to mild, using Sentient Sculpt technology. A significant improvement of cellulite in posterior thighs and buttocks areas was observed in all subjects treated, with a significant decrease in the number and depth of cellulite depressions. Further, no side effects were observed, and researchers noted a remarkable improvement in satisfaction and comfort over invasive treatment methods.

"In terms of what Sentient Sculpt is able to do, it's much more energy deeper and faster. So it lets us create the tissue conditions that we need to generate the body contouring and body smoothing changes that we're targeting in a 12 to 15 minute treatment, which is substantially faster than we previously could," states Dr. Lawrence Bass, Founder and Medical Director of Bass Plastic Surgery in New York, NY. "It's hard to have a treatment that fits all purposes, makes every individual patient happy, regardless of how advanced their conditions are. But we've had pretty much a universally positive experience with my patients over the last 15 months."

Cella noted that the global cellulite treatment market is on track to reach $3.2 billion in 2022 and projected to reach a value of $5.2 billion by 2028, with noninvasive treatments accounting for the majority of the growth, according to new research by Future Market Insights. "At Sentient, we're dedicated to building a collaborative, enduring relationship with our clients," he concluded, "and Sentient Sculpt is just one example of the cutting-edge solutions  from technology to service  we are bringing to market to give aesthetics providers a competitive advantage in this rapidly expanding industry."

About Sentient  , LLC

Sentient is the aesthetic medical device industry's leading full-service provider, offering advanced technology and industry-leading service and financing, delivered with integrity and transparency. Sentient takes pride in its transformational business practices as it sells, designs, repairs, fine-tunes, and implements the complex devices that help sculpt bodies, treat skin, and improve silhouettes. Sentient is committed to affordability and offers flexible financing, device maintenance, and a superior certification and warranty program to assure future performance.

Sentient is the premier company in the U.S. offering an exceptional suite of advanced proprietary technologies to meet the expanding needs of practices of all sizes, from its Park City, Utah, location to nationwide. With hundreds of longstanding professional relationships and more than ten years heritage providing the best in refurbished equipment, Sentient's industry-leading service model provides quality laser and medical device repair and refurbishment services for 84 types of medical and cosmetic systems, to the FDA standards required of each manufacturer. Sentient is dedicated to building a collaborative relationship with its clients to help significantly enhance their practice efficiency, drive stronger profitability, and, most importantly, deliver an exceptional client experience. For more information visit https://www.sentientlasers.com.

Media Contact:

Ivy Cohen

Ivy Cohen Corporate Communications

212-399-0026

[email protected]

SOURCE Sentient
Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said comments by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that he was sipping a 40-year-old whisky while watching him, and others protest on national television confirmed that Wike spoke under the influence of alcohol.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, cautioned Wike to stay off alcohol, as it had not only affected his voice and demeanour but also his thinking faculty.

Atiku claimed the governor's grouse with him had nothing to do with southern presidency but a manifestation of his bitter loss. He commended moves to secure visa ban against Wike in the United States and United Kingdom.

Wike had said, "As they were protesting, I just sat down and took a 40-year whisky. I called some of my friends and opened the 40-year-old whisky as they were protesting."

But Atiku advised Wike to stop speaking while drunk.

He stated, "Governor Wike has confirmed what we all know. That he is a drunkard. The protest that was led by Waziri Atiku Abubakar on Monday, March 6, 2023, was against the stealing of the mandate of the Nigerian people, which in itself was a noble cause.

"For the sake of clarity, the protest occurred around 11.30 am. Wike says he was drinking whisky during the protest at 11.30am on a Monday. This reveals the sort of man he is."

The former vice president stressed that Wike's vituperations and wailings had nothing to do with ensuring that the south produced the next president.

He said Wike was just a sore loser, who had gone on to deceive other members of his G-5, who were now battling for political survival.

The statement said, "Wike's grouse with Waziri Atiku Abubakar has nothing to do with zoning. He is only wailing because he lost the presidential ticket of the PDP in a fair contest. After losing, he deceived four other governors to join his futile campaign.

"Three governors of the G5 failed woefully at their senatorial elections, including Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who, as a sitting governor, came a distant third in the Abia South senatorial election. For Governor Seyi Makinde, his ambition is hanging by a thread after his misadventure cost the PDP to lose all three senatorial elections.

"Wike has not held a single meeting with his G-5 members, having dumped them since their defeat. He has been rejoicing over the outcome of the polls even though his men have all lost. This is the sort of man he is, and yet, he claims not to be committing anti-party infractions."

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Atiku lambasted Wike for admitting on video to have "manipulated" the outcome of the polls in his state in the last election.

He commended the nearly 300,000 Nigerians, who have signed a petition on Change.Org to demand that the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union impose a visa ban on Wike.

Atiku alleged, "At this point, I would love to commend the nearly 300,000 Nigerians, who have signed the petition for Wike's visa sanction. This is a step in the right direction. This is a man, who in every election he has ever been involved in has been characterised by rigging and violence so much so that under his watch, the media tagged his state, 'Rivers of Blood'.

"This is a man, who talks down on traditional rulers in his state, arrests those he doesn't agree with, seals off the buildings of his opponents, and even revokes Cs of O of those in his bad books."
PITTSBURGH, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be an improved, hands-free method to make a faster connection to test ABS sensors, so I invented this," said an inventor from Kansas City, KS. "My invention helps cut down on unnecessary parts and labor."

This safe and convenient device would streamline the process of testing Anti-lock Brake System sensors by providing a means by which to make a faster connection to the voltage meter. In doing so, it would save valuable time spent on establishing that electrical connection and reduce frustration associated with using the existing methods. Additionally, its efficient nature would result in a more efficient, cost-savings and accurate ABS testing method.

The original design was submitted to the Kansas City sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 21-JKK-184, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

SOURCE InventHelp
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The INX Digital Company, Inc. (NEO: INXD, INXATS: INX, OTCQB: INXDF) ("INX"), a broker-dealer and an inter-dealer broker, announced today that Hashrate Asset Group ("HAG"), the first in the bitcoin mining space under Reg D/S filing to the SEC, will list the HAG Bitcoin mining security token on the INX.One platform the world's first and only fully-regulated, end-to-end platform for listing and trading both SEC-registered security tokens and cryptocurrencies.

HAG will offer eligible investors a brand-new option to invest in Bitcoin through hashrate ownership with the security and compliance of the INX.One's regulated platform.

INX Announces the Listing of Hashrate Asset Group's (HAG) - Bitcoin Mining Security Token Tweet this

In addition, HAG's anticipated monthly dividends policy allows every token holder to receive Bitcoin returns in a timely fashion. Such dividend policy will be audited by a third party and coded on a smart contract. By offering this raise in reliance on an SEC specific exemption that complies with the US Securities laws, HAG is providing added protection  ensuring investors' rights and interests.

"We are excited to offer HAG's security token on the unified INX.One platform. HAG is delivering access to the Bitcoin mining sector  doing it in a secure and regulated way," said Shy Datika, CEO of INX. "Until now, only a selected group of investors could reap the benefits from these types of opportunities. By democratizing alternative investments, investors from all over the world are able to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that are available through digital assets like HAG."

INX provides regulated trading platforms for digital securities and cryptocurrencies, combining traditional market expertise with an innovative fintech approach. For security token issuers, INX.One offers a true Token-as-a-Service (TaaS) platform designed for capital raise purposes. The unified, regulated hub streamlines the issuance process by providing everything needed to quickly and easily issue a digital security token to raise capital. An end-to-end solution for issuers, INX.One Issuance Services includes transfer agent, broker/dealer, and ATS licenses to raise capital and list the token for secondary trading, smart contract design, and marketing and promotion support. INX holds all of the necessary licenses issuers need, along with a global team of experts to offer guidance along the way.

"As more regulators actively engage with the crypto market after the recent crisis, fully compliant products such as security tokens will emerge as the biggest winners since they combine the best of both worlds - traditional and digital," said Chia-Ching Su, a TSMC veteran and CFO of HAG. "At the same time, Bitcoin has always held an irreplaceable position in the crypto world and is one of the crypto assets with the most investment potential. HAG hopes to provide greater access for investors to the Web3 field and enjoy the appreciation of Bitcoin through mining. We believe that the INX platform is the very best place to help us achieve this remarkable milestone."

INX made history in 2021, when it became the first SEC-registered digital security IPO  closing with $84 million in gross proceeds from over 7,250 retail and institutional investors. 92.9 million INX Tokens were sold in the IPO.

The HAG and INX alliance will provide investors on the INX.One platform with another SEC-filed security token, but the very first using Bitcoin mining with an opportunity for monthly WBTC dividends.

To learn more about HAG and its unique security token offering, visit: www.hagsto.com/

To learn more about INX, which continues to lead the industry in providing novel trading and capital raising financial instruments to enterprises and companies worldwide, which includes INX One. visit: https://www.inx.co/

About INX:

INX provides a regulated trading platform for digital securities and cryptocurrencies. With the combination of traditional markets expertise and a disruptive fintech approach, INX provides state-of-the-art solutions to modern financial problems. INX is led by an experienced and dedicated team of business, finance, and technology veterans with the shared vision of redefining the world of capital markets via blockchain technology and innovative regulatory approach.

About The INX Digital Company, Inc. INX is the holding company for the INX Group, which includes regulated trading platforms for digital securities and cryptocurrencies, combining traditional markets expertise and an innovative fintech approach. The INX Group's vision is to be the preferred global regulated hub for digital assets on the blockchain. The INX Group's overall mission is to bring communities together and empower them with financial innovation. Our journey started with our initial public token offering of the INX Token in which we raised US $84 million. The INX Group is shaping the blockchain asset industry through its willingness to work in a regulated environment with oversight from regulators like the SEC and FINRA.

In addition to operating two regulated trading platforms for blockchain assets, INX's interdealer broker, I.L.S. Brokers, plans to offer non-deliverable cryptocurrency forwards to Tier-1 banks in the future. For more information, please visit the INX Group website here .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Other Disclosures

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses 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. In disclosing the forward-looking information contained in this press release, INX has made certain assumptions, including with respect to, the continuous development of the INX trading platform, the offering of non-deliverable cryptocurrency forwards, and the development of the digital asset industry. Although INX believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to regulatory developments, the state of the digital securities and cryptocurrencies markets, and general economic conditions. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, INX disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

The NEO Exchange is not responsible for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

For further information, contact:

The INX Digital Company, Inc.

Investor Relations

+1 855 657 2314

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.inx.co/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/INX_Group

Telegram: https://t.me/INXCommunity

SOURCE The INX Digital Company, Inc.
ROUND ROCK, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IOMAXIS has changed its name to MAXISIQ. The name change is to better align the company's branding with its core offerings of SMART technologies and services. MAXISIQ is a technology and engineering company providing advancements in next-generation communications and network technologies. The company has extensive government contracts supporting global communications systems, Cyber, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Analytics.

MAXISIQ serves the Federal Government and National Intelligence Community organizations.

For additional information, contact Cara Crosby, [email protected], (877) 621-1818 ext 3130, Director of Media Relations.

SOURCE MAXISIQ
Hall To Donate Bike Signage to Help Promote Life-Saving Program, Which Has Taught More Than 110,000 Teenagers and Their Parents

CONCORD, N.C., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NHRA racer John Hall today announced plans to donate signage of his Suzuki Pro Stock motorcycle to Doug Herbert's national pro-active teen defensive driving program B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) for the 2023 racing season.

Competing with the White Alligator Racing team, Hall will run with B.R.A.K.E.S. logos adorning his bike, racing suit and helmet. The decision, Hall says, aligns with his deep passion for the life-saving program established by Herbert, a multi-time Top Fuel champion.

NHRA Pro Stock competitor John Hall Hall is passionate about the B.R.A.K.E.S. national teen defensive driving program founded by multi-time Top Fuel Champion Doug Herbert.

"As parents, my wife Ivette and I have seen first-hand how B.R.A.K.E.S. training made an immediate and longstanding impact on our two teens when they participated several years ago," Hall explains. "Given how much B.R.A.K.E.S. has done to make U.S. roadways safer, it's my honor to represent Doug and his organization during this year's NHRA Pro Stock season."

Hall also acknowledged the influence of motorcycle drag racing legend and team owner Terry Vance, a longtime passionate B.R.A.K.E.S. supporter. "Terry has inspired all of us to do what we can to spread the word about Doug's program and the impact it is having," Hall said. "It's so important for those of us in the drag racing world to use our platforms to tell Doug's story and bring attention to the critical importance of defensive driving skills."

A 2011 graduate of the Frank Hawley & George Bryce Drag Racing program, Hall begins the 2023 season with an impressive resume of on-track success. Most notably, Hall achieved a place in drag racing history in 2013 when he won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Later in 2013 Hall followed up with a second career NHRA win in Epping, New Hampshire.

"John and Ivette have championed our program within the NHRA community and well beyond," Herbert said. "We couldn't be more appreciative of this decision to support our program during in 2023 NHRA Pro Stock competition."

B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded in 2008 by Herbert following the tragic car crash deaths of his two sons, Jon and James. Herbert has since turned that tragedy into a lifesaving mission that has trained more than 110,000 teens and their parents to date, saving countless lives and making U.S. roadways safer.

B.R.A.K.E.S. addresses the one of the leading causes of death among teens  car crashes, improving road safety and making young drivers and their parents more confident behind the wheel. Through their participation in the pro-active defensive driving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64 percent less likely to get in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, and to register for a school, please visit www.putonthebrakes.org .

Media Contact:

Jeff M Perlman

8183173070

[email protected]

SOURCE B.R.A.K.E.S.
Current Grubhub CEO Adam DeWitt to step down and will be replaced by Howard Migdal, CEO of SkipTheDishes

CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grubhub, a leading online food delivery platform, announces today that CEO Adam DeWitt, will step down from his position. Howard Migdal has been appointed executive vice president of North America and CEO of Grubhub. Migdal, a U.S. national, is currently the CEO of SkipTheDishes, Just Eat Takeaway.com's Canadian subsidiary. DeWitt will remain with the company through May 1, 2023 to ensure a smooth transition.

Under DeWitt's leadership for the past 11 years as CFO, President, and most recently CEO, Grubhub has grown from $20 million to more than $2 billion in annual revenues, with a network of more than 365,000 restaurants and approximately 400,000 delivery partners in more than 4,000 cities across the United States. DeWitt's contributions to the company have been significant, including leading the company through its initial public offering in 2014 and the acquisition by Just Eat Takeaway.com in 2021.

Migdal has played a critical role in driving growth and scale at SkipTheDishes, Canada's largest food delivery network. He brings more than 16 years of experience in food delivery, having co-founded GrubCanada, Canada's first national food delivery platform in 2008.

"On behalf of the entire Management Board, I want to thank Adam for all his contributions at Grubhub," said Jitse Groen, CEO of Just Eat Takeaway.com. "We are grateful for his leadership and dedication to the company, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We are also excited to promote Howard as the new leader of our North America segment and Grubhub's new CEO," Groen added. "He has a proven track record as a leader with a deep understanding of our business, and we are confident in his ability to lead and grow the business into the future."

"I am honored to take on the role leading our North America business and becoming the CEO of Grubhub," said Howard Migdal. "Grubhub is an incredible brand and has tremendous scale through its restaurant and delivery networks. I am excited to build on the foundation built by Adam and the team."

"It's hard to leave Grubhub, but it's the right time for me after 11 years," said Adam DeWitt. "I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished and will forever value the relationships I've forged here. Grubhub is in great hands with Howard and the Grubhub leadership team, and I'm excited to watch the company continue to thrive."

The company also announced that Steve Puchala, senior vice president, growth and restaurant success, has been appointed interim CEO for SkipTheDishes, and will report to Migdal.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET) (AMS: TKWY), and is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

About SkipTheDishes

SkipTheDishes is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com , a leading global online food delivery marketplace. SkipTheDishes connects millions of customers with over 47,000 Restaurant Partners in Canada.

About Just Eat Takeaway.com

Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET) (AMS: TKWY) is one of the world's leading global online food delivery marketplaces.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Company is focused on connecting consumers and partners through its platforms. With 692,000 connected partners, Just Eat Takeaway.com offers consumers a wide variety of food choice.

Just Eat Takeaway.com has rapidly grown to become a leading online food delivery marketplace with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland.

SOURCE Grubhub
Mars announces former Unilever executive Karina Zimerfeld will head R&D for the Mars Food & Nutrition business within Mars, Incorporated.

will head R&D for the Mars Food & Nutrition business within Mars, Incorporated. Zimerfeld will serve as a member of the Mars Food & Nutrition Leadership Team, and the Mars, Incorporated, Global R&D Leadership Team.

The appointment demonstrates Mars Food & Nutrition's commitment to innovation, science and technology.

LONDON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars Food & Nutrition named Karina Zimerfeld as Vice President of the business' R&D function, reporting to Shaid Shah, President Mars Food & Nutrition. Zimerfeld will serve as a member of the Global Food & Nutrition Leadership Team, and the Mars, Incorporated, Global R&D Leadership Team.

Karina Zimerfeld

The Mars Food & Nutrition business is headquartered in London and has 2000 Associates across 30 countries working to bring to life the segment's Purpose: Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow. The business is building a vibrant, fast-growing portfolio of nutritious, flavorful, convenient products that delight consumers. Today, it includes best-loved brands such as BEN'S ORIGINAL, MASTERFOODS, SEEDS OF CHANGE, TASTY BITE, and DOLMIO. Its recent innovations include BEN'S ORIGINAL One Pan Creations and BEN'S ORIGINAL Plant Powered range, which won the 2023 U.K. Product of the Year award in the vegetarian category.

In her role Zimerfeld will lead R&D for Mars Food & Nutrition, including overseeing R&D Innovation, Quality and Food Safety, Science & Technology, and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs.

Shah said: "Food has a unique role in the fabric of humanity. It not only fuels us, but brings people together, is central to our health and wellness, and connects us with our planet. I'm thrilled to have Karina join us as we continue our journey as an innovative, purpose driven food business of tomorrow. With 25-years of deep experience in innovation, science and technology Karina will play an integral role in helping us pursue further growth and innovation, drive value for consumers and make a positive impact on society."

Zimerfeld joins Mars after an outstanding 25-year career with Unilever, where she was most recently Global Vice President R&D for Unilever's foodservice business unit leading it through a significant business transformation with numerous initiatives focused on digital, customer-centric, healthy and sustainable innovations. Prior, she held several senior R&D leadership roles based in Latin America, Europe and globally for multiple food and nutrition categories, both in business-to-consumer and business-to-business.

Zimerfeld said: "As a food lover myself, I'm excited to join the Mars Food & Nutrition team and look forward to leading the charge to use science, technology and innovation to capture opportunities for consumers, while in parallel creating a better, more sustainable world of food. And with evolving consumer needs, a pressing climate change, and advances in technology, this is an incredibly exciting time to be in Food!"

Zimerfeld has a degree in food engineering and an MBA, underpinning a strong track record of leveraging science, technology and external partnerships to create value for brands and growth opportunities for businesses.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving to make a positive impact on the world.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With almost $45 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world's best-loved brands including Ben's Original, CESAR, Cocoavia, DOVE, EXTRA, KIND, M&M's, SNICKERS, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, and WHISKAS. We are creating a better world for pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services  including AniCura, BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, Linnaeus and VCA - using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.

For more information about Mars, please visit Mars.com Join us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , LinkedIn and YouTube.

Post for Shaid's LinkedIn

I'm thrilled to welcome @ Karina Zimerfeld to the role of Global R&D Vice President, Mars Food & Nutrition. As our industry rapidly evolves - with consumers viewing food preferences as part of their identity, ingredients become vastly more diverse and breakthrough advances in technology - Karina's wealth of R&D expertise will help us discover and capture the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. I'm confident Karina will play a pivotal role in creating our fast-growing, vibrant Food & Nutrition business of tomorrow. #BetterFoodTodayBetterWorldTomorrow #ProudlyMars #Innovation

Post for Food LinkedIn

We're thrilled to welcome @ Karina Zimerfeld as our new Global R&D Vice President for Mars Food & Nutrition! With her extensive experience in R&D and track record of driving product innovation, Karina will play an integral role in helping us pursue further growth and breakthrough opportunities, drive value for consumers and make a positive impact on society. #BetterFoodTodayBetterWorldTomorrow #ProudlyMars #Innovation

Post for Karina's LinkedIn

Delighted to announce that I'm joining Mars Food & Nutrition to head up R&D and serve on the Global Food & Nutrition Leadership Team, as well as the Mars Global R&D Leadership Team. I'm excited to put my experience and passion behind using innovation, science and technology to help shape a more sustainable - not to mention more nutritious, flavorful and convenient  world of food. #BetterFoodTodayBetterWorldTomorrow #Innovation

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031066/Karina.jpg

SOURCE Mars Food
Knowit becomes distributor of the successful Bluetooth stack from OpenSynergy

BERLIN, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenSynergy, a software company specializing in embedded automotive systems, has appointed Knowit, a leading Swedish consultancy firm, as the distributor for Blue SDK with primary markets of US and Europe. The partnership aims to offer advanced Bluetooth solutions meeting the highest level of functionality, reliability, and interoperability expected by the automotive industry.

Kristian Palm, the appointed representative of Knowit for this partnership, stated, "We are thrilled to take this next step in our relationship with OpenSynergy and formally be able to bring Blue SDK to our customers. Combined with our blueGO application framework, automotive industry customers can benefit from a completely state-of-the-art, secure, and target-platform-agnostic Bluetooth solution with outstanding device interoperability and performance." Kristian is Head of Wireless Labs at Knowit Swedspot Connectivity, a company in the Knowit Group, and he has been working for the Connectivity business unit (formerly Cybercom) since 2007. In 2021, Cybercom was acquired by Knowit.

OpenSynergy's Blue SDK is a software development kit that offers secure and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. It has already been deployed in over one billion devices across major industries, including automotive, industrial, medical, mobile, and consumer. With the increased demand for connected cars, this product provides a cost-effective and scalable solution to customers. Additionally, Blue SDK provides a feature-rich Bluetooth implementation and is kept up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements. The latest release of Blue SDK now supports a full suite of LE Audio profiles that enable exciting new use cases such as Auracast broadcast audio, which allows users across many devices to listen to the same audio stream.

"The demand for field-proven Bluetooth connectivity in the automotive industry is increasing, and our Blue SDK provides a solution that meets these needs. OEM as well as Tier Ones like our secure and reliable Fusion stack for Android. We are pleased to partner with Knowit, which has a strong presence and expertise worldwide," said Matthias Stumpf, Vice President Sales of OpenSynergy.

Knowit is providing consulting and digital transformation services worldwide. The partnership with OpenSynergy is based on a long history of cooperation for Bluetooth technology that started nearly 15 years ago.

The partnership will strengthen Knowit's position in the automotive industry and expand OpenSynergy's presence worldwide. Together, the partnership aims to provide customers with state-of-the-art software solutions and consulting services that meet their unique needs.

About OpenSynergy

OpenSynergy provides embedded software products for the next generation of vehicles. Its hypervisor and communication products pave the way for an integrated driving experience.

The automotive virtual platform COQOS Hypervisor SDK integrates a mix of real-time applications and open source solutions on powerful domain controllers. It supports a large bundle of features corresponding to the virtualization standard VIRTIO, creating maximum flexibility: guest operating systems can be used and reused on different Systems on Chips.

The automotive leading Bluetooth stack Blue SDK is one of OpenSynergy's communications platforms. It is the reference Bluetooth implementation for many OEMs around the world.

OpenSynergy further provides complimentary Automotive-Grade software components tailored for the AndroidTM Open Source Project (AOSP) to boost Android's adoption in the automotive domain.

OpenSynergy also provides engineering services to support the customization of its products.

Read more on www.opensynergy.com

Contact:

OpenSynergy GmbH

Rotherstr. 20

D-10245 Berlin

Tel.: +49 (0)30.60 98 540-41

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE OpenSynergy GmbH
The study found that the value of this market was $72.80 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.30% between 2022 and 2030

FREMONT, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BIS Research, the global leader in providing market intelligence on deep technologies, has released its latest study titled U.S. Women Health Laboratory Testing Market - A Global and Regional Analysis.

According to this study, the U.S. women health laboratory testing market was valued at $72.80 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $106.8 billion by 2030.

According to the report, the following factors are responsible for the increase in demand for women health laboratory testing in the U.S.:

Increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases and cancer in women leads to increased demand for diagnosis

Rising awareness regarding women health-related tests

Rising average maternal age leading to an increased risk of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies

Upsurge in reproductive health problems leading to increased demand for laboratory testing in women

Regardless of this, the U.S. women health laboratory testing market still faces some restraints that hinder its growth and need to be addressed in order to boost the market.

Factors such as stringent regulatory guidelines related to laboratory testing hinder the market growth in the U.S., and the disparity in awareness of pregnancy and fertility issues in the different regions of the U.S. are further expected to affect the U.S. women health laboratory testing market adversely.

Obstetrician and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Segment to Account for a Major Share in the U.S. Women Health Laboratory Testing Market

In the study, the U.S. women health laboratory testing market has been segmented into hereditary cancer, carrier screening, prenatal screening and diagnostic testing, reproductive health and infectious diseases, and OB/GYN. Each segment consists of different laboratory tests or services concerning the particular segment.

According to the report published by BIS Research, the OB/GYN segment held the largest share in the U.S. women health laboratory testing market, accounting for $29.0 billion in 2021, followed by the reproductive health and infectious diseases segment at $24.2 billion in 2021.

Want to learn more about this emerging trend? Request a free sample of the report here a

https://bisresearch.com/requestsample?id=1423&type=download

You can also check out the detailed table of content for this report here a

https://bisresearch.com/requestsample?id=1423&type=toc

Analyst's Take on the Market Projection

According to Swati Sood, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, "Women's health varies from that of men in many distinctive ways. There has been a constant increase in different diseases in women in the U.S. which leads to severe consequences. The timely diagnosis/testing of a disease is important for getting equitable management and treatment for the disease. Therefore, the significant increase in the prevalence of certain infectious diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HSV, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted diseases and cancer in women in the U.S. over the past few years has led to an increased demand for laboratory testing, thus driving the growth of the U.S. women health laboratory testing market."

Speak to an expert analyst for more details.

About BIS Research:

BIS Research is a global B2B market intelligence and advisory firm focusing on deep technology and related emerging trends which can disrupt the market dynamics in the near future. We publish more than 200 market intelligence studies annually that focus on several deep technology verticals.

Our strategic market analysis emphasizes on market estimations, technology analysis, emerging high-growth applications, deeply segmented granular country-level market data, and other important market parameters useful in the strategic decision-making for senior management.

BIS Research offers syndicate as well as custom studies and expert consultations to firms, providing them with specific and actionable insights on novel technology markets, business models, and competitive landscapes.

Contact:

Head of Marketing

Email: [email protected]

BIS Research Inc.

39111 PASEO PADRE PKWY STE 313,

FREMONT, CA, 94538-1686

Visit our Blog @ https://bisresearch.com/news

Get Expert Insights @ https://community.insightmonk.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bis-research

Connect with us on [email protected] https://twitter.com/BISResearch

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/495163/BIS_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BIS Research
New radar site further bolsters LeoLabs ability to track objects and monitor activities in low Earth orbit, providing timely coverage for operators and regulators in order to prevent future on-orbit collisions

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LeoLabs the world's leading commercial provider of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services and low Earth orbit (LEO) mapping, today announced Argentina as the site for its next space radar. The Argentina Space Radar (AGSR) represents a critical addition to LeoLabs growing global constellation of S-band, phased-array sensors strategically distributed across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as the polar and equatorial regions.

Visualization of LeoLabs expanding radar coverage monitoring daily conjunctions in the Southern Hemisphere.

The AGSR site is located on the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, just under 5,000 km from Antarctica. This site was chosen primarily for its high latitude, which is especially beneficial for monitoring high-risk conjunctions which typically occur above 60 degrees latitude. The AGSR site will provide LeoLabs with better situational awareness in the Southern Hemisphere and lower positional uncertainties, resulting in more accurate and reliable conjunction data messages. The site, equipped with S-band technology, will also increase LeoLabs capacity to discover new objects, including lethal, small debris that are currently not cataloged.

This latest addition to LeoLabs' network of phased array space radars illustrates the company's efforts to geographically diversify its coverage in both latitude and longitude. This strategic diversification will improve its space safety services, which include collision avoidance for operators. When completed in late 2023, AGSR will grow LeoLabs' global network to include seven operational sites with plans to expand further in the coming year.

"It's a privilege to build this radar site in Argentina and contribute to this country's history of space exploration and stewardship. As our third radar site in the Southern Hemisphere and our first in South America, the Argentina site is critical to closing the global SSA gap in coverage and enhancing scrutiny of events happening over this part of the world. This site will greatly improve our ability to track objects and monitor high-risk events in low Earth orbit," said LeoLabs CEO Dan Ceperley, "We are committed to our partners in Argentina and are eager to help support the space industry here and in South America more broadly."

"The choice of Argentina for the location of a new LeoLabs radar is great news," said Jorge Arguello, Ambassador of Argentina to the US, "Our Embassy prioritizes promoting this sector in all its trade promotion and investment attraction activities in Washington DC and, through our general consulates, throughout the United States. Our space sector is highly valued and the interaction of LeoLabs experts with our engineers has been virtuous and enriching. It is very important to address the issue of sustainability in the space sector, and this radar contributes to that regard."

About LeoLabs

LeoLabs is transforming the way satellite operators, commercial enterprises and federal agencies across the world launch and track missions in low Earth orbit. Through its vertically integrated technology system, LeoLabs Vertex, LeoLabs delivers the superior information needed to succeed in today's space race. With unmatched LEO coverage, real-time tracking and powerful insights, companies and governments rely on LeoLabs to safely innovate and execute a wide array of operations in space.

SOURCE LeoLabs, Inc.
CANTON, Ohio, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty HealthShare is blessed to have been a sponsor of Exponential 2023, the world's largest church multiplication gathering, held last week in Orlando, Florida.

Exponential 2023 focused on reviving evangelism and giving church's tools to accomplish the mission of Jesus, create a safe place for people to belong before they believe and reach those who are lost. It was attended by more than 5,000 church leaders, pastors and planters from multiple denominations all involved with establishing and growing churches. The three-day event featured more than 800 speakers, 150 workshops and multiple worship services.

Liberty HealthShare is blessed to have sponsored Exponential, the world's largest church multiplication gathering. Tweet this

"It was such a blessing to be able to attend Exponential and be in fellowship with church leaders from across the country who were energized to spread the Gospel and be evangelists for Jesus," said Pastor Wes Humble, Liberty HealthShare's director of community engagement.

"We had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of like-minded people about the biblical values of our ministry and how Liberty HealthShare might play a role in their good work," he added.

Liberty HealthShare is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable Christian medical cost-sharing ministry focused on members helping each other in times of need. The faith-based program, which facilitates healthsharing for nearly 90,000 members, is a caring community of health-conscious individuals and families who choose to support one another and agree to the Christian values of stewardship to make healthcare affordable for all.

As it is not insurance, Liberty HealthShare enrollment is available year-round, with no requirement for special life events to qualify. For more information about its healthcare sharing programs visit libertyhealthshare.org or call (855) 585-4237.

SOURCE Liberty HealthShare
Additional reporting by Josephine Namakumbi

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya has vowed to parade any ministers in court should there be evidence that they stole relief iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in the Karamoja sub-region.

Recently, several ministers and big government officials came under spotlight following allegations that they fraudulently diverted relief items meant for vulnerable communities from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The members of public had since demanded that the ministers implicated in the saga be investigated and prosecuted.

Speaking to NBS Television, IGG Kamya said that all the ministers named in the saga shall be investigated, and prosecuted if there is evidence that they are guilty to the allegations.

"I want to assure Ugandans that if there's cause for prosecution or even, we shall prosecute... If there's enough grounds for prosecution, we shall prosecute," Kamya said.

She added that she has already notified all the ministers being accused of diverting the relief items to explain their part.

"Indeed I have already written to all of them; those people that have been named in the papers, and also whose names were found in distribution stores of the OPM, from the Vice President, the Prime Minister and all the ministers," the IGG told NBS.

She added, "I have already written to them to explain their part, whether they reliquisisioned, where they took them. That's why we want to know if it falls within the relief programme of your area,"

Kamya explained that, for any minister to get the relief items, they must have passed through the relief programme which was passed by the Cabinet.

Some of the officials and ministers implicated in the saga include; Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, State Minister for Primary Education Moriku Kaducu, third Deputy premier Rukia Nakadama, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.

Others are; Finance State minister Amos Lugoloobi, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua and Bwino Kyagulaga.
CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brattle Group has welcomed George Hickey to its Chicago office as a Principal with the firm's M&A Litigation and Bankruptcy & Restructuring practices. Mr. Hickey provides valuation and damages analyses at all stages of corporate M&A litigations and commercial disputes.

George Hickey | Principal | The Brattle Group

"George is a welcome addition to Brattle's growing Chicago office and our firm more broadly," said Brattle Interim President & Principal David J. Hutchings. "His wide breadth of expertise in M&A-related litigations, coupled with his strong project management skills and focus on collaboration, will further augment Brattle's capabilities in this area, and he will be a valuable asset to our clients."

Mr. Hickey has worked on litigations involving appraisal claims, material adverse change (MAC) and material adverse effect (MAE) claims, securities fraud damages, and breach of contract and fiduciary duty disputes. He has served as a testifying expert in matters in the Delaware Court of Chancery and US District Court for the Northern District of California and has supported other testifying experts and academics in several leading M&A jurisdictions and forums.

"I am thrilled to be joining the top-notch team of experts at The Brattle Group," said Mr. Hickey. "I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and providing services to help clients navigate the complex landscape of M&A and bankruptcy-related disputes."

Before joining Brattle, Mr. Hickey was a Senior Vice President at a litigation consulting firm. He previously founded and served as President of his own firm, which provided pre-litigation damages assessments and early-stage litigation consulting services. He has held several senior positions at other economic and litigation consulting firms.

To learn more about Mr. Hickey, please see his full bio.

ABOUT BRATTLE

The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across four continents. For more information, please visit brattle.com.

SOURCE The Brattle Group
Michael Annandono, Michaelangelo's Owner And Executive Chef, Was Announced As A Semifinalist In The 2023 Restaurant And Chef Awards - Considered To Be Among The Nation's Most Prestigious Honors.

BIG SKY, Mont., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Michaelangelo's Big Sky announced today that Executive Chef Michael Annandono has been named a James Beard Awards Semifinalist. Chef Michael is one of 20 prestigious semifinalists in the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY) category.

Chef Michael Annandono Was Announced As A Semifinalist In The 2023 Restaurant And Chef Awards.

Hailed as one of the highest honors in the culinary and food media industries, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in one's craft and a demonstrated commitment to promoting the values of equity, transparency, respect, integrity, community, and passion.

According to the James Beard Foundation, the Best Chef category includes, "Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions while contributing positively to their broader community."

"I am beyond honored to be a James Beard Awards Semifinalist among a truly diverse and deserving group of talented individuals across the culinary industry," Executive Chef Michael Annandono said. "It's an absolute privilege to be recognized for this prestigious award."

Chef Michael gets his Italian inspiration from the Piedmont area of Italy where he trained one on one with the best Chefs and culinary influencers. During this time, he worked in numerous notable Italian restaurants and traveled around Italy learning about regional foods and mastering authentic Italian cuisine. When he returned home to Cleveland, Ohio, Chef Michael opened Michaelangelo's in May 2006 in Cleveland's Little Italy. After a successful launch and many accolades, Chef Michael and his dedicated team opened their second location in Big Sky, Montana in 2016.

"I fell in love with the community, atmosphere, and excitement in Big Sky on a trip many years ago. I knew this was the perfect place to open my second Michaelangelo's location. And now, I am so honored to represent Big Sky as a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards," Chef Michael said. "This is really a proud moment for me and the entire Michaelangelo's team. It's a testament to the skill, vision, and exceptional ingenuity of each and every team member and this wonderful city."

Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. For a complete list of the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists, click here.

Michaelangelo's is an Italian restaurant serving authentic cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Michael Annandono. Named one of America's best chefs, Chef Michael gets his Italian inspiration from the Piedmont area of Italy where he trained one on one with notable Chefs and culinary influencers. Michaelangelo's first location opened in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006. After a successful launch and many accolades, Chef Michael and his sister Emily opened a second location in Big Sky, Montana in 2016.

Media Contact

Emily Annandono

Michaelangelo's Ristorante

406-995-7373

[email protected]

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Michaelangelo's Ristorante
GUANGZHOU, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEx: 9896) ("MINISO," "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products, today announced that its ordinary shares have been included in the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (the "Stock Connects"), effective on March 13, 2023, pursuant to the announcements made by the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, respectively.

The Company has also been selected and included as a constituent stock of the following indexes by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited, with effect from March 13, 2023:

Hang Seng Composite Index; Hang Seng Composite MidCap Index; Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index; Hang Seng Composite MidCap & SmallCap Index; Hang Seng Composite Industry Index  Consumer Discretionary; and Hang Seng Stock Connect Greater Bay Area Composite Index.

The Company is of the view that the inclusion of the Company's shares in the trading mechanism of the Stock Connects reflects the market's recognition of the Company's business performance and growth prospects. It is expected that such inclusion will help to expand the Company's shareholder base, improve the trading liquidity of the shares of the Company, and allow the Company to share its growth trajectory and further success with users, partners and investors in mainland China via the financial market.

The Company would like to thank the shareholders and investors of the Company for their continued support. The Company will continue to strive to develop its business and create value for its shareholders.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO'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, including but not limited to the following: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Raine Hu

MINISO Group Holding Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

Eric Yuan

Christensen Advisory

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86 1380 111 0739

SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited
MIT Technology Review's essential event for CTOs to center on the idea of "Digital Dexterity" and its role in innovation and customer experience

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Compute, MIT Technology Review's essential emerging technology event, returns April 30-May 1, 2023, to the MIT campus, in the heart of "the most innovative square mile on the planet."

MIT Technology Review's Future Compute uncovers the emerging technologies of tomorrow and explores the tech-forward strategies needed to run a cost-effective IT infrastructure today. The two-day event, which hosts CTOs and IT leadership from around the globe, will feature a first for Future Compute: bringing audiences out of the conference center and into the hallowed classrooms and labs of MIT for tours and lectures on quantum computing, all followed by a networking reception on the first day.

This year's conference theme is "Digital Dexterity," defined as what results when emerging technology and an organizational culture of change come together to enable a technology-driven business equipped for competitive advantage. Speakers scheduled to present this year at Future Compute include:

Werner Vogels , VP and CTO, Amazon.com

, VP and CTO, Amazon.com Elizabeth Hackenson , Chief Information Officer, Schneider Electric

, Chief Information Officer, Chris Miller , Author, Chip War ; Associate Professor, Tufts University

, Author, ; Associate Professor, Kirsten Bay , CEO, Cysurance

, CEO, Cysurance Danny Lang e , SVP of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Unity

, SVP of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Unity  and more

Attendees can expect thought-provoking interviews, live Q&As, and networking opportunities unlike those at any other event of its kind. In-person attendees will have access to exclusive tours of MIT innovation hubs and on-site networking receptions with speakers and other VIPs at the renowned MIT Media Lab. For more detailed information: Agenda and Registration.

About MIT Technology Review

Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, MIT Technology Review is a world-renowned, independent media company whose insights, analysis, and interviews explain the newest technologies and their commercial, social, and political impacts. MIT Technology Review derives its authority from its relationship to the world's foremost technology institution and from its editors' deep technical knowledge, capacity to see technologies in their broadest context, and unequaled access to leading innovators and researchers. Our in-depth reporting reveals what's going on now to prepare you for what's coming next.. Subscribe. Listen. Attend. Follow: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Media Contact:

MIT Technology Review

[email protected]

SOURCE MIT Technology Review
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, today joined Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm 1.3 kilometres underground to celebrate the commencement of underground production from the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in the Gobi Desert.

This was followed by a ceremony with Oyu Tolgoi employees and leaders, Government of Mongolia representatives, Oyu Tolgoi Board members and local suppliers to mark this important milestone towards Oyu Tolgoi ramping up to become one of the world's leading copper suppliers.

Since the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto in January 2022 to reset the relationship and move the Oyu Tolgoi underground project forward, 30 drawbells have been blasted and copper is now being produced from the underground mine. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to become the fourth-largest copper mine in the world by 2030, operating in the first quartile of the copper equivalent cost curve. Ore is currently being processed from Panel Zero in Hugo North Lift 1 and production will ramp up over the coming years.

A partnership between Rio Tinto and Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi open pit and concentrator have been succesfully operating for over a decade. The total workforce of Oyu Tolgoi is currently around 20,000 people, of which 97% are Mongolian. Oyu Tolgoi works with more than 500 national suppliers and has spent around $15 billion in Mongolia since 2010, including $4 billion of taxes, fees and other payments to the state budget.

Developing the underground mine is an investment of over $7 billion, unlocking the most valuable part of the copper resource for the benefit of all stakeholders. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce around 500,000 tonnes of copper per year on average from 2028 to 2036 from the open pit and underground, enough to produce around 6 million electric vehicles annually, and an average of around 290,000 tonnes over the reserve life of around 30 years.

Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene said "I am proud to celebrate this major milestone with our partner Rio Tinto as we look towards Mongolia becoming one of the world's key copper producers. The start of underground production at Oyu Tolgoi demonstrates our ability to work together with investors in a sustainable manner and become a trusted partner. The next phase of the partnership will enable the continued successful delivery of Mongolia's 'New Recovery Policy' and Vision 2050 economic diversification strategy. Mongolia stands ready to work actively and mutually beneficially with global investors and partners."

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said "We would like to thank the Government of Mongolia for their commitment as our partner in achieving this remarkable milestone. We are starting underground production 1.3 kilometres beneath the remote Gobi desert from an ore body that will be critical for global copper production and Mongolia's ongoing economic development. The copper produced in this truly world class, high technology mine will help deliver the electrification needed for a net zero future and grow Rio Tinto's copper business."

SOURCE The Government of Mongolia
New Bain & Company study reveals four types of roles will make up the "augmented workforce," enabling companies to transition workers to jobs of the future

BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies across industries are underutilizing automation capabilities and underestimating the challenge of transitioning workers to jobs of the future, according to new research by Bain & Company. Survey findings included within Bain's new report: "Automation's Ultimate Goal: The Augmented Workforce," show that workforce augmentation across industries has reduced costs by as much as 30%.

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of the augmented workforce should lead executives to think differently about the value their employees contribute; and yet, according to Bain, few companies are taking a fully strategic approach as they undergo automation transformations.

"Successful transformations will change the way employers manage and reward workers," said Rasmus Wegener, Americas leader of Vector, Bain's digital delivery platform. "The real value of automation lies far beyond the traditional efficiency plays. When done right, automation enables employees to focus on truly human, high-value activities, creating what we call the 'augmented workforce.' Our research shows that many employees want to use automation, and that letting them do so will increase personal job satisfaction, improve customer experience and deliver better outcomes for shareholders."

Focusing on higher-value work

One of the biggest hurdles for companies hoping to achieve transformations is getting their workforce to change their habits; something Bain says that will take communication, support and incentives. A concerted effort is necessary to redesign processes, encourage participation, and reimagine how work gets done. Whether measured by cost reduction, growth opportunities or improved Net Promoter Score, most companies do not achieve all transformation objectives overnight.

According to Bain, leading firms will create internal communities of expertise, while automating or outsourcing tasks that do not require as much problem solving, creativity, or interpersonal skills. Research finds that top-performing companies allocate more than 90% of their top talent to roles that are considered as mission-critical, while other companies allocate just 20% of their top talent to these roles. Three areas that Bain says workers can benefit from automation include:

Problem solving. Companies can support workers with training in strategies that include establishing perspective, disaggregating problems, framing solutions and deploying analogical reasoning; all of which can greatly improve decision making.

Companies can support workers with training in strategies that include establishing perspective, disaggregating problems, framing solutions and deploying analogical reasoning; all of which can greatly improve decision making. Creativity. Everyday creativity required for success for the future jobs can be taught by introducing workers to the right techniques and tools.

Everyday creativity required for success for the future jobs can be taught by introducing workers to the right techniques and tools. Interpersonal communication. Empathy, introspection and behavioral adaptation will be increasingly important.

"While automation capabilities are underutilized, our research shows that only 12% of companies that are undergoing changes during major initiatives achieve their goals," said Ted Shelton, expert partner within Bain's Performance Improvement practice. "Successful automation programs depend on the support of the workforce, including contributors who can describe how processes can be improved, and creators who learn how to build simple automations that improve processes."

The augmented workforce: four important roles

As companies adopt large-scale automation initiatives, Bain sees employees take on one or more of the following four roles that work to support successful transformations:

Contributors: Employees who are closest to a process are the ones who can usually describe how it can be improved. Creators: Similar to "citizen developers," creators can build simple automations that improve processes. Coordinators: Specialists who provide tools, education, support, and ongoing monitoring for everyone whose job is touched by new automation. Consumers: Almost all employees are within this group, since automation touches nearly every role in one of two ways: scheduled automation provides information and insights to support good decision making, and on-demand automation triggers employee action.

Scaling a successful automation program

Companies that successfully transition to an augmented workforce typically get two important activities right, Bain found. This includes aligning the business and technology on a plan to create new value both for the company and for employees, and ensuring they have the right tools and programs for enabling workers. To do this, companies are encouraged to develop a plan for creating value that aligns automation goals with company strategy, as well as choose the right technologies and vendors to support workers throughout transformations.

Additionally, automation initiatives should also try to deliver benefits for each category of stakeholder: customer and worker experience, risk mitigation, and career opportunities and rewards.

Where to start

While automation transformations can take time, Bain encourages companies to be thoughtful and supportive of their employees as workers move to richer and higher value tasks. When setting automation goals, it's important to aim high, while also balancing business aspirations with the amount of change and time that is required for full implementation.

"Companies should begin by prioritizing a few high-impact initial use cases to help the organization see the value of automation," said Wegener. "A successful shift will leave employees feeling empowered."

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 64 cities in 39 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

Media Contact:

Dan Pinkney

Bain & Company

+1 646-562-8102

[email protected]

SOURCE Bain & Company
Didier Saugy Comes to the Club From Hong Kong's Foreign Correspondents' Club

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After a global yearlong search, the National Press Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Didier Saugy as its new executive director upon the retirement of long-time Club Director Bill McCarren.

Saugy comes to Washington from the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) of Hong Kong where he served as general manager of the renowned Club as it successfully weathered 2019 Hong Kong protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining open and vibrant throughout.

"Didier stood out as someone with the knowledge and skill to operate a city club while also understanding the needs of journalists and the importance of a free press," 2022 NPC President Jen Judson said. "We were impressed by his ability to navigate the protests, the pandemic, and an environment often hostile to journalists, all while ensuring that the Club remained profitable."

Club leadership was heavily involved in the search and is thrilled to have Saugy join the community, Judson said.

Saugy became general manager of the FCC in 2018, overseeing its 2,200 active members, three restaurants, two bars, and numerous workrooms for journalists.

"Didier's commitment to protecting journalists' rights and interests combined with his impressive culinary and business experience will invigorate the National Press Club as one of the most exciting and important places to be in Washington," NPC President Eileen O'Reilly said. "I have confidence in Didier's vision for the Club's future, and am looking forward to working together to bring our Club to new heights."

Saugy grew up in Nyon, a small town near Geneva in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. He began his career as a chef, training in Fechy, a place well-known for dining and wine-making. Saugy spent two years on active duty in the Swiss Army's Alpine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant major.

Saugy then ran his own cafe and restaurant for four years in Switzerland and then spent a decade working in New Zealand's five-star hotels. His career then took him to Australia where he worked as an executive chef and food and beverage manager in the hotel industry in both Sydney and Melbourne, and ultimately spent several years as the executive chef and then operations manager for Zoos Victoria, which includes the Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo, and Healesville sanctuary.

Saugy moved to China in 2007, working in a variety of well-known hotels as he progressed from executive chef to food and beverage manager.

While Saugy enjoyed his years at the FCC working with the board of directors as well as a variety of committees and members, he is looking forward to this next chapter at the National Press Club where he can apply his creativity, experience and energy to make it a place where every journalist and communicator wants to be and ensure it continues to be the best Club for journalists in the world.

Saugy, his wife, and 8-year-old son are in the process of relocating from Hong Kong to the D.C. area.

Press contact: Cecily Scott Martin, [email protected], 202-662-7525

SOURCE National Press Club
Two financing facilities provide strong foundation for Navisun's continued expansion in the clean energy space

HINGHAM, Mass., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Navisun LLC, a solar independent power producer that co-develops, acquires, owns, and operates distributed and small utility-scale solar and storage projects, announced that it has secured up to $235 million in debt financing through two facilities.

The financing will support the company's growth strategy, allowing it to execute on its project pipeline in order to serve additional customers with solar energy generation and storage, with offtakers benefiting from affordable clean energy and decreased electricity cost.

Mace's Pond, a Navisun owned agrivoltaic project in Rockport, Maine.

The first facility is a $105 million, five-year revolving construction credit facility, which includes a letter of credit facility. In addition, the financing incorporates an up to $50 million accordion feature allowing the company flexibility to upsize as its portfolio grows.

The financing was led by MUFG, which acted as administrative agent, issuing bank, and coordinating lead arranger. Export Development Canada acted as mandated lead arranger, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., acted as collateral agent and depository.

The second facility is an up to $130 million, five-year term loan facility, which includes a letter of credit facility and a delayed-draw term loan. The facility also includes an up to $75 million accordion feature. MUFG also led the financing for the second facility, as well as serving as administrative agent, issuing bank, and coordinating lead arranger. Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Export Development Canada acted as mandated lead arrangers, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., acted as collateral agent and depository.

"As a leading clean energy company, Navisun is committed to advancing the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future," said Doug Johnsen, managing partner and co-founder of Navisun.

"The financing facilities we have secured provide us with the necessary capital to continue to innovate and expand our portfolio of solar and storage projects, while also continuing to deliver reliable and affordable energy solutions to our customers. We look forward to working with our financing partners as we continue to scale our business," he added.

As more companies and investors recognize the potential of clean energy, there will be increased demand for financing solutions that support sustainable energy projects. This trend is likely to continue as renewable energy becomes more cost-effective and reliable, making it an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With a strong portfolio of solar projects, a commitment to sustainability, and flexible financing options, Navisun is poised to continue its expansion and make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector.

About Navisun

Navisun LLC is a solar independent power producer within the United States that co-develops, acquires, owns, and operates distributed and small utility-scale solar projects. The Navisun team has completed numerous projects for municipal, commercial, industrial, utility, and institutional partners throughout the United States, with typical project sizes ranging from 1 to 30 megawatts. For more information, visit www.navisunllc.com .

About OMERS Infrastructure

Navisun is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure. OMERS Infrastructure manages investments globally in infrastructure on behalf of OMERS, a defined benefit pension plan for municipal employees in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and third-party investors through its Strategic Partnership Program. OMERS Infrastructure currently has approximately C$34 billion in assets under management and over 30 investments, principally in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific and across sectors including energy, digital services, transportation and government-regulated services. OMERS Infrastructure has employees in Toronto, New York, the U.K., Continental Europe (including Amsterdam, NL), Asia and Australia. More information: www.omersinfrastructure.com .

Media Contact - Navisun

Alicia McGarry

816.616.6893

[email protected]

SOURCE Navisun
The luxury retailer increases points of distribution as the Italian fashion house unveils a new dawn for the brand

DALLAS, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neiman Marcus, in partnership with Ferragamo, announces the addition of the women's ready-to-wear category concurrently with the luxury fashion house's debut collection from new Creative Director Maximilian Davis.

Ferragamo store install at Neiman Marcus (courtesy of Ferragamo)

A testament to the strength of Neiman Marcus' brand partner relationships, Ferragamo will activate in-store moments, customer experiences and offer exclusive product to Revolutionize Luxury Experiences for the Neiman's customer. Seven stores across the country will host pop-up installations and feature store windows and visual displays that bring Ferragamo's new and unmistakable red Pantone color across varying interpretations. The shoppable installations showcase items in vitrines, which are filled with sand dyed in Ferragamo red.

"Our customers come to us for extraordinary experiences, and we are excited to partner with Ferragamo on this unique expression of their brand that comes to life through activations and exclusive product offerings as part of our strategy," says Lana Todorovich, Chief Merchandising Officer, Neiman Marcus. "As a global leader in the luxury industry, Ferragamo is one of our longstanding brand partners and it's exciting to see Maximilan's new creative direction for the house. We believe our customers will be instantly drawn to this playful and elegant collection across multiple categories, including the launch of women's ready-to-wear."

The relationship between Neiman Marcus and Ferragamo dates back over 50 years. Through the category expansion, Neiman Marcus will have six exclusive men's and women's looks from the Spring/Summer 23 collection, and a selection of wholesale exclusive handbags.

"We have an incredible history with Neiman Marcus," says Daniella Vitale, CEO Americas. "Our founder, Salvatore Ferragamo won the Neiman Marcus Award in 1947, followed by his daughter Fiamma Ferragamo in 1967. They have long held a unique position in luxury with a loyal client and excellent customer service. With deep roots between us, we are thrilled to partner with Neiman Marcus in a way that brings Ferragamo into the future and is reflective of the brand's new modern look under the creative direction of Maximilian Davis."

Davis' debut collection shows his fresh vision for the house, which recontextualizesfor the modern eraFerragamo's longstanding relationship with Hollywood. The collection is imbued with an atmosphere of ease and sensuality, thematically tying the idea of a sunrise's symbolic clean slate to a sunset's glowing familiarity.

"The sand relates to Ferragamo, to Hollywood, to the ocean  but also to me, and to my own DNA," explains Davis. "To what the sea means to Caribbean culture: a place where you can go to reflect and feel at one. I wanted to show that perspective, but now through the Ferragamo lens."

The collection is now available in select stores across the country and online at NeimanMarcus.com. Neiman Marcus customers can discover exclusive access, world-class service, one-of-a-kind experiences both online and in person, and explore private shopping appointments with expert style advisors.

#neimanmarcus | @neimanmarcus |@ferragamo

Link to assets here.

ABOUT NEIMAN MARCUS:

Neiman Marcus is a Dallas-based luxury retailer, providing customers access to exclusive and emerging brands, anticipatory service, and unique experiences since 1907. Each day, Neiman Marcus connects with customers worldwide while delighting them with exceptional experiences across a 36-store presence in the U.S., one of the largest U.S. e-commerce luxury platforms, and industry-leading remote selling and personalization technology. From delectable dining and indulgent beauty services to bespoke experiences and exclusive products, there is something for everyone. To keep up with the latest news and events at Neiman Marcus, visit neimanmarcus.com or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.



Neiman Marcus Group is a relationship business that leads with love in everything we do for our customers, associates, brand partners, and communities. Our legacy of innovating and our culture of Belonging guide our roadmap for Revolutionizing Luxury Experiences. As one of the largest multi-brand luxury retailers in the U.S., with the world's most desirable brand partners, we're delivering exceptional products and intelligent services, enabled by our investments in data and technology. Through the expertise of our 10,000+ associates, we deliver and scale a personalized luxury experience across our three channels of in-store, eCommerce, and remote selling. Our NMG|Way culture, powered by our people, combines individual talents into a collective strength to make life extraordinary. Our flagship brands include Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. For more information, visit neimanmarcusgroup.com.



ABOUT FERRAGAMO:

Founded in Florence in 1927, FERRAGAMO is a global leader in luxury. From its origins to today, FERRAGAMO has stayed true to its core values: the dedication to Italian craftmanship, quality and innovation.

In March 2022, FERRAGAMO began its journey of reinvention by appointing Maximilian Davis as Creative Director. Davis, while staying true to FERRAGAMO's rich and profound heritage, has opened a fresh conversation of luxury blends contemporary. An impactful logo was introduced to coincide with this new chapter.

Davis's debut collection for Spring/Summer 2023 introduced a new Pantone Red which codified FERRAGAMO's iconic hue and unveiled a new dawn for FERRAGAMO by paying tribute to the brands legacy and Hollywood history.

SOURCE Neiman Marcus
BANGKOK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A ground-breaking ceremony was held on March 10 for Neta Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant, which will become a major manufacturing base of Neta Auto to produce and export right-hand-drive electric vehicles to ASEAN. The carmaker also signed a cooperation agreement with Thailand's Bangchan General Assembly Co., Ltd. (BGAC). under which both sides will jointly build a modern EV assembly base. They will also partner to enhance staff skill sustainability and create an EV ecosystem in Thailand. These two moves suggest Neta Auto has entered a new stage of rapid, sound development in the ASEAN and a milestone for its globalization development.

Photo: Contract signing ceremony

Situated in Khan Na Yao, Bangkok, the Plant is Neta Auto's first overseas factory, and also the first plant of China EV startups in Thailand. Consisting of three workshops for welding, painting and assembly, the facility will feature optimized plant design and innovative process technologies based on the concept of lean and intelligent manufacture, saving resources and increasing quality and efficiency. The plant may be put into production by late January 2024 as a model international factory intelligently making new-energy vehicles.

Zhang Yong, Co-founder and CEO of Neta Auto, and Vunchai, Chairman of BGAC, attended the event, witnessing Neta Auto's ushering in a new journey for globalization.

Mr Zhang said: "Significantly, the Thailand plant will be a major base for us to produce and export RHD EVs to the ASEAN. Since we will begin construction of several world-class intelligent EV manufacturing bases simultaneously, our capacity will be expanded, supporting our globalization development. We also plan to enter more countries in the Middle East, the European Union and other regions, making Neta Auto a brand recognized and trusted by global consumers."

Vunchai also shared his expectations on the partnership. "We make a critical step in sustainable transport through the collaboration. We also expect to bring people opportunities and accelerate development of the EV sector in Thailand, leveraging the partnership."

Neta Auto was among top 20 global new-energy passenger vehicle manufacturers by volume in 2022, ranking 1st among EV startups by annual sales volume. Neta V, the first model launched by the carmaker in Thailand, ranked second by registration among BEVs in Thailand. The ceremony showcases China's upgraded intelligent vehicle manufacture capabilities and Neta Auto's brand power.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2030448/Photo_Contract_signing_ceremony.jpg

SOURCE Neta Auto
"Women are the real architects of society" - Harriet Beacher Stowe.

It is important to celebrate women not just once in a while, but as often as possible. Every day, women are breaking the glass ceiling: they are accomplishing great things in every field, including medicine, science, literature, and politics. More and more young, vibrant, energetic and assertive women of our society are leaving no stone unturned to prove themselves to the world and despite many hurdles, are continuously achieving more than their male counterparts.

On Friday evening, Nation Media Group through its Business Daily publication held a black-tie gala dinner at the Simba Corp Aspire Centre, Westlands to honor and celebrate the winners of the 2023 edition of Top 40 Under 40 Women. The Ladies all decked out in their finest gowns, some accompanied by their family members, were each awarded with a lion head sculpture trophy and various other goodies.

When Top 40 under 40 women was launched 15 years, several women who made it as finalists were in traditional careers and most were in their late 30s. Over the years, there has been quite a huge shift and diversity in the lists, well because more and more women are daring to venture in what was often seen as unchartered territories or the male dominated industries.

This year, the list has, just to mention but a few, Patricia Mativo, 26 (Vice-President- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Youth Advisory Panel) , Sylvia Museiya, 34 (Principal Secretary State Department for Wildlife), Purity Gakuo, 25 (COO and Co-founder, Kuza Freezers), Dr Victoria Simiyu, 37 (Transplant Anesthesiologist, Kenyatta National Hospital), Sylvia Gathoni, 24 (Esport athlete and Red Bull Player), Crystal Asige, 34 (Nominated Senator, Parliament) etc.

According to Diani Mwango (Editor of Business Daily), "every year, the process of compiling the list of the Business Daily's Top 40 Under 40 women starts with scrutinizing the nominees. How have they used their position or power to create a lasting and meaningful change in the community? What is so unique about their position be it in the marketing field or technology? Which of the 1,000 nominees have made the greatest strides in using their talent, voice, or resources to pull other women up the ladder? Yes, the job and educational background matter, but it is more than the job and degrees."

Various speakers at the event among them NMG Chief Executive Stephen Gitagama, CMO of Radio Africa Group and Media Personality Caroline Mutoko, Dentsu Kenya Group Head of Media Samantha Kipury, Lancet Kenya's Head of Anatomical Pathologist Dr Jessica Kirimi, Group Executive Director  Equity Bank Limited Mary Wamae, and NMG Head of Marketing Philbert Mdindi challenged the winners to pass on the baton and inspire the next generation of women. The ladies were also reminded to glow and celebrate this moment, this achievement, every single day.

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"To generations of Kenyan women to come, who will be inspired purely by seeing you today, reading your story and deciding that indeed, they too can dream and do and become amazing with no apology, because you went before them and made it possible. Today, Kenya walks taller because of you. The lame narrative has been put to shame and now we know what we can become, because we see, " Caroline Mutoko, CMO Radio Africa.

Sponsors of the event included East Africa Breweries Limited's whiskey brand Johnnie Walker, Simba Corp, Dentsu, Lancet Kenya Limited and Techno.

Top 40 Under 40 is a Business Daily annual award aimed at recognizing and feting 40 women under 40 years in corporate leadership, professional services, enterprises and Juakali sector, sports, arts and creatives who have made a great impact in their field and in society.
DUBLIN, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Nigeria 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.

According to the publisher, social commerce industry in Nigeria is expected to grow by 46.0% on annual basis to reach US$1156.1 million in 2023.



The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 27.2% during 2022-2028. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$1156.1 million in 2023 to reach US$4889.2 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 Nigeria. Below is a summary of key market segments:



Nigeria Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Nigeria 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

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Segment, 2019-2028

B2B

B2C

C2C

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2019-2028

Mobile

Desktop

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Domestic

Cross Border

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Tier-1 Cities

Tier-2 Cities

Tier-3 Cities

Nigeria 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

Nigeria Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms

Video Commerce

Social Network-Led Commerce

Social Reselling

Group Buying

Product Review Platforms

Nigeria 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/95dicd

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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SOURCE Research and Markets
NP Profession Previously Named #1 Job in Health Care and #2 Job in Any Field

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is celebrating the news that U.S News & World Report ranked the nurse practitioner (NP) role first on its "2023 Best Jobs That Help People" list. The annual rankings noted that these jobs "enhance people's well-being and help them accomplish their personal goals, big or small." The publication had previously ranked the NP profession first on its "2023 Best Health Care Jobs" list, second on its "100 Best Jobs of 2023" list and second on its "2023 Best STEM Jobs" list.

Nurse Practitioner Role Named Best Job That Helps People"

"Nurse practitioners are grateful to be recognized by U.S. News World & Report for their invaluable contributions to our society. This is why we become NPs, to help people," said April N. Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN, president of AANP. "This top ranking for the tireless work of NPs in helping others lead better lives is yet another well-deserved testament to the outstanding care delivered by more than 355,000 licensed NPs to patients in more than 1 billion visits each year."

NPs are the providers of choice for millions of Americans seeking high-quality health care. As clinicians who blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to health care.

All NPs must complete a master's or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. NPs provide high-quality care in rural, urban and suburban communities and in many types of settings, including clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, nursing homes, schools and public health departments.

"The nurse practitioner role is more than a job  it's a calling," said Jon Fanning, MS, CAE, CNED, chief executive officer of AANP. "With nearly 100 million people living in primary care health professional shortage areas, NPs are leading the way to expand access to care across the nation. They are inspiring a new generation of providers heeding that special call to serve and build healthier lives."

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. To locate an NP in your community, visit npfinder.com . For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org .

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Company's Ocean Applied division, based in Rochester, is named to prestigious list



ORLANDO, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Applied, a division of Ocean Insight based in Rochester, N.Y., has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York 2023. Ocean Applied was recognized in the Medium Companies category (100-249 employees) and will be feted at an awards celebration on Apr. 19, 2023, in Albany, N.Y.

Best Companies to Work for in New York is a program of the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in partnership with the Rochester Business Journal, BridgeTower Media and the Best Companies Group.

The employee experience and high engagement of our Ocean Applied team are reflected in this recognition. Tweet this

Rankings were determined on the basis of each company's workplace policies, practices and demographics (25% of the total), and the results of employee surveys on the employee experience (75% of the total). Ocean Applied was one of nearly 30 companies recognized in the Medium Companies category, with winners ranging from hospitality businesses and non-profits to optics suppliers and software developers.

"The employee experience and high engagement of our Ocean Applied team are reflected in this recognition," said Dr. Michael Edwards, President of Ocean Insight. "We are fortunate to draw from the deep technical resources of the Rochester area and to enjoy a welcoming business community to continue to grow our presence there."

Ocean Insight is a leading photonics company comprising three businesses and multiple locations worldwide. Ocean Applied evolved from Ocean Insight's 2019 acquisition of the Rochester-based imaging technologies company FluxData, and today designs and builds industrial-grade photonics systems for material inspection, chemical identification and quality assurance.

In June 2022, Ocean Applied expanded the size of its engineering, production, and support facility in Rochester. The expansion enhances engineering capabilities, testing laboratory, and production operations, reaffirming the company's commitment to one of the country's leading photonics technology hubs.

Ocean Insight has sales, service, engineering, and ISO-certified manufacturing operations in the United States, throughout Europe, and across the Asia Pacific region. In 2022, its company headquarters in Orlando, Florida, was named to the Orlando Business Journal's Best Places to Work list as one of Central Florida's best employers. Ocean Insight is a subsidiary of Halma plc, a global group of life-saving technology companies.

To learn more, visit OceanInsight.com

SOURCE Ocean Insight
LONDON, ON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Odd Burger Corporation (TSXV: ODD) (OTCQB: ODDAF) (FSE: IA9) ("Odd Burger" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Marc Goodman, Vice President and General Manager at 7-Eleven Canada Inc. will be joining Odd Burger's Board of Directors effective March 13, 2023.

Marc Goodman, Vice-President of 7-Eleven Canada Inc. (CNW Group/Odd Burger Corporation)

Goodman oversees over 620 operating locations and is the first Canadian in over 15 years to lead 7-Eleven Canada Inc. as the company's Vice President and General Manager. Prior to joining 7-Eleven, Goodman spent over 20 years at Suncor Energy where he was involved in several senior leadership roles largely supporting the Petro-Canada brand. In 2019, Goodman was the recipient of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) Leader Award and he continues to serve on the Board of the CICC. Goodman holds an MBA from the University of Windsor.

In January 2023, under Goodman's leadership, 7-Eleven Canada launched its plant-based breakfast sandwich as part of the retailers' Healthy To-Go campaign. The sandwich is available at over 550 locations across Canada and is freshly prepared in local kitchens and delivered daily to 7-Eleven stores.

"We are very excited to have Marc join our Board of Directors," says James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. "7-Eleven is one of the largest retail operations in the world and it's incredible to have Marc's extensive experience now part of our Board".

Goodman has helped optimize operating models, reduce operational costs, grow sales, increase margins, and transform businesses to be more shopper centric. He brings his tremendous experience in operations, marketing, and franchising to Odd Burger's Board. The Company's Board of Directors is now comprised of James McInnes (Chairman), Vasiliki McInnes, Edward (Ted) Sehl, Michael Fricker, Francois Arbour, Utsang Desai and Marc Goodman. Officers of the Company are comprised of James McInnes (President and CEO), Ted Sehl (CFO), Vasiliki McInnes (COO), and Trevor Wong-Chor (Corporate Secretary).

About Odd Burger Corporation

Odd Burger Corporation is a chain of company-owned and franchised vegan fast-food restaurants as well as a food technology company that manufactures and distributes a proprietary line of plant-based protein and dairy alternatives to its locations. Odd Burger restaurants operate as smart kitchens, which use state-of-the art cooking technology and automation solutions to deliver a delicious food experience to customers craving healthier and more sustainable fast food. With small store footprints optimized for delivery and takeout, advanced cooking technology, competitive pricing, a vertically integrated supply chain along with healthier ingredients, Odd Burger is revolutionizing the fast-food industry by creating guilt-free fast food. Odd Burger Corporation is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ODD and on the OTCQB under the symbol ODDAF. For more information visit https://www.oddburger.com .

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "proposed", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", and similar expressions. Forward looking information contained or referred to in this news release includes statements relating to future restaurant openings, potential franchisees, demand for our products and other similar statements. Forward-looking information is based on several factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect including, but not limited to material assumptions with respect to the continued strong demand for the Company's products, the availability of sufficient financing on reasonable terms to fund the Company's capital requirements and the ability to obtain necessary equipment, production inputs and labour. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information include, among others, negative cash flow and future financing requirements to sustain and grow operations, limited history of operations and revenues and no history of earnings or dividends, expansion of facilities, competition, availability of raw materials, dependence on senior management and key personnel, general business risk and liability, regulation of the food industry, change in laws, regulations and guidelines, compliance with laws, unfavourable publicity or consumer perception, product liability and product recalls, risks related to intellectual property, difficulties with forecasts, management of growth and litigation, as well as the impact of, uncertainties and risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risks faced by the Company, please refer to the Company's Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com . The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Non-GAAP Measures

This news release may refer to certain non-GAAP measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Odd Burger Corporation
Virtual Event Brings Together Over 225 Companies by Leveraging Oppenheimer's Extensive Thought Leadership in Research and Investment Banking



Conference Fosters Impactful Discussions Between Executives and Investors on the Future of the High-Growth Healthcare Industry

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("Oppenheimer")  a leading investment bank, wealth manager, and a subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings (NYSE: OPY)  today announced its 33rd Annual Healthcare Conference will be held March 13  15. The virtual event will include a broad spectrum of over 225 public and private healthcare companies across all major sectors of the industry, including bio and specialty pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, life science tools and diagnostics, and healthcare providers and servicers.

Michael Margolis, R.Ph., Oppenheimer's Co-Head of Healthcare and Head of Healthcare Life Sciences Investment Banking, said, "As the post-pandemic landscape for healthcare and life sciences continues to evolve, investors and companies need actionable data and perspectives on the medical breakthroughs, tools and services that will shape the future of this industry. As Oppenheimer looks for ways to continually enhance its investment banking capabilities for the firms we advise in areas like this, we are delighted to facilitate these conversations that include companies representing a broad cross section of sectors."

In a sign of Oppenheimer's strong presence in the healthcare sectors, the conference comes after Oppenheimer's Healthcare Investment Banking team has raised over $6.4 billion in 158 bookrun transactions since March 2017. The event will feature presentations and fireside chats, hosted by Oppenheimer's healthcare equity research analysts, including:

Biotechnology

Joel Sendek , Managing Director, Head of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Equity Research

, Managing Director, Head of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Equity Research Matt Biegler , Executive Director and Senior Analyst

, Executive Director and Senior Analyst Mark Breidenbach , Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst

, Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst Francois Brisebois, Managing Director and Senior Analyst

Leland Gershell , M.D. and Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst

, M.D. and Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst Jeff Jones , Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst

, Ph.D., Managing Director and Senior Analyst Justin Kim , Executive Director and Senior Analyst

, Executive Director and Senior Analyst Jay Olson , CFA, Managing Director and Senior Analyst

, CFA, Managing Director and Senior Analyst Hartaj Singh, Managing Director and Senior Analyst

Healthcare Services

Michael Wiederhorn , Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Healthcare Providers and Services

Medical Devices

Suraj Kalia , CFA, Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Medical Technology and Devices

, CFA, Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Medical Technology and Devices Steven M. Lichtman , Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Medical Devices

Erica L. Moffett, Associate Director of Research and Head of Corporate Access at Oppenheimer, said, "We are coming out of a difficult market environment, but we see green shoots and opportunities for companies with new technologies and investors searching for thoughtful market strategies. We are thrilled to welcome everyone attending this year's virtual event in pursuit of those opportunities."

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a principal subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY on the New York Stock Exchange), and its affiliates provide a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, local governments, businesses and institutions.

Media Contact:

Joseph Kuo / Michael Dugan

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4852

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
Parvis' Chief Operating Officer to step down as Parvis realigns post RTO, bringing on Scott Spence as Head of Growth and Zoe Seguev as Director, Operations and Compliance in a newly established roles, effective immediately

VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or "the Company"), a technology-driven real estate company focused on broadening access to institutional quality real estate investment opportunities, today announced the stepping down of Conan Graham, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer effective as of April 3rd and the addition of Scott Spence to the position of Head of Growth and Zoe Seguev as Director, Operations and Compliance.

"On behalf of the Board, I am grateful for everything Conan has done to position Parvis for the future," said Drew Green, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board. "As we move into the next period of growth, we do so from a position of strength, a testament to the performance and hard work of our founding team. Looking ahead, our objective remains to execute on our vision of long term growth and enhancing scale in order to deliver sustainable results," continued Green.

On the heels of the TSXV listing on March 10th 2023, Q1 has proven to be a busy and exciting time for Parvis. In a series of strategic hires and restructuring, Parvis is focused on platform user growth propelled by its vision to democratize access to quality real estate for investors across Canada.

"It is with a lot of tenacity and hard work that the team has built Parvis over the last 18 months, and our future is bright," states David Michaud, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Post listing our focus is on broadening awareness of the platform, continuing to curate high quality real estate projects and delivering a seamless investing experience. Ensuring we have the right people in place to deliver against our ambitious goals is crucial, and this is why I am invigorated by the arrival of Scott and Zoe in important roles within Parvis. Both have outstanding track records and I'm confident we are building the team that can deliver value for clients and shareholders."

As Head of Growth, Spence will be responsible for expanding the business through identifying market opportunities and leading sales and marketing strategy and operations, with the view to increasing customer acquisition and retention. With a proven track record of driving growth and building successful brands and most recently, Spence was the Global Marketing Director at Fundsquire in Toronto. Prior to that Spence held various other media and communications roles and was an Equities and Futures Trader. Spence brings over 15 years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive growth and marketing strategies, combining full-stack marketing with data-driven decision making to drive brand awareness and revenue growth.

Today Parvis has also welcomed Zoe Seguevas Director, Operations and Compliance. Seguez comes to Parvis with vast experience in operations and controls management with notable businesses such as We Work, Vivovii and most recently, Coinsquare, where she held the position of Senior Business Operations Manager.

About the Company

Parvis is a technology-driven real estate investing platform. Focused on broadening access to institutional quality real estate investment opportunities, Parvis promotes greater access in this historically inaccessible and illiquid asset class. Enabled by blockchain technology, Parvis makes finding, tracking, and maximizing investments an experience that is both frictionless and empowering. Parvis, headquartered in Vancouver, employs experts in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Additional information about Parvis is available at www.parvisinvest.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. . Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: final acceptance of the Exchange of the Qualifying Transaction and the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin; commencement of trading of the Common Shares; and the Company's business plans and role in the real estate industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate and technology industries in general; and the risk factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Filing Statement. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or Filing Statement prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

SOURCE Parvis Invest Inc.
More than 20 leading voices in community oncology serve on PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board

CINCINNATI, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Two dozen of community oncology's most influential voices have joined forces with PatientPoint to innovate a next-generation patient engagement platform to help community oncology practices meet some of the biggest challenges facing their industry.

PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board

Today's community oncology practices are faced with mounting pressures to deliver value-based care, adhere to changing reimbursement models and absorb increased administrative burdenall amid unprecedented staff shortages and increased late-stage cancer diagnoses in the wake of COVID-19. The PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board aims to transform these market pressures into tailwinds to strengthen the power of the PatientPoint platform to arm community oncology providers with the technology-enabled tools they need across all touchpoints of the patient journey to help them meet quality care measures, increase practice efficiencies and improve outcomes at scale.

"There so many unmet needs in patient counseling and patient educationparticularly when it comes to live toolsand a picture is worth a thousand words," said Kashap Patel, MD, CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates and outgoing president of the Community Oncology Alliance. "PatientPoint products allow us to help address these unmet needs to improve deficits in cancer care delivery and encourage shared decision-making, further complementing our ability to optimize our performance within today's quality care models."

The first-ever PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board is comprised of medical oncologists and practice executives from renowned community oncology aggregators and centers across the country. The current board is focused on enhancing features and functionalities of PatientPoint's waiting room, exam room and back-office products to help support community oncology practices in accomplishing the following strategic goals:

Implement and meeting new quality goals and payment models

Improve health equity

Increase screenings

Deliver on survivorship care plans

Add efficiencies within practice workflows

Enable advance care planning

"The majority of Americans receive their cancer treatment in community settingsmaking it all the more important for us to ensure we are leveraging the most innovative, transformational point-of-care technology, tools and education to move the field forward," said Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payor Relations and Strategic Initiatives and practicing medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist at Texas Oncology. "By assembling some of the best minds in community oncology, opportunities abound for further innovation of the PatientPoint platform as a preferred patient education and experience solution for our industry."

PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board members include:

Ralph Boccia , MD, FACP , Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders ( Bethesda, MD )

, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders ( ) Michael Diaz , MD , Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Clint Divine, MSM , MBA, Univ. of Kansas Cancer Center

Univ. of Kansas Cancer Center Shelly Glenn , American Oncology Network

, American Oncology Network Candice Hulse , MHA, PCMH, CCE, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists Sachin Gupta , MD, California Cancer Associates for Research and Excellence

California Cancer Associates for Research and Excellence Sameh Mikhail , MD, Zangmeister Cancer Center

Zangmeister Cancer Center Martin Palmeri , MD, MBA, Messino Cancer Centers ( Asheville, NC )

Messino Cancer Centers ( ) Kathy Oubre , Pontchartrain Cancer Center ( Covington, LA )

Pontchartrain Cancer Center ( ) Amory Novoselac , MD, Lenox Hill Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center and New York Cancer and Blood Specialists

Lenox Hill Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center and New York Cancer and Blood Specialists Mohammad Jahanzeb , MD, FASCO, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Taral Patel , MD , Zangmeister Cancer Center

, Zangmeister Cancer Center Debra Patt , MD, PhD, MBA, Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology Michael Reff , MBA, NCODA

NCODA Kit Robertson, RN , BSN, PMC-II, Integra Connect

Integra Connect Kashyap Patel , MD, Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates

and Cancer Care Associates Michelle Robey , Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Barry Russo , The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders ( Fort Worth, TX )

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders ( ) Mark Santos , OneOncology

OneOncology Lisa Santwer , Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Fred Schnell , MD, FACP, Community Oncology Alliance

Community Oncology Alliance Jeff Rubin , Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Jeff Vacirca , MD, FACP, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists David Wenk , MD, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

About PatientPoint

PatientPoint is the patient engagement platform for every point of care. Our innovative, tech-enabled solutions create more effective doctor-patient interactions and deliver high value for patients, providers and healthcare sponsors. Through our nearly 140k unique healthcare provider relationships, PatientPoint's solutions impact roughly 750 million patient visits each year, further advancing our mission of making every doctor-patient engagement better. Learn more at patientpoint.com.

SOURCE PatientPoint
BURBANK, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Patrick Ta Beauty, an incomparable next-generation makeup artistry brand, has appointed Kimberly Villatoro as Chief Executive Officer.

Patrick Ta Beauty CEO, Kimberly Villatoro, and Patrick Ta Beauty Founder, Patrick Ta

With a background in beauty, consumer products, and fashion, Villatoro has led and marketed some of the most recognized brands in the world, including the billion-dollar brand, Barbie doll. Most recently, Villatoro served as Vice President & General Manager of Smashbox & Glamglow in North America, where she led the brand's strategy and operations. She is a proven leader, bringing purpose, strategy and scale to the businesses she has led across her two decade long professional career. With a track record of community-first brand building, Villatoro brings her vocal advocacy and passion for diversity, equity and inclusion to the team at Patrick Ta Beauty.

"I have long admired Patrick Ta's artistry and the truly innovative and disruptive launch of his beauty brand in 2019. Patrick Ta Beauty brings next-generation artistry together with an exquisite, luxe brand experience, truly unmatched in the industry," said Villatoro.

"From the beginning, Patrick Ta Beauty was built with the support of all the women in my life. Kimberly's vision for growth and brand positioning is completely aligned with mine," said Ta. "There is no better leader to inspire and scale the next phase of the business than Kimberly. I'm excited for what we build together."

When asked about the future of Patrick Ta Beauty, Villatoro added, "Patrick Ta Beauty is a brand that is poised for growth. From Patrick's next-generation artistry, to our distinctive and innovative creme and powder duos, consumers continue to fall in love with our superior formulas and luxe brand experience. At the center is Patrick, whose own journey, both personally and professionally, is an inspiration for the brand and an entire generation of makeup lovers. I am thrilled to be leading the brand at this time and continuing the incredible momentum that the team has built."

In 2019, renowned makeup artist Patrick Ta worked with product specialist Rima Minasyan and seasoned entrepreneur Avo Minasyan to bring Patrick Ta Beauty to life. Avo Minasyan who previously served as Chief Executive of the brand will now transition into his new role as Chairman of the Board. In October 2022, Stride Consumer Partners, a growth-equity investment firm focused on passion brands in consumer products and services, announced their minority investment in Patrick Ta Beauty. By November 2022, Patrick Ta Beauty brought on former L'Oreal executive, Paul Parikh, as Chief Operating Officer. Parikh has served as CFO of L'Oreal Operations for North & South America where he supported a portfolio of 35+ global brands, in addition to having held various finance leadership roles across L'Oreal's consumer and luxury brands, both in the US and internationally. Parikh brings 20+ years of consumer goods experience at market leading firms and over a decade in the beauty industry.

Patrick Ta Beauty is one of the fastest growing brands in prestige makeup, powered by strong EMV and beloved, superior products. With new investment, resources, and capabilities on the team, the brand is prepared to more than double their marketing output year over year. "With our new investment from Stride Consumer Partners, and the incredible momentum behind the brand from our partners at Sephora, we aim to disrupt the category once again and expand the reach of the brand as never before," Villatoro shared.

Patrick Ta Beauty is currently sold on PatrickTa.com, and retails exclusively on Sephora North America and Canada, Sephora at Kohl's, Cult Beauty and Flannels Beauty.

About Patrick Ta Beauty:

Patrick Ta Beauty was founded in 2019 by renowned makeup artist Patrick Ta, established product specialist Rima Minasyan and seasoned entrepreneur Avo Minasyan. Patrick Ta Beauty's goal has always been to make others feel great in their own skin and to give them versatile products that can create any look.

For more information, please visit PatrickTa.com.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Wu

[email protected]

SOURCE Patrick Ta Beauty
Cumulative paying users continue to increase

Gross margin increased significantly to 27.3%

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor" or "Ping An Health"; Stock Code: 1833.HK) announced its 2022 annual results. The Company is committed to bridging doctors and patients with professionalism and safeguard everyone's health. With its extensive payer resources, comprehensive supplier network, leading services and strong eco-system, Ping An Health has established a unique business model based on managed care + family doctor membership + O2O healthcare services. During the period, Ping An Health's total revenue reached approximately RMB6.16 billion and gross margin increased by 4.0 percentage points to 27.3%. In particular, gross margin of medical services increased to 36.2%. The cumulative number of paying users for the previous 12 months grew steadily to approximately 43 million.

Ping An Health Announces 2022 Annual Results

Achieves continued enhancement in business structure, resulting in a significant improvement in gross margin and narrowing of net loss

In the past year, Ping An Health remained committed to implementing Strategy 2.0 Continuum and optimizing its business structure. As a result, the Company saw a steady increase in gross margin, with revenue growing approximately 18% in the second half of the year as compared to the first half of the year and a gross margin of 27.3% for the year. These efforts have led to significant optimization of the overall business structure. In the second half of the year, the Company experienced a growth of approximately 25% growth in revenue from its competitive, high-margin, and sustainable medical services segment, accompanied by a consecutive increase in both the market share of medical services revenue and gross profit for three reporting periods. In addition, cost reduction and efficiency enhancement also resulted in a substantial reduction of losses.

As of 31 December 2022, Ping An Health has accumulated over 49,000 in-house and contracted external doctors from 23 medical specialties, fully addressing users' demands for healthcare services for all scenarios and at multiple levels. The platform has consistently received positive feedback from users, with a stable five-star rating for the service and A-grade ratings for medical records at over 98%. Ping An Health has established 19 specialty centers and continues to expand its famous doctor network and strengthen collaboration with over 2,000 contracted famous doctors. Regarding its medical service network, the Company has expanded its partner hospitals to more than 5,000 and partner pharmacies to 224,000 during the period. The platform also offers one-hour delivery in 216 cities and 24/7 delivery in 88 cities to provide the best healthcare services to its users.

Focusing on developing financial and corporate customers, while maintaining steady and efficient growth in its paying user base

As an integral part of Ping An's managed care services system and the flagship platform of the Group's healthcare ecosystem, Ping An Health continues to tap into the experience, technology, client base and resources of Ping An's managed care model to better realize two-way synergy with the Group's business. By integrating finance + healthcare services, the Company sought to develop and deliver heartwarming financial services for its customers. During the period, the number of paying users from Ping An's financial end reached over 34 million, representing a penetration rate of 15% in Ping An's 228 million retail customers. This represents steady improvement and has led to a significant increase in user stickiness and recognition. For example, Ping An Health assisted a bank in increasing its asset management scale by over RMB30 billion, serving more than 10,000 customers, and handling over 700 notable cases in the second half of 2022. This was achieved through the provision of comprehensive healthcare services to the bank's private banking clients, including value-added services such as access to famous doctors, medical checkups, convenient online consultations and more.

Quality healthcare3 services can contribute to improving the health and happiness of employees. During the period, Ping An Health has explored corporate employee health management services to provide "Enterprise EZhealth", an integrated solution for medium and large enterprises. This enables them to fulfill their corporate responsibility to maintain employee health, protect their physical and mental well-being in a comprehensive and life-cycle manner, and empower the enterprises' sustainability. As of December 31, 2022, Ping An Health served 978 enterprises, an increase of 458 from the end of 2021, with nearly 3 million paid users on the enterprise side and a renewal rate of almost 90% for large-scale enterprises with whom the company has established cooperation. The Company provided an exclusive corporate employee health management solution to a stated-owned enterprise, which included customized medical checkups, medical report interpretation, active follow-up by family doctors, offline medical assistance, and an exclusive welfare mall platform. By adopting a multi-site, multi-touch approach to reach key populations, Ping An Health enhanced proactive service care and provided whole-cycle health management for the employees of the enterprise. The Company's individual employee fee conversion ratio reached approximately 30%, and the revenue of the Company's employee health management program exceeded RMB18 million. Notably, the Company has received considerable acclaim from corporate customers for the quality and comprehensiveness of its service offering. For example, Ping An Health integrated healthcare services with hardware products for a leading glucose monitoring device company, which boosted product competitiveness and user stickiness. As of the end of 2022, the project has reached 30 rounds of interaction per capita in 21 days, with over 1,000 user-initiated positive comments.

Strengthen the advantage of family doctor membership, with technology empowering medical services

Since the deepening of Strategy 2.0 Continuum, Ping An Health has been steadily building a healthcare ecosystem, with family doctors at its core, specialists as support, and famous doctors as highlights. The family doctor membership system serves as the hub of the company's business model, with "1 family doctor + 5 professional services + 1 health profile" as the core, providing an efficient and convenient medical and healthcare experience with diverse scenarios and consistent services on demand through professional guidance. The Company's team of family doctors primarily comes from tertiary hospitals and boasts extensive clinical experience. During the period, the family doctor membership service comprehensively upgraded its product system, catering to the service needs of both individual and corporate users and providing them with richer and more diversified product choices. Additionally, the Company ahs expanded its service scope and improved the quality of its service experience, providing unlimited 1-to-1 online/voice/video health consultations, professional medication guidance, comprehensive medical examination report interpretation, medical advice interpretation, chronic disease management consultation, medical referrals, accompanying clinic and post-visit services, and more. To date, the Company's family doctor membership service has accumulated millions of members, with a proactive follow-up rate of over 80% for users. The Company boasts over 49,000 internal and external doctors in its network, as well as over 2,000 contracted doctors.

In addition, Ping An Health places great importance on building and accumulating medical technology capabilities. With cutting-edge smart medical technology and AskBob artificial intelligence algorithms, the Company has developed its own AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment system. This includes smart critical illness monitoring, AI-assisted consultation, rational medication monitoring and smart medical safety monitoring. Currently, the AI-assisted diagnosis system covers the diagnostic knowledge of over 2,000 diseases with a diagnostic accuracy rate exceeding 99% and an accuracy rate of over 95%. This system provides doctors with improved knowledge and efficiency, empowering them to collect patient information more effectively before consultations.

It is the Company's unwavering vision to pursue sustainable development, with the goal of providing every enterprise with a happy workplace, every family with a family doctor, and every user with a safe and healthy life. Leveraging the advantages of timely and efficient online healthcare services, Ping An Health is committed to improving health protection for all, contributing to the building of a healthy China 2030, and promoting the revitalization of villages and the creation of a medical health ecosystem. The Company has received an A grade ESG rating by MSCI for two consecutive years and ranking among the top in the healthcare services industry.

Being people-oriented is a fundamental requirement of Ping An's new cultural values, and it remains a steadfast belief of Ping An Health. The Company is committed to upholding the value proposition of "worry-free, time-saving and money saving" continually refining its products and services, enhancing the customer experience, and providing high-quality healthcare solutions to the public and employees alike, serving as a steadfast companion in safeguarding the health of all people.

About Ping An Healthcare And Technology Company Limited

Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor" or "Ping An Health"; Stock Code: 1833.HK), is an integral part of Ping An's managed care services system and also the flagship platform of the Group's healthcare ecosystem. The Company was listed on the Main Board of HKEX on 4 May 2018 and was included in Hang Seng TECH Index in July 2020.

With its extensive payer resources, comprehensive supplier network, leading services and strong eco-system, Ping An Health has established a unique business model based on managed care + family doctor membership + O2O healthcare services. At present, the Company has become a professional, comprehensive, high-quality and one-stop corporate health management service provider.

SOURCE Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited
CARMIEL, Israel, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American:PLX) (TASE:PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, production and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins produced by its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell based protein expression system, announced today that it does not hold cash deposits or securities at either Silicon Valley Bank or Signature Bank, nor does it have any credit facility or other financial relationship with either institution. The Company maintains a majority of its cash and short-term bank deposits in money center banks in the United States with the remainder deposited in a large financial institution in Israel. The Company does not expect the closure of Silicon Valley Bank or Signature Bank to have any impact on its operations. The Company intends to monitor the situation and any potential impact it may have on the Company's partners, suppliers or other relevant parties.







About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.

Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalix was the first company to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a protein produced through plant cell-based in suspension expression system. Protalix's unique expression system represents a new method for developing recombinant proteins in an industrial-scale manner.

Protalix's first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved by the FDA in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights.

Protalix's development pipeline consists of proprietary versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins that target established pharmaceutical markets, including the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified stabilized version of the recombinant human GalactosidaseA protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; PRX115, a plant cell-expressed recombinant PEGylated uricase for the treatment of severe gout; PRX119, a plant cell-expressed long action DNase I for the treatment of NETs-related diseases; and others. Protalix has partnered with Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., both in the United States and outside the United States, for the development and commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa.

Forward-Looking Statements

To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "project," "may," "plan," "will," "would," "should" and "intend," and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: risks, if any, related to the impact on our commercial partners of the closure of Silicon Valley Bank or Signature Bank; risks related to any transactions we may effect in the public or private equity markets to raise capital to finance future research and development activities, general and administrative expenses and working capital; risks related to our ability to maintain and manage our relationship with our collaborators, distributors or partners; risks related to the amount and sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits; risks relating to our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our outstanding notes or any other indebtedness; our dependence on performance by third-party providers of services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law.

Protalix Investor Contact

Chuck Padala, Managing Director

LifeSci Advisors

646-627-8390

[email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/999479/Protalix_Biotherapeutics_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.
press release

Beirut  Undermines Victims' Access to Basic Rights

The Egyptian authorities in recent years have systematically refused to provide or renew the identity documents of dozens of dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists living abroad, Human Rights Watch said today. The refusal is apparently intended to pressure them to return to near-certain persecution in Egypt.

The inability to obtain birth certificates or renew essential documents such as passports and ID cards has hampered access to basic rights for dissidents abroad and their dependent family members. It has effectively undermined their ability to travel, live, and work legally and sometimes jeopardized their ability to obtain essential medical care and educational services or reunite with other family members.

"The government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been turning the screws on dissidents abroad by depriving them of essential identity documents," said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "After sparing no effort to crush domestic opposition and public dissent through mass arrests, unfair trials, and rampant torture in detention, the government is ramping up efforts to punish and silence those abroad."

Human Rights Watch interviewed 26 Egyptian dissidents, journalists, and lawyers living in Turkey, Germany, Malaysia, an African country, Qatar, and another Gulf country from June to December 2022, and reviewed dozens of documents such as written correspondences, passports, and official forms relating to the cases of nine of those interviewed. Seventeen of them had some form of temporary or permanent residence permits, 3 have filed for asylum, 16 live with their spouses and children abroad, and family members of 10 were also denied documents.

Egyptian dissidents in Turkey have faced additional challenges because the Egyptian consulate in Istanbul has effectively closed its doors to Egyptians since around 2018. Interviewees said it only accepts requests for official documentation through its Facebook page, while requiring applicants for virtually all services to fill out extralegal, unofficial forms, which Human Rights Watch reviewed, requesting private details such as why they left Egypt and links to their social media accounts.

Consulate officials routinely informed applicants that security agencies in Egypt must approve all requests before the consulate would file them with the relevant authorities. This practice has blocked thousands of Egyptians in Turkey from filing routine requests for official documents, including passports and IDs.

Al-Sisi's government's zero-tolerance policy toward dissent has caused one of the largest politically driven outward migration waves in Egypt's recent history. According to official government figures and estimates published in recent years, between 9 and 14 million Egyptians live abroad. Of these, tens of thousands have been living in exile to avoid repression at home, according to estimates by media and human rights reports.

Dissidents and activists interviewed said that it is nearly impossible to legally challenge Egyptian authorities' refusals to provide official documents, especially when embassies and consulates refuse to process power of attorney requests to authorize lawyers in Egypt to act on behalf of those abroad. None of those interviewed received an official written rejection. Those who received a verbal response said embassy or consulate officials merely informed them that the security agencies had not approved providing the documents. Officials told some explicitly to go back to Egypt to "solve their problems" with security agencies. In other cases, officials gave no response or just said the requests were pending for months or years without explanation or formal rejection.

The majority said they had no pending criminal cases against them in Egypt. However, six said the Egyptian authorities had legally designated them as "terrorists" under an arbitrary and flawed process in Egypt, which automatically prevents the designated people from obtaining or renewing passports. Those designated as "terrorists" said that in addition to refusing to renew passports, the authorities also refused to provide other documents such as birth certificates and ID cards or refused to process a power of attorney, all of which are arbitrary measures not stipulated even under Egypt's flawed and draconian terrorism regulations.

An Egyptian engineer living in Germany with his wife and children told Human Rights Watch that his naturalization process in Germany had stalled due to his expired passport, which also resulted in his residency permit in Germany becoming effectively invalid. He said that Egyptian authorities refused to issue him a new passport because he had been placed arbitrarily on Egypt's "terrorism" list in 2018, as had hundreds of others, based on court decisions made without hearings or the ability of those designated to challenge the allegations in fair proceedings.

By arbitrarily depriving its citizens abroad from obtaining valid passports and other identity documents, the Egyptian authorities are violating both the constitution and international human rights law. Under international law, everyone has a right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law as well as a right to birth registration.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly should immediately order security agencies and diplomatic missions to end all extralegal impediments to issuing identity documents and facilitate such requests. Countries hosting affected dissidents should not deport anyone to Egypt who would be at risk of persecution, torture, or other serious harm upon return, and should allow people expressing such fears to apply for asylum. When assessing these asylum claims, governments, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), and other asylum adjudicators should take into consideration reports documenting ongoing repression in Egypt as well as the inability of many dissidents abroad to obtain identity documents.

"The Egyptian government's export of repression via its embassies and consulates abroad seeks to destroy the livelihoods of Egyptians living in exile and has become an important aspect of its unrelenting assault on all forms of dissent," Coogle said.

For additional details and accounts by those interviewed, please see below.

For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Egypt, please visit:

https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/egypt

For more information, please contact:

In Amman, Adam Coogle (English): +1-646-404-1475 (mobile); or cooglea@hrw.org. Twitter: @cooglea

In Berlin, Amr Magdi (Arabic, English): +1-646-659-8020; or magdia@hrw.org. Twitter: @ganobi

In North Africa, Ahmed Benchemsi (English, French, Arabic): +1-929-343-7973 (mobile); or benchea@hrw.org. Twitter: @AhmedBenchemsi

Background

Since the military ousted the democratically elected government of Mohamed Morsy in July 2013, President al-Sisi's government has overseen a massive crackdown on critics that first targeted actual or perceived members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which the government outlawed then, before widening quickly to brutally stifle all forms of dissent.

The deprivation of passports, ID cards, birth certificates, and other civil documentation profoundly affects other fundamental rights such as access to health care, education, and work; the right to family life; freedom of movement; and the right to leave one's own country. All countries are obliged to register children's births and to ensure their right to a nationality. As passports are often treated as the main proof of nationality and identity recognized outside one's country of origin, deprivation of passports can place people in a situation akin to statelessness.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is party, states that "Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own." The Human Rights Committee overseeing the interpretation of the Covenant said that the right to leave "must include the right to obtain the necessary travel documents." The Committee also criticized bureaucratic hurdles and other obstacles to obtaining passports such as high fees, harassment of applicants, and, "refusal to issue a passport because the applicant is said to harm the good name of the country."

In April 2022, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a political dialogue "with all [political] forces without exclusion or discrimination," but in the meantime the government has not eased its relentless crackdown campaign on opponents. Egyptian airport security authorities have arrested many dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists leaving or arriving in Egypt in recent years, while arbitrarily barring dozens from leaving the country for indefinite periods of time. In recent months, the authorities released a number of dissidents from prison and allowed a handful of human rights activists to travel abroad after years of barring them, but these remain minuscule improvements compared with the general oppressive trends.

Difficulties and Risks Abroad

An Egyptian activist in Istanbul with a two-year residence permit issued on humanitarian grounds told Human Rights Watch he could not obtain official Egyptian documents to confirm his marriage to a Sudanese woman.

Two fathers of two children born in Turkey who could not obtain passports or birth certificates said they were unable to get required vaccines for their children because they had no identification documents, even though others said they have not faced this problem. They said their children are also unable to access public health care services available for residents in Turkey. The two fathers fear that their children will also have problems when they are ready to enter school.

At least two men interviewed said they were briefly arrested in Turkey because of their expired passports and residence permits, and several others said they were interrogated at checkpoints and witnessed others being arrested because of their expired permits.

Several interviewees said that their Egypt-based family members could not visit them abroad because of fears of security harassment or travel bans, effectively cutting them off from in-person meetings for years.

Many of those interviewed said that without valid identity documents, they and their family members live in constant fear of deportation to Egypt, where they would likely be jailed because of their political beliefs and activities.

Turkey and Qatar have been hosting many Egyptians including Islamist activists who fled the Egyptian government's repression and unfair trials since late 2013. Though Egyptians are not eligible for full refugee status in Turkey due to the country's geographic limitations on its accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention, they can be considered for "conditional" refugee status or other complementary forms of protection under Turkey's 2013 Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

According to a journalist and a lawyer interviewed in Istanbul who are leading associations in Turkey that mediate with Turkish authorities around such cases, Turkish authorities have, in recent years, granted hundreds of Egyptians in Turkey residence permits on humanitarian grounds or even Turkish nationality, acknowledging their special circumstances around fleeing oppression in Egypt. However, such residence permits frequently do not include work authorization.

As Recep Tayyip Erdogan's and al-Sisi's governments are becoming closer after years of political animosity, Egyptian dissidents in Turkey said they were feeling increasingly unsafe. "I'm a toy in a political competition," said a 29-year-old man who lives in Turkey. He said that Egyptian security authorities arrested and tortured him twice before he left in July 2016 for Turkey, where he said he worked in physically unsafe conditions in tobacco factories and later had to pay bribes to open his own business because his passport had expired.

In October 2022, Turkish police arrested an Egyptian journalist, Hossam al-Ghamry, held him for a few days, then rearrested him in November for almost a month, reportedly because of social media posts he wrote supporting calls for anti-government protests in Egypt. He said that he was placed in a deportation center for foreigners then moved to a boarder area and was told by Turkish authorities he had to leave Turkey because "he was no longer welcome." He then left Turkey. In early 2022, the Turkish authorities compelled several Egyptian opposition TV channels based there since 2013 to shut down and requested that a few of their prominent staff members leave the country.

Several countries have deported people to Egypt despite the serious risks of persecution and torture they faced there. Most recently in 2022, Saudi Arabia deported or extradited at least one Egyptian dissident and Sudan deported or extradited at least nine. In 2019, Kuwait and Malaysia similarly deported or extradited groups of at least four and eight Egyptian dissidents, who were later sentenced to years in prison in unjust trials. The Egyptian government has, based on media reports, repeatedly abused the Interpol red notice system to extradite or harass activists abroad, often based on false or politicized charges.

Difficulties obtaining or maintaining valid civil documentation have pushed many Egyptian dissidents abroad into risking dangerous or irregular solutions. Some of those interviewed said they were considering trying to migrate irregularly from Turkey to Europe, to apply for asylum. Several said that they paid hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars in bribes to obtain passports through Egypt's diplomatic missions or in Cairo. Those who paid bribes said intermediaries dealing with officials had inquired about their legal situation in Egypt and set the amount depended on the seriousness of their situation.

Some of those interviewed were so desperate that they fell victim to scams. An Egyptian journalist in Turkey said that intermediaries convinced him in 2020 that they could get his expired passport "extended" at a diplomatic mission in another country in exchange for a payment. But he said when he tried to travel with this "extended" passport, security officials in the destination country questioned him, denied him entry, and deported him back to Turkey on the next flight. Human Rights Watch reviewed a copy of the "extended" passport, which carried an official stamp from an Egyptian mission abroad [location redacted] saying "validity was extended to [date redacted] on date [redacted]." However, the list of services offered by Egyptian missions abroad, as outlined on their websites, does not include extending passports.

Environment of Fear

In addition to not being able to obtain documents, interviewees described a general atmosphere of intimidation and threats by Egyptian officials when visiting Egypt's diplomatic missions. Media reports said in recent years that the Egyptian authorities have been actively spying on dissident Egyptian communities abroad. Since 2020, at least two countries, Germany and the US, have arrested and brought charges against people for spying for the Egyptian government, including gathering information about dissenting voices there.

Amr Hashad, 29, is an Egyptian activist in Turkey who worked with several human rights organizations. Hashad said that authorities in Egypt prosecuted and jailed him several times between 2014 and 2019, over several charges including the alleged involvement with an illegal group and attempting to overthrow the regime. He described what he considered a possible attempt to interrogate or abduct him during a visit to the Egyptian consulate in Istanbul in September 2020 to request a document.

Hashad said that when he went to file forms needed to issue a power of attorney for his lawyers, a consulate guard photographed his passport and sent information over the phone to other officials inside the consulate, telling Hashad it was necessary for security clearance. Hashed said they instructed him to come back the next day.

He said that the next day, the guard told him that the consul wanted to meet him personally after other visitors had left, and he saw three men who looked like guards waiting for him. Hashad said he began to feel unsafe and decided to get his passport back and leave. When Hashad refused to meet the consul, the men made him talk with the consul over an internal phone. He said the consul told him that he had no rights and that he was not allowed to get any documents.

The consul also told Hashad that he knew he had been imprisoned before and that he was now on "Egyptian land." Hashad said, "All what I could think of at that point was Khashoggi's saw," referring to the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and reports that his body was dismembered using a bone saw in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. Hashad said he started to run toward the exit, and one of the three men ran after him, yelling at him to stop. Hashad managed to get out of the consulate, but without his passport.

Hashad said he stayed outside the consulate walls, demanding his passport back. Hashad said he showed a video to the guards on his phone depicting him handing over his passport earlier and told them he would call the Turkish police to report passport robbery if they did not give it back, after which they returned it.

Human Rights Watch reviewed copies of threats Hashad said he received on Facebook messenger and a handwritten note left at his door telling him to drop a legal complaint he filed with the Turkish authorities about the consulate incident. Eventually, the Turkish authorities dropped the investigation, but Hashad said that National Security officers threatened, harassed, and interrogated his mother and imprisoned brother in Egypt.

In September 2021, Ahmed Taha, an Egyptian TV anchor at Al Jazeera living in Qatar on a work permit, aired a video on Facebook showing Egyptian embassy officials in Doha while Taha spoke to the camera, saying that the officials had confiscated his passport when he requested a service at the embassy. After he aired the video and waited inside the consulate for two hours, two embassy officials handed the passport back to Taha and apologized. He said he managed to obtain a new passport in December 2021. In May 2022, a military court sentenced Taha to 15 years in prison in absentia in a politicized case involving 25 people including former presidential candidate Abd al-Moniem Abu al-Fetoh.

In recent years, Human Rights Watch has documented that Egyptian authorities have targeted dozens of the relatives in Egypt of dissidents who have left the country for arrests, house raids, interrogations, and travel bans. On some occasions officials have directly expressed hostility toward dissidents abroad. In 2019, the then-minister of emigration and Egyptian expatriate affairs told a group of Egyptians in Canada: "Anyone [referring to critics abroad] who says a word about our country will be sliced up." The minister used a throat slash gesture while saying this.

Details of Some Cases Interviewed

"Mona T." in Turkey

"Mona T." (pseudonym), a 32-year-old woman with one son, works for a British media organization. She said that she left Egypt in August 2013 with her husband and then-two-year-old child after being threatened including by security officers, because of her political activities protesting the military removal of then-President Morsy.

She said they faced no trouble flying from the Cairo airport to Turkey with a tourist visa in 2013. Back then, she said, she thought they were leaving Egypt for "a couple of weeks until things calm down," but they never went back as the crackdown on dissent widened. "I am still traumatized," she said, describing her sudden exile, particularly because she did not speak Turkish. "Every time I think of relocation [to a new place] it causes me anxiety," she said.

She said her Egyptian passport was stolen in 2019 in a shopping area. She applied for a new passport at the Egyptian consulate in Istanbul in 2020. Roughly 18 months later, she said, a consulate official told her: "They [security agencies in Egypt] want you to return to Egypt and your [one-time] travel document is ready for you to return."

She said that the only personal identity document she has now is her Turkish driver's license, and that she has been unable to renew her residency permit in Turkey since losing her passport. Mona does not know why security in Egypt is still interested in her even though she and her husband never faced criminal charges. She said that she ended her political activism after moving to Turkey.

Without civil documentation, she has faced multiple struggles in Turkey. When she had a car accident in 2021 and went to a police station, Turkish officers at first wanted to transfer her to a deportation center because her residency permit had expired. Eventually they released her after she told them she was going through the residency permit process.

She said she has a chronic autoimmune disease that requires weekly or monthly treatments, but she was removed from her husband's health insurance plan due to her lack of a passport or residency permit. This situation has caused financial difficulties as they have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket every month for treatment of her illness. As a result of her situation, her child also lost his residency permit and has no access to the health plan either, she said.

She said that her inability to travel hampered her career. Recently, she could not travel to the Netherlands to attend a Dutch University where she had been offered a position as a lecturer and PhD student.

She has not been able to see her siblings for years because without a passport she cannot travel, and her siblings fear that if they visit, it may attract the attention of Egyptian security. When a relative attempted to visit her in 2017, she said, officials intercepted the relative at Cairo airport, confiscated their passport, and kept them in an airport detention room for 12 hours. Officers in the airport questioned the relative about Mona and her husband, she said. Another relative who tried to visit her also was stopped at the airport in 2021. Officials took their passport and told them to collect it from the National Security Agency office in their town.

Mohamed Mohey in Turkey

Mohey, 39, is a TV anchor focusing on economic affairs. He has been working at an Egyptian opposition TV station in Turkey for several years and founded the Association of the Egyptian Media Workers Abroad, a Turkey-based professional association. He said the association played a leading role in mediating with Turkish authorities to obtain residency permits and Turkish nationality for hundreds of Egyptian media workers who were without civil documentation.

Mohey left Egypt following the August 2013 Rab'a massacre, when government forces killed likely at least 1,000 anti-government protesters in one day, saying he did not feel safe because he opposed the military removal from power of President Morsy. Mohey said his Egyptian passport was stolen in Istanbul in 2016. He applied for a new passport at the Egyptian consulate in Istanbul several times, but each time the process was delayed for months or years before officials eventually told him that security agencies blocked his applications and that he must go back to Egypt. Like others interviewed, Mohey said, the consulate required him to fill out a form with personal details about himself and his family. Mohey said he has no criminal cases against him in Egypt.

Without a passport, Mohey has faced problems dealing with banks and Turkish government entities. "I give cash to a friend every month so that he helps me with transactions through his account," Mohey said. But what concerns Mohey the most is that he has been unable to see his 7-year-old daughter, who was banned from entering Turkey for five years in 2020 for overstaying her visa. She lives in Canada with her mother. Mohey could not obtain the appropriate visa for his daughter because he had lost his passport. "She has problems speaking and I need to be with her," Mohey said.

M.B.A. in a Gulf country

M.B.A., a 46-year-old medical professional, migrated to a Gulf country (name redacted for security) in 2004 with his wife and children. His last visit to Egypt was in 2012. He used to live in the Gulf country under a work visa. He said he was politically active during former President Hosni Mubarak's era and was arbitrarily arrested once about 20 years ago and summoned for extralegal questioning by the Egyptian National Security Agency several times in the early 2000s. M.B.A said that later he quit activism and security interrogations decreased.

M.B.A. said he approached the Egyptian consulate in the Gulf country where he lived in 2019 to apply for a new national identification card. He said he submitted all required documents, but he never heard back from the consulate. "I didn't want to approach the consulate again to follow up in order not to bring more attention to me," he said.

While in this country, M.B.A., who has several children, had another child in 2021. To obtain a birth certificate for his newborn, the Egyptian embassy required him to provide a recent version of his own birth certificate. A relative of M.B.A.'s wife in Egypt visited a civil registry office to obtain the certificate but the staff there told the relative that no documents of any sort could be issued for M.B.A. because it was "banned for security reasons." A relative of M.B.A.'s wife said that security officers threatened to arrest the family member who approached the civil registry.

Without the birth certificate, M.B.A. has also been unable to obtain a passport for his newborn. The child remains de facto stateless, and the family was only able to obtain a temporary residence permit for him that is renewed every four months, based on a temporary birth registration from the Egyptian consulate that is issued for the same period. Human Rights Watch reviewed copies of these documents. "While issuing these documents, the staff treated me very badly," M.B.A. said. M.B.A. said that in August 2022, consulate officials handed them a new, temporary four-month document for the child and told him they would not issue it again. Since then, the family said, the child has become de facto stateless in a country where the family can face legal consequences and a fine amounting to US$6 per day. He also said that officials refused to issue the child's health insurance card was not issued because he lacked the residency permit.

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In 2022, M.B.A. left the Gulf country for a European one with his older children, where they filed for asylum. However, his wife had to stay with their newborn baby in the Gulf, unable to travel. "I had to leave because my passport is about to expire and I don't think I would have been able to obtain a new one at the consulate. [...] My wife is in a very bad mental state because of this situation," he said.

"Ahmed" in Germany

Ahmed, (pseudonym) a 38-year-old engineer, said he left Egypt in 2015 to go to Germany on an education visa because he did not like the political situation. He completed his master's studies in Germany and obtained a Blue Card, a work and residence permit. He was able to visit Egypt normally until 2017, when he learned unofficially through connections that he could face a security problem. Ahmed said he was a member of the Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, and has several senior Brotherhood members in his extended family. In 2018, an Egyptian court designated Ahmed and about 1,550 other people terrorists without due process or hearings.

Ahmed's passport expired in October 2021. He said that he already lost his legal status in Germany after he could not resolve the passport issue. He said that the foreigners' office in the city where he lived in Germany refused to renew his residence permit and informed him that the authorities would take legal action against him including a fine and deportation if he failed to provide a passport by end of 2021. Ahmed hired a lawyer who has filed several legal proceedings, but Ahmed continues to live in a legal limbo. The German company where he works tolerated his situation, but Ahmed said that he oversees projects in sensitive government areas where an inspection could pose problems for him.

In May 2021, Ahmed filed the forms to obtain a new passport at an Egyptian consulate in Frankfurt and submitted all the required documents. In August 2021, Ahmed said consulate security personnel refused to let him in when he went to inquire about the status of his application. "Go solve your issues in Egypt," Ahmed said the official told him. "If the consul knew you're here, he would come confiscate your passport."

Human Rights Watch reviewed copies of emails Ahmed sent to the consul requesting an official rejection letter, to which he received no response. The consulate in Frankfurt also ignored several letters from Ahmed's lawyer.

Ahmed said the German authorities approved his naturalization to become a German citizen in April 2022, but the process was not completed because of his passport situation. The Egyptian authorities did not respond to his legal request to give up his Egyptian nationality, a step required by German law. However, his wife's process was completed and she received her German passport. Until his situation is resolved, Ahmed said, he lives in fear. "Once I witnessed a car accident, and the police asked to include my testimony to their report. I was scared," he said, explaining that he is trying to avoid dealing with any process that requires him to present a passport.

In Egypt, the authorities refused to issue a birth certificate for Ahmed when a relative went to request it in 2021. Ahmed said the relative told him that an official at a civil registration office replied, "You know what he [Ahmed] did. We won't issue him any papers."

Ibrahim Abouali, in Malaysia

Ibrahim Abouali, 29, said he left Egypt in early 2015 and travelled to Malaysia to study political science. In late 2015, a military court in Mansoura sentenced him in absentia to life in prison for violence-related charges in a case involving 30 other civilian defendants. Abouali said he had been close to several political groups in Egypt and participated in anti-government protests after the military ousted Morsy in July 2013, but that he quit all activism after leaving Egypt.

Abouali said his passport expired in March 2021. He had requested a new passport at the Egyptian embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 2020 and an official there asked him to prepare the required documents and submit them. He was not able to obtain two required documents, a document stating his conscription status and a valid national identity card. The Egyptian authorities did not allow his mother to request these documents on his behalf, even though he said he sent her a power of attorney he obtained from the embassy in 2020. He also applied online for a passport but authorities never processed his request. Abouali said an embassy official told him in 2021 when he requested a passport renewal: "You better go back to Egypt and appeal the court ruling."

Abouali said he could not renew his residency permit in Malaysia nor pursue his postgraduate studies there after his passport expired. "I would like to have a normal life," he said. "I'm an [undocumented] alien now." Since his passport and residency permit expired, he has not been able to rent a home and has been moving between friends' houses. He added that employers refused to hire him, even in jobs outside of his industry because of his legal status.

Abouali said he believed that the stress of his situation contributed to him developing diabetes. He said he experienced depression and anxiety and attempted to harm himself in 2020 and 2021. He applied for asylum with UNHCR's Malaysia office in 2020 but only received a letter for an appointment in December 2022 after several interventions. In October 2022, he attracted a lot of attention by posting a video on Facebook saying he would attempt suicide. "I didn't receive any kind of support from any kind of institutions that care about such cases... That's why I made the video," he said in the video. "It's my last hope before I kill myself. Nobody would feel how it is unless you go through it." After the video, a local nongovernment group helped him gain admission to a rehabilitation center.
Over 86 percent of funds disbursed to more than 8,000 homeowners to prevent mortgage delinquencies and loss of utilities

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's approval of Puerto Rico's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Plan in December 2021 authorized the use of $75.6 million through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The Puerto Rico HAF funds, managed by Innovative Emergency Management, Inc. (IEM) under contract to the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (PRHFA), are assisting to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of Puerto Rican homeowners experiencing financial hardship before and continuing after January 21, 2020.

Ricardo Alvarez, Auxiliary Executive Director for Single Family Projects of PRHFA, noted that more than 8,000 homeowners facing financial hardships have been assisted through the Puerto Rico Homeowner Assistance Program (PRHAP). The Program provided a series of assistance options for eligible homeowners up to the program cap of $21,000. To date, PRHFA, alongside their project manager IEM, have disbursed more than 86 percent of the funds and awarded more than 90 percent of the total allocated funds.

PRHAP started accepting applications in December 2021. According to Auxiliary Executive Director Alvarez, "originally, PRHAP aimed to assist at least 5,000 homeowners throughout Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities; fortunately, PRHFA was able to exceed this goal with IEM's assistance and serve more than 8,000 homeowners."

Auxiliary Executive Director Alvarez noted that "We are very proud of our efforts to date, although we realize that there are more homeowners to assist. Our agency is diligently working to identify new funds that would allow us to continue assisting more Puerto Rican homeowners. We met with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and other key agencies to identify additional funds to be able to continue assisting Puerto Ricans."

Pamela Patenaude, former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary and Senior Executive Advisor for IEM said that "the success of this program in Puerto Rico is due to the creation of program policies that mirror Treasury guidance and the onboarding of seasoned professionals. With these guiding principles in place, the PRHAP team was able to establish critical partnerships with servicers and lenders to quickly and efficiently process payments to help keep Puerto Ricans in their homes. Puerto Rico was recognized by the National Council of State Housing Agencies as the first HAF program to fully launch. IEM takes pride in collaborating with PRHFA to ensure that the greatest number of homeowners benefit from the PRHAP funds."

PRHAP has a public dashboard on its website that allows users to interact and see the most up-to-date statistics and results of the Program. To learn more about the Puerto Rico Homeowner Assistance Program visit www.COVIDHipotecas.com.

SOURCE Innovative Emergency Management, Inc.
BRANDON, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ReEmployAbility publishes the Program Results from their flagship Transition2Work program each year. This summary provides an overview of the program's success regarding community impact, performance results, and injured worker outcomes through the 2022 fiscal year.

ReEmployAbility's Transition2Work program places injured employees at non-profit organizations in their communities when their employer cannot accommodate their restrictions on-site. This unique program allows injured workers to engage in meaningful, productive work, make a positive impact on their community, and get back to work faster. In turn, employers benefit from lower claim costs.

This report is based on data collected since the program's inception in 2007 and exams the program's impact nationally. It compares the data from the program's entire history to the data from the most recent fiscal year. 2022 is the first year with data concerning the Injured Worker experience.

Significant outcomes from ReEmployAbility's Program Results Summary:

Injured Worker Outcomes:

Over 99% of injured workers agreed with "I feel my work with the nonprofit positively impacted the community."

A 99% success rate per assignment.

Community Impact

ReEmployAbility has grown its network to include 45,000 nonprofits.

Program participants provided over 16.3 million hours at nonprofits to date.

Participants had an estimated value on nonprofits of over $418 million . This is based on the value of volunteer time published by independentsector.org and used by the US Government.

. This is based on the value of volunteer time published by independentsector.org and used by the US Government. The program has a 54% participation rate; participants give back 400 hours to the non-profit organization.

Employer Outcomes:

Transition2Work has saved employers and carriers over $310 million in indemnity costs to date.

in indemnity costs to date. Return on Investment (ROI) is $16.81 for every dollar invested in the Transition2Work Program considering average indemnity and medical savings per claim.

The Transition2Work Program Results Summary is available for download on the company's website.

About ReEmployAbility:

Founded in 2003, ReEmployAbility is the largest national provider of early return-to-work (RTW) services and transitional employment. Their Transition2Work program offers employers a cost-effective solution to modified light duty assignments, reducing claim costs while giving the injured employee time to heal. Utilizing an accredited, national network of not-for-profit partners, they help employers accommodate injured workers in the transition back to work by connecting people to a greater purpose so they can have a better life. For more information, call 866-663-9880, or visit www.ReEmployAbility.com.

SOURCE ReEmployAbility
Retail energy policy expert, Frank Caliva, begins immediately

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation's leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, announced today Frank Caliva is the organization's new national spokesperson, effective immediately. In this role, Caliva will be responsible for being RESA's media spokesperson, developing content on retail energy market developments, testifying at upcoming state legislatures and public utility commissions, and participating in strategic planning and initiatives for the organization.

I look forward to supporting RESA's efforts to advocate for competitive retail energy markets for all consumers. Tweet this Frank Caliva is a retail energy policy expert and RESA's newly announced National Spokesperson

"RESA is pleased to welcome Frank Caliva to the organization," said Tracy McCormick, executive director of RESA. "With his deep subject matter expertise, extensive communications experience, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the interests of the retail energy industry, we are confident Frank will be a valuable contributor as RESA's national spokesperson."

RESA launched a nationwide search for a national spokesperson in December. He takes over the role from Daniel Allegretti, who retired from the position at the end of December 2022.

"I am very excited to be named national spokesperson for RESA," commented Caliva. "I am certain that my knowledge and experience in retail energy choice and retail energy policy will benefit RESA and its members in the near- and long term. I look forward to supporting the organization's efforts as we continue to advocate for competitive retail energy markets for consumers across the U.S. together."

Since 2011, Caliva has worked nearly exclusively in the retail energy space. From 2011 to 2014, he served as a public affairs and policy consultant for retail energy suppliers and was a state lobbyist for supplier coalitions in Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. In 2014, Caliva founded P.R. Quinlan Associates Inc., a business-to-business consulting firm focused on retail energy policy. The company represents retail electricity and natural gas suppliers, brokers and a consumer education coalition for competitive suppliers.

Caliva earned a Master of Arts in international business-government relations from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Providence College.

SOURCE Retail Energy Supply Association
Express strong belief that Merger with IAA threatens customer focus and corporate culture

Shareholders should call brokers to revoke votes cast in favour of the deal

VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - David E Ritchie, Co-Founder, Former Chairman and Director; and C Russell Cmolik, Former President and Director of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) ("Ritchie Bros." or the "Company"), released a letter to shareholders of Ritchie Bros., in connection with the proposed merger with IAA, Inc. (NYSE: IAA):

Dear Ritchie Bros. Shareholders,

As fellow shareholders of Ritchie Bros. we write to you with deep concern for the great Company we began building over 60 years ago.

We have reviewed closely Luxor's analysis opposing the IAA transaction and believe that it is bang on, and that the impending merger with IAA risks negatively impacting the culture of the Company and with it, its proud legacy. Ritchie Bros. is a great business with tremendous customer support, and we believe there is no need to dilute its business in this manner.

We care passionately about the Company and its ability to continue to flourish, and to be successful.

Ritchie Bros. has always been exceptionally employee and customer-focused. Indeed, it has been the very culture of the Company to take the very best care of our employees and customers, first and foremost. We know customers are concerned and uneasy about this proposed merger, and what the ramifications may be to them. What a shame it would be to see this proud legacy wither to the detriment of the many valued hard-working and dedicated employees, and other stakeholders; and ultimately the value to the shareholders (many of whom are the very same employees and customers we spoke of above).

In order to not interfere with the ongoing operations of the Company, we have purposely not discussed these issues with the employees of Ritchie Bros., nor relied on them for these conversations.

Just a few days ago Ritchie Bros. celebrated its 25th anniversary as a public company, and should be celebrating future milestones as it continues to develop and grow its traditional core business. We believe that this is where the Company's focus should remain, not integrating a completely different business.

You may ask, after all this time, why have we decided to speak up now? Frankly, after seeing several shareholders announce their opposition to the merger with IAA, and the incredible momentum provided by the recommendations of the important proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis to vote against the deal, we believed either the board of directors of Ritchie Bros. would seek to terminate the transaction, or shareholders would simply vote down the deal. Instead, we were alarmed to read in the press on March 10th that the merger with IAA may be approved by a small margin of shareholders. The negative reaction of the stock price to that news, consistent with the market reaction to the deal announcement on November 7, 2022 and various pronouncements since then, tells us many shareholders share our concerns.

As discussed in much of the public analysis from Luxor challenging this deal, we believe the proposed merger with IAA will require an immense amount of management's time to turnaround IAA's declining business at a time when Ritchie Bros. should be re-doubling its efforts to serve its customers, employees and other key stakeholders  and grow its incredible core business. We are concerned that losing the trust and confidence of our customers, both large and small, will be detrimental to our business. We are also concerned about what the long-term prospects of the auto salvage business may be in this rapidly changing world.

There is still time left to do something.

Please read carefully the thorough analysis that is available publicly opposing the deal. We understand that despite the voting deadline having passed, although shareholders may not be able to change their vote from 'for' to 'against', you can still revoke votes that you have cast in favour of the merger with IAA. We urge those shareholders to contact their banks and brokers and instruct them to revoke your vote for the merger with IAA. Time is of the essence, and we ask that you revoke your 'for' votes today, and in any case, before the shareholder meeting on March 14, 2023. If you have already voted against the merger with IAA, we thank you, and no further action on your part is needed.

Respectfully,

David E Ritchie

C Russell Cmolik

Disclaimer: We are not soliciting proxies relating to the RBA shareholder meeting.

SOURCE David E Ritchie and C Russell Cmolik
LONDON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Santander UK Group Holdings plc ("Santander Holdings") announces the results of its previously announced offers to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding: (i) 4.750% Dated Subordinated Notes due 2025; and (ii) 5.625% Dated Subordinated Notes due 2045 (together, the "Santander Holdings Securities", and such tender offers, the "Santander Holdings Any and All Offers").

Santander UK plc ("Santander" and, together with Santander Holdings, the "Offerors" and each an "Offeror") announces the results of its previously announced offers to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding: (i) 7.95% Term Subordinated Securities due 2029 (the "2029 Notes" and, together with the Santander Holdings Securities, the "USD Securities"); (ii) 6.50% Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes"); and (iii) 30 Year Step-Up Perpetual Callable Subordinated Notes (the "Perpetual Notes" and, together with the 2030 Notes, the "GBP Securities" and, together with the USD Securities, the "Securities," and such offers, the "Santander Any and All Offers" and, together with the Santander Holdings Any and All Offers, the "Any and All Offers").

The Offerors made the Any and All Offers on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase dated March 6, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Offer to Purchase is available, subject to eligibility confirmation and registration, from the Any and All Offer Website: https://deals.is.kroll.com/santander. Capitalized terms used in this announcement and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to them in the Offer to Purchase.

Each of the Any and All Offers expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 10, 2023 (the "Expiration Deadline"). In accordance with the terms of the Any and All Offers, the Withdrawal Deadline was 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 10, 2023. As a result, tendered Securities may no longer be withdrawn, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law (as determined by the relevant Offeror).

To participate in the relevant Any and All Offer, and be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration, Holders must (i) have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their Securities so that they were received by the Tender and Information Agent at or prior to the Expiration Deadline or (ii) have delivered a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery at or prior to the Expiration Deadline and deliver a properly transmitted Tender Instruction to the Tender and Information Agent by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 14, 2023, which is the second Business Day after the Expiration Deadline, in accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer to Purchase.

The following table sets forth certain terms of each of the Any and All Offers: Title of Securities Issuer Securities Codes Outstanding Principal Amount Principal Amount Tendered and Accepted(1) Principal Amount Outstanding after the Any and All Offer Total Consideration(2) 4.750% Dated Subordinated Notes due 2025 Santander UK Group Holdings plc Regulation S: ISIN: XS1291333760 Common Code: 129133376 Rule 144A: ISIN: US80281LAA35 CUSIP: 80281LAA3 U.S.$724,981,000 U.S.$313,147,000 U.S.$411,834,000 U.S.$976.05 5.625% Dated Subordinated Notes due 2045 Santander UK Group Holdings plc Regulation S: ISIN: XS1291352711 Common Code: 129135271 Rule 144A: ISIN: US80281LAB18 CUSIP: 80281LAB1 U.S.$400,000,000 U.S.$118,827,000 U.S.$281,173,000 U.S.$910.69 7.95% Term Subordinated Securities due 2029 Santander UK plc ISIN: US002920AC09 CUSIP: 002920AC0 U.S.$214,174,000 U.S.$658,000 U.S.$213,516,000 U.S.$1,078.01 6.50% Subordinated Notes due 2030 Santander UK plc ISIN: XS0103012893

Common Code:

10301289 21,844,000 16,525,000 5,319,000 1,063.84 30 Year Step-Up Perpetual Callable Subordinated Notes Santander UK plc ISIN:

XS0117973429

Common Code:

011797342 14,366,000 14,066,000 300,000 1,101.21

__________________________

Notes:

(1) Excludes U.S.$2,006,000 aggregate principal amount of USD Securities tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures.

(2) Per U.S.$1,000 or 1,000, as applicable, in principal amount of Securities purchased pursuant to the relevant Any and All Offer.

In respect of each series of Securities, the Total Consideration was calculated in the manner set out in the Offer to Purchase, with reference to the applicable Purchase Yield being the sum (annualized in the case of the GBP Securities) of (i) the applicable Fixed Spread specified in the table above and (ii) the applicable Reference Yield based on (a) in the case of the USD Securities, the bid-side price of the applicable Reference Security specified above as reported at the Price Determination Time on the Bloomberg Reference Page FIT1 and (b) in the case of the GBP Securities, the arithmetic mean of the bid and offered yields to maturity of the applicable Reference Security specified above as reported at the Price Determination Time on the Bloomberg Reference Page PXUK at 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on March 10, 2023.

To the extent any accrued and unpaid interest is payable pursuant to the relevant Any and All Offer, Holders whose Securities are accepted for purchase pursuant to such Any and All Offer will also be eligible to receive a cash payment representing such accrued and unpaid interest on the relevant Securities from, and including, the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Securities to, but excluding, the Settlement Date (as defined below). The "Settlement Date" will occur promptly after the Expiration Date and is expected to be on or about March 15, 2023. The "Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date" for Securities tendered using guaranteed delivery procedures is expected to be on or about March 15, 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, Holders who validly tender their Securities pursuant to the relevant Any and All Offer will continue to receive any regularly scheduled interest payment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Securities, to the extent the applicable interest payment date precedes or falls on the Settlement Date.

The applicable Total Consideration and the Accrued Interest Payment for Securities validly tendered pursuant to the relevant Any and All Offer at or prior to the Expiration Deadline, and accepted for purchase, will be paid to Holders promptly on the Settlement Date or in the case of Securities accepted for purchase pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures, on the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date. In the case of Securities that are tendered according to the guaranteed delivery procedures, no additional Accrued Interest Payment will be payable in respect of the period after the Settlement Date for tenders for Securities that have been tendered not using the guaranteed delivery procedures.

The Offerors have retained J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (with respect to the relevant Any and All Offers for the USD Securities) and J.P. Morgan Securities plc (with respect to the relevant Any and All Offers for the GBP Securities), Santander US Capital Markets LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC to act as the Dealer Managers for the Any and All Offers, and Kroll Issuer Services Limited to act as the Tender and Information Agent for the Any and All Offers. Questions regarding procedures for tendering Securities may be directed to Kroll Issuer Services Limited at +44 20 7704 0880 or by email at [email protected]. Questions regarding the Any and All Offers may be directed to (i) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC or J.P. Morgan Securities plc, as the case may be, at (within the United States) +1 212 834 4045 (U.S. collect) or +1 (866) 834 4666 (U.S. toll free) / (outside the United States) +44 207 134 2468 or by email to [email protected]; (ii) Santander US Capital Markets LLC at +1 (212) 940 1442 (U.S. collect) or +1 (855) 404 3636 (U.S. toll free) or by email to [email protected]; and (iii) Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at (within the United States) +1 (704) 410 4756 (U.S. collect) or +1 (866) 309 6316 (U.S. toll free) / (outside the United States) +44 203 942 9680 or by email to [email protected].

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security (including the Securities). No offer, solicitation, or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Any and All Offers are only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. Holders are urged to carefully read the Offer to Purchase before making any decision with respect to the Any and All Offers.

The distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required by each of the Offerors, the Dealer Managers and the Tender and Information Agent to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

Offer and Distribution Restrictions

United Kingdom

The communication of this announcement is not being made, and has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

The Offer to Purchase has been issued by Santander UK Group Holding plc and Santander UK plc, each of 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, United Kingdom. Santander UK plc is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The Offer to Purchase is being distributed only to existing Holders of the Securities, and is only addressed to such existing Holders in the United Kingdom where they would (if they were clients of Santander UK plc) be per se professional clients or per se eligible counterparties of Santander UK plc within the meaning of the FCA rules. The Offer to Purchase is not addressed to or directed at any persons who would be retail clients within the meaning of the FCA rules and any such persons should not act or rely on it. Recipients of the Offer to Purchase should note that the Offerors are acting on their own account in relation to the Any and All Offers and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections which would be afforded to clients of the Offerors or for providing advice in relation to the Any and All Offers.

In addition, the communication of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Any and All Offers are not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, this announcement, the Offer to Purchase and such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, persons in the United Kingdom other than (i) to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order")), (ii) to those persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order, including existing members and creditors of the Offerors, (iii) to those persons who are outside the United Kingdom, or (iv) to any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons") and the transactions contemplated herein will be available only to, and engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act on or rely on this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any of its contents.

France

The Any and All Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. None of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other documents or offering materials relating to the Any and All Offers, has been or shall be distributed to the public in France and only qualified investors (as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129) are eligible to participate in the Any and All Offers. This announcement has not been submitted to the clearance procedures (visa) of the Autorite des marches financiers.

Italy

None of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Any and All Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Any and All Offers are being carried out in Italy as exempted offers pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Securities that are resident and/or located in Italy can tender Securities for purchase in the Any and All Offers through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations and with any requirements imposed by CONSOB and any other Italian authority.

Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Securities or the Any and All Offers.

Belgium

None of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other documents or materials relating to the Any and All Offers have been submitted to or will be submitted for approval or recognition to the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor financiele diensten en markten / Autorite des services marches financiers) and, accordingly, the Any and All Offers may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on public takeover bids as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Any and All Offers may not be advertised and the Any and All Offers will not be extended, and none of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other documents or materials relating to the Any and All Offers (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents) has been or shall be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than "qualified investors" in the sense of Article 10 of the Belgian Law of June 16, 2006 on the public offer of placement instruments and the admission to trading of placement instruments on regulated markets, acting on their own account. Insofar as Belgium is concerned, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase have been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Any and All Offers. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium.

General

The distribution of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement and/or the Offer to Purchase comes are required by each of the Offerors, the Dealer Managers and the Tender and Information Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Securities, and tenders of Securities in the Any and All Offers will not be accepted from Holders, in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require an Any and All Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and any of the Dealer Managers or their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, such Any and All Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the relevant Offeror in such jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Information

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the Offerors' intent, beliefs or current expectations about the future and can be recognized by the use of words such as "expects," "will," "anticipate," or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of any future performance and are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the senior management of the Offerors and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The Offerors cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although they believe they have been prudent in their respective plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. The Offerors undertake no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Santander UK Group Holdings plc; Santander UK plc
A former Oracle executive, Mark Sanchez joins Scala at a moment of strong growth for the company, bringing an expertise of more than 20 years in the implementation of mission-critical infrastructure around the world

SAO PAULO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scala Data Centers, the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market, announces Mark Sanchez as its new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment. Graduated in Electronic Engineering and with an MBA by DeVry University (US), he is joining the company's Engineering and Construction team after having worked for five years at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), where he managed teams and implemented data centers on five continents.

Mark Sanchez assumes as new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment at Scala

With direct responsibility for participating and leading teams in the data center design and project process, as well as site installation and implementing activities across Latin America, Mark will be based in Sao Paulo and joins Scala at a moment of accelerated growth. The company has already invested more than R$ 6 billion in its projects in Latin America and expects to reach 500MW of distributed capacity over the next five years, with operations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.

Mark has more than 20 years of mission-critical experience with 13 years dedicated to the data center industry, having participated in the deployment of more than 400MW of capacity worldwide. At Oracle, he worked on key projects to expand the cloud capillarity of the company, going from five to 40 regions when he held the position of Senior Manager of Data Center New Region Build in the US, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa markets. He was also Principal Technical Program Manager for Data Center Build, responsible for infrastructure deployment and delivery in 10 countries, as well as the colocation, construction, and cabling teams.

He also served as a Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer and Special Projects Manager at McKinstry and was a Data Center Infrastructure Engineer at DaVita. In Afghanistan, he served as an US Army Service Member, managing all the infrastructure connecting generators and air conditioning in bases located in desert areas.

Marcos Peigo, Scala's CEO and Co-founder, states the executive's global experience brings to the company a solid background in mission-critical projects. "It is an honor to have a professional as Mark on our team. These are decades of accumulated experience which will certainly bring another perk to Scala's successful trajectory. His invaluable knowledge on the Hyperscale market will boost our customer-centric and premium approach," he mentions.

"I am very happy to be part of a team with a pioneering and dynamic vision and performance in the colocation segment. In addition, being able to collaborate directly with the technical training projects that the company leads is another very attractive perk for me, as it is a professional goal I have and will certainly add to my trajectory," says Mark.

Scala was founded in 2020 and has five data centers in operation, three on Campus Tambore, the largest in Latin America, located in Barueri (Sao Paulo state, Brazil); one in Sao Paulo; and another in Campinas city. For 2023, the company plans to build 11 new data centers.

About Scala Data Centers

Scala Data Centers is the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market. Headquartered in Brazil and founded by DigitalBridge, it was developed to meet and exceed the growing demand for digital access in Latin America. Scala has a highly qualified team of over 700 professionals and applies a flexible and innovative approach to providing exceptional quality colocation services to hyperscale clients, cloud-based software and service providers, and large enterprises. We customize state-of-the-art solutions for each client in the construction of the latest generation data centers, with high availability, the best energy efficiency rates, and superior density. All this allied to the best sustainability practices guided by our ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) program. For more information, visit www.scaladatacenters.com.

SOURCE Scala Data Centers
NEO: SHWZ

OTCQX: SHWZ



R.Greenleaf Paves Way for Direct Commerce Relationship with Customers,

Provides Seamless, Time-Saving Shopping Experience

DENVER, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Schwazze, (NEO: SHWZ) (OTCQX: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), announces the launch of a new ecommerce shop site for R.Greenleaf, its New-Mexico based retail banner with 17 locations throughout the state. This new shopping experience, available at http://rgreenleaf.com, allows customers to 'skip the line and order online' by ordering ahead to reserve product and picking up in store. Customers can create an account on the new shop site to access prior orders and receive special offers while also enrolling in R.Greenleaf's customer loyalty program, Gratify.

R.Greenleaf Ecommerce Menu (CNW Group/Schwazze)

"We are excited to bring the convenience of ecommerce shopping to all of our R.Greenleaf locations. Our enhanced online shopping experience allows us to deliver our brands, product assortment and dedicated service to customers in all of our neighborhoods as we continue to expand throughout the state," said Ken Diehl, Division President  New Mexico.

R.Greenleaf, offering a wide variety of quality products serviced by top-notch, knowledgeable staff, has grown from 10 locations to now 17 since Schwazze's acquisition nearly one year ago. All locations serve the needs of medical patients as well as recreational consumers.

Since April 2020, Schwazze has acquired, announced the planned acquisition of, or opened 44 cannabis dispensaries as well as seven cultivation facilities and two manufacturing assets in Colorado and New Mexico. In May 2021, Schwazze announced its BioSciences division and in August 2021 it commenced home delivery services in Colorado.

About Schwazze

Schwazze (NEO: SHWZ) (OTCQX: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company's leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.

Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze's former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "plan," "will," "may," "continue," "predicts," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to consummate the acquisition described in this press release or to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, including the acquisition described in this press release, and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, * the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xi) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

SOURCE Schwazze
SCIII The Perfect Conduit for Human Capital Support for Sprout Motor Inc.

ORANGEBURG, S.C., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- South Carolina's Institutes of Innovation and Information (SCIII) praised South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster's support of investing nearly $1.3 billion to bring a new electric vehicle plant into the state. Scout Motors Inc., backed by Volkswagen, and South Carolina officials announced plans to start building new Scout vehicles, powered this time by electricity, for the first time since 1980. The venture would bring 4,000 jobs to staff Scout Motor Inc.'s $2 billion plant; once fully operational, the plant would produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually and export them worldwide.

SCIII believes bringing Scout Motors Inc. to South Carolina goes a long way to keeping the state at the forefront of the competitive fight to land electric vehicle plants: Georgia provided $1.8 billion in incentives to Hyundai Motor Group's first U.S.-based electric vehicle plant near Savannah, while North Carolina seems poised to offer Vietnamese automaker VinFast more than $1 billion in incentives and assistance for its first North American electric vehicle plant. Scout Motors will help keep human capital, especially career-ready graduates from the state's seven HBCUs, from leaving the state and instead investing and entrusting their careers in South Carolina's business and industry.

This is particularly topical and important to SCIII because the South Carolina General Assembly appropriated funding in 2021 to develop educational institutes at each of South Carolina's seven HBCUs. This initiative was inspired by the leadership and vision of State Senator John L. Scott, Jr. Each Institute was established specifically to increase opportunities and exposure for their student bodies, businesses, and the surrounding community. SCIII works to strengthen the state's HBCUs by building pipelines from each Institute directly to opportunities in state business and industry. Guided and managed by Executive Director Dr. Gwynth R. Nelson, the partnerships established by the SCIII Foundation, businesses, corporations, and HBCUs, connect and create tremendous opportunities for students. These connections and the relationships with the respective institutes help produce a ready-made workforce for the state's businesses and industries.

Specifically relevant to the Scout Motors Inc. plans, Benedict College and South Carolina State University focus on Business, Engineering, Environment, Communications, and Transportation. The BEST Institute at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, fosters innovation and educational opportunities related to fields and industries associated with careers in business, entrepreneurship, science and technology and the BECT Institute at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg prepares students for careers in Business, Environmental Science, Communications, Transportation and Supply Chain Management. Both institutes can readily serve as a conduit and steady supply pipeline for career-ready human capital for Scout Motors.

South Carolina is poised to be a major player in the electric vehicle industry and everything that goes along with it, like making batteries. In October, Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order directing the state Commerce Department to aggressively court businesses involved in the industry and give them one point of contact.

According to the Greenville News, "The $1.3 billion in state help will go toward building a new interchange for the plant on I-77 and a railroad bridge over the highway. South Carolina Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey said there would be other improvements to sewer, power, and roads as well as grants the company can use to get the venture off the ground."

About Benedict College and South Carolina State University:

Benedict College offers majors in many disciplines across the liberal arts and strongly emphasizes STEM areas. The campus includes buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SC State University is an 1890 land grant, senior comprehensive institution committed to providing affordable and accessible baccalaureate, master's educational specialist, and doctoral degree programs. Both institutions contribute to economic development, enhance citizens' quality of life, and prepare highly skilled, competent, and socially aware graduates to meet life's challenges and demands, enabling them to work and live productively in a dynamic, global society.

About SCIII:

South Carolina's Institutes of Innovation and Information (SCIII) is an initiative and vision inspired by Sen. John L. Scott, Jr., which focuses on revolutionizing and cultivating the state's seven four-year HBCUs' overall capabilities and contributions for the citizens and residents of the state. South Carolina has a rich history of educating people of color, and SCIII provides the perfect conduit for partnerships between SCIII HBCUs and state business and industry, diversifying and improving the state's workforce.

Media Contact:

Tashion Macon; [email protected]; 818.749.8786

SOURCE South Carolina's Institutes of Innovation and Information (SCIII)
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. and FORT WAYNE, Ind., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Medical Corporation (Select Medical) and Lutheran Health Network of Indiana, LLC, a subsidiary of Community Health Systems (CHS) today announced the formation of a joint venture to provide inpatient rehabilitation and critical illness recovery care in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As part of the agreement, CHS will contribute its existing 36-bed Lutheran Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne, located at 7970 West Jefferson Blvd., to the joint venture. Additionally, the joint venture plans to build a new specialty hospital that will provide both inpatient rehabilitation and critical illness recovery (licensed by CMS as long-term acute care) services. Select Medical will serve as the majority owner and managing partner.

"We look forward to partnering with Lutheran Health Network to provide high quality specialty inpatient rehabilitative and critical illness recovery care in Fort Wayne and surrounding communities," said Tom Mullin, executive vice president of hospital operations at Select Medical. "The partnership also marks Select Medical's first rehabilitation hospital in Indiana and a return of much needed critical illness recovery care in the region. Collectively, the joint venture further expands Select Medical's state-wide continuum of post-acute care that currently includes three critical illness recovery hospitals and 40 outpatient rehabilitation centers."

The joint venture rehabilitation hospital will serve those recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries including stroke and other neurological disorders, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and other complex orthopedic conditions.

"Lutheran Health Network is committed to meeting the health needs of our community," said Clyde Wood, CEO of Lutheran Hospital. "Our collaboration with Select Medical will expand inpatient rehabilitation services and bring much needed critical illness recovery care to the campus of Lutheran Hospital, as well as complement the high level of acute care we provide to our patients."

About Lutheran Health Network

Lutheran Health Network is a family of more than 6,000 employees, physicians, advanced practice providers and volunteers dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care with the best possible experience, to every patient, every time. As a taxpaying, integrated healthcare delivery system and one of the largest employers in the region, Lutheran Health Network makes a positive impact on the communities we serve. Access points across northeast Indiana include acute care hospitals, specialty hospitals, physician offices, urgent care clinics and outpatient centers. For more information, please visit LutheranHealth.net. Dupont, Lutheran, Lutheran Downtown, Rehabilitation and The Orthopedic hospitals are owned in part by physicians.

About Select Medical

Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on number of facilities. As of December 31, 2022, Select Medical operated 103 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 31 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,928 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Concentra operated 540 occupational health centers in 41 states. At December 31, 2022, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit: www.selectmedical.com.

Media Contacts

For Select Medical: Shelly Eckenroth, [email protected] or 717-920-4035

For Lutheran Health Network: Teri deMatas, [email protected] or 260-435-6924

SOURCE Select Medical Corporation
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and docketed under 23-cv-00794, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Honda American Depository Shares ("ADSs") between June 20, 2018 and September 28, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Honda ADSs securities during the Class Period, you have until April 3, 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]

Honda is a multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. The Company's U.S.-based operations are conducted through its North American subsidiary, American Honda Motor Company, Inc. ("American Honda").

Certain of Honda's vehiclesincluding the 2018-2020MY Honda Odyssey, 2016-2020MY Honda Pilot, 2019-2020MY Honda Passport, 2015-2020MY Acura TLX, and 2015-2020MY Acura MDXinclude a so-called "Idle Stop" engine feature, purportedly to enhance fuel efficiency. In marketing these vehicles, Honda and/or its subsidiaries have highlighted the Idle Stop system's purported capacity to automatically shut off a vehicle's engine to save fuel when the vehicle brakes to a stop for at least two secondsfor example, at a traffic lightand to automatically restart the engine when the driver releases the vehicle's brake pedal.

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) Honda had overstated the safety and effectiveness of the Idle Stop engine feature; (ii) Honda maintained deficient disclosure controls and procedures with respect to product quality and safety; (iii) as a result of the foregoing deficiencies, Honda failed to prevent American Honda from marketing and selling thousands of vehicles that contained a defective Idle Stop feature; (iv) the foregoing conduct subjected the Company and/or its subsidiaries to a heightened risk of litigation, as well as financial and/or reputational harm; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On September 28, 2022, a putative class action was filed against American Honda alleging that it had sold thousands of vehiclesincluding the 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2019-2020 Honda Passport, 2015-2020 Acura TLX, and 2015-2020 Acura MDXequipped with a flawed Idle Stop feature.1 Per the allegations in the class action complaint, after initially shutting off a vehicle's engine, the Idle Stop system in the affected vehicles routinely fails to restart the engine as designed, leaving drivers unable to move their vehicles. The lawsuit further alleges that American Honda was fully aware of the defect before marketing the vehicles. [1 Cooper et al v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., No. 1:22-cv-05299 (N.D. Ill.)]

On this news, Honda's ADS price fell $0.74 per share, or 3.23%, to close at $22.19 per ADS on September 29, 2022.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Addis Ababa  Sidama region has said that the recent violence that saw at least a dozen people killed in border areas with West Arsi zone of the neighboring Oromia region is neither border dispute nor ethnic clashes between the Sidama and the Oromo people, as widely reported.

Speaking to Addis Standard, Alemayehu Timothewos, head of the Justice and Security Bureau of Sidama region, said that the violence erupted last week after a dispute between individuals was escalated.

Alemayehu said that several people were killed and property was destroyed due to the conflict, and said that there were casualties from both sides. He stated that the conflict occurred after an ethnic Sidama individual killed a person in a fight that broke out in Gubo village of East Guji Zone. Relatives of the victim then traced the individual and acted in retaliation killing many people and destroying properties.

He said the conflict was brought under control with organized effort of security forces from both Sidama and Oromia region dismissing allegations that the security forces were involved in the clashes.

Ahmed Haji, the chief administrator of West Arsi Zone, corroborated Alemayehu's remarks, and said reports that the deceased were attacked after they were called for a meeting is inaccurate.

"Lives were lost on both sides, some have been displaced from their homes, some have had their properties looted," Ahmed said, adding that he could not tell the number of people killed in the violence as it is still under investigation.

Local residents and families of victims told VOA Amharic that at least 12 people were killed in the clashes.

Confirming the deployment of the federal army to the area, the two officials said community leaders from both sides have discussed and agreed to resolve the issue and put it to rest with reconciliation.

Neighboring communities of the two regions, according to the officials, have been fighting over water and grass in the past, and the clashes were resolved in a traditional way. AS
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Southwest Airlines Co. ("Southwest" or the "Company") (NYSE: LUV). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Southwest and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On December 26, 2022, Business Insider published an article entitled "US Department of Transportation says it plans to look into Southwest Airlines following the airline's 'unacceptable' holiday flight cancellations." The article stated, among other things, that the "U.S. DOT tweeted Monday it will examine whether Southwest is abiding by its customer service policy[,]" and "Southwest cancelled nearly 3,000 flights on the day after Christmas, the most of any U.S. airline."

On this news, Southwest's stock fell $2.15 per share, or 5%, to close at $33.94 per share on December 27, 2022.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Allianz SE ("Allianz" or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: ALIZY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Allianz and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On February 17, 2022, during market hours, Allianz announced that it had booked a provision of 3.7 billion with regards to "the pending court and governmental proceedings in the U.S. in relation to the Structured Alpha Funds". Then, on May 17, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release announcing that it had charged "Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (AGI US) and three former portfolio managers with a massive fraudulent scheme that concealed the immense downside risks of a complex options trading strategy they called 'Structured Alpha'". That same day, the U.S. Department of Justice also issued a press release providing further information about the alleged fraudulent scheme.

On this news, Allianz's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") fell $0.98 per ADR, or 3.8%, to close at $24.33 per ADR on May 18, 2022.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Catalent, Inc. ("Catalent" or the "Company") (NYSE: CTLT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Catalent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 29, 2022, Catalent disclosed that demand for its COVID-related products was facing substantial headwinds.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $7.42 per share, or 7.4%, to close at $92.29 per share on August 29, 2022.

Then, on September 20, 2022, a Washington Post report exposed that the release of COVID-19 vaccines produced by Catalent had been delayed by regulators due to improper sterilization at one of Catalent's key facilities.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $8.09 per share, or 9.3%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $79.06 per share on September 22, 2022.

Finally, on November 1, 2022, Catalent revealed that its quarterly earnings had declined to zero and lowered its financial guidance, indicating falling demand. The Company also disclosed that regulatory issues at key facilities were negatively impacting its financial results.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $20.83 per share, or 31.7%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $44.90 per share on November 2, 2022.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Dutch Bros Inc. ("Dutch" or the "Company") (NYSE: BROS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Dutch Bros and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On February 23, 2023, Hedgeye published a note adding Dutch Bros as a "new short idea," stating that "[t]he relentless focus on excessive unity growth and not balancing that with profitability can create long-term issues for the company" and that "[w]e don't see the company generating enough [operating cash flow] to cover capital spending until FY2026 (and that might be a generous assumption)."

On this news, Dutch Bros' stock price fell $3.97 per share, or 10.45%, to close at $34.02 per share on February 23, 2023.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. ("Fidelity National" or the "Company") (NYSE: FIS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Fidelity National and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

In 2019, Fidelity National acquired the payment-processing company Worldpay Inc. ("Worldpay") for $48 billion. Then, on February 13, 2023, Fidelity National booked a $17.6 billion write-down on its Worldpay business and announced plans to spin off the unit.

On this news, Fidelity National's stock price fell $9.43 per share, or 12.5%, to close at $66.00 on February 13, 2023.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 13, 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
SHEIN hosts hundreds of designers and artists for showcases, panels and networking opportunities with fashion industry experts, including LaQuan Smith, Maeve Reilly, Laura Kim and Gary Wassner

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, April 1, SHEIN, the global e-retailer of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, will host the company's first-ever SHEIN X Design Summit, which will gather designers, artists and industry leaders at City Market Social House in Los Angeles, California.

The summit aims to celebrate independent designers and empower them to leverage the company's flagship incubator program, SHEIN X, to take their businesses to the next level, no matter their level of experience.

"At SHEIN, we're committed to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs," said George Chiao, U.S. president of SHEIN. "Since we launched SHEIN X in 2021, thousands of entrepreneurs have been able to elevate their brands on the global stage through the program. This year, we're looking to onboard 1,000 more, and we're excited to partner with visionaries and veterans from across the fashion industry to guide and support the next generation of designers and artists."

The day-long summit will feature designer-dedicated programming and networking opportunities, including panels with LaQuan Smith, designer and founder of LaQuan Smith; Laura Kim, co-creative director at Monse; Maeve Reilly, celebrity stylist; Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation; Evette, co-founder of Act of Faith and founder of EXO Cosmetics; Racquel Natasha, influencer, designer and founder of Natasia swimwear; and Josephine Skriver, model and co-founder of JOJA. There will also be a performance from The Future X.

"The SHEIN X program is an amazing opportunity for designers at all levels of their careers," said Smith. "I'm thrilled to partner with SHEIN for the first-ever SHEIN X Design Summit, where I'll share my own story and advice, and hopefully provide some inspiration for aspiring designers."

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with stylists, merchandisers, buyers, influencers and other industry professionals, including current SHEIN X designers, who will share their personal experiences with the program and showcase their collections.

SHEIN X Design Summit Schedule

When: Saturday, April 1  8:30 a.m.  8 p.m.

Where: City Market Social House  1145 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles

Agenda (all times PST):

8:30  10 a.m.  Breakfast

 Breakfast 10  10:15 a.m.  Opening Remarks

 Opening Remarks 10:15  11 a.m.  Keynote Conversation with LaQuan Smith

 Keynote Conversation with 11:15 a.m.  12 p.m.  Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Mindset, a panel conversation with LaQuan Smith , Laura Kim , Maeve Reilly and Gary Wassner to discuss the business side of fashion

  Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Mindset, a panel conversation with , , and to discuss the business side of fashion 12  1:30 p.m.  Lunch

 Lunch 1:30  2:20 p.m.  Hone the Power of Social Media, a panel conversation with social media experts and professionals, including Evette, Racquel Natasha and Josephine Skriver , about how to leverage social media to enhance your business

 Hone the Power of Social Media, a panel conversation with social media experts and professionals, including Evette, and , about how to leverage social media to enhance your business 2:30  3:20 p.m.  Q&A with SHEIN X Top Performers

 Q&A with SHEIN X Top Performers 3:30  4 p.m.  The Future X Performance and Announcements

 The Future X Performance and Announcements 4  5 p.m.  Transitional Break

 Transitional Break 5  8 p.m.  SHEIN X Showcase and Happy Hour, a fashion showcase and networking-style happy hour where designers and artists can connect with suppliers, buyers, merchandisers, social media influencers, celebrities, stylists, panelists and more. During the showcase, Laura Kim and Maeve Reilly will also identify select SHEIN X designers for one-on-one mentorship opportunities.



ABOUT SHEIN X

From just seven designers when the program launched in January 2021, the SHEIN X incubator program has grown to almost 3,000 designers and artists from around the world, launching more than 25,000 original creations. SHEIN has invested more than $55 million into the program and guides participants through the end-to-end process, from product development, to manufacturing, to marketing and supply chain logistics. Importantly, SHEIN X designers maintain ownership rights to their SHEIN X designs. Since the launch of SHEIN X, SHEIN X artists and designers have earned over $5 million in commission from the sale of SHEIN X products globally.

ABOUT SHEIN

SHEIN is a global fashion and lifestyle e-retailer committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all. We use on-demand manufacturing technology to connect suppliers to our agile supply chain, reducing inventory waste and enabling us to deliver a variety of affordable products to customers around the world. From our global offices, we reach customers in more than 150 countries. To learn more about SHEIN, visit www.SHEINgroup.com.

Press Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE SHEIN
The #1 automated ad management platform in Japan broadens its U.S. capabilities with new integration

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently arriving in North America, Shirofune , the #1 digital automated advertising management tool in Japan, today announced that it has added Microsoft Advertising to its roster of major platforms, which also include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, along with others. With Shirofune, advertisers and agencies can now manage Microsoft Advertising spend within one centralized platform, easily manage bidding and budgeting, and reap consolidated performance data.

Shirofune

"We are pleased to announce the integration of Microsoft Advertising into Shirofune, one of the largest independent ad management platforms in Japan. This integration will enable our mutual clients to access and utilize Microsoft Advertising more easily, providing significant opportunities for them to succeed in the digital advertising space. We are honored to partner with Shirofune to offer Microsoft Advertising to their clients and look forward to seeing the great results they will achieve," said Arizono Yuichi, Regional Vice President Japan, Microsoft Advertising

Amid an increasingly decentralized advertising market, Shirofune saves clients significant time and money as they assess the most effective opportunities for reaching audiences. In the U.S., where ad agencies commonly face high labor costs, turnover and new hire training time, all of these challenges can be solved by Shirofune, which optimizes multi-platform ad campaigns in half the time, and with half the personnel.

Using human intelligence rather than AI, with algorithms hard coded and audited daily by a team of experts, Shirofune has developed an automated tool to simplify the management of digital advertising. Choosing performance indicators such as the number of clicks, number of conversions or revenue, users can let Shirofune manage a monthly budget across all desired platforms. Its system provides suggestions to adjust campaigns and improve performance along with regular analytic reports including auto-linking Google Analytics data.

Shirofune, which has captured a 91% market share in Japan, is used by numerous advertisers and agencies, including major players like Rakuten and Dentsu, which saves more than 50% of work hours with Shirofune. Launching in the U.S. and Canada in February 2023, Shirofune seeks to offer North American marketers and agencies the same time, cost and performance benefits.

"We are excited to add Microsoft Advertising to the digital platforms managed by Shirofune. As a powerful search advertising tool with ads that can appear on Bing, AOL, Yahoo and other syndicated search partner sites, the Microsoft Advertising Network sees close to 7.6 billion monthly desktop searches and has claimed a 38.1% share of the U.S. desktop search market," said Mitsunaga Kikuchi, founder and CEO of Shirofune.

About Shirofune

Founded in 2014, Shirofune is an automated advertising management tool that maximizes the efficiency and productivity of major digital advertising platforms. The Shirofune platform is designed to maximize advertising effectiveness by automating day-to-day digital ad campaigns using a single, easy-to-use interface for management, budgeting, monitoring and analytics. Over 10,000 accounts have been automated using Shirofune, including 300,000 active ad campaigns. Shirofune also has been selected as the only Yahoo! Ads API-certified partner tool in Japan. For more information, please visit https://shirofune.us .

Media Contact

Chelsea Kershaw

Firecracker PR

1-888-317-4687

[email protected]

SOURCE Shirofune
Jason Patton of Fire Department Chronicles and Firefighter Fenton team up for a toast to health on Friday, March 17 at 3pm ET

ROCKFORD, Ill., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fire Department Coffee , a veteran-owned business that is dedicated to handcrafting great-tasting coffee and supporting first responders, is hosting a 'Virtual Coffee Toast to First Responders' on St. Patrick's Day, a notoriously busy day for the first responder community.

The livestream toast is inspired by "Slainte", an Irish toast meaning 'health,' or 'to your health,' and will be co-streamed from the FireDeptCoffee Instagram/Facebook account and the Fire Department Chronicles Instagram/Facebook account on Friday, March 17 at 3pm ET.

Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned business that is dedicated to handcrafting great-tasting coffee and supporting first responders, is hosting a Virtual Coffee Toast to First Responders on St. Patricks Day, a notoriously busy day for the first responder community.

All are invited to join this free event, led by influential creators and firefighters Jason Patton of Fire Department Chronicles and Firefighter Fenton . Together, they will toast to first responders for their dedication and hard work on St. Patrick's Day and every day of the year, and underscore Fire Dept. Coffee's commitment to giving back to sick and injured first responders through its Fire Department Coffee Foundation.

For those tuning in, there will be Fire Dept. Coffee giveaways, including bags of its popular Irish Whiskey Infused Coffee and first-of-its-kind ready-to-drink Nitro Irish Coffee . Both varieties feature coffee beans that are infused with premium whiskey before roasting out the alcohol, leaving behind only the spirit's bold aroma, natural flavors, and familiar taste  a proprietary process Fire Dept. Coffee introduced in 2016.

To join the toast, visit any of the below on Friday, March 17 at 3pm ET:

Fire Dept. Coffee Instagram - @FireDeptCoffee

Fire Dept. Coffee Facebook - @FireDeptCoffee

Fire Department Chronicles Instagram - @FireDepartmentChronicles

Fire Department Chronicles Facebook - @FireDepartmentChronicles

Slainte!

ABOUT FIRE DEPARTMENT COFFEE

Founded in 2016 by firefighter/paramedic and U.S. Navy veteran Luke Schneider, Fire Department Coffee is a NaVOBA certified veteran-owned business that is dedicated to handcrafting great-tasting coffee and supporting first responders. Its growing assortment of ground, whole bean, and ready-to-drink coffee is freshly roasted in the U.S.A. by a dedicated team of firefighters, first responders, and coffee experts.

In 2018, the team established the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation to give back to first responders who have become sick or injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.

SOURCE Fire Department Coffee
AMSTERDAM, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Start-up company Alertify to attend the 2023 Independent Hotel Show March 14-15th at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam to showcase their latest product for hoteliers and short-term rental owners.

Alertify sensor - US version

The Independent Hotel Show is an annual event that highlights the newest and most relevant trends, leading technology and top designers in the hospitality industry. There are 200+ exhibitors expected at this year's Independent Hotel Show. Also in attendance will be hoteliers from luxury and boutique hotels, looking for the newest innovations the industry has to offer.

Alertify is a small, privacy safe room monitoring device for hoteliers, STR owners and property managers. Alertify devices actively monitor noise decibel levels and occupancy levels. The device also detects smoke from cigarettes and vapes, changes in temperature, air quality levels and more. Users can set custom thresholds and receive real time notifications of violations as they occur. With Alertify, hoteliers can protect their rooms from potential noise complaints and damages from unwarranted indoor smoking or other violations.

Attendees of the 2023 Independent Hotel Show in Amsterdam this March will be able to demo the latest device and dashboard data in real-time. Due to ongoing chip shortages, supply is limited, and interested hotels can place pre-orders at the event and will receive their orders from the next production batch slated for mid-May.

About Alertify

Alertify helps hoteliers, property managers and short-term rental operators save money and protect themselves from bad guests and tenants. Alertify devices actively monitor for smoking & vaping, noise disturbances, large groups, parties and more. Find out more, or schedule a call with our solutions team at alertify.io. For press inquiries, contact [email protected].

Media Contact:

Press Department

+39 347 627 6949

[email protected]

SOURCE Alertify
Kampala, Uganda  Foreign students studying in Uganda without the required legal papers may face deportation according to government authorities.

Uganda's government has expressed concern over a growing number of foreign students in the country without immigration clearance.

Immigration authorities have warned that they would do spot checks in institutions of learning to ensure compliance.

According to details issued in a circular to the education ministry, a foreign student is expected to register with the immigration department within 15 days of arrival in Uganda.

In a circular to educational institutions, the Education Ministry said no foreign student or learner shall be registered without a student pass.

The Education Ministry has also threatened to impose sanctions on education entities and individuals that fail to adhere to the directive.

"Please note that failure to adhere to this directive will compel the ministry to impose appropriate sanctions against the affected Education Institutions and their respective managers," the February 17 circular signed by Ketty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, reads.

The foreign student has to apply for a student visa at the Ugandan embassy or consulate in their home country.

In some cases, a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution in Uganda, as well as other required documentation must be presented.

All foreign students must also register with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) a process that involves providing the requisite documents such as academic certificates.
Only dedicated inflammatory bowel disease team in Oklahoma makes critical diagnosis

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelle Fick lost 65 pounds in six months, but she wasn't trying to lose an ounce. After a third bout with COVID-19 a year ago, the 47-year-old wife and mother of two had lingering stomach issues that wouldn't go away.

Her bloodwork was off, she couldn't eat and she had diarrhea, bleeding and extreme fatigue. One afternoon she was so sick, she fell asleep at work in the middle of a conversation with a co-worker.

Michelle Fick with her daughter at the Lincoln Memorial.

During a family trip to Washington, D.C., she couldn't climb up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial; that was when it hit her.

"I knew in that moment I was really sick and something was really wrong," Fick said. "I used to be a personal trainer. I loved running, hiking and riding my bike, and I couldn't even walk up a flight of steps."

A routine colonoscopy the previous year showed no signs of concern, but Fick's primary care physician, Mercy Clinic's Dr. Jeanie Klabzuba and Kerri Patton, nurse practitioner, were determined to help her get answers after multiple trips to the ER. She was referred to one specialist after another.

A visit to a hematologist found no major concerns, so a gastroenterologist was consulted for treatment of anal fissures. The condition was so painful Fick couldn't sit comfortably. During the treatment, Dr. Amitabh Saha completed a partial colonoscopy. He found four concerning spots and sent them off to pathology.

Fick went home to recover. While waiting for the test results, her health continued to decline. At 5'7", she weighed only 106 pounds.

"I remember a friend had to drive me to Dr. Klabzuba's office because I was so sick, I couldn't drive myself," Fick said. "I was in tears and I didn't have an appointment, but I was desperate for help. My friends and family were scared I was going to die because my body was deteriorating. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't walk or go to work, and I didn't know what else to do."

While Fick was in Dr. Klabzuba's office, the pathology results came in. The diagnosis was Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Her doctor knew Mercy had recently opened a new clinic with a gastroenterologist who specialized in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. She called Dr. Hussein Bitar at Mercy Gastroenterology and IBD Center, the only dedicated IBD center in Oklahoma. He looked at the report and knew Fick needed to be admitted right away.

"I was concerned because she had lost a tremendous amount of weight," said Dr. Bitar. "Because we are a dedicated IBD center, we have the ability to avoid another trip to the ER, directly admit patients and oversee care in the hospital."

Fick went home, grabbed some clothes and headed to Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.

"I remember as soon as I checked into the hospital, Dr. Bitar, whom I'd never met before, was waiting there for me when I arrived," said Fick.

Dr. Bitar ordered a series of tests and treatments including a blood transfusion, iron transfusion and IV steroids. Fick had severe nutritional deficiencies because she was unable to eat, and the inpatient treatment regimen helped kick-start the healing process.

After a few days at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City, Fick was feeling better.

"My nurses on the fourth floor were incredible," Fick said. "I left with all my medications in hand and my follow-up appointment with Dr. Bitar already scheduled."

Mercy's IBD center offers many services in one location. Patients have access to the latest outpatient biologic treatments and IV infusions in a new outpatient infusion clinic designated to serve patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The IBD center opened in July 2022 and offers access to GI specialists, colorectal surgeons, a nurse navigator and a medication coordinator all under the same roof.

During her first visit, Dr. Bitar looked at Fick's complete medical history. She also has psoriatic arthritis, and the doctor wanted to be sure new medications didn't interfere with her current treatment regimens.

"Because we are a specialized center for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, we have access to the latest research and treatments," said Dr. Bitar.

Fick was a candidate for an off-label treatment still awaiting FDA approval, and she's seen a remarkable improvement in her symptoms.

"Dr. Bitar spent so much time looking at my health from a holistic approach and educating me about Crohn's disease  I got very personalized care," Fick said.

Though there is no cure for Crohn's disease, the goal is to be in remission, meaning patients no longer experience symptoms.

Fick is now back at work at a local school district. She's in physical therapy working to regain strength. Her goal is to take a spring break trip with her daughter, who will soon be off to college.

"I want my kids to see their old mom back," Fick said. "Seeing your mom in a hospital, weak, not able to do what she used to do isn't fun, and I just want to be able to do things with my family again."

Mercy has specialized IBD Centers in Oklahoma and Missouri. Click here for more information Mercy's IBD center in Oklahoma City or click here to connect with the specialists in Kirkwood, MO.

Mercy, one of the 25 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and one of the nation's largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners, and more than 40,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

SOURCE Mercy
LONDON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd., the world's most bankable inverter brand, today announced a mega deal to supply Constantine Energy Storage (CES), a grid-scale battery energy storage platform, with its state-of-the-art liquid-cooled BESS solution 'Power Titan'.

Sungrow and Constantine Energy Storage Agree UKs Longest Duration BESS Projects

Sungrow and CES are working on a specific pipeline of projects totalling 825MWh of capacity spread across five ready-to-build sites. Construction has already started at Ocker Hill, near Birmingham, and Capenhurst, near Chester, both of which will be energised later this year and are each 57MW/165MWh representing the longest duration grid scale BESS in the UK to date. The remaining projects will be operational in 2024 and are still subject to contractual agreement.

The CES platform is funding the construction of a pipeline of BESS projects developed by Pelagic Energy Developments, a subsidiary of Constantine Group. CES will acquire these sites once operational and operate them long-term. The CES platform is majority-owned by institutional investors Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and Railpen, along with Constantine Group.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sungrow Senior Vice President James Wu said of the deal, "We are delighted and very proud to announce what we think is a game-changing deal for liquid-cooled energy storage in the UK. Constantine Energy Storage is at the very forefront of enabling the energy transition on these shores, and we at Sungrow are happy to assist them in creating a better, cleaner future for everybody. We hope this agreement will be a forerunner for other important deals in the future."

Operations Director for CES Louis Burford commented, "Energy storage is essential if we want to decarbonise our country's energy system. That's why Constantine Energy Storage is working hard to build out a portfolio of battery energy storage systems across the country. This ground-breaking deal with Sungrow is significant and represents an important milestone in our mission to support the UK's transition to net zero."

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 340 GW installed worldwide as of December 2022. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognised floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 26-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide.

Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com

About Constantine Energy Storage

Constantine Energy Storage (CES) was founded in 2022 as a platform to construct, own and operate best in class institutional grade battery energy storage systems (BESS). Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and investment manager Railpen jointly own a 94% stake.

CES plans to build out a pipeline of BESS projects in the UK. These projects are currently under development by Constantine Group subsidiary Pelagic Energy Developments.

Learn more about CES by visiting: www.constantineenergystorage.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031182/image.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/3935553/Logo.jpg

SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Next month, Johns Hopkins University Associate Professor Tanjala S. Purnell, PhD, MPH, FASN will receive the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) Excellence in Transplantation Award at the 2023 NKF Spring Clinical Meetings in Austin, TX. This award recognizes the scientist or clinician scientist whose exceptional research has contributed novel insights to improved access to kidney transplantation.

"I'm truly honored to receive this tremendous award for my research to advance equity in kidney transplantation," Dr. Purnell said. Tweet this "I dedicate this award to family members I have lost due to kidney failure, and I promise to continue working to promote kidney health equity for all," said Dr. Purnell.

"I am truly honored to receive this tremendous award for my research to advance equity in kidney transplantation," Dr. Purnell said. "I dedicate this award to family members I have lost due to kidney failure, and I promise to continue working to promote kidney health equity for all."

Dr. Purnell is an epidemiologist and health services researcher with more than a decade of experience focused on promoting equity in kidney health, transplantation, and organ donation in the United States. She is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, where she serves as the Founding Director of The B.O.L.D. Health Equity Initiative; Director of Education for the Brancati Center for the Advancement of Community Care; and Executive Director of the Health Freedom Path to Wellness Program.

"Dr. Purnell's research work has not only highlighted inequities in transplantation but identified modifiable factors such as referral to transplant or distance from transplant centers where there is still work to be done. She is also dedicated to the education of future scientists," said NKF President Sylvia E. Rosas, MD, MSCE. "Achieving equity in kidney transplantation is an important initiative of the National Kidney Foundation."

She is a member of the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) Transplant Advisory Committee, which is a leadership council comprised of clinicians, healthcare leaders, patients, and living donors dedicated to improving processes and finding solutions to accelerate kidney donation and transplantation for anyone that needs it. In addition, Dr. Purnell is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP), and a member of the Governing Board for the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland. She is also Co-Chair of the Education Workgroup for the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Health Care Justice Committee. Dr. Purnell is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Society for Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and was the inaugural recipient of the ASTS Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. She also served as the Region 2 Representative on the OPTN/UNOS Minority Affairs Committee.

Each year NKF considers the work of hundreds of specialists in the field of Nephrology and selects among them those who most exemplify the relentless efforts of NKF to enhance the lives of patients through action, education, and accelerating change. The prestigious awards are presented to the recipients during the annual gathering of clinicians and kidney health professionals at the 2023 NKF Spring Clinical Meetings, which will be held from April 11-15, in Austin, TX.

NKF Spring Clinical Meetings

For the past 31 years, nephrology healthcare professionals from across the country have come to NKF's Spring Clinical Meetings to learn about the newest developments related to all aspects of nephrology practice; network with colleagues; and present their research findings. The NKF Spring Clinical Meetings are designed for meaningful change in the multidisciplinary healthcare teams' skills, performance, and patient health outcomes. It is the only conference of its kind that focuses on translating science into practice for the entire healthcare team.

About Kidney Disease

In the United States, more than 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD)and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are about four times as likely as White people to have kidney failure. Hispanics experience kidney failure at about double the rate of White people.

NKF Professional Membership

Healthcare professionals can join NKF to receive access to tools and resources for both patients and professionals, discounts on professional education, and access to a network of thousands of individuals who treat patients with kidney disease.

About the National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.

Facebook.com

www.kidney.org

twitter.com/nkf

SOURCE The National Kidney Foundation
Korean #1 smart factory automation maker's spin-off reveals its unmatched AMRs to the U.S. manufacturing and healthcare innovators at Promat.

SEOUL, South Korea, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- THIRA ROBOTICS  a Korean autonomous mobile robots (AMR) developer and a subsidiary of smart factory solutions leader THiRA UTech  announced their official launch in the U.S. market, providing AMR to navigate facility conditions previously not fit for automation. THIRA ROBOTICS offers solutions to healthcare, manufacturing, and supply chain industries to overcome physical barriers to technology adoption. Their launch coincides with Promat 2023, held in Chicago starting March 20th.

"Some plants with poor conditions struggle to integrate AMR successfully. Now, older manufacturers don't need to remodel to integrate. With THIRA ROBOTICS, robotization is possible for facilities not fit for automation," says Peter Kim, CEO of THIRA ROBOTICS. "Our next-generation technology improves existing solutions by offering real-life-ready logistics AMRs to handle imperfect floors and high traffic for U.S. industries to solve labor shortages and other market gaps." Unlike current AMR market offerings, THIRA ROBOTICS AMR can operate on damaged floors, changing surroundings, high traffic, liquid spills, slopes, narrow spaces, and elevators.

Accelerating AMR innovation in South Korea's competitive market, which leads the world in automation, allowed THIRA ROBOTICS to win all bids against established AMR makers. At Promat, the company will introduce five models and demonstrations of AMR operating on uneven and sloped flooring.

"At the National Cancer Center, the #1 clinical research center in Korea, our AMRs augmented hospital staff and piloted 24/7 patient and nurse-assistance services. We streamlined factory processes for cosmetics conglomerate AmorePacific, where split warehousing and manufacturing facilities with complex traffic and high order volume slowed production," said Kim.

For those interested in customizable automated solutions, visit THIRA ROBOTICS' in-person demonstrations at Promat, booth #N6054.

About THIRA ROBOTICS

Headquartered in South Korea and led by AMR specialists, THIRA ROBOTICS is an award-winning robotics developer subsidized by smart factory solutions company THiRA UTech. THIRA ROBOTICS partners with global conglomerate Doosan , automotive parts company Hyundai Transys , and the largest global original equipment manufacturer, Mando .

About THiRA UTech

THiRA UTech is a global leader in smart facility hardware and software ranked #1 in Korea for its end-to-end solutions. Global clients include Samsung Corporation , LG Electronics , and SKC .

For more information, contact [email protected] .

Media Contact:

Shannon Lindahl,

[email protected]

SOURCE THIRA ROBOTICS
BREA, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are on the rise, and they can have devastating consequences for small businesses. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick employees into transferring funds or providing sensitive financial information, leading to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and potential closure of small businesses.

"As the founder of ThreatHunter.ai, I am aware of the catastrophic impact that BEC attacks can have on small businesses," said James McMurry. "That is why our company offers customized solutions that include threat assessments, vulnerability testing, and incident response planning, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of each business. When coupled with our Threat Hunting service, this creates an incredibly effective barrier that raises the cost for attackers tremendously."

ThreatHunter.ai is a leading cyber security solutions provider offering customized solutions to help small businesses safeguard their financial information and protect against fraudulent activity. "Our team of experts can provide businesses with the tools and resources they need to stay safe and secure in an ever-changing digital landscape," said Ethan Coulter, CTO of ThreatHunter.ai

With the rise of remote work and increased reliance on digital communication, BEC attacks have become more prevalent than ever. Recent events, such as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) for example, have created an environment that is ripe for attackers to trick businesses using BEC. SVB's customers are being advised to send out new ACH instructions, which can create confusion and opportunities for fraudulent activity.

"At ThreatHunter.ai, we urge all businesses to be cautious when handling sensitive financial information and to implement robust security measures to prevent fraudulent activity," said McMurry. "It is crucial that small businesses take proactive steps to protect themselves from BEC attacks."

As a leading cyber security solutions provider, ThreatHunter.ai is dedicated to helping small businesses defend against cyber threats and keep their operations running smoothly. With the recent events surrounding SVB, ThreatHunter.ai's customized solutions are more important than ever to protect small businesses from the devastating impact of BEC attacks.

For more information about ThreatHunter.ai's customized solutions, please visit our website at www.threathunter.ai.

About ThreatHunter.ai:

ThreatHunter.ai a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is a leading provider of AI-driven threat hunting solutions. Its advanced machine learning algorithms and expert analysis help organizations detect, identify, and respond to cyber threats. Its solutions are designed to supplement existing security resources and provide a fresh perspective on how to address today's complex cyber threats.

www.threathunter.ai.

Contact:

Lydia Coulter

7145154011

[email protected]

SOURCE ThreatHunter.ai
BALTIMORE, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica announced today the availability of Transamerica Employee ResourcesSM, a suite of new benefits that employers can offer to help their employees strengthen work-life balance and get through challenging times. These services offer valuable confidential resources for employees and their families during times of need.

Transamerica Employee Resources consists of three value-added services:

A choice of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) models. EAP Core provides the policyholder's survivors at time of claim with simple access to confidential services like evaluations, grief counseling, referrals, and follow-ups at no added cost to employers or employees. EAP Plus offers enhanced services to all employees, such as additional counseling sessions and human resources services, and is available for employer buy-up at no additional cost to employees.

Emergency Travel Assistance provides immediate support and assistance in cases of emergency when traveling more than 100 miles from home for less than 90 consecutive days, either for business or leisure, domestically or internationally.

Identity Theft Services help protect and restore personal financial information.

"Work-life balance is especially challenging when life outside the workplace is more complicated than usual," said Phil Eckman, President of Transamerica Workplace Solutions. "Employers know that employees can find it difficult to navigate through hardships while trying to focus on work. Transamerica's group term life insurance now includes confidential and easily accessible programs with no cost to the employee that help employees feel supported and stay productive. Transamerica Employee Resources is just one more way Transamerica shows our commitment to helping our customers live their best lives."

Transamerica's Group Term Life Insurance is an annually renewable employer-paid term life policy that offers guaranteed issue, renewability to age 100 without medical exams, no evidence of insurability, portability if a covered employee leaves or retires, and employee buy-up options above the employer-paid coverage.

Employee Assistance Programs

EAP Core offers confidential, private evaluations, grief counseling, referrals, and follow-up services provided by ComPsych Corporation. Services include:

Three in-person or video grief counseling sessions

Customized digital communications and resources

24/7 clinical support via text, chat, phone, and email

Online content and research for childcare, elder care, housing, education, and more

Unlimited telephone access to staff attorneys and financial experts

Free online basic will preparation

Online health risk assessment

Resources available online or via mobile app

EAP Plus boosts support services by offering all employees with five in-person or video counseling sessions for any issue, customized communications, and resources in digital and print formats, and Human Resources services such as formal referrals and supervisory consultations. Both EAP Core and EAP Plus offer employers with optional critical incident debriefing and monthly training hours and webinars.

Emergency Travel Assistance

Offered through Assist America, Emergency Travel Assistance (ETA) services provide immediate support and assistance in cases of emergency when traveling more than 100 miles from home for less than 90 consecutive days, either for business or leisure, domestically or internationally. Services include:

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to nearest suitable facility

Immediate help with emergency travel arrangements

Prescription replacement assistance if lost or forgotten

Medical consultation, evaluation, and monitoring

Medical, legal, and interpreter referrals

Early return home of in the event of an immediate family member's death

Return of a member's mortal remains

Foreign hospital admission assistance

Identity Theft Services

Identity theft services help protect employees' personal financial information and help restore financial well-being if compromised, with:

Secure credit card and document storage in case of loss or theft

Internet fraud monitoring and owner notification if a card shows dark web activity

24/7 access to a certified Fair Credit Reporting Act caseworker to help restore identity

Lost or stolen credit and debit card assistance

Fraud Support Service Kit with agency contact information to help speed restoration

With 90 years of experience providing employee benefits, Transamerica is committed to helping employers offer more financial security for their employees.

Employers may contact their financial professionals to learn more about Transamerica's flexible suite of employee benefit solutions.

About Transamerica

With a history that dates back more than 100 years, Transamerica is a leading provider of life insurance, retirement, and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Transamerica's dedicated professionals focus on helping people live well today and empowering them to create a better tomorrow through saving, investing, and protecting their loved ones. Transamerica serves nearly every customer segment, providing a broad range of quality individual life insurance policies, workplace supplemental insurance benefits, workplace retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and investment products including mutual funds, annuities, stable value solutions, as well as asset management services.

In 2021, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $52 billion in insurance, retirement, and annuity claims and benefits, including return of annuity premiums paid by the customer. Transamerica's head office is in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Denver, Colorado. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Each company of the Aegon group of companies is solely responsible for its own financial conditions and contractual obligations. Based in the Netherlands, Aegon is a diversified, international financial services group offering investment, protection, and retirement solutions. For the full year of 2021, Aegon managed over $1.1 trillion in revenue generating investments. ComPsych and Assist America are third-party service providers for Transamerica Life Insurance Company. ComPsych, Assist America,and Transamerica are not affiliated in any way. For more information, visit www.transamerica.com .

About ComPsych Corporation

ComPsych Corporation is the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs (EAP) and is the pioneer and worldwide leader of fully integrated EAP, behavioral health, wellness, work-life, HR, FMLA and absence management services under its Guidance Resources brand. ComPsych provides services to more than 60,000 organizations covering more than 130 million individuals throughout the U.S. and 190 countries. By creating "Build-to-Suit" programs, ComPsych helps employers attract and retain employees, increase employee productivity, and improve overall health and well-being.

About Assist America

Founded in 1990, Assist America, Inc. is the nation's largest provider of global emergency medical services through employee and student benefit plans. The company was formed specifically to address the unique requirements of the insurance industry's large membership groups. They cover employees (and association members) when traveling on business and leisure trips. In addition, their services are extended to spouses and dependent children when traveling for pleasure.

Media inquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Hank Williams

(319) 355-7789

Julie Quinlan

(303) 383-5923

SOURCE Transamerica
DUBLIN, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Security Manual Template - 2023 Premium Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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. It includes a 22 page Excel Security Audit Program and 22 full job descriptions in WORD and PDF formats.

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. Also includes a ready to use HIPPA audit program.

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



The forms included are:

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

Data Security and Protection are a priority and this template is a must have tool for every CIO and IT department. Over 3,000 enterprises worldwide have acquired this tool and it is viewed by many as the Industry Standard for Security Management and Security Compliance.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Security - Introduction

Scope

Objective

Applicability

Best Practices

Best Practices When Implementing Security Policies and Procedures



Best Practices Network Security Management



Best Practices to Meet Compliance Requirements



Best Practices to Manage Compliance Violations



Best Practices Data Destruction and Retention



Best Practices Ransomware Protection

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

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

Email Gateway for Rasomware Attacks

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

Appendix - A

Attached Job Descriptions

Chief Security Officer (CSO)

Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)

Data Protection Officer

Manager Security and Workstation

Manager WFH support

Security Architect

System Administrator

Attached Policies

Blog and Personal Website Policy

Internet, Email, Social Networking, Mobile Device, and Electronic Communication Policy

Mobile Device Policy

Physical and Virtual File Server Security Policy

Sensitive Information Policy - Credit Card, Social Security, Employee, and Customer Data

Travel and Off-Site Meeting Policy

Attached Security 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

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

Additional Attached Materials

Business and IT Impact Questionnaire

Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Tool

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Check List Excel Spreadsheet

Appendix - B

Practical Tips for Prevention of Security Breaches and PCI Audit Failure

Risk Assessment Process

Employee Termination Process

Security Management Compliance Checklist

Massachusetts 201 CMR 17 Compliance Checklist

201 CMR 17 Compliance Checklist User/Customer Sensitive Information and Privacy Bill of Rights

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Checklist

HIPAA Audit Program Guide

ISO 27000 Security Process Audit Checklist

Firewall Security Requirements

Firewall Security Policy Checklist

BYOD and Mobile Content Best of Breed Security Checklist

Revision History

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mu3o4f

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SOURCE Research and Markets
SAN FRANCISCO, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

Background

San Francisco area-based Life360, Inc. ("Life360" or the "Company") (ASX: 360) is evaluating the impact of Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") being closed on Friday, March 10, 2023 (U.S. Pacific time) by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") as receiver. According to the FDIC, all insured depositors of SVB will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday, March 13, 2023 (U.S. Pacific time). The FDIC has stated that it will pay uninsured depositors an advance dividend, which will be a portion of the amount of uninsured deposits they have at SVB. Uninsured depositors are expected to receive a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds. A receivership certificate entitles the holder to the remaining amount of their uninsured funds to be satisfied from (but only to the extent of available) proceeds from the liquidation of SVB's assets in the form of additional dividends. As the FDIC sells the assets of SVB, future dividend payments may be made to uninsured depositors.

Life360 exposure

As of March 10, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $95.1 million, including $6.1 million in deposits with SVB, and $75.4 million in shares of money market mutual funds managed by Morgan Stanley, Blackrock and Western Asset, which are invested in short-term, AAA-rated U.S. Government Treasury and Government Agency securities. Although SVB acted as custodian of these accounts, the Company understands that these accounts were not co-mingled with SVB's assets. As a result, the Company expects that the FDIC should act to liquidate the funds and disburse these amounts, or otherwise make the funds available, to the Company (subject to FDIC confirmation of customer ownership) in the near term, but timing has not been confirmed by the FDIC.

In addition, $13.3 million, representing most of Life360's restricted cash, is held by PNC Bank as escrow funds related to the Tile acquisition. An additional $0.3 million is held in an operating account with the Bank of Montreal.

The remaining $6.1 million was held in several operating and collateral accounts with SVB as detailed in the table below and is therefore under the control of the FDIC. Across the three entities in the group, the Company expects to have access to approximately $0.5 million in the aggregate in FDIC-insured funds. The FDIC has stated that it expects to pay uninsured depositors an advance dividend. There remains considerable uncertainty as to the extent of these dividends and the overall eventual recovery of these funds, if any, will depend on the success of the FDIC in selling the assets of SVB. As a result, management believes that its exposure to loss may be between zero and approximately $5.6 million.

Management currently expects there to be material updates as to the timing of release of funds prior to the opening of U.S. public markets tomorrow (Monday U.S. time). The Company will provide the market with an update as soon as any material further information comes to hand.

Life360's cash components are set out in the table below:

Legal Entity $M Account type SVB

Operating

Accounts Treasury/Govt

money market

accounts (SVB

custodian only) Other

Accounts Total Cash

and cash

equivalents Life360, Inc Operating 0.0 56.9

56.9 Tile, Inc Operating 1.0 16.8

17.8 Tile, Inc Euro 2.0



2.0 Tile, Inc GBP 1.7



1.7 Tile, Inc Collateral 1.1



1.1 Jiobit, Inc Operating 0.3 1.6

1.9 Life360, Inc Escrow account at PNC Bank



13.3 13.3 Tile Network

Canada ULC Bank of Montreal



0.3 0.3 Total Cash and cash equivalents 6.1 75.4 13.6 95.1 Insured accounts

(0.5)





SVB Accounts at risk 5.6





Note: May not add due to rounding

The SVB closure occurred at the peak of the Company's monthly cash cycle and as a result the Company expects its cash position at the end of the first quarter to be in line with previous estimates (assuming normal operating cadence) in the range of $70-75 million, including restricted funds.

Notwithstanding the closure of SVB, the Company continues to believe that its existing cash and cash equivalents balance and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its working capital, capital expenditures, and material cash requirements from known contractual obligations for the next twelve months.

Other information issued in connection with developments related to our position with SVB will be available on our website located at https://investors.life360.com/investor-relations/.

Investor Conference Call

An Investor Conference Call with Chris Hulls (Co-Founder and CEO) and Russell Burke (CFO) was held at 9.30am AEDT today, Monday 13 March, 2023 (Sunday 12 March 2023 US PT at 3.30pm).

A replay will be available at https://investors.life360.com

Authorization

Chris Hulls, Director, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Life360 authorized this announcement being given to ASX.

About Life360

Life360 operates a platform for today's busy families, bringing them closer together by helping them better know, communicate with, and protect the pets, people and things they care about most. The Company's core offering, the Life360 mobile app, is a market leading app for families, with features that range from communications to driving safety and location sharing. Life360 is based in the San Francisco area and had approximately 47.0 million monthly active users (MAU) as of September 30, 2022, located in more than 150 countries. For more information, please visit life360.com.

Tile, a Life360 company, locates millions of unique items every day by giving everything the power of smart location. Leveraging its superior nearby finding features and vast community that spans over 150 countries, Tile's cloud-based finding platform helps people find the things that matter to them most. In addition to trackers in multiple form factors for a variety of use cases, Tile's finding technology is embedded in over 55 partner products across audio, travel, wearables, smart home, and PC categories. For more information, please visit Tile.com.

Contacts

Life360's CDIs are issued in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) for offers of securities which are made outside the US. Accordingly, the CDIs, have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the US. As a result of relying on the Regulation S exemption, the CDIs are 'restricted securities' under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. This means that you are unable to sell the CDIs into the US or to a US person who is not a QIB for the foreseeable future except in very limited circumstances until after the end of the restricted period, unless the re-sale of the CDIs is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption is available. To enforce the above transfer restrictions, all CDIs issued bear a FOR Financial Product designation on the ASX. This designation restricts any CDIs from being sold on ASX to US persons excluding QIBs. However, you are still able to freely transfer your CDIs on ASX to any person other than a US person who is not a QIB. In addition, hedging transactions with regard to the CDIs may only be conducted in accordance with the Securities Act.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Life360 intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can be about future events, including statements regarding estimates regarding the sufficiency of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations and the extent and timing of the Company's ability to recover its cash in deposit at SVB. The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "predict", "will", "forecast", "estimate", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions can generally be used to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as they involve inherent risk and uncertainty (both general and specific) and should note that they are provided as a general guide only. There is a risk that such predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law, Life360 does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement, to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward-looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forward-looking statements are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as an indication or guarantee of future performance. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainty, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are outside Life360's control, and are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change and may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include risks described in the Company's ASX filings, Form 10 Registration Statement and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To the maximum extent permitted by law, responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise is disclaimed. This announcement should not be relied upon as a recommendation or forecast by Life360. Past performance information given in this document is given for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily a guide to future performance and no representation or warranty is made by any person as to the likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forward-looking statements, forecast financial information, future share price performance or any underlying assumptions. Nothing contained in this document nor any information made available to you is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise, representation, warranty or guarantee as to the past, present or the future performance of Life360.

SOURCE Life360
American Mayors Have Long Called for Reforms to Modernize Rail Systems, Promote Safety

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is endorsing critical and long-overdue legislation to make American railways safer. Following a train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, a bipartisan group of Senators, led by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), introduced the Railway Safety Act. Below is a statement in support of the proposed legislation from USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran:

"No community should have to face what East Palestine is experiencing today. This tragedy is even worse because it didn't have to happen. We've long known the risks and understood the need to improve rail safety. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has a decades-long history of supporting rail reform to make it safer for the cities that count on it. Today, that legacy continues, and we strongly endorse the Railway Safety Act.

This bill will enact key reforms USCM has long advocated for, help keep Americans safe and hold railroads accountable. Tweet this

"Rail transport remains a critical part of our infrastructure and economy, but no family should have to worry about the safety of hazardous chemicals being transported through their city. This bill will enact key reforms USCM has long advocated for, help keep Americans safe and hold railroads accountable. We thank the bipartisan sponsors of the bill, and America's mayors call on Congress to pass this legislation swiftly before another city confronts a similar crisis."

About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors
Valour's partially owned bank, SEBA Bank AG, is expanding onboarding resources due to higher customer demand amidst recent banking developments

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Valour Inc. (the "Company" or "Valour") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: MB9) (OTC: DEFTF), today confirms, in connection with the Company's commitment to providing transparent information, that neither itself nor any of its operating subsidiaries have any exposure to Silvergate Bank, Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank.

The company also confirms that SEBA Bank AG, one of its strategic investments, has no exposure to Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank, or USDC "The strategic decision to acquire a stake in one of two digital assets licensed banks by the Swiss regulator FINMA, SEBA Bank has proven to be paying off, particularly during difficult times like these. SEBA bank has no exposure to USDC, Silvergate or Silicon Valley Bank and is seeing more interest from potential customers during the last days," said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Valour, who also holds a seat on SEBA's management board. The security and safety of investors' funds will always remain the Company's top priority.

Valour Cayman offers fully hedged digital asset ETPs with low to zero management fees, with product listings across European exchanges, banks and broker platforms. Valour Cayman's existing product range includes Valour Uniswap (UNI), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Binance (BNB), Enjin (ENJ), Valour Bitcoin Carbon Neutral, and Valour Digital Asset Basket 10 (VDAB10) ETPs with low management fees. Valour Cayman's flagship products are Bitcoin Zero and Ethereum Zero, the first fully hedged, passive investment products with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as underlyings which are completely fee free.

About Valour

Valour Inc. (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJ.F) (OTCQB: DEFTF) is a technology company and the first and only publicly traded company that bridges the gap between traditional capital markets and finance. Founded in 2019, Valour is backed by an acclaimed and pioneering team with decades of experience in financial markets and digital assets. Valour's mission is to expand investor access to industry-leading Web3 and technologies. This allows investors to access the future of finance via regulated equity exchanges using their traditional bank account and access.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the Offering; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by Valour and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of DeFi and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to DeFi and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Valour, Inc.
Cape Town  The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has vowed to intensify the public service workers' strike which began last Monday and caused chaos at public institutions across the country, reports News24 .

Nehawu says the strike follows collapsed wage negotiations, continuous implementation of austerity measures, and the aggressive attack on collective bargaining by the government. Thousands of workers downed tools to force the government to agree to demands for a 10% wage hike. The government has offered 4.7% but the union has rejected the offer, calling it an insult. The week-long protests have been marred by violence and intimidation.

Nehawu Secretary-General Zola Saphetha, said that the government has been arrogant during the wage negotiations. He said that the union will continue with its protests until further notice.

The government continued to show public sector workers the middle finger and displayed high levels of arrogance by disregarding their plight even during the ongoing facilitation process at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council, he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Joe Phaahla, says he is disappointed that NEHAWU will be intensifying its strike. According to eNCA, Phaahla called for peaceful and non-violent action to allow non-striking healthcare personnel to exercise their constitutional right to work without being intimidated or victimised. Phaahla claimed that four people had died as a result of the strike.

Saphetha blamed the government for the countrywide problems resulting from the strike, stating that they had written letters to all provinces - including health departments - a week before the start of the strike, requesting that all provincial health departments meet with representatives of NEHAWU, particularly at the institutional levels in hospitals.

The Labour Appeal Court interdicted any industrial action by trade union NEHAWU, its members and employees. The order is applicable with immediate effect, reports News24.
$7.8 billion project financing for Phase Two completes approximately $21 Billion Plaquemines LNG project, the largest project financing ever done.

Company issues full notice to proceed on construction for Phase Two.

Plaquemines Phase Two is the first project to take FID in 2023 and is expected to be the next new LNG capacity in North America.

ARLINGTON, Va., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Venture Global LNG is announcing a final investment decision (FID) and successful closing of the $7.8 billion project financing for the second phase of the Plaquemines LNG facility. Together, phase one and phase two represent approximately $21 billion of investment, the largest project financing ever done. The proceeds of the debt and equity financing fully fund the balance of construction and commissioning of the second phase of the 20MTPA nameplate capacity project. Today, the company also issued a full notice to proceed to KZJV to continue construction on phase two of Plaquemines LNG.

"Venture Global is proud to announce a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) for phase two of Plaquemines LNG, less than 10 months after sanctioning phase one," said Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global LNG. "Our company's continued ability to commercialize, obtain financing and build our projects in an extremely competitive market is a testament to our team's proven track record of discipline and execution. I would like to thank our customers, lenders, advisors, construction partners and local partners in Louisiana for their continued support. Our team will continue to deliver on our mission to bring more clean, low-cost US LNG to the global market in the coming years to support the world's rapidly growing demand for energy."

Plaquemines LNG has received all necessary permits, including FERC authorization and non-FTA export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy. Plaquemines LNG phase two customers include ExxonMobil, Chevron, EnBW, New Fortress Energy, PETRONAS, China Gas and Excelerate Energy. Marketing is actively underway for the company's third facility, CP2 LNG, and SPAs have been signed by CP2 LNG with Exxon Mobil, Chevron, EnBW, INPEX, China Gas and New Fortress Energy.

The lender group for the construction financing includes the world's leading banks. The lenders who provided funding at closing are: BBVA, Banco Santander, Bank of America, Bank of China, Caixa Bank, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, ICBC Standard, ING, J.P. Morgan Chase, LBBW, Mizuho, MUFG, Natixis, Royal Bank of Canada, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Wells Fargo Bank, National Bank of Canada, KfW Ipex-Bank, Helaba, DZ Bank and Regions Bank.

ING, Santander, Mizuho, Scotia, and MUFG served as Lead Banks to Venture Global for the transaction. Latham & Watkins LLP served as counsel to Venture Global and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as counsel to the lenders.

About Venture Global LNG

Venture Global is a long-term, low-cost provider of U.S. LNG sourced from resource rich North American natural gas basins. Venture Global's first facility, Calcasieu Pass, commenced producing first LNG in January 2022. The company is also constructing or developing an additional 60 MTPA of production capacity in Louisiana to provide clean, affordable energy to the world. The company is developing Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) projects at each of its LNG facilities.

SOURCE Venture Global LNG
Kluwer Arbitration's Ewa Cairns-Szkatula will explore best practices for international arbitration legal professionals

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ewa Cairns-Szkatula, Director of Technology Product Management at Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., will be speaking at this year's European Federation for Investment Law and Arbitration (EFILA) Annual Conference on March 16 in Madrid. The session titled "Kluwer Arbitration: Data-Driven Arbitrator, Expert Witness and Counsel Selection," will take place at 12:45 PM.

Drawing on her expertise in international arbitration, Cairns-Szkatula will highlight Kluwer Arbitration's Profile Navigator and Relationship Indicator, tools that enable users to find and compare information about arbitrators, expert witnesses, and counsels. With user-friendly search options, legal professionals can use the tools to find profiles by name or by selected criteria, as well as search for relationships between individuals or entities to uncover potential conflict of interest.

"The extensive resources provided by Kluwer Arbitration allow legal professionals to successfully make informed decisions to build strong cases and identify the right arbitrator," said Cairns-Szkatula. "I am looking forward to connecting with this group of industry professionals and discussing the future of international arbitration, particularly as it relates to the well-debated developments in climate change."

Kluwer Arbitration provides exclusive access to arbitration resources and a streamlined research experience that supports legal professionals in identifying the right arbitrator for their case. With more than 17,000 data-driven profiles and relationships of arbitration practitioners and experts, the Profile Navigator and Relationship Indicator tools within the solution provide users with easy access to information that is typically confidential, saving time on research and replacing a cumbersome and incomplete process with a data-backed up approach. Legal professionals using the solution are sure to receive practical guidance, data-driven information, a rich collection of awards, and superior deep domain expertise content that will help them in building a winning case strategy. Wolters Kluwer's Kluwer Arbitration has recently won several prestigious industry awards, including 2022 SIIA Business Technology CODiE Awards, 2022 LegalTech Breakthrough Awards, 2022 Stevie's International Business Awards, among others.

"Kluwer Arbitration's Profile Navigator and Relationship Indicator tools are yet another excellent addition to the extensive resources Kluwer Arbitration offers," said Prof. Dr. Nikos Lavranos, LL.M., Secretary General of EFILA. "Having been involved in the development of these tools, I can assure that they are a must-have for all practitioners and academics who are working in international arbitration. The dynamic development of the tools will ensure that they will only get better over time, and thus indispensable."

EFILA has been established in Brussels as a think-tank to promote the knowledge of all aspects of EU and international investment law, including arbitration, at the European level. The EFILA Annual Conference will bring together industry experts to discuss international investment law issues, with this year's focus on climate change.

To register and learn more, visit: www.efila.org/annual-conference-2023/

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and corporate performance and ESG sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of 5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Linda Gharib

Director, Brand & Communications

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.
NEWARK, N.J., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZAGO, the high-tech sustainable sealing fasteners and switch boots manufacturer co-founded by married couple, Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, a corporate attorney, and Harvey Rottenstrich, an electrical engineer, is celebrating 30 years and being a woman-owned business.

ZAGO is a woman-owned manufacturing company celebrating its 30th anniversary and Women's History Month. Tweet this Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich and Harvey Rottenstrich are married and co-founders of ZAGO Manufacturing Co.

"March is Women's History Month, and it is only fitting that we recognize the pivotal roles women play in shaping the manufacturing industry," says Jackie Luciano, ZAGO Vice President. Jackie joined ZAGO 15 years ago as a part-time bookkeeper while raising her young children and advanced to a leadership role after earning her Rutgers MBA in Finance. "Gail and Harvey envisioned ZAGO being a diverse employer and a great place for both women and men to work and flourish."

Thriving in Newark

Today, ZAGO is thriving in Newark, NJ, the city where it started 30 years ago, and employs 35 women and men hailing from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Out of eight management-level positions, women occupy six of them. Gail serves as CEO and Harvey as President and Lead Engineer. ZAGO is now a woman-owned business.

When it comes to leadership roles and owning a manufacturing company, women are vastly underrepresented. "There are many qualified women in manufacturing and in other industries who can excel in this sector  but they have to see themselves in these positions," says Gail.

Becoming Woman-Owned

"Both Harvey and I realized that ZAGO should become a woman-owned manufacturer to show women, explicitly and implicitly, what is possible," says Gail.

"Among the reasons I love working at ZAGO is the level of support given to all employees," say Alejandra Damacela, Contract Review/Buyer, and 10+ year veteran of ZAGO who is also the mother of two little ones. "ZAGO offers tuition reimbursement so associates can pursue higher education and advanced degrees." Aly earned her Bachelor of Science, Marketing, Spring 2021, from Kean University. "For that, we are grateful."

About ZAGO:

Founded in 1993, ZAGO is a sustainable manufacturer making sustainable sealing fasteners and switch boots for a sustainable world. Based in Newark, NJ, ZAGO is Buy American Act compliant and provides sealing solutions to thousands of engineers, manufacturers, and distributors worldwide. Visit www.zago.com.

Contact:

Kim Keating

[email protected]

SOURCE ZAGO Manufacturing Company Inc
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "X-Ray Inspection Systems Market" is the title of a new report from Data Bridge Market Research. Key growth strategies, drivers, opportunities, key segments, Porter's Five Forces analysis, and competitive environment are all dissected in detail in the research. The X-Ray Inspection Systems market research report has been arranged with the most recent insight and analysis available in order to provide the X-Ray Inspection Systems industry with the greatest possible benefits. The report is useful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the market and can be utilized by both established and new players in the industry. In addition to that, the X-Ray Inspection Systems report contains historical data, current, and future market trends, the environment, technological innovation, upcoming technologies, and the technical progress that has been made in the associated industry. This X-Ray Inspection Systems market research report covers a wide range of topics, including industry research, customer insights, market sizing, and forecasting, competitive analysis, market entry strategy, pricing trend analysis, sustainability trend analysis, innovation trend analysis, technology evolution analysis, and distribution channel assessment.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global x-ray inspection systems market is expected to reach USD 1,349,915.66 thousand by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The global x-ray inspection systems market report also covers pricing analysis, patent analysis, and technological advancements in depth.

Download Sample Copy of X-Ray Inspection Systems Market @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-x-ray-inspection-system-market

X-ray inspection systems are used for non-destructive inspection of a sample area. X-ray inspection systems are used to detect defects in materials by non-destructive methods. Benefits of x-ray inspection systems include better quality control mechanisms, easy verification of missing products, improved data collection, and reduced risk of product recalls and much more. In x-ray inspection systems, the object that is to be inspected and its image is produced using x-rays which in turn is processed through an image processing software to verify missing items, draw shape analysis, verify the package integrity and detect any contamination.

Due to stringent government regulations that demand security and increasing demand for non-destructive testing are driving factors in the global x-ray inspection systems market. However, security threats associated with x-ray inspection systems and x-ray inspection systems is restraining the growth of the global x-ray inspection systems market. Rising adoption in food and beverage and other industries is estimated to provide opportunities for global x-ray inspection systems market growth. However, the lack of regulatory compliance associated with x-ray inspection systems has become a challenge for market growth.

Opportunities:

Rising adoption in the food and beverage sector

An X-ray inspection system is a non-destructive testing method that uses X-rays to examine the internal structure of objects or materials. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate materials and produce an image based on the absorption of the X-rays by different parts of the object. These systems are commonly used in various industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical to inspect components, products, and materials for defects, cracks, voids, foreign objects, or other anomalies. These systems typically consist of an X-ray source, a detector or sensor, and a processing unit that generates an image from the detected X-rays. In the past decade, the usage of X-ray inspection systems in the food and beverage sector has increased rapidly. As food and beverage sector requires high-quality standards, and X-ray inspection systems are capable of detecting contaminants such as metal, glass, and bone fragments in food products

Some of the major players operating in the X-Ray Inspection Systems market are:

SHIMADZU CORPORATION,

METTLER TOLEDO,

Nordson Corporation,

Smiths Detection Group Ltd,

ANRITSU CORPORATION,

ZEISS,

A&D Company, Limited,

Sesotec GmbH,

Nikon Metrology Inc.,

Comet Group,

North Star Imaging Inc,

Viscom AG,

ISHIDA CO., LTD,

Mekitec group,

MATSUSADA PRECISION Inc,

Scienscope,

SYSTEMS SQUARE INC.,

MAHA X-RAY EQUIPMENTS PVT. LTD,

Sapphire Inspection,

VJ Electronix, Inc.,

Loma Systems,

Minebea Intec GmbH,

TDI PACKSYS

Recent Developments

In September 2023 , METTLER TOLEDO announced on its official website that the company had entered into a partnership with Relevant Industrial, LLC. Under this partnership, the company is developing various products, including inspection systems, precision instruments and services for many applications in research and development, quality control, production, logistics and retail to customers worldwide. This has boosted the company's position in the global X-Ray inspection systems market.

, METTLER TOLEDO announced on its official website that the company had entered into a partnership with Relevant Industrial, LLC. Under this partnership, the company is developing various products, including inspection systems, precision instruments and services for many applications in research and development, quality control, production, logistics and retail to customers worldwide. This has boosted the company's position in the global X-Ray inspection systems market. In August 2022 , ANRITSU CORPORATION announced that the company had been awarded with as one of the "Best Places to Work in Illinois " for 2022 by The Daily Herald newspaper. The company has received this recognition and used it to promote its company culture and product portfolio across the U.S. region. This has allowed the company to gain revenue by increasing its product sales under the global X-Ray inspection systems market.

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Restraint/Challenge

High costs associated with X-Ray inspection systems

The usage and application of X-Ray inspection systems have increased in the last two decades, and as the characteristics and specifications increased, the cost of these systems as well. Today, the cost of X-ray inspection systems varies depending on the technology used, the complexity of the system, and the application. For example, some high-end X-ray inspection systems used in the semiconductor and electronics industries may cost hundreds of thousands or even Thousands of dollars to businesses. These high costs can be a major barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises, which may not have the financial resources to invest in these systems

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios of the top players in the X-Ray Inspection Systems market

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, R&D activities, and product launches in the market

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market strategies, and geographic and business segments of the leading players in the market

Market Development: Comprehensive information about emerging markets. This report analyzes the market for various segments across geographies

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the X-Ray Inspection Systems Market

Market Dynamics: X-Ray Inspection Systems Market

Increasing demand for non-destructive testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a testing and analysis technique used by industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure or system for characteristic differences or welding defects and discontinuities without causing damage to the original part. NDT is also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), non-destructive inspection (NDI) and non-destructive evaluation (NDE). These methods are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to ensure product quality and safety. X-ray inspection systems are a crucial component of NDT as they provide accurate and reliable detection of defects and contaminants that can compromise product quality and safety. Today modern non-destructive tests are used in manufacturing, fabrication, and in-service inspections to ensure product integrity and reliability, to control manufacturing processes, lower production costs, and to maintain a uniform quality level.

Technological advancements in X-Ray inspection systems

Technological advancements in X-ray inspection systems is expected to boost the market. The development of new and advanced technologies, such as high-resolution imaging, 3D imaging, and faster scanning times, is making X-ray inspection systems more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly. This is leading to their increased adoption in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In the last 10 years, 2D X-ray inspection technology has registered tremendous progress in capability. Current advanced 2D X-ray inspection systems feature extremely sharp and powerful X-ray sources (X-ray tubes) with submicron feature recognition down to 0.1 micron or 100 nanometres.

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Key Industry Segmentation: X-Ray Inspection Systems Market

Offering

Hardware

Software

Services

Imaging Technique

Film Based Imaging

Digital Imaging

Dimension

2d

3d

Product Type

Packaged Products

Un-Packaged Products

Pumped

Scanning Technology

Hd Technology

Ultra-Hd Technology

Number Of Lanes

Single Lane

Dual Lane

Multi Lane

End-Use

Food & Beverage

Semiconductor

Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

Automotive

Oil & Gas

Aerospace

Power Generation

Government Infrastructure

Regional Analysis/Insights: X-Ray Inspection Systems Market

The regions covered in the x-ray inspection systems market report are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America region is expected to dominate the market due to industrial x-ray market because of the strong base of manufacturing facilities, stringent regulation and implementation of standards mandated by various associations and the rising number of research activities in this region, which is increasing the region's dominance in the global x-ray inspection systems market.

Table of Contents:

Introduction Market Segmentation Executive Summary Premium Insights Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market: Regulations Market Overview Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Offering Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Imaging Technique Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Dimension Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Product Type Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Scanning Technology Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Number Of Lanes Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By End-Use Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Region Global X-Ray Inspection Systems Market: Company Landscape SWOT Analyses Company Profile Questionnaires Related Reports

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Explore More Reports:

North America X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Offering (Hardware, Software and Services), Imaging Technique (Film Based Imaging and Digital Imaging), Dimension (2D and 3D), Product Type (Packaged Products, Un-Packaged Products, Pumped and Others), Scanning Technology (HD Technology, Ultra-HD Technology and Others), Number of Lanes (Single Lane, Multi Lane and Dual Lane), End-Use (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Government Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Semiconductor and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/north-america-x-ray-inspection-system-market

Middle East and Africa X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Offering (Hardware, Software and Services), Imaging Technique (Film Based Imaging and Digital Imaging), Dimension (2D and 3D), Product Type (Packaged Products, Un-Packaged Products, Pumped and Others), Scanning Technology (HD Technology, Ultra-HD Technology and Others), Number of Lanes (Single Lane, Multi Lane and Dual Lane), End-Use (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Government Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Semiconductor and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/middle-east-and-africa-x-ray-inspection-system-market

Europe X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Offering (Hardware, Software and Services), Imaging Technique (Film Based Imaging and Digital Imaging), Dimension (2D and 3D), Product Type (Packaged Products, Un-Packaged Products, Pumped and Others), Scanning Technology (HD Technology, Ultra-HD Technology and Others), Number of Lanes (Single Lane, Multi Lane and Dual Lane), End-Use (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Government Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Semiconductor and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/europe-x-ray-inspection-system-market

Asia-Pacific X-Ray Inspection Systems Market, By Offering (Hardware, Software and Services), Imaging Technique (Film Based Imaging and Digital Imaging), Dimension (2D and 3D), Product Type (Packaged Products, Un-Packaged Products, Pumped and Others), Scanning Technology (HD Technology, Ultra-HD Technology and Others), Number of Lanes (Single Lane, Multi Lane and Dual Lane), End-Use (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Government Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Semiconductor and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/asia-pacific-x-ray-inspection-system-market

X-Ray Detectors Market, By Type (Flat Panel Detector, Computed Radiography Detectors, Line Scan Detectors, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Detectors and Mobile Detectors), Panel Size (Small Area and Large Area), Portability (Fixed Detectors and Portable Detectors), Application (Medical Imaging, Dental Application, Security Application, Veterinary Application and Industrial Application), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM'S), Clinics and ICU) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-x-ray-detectors-market

Dental Imaging (X-Ray) Market, By Product (Digital X-Ray, Analog X-Ray, Dental CBCT, Intraoral Cameras, Dental Optic Imaging), Type (Intraoral X-rays, Extraoral X-rays, Hybrid X-Ray Systems), Application (Medical, Cosmetic, Forensic, Diagnostics, Surgery, Research, Therapeutic), End Users (Dental Clinics, Dental Laboratories, Dental Academic and Research Institutes, Forensic Laboratories, Hospitals, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/dental-imaging-market

North America X-Ray Detector Market, By Type (Flat Panel Detector, Computed Radiography Detectors, Line Scan Detectors, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Detectors, Mobile Detectors), Panel Size (Large-Area Flat-Panel Detectors, Small-Area Flat-Panel Detectors), Portability (Portable Detectors, Fixed Detectors), System (New Digital X-Ray Systems, Retrofit X-Ray Systems), Application (Medical Applications, Dental Applications, Security Applications, Veterinary Applications, Industrial Applications), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM'S), Clinics, ICU), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/north-america-x-ray-detectors-market

Europe X-Ray Detector Market, By Type (Flat Panel Detector, Computed Radiography Detectors, Line Scan Detectors, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Detectors and Mobile Detectors), Application (Medical Imaging, Dental Application, Security Application, Veterinary Application, Industrial Application), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM'S), Clinics and ICU), Country (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Belgium, Russia, Rest of Europe) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/europe-x-ray-detectors-market

Dual Emission X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Equipment Market, By Product Type (Central DEXA and Peripheral DEXA), Application (Body Composition Analysis, Fracture Diagnosis, Bone Densitometry and Fracture Risk Assessment), End Users (Hospitals, Clinics, Mobile Health Centres and Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia- Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/dexa-equipment-market

Asia-Pacific X-Ray Detector Market, By Type (Flat Panel Detector, Computed Radiography Detectors, Line Scan Detectors, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Detectors, Mobile Detectors), Application (Medical Imaging, Dental Application, Security Application, Veterinary Application, Industrial Application), Portability (Fixed Detectors, Portable Detectors), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM'S), Clinics and ICU) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/apac-x-ray-detectors-market

X-Ray Devices and Accessories Market, By Product Type (Handheld X-Ray Devices, Mobile X-Ray Devices), Accessories (Digital Sensor Holders, Film and Phosphate Plate Holders, Film Processing Hangers, Radiography Aprons), Technology (Computed Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR), Analog), Application (Pneumonia, Dental, Orthopedic Damage, Cancers/Tumor, CVD), End-Users (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Diagnostic Centers, Clinics, ICU), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-x-ray-devices-and-accessories-market

Dental Digital X-Ray Market, By Product (Digital X-Ray, Analog X-Ray, Dental CBCT, Intraoral camera, Dental Optic Imaging), Type (Intraoral X-Rays, Extra Oral X-Rays, Digital Sensors, Hybrid X-Ray Systems), Application (Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Cosmetic Areas), End Use (Dental Hospitals and Clinics, Dental Academic and Research Institutions, Forensic Laboratories) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-dental-digital-x-ray-market

Ambulatory X-Ray Devices Market, By Product Type (Stand-Alone X-Ray Devices and Mobile X-Ray Devices), End User (Orthopedic Clinics Standalone Diagnostic Centers, Ambulatory Centers, Offices and Corporate Settings), Application (Orthopedic, Cancer, Dental, Cardiovascular And Other Applications), Accessories (Digital Sensor Holders, Film And Phosphate Plate Holders, Film Processing Hangers and Radiography Aprons), Technology (Digital Radiography X-Ray (Dr), Computed Radiography X-Ray (Cr) and Retrofit X-Ray), Distribution Channel (Direct Tenders and Distributor), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-ambulatory-x-ray-devices-market

Industrial X-ray Market, By Product Type (Instruments, Consumables), Technology (Micro Focus, Minifocus, Nanofocus), End User Application (Material Handling, Academia and Research and Development, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-industrial-x-ray-market

Digital X-Ray Market, By Type (Analog X-ray Systems and Digital X-ray Systems), Application (General Radiography, Chest Imaging Applications, Orthopedic Applications, Cardiovascular Imaging, Dental Applications, Mammography, Cancer, Fluoroscopy, Other General Radiography Applications), Technology (Direct Radiography and Computed Radiography), Portability (Fixed Digital X-ray Systems, Floor-to-Ceiling-Mounted Systems, Ceiling-Mounted Systems, Portable Digital X-ray Systems, Mobile X-ray Systems and Handheld X-ray Systems), Systems (Retrofit Digital X-ray Systems and New Digital X-ray Systems), Price Range (Low-End Digital X-ray Systems, Mid-Range Digital X-ray Systems and High-End Digital X-ray Systems), End Users (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers and Dental Care Centers), Country https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-digital-x-ray-market

Interventional X-ray Market, By Fixed Interventional X-ray (Single Plane, Bi-Plane), Surgical C-Arm (Mobile, Mini C-Arm), Application (Radiology, Neurology, Oncology, Pediatric Cardiology), End User (Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Research Institutes, Diagnostic Centers), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia- Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-interventional-x-ray-market

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COLUMBIA, Miss., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yak Access, LLC ("Yak" or the "Company"), the nation's leading provider of temporary access roads and related services, has announced that it completed a major recapitalization led by its principal equity holder, Platinum Equity, on March 10, 2023.

Through this transaction, Yak obtained $121,000,000 of new money investments, largely from Platinum Equity, which remains in control of a majority of Yak's common equity. All lenders across the Company's capital structure supported the transaction, which resulted in an exchange of their existing loans into a combination of equity and approximately $419,000,000 in new loans maturing in March 2028. Yak also entered into a new $75,000,000 revolving credit facility led by MidCap Financial. By eliminating over $500,000,000 of net debt and substantially reducing leverage and debt service, Yak has emerged from this transaction with ample liquidity and a healthy, sustainable balance sheet.

Jonathan Duhon, the chief executive officer of Yak, commented, "I continue to appreciate the unanimous support of Platinum Equity and our lenders, as well as the cooperation of Yak's vendors and customers throughout this process and the hard work of our employees. With ample liquidity from Friday's transaction, Yak is strongly positioned to capture burgeoning demand for its best-in-class services."

Jacob Kotzubei, co-president of Platinum Equity, added, "We are pleased to take this step forward in our partnership with Yak and its other stakeholders. Our new investment in Yak demonstrates Platinum Equity's confidence in its operational foundation, its core values, and its ability to drive organic growth through continuous innovation."

About Yak

Yak is a national provider of temporary roadways to remote construction sites. A dominant player in the industry, the Company specializes in selling and leasing mats that often run over rough environmental terrain. In addition to providing mats, Yak offers a suite of related services, including site design, mat installation and removal, and environmental remediation. Yak is headquartered in Columbia, Mississippi, and primarily serves the power line, renewable, industrial, and pipeline industries.

Advisors

Yak was advised by Milbank LLP as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC as restructuring advisor, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. as financial advisor and investment banker. Platinum Equity was advised by Vinson & Elkins LLP as legal counsel. The ad hoc group of first lien term loan lenders was advised by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel and Evercore Group L.L.C. as financial advisor. The first lien administrative agent was advised by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP as legal counsel and FTI Consulting, Inc. as financial advisor. The ad hoc group of second lien lenders was advised by Ropes & Gray LLP as legal counsel and Greenhill & Co., LLC as financial advisor.

Forward-Looking Statements

Yak has included statements in this press release that constitute "forward-looking statements." As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused on future or anticipated events or trends, expectations and beliefs including, among other things, the Company's expectations with respect to the amend and extend transaction described herein. Such statements are intended to be identified by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," "project," "plan" and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon the Company's then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

John Hedge

Yak Access

[email protected]

SOURCE Yak Access, LLC
Top EDM and pop artists jointly pledge commitment to virtual events for fan engagement and global growth

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- YOOM , in partnership with Active Theory , has announced that DJ Paul Oakenfold, Teriyaki Boys and Infected Mushroom will be among the artists headlining SoundWaves: A Metaverse Music Concert  an interactive, volumetric music event created exclusively for SXSW. The experience was built with Active Theory's Dreamwave platform and will feature three performances per day with different sets of artists starting tomorrow (March 14) through March 16.

YOOM and Active Theory announce SXSW Metaverse Concert by with top artists pledging support for virtual events Tweet this SoundWaves: A Metaverse Music Concert Teaser Trailer

To mark the launch of this unique music experience, all twelve participating artists have issued a joint statement about their commitment to virtual events as a way to better connect with fans, reach bigger, global audiences and boost creativity:

"We see the metaverse as one of music's next frontiers and we're honored to be among the pioneers. Virtual events enable more people to come together and share in an immersive, innovative experience while also helping us reach a wider, global audience and connect with fans in new and exciting ways. As artists, virtual platforms also give us increased creative control over performances and more exposure  not just to fans, but to other musicians, producers and creators around the world too. Tech is truly at the heart of the future of music and we can't wait to engage with fans, old and new, at the SXSW Metaverse Music Concert."

 Paul Oakenfold, Luude (feat Dear Sunday), Riell, Infected Mushroom, Teriyaki Boyz, Bright Light Bright Light, COASTCITY, Mason & Julez, GusGus, Capri Everett and Muszette

SoundWaves will take place in a custom virtual space inspired by the famous 6th Street in Austin, Texas and will be accessible globally for free on any web browser or device. Participants will be able to explore the metaverse space, chat with other attendees, view merchandise, and witness larger-than-life, photorealistic music performances from a number of talented artists, all captured using YOOM's cutting-edge volumetric technology.

There will be three performances per day, each with a unique set of artists, at 4am CT, 1pm CT, and 8pm CT, though participants are free to enter the space at their leisure and interact with other areas or attendees. The full lineup with each day's performances can be found here .

"YOOM is deeply committed to making the metaverse accessible to everyone, bridging the gap that often comes with high-level and expensive technology," said Gilad Talmon, CEO of YOOM. "This unique activation gives artists the opportunity to connect with fans in new, deeper ways and allows people everywhere to discover artists in a whole new dimension. We are thrilled to partner with Active Theory to bring this project to life for SXSW, demonstrating the growing interest in this kind of technology and showing the world everything that can be achieved in this exciting new space."

"SoundWaves is a virtual concert that showcases the latest tech from Active Theory, Dreamwave, and YOOM. Our goal is to represent the exciting future of bringing an artist's likeness and their work into a socialized digital format," said Andy Thelander, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Active Theory.

As part of their presence at SXSW, YOOM & Active Theory will also be hosting the panel "Creating a Music Experience in the Metaverse" on March 16 at 2:30pm at Room 18AB in the Austin Convention Center. Hosted by Michaela Ternasky-Holland from Games for Change , the panel will discuss how they pulled this event together as well as the future of music in the metaverse. Participants include rapper and music producer Verbal; Andy Thelander, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Active Theory; and Diego Prilusky, Head of Production & Creative of YOOM.

For more information on YOOM, please visit www.yoom.com .

For more information on Active Theory, please visit www.activetheory.net .

About YOOM

YOOM is a deep tech company founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, that brings real humans into the digital world with cutting-edge volumetric technology. Its mission is to enable the creation of new immersive content and experiences for the Metaverse and Web3, pioneering new ways for people to express themselves, create and consume content. YOOM's AI technology consists of proprietary neural networks dedicated to volumetric video production. YOOM currently operates studios worldwide and is commercially active in the U.S., Europe, Middle East, and APAC.

Please visit www.yoom.com and follow us on YouTube , LinkedIn , Instagram , Twitter and Discord for information.

About Active Theory

Active Theory is a digital studio based in LA and Amsterdam that focuses on utilizing emerging technologies to produce interactive experiences for brands and events. Their visually striking projects have garnered recognition for engaging audiences and pushing the limits of web-based possibilities.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE YOOM
Trusted Name in Drain and Sewer Services Set to Support Local Property Managers, Contractors, Plumbers & Homeowners with 24/7, 365 Drainage Solutions

FORT MEYERS, Fla., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoom Drain  a leading operator of drain and sewer services  opened its newest franchise in Fort Meyers, FL on March 1, 2023. Located at 17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Ste 1, Zoom Drain of Southwest Florida will proudly serve the surrounding areas. Currently, there are two Zoom Drain franchise locations in Florida with 37 total nationwide.

One of the owners of the new location is Sam Marcisso, who is no stranger to working in home services, and grew up helping his dad at his plumbing job. Marcisso became a Master Plumber at 20 years old and during his 45-year career, has owned several other businesses in the industry  including another Zoom Drain location in New England. Not only is Marcisso passionate about providing expert services to his community, but he also has a strong focus on making the home service industry lucrative for his employees by providing competitive benefits, creating a positive company culture, and ensuring each employee is appreciated for their hard work.

"The home service industry has always been my passion, and as we open the newest Zoom Drain in Florida, we are looking forward to becoming a trusted service provider for our community," said Sam Marcisso, owner of Zoom Drain of Southwest Florida. "This is the next step in continuing the growth of our legacy with Zoom Drain. We cannot wait to meet the diverse communities in the area, to offer peace of mind to all of our customers, and eventually continue to explore more growth opportunities in the area."

Zoom Drain provides around the clock residential and commercial service centering on drain and sewer cleaning, sewer pipe video inspections, grease trap maintenance and much more. From clogged sinks and bathtubs to main sewer line blockages, Zoom Drain utilizes five different drain cleaning machines and a custom hydro-jetter to tackle any sewage issue that arises. Customers include commercial property managers, contractors, plumbers, and homeowners in need of immediate solutions to drain and sewage issues.

Zoom Drain prides itself on always providing swift, dependable service by expertly-trained specialists for both emergency and planned maintenance service needs  everything that has to do with wastewater management. Zoom Drain is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

"We are thrilled to have Marcisso and his team continue to expand with Zoom Drain and bring their expert services to Southwest Florida," said Jim Criniti, CEO of Zoom Drain. "Drain and sewer emergencies are a nightmare for anyone, so offering skilled and reliable services to the Southwest Florida community is a priority for us and we're looking forward to growing our brand in the area and beyond."

To learn more about Zoom Drain, visit https://www.zoomdrain.com/

About ZOOM DRAIN:

Zoom Drain is an operator and franchisor of drain and sewer services, focusing on repair, maintenance and installation  everything "below the drain." If it deals with wastewater, Zoom Drain deals with it, providing expertly-trained specialists to respond to both emergency service and planned maintenance, cleaning more drains in a year than most plumbers clean in their career. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Zoom Drain currently has 35 locations across the U.S and continues to grow! For more information about, please visit https://www.zoomdrain.com/.

Media Contact: Maddie LaPorta, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847-945-1300

SOURCE Zoom Drain
President Isaias Afwerki sent a message of congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his election as President of the People's Republic of China for a 3rd term.

In his message, President Isaias said that the election of President Xi Jinping for the third consecutive term attests to the trust and recognition of the overall development of the People's Republic of China registered under his leadership.

President Isaias underlined the People's Republic of China's indispensable contributions in crystallization of healthy multilateral global architecture and prospects of enhanced bilateral ties.

President Isaias also expressed readiness to work for strengthened bilateral relations between Eritrea and the People's Republic of China.
The trial of Azaan Madisia (30) and her brother and co-accused Steven Mulundu (25) is entering its last phase, with both having finished their evidence in their defence.

After State Advocate Henry Muhongo cross-examined Mulundu on Thursday, Windhoek High Court Judge Christi Liebenberg remanded the matter to 27 March for arguments on the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Both pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances but pleaded guilty on a charge of defeating or attempting to defeat the course of justice. Madisia pleaded guilty to two additional counts of fraud.

The pair are accused of murdering 22-year-old Shannon Wasserfall - a close friend of Madisia - in April2020.Madisia reported Wasserfall missing, and allegedly also took part in some of the searches conducted to find her.

However, a text message sent to Wasserfall's father later that year led the police and investigators to the victim's shallow grave close to the Dunes Mall.

The message was later traced back to Madisia, who was arrested in November 2020.

Mulundu handed himself over several months later to the police at the Narraville police station for his part in the crime and was arrested.

He allegedly assisted his sister to dispose of the victim's body. They are accused of murdering Wasserfall before burying her in a shallow grave at the town. She was "missing" for almost six months.

During her evidence in defense, Madisia claimed that Wasserfall's death was the result of a tragic accident. She said she and the victim were involved in a pushing match when the victim fell over her bed and hit her head on a wall.

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She denied that she and Mulundu conspired to kill Wasserfall, and insists that Mulundu only helped her to get rid of the body.

On his part, Mulundu testified that his sister called him in a state of panic and asked him to come to her place, as she did "something wrong". When he arrived at her flat, she was shaking and on edge, with her voice quaking. He said he helped her against his better judgement, because she is his sister and he loves her.

Madisia and Mulundu are represented by Legal Aid lawyers Albert Titus and Tanya Klazen, respectively.

Madisia remains in custody at the Klein Windhoek Police Station and Mulundu at the section for trial-awaiting inmates at the Windhoek Correctional Facility.
Lucknow, March 13 : The Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered a probe into a viral video in which an IPS officer, Anirudh Singh, is allegedly demanding a bribe.

The Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, has been asked to probe the authenticity of the video, which is around two years' old.

The Police Commissioner will submit his report within the next three days.

At present, Singh is posted as the Superintendent of Police (Meerut Rural). The video is of the period when Singh was posted in Varanasi as the Additional Superintendent of Police.

"A video of Anirudh Singh, IPS officer, appointed as SP Rural in Meerut district, is going viral in which he is seen conversing with a person through video call. On the basis of the said video, allegations of corruption are being levelled against Singh," an official statement issued by the DGP headquarters said.

A probe has also been ordered into a complaint related to Anirudh Singh's wife Aarti Singh, who is also an IPS officer.

Through a tweet, the DGP headquarters has come to know of the allegation that Aarti Singh, currently posted in Varanasi as Deputy Commissioner of Police, has not paid rent to a flat owner.

However, after inquiry, it came to light that she had already paid the rent.

The Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, will probe the issue and submit the report within three days.
Los Angeles, March 13 : Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel started the 2023 Academy Awards with a joke about last year's infamous slap, but he kept his slap jokes relatively light.

"Five Irish actors are nominated tonight, which means the chances of a fight just went way up," Kimmel joked.

"We want you to have fun, feel safe and, most importantly, we want me feel safe," Kimmel told the audience...

"So, we have strict policies in place. If anyone in this theatre commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech." "But seriously, the academy has a crisis team in place. If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the show, sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug." "And if any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to get jiggy with it -- it's not going to be easy," Kimmel concluded, then shouting out fighters in the audience like Michael B. Jordan's 'Creed' and Michelle Yeoh.

Kimmel is no stranger to Oscars controversy, having hosted the 2017 Oscars where 'La La Land' was incorrectly announced as the winner for best picture.

Kimmel was forced to navigate a tricky situation after the 'La La Land' producers and cast took the stage to accept the Oscar, only for 'Moonlight' to be then announced as the correct winner.

Smith slapped Rock at the 2022 Oscars while the latter was presenting the best documentary feature category. Rock made a controversial joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head, which she shaved following an alopecia diagnosis.

After the slap, Smith returned to his seat and repeatedly screamed at Rock, "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!" The ceremony continued with Smith remaining in attendance as he won the best actor Oscar for his performance in "King Richard".

Smith resigned from the Academy a few days after the Oscars ceremony, writing in a statement, "I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken." It took several more days for the Academy to announce it was revoking Smith's AMPAS membership and banning him from attending the Oscars ceremonies for 10 years.

Elsewhere in his monologue, Kimmel brought up the absences of Tom Cruise and James Cameron at the 2023 ceremony, joking, "You know, Tom and James Cameron didn't show up tonight. The two guys who insisted we go to the theatre didn't come the theatre."

Latest updates on Oscars 2023
Los Angeles, March 13 : Global musical sensation, 'Naatu Naatu' from the S.S. Rajamouli-directorial 'RRR' burnt the stage at the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre.

The song took the form of a performance after actress Deepika Padukone made an introduction to the song for those in attendance at the venue.

The actress said, "An irresistibly catchy chorus, electrifying beats and killer dance moves to match with, have made this next song a global sensation. It plays during a pivotal scene in 'RRR', a movie about real-life friendship between Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaran Bheem. In addition to being sung in Telugu and illustrating the film's anti-colonial themes, it's also a total banger." She further mentioned, "It has earned millions of views on YouTube and TikTok, has audiences dancing in movie theatres all around the world and is also the first song ever from an Indian production to be nominated for an Oscar. Do you know 'Naatu' because if you don't you're about to." The song was crooned on stage by Kaala Bhairava as the international dancer grooved to the electrifying beats and the livewire lyrics of the song.

After clinching the honour for the Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Award and at the Critics' Choice Awards, the song is in the race for Best Song at the 95th Academy Awards as well. The song has been composed by M.M. Keeravani, who is the cousin of Rajamouli.

'RRR', which stars NTR Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt and Shriya Saran is a historical fiction and tells the fictional story of two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem and their fight against the British Raj.

The 95th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, are happening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and are available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.

Latest updates on Oscars 2023
Los Angeles, March 13 : Actor Brendan Fraser, who won the Best Actor honour 'The Whale', got on stage and said he is grateful for the "creative lifeline".

He said: "So this is what the multiverse looks like!" He then continued down a nautical-themed speech thanking his cast, crew and family.

"I'm grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship 'The Whale'," Fraser said.

Image Source: IANS News

"That was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse. Gentleman, you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so that we could see into your souls like no one else could do. It is my honor to be named alongside you in this category. I want to tell you that only whale's can swim at the depth of talent of Hong Chau (fellow nominee).

"I started in this business 30 years ago, things didn't come easy to me but there was a facility that I didn't appreciate at the time, until it stopped. I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. It couldn't be done without my cast. It's been like I've been on a diving expedition and the air on the line to the surface is being watched over by some people in my life like my sons," he added.

Fraser picked up the Academy Award for his role as Charlie, a house-bound 600-pound English teacher who is trying to salvage his relationship with his estranged daughter, played by Sadie Sink.

Best Actor in a Leading Role goes to Brendan Fraser! #Oscars #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/rWIHrR9BS9  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

The 54-year-old actor maintained a stunning lead throughout the award season, starting with a 14-minute standing ovation during the world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Fraser also took home hardware from the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Critics' Choice Awards.

Latest updates on Oscars 2023

-- Syndicated from IANS
The management team at Temperature Lounge located in Khomasdal recently advertised six positions for a walk-in interview. Much to their astonishment, more than 2 000 people showed up on Friday, which resulted in such a chaotic scene that the establishment's gate collapsed due to pressure from the job-seekers to be granted the opportunity for an interview.

One of the managers at the establishment, Ndeshimana Nghimwena, said they were thus forced to cancel the interviewing process, and only collected CVs.

"We are busy shortlisting the candidates according to experience, and the shortlisted ones will come in for interviews from Monday (today). We will try and take in as many as we can," she told New Era on Friday.

She said it was a call-out for six positions, namely floor manager, bar manager, kitchen staff as well as waiters and bartenders.

"We usually have people e-mail their CVs, but decided to do a walk-in interview as we didn't expect this many people to show up looking for jobs. This is so heartbreaking," she noted.

Nghimwena added that it was extremely disheartening to inform potential applicants to "only submit their CVs and go back".

She remarked that no one had any idea that so many people would show up for six jobs, and described the incident as demoralising and shocking.

"When I was looking through the CVs, most of the people have degrees. When you look at somebody's CV and see that they had finished their bachelor's degree three years ago but are at the point of looking for any job, that is truly heartbreaking," she continued.

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Nghimwena said in the past, most of the recruited staff were students looking for part-time jobs. However, she recounted that many of the current job applicants have enough work experience in other areas, while some have multiple qualifications.

"Something needs to be done about the unemployment rate," she urged.

She then suggested that government implements employment-creation projects, and pleaded for the country to reduce importing goods which can be manufactured locally. Potential job applicant Laurentia Roman told this publication that it is so "demotivating". "It was so sad that the youth had to turn out like this for six positions at one place since 04h00 in the morning.

People even broke down the entrance gate because that's how desperate they are to get jobs. The unemployment rate is very high.

It's not even a joke. Something has to be done".

Fellow job-seeker Vanesa Kapuini said "we graduated, but there are no jobs. So, we are just taking any work that we find". Katjana Petrus told New Era: "I don't know what to feel now because of what I just witnessed. I just need any job now because it is hard to survive in the city".
New Delhi, March 13 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday will present the budget for 2023-24 for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Lok Sabha.

She will also present the second batch of the supplementary demands for grants for 2022-23.

The finance minister will also present the supplementary demands for grants for Jammu and Kashmir for 2022-23.

The second part of the budget session is set to resume from today after a month-long break.

The government will look forward to get the Union budget passed during the session, which will continue till April 6.
New Delhi, March 13 : As habitats globally decline, and the species' extinction crisis escalates, the Red List of species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Species is a trusted source to identify which species need the most help.

The Red List uses all available information and expert inputs to designate species to seven categories: Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near-threatened, Least Concern, and Data Deficient.

The designation carried global weight and it is generally considered that the process used for such designations and the background data is of the highest quality.

Many metrics like the Red List are now used around the world to help scientists, conservationists and governments prioritise which habitats and species to focus conservation efforts on using the limited pots of money available.

These metrics, therefore, undergo multiple critical evaluations to ensure their high quality and reliability.

However, despite being used globally, the Red List, especially for birds, is seldom evaluated independently to assess its reliability. An international group of stork scientists and conservationists decided to do just that --assess the availability of scientific knowledge on all 20 species of storks globally and understand whether the Red List status, that has been confidently ascribed to all the storks, is robust.

The collaboration included an American, two South African and an Indian scientist who have collectively been working on storks for over two decades. They undertook a very detailed and careful literature review and assessed nearly 1,000 scientific papers to identify aspects of stork ecology that has seen scientific attention.

They then carefully evaluated the Red List methods used to ascribe status to storks and provided the first global review of stork literature.

Not too surprisingly, the vast majority of research on storks was available from developed countries, especially in North America and Europe. Due to this geographical bias, over half of the literature available focused on only three of the 20 stork species of the world.

The maximum number of published studies since the 2000's, however, was from Asia -- the continent that also has one of the highest diversity of storks. Research from Africa, another continent with high stork diversity, was picking up but was very low yet, say ornithologists.

Putting all evidence together, it emerged that 75 per cent of the stork species had barely any information on natural history of storks, let alone good information on their population sizes and habitat associations.

It was a surprise then how all stork species had a confident Red List status. Clearly, the process used by the IUCN Red List, the researchers concluded, required a lot more improvement.

For storks, they concluded, the Red List was not a reliable source of information regarding their current status. The vast majority of storks, they recommend, require to be correctly listed as Data Deficient as per IUCN norms.

The researchers uncovered two prominent assumptions that appeared to have been used to provide status assessments especially for African and Asian storks.

The first was the assumption that agriculture was bad for all storks in all locations.

Gopi Sundar, a co-author of the global stork assessment, and the co-chair for the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group, told IANS this assessment was fortunately untrue.

His studies on storks, and other large waterbirds, in India and elsewhere has helped to showcase how multiple forms of agriculture are assisting many species of storks live alongside farming and farmers. This understanding, however, has been slow to percolate into the larger conservation system.

Across the IUCN and other global conservation forums, the vast majority of conservationists still follow the emerging trends from developed countries where agriculture has been severely detrimental to birds. These findings are, unfortunately, superimposed on the entire globe.

In India, recent research efforts by Gopi Sundar showed how the Woolly-necked Storks, previously thought to be numbering 35,000 and badly affected by agriculture, was actually numbering over 2,00,000 with growing healthy populations amid agriculture.

Similarly, other researchers have showcased how south Asian farmlands have excellent populations of other stork species such as the Lesser Adjutant Storks, painted storks and Asian openbills.

The second assumption related to the common source of data that is being used to "guesstimate" African and Asian stork populations.

A popular volunteer effort is carried out each winter to count waterbirds at wetlands to help track waterbirds globally. Stork numbers counted during these counts are used being commonly used to extrapolate and guess stork population sizes.

Most African and Asian storks do not restrict their activities only to wetlands, instead also using agricultural areas and even cities as foraging and breeding areas. For the most part, farmers and other people in these continents are not aggressively against wildlife, like in many developed countries where shooting of birds is a commonly practised cultural activity.

The assumption that storks would only do well in wetlands especially in protected wetlands is also commonly used across conservation agencies for most species of wildlife in the world.

The researchers have pointed out the global significance of the Red List, and that it requires it to be a high quality and reliable metric.

For storks, they have provided several aspects of incorrect understanding that conservationists would do well to move away from, instead replacing these assumptions with published literature on the wellbeing of storks.

It is, therefore, likely that there are an unknown number of other bird species that are similarly attributed to incorrect Red List statuses.

Correctly identifying stork species that require research attention, they stated, is needed to help direct research related resources to the places where these storks are found.

This study, published in the prestigious journal Biological Conservation, and written by some of the leading stork researchers of the world points to the need for similar independent assessments of the Red List for other groups of birds.

Such assessments can help undertake corrections where needed and can help bring to the fore aspects such as incorrect assumptions.

Collectively, these will help to improve one of the world's most famous metrics used in conservation.

Gopi Sundar pointed out that this paper was the result of a project led by a PhD student. Jonah Gula, the first author of the paper, who is registered in a University in South Africa working on storks. Other bird groups, he said, can be taken up by students and universities to assess how well the Red List status reflects known information on the species.

This will not only ensure that students learn the importance of thoughtfully critiquing widely used metrics but will also help undertake independent assessments of the Red List.

Such transparency and increased robustness, Gopi Sundar told IANS, is urgently needed given how many species are facing possible conservation threats around the world.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)
Guwahati, March 13 : Assam's class 10 board examination scheduled on Monday has been cancelled amid allegations of paper leak, officials said.

In a notification late on Sunday night, the Board of Secondary Education in Assam (SEBA) said, "This is for information to all concerned that, a news is telecast in the section of media today evening that the hand written model question paper of HSLC examination of General Science (C3) subject, which is to be held on 13th March, 2023 (Monday) is available in the hands of some candidate and it is also spread in the social media." "We have a belief that such news may create a confusion in the minds of the candidates and keeping in view of this, the examination of General Science (C3) subject, which is to be held on 13th March, 2023 (Monday) is hereby cancelled. The next date of the examination of the subject General Science shall be notified in due course," it added.

Director General of Police in Assam, G.P. Singh informed that the state Crime Investigation Department will investigate the matter and will take necessary action against the perpetrators behind the paper leak.

"Reference media reports of leakage of General Science (C3) question paper of HSLC examination scheduled for March 13th 2023 conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Assam - A criminal case has been registered and would be investigated by CID Assam. We would bring the culprits and conspirators to law," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, students have been staging a protest outside many examination centres across the state expressing their displeasure on last minute cancellation of the examination.
Chennai, March 13 : The Hyundai Motor India Ltd with a view to have a second automobile plant in India is considering to acquire land and building and some assets of General Motors India's Talegaon plant in Maharashtra.

According to Hyundai Motor India, a Term Sheet has been signed for the potential acquisition of identified assets of the plant like land and building, certain machinery and equipment situated at the General Motors India's plant in Talegaon.

The Hyundai Motor India said the proposed acquisition is subject to the signing of the 'Definitive Asset Purchase Agreement' and fulfillment of conditions precedent and receipt of regulatory approvals from relevant Government Authorities and all the stakeholders related to the acquisition.

The Indian subsidiary of the South Korea's Hyundai Motors has a big manufacturing facility in Irrungattukottai near here.

The Hyundai Motor India has earlier announced its plans to get into electric vehicle manufacturing.

Further another facility outside Tamil Nadu is a sort of derisking strategy and also being closer to other markets in the country.

It should be noted Ford Motor Company had shuttered its Chennai plant operations sometime back.
New Delhi, March 13 : Commonwealth Day will be celebrated on Monday with observances, speeches, exhibitions and cultural events across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.

With 'Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future' as its theme, the day aims to unite 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens in celebration of their shared values and principles, and in pursuit of a common future, centred on sustainability and peace.

This will be the first Commonwealth Day presided over by the UK's King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

The day will also mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which outlines the values and principles that unify the 56 Commonwealth countries, representing one-third of humanity.

In her Commonwealth Day Message, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC paid tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II for her seven decades of service and welcomed King Charles III for his first Commonwealth Day as the new Head of the Commonwealth.

Speaking on the role of the Commonwealth in her message, she said: "We stand together now to face the challenges of the moment and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Where there is violence and conflict, we work for peace. Where there is insecurity, we protect the culture, process and institutions of democracy. Where there is poverty, we tackle it. Where there is injustice, we challenge it.

"Where our brothers and sisters have their lives threatened and disrupted by the impacts of climate change, we stand with them, working tirelessly for climate action and a more sustainable world. I believe profoundly that our family of 56 nations and 2.5 billion people is stronger, more vibrant, more connected and more purposeful than ever." Drawing attention to the growing cooperation within the Commonwealth at a time of polarisation, Secretary-General Scotland added: "Our unique qualities and advantages mean that the Commonwealth in 2023 is not simply a part of the international system, it is a beacon within it.

"These qualities shine in the fact that, with a multilateral system under strain, the Commonwealth is growing, precisely because of what we stand for and what we can deliver.

"So, on this 10th anniversary of our (Commonwealth) Charter, as we renew our commitment to its values and to each other, let us resolve together to ensure that in the years to come, we make the peaceful and sustainable common future we all strive for a reality for the whole Commonwealth." Around the Commonwealth, cities will host inter-faith, multi-cultural observances to mark the day. One of the largest gatherings will be the traditional service at Westminster Abbey in London and will be attended by The King, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, senior government officials, other dignitaries and hundreds of young people.

At the service, the theme will be expressed through musical performances, testimonies and readings from individuals representing several Commonwealth countries, including 'Amalgamation Choir', an all-female choir from Cyprus.

Commonwealth Day has been celebrated on the second Monday in March every year since 1977. In recent years, there has been a shift away from a single-day observance towards a full-week celebration, with Commonwealth Day as its focal point.

This year, as part of the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative, each Commonwealth country and every UK city will receive a flag, which they can raise on Commonwealth Day in celebration of the values of the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy, human rights, sustainable development, equality and respect.

Parliamentarians, mayors and high commissioners in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe will also mark the day with various activities, including speeches and cultural events.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has also produced a special quiz for students to learn more about the modern Commonwealth and its diverse membership. Schools around the Commonwealth can download and use the quiz free of charge.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Patna, March 13 : Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines to all hospitals in Bihar after a woman in the state capital tested positive for H3N2 influenza virus on Saturday.

Patna, March 13 (IANS) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines to all hospitals in Bihar after a woman in the state capital tested positive for H3N2 influenza virus on Saturday.

The woman is currently undergoing treatment in Rajendra Institute of Medical Research in Agam Kuan locality here.

ICMR has written letters to every state and Bihar government has sent an advisory to civil surgeons of all the districts.

Keeping this in view, Patna Medical College and Hospital has reserved 20 beds for the patients of H3N2 flu.

According to an official, PMCH has a special Covid section in Tata ward and 20 of its beds are being reserved for H3N2 influenza.

Doctors have advised every person to stay away from the crowded places and wear face masks. Any person having a cold and cough with fever for more than three days should consult doctors.

H3N2 influenza is one of the variants of Swine Flu (H1N1) and the symptoms are also similar.
New Delhi, March 13 : An IndiGo flight was diverted to Karachi airport in Pakistan after one of its passengers fell sick. The plane was flying from Delhi to Doha.

The passenger reportedly passed away before the flight could land.

Officials said that a passenger on IndiGo Airline flight 9E1736 felt sick in the flight, after which the captain of the plane contacted the Karachi Air Traffic Control and relayed the information regarding a medical emergency.

"IndiGo flight 6E-1736, operating from Delhi to Doha was diverted to Karachi due to a medical emergency on board. Unfortunately, on arrival, the passenger was declared dead by the airport medical team," said the airline on Monday.

"We are deeply saddened by the news and our prayers and wishes are with his family and loved ones. We're currently making arrangements for transferring the other passengers of the flight, in coordination with the relevant authorities," added the airline spokesperson.

Officials said that the person has been identified as a Nigerian.

Earlier, on February 20, a Delhi-bound Air India flight travelling from New York was diverted to London on Monday evening due to a medical emergency.

In a similar incident in mid-January, a Madurai-Delhi IndiGo flight was diverted to the Indore airport following a medical emergency with a passenger mid-air.
Antananarivo, March 13 : At least 22 people have been killed after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Madagascar, the East Africa nation's port authority said.

The boat carrying a total of 47 people capsized on Saturday due to an accident in the seas off the coast of Madagascar, the Maritime and River Port Agency said in a statement late Sunday.

Twenty-three of them on board were saved, and operations to rescue the missing were still ongoing, Xinhua news agency quoted the authorities as saying.

The boat was on its way to the French overseas island of Mayotte, according to the statement.
Ahmedabad, March 13 : India's middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the ongoing fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to lower back injury.

Ahead of the start of day five's play on Monday, the BCCI said in a statement, "Shreyas Iyer will take no further part in this Test. A specialist opinion will be sought." Earlier, during day four's play on Sunday, Iyer did not come out to bat, with the BCCI saying that he had gone for scans after the right-handed batter complained of pain in his lower back following the third day's play and the medical team monitoring him.

With Iyer being unavailable to bat, India finished on 571 in 178.5 overs with a lead of 91 runs over Australia. Talismanic batter Virat Kohli scored a magnificent 186, while Shubman Gill played a sparkling knock of 128.

The lower back injury had kept Iyer out of the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Nagpur, as well as the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January this year and the subsequent T20I series.

After the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, India will play Australia in a three-match ODI series starting from Mumbai, which is also Iyer's hometown, on March 17. Being out of the final Test in Ahmedabad due to lower back pain means Iyer is now a doubtful starter for the ODI series against Australia.

Iyer is also the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts from March 31. Kolkata are scheduled to play their first match of the tournament on April 1, against Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings in Mohali.
Seoul, March 13 : North Korea fired two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend, the country's state media said on Monday.

The North's first known firing of cruise missiles from a submarine is widely viewed as an apparent show of force against a major South Korea-US combined military exercise, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The missiles were fired from the 8.24 Yongung in waters off Kyongpho Bay in the East Sea in an underwater launching drill held at dawn on Sunday, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"The drill confirmed the reliability of the weapon system and examined the underwater-to-surface offensive operations of submarine units that constitute one of other major forces of the DPRK nuclear deterrent," the KCNA said in a report, using the acronym of the North's official name.

The missiles precisely hit preset targets in the East Sea after "travelling the 1,500 km-long eight-shaped flight orbits for 7,563 to 7,575 seconds".

The latest launch came on the eve of the start of the allies' 11-day Freedom Shield exercise, which the North calls "preparations for a war of aggression" against it.

North Korea said its latest underwater launching drill "verified the current operation posture of the nuclear war deterrence means in different spaces".

Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected an unspecified missile launched from a submarine in waters off the North's eastern coastal city of Sinpo on Sunday morning.

It did not immediately provide other details.

Following the KCNA report on the launch, a JCS official said there is a "difference" between the North's claim about the missile's specifics and the analysis by the South and the US.

He did not elaborate, while his comments have indicated that the military views the reclusive North as having exaggerated the results of its latest cruise missile testing.

He characterized the North's launch of the missiles as an "early-stage" test, indicating that the missile has not been deployed yet, speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity Cruise missiles fly low and maneuver, making them better at evading missile defenses. The North said last month it launched four "Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles" in a drill aimed at bolstering its nuclear counterattack capability.

Military experts assessed that the North appears to have improved the striking capability of its submarine.

If confirmed, a North Korean cruise missile with an operational range of some 1,500 km could target the whole of South Korea and US military bases in Japan.

The North's push for the submarine-based launch platform reflects its ongoing efforts to diversify nuclear delivery vehicles and enhance their wartime survivability, the experts added.

The North is widely expected to conduct further weapon tests to protest the allies' military exercises, as it has threatened to take "unprecedentedly strong" and "overwhelming" counteractions against what it called the US hostile policy.

At akey party meeting presided over by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday, the North decided to take "important, practical" measures for the "offensive use" of war deterrents, according to the KCNA.
- The 55th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM2023) will be held from March 15-21, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Session, a statutory meeting of the ECA, will review the state of economic and social development in Africa as well as progress on regional integration.

CoM 2023 will be convened under the theme, 'Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.' It will be attended by African ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representatives of member States, entities of the United Nations system, pan-African financial institutions, African academic and research institutions, development partners and intergovernmental organizations.

A preparatory meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will precede the 55th Session followed by the ministerial segment of the Conference which will deliberate on the development agenda of Africa on the back of a raft of economic and political challenges facing the continent.

High rates of growth in the past two decades have resulted in reduced poverty levels in Africa. Between 2000 and 2019, the share of population living in extreme poverty decreased from 53.4 percent to 40.1 percent but the absolute number of poor remains high. Today, 546 million people are still living in poverty in 2022.

ECA's Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, said global shocks are turning millions of vulnerable people into the continent's new poor, reversing decades of progress. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed an additional 55 million Africans below the poverty line, and the impact of the war in Ukraine is expected to further compound the challenge.

Mr. Pedro said even when growth rates were high in Africa, everyone did not benefit equally. For example, in 2022, the top 10 percent of wage earners received about 30.69 percent of total income.

High inequality, along with high levels of poverty, creates a vicious cycle in which structural bottlenecks persist, rendering the population in Africa perennially vulnerable to both economic and non-economic shocks.

"The ability of African countries to effectively tackle poverty and inequality is now severely constrained given declining economic growth, narrowing fiscal space, rising debt, commodity shocks and tightening global financial conditions," said Mr. Pedro, adding that, "The risk of missing the poverty and inequality targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, of the African Union, is higher than it has ever been before."

The 55th Session of the Commission aims to renew focus and action on reducing poverty, inequality and other factors that have left the African population continuously vulnerable to these scourges.

Mr. Pedro urged that recovery efforts must be pro-poor and inclusive, with a view to fostering a new social contract that offers equal opportunity for all.

Considerable opportunities to reach these goals exist on the continent and beyond, including through activities carried out under the African Continental Free Trade Area, green investments, digital transformation and reforms to the global financial architecture.

Issued by:

Communications Section

Economic Commission for Africa

PO Box 3001

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Tel: +251 11 551 5826

E-mail: eca-info@un.org
Moscow, March 13 : The conflict between Russian Ministry of Defence and Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin has likely reached a climax as thousands of fighters have died fighting in Ukraine's Bakhmut city.

According to the Institute for Study of War (ISW) analysis, the Ministry is "currently prioritizing eliminating Wagner on the battlefields in Bakhmut" which it concludes is slowing its advance in the area, the Guardian reported.

It said the conflict began when Prigozhin ran a "relentless defamation" campaign against senior figures in the Russian military, including Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Now that the group has failed to show progress it is believed Russian MoD officials are "seizing the opportunity to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin".

The ISW believes Russian President Vladimir Putin likely became "alarmed" by Prigozhin's political ambitions in October last year.

Putin likely stopped the Russian Ministry of Defence from directly attacking Prigozhin but instead created conditions in which the Russian military leadership could reassume more authority.

Such conditions likely threatened Prigozhin, who began to intensify his criticism of the Ministry and further deepened the conflict between Wagner forces and military leadership, the Guardian reported.
Bhopal, March 13 : An alleged attack on four Malayalee students at a tribal university in Madhya Pardesh has sparked a political controvery with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly denouncing the incident and seeking action against the guilty.

According to sources, the four students were allegedly attacked by security staff on the campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Madhya Pradesh.

Terming the incident "appalling", the Kerala chief minister has condemned it and demanded prompt action against the guilty students. "The university must take strong action against the culprits and ensure the safety of all students," he wrote in his official twitter handle.

Some other politicians from Kerala, including Congress MP (Thiruvananthapuram) Shashi Tharur also condemned the incident and demanded action in the matter.

In the fresh development, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Kerala Legislative Assembly - V.D. Satheesan has sent a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan seeking his intervention in the matter.

As per the reports, students who were allegedly attacked were identified as - K. T. Nasheel, R. Abhishek, Adnan, and Adil Rashif.

Sources aware of the matter told IANS that these students were taking selfies atop a water tank on the campus, for which, the security staff objected.

Objecting to selfie at a prohibited area resulted in a scuffle between students and the security staff. The incident occurred on March 10. As the incident occurred at the campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University located in Amarkantak in Anuppur district, the opposition has targetted the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government on atrocities against tribals.

As the elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled later this year, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have taken on each other over tribal issues.

Notably, Chief Minister Vijayan alleged that the students were attacked for their regional and linguistic reasons. "This latest vicious onslaught is another glaring episode of the organised series of hostile action against Keralite students who are being targetted for their regional, linguistic and ethnic backgrounds," he asserted.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court has listed the plea of Torrent Group, a bidder of bankrupt firm Reliance Capital (RCap), challenging the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order to hold a second round of auction for RCap assets for hearing on March 20.

The second-round auction, scheduled for March 20, will not take place now, further delaying the resolution process of RCAP.

Earlier this month, the NCLAT order came on a petition filed by Vistra ITCL (India), which is one of the lenders of Reliance Capital, against NCLT order restricting further auction of the bankrupt firm.

Following the NCLAT order, the lenders' of RCap had decided to hold the second round of e-auction on March 20.

Torrent, after the first auction, was the highest bidder with a bid of Rs 8,640 crore for Reliance Capital. The CoC of Reliance Capital, opted for a second auction after Hinduja group made an offer of Rs 9,000 crore. Torrent challenged this before the Mumbai bench of NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal).

In February, NCLT held that the challenge mechanism for financial bids was concluded as on December 21, 2022, with the bid of Torrent Investments at Rs 8,640 crore being the highest. This order was challenged by the CoC of RCap in NCLAT.

Vistra ITCL (India), one of the lenders of Reliance Capital, had moved NCLAT challenging an order of NCLT which restricted further auction of the bankrupt firm.

RCap was sent for debt resolution in November 2021 after the company defaulted on loans worth Rs 24,000 crore.
Youth arrested for stunting on top of car by taking off shirt, car seized. Image Source: IANS News

Youth arrested for stunting on top of car by taking off shirt, car seized. Image Source: IANS News

Youth arrested for stunting on top of car by taking off shirt, car seized. Image Source: IANS News

Ghaziabad, March 13 : A youth was arrested after he took off his shirt and climbed on a car and performed stunts in Ghaziabad's Muradnagar.

The vehicle has also been seized.

The incident took place on March 12. A video of his act also went viral on social media.

According to police, the accused has been identified as Danish, a resident of Raoli Kalan village of the district.

During patrolling, the police saw that the youth getting his video filmed while he performed the stunts, following which necessary action has been taken in the matter, said police.

This is not the first such incident to occur in Ghaziabad, earlier too, police have arrested youths in such cases and seized their vehicles.
Jaipur, March 13 : No BJP leader in Rajasthan will now be allowed to stage protests without the organisation's permission, as per party officials.

A decision to this effect was taken in a closed door meeting of BJP veterans on Sunday after party fractions came out in the open during the protest of war widows being led by Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena.

If anyone stages a protest on his own, the party will not stand by him.

The harsh decisions were taken after Meena was detained for trying to visit war widows who were picked up by Rajasthan police from the protest site.

The party leaders came out openly against the insults to Pulwama war widows and Rajasthan MPs.

On the occasion, protestors were seen divided in two groups who were raising slogans against BJP state president Satish Poonia and Meena respectively.

Also, stones were pelted and vehicles damaged. However, BJP leaders claimed that anti-social elements from outside the party had indulged in such hooliganism.

Meanwhile, a probe is on.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 : Even as the smoke continues to emanate from the Brahmapuram waste plant site at Kochi for the 12th day, the Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed an uproar with the opposition demanding a CBI probe.

The Congress-led opposition slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his silence and the weak defence being put by Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh.

Following stiff resistance from the treasury benches, the opposition boycotted the day's proceedings and walked out of the House.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan slammed Rajesh, and Health Minister Veena George also came under heavy attack along with CM Vijayan.

"A CBI probe is the need of the hour on how the company, which won the tender to handle waste, got it. All know that this company has close links with a top CPI(M) leader. It's surprising how Rajesh can say this company is handling similar waste disposal in other states, when we all know this company, which won the tender, did not qualify for it, after it was found that they had no experience in handling more than 10 tonnes waste," said Satheesan.

"When the re-tender was done, this same company came up with a new certificate from a different official from Thirunelveli Municipal Corporation stating that they have handled more than 10 tonnes. Incidentally this same company is facing a case of cheating a German company. Also the Health Minister (Veena George) has done nothing and she keeps giving the same action-taken statement on successive days, even when a massive health emergency prevails in and around the waste plant site," said Satheesan.

With Satheesan going hammer and tongs, the treasury benches expressed their ire leading to confusion and things went haywire when his mike was put off.

Following this, the entire opposition trooped to the well of the House and raised a banner preventing the Speaker from seeing what's happening.

Soon there was more chaos and the Opposition boycotted the day's proceedings and the session came to an end.

The highlight of the day was the stoic silence of Vijayan, who is known for his tough stance when the opposition creates ruckus, but on Monday Vijayan did utter a word.

Incidentally, the Kerala High Court on Friday had expressed its deep displeasure and asked the government, "when the ongoing smog at Kochi will clear up as things are very serious".

The Kerala High Court had taken up this issue suo-motto after the fire, which began last week at the waste plant at Brahmapuram, had led to a dip in air quality in the city.

Due to the huge smoke cover over several areas, the data on the Kerala Pollution Control Board website showed PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels in the air in Kochi which is way above the prescribed standards.

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.

Kerala BJP president K. Surendran on Monday said it was baffling that Vijayan is yet to seek assistance from the Centre and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in the state on Sunday said all central assistance will be extended in an hour's time when the request from the State comes.

"Vijayan is scared that if he seeks central assistance all the corrupt deals in handing over the Waste treatment plant to the present company will come out. He should seek the help of the NDRF as people are suffering badly at Kochi. Vijayan please come out from your hiding," said Surendran.
Kuala Lumpur, March 13 : Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was slapped with a fresh money laundering charge on Monday, bringing the total charges he faces to seven.

Muhyiddin was alleged to have received 5 million ringgit ($1.11 million) in illegal proceeds from an investment company into his party's account, prosecutors said.

The 75-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges, reports Xinhua news agency.

Sessions Court judge Rozilah Salleh allowed the previous 2-million-ringgit bail which Muhyiddin had paid for his previous charges in Kuala Lumpur to be used as bail for the latest charge.

On March 10, Muhyiddin claimed trial to six charges in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur, namely four corruption charges and two money laundering charges involving several hundred million ringgit.

Muhyiddin, who served as Malaysia's Prime Minister for 17 months between March 2020 and August 2021, is chairman of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.
Dharamsala, March 13 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written to Petr Pavel to congratulate him on his election as fourth President of the Czech Republic.

"I have fond memories," he wrote, "of my visits to the Czech Republic beginning in March 1990 during President Vaclav Havel's leadership following the collapse of communism".

"Given the Czech Republic's recent history, including the period of the Velvet Revolution, the Czech people are well-placed to show the world the value of non-violence, freedom and democracy.

"It has been an honour for me to visit your country several times over the years, and I have been deeply moved by the interest that people, young and old, have shown in my efforts to promote human values with a sense of the oneness of humanity and the importance of inter-religious harmony.

"The world is passing through very trying times. I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the wishes and aspirations of the Czech Republic," His Holiness concluded.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Malaysia-born Oscar winner, who has become the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her multifaceted performance, survived the deadly earthquake that struck Nepal while she was visiting the landlocked Himalayan nation in April 2015.

Survivor of the devastating earthquake, actress Michelle Yeoh, famous for her roles in James Bond film 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', has won the Academy Award for Best Actress and made history for her role in 'Everything, Everywhere All At Once'.

Michelle Yeoh has an India connect too. In the 'background' of her life is Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the Drukpa Order based in India with over 1,000 monasteries across the Himalayas.

A disciple of His Holiness, in 2015, Michelle raised charity from Hollywood for Nepal earthquake victims on the advice of Gyalwang Drukpa for his 'Live to Love' foundation.

At that time she was the brand ambassador of the foundation.

With the earthquake, killing 9,000 people and causing massive destruction, Michelle was stranded in Nepal with fiance Jean Todt, then head of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which governs the Formula One circuit.

After the couple's evacuation, she returned to the disaster-hit country again to help rehabilitate affected people.

Gyalwang Drukpa is also the founder and spiritual director of the award-winning Druk White Lotus School in Ladakh, famous for being depicted as 'Rancho's school' from Aamir Khan's film '3 Idiots'.

"Raising awareness for Nepal was and still is an important role for me. What's happening is very real and there is so much work to be done to help rebuild the lives of the Nepalese," the Malaysian actor, who believes her best performance is yet to come, had told IANS in an interview in post-quake.

Quoting the spiritual leader, she had said: "Without appreciation, our life is like plastic. Not only do we have to remove the non-biodegradable rubbish from our external environment, we have to clear that from our mind too." "Every little positive step we make individually, collectively we can make a huge difference. For me, this is what 'Live to Love' is about," Michelle, who made her name as an action star in Hong Kong in 1990, had added.

The honour at the 95th Academy Awards to her came after a long career in martial arts and action movies like 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon'.

"Ladies, don't ever let anyone tell you that you are past your prime," was the inspirational remark of Michelle at the award ceremony. "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility." She recalled being so scared after the Nepal disaster that she left the country with a sense of helplessness.

"We were so lucky that we were unhurt and able to go back home. I must say at that time, I didn't feel that I could do anything for them. I felt as helpless as the other victims.

"I was scared of the earth rattling. But when I left the place, I felt guilty. I thought I must go back. So a month after the disaster, I reached there again as the brand ambassador of the 'Live to Love' foundation of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa," she told IANS.

The actor, who stars as Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in 'The Lady' directed by Luc Besson, also wanted to focus on climate change.

"Global warming is a big issue now, it's threatening humanity. All this can be changed if we begin to have a little appreciation and a little more understanding about interconnectivity between nature and us." Asked about her role in Aung San Suu Kyi's biopic, she had told IANS: "Out of deep respect to Daw Suu (Suu Kyi) and the people of Burma, we did our utmost to stay true to her story," although for better story-telling, "some liberties had be to taken." The former Miss Malaysia, has also been involved in the fight against AIDS for many years.

She was also the UNDP Goodwill Ambassdor for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"It's a spiritual journey for me every time. This land of high mountain passes always reminds me of a stronghold of Buddhist art, culture and spirituality and this spirit of purity is rarely seen elsewhere in the world," she had told IANS at the famed 17th century Hemis monastery, where she came to attend the Naropa festival, a celebration of the 1,000th birth anniversary of the great Indian saint Naropa.

Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa heads the 17th century Hemis monastery, some 40 km from Leh.

The action heroine, who believes Buddhism is a philosophy, had said that the UNDP was working closely with ministries across the globe. "We are advocating that if we build safe roads now, you don't have to come back 10 years later to correct the mistakes and after so many lives have been lost. So we have to work very closely with different departments." (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)

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Kolkata, March 13 : The Leader of opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikari on Monday filed a petition in a division bench of the Calcutta High Court demanding dismissal of Mukul Roy from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Adhikari filed the petition in the division bench of Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj.

The petition has been admitted and the matter will come for hearing soon. Senior advocate of Calcutta High Court Billwadal Bhattacharyya is representing the leader of the opposition in the matter.

Mukul Roy, the former national general secretary of Trinamool Congress joined the BJP and also successfully contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls for the saffron camp from Krishnanagar (north) Assembly constituency. However, soon after the 2021 Assembly results were announced, Roy went to the Trinamool Congress office and joined back his earlier party in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.

Thereafter Adhikari approached the office of the Assembly Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay demanding dismissal of Roy as a member of the House. However, after prolonged hearing in the matter, the Speaker ultimately dismissed the plea for cancellation of Roy's membership from the House on the grounds that there was no substantial proof establishing the latter's joining of Trinamool Congress.
Manama  The Speaker of the National Assembly, Carolina Cerqueira, reaffirmed on Sunday in Manama, capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the commitment of Angola to the promotion and preservation of peace and security at world level.

While speaking at the afternoon session of the 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), she said that dialogue, consultation and respect for the democratic principle of participation by all as solutions to the main problems and bases for understanding and building a fair social reality.

"We must always bear in mind that peace represents a priority in the global agenda for development, social justice, stability and human solidarity", she stressed.

Carolina Cerqueira clarified that the fact that climate change, the inequitable distribution of natural resources, the knowledge and science, the multi-scale conflicts, including the Cybercrime and wars on almost every continent, religious and cultural conflicts, poverty, corruption and lack of transparency contribute to the eruption of social problems and harm in communities.

She added that due to all that, the world faces a deplorable situation related to security and well-being, increase of poverty, unemployment and deficient social infrastructures.

"The migration crisis experienced especially in Europe, with thousands of people who, in desperation, search for better economic conditions and opportunities for social inclusion with more dignity to the human person, sometimes die along the way while searching for better conditions of life", she emphasised.

According to Carolina Cerqueira the solution to the problems that affect peace among peoples and nations should be based on transforming important instruments for peace in inviolable, essential and timeless agreements to promote the values of human dignity and fundamental rights, paying special attention to gender issues and the defence of women.

In addition to recognizing it as a challenging task, Carolina Cerqueira stressed that the parliamentarians must make an incisive contribution by creating new ways to the peaceful resolution of conflicts still prevailing in the world.

She added that selfishness has weakened the foundations of the collective strength of human existence and that the complexity raised by the Covid-19 pandemic continues to challenge the world to think of new ways of building a common life and well-being for families, especially for the most vulnerable groups.

To the Angolan Parliament Speaker, it is urgent to increase the values of human solidarity and inter-assistance, with a new approach to the phenomena that today underlie the struggles of social movements, the inclusion of minorities, freedom of the press, of religion and of opinion, so that from diversity democracy and social stability may be promoted in order to make affective the peaceful coexistence of humanity.

Carolina Cerqueira defended joint efforts to reach a balanced agreement in the fight against climate change, in order to reduce and dignify the effects of the natural disasters that are multiplying and whose recent events in Turkey and Syria have shaken the world.

She said that Angola defends the emergence of a new global revolution, the circular economy revolution, focused on a more equitable, resilient and inclusive future, based on the environmental protection and conservation of the planet and ecosystems, as well as the sustainable use and management of resources.

Fraternal Dialogue

Carolina Cerqueira acknowledged that the consequences of conflicts, often provoked and motivated by a spirit of intolerance, are more complex in developing countries, where in many cases, mechanisms for solidarity and social inclusion are marginalized.

In this regard, as representatives of the people she said that it is necessary to continue to defend peace and to commit all our knowledge to open and fraternal dialogue, as well as to strengthen mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

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She highlighted the contribution of Angola in the search for peace in various conflicts in Africa, especially in the Great Lakes region and Central Africa, with the intervention role of the Head of State Joao Lourenco that has allowed his recognition and distinction by the African Union, with the title of Champion of Peace.

Carolina Cerqueira also expressed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique, whose people are victims of conflicts and terrorism acts.

She also hoped for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been going on for over a year, expressing her desire to achieve peace through fair comprehensive dialogue, respecting the sovereignty and integrity of states in order to put an end to a war with catastrophic effects and unpredictable consequences for peaceful coexistence.

Carolina Cerqueira praised the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), efforts to strengthen the role of dialogue in the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world.
Chennai, March 13 : Deposed coordinator of AIADMK and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) on Monday sought the External Affairs minister's intervention in securing the release of 16 fishermen of the state who are in custody of the Sri Lankan navy.

In a letter, the former Chief Minister wanted the Union Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene for the immediate release of the fishermen who were taken in the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy along with their mechanised boats and other belongings.

It is to be noted that 12 fishermen from the Akkaraipettai base in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu had ventured into the sea in a mechanised trawler bearing no IND- TN-06MM 7818 and four fishermen had set off from Kottaipattanam in Pudukottai district in a mechanised trawler bearing no IND- TN- 08 MM 081.

OPS in the letter to Jaishankar said that the fishermen were within Indian waters and the Sri Lankan Navy had arrested them citing that they had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

"The instances of apprehension of our fishermen continue unabated and are creating a sense of fear, worry and turmoil among the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu. Denying our fishermen the right to peaceful fishing in their traditional waters is causing considerable annoyance amongst the fisherfolk of Tamil Nadu," the letter read.

The senior leader said that the fishermen of Tamil Nadu venture out into the sea in constant fear that they would be attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Kabul, March 13 : Afghanistan's central bank said on Monday that it sold $16 million by auction in a bid to stabilise exchange rate of the national currency afghani.

The afghani has been tumbling against foreign currencies, especially the .S dollar over the past several months, reports Xinhua news agency.

The exchange rate for $1 increased from last week's 88 afghani to 88.50 afghani on Monday.

The Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) has injected millions of US dollars into the country's money-exchange market over the past month to prevent the fall of afghani against foreign currencies.

The Afghan central bank also auctioned $16 million last week.

The war-torn Afghanistan has received nearly $2 billion in cash over the past 17 months as part of the international community's humanitarian aid to stabilise its economy.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Centre on Monday sought Parliament's approval for an additional expenditure of Rs 1,48,133 crore for the remaining period of 2022-23, under the second batch of supplementary demands for grants for the current fiscal.

A statement showing the supplementary demands for grants (second batch) for 2022-23, was laid in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Out of this amount, government intends to spend a major chunk of funds towards defence pensions, GST compensation to states, fertiliser and urea subsidies, sovereign green fund and universal service obligation (USO) fund of the telecom ministry.

The government plans to spend Rs 21,000 crore on disbursing fertiliser subsidy and Rs 15,325 crore on urea subsidy.

On defence pensions, the government would be spending Rs 33,718 crore.

An amount of Rs 29,616 crore is to be spent on disbursing GST compensation to states.

Under the USO fund of telecom ministry, it intends to spend Rs 25,052 crore.

On the sovereign green fund, the government will be spending Rs 5,536 crore.

For additional expenses on ex-servicemen health scheme, Agnipath scheme and other expenses, it will be spending Rs 3,960 crore.
Guwahati, March 13 : After the Science question paper of Class 10 Board exam was leaked, the opposition in Assam launched an offensive against the government and demanded the resignation of state education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday.

The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) announced the cancellation of Monday's examination late Sunday night after the paper leak came to light.

After the Class 10 Board examination started in the state, several allegations have surfaced over the paper leak in other subjects. However, Ranoj Pegu, the minister of education, called the claims untrue and refuted the charges that the exam papers had been leaked.

On the second day of the Budget Session in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday, the opposition parties confronted the BJP-led government on the paper leak issue.

Congress leaders Debabrata Saikia and Rakibul Hussain claimed that the opposition wished to raise the matter in the House, but was prevented from doing so.

The Congress has requested a thorough investigation into the situation under the supervision of a high court judge.

"The education minister should quit," demanded Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi.

"The Assam Chief Minister is the one who always hogs the limelight. He gives himself all the praise. Then he ought to take the responsibility for the question paper leak also," Gogoi said.

Meanwhile, facing criticism from all corners, SEBA has scheduled a new examination date for the Science paper. The students will appear on March 30 for the examination.
Chennai, March 13 : All the nominees in the 2023 Oscar get a swag bag whether they win the Academy honours or not. The bag has a diverse array of goodies varying from small businesses to world-renowned brands.

A Los Angels based marketing company Distinctive Assets has been distributing gift bags to Oscar nominees since 2002 but is unaffiliated with the Academy.

The 'Everyone wins' gift bags are estimated to be worth a whopping $1,26,000 this year.

This year the bag has over 60 items and is filled with several beauty and lifestyle gifts, it has tickets for luxury vacations that include a $40,000 getaway to a Canadian estate named 'The Lifestyle'. It also includes a stay for eight people including friends and relatives in an Italian lighthouse.

The gift also has a symbolic souvenir for a piece of land in Queensland, Australia.

The gift bag also includes a $25,000 coupon for project management and a home restoration fee from Maison construction. There are coupons for lipo arm sculpting, facelift, and hair restoration services.

There will be a Havaianas suitcase this year to deliver the gifts and 50 per cent of the products reportedly come from companies that are women and minority-owned.

The gift packs will have skin care products from Miage, a silk pillowcase from Blush Silks, a travel pillow from PETA, and products from Ariadne Athens Skin Wellness, Daily Energy Cards, Kind Reason Co, Rarete Studios, ReFa, Proflexa, Oxygenetix and many others.

The gift pack that comprises of least expensive gifts include a pack of Clif Thins priced at $13.56 and $18 loaf of Japanese milk bread from Ginza Nishikawa.

Even as the products and services in the bag come for free, the recipient will have to pay taxes for it as it is considered as an income.

Interestingly the company Distinctive Assets had a direct confrontation with the Academy awards committee in 2016 when the gift bag had marijuana vape pens, sex toys and a vampire breast lift. The Academy does not want to link with it and hence Distinctive Assets can no longer use the trademark of the Academy.

Another controversy of 2016 was that it included a gift hamper for a $55,000 vacation to Israel that come from the Israel tourism ministry and the travel company ExploreIsrael.com. Several organisations came out against this which include Jewish Voice For Peace, the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

It may be noted that the 2020 gift bag is rated as the most expensive and is estimated at $225,000. The gifts included a 24K gold Royal Charka bath bomb, a 24K gold vape pen from Hollowtips and a $20,000 one year membership to a matchmaking service.

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-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, March 13 : Delhi BJP, under the leadership of party's Working President Virendra Sachdeva, on Monday observed a 'maun vrat' (silent sit-in) opposite Rajghat demanding resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam.

During the silent sit-in, a film was also played on the LED screen "exposing" the alleged lies and false promises of the Kejriwal government.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, MP Dr Harshvardhan and Ramesh Bidhuri, MLAs Om Prakash Sharma and Abhay Verma, State General Secretaries Kuljit Singh Chahal and Harsh Malhotra, co-incharge of Jammu and Kashmir Ashish Sood, Co-incharge of Assam Pawan Sharma, former State President Vijay Goel, National Spokesperson Sardar R.P. Singh, State Vice President and others were among those present.

Interacting with reporters after the symbolic one hour 'maun vrat' Sachdeva said that Rajghat is a sacred place and it is a matter of great regret that Arvind Kejriwal & his colleagues after committing corruption, come here and instead of accepting their mistakes they try to cover up their deeds.

Sachdeva said that they observed a symbolic 'maun vrat' demanding resignation of Chief Minister Kejriwal and prayed for his sanity.

He said that the party workers will go to every street and neighbourhood of Delhi and expose this corruption of Kejriwal because the liquor scam happened with the consent of Kejriwal.

"Today, Kejriwal is ashamed to admit his relation with Vijay Nayyar whom he once used to hug. Kejriwal cannot run away from his responsibilities and it is certain that he will come under the probe agency's scanner for his involvement in the liquor scam.

He said that the Kejriwal Government is not only involved in the liquor scam but also in the classroom scam, the DTC scam, the health scam, the Jal Board scam. Delhi BJP will continue to fight to raise the voice of the people against corruption.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday referred a batch of petitions seeking recognition of same-sex marriage to a constitution bench, comprising five judges.

The Centre, in an affidavit, contended that legal validation of same-sex marriage will cause "complete havoc" with the delicate balance of personal laws in the country and in accepted societal values. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stressed that legislative policy recognises marriage as a bond only between a biological man and a biological woman.

The Centre contended that it is for Parliament to decide whether same-sex marriage could be statutorily recognised.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, justice P.S. Narasimha, and justice J.B. Pardiwala said it will invoke Article 145 (3) of the Constitution and have this matter decided by a constitution bench, comprising five judges. "It is a very seminal issue", said the bench, while fixing the matter for hearing on April 18.

The central government has told the Supreme Court that living together as partners and having sexual relationship by same sex individuals, which is decriminalised now, is not comparable with the Indian family unit - a husband, a wife, and children born out of the union - while opposing pleas seeking recognition of same-sex marriage. It stressed that same-sex marriage is not in conformity with societal morality and Indian ethos.

In an affidavit, the central government said the notion of marriage itself necessarily and inevitably presupposes a union between two persons of the opposite sex. This definition is socially, culturally, and legally ingrained into the very idea and concept of marriage and ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation, it added.

The affidavit said the institution of marriage and the family are important social institutions in India that provide for the security, support and companionship of members of society and bear an important role in the rearing of children and their mental and psychological upbringing also.

The Centre's response came on a batch of petitions challenging certain provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, Foreign Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act and other marriage laws as unconstitutional on the ground that they deny same sex couples the right to marry or alternatively to read these provisions broadly so as to include same sex marriage.
Bhubaneswar, March 13 : As many as 546 prisoners, undertrial prisoners died in different jails of Odisha in the past 10 years, junior home minister Tusharkanti Behera told state Assembly on Monday.

While giving a written reply to a question of BJD lawmaker Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Minister of State (MoS) for Home, Behera said deaths of 200 prisoners and 346 undertrial prisoners have been reported in different jails of the state during 2013 to 2022.

While death of 11 prisoners and 35 undertrial prisoners were registered in 2013, the figures reached 24 and 49 in 2022.

As per the statement of the MoS, 43 prisoners including undertrials died in 2014, deaths of 46 prisoners registered in 2015, 48 in 2016, 47 in 2017, 51 in 2018, 53 in 2019, 78 in 2020 and 61 in 2021.

Apart from the above-mentioned deaths, 51 custodial death cases were also reported in the state during the last 10 years.

Notably, last month, the state cabinet had decided to provide compensation to the next of kin of prisoners who die inside the jails in the state.
New Delhi, March 13 : Though the Delhi Police has registered a murder case in connection with the death of two brothers -- aged five and seven -- in the national capital's Vasant Kunj area, the 30-year-old inconsolable mother of the two said her children were innocent, why them? Anand (7) and Aditya (5) had died, within a span of two days, after they were bitten by stray dogs near their residence at a 'jhuggi' near a forest area.

The boys' mother, Sushma works at a parlour and is the sole breadwinner of her family. She had shifted here in a small basti at Ruchi Vihar near Vasant Vihar area with three sons in July last year.

"Aditya was a kindergarten student while Anand was in Class II. Now I am left with only one son, Ansh (9)," said Sushma, adding that she doesn't live with her husband.

"My children as usual had gone to play outside and they were near the house when all this happened. It has never happened before. Why now and with me," she said, in a hush tone.

The siblings' cousin sister, Suchitra, who lives in the neighbourhood, was also grief-stricken and said that even Municipal Corporation of Delhi paid no heed to their complaints regarding the dogs.

"The authorities should have taken action after the first incident," she said.

A senior police officer said that on March 10, at around 3 p.m., an information regarding a seven-year-old child going missing was received.

After a search, Anand's body was found at a secluded place.

"There were multiple injuries on his body that seemed to have been caused by some animal bite. Later, it was learnt there are many stray dogs in the forest area that often attack goats and pigs," the police said.

Interestingly, a case under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC was also lodged.

The body of the child was sent to Safdarjung Hospital for post-mortem.

The police said that two days later, on March 12, they received another complaint about a child going missing.

The child was later identified as Aditya, the younger brother of Anand.

The police were told that Aditya, along with his cousin Chandan (24), went to answer the call of nature at a place close to the forest area.

"Chandan was at some distance from Aditya. After some time, when Chandan returned, he found Aditya in an injured condition, surrounded by stray dogs," a police officer said.
New York, March 13 : A group of six Democrats are revving up efforts to help millions of undocumented immigrants by reintroducing the "Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929".

The bill would affect roughly 8 million immigrants who have been residing in the US for at least seven years, and give them a chance to obtain their green cards through registry, according to a statement released by the six House Democrats.

The bill updates an existing status adjustment process in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), better known as registry to allow immigrants to apply for permanent residency or a green card.

The registry provision was first enacted on March 2, 1929. It permitted certain immigrants that had been continuously present in the US since June 3, 1921, to apply for permanent residency.

Since then, the cut-off date for eligibility for the registry has been modified several times but it was last updated via the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act to January 1, 1972 -- marking 37 years since the last significant update to this provision, which could legalise the status of millions of Americans-in-waiting.

"For decades, immigrants who contribute significantly to our communities and our economy have been relegated to a legal limbo," said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, a senior member of the House Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee and a former immigration lawyer.

Lofgren further said that updating this historically-bipartisan provision to provide lawful permanent resident status to vetted immigrants will make America stronger.

"In the US, we rely on the work and efforts of immigrants, but our nation's broken immigration system has failed these hardworking men and women.

They deserve better, and this historic bill a" by making a simple update to America's registry law a" would provide a pathway to permanent legal status and even citizenship for so many," said Congresswoman Norma Torres.

Along with Torres and Lofgren, other sponsors of the bill include Representatives Grace Meng, Adriano Espaillat, Lou Correa, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.
Manama  The First Vice-Speaker of the parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Andre Mbata, thanked on Monday the support, dedication and commitment of Angola to the pacification process of the eastern region.

Andre Mbata, who was speaking to the Angolan press at the end of a meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Carolina Cerqueira, said that the Angolan support is being essential for the pacification process in the east of his country, highlighting the direct intervention of President Joao Lourenco.

The DR Congo parliamentarian also expressed satisfaction for the fact that Angola is sending a military contingent to ensure the supervision of the cantonment process of the M23 soldiers, as well as the safety of local populations.

"Angola is demonstrating that it is with the people of the DRC, and it is indeed concerned with peace in the DRC. And this demonstration, made with actions, satisfies the desire of the Congolese people, because it will help pacify the eastern region", he said.

Angola announced, on Saturday, the sending of a unit of a Contingent of Support to the Peacekeeping Operations of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The information released on the official page of the Presidency of the Republic, on the social network Facebook, said that the unit's main objective is to ensure the cantonment areas for the M23 elements and to protect the members of the Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism.

Angola took the initiative to inform the leaders of the region about this consultation, within the framework of coordination between the Luanda and Nairobi Processes, as well as the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The deployment of the FAA Peacekeeping Operations Support Contingent unit is part of the decisions taken by the different mini-summits on the peace and security process in DRC, in accordance with Angola's responsibilities as a mediator.

The Angolan Head of State, Joao Lourenco, chairs the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and is also the African Union (AU) mediator in the crisis between Rwanda and DRC.
London, March 13 : Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman says more banks will probably fail even if U.S. authorities step in to shore up confidence in the banking system after last week's collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Daily Mail reported.

Ackman, whose hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management oversees roughly $16 billion in assets, criticized the government's response on Saturday as he predicted "economic meltdown" within hours of the banks opening on Monday morning.

The Federal Reserve on Sunday night announced that all those with money in SVB will get their money back, while stressing no taxpayer money will be needed to cover the losses because the body is funded from its own financial operation.

Ackman, who had urged the U.S. government to step in and protect all of the bank's depositors, praised the move but warned it unlikely to prevent more financial institutions from collapsing, Daily Mail reported.

"Had the @FDICgov @USTreasury and @federalreserve not intervened today, we would have had a 1930s bank run continuing first thing Monday causing enormous economic damage and hardship to millions," he wrote.

"More banks will likely fail despite the intervention, but we now have a clear roadmap for how the gov't will manage them", he wrote.

U.S. regulators said the failed bank's customers will have access to all their deposits starting on Monday morning - even those above the $250,000 federally-guaranteed limit.

"Our gov't did the right thing. This was not a bailout in any form. The people who screwed up will bear the consequences. The investors who didn't adequately oversee their banks will be zeroed out and the bondholders will suffer a similar fate," Ackman stated, Daily Mail reported.
New York, March 13 : There is an urgent need to build a framework that can help identify likely future viral threats to human health, before the next outbreak takes the world by surprise, according to scientists.

Writing in a Perspective article in the journal Science, two virologists from the Universities of the Ohio State and Colorado, said the scientific community should invest in a four-part research framework to proactively identify animal viruses that might infect humans.

"We are continually going to be exposed to the viruses of animals. Things are never going to change if we stay on the same trajectory," said Cody Warren, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Biosciences at The Ohio State University.

Instead of just "sequencing viruses in nature", "experimental studies of animal viruses are going to be invaluable," Warren said.

Along with Sara Sawyer, professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, he proposed a series of experiments to assess an animal virus's potential to infect a human.

While it can be difficult to pick an animal virus and prioritise it for further study, Warren and Sawyer suggest, to look into "repeat offender" viral families currently infecting mammals and birds.

Those include coronaviruses, orthomyxoviruses (influenza) and filoviruses (causing hemorrhagic diseases like Ebola and Marburg). In 2018, the Bombali virus -- a new ebola virus -- was detected in bats in Sierra Leone, but its potential to infect humans remains unknown.

And then there are arteriviruses, such as the simian hemorrhagic fever virus that exists in wild African monkeys, which Sawyer and Warren recently determined has decent potential to spill over to humans because it can replicate in human cells and subvert immune cellsaA ability to fight back.

The 2020 worldwide lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is still a fresh and painful memory, but Warren notes that the terrible outcomes of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 could have been much worse. The availability of vaccines within a year of that lockdown was possible only because scientists had spent decades studying coronaviruses and knew how to attack them.

"So if we invest in studying animal viruses early and understand their biology in more detail, then in the case that they were to emerge in humans later, we'd be better poised to combat them," Warren said.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture, and the World Bank have come together to announce the first International Conference on "Blended Learning Ecosystem for Higher Education in Agriculture" in India under the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP).

The three-day event to be held from March 21-23 in New Delhi will be hosted by ICAR - IASRI (Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute), which is a multi-partner global forum to support collaboration for development of state-of-the-art blended education system for higher agricultural education.

The aim of this conference is to facilitate the development of a global ecosystem of partners from academia, industry, government, and multilateral and bilateral organisations who would provide critical insights towards design and full-scale implementation of all aspects of the Resilient Agricultural Education System (RAES) under National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP), that is, learning management system, content repository, and system-wide capacity building.

Apart from the engaging discussions, the three-day event will also showcase an exhibition on the diverse range of services and offerings in the field of agriculture and blended learning.

The conference and exhibition will be inaugurated by Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Various other ministries will also be participating along with other global leading institutions like the AICTE, the IIT, the IRRI among others.

Eminent speakers addressing the conference include Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG), ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Dr. Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director, The World Bank among others.

Pathak said: "According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), agriculture sector in India contributes 17-18 per cent of the Gross Value (GVA) added of the economy and employs more than 40 per cent of the workforce. Farmers are adopting new technologies to improve and monitor crop health and production. The true adoption of blended learning has immense potential and can unlock the agriculture economy to new heights." Dr Agrawal, Deputy Director General, ICAR, said: "The focus of the conference is to strengthen collaboration among multiple implementing agencies working in the domains of remote learning, digital education and blended education systems. It will also help in establishing synergies with flagship programs such as Digital India and Skill India to accelerate deployment of Resilient Agricultural Education System (RAES) under NAHEP." The conference is organised around the thematic areas including strategies for blended teaching-learning, technologies for blended learning, sustainability in the blended learning ecosystem, building stakeholder capacities to navigate in a blended teaching-learning ecosystem, and contemporary curriculum for agricultural education.

NAHEP, which was proposed on a 50:50 cost sharing basis between the World Bank and the Government of India, was formulated by ICAR with a total cost of $165 million for five years in the financial year 2017-18. It was undertaken to strengthen the National Agricultural Education System in the country.
New Delhi, March 13 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Monday.

Shah congratulated them for taking over the charge for another term and hoped the new government will be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of their states.

Both the chief ministers took charge on March 7, heading a coalition government and both are on courtesy visit to Delhi.

"Met Meghalaya CM @SangmaConrad Ji. Wished him all the best in taking office for the second time. May the new government be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji," Shah tweeted.

In another tweet, the Home Minister said, "Was visited by CM Nagaland @Neiphiu_Rio Ji & Dy CM @YanthungoPatton Ji. Congratulated them on taking the oath of office for another term. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji, may the new govt pace up the journey toward prosperity based on the peace achieved till now." Sangma assumed office for the second consecutive term. His party National People's Party became the single-largest party winning 26 seats, out of 60, in the recently held Assembly election in Meghalaya.

The ruling NDPP (25 seats) and BJP (12) alliance retained power in Nagaland for a second straight term by winning 37 seats together in the 60-member Assembly.
New Delhi, March 13 : A total of 139 incidents of unruly behaviour were reported to aviation regulator DGCA by various airlines in the last two years, the Parliament was told on Monday.

"In the last two years since 2021 including current year, a total of 139 incidents of unruly behaviour were reported to the DGCA by various airlines. No gender-wise classification of incidents is maintained by the DGCA," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen V.K.Singh (retd) told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

On a question whether the government is considering framing new guidelines for air flights for the citizens, so that human rights abuses and disputes between passengers and airlines can be prevented, the reply said, 'No'.

"However, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the civil aviation safety regulator, has issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 3- Air Transport, Series M, Part VI titled "Handling of unruly/disruptive passengers" in order to ensure safety of the aircraft/persons/property on board and maintain good order and discipline on board the aircraft," it added.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday affirmed the Allahabad High Court order passed in 2017, directing removal of a mosque from its premises.

A bench of Justices M.R. Shah and C.T. Ravikumar declined to interfere with the high court order and granted three months' time to the petitioner to remove the mosque from the high court premises. It noted that the high court can demolish the construction, if it is not cleared within three months and also allowed the petitioner, Waqf Masjid High Court to make a representation to the state government for an alternative land.

The bench said it does not see any reason to interfere with the impugned judgment and order of the high court. It added, however, it will be open to the petitioners to make a detailed representation to the state government seeking alternative land, which may be considered in accordance with law and on its own merits, and refused to entertain a petition challenging the high court order.

The bench noted that the mosque was situated on government lease land and the grant was cancelled in 2002, and after cancellation of the lease, the land was resumed in favour of the high court in 2004 for its expansion.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Waqf Masjid High Court, narrated the history of the mosque and added that Muslims were offering namaz and there was an arrangement for wazu as well. He said that the mosque is situated across the road outside the high court and wrong to say it was on the high court premises.

Sibal added that in 2017, the government changed and a PIL was filed against the mosque after the new government was formed and added that the mosque was functioning as a public mosque for decades.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, representing the UP Sunni Waqf Board, submitted that though the land belonged to the government but the board was in possession of the mosque meant for public use. She added that her client is willing to be given an alternate site, and they are not insisting that namaz has to be offered there.

The counsel, representing the high court, argued that the petitioner is unnecessarily giving the matter a religious colour.

The top court told the mosque's counsel to try to understand that they have no right since it was a lease property. "Lease was terminated and land was resumed and confirmed by this court... You can't claim it as a matter of right to continue." Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the UP government, said there is another mosque adjacent to the high court and in 2004, the land was resumed for the high court and now, it is 2023 now. She added that they are not raising any other ground except that the government has changed.

The matter originates from a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court by Abhishek Shukla, arguing that the mosque, a waqf property stood on land, which originally belonged to the high court.
Kolkata, March 13 : The last day of the West Bengal Assembly's extended Budget session on Monday witnessed protests by BJP legislators over the plight of potato farmers in the state.

The BJP legislators, led by the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, walked out of the house and staged protests within the assembly premises carrying posters and potatoes.

"The potato farmers in the state are being forced to go for the distress sale of potatoes and in the process, they are suffering huge losses. We raised the matter on the floor of the house on Monday. But we did not get a satisfactory reply.

"The state government should pay the minimum support price for potatoes that it has announced. The state government should take the responsibility of replaying the short-term farm loan received by the potato farmers on this count. The farmers should not be denied the proper price for their products," Adhikari told media persons while leading the protests.

However, rubbishing the claims of the BJP legislators on this count, state Agriculture Marketing and Panchayat Affairs & Rural Development minister Pradip Majumdar said that the opposition had been resorting to an unnecessary drama.

"Not a single potato farmer in the state has faced any crisis on this count. Even last year they could sell their products at Rs 15,000 per kilogram," he said.

State Agriculture Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said that the plight of the potato farmers, not just in West Bengal but throughout the country, is because of the Union government's decision to enforce a hike in the price of fertiliers.

"But the state government is always with the potato farmers. The state government has decided to purchase 10 lakh metric tonnes of potato from the farmers. There has not been a single report of suicide by a potato farmer. The opposition MLAs are resorting to drama with potatoes purchased from the open market," he said.

For the last few days several farming belts in West Bengal have witnessed protests by potato farmers claiming distress sale of their products. The farmers have claimed the price offered by the state government for their products is not enough to cover the expenses borne on production.

--IANS src/vd

AA
Chennai, March 13 : The Madras High Court has quashed two government orders issued in 2013 and 2014 empowering Deputy Commissioners of Police to exercise the powers of executive magistrates under Sections 107 to 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

A division bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices N. Satish Kumar and N. Anand Venkatesh said that the government orders issued on September 12, 2013 and February 20, 2014 suffer from "manifest arbitrariness and violate the principle of separation of powers under the Constitution".

The court ordered status quo ante as it prevailed before the issuance of the two government orders, and held that such a status would be restored forthwith.

The court made it clear that violation of a bond executed under Section 110 of CrPC could be dealt with only by judicial magistrates under Section 446 and not by the executive magistrates under Section 122(1) (b) of the Code.

An executive magistrate cannot authorise imprisonment under Section 122(1) (b) of the code for violation of the bond under Section 107.

"A person who has violated a bond executed before an executive magistrate under the said provision would have to be prosecuted before a judicial magistrate for inquiry and punishment under Section 122(1)(b) of CrPC," the verdict said.

The judges also stated: "The police, like the proverbial camel in the tent, occasionally got their noses into the canopy but were stopped in the tracks by the courts. Then in 2013, the camel in its entirety struggled and the revenue officials and executive magistrate were ousted from the canopy and left in the cold. Now we have ousted the camel and put the canopy of justice where it belongs." The judges also praised the amicus curiae Sarath Chandran, the Additional Public prosecutor, and advocates Janarthanan, Vivekanandan, and M. Santhanaraman for assisting the court.
New Delhi, March 13: While investigating the involvement of a number of the Kashmiri separatist leaders in a scandal of admission of many students in Pakistan's medical and engineering colleges, the Central and the Union Territory Government agencies are now also suspecting the involvements of a number of the retired and sitting officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration.

According to well-placed officials in the investigating agencies, a case of alleged terror-funding, which was originally investigated by Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has been lately assigned to the Enforcement Directorate for "specialised professional investigation". The decision of a "deeper professional investigation" was taken after the UT agency failed to establish charges against a particular module in which one Khalid Andrabi aka Khalid Geelani allegedly played a key role.

In December 2021, charges against Khalid Geelani under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were dropped and in the CIK charge-sheet he was booked only under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. It was decided that the ED would carry forward the CIK's investigation and delve deep into the modus operandi in integration of the terror fund investments in the mainstream economy. The ED is now investigating as to how precisely the proceeds were generated, which channels were used for operationalisation of the terror funds and why different law enforcement agencies had played as mute spectators for over 25 years.

The plethora of incriminating documents seized in a series of search operations include a letter written to a former President of the United States of America.

The investigators have observed that the Government of Pakistan, with the ISI, Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on board, used to allot a quota of different seats to Kashmir's separatist leaders every year. Their first priority was their own kith and kin and the family members of the militants killed in encounters with security forces. It was a financial support to the leaders and militants fighting for Kashmir's separation from India. It is believed money was not charged from beneficiaries of this particular category.

It has been noticed that two to three children of particular separatist families or militant commanders killed in encounters were given admission simultaneously in Pakistan's professional colleges, particularly medical and engineering colleges. On return from Pakistan, they all got jobs in the J&K Government.

As per the modus operandi, actors of a network would facilitate everything from securing Indian Passports and Pakistani Visas to air, bus and rail tickets without any resistance from New Delhi or Srinagar. After accommodating their own kith and kith, the separatist leaders began selling these seats through touts to different aspirants against cash payments ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 30 lakh each candidate.

The agencies are now using the most sophisticated technologies and forensic audit to find how these proceeds had been used in terror financing and personal luxuries of the operatives.

Significantly, the investigators have noticed that even the children, relatives and 'clients' of a number of the government officers in Police, civil administration and academia had been picked up in the 'complimentary quota'. "It is being investigated where there was a quid pro quo or any amount of money was charged from these officers. Some of them have retired. Some are still in service. Now all of them are under scanner for their participatory role and dereliction of duty in this scandal," said a highly placed officer.

The officer revealed that one of such beneficiary Police officers' sons developed a life-consuming disease during the first wave of Covid-19 in Rawalpindi. After most of the students returned to Kashmir during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on a communication from the UT Government blocked their return to Pakistan. Subsequently, a notification was issued which invalidated the degrees from Pakistan's medical and engineering colleges.

It has been noticed that a number of the youths from Jammu and Kashmir were taken to Pakistan through the same stream ostensibly for visits to divided families or studies but actually for indoctrination, guerrilla recruitment and arms training. It partly replaced the conventional system of sending recruits to Pakistan and PoK through LoC and other infiltration routes.

The security agencies have carried out a massive exercise of identifying youths who had crossed over to Pakistan on Indian passports and sneaked back into Jammu and Kashmir through the 724-km-long LOC.

The passports issued between 2015 and early 2018 have been scrutinised and it has been found that around 60 Kashmiri youths, who were later found active in terror ranks, had travelled to Pakistan on Indian passports and later joined terror ranks. They, according to officials, include Sajad Ahmad Sheikh, the son of a Srinagar-based doctor, who initially worked with a Central intelligence agency and was later taken over by the ISI. He is among the individuals designated as terrorists by the MHA and wanted in different terror related cases including the assassination of the journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June 2018.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Gul who is allegedly operating TRF's news and propaganda portal KashmirFight. Officials are citing interrogation reports of eight such Kashmiri youths who had joined the terror ranks, returned to Jammu and Kashmir through the LoC and had been subsequently arrested. As many as 26 such youths were killed in encounters with security forces.

Six of them, officials say, are still active in Kashmir, while four have been handed over to their families after they were not found involved in a heinous crime and helped the security agencies.

Citing interrogation reports of some of such youths, officials say the ISI was pressing its operatives to recruit cadre by whatever means. Some of the Kashmiri youths taken to Pakistan on Indian passports were given brief crash courses in handling of explosives and attacking targets with pistols in close range.

However, after the Jammu and Kashmir Police implemented a new regime with checks and balances, no undercover agent is known to have travelled to Pakistan on an Indian passport. Now all applicants' involvement in any incident of terror crime or stone pelting is thoroughly checked. Officers scan CCTV footage, photographs, video and audio clips and drone images available in police station records. It all began after a militant, Shakir Altaf Bhat, killed in an encounter was found to have visited Pakistan for studies on Indian passports in 2018.

A number of such youths are known to have either stayed back in Pakistan or gone underground in the valley after their return through the LoC. "The missing youths are mainly from average middle-class families. They could be waiting for delivery of arms and ammunition which has been substantially choked due to heightened surveillance and intercepts," said an official.

"There was a time when it was virtually free for all. Passports were issued to dreaded terrorists. Visas were issued on letters of Hurriyat leaders. Militants' marriage parties travelled freely from Srinagar to Islamabad and back. Hizb operational chief Riyaz Rasool's entire family travelled to Lahore on the second trip of (PM) Vajpayee's bus Sada-e-Sarhad. Slain militant Aurangzeb's widow was taken on an Indian passport from Srinagar to Islamabad for her second marriage with (Hizb chief) Salahuddin. That period is now over," said an official.

"Now it's time to find out all their facilitators." (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, March 13 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted a search at Uzair Azhar Bhat's house in Karfali Mohalla of Srinagar and seized digital devices.

Bhat is suspected of spreading ISIS ideology, luring people to join the terrorist group and indulging in anti-national activities.

The NIA said that in 2021, they started investigating Mohammed Ameen alias Abu Yahya who had been running various ISIS propaganda channels on different social media platforms, such as Telegram, Hoop and Instagram.

"He was propagating the violent jihadi ideologies of the ISIS and was radicalizing and recruiting new members to this ISIS module. He and his associates had even identified certain individuals for targeted killings. They had also made plans to undertake Hijrah to Jammu and Kashmir for engaging in terrorist acts and had raised funds from various sources for this trip," the NIA said.

The official said that during the probe, it was found that Mohammad Ameen was in touch with Deepthi Marla of Kerala, a converted Muslim, married to Anas Abdul Rahiman of Mangalore. In 2015, she had gone to Dubai to pursue studies where she met Mizha Siddeeque and both women developed an inclination towards the ISIS. In 2019, they tried to do Hijrah to Khorasan and reached Tehran, Iran. After reaching Tehran, their contact with ISIS operatives based in Khorasan could not be established.

"They both returned to India, and Deepthi got in touch with Ameen, Obaid Hamid Matta, Madesh Shankar alias Abdullah and others and made plans to undertake Hijrah to ISIS administered territory. In January 2020, she went to Srinagar to meet Obaid to plan the Hijrah and stayed in Srinagar for one week," the NIA said.

One of the common contacts between Deepthi and Obaid, Uzair Azhar Bhat, who is suspected to have been part of the conspiracy, was raided on Monday. The NIA conducted a search at Bhat's house in Srinagar. The seized digital devices are being examined and further investigations are in progress.
Manama  The Speaker of the National Assembly, Carolina Cerqueira, Sunday assessed bilateral cooperation with Zambia and Serbia in separate meetings.

During her meeting with the Speaker of the Zambian Parliament, Nelly Mutti, she reaffirmed the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in general, and specially between both parliaments, as a way for parliamentarians to contribute to the development of communities, promotion and preservation of peace, democracy and the welfare of the people.

The official mentioned the areas of education, food security, agriculture, free movement and mobility of people, trade and the availability of resources to stimulate mutual development.

Regarding Angolans living in Zambia as refugees, she stressed the need for the two parliaments to work together to break down barriers to social inclusion.

Carolina Cerqueira also stressed the commitment to revive in the minds of the younger generations the benefits of the common struggle for independence in both countries, as well as the need for consultation between the two parliaments on actions linked to the promotion of gender policies, inclusion of youth in parliaments, cybersecurity, primary health care, among other areas.

Conflict in DRC

The Zambian Parliament Speaker also pointed to the need for her countrys contribution to the pacification process in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), whose war could affect both neighbouring countries.

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The Speaker of the Zambian Parliament expressed Zambias availability to contribute, in an active and effective way, to the resolution of the conflict.

Angola/Serbia

On the sidelines of the afternoon session of the 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Carolina Cerqueira met with the delegation from Serbia.

During the meeting, bilateral cooperation between both countries and parliaments was discussed.

During the event, the parliamentarians will discuss the organisation's strategies on climate change, accountability at all levels, and the transformation of speeches into actions to combat climate change, as well as the strengthening of climate legislation to reduce carbon emissions and support for a clean energy transition.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is made up of 178 national parliaments and 12 regional assemblies. It is currently the main parliamentary interlocutor for the United Nations.
Jaipur, March 13 : Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress' Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday levelled allegations against PM Modi, questioning the Pulwama incident. He said that if Modi is finished the country will be saved, however, if Modi stays then the country will be ruined.

Randhawa said, "Our fight is not with Adani, but with the BJP. Kill BJP and Adani-Ambani will die automatically. When the Congress comes, Adani-Ambani should not come. They should go to jail. Many of our leaders did not take them along. This has to be taken care of." He added, "I tell all leaders to end their fighting and talk about ending Modi-BJP. If Modi is finished then the country will be saved. If Modi stays then the country will be ruined. Modi talks about patriotism. They don't even know what patriotism is." Randhawa questioned the Pulwama incident and said that Modi says "Pakistan mein ghuskar marenge". First of all, tell me, how did Pulwama happen? Get it checked. Wasn't it done keeping in mind the elections." He stated "All those who went to jail during the freedom struggle were from Congress families. Five generations of Congress families have gone to jail for the country. There is blood of every Congressman in Andaman's Cellular Jail. Modi says what has the Congress done. The Congress has given freedom to the country, it has given the country to a dishonest person like you," he commented.

Randhawa was speaking at the Raj Bhavan gherao programme organised by the Congress under the leadership of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasara on Monday in protest against the crony capitalism policy of the BJP central government in favour of Adani.

Randhawa said, "When the British came, they had brought the East India Company to do business. Modiji has brought a man like Adani by making him like the East India Company which looted the country for 200 years and took it over. The country is moving towards slavery again. Not Modi but Adani is deciding what will happen in the country," he said.

He added, "First take out Modi, if Modi goes out then Adani will automatically end. First kill BJP, Adani will end automatically. Narendra Modi is destroying the country and selling the country." He lashed out at factionalism and selfish leaders in the Congress and said, "We have to work for the Congress, not for any individual."
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday referred a batch of petitions seeking recognition of same sex marriage to a constitution bench for final hearing, noting it is a "very seminal issue" against the backdrop of interplay of various rights including of right to live with dignity.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala said: "It is a very seminal issue", while scheduling the matter for consideration before a five-judge bench on April 18. The proceedings will be live streamed.

The bench said it will invoke Article 145 (3) of the Constitution and have this matter decided by a constitution bench, comprising five judges.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, contended that the right to love or right to express one's love, irrespective of gender of other person, is completely different from what the court would find the mechanism to give recognition or to give a sanctity by way of an institution called marriage.

He stressed that freedom of choice has already been recognised by the apex court and no one was interfering with those rights but conferring the right of marriage fell in the exclusive domain of legislature.

Mehta further contended that if the marriage is recognised between same sex, then the question will be of adoption, then the Parliament, which represents the will of the people, will have to examine the psychology of child, who has seen either two men or two women as parents, and has not been reared by a father and a mother, and clarified that he is not giving any judgement.

He added that Parliament will have to debate and take a call, in view of societal ethos and several other factors, whether same-sex marriage needs to be recognised.

At this juncture, the Chief Justice told Mehta: "The adopted child of a lesbian couple or a gay couple does not have to be necessarily a lesbian or gay. It depends on the child, may or may not." Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, representing one of the petitioners, submitted that the matter here is right to life under Article 21 and right to expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. He stressed that denial of the right to marry is denial of the right to expression and dignity, which are natural rights to individuals.

Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, representing some of the petitioners, submitted that the Special Marriage Act recognised marriage between two persons. He argued that in the Navtej Johar (decriminalisation of Section 377 of IPC), the apex court had said the right to life included the right to marriage, procreation, and even sexual orientation.

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi, and Saurabh Kirpal, briefed by a team of advocates from Karanjawala & Co, representing some of the petitioners, argued that the petitions pertained to issues of fundamental rights.

Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi said the right to marry cannot be withheld to a class of persons solely on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Mehta submitted that the apex court in Navtej Johar had already clarified on the issue of marriage of same sex couples and added that the question of stigma etc has already been taken care of.

The Centre, in an affidavit, contended that legal validation of same-sex marriage will cause "complete havoc" with the delicate balance of personal laws in the country and in accepted societal values. It stressed that legislative policy recognises marriage as a bond only between a biological man and a biological woman.

The Central government said that living together as partners and having sexual relationship by same sex individuals, which is decriminalised now, is not comparable with the Indian family unit - a husband, a wife, and children born out of the union - while opposing pleas seeking recognition of same-sex marriage. It stressed that same-sex marriage is not in conformity with societal morality and Indian ethos.

In the affidavit, the Central government said the notion of marriage itself necessarily and inevitably presupposes a union between two persons of the opposite sex. This definition is socially, culturally, and legally ingrained into the very idea and concept of marriage and ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation, it added.

The Centre's response came on a batch of petitions challenging certain provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, Foreign Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act and other marriage laws as unconstitutional on the ground that they deny same sex couples the right to marry or alternatively to read these provisions broadly so as to include same sex marriage.
Mumbai, March 13 : Worried over the fallout of a third Nashik-Mumbai "long march" by farmers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday announced a subsidy of Rs 300/quintal to the affected agriculturists, but they spurned it outright.

"The red onion of the Kharif season has arrived in the market on a large scale, there is an increase in onion production in other states in the country. Owing to this the supply has exceeded the demand, leading to a fall in the prices," Shinde told the Assembly.

Announcing the Rs 300/quintal subsidy, the CM said that it would give a big relief to the growers hit by the unprecedented fall in the prices of the vegetable.

However, the All India Kisan Samiti (AIKS) leaders in Nashik rejected the CM's offer and went ahead with their "long march" this afternoon.

The opposition Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena-UBT staged a walkout and protested outside the legislature demanding that the compensation should be between Rs 500-700/quintal.

Since the past few weeks, the onion farmers in the state are on a warpath as they are getting absurd prices of Rs 2/quintal in the wholesale markets, far below their production costs.

Demanding at least Rs 600/quintal compensation, farmers, in many places, have thrown the onions on the highways where they got crushed by speeding vehicles, let loose cattle in many onion farms, and made a bonfire of the vegetable.

MVA leaders like Nana Patole, Chhagan Bhujbal, Kishore Tiwari, and others strongly batted for the farmers' demand for Rs 600/quintal and sought Rs 2,000/quintal MSP from the next season to protect the interests of the agriculturists.

AIKS President Dr. Ashok Dhawale said that the farmers' march will go to Mumbai till a satisfactory agreement is reached, while AIKS state General Secretary reiterated that the ex-gratia should be at least Rs 600/quintal.

However, Shinde has ruled out MSP for onion saying it's a perishable crop, but an important price-sensitive cash crop in the state, and is subject to the total production in the country, the domestic and international demands, etc.

He said that a committee was appointed which recommended a subsidy of Rs 200-Rs 300 per quintal, but as the government stands with the farmers it has decided to give Rs 300/quintal.

The developments came a day after Nashik Guardian Minister Dada Bhuse met and appealed to the farmers to call off their agitation as the government was trying to resolve the issue.
Imphal, March 13 : Twenty years after the murder of the eight-year-old daughter of a former Manipur minister, a Special CBI court on Monday awarded life imprisonment to two of the accused who kidnapped and murdered her in 2003.

The Sessions Court, Imphal, sentenced Ningombam Rome Meitei alias Romen and Letkhosei Haokip alias James Kuki to life imprisonment for kidnapping and murdering a minor girl.

The CBI had registered this case on March 29, 2004 on the request of the Manipur government and took over the investigation of the FIR earlier registered at the Lamphel police station against unknown culprits.

It was alleged that the victim, Lungnila Elizabeth (8), who was the daughter of Francis Ngajokpa, a minister in the Manipur government, was kidnapped on November 4, 2003 from her school at Sangaiprou, Imphal.

Her body was found on November 12, 2003 inside a gunny bag in a ditch in Imphal.

After investigation, a chargesheet was filed on December 28, 2007 against four accused. Two of the accused died during the trial.

The trial court found the accused guilty and convicted them.
Chennai, March 13 : The elite 'Q' branch of the Tamil Nadu Police has started an investigation into the frequent presence of counterfeit currency in many parts of the state.

The move came after the four people arrested recently in Virudhunagar with high quality fake notes revealed that the counterfeit currency had connections with interstate racket and some of them were from Tamil Nadu.

The state police have submitted files from different district superintendents of police offices to the 'Q' branch as a coordinated probe is necessary to find whether an organised network is functioning in the state with inter-state and overseas connect.

Sources in the Virudhunagar district police office told IANS that the arrest of four people and the quality of the counterfeit currency have led to the cops suggest for a state level investigation. The counterfeit currency, according to the top officers, was being brought to the state from other places.

In Coimbatore also, a group of people was intercepted by the police and counterfeit currencies were recovered from their procession. This also, according to sources in the state police, was of high quality.

The recent arrest of a woman agricultural officer in Alappuzha district of Kerala in connection with a counterfeit currency case and subsequent probe has revealed that the notes were of high quality and not locally made.

The agriculture officer, M. Jishamol was however admitted to a mental hospital after medical records showed her having mental ailments.

The 'Q' branch police, according to sources, will conduct a detailed investigation into the origin of the currency and is probing whether the notes had any connect with Islamist groups or some Tamil nationalist groups. The quality of the notes, according to sleuths, is the reason behind such an angle to the investigation.

Police sources said that the investigation will probe all angles related to the counterfeit currency racket including gangs involved in the network with middle east and Sri Lankan connections.
Imphal, March 13 : A total of six student bodies led by the All Manipur Students' Union on Monday staged a protest here, demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, and setting up Manipur State Population Commission.

The agitating students claimed that there had been an "abnormal surge" of the population in the state's hill areas, rampant cultivation of poppy, and encroachment of reserve forest areas.

During the protest on Monday, the police had to resort to cane-charging when the agitating students tried to storm into the official residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and marched to Raj Bhawan.

According to the students, the influx of outsiders from both inside and outside the country, including people from Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh, significantly affected the identity, culture, economy, administration and environment of Manipur.

The students' organisations also demanded detecting and deporting illegal immigrants from Manipur.

"We are not against any community or religion but we want to protect our land, environment, and indigenous communities from the adverse effects of illegal settlements," said a spokesperson for the student bodies.

After the Manipur Assembly had earlier last year adopted a private member resolution to establish a population commission in Manipur, the state cabinet approved the establishment of the Manipur State Population Commission.

However, the required official process is yet to start for the functioning of the commission.
New Delhi, March 13 : Two criminals, who were declared 'proclaimed offenders' and were evading trials in POCSO and snatching cases, were nabbed by police in Dwarka in two separate operations, an official said on Monday.

The accused were identified as Pradeep (24) alias Golu, a resident of Rajapuri, Uttam Nagar and Bobby Malik (29), a resident of Bakkarwala According to police, a special drive against proclaimed offenders was being continuously carried out and specific input was received regarding Pradeep that he was in Rajapuri.

"Accordingly, a raid was conducted at the location and the accused person was apprehended by the team," said M Harsha Vardhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka).

"In order to evade punishment, during trial against him, he fled from his house and kept on changing addresses frequently to refrain himself from punishment. On checking the record, it was found that he was declared proclaimed offender in case under section 356 (assault), 379 (theft) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC at Bindapur police station," said the official.

In another operation, acting on a tip-off, Bobby Malik, who was declared proclaimed offender by Tis Hazari court, was nabbed from Shiv Vihar area.

"In order to evade punishment, during the trial against him, he fled from his house and kept on changing address frequently to refrain himself from punishment. On checking the record, it was found that he was declared proclaimed offender in a case registered under section 8 & 12 POCSO Act at Mundka police station," said the DCP.
Patna March 13 : In wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at his house in Delhi, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Monday said that the team had found nothing.

"Mere paas se thinga (nothing) mila hai," he said, demanding that the ED should release the Panchnama (record of observations of five witnesses) or he will issue the same.

Tejashwi Yadav, who returned from Delhi on Monday afternoon, straight away went to the Assembly and met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whom he briefed on the ED raids at his house and the houses of relatives.

"The leaders of BJP are feeling scared after the large turnouts in the Purnea rally. They knew that they would not face us in Bihar during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Hence, they are using the constitutional bodies against us," he said.

"We are actually socialist and we have the heart and courage to fight against rumours and false cases. We also have political grounds, ideology, and conscience. I said that these things would happen against us on a day when the Mahagathbandhan government was formed in Bihar," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"They are questioning about Rs 600 crore, I want to ask them where the details of Rs 80,000 crore is. People are saying that treasury was found from my house, I want to say that they have found 'thinga' (nothing). Where are the seizure lists? I demand from the ED to reveal the seizure list. If they do not disclose the seizure list, I will release it," he said.

"BJP leaders were shouting about railways for years. They were initially told that we have 'benami' (proxy) assets. Now, they are not talking a single time about benami assets. They are conducting raids on the houses of my sisters and their relatives. They (BJP) are doing such a low level of politics. All the claims of the BJP are rubbish. People are watching it and they will reply in the Lok Sabha election 2024 and Bihar Assembly election in 2025," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"BJP has become desperate ever since the Mahagathbandhan government was formed in Bihar. Where were the ED and the CBI when they were purchasing MLAs in Maharashtra? Rs 8 crore recovered from a MLA of BJP in Karnataka, why did the ED and the CBI not go there?" he asked.

Earlier, the ED conducted raids at Tejashwi Yadav's New Friends colony house in Delhi and reportedly recovered Rs 53 lakh cash, 1.5 kg of gold jewellery, 540 gram gold coins, and 1,900 dollars.
Mumbai, March 13 : In the first such surgery of its kind in western India, a total robotic liver transplant operation saved the life of an 8-month-old toddler from Ahmedabad at the Global Hospitals here, officials said here on Monday.

The total robotic surgical team was led by Gaurav Chaubal, which operated on the little child, Mohammed A.K. Jufna, afflicted by a rare metabolic liver disease called Crigler Najjar Syndrome.

His elder sibling had earlier died of the same condition, and this baby boy suffered from jaundice, diarrhoea, vomiting, repeated fever and was rushed for an urgent transplant to the Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai.

After assessment, the child's mother volunteered to donate a part of her liver to save her little son.

Chaubal said that a complete robotic donor hepatectomy offered benefits like a very small scar below the waistline instead of the usual inverted L-shape cut in open surgeries.

"The robotic surgical system provides high precision and control, reduces blood loss, lower risks of infection, postoperative pain and abdominal wall hernias besides reduced complication rate," said Chaubal.

Accordingly, recovery is faster and the donor-mother was discharged on the third day after the surgery, compared with at least 6 days hospital stay in the regular open surgeries.

Global Hospitals CEO Dr. Vivek Talaulikar said that this was the first robotic donor hepatectomy done end-to-end in the first attempt in western India with the Da Vinci Xi system that allows computer-guided, 3-D visualisation with impressive results.

"Our first child had already succumbed to his rare genetic disorder and my wife came forward to donate a part of her liver. We are very happy and thank the medical team for saving our second child," said the child's elated father, Abdul Kadar Jufna.
New Delhi, March 13 : Coal imports have seen a 25 per cent fall in the last three years as India strives to increase domestic production and reduce dependence on imports, despite the fact that owing to global geopolitical turmoil which has put a strain on supply chains, it, along with other nations, has been forced to enhance its dependence on the dry fuel instead of moving to greener sources of energy.

The government imported 248.54 million tonnes of coal in 2019-20, which has come down by 25 per cent to 186.06 million tonnes in the current fiscal of 2022-23 (till December 2022), according to Coal Ministry data.

In fact, coal imports have gradually come down since 2019-20, as in 2020-21, it was 215.25 million tonnes while in 2021-22, it further came down to 208.93 million tonnes. In 2022-23, it further slid below the 200 million tonnes mark to 186 million tonnes till December 2022.

In 2018-19, India's coal imports stood at 235.35 million tonnes and had risen to 248.54 million tonnes in 2019-20, a rise of 5.6 per cent. However since 2019-20 till the current fiscal, imports have been following a downward trajectory.

Though India imports coal from several countries like Australia, Canada, China, Mozambique, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand and the US, its bulk of imports are from Indonesia.

Mindful of the fact that due to the Russia-Ukraine war impacting supply chains of green fuels, it has to depend on coal, India is aiming to improve its domestic production of dry fuel and plans to produce 911 million tonnes in the current fiscal, in order to reduce dependence on imported coal.

Government plans to enhance production of coal to 1,012 billion tonnes in 2023-24 and further increase it to 1.3 billion tonnes in 2025-26.
Gaborone, Botswana  The presidents of Botswana and Zimbabwe are to discuss scrapping passport requirements between their countries to allow for the easier flow of people and goods.

Addressing ruling party supporters over the weekend, Botswana's president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said he will soon meet his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to discuss the issue.

Botswana reached a similar deal last month with Namibia, and Masisi said he also plans to discuss the issue with the Zambian president.

Some analysts are wary of Botswana's aim to extend the open border to Zimbabwe, which has a struggling economy and is a major source of illegal migration. But Masisi said there is no reason for security concerns, as smart technology will be used at entry points.

"Don't think by opening borders, we will open for criminal elements," he said. "Criminals will be caught as we will be using advanced technology."

National security expert Pius Mokgware said while the move will benefit Botswana's economy, it could allow criminals to cross the 840-kilometer border undetected.

"We have to think twice on matters of security. The identity cards should be machine readable. Security features will ensure that identity cards of either country are not forged and used for other things," Mokgware said.

Mokgware added that the proposed border arrangement could keep law enforcement agents vigilant.

"Right now, what we are using to pick illegal immigrants is the passport, because we ask for the passport. The passport will definitely indicate when you came into Botswana and when you are expected to leave the country," Mokgware said. "That element was not done for fun; it was done as a measure of security, because you have to control the people who are coming into the country."

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The number of Zimbabweans living illegally in Botswana is not known, but a Zimbabwean government report last year said 47,000 Zimbabweans had left for Botswana over the past decade.

South Africa-based economist Colls Ndlovu said promoting the free movement of people within the region is key to boosting trade.

"This is a very positive move by Botswana, which sends a very strong signal that Botswana is an outward-looking economy," Ndlovu said. "If it continues to do so, very soon, Botswana will be the key economy in Africa characterized by free trade, free movement of people, free movement of goods and services. These are policies that are long overdue."

Masisi's push to engage neighbors on opening up borders is in line with the Africa Union's Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
New Delhi, March 13 : The University of Birmingham is launching a fully-funded scholarship for Indian students, offering the winner a mentoring opportunity with the university's Indian-origin Chancellor Lord Karan Bilimoria.

The Lord Karan Bilimoria (Chancellor's) Scholarship will include a full tuition fee waiver and accommodation costs up to the duration of the programme for the winner, as well as four runner-up awards of 5,000 pounds tuition fee waiver.

It is open only to Indian students applying for postgraduate study programmes at the University's campuses in Birmingham and Dubai.

"I am hugely proud of the University of Birmingham's education partnerships in India and delighted to launch this exceptional opportunity to encourage outstanding individuals to join us - whether at our iconic new campus in Dubai or our beautiful historic campus in Birmingham," Lord Bilimoria said while launching the scholarship.

"I look forward to meeting the successful candidate and it will be a particular pleasure to mentor them as they set out on their voyage of educational discovery with the University of Birmingham and become successful leaders." According to a university statement, candidates should have an excellent academic track record and demonstrate that they have overcome challenging circumstances.

They should also have an innovative idea that can solve some of the complex challenges facing both the UK and India.

"I am delighted that the University of Birmingham is further strengthening its engagement in India with this scholarship. What a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate in being mentored by an icon of UK-Indian business, Lord Bilimoria," Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said.

The University's relationship with India dates to 1909 when the first cohort of Indian students arrived in Birmingham to study for degrees in Mining and Commerce. It now boasts of more than 2,000 Indian alumni.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, is also the Founding Chairman of the UK India Business Council, a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, a former Chancellor of Thames Valley University (now the University of West London).

A founding member of the Prime Minister of India's Global Advisory Council, Lord Bilimoria was awarded the Pravasi Bharti Samman by the President of India in 2008.
New Delhi, March 13 : The office of Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has forwarded the request of Congress leaders Sandeep Dikshit, Mangat Ram Singhal and Kiran Walia -- demanding an inquiry by the NIA into the matter of snooping and spying by the Delhi government's Feedback Unit (FBU), to the Chief Secretary for "further necessary action", an official said on Monday.

The Congress leaders had written to Lt. Governor that the sanction to CBI to prosecute former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the matter of FBU under the Prevention of Corruption Act, was not relevant since the case at hand was not just a case of corruption but a clear case of sedition involving spying on people and institutions including those at the Central government, in full knowledge of the Chief Minister and the entire Cabinet.

"To acquire a capacity to listen to conversations, gather intelligence and information and to 'spy' on people and institutions in the national capital territory that includes the Central government, defence establishments, intelligence agencies of the Union government etc., is a clear case of sedition," read the letter from Sandeep Dikshit addressed to the L-G.

Dikshit further said: "While we are not lawyers, we believe that this invokes the UAPA, or similar acts and the CBI and NIA must be directed by yourself to investigate under laws governing sedition and anti-national activities and as evidence of wrong doing has already been found, the concerned CM and ministers of Delhi government, and officials must be prosecuted under such sedition and anti-national laws as maybe found applicable in this." The letter also read: "The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought and received sanction from you to prosecute Manish Sisodia, former minister in Delhi government, in a case of the setting up of a Feedback Unit (FBU) by Delhi government some years back. This sanction is sought under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Kolkata, March 13 : Amid fear of spreading adenovirus in West Bengal, four more child deaths have been reported from a Kolkata hospital from Sunday night till Monday afternoon.

Though it is yet to be confirmed that four fresh deaths, all reported from B.C. Roy Children's Hospital, were confirmed cases of adenovirus, it is learnt that all the four children were admitted with the virus-related symptoms of cough, cold and severe breathing problems.

Last week, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told media persons that the total adenovirus-related deaths stood at 19, out of which six were confirmed cases of the virus while the remaining had comorbidities. The same figure was also quoted in a notification issued by the state Health Department on March 11. However, after that there had been no death figure update from it.

However, unofficial sources quote the figure of deaths with related symptoms at much higher at 147 from the beginning of January till date. Out of this, the maximum are from the B.C. Roy Children's Hospital at 75, where the pressure of admission of children with related symptoms had been maximum.

The second highest death report had been from Calcutta Medical College & Hospital at 25.

A recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) has revealed that 38 per cent of the swab samples that have been tested adenovirus-positive throughout the country since from January 1 to March 9 have been reported from West Bengal making it the highest among all Indian states on this count.

Tamil Nadu comes in the distant second position with 19 per cent, Kerala at 13 per cent, Delhi at 11 per cent and Maharashtra at five per cent are in the third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

The common symptoms of adenovirus are flu-like ones, cold, fever, breathing problems, sore throat, pneumonia and acute bronchitis. Children two years of age and below are most vulnerable to being affected by the virus.

The virus can spread through skin contacts, by air through coughing and sneezing and through an infected person's stool. So far, there have not been any approved medicines or any specific treatment to treat the virus.
New Delhi, March 13 : As per the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), 25 airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been earmarked for leasing over the years 2022 to 2025, the Parliament was told on Monday.

The AAI has leased out eight of its airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation, management and development on a long-term lease basis.

Out of these, Delhi and Mumbai airports were handed over in 2006. During the last five years i.e. from 2017-18 to 2021-22, the AAI has received revenue of approximately Rs 5,500 crore from Delhi airport and Rs 5,174 crore from Mumbai Airport, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen V.K. Singh (retd) told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

According to the reply, the six airports recently awarded under PPP including Mangaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram have been handed over to the Concessionaires on October 31, 2020, November 2, 2020, November 7, 2020, October 8, 2021, October 11, 2021 and October 14, 2021, respectively and till February 2023, the AAI has received concession fees of approximately Rs 896 crore from the concessionaires for these six airports.

Further, the AAI has also received an amount of Rs 2,349 crore in the form of upfront fee towards the capital expenditure incurred by it at these airports.

During the PPP process i.e. from March 2018 till handing over the airports to the PPP partner, the AAI spent an amount of approximately Rs 1,970 crore towards capital works at these six PPP airports. This Capital expenditure incurred by AAI has been paid to AAI by the PPP partner.
Washington, March 13 : US President Joe Biden on Monday calmed an alarmed nation over the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse vowing to protect depositors' monies, fire the bank management, but declared investors would not be protected as they knew the risks they ran.

"This is capitalism for you," he said.

Biden told a nationwide audience that the US government is taking steps to prevent an escalating financial crisis from the Californian bank collapse.

He said that "no losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Instead, the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund".

"The management of these banks will be fired. If the bank is taken over by FDIC, the people running the bank should not work there anymore," Biden said, according to multiple media reports.

The US President said that "investors in the banks will not be protected".

"They knowingly took a risk. And when the risk didn't pay off, investors lose their money. That's how capitalism works," he said.

"I'm going to ask Congress and the banking regulators to strengthen the rules for banks, to make it less likely this kind of bank failure would happen again... and to protect American jobs and small businesses," the US President said.

"Your deposits will be there when you need them. Small businesses across the country that have deposit accounts at these banks can breathe easier knowing they'll be able to pay their workers and pay their bills," he said.

This is the worst financial crisis to hit the US since the failure of the Washington Mutual Fund in 2008 during the start of the US financial meltdown.

Former US President Donald Trump was quick to take advantage of the situation and blame the democrats for watering down the financial regulations which Biden denied and shifted the blame to his predecessor.

According to the British newspaper Independent more than 200 UK firms are at 'serious risk' from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. There is scramble on right now to secure Silicon Valley Bank UK's takeover amid fears for tech firms being hit hard.

The US financial regulators have said they will back the banks depositors but not bail out the bank by any chance. The Chinese HSBC has made a bid to buy SVB in a rescue deal, reports said.

The SVB collapse has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for major banks to flee from regional banks. New York Governor Hoi Chul (D), said the SVB could shutter Manhattan based banks as "people waking up this morning could decide to make a run and take their money out of the banks because of uncertainty that could lead others to flee regional banks".

Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Financial Services took over the Signature Bank.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Monday that "the New York State Department of Financial Services took possession of a New York Chartered Bank known as Signature last night".

"While that sounds extraordinary, that is what happens in terms of the transition from a temporary hold by the state and it's merely turned over to the FDIC," she said.

"This is in the aftermath of what happened on Friday... (with) Silicon Valley Bank out in California. And this had an effect on a bank here in particular Signature Bank," she added.

Following the SVB collapse, bank stocks plunged at the open on Wall Street as trading opened for Monday morning. Bank stocks plunged at the open on Wall Street following failures of two banks; investors seeking safety rush into bonds.

Meanwhile, Biden also emphasised that during the Obama-Biden administrations, strong regulations had been put in place, but the Trump administration rolled them back unfortunately. He was critical of Trump for this action.
New Delhi, March 13 : Three persons were arrested while four others were apprehended by Delhi Police for allegedly killing a person in northwest Delhi's Aman Vihar area, an official said on Monday.

The accused have been identified as Nihal (18), a resident of Nangloi Extension, Akash (20) and Vikas (23), residents of Prem Nagar.

According to police, a police control room call regarding firing and gunshot injury to someone was received on Saturday at Aman Vihar police station and a police team immediately rushed to the spot in sector-22 Rohini.

"Yogesh, a resident of Rajiv Nagar, Begumpur was declared brought dead. A case under section 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC was registered and investigation was taken up," said Guriqbal Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini).

During investigation, it was revealed that Yogesh was a car mechanic and used to come to his friend Sagar, who is a property dealer.

"Sagar had a quarrel with the alleged persons over a property matter one month ago. He and his brother had beaten the alleged persons on the above said issue. The alleged persons were looking for an opportunity to take revenge from the complainant Sagar," said the DCP.

"On the day of the incident, Yogesh had come over to his friend's shop and in the meantime, the alleged persons came with his other accomplices and fired at Sagar in which he escaped but Yogesh was got gunshot injuries," said the DCP.

On the basis of the CCTV footages, technical surveillance and human intelligence, three boys were arrested who were involved in the commission of crime.

"At their instances, their four other juvenile accomplices have been apprehended in the case who were involved in the alleged murder. The weapon of the offence, country-made pistol with two live rounds, 4 wooden sticks, a Scooty Jupitor and a motorcycle Hero Passion used in the commission of crime have been recovered and taken into police possession. Further investigation is in progress," said the DCP.
Jammu, March 13 : Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved enhancement of ex-gratia relief to next of kin (NoK) of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) personnel who attain martyrdom in the line of duty, an official statement said.

According to the decision, CAPF personnel from Jammu and Kashmir who attain martyrdom in the line of duty, within or outside the territorial jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir, will receive ex-gratia relief equivalent to that provided to the martyrs of defence personnel.

"The decision demonstrates the UT administration's commitment to supporting the NoKs of security forces who make the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation," the statement said.

As per the decision, the NoKs of martyred CAPF personnel will now receive Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia relief, a substantial increase from the previous amount of Rs 5 lakh.
Mumbai, March 13 : In a big jolt to the Shiv Sena-UBT, party leader Subhash Desai's son Bhushan Desai on Monday joined the Shiv Sena headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Soon afterwards, Desai, a close confidante of the late Balasaheb Thakeray, and his son and former CM Uddhav Thackeray and the family for over five decades, expressed anguish over his son's move to join the Shiv Sena, and asserted how "he (Bhushan) has nothing to do with either politics or Shiv Sena".

"This is very painful news for me. His (Bhushan) joining any party will not have any impact on the Shiv Sena-UBT. My loyalty to the 'Matoshri' will not be shaken. At this age, I cannot say much, but henceforth I shall continue my work along with many Shiv Sainiks till complete justice is done and the party regains its past glory," Desai, also served as a minister in the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government which was toppled by Shinde after the rebellion in June 2022, said.

Shinde and other Sena leaders welcomed Bhushan Desai to the party fold at a function this evening.

On his entry to the Sena, Bhushan Desai told media persons that he was "impressed by the functioning style of CM Shinde" and claimed that after discussing it with his father, he decided to join the party.

"I had made up my mind to join the Shiv Sena which runs on the ideals of the late Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeraya I shall take up whatever responsibility the party gives me," he said.

Shinde and other senior leaders lauded Bhushan Desai for his move, offering him a party flag and other symbols marking his entry to the Shiv Sena.
Bhopal, March 13 : The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a 'censure motion' against a BBC documentary for allegedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bad light over the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The motion was a private member resolution moved by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Shailendra Jain with the approval of the state's Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Narottam Mishra. It was passed by a voice vote.

With this, after Gujarat -- the home state of PM Modi, Madhya Pradesh became the second BJP-ruled state to pass a 'censor motion' against the BBC.

Notably, the Gujarat Assembly had on Friday passed a resolution requesting the Centre to take strict action against the BBC for tarnishing the image and popularity of PM Narendra Modi with the documentary.

A censure motion is an expression of strong disapproval. In Parliamentary procedure, it is a debatable main motion that could be adopted by a majority vote.

Before the motion was passed by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly by voice vote on Monday, Jain said the BBC had telecast the objectionable documentary by misinterpreting the 2002 Gujarat riots and portraying the then chief minister Narendra Modi in a bad light.

He said the documentary had also cast aspersions on the judiciary, which amounts to contempt of court, and added that the judiciary works independently and freely in India.

He also mentioned that the Central government should not forgive the BBC and take action against the broadcaster.

Speaker Girish Gautam placed the resolution to test, which was passed by a voice vote.

The controversial two-part documentary by the BBC titled 'India: The Modi Question' claims to have probed certain aspects of the riots, which took place after the Godhra train burning incident, when Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat.

Notably, earlier in January, soon after its release, the government had issued directions to block multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the documentary.
Patna, March 13 : Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Monday claimed that the ED raid on his house in Delhi's New Friends Colony lasted only 30 minutes and the team found nothing while he and his family members had treated the officials hospitably, serving tea and meals to them.

"We have not left any scope to offer hospitality to ED officials. We have served tea, breakfast, and lunch," Tejashwi Yadav said after returning to Patna.

"When ED officials came to my house for a raid, they completed the search operation in half an hour. When we asked them to go from my house as the search was over, they said that they have orders from top bosses to stay in the house for a longer period of time so that news about the raids would run for the day," he claimed.

Tejashwi Yadav also claimed that the ED team, which claimed to have seized a large amount of cash and gold, had found nothing and dared them to release a list of their seizures.

"All BJP people are fake and we are original socialist leaders. We would not get scared of their lies. The BJP leaders are becoming uncomfortable after the rally in Purnea. They want to divert attention from it but they will fail in their efforts," he said.

"In 2017, they were talking about Rs 8,000 crore. Now they are talking about Rs 600 crore. I want to ask them to give the details of Rs 8,000 crore first.. where did the Rs 8,000 crore go. They do not have any proof. They only have fictitious stories. BJP leaders are feeling uneasiness ever since we have thrown them out of power in Bihar," he added.
These aerial images have been captured on March 16, 2023, in Nsanje by a Malawi Red Cross drone.

Blantyre, Malawi  Malawi has diverted flights and suspended schools in its southern districts due to Cyclone Freddy, which has killed at least 40 people, according to the country's disaster management agency.

Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi on Friday and has caused damage in at least 10 districts in the country's south.

The government in Lilongwe suspended schools in southern Malawi until further notice. In Blantyre, authorities suspended flights at the Chileka International airport for much of Sunday and Monday.

"Our officers have been deployed to rescue and provide other services to people who need rescue and we are in each of the districts because we also have police stations in these districts," said Peter Kalaya, spokesman for Malawi's Police Service. "But suffice to say our efforts are being hampered by the effects of the rains because the rains are still falling."

Kalaya said the death toll will likely rise, as they expect reports from nine other affected districts.

Chipiliro Khamula, spokesman for Malawi's Department of Disaster Preparedness, told VOA Monday rescue efforts were underway by police, the military and the Malawi Red Cross.

"We have also set up a national emergency operations center in Limbe to facilitate coordination of preparedness interventions," Khamula said. "Again we have also stockpiled some relief items at the humanitarian staging area in Bangula, at our Blantyre warehouse, and in some districts for effective and efficient provision of relief items in affected areas."

Yobu Kachiwanda, spokesperson for Malawi's Meteorological Department, said the cyclone has started to weaken and is expected to leave Malawi soon.

"Projection is that it is still there in the next 24 to 48 hours, and will go back into Mozambique Channel as usual towards mid-week into the weekend," Kachiwanda said.

Cyclone Freddy first appeared more than a month ago and is believed to be the longest-lasting storm in the region for the past 20 years. Since February, the cyclone has left scores of people dead across Madagascar and twice-hit Mozambique.

The storm is also expected to hit parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe this week.
Patna, March 13 : A class 3 student of the Navodaya Residential School in Patna's Masaudhi area was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the school on Monday, police said.

The school administration claimed that the child had committed suicide, while his family members claimed that he died due to torture by teachers.

Masaudhi SHO Sanjay Kumar said that the body was sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the actual cause of death.

"We have taken the statements of students and teachers in this matter. The investigation is currently underway. It, prima facie, looks to be a case of suicide. However, we are waiting for the post-mortem report," he said.

The victim is a native of Rupaspur village under Dhanarua police station.
New York, March 13 : US President Joe Biden's words of reassurance on Monday have done little to calm markets as "worries raced around that other smaller US banks could become the latest dominos to fall", as per an expert, media reports said.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said her admission that fresh regulations may be needed to stop further failures exposes weaknesses in the current system and now lawmakers will be asked to toughen the rules, The Guardian reported.

So, even though the collapse has centred on a small tech-focused corner of the financial system, the fall-out risks spreading. The era of cheap money has hurtled to an end and investors are waking up to some dramatic highly unintended consequences, she added.

Streeter said the realisation that regulatory action isn't stopping the rot has led to sharp falls in some of Wall Street's biggest banking names in early trade such as Wells Fargo down 7.5 per cent, Citigroup down 6 per cent, and Bank of America down 7 per cent. Despite the pretty bold regulatory action, investors have still been shaken by the events of the past few days and are highly nervous about spilling over and creating pools of fresh problems.

The freefall of shares in a raft of smaller lenders including First Republic Bank, Western Alliance Bancorp, and PacWest Bancorp shows the extent of the contagion concerns with shareholder confidence evaporating, Streeter said, The Guardian reported.

Investor have dumped bank stocks around the world. In London, Standard Chartered is down 6 per cent with Barclays losing 5 per cent. The market is sending a consistent message today: it fears that a US recession is about to start, The Guardian reported.

George Saravelos, a strategist at Deutsche Bank, said: "We are now pricing in Fed cuts rather than hikes, the yield curve is bull steepening sharply, commodities and equities are down with cyclicals under-performing. This is all consistent with an imminent US recession."
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court will on Tuesday deliver its verdict on a curative petition filed by the Centre demanding an additional compensation of Rs 7,400 crore from the successor firms of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) for the victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

The successor firms of the UCC had told the Supreme Court that the Indian government never suggested at the time of settlement (of 1989) that it was inadequate. The firms' counsel emphasized that depreciation of the rupee since 1989 cannot become a ground to seek a top-up of compensation now for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims.

After hearing detailed arguments, a five-judge bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on January 12 reserved its verdict on Centre's curative petition seeking an additional Rs 7,844 crore from the successor firms of UCC for extending greater compensation to the victims.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing successor firms of the UCC, submitted before the bench - also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Abhay S. Oka, Vikram Nath, and J.K. Maheshwari - that there are affidavits starting from 1995 and ending as late as 2011, where the Indian government has opposed every single attempt to suggest that the settlement is inadequate.

During the hearing, Salve also cited several conspiracy theories connected with the case. He said in one of the theories it was claimed the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had met UCC Chairperson Warren Anderson in a hotel in Paris before the settlement, and added that Anderson had by then retired from his post.

The top court had grilled Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Centre, on how the government could file a curative petition without filing the review. It told the AG that the Central government was not prohibited from granting relief to the Bhopal gas tragedy victims, and it cannot absolve from itself from the welfare state principle saying, "I will take it from them (successor firms of Union Carbide Corporation), as and when taken from them, I will pay".
New Delhi, March 13 : The slugfest over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's statements in UK is likely to continue as the BJP is adamant on an apology from him while the Congress is citing past statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi abroad.

The opposition parties will meet on Tuesday again to derive strategy at the floor of the house.

Hitting out at PM Modi, Congress chief and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted: "I want to remind you of your statement made in China. You said - "Earlier, you felt ashamed of being born Indian. Now you feel proud to represent the country" Was this not an insult to India and Indians? Tell your Ministers to refresh their memories! "In South Korea, you had said - "There was a time when people used to feel that what sin they committed in their past life which resulted in taking birth in India, is this what you call a country..." First see the 'Mirror of Truth', before lecturing the Congress party!" The Congress is blaming government for the disruption in Parliament as there is no issue of a statement made outside the house.

The BJP charge against the Congress was been led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in the Rajya Sabha with both demanding an apology from Gandhi.

Opposition parties however termed it as the government's diversionary tactics as the BJP do not want to hear about the JPC.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Parliament was adjourned for the day because the government simply didn't want it to function. It created a completely bogus diversion to keep the attention away from the combined Opposition demand for a JPC into PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam." Earlier, the Opposition members staged a march towards Vijay Chowk and Kharge said that there is no rule of law under Prime Minister Modi.

Addressing a press conference at Vijay Chowk outside Parliament, soon after both Houses were adjourned over protests related to Gandhi's remarks, Kharge said, "There is no rule of law and democracy under Modi ji. They are running the country like a dictatorship, and then they talk about democracy." Those "crushing and destroying democracy" are talking of saving it, he added.

Over the Adani issue, Kharge said: "We are demanding the constitution of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Adani stocks issue. When we raise the issue, then mikes are switched off and a ruckus erupts in the House." However, he asserted that the Opposition is united and will continue to demand the JPC on the Adani issue.
Kolkata, March 13 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav are likely to meet in Kolkata on Friday to discuss opposition unity for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Trinamool Congress sources said.

According to the sources, the two leaders, at the meeting at Banerjee's residence at Kalighat in south Kolkata, are likely to discuss possibilities of having a grand opposition alliance against the BJP but without involving Congress in that initiative.

"Akhilesh Yadav will be attending a national working committee of his party at a hotel in Kolkata on Friday. After attending that meeting, he is likely to go to the Chief Minister's residence at Kalighat at around 5 p.m. Before that on the same afternoon, the chief minister has convened a meeting of the core committee of her party at 3 p.m. which will also be attended by Trinamool Congress's national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee," said a senior member of the West Bengal cabinet who refused to be named.

Last week, leaders of eight opposition parties, including Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining that the central agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate are specially targeting the opposition parties in the country in a biased manner. However, there was no signatory from Congress or the Left parties in that letter.

On Monday on the occasion of the last day of the extended budget session of the West Bengal Assembly, a motion was passed condemning the hyperactive role of the central agencies in West Bengal. Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay observed that if the central agencies decide to take any action against any member of the house, the office of the Speaker should be intimated first. However, when that motion was passed none of the opposition BJP legislators were present within the house.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday claimed that Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena pressurised the Power Department to withdraw the power subsidy based on flawed legal advice.

"Under pressure from the PMO to stop the power subsidy in Delhi, the L-G had instructed the Power Department to withdraw Delhi Government's power subsidy based on flawed legal advice," Delhi PWD Minister Atishi said.

"Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is committed towards providing 24x7 free electricity to the people of Delhi. Our power subsidy is not going to be altered. The L-G office is deliberately spreading misinformation regarding it," she said.

Atishi said that the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) had withdrawn its advice regarding the Power Subsidy back in January 2023.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had written to the DERC Chairman with a request to re-examine the issue and provide a fresh opinion on the matter since more than two years had elapsed since DERC's last advice.

The DERC upon receiving this request, carried out a detailed legal examination on the matter and placed its fresh opinion through an order January 6, 2023 retracting its prior 'statutory advice', on legal grounds.

In its detailed order, the DERC pointed out that as per Section 86(2) of Delhi Electricity Act, 2003, the commission can advise the government only on four defined matters.

The matters include "promotion of competition, efficiency and economy in activities of the electricity industry; promotion of investment in electricity industry; reorganisation and restructuring of electricity industry in the state; and matters concerning generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity or any other matter referred to the State Commission by that government".

The issue of Power Subsidy does not fall into any four of the specific areas under Section 86 (2) of the Act and instead comes under Section 65 of the Act, which is the exclusive domain of the State government.

Thus the Commission concluded that its prior advice regarding the subsidy was legally incorrect and without jurisdiction.

Atishi said that given the very fact that the DERC does not have any jurisdiction to oversee power subsidy, its advice on the matter is misplaced and incorrect.

"Realising the discrepancy, DERC itself clarified that their previous statutory advice stands null and void as of date."
Panaji, March 13 : Goa Police has lodged a case against a woman tourist, who was seen hitting a security guard with her footwear at Old Goa Church, as per a viral video.

After the video of the incident of the woman arguing with the security guards and hitting one among them near the church gate spread, police took cognisance and filed a case.

As per sources, the argument between the woman tourist and the security guards was over entry in church premises, which is only allowed during a fixed time.

Reacting to this incident, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that tourists should not take law into their hands. "In the incident which happened at Old Goa, a woman tourist tried to assault security guard with footwear. We will not tolerate such incidents. Non cognizable offense is registered (against her), police are looking out for that woman," he said.

"Tourists should follow Goa's law. We will fully support tourists if they complain at the appropriate office. Police are capable of dealing with any such situations," he added.

Sawant said that Goa government is committed to give safe environment to tourists visiting the state, but they should also follow the law and call police if they meet with any injustice.
Patna, March 13 : Bihar-based political strategist Prashant Kishor (PK) on Monday thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for arresting Tamil leader Senthamijhan Shiman, who allegedly gave a provocative speech against Bihari labourers in the state.

PK had tweeted Shiman's video and demanded that the Tamil Nadu government act against him.

After the arrest, Kishor said "Thankyou Sir" to Stalin.

The Bihar and Tamil Nadu Police on March 10 claimed that all videos, purportedly showing assault on migrant labourers in Tamil Nadu, uploaded on social media are fake. Bihar Police registered two FIRs in this matter while 13 FIRs registered in Tamil Nadu for uploading fake videos.

Following the claims of the police of the two states, Kishor, on March 11, challenged them to register FIR against him as he had uploaded two videos related to a Tamil Nadu incident where local people are beating Bihari labourers.

He said that while some people had uploaded fake videos to provoke Tamil youths to beat Bihari labourers but that does not mean violent incidents are not taking place against Hindi speaking people in Tamil Nadu. "I have uploaded two videos where Hindi speaking people were beaten by local Tamil youths. One such incident had happened in the train in Kongu district and Tamil Nadu police registered an FIR against it. In another video, a leader was addressing a gathering and giving an ultimatum to Bihari people to leave Tamil Nadu in 7 days. I challenge Bihar and Tamilnadu police to declare my two videos fake and register an FIR against me," he said on March 11 during the 161th day of his padyatra in Maharajganj of Siwan district.
New Delhi, March 13 : A notorious criminal, who was wanted in connection with several crime cases, was arrested from Haryana's Rohtak by the Rohini District police.

Rohini Deputy Commissioner of Police, G.S. Sidhu, said that the accused was identified as Manoj alias Mujji.

"The staff of Prashant Vihar police station had been working to nab the accused for quite a long time. Station House Officer Rajeev Kumar Vats received a secret information about his whereabouts in Rohtak, Haryana. In order to apprehend the alleged person, a special team was constituted and sent to Haryana," said the officer.

The officer added that a raid was conducted at his hideout and Manoj was finally arrested from Haryana's Rohtak.

The accused was later taken in custodial remand. During the remand, it was revealed that he was declared a proclaimed offender by the Saket court.

"He has been previously found involved in two cases of forgery and cheating," said the officer.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 : The Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala has started to stink like the Brahampuram Waste Plant in Kochi due to its "corruption", the opposition Congress said on Monday.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan told the media that "it's sad that this CPI-M government is engaged in corrupt practices to benefit the party, its leaders or their children".

"Just look into the company that was given the tender to run the Brahamapuram Waste Plant. Without any experience to handle big plants, they got the tender and by now Rs 22 crore have been given to them... what have they done. Nothing has been done," he said.

For the past 13 days, the state's commercial capital Kochi has been engulfed in smoke after fire surfaced in the more than 100 acre dumping ground.

The plant that won the tender is run by veteran CPI-M leader and former ruling Left Democratic Front convenor Vaikom Viswan's son-in-law.

Residents of Kochi, especially living in the vicinity of the dumping yard, have been sorely troubled while the Kochi Corporation turned a battle ground when police clashed with angry opposition councillors belonging to the Congress and the BJP.

The council, run by the CPI-M, tried to hold a meeting on Monday, but this ended in utter mayhem with the police and the protesters engaged in a fierce battle.

The meeting ended up as soon as it began, as only the ruling council members were present.

The Kerala High Court is also seriously going through what has happened and has taken up the case suo motto and on Monday, the District Collector was pulled up by the court after he did not come in person and opted to appear online.

Meanwhile, reports surfaced that a 70-year-old man in Kochi passed away due to breathlessness and according to his wife, he had started developing breathing problems a few days after the smog started and developed complications subsequently.

The Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed chaos after the opposition boycotted the day's session protesting the way the Vijayan government is going about things. Vijayan, who holds the charge of Environment and Pollution Control, did not open his mouth when the treasury and opposition benches were up in arms on this issue.
Uganda's female haematologists are breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of women in a medical field that's traditionally dominated by men.

As specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, haematologists play a critical role in any health care system; but few female doctors from Uganda have ventured into the area thus far.

Dr. Christine Sekaggya is the only female haematologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital and one of only three female haematologists in the country.

Dr. Sekaggya is celebrated as one of Uganda's top haematologists, but her inspiration to specialise in the area was rather prosaic.

"I decided to do haematology because there was a gap in human resource at the time. It is an area where many people remain undiagnosed in the community with their diseases for a long time," she explains.

Nevertheless, Sekaggya found that she enjoyed working in her chosen field and has since achieved remarkable success in her career.

Sekaggya believes women bring a unique perspective to the field of haematology and calls on more of them to to join the highly specialised medical fields.

"In haematology, we are probably two or three females. and when I talk about Hema oncology, we are basically five females. We really need to build capacity," she says.

To young women aspiring for careers in medicine, Sekaggya says with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

"Don't get distracted by what people say; if you want to do it, set your mind to it, work hard and take the small steps you need to get to your goal."
Bhopal, March 13 : Charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining silence over the Hindenburg Research report on Adani Group, the Congress' Madhya Pradesh unit, led by state chief, Kamal Nath stated a massive protest in Bhopal on Monday.

Kamal Nath led over 20,000 Congress workers from across Madhya Pradesh in a planned siege of the Raj Bhavan but they were stopped by the police midway. As the protesters tried to cross barricades, police used water cannon to disperse them.

Police also detained several senior Congress leaders including former Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, former minister Suresh Pachouri and Congress state in-charge J.P Agrawal. As per the information, over 50 Congress leaders were detained by police, however they were released soon.

Before the protest march was blocked by the police, Kamal Nath, while addressing a large gathering of party workers, said the next six months will be real test of their commitment.

"You all have been fighting against BJP's draconian power for last several years, now time has come be more united and strong to uproot the Shivraj Singh Chouhan led BJP government from Madhya Pradesh. Next six months will be real test of party workers," he said.

With the protest, the Congress also tried to show its unity ahead of the Assembly elections, which are due at the end of this year. All senior leaders including Ajay Singh, Leader of Opposition Govind Singh, former minister Jitu Patwari and Arun Yadav joined Kamal Nath on the stage and they all addressed the party workers.

Meanwhile, a couple of Congress workers were reported injured due to use to water cannons and they have been admitted at a hospital with minor injuries.
Chennai, March 13 : A woman was arrested on Monday at Vriddhachalam in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district for allegedly throwing acid at her daughter-in-law, the police said.

Andal, 55, threw acid on the face of Krithika, 26, on Sunday night when she was sleeping.

Police said that Andal's son Mukesh Raj was married to Krithika for the past seven years and they have two children, aged 5 and 1 .

Mukesh works at an apparel factory in Avinashi, Tirupur, while Krithika lives with her mother-in-law, Andal.

Andal attacked her daughter-in-law as she suspected Krithika's loyalty towards her son.

Krithika sustained injuries to her face and body. She is currently undergoing treatment.

Hearing Krithika's cries, neighbours entered her home and took her to the hospital .

Following Krithika's complaint ,Vriddhachalam police booked Andal under the relevant sections of the IPC and arrested her.
Panaji, March 13 : Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has demanded the Goa government declare the forest lands, which were engulfed by fire, as a 'No Development Zone'.

"The government should declare these forest lands as 'No Development Zone' and should not allow the conversion of the land to Settlement Zones or Eco-Tourism Projects," Alemao said in a letter written to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, adding appealing to allocate a special fund in the budget to grow the trees and protect forest.

He has drawn the attention of the Chief Minister towards the recent fire incidents in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Eco Sensitive Zones, Hills and Forest Areas.

"It is very important to constitute a High level inquiry commission under retired High Court judge comprising of experts from various fields to investigate all the Fire Incidents in Goa," he said.

He said that the Commission should also be given the mandate to conduct a scientific study on the fire incidents in various eco-sensitive, bio-diversity and forest areas in Goa.

"I have information that a private forest with pristine trees, bush cover, numerous birds and reptiles were burnt down deliberately with a malicious intent of selling the Communidade land to builders at Soccoro Village in Bardez-North Goa. The reports of fire in every Taluka of the state over the last weekend give scope to suspect foul play. The anti-environment and real estate mafia are eyeing prime Goan cultivable lands to convert them into concrete jungles. This needs to be probed thoroughly," the letter stated.

"Although the fire incidents in hill areas are attributed to rising temperatures, the possibility of a systematic game plan to destroy the forests, wildlife, flora and fauna, bio-diversity and identity and existence of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary cannot be ruled out," he said.
Juba, March 14 : South Sudan President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar have met with visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to discuss bilateral ties and outstanding issues in implementing a 2018 peace agreement.

Ahmed was visiting South Sudan at a time when the country's two main principals to the revitalised peace deal are in disagreement over the recent sacking of two ministers.

Deng Dau Deng, South Sudan's acting minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, said on Monday that Kiir and Ahmed discussed bilateral matters with regional dimensions, including the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement.

"South Sudan values its historical ties with Ethiopia and appreciates Ethiopia's keen interest in its peace and stability," Deng told journalists in the South Sudan capital, Juba.

Deng said Ahmed also held talks with Machar, without providing details of the meeting between the two leaders, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen Hassen said Addis Ababa attaches great importance to peace and stability in South Sudan.

"Ethiopia... stands committed to peaceful resolution of (political) issues," Mekonnen added.

On March 3, Kiir sacked Angelina Teny as the minister of defence and veterans affairs, a move that has been protested by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) under Machar. Teny is Machar's wife.

Kiir also fired Interior Minister Mahmoud Solomon. No reason was given for either dismissal.

Under the 2018 revitalised peace deal, the SPLM-IO is handed control of the ministry of defence while Kiir's SPLM-In Government is in charge of the Interior Ministry.

Kiir's latest decree swapped the two ministries, prompting protest from the SPLM-IO, which said the decision lacked consensus from the parties to the peace deal.

International partners on Monday encouraged the two sides and all stakeholders in the peace process to increase the momentum for the implementation of the peace deal.

A joint statement from the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) lauded a meeting between Kiir and Machar on March 10 to discuss the status of the implementation of the peace deal and the recent "Decree and Republican Order" swapping ministries.

"Following consultations with high-level Government parties by AUMISS, IGAD and UNMISS, the partners wish to once again encourage renewed focus by all signatories to the Revitalised Peace Agreement as outlined in the Roadmap, for its full and timely implementation," the statement said.

The partners encourage the parties to maintain collegial collaboration, continuous consultations and consensus-building in the letter and spirit of the revitalised agreement, the statement added.
Colombo, March 14 : China expressed its plans to enter Sri Lanka's fuel market by investing on importing, storage, distribution and supply fuel to the Indian Ocean island nation which went through a severe fuel crisis.

A group of representatives from China's Sinopec Group met President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday and confirmed their readiness to fulfil the country's energy requirements.

During the discussion, Wickremesinghe said the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel which is expected to commence shortly, President's Media Division (PMD) said.

During Monday's discussion Sinopec, China's largest supplier of oil and petrochemical products has informed Sri Lanka that it was ready to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, island's southern-most point- where there is a China-run port.

They also presented their proposal to President Wickremesinghe, who said that Sri Lanka expects rapid development following the programme with the International Monetary Fund from which a $2.9 billion bailout package is expected.

Wickremesinghe also expressed his desire to promote and attract foreign businesses to operate within the country in the future, the PMD said.

The move will mark the entrance of second private outside fuel supplier after India's Lanka IOC which runs an island wide distribution network with more than 200 retail outlets.

The state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporatoin controls about 80 per cent of the fuel market.
HB Workplaces New Identity "Building upon the 43-year legacy of Henriksen Butler and embracing recent developments in the marketplace, including the acquisition of Knoll by Herman Miller, we feel that now is the perfect time to evolve our own brand to better represent who we are and the work we do for our customers."

Today, Henriksen Butler (also known as HB) has changed its name to HB Workplaces along with a new branding identity, symbolizing the evolution of the brand over the past 43 years. This evolution is rooted in its belief in the power of place and its mission to help realize the potential of its clients spaces by creating workplaces that look and feel as good as they function.

The HB Workplaces rebranding encompasses a new logo, tagline, and website address at hbworkplaces.com.

In 1980, Ron Henriksen and Steve Butler sought to enhance the design of local businesses spaces by providing thoughtfully-designed furniture from Herman Miller. Throughout the years, the brand has expanded its focus to meet the needs of architects, designers, developers, general contractors and end-users. With unparalleled customer service, an expansion of products, services, locations and more, HB Workplaces has become the largest full-scale, contract interiors company in the Intermountain West.

HB Workplaces successes include:



Maintaining their exclusive partnership award with Herman Miller since 1983

Providing the combined MillerKnoll portfolio of brands since the acquisition of Knoll by Herman Miller in 2021

Serving clients in six locations throughout Utah, Nevada and Idaho

Expanding its mission to support local industry professionals with research-led workplace strategy and insight

Building upon the 43-year legacy of Henriksen Butler and embracing recent developments in the marketplace, including the acquisition of Knoll by Herman Miller, we feel that now is the perfect time to evolve our own brand to better represent who we are and the work we do for our customers, said Dave Colling, CEO of HB Workplaces.

Even though the name is changing, HB Workplaces mission remains the same. With a team of experienced workplace consultants, strategists, and collaborators, HB Workplaces helps bring its customers vision and goals into focus.

At HB Workplaces, we believe that great spaces lead to great outcomes. We believe that workplaces should support communities of people creating, innovating, connecting and thriving. We believe in the power of collaboration to yield better ideas and outcomes, said Megan Corrent Langford, VP of Marketing at HB Workplaces. Rebranding to HB Workplaces provides us a clear direction as we continue to evolve and reimagine the workplaces of the future.

See how HB Workplaces can fully service your workspace needs in Utah, Nevada, and Idaho.

About HB Workplaces

Formerly known as Henriksen Butler, HB Workplaces collaborates with architects, designers, and clients to turn everyday spaces into thriving workplaces. Our mission is to realize the potential of our clients spaces by creating workplaces that look and feel as good as they function. Experience HB Workplaces at our showrooms in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Boise, Reno, and St. George. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and visit our website at hbworkplaces.com.
We are stronger because young people are going to take this agenda and keep it moving Duncan said about her lifes work of fighting poverty.

Nevada cannabis lobbyist and founder of Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community AEsha Allums announced today the formation of Ms. Rubys House of LIFE (Love, Inclusion, Freedom, Equity), a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to honoring the life and work of Nevada civil rights titan Ruby Duncan. Ms. Rubys House of LIFEs mission is to focus on recruiting and training advocates and policymakers who will pursue policies that address the states childcare and housing crises and eradicate poverty.

Goins, one of the states preeminent cannabis policy analysts and consultants, knew something more needed to be done after bumping up against legislators who were hostile to policies that support working people.

All the lobbying in the world doesnt matter when elected officials are simply opposed to your agenda, Allums said. I started Ms. Rubys House of LIFE because not only do working people need another seat at the table of power, we need elected officials who dont have to be convinced that our worth and humanity matter.

When Allums approached Duncan, the co-founder and executive director of Operation Life gave her blessing. We are stronger because young people are going to take this agenda and keep moving, Duncan said about her lifes work of fighting poverty. Black women, brown women, white women, were all gonna make this agenda work. Its a must. Our children depend on it. Our seniors depend on it. We must make the legislators work for us and our families.

Ms. Rubys House of LIFE is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to bring more working people and parents to the halls of power. The organization will work to pass legislation at all levels of government that will address the housing & childcare crisis, protect birthing parents and eradicate poverty.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to join PrestigePEO during such an exciting time. With its experienced leadership team, unique position in the marketplace, and commitment to customer service, the company is well-positioned for continued significant growth.

PrestigePEO announced that Robyn Rusignuolo has been appointed new COO of the Company. An experienced business leader, Robyn has assumed responsibilities as of March 6, 2023.

Robyn has extensive experience in the PEO and HR technology industries. She is joining the Company from Gale Healthcare Solutions, a private equity-backed staffing platform with over 50,000 employees, where she held the position of Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. She previously spent 9 years with Modern Business Associates, a 30,000-employee national PEO, where she held roles including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Legal Officer, and member of its Board of Directors.

Her additional PEO experience includes serving as Executive Vice President and subsequently Vice President with the Premier Family of Companies, which included PEOple Premier Inc. & Community Health Solutions of America. While there, she ran multiple business units, including a PEO, and helped lead M&A efforts, including both acquisitions and two significant sales to Fortune 500 companies. Robyn also co-founded and built SoleVenture, a technology platform that delivers automated HR and compliance support to gig economy workers.

Robyn brings incredible knowledge and experience to PrestigePEO and specifically this role. She is a great fit for Chief Operating Officer because of her organizational leadership and her experience in managing large scale teams as well as mergers and acquisitions. Since the Companys goal is to further extend our reach through acquisition, we are confident that Robyn can take us there, said Andrew Lubash, founder, and CEO of PrestigePEO.

Rusignuolo states, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to join PrestigePEO during such an exciting time. With its experienced leadership team, unique position in the marketplace, and commitment to customer service, the company is well-positioned for continued significant growth.

Robyn is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Stetson University College of Law. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2006. She will be relocating to New York, where PrestigePEO is headquartered, to spend time with the executive team.

About PrestigePEO

Melville, N.Y.-based PrestigePEO provides integrated, end-to-end human resources (HR) solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) for managing all essential human resources operations. This includes support for employee benefits management, payroll administration, compliance, and HR guidance, among others. PrestigePEOs full spectrum of HR services and solutions helps SMBs lower employee benefit costs, reduce administrative workloads, and manage critical HR functions.

PrestigePEO is among only one percent of PEOs accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), certified (CI) through Workers Comp Risk Management, and classified as a Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO) by the IRS  demonstrating financial stability and strict adherence with a diverse range of regulatory and security standards.

To learn more, visit http://www.prestigepeo.com and follow PrestigePEO on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Tracy is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of meeting customer needs and delivering growth in the B2B space. - Walter Mann, Founder and CEO of ZONO Technologies

ZONO Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Doucet as the companys new president, effective February 1, 2023. As an innovative performance improvement and business leader, Doucet brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for promoting positive change within B2B and CPG commercial organizations.

Doucet has a comprehensive background delivering growth and customer-centric innovation. Most recently at Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KCC), a global Fortune 500 company, Doucet led multi-billion-dollar global growth strategies and directed P&Ls in large mature businesses and smaller, start-up businesses. Across Doucets career, she has embodied a passion to solve customer pain-points resulting in new product solutions and above-market revenue growth.

ZONO Technologies is well positioned for growth, and we are excited to have Tracy lead and execute the strategic growth plan, said Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ZONO Technologies, Walter Mann. Tracy is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of meeting customer needs and delivering growth in the B2B space.

Doucet earned her MBA from Georgia State University and two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Management Information Systems from the University of Central Florida. Doucet was recognized for her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion impact with the Compass Award, chosen by the KCC African American Employee Network as the leader that best demonstrates positive practices in the career development of African American employees, and with the Mosaic Award for an outstanding legacy of leadership and impact in the Womens Interactive Network Employee Resource Group.

About ZONO Technologies

ZONO Technologies markets and distributes independently viral and bacterial tested ozone disinfecting and sanitizing cabinets. The ZONO Ozone Disinfecting and Sanitizing Cabinets kill 99.9% of common viruses+ like Norovirus, Influenza-A and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on non-porous surfaces and 99.9% of common bacteria* like MRSA, Staph and E. Coli on non-porous, semi-porous, and porous surfaces. Today, over 2,000 organizations covering a wide range of industries and businesses, like child care, schools, colleges and universities, public safety, collegiate and professional sports, and museums, have made the ZONO Cabinet the centerpiece of their comprehensive disinfecting and sanitizing programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ZONO Technologies is a privately held LLC.

For more information on ZONO Technologies and our products and services, please visit ZONO Technologies.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Media Contact:

Brianna Lien

Marketing Communications Coordinator

briannalien@zonotechnologies.com

(770) 212-9201

http://www.zonotechnologies.com

+Disinfecting Level (kills 99.9%): Norovirus, Influenza-A, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus on non-porous surfaces.

*Sanitizing Level (kills 99.9%): Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on non-porous, semi-porous, and porous surfaces.
The goal here is fairer lending using AI, distributing capital to more members, addressing knowledge gaps, and helping our underserved communities build wealth, said Chief Lending Officer Tina Narron.

Verity Credit Union, a $735 million asset financial institution in Seattle that focuses on socially responsible banking, announced today its partnership with Zest AI, the leader in automating underwriting with more accurate and inclusive lending insights. The partnership will provide a new process for approving credit cards, personal loans, lines of credit, and auto loans, using around 300 data points to assess credit risk, as opposed to one credit score.

This partnership allows us to give more people an opportunity to build a better credit score by gaining access to loans and products used in developing these scores, said Tina Narron, Chief Lending Officer at Verity Credit Union. Its an alternative and holistic approach that strives to distribute capital to everyone in our community who qualifies, reaching members we wouldnt have otherwise been able to reach. This partnership also supports our mission to provide products that serve everyone in our community.

Zest AIs custom credit scores use hundreds of data points to determine a members credit readiness, resulting in more equitable and accurate underwriting decisions compared to traditional national scores. This approach safely expedites approvals and provides greater access for those overlooked by legacy scoring, achieving over 25 percent higher approval of applicants with no added risk tolerance. Zest AIs approval increase for protected-class individuals is higher than the total increase in approvals. For women, its a 40% increase, for Black individuals, its a 41% increase, for Hispanic individuals, its a 49% increase, and for AAPI, its a 31% increase.

Our AI-automated underwriting technology provides a more accurate picture of credit risk, enabling financial institutions, like Verity Credit Union to make quicker, fairer decisions for their members, said Aaron Long, Head of Sales at Zest AI. Automating their underwriting process with precision allows the Verity team more time to focus on providing crucial member support like building credit readiness or financial counseling.

The goal here is fairer lending using AI, distributing capital to more members, addressing knowledge gaps, and helping our underserved communities build wealth, closed Narron.

Verity Credit Union has eight branch locations in Lynnwood, Auburn, and Seattles Ballard, Greenwood, Beacon Hill, Northgate, Wallingford, and West Seattle neighborhoods. The credit union is known for its customized products that address the needs expressed by the community. These include bicycle loans, solar loans, no-minimum CD programs, small business programs, and more. For more information, visit http://www.VerityCU.com.

ABOUT VERITY CREDIT UNION

Verity Credit Union is one of Washington States longest-standing credit unions, putting people, the planet, and prosperity for all above the bottom line. Our mission is to make meaningful, positive, and lasting change by partnering with our members and communities to co-create solutions. As a socially-responsible financial institution, about 95% of our deposits support the local economy and members with loans big and small to improve the well-being of businesses and individuals, especially those who have been historically left out of the financial system. We are one of few financial institutions with a Black woman CEO and leadership team and board that identifies predominantly female, allowing us to embody the change were working towards. Together, we can create stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities by making-people centric decisions.

ABOUT ZEST AI

Zest AI is a tech company on a mission to make fair and transparent credit accessible for everyone. Since 2009, weve worked with financial institutions to provide AI-driven credit solutions to their borrowers. Today we work with all types of lenders  but especially credit unions  to democratize underwriting automation and equitable credit decisioning. Learn more at Zest.ai and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Revolution PR for Verity Credit Union

verity@revolutionpr.com

Jennifer Ritchie, Nicole Hong
Mustapha Jabbi, who testified in the alleged coup trial last week, told the Court that Sanna Fadera and some of the alleged coup plotters had a meeting at Kafuta, but he did not know what the subject of the meeting was.

Testifying further, Mr. Jabbi said that he told Fabakarry that it would be difficult to tell his uncle, when he was asked by Fabakarry to tell his uncle about their matter.

Mr. Jabbi told the court that there was a day his uncle came to Brikama. He told him that there were people who needed his help and whether he could introduce them to him. Thereafter, he informed the court that he had spoken to Fabakarry Jawara who had agreed to meet them.

The witness added that there was a day he went to his uncle at Brusubi with Fabakarry Jawara, where he introduced Fabakarry to his uncle, adding Fabakarry explained to his uncle that they needed the contact of a marabout (allAfrica editor's note: Spiritual doctor) in Mauritania and money from him for charity.

"My uncle asked which of the marabouts because there are many in Mauritania. Fabakary told him that it is Kara Yakuba family. My uncle told him that he had their number. My uncle called the number but that person did not pick up the call," he said, adding his uncle later called him and told him that the money Fabakarry Jawara needed was not with him and that they should come back the following day.

"On our way home, my uncle called me and told me that the man in Mauritania had called back. My uncle said the marabout asked him to send the father's name, mother's name and the very name and age of the person who wanted his issue to be looked at," he explained.

The witness added that he later relayed this to Fabakarry, who in turn asked Sanna Fadera. He further told the Court that Sanna later sent Fabakarry the details, who in turn also sent it to him to forward to his uncle.

"I went back with Fabakarry and Sanna Fadera the following day, and my uncle called the marabout in Mauritania but could not reach him again. On the 3rd day, we went there again, but this time Fabakarry stayed in the car as my uncle instructed me that it is only the one whose issue was being looked at that should come," Mr. Jabbi said.

He further testified that his uncle could not reach the marabout in Mauritania on phone.

"On the fourth day, when I called my uncle, he told me that he was at Kerr Serigne. That day I went with Sanna Fadera alone. When my uncle called the marabout in Mauritania, he received and put the phone on speaker before giving it to Sanna. When my uncle gave the phone to Sanna Fadera, I heard the man telling Sanna that he has looked into his issue."

"He told Sanna, 'There are three things, two of which if you get are okay but you will not feel comfortable if you get the third one. You can be head of a clan, you can be a rich man and you can also be a leader.' He then hung up the phone. My uncle told Sanna, 'you heard what he said."'

"The Marabout told him to make up his mind and choose one amongst the 3 things. Sanna told me that he wanted to be a leader. I told Sanna that I would tell my uncle about it, and I went home with Sanna to Brikama," he said.

"There was a day I received a call from my uncle. I met him at his office at Buffer Zone. He advised me to limit my involvement in their issues as he said those people are soldiers whilst I am a civilian. I then adhered to his advice and later did as he said," the witness told the court.

According to the witness, on a particular day, Fabakarry Jawara called him and told him that Sanna would be having a meeting with his people at Kafuta village, adding on the 18th of December 2022, Fabakarry called again and told him that the meeting was on that very day. He said Fabakarry told him that Sanna and his friends were at his house.

He testified that he asked Fabakarry to give him a little more time as he was at Kerr Serigne and his vehicle had a breakdown, which he was trying to fix.

He told the Court that both Fabakarry and Sanna kept calling and telling him that they were waiting for him.

"As I arrived at Fabakary's compound gate, Sanna Fadera's call entered, and I told him that I was already at the place. I was sitting in the car waiting for them. He came out with two people. One of them is Karamo Jatta. They told me that they were going to Kafuta. As I was heading to Kafuta, Sanna told me that they should pick someone around Joko in Brikama. Someone came out whom I later knew as Ebrima Sannoh (3rd accused person)."

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"When we picked up Ebrima Sannoh, we turned back around Jah oil to go to Kafuta. Whilst I was driving, because I did not know Kafuta, I nearly passed the village, and it was Sanna who told me it is here. We saw someone waving at us, whom I later knew as Gibril Darboe (2nd accused). When we stopped there, Sanna asked me to wait for them in the car as they were going to have a meeting and that when they are done they would let me know.

"I sat there waiting for a long period. Sanna later came and said, 'the sun is too hot. Come and sit here. Sanna handed me a seat. Sat a little far from where they were having their meeting. After a while, he came and told me we should pray Zuhr (2 pm prayer). I even led the prayer," the witness said.

"After the prayer I took the seat to return to where I sat earlier but Gibril Darboe (2nd accused) said lunch was ready. After eating, Sanna told me the meeting was over, and we then set off for home. I went home with Sanna, Karamo and Ebrima Sannoh. Karamo alighted at Jah Oil," the witness told the court.
D3 Home Modern Furniture, the premier, award winning furniture store located in the vibrant San Diego neighborhood of Little Italy, is excited to announce the launch of Kartell, a luxury sustainable Italian furniture brand Kartell is exclusively available in San Diego county at D3 Home Modern Furniture. The launch will be made official during D3 Home's 5 year anniversary party on Tuesday, March 28th from 4pm - 9pm PST.

Kartell's commitment to sustainability aligns with D3 Home's values and commitment to eco-friendly practices. The brand is known for its innovative designs, use of sustainable materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. Customers can expect to find unique and timeless pieces that will enhance any living space.

We are excited to introduce 70 years of Italian history, of family, of culture and design, of industrial products, new materials and cutting edge technologies. We want to thank Kartell and Vespa Motorsports for helping create a unique Italian experience.

The 5 year anniversary party will feature food, drinks, music, and raffle prizes, sponsored by Vespa Motorsport and Kartell. The event is open to the public and will be held at D3 Home's showroom located at 2400 Kettner Blvd #106, San Diego, CA 92101.

For more information about D3 Home and the launch of Kartell, please visit https://d3home.com/ or follow D3 Home on social media.
Win the Storm Conference - Fort Lauderdale - 2023

Storm Ventures Group (SVG) kicks off the 9th annual Win The Storm Conference (WTS) with a parade recognizing Hurricane Ian first responders on Wednesday, March 15 at 9 a.m. at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward Convention Center located at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. Local politicians, dignitaries, community members and the media are invited to the parade and conference. RSVP is required.

Parade participants include emergency services and disaster response; police and fire personnel; electrical grid linesmen; emergency mitigation companies; tree and debris removal companies; demolition; Army Corp of Engineers; Blue Tarp Army; general, roofing and restoration contractors; policyholder advocates; military color guard and marching band; and hurricane and flood victims and families. These Florida heroes will be recognized for their efforts in a pass in review style parade led by retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, U.S. Army. The parade will wind through the Expo Floor and end in the Main Conference Room, where presenters and 6,000 seated attendees will commemorate their work. A complimentary VIP luncheon will be held for the first responders and parade participants from 12-2 p.m. in the convention centers Main Conference Hall B.

Storms and catastrophic events have been increasing exponentially across the globe over the last 20 years. Often, the first responders that help these communities recover dont get enough recognition, says Anthony Delmedico, producer of the Win The Storm Conference and Tradeshow Expo. In addition to the traditional emergency services personnel, first responders also include thousands of contractors, policyholder advocates, and non-profits who assist property owners in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The insurance claims process is very difficult for property owners to navigate alone, and depending on various governmental agencies, laws, regulations and state statutes that govern carriers, that process can slow or speed the recovery efforts. Our annual conference puts a spotlight on that issue via open debates and discussions, as well as recognizes those who rebuild communities after large storms and catastrophic events like Hurricane Ian."

Held March 15-17, WTS is the leading conference and tradeshow expo for general contracting, restoration, roofing and solar companies to gain advanced education, training, technology, and tactics to help property owners recover after large storms and catastrophic events. Learn more at https://youtu.be/bZju_Mf75MM.

The three-day event includes speakers, presentations, panels with live Q&A, over 100+ industry-specific breakout sessions, evening receptions, awards night, as well as a full tradeshow expo floor full of the industrys leading vendors and suppliers that serve the nations $100B+ storm and catastrophic restoration industry.

According to reinsurer Swiss Re, Hurricane Ian caused the second-largest insured loss after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was ranked top five costliest storm. Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Fla. on Sept. 28 as a strong Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Recent data from modeling firm RMS estimates up to $67B in property damage throughout Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia, and another $10B in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) losses. The RMS estimate reflects losses from property damage, contents, and business interruption, across residential, commercial, industrial, automobile, infrastructure, watercraft, and other specialty lines. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR) most recent data, 683,456 Ian claims have been filed to date, and 76% of claims are closed.

Ian was a historic and complex event that will reshape the Florida insurance market for years to come. Given the complexity of the event and the multiple drivers of the loss, our ability to deploy multiple RMS field reconnaissance teams to conduct damage assessments throughout Florida, including the heavily affected areas of Fort Myers and Cape Coral along the southwest coast, has been a critical component of our analysis, said Mohsen Rahnama, chief risk modeling officer, RMS.

On Thursday, March 16, keynote speaker Doug Quinn of the American Policyholder Association (APA) will present on the main stage at 3 p.m. on policyholder issues affecting residential and commercial property owners. At 4 p.m., a Policyholder Advocate Panel comprised of industry experts, hurricane victims and property owners will dive in further and openly discuss these issues with an interactive Q&A session with the audience. Politicians, dignitaries and media are invited to attend. RSVP is required.

On Friday, March 17, Melanie Griffin, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will participate in a Hurricane Ian Recovery Panel on the main stage at 11 a.m. discussing similar talking points related to rebuilding, high fives and ways to improve hurricane recovery efforts. Politicians, dignitaries and media are invited to attend. Open Q&A session will be held. RSVP is required.

WTS is offering free tickets to Florida veterans and military personnel who would like to attend. One-day passes are available for $250 to local business owners and entrepreneurs, regardless of industry. Tickets range from $500 for General Admission to $2,700 for Elite VIP. Learn more and register at http://www.WinTheStorm.com or call 330-57-STORM for more information.

Committed to reducing the skilled labor shortage and providing alternative paths to lucrative careers, SVG is providing free access to local high school and college students to learn about the construction, restoration, roofing and solar industry. Email info@StormVenturesGroup.com to RSVP. WTS breakout session topics include courses on entrepreneurship, business development, technology, virtual reality (VR) training, AI, drone photography and video, building teams and company culture. Industry-specific sessions will be held on managing large loss claims, disaster preparedness and recovery, emergency services, estimating, production, software, cybersecurity, and marketing.

There are many issues across the explosive $100B+ storm and catastrophic event industry and our aim is to provide a venue that addresses all of them. We provide numerous educational sessions, panels and debates with industry experts. We integrate the latest technology. Key touchpoints this year include improving hurricane recovery efforts, creating new programs that can be scaled nationally with local high schools and colleges to beat the skilled labor shortage, and of course, always stopping to recognize our first responders. This industry is on the front lines of disaster recovery and weather events are not going away. We are committed to providing the most advanced training and readiness to contractors throughout the nation and abroad, says Delmedico.

The WTS 2023 Diamond Sponsor is CMR Construction & Roofing, a Florida-based company ranked ninth nationwide by Roofing Contractor magazines Top 100 list.

About Storm Ventures Group

Storm Ventures Group [SVG] is the premier catastrophic management consulting and joint venture firm. SVG is a global leader in training construction industry professionals how to help property owners recover quickly after catastrophic storm events. The SVG team brings over 25 years of experience in commercial and residential construction, insurance restoration, and best practices in construction management to the rapidly growing insurance restoration industry. SVG products include SVG University (SVG U), a virtual online training platform for general contractors, roofing, construction and restoration professionals. SVG U includes a full course library of hands-on, engaging, industry-specific training videos with courses, chapters, and testing to help contractors scale. SVG U launched the SVG U Virtual Reality (VR) goggles to provide a 360-degree virtual reality training environment. Regardless of weather conditions such as rain or cold, new hires can train 24/7 indoors in a real-life virtual platform with a laser pointer and a set of goggles. The SVG annual Win The Storm Conference & Trade Show Expo attracts, trains and mobilizes construction and restoration companies throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia to successfully manage catastrophic storm events, build sales teams, rebuild communities and streamline operations to scale. For more information call 330-57-STORM or visit us online at http://www.StormVenturesGroup.com.

To RSVP for the annual Win The Storm Conference & Trade Show Expo, visit http://www.WinTheStorm.com.

Media Contact:Elev8 Consulting Group

386-243-5388

info@elev8cg.com

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Dr. Suzie Carmack, PhD, MFA, MEd, ERYT 500, C-IAYT, NBC-HWC, PCC, Chair of the Department of Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda at Maryland University of Integrative Health, has been invited by Col. Lauren Courchaine, USAF, commander of the 37thTraining Wing (37thTRW) to bring her Well-Being Ultimatum Leadership Training (WBU-LT) intervention to the airmen, civilians, and family members of the 37thTRW in 2023. Based on Dr. Carmack's #1 best-selling book Well-Being Ultimatum and developed over the past 7 years through her global well-being research and partnerships with multiple organizations and government agencies, the WBU-LT is a comprehensive 10-month training program dedicated to creating a culture of compassionate leadership in order to optimize worker well-being; team engagement and leadership; and organizational performance outcomes.

"After spending the last 7 years refining this program, the past 4 years partnering with Col. Courchaine to promote well-being throughout the Air Force, and the last 6 months working closely with Lt Col Dhillon and her team in the 37thTRW Human Performance Directorate to prepare for this program launch, I can tell you that I am deeply honored to be here and to Serve those who Serve!" said Dr. Carmack. "I could not be more grateful for Lt Col Dhillon's and Col Courchaine's willingness to bring the science of compassionate leadership forward in this bold way to the Gateway Wing of the Air Force. Together we aim to co-create team and organizational cultures that both promote and protect well-being - at the individual, team, and organizational levels. My research and the research of many other scientists tell us that this approach will not only benefit the mission and culture of the 37thTRW - it will also reduce risks for the diseases of despair that are so prevalent in military cultures (such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and suicide). We know it won't always be easy, but it will most certainly be worth it!"

The 10-month WBU-LT program launched January 30thin San Antonio with a 3-day Senior Leadership "Well-Being Ultimatum Conference," hosted by the 37th TRW Human Performance Directorate team and their Commander Lt Col Kieran Dhillon, PsyD. After spending the first two days training leaders about the science behind the program and how they can optimize their own leader well-being, Dr. Carmack trained volunteer Trainers to bring the program's 7-workshop curriculum to the Airmen, civilians, and family members of the 37thTRW. Starting in March, each month of the program will be delivered by a Trainer at the Unit level to focus on a different dimension of well-being: comprehensive, physical, financial, social, mental, purpose, and emotional well-being. Throughout the 10-month program, Lt Col Dhillon and her Human Performance Directorate (HPD) team will support the program's operations and evaluation, and Dr. Carmack will support Trainers in the delivery and adjustment of the curriculum based on participant feedback, in keeping with her 'community-based participatory research' approach to intervention design.

For more information about the WBU-LT program, contact Dr. Carmack at Scarmack@muih.edu.

About the 37th TRW:

The 37th Training Wing is the largest training wing in the Air Force and has three critical missions: force generation, technical training and security cooperation. The wing, known as the Gateway to the Air Force, is the only location in the Air Force that transforms civilians into Airmen and Guardians through Basic Military Training, graduating more than 30,000 each year. Additionally, the wing operates the most diverse technical training group for more than 23 different career fields, taking students to the next level of proficiency and providing them the skills needed to perform their duties worldwide. The 37 TRW also affects domestic and international defense operations through security cooperation missions at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) and the Defense Language Institute-English Language Center (DLIELC). IAAFA promotes security cooperation principles through the delivery of professional military education, technical training and aircrew training taught in Spanish, and DLIELC is the leader in English language training for the Department of Defense, building security cooperation capability through English language training and cultural immersion. Finally, the Wing is also the executive agent for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog program -- the worlds largest working dog school and is the sole source of training for all DoD MWD handlers, kennel trainers, and kennel masters. Learn more at http://www.37trw.af.mil.

About Maryland University of Integrative Health:

Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nation's leading academic institutions for integrative health. Since 1974, MUIH has educated and informed practitioners and leaders in health and wellness through transformative and relationship-centered programs that draw from traditional wisdom and contemporary science. Progressive graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines are offered both on campus and online. A distinctive community of scholars, researchers, practitioners, and advocates, Maryland University of Integrative Health promotes whole-person, relationship-centered healthcare. Through discovery and exploration, we deliver progressive educational programs, advance innovative clinical models, build mutually beneficial partnerships, and provide opportunities for fulfilling careers. Serving as a leader in the global transformation of health and wellness, we integrate healing traditions and contemporary science, acknowledge the wisdom of the body and nature as a teacher, and focus on the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit. Our work enables people to thrive through the cycles of life. Learn more at http://www.muih.edu
American HealthCare Academy is offering a free online CPR certification course to construction workers. The course helps them to identify medical emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest in their vicinity. Construction workers need this free CPR certification course to save lives in the terrifying hours requiring immediate medical attention. There are other online lifesaving courses like ACLS, PALS, HIPAA, First Aid, and BLS to enroll in at American HealthCare Academy.

Construction workers are risking their lives every day by working on construction sites. At times, they load, lift, and unload heavy materials from one place to another. They are most prone to workplace hazards like pulling a muscle, falling, fainting, gasping for air, blocked airways, etc. Such incidents lead up to severe issues, one of which is having a sudden cardiac arrest.

Learning an online CPR certification course is useful for tackling these medical emergencies every day. Workers can help each other out when someone is fainting, choking, gasping, or becoming unresponsive as they lose unconsciousness. By registering and completing the online and free CPR certification course from American HealthCare Academy, construction workers can improve the rate of survival for everyone around them. That is because medical and life-threatening emergencies do not come into ones life with a warning. Workers know that because there are so many accidents that happen quite often at construction sites.

However, knowing how to perform CPR carefully and accurately is a value-adding and lifesaving skill for those workers. The course American HealthCare Academy provides is easy to register for. Workers can create an account on the website within minutes. The next step is to choose the course and start learning chapters, one after another. It is that simple. Additionally, this online CPR certification course provides a free printable certification card after passing the final quiz with 75% or above marks.

American HealthCare Academy (AHCA) also offers CE credit hours after the completion of the online CPR certification and other courses on this website as per the industry standards.

Some construction workers might be required to have this CPR certification course with CE credit hours. It is most often the requirement put up by the employer when the construction workers want to get hired at a reputed construction firm. That is why the CPR course certification by American HealthCare Academy has a 98% national acceptance rate. So if by any chance the employer rejects the certificate, construction workers can request a 100% refund.

The online free CPR course certification for construction workers at American HealthCare Academy is easy to learn. Workers can register for this course and begin completing chapters at their pace. There are video demos available in the course materials for a better understanding of how to save someones life when they have a sudden cardiac arrest.

Construction workers can make a difference by learning this lifesaving skill free of cost. The online CPR certification course materials by American HealthCare Academy follow 2020 American Heart Association and American Heart Association guidelines. The instructions are clear and updated in the course to save lives without worrying or having cold feet. Construction workers can be the most reliable first lay responders when such an emergency occurs around them.

Register for a free online CPR certification course today at American HealthCare Academy. Contact details of the Customer Support staff are mentioned below. Reach out to them in case of any extensive inquiry related to registering the account, wallet card payments, and group discounts on demand.
Spain has one of the most dynamic and historic wine cultures in the world, which reflects many influences often overlooked by wine education that prioritizes varieties and geography. This can be to the detriment of a more holistic definition of terroir, - Toni Sarrion, President of G.P.E.

Grandes Pagos de Espana (GPE), the leading Spanish association of 36 renowned single estate vineyards known as the Grands Crus of Spain, has launched The Terroir Workshop by Grandes Pagos de Espana, a global education program that goes beyond traditional wine study to present terroir culture on a whole new level. The program will debut in the U.S. and Mexico with comprehensive coursework designed for consumers and trade led by top Wine Ambassadors. Classroom study and tasting will focus on the foremost Spanish pagos, a single vineyard designation equivalent to the term cru reserved for exceptional viticultural sites. Membership in Grandes Pagos is based on a rigorous and independent selection process that values the importance of quality viticulture and winemaking together with the influence of people, history, culture, geography and climate.

Spain has one of the most dynamic and historic wine cultures in the world, which reflects many influences often overlooked by wine education that prioritizes varieties and geography. This can be to the detriment of a more holistic definition of terroir, says Toni Sarrion, President of Grandes Pagos de Espana. The term pago is at the heart of who we are as an organization and what we hope to communicate through our education program. Each of our wineries has a singular identity based on their unique geography, culture, history and perhaps most significantly, the people behind the wines today. Working with top educators worldwide, we will explore the profound complexity of Spanish wine from a perspective that places the highest value on terroir and human achievement.

The Terroir Workshop by Grandes Pagos de Espana will launch in Miami, Los Angeles and Mexico as of August 2023, with additional locations worldwide to be announced. Classes will be led by notable Spanish wine experts, including: Alessandra Esteves, Founder of Florida Wine Academy in Miami; Monica Marin DipWSET in Los Angeles; and Sandra Fernandez Gaytan, of SFG Estrategias in Mexico. Each educator will cover eight regions of Spain (Green Spain, Meseta North, Ebro River Valley, Catalonia, Mediterranean, Meseta Central, South and the Islands) with instruction to encompass the impact of history, culture, geography, climate and people on terroir.

Each GPE Wine Ambassador will share a common syllabus and will determine the length of the coursework over one or two days, estimated at eight to ten hours of guided education and tasting. Students will receive a pre-read digital study guide. Additionally, students will receive comprehensive profiles of GPE wineries to guide their immersion into Spanish pago and terroir culture. Classes will be held in person and will include a combination of dynamic presentations and testing to reinforce learning. Tasting will be a critical component, and as part of the exclusive curriculum, students will taste a wide selection of pagos from GPE member wineries. Students who successfully finish the course will receive a certificate of completion. For more information about upcoming classes, and to be notified of new course locations, please contact info@grandespagos.com to learn more about Grandes Pagos de Espana and The Terroir Workshop click here, or contact Emily Hardin-Lombardi (emily@gregoryvine.com) or Claire Martin (claire@gregoryvine.com)

About Grandes Pagos de Espana

Founded in 2000, Grandes Pagos de Espana is a non-profit association of thirty-six prestigious wineries across Spain. Membership in Grandes Pagos is based on rigorous selection criteria for viticulture and winemaking excellence on the level of a pago, a delineated vineyard that is the ultimate terroir designation in Spain. Grandes Pagos de Espana aims to defend the unique, terroir-driven personality of single-estate wines, to uphold and promote the ethos of Spanish winemaking, and to produce wines of excellence in harmony with the soil, nature and climate of each vineyard. The organization has just launched The Terroir Workshop by Grandes Pagos de Espana (currently available in the U.S. and Mexico) to explore Spanish terroir in the context of history, science, geography, language and people.

Click here for more information about Grandes Pagos de Espana or email info@grandespagos.com.
Blue Run Spirits Hires Luxury Brand Veteran Chelsea Catania as Vice President of Sales "As we expand nationally and globally, it was critical for us to find a spirits industry veteran who understood the luxury brand market and had deep distributor and retailer relationships to help capitalize on the potential of the Blue Run Spirits brand."

Blue Run Spirits today announces the appointment of Chelsea Catania to the role of Vice President of Sales for the fast-growing whiskey company. Catania will oversee the global sales operation for Blue Run, including on- and off-premise; chain; military; duty free; and ecommerce, as well as distributor relationships. She will report directly to CEO and cofounder Mike Montgomery.

Catania joins Blue Run with nearly 15 years experience in the spirits business, with a particular emphasis on luxury brands. Prior to Blue Run, she served as the Southern Glazers Division Director  Diageo Hospitality Partnership at Enthuse Marketing, a women-owned experiential agency. While at Enthuse, she also held the position of West Region Manager  Diageo Reserve (CA, NV, WA, OR), managing the business for the industry leaders fine spirits portfolio. In both these roles, Catania mentored a large commercial sales team to drive growth metrics for Diageos portfolio, with an emphasis on education and trade advocacy.

Before joining Enthuse, Catania was Regional Sales Manager  Southern California for Casa Dragones Tequila and spent five years at Patron Spirits Company as Area Sales Manager  New York and Ultimat Vodka Brand Ambassador. Previous spirits experience includes roles at Beam Suntory and The ONE Group, owners of STK steakhouse and Kona Grill.

As we expand nationally and globally, it was critical for us to find a spirits industry veteran who understood the luxury brand market and had deep distributor and retailer relationships to help capitalize on the potential of the Blue Run brand, said Montgomery. We are excited to bring Chelsea on board as our first global sales leader and look forward to leveraging her experience to meet our ambitious long-term sales goals. In addition, it is important that we continue to hire Blue Run team members who accurately reflect the diverse community that is embracing our whiskies, staying true to Blue Runs founding mission and values.

I am extremely excited to join the Blue Run team at this moment in the companys very quick evolution from a pandemic startup to a company set to release six bourbons and rye whiskeys in 2023 alone, said Catania. My goal out of the gate is to work cooperatively with our existing distributor partners to get product on shelf and behind the bar to meet consumer demand, then expand the brand beyond our current 27 U.S. and two Canadian markets. At the same time, I will remain keenly focused on ecommerce both on our own platform and those of partner retailers, as our consumers, who help sell out Blue Run products in mere minutes online, are engaged with us when we introduce limited-availability whiskeys through digital commerce.

Blue Run Spirits has introduced 13 bourbon and rye whiskey releases since the company launched in October 2020, selling 21,000 9-liter cases in 2022  a 300% year-over-year increase. The company recently announced expanded distribution in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington, Minnesota and Ontario. Blue Run plans to invest nearly $51 million in a 35,000-square-foot distillery and a 20,000-square-foot rickhouse in Georgetown, Kentucky, which will break ground in 2023.

Blue Run Spirits can be purchased in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas and Washington (Republic National Distributing Company); Georgia (Savannah); South Carolina and Tennessee (Advintage); Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. (Prestige-Ledroit); Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, and Wisconsin (Breakthru); New Jersey (Fedway Associates); New York (Empire); Kansas (Worldwide Beverage Group); Arkansas (Arkansas Wine and Spirits); Connecticut (Connecticut Distributors, Inc.); Massachusetts and Rhode Island (Horizon); Alberta and Ontario (Evergreen); and online at http://www.bluerunspirits.com/shop powered by Seelbachs.

Find Blue Run Spirits online at http://www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

EDITOR NOTE: Hi-res bottle images can be found HERE.

ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS

Georgetown, Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits is an evolution of the traditional spirits company, creating award-winning bourbons and rye whiskies through time-honored traditions matched with inclusive, forward-looking vision. It all starts with the whiskey itself, carefully crafted by Blue Run Liquid Advisor and Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge and Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon. That precious liquid is then housed in striking packaging adorned with Blue Runs signature butterfly medallion, marking the metamorphosis of a centuries-old industry as Blue Run reaches across the bar to welcome todays younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. Blue Run Spirits was founded in 2020 and was named one of the 50 most innovative companies in America by Bloomberg.

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VION has expertise working with clients in extremely volatile situations and has the capital and freedom to respond quickly. We've established a team specifically dedicated to supporting companies affected by the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank.

The collapse of SVB Bank and Signature Bank, the largest such failures since 2008, have sent shockwaves through the financial markets, hitting startups and companies reliant on venture capital hardest. Even though the Bank Term Funding Program hopes to stop the spread of contagion, Wall Street is bracing for broader risks to regional lenders.

In response , VION Investments (VION) has established a fast-track funding program and is waiving fees to assist those affected by the recent crisisthose who need to secure immediate funding for inventory, operations, and development as well as those with stranded accounts receivable portfolios.

Stacey Schacter, CEO of VION, said, "No one wishes to see a financial crisis of this magnitude and the instability it creates in the economy. Fortunately, VION has expertise working with clients in extremely volatile situations and has the capital and freedom to respond quickly. We've established a team specifically dedicated to supporting companies directly affected by the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank."

VION Investments, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a specialty finance company with expertise in receivables purchasing and funding and other innovative financing solutions. VION also provides valuation advisory and other services to businesses managing consumer and commercial receivables. For more information about VION, please visit http://www.vioninv.com or contact VION Business Development at 877-845-5242. For fastest response, please use our online contact form at http://www.vioninv.com/deal-connect.
By deploying a mounted speed [sign] in the area of Coolidge Middle School, park district and library, this will deter citizens to slow down in these areas. said Phoenix Police Department Chief Roy Wells Sr.

January 16, 2023 All Traffic Solutions awarded a Shield 12 radar speed sign to the Phoenix Police Department in Illinois through the companys ATS Gives Back initiative.

Over the years, All Traffic Solutions found that police departments in smaller communities have a need for All Traffic Solutions signs but lack the necessary funds and do not qualify for grants. The ATS Gives Back goal is to bridge this gap by donating radar speed signs to communities in need each month. ATS Gives Back recipients also receive a subscription to TraffiCloud, All Traffic Solutions patented traffic device, and data management system.

The Phoenix Police Department has thirty sworn officers to serve and protect over 1,600 citizens across over 290 acres in their small village in Illinois. Phoenixs middle school and public library are located next to one another, causing traffic congestion during the school hours. Amongst the influx of vehicles, citizens complained to the police department of excess speeding in the area causing concern.

Along with the police department, a board member from the towns library also reached out to All Traffic Solutions, stating Our school is a year-round school so, this congestion is all year long. With this problem we must have the police to monitor the crosswalks due to the congested traffic and speeders.

The Shield 12 radar speed sign will advise motorists of their speed in this high-traffic area and reduce speeding to help keep the community safe. By deploying a mounted speed [sign] in the area of Coolidge Middle School, park district and library, this will deter citizens to slow down in these areas. said Phoenix Police Department Chief Roy Wells Sr.

You can nominate a department and learn more about the ATS Gives Back criteria by visiting the All Traffic Solutions website.

About All Traffic Solutions

All Traffic Solutions (ATS) is a leader in portable, durable products and web-based solutions for traffic management and safety. We help law enforcement agencies and municipalities use data and devices such as web-enabled radar speed displays and variable message signs to calm traffic, resolve complaints, and improve safety outcomes while maximizing resources and budget. For more information, visit https://www.alltrafficsolutions.com.
Being a part of the WSCM program gives us the ability to empower the youth of today and be involved in our communities. It is an excellent way for manufacturers and students to come together and collaborate. -Karen Norheim

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 21st, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Whats So Cool About Manufacturing is an annual competition, created by the Manufacturing Resource Center (MRC) in Allentown, PA in 2013. The event draws entries from teams of students, across Pennsylvania. Separated regionally, each contest entry pool is made up of a cluster of counties. The students are provided camera equipment, software, and professional guidance as they learn to script, record, and edit their video stories (supported by regional sponsors and partners).

This year, American Crane and Equipment Corp. is honored to be a regional sponsor. As a gold sponsor for our local competition, we are able to provide the high-tech media equipment needed for the students to conduct their video stories, as well as professional training and supervision, trophies, and more.

In 2022 we hosted Oley Valley Middle school students, and they won the award for the Best Career Pathway Video that they created about us at American Crane and Equipment Corp. This year, we do not have a school assigned to us, but the foundation has reached out to our CEO, Karen Norheim, with the gracious invitation to be one of their Emcees for the nights ceremony.

ACECO has a long history of supporting local students in the WSCM program and in STEM career pathway education and looks forward to expanding the younger generations interest in manufacturing.

To learn more about the event, click here!
We are thrilled to expand Elises role to service the entire Astral Brands portfolio, shares Robert K. Cohen, Executive Chairman and CEO of Astral Brands.

Clean and prestigious skincare and makeup company Astral Health & Beauty announces the promotion of Elise Von Der Porten to Senior Sales Director of Astral Brands, Canada. In this new position, Elise will continue to drive revenue targets for the PUR beauty brand in Canada, prioritizing Shoppers Drug Mart.

We are thrilled to expand Elises role to service the entire Astral Brands portfolio, shares Robert K. Cohen, Executive Chairman and CEO of Astral Brands. Elise has proven herself to be a passionate sales leader focused on strategic planning and prudent fiscal management while keeping the shared success of the customer and the company central. We are confident she will have enormous success expanding the Astral portfolio throughout Canada!

Elise specializes in retail, cosmetic, and CPG channels with a career spanning over 20 years in fast paced, dynamic environments. She has extensive sales and marketing experience ranging from retail sales, product launch executions, and negotiating new business at the multi-channel global level. She has delivered double-digit growth due to successful strategic planning and budget management, making her well-qualified for her new role.

Elise has been working with PUR since January of 2020 where she began as the Country Manager of PUR Beauty, Canada. In this previous role, Elise lead and managed all channels of the Canadian Market. She worked in partnership with North American and Global International teams to execute cohesive strategies across channel and consumer categories. Her previous position with PUR and prior work experience has prepared Elise for her new role of Senior Sales Director. In this new role, Elise will continue to work with PUR and will also be able to work with the Astral Brands Portfolio, including COSMEDIX, butter LONDON, and Aloette. With these brands, Elise will continue to build best-in-class relationships both in retail and e-commerce in the Canadian market while contributing to top-line sales, bottom-line incremental value, and operational excellence.

Elises positive and optimistic attitude, as well as her extensive work and leadership experience, makes her the perfect fit for this new position. The executives and employees at Astral Brands congratulate Elise on this exciting promotion and are eager to see what the future holds for her in her new role of Senior Sales Director of Astral Brands, Canada.

About Astral Brands

Since acquiring Aloette in 1998, Astral Health & Beauty has built up a diverse brand portfolio of prestigious skincare and makeup brands that are inclusive, clean and help awaken the best version of you. From COSMEDIX luxurious skincare to PUR mineral-based beauty, to butter LONDON 10-Free nail lacquers, we provide skin-loving products for all that inspire and delight the senses. With innovative and transformative beauty, skincare products and more, our Astral mission is to redefine the face of clean beauty. We embrace diversity and develop products to meet the needs of a global marketplace. Our success is the result of entrepreneurial spirit, passion, drive and pushing boundaries, knowing that our commitment to the customer is more than skin deep.
Yabelo, Borana  Community members in Yabelo, the administrative capital of the drought-hit Borana zone, in Southern Oromia, are reeling in the midst of allegations on the rising cases of corruption in aid administration that saw a portion of the aid deliveries are taken for personal use by the people in charge of local aid distribution.

Alarmed community members informed team Addis Standard on the ground that they encountered flour branded after Busa Gonofa, a regional relief commission, solely packed for aid purposes were appearing on markets in the outskirts of Yabelo.

Addis Standard journalists accompanied an active aid delivery to Elwoye Ambo (Ambo Tikiti) IDP center by group of artists and prominent individuals and observed that members of the group carried the aid to the IDP center cramped by drought victims. The supplies were fully delivered to the beneficiaries without exposure to middlemen or to looting.

"We have seen that officials in the town want incoming aid delivers to be stored at their warehouses, and similarly, by people identifying themselves as officials in the area"Shimelis Ababu

"People who came along with aid supplies should deliver them to the IDPs by themselves rather than leaving them in warehouses in the town," Shimelis Ababu, a prominent Oromo Artist who is a member of the group told Addis Standard. Shimelis said that they [the group] have also learned that aid supplies donated from different volunteers are not being delivered to benefit the drought victims.

"We have seen that officials in the town want incoming aid delivers to be stored at their warehouses, and similarly, by people identifying themselves as officials in the area. We had also been told to unload the aid we brought at their warehouse from where they would be distributing it later," Shimelis added.

"We came here to reach our people with the aid, but not to just drop it elsewhere," he said, and revealed that they were pressured to leave the supplies at the officials' disposal.

"We have also been alerted that drought victims living outside IDP camps were not appropriately given aid," he said, asserting that if aid supplies keep unloading at zonal warehouses, they won't be fully delivered to drought victims and because of that sufferings of the people would be made to last longer.

He underlined that people intending to help the drought victims should deliver whatever they are bringing right to the door steps of the people in need.

Another individual who came to Yabelo accompanying an aid delivery from various diaspora community members told Addis Standard that they really wanted to deliver the aid to the beneficiaries of the drought victims, although they had been pressured to deliver their aid to woreda stores.

Residents in Yabelo, who spoke with Addis Standard on conditions of anonymity said that the aid that is being delivered to the people in need who are displaced from drought hit areas are much lesser than that of what had arrived in the zonal and district warehouses.

"Retailers are even asked to buy flour that came through individual and group aid providers", said one resident, adding that the issue has been lurking in the town, and he believes that most of the aid donations are highly likely to end up into the pockets of corrupted officials in charge of receiving the aid at the warehouses in Yabelo.

A distributor whose name Addis Standard withheld for safety, spoke about a recent common understanding among of the business community in Yabelo not to buy any food supplies intended to be delivered to the drought victims.

In pursuit of answers to the allegations against the administrative structure in the zone, who are facing accusations of stealing aid supplies, Addis Standard asked Roba Dange, Zonal Bureau Head and emergency response coordinator. According to Roba, there is a mechanism to manage and administer incoming aid deliveries and dispatch the supplies under zonal Emergency Operation Center (EOC). He refused the allegations and said that the challenges they are facing is contrary to some aid providers who insist to drop what they brought to Yabelo because their contract with the transporters end in Yabelo.

He further said they have not received any such complaints from anyone, and added that they have a check and balance mechanism put in place when the zonal administration receives aid with a report from the destination where is is dispatched first.

On the allegations that grain sacks labeled as Busa Gonofa circulating in the market and milling center, Roba said that such pictures could be taken from aid areas and could be manipulated.

Similarly, Guyo Kalicha, Mayor of Yabelo town, denounced the allegations and said that his administration has not stored what it received in warehouse. According to him, the administration is supporting people who are displaced and are sheltered in the town, and that the town's administration is delivering the aid to the people in need accordingly. However, he said he has no information about how the aid is being distributed in the rural areas of the woredas.

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In the backdrop of this accusations and denials, Oromia Regional state has issued a statement over the weekend prohibiting raising funds or collecting aid items to support drought victims in the Borana zone without the permission of the regional government.

According to the statement, aid is only to be administered through the Oromia Busa Gonofa, the regional gov'ts relief commission to prevent aid wastage and irregularities in its distribution, and also make it accessible to the people who are facing problems in a fair and transparent way. The regional government had previously issued a directive for delivery of aid collected by volunteers individuals, groups and institutions insisting all donations to be channeled hrough the regional relief commission only.

Despite the alarming reports, the regional government said that it was responding appropriately and providing emergency assistance to the people in need of emergency aid in Borana zone, one of the places harshly hit by the worst drought in 40 years in East Africa. AS
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Medical Solutions L.L.C., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Medical Solutions L.L.C., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Medical Solutions L.L.C. is currently pending in the Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2023-00575652-CU-OE-VTA. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

The Complaint claims Medical Solutions L.L.C. failed to pay employees their accurate sick pay wages, which violates California Labor Code Section 246. Employees routinely earned non-discretionary incentive wages which increased their regular rate of pay. However, when paid sick pay wages, it was allegedly paid at the base rate of pay rather than the higher regular rate of pay.

The complaint further alleges Medical Solutions L.L.C. restricted employees from unconstrained walks in which employees could not leave work premises during their rest period. The applicable California Wage Order requires employers to provide employees with off-duty rest periods, which the California Supreme Court defined as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Medical Solutions L.L.C., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County, and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

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I look forward to engaging with the African and African diaspora communities to explore possibilities and build bridges between Africans, African diasporans, and friends of Africa to help drive transformational economic, environment, and social change on the continent. - Almaz Negash

The African Diaspora Network (ADN) will host the eighth edition of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS23) from March 22 - 24, 2023 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View California. This year, ADIS explores the theme - Future Ready Africa, with discussions around trending innovations, blueprints for the future, and the interconnectedness of sectors such as climate change, healthcare, finance, education, and agriculture.

ADIS, which is ADNs annual flagship symposium, will convene Africa-focused investors, entrepreneurs, high-level leaders and professionals from across four continents and 23 countries for insightful dialogue around investment and innovation in Africa, supporting the continent to chart a course forward for large scale development across sectors.

Africa must plan for a sustainable recovery and reimagine its path forward. What does a future ready Africa look like? How can we transform the continent through innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and human capital development? says Almaz Negash, Founder and Executive Director of African Diaspora Network. I look forward to engaging with the African and African diaspora communities to explore possibilities and build bridges between Africans, African diasporans, and friends of Africa to help drive transformational economic, environment, and social change on the continent and the communities in which we live.

Keynote speakers at ADIS23 include the Honorable Ms. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Travis Adkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, United States African Development Foundation (USADF); Monica Shupikai Simmons, Head of Africa  ICON Tech Investment Bank; Patrick Awuah, Founder & President, Ashesi University; Kaye-Anne Greenidge, Chief Executive Office, Invest Barbados; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO and General Partner of Fund for Africa's Future (Future Africa); Mary-Ivy Mbayah, Global Innovation, EY Sustainability; Stephen Gelb, Senior Research Associate, ODI; Connie Tzioumis, Director for Partnerships, U.S. Department of State; and Latanya Mapp Frett, President and CEO, Global Fund for Women.

ADIS23 will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, keynote speeches, and side events covering a wide range of relevant topics that are critical for the growth and development of Africa. Discussions will focus on diaspora engagement beyond remittances, climate change, digital transformation, ESG, healthcare infrastructure, among others.

The symposium will also recognize exemplary individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Africa and the African diaspora community through the Barka Awards and the African Diaspora Luminaire Awards. This year, the Barka Award will be presented to Dr. Amadou Alpha Sall, the CEO, Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, for his leadership and contribution to healthcare development in Senegal and Africa. Ten Luminaire Awards will also be presented to distinguished Africans and Diasporans making high-level impact on a global scale and have demonstrated their commitment to advance the African continent.

This years symposium, which is the first in-person gathering since the pandemic, is sponsored by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sanofi, United States African Development Foundation, Invest Barbados, Hugh Stuart Center Charitable Trust, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, EY, Global Fund for Women, King Baudouin Foundation United States, Africa No Filter, Mastercard Foundation, Center for African Studies, eBay, Millennium Challenge Corporation, allAfrica, William H Cilker Family Foundation, Ashinaga USA, and USA for IOM.

For additional information about ADIS23 registration, speakers, and agenda, please visit https://africandiasporanetwork.org/programs/adis23/. For media inquiries please email Damilola at damilola@baobab-consulting.net.

ABOUT African Diaspora Network

Founded in 2010, African Diaspora Network (ADN) is a Silicon Valley-based nonprofit that promotes entrepreneurship and economic development on the African continent and in the communities where the African diaspora live. We bring together Africans on the continent, in the diaspora, and friends of Africa to actualize their full potential, activate their entrepreneurial spirit, and strategically mobilize financial and intellectual resources to ensure a brighter future for the African continent. Learn more about ADN and the upcoming ADIS event by visiting http://www.africandiasporanetwork.org.
Dinosaurs aren't the only giants at the nation's best children's museum. It is a testament to the hard work and effort our entire team puts into each and every project daily. We take great pride in researching, developing and creating educational experiences that are fun for every member of the family to enjoy together.-Jennifer Pace Robinson

The Childrens Museum is honored and proud to announce that the worlds largest childrens museum is ranked best in the nation by yet another media outlet.

People around the country voted on the museums they feel offer the most inspiration, value and fun for the family. The votes are in and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a winner in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for Best Children's Museum.

The top ten winners in this category are as follows:

1. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

2. Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

3. Kohl Children's Museum

4. Mississippi Children's Museum

5. Louisiana Children's Museum

6. The Children's Museum

7. Please Touch Museum

8. Childrens Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

9. The DoSeum

10. Crayola Experience

We are extremely honored to be included in such a prestigious group of museums and attractions, said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO, The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis. It is a testament to the hard work and effort our entire team puts into each and every project daily. We take great pride in researching, developing and creating educational experiences that are fun for every member of the family to enjoy together. Thank you for having the confidence in us and voting for us! It is sincerely appreciated.

Some of the things that make the museum so successful include the fact that it is the biggest of its kind at nearly 500,000 square feet. It boasts a 7.5-acre outdoor park that emphasized health and fitness through the lens of sports, more than 130,000 artifacts and 1.3 million visitors per year (pre-COVID). Thanks to several independent polls, it has been ranked as the best multiple times.

Life-sized dinosaurs outside the museum capture attention and ignite the imagination before families even enter. Once inside, children and families witness actor/interpreters bringing stories to life in ways that labels cannot. Many areas encourage imaginative play with costumes and encouragement from gallery interpreters.

The museum averages six new, temporary exhibits each year to provide fresh content. There is an average of 20 new interpretive programs each year. There are three museum theatrical/musical productions in Lilly Theater annually. And, the museum hosts two new visiting artists each year who demonstrate their art in hands-on workshops for families.

The museum is a global leader in family learning with real educators on staff. We encourage family interactions and intergenerational learning. Annual events such as BunnySaurus Rex, Juneteenth, Fiesta de la Familia, the Haunted House and Santas Arrival become part of family traditions.

These are just a few of the reasons, families love to share quality time there together.

The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Childrens Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP and The Heritage Group.

About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit http://www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.
The Grant Cardone Foundation has selected Magdalena Gonzalez as its inaugural 10X Kid of the Year, who completed their 10X Kids University curriculum and plans to intern at the Foundation before starting her own marketing firm and non-profit.

The Grant Cardone Foundation is honored to select Ms. Magdalena Gonzalez as the Foundations inaugural 10X Kid of the Year.

This was accomplished through a great partnership with the non-profit organization, Take Stock In Children PBC. Through this partnership, Ms. Gonzalez completed The Grant Cardone Foundations 10X Kids University curriculum and reinforced her goals through the teachings of the program.

"We are grateful for the generous support of The Grant Cardone Foundation in our mission to empower and prepare youth for a successful future through essential workforce development and financial literacy workshops. Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow for the next generation," said Lidia Vargas, the Director of Development at Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County.

The Grant Cardone Foundation has seen a tremendous amount of talented youth in its ecosystem of community partners. With the 10X Kid of the Year award, the Foundation seeks to honor a youth who showcases determination, ambition, and passion.

For me, winning means accomplishing my goals, making my loved ones proud, and setting new goals. I think that we always have to look for new goals and continue to improve ourselves, one win at a time, Ms. Gonzalez said. Just because we win once does not mean we cant keep winning. Winning for me is a motivation to move on to the next big thing!

Ms. Gonzalez is slated to start an internship at The Grant Cardone Foundation at the end of June 2023 for the summer, where she will learn from and work alongside other staff members of the Foundation.

The internship at The Grant Cardone Foundation is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime, I wouldnt trade it for the world. It will allow me to build connections that couldnt be made anywhere else. I am looking forward to learning from the very talented and intelligent personnel at The Grant Cardone Foundation. The skills and values that I learn from this organization will greatly be put to use when I start my own businesses and non-for-profits, Ms. Gonzalez said.

I also have recently gotten accepted into the University of Florida, the school Ive wanted to attend since I was 12 years old, and I believe that learning from The Grant Cardone Foundation would greatly enrich my education there, she added.

After completing her education at the University of Florida, Ms. Gonzalez plans on starting her own marketing firm.

My idea behind this firm is helping small businesses grow. Many of these business owners dont have what they need to make their businesses go from small to big, she explained. My goal is to be what they need. After solidifying that business, starting my own non-for-profit designed to educate the community, especially children, on ocean conservation would be my next goal.

The 10X Kids University curriculum takes the same success principles Mr. Cardone has taught to millions of entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies around the world and translates them into an educational platform for children of all ages. Through the curriculum, children learn entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, sales skills, marketing, confidence, public speaking skills, and customer experience skills.

The Grant Cardone Foundation looks forward to sharing this curriculum with more talented youth in 2023 and recognizing the next 10X Kid of the Year.

For more information about The Grant Cardone Foundation, please visit grantcardonefoundation.com.

About The Grant Cardone Foundation: The Grant Cardone Foundation is an international non-profit organization invested in helping youth in our communities reach their full potential. Entrepreneur and best-selling author, Grant Cardone, created the foundation as a result of experiencing the traumatic loss of his father when he was only ten-years-old. Growing up without a father figure in his life affected him emotionally, socially, and academically. So he has made it his mission to help young adults who may need life and career guidance, just as he once did. The foundation partners with community organizations, municipal agencies, corporations, and other non-profit entities to help deliver energy and educational resources to kids in need.

About Grant Cardone: Grant Cardone is an American author, sales trainer, real estate investor, and motivational speaker. He wrote seven books: Sell To Survive, The Closer's Survival Guide, If You're Not First, You're Last, The 10X Rule, Sell or Be Sold, The Millionaire Booklet, and Be Obsessed or Be Average. Grant showed off his sales and marketing process when he was featured in Discovery Channel's Undercover Billionaire, Season 2.

About Take Stock in Children, Inc.: Take Stock in Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, transforming Florida one student at a time. Working in every county throughout Florida, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach is 1 of 46 affiliate offices. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education. Through an innovative multi-year model they provide wraparound services to students, with no drop-off of services after high school completion. Students are matched with a caring volunteer mentor, equipped with academically focused intervention, awarded a college scholarship, and provided with post-secondary retention services.

The Grant Cardone Foundation is a Section 501(c) (3) charitable organization organized under the laws of the State of Florida. For more information please visit https://grantcardonefoundation.com.
ezPaycheck payroll software offers unlimited paychecks for unlimited companies without the exorbitant price With the new 2023 ezPaycheck payroll software, small to large companies now get an application that offers unlimited paychecks for unlimited companies without the exorbitant price

With the current economy , most l business owners are scrambling to find the best alternative to process payroll and save money at the same time. https://www.halfpricesoft.com/ [Halfpricesoft.com __title__ ezPaycheck Offers Unlimited Checks and Unlimited Accounts Without The Exorbitant Cost]has accommodated business owners, accountants and HR with ezPaycheck 2023 to handle unlimited paychecks for unlimited accounts. For one flat rate new and seasoned customers can rest easy knowing the company can grow without the cost increasing.

With the new 2023 ezPaycheck payroll software, small to large companies now get an application that offers unlimited paychecks for unlimited companies without the exorbitant price , said Dr. Ge, the Founder of Halfpricesoft.com,

ezPaycheck software is designed to automate paycheck processing to reduce time spent on payroll. The softwares graphical interface leads clients step-by-step through setting up of employee information, importing data, calculating payroll - including calculation of federal, state and local taxes; deductions for Medicare, insurance and 401(k) plans; and printing paychecks. Potential customers can download and try this software with no obligation and no cost at https://www.halfpricesoft.com/index.asp

Businesses get the following features when switching to ezPaycheck payroll software:



Supports multiple differential pay rates such as: hourly, salary, night shift, by piece, by load, or by mileage rates for employees

Supports unlimited accounts at no additional charge

Supports network access for 2-10 users (additional cost)

Supports daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly payroll periods. Features report functions, print functions, and pay stub functions

Prints miscellaneous checks as well as payroll calculation checks

Prints unlimited payroll checks on blank computer checks or preprinted checks

Automatically calculates federal withholding tax, social security, medicare tax and employer unemployment taxes

Includes built-in tax tables for all 50 states and the District of Columbia

Creates and maintains payroll for multiple companies, and does it simultaneously

Prints Tax Forms 940, 941, W2 and W3 (Please note: Copy A preprinted forms required for printing W2 and W3).

Priced at $139 (per calendar year for a single installation), ezPaycheck payroll software is affordable for any size business. Customers seeking a way to simplify payroll processing with more accuracy to start the no obligation 30-day test drive today at https://www.halfpricesoft.com/index.asp

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, Accounting software, 1095 form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers and will help small Business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management.
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has launched an investigation into the poaching of two hippos in the Muyako area of the Zambezi region.

This comes after the carcass of a hippo was on Sunday found by community members, who then alerted ministry officials.

Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda on Monday said it is suspected that the hippo died as a result of a bullet wound, and that it was shot on Saturday night.

He said this was the second hippo killed in the same way in the area this year, with the first incident reported in February.

"We strongly condemn poaching as it takes away the tourism potential of the area and affects ecological processes."

Hippos as grazers are important for maintaining vegetation cover in reasonable amounts, making it easy for people to access riverbanks and other areas around rivers.

"Hippos are a village resource, where at an appropriate time and at the request of the village, meat is distributed to them through the correct channels," he said.

Muyunda said the ministry distributed the meat to the Khwe community and not to hopeful Muyako villagers to discourage further poaching incidents in the area.

"If you give meat, it's like encouraging the community to shoot hippos whenever they want meat, which is not sustainable," he said.

Muyako Khuta secretary Charles Simasiku has vowed to do everything in his power to find those responsible for killing hippos in the area.

"We as the Muyako village leadership do not condone lawlessness. In the same vein, we must act swiftly on cases of human-wildlife conflict as farmers' crop fields are being destroyed by hippos," he said.

Jim Ben, the headman of the Kyaracen village, which received the meat, has expressed his gratitude towards the government for the donation.

He called upon Namibians to protect the riches of the country and to avoid unnecessary killing.
Public Protector Clears Ramaphosa, Throws Others Under Bus

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the handling of the theft of foreign currency at his farm, according to a leaked and secret report from the Office of the Public Protector, which instead accuses the police and Major-General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, of being at fault.



According to reports, findings by deputy public protector Koleka Gcaleka demonstrate that Rhoode's actions were improper in that he abused his authority by starting an unofficial inquiry that used police resources. Rhoode and Rikhotso violated SAPS regulations, according to a report Gcaleka sent to the interested parties for review. She recommended that General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, take proper action against the officers within 60 days.

This is despite that the South Africa Revenue Service (Sars) confirmed that it could not find any record that Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa, who allegedly paid U.S.$580 000 in cash to buy 20 buffalo from Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm, declared the cash when he landed at OR Tambo International Airport on December 23, 2019. Gcaleka doesn't believe there is anything suspicious going on.
Ethiopia Urged to Unblock Social Media as Tigray Probe Looms

Amnesty International has called on the Ethiopian government to lift the ban on social media platforms such as Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube and Telegram. Amnesty's Flavia Mwangovya said authorities "continue to violate people's right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information".

As Ethiopian courts support a motion to cut short the Tigray inquiry, observers fear the move could widen the divide between African and Western nations, Isaac Mugabi writes for Deutsche Welle.

The conflict between Ethiopia and the Tigray region escalated into a full-scale war in November 2020. Millions of people were displaced and fled to neighbouring countries such as Sudan.
Today libraries are many things to different people. As places for engaging storytimes, welcoming and safe havens, and labs for creativity, libraries help expand childrens minds. We spoke with three librarians about how their makerspaces are sparking students creativity and curiosity, and impacting lives.

K-5 librarian and mental health advocate Liz Smith sets up makerspace stations on her librarys long wooden tables at Titche Elementary School in Dallas, Tex. And while her school doesnt have the funds to create a dedicated makerspace with all the bells and whistles, Smith does everything she can to create meaningful makerspace experiences for her students. She says they deserve nothing less. Were in an area where our kids dont get exposed to a lot of the same things as kids in the affluent neighborhoods do, so its really important to me to have a makerspace for them, Smith said.

This exposure is so important to Smith that she has the kids spend a good portion of their library time each week using the makerspace stations. Smith encourages them to create things of their choosing and also has activities or assignments for them to complete. The more hands-on the better, she said. And it doesnt have to be expensive. It just has to be things they can use to create with their hands.

Materials include Legos, magnetic shapes, and pentominoes to build with, and art supplies such as crayons, markers, and colored pencils to make artwork. Smith believes its all about giving kids time to use their imagination. Its important to tap into the creative parts of their brain, to take a break from all of the testing, and meeting the states standards, Smith said. She sees her students exhibiting greater focus and fewer discipline problems, and becoming better versions of themselves.

To ensure that these successes continue, Smith enforces a special set of makerspace rules. These include no hitting or fighting, using please and thank you,  Smith said, no dumping out the whole tub of materials, and taking care of supplies. She also pairs two girls and two boys at each station. There seems to be more social balance when you can do this.

Smith also balances her kidssocial emotional with their academic learning needs by offering them daily affirmations and breathing exercises, and a calming box. This box contains items including puppets, squishy balls, and coloring pages to ease anxiety issues among others. I want to teach the whole studentthe mind, the body, and the spirit, Smith said, and for them to learn how to deal with their emotions, and to be creative.

A former ballerina and current school librarian, Wendy Garland has always had jobs that have kept her on her toes. Today, shes perfecting the makerspace in the Avery Elementary School library in Dedham, Mass. Her first experience with makerspaces goes back to her days as a teen volunteer at her public library. I remember the summer our local librarian put three of us in charge of remodeling the librarys dollhouse, Garland said. We gave it new wallpaper, painted it, and made new furniture for it. It was an exciting time.

After 11 years of exploring different directions, Garland finds that the keys to her makerspaces success are offering many options, having ample supplies, and integrating makerspace activities into the curriculum and what is happening in school. This focus has allowed me to create a makerspace with greater meaning for my students and to support and reinforce curriculum for more authentic learning.

To do this, Garland stays on top of the schools K-5 curriculum and book needs, and which titles students are checking out, and asks herself a series of questions for greater clarity in her decision-making process: What are my students curious about? What is the purpose of the activity? What is it that I want my students to do here?

The answers to Garlands questions have led her to origami, among other activities. Her students cant seem to get enough of folding and creating paper rabbits and frogs, and are building a community in the process. Recently, a new student who moved here from the Republic of Congo couldnt understand the language, but she could understand how to do origami and started making it with the other students. Her students also enjoy building, not playing, with Legos. Its all in the phrasing, Garland said, as well as the intention and expectation.

Garland is intent on increasing the makerspaces inherent social emotional benefits, such as having time to express oneself, making a greater difference in the lives of her studentsand adding to the greater good. One day, I asked myself: Why not create a maker space with greater purpose, as a form of activism? 

The result? Her Makers on a Missions makerspaces activities include creating blank zines or books to write and draw in during recess, making toys for rescue dogs from old t-shirts, and crafting pop-up cards for people at a Boston homeless shelter. Theres even a group of students named the Joke Squad that meets at the makerspace to write jokes for the schools daily announcements. They approached the principal to see if they could present a joke each day for the morning announcements to lift others up.

The space is lifting up the makers as well. Garland finds students from different ability levels and social groups sitting side by side making things, stretching themselves, and opening doors to new adventures. Theyre learning about failure and success, which leads them to trying something harder the next time, Garland said, and this leads them to other parts of the library and ultimately encourages a love of libraries and reading.

K.C. Boyd, the award-winning librarian at Jefferson Academy in Washington, D.C, has found that one of her makerspaces most popular offerings is making with Perler beads. My students and I absolutely love them, Boyd said. It is a real draw for kids because they can express themselves and are able to take home something that has a practical use, and that they are proud of.

While some students may choose to create beaded jewelry or coasters, others may make magnets, keychains, or signs. There are students who make images using patterns, and others may freestyle designs to reflect their personalities.

Whatever or however they decide to bead, they all choose the library makerspace as an escape from the cafeteria at lunch time. Its really overwhelming for some kids. They cant handle all of the noise and commotion, and theyre looking for a calm space, Boyd said. And thats what I try to create in my makerspace: a calming, therapeutic, and fun place where kids can be creative.

Because beading is such a passion project for Boyd, she pays for the beads and beading projects out of her own pocket. She says it is well worth it. Many students relish the freedom and the time to express their creativity and individuality. Boyd is also nearby for her sixth to eighth graders dealing with anxiety over body changes and/or gender identity. If they need to chat, I enjoy talking to them, and helping however I can, Boyd said.

For those students who dont enjoy beading, she helps match them with other makerspace offerings, including Minecraft and Roblox, which integrate math, problem-solving, building, and language skills. Boyds calls the handful of regulars her Makerspace Kids. She supports their daily making and encourages them to check out the latest books. She even gives them dibs on books before she shares them with other classes.

I know kids who have had negative experiences in libraries. So Im here to make recommendations, not to tell them what to read, Boyd said. I want my kids to feel at ease.

Eventually, these students come in, try out the makerspace, they see displays and then they start taking out books. I dont make a big deal about it, Boyd said. However, she does know the big part makerspaces play in drawing in students and offering academic, social, and emotional benefits. They can also help turn non-readers into readers and be another place like the gym for athletes, where you can feel loved, supported, accepted, and empowered, and part of a community.
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The United States is in imminent danger of dropping out of the Index of Economic Freedoms mostly free. The Index, which has been published by the Heritage Foundation every year since 1995, ranks a total of 176 countries based on how economically free or unfree they are. The comprehensive rating is based on assessments of twelve categories of freedoms.

In the Index, countries are divided into five groups, the best of which is free (and includes Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland and Taiwan); the worst is repressed (with countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea). The index can also be regarded as a capitalism ranking.

In the latest ranking, the U.S. only just scrapes into the second-best of the five categories (mostly free). If the United States were to lose just one more point in next years ranking, it would find itself in the moderately free category, along with the likes of Barbados, Portugal, and Bulgaria.

The U.S. has progressively dropped down the rankings in recent years. There are now a total of 16 European countries that are economically freer, i.e. more capitalist, than the United States, such as Switzerland, Ireland, Estonia, Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden. Even Germany and Austria are considered economically freer than the U.S. Could it almost be time for Arnold Schwarzenegger, who once swapped Austria for the United States because Austria was too socialist and he admired the style of capitalism in the U.S., to start thinking about going back to Austria unless the U.S. changes course?

The Heritage Foundation, which compiles the Index, explains the United States poor rating: The U.S. economy faces enormous challenges. Big-government policies have eroded limits on government, public spending continues to rise, and the regulatory burden on business has increased.

The U.S. does receive positive ratings for Rule of Law, Business Freedom and Investment Freedom, while for Fiscal Health the hopelessly over-indebted United States only scores 0 points, and for Government Spending it gets a very low rating of 49.3 points.

Nevertheless, while their country steadily slips down the capitalism ranking, a majority of Americans are still pro-capitalist, as confirmed by a survey conducted by Ipsos MORI for the book In Defense of Capitalism, which is published today in the U.S. (and 29 other countries). A total of 34 countries have now been surveyed and respondents in each country were presented with more than 30 statements on the market economy and capitalism. The only country out of the 34 where people are even more positive about capitalism is Poland. The U.S. is followed by South Korea and Japan (see chart below).

Despite the overall result, there are far greater differences between younger and older respondents in the U.S. than in any other country: Americans over the age of 60 are firmly in favor of a market economy and capitalism, while Americans under the age of 30 tend to have a slightly negative attitude toward capitalism.

This trend among young Americans, in combination with the United States increasingly poor ranking in the Index of Economic Freedom, shows that capitalism in the U.S. is now under threat, as it is in Europe, where Great Britain has already slipped out of the mostly free category and into the moderately free group of countries. With its score of 69.9 points, Great Britain has the worst rating since the Index was first calculated way back in 1995. In 2006, Great Britain was still on a respectable 80.4 points! Another country that has lost a lot of ground in the Index over the past few years is China, which now only ranks 154th out of 176.

The story is very different in Vietnam: although the country calls itself socialist, it has registered more economic freedom gains since 1995 than almost any other country in the world. Despite ranking just 72nd, its score of 61.8 is 20 points higher than in 1995. Poland, on the other hand, which along with Vietnam is among the countries that have gained the most economic freedom since 1995, has lost some of its earlier advances in more recent years.

It is time to defend capitalism  not only, but perhaps especially in the United States!
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Homeland and Billions alum Damian Lewis says Nick Elliott, the real-life British MI6 agent he plays in A Spy Among Friends, represents all the people with whom Soviet double agent Kim Philby broke faith.

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Premiering Sunday on MGM+ with new episodes rolling out weekly, the six-part adaptation of Ben Macintyre's book was inspired by the real-life friendship of Elliott and Philby, which ended after decades in 1963 when Philby was unmasked as a traitor.

The limited series co-stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Stephen Kunken and Adrian Edmondson.

"No one knew who Nick Elliott was. He didn't betray his country for 30 years, but he was Kim Philby's best pal and adored and admired him and I think is shattered by the betrayal when he learns what Philby's been doing," Lewis told UPI in a recent Zoom interview.

"I suppose Nick in this sense is 'everyman.' He represents everyone who was betrayed by him. He's our way into the story and he's our way to see just how earth-shattering that kind of betrayal can be on a personal level."

Lewis said he thinks the limited series works on multiple levels from the entertaining to the thought-provoking.

"Yes, we have a spy thriller here, which we hope is compelling, trying to keep people on the edge of their seats, trying to work out what's going on because that's fun," he added.

"But we also have a simple love story, as well, about a guy who is successfully betraying his 'lover,' best friend and his wives and the intelligence agencies and his country and everyone around him, brilliantly."

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Lewis was interested in exploring what it would feel like to be a "cuckold" and figure out how one recovers from it.

"What does that leave you thinking? It must take you years of therapy to get over something like that! Did I enable it? Am I guilty? Am I complicit somehow? What happened?" the actor said.

"It's not dissimilar -- I say this carefully because I don't want to make light of it -- from an abusive relationship. He's been abused and anyone that has been abused emotionally and/or physically is always left with this great shame, this great question mark. Did I make this happen somehow?"

In Elliott's case, he does share the blame, Lewis said.

"He was somehow complicit. Maybe just through negligence or a bit of laziness or maybe it was just blind love," he said.

"Or maybe he didn't want to challenge anything too much because they were having such a [expletive] great time is the truth of it. They were just having the best time. They had the best jobs, were members of the best clubs, drank the best wine."

Memento, Mare of Easttown and Jack Irish alum Guy Pearce still regards Philby as a mystery, even after playing him.

"He's an incredibly intriguing man because what you see isn't what you get. On the surface he is very charming very witty very smart very relaxed extremely capable and brought up in this British ruling class but of course we learn as all of England now knows, as well as the rest of the world i suppose, he was a man who not only spied for the United Kingdom, but also spied for the Soviet Union," Pearce said.

"What kind of complexity enables that is hard for me to get my head around," he added. "I'd be, as everybody would be, so curious to sit down with him myself if he was still alive to try to find that out, but that's never going to happen."

The actors think the drama is relatable in 2023 because intelligence officers continue to gather critical information for their leaders as the west remains at odds with Russia.

"We are at war, by proxy, with Russia and this is a story about a man working for the enemy, successfully, secretly for 30 years," Lewis said.

"Has anything changed? Well, it's not a Cold War anymore, it's a Hot War, but I think, sad to say, what's going on now makes our show all the more relevant."

Working on the series made Pearce realize just how much spying has changed over the years because of technology.

"It is a very different world now. The interesting thing about doing a show like A Spy Among Friends is that you look at the limitations of technology back then and it would function very differently now," he said.

"But, of course, as technology develops, enemies have to develop the ways in which they infiltrate spy organizations and policing organizations have to adjust accordingly. It feels like the nature of that kind of criminality will just keep on going no matter what," he added. "I'm sure it's an extremely complex web to figure out and depending what leaders are in at what time, they handle things differently."

Pearce and Lewis were filming in nearby Bucharest, Romania when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

"It felt quite present for us, as opposed to Australia, which is usually 12,000 miles from anything like that," Pearce said of his home country. "This was 500 km up the road."
The fundraising campaign for a new Hillel UGA building has begun its public phase, according to a press release from Amplify Partners on behalf of Hillels of Georgia and Hillel UGA.

The campaign, hosted by Hillels of Georgia and Hillel UGA, has raised $6.4 million to date, more than 80% of its $8 million goal, according to the press release. The largest gift to date is from The Marcus Foundation.
Walking through the front door of Sunny Day Therapeutics, most can immediately sense that it is not the average therapists office. In addition to the warm, calm and inviting atmosphere, there are lively colors, sensory decor, swings to sit on and cloud-covered sheets over the LED lights. Each element allows Sunny Days to provide care for people of all ages and abilities in both the neurodivergent and neurotypical communities.
YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. Justice Minister Grigor Minasyan said Monday that the fact that a criminal investigation into alleged abuse in the COVID-19 response has been launched shows that there are no privileged ones within the current administration.

Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Gevorg Simonyan, who was the Deputy Minister of Healthcare during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as 10 others are under criminal investigation for alleged misuse of funds.

This is what the fight against corruption is all about, where there are no privileged ones, where there are no any guarantees for persons or officials of the political team. I am only happy that such discussions exist, with this kind of criminal proceedings the entire state apparatus and municipal staffers realize that there is an uncompromised fight against corruption taking place. If a person has committed a crime they will be held to account in our country, Minasyan told reporters, emphasizing that the fight against corruption is the Pashinyan Administrations hallmark.
The official representative of the Iranian foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, announced that a meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia may take place in the near future, news.am informs, citing Iranian portal Nournews.

March 13, 2023, 16:27 Nournews: Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meeting may take place in near future

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 13 , ARTSAKHPRESS: On March 10, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore bilateral relations and reopen embassies and representations within two months.

The agreement was reached after several days of intense negotiations in Beijing between the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and his Saudi counterpart.

"Iran and Saudi Arabia will organize a meeting of foreign ministers. We hope that it will happen in the near future," said the press secretary of the Iranian foreign ministry.

But he did not specify where this meeting of the two FMs will take place.
Local party officials are still being harassed and intimidated, with prosecutions of perpetrators seen as unlikely.

A top Cambodian government ministers public appeal for a peaceful, inclusive national election was being met with skepticism by election watchdog and opposition party officials.

Minister of Interior Sar Kheng on Sunday said authorities and police forces at all levels should make it easy for all political parties to operate freely as activists begin meeting and organizing in provincial capitals ahead of the July national elections.

The government has a duty to ensure security, guarantee that all registered parties for election have the opportunity to assemble and have the opportunity to conduct their campaigns in line with their wishes, particularly in line with their political programs to seek popular support, he said at a fundraising ceremony for the construction of a university in Kandal province.

Opposition party officials, however, say their local offices have been unable to function fully due to continued surveillance by authorities.

The order of the Minister of Interior doesnt seem to have any effectiveness, Candlelight Party spokesman Kim Sour Phirith told Radio Free Asia on Monday. Im not sure if the lower authorities listen to him or they listen to other individuals who have ordered them.

Threatening gestures and words have been taking place less frequently, but local authorities still take pictures of citizens who go to opposition party meetings, he said. Some people are now afraid to participate in non-ruling party activities, he said.

Violence during 2022 local elections

In the run-up to the June 2022 local commune elections, human rights NGOs reported many cases of violence toward Candlelight Party activists and supporters. Some were beaten up or had stones thrown at their houses. Unidentified men riding motorcycles used iron batons to strike supporters on their heads. No one was prosecuted.

The Interior Ministry oversees public administration and policing down to the provincial and local level. Sar Kheng also serves as deputy prime minister and is a top official in the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

King Norodom Sihamoni, a constitutional monarch who normally stays out of public debate, issued a message on Feb. 8 calling on all eligible voters to go to the polls for the sake of national development and prosperity.

The King said no person or political party should have to worry about harassment or intimidation, and people should be allowed to exercise the right to vote in accordance with one's conscience.

Cambodias King Norodom Sihamoni has called for eligible voters to participate in the upcoming election. Credit: Reuters file photo





For Sar Khengs appeal to be effective, officials who violate his order and seek to intimidate opposition party activists must be punished, according to Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia,

So far, he hasnt taken legal action against anyone who has done the opposite of his order and instruction, he said. Therefore, they [his lower authorities] seem to not care because [they know that] there have been no consequences for the violators of his instruction.

Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed.
Beijings diplomatic mission in Manila casts doubt on US ambassadors claim that move is for humanitarian reasons.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (right) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Feb. 2, 2023.



Granting the United States greater access to Philippine military bases will drag the Southeast Asian nation into geopolitical strife, Chinas embassy here has warned, claiming the move is part of a plot to contain its growing regional influence.

The embassy issued the statement a day after MaryKay Carlson, the American ambassador to Manila, said in an interview on Philippine television that the expanded access to local military facilities was meant to allow U.S. forces to respond quickly to humanitarian needs in the region.

Washington aims to secure its hegemony and selfish geopolitical interests by continuously upgrading its military presence in the Philippines by gaining access to more bases for military deployments, the Chinese Embassy said.

Whereas the U.S. claims that such cooperation is intended to help the disaster relief efforts of the Philippines and some Americans even tout the EDCA sites as driver[s] of [the] local economy, it is plain and simple that those moves are part of the U.S. efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country, said the statement released by the embassy on Sunday.

In 2014, The Philippines and the United States signed the EDCA, or Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which supplemented the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1999. The VFA provides legal cover for large-scale joint war games between the two longtime allies.

A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Manila declined comment.

In February, the allies announced that Manila had agreed that American forces would have access to four more Philippine military sites they did not identify, bringing the total to nine at present.

While no names were mentioned, a governor of an area at the northern tip of Luzon island that directly faces Taiwan  Manuel Mamba of Cagayan province  testified before a Senate inquiry that he believed his jurisdiction had been selected. Another northern province, Isabela, has been identified by the local press, citing their own sources.

If the new sites are located in Cagayan and Isabela, which are close to Taiwan, does the U.S. really intend to help the Philippines in disaster relief with these EDCA sites? And is it really in the national interest of the Philippines to get dragged by the U.S. to interfere in the Taiwan question?, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said in the statement.

To bundle the Philippines into the chariots of geopolitical strife will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability, the statement warned.

The Philippines, which observes a one-China policy, had earlier said it was closely monitoring the developments in the Taiwan Strait, because thousands of Filipinos could be placed in danger if China moves to invade the island, which it considers a renegade province. There are some 150,000 Filipinos in Taiwan, the third largest contingent of migrant workers there.

U.S. envoy Carlson, in an interview broadcast over GMA television in Manila on Saturday, declined to identify the new military bases under the expanded EDCA sites, but said they may be announced within the next several months.

The sites, she said, were chosen to help protect the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk as well as to help in humanitarian crises.

Carlson stressed that the Americans stand at the ready to work with Philippine allies amid continued Chinese harassment in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

We have your back. Our mutual goal is to deter conflict, not to instigate conflict, the ambassador said.

Contested waterway

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy stressed that contrary to accusations by the Philippines, U.S. and other countries, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea was not being impeded.

Beijing accused Washington of stirring up trouble in the region and driving a wedge between China and the Philippines.

When talking about free and open waterways, what the U.S. has in its mind is actually the freedom of rampage of its warships in the South China Sea. The U.S. military has been coming all the way from the other side of the Pacific to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and ganging up with its allies from other parts of the world to flex [its muscles] in the South China Sea, it said.

We need to focus on cooperation and development, and truly safeguard, promote and build peace, stability, prosperity of our region and bring more tangible benefits to people of our two countries, it added.

China and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, along with Taiwan and the Southeast Asian nations of Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Two vice premiers and the new defense minister have backgrounds in military-linked industries.

An outdoor screen shows a live news coverage of Chinas President Xi Jinping delivering a speech during the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People, along a street in Beijing on March 13, 2023.

China's rubber-stamp parliament closed on Monday after appointing a new premier and four vice premiers  two of whom have close ties to the military-industrial complex  as Communist Party leader Xi Jinping called repeatedly for a world-class technological upgrade for the Peoples Liberation Army.

Xi's speech comes after a government restructuring that will put control over China's people and resources more firmly in the hands of Xi and other top party leaders, a move that some analysts have suggested is part of ongoing preparations for a potential war.

Two of Chinas new vice premiers  Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong  are former high-ranking personnel in military-linked companies, while incoming defense minister Li Shangfu is a current member of the party's Central Military Commission, the highest-level military command structure, who once worked in China's satellite program.

Li is currently under U.S. sanctions over the purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russias main arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.

Without holding the status of state councilor or vice minister, its not always easy to get things done when dealing with the military, Australia-based scholar Feng Tianben said. It looks as if they are tightening control over the military, rather than relaxing it.

Chinas vice premiers Zhang Guoqing [left] and Liu Guozhong, shown at a March 13, 2023, news conference after the National Peoples Congress, have held top-ranking positions in companies linked to the Chinese military. Credit: AFP





Development of defense technology

Shen Ming-shih, acting deputy chief executive officer at Taiwans Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a government think-tank, said Lis appointment has effectively upgraded the defense ministers job.

Defense minister used to be a fake post with no real power, because all of the real power lay with the Central Military Commission, Shen said. So its very meaningful that he is getting this post -- it means [Xi] values the role and function of the post, as well as Lis work.

The significance of his taking over as defense minister lies with his background in the defense industry ... which shows that Xi Jinping thinks the development of Chinas military equipment and defense technology is extremely important, Shen said.

Feng Tianben said the government seems far more concerned with integrating its leadership with the Peoples Liberation Army than under previous administrations.

The focus is on the military-industrial complex, Feng said of the new appointments. This is in line with the [overall strengthening] of the military.

This priority has now been reflected in the team-building at the highest level of leadership, and means they will be coordinating with the defense ministry, as well as coordinating production, Feng said.

If theyre going to build a third military superpower along the lines of the United States and Russia, they need to have the weaponry to back up their rhetoric, he said.

According to publicly available information, Zhang started working for Norinco, which has close ties to the People's Liberation Army, as a project manager, serving for a while in the Middle East before rising to serve as vice president and deputy Communist Party secretary at the party-controlled company.

Zhang Youxia [center], newly-elected vice chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission, swears an oath with Central Military Commission members He Weidong and new Defense Minister Li Shangfu [right] after they were elected at the National Peoples Congress in Beijing on March 11, 2023. Credit: Pool via Reuters





Building a world-class army

Another vice premier, Liu Guozhong, studied trigger fuse design and manufacture in the artillery shell department of the East China Institute of Engineering in 1978.

By 1982, he was an official in a China Ordnance Industry Corp. factory.

During his closing speech on Monday, Xi mentioned strengthening the military eight times, vowing to accelerate the building of the Peoples Liberation Army into a world-class army.

The other two vice premiers are Xi loyalists who will be in charge of running the economy, with Ding Xuexiang seen as next in line for the premiership and He Lifeng to be charged with economic, financial and industrial affairs, according to senior journalist Wang Haiyan.

He said the moves look more like the militarization of government than enhanced political controls over the military, however.

He Lifeng and the two vice premiers with the ordnance industry background are the ones who will actually do any work, Wang said. [This means that] half of the State Council has now been taken over by the military.

Meanwhile, public security minister Wang Xiaohong has been promoted to a higher rank in the State Council, highlighting his role as the countrys top cop and stability maintenance czar, charged with protecting the partys hold on power against domestic threats and political unrest.

According to a commentary on the Brookings Institution website, loyalty to Xi is a requirement for promotion, and many of the members of the newly sworn-in State Council have longstanding ties to him.

Li Qiang has worked with Xi for decades, acting as his top aide and chief of staff in the Zhejiang provincial party committee, with Ding Xuexiang playing a similar role when Xi was party chief in Shanghai.

Wang Xiaohong was a high-ranking member of the police bureau in Fuzhou when Xi was a top leader there, while He Lifengs relationship with Xi dates back four decades to when they worked together in Xiamen, the commentary said.



Chinas President Xi Jinping [left] speaks with newly-elected Premier Li Qiang during the National Peoples Congress in Beijing on March 11, 2023. Credit: Pool via Reuters





Looking toward Taiwan

Veteran journalist Zhao Wushun said few of the new appointees have much experience in government.

Few of these people have substantial work experience, Zhao said. When they encounter problems at work, conflicts will arise.

Xi, who was recently sworn in for a precedent-breaking third term as president, also told National Peoples Congress delegates that the party would implement the partys overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue ... and unswervingly advance the process of reunification of the motherland, in a reference to Chinas territorial claim on democratic Taiwan, which has rejected the claim, having never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party nor formed part of the 73-year-old Peoples Republic of China.

Premier Li Qiangs inaugural news conference suggested Beijing would be employing both hard and soft power initiatives to strengthen Beijings influence in Taiwan, whose 23 million residents have repeatedly rejected the idea of Chinese rule under the one country, two systems framework used to take back control of Hong Kong and Macau.

We share an unbreakable bond of blood and kinship [with people in Taiwan], Li said. We will ... encourage more Taiwan compatriots and businesses to come to [China].

We hope they will be willing not just to come [here], but to integrate into local communities, he said, pledging to work for the restoration of normal exchanges and regular cooperation with Taiwan, in the wake of growing tension with Washington and intensified Chinese military exercises around Taiwan in recent months.

Xis speech came after party ideologue Wang Huning, a member of the seven-member all-powerful Politburo standing committee and a close Xi ally, took the chair of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference national committee on Friday, with a call for political struggle.

He told the advisory body, which works closely with the partys outreach and influence arm, the United Front Work Department, to carry forward the spirit of struggle, strengthen its fighting skills, and take a clear stance on matters of right and wrong.

Members of a military band wait inside the Great Hall of the People ahead of the closing session of the National Peoples Congress in Beijing on March 13, 2023. Credit: Pool via AFP

Wang is also expected to head the Taiwan Work Leading Group, responsible for formulating actual Taiwan policy and for United Front work relating to the island, which has constantly been targeted by Chinese psychological and influence operations in recent years.

Li told the news conference on Sunday that his administration would unswervingly deepen reform and opening up despite a string of recent moves favoring the state sector over private enterprise under his boss Xi Jinping in recent years.

But he warned that a 5% economic growth rate for this year wouldn't be easy to achieve.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Matt Reed.
Former Tiananmen Square student leader Wang Dan says Yen rubbed salt into the wounds of the people of Hong Kong.

Activists and Chinese dissidents demonstrate outside the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on March 12, 2023, with banners satirizing actor Donnie Yens support for the Chinese Communist Party.

Martial arts star Donnie Yen introduced a performance at the Oscars award ceremony on Sunday night, amid protests outside the venue over his ties to the Chinese Communist Party and lack of support for the 2019 protest movement in Hong Kong, which he has termed a riot.

The Star Wars actor introduced a performance of best song nominee This is a Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once which swept the Academy Awards including a best actress win for Michelle Yeoh, despite growing calls on the event organizers to uninvite him, with critics citing his support for Beijing's official propaganda about the city's pro-democracy movement.

Prominent pro-democracy activists and Chinese dissidents gathered outside the Dolby Theater on Sunday night, holding up banners satirizing Yen's support for the Chinese Communist Party, including a photo of him with supreme leader Xi Jinping.

Say no to CCP puppet. Say no to Donnie Yen, read one banner, while another said: Donnie Yen is not a hero: he values zero, emblazoned on a photo of Yen shaking hands with Xi in a celebrity line-up. Another protester displayed the slogan of the 2019 protest movement, which is now banned in Hong Kong under a draconian national security law banning criticism of the government: Free Hong Kong, revolution now.

Hollywood and the CCP

The protest, which was attended by former 1989 student leader Wang Dan, came as a petition on Change.org calling for Yen to be dropped from the ceremony garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

Wang told the protest that Yen, who described the 2019 protest movement as a riot in an interview with GQ Hype magazine, had rubbed salt into the wounds of the people of Hong Kong, and insulted Hong Kongers.

Donnie Yen isnt worthy of the name Hong Konger, he said.

Security around the awards ceremony was tight, with a police cordon around the venue and several streets in the surrounding area sealed off by police, Wang said via his Twitter account, adding that around 200 people had turned up for the rally.

Shame on [the] Oscar[s], Wang tweeted, with an award icon.

Wang said he had earlier written to the newly established United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, describing Yen's role in the ceremony as a Chinese cultural invasion of the United States.

I have called on them to pay close attention to Hollywood and the Academy ... and to ensure that the relationship with China and the Chinese Communist Party isnt one of collusion and vested interests, he said.

Yen is a member of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference of non-government advisers that includes party elders, intelligence officers and scholars, as well as movie stars, CEOs of major companies and other celebrities.

Yen told GQ Hype magazine in a recent interview after being asked about the boycott of his movies and his view of the 2019 protest movement: It wasnt a protest, OK, it was a riot.

A lot of people might not be happy for what Im saying, but Im speaking from my own experience, said Yen, using very similar language to official descriptions of the protests.

Chinese actor Donnie Yen attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 12, 2023. Credit: AFP





He has gotten this wrong

Taiwan-based petition co-author Tong Wai Hong, said he was disappointed that the petition hadn't worked, although he had personally presented it to the organizers.

It wasnt surprising that the public outcry was ignored, but I am really disappointed, Tong said. Im just a regular person, not an organization, and Im not a political figure.

Tong, who was acquitted of rioting charges linked to his role in the 2019 protest movement, told Radio Free Asia in an earlier interview that what unfolded in that year couldn't be described as rioting.

For me and for a lot of other people, it was a fight against tyranny, Tong told RFA on March 7. He has gotten this wrong. The Chinese Communist Party has carried on restricting our freedoms and suppressing our human rights ever since the 2019 protests.

He cited the banning of documentaries and other cinematic works linked to the protests, under a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing from July 1, 2020, which ushered in an ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition that has seen dozens of former pro-democracy lawmakers stand trial for subversion for taking part in a primary election to maximize their seats in the Legislative Council.

Boycott began in 2019

Many Hong Kongers started boycotting Yens movies over his pro-Beijing stance during the 2019 protests against the erosion of Hong Kongs promised freedoms and judicial independence that saw pitched battles between protesters armed with bricks, Molotov cocktails, catapults and other makeshift weapons against fully equipped riot police who fired huge quantities of tear gas, rubber bullets, chemically treated high-pressure water cannon and occasionally live rounds of ammunition at protesters and journalists.

Rights groups criticized the unsafe and indiscriminate use of tear gas and other forms of police violence during the months-long protest movement that left nearly two million adults suffering from post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression, according to The Lancet medical journal.

Police violence against young and unarmed protesters early in the movement brought millions onto the citys streets and prompted the occupation of its international airport, while unarmed train passengers were attacked by armed riot police at Prince Edward MTR and by white-clad mobsters at Yuen Long MTR, who laid into passengers and protesters with rods and poles while police took 39 minutes to answer hundreds of distress calls from the scene.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Matt Reed.
3 monks were among those who died in the raid.

The monastery and homes in Nan Neint village burn after a raid by Myanmar junta troops in Shan state on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

UPDATED at 2:39 P.M. EST on 03-13-2023

Junta troops killed 21 locals, including three monks, in a raid on a monastery in Shan states Pinlaung township, according to the Karenni and Pa-O National Defense Forces.

In a statement released Sunday, it said the Myanmar army carried out a dawn raid on Nam Neint village -- situated about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the capital Naypyidaw -- on the previous day.

An information officer from the Karenni National Defense Force, which arrived at the scene after the killings, said most of the victims were shot dead.

We can confirm from our comrades and scouts that the junta troops went into the village, said the official who declined to be named for security reasons. We can confirm that  people were killed. Most of them were shot. I think most of the troops were from the armys 66th Division.

He said the bodies were taken away by the Karenni National Defense Force for forensic examination.

Lin Lin, the information officer for the Karenni Revolution Union, told RFA that junta troops stationed at Hpa Yar Taung village entered Nam Neint from the east and began firing at around 5 a.m. on March 11 and the bodies were found at noon the next day.

We heard the cries of people begging to spare their lives at around 7 p.m. on the 11th. A moment later, we heard the gunfire," he said.

"We did not expect that they would kill that many people. [When we got to the monastery] we saw dead bodies that the junta troops had dumped the night before. Their blood was still wet. They were shot in the head, point blank. All of their heads were blown apart by gunshots.

Attempts by RFA to speak with residents who might have a first-hand account of the killings went unanswered on Monday.

Victims included monks, young woman

Around 1,400 residents of Nam Neint and the surrounding area have fled their homes and are sheltering with relatives, at other villages and in monasteries, a refugee aid worker told RFA.

They were too grief-stricken [and frightened]. Entire villages had to flee to safety," the aid worker said. "About 200 refugees are sheltering in each place.

Residents also said the military carried out five airstrikes in the area on March 11 and that junta troops burned down around 60 of Nam Neint's 200 houses the next morning.

Khun Benjamin, the spokesman for the Pa-O National Defense Force, said that among those killed by the junta troops were three Buddhist monks -- including the presiding abbot of the monastery -- a woman in her late 20s, and 17 men.

We found the 5.56mm bullets and casings used in the mass killing that are labeled 'Ka-Pa-Sa,' which are the initials for junta weapons factories operating under the ministry of defense," he said. "Around the monastery, we also found the shells from the artillery attacks that [the military] used to help their ground troops in the raid."

Khun Benjamin said more bodies had been reported found on the west side of the village.

"We are trying to confirm them, too, he said.

According to Khun Benjamin, all of the victims had been hiding in the basement of the monastery when they were discovered by the junta troops, who took them to the front of the building and shot them dead.

The side of a building is riddled with bullet holes in Nan Neint village after a raid by Myanmar junta troops in Shan state on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Credit: Karenni National Defense Force Junta blames resistance

In a Monday broadcast on regime-controlled Myanmar Radio and Television, junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun accused the Karen National Progressive Party and Karenni National Defense Force of carrying out the killings and putting the blame on junta troops.

The Pa-O region has always been a peaceful region, but the KNPP and KNDF groups in the south are broadcasting this news to destroy the peace and stability of the Pa-O region, and intend to create illusions between the government and army and Pa-O people, he said.

His comments followed posts the previous day by pro-military accounts on the social media platform Telegram that included photos of the victims together with handmade guns and hunting rifles and which accused the Peoples Defense Forces of the mass killing.

Notably, the weapons were not in the hands of the dead in the photos, which metadata shows were taken at 8:55 a.m. on March 12. None of the people in the photos appear to have been carrying ammunition bags, which is typical of members of the armed resistance.

Members of the Karenni coalition forces also told RFA that their fighters do not carry the types of guns seen in the photos, only automatic rifles, and said no weapons were found on the dead when they were able to enter the monastery.

Fighting between the army, ethnic Karenni fighters and local Peoples Defense Forces has intensified in Shan state in recent weeks, according to members of the anti-junta forces.

There are currently around 200,000 refugees of conflict in Pinlaung township and nearby Mobye region in southern Shan state who are in desperate need of food and water, aid workers told RFA.

Call to UN Security Council



News of Saturday's killings came ahead of a session of the United Nations Security Council on Myanmar on Monday that included reports from Noeleen Heyzer, the U.N. secretary-generals special envoy on Myanmar, and Retno Marsudi, Indonesias foreign minister and head of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations office of the special envoy on Myanmar.

Ahead of the session, New York-based Human Rights Watch urged Security Council members to take action beyond the body's December resolution on Myanmar, which denounced the militarys rights violations since the February 1, 2021 coup.

"The council should take meaningful actions under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, including instituting a global arms embargo, referring the country situation to the International Criminal Court, and imposing targeted sanctions on junta leadership and military-owned companies," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director at Human Rights Watch, said that the junta had demonstrated its impervious to statements of condemnation or concern.

Its disregard of the Security Councils December resolution shows the need for a new resolution imposing strong measures like an arms embargo and targeted sanctions for senior military officials and companies linked to the military, he said.

Human Rights Watch noted that while the December council resolution called for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access ... [to] increasingly large numbers of internally displaced persons and dramatic increase in humanitarian need, the junta has blocked aid from reaching them as a form of collective punishment.

It also noted that junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has rejected each point of ASEAN's "five-point consensus" of April 2021 to end violence in Myanmar, "exploiting the international communitys deference to the regional bloc."

"As this years ASEAN chair, Indonesia should reroute the blocs approach to more effectively isolate the Myanmar junta while soliciting ASEAN support for additional Security Council measures and cooperation with other countries efforts to block the flow of revenue and arms to the junta," the statement said.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Joshua Lipes.

This story has been updated to include comments by aid workers and members of the armed resistance, as well as a statement by Human Rights Watch calling for additional pressure from the U.N. Security Council.
Australia to buy attack submarines from US, build own with UKs help.

U.S. President Joe Biden (center), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deliver remarks on the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) partnership, after a trilateral meeting at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California, March 13, 2023.

UPDATED AT 07:06 a.m. ET ON 03-14-2023

Australia will buy up to five U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, starting early next decade, and then build its own using a British design, according to a deal unveiled Monday that analysts say aims to counter Chinas growing military power.

Meeting in San Diego under the auspices of the AUKUS security pact announced between their nations in 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the agreement was the best way to equip Australia with nuclear-propelled attack submarines as quickly as possible.

Were showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity, and not just for us but for the entire world, Biden said at the event at Naval Base Point Loma, flanked by Albanese and Sunak with a hulking American submarine in the background.

Under the plan, Australia would purchase three Virginia-class submarines from the U.S., with the option to buy two more, Albanese said at the event. The first would be delivered in the early 2030s, according to a timeline released by Australias defense ministry.

Australia also will begin building its own nuclear-powered submarines and aims to deliver the first by the early 2040s. It would be based on a U.K. design and use technologies from all three countries. Britain plans to build its own submarines of the same design by the late 2030s.

At the event in San Diego, none of the leaders directly mentioned China. The AUKUS security pact is widely understood to be aimed at deterring the Asian superpower. Beijing opposes Taiwans de facto independence and asserts that almost the entire South China Sea  a crucial global shipping route  is its territory.

Although Biden, Albanese and Sunak did not name China, their joint appearance in the southern Californian seaside city drew a sharp response from Beijing the next day.

The three allies were walking together down a wrong and dangerous path for their own geopolitical interest, Weng Wenbin, spokesman for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a regular news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

The AUKUS pact has emerged from a typical Cold War mentality, which will only stimulate an arms race, sabotage international nuclear non-proliferation system and harm regional peace and stability, he said.

According to a 2021 analysis for the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think-tank, a fleet of Australian nuclear submarines could help defend shipping lanes from the Persian Gulf to the northern Pacific Ocean.

Nuclear-powered submarines can indefinitely sustain speeds that are more than three times faster than conventional submarines, stay submerged for significantly longer and carry more weapons.

Chinas annual military spending was about U.S. $270 billion in 2021 compared with $142 billion in 2011, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. U.S. military spending was nearly $770 billion in 2021.

Charles Edel, a senior adviser and the Australia chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told reporters that the submarine agreement was aimed at convincing Beijing that its no longer operating in a permissive security environment.

The larger significance of the announcement, though, is not just submarines, but the strategic convergence were seeing between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S., Edel said in a conference call on Friday.

Key details of the announcement were leaked before the leaders event in San Diego.

Its broader significance is the intentionality to drive technological integration, grow the industrial capacity, and deepen strategic coordination between all three countries, Edel said.

Sailors assigned to a Virginia-class attack submarine  the type of submarine to be sold to Australia  man the rails Sept. 7, 2013 during the commissioning ceremony for Minnesota at Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia. Credit: AFP/U.S. Navy





The sale of nuclear submarines to Australia would be only the second time that the United States has shared its closely guarded nuclear-propulsion technology with another country.

Australia has for decades been a proponent of the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. Biden said the vessels would be nuclear powered but not nuclear armed.

As part of the plans to develop Australias nuclear expertise, Australian military and civilian personnel would work inside the U.K. and U.S. navies and in the U.K. and U.S. submarine manufacturing industries.

Australian state-broadcaster ABC reported that submarine purchases and Australias effort to build its own fleet will cost up to 368 billion Australian dollars [U.S.$245 billion] over several decades.

This will be an Australian sovereign capability, built by Australians, commanded by the Royal Australian Navy and sustained by Australian workers in Australian shipyards, with construction to begin this decade, Albanese said. He predicted the effort would create 20,000 jobs in Australia.

Sunak said work on the new generation of submarines would create thousands of good, well-paid jobs in the United Kingdom.

We represent three allies who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder together for more than a century, three peoples who have shed blood together in defense of our shared values, and three democracies that are coming together again to fulfill that higher purpose, he said.

Mihai Sora, a Pacific analyst at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said Prime Minister Albaneses plan to visit Fiji on his way back to Australia shows the government is conscious of how the submarine deal will be received in the Pacific, where China and the United States are vying for influence.

Leaders of Pacific island nations have said they dont want their region to be further militarized, which sets up some tension with the U.S. and Australian goals of using strategic deterrence to maintain a peaceful status quo, said Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The nuclear element is also troubling to Pacific communities, who will not be mollified by the distinction between nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed, he said.

The United States, United Kingdom and France carried out more than 300 nuclear detonations in the Pacific from 1946 to 1966 as part of their weapons programs.

Chinas government will likely try to maximize regional anxiety and disapproval about AUKUS through proxies in Pacific media and on social media, Sora said.

Still, Australia and its allies will, he said, be prepared to absorb whatever criticism comes their way if it means a secure Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy sailors watch their sonar screens as they work in the control room of the Virginia-class submarine USS New Hampshire during exercises underneath the ice in the Arctic Ocean north of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, March 20, 2011. Credit: Reuters





The three-nation submarine pact culminates a process that began in late 2021 with Albaneses predecessor, Scott Morrison, scrapping a deal made with a French naval builder to sell Australia conventionally fueled submarines.

Morrison said at the time he feared the submarines would already be outdated when delivered. It turned into a diplomatic crisis after French President Emmanuel Macron accused Morrison of lying to him.

Last year, Albaneses government agreed to pay the French company about U.S. $583 million in a settlement for scuttling the contract, media reports said.

Republicans in the U.S. Congress welcomed the Biden administrations progress with the AUKUS pact.

The Indo-Pacific faces a direct threat from China, said Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the ranking Republican member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And there is nothing more important than deterring Chinese aggression and making it hard for [Chinese President] Xi Jinping to achieve his goals.

This report has been updated to include comments from the Chinese foreign ministry.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Zangkar Jamyang, seen in an undated photo, was arrested by Chinese police in 2020 in Kyungchu County of Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwestern China's Sichuan province.

A Tibetan writer arrested by Chinese police nearly three years ago has been confirmed serving four years in prison for splittism and spreading rumors in internet chat groups, according to Tibetans with knowledge of the situation.

Zangkar Jamyang, now 45, disappeared on the night of June 4, 2020, when authorities in Kyungchu county of Ngaba, a Tibetan region in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, hauled him away without a trace.

For a very long time, his family had no clue about his whereabouts, or even that he had been arrested, said a Tibetan from inside the region.

Eventually, they discovered he was arrested and charged with inciting separatist acts and participating in online discussions on various subjects, the source told Radio Free Asia.

He is being held in Menyang Prison, and his family members and relatives are not allowed to see him, he added, referring to the detention center near the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province.

Chinese authorities frequently detain Tibetan writers and artists who promote Tibetan national identity and culture, with many sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

At times, Tibetans have resisted Chinese efforts to suppress their language and culture by staging large-scale protests, which are usually put down by force.

Jamyang, who is fluent in both Tibetan and Chinese, wrote a book and contributed to Tibetan literary magazines, including Dang Char.

Around March 2020, Jamyang began growing vocal about the importance of teaching the Tibetan language in schools. He criticized the Chinese government when officials began implementing policies to drop the teaching of the regions native language in schools.

Jamyang, who is married and has two children, encouraged Tibetans to denounce the Chinese governments efforts to prevent Tibetans from using and teaching their own language

Authorities interrogated the writer many times and searched his laptop computers and mobile phones, said another Tibetan with knowledge of the situation. They also detained him a few times.

Jamyang was actively sharing information about the greatness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the preservation of the Tibetan language in online chat groups, said the source, referring to the leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

In 1998, Jamyang left Tibet and learned English while living in Dharamsala. India, the residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of the Tibetan government in exile.

But in 2002, he returned to Tibet and provided translation services to United Nations organizations and NGOs from the United States. He also worked as a tour guide and translator for visitors to the region.

In 2019, his application for a visa to go to the United States was approved, but he could not travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 4, 2020, he suddenly disappeared  and only after a very long time was his family informed of his arrest by the Chinese police, the second source said.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
The accusation comes under Article 331, a law used to imprison dissidents.

Attorneys Dao Kim Lan (2nd from L) and Dang Dinh Manh(C) are working on a case involving the Peng Lei Buddhist Church and have been accused by Vietnamese authorities of 'abusing democratic freedoms to infringe on the interests of the state.'

Vietnamese police have summoned two attorneys defending members of a Buddhist house church in Long An province, accusing them of violating a law that is widely used to imprison dissidents.

Attorneys Dang Dinh Manh and Dao Kim Lan, two of five defense lawyers working on a case involving the Peng Lei Buddhist Church are accused of abusing democratic freedoms to infringe on the interests of the state under Article 331 of Vietnams Penal Code.



Vietnamese authorities routinely use the statute to attack those speaking out in defense of human rights.

Freedom of religion is technically enshrined in Vietnams constitution, but it also allows authorities to override rights, including religious freedom, for purposes of national security, social order, social morality and community well-being. Authorities have been aggressive in crushing various religious groups.

The one-party Vietnamese government also is notorious for violations of human rights, including the prosecuting of rights attorneys and other defenders, and ignoring international obligations to promote and protect them.

According to the notices, police summoned the lawyers after the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention under Vietnams Ministry of Public Security issued an advisory that some of the defense attorneys involved in the case showed signs of violating Article 331.

The summons for Dang Dinh Manh, dated March 6, instructed him to meet with police investigators on March 21, 2023, while the summons for Dao Kim Lan, dated March 8, told him to meet with them on March 15.

Many state-media outlets, including Tien Phong, or The Pioneers, and Phap Luat TPHCM, or the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper, reported that police were investigating the two lawyers.

In February, three lawyers  Dang Dinh Manh, Dao Kim Lan and Ngo Thi Hoang Anh  were notified by Long An police that they had carried out activities of disseminating videos, images, statements and stories with signs of abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate the states interests and legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, according to state media reports.

RFA could not reach Ngo Thi Hoang Anh to confirm that she had received a summons. Dang Dinh Manh and Dao Kim Lan refused to comment.

Abusing democratic freedoms

The three lawyers and two others  Nguyen Van Mieng and Trinh Vinh Phuc  have been providing legal support for six members of the house church, who in July 2022 were sentenced to a combined 23 years and six months in prison on charges of abusing democratic freedoms under Article 331.

Duc Hoa district police and Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, a Buddhist monk, were the plaintiffs in the case.

Before the first-instance trial, lawyers sent an 11-page petition to Vietnams president and the heads of the National Assembly, Ministry of Public Security, and Peoples Supreme Procuracy, highlighting indications of the violation of criminal procedures and judicial activities.

The lawyers also raised concern about the objectivity of the investigation because Duc Hoa district police, a plaintiff, was part of the probe.

The petition also indicated that police forced a Peng Lei nun to submit to a gynecological examination, offending her honor and dignity because the action was unrelated to the case.

Even though the lawyers complaints had not been addressed, the Duc Hoa Peoples Court moved ahead, putting the six church members on trial and sentencing them each to three to five years in prison.

Police investigator Huynh Hung, who is in charge of the case against the lawyers, declined to answer Radio Free Asias questions about the case.

Attorney Nguyen Van Dai, who now lives in Germany, told RFA on Monday that the responsible agencies should have quickly responded to the petition filed by the churchs lawyers instead of launching an investigation against them.

This was a serious violation of freedom of speech and press freedom of lawyers in general and citizens in general, he said. They [the authorities] used available tools, including the police and the procuracy, to dismiss the lawyers from their profession. This was an act of vindictiveness by the authorities towards human rights lawyers.

Translated by Anna Vu for RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.


In the past authorities have halted rallies and censored reports to avoid offending China.

Vietnamese shout anti-China slogans during an anti-China protest honoring Vietnamese soldiers killed during a clash with the Chinese navy in the South China Sea in Hanoi, Vietnam on March 14, 2016.

Vietnam marks the 35th anniversary of the Johnson South skirmish in the South China Sea this week with a series of commemorations indicating an apparent shift in the domestic approach to the historical event.

In the short but bloody battle that took place at the uninhabited Johnson South Reef in the Union Banks on March 14, 1988, Chinese Navy troops backed by three warships shot dead 64 Vietnamese soldiers, who were attempting to land and raise a flag to claim control over the reef.

They also sank two Vietnamese transport ships and captured nine soldiers.

Ten days later, China occupied another feature in the South China Sea -- Subi Reef  and by the end of 1988, it took possession of six atolls and rocks within the Spratly archipelago.

Reclamation works were carried out on all of them and three larger features  Subi Reef, Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef  have been fully militarized with missile arsenals, radar systems and other military facilities, according to the U.S. Navy.

An aerial view of China occupied Subi Reef at Spratly Islands in disputed South China Sea April 21, 2017. Credit: Reuters/Francis Malasig/Pool



Every year since 1988, the Vietnamese public have been holding ceremonies to honor the fallen soldiers, for a long time without the governments sanction as Hanoi was careful not to fuel anti-China sentiment among the population and offend its big neighbor.

Several public rallies to mark the Johnson South skirmish in the past were dispersed by the authorities who didnt want the crowds to get out of hand.

Recently though there have been noticeable changes.

Heinous crime

Chinas and Vietnams official accounts differ over what happened on March 14, 1988.

According to Chinese naval troops the Vietnamese side attacked them after a dispute but Vietnam said the Chinese Navy opened fire first at unarmed Vietnamese soldiers.

Vietnamese media, which for years omitted the word China in their reports on the event, now have begun using a more confrontational language.

Anti-China protesters hold placards which read "The country will not forget  Johnson South Reef  14th March, 1988" during a gathering to mark the 28th anniversary of the Spratly Islands clashes between Vietnam and China at a public park in Hanoi March 14, 2016. Credit: Reuters/Kham

VietnamNet, one of the largest news portals, in an editorial on Sunday called Chinas actions in 1988 perverse and a gross violation of international law.

On the same day, a large commemoration was held in Danang, one of Vietnams key seaports.

The official Voice of Vietnam also dedicated a prominent page on its website to the anniversary.

We should be sober and memorize this heinous crime that China committed against Vietnamese martyrs, wrote Nguyen Dinh Bin, former standing deputy foreign minister, on Facebook.

We should strive to develop the relationship with China into one of peace, cooperation and mutual respect, Bin wrote, pointing that these most important bilateral relations for Vietnam should conform to the international law as well as the norms of modern civilization.

Chinas controlled and reclaimed Johnson South Reef in Spratly islands, South China Sea, Feb. 12, 2023. Credit: Planet





Government and military officials however have warned about the need to keep a cool head and not let sentiments take over strategic calculations.

We need to stay clear-headed and rational in our dealings with China, said a senior Vietnamese naval officer who wanted to stay anonymous as hes not authorized to speak to foreign media.

The target is a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, he told RFA, It is still a long way for us to achieve.

Diplomats from the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN and China held a three-day meeting in Jakarta last week to discuss the COC.

China and four ASEAN countries  Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam  hold overlapping claims in the South China Sea but Beijings claim is by far the largest.

A legally binding COC may help reduce tension and prevent conflicts in the region.

Edited by Mike Firn.
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.
The presidents of Belarus and Iran, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ebrahim Raisi, have signed a roadmap of cooperation between the two countries, the Telegram channel of Pul Pervogo informed.

March 13, 2023, 17:05 Belarus, Iran presidents sign cooperation roadmap

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 13 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "The leaders signed the roadmap of cooperation," the respective post stated.
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.
A surprise deal brokered by China to reestablish diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia has paved the way for Beijing to expand its influence in the Middle East and shore up its broader ambitions on the global stage.

Following the announcement of the March 10 agreement, which came after four days of previously unannounced talks in Beijing, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to continue to press ahead with his country's regional leadership and host a high-level meeting of Gulf Arab leaders and Iranian officials in Beijing later this year.

The gathering has reportedly been in discussion since December, when Xi met with Arab leaders at a regional summit in Riyadh and proposed the idea.

The deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia highlights Beijing's growing focus on the Middle East, where Xi's long-term foreign policy goal of presenting Chinese leadership as an alternative to the United States is finding fertile ground amid waning American influence and China's expanding economic and political ties with the region.

Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, said that the success of the talks between Riyadh and Tehran -- whose rivalry has long shaped politics and trade in the region -- was attributed to Xi's leadership and that it was "a victory for peace."

"China will continue to play a constructive role in handling hot-spot issues in the world and demonstrate its responsibility as a major nation," said Wang, who represented China in the talks. "The world is not just limited to the Ukraine issue."

Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016, and the diplomatic rapprochement comes as the countries have squared off against each other in regional proxy conflicts over the years. Analysts have cautioned that the China-brokered deal faces obstacles ahead and that it will take more than renewed diplomatic relations to mend ties. But the agreement also reflects growing pragmatism from each side with Tehran looking to salvage its tattered economy and Riyadh eager to calm tensions that have inflamed wars and fueled attacks on Saudi Arabia and its interests across the region.

"Iran is deeply isolated, humiliated by months of protests, and heavily reliant on China strategically [and] economically. This deal lessens its isolation, gains legitimacy for the regime, and strengthens China's regional influence at the expense of the [United States]," Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote on Twitter following the peace deal.

"Given China's enormous leverage over Iran and its interest in regional stability, Riyadh likely hopes this deal provides them a Chinese shield against Iranian aggression," he added.

Cautious Optimism

According to the Wall Street Journal report, the new deal provides two months for Iran and Saudi Arabia to agree on details before reopening their embassies. Once an agreement is reached on those specifics, the countries' foreign ministers will then meet to finalize it and the purported Middle East summit in China will take place after that announcement.

"The countries of the region share one fate," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, tweeted about the deal. "That makes it necessary for us to work together to build models for prosperity and stability."

Iranian officials also welcomed the agreement, with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian saying it was a sign that Tehran's regional policy was "strongly moving in the right direction" and that the country's "diplomatic apparatus is actively behind the preparation of more regional steps."

While many analysts believe that the deal and China's role in it are being met with caution in Washington, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States supports "any effort to deescalate tensions" and that "we think it's in our own interests," noting that it could lead to an end of the civil war in Yemen, which has seen the country's Iran-backed Huthi militants face off against a Saudi-led coalition in a conflict that has led to hundreds of thousands of people killed and created a dire humanitarian situation.

Tehran was motivated to strike a deal as a currency crisis grips Iran, compounding an already devastated economy from U.S. sanctions over its nuclear program and fallout from monthslong public protests against the clerical regime's rule.

Iranian officials are said to be hoping to extract economic benefits from Riyadh for their easing of tensions as well as from China, which maintains significant economic leverage over Tehran.

Iran's semiofficial Mehr news agency reported that prior to the March 10 announcement, Beijing allowed Iran to access a portion of some $20 billion in Chinese banks that was frozen when the United States left a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions against Tehran in 2018.

China promised Iran in 2021 to invest a reported $400 billion in the country in exchange for oil and fuel supplies, though Western sanctions against Tehran have prevented Beijing from realizing the terms of the sprawling agreement.

Beijing also has deep economic links to Riyadh as China is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner and the kingdom is one of China's largest oil suppliers.

Those economic ties have been the bedrock of China's engagement in the Middle East, where Beijing receives more than 40 percent of its crude oil imports and has a growing interest in regional stability.

But the peace deal also reflects China's shifting approach to the region, which is moving from being centered on trade and investment toward wading into the Middle East's tense conflicts.

"So far, China has been very cautiousfocusing primarily on business without getting too involved militarily in the Middle East. But things could change," Zhou Bo, a former senior colonel in the People's Liberation Army, said this month at an international affairs conference in Israel before the deal was announced.

Beijing's Evolving Role

In addition to its economic ties, China's growing influence in the Middle East has been its growing appeal as a partner that touts multilateralism and refrains from criticizing human rights records in the region.

Beijing has also capitalized on fallout from events that have hurt Washington's standing in the region, such as its 2003 invasion of Iraq and wide-ranging war on terror, with China following a strategy to shun Western ideals and U.S. interests when engaging with the Middle East.

"[Beijing's] real power is steadily catching up to the willpower to undercut U.S. hegemony," Tuvia Gering, a China expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, wrote in February for the Atlantic Council think tank.

The United States has long-standing ties with Riyadh and is its main security partner, though relations have been strained for many years and soured significantly after the gruesome 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, allegedly at the behest of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

While the new peace deal is an early diplomatic coup for China, analysts are also quick to caution about the difficulties ahead for Beijing in navigating one of the most volatile rivalries in the world, which is exacerbated by the Sunni-Shi'a schism.

Reopening embassies and renewing diplomatic relations as outlined in the deal are unlikely to forestall Iran and Saudi Arabia's struggle for regional dominance.

The war in Yemen will be a critical test for the nascent rapprochement.

Saudi officials are reportedly seeking a way to end the conflict but hammering out a peace agreement will be an even larger task and could reinvigorate tensions between Tehran and Riyadh.

Others have noted that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps -- the hard-line faction that has made armed influence in the Middle East a key policy pillar -- has yet to weigh in on the March 10 deal and that it won't survive without some form of blessing from it.

"It's one thing for China to host the talks, but it is another for China to help implement the signed agreement on time," Fan Hongda, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, wrote after the deal was announced. "What kind of guarantees will China provide if one of the parties does not respect the agreement?
Russias share of global arms exports declined sharply in the most recent five-year period, as Western sanctions against Moscow and the Kremlin's own need to conserve weaponry for its ongoing war effort in Ukraine limited sales abroad, new data from an influential research group showed.

Russias share of global arms exports declined from 22 percent in the 2013-17 period to 16 percent in 2018-22, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published on March 13.

Meanwhile, the United States remained the global leader in arms exports, with its share rising to 40 percent from 33 percent in the same five-year period.

"It is likely that the invasion of Ukraine will further limit Russia's arms exports," said Pieter Wezeman, a senior SIPRI researcher.

This is because Russia will prioritize supplying its armed forces, and demand from other states will remain low due to trade sanctions on Russia and increasing pressure from the U.S.A. and its allies not to buy Russian arms, he added.

SIPRI noted that arms exports worldwide have long been dominated by the United States and Russia, with the two countries ranking first and second over the past three decades.

But Russias gap over France, the third-biggest exporter, narrowed, with Pariss share rising to 11 percent from 7.1 percent.

"France is gaining a bigger share of the global arms market as Russian arms exports decline, as seen in India, for example," Wezeman said. This seems likely to continue, as by the end of 2022, France had far more outstanding orders for arms exports than Russia.

U.S. arms exports rose 14 percent from the 2013-17 period to 2018-22, while Russias exports tumbled 31 percent. Frances exports rose 44 percent, mainly to states in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

India received 30 percent of Frances arms in the recent five-year period, surpassing the United States as the second-largest supplier of weaponry to New Delhi.

Russian remained the largest supplier to India of arms exports and managed to increase sales to two large nations -- China by 39 percent and Egypt by 44 percent over the period.

Ukraine became the third-largest arms importer globally in 2022 as Kyiv continues to battle against the full-scale invasion by Russian forces, a major change from the nations actions over previous decades.

From 1991 until the end of 2021, Ukraine imported few major arms, the report said. As a result of military aid from the U.S.A. and many European states following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine became the third-biggest importer of major arms during 2022 [after Qatar and India].

It said Ukraine accounted for 2 percent of global arms imports in the five-year period.

European NATO nations hiked their arms imports 65 percent as they sought to strengthen their arsenals in response to a perceived heightened threat from Russia, the report said.

Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, European states want to import more arms, faster, Wezeman added.

The European increase came as the global level of international arms transfers dipped 5.1 percent over the five-year period.

SIPRI, an independent international institute focusing on research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament, was established in 1966.
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.
The wife of the jailed former interim manager of Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor gold, Tengiz Bolturuk, says she has gone on a hunger strike to protest against a court's rejection of his request to be transferred from a pretrial detention center to house arrest.

Bolturuk's wife, Ilmira Alpysbaeva, said in a Facebook post on March 13 that she was launching the hunger strike because the justice system was treating her husband unfairly.

"I am declaring a hunger strike today, from March 13th, for not giving my husband even the strictest house arrest! Not giving him the opportunity to defend himself!" she wrote.

The Oktyabr district court rejected Bolturuk's request for a transfer on March 10 even though Alpysbaeva said her husband's health condition had dramatically worsened since his arrest in September.

The State Committee for National Security (UKMK) arrested Bolturuk and two of his associates -- Aisha-Gul Janalieva and Ryspek Toktogulov -- accusing the three of financial misdeeds.

They were sacked in late August after the UKMK launched a probe against them, saying that the auditing chamber found financial violations in their activities.

The UKMK said at the time that Bolturuk and his assistants allegedly caused financial damage to the State Treasury assessed at 1 billion soms ($11,440,000).

Bolturuk has rejected the charges.

Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz state-owned gold mining company regained full control of the Kumtor gold mine earlier last year under the terms of a deal with the Canadian company Centerra Gold signed in April 2022.

Bolturuk, who previously represented Kyrgyzstan at Centerra Gold, was interim manager of Kumtor at the time.

Kumtor had been the target of financial and environmental disagreements for years before turning into the subject of a control battle between the Kyrgyz state and Centerra Gold.

The Kyrgyz government has insisted that Centerra's operations endangered human lives and the environment, which the company denied.

In May 2021, the Canadian firm said it had "initiated binding arbitration to enforce its rights under long-standing investment agreements with the government."

Many Kyrgyz lawmakers have expressed concern about an alleged lack of transparency at Kumtor since the Kyrgyz government took control of the gold mine.
In the first half of September 2022, a Greek-flagged tanker sailed eastward from the Dutch port of Rotterdam, into the Baltic Sea and a busy channel plied by dozens of ships weekly en route to major German, Russian, and other Baltic ports.

Marine traffic tracking data showed the tanker stopped east of a Danish island, drifted for nearly a week in the same location, then continued its journey east.

About two weeks later, a series of undersea explosions erupted at nearly the same location, destroying parts of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, major conduits for Russian natural gas deliveries to Germany and points beyond in Europe.

The revelations about the tanker and its route were made initially by a Finnish newspaper and then last week in an investigative report by Denmark's public broadcaster.

Along with revelations that German police had searched a yacht chartered in a German port by people who reportedly showed Ukrainian passports, the details provide new pieces to the mysterious puzzle of what caused the undersea blasts and who might be responsible  but fall short of a solution.

Here's what you need to know.

What Exactly Happened With The Pipelines?

For years, the Russian-backed pipelines had been a point of contention between Europe and the United States, which warned that they deepened Europe's dependence on Russian energy. Ukraine also was a loud and persistent critic of the project; Kyiv stood to lose valuable revenues from Europe-bound Russian pumped gas through Ukraine's sprawling pipeline network.

Gas supplies had been curtailed since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a drastic shift by nearly all European countries away from Russian energy. The pipelines were not operational at the time of the explosions, but they did contain gas.

On September 27, Swedish scientists said they had detected seismic waves from explosions a day earlier that were pinpointed to a site on the Baltic seabed more than 100 meters beneath the surface.

Denmark's military later released video of a bubbling swirl of gases on the sea surface over the site.

Western authorities eventually concluded that the pipelines had been partially destroyed by explosives. U.S. officials called the blasts sabotage and European authorities later said that the sophistication of the incident -- in particular the depths at which the explosives would have been placed -- pointed to a state actor with access to complex diving equipment and detonators.

And There's A Greek Tanker Involved?

Last month, the Finnish newspaper Verkkouutiset published a report based on marine tracking data; like airplanes, most commercial ships around the world carry transponders that allow parent companies or maritime insurers or law enforcement agencies to track their whereabouts.

The data homed in on the Minerva Julie, a 183-meter Greek-flagged oil and chemical tanker that departed the North Sea port of Rotterdam on September 2. It sailed into the Baltic, north of the Danish island of Bornholm, and three days later it stopped moving eastward.

For the following week, the tracking data shows, the ship drifted back and forth, with engines on and off, in close proximity to the site where the blasts erupted two weeks after that.

According to the Danish broadcaster TV 2, the ship drifted within 500 meters of the site several times and passed over the pipelines more broadly 29 times.

The ship then continued east, stopping in Tallinn, the Estonian capital on September 14, and then later sailing to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Maritime experts said it was not necessarily unusual that a ship would stop mid-journey and drift in one location for some time -- for example, awaiting new sailing orders from corporate owners.

In a response to a request for comment, the Athens-based owner of the Greek tanker, Minerva Marine, confirmed that the ship had drifted in the location detailed by marine data and said it had been awaiting voyage orders.

"Once voyage orders were received, the vessel proceeded to her next port of call, Tallinn, Estonia," it said in an e-mail to RFE/RL after the initial publication of this article. "Drifting in a sea area awaiting voyage orders is standard shipping practice and there was nothing unusual in this instance."

TV 2 also highlighted previous reporting from Russian journalist Aleksandr Nevzorov that said one of the co-owners of Minerva Marine had met in the past with top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. And Ukrainian officials have asserted the company has shipped Russian coal and oil in violation of European Union sanctions.

Russia has denied it was behind the blasts.

What Were German Authorities Doing With the Chartered Yacht?

This past January, German federal authorities searched a cruising yacht that had been chartered in the German post of Rostock. The ship was later identified as the Andromeda, a 15-meter cruising yacht.

The search of the yacht, German investigators said in a March 8 e-mail to RFE/RL, was conducted based on suspicions that "the vessel in question may have been used to transport explosive devices" involved in the explosions.

"The evaluation of the seized traces and objects is ongoing," they said. "Reliable statements, in particular on the question of state involvement, cannot be made at the present time."

German media, including Der Spiegel and Die Zeit, reported that the Andromeda had been chartered by a group of six people, some of whom showed Ukrainian passports for identification, and set sail from the German port of Rostock on September 6. The entity that chartered the ship was a Polish company owned by two Ukrainians, Die Zeit said.

Investigators also found traces of explosives on a table in the yacht's cabin.

Die Zeit, which collaborated with German broadcaster ARD and other media, did not specify sourcing for its report, but said its sources were based in several countries.

The newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on March 12 that some in the group may have shown Bulgarian passports.

The Andromeda, which is small enough to not carry marine tracking beacons, is believed to have departed Rostock on September 6 and made two stops over the following days: in another German port, Wiek, and on another Danish island, Christianso, Die Zeit and The Wall Street Journal reported. Christianso is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Bornholm.

There is no known indication of a connection between the Minerva Julia and Andromeda.

So, Who Did It Then?

That's still very much unclear.

German media have reported that not long after the explosions, an unnamed Western intelligence agency communicated to European security agencies that a Ukrainian commando group was responsible.

But according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the intelligence, which it said came from the CIA, was based on "intercepted Russian communications" and was discounted.

The New York Times, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported on March 6 that intelligence suggested that a "pro-Ukrainian group" was responsible and that the explosives had likely been placed with the help of "experienced divers who did not appear to be working for military or intelligence services."

"The review of newly collected intelligence suggests [the possible perpetrators] were opponents of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, but does not specify the members of the group, or who directed or paid for the operation," the report said.

The Ukrainian government had previously denied any involvement in the explosions. The new reporting from the Times in particular prompted a retort from a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Mykhaylo Podolyak, who repeated that Ukraine had nothing to do with the incident.

The Times of London, meanwhile, on the same day that German investigators confirmed the search of the Andromeda, pointed the finger at an "influential figure" who bankrolled the sabotage operation "involving a yacht, elite divers, forged passports and the procurement of shaped explosive charges only available to the gas and oil industry with a specific license and at great cost."

"If you looked at these details, like them going out there, with a small yacht, during September conditions, in this area, it all sounds a little bit, well, adventurous," said Julian Pawlak, a research associate at the German Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies in Hamburg.

Pawlak also cited earlier reports from European officials as saying that it would take several hundred kilograms of explosives to cause the damage observed on the pipelines.

"How this would have been done would have been interesting, well, interesting," he told RFE/RL.

"It sounds like they would be a professional group with professional IDs and all, and yet they seem to be not so professional," he said. "They leave such blind evidence on the table?"

What About Seymour Hersh?

In early February, Hersh, a prize-winning American investigative journalist, published a report in his blog on Substack that claimed the Nord Stream pipelines were bombed by the United States.

The February 8 article drew wide attention and was embraced quickly by Russian officials -- but it also drew widespread criticism for, among other things, its reliance on a single anonymous source.

Open-source researchers from Bellingcat and other investigative outfits also pointed to marine traffic data and other details to argue that Hersh's article had major holes.

In an interview published on March 13, Nikolai Patrushev, who is the head of Putin's Security Council and known for espousing conspiracy theories about the West, again denied Russia's involvement and suggested, without providing evidence, that either the United States or Britain was behind the blasts.



Others who have voiced suspicion that the United States was responsible have pointed to a statement by U.S. President Joe Biden, who just days before Russia's February 24, 2022, invasion, said: "If Russia invades, that means tanks and troops crossing the border of Ukraine again, then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it."

On February 8, White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson dismissed the allegation in Hersh's article as "utterly false and complete fiction."



Former Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, meanwhile, posted a photo of the blast site on Twitter on the same day as reports first emerged saying: "Thank You, USA." He later deleted the tweet.
A Moscow court has declared the bankruptcy of RFE/RL's operations in Russia following the company's refusal to pay multiple fines totaling more than 1 billion rubles ($14 million) for noncompliance with the so-called "foreign agents" law.

The legislation, introduced in 2012, originally targeted NGOs and rights groups but has since been expanded to target media organizations, individual journalists, YouTube vloggers and basically anyone who receives funding from outside of Russia and, in the Kremlin's view, expresses a political opinion.

The Kremlin has now bankrupted our Russian entity, blocked our websites, and designated journalists as foreign agents, but our audience inside Russia continues to grow, said RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly on March 13.

Russians realize they are not being told the truth by [President Vladimir] Putins propaganda outlets, and they are seeking independent sources of information. This latest assault on our Russian entity will do nothing to change that fact.

RFE/RL says the law amounts to political censorship meant to prevent journalists from performing their professional duties and is challenging the authorities' moves in Russian courts and at the European Court of Human Rights. More than 30 RFE/RL employees have been listed as "foreign agents" by the Russian Justice Ministry in their personal capacity.

RFE/RL closed its Moscow bureau on March 6, 2022, days after the Federal Tax Service filed a claim with the Moscow Arbitration Court for the forced bankruptcy of RSE/RS LLC.

The Moscow Arbitration court on March 13 cited the "inability" of RSE/RS LLC, which represents RFE/RL's interests in Russia and whose accounts were frozen in May 2021, to pay its arrears.

After Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and introduced military censorship in March 2022, Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, blocked RFE/RL's websites in the country.

The actions of the Russian authorities, RFE/RL's Fly said at the time, represented the culmination of a yearslong campaign to obstruct the work of the broadcaster's decades-old operations in Russia.

Despite the blocking of sites and other forms of pressure, RFE/RL's Russian operation continues its work in full, and traffic to RFE/RL websites from within Russia has increased to record numbers.

Both at the start of Russia's war against Ukraine and at key moments, video views from within Russia have surged, "demonstrating the immense appetite of Russian-language audiences to know the truth," RFE/RL said in a statement.

On January 12, RFE/RL opened a new office in the Latvian capital, Riga, aimed at producing "trusted news and objective reporting" as part of its efforts to counter Russian disinformation and censorship.

Earlier in January, RFE/RL opened a new office in Vilnius, Lithuania, to target audiences in Belarus with content in both Belarusian and Russian in a bid to counter state propaganda and censorship by the regime of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media. It distributes information in 27 languages to 23 countries where media freedom is restricted or professional journalism is underdeveloped.
BELGRADE -- In the months following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine last year, hundreds of Russian diplomats were expelled or blacklisted by European Union member states, several of which cited alleged espionage by the banished emissaries.

At least three of these diplomats have now resurfaced as accredited Russian diplomats in Serbia, including two with links to Russian intelligence, a monthslong investigation by RFE/RL has found.

A fourth diplomat currently at the Russian Embassy in Belgrade left his post at Moscow's embassy in Helsinki two months after Finland announced it was expelling Russian diplomats in response to the Ukraine invasion.



Russia has boosted its diplomatic presence in Serbia since the wave of expulsions by EU countries last year, with a total of 62 accredited diplomats compared to 54 in March 2022, an analysis of diplomatic rosters maintained by the Serbian Foreign Ministry shows.



Unlike most European countries, Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Moscow after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the war against Ukraine that entered its second year last month.



While Serbia aspires to join the European Union, the government of President Aleksandar Vucic has sought to maintain its traditionally strong ties with Russia, which shares its Orthodox Christian heritage and has backed Belgrade in multiple disputes with the West.

Russia is among the countries that does not recognize Kosovo's independence and has supported Serbia's efforts to block Kosovo's membership in international institutions.



Now, at least one expelled Russian diplomat linked to a Federal Security Service (FSB) unit accused of cyberattacks targeting the U.S. energy sector has been posted to Belgrade, as has a second linked to Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, RFE/RL has found.

From Hackers To Diplomats

On April 11, 2022, Croatia announced it was expelling 18 Russian diplomats and six support staff from the Russian Embassy in Zagreb, citing its strongest condemnation of the brutal aggression against Ukraine.

Among the diplomats expelled by Croatia was Aleksei Ivanenko, who served as the Russian Embassys second secretary, according to a list of the expelled officials that RFE/RL obtained from a source in European diplomatic circles.

By the time he was kicked out, Ivanenko had already served more than two years with the Russian diplomatic mission in Zagreb, according to records maintained by the Croatian Foreign Ministry.

Within six months, Ivanenko, 38, had already received his new posting in Belgrade, just a four-hour drive from Zagreb, according to Serbian Foreign Ministry records.

His move to Serbia, together with his wife, Yekaterina, came with a promotion to first secretary at the Belgrade embassy.

Around a decade prior to his expulsion from Croatia, Ivanenko was working in another sector of the Russian state, according to a leaked database of Russian government records reviewed by RFE/RL.

The leaked database shows that Ivanenko worked as an engineer for Military Unit 71330, another name for the Russian FSBs Center 16. The affiliation of Military Unit 71330 with the FSB is confirmed by open sources that include Russian court records.

Around two weeks before Croatia announced the expulsion of the 18 Russian diplomats in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine, U.S. authorities unsealed indictments of three Russian intelligence officers working for Center 16 accused of hacking U.S. nuclear companies and others for nearly six years.

Four months after Ivanenko and other Russian diplomats were expelled by Zagreb, U.S. Cyber Command sent employees to Croatia to hunt for malicious cyber activity on partner networks.

Ivanenkos wife, Yekaterina, has been a professional viola player with the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

In 2015, a friend of Yekaterina Ivanenko posted a photo of her, a young girl, and a man embracing them at a Russian cultural center in New Delhi. Facial-recognition software shows that the man in that photo is, with high probability, the same man photographed in January 2023 at an Orthodox religious celebration in Serbia together with a diplomat from the Russian Embassy.

The Croatian Foreign Ministry did not respond to RFE/RLs request for comment. RFE/RL sent a request for comment via Facebook message to Yekaterina Ivanenko, who did not respond and blocked the reporter who sent it.

House Of Spies



In March 2022, Poland announced it would expel 45 alleged Russian intelligence officers posing as diplomats that Warsaw deemed "a threat to the interests and security of our country" and accused of working to "undermine the stability of Poland and its allies."



Poland did not publicly identify any of the targeted officials. But among the diplomats whose names disappeared from the website of the Russian Embassy in Warsaw shortly after the Polish announcement was Mikhail Generalov.

On the day of the Polish announcement, Generalov, 39, was still listed as a counselor at the Warsaw embassy. Poland gave the expelled Russian diplomats five days to leave town, and by April 1, Generalov's name had already been removed along with those of 43 other Russian diplomats stationed in Warsaw, an archived version of the embassy's website shows.



A Polish official familiar with the matter but who was not authorized to speak on the record confirmed to RFE/RL that Generalov had been expelled from Poland following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.



Generalov quickly found a new posting, however. Six months later, he had already joined the Russian Embassy in Belgrade as a counselor.



The rosters of diplomatic missions maintained by the Serbian Foreign Ministry show that Generalov assumed that position as early as September 2022 and remained in that post as recently as February 2023, according to the latest available list.

RFE/RL was able to independently link Generalov to Russia's intelligence apparatus. Leaked databases of Moscow real-estate records list Generalov's residence as an apartment in a complex located on Vilnius Street in southwestern Moscow.



That complex was built specifically for Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) under a 2001 decree by Moscow's mayor at the time, Yury Luzkhov. In 2011, links between the residence and Russian intelligence surfaced in news reports after an SVR colonel fell to his death from the window of his apartment there.



The website of the Russian Embassy school in Warsaw noted a February 2017 visit by Generalov, whom it described as the embassy's second secretary.

The Polish Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the personal details of the Russian diplomats expelled from the country. The Serbian Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.



RFE/RL reached out for comment to Generalov via his account on the Russian social-networking site VK, which indicated the message had been read, but received no response.



Helsinki And The Hague



At least one other diplomat currently serving at the Russian Embassy in Belgrade was blacklisted by the Netherlands along with other Russian diplomats that the Dutch government called Russian intelligence officers.



The diplomat, Dmitry Barabin, has served as second secretary at the Russian Embassy in Belgrade since at least September.

A month after Russia's invasion, the Dutch government announced in March 2022 that it was expelling 17 Russian intelligence officers "because of the threat to national security posed by this group."

Barabin was not among those expelled from the Netherlands, but rather was barred from entering the country before he could assume his post at the Russian Embassy in The Hague, according to an October 2022 investigation by Dossier Center, an investigative group funded by exiled Kremlin critic and Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, in collaboration with De Tijd, NOS.



The Dutch Foreign Ministry declined to comment when contacted by RFE/RL.



Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said last month ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine that the Netherlands had decided to limit the number of Russian diplomats, citing Moscow's "continued attempts to place intelligence officers in the Netherlands under diplomatic cover."

While Barabin, 38, and his wife have an active social media presence, open-source information about his diplomatic career is sparse. Reporters were unable to identify any diplomatic position he had occupied prior to his tenure in Belgrade.



RFE/RL contacted Barabin for comment via his VK account, which indicated the inquiry had been read, but did not receive a response. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on its diplomatic personnel in Belgrade.



Barabin's father previously served as the head of a Russian Defense Ministry institute specializing in cartography.

A fourth Russian diplomat currently stationed in Belgrade left his post in an EU country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.



The diplomat, Pyotr Dolgoshein, is listed as a counselor at Moscow's embassy in the Serbian capital. Until the summer of 2022, Dolgoshein had served as second secretary at the Russian Embassy in Helsinki.



The Finnish government announced in April 2022 that it would expel two Russian diplomats and had refused a visa extension for a third in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine "and the security situation in Europe."



It's unclear whether Dolgoshein was among the Russian diplomats referred to in the Finnish government's statement.



He remained among the 61 names of Russian diplomatic personnel listed on the Helsinki embassy's website two months after Finland announced the expulsions, though that page said it had been last updated in October 2021.

By August 2022, the total number of names on that list was reduced by three, and Dolgoshein was missing along with more than 10 other Russian diplomats who were on the list from June of that year. Precisely which ones were expelled and which were simply rotated out of Finland remains unclear.



Dolgoshein's move from Finland to Serbia is reflected in posts on VK, where he maintained at least one pseudonymous account. In February 2021, he posted a selfie of himself in front of the Finnish presidential palace. In December, he published photographs from the Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade.



Both the Finnish Foreign Ministry and the Finnish Embassy in Belgrade declined to comment.



Dolgoshein, whom social media posts show as a wakeboarding enthusiast, was listed as an official representative of the Russian Interior Ministry in Finland. Records also show he served two tours with a Russian peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo.



Dolgoshein did not respond to a request for comment sent to his VK account.



RFE/RL's Balkan Service sought comments on the new Russian diplomats in Belgrade from the Serbian government and the Foreign Ministry, as well as Vucic's office, but did not receive any responses in time for publication.



'Brotherly And Friendly Country'



The Russian Embassy in Belgrade has previously been ensnared in spy kerfuffles. In November 2019, the Serbian government said it had uncovered a Russian spy network linked to the embassy, prompting Vucic to summon the Russian ambassador.

Vucic, however, played down the incident. "We will not change our policy towards Russia, which we see as a brotherly and friendly country...but we will strengthen our own intelligence defenses," he said.



Nikola Lunic, a former Serbian military diplomat who now heads the Belgrade-based Council for Strategic Policies, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that Serbia might hamper its own EU aspirations by granting "diplomatic refuge" to expelled Russian diplomats.



"Serbia's move like this could be perceived in the West as diplomatic and possibly intelligence support for overall Russian war efforts [in Ukraine]," Lunic said.

He noted that intelligence services, as a rule, "use diplomatic privileges in order to carry out their intelligence tasks unhindered, with diplomatic immunity."



"It is obvious that at this moment Serbia is the last refuge in Europe for the safe intelligence work of Russian operatives," Lunic said.

Rikard Jozwiak, Andrei Soshnikov, and Mike Eckel contributed to this report.
The World Evangelical Alliance and the World Council of Churches made a joint statement during the UN Human Rights Council 52nd Session General Debate calling on Azerbaijan to immediately lift the blockade of Lachin Corridor.

March 13, 2023, 15:35 World Evangelical Alliance, World Council of Churches call on Azerbaijan to immediately end blockade of Lachin Corridor

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 13 , ARTSAKHPRESS: The statement was delivered by Markus Hofer, UN Communication and Outreach Officer, World Evangelical Alliance.

The World Evangelical Alliance and the World Council of Churches are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh and the ongoing blockade by Azerbaijan of the Lachin corridor, the road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia. Since 12 December, the siege has put thousands of lives in peril. It affects the livelihood of 120'000 Armenian civilians in desperate need of food, medical treatment and supplies, and other essential goods. The energy provision has also been repeatedly interrupted, leaving the population with limited fuel, heat and electricity and preventing schools and hospitals from functioning because of the intense cold. This blockade violates human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also violates the ceasefire agreement signed in November 2020 that required maintaining the corridor that would ensure the connection of Nagorno Karabakh with the Republic of Armenia. We call on Azerbaijan for the immediate lifting of the blockade to allow for the two-side free and safe passage of civilians, transport and goods along the corridor and to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to urgently alleviate the suffering of the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh and promote the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights of all without any discrimination, the statement reads.
"Fierce battles" raged in central Bakhmut as Ukrainian forces desperately fought on the west side of the Donetsk region city against relentless breakthrough attempts by Russian mercenary fighters and as many observers said they expect Kyiv's forces to mount a counteroffensive in the coming weeks.

"The Wagner assault groups are attacking from several directions and trying to break through the defenses of our forces and advance into the city center," General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, said on March 13, referring to the mercenary group that has led the Russian assault on the city over the past several months.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"In fierce battles, our defenders are inflicting significant losses on the enemy," the Ukrainian military command said earlier in a statement.

Meanwhile, Wagner chief Yevgheny Prigozhin, who posted a video of himself near the Bakhmut city center, has acknowledged his fighters are facing a major struggle to capture the city -- which U.S. and other Western leaders say holds little strategic value but indicates the Kremlin's desperate need for a symbolic victory.

"The situation in Bakhmut is difficult, very difficult. The enemy is battling for every meter," Prigozhin said in a social media posting from the nearly destroyed city that had a pre-war population of 70,000.

"The closer we are to the city center, the more difficult the battles get and the more artillery there is," said Prigozhin, who added that Ukraine is throwing "endless reserves" into the battle.

In comments to Ukrainian media, local officials in Bakhmut said that as of March 13 there were still an estimated 4,000 people in the city, including about three dozen children.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in its daily update on March 13 that "over the past day, units of our Defense Forces repelled 102 enemy attacks.... The enemy has not paused its attempts to capture the city of Bakhmut."

It added that Russian troops are continuing their relentless assault despite "significant losses."

The fight for Bakhmut has been one of the most sustained battles of Russia's year-old invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that heavy fighting is also under way in several other areas around Bakhmut -- Lyman, Avdiyivka, Mariynka, and Shakhtarsk.

Neither side's accounts could be independently verified, but military analysts say both Russia and Ukraine have sustained a high rate of casualties.

Experts and analysts -- including those from the Russian side -- have said they expect Kyiv to launch a counteroffensive next month or in May once weather conditions improve and as promised heavy weaponry, including battle tanks, arrives from allies. Prigozhin himself has raised the possibility in public pleas to Russian leaders for more ammunition.

In Photos: Ukraine continues to hold on to "Fortress Bakhmut" despite taking heavy losses, constant Russian assaults on its soldiers, and having a distinct artillery disadvantage.

Britain's Defense Ministry said in its daily intelligence bulletin on March 13 that Prigozhin, who has been using convicts to replenish the losses suffered by Wagner in the war, has likely lost access to recruiting in prisons due to an ongoing conflict with Russia's Defense Ministry.

"If the ban endures, Prigozhin will likely be forced to reduce the scale or intensity of Wagner operations in Ukraine," the British intelligence report said.

The report said that, according to British estimates, "about half of the prisoners Wagner has already deployed in Ukraine have likely become casualties."

On March 12, the Ukrainian military said two people had been killed and three more injured when Russian forces shelled a civilian target in Kherson.

Kherson is the administrative capital of one of the four Ukrainian regions -- along with Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya, where Europe's largest nuclear power plant is located -- that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed in October, a move rejected by most of the rest of the world.

Separate from the battlefield, a source told Reuters that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is planning to seek the arrest of Russian officials for forcibly deporting children from Ukraine and targeting the country's civilian infrastructure.

The ICC did not immediately comment on the report. If confirmed, they would be the first international war crimes cases arising from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said Moscow is not opposed to extending a Black Sea grain deal, but only for 60 days. He was speaking on March 13 following a day of talks in Geneva with UN representatives, who had brokered the original deal.

The pact, which allows the export of agricultural products from Ukraine's southern Black Sea ports, is scheduled to end on March 18 and can be extended only with Russia's agreement.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa
Negotiations between Stepanakert and Baku are possible only under the conditions of equality of rights of the parties.

March 13, 2023, 17:47 Azerbaijan-Artsakh negotiations are possible only as equal parties. Presidential Advisor

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 13 , ARTSAKHPRESS: David Babayan, Adviser to the President of Artsakh said this, commentingat the request of NEWS.amon the invitationpublished in the Azerbaijani mediato the second meeting of the Azerbaijani president's office "to the representatives of the Armenian community of Karabakh to continue reintegration contacts, as well as in order to discuss the implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh."

It is proposed to hold this meeting in the near future in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital.

"With the proposal it conveyed through the media, Baku shows once again that it is not even going to hold negotiations. First, as for the negotiation process, Artsakh has always been in favor of negotiations and peaceful settlement. But the negotiations can take place only between equal parties, with the participation of international mediatorsin the person of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Armenia format was specified back in 1994.

Second, there is an internationally accepted form. The invitation to negotiations is not given through the mass media, if, of course, they are willing to conduct negotiations instead of creating the appearance of negotiations. The [respective] letter should be delivered through intermediaries or directly, but not through the mass media.

Third, let us remind Baku that there is no Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Artsakh Republic is a state, even if unrecognized. And being unrecognized for Azerbaijan is not an obstacle at all, as evidenced by its ties with the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Taiwan.

Based on the noted, it can be proved that Baku clearly does not want the negotiation process to be restored," Babayan emphasized.

Also, he recalled that international mediators are necessary for minimum security guarantees, bearing in mind that Azerbaijan does not always fulfill the agreements.

"One of the latest [such] examples is the non-implementation of the decision of the UN International Court. The option, in which case the Stepanakert delegation will simply be arrested in Baku, is not cut off from reality. And what? Will the calls start again? Although people may not be alive anymore," Babayan concluded.
According to the Belgian Ministry of Economy, in January 2023, Belgium imported 132 million worth of Russian rough diamonds, which was higher than the 97 million in January 20221. But it was in January 2023 that Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told the world that Russian diamonds are blood diamonds. Perhaps, such an original combination of trading practices and political declarations indicates De Croos intention to run for the presidency of Romania and move the European diamond hub to the residence of the legendary vampire Count Dracula where blood diamonds would naturally blend in. But joking aside, we are once again dealing with the cynicism that has always been characteristic of the global market for natural rough and polished diamonds. In the 1920s, the Bolsheviks flooded the market with polished diamonds confiscated from the Russian population; the number of stones was comparable to the annual rough diamond production at that time, and they were sold at discounts of tens of percent from their market prices. It was an open trade in stolen goods, and not a single world-famous diamond dealer resisted the temptation to join in the super-profitable trade. So, ethically pure as childs tears, De Croo did not demonstrate anything new - he simply continued the established tradition.

The imbalance between the desire to make a profit and the ethical ways to achieve the goal exists to some extent in any business. But this problem is most relevant for the natural rough diamond business. The point is in the nature of the product because natural rough diamonds are used mainly for the manufacture of polished diamonds (the share of natural industrial diamonds is under 4% of the market value) and they are not required to meet vital needs. Lets consider a typical example of the logic of diamond market players today: The veiled assertions that the lack of use-value can devalue rough diamonds at any moment are nothing more than just assumptions. Rough and polished diamonds have a use-value that satisfies, of course, the most real - although not material - needs that can be very strong. It is the desire for goods that forms the demand for diamond goods2. At first glance, the thesis is impeccable: a human person is a hierarchy of needs, including non-vital ones such as the need for recognition, for example. But who said that these needs should be met by natural polished diamonds only? Some 150 years ago when the rough and polished diamond market in the modern sense did not exist at all, these needs of mankind were successfully met, werent they? And what made it possible for polished diamonds to take their rightful place among the goods that satisfy non-vital needs? Do polished diamonds have an inherent ability to satisfy a need, say, to demonstrate a social status? Or was this ability the result of constructing an appropriate image and introducing it into the consumers mind? Obviously, the latter. The most impressive illustration is the development of the Japanese polished diamond market, which simply did not exist in the 1950s, and it was comparable to the US polished diamond market by the end of the 1970s. An entire nation with practically no concept of a polished diamond in its culture and the nation that satisfied its non-vital needs by other goods, was given a corresponding marketing vaccination that resulted in developing the second global polished diamond market that existed for some time. But as the use-value of a polished diamond is man-made, it is reversible because what is created by a man can be destroyed by a man.

The necessary and sufficient conditions for a counter-marketing campaign aimed at destroying the existing information shell (image) of a natural polished diamond or, in other words, giving it a negative use-value are as follows:

- The presence of a beneficiary who is ready to replace the volume of goods knocked out of the market with analogue goods suitable in quality and price;

- Availability of content required (in terms of volume and quality) to create appropriate counter-marketing models;

- Favorable geopolitical situation.

The beneficiaries are the manufacturers of synthetic diamond jewellery, which, if successful, can count on cannibalizing 30%-40% of the natural rough diamond market. We owe the favourable geopolitical situation to the genius of De Croo who declared in a stroke a third of the worlds natural rough diamonds as blood ones. The related content will be considered in this and subsequent publications. Its also worth mentioning that there is no need to specify the technology for using this content, since solving problems of covering is a well-established and standardized procedure.

One of the main areas where the marketing models of natural and synthetic rough and polished diamonds come into collision today is the environmental impact made by these competitors. The advantages of synthetic diamonds are obvious because anyone who has seen at least the photographs of giant craters of spent kimberlite pipes and damaged rivers where diamond dredges were used has no doubts about the irreparable environmental damage. The mining companies PR efforts to reassure their consumers with reports of restoration of mining lands on diamond deposits may be more or less successful depending on the funding and the professionalism of those who restores the contaminated sites, but in reality, this is an easily refuted bluff. It is technically impossible and economically pointless to restore a quarry several hundred metres deep and filled with poisonous brines; we have to admit that the diamond mining industry has destroyed forever (and continues to destroy) significant areas of our planet for the sake of ... Well, for the sake of what? For the sake of goods that have nothing to do with vital needs and can be easily replaced today by similar synthetic stones featuring identical characteristics.

Of course, this is a good argument that should be repeated in a counter-marketing campaign. But the creation of an image, as well as its destruction, cannot be based on formal logic only, especially considering that a significant part of visitors to jewellery boutiques have IQ ranging from that of an aquarium fish to lower primates. Emotions are needed.

When consumers go to a fur salon, they understand a priori that the furs from which their favourite fur coats are made were the skin of minks, ferrets, sables, etc. as there is no other source. But at the verbal level, anti-marketing has little effect, especially on fur coat lovers. And good shoes are made of natural leather, and people like to have a delicious steak for lunch - Cest La Vie, this is part of being human. But if you show (and repeatedly) the eyes of the unfortunate animal a second before it is murdered as well as the terrible details of skinning it, the consumers pass by the fur salons and buy a down jacket or a jacket made of fleece and polyester batting instead of a fur coat. In the 1980s, the cannibalization of the natural fur coat market with the help of a counter-marketing campaign was about 30%. This has been proven by practice.

The modern consumer of natural diamonds is, of course, aware that mining irreversibly destroys the natural environment. But what can people do, how can humanity exist without oil, non-ferrous metals, potash fertilizers...  Cest La Vie, this is part of civilization. Theres no point in appealing to the logic of a visitor to a jewellery boutique. We need an emotion, at the subconscious level. The eyes of a dying animal. Such an emotion exists and is called Programme 7.

In November 1949, speaking at the UN Assembly, A. Ya. Vyshinsky (his well-deserved reputation is the Stalins chief legal killer) casually mentioned that the USSR intends to use atomic energy to demolish mountains, change the course of rivers, irrigate deserts, lay new ways in those parts never before imprinted by the foot of man. The zeal of the Stalinist official was fully justified - a programme was under development by the state machine that later was coded as AN-19 - Using the Underground Nuclear Explosions in the National Economy and for the Production of Fissionable Transuranium Elements. One of its sections had a very vague and ambiguous title - The Development of Using External Explosion Methods in Mining and Construction Aimed at Reducing the Cost of Excavation work, Reducing the Time for Field Development and Construction of Facilities, later the title became shorter - State Programme No. 7. Using Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy, or even shorter - Programme No.7.

From 1965 to 1988, 124 nuclear explosions were carried out in the framework of Programme 7, and 135 nuclear charges were detonated. The main customer (53% of explosions) was the USSR Ministry of Geology. The explosions made in the diamond provinces are as follows:

- 12 nuclear explosions in Yakutia. Power from 1.7 kt (Kristall, 1974) to 22 kt (Kraton-3, 1978);

- 4 nuclear explosions in the Arkhangelsk Region. Power from 2.3 kt (Globus, 1971) to 37.6 kt (Pyrite, 1981);

- 8 nuclear explosions in the Perm Region. Power from 3.2 kt (Helium, 1981) to 45 kt (Taiga, 1971).

All these nuclear explosions were made in the interests of the diamond mining industry, which either directly acted as a customer (for example, the Kimberlite explosion, 1979), or used the results for seismic exploration. In Yakutia, seismic survey tasks were carried out by the Irelyakh Geophysical Expedition that was part of Yakutalmaz. As a result of work under Programme 7, The Markhin diamond field was discovered in Yakutia having a rich content of this valuable mineral. Thus, the use of nuclear explosive technologies for industrial purposes made it possible to obtain unique scientific data for the subsequent increase in the countrys mineral resource potential3. In addition, the Kristall nuclear explosion was carried out to create a tailings dam for the Yakutalmazs Udachny MPP (Mining and Processing Plant) located 2.5 km from the town of Udachny.

After the collapse of the USSR, a significant part of the documents on Programme 7 (including the information about accidental nuclear explosions) was declassified, and a hot discussion began between supporters of nuclear technology and the greens. These discussions are still continuing and contain a lot of materials, which - with proper selection and presentation - can cause radiophobia among existing and potential consumers of natural rough diamonds. By radiophobia we mean here a very common irrational fear and aversion of the population of developed countries to nuclear technologies that arose after the Chernobyl disaster and was significantly aggravated due to the Fukushima one. This is a very strong emotion that can seriously affect the markets - just look at the situation with nuclear energy in Germany. This is exactly what is needed for an anti-marketing model.

Of course, we do not say that diamonds mined in the provinces where Programme 7 was implemented have the traces of radiation contamination. But the fact is that nuclear technologies were used to search for and extract these rough diamonds. Consequently, a huge amount of rough diamonds (and polished diamonds made from them) mined from 1965 to 1988 are ethically responsible for the irreparable damage already caused to the vast area of the planet, as well as for the potential damage, since no one can predict the consequences of a possible emergency reactivation of the Programme 7 objects today.

Would you like to wear a polished diamond made from a rough diamond mined in the Yakut Aikhal kimberlite pipe, 50 kilometres away from which the accidental nuclear explosion Kraton-3 occurred in 1978? Would you like to wear your mothers family polished diamonds made from the rough diamonds mined in the Ural placers near the town of Krasnovishersk where a series of nuclear explosions took place (20 kilometres from this town) in 1981 through 1987 during the Helium operation? Or maybe, your daughter would like to purchase a ring with the Arkhangelsk diamonds mined in the Mezen District (Agat nuclear explosion, 1985, 150 km west of the town of Mezen)?

Or do you want to read anything about the terrible carbon footprint that synthetic polished diamonds leave?

Sergey Goryainov, Rough&Polished





1 Love is blind for Europeans buying Russian diamonds. https://www.politico.eu/article/european-lovers-still-love-russian-diamonds/

2 Nikolashchenko A.V. World diamond market. ., 2019. P. 363.

3 Nuclear tests of the USSR. Peaceful nuclear explosions. ., 2001. P. 45.
Madhuri Dixit With her Mother Snehlata Dixit

Madhuri Dixits husband Shriram Nene also paid tribute to his Mother-In-Law

MUMBAI: Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. Famous Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit is feeling the same pain right now as her mother, Snehlata Dixit passed away at the age of 91 years at their residence in Mumbai.

A Day after the demise, actor Madhuri Dixit Nene remembered her mother and penned an emotional note on Instagram.

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Taking to Instagram, Madhuri Dixit dropped a photo and wrote, "Woke up this morning to find Aais room empty. It feels surreal.She taught us to embrace and celebrate life.She gave so much to so many people. We will miss her dearly but she will live on in our memories. Her wit, positivity and grace were infectious. We will celebrate her life together through our memories. Om shanti om."

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In the picture, Madhuri was seen holding her mother closely, and they both posed happily for the camera.

Notably, Madhuri Dixits husband Shriram Nene also paid tribute to his mother-in-law and shared a photo on Instagram. He wrote, "Our beloved Aai, Snehalata Dikshit, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by her loved ones. Am emotionally and physically drained. But the love of my family, friends and all of you have made this bearable. She was a saint: full of life, wisdom, patience, and a sense of humour that pierced all barriers. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her memories will keep her alive forever for all of us."

Snehlata dixit breathed her last at the age of 91 at Mumbai residence on March 12. Her funeral was held at Worli crematorium in the presence of the whole family and loved ones. The cause of death is still unknown.
Excise Dept Recovers Gold worth Rs 86 lakhs

13 Gold Biscuits were hidden in Liquor Bottles

AMRITSAR: In a major action, the Excise Department team recovered gold worth Rs 86.17 lakh at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport. Customs officials have recovered this gold from a passenger who arrived by Indigo flight from Sharjah on Monday (March 13).

The spokesperson of the department said that Indigo flight 6E48 arrived at Amritsar Airport from Sharjah. The customs officials checked the luggage of the passengers and found some signs during the scanning of the bag of one of the passengers. During the checking of the goods by the officials, it was noticed that something was hidden in three bottles of liquor.

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Notably, When the bottles were opened, 13 gold biscuits weighting 1 kg 516 grams were found in them. The price of the gold is Rs 86,41,200 in the market. The officials of the department have arrested the person and the further investigation is underway.




Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains

Those Found Guilty will be Prosecuted for Criminal Negligence

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has ordered a high-level inquiry into the PSTAT examination leak case. He shared this information through a tweet. Harjot Bains said that those found guilty will be prosecuted for criminal negligence.

Taking to Twitter, Harjot Bains wrote, "To maintain complete fairness in our examination process, a PS level probe has been ordered to look in to PSTET exam conducted by a third Party with A++ NAAC grade i.e. GNDU. Accountability will be fixed & those found guilty will be booked for criminal negligence."

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In an another tweet, he wrote, Further, GNDU has regretted & will re-conduct the exam without any fees. In future, have ordered my department to have a suitable clause for compensation in the MOUs signed with third parties for compensation of the candidates in such a scenario. Why should candidates suffer."

TWEET

Notably, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) candidates alleged that 57 correct answers were highlighted (bold) out of the 60 question answer options for the social studies examination. This proves the negligence of staff and concerned officers of PSTAT examination. There is major disappointment among the unemployed teachers who appeared for the exam after so much hardwork. The question paper was prepared by experts of Guru Nanak Dev University. Along with this, errors related to Punjabi were also noticed in the exam. The opposition parties are raising questions on the Punjab government regarding negligence in conducting the examination.
CM Bhagwant Mann

Any kind of Negligence and Disturbances will not be tolerated: CM Mann

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday (March 13) ordered police to take immediate action against accused in connection with the TET Paper Leak Case. He issued statement regarding the ongoing controversy over the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET) for the recruitment of teachers in the education department of the Punjab government. CM Mann said in this regard that any kind of negligence and disturbances will not be tolerated.

CM Mann tweeted that the paper leak means cheating with the future of lakhs of students, which breaks the dreams of the youth. The Chief Minister said that our government is the government of the dreams and hopes of the youth of Punjab. Carelessness and mistakes in the TET paper of Punjab are not tolerated. The Chief Minister directed the police officials to arrest the accused soon.

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cm tweet

Notably, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) candidates alleged that 57 correct answers were highlighted (bold) out of the 60 question answer options for the social studies examination. Due to which this paper became mired in controversies and the government was questioned by the opposition parties. This proves the negligence of staff and concerned officers of PSTAT examination. There is major disappointment among the unemployed teachers who appeared for the exam after so much hard work. The question paper was prepared by experts of Guru Nanak Dev University. Along with this, errors related to Punjabi were also noticed in the exam. The opposition parties are raising questions on the Punjab government regarding negligence in conducting the examination.

Reacting on the same, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains tweeted, "To maintain complete fairness in our examination process, a PS level probe has been ordered to look in to PSTET exam conducted by a third Party with A++ NAAC grade i.e. GNDU. Accountability will be fixed & those found guilty will be booked for criminal negligence."

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In an another tweet, he wrote, Further, GNDU has regretted & will re-conduct the exam without any fees. In future, have ordered my department to have a suitable clause for compensation in the MOUs signed with third parties for compensation of the candidates in such a scenario. Why should candidates suffer."
Firing at City of Dallas in USA

Shooting took place in the northwest Dallas area around 7:10 p.m- Police

DALLAS: Four people died in shooting at an apartment building in the city of Dallas, Texas, United States of America. This information was found in a television channel report.

According to a television news channel, the shooting incident took place on Sunday night. Confirming the incident, police said the shooting took place in the northwest Dallas area around 7:10 p.m.

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According to the police, four persons were shot and died on the spot. There was no immediate information about the people killed in the incident.




Brendan Fraser

Michelle Yeoh bagged the Oscar for Best Actress

LOS ANGELES: American-Canadian Actor Brendan Fraser won the Best Actor Oscar award for The Whale at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Michelle Yeoh have bagged the Oscar for Best Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Yeoh won the Oscar for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.

Notably, Fraser portrayed the role of a love-lorn, morbidly obese english teacher in Darren Aronofsky's psychological drama 'The Whale' who is trying to salvage his relationship with his estranged daughter. Fraser defeated Austin Butler (Elvis), Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin), Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Bill Nighy (Living) to clinch the trophy. Yeoh beat Cate Blanchett (Tar), Ana de Armas (Blonde), Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie), Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans).

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Reportedly, While addressing at the Academy awards stage, Brendan Fraser said, "So this is what the multiverse looks like! Im grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship 'The Whale'. That was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse. Gentleman, you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so that we could see into your souls like no one else could do. It is my honor to be named alongside you in this category. I want to tell you that only whales can swim at the depth of talent of Hong Chau."

He further said, "I started in this business 30 years ago, things didnt come easy to me but there was a facility that I didnt appreciate at the time, until it stopped. I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. It couldnt be done without my cast. Its been like Ive been on a diving expedition and the air on the line to the surface is being watched over by some people in my life like my sons."

It is worth noting here that Fraser has also won a 'Critics' Choice Movie Award', 'Screen Actors Guild Award' and 'Hollywood Critics Association Award' this year for his amazing performance in 'The Whale'.

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Notably, 'The Mummy franchise' star, Fraser made a spectacular comeback in the film 'The Whale' through his character named Charlie who is a middle-aged obese man (600 pounds). Charlie gained the weight after guilt-ridden binge-eating for leaving his family for his gay lover. His co-stars in the movie are Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, and Ty Simpkins, among others.

Brendan Fraser transformed her body in a extraordinary way for the movie 'The Whale'. According to the reports, he wore a massive 300 pounds (136 kg) worth of prosthetics to play the role of an an obese protagonist. Fraser did not put on this much weight. Makeup and prosthetics designer Adrien Morot had to construct a wearable 600-pound man. He did an amazing job to make Fraser look like a 600 pounds man.

An American-Canadian actor, Brendan James Fraser was born on December 3, 1968. He is best known for playing the lead in blockbuster, comedic, and dramatic movies. Fraser made his acting debut in the 1991 film 'Dogfight' as a Seaman departing for Vietnam.
By Josh Smith and Hyunsu Yim

SEOUL (Reuters) -Nuclear-armed North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine on Sunday, state news agency KCNA said on Monday, just as U.S.-South Korea military drills were due to begin.

"Strategic" is typically used to describe weapons that have a nuclear capability.

KCNA said the launch confirmed the reliability of the system and tested the underwater offensive operations of the submarine units that form part of North Korea's nuclear deterrent.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the military was on high alert and the country's intelligence agency was working with its U.S. counterpart to analyse the specifics of the launch.

On Monday, South Korean and American troops were scheduled to begin 11 days of joint drills, dubbed "Freedom Shield 23," which will be held on a scale not seen since 2017.

The drills will strengthen the allies' combined defensive posture, the two militaries have said, and will feature field exercises including amphibious landings.

North Korea has long bristled over drills it regards as a rehearsal for invasion. It has conducted a record number of missile tests and drills in the past year in what it says is an effort to boost its nuclear deterrent and make more weapons fully operational.

"It's very regretful that North Korea is using our regular, defensive drills as a pretext for provocation," said Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry handling relations with the North. "I hope North Korea realises that there is nothing they can earn from escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula."

The submarine launches aimed to show North Korea's determination to control a situation in which, KCNA said, "the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet forces are getting evermore undisguised in their anti-DPRK military manoeuvres."

DPRK stands for North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

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KCNA said the strategic cruise missiles were fired from the "8.24 Yongung" submarine in the water off the east coast of Korea in the early hours of Sunday.

The missiles travelled some 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) before hitting a target in the sea, the KCNA report said.

A JCS spokesperson said not everything North Korea claimed was accurate, but he did not give further details.

It is unclear whether North Korea has fully developed the miniaturised nuclear warheads needed to fit on such missiles. Analysts say that perfecting smaller warheads would most likely be a key goal if the North resumes nuclear testing.

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said that North Korean cruise missiles launched from a submarine represent a threat the United States, and its allies must take seriously, but that Pyongyang could be exaggerating its capabilities.

"The Kim regime wants to show it can match or surpass military capabilities on display during U.S.-South Korea defence exercises. Yet the reality is North Korean soldiers are poorly fed and are being ordered to help farmers address the countrys food shortage," Easley said.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said there was no information that the missile flew toward Japan's waters or caused any damage.

"If North Korea's announcement that the missile had a range of more than 1,500 kilometres was true, it would pose threats to the region's peace and stability  we are concerned," Matsuno said.

He said U.S. military deterrence in Asia-Pacific is "essential" in the region, adding the North "may step onto further provocative acts such as a nuclear test."

North Korea has a large submarine fleet but the 8.24 Yongung (August 24th Hero) is its only known experimental ballistic missile submarine. Analysts say it plays a critical role in the development of missiles, submarine technology and operational procedures, as well as hands-on training of new submariners.

North Korea has said it is building an operational ballistic missile submarine.

While overseeing a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) launching exercise on Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the military to intensify drills to deter and respond to a "real war" if necessary.

On Sunday state media reported that Kim led a ruling party meeting to discuss and decide on "important, practical measures" to boost the country's war deterrence in the midst of stepped-up actions by the United States and South Korea. The report did not provide specifics on the measures.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul and Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Howard Goller and Gerry Doyle)
A few months ago I watched a new series on Apple TV+ called Bad Sisters." It tells the story of four sisters who conspire to kill their brother-in-law, a horrible man who torments and emotionally and mentally abuses their sister. He has also done all manner of awful things to his sisters-in-laws, and each has cause to want him dead.

There are two novels out now that evoke that same storyline: women who band together to rid the world of bad men who have done awful things to women in their lives.

Parini Shroffs fantastic debut novel The Bandit Queens takes place in contemporary India, in a small rural village. Geetas husband disappeared five years ago and most of the villagers believe that Geeta killed him. She doesnt miss him, as he beat and emotionally abused her.

Geeta belongs to a microloan program along with four other women in her group. The women each received a loan to start their own business, most of them sewing clothes or designing and creating jewelry.

One of the women, Farah, comes to Geeta and asks her to help he kill her husband. Farahs husband beats her, and steals the money from her business so that she cant repay her microloan. Farah convinces Geeta it is in her own financial interest to help Farah kill her husband.

Geeta doesnt want to get involved. She knows she didnt kill her own husband, even if the entire village believes her to be a witch. She doesnt want to get involved in anyone elses problems, believing that advice is the cousin of caring, and apathy was Geetas mantra.

Soon other women in the microloan group come to Geeta asking for help getting rid of their evil, abusive husbands. This is where things begin to go off the rails, and Geeta must summon the strength of the real Indian Bandit Queen to get herself out of this predicament.

Though, as the author states, it deals with the serious subjects of domestic abuse, gender/religious/caste ostracization and patriarchy, she uses gallows humor" to tell her story as well.

Geeta and her friends find themselves working together whether they want to or not, getting themselves into situations that are difficult to extricate themselves from. The characters are interesting (I particularly liked the relationship between Geeta and her former best friend, Saloni) and the ending is so tension-filled it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I highly recommend The Bandit Queen." (Although if you dont like cursing in your books, this one is not for you.)

Kristen Birds novel I Love It When You Lie begins with Stephanie Williams, wife of the town mayor, answering questions in the sheriffs office. Her three sisters-in-law, Tara, June and Clementine, along with Stephanie, are thought to be responsible for the disappearance of one of four men: a preacher, a doctor, a professor and a mayor.

The question to be answered is which one has disappeared and why. Tara is the oldest sister, the one who took care of her younger siblings when they spent a short time in foster care after the death of their parents. Their grandmother took the children in and lovingly raised them, and they are preparing for her funeral as the story begins.

Taras husband is the the town preacher, who spends most of his time tending to the needs of his parishioners rather than his wife and teenage daughter, Lottie, who is rebellious. She is hiding a big secret from her husband and if it comes out, it could destroy their all their lives.

June is a nurse at the local hospital, married to a doctor from Peru. It took time for the townspeople to accept her husband, but he is well-respected now. June has had several miscarriages, and is despondent that they dont have a baby. A tragedy with a patient becomes compounded when June does something desperate, something that her husband can never support.

Clementine is dating a much older married professor at her college, a man who is accused of sexual misconduct with his students. When he accompanies her back home to her grandmothers funeral, dangerous secrets are outed.

Stephanie catches her cheating husband with his girlfriend during his grandmothers funeral wake, and decides she has had enough.

I liked the Alabama setting, and learning about the small town rituals, especially Decoration Day, when everyone gathers to honor those they lost with shared food, songs and readings.

So who disappears and who made him disappear? Youll have to read to find out.

If you read BOOK: The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff GRADE: A PUBLISHER: Ballantine Books COST: Hardcover, $28 LENGTH: 352 pages BOOK: I Love It When You Lie By Kristen Bird GRADE: B+ PUBLISHER: MIRA COST: Trade paperback, $18.99 LENGTH: 352 pages
Two Cayuga County school districts are among the awardees receiving a share of $31.4 million to upgrade classroom technology and bolster security.

Weedsport Central School District will receive $231,650, while Southern Cayuga will get $68,850. The funding is available through the state's Smart Schools initiative. The districts had to submit investment plans that detail how they would spend the money. The plans must be approved by the Smart Schools Review Board, which consists of the state budget director, state education commissioner and State University of New York chancellor.

According to Weedsport's plan, the state grant would cover the cost of buying new classroom technology equipment, such as Chromebooks and iPads. Southern Cayuga Superintendent Patrick Jensen said the funding for his district will be used to buy Chromebooks for students in grades 9-12.

Overall, the review board approved plans submitted by 57 school districts and a special education school. While $7.2 million was awarded for classroom technology and $7.1 million will support school internet connectivity projects, more than half of the funds ($16.6 million) will aid with the installation of high-tech security at schools. The security measures can include entry control systems, emergency classroom notification systems and video systems.

The smart schools initiative began in 2014 when New York voters approved a $2 billion bond act to support education-related technology upgrades.

Gov. Kathy Hochul noted that the lack of technology affected schools during the COVID-19 pandemic when classes shifted to a remote learning model.

"This $31.4 million investment will allow students to access the technology to bring them the opportunity to learn at their own pace while providing interactive experiences both inside and outside of the classroom," she said.
Dunkleosteus terrelli, an armor-plated fish that lived in the shallow subtropical waters of the Devonian period, about 360 million years ago, is one of the most widely recognized fossil vertebrates due to its large size and status as one of the earliest vertebrate apex predators. New research by Case Western Reserve University scientist suggests the length of this prehistoric predator may have been greatly exaggerated.

Dunkleosteus terrelli is a large arthrodire placoderm fish, but also best known from the latest Devonian Cleveland Shale of Ohio, the United States.

This species is one of the most recognizable prehistoric organisms and is by far one of the most widely known Paleozoic vertebrates, only comparable to the Permian stem-mammal Dimetrodon limbatus in this respect.

Dunkleosteus terrellis popularity largely stems from its unique morphology, which includes an extensive dermal skeleton, blade-like jaws, and large size.

These features, as well as its great geologic age, result in this species often being considered one of the first vertebrate superpredators.

However, in spite of its prominence in paleo pop culture, relatively little is known about Dunkleosteus terrelli as an actual animal.

Dunkleosteus terrelli is already a strange fish, but it turns out the old size estimates resulted in us overlooking a lot of features that made this fish even stranger, like a very tuna-like torso, said Case Western Reserve University Ph.D. student Russell Engelman.

Some colleagues have been calling it Chunky Dunk or Chunkleosteus after seeing my research.

Unlike modern fishes, arthrodire fishes like Dunkleosteus terrelli had bony, armored heads but internal skeletons made of cartilage.

This means only the heads of these animals were preserved as fossils, leaving the size and shape a mystery.

Engelman proposes estimating the length based on the 61-cm (24 inch) long head, minus the snout  considered a way to measure thats consistent among groups of living fishes and smaller relatives of Dunkleosteus terrelli known from complete skeletons.

The reasoning behind this study can be summed up in one simple observation. Short fish generally have short heads and long fish generally have long heads, Engelman said.

Based on that method, he concluded Dunkleosteus terrelli was only 3.3 to 3.7 m (11-13 feet) long  much shorter than any researcher had proposed before.

Dunkleosteus terrelli has often been reconstructed assuming it had a body shape like a shark, Engelman said.

But a shorter body and shape of the body armor also meant Dunkleosteus terrelli was likely much chunkier.

A 3.3-m-long Dunkleosteus terrelli is essentially the same weight as a 4.6-m (15 foot) great white shark, Engelman said.

These things were built like wrecking balls. The new proportions for Dunkleosteus terrelli may look goofy until you realize it has the same body shape as a tunaand a mouth twice as large as a great white shark.

These new size estimates also help put Dunkleosteus terrelli in a broader scientific context.

This fish is part of a larger evolutionary story, in which vertebrates went from small, unassuming bottom-dwellers to massive giants.

Although the reduced sizes for Dunkleosteus terrelli may seem disappointing, it was still probably the biggest animal that existed on Earth up to that point in time, Engelman said.

And these new estimates make it possible to do so many types of analyses on Dunkleosteus terrelli that it was thought would never be possible.

This is the bitter pill that has to be swallowed, so that now we can get to the fun stuff.

The findings appear in the journal Diversity.

_____

Russell K. Engelman et al. 2023. A Devonian Fish Tale: A New Method of Body Length Estimation Suggests Much Smaller Sizes for Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira). Diversity 15 (3): 318; doi: 10.3390/d15030318
Mali : un celebre animateur convoque a la police apres ses propos sur la mort d'un ex-Premier ministre

Un animateur connu de radio-television malien a ete convoque lundi par les policiers apres avoir declare qu'un ex-Premier ministre mort en detention il y a un an sous la junte avait ete "assassine", a-t-on appris de sources policiere et mediatique.





Les circonstances de la mort de l'ex-chef de gouvernement Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga sont revenues dans l'actualite a l'approche du premier anniversaire de sa disparition le 21 mars 2022. Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, poids lourd de la politique nationale, est decede en detention malgre les appels pressants adresses par ses proches a la junte pour son evacuation vers l'etranger. Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga avait ete entre 2017 et 2019 le Premier ministre du president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, renverse en aout 2020 par des colonels toujours au pouvoir aujourd'hui.





Sa memoire a ete evoquee samedi lors d'une conference censee marquer le retour en politique de son parti, l'Alliance pour la solidarite au Mali (Asma). "Boubeye nest pas mort, il a ete assassine, cest le terme quil faut", a declare Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, dit "Ras Bath", un militant, polemiste et animateur aux nombreux sympathisants. "Ras Bath" a surtout reproche aux allies de l'ex-Premier ministre leur inaction alors que, pour certains, ils participaient au pouvoir. "Personne n'a interpelle lautorite", a-t-il dit. L'animateur a ete convoque lundi par les policiers, ont indique sous le couvert de l'anonymat un responsable policier et un responsable de Renouveau TV pour laquelle travaille "Ras Bath".





Le policier n'a pas precise les raisons de sa convocation mais le responsable de Renouveau TV l'a liee aux propos tenus samedi. Avant sa convocation, le Collectif pour la defense des militaires (CDM) avait demande a la justice de se saisir de ces declarations. Les appels de cette organisation, l'un des soutiens les plus offensifs de la junte, sont souvent suivis d'effet. "Ras Bath serait-il un demon cree pour son peuple", demandait le collectif dans un communique. Avant "Ras Bath", un haut magistrat, Mohamed Cherif Kone, avait declare dans la nuit de jeudi a vendredi a la chaine Joliba TV que Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga avait "ete cible" parce qu'il reclamait un retour rapide des civils au pouvoir alors que les supporteurs de la junte "voulaient une transition sans fin".




Electric vehicle manufacturer Okaya EV has announced a carnival for its potential customers. Those who buy any Okaya electric scooter will get a chance to win various prizes including an assured cashback of up to 5,000. Customers even stand a chance of winning a three-night and four-day trip to Thailand for one person. The carnival offer is applicable on all electric scooters from the brand and is valid until March 31.

Customers can participate in the carnival by purchasing an Okaya electric scooter from any dealer of the brand across the country. Once the purchase is completed, the buyer will receive a link on the registered phone number and will need to submit the required details. The customer will then receive a scratch card that will reveal his/her prize.

Also Read : Okaya Faast F3 electric scooter launched with 125 km range, costs 99,999

Okaya Faast F3 electric scooter costs  99,999)

Okaya EV offers both low-speed and high-speed electric scooters in its portfolio. These include models such as Faast F4, Faast F3, Faast F2F, ClassIQ+, Freedum and Faast F2B. The company offers six shades on its model range - Metallic Black, Metallic Cyan, Matte Green, Metallic Grey, Metallic Silver, and Metallic White.

Okaya Faast F2F is the brand's latest addition, which was launched late last month at a starting price of 84,000 (ex-showroom). The electric scooter has been designed and priced according to target groups such as students, young professionals, and home-makers. It offers a range of 70-80 kilometres on a single charge and gets a top speed of 55 km/h depending on the load.

Okaya Faast F2F is equipped with Telescopic Front Suspension and Spring Loaded hydraulic Rear Shock Absorbers. It comes with features such as remote key, digital instrument cluster, DRL headlamps and edgy taillamps.

It will be made available across the country at more than 550 Okaya Electric Vehicles outlets. The electric scooter is powered by 800W-BLDC-Hub Motor, which comes paired with 60V36Ah (2.2 kWh) lithium ion  LFP battery, and comes with a two-year warranty on the battery and motor.

First Published Date:
India and Australia acknowledged the significance of their trading relations, as bilateral trade exceeded $31 billion during the last financial year.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Australia's trade minister Don Farrell met to discuss the next steps for further enhancing the bilateral economic relationship.

They discussed the implementation of the economic cooperation and trade agreement (ECTA), negotiations for the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), and further development of two-way investment.

Both the ministers agreed that given the trade complementarities between the two countries, there is considerable potential for significantly enhancing bilateral trade within the next five years.

The ministers also discussed engagement in the G20, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

They agreed that Australia and India share high ambition for the IPEF, as evidenced at the special round of IPEF negotiations in New Delhi, and would continue to work together through IPEF on areas of mutual interest, including the clean economy and resilient supply chains.

Both Goyal and Farrell noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese look forward to swift progress in negotiations and for an early conclusion of an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which will build on the foundation laid by the ECTA, including new areas of trade, investment and cooperation.

CECA will create new employment opportunities, raise living standards and improve the general welfare in both countries.

The ministers look forward to concluding CECA as soon as possible, are pleased with the progress in resolving various bilateral technical market access issues and look forward to continuing engagement.

They highlighted the importance of a smooth and timely clean energy transition as both countries work towards achieving their respective net zero goals.

The ministers noted the complementary nature of Australia and India's economies and committed to further enhancing economic, technology, and trade and investment cooperation to get to net zero emissions. Goyal and Farrell reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.

They agreed to build on the success of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva and reaffirmed their commitment towards improving WTO functions and having a fully functioning dispute settlement system by 2024.

They also agreed to work towards a productive engagement in the run-up to the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2024.
The India-Russia Business Forum Cooperation for Growth and Expansion will be held in New Delhi on 29-30 March, 2023 as a part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forums foreign activities segment.

The focus of the Technological Alliances in the Greater Eurasia plenary session will be the question of how to perfect cooperation between Russia and India in high-tech.

Delegates will discuss opportunities for creating high-tech alliances in different areas: IT, cybersecurity, industry and manufacturing, smart cities, transport, logistics and healthcare, and to support Russian companies as they refocus on new markets.

The objective of the forum is to push new areas of economic cooperation including IT, construction & mechanical engineering.

The RussiaIndia cooperation format is one of the drivers of region-wide efforts to improve the architecture of inter-state relations in the AsiaPacific Region (APR). The Forum is designed to strengthen business ties between the Russian and Indian business communities, to support Russian businesses entering the Indian market and to acquaint Indian partners with specific export offers, said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation.

Veronika Nikishina, General Director of the Russian Export Center called India as one of Russias most important trade and economic partners, and the potential for growth in trade between our countries is very high.

As part of the Forum, the Russian Export Center will be carrying out a high-tech business mission, in which over 20 Russian companies from the IT sector, business process management, mechanical engineering, construction, energy and medicine will be taking part, added Nikishina.

A number of Russian companies have products and solutions that are unique and often unrivalled throughout the world. The REC will be arranging B2B negotiations for them with potential Indian buyers and partners.

Representatives of Russian and Indian government agencies, commercial and industrial organizations will be taking part in the event.
The 12th edition of the Big CIO Show held in Bengaluru brought together an impressive array of industry leaders who shared their knowledge and experience with the attendees. The event divulged valuable insights and actionable strategies that are sure to help attendees stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

One of the most exciting moments of the event was the launch of Intel's latest offering, Xeon, which promises to accelerate performance across the fastest-growing workloads.

Trescon also made a significant announcement regarding the launch of the Digital Acceleration & Transformation Expo (DATE), an upcoming event that will feature 10 co-located events and attract over 10,000 business visitors in New Delhi on November 23 & 24, 2023. DATE was launched by HH Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiya, the Maharaja of Mysore, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of Honor and lit the lamp to mark the beginning of the Big CIO Show.

Addressing the event on Thursday, HH Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiya said, "The key focus, or what we (Mysore Heritage of Innovation and Entrepreneurship) want, is to be the cyber security beacon in India and also bring in an economic driver for Mysore so that this IT infrastructure, which is already overburdened in Bengaluru and in many cities, can be supported. The overall good that it brings for empowering the economy can be brought to cities like Mysore." He added, "We can really grow Mysore by keeping the heritage, culture, and charm but also marrying it with modern facilities that are required going forward. This was the motive behind our idea, and we are very happy to be here today."

Big CIO Show covered a wide range of relevant industry topics through panel discussions, keynote presentations, and other engaging sessions. The prime attraction of the event was undoubtedly the Big CIO Awards, which honored top 100 Leaders & Innovators, and celebrated the best and brightest minds in the tech industry.

Panel: Beyond DX: Driving Innovation & Transformation

One of the most thought-provoking and engaging sessions at the event was the panel discussion titled "Beyond DX: Driving Innovation & Transformation". This panel explored the importance of CIOs adapting to an ever-changing market and embracing the digital disruption that the latest and emerging technologies have brought to the market. Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized the importance of embracing innovation and transformation to stay competitive in the fast-changing digital landscape. They explored the challenges and opportunities that come with digital disruption and provided practical advice for companies looking to drive innovation and transformation in their own organizations.

The discussion featured leaders from some of the most successful organizations in the industry, including MakeMyTrip, Titan, Daimler, Tata CliQ, and Practo. These experts shared their experiences and insights on how their organizations have adapted to the changing times and molded their way of doing business based on their customer demands.

Speaking about his experience at Big Show Show, Sanjay Mohan, Group Chief Technology Officer, MakeMyTrip said, "It so good to talk to so many CIOs in one place and share views and opinions. It is truly a wonderful experience to sit with colleagues and peers and exchange thoughts with everyone."

Panel: Once in the Cloud, there is no turning back

Another highlight of the event was the insightful panel discussion titled "Once in the Cloud, there is no turning back". The panel delved into the theme of creating digital experiences, exploring the ways in which businesses can leverage advanced technologies like AI and ML to achieve operational excellence.

The panel consisted of top leaders from adept and innovative organizations in the business world, including Zee5, Zivame, Paper Boat, LIC Mutual Funds, and Udaan. These experts brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, providing significant understandings and strategies for creating engaging and personalized digital experiences that can help businesses stand out in a crowded market.

As we look towards the future of technology, it is clear that the cloud is no longer a choice, but a crucial component of success. It is important that we embrace its power to shape our digital world. I want to express my gratitude to Big CIO Show  India for hosting the insightful panel discussion. This conversation provided valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of cloud technology, and I believe it will help businesses chart a course towards a successful digital future, said Kishore AK, Chief Technology Officer, ZEE5

A captivating addition to the event was the 'Unconference' segment, which focused on analyzing the widespread use of ChatGPT in organizations today. This interactive session proved to be a crowd favorite, as attendees engaged in discussions and shared their perspectives on the topic.

Panel: Securing Sensitive Data with Confidential Computing: Opportunities and Challenges

The event also featured other noteworthy topics that provided attendees with important revelations into the latest trends and challenges in the industry. An exciting session titled "Securing Sensitive Data with Confidential Computing: Opportunities and Challenges" was the Intel exclusive panel discussion on confidential computing, exploring its potential benefits and challenges.

Keynote presentation: "Future Forward: Digitally Transformed India"

Two captivating keynote speeches were delivered at the event. Vikram Chauhan, Director & Head of Enterprise & Government Business at Intel India spoke about "Future Forward: Digitally Transformed India" and emphasized digitalization's potential to drive growth in an inclusive India despite Covids challenging business landscape. Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, Director of AI Research, ManageEngine, discussed the "Future of IT Delivery," going beyond digital transformation to technological transformation.

Keynote presentation: "Future of IT Delivery

Finally, the "Humans with Machines" a fireside chat that discussed the ways in which AI can augment and transform the human and robotic workforces, rather than replace them, and shared learnings on leveraging these technologies for growth and innovation.

Some of the top speakers included:

Sanjay Mohan, Group Chief Technology Officer, MakeMyTrip

Krishnan Venkateswaran , Chief Digital & Information Officer, Titan Company Ltd

, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Titan Company Ltd Vikram Chauhan , Director & Head of Enterprise & Government Business, Intel India

, Director & Head of Enterprise & Government Business, Intel India Abhinav Srivastava , Chief Information Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (DICV)

, Chief Information Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (DICV) Kishore AK , Chief Technology Officer, ZEE5

, Chief Technology Officer, ZEE5 Amit Kumar Verma , Chief Technology Officer, Practo

, Chief Technology Officer, Practo Monish Kaul , Chief Technology & Product Officer, Zivame

, Chief Technology & Product Officer, Zivame Gaurav Bhalotia , Chief Technology Officer, udaan

, Chief Technology Officer, udaan Ashutosh Dabral , Chief Product & Technology Officer, Tata CLiQ

, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Tata CLiQ Sourav Das , Chief Digital & Information Officer, Aditya Birla Group - Essel Mining

, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Aditya Birla Group - Essel Mining Prashant Thakkar , Chief of Operations & Technology Officer, LIC Mutual Fund

, Chief of Operations & Technology Officer, LIC Mutual Fund Alexey Sidorov, Data Management Director, Chief Evangelist, Denodo

Data Management Director, Chief Evangelist, Denodo Karun Azhisur , Chief Information Officer, GE Gas Power Asia

, Chief Information Officer, GE Gas Power Asia Neeraj Chauhan , Chief Information Officer, PayU

, Chief Information Officer, PayU Ninad Raje , Director & CIO, HealthAssure

, Director & CIO, HealthAssure Anup Vijay Daware, Chief Technology Officer, Hector Beverages Pvt Ltd (Paper Boat), among others.

Sponsors & Partners of Big CIO Show include:

Powered by: Intel Xeon

Intel Xeon Supported by : NITI Aayog

: NITI Aayog Strategic Partner : Cyberverse Foundation

: Cyberverse Foundation Gold Partner: Manage Engine

Manage Engine Silver Partner : Denodo

: Denodo Exhibitors: NeoSoft, ST Telemedia Global Data Centers, Dista and Informatica

"I believe the Big CIO Show has been a resounding success, bringing together some of the best minds in the industry to share their insights and experiences. We are proud to have provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of new technologies that will shape the future of business. We look forward to continuing to drive innovation and growth in the industry through our upcoming events," said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon.
The Silicon Valley Bank crisis has finally been resolved thanks to intervention from the US government. On March 12, Sunday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen gave her approval to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) measures to safeguard all depositors. Many entrepreneurs have breathed a sigh of relief after learning that their money was trapped with the bank, affecting their day-to-day operations and delaying staff salaries.

The official announcement also stated that taxpayer losses will not occur, similar to Silicon Valley Bank's resolution. Shareholders and some unsecured debt holders won't be protected, though. The senior management has been eliminated, according to the official announcement. A special tax on banks will be used to make up any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund from supporting uninsured depositors, as required by law.

Lastly, in order to ensure that banks can adequately service the needs of all of its depositors, the Federal Reserve Board said it will make additional funding available to qualifying depository institutions. The startup community has praised the endeavour and seen this as a vital lesson to learn moving forward.

Silicon Valley bank was closed on March 12 after a stock market crash by 60% followed by a bank run. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as the receiver. The FDIC created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB) to protect insured depositors. At the time of closing, the FDIC, as a receiver, immediately transferred to the DINB all insured deposits of Silicon Valley Bank.

Silicon Valley Bank has roughly $175.4 billion in total deposits as of December 31, 2022, and about $209.0 billion in total assets. The quantity of deposits in excess of the insurance limitations was unknown at the time of closing. Once the FDIC has more details from the bank and consumers, the amount of uninsured deposits will be calculated. The startups impacted by the bank's shutdown may submit claims through the FDIC portal.

Silicon Valley Bank has become a well-known bank among entrepreneurs from around the world seeking to expand to the US. Private equity and venture capital funds were able to conveniently move their investments in companies because it offered them services like banking solutions. SVB collaborated with investors like General Atlantic and Y Combinator.

Startups throughout the world have been concerned about their funds that are parked with the bank since the shutdown. Garry Tan, the president and CEO of Y Combinator, tweeted that 30% of the YC-backed firms exposed by SVB won't be able to pay their employees in the next 30 days, which could cause thousands of startup employees throughout the world to miss out on their paychecks.

To lessen the effects of the bank's failure and prevent a potential "extinction-level event" for Internet businesses, more than 125 venture capital firms signed a declaration. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla also stepped forward to offer firms on the verge of SVB collapse personal funding.
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Beijing (Gasgoo)- Geely-backed smartphone maker Meizu announced on March 13 via its official Weibo account that it will be partnering with Lynk & Co to create a powerful intelligent and interconnected mobility experience.



Photo credit: Lynk & Co

This partnership was previously hinted at during the establishment of Xingji Meizu Group on March 8, when the company subsequently announced its product launch would be held in Shanghai on March 30. At the upcoming event, Meizu and Geely will unveil new products, including the Meizu 20 series mobile phones, the new Flyme 10 operating system, the Flyme Auto automotive operating system, and the Lynk & Co 08.

The Lynk & Co 08, previously code named the DX11, is a new energy medium-sized SUV based on the CMA2.0 architecture, and will be the first car to feature the Meizu Flyme Auto system.

The new model will be equipped with the Lynk E-Motive intelligent electric hybrid system. The vehicle's appearance has been teased by Lynk & Co, showcasing a distinctive design concept with Y-shaped headlights that the company calls the "dawn light" similar to the auto brands previously introduced The Next Day concept car. The Lynk & Co 08 is set to make its debut on March 30, with expectations to be sold later this year. While specifics regarding its powertrain have not yet been released, the model is said to feature a 1.5T EM-P plug-in hybrid system.
The queen of alternative sings that all the music you loved at 16 youll grow out of, but the echoing chants of her lyrics prove otherwise. Lorde plays another show in Sydney at Aware Super Theatre on Tuesday, March 14. FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

Qudos Bank Arena, March 13

Reviewed by BERNARD ZUEL



Saying Florence + The Machine go big is like saying Hugh Grant didnt want to be on the Oscars red/champagne carpet, or Naatu Naatu had some dance moves. In fact, a proper Oscars reference would say Flo + The Mo in concert is everything everywhere all at once. And thats a well-deserved, seven-trophy compliment.

Drums in the quasi-metal Daffodil land like the punches Florence Welch throws to start the night, and the harp ripples like the drapes of her peignoir (an outfit style repeated a hundredfold in the flower crown-bedecked audience). Backing vocals expand to invisible choir status in the florid Dream Girl Evil, and Ship to Wreck comes at us with the same Hussars-charging fervour coming from the bouncing mosh pit. Florence Welchs energy carried the gig on a mostly bare stage. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone And this on a mostly bare stage set at the back with what might be a multi-tiered table from a desolate wedding day, with candle wax covering every element. Druids are in the room; Miss Havisham is in the house. This is the concert we should have had last year when restrictions were finally loosened and everyone ran free like year 3s at the 3pm bell. This is the concert we should have any time someone tells us the only way to do pop shows is to bung on the dancers and turn up the taped sounds, or ramp up the teen screams. Not that this is missing physicality or audience involvement. As she sings in the booming Big God, perched on the front barricade, held up by hands and hope, You need a big god, big enough to hold your love/You need a big god, big enough to fill you up.

Welch has the vocal power to knock down the walls of Jericho without need for piddling trumpets. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Watching Welch run through the crowd during one of her most Kate Bush moments, Choreomania  a word for the kind of manic dancing that might once have been called St Vitus dance  is to feel the electric surge of a contact high. Lord knows what a charge it must give her. To feel the waves of voices hitting like the pounding-feet rhythm of (a thrilling) Dog Days Are Over is to be reminded heart-starter is not just an expression. A decade ago, in the Opera House, Welch played a show shorn of most of her band, an orchestra taking their place. Its set list leaned heavily into the grand, tragi-romances end of her repertoire, and theoretically should have been a Big Dramatic Pop success. It wasnt, because the light and shade was missing, the flourishes only having one expression. Theres no such mistake here: instead of blurring the emotional fault lines, the shifting tenor emphasises each one. When June rises, it feels insistent, inexorable, a tide of emotion taking you with it. Prayer Factory is Gothic splendour writ small, or at least short, its ghostly presence meaty rather than ephemeral.

And Girls Against God  as in Hunger  is both firm and quivering. Firm and quivering, rather like her voice, that thunder-and-waterfall weapon that in most songs comes to knock down the walls of Jericho without need for piddling trumpets. So, yes, big. Michelle Yeoh flying-kick-in-your-face-level big. BIKINI KILL

Opera House Concert Hall, March 13

Reviewed by JAMES JENNINGS



In the early 1990s, Olympia, Washington band Bikini Kill used their status as outsiders in the male-dominated punk-rock scene as fuel for their fiery songs, in the process birthing the riot grrrl movement and becoming feminist icons. Fast-forward 30-odd years and the reunited group are outsiders once again, but this time because they seem like the type of DIY punk band more at home playing a beer-soaked club rather than the Opera House Concert Hall. Bikini Kill, here in Melbourne, have returned to Australia for the first time in 25 years. Credit: Rick Clifford The disconnect is not lost on frontwoman Kathleen Hanna (This feels a bit like musical theatre, she quips, but it beats $2 basement shows where people spit in your face), whose chat between songs is often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking and as rapid-fire and direct as the bands catalogue of short, punchy punk songs. The formal sit-down nature of the show is jettisoned once the core original members Hanna, bassist Kathi Wilcox and drummer Tobi Vail, joined by touring guitarist Sara Landeau, launch into opening one-two punch New Radio and This is Not a Test, the audience rejecting the absurdity of watching a punk show from a chair by getting on their feet.

Loading As the band tear through a blistering set of songs with superb titles like Resist Psychic Death, Suck My Left One and I Like F---king, Hanna bounces around like a hopped-up 60s go-go dancer, having the time of her life and staking a claim as the coolest woman in punk rock. That coolness is underlined by an unfiltered interaction with the adoring crowd, with Hanna happily noting the wide range of ages, which stretches from greying Gen-Xers to tweens perhaps drawn in by 90s nostalgia. With so many young girls in the audience its exciting to think how many might be inspired to follow in Bikini Kills footsteps and start their own bands after the show, emboldened by Hannas advice to ignore the critics. The band finish on shout-along anthem Rebel Girl, which, along with the rest of the set and tales of dickish male rocknroll gatekeepers, guys you shouldnt go home with and how playing music is a useful form of therapy, acts as a raucous crash course in Feminist Punk Rock 101 that were all lucky to be schooled in from legends of the scene.
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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is keeping awfully busy trying to pull off a Scott Morrison-esque electoral miracle and lead the Coalition to a fourth successive term in government.

But some in Perrottets seat of Epping think hes been far too busy trying to win an election to pay them adequate attention. The final straw was when Perrottet confirmed he wouldnt show up at a meet the candidates debate hosted by the Epping and Beecroft-Cheltenham civic trusts slated for Tuesday night.

Look, we kind of get it. Unlike Labor leader Chris Minns, whose seat of Kogarah is held on a wafer-thin margin, Perrottet has a comfortable 11 per cent buffer. Hes far too busy trying to take on the powerful poker machine lobby to worry about noise from the M2, or the fate of gang-gang cockatoos and powerful owls in local bushland.

Then again, hes still a first-term local MP in Epping  thanks to arcane Liberal Party squabbling Perrottet has jumped seats twice. So it may be worth making just a little time for the local punters.
Police have dropped their central charge against an anti-China provocateur after he held up a Chinese-language sign insulting Xi Jinping that made reference to the leaders mother.

Drew Pavlou, 23, was confronted by angry members of the public during a protest against the Chinese president in Eastwood in late April 2022.

Anti-CCP activist Drew Pavlou outside Parramatta Local Court after police withdrew a charge of offensive behaviour. Credit: Kate Geraghty

He attended another protest a week later in the same location and a scuffle broke out, the court heard.

Pavlou was holding a sign that translated, in Mandarin, to Xi Jinping f--- your mother police alleged in court on Monday.
One client, a highly successful property agent, developed a gambling addiction and ultimately stuck up a 7-Eleven convenience store to feed the machines. Loading In my experience, the financial motive is generally underpinned or predicated by gambling or drug addiction, or both, he said. I was trying to win money that day Richard Moananu killed an expectant mother and teenager after smashing into their car at Orchard Hills in Sydneys west in September 2018.

A court heard he walked into St Marys Hotel hoping to provide for his partner by winning money off the pokies after his shift was cancelled. Were you planning on drinking? a barrister asked as he sat in Penrith District Court in late 2020. No, Moananu replied. I was losing on the pokies and I thought having a drink will calm my nerves. Richard Moananu Do you know why you did? the barrister said.

I was losing on the pokies and I thought having a drink will calm my nerves. Moananu told the court he didnt remember much of the evening  certainly not getting in the car after eight hours of drinking. Witnesses would later tell police Moananu was caning it and his driving was the most craziest thing Ive ever seen before he drove onto the median strip at Orchard Hills. He killed passenger Katherine Gordon, 23. She was one week from giving birth to twins, who did not survive the crash. Moananu also killed the 17-year-old learner driver while the front-seat passenger, Gordons husband Bronko Hoang, was badly injured.

Moananu pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated driving causing grievous bodily harm in the NSW District Court. Loading The Court of Criminal Appeal last year shaved down his sentence to 12 and a half years. He will be eligible for parole in 2027. Addict attacked over jackpot Charles Smith said he was a gambling addict who only took $100 to the Quakers Inn to keep his losses down, the Katoomba District Court heard in 2020.

He set aside half the money for dinner and half for the pokies but couldnt afford a round of drinks. Smith borrowed $30 from his drinking buddy, Thomas Moloney, and minutes later hit a $7000 jackpot, court documents say. Moloney told him to hand over half the winnings or one out. Smith told the court he understood that meant he would have to fight Moloney for the money but hoped his associate was calming down. Outside the pub, Moloney unleashed a brutal attack leaving Smith with traumatic head injuries, brain bleeds and ongoing memory loss. When police arrived the $7000 pokie ticket was in Moloneys pocket  he tried to cash it once released from custody.

Moloney early last year had his prison sentence for aggravated robbery reduced to six years by the Court of Criminal Appeal. He became eligible for parole in September. $430 in 50 minutes, then ferocious murder When Hanny Papanicolaou was not working as a house cleaner she was a regular on the pokies at some of the largest gambling venues in Sydney  RSL clubs. Hanny Papanicolaou savagely murdered Marjorie Welsh over money after a 9am pokie binge. From 9am on January 2, 2019, she lost $430 in less than an hour at Canterbury RSL Club and was deeply upset as she drove to the home of one of her elderly clients at Ashbury.

Papanicolaou parked in the nearby Peace Park before jumping the fence into the backyard of Marjorie Welsh  she was after money, the NSW Supreme Court later found. Papanicolaou attacked her 92-year-old client in a senseless fury, bludgeoning the woman with her own walking sticks before stabbing her. Welsh bravely fought for her life and told police, from her hospital bed, she wished she knew why her cleaner attacked her. She died six weeks later. [Papanicolaou] needed money because of her gambling losses; she knew that Mrs Welsh paid in cash and had more than sufficient money to meet her own needs, Justice Robertson Wright concluded. Papanicolaou is serving 22 years in prison, 15 without parole, after being sentenced last May.

Dark web MDMA after pokie distress Loading Blake Kedwell would put his entire wage through the pokies in the pubs around the Hunter Valley, the NSW District Court found mid-last year, and was under significant money pressure. He was fighting with his partner because of his gambling, exacerbating his financial distress. His way to get money, the courts found, was to attempt to import drugs he had sourced from the dark web.

Police intercepted almost half a kilo of MDMA in parcels from France in late 2020 and tracked them to the suburban brick home of Kedwells mother. [Kedwell] committed the offences with the intention of making money to relieve financial problems he was experiencing at that time arising from his gambling, Judge Ian Bourke said in May 2022. Kedwell, 26, had mental health problems but the only likely nexus between his mental health and crimes, according to his psychologist, was the gambling addiction. Financial problems he was experiencing at that time [arose] from his gambling. Judge Ian Bourke The judge said it did not excuse or mitigate his crimes because drugs and gambling are a choice.

Kedwell was sentenced over two counts of attempting to possess marketable amounts of MDMA to four years in prison and will be eligible for parole in May 2024. Church damage, stolen car after pokies loss Psychologically unwell former youth worker Stephen Luke believed he was part of Gods army. Stephen Luke was arrested by police in Lismore in September 2020. Credit: Nine News He had planned to buy a car to travel from Griffith to Lismore in September 2020, but blew $900 on the pokies, so he carjacked a 20-year-old woman with a knife instead.

During the five-day crime spree that followed, he lit a fire in the grounds of a Sydney Hillsong property and spray-painted a lewd message to founder Brian Houston on the church. It ended after he caused $1.3m damage trying to burn down another church in Lismore after the voices in his head ordered him to do so. Luke is serving seven years prison for a raft of offences including larceny, assault with intent to rob while armed and intentionally damage property with fire. He will be eligible for parole in March 2024. Gambling addict stole thousands

Another long-term problem gambler, no stranger to losing his pay to pokies and horses, Tony Glen Hazelwood hid his bets to keep his wife from leaving him. Loading Hazelwood needed money to feed his habit so he broke into clubs again and again stealing thousands each time in a decade-long robbery spree. Hazelwood was sentenced in Queensland in 2019 to seven years for 65 similar offences and extradited to NSW in 2020 for numerous club break-ins between 2006 and 2016. Some of the NSW venues he robbed, sometimes repeatedly, included western Sydney super clubs where he would pry open pokies and cash machines with a screwdriver and pocket thousands.

Hazelwood would then simply gamble it away, again. His psychologist told the court there was a nexus between his drug and gambling issues, mental health and offending. The judge disagreed but said the gambling provided an explanation and context to his crimes. Hazelwood was given six years in prison and became eligible for parole in August 2022. Cocaine syndicate paid with pokies slips

Kameal Bakri was a member of a dial-a-dealer cocaine syndicate that was paid with either cash or poker machine tickets in 2019. Loading The NSW District Court heard police found 10 handguns in a car boot, 95 grams of cocaine, a Taser, $900,000 in luxury goods, $365,000 cash and pokie cheques worth $9000 in the raids that brought the crew down. Bakri, who was never charged for the weapons or the luxury goods, was a gambling and drug addict, the court heard. [Bakri] explained his involvement in the offending behaviour as having been struggling financially and being unable to support his cocaine addiction, and also to support his gambling, Judge Robert Sutherland SC said in his 2021 judgment.

He was sentenced to a 30-month intensive corrections order in July 2021 for one count of supplying cocaine and one count of ongoing drug supply. Loading The reality of the law Judges rarely grant reductions in prison time for people who offend as a result of gambling or drug addictions but accept they can explain crimes. For lawyer Abbas Soukie, the moral and ethical questions of gambling are the ones he and his clients struggle with most.
Imagine the dilemma of the professional woman dressing for a TV interview who must choose her outfit so carefully as to avoid someone emailing her whole organisation, including the CEO, complaining that her boobs are too big.

Shes also aware that members of the public may inform them that their colleague is guilty of another, particularly female offence: the crime of being drab.

Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic (pictured) and ABC presenter Lisa Millar are the latest high-profile women to reveal sexist trolling, but ordinary working women get ripped to shreds for their appearance too. Credit: Nine News

The challenge is, Ive had comments for being too frumpy and too provocative, the woman said in research by Associate Professor Kathryn Shine from Curtin University and her colleagues from the Australian National University, who are examining the gendered experiences of non-public figures who do media interviews.

Speaking for an entire gender, the woman added: It feels like I cant win sometimes. I wish the people sending these comments focused more on what I was saying than what I was wearing.
Second, the government believes Australias existing fleet will become too vulnerable. The Collins-class submarines use diesel-electric power systems that require them to stay close to the surface for hours at a time so they can draw air into their systems. This exposes them to detection. Crucially, the advice from Defence is that this risk is increasing because quantum computing and artificial intelligence are making satellite and other forms of surveillance more powerful. The shift to nuclear propulsion dramatically reduces the risk.

Third, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) wants a new fleet with greater power. The conclusion is that Australia needs submarines that can go further, faster and remain on-station for longer. A Collins-class submarine takes 10 days to travel from Perth to Sydney; a Virginia-class can do it in three. One takes 30 days to get to Hawaii; the other needs only 10. In addition, the interim and future vessels will carry cruise missiles as well as torpedoes, so they could strike targets on land as well as at sea.

The RANs request to Albanese and Marles has been summed up in two words by those working on this project: missiles and people. This is a clear indication the new submarines will use vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk missiles or, one day, hypersonic missiles. The request for people reflects the anxiety within the navy about assembling the workforce to develop, build and serve on the submarines. What is missing, so far, is any detail about how Canberra can create this workforce.

The advice from Australias most senior Defence figures is to lock in AUKUS. This has convinced Albanese and Marles, even though former prime minister Paul Keating, a Labor icon, once said that developing eight submarines to protect Australia against China was like throwing a handful of toothpicks at the mountain.
NSW Labor will not change its gambling reform package to cut a deal with crossbenchers, despite warnings that a tougher policy is non-negotiable if the party is forced to clinch minority government.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns said he is unwilling to make any changes to his gambling reform package in the countdown to March 25, insisting Labors position is comprehensive enough.

NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns. Credit: Nick Moir

Were two weeks to go. Weve made clear that our comprehensive plan in relation to gambling is what were taking to the people of NSW, he said.

Key independents Alex Greenwich and Greg Piper, as well as the Greens and teal Macquarie Street-hopefuls have all said transitioning to mandatory cashless gaming on NSW poker machines would be central to securing their vote in a minority government.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinas autonomous driving solution developer WeRide announced on March 12 its official settlement in the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (hereinafter referred to as the China-UAE Industrial Zone).



Photo credit: WeRide

Specifically, the WeRide inked the official agreement with the China-UAE Industrial Zone during the 2023 China Industrial Products Exhibition held by the Zone in Abu Dhabi from March 7 to March 9. The company showcased its self-driving taxis and minibuses, providing on-site autonomous shuttle services at the exhibition.

The China-UAE Industrial Zone serves as a bridge between Chinese companies and the Gulf region's market, playing an important role in supporting Chinese companies' "going global" strategy. With WeRide settling in the Zone, the company hopes to further accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving technology in the UAE based on its leading technology and rich product operation experience.

In fact, WeRide has been actively expanding its autonomous driving business in the Middle East region. In March 2022, WeRide's Robotaxi achieved public operation in Abu Dhabi through cooperation with local ride-hailing platforms, providing a new travel option for local residents. In September of the same year, WeRide appeared at the 2022 Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and announced a cooperation with Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) to launch the first dynamic demonstration route for unmanned minibuses in Saudi Arabia.
Fresh out of law school, Narathorn Chotmankongsin was like thousands of others who embraced the 2020 protest movement that swept through Thailand and shocked the world by taking aim at the monarchy.

He was there for the Harry Potter-themed protests when activists began speaking openly of reforming the monarchy, and was at his old campus at Thammasat University the night the movement issued 10 demands for reducing King Vajiralongkorns power and wealth. He bought water and meatballs for his friends, happy to support the movement with his money. And he was so impressed by the merchandise created to raise funds he became part of the distribution network.

March was seen as a problem by those giving testimony in court against the distributor,Narathorn Chotmankongsin. Credit: Screenshot

One of the most popular items was a calendar featuring cartoons of rubber ducks that stand in for powerful figures in Thai society, including the police, army and monarchy. For this Narathorn, whom court papers identified by the nickname Ton Mai, has been sentenced to jail.

I feel its just a duck, why does it have to be so serious? Narathorn, 26, says from his family home in Bangkok, where he is out on bail pending an appeal.
Kyiv: Chinese President Xi Jinping could wade deeper than before into Ukraine diplomacy as soon as next week, staging both his first trip to Russia and his first talks with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky since Moscows invasion.

Several sources familiar with the plans told Reuters Xi could visit Moscow next week, an earlier-than-expected trip in response to a long-standing invitation from President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow in 2019. Credit: AP

His plans to also hold a video conference with Zelensky were reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources, which Reuters was not immediately able to confirm independently.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kremlin said it had nothing to announce yet. Ukraines presidents office did not immediately respond.
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

A vision is a catalyst to raise aspirations for what can become, and to release energies to get there.

In 2015, a visiting British aviation journalist suggested to me that I would be the designated person to create a Caribbean Business Aviation Association. Knowing the complexities and issues in the region, I rejected the suggestion. Instead, I considered it to be wiser to create results and solutions-oriented communication platform on airlift, and gather the stakeholders in the region to explore how to proceed and with who.

For that purpose, I organized the 1st annual Caribbean Aviation Meetup in 2016 which was held in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica. Thereafter the Meetups were held in Nassau, Bahamas, and on St.Maarten/St. Martin (four times).

CARIBAVIA brings industries together

Airlift is the common denominator of the interests of stakeholders in the aviation, tourism, business

development, and investment industries. It is equally important to government decision-makers.

CARIBAVIA brings them all together for better understanding and increased collaboration. Matters like inter-island transportation and trade, its dilemmas, and opportunities require increased attention since they are needed to prepare for future changes in the region.

CARIBAVIA is formatted and shaped towards the current needs and the future opportunities in the Caribbean region is a dynamic process. Foresight and a view beyond current situations are essential. By heightening the level of communication between all stakeholders, the issues are amplified.

The exploration of new ways and means to improve air transportation and the positive impact on the economies and communities of the Caribbean region will be intensified. CARIBAVIA focuses on rising the quality and value of the content of presentations and information. Besides informing, much attention

will be given to the development of education and training.

It is not enough!

Just organizing an annual conference event is like operating a circus, yet instead of hopping from

town-to-town, it hops from year-to-year. There needs to be more and more meaningful. It must lead to a long-term objective.

After having successfully organized the Caribbean Aviation Meetup six times, I do have a clear picture of what is, what is needed, and what the opportunities are to serve the Caribbean region in the future.

The time stretch between now and reaching the ultimate goal of a Vision is only depending on passion,

commitment, support and cooperation.

CARIBAVIAs Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal of the CARIBAVIA Vision is twofold.

CARIBAVIA Institute of Higher Learning CARIBAVIA Airlift Council

It started with a conference:

CARIBAVIA, Caribbean Aviation Meetup

the next steps towards the ultimate goal are:

CARIBAVIA TV, video-on-demand platform

CARIBAVIA educational and training events

CARIBAVIA Learning Resource Center

CARIBAVIA Tele-Presence and Tele-Immersion Facility

CARIBAVIA Research and Development Center

CARIBAVIA SUMMIT & RETREAT (conference)

The first phase was to create that platform for communication, the conference which will go by the

brand name CARIBAVIA and it is growing in popularity and importance. CARIBAVIA is not just a

Conference anymore. Because of the characteristics of the event, it will be renamed to CARIBAVIA Summit & Retreat. Summit stands for a top meeting of leaders. Retreat relates to an undisturbed time to get back on track, re-energized, and focused. The event is held in an exotic tropical Caribbean environment, rather than in a metropolitan location adds to the appeal. The word conference is used everywhere and all the time for gatherings of people, be it live, or nowadays increasingly virtual.

CARIBAVIA Summit & Retreat shall be an innovative conference model with added benefits for the audience, speakers, and sponsors. It will be reasonably priced for participants and cost-effective for sponsors.

CARIBAVIA Summit & Retreat shall always remain CARIBAVIAs flagship event. It shall be a sustainable development in conferencing that will be unique and stand out and it shall be the mouthpiece of CARIBAVIAs symbolic and philosophical values.

CARIBAVIA 2023

In 2023, the 7th annual CARIBAVIA Summit & Retreat will be held June 13-15 on St.Maarten, Dutch Caribbean. Workshops or side events may be held around the main event.

CARIBAVIA TV

CARIBAVIA-TV will be developed as an online video-on-demand platform to air and stream audio-visual

presentations. Recording the presentations of the conference and making them available for larger audiences is a logical step. Separate from the presentation, professionals of interest may be interviewed. As part of the conference, workshops will be held. These may also be video recorded.

Contrary to webinars and live streaming, video-on-demand productions related to aviation, airlift, and travel matters in the Caribbean region and beyond can be viewed at any convenient time, by individuals or audiences worldwide.

With the development of CARIBAVIA-TV, online educational programs will be created.

CARIBAVIA educational and training events

Learning will raise the levels of competence and capability. CARIBAVIA will arrange for workshops and other educational and training events. There will be a need for classrooms for the workshops that are not held during the annual conference. CARIBAVIA also aims to develop a pedagogical platform on the

internet.

CARIBAVIA LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

As the task of CARIBAVIA is growing and the activities are increasing, the organization needs to have a

shelter and domicile. It needs office space, classroom facilities, and a studio for video production. It may begin with providing CARIBAVIA with a location that may initially become a Learning Resource Center. However, it is possible that CARIBAVIA may operate from more than one location depending on the kind of activities that will be carried out. From within the facilities of the CARIBAVIA CENTER,

the annual CARIBAVIA SUMMIT & RETREAT will be organized.

the CARIBAVIA-TV online video-on-demand platform activities will be executed.

the CARIBAVIA educational and training events will be organized.

CARIBAVIA Public Outreach

The CARIBAVIA Learning Resource Center shall establish an Education and Public Outreach program created to advance awareness and understanding of all issues dealt with in the various CARIBAVIA activity segments. The CARIBAVIA Outreach Program aims to maintain contact with the community at

regular intervals. The program shall become a powerful information and education platform to serve a wide range of audiences. Since the Outreach Program is a variation of focused public affairs activities that are specific to education and dissemination of information, its programs shall include:

Awareness, skill-building, activity, and/or classroom supplements.

Create volunteer opportunities.

Student or community-based contests and awards.

CARIBAVIA Speakers Bureau

The CARIBAVIA Learning Resource Center shall also manage a Speakers Bureau, which will be a roster of associated or visiting professional speakers and presentations that are available to audiences of various community groups (e.g., Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Libraries,

Community Events, etc.) with the intention of informing, inspiring, and motivating an audience.

CARIBAVIA TELE-PRESENCE AND TELE-IMMERSION FACILITY

To combine classroom with remote classroom education, Tele-Presence shall be accommodated.

Tele-Presence is a technology that will enable users in different geographic locations to come together in a simulated environment to interact. The rooms on either side look the same to deliver the illusion that meeting participants in two or more sites at completely different locations are in the same room. Persons are life-size on the screens. Participants will feel like they are actually looking, talking, and meeting with each other face-to-face in the same room.

Tele-immersion goes one step further. It involves the construction of a three-dimensional (3D), realistic holographic environment. Existing video conferencing applications lack this dimensionality and realism.

Participants at geographically remote sites can collaborate in real-time in a shared, simulated, hybrid environment submerging in one another's presence and feeling as if they are sharing the same physical

space. Tele-immersive systems significantly change educational, scientific, and manufacturing paradigms.

Having 3D reconstructed 'real' objects coupled with 3D virtual objects can be crucial for the successful

fulfillment of the tasks. Some tasks would not be possible to complete without having such combination of sensory information.

Users can also interact with shared non-existent virtual objects placed in the environment with them.

To achieve this effect, computers are used that recognize the presence and movements of individuals and objects, track those individuals and images, and reconstruct them onto one stereo-immersive surface. 3D reconstruction for tele-immersion is performed using stereo, which means two or more stereo (depth) cameras take rapid sequential shots of the same object, continuously performing distance calculations, and projecting them into the computer-simulated environment, as to replicate

real-time movement.

CARIBAVIA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The development of a CARIBAVIA R&D Center is a crucial element to contribute to the development and dissemination of new rigorous evidence and innovative products, methods or technologies that provide practical solutions to issues, confrontations, and problems that must not be overlooked in the Caribbean.

CARIBAVIA R&D Center shall be the place where scientists and engineers will meet, plan, investigate, and test methods, technologies, and products typical for the Caribbean region (e.g. interisland trade and transportation, archipelago geography, small island issues, hurricane impact, etc.). The Caribbean may

be a test ground or laboratory for studying any kind of impact of its entire or its individual components, as well as how extreme external conditions may be of impact. The conclusions and solutions may be applied in other regions worldwide with geographic or socio-economic similarities. The findings may in their turn encourage other positive developments which will support economic and industrial advances and may benefit humanity and the environment.

Complex projects that the CARIBAVIA R&D Center is involved in, shall have the interest of multiple industry stakeholders. They will be interested to cooperate and find innovative solutions. It represents an opportunity whereby new products or services may complement the existing ones in a united effort.

On the one hand, it will be a donation by the industry to a good cause, on the other hand it is an opportunity to develop innovations that may result in new business opportunities.

It may be wise for interested stakeholders to invest in the developments of the CARIBAVIA R&D Center as it becomes a test lab where new materials and innovative techniques will be experienced.

The CARIBAVIA R&D Center shall have simulators used for training purposes with sets of controls.

designed to provide a realistic imitation of complex systems or operations. Foreseen are:

Aircraft simulator

Air traffic control simulator

Periodical CARIBAVIA ThinkTank Summits shall be organized to establish new relations and gather fresh knowledge that will support the implementation of current projects and provide inspiration and feedback for additional and future projects.

The CARIBAVIA R&D Center will:

provide leadership in defining research and development directions within its topic areas.

attract scientists, engineers, and students to visit the location.

be subject to worldwide media exposure of new development or discovery function as an

educational resource center.

create opportunities for cooperation with other educational institutions of various levels for the

development of new dedicated programs and conducting supplemental research.

extend the dissemination of its findings through online educational and informational offerings.

inspire the future plans of young people in the community and region.

It is envisioned that the CARIBAVIA R&D Center shall find its own place in the international community of Research and Development Centers.

CARIBAVIA INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING

Through the development of the CARIBAVIA education programs, the CARIBAVIA Learning Resource Center, and the CARIBAVIA Research and Development Center, the organization shall be prepared to become an Institute of Higher Learning.

CARIBAVIA associates and the participants in all activities will be some of the best scientists, engineers, industry experts, and other respected professionals from any thinkable segment and function that covers airlift in a wider sense. The CARIBAVIA Institute of Higher Learning shall maintain high levels of

academic and scientific accuracy while employing best educational practices.

The CARIBAVIA Institute programs shall touch on subjects varying from air traffic control to airport management, aviation safety to aircraft crew training, from destination marketing to client/passenger services.

Multi-semester programs with recognized certification and ultimately accreditation shall be offered. Students from the region can stay in their region to be educated and trained on matters that affect the region and shall become members of a highly qualified and competent workforce that will serve the region.

Brain drain in the region shall be exchanged by brain gain. The CARIBAVIA Institute shall also appeal to students from abroad to come to the Caribbean to learn about subjects that cover unique professional skill circumstances and a unique work environment.

CARIBAVIA AIRLIFT COUNCIL

CARIBAVIA Airlift Council is an independent and impartial entity with neither political ambitions nor geographical limitations. Caribbean Airlift Council recognizes that airlift is of critical importance to the economic and social development and well-being of the communities of the Caribbean region.

All aviation and travel segments in the Caribbean region have similar interests and have similar hurdles to deal with. There is also common interest by tourism and hospitality stakeholders. Airlift is the common denominator of both industries.

The Caribbean Airlift Council aims to stimulate the growth and improvement of airlift, identify, and remove unnecessary impediments, and improve the air transportation methods and services to, from, and between the territories of the Caribbean, in order to accelerate the sustainable positive economic and social development in the region. It shall initiate and establish partnerships, community platforms, strategies, and educational programs to support airlift development that is needed for creating a relevant international market and business environment, and that fulfills the need for affordable uncomplicated air transportation serving the Caribbean communities.

CARIBAVIA Airlift Council aims to establish a relationship of understanding, trust, and professionality in meetings with industry representatives as well as government authorities.

CARIBAVIA Airlift Council shall be available for

independent consulting

finding interdepartmental comprehensive solutions

functions similar to those of a court of arbitration in case of conflicting situations

Governments of the various territories, especially the smaller ones, are in need of having specialized expertise available for the planning and implementation of their projects, and often consultants are hired at a high expense. CARIBAVIA Airlift Council may be approached by government authorities to

assist in finding the most appropriate consulting or development companies. CARIBAVIA Airlift Council may assist by giving preliminary evaluations, provide an impartial non-binding second opinion, or assisting in the supervision of a project. CARIBAVIA Airlift Council may be approached for making feasibility studies or impact projections.

CARIBAVIA Airlift Council will follow needs, standards, and requirements, yet apply innovative concepts to make propositions and recommendations to the best of its knowledge and to find optimal solutions.

They will be based on the expertise and competence of its CARIBAVIA associates and professionals.

Major public or industry associations are not quite able to deal with airlift matters and dilemmas of the Caribbean because they may be too specialized and represent only one, or just a part of one industry segment. Too often the Subregion Caribbean is categorized under Latin America and the Caribbean or North America and the Caribbean, yet the region has its own unique complexities and dilemmas.

Subsequently, the region is treated as a stepchild. CARIBAVIA Airlift Council aims to offer a solution.

CARIBAVIA AIRLIFT COUNCIL shall be the umbrella entity of all CARIBAVIA activities and represent the airlift interests for all the various stakeholders in the Caribbean.

Positive impact of CARIBAVIA on local economy and employment

The CARIBAVIA projects will have a positive economic impact on the location where it will have its domicile. The various CARIBAVIA activities (conferences, thinktanks, workshops) may result in a form of education and science tourism as visitors will need accommodations to stay overnight.

The projects will need a number of local employees. However, it should be clear that the project requires the involvement of highly qualified topic-specific professionals from abroad who are needed and be able to assist in projects on location. Having these professionals on location will provide an opportunity to motivate young local talent and to prepare them for a future career.

CARIBAVIA aims to observe the principles of gender equality.

CARIBAVIA impact on young people

The envisioned CARIBAVIA Learning Resource Center and the Research and Development Center are sources of knowledge and information that can be an inspiration for young people to become involved or be encouraged to look at educational opportunities that will have a significant impact on their future careers and subsequently a high-income level. CARIBAVIA intends to share as much as possible with the local community through developing educational presentations and programs, as well as through supporting social interactive events. CARIBAVIA aims to appeal to young peoples curiosity, their taste for exploration and discovery, and their pioneering spirit.

Investment interest

Well-educated and trained individuals are the human capital of a location or region. The availability of human capital is one of the premises for foreign investment. Presence of institutions such as the CARIBAVIA R&D Center and the CARIBAVIA Institute for Higher Learning makes it more interesting as the industry is looking for innovation and progressing intelligence.

CARIBAVIA media exposure and promotion

The uniqueness of the CARIBAVIA projects will find media exposure worldwide of which the domicile location will benefit with an image of being progressive, an attractive tourism, and a potential foreign investment destination. Because the CARIBAVIA projects will result in new frequent research findings, progress in development, and its conferences and educational events, the reports will be covered by general and industry subject-specific media (aviation, tourism, economy, education, etc.).

CARIBAVIA shall be considered a gift and asset to its hosting communities and its supporting associates and friends, and especially to the younger generation that will be prepared to conceive and determine the future of the Caribbean.

Having a vision is only half of getting there. Only when we explore and dare go too far, we will discover how far we can go!
Thirty volunteers clean up Fort Amsterdam

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday 10th of March, 30 volunteers gathered early in the morning at Fort Amsterdam for a clean-up event organized as part of SXM DOET. After two hours, participants were proud of the large pile of trash collected, including car parts, beach chairs, cables, and zinc debris left over from previous storms as well as bottles and parts of Styrofoam scattered in the dense vegetation. After the clean-up, participants gathered to listen to the EPIC team discuss the Caribbean brown pelican and the importance of its habitat. Ms. Margot Mesnard, EPIC pelican Project Coordinator said our monitoring over the last five months showed that there are only about 30 pelicans nesting at Fort Amsterdam, many raise just one chick per year and need to take care of the chick for several months. EPIC encourages everyone to protect their habitat from pollution while trying to reduce disturbance as much as possible to keep a healthy pelican population.

Coming together for SXM DOET

SXM DOET is the largest volunteer event in Sint Maarten and the kingdom, helping people join together to serve the community. EPIC took this opportunity to reach out to Divi Little Bay Resort, which immediately agreed to partner on this event with logistics and help with a team of staff and tourists alike. I regularly participate in clean-ups around the island. said Divi Little Bay Resort Manager Mrs. Anne-Marie Brooks, At Divi, we are always keen to find interested volunteers and help with any efforts to protect the site. A full team of the National Recovery Public Bureau (NRPB) staff registered for the event, led by director Mr. Claret Connor and Director of Operations Mr. Abel Knottnerus. Abiding EPIC volunteer, and Member of Parliament, the Hon. Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams and her daughter joined efforts, working hard to remove debris from the rocky beach. A bin was donated courtesy of All Waste in Place N.V. to collect the pile of trash and debris.

A pelican project to monitor St Maartens brown pelican

EPICs Pelican Project started in November 2022 and runs until April 2023. The objective is to research the current status of the Caribbean brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis) on Sint Maarten and promote the conservation of its habitat through awareness-raising and outreach activities. With the data collected, the long-term goal of this project is to improve the management of natural resources for the preservation of biodiversity in Sint Maarten. A manual with findings of pelican monitoring and ecotoxicology analysis will be distributed to relevant stakeholders, also containing recommendations with best practices for the management and protection of this iconic species. A permanent education sign about pelicans will be placed at Fort Amsterdam in the upcoming weeks and to date, EPIC has reached over 350 children through primary school presentations. EPICs representative Rueben J. Thompson who participated in the clean-up noted that learning about our natural environment, cultural heritage and keeping our island clean is of major importance for future generations. This project is funded by the United Nations SPAW/RAC, Prins Bernhard Culture Fund, SXM DOET, and the Dutch representation in St Maarten.
Miramar, FL :--- Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)  the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity  is pleased to announce that it has formed another strategic development agreement. Following the recent re-signing with the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has now formed a tailored agreement with FCCA to become a Presidential Partner.



This new agreement shows the momentum that FCCA and destinations are having in working together to maximize cruise tourisms benefits, said Micky Arison, Chairman of FCCA and Carnival Corporation & plc. The British Virgin Islands has been a long-standing partner of the industry, and I am thrilled that this agreement signifies the improvement of so many lives and livelihoods.



Were excited to expand our partnership with the FCCA as Strategic Development Destination Partners, said Hon. Kye Rymer, Minister of Communication and Works, Government of the Virgin Islands. This collaboration will amplify our cruise tourism reach, improve, and develop the services and products we offer for our cruise guests and generate more opportunities for the people of the Virgin Islands in this sector.



After previously being an FCCA Presidential Partner following the historic Hurricanes Irma and Maria, along with working with FCCA following the pandemic, the British Virgin Islands has formed this agreement to further grow its economic benefits from cruise tourism, which generated $12.63 million in total cruise tourism expenditures, in addition to $4.33 million in total employee wage income, during the 2017/2018 cruise year (which was impacted by the historic hurricane season), according to the Business Research & Economic Advisors report Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies.



Through the agreement, FCCA will not only guide the British Virgin Islands government on enhancing their product and increasing cruise calls, but also will facilitate new experiences to offer cruise companies and collaborate with the local private sector to maximize any opportunities.



Additionally, the agreement will utilize FCCAs cruise executive committees, including sub-committees focused on employment and purchasing, for a series of meetings and site visits focused on the British Virgin Islands objectives.



The British Virgin Islands will also have open access to the FCCA Executive Committee, comprised of presidents and above of FCCA Member Lines, along with their efforts to effectuate the agreements objectives and the destinations goals.



Some of the other features of the strategic partnership include a focus on converting cruise guests to stay-over visitors, promoting summer cruising, engaging travel agents, creating consumer demand and developing a destination service needs assessment that will detail strengths, opportunities and needs.



We are proud of our past work with the British Virgin Islands and honored that they have again put their faith in us and the cruise industry, said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. Through this agreement, FCCA is fully committed to fulfilling individualized initiatives, which focus on assisting the private sector, improving employment, fostering cruise lines purchase of local goods and more that will help locals prosper from the economic impact that the industry brings.
TellerhAuser Drilling and DFS Update

First Tin Plc (\First Tin\), https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/first-tin-ltd/ , a tin development company with advanced, low capex projects in Germany and Australia, is pleased to provide an update on its drilling programme and Definitive Feasibility Study (aDFSa) currently being undertaken at its TellerhAuser Tin Project in Germany. Additionally, the Company announces that a considerable amount of additional historic drilling data has recently been located which could potentially add resources at a significant cost saving to drilling its own holes. The project is owned by First Tina?s 100% owned German subsidiary, Saxore Bergbau GmbH (aSaxorea).

Drill Results

First Tin has received positive results from the second two deep drillholes undertaken as part of the drill programme into the deep Dreiberg mineralisation. This programme is designed to add Indicated Resources to its TellerhAuser Project in Germany by confirming the continuity of mineralisation previously identified by Wismut during 1970s and early 1980s. Wismut previously intersected high grade tin mineralisation at depth, along strike from the known Indicated Resources at the Dreiberg seam (Figure 1).

The two areas tested are at depths of between 800m and 900m below surface and between 3,000m and 4,000m along strike from the HAmmerlein Indicated Resource area and 1,000m to 1,500m along strike from the Dreiberg Indicated Resource area. Both drillholes intersected the targeted skarn horizon and returned the following significant downhole intercepts:

a Drillhole SAXDRE24:

o 5.90m skarn from 810.3m downhole grading 0.40% Sn, 0.74% Zn, 43.0ppm In, 5.9g/t Ag

? Including (0.5% Sn lower cut-off): 1.35m @ 1.26% Sn, 2.16% Zn, 130.3ppm In, 20.0g/t Ag from 811.6m downhole

a Drillhole SAXDRE31:

o 2.90m skarn from 877.2m downhole grading 0.71% Sn, 0.48% Zn, 56.4ppm In, 6.5g/t Ag

? Including (0.5% Sn lower cut-off): 0.95m @ 2.02% Sn, 1.39% Zn, 163.0ppm In, 18.7g/t Ag from 877.7m downhole

As reported in December 2022, First Tina?s previous two holes also intersected the targeted skarn zone.A Together, they have successfully shown the skarn horizon is present, continuous, and tin mineralised as suggested by the previous Wismut drilling. This suggests that the skarn horizon is continuous for at least 1.5km southeast of the Indicated Resources at Dreiberg and is open to the southeast.

Importantly, the tin assays were as expected from the location of the intercepts. The other metals, in particular zinc, indium and silver were all as good as, or better than, expected.

The a20a series holes are located approximately 500m southeast of, and roughly along strike from, the Indicated Resources at Dreiberg (Figure 1). They targeted mineralisation identified by three previous drillholes completed by the SDAG Wismut joint venture (between the Russian and East German governments) in the early 1980s.A These returned intercepts of:

4m @ 1.72% Sn

2m @ 2.01% Sn and 2.0m @ 1.21% Sn

9m @ 1.57% Sn

Both drillholes intersected the skarn horizon and returned intercepts of:

9m @ 0.40% Sn (incl. 1.4m @ 1.26% Sn)

65m @ 0.34% Sn and 1.5m @ 0.75% Sn (incl. 0.6m @ 1.43% Sn)

These holes have successfully confirmed both the location and thickness of the skarn and the tenor of tin and associated metals mineralisation.A

The a30a series holes are located approximately 1,500m southeast of the Indicated Resources at Dreiberg and approximately 850m south of the a20a series holes. They were designed to target mineralisation outlined by two previous Wismut drillholes that had returned intercepts of:

2m @ 2.15% Sn

8m @ 0.58% Sn (incl. 1.6m @ 1.00% Sn)

Due to difficulties encountered during drilling, both of the planned drillholes hit the skarn horizon off-target (65m to 70m away from target locations, see Figure 1) and hence did not accurately test the historical high grade intercepts. However, the drillholes still intersected the targeted skarn horizon and returned significant tin intercepts including:

90m @ 0.71% Sn (incl. 0.95m @ 2.02% Sn)

85m @ 0.63% Sn (incl. 1.35m @ 1.49% Sn)

DFS Update

Due to the slow operational performance of the Companya?s original drilling contractor, and their inability to intersect the target zones in a controlled manner at predefined positions, the current contract has been terminated.

First Tin is in the process of identifying a new contractor to take over the Dreiberg drill programme, with the current intention that the new contractor will drill the holes using RC to depths of between 300m and 500m and then to convert to diamond drilling to test the target horizon. The next Dreiberg hole (the fifth drilled by First Tin) is scheduled to commence in Q2 2023 and, should this prove successful, the programme may be expanded to define additional Indicated Resources in the Dreiberg area.

This drilling delay has put the proposed drilling programme behind schedule by around six months, which has in turn put the revised resource estimate back by around the same time. As such, it is now not anticipated that the DFS at First Tina?s TellerhAuser asset will be completed by the end of 2023 as previously expected. Depending on how the new contractor performs, the DFS is now targeted to be completed in 2024.

However, the Board is pleased to highlight that the drilling to date has obtained enough drill core to undertake mineral processing test work from Dreiberg with half of the core from the drillholes being sent to ALS in Burnie, Australia. This will be the first mineral processing testwork conducted on Dreiberg mineralisation in over 40 years and will be useful as variability testwork for the project as a whole.

Additional Historic Drilling Data

A further positive outcome is that a considerable amount of additional historic drilling data has recently been located for the TellerhAuser project area. This new data came from previously unseen old Wismut uranium exploration drillholes as well as some assay data that had not previously been able to be located from three different archives in Freiberg. Following granting of the Mining Licence in 2021, Saxore was able to request additional data, in particular drillholes targeting uranium mineralisation, that were also assayed for tin and other metals.A

All of this data is currently being added to the main database and should result in a more robust resource model and may lead to additional resource tonnes being added very cost effectively. The additional identified data represents an equivalent of around 3,500m of core drilling from surface, 4,500m of core drilling from underground and a number of other channel samples.A A Based on the new data from the TellerhAuser drilling programme, plus the additional historical data recently received, the Company expects to publish an updated JORC compliant Resource Statement for TellerhAuser in June/July 2023.

While waiting for additional drilling results to be returned and while the new historical drilling data is being analysed, the DFS will continue to progress and will focus on the areas of mineral processing as well as investigating optimal mining methods, mine access and environmental studies. All these activities are well financed until end of 2023. A potential adjusted and extended drilling programme for TellerhAuser based on the results of the updated Resource Statement may require further funding beyond the existing budget.

First Tin CEO Thomas Buenger said, aIt is highly encouraging that the results from these four drillholes confirm continuity of higher grade mineralisation previously identified by Wismut over 40 years ago.

The holes all intersected significant skarn mineralisation and suggest the skarn is continuous and mineralisation is consistent.

aIt is unfortunate that the drilling contractor was unable to achieve the desired accuracy, however we are hopeful that this can be achieved by the new contractor and look forward to reporting additional results as they become available.A

aThe identification of significant additional data not previously available to us is an excellent outcome and could potentially add resources at a significant cost saving to drilling our own holes.A These new developments, however, mean that we are now behind the previous schedule for our DFS and it is considered unlikely that we will be able to complete the study in 2023 as we previously expected.A We are still progressing those parts of the study that are not dependent on the new drill data being added to the database, so that we can finalise the DFS as soon as we can a most probably now in 2024 rather than in 2023. However, with the forthcoming tin deficit expected to be of a long term nature, our project is still well aligned to provide critical supply to meet demand.a

Enquiries:

First Tin

Via SEC Newgate below

Thomas Buenger  Chief Executive Officer

Arlington Group Asset Management Limited (Financial Advisor and Joint Broker)

Simon CattA 020 7389 5016

WH Ireland Limited (Joint Broker)

Harry AnsellA 020 7220 1670

SEC Newgate (Financial Communications)

Elisabeth Cowell / Axaule Shukanayeva /A Molly GrettonA 07900A 248A 213

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Notes to Editors

First Tin is an ethical, reliable, and sustainable tin production company led by a team of renowned tin specialists. The Company is focused on becoming a tin supplier in conflict-free, low political risk jurisdictions through the rapid development of high value, low capex tin assets in Germany and Australia.

Tin is a critical metal, vital in any plan to decarbonise and electrify the world, yet Europe has very little supply. Rising demand, together with shortages, is expected to lead tin to experience sustained deficit markets for the foreseeable future. Its assets have been de-risked significantly, with extensive work undertaken to date.

First Tin\-s goal is to use best-in-class environmental standards to bring two tin mines into production in three years, providing provenance of supply to support the current global clean energy and technological revolutions.
Uranium Energy Corp Files Fiscal 2023 Q2 Quarterly Report

Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE American: UEC, the aCompanya or aUECa  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/uranium-energy-corp/ ) is pleased to report, in accordance with NYSE American requirements, the filing of the Companya?s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2023 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the aSECa).A This Form 10-Q filing, which includes the Companya?s interim condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes thereto and managementa?s discussion and analysis, is available for viewing on the SECa?s website atA http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml A or on the Company\-s website atA www.uraniumenergy.com

About Uranium Energy Corp

Uranium Energy Corp is the fastest growing supplier of the fuel for the green energy transition to a low carbon future. UEC is the largest, diversified North American focused uranium company, advancing the next generation of low-cost, environmentally friendly In-Situ Recovery (aISRa) mining uranium projects inA the United StatesA and high-grade conventional projects inA Canada. The Company has two production-ready ISR hub and spoke platforms inA South TexasA andA Wyoming. These two production platforms are anchored by fully operational central processing plants and served by seven U.S. ISR uranium projects with all their major permits in place. Additionally, the Company has diversified uranium holdings including: (1) one of the largest physical uranium portfolios of North American warehoused U3O8; (2) a major equity stake in Uranium Royalty Corp., the only royalty company in the sector; and (3) a Western Hemisphere pipeline of resource stage uranium projects. The Company\-s operations are managed by professionals with decades of hands-on experience in the key facets of uranium exploration, development and mining.

Contact Uranium Energy Corp Investor Relations at:

Toll Free:A (866) 748-1030

Fax:A (361) 888-5041

E-mail:A info@uraniumenergy.com

Twitter: @UraniumEnergy

Stock Exchange Information:

NYSE American:A UEC

Frankfurt Stock Exchange Symbol:A U6Z

WKN:A AAJDRR

ISN:A US916896103

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes aforward-looking statementsa as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as aexpectsa or adoes not expecta, ais expecteda, aanticipatesa or adoes not anticipatea, aplans, aestimatesa or aintendsa, or stating that certain actions, events or results amaya, acoulda, awoulda, amighta or awilla be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as aforward-looking statementsa. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of exploration activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage. 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. Many of these factors are beyond the Companya?s ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company\-s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
ESPNs Stephen A. Smith has a chummy relationship with a lot of Fox News personalities. But Tucker Carlson is not one of them.

On a recent episode of his Know Mercy podcast, Smith decried Carlsons coverage of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol, blasting the Fox News personality for attempting to feed his own narratives by claiming the media misrepresented the insurrection.



Im flicking channels and I saw Tucker Carlson talking about the insurrectionists from January 6, 2021. And I have to tell you that I got really, really pissed off, Smith ranted at the end of his podcast.

He was trying to act like, they only showed violent protestors and they didnt show the peaceful protestors, Smith said of Carlson. Who the hell are you fooling? Who you playing with, Tucker Carlson? Im not sitting up here trying to call out Tucker Carlson overall, I dont watch him, I dont know much about him, Im not trying to castigate him as a person or anything like that, Im talking about this one incident.

Smith criticized Carlson with similar vitriol a couple of years ago on ESPNs First Take. There, he railed against the Fox News personality for suggesting Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd because the jurors were afraid of what would happen otherwise.

Despite admitting that he leans left, Smith has been a fairly frequent guest on Fox News, touting his relationship with Sean Hannity and Mark Levin. But Smith appears to take issue with Carlson feeding his own brand by twisting narratives.

Youre full of it, bro, youre full of it, Smith continued. Youre trying to sit up there and be so literal, you know thats not the point. For the record, Tucker Carlson is not wrong when he points out that not every protester was a violent protester. Of course, we know that! But the fact of the matter is you had no business in the Capitolyou crossed those barriers. You had protestors, insurrectionists kicking in windows, kicking down doors, damn near crushing police officersfour people in the crowd died! One officer died! Thats five people who died!

Smith proceeded to list the names of the five people who died from the attack on the U.S. Capitol: Ashli Babbitt, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, Benjamin Philips and Officer Brian Sicknick.

You may not have been violent, but you were involved, and you were complicit! Smith said of the less belligerent Jan. 6 protesters. Because your presence inside the Capitol was capitalized by the violence that preceded your entry. Who dont know that? One thing about Tucker Carlson is that we know hes smart. Hes not stupid. He knows that, but you want to portray something else.

Why? Cause you want to deflect attention away from the insurrectionistsfocusing on the insurrectionists favors the liberals, in your eyes, focusing on the peaceful protestors favors the conservatives  Im guessing  no problem. Just say so. Instead of trying to act like, oh my god, the story wasnt really told, the real story wasnt told. The real story is that they were saying, hang Mike Pence, the real story is that they were looking for Nancy Pelosi toothere is no question that lives of elected officials were in danger. You know it, Tucker Carlson.

According to Smith, and many sensible news seekers, Carlsons attempts at characterizing the deadly Jan. 6 attack as peaceful chaos is furthering the political divide within the country.

I just read you the names of five people who died. And you had the audacity to go on the air and try to highlight that there were peaceful protesters, Smith ranted about Carlsons Fox News show. And then you all wonder why the hell the country appears to have gone to hell in a handbasket. Its because of this BS. Im not calling Tucker Carlson BS, I dont know him like that, Im talking about his coverage on this specific story. Well never have civility in this country when youre doing stuff like that.

Smith was careful to state he was not calling Tucker Carlson BS, rather he was criticizing the Fox News hosts portrayal of the insurrection. But with so much of Carlsons on-air persona being attached to feeding falsehoods, his BS surrounding Jan. 6 is congruent with the BS of his character.

[Know Mercy]
Two men were arrested over the weekend after allegedly firing shots from a vehicle in Wymore.

Just before 9 p.m. Saturday the Gage County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to Wymore for a report of someone discharging a firearm from a vehicle near 11th and G streets in Wymore.

A press release from the department said that deputies responding to the area spoke with witnesses, reviewed surveillance video, and were able to identify suspect vehicles. A deputy stopped two vehicles in Wymore and was assisted by another deputy and the off duty Wymore police chief during the two vehicle traffic stop involving five suspects.

After an on-scene investigation, 24-year-old Brentyn Swearingen and 20-year-old Zaide Swearingen, both from Kansas, were arrested and booked into the Gage County Detention Center.

Brentyn Swearingen was arrested for an open container violation, possession of marijuana, three counts possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, two counts use of a weapon to commit a felony, two counts possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony, two counts terroristic threats, two counts possession of a legend drug, possession of a concealed handgun while using drugs or alcohol and discharging a firearm from a vehicle or roadway.

Zaide Swaringen was arrested for the same violations, in addition to introducing contraband to a secure facility and minor in possession of alcohol.
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The Constitutional Court (CCR) will celebrate the Centennial of the Constitution of Unified Romania (1923 - 2023) with a solemn meeting that will take place on March 27 at the Palace of Parliament, the constitutional watchdog said in a release.

The solemn meeting opens the series of events and manifestations organized by the Constitutional Court throughout 2023, which was declared by the CCR plenary as the Centennial Year of the Constitution of Unified Romania.

Among the personalities invited to the event are President Klaus Iohannis, Senate acting President Alina Gorghiu, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca, President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice Corina Alina Corbu.

Also attending will be Koen Lenaerts - President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Claire Bazy-Malaurie - President of the Venice European Commission for Democracy through Law, Mamadou Badio Camara - President of the Association of Francophone Constitutional Courts (ACCF), constitutional judges from the Republic of Moldova, presidents and judges of other European constitutional courts, high representatives of central public authorities, representatives of the academic milieu from the country and abroad.

The original copies of the 1923 and the 1866 Constitutions will be displayed in a thematic exhibition of relevant documents and photographs which will be organized in the Senate foyer, in cooperation with institutional partners.

March 28, 2023 marks 100 years since the adoption of the Constitution of Unified Romania. Between November 1922 and March 1923, the Assembly of Deputies and the Senate, as Constituent Assemblies, drafted and debated within their select committees the draft Constitution which cleared the Assembly of Deputies on March 26, 1923, and the Senate on March 27, 1923. On March 28, 1923, the Constitution of Unified Romania was promulgated, as a necessary constitutional foundation "for the consolidation and vigorous progress of our treasured Romania".

According to the CCR, the adoption of the 1923 Constitution marks a unique moment in the constitutional and state history of Romania, through which the national project of the Romanians for the accomplishment of the Romanian unitary national state was completed and enshrined in the Fundamental Law, as the political and legal act which set the grounds for the legislative and administrative unification of the Romanian state after the Greater Union of 1918.

Through Article 103, the Constitution of 1923 established for the first time in the constitutional history of Romania "the right to judge the constitutionality of laws and to declare inapplicable those acts that are contrary to the Constitution." AGERPRES
For the time being, the task of AI-based virtual advisor ION is to collect information, later on he will also provide solutions, Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation Sebastian Burduja said on Monday.

"At this moment, the goal of this project is to accumulate information. (...) In a later stage, after we, the citizens will have put in enough data, (...) ION will be able to provide solutions as well. People probably expected something of the like of multi-billion dollar solution GPT Chat. He is not there yet and this is not his purpose right now. We have to teach him, feed him as much data as possible. (...) I am a parent, many of us are, we can all be the parents of this project," Sebastian Burduja said as he attended an interaction session between the virtual advisor and students of the 'Aurel Vlaicu' National College in Bucharest.

According to Minister Burduja, how long it will take ION until he will be able to properly answer questions greatly depends on the input volume. "Whether it takes a few months, whether it's a year, we will definitely reach that moment," he said.

Burduja specified that there is an agreement in place under which the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation made available one of its servers for the ION project.

According to the Research minister, the virtual advisor can filter repetitive messages.

"If he is flooded with messages intended to manipulate him, he has a way of realizing that this is an attempt to trick him, he can also detect profanity or other bad words," Burduja explained, emphasizing also that the ION project has come to international attention.

"I met with my French counterpart the other day, she inquired about this project. She wants to send a team of French researchers to look at this algorithm, understand how it works and take over this innovation. The same goes for the OECD," Sebastian Burduja also said.

The project incurred no costs for the Romanian state, as researchers are developing it 100 percent pro bono.
The minister of Environment, Water and Forests, Tanczos Barna, said on Monday in Brasov that he is still waiting for the written consent of the Ukrainian side to be able to complete the measurements on the Bystroye Canal, while mentioning that, according to the information received from the officials of the neighbouring country, the works carried out this year were maintenance works, which did not significantly affect the Danube's flow.

"We do not have yet the acceptance, the written confirmation of the Ukrainian side to enter the Chilia and Bystroye [branches of the Danube - editor's note] to make all the measurements. I spoke the other day with minister Grindeanu [Sorin Grindeanu, minister of Transport - editor's note], the ships and crews are at the ready. The written agreement has to come, as promised by the Ukrainian side, so that we can make the measurements, which will show us the exact situation on the canal, including the thresholds, where some maintenance dredging operations have been carried out, and the flow calculations that will be made, both on Chilia and Bystroye, as well as on the other two arms, will show us if there have been significant changes," said minister Tanczos Barna.

According to him, Ukraine reportedly said that the dredging works carried out on the canal were maintenance work and that the values obtained in the last measurements, in 2017, would not have changed.

"Dredging works took place this year and at the end of last year, and they say that they were strictly maintenance works, but we will see after we have the results of the measurements what the situation is (...) We have taken measurements on the 14 points, on the Chilia section, from the Romanian side to the Ukrainian side, and they do not show significant changes compared to the 2017 values, but, I stress once again, these are specific measurements, on specific sections. Significantly changed flows are those that represent a potential threat to biodiversity in the Danube Delta. We must prevent any work that significantly alters the flow on the two arms, Chilia and Tulcea and, downstream, Sfantul Gheorghe and Sulina," added the Environment minister
Foreign Affairs Minister Bogdan Aurescu is invited to the plenary meeting of the Chamber of Deputies on Monday for a 'Government's Question Time' session.

The Chamber meeting is scheduled for 4.00 pm and the minister's presence has been requested by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) parliamentary group.

The debate topics are: "the failure of Romania's accession to the Schengen area and the measures considered to achieve this failed goal; a briefing on the works carried out by the Ukrainian authorities on the Bystroye Canal without the approval of the Romanian side, works that are said to generate possible economic and environmental damages to Romania, and how these damages would be recovered; the measures taken by the Foreign Ministry on a diplomatic and legal level in the Bystroye Canal case aimed at stopping this environmental disaster with serious consequences on Romania," according to the AUR representatives.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, had on Monday bilateral political consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, on the occasion of his official visit to Vilnius, the main objective of the discussions being identifying new ways of developing and deepening the excellent relations between Romania and Lithuania.

According to a press release from the Foreign Ministry (MAE), the two ministers welcomed the evolution of bilateral relations, characterized by a constant dialogue and based on similar positions in matters of security, European affairs, as well as common interests within regional formats.

"The Romanian official made a review of our country's sustained efforts to join the Schengen Area, presented the current stage of the process and expressed appreciation for the support of the Republic of Lithuania for this goal. The Lithuanian official reconfirmed his country's active support for the achievement of this objective", the press release informs.

According to the MAE, a central topic of the discussions was countering the effects of the war started by Russia against Ukraine.

"The two ministers firmly condemned the actions of the Russian Federation and evaluated the prospects of this conflict. Minister Bogdan Aurescu presented the consistent multidimensional support provided by Romania to Ukraine. At the same time, the methods of involvement in the future reconstruction process were discussed", the cited source states.

As to the impact of the war on NATO's Eastern Flank, Minister Bogdan Aurescu highlighted the priorities pursued by Romania at the Alliance Summit to be organized by Lithuania in July 2023, underlining the importance of implementing all allied decisions taken in Madrid to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense.

At the same time, the impact of the war on other states in the region was evaluated, with an emphasis on the Republic of Moldova, a context in which the head of Romanian diplomacy emphasized the need to strengthen the resilience and security of this state, including in the context of Russia's destabilizing actions.

"The two officials reconfirmed their active support for the enlargement process of the European Union, including for the Eastern partners, this being the only solid option for long-term peace, stability and prosperity", according to the press release.

The discussions also provided an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on cooperation within regional formats such as the Three Big Initiative, a context in which the Romanian official informed his Lithuanian counterpart about Romania's priorities as the organizing country of the 2023 Initiative Summit and highlighted the format's potential for strengthening connectivity and regional security. AGERPRES
The acting president of the Senate, Alina Gorghiu, said on Monday that politicians should use terms like "bankruptcy" and "insolvency" only when there are arguments.

"Please allow me not to comment on the PSD chairman's statements. But, I think that, in Romania, it is quite sensitive to play with terms like bankruptcy or insolvency given the recent history on the insurance market. And I think that these topics or these themes, when you come out with them, when you are a very high-ranking politician, you have to come up with arguments when you issue or talk about such a serious subject. The conclusion that I draw or that, please allow me to explain it to you, it is that the National Liberal Party is waiting for all the information, all the concrete data, so that we can discuss solutions based on this correct information, without alerting anyone and without discussing any topic in a populist key," declared Gorghiu, at the Senate.

She emphasized that the liberals in the budget-finance committee of the Senate "are aware that citizens must be protected from exaggerated prices" and they want "to be present in the front line when it comes to the supervision" of the insurance market.

Alina Gorghiu pleaded for dialogue with the Financial Supervision Authority.

The chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Marcel Ciolacu, was asked last Wednesday what he thinks about the 40% increase in Civil Auto Liability (RCA) policies.

"You know very well that it is possible that bankruptcy will be announced. I am firmly convinced that the Romanian Government will intervene, as it did once before," the PSD leader said.AGERPRES
In the last week, the Romanian immigration police issued 1,575 residence permits for the beneficiaries of temporary protection, the General Immigration Inspectorate (IGI) reports.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine last year, IGI has issued 122,287 such permits.

Also, since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, 4,401 Ukrainian citizens have applied for asylum in Romania.

In the last week, a Ukrainian citizen applied for asylum.

The asylum seekers enjoy all the rights provided for by the national legislation.

Currently, the occupancy rate of the IGI accommodation centres is 44.8%.
The Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District is legally responsible for mold that grew inside heating and air-conditioning ductwork during construction of U.S. Strategic Commands new headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, a federal contract appeals board has ruled.

The decision could potentially cost the corps (and taxpayers) more than $40 million.

A three-judge panel of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals determined the corps defective design led the mold to grow like ants following a line of honey on an adhesive used in fiberglass ductwork that lined the interior of the HVAC ducts.

The discovery of the mold in September 2015  three years into the construction of StratComs $1.3 billion headquarters  forced the lead contractor, KiewitPhelps, to tear out and replace about 3 miles of ductwork.

The snafu set back construction on the trouble-plagued project by 209 days, according to court documents. The building finally opened in 2019, three years behind schedule.

KiewitPhelps (a partnership of Omaha-based Kiewit Corp. and Colorado-based Hensel Phelps) sought damages from the corps totaling more than $40.7 million. The Omaha district commander denied the claim in 2017, alleging that the mold was caused by the negligence of the KiewitPhelps subcontractor in charge of installing the ductwork.

The same year, KiewitPhelps appealed to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, a federal administrative tribunal tasked with hearing contract disputes between government contractors and the Defense Department.

The board heard testimony during a hearing that lasted nine days.

The projects contracting officer, Ann Young, testified that lined ductwork was part of the original design by HDR, an Omaha architecture firm. She said insulation was essential for security so that sounds could not travel between spaces in the building, which she described as a large SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.

Its the mission thats sensitive and the documentation and the discussions that people have, Young testified. So (SCIF buildings) are built in such a fashion that ... information cannot be detected or heard in other areas.

The plan called for insulating ductwork in the building with a rigid fiberglass liner, using an adhesive to insulate joints and seams. Both HDR and KiewitPhelps argued against the use of lined ductwork, which is generally forbidden by federal construction guidelines due to the risk of bits of fiberglass floating loose inside the ducts.

The corps disregarded their advice, for reasons that arent explained in the boards ruling. KiewitPhelps selected an adhesive called CP-135, and the corps approved its use.

None of them, though, foresaw the mold infestation that would bedevil the StratCom project at the end of the wet summer of 2015. On Sept. 9, a corps inspector discovered mold inside joints and seams of some of the ductwork (as well as a dead mouse). He also found mold in trash piles, wood panels, drywall and buckets of water.

Two days later, the corps issued a stop-work order pending an investigation and remediation plan.

The mold wasnt the first problem to plague the StratCom project.

Soon after groundbreaking in October 2012, the high water table on the 80-acre site  a short distance from the Missouri River  caused moisture to seep into anchor points in a bathtub-like retention wall surrounding the buildings underground command center.

Then, in fall 2014, engineers discovered that some of the concrete floors hadnt been properly designed to withstand a progressive structural collapse of the type that brought down the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Each problem took several months to correct.

The costly delays hit the project hard, in part because the corps had awarded KiewitPhelps as a high-risk project with only 1.1% in contingency funds for changes or emergencies. That forced the corps to ask Congress for an extra $37 million in funding even before the mold was discovered.

The type of mold that settled in the ducts required very little moisture, according to an experts testimony, and it found an excellent food source in the CP-135 adhesive. In fact, it grew only in the joints and seams where the CP-135 had been applied, prompting one witness to make the ants-to-honey comparison.

In late 2015 and early 2016, KiewitPhelps inspected and removed thousands of feet of moldy ductwork. It once again recommended using unlined ducts, but the corps instead approved new ones that used a different adhesive.

Later inspections showed no mold in the new ductwork.

In its decision, the board rejected the corps contention that KiewitPhelps was to blame for the mold because it selected the defective adhesive, and because a subcontractor allowed some of the ductwork to be stored outside in the rain.

Instead, the board concluded, KiewitPhelps was essentially following the corps orders when it chose the CP-135. And the mold would have formed even in a dryer environment.

The board directed the two sides to come up with a financial settlement. By law, KiewitPhelps is entitled to accrued interest, which could push the figure higher than the $40.7 million originally claimed.

Its not clear whether they have reached an agreement, or if Congress will have to appropriate new funds to cover the damages. Both the corps and Kiewit Corp. declined to answer questions about the ruling.

Kiewit released a brief statement noting the board had found the corps ductwork design was defective, adding, The panel ordered that KiewitPhelps is entitled to compensation ... for construction changes directed by USACE to correct the defective design.

A spokesperson for the corps said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

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On sharing confidential patient information

In a story published online Friday, whistleblower Jamie Reed, a former employee of the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Childrens Hospital, said that she and a co-worker, a nurse, had started a spreadsheet in 2020 listing the names of patients who had detransitioned, as well as those we had significant concerns about.

After an administrator at the Transgender Center was tipped off in early 2022, Reed said she got in trouble for having that list.

She said she was asked to surrender it but didnt because she didnt trust they would look at it through any sort of investigative lens.

We never deleted that list, and I sort of hid it in my Excel files, Reed told Jesse Singal, a journalist who writes about transgender health care issues on Substack and for other media.

Reed said she turned the list over to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey after scrubbing out the personally identifying information that could spark HIPAA problems, referring to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law designed to protect patient privacy.

Singal wrote that Reed shared a copy of it with me as well.

Asked about Reeds statements, a spokeswoman for Washington University said the university was continuing to look into the allegations raised about the Transgender Center.

We take very seriously our obligation to protect the privacy of all our patients. In all areas of medicine, patients have the right to know health care employees will safeguard their private and sensitive health information, Julie Hail Flory, vice chancellor for marketing and communications for the university, said Sunday in an emailed statement. We continue to look into this matter to ascertain the facts, including the handling of confidential patient health information.

In an email sent Monday, Ernie Trakas, an attorney for Reed, said he was confident his client has not violated any HIPAA patient identifying protections.

Trakas, senior litigation counsel with the Child and Parental Rights Campaign Inc., continued: Information Jamie provided to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and health oversight agencies is covered under HIPAA whistleblower exceptions and authorized by federal regulations (see 45 CFR 164.501). Information she shared with news media was meticulously vetted and, if necessary, thoroughly redacted to prevent even speculative interpretive efforts at identifying patient health information. Finally, none of the information provided is remotely contained or included within any definition of identifiers listed in the HIPAA safe harbor rule.

While we appreciate the need for and importance of HIPAA protection of patient health information, Jamie Reed did not and has not violated HIPAA. The more important question is whether the Washington University Transgender Center has violated medical treatment standards and ethics.

Trakas also serves on the St. Louis County Council.
When Sandeep Swami received a $1,339 bill for a quick and uneventful emergency room visit for his 11-year-old daughter, he pushed back.

The charge was a facility fee for the hospital, though the treatment entailed only a six- to seven-minute consultation with a doctor. Because Swami had a high-deductible health plan and had not yet met his deductible for the year, he was on the hook for the entire amount.

Swamis attempt to dispute the charge led him to battle the hospital, then his insurer, a bill-mediation service provided by his employer, and finally the debt collector. He didnt win, but learned valuable lessons about advocating for hospital discounts.

An Arm and a Leg host Dan Weissmann speaks with Swami about the experience. He also interviews Kaelyn Globig, head of advocacy for the Rescu Foundation, about how to find out what Medicare pays for a given procedure, and April Kuehnhoff, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, for advice on filing a dispute with a debt collector.

Dan Weissmann

Host and producer of "An Arm and a Leg." Previously, Dan was a staff reporter for Marketplace and Chicago's WBEZ. His work also appears on All Things Considered, Marketplace, the BBC, 99 Percent Invisible, and Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Credits

Emily Pisacreta Producer Adam Raymonda Audio Wizard Afi Yellow-Duke Editor Click to open the Transcript Transcript: Wrestling With a Giant: How to Dispute a Hospital Bill

Note: An Arm and a Leg uses speech-recognition software to generate transcripts, which may contain errors. Please use the transcript as a tool but check the corresponding audio before quoting the podcast.

Dan: Hey there

You know, sometimes experiments fail. And when were lucky,

Nothing life-changingly awful happens, and

We learn stuff.

Thats the kind of story weve got today. It starts with a note from a listener named Sandeep Swami, who was in a fighting spirit.

Sandeep: the facilities are doing nothing but taking advantage of a vulnerable situation, right, which the patient is already in.

Dan: He was fighting a medical bill. And he had a question I didnt know the answer to. But I WANTED to know. And I knew exactly who I wanted to ask. It wasnt an academic researcher, or a lawyer, or whatever. It was somebody whose credentials were a lot more  informal. One of my favorite people Ive ever talked with for this show. I wanted to put her together with Sandeep. In the end, Sandeeps experiment didnt work out the way hed hoped. He was disappointed, but hell be OK. Meanwhile, we did get the answer to that question, we had a great conversation with that expert and we learned some useful lessons.

This is An Arm and a Leg a show about why health care costs so freaking much, and what we can maybe do about it. Im Dan Weissmann. Im a reporter, and I like a challenge. So our job on this show is to take one of the most enraging, terrifying, depressing parts of American life, and bring you something entertaining, empowering, and useful.

Sandeep lives in the Bay Area, works in software, came to this country from India fourteen years ago.

Sandeep: Im basically an immigrant. And so the whole system over here was kind of completely new to me.

Dan: He was used to something a little more basic, but adequate and way more affordable. The last few years, hes had a high deductible insurance plan, and its gotten him VERY interested in learning more about how to avoid getting ripped off.

Sandeep: you start seeing those big numbers being billed to you and you kind of get uncomfortable paying those large amount.

Dan: Hes been listening to our show, and hes been reading a book weve talked about here: Never Pay the First Bill, by reporter Marshall Allen. I wouldnt say it had all left him itching for a fight, but

Sandeep: I had this in mind that, hey, the next time I have a situation where I had to walk into a facility, uh, Im kind of better prepared

Dan: Then, last spring his daughter wasnt feeling well  she was eleven at the time. Just a cold, a cough at first. But her usual medicine an inhaler wasnt working like it usually did. And the cough it was keeping her awake

Sandeep: about four or five in the morning. She was still not able to sleep with coughing

Dan: It got to be like 4 or 5 in the morning, and Sandeep was like, OK. I guess we better get her seen. Now. The trip to the ER was uneventful, and short.

Sandeep: the whole consultation lasted probably about six, seven minutes.

Dan: The doc said, shes gonna be OK. Maybe up the frequency with the inhaler. That was it. Sandeeps daughter gets better.

A few weeks later he gets a bill: One thousand three hundred thirty-nine dollars. And this bill doesnt include the doctors services. That was a separate bill maybe sixty bucks, which he says he paid right away.

This is from the hospital. And what did they do for him, exactly?

Sandeep: there was no IV, no injection, nothing. There was nothing which was given to us from the emergency facility. And the only recommendation we got, hey, use over the counter medication.

Dan: So, Sandeeps like, OK, Im gonna fight this.

Sandeep: I think I can afford to pay this amount. Theres no questions that I, I wont be able to but I think its more like a principle thing

Dan: Im not gonna go through all the work Sandeep had already done before we talked. But it was a LOT.

First, he checked: Was this charge even correct?

He got an itemized bill, looked up the billing codes, found out he was being charged a facility fee  like a cover charge just for walking into the ER.

Its legal.

In fact, hospitals will tell you: This is how they keep the lights on. And all the life-saving machinery running. And how they keep the nurses and other staff paid. All the people and equipment they need to keep at the ready for WHATEVER walks through the door.

In any case, Sandeep was like, thirteen hundred bucks?

He made all the phone calls: to the hospital, to his insurance, to a bill-mediation service from his employer.

They all told him the same thing:

Sorry, man. 13 hundred bucks is the amount your insurer pays for that code.

Sandeep: you havent met your deductible. You had to pay, and this is the amount.

Dan: He was like, yeah but its ridiculous.

Sandeep: I said, even if I rent a hotel for a day, with all the facilities, its not going to come to this price at all.

Dan: So even if theres no error, he wants to put up a fight. He goes looking for ammo: data that could show the price hes being charged is unfair.

And because Sandeep has really been following stuff, he knows: A federal order that went into effect last year requires hospitals to lay out a lot of pricing information for certain services.

Like, what they actually charge different insurers. And what they charge people who dont have insurance.

He finds the file. And its a good thing for him that hes a software engineer. Because this file?

Sandeep: its not in a readable format. Its like the binary

Dan: Yeah, its a binary file pure code. Readable by machines, but not people. And yes, its legal for them to post it in that format.

Sandeep puts his work skills to use, decodes the file. And he learns this hospital charges people who dont have insurance about a thousand dollars less than what they want from him.

And he wrote to me because he wanted to know: How could he find out what they accept from Medicare?

And I was like, ooh, wait. I actually dont exactly know. I know you CAN. And I know its a really good thing to do: If youre negotiating a medical bill, that could be a good data point to have.

Its a price the other side definitely accepts, thats gonna be a lot lower than what theyre charging you.

Medicare prices are set by the government, and they tend to be a lot lower than the rates hospitals and other providers negotiate with insurance companies. Because with Medicare, they dont get to negotiate.

The government does its studies, decides on what it thinks is reasonable, and says: Here, take it or leave it. Actually, take it or leave Medicare.

Now, hospitals sometimes say they get screwed on Medicare rates  but they all accept them.

They might not accept that rate from you, but if youre gonna try to negotiate a bill  or fight it it seems like a data point you might want.

So I wanted to know how to find it too.

And it seemed like an opportunity to re-connect with one of my favorite sources ever.

Thats the behind the scenes star of one of the first stories I ever did for this show  and its a story I especially enjoyed making. Partly because I got to report it at a Renaissance Fair.

Rennie 1: Have you gotten the chance to speak with Robin Hood yet? Robin, come forward.

Dan: Thats right after this.

This episode of An Arm and a Leg is a co-production with Kaiser Health News

Thats a nonprofit newsroom covering health care in America.

KHN is not affiliated with the giant health care outfit, Kaiser Permanente.

Well have more information about KHN at the end of this episode.

OK, this very early Arm and a Leg story starts with me at the Renaissance Fair.

Robin Hood: And youre having fun

Dan: for sure.

Yeah, Im talking to Robinhood.

Robin Hood: Awesome. Yes

Dan: If youve heard the story, you may remember: The people who work at these fairs, Rennies, have developed a kind of hand-crafted medical-bill safety net.

They need one. They dont all earn a lot of money. The gig doesnt come with insurance. And theyre handling swords and flaming torches, and what-not.

Part of the Rennie system is, they pitch into a kitty to help cover each others medical bills. Like half a million bucks over a five year period.

But the other part of their system is whats really impressive. Because in that same five-year period, they made more than two million dollars worth of medical bills disappear.

The wizard responsible for that trick is Kaelyn Globig. Shes a former Rennie herself, and she does all this part time  she also works as a real estate agent.

My first interview with Kaelyn may be the single most educational, influential conversation Ive ever had in reporting for this show. This especially stuck with me.

Kaelyn Globig: I love this job because I am so appalled at the way it, they try to work our medical system. Um, I like to be on this side of it. The one thats kind of fighting for the, you know, for the little guy.

Dan: Thats it right there, the direction our whole show has taken. Kaelyns the person who introduced me to the whole idea of using negotiation, and advocacy, and our wits to defend ourselves and others  against wild medical bills.

Including by getting an itemized bill, with billing codes. In fact, heres what she said:

Kaelyn Globig: I look up those codes and I see how much Medicare will pay for those.

Dan: This, I think, is what gave Sandeep the idea to call me. So I was EXTREMELY PLEASED to introduce them. I got the three of us together on Zoom, and Sandeep told his whole story.

Kaelyn definitely loved meeting him.

Kaelyn Globig: well first of all, give them held Sandeep. I am so happy to hear, that you have tried to exhaust every avenue.

Dan: And she was ready to show us how to find out what Medicare pays

Kaelyn had sent us a cheat sheet ahead of time. Including a link to a special page on CMS dot gov that the site for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

It was like she led us to a secret door. Now it was time to go through it.

Kaelyn Globig: So what you wanna do is scroll down, um, in the first page here,

Dan: I am not gonna make you listen to our whole journey.

Kaelyn Globig: Just scroll down and click

Accept

or read it if youd like. Ive never read that.

Dan: I am going to refer you to Kaelyns cheat-sheet a how-to document. Well post that wherever youre listening, and to arm and a leg show dot com.

For now, Ill just tell you: about four and a half minutes after we found that secret door, we landed here.

Kaelyn Globig: Yeah. So as you see that $1,339 service , our government has deemed a fair price for the service that you received is,

SANDEEP: Wow.

KAELYN: 40

Dan: it

Kaelyn Globig: did it say? 45

Dan: $45 and 91 cents?

Kaelyn Globig: Thats it. Yep.

Dan: Holy

Kaelyn Globig: They are charging you two to 10 times more usually than the fair price.

So this is our

Dan: This is more like, more like 20 or 30 times more.

Kaelyn Globig: right? Right. Yeah. I mean, just astronomical.

SANDEEP: Its so crazy.

Dan: Sandeep said seeing this did strengthen his resolve to fight

Sandeep: I mean, you look at the Medicare price , its not even two times, not even three times.

Its like several times the amount. So it just not right.

Kaelyn Globig: Nope, youre right.

Dan: Now, a hospital might say: That 46 dollar medicare rate is the REASON we demand such high rates from insurance companies like Sandeep. Were getting killed, and weve gotta make it up somehow. Its an argument I hear a lot. Kaelyn has a different caution.

Kaelyn Globig: I Love what a hard time youre giving them. Sandeep. This is so great. Um, unfortunately you are wrestling with a giant,

Kaelyn says, thats not something she tends to take on. When she looks up Medicare prices, its not for fighting with a hospital, arguing that their rate is too high.

She uses Medicare prices when shes advocating for someone who doesnt have insurance. Its a way of making an offer of something they can pay, even though they cant pay the amount on the bill.

Kaelyn: I write them a letter and just let them know I cannot afford to pay this amount. Ill ask them to please consider accepting Medicaid prices from me.

Dan: Actually, Kaelyn means Medicare, government insurance primarily for folks age 65 and up. Medicaid is government insurance for low-income folks.

It pays even LESS than Medicare   and a lot of providers dont take Medicaid at all.

So Kaelyn asks them if theyll consider taking Medicare prices, for someone who just doesnt have insurance. She writes a letter, asking please.

Kaelyn: And a lot of times theyll say yes.

Dan: And usually, shes not approaching big hospitals this way.

Kaelyn: Um, these are smaller, you know, this is the doctors offices, the radiologists, you know, the smaller businesses, and service providers, hospitals a little more difficult and every hospitals different.

Um, but its worth trying. I mean, I, Id still write a letter and send it to somebody who I hope would look at it , yeah, my, my experience, its, it would be difficult to get them to agree to negotiate lower prices,

(Sandeep laughs)

Dan: Sandeep was not exactly sure what would happen next, or what he was gonna do.

Sandeep: time is running out for me, so I think I still have maybe about two weeks time before it goes to collections.

Dan: That was a few months ago. About a week after we talked, Sandeep heard from the hospital. They were offering him half off. He said hed think about it.

And he did. A week later, he was just about ready to say yes. And then he got a letter from a collection agency, demanding the whole thing.

Sandeep: I was really upset. I was thinking about, okay, let me get over this. Let settle this amount. , and then the next day I see this letter I was totally kind of pissed off uh, by looking at it,

He sent them back a very firmly worded letter, told them he was disputing the debt. Demanded a bunch of information from them, before he would consider paying, the details of their state license as a debt collector.

Sandeep: , provide the date of the license, the name on the license, the license number,

Dan: He sent it certified mail, called to confirm that they had it.

That was two months ago. And thats it so far. He hasnt heard from them, or from the hospital.

Sandeep: nothing. Zero. Zero letter. Zero communication.

Dan: He wondered: Where does that leave me?

I mean, I have to say, I wondered for a minute: Is he off the hook?

And I called another great pal of the show, who happens to be an expert.

April Kuenhoff: my name is April Koff and Im a staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.

Dan: She said, basically, Sandeeps not really in the clear.

For one thing, the law doesnt say hes entitled to all the information his letter demands, and that if he doesnt get it, the debts not valid.

April Kuenhoff: and, you know, just because somebody stops contacting you doesnt mean that the issue has gone away, unfortunately.

Dan: Saying you dispute a debt doesnt mean you win.

Which, April says, doesnt mean you shouldnt do it! Especially when the other side might actually be in error.

April Kuenhoff: theres so many reasons you could have. Questions about whether you owe the money is this the right amount? Should my insurance have covered more? You know, was I billed the wrong rate? Was I billed for services not received? and, if you have those questions, then absolutely file a dispute.

Dan: Were on to a whole nother topic: Dealing with debt collectors. But Ill note: NCLC has sample letters editable templates  that you can use. Well link to them from wherever youre listening to this.

Meanwhile, Sandeeps in a kind of limbo, after all his fighting.

Sandeep: it didnt turn out the way I wanted. Not to even a minimum, uh, degree,

Dan: He may go back to the hospital and see about settling for half. And if he could do it all over again, he probably wouldnt do it the same way.

Sandeep: its a lot of time, effort. Um, its unnecessary stress, I should say.

Dan: Yeah.

So, Im saying: Sandeeps experiment  just duking it out when a bill struck him as ridiculous  did not pan out. But hell be OK.

And he says did take a lesson from the experience  he calls it a silver lining: If or when he has to go to the ER again for something thats not huge and life-threatening:

SANDEEP: I wouldnt share my info, uh, insurance information. I would insist on the cash pricing.

DAN: That seems worth considering, as long as youre sure you COULD give them insurance later, like if they say, Actually we need to check you into the hospital right now.

 because they need to treat you for something where the charges might blow way past what you could pay cash for and way past your deductible.

And because Sandeep shared his story with us, we learned a few things.

We learned about the limits of just duking it out of trying to wrestle with a giant.

We learned a little about certain tools  finding the Medicare price, sending a dispute letter to a debt collector about where they are and arent likely to be useful.

And we pulled in tools and guides for when they ARE handy:

Kaelyn Globigs cheat-sheet for finding out what Medicare pays for something, plus those sample letters from Aprils organization.

And, we reconnected with Kaelyn, who was awesome.

On the way out, Ill share a couple of bonus tips from her that could come in handy next time youre calling somebody about a stupid medical bill.

The first one? Weve heard it Ph abefore, but its worth repeating: If the person youre talking to is a total pill, just end the call, and try getting someone else.

Kaelyn Globig: Ive gotten the most unhelpful, rude. um, just stonewalled people. Um, and I just, I, I politely hang up and call back, uh, because there a good chance that there are more than one operator manning that, um, that department.

And sometimes its just the biggest difference is just getting the right person, um, thats willing to help and listen.

And Kaelyns second bonus tip, I especially loved: Bring an advocate with you to the call. It can be anyone. Heres how it came up.

Kaelyn Globig: somehow even just being, you know, I say Im a patient advocate, um, and just saying that sometimes they like straighten up a little bit.

Dan: I wonder if it would be a good tactic to kind of try in general. You know, to be each others ad to kind of recruit somebody to play that role

Kaelyn Globig: its me and my patient advocates on the phone right now, and

Dan: yeah. Right. Which, you know, my patient advocate could be like my spouse. Um, they dont have to know that

Kaelyn Globig: yeah. , your friend, your neighbor,

Dan: Ya know what I mean? Im definitely taking that one with me.

Meanwhile, Im headed to Houston, to meet Dr. Ricardo Nuila. He says we talk about how, what if we had a medical system that didnt revolve around money, around billing?

And he says, actually we have one. Its just not evenly distributed. But thats where he works.

He practices at Ben Taub Hospital  a publicly-funded safety net hospital in Houston. He says its not perfect, but its where he wants to work. And hes just written a book about it, called The Peoples Hospital.

Thats next time, on An Arm and a Leg.

Till then, take care of yourself.

An Arm and a Leg is a co-production of KHN and Public Road Productions.

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KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If the St. Louis County Council hoped that its no-debate decision to spend tax money to educate the public on another tax proposal would be ignored, those hopes have been dashed by Tom Sullivan.

And given Sullivans long history as a government watchdog and critic, the council probably should have seen this coming.

Sullivan filed a complaint Monday with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, taking the council to task for voting last week to spend $300,000 to mount an educational campaign on a proposed 3% sales tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

On April 4, the county and a number of municipalities in the county also plan to ask voters to approve a similar 3% measure.

Sullivan said the county action is yet another case of a local government violating a state law that bans the use of public funds for campaigning.

Just go look at Election Board website; theres always some campaign that they say, Oh, its just informational. They do it all the time, and school districts are the worst, Sullivan said.

But everyone gets away with it, so they keep doing it, he said. They can just stonewall ... and little can be done to stop it.

That has not, however, kept Sullivan from trying.

On the countys action, Sullivans complaint to the state specifically alleges that the council violated the Missouri Sunshine Law when, without published notice, it changed the original spending amount to $300,000, from $150,000.

It is requested that your office fine the County Council members ... and also require another vote on the proposal, Sullivan wrote Monday.

If another vote isnt taken, then its requested you take the Council to court and have the legislation nullified as the law allows, he said.

For good measure, Sullivan also notified Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith about the matter and suggested that federal intervention would help because local officials consistently refuse to take action in regard to elections laws.

Goldsmith handled a number of recent high-profile public corruption cases, including those targeting former County Executive Steve Stenger and former St. Louis Aldermanic President Lewis Reed.

They are regularly violated and elections are continually being corrupted  but local prosecutors will do nothing, Sullivan said.

Sullivan has not personally filed a lawsuit over this recent matter  in part because he already has another similar lawsuit working its way through the legal system.

That suit stems from action last year in University City, when Sullivan and other University City residents sued the city over an educational campaign for a sales-tax increase for the fire department.

The plaintiffs argued that the city broke state laws because the literature it produced on the ballot issue clearly leaned in favor of the measure.

In February 2022, the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed a state law that bans the use of public funds for campaigning. That ruling stemmed from a move in 2019 by several municipalities to have the law overturned.

But then in August 2022, a St. Louis County circuit judge dismissed the lawsuit, saying the issue was moot because the election already had been held and that the plaintiffs did not have proper standing to file the suit.

Sullivans side has appealed that ruling and filings in the Missouri Court of Appeals are due later this week.

As to the bill being passed without discussion, Councilman Mark Harder, R-7th District, said there was indeed some talk about the cost increase, just not before the full council.

Harder said he and Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, D-4th District, met with County Executive Sam Pages staff about the increase. Webb and Harder are the councils chair and vice chair, respectively.

Harder said it was agreed then that with only four weeks left before the election, $150,000 was not an adequate amount.

So we decided to spend $300,000 to make $3 million, Harder said, then referenced the countys $41 million budget deficit. And we certainly need the $3 million.

Doug Moore, a spokesman for Pages office, said the money would be used mostly in standard ways, by buying print and radio advertising.

Moore said the county will use Elasticity, a St. Louis marketing and advertising firm.

The language used in the campaign materials will be checked by lawyers, Moore said, to make sure it doesnt cross that line of showing support or endorsement of the proposal.

Only two of the seven County Council members opposed the spending: Rita Heard Days, D-1st District, and Dennis Hancock, R-3rd District.

Hancock said backers of the sales tax should have formed a committee and raised money to support their aims.
ST. PETERS  A man on Monday morning turned himself into police after he was charged last week with shooting a woman during a purse snatching outside a Schnucks grocery store in St. Peters.

Tyrone Miller Jr., 24, of OFallon, Illinois, is charged with first-degree assault, attempted robbery and armed criminal action.

Police said he turned himself in early Monday at the St. Charles County Jail and is being held on a $1 million bond.

A second suspect has also been taken into custody, police said. He is being held at the St. Peters jail and police have applied for charges.

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.

St. Peters police matched fingerprints on the victims car to Miller, who was also suspected in a string of similar purse snatchings, including a robbery outside a Dierbergs grocery store in Shrewsbury. He has not been charged in any of those cases.
ST. LOUIS  Police on Monday identified the man found dead Thursday afternoon in the citys Ville neighborhood.

Police found the body of Timothy Watkins, 56, after they were called just before 2 p.m. Thursday to the 4400 block of Cote Brilliante Avenue.

Police on Friday said Watkins had injuries to his torso and they were waiting on the autopsy report to determine what caused those injuries.

A police report Monday reclassified his death from a homicide to suspicious, officers writing they were awaiting the results of the autopsy.

Watkins "had no obvious defense wounds or cuts to the clothing he was wearing," police said.
HERMANN, Mo.  A police tactical team fired tear gas into a house here on Monday afternoon, flushing out the occupant and ending a 13-hour standoff in this historic Missouri River town after one police officer was killed and another critically injured the night before.

Officers arrested Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, of Eureka, who authorities had earlier said was a suspect.

Police say Simpson shot two police officers just after 9 p.m. Sunday at a convenience store not a mile outside of Hermann's old brick downtown, popular with tourists for its wineries, tasting rooms and quaint charm.

Hermann police Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith died of his injuries, authorities said. Officer Adam Sullentrup, 31, remained hospitalized in critical condition.

Sunday night, Griffith and Sullentrup went to the Casey's at 115 South Highway 19 looking to arrest Simpson on multiple outstanding warrants from Franklin and Warren counties, said Sgt. Mike Mitchell of the Missouri Highway Patrol, which is investigating the case. The officers were shot in an altercation inside the store, Mitchell said.

Neither Mitchell nor highway patrol Lt. Eric Brown would say if the officers returned fire or if they were wearing bullet-resistant vests.

Simpson, a man with a lengthy criminal record including drugs and weapons offenses, escaped the store  but in the chaos, police weren't immediately sure how. Authorities sent out a public alert, notifying several counties that Simpson could have driven off in a black 2014 Jeep Wrangler. And police searched near a motel on East 10th Street here, where Simpson and his girlfriend may have rented a room Sunday.

But by late Sunday, police discovered that Simpson had run to a home, up a hill and just a few doors away from Casey's, also in the 100 block of Highway 19, police said. Police didn't say what connection, if any, Simpson had to the home or its residents.

Two women came out with their hands up Sunday night and got into a squad car, telling police there was someone still in the home. Officers brought in spotlights to see between two homes. A next-door neighbor was told to leave his home and sent to a hotel for the night.

A tactical unit spent hours parked outside the 1-story vinyl-wrapped home. Overnight, neighbors heard repeated flash bangs, then police shouting into a bullhorn, ordering the gunman to come out. But no one did.

After 11 a.m. Monday, officers sent a robot onto the front porch. The robot pulled off the storm door, then officers flew a drone into the house. Tactical officers, in fatigues and helmets with shotguns and assault rifles, peered through basement windows.

Brown, the patrol lieutenant, said he didn't know if there had been any sightings of Simpson during the lengthy standoff or if negotiators had been able to communicate with him.

A tactical and bomb squad from the St. Charles County area arrived to relieve another crew around lunchtime. Then shortly before 2 p.m., plumes of tear gas filled the home, and Simpson started to come out on his own, Brown said. Officers swarmed him, knocked him to the ground and took him to a vehicle.

Authorities called a news conference Monday evening. Hermann police Chief Marlon Walker attended but didn't speak publicly.

"The community's hurting," patrol spokesman Mitchell said. "This happens way too often."

Residents in this town of about 2,300 mourned Griffith on Monday. Longtime resident Pat Richardson said the officer was easygoing and professional; they talked just two days ago when Richardson called to report a suspicious person near his home.

Griffith used to be a police officer in Gerald, Missouri. He also worked as chief for several years in nearby Rosebud, said Robert Koerber, who was Hermann's mayor when Hermann hired Griffith about seven years ago.

Griffith was a natural at the job, someone people could trust, Koerber said.

"He was one of my favorite officers because he had such an easy and effective style," Koerber said. "He seemed to take a personal interest in people. He was interested in whatever your problem was."

Griffith is survived by his wife, Jennifer; a 10-year-old son, Karson; and a 17-year-old stepson, Trevor.

"I've known Mason his whole life, and when he was a little kid he always wanted to be a police officer. Always, always," said Linda Crump, a longtime friend of Griffith's mother and a former police dispatcher. "He was in the top of his class at the academy.

"He was into helping people," Crump added. "He was such a good human."

Hermann is budgeted to employ about eight officers but has had trouble hiring officers primarily because of low pay, Koerber said. Violent crime "is very rare" in Hermann, Koerber said.

"There's been one murder in like the last 20 years, 30 years," said Koerber, who moved to Columbia, Missouri, two years ago. "Hermann is a community of basically quiet people who carry on without any commotion. They take pride in that, and the people support their police."

Missouri court records show Simpson has criminal cases for drugs, weapons offenses, assault and property damage.

A 2017 weapons case out of Warren County lingered in the courts for years while Simpson was free from custody: He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of unlawful possession, transport, manufacture, repair or sale of an illegal weapon on Sept. 13, 2017, and was set to stand trial in 2020  but that was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, a docket entry in the case shows.

Last August, a St. Louis County judge issued a warrant for his arrest when Simpson failed to show up in court in a different drug possession case.

And in September, an arrest warrant was issued when he failed to show up in court for a hearing on the 2017 case. About a month later, the case was removed from the trial docket until the outstanding warrants were served.

Simpson was being held Monday evening, pending charges by the Gasconade County prosecuting attorney.

The prosecutor could not be reached for comment.

Photos: Suspect in Hermann police killing arrested following standoff
ST. LOUIS  Earlier this year, two men who had long been at odds stepped to the lectern and together announced support for the state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department.

Officer Stephen Jay Schroeder is chief of the St. Louis Police Officers Association. Sgt. Donnell Walters is president of the Ethical Society of Police. Their organizations both represent St. Louis police officers and have long quarreled over issues of race, justice and equality.

But in recent months, the two groups have begun to mend old wounds, at least in part over a shared effort to support legislation that would return control of the police department to a state commission.

And that has shocked many in the St. Louis-area civil rights and social justice communities.

I stood up with someone who doesnt look like me, Walters said. Now everybody that looks like me wants to talk to me.

ESOP was founded in 1972 by Black police officers frustrated with how the association and department responded to racist incidents and policies.

Walters stance has betrayed the organizations values, some critics have said, and reverting to state control would halt the law enforcement accountability, reforms and transparency they see being made under local Black and Democratic leadership.

Walters has publicly questioned the effectiveness of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones public safety strategies  approaches that are aligned with the defund the police agenda, and policies and initiatives designed to decrease social disparities. He has responded that the number of murders has increased while the city population has decreased, along with its police force.

ESOP is supporting the state-control bill, Walters said, in part because when he has reached out to city leaders and elected leaders, even those who are Black, his concerns about recruitment, morale and protection for officers have gone unaddressed.

So he sat down with Schroeder and the bill sponsor, state Sen. Nick Schroer, a St. Charles Republican. And for the first time in its history, ESOP has contracted a lobbyist to secure its interests, paying $6,500 a month.

Schroeder did not return a request for comment.

Under the bill, passed by the House and now in the Senate, the St. Louis Police Department would be run by a board consisting of the St. Louis mayor and four gubernatorial appointees. Walters said he thinks this could help the department recruit and retain officers.

St. Louis police were first placed under state control during the Civil War, when pro-Unionists ruled the city and Confederate sympathizers controlled the Legislature. The setup lasted until 2012, when state voters approved putting the St. Louis Police Department and its 1,200 officers under the direct supervision of a public safety director, appointed by the mayor.

For decades, St. Louis has landed on national lists of high-crime cities. State lawmakers didnt help St. Louis tackle its public safety issues before, especially when crime spiked in the 1990s, and they wont help now, said Redditt Hudson, who works in the citys Circuit Attorneys Office. A former St. Louis police officer, he founded the National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice, Reform, and Accountability to address racism.

Giving the Missouri governor and Senate a role in policing St. Louis would subvert the will of the voters and let state politicians use the city as a political prop, Hudson said.

We have a process for making changes  its called an election, he said. The state control bill eliminates the voices of the people who said they want local control and an enhanced civilian (police) oversight board.

Both Walters and Hudson have headed west to Jefferson City, presenting opposing arguments on how to better public safety and the lives of St. Louis residents.

There are people who recognize we live in a changing nation with changing ideas about policy and approaches to different issues, Hudson said.

Power is going to be exercised and distributed and there are people who want that concentrated solely in the hands of people whove always wielded power, he said.
JEFFERSON CITY  Nine months after a deadly collision involving an Amtrak train and a dump truck in rural western Missouri, the fate of an increase in state spending to improve rail crossings is in limbo.

After Missouri Department of Transportation officials asked for $50 million last year to provide a significant boost in the budget to improve dangerous crossings, Gov. Mike Parson proposed a $25 million earmark to bankroll the expansion.

Thus far, that $25 million level is intact as lawmakers in the House are entering the final weeks of budget negotiations.

But the chairman of a subcommittee of the House budget panel, which develops the parameters of the states transportation spending plan, said hes not sure how much will be allocated once the final budget blueprint is agreed upon.

Id hate to speculate on whats in and whats out, Rep. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, said Monday.

MoDOT, too, is watching the situation.

We are waiting to see what happens in the legislative session, said spokeswoman Linda Horn.

In other words, the money for crossings could be increased or reduced amid the thousands of other tweaks that are typically made to the governors initial $50 billion overall spending request.

If the $25 million figure stands, it would mean less money to spend on ramping up safety measures along the states freight and passenger rail corridors than the agency had sought.

Currently, Missouri generates about $1.5 million annually for rail safety improvements from a 25-cent state motor vehicle licensing fee. In addition, MoDOT gets about $6 million in federal funds to work on crossings.

The current level of funding improves about 20 crossings each year. The added infusion, plus additional federal matching funds, could pay for six years of projects, the documents note.

MoDOT estimates if there is $25 million in state funds available for rail crossing safety devices, that would equate to about 50-60 public crossings being improved.

The call for additional funding came after an Amtrak train carrying about 275 passengers and 12 crew collided with a dump truck in June at a rural crossing 80 miles northwest of Columbia.

The rural crossing had no lights or other signals to warn of an approaching train.

Four people, including the truck driver, died in the accident, with another 150 people taken to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Lawsuits have been filed in connection with the incident and MoDOT has since inked an agreement with Chariton County to pay for a railroad crossing safety study of crossings from Snyder to Mendon.

Rail safety has been in the spotlight after a Feb. 3 freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, released hazardous chemicals into the towns soil and water.

That accident was not caused by a crossing malfunction but a mechanical defect in one of the rail cars axles.

Missouri lawmakers have responded to the Ohio accident by introducing bills aimed at addressing rail safety.

Sen. Doug Beck, D-Affton, for example, is sponsoring legislation prohibiting the operation of any freight train carrying hazardous material that exceeds 8,500 feet in length.

In all, Missouri has 3,311 public rail crossings with about 50% of them equipped with active lights or gates or both.

Of those, 496 crossings are on the state road system and only 22 of those are passive crossings without active lights or gates. Another 2,815 crossings are on local roads, with 1,398 of them being passive.

According to MoDOT, it would cost about $700 million to transform all of the crossings that dont have lights or gates and would take 23 years to complete.
The downtown Billings Burger King has closed. A sign on the door says it will be closed for Easter but exterior signs have been removed and th
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Mayor Quinton Lucas is accusing two of his fellow members on the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners of violating the Missouri Sunshine Law by meeting secretly to discuss legal matters.

Lucas said the two-member litigation committee, which is a subcommittee of the police board, has routinely met with the boards private attorneys to discuss pending civil lawsuits and map out legal strategy.

Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, no meeting or vote of a public body is allowed to be closed without a vote of the majority of those members present. Boards are required to publicly disclose the time, date and place of those closed meetings.

Notice of the police board committees meetings have not been posted.

David Kenner, board secretary and attorney, said the meetings dont have to be posted because the committee does not represent a quorum of the five-member board.

Its only function is to discuss strategy with outside counsel in matters related to litigation between the city or its officials, including the mayor, and the (police) department, Kenner wrote in an email to The Star. No votes are taken at these meetings.

Kansas City is one of a few cities in the United States that does not control its police force and the only one in Missouri. (The Legislature, however, is considering a bill to put the St. Louis police department back under state control.) The department is overseen by the Board of Police Commissioners. Four members are appointed by the governor and as Kansas City mayor, Lucas occupies a fifth spot.

One of the five seats is currently vacant. Don Wagner stepped down from the board at the end 2022 after serving five years. Gov. Mike Parson has yet to name a replacement.

The other police commissioners  Cathy Dean, Dawn Cramer and board president Mark Tolbert  declined to comment.

The subcommittee was created two years ago after Lucas and a majority of the City Council passed a pair of ordinances that sought to give the city manager authority over a $42.3 million portion of the police department budget. The money would have been allocated for a community services and prevention fund.

The city gives millions to the police department but has no say in how those tax dollars are spent.

The litigation subcommittee, at the time, consisted of board members Nathan Garrett and Cathy Dean. The two met with outside attorneys to weigh the boards legal options against the ordinances. The board later decided to file a civil lawsuit against Lucas and the City Council.

A Jackson County judge ruled in the boards favor, saying the council violated state law and could not redirect police funding after it had already approved the budget.

But after that legal victory the litigation subcommittee has continued to meet without providing public notification, Lucas said.

The litigation subcommittee now includes Dean and Cramer.

As part of another ongoing lawsuit, four of the five police commissioners alleged that the city is under counting its general revenue fund so it can spend less on law enforcement.

Missouri law now requires Kansas City allocate 25% from its general revenue fund to the department. Voters in Missouri passed a constitutional amendment in November to increase the funding amount from 20%.

But in recent court filings, the board says the city is not including in its general fund calculations economic development incentives like community improvement districts, transportation development districts and tax increment financing incentives. Those funds are set aside for special business districts and new development projects.

The BOPC alleges the city is violating state law by under counting revenues when determining how much to appropriate to the police department.

The citys general fund accounts for about 30% of government spending. Funded by property, earnings and utilities taxes, the general fund pays for basic services like police, fire and trash collection. The general fund excludes departments like aviation and water, which have dedicated revenue streams.

In court filings, the police board argues the city should not base its police funding on the general fund figures, because it excludes two-thirds of city spending.

The city has argued that it has used the same formula for police funding for many years and any change in that formula would create an increased financial burden on the city.

The cross-claim filed by the police board is part of an ongoing civil lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, over how Kansas Citys police department is governed. That lawsuit was consolidated with a civil action filed by Lucas that challenged how much the state could required the city to spend on policing.

Community activists said if the board prevails in its legal action, it could be financially devastating for the city.

And the litigation subcommittee discussing whether to file a cross-claim against the city is a violation of the Missouri Sunshine Law, said Lora McDonald of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2.

The Board of Police Commissioners litigation committee certainly alarms us on multiple levels, but we are not surprised, McDonald said.

It appears to exist for the purpose of making secret decisions which may have a big impact on the city, yet the public gets no information. It has only included Caucasian board members since its inception. We have no information on why the committee was necessary as it was created in closed session and no information on the decisions made within the committee.

The boards only other committee is one that reviews the departments annual outside audit. The minutes and actions from those meetings have been posted on the boards website, but the last time was in June 2020.

For years the police department has struggled to foster relationships with the community it serves. McDonald said the litigation committee undercuts efforts to enhance transparency and accountability to residents and taxpayers.

The department is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations of racist employment and hiring practices.

KCPD also has faced criticism from community leaders related to racial discrimination, police use of force, the killings of Black men and the citys alarming homicide rate.

The litigation committee of the BOPC has the ability to significantly influence policing policy in Kansas City through the lawsuits it decides to pursue, said Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project.

While some of the content of meetings might be exempt under the sunshine laws litigation exceptions, it seems very unlikely that all of their notifications, minutes, agenda items and actions would be exempt, Bonds said. There is a strong public interest in knowing the work of the litigation committee and people are rightfully concerned about how much is being withheld from the public.

Lucas has frequently challenged various legal decisions by his fellow commissioners during his term on the police board.

The mayor said he voted in opposition to creation of the litigation committee because it has excluded some board members. He said he does not have a record of how often or when the committee meets and there is no record of what they discussed.

It is truly frustrating and purely unlawful, he said.

Jean Maneke, an attorney who represents the Missouri Press Association and works on matters related to the Missouri Sunshine Law, said a subcommittee is no different than any other public body.

And so if the board authorized this litigation committee, or subcommittee, whichever you call it, and it reports to the board  yes, it absolutely must follow the Sunshine Law, she said.

The Missouri attorney general, citizens and even Lucas could seek a legal remedy by filing a civil lawsuit that would ask a judge to decide whether the subcommittees meetings are allowed to be closed. That has not happened yet.

The Stars Kevin Hardy contributed to this report.
Now that Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy have thrown their hats in the ring, it seems every pundit from every news outlet has discovered that a large field of Republican nominees benefits ex-President Donald Trump. Of course it does. But is this a good thing or a bad thing for Republicans and for the country?

We cant possibly know the answer to those questions. But we can acknowledge that Americans increasingly feel like our current primary system has been producing outcomes that do a poor job expressing desires of voters while doing a good job making our politics more acrimonious than ever. By understanding precisely why this is true, we can see our way toward improving the process in time for the upcoming presidential primaries.

Harold Hotelling, a brilliant mathematician and economic theorist, helped us see why in a two-person race it is in a candidates best interest to state a position that is as close to his opponent as possible. Suppose Candidate A is a little left of center on a particular issue. Candidate B could choose a position that is equally right of center, but that leaves the middle up for grabs. The better strategy is for B to take a position that is right up against As position. This is because no one on the right will choose A over B, but now B grabs all of the people in the middle plus his base.

This sounds crass, but it is actually a good thing. Both candidates have an incentive to do this, so both candidates try to stake out positions near the middle to keep their opponent from taking the middle. With two candidates, being extreme is bad strategy.

But politicians today are farther apart than ever, even in two-person races. Does this mean Hotelling was wrong. It doesnt, and we can see why by thinking about what happens before we get to the final vote between the parties two nominees.

Over time, an increasing number of primary races involve larger fields than was common in the past, when political parties decided whom to run. This changes everything.

The political pressure to aim for the middle on any issue weakens as more candidates compete for a nomination. The greater the number of candidates, the more likely winning will be about having a highly committed set of supporters. Initially they might not constitute even a plurality. This is because in a large the field, it is hard to get a plurality, let alone a majority. This is especially true early in the primary season when the field is largest.

This is why, in addition to the super delegate safeguards already in place, Democrats exerted a great deal of pressure in the last presidential election to keep the number of nominees to a minimum. This, they thought, would increase the chances that a Democratic candidate would win the general election by keeping someone like Bernie Sanders from being nominated.

The Republicans, in contrast, had the largest field in history. This was perfect for Donald Trump since he could cultivate strong support from his personal base even if the majority of Republicans would have voted against him if given the chance.

When many people run, consistently getting only a modest percentage can create a path to nomination. With each additional primary fewer candidates remain, and the supporters of the people who have left the field are now spread over the remaining field.

What most people overlook is that, in a two-candidate election, casting a vote for A is equivalent to casting a vote against B. So in a two-candidate election if your strongest preference is to keep one candidate from winning above all else, you need only vote for the other candidate.

But the larger the field, the less meaningful it is to express such a preference indirectly by voting for someone else. This makes it possible for the eventual nominee to be someone who majority of a party would have voted against on day one if given a chance.

Here is a reform to primary voting that is not nearly as radical as the last minute changes we observed right before the last presidential election. To the right of each candidate is a for circle and an against circle. For each race, the voter can blacken-in only one circle. This gives the voter the ability to express a negative preference instead of only being able to express a positive preference.

Each candidates vote total in the primary is then computed in the obvious way: sum of all for votes minus the sum of all against votes.

If there is a candidate whom the majority dislikes even though he or she enjoys the support of a fervent base, that candidate would not likely make it very far. This means it is very unlikely that a candidate the majority doesnt want ends up winning a nomination while several who could have easily enjoyed majority support at the start watch the convention from the sidelines.

David C. Rose is an economics professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a senior fellow at Common Sense Society.
As Missouri continues to fail in basic responsibilities of state governance that affect most of the citizenry  education funding, health care, roads  the states Republican-controlled Legislature continues obsessing over issues that are either nonexistent (critical race theory) or that affect relative slivers of the population (transgender medical treatment). These are skirmishes in the GOPs culture wars: performative politics designed to whip up the passions and prejudices of the right, often by puffing up non-issues or meddling where state lawmakers have no legitimate role.

Its a cynical playbook that is depriving Missourians of the service they deserve from their elected representatives. But since the voters so far have let them get away with it, lawmakers have little cause to stop. Indeed, having watched former state Attorney General Eric Schmitt ascend to the U.S. Senate on a campaign based largely on vilifying teachers over school curriculum and doctors over pandemic policies  intentionally dividing Missourians ideologically rather than seeking to unite them  it must look to many up-and-coming conservatives like a winning strategy.

The Legislature is currently considering several measures that fall broadly under the category of a Parents Bill of Rights, which among other things would restrict how issues involving race could be discussed in the classroom. Note the implied condemnation in the title, as if hardworking teachers are some kind of tyrannical threat to parents and their kids. That kind of hyperbole is a core strategy in the culture wars, which above all seek to vilify those perceived to hold insufficiently conservative views.

Note also that this is like some political version of an old Seinfeld episode: Its a debate about nothing, or pretty close to it. In the midst of a Missouri education crisis in which teachers are grossly underpaid, schools are understaffed and students are underperforming, the Legislatures overriding focus is on  girding classroom discussion of race? In the real world, is that really anyones top educational concern right now?

Last week alone, the Missouri House debated at length over whether the word diversity should even be permissible to utter in university hiring procedures, rather than the somewhat more pressing reality that sky-high tuition is condemning college students to decades of debt. The Senate, meanwhile, deadlocked in a debate over transgender health care, which  as important a topic as it is to the trans community  is ultimately a tiny aside in the broader health care conversation Missouri should be having.

Both those debates started with Republicans deliberately injecting ideology into policy and, in the case of trans care, substituting ideology for medical expertise. As long as the voters continue imposing no penalties on politicians who play these counterproductive games for the applause of the political fringe at the expense of serving the broader public, they will have no incentive to actually do their jobs.
St. Louis ranks among the 10 worst metropolitan areas in the country for fine-particle air pollution, according to a recent study, which should come as no surprise to the thousands who suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma. A new interactive map of the United States depicting the most dangerous air-pollution levels focuses attention on one particularly troubling aspect: the most heavily polluted air tends to be found in neighborhoods dominated by Black and Hispanic residents.

When people talk about environmental racism, this is what they mean: urban-planning decisions from long ago, but never corrected, that established low-income housing in close proximity to industrial and heavy-commercial zones. While modern America is far more attuned to environmental concerns than industrialists and planners many decades ago, polluting businesses remain tucked into many low-income or minority-dominated communities. In the case of St. Louis, the pollutants people are breathing appear to result from being downwind from steel mills and other heavy industry across the river in East St. Louis, along with the areas large coal-burning power plants.

We are ringed by power plants. We have three of the 10 most polluting power plants in the nation, Steve Mahfood, a former director of the Missouri department of natural resources, told the Guardian newspaper.

The Guardian compiled an interactive map of the entire United States using data from a University of Washington study. The cleanest air, by far, is located west of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Minnesota, except for pockets of severe pollution around Los Angeles and Bakersfield, California. Air problems mount in the industrial belt running from St. Louis to Chicago and encompassing Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Several areas in and around St. Louis have reached such hazardous levels of air pollution that they are close to meriting intervention by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Aside from a few pockets of pollution in white-dominated neighborhoods of south St. Louis city and county, most of the polluted areas are in the north as well as in East St. Louis and Granite City  with 90% or more of those populations consisting of people of color, the Guardian reported.

The University of Washington study cited is based on measurements of airborne fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5. The World Health Organization regards levels around 5 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic meter as safe, while others say anything below 12 is acceptable. The critical areas in and around St. Louis measured right at the cusp  11.5 to 11.9. Numbers were averaged from samples collected between 2011 and 2015, but researchers say such numbers tend to remain steady over time without dramatic action to shut down the major polluters.

St. Louisans are pretty much at the mercy of state and federal regulators for action against polluters, which means residents shouldnt hold their breath. On second thought 
After a busy day at work at his up holstery showroom, Jose Gomez climbs the stairs to his home and studio on the second floor to clock in on his second job as a working artist at Art by Gomez. He loves the light-filled studio he's carved out in his unique space and enjoys all the comforts of home and family in the 3,000-square living space he's rehabbed over several years.

The previous owners of his building had rented two apartments above their shop as income producers. Although the tradition of owners living above their own businesses is an old one, it wasn't something Gomez had planned originally. "I'd sold my first house, and I moved into one of the apartments (in 2008) while I was looking for a house in this neighborhood," he says. He soon realized he didn't need a house. "Why not just live in this place?"

He completely rehabbed the space over a span of several years and finished the job in February with a complete kitchen renovation. He transformed what had been a jumble of rooms into a sleek open space. "It looks like a loft but without the high ceilings," he says.

The space includes three bedrooms, two baths, an art studio and an open kitchen-living-dining room. He's furnished it with pieces that span from antique to modern with a strong concentration of pieces by ground-breaking midcentury designers. He buys mid century originals from around the country, particularly from Miami and Los Angeles, and then restores them.

In his mostly modern home, he displays a treasured antique silver candelabra he brought with him from Miami. He'd moved there from Honduras as a younger man. "It is all I still have. It's very old. It was given to me by a woman from Cuba, who has since passed away. She was an angel in life and she went too quickly," he says.

Some of the furniture and decor are Original Gomez creations, like the 120-inch white Italian leather sofa that anchors the living room and the organic mirror upholstered in Brazilian ivory cowhide. "At the time I built the sofa, I had two Dalmatians, so I needed room for all of us," he says. Today, he shares the sofa and the house with Nicolas, his 4-year-old Dalmatian.

His painting of a day at the beach with all three of the Dalmatians he's lived with hangs on a wall in the dining room. Two are now deceased, but they live and frolic in the dream-like painting that represents his bond with his dogs and his love of the beaches, both in his native Honduras and in Miami where he lived when he first came to the United States.

"Animals help make a house a home," he says.

Although he lives in a commercial district, he's at home in the Lindenwood Heights neighborhood. He says it's very convenient, quiet and close to Francis Park where he enjoys walking Nicolas morning and night.

On a normal day, he'll get up early and head to the nearby gym by 7 a.m. He then goes to the shop to set the work for the day, then visits his sister who lives nearby for breakfast, then returns to the shop for the day.

"At five, I go upstairs and take Nicolas out, then I relax and get into my art. I'll have a little wine, and put on some music  samba, jazz, love Nina Simone and I paint. Nicolas gets close to me when I'm painting around 9 p.m. He says it's time to go, and we walk," he says.

In spring and summer, he likes to cook Honduran foods and entertain friends. The kitchen remodel,which opened the space into the living areas, allows him to be part of the action when he cooks his paellas and so pas.

"I love to be at home. My space is all white with my art hanging everywhere," he says. "My favorite room is my studio. It's one special place just for me, almost in the center of the space. When I close the door, I don't even think about Gomez Upholstery," he says. "I make art."

Jose Gomez

Age  52

Family  Gomez shares his home and studio with Nicolas, an energetic Dalmatian.

Home  Lindenwood Park

Occupation  Gomez owns and operates Gomez Upholstery, a shop that is well-known for repair, restoration and reupholstery of furniture from antiques to modern-day pieces. The shop specializes in collectible furniture from the 1940s to the 1980s and is known for working with fine leather and hides. Art by Gomez is his second business. He is also a painter and fine artist whose subjects include flora, fauna and culture of his native Honduras as well as abstracts and paintings influenced by the time he spent in Miami.
Ukraine has to cope with a growing amount of political and military combat fatigue. For troops or civilians exposed to battlefield violence, combat fatigue is now called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This is a 21st century term even though the concept was first described in the 1980s. In the 21st century, more effective tools and techniques for measuring PTSD and the impact of various treatments, techniques and medications are used to deal with the problem.

Theres lots of PTSD in Ukraine, among both combatants and civilians. The presence of PTSD is obvious for military personnel but less so for civilians. For as long as there has been organized violence against civilians, this use of terror to demoralize, disorient or distract civilians has been used and abused.

The political version of all this is more accurately described as combat fatigue. This was the term for combat-related stress that was popular before the use of PTSD became common. Political combat fatigue is something Russia, Ukraine and their NATO allies have to deal with. A century ago, communist and fascists (especially the Nazis) developed and used many new techniques for causing and manipulating political combat fatigue. Such techniques are now commonly used, abused and developed into more effective tools.

Nations supporting Ukraine have to pay attention to the impact of combat fatigue on local popular support for the continuing costs of providing Ukraine with weapons. Russia has been losing the war but is currently determined to keep fighting, despite the growing combat fatigue among military-age Russian civilians. Thats because those forced to join the army often find themselves sent to Ukraine with little or no training, inadequate weapons and non-existent leaders. The result is generally death, injury, incapacitating illness, desertion or capture by the enemy. Senior Russian military and political leaders are somewhat paralyzed by all the bad decisions Russia has made and none of them is powerful enough to change the situation. Change will eventually happen but there is no timetable for such events.

Ukraine wants to end the war by re-capturing all its Russian-occupied territory (about 16 percent of the country). To do that it needs the timely support of NATO allies to supply the necessary weapons, ammunition, military equipment and non-military aid. Ukrainian and NATO military leaders tend to agree on what is needed but politicians are less able, or willing, to understand the requirements for victory against the Russians. There are also politicians that dont believe there is a long-term threat from Russia and are willing to settle for a long-term ceasefire even if it means Russian continues to occupy Ukrainian territory. Western economic sanctions have crippled the Russian ability to produce the most sophisticated weapons and some Western politicians see this as a suitable justification for greatly reducing aid to Ukraine.

As the war continues the financial burden on NATO nations becomes more of a problem for local politicians. Russian Information War efforts keep pressing this angle because in the long run it works. This means planting a lot of false media reports that justify reducing financial support for Ukraine. Some Western media accepts the Russian disinformation without checking to see if it is valid.

In democracies, voter attitudes count and over time minor irritations can turn into major problems. Such is the case with support for wars. In the United States any war that lasts more than three years results in a sharp drop in popular support and that often plays an important role in war's ending. The Ukraine War is unique in that it is Ukrainians who are doing all the fighting and dying to stop the Russians. NATO nations spend a lot of money on weapons and reconstruction support for Ukraine. NATO nations have less money to spend on their domestic constituencies and this eventually becomes a problem, even if a lot of locals are not being killed. In Russia the traditions are different. Russians are willing to endure more financial and human losses to defend the homeland. Russian leaders justify invasion of Ukraine by insisting that Ukraine is an essential and historical part of Russia and that NATO nations have deceived Ukrainians into believing that Ukraine is a legitimate sovereign state. Russians have never tried to justify a war of conquest against a neighbor this way before. Russia has had lots of brief border wars, fought to settle disagreements over exactly where the border should be.

Russia also has a history of empire building, in which wars with weaker neighbors result in annexation. This is the reason why NATO exists; to protect member states from Russian aggression. Russia knows this but prefers to call NATO the aggressor. This has believers in Russia who were perplexed at the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Most of the Soviet citizens no longer supported their government and the choice was either dissolution or civil war. At the time it was clear to most pro-Soviet Russians that a civil war was unlikely to preserve the Soviet Union and the fighting could cause enormous losses (economic and human) to those involved. Instead, the Soviet Union peacefully dissolved into fifteen sovereign nations. The largest was Russia, with about half the Soviet Unions population and 77 percent of its territory. This meant that none of the new states were as large as Russia. In terms of population, Ukraine was second largest, with about a third as many people as Russia but much less territory as Russia still stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Many mid-level Soviet officials disagreed with the dissolution but couldnt stop it. By the end of the 1990s, these officials had gained political power and in 2008 began rebuilding the Soviet Union. Tiny bits of Georgia, in the Caucasus, were the first taken. In 2014 Russia grabbed about 20 percent of Ukraine. About ten percent of Moldova (a post-Soviet state between Romania and Ukraine) wanted to be independent (as Transnistria) of Moldova and called on Russia to help with that. Russia wants to annex most of the former Soviet states that became independent in 1991. Several of these are now NATO members. NATO is a mutual defense organization. If one NATO member is attacked, all NATO members will join in the defense of the NATO country under attack. Russia now knows that NATO will oppose an attack on a member and, in the case of Ukraine, with a nation that wanted to become a member, especially after 2014.
deadmau5 Talks Creating Live on Twitch

Despite an elaborate studio setup, electronic music producer and DJ deadmau5 doesnt often like to get too extravagant with his live Twitch productions. In this exclusive interview from Streaming Media Connect 2023, Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen, Chair, Streaming Media Conferences, and CMO, id3as, talks with deadmau5, who is also a Stream Voodoo equity partner, about his preferences and approaches to producing live events on Twitch.

Displaying a screenshot of deadmau5s live Twitch feed, Schumacher-Rasmussen says, I don't want you to necessarily go in and describe what every piece of equipment is around that room, but you know, your Twitch streams are three, four hours He mentions how earlier in their talk, deadmau5 enthusiastically discussed the wild multi-tech shenanigans of Twitch star The Sushi Dragon, who uses a lot of bells and whistles and peripherals for his live streams, whereas deadmau5 eschews that and takes a simpler approach, often just displaying a static shot of himself working at his production desk while the comments of his fans flow along the right-hand side of the screen. What led you to that decision, to not use multi-cam and PTZ and all that stuff? Schumacher-Rasmussen asks.

Oh, I kind of do have multi-cam and PTZ, deadmau5 says. I just don't want to video up my own thing while I'm trying to do something completely different, you know what I mean? For deadmau5, it comes down to a question of identity and integrity. Otherwise, what am I? he says. Am I a showman right now or am I there on a mission to just kind of do my own stuff, but here's a window into that so you can look in and watch the process. For me, that's just kind of a unique thing, and you know [its] my own personal kind of vendetta towards electronic music and music production. It's just kind of like, Well, hes got 20 nerds doing all this for him and he just puts on a mouse head and shows up, and I'm likenot quite. I kind of do it all myself, and here all the synths and sometimes I do a talk over about how I do that. [But] sometimes I just don't even shut the mic on. It's like having a friend in the studio, but a cool friend that doesn't talk and make noise and get all up in your faceand I think people enjoy that, just as much as they enjoy watching some kid play a video game.

Right, Schumacher-Rasmussen says. And that's not a concert. That's just you creating, and you're giving people a window into that as you're making stuff up.

Because that's something I can control myself, deadmau5 says. I have all authority over all the tech that's happening. In a live setting, it's like, Hey, I have to go play a showtake the wheel, and I hope you guys do a really good job with this. I can't help you!' But you know, more often than not, they get it and they do it.

Schumacher-Rasmussen says, Do you feel at all when you've got that stream running, and you've got people commenting on the side, [with] people giving you advicedoes it feel vulnerable at all to you to be creating with people watching?

Not really, deadmau5 says. You know, some little ninja comments get in your ear. And then you're like, Nah, I'm the prooh, maybe they're kind of right. And then youre like nahhh. But does it affect my overall output so dramatically that it's no longer mine and it's a culmination of all these viewers' ideas? No. But thats just the way it is.

Learn more about live streaming production at Streaming Media East 2023.

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV:LG)(OTCQB: LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed Brian J. Maher Vice President - Exploration. Mr. Maher, a Founder of Lahontan, brings more than 45 years of exploration and mine development expertise to the Company.

Kimberly Ann, Founder, President, CEO, and Director commented: "The appointment of Brian as Vice President - Exploration enhances Brian's role with Lahontan. As a Founder of the Company, Brian is intimately familiar with all the Company's projects and is uniquely qualified to lead the technical team as we advance the Santa Fe Mine project. Our goals at Lahontan are straightforward: Build resources at Santa Fe, leading to a Preliminary Economic Assessment, that establishes the economic parameters for putting Santa Fe back into production while simultaneously advancing our other exploration projects."

Brian Maher is an economic geologist with over 45 years of experience in the international mining and exploration industry. Prior to Lahontan, Brian was the President, CEO and Director of Prodigy Gold Inc. where he guided the company through a period of expansive growth, exploring and developing the 6.6M ounce Magino gold deposit in northern Ontario, culminating in the $341M acquisition of Prodigy Gold by Argonaut Gold in 2012. In 1982, Brian began a 16-year career with ASARCO Inc. exploring for gold and copper deposits in a variety of geologic environments throughout North and South America. From 1998 and 2004, Brian was Project Manager for Metallic Ventures Gold Inc., supervising underground and surface exploration, mine development, and operations at an underground gold mine in Nevada. In 2005, Brian joined Hochschild Mining PLC and was involved in all aspects of the company's North American exploration program, serving as the Exploration Manager for the US, Canada, and Mexico. From 2013 to 2022, Brian was the President and CEO of PPX Mining, developing, and operating a high-grade underground gold and silver mine in northern Peru. Brian is also the Managing Partner of KA Gold LLC, a private company with a portfolio of advanced gold-silver exploration projects in Nevada. Brian received his BA degree (Geology) from the California State University, Chico in 1980 and his MSc. degree (Economic Geology) from Colorado State University in 1983.

About Lahontan Gold Corp:

Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, three top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 19 km 2 Santa Fe Mine, had past production of 345,000 ounces of gold and 711,000 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 1995). The Santa Fe Mine has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,112,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.14 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 544,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.00 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report available on SEDAR or the Company's website). The Company will continue to aggressively explore Santa Fe during 2023 and begin the process of evaluating development scenarios to bring the Santa Fe Mine back into production. Quentin J. Browne, P.Geo., Consulting Geologist to Lahontan Gold Corp., is the Qualified Person for the Company and approved the technical content of this news release. For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kimberly Ann

Founder, CEO, President, and Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lahontan Gold Corp.

Kimberly Ann

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director

Phone: 1-530-414-4400

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 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. Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. 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 including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. 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. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Lahontan Gold Corp.

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Joint solution provides better experience for auto buyers via fast personalised offers

SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Earnix, the market-leading provider of intelligent cloud-based real-time rating, dynamic pricing and product personalization solutions for insurers and banks, announced today that Angle Auto Finance, an independent financier, selected Earnix as its strategic partner to address the evolving demands of auto buyers. The resulting solution ensures delivery of analytics-driven, personalised pricing, enabling dealers to align with the increased demands of todays consumer.

The Earnix partnership allows Angle Auto Finance to capitalise on the advanced technologies from Earnixs dynamic pricing engine and offer the loans and terms best suited to its customers. Using the analytical outcomes and insights from Earnix empowers Angle Auto Finance to provide compelling offers while still effectively controlling overall risk exposure.

Greg White, Angle Auto Finance COO said: There is more competition for auto loans than ever before. Because of that, we needed a solution that would allow us to deliver personalised pricing as a first step towards our desired state of advanced dynamic pricing. Additionally, we wanted a strategic partner we could count on long term and Earnix fit the bill. Now, we have a scalable, analytics-driven, solution that provides market leading capability.

Angle Auto Finance is among Australias top independent auto financiers. Its new personalised pricing systems, based on Earnix solutions, are designed to provide loan offers tailored to individual circumstances across a broad spectrum of customers. This ensures partner dealers can meet the ever-changing demands of the market, supporting their goals for growth and market penetration.

Beeri Mart, global head of banking at Earnix added: Were always excited to partner with market leaders. With Earnix, Angle Auto Finance can meet the demands of their customers, who have countless choices in todays increasingly competitive auto financing market. Limitations posed by traditional pricing models coupled with the heightened demand for faster, more personalised offers, means lenders need better solutions now.

Local Australian partner Finity Consulting, a strategic analytics consulting firm with more than 30 years of analytics, actuarial, business strategy and data services expertise worked with Angle Auto and the Earnix team to build the sophisticated pricing models and implement the solution using Earnix technology.

About Earnix

Earnix is the premier provider of mission-critical composable and cloud-based intelligent solutions across pricing, rating, underwriting, product personalization and telematics. These fully integrated solutions provide ultra-fast ROI and are designed to transform how global insurers and banks are run by unlocking value across all facets of the business. It has been innovating for Insurers and Banks since 2001 with customers in over 35 countries across six continents and offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Israel.

For more information please visit: earnix.com.

Connect with Earnix via Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Read the Earnix Blog.

About Angle Auto Finance

Angle Auto Finance is a nonbank lender providing automotive financing to Australians (consumer and SMEs) who finance their vehicle purchase  either via a dealership or novated lease. The business operates through a national network of automotive dealers and Australias leading salary novated lease providers. Angle Auto is a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, a global leader in alternative investing with $60 billion USD in assets under management. Cerberus is the majority shareholder and Deutsche Bank is a co-investor.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005151/en/

Jena Murphy

[email protected]

Source: Earnix
It was during the 1973 Montana legislative session that they all came together. And 50 years later they remain good friends.

Marci Lynn, Judy Hendrickson, Bobby Murphy and Lynn Staley have kept in touch with each other since meeting in the steno pool of the Capitol.

The quartet, who range in age from the 60-something to 82, said they have been there for each other over the decades, celebrating the triumphs and supporting each other through periods of devastation.

Lynn said they try to get together at least once a year.

As we get older we realize the importance of getting together, adding their mini-reunions are a priority.

Staley, 78, continues to work for the state when the Legislature is in town. She is now working her 17th session and is now the bills coordinator

Hendrickson lives half the year on the Big Hole.

We didnt know diddly, Staley said. We just supported each other.

Hendrickson said she worked for Dave Manning, who she said was chair for highways and transportation committee. Manning was the longest-serving legislator in Montana, having been in elected office for 51 years.

Each of us has worked in the leadership offices through the year and yes it was political, Lynn said adding, you were expected to be a Republican if you worked Republican leadership.

Lynn said she worked her last session in 2005.

She said she worked a couple sessions in the 70s and 80s and then worked in state government in the 90s.

Those early days working in the Legislature I remember fondly because there was less polarization, she said. In the end to me it seemed they came together to get things done for the citizens.

She said the polarization was beginning in 2005, when she left.

Staley said she worked for Senate presidents for several sessions.

She said her job as bills coordinator is not political at all.

Hendrickson said she worked at the Legislature in 1973, 74 and 75 and never worked up there again.

She and Lynn started a business.

Staley said she and Lynn worked for Gov. Judy Martz for four years.

She was a fantastic lady to work for, she said. We had a great ride.

Marci Lynn said the four all had young families then, so there was little free time after work to get together.

After hours you went home and took care of family, she said. The last thing you had any energy to do was to socialize.

Murphy said she had worked the constitutional convention in 1973 and was asked to be the secretary for the majority leader in the House.

I cant tell you how many special sessions there were, she said of her experiences. Everybody was congenial.

Hendrickson said even though you worked for leadership, you did not voice your opinions.

The four remember the workload being different.

Its a whole different ballgame than it is today, they said. We were the staff and did everything except research the bills.

They laugh when they talk about entering bill information on to IBM typewriters and had to make three copies.

And they said they had to use shorthand to take notes of the meeting.

Shorthand is a dead art, Hendrickson said.

The four think they have remained friends because they are all compatible.

Lynn remembers being with some of the members of the group at an ice cream parlor 47 years ago when she announced she was engaged to be married.

She and her husband, Steve, have been married 46 years.

We care about each other, Lynn said. We have all gone through losses, and have relied on each other.

Hendrickson left Helena and got married and now lives near the Big Hole south of Butte.

At some point in time we rejoined again and started getting together in the Big Hole at Judys place and kind of rejoined and wanted the relationship to continue because we had so darn much fun, one of them said.

We rely on each other, Hendrickson said.

We all know each others stories, Staley said. When say met friends for 50 years, (other people) say 'You are truly blessed.'

Old friends are the best friends, Lynn said.
Colorado-Based Lender with Customer-Centric Approach Brings 68 Branches in 45 States to Guilds Expanding Retail Network

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, has acquired Cherry Creek Mortgage, LLC, a privately held Colorado-based lender with physical branches across the country whose business and customer-centric approach closely aligns with Guilds.

Cherry Creek Mortgage was co-founded by Jeff May in Greenwood Village, Colorado in 1987. He led company growth over the past 36 years, earning recognition as one of the fastest growing private mortgage companies in the U.S., with a strong retail presence. Similar to Guild, Cherry Creek has earned a reputation for doing the right thing for customers and employees, above all. It now has 68 branches in 45 states and will become its own division of Guild, headed by May.

We continue to look for potential new partners with strong local teams, a history of growth and community commitments, said Mary Ann McGarry, Guild CEO. Cherry Creek has grown steadily over the years and shown a dedication to giving back that parallels ours, with an executive team and loan officers who are active in every market. Guild has a longstanding admiration for Cherry Creeks approach to business and its accomplishments, and we feel confident our two companies will be able to take advantage of our synergies in each market and do even more for our customers, together.

May said his company has always admired Guild for its strength in purchase mortgages, high customer service ratings and supportive culture. Cherry Creek also brings its experience assisting customers with reverse mortgages to Guild, providing an opportunity to expand Guilds range of services with new expertise for this important group of customers.

This is a very strategic offensive move for us, said May. Guilds values, commitment to serving their associates, customers and the industry are perfectly aligned with what we have built over the last 36 years. We believe the combined resources of both companies will make us a force in the marketplace and position our production teams to more readily compete and win for the long term in this challenging market.

JMP Securities is the investment bank representing Cherry Creek in this transaction and the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Headquartered in San Diego, Guild Mortgage is a leading national lender with an established history of offering a comprehensive array of loan products and partnering with government organizations to help deliver the promise of home in every neighborhood and community. Its loan professionals can serve the needs of any homebuyer, from helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership, often through government loan programs, to homebuyers looking for a jumbo loan. Guild also helps active duty and retired military personnel who qualify for VA loans with 100% financing and flexible qualifying standards. The company is consistently recognized for its impact in the communities it serves, commitment to customer service, strength in regulatory compliance, and workplace culture.

About Guild Mortgage

Founded in 1960 when the modern U.S. mortgage industry was just forming, Guild Mortgage Company is a nationally recognized independent mortgage lender providing residential mortgage products and local in-house origination and servicing. Guilds collaborative culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion enable it to deliver a personalized experience for each customer. With more than 4,000 employees and over 300 retail branches, Guild has relationships with credit unions, community banks, and other financial institutions and services loans in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Guilds highly trained loan professionals are experienced in government-sponsored programs such as FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance programs and other specialized loan programs. Guild Mortgage Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guild Holdings Company, whose shares of Class A common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GHLD.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005642/en/

Media Contact

Melissa Rue

Nuffer, Smith, Tucker

[email protected]

(208) 850-5939

Investors:

[email protected]

858-956-5130

Source: Guild Mortgage
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, today joined Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm 1.3 kilometres underground to celebrate the commencement of underground production from the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in the Gobi Desert.

This was followed by a ceremony with Oyu Tolgoi employees and leaders, Government of Mongolia representatives, Oyu Tolgoi Board members and local suppliers to mark this important milestone towards Oyu Tolgoi ramping up to become one of the worlds leading copper suppliers.

Since the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto in January 2022 to reset the relationship and move the Oyu Tolgoi underground project forward, 30 drawbells have been blasted and copper is now being produced from the underground mine. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to become the fourth-largest copper mine in the world by 20301, operating in the first quartile of the copper equivalent cost curve. Ore is currently being processed from Panel Zero in Hugo North Lift 1 and production will ramp up over the coming years.

A partnership between Rio Tinto and Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi open pit and concentrator have been succesfully operating for over a decade. The total workforce of Oyu Tolgoi is currently around 20,000 people, of which 97% are Mongolian. Oyu Tolgoi works with more than 500 national suppliers and has spent around $15 billion in Mongolia since 2010, including $4 billion of taxes, fees and other payments to the state budget.

Developing the underground mine is an investment of over $7 billion, unlocking the most valuable part of the copper resource for the benefit of all stakeholders. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce around 500,000 tonnes of copper2 per year on average from 2028 to 2036 from the open pit and underground, enough to produce around 6 million electric vehicles annually, and an average of around 290,000 tonnes over the reserve life of around 30 years2.

Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene said, I am proud to celebrate this major milestone with our partner Rio Tinto as we look towards Mongolia becoming one of the worlds key copper producers. The start of underground production at Oyu Tolgoi demonstrates our ability to work together with investors in a sustainable manner and become a trusted partner. The next phase of the partnership will enable the continued successful delivery of Mongolias New Recovery Policy and Vision 2050 economic diversification strategy. Mongolia stands ready to work actively and mutually beneficially with global investors and partners.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said, We would like to thank the Government of Mongolia for their commitment as our partner in achieving this remarkable milestone. We are starting underground production 1.3 kilometres beneath the remote Gobi desert from an ore body that will be critical for global copper production and Mongolias ongoing economic development. The copper produced in this truly world class, high technology mine will help deliver the electrification needed for a net zero future and grow Rio Tintos copper business.

Notes to editors

Oyu Tolgoi is jointly owned by Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC on behalf of the Government of Mongolia (34%) and Rio Tinto (66%).

_________________________

1 Source: Wood Mackenzie Dec 2022, based on production from committed projects

2Based on the Oyu Tolgoi Feasibility Study 2020 (OTFS20). The estimated average production of ~500ktpa copper for the years 2028-2036 is underpinned as to 13% by Proved Ore Reserves and 87% by Probable Ore Reserves. The estimated average production of ~290ktpa copper for the estimated reserve life of approximately 30 years is underpinned as to 26% by Proved Ore Reserves and 74% by Probable Ore Reserves. These production targets are stated as recovered metal and have been scheduled from current mine designs for the Oyu Tolgoi underground and open pit mines by Competent Persons in accordance with the requirements of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Minerals Resources and Ore Reserves, 2012 Edition.

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Please direct all enquiries to [email protected]

Media Relations, UK

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Media Relations, Americas

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Rio Tinto plc

6 St Jamess Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 43, 120 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: Oyu Tolgoi

Source: Rio Tinto
Hyundai Motor Co announced Monday that the Korean automaker has agreed to a potential acquisition of General Motors' (NYSE: GM) plant in India.

A final deal is subject to meeting certain conditions including obtaining "regulatory approvals from relevant government authorities and all stakeholders related to the acquisition", Hyundai said in a statement.

GM stopped selling cars in India in 2017. However, a complete exit from the market has been hindered by complications, including legal battles with workers and failure to find a buyer for the plant which is in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

In 2019, GM agreed to sell the plant to China's Great Wall Motor but talks collapsed after the companies failed to obtain regulatory approvals.

This acquisition will give Hyundai a second plant in India allowing the carmaker to boost production capacity at a time when it plans to launch six electric vehicles in the country by 2028.

Shares of GM are down 1.40% in afternoon trading on Monday.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) ("Ritchie Bros.") today issued the following statement related to the acquisition of IAA, Inc. (NYSE: IAA) ("IAA"):

The substantial value created under Ritchie Bros.' current Board of Directors and management team shows that shareholders should look to the future, not the past.

We have great respect for Mr. Ritchie as a co-founder of the Company. However, he retired from the Company nearly 20 years ago. Mr. Cmolik's history with the Company is similarly dated.

Ritchie Bros. is very different from the small family-run traditional auction business that Mr. Ritchie co-founded in Kelowna, British Columbia in 1958. Under the current Board and management team, the Company has evolved, including through M&A, from physical auctions to embrace technology and digitization. Ritchie Bros. today is a trusted global marketplace for value-added insights, services and transaction solutions. As a result, Ritchie Bros. is no longer a stagnant business with little to no growth. Instead, under current leadership, Ritchie Bros. is now delivering record growth and premier shareholder returns year-after-year.

The IAA acquisition was carefully considered and thoroughly due diligenced. It is the right next step to accelerate Ritchie Bros.' transformation into a global, multi-vertical, digital marketplace with a long runway for continued outstanding profitable growth and significant, sustainable value creation.

We've heard from many customers at both Ritchie Bros. and IAA who share our enthusiasm about the Ritchie Bros. + IAA combination and the services, capabilities and reach we can offer together. We look forward to continuing our record of execution and delivering outstanding value for shareholders, employees and customers alike. Integration planning is well underway with dedicated teams, oversight and structure to support a seamless execution. We are ready to hit the ground running once the transaction closes.

We could not be more excited about our future with IAA.
By Pete Schroeder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Reserve announced on Monday it is reviewing its oversight of Silicon Valley Bank in the wake of its abrupt failure Friday.

In a statement, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the bank's failure, which set off a wave of concern over the banking system, demanded a "thorough, transparent, and swift review." Fed Vice Chairman for Supervision Michael Barr is leading the review, and results will be publicly released by May 1.

"We need to have humility, and conduct a careful and thorough review of how we supervised and regulated this firm, and what we should learn from this experience," Barr said in a statement.

The move from the Fed comes as policymakers grapple with how the bank, which failed within days of announcing it had to raise capital to shore up its finances, ignited fear across the banking system. Regulators were forced to announce relief measures on Sunday, reassuring customers that all the deposits from both that bank and New York-based Signature Bank, which was closed by regulators Sunday, would be covered. The Fed also announced a new facility to give banks access to emergency funds, in a bid to calm broader fears in the market.

The review suggests the Fed, which was Silicon Valley Bank's primary regulator, could revise its policies, as policymakers across Washington grapple with what changes may need to be made to prevent future bank runs.

Under current policy, banks with over $100 billion in assets are directly supervised by the Fed, with Fed staff and governors in Washington setting the direction for oversight. The actual day-to-day monitoring is handled by supervisors from various Fed regional banks. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco was responsible for Silicon Valley Bank's supervision.

The regional bank has already come under scrutiny in the wake of the failure, with some lawmakers questioning how Silicon Valley Bank was able to rapidly grow in size and end up with over 90% uninsured deposits, which made it susceptible to a run.

"The San Francisco Fed had all the tools necessary to prevent this from happening," Senator Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, said in an interview. "We need to understand why the San Francisco Fed wasnt utilizing all the tools at its disposal from an oversight standpoint."

A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fed did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; additional reporting by David Morgan)
Competition Continues to Bring the Best Startups with Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Technologies to the Finger Lakes, Assisting Innovators With Tapping Into the Regions World Class OPI Ecosystem

Luminate NY is Supported by Finger Lakes Forward  The Regions Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the 10 companies selected to take part in round six of the Luminate NY accelerator program, investment fund, and competition. A total of 120 applications were received for consideration to participate in the worlds largest accelerator for startups working on industry-first solutions that are enabled by optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI). One third of the applications came from countries outside of the U.S. with the remaining two-thirds from U.S. states. Round six kicks-off an additional four-year commitment by New York State to continue the successful, globally renowned Luminate NY program.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner, Hope Knight said, Congratulations to the 10 entrepreneurial companies selected to take part in Luminate NYs sixth cohort. The cutting-edge ideas from these optics, photonics and imaging startups will help to drive innovation, creating opportunities in the Finger Lakes Region and throughout New York State.

The companies were selected after pitching their innovative ideas and being scored by an advisory panel comprised of industry experts. Each finalist will receive an initial investment of $100,000 and will have the chance to compete for up to $2 million in follow-on funding upon completion of the accelerator program. The cohort will begin on April 17, 2023. The six-month program will help the companies speed the commercialization of their technologies and businesses. Funding for the $45 million program, which was created and is run by NextCorps, is provided through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiativethe regions comprehensive strategy to revitalize communities and foster economic growth.

Luminate NY supports innovators as they further develop their technologies with help from industry experts, local universities, and the vast OPI resources that are offered by businesses throughout the Finger Lakes Region. Cohort 6 is solving challenges within a number of industries, including, but not limited to: agtech, augmented/virtual reality, communications, healthcare, material science, unmanned vehicles, and quantum.

The 10 selected startups and their solutions include:

AquaRealTime is protecting waterways with a scalable, early warning and monitoring system that detects harmful algae blooms and water contaminants

is protecting waterways with a scalable, early warning and monitoring system that detects harmful algae blooms and water contaminants Digiteyez is providing eyecare on demand with 24/7 access to fast, accurate eye testing, regular vision checks, and connections with eye doctorsfrom any digital device

is providing eyecare on demand with 24/7 access to fast, accurate eye testing, regular vision checks, and connections with eye doctorsfrom any digital device NanoPattern Technologies, Inc . is commercializing a patented chemistry and ink that enables display manufacturers to make high-resolution screens that are more sustainable for smartphones, wearables, and AR/VR applications

is commercializing a patented chemistry and ink that enables display manufacturers to make high-resolution screens that are more sustainable for smartphones, wearables, and AR/VR applications Norcon is creating advanced optical polymer and lensing technology for making 3D depth imagers faster, more accurate, and less expensive

is creating advanced optical polymer and lensing technology for making 3D depth imagers faster, more accurate, and less expensive Oculi is making computer vision faster and more efficient by embedding intelligence in the sensor, starting at the pixelthe true edge

is making computer vision faster and more efficient by embedding intelligence in the sensor, starting at the pixelthe true edge Photonect Interconnect Solutions is developing a laser adhesion technique to attach optical fibers to photonic chips that is 10X faster, less expensive, and more efficient than conventional glue methods

is developing a laser adhesion technique to attach optical fibers to photonic chips that is 10X faster, less expensive, and more efficient than conventional glue methods PlanOpSim is helping R&D teams solve complicated design and integration problems by providing a single workflow design software for planar and meta-optics

is helping R&D teams solve complicated design and integration problems by providing a single workflow design software for planar and meta-optics QART Medical is providing novel information to clinicians selecting sperm cells to use in IVF procedures, allowing evidence-based decisions centered on empirical data

is providing novel information to clinicians selecting sperm cells to use in IVF procedures, allowing evidence-based decisions centered on empirical data Quantune is bringing the first chip-sized laser spectrometer for the mid-infrared spectral rangethe "molecular fingerprint region"to market to allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring of molecular biomarkers such as glucose on the wrist (with lab-grade quality)

is bringing the first chip-sized laser spectrometer for the mid-infrared spectral rangethe "molecular fingerprint region"to market to allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring of molecular biomarkers such as glucose on the wrist (with lab-grade quality) Swave Photonics is addressing current AR/VR limitations by developing the worlds first spatial light modulator for true digital holography

Under a recently formed partnership with Silicon Catalyst (SI)the worlds only incubator focused on accelerating semiconductor solutionsOculi and Swave will participate in Luminates and SIs programming concurrently. Two additional companies, Archangel Imaging and Labby, will take part in Luminate out of the finalist structure to gain access to regional resources. Archangel, the 2022 Grand Prize winner of the Genius NY competition, deploys smart machines alongside people to protect valuable remote assets and at-risk staff. Labby, a $250,000 winner at the 2022 Grow NY competition, provides dairy farms with rapid, accurate, and affordable solutions that leverage AI-enabled optical sensing for raw milk testing in less than a minute.

Luminate NY Managing Director Sujatha Ramanujan said, Each year, the diversity and quality of companies applying to Luminate continues to improve, demonstrating that the need for this type of programming and financial support transcends technology type and industry category. With the integration of optics, photonics, and imaging into so many applications, Luminate NY is able to help founders in a variety of industries strengthen their businesses and commercialization trajectories.

Since its inception, Luminate has invested $15 million in 53 startups. The companies in the portfolio have raised an additional $194.7 million and now share a net worth of $645.7 million. Many of the companies are establishing U.S. operations or some aspect of research and manufacturing in the Rochester regionwhich continues to be the epicenter of the OPI industry in North America. This has resulted in the creation of 160 new jobs in the region.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, Congratulations to the 10 innovators joining the sixth cohort of Luminate New York. Rochester is continuing its legacy as a home to innovation by hosting entrepreneurs developing technologies with the potential to make a global impact on some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Thank you Nextcorps for hosting this program in the heart of downtown, and to Empire State Development & Finger Lakes Forward for their continued support and investment in developers in Rochester and across New York.

Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, Congratulations to the 10 teams selected to take part in round six of Luminate NY! I know that these teams and their entrepreneurial spirit will create projects that will provide the future of job and economic growth for our state and nation. As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, I know these award winners will build a brighter future for our families.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, Congratulations to all of the companies advancing in this round of the Luminate NY accelerator program, which continues to advance Monroe Countys next generation optics, photonics, and imaging industries. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for continuing investments that help cement our communitys reputation as a leader in the OPI sector and provide economic opportunity for our residents.

City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, I want to congratulate all the sixth-round finalists in the Luminate NY accelerator competition and wish them good luck in this next, exciting phase of their development as Rochester job creators. These companies are already winners in this unique program to support and encourage innovation in optics, photonics, and imaging around the world. I remain grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for bringing these 21st century innovators to Rochester through Finger Lakes Forward and helping us create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester.

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy and SUNY Geneseo President Denise Battles said, We would like to offer our congratulations to the innovative teams selected to take part in the sixth round of the groundbreaking Luminate NY accelerator program. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs are helping to further bolster the optics, photonics, and imaging industry throughout the region. We cant wait to learn all about their next-generation ideas.

For additional information about the Luminate NY accelerator, click here.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward Todays announcement complements Finger Lakes Forward, the regions comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. 

About Empire State DevelopmentEmpire State Development (ESD) is New Yorks chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of I LOVE NEW YORK, the States iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

ESD / NYS MEDIA Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

LUMINATE NY Media ContactShannon Wojcik | [email protected] | 585-831-6267

Source: Luminate
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD; MSE:ERDN) ("Erdene" or the "Company") is pleased to announce operating and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022, and to provide an update on its Khundii Minerals District (KMD), including its Bayan Khundii Gold Project (Bayan Khundii or BK). This release should be read in conjunction with the Companys 2022 Financial Statements and MD&A, available on the Companys website and SEDAR.

Quotes from the Company:

Our 2022 exploration program successfully expanded resources in the Khundii Minerals District, while our technical team prepared the Bayan Khundii Gold Project for development, said Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO. Drilling during the year at our Dark Horse Mane and Ulaan Southeast prospects and Bayan Khundii deposit confirmed, and in some cases extended, high-grade mineralization, demonstrating the tremendous potential of this region in Southwest Mongolia.

In early Q1 we announced a Strategic Alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC), the Countrys largest independent mining company, and part of MCS group, a leading Mongolian conglomerate, continued Mr. Akerley. The first phase of the Alliance will focus on the development of the Bayan Khundii Gold Project. MMC will invest US$40 million in three stages, providing the equity capital for the project. We have commenced an updated feasibility study and expect to reach a BK construction decision in mid-2023. Looking ahead, we see MMC and MCS as the ideal partners to develop the broader KMD, which shows the potential to host multiple precious and base metals mines.

Finally, we continue to progress our Zuun Mod project, one of Asias largest undeveloped Molybdenum-Copper deposits, concluded Mr. Akerley. With molybdenum prices approximately doubling between late 2022 and early 2023, and copper prices forecast to remain strong, unlocking the value of the Zuun Mod project, as well as the Khuvyn Khar copper-silver prospect located on the license, will be a priority in the coming months.

2022 Highlights and Significant Subsequent Events:

Bayan Khundii Gold Project

Progressed construction readiness and engineering for the Bayan Khundii Gold Project: Completed detailed design and engineering for process plant and 12 of 14 non-process facilities Launched optimization studies on mine planning, gravity recovery and gold processing Completed preliminary works including camp expansion, communications infrastructure upgrade and project controls software implementation Expanded hazard identification program and initiated participatory environmental monitoring Received updated quotations for major equipment supply and construction works

Advanced regulatory approvals and secured key permits for mine development: Received regulatory approval of the detailed engineering and design for the CIP process plant and integrated mineral waste facility Obtained approval for 11 project facilities and received construction permits for eight facilities Received regulatory approval of the Projects 2022 environmental management works

Conducted community engagement programs in preparation for construction: Renewed Local Cooperation Agreement with Provincial and Sub-Provincial governments Trained more than 100 local residents and employed 30 community members at site in 2022 Planted over 10,000 trees at the two-hectare vegetation area as part of the Companys one million tree commitment in support of the Mongolian Presidents Billion Trees Program



Khundii Minerals District Exploration1

Drilled 10,223 metres over 80 diamond (including extensions) and 278 reverse circulation holes at the Dark Horse Mane and Ulaan Southeast prospects and the Bayan Khundii deposit Provided further support for Erdenes thesis that the Khundii-Ulaan hydrothermal alteration trend shows the potential to host a multi-million ounce gold resource

Expanded mineralization at the 1.5 km Dark Horse Mane trend, located 2 kms north of Bayan Khundii Mineralization remains open to the north, south and at depth and demonstrates potential for near-surface, high-grade oxide gold mineralization across the KMD Intersected high-grade, near-surface gold in Dark Horse Mane South and extended mineralization at depth in Dark Horse Mane North Confirmed potential of new East Mane target, 500 metres east of Dark Horse Mane Highlight intercepts from the 2022 Dark Horse exploration program include: AAD-178: 160.4 g/t gold over 3 metres within 42.8 g/t gold over 15 metres AAD-218: 39.6 g/t gold over 6 metres within 12 metres of 20.2 g/t gold AAD-217: 34.4 g/t gold over 3 metres within 11 metres of 13.0 g/t gold AAD-215: 13.7 g/t gold over 1 metre within 18.6 metres of 4.6 g/t gold



Traced mineralization at Ulaan Southeast over 200-metre strike to a depth of 450 metres, that remains open to the west and at depth, including an interpreted high-grade feeder zone Multiple holes returned wide zones (30 to 75 metres) averaging over 3 g/t gold and intersections in the projected feeder zone intercepted very high-grade mineralization Highlights from the 2022 Ulaan program include: UDH-21: 8.7 g/t gold over 27 metres within 335 metres of 1.1 g/t gold (including extension) UDH-35: 3.55 g/t gold over 53 metres within 217 metres of 1.07 g/t gold UDH-15: 1.98 g/t gold over 91 metres within 364 metres of 0.79 g/t gold UDH-53: 24.9 g/t gold over 2 metres within 27 metres of 3.47 g/t gold

Intersected high-grade mineralization in projected BK Gold Project starter pits Highlight intercepts confirmed and locally extended high-grade zones modelled in BK reserves BKD-358: 29.6 g/t gold over 4 metres within 16 metres of 8 g/t gold BKD-361: 68.0 g/t gold over 2 metres within 10 metres of 14.4 g/t gold BKD-369: 32.6 g/t gold over 2 metres within 20 metres of 10.4 g/t gold BKD-354: 67.5 g/t gold over 1m within 7m of 11.8 g/t gold BKD-356: 39.6 g/t gold over 1m within 10m of 5.7 g/t gold Collected ore for gravity processing test work from very high-grade zones



________________________________

1 Reported intervals in this release are downhole apparent widths. Continued exploration is required to confirm anisotropy of mineralization and true thicknesses

Corporate

Entered Strategic Alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation MMC to invest US$40 million for a 50% equity interest in Erdenes Mongolian subsidiary that holds the Khundii and Altan Nar mining licenses and the Ulaan exploration license Erdene retains 50% of EM and a 5.0% NSR royalty on production from the Khundii, Altan Nar and Ulaan licenses, as well as any properties acquired within 5 kilometres, beyond the first 400,000 ounces of gold recovered, as well as 100% interest in Zuun Mod Mo-Cu project Closed the first stage of the transaction in January 2023, with MMC investing US$5 million to finance an updated BK Gold Project Feasibility Study and exploration

Raised $14.2 million of equity, led by $5.4 million investment from Eric Sprott Closed financings in July and December 2022 of $7.2 million and $7.0 million Eric Sprott remains the Companys largest shareholder, owning 18% (20% partially diluted)

Progressed due diligence for the BK Project Finance with EDC and other financiers EDC due diligence complete pending finalization of project mine plan, schedule and budget, anticipated in mid-2023 and key loan terms agreed Discussions are proceeding in parallel with Mongolian and International financiers on subordinated debt and other non-equity instruments

Recorded a net loss of $5,986,237 for the Year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a net loss of $5,570,523 for the year ended December 31, 2021 Exploration and evaluation expenditures, including capitalized expenditures, totaled $11,770,631 for the Year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $12,391,867 for the prior year, as lower drilling costs due to less activity as well as a reduction in design and engineering work while the Company awaited a construction decision more than offset higher camp costs attributable to an expansion to prepare for construction and increased salaries due to growth in the team and costs of living adjustments Corporate and administrative expenses totaled $2,218,984 for the Year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $1,973,800 for the year ended December 31, 2021, with the year on year increase primarily due to higher administrative salaries due to cost of living adjustments and additional professional fees in support of pre-development and financing work for the BK Gold Project



Qualified Person

Peter Dalton, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Senior Geologist for Erdene, is the Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Erdene

Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in three mining licenses and an exploration license in Southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Gold District. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto and the Mongolian stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals, market prices, exploitation, and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE

Erdene Contact Information

Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO, or Robert Jenkins, CFO

Source: Erdene Resource Development Corporation
Toronto, Ont., March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- York University and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create positive change for Black-owned businesses and social enterprises by reducing barriers to commerce and driving inclusive economic growth.

A first between York and the CBCC, the MOU recognizes the important work the chamber does in supporting Black-owned businesses  creating a pathway for CBCC members to fast track their applications in Yorks first-of-its-kind Social Procurement Vendor Portal. The new agreement also commits both organizations to share knowledge and best practices to break down barriers.

Social procurement seeks to increase community benefit by being intentional about how an organization buys its goods and services. Recognizing that way the University purchases goods and services can foster inclusive economic growth and has a positive impact on surrounding communities, York was one of Canadas first universities to establish a comprehensive Social Procurement Policy. By keeping community economic development as a core principle, social procurement helps create more sustainable and prosperous communities. The premise is simple: as York grows, local communities should share in the success.

In 2022, York launched its Social Procurement Vendor Portal, becoming the first university in Ontario  and one of the first in Canada  to open its procurement process to non-third party certified diverse vendors and social enterprises. By actively identifying and contracting with diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises, and others who disproportionately experience unemployment or underemployment and discrimination, York has prioritized vendor diversity through both its Social Procurement Policy and its Social Procurement Vendor Portal.

Following the MOU signing, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton moderated a discussion about inclusive economic recovery featuring panelists, Doug Minter (centre), Mgt Consultant/Elevate Program Manager, Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, Olu Villasa (right), Manager, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Black Creek Community Health Centre, as well as Anne Jamieson, Senior Manager, Inclusive Employment, United Way Greater Toronto, and Carol McAulay, Vice-President, Finance and Administration, York University.

Diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises can choose one of two paths to register on Yorks Social Procurement Vendor Portal based on eligibility:

Recognized third-party certified diverse-owned businesses and /or social enterprises are eligible to register. They must include the name of their certification body and the expiry date of their certification on the registration form. Organizations can learn more about third-party certification here. Non-certified diverse-owned businesses and/or social enterprises can register on the portal by identifying the equity-deserving group under which their organization falls. As part of the assessment process, they must also submit their proof of business ownership as part of the required documentation.

This innovative drive to change how the University buys goods and services is reflected in how York is building its new 10-storey, 400,000-square-foot Markham Campus, set to open in Spring 2024. Through the new policy, vendors are being drawn from across the community and so far, $5.8 million has been spent at businesses headquartered and operated in York Region in fields like concrete, building supplies and technical consultations. In response to the Social Procurement Policy, Stuart Olson and their subcontractors have hired 15 equity-deserving apprentices.

Yorks vision is to offer a broad demographic of students access to a high-quality university, that is research intensive and committed to driving positive change. At the centre of the University Academic Plan is a challenge to elevate Yorks contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we are proud of the fact that we ranked 33rd in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for our contributions to advancing the SDGs. Yorks Social Procurement Policy is one of the ways the University is advancing its contributions to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which is about sustainably managing natural resources, reducing and managing waste better, and promoting sustainable lifestyles and company practices.

Quotes

York is a leader in creating positive change toward a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future and we recognize the importance of academia in convening people and ideas for meaningful action. As an anchor institution, we have an opportunity and an obligation to lead by example and maximize our economic and social impact on the communities around us. I want to congratulate Yorks social procurement team and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce on this milestone agreement aimed at leveling the playing field for Black-owned businesses and social enterprises.

 Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University

"CBCC is excited to sign the MOU with our natural partner York University. At CBCC we actively seek to promote, improve trade and commerce as well as the economic, civic and social welfare of Black and Afro-Canadians. Be a visible and effective organization for the expression of the views of our members and for the Black and Afro-Canadian business community, committed to the competitive market system. We develop programs aimed at creating a high level of economic awareness at all community, educational, and political levels for the benefit of our members."

 Jamila Aman, Executive Director, Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce

Our leadership in social procurement reflects the Yorks longstanding values of equity, inclusivity and social justice, values which have propelled the University forward for more than 60 years. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone partnership with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, and I look forward to deepening our relationship with the CBCC and its members, as we seek to ensure Black-owned businesses and social enterprises have equitable access to a wide base of potential customers in pursuit of economic opportunities with the University and its partners.

 Carol McAulay, Vice-President, Finance and Administration, York University

-30-

About York University

York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. Yorks campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Attachments

Kayla Lewis York University 416-452-0282 [email protected]

Source: York University
FILE PHOTO: A Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) logo is seen on Bay Street in the heart of the financial district in Toronto, January 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo

(Reuters) -Interest from two early suitors for Silicon Valley Bank - PNC Financial Group Inc and Royal Bank of Canada - had cooled on Sunday, as U.S. regulators invited bids for the failed lender, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) had given a Sunday afternoon deadline for bids for the failed bank, one of the sources said. Reuters could not determine which banks had bid.

The banks and the FDIC declined comment.

The FDIC has been trying to find a buyer for Silicon Valley Bank this weekend after taking control of it on Friday so that the bank's corporate clients that had their money frozen can meet their payroll obligations. But a deal on a tight timeline has proven to be hard. Bids were due for SVB at 2:00 pm ET 1800 GMT), two of the sources said.

PNC, one of the 10 largest U.S. banks by assets, wanted to pursue a bid for the entirety of Silicon Valley Bank, one of the sources added, but then studied a bid for parts of Silicon Valley Bank. A separate source familiar with the matter said PNC had decided to withdraw from any further talks.

RBC also explored a takeover of Silicon Valley Bank but it was unlikely to pursue it, three sources said. One of the sources added that RBC has struggled to get comfortable with the risks involved and the complexities of justifying the deal to regulators in its home country of Canada. RBC bought City National Bank in 2015. It is the eighth largest bank by deposits in California, according to FDIC data.

The sources requested anonymity because the matter is confidential.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday ruled out a government bailout of Silicon Valley Bank and said she was working with regulators to find a solution.

(Reporting by Megan Davies, Anirban Sen and David French in New York and Peter Schroeder in Washington and Lananh Nguyen; Editing by Paritosh Bansal, Bill Berkrot, Lisa Shumaker and Diane Craft)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF)(WKN: A3C166) (the "Company" or "WonderFi"), through its subsidiary Bitbuy Technologies Inc. ("Bitbuy"), will today host an education webinar called Unlocking the Potential of Polygon Staking for Institutions.

Taking place at 12:00pm EDT today, the free and interactive webinar will be hosted by Bitbuy's Vice President of Sales, Jeff Fitzgerald, along with Figment's Head of Marketing and Corporate Development, Ben Spiegelmen and Colin Butler, the Global Head of Institutional Capital at Polygon Labs.

Topics will include:

What is protocol staking.

What is Polygon (MATIC) and why Bitbuy is the only regulated platform to offer MATIC staking.

What are the benefits and risks of adding Polygon (MATIC) to your portfolio as an individual, institution or portfolio manager.

How you can start earning 4.88% on your MATIC holdings today.

What are the differences between a regulated staking program like Bitbuy vs. an unregulated program like Kraken.

How the Bitbuy Private Wealth / Corporate Solutions team can give you the best rates, the most coins and personalized service for all your crypto investment needs.

"We are excited to bring this educational webinar to Canadian investors," said Fitzgerald. "Staking is a relatively new concept to crypto investors and we believe it is important to provide educational resources to help our users make informed decisions. By partnering with Figment and Polygon, we are able to bring together industry experts and thought leaders to share their knowledge and experience with the public."

Click here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/polygon-staking-for-institutions to register for this free event.

Additional Information

For additional information, please contact:

President and Interim CEO

Dean Skurka

[email protected]

Media / Investor Relations

Binu Koshy, Communications Director

[email protected]

ABOUT WONDERFI

WonderFi is a leading technology company with the mission of creating better, unified access to digital assets through centralized and decentralized platforms. WonderFi's executive team and Board of Directors have an established track record in finance and crypto. WonderFi's core team of engineers and technologists believe that everyone should have equal access to finance and are aligned in the mission to empower people around the world to access finance in a simple, smart and secure way. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi.

ABOUT FIGMENT

Figment is the world's leading provider of blockchain infrastructure. Figment has a client base of over 200 institutions including direct token holders at venture capital firms, hedge funds, family offices and founding teams as well crypto service providers such as wallets, exchanges, custodians, and asset managers. Our clients rely on Figment to provide best in class staking service including rewards optimization, rewards reporting, governance, and slashing insurance on an industry leading 60+ protocols. Being at the forefront of Web3 development, Figment also enables companies to build applications seamlessly on an extensive network of blockchain protocols. Figment is backed by industry experts, financial institutions, and most recently valued at $1.4bn from leading private equity firm Thoma Bravo. Figment's 200 plus team across 23 countries are focused on supporting our mission to support the adoption, growth and long term success of the Web3 ecosystem. To learn more about Figment please visit our website at figment.io.

ABOUT POLYGON LABS

Polygon Labs develops Ethereum scaling solutions for Polygon protocols. Polygon Labs engages with other ecosystem developers to help make available scalable, affordable, secure and sustainable blockchain infrastructure for Web3. Polygon Labs has initially developed a growing suite of protocols for developers to gain easy access to major scaling solutions, including layer 2s (zero-knowledge rollups and optimistic rollups), sidechains, hybrid chains, app-specific chains, enterprise chains, and data availability protocols. Scaling solutions that Polygon Labs initially developed have seen widespread adoption with tens of thousands of decentralized apps, unique addresses exceeding unique addresses exceeding 211 million, over 1.12 million smart contracts created and 2.36 billion total transactions processed since inception. The existing Polygon network is home for some of the biggest Web3 projects, such as Aave, Uniswap, and OpenSea, and well-known enterprises, including Robinhood, Stripe and Adobe. Polygon Labs is carbon neutral with the goal of leading Web3 in becoming carbon negative.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", or variations of such words.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability of the Company to meet its expected go-live timing for staking, types of coins that will be supported, ability to earn and pay rewards, the ability of the Company to meet its expected go-live timing for fractional stock-trading and ETFs, any additional regulatory or other approvals which may further become required in connection therewith, the ability of the Company to work effectively with its partners and changes in general economic, business and political conditions. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. A more fulsome description of risk factors that may impact our business, financial condition and results of operation is set out in our management's discussion and analysis and financial statements for the for the period ended September 30, 2022, as well as our annual information form, available on SEDAR.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not approved or disapproved of the information contained in this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157947
Few challenges to public libraries' materials as obscene have arisen in recent years, despite North Dakota lawmakers' efforts this year to ban sexual content from the shelves.

The Legislature advanced two bills last month by veto-proof majorities, both targeting "explicit sexual material." The bills are House Bill 1205 by House Majority Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, and Senate Bill 2360 by Sen. Keith Boehm, R-Mandan.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday adopted amendments to Lefor's bill, changes which would apply to minors and libraries' children's collections.

Boehm's bill would criminalize with a misdemeanor charge the willful display of "explicit sexual material" at "newsstands or any other business establishment frequented by minors, or where minors are or may be invited as a part of the general public." Such material would include images or written descriptions of various sex acts, nudity or partial nudity.

The House Judiciary Committee hears Boehm's bill at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Room 327B of the state Capitol's Judicial Wing.

Supporters say the bills would protect children from pornography. Opponents have decried the bills as censorship.

The bills have prompted library displays of books that might be banned, as well as "read-in" protests and libraries' informational sessions about their policies.

Focus on minors

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday heard Lefor's bill, which the House passed last month in a 65-28 vote.

The panel adopted amendments overhauling the bill to be specific to minors and children's collections.

The amended bill would define "explicit sexual material" as "any material which, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors; is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community in North Dakota as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors."

The bill would mandate public libraries to come up with policies and procedures before next year for removing or relocating "explicit sexual material," handling requests to remove or relocate books, developing age-appropriate book collections, and periodically reviewing collections. Libraries also would have to submit a "compliance report" on their policies to lawmakers.

The bill also makes clear it would apply to "any children's book inventory maintained by a public library."

Lefor said he heard concerns of "unintended consequences" for the House-passed version of his bill, prompting amendments. Opponents said the previous version applied to entire libraries, not only children's sections.

"We really want to focus on (minors). Probably didn't do a good job of that to begin with," the top House Republican told the Senate panel.

Minot Public Library Director Janet Anderson cautioned the panel about the word pornography "being thrown around a lot this session."

"Let me just say it is harmful because we are being called pushers of pornography and we are being called groomers," Anderson told the senators.

Lefor said if both bills advance further, a House-Senate conference committee "if necessary" would look at both bills if they have "too much duplication."

Strong message?

Boehm has called schools and libraries "safe zones for activists" who are able to "disseminate their doctrine on perversion on minors." He cited "people working on research for months on this" who found such content in 40 libraries statewide.

The researchers looked up books "the American Library Association is having battles on, trying to defend sexually explicit material ... and we went and looked," Boehm told the Tribune. "It's easy to look this information up."

The Tribune emailed 27 public libraries around North Dakota about any challenges in the last five years to their materials as obscene and what result, if any, occurred. Eighteen libraries responded.

Of those, 14 reported no challenges on obscenity.

The Bismarck, Fargo, Minot and Valley City public libraries reported a combined nine challenges to materials as obscene.

Boehm said the few challenges suggest to him that "the material hasn't been found yet in those libraries. It's as simple as that."

Lefor said, "That's great, if there's not much objectionable material, I think that means that the libraries are doing a good job, but some have fallen through the cracks when some of these books get in there, and I think the Legislature needs to a send a strong message that we do not support having these types of books in libraries."

Additionally, the State Library reported one challenge to a book in the last 22 years, but not for obscenity.

The library in 2021 removed "If I Ran the Zoo" by Dr. Seuss after a request to move the book to the adult collection due to racist imagery. The library removed the book because it wasn't being checked out, according to State Librarian Mary Soucie.

Patrons of other libraries, including ones in Grand Forks and Mandan, took "request for reconsideration" forms but apparently did not submit them.

Several directors noted their libraries have formal policies for patrons to challenge or request reconsideration of materials in the collection.

Bismarck

Of the nearly 2.6 million items circulated in the last five years, the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library received two requests for reconsideration.

They were for Sarah S. Brannen's hamster version of "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," and "Tell Me About Sex, Grandma" by Anastasia Higginbotham. Both books were ultimately retained, according to Library Director Christine Kujawa.

The children's librarian provided the patrons with collection development policy information and professional reviews the library used when deciding to purchase the books. Kujawa also sent letters to the patrons with the information and decision.

A patron followed up with a request for a hearing with the library's board of trustees regarding Higginbotham's book, but never responded to Kujawa's offer to coordinate and schedule a hearing, she said.

The Fargo, Minot and Valley City libraries retained or relocated materials requested for reconsideration.

Those included the film "The Ungovernable Force" and books "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe, and "Let's Talk About It" by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan.

Valley City

"Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human" specifically has drawn the scorn of North Dakota Republican lawmakers, who cite its content and visual nudity in drawings as obscene.

Lefor has called the book "225 pages of despicable filth" and "beyond the bounds of decency."

The Valley City Barnes County Public Library held a public hearing earlier this year on the book for the public to give testimony to the library board. The board ultimately voted to move the book to the library's adult collection.

Library Director Anita Tulp said staff consider the process to be a success, though not everyone was totally happy with the decision. The book had been in the library's young adult section for nearly two years and was checked out twice before controversy arose.

"The book is still in the library and our policy and procedure for reconsideration was followed leading to all concerned being able to voice their opinions and provide valuable information for our Library Board to make an informed decision," Tulp told the Tribune. "It provided us with experience of putting our policy into motion and helped us update and revise it to make it a more clear and easy to follow procedure if we ever need to use it again."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2023) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of a diamond drill program at its 100% owned 3Ts Project, located approximately 185 kilometres ("km") southwest of Prince George, British Columbia and situated 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Project, which recently announced the receipt of the BC Mines Act Permit for the development of its Blackwater Mine.

The winter drill program will consist of approximately 28 drill holes totaling 4,100 metres ("m") and will be focused on the Tommy vein system and an area approximately 200 m around it. The targets were selected based on the updated resource which was completed in 2022 by SGS (see news release dated August 18, 2022) and will test significant gaps within the Tommy vein systems. Additional drilling will focus on testing targets along strike of the vein systems, new veins discovered during the fall 2022 exploration program, as well as testing the potential porphyry targets outlined by the previous geophysical surveys conducted in 2021. The estimated budget for this drill program is $1.1 million.

The primary focus of the drill program is to increase the National Instrument 43-101 compliant inferred resource estimate which has been calculated for the Tommy and Ted-Mint Vein systems. The combined in-pit and underground components of Tommy and Ted-Mint vein systems contain a total inferred resource estimate of 4,469,297 tonnes grading 3.64 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold and 96.26 g/t silver, at a cut off grade of 0.4 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq") in-pit and 2.0 g/t AuEq underground, containing 522,330 ounces of gold and 13,831,415 ounces of silver, totaling 678,156 AuEq ounces.

The 3Ts Project is comprised of fifteen mineral claims covering approximately 5,200 hectares in the Nechako Plateau region of central British Columbia. The 3Ts Project covers an epithermal quartz-carbonate vein systems within which more than a dozen individual mineralized veins, ranging from 50 m to more than 900 m in length and true widths up to 25 m, have been identified.

About Independence

Independence Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca.

Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Suite 580 625 Howe, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6

Telephone: 604-687-3959

Facsimile: 604-687-1448

E-Mail: [email protected]



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/158124
VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Zacatecas Silver Corp. ( the "Company"), (TSXV: ZAC) (OTC Markets: ZCTSF) (Frankfurt: 7TV) is pleased to announce its exploration plans on a key deep intrusion target near the Esperanza Gold Project as well as other near surface targets around the Esperanza Gold Project.

Highlights:

Recently completed review of historical drilling suggests gold and silver enriched fluids were sourced from a deeper mineralized intrusion (see deposit model in Figure 1).

Geophysical studies to be carried out on deeper mineralized intrusion to determine potential target types.

Several near surface priority targets for near surface gold and silver mineralization.

Exploration planning follows recently announced strategic alliance with the Tetlama Community, home of the Esperanza Gold Project

Western Limb Deep Intrusion Related Target

The previous operators drilled several holes targeting mineralization on the western edge of the Esperanza Gold Project beneath the planned depth of the open pit. Drill result intercepts in primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralization included:

9 m @ 2.04 g/t Au from 256.5 to 265. 5 m and 9 m @ 106 g/t Ag from 246 to 255 m in hole 11-219.

30 m @ 2.56 g/t Au from 324 to 354 m, including 7.5 m @ 7.36 g/t Au from 324 to 331.5 m, and 27 m @ 26.0 g/t Ag and 0.18% Cu from 321 to 348 m in hole 11-214.

25.5 m @ 1.14 g/t Au from 303 to 328.5 m including 9 m @ 2.26 g/t Au from 319.5 to 328.5 m, and 36 m @ 38.4 g/t Ag, 0.97% Zn and 0.15 % Cu from 283.5 to 319.5 m in hole 11-213.

Mineralization in the above three holes is open at depth and along strike, suggesting that gold and silver-mineralized fluids were sourced from a deeper mineralizing intrusion. Potential target types include stockwork, disseminated and breccia-hosted gold and silver mineralization proximal to the mineralizing intrusion, and skarn and disseminated gold and silver mineralization in limestone and calcareous sediments (see Figure 1). Although zinc and copper grades were generally low, grades increase downhole, highlighting the potential for deep base metal targets. The highest grades of these assays were contained in 1.5 m at 0.52% Cu and 7.82 % Zn and further support this hypothesis.

The previously un-drilled Southwest Extension Prospect is defined at surface by skarn facies and marble with quartz-iron oxide veins. This prospect is along strike of the Esperanza Deposit and feldspar porphyry, and the Coatetelco Prospect 3.5 km to the southwest. The Southwest Extension Prospect appears to lie within a northeast-southwest trending corridor that has exerted a fundamental control on mineralization at Esperanza. It is a robust deep exploration target.

Several Near Surface Targets

Historical geochemical sampling and scout diamond drilling defined four areas proximal to the Esperanza deposit that are high priority targets for near surface discovery of gold-silver mineralization. Three of the targets occur at the contact of the feldspar porphyry and are known as the Northern Contact, Northeastern Contact and Colotepec Prospects (see Figure 2). A fourth prospect known as Maize, is located approximately 0.5 km to the northwest of the feldspar porphyry at the northwestern edge of the Esperanza deposit.

Northern Contact. The Northern Contact prospect is located at the northern contact between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This target is covered by post-mineralization Cuernavaca volcanics and has never been tested.

The Northern Contact prospect is located at the northern contact between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This target is covered by post-mineralization Cuernavaca volcanics and has never been tested. Northeastern Contact. The Northeastern Contact prospect is a zone of anomalous gold mineralization, with a strike length of at least 400 m, coincident with the contact zone between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This prospect has never been drill tested.

The Northeastern Contact prospect is a zone of anomalous gold mineralization, with a strike length of at least 400 m, coincident with the contact zone between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This prospect has never been drill tested. Colotepec. The Colotepec Prospect occurs at the southern edge of the Esperanza Deposit. It presents at a 500 m long by 50 m wide zone of marble cross-cut by quartz-iron oxide veinlets. Similar alteration has been observed in historical diamond drill holes immediately above high grade gold skarn mineralization.

Planned Exploration Program

Based on the foregoing high priority exploration targets, the Company plans a focused geochemical sampling and field-based geophysical sampling program:

Soil geochemistry will be completed across all prospects on an initial 50 by 100 m grid. The program will start on the near-surface targets where soil anomalism is likely to be strongest and then focus on the deeper targets.

Field magnetic studies are an effective exploration tool for porphyry and associated deposit types. Magnetics provide important information on the distribution of host rocks and intrusive stocks (due to differences in primary magnetite content), alteration facies, and regional structures.

A focused induced polarization and resistivity program is planned to target areas of geochemical anomalism and favourable magnetic signature to help delineate sulphide rich and silica-rich targets.

Dependent upon the results of the above studies, deep-sensing audio-frequency magnetotellurics (AMD) or large-scale controlled audio magnetotellurics (CSAMT), may be used to assist deep targeting on the western limb of the Esperanza Gold Project. These techniques are increasingly used in the exploration of deeply buried mineralized systems (CSAMT was successfully deployed in the discovery of the Cukari Peku copper-gold porphyry and high sulphidation deposit in Serbia).

Qualified Person

The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Chris Wilson, B.Sc. (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, Chief Operating Officer of Zacatecas. Dr. Wilson is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and is responsible for all technical information in this news release.

About Zacatecas Silver Corp.

The Company has two key projects. The Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos State, Mexico and the Zacatecas Silver Project in Zacatecas State, Mexico.

Esperanza is an advanced stage, attractive low-cost, low-capital-intensity and low-technical-risk growth project located in Morelos state, Mexico. Alamos has progressed the project through advanced engineering, including metallurgical work, while also focusing on stakeholder engagement, including building community relations. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at Esperanza consisting of a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 30.5 million tonnes at 0.97 g/t AuEq for 956 thousand ounces AuEq and an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 8.7 million tonnes at 0.98 g/t AuEq for 277 thousand ounces AuEq (see news release dated November 16, 2022).

The Zacatecas Silver Project is located in Zacatecas state, Mexico, within the highly prospective Fresnillo silver belt, which has produced over 6.2 billion ounces of silver. The Company holds 7,826 hectares (19,338 acres) of ground that is highly prospective for low-sulphidation and intermediate-sulphidation silver base metal mineralization and potentially low-sulphidation gold-dominant mineralization. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at the Panuco Deposit consisting of 2.7 million tonnes at 187 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (171 g/t silver (Ag) and 0.17 g/t gold (Au)) for 16.4 million ounces AgEq (15 million ounces silver and 15,000 ounces gold) (see news release dated December 14, 2021).

The property is 25 kilometres (km) southeast of MAG Silver Corp.'s Juanicipio Mine and Fresnillo PLC's Fresnillo Mine. The Property shares common boundaries with Pan American Silver Corp. claims and El Orito, which is owned by Endeavour Silver.

On behalf of the CompanyBryan SlusarchukChief Executive Officer and Director

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas' limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on its Esperanza Gold Project and Zacatecas Silver Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. A Pre-Feasibility Study has commenced for the Esperanza Gold Project which will provide further information as to economic projections and assumptions related to the project, however there are currently no assurances that the project will be economically viable nor assurances that necessary financing, permitting, and metal prices will exist to enable development. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zacatecas does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Zacatecas Silver Corp.
Air Force leaders said Monday that they plan to buy 96 aircraft, including 72 fighter jets, and boost their research into future technologies by nearly 10% as part of the services more than $185 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2024.

The spending plan for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 is about $5.4 billion more than the budget for 2023. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said the plan is a beautiful balance between operational demands now and modernizing to stay ahead of the future threats that are primarily coming from Chinas ability to rapidly update its militarys technology. Its just part of the more than $215 billion budget request from Department of the Air Force, which includes $30 billion for Space Force.

I'm very comfortable with what we're asking for. I think we've got a good mix here, Kendall said Friday on a call with reporters.

The Air Force funding plan is part of the Defense Department budget proposal of $842 billion, which is up 3.2% from fiscal 2023, which ends Sept. 30. The $26 billion increase from last years spending would include a 5.2% salary bump for troops  the highest in 20 years.

The Air Forces proposed budget speeds up planned purchases of aircraft, including 48 F-35A fighter jets and 24 F-15EX jets. The service also plans to retire 310 aircraft, including 32 F-22 Raptors, 57 F-16 Eagles, 48 MQ-9 Reapers, which are unmanned aircraft, and 42 A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog.

The Air Force also plans to retire 24 KC-10 tankers as it requests the purchase of 15 of its replacement aircraft, the KC-46.

The plan includes funding for 1.1 million flying hours.

The proposal calls for a 9.7% increase in research and development spending, including the formation of an experimental operations unit, said Maj. Gen. Michael A. Greiner, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for budget. It includes an increase in money for the intercontinental ballistic missile replacement, the Sentinel program, as the first of the new strategic bomber B-21 Raider is projected to take flight later this year, he said.

Other new technology programs with increased funding include the next generation of manned and unmanned combat aircrafts and test aircraft for the continued development of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, which is sometimes called the Doomsday plane and is made to survive a nuclear blast.

The Air Force budget also calls for $42.1 billion to fund 512,100 members of the Air Force and Space Force, including Air National Guard and Reserve members.

There are about 504,475 troops now in the Air Force and Space Force, according to budget documents. The Air Force is authorized now to have about 250 additional troops. If the Air Force can fill all the positions its requesting in 2024, it could see about 7,625 more troops in its ranks.

The Air Force asked for $588 million for civilian personnel, which includes a 5.2% pay raise  the largest in 40 years, Greiner said.

To help with recruiting, the budget includes funding for increasing pilot retention bonuses from $35,000 to $50,000, and $45 million for initial recruiting bonuses.

The service is requesting $368 million that will go toward 39 dormitories, and another $731 million for infrastructure improvement for environmental sustainability, such as electric, water, pipeline and landscaping improvements.

The Air Force requested $3.8 billion for 49 projects in 17 states and overseas locations for military construction.

Kendall said its important that Congress pass this budget on schedule.

So many people have been asking me about going faster and accelerating change  and how to make acquisition move faster. We move at the pace of money and engineering. And you don't start until you get the money, he said.
WASHINGTON  The Armys budget request for fiscal 2024 seeks $185 billion that includes funding increases to attract and retain soldiers, stabilize the Indo-Pacific region and procure new weapons, service officials said Monday.

The services budget proposal, which is a slight increase from 2023, accounts for less than 25% of the Defense Departments overall budget of $842 billion for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Army officials said the discretionary funding request for next year is centered mostly on modernization, personnel and improving readiness.

As [China] races to modernize its military, this budget will sharpen our edge by making critical investments across all timeframes, theaters, and domains, defense officials said in a statement. This budget makes the department's largest-ever investments in readiness and procurement  and our largest investment in research and development.

Many of the Armys year-to-year budget items in the proposal do not increase from 2023 funding, but the service is requesting more than $15 billion in additional spending for personnel matters to make greater investments in troops, families and civilian staffers amid ongoing struggles with recruiting.

People are our No. 1 priority, Undersecretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo told reporters at the Pentagon. There are significant uncertainties regarding the recruiting market.

Last year, the Army aimed for 60,000 new recruits but attracted only about 45,000. This year, its recruiting goal is 65,000. Officials said Monday that the new budget request includes almost $390 million to fund marketing and advertising portfolios in a bid to attract enlistees.

Last week, the Army announced a rebranding campaign that included a refreshed logo and the resurrection of its famous slogan  Be All You Can Be.

Also part of the 2024 budget request is $13 million to expand the Armys Future Soldier Prep Course, a program designed to educate young American students about military life and help them prepare for and pass the militarys academic and physical eligibility requirements. Instituted in 2022, officials said the program has been highly successful so far. Fewer than 25% of all young Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 can meet military eligibility requirements, according to the most recent Pentagon data.

About $290 million will fund enhancing operations within the Armys recruiting command and the budget request aims to fund a force of 452,000 active-duty soldiers in fiscal 2024.

Camarillo said the Army expects it will take several years to overcome its current recruiting challenges  something that Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has also acknowledged.

Other priorities laid out in the Armys budget blueprint include $72 billion for operations and maintenance, $23 billion for weapons procurement and $16 billion for research and development.

Some of the weapons priorities in the Armys budget include about $1.4 billion to procure Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, $220 million for 155mm artillery shells and almost $500 million on the Next Generation Squad Weapon  a new rifle thats been in development for years  and ammunition. If Congress approves the funds, they will pay for more than 18,000 of the new rifles and 21 million rounds of ammo.

[The Armys proposed budget] enables us to continue our momentum on the modernization programs, fully fund our efforts to address recruiting and to effectuate the National Defense Strategy, Camarillo said.

The Pentagons National Defense Strategy, issued last fall, identified China as the top pacing challenge for the U.S. and underscored the importance of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region  something the Armys budget also aims to do.

Concerns about China expanding its influence in the region have risen in recent months with the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon over the United States and occasional provocative movements in the South China Sea, including the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has long claimed Taiwan as a breakaway territory and has expressed a desire to reunify with the island.

The Armys budget request also includes almost $1.5 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a program designed to develop advanced capabilities, new operational concepts and build a more resilient force posture in the Indo-Pacific. Also included is funding for contested logistics and efforts to expand the Armys engagement in the region.

Here are a few other priorities from the Armys budget request for fiscal 2024:

 $1.9 billion on continued investment in future vertical lift helicopters.

 $1.1 billion on continued investment in the long-range hypersonic weapons.

 $287.5 million for five new barracks projects.

 $709 million on efforts to expand access to child care.

 $290 million to strengthen prevention of sexual assault and response.

 $230 million to implement suicide prevention measures.

 $583 million on Army community services and morale, welfare and recreation.

 $900 million for 115 military exercises worldwide, including 33 in Indo-Pacific.

 More than $500 million on cybersecurity tools and infrastructure.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tribune News Service)  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 Circuit Court judge ordered Collazo to be evaluated by the state 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  represented by Deputy Solicitor Dan Goldberg  and defense, Fifth Circuit Public Defender Fielding Pringle.

It was one of those rare occasions where we are all in agreement, Pringle told the judge.

Judge Debra McCaslin accepted the conclusion, and agreed that Collazo lacked the capacity to distinguish moral and legal right from wrong at the time of the hijacking.

It was apparent from the time of his arrest and during his initial evaluations that he was schizophrenic, Pringle said. The reports similarly found that Collazo was convinced that someone was coming to hurt him or his family when he escaped Fort Jackson with an unloaded M4 rifle and hijacked the bus from a nearby neighborhood.

Following interviews with other soldiers and his family, it was apparent that Collazo, who was 23 at the time of the incident, had been struggling with the early manifestations of his illness for some time, Pringle said. The National Alliance on Mental Illness describes late teens to early 20s as the typical age of onset for schizophrenia in men.

While unaware of the disease, his family would try to soothe his intense feelings of paranoia while Collazo lived at home in New York.

It was just so tragic because the family just didnt know, Pringle said. Those delusions persisted and followed him down to South Carolina.

Collazo has been incarcerated at the Alvin S Glenn Detention Center since May 2021. During that time, Collazo had accepted his treatment and was learning to come to terms with his illness, Pringle said. In those two years, he has not received a single disciplinary infraction, she said.

I dont need to tell you how remarkable that is, Pringle said.

Signing off on the plan, McClaslin looked down at Collazo, who his hair grown out into a ponytail from the Army buzz cut he had sported during his arrest.

I wish you luck, McClaslin said.

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.

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.

While they had the opportunity to be present, none of the children or the bus driver chose to be in court Thursday, Goldberg said.

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.

2023 The State.

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SOUTHEAST POLAND  The soldiers of Delta Battery are hypervigilant for a potential attack that could plunge 30 nations into conflict with Russia, and theyve been that way ever since arriving last year with their Patriot missiles at little more than a muddy field.

Hypervigilance means no alcohol, ever. Passes to leave the small outpost of dirt-filled Hesco walls topped with razor wire come rarely, and no one goes far in case of an emergency.

Delta Batterys task is to make sure that if the Russians ever fire at the billions of dollars worth of aid making its way from NATO territory to Ukraine, their Patriot missiles will keep the cargo moving and the people nearby it safe.

Stars and Stripes has agreed to withhold the exact location of the battery for security reasons.

Early on, Moscow warned that it considered weapons shipments to Ukraine legitimate military targets. Most analysts agree that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to launch an attack on a NATO member because it would invoke the alliances Article 5, which calls for all members to defend each other.

But Putins reluctance cant be counted upon to continue. And so, the soldiers continue to be ready.

The threat level has been pretty steady throughout this deployment, said Sgt. Chase Hanel, who oversees a group of soldiers tasked with preparing the Patriot launchers when they need to be fired.

Delta was one of three batteries from 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, part of 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Germany, that deployed to NATOs eastern flank just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

All three specialize in the Patriot long-range surface-to-air missile defense system. Bravo Battery was sent to Slovakia and Charlie Battery set up near Delta, a few dozen miles from the Ukrainian border.

The other units have already been replaced, as were many of the thousands of NATO troops initially sent east in response to the war.

But the 60-some Delta soldiers, most of whom have been here since the beginning, remain. Their departure is thought to be imminent, but they still dont know exactly when it will be.

Part of the reason is that NATO leaders say Patriot protection in the area is crucial, and they dont want any gaps in coverage.

The speed that went into Deltas deployment meant there was no initial blueprint for handing over the reins to another unit, said Capt. Nathan Lebaron, the batterys commander.

This is the first time we have been deployed to Europe to do anything like this, said Lebaron, who has completed multiple air defense deployments in the Middle East. Its very unique and its a big deal.

Lebarons soldiers were given less than a week to relocate from Germany to Poland and start operations. They described arriving at an open field, living in Humvees with small heaters and using pizza boxes as makeshift tables.

It was a bit overwhelming to have to set up a site and be like, OK, we need to start operations and were defending one of the most important locations in Europe, said Staff Sgt. Rosa Weaver, who maintains the systems equipment.

The Patriot system debuted in combat during the 1991 Gulf War. It includes radar with a range of over 90 miles, a control station, a power generator, launch stations and other support vehicles.

Its usually used to shoot down incoming cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and advanced aircraft.

Given the absence of Russian attacks on NATO territory over the past year, the alliances air defenders have spent much of their time waiting.

Members of Delta Battery, who usually work 12-hour shifts inside tents or vehicles packed with equipment and are often exposed to the elements, acknowledge that the work can get tedious.

Some spend the day dealing with incoming information, while others wait for orders to prepare the missiles for firing. Such orders are periodically handed down to keep them on their toes. Only later do the troops discover its just a drill.

While theyre technically not on a combat deployment, the soldiers say it feels very much like one.

The rigors and austere nature of the deployment are taking a mental toll, some said.

Deployments usually last a maximum nine months, but this ones going past 365 days, so its definitely becoming an issue, Hanel said. My soldiers are burned out, theyre exhausted. Its hard to get the rest you need and get back to work like the soldiers we need to be.

Some soldiers at times have questioned the need for the mission, Cpl. Reagen Eargood said. But that sentiment is often short-lived, she added, particularly when troops receive reminders of the bigger picture.

I had a little girl about 5 years old come up to me and say, thank you and shake my hand, Eargood said, recounting a visit to a nearby town. She heard us speaking English, and her mom asked if we were American.

Its moments like those that make you realize were making a difference, not only to the Polish people but to the Ukrainians and to our family back home.

Most of the troops said they follow closely the developments in Ukraine and the U.S. response to the war. Some said they were concerned by the growing number of Americans opposed to sending weaponry to Kyiv.

A poll last month by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed nearly 30% of Americans oppose providing such aid, up from 19% in May.

The latest U.S. aid package to Ukraine, announced earlier this month, is worth up to $400 million and includes armored vehicle-launched bridges and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

It brings to roughly $30 billion the amount spent by the U.S. on security assistance to Ukraine since Russias invasion last year.

I take great pride in the fact that we are enabling the defense of Ukraine, that we are enabling the United States and its NATO allies to shore up the alliance and shore up Western values by providing these kinds of weapons and this protection, said 1st Lt. Daniel Olsen, Delta Batterys executive officer.

Outside the razor wire-topped walls of Delta Batterys operations center, a backhoe digs in the mud. The site slowly has been getting more permanent structures like bathrooms. Someday soon, the sites modest appearance might be a thing of the past.

Were preparing for the long haul, Lebaron said. We can be here as long as America needs Patriot to be here.
Thousands of soldiers from the United States and the Philippines began a three-week exercise Monday on the island of Luzon to hone warfighting skills, including jungle operations.

The U.S. Armys 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division has deployed 1,500 troops from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, to the Philippines for the drills, dubbed Salaknib, according to unit commander Col. Graham White.

Theyll train alongside 1,500 troops from the Philippine armys 7th infantry Division, he said by phone Sunday from Fort Magsaysay, a training area northeast of Clark Air Base on the Philippines main island.

This years event runs through April 4 and is the largest in the series of annual drills that the two armies have held since 2016, White said.

The exercise includes small-arms, maneuver, jungle, artillery and mortar training as well as engineering and construction projects.

Salaknib is part of Pacific Pathways, an annual series of exercises across the Indo-Pacific. The Army aims to have combat credible forces west of the International Date Line for eight months of the year, White said.

The goal is to increase combat readiness, strengthen regional partnership and show U.S. will and resolve, he said.

Soldiers from the brigade specialize in jungle warfare and train for it on Hawaii, White said.

No two jungles are the same, he said. The Oahu jungle is whats considered a secondary jungle. The jungle in the Philippines would be quite different to what our soldiers are used to. A different environment, different critters, different temperatures.

The Philippine government announced last month that it would add four installations to five sites in the islands where U.S. forces will have access under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

These efforts are especially important as [China] continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters during a Feb. 2 press briefing in Manila.

However, White said Salaknib isnt focused on any potential adversary and that most of the training is happening at Fort Magsaysay.

The drills will be followed by next months annual Balikatan exercise, which involves thousands of U.S. troops from multiple service branches training in the islands alongside their Filipino counterparts.
WASHINGTON  The Navy wants to buy nine warships for its fleet and decommission 11 vessels in its proposed $202.5 billion budget for 2024, the service announced Monday.

The budget request calls for the purchase of two Virginia-class attack submarines, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, two Constellation-class frigates, one John Lewis-class oiler and one submarine tender.

It also includes a second Columbia-class, ballistic-missile submarine  a central component of our recapitalization of our nuclear triad, said Erik Raven, the undersecretary of the Navy. The triad refers to the three legs of the Defense Departments nuclear forces: land, air and sea.

The Navy is not requesting any funding for amphibious ships. Of the 11 ships that the service is seeking to cut, there are three Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships, three Ticonderoga-class cruisers and two Independence-class littoral combat ships  the 9-year-old USS Jackson and 8-year-old USS Montgomery. Both ships were expected to have a 25-year service life.

Congress last year allowed the Navy to cut only four of nine littoral combat ships targeted for early retirement. The Navy this year is again asking lawmakers to approve the decommissioning of four ships that the service also wanted retired last year: the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg and dock landing ships USS Germantown, USS Gunston Hall and USS Tortuga.

Raven said the dock landing ships posed a challenge for readiness.

We want to make sure that the capabilities that we field are the right capabilities, he said. Were proposing those divestments because we think the return on investment on further investments on those particular ships  is not there. Additionally, we have sailors and Marines who are serving on these ships, and we think getting them matched up with the right platforms is the way to go.

The Navys deployable battle force will number 293 ships in fiscal 2024, which begins Oct. 1, compared with 296 now. The service is expected to reach an active-duty end strength of 347,000 sailors and 57,200 Reserve members, an increase of 5,264 sailors and 983 reservists, respectively, from the previous year.

The Navys budget request represents a nearly $10 billion, or 5% increase, from last years enacted budget. It contains $67.3 billion for operations and maintenance, $63.7 billion for procurement, $42.9 billion for personnel, $23.3 billion for research and development and $5.3 billion for military construction and family housing.

About $17 billion of the procurement request is for 88 aircraft, including fighters, helicopters, unmanned aircraft and training aircraft.

The construction spending plan is a nearly 20% increase compared to last years budget and will include the construction of three child development centers, said Rear Adm. John Gumbleton, the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget.

The Navy also wants to boost investment in the Pentagons Pacific Deterrence Initiative by nearly 50%, committing $3.2 billion to a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of Chinas growing military power. A significant portion of the funds will be spent on construction projects to build up naval bases in Guam, Hawaii and other locations, Gumbleton said.

We know that our prosperity and security as a nation are dependent upon unfettered access to the sea, Raven said.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Japanese police arrested a U.S. Navy sailor early Sunday who allegedly entered an apartment unit on Okinawa while under the influence of alcohol.

Seaman Apprentice Nathan Walker, 20, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was still in police custody Monday in Okinawa city, an Okinawa police spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone that day.

He was detained at 5:05 a.m. Sunday in the hallway outside the apartment in the Miyagi district of Chatan town, the spokesman said.

Police were not sure how Walker entered the home, the spokesman said. The door was undamaged and no one was injured during the incident, he said.

A breath test measured Walkers blood alcohol content at 0.15%. For comparison, all 50 U.S. states have set 0.08 as the legal limit for driving under the influence or driving while impaired.

A neighbor called police at 4:43 a.m. to report a foreign man was attempting to open the apartments front door, the spokesman said.

Walker denied the allegation, the spokesman said.

The Navy acknowledged Walker's arrest in an emailed statement Monday and said the incident is under investigation.

"The Navy takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, and we continue to monitor this case closely," wrote Lt. Cmdr. Andrew DeGarmo, a spokesman for Task Force 76.

Police planned to send his case to prosecutors on Monday to consider filing charges, the spokesman said.

Some government officials in Japan speak to the media on condition of anonymity as a requirement of their employment.
HONOLULU (Tribune News Service)  Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific awarded a $2.8 billion task order Friday under a previously awarded contract to Honolulu-based joint venture Dragados/Hawaiian Dredging /Orion JV to replace Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

The planned five-year project will construct a large new dry dock to be designated Dry Dock 5. Dry Dock 3 will become functionally obsolete once the Navy retires the last of its Los Angeles-class submarines. Built in 1942, its unable to service the Navys newer Virginia-class submarines or larger surface ships.

For decades the Navy has invested in new vessels and weapons, but it is now playing catch-up in funding the construction and maintenance of the facilities it needs. The new dry dock is part of the $21 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which aims to upgrade shipyards over a span of 20 years.

Replacing Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is a critical enabler of increased naval capability, Pete Lynch, a Navy official who oversees SIOP, said in a news release. This project is a key investment in increasing capacity and modernizing our nations public shipyards through upgraded dry docks and facilities, new equipment, and improved workflow.

A major emphasis for SIOP is infrastructure to support nuclear-powered subs and warships. The Navy established SIOP to improve operations at the four U.S. public shipyards by updating their physical layouts, modernizing their dry docks and replacing antiquated equipment.

The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, a key logistics hub for the Navy in the Pacific, is the states top industrial employer with more than 6, 000 employees.

The Pacific has been a particularly busy theater for the Navy as it conducts freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, a critical waterway that more than one-third of all international trade travels through. Beijing considers almost the entire region its sovereign territory over the objections of neighboring countries and has built bases on disputed reefs and islands to assert its claims.

The Navys warships and subs have been deploying nearly nonstop around the globe patrolling sea lanes and conducting other operations. But the pace of operations takes a toll on equipment. Shipyards have struggled in recent years to maintain the Navys vessels, and many are backlogged.

A 2021 Government Accountability Office report warned that facilities like Pearl Harbor might not be capable of repairing battle-damaged vessels in the event of an armed conflict. In that case, ships would have to travel to the mainland for extensive repairs.

Maintenance of submarines is particularly challenging. Some military reviews have reported that a significant portion of the Navys fast-attack submarines are both behind schedule on maintenance and have lost critical dive certifications.

Between 2019 and 2021 as many as three Navy submarine sailors on Oahu died by suicide while their subs were in dry dock at PHNSY, including an incident in December 2019 in which a sailor guarding the Los Angeles-class sub USS Columbia killed two civilian dockworkers and wounded another before taking his own life. Navy investigations found that crews felt overworked in the industrial environment and complained of toxic leadership.

Demand for modernization is set to grow in the Pacific region as the Pentagon increasingly sees it as its top theater amid tensions with China. But a GAO report released in May said that the Navys price estimates for SIOP dry-dock projects have increased by 400 % since 2018.

Shortly after the report was released, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D- Hawaii, told officials during a congressional hearing that we need to understand what steps the Navy has taken to make sure we have better cost estimates of the projects we are undertaking. ... This will be important as the Navy turns to the dry-dock replacement at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which is the next dry dock to be constructed and will require significant dredging and filling.

Current estimates project that Dry Dock 5 will cost $3 billion to $4 billion by the time of its expected completion in 2028.

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North Dakota lawmakers are weighing what to do about electronic pull tab machines, gambling devices that have popped up in places critics say they don't belong, such as convenience stores.

The state's top gambling regulator awaits legislative clarification on the machines, which number 4,400 devices in more than 800 sites statewide.

"Where does the state of North Dakota want gaming?" Director of Gaming Deb McDaniel said. "Where do you want gaming to be conducted? If you want it in grocery stores, gas stations, hair salons, fine. But let us know so that our office can regulate it correctly."

Location of the machines is "a local governing decision," according to North Dakota Gaming Alliance lobbyist Scott Meske.

"If (gambling sites) are properly licensed and they're in good standing, that is the local governing body's decision -- that it's appropriate for this location, it's not appropriate for this location," Meske said. "The types of places, I think, honestly, once you start defining that, that's a slippery slope. I mean, where do you stop and start that?"

What is a bar?

The 2017 Legislature approved the glitzy devices, which appeared in 2018. They quickly became a common sight in bars. Gov. Doug Burgum has called them functionally slot machines."

Charitable organizations benefit from off-reservation gambling in North Dakota. The machines generated nearly $1.6 billion in proceeds in fiscal 2022, paying out about $1.4 billion in prizes and netting about $200 million for charitable uses.

Recently a loose interpretation of an "alcoholic beverage establishment" has led to the machines appearing in a handful of places such as gas stations and convenience stores in Bismarck, Grassy Butte and New Salem. City and county commissions authorize all gambling, including the machines and where they go.

The state Gaming Commission last year moved to alter the definition of a bar in rules to clarify that it does not include off-sale liquor stores, gas stations, grocery stores or convenience stores, but allows bars in hotels, bowling alleys and restaurants. The rule change was "for the future in case nothing happens during this legislative session," McDaniel said.

The rule change took effect Jan. 1. Come June 30, when site authorizations expire, establishments will have to follow the rules' definition or whatever the Legislature might pass, according to McDaniel.

Oversight

Whatever the Legislature does will affect how regulators proceed as to the machines.

For instance, McDaniel has three open full-time positions she could fill with investigators, who go from site to site to verify the machines aren't being compromised, are in safe and secure locations, and have correct postings.

She has only two investigators to cover more than 1,050 gambling sites statewide -- "not enough," she said.

McDaniel also could dedicate the three openings for audit purposes. Her office has eight auditors, who ensure correct reporting of gambling activity.

Meske acknowledged that North Dakota's gambling industry "has grown since 2017, and it's really not fair to think that we can do proper oversight and regulation with the same resources that we did in 2017, and we understand that."

Opens it up?

Two bills would address where the machines could be located. One would define a bar. The other would require locations with the machines to have an on-sale liquor license approved by the local government. House Bill 1484, by Rep. Nathan Toman, R-Mandan, is the latter.

The bill also would give sole discretion for approving machine sites to city and county boards, and would remove the attorney general's authority for "final approval," instead mandating the AG to issue a license that a local government approves.

Toman said his bill is "probably more of a restriction because before it was kind of wide open, before the Gaming Division wrote the rules (defining a bar) ... and so I just wanted to take that out of the definitions and rules and say let's not define a bar, let's say what is an appropriate establishment for these to be located in."

McDaniel said Toman's bill "opens this up to anybody who sells alcohol can have gaming conducted in their site," a "huge" expansion in her view. Her office would ask the Legislature for "more people to regulate this," should Toman's bill pass, she said.

Toman disagrees that his bill would be an expansion, saying it instead would align with "what people think a bar is, because that's who has those on-sale licenses."

The Gaming Alliance supports Toman's bill, citing its process, definitions, "the way things are laid out," Meske said. He disagrees with the view that the bill would expand the availability of the machines.

"It's the local governing body that's going to make that determination if (locations) are properly licensed," he said.

The House passed the bill in a 66-27 vote, sending it to the Senate.

'Saturation point?'

Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, said his Senate Bill 2304, which mirrors the rules' definition of a bar, "is really an attempt to get a handle on the proliferation of these electronic slot machines throughout the state."

He called their appearance in convenience stores "troubling," and cited concerns for gambling addiction, regulation and impacts on Native American tribes, whose casinos are a major part of their economies.

"I think just in the long run, we've reached the saturation point, and I think we need to sit back now and just kind of reexamine where we're at and how we're doing things," Klein said.

The Senate passed Klein's bill in a 35-12 vote, sending it to the House.

McDaniel said having the definition of a bar in state law rather than just in regulations would make it more secure. She likes the spirit of Klein's bill in that "it helps us interpret where gaming can be conducted and so does the other bill; however, the other bill shows that they want it in additional places."

Klein's bill also raises questions about restaurants, such as ones with a bar and ones with a bar and attached to a gas station.

"It's all in the interpretation," McDaniel said.

Klein's bill specifically excludes off-sale liquor stores, gas stations, grocery stores or convenience stores from the definition of a bar, but "I don't know if any of those items are actually defined in statute," McDaniel said.

"What one person calls a liquor store, somebody else could call it something else," she said.

Meske said communities' gambling sites differ, "So I don't think there's a blanket answer, and I know people want a simple blanket answer. It's not that simple."

He said, "I think what we'd like to see is a process that's clear and regulations that are clear and understandable and go from there."

The next hearings have not been scheduled for the two bills.
Space Force wants to recruit 800 new guardians and take on more responsibility in national security with a nearly $4 billion proposed increase in funding in its 2024 budget request, officials announced Monday.

The newest service branch, which was activated three years ago, is proposing a budget of $30 billion for fiscal 2024, which starts Oct. 1. In addition to more troops, the funding boost would pay for five additional launches and a nearly two-fold increase in money for low and medium orbit missile-tracking satellites.

Space Forces budget is nested within the Department of the Air Forces total funding proposal of more than $215 billion for fiscal 2024.

The overall Defense Department budget request is $842 billion, which is up 3.2% from fiscal 2023. The $26 billion increase from this years funding includes a 5.2% salary bump for troops  the highest in 20 years. That increase would include Space Force civilians as well, according to the services budget presentation Monday.

The Space Force has a vital role to play in the National Defense Strategy, which has a primary focus to sustain and strengthen deterrence against China, said Kristyn Jones, acting undersecretary of the Air Force.

Defending the nation requires constant vigilance in all domains, she said.

As with previous budgets, the Space Force proposal focuses on research and development. The service requested more than $19 billion for 2024. The Resilient Missile Warning, Missile Tracking program for low and medium orbits and a program to prototype new technologies are slated for $1.1 billion each in funding.

Procurement is planned to receive $4.7 billion with space launches to increase from 10 to 15 in fiscal 2024.

Under the 2024 budget plan, the Space Force will take control of Joint Tactical Ground Stations from the Army, said Maj. Gen. Michael A. Greiner, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for budget. These forward deployed stations receive, process and disseminate direct down-linked infrared data from overhead sensors and provide real-time warning on ballistic missile launches.

The transition of these sites and 100 jobs is ultimately consolidating global missile warning under a single military service, Greiner said.

Space Force also requested $3.2 million to spend on retention bonuses and another $1.5 million in assignment incentive pay.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  U.S. Space Forces Korea, just three months old and the newest command in the Space Force, is finding a clear role amid new threats from North Korea, according to its commander.

Early missile detection is an integral part of the U.S. militarys defense of its 28,500 troops stationed on the peninsula, particularly with just 60 miles separating North Korea and Osan Air Base, where U.S. Space Forces Korea, or SPACEFOR-KOR, is headquartered.

Pyongyang continues to reject calls from Seoul and Washington, D.C., to get rid of its nuclear arsenal and end ballistic missile tests. The communist regime under leader Kim Jong Un has test-fired five missiles so far this year and about 75 in 2022, an annual record.

Missile detection is a top concern for the command but a complex beast to face, SPACEFOR-KOR commander Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion told Stars and Stripes on March 3 at U.S. Forces Korea's headquarters.

McCullion said satellites need time to be adequately positioned to provide as clear an image as possible as proof that North Korea was preparing for a missile launch.

The more we know, the more we can posture the satellite systems to be ready for focused collection, he said. Theyre always there, and theyre always watching, but if you focus, put the people in the systems, I can now cut down on the timeline even more. I can get you more fidelity on whats happening. I can get a warning out quicker.

Once North Korea fires a missile, Space Force guardians notify U.S. forces and share that information with their South Korean counterparts, who can compare the data with their missile-detection systems.

If its leaving the peninsula, were going to call it, McCullion said.

Lean but formidable

North Korea has demonstrated its ability to jam GPS and satellite communications and likely intends to deny space-based navigation and communications during conflict, Army Gen. James Dickinson, the head of U.S. Space Command, told the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.

We have to have the capabilities to be able to see and characterize whats going on in the space domain, he said.

That effort includes standing up SPACEFOR-KOR, and McCullion said hes gathered most of the data he needs to make the independent field command effective.

Were not going to have hundreds of people, especially in Korea, McCullion said. We just frankly dont have the numbers in the Space Force as a whole.

The Space Force footprint in South Korea will be small compared to other commands, but it may call on U.S. Space Command for guardians and satellites, and on allies like Japan and Australia.

Space just doesnt stop in Korea, McCullion said. A lot of our satellites can see a third of the globe at any given time.

Were still new, he said, but lots of cool things (are) coming in the years to come, like next-generation missile warning capabilities.

Educating the force

One challenge McCullion said he faces is educating units about Space Force capabilities and how it can contribute to their missions.

SPACEFOR-KORs core duties  detecting missiles and providing and defending satellite communications and access to navigational tools like GPS  can be broadly explained but are difficult to grasp for units unfamiliar with their work, according to McCullion.

Explaining those capabilities will be a heavy lift for the next couple of years, he said, adding that the command has begun training with units in South Korea so they know about Space Force services.

Its hard to capture for people the level of detail: what altitude is an aircraft flying at, how fast is a ship moving, what frequencies do they have, how do you hand off from one satellite to another satellite as you transit across large bodies of water, McCullion said. Its all very detailed work that takes an incredible amount of time to collect that data [and] where we didnt have all those processes established in the past.

Operations in space need time; it can take months to reposition a satellite to give commanders a clear sense of the battlefield, McCullion said.

Some people just worry about, Where am I going to stop for gas in the next 15 miles, he said. "Were like, How much gas are you going to need in three months?
(Tribune News Service)  Biden administration officials are pressing their Canadian counterparts to make a decision on whether Ottawa will lead a multinational force into Haiti to assist the crisis-racked Caribbean nation in its battle against gang control, U.S. and diplomatic sources said.

They are hoping that a visit to Canada by President Joe Biden next week will settle months of debate over the matter.

In October, the United States proposed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council  with the support of the U.N. secretary-general and the Haitian government  for the deployment of a rapid-action, multinational force to Haiti to help the countrys embattled police break the stranglehold of armed gangs spreading across the country.

At the time, State Department officials said they were confident that a country would step up to lead the initiative by November. And in January, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Canada had expressed interest in taking on a leadership role.

A U.S. official familiar with the matter told McClatchy and the Miami Herald that the resolution was drafted on the hope and expectation that Canada would lead the effort.

But as Haitis security crisis worsens with hospitals forced to cease operations due to escalating violence and kidnappings and with police abandoning their posts in the face of deadly gang attacks, Canada has yet to make any public commitment to do so. Instead, the countrys leaders  including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has personally engaged with Caribbean leaders on the topic  have been casting doubts in private discussions and in press interviews.

During a meeting with members of the 15-member Caribbean Community, CARICOM, in the Bahamas last month, Trudeau stopped short of agreeing to deploy his military. Instead, he announced a slate of new Canadian government support, including the deployment of two warships off the coast of Port-au-Prince, and more sanctions against those his government believes are contributing to the destabilization.

Meanwhile, in interviews over the past few months, Canadas ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, has said past military interventions into Haiti have failed to bring long-term stability and last week Chief of the Defense Staff Wayne Eyre said hes concerned about whether his Canadian armed forces have the capacity to lead such an intervention.

By transporting Haitian-purchased armored vehicles, conducting patrol aircraft overflights, and now, deploying two maritime coastal defense vessels, we will continue to step up with important contributions to Haitis security, a spokesperson for Canadas minister of national defense told the Herald. Security assistance is one of four pillars of Canadas whole-of-government response to the crisis in Haiti, which also includes diplomacy, sanctions, and humanitarian and development assistance.

Canadian officials have sent several delegations to Port-au-Prince to look into the question of deploying troops. Trudeau also spoke with Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness about the situation in Haiti ahead of Holness recent visit to the country where he headed a CARICOM delegation after leaders opted to follow Trudeaus example and focus not on deployment but supporting the Haiti National Police.

Henri-Paul Normandin, a former Canadian ambassador to Haiti and fellow with the German Marshall Fund, a Washington public policy think tank, said while he doesnt know what will happen when Biden and Trudeau meet, the latter faces a dilemma on the question of deploying boots into Haiti.

My reading of all this is that the initial political enthusiasm to do this first, and secondly, the desire to do something that would be helpful for Haiti. was then contrasted with the cold facts and risks when this was more thoroughly analyzed, Normandin said. When we look at the reality, it is much more complicated.

To begin, he said, there is a fundamental question of what the chances of success would be. Given the current war zone-like terrain  gangs are raping women and children, and using the population for target practice in once-peaceful farming communities  what would be the rules of engagement of such a force?

There are lots of questions, and just like with a war, you know when you get in, but you do not know when you can go out, said Normandin, who has also served as ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. So back to the key question, would Canada, even with the support of other countries, be able to achieve success? And even more important, would Canada and the others be able to achieve success that is sustainable? Again, the answers are far from obvious.

Just like in Haiti and in the United States, Canadians are divided about the question of foreign troop deployment, though a recent survey shows that Haitians are increasingly supportive of the idea with around 70% in the country backing the creation of an international force to assist their police. Normandin said theres lot of goodwill toward Haiti in Canada but that there are also domestic political risks for Trudeau. The prime minister is currently dealing with his own controversy at home over allegations that Beijing interfered with Canadas 2019 and 2021 elections.

When can we use force? said Normandin, who isnt privy to any of the governments internal discussions. Secondly, what about the risks, the operational risks and the political risks? If some operation goes bad, and civilians are killed, then what happens? There are legal questions as well: If this multinational force contributes to arresting people, what do you do with them?

Two U.S. officials told McClatchy that during the visit Biden and his team plan to express a sense of urgency to settle on the composition of a force. One official acknowledged Canadas concerns with its capacity to lead such a force, but questioned whether any other party was more equipped than Ottawa to take the mission on.

Several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, have previously expressed their willingness to participate in a multinational force, as have some African nations. In that regard, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who was in the Bahamas last month along with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, was expected to raise the concerns about Haiti with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two met on Friday, a source told the Herald. Though France, like Canada and the United States, provides training and funding to the Haiti National Police, the European nation has been largely absent from the discussions about troop deployment.

Experts say the makeup of any deployment to Haiti would require a large country with adequate logistical capabilities and military assets.

From the outset of the conversation over foreign intervention, the Biden administration has ruled out the possibility of leading the multilateral force itself, citing Washingtons long, messy history with force deployments in Haiti. Sullivan noted that the United States has had multiple experiences with military operations in Haiti and that the administration is looking for a solution that does not involve a major U.S. military operation in Haiti.

In 1915, when Haitian President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was hacked to death on the streets of Port-au-Prince by a mob, the United States quickly intervened and took control of Haitis political and financial interests. The resulting 19-year occupation along with the United States heavy handedness in Haitis domestic affairs, including recent elections, has repeatedly been cited by critics of foreign intervention and has fed into the administrations reluctance.

Should the response from Canada be a definitive no or still a non-commitment, Washington will need to decide its next steps, Haiti observers say. Does it deploy its own soldiers? Or does it allow the situation to destabilize so much that Haiti becomes a regional threat and there is no choice but to send in another large-scale United Nations peacekeeping mission that the international community has said, until now, it wants to avoid?

During a visit last week to Port-au-Prince, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Brian A. Nichols received an earful from members of the foreign diplomatic corps about the degradation of the security environment. Armed groups were now moving into previously peaceful communities, kidnappings were skyrocketing and police were overwhelmed. Even the countrys prisons are being targeted by gangs, which over the weekend sought to take control of the womens prison just north of the capital in the rural town of Carbaret before police reinforcements were sent.

Nichols, who flew to Haiti to see where Haitians leaders are on forging a broader political consensus on governing the country in the absence of elections or any elected leader after the high-profile July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, was in listening mode and offered no new revelations. He did, however, make it clear that with confusion over whether the United States was working through third parties to address the ongoing crises, the only person authorized to speak on behalf of the United States is Charge dAffaires Eric Stromayer.

We continue our collaboration with our international partners to build the framework for a possible multi-national force to provide security and stability, Nichols later said at a press conference in reference to the Haitian governments request for such a force. We recognize that the Haitian national police needs support to address severe insecurity in Haiti.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said in a statement that the presidents trip to Ottawa on March 23 and 24 would include discussions on regional challenges, including instability in Haiti.

A National Security Council official said that, while in Mexico in January, Biden and Trudeau committed to continue collaboration on this, and the two leaders will discuss the situation in Haiti when they meet again this month in Ottawa.

The United States remains committed to providing assistance to the people of Haiti while also holding accountable those responsible for undermining Haitis stability, the official said. We remain in coordination with partners on next steps to address urgent security needs in Haiti, including support to the Haitian national police.

2023 Miami Herald.

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HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Tribune News Service)  A person suffered a traumatic injury in a parachuting accident at Homestead Air Reserve Base Monday morning, according to Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue.

Paramedics were called to the South Miami-Dade military base shortly after 10 a.m., said fire-rescue spokesman Anthony Nunez.

The person was taken to Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall, Nunez said.

It was not immediately known if the injured person is a soldier in the U.S. Army.

The Armys Golden Knights parachute demonstration team moves its operations from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Homestead every winter.

A spokesperson with the parachute team confirmed there was a hard landing at the base by a parachutist Monday morning during a routine parachute jump.

However, the spokesperson, Megan Hackett, would not confirm whether the person injured is an Army soldier or a member of the Golden Knights.

At this time, the accident is under investigation and no further details are available about the incident, she said in an email. Identities of the injured are being withheld pending notification of family.

This report will be updated.

2023 Miami Herald.

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The Pentagon on Monday unveiled an $842 billion proposed funding plan for fiscal 2024, asking Congress for its largest-ever budget that emphasizes buying new technology to counter Chinas advancing military and increasing production of existing munitions depleted in part by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The latest budget request was shaped by the Pentagons 2022 National Defense Strategy, which defined China as the Defense Departments primary national security challenge and labeled Russia as a lesser threat, said Kathleen Hicks, the deputy defense secretary. Hicks noted the 2024 budget proposal was influenced by Russias year-old war in Ukraine, though it focused more on deterring Chinese capabilities, describing the plan as the most strategy-aligned budget in history.

Our goal is to deter because competition does not mean conflict. Still, we must have the combat credibility to win if we must fight, Hicks said Monday at the Pentagon. This budget  puts its thumb on the scale in favor of game-changing capabilities that will deliver not just in the out years but in the near term, too. Our greatest measure of success, and the one we use around here most often, is to make sure the [Chinese] leadership wakes up every day, considers the risks of aggression and concludes that today is not the day. And for them to think that today and every day between now and  2049 and beyond.

The Pentagons request would add some $26 billion to the record defense budget that Congress provided the military for 2023, after lawmakers added $43 billion to President Joe Bidens initial fiscal 2023 budget proposal last year. The 2024 request, which provides details within Bidens $6.8 trillion overall federal budget proposal outlined Friday, was met with mixed reactions from lawmakers, some of whom decried the Pentagon budget plan as too much and others who said it was not enough to deter China.

Pentagon officials said the 2024 budget proposal largely built from the 2023 request, with few major changes. The key difference in the 2024 budget, Hicks said, was a change brought on by observations of the war in Ukraine, which has stressed the U.S. defense industrial base as the Pentagon has shipped weapons and ammunition to aid Ukrainian defenses against invading Russian forces.

In the Pentagons 2024 budget submission, defense officials are asking Congress for about $30.6 billion to buy munitions now in its arsenal and a roughly $5.8 billion hike in its munitions procurement budget from 2023. Hicks said some of that funding would help boost production of munitions shipped to Ukraine, such as 155mm artillery shells, though much of it is focused on boosting production of key long-range arms that would be critical in a war in the Pacific.

This will help us lock in critical investments getting the most bang for the taxpayers buck, send industry a clear demand signal and be even better prepared to respond quickly in future contingencies, Hicks said. When it comes to munitions, make no mistake, we are buying to the limits of the industrial base, even as we are expanding those limits.

While the plan continues longstanding efforts to develop new weapons with a $145 billion research, development, testing and evaluation budget, its largest RDT&E request to date, it also seeks to increase purchases of the latest military weapons with the Pentagon largest-ever procurement request of some $170 billion.

Hicks described the boosted procurement effort as a shift from developing new weapons toward fielding the latest battlefield technology in the hands of U.S. troops now.

The procurement budget would spend some $11 billion on new hypersonic and long-range subsonic weapons. It would buy some $61.1 billion of new aircraft, including 107 fighter jets and 108 helicopters. The request also calls for some $48.1 billion to build nine warships, including two destroyers and three submarines.

It would invest some $37.7 billion in nuclear modernization efforts, including development of forthcoming programs: the B-21 Raider bomber aircraft, the Columbia-class nuclear submarine and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program. Another $29.8 billion would be invested to improve missile-defense capabilities, according to budget documents.

Another area where Pentagon officials prioritized China over Russia was in European and Pacific deterrence initiatives. While the Pentagon has funded the European Deterrence Initiative since shortly after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, the Pacific effort was launched only three years ago.

The 2024 budget proposal calls for about $3.6 billion for the ERI, which supports U.S. efforts to bolster NATO against Russian aggression on the Continent. Meanwhile, the budget proposes some $9.1 billion for the PRI, a 40% boost in Pacific deterrence funding from 2023.

The $9.1 billion includes new defenses for Guam and Hawaii, new missile-warning systems and construction of hardened structures in the region. It also funds increased training with partners in the Pacific region.

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials said the budget sought to improve quality-of-life issues for troops, their families and Defense Department civilian employees.

The 2024 budget would provide a 5.2% pay boost for military and civilian workers. The raise would be the largest for troops in two decades and the steepest for civilian workers in 40 years.

It includes new funding to provide universal pre-kindergarten programs at all Defense Department schools across the globe, and it includes some $16.7 billion for facilities improvements, including $1.9 billion for family housing projects.

The budget would fund an active-duty force of 1,317,067 service members, an increase of about 9,000 troops from 2023. The Navy and Air Force would see the largest end-strength increases, with the Navy adding 5,200 sailors to reach about 344,441 active-duty troops, and the Air Force adding more than 2,800 airmen to reach 324,363.

The Army would remain roughly the same size with about 452,000 active-duty soldiers. The Marine Corps and Space Force would each receive modest boosts, under the budget request. The Marine Corps would add about 150 Marines to reach an about 172,300 active-duty force. The Space Force would increase by about 800 active-duty guardians to reach 8,061 troops in 2024.

In all, the Army would get some $185.3 billion in fiscal 2024. The Navy would get $202.6 billion, and the Marine Corps would receive about $53.2 billion. The Air Force would get some $185.1 billion, and the Space Force would receive about $30 billion.

Key lawmakers on Friday signaled the Pentagon budget would likely face large alterations as they craft the legislation to provide the military its fiscal 2024 funding. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the budget request strong, labeling it a good starting point for forthcoming negotiations, and the top Republican on the committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, labeled it woefully inadequate and disappointing.

In a warning Monday to lawmakers, Hicks encouraged Congress to pass a Pentagon budget before the fiscal year begins Oct. 1 for the first time in years. In recent years, Congress has often relied on continuing resolutions to fund the Pentagon through the first several months of fiscal years while it ironed out a final budget. Continuing resolutions allow the Defense Department to operate at the previous years funding but stop Pentagon officials from beginning new programs and often halt things such as training exercises and military moves. Congress passed the Pentagons fiscal 2023 budget in December.

We cannot have one hand tied behind our back for 3, 4, 5, 6 months of each year, Hicks said. And let me assure you more money cannot buy back this last time.

I know members of Congress on both sides of the aisle care deeply about America's national security and winning the strategic competition for the 21st century. With this budget and with Congress's support, we're ensuring the U.S. military remains formidable and resilient  today, tomorrow and well into the future.
Wedged between a Subway sandwich shop and an RV campground in Harvey, North Dakota, lies a 0.28-mile stretch of pavement known as Highway 91.

Soon, a couple signs will inform drivers of the road's unusual superlative: North Dakotas shortest highway.

Both chambers of the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 2146, which gives Highway 91 its tiny title and provides roadside signs to mark what supporters say could be a mini tourist attraction.

Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, brought the bill on behalf of Harvey constituent Mike Waldoch, who told lawmakers of his ambitions to make the highway a day-trip destination.

Waldoch addressed a Senate committee in January while wearing a T-shirt that read, Highway 91: A short but sweet adventure. Traveling the speed limit of 25 mph, a driver could traverse the whole highway in about 40 seconds.

Harvey, a city of 1,600 in the central part of the state, doesnt have a lot of tourist attractions, Waldoch said. With the highways new designation, he hopes a few sightseers might say, Ah, what the heck? Lets travel up to Harvey and travel the shortest highway.

Klein and Waldoch noted that they thought 91 might be the shortest highway in the country, but research revealed one out east with that honor already locked up.

To the amusement of his colleagues, Sen. Cole Conley, R-Jamestown, floated a few potential mottos for Highway 91, including Get er done on 91 and Dont blink.

Not every community in North Dakota has a huge buffalo or a Holstein to promote their communities, Conley said. Fortunately for Harvey, what they do have is the shortest state highway in North Dakota.
Jason Kane (29) left the victim with an open wound and the woman so frightened she felt unsafe afterwards and moved out

A barefoot home intruder found in a young womans bedroom claimed to be a garda, then bit her housemate on the bicep when the man came to help her.

Jason Kane (29) left the man with an open wound and the woman so frightened she felt unsafe afterwards and moved out, a court heard.

His case was adjourned at Dublin District Court for victim impact evidence when he admitted the offences.

Mr Kane, of St Attracta Road, Cabra, pleaded guilty to assault and trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear at Innisfallen Parade, Phibsborough, on September 5, 2021.

The DPP consented to the case being dealt with at district court level and Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch gave an outline of the prosecution evidence.

She told Judge Bryan Smyth one of the residents, a young woman, awoke at 4.30am to find the accused sitting in her bedroom, saying: lady, lady.

Her housemate came in and the accused claimed to be a garda, and that someone was in the washroom out the back.

He was barefoot, appeared to be under the influence of something and it was not known how he got in.

He had to be detained by her housemate and a struggle ensued, during which Kane threw bottles which struck one resident on the hand. He bit the male housemate rather severely on the bicep.

The bite resulted in the skin being broken and the wound was open. Kane was subdued and gardai were called.

The judge accepted jurisdiction for the case to remain in the district court and Kanes solicitor Sandra Frayne said he was pleading guilty.

Sgt Lynch said the man who was bitten had made a full recovery but was left with a small scar on his bicep.

The woman had moved address because she now feels unsafe, the court heard.

She had indicated she would be willing to make a victim impact statement.

Kane had 19 previous convictions, the court heard.
Constantin Maxim (48) of Dorset Street Lower, Dublin, also pleaded guilty to possessing 1,458 images of children last May

Mater officials are investigating how Maxim passed garda vetting to get a job as a cleaner in the hospital. Photo: Tony Gavin

A Mater Hospital cleaner who was jailed for five years for possessing child-abuse material had passed garda vetting despite convictions abroad for sexual corruption and abduction of a child, it has emerged.

The hospital has said it is now examining the situation further given the seriousness of the crimes involved.

Constantin Maxim (48) of Dorset Street Lower, Dublin city, pleaded guilty to possessing 1,458 images of children on his mobile phone last May. He further admitted knowingly distributing or disseminating a hand-drawn image and three videos of child sex abuse material.

A hearing last week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Maxim previously served a prison sentence in his native Romania for an offence of sexual corruption and abduction of a minor for sexual purposes.

Handing down a five-year sentence, Judge Martin Nolan described Maxims offending as heinous.

Maxim worked as a cleaner in the Mater Hospital in Dublin but was removed from his role when the allegations came to light.

A statement from a spokesperson at the Mater Hospital to theIrish Independentsaid patient and staff safety is its main priority.

The individual concerned was not employed directly by the hospital and we were not aware of the details of this case. However, we can confirm that the company in which he was employed had followed all processes required for any individual to work onsite at the Mater, including garda vetting, said the spokesperson.

Judge Nolan ordered Maxim to be placed on the sex offenders register

When the allegations came to light, the external contracting company removed the individual from the hospital while due process was followed.

Given the seriousness of the crimes involved, the Mater Hospital is examining the issue further, they added.

An Garda Siochana were asked by theIrish Independent how a person with convictions abroad could be passed by the garda vetting procedure. No answer was available at the time of publication.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard last week that Maxim had sought to exploit other children by initiating Snapchat conversations.

He previously had a 20-year career with the Romanian defence forces, during which time he served twice with Nato in Iraq.

Detective Garda Brian Hunt told the court that gardai got information in May last year that a Facebook account and multiple Snapchat accounts had been used to upload the offending material.

Maxim used Facebook to pose as a 15-year-old girl called Christina and sent a large number of sexually explicit messages to children aged between 10 and 12

All accounts were linked to Maxims email address, and a warrant was obtained to search his apartment.

His phone was analysed and found to contain about a thousand images of child sex abuse material involving images of children engaging in or witnessing sexual acts.

The phone also contained around 450 images of children exposing their genitalia or anal region.

A further 12,000 images of adult and bestiality were found on the phone, where the ages of the participants could not be established.

Maxim used Facebook to pose as a 15-year-old girl called Christina and sent a large number of sexually explicit messages to three different children, aged between 10 and 12. He also tried to elicit the children to send him sexualised images of themselves. One child did send images of herself, the court heard.

Maxims legal team told the court he suffered PTSD after his army experiences in Iraq, and has received no support for this from the Romanian defence forces. He said Maxim voluntarily surrendered himself to gardai, accepted he had done wrong and apologised.

Judge Nolan ordered Maxim to be placed on the sex offenders register and backdated the sentence to July 7, 2022.
Diego Dos Santos Carvalho (31) and his wife Nela Carvalho (30) appeared in Dublin District Court today

A husband and wife have been charged after 100,000 worth of cannabis and more than 300,000 in suspected drug dealing proceeds were found in their Dublin home.

Diego Dos Santos Carvalho (31) and his wife Nela Carvalho (30) appeared in Dublin District Court today on drugs charges following seizures by gardai at the weekend.

The parents of two young children were granted bail by Judge Deirdre Gearty who adjourned the cases for the directions of the DPP to be given.

Mr Carvalho is charged with possession of cannabis for sale or supply following an estimated 5,000 seizure made in a car that was stopped at Goldsmith Street, Phibsborough on March 11. He is charged with the same offence over 100,000 worth of the drug found in a follow-up search at his home at Royal Canal View Apartments, Phibsborough.

He also faces a money laundering charge related to 341,975 of alleged crime proceeds also found at that address.

Ms Carvalho is only accused of possession of the cannabis found at the couples home.

Today, gardai said neither accused replied to the charges after caution.

Objecting to bail for Mr Carvalho, a garda said it was alleged he was caught in the act transporting drugs in a car, before the larger amount of cannabis was found in his home.

The garda believed Mr Carvalho was a flight risk as he was a foreign national with no ties to the country other than his wife and two children. There were a number of bank accounts with cash deposits, he said.

Applying for bail, defence barrister Gareth Casey said Mr Carvalho was presumed innocent and if refused bail he was likely to spend more than a year on remand in custody awaiting trial.

DPP directions could not be issued until a certificate of forensic analysis was provided, he said.

The accused had been living in Ireland for nearly a decade, he worked here and his children were aged three years and six months. He would not see them for at least a year if refused bail.

The accused had powerful reasons not to seek to leave the jurisdiction, Mr Casey said.

Judge Gearty granted Mr Carvalho 5,000 cash bail, with a 10,000 independent surety, of which half is to be in cash, or the entire sum in cash in lieu.

He is to sign on three times per week under conditions.

There were no objections to Ms Cavalhos bail, at 500 with no cash. Under conditions, she is to sign at a garda station twice weekly, surrender her travel documents and be contactable by phone.

The accused have not yet indicated how they intend to plead to the charges.
Dr Shah (34), who qualified as a doctor in Pakistan, did not attend the inquiry because he did not believe justice would prevail.

A locum GP has been accused of professional misconduct over inappropriately massaging the buttocks of a female patient during a late-night consultation with an out-of-hours service in Cork over four years ago.

A fitness-to-practise inquiry by the Irish Medical Council heard it was alleged that Syed Rafaqat Ali Shah massaged the buttocks of the woman in a manner that was sexually motivated after giving her an injection at the SouthDoc clinic in the South Ring Business Park in Ballyphehane shortly before 1am on September 25, 2018.

Dr Shah, who was employed at the time by Locumotion, a Dublin-based medical recruitment agency, is also accused of sending a WhatsApp text to the same patient four days later which was inappropriate and for no clinical reason.

He is also facing a third allegation of professional misconduct for calling the woman on October 10, 2018 and falsely claiming to be his own legal representative.

The woman  who was identified only as Patient A  told the IMCs Fitness to Practise Committee, that she had called SouthDoc for a late-night appointment as she had been vomiting uncontrollably as well as suffering from a dry socket after a wisdom tooth extraction.

Following an examination of her chest, Patient A said she found it slightly unusual or peculiar that the doctor had massaged her buttocks after she had pulled down her pyjama bottoms to get an injection.

The woman said she could not recall how long the massage had lasted but had the feeling that the GP might have been a small bit attracted to me.

It was the least attractive moment of my life, she added.

Patient A said she had just felt a vibe that the interaction was somewhat unusual.

However, she said it was unlikely she would have reported the matter but for the fact that she subsequently received a WhatsApp message saying hi from Dr Shah at 5.30am on September 29, 2018.

It made what I thought was odd before a little bit odder, Patient A remarked.

When she replied asking who the sender was, Dr Shah responded: Dont you remember me?

Patient A said she looked at the image on the senders profile and questioned back if it was the doctor.

The inquiry heard Dr Shah replied: God bless you which ended the exchange.

Patient A said she subsequently blocked the number as she did not want to continue the conversation which she admitted was peculiar and had validated my original vibe.

The woman said she contacted SouthDoc about what had happened as she just felt it was important that the incidents were noted in case someday something worse could happen.

Patient A admitted she was anxious as she was aware that Southdoc had details of her address.

I hoped nobody would show up to my house, she added.

The inquiry heard the witness claimed she got a fright 11 days later with a call from somebody who claimed to be Dr Shahs legal representative.

Patient A said she believed she hung up on the caller who had an Asian accent and informed SouthDoc about the call.

The general manager of SouthDoc, Maire Hussey, gave evidence of having rung the number provided by Patient A which she said was answered by the locum.

Dr Shah (34), who qualified as a doctor in his native Pakistan in 2014, did not attend the inquiry because he did not believe justice would prevail.

In correspondence with the IMC, he claimed he had not been treated fairly and pointed out that his application for the inquiry to be held in private had been refused.

Dr Shah complained that the inquiry would add to his existing stress, trauma and mental health issues.

However, counsel for the IMC, Lorna Lynch BL, said the doctor, who is now understood to be based in Dubai, had failed to provide any medical evidence to support such claims.

The inquiry heard Dr Shah worked in Ireland between August 2018 and June 2019 and had also spent time working as a locum with Shannondoc in Limerick, Centric Health in Ennis and Nenagh General Hospital.

He also worked at a number of SouthDoc clinics including Cork, Killarney and Tralee.

Ms Lynch said the inquiry was being held on foot of a complaint submitted in November 2018 by SouthDocs medical directors, Gary Stack and Donal Coffey.

An administrator with Centric Health in Ennis, Caroline Guthrie gave evidence of having informed Dr Shah prior to working with SouthDoc that any follow-up calls required to be made to patients who had been seen by locum GPs should be made by their regular doctor.

Ms Guthrie said she had also instructed Dr Shah that he should not take the contact details of any patients and to destroy any ones which he might have kept.

Ms Lynch said the locum had claimed in correspondence that he was returning to Pakistan for a few days and had tried to contact a number of patients on the day after his consultation with Patient A to ensure they would attend their appointments on time.

She said the IMC was told by Dr Shah that his phone was not working while he was away and he got a text from an unknown number on his return asking who had called.

Dr Shan denied ever having a conversation with any patient in Ireland on his mobile phone or trying to get the contact details of a patient.

He maintained that if anything had happened it was an accident.

The inquiry was adjourned and will resume on Wednesday when it is expected to conclude.

Dr Shahs entry on the IMCs medical register records that he has provided the High Court with an undertaking not to practise medicine or seek to practise medicine in Ireland until further notice.
John Cunningham sent a voicemail to the victim saying, if you dont have 2,000 for me tomorrow, Im going to shoot you in the head

An uncle and nephew have avoided jail terms for threatening to kill a man after he failed to supply them with luxury Canada Goose jackets for which they had paid deposits.

Aaron Cunningham (20) of Cruise Park Drive, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15 pleaded guilty to four counts of threatening to kill or cause harm and threatening to damage property on dates between February 1 and 7, 2021.

His uncle John Cunningham (38) of Drumheath Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, admitted to five counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same man on dates between January 7 and February 1, 2021.

A sentence hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the threats were issued in person and using voicemail recordings, text messages and Snapchat voice messages.

Today Judge Pauline Codd sentenced John Cunningham to five years in prison which she suspended in full on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for two years.

She sentenced Aaron Cunningham to four years in prison which she also suspended in full on strict conditions.

Judge Codd said the threats issued were similar to threats that would be often meted out to people who owe money for drugs.

She acknowledged that Aaron Cunningham had no previous convictions and that he had a difficult childhood, having witnessed the murder of his father.

She accepted that the men had expressed remorse for their involvement.

Garda Conor Newman told Emmet Nolan BL, prosecuting, at an earlier sentence hearing, that the injured party began buying clothes from a website in September 2019 in order to sell to people in his locality in Blanchardstown.

This man would obtain stock by collecting deposits to buy the clothes, including high-value Canada Goose jackets, and promote his business through the social media app Snapchat.

In November 2019 he arranged to meet Aaron Cunningham, who gave him 450 by way of deposit for three Canada Goose jackets. The jackets were duly delivered and about a year later, Aaron contacted the man again looking for more jackets.

Aaron invited the injured party to his house in November 2020 where they also met John Cunningham, who wanted to order a large number of clothes as it was coming up to Christmas.

The court heard that the two Cunninghams between them handed over a total of 4,300 in cash to the victim, who ordered further stock from his supplier. However, the clothes didnt arrive and the injured party told the Cunninghams they had been delayed by Covid.

Gda Newman said the exchanges were initially friendly but became more threatening and John Cunningham began to send angry voice mails and texts to the injured party. On January 7, 2021, John Cunningham sent a message saying, Im going to go up to that gaff and burn it down. Get that money or your ma and da is paying for it, ya little black c***t.

The two accused called to the injured partys house initially looking for the sum of 7,000 but lowering this to 6,000. The victims uncle paid 1,700 over to John Cunningham. On January 15, both accused again called to the victims home and his mother paid 200. The Cunninghams gave the injured party a further four weeks to pay the bill.

That night, John Cunningham sent a voicemail to the victim saying, if you dont have 2,000 for me tomorrow, Im going to shoot you in the head.

On February 2, the injured party got a voice message via Snapchat from Aaron Cunningham saying, if you dont have that money by tomorrow I will smash your uncles face, and Im coming down with people, and see that gaff, its going to be smashed up. I swear if you dont have that money, you will get it.

The victim complained to gardai who arrested both Cunninghams after tracing one of the phone numbers used to a number printed on the side of John Cunninghams van. Aaron Cunningham made full admissions and told gardai he had acted out of anger.

I have a hot head, I said that in rage. I owed the money that he owed me. He's not only dealing with me. I swear on my fathers grave I didnt follow through on the threats, I just wanted to scare him, he said.

The mother of the injured party made a short victim impact statement which was read out in court on her behalf, saying she had not been at peace since the threats were made and she was scared of noises in her house and of her son going out.

Aaron Cunningham has no previous convictions, while John Cunningham has 19 previous, mostly for minor offences, including possession of drugs for sale or supply.

John Fitzgerald SC, defending Aaron Cunningham, said his client had sent a letter to the court apologising for his behaviour and expressing regret. Mr Fitzgerald said Aarons childhood had been characterised by stress and anxiety after his father was murdered while in bed with him when he was aged three.

The court heard Aaron has a two-year-old child with his partner and works for a heating company who also wrote a letter to the court describing him as a loyal and valuable team member with a great work ethic.

Fiona Murphy SC, defending John Cunningham, said her client has worked full-time for ten to 15 years and was a hard-working married man with two children. Her client accepts that his behaviour was appalling, said Ms Murphy.
It was the first time anyone was ever jailed under tough new anti-terrorism funding legislation

The son of a psychologist who featured in this weeks RTE investigation into the lack of regulation surrounding the profession was previously jailed in Ireland for fund-raising for Islamic State.

Caroline Goldsmith, also known as Caroline Fahy-Ward, had offered to stand bail for her son, Hassan Bal when charged with fund-raising for Islamic State in 2017.

The following year, then aged 26, Bal was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Waterford Circuit Court after he pleaded guilty to two charges of providing and attempting to provide funding for Isis.

It was the first time anyone was ever jailed under tough new anti-terrorism funding legislation.

Shortly after his arrest in 2017, members of Hassan Bals family, including his mother, arrived at his Waterford city apartment.

When approached at the time, family members refused to speak with the Sunday World.

You are getting into something here, one man told us, before he was interrupted by Ms Goldsmith who told him: Now you are making a comment.

One of the men gestured aggressively at the Sunday Worlds photographer bringing an end to the encounter.

A court sketch of her son Hassan Bal

She was later in court when her son Hassan Bal appeared at Waterford District court charged with acting to support a foreign terror organisation.

Bals solicitor told the court that his mother was willing to provide independent surety for him. She assured the court that all bail conditions would be complied with by her son.

It later emerged at his trial that Hassan Bal had sent 400 of his own cash to Isis and had tried to organise the collection of an envelope of cash in London for Isis in what turned out to a sting by an investigative journalist.

Anti-terror police in the UK passed the information to the Irish authorities and Gardai first arrested Hassan Bal, formerly of OConnell Street, Waterford, in December 2015 for questioning. He was arrested a second time in April 2017 by which time detectives had obtained downloads of all information on his seized phone.

During his second arrest, when confronted with information on his phone, he admitted the money was actually intended for Islamic State.

Bals phone was also found to contain information on travelling to Syria, how to manage airport security, how to cross the Turkish border as well as propaganda material about Isis suicide bombings and executions.

The court was told that Bal tried to travel to Syria in April 2015 but was stopped at Ataturk Airport in Turkey and returned home.

He had been raised in a strict Muslim family home but, when his father left, Bal came to believe he was not a good enough Muslim and was living a Western-style life. A trip overseas led to him becoming radicalised.

In a letter to the trial judge he wrote: I have come to my senses. I regret what I did. I was feeling like a coward (over Syria). I became close minded to all the wrong (Isis) were doing. I believed it was my duty religiously and morally to support them. But I want you to know, Judge, I have truly changed.

This week it emerged the HSE had concerns about his mother who carried out private assessments on children with additional needs.

Caroline Goldsmith, who has practiced psychology publicly and privately, was flagged by HSE staff who said that reports carried out by her should not be accepted by the health service.

Goldsmith has worked as a psychologist for over a decade and has also given expert evidence as a psychologist in the High Court.

Internal HSE correspondence from 2019 showed some parents were advised that the HSE would not accept private assessments from Goldsmith, and that they should ask for their money back.

She has since apologised for claiming to have a PhD from an online university which issues fake qualifications.
Mackin (40), who was extradited from Alicante in Spain last December has pleaded guilty before to laundering thousands of euro in crime cash

Notorious criminal Gerard Mackin, who was once the first person convicted of a Belfast murder by a Dublin court before his conviction was quashed and a retrial collapsed, has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to laundering thousands of euro in crime cash in Limerick four years ago.

Mackin (40), who was extradited from Alicante in Spain last December, pleaded guilty today to laundering 4,780, allegedly the proceeds of criminal behaviour at Rhebogue Road, Limerick, on April 17, 2019.

Mackin, who is originally from west Belfast and has a previous address at Rhebogue Road, pleaded guilty before the three-judge court to knowing or believing, or being reckless as to whether property, 4,780, was the proceeds of criminal conduct, did handle, acquire and/or possess the said property contrary to Section 7 of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010.

Mackin spoke only to confirm his name and answer "guilty" when the sole charge was put to him by the registrar at the non-jury court on Monday.

Gerard Mackin

Detective Garda Stephen Ahern previously told the court that he arrested Mackin at Dublin Airport on December 5 last in relation to a European Arrest Warrant issued on April 7, 2022.

Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, requested that a governor's report from Portlaoise Prison be prepared for his client which was granted.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Alan Mitchell, adjourned the matter to March 30 for sentence.

In January 2011, Mackin's retrial for the murder of Edward Burns, a taxi driver and 36-year-old father-of-five, dramatically collapsed at the Special Criminal Court after the State entered a 'nolle prosequi' [a decision not to prosecute]. Several of Mackin's supporters who were in court applauded and cheered while members of the victim's family openly wept.

The chief prosecution witness refused to give evidence at the trial after telling a Belfast High Court judge he was threatened that if he gave any evidence, he would be shot dead.

Mackin had pleaded not guilty to the murder at Bog Meadow, Falls Road, Belfast on March 12, 2007.

It was the second trial of Mackin after a 2008 conviction - which made Mackin the first person convicted in a Dublin court for an alleged murder in Belfast under a rarely-used cross border anti-terrorism law - was quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal and a retrial ordered.

In July 2013, another nolle prosequi was entered against Mackin at the non-jury court on a charge of IRA membership and demanding money with menaces on behalf of the INLA in Co Monaghan on May 18 and 21, 2012.

Mackins last criminal conviction in Ireland goes back to March 2017, when he was jailed for three years by the Special Criminal Court for a "depraved and barbaric" assault in which a man in his 50s was nailed to a kitchen floor with a nail-gun.

On the second day of this trial, Mackin admitted to assault causing harm at Larch Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick, on September 14, 2015.
Vadim Veste travelled to Ireland just 18 days after being released from prison where he had served a sentence for raping a child (14)

A woman subjected to a violent sexual assault as she was out walking her dog in a Cork park said she thought she was going to die.

Vadim Veste (28), a dual Moldovan-Romanian national, pleaded guilty before the Central Criminal Court to aggravated sexual assault of the woman, who is aged in her 50s, as he attacked her from behind, placed his hand over her mouth, punched her and then violently wrestled her to the ground before placing his hand under her dress.

The Central Criminal Court heard Veste travelled to Ireland just 18 days after being released from prison where he had served a sentence for the rape of a minor.

Veste served a three year prison sentence for the rape of the 14-year-old girl who was known to him in Eastern Europe in July 2016.

He was released from custody on December 11, 2020 and travelled to Ireland to stay with a family member on December 29.

The 28-year-old also has convictions for drug and breaking and entering in his native country.

Veste of Clancy Street, Fermoy, Co Cork, had been working in a meat processing plant when he committed the aggravated sexual assault in the Cork park a year later.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of the woman at St Colman's Park in Fermoy, Co Cork, on November 7, 2021.

The woman fought for her life and Mr Justice Paul McDermott was told her screams attracted two men out walking in the park who then ran to the woman's aid.

In a harrowing victim impact statement, the woman told the court that she thought she was going to die.

The mother was out walking to her dog and listening to music on her headphones when suddenly she was attacked from behind by Veste who placed his hand over her mouth.

"I screamed, I begged and I pleaded with him to stop," she said.

But, despite her pleas, Veste wrestled her to the ground where he tried to place his hand inside her clothing.

The woman said she fought for her life on the dark night when she was also struck and forcibly pinned to the ground.

"I could not breathe," she said.

"I actually thought I was going to die. All I could do was keep thinking about my daughter."

Veste, who also struck the woman, forced his woolen hat into her mouth.

The woman said she was afraid she would suffocate.

But she managed to get one hand free and scratched his face.

When Veste drew back from her, she screamed loudly for help.

"He clenched his fist and put it into my mouth," she said.

"He tried to loosen my teeth. With all my strength I fought back."

"I didn't want to die. I was thinking about my little girl having to come to the pitch to identify my body."

"But he (Veste) keep squeezing my mouth and my nose. I couldn't breathe."

"Thank God I survived to be here today. He is a very, very dangerous man. I do believe he would have gone on to kill someone."

The woman said that, even when the two walkers came to her aid, Veste did not run away from the scene but rather walked calmly out of the park.

The woman also praised the gardai including Detective Garda David Barry who led the subsequent investigation.

Since the incident, she said she has lost all confidence and is now wary of going out alone on dark evenings.

She was supported in court by family members and victim support groups.

Gardai quickly identified Veste as a suspect and he was linked to the incident by genetic testing with his DNA found under the woman's fingernails and her DNA found on his hat.

Mr Justice McDermott was told that Veste has been in custody since November 11, 2021.

Veste pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault and appeared in court with the assistance of an interpreter.

Seamas Roche SC applied for sentencing to be adjourned to allow for the completion of a psychological report on his client.

Mr Justice McDermott said this was "a sensible thing" for the court to allow given Veste's previous history of a sexual offence.

He also ordered that a Probation and Welfare Service (PWS) report be compiled and that an interpreter be available for the sentencing hearing.

Sentencing of Veste - who did not speak during the was adjourned until the June 12 sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork.

He was remanded in ongoing custody.
This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week.

Up

North Dakota's Gateway to Science has opened in its new home overlooking the Missouri River valley. The 43,000 square-foot building west of the MDU Resources Community Bowl has 5  times more room for exhibits than the old gallery at the Frances Leah High Prairie Arts & Science Center. It's a great source of educational fun for children. The $26 million nonprofit facility was made possible with the help of a $13.5 million grant approved by the Legislature in 2021. Lawmakers also OK'd $5.9 million for the Magic City Discovery Center in Minot. Boosting the education of children is a good use of taxpayer dollars.

Down

There's a perception among some North Dakotans that the Legislature is much too willing to bend to the powerful oil industry. The outcome of Senate Bill 2374 won't do anything to change that. Mineral owners asked lawmakers for greater transparency and accountability from oil companies when it comes to disputed fees. But senators instead advanced industry-backed proposals that would establish an ombudsman program to help sort out payment issues between royalty owners and oil companies. The House will now consider the legislation. Hopefully representatives will give serious thought to the request of mineral owners. Asking for more information doesn't seem unreasonable.

Up

A court judgment shut down an illegal robocall operation that targeted people in several states including North Dakota. Injunctions signed by a federal judge in Texas shut down the operation involving John Caldwell Spiller II and his business partner Jakob Mears. The defendants made millions of illegal robocalls in North Dakota in 2019 and 2020, including to people whose numbers were on the Do Not Call Registry, Attorney General Drew Wrigley said. Attorneys general in eight states including North Dakota sued in 2020 alleging violations of state do-not-call laws and state consumer protection laws, the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule. Wrigley acknowledges the judgment wont stop all robocalls, but said it will significantly change the landscape. The Federal Communications Commission fined the telemarketers $255 million, but the fine will be largely suspended. Still, the judgment and fine should serve as a deterrent to other robocall operations.

Down

North Dakota child protection and family service workers are experiencing high turnover rates and burnout, the North Dakota News Cooperative recently reported. Agencies are having a hard time filling open positions, even with $10,000 sign-on bonuses. To be fully staffed, the state needs to add 16 more child protective services workers and 20 more case managers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. A legislative committee is working on a study on equity and pay and benefits. Legislators should consider steps that can improve recruitment and retention of these critical workers.
Kieran OKane (31) had asked the child to have sex with him and maybe other people

This is the creep who has been warned that he faces a significant jail sentence after he admitted a catalogue of sex offences against a young girl.

A few weeks ago at Antrim Crown Court, 31-year-old Kieran OKane admitted seven counts of sexual activity with a female child and four counts of sexual communication with the same girl.

That still left more than two dozen allegations relating to the making, inciting and possessing of indecent images of a child on dates between October 9, 2021, and March 1 last year.

Last Monday when OKane was due to go on trial for the remaining offences, the paedophile finally confessed his guilt to all but two of the offences.

None of the facts surrounding the catalogue of depravity were opened by prosecuting counsel but previous courts heard that when the victim told OKane, Look Im only 14, is that ok, the creep told her the younger the better.

During a contested bail application, a police officer told how the teenage schoolgirls parent found a shocking video of her with OKane.

That parent also took a large volume of screenshots and conversations from an Instagram account linked to OKane where the messages were highly sexualised.

OKane called the girl his dirty little secret and asked her to send nude pictures of herself.

When his mobile was examined, the shocked cops uncovered that he had asked her to have sex with him and maybe other people.

While Judge Alistair Devlin adjourned sentencing to allow time for the completion of a pre-sentence probation report and for OKane to be freed on bail, he warned the pervert he faces a significant spell in jail given the charges he has pleaded guilty to.

OKane will find out his fate in May, but in the meantime the creep, from Colombia Park in Dungiven, was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.
Following the arrest of the Special Detective Unit detective this week, it emerged that around 40,000 in cash and a number of rounds of ammunition were also seized

A top detective who was arrested this week was lifted as part of the same probe examining links between corrupt ex-garda John Spud Murphy and the Hutch gang,

Following his arrest, the detective  who is attached to the garda Special Detective Unit - was questioned in relation to a series of alleged messages discovered by investigators.

He was held for a number of hours at Ashbourne Garda Station in Co Meath on Wednesday.

He was later released without charge, and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It is understood the officer has staunchly denied any wrongdoing.

Following the arrest of the SDU detective this week, it emerged that around 40,000 in cash and a number of rounds of ammunition were also seized.

But its understood the detective told investigators he had a legitimate reason for possession of the large cash sum.

The SDU is responsible for investigating the activities of serious criminals, including Irish and international terrorist and organised crime groups.

Because of the nature of their duties, SDU officers carry firearms.

RTE first revealed details of the arrest on Friday evening, and sources confirmed that investigators also removed documents and electronic devices as part of the investigation.

Laptops and mobile phones are being forensically examined for emails, texts, and voice messages.

The arrested detective has worked on a number of investigations into dissident republican terror groups, including the New IRA.

He has been involved in a number of extremely sensitive and dangerous undercover operations, which has led to the seizure of explosives and other illegal material as well as the arrests of terror suspects.

Gardai confirmed details of the detectives arrest later on Friday evening.

As part of an on-going criminal investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), a member of An Garda Siochana was arrested earlier this week, a garda spokesman said in a statement.

The garda was subsequently released without charge pending a file to the DPP. The garda is suspended.

More arrests are expected as part of the long-running NBCI investigation into the Hutch gang.

The arrest of the detective, which has sent shockwaves throughout the force, is the latest development in an ongoing probe into allegations the Hutch gang corrupted a number of officers  including disgraced former Supt. John Murphy.

Murphys links to the Hutch gang are believed to stretch back to when he was still a serving officer.

Murphy was jailed for six and a half years last October after being caught holding cannabis resin worth nearly 260k.

As part of the ongoing corruption probe, Murphy who is now housed in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, was arrested in late January and taken from his cell to a Dublin garda station to face questioning by officers with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

NCBI detectives are understood to be gathering evidence of the former gardas links with Gerry the Monk Hutch and are investigating if the latter can be charged with directing a crime gang.

During Murphys sentencing hearing, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard how he had built up financial debts of 855,000 due to poor business decisions made in the 10 years after he retired from the force.

Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, said that Murphy had whatever the opposite of the Midas touch is and that any investments he made went down the drain.

Counsel said that Murphy was consuming large amounts of alcohol every day for as long as anyone could remember and was a functioning alcoholic.

He said his drinking had clouded his judgement and brought him to this sorry pass.

Gerry Hutch is currently on remand in prison awaiting a verdict in the Regency Hotel murder trial.
Lisa Tumilty (44) arrived in Lanzarote just over a week ago after booking a last minute escape with her husband Michael

A Co Down woman is fighting for her life in a Canary Islands hospital following a fall while on holiday with her husband.

Lisa Tumilty (44), from Annaclone, arrived in Lanzarote just over a week ago after booking a last minute escape to the popular Spanish destination with her husband Michael.

However Lisa suffered a major head injury as a result of a fall which has left her on a ventilator in ICU.

A GoFundMe account says she was airlifted to the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Dr. Negrin where she remains in critical condition.

"Lisa is a nurse in Belfast City [Hopsital] Cancer Centre and has spent years looking after everyone with kindness, compassion & empathy, a role she loves and wouldn't consider it as a job but as a vocation, it states.

"Lisa and her husband, Michael, love Lanzarote and decided a few weeks back to book a weeks holiday.

"Unfortunately on Sunday 5th March 2023, few days into the holiday, Lisa had a fall and suffered major head trauma."

The organiser of the fundraiser praised hospital staff who have been absolutely amazing and go above and beyond to not only help Lisa but providing support to Michael and their families as Lisa continues her fight.

They said the road to recovery will take some time as they expressed hope that Lisa will be transferred to a hospital in Belfast where her colleagues await her with open arms to continue her treatment.

The total amount raised has already exceeded the 10,000 goal to support the patients family as the endure a nightmare by helping to cover costs of treatment, flights, accommodation and lessen the financial pressure facing Michael as he remains by his wifes hospital bedside.

"Michael needs full time accommodation in the area  if you know anyone that has an apartment or room please let us know, the appeal continues.

"We understand times are hard if you're not in a position to help financially we ask you please keep Lisa, her family, doctors, nurses in your thoughts and prayers.

"We appreciate everyones messages and support it has been overwhelming and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Its hard for some to imagine how quickly one day can change many lives and unfortunately a lot of families know this all too well but for us, the journey has just begun.

So far almost 51,000 has been raised by over 1,600 generous donors.
Ms Satchwell vanished from her home in Youghal in east Cork on March 20, 2017.

Tina Satchwell went missing from her home in Youghal, Co Cork, six years ago

Detectives believe that someone in east Cork has information about what happened to missing woman Tina Satchwell (47).

Gardai will again issue an appeal for information to mark the sixth anniversary of her disappearance without trace from her Cork home.

Senior officers have said they do not believe that she left Ireland for the UK, where she had lived for a period, as had been initially suspected in 2017/18.

No trace of Ms Satchwell has been found despite a six-year garda operation which included an exhaustive trawl of CCTV footage from Irish ports and airports.

Gardai have no plans for further major searches  but indicated that such operations will be ordered if fresh information comes to light.

Ms Satchwell vanished from her home in Youghal in east Cork on March 20, 2017.

Tina Satchwell went missing from her home in Youghal, Co Cork, six years ago

The last major targeted search in respect of her disappearance took place in March 2018 when 60 gardai and support officials conducted a painstaking examination of Mitchels Wood outside Castlemartyr in east Cork. Nothing of significance was discovered.

Ms Satchwells sister, Teresa Dingivan, has repeatedly stressed that she will never stop seeking answers. Each year she issues a plea for information about her sister.

Despite a massive garda investigation which included 400 lines of inquiry, 100 hours of CCTV footage and 170 statements, no trace of Ms Satchwell has ever been found.

Ms Satchwell was last seen by her husband, Richard, when she asked him to leave their home to go on an errand.

She was not at their home when he returned a few hours later and he presumed she had gone to stay with her family in Fermoy in north Cork. He reported her missing four days later.

Ms Satchwell did not have a passport, and there was no indication she had bought tickets to travel overseas by either plane or ferry.

At this point, all the indications are that Tina never left Ireland, a garda source said.

Gardai searched CCTV footage from all Irish ports and airports, including those in Northern Ireland with the assistance of the PSNI, without any sighting.

UK police have also checked for Ms Satchwell at their ports and airports, and at locations in northern England where she had previously lived or had friends.

Mr Satchwell declined to comment when contacted.

In an interview five years ago he said there was nothing out of the ordinary on March 20, 2017, which indicated his wife was about to disappear.

It was the same as any other morning  she got up and I made herself a cup of tea and a slice of toast. It is something I will never forget. It wasnt unusual for her to turn around and ask me to go shopping. I thought nothing of it at the time.

When I came back, the keys were on the ground. When she didnt come back I thought she was gone to Fermoy (to visit her family), he said.

Mr Satchwell claimed that 26,000 in cash, saved from a property sale and the proceeds of car boot sales, was missing from their house.
Ms OHallorans partner, who was a passenger in the car, suffered serious injuries in the single-vehicle collision which occurred at Kilduff, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, at around 3.30am on Sunday.

A young mother who died in a road traffic collision, which also saw her partner and two children injured, has been remembered as one of a kind.

She has been named locally as beautician Shannen OHalloran (29), a native of Dooradoyle, Limerick.

Ms OHallorans partner, who was a passenger in the car, suffered serious injuries in the single-vehicle collision which occurred at Kilduff, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, at around 3.30am on Sunday.

Two children who were also in the car, a girl and a boy, received medical treatment at the scene, however their injuries are understood not to be life-threatening.

Fr Noel Murphy, co-parish priest of St Pauls Parish in Dooradoyle who knew the family well, said it was a "terrible tragedy".

"On behalf of St Pauls parish I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and wish her partner and two children a speedy recovery.

"It is a very, very difficult time for all of them following this awful tragedy," said Fr Murphy.

A number of tributes for the young mother have been posted online.

To say Im devastated is an understatement, its a sad world we live in, you were the best nail (technician), we had many laughs together, we cried together, wrote a friend.

You were one of a kind, my hearts broke for your kids, another sad day, she was one of a kind xxxxxx, they added.

Another wrote: So so sad, Shannen, rest In peace, God watch over your children.

So sad, beautiful girl, thinking of her kids (and) family at this heart-breaking time, another woman wrote.

Absolutely heart-breaking news, an absolutely beautiful young woman with her whole life ahead of her - may you Rest In Peace Shannen, thoughts and prayers are with your family and your babies at this tragic time, said another woman.

Last month, Ms OHalloran posted on her social media platform - Shannen Angelica - that she was very proud of the progress she was making in her career as a beautician.

Gardai have appealed to anyone who has information, who may have witnessed the incident or who may have video footage (including dash-cam), to contact Henry Street garda station 061 212 400 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Gardai said in a statement: Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal single vehicle road traffic incident, the collision, involving a car, occurred at approximately 3.30am. The driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 20s, received fatal injuries.

A male passenger (30s), is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries at University Hospital Limerick. A female child and a male toddler are also receiving medical treatment but their injuries are not life-threatening."
While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 1- years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options.

A massive 95pc of Irish workers approve of a four-day week, according to a new study.

However, only 3.5pc of workplaces have implemented or trialled a four-day working week.

Despite this, 81pc of workers said they believe a four-day working week will become a reality within the next 10 years, according to the survey by recruitment firm Hays.

Hays Ireland director Maureen Lynch said: While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 10 years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options.

Since the emergence from the pandemic restrictions, employers have begun to reconsider the workplace environment. The switch to remote and hybrid working models has proven hugely successful.

"All professionals have embraced these new ways of working with the four-day working week becoming the latest idea to enhance employers differentiation from competitors.

While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 1- years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options.

95pc of Irish professionals support four-day working week   Getty Images

The recruitment company surveyed 973 employers and professionals across Ireland and found 73pc of employees would consider moving jobs for a shorter working week. This was a rise of almost 10pc on last years figure (64pc).

Only five pc said they would not leave their current role if the option presented itself in another organisation, while 22pc said it would depend on the opportunity.

The majority ( 81pc) felt a four-day week would become a reality within the next decade, with only 19pc stating they felt it would never occur.

Some 88pc of employees already working a four-day week said it has had a positive impact on their professional life. The same number felt it was beneficial to their personal life.

Of those surveyed, the majority said an additional day off would be beneficial, with 89pc believing it would have a positive effect on employee mental health and well-being.

While 59pc thought that working one less day would be beneficial for organisational productivity and one-third felt it would improve employee living standards. Almost half (47pc) thought it would have a benefit on talent attraction and retention.

However 51pc of employers said they are concerned about a potential impact on productivity of a standard four-day working week.

Almost the same number (47pc) said they were not prepared to switch to a four-day week for operational reasons, while 22pc said they could not consider it for financial reasons. Some 20pc of employers were concerned the change could increase pressure on staff.

Hybrid working for five days a week was preferred to a four-day week. Some 55pc of professionals said they would prefer hybrid working for five days compared to 45pc, who would choose to work a four-day week with every day spent in the office.

Most respondents (75pc) said that they would use the extra day for leisure time, including exercise and hobbies. Meanwhile 71pc would spend time on life administration, while 70pc would spend more time with friends and family. Some 44pc would use the time for self-development, such as learning a new language, and 21pc would volunteer.

Last month, the results of a six-month trial involving 61 companies in the UK revealed that 92pc opted to continue working four days when the trial had ended. Reported benefits were said to include improved employee well-being and work-life balance.
He is being fined 700 a day for each day he persists in arriving at Wilsons Hospital school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath

Sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burkes fines for contempt of court reached 32,200 today when he turned up at his former workplace despite High Court orders directing him not to.

He is being fined 700 a day for each day he persists in arriving at Wilsons Hospital school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.

It has now been 46 days since the fines came into play after Burke continued to turn up despite being dismissed.

Even during last weeks snow and freezing temperatures Burke was driven to the school so he could maintain his solo vigil of turning up for work only to be left out in the cold for the day.

There were chaotic scenes in the Four Courts last week when Burke and members of his family had to be removed by force after judges rejected his appeal against High Court injunctions directing him not to trespass at the school.

The three-judge court, in three separate judgments, dismissed the appeal.

The delivery of the judgments was interrupted several times with gardai eventually intervening to remove members of the family.

The confrontation broke out after the Burkes got to their feet and loudly objected to comments by the president of the court, Mr Justice George Birmingham.

He spent 108 days in prison last year for contempt of court orders but was let out just before Christmas.

However, when school term resumed in the new year he continued to turn up on a daily basis and was arrested for trespass, and a file has now been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The courts decided not to imprison him for a second time, but impose the hefty 700 a day fine instead in the hope that it would persuade Burke to stop arriving at the school.

But he has turned up every day apart from the days where he has been in court in Dublin.

Mr Justice Brian OMoore has previously said the fines could be increased, but that option has not come into play to date.

His suspension last August came after Mr Burke, an evangelical Christian, refused to comply with a request from the then principal to call a transgender pupil by a new name and preferred pronouns.

A number of incidents, in which Mr Burke expressed opposition on religious grounds to the request, prompted the schools board of management to put him on paid administrative leave.

He was sacked by the board of management in January, a decision he is appealing to a tribunal.

Enoch Burke

Mr Burke claims the school is discriminating against his religious beliefs, and denies his presence at the school is causing disruption.

He claims that he has received support from some students, parents and teachers.

The hearing of the full cases between the school and Mr Burke remains pending before the High Court, and is expected to be heard later this year.

During last weeks Court of Appeal hearings a younger brother of Enoch Burke was arrested and charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Simeon Burke (24) was brought before Dublin District Court accused of causing a breach of the peace at the Four Courts.

The accused, of Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, is charged with using threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour at the Four Courts under Section 6 of the Public Order Act.

Judge Paula Murphy granted him bail and adjourned the case to Cloverhill District Court tomorrow. Mr Burke told the court he would not sign the bail bond and was remanded in custody with consent to bail.
In the best way we have all thrown our everything into this project, and to have the guys with us in LA celebrating is just so magical and to have that on James birthday is even more special. He deserves everything

Colin Farrell and his son Henry Tadeusz arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)   Ashley Landis/Invision/AP

(L-R) Ross White holding the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film award for "An Irish Goodbye"pictured with James Martin, Tom Berkeley, and Seamus O'Hara onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Ross White, James Martin, Tom Berkeley, Seamus O'Hara, winners of the Best Live Action Short Film award for "An Irish Goodbye" and guest attend the Governors Ball. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Breakout stars James Martin and Seamus OHara partied the night away after their historic Oscar win for Best Live Action Short Film for An Irish Goodbye.

The short film was one of just two wins for Ireland out of 14 nominations.

Despite earning nine nominations The Banshees of Inisherin failed to pick up a single gong.

Host Jimmy Kimmel brought out onstage what he maintained was Jenny the donkey from the celebrated film shot in the west of Ireland, but insiders confirm it is a lookalike and she is still living in a secret location in Co Carlow.

Dubliner Richard Baneham was Irelands second winner of an Academy award, winning for Best Visual Effects for Avatar: The Way of Water. It is his second Oscar, which he also won for the original Avatar film from 2009.

An Irish Goodbye tells the story of two brothers, one of whom has Down Syndrome, as they come to terms to deal with the death of their mother and what to do with a farm left to them.

The cast and crew of the film, which was shot in counties Down, Derry and Antrim, partied afterwards at the Vanity Fair function which was a double celebration as it was James 31st birthday  an occasion which was marked by the star-studded audience in the Dolby Theatre singing Happy Birthday to him.

(L-R) Ross White holding the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film award for "An Irish Goodbye"pictured with James Martin, Tom Berkeley, and Seamus O'Hara onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)   Getty Images

This is the most bizarre and exciting and fulfilling and bizarre again twice experience of all our lives, co-director Tom Berkeley told sundayworld.com. Im sure that goes for the cast and the crew, because we won an Oscar.

His co-director Ross White was equally chuffed.

We are just so thrilled to be here for a start, and then to be up on that stage collecting these Oscars and to have James with us and Seamus with us, this has been a such a labour of love.

In the best way we have all thrown our everything into this project, and to have the guys with us in LA celebrating is just so magical and to have that on James birthday is even more special. He deserves everything.

And the fact that we could have that little moment singing with him on stage, I will never forget that.

Tom admits he was blown away by the stars who surrounded them.

To see the likes of Stephen Spielberg, Michelle Yeoh, the people singing happy birthday for our man who we thought the world of ever since we met him, to little Jimmy Martin is one of the most special moments I think probably of our lives.

Tom Berkeley and Ross White pose with the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film for "An Irish Goodbye" Photo: Reuters/Mike Blake   REUTERS

As short film makers you never set out thinking that youre going to end up anywhere near something like the Academy Awards as emerging film makers, for us its really about us building up a portfolio of work and trying to create something that people enjoy and that were proud of and this has gone above and beyond our expectations at every stage.

Ross noted that this has been an amazing year for the Irish film industry,

Looking at this year for Ireland and Irish cinema its been absolutely remarkable, he stresses. To be a small part of that for us has been really such an honour, really such an honour and we are proud to be representing Northern Ireland in that and to now come up and pick up this award just means so much.

The work on show from the Irish artists here and the sense of camaraderie and support throughout this whole process from these massive films right down to our little film has been so galvanising for us all, we have become really great friends from it and Im excited to continue that friendship with the likes of Martin McDonagh, and Colm Bairead and Cliona (Ni Chrualaoi) all these creatives and film makers that we are so much in admiration of.

Tom also singled out James for special praise.

James work in the film is really extraordinary and rightfully there has been lots of questions about representation and what this means for representing actors with not just Down Syndrome, but actors with disabilities and I think that what is amazing, that hopefully this film can demonstrate, its not enough just to have those characters present in films, they need to have agency in the story, they need to have complex characters.

"They need to be multi-faceted and interesting, and flawed in their own way as well and they need to have control in the narrative and Jamess performance I think in the film has really shown what can be done when you entrust actors with that responsibility within the narrative.

Watch: James Martin is honoured at Starbucks in LA ahead of the Oscars

Ross added that they were looking forward to letting their hair down.

I think we are going to have the night of our lives tonight, he beamed. We are going to go out and celebrate this amazing achievement for us all and we are going to get all of our family and friends around us and just have an amazing time.

Tomorrow the plan is to go to the beach and play some volleyball and chill out, because this has been very intense for us. But we are absolutely buzzing for whats going to be a crazy night.

Tom noted that they were missing one of their trio of film makers, Paddy Jenkins from Strabane, who could not make the trip.

Paddy, you are here in spirit, he reflected. Paddy sent us all lovely cards with a little gift inside, a little good luck gift, and that served us well tonight.

Ross added with a smile: Paddy you had a dream that we would win, your dream was correct!

Richard Baneham, who hails from Tallaght, Dublin, was Irelands other Oscar winner and threw in some Gaelic in his acceptance speech by proclaiming Go raibh mile maith agat.

I think it (the latest Avatar is just as good, its an ensemble cast so it presents a different problem for us, which is a much broader spectrum of visual effects- as far characters are concerned that needed to be dealt with, but it was a healthy and hearty undertaking but well enjoyed, he told us.

The 49-year old added he is living in L.A. for 28 years.

One thing leads to another, the steps that were involved in I got into animation. Animation opened up all sorts of avenues here.

He said he worked for Warner Brothers when 2D was kicking off as a medium movies were being made in, less so now and somewhere in the early 90s I switched over to 3D and that leads us to where we are today.

Richard revealed he is currently working on not only Avatar 3, but also parts 4 and 5 of the franchise which was first released in 2009.

Best Actor nominee Colin Farrell literally flew the flag for Ireland by sporting an Irish tricolour on the lapel of his tuxedo when he was accompanied by his 13-year-old son Henry in the front row, but there was disappointment for the Banshees of Inisherin which failed to win any of its nine nominations.

Colin Farrell and his son Henry Tadeusz arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)   Ashley Landis/Invision/AP

Best Supporting Actor nominee Brendan Gleeson was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Mary, Best Supporting actress nominee Kerry Condon by her brother Roddy, while Best Supporting Actor nominee Barry Keoghan was kept company by his Scottish girlfriend Alyson.

Best Actor nominee Paul Mescal was joined in the second row of seats by his mother Dearbhla, while Banshees writer/director Martin McDonagh was joined by his partner Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Also in the stalls was An Cailin Ciuins 13-year old star Catherine Clinch, which was nominated for Best Foreign Film as well as Dubliner Jonathan Redmond, who was nominated for Best Film Editing.

Everything All At Once scooped Best Film, while Best Actor went to Brendan Fraser (The Whale) and Best Actress to Michelle Yeoh (Everything All At Once)

Many of the Irish acting community gathered at the Auld Fella bar in the L.A. suburb of Culvert City at an event organised by the citys Contemporary Irish Arts Center.

There were loud cheers and celebrations when An Irish Goodbye and Richie Baneham won, but groans of disappointment at our 12 losses.

There were similar scenes at a function organised in the Irish Consulate, which was attended by among others film director Jim Sheridan, actors Caroline Morahan, Kellie Blaise and Kevin Ryan, former EastEnders star Michelle Collins (Cindy Beale), Mayor of Limerick Francis Foley and Screen Ireland chair Susan Bergin.

Arts Minister Catherine Martin also attended the event.

The scale of the collective achievement of our nominees is something we have never seen before, she pointed out.

It gives us a profile in this years ceremony that is beyond anything we could have previously have imagined.

We have all collectively witnessed this at first hand over the past few days. And we have all seen the value of this for our industry, our tourism, our language and how it has been a boost for the whole country.
Attendees and viewers alike were delighted as host Jimmy Kimmel walked a donkey into the star-studded auditorium and introduced her as Jenny the donkey.

The donkey who made a surprise appearance at last nights Oscars ceremony was not the same animal that featured in The Banshees of Inisherin, insiders have revealed.

Attendees and viewers alike were delighted as host Jimmy Kimmel walked a donkey into the star-studded auditorium and introduced her as Jenny the donkey, Colin Farrells character Padraigs loyal companion in the Martin McDonagh flick.

Farrell could be heard shouting oh my God from the audience as he watched on.

Not only is Jenny an actor, shes a certified emotional support donkey, at least thats what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland, Kimmel said.

Jenny, theres your friend Colin right there and your friend Brendan, whose finger you ate, you wanna say thank you.

However, despite Farrells delight at being reunited with who he thought was his onscreen pal, sources have confirmed it was a lookalike.

Kerry Condon, who lost out on the Best Supporting Actress gong to Jamie Lee Curtis, reportedly said: No! All the way from Ireland? Course not! when asked if the equines cameo was the real deal while director Martin McDonagh said the films crew "would have allowed that to happen.

Meanwhile, the real Jenny is still living in a secret location in Co Carlow.

Her trainer Megan Hines previously confirmed to the Sunday World that despite being age only three Jenny the donkey will be shielded from millions of fans of the movie whove fallen in love with her.

The reason why shes in a secret location, because we wouldnt want her to be used for any commercial gain, but to live the life she deserves, she stressed.

People might overfeed her with carrots or whatever, or just generally cause her unnecessary distress.

She also had to look after Jennys stand-in, Rosie, a 10-year-old donkey brought in from England  although Rosie was never needed for any of the scenes.

She told of a hilarious improvised scene where Jenny robbed a loaf of bread.

There was one part where she was meant to lie beside the fire next to Padraic but she took off and robbed a loaf of bread which wasnt scripted, she smiled.

I also trained her to walk around the room and scamp out the different areas, to go around the chairs and under the table, so she would get used to walking a different route through the room and go to Colin, so it would look very natural, Megan recollected.
Pretty Boy Aaron rates himself a solid 9.9 out of 10 and is sceptical any girl could be prettier than himself

A Dubliner who rates himself a solid 9.9 out of 10 is sceptical any girl could be prettier than himself  until he meets a former Miss Bikini Ireland in the First Dates restaurant.

Aaron (33) says his checklist for a partner is obviously, good looks like and has his dream girl in mind: blonde hair, curvy and small.

Being rejected or anything like that, that does not phase me in the slightest  probably because its such a rarity as well, he laugh, confessing that some people might call him shallow for his confidence.

Girls might think that like, he loves himself, hes a d**khead and all this which sometimes I am but I would be completely a gentleman when it comes to being in a relationship.

Aaron is shell shocked when he is sent on a date with Limerick lady Judy (31)  a fitness model and Miss Bikini Ireland 2014  in this weeks episode of First Dates.

Former Miss Bikini Ireland Judy

Arriving at the restaurant confident and cocky as hell, Aaron is hit with the unexpected when he sets eyes on glamorous Judy.

F**k, he later says, admitting he wasnt expecting someone in Ireland to be prettier than him.

And the Dubliner wasnt always this pretty, he admits, revealing he used weigh 23 stone before discovering his love of fitness.

The independent blonde bombshell is looking for somebody she can build a little empire with, though she thinks she is sometimes too intimidating for men.

Aaron is set with the challenge of impressing his date just hours before she jets off to the US to represent Ireland in fitness modelling.

Judy is preparing to achieve her goal of competing on the world stage when she arrives for her date.

So Ill go out in a ball-gown and then Ill go out in a bikini, she explains, revealing she has taken heat for her job from feminists in the past  especially after becoming the Miss Bikini Ireland queen in 2014.

I was in the papers and promoting myself in a bikini.

Feminists were saying that I was exploiting women but if you go into fitness modelling then people cant say youre exploiting women because youre showing off a physique that you worked hard for.

The blind-date show put the pair together, but it is up to them whether sparks fly in this weeks episode on RTE 2.

Other daters arriving at the restaurant next week include a student nurse, a musician and a make-up artist as they hope to follow in the footsteps of past First Dates love stories.

Happy couple Carla Maria and James Gerard Shez Sherry found each other on the show over two years ago  and are planning on walking down the aisle this November.

Restaurant maitre d Mateo Saina and waitress Alice Marr will be attending the ceremony, credited as the people in the room when the First Daters romance bloomed. They are the first married couple to emerge from the show, though waiter Pete Ungless has also walked down the aisle recently.

He married Tallaght nurse Megan McHugh last September after matching on Tinder before the pandemic.

First Dates Ireland continues on RTE 2 this Thursday at 9.30pm.
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Chinas successful brokering of a detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia on Friday forced the United States into the awkward position of applauding a major Middle East accord secured by its main geopolitical rival. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. We support any effort to de-escalate tensions there, White House spokesman John Kirby said of the agreement, which reestablishes diplomatic relations between the arch-nemeses for the first time in seven years and reopens their respective embassies.

The agreement was the result of talks that began Monday as part of an initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at developing good neighborly relations between Tehran and Riyadh, the three countries said in a joint statement. But the signing of the accord in Beijing  which the Biden administration considers its No. 1 geostrategic threat  represents the latest effort by Xi to stake out a larger political presence in the Middle East, where the United States has been the dominant outside power brokering agreements since the end of the Cold War, waging wars and exerting influence in an oil-rich region vital to the worlds energy security.

Last month, China hosted Irans president, Ebrahim Raisi, as the two nations cemented a strategic cooperation pact. In December, Xi traveled to Saudi Arabia for a state visit.

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Saudi Arabia, whose longtime partnership with Washington has soured since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by associates of the kingdoms crown prince, applauded Beijings involvement in an open press event featuring a three-way handshake between Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi; Irans Supreme National Security Council secretary, Ali Shamkhani; and the national security adviser of Saudi Arabia, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban.

Americas Arab allies in Saudi Arabia and the broader Persian Gulf often lament the criticisms they receive from Washington over human rights abuses and a lack of political freedoms and elections  complaints they do not receive from Beijing. Some observers saw Chinas inclusion in the accord as a overt snub.

What is notable of course is the decision to hand the Chinese a huge public relations victory  a photo op that is intended to demonstrate Chinas newfound stature in the region, said Suzanne Maloney, vice president and director of foreign policy at the Brookings Institution think tank. In that sense, it would appear to be yet another Saudi slap in the face to the Biden administration.

On its face, the agreement achieves priorities that the United States has long sought, as tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have threatened the stability of the region and fueled catastrophic conflicts from Syria to Yemen.

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We think its in our own interests, Kirby said, noting his hope that it would lead to an end to the war in Yemen, which has pitted a Saudi-led coalition, backed by American-made jets, against the countrys Iranian-backed Houthi militants.

For years, the United Nations called the conflict there the worlds worst humanitarian disaster, but the country has enjoyed a rare reprieve from fighting since April when a truce sponsored by the United Nations went into effect. Though the truce expired in October, the peace has largely held, and back-channel talks between the Houthis and the Saudis have resumed.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was attacked and burned by Iranian protesters angered by the kingdoms execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, Sheikh Nimr Baqr al-Nimr. The cleric had emerged as a leading figure in protests in Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, a Shiite-majority region in the Sunni-majority nation.

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A senior administration official briefed on the talks between Tehran and Riyadh, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive discussions, said the United States has been kept up to date on the negotiations from the beginning, adding that the Saudis made clear to U.S. officials that they were interested in restoring diplomatic ties with Iran.

But the Saudis made clear, too, that they were unwilling to strike such a deal without strong assurance from the Iranians that attacks against them would stop and that they would curtail military support to the Houthis, the official said.

Riyadh is attempting to buy down the risk of Iran, said Jonathan Lord, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

U.S. officials remain uncertain whether the Iranians, ultimately, will honor that commitment, meaning the whole agreement could fall through. By design, the deal does not immediately reestablish diplomatic relations, but rather stipulates the countries will do so in two months with several elements still to be worked out.

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Oman also played a significant role in the breakthrough, the senior administration official said, which in part prompted President Biden to call Omans sultan this week.

The United States is a major defense provider to Saudi Arabia, including Patriot missile defense batteries. But Lord said allowing China to broker the diplomatic deal would not threaten that relationship. U.S. Central Command, which has thousands of U.S. troops to the kingdom and elsewhere in the Middle East, will continue to work closely with its regional partners to advance a regional security architecture, he said. This agreement wont come in the way of that.

Though some in Washington expressed alarm at Beijings involvement in the deal, its unclear if the Biden administration would have been able to broker it even if it wanted to. Tehran and Washington are barely on speaking terms following the Trump administrations decisions to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and assassinate the countrys top military commander, Qasem Soleimani.

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Anything that lowers the temperature between Iran and Saudi Arabia and lessens the possibility of conflict is a good thing, said Matt Duss, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Its also a potentially encouraging sign that countries in the region can pursue such initiatives without requiring lots of goodies and guarantees from the U.S.

Though blunting Chinas influence in the Middle East and other parts of the world remains a priority for the Biden administration, it is of two minds about the latest agreement, said Jon Alterman, a Middle East scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Not only is Jenny an actor, shes a certified emotional support donkey, at least thats what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland

The audience erupted as host Jimmy Kimmel brought Jenny the Donkey on stage, one of the stars from Martin McDonaghs Banshees of Inisherin.

Colin Farrell could be heard shouting oh my God from the audience as he watched on.

Not only is Jenny an actor, shes a certified emotional support donkey, at least thats what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland, Mr Kimmel said.

Jenny, theres your friend Colin right there and your friend Brendan, whose finger you ate, you wanna say thank you.
Shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland, black comedy An Irish Goodbye follows the story of two estranged brothers coming to terms with the death of their mother.

President Michael D Higgins arrives ahead of the Aga Khan Nations Cup on day three of the 147th Dublin Horse Show, the first to be held since 2019. The event which was first held in 1864 takes place over the next five days and includes national and international show jumping competitions (Brian Lawless/PA)   Brian Lawless

Ross White, from left, James Martin, Tom Berkeley and Seamus O'Hara accept the award for best live action short film for "An Irish Goodbye" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello   Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Irish film and talent scooped two of 14 nominations at the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in LA overnight with An Irish Goodbye which took the award for best short film, as well as Irish animator Richard Baneham who was among those who won the Oscar for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water.

However, Banshees of Inisherin lost out on all nine of its nominations.

Stars Barry Keoghan and Brendan Gleeson both missed out to Vietnamese-American actor and filmmaker, Ke Huy Quan, who won his first Oscar for best actor in a supporting role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Colin Farrell lost out to Brendan Fraser who won best actor for The Whale while Tipperarys Kerry Condon missed out to Jamie Lee Curtis who won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland, black comedy An Irish Goodbye follows the story of two estranged brothers coming to terms with the death of their mother.

Its co-directors led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star James Martin after it was announced as the winner at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The film also won the short film category at this years Baftas.

James Martin stars in black comedy An Irish Goodbye (Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison/PA)   Arts Council Northern Ireland/Brian Morrison

Richard Baneham, who is from Tallaght, has worked on some of the worlds biggest movie productions including The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, the Chronicles of Narnia and the Avatar franchise.

The 49-year-old started his speech with a cupla focal, he said: Go raibh mile maith agat, to James Cameron whose artistic thumbprint is on every frame of this movie.

We accept these awards on behalf of a very large crew. The effects stand on the shoulders of our actors, their performances are everything.

Mr Baneham studied the trade in Ballyfermot College of Further Education before moving to Los Angeles.

President Michael D Higgins has marked Irelands success at the Oscars by hailing a remarkable year for the Irish film industry.

President Higgins said: May I congratulate An Irish Goodbye and Richard Baneham for their fantastic achievements in winning the Best Live-Action Short Film and Best Visual Effects Awards respectively at last nights Oscars ceremony.

May I further extend my congratulations to Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Kerry Condon, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Jonathan Redmond and all involved with An Cailin Ciuin and The Banshees Of Inisherin for the exceptional recognition of their work which being nominated for an Academy Award constitutes.

This has been a remarkable year for the Irish film industry and is a testament to the hard work of so many people over recent decades.

It is particularly welcome to see the recognition which the Irish film industry is receiving on what is the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board, now Screen Ireland, in 1993.

The success which we are seeing is built on the acquisition of skills and pursuit of excellence by all in the Irish film community.

As a gesture to all that has been achieved, and the important contribution of the film and related industries to Irish life, Sabina and myself look forward to hosting a St Patricks Day reception celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities at Aras an Uachtarain this Friday.

Host Jimmy Kimmel brings out Jenny the donkey during the Oscars show at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria   REUTERS

The audience erupted as host Jimmy Kimmel brought Jenny the Donkey on stage, one of the stars from Martin McDonaghs Banshees of Inisherin.

Colin Farrell could be heard shouting oh my God from the audience as he watched on.

Not only is Jenny an actor, shes a certified emotional support donkey, at least thats what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland, Mr Kimmel said.

Jenny, theres your friend Colin right there and your friend Brendan, whose finger you ate, you wanna say thank you.
Arts Minister Catherine Martin also gave a speech at the event.

Hundreds of VIP guests turned out to celebrate Irish film at an Oscars viewing party in Los Angeles last night.

Film director Jim Sheridan, actors Caroline Morahan, Kellie Blaise and Kevin Ryan, former EastEnders star Michelle Collins (Cindy Beale), Mayor of Limerick Francis Foley and Screen Ireland chair Susan Bergin were among the attendees at a function organised in the Irish Consulate

They were heard cheering and celebrating as An Irish Goodbye scooped up the Best Live Action Short Film gong and Dubliner Richard Baneham won his second Best Visual Effects Oscar for Avatar: The Way of Water, having previously won for the original Avatar film back in 2009.

Eugene Masterson with EastEnders actress Michelle Collins

However, the crowd let out groans of disappointment at our twelve losses, including The Banshees of Inisherins nine nominations and Paul Mescals Best Actor snub for Aftersun.

The event features a Pop Up Gaeltacht while Arts Minister Catherine Martin also gave a speech to kick off the Academy Awards.

The scale of the collective achievement of our nominees is something we have never seen before, she pointed out.

It gives us a profile in this years ceremony that is beyond anything we could have previously have imagined.

We have all collectively witnessed this at first hand over the past few days. And we have all seen the value of this for our industry, our tourism, our language and how it has been a boost for the whole country.

The cast and crew of An Irish Goodbye, which was shot in counties Down, Derry and Antrim, partied after their historic win at the Vanity Fair function which was a double celebration as it was James 31st birthday  an occasion which was marked by the star-studded audience in the Dolby Theatre singing Happy Birthday to him.

This is the most bizarre and exciting and fulfilling and bizarre again twice experience of all our lives, co-director Tom Berkeley told sundayworld.com. Im sure that goes for the cast and the crew, because we won an Oscar.

His co-director Ross White was equally chuffed.

We are just so thrilled to be here for a start, and then to be up on that stage collecting these Oscars and to have James with us and Seamus with us, this has been a such a labour of love.

In the best way we have all thrown our everything into this project, and to have the guys with us in LA celebrating is just so magical and to have that on James birthday is even more special. He deserves everything.

And the fact that we could have that little moment singing with him on stage, I will never forget that.
Weather Eye

with John Maunder

The following data sets and comments are from the climate4you.com website developed by Professor Ole Humlum who is a Danish Professor Emeritus of Physical Geography at the University of Oslo, and Adjunct Professor of Physical Geography at the University Centre in Svalbard.

The website climate4you.com which he edits endeavours to provide an ongoing climate data website which is updated monthly.

It uses data from significant national and global sites such as NASA, WMO, NOAA, UEA, NCDC, IPCC, BoM, SIDA, UAH, NIWA. The objective of the website is to provide information on meteorological and climatological issues of general and specific interest.

Recent global air temperature change, an overview

All temperature diagrams shown below have 1979 as the starting year. This roughly marks the beginning of the recent period of global warming, after termination of the previous period of global cooling from about 1940. In addition, the year 1979 also represents the starting date for the satellite-based global temperature estimates (UAH and RSS).

For the three surface air temperature estimates shown (HadCRUT, NCDC and GISS) the reference period differs. HadCRUT refers to the official normal WMO period 1961-1990, while NCDC and GISS as reference instead uses 1901-2000 and 1951-1980, respectively, which results in higher positive temperature anomalies.

For all three surface air temperature records, but especially NCDC and GISS, administrative changes to anomaly values are quite often introduced, even for observations several years back in time.

Some changes may be due to the delayed addition of new station data, while others probably have their origin in a change of technique to calculate average values.

It is clearly impossible to evaluate the validity of such administrative changes for the outside user of these records. In addition, the three surface records represent a blend of sea surface data, moving ships or by other means, plus data from land stations of partly unknown quality and unknown degree of representativeness for their region.

Many of the land stations have also moved geographically during their existence, and their instrumentation changed.

The satellite temperature records also have their problems, but these are generally of a more technical nature and therefore correctable.

In addition, the temperature sampling by satellites is more regular and complete on a global basis than that represented by the surface records.

It therefore is realistic to recognise that the temperature records are not of equal scientific quality. At the same time the big efforts being put into all five temperature databases should be gratefully acknowledged by all interested in climate science.

On this background, the present website has decided to operate with three quality classes (1-3) for global temperature records, with 1 representing the highest quality level:

Quality class 1: The satellite records (UAH and RSS).

Quality class 2: The HadCRUT surface record.

Quality class 3: The NCDC and GISS surface records.

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The satellite records (UAH MSU and RSS)

Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH), USA. This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, interpreted by Dr Roy Spencer and Dr John Christy, both at Global Hydrology and Climate Center, University of Alabama at Huntsville, USA. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Reference period 1991-2020.



Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to Remote Sensing Systems (RSS). This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, and interpreted by Dr. Carl Mears (RSS). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Click here for a description of RSS MSU data products.

The HadCRUT surface record

Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to Hadley CRUT, a cooperative effort between the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research and the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU), UK. The thin line represents the monthly values, while the thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. An introduction to the dataset has been published by Brohan et al. (2005). Base period: 1961-1990.





The NCDC and GISS surface records

Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), USA. This time series is calculated using land surface data from the Global Historical Climatology Network (Version 2) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies from the United Kingdom MOHSST data set and the NCEP Optimum Interpolated SSTs (Version 3). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. Base period: 1901-2000.







Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), at Columbia University, New York City, USA. GISS is a laboratory of the Earth-Sun Exploration Division of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a unit of the Columbia University Earth Institute. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. Discussions of reasons why the GISS temperature estimate differs from other estimates can be read by clicking here, here and here. Base period: 1951-1980.

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For further Information about a wide range of weather/climate matters see my new book Fifteen shades of climate... the fall of the weather dice and the butterfly effect. The book is available through the web site amazon.com. Just Google fifteen shades of climate for details.
Congratulations flowed this week for 19 local students from the University of Waikato

Tauranga campus. These awards are provided by Acorn Foundation donors and by the trustees of the TECT to help students afford the costs of tertiary education.

Four adult learners have won Acorn Foundation scholarships, five students have been granted TECT First-in-Family awards, and ten students have been awarded TECT Returning Student scholarships.

The first scholarship from Acorn was the Acorn Foundation Beverly Perszyk Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time in 2019. This award is intended for a student who is the first in their family to go on to tertiary study and who has successfully completed at least one year at university.

This years winner is law student Ashley Heads. Ashley started working at a law firm at 17, and now in her 30s, she has completed three years of law school while working full-time. Ashley is passionate about employment law and is only one year away from finishing her degree.

It hasnt been easy, but it makes it so much easier when youre passionate about what you do for a living, and thats what makes you get up at 4am in the morning to study, says Ashley.



The next scholarship was the Acorn Foundation Kenneth Perszyk Senior Adult Learner Scholarship, established in 2021. This award is for the financial assistance of adult learners (40 years and over) during any stage of their study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.

This years winner is single mother, lifelong Girl Guides supporter, and Head of the Languages Department at Tauranga Boys College, Sharon Barrett. Sharon has taken a years leave from full-time work to complete a Masters degree with Honours in Education, specialising in language and literacy.

The Acorn Foundation Adult Learner Scholarship was established by an anonymous donor in 2019 who is passionate about the benefits of higher education.

This years winner is Danielle Goodall. A life-changing experience in 2019 sent Danielle onto a new path. She was working as Marketing Executive for White Island Tours when Whakaari/White Island erupted, and having experienced heartbreak, loss and tragedy, she is now determined to study Psychology to help others survive their hardest times.

Acorn scholarship winners Sharon Barrett, Taylor Hodgson, and Danielle Goodall. Photo: Supplied.

In 2007, the Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship was launched, and it has up to now assisted 15 adult students, 25 years and older, to undertake studies through the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.

"We are pleased to announce that Taylor Hodgson is our 2022 winner," says Acorn Foundation CEO Lori Luke.

Taylor is studying Psychology, and she is in the final year of her Bachelor of Science degree. Taylor has a passion for helping those suffering from eating disorders and has a goal to open an Eating Disorder Recovery Centre in Tauranga.

Acorns generous donors are proud to support areas of the greatest needs in our community and many are also committed to rewarding excellence. These women are incredibly deserving recipients of these four scholarships, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a hand up as they undertake study at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus, says Lori.

TECT trustees now support two types of scholarships at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.

The First-in-Family awards are designed to help students who have no family members who have previously enrolled in tertiary study to afford university expenses. Returning Student scholarships are intended to provide support for second or third year students to continue with their studies.

Wayne Werder, TECT CEO, says that the trust is proud to support students in our local community.

Study expenses have continued to increase, and we are really pleased to be able to provide financial awards that help top students afford the cost of university.

Five students were selected for the First-in-Family Scholarships: Melissa Burton, Rique Campus, Trent Irving, Ashlee Salmon, and Ramanpreet Toor.

Being the first and only child in my family to attend university is a real honour," says Rique. "There are so many kids across the globe who do not have the privilege of attending higher education some who dont even attend secondary school  and so being in this position in a country where I can do this and receive funding for it makes me feel very grateful.

Ten winners of the Returning Student scholarship received their certificates on Tuesday. These top-performing students are Faith Hirini, Olivia Manninen, Kelly Berentson, Ben Jones, Bronte Hemmings,Hugh Roberts, Jasmine Campbell, Erin Murphy, Meila Kamo and Terence Tata.

I am just grateful because, you know, its been challenging the past few years, but with the scholarship you dont have that same financial stress, which I think a lot of university students can relate to. Its opened up more opportunities and means I have less stress and can concentrate on studying, says Meila.

Lynda Johnston, Professor of Geography and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Sustainability, spoke about the importance of scholarships.

Scholarships attract more students to education. Our University is committed to this Bay of Plenty region. We are making a difference, not just to individuals but also to communities within the region. A healthy community is one that is well educated and when people are educated, they have more life choices," says Lynda.

About the Acorn Foundation:

The Acorn Foundation enables generous people to make a bigger impact in their communities, by investing the funds and distributing the returns to causes that matter  forever.

Since it was established in 2003, Acorn has distributed over $13M to communities in the Western Bay of Plenty. This funding has supported hundreds of charitable organisations that are important to their donors and are vital to the regions well-being.

In 2022, the Acorn Foundation gave away over $3M to 213 local charitable organisations and

scholarship and award programmes. More than $500,000 was distributed through scholarships and awards, including the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction which is given annually at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Find out more at: www.acornfoundation.org.nz
MetService is forecasting a wet and windy start to the working week for much of New Zealand thanks to a fast-moving cold front sweeping over the country.

A rapid change to clearer and calmer conditions takes place mid-week, although this will be short-lived as unsettled weather returns by Thursday.



Its a busy Monday in terms of weather over New Zealand as a cold front brings wet and windy weather to many areas. A sharp southerly change blasted through Otago and Canterbury on Monday morning, causing temperatures to tumble several degrees as gusty winds picked up speed. The front passed over the North Island during the second half of the day, with Wellington and Wairarapa bearing the brunt of it.



The cold front reached Wellington early this afternoon, so the strong northwest winds in the area quickly changed to strong southerly, with a noticeable drop in temperature to boot, says MetService meteorologist Luis Fernandes.



A few afternoon thunderstorms accompanied the front as it moved through to the lower and central North Island but by this evening it will have weakened considerably, with just a few showers for Northland, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty.



A ridge of high pressure quickly moves over New Zealand tonight, Monday March 13, clearing skies and bringing lighter winds.



This also means some areas can expect a chilly night, particularly for the interior of the North Island where overnight temperatures drop well into the single digits. It certainly will feel like autumn tomorrow (Tuesday) morning! says Luis.

The clearer and calmer conditions persist into Wednesday with just a few showers about the coasts of Southland and Westland.



On Thursday a low from the Tasman Sea reaches New Zealand, resulting in a bout of wet and windy weather that affects almost all the country, with significant rain likely for Westland and Fiordland. More of the same is expected for Friday as another front ploughs into the South Island.



Current forecasts indicate that a ridge takes hold for the weekend bringing sunnier and more settled weather, although showers will still be likely over the north on Saturday morning.
They're self-proclaimed typical shell be right hard-nosed tradies, working together to fix an industry wide problem.

Tauranga business Marra Construction and MATES in Construction share an inspiring aim  to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in the construction industry.

Health and safety coordinator Bradley Debnam was motivated to help the effort.

In 2019, construction had the highest male suicide rate for any occupational group, says Bradley.

Bradley and his team are collaborating with MATES Construction  a suicide prevention organisation operating since 2019.

MATES is expanding, and were so stoked to pick them up here in Tauranga. We want as many Tauranga businesses as possible to get involved with what they do.

For Bradley, the topic of mental health hits home.

Personally, he knows of two people who have taken their own life in his line of work.

This is why Bradley and his team of builders are shifting their focus to constructing a new support system.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and provide those identified as at risk with case management assistance, which connects them to suitable professional support.

The training involves opening everyones eyes to the problem in the construction industry, and then, for anyone who is willing to take it a step further, the option is there to become a connector, who are able to look for signals and assist those at risk.

People who continue this training are better placed to connect someone going through a tough time to some help.

As a business, we are about to have two of our construction sites MATES accredited. This means we have people on site who have been trained to help people in the suicide and mental health space.

Bradley wants to raise more awareness, and says he wants more businesses to take on the MATES in Construction support system, to help other builders in the Bay of Plenty.

The industry as a whole has the kind of shell be right, harden up mentality. I think the high suicide rate comes from this mentality, and not talking about things or opening up. Were trying to change this stigma and teach people it is good to talk about things.

So far, Bradley says our tradies involved in the course are loving it and are happy to take this new mentality on board.

Weve got people who have been here since day one who are involved, in their 50s and 60s. Weve also got people who are fresh out of school getting involved. Theres a real range.

After the training, we have referred a few people to the employee assistance program, EAP, which has actually never been done before. Its a positive sign the attitude is changing.
The Government is delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Governments Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Titi Scholarship Programme.

This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that supports partner countries to build knowledge and skills.

The Dawn Raids were a series of raids carried out at random by the New Zealand police during the mid-1970s against Pacific immigrants.

In New Zealand, intolerance towards Pacific migrants increased during the 1970s, particularly after a decline in the economy and the oil crisis of 1973.

On August 1 2021 the New Zealand Government offered a formal apology for the 1970s Dawn Raids, and today marks another new chapter and step along the reconciliation journey as we strengthen our ties between Aotearoa New Zealand, tangata whenua and the Pacific, says Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Carmel Sepuloni.

In welcoming this cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand, were embracing the opportunity to grow a generation of Pacific leaders that will gain the knowledge and understanding to make a difference to their communities and countries."

Fijian scholars participating in the He Manawa Titi Scholarship Programme. Photo: Supplied.

Sepuloni says fifty years on from the Dawn Raids, the Pacific story continues to evolve.

"And these scholarships underline our Governments ongoing commitment to fostering pathways and opportunities for Pacific peoples to contribute to the chapters of that story," says Sepuloni.

As part of that story, strong and balanced leadership, across all sectors of society, is critical to the sustainable development of Pacific Island nations. The nations of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, from which the emerging leaders come from, will be well-served by fruits of this scholarship programme.

He Manawa Titi scholarships take their name from the Maori whakatauki meaning a person of great endurance, and aim to increase leadership knowledge and skills for emerging Pacific leaders in the public, private and voluntary sectors; and enhance public and civil society sector efficiency and effectiveness, says Sepuloni.

Tuvalu scholars participating in the He Manawa Titi Scholarship Programme. Photo: Supplied.

The Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds has heralded the new cohort as another step forward towards a more united Pacific future across New Zealand.

Through delivering on our reconciliation commitments, we are strengthening our ties with our wider Pacific whanau and ensuring that we truly learn from our past, says Edmonds.

This programme complements existing long-term reconciliation efforts including, the Ministry of Educations Tuli Takes Flight scholarships offered for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Teu le Va - Dawn Raids History Community Fund.

As our Pacific story continues to evolve, these scholarships provide an opportunity to build proud and confident Pacific leaders who can support our communities here and in our region to thrive, says Edmonds.

Samoan scholars participating in the He Manawa Titi Scholarship Programme. Photo: Supplied.

Minister Edmonds and I look forward to following these scholars and their leadership achievements throughout the He Manawa Titi training programme, and over the coming years," says Sepuloni.

He Manawa Titi scholarships form part of the goodwill gesture of reconciliation marking the New Zealand Governments apology for the Dawn Raids. These Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade scholarships, developed for Pacific peoples in the Pacific, complement the Ministry of Educations Tuli Takes Flight scholarships offered for Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

The twenty-eight recipients, aged between 25 and 35, will be in New Zealand for just over two months for the He Manawa Titi scholarships leadership training programme.
Taurangas destination skate park for all abilities is a step closer to reality when construction starts next month at the intersection of Maunganui and Hull Roads, in Mount Maunganui.

Enabling work has ramped up to ensure the skate park site is ready for construction. This work includes installing fencing and drainage, connecting water and power supply, and starting earth works.

Minor tree works will start today, Tuesday March 14, and finishes in early April. Council will look to retain and relocate as many as possible and mitigate for any potential losses.

Following the completion of the enabling works, construction on the skate park will start, with completion aimed for March 2024.

Design of destination skate park

Stand out features of the destination skate park will include a flow bowl, a surf/skate ditch and competition style stairs, and a street skate area.

The destination skate park will include a flow bowl. Image: Tauranga City Council.

It is also designed with other park amenities such as landscaping, toilets, seating, drinking foundations, shade sails and a barbecue so its a place where people will want to come and stay, as opposed to being purely a technical skate park for roller users.

Why is Council building a destination skate park?

Through the Long-term Plan Tauranga City Council has funding allocated for the upgrade of existing skate facilities and a contribution towards a destination skate park.

"Our growing skater community has told us our existing skate facilities are outdated and dont provide for different skating experiences i.e. scootering, skateboarding, BMX, inline and roller skating," says a Council spokesperson.

Photo: Tauranga City Council. Image: Tauranga City Council.

Tauranga has a long history of being one of New Zealands favourite surfing destinations.

"This brand of outdoor adventure sports also includes skateboarding and other roller sports and is important to the people of Tauranga.

"The skating industry has told us more people have been taking up surfing and skateboarding in Tauranga since the addition of these sports to the Olympic programme."

The destination skate park will include a snake run. Image: Tauranga City Council.

Skating is an accessible and inclusive activity, with active participants from a range of demographics, gender and backgrounds.

"Skating provides physical, mental and social benefits. Its a fun, unstructured, affordable activity that promotes being active and creative in suitable outdoor environments," says a Council spokesperson.

Community grants secured for destination skate park

Tauranga City Council is being supported in this project by community grants from TECT ($1,023,000), New Zealand Community Trust ($459,370), Lotteries ($528,847) and Project Tauranga ($200,000).

To read more about community grants secured for the destination skate park click here

For more information about the destination skate park project, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/skate

Find out what else is happening in Mount Maunganui by visiting www.tauranga.govt.nz/mountprojects
With the impending release of Street Fighter 6 promising to potentially deliver one of the greatest fighting games ever produced, the excitement shared by fans of the fighting genre grows daily. And if receiving the next installment of Cacpom's flagship fighter wasn't enough, fans also have the release of Tekken 8 and Mortal Kombat 12 to look forward to. In short, it doesn't matter which of the three top titles you're a fan of; fighting games are about to take a massive leap into the next generation of gaming on the X-Box series x and PlayStation 5.

Since most fighting game fans are looking toward the future releases of their favorite fighting games, the talented minds over at Dash Fight's YouTube channel have decided to cast their gaze back to the genre's past. In the video linked above, Arya- from the amazing YouTube channel That Blasted Salami hosts a detailed look at some of the first fighting games
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Tristan Chandler Stevens, of Florida, was convicted of felony assault on Capitol police officers during the January 6th riot. At his sentencing hearing, Stevens offered the judge a laundry list of conspiracies to excuse his violent behavior. The judge told him this line of argument was ridiculous. Stevens has been sentenced to five years.

WUSA9:

In a conspiracy-laden rant prior to hearing McFadden's ruling, Stevens made baseless claims about Dr. Anthony Fauci launching a "bioweapon" against the United States and a Chinese-backed shadow government running the country. He also repeatedly described Jan. 6 as an "entrapment operation" by the federal government to, he claimed, cover up the fraudulent 2020 presidential election. Stevens did briefly address the officers he was convicted of assaulting  although he failed to pronounce Gonell's name correctly.

"I didn't mean to make Gornell [sic] feel frustrated and ineffective," he said.



"It's ridiculous to suggest there was some kind of entrapment that caused you to do what you did," McFadden said. "You battled those officers. You chose to do what you did."

Prosecutors asked for a sentence of 78 months in prison, which was more than two years higher than the 51 months recommended by probation. Ultimately, McFadden landed in the middle and ordered Stevens to serve 60 months, or five years, behind bars. Stevens will also have to serve two years of supervised release after his prison term is up.
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The ThinkStation P7 is rack-optimized for use in a variety of desktop and data center environments. (Image Credit: Lenovo)

The ThinkStation P7 is rack-optimized for use in a variety of desktop and data center environments. (Image Credit: Lenovo)

Lenovo has been hitting it out of the park of late. Even its smartphone unit, Motorola, seems to have recovered, and in servers and PCs, Lenovo is a true force to reckon with.

But last week, Lenovo launched a new line of ThinkStation workstations co-designed with Aston Martin that expanded its lead in that market. They are impressive performers, using up to two of Intels most powerful CPUs and up to four of Nvidias most powerful professional graphics cards. They pull so much power that youd likely need your desk or home office rewired to run the thing.

Lets talk about some of the ways Lenovo has found to move around its competitors, which has resulted in its gaining share and generally being ranked as number one in an increasing number of categories. Well close with my Product of the Week, GrammarlyGO, a solution that adds generative AI to its automated editing product line.

The Aston Martin Workstation

What prompted this column was a workstation announcement at DreamWorks, which was once the old HPs most prominent reference account. But when Meg Whitman split the company, neither HPC nor HP could make blended workstation bids. A significant advantage with either system would, or apparently did, cause DreamWorks to flip to Lenovo instead.

From talking to DreamWorks, it was likely the servers, not the workstations, that forced the switch. Lenovos early recognition of the unique performance advantage of AMDs Threadripper platform resulted in Lenovo taking over market leadership of high-end servers, which turned out to be another brilliant move by the company.

Aston Martin co-designed the workstations Lenovo launched last week. This alone is interesting. Not because Q, James Bonds armorer, had a fondness for those cars (there is an interesting backstory here), but because, like Porsche and BMW, Aston Martin has become a design house that can be contracted to design other things.

From left: ThinkStation PX, P7, P5 (Image Credit: Lenovo)

Like BMW, which HP has used for workstations in the past, Aston Martin is good at blending clean external design with optimized airflow to create an attractive, high-performance, air-cooled workstation platform. Frankly, it had me at Aston Martin workstation because, while it is doubtful Ill ever be able to afford the car, the workstation is something I could buy.

As noted above, the most high-performance configuration has two of Intels most powerful professional CPUs and four of Nvidias most powerful professional GPUs, which, together, require a 20-amp dedicated circuit to run. So, if you want unbelievable levels of power, youll likely have to pull a 20-amp dedicated circuit so you can plug in the thing.

Your electric bill increase will be substantial if you leave that workstation running. But for those who need ultimate performance, to my knowledge, there is nothing more powerful until an anticipated dual-socket AMD Threadripper offering shows up.

Warm Water Cooling

DreamWorks indicated that it switched to Lenovo servers because they could be cooled with warm water. This unique approach, developed at IBM, resulted in excess of 30% energy savings for DreamWorks render farm and won the company several environmental awards, according to DreamWorks.

It still amazes me that warm water cooling is unique to Lenovo, given its massive performance and cost advantages. With warm water cooling, you dont need a water chiller, making it far less expensive to put in, and you dont get condensate, which can create corrosion issues.

Over the years, Lenovo has developed better and faster water connections, pivoting connections that allow for easy maintenance. The resulting servers run much more quietly and make the server room more tech-friendly than is usually the case.

While it still has some air-cooled components like power supplies, the plan is to make them water-cooled, eventually promising a nearly dead-quiet server room. If youve never been in one, a typical server room sounds like you are inside a windstorm or vacuum cleaner. They tend to be excessively noisy, making them undesirable places to work.

The rack-optimized ThinkStation PX provides flexibility for use in both desktop and data center environments, enabling a convenient transition between the two. (Image Credit: Lenovo)

It is interesting to note that Lenovo showcased both what DreamWorks was using  a four-socket Intel server  and what the next generation was likely to look like  two AMD sockets and up to 4 GPU accelerators. Theyll have issues, given that GPUs are delivered as socketed parts. This last suggests there is an opportunity for AMD or some other graphics vendor (Intel?) to make a socketed GPU solution that could result in some interesting market share changes and performance improvements.

For now, well call this a missed opportunity.

Generative AI

At Nvidias big GTC conference next week, there will be a great deal of generative AI content. DreamWorks indicated that its slowly ramping up its generative AI capabilities, which these new Lenovo workstations and servers should enhance.

I expect this will be a game changer for movie creation as these increasingly capable AIs introduce physics and better allow animators to create and move characters in a movie in real time, with game-like capabilities that automatically cause clothing, hair, and scene elements to move as if they were in the real world.

When implemented, I bet this technology will massively improve DreamWorks productivity and allow it to hire more animators who arent good at drawing but have strong special skills to create more balanced and interesting imagery with the help of these generative AI tools.

In short, DreamWorks future, thanks to suppliers like Lenovo, looks surprisingly bright!

Wrapping Up

Lenovo is showing tremendous strength in every segment its in. Last week, it made a strong showing with its Aston Martin-designed workstations and warm-water-cooled servers. Lenovo showcased some of this at DreamWorks, a performance-oriented company, which backed up Lenovos claims regarding market-leading efficiency, cost, and performance, providing a great deal of credibility to those claims.

Frankly, I thought that having James Bonds car company design a new line of servers, which Aston Martin uses for its car designs, was an impressive way to argue that Lenovo has not only the best values in these segments but also the most powerful and efficient solutions.

Now, if I could just get them to loan me an Aston Martin SUV, preferably the DBX, which was at the event, Id be good.

GrammarlyGO  Generative AI for the Rest of Us

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is all the rage now, but these tools typically dont integrate well with your workflow, and Microsoft has yet to talk about how it will implement generative AI in Office.

Last week, Grammarly announced its upcoming gen-AI implementation called GrammarlyGO  which should integrate with any platform that Grammarly supports, including several browsers, Word, and Outlook.

Using easy-to-understand prompts, you can set the tone of a piece, set the subject, and note internal elements.

GrammarlyGO will write an article or column for you, help you work through writers block, or create complete emails from a couple of short sentences. I expect Steve Ballmer would have loved this last part, as he tended to treat email responses as if every word he wrote put his life in danger.

Existing Grammarly customers will gain access to this capability in beta form starting in April, with the final likely coming out later in the year. Using the combined Grammarly toolset should improve both the quality and quantity of your writing and allow you to do far more in far less time.

Given that this will significantly impact my productivity, GrammarlyGO is my Product of the Week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.
What just happened? India wants to become the next big manufacturing hub of the world and provide companies like Apple the perfect environment to move the bulk of their production from China. So much so, that local administrations are promoting a significant liberalization of their labor laws.

The Indian state of Karnataka is trying to become the new base for iPhone manufacturing outside China, easing its labor laws to embrace the specific needs of Apple and Foxconn. According to three unnamed people familiar with the matter, Cupertino and the Taiwanese giant were the main drivers behind the labor law liberalization which was passed in Karnataka last month.

The new legislation allows manufacturing companies to have two 12-hour shifts, a consolidated practice in China but a first for India where the previous shift limit was nine hours. The new law also removes some limitations on night-time work for women, who have a dominant presence in production lines located in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

According to the amended labor laws, workers in Karnataka can now have a maximum of 48 working hours per week, and allowable overtime went up from 75 to 145 hours over a three-month period. An unnamed official from Karnataka said the local administration was provided "a lot of inputs" from Indian industry lobby groups and foreign companies, even though both Apple and Foxconn have declined to comment.

A source "close" to Foxconn said the new adjustments to India's labor laws are "crucial" for building efficient manufacturing at scale. Foxconn can no longer ignore India's ambitions to become the new manufacturing hub for the largest companies in the world, and being able to run daily production with two 12-hour shifts is seemingly a big step to bring the Indian job market "closer to where we need to be."

The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to turn India's service-heavy economy into a manufacturing powerhouse, just in time for his country to become the most populous nation in the world. Karnataka is located in the southwestern region of India, providing the fifth-largest economy in gross domestic production (GDP) and per capita GDP.

Both New Delhi and local states are providing incentives to Foxconn and other major corporations to host their new manufacturing plants. Foxconn is currently assembling new iPhones in Tamil Nadu state, and the company has already expressed interest in expanding its manufacturing operations in the neighboring states of Karnataka and Telangana. No actual details have been defined for the expansion yet, even though India's IT minister (Rajeev Chandrasekhar) recently said that Apple would produce its iPhones at a new 300-acre factory in Karnataka.
ChatGPT is now a massive tool that many people use in their everyday lives, not only for getting ahead of the competition or "cheating" by getting instant answers but also to learn and help with school. Chinese students and educators also use ChatGPT for their needs but are done through WeChat to bypass the famous "Great Firewall" in China.

With the AI chatbot's significance in the industry now, there are fears that people would heavily rely on the tech for shortcuts, but not all are exactly using it for using it to their advantage.

ChatGPT via WeChat Growing in China to Learn More in School

(Photo : Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash)

AFP's latest report centers on the growing use of ChatGPT in China, a country where the internet is highly restricted and Western or American apps are not permitted among its users. It introduced different students who use ChatGPT in helping them in their respective schools, lessons, and tasks, but not exactly in using it for devious schemes.

ChatGPT access is available via WeChat, a known and available instant messaging app in the country. However, since it is not exactly open for use in China because of the "Great Firewall," these users resort to paying for the service, with a price of one yuan ($0.15) per query and response.

According to Interesting Engineering, there are many applications for ChatGPT in China, including its significant help in translating English words and learning more about the language, as well as summarizing lessons for their needs.

Read Also: Communication Assistant GrammarlyGO Aims To Save You Time on a Wide Array of Written Tasks

Educators Also Use ChatGPT to Create Lesson Plans

Chinese educators and professors also claimed that they use ChatGPT to help create lesson plans and study materials for their schools. With this, they also believe that ChatGPT should not be restricted among students who also utilize the tech for their further information and learning.

ChatGPT in Education, Should It be Accepted?

ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, has become increasingly popular among users worldwide for its exceptional language processing abilities and user-friendly interface. However, as more and more people adopt digital communication platforms, there are growing concerns over data privacy and security.

One of the applications of ChatGPT is for education, but not all are using the chatbot in honest ways, as people use it as a shortcut to cheat on written assignments.

Some countries ban the use of the AI in their country, and one of the countries which did this was China, particularly on its uncensored usage.

OpenAI gave the world a significant AI tool which is now one of the top-used systems in the world, one which gave people more fondness for the technology, thus elevating the entire industry. As more people, particularly students, use the AI tool for helping them in their tasks in school but not exactly for cheating, the question remains if shout it be accepted by the academe.

Related Article: New ChatGPT 4 To Be Introduced by Microsoft! Here's What Makes It Different

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
South Korea is inching slowly towards the United States and Japan, which could put China on shaky ground, according to South China Morning Post.

(Photo : JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

A signboard of Samsung Electronics is displayed outside the company's Seocho building in Seoul on January 31, 2023.

Last week, Yoon Suk-yeol, the South Korean President visits Japan for two days following the announcement to resolve its long-standing dispute with Tokyo due to wartime forced labor. This marks Yoon's first visit to the country in 12 years.

Yoon is also expected to convince Tokyo to drop export controls on chip-making materials to South Korea and align their positions on supply chains.

A Threat to China?

The reconciliation between the two countries could marginalize China in the production of advanced chips in global supply chains. When this happens, global semiconductor production will be more stable, considering that the industry is dominated by countries like Japan and South Korea, among others. Thus, it will isolate China.

Also Read: Chip War: US-India Accord May Isolate China From Global Tech Market

The Increased US Pressure on China

In addition, the ties between South Korea and Japan will highlight the increased pressure by the US on China's semiconductor industry. It can be recalled that in October 2022, Washington further restricts China's ability to acquire advanced chips.

In August 2022, US President Joe Biden also signed the CHIPS and Science Act to boost America's hi-tech manufacturing capabilities.

China is very aware of the importance of South Korea, as the two countries have strong business ties.

South Korea is a part of the Chip 4 Alliance, which is supported by the US government. This alliance also includes Japan and Taiwan and had its first meeting recently. Beijing has expressed disapproval of this alliance, claiming it is a plan devised by the US to shut out China from the semiconductor industry.

In January, the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands reportedly came to an agreement to limit the export of certain advanced chip-making machinery to China. Although specific details of the deal have yet to be made public, the Dutch government recently declared that measures to restrain semiconductor technology exports to China would be enforced prior to the summer.

Previous reports suggest that the US and South Korea have been discussing ways to strengthen their cooperation in semiconductor technology. The two countries are said to be exploring options such as joint research, development, and investment opportunities. This could help both sides advance chip-making capabilities while also allowing them to share information more easily.

According to CNBC, the US is reportedly looking for a way to counter China's dominance in the global semiconductor market by strengthening ties with its allies like South Korea who can provide access to advanced technologies needed for the production of chipsets used across industries ranging from automotive electronics, smartphones and other consumer devices.

Related Article: US Plans Alliance with Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea for Chip Supply: Seoul Rejects Proposal Having Billions Invested in China Chip Fabs

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A statue celebrating 15th-century slaver Christopher Columbus was removed from Newark, New Jersey, in 2020. It was replaced over the weekend by one of Harriet Tubman, a woman born into slavery who escaped and freed dozens more like her.

The 25-foot-tall monument, titled "Shadow of a Face," was revealed Thursday at the heart of the city's recently renamed Harriet Tubman Square, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced in a statement. "In a time when so many cities are choosing to topple statutes that limit the scope of their people's story, we have chosen to erect a monument that spurs us into our future story of exemplary strength and solidity," Baraka said. "We have created a focal point in the heart of our city that expresses our participation in an ongoing living history of a people who have grappled through many conflicts to steadily lead our nation in its progress toward racial equality."

Italian-Americans who can't think of a better hero than Christopher Columbus should read a history book or two. Lots to choose from! Ettore "Chef Boyardee" Boiardi fades into obscurity while we bicker over Columbus.
Volkswagen is now offering a five-year free service for car tracking service for its owners, one that would particularly work to retrieve carnapped cars and stealing incidents. This is after the recent issue that it had with the Sheriff's department in Libertyville, Illinois after the Car-Net service denied the police tracking to a victim's 2021 Volkswagen Atlas after it was reported stolen.

The operator's actions caused a 30-minute delay in finding the stolen Volkswagen which was stolen despite having a two-year-old kid inside, the child of the battered pregnant victim.

Volkswagen Issues Free Car-Net Tracking Service for its Cars

(Photo : Colleen Pragalz and Erin DeAnda via GoFundMe)

Lake McHenry Country Scanner reported that Volkswagen is now offering as much as 5-year access to its Car-Net tracking service present on VW vehicles, starting from the year 2020 and older. This is after the recent incident over at West Buckley Road in Libertyville, where pregnant woman Taylor Shepard was beaten by the assailants who also stole her car.

The German car company sympathizes with the victims of the incident and is gravely dismayed by what happened, especially as the family and police are already trying to find the stolen Atlas.

Since Shepard's free trial to the Car-Net software already expired, the police and detectives were required to pay $150 via a credit card to re-activate the service and track the vehicle.

Fortunately, the boy was retrieved unharmed but was left in a parking area without the vehicle. Moments later, the police located the stolen VW Atlas, already abandoned.

Read Also: Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche to Launch App Stores, Bringing Spotify, TikTok, & More to Vehicles

Shepard Family's Horrific Incident in February

Shepard experienced one of the most horrific incidents against herself, especially when the criminals who stole her car beat her up, took her car, and also took her 2-year-old son, Isaiah. Not only that, but these criminals also ran her over with her car as she was lying on the ground after receiving a beating.

Now, neighbors and concerned citizens have setup a GoFundMe for the Shepard family to help Taylor with her recovery and physical therapy after the assault.

Moreover, her unborn child remains healthy and under constant care to ensure its safety.

Volkswagen Cars

The famous German car company, Volkswagen, has been pushing for its brand about clean energy with the renowned ID series that are widely available in the market. The company also aims to add more to its clean energy fleet, particularly with the upgraded ID.3 electric vehicle that is coming soon to the public, along with its latest features.

The company is also centering on a new autonomous vehicle from the company under the GEN.TRAVEL Prototype which it unveiled earlier, focusing on a level 5 self-driving car.

Apart from that, Volkswagen also has several internal combustion engine releases in the present for its previous lineup, together with all the features, as well as the upgraded Car-Net.

For now, Volkswagen has to re-evaluate the safety features for when a car gets carnapped, as it is centered on a subscription feature that not all availed when they bought the car. Taylor Shepard experienced a tragic situation on her end and is still recuperating from it, physically and emotionally, while carrying their family's next baby.

Volkswagen may have no hands in the physical assault she took from the carnapping, but the safety of her 2-year-old son was jeopardized because of Car-Net, now offering extra time to all users for tracking and security.

Related Article: Volkswagen Will Provide a FREE 5-Year Car-Net Safe and Secure Subscription

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Meta Platforms stated that it would block news content for Canadians on its platforms including Facebook and Instagram once the Online News Bill passes in its current form. Bill C-18 will force huge platforms to negotiate commercial deals and pay news publishers for their news content.

(Photo : Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: In this photo illustration reports on Facebook's news ban on Australian and International content on February 18, 2021 in Sydney, Australia.

Removing News Content

In compliance with Canada's House of Commons Bill C-18 or the Online News Acts, Meta will be forced to remove its news content on its platforms once it passes. Reuters reported that Meta's Facebook and Instagram and Alphabet's Google are the main targets of Canada to pay news publishers for their content and negotiate commercial deals.

"A legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable," Meta Spokesperson Lisa Laventure stated regarding the suspension news access.

She added that there will be no problem with huge tech companies complying with this as the payment is neither sustainable nor workable for them. But Canada's news media industry argued that these regulations would not allow the companies to recover from the financial losses they suffered, especially since Meta and Google rely on advertising market shares.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez shared his disappointment in a statement towards Meta as the company resorts to threats on removing news content on the platform, instead of working with the Canadian government on the C-18 bill.

"All we're asking Facebook to do is negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work. This is part of a disappointing trend this week that tech giants would rather pull news than pay their fair share," he stated.

Meta's Defense

As per Meta's released statement last October, the company believes that this bill misrepresents the relationship between platforms and news publishers, hence why they call on the government to rethink the bill's approach in order to create a more sustainable news industry in the long run.

While the legislation presumes that companies unfairly benefit from their relationship with different publishers, Meta only makes up less than 3% of posts with links to news articles. "We have repeatedly shared with the government that news content is not a draw for our users and is not a significant source of revenue for our company," Meta noted.

Other Platforms Affected

Last month, Google launched tests to block access to news content in Canada to comply with the bill. A spokesperson from Google stated that Bill C-18 is overly broad and they will be committed to blocking news content if the bill's approach would be unchanged. Rodriguez stated that Canadians will not be intimidated by these threats and will remain on their stand.

Also Read: Meta Halts Monetization Program for Reels Creators in US

In 2021, Meta also similarly banned links of news articles to Australian users in compliance with the Australian law that would require companies to undergo negotiation with different news sites in the country to obtain licenses with their content. Rodriguez stated that Canada's Online News Bill was modeled after this.

Related Article: Meta Developing New, Decentralized Social App for Sharing Text Updates

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft has finally addressed a known issue caused by the Windows 11 2022 Update that slowed down the copying of large multiple gigabyte (GB) files over SMB (Server Message Block) protocol.

The bug was fixed with the KB5022913 February 2023 non-security preview update released in February 2023, as part of the Moment 2 patch.

This update addresses an issue that affects copying from a network to a local drive. Copying is slower than expected for some users, said Microsoft.

More On The Windows 11 2022 Update Bug

In September last year, Microsoft officially announced the general availability of Windows 11, version 22H2.

Following the availability, the company confirmed that a bug is affecting multi-GB files and reducing throughput by up to 40% less than the regular speed over SMB after installing the Windows 11 2022 update (Windows 11 version 22H2).

There is a performance reduction in 22H2 when copying larger files from a remote computer down to a Windows 11 computer or when copying files on a local drive, explained Microsofts Ned Pyle when acknowledging the issue in early October last year.

A large (multi-GB file) might see as much as 40% less throughput over SMB when copying down (reading). Copying that same file to a non-22H2 machine (writing) wont see this problem.

In November 2022, the company started testing a fix and rolled it out to some systems enrolled in the Windows Insider program running Windows 11 Preview Build 25252, while confirming that the hotfix would be released to the public in a monthly update.

The preview fix for this issue is now available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25252, Pyle noted. The final fix for Windows 11 22H2 production computer will come in a normal monthly Cumulative Update through Windows Update once validated in Insider builds.

While Redmond did not provide any information on the actual decrease in performance on affected systems, although some user reports indicated that the time needed for file operations on affected systems could more than double in some cases.

The fix is now included in Windows 11 22H2 Moment 2 update (KB5022913 optional update) and will roll out to all Windows users via March 2023s Patch Tuesday release.

However, the KB5022913 optional update does not include security updates. It can only be installed by clicking the Download and install button after checking for updates in Settings > Windows Update, or by manually downloading and installing it on the system from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Additionally, Microsoft has also provided a temporary workaround that affected customers can use to mitigate the known performance issue impacting file copying over SMB.

In order to avoid the performance hit issue, users can use file copy utilities such as built-in robocopy and xcopy tools, which dont employ cache manager (buffered I/O) with the template commands listed below:

robocopy \\someserver\someshare c:\somefolder somefile.img /J

OR

xcopy \\someserver\someshare c:\somefolder /J
Joining other major fast food factories, McDonald's has announced a new menu item to be experimented with in Germany, McPlant Nuggets. Catering to appetites that are not only interested in chicken parts and have a hankering for deep-fried plant parts, consumers in the United States will have to wait a bit for these morsels of fried yumminess.

As recently reported by VegNews, "Plant-based McNuggets are now hitting the menu at 1,400 locations of McDonald's across Germany. This launch is the second product to come out of the fast-food giant's three-year development deal with vegan company Beyond Meat. The new nuggets are made with pea protein, corn, and wheat, and surrounded by a crispy tempura batter. The nationwide launch in Germany follows a successful test-run at locations in Stuttgart (Germany's sixth largest city) last August."

McDonald's initially introduced the McNugget after a 1977 study by the FDA demonstrated that "In the '50s and '60s, more Americans than ever were suffering from heart attacks, and doctors began to suspect saturated fats and red meat (like hamburgers) were at least partly to blame.To bring back consumers, the fast food chain started working on chicken items to round out its beef-forward menu, according to Time. The result: McDonald's chicken nuggets. And who better to formulate a recipe for the world's biggest fast-food chain than someone with royal experience? To help with McDonald's menu change, the company called on Rene Arend, a Luxembourg-born chef whose resume included making dinner for Queen Elizabeth II and the king of Belgium."

The first new creation for healthier eating was not a chicken nugget but an onion nugget. That's right, basically a non-circular onion ring. "Onion Nuggets, introduced in the 1970s, were chunks of onion, fried, breaded, and served with dipping sauce. This unusual marriage of onion rings and chicken nuggets proved pretty unpopular. Luckily, though, the company would introduce Chicken McNuggets in 1980, and the rest is history."

Demand is capitalism's default reason for decisions about profit. However, demand and desire can be created and manipulated as Adam Curtis has demonstrated in his series of films, The Century of the Self. As reported by CBS News, "European customers have generally been more receptive to McDonald's plant-based meat products than those in the U.S. The McPlant burger is now a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria and the Netherlands. Last month, McDonald's rolled out the Double McPlant burger in the U.K. and Ireland."

Perhaps in a similar vein as in the 1970s, more people are concerned with fast food's health and nutritional value, causing McDonald's to make yet another shift in its market(ing) strategy. Yet, will these plant-based McNuggets fly in the US market?

Limited demand caused Panda Express to recently pull from the market its "limited time" Beyond Meat Orange Chicken* after experimenting in a variety of markets beginning in July 2021. So, on that note, how can McDonald's create demand in the United States?

Look out for a new spokesperson soon  Ronald McPlant, the vegan fast-food clown, who drives an electric car, plays guitar, especially Led Zepplin tunes, and lives off the grid with one of Matt S. Lyon's characters. Also, for each McPlant purchased, you will get a certificate confirming you have also purchased a carbon offset credit from Burger King (Note: nothing in this paragraph is true.)

For tasty nuggets of news about McDonald's other failed menu items, including the McLobster, the Hula Burger, the McAfrica, the McGratin Croquette, and others, click here.
"Can cause very serious complications": doctors - about the increase in the incidence of measles in Russia

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Bordeaux: a car ploughs into the crowd during a wild race, 7 injured, 2 of them serious

"I worked with incredible overstrain": a historian on the importance of the railway for the victory of the USSR over the Wehrmacht

The week of God Tuitero: Cain and Abel are a model of fraternity next to Iglesias and Yolanda Diaz

Don't get left behind... Three new restaurants to try as soon as possible

The magic formula of true crime addiction: "The cases we are going to tell are tremendous and horrifying"

The city of 2,500 caves (and the best destination of the year in Spain to go for wines)

The south will welcome two rounds of precipitation this week and temperatures in the central and eastern parts continue to climb

Ten years together The Chinese Film Golden Rooster Awards ceremony will be settled in Xiamen for a long time

The premiere of the movie "Slam Dunk" surprised two generations of voice actors on the same stage

Shaanxi septuagenarian draws a 14-meter map of the ancient city of his hometown to keep the good memories of "gone"

Shanghai Aid to Tibet Doctors Eight Years Relay The treatment capacity of plateau blood diseases has been significantly improved

The musical "Sky Blue Sea Blue" premiered in Beijing, reproducing the spirit of aviation people serving the country in the new era

Scientists uncover the mystery of the existence of the "pearl necklace" in the Proterozoic formation

From the thrashing that did not go to trouble: Atletico remains unstoppable

Alex Rins takes advantage of the fall of Bagnaia and wins the GP of the Americas

Missed chances and an unassigned penalty: Rostov and Zenit drew in the match of the 23rd round of the RPL

OM new runner-up, Nantes sinks and PSG goes for it, what to remember from the 31st matchday of Ligue 1

120 million Euros for Zidane in two seasons. Al Nasr looks forward to Ronaldo and Zizou's double again

There were 18 A-class races across the country in one day, and the participants reached six figures: marathons, crowded

Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 29 points in the first game of the playoffs, leading to victory

Nute Bar contributed to the win in first HR of the season and also showed off "Pepper Mill"

With the addition of hyaluronic acid, the price has doubled several times: hyaluronic acid has become a new favorite in the food industry

Pay attention to the official account to issue invoices, how to break? Expert: Has the right to refuse or report

A "face" only sells dozens of yuan, and online game anti-addiction has become his "way to make money"

Editorial: Whether the "shared kitchen" is a public good or a business, the boundary cannot be blurred

A court opens the door for a family to be considered large with the pregnancy of the third child before it is born

Ayuso and Ribera clash over a gap of almost 100 million in the distribution of aid for self-consumption

Wang Junlin of Langjiu Group: Promote the high-quality development of Langjiu in the new era

The first week of the comprehensive implementation of the registration system reform: the market operated smoothly and the advantages of the system gradually appeared

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted the difficult state of the global energy sector due to the politicization of decisions

The deposit balances of many banks still maintained growth, and the net interest margin of the banking industry continued to be under pressure

Annual report is dismal, quarterly report is good, securities companies "rely on the sky to eat"

Many banks' annual reports disclose recourse to employees for performance compensation! More than 95% of bancassurance institutions have formulated relevant systems

In Russia, it was proposed to make the service of MIR cards free of charge without additional conditions

Field research: Zibo's catering and accommodation industry is full of money, and hidden worries about short supply and demand have emerged

Fritidsbanken in Kalmar aware of the problem  wants to become more mobile

Fritidsbanken in Norberg will soon open  how they will reach out to all children

In New York, curtain for The Phantom of the Opera, the oldest play on Broadway

On the ninth anniversary of the sinking of the Sewol, ceremonies were held throughout Korea

Turkey: one month before the elections, inflation at the heart of the concerns

Alessandro Lequio breaks his silence: "It makes me sad that my son is once again the protagonist of today"

Mass poisoning on MasterChef 11: "We're sorry. It is an absolutely exceptional case in these 11 years"

Political scientist Dudchak on Hersh's statement about Zelensky: there are probably a lot of such stories

Naoko, Emma Nogueiro and the other women in Sanchez Drago's life (always younger and with short hair)

The sexist murder of an influencer shakes the Dominican Republic: her ex shoots her in the head three days after trying

The Future of Online Casinos and the Technologies That Will Shape It

Bad Bunny silences criticism at Coachella: "Don't believe what you don't see that came out of my mouth"

The questions surrounding Beatriz Flamini and her 500 days in a cave: "I can think of many questions"

The athlete Beatriz Flamini leaves the cave where she has remained alone and isolated for 500 days

The head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Reznikov said that the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are less than the victims of the earthquake in Turkey

A fire on the border with France burns 750 hectares and approaches Portbou on two fronts

Ex-intelligence officer Ritter believes that Zelensky risks dying at the hands of Ukrainians because of the rebellion

Arrested in Lavapies the former member of Eta, Jose Maria Larra, Txepe, after snatching the defense from a policeman: "I'm going to put it in you"

Don't get left behind... Three new restaurants to try as soon as possible

Patricia Rite, from MyHyV, who became an influencer for her fight against skin cancer, dies

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Eddie Becerra and Nicholas Beck, two Phoenix police officers filmed severely beating a seemingly cooperative suspect, will not be charged with a crime.

The officers claim Harry Denman, 39, fired a gun at their vehicle, damaging it. Footage shows them stamp Denman's face into the tiled floor, strike his head with their guns, then repeatedly kick him in the ribs. The beating continues after Denman is handcuffed.

When the story broke, the officers were placed on leave and criticized by their own police chief, Michael Sullivan. Though Maricopa County Attorney's Office's determined that "the actions taken by Officer Eddie Becerra warranted a criminal charge", it steered a grand jury not to indict him, and did not trouble the panel with the other officer to begin with.

Denman was charged with aggravated assault, with discharging a firearm, and, of course, with resisting arrest.

The man cries, "Oh God, please," as blood splatter is visible on the floor near his head, according to the video. Seconds later, the man is heard on the video saying he is sorry and "please don't kill me" before he is lifted up by the two officers. The man pleads for his glasses, which are left behind as the three walk out of view and filming appears to end. "What is depicted in the video is not how we train and is not aligned with the core values of the Phoenix Police Department," Phoenix police Chief Michael Sullivan said in a statement. Sullivan was sworn in as the department's new chief on Friday.

Having given them the benefit of every possible doubt, the assumption that all the screaming, abuse and brutality was the reasonable implementation of tactical necessity rather than angry retribution. what remains is police beating a handcuffed and obviously neutralized suspect for information. That prosecutors wouldn't follow through on this is worse than usual, because it goes beyond mere police brutality. Their (entirely intentional) failure presents torture as a sham justification for rage.

Here's the video. You've been warned.
Richard Mahoney, left, holds a cross with Jesus, and Samantha Causey, fourth from left, dances a little jig, as a group of about 15 pro-life supporters, who said they had been coming for many years to stand outside the Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge to pray for the end of the clinic's operation and the constitutional right to abortion, talk after gathering to pray together outside the clinic, which provided abortion procedures, Friday, June 24, 2022, after Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision ended federal abortion rights protection and said that each state should determine when and how women can end their pregnancies, if at all. ORG XMIT: BAT2206241636120105
Homeowners living near the site of the Norfolk Southern train crash and resulting chemical fire are in the hole in another way: their properties are worth less. The company has no plans to compensate them, reports CNN.

At Thursday's Senate hearing on the crash, Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, asked Shaw four different times to commit to compensating homeowners, only to hear Shaw repeatedly reply, "Senator, I'm committed to do what's right."

Markey said that wasn't an acceptable answer.

"Will you commit to insuring that these families, these innocent families do no lose their life savings in their homes and small businesses? The right thing to do is to say, 'Yes we will.'" Markey told Shaw. "These families want to know long term are they just going to be left behind. Once the cameras move on, once the national attention dies down, where will these families be? I think they're going to be in the crosshairs of the accountants of Norfolk Southern saying 'We're not going to pay full compensation.'"
The digital-asset market is coming off of a turbulent year featuring a number of high-profile blow-ups. Now, three shutdowns in the banking industry  SVB Financial Groups Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Capital and Signature Bank  have set off a fresh set of stresses.

SVBs failure triggered a knock-on effect in the crucial market for stablecoins after digital-asset giant Circle Internet Financial, one of the biggest issuers of the widely used tokens known for their perceived safety, revealed it had $US3.3 billion ($5 billion) of reserves with the bank. The news caused Circles token, USD coin, to slip below its intended 1-for-1 peg with the dollar, sending a shock through the market.

A branch of the now closed Signature Bank in New York. Credit: AP

On Sunday, regulators in New York closed Signature Bank. As of March 8, the bank still held $US16.5 billion in crypto-related deposits. All depositors of this institution will be made whole, the regulators said.

Against this backdrop, it is still the shutdown of crypto-friendly bank Silvergate  and the shuttering of its electronic payments platform, the Silvergate Exchange Network  that is most weighing on the market.
How fitting that in the fast-moving world of technology, the financial crisis around the collapse of its biggest financier, Silicon Valley Bank, arose and was averted in only four days. Forty-four hours after a run on the bank, it was in liquidation. Warp speed.

By Sunday evening in the US, just as Australians were starting their work week and bracing for a fallout on the local stock market, a trio of US authorities stepped in to cauterise the collateral damage that threatened to bleed to other banks and annihilate $US175 billion ($263 billion) deposited into Silicon Valley Bank by a slew of small technology companies and start-ups.

There was no slow-motion build-up to the banks implosion, there was no widespread public worry about the state of its balance sheet.

It was basking in the freshly minted accolades from Forbes naming it one of Americas best banks. And there wasnt a peep from ratings agencies sounding alarm bells.
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia: Mining giant Rio Tinto is muscling itself into a position of global dominance in copper production, a key base metal in the worlds transition to green energy, as it ramps up output from its enormous Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolias remote Gobi Desert.

The Anglo-Australian miner is pressing ahead with underground extraction, sinking kilometre-deep shafts into the Mongolian desert to mine the huge amounts of copper needed to satisfy demand for green energy technologies as nations rush decarbonise their economies.

Rio Tinto sees Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia as a 100-year mine.

After settling its long-running differences with the Mongolian government, the miner on Monday began increasing production of copper concentrate from underground ore bodies at Oyu Tolgoi, a milestone that will eventually reach peak production of the critical mineral with 500,000 tonnes a year, making it one of the worlds largest copper mines.

We are starting underground production 1.3 kilometres beneath the remote Gobi Desert from an ore body that will be critical for global copper production and Mongolias ongoing economic development, Rio boss Jakob Stausholm said.
A year ago, when Will Smith struck Chris Rock in the slap heard around the world, the producers of what would become the most talked about Oscar telecast in history could not hit the mute button fast enough.

A year later, on the champagne carpet  red is dead, in case you missed the memo  it was still the hottest topic of conversation: replaying what happened, debating how far Will Smith is along the road to reputation repair, and how this years telecast might respond to it.

They did not have to wait long.

Will Smith hits Chris Rock on stage during the 2022 Oscars ceremony. Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

From the producers perspective, it may have been the elephant in the room. But for the host of the telecast, veteran talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, it was a red rag to a comedy bull.
To ensure the US isnt left worse off, Australia will contribute about $3 billion to the efforts in the US and UK to increase their industrial capacity to build submarines. While this is happening, Australia and Britain will begin work on a new class of submarine  to be called SSN-AUKUS  which will be the next class of submarine for both countries. It will be a British design but have American technology including its nuclear reactor, weapons system and vertical launch system. Loading Britain plans to deliver the first SSN-AUKUS to its navy by the late 2030s, while Australia will begin construction in Adelaide on the submarines later this decade and deliver the first boat by the early 2040s. Australia plans to build five of these submarines by 2055, giving the nation a total of eight nuclear submarines by that date (taking into account the three Virginia-class vessels from the US).

By the mid-2060s, Australia plans to have built eight of the submarines in Adelaides Osborne Naval Shipyard. What will the SSN-AUKUS look like? The submarine, which will have a lifetime of more than 30 years, is expected to be heavier than both Britains current class of Astute and the USs Virginia class. The crew size is expected to be 100, which is bigger than the Astute class but smaller than the Virginia. Why do we need the SSN-AUKUS?

Unlike conventionally powered submarines such as Australias Collins class, the nuclear submarine will be able to leave its base and stay underwater for weeks on end without having to surface to snort to recharge its batteries. This is the key reason Australia wants nuclear submarines. In the past, Australia believed it only needed submarines to operate closer to home. But the growing power and assertiveness of China have changed everything; Beijing has militarised the South China Sea by constructing defence bases out of artificial islands, and threatened to invade Taiwan.

Now, Australia believes it needs to operate its submarines much further from home, both as a way to deter China from aggression and to sink ships and other submarines in a potential war. Australias current class of submarines  the Collins  would be almost useless for this task. The cost The total cost of acquiring, building and sustaining the submarines is expected to be between $268 billion and $368 billion by 2055. This compares with the $225 billion Australia estimated it would cost to build and sustain 12 submarines under the French agreement. When the government is trying to forecast that far ahead, that is a highly speculative figure.

In the more immediate future, Australia will spend $9 billion over the next four years (over the forward estimates of the budget). This will include the $3 billion to underwrite construction of extra Virginia-class submarines in the US, although a fraction will go to the UK for shipbuilding, $2 billion for infrastructure in Adelaide and $1 billion for an expanded naval base in Perth. Loading According to the Australian government, the $9 billion will be cost-neutral over the forward estimates, with $3 billion in cuts to other areas of defence and $6 billion in savings from scrapping the French submarine project. The US will commit $US4.6 billion ($6.9 billion) to its industry to support the Australian project, while the UK will spend 2.2 billion ($4 billion). Jobs

The union movement and the South Australian government are unlikely to be pleased with the decision to buy three submarines from the US. But the government estimates the nuclear submarine program will need 20,000 jobs over the next 30 years including in the Australian Defence Force, domestic industry and the Australian public service. This includes 8500 direct jobs in Australias building and servicing of the submarines, including scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians, welders, construction workers, electricians, metal fitters and builders. Port visits and crew sharing

Beginning in 2023, members of the ADF and civilian personnel will embed with the navies of the US and Britain and in their industrial workforce. The US plans to increase its visits of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia from this year, with Australian sailors joining American crews for training. British submarines will increase their visits in 2026. As early as 2027, Britain and the US plan to establish a permanent rotation of one UK Astute-class submarine and up to four US Virginia-class submarines at the HMAS Stirling naval base near Perth. The Royal Navys Astute-class submarine, which will start visiting Perth more frequently this decade. Credit: Jay Allen/Royal Navy How do we deal with the nuclear waste?

Australia will not build the vessels nuclear reactors, which will instead arrive from either Britain or the US in fully welded power units that will not require refuelling during their lifetime. According to Tuesdays announcement, Australia will not enrich uranium or reprocess any spent fuel from the submarines. Loading However, Canberra has committed to managing all radioactive waste generated from the submarines, including spent nuclear fuel, in Australia. What happens to Australias current class of submarines?
San Diego: A flight to carry Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to a major defence announcement has highlighted Australias key partnerships in the region by starting in India, landing in Japan and ending in the United States.

The Royal Australian Air Force planned a long route from New Delhi to a refuelling stop in Tokyo so the prime minister and his delegation would remain outside Chinese airspace.

Australias outgoing ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos (2nd from left) greets Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his arrival in San Diego. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

While RAAF aircraft have flown to China in the past, such as for the visits by prime ministers in 2014 and 2016 and Foreign Minister Penny Wongs trip to Beijing in December, the government considered it better with the AUKUS flight to choose a route that did not require approval from Chinese authorities.

But the flight traversed the South China Sea in a reminder of the importance to Australia of open flight paths and freedom of navigation over a region where China has claimed sea borders that its neighbours dispute.
Seoul: Nuclear-armed North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine on Sunday, state news agency KCNA said, just as US-South Korea military drills began.

Strategic is typically used to describe weapons that have a nuclear capability.

A North Korean submarine called the 8.24 Yongung ship, from which the country test-fired a cruise missile, off the east coast of North Korea. Credit: AP

KCNA said the launch confirmed the reliability of the system and tested the underwater offensive operations of the submarine units that form part of the countrys nuclear deterrent.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the military was on high alert and its intelligence agency was working with its US counterpart to analyse the specifics of the launch.
An Ohio man was rushed to the hospital yesterday after his "pet" zebra nearly bit off his arm. The zebra was highly agitated, aggressively trying to get to the man even after police arrived and blocked the animal from the man with their charger. The animal then "continued to charge at deputies and fire crews, as well as other members of the victim's family" as deputies blew air horns to try to scare it away, according to Yahoo!.

From Yahoo!:

The zebra continued acting erratically while deputies were on the scene assisting the man and reportedly charged at a deputy's cruiser that had been positioned to keep the animal from being able to get to the victim.  The victim was taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center for treatment, which are not considered life-threatening. Initial reports indicated that the man had lost his arm, however, additional information was provided Monday that said the man's arm was able to be reattached. Zebras are not considered exotic animals under Ohio's law that requires exotic animals be registered with the state's Department of Agriculture.

Sadly, the zebra  which is thought to have been trying to protect some female zebras on the property  was shot and killed by a deputy, for everyone's safety.

Zebras are wild and have never been domesticated, so although legal in many states, including Ohio, people should think thrice before owning them as so-called pets.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 54F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain showers early transitioning to snow showers late. Low around 35F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 50%.
Housing advocates are warning of a significant increase in discrimination by Western New York landlords, after a local nonprofit received more than 415 reports of housing discrimination last year  the most in nearly 40 years and the second-highest level in the group's 60-year history.

Housing Opportunities Made Equal said its complaint total for 2022 was topped only by the 432 reports it received in 1984. That's also the only other time the tally exceeded 400 in a single year.

HOME Associate Director Daniel Corbitt, an attorney, described the "sheer number" of reports as "disturbing," but also noted that "the human costs of these discriminatory practices is truly appalling."

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"Where you live truly matters," he said. "Discrimination leads to housing instability that has devastating impacts on health outcomes, academic achievements, employment opportunities, and drives inequality and generational poverty."

The figure for last year rose 29% from 2021, and more than doubled from 2020, when the agency received and investigated 202 complaints. Previously, the number of discrimination reports had ranged between 165 and 231 annually since at least 2003.

Even worse, the agency said, the 415 complaints, "while alarming, is only the tip of the iceberg," since most incidents of housing discrimination are not reported by the victims, often because they don't know their rights and the protections afforded them, or don't believe anyone will do anything about it.

"Americans often like to tell themselves that progress is continuous, especially on matters such as discrimination, but the reality is that discrimination occurs today just as much as ever," HOME Education Manager Steven Haagsma said in a prepared statement. "It may be more subtle than at other points in our history, but that does not mean it has disappeared."

Led by Executive Director DeAnna Eason, HOME describes itself as a civil rights organization focused on ensuring equal opportunity for housing through education, advocacy and enforcement of fair housing laws. The nonprofit agency takes complaints, investigates almost all of them, and either works to resolve them with landlords on behalf of tenants or escalates reports by filing formal complaints with city, county, state or federal regulators.

Last year, HOME reached a resolution in 277 cases, while filing seven formal cases with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Erie County Fair Housing Board, or the New York State Appellate Division. The rest are either still pending with the agency, or HOME couldn't find evidence to justify them.

Its important for us to continue to investigate these allegations and for all levels of government to strongly enforce anti-discrimination laws, Haagsma said.

In an interview Sunday, Haagsma said "it's impossible to say definitely" why the level of complaints has soared, but cited several factors as likely  including both an actual increase in discrimination as well as heightened awareness by tenants of their rights and ability to complain.

He said the National Fair Housing Alliance  an umbrella group of local nonprofit agencies like HOME  had also seen an uptick in 2021, mirroring what HOME found locally. National data for 2022 is not available yet, but "I wouldn't be surprised if that trend continues," Haagsma said. "That national report lends some credence to believing that there is an actual rise in housing discrimination."

Additionally, though, HOME has bolstered its own ability to not only investigate complaints it receives but also to initiate its own probes based on what it sees from landlords in advertisements and other sources. For example, a notice on Facebook Marketplace that offers an apartment but says "no families with children" or "no rental assistance accepted" could trigger a probe because both exclusions are illegal.

In 2020, the agency received a new contract from the state allowing it to hire a few more investigators, "so our capacity for taking these reports in and investigating them is higher than in the past," Haagsma said.

"Its impossible to know how much is caused by an actual rise, because so much housing discrimination goes unreported," he added. "But its concerning regardless of the reasons for the rise, because it shows that housing discrimination is alive and well in Western New York, which is not good news regardless how you spin it."

The nature of the complaints varies widely, but the four most common issues have remained consistent for the last few years, Haagsma said. Those include discrimination based on the source of income, disabilities, family status and race.

For example, it's illegal to deny housing based on the use of Section 8 vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or security-deposit agreements from the Erie County Department of Social Services. The City of Buffalo has prohibited such discrimination since 2006, while the county passed its own law in 2018, followed by the state in 2019. Yet, HOME received 128 reports of income-based discrimination last year.

That was followed by 86 disability-related complaints  the most HOME has received in 20 years  and 64 complaints over discrimination against families with children under 18. There were also 56 complaints of racial discrimination.

Haagsma said many landlords think they can do what they want with their own property, not understanding that renting apartments is "essentially running a small business."

"Theres no education requirement to become a landlord. You dont have to know about fair housing law," Haagsma said. "So because of that, its definitely not uncommon for landlords to discriminate because they dont realize what theyre doing is illegal."
15 Serious Tips Received on Alleged Chinese Police Stations in Montreal, Says RCMP

The Sino-Quebec Center in Brossard, Quebec, is seen on March 9, 2023. RCMP said it's investigating this location, along with the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal, which are allegedly clandestine overseas Chinese police service stations. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times)

The federal police force says it has so far received over a dozen promising leads on alleged Chinese police stations in the Montreal area since publicly identifying them last week.

Were currently at 15 serious tips received in relation to the presumed Chinese police stations in Montreal and Brossard, RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier said in a March 13 French statement.

Were at the analysis stage of these tips and once again we encourage all the victims and witnesses of illegal activities, and all the individuals being affected by pressures, intimidation or threats to reach out to us.

The RCMP admitted publicly last week it was investigating two alleged Chinese police stations in Montreal and its suburb of Brossard.

The two entities catering to the Chinese community and newly arrived immigrants are the Centre Sino-Quebec de la Rive-Sud (CSQRS) in Brossard and the Service a la famille chinoise du Grand Montreal (SFCGM) in Montreals Chinatown.

Both organizations are overseen by Xixi Li, who is also a Brossard city councillor.

Li attended a National Day celebration with top Chinese Communist Party officials in Beijing in 2018.

A now-deleted page on the CSQRS website says that she was invited to the event by then Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Brossards Mayor Doreen Assaad said last week she had also referred Li to the provinces elections director over concerns of breaking electoral law during the 2021 municipal elections.

Neither Li nor Assaad have responded to requests for comment.

Lis activities are subsidized by different levels of governments and she has associated with a number of elected officials.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, International Trade Minister Mary Ng, and Liberal MPs Alexandra Mendes and Han Dong have all had dealings with Li.

Requests for comments from the ministers have not been answered.

The RCMP hasnt laid any charges so far with regards to Chinese police stations in Canada and has chosen to take an overt approach to disrupt their activities.

Sgt. Poirier said the RCMP reiterates it will take all means available to counter foreign interference in Quebec and Canada.

The force said last week its police actions are aimed at detecting and disrupting the foreign state-backed criminal activities.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Michael Duheme told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on March 2 that the other Chinese police stations in Ontario and B.C. had stopped operating.

The RCMP sent an overt presence at the sites to disrupt the activities and Duheme expressed satisfaction with this strategy.

Any time you have representatives from the embassy whose law enforcement liaison officer comes up to us and is not pleased with the actions we took, I think thats a sign that we did our job, he said.
3 Palestinian Militants Killed in Attack on Israeli Troops

Israeli soldiers operate in village of Sarra near the West Bank city of Nablus on March 12, 2023. (Majdi Mohammed/AP Photo)

JERUSALEMIsraeli forces shot and killed three Palestinian militants Sunday who opened fire on troops in the occupied West Bank, the military said.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed offshoot of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party, claimed the men killed as members.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said the men were killed by Israeli fire near the city of Nablus and identified them as Jihad Mohammed al-Shami, 24, Uday Othman al-Shami, 22 and Mohammed Raed Dabeek, 18.

The military said it confiscated three M16 rifles from the militants after the shootout and that one gunman turned himself in and was arrested.

The deaths Sunday bring to 80 the number of Palestinians killed since the start of the year, as Israel has stepped up arrest raids in the West Bank. A spasm of Palestinian attacks against Israelis has killed 14 people in 2023.

The fresh violence follows an Israeli military raid last week on the West Bank village of Jaba, where three Palestinian militants were killed. Hours later, a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a busy Tel Aviv thoroughfare at the start of the Israeli weekend, wounding three people before being shot and killed.

Israeli soldiers operate in village of Sarra near the West Bank city of Nablus on March 12, 2023. (Majdi Mohammed/AP Photo)
African Journalist Kicked Out of White House Correspondents Association, Says It Has Double Standard

An African journalist has accused the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) of discriminating against him by kicking him out of the association and having a double standard against him.

Simon Ateba, founder and chief White House correspondent for Today News Africa, was informed last week that his membership to the organization of journalists who cover the White House and the president wouldnt be renewed. Members are required to renew their membership as early as Jan. 1.

I regret to inform you that your application for membership has been declined, WHCA executive director Steven Thomma wrote to Ateba, whos from Cameroon, in a letter seen by The Epoch Times.

Your application was carefully reviewed by a committee of journalists looking at your listed news organization and your assignment based on all of the information you provided and any other information they found available.

Thomma noted that the committee did not see evidence that [Ateba is] employed on the editorial staff of a newspaper, periodical, wire service, radio, TV, or other news-gathering organization that reports on the White House as required by our by-laws.

However, Today News Africa has been reporting on the White House since the Trump administration, and Ateba held WHCA associate membership between 2021 and 2022.

Thomma also wrote that the committee noted repeated instances where your behavior violated the expectations for membership outlined in our bylaws, which have been detailed to you previously.

Thomma didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. WHCA President Tamara Keith, a White House correspondent for National Public Radio, declined to comment to The Epoch Times.

Ateba has repeatedly verbally clashed with the White House, especially press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in the briefing room.

In December 2021, Ateba shouted questions during a White House press briefing about the Biden administrations travel bans on Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

In May 2022, Ateba was reprimanded by the WHCA for interrupting Jen Psakis last day as White House press secretary. The WHCA threatened him with expulsion.

In August 2022, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby rebuked Ateba for interrupting a briefing.

In November 2022, Jean-Pierre exploded at Ateba, saying Im done with you for sticking up for a reporter who was trying to ask Dr. Anthony Fauci, during his final White House press briefing, about the origins of COVID-19.

The WHCA afterward reprimanded him.

In December 2022, Ateba sought to ask a question ahead of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit but was rejected by Jean-Pierre, who proceeded to storm out of the press briefing.

Ateba told The Epoch Times that he intends to take legal action against the WHCA. He said his lawyer will write to the association to tell them they have time to reverse their decision or else a lawsuit will be filed against them.

He accused the WHCA of a double standard in that there were journalists during the Trump administration, including CNNs Jim Acosta, who came under fire for showboating and acting like activists as opposed to journalists.

If Jim Acosta does it, if CNN does it, they believe that those are the people that they should fight for, right? Ateba said. They believe that those people are more important. They believe that those people are worth it.

He accused the WHCA, Keith, and Jean-Pierre of having a superiority complex.

Theres this level of disdain, this level of Im better than you. You come from Africa. Were doing you a favor to be at the White House covering U.S.Africa relations, Ateba said.

He claimed racial discrimination against him by Jean-Pierre.

She believes that shes better than me, right? Ateba said. Karine Jean-Pierre, she believes that the other people in the briefing room theyre better than the people who come from Africa, right?

When she talks to a white person, you know, she [believes] that, you know, this [is] a great person. When she talks to me [she feels Im] an inferior person.

He accused the WHCA of colluding with Jean-Pierre to silence me.

Thommas letter noted that Ateba has publicly said he doesnt receive a salary, which Thomma said is a violation of WHCA membership ruleseven as such a requirement doesnt appear in the WHCA bylaws.

Despite being denied renewed membership, Ateba has said that hell continue to cover the White House.

By not having WHCA membership, he wont be allowed certain access including being part of the press poola small group of journalists covering the president and other principals on trips and at certain eventsand invitations to association events such as the glitzy annual White House Correspondents Dinner.
Ahmaud Arberys Killers Deny Racist Motives in Appeals

(LR) This file photo combo shows Travis McMichael, William "Roddie" Bryan, and Gregory McMichael during their trial at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga. (Pool via AP)

SAVANNAH, Ga.Three men serving prison sentences in the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery are asking an appeals court to throw out their federal hate crime convictions, with two of them arguing their histories of making racist comments dont prove they targeted Arbery because he was black.

Every crime committed against an African American by a man who has used racist language in the past is not a hate crime, defense attorney Pete Theodocion said in an appellate brief written on behalf of defendant William Roddie Bryan.

Arbery, 25, was chased by pickup trucks and fatally shot in the streets of a Georgia subdivision outside the port city of Brunswick on Feb. 23, 2020.

Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, pursued Arbery after he was spotted running past their home. Bryan joined the chase in his own truck and recorded Travis McMichael shooting Arbery at close range with a shotgun.

All three men were sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted them of murder in a Georgia state court in 2021. The following year, they stood trial again in U.S. District Court and were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes in Arberys death. That jury was shown roughly two dozen racist text messages and social media posts by the McMichaels and Bryan.

They all filed legal briefs in their federal appeals March 3 with the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Attorneys for Bryan and Greg McMichael say their hate crime convictions should be overturned because the evidence shows they pursued Arbery thinking he was a criminal, not because of his race.

Greg McMichael initiated the chase when Arbery ran past his home because he recognized the young man from security camera videos that in prior months showed Arbery entering a neighboring home under construction. None of the videos showed him stealing, and Arbery was unarmed and had no stolen property when he was killed.

Arberys race was a fact of no greater import to Gregory McMichaels calculus than Mr. Arberys biological sex, the shorts he was wearing, his hairstyle, or his tattoos, wrote Greg McMichaels attorney, A.J. Balbo. He said there would have been no chase had the runner been a black woman.

Bryan didnt know the McMichaels and had never seen the security camera videos. Still, his attorney said that Bryan had every right to assume Arbery was likely a criminal after seeing him run by with the McMichaels in pursuit and ordering Arbery to stop.

Arbery never called out for help or gave any signs that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, Theodocion wrote on Bryans behalf.

Travis McMichaels appeal makes no effort to challenge whether racism motivated Arberys killing. Instead, his attorney argues a technicality, saying prosecutors failed to prove that Arbery was chased and killed on public streetsas stated in the indictment used to charge the three men.

Defense Attorney Amy Lee Copeland says documents show that Glynn County officials declined to take over responsibility for the streets of Satilla Shores from a private developer when the subdivision was dedicated in 1958. She argued theres no record that the county ever changed its mind.

Defense attorneys made the same arguments challenging racial motives and whether the streets were public during the federal trial in February 2021.

Prosecutors argued at the trial that the McMichaels and Bryan chased and shot Arbery out of pent-up racial anger.

Bryan had used racist slurs in text messages saying he was upset that his daughter was dating a black man. A witness testified Greg McMichael had angrily remarked on the 2015 death of civil rights activist Julian Bond: All those blacks are nothing but trouble. In 2018, Travis McMichael commented on a Facebook video of a black man playing a prank on a white person: Id kill that [expletive].

On the question of whether the streets were public, prosecutors showed 101 service tickets for work the county performed in the neighborhood, mostly dealing with ditches and drainage. Copeland argued nothing showed the county paving or maintaining the streets except in relation to drainage repairs.

The U.S. Justice Department, which prosecuted the hate crimes case, has 30 days to file legal briefs in response to the hate crime appeals. Spokespersons for U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg, the federal prosecutor for Georgias Southern District, and for the Justice Department in Washington declined comment Friday.

The 11th Circuit has not set a date to hear oral arguments in the hate crime appeals. Both McMichaels received life prison sentences in the federal case, while Bryan was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Also pending are appeals by all three men of their murder convictions in Glynn County Superior Court.
What to know about the week ahead

The "now hiring" signs remain common in the Buffalo Niagara region, and the February report on local unemployment will shed new light on just how tight the job market is.

The State Labor Department is set to release the latest unemployment data on Tuesday afternoon in a report that comes days after revised job data showed that hiring was stronger than initially reported last year.

Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership will hold its latest industry leaders forum, on transportation and logistics, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Partnership's offices, 257 W. Genesee St. The event is for Partnership members only.

Buffalo Public Schools will hold a virtual teacher recruitment day Thursday, for the 2023-24 school year. Those interested can visit buffaloschools.org/teach to schedule an interview for the recruiting day.

The vote count for the runoff election for United Auto Workers president is scheduled to resume Thursday. The UAW has thousands of members in Western New York.

Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness, at 30 Oakgrove Ave., wants to construct a 110-square-foot masonry and wood-frame two-story lift addition to the existing 3,600-square-foot church building, providing a new entry area and handicapped access to the basement and church-level floor. Plans by K2 Architecture PLLC for the $150,000 project call for brick veneer to match the existing building on the 0.17-acre site in the Hamlin Park Historic District. If approved by the Buffalo Planning Board on Monday, construction would take about three to four months.

Eastman Machine Co., which just completed a major expansion of its downtown Buffalo manufacturing complex, now wants to consolidate its two properties into one, as previously required as part of the development approval. The company, through its NOSNEVETS LLC affiliate, is asking the Planning Board on Monday to combine 779 and 775 Washington into a single 3.55-acre property, covering most of the block between Ellicott and Washington streets, from East Tupper Street to Goodell Street.

Also at the Planning Board, the Buffalo Yacht Club plans to install a 250-gallon double-walled fuel cube on a flat concrete pad on the south end of its property at 1 Porter Ave. for the purpose of filling removable motorboat gas tanks on land. The site is currently used for storing boat trailers. The Yacht Club Foundation currently transports several five-gallon tanks to and from a gas station several times per week using an employee's vehicle, so the fuel cube  which would be filled and inspected by Noco Corp.  would reduce that burden and enhance safety, according to the foundation's application and Coastal Assessment Form.

The Planning Board will also review two requests for special-use permits for smoke shops, one by Rashid Ali at 224 Elmwood Ave., in the Allentown Historic District, and one by Abdullah Alwasim at 3162-3168 Main St..

Ali's Elmwood Smoke Shop would be located in a former Metro by T-Mobile cellphone shop. Alwasim's Exotic Smoke & Vape Shop would be set up in a current T-shirt print store and former salon. No smoking would be allowed in either case.

THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest news from the Buffalo Niagara economy:

Ellicott Development plans to redevelop a Chicago Street warehouse building.

Kaleida Health named Dr. Anne Marie Reynolds as its interim chief of service for pediatrics.

The new director of the United Auto Workers Region 9, Daniel Vicente, was working as a machine operator at a Dometic plant outside Philadelphia until last week.

A visit by a controversial conservative media figure has the University at Buffalo walking a fine line between free speech and its commitment to inclusivity.

A federal agency says Starbucks must rehire some workers it fired in Buffalo and reopen a store it closed.

Buffalo development officials are hoping to pick a developer for the LaSalle Metro station project within a year.

The state is preparing new rules to crack down on price gouging.

A Buffalo Niagara union leader, who raised concerns about construction work going to out-of-town laborers, is dropping his opposition to Buffalo Bills stadium agreements.

An orthopedic surgeon is suing Wyoming County Community Health System and others over the termination of his firm's contract last year.

Yellow Freight is consolidating its Buffalo Niagara truck terminals in a move that is expected to lead to job losses.

A site in the Northland complex once was coveted by two businesses. Now, neither wants it and the search is on for a business that does.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is touting $9 billion in development projects over the last decade for the city.

Uniland Development Co. backed out of its deal to buy The Buffalo News office building.

Four apartment projects, involving more than 300 units, are moving forward.

Bitwise is getting $80 million in funding for its technology workforce development programs in 10 cities, including Buffalo.

Niagara University and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center are launching a Career Pathways Program that will help students get paying jobs at the hospital.

Community health providers such as Evergreen and Neighborhood Health Center are concerned about losing a critical funding stream if the state makes changes to its Medicaid pharmacy benefit program.

Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. hopes to increase the size of its planned new warehouse facility in Lackawanna's Renaissance Commerce Park by at least 25%.

ICYMI

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. The tech industry is being battered by thousands of layoffs across the country, yet in Buffalo Niagara, hundreds of job openings in the sector are unfilled because qualified workers are hard to find. Could those job losses elsewhere be a hiring opportunity for local tech firms?

2. For 50 years, fans have been flocking to Highmark Stadium to watch the Buffalo Bills. But the stadium has never spurred much activity around it, and now Orchard Park officials are looking for ways to change that with a new stadium on the way.

3. Focusing on health equity in the City of Buffalo: After the traumatic events that hit the area last year, Rev. George F. Nicholas, CEO of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity, says now is the time to make it a priority.

4. UB resident doctors and fellows feeling 'overworked and underpaid': The group, which includes 810 residents, fellows and interns at the University at Buffalo, has launched a union campaign.

5. Buffalo Niagara struggles to find  and keep  tech workers: Local companies have plenty of open technology jobs, but can't fill them, as computer science grads from area schools move out of town for work.
Arizona Launches Hotline for Complaints of Sexual Content, Marxist Ideology in Schools

People hold up signs during a rally against critical race theory (CRT) being taught in schools at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

The Arizona Department of Education has announced an Empower Hotline that allows parents to register complaints about improper teaching material at schools, including sexual content, Marxist concepts like critical race theory, and gender ideologies.

Tom Horne, superintendent of public instruction for Arizona, launched the hotline for citizens to report inappropriate public school lessons that detract from teaching academic standards, his office said. This includes ideologies with a focus on race or ethnicity, rather than individuals and merit, promoting gender ideology, social emotional learning, or inappropriate sexual content.

Through the hotline, citizens can provide feedback, concerns, or complaints regarding teaching material at schools. The phone hotline will be staffed during normal business hours. Off-hours phone calls and emails will be accepted at any time and followed up.

Some say critical race theory (CRT) is a graduate study, not taught in K12 schools. The evidence is to the contrary. I have a list of 250 Arizona teachers who signed a shocking statement promoted by the national teachers union, that if critical race theory were banned, they would defy the law, Horne said in a news release.

They would not have signed if they were not already teaching it. They come from 25 school districts, including the largest ones. Teachers must teach academics, not use their power over a captive audience, to promote their personal ideology. That is unprofessional conduct.

The shocking statement Horne referred to was a pledge written by the Zinn Education Project which claims to teach the truth, insisting that America was founded on the dispossession of Native Americans, slavery, structural racism and oppression; and structural racism is a defining characteristic of our society today.

The project was inspired by the work of historian and activist Howard Zinn.

From police violence, to the prison system, to the wealth gap, to maternal mortality rates, to housing, to education and beyond, the major institutions and systems of our country are deeply infected with anti-Blackness and its intersection with other forms of oppression, the pledge states. To not acknowledge this and help students understand the roots of U.S. racism is to deceive themnot educate them.

The pledge has gained 8,667 signatures, with a target goal of 12,800 signatures.

In February, the Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1305, which described a list of race-related topics to be banned in K12 public schools, including that an individual, by virtue of the individuals race or ethnicity, is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.

The bill was passed with Republican support, with no Democrats voting in favor. This month, Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed the bill.

Acting Against CRT

Republican states are making efforts to suppress Marxist CRT ideologies. In January, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, signed an executive order stating that ideologies like CRT have no place in Arkansas classrooms.

The order instructs the state education secretary to review policies, materials, rules, and communications of the department to make sure they comply with Title IV and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, according to Title VI.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared in January that he wants to end all funding for CRT and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the state.

Our institutions will be graduating students with degrees that will actually be useful, he said. We will be eliminating all DEI and CRT bureaucracies in Florida. It will wither on the vine.
Biden Administration Approves Massive Oil Drilling Project in Alaska

ConocoPhillips gets green light for $8 billion Willow Project, while in trade-off, administration bans drilling in parts of Arctic Sea

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. (ConocoPhillips via AP, File)

The Biden administrations decision to allow ConocoPhillips to proceed with its $8 billion North Slope Alaska Willow Project while making the Arctic Ocean off-limits to oil development and banning new leases on 13 million of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaskas 23 million acres is drawing criticism from all sides.

ConocoPhillips and the states bipartisan congressional delegation werent among the critics.

This was the right decision for Alaska and our nation, ConocoPhillips Chair and CEO Ryan Lance said in a statement. Willow fits within the Biden Administrations priorities on environmental and social justice, facilitating the energy transition and enhancing our energy security, all while creating good union jobs and providing benefits to Alaska Native communities.

For Houston-based ConocoPhillips, the White House approval ends five years of regulatory review that saw the energy companys initial five-pad proposal whittled back to three with mounting concernuntil the decision was released on March 13; the Department of Interiors (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had recommended that Willow be trimmed to two pads, which would have made the endeavor financially infeasible.

ConocoPhillips in its statement said that it welcomes the decision  adopting the three core pads plan, and Lance assured Willow will provide reliable energy while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

Texas-based ConocoPhillips proposed Willow Project is within the 23-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) on Alaskas North Slope. (Courtesy ConocoPhillips)

2,500 Construction Jobs; 300 Permanent Workers

ConocoPhillips will spend up to $8 billion to build the roads, pipelines, and 219 wells that will require the hiring of 2,500 Alaskan construction workers, which drew support for the project from the Alaska CIO-AFL.

The three 12-acre gravel pads will span 556 acres. Each pad, where the projects 300 permanent workers will live, has a 55-square-mile horizontal drilling radius at 22,000 feet deep. The company plans to extend the pad drilling radius to 154 square miles, and go as deep as 37,000 feet below the tundra, during the projects 30-year lifespan.

The company forecasts Willow will produce as much as 180,000 barrels of oil a day, about 1.5 percent of total U.S. oil production. Over its three-decade lifespan, it will produce more than 600 million barrels of oil and generate up to $17 billion in revenues for the federal government, Alaska, the North Slope Borough, and North Slope communities, ConocoPhillips says.

ConocoPhillips submitted its five-pad proposal in 2018. It was approved by the Trump administrations DOI in October 2020. Meanwhile, Earthjustice was among the groups that legally challenged the BLMs environmental impact statement (EIS) approving the project. The Biden administrations Justice Department defended the EIS in court proceedings.

In August 2021, a federal judge stayed approval and returned the EIS to the BLM for revision, ordering it be ready within 18 months.

The BLM issued its renewed review on Feb. 1, recommending in its preferred alternative that Willow be reapproved, but scaled back to three pads from five.

Following a 30-day public comment period after the BLM published its revised EIS on Feb. 1, which expired on March 2, a decision was expected any time after.

Word of the decision surfaced over the weekend, with a formal announcement expected on March 15. But the BLM released its decision earlyon March 13by posting its 68-page supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on its website.

The entrance to the ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. building is seen in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on April 8, 2020. (Yereth Rosen/Reuters)

Alaskans Applaud

Both chambers of the Alaska Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Willow Project. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy is a proponent, and the states congressional delegationRepublican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Democrat Rep. Mary Peltolasupport the project.

On March 1, Murkowski, Sullivan, and Peltola joined an amazing constellation of Alaska royalty including state lawmakers, union representatives, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives in Washington to call on Biden to approve Willow.

We did it, Alaska! Murkowski wrote in a tweet. Im so relieved that an economically viable Willow Project is being reapproved. What a huge and needed victory for all Alaska. This project will produce lasting economic and security benefits for our state and the nation.

In a joint statement, Murkowski, Sullivan, and Peltola said they welcomed the Biden administrations decision  after litigation, a court remand, years of supplemental environmental analysis, and a united statewide push in strong support to approve an economically viable three-pad project.

Sullivan said the project is critically important for Alaskas economy, good-paying jobs for our families, and the future prosperity of our state and also for our national security and environment. Producing much-needed American energy in Alaska with the worlds highest environmental standards and lowest emissions enhances the global environment.

Now, its on us here in Alaska to make sure that we make the best of this opportunitythat we use the revenues and jobs and economic opportunity from this project to make investments in the future of Alaska, Peltola said. We need to build up our schools, our housing stock, our rural Internet and electric grids, and more, in order to make this a truly 21st-century economy. We can make Alaska a national and global example of what an energy bridge to the future truly looks like.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) warns President Joe Biden that trying to have it both waysapproving the Willow Project, but scaling it back to a financially unfeasible two padswould be a deceitful avoidance of making a tough decision and will elicit a landslide of lawsuits. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

New Restrictions Legally Dubious

While welcoming the Willow approval, Sullivan criticized the administrations decision to make 2.8 million acres of the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean and 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska indefinitely off limits for future oil and gas leasing.

The fight to unleash American and Alaskan energy is far from over, he said. The fact that this Willow [decision] comes with the announcement of future legally dubious resource development restrictions on Alaska lands and waters is infuriating and demonstrates that the Biden administrations unprecedented lock-up of our state will continue.

The Arctic restrictions also drew a rebuke from the American Petroleum Institute (API), representing the nations largest oil and gas companies, which cited the administrations confusing mixed signals to the industry.

In the current energy crisis, the Biden administration should be focused on strengthening U.S. energy security and standing with the working families of Alaska by supporting the responsible development of federal lands and watersnot acting to restrict it, API Senior Vice President Frank Macchiarola said in a statement. We urge the administration to end the mixed signals on energy policy and focus instead on real solutions for the American people.

Caribou on Alaskas North Slope, with Prudhoe Bay oil installations in the background on June 22, 2014. (Monteux via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Environmental Concerns

Opponents call the Willow Project a carbon bomb noting, by the BLMs analysis, it would produce enough oil each year to release 9.2 million metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere, the equivalent to the combined emissions of 2 million gas-powered cars.

Over the course of 30 years, the BLM calculates, Willow would release an estimated 278 million metric tons of carbon, which opponents say is more than 70 coal-fired power plants could produce every year.

Approving the three-pad proposal angered many Democrats and environmental groups, including the League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, and Earthjustice, among key vote-generators for Bidens presidential campaign. Opponents launched a #StopWillow petition blitz, convincing more than 50 million signees to demand that he stop the project.

Biden approved Willow knowing full well that itll cause massive and irreversible destruction, which is appalling, Center for Biological Diversity Senior Attorney Kristen Monsell said in a statement. People and wildlife will suffer, and extracting and burning more fossil fuel will warm the climate even faster. Biden has no excuse for letting this project go forward in any form. New Arctic drilling makes no sense, and well fight hard to keep ConocoPhillips from breaking ground.

We cant drill our way to a sustainable future. We must conserve public lands, not sell them off to corporate polluters, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said in a statement. The harmful effects of President Bidens decision cannot be overstated.

He said those harmful effects will be felt environmentally and by Biden politically.

By allowing ConocoPhillips to move forward with this operation, [Biden] and his administration have made it almost impossible to achieve the climate goals they set for public lands, he said.

Willow will be one of the largest oil and gas operations on federal public lands in the country, and the carbon pollution it will spew into the air will have devastating effects for our communities, wildlife, and the climate. We will suffer the consequences of this for decades to come.

We are too late in the climate crisis to approve massive oil and gas projects that directly undermine the new clean economy that the Biden Administration committed to advancing, Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen said in a statement, hinting at legal action.

We know President Biden understands the existential threat of climate, but he is approving a project that derails his own climate goals.

Sullivan said proponents are ready for expected legal challenges.

We are prepared to defend this decision against likely frivolous legal challenges from the same Lower 48 NGOs whove consistently tried to kill the Willow Project, he said. We will do so by working closely with the same Alaska stakeholders who brought us this far. We hope that the Alaska federal judge taking this case hears and respects their voices.

Alaskans should take pride in knowing that when we come together and fight together for our common prosperity, our voices cannot be ignored.
Biden, Allies Unveil Australia Submarine Deal, Part of Trilateral Pact Aimed at Countering China

U.S. President Joe Biden (C) speaks alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (R) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) at a press conference during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, Calif., on March 13, 2023. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

SAN DIEGOAustralia will purchase up to five nuclear-powered attack submarines over the next decade as part of a much-anticipated agreement formally announced on March 13 by U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in California.

Under the agreement, Australia will buy three Virginia-class hunter submarines by the early 2030s, with an option to buy two moreperhaps Los Angeles-class attack subsas part of the trilateral security pact known as AUKUS.

The submarines will be added to Australias aging six-sub fleet in response to Chinas increasingly aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the South China Sea, where its building military bases on artificial islands abreast of shipping lanes and air trade routes.

Biden, Albanese, and Sunak formally endorsed the deal at Naval Base Point Loma, a U.S. Navy attack submarine base in San Diego, as part of the AUKUS project.

The United States has safeguarded stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades for the enormous benefit of nations throughout the region, Biden said, standing in front of the attack submarine USS Missouri. Were showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity, and not just for us but for the entire world.

Today, a new chapter in the relationship between our nation, the United States, and the United Kingdom begins, Albanese said, noting Australias federal government will spend $268 billion to $368 billion through 2055 for the program, which will deliver 20,000 direct jobs for Australians.

Our future security will be built and maintained not just by the courage and professionalism of our defense forces, but by the hard work and know-how of our scientists and engineers, our technicians and programmers, electricians and welders, he said. For Australia, this whole-of-nation effort also presents a whole-of-nation opportunity.

Shot Across Chinas Bow

In a joint statement, the three leaders launched a proverbial flare across Chinas bow, touting the submarines as a needed check on the regimes South China Sea efforts.

The statement called the agreement the first major initiative of AUKUS, which began in 2021 with the goal of greater exchanges of naval technology and cooperation between the Americans, British, and Australians.

Under AUKUS, the navies will join forces for joint submarine patrols in the South China Sea to counter Chinas growing assertiveness.

U.S. Navy attack sub-rotational deployments will go from one Western Australia-based ship to four by 2030. The British will also permanently deploy a submarine to Western Australia, where the U.S. Navy has been scouting for a base for decades.

The pact will also deliver a new submarine class, called the SSN-AUKUS, with the UK to produce the first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy in the 2030s, and Australia to deliver the submarine built in Australia to its Navy in the early 2040s, according to the joint statement.

Sunak described the SSN-AUKUS as one of the most advanced nuclear-powered subs the world has ever known. He said AUKUS could not happen without cutting-edge American technology and expertise and world-leading British design.

For the first time ever, it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across both the Atlantic and Pacific, keeping our oceans free, open, and prosperous for decades to come, the British prime minister said.

No Talk of Western Australia Base

There was no indication from the three leaders if a joint AUKUS submarine baselong-rumored near or on Dirk Hartog Islandwill be part of the second stage of AUKUS, which will include collaboration on hypersonics and other quickly deployed weaponry.

This plan is designed to support Australias development of the infrastructure, technical capabilities, industry, and human capital necessary to produce, maintain, operate, and steward a sovereign fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, the joint statement said. Australia is fully committed to responsible stewardship of naval nuclear propulsion technology.

The sale caused friction among Western allies when Australia in 2020 canceled a $66 billion contract with French builders to build 12 diesel-powered submarines.

The new agreement comes after an 18-month study by the Australian navy to confirm securing a contract with Virginia-class manufacturer General Dynamics Corp. for up to five ships was the nations best option.

US Will Share Secrets

The AUKUS submarine project is significant because the U.S. Navy hasnt shared its nuclear-propulsion technologies since partnering with Britain in the 1950s.

But the rewards of cooperation outweigh the risk of sharing secrets, the three leaders said.

Implementing AUKUS will require robust, novel information sharing and technology cooperation, the joint statement said. Our nations are committed to further trilateral collaboration that will strengthen our joint capabilities, enhance our information and technology sharing, and integrate our industrial bases and supply chains while strengthening the security regimes of each nation.

The deal will also make Australia the first nation outside the Club of FiveUnited States, Russia, China, Britain, and Franceto put a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to sea.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the cooperation and integration between builders and navies in launching what the Pentagon is calling the first phase of Optimal Pathway.

One of the most important parts of this partnership is increasing each of our countries submarine capabilities, he said in a statement. I look forward to working with my team and with our Australian and British counterparts to continue to move toward our shared vision of a stable, secure Indo-Pacific and an open world of rules and rights.

No Talk of Critical Minerals

Before Biden arrived at the Point Loma submarine base, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan had revealed various aspects of the deal, noting that Australias fleet of six Collins-class diesel-powered submarines is essentially obsolete in contending with China, which has the worlds largest navy and has been building submarines at a rapid pace.

Albanese told reporters while visiting India on March 11 that the SSN-AUKUS deal is the single-biggest defense investment in the nations history and that workers in South Australia and Western Australia would benefit from the deal, saying it is about jobs, including jobs in manufacturing.

Sunak told reporters in England, before departing for the United States, that AUKUS is binding ties to our closest allies and delivering security, new technology, and economic advantage at home.

While the leaders didnt mention how AUKUS will affect the exchange of strategic and critical minerals between the three nations, Australia currently produces half of the worlds lithium, which is a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Australia exports most of its lithium to China, which manufactures more than 80 percent of the worlds EV batteries and maintains a dominant mine-to-market position.
Biden Approves Scaled-Down Alaska Willow Oil Project

The Biden administration has green-lit a scaled-back version of the $8 billion Willow oil field development project, angering climate activists while delighting lawmakers from Alaska who have been battling to secure the project.

On Monday, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it had approved three of the originally proposed five drilling pads by ConocoPhillips for the Willow project set within the 23 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The company acquired the leases in the late 1990s. ConocoPhillips will also relinquish rights to around 68,000 acres of its existing leases in the NPR-A.

The reduction of two drilling pads and relinquishment of 68,000 acres reduces the projects freshwater use and eliminates all infrastructure related to the two rejected drill sites, including approximately 11 miles of roads, 20 miles of pipelines, and 133 acres of gravel, all of which reduces potential impacts to caribou migration and subsistence users, the DOI said in a press release on Mar. 13.

Abbie Dillen, president of environmental group Earthjustice, slammed the decision. For all the talk of scaling back, this decision green-lights 92 percent of proposed oil drilling and hands over one the most fragile, intact ecosystems in the world to ConocoPhillips. This is not climate leadership, she said in a tweet on Mar. 13.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass) called the approval of the Willow project an environmental injustice. The decision leaves an oil stain on the administrations climate accomplishments and the presidents commitment not to permit new oil and gas drilling on federal land, he said.

In contrast, Republican and Democrat senators from Alaska welcomed the decision. After years of relentless advocacy, we are now on the cusp of creating thousands of new jobs, generating billions of dollars in new revenues, improving quality of life on the North Slope and across our state, said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), according to a press release on Mar. 13.

Now, its on us here in Alaska to make sure that we make the best of this opportunitythat we use the revenues and jobs and economic opportunity from this project to make investments in the future of Alaska, said Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska).

Over its 30-year lifespan, Willow is expected to produce more than 600 million barrels of oil while contributing up to $17 billion in revenues for state and federal governments as well as local communities. The Alaska House and Senate had earlier passed a unanimous resolution supporting the Willow project.

Limiting Drilling

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will take action to designate approximately 2.8 million acres in the Arctic Ocean nearshore the NPR-A as indefinitely off limits for future oil and gas leasing, the DOI said.

In addition, drilling limits have also been proposed for 13 million acres of land within the NPR-A. Since 2007, there hasnt been a single federal lease sale in the Arctic Ocean.

With these actions, President Biden continues to deliver on the most aggressive climate agenda in American history, the DOI said in a statement.

He has made the United States a magnet for clean energy manufacturing and jobs. He secured record investments in climate resilience and environmental justice  And his economic agenda has put the United States back on track to reach its climate goals for 2030 and 2050.

The Biden administrations decision has come under criticism. One can only come to one conclusion  Sky-high fuel cost coming soon, Quang Nguyen, an Arizona Republican, stated in a Mar. 13th tweet while talking about the drilling limits in almost 16 million acres of land.

The DOI insists that new drilling restrictions are aimed at protecting wildlife as well as subsistence uses by indigenous communities.

The Biden administration also intends to restrict fossil fuel production at some places along the Colville River, Teshekpuk Lake, Kasegaluk Lagoon, Utukok Uplands, Peard Bay, and Kasegaluk Lagoon that are known for their rich wildlife.
Canadian Tire Launches Fee-Based Triangle Rewards Subscription Program for $89/Year

A man wearing a mask walks out of a Canadian Tire store in Toronto on Mar. 18, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn)

Canadian Tire Corp. is rolling out a new fee-based subscription program as part of its Triangle Rewards loyalty program.

The retailer says the subscription, which will cost $89 a year plus taxes, is an upgrade to its existing rewards program that will deliver even more value to customers.

The company says members who pay for so-called Triangle Select status will be able to earn CT Money faster through stackable, bonus rewards on eligible purchases at it stores, including Canadian Tire, Marks, Sport Chek, Sport Experts and Party City.

Canadian Tire says subscribers will also receive a welcome gift valued at $50, online shopping perks and, for a limited time, a six-month subscription to the streaming service Crave.

Jason Blanchette, senior vice-president of loyalty and customer insights at Canadian Tire Corp., says the Triangle Select program offers Canadians a new way to stretch their dollars and earn even more rewards on their everyday purchases.

He says the companys beta testing of Triangle Select showed the average members annual incremental earnings through select-specific bonuses were more than three times the subscription fee.
CCPs Thousand Talents Program Recruits in France

CSIS director David Vigneault holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on July 16, 2020. The head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns that China is undermining Canada through its efforts to steal valuable technology and silence critics of Beijing's policies. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

In less than a month, Tsinghua Universitys Alumni Association members in France received two recruitment offers from China. The first notice explicitly stated that the offer is part of Chinas Thousand Talents Program, The second said the recruit would focus on critical areas sanctioned or led by the United States, such as chip research and development.

The Chinese communist regime initiated Chinas Thousand Talents Program, a recruitment program designed to attract talent to China, in December 2008. In the past ten years, several Chinese American scholars who participated in the program have been investigated by U.S. authorities, with some sentenced to prison for violating laws in the United States.

In early February, a WeChat group member of the Tsinghua University Alumni Association in France sent a recruitment notice for Chinas Thousand Talents Program, promising a confidential process that would not affect work or life abroad. It also claimed that the recruitment notice would remain valid for more than ten years.

Fellow alumni, the national Thousand Talents Program, which offers the highest compensation package in China, has begun! The total amount of tax-free personal bonus is about 13 million yuan ($1.9 million), and there is no need to return to China as you can apply online. You will be connected directly with the leaders of the government talent office through WeChat. There is no third party, non-intermediary, the whole process is confidential, and will not affect your work and life overseas, the notice said.

Candidates must meet specific criteria, such as having a doctoral degree, candidates over 40 must hold a position higher than or equal to a director of a well-known company outside China or an associate professor of a university, or young candidates who are under 40 must have worked for more than three years after obtaining a Ph.D.

On March 1, the same person in the alumni WeChat group posted another recruitment notice. He explained that his former teacher in China is now the deputy mayor of Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province. He was helping his teacher post the message on behalf of Zhenjiang City to attract talent.

In the salary and benefits package he posted along with the notice, a statement at the bottom read, the specific subsidies may vary slightly depending on local policies, and can be discussed in detail to better suit the wishes of the talent. It can be seen that recruiting overseas talents is not just limited to Zhenjiang City but is a provincial or nationwide initiative.

The areas of particular interest include advanced computer chips, supercomputers, electronic design automation software, artificial intelligence, information, and telecommunications, the group member who posted the notice added.

These are among the key areas the United States includes under tech sanctions.

Chinese Spy Cases in US Related to the Program

Since 2013, several judicial cases in the United States have targeted scientists and scholars with ties to the CCPs Thousand Talents Program.

On May 9, 2022, Dr. You Xiaorong (also known as Shannon You), a Michigan resident who participated in the Thousand Talents Program, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges that included stealing trade secrets, economic issues, espionage, and fraud. In addition to the prison term, You faces three years of supervised release and a $200,000 fine.

You Xiaorong, a former Coca-cola Principal Engineer, was accused of stealing trade secrets valued at $119.6 million. (Getty Images, Weibo/composed by The Epoch Times)

She stole trade secrets of the bisphenol A-free (BPA-free) coating formula used on the inside of beverage cans. You gained access to trade secrets while working for The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta and Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee. The R&D cost of BPA-free coating formulation totaled nearly $120 million.

You used the stolen trade secrets to start a new coating company in China in partnership with Weihai Jinhong Group Co., Ltd. Their new project received millions of dollars in grants from CCP government agencies, including a Thousand Talents Program grant. Weihai Jinhong Group describes itself as Chinas national enterprise technology center and a national postdoctoral research station.

The conduct alleged in todays indictment exemplifies the rob, replicate and replace approach to technological development, said Assistant Attorney General Demers. Xiaorong You is accused of an egregious, premeditated theft and transfer of trade secrets worth more than $100 million for the purpose of setting up a Chinese company that would compete with the American companies from which the trade secrets were stolen. Unfortunately, China continues to use its national programs, like the Thousand Talents, to solicit and reward the theft of our nations trade secrets and intellectual property, but the Justice Department will continue to prioritize investigations like these, to ensure that China understands that this criminal conduct is not an acceptable business or economic development practice, a grand jury announced as reported by DarkReading.

There have also been foreign scientists participating in Chinas Thousand Talents Program.

Turab Lookman, a former computational physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Jan. 24, 2020, to a charge of making a false statement to a government investigator about his involvement in the Thousand Talents Program. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Former West Virginia University professor Dr. James Patrick Lewis, who pleaded guilty in March 2020, specializes in applying molecular reactions to coal conversion technologies. He signed an employment contract through the Thousand Talents Program in July 2017 with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Lewis was required to work in China for three consecutive yearsno less than nine months per yearto provide research training and publish papers for Chinese Academy of Sciences students in return for a total salary and subsidies of approximately $800,000.

In March 2018, Lewis asked West Virginia University to release him from teaching assignments for the fall 2018 semester, citing the need to care for an upcoming baby. Actually, Lewis was going to work in China while West Virginia University continued to pay his salary.

CCP Overseas Recruitment Continues

After the United States launched investigations into participants in the Thousand Talents Program, the Chinese communist regime ordered towards the end of 2018 that mentioning the Thousand Talents Program explicitly must stop. By April 2020, the term suddenly disappeared without a trace from the internet in China.

China expert Xia Yifan told The Epoch Times on March 4 that he believes the CCP will continue recruiting talent outside China, especially from developed countries.

I have two reasons for coming to this conclusion. First, the CCP urgently needs to establish economic hegemony and achieve authoritarian political hegemony by out-competing the west. Second, Western countries anti-plagiarism measures are too weak to combat plagiarism effectively, Xia said.

He further pointed out that although Western countries have recognized the dangers of the CCPs talent recruitment program, they have not established systematic and reliable preventive measureswhether in terms of guiding ideology, establishing a preventive system, or having the means to deal with theft, there is still room for improvement.

In essence, a modest approach to dealing with rogue thugs is a passive and ineffective way to deal with them, he said.
China Accused of Trying to Sink Nuclear Subs Deal

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2019. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

Concerns have been raised about Chinese propaganda spreading through Pacific island nations with little oversight in order to stir up unease around Australias security alliances.

A new report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says Beijing is trying to stir up a negative perception of the trilateral AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The report said while China also tried to drum up support for its own security arrangements in the region, it fell short on both occasions.

The Chinese Communist Party is conducting coordinated information operations in Pacific island countries, the report says.

Those operations are designed to influence political elites, public discourse and political sentiment regarding existing partnerships with Western democracies.

The report says Beijing is exploiting current affairs, like the signing of the AUKUS pact and Pacific Islands Forum meetings.

The Chinese Communist Party wants to create a Pacific region that  reflexively defers to China as a global power when Pacific island countries make economic, diplomatic and security decisions, it says.

The CCP also wants to foster global acceptance of norms that favour its authoritarian system and actions at the expense of current democratic norms and partnerships.

The federal government is set to announce the pathway to acquiring nuclear submarines through the AUKUS alliance in mid-March.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has echoed the language used by his U.S. and UK counterparts that the new submarines would be a genuine collaboration between all three countries.

Western partners are being urged to work more closely with media outlets and security organisations in the Pacific to counter disinformation coming out of Beijing.

Doing so will debunk some of the CCPs narratives regarding Western support and legitimacy in the region, the report says.

It also recommends engaging more closely with the region on countering malign efforts and foreign interference online as well as encouraging Pacific nations to develop a media bargaining code similar to Australias so media outlets can benefit from independent revenue.
China Secures Australian Lithium For Almost 70 Percent Below Market Value

Lithium batteries displayed in the workshop of a lithium battery manufacturing company in Huaibei, eastern China's Anhui Province, on Nov. 14, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

An Australian mining company with links to China has been subject to a state government inquiry for selling lithium around 70 percent below the current market prices despite being under administration.

Alita Resources, which operates the Bald Hill lithium mine in Western Australia via its subsidiary Lithco, is expected to export 150,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate to China in 2023, The Australian reported.

However, the total selling price only amounts to around US$300 million ($453 million), which is far below the current market price of US$1.1 billion.

The Controversial Contract

According to contract documents seen by The Australian, before resuming production in 2022, Alita entered into a five-year sales agreement with a Hong Kong-registered company, which required it to ship lithium concentrate directly to China.

Under the contract, Alita will sell spodumene concentrate, which contains six percent of lithium, to its Chinese customers for $US800-$US1,500 a tonne. The final prices may be lower if the product does not meet certain specifications.

In March 2022, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported that the average price of spodumene concentrate was around US$1,800, with top-end products reaching as high as US$4,725 a tonne.

Since then, spodumene concentrate prices have fluctuated and currently stay above US$5,000 a tonne on average.

In other words, Alita Resources Chinese customers will get a huge windfall if the company goes ahead with the contract and does not renegotiate prices.

This comes as the company is currently indebted and subject to an administration.

Regarding the pricing practice, Lithco defended its decision to sell lithium concentrate at low prices, saying the company negotiated the long-term contract on the basis of securing the financial longevity of the project.

To secure long-term offtake agreements, and in line with market standards, contracts are generally negotiated at a lower rate compared to spot or auction prices that do not make up the majority of the lithium trade, a Lithco spokesperson said.

As the issue came to light, Western Australias Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety asked Alita to explain why it sold lithium below market prices and who the companys actual controller was.

Alita was also reported to be facing an inquiry on whether the company dodged mining royalties and moved its profits to China.

Alita Resources Links to China

Alita Resources entered into voluntary administration in late August 2019 due to business difficulties.

The companys collapse was said to be an inevitable consequence of Alitas major Chinese trading partner stopping receiving lithium shipments despite the existing supply contract.

In early December 2019, Alita entered into a binding $70 million loan agreement with China Hydrogen Energy (CHE), a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands whose sole director is Mike Que.

Mike Que is the son of Chinese billionaire Que Wenbin, who is a major shareholder of herbal medicine supplier Hengkang Medical Group and controls mining firm Sichuan Western Resources Holding.

After acquiring Alitas debts, CHE applied to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to take over the company but later withdrew the application due to the Australian governments scrutiny of the deal.

CHE then sold the debts to Austroid, a U.S.-registered lithium products group, of which Mike Que is also the managing director.

Austroid is now waiting for approval from the FIRB to complete the takeover process of Alita.

There have been concerns in the mining industry about the relationship between Austroid and CHE, as well as their links to China.

Meanwhile, Alitas subsidiary Lithco denied having any dealings with CHE or Que Wenbin despite Mike Que being a director of the company.

Strong Global Demand for Lithium

Alitas underselling of lithium comes as the demand for the rare earth mineral remains strong because of a surge in the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) globally.

According to the latest Resources and Energy Quarterly report by the Office of the Chief Economist, global sales of all types of EVs soared by 40 percent in the nine months to September 2022 compared to the previous year.

The report forecasted that the global demand for lithium would rise by over 40 percent in the next couple of years, from 745,000 tonnes in 2022 to 1,091,000 tonnes by 2024.

A supply gap is forecast to persist over the outlook period, with total supply from both mine and brine operations currently insufficient to meet demand, the report said.

With new lithium projects being developed rapidly, the supply gap is expected to reduce over the outlook, but will take time to close.

Currently, Australia is the worlds largest exporter of lithium, which accounts for 46 percent of global lithium production in 2021.

Around 80 percent of lithium produced globally is used to make rechargeable batteries, while 13 percent is for making ceramics and glass.
Peaceful Parenting: What It Is and How to Implement It
Chinas War Warnings

Sailors and fighter jets on the deck of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy aircraft carrier Liaoning in the sea near Qingdao, in eastern Chinas Shandong Province on April 23, 2019. (Mark Schiefelbein/AFP via Getty Images)

Originally published by Gatestone Institute

Commentary

If the U.S. doesnt hit the brakes and continues to barrel down the wrong track, Chinas Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on March 7, no amount of guardrails can prevent the carriage from derailing and crashing, and there will surely be conflict and confrontation. He also spoke of catastrophic consequences.

The unusually pointed warning followed that of Chinese ruler Xi Jinping of the day before. Western countries, led by the U.S., are implementing all-round containment, encirclement, and suppression against us, he told the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference in Beijing.

These comments suggest a marked deterioration in relations between Washington and Beijing. What is happening?

We have to not rule out the stratagem of empty fortress, City University of New Yorks Ming Xia, one of the United States most astute China watchers, wrote in a tweet on March 8.

Xia was referring to a tactic employed many times in ancient Chinese history. Perhaps the most famous empty fortress tale comes from the Three Kingdoms period, when military strategist Kung Ming had to figure out how to repel an invader, Sima Yi, with few troops. Kung appeared on his fortress wall in a confident pose, which convinced Yi to retreat.

In all probability, Xi and Qin were employing this ancient tactic, attempting to intimidate the Biden administration into not enforcing or adopting measures they do not like.

The Hudson Institutes Miles Yu, another leading China watcher, reminds Americans that the Communist Party is using a time-worn tactic of Using Confrontation to Promote Cooperation.

Its always in the CCPs playbook, Yu points out.

For many reasons, the Chinese fortress is empty at this moment. Among other difficulties, the countrys economy is stumbling, debt defaults are continuing, the currency is weakening, food shortages are worsening, localities are running short of cash, and diseases continue to afflict the population. Moreover, the Chinese people are unhappy. Since late October, they have taken to the streets in demonstrations over varied complaints. Some protestors have even demanded the removal of Xi Jinping and the Communist Party.

How bad is the situation in China? Chinese people are risking their lives to cross the Darien Gap, the region separating Colombia and Panama, to walk to the United States. U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions of Chinese migrants at the southern border were up about 800 percent for the October to January period, compared with the same time a year ago.

Chinese rulers, I think, understand that war at this moment would not be in Chinas interest. Yet just because they may know better does not mean Americans and others should feel assured or relieved.

For one thing, no one outside a small circle in Beijing knows what Chinese leaders in fact intend, so it is exceedingly dangerous for others to base policy on what they think Chinas decision-makers are thinking. Over the course of four decades, there has been far too much mirror imaging. American leaders, for instance, have continually told their Chinese counterparts what they should thinknothing wrong with thatbut then assumed that the Chinese thought the same as they did.

The world needs to look at what the Chinese leadership is in fact doing. Xi appointed what is now known as his war Cabinet in October 2022, at the Communist Partys 20th National Congress; he is implementing the largest military buildup since the Second World War; he has been trying to sanctions-proof his regime; and he is mobilizing the civilian population for war. Communist Party cadres, for example, are taking over privately owned factories and converting them from civilian to military production.

In the latest move, Chinas regime is establishing National Defense Mobilization Offices across the country. The Reservists Law went into effect the first of this month.

Whatever China intends, its intended victims need to match its preparations. There has never been a time when it has been more important to deter the Peoples Republic of China.

Even if all this is the biggest bluff in history, the Chinese military is provoking incidents that could lead to war, especially in the tense climate Xi has created. In December, Chinese troops moved into Indias Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh; Chinese planes and naval vessels maneuvered near Taiwan, especially on Christmas Day; there were provocative Chinese moves against Japan in the East China Sea and the Philippines in the South China Sea; and a Chinese fighter jet dangerously intercepted a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane in international airspace over the South China Sea.

Moreover, beginning on Jan. 28, Chinas large spy balloon intruded into American airspace and proceeded to surveil nuclear weapons sites, including Malmstrom, F.E. Warren, and Minot Air Force bases, which house all of the United States Minutemen III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The balloon also passed close to Whiteman Air Force Base, home to the nuclear-capable B-2 bomber fleet, and Offutt Air Force Base, the headquarters of Strategic Command, which controls U.S. nuclear weapons. This path suggests China is gathering intelligence for a nuclear strike on the United States strategic weaponsand shows Beijings utter disrespect for the United States.

Whatever Chinas intentions, this cannot end well. Xi Jinping, for instance, will not stop talking about war. The world, and the United States in particular, needs to listen. As Charles Burton of the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute told Gatestone, Xi has completed his purge of all dissenters and now hears no moderating voices to rein in his great thirst for military adventurism driven by extreme ideological resentment of the United States.

Will the U.S. lose its own composure and confidence to fall into hysterical style of politics? CUNYs Xia warns. At this moment, hysteria is not the problem. The problem is complacency. Xi Jinping and Qin Gang, whatever they are doing, are establishing a justification to strike the United Statesand they are making preparations to do so.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Town of Hamburg police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 17-year-old girl. Lillian Schiller is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Police said she was last seen wearing a gray and yellow Nike sweatshirt. On the department's Facebook page, a comment from Lillian's mother indicated that the girl was last seen with a 41-year-old man she described as a felon.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to Hamburg police at 716-648-5111.
A Congressional Defense and Foreign Policy Forum held by Defense Forum Foundation at 12:00 p.m. on March 14 invites three brave and inspiring women witnesses who escaped North Korea. Two of them fled recently to share their stories for the first time in the United States.

The three North Korean women are:
Consular Immunity Not Absolute: Judge Sets Precedent in Case Against Chinese Official

Drew Pavlou on the campus of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, on Sept. 1, 2020. (PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP /AFP via Getty Images)

BRISBANEA new court ruling may determine whether diplomatic immunity extends to consular officials involved in threatening or harming locals.

The District Court case on March 13 was held regarding the 2019 incident when Chinese Consular General Xu Jie publicly lauded the assault of student activist, Drew Pavlou, at the University of Queensland (UQ).

Pavlou took part in a July 2019 protest supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy activists fighting against a then-proposed extradition law that would curtail the human rights of residents.

In response, Pavlou was attacked on university grounds by Chinese international students. Xu released a statement praising their actions.

The consulate general attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese students, affirms the spontaneous patriotic behaviour of Chinese students, he said.

Drew Pavlou speaking at a human rights rally on the grounds of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia on Jul 31, 2019 (Faye Yang/The Epoch Times)

Pavlou then started receiving death threats as his name was circulated on Chinese state media and social media.

Pavlous lawyers have since worked to obtain a protection order against Xu under the Peace and Good Behaviour Act.

The application failed in August 2020 after the magistrate ruled Xu had diplomatic immunity because he was deemed to be performing the functions of a consular official.

In March 2022, Xu was removed from his post and now serves as the Chinese ambassador to the Cape Verde Islandsa group of islands west of the African continent.

The two-year timeframe to appeal the decision has since expired, and on March 13, 2023, a District Court judge was tasked with deciding whether it should be extended.

Unnecessary and Futile to Issue Order Against Xu Jie

Judge Bernard Porter denied the application, however, saying a protection order would be unnecessary and futile and only effective if Pavlou continued to encounter difficulties arising from Xus conduct.

It is now well over three years since the publication of the statement. Even on the applicants version of events, there is no suggestion of any act of alleged threat or incitement since the original statement was published.

Front entrance to the University of Queensland on Jan. 12, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Daniel Teng/The Epoch Times)

Porter further stated that Xu had left Australia and was working on the other side of the world.

Given his location, any order made against him is likely to be futile as the court would have no power to deal with the respondent.

However, the judge did provide additional comment on the diplomatic protections enjoyed by consular officials.

New Precedent in Diplomatic Immunity

Consular immunity is not absolute, and care must be taken when a consuls conduct might impinge on  the free exercise of civil and political rights, he wrote.

Pavlous lawyer Mark Tarrant said the decision was the complete opposite of the earlier Magistrate Courts decision, particularly the argument put forward by Pavlous barrister at the time, Tony Morris, who argued that Australian law protected consular officials from prosecution, even if they committed torture.

Free speech is protected, Tarrant told The Epoch Times, saying it aligned with comments from former Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who had warned diplomatic officials against undermining civil rights through disruptive or potentially violent behaviour.

The problem with the [previous] Magistrates Court decision was they were confusing the diplomatic roles, with ambassadors having blanket immunity, while the immunity of consular officials only extending to certain functions such as attending cultural events, issuing visas, and the like, he said.

Tarrant said that decision set the precedent for the Manchester Consulate attack last year that saw a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist dragged inside the gates of the compound and beaten.

Hongkongers holding a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester, UK, were dragged into the consulate and beaten by the staff, on Oct. 16, 2022. (Screenshot via Hong Kong Indigenous Defense Force)

Tarrant further added that there had been little case law to explain the extent of diplomatic immunity.

Theres none in Australia. There are some very old ones in Europe, and theres fairly recent ones in the 1980s in the U.S., but well be the first such case in Australia, he said. So, its a clear statement by the court that its not a function of the consular official to impinge on the free exercise of civil and political rights.
COVID-19 Could Stem From Risky Experiments at Chinese Lab: Fauci

COVID-19 could have been the result of risky experiments at a laboratory in China, Dr. Anthony Fauci acknowledged in an interview over the weekend.

A lab leak could be that someone was out in the wild maybe looking for different types of viruses in bats, got infected, went into a lab, and was being studied in a lab, and then came out of the lab, said Fauci, the former director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The other possibility is someone takes a virus from the environment that doesnt actually spread very well in humans, and manipulates it a bit, and accidentally it escapes or accidentally infects someone and then you get an outbreak.

The first COVID-19 cases were detected in 2019 in Wuhan, China, where a high-level laboratory is located. Scientists at the lab were funded in part by the NIAID.

Fauci, speaking on CNN, claimed that hes kept an open mind as to the origin of COVID-19. However, he was involved in a paper that alleged in early 2020 that said SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, was not a laboratory construct or a purposefully manipulated virus, and cited the paper from the White House when asserting the virus had a natural origin.

While a number of experts told Fauci privately around that time that characteristics of the virus pointed to it being engineered, evidence that later emerged strongly suggested a natural origin, including two 2022 papers in Science magazine, Fauci said on March 11.

But strongly suggesting, Jim, doesnt nail it down definitively, and thats the reason why I say to this day that I will keep a completely open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said.

Neither Fauci nor other natural origin theory proponents have identified an animal host, which is necessary to establish their position.

Chinese authorities, meanwhile, have blocked investigators from the Wuhan lab, which was cut off from U.S. funding after not sharing data with U.S. officials.

Some U.S. intelligence agencies say the current evidence supports the origin being a laboratory-associated incident, while others are in favor of the natural origin theory.

While lab accidents have occurred in the past, no lab leaks have led to pandemics, Fauci said.

There have been accidents in a lab, that happens intermittentlyweve had experience with that in modern timesbut there has never been a situation where a virus escaped from a lab, thats a brand new virusthat no one has ever seen beforethats led to a pandemic, he said. Thats never happened.

CNN did not ask Fauci about a newly published email that said he prompted the drafting of the 2020 paper.

Fauci was speaking after Dr. Robert Redfield, the former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a congressional panel that the evidence points to the Wuhan lab.

Redfield cited how the Wuhan lab deleted sequences, how the lab was under military control, and how a contractor redid the ventilation system there.

There is strong evidence there was a significant event in that laboratory in September 2019, he said.

Reaction to Calls for Prosecution

On CNN, Fauci also reacted to calls to prosecute him over false statements hes made.

Theres no response to that craziness, Fauci said.

I mean, prosecute me for what? What are they talking about? I mean, I wish I could figure out what the heck they were talking about. I think theyre just going off the deep end, he added.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has referred Fauci for prosecution for telling members of Congress that the United States did not fund gain-of-function research in China despite documents being made public that experts say show that U.S.-funded experiments led to a gain of function in a bat coronavirus.

The U.S. Department of Justice has not charged Fauci, who left office around the New Year.

Twitter CEO Elon Musk is among others who have called for the prosecution of Fauci, while Republican lawmakers, now in control of the U.S. House of Representatives, have vowed to investigate him.

Such statements have a difficult effect and a deleterious effect on my family, Fauci said. I mean, they dont like to have me getting death threats all the time. Every time somebody gets up and spouts some nonsense, thats misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies, somebody somewhere decides they want to do harm to me and/or my family. So thats the part about it that is really unfortunate.
A calculator created to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination rates amongst Australians has been updated to include the latest information on vaccines for kids in order to increase child vaccinations.

Launched by the Immunisation Coalition, and made up of a team of GPs, medical scientists, public health physicians, epidemiologists, and statisticians, the COVID-19 risk calculator (CoRiCal) was created to help people see their risk for getting COVID-19 under different transmission scenarios.

University of Queensland virologist and one of the tools lead researchers Kirsty Short said users can access the tool and input their age, sex, community transmission and vaccination status to find out their personalised risk calculation.

For example, you can find out your chance of being infected with COVID-19 versus your chance of dying from the disease, associate Prof. Short said.

You can also find out your chance of developing an atypical blood clot from the AstraZeneca vaccine and see this data in the context of other relatable riskslike getting struck by lightning or winning OzLotto.

Short said the new update would allow parents to gather that same information and apply it to their childrens circumstances.

One of the main challenges for parents and clinicians has been a lack of access to the latest evidence regarding vaccination risks versus benefits, or illness and deaths prevented, in children, she said.

A child wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) enters a community vaccination centre administering the Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Covid-19 vaccine to children and elderly in Hong Kong, China, on Feb. 23, 2022. (Chan Long Hei/Bloomberg)

Associate Prof. of Flinders University John Litt said promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in children has been difficult and the low uptake is concerning.

In particular weve observed a very low vaccine uptake in children aged 5 to 11, with only a 10 per cent increase in the last six months, Dr. Litt said.

Anxiety about potential adverse events, especially for relatively new COVID-19 vaccines, may lead to hesitancy to receive first or subsequent doses.

It is, therefore, crucial decisions are informed by transparent risk-benefit analysis and effective risk communication, ensuring higher vaccine uptake in childrenespecially as we enter the winter months.

We hope the CoRiCal tool for children will provide a stable and reliable stream of information, without the risk of being misinformed or misled.

The calculators risk calculations are based on a modelling framework developed by the University of Queenslands School of Public Health and the Queensland University of Technology and can be accessed here.

Senator Accuses TGA of Downplaying COVID-19 Vaccines

This comes after Coalition Senator Gerard Rennick accused the of downplaying the risks associated with COVID-19 vaccines and not being truthful with the number of adverse events in relation to childrens COVID-19 vaccines.

Rennick made the allegation after a freedom of information request by an Australian doctor found the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), had failed to update the Database of Adverse Events with several deaths being attributed to the vaccine, including two children, aged 7 and 9.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan (R), Liberal Senator Alex Antic (C) and Liberal Senator Gerard Rennick (L) at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 21, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Senator Gerard Rennick said the regulator is making light of the risks surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines.

They are definitely downplaying the risks. They do not have enough information to rule it out given the known link between the vaccines and myocarditis and myocarditis and cardiac arrests, Rennick told The Epoch Times.

He said he would push for independent oversight of the TGA.

A third independent medical party should examine the evidence as the TGA has a conflict of interest because they approved the vaccines and would therefore be held responsible for the deaths of these children due to poor regulatory oversight, Rennick said.

But the deputy secretary of Health Products Regulation Group, Prof. John Skerritt, defended the TGAs decision to recommend the vaccines in a Senate Estimates hearing in February.

He said that while the TGA acknowledged and apologised for the pain and distress of those seriously injured from the vaccines, those reactions were a rarity.

I have actually apologised on national television, together with former Minister Hunt, when the first deaththe first sad death was a lady from the Central Coast. We apologised in writing for what were weekly and are now fortnightly vaccine safety reports.

So we put out detailed public reportsas well as doing mediaon vaccine safety, and, in those, we acknowledged the pain and distress of those who had been seriously injured, but we also emphasised the extreme rarity of these conditions, he said.

Victoria Kelly-Clark contributed to this report.
After a routine mammogram and ultrasound missed a mass growing in her right breast, a family physician noticed the lump herself during self-examination and caught the fast-growing cancer early. After a successful double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery, she is now sharing the simple self-check routine with other women in hopes of empowering them to know their bodies better.

Dr. Robin Hall, 63, is a board-certified family physician from Fort Worth, Texas, with over 32 years of experience.

Dr. Robin Hall (Courtesy of Karen Halbert photography via Robin Hall)

I Feel Blessed

Hall was always monitored closely, being at higher risk for breast cancer than others because of her dense breast tissue and having atypical hyperplasia in her breast at the age of 38.

In January 2021, Hall had a normal mammogram and ultrasound but seven months later, in July, she noticed an abnormality in her right breast.

I got out of the shower one morning and was drying off, she told The Epoch Times. The mirror is there, across the room, and I went, Oh my goodness, it looks like my right breast is larger. By August it was very noticeable and thats when I felt the mass. I went back and had another mammogram. It still didnt show it, but the ultrasound did.

Hall explained that dense breast tissue shows up white instead of dark gray on a mammogram, but a tumor also shows up white and so is hard to detect.

The mass looked to be just under half an inch in diameter.

The radiologist that has been following me for years didnt think the mass looked worrisome, Hall said. [But] she said, Because youve had this change in such a short period of time, I think we should biopsy it, so I feel very blessed about that  she called me the next day and said, Im sorry to tell you, but it is cancer.'

Although over the last 30 years, Hall has gotten used to giving bad news to others, she said, Nothing prepares you to get the bad news yourself.

Cancer is the C word and that was very scary because obviously, I didnt know how far along it was, Hall said.

Her daughters reaction to her diagnosis was, Is Mom going to die?

As a mother, Hall admits that it was really hard for her to hear that from her child.

There were days that I would break down and cry, Hall said, then there were other days where I thought, Okay, I can get through this. Ive got a lot of support, my faith is strong, Gods going to get me through this.'

As a doctor, she also immediately went into problem-solving mode and was concerned about what the diagnosis would mean for her concierge practiceDestination Healthin Southlake, Texas.

Dr. Hall and her husband at MeSquared Cancer Foundation Black and White Gala in Southlake, Texas. (Courtesy of Mike Lewis Photography via Robin Hall)

A Miracle

Three different doctors recommended that Hall have a double mastectomy. Despite fearing a loss of femininity, Hall was determined to survive. She had the surgery on Sept. 17, 2021, deferring her concierge practice to her nurse practitioner and a fellow doctor during her three-month recovery.

After her mastectomy, Halls doctors found that the cancer had not invaded her lymph nodes and she would not need chemotherapy.

[This] was a miracle in and of itself, Hall said, because when they actually examined all the breast tissue, the cancer was over four centimeters in size.  There was only one millimeter of a margin between the cancer and my skin, so I was very, very fortunate.

Halls close friend, who had been through a mastectomy herself, supported her through the physical and emotional pain of recovery. Eight weeks later, Hall had reconstruction surgery and is now on oral medicine.

Im happy that she told me she said dont even expect to feel better for a year, Hall said. I was kind of surprised by that, I thought that if I had to have chemotherapy, that would have been the situation, but just that surgery and reconstruction, anesthesia and, you know, being abruptly taken off my hormones, it took me a full year to start feeling like myself again.

Eighteen months on, Hall is more fatigued than before she had cancer but has shifted focus to self-care. She writes in a gratitude journal every morning, maintains a website, and is penning a bookThe Other Side of Illness: Unexpected Blessingson the positives for all those who have survived major health adversities.

Dr. James Hall with the couples daughter, Kristin. (Courtesy of Robin Hall)

Many times, theres something positive that happens after youve gone through something like this that would not have happened had you not, Hall said. In my case, I think the cancer was a catalyst for me to go ahead and retire early.  You just dont know what tomorrow is going to look like.

In April 2022, Hall sold her practice to a colleague in order to travel and enjoy retirement with her husband, who successfully battled with stage four Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

[W]hile my husband and I are doing fine, we wanted to stop and smell the roses, Hall said.

Additionally, Hall has been focused on helping other women, knowing that many fail to perform regular self-examinations.

She advocates for a self-check while looking in the mirror once a month, paying close attention to changes in breast sizeusually outward-facing nipples turning in, inverting, dimpled skin, or masses that may feel like a frozen pea.

Using the opposite hand to each breast, Hall recommends feeling from the armpit all the way around the breast tissue in a circular motion, then pressing on the skin all the way down to the chest wall to check for both shallow and deeper masses.

Hall said: A woman should look at themselves in the mirror from the front, and also turn to the side so that theyre looking at each side. I [also] recommend that they put both hands on their hips and push in, and what that does is contract those chest muscles. And its easier to see if there is a change if something is, you know, in the skin is retracting.

Additionally, Hall said that lifting both arms over the head helps the breasts move up on the chest wall. However, if one remains stuck and the other one moves up, it indicates an abnormality.

Hall recalls that when she had patients in the office, she would check them while sitting and have them lie down to check again.

The family at Dr. Halls retirement party. (Courtesy of Robin Hall)

Mission

Hall has noticed that the biggest misconception shes seen from women over the years is that they believe theyre not at risk for breast cancer because they have no family history of the disease.

In fact, 85 percent of breast cancer is sporadic, meaning that its not a genetic thing, she said. Only 15 percent is due to  the BRCA gene.

Dr. Hall and her husband on Lake Como (Courtesy of Robin Hall)

The two big risk factors for breast cancer, she said, are being a woman and aging. Others include never having given birth, alcohol consumption, a waist circumference over 35 inches, starting the menstrual cycle before age 13, and menopause over the age of 51.

Today, Hall believes it was part of her mission in life to share her story.

My mission has been to help keep people healthy and to try to encourage them, and perhaps me going through this was my mission to inspire them because mindset is everything, 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
The harshness of history put in proper perspective

Douglas Murray, the famed political commentator and author of the bestselling book The War on the West, has recently completed a 10 episode podcast and YouTube series entitled Uncancelled History. Murray, never intimidated by difficult or controversial topics, introduced the podcast season with the lightning rod subject of Robert E. Lee, the famous general of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.

If theres any figure in this series who its important to try to understand in the roundwith all the complexity, the wrongness, the difficultyif theres anyone who really epitomizes that difficult task of actually unweaving history, its the story of Robert E. Lee, Murray stated during his conversation with Jonathan Horn, historian and author of the Lee biography The Man Who Would Not Be Washington.

Murray interviewed Jonathan Horn, historian and author of the Lee biography The Man Who Would Not Be Washington. (Scribner)

The choice seemed an attempt to make the purpose of the podcast unmistakably clear: No topic was off limits. In case that purpose wasnt clear enough from the first episode, he followed the episode up with a conversation on colonialismor, better contextualized, a defense of colonialism.

A Gathering of Esteemed Thinkers

Murray assembled some of the leading historians and thinkers of today on the series, like Jean Yarbrough, Andrew Roberts, Bruce Gilley, Allen Guelzo, and Thomas Chatterton Williams. As Murray made mention at the conclusion of his series, he kept his opinions to himself on the various subjects, whether it was about the Classics, the Enlightenment, Thomas Jefferson, or Christopher Columbus. He said he wanted to give the platform to the world-class historians, thinkers, and intellectuals.

The purpose of the series is less about opinion (hence the hosts refrain) and more about historical facts and proper perspectives. Interestingly, if not tragically, proper perspectives have become viewed as highly improper, which has led to what has been termed as cancel culture.

Douglas Murray defends Western culture, institutions, and politics in The War on the West. (Broadside Books)

For years, Murray has been warning about and combating the influence and repercussions of cancel culture. Numerous times during the series, regardless of subject, Murray suggests that we should look at them in the round. In other words, we should take a full view of the person or topic instead of a singular view that eliminates complexity. In a way, each episode is a presentation of a different subject but based on the singular method of how we should view history: warts and all (to use an oft-used phrase).

The political commentator noted that he has watched with interest how great historical figures have been so traduced by people of today. How complex heroes have been converted into simplistic villains. He noted the onslaught against Thomas Jefferson for things that have not been proven at all, and are at least contestable. He added that today people are playing the role of judge, jury, and executioner over past peoples reputations and lives.

What is it about this fallacy that we seem to believe that if we were living in history, 2,000 years ago or even 250 years ago, that we would inevitably have the views that we hold in the 2020s? Why do we assume thats the case? he asked, and then answered. If theres a reason, its probably a very simple one, which is that we know how history went.

History as an Attic

During his conversation with historian Wilfred McClay on the subject of Theodore Roosevelt, McClay used an analogy of history as an attic.

You put things up there. You forget about them. They gather dust. Then all of the sudden, you realize, My God, this has something to say to me. It says something Im not getting out of the contemporary discourse, McClay said. You never know what is going to be useful in the future. To learn about the American past is to learn about something that is a part of you, ineluctably.

Uncancelled History, which may or may not return for another season (no word of confirmation has been issued), is a straightforward podcast that does not linger with unnecessary conversation. Murray wastes no time introducing the guests, the topic, and then engaging with questions about the subject, rather than, as aforementioned, pontificating his own opinions.

Author Douglas Murray has produced a 10-episode podcast titled, Uncancelled History. (AndyCNGO/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Murray, along with production company Nebulous Podcasts, has taken the most pertinent subjects and topics of today, those that are consistently under threat of cancellation and demonization, even for things that have not been proven at all, and has given listeners, history enthusiasts, and spectators of the social and geopolitical sphere much to consume and reflect on.

The 10 hour-long episodes are worth a listen regardless of how one feels about the specific subjects. Indeed, each one presents a necessary perspective on the world of history, even a perspective that is highly counter to the modern era, none more so than the episode on colonialism (which this reviewer viewed as the high mark of the series).

Murray, as expected, proves fully capable of not just presenting, but also engaging each guest. One hopes there will be another season, as there are still plenty of figures out there who continue to be brought under the culture knife. If not, though, Murray and his guests have done a service for listeners on how to view history and her figures in the proper context.
Quebec Cut Funding to Groups Doubling as Alleged Chinese Police Stations

The Sino-Quebec Center in Brossard, Quebec, is seen on March 9, 2023. RCMP said it's investigating this location, along with the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal, which are allegedly clandestine overseas Chinese police service stations. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times)

Montreal area organizations under police investigation as presumed Chinese police stations have had their government funding cut after an audit, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration has indicated.

The ministry undertook verification work in 2020-21 with the Centre Sino-Quebec de la Rive-Sud (CSQRS) in Brossard and the Service a la famille chinoise du Grand Montreal (SFCGM). Both organizations provide services to Chinese immigrants.

The RCMP announced last week it was investigating the entities in a foreign interference probe.

Given the issues raised following the audit, the Ministry has decided to end its partnership with the organizations, spokesperson Arianne Methot told The Epoch Times in a French statement.

She said the audit sought to ensure the organizations were respecting their obligations with regard to programs to integrate newly arrived immigrants (PRInt and PASI).

Other areas examined were aspects related to governance, sound management, and accountability.

Methot said she wouldnt comment on the allegations that the entities host Chinese police stations but stated that the ministry is open to collaborating with the authorities and would share all relevant information.

Both organizations are managed by Brossard city councillor Xixi Li.

Based on official online records, the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration gave $1,948,221 to Sino-Quebec from 2012 to 2020 under its PRInt and PASI integration programs.

The ministry also gave the SFCGM $4,989,694 in the same period and under the same programs.

Data provided by the department shows the government is still funding the organizations language training classes for immigrants. Since 2018, Sino-Quebec received $243,831 and the SFCGM $522,451 for that program.

The websites of both entities under RCMP investigation mention a number of partners at the government level, including the Quebec Ministry of Health.

A spokesperson for the ministry provided to The Epoch Times the amounts given to the organizations over the past four years.

Sino-Quebec received $622,237 and the SFCGM $599,748.

At the federal level, Employment and Social Development Canada is also listed as a partner to both organizations.

A spokesperson said the department is working on a request to provide details on the specific funding amounts.

The RCMP indicated on March 13 that it has so far received 15 serious tips regarding the two presumed Chinese police stations.

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 force last week.

The RCMP says it has disrupted the operations of other Chinese police stations in Ontario and B.C. by posting uniformed officers at the locations.

Meanwhile, at the city level where Xixi Li is a councillor, Brossard Mayor Doreen Assaad has requested that Li step aside during the probe given the information to which elected officials have access.

She also noted having made a complaint against Li to the provincial Chief Electoral Officer regarding the 2021 municipal contest.

Neither Assaad nor Li have responded to requests for comment.

Quebec Conservative Party Leader Eric Duhaime wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer on March 10 to request an investigation into Li.

He also wrote on March 13 to the provinces municipal board asking for a decision on whether Li should step aside during the investigation.

Duhaimes letter is based on allegations against Li first reported by the Journal de Montreal that she used her organizations to tell electors whom to vote for while using the logo of Elections Quebec. The Epoch Times has seen copies of postings on the Chinese social media platform WeChat that the allegations are based on.

The Epoch Times reached out to provincial electoral body for comment but didnt hear back by publication time.
Federal Gun-Restriction Bill Wasteful of Taxpayer Dollars, Wont Reduce Crime: Alberta Chief Firearms Officer

Parliament Hill is seen below a Canada flag in Gatineau, Quebec, on Sept. 18, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

The federal governments pending gun-restriction legislation will be expensive to carry out if passed into law and wont address issues across the country that contribute to firearms-related crime, says Alberta Chief Firearms Officer Teri Bryant.

Bryant made the comments on March 10 while testifying before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, as first reported by Blacklocks Reporter.

The committee is currently studying Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), which was introduced May 30, 2022, and sponsored by Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.

If passed into law, Bill C-21 will permanently ban the buying, selling, and importation of a number of firearms in Canada, including handguns.

The Liberal government previously introduced sweeping amendments to the pending legislation that would have also banned most shotguns and riflesmany of which are commonly used for huntingbut they were withdrawn in early February following stiff opposition.

However, Bryant told MPs on the committee that Bill C-21 continues to undermine confidence in our firearms control system while contributing nothing to reducing the violent misuse of firearms.

The bill is based on a fundamentally flawed premise, she said.

Prohibiting specific types of firearms is not an effective way of improving public safety. It will waste billions of taxpayer dollars that could have been used on more effective approaches.

Bryant said the money expected to be used in implementing Bill C-21 would be better spent on enforcement of firearms prohibition orders, reinforcing the border, or combatting the drug trade and gang activity.

The legislation will also impact a number of Canadian firearms businesses and shooting ranges across the country, she said, the latter of which she noted are popular training spots for law enforcement officers.

The goal of this bill is demonstratively not about public safety, but an attempt to destroy long-established communities of law-abiding firearms owners across the country by targeting their property, Bryant testified.

Bill C-21

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already banned some 1,500 models and variants of firearms deemed by the federal government to be assault-style in May 2020 through an Order in Council.

Cabinet also officially outlawed the buying, selling, and transferring of new handguns in Canada effective Nov. 9, 2022, through an order made under the Firearms Act.

Bill C-21 would enshrine in law both the May 2020 gun ban and last years handgun freeze.

The legislation also aims to introduce a mandatory firearms buyback program, which has received steady pushback from a number of the provinces.

The Alberta government tabled a provincial firearms bill on March 7 that is intended to expand Bryants role as Chief Firearms Officer and also give the province more tools to protect areas of provincial jurisdiction over firearms.

Alberta is joined by Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Yukon in taking action to oppose Ottawas proposed gun buyback program.

The provinces have told their respective RCMP divisions that no provincial funding should be used to confiscate firearms as part of carrying out the buyback program.

Mendicino has defended Ottawas proposed gun buyback program, saying in a July 2022 tweet, Weapons of war like the AR-15 have no place in Canada.

The government banned assault-style firearms like the AR-15 two years ago and will soon begin a buyback program to get these weapons of war off of our streets, according to a Public Safety Canada news release issued Jan. 16.

Marnie Cathcart and Isaac Teo contributed to this report.
Fight for Freedom in the Face of Evil

Falun Gong practitioners gather to support the withdrawal of 390 million people from the Chinese Communist Party and its associate groups, in Brooklyn, New York, on Feb. 27, 2022. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times)

Commentary

The ugliness and brutality of the communist dictatorship under which the Chinese people suffer was on full display in the courts of the Australian Capital Territory when a 30-year-old Chinese national Kang Zhao was fined $3,000 (US$2,000) for assaulting a peaceful protestor.

On March 10, the public of Australia were shocked to hear the facts of the assault by a male Zhao on a female Nancy Dong who was exercising her right to free speech in Australia by pointing out the obviousthe Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is not reflective of China and the people.

If it were truly reflective, there would be no need for the dictatorship and its ruthless repression of dissidents as it would be endorsed in free and open elections. Dissidents would pose no threat as the overwhelming good of the regime would be obvious to all others.

One suspects the attack, which left the victim physically bruised and emotionally traumatised, was not a spontaneous one. The perpetrator used a spray can to deface the placard of the peaceful protestor.

Most people dont just happen to have a can of spray paint in their back pocket as a lady might carry a comb or lipstick in her purse.

The premeditation and therefore time to reflect prior to the attack makes the attack worthy of the $3,000 fine.

Kang Zhao, 30, was arrested, charged, and sentenced for assaulting a Falun Gong practitioner, Nancy Dong, after he was caught spray-painting a sign belonging to Dong which read: CCP = China and End the Evil CCP. (Courtesy of ACT Police)

Separating the Regime From the People

The attack also begs the question of how brainwashed some of Chinas citizens have been.

National pride is a good thing. Thankfulness for ones country and its achievements are worthy virtues.

But their worthiness is for naught if it justifies and encourages the brutality as inflicted on the female victim.

His attempt to excuse his actions, as a reaction to the sign being an affront to his homeland and him acting out of a sense of national pride, is truly sad and exposes the brainwashing inflicted on many Chinese by the Communist regime.

It appears Zhao cannot differentiate between his homeland and its people, and the current government.

The dictatorship, the CCP, and the Chinese nation are all inextricably interwoven in this warped thinkingthey are one and the same; an attack on the party is an attack on the nation.

A Queensland student was similarly set upon by some Chinese students because of his pro-democracy and pro-freedom stance on campus.

Similar thought patterns emerged at a relatively recent Senate hearing where people presenting as China experts could not bring themselves to condemn the communist dictatorship in Beijing despite its horrific record of human rights abuses, from having one million Uyghurs in concentration camps, forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners and house Christians, not to mention the plight of the Hongkongers fighting for the freedoms which they were promised.

Car mounted banner that reads Stop the persecution of Uyghurs, Christians, Falun Gong, and other faith groups in China, in Victoria, Australia, on April 10, 2021. (The Epoch Times)

The response was textbook as outlined by Australian author Clive Hamilton in his seminal work The Silent Invasion. The questioner was condemned as racist, amongst other name-calling, allowing the misguided Australian media to be distracted from the issues at hand.

That this response was documented and predicted was studiously avoided despite one of the experts having a social media handle with red as part of the descriptor.

Standing up for Freedom

While the brave Nancy Dong will live with this nightmare for the rest of her life, it is to be hoped that some good will come from this disgraceful episode. Surely there must be an awakening within the Australian media and public that the Chinese regime is brutal, with a systematic indoctrination of its citizens.

Ask any Chinese student about Tiananmen Square and they will either not know what you are talking about, or if they do, it is dismissed as Western propaganda.

As Zhao returns to China he will be welcomed by the regime. Nancy Dong on the other hand deserves to be hailed as a heroine for her stand against an evil regime that is responsible for the deaths of millions of its citizens and the repression of millions of others.

Freedom is a precious value that needs to be continually protected and for which people of goodwill must consistently fight lest it is lost to the hands of brutal dictatorships such as the Chinese population under which so many suffer. Nancy Dong stands in the vanguard of true freedom fighters.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
French Senate Votes for Macrons Pension Plan, Despite New Protests

Demonstrators attend a march against the government's pension reform plan in Paris on March 11, 2023. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

PARISThe French Senate on Saturday night adopted President Emmanuel Macrons unpopular pension reform plan in the wake of a seventh day of demonstrations that were not as large as authorities had expected.

One hundred and ninety-five members of the upper house of the French Parliament voted for the text, whose key measure is raising the retirement age by two years to 64, while 112 voted against.

The protestsand rolling strikes that have affected refineries, public transport, and garbage collections aimed to pressure the government to withdraw the pension plan, which it said is essential to ensure the pension system does not run out of money.

After hundreds of hours of discussions, the Senate adopted the pension reform plan. It is a key step to make a reform happen that will guarantee the future of our pension system, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne wrote on Twitter.

She added she was totally committed to ensure the text will be definitively adopted in the coming days.

Now that the Senate has adopted the bill, it will be reviewed by a joint committee of lower and upper house lawmakers, probably on Wednesday.

If the committee agrees on a text, a final vote in both chambers is likely to take place on Thursday, but the outcome of that still seems uncertain in the lower chamber, the National Assembly, where Macrons party needs allies votes for a majority.

If the government fears it wont have enough votes in the lower house, it is still possible for it to push the text through without a parliamentary vote, via a so-called 49:3 procedure.

An additional day of nationwide strikes and protests was planned for Wednesday.

Fewer Than Expected at Saturdays Marches

According to figures from the interior ministry, 368,000 demonstrators marched through various cities on Saturday. Authorities had expected up to 1 million people to take part.

As with the previous protests, Saturdays events were free of any major scuffles with the police.

On Tuesday, 1.28 million people took to the streets, the highest turnout since the start of the protest movement, according to government figures.

In a joint statement, the French unions, maintaining a rare show of unity since the protest movement was launched at the end of January, called on the government to organize a citizens consultation as soon as possible.

The unions plan to keep up pressure and to keep on proving that the vast majority of the population remains determined to say no to the proposed bill, they said.

Opinion polls show a majority of voters oppose Macrons plan, while a slim majority supports the strike actions.

Lower Power Supply Due to Strikes

A lot of things can still happen next week, Marylise Leon, deputy secretary general of the CFDT union, the countrys largest, told Franceinfo radio. Will the text be voted in the National Assembly? We have to rally. Its now or never.

A spokesperson for TotalEnergies said that strikes continue in the oil majors French refineries and depots, while public railway operator SNCF said national and regional services would remain heavily disrupted over the weekend.

In Paris, garbage continues to pile up on the streets, with residents seeing a growing presence of rats, according to local media.

National power production in France was reduced by 7.1 gigawatts (GW), or 14 percent, at nuclear, thermal and hydropower plants on Saturday due to the strikes, a CGT union spokesperson told Reuters.

Maintenance was also blocked at six French nuclear reactors, including Penly 1, the spokesperson said.

By Benoit Van Overstraeten and Forrest Crellin
Edward F. Cox on Monday regained a familiar position: chairman of the New York State Republican Committee.

The Long Island Republican and son-in-law to former President Richard M. Nixon, who served as New York's GOP chairman for a decade until 2019, secured the support of enough Republican leaders to return as chairman when the committee met Monday in Albany.

"The Republican Party in New York is ready for a resurgence," Cox said in an interview with The Buffalo News shortly before the unanimous vote. "Were going to be for the basics. Were for safe streets. Were for good jobs. Were for good schools. You would think everyone would be for that, but not the Democrats who are running the show in Albany."

Four years ago, Cox lost the support of Republicans, who instead opted for then-Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Nicholas A. Langworthy for state chair.

Langworthy, who was elected to Congress in November, said he would step down from his state post if voters sent him to Washington.

As some GOP leaders fume, Nick Langworthy attempts balancing act between party leader, candidate roles Some say Langworthy's hold on both jobs presents an inherent conflict that short shrifts them both  especially his statewide responsibilities as chairman.

Last week, Madison County GOP Chairman Todd Rouse announced that at least 11 county Republican chairs had agreed to endorse Cox as the next party leader. Those counties included Broome, Onondaga, Oneida, Jefferson, Chemung, Madison, Tioga, Chenango, Tompkins, Cortland and Lewis counties.

"Their total weighted vote counts for over 9% of the total weighted vote, pushing Mr. Cox over the 50% threshold and effectively handing him the state chairmanship," Rouse's organization said in a news release.

Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael A. Kracker had previously supported Assemblyman Chris Tague, who is chairman of the Schoharie Republican Party, but he congratulated Cox on his election, which was unanimous.

"I look forward to seeing what hes going to do to move our party forward in a year when weve got to protect a critical House Republican majority in the New York delegation, and then grow our party at the grassroots level, not just downstate, but across upstate New York, as well," Kracker said by phone from Albany.

Cox said he was happy to have Kracker as the Erie County chairman.

An optimistic Langworthy looks to rebuild state GOP against long odds Of all the goals listed by the new chairman, electing a Republican governor seems to rank as

"He and I have had good conversations throughout this process," Cox said of Kracker. "Were all working together. Its great to see a person like Mike in charge of Erie County to really pick up that party. All across the state, new, good leaders are rising to the top."

Since Langworthy took over as state chairman, Cox was instrumental  along with former Rep. John J. Faso  in successfully challenging in court the State Legislature's redistricting plan. In November, Republicans flipped four congressional seats in New York stemming from more balanced districts and other political dynamics.

Cox also worked on establishing a political action committee that raised money for Rep. Lee Zeldin in his campaign to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul. While Hochul became the state's first elected woman governor, Zeldin ran a closer-than-expected race, coming within 5 percentage points of victory.

"If there had been more resources, I think that Lee would have won," Cox said Monday. "But we evened it up somewhat in the home stretch, and we had the right message: that is, to save New York."

Cox wasted no time in attacking Democrats, who control both houses of the State Legislature, for policies he said have led to a stagnant economy and continued population loss to other states.

How Nick Langworthy outmaneuvered Ed Cox to lead state GOP At the 2010 Republican State Convention in New York City, few of the grizzled old pols running things were paying attention to the 29-year-old, rookie chairman from Erie County. Not until, that is, Nicholas A. Langworthy found an obscure rule to pull off what party leaders were trying to prevent  a speech by Carl P. Paladino, the insurgent

"The Democratic Party is going farther left," Cox said. "Higher taxes to billionaires. Well, the billionaires are leaving. They pay a lot of the taxes here in New York."

Cox said for years, he tried to sound the alarm about former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Buffalo Billion economic development projects, which garnered headlines and created some jobs, but also led to scandals and jail time for some of his aides and state employees.

He also criticized Democrats for rejecting state Appellate Court Justice Hector LaSalle, Hochul's nominee to lead the state's highest court.

"Thats saying to Gov. Hochul: Were going to select a nominee, not you. That is destroying the separation of powers between the judiciary and the Legislature, which is one of the foundations of our democracy," Cox said.

A key goal for the state Republican organization, Cox said, will be to break Democratic supermajorities in the Assembly and State Senate in 2024.
GOP Lawmakers Launch Probe Into DHS on Controversial Intelligence Collection Program

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas arrives for the US Coast Guard (USCG) change of command ceremony at USCG Headquarters in Washington on June 1, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

House Republicans have launched an inquiry into the Department of Homeland Securitys undercover domestic intelligence collecting operation.

House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), along with subpanel chairs Reps. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about their concerns.

The lawmakers said in their March 13 letter that they are conducting oversight of the DHSs Overt Human Intelligence Collection Program (OHIC) operated by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA).

According to the lawmakers, the program raises serious concerns about the Departments overreach of its statutory mandate and potential violations of Americans fundamental civil liberties.

There appears a pattern of mission creep and overreach by the Department emerging at the expense of Americans more than foreign actors who threaten the homeland, the three GOP lawmakers wrote in a letter to Mayorkas.

The OHIC program is used to gather information on threats to the United States, such as transnational drug trafficking and organized crime.

These reports are even more concerning when viewed in the context of the Departments now-scuttled, Disinformation Governance Board, the lawmakers said, referencing the now-defunct program put together near the start of the Joe Biden administration.

The Board was terminated, and its charter rescinded, but only after significant public scrutiny about the serious threat to curtail Americans constitutionally protected free speech. Similarly, the Departments Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) modified its webpage last week to remove its previous public declaration that it classified domestic opinions deemed misinformation as an attack on democratic institutions, now only referencing foreign actors.

The letter continued: Meanwhile, whether upon public backlash, significant employee discountenance, or through subtle communications changes, the Department continues to alter its public facing tones.

The lawmakers asked for a number of documents, including An unredacted copy of the document from 2016, as reported in the March 6, 2023 article published by Politico explaining how the Departments Overt Human Intelligence Collection Program operated.

They also asked for all documents and communications regarding the establishment of the OHIC and the Departments records regarding the legality of the same program.

The DHS did not immediately respond to The Epoch Timess request for comment on the letter and demands from committee Republicans.
Harris to Travel to Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia to Strengthen US Partnerships in Africa

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff make their way to board a flight before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sept. 11, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia later this month as a follow up to the U.S.Africa Leaders Summit held in December, the White House announced.

The trip will strengthen the United States partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity, according to a White House statement.

During the course of the trip, the vice president will work in collaboration with African governments and the private sector to advance efforts to expand access to the digital economy, support climate adaptation and resilience, and strengthen business ties and investment, including through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the economic empowerment of women, it states.

These goals will be pursued in an effort to expand economic opportunity across Africa.

The vice president will meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Samia Hassan of Tanzania, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia to discuss regional and global priorities.

Some of the topics to be discussed include the nations shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russias war with Ukraine.

The vice president will work to enhance people-to-people relations and interact with civil society, especially young business leaders, members of the African diaspora, and corporate representatives and entrepreneurs, according to the statement.

The three-day summit, held in Washington from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15, was the first gathering of its kind held in the United States since 2014, during the Obama administration.

President Joe Biden, speaking on day two of the summit, detailed a series of initiatives that would be taken to improve the United States relations with the continent that will likely cost billions of dollars.

The United States is all in on Africas future, Biden said during his speech. And the work weve done over the past two yearsbuilding on decades of vital investments made under previous American presidentshas helped make possible the critical steps that Im about to announce.

Delegates from 49 countries and the African Union attended the summit, as well as 45 national leaders from various African nations.
A new preprint by Wilson N. Sy, PhD, Director of the Biotechnology Unit at Investment Analytics Research located in Australia, finds that excess deaths in Australia in 2021-2022 were likely due to mRNA injections, not COVID-19 mortality.

Summary of Key Facts

Australian study entitled Australian COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bradford Hill Analysis of Iatrogenic Excess Mortality proposes that Australian excess deaths are caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.

The author also suggests that influenza and pneumonia deaths were misclassified as COVID-19.

A strong correlation (74 percent) was found between primary series doses and deaths five months later.

This five-month lag was also found between booster doses and deaths.

Other explanations for this correlation are also plausible.

At first, Sy didnt intend to investigate the link between excess death and vaccination. He set out to assess whether the COVID-19 cases and deaths in Australia should be considered a pandemic. When investigating the excess deaths, the probable cause was also analyzed using the Bradford Hill criteria. His conclusion is provocative.

The Australian pandemic, Sy contends in his analysis, is caused by vaccination, not disease.

How to Define Causation

In what circumstances can [one] pass from [an] observed association to a verdict of causation?

Sir Austin Bradford Hill asked this insightful question when he gave the first Presidents Address in 1965 to the Section on Occupational Medicine, which had just been formed.

His nine criteria to establish whether an observed epidemiological association is causal are now foundational principles in epidemiology. Causal inference is the potential association between exposure and diseaseis it just coincidence, or is it likely that the exposure caused the disease?

The nine criteria are:

Strength of association Temporality Biological gradient (or dose-response relationship) Consistency Specificity Plausibility Coherence Experiment (or reversal of disease with removal of exposure) Analogy (be accepting of weaker evidence for another or similar association if strong evidence exists for another related agent)

The Bradford Hill Criteria Applied to Australian Deaths

The Bradford Hill criteria, as applied by Sy, drew heavily on the first six criteria: strength, temporality, biological gradient, consistency, specificity, and plausibility.

Strength

Finding a strong correlation may suggest a causal relationship between exposure and outcome. In this case, strength of association hinges on assessing the correlation between vaccine doses being administered and a surge in excess deaths.

Why might vaccination increase the risk of death? Sy suggests that there is a pathogenic priming whereby initial inflammation due to vaccination may cause death, and a lagged effect of immune suppression by boosters causing death later. This immune suppression could be caused by boosters via antibody dependent enhancement which makes the body less able to fight infection with antibodies, enabling viral entry into cells instead of blocking them.

Temporality

The temporality argument is satisfied by a strong correlation (74 percent) between the initial vaccine doses and deaths.

This graphic also shows that the time period from the first dose to death lagged by five months, and the time lag between booster doses and deaths, also lagged by five months. (See Figure 8 below.)

Australian total doses versus excess deaths, Jan. 31, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2023. (Sy/Research Gate)

Biological Gradient

Another Bradford Hill criterion, biological gradient, is noted in the statistically significant correlation between the number of doses and the number of deaths. In other words, more doses equals more deaths. (See Figure 9 below.)

Australian monthly excess deaths from doses administered five months ago, July 2012 to February 2022. (Sy/Research Gate)

Consistency

Consistency over time is complicated by varying data collection practices in other countries. A similar analysis was conducted using data from Our World in Data, using data by country, with average doses (percent of population vaccinated) compared to monthly excess deaths. A weaker correlation (31 percent) was found.

Specificity

Specificity of the suspected causality is also important. Is there another competing explanation for the excess deaths? The vaccinated, Sy concludes, had approximately double the likelihood of death compared to the unvaccinated by mid-2022.

Plausibility

Plausibility is substantiated by numerous studies showing the spike protein (coded by vaccines) can damage the heart, blood vessels, and the immune system.

Several Limitations

This paper raises interesting questions and provides a framework for considering the pressing question of excess mortality during the pandemic. This is a question being urgently considered in the United States as well.

However, while the paper applies a useful construct for evaluating excess mortality in Australia, it did not present a limitations section as is customary in an academic manuscript.

Several claims must be parsed before blame for excess deaths can be squarely placed on a vaccination campaign. The following findings were informed by consultation with an infectious disease expert having experience in disease classification at a large hospital during the pandemic.

1. Misclassification of Influenza and Pneumonia as COVID-19 Is Unlikely

The first limitation of this argument is the suggestion that influenza and pneumonia deaths were misclassified as COVID-19 deaths.

The social restrictions and contractions of society all but eliminated influenza during the winter of 20212022.

Although Sy disagrees, it is very unlikely that a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was picking up influenza or other endemic coronaviruses, as people sick with these common cold viruses are diagnosed frequently, according to infectious disease experts, even when they are negative for SARS-CoV-2.

It is very unlikely that a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was picking up other endemic coronaviruses, as people sick with these common cold viruses are diagnosed frequently, according to infectious disease experts, even when they are negative for SARS-CoV-2.

2. The Five-Month Lag May Not Be Solely Caused by Vaccine Adverse Events

The five-month lag between doses and deaths likely has more to do with immunity from vaccination waning than from a massive cluster of serious adverse events and immune suppression. Sy contends the primary cause of excess deaths is the lagged effect due to immune suppression causing vulnerability to disease rather than immediate adverse events associated with fatal inflammation.

The Australian government enforced strict lockdowns and mask-wearing from March 2020 up to the Delta wave that occurred in mid-2021. As Delta trailed off, a national vaccination campaign was initiated in September 2021, and within two months, 80 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated.

When Omicron surged in December 2021 and January 2022, a surge of cases occurred and continued spreading for much of 2022, as depicted below.

Given the strict lockdowns, an exponential increase in first infections should have been expected during the Omicron wave. Any residual protection from a SeptemberOctober primary series based on the ancestral vaccine formula would be expected to wane against the immune-evasive Omicron variant over four to five months, leaving higher-risk people vulnerable precisely as Omicron emerged.

In fact, a recent meta-analysis of 65 studies published recently in The Lancet showed that natural immunity alone is more protective against hospitalization (approximately 90 percent through at least 10 months) than the bivalent booster (31 percent through 4 months), according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), leaving those who were vaccinated, but lacking natural immunity from prior infection, vulnerable to Omicron.

Daily confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in Australia, Jan. 26, 2020 to Feb. 16, 2023. (Our World In Data)

What should we make of the correlation between excess mortality and a five-month lag after vaccination? Within five months, antibodies have substantially waned and individuals are vulnerable to a primary (and necessary) infection. The Omicron variant was highly transmissible and immune evasive, capable of causing infection and severe disease, even among the vaccinated.

Its possible that excess deaths were not seen during the lockdowns because the higher-risk individuals were less likely to be exposed, even though they had no immunity. Thus, despite vaccination, higher-risk individuals who eventually contracted Omicron when their antibodies waned, would be expected to disproportionately experience more serious illness.

3. Differing Cause of Death Definitions

Another challenge, not unique to this study, is to settle on a case definition of a COVID-19 death. In the United States, hospitals report their deaths to the state, after which the state may apply its own definition to count COVID deaths. For instance, one criterion might be a positive SARS-CoV-2 test within 30 days of death.

The CDCs COVID Data Tracker, in turn, relies on these reports from states. However, the official CDC death toll (a different reporting system) relies on death certificate data, which is thought to be more accurate, although this has not yet been studied.

Some states, such as Massachusetts, have standardized a variety of metrics to differentiate admissions from versus with COVID-19. A positive PCR is indeed, not sufficient. However, not all states have standardized an algorithm to count COVID deaths reported by hospitals, and the potentially more accurate death certificate data is often lagging because it requires coroner review.

 References:

Applying the Bradford Hill criteria in the 21st century: how data integration has changed causal inference in molecular epidemiology. Emerging Themes in Epidemiology. 2015;12:14.

Hill AB. The Environment and Disease: Associate or Causation? Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine. 1965 May;58(5):295-300.

Altarawneh HN, Chemaitelly H, Ayoub HH, et al. Effects of Previous Infection and Vaccination on Symptomatic Omicron Infections. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:21-34

UK Health Security Agency SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England. Technical Briefing: Update on Hospitalization and Vaccine Effectiveness. for Omicron VOC-21NOV-01 (B.1.1.529)

Schwab C, Domke LM, Hartmann L, Stenzinger A, Longerich T, Schirmacher P. Autopsy-Based Histopathological Characterization of Myocarditis After Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. Clin Res Cardiol. 2022 Nov 27:110. doi: 10.1007/s00392-022-02129-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36436002; PMCID: PMC9702955.

Offit PA. Bivalent COVID-19 VaccinesA Cautionary Tale. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:481-483.

Scholey J, Karlinsky A, Kobak D, Tallack C. Conflicting COVID-19 Excess Mortality Estimates.Lancet. 2023;401(10375): 431-432.

COVID-19 Excess Mortality Collaborators. Estimating Excess Mortality Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Systematic Analysis of COVID-19-Related Mortality, 20202021. Lancet. 2022; 399: 1513-1536

Lee W, Park SW, Weinberger DM, et al. Direct and Indirect Mortality Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, March 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022. eLife 2023;12:e77562.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.
Hong Kong Activists Behind Tiananmen Vigil Jailed for Months

Barrister Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, vice chairperson of the HK Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HKASPDMC), is interviewed by the media on Aug. 5, 2021. (Sung Bi-lung/The Epoch Times)

HONG KONGThree former organizers of Hong Kongs annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre of pro-democracy protesters were jailed Saturday for 4.5 months for failing to provide authorities with information on the group under a draconian national security law.

Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan, and Tsui Hon-kwong were arrested in 2021 during a clampdown on the citys pro-democracy movement following massive protests more than three years ago. They were leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and were found guilty on March 4.

The now-defunct alliance was best known for organizing candlelight vigils in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the 1989 Chinese militarys crushing of Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests, but it voted to disband in 2021 under the shadow of the Beijing-imposed national security law.

Supporters say its closure has shown freedoms and autonomy that were promised when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 are diminishing.

Before its disbandment, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to democracy groups overseas, accusing it of being a foreign agent. But the group refused to cooperate, arguing the police did not have a right to ask for its information because it was not a foreign agent and the authorities did not provide sufficient justification.

Under the security laws implementation rules, the police chief can request a range of information from a foreign agent. Failure to comply with the request could result in six months in jail and a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,740) if convicted.

Chow denied the alliance was a foreign agent and said that nothing had emerged that proved otherwise. She said their sentencing as about punishing people for defending the truth.

She said national security is being used as a pretext to wage a war on civil society.

Sir, sentence us for our insubordination if you must, but when the exercise of power is based on lies, being insubordinate is the only way to be human, she said.

Some crucial details, including the names of groups that were alleged to have links with the alliance, were redacted from court documents. In previous proceedings, the court ordered a partial redaction of some information after prosecutors argued that a full disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing probe into national security cases.

The annual vigil organized by the alliance was the only large-scale public commemoration of the June 4th massacre on Chinese soil and was attended by massive crowds until authorities banned it in 2020, citing anti-pandemic measures.

Chow and two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with subversion under the national security law in 2021. The alliance itself also was charged.

The law criminalizes what the Chinese Communist Party sees as secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs as well as terrorism. Many pro-democracy activists were silenced or jailed after its enactment in 2020.

In a separate case, Elizabeth Tang, who was arrested for endangering national security earlier this week, was released on bail on Saturday. Tang is a veteran labor activist and also Lees wife.

Elizabeth Tang, the former chief executive of the now-disbanded pro-democracy group Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, speaks to the press as she walks out the police station in Hong Kong, on March 11, 2023. (Louise Delmotte/AP Photo)

In a statement Thursday that did not provide a name, police said they had arrested a 65-year-old woman for suspected collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security. It said she was being detained for investigation.

I feel clueless because my work is always about labor rights and organizing trade unions. So I dont understand why I was accused of breaking the law and endangering national security, she told reporters on Saturday after being released.
Hong Kong Police Arrested Lee Cheuk-Yans Wife, Former Workers Rights Union Director-General, Suspected of Colluding With Foreign Forces

Elizabeth Tang Yin-ngor (R), secretary-general of the International Domestic Workers Federation, speaks to the media as she leaves the Wan Chai police headquarters in Hong Kong on Mar 11, 2023, after posting bail following her arrest on Mar 9, 2023, on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security. The offense carries up to life imprisonment under a strict national security law introduced by Beijing in 2020 to quell widespread, pro-democracy protests. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

On March 9, Elizabeth Tang Yin-ngor, former Secretary-general of the now-dissolved Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), was arrested on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security. Tang was released on bail on March 11.

Tang is the wife of Lee Cheuk-yan, former chairperson of the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HK Alliance),

Chinese Communist Partys mouthpiece, Wen Wei Pao, exclusively filmed Elizabeth Tang Yin-ngor, arrested outside the Stanley Prison at about noon on March 9.

Several police officers escorted Tang from the National Security Bureau onto an SUV.

According to various media reports, Elizabeth Tang left Hong Kong for the United Kingdom in September 2021. She did not return to Hong Kong until early March to visit her husband, Lee Cheuk-yan, who had recently fallen and been injured in Stanley Prison.

Tang was arrested and taken to the Stanley Prison Police Station and a residential unit in Mei Foo Estate for investigation at 4 p.m. The police did not leave until about 6:30 p.m. and detained Tang until March 11.

On the same day, the police confirmed to the media that they arrested a 65 years old woman on suspicion of colluding with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security.

According to various sources, Tangs arrest was related to her tenure as the Asia Monitor Resource Centre director.

CCPs mouthpieces, Wen Wei Pao and Tai Kung Pao, reported on March 10 that the Asia Monitor Resource Centre was suspected of receiving foreign funding of over HK$118 million (US$15 million) over the past 26 years since 1994.

The Asia Monitor Resources Center then published a statement following Tai Kung Paos report. It emphasized that it is an independent organization that was founded in 1968. The organization does not belong to any local or overseas institution.

The Asia Monitor Resources Center also stated their ongoing concern for the rights and interests of grassroots workers in Asian countries, especially occupational safety and health issues.

The organization also pointed out that due to the increasing pressure to operate in Hong Kong, the company had no choice but to cease operations and stop accepting donations at the end of September 2022. The company said it would find elsewhere to continue to serve Asian workers.

The Asian Monitor Research Center indicated on its Facebook page that the agency is currently located in Seoul, South Korea, marking Mabel Au as its director, former secretary of the now closed-down Amnesty Internationals Hong Kong Branch.

In December 2022, the Asian Monitor Research Center held educational activities on the rights and interests of occupational and environmental pollution victims in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The events focused on pesticides, asbestos, cement production, and other pollution issues.

Elizabeth Tang graduated from the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong in 1980. Tang worked at Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee in 1982 and met her husband, Lee Cheuk-yan, in the company.

Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee is under the umbrella of the Hong Kong Christian Council.

The group also stated that it is Independent of the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. It intervenes in labor trends, encourages workers to organize trade unions, and fights for labor rights and interests.

In 1990, Szeto Wah, Lee Cheuk-yan, Tang Yin-ngor, and Lau Chin-shek established the HKCTU. Tang was transferred to the Global Federation of Houseworkers as an international secretary.

In October 2021, HKCTU disbanded under political pressure.
Hong Kongs Degree of Freedom Continued to Decline, Scored Just 42 Points out of 100

Hong Kong's degree of freedom score descended in steps from 2017 to 2022 according to the Freedom House survey provided by the Freedom in the World 2023 report. (Compiled by The Epoch Times)

Hong Kongs political rights and civil liberties have further deteriorated, with the score provided by Freedom House, a U.S. NGO, showing it is going down repeatedly. In Freedom Houses latest Freedom in the World 2023 report, Hong Kongs degree of freedom score is only 42 out of 100.

The latest report reviews Hong Kongs situation in 2022. Hong Kong scored 10 out of 40 for Political Rights and 32 out of 60 for Civil Liberty, giving a total score of 42. It is still within the bracket of a partially free region, with a total score of just one point lower than the year before. Looking back at the previous year (2021), Hong Kong had 52 points. For other years it was 55 in 2020, 59 in both 2019 and 2018, and 61 in the 2017 report.

HKs Score on Degree of Freedom Dropped 25 Points in 16 Years

In the 2022 degree of freedom report, Hong Kong dropped by nine points from that of the previous year, which was the third highest drop in the world that year, second only to Myanmar, which experienced a military coup, and Afghanistan, which was taken over by the Taliban. Freedom House also pointed out that in the past 15 years until 2022, Hong Kongs total score on its degree of freedom report has dropped from 67 to 43, a huge drop of 24 points. This year it fell by another one point.

In the latest 2023 report, it is mentioned that after the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong in 2020, the authorities arrested representatives of Hong Kongs pro-democracy faction. The charges or threats under the NSL have shut down major independent news media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and trade unions. The report also described the NSL as paving the way for Beijing to reform Hong Kongs electoral system in 2021, allowing authorities to review candidates and ensuring Beijings near-total control over the selection of Hong Kong authorities. In 2022, the chief executive was elected for the first time under the new electoral system.

The scores of many sub-items in the report were like those of the previous year. Items with scores of zero include whether the incumbent head of government was elected through free and fair elections, whether legislative representatives were elected through free and fair elections, whether the electoral laws and framework were fair, whether the electoral commission was impartial, whether the opposition had an opportunity to gain support through elections or access to power, and whether government policy is determined by a freely elected head of government and national legislative representatives.

Freedom of Religion Score Drops Due to Churches Self-Censorship

The score for one of the items, Whether individuals can freely practice and express their religious beliefs or no belief in public and private settings, dropped by one point from last years full score of four points to three. The report cited evidence that authorities broader crackdown on dissent had prompted some religious institutions to exercise self-censorship in their preaching and other religious practices.

This rating also refers to the arrest last year of Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. Freedom House mentioned that at the beginning of last year (2022), party media Ta Kung Pao published an article accusing Zen and others of supporting the pro-democracy movement and destabilizing Hong Kong. By May, the National Security Police arrested Zen on the grounds of his participation in the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund (at that time, the National Security Police accused him of conspiring with foreign forces or external forces to endanger national security). But he has not been charged with the National Security Law and was instead convicted and fined for operating as an unregistered body.

With the drop in score of the sub-item on religious beliefs, the only one for Hong Kong to remain on a full score is Whether an individual enjoys personal social freedom, including choosing a marriage partner and family size, protection from domestic violence, and control over ones appearance. However, Freedom House added that there is still no law in Hong Kong that recognizes same-sex marriage or civil unions.

The Washington Post Once Reported on Hong Kong Churches Self-Censorship

The Washington Post reported in May last year (2022), after interviewing 18 pastors and religious experts, that the Hong Kong churches exercise self-censorship and avoid appointing pastors who are considered to show too many political stances. The report quoted a study by the Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement, indicating that more than one-third of the churches are more inclined to adjust the content of their sermons in response to the political situation in Hong Kong. On the other hand, clergies in Hong Kong are rethinking the way they preach, aiming to balance their voice on social justice issues with the safety of their church and their families.

The report quoted documents that mentioned the Christian and Missionary Alliance had passed the mandate to split the church into different independent entities at the annual general meeting at the end of 2021. It quoted two people familiar with the matter as revealing that this move was aimed at preventing the entire organization from being disrupted in case the government decides to freeze its assets, causing the collapse of the organization. At the same time, it was reported that Hong Kongs Evangelical Lutheran Church issued an internal memo stating that it would only appoint pastors who wont make problems with the government.

An unnamed pastor was quoted in the report as saying that some church leaders would not order someone seen as problematic to leave but would remind and pressure the person(s) to go on his/their own accord. The report also mentions that on July 7, 2020, a week after the NSL came into effect, the Ta Kung Pao named 20 clergy members as riot supporters. At least five outspoken pastors, for fear of being arrested, left Hong Kong for the UK or Taiwan.

Rev. Dr. John Chan wai-on, Assistant Professor of the Department of Theology at the Alliance Bible Seminary, mentioned in an interview that pastors have stopped talking about politics in their sermons, and many churches are working on alternative plans to operate so that all the eggs will not be poured all at once.

Freedom House Said Last Year Hong Kong Experienced Accelerated Repression

Freedom House also lists important events related to Hong Kongs freedom in 2022, including John Lee Ka-chiu becoming the only candidate to pass the review, running for chief executive and being elected; Xi Jinpings visit to Hong Kong on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kongs sovereignty, during which the Hong Kong authorities blocked protests, and some international and local media were unable to cover the event; the Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, ordered a trial without jury in the Hong Kong 47 case, and the trial had not started by the end of 2022; 5 members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists were convicted of publishing a childrens comic book, the Sheep Village series that the government branded as containing incitement content, which the prosecution said at the time it encouraged opposition to Beijing.

Freedom House issued a statement entitled Repression Accelerating on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kongs sovereignty last year (2022). Chairman Michael J. Abramowitz said that since the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law, both the Hong Kong government and the CCP have deprived millions of Hongkongers of basic rights guaranteed under local and international laws. With the electoral system completely destroyed, pro-democracy activists arrested, independent media outlets forced to extinction, and restrictions on the internet imposed, all these are evidence that freedom has been crushed for the people of Hong Kong.

He also said governments of democratic countries should continue to enforce sanctions targeting those responsible for continued human rights violations in Hong Kong and support pro-democracy activists to escape the repression so they can continue to work in exile.
Sunday, July 14, 1776: Jemima Boone, the 13-year-old daughter of American pioneer Daniel Boone, along with two other friends, was captured outside of her settlement by a small war party consisting of Cherokees and Shawnees. A few days later, thanks to the dedication of her father and to her and her friends bravery and quick thinking, they were saved.

Only 10 days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Jemima Boone and her friends, Betsy and Fanny Callaway, were picking flowers outside Boonesborough, a fort and frontier settlement. The girls wandered down to the adjacent Kentucky River and decided to use the canoe. Coming to a tricky point in the waters, they briefly lost control. Suddenly, they were on the other side of the river and were soon surprised and captured by native warriors.

Those in the fort heard their screams, among them Daniel Boone, who was awakened from his Sabbath nap. Without even waiting to put on his shoes, he and a group of other men ran out of the fort and swam to the other bank. But it seemed to be too late: The natives and the girls were nowhere to be seen. After some careful reconnoitering, however, Boone found their tracks, and he and his companions began the pursuit.

This is the only live portrait of Daniel Boone, painted when he was 84 years old and living with his daughter, Jemima Boone Callaway, in Missouri. Oil sketch of Daniel Boone by Chester Harding, 1820. Oil on canvas. (Public Domain)

Helping Themselves Get Helped

The three teenage girls had bad odds against five grown warriors, yet they called upon their pioneer upbringing and know-how to even the scales as well as they could. The braves tried to force them to ride a horse in order to move more quickly. The girls, practically bred on horseback, pretended they had never ridden in their lives and kept falling off. In addition, and more importantly, the girls kept cool heads and left subtle tracks. Jemima dropped a thread with five knots on itso that the father she knew was coming would not only know he was on their trail, but also the number of their captors.

Above all, Jemima, Betsy, and Fanny kept alert. On the third day after their capture, Boone and his men succeeded in the dangerous trek through wilderness, beating the natives at their own game of trail-finding and tracking. That was the easy against-all-odds achievement; the hard part was the rescue. The surprise attack would have to be so quick and stealthy that they would overcome the warriors before the prisoners could be killed or held hostage; this required that the girls be more alert than the warriors. After two sleepless nights and without giving in to discouragement, they remained ready. A noise in the brush caused one brave and Jemima to look up; the former dismissed the noise after a moment, but Jemima picked out her father, creeping upon his breast like a snake.

At this point, the teenagers not only outperformed their adult male captors but also their rescuers. One of the men in Boones party panicked and almost spoiled everything, firing a shot before the signal was given. However, Jemima and Fanny were prepared for action and dove to the ground, though Betsy had an almost fatal encounter with a war-club. The rescuers ran into the camp, overtook the braves, and the surviving warriors fled.

There was rejoicing, and there was crying. Daniel Boone himself called for tears: Thank Almighty Providence, boys, for we have the girls safe. Lets all sit down by them now and have a hearty cry.

Daniel Boone & His Friends Rescuing His Daughter Jemina by G.W. Fasel, 1851. (Public Domain)

History as Human Memory

The story of Boone, his daughter, and her friends lived on in two waysfirst, by a book that was published about him in 1784. This book is considered the source of the Boone myth. But it was also spread by word of mouth, mother to child, aunt to niece, friend to friend. The descendants of the girls remembered them as powerful and clearheaded young women. Betsys daughter pointed out that her mother was a strong rower. Jemima is remembered for speaking sympathetically about her captors: The Indians were really kind to us, as much so as they well could have been, or their circumstances permitted.

These girls had families and a community that prepared them to take care of themselves and gave them virtues such as alertness and courage, which allowed them to do their own part to ensure their rescue.

This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
How to Separate Fact From Fiction

Commentary

The State of New Jersey recently enacted a law that requires K12 students to learn information literacy. Stated plainly, this is the skills to determine whats true and whats not. The law is allegedly the first of its kind in the nation.

The sentiment behind the legislation is admirable, but the law itself is vague and gives the N.J. Department of Education broad authority to create these standards. Given the track record of the U.S. education establishment, this could be an epic mistake.

To wit, the latest adult skills assessment by the U.S. Department of Education found that only 37 percent of U.S. residents aged 16 to 65 years can correctly answer a question requiring basic logic, addition, and division. This is in spite of the fact that they were allowed to use a calculator and take as much time as needed.

Even among college graduates, empirical assessments show a troublesome lack of analytical and problem-solving skills. When the American Institutes for Research last assessed the literacy skills of graduating college students in 2003, it found that only 39 percent of males and 30 percent of females at 4-year colleges were proficient in quantitative literacy. This is simply the ability to identify and perform computations using numbers embedded in printed materials, such as balancing a checkbook, figuring out a tip, completing an order form, or determining the amount of interest on a loan from an advertisement.

Worse still, repeated scientific surveys commissioned by Just Facts have revealed that the vast bulk of voters have embraced false and harmful dogmas that accord with their political views. The same is true of journalists and editors at media outlets like the New York Times, who regularly publish falsehoods that spur violence and civic dysfunction.

To attack this problem at its root, Just Facts has launched an initiative to equip people with the skills to conduct sound research. Called Just Facts Academy, it provides videos and other educational materials that motivate and teach students of all ages how to separate fact from fiction.

These videos are created especially for high school and college students, and thus, they are laced with humor to keep them engaged. To ensure the videos are rigorous, comprehensible, and entertaining, Just Facts sought feedback from students and reviews from scholars, who expressed high opinions of their appeal and utility.

In addition to students, Just Facts Academy also serves a need of the general public that has grown dramatically in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. A large international survey conducted in 2020 found a massive shift in the desire of people to become more prudent consumers of news. It revealed that trust in all information sources was at record lows, and more than 50 percent of people said it has become more important to increase my media and information literacy and my science literacy over the previous year.

Just Facts is in an ideal position to help people tackle this formidable task because it has developed exacting standards to produce research that has been cited by a diverse array of prominent and scholarly organizations and individuals.

Beyond that, Just Facts is consistently ahead of the curve on cutting through widespread misinformation. For a prime example, Fox Business published a stunning article documenting how Just Facts preempted media reporting and public health officials on Covid-19 almost a dozen times. This includes life-or-death facts they once denied and have now accepted, such as those related to lockdowns, masking, mRNA vaccines, naturally acquired immunity, and the most effective way to protect vulnerable populations from SARS-CoV-2.

Much of this research was conducted by adhering to universal principles that Just Facts Academy has distilled into nine short videos. One of these, for example, teaches in only six minutes how to identify and use primary sources.

Another video teaches the import and know-how of conducting comprehensive research. Using a real-world example about climate change, the video vividly shows, Things arent always as cut and dry as they seem at first glance. So when we research, its important to understand the points, counterpoints and limitations.

Other videos cover crucial research topics like rigorous documentation, raw data, verification, clarity, balance, reducing distractions, and how to sort through the propaganda presented by search engines.

To entrench the learning from these videos, Just Facts Academy also provides Genius Notes that allow people to quickly consult and apply these skills on an ongoing basis.

Going forward, Just Facts Academy will create videos about dozens of other topics, with tools to help people use this knowledge in everyday life. This includes subjects like identifying the strengths and weaknesses of academic studies, evaluating the credibility of polls, and spotting deceptive statistics.

David Randall of the National Association of Scholars recently documented how radical leftists have advanced their agenda with half-baked research, eagerly cited and repeated until much of public opinion takes it as some sort of proven truth. Among his proposed solutions are equipping students to recognize when so-called experts ask them to believe shoddy research and creating new programs in statistics and public policy, independent of the existing higher-education establishment.

Filling those gaping holes in the U.S. education system is a tall order, but this is precisely what Just Facts Academy is primed to do.

However, all of this knowledge will be useless unless people learn and apply it. So it is imperative that teachers, professors, home-school parents, school board members, and university regents make these badly neglected research principles an integral part of their curriculums.

From Just Facts Daily

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
HSBC Buys Silicon Valley Banks UK Subsidiary for 1 Pound

Banking giant HSBC said on March 13 that it will acquire the UK subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) after the U.S. bank failed last week, triggering concerns about the falloff affecting the UKs tech sector.

Santa Clara-based SVB failed on March 10, with California regulators ordering the firm to shut down and appointing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as the receiver.

On March 11, the Bank of England (BoE), the UKs central bank, announced that SVB UK would enter insolvency.

The UKs Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt warned that a collapse of SVB UK would pose serious risks to the countrys technology and life sciences sector, many of which bank with SVB.

On March 13, HSBC UK announced that its acquiring SVB UK for 1 ($1.21).

The assets and liabilities of the parent companies of SVB UK are excluded from the transaction. The transaction completes immediately. The acquisition will be funded from existing resources, HSBC said in a March 13 announcement.

As of March 10, SVB UK had loans of around 5.5 billion ($6.6 billion) and deposits of around 6.7 billion ($8.08 billion). SVB UKs tangible equity is expected to be around 1.4 billion ($1.69 billion).

The final calculation of the gain arising from the acquisition will be provided in due course, HSBC said. The bank will update shareholders about the acquisition in its Q1, 2023, results on May 2, 2023.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt (L) and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen take part in a bilateral conference on the sidelines of G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Bengaluru, India, on Feb. 24, 2023. (Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty Images)

UK Crisis Situation

After the BoE announced that SVB UK would enter insolvency, the Coalition for a Digital Economya nonprofit that campaigns for policies to support digital startups in the UKsaid in a statement that the situation could have a significant impact on the countrys tech startup ecosystem.

We know that there are a large number of startups and investors in the ecosystem who have a significant exposure to SVB UK and will be very concerned, the statement said.

The situation forced more than 40 companies listed in London to post updates about their exposure to the collapse of SVB. Medical testing company Diaceutics announced it had 22 million ($26.5 million) in accounts at SVB. Lung disease firm Polarean Imaging said that $12.4 million in cash was held through SVB.

The shares of both firms didnt trade at the Alternative Investment Marketa sub-market of the London Stock Exchangeon March 13. The vast number of businesses declared little to no direct impact from the SVB collapse.

This morning, the Government and the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC. Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support. I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver that promise, Hunt said in a March 13 Twitter post.

Speaking to reporters on March 13, Hunt said that the UK was facing a situation where the countrys most strategic companies could have been wiped out. Hunt insisted that the SVB UK crisis didnt pose any risk to the countrys financial system, which he claimed is well-capitalized.

US Situation, International Reverberations

On March 10, the FDIC announced that it will cover all insured deposits of SVB clients up to $250,000 per depositor.

On March 12, the U.S. Treasury Department, FDIC, and Federal Reserve declared that all SVB clients will be protected. Some depositors at SVB gained access to their money on March 13, including some whose holdings exceed the insurance limit of $250,000.

Also on March 12, the Federal Reserve announced an emergency lending program that will lend freely to the banking system so that customers will have confidence in accessing their accounts whenever necessary. This is expected to prevent a wave of bank runs.

The Treasury has allocated $25 billion to offset losses incurred under the Feds newly announced emergency lending plan. SVB has more than $200 billion in assets and is the second-biggest bank failure in American history.

On March 13, the FDIC announced that it had transferred all deposits, both insured and uninsured, as well as assets of SVB, California, to a new bridge bank to protect depositors. The agency also named Tim Mayopoulos as the CEO of SVB. Mayopoulos is the former president and CEO of the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Internationally, Germanys financial regulator has imposed a moratorium on the German branch of SVB. In Canada, the countrys banking regulator has temporarily seized assets of SVBs Canadian branch.

In Asia and Europe, bank stocks fell on March 13 as the SVB shutdown cast a shadow on world markets. Though U.S. banking shares saw a brief pre-market rally after authorities announced measures to contain the contagion, the momentum has failed to hold on.
Hundreds of Illegal Immigrants Attempt to Storm Border at Texan Port of Entry

Illegal immigrants, mostly of Venezuelan origin, attempt to forcibly cross into the United States at the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, on March 12, 2023. (HERIKA MARTINEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Border patrol agents were forced to erect temporary barricades at a port of entry along the southern U.S. border on March 12, as thousands of illegal immigrants tried to enter the country, with hundreds stampeding border officials by force.

The stampede incident started at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge entry point in El Paso, Texas, at about 1:30 p.m. local time.

Hundreds attempted to forcefully cross the entry point to the bridge at Juarez, Mexico.

Video footage captured by Fox News shows the illegal immigrants rushing the border checkpoint, pushing down permanent barriers, and overwhelming armed border officials struggling to hold back the crowd as they attempted to cross the bridge to the United States.

Meanwhile, others tried to enter the United States from other points.

Migrants, mostly of Venezuelan origin, attempt to forcibly cross into the United States at the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, on March 12, 2023. Hundreds of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, attempted to stampede across one of the border bridges, desperate to enter the United States. (HERIKA MARTINEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego told ABC network affiliate KVIA that the crowd was made up of about 2,000 illegal immigrants. The judge said a majority of the immigrants were Venezuelan males.

After the Mexican National Guard was called in to disperse the crowd, some of whom were attempting to pull down the port barriers and concertina wire, about 100 asylum seekers remained, KVIA reported.

Human Wave Posed Potential Threat

Separate video footage captured and shared online appears to show large numbers of the group returning to the Juarez checkpoint after the failed attempted crossing.

Fox News reported that the immigrants who reached the U.S. border were met with barbed wire fencing. They were later returned to Mexico.

According to the El Paso migrant situational awareness dashboard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) managed 1,210 encounters with illegal immigrants on March 12 and took 2,023 individuals into custody.

In a statement made shortly after the incident, CBP said officers, including members of the CBP Mobile Field Force, had implemented port hardening measures to prevent the migrants from illegally crossing the border, including the deployment of physical barriers.

A large group of individuals formed on the Mexican side of the border and approached the international boundary posing a potential threat to make a mass entry, the statement reads.

CBP stated that the incident had temporarily prevented northbound traffic at the Paso Del Norte Bridge.

El Paso Deputy City Manager Mario DAgostino told CNN that crowds at the bridge were subsiding as of the evening of March 12.

At this time, [Emergency Operations Center] has shut down. Crowds [have] subsided, and its just being monitored, he said.

Traffic resumed later that evening.

Parallel Charges at the Border

Similar breaches took place on March 12 at two other crossings: the Stanton crossing and the Bridge of the Americas crossing, according to CBP.

The attempted breach at the Stanton crossing took place from 2 p.m. to 2.45 p.m., and the one at the Bridge of the Americas crossing happened from 2.45 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., the agency stated.

Barricades were also used in both of those incidents to stop illegal entry, according to CBP.

CBP is working to maintain the legal and orderly flow of entry to the U.S. while protecting the safety and security of legitimate trade and travel, CBP facilities, and the CBP workforce, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Biden Touts Work to Secure Border

The incidents on March 12 come after President Joe Biden in January announced that immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will be returned to Mexico under Title 42 if they illegally enter the country.

However, the administration will also provide legal immigration opportunities to eligible asylum seekers, allowing them to live and work in the United States, provided they find a sponsor inside the United States and pass a background check.

During his State of the Union address in February, Biden touted the record number of personnel working to secure the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
Matt Dearing, a former New York State Assembly staffer, says he has no regrets about an incident with his former employer, Assemblyman Patrick Burke, that left him fired from the job.

Rather his campaign for the Ellicott District seat on the Buffalo Common Council is about surmounting the challenges that the district and the city face, particularly systematic and multigenerational disinvestment through redlining and urban renewal policies, he said.

As a result, this is a community thats been ignored constantly and I think we have to have representatives who are going to focus on particularly this part of the district, said Dearing, 30. Building a stronger Buffalo means building a stronger East Side. We need to invest in this community and expand economic opportunity, build more and improve our citys infrastructure in order to meet the challenges we face.

Dearing joins a crowded field of candidates for the Ellicott seat, including retired Buffalo police officer Cedric Holloway and Leah Halton-Pope, a senior policy adviser for Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Rev. Michael Chapman, pastor of St. John Baptist Church, announced last month he is running for the seat.

Council President Darius G. Pridgen, who has represented the Ellicott District for the past 12 years, announced in January he will not seek re-election.

Dearing was one of three top staffers whom Burke, an Orchard Park Democrat, fired last May following Buffalos mass shooting. Dearing, who was Burke's director of community relations, and the other staffers were fired after a disagreement over whether Burke had taken a strong enough stand against white supremacy after the massacre at a Tops grocery store that left 10 Black people dead.

Id certainly have preferred to keep my job, but I wouldnt be able to look myself in the mirror if Id been willing to ignore the horrors of May 14th in order to keep my job. It didnt factor into my decision to run one way or another, he said.

Dearing said working with constituents daily while employed by Burke is the work that meant the most to him. Its where elected officials can have the most immediate impact on people, he said.

I was able to help make real change in the lives of the constituents I worked with in the Assembly. Many of them hadnt seen unemployment funds they were owed by the state for months or even a year, he said. Some of them had been having issues with other government agencies for five years or more, some were people who called about a landlord ignoring a mold problem in their apartment. I was able to solve those problems with a combination of empathy and tenacity. Many of those people told me that I was the first person in government who truly cared about their plight, and nothing has brought me a greater sense of accomplishment than that.

Burke declined to comment.

Since he left Burkes office, Dearing has done consulting work with various firms, including the Empower Project out of Wisconsin, for which he does online organizing in five states on topics such as cannabis legalization and voter registration, he said.

He also worked for Nate McMurray, the former Grand Island supervisor who narrowly lost a congressional bid to Republican Chris Collins in 2018. Dearing was McMurrays campaign manager and political director.

And he did campaign work for Brian Nowak in his first Cheektowaga Town Council race.

Dearing, who attended Lawrence College in Wisconsin from 2011 to 2013, studying government, has lived in the Ellicott District for 24 years. He resides in the Linwood Avenue home he grew up in with his mother and three younger sisters.

He says while the May 14 racist mass shooting in Buffalo highlighted the systemic injustices of the East Side and will forever be part of the story of this community, it doesnt define it.

This campaign is about the future of the Ellicott District and the City of Buffalo. But you cant plan for the future without recognizing and respecting the past, and that includes the events of May 14th, he said.

Dearing said hes hopeful millions of dollars in state funds in recent years will help make real change. He said his background of helping residents navigate the murky waters of similar state programs will be an asset to efficiently move the projects forward.

While long overdue, these funds will help to make real change in the East Side and I applaud the governors office and all of the officials who were involved in securing them, Dearing said. Its vital that we work to ensure that the process for residents and contractors alike is as streamlined as possible for these funds to be accessed in a timely fashion.

Dearing is a young candidate but he said his age gives him a different perspective.

Im looking down the road at the turn of the next century essentially, he said. We need a new generation of leaders with fresh ideas and modern approaches to government. I think theres an opportunity once we continue to get some more younger people (on the Council) in there I think we as a group can look a bit further down the road.

Dearing may have an uphill battle because he may not be a recognizable face, but its a positive sign that younger people are interested in running for public office, said Larry Stitts, a longtime owner of Golden Cup Coffee in Masten on Jefferson Avenue, where Dearing recently met with The Buffalo News to discuss his candidacy.

Youth is a good thing, Stitts said. (In) Buffalo politics, somebody has to know you. You arent going to go anywhere if somebody doesnt know you  If youre an enthusiast about going into politics, well, you take that first run to see how it is.
Jan. 6 Attorney Alleges FBI Criminally Altered Evidence, Requests Special Master Review of Leaked Messages

Protesters loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/ Jose Luis Magana)

Rogers Roots, an attorney representing Dominic Pezzola, a Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach defendant, alleged on Sunday that the FBI had committed crimes by altering evidence and requested that the court appoint a special master to review the evidence.

Rootss move came days after the testimony of FBI Special Agent Nicole Miller, who was involved in the agencys investigations of the Jan. 6 defendants. When cross-examining Miller, Nick Smith, an attorney representing Proud Boys member Ethan Nordean (listed as co-defendant on Pezzolas case), revealed classified FBI emails that were hidden in a tab in an Excel spreadsheet, which included a directive to Miller to destroy 338 pieces of evidence and edit out an FBI agent from an informant report.

Destroying evidence is a federal crime. It actually falls under a federal crime under more than one statute. The same goes with altering documents, altering records, that is a federal crime, the John Pierce Law attorney told The Epoch Times in an interview on Sunday.

In a filing on Sunday, Roots requested that Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee presiding over the case, either dismiss the case in its entirety or appoint a special master to independently review the FBI messages that were revealed in court.

The unceremonious and uninhibited nature of Millers discussion of committing these serious crimes suggests an FBI culture of corruption and lawlessness that must be immediately stopped, and fully investigated, Roots said in the filing.

Accordingly, this case must be dismissed en toto and with prejudice, Rootss filing continues. Even if the Court were to overlook this massive trail of FBI corruption and the trial were to proceed, defendants have a right to cross-examine Agent Miller regarding all of these crimes, her missing emails, her discussions of violating defendants 6th amendment rights, her discussions of evidence tampering, and her discussions of altering documents involving [confidential human sources] in this case.

All January 6 prosecutions should be paused for evidentiary hearings and investigations by a Special Master and Special Counsel, the filing reads.

The Leaked Messages

A key question about these leaked messages is whether they fall under the scope of evidence in the case.

Roots said in the filing that the messages show a violation of due process, reiterating his argument in an earlier filing that the FBIs monitoring of communications between a co-defendant, Zachary Rehl, and his attorney violated the Sixth Amendment, which prohibits invasion of the right to counsel (Matter of Fusco v. Moses).

Millers hidden messages reveal casual discussions among the FBI regarding the monitoring of codefendant Rehls trial strategy, Rehls defenses and interesting points, and ways the government can get around Rehls defenses, Roots said in the Sunday filing.

In the filing, Roots requested the court dismiss Pezzolas case with prejudice, appoint a special counsel, appoint a special master, schedule extensive evidentiary hearings, and release Pezzola from custody.

The DOJ, on the other hand, said that because Rehl and his attorney were communicating over a monitored prison system, they waived the right to attorney-client privileges.

The government has not obtained any privileged communications between defendant Rehl and Moseley, the government wrote in response to Rootss contentions in a filing on Sunday. As the government explained in a separate filing  Rehl and Moseley made a fully informed choice to communicate with one another over a monitored jail email system. In doing so, they waived any privilege.

Further, the DOJ said Rootss argument about the government destroying evidence is void, arguing that the messages are unrelated to the case.

This destruction of evidence related to the disposition of 338 items of evidence from a nearly 20-year-old multi codefendant trial, the DOJ said in a separate filing on Sunday. Pursuant to policy, the FBI waited to dispose of the evidence until all defendants appellate rights were extinguished.

The special agent disposed of this evidence by returning it to defendants family members or otherwise destroying it pursuant to FBI policy. The case was not related to this prosecution, and the agent was not involved in this investigation, the DOJs filing reads.

The government then argued that Pezzola had not demonstrated that he suffered injury or material damages in the trial as a result of the governments collections, citing United States v. Mastroianni, which says a Sixth Amendment violation cannot be established without a showing that there is a realistic possibility of injury to defendants or benefit to the State as a result of the governments intrusion into the attorney-client relationship.

For the reasons above, the government requested the court to deny all of Rootss requests.

But according to Roots, the messages, at minimum, deserve a deeper look.

Put it this way: it cries out for someone to investigate it, Roots told the Epoch Times on Sunday, referring to the leaked messages.

I believe that the trial needs to come to a halt while we investigate these questions, Roots said.

The FBI declined to comment and referred The Epoch Times to the U.S. Attorneys Office for comment.

U.S. Attorneys Office did not provide The Epoch Times with comment by press time.
Japan Court Orders Retrial for 87-year Death Row Ex-boxer

TOKYOTokyos high court on Monday ordered a retrial for an 87-year-old former boxer who has been on death row for more than five decades after his murder conviction that his lawyers said was based on forced confession and fabricated evidence.

The Tokyo High Court said Iwao Hakamada deserves a retrial because of a possibility that a key evidence that led to his conviction could have been fabricated by investigators, according to a statement from the Japan Bar Association.

Amnesty International says Hakamada is the worlds longest-serving death row prisoner.

He has been temporarily released since 2014, but still not cleared of charges, when the Shizuoka District Court in central Japan suspended his execution and ordered a retrial. That ruling was overturned by the Tokyo High Court until the Supreme Court in 2020 ordered the lower court to reconsider.

His defense lawyers rushed out of the courtroom and flashed banners saying Retrial.

We won his retrial. Im so glad, and thats all I can say, said his 90-year-old sister Hideko, who has devoted her life to prove her brothers innocence.

Hakamada was convicted of murder in the 1966 killing of a company manager and three of his family members, and setting fire to their central Japan home, where he was a live-in employee. He was sentenced to death two years later. He initially denied the accusations then confessed, which he later said he was forced to because of violent interrogation by police.

Hakamada was not executed because of lengthy appeals and the retrial process. It took 27 years for the Supreme Court to deny his first appeal for a retrial. He filed a second appeal in 2008, and the court finally ruled in his favor on Thursday.

Iwao Hakamada flashes v-signs on his way back from a walk in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture, central Japan, on March 13, 2023. (Kyodo News via AP)

The point of contention was five pieces of blood-stained clothing that investigators said Hakamada allegedly wore during the crime and hid in a tank of fermented soybean paste, or miso, found more than a year after his arrest.

The Tokyo High Court decision on Monday acknowledged scientific experiments that clothing soaked in miso for more than a year turns too dark for blood stains to be spotted, saying there is a possibility of fabrication, most likely by investigators.

Defense lawyers and earlier retrial decisions said the blood samples did not match Hakamadas DNA, and trousers that prosecutors submitted as evidence were too small for Hakamada and did not fit when he tried them on.

Hakamada has been serving his sentence at home since his release in 2014 because his frail health and age made him a low risk for escape.

Japan and the United States are the only two countries in the Group of Seven advanced nations that retain capital punishment. A survey by the Japanese government showed an overwhelming majority of the public support executions.

Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan and prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged. Since 2007, Japan has begun disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited.

Supporters say Hakamadas mental health has suffered because of his nearly half-century detention, mostly in solitary confinement, in fear of execution. He spent a total of 48 years in prison, more than 45 of them on death row.

By Mari Yamaguchi
John Robson: What I Would Do to Fix the Budget Process if I Were Finance Minister

Commentary

When I read that Canadas next federal budget would land on March 28 I thought Oh great, thats all we need. Especially since Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland supposedly reaffirmed the governments commitment to prudent fiscal management, and when this administration promises to continue something you know its not happening. But striving to remain positive in the fell clutch of circumstance, I thought OK, if I were finance minister what would I do?

Other than resign to protest the ministrys entanglement with the Chinese Communist Party, I mean. Or its long record of flippant profligacy (even putting aside COVID-related expenditures, the five highest years of federal program spending per capita were, um, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.) And its but no. I said Id stay positive, plus in this scenario Im somehow chained to the desk. Perhaps by fear of alternative candidates. And if Im going to be cranky about existing policy it behooves me to offer some constructive alternative.

For instance, scrap the whole thing and start over. No, really. And constructively.

It is now a baffling 31 years since, in the Fraser Institutes Fraser Forum, I praised British Prime Minister John Majors stunning budgetary innovation of deciding how much to spend overall before choosing what to spend it on. So obviously I was too positive back then.

I was too positive about Major specifically and this idea more generally. But let me quote an eminent authority (me) that it would cause a battle between departments over a fixed dollar total in contrast to the existing system whereby every Minister, Deputy Minister and Assistant Big Spender makes the largest possible claims for her own department, and then a war ensues not between the various departments but between all departments and the Treasury. The result, you may have noticed, is victory for the departments, defeat for the taxpayer, and huge budget deficits.

Sound familiar? Clearly the Trudeau administration did not budget from scratch. Instead they thought of endless cool stuff to throw money at, asked the bureaucracy to add it to the existing mess, and kept racking up debt. Its a strikingly reactionary approach from supposed progressives. (That governments still use faxes speaks volumes about them as agents of change. But I digress.)

Unless you have done something very bad, I wont suggest that you should be made to read Canadian federal budgets. But if you do, several things jump out, starting with their habit of relegating the actual Summary Statement of Transactions (SST), saying how much the government expects to spend and take in, to obscurity hundreds of pages deep, though the naive might consider it the most important aspect.

No, Im wrong. The first thing to ooze out is the slimy title. Like 2022s A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable. Which doesnt sound like an accounting document because it wasnt one (its SST was hidden 246 pages into a 304-page brick). Or 2021s A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth and Resilience (ditto, 328 pages into a mind-boggling 724). Its not partisan; the last Harper budget, Strong Leadership: A balanced-budget, low-tax plan for jobs, growth and security, stuffed the SST 372 pages deep into its 528 and didnt show that they had balanced the budget, only that they hoped to as soon as they lost the election.

After the title only a PR department could love come dozens of pages of econometrics struggling to give substance to airy projections about tax revenue, a hangover from Mulroneys parade of flimsy projections of dwindling deficits. Not that the predictions have gotten any better since. Then endless pledges of free money for everyone from A More Inclusive Arts Training Sector (2022) to the Childrens Arts Tax Credit (2015). Or A Workforce for the 21st Century Economy, 2022s answer to the 2015 Training the Workforce of Tomorrow. That old thing?

So when I say start from scratch, I want to go even further than Major didnt. Suppose cabinet started with How much should we spend on consultants given our 300,000-strong public service? Or What must government do, what should it do, and what can it do? before deciding to pursue A Fairer Banking Complaints Handling System for Canadians or the Wellness Together Canada portal.

The Hill Times said, Freeland must say no a lot: strategic spending needed to craft challenging budget, say former finance officials. But it didnt say she would. And the current system doesnt make it easy. What if someone had to justify every program from scratch every year instead of just going well, weve done it for decades, costs keep rising, it never solves the problem, better spend more?

If the incumbent isnt up to the job, they know where to find me. Hiding under the desk in case they try to call or, being the government, fax.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Judge Rejects Request From Moderna, Moving Key COVID-19 Vaccine Case to Discovery

A key COVID-19 vaccine case is moving to the discovery phase after a U.S. judge rejected a bid by Moderna to dismiss some of the patent infringement claims against it.

Moderna and the U.S. government, which backed the company, failed to prove that claims involving the companys COVID-19 vaccine contract with the government should be dismissed, U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg ruled on March 10.

Goldberg in late 2022 rejected a similar effort but Moderna revived its bid after the government filed a statement asserting it, not the company, should face the claims relating to the contract.

The parties, though, have failed to prove that the governments interpretation trumps a courts analysis of this issue, Goldberg said.

Moderna and the government had argued that under 28 U.S.C. 1498, the claims should be dismissed and moved to the Court of Federal Claims. That would mean the government was inserted as the defendant, replacing Moderna, and leave the government responsible for paying any damages awarded.

The law in question states that any infringement claims relating to inventions being used by or for the government and with the authorization and consent of the government must be handled in the Court of Federal Claims.

The 2020 vaccine contract between Moderna and the U.S. Army stated that it was for the United States government  and the U.S. population.

While Moderna and the government said that evidence supported the contract being by or for the government, Arbutus Biopharma and Genevant Sciences said the dispute can only be resolved on a fully developed record and urged the court to allow discovery.

Goldberg, a George W. Bush appointee, agreed.

I will consider the [Section] 1498(a) issue after both parties have engaged in discovery, which will provide Plaintiff an opportunity to review the entire unredacted version of the -0100 Contract and discover facts regarding that Contract, he said.

New Developments Highlight Need for Discovery

New developments in the case highlight the need for discovery, the judge said.

The original contract, or the -0100 Contract, was for the government, both Moderna and U.S. officials say. But the parties have also acknowledged that a second contract, reached in 2022 and known as the -0017 contract, doesnt fall under the law because it lacks certain language.

The position on the second contract wasnt known when the judge ruled in 2022 on the motion to dismiss.

Had I granted the relief Moderna sought in its original motion to dismiss, this fact would not have come to light and the relief ordered could have been incorrect, the judge said.

Discovery is necessary to ensure that any application of [Section] 1498(a) is based upon developed facts and not solely on the Governments say-so.

Even if the judge had ruled in favor of Moderna, proceedings related to the second contract would likely have moved forward in U.S. District Court in Delaware, where the judge is based and where the lawsuit was filed.

The government helped develop Modernas vaccine and has started receiving royalty payments.

Patent Infringement

Arbutus and Genevant sued Moderna in March 2022, asserting the company used technology Arbutus had already patented.

That included a lipid nanoparticle system used by the COVID-19 vaccine to deliver spike protein into the body.

Moderna was aware of the patents and even tried to license them for other products, according to the lawsuit. Moderna didnt try to license the technology for its COVID-19 vaccine, instead attempting to invalidate the patents and, when those efforts failed, using the patented technology anyway.

Moderna has denied the claims, describing its vaccine as a product of Modernas many years of pioneering mRNA platform research and development, including creation of our own proprietary lipid nanoparticle delivery technology.

The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines utilize messenger RNA, or mRNA, platforms.

Other Cases

Several other patent infringement claims have been lodged over the vaccines, which have yielded billions of dollars for Moderna and Pfizer.

In one case, Moderna sued Pfizer, alleging Pfizer used technology it had developed.

That case, overseen by U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns, has also moved to the discovery phase. Discovery will be completed by Dec. 13, according to a scheduling order entered by Stearns, a Clinton appointee.

CureVac, a German company, in 2022 sued Pfizer partner BioNTech, asserting it had developed proprietary technology utilized by the companies vaccines.

CureVacs intellectual property rights need to be acknowledged and respected in the form of a fair compensation to reinvest into the further advancement of mRNA technology and the ongoing development of new classes of life saving medicines, the company said at the time.

Pfizer and BioNTech then sued CureVac in the United States, alleging the latter was trying to profit from their successful vaccine.

CureVac announced in 2021 it was abandoning its experimental COVID-19 vaccine, which was also based on mRNA technology, shifting its focus to a collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline on second-generation vaccine candidates. The firms have since said the vaccine performed well in early trials, but its still in development.
Many Countries Return Giant Pandas, as Chinas Panda Diplomacy Comes to an End

The Smithsonian National Zoo's Giant Panda Mei Ziang, sleeps in the indoor habitat at the zoo in Washington on Aug. 23, 2015. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Japan, Finland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have recently announced that they will return leased giant pandas to China. The United States and Taiwan each lost one of their giant pandas due to illness.

Japan Returned Four Giant Pandas

According to Japans Kyodo News agency, 30-year-old male panda Eimei and his twin daughters Ouhin and Touhin, eight years old, left Japan by plane on the evening of Feb. 22. The day before, Wakayama Adventure World held a farewell ceremony for them.

Eimei returned to China for panda conservation and breeding research, while his twin daughters returned to China to find a mate, the report said.

Eimei was born in Beijing, China in 1992 and came to Japan in 1994. He is a super Dad who had six cubs with female panda Meimei, who passed away in 2008, and ten cubs with Rauhin, making him the father of 16 cubs.

Newborn panda cubs displayed on a crib during a press conference at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest Chinas Sichuan province on Sept. 23, 2013. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

On Feb. 21, another Japanese giant panda, Xiang Xiang, also returned to China. Xiang Xiang was born in Japan in June 2017, and according to the agreement between China and Japan, ownership of panda cubs born overseas also belongs to China. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Xiang Xiangs return date was postponed four times.

Finland: Cant Afford to Keep Pandas

In late January, a private zoo in Finland said it was ready to return two giant pandas it had leased from China because it could no longer afford their upkeep.

The pandas, named Lumi and Pyry, arrived in Finland in January 2018, shortly after Chinese leader Xi Jinping signed a 15-year panda lease with Finland on his 2017 state visit to the country.

Ahtari Zoo, located in central Finland, had hoped the pandas would attract tourists, but has instead racked up mounting debts as the pandemic hit tourism.

The Finnish government had offered the zoo a one-time financial support of 200,000 euros ($210,000) in 2021, but rejected the zoos application for a 5 million euro ($5.3 million) grant.

Under the 15-year lease, the zoo pays an annual fee to China. Although the amount has never been disclosed, it is estimated to be around 1 million euros ($1.06 million). Additionally, the zoo is responsible for the maintenance costs of the panda pair.

UK: Breeding Difficulties

The United Kingdom also announced the return of giant pandas in January. On Jan. 4, the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland said it expected to send a pair of pandas back to China by the end of October this year.

Yang Guang and Tian Tian arrived in Edinburgh in December 2011. The Edinburgh Zoo pays 750,000 ($900,000) a year to China for the two pandas.

As the UKs only giant pandas, they have been incredibly popular with visitors, according to David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

But not long after their arrival, it was discovered that the panda pair had no enthusiasm for breeding. The staff attempted artificial inseminations eight times, all of which ended in failure. Yang Guang also developed testicular cancer and was castrated after undergoing a surgical operation.

The 10-year lease for the two pandas was originally due to expire in 2021, but was extended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After this year, the lease will not be renewed.

Accidental Death in US

The United States was the first country to recently announce the return of giant pandas.

On Dec. 21 last year, the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee stated that it would return Ya Ya and Le Le to China, ending their 20-year lease.

The two pandas were set to be returned on April 7, according to the lease term. Unexpectedly, Le Le was suddenly found dead in his sleep in early February at the age of 25.

The Memphis Zoo could not identify the cause of death at the time of the announcement. Matt Thompson, the zoos president and CEO, said at a press conference that there was no indication that Le Le was sick. The video footage from the days before his death also showed no signs of any problems.

After the news came out, Chinese media criticized the United States, and many Chinese netizens strongly urged that Ya Ya be brought back ahead of the scheduled return date.

As the confrontation between China and the United States has spread to many areas, the unexpected death of Le Le seems to have further worsened the bilateral relations.

However, after China sent a giant panda expert to the United States, it was preliminarily determined that the cause of Lees death was a heart attack. At the same time, an assessment of Ya Ya concluded that, except for some hair loss cause by a skin condition, Ya Ya had a good appetite and her weight was stable.

Panda in Taiwan Died from Epilepsy

Another giant panda that died last year was more politically significant.

At the end of August last year, Tuan Tuan, a giant panda gifted to Taiwan from China, showed signs of epilepsy and was later diagnosed with a brain lesion that deteriorated rapidly. Since there is no precedent for humans to perform a craniotomy on pandas, veterinarians did not pursue this option. On Nov. 19, Tuan Tuan had three consecutive seizures. The medical team decided that his conditions were irreversible and decided to put him to sleep under anesthesia. That afternoon, Tuan Tuans heart stopped beating. He was only 18 years old, equivalent to 54 to 55 years old in human years.

The Chinese regime had basically stopped gifting giant pandas to foreign countries since 1982, but made a special effort to give Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan to Taiwan in 2006.

The two pandas were not originally named that way, but the CCP deliberately changed their names to mean reunion and unity.

Many Chinese netizens commented that the death of Tuan Tuan felt like a bad omen for Beijings intent to unify Taiwan.

Panda Diplomacy Fails

The giant panda is a unique species in China and is loved by people all over the world because of its cute image and gentle nature. The CCP was well aware of this. Between 1957 and 1982, the regime gave 23 giant pandas to nine countries as presents. The United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, France, Japan, and Germany had all received pandas as a special gift.

After 1982, under global pressure to protect endangered animals, the CCP stopped donating giant pandas and sent them abroad to participate in exhibition tours. Later, the CCP changed its approach and decided to send mature panda pairs abroad. These pandas would stay in a host country for 10 years of cooperative research, and during the entire time frame, the other party would pay millions of dollars in annual lease fees.

For decades, giant pandas have been treated like stars wherever they go. At the same time, they have also effectively beautified the image of the CCP.

Ji Lin, a current affairs commentator living in Japan, told The Epoch Times on March 7 that giant pandas had become a kind of soft power for the CCP. Those countries, by embracing pandas on loan from China, were making a gesture of their acceptance of the CCPs political stance. But now many countries are unwilling to maintain this so-called panda diplomacy, either for political reasons or financial reasons, Ji said.

Akio Yaba, the Taipei branch director of the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun, wrote in a Facebook post on Feb. 24 that the return of the pandas seems to symbolize that the CCPs panda diplomacy is gradually coming to an end.
Micronesian Leader Calls to Sever Ties With China, Citing Political Warfare and Direct Threats

David Panuelo of Federated States of Micronesia speaks during the Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 18, 2013. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Federated States of Micronesias (FSMs) outgoing leader has proposed that his nation switch allegiances to Taiwan from Beijing as he accused Beijing of waging political warfare and making direct threats to his safety.

FSM President David Panuelo, whose term is ending in two months, exposed the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to his nation in a leaked 13-page letter addressed to the FSM Congress on March 9.

I am acutely aware that informing you all of this presents risks to my personal safety; the safety of my family; and the safety of the staff I rely on to support me in this work, he wrote in his letter.

Panuelo claimed to have been followed during his visit to Fiji in July 2022 by two Chinese officials, who he claimed were employed by the Chinese Embassy in Suva, Fiji. One of them was a Chinese military intelligence officer.

To be clear: I have had direct threats against my personal safety from PRC [Peoples Republic of China] officials acting in an official capacity, he wrote.

In his letter, Panuelo alleged that Beijing was attempting to undermine the FSMs sovereignty to ensure that the country would side with the CCP or remain neutral in a potential conflict over self-ruled Taiwan.

We further know that the FSM has a key role to play in either the prevention of such a conflict, or participation in allowing it to occur, the Micronesian leader wrote.

It is on this basis that Political Warfare and Grey Zone activity occur within our borders; China is seeking to ensure that, in the event of a war in our Blue Pacific Continent between themselves and Taiwan, that the FSM is, at best, aligned with the PRC instead of the United States, and, at worst, that the FSM chooses to abstain altogether.

Chinese Research Vessel

Panuelo cited the CCPs sending its research vessel into the FSMs exclusive economic zone with the intention of mapping [the FSMs] maritime territory for potential resources and for submarine travel paths.

We are aware of PRC activity in our exclusive economic zone whose purpose includes communicating with other PRC assets so as to help ensure that, in the event of a missileor group of missilesever needed to land a strike on the U.S. territory of Guam that they would be successful in doing so, he said.

The FSM had dispatched patrol boats to check on the Chinese research vessels activity in the Pacific Islands nations territory, but they were warned to stay away, according to Panuelo.

The United States is bound with the FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau through the Compact of Free Association; these countries are called the Freely Associated States.

The agreement allows these states access to U.S. domestic economic programs and allows the United States to operate defense bases in these nations.

Bribed to Be Silent

Panuelo said the CCPs political warfare in the FSM included overt activitysuch as political alliances and economic measuresand covert activity, such as bribery, psychological warfare, and blackmail.

One of the reasons that Chinas political warfare is successful in so many arenas is that we are bribed to be complicit, and bribed to be silent. Thats a heavy word, but it is an accurate description regardless, he said.

It is at this point that I relay, simply as a point of information, that 39 out of 50 members of parliament in Solomon Islands received payments from China prior to their vote on postponing elections that were otherwise scheduled for this year.

Taiwans Offers

Panuelo also revealed that he met with Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu last month to discuss Taiwans potential assistance to the FSM if it decided to recognize Taiwan.

I was transparent with Foreign Minister Wu. We project we need an injection of approximately $50,000,000 to meet our future needs, he said.

We can and we will receive this, over a three-year period, if and when we establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

It remains unclear where the meeting was held. Wu confirmed in Parliament on March 10 that he exchanged views with Panuelo over the issue but declined to comment further, Taiwans media reported.

The government respects and welcomes FSM expanding bilateral ties with Taiwan, but will not comment on the details on establishing official ties which the FSM president mentioned, Taiwans Foreign Ministry stated.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it firmly opposes countries with which Beijing has diplomatic ties engaging in any form of official interaction with Taiwan because doing so violates the One China principle.

Taiwan has been a self-governing democracy since the Chinese civil war ended in 1949. Still, the CCP regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be united with mainland China by any means necessary.

Only four of the Pacific Island nationsPalau, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalurecognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation.

Beijing signed multiple agreements with some Pacific Island nations last year, such as Samoa and the Solomon Islands, but it failed to have the regions nations sign a sweeping security and economic deal in May 2022 because of a lack of consensus among Pacific Island leaders.

Venus Upadhayaya contributed to this report.
Mississippi Man Gets 2 Years for Threats to CDC Officials

JACKSON, Miss.A Mississippi man allegedly upset about the COVID-19 vaccination program has been sentenced to two years in prison for threatening federal health officials, federal prosecutors said.

Robert Wiser Bates, 39, of Ridgeland, placed phone calls to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta in July 2021 and left threatening voicemails for the agencys director, Rochelle Walensky, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.

An investigation found Bates made similar threats towards Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease at the National Institutes of Health, LaMarcas office said.

Bates pleaded guilty Dec. 19 to charges of making threats in interstate commerce.
New Home Office Guidance to Stop Police From Recording Non-Crime Hate Incidents Because Someone Is Offended

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman leaves Downing Street following the first cabinet meeting after Liz Truss took office as the new prime minister, in London, on Sept. 7, 2022. (Carl Court/Getty Images)

Home Secretary Suella Braverman is to order police to only record non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) when absolutely necessary, which campaigners say is a major win for free speech.

Braverman said the draft guidelines, which will go before Parliament on Monday, will prevent police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate.

British police have been encouraging the public to report NCHIs, described as any non-crime incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, on official hate crime sites.

But critics have called NCHIs an Orwellian device that encourage conduct that violates freedom of expression.

According to the new guidelines, police will only record non-crime hate incidents when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate and not simply because someone is offended, the Home Office said in a release.

Braverman said personal data will only be recorded for incidents motivated by intentional hostility and where there is a real risk of significant harm.

Braverman said officers must have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds.

I have been deeply concerned about reports of the police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate in this country, she said.

We have been clear that, in recording so called non-crime hate incidents, officers must always have freedom of expression at the forefront of their minds.

The new code will ensure the police are prioritising their efforts where its really needed and focusing on tackling serious crimes such as burglary, violent offences, rape, and other sexual offences.

Former police officer Harry Miller speaks to the media outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Dec. 20, 2021. (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Harry Miller

Mentioned in the guidance is the case of former policeman Harry Miller.

Miller brought a judicial review against the professional body for the police in England and Wales, the College of Policing (CoP), and Humberside Police after an officer visited him at work to check his thinking over reposting a gender-critical limerick on Twitter.

Miller also set up Fair Cop in response to what it calls Big Brother overreach of various police forces and other authorities in England.

In 2021, a top court ruled that CoPs guidance on recording NCHIs violated Millers freedom of expression as set out in Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Miller told The Epoch Times that the Home Office stepping in was the right thing to do.

Finally Suella Braverman has stood up and done her job. Its not the role of the Home Secretary to interfere with the police but it is the role of the home secretary to pull the police into line when they are in contempt of the rule of law and the courts, he said.

He added that the CoP is 100 percent unfit for purpose.

Miller previously told The Epoch Times that the justification for recording NCHIs is based on a theory of escalating hate as set out by American psychologist, Gordon Allport, in 1954. The Allport Scale has five stages: antilocution, avoidance, discrimination, physical attack, and extermination. Hate speech is included in the antilocution stage.

During Millers legal challenge, Police Superintendent Paul Giannasi, who is developing and delivering the England and Wales Hate Crime Policy, described Millers reposted limerick as a staging post on a five-step journey that leads to genocide.

Miller said he believed Bravermans intervention was the start of a great unravelling.

Because what we [Fair Cop] did, we put a hole beneath the waterline and what Suella has done has basically sunk the ship, he said.

We have a right to be offensive. It [the guidelines] says that we have a right to be gender critical, it removes police from recording school children, its an absolute overwhelming victory, he added.

The rainbow flag on a police officer during Pride in London on July 6, 2019. (Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images for Pride in London)

Clear Threshold

Crime, policing, and fire minister Chris Philp said the guidelines create a clear threshold that must be met for hate incidents to be recorded.

However, Labour shadow policing minister Sarah Jones said that the home secretary is trying to pick fights instead of providing serious solutions.

We will wait to see the details of these guidelines, but it seems yet again the home secretary is trying to pick fights instead of providing serious solutions to the pressures on policing, she said.

Iain Raphael, director of public safety and risk at the College of Policing, told The Epoch Times by email: Police have a responsibility to protect the public and ensure everyone feels safe whilst also safeguarding freedom of speech. Finding a balance between these two interests is essential for policing in ensuring people are free to engage in lawful debate without police interference.

Raphael said he welcomed the new proposed Code of Practice for hate incidents and have supported the Home Office in its writing.

Our interim hate incident guidance was revised and issued as a temporary measure, reflecting the judgement of the Court of Appeal, to fill the gap until a new code of practice was released by the Home Office. The aim of this guidance was to support officers and staff in better understanding the law whilst ensuring the response to complaints from the public where an incident is said to be motivated by hostility or prejudice is proportionate, he said.

Its important to stress that recording of non-crime hate incidents is not a penalty and is vital in allowing police to build intelligence around patterns of behaviour that could escalate and cause harm to people if not monitored appropriately, he added.

PA Media contributed to this report.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Quashes 2024 Presidential Bid Reports, Throws Support Behind Biden

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy gives a victory speech to supporters at Grand Arcade at the Pavilion in Asbury Park, N.J., on Nov. 3, 2021. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has quashed rumors that he is planning to run in the 2024 presidential election while voicing his support for fellow President Joe Biden.

Speaking on CBS Face the Nation on March 12, Murphy was asked by host Margaret Brennan if he is considering making a White House bid following a recent New York Times report that claimed he has an eye on Washington.

I will say this, I have 1,000 percent, behind President Biden, Murphy, a Democrat, told Brennan. And I havent really looked beyond that he certainly is going to run. He deserves to run. Hes earned that right. I think hes had a great run here. And Im gonna be 1,000 percent behind him.

Im a former U.S. ambassador, which in my case was the Federal Republic of Germany. And therefore, the international stuff iscontinues to be important to us. New Jersey is one of the most international American states. So direct investment relations abroad matter a lot, Murphy added. So we have a few balls in the air, but New Jersey is job number one.

Brennan also quizzed Murphy as to why Biden has not formally announced his candidacy for 2024.

Up until now, Biden has only said that he intends to run and that he has other things to finish before officially launching a 2024 presidential campaign.

Manchin to Decide Political Future

I know, were all sort of expecting its next week, next month, whatever it might be. My guess is its sooner than later, Murphy said of a potential Biden announcement. But thats something that the president himself will decide.

Murphys comments come shortly after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said that he will decide at the end of this year whether or not he runs against Biden in the next presidential election or for reelection.

Theres plenty of time for the elections, Manchin said in an interview with Face The Nation on March 5. Im not going to make my announcement for anything until the end of the year. Im not going to make a decision, what my political position is going to be or where Im going to do for my political future. I wont do it until the end of the year. I got too much work to do now.

Unlike Murphy, Virginia lawmaker Manchinwho has cast himself as a moderate or a centrist and has frequently found himself in opposition with his own Democratic Party on multiple occasions during his careerdeclined to say whether or not he would support Biden if he were to be the Democratic nominee in 2024.

Instead, Manchin told CBS that he plans to see who is running before endorsing any of the candidates.

So far, only bestselling self-help book author Marianne Williamson has announced that she is challenging Biden for the Democrat nomination in 2024.

Current Presidential Candidates

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Montanas former Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, and entrepreneur businessman Vivek Ramaswamy have formally announced campaigns.

Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is also said to be considering a presidential run but has not yet announced his candidacy.

While Biden is yet to announce his candidacy for 2024, polls show that his approval ratings have plummeted among Americans.

According to FiveThirtyEights polling average, 51.3 percent of Americans disapprove of him while 43.9 percent approve of the job he is doing in office.

A separate poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows just 37 percent of Democrats say they want Biden to seek a second term, down from 52 percent in the weeks before last years midterm elections.

Follow-up interviews with poll respondents conducted by the publication suggested that the presidents ageBiden is 80 and would be 86 years old upon leaving office if he is reelected for a second termplayed a big factor in their apprehension to see him serve another term.

However, many Democrats, including House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, have thrown their support behind Biden, The Guardian reported.

I think he will win. I think hes our strongest candidate, Aguilar said earlier this month at an event with Punchbowl News. I think that he can and should run, and hes going to have the support of the House Democratic caucus.
New Laws Target Illicit Tobacco and Vapes Sold to Queensland Kids

People using vapes will not get a pass in no-smoking areas, and there will be a crackdown on tobacco chop shops under new laws proposed for Queensland.

There will also be an expansion of smoke-free areas, a new licensing scheme and greater restrictions on cigarette sales in pubs and clubs under the laws to be introduced to the state parliament this week.

Health Minister Yvette DAth said the bill will also seek to change the language of no-smoking areas to make it clear that if you cant smoke there, you shouldnt be using an e-cigarette.

The new licensing scheme aims to crack down on sellers of chop shops that have popped up in Queensland suburbs in recent years, selling both illegal tobacco and vapes to children.

Its the actual legit small businesses, tobacconists, who have come to us and said, we want you to regulate us, we want to be licensed, we want to be able to find the ones who arent licensed or shouldnt be, DAth told ABC Radio Brisbane on Monday.

Currently, the state relies on a system requiring participation from multiple agencies across different levels of government.

The new laws aim to streamline the response.

They will also ban children from being in designated smoking areas in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The move follows the state governments announcement of a parliamentary inquiry to look into the health risks of vaping and how many young people are using e-cigarettes.

DAth said even vapes that claim not to contain nicotine often do, meaning people can become addicted without realising it.

Additives found in antifreeze and carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetone have also been found.

There is particular concern about the impact vapes are having on school children, and the health minister said marketing is a major problem.

Flavours like bubblegum and vanilla are common, and DAth said it was shocking some vapes look like highlighters that could be easily hidden in pencil cases.

Teachers are begging for help in this space because kids are becoming so addicted they cant sit through a lesson without being agitated, she said.

We dont want to be here in 20 or 30 years time looking back, like we all did globally on tobacco, and going if only.

There are also signs of greater action at a federal level after Nationals Leader David Littleproud suggested tightening regulation on vape flavours and chemicals.

The problem weve got is weve got all these fruit flavours that have been so enticing to children, he told the Today Show on Sunday.

The reality is that if you dont have regulation that regulates whats in it and regulates how its flavoured, then it opens up this Pandoras box.

It is important that we act swiftly, but we act with the science weve got and any science we can get.

Littleproud said his party room was likely to form a position in the next week.
In a recent tweet, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy hit upon three hot-button issues in todays politics: climate change, China and gas stoves.

"Outrageous!" Langworthy said in his Feb. 10 tweet. "A government watchdog group has uncovered Biden's Energy Secretary's meeting with the radical green energy group behind the gas stove ban. This dark-money group has ties to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). Hands off our stoves, stop treating China like our friend."

The Republican's tweet linked to a Fox News article about a right-of-center group, Americans for Public Trust, which had reported that Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholms schedule included a meeting with a representative from the Rocky Mountain Institute, an environmental group. The group said a calendar entry showed Granholm meeting with Jules Kortenhorst, the institutes then-CEO, in June 2021.

We wondered whether the tweet accurately characterized Granholms meeting by saying the institute is behind a ban on gas stoves and that it has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

When we inquired, Langworthy's office sent us the Americans for Public Trust statement and news coverage of its release. But we found that Langworthys description is exaggerated.

What does the Rocky Mountain Institute believe about gas stoves?

The Rocky Mountain Institute is an environmental organization that focuses on the production and use of energy. It participates in programs worldwide to work with governments to curb climate change, including China.

According to Americans for Public Trust, Kortenhorst met with Granholm for an hour over Zoom. The calendar didnt disclose what they discussed, but Americans for Public Trust took aim at the groups background. In its statement, the organization said the institute "made recent headlines after it was exposed for funding a study that highlighted public health dangers posed by gas stove usage."

The Rocky Mountain Institutes report found that "burning gas in buildings is not only a threat to climate action but also to human health, as these appliances are sources of indoor air pollution.  Whats more, a robust body of scientific research shows the pollutants released by gas stoves can have negative health effects, often exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma."

The report urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission to "set science-based indoor air quality guidelines" for nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, and to require manufacturers and installers to "certify that any new gas stove installed will not expose residents to harmful levels" of those chemicals. The group suggested that this could include automatic exhaust venting.

For existing users of gas stoves, the group suggested that solutions could include mandating carbon monoxide detectors and warnings "all the way to requiring replacements."

So, it is accurate to say that the group is concerned about policy over gas stoves, and the group floated the possibility of "requiring replacements" for existing users. But it offered a range of possible solutions and stopped short of advocating for a "gas stove ban."

Is a gas stove ban a realistic possibility?

Even if someone perceives the institutes floating of requiring replacements as advocacy for a ban, the Biden administration has made clear that the idea isnt going anywhere.

The issue emerged publicly when Consumer Product Safety Commission member Rich Trumka Jr. was quoted in a Jan. 9 Bloomberg News article discussing gas stoves health risks and how the commission might address them.

"Any option is on the table," said Trumka, a Biden appointee. "Products that cant be made safe can be banned."

But in an October meeting detailing the agencys plans for 2023, Trumka introduced an amendment for a proposed rule to tighten gas stove safety. No other commissioners supported the amendment.

And the commissions chair, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, a Biden appointee, said in a statement that neither he nor the Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking to ban gas kitchen appliances.

The White House echoed this position.

"The president does not support banning gas stoves," a White House spokesperson told PolitiFact.

The commission did unanimously approve a second amendment Trumka offered to seek public comment on risks associated with gas stoves and possible solutions to address them. But that is well short of a ban.

Even if the commissions position changes, its hands would be tied if it sought to remove existing gas stoves. The commission has the authority to implement forward-looking bans if there is no other reasonable way to protect people from the danger an item poses. However, the commission lacks the power to remove products that are already in consumers homes. Bans and regulations apply to manufacturers and sellers.

Trumka made this point in a Jan. 9 tweet.

"To be clear, CPSC isn't coming for anyone's gas stoves. Regulations apply to new products," he wrote.

The Energy Department told PolitiFact New York that the meeting with Granholm was not about gas stoves, and that the department isnt considering a ban, either.

"Claims that the government is banning gas stoves are absurd," the department said in a statement. "The Department of Energy is proposing efficiency standards for gas and electric cooking appliances. They are not proposing bans on either."

Does the Rocky Mountain Institute have ties to the Chinese Communist Party?

The Rocky Mountain Institute is working with China to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. When we inquired about the nature of this collaboration, the institute did not respond. However, the group said it has worked with the Chinese government to pass and propose legislation to meet this goal.

The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative online publication, reported in January that in 2013, the institute "joined forces with China's National Development and Reform Commission  the government agency tasked with planning the communist nation's economy  to produce a report that advised China to replace existing appliances and generators with clean energy technologies. The commission went on to set climate goals that included energy reduction targets."

In China, the Communist Party controls the government, and the government has vast control over public life. So any effort to change Chinas environmental behavior requires working with the Chinese government, which, in turn, requires working with Communist Party officials.

But Daniel Markey, a China expert at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies, told PolitiFact that characterizing these as "ties" to the Communist Party lacks important context.

China is the worlds largest emitter of carbon, producing nearly 10 billion tons annually, or more than a quarter of global emissions. So attacking climate change globally isnt feasible unless China reduces its emissions.

And that would be possible without some cooperation with the government. Working with China on this goal does not signal approval of Chinas communist government, Markey said.

The group is working side by side with the Chinese government "to achieve their environmental aims," he said.

Our ruling

Langworthy said Granholm met "with the radical green energy group behind the gas stove ban," which "has ties to the" Chinese Communist Party.

Granholm did meet with the Rocky Mountain Institutes CEO in 2021, but the department says that gas stoves werent discussed. The institute has raised concerns about the health impacts of using gas stoves, but has discussed a ban only as one of several options for limiting health impacts and did not explicitly advocate for a ban.

Biden administration officials have said that they have no plans to ban gas stoves going forward, and its doubtful that the government could legally force existing gas stoves to be replaced even if it wanted.

The institute is working with the Chinese government to reduce carbon emissions, but experts say that characterizing this as "ties" to the Communist Party lacks important context.

We rate the statement Mostly False.
New Warnings Issued as Noreaster to Rapidly Intensify Before Hammering East Coast

Winter storm warnings were issued across much of the Northeastern United States on Monday as a strong Nor'easter storm was forecast to hit later in the day, bringing upwards of 30 inches of snow in some localities. (National Weather Service)

Winter storm warnings were issued across much of the Northeast United States on Monday as a strong Noreaster storm was forecast to hit later in the day, bringing upwards of 30 inches of snow in some localities.

A coastal low pressure will strengthen rapidly into a major Noraster that significantly impacts the Northeast beginning later Monday night through Wednesday, said the National Weather Service in a Monday update. Heavy snow rates (2 inches plus per hour) and strong winds will produce dangerous to impossible travel.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday afternoon declared a state of emergency starting at 8 p.m. ET due to the weather impacts. She said that the snow will be heavy  one [and]& a half feet will feel like three  [and] will likely cause power outages.

This storm will create hazardous road conditions through Wednesday morning, she wrote. Please stay home [and] avoid any unnecessary travel so you can stay safe [and] help plow crews do their job.

The snow and high winds will likely result in power outages and tree damage, it warned. Upwards of 30 inches of snow could fall in mountain ranges across New York state, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, the agency said.

Localized maximum totals of 24-30 inches are possible. Widespread minor coastal flooding and beach erosion may be possible through Wednesday as the low pressure stalls and deepens off the coast of New England, the bulletin said, adding that the snow will be heavy-wet.

Forecasters say that for the Northeast, the storm may be the most impactful one so far this winter. According to AccuWeather, the system becomes a bomb cyclone when it drops 24 millibars in 24 hours.

Federal winter storm warnings extend from northern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania to central and upstate New York, northern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island, southern Maine, and parts of Vermont as well as New Hampshire, according to an NWS map. Winter storm watches are in effect for parts of northern New Hampshire and Maine along with areas in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

New York City, southern Connecticut, and the lower Hudson Valley are under a winter weather advisory, meaning smaller amounts of snow will fall.

The storm is likely to result in very low visibility on roadways, making travel very difficult to impossible, the weather service said.

California Faces More Storms

On the West Coast, another storm targeted areas of northern and Central California already saturated from the unusual bout of bad weather. It promised to dump as much as seven inches of rain in higher elevations and up to three inches elsewhere, the National Weather Service said in its forecast.

Winds of 70 miles per hour were also forecast while five feet of snow was possible in higher parts of the state.

Were going to see trees down, power outages. We just cant get a break right now, Brian May, a spokesman for Californias Office of Emergency Services, told MSNBC on Monday, adding that 40 of 58 counties were under a state of emergency. Stay on high alert, May urged, calling on residents to evacuate when local officials issue orders.

The storm was the product of what meteorologists call an atmospheric river, a high-altitude current of dense, subtropical moisture streaming into the West Coast from the warm Pacific waters around Hawaii.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Insider Threat: New Zealand Public Servant Accused of Spying for CCP

New Zealand flags fly in front of The Beehive during the Commission Opening of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Oct. 20, 2014. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) is declining to comment on reports that it detained a Chinese-born New Zealand citizen who worked as a public servant on suspicion of spying for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The NZSIS has a long-standing approach of not discussing what may or may not be specific areas of operational focus or individuals, an NZSIS spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

Yuan Jason Zhao, a senior analyst for the NZ Public Service Commission, says hes been accused of being an insider threat, according to the New Zealand media outlet Stuff. According to Stuff, Zhao said in a deleted fundraising website that he had been accused of providing privileged insights to the Chinese communist regime and for holding close personal relationships with officials from a foreign government.

Im innocent, Zhao told Stuff. Someone framed me.

On its website, the NZSIS defines insider threat as any person who exploits, or intends to exploit their legitimate access to an agencys assets to harm the security of their agency or New Zealand, either wittingly or unwittingly, through espionage, terrorism, unauthorised disclosure or information, or loss or degradation of a resource or capability.

On another fundraising website, Zhao alleged that he and his family were detained by the NZSIS at Wellington International Airport on Oct. 20, 2022, while returning from vacation. He accused the agency of prohibiting any outside contact for several hours and that his family felt deprived of our human rights.

The passports, luggage, and phones of Zhao, his wife, and their children, as well as his sons laptop, were also allegedly taken away and checked. Zhao also claims that he was taken to a room and presented a form asking him to voluntarily accept an interview. He said he felt forced to sign the paper as his family was being held.

After the interview, the Public Service Commission suspended him from work.

The NZSIS told The Epoch Times that it doesnt have enforcement powers and cannot detain or arrest anyone, or require them to speak to us.

Anyone can complain to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security if they consider that they have been, or maybe, adversely affected by something done by the NZSIS, the NZSIS spokesperson added.

Officials at New Zealand Public Service Commission didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

New Zealands Role as Indo-Pacific Tensions Rise

The espionage allegations arose on the eve of the AUKUS announcement, a trilateral agreement that will arm Australia with a nuclear submarine capability in the face of the growing threat from the Beijing regime in the Indo-Pacific.

While New Zealand isnt a part of the AUKUS, it wouldnt be able to sit on the sidelines during any potential conflict, retired Australian Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan said.

This isnt just about submarines; this is about diplomacy, this is about economics, this is about influence. And New Zealand is very much in the picture when it comes to all these aspects of competition with China, he told Newshub.

Ryan noted that, like New Zealand, Australias biggest trading partner is China, yet it stood up to the regime in the face of an AU$20 billion (US$14 billion) economic coercion campaign.

At some point, you just have to take a stand for your values. Chinas values are not aligned with ours, and Id suggest theyre probably not aligned with New Zealands, he said.

Our foreign interference legislation, our views on 5G are something that New Zealand might like to look at.

During his first visit to Australia as New Zealands prime minister, Chris Hipkins said at a news conference that China is an incredibly important trading partner.

That doesnt mean there arent going to be areas where we disagree from time to time. Well continue to voice our disagreements with China when that happens, and well always continue to strive to strengthen that ongoing relationship.
Nikki Haley Condemns Bidens Bailout of Failed Silicon Valley Bank

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign event in the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, in Manchester, N.H., on Feb. 17, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley condemned President Biden on March 13 for what she termed a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, which failed late last week after regulators seized its assets and vowed to repay depositors.

Joe Biden is pretending this isnt a bailout. It is, Haley said following news of the White Houses decision.

Now depositors at healthy banks are forced to subsidize Silicon Valley Banks mismanagement. When the Deposit Insurance Fund runs dry, all bank customers are on the hook. Thats a public bailout.

Depositors should be paid by selling off Silicon Valley Banks assets, not by the public. Taxpayers should not be responsible.

The government acted late on March 12 to employ emergency steps to enable depositors access to their entire cash, drawing from the Deposit Insurance Funda fund sponsored by the banking sectorso that taxpayers will pay no losses, according to the president.

No losses will beand  this is an important pointno losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Let me repeat that: No losses will be borne by the taxpayers. Instead, the money will come from the fees that banks pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund, Biden said on March 13.

Biden has emphasized that the federal government is not bailing out the bank, reiterating Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens assurances; the president has emphasized that the U.S. financial system is safe despite the recent concern.

The bottom line is this: Americans can rest assured that our banking system is safe. Your deposits are safe. Let me also assure you, we will not stop at this. Well do whatever is needed, the president added.

Another presidential contender and biotech businessman, Vivek Ramaswamy stated that IT companies, which SVB mostly supported, assumed they would be bailed out in the same way that Washington did for Lehman Brothers during the 2008 financial crisis.

I think more regulations are not the answer because that creates more room for crony capitalism, Ramaswamy told FOX Business.

I think what we really need here is fostering a culture of greater due diligence by market actors to not have to just rely on the government to do their work for them, Ramaswamy said.

His remarks come only hours after the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said that all Silicon Valley Bank clients would be safeguarded and able to access their funds in an effort to restore trust in the banking system.

They also announced efforts to protect the banks clients and avoid more bank runs.

Depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, including those whose balances are above the $250,000 insurance limit, will be allowed to retrieve their funds under the arrangement. Depositors at US institutions are generally covered up to $250,000 in FDIC-guaranteed deposits.

Ramaswamy was not in support of the move.

I think its disappointing to see crony capitalism win again in America. We have a $250,000 limit. If you want to change the limit and change the rules, then change the rules. But dont just wing it after the fact, which is exactly what they do here to save their darlings, he said.

And in the future, what this does is encourages more risk-taking at banks. It tells them that the government is going to be there for their depositors in the end anyway.

The White House did not immediately respond to The Epoch Timess request for comment.
Reconciliation for South Korea and Japan Over WWII Forced Labor May Signal More United Front Against Communist Aggression

Japan's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori, South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong and U.S Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman pose for a photo prior their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, on June 8, 2022. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via Reuters)

On March 6, the South Korean government announced a compensation plan for Korean victims of forced labor by Japanese companies during World War II. The Japanese government welcomed the proposal and invited South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to visit Japan in mid-March for a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. President Joe Biden also said that this marks a new chapter of collaboration and partnership between two of Americas closest allies in Asia.

The announced plan was for South Korea to use local funds to compensate victims of forced labor instead of pushing Japanese companies to pay compensation. In 2018, the South Korean Supreme Court ruled in favor of compensation by Japanese companies that benefited from forced labor. However, Japan insisted that all compensation issues had already been fully resolved based on international law in accordance with the 1965 treaty between the two countries. The relationship between South Korea and Japan had deteriorated since.

Japans Nikkei News reported on March 6 that the historic policy change by South Korea in the compensation case is related to the Russia-Ukraine War, the deterioration of U.S.-China relations, and the security situation in East Asia.

South Korea can work together with its neighbor Japan, which shares the common values of liberal democracy, a market economy, rule of law, and human rights, for the mutual benefit of peace and prosperity in the region and the world, said South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin.

On the same day, Yoon said that his government released its position on the forced labor claims against Japan in the face of many challenges in order to promote better relations between the two countries.

Revival of the Trilateral Anti-Communist Bloc

The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshimasa Hayashi, also responded to the proposal, saying, We welcome the measures announced by the South Korean government today to restore healthy relations between Japan and South Korea.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also praised the two countries for their courage to resolve their issues and move forward to better relations.

Current affairs commentator Shi Shan told The Epoch Times on March 7 that better relations between Japan and South Korea signal a revival of the trilateral alliance between the United States, Japan, and South Korea to counter the threat of an increasingly belligerent communist China. The previous South Korean administration had weakened ties between South Korea and Japan by revisiting the historical controversy between the two countries.

Restoring Japan-South Korea relations to counter threats from China, North Korea

After his election in 2022, Yoon signaled his wish to improve the relationship between Japan and South Korea. A Nikkei News report on March 6 suggested that Japan had noticed South Korea raising alerts on aggression from China and North Korea, prompting former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso to visit South Korea in November 2022 and meet with Yoon to test his determination to improve relations between the two countries.

At that time, Yoon told Aso: I wish to improve South Korea-Japan relations even if my approval rate drops by 10 percent. I believe that resolving the problems as soon as possible will benefit the future of South Korea in the long term.

On March 1, President Yoon Suk-yeol, in a ceremony to commemorate South Koreas independence from Japanese rule, changed the tone from previous South Korean presidents who have demanded an apology from Japan on this day for the comfort women incident, and instead of asking for an apology, signaled a willingness to work with Japan.

Today, Japan has transformed from a militaristic colonizing power in the past to South Koreas important regional partner that shares the same values and can work together on the issues of security, trade, and global affairs, he said in his speech.

The current South Korean President believes that in the context of the current geopolitical shuffle in Northeast Asia, it is important to change the previous strategy of maintaining a balance between the United States and China and to join the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy.

He stressed in his speech, In order to confront the security challenges, including the growing nuclear threat from North Korea and other complex global crises, trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan has become more important than ever.
Republicans Ask Energy Secretary to Retract Alarming Praise of Chinas Climate Efforts

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are seeking a retraction from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who praised the regime in China for its efforts to combat climate change, and are demanding that Granholm testify immediately.

Granholm, during a March 10 interview for the 2023 South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, said that we can all learn from what China is doing to lessen its carbon footprint. She commended China for being very sensitive on the issue of climate change, claiming that its investments in clean energy have been encouraging.

The GOP lawmakers told Granholm in a March 13 letter (pdf) that they were deeply troubled by her remarks, which they said raised serious questions about [her] judgment and priorities as energy secretary.

China poses one of the greatest economic, military, and geopolitical threats to the United States, while continuing to be one of the worlds worst polluters, they wrote. As the Secretary of Energy, your core responsibilities involve national security, particularly maintaining and certifying the reliability of the nations nuclear deterrent and protecting our most sensitive technological secrets from theft by our chief adversaries, Russia and China.

Granholms alarming comments, the lawmakers added, at best, reflect an uninformed, unserious perspective on the goals and intentions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its abysmal human rights and environmental record.

The lawmakers also expressed concern over the Biden administrations rush-to-green agenda, noting that the energy sources the administration has been promoting largely rely on critical minerals sourced from China.

Plus, this administrations constant promotion of mandates and subsidies to electrify our transportation systems will result in American mobility controlled with components and materials from China, they added. Meanwhile, the CCP continues to build and utilize coal-fired power plants at home and abroad to further spread its influence, while increasing its carbon emissions.

Other experts have shared that concern.

Kelly Sloan, a senior fellow in energy and environment at Centennial Institute, questioned Chinas motives in investing in climate-friendly initiatives. He suggested in a recent interview with Epoch Times sister outlet NTD that the regimes end goals are less likely to be about climate change than they are about glorifying China and weaponizing the demand for green energy materials against its adversaries.

Stressing Chinas significant share of the market for materials such as copper, cobalt, and lithium, the Republican legislators maintained that Granholms comments only serve to aid China in its agenda, adding, We expect you to make yourself available to the Committee to testify immediately.

The Department of Energy didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
Republicans Revive Push to Allow Americans to Sue CCP Over COVID-19

Security personnel stand guard outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in Wuhan, China, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Legislative efforts to enable Americans to sue the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the COVID-19 pandemic have been renewed on Capitol Hill by Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Michael Burgess (R-Texas).

Under legislation the congressmen introduced on March 10, the Chinese communist regime could be held legally liable for misrepresenting the seriousness and nature of the novel coronavirus to the World Health Organization, resulting in loss of life, injury, and damage to property and commercial interests of people around the world.

Knowing that Xi Jinping and his communist regime systematically failed to be truthful and transparent, our legislation seeks to not only gain access to more information but also provide much-needed relief to the loved ones of those who died and others who have suffered severe economic loss during the pandemic, Smith, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a statement.

The bill comes amid increasing calls for government transparency on COVID-19 following reports that both the FBI and the U.S. Department of Energy believe the source of the pandemic to have been a lab leak at Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virologya theory that was largely discouraged and dismissed by government agencies until recently.

Another supporter of that theory is Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who told members of Congress on March 8 that he believed that U.S. taxpayers had funded the gain-of-function research that created the virus.

We must finally get to the truth about what happened and who was involved in this deception in order to bring justice to those who suffered profoundly from COVID-19, Smith said, noting that the legislation would also allow for additional answers to be produced through discovery and testimony in court.

Republican senators launched a similar effort to hold China legally liable for COVID-19 in 2020 by introducing the Civil Justice for Victims of COVID Act, but that bill was never taken up for a vote.

However, Burgess said it was time for the CCP to be held accountable.

The Chinese Communist Party refusal to provide real-time information killed Americans, he said. The American people lost loved ones and suffered a multitude of losses during the coronavirus pandemic. They deserve the ability to get answers from the CCP.

To date, more than 6.8 million people around the world have died because of COVID-19, including nearly 1 million Americans.

In a rare moment of total agreement, both congressional chambers unanimously passed legislation this month requiring the director of national intelligence to declassify information about the origins of the pandemic.

The bill has yet to be signed by President Joe Biden.
Previously, in part one of my interview with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., founder and chief legal counsel of the Childrens Health Defense, we discussed glaring conflicts of interest in our health agencies and what he describes as a coup-detat against American democracy and the Bill of Rights.

Now in part two, he explains how U.S. government tools developed for influencing overseas populations were deployed on Americans.

We also take a look at the string of pandemic simulations conducted in the last few decadesdetailed in his book The Real Anthony Fauciand the eerie similarities he discovered.

What does Kennedy think about allegations the CIA was involved in the assassination of his uncle, John F. Kennedy?

And at a time when many have lost faith in the American system, how do we restore power to the American people and rekindle American ideals?

Looking for PART ONE of this interview? Watch it here.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.:

One of the big worries of the people who made the Constitution is that through demagoguery, fear, and essentially propaganda, that demagogues and tyrants would easily be able to persuade, particularly an uneducated public, to relinquish the rights that the founders had fought and in some cases died for. We were the first country with mandatory public education. They understood that an uneducated public could easily be manipulated through propaganda to relinquish those rights.

Today, unfortunately, we have the mechanism by which people are being educated are social media and the legacy media, which is shriveling and dying right now. But the social media is, as we saw, completely controlled by the intelligence agencies, and by military interests, and by the government, and by the regulatory agencies who were orchestrating this whole coup detat against democracy.

The social media companies, Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, and Jeff Bezos and all the others initially promised us that social media was going to democratize the world. We watched in one year as it became the primary instrument by which totalitarian interests tyrannized us.

Jan Jekielek:

So many things I want to talk about here, but one of them is that you said the educated are supposed to be able to notice the demagoguery and the propaganda. Actually, it was the truckers, ostensibly the less educated. who were able to see through this.

Mr. Kennedy:

Thats a very good point, and it was shocking. It was shocking to me that the most educated people and the people who had traditionally been the most tenacious about their defense of the Bill of Rights against all attacks during the McCarthy era, during the Vietnam War, during the Iraq war, the people who stood up and said, We need to be able to criticize our government, suddenly became disabled. Their capacity for critical thinking became disabled by this incredibly skilled propaganda push.

You and I have talked about this in the past. The CIA [Central Intelligence Agency], of course, has for decades perfected these techniques for mind control. This isnt paranoia, by the way. Their program was called MK-Ultra in the original one, MK-NAOMI, MK-Dietrich in the other ones. MK stands for mind control. That was the code for mind control. They were devising ways to control individuals and get people to become unwitting assassins, what they call Manchurian Candidates.

All this is well documented because of the Church Committee and the Rockefeller Commission and many, many others. What Im saying now is not the ravings of a paranoid anti-vaxxer. I dont think these are even controversial concepts because theyre so well documented. But they were also devising ways to control whole populations.

How do you impose centralized control on an indigenous population of a foreign country? First of all, you disable institutions by using propaganda to sow fear by polarization, deliberate polarization of the population by sowing the country with chaos agents, and all these techniques for creating chaos in developing countries so that you can come in. The CIA was involved in coup detats or attempted coup detats between 1947 and 1997 against a third of the nations on Earth.

Most of them were democracies. The CIA does not do public health. It does coup detats. Thats what they specialize in. During that period of MK-Ultra, they were paying social scientists to devise ways of social control, and some of those were on individuals. They were using psychedelic drugs like LSD. They were using sensory deprivation, torture techniques, fear and propaganda, authoritarian messages, and experimenting with all these things to figure out what worked.

Around 2016 with the election of Trump and with Brexit, it seems like at that point the intelligence agencies made a decision to turn all of those weapons on to the American people. We saw this extraordinary propaganda campaign at the beginning of the pandemic. To the extent that people just say, The CIA wouldnt do that to America. Its illegal to propagandize in America, it isnt anymore.

During the Obama administration, essentially that old law that had forbidden this was overridden. It was also overwritten in the Patriot Act in 2001 during the Bush administration. The CIA has gained all of these increasing powers. They propagandize American people and use these techniques on Americans. More and more were seeing the control of the press in our country, the resurrection of Operation Mockingbird, which is the operation where they controlled hundreds and hundreds of reporters and editors of the most important papers in our country.

It was uncovered in 1973 and the CIA said, Okay. We wont do it anymore in the United States, but theyve been doing it abroad. Again, thats not controversial. The CIA admits it. They fund these programs at billions of dollars a year mainly through USAID [United States Agency for International Development]. The U.S. government is the biggest financier of journalism throughout the world. Were not funding journalism that is neutral. It is journalism that supports the U.S. agenda.

Weve been doing that all over the world, and almost certainly weve been doing it surreptitiously in our country for many years too. All of a sudden, those techniques have been turned against our country. By the way, in my book, the Fauci book, I talk about this event called Event 201, which was a pandemic simulation that took place in October 2019 in New York.

It was sponsored by Bill Gates, the World Economic Forum, and by the Chinese CDC. George Gao was there. The social media companies were there and the pharmaceutical companies were there. The big corporate PR firms were there.

Mr. Jekielek:

The current DNI [Director of National Intelligence] was there?

Mr. Kennedy:

Yes, the current DNI, Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, whos the top spy in the world now. At that time she was the former deputy director of the CIA. Avril Haines made her bones at the CIA by covering up the Abu Ghraib and the Guantanamo Bay torture tapes and covering up the illegal destruction of those tapes, and then, covering up the illegal wiretapping of the United States Senate by the people who had destroyed those tapes or who were trying to protect the people who destroyed those tapes.

Shes like an impresario at cover-ups. Shes President Bidens top spy. She was the former deputy director of the CIA and she is at this simulation. What is the CIA doing in a pandemic simulation? Theyre not a public health agency. As I said, theyre an agency that does coup detats. If you look at what they did, that agency is simulating a global coronavirus pandemic that killed 60 million people, a lot more than the actual one which we learned about two months later, although it was already circulating in October of 2019.

We didnt know about it until January 8th, 2020. What are they talking about? Theyre not talking about public health. Theyre not talking about how we get vitamin D to everybody to build their immune systems? How do we keep them outside healthy? How do we get people to lose weight? How do we quarantine the sick and yet protect constitutional rights and protect the vulnerable and all of those kinds of things that you would normally talk about?

No, what theyre talking about is using this pandemic as a pretext for clamping down with totalitarian controls. The first thing they said is, We have to limit free speech. We cant allow people to criticize government policies and particularly, we cannot allow people to talk about a lab leak. Theyre doing this in October of 2019 before anybody of us had ever heard of Wuhan.

If you look at it during that part of the discussion, which is the fourth part, Avril Haines is leading it.

Speaker 3:

How can governments, international businesses, and international organizations ensure that reliable information is getting to the public, and prevent highly damaging and false information, to the extent thats possible, about the pandemic from spreading and causing deepening crises around the world.

Speaker 4:

Every time there is something that comes out that is in fact false information that is starting to actually hamper our ability to address the pandemic, then we need to be able to respond quickly to it. One of the things we want to do is work with telecommunication companies to actually ensure that everybody has access to the communications that were interested in providing, because thats going to be critical for dealing with obviously the explosion of the disease.

Speaker 5:

Theres misinformation and theres some belief. People believe this is man-made, a pharmaceutical company made the virus. So we only need to train the health workers, healthcare workers. They are accessed to the places, to the public and make sure they got the right information.

Speaker 6:

And so I think we really need to make sure, one, from a news perspective, that that information is being disseminated correctly and that we have the right resources out there to provide this information.

Speaker 7:

Its not just about handing people a piece of knowledge, its also about how we incentivize them to manage their behaviors, which in any communicable disease outbreak behavior of one sort will minimize your chance of getting a disease versus behavior of another sort, which may maximize that chance.

Speaker 8:

This is a step up from the part of the governments on enforcement actions against fake news.

Mr. Kennedy:

George Gao, whos the Chinese CDC director, must know at that point that this virus is already circulating, because he is the Chinese expert on coronavirus. He has to know its circulating in Wuhan. By the way, in September of 2019, the Wuhan lab removed all 22,000 viral samples from the website. So, its clear at that point. Meanwhile, the satellite shows that the hospital is already filling up. In the chatter that was monitored by Harvard, Brown, and BU [Boston University], theyre all talking about the symptoms of coronavirus.

The Chinese government had to know this. George Gao had to know it. Hes there in October of 2019 with the CIA former deputy director talking about how we quiet people when they start talking about a lab leak. And she says, Not only do we need to censor them, but we need to flood the zone with authoritative voices, which means propaganda.

Speaker 4:

If you have a trusted source, I believe in the idea that we shouldnt be trying to control communication but rather flood the zone in a sense with a trusted source that is talking with influential community leaders as well as health workers.

Mr. Kennedy:

Of course thats exactly what they did. In researching the book, as you know, because you read my last chapter, I found that it was not a one-off pandemic simulation. The CIA had been conducting these simulations since 2001, five months before the anthrax attack, and predicted everything that would happen. In each one of these simulations there are high level CIA personnel taking part and running them like James Woolsey, the deputy director, and Ruth David and Tara OToole and other people from In-Q-Tel and the CIA.

Again and again, theyre practicing how to use the next pandemic to execute a coup detat against American democracy and against the Bill of Rights. How do we dismantle the Bill of Rights? And that is very, very worrying because everything that they bottled, they did.

Mr. Jekielek:

Its interesting how you are framing this right now because as I was reading those last few chapters that talk about all these different simulations that were run by wargaming out what a pandemic response would look like. They all have a very similar character to them, the nature that youve been describing. They dont talk about all of the methods that we do know historically have been effective. Thats what I find fascinating.

Its almost like an indoctrination that this is the way pandemic response should be done going forward. It feels like a jump to say, This is a plan to run a coup detat internally in America.

Mr. Kennedy:

I cant say it was or it wasnt, because I cant look in these peoples heads. I can say this is very strange to think that they were doing this and then they were such extraordinary soothsayers that they precisely predicted exactly what would happen. By the way, some of these simulations are called Operation Lockstep. We saw this pivot right after about March of 2020 when all the liberal democracies in the world pivoted and turned against constitutional rights and free speech.

If you look at these simulations, Event 201 only involved a handful of very, very powerful people. If you look at the other ones, they involved hundreds of thousands of people and they were first responders from cities all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries.

Even China participated in some of them. They were secret or top secret, but the people who would participate would be low level. They would be mayors of cities. They were first responders, firefighters, hospital systems, public utilities, police, the FBI, the CIA, the U.S. Marshals, all of these different agencies who were all being drilled that this is what you do when theres a pandemic.

What I would say is normally if they were just asked to respond to a pandemic and somebody said, What you do when theres a pandemic is you get rid of the First Amendment and the Constitution and start stifling speech, people would react and say, Wait a minute, that doesnt seem right to me. Why are we doing this? There would be dissent in the ranks and questioning. But if you drill that again and again and again and again and everybody just gets in this lockstep and they say, Okay, this is what we do. This is what the experts say.

Each one of these pandemics had some respected person running it who is the figurehead like Madeleine Albright or Tom Daschle or Sam Nunn or Bill Gates or somebody that gave it the imprimatur of legitimacy. Most of them were probably useful idiots who didnt even know what they were doing there. They were just trying to be helpful. But it legitimized, as a very, very strange response to pandemics, that the way you do pandemics is getting rid of the Bill of Rights.

Of course, one of the things Eisenhower said in 1961 during his military industrial complex speech, is that we need to figure out how to balance these needs; the military, the scientific research, and always keeping constitutional rights as the forefront of everything that we do. That last part was completely forgotten. You dont try to save America by destroying America. And what is America? Were the purple mountains majesty. Were a collection of people from different races from all over the world.

The thing that holds us together and gives the quality and definition to who we are is the United States Constitution. Its something we all say, Okay, no matter what, this is what were going to all believe in. Were not all going to be in the same religion. Were Muslims, were Jews, were Falun Gong. Were everybody. Were not going to agree on a lot of things. But were going to agree on this. Everybody is going to agree on these ten amendments of the Constitution, whether theres a war, theres a plague, theres starvation, or whether theres a depression.

During the Great Depression, there were a lot of people who wanted to throw out the Constitution. President Roosevelt gave this famous speech in his first inaugural where he said, The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Speaker 9:

Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nameless unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed effort to convert retreat into advance.

Mr. Kennedy:

The reason he said that is because he knew that fear was the tool of tyrants, and that he saw that the depression was a worldwide depression. He saw what was happening in Germany, in Spain, and in Italy where totalitarian fascists had used the depression and the fear from the depression to take over with totalitarian and authoritarian control. He saw in Russia the same depression was being used to fortify the communist regime.

In some Eastern European countries that was happening too. There were also people in the United States. Huey Long, who a third of the people in our country loved, was saying, Its time for revolution. This isnt working. A lot of people had lost faith in capitalism and they had lost faith in democracy.

What he said to us is, The only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Were going to get through this and were going to rebuild these institutions, which is exactly what he did. But he said, You have to calm down. Thats the great thing that he did for our country is he calmed everybody.

That was the centerpiece of the Democratic Party. Were home of the brave, land of the free. Were land of the free, because were the home of the brave and were not going to get disabled by fear. All of a sudden, for the first time in our history, we had a government that was drumming up fear, that was trying to make us scared, and they were all in line with the mainstream media and the social media pumping fear into us every single day. The virus is going to get you. Its going to kill you. It doesnt matter what age you are. Youre going to die. Stay away from your neighbors. Theyre biohazards.

Put on the mask, do what youre told, obey. That fear has this capacity to disable our capacity for critical thinking. Thats why its the tool of tyrants and they weaponized it.

Mr. Jekielek:

Theres two things that come to mind, actually three things. The first one is, and you write about this in the book, that weve experienced the largest upward transfer of wealth in history. That is profoundly disturbing and a decimation of the middle class at the same time through COVID. This is basically in every western country that implemented these shelter-in-place policies.

The second thing is as you talk about what the CIA has done and what our country did with the suspension of the Bill of Rights. This is music to every tyrant here, such as the Chinese Communist Party. Xi Jinping is very happy to be hearing America being taken down a peg. Theyre going to be using this and saying, Look, America has lost its moral high ground. Were the ones that you should be looking to.

Vladimir Putin is already using the exact same talking points. The third thing that youve been talking about is a love of America and this country. The question is, Is there a future for America in all of this? I cant help but feel very down about America as were talking here. Lets start with the first thing. Lets start with what happened with this upward transfer of wealth.

Mr. Kennedy:

Yes. During COVID, in the U.S. alone, there was a 3.8 trillion shift in wealth upward, largely from the middle class and the poor in our country to at least in part this new oligarchy of billionaires. There were 500 new billionaires created during the pandemic. A lot of the money ended up concentrating ironically or coincidentally in the social media companies that were actually benefiting from the lockdowns, and that were simultaneously censoring criticism of lockdowns. Those companies have strong entanglements with the Pentagon and also the intelligence agencies. A lot of those companies were created in Silicon Valley with participation from In-Q-Tel which is the CIA investment firm.

It was the Pentagon and DARPA [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] that created the ARPANET [Advanced Research Projects Agency Network] in 1979. They created the internet and then began seeding these companies with very, very secretive investments. A lot of the time, a lot of those high level CEOs in those companies, high level C-suite people in those companies, signed state security agreements with the agency in exchange for investments in the company, which made them essentially a pawn of the agency.

Almost all of them have huge contracts with the military and with the CIA or with the other defense intelligence agencies or the other agencies. There are all these kinds of financial and power entanglements. And then, the poor just got hammered in this country. Children lost 22 IQ points according to the Brown University study, the younger children during the pandemic. You had suicide rise and alcoholism rise.

If you were wealthy in this country, the lockdowns were a pajama party. Your kids got to stay home. For me, it was wonderful, because my kids were home with me. I have seven kids. I never thought theyd all live at home again, and we got to go outside. We spent a lot of time outside because I live adjacent to a wilderness and near a beach where we could surf. But if you lived in Compton, or Harlem, or Watts, the police went in there and padlocked the playgrounds.

The parking lots where people from inner city can come and park and go to the beach were all shut down. The skateboard parks, they threw sand on them. This is a disease that spreads indoors, and yet we locked everybody indoors. They were ticketing surfers on the beach. The police were down there ticketing them a thousand dollars. Youre not going to get COVID out out there. Youre going to get sunshine thats going to protect you against COVID.

The playgrounds that they couldnt close, they removed the basketball hoops. If you lived in a poor neighborhood, you got locked indoors. A lot of those kids, the only hot meal that they got was at school and they closed the schools. The only indicia of poverty and social deterioration that actually improved was child abuse.

Child abuse by a lot of the registries went down during the COVID. That was an artifact of reporting, because most child abuses reported by the schools and they closed the school and they locked the abused child in with their abusers.

50 percent reported some form of abuse, physical or verbal abuse. I think 9 percent of physical abuse doubled or tripled from former levels. This was an attack on the poor. It was a war against the poor. There were 10,000 kids in Africa that were dying of starvation every month because of lockdowns. All over the world, kids were dying because of lack of access to medication for dysentery and malaria.

It was a war on the poor all over the world. According to Larry Summers and the Harvard study, the cost of the lockdowns were $16 trillion. How are we going to pay that? Were going to pay it by printing money, the same way that were going to pay for the Ukraine war with a hundred billion. Were going to print money.

When you print money, you get inflation and inflation is a tax on the poor. Its another way of transferring wealth to the banks and to the rich by destroying the pensions, by destroying the value of your social security check, by destroying the bank account, and your life savings. All of that gets eroded and wealth is transferred to the very, very rich. Was it purposeful? I cant say that, but its very, very bad for our country.

Mr. Jekielek:

Many Americans, many Canadians, and many people in western nations are looking at what has happened to America. Is this really a democracy here? People are asking these questions and I often have to tell them, Yes, absolutely, compared to communist China. Some people say, Were just like communist China. Were just like Russia.

I reply, No, actually were not just like that. Maybe if we keep going down this road, well get there. I hear two sides. You say theres been a coup. At the same time, I hear you have a heart for America. Where do we go from here?

Mr. Kennedy:

I would not be fighting this fight if I didnt think that there was hope for restoring democracy and value to our country. That is kind of central to what I do with my life. I dont know what form that will come in, but I know that my job is to fight for it. The way that thats going to happen is if enough individuals take personal responsibility for making that happen. For me, I dont make predictions and I try not to get invested in outcomes.

The only thing I control that I actually have control over is this little piece of real estate inside of my own shoes. The way that I live my life is I try to let go of the outcomes and not get invested in them. But I know I have to get up every day and say, Reporting for duty, sir, look in the mirror and go out and get on the barricades and fight for democracy, and fight for human dignity, and fight for human rights and freedom and tolerance, and patience and kindness, and all the things that my God wants me to fight for.

I was in the environmental movement as a leader for 40 years. Im just an environmentalist. But if youre an environmentalist, every victory is temporary, and every loss and defeat is permanent. If you lose a species, its gone forever. If you lose a piece of landscape, God isnt going to replace it with something. If you pave it over, you never get it back.

A lot of environmentalists burn out because they feel defeated. Their souls get crushed and they feel hopeless. I just made the decision at the beginning of my career after seeing a lot of people burn out that I was not going to do that and I wasnt going to get invested in results. If you dont have expectations, youll never get disappointed. If theyre not capable of disappointing you, they cant defeat you and you become relentless.

Thats what makes somebody like me dangerous. No matter what they do to me, Im going to stand up and fight them again. Thats one of the things that makes Hong Kong a threat to the Chinese government. You have a lot of individuals who say, We dont have expectations except from ourselves, from our own souls, from our own duty to do the right thing. Were going to do it no matter what you do to us.

All of us have to have that attitude, because that is what is ultimately going to give us victory, and we cannot be defeated. If you just know what youre going to do, you let go of the outcomes and you can never be beaten.

Mr. Jekielek:

Very quickly, do we live in a democracy? Do we live in a constitutional republic today in your view?

Mr. Kennedy:

I would say right now in name only. We dont have free press in the United States anymore. We have the forms of democracy. We have elections, but do individuals really have any bearing over most of their political officials or against the agencies of government? I would say no, those are controlled by money. Now, there are things that you can do. There are simple reforms that can restore America and meaningful democracy in this country.

One of those is to get money out of the electoral process. We had that rule for 100 years in our country. We passed it in 1908 and then with the Citizens United decision in 2008, it was thrown out by the Supreme Court. That is key, because otherwise you have a corporation. Listen, to run for New York State Senate today, our U.S. Senate in New York, costs $50 million.

That means that if youre running, you have to be calling hundreds of people every day and asking them for $10,000, $25,000 contributions. When you get into the office and they call you back, you have to take their phone calls. That means you dont have any time left for the little guy whos getting trampled by the government.

Its not really a democracy anymore. Its more of an oligarchy or a plutocracy that only is responding to the needs of the rich and to the needs of corporations who are paying the lobbying election costs of the politicians, who then become their indentured servants on Capitol Hill.

Thats one of the issues. The issue of corporate capture of our regulatory agencies is also fairly easy to fix. If you have an executive, either a governor or a president who is determined to do it and who knows how to get into the weeds and do those things, the NIH would be an easy agency to fix.

You dont have to burn it to the ground. Theres ways of doing it. The same with the CDC and FDA. You have to get the money out. You have to get the pharmaceutical money out. The CIA is easy to fix too. My father was going to fix the CIA. When he was running, his intention was to return the CIA to what it was supposed to be, which is an espionage agency, which means gathering information and doing analysis and providing that information to the executive.

What really took the CIA in a wrong direction was that Allen Dulles manipulated it to allow actions in what they call the plans division, which is assassinating leaders, which is fixing elections, and doing all this monkey business around the world. Because theyre both in the same agency, the tail, which is the plans division, begins wagging the dog, which is the espionage and information division becomes an extension of the paramilitary division, and its function now is to justify these paramilitary interventions and to cover them up and to make sure theres no accountability.

What you need is a separate agency that is looking over the back of the plans division and saying, What is the cost of the blowback? The cost of the blowback is never measured. Look at the Iraq War. The CIA manufactured evidence for the Iraq War, the weapons of mass destruction. George Tenet told George Bush, Its a slam dunk. We go into Iraq and then that leads us into Syria. The Syrian war leads to 2 million refugees that go into Europe, and then democracy collapses in Europe. We have Brexit.

Those are all part of the cost of blowback. We overthrew Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953 in Iran, and were still paying the price of that with the Iranian government, and with the tensions in the region. Nobody has to account for the cost of blowback. You need to have an agency looking over and being critical and saying, This was a huge mistake. Unfortunately, the CIA has become a government within our government and really a tumor on our system, and we need to fix that.

Mr. Jekielek:

Weve been talking a lot about propaganda originating in the government, supported by the government, and endorsed through social media. One of the criticisms of the American system that different dissident groups have is that there isnt enough pro-American propaganda, like, America is an amazing place. These are the principles of America. Its almost like the propaganda arms are not pro-American on the surface.

Mr. Kennedy:

What I would say is that we should worry less about propaganda and worry more about policy. My uncle, President Kennedy had some ideas about foreign policy. One, that we should support nationalist groups. We should support national sovereignty against the traditional colonial powers. America should be a posture against imperialism by anybody. We should win by ideas and not by the military, by having our ideas drive in the marketplace of ideas.

The viewpoint of children in Africa and Asia when they hear about Americans should be Peace Corps volunteers and not men with guns, and that the arm of America should be USAID, which at that point was actually aiding the poor before the CIA took it over, with the Alliance for Progress and the Kennedy Milk program. When I go to Africa, I run into so many people whose name is Kennedy, because theyre named after my uncle.

In every capital in Africa, in Latin America, and many in Asia, there are boulevards named after my uncle, as well as medical schools, and colleges and universities. There are statues of him in major places in those cities. I would say its hard to measure, but there are lots of polls about who the best president is. If you want to use as a metric the number of place names that bear the name of a certain president, my uncle would top them all.

Its because there is a hope around the world by most people that America will be the America that lives up to its promise and its ideals. When we have a president that actually does that, we get credit. Its not because of propaganda, its because people see the goodness of America and their lives. Thats what we should focus on, rather than inventing ways of convincing people of things that may or may not be true.

Mr. Jekielek:

When it comes to your uncle, John F. Kennedy, and his assassination, what is it that we actually know at this point? People have seen the Tucker Carlson episode, hes alluding to some involvement that wasnt denied. What do we actually know?

Mr. Kennedy:

That is a big question. There are millions and millions of documents now that link the CIA to my uncles death, and summarizing them would be almost impossible. The thing that Tucker was referring to was for some people a revelation, but not for me, because Ive been reading these documents for years, that Lee Harvey Oswald was a CIA asset.

He was recruited. He had been a U.S. Marine radar operator at the Atsugi Air Force base in Japan, which is where the U2 spy plane flew out of. He was recruited by James Jesus Angleton to do a fake defection to the Soviet Union.

The reason they wanted to do a fake defection is because they knew that there was a mole at Langley who was giving all of the information on the CIA spying programs in the Soviet Union to the Kremlin. All of our spies were being killed as soon as they got over there or as soon as they defected.

They wanted to find out who it was. Angleton believed that if Oswald defected with this very high level, high profile defection that the Kremlin would worry about whether or not he was a spy, and would ask their spy at Langley to check his file.

There was a trigger system on that file that would reveal anybody who checked it. That was the purpose of getting Oswald sent to the Soviet Union. Of course nothing happened. Two years later, he came home with no punishment. The State Department paid his ticket and he was sent to Dallas where he was picked up by George Mohrenschildt, who was a CIA asset, and by other people in the CIA, and he got the job at the Texas Book Depository.

But there are many, many, many other details that are hard to summarize. The CIA had denied it for so long, and the FBI had denied it, when they knew that it was true that he was a CIA asset.

Mr. Jekielek:

Would now be a good time to declassify this information?

Mr. Kennedy:

It was legally supposed to have been declassified a long time ago. The question is why arent they declassifying it? All the people who are involved are now dead. Clearly the reason is about institutional protection.

Mr. Jekielek:

Institutional protection is something were hearing a lot about from numerous institutions. This is what I wanted to ask you about. Theres a new subcommittee on the weaponization of the federal government. What are your recommendations to them?

Mr. Kennedy:

Addressing censorship is the most important thing, and addressing the suppression of hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin and early treatments. The United States had the worst record of any country in the world on how we manage COVID. Its hard to understand why Anthony Fauci is still a hero. We have 4.2 percent of the global population and we had 16 percent of the COVID deaths, so thats not a good record. We had a death rate of about 3,000 people per million population from COVID. You can look at one of the countries that was using Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine; Nigeria had 14 people per million, one 200th of our death rate.

You can say, Those are young populations, and COVID is disease of the old, which is true. But the oldest population in the world is Japan, which also allowed access to hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin. Their death rate was one 1/10th of ours.

You go around the world and theres such a clear direct correlation, and the studies are so clear. There were a lot of Americans who died who should not have died, probably around 650,000 according to Harvey Risch and other biostatisticians who have looked at the studies, which are clear. The studies consistently show, over 100 studies, that 85 percent of the people who died should not have died, because they were denied early treatment.

Thats a really important issue to address directly. Of course, the origins of the virus at Wuhan lab and the coverup of that should be addressed, but censorship is the most important thing. If you dont have censorship, and if you have the press doing its job, these things would not have happened.

Mr. Jekielek:

You have a lawsuit out right now against the Trusted News Initiative.

Mr. Kennedy:

We have a lot of lawsuits on censorship right now.

Mr. Jekielek:

Arguably, what you call the legacy media, its like their mandate has changed. Truth seeking is no longer the mandate. What are you hoping these lawsuits will accomplish? Im thinking of this one specifically against Reuters and Washington Post, what can these lawsuits accomplish about this mandate being changed?

Mr. Kennedy:

Our objective, ultimately, is to make censorship so embarrassing or otherwise expensive for them that theyll stop. Its really extraordinary to me that you have all these young reporters who went to journalism school. They were captured by idealism, the excitement of pursuing existential truths and then exposing them to the public. They knew the importance of the free flow of information to democracy. Its the sunlight, its the fertilizer, and its the water for democracy. Without it, it withers and dies. The free press is important.

Totalitarian regimes in the short term are almost always more efficient than democracies. Democracies are messy. Theyre slow. Theyre sloppy. Theyre infuriating and inefficient. Over the long term we think theyre more efficient than the short term. The U.S. in its history has shown that. If you want to kill people who are your enemies and get policies done, you can operate like the Chinese operate, and you can have a certain short term efficiency in that.

But the framers of the Constitution argued that the one advantage that we really have over the short-term advantages of a totalitarian regime is that with the free flow of information, the best ideas rise in the marketplace of ideas and they triumph, and they have been forged in the furnace of debate.

Those ideas will ultimately make better policies. Policies that are the product of consensus get a buy-in from the population, and you get a more stable electorate, because they feel that they have been consulted and theyre part of this.

These young reporters understood this. They all came into journalism school with the idea that they were going to get a chance to speak truth to power, and stand up for the little guy and against powerful governments. Now, they have become the tool, the bullhorn for those powerful governments to bully and subjugate the little guy.

Theyre living against their conscience. You have to imagine theyre living against their values. We need to give them a chance to honor the values and the aspirations that called them to journalism in the first place. We need to do that by embarrassing their bosses and making censorship expensive for them.

Mr. Jekielek:

There is a New York Times article talking about how your family is embarrassed by you, if I recall correctly. The Epoch Times has been attacked in all sorts of ways with all sorts of very unfortunate monikers. In fact, what drives me insane is that when we get attacked, they dont usually really attack us. They attack our founders who are Falun Gong practitioners, one of the most persecuted groups in the world, and they use Chinese Communist Party propaganda to do it. There is a big cost to trying to go after the truth today. Do you feel that?

Mr. Kennedy:

I feel like there is a cost, but I dont feel like I have anything to complain about. Were all given a job to do and that having a difficult life or having these challenges is ultimately a gift. My dad, right before he died, handed me a book by Camus called The Plague. He called me into his bedroom and gave it to me and he said, I want you to read this, with this kind of peculiar intensity.

After he died, I read it several times trying to unlock the reason why he felt so strongly about this book. The book is about a doctor in a quarantined city where theres a plague going through it, and nobody can go in or out. Nobody knows what the plague is and they dont know how to treat it. They know its contagious, and if youre exposed to it youre highly likely to die.

A lot of the book is the doctor having a conversation with himself in his bedroom saying, I dont want to leave, because Im going to die. And yet, Im a doctor, so Im supposed to be helping people, but I dont know how to help people. Theres no treatment for this. Theres nothing I can really do.

And in the end, he goes and ministers to the sick, to the dying, to the discomforted, and he does his job. Camus wrote another book. Camus was an existentialist and he was the inheritor of the Roman and Greek philosophy of stoicism. He wrote a book about the stoic hero, the iconic stoic hero, Sisyphus.

Sisyphus was cursed by the gods to be pushing a stone up the hill all the time, a giant boulder. But when he gets to the top of the hill, he can never get it over. He almost gets it there, but it always rolls back on him, and then he has to start again. He has to do that for eternity.

It sounds miserable, but in the minds of the stoics, Sisyphus was a happy man because he had a job and he was always striving to go upward. He was putting his shoulder to the stone and he was doing his duty. Thats where happiness and satisfaction and peace comes from. A lot of times the things that we consider penalties or injuries or misfortunes are actually gifts to us and theyre touched on. Pain is the touchstone of spiritual growth.

I feel very happy with my life and peaceful about the choices Ive made. I have compassion for family members who dont agree with me on a lot of issues, and I dont have hard feelings toward anybody. I know what I have to do and I do my best to do it.

Mr. Jekielek:

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., its such a pleasure to have you on the show.

Mr. Kennedy:

Thank you very much, Jan, for having me.

Mr. Jekielek:

Thank you all for joining Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and me on this episode of American Thought Leaders. Im your host, Jan Jekielek.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Seaweed Farmers Dare to Dream but Drowning in Red Tape

Kelp is one of the most useful plants nature has to offer. (photos.com)

Australian seaweed farmers aim to produce $100 million (US$66 million) worth of the product within years but complain regulations are holding them back.

Jo Kelly from the Australian Seaweed Industry concedes Australia will miss its 2025 production targets by a considerable margin.

The industry is valued at about $3 million.

Kelly told a recent aquaculture and agriculture conference there was still a lot of work to do.

Based on what I know about lease areas that have been approved and companies raising capital, were still probably five years away, she said.

The industry is still in its infancy so data is hard to come by, making it difficult to get a complete picture.

Tassal remains the biggest producer of seaweed in Australia, harvesting 2,500 tonnes last year.

But thats a drop in the ocean compared to the 35 million tonnes produced globally each year.

Theres a huge industry opportunity here some of which we havent even discovered yet, Kelly told AAP.

In the longer term, the Australian industry has set itself an even more lofty goal of matching South Koreas seaweed production by turning over $1.5 billion a year.

Beyond the deadlines and dollar figures, the industry also aims to reduce Australias carbon emissions by feeding seaweed to cattle and sheep.

Its estimated feeding the red seaweed asparagopsis to livestock could slash methane emissions by more than 80 percent.

We believe we can do it, Kelly said.

Were working with a whole range of companies and more are joining all the time.

Kelly said she was approached weekly by people wanting to grow seaweed, but regulatory hurdles were stifling progress.

State governments control the aquaculture policy across Australia at the moment so weve got seven different regimes all at varying degrees of embracing seaweed, she said.

Australian company Auskelp wants to open the countrys first commercial golden kelp seaweed farm on the far south coast of NSW.

But after three years of planning and lab work, founder Chris Ride still doesnt know whether the project is viable.

The companys first test lines will go into the water next month.

Everyone is banging on about being one of the great opportunities for Australian coastal communities and for the environment, he said.

Its very frustrating, the industry is stalled.

His trial sites would see the kelp grown along five-metre-long lines, on an existing mussel lease.

We didnt understand how complex the regulatory approval process was, he said.

Seaweed farming is treated as a state-significant project in NSW, meaning it goes through the same environmental processes as a coal mine would.

Ride said the company spent $1 million gearing up for the trials, with half of that on approvals.

There needs to be more action and less talk from politicians in NSW on seaweeds testing, pilot trials and licenses, he said.

Seaweed expert Nick Paul said there was very little research available on the environmental impact of seaweed farming in Australia.

Because its a new industry, we cant have a false start. Its so important that the first effort is done very thoroughly, he said.

The Sunshine Coast University professor has been researching seaweed for 25 years and recently cracked the genomic code for asparagopsis.

Farming it and other seaweeds at scale has still not been fully investigated in Australia and university researchers are doing just that.

But Professor Paul said that based on progress to date, the industry goal of creating a $100 million industry by 2025 needed to be re-evaluated.
CALGARY, CanadaStephanie Ing, a hobbyist dancer who spent over a decade exploring many different dance styles, was delighted by the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on March 12.

It was every bit as beautiful as I expected, said Ms. Ing. The choreography was just perfect and beautiful and very expressive. It was wonderful to see a new type of dance Ive never seen before. It was wonderful.

Based in New York, Shen Yun was founded in 2006 and quickly became the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Now with eight equally sized companies touring the world simultaneously, Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture.

Ms. Ing said she found herself moved to tears by Shen Yuns performance. She added that her husband was Chinese and that she planned to bring their twin children to see Shen Yun next year.

I want to help my children understand the other part of their heritage, said Ms. Ing. They  need to understand what their roots are, and I think the more that we can learn about that, we learn where weve come from and where we need to go with our lives.

Ms. Ing said she also wanted her friends to see Shen Yun, as she saw the performance to be a good opportunity for them to learn more about China.

I want them to come and see this, said Ms. Ing. If they come to see it just for the dance and the beauty, then they will have the opportunity to also understand the culture and see the truth of what is going on these days. They dont believe it from the news, [but] this could get through to them.

While Shen Yuns performance focuses on presenting China before communism, there are also story-based dances that depict modern-day Chinas oppressive communist government and its persecution of followers of faith. Ms. Ing found this a very important takeaway and saw its relevance to societies outside of China.

People are being suppressed, the truth is being suppressed, freedom is being taken. Not just from the Chinese people. Its happening here too, and if we dont stand upit will happen here too.

Ms. Ing said she was impressed by the performers ability to communicate everythinglargely the emotion. They are able to depict the story so well that you can see what is happening, and theyve put a lot of work into that performance. How they coordinate that with the video in the background, the perfection of that is amazing [and] unique.

Reporting by Lily Yu and Wandi Zhu

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Biden Says Banking System Is Safe Amid Fallout From SVB Collapse

President Joe Biden speaks about the banking system in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, on March 13, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The American people can have confidence that the U.S. banking system is safe, President Joe Biden said in a prepared address.

While speaking before his visit to California on March 13, the president outlined his administrations plan surrounding the failed Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank.

Your deposits will be there when you need small businesses across the country, Biden said. The deposit accounts at these banks can breathe easier knowing theyll be able to pay their workers and can pay their bills. And their hard-working employees can breathe these as well.

He explained that all customers, including small businesses, who had deposits at SVB and Signature would have access to their money immediately.

The bottom line is this: Americans can rest assured that our banking system is safe, he said.

They [investors] knowingly took a risk, and when the risk didnt pay off, investors lose their money. Thats how capitalism works, the president said.

Biden emphasized that no losses will be borne by the taxpayers, adding that the money will come from fees that financial institutions pay into the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Employees stand outside of the shuttered Silicon Valley Bank headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on Mar. 10, 2023. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Looking ahead, federal regulators will assess how these banks got into the financial mess in the first place and ensure those responsible for these actions are held accountable.

Because of the actions that our regulators have already taken, every American should feel confident that their deposits will be there if and when they need them, Biden said.

In my administration, no one is above the law.

Biden also blamed former President Donald Trump for what occurred, asserting that the Trump administration rolled back requirements that would prevent a repeat of the 200809 financial crisis. He said he will ask Congress and regulators to strengthen rules for banks to make it less likely this kind of bank failure would happen again.

In a joint statement on March 12, the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) announced an emergency plan to designate SVB and Signature as systemic risks.

The FDICs deposit insurance fund would be utilized to cover depositors, as many were uninsured because of the $250,000 cap on guaranteed deposits. The central bank will put together a new bank term funding program (BTFP) with the goal of safeguarding companies that might be impacted by potential market instability in the aftermath of SVBs collapse. These loans will be extended to banks, credit unions, and savings associations for up to one year. These businesses will be required to submit collateral, including Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities.

The Treasury Department will offer up to $25 billion from its Exchange Stabilization Fund in the event of potential losses.

This action will bolster the capacity of the banking system to safeguard deposits and ensure the ongoing provision of money and credit to the economy, the Fed said in a statement. The Federal Reserve is prepared to address any liquidity pressures that may arise.

Is the Contagion Stopped?

House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) issued a statement on March 12, calling it the first Twitter-fueled bank run.

At this time, it is important to remain level-headed and look at the factsnot speculationwhen assessing the right path forward, McHenry said. I have confidence in our financial regulators and the protections already in place to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system.

Now that a plan has been installed to shield depositors from the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank, has a contagion effect been prevented?

First Republic Bank tanked on March 13 because of investor concern that the San Francisco-based institution could face similar capital and liquidity issues. However, the bank confirmed in a statement on March 12 that its capital and liquidity positions are very strong, and its capital remains well above the regulatory threshold for well-capitalized banks. As of Dec. 31, 2022, First Republic had about $213 billion in assets.

Its shares tumbled about 62 percent on March 13.

Financial markets are also waiting to see what will happen to SVBs assets.

Still to be determined is the fate of the assets of Silicon Valley Bank. Whether one buyer, or multiple buyers, emerge is still to be determined as of the moment, Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst at Bankrate, said in a note.

With $212 billion in assets, SVB was the largest U.S. bank failure since 2008, when Washington Mutual failed.
Pi Day is all about math. You might be surprised to learn that language is math-y, too. There are several mathematical patterns found in all of the 6,000-7,000 languages spoken or signed around the world.

Some words are used more often than others. If we plotted this pattern, we see that the most common word (the in English) occurs twice as often as the second most common word (be in English), and three times as often as the third most common word (to in English). This is known as Zipfs Law, after linguist George Kingsley Zipf.

If we look closely at the common and less common words, we see that the common words are shorter (like the, be and to in English), and the less common words are longer, like Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. This relationship between how often a word is used and the length of the word is known as Zipfs Law of Brevity.

These mathematical patterns are not only found in spoken languages but are also found in the nearly 300 signed languages used around the world, including American Sign Language (ASL). It is important to note that ASL is not simply a gestural version of English; it is its own language and completely different from British Sign Language, Australian Sign Language and other sign languages in the world.

Although these mathematical patterns in language are interesting, theres a mathematical fact about languages that should scare you. The National Geographic Society estimated that every 14 days a language goes extinct. Just like a plant or animal species goes extinct when the last of its kind dies, the death of the last speaker of a language marks the extinction of that language.

Why should that be worrying? After all, the Tower of Babel story suggests that if we used one language, we could work together to do anything!

True, languages are powerful. They shape how we see the world. They connect us to the past. They form our current identity. They pass on our culture to future generations. Language is so powerful that if it werent for the Native American Code Talkers in World War II, the world might look very different today. But because we live in an interconnected world, the loss of a language weakens us all.

This Pi Day, appreciate the mathematics of language, celebrate the languages around you and support efforts to preserve or revitalize a language before its too late. Although Pi goes on for infinity, various endangered languages wont, unless we act now to save them.

Michael Vitevitch earned his doctorate in psychology from the University at Buffalo. He is a professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Kansas.
Standoff With Barricaded Suspect in Valinda Approaches 48 Hours

Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) deputies stand outside St. Francis Medical Center hospital following the ambush shooting of two deputies in Compton, in Lynwood, Calif., on Sept. 13, 2020. (Patrick T. Fallon/Reuters)

VALINDA, Calif.A standoff between sheriffs deputies and a barricaded suspect holed up inside a Valinda home was nearing 48 hours March 12, with no end in sight.

The incident began shortly before 2:30 p.m. Friday in the 16900 block of Wing Lane, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. The location is just west of North Azusa Avenue near the City of Industry.

Deputies initially responded to the area on a report of a person firing shots at pedestrians, ABC7 reported.

Sheriffs officials said deputies responding to the area came under fire, prompting them to shoot back. The suspect then barricaded inside a home. The departments Special Enforcement Bureau was called to assist deputies as the standoff dragged into the evening.

It was still ongoing as of 12:22 p.m. Sunday. The sheriffs department added that a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT team was assisting sheriffs personnel.

One woman was taken to a hospital from the scene with injuries unrelated to the shooting, sheriffs officials said. The womans condition was unclear, as were the nature of her injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, several neighborhood residents remained displaced from their homes. The sheriffs Industry station coordinated with the La Puente School Police and the Red Cross to provide temporary accommodations at Workman High School, at 16303 Temple Avenue in Industry.

Sheriff Robert Luna visited with displaced residents Saturday afternoon and wrote on Twitter: I understand this is a difficult time for the Valinda community & appreciate the publics patience. Thank you to @RedCrossLA.
Supreme Court Seeks Extra $12 Million From Congress to Counter Security Threats

Pro-life and pro-abortion activists protest during the 50th annual March for Life rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, on Jan. 20, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Supreme Court is asking Congress for a $12 million funding boost in the coming fiscal year to enhance security at the court building and better protect the nine justices.

The funding request comes months after a year-end report by Chief Justice John Roberts stated that the personal security of judges across the country needs to be a priority. As chief justice of the United States, Roberts both presides over the Supreme Court and oversees the entire federal judiciary.

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 in the 2022 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.

A judicial system cannot and should not live in fear, he added at that time.

Security around the Supreme Court and the justices was boosted in May 2022 after a draft majority opinion in the ruling that later overturned Roe v. Wade was leaked, leading to raucous protests at the court and at the homes of justices. The identity of the leaker has never been revealed.

Left-wing groups loudly protested outside the homes of conservative justices in Maryland and Virginia. Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley accused then-Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) of not doing enough to protect the justices by not enforcing a state anti-residential picketing law. Officers from the U.S. Marshals Service were posted outside justices homes. Some activists posted bounties on Twitter offering information on the whereabouts of the justices so they could assemble flash mobs to harass them.

Authorities foiled a June 8, 2022, attempt to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland home. Nicholas John Roske of California, who reportedly said he wanted to kill Kavanaugh to prevent him from voting to overturn abortion rights and gun control laws, entered a not guilty plea after a federal grand jury indicted him.

Hours after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade the same month, Mikeal Deshawn Archambault of Texas allegedly posted a threat on Twitter vowing to kill everyone at the court.

Even before the leak, the U.S. Marshals Service said in February 2022 that it was concerned about rising domestic extremism as federal judges were the target of more than 4,500 threats in the previous year. The son of federal Judge Esther Salas was murdered at the family residence in New Jersey in 2020.

Congress enacted a law last year to improve court security.

President Joe Biden signed the Supreme Court Police Parity Act into law on June 16, 2022. The measure gave Supreme Court officials, including Curleys office, greater authority to protect the court, members of the justices immediate families, and other court employees.

In one of the new budget documents (pdf) covering federal fiscal 2024, which begins Oct. 1, court administrators said, On-going threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection.

The court requested an extra $5.9 million to expand security activities conducted by Supreme Court Police to protect the Justices.

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 court also requested (pdf) $6.5 million for physical security upgrades that were recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The money is needed to reinforce the courts building envelope. Another $3 million is needed to restore the courtyard around the court building.

Last year Congress approved $112 million in supplemental funding to harden courthouses across the nation.

The Epoch Times reached out to the Supreme Courts public information office for comment on the funding request but had not received a reply as of press time.
Suspect Kills Himself After 2-Day Standoff in San Gabriel Valley Home

A Sheriff officer puts up police tape at a crime scene after a shooting in this file photo. (Samantha Laurey/AFP via Getty Images)

VALINDA, Calif.A shooting suspect found dead in a Valinda house following a two-day standoff with deputies during which he allegedly fired more than 100 shots, prompting evacuations of at least 10 families from their homes, was identified March 13 as a 45-year-old man.

The coroners office identified the man as Brandon Ursa, and an autopsy was pending.

Early Monday morning, the sheriffs department announced the incident was over and efforts had begun at Workman High School to get the evacuated families back in their homes.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department tore holes in the roof so they could use cameras to see inside before entering the house where they found the suspect committed suicide, sheriffs officials said.

A coroners investigator was able to examine the suspects body late Sunday night, according to the sheriffs department.

Sheriffs officials did not say when the suspect killed himself but Lt. Thomas Giandomenico told reporters during an evening news conference that, at 2 a.m. Sunday, the suspect was still cussing and sending text messages about his ability to want to put harm on us.

During crisis negotiations, the suspect did not give specific reasons for the siege, Giandomenico said.

Asked why the SWAT team waited so long to enter the house, he explained, We had to make sure that everything was done to perfection and with the utmost safety, and in that process it takes time, and all the while being hindered by being shot at.

SWAT deputies did not fire on the suspect because one of their goals was to protect him from himself, he said. They parked armored vehicles in front of the home to shield them from his gunshots.

The suspect was a guest at the house of a girlfriend, Giandomenico said.

How the Standoff Starts

The incident began shortly before 2:30 p.m. Friday in the 16900 block of Wing Lane, just west of North Azusa Avenue, near the city of Industry, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Deputies initially responded to the area on a report of a person firing shots at pedestrians, ABC7 reported.

The department reported that a woman was transported to a hospital with an undisclosed injury that was not a gunshot wound. Deputies came under fire, prompting them to return fire. The suspect barricaded inside a home, where the departments Special Enforcement Bureau was called to assist.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis issued the following statement just before 5 p.m.: I have been informed that the suspect involved in the Valinda barricade situation has committed suicide.

After learning about the incident, I asked the Red Cross Los Angeles to deploy a team to Workman High School in the city of Industry and provide assistance to the impacted families that had to be evacuated from their homes. As the standoff went past 24 hours, my office was able to place displaced families in a nearby hotel thanks to the city of Industry and the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

Im grateful to all of our partners including Northgate Gonzalez Market and El Pavo Bakery for donating warm meals and water. To our Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and Los Angeles Police Department law enforcement deputies on the ground, thank you for the hard work you put in these last 48 hours, as well as our Office of Emergency Management and Department of Mental Health, who were out there today.

My office is reuniting families and coordinating so that they can get back to their homes safely. The Red Cross will continue to provide assistance, and residents were urged to call 800-675-5799. For mental health support, please contact 800-854-7771.
Taiwan Seeks Return of Missing Soldier Who Was Found in China

A Taiwanese soldier who went missing last week has been located in the Chinese city of Xiamen, according to a Taiwanese official who said the government is working to have him returned.

The 26-year-old soldier, identified only by his family name Chen, was reported missing after being absent from roll call on March 9 on Erdan Island, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen chain located near the Chinese city of Xiamen. Chens family was contacted following his disappearance and the Kinmen Defense Command began a search operation.

Chinese authorities confirmed Chens whereabouts in Xiamen and Taiwan will follow the proper procedures for his repatriation, Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), said on March 13.

Its confirmed that he is in the mainland, he told reporters. The Defense Ministry and relevant departments are actively aware of the relevant progress and situation.

Chiu said Taiwans authorities are still investigating whether Chen is a deserter, Focus Taiwan reported.

It isnt known what caused his disappearance and how he ended up in Xiamen. Chen allegedly swam to China and was found by a Chinese coast guard patrol boat, local media reported, although Taiwan hasnt verified the claims.

Chen Yu-jen, a lawmaker on Kinmen, said the soldier had no financial debt and behaved normally in the days leading up to his disappearance. The servicemans father claimed that he is a poor swimmer.

In Taiwan, a soldier absent from duty without permission for more than six days can be subject to three years in jail, detention, or a fine of up to NT$300,000 (about $9,780), according to Focus Taiwan.

Taiwan Reported Loss of Handgun

Chens disappearance occurred just a day after Taiwans navy reported the loss of a handgun and weapon components from its armories. The navy found that a 45-caliber handgun was replaced with a fake gun at the Marine Corps Recruit Training Center in Pingtung county, and two T-91 rifles were missing bolts.

Taiwans Marine Corps has ordered inspections and investigations into the matter, Taipei Times reported.

Some Taiwanese lawmakers have raised concerns over the incidents and urged authorities to tighten military discipline to prevent further occurrences.

Scandals involving personal relationships and drug use in the armed forces in recent years show that the Defense Ministry has loose screws, Hsu Chih-chieh, a legislator of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said on March 8.

Another DPP legislator, Wang Ting-yu, said the loss of weapons was absolutely unacceptable, saying that the stolen firearm could fall into criminals hands. Wang urged authorities to catch the perpetrator and resolve the issue.

ChinaTaiwan Tensions

Beijing regards self-governing Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be united with mainland China by any means necessary. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan over the past year, with Chinese aircraft frequently violating Taiwans airspace.

A Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft flies over the 68-nautical-mile scenic spot, one of mainland Chinas closest points to the island of Taiwan, in Pingtan island, Fujian province, China, on Aug. 5, 2022. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Earlier this month, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at the National Peoples Congress that Beijing should advance peaceful reunification with Taiwan, while taking resolute steps to oppose the islands independence.

In response, the MAC said that Beijing must face up to the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other and urged the CCP to respect the Taiwanese peoples commitment to upholding the islands sovereignty.

The MAC also called on Beijing to handle cross-Strait affairs pragmatically in a rational, equal, practical, and mutually respectful manner so as to foster positive interaction between the two sides.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has made bolstering Taiwans defense capabilities her top priority but has ruled out armed confrontation with China. She had offered talks with the CCP to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement, but Beijing rebuffed them.
The End of Representative Government?

Commentary

In their 2010 book The Blueprint, authors Adam Schrager and Rob Witwer document how four progressive Colorado mega-donors funded political hit squads to defeat Republican state legislative candidates. (After the book was published, one of the four mega-donors bought himself the states governorship.)

The authors explain that the mega-donors project was made possible by new state and federal campaign finance laws. These laws largely blocked donations from traditional bases of conservative support. But they allowed liberal multi-millionaires to finance political machines employing labor unions, canvassers, media monitors and other nonprofits, the latest in campaign technology, and negative ad campaigns.

The flood of money was so overwhelming that targeted candidates couldnt respond effectively.

None of the four mega-donors had any personal connections to most of the legislative districts they targeted. They didnt live there, didnt own property there, and in most cases, probably had never seen the district.

For example: One of the four mega-donors was a homosexual activist named Tim Gill who lived in Colorado, but targeted a district in Iowa. He wanted to remove a legislator named Danny Carroll who supported traditional marriage, and flooded the district with paid workers and negative campaign ads. Carroll didnt have enough money to respond and lost his seat.

To Carroll and most of his constituents, the Iowa district was home. To Gill, it was just a tool for furthering his agenda.

Such tactics, as Schrager and Witwer note, reduce actual candidates to bit players in their own campaigns. In some respects, you can think of the outside mega-donors as comparable to a shooter ensconced in a tower with a high-powered rifle, picking off helpless strangers he decides he doesnt like.

But Voters Make the Decisions, Dont They?

You might comfort yourself with the thought, Well, even if the money comes from outside the district, at least the voters in the district make the ultimate decision. But thats a false comfort, since the flood of outside money supporting one candidatecoupled with campaign finance restrictions on his rivalensure that voters never hear both sides of the story.

Schrager and Witwer report that many of the attacks funded by the four Colorado mega-donors were false or misleading, but their victims had no way of correcting the record.

When the candidate under attack is conservative, this imbalance is aggravated by the dominant liberal mass media environment. Outside money aggravates the imbalance even further by funding leftist media watchdog organizations. These organizations badger newspeople into giving liberal candidates good coverage and conservative candidates unfavorable coverage.

Of course, the voters can correct a mistake in the next election. But as Schrager and Witwer document, outside money often flows into subsequent elections as well. Moreover, once progressives capture a legislature, they often enact legal changes to skew future elections in their favor. Thats exactly what they did in Colorado once they attained a legislative majority.

Representative Government: The Basics

Deployment of outside mega-bucks coupled with skewed campaign finance laws are only two reasons why traditional representative government is breaking down. Some background is needed to understand the other reasons.

As instituted by the American Founders, representative government was based on two broad principles: No laws should be passed without the peoples consent, and because it usually is impractical for the people to enact laws directly, they choose agents to perform that function.

To implement the two basic principles, early American constitutions and law codesboth state and federaladopted the following rules:

Lawmakers, especially but not exclusively in the lower chamber of the legislature (i.e., the assembly or house of representatives) should mirror the values and feelings of the electorate (pdf).

The lower chamber should be elected for short terms and from small districts. (James Madisons famous preference for large districts wasnt the majority view.) Small districts create a numerous legislative assembly, which furthers representation of all significant interests.

The upper house (Senate) can be a more selective deliberative body.

Voters should not be dependent on others and they should live, own property, or pay taxes in their district. This encourages independent, long-term decision-making.

Elections should be free and fair.

In general, whom the voters choose to represent them is their business, not the concern of outsiders.

Different levels of government should provide different services, so voters can connect particular decisions to particular officials. In economic jargon, voter decision-making should be as unbundled as possible.

Other Ways the System Is Breaking Down

These rules of representative government have been eroding since the mid-20th century.

One cause has been the growth of the federal government, which has far overflowed its constitutional boundaries. Federal intervention in policy traditionally fixed by state and local governments has blurred lines of responsibility. This renders it difficult for voters to know whom to hold accountable on any specific issue.

Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives hasnt been expanded since 1911, when the American population was less than a third of what it is today. Most states also have representative districts that are too large by traditional standards.

Government has become so big that the number of those employed by or otherwise receiving benefits from government is approaching the number of those who pay the bills. Dependency impairs independent decision-making.

The franchise has been expanded to include voters with little stake in their districts or who are otherwise unlikely to make informed decisions. The 24th Amendmentadopted in response to a real problem, but drafted too widelynow prevents states from limiting the franchise to taxpayers. Federal law, followed by the 26th Amendment, extended suffrage to 18-year-olds, although today most 18-year-olds are dependent on others and the human brain isnt fully developed until age 25. The Supreme Court has effectively banned residency requirements longer than 30 days.

I lived in a college town for many years and witnessed the damage caused by these changes. Students without permanent ties to the locality would vote for irresponsible candidates and for increases in taxes and debt. Then they would graduate, move out, and leave the permanent residents to foot the bill.

Conclusion

The breakdown in representative government cant be cured easily. The only way to address it may be by amending the federal and state constitutions. Amendments could be directed at specific flaws. Or they could add rules (such as mandatory referenda on tax hikes and other measures) that offset flaws.

These changes will have to be accomplished outside the usual course of politics. At the federal level, state legislatures may use Article V of the Constitution to force Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments focused on these issues. At the state level, it will require creative use of the initiative and referendum process to adopt the necessary reforms.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Top Wuhan Official Blamed for COVID Pandemic Makes High-Profile Appearance

Jiang Chaoliang, the former Party boss of Hubei Province who was sacked at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, was named as the deputy head of the Hubei delegation to the CCPs rubber-stamp Congress. He was blamed for the first COVID outbreak in late 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Jiang worked with provincial government leadership to conceal the facts about the outbreak in Wuhan at its earliest stages. The lies spread at the start of the pandemic plunged China into an unprecedented credibility crisis on the international stage. In February 2020, Jiang and several other provincial officials became scapegoats and were removed from their posts without warning. It is common practice for the CCP to blame lower-level officials for large-scale systematic failures in the Communist regime.

The day before Jiangs dismissal, on Feb. 12, 2020, Sina, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet, published an article telling Wuhan residents to support and warm up to their mayor as the pandemic was ravaging the city. The article revealed that Wuhan officials had reported the situation to the central government in December 2019, long before the pandemic got out of control, and that Wuhan officials then followed the guidance given by the experts sent by the CCPs central government to prevent the spread of the virus.

On Jan. 27, 2020, in an interview with the CCPs state media half a month earlier, then-Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang suggested that the central government was mainly responsible for the initial cover-up of the COVID-19 outbreak. He suggested that the local government was not allowed to release data and info on the pandemic without explicit authorization from the CCPs central government. So the local government followed the central governments instructions on covering up the pandemic outbreak.

On Dec. 31, 2019, Wuhans health authorities reported that there was no obvious human-to-human transmission and that no medical staff was infected. According to the report, the Wuhan Institute of Virology was also involved in the investigation, and it is currently the main target for international investigations into the origins of COVID-19.

Just before the Chinese New Year in January 2020, Wuhans municipal government still hosted celebrations attracting hundreds of thousands of people. Some municipal leaders called for such events to be canceled due to the outbreak, however, they were overruled by higher-level CCP officials.

Jiangs Promotion for Covering Up SARS

In September 2002, when Jiang became vice governor of Hubei Province, the SARS pandemic broke out in Guangdong Province in November and later spread throughout China. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) data showed that SARS caused more than 8,000 illnesses and nearly 800 deaths worldwide, it is important to understand that the CCP provided grossly falsified data. The CCPs central and local governments worked together to cover up the pandemic, and officials who controlled the pandemic in this manner all received promotions in the CCPs hierarchy.

When Jiang was vice governor of Hubei Province, he was in charge of culture, health, and sports. During that time, only six cases of SARS were announced in Hubei, and with his outstanding pandemic prevention achievements, he was promoted to Chairman and Party Secretary of the Bank of Communications in China in May 2004. Eventually, in October 2016, Jiang became the Party Secretary of Hubei Province, which was one of the highest-ranked positions on a provincial level.

After the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, in February 2020, Xi Jinping assigned three allies from the CCPs political and judicial branches to take over the pandemic prevention efforts in Hubei Province and in Wuhan. The reason Xi Jinping appointed political cronies instead of health professionals was to prevent the pandemic from turning into a political crisis.
Trudeaus National Security Adviser Holds First Indo-Pacific Dialogue With US Official

Jody Thomas, national security and intelligence adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, arrives at West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 10, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Jody Thomas, the national security and intelligence adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, led the first Indo-Pacific Dialogue between Canada and the United States on March 10, discussing both economic and security issues in the region.

Thomas led the discussion in Washington, D.C., alongside Kurt Campbell, the American coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs in the National Security Council and also deputy assistant to President Joe Biden.

A Privy Council Office (PCO) news release issued on March 11 says the dialogue focused on key trends shaping the region and also identified new areas of economic, security, development, and technological cooperation.

It added that Canada and the United States exchanged views on both challenges and opportunities in the region and reaffirmed a shared commitment to a free and open region, which is prosperous and secure.

The White House said in a separate press release that Canada and the United States also share intent to expand engagement in Southeast Asia and to promote security and prosperity in South Asia.

Both the PCO and the White House say Canada and the United States will work in close coordination to implement their respective Indo-Pacific strategies and will meet again soon.

The dialogue led by Thomas and Campbell comes several months after Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly released Canadas new Indo-Pacific Strategy, in November 2022, which included an investment of roughly $2.2. billion over the next five years in dozens of projects in the region.

The first of the five objectives outlined in the new strategy is to address security threats to Canada from the region in both the physical and digital sphere.

Joly said on Nov. 27 when announcing the new strategy that Canada will be increasing its collaboration with and contribution to the fight on foreign interference.

The targeting of Canadians will not be tolerated. No effort will be spared to protect Canadians and defend against these threats, she said.

Joly at the time also called China an increasingly disruptive global power, and earlier she said Canada would challenge China when we ought to and cooperate with China when we must.

Its sheer size and influence makes cooperation necessary to address the worlds existential pressures, she said on Nov. 9.

Prior to Jolys unveiling of the new strategy, Trudeau had also said Canada will be increasing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific by making new investments in Canadian Armed Forces engagement in the region.

This will support our allies, Japan and South Korea, and all of us in the Pacific, he said on Nov. 18.

Andrew Chen contributed to this report.
Trump Publishing Private Letters From High-Profile Figures Including Kim Jong Un, Hillary Clinton, Oprah

Former President Donald Trump arrives to address the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on March 4, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump is set to release 150 private letters sent to him from an array of high-profile political figures and celebrities including former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, and Oprah Winfrey.

The letters will be published in Trumps new book, titled Letters to Trump, which will be released on April 25, according to the books publisher, Winning Team Publishing.

The publisher describes it as a colorful photo book that captures the incredible, and oftentimes private correspondence, between President Donald J. Trump and some of the biggest names in history throughout the past 40 years.

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, the publisher stated on its official website.

Axios reported that the book also includes letters from Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, Mario Cuomo, Arnold Palmer, Jay Leno, Liza Minnelli, Regis Philbin, and more.

Among them is a letter from television host Winfrey dating back to 2000 in which she says: Too bad were not running for office. What a team! according to the report.

Trump on Cunning Kim Jong Un

Every letter published within the book has been personally handpicked by Trump and is accompanied by his original commentary as well as transcripts when handwriting is not completely clear, according to the publisher.

The latest book marks the second official book to be released by the 45th president of the United States with Winning Team after the release of Our Journey Togetherhis first book since leaving officein December 2021.

Trump is the co-founder of Winning Team Publishing and his first book, which featured captioned photographs of his time in the White House, made $20 million in sales in the first two months, according to Axios.

Speaking of the new book in a phone call with reporters from the Daily Mail and other publications on March 9, Trump explained, We had lots of great letters from lots of great people and not so great people, to be honest with you.

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 said.

During the phone call, the former president also spoke of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose correspondence with Trump is featured in the new book, describing him as very smart, very cunning, very streetwise.

We spoke a lot, actually, we spoke a lot and I think we had really, you know, a great relationship, Trump said of the North Korean leader. But I thought Kim Jong Un is a very, very interesting guy, and we had a good relationship. And I think hes not a happy person right now with respect to the Biden administration.

Classified Materials Probe

The latest book also includes a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports.

Trump told reporters during last weeks phone call that it was important to get along with certain leaders, including Putin, during his time in office, while stating that Moscows ongoing invasion of Ukraine would not have happened under his watch.

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.

Elsewhere during his phone call with reporters, Trump was asked whether his new book includes letters that were among the materials held at his Florida Mar-a-Lago home before federal agents searched it in early August last year.

The Department of Justice is investigating Trumps handling of classified documents as well as that of President Joe Biden after classified materials were recently discovered at his home and former office.

Trump noted that his office receives some wonderful letters, some of which we give out and some we dont.

I declassifiedI 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.

Trumps latest book is priced at $99 and is currently available for preorder.
UK Bumps up Spending and Targets Russias Malign Influence in Latest Defence Review

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives for talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego, California, on March 12, 2023. (PA)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pumped an extra 5 billion into UK military spending and warned of a more volatile world following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Chinese regimes increasingly belligerent posture.

A 2021 integrated review, which combined the defence of the realm with security and foreign policy, saw a tilt to the Pacific to combat the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

But on Monday the Ministry of Defence published an Integrated Review Refresh, which indicated a significant reassessment in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has completely changed the military picture in Europe.

The review said Britain would work with allies on rolling back Russias malign influence from Moldova to Mongolia as well as degrading Russian capabilities which threaten the UK directly.

A vital part of this is supporting Ukraine to reassert its sovereignty and denying Russia any strategic benefit from its invasion, it added.

The review, entitled Responding to a More Contested and Volatile World, comes as Sunak signs the AUKUS pact with Australia and the United States in San Diego, California, which will see the two allies giving the Australians their support and know how to create their first fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

Sunak announced a 5 billion boost in UK military spending over the next two years, 3 billion of which will go towards the Dreadnought programme, which will provide four new nuclear submarines capable of maintaining Britains permanent independent nuclear deterrent.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) speaking to the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese in the Lionfish seafood restaurant in San Diego on March 12, 2023. (PA)

Around 1.9 billion of the extra money Sunak promised would go on replenishing the UKs munitions stockpiles, which have run down partly due to supplying the Ukrainians in their struggle with Russia.

CCP Threat Is Epoch-Defining Challenge

While Russia remains the number one short-term threat to Britain, Sunak, in his foreword to the review, said the CCPs military, financial, and diplomatic activity represented an epoch-defining challenge.

Sunak said: We will work with our partners to engage with Beijing on issues such as climate change. But where there are attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to coerce or create dependencies, we will work closely with others to push back against them.

The review said, Where it is consistent with these interests, we will engage constructively with the Chinese government, business and people and cooperate on shared priorities.

But wherever the Chinese Communist Partys actions and stated intent threaten the UKs interests, we will take swift and robust action to protect them, it added.

Sunak also wrote: What could not be fully foreseen in 2021 was the pace of the geopolitical change and the extent of its impact on the UK and our people. We learned from COVID-19 just how much impact events that begin overseas can have on our lives and livelihoods at home.

World Defined by Danger, Disorder and Division

He added: Since then, Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, weaponisation of energy and food supplies and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, combined with Chinas more aggressive stance in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, are threatening to create a world defined by danger, disorder and division.

Sunak said his government would increase defence funding as a percentage of GDP from 2 percent in 2020 to 2.25 percent in 2025, with the ultimate aim of reaching 2.5 percent.

That is below the 3 percent promised by his predecessor Liz Truss, who was endorsed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in July last year, who said she would do best by defence of this nation when she was competing against Sunak for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Speaking from the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego, Sunak said: As I will discuss with our American and Australian allies in the U.S. today, the UK will remain a leading contributor to NATO and a reliable international partner, standing up for our values from Ukraine to the South China Seas.

He added: We have seen all too clearly in the last year how global crises impact us at home, with Russias appalling invasion of Ukraine driving up energy and food prices. We will fortify our national defences, from economic security to technology supply chains and intelligence expertise, to ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power.

Ukrainian servicemen of the Prince Roman the Great 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade fire a Soviet era Grad multiple rocket launcher at Russian positions in the Kharkiv area, Ukraine, on Feb. 25, 2023. (Vadim Ghirda/AP Photo)

And thats why were investing 5 billion more in our world-beating armed forces over the next two years and increasing our defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP so we can continue to be a world leader when it comes to defence and keeping our country safe.

Next Defence Spending Review Will Be After General Election

The next review of defence spending will come in 2025, after a general election in which Sunak and the Conservatives could lose power to Labour.

Labours shadow defence secretary John Healey said: When 25 other NATO nations have already rebooted defence plans and spending since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Conservatives are still dragging their feet on the big decisions.

In Parliament, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne quoted the former chief of the general staff, Lord Dannatt, who said recently, The planned cuts in the strength of the army must be stopped and fresh investment must pour into our artillery, air defence, communications and logistics capability.

Gwynne asked the defence secretary what he was planning to do to reverse the cuts to the British Army, which has now been reduced to 76,000, the smallest it has been since the creation of the United Kingdom.

Wallace replied: In our defence command paper, we are investing into air defence, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and communications. We have had a record investment in defence.

The defence command paper will be published in June and will detail the revised structure of the armed forces.

Wallace was also asked about the Ministry of Defences record of going over-budget on projects.

He said one of the biggest drivers of cost-overruns was the decision by the government of the day to defer.

Wallace said Labours decision to defer a decision on the Royal Navys aircraft carriers cost 1 billion, while the Conservative governments decision on F-35 aircraft cost 500 million.

The defence secretary said: Im also worried about the direction of threat for this country and the world. Not only what we see in China, with them quoted as equipping for war, but we have seen 83.4 percent enriched uranium being discovered in Iran by the IAEAthats weeks away from 90 percent weapons gradeIve seen a growing problem with Russia, and violent extremism spreading across Africa. The threat is going up around the world.

PA Media contributed to this report.
UK Calls Out China as AUKUS Announcement Looms

Front to back; HNLMS Evertsen, JS Izumo, HMS Defender, HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMCS Winnipeg, JS Ise, RFA Tidespring. UK Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group 21 HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Defender, RFA Tidespring and HNLMS Evertsen from CSG21 sails with Japanese ships JS Izumo and JS Ise along with the Canadian ship HMCS Winnipeg in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2021. (UK Ministry of Defence via AP)

The United Kingdoms High Commissioner to Australia has called the Chinese regime a challenge to the UKs values and interests.

This comes just prior to the joint announcement by the UK, Australia and the United States.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, UKs High Commissioner to Australia, Vicki Treadell, noted that Beijing was creating a systemic challenge to the rules-based international order.

We recognise China poses a systemic challenge to our values and interests. We also recognise these views may not be shared by others, Treadell said.

She noted that the United Kingdom would support Australia and our allies across the Indo-Pacific and anywhere the rules-based international order is threatened.

A fair competition can only exist within a fair framework respected by all players, she said.

Competition between nations is healthy; coercion is not. We will uphold the international rules-based system, including modernising and reinforcing it in the light of experience.

AUKUS Announcement Imminent

Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom are hours away from announcing the pathway for Australias acquisition of nuclear submarines.

Currently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are travelling to San Diego to announce the submarine deal with U.S. President Joe Biden on March 13.

This will be the first official visit to the United States for both prime ministers.

Australia has long understood that partnerships and alliances are key to our securitythats why Im visiting the United States for this important announcement, Albanese said in a press release on March 11.

Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom have a shared interest in preserving peace and upholding the rules and institutions that secure our region and the world.

UK Indo-Pacific Tilt

Treadell comments on China come as the UK moves to bolster regional peace and stability in the Indo-pacific through increasing its ties with the AUKUS and ASEAN alliances.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in 2022 that the UK Indo-Pacific Tilt recognises that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific are indivisible from Europes.

We welcomed the condemnation of Russias violations of the U.N. charter and the decisions by many countries in the regionincluding Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Koreato impose sanctions on Russia for its aggression, he said.

Peace and stability in this region matter in the UK; 60 percent of global trade passes through shipping routes here in the Indo-Pacific, so security here has a direct impact on households in the UK, and we are working with partners in the region to promote maritime security and uphold the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is 40 years old this year, but it still continues to play an essential role and supports ASEANs own security strategy.

He noted the UK and the Indo-Pacific countries share values like a commitment to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom from economic coercion and the belief in the value of democracy and open markets.

The UK is committed to working with partners, old and new, in defence of those values, he said.

In line with this renewed focus on the Pacific, the UK has also doubled its presence across the region over the past four years, with Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu all now having High Commissioners in the countries.

We have established a strong network coupled with strategic oversight from those who understand the importance of the Pacific and have lived and worked in the region, the High Commissioner said.

This is a point of partnership and pragmatism. Not words on paper, but people on the ground, as our Foreign Secretary has said, Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific economies and security are indivisible.
For the last few generations, the outer fringes of Buffalos waterfront was mostly industrial wasteland. Nothing much grew there but weeds.

In the first decade of the 21st century this all started to change. With the help of a South Buffalo congressman named Brian Higgins, the area started to blossom with parkland, trails, bike paths and much more. Many layers of government  as well as citizen activism  contributed over a span of years to the redevelopment, but the go to guy became Brian Higgins.

The once-worn roadways are now flower-lined boulevards in summer, accompanied by bike trails that link the downtown area to the Outer Harbor. Gallagher Beach, the Bowguards small boat basin, the NFTA boat harbor, Wilkerson Park, the Times Beach Nature Preserve and the remains of the old coast guard base, with its iconic, 1837 China Lighthouse, all line the waterfront and are all in various stages of revitalization. The concert venue here hosts big-name bands, drawing tens of thousands. The area has literally risen, like an urban phoenix, from the ashes of the old. From the quiet headland of the Wilkerson Park, you can watch the sailboats cruising inside and outside the old seawall.

Times Beach Nature Preserve is a bucolic and restful place with two wooden blinds to observe the flocks of geese and birds that settle in the reeds or make their nests here. A plaque spells out the history of the area. It says that in 1917, the City of Buffalo had evicted a bunch of squatters from the site for industrial development.

As I read the sign, I thought to myself, A bunch of squatters? Was this a referral to The Beachers, the grand origin of Buffalos Clan Na Gael?

In the 1830s, Buffalo Mayor Samuel Wilkeson had coordinated the erection of the stone breakwall, just off the mouth of Buffalo Creek, to form the Buffalo harbor area. It was the beginnings of a prosperous modern Buffalo.

Just before this breakwalls construction, the first wave of Buffalos Irish immigrants had arrived. But it was the next wave, arriving during the Irish Hunger of the 1840s that were to settle near the breakwall in the area where I now stood, so peacefully gazing upon the avian life along the shore.

Poor and landless, the immigrant Irish settled along a strip of sand and dirt behind the seawall. Scavenging wood, tar paper and castoff materials, these hardy people formed a gypsyesque encampment that contained a tavern, two rowing clubs, two restaurants and even a small church. The population soared to almost 2,000 souls in the late 1800s.

Colorful characters, like the Beach guerillas who raided commercial shipping with a stolen sloop, gave the area a unique and bohemian charm. Dock workers, scoopers, ferrymen, steel workers and fishermen populated the mean huts along this rough-hewn beach. Their descendants would later populate much of the Old First Ward and South Buffalo.

When the City of Buffalo and the railroads evicted these beach dwellers in 1917, it was the end of a colorful era in Buffalos history.

Now, stories of The Beach surface only in reverie, over the odd glass or two of ale.

With four lines of my own family descending from these intrepid people, I try my best to write about them and honor their memory.
UK Foreign Policy Update Says Communist China Poses Epoch-Defining Challenge

Government launches new plans to boost China capabilities, secure sensitive industry, enforce sanctions

The union flag and the flag of the People's Republic of China, on March 2, 2015. (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Media)

The UK will launch a new MI5 unit to help businesses manage security risks and a new initiative to improve sanctions enforcement, and increase funding to build expertise on China, the government said on Monday as it designated communist China as an Epoch-Defining challenge.

In a long-anticipated update to the UKs major foreign policy revamp in 2021, the government said in its Integrated Review Refresh 2023 (pdf) that it will protect national securities in areas where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a threat, align with allies and global partners to curb CCP influence, and engage with China and Chinese diasporas to maintain a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships.

It comes as AUKUS, a trilateral security pact including the UK, the United States, and Australia, agreed on a deal to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia to counter Beijings powers in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. President Joe Biden (C) participates in a trilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (R) during the AUKUS summit in San Diego, Calif., on March 13, 2023. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The Epoch-Defining challenge designation fell short of former Prime Minister Liz Trusss promise and some China hawks call to formally label the regime a threat, but Alan Mendoza, co-founder and executive director of the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), told The Epoch Times that he believes they are the same thing in reality.

The 2021 Integrated Review designated Russia as the top acute security threat while China was labelled a systemic competitor.

Announcing the goal to spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence, the government said systemic competition between states now represents the most immediate and substantial threat to UK interests, and will require an increasing proportion of national security resources.

Writing the foreword, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Russia and China are threatening to create a world defined by danger, disorder, and divisionand an international order more favourable to authoritarianism.

Supply Chain Security and Sanctions Enforcement

To help British universities and industries understand national security threats in the supply chains, the countrys top spy agency will set up a new unit to provide information, the review said.

A new National Protective Security Authority will replace the MI5 Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure to provide expert, intelligence-led advice to businesses and institutions in sensitive sectors of the economy, including critical infrastructure, emerging technology, and academia.

An Economic Security Private-Public Sector Forum will also be established to better communicate the UKs economic security policies and develop joint actions and strategies with businesses, it added.

The government promised to publish new strategies on semiconductor and on supply chains and imports, and to refresh its approach to delivering the Critical Minerals Strategy.

It also plans to launch a new Economic Deterrence Initiative to maximise the impact of sanctions including by cracking down on sanctions evasion.

With up to 50 million of funding over two years, the initiative will improve the UKs sanctions implementation and enforcement and prepare the government in case it needs to respond to hostile acts by slapping a large number of sanctions as it did following Russias invasion of Ukraine, the document said.

Protect, Align, Engage

Apart from bolstering protection at home and pursuing closer ties with allies to counter CCPs global influence, the governments three interrelated strands of China policy also include engagement with China on global challenges including climate and global health.

The review said the government will double funding to build China capabilities across government to better understand China and allow us to engage confidently where it is in our interests to do so.

Downing Street said the funding increase in the year 202425 will boost Mandarin language skills and UKs ability to engage with and understand China, while protecting national security.

In a pilot programme last year, the government invested in Mandarin courses for 170 civil servants, with 20 studying in Taiwan, training on China expertise in the tech and military sectors for hundreds of government staff, and the establishment of a China experts advisory group.

The review also included strategies such as maximising the UKs soft power including by topping up funding for the BBC World Service and by assessing and responding to hostile manipulation of information with a new Foreign Office directorate; strengthening the UKs ability to tackle state and non-state threats below the threshold for armed conflict; introducing a new long-term goal to manage the risks of miscalculation and escalation between major powers; and strengthening partnership programmes such as AUKUS with the United States and Australia and

the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy and Japan.

It also said the UK will contribute through NATO to counter the threat from Iran, support stability in the Taiwan Strait, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly gives an interview outside BBC Broadcasting House in London, before appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, on Dec. 11, 2022. (Lucy North/PA Media)

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed the pragmatic refresh of the integrated review, but said seeing the threat from China as being primarily economic is a failure to recognize that they are trying to undermine our security and our sovereignty.

Responding to Kearns, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said ministers are absolutely thinking it across the full range of threats and risks in terms of security.

Commenting on the Integrated Review Refresh, which has a significant focus on China, Mendoza said he believes its a good start towards where we need to be heading, which is a much more season understanding of the challenge and threat posed by China.

In terms of China, the Critical Minerals Strategy is significant because its very much focused towards China, the HJS director said. What were trying to do here is guarantee our own supply of critical minerals because we dont want to be beholden to the China aspects of this.

The Economic Deterrence Initiative will also make it much more difficult for human rights abusers to evade those sanctions, he added. So I think there is a setting up here of understanding the parameters over the next few years.

Asked whether Beijings threat to the UK is most limited in the economic sphere, Mendoza said the regime can be more of an economic threat.

It poses a values threat by trying to set up an alternative system and could be a military threat, depending on its goals in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, by causing conflict with the UKs allies, Mendoza said.
Ukraine Delegation in Arizona Seeks Broader US Support as War Escalates with Russia

'No diplomatic solution,' Kyiv parliament member declares

PHOENIXUkrainian parliament member Dmytro Liubota scrolled through dozens of images on his cellphone showing bombed-out buildings in the Kharkiv region, where he lives.

Some buildings were still on fire; many had gaping holes or whole parts blown away.

In several photos, pieces of Russian missiles lay in the streets.

The missile attacks are an almost daily occurrence, according to Liubota, who lost his house and his family business to the bombardment.

Members of St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix participate in a liturgical service on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

We have a big line of defense as they try to occupy our territory. The Russians are very strong, but our guys are stronger. Ukrainians are stronger, Liubota said while standing outside St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix on March 12.

Liubota said the situation is dire as the war enters the second year since the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

On March 12, Liubota and other Ukrainian dignitaries visited Phoenix to meet with state and local officials to seek additional support for Ukraines humanitarian and military war effort.

Our government is doing everything it can to support [the Ukrainian people] and give them food and clothes. But you understand, there are troop and missile attacks every day, Liubota told The Epoch Times.

Its very hard to say its OK. Its not OK.

Ukrainian diplomat and human rights advocate Volodymyr Dzhydzhora (L) listens to a liturgical service at St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

Liubota is a Peoples Deputy of Ukraine from the political party Servant of the People and a member of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding its proposed integration into the European Union (EU).

He also serves as chairman of the subcommittee on economic, sectoral cooperation, and the comprehensive free trade zone between Ukraine and the European Union.

The Ukrainian delegation included diplomat and human rights advocate Volodymyr Dzhydzhora.

The Arizona House of Representatives Office of International Affairs and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations invited the delegation to Arizona.

At noon, the delegation attended a divine liturgy and reception at St. Marys. Later, they met with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, lawmakers, business members, and representatives of Arizona State Universitys IT, bioengineering, and climate disciplines.

A woman listens to members of a delegation from Kyiv at St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

The focus of the visit was to build support for more humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and to identify institutional donors for the redevelopment and restoration of the affected areas of the devastated country.

Dzhydzhora said the goal also was to bring information about whats going on in Ukraine to explain how people suffer, how the country suffers, and to make deeper connections between regions of Ukraine and to bring more American potential to Ukraine.

Russia now abuses all human rights and all international conventions on human rights. There is no single international code that Russia did not violate against Ukraine, Dzhydzhora said.

They occupied Crimea. They occupied the eastern territories of Ukraine. And after eight years, they saw that they could not break us. They decided to go in full.

After multiple failed talks, Dzhydzhora said Ukrainian officials dont see a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

A priest performs the divine liturgy at St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

Unfortunately, there is no diplomatic solution for this. The key for peace lies in Moscow  [which] doesnt want peace, Dzhydzhora told The Epoch Times.

For them, it means [Ukraines] surrender, and thats it. For us, we will win. We will restore our territorial integrity and state serenity and human rights.

Liubota said the key to peace is Russias willingness to return to the borders of 1991 and return Crimea and the breakaway republics in the Donbas region to Ukraine.

They came to us with a war on our historical territory, he said. Theres only one [response]. Get out of my house.

Liubota said millions of Ukrainians have fled the country since the war began.

St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church community organizer Svetlana-Nikole Jeholen asks for donations for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

Its bad, he said. Many people have no place to live.

Given the states large Ukrainian community, the delegation agreed to come to Arizona to seek broader support. The Ukrainian population in the United States is currently about 893,000.

Liubota said the war will continue until Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine.

I am not a military man. We hope it will be as soon as possible, he said.

It depends on your supportthe support of the American and European people. If you give us the weapons we needsupplies we needwell have enough power to kick Putins [expletive].

Two members of St. Marys Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix discuss the situation in Ukraine on March 12, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

According to the U.S. Defense Department, Washington has committed $51 billion in security aid to Ukraine since 2014, more than $24.2 billion of that since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

There is no opposition [to the war] in our country, Liubota said. We have enough manpower. We have enough people who want to fight. We want to win this war.

We will fight to the last Ukrainian.
UKs Independent Nuclear Deterrent Gives Sunak Kudos as He Meets Biden in San Diego, Says Expert

UK set to invest another 3 billion into Dreadnought nuclear missile submarines

The British prime minister has kudos that leaders of nations like New Zealand and the Netherlands do not have because the UK possesses an independent nuclear deterrent, according to a British defence analyst.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is meeting U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the port of San Diego in Californiahome of the U.S. Navys Pacific fleeton Monday to sign the AUKUS security pact between the three countries.

Under the AUKUS deal Australia will be provided with a nuclear-powered submarine capability, and Britain, the United States, and Australia will develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the IndoPacific region.

Tim Ripley, a defence analyst and author of Little Green Men: The Inside Story of Russias New Military Power, pointed out that unlike the deal which allows the Royal Navy to use U.S. Trident nuclear missiles in their submarines, Australia would not be given the tools for an independent nuclear deterrent.

Ripley said Britain decided to build its first atom bomb in 1947 and he said the foreign secretary at the time, Nye Bevan, later told a Labour Party conference audience that without nuclear weapons they would send a foreign secretary, whoever he may be, naked into the conference chamber.

Britains independent nuclear deterrent was originally provided by the UKs own submarine-launched Polaris missile system, but in the early 1980s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers government agreed a deal with the United States for the supply of Trident missiles for British Vanguard-class submarines, which are similar to the U.S. Navys Ohio class.

In 2006 the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair gave the green light to the so-called Trident renewal programme, which would see the missiles retained but in four new Dreadnought-class submarines.

UK PM Has Ability to Blow the World Up

Ripley told The Epoch Times: Its seen as a weapon of last resort, a weapon that moves you from being just an average country to a leading player. You have the ability to blow the world up that the prime minister of the Netherlands doesnt have. So you have kudos and prestige in a way that the prime minister of New Zealand doesnt have.

He said there was also an industrial argument that new nuclear energy power is a key technology, it sets your industry and industrial base above everybody else.

Then youve got the actual nuclear deterrent argument itself, that you deter anybody else using nuclear weapons against you. That was the classic thing in the Cold War, the four-minute warning, and the only way to stop it was to have mutual assured destruction, Ripley added.

The BAE Systems shipyard, where the Royal Navys Dreadnought nuclear missile submarines will be built, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, on Aug. 6, 2022. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times)

The Dreadnought submarines are being designed and built at BAE Systemss shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in the north of England, and the first vessel is due to enter service in the early 2030s.

BAE Systems employs 10,000 people in Barrow and elsewhere in the submarine-building programme.

Downing Street has confirmed Sunak will make an announcement on Monday about the integrated defence and security review, which has been updated in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday the UK government would announced the injection of another 3 billion into the cost of building four new Dreadnought-class submarines that would eventually replace the current Vanguard-class subs that maintain Britains independent nuclear deterrent.

The Royal Navys four Dreadnought submarinesonly one of which would be at sea at any one timeare in contrast with the U.S. Navys 18 Ohio-class submarines and another 60 Virginia-class submarines, all of which will eventually be equipped with nuclear warheads.

Not Just Left-Wing Quering 50 Billion Price Tag

Ripley said the arguments against spending such vast sums of money on the Trident renewal programme were not restricted to left-wing politicians such as Jeremy Corbyn, who viewed nuclear weapons as completely immoral.

He said there were many people, even within the British armed forces, who think the astronomical cost involved is not worth it, especially when it comes at the cost of properly funding the British Army and the RAF and the rest of the Royal Navy.

Referring to the money being pumped into the Dreadnought programme, Ripley said it would buy you an awful lot of tanks and artillery shells for the army.

One of the Royal Navys Astute-class submarines is docked beside the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, on Aug. 6, 2022. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times)

Ripley also said the term independent nuclear deterrent was not completely accurate.

He said: If a submarine is at sea and some crisis unfolds and the British prime minister says fire a missile at Moscow, then it is independent. But if Britain and the United States fell out over something and the United States wanted to take its revenge on Britain for invading Suez or whatever it is, then they can say you cant get any more missile technology from us.

So the independent bit is not quite completely as end-to-end independent as the French are. There is American involvement in the long-term sustainment of the British nuclear deterrent, but not at the point of firing, Ripley added.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has been arguing for a multi-billion-pound hike in his budget, and defence minister James Heappey said there had been robust clashes between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury.

Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy and UK resilience at the Policy Exchange think tank, wrote on Twitter on Friday that the unusual convergence of Sunaks summit with Frances President Emmanuel Macron, along with the AUKUS signing, the independent review, and the defence budget announcement was not a coincidence.

She wrote: It tells a story that the UK delivers on commitments, is ambitious but practical, prioritises relationships & balances them. Plus, AUKUS central to IP [Indo-Pacific] tilt.

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Missouri departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for a scheduled deployment on Sept. 1, 2021. (Amanda R. Gray/U.S. Navy via AP)

The so-called IndoPacific tilt comes amid growing concern over Chinese military spending and aggression towards Taiwan and other countries in the South China Sea.

Ripley said that while Russia was a more pressing concern for Britain than China, in Washington the Chinese threat was considered the greater in the long-term.

He said: The Chinese military build-up is the preeminent issue for the United States, military and political and diplomatic and economic. They are absolutely obsessed by it. It runs through almost everything they do.

But the problem with the Chinese thing is how do you have a military confrontation with a country that stocks all your supermarkets? Ripley added.
US Calls Irans Prisoner Swap Claim a Cruel Lie

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesIrans top diplomat claimed Sunday that a prisoner swap was near with the United Stats, though he offered no evidence to support his assertion. The United States immediately dismissed his comments as a cruel lie.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has made similar comments in the past about possible deals with the United States on frozen assets abroad and other issues that never came to fruition. Some of those remarks have appeared aimed at shoring up domestic support amid the mass protests challenging Irans theocracy and supporting the countrys troubled rial currency.

However, in an interview Sunday with Iranian state television, Amirabdollahian claimed that Iran had reached an agreement in recent days regarding the exchange of prisoners between Iran and the United States.

If everything goes well on the Americans side, I think we will see the exchange of prisoners in the short term, he added. He alleged a document between Iran and the United States laying out the exchange had been indirectly signed and approved since March 2022.

Reached by The Associated Press, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price called the comments another especially cruel lie that only adds to the suffering of their families.

We are working relentlessly to secure the release of the three wrongfully detained Americans in Iran, Price said. We will not stop until they are reunited with their loved ones.

A separate statement from the White Houses National Security Council also called the remarks false.

Unfortunately, Iranian officials will not hesitate to make things up, and the latest cruel claim will cause more heartache for the families of Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, and Morad Tahbaz, the council said, naming the three Americans known to be held by Tehran on widely disputed espionage charges.

Iran long has taken prisoners with Western passports or ties to use in negotiations with foreign nations.

The evidence against them has never been made public. The detainees all have dual U.S.Iranian citizenship, something Tehran does not recognize.

In recent days, however, Namazi was allowed to conduct an interview with CNN from Tehrans notorious Evin prisonsomething that would not have happened without the acquiescence of security forces.

Meanwhile, Ali Bagheri Kani, a deputy Iranian foreign minister who has handled nuclear talks with world powers, made a trip Sunday to Oman, a longtime interlocutor between Tehran and Washington.
US Merchant Marine Academy Rescinds COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

A midshipman walks across the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2016. (Frank Eltman/AP Photo)

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York has rescinded its COVID-19 vaccine mandate shortly after Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the academys superintendent claiming that the mandate violates federal law.

As of March 10, 2023, [USMMA] has rescinded the requirement that midshipmen be vaccinated against COVID-19, the U.S. Maritime Administration said in a statement. Applicants for the Class of 2027 will be admitted without regard to their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Congress removed the militarys COVID-19 vaccine requirement as part of the $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year 2023 at the start of this year.

President Joe Biden signed the NDAA into law in December and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin officially rescinded the mandate in January.

However, the USMMAwhich trains its midshipmen to serve as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine, branches of the Armed Forces, and the transportation industrywas not covered by that decision because it is administered by the Maritime Administration, whose parent agency is the Department of Transportation (DOT).

USMMAs vaccine policy has been in place since Oct. 20, 2021.

Banks Urges USMMA to Drop Vaccine Mandate

In its statement, USMMA defended its previous decision to require midshipmen to be vaccinated against the virus, arguing that it was needed to help protect the health and safety of our Midshipmen on campus and while at sea.

The academy spokesperson also noted that the decision to rescind the vaccine was made, in part, over the Department of Defenses move to repeal the mandate. They did not address Bankss letter.

In light of the Department of Defenses vaccine mandate rescission, and the availability of Sea Year training billets for unvaccinated Midshipmen on vessels, we reevaluated the need for the COVID vaccination, the spokesperson said.

Banks had written to Kings Point academys Superintendent, Vice Adm. Joanna M. Nunan, on March 7 urging it to drop the vaccine requirement, arguing that the mandate violated school officials oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, according to the New York Post.

As of today, the USMMAs website says that neither medical nor religious exemption requests will be accepted or processed for vaccination requirements,' Banks wrote in the letter. This statement appears to be a violation of your oath of office and an illegal attack on the constitutional rights of current and potential Midshipmen.

Vaccine Status May Still Impact Midshipmen

The Republican also asked the schools superintendent to hand over all written communications between the DOT and academy leadership regarding the USMAAs decision to prohibit religious exemptions for its COVID vaccine mandate and punitive measures toward current or potential Midshipmen who did not comply with this mandate, according to the report.

Despite USMMA rescinding the mandate, as of March 13, the academys official website states that it requires incoming students to provide proof of vaccination against a variety of diseases.

Starting with the Class of 2026, that list of vaccinations will include the COVID-19 vaccination per Academy policy, the website states. As a reminder, all incoming students are appointed Midshipmen in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and therefore must also comply with the Department of Defenses separate vaccination policy.

The website still notes that medical and religious exemption requests will not be accepted or processed for vaccination requirements.

In confirming to the New York Post that the vaccine mandate had been dropped, the USMMA spokesperson noted that the vaccination status of Midshipmen may impact their ability to train on a vessel if a COVID vaccine is required.

Commercial carriers COVID-19 vaccination policies vary, the spokesperson said. The USMMA will continually monitor carrier policies and alert a midshipman if their COVID-19 vaccination status will impact whether they can embark on a commercial vessel.
WA Premier Eyes China Visit as Relations Improve

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan speaks during an announcement in Perth, Australia, on Dec. 13, 2021. (Richard Wainwright/AAP Image)

Mark McGowan is set to become the first Australian state premier to travel to China since before the COVID-19 pandemic as tensions thaw between the two nations.

Western Australias premier has confirmed he plans to visit Beijing in late April to discuss the lucrative trade relationship between the two parties.

He also expects to visit Guangzhou to address the resumption of direct flights between Perth and the massive port city.

It obviously needs approval from the Chinese authorities but thats the plan, McGowan told reporters.

Reinstating direct flights and making sure that the relationships, particularly in relation to our major export industries, remain strong (is the priority).

Foreign Minister Penny Wong travelled to China in December last year, the first visit by a federal government minister since 2019, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed interest in visiting the global superpower.

Trade Minister Don Farrell is also preparing to visit China as the two nations continue talks on dropping billions of dollars worth of trade sanctions against Australian industries, including seafood, cotton and timber.

Australian coal began being unloaded at Chinese ports in February following an unofficial embargo imposed at the start of the pandemic.

McGowan was among the strongest critics of the former Morrison governments tough rhetoric regarding China.

WA exported $136 billion worth of goods to China in the 2022 financial year with iron ore accounting for the bulk of the trade.

The premier confirmed he had been briefed on Australias plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines ahead of an announcement on Monday by Mr Albanese, US President Joe Biden, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

He declined to comment on the expected benefit the AUKUS security pact would have on WAs shipbuilding industry.

China has criticised the agreement, accusing the US of sparking an arms race and threatening peace in the region.

McGowans approval rating has dropped to 63 per cent, its lowest level since before the pandemic but still more than double that of Liberal leader Libby Mettam, according to a survey reported by the West Australian newspaper.
West Virginia Legislature Passes Gender Reassignment Surgery Ban for Minors

West Virginias Republican-majority Legislature passed a bill on March 10 that would ban health care providers from performing irreversible gender reassignment surgery or providing gender-altering medication to minors.

House Bill 2007 was introduced by Del. Geoff Foster and passed the Senate in a 302 vote.

Under the bill, health care providers in the state will be prohibited from providing irreversible gender reassignment surgery or gender-altering medication to a person who is under 18, such as puberty-blockers, although it does contain certain exceptions in some cases.

Specifically, the bill bans any of the following surgeries from being performed on biological male patients: penectomy, orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, clitoroplasty, or vulvoplasty.

For biological female patients under 18, the bill bans hysterectomy or ovariectomy surgeries from being performed.

It also bans metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty implantation of erection or testicular prostheses for biologically female patients and augmentation mammoplasty for biological male patients and subcutaneous mastectomy for female patients for those under 18.

However, the bill would allow such procedures to be performed on individuals if they are born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development, including being born with forty-six xx chromosomes with virilization or forty-six xy chromosomes with undervirilization or having both ovarian and testicular tissue or on patients without normal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production or sex steroid hormone action.

Bill Exemptions

Such procedures would also be allowed to be conducted in cases where treatment is required for infections, injuries, diseases, or disorders caused by or exacerbated by the performance of gender transition procedures whether or not the gender transition procedure was performed in accordance with state and federal law.

Any procedure undertaken because the individual suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or physical illness that would place the person in imminent danger, death or impairment of a major bodily function unless surgery is performed, would also be allowed.

Further exemptions were added for people under the age of 18 at risk for suicide.

Those exemptions were added by West Virginia Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, a physician, and would allow some transgender youth to continue receiving medical interventions under certain circumstances, such as if they have been diagnosed with severe gender dysphoria by at least two medical or mental health providers, including a mental health provider or adolescent medicine specialist.

The dosage must be the lowest possible necessary to treat the psychiatric condition and not for purposes of gender alteration, and providers must also be specifically trained to diagnose and treat severe gender dysphoria in adolescents. They must also provide written testimony saying medical interventions are necessary in order to prevent or limit potential or actual self-harm.

Additionally, written consent for the treatment would be required by the minors parents or guardians. However, hormonal therapy would not be granted to minors before the age of puberty.

Takubos amendment was adopted in a 2012 vote, according to local reports.

During a speech on the Senate floor late Friday night, Takubo cited multiple peer-reviewed studies showing a decrease in depression and suicides among youth suffering from gender dysphoria when they have access to medication therapy.

Bill Needed to Protect Kids, Republicans Say

The take-home message is none of these medical studies were looking at how did the kid feel about their external appearance, Takubo said. These studies were looking at the mental health and how severe these kids were affected. I know the treatment is difficult. Its difficult for me to understand, and Im a physician  but I know that kids that are affected in any kind of mental health disease, the sooner you start them on treatment  the quicker you see a result.

According to research complied by West Virginia University Medicine physicians using West Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, the rate of suicide ideation, or having suicidal thoughts or ideas, for transgender youth in West Virginia is three times higher than the rate for all youth in the state.

The original bill, which included no mental health exemptions, passed the House of Delegates last month in an 8410 vote.

The House on Saturday unanimously then approved the Senates changes to the bill and the amended version then passed in an 8810 vote, with all no votes coming from Democrats.

Republican Gov. Jim Justice has not yet indicated if he will sign the bill into law. A spokesperson for his office said he was unavailable for comment Saturday.

Speaking to the radio network Metro News in January, Foster said he believes the bill is needed to protect children from being able to access permanent or irreversible procedures that have little to no proven outcome or benefit for the child on a psychological or emotional level.

However, a string of major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychiatric Association, have all voiced support for gender transition care among minors, joining opponents in arguing that it is safe and effective.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Donkeys, fighter jets, Lady Gaga in a T-shirt: Welcome to the 2023 Oscars. There was no sure thing at this year's ceremony (well, other than Ke Huy Quan), but the evening promised and duly delivered three-plus hours of chaos, tears, and Cocaine Bears. Below, we've compiled the evening's most memorable moments, for better or worse:

Low: The rug that didn't tie the room together

The Academy decided not to roll out the red carpet this year: Breaking with 62 years of tradition, the classic scarlet was swapped for a new "champagne" color. (Though as EW.com editor Oliver Gettell noted, "It's only champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it's just a sparkling rug.") The result was... underwhelming: Gorgeous white gowns (so many white gowns!) looked dull without contrast, the Pantone shade read less champagne than Severance beige, and the whole thing just seems like a nightmare to keep clean. Sometimes, tradition is tradition for a reason.

Jessica Chastain attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

High: A solid cold open

He came in on a Top Gun: Maverick wing and a prayer and got danced off by the "Naatu Naauu" crew. In between, third-time host Jimmy Kimmel did the thing  moving nimbly through a melange of topical one-liners (T-minus two minutes till we got an Ozempic reference), sincere acknowledgments (a pointed name-check of the conspicuously un-nominated Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis), and good-dumb dad jokes ("My banshees are caught in my Inisherin!"). As for the Will Smith question, hanging over it all like a slappy pall? Asked and answered, pretty well.

Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

High: Ke Huy Quan, king of hearts

Even after sweeping every possible precursor, the Everything Everywhere All At Once star somehow managed to mine fresh feeling (who's chopping onions over here again?) with his season-capping win  from the moment presenter Ariana DeBose broke down announcing his name to his emotional recollection of his journey from child refugee to the Oscars stage: "This, this is the American dream." In the best kind of multiverse, yes.

Story continues

Best Supporting Actor, Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) 95th Annual Academy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, California, USA - 12 Mar 2023

Low: <em>The Little Mermaid</i> butts in

Nothing says "Corporate overlord don't care" like ABC parent company Disney brazenly inserting a free ad  sorry, preview  for their latest live-action project in the midst of the year's biggest awards show, along with two of its stars. Pay the going ad rate like everybody else, Mickey Mouse.

THE OSCARS - The 95th Oscars will air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT. (ABC) MELISSA MCCARTHY, HALLE BAILEY

High: The good mule

Justice for Jenny! Despite The Banshees of Inisherin's many nominations, Jenny the donkey was rudely shut out of the Best Supporting Actress category (probably because she's an ass). She still got her time on stage though, joining host Kimmel in an Emotional Support Animal vest. The whole room clapped and cheered as she trotted out, but no one was more psyched than Best Actor nominee Colin Farrell, whose face lit up when he saw his four-legged costar. Sadly, EW later confirmed that the donkey on stage was not the real Jenny but a local ringer. Hopefully she was celebrating somewhere back home in Ireland  ideally with a basket of carrots (sans Brendan Gleeson's fingers).

Jimmy Kimmel and a mule at the 2023 Oscars

High: You say it's your birthday

Some people get cake for their birthday. Others get an Oscar. After An Irish Goodbye won Best Live-Action Short, producers Tom Berkeley and Ross White used their acceptance speech time to lead the crowd in a sing-along celebrating their star James Martin on his 31st birthday. The only downside is that every subsequent birthday might feel like a letdown once you've been serenaded on a global stage by the likes of Colin Farrell, Cate Blanchett, and Janelle Monae.

Oscars 2023 onstage

Whoa: A brutal In Memoriam callout

Less than three days after Robert Blake's death, Kimmel spared no allusions to the actor's 2001 murder charge for killing his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley. In poor taste? Absolutely. But also savagely funny, especially in an evening of mostly anodyne patter. Less clear: Why the Academy left out significant names like Anne Heche, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, and Triangle of Sadness star Charlbi Dean.

Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

High: A Best Song serenade

Given the dearth of other nominations for such a widely celebrated film, RRR's big shot at taking home a trophy tonight came with Best Song, a category it was widely tipped to win. But who knew composer M.M. Keeravani's speech would come so joyfully a cappella? "I grew up listening to the Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars," he confessed, and then began singing-slash-paraphrasing the brother-sister duo's 1972 soft-pop smash "Top of the World": "There was only one wish on my mind.... RRR has to win, pride of every Indian, and must put me on the top of the world."

Indian composer M.M. Keeravaani (R) and Indian musician Chandrabose accept the Oscar for Best Music (Original Song) for "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR" onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California

Meh: The other musical notes

Lady Gaga stripped down, Rihanna stepped regally onto a shower puff, and David Byrne waggled his delightful wiener hands. But even Lenny Kravitz's perfectly serviceable rendition of "Calling All Angels" for the In Memoriam segment felt oddly anticlimactic; "Naatu" spectacular aside, can anyone honestly say that they'll ever be discussing these performances again after, say, Tuesday?

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

Hmmm: Where in the world is Tom Cruise?

The man who saved movies could not save the date, apparently: While he appeared in person at other high-profile pre-season events, Monsieur Maverick didn't RSVP for the industry's biggest night. Just hours before the broadcast, a rep for the actor told the press that his absence was due to scheduling obligations for Mission Impossible 8. (But isn't he kinda like, the boss of that?) Ah well. At least with Harrison Ford's Best Picture presentation, we got to bask in the presence of another rugged American icon and famed aviation enthusiast. And it felt like poetry, or at least sweet Hollywood symmetry, to watch Indiana Jones give his old friend Short Round's film the final prize of the night.

Tom Cruise talks to Jimmy Kimmel about reuniting with Val Kilmer on the set of Top Gun Maverick

High: The bear necessities

The Oscars see your Imposter Donkey, and raise you a Cocaine Bear: Actress-turned-director Elizabeth Banks was joined on stage by her titular muse for one of the night's better bits honoring Best Visual Effects. As Banks explained the magic of CGI vs. reality by running down the year's nominees, the movie's four-legged Scarface did its bit in furry pantomime, and got the answer we all knew was true: "Wakanda? Wakanda is totally real."

Elizabeth Banks presents the award for Visual Effects at the 95th Academy Awards in the Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

Related content:
Missing tourists safe, but not yet found

PHUKET: Police have confirmed that two tourists reported as missing for two days after renting kayaks at Coconut Island have made it safely ashore, but officers have yet to find the two men.

tourismSafety

By The Phuket News

Monday 13 March 2023, 09:22AM

CCTV footage has confirmed that the two men made it safely ashore on Phuket last Friday, but police are still looking for the two men in order to question them. Image: Phuket Provincial Police

The confirmation came through a statement issued by Phuket Provincial Police late yesterday (Mar 12), the same day that government news channels issued a spate of reports reporting a mass search underway for the two men.

The two men were described in the reports as in their 30s, likely to be European or Australian. They were reported as renting kayaks on Koh Maphrao at 4:10pm last Friday (Mar 10), but failing to return to shore.

It was not reported what took so long to launch the search for the two men.

Late yesterday, Phuket Provincial Police issued a statement that CCTV footage had confirmed that the two men had come ashore at Royal Phuket Marina, on Phuket.

The two tourists left the kayaks with the staff at the marina and left at about 4:53pm last Friday. The men showed no signs of distress, the statement said.

We are currently in the process of tracking down the two tourists to inquire about the cause and motives. If you see either of the tourists, please inform the Phuket Provincial Police and Phuket City Police Station in order to invite them to inquire further about the cause, the statement added.

One of the tourists was described as last seen wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, shorts and sandals. The other was described as wearing a black floral shirt, shorts and sandals.
MoU aims to use students to ease hospitality labour shortage

PHUKET: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Phuket yesterday (Mar 12) that aims to have vocational education students gain experience in the tourism industry during their college holidays, with special focus on helping to ease the labour shortage in Phukets hospitality sector.

tourism

By The Phuket News

Monday 13 March 2023, 11:51AM

The MoU was signed at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Office of the Vocational Education (OVEC) Deputy Secretary-General Somporn Pandam leading the proceedings.

Present for the occasion was Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew and Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), along with Witthaya Ketchu, Director of Phuket Vocational College, and Sueksit Suwanditkul, President of the Thai Hotels Association Southern chapter.

Mr Witthaya explained that more than 3,000 businesses had joined the initiative, including major hotel chains such as Accor and Minor Group, as 48 institutions nationwide operating under OVEC.

The agreement would see vocational students gain experience in the hospitality sector and help them earn extra money during college holidays, he said.

Mr Witthaya said the MoU would help fill some 30,000 positions vacant in the tourism industry.

Official reports maintained that the initiative would help ease Phukets labour shortage. However, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce last month revealed that the situation in Phuket had eased considerably, with only about 3,000-4,000 positions vacant remaining to be filled.

The discrepancy was not explained in the official reports marking the MoU signing yesterday.

According to the Bangkok Post, Mr Suksit yesterday said that Phukets rapid recovery had resulted in the hospitality labour shortage on the island. Hotel occupancy rose from 40% in mid-2022 to 70% in late 2022, with average occupancy rate in January-March 2023 rising to 88%, compared with 86% before COVID-19, he said.

He hoped the agreement would be an answer to the problem, the Bangkok Post reported.

Governor Narong said that resolving the labour shortage would help the prvincial governments preparations to host Expo 2028 and to push for Thailand and Phuket to be an international medical hub in five years.
Patong tuk-tuk driver charged for not returning iPhone

PHUKET: A Patong tuk-tuk driver has been charged with theft after failing to return an iPhone left behind in his tuk-tuk by a Swedish tourist.

patongtourismtransportcrimepolice

By The Phuket News

Monday 13 March 2023, 10:54AM

The tourist, named by police as Merdzana Pepic, reported her phone as missing at about 6am on Saturday (Mar 11), said Patong Police.

Ms Pepic had taken a tuk-tuk from Bangla Rd to the Patong Hill Hotel, where she was staying, police reported.

But when arrived she realised that her iPhone 14 Pro Max, which in Thailand starts at B29,000, was missing. She believed she had left it behind in the tuk-tuk, she told police.

Patong Police were able to track down the driver yesterday (Mar 12) by using the phones location-tracking capability.

Officers traced the phone to in front of the Pornprateep Hotel on Thaweewong Rd (the Patong beach road), where Ms Pepic identified the tuk-tuk she had taken early Saturday morning.

A search of the tuk-tuk found the phone hidden behind a cushion on the drivers seat.

The driver, Kritsada Damchan, was asked to join officers at Patong Police station to explain how the phone came to be in his possession.

At the police station, Kritsada confessed that he had found the phone after dropping Ms Pepic off at the hotel, and decided to keep it.

Kritsada was charged under the article of theft or receiving stolen goods, Patong Police confirmed.

Ms Pepic thanked the officers for their quick action in having her phone returned, the report said.
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Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has confirmed infighting in the Kremlin inner circle and that the government has lost centralized control over the Russian information space, a Washington-based think tank reports.

The Institute for the Study of War's latest assessment on the war in Ukraine said Zakharova made the statements Saturday at a Moscow forum on technology and information. The assessment says Zakharova acknowledged the Kremlin cannot replicate the Stalinist approach of establishing a modern equivalent to the Soviet Information Bureau to centrally control Moscow's message because of fighting among unspecified Kremlin elites.

The assessment suggests Zakharova may have openly discussed these issues to tamp down expectations that Kremlin leaders will publicly agree on policy.

"Zakharovas statement is noteworthy and supports several of ISWs longstanding assessments about deteriorating Kremlin regime and information space control dynamics," the assessment says.

'THIS IS INHUMANE': Poland, Slovakia ready to send fighter jets to Kyiv; Russian missiles engulf Ukraine: Updates

Developments:

Luxembourg will send 14 armored ambulances to Ukraine, the Ukraine embassy in Belgium said in a Facebook post Sunday: The "vehicles will be sent to the frontline where they will carry out their main mission  to save the lives of our defenders."

The British government urged the Olympics biggest sponsors to pressure the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Games in Paris. British Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer says Moscow will use sports for propaganda during the war in Ukraine.

Thousands of Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv to say goodbye to Dmytro Kotsiubailo, killed in action near Bakhmut on March 7. Kotsiubailo, 27, was among the most decorated Ukrainian soldiers and was awarded the Hero of Ukraine in 2021.

Story continues

Soldiers of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army hold their positions at the front line near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, on March 11, 2023.

Wagner mercenaries reportedly struggling to advance on Bakhmut

Wagner Group mercenaries are likely becoming "increasingly pinned" in urban areas in and around Bakhmut and are finding it difficult to make significant advances in the eastern region that has been the primary focus of Russia's war in recent weeks, an assessment from the Institute for the Study of War says. Russian forces continued ground attacks Saturday in and around Bakhmut but did not make any confirmed advances within the city, the assessment says.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin apparently drew to within almost a mile of Bakhmuts administrative center, but several Russian military bloggers claimed Ukrainian forces appeared to be preparing for a counteroffensive in Bakhmut, the assessment says.

Colonel Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesman for the Ukrainian Eastern Group of Forces, said fighting in Bakhmut was more intense last week than in the previous week.

SBU: Ukrainian soldier seen getting killed in video positively identified

The soldier who defiantly says, "Glory to Ukraine'' before apparently being executed by Russians in a grisly scene captured on an unverified video has been positively identified by Ukrainian authorities.

His name was Oleksandr Matsievsky and he was a sniper with the 163rd Battalion of the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Chernihiv province, the Security Service of Ukraine said in a statement Sunday. Matsiyevsky was reported missing just north of Bakhmut in late December and killed on Dec. 30, the SBU said, adding that his body was returned to his family in February.

After the video was released Monday, the Ukrainian military tentatively identified the slain soldier as Tymofiy Shadura of the 30th Mechanized Brigade, but that soon evoked doubts. Matsievsky's name surfaced later in the week and the SBU said it confirmed he was indeed the victim through communication with his relatives, forensic examination, and examining photos and videos.

The brief clip that shows him smoking a cigarette in a wooded field, responding to a voice in Russian with the Ukrainian national salute, and then getting hit with several shots as insults are heard in Russian has evoked outrage in Ukraine after circulating on social media.

"We will do everything to make these inhumans suffer the deserved punishment," SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk said in the statement.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia war updates: Russian confirms Kremlin infighting
Bill Gouveia is a Sun Chronicle columnist. Reach him at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @Billinsidelook .
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C-Level View | Feature

A New NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Indiana: The Center for Quantum Technologies

CQT Partner Institution Roundtable

Earlier this year, an inaugural meeting marked the creation of the Center for Quantum Technologies, an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) for quantum research and development in Indiana. A partnership of three prominent higher education institutions, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Indiana University  both Bloomington and Indianapolis (IUPUI) campuses  spawned the new center.

With the help and guidance of David Stewart, managing director of the CQT, Campus Technology hosted CQT leaders from each of the partner institutions for a virtual roundtable discussion of the structure and goals of the CQT. Participants in the following discussion include:

Sabre Kais , Distinguished Professor of Chemical Physics, Purdue University; CQT Center Director and Purdue Site Director

, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Physics, Purdue University; CQT Center Director and Purdue Site Director Peter Kogge , Ted H. McCourtney Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Notre Dame; CQT Notre Dame Site Director

, Ted H. McCourtney Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Notre Dame; CQT Notre Dame Site Director Gerardo Ortiz , Professor of Physics and Scientific Director of IU Quantum Science and Engineering Center, Indiana University; CQT Indiana Site Director

, Professor of Physics and Scientific Director of IU Quantum Science and Engineering Center, Indiana University; CQT Indiana Site Director Ricardo Decca , Professor and Department Chair of Physics, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI); IUPUI CQT Campus Director

, Professor and Department Chair of Physics, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI); IUPUI CQT Campus Director David Stewart, Managing Director, Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute; Industry Liaison Officer and Managing Director, CQT

Mary Grush: Tell us about the Center for Quantum Technologies.

David Stewart: The CQT is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC). It is a partnership between Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame, and Indiana University, which includes both the Bloomington and Indianapolis (IUPUI) campuses. The CQT brings together academia, industry, and government to enable use-inspired, industry-relevant quantum technology research and development.

The CQT brings together academia, industry, and government to enable use-inspired, industry-relevant quantum technology research and development.

Grush: Can you explain the IUCRC model further?

Stewart: Absolutely. This is a unique NSF program that has been around for decades. There are about 80 IUCRCs in the country, but the CQT is the first with a quantum focus. The NSF provides funding for administration and management costs, and a framework for how the center functions. Industry and government members then join the center and pay an annual fee, which goes 100 percent to the center's research efforts. What is unique is that the industry and government members collectively vote on which projects get funded, and they also provide input in new research directions  so they really have significant influence in the center's future.

What is unique is that the industry and government members collectively vote on which projects get funded, and they also provide input in new research directions.

Grush: You mentioned your industry and government members. Who are they?

Peter Kogge: We are excited to have a diverse membership from a variety of sectors, allowing us to touch many different areas of quantum. Our members include the Air Force Research Lab, AWS, Cummins, D-Wave, Eli Lilly, Entanglement Inc., Hewlett Packard, IBM, Northrop Grumman, Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane Division, Quantum Innovative Solutions, Qrypt, Skywater, and Toyota.

Grush: How did the university partners envision the idea of creating an IUCRC, and has that been a long process?
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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A 21-year-old man from an Arab village in northern Israel was seriously injured on Monday morning by an explosion caused by a device that was placed on the side of the road on Route 65 toward Afula.

The victim was driving his car near the Megiddo Junction when the device exploded. MDA paramedics administered emergency medical aid to the injured victim and evacuated him to HaEmek Medical Center in Afula.

He was later transferred to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, where he is being treated in the ICU, sedated and ventilated.

The police and Shin Bet believe that the bombing was a terror attack rather than a criminal incident but the investigation is still ongoing.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Americas schools say kids are hungry  just as pandemic-era benefit programs have lapsed. There is growing concern about the effects on kids ability to learn.

Congress temporarily made school meals free to all American schoolkids, but since that ended last fall, the need has only seemed to grow.

Soaring food prices are adding strains on families who are seeing reductions in multiple kinds of financial assistance. One federal program that ends this month had given nearly 30 million Americans extra food stamps during the pandemic.

School cafeterias typically dont turn away a hungry kid, but debts for unpaid school meals have been rising  showing the level of need, and raising questions about how schools will keep feeding everyone, without federal money to do it. The neediest kids are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, as before the pandemic, but qualifying for those benefits requires applications that havent been necessary for several years.

Programs that provide direct food assistance are hugely critical and we are going to see the effects of not having them over the next couple of months, said Megan Curran, policy director for Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy.

In the last academic year, with nearly all schools back operating in person, the number of school meals served to students jumped dramatically, and was slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to a report Thursday from the Food Research & Action Center. Already, it said, states now are reporting drops in the number of meals served.

More than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for every person in their family to be healthy.

Children in such households are more likely to struggle academically and repeat grade levels, among other challenges, according to researchers.

For fourth-grader Fabian Aguirre, its hard to think about math equations when hes sitting in class with a growling stomach.

When he arrives in the morning, Fabian eats breakfast served by the school in South Phoenix, but he can get hungry in the classes before lunch. On days he doesnt eat at home first, even the meals offered by the school arent enough to keep him feeling full.

Its hard to focus in class when Im hungry. Food helps me pay attention to what Im learning, said Fabian, 10.

At his school, V. H. Lassen Academy of Science and Nutrition, all students are eligible to receive free meals. The Roosevelt School District, where 80% of students are Hispanic and 12% are Black, covers the meals with aid from a federal program for low-income school communities.

To reach students who might be embarrassed about not having eaten at home, the school recently changed how it distributes free breakfast. Carts filled with prepackaged breakfast meals are rolled outside by the entrance to the school, instead of being kept in the cafeteria.

We realized that a lot of our students were going straight to the playground and not going into the cafeteria to eat before school, from the 7 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. timeframe, said Jessica Padilla, a sixth-grade math and science teacher.

While they lasted, the universal free meals addressed several concerns about student hunger. There was no paperwork involved. And kids who needed them didnt have to worry about stigma because they were available to everyone. Some states including California are using state money to continue these programs, but most have gone back to charging all but the neediest kids for meals.

When the free meals for all came to an end, families were left scrambling and confused, National PTA President Anna King said. They werent prepared for the paperwork after two years without it  and many families with young kids had never filled them out.

It can be difficult for parents to ask for the help they need, said Jillien Meier, director of No Kid Hungry. Immigrant parents, she said, might also avoid filling out forms requesting free or reduced-price meals out of concern it could bring unwanted attention if they are in the U.S. illegally.

Teachers often are the ones to pick up on chronic hunger in students.

Martissa Moore, a teacher at Bainbridge Middle School in Bainbridge, Georgia, recalls a seventh-grade student who had his head on his desk during class, picked arguments with other students and struggled to keep up academically. Moore sensed he wasnt getting enough to eat.

Each day that year, she brought him whatever her daughter had for breakfast and slowly saw progress in his reading skills.

You just do what you have to do for your students because you dont want them hungry, Moore said.

Hilary Seligman, senior medical advisor with Feeding America, said it shouldnt be up to teachers to address child hunger.

Because we have so much food insecurity among children, we shift that responsibility to the schools, she said. But normal childhood development is having access to food at home. That is part of creating for families in America a stable environment where kids are ready to learn when they arrive in school.

(AP)




During a speech in Las Vegas, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized New York State for allowing criminals to run rampant on the streets and failing to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

DeSantis touted Floridas better roads, better services higher performing K-12 schools and no income tax despite having a budget twice as small as New Yorks and encouraged those considering moving to Florida to take advantage of the lack of income tax.

What is New York doing by taxing people? What are they doing spending all this money on? Its not improving the quality of life? I can tell you that, DeSantis said.

DeSantis predicted that New York would continue to raise taxes to accommodate bail reform policies, which he deemed unfunded liabilities.

You know what else doesnt work? The cities and these left-wing states allowing criminals to run wild on our streets. That doesnt work, he said. We in Florida stand for law and order. We dont believe in coddling criminals, we believe in prosecuting criminals.

DeSantis also criticized other progressive cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Portland for their soft-on-crime policies.

He was in Las Vegas to promote his new book The Courage to Be Free: Floridas Blueprint for Americas Revival, in which he outlines how Florida navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many expect DeSantis to announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election after the Florida legislative session concludes in mid-May.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




About 500 Israeli high-tech companies, especially start-ups, that kept their funds in the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) are reeling in the wake of the banks collapse on Friday.

In an ironic twist of fate, the Israeli company Verbit, an Al transcription company that had a balance of $100 million in SVB when it collapsed, would have salvaged its money if it wasnt for the governments judicial reform plan, Globes reported.

When the banks shares began to plummet, the companys senior officials discussed the option of transferring the companys funds from SVP to an Israeli bank account but the CEO, Tom Livne, refused due to his opposition to the judicial coup in Israel.

A source close to the company told Globes: Livne refused to withdraw the money when the collapse began out of belief in the bank and as a sign of solidarity with its situation and because of opposition to the judicial coup in Israel.

A couple of months ago, Livne threatened to leave Israel and stop paying taxes due to the governments judicial reform plan.

Additionally, the CEO of Israeli software company Papaya Global, Eynat Guez, announced at the end of January that her company was withdrawing all its funds from Israeli banks due to the judicial reform plan.

She went even further in early February, threatening: If all of us, the heads of high-tech companies, remove in one day just 20% of the money we hold in Israeli bankstheyll collapsethis is my right and even my obligation.

In another ironic twist, Gadi Moshe, the co-head of the SVB branch in Israel, was one of the leaders of the high-tech protests against the judicial reform plan in Israel and urged investors to withdraw their money from Israeli banks.

According to a Channel 12 News report on Sunday, the Israeli SVB branch has closed in the wake of the main banks collapse and its 40 employees have been laid off.

  

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




A number of known baalei tzedaka who donate tens of millions of dollars to the Olam HaTorah had funds in the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) that collapsed on Friday, Kikar HShabbat reported on Sunday.

This is a huge crisis, an associate of one the affected baalei tzedaka told Kikar. I know of many baalei tzedaka who had their money there and didnt manage to withdraw it in time.

This can harm a number of large kollelim that are supported by gvirim who lost a lot of money in the collapse. A lot of tefillos are needed now. We hope we survive the crisis.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Motzei Shabbos that if needed, the government will assist Israeli companies to get through the crisis caused by the banks collapse.

Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich stated that hes establishing a special team that will include officials from the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Israel, and the Innovation and Securities Authorities to assist tech companies through the crisis.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
University of Birmingham launches Lord Karan Bilimoria (Chancellor's) Scholarship in India

New Delhi (India) | Published : March 13, 2023



The University of Birmingham is launching a unique and prestigious new fully-funded scholarship, including accommodation expenses, for students in India - offering the winner a mentoring opportunity with the University's Chancellor Lord Karan Bilimoria and leading alumni.The Lord Karan Bilimoria (Chancellor's) Scholarship will include a full tuition fee waiver and accommodation costs up to the duration of the programme for the winner, as well as four runner-up awards of a 5,000 tuition fee waiver.The scholarship is only open to Indian students applying for postgraduate study programmes at the University's campuses in Birmingham and Dubai. Candidates must have a valid offer of study from the University of Birmingham.Candidates should have an excellent academic track record and demonstrate that they have overcome challenging circumstances. They should also have an innovative idea that can solve some of the complex challenges facing both the UK and India. Successful applicants who reach the final round will be asked to submit a three-minute video answering two key questions:- What challenges have you overcome in life?- What innovation would you suggest to solve a challenge faced by India and the UK?Launching the Scholarship, Lord Bilimoria commented: "I am hugely proud of the University of Birmingham's education partnerships in India and delighted to launch this exceptional opportunity to encourage outstanding individuals to join us - whether at our iconic new campus in Dubai or our beautiful historic campus in Birmingham."Our University's motto is 'per ardua ad alta' which translates as 'through adversity to high things'. This is a sentiment which inspires us, as we begin our search for scholarship candidates who have beaten the odds to achieve academic excellence and can demonstrate an innovative idea with the potential to solve any of the complex challenges facing both India and the UK."I look forward to meeting the successful candidate and it will be a particular pleasure to mentor them as they set out on their voyage of educational discovery with the University of Birmingham and become successful leaders."Applications are now open and further details can be obtained from https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/funding/postgraduate/india-lord-karan-bilimoria-scholarship.aspxThe University's relationship with India dates to 1909 when the first cohort of Indian students arrived in Birmingham to study for degrees in Mining and Commerce. It now has more than 2,000 Indian alumni and some of India's most distinguished and finest minds were educated at Birmingham, including Mr Ajit Kumar Seth, 30th Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of India, and acclaimed writer and critic, the late Dr U R Ananthamurthy.The University of Birmingham has several significant partnerships in India, underpinned by its India Institute which aims to increase the visibility, impact and coherence of Birmingham's engagement in the country.Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said: "I am delighted that the University of Birmingham is further strengthening its engagement in India with this scholarship. What a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate in being mentored by an icon of UK-Indian business, Lord Bilimoria."- The University of Birmingham is a global top 100 university and a member of the elite Russell Group of UK universities. It was established by Queen Victoria in 1900 as Great Britain's first civic university, where students from all religions and backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. Renowned for its research excellence, the University's researchers have received 10 Nobel Prizes. From pioneering organ transplants, discovering gravitational waves and furthering understanding of Shakespeare, to developing cures for cancer, advances in robotics and revealing the structure of DNA, the University has been at the forefront of some of the most ground-breaking discoveries of the last 100 years.- The University of Birmingham Dubai adheres to the same teaching standards and values as the Birmingham campus, bringing the heritage, prestige, and global recognition of the UK campus to Dubai. The University of Birmingham Dubai's iconic new campus will be embedded with cutting-edge technology, allowing innovative, multidisciplinary teaching, and learning to deliver an educational experience like no other in Dubai.- Lord Karan Bilimoria is the founder of Cobra Beer, Chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership Limited, a Joint Venture with Molson Coors, and Chairman of Molson Coors Cobra India. In the Monde Selection, one of the most prestigious quality awards in the world for beer, the Cobra range have collectively been awarded a total of 128 Gold and Grand Gold medals since 2001, making it one of the most awarded beers in the world. Lord Bilimoria is the Founding Chairman of the UK India Business Council, a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, a former Chancellor of Thames Valley University (now the University of West London); he was the youngest University Chancellor in the UK when appointed. Karan was a former Senior Non-Executive Director of the Booker Group now TESCO PLC (2007-2016); he is one of the first two visiting entrepreneurs at the University of Cambridge; he is a founding member of the Prime Minister of India's Global Advisory Council. In 2006, Karan Bilimoria was appointed the Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, making him the first ever Zoroastrian Parsi to sit in the House of Lords. In 2008 he was awarded the Pravasi Bharti Samman by the President of India. He is an Honorary Fellow of Sidney Sussex College Cambridge and was Chair of the Advisory Board of the Judge Business School, Cambridge University from 2015-2020 and subsequently appointed as an Honorary Ambassador.

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Former prime minister Ehud Barak and former justice minister Tzipi Livni, both leaders of the current protests against Israels government, excoriated the Israeli government, especially the Chareidi and Dati Leumi parties, on CNN on Sunday.

Speaking with Fareed Zakaria, Livni began by claiming that the governments judicial reform plan is a threat to Israels nature as a democracy.

Ignoring inconvenient truths, such as the fact that no other country in the Western world has a judiciary with as much power as that of Israel, Livini continued by making egregious claims about the UTJ and Religious Zionist parties.

The problem is that we now have a government that is based on three different factions, Livni said. One of them is very religious, Ultra-Orthodox  they would like to ignore the idea of equality, for women. So for them the Supreme Court  theyre forcing the government to keep equal rights for all their citizens  it doesnt suit them.

The National Religious Party  they want to prevent the Supreme Court from making judgments about the West Bank. The government wants to do whatever they want without any limitationswithout any road signs, without police, she lied.

Barak also took a jab at Chareidim by referring to their lack of army service but focused more on urging massive civil unrest.

[The reform] is an attack on the soul and nature of our democracy. The government is acting in a blatant illegitimate manner, Barak lied. Citizens should engage in civil disobedience.

Barak, a former IDF general and defense minister, continued by encouraging army refusal, saying that once theres a dictatorship in Israel, the military wont continue its contract with it.

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud) slammed Barak and Livni, stating:   .     

How easy it is to run to besmirch the government and state of Israel on CNN for five minutes of fame. As if its of interest to the BDS movement and haters of Israel if theres a left-wing or right-wing government here. A pair of redundant political failures.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




An article by the Wall Street Journals editorial board on Monday accused Israels opposition of sowing chaos by making false claims about the governments plan for judicial reform and then shouting, Look how chaotic Israel has become.

In the article entitled: Israel Needs Judicial Reformbut How? the author states: Opposition to Israeli judicial reform has reached the resistance stage. Thats when media say democracy is dying, officials refuse to remain impartial, activists block key roads, barricade think tanks and harass politicians families, and investors muse about pulling capital. Air Force pilots are even shirking reserve duty.

This is bad for the country, but its good opposition politics: Sow chaos, then shout, Look how chaotic Israel has become.

Repeating many of the same points emphasized in an editorial on the same subject in January, the editorial slammed US President Joe Biden for saying that Israel needs consensus  pointing out that Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Baraks usurpation of unprecedented power for the judiciary had no consensus.

The judicial establishment examines everything  from government appointments through budget cuts, military decisions, and even a debate on whether the prime minister was fit for office.

Israel would be made more democratic, not less, and the judicial safeguards would remain. The Israeli system might even become more functional, for a change. Today there is no limit on cases that Israels high court can hear, in contrast to the US, where a litigant must have a concrete injury to have standing to sue.

Responding to the protesters claims that the judicial reform would destroy democracy, the editorial states: Even if the reforms were to abolish judicial review of legislation, leaving the Knesset supreme, this would drag Israel all the way back to  1995  when Israel was a democracy.

The article stresses: A sovereign parliament is the norm in parliamentary democracies that lack a written constitution for courts to enforce.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




To outsiders, they looked like simple stacks of paper. But for Donald Trumps first presidential campaign, they represented a missed opportunity.

A month before Iowas 2016 presidential caucuses, mountains of so-called pledge cards sat in the corner of Trumps suburban Des Moines state headquarters. They contained the names and contact information of roughly 10,000 Iowans who attended Trump campaign events and responded by returning the cards suggesting they were open to backing the reality television star who was now seeking the White House.

In whats considered political malpractice by Iowa standards, those who returned the cards received no follow-up contact from the campaign.

None of that data was used. None of it was entered, said Alex Latcham, the former political director for the Iowa Republican Party and now Trumps early-voting state director. And those people werent encouraged or mobilized to caucus.

Chuck Laudner, who was Trumps Iowa state director in 2016, didnt respond to requests for comment. But by ignoring the cards, Trumps team essentially left a pile of uncashed checks out in the open, leaving him vulnerable to better-organized GOP rivals. He was beaten in Iowa by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who would go on to fight Trump state by state for three months.

As Trump returns to Iowa on Monday, he and his team are aiming for a more disciplined approach. They are particularly focused on building the data and digital engagement he will need to persuade Iowans to traipse through the cold and snow early next year to participate in the caucuses.

Though his swing through the eastern city of Davenport marks his first trip to Iowa since launching his third bid for the presidency, hes held roughly three dozen events in the state since entering political life. They include several rallies that have attracted thousands since he left office in 2021.

His team is using information from those events to compile an exhaustive list of supporters to engage. The list now includes the data from the 2016 campaign that sat gathering dust.

One of the advantages we have is thats an awful lot of data, said Trump senior consultant Chris LaCivita. From every donor to rally attendee, we have all that information, which is important in a state like Iowa. This is ground-game stuff. Its about finding and identifying favorable voters and making sure the campaign is turning them out.

In the early phase of the 2024 campaign, Trump remains in a dominant position. But he faces notable challenges, including growing interest in the expected candidacy of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who made his debut swing through Iowa last week.

Early polls show Trump remains widely popular among Iowa Republicans, though views of the former president have slipped somewhat since he left the White House. Now, 80% say they have a favorable rating of Trump, down slightly from 91% in September 2021, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released Friday.

The poll found DeSantis also gets a rosy review from Iowa Republicans, with 74% saying they have a favorable rating. Notably, DeSantis has high name recognition in a state over 1,000 miles away from his own; just 20% say they arent sure how to rate him.

Meanwhile, legal scrutiny surrounding Trump is also intensifying with potential indictments in the coming weeks that would make him the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges. He has been invited to testify this week before a New York grand jury that has been investigating hush money payments made on his behalf during the 2016 campaign, a move that often indicates a decision on indictments is near.

Elsewhere, the district attorney in Atlanta has said decisions are imminent in a two-year investigation into possible illegal meddling in the 2020 election by Trump and his allies. A Justice Department special counsel is also investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to undo the election as well as the handling of classified documents at his Florida estate.

The dynamics make the stakes particularly high for Trump in Iowa. As a former president who boasts of his standing atop the GOP, he cant afford even a narrow loss in the contest that kicks off the nomination process.

And even the most sophisticated data and digital operation may not be enough to satisfy some Iowans, who are accustomed to having intimate conversations with those seeking the White House. Iowa GOP activists say Trump would do well to hold smaller events, including with influential local Republican leaders.

Trump on Monday will deliver what has been billed as an education policy speech, but he is expected to touch more broadly on his accomplishments as president and his agenda for another term, including trade policies and agriculture, according to a person familiar with his plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview his remarks.

Trump will also take questions from local reporters and is expected to make an unannounced stop at a local establishment, as he has during other recent trips. The campaign will also roll out endorsements from East Iowa elected officials, the person said.

When he began his Iowa campaign eight years ago, Trump was unsure what a caucus even was. The quirky contests  more than 1,000 simultaneous, local political meetings sponsored by the state Republican Party and run by volunteers  are not state-sanctioned primary elections and require intense organization to have supporters in place at each location.

In 2016, Trump hired Laudner, the former Iowa Republican Party executive director who helped former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum squeak out a win in the 2012 Republican caucuses. But Trumps national team was led by a small band of aides with far less experience than the talent scooped up by prospects expected early in the campaign to be strong contenders, such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

While Trumps celebrity drew crowds of sometimes several thousand to his rallies around the state, there was almost no follow-through with interested supporters. Many of Trumps supporters were first-time caucus prospects unfamiliar with the process. Some missed their chance to weigh in by wrongly going to their typical voting polling place, rather than the designated party caucus site.

The assumption that crowds would equate to votes would be a costly lesson. Had Trump netted fewer than four more votes per precinct, he could have beaten Cruz.

This year, Trumps campaign named Marshall Moreau as its Iowa director. He managed the successful state attorney general campaign last year for Brenna Bird. She defeated Democrat Tom Miller, who was first elected in 1978.

More Iowa staff announcements are expected soon, aides said.

The goal of a sharper Iowa approach reflects broader changes to how Trump has structured his latest campaign. While his 2016 bid was a scrappy upstart bid, with a national headquarters in unfinished commercial space at Trump Tower in New York, his second campaign, as a president seeking reelection, was a sprawling behemoth run out of a shiny Virginia office tower.

Both were riven by rivalries as Trump cycled through top staff.

This time, Trump has chosen a middle-of-the-road approach and eschewed the traditional hierarchy. Instead of a campaign manager, he has entrusted Florida operative Susie Wiles, a longtime adviser, to lead his Florida-based operation, joined by LaCivita and former White House political director Brian Jack.

The campaign has been rapidly adding staff and is quickly outgrowing its office space.

(AP)




President Joe Biden is set to meet with two of Americas closest allies to announce that Australia will purchase U.S.-manufactured, nuclear-powered attack submarines to modernize its fleet, amid growing concerns about Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden is traveling Monday to San Diego, where he will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for talks on the 18-month-old nuclear partnership known by the acronym AUKUS.

The partnership, announced in 2021, paved the way for Australias access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered boats, as a counterweight to Chinas military buildup.

San Diego is Bidens first stop on a three-day trip to California and Nevada. He will discuss gun violence prevention in the community of Monterey Park, California, and his plans to lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas. The trip will include fundraising stops as Biden steps up his political activities in advance of his expected plans to announce next month a run for reelection in 2024.

Australia is purchasing up to five Virginia-class boats as part of AUKUS, according to two people familiar with the arrangement who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the plans. A future generation of submarines will be built in the U.K. and in Australia with U.S. technology and support. The initial plans call for all of the Australian subs to be constructed in Adelaide, Australia.

The U.S. would also step up its port visits in Australia to provide the country with more familiarity with the nuclear-powered technology before it has such subs of its own.

Biden will also hold bilateral meetings with Albanese and Sunak, an opportunity to coordinate strategy on a range of global challenges, including Russias war in Ukraine and the global economy.

The secretly brokered AUKUS deal included the Australian governments 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.

Meanwhile, China has argued that the AUKUS deal is in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation 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 working to acquire nuclear-powered and not nuclear-armed submarines.

The question is really how does China choose to respond because Australia is not backing away from what it  what it sees to be doing in its own interests here, said Charles Edel, a senior adviser and Australia chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. I think that probably from Beijings perspective theyve already counted out Australia as a wooable mid country. It seemed to have fully gone into the U.S. camp.

Before he leaves the White House, Biden will first deliver remarks on his administrations extraordinary efforts to safeguard depositors and protect against broader economic hardship after the second- and third-largest bank failures in the nations history.

The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them, Biden said in a statement Sunday night. I am firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again.

(AP)




The Biden administration is allowing thousands of Ukrainians who fled their homeland when Russia invaded a year ago to stay in the United States longer, the administration said Monday. The decision provides relief to Ukrainians whose one-year authorization to remain in the U.S. was set to expire soon.

The Homeland Security Department said the extension is for certain Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who were let into the U.S. before the Uniting for Ukraine program started.

Ukrainians who came in under the Uniting for Ukraine program generally got two years of humanitarian parole in the U.S. whereas those who arrived before them generally got permission to stay only for one year.

Thousands of Ukrainians came to America last year fleeing the war.

The U.S. government used a program called humanitarian parole to admit them into the country. That program is a way to allow people from other countries to enter the United States on an emergency basis due to an urgent humanitarian situation. But it is usually for a finite amount of time, like a year or two years, and must be renewed for people to stay longer.

In recent years, humanitarian parole has been employed as a quick fix to deal with the fallout from the many world crises that have occurred as the U.S. refugee system that was dismantled by the previous administration was being built back up.

Now numerous groups are seeing their permission to remain in the United States expiring in coming months, including tens of thousands of Afghans.

That has led to intense anxiety for thousands of people who fled war in their homeland and dont know whether theyll be kicked out of the U.S. when their humanitarian parole status expires. The uncertainty can also be difficult for the businesses that employ them and need to make sure their employees are properly authorized to remain in the country.

Ukraine and immigration have both been hot button topics among Republican politicians who arent enthusiastic about continuing aid to the war and have accused the Biden administration of not doing enough to control migration at the southern border. But even in that toxic political environment, theres been little movement to force Ukrainians to return home, reflecting widespread acceptance that its still too dangerous for them there.

(AP)
A formal rescue bid for the UK arm of collapsed Silicon Valley Bank was last night submitted by a consortium led by the Bank of London.

It came as the Government scrambled to limit the fallout from the crisis at SVB, which threatens to destabilise swathes of Britain's tech sector.

The Bank of London, founded just two years ago, is a relative minnow compared with the likes of Barclays and Lloyds  which have reportedly also been sounded out over bids.

But it was the first to put forward a proposal to be considered by the company's board as well as the Treasury and Bank of England amid fast-moving events following SVB's demise last Friday.

The Bank of London's founder and chief executive Anthony Watson said: 'Silicon Valley Bank cannot be allowed to fail given the vital community it serves.

Bad tech: SVB's UK boss Erin Platts sought to reassure clients on Friday

'This is a unique opportunity to ensure the UK has a more diversified banking sector, whilst allowing continuity of service to SVB's UK client base.

'It would be deeply disappointing for this moment to lead to further consolidation of power among big banks.'

Another lender, Oaknorth, has also been in talks over a bid while a Bloomberg report said there had been interest from Abu Dhabi's Royal Group.

Advisers at Rothschild are overseeing the emergency sale process.

SVB UK was reported to have held 7billion in deposits when the Bank of England put it into an insolvency process late on Friday. It had applied for 1.8billion in short-term funding from the Bank before collapsing as billions of pounds were withdrawn.

Fintech company Revolut saw a 16-fold increase in funds being transferred to it from Silicon Valley Bank at the end of last week as its finances unravelled.

SVB UK is led by Erin Platts, an American who first joined its US parent company in 2004 before moving to Britain in 2007 and taking over as UK and Europe boss in 2019.

Platts sought to reassure clients on Friday, hours before the Bank of England intervened, saying the business was a standalone entity with its own governance and balance sheet.

The bank, which also covers European clients, only became a separate entity in September.
Jeremy Hunt is to unveil a 200million fund to tackle the potholes plaguing Britain's roads in this week's Budget in a major victory for the Daily Mail's campaign.

The Chancellor's pledge means around four million more holes will be filled in.

The cash represents a boost of almost a fifth to annual funds for fixing crumbling rural and local routes, and will be released to councils in England in the coming weeks.

As the money is earmarked for town halls it means residential streets, country lanes and smaller B and C roads will benefit.

The Mail has highlighted how a growing number of potholes on such routes are costing drivers millions of pounds in repairs to their vehicles while putting cyclists and motorcyclists at risk of injury or death.

It is a major victory for the Daily Mail's campaign, which has been highlighting how a growing number of potholes on such routes are costing drivers millions of pounds in repairs

Jeremy Hunt is to unveil a 200million fund to tackle the potholes plaguing Britain's roads in this week's Budget

Department for Transport figures show up to half of smaller, unclassified residential roads are in need of resurfacing in some areas of the country. Meanwhile, up to a quarter of B and C roads are in need of fixing.

Overall, 15 per cent of unclassified roads in England are in the 'red' category for their condition, the worst ranking.

Mr Hunt told the Mail last night: 'Potholes cause misery for motorists. The Mail's campaign has put the issue under the spotlight and I agree it's time for action.

'This cash will fix up to four million potholes, keeping the country moving and putting growth in the fast lane.'

Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: 'Potholes are a blight on Britain's roads.

'This latest round of funding shows we are committed to supporting all road users  from motorists to cyclists and bus passengers  and making journeys smoother and safer for all.'

The money will be in addition to the 1.125billion being spent annually between 2020 and 2025 on resurfacing and repairing local highways.

Council chiefs said it was a welcome boost following a particularly wet and cold winter, which has caused more cracks to emerge on Britain's roads.

In addition, the price of asphalt and concrete has soared amid the energy crisis, pushing up the cost of fixing potholes by 16 per cent. The average pothole costs around 50 to fill in.

Town hall bosses have long argued they need a greater share of the cash that goes towards roads  with National Highways receiving 7billion to manage motorways and major A roads despite local roads covering many more miles.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: 'This 200million pothole bonus is a welcome contribution in the short term to help fill the plague of potholes which is blighting drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

'Ultimately, we need longer-term, concerted investment to start addressing the backlog. But we are delighted that the AA's campaigning with the Daily Mail is paying dividends.'

The RAC's roads policy chief, Nicholas Lyes, added: 'While welcome, another 200million is unlikely to make a big difference to the overall quality of our dilapidated local roads.

Department for Transport figures show up to half of smaller, unclassified residential roads are in need of resurfacing in some areas of the country

'We need to significantly increase funding for local road maintenance and improvement so councils can resurface roads properly rather than patching them up and hoping for the best.'

Town halls have been accused of using a temporary 'throw and go' method to fix roads  where damaged ground is not removed or repaired before being filled, meaning potholes reappear soon after being repaired.

A poll last week found two-thirds of drivers believe roads have got worse over the past year, with one in five saying they had incurred costly repair bills of more than 100.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents councils, said: 'We look forward to seeing the details of how this money will be allocated.

'Despite the best efforts of councils, which repair a pothole every 19 seconds, our local roads repair backlog is rising and would take more than 12billion and nine years to clear.'
UW-Madison Provost John Karl Scholz has been hired as the new president of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.

The announcement was made Monday, and Scholz starts his new position July 1.

Its a wonderful opportunity to help lead one of Americas leading research universities, with broad strengths across the arts and humanities, social sciences, and physical, biological and mathematical sciences, along with several excellent professional schools, Scholz said in a statement. It has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and excellence.

Scholz has served as provost, the universitys top academic officer, since August 2019 and was dean of the College of Letters and Science for six years before that.

The university already was searching for a new provost, though, because Scholz announced in November that he planned to return to the faculty ranks. Finalists for that position will be visiting campus after spring break.

Scholz was a finalist to replace Rebecca Blank as UW-Madison chancellor and served as interim chancellor between Blanks departure in May and Chancellor Jennifer Mnookins arrival in August.

We are thrilled and honored to welcome Karl Scholz to Oregon, Ginevra Ralph, University of Oregon Board of Trustees chair, said in a statement. He is an inspiring, committed leader with clear passion for public higher education. His depth of leadership experience as a provost and dean at a leading public university stood out. He possesses all the qualities to take the University of Oregon into its next ambitious era.
Subscribers want digital services that are fast, scalable, and reliable so they can access the content or features they want without interruption or frustration. Speed is important because slow or lagging services are vexing and lead to poor user experiences. They also expect digital services to be able to handle the increased demand without slowing down or crashing. Lastly, they want digital services that are dependable and don't experience frequent outages or downtime.

Because of these factors, network operators support fiber-based infrastructure. Tele Columbus, a fiber network operator that reaches more than 3 million homes in Germany, is one of those operators that actively supports the fiber-based infrastructure and broadband internet expansion in Germany.

However, to remain profitable, relevant and differentiated in a growingly competitive market, Tele Columbus decided it was time to move from its existing network architecture to an open architecture. The reasons for this move included gaining flexibility, increasing agility, optimizing user quality of experience, and improving ROI and total cost of ownership.

Tele Columbus turned to Juniper Networks and NEC to create a converged interconnect network, or CIN, that is built on Junipers Cloud Metro infrastructure and NECs (News - Alert) xHaul transformation services that will converge all its services onto a single, high-performance platform.

The decision of Junipers Cloud Metro to create a CIN enables consumer and business services to be managed and delivered more cost-effectively from a single infrastructure.

Our Cloud Metro solution is uniquely designed to overcome the overlapping pressures of service scalability, user experience demands, environmental considerations and operational cost efficiencies that are faced by todays service providers, said Brendan Gibbs, Senior Vice President of Automated WAN Solutions, Juniper Networks (News - Alert).

Likewise, NEC's xHaul transformation services are tailored to meet Tele Columbuss business requirements. NEC xHaul Transformation Services cover everything that is needed to ensure optimum performance and reliability in a multi-vendor, multi-domain environment with expert customization and integration at every step.

The services are based on its CoEs global telecom expertise combined with local engineering support for Tele Columbus throughout design, deployment and operation (including training and optimization efforts) to ensure that the introduction of the new platform enhances their service quality and competitiveness.

The validation of Junipers Cloud Metro in our CoE lab has proven it as a robust, scalable and sustainable solution, and one of the essential pillars to NEC xHaul Transformation Services, to innovate our customers transport network to the next generation, said Hideyuki Ogata, General Manager of the Service Provider Solutions Department, NEC. NEC is committed to continue supporting Tele Columbus business success as a local partner in Germany, as well as our valued customers across the globe."

Another key factor for choosing Juniper and NEC was sustainable expansion for the future. With a highly proactive approach to its sustainability responsibilities, Tele Columbus was keen to ensure investment in a new infrastructure that supported its strategy and delivered improved TCO.

Junipers ACX7000 Family products offer port speed options that help customers grow in place as their capacity needs increase, allowing easy transition from 100G to 400G with different choices of optics. The ACX7000s future proof performance enables longer system life, better economics and reduced e-waste.

Working with Juniper and NEC made sense for Tele Columbus as the partnership ticks all the boxes the fiber network operator was looking to cover.

The Cloud Metro solution, the partnership of Juniper and NEC and attentive local support matched our needs and has shown us the value of simplicity, innovation and open, multi-vendor principles, said Michael Frankle, Chief Technology Officer, Tele Columbus. This enabled a migration path that honors Tele Columbus vision, sustainability imperatives and commercial considerations front and center."

The initial phase  data centers, network core and metro network  is underway with plans to connect the first tranche of subscribers in the first half of 2023. Ongoing phases are to follow, leading to a complete migration to Cloud Metro including automation for operational efficiency over time.

Edited by Alex Passett
Middlesex Township Police are looking for these two people who were involved in damage to a door frame in the Keystone Arms development on March 11.
Ukrainian forces faced relentless Russian attacks on Bakhmut in its eastern Donetsk region on Monday, with both sides reporting mounting enemy casualties as they battled across a small river that bisects the ruined town and now marks the front line.

The situation in the nearly deserted town was difficult, the commander of Ukrainian ground forces said, though adding that his forces were repelling all Russian attempts to capture it.

All enemy attempts to capture the town are repelled by artillery, tanks, and other firepower, Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi was quoted as saying on the Ukraines Media Military Centre Telegram messaging platform.

Ukrainian forces control the west of Bakhmut, while Russias Wagner mercenary group controls most of the eastern part, with the Bakhmutka River that flows through the town marking the front line, British intelligence said in a weekend update.

Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Sunday the situation was tough, very tough.

The closer we are to the centre of the city, the harder the fighting  The Ukrainians throw in endless reserves. But we are advancing and we will be advancing, Prigozhin said in comments released by his press service.

He also said Russian army members helped his troops with ammunition.

Yesterday, we got 15 truckloads, today we got 12. And I think we will continue to receive them, he said, adding there was no conflict between his fighters and Russian troops.

Prigozhin had previously complained that Russias top brass was deliberately starving his men of ammunition, an allegation the defence ministry rejected.

Reuters was not able to independently verify the report.

Reuters Graphics Reuters Graphics

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on Sunday his forces had killed more than 1,100 Russian soldiers in the past few days as they fought for control of Bakhmut.

In less than a week, starting from the 6th March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russias irreversible loss, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

Russian forces sustained 1,500 sanitary losses, soldiers wounded badly enough to keep them out of action, he added.

Russias defence ministry said earlier in the day that its forces had killed more than 220 Ukrainian service members over the past 24 hours in the Donetsk region.

Prigozhin said Wagner will begin to reboot and start hiring once Bakhmut is captured. Wagner has opened recruitment centres across 42 cities to replenish its ranks.

Neither side gave details of their own casualties.

WAITING FOR TANKS

While Bakhmuts strategic value is debatable, Russia sees capturing it as a step towards a major aim of the war  now in its second year  of seizing all of Ukraines Donbas industrial region. Donetsk and Luhansk regions make up the Donbas.

Ukraine has decided to stay and fight on in the mining town, after initial signs it was planning to withdraw, to grind down Russias best units ahead of an expected spring offensive by Ukrainian forces.

Analysts expect a Ukrainian counter-offensive to begin in earnest over April-May as the weather improves and more military aid arrives, including heavy Leopard and Challenger tanks.

Western tanks will significantly change war tactics, Leonid Khoda, a decorated Ukrainian tank brigade commander, told Reuters.

Everyone is waiting, 1st Tank Brigade is waiting too. Not long ago we sent personnel to learn to operate (Leopard) 2A6, said Khoda, who commands the 1st Siversk Tank Brigade which is fighting in the south of Donetsk.

Elsewhere, Russias air defence shot down four missiles over its Belgorod region bordering Ukraine on Monday, its governor said, adding that one person was injured.

Vyacheslav Gladkov did not say who was behind the attacks but in the past he has accused Ukrainian forces on the other side of the border of similar attacks.

The Russia-controlled Ukrainian city of Donetsk was shelled four times on Sunday, with residential areas and power lines hit and Russian-installed officials blaming Ukraine.

Ukraine almost never claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia and on Russia-controlled territory in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Germany to speed up supplies of ammunition and to start training Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets.

Kuleba made clear he did not expect Western allies to give Ukraine the aircraft it has been asking for any time soon, but said pilots should be ready for when the decision was taken.

A senior EU official said the European Union could soon top up a fund for purchasing weapons for Ukraine by 3.5 billion euros ($3.7 billion).

SOURCE: REUTERS
A new study has found that 95% of Irish workers would be in favour of a four-day working week, with a significant majority of those surveyed (81%) believing it will become a reality within the next ten years.

The survey was conducted by Hays Ireland amongst almost 1,000 employers and working professionals across the country, with 973 respondents.

Only 15 per cent of workplaces have implemented a four-day working week, the report notes, however. Just 3.5% of employers have offered the option of a four-day working week.

Out of the respondents, 73% would consider moving to a different organisation to avail of a shorter working week. This is an increase of almost 10% on last years figure, which stood at 64%.

Just 5% of respondents said that they would not leave their current role if the option of a shorter working week presented itself in another organisation. A further 22% said it would depend on the opportunity.

Concern was expressed by 51pc of employers about a potential impact on productivity if a standard four-day working week was introduced.

Hays Ireland director Maureen Lynch said: While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 10 years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options.

Since the emergence from the pandemic restrictions, employers have begun to reconsider the workplace environment. The switch to remote and hybrid working models has proven hugely successful.

"All professionals have embraced these new ways of working with the four-day working week becoming the latest idea to enhance employers differentiation from competitors.

While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 1- years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options, Ms Lynch said.
What do Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Republican governor of Arkansas, and Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, have in common?

Not a whole lot, but they do agree that increasing pay for educators is key to tackling crisis-level staffing shortages in their public schools.

In fact, a growing number of states, including Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi and New Mexico, have enacted increases in educator salaries. Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia are considering doing the same.

In Pennsylvania, public school educators and support professionals face unprecedented challenges because of historic staffing shortages and a dramatic rise in students needs.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association represents 177,000 of these dedicated professionals. We want to solve this crisis and see more caring, qualified adults in our schools and classrooms.

To achieve that goal, we are calling for a state-funded plan that sets minimum salaries at $60,000 a year for education professionals, including educators, school counselors and nurses, and establishes a $20 per hour minimum wage for bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, paraprofessionals and other support staff.

In Pennsylvania, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of college graduates entering the teaching profession. Pennsylvania issued more than 12,000 fewer first-year teaching certificates in the 2020-21 school year than it did in 2012-13. That is a staggering 66% drop.

This crisis has been a decade in the making, and we know that we wont fix it overnight. But paying educators and support staff more competitively is a good way to start.

Starting salaries in our schools have not kept up with the cost of living. Talented young people who would make great teachers are choosing other careers because they dont think a teachers salary will pay the bills.

On top of that, the cost of a college education has increased far faster than teacher salaries, which have remained relatively flat compared to other professions.

And, while many college students have paid internships, students in college teacher preparation programs are completing 12 weeks of student teaching and arent getting paid a dime for it.

So what can we do about it? First, setting annual minimum salaries for educators at $60,000 will make the profession more attractive and help Pennsylvania get the best and the brightest into our classrooms.

Just as important, we need to invest in a statewide scholarship program for aspiring educators to help them pay for college and remove key financial barriers to getting an education degree and entering the teaching profession.

Whats more, we should pay our student teachers a stipend for their work, removing a heavy financial burden from a key component of their degree programs.

We should also seek out a new generation of teachers by funding grow your own initiatives, which help pay for paraprofessionals and other support staff to earn their teaching credentials. Creating an affordable pathway for these experienced professionals to become teachers is a win for them, their schools and their students.

We also cant forget how important it is to have enough mental health providers, school counselors and nurses in our public schools. Gov. Josh Shapiro has made it a priority to get more mental health professionals in our schools, and we are eager to work with him and lawmakers to make it a reality.

Finally, we need to remember that educator shortages are only half the problem. School districts are finding it just as hard to hire bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and paraprofessionals.

These support professionals are essential to our students success. Thats why we should set a minimum wage of $20 per hour for them. We should not be losing talented paraprofessionals or caring bus drivers because they can make more money, with better schedules, working at Amazon, Target or Costco.

Again, other states are working on this. Arizona, Idaho, Illinois and Maine are proposing raising minimum wages for support professionals. Delaware has funded a $21 per hour minimum wage for bus drivers.

These solutions all require investments. And, if states like Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas can prioritize investments to address their school staffing shortages, so can Pennsylvania. We must do it to ensure that our public schools have enough talented, caring professionals to help our students succeed.

Rich Askey is president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
SIPTU has called for clarity on the holding of a referendum on the public ownership of water services in Ireland.

The SIPTU Water Committee, composed of local authority workers involved in the provision of water services, has called on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to clarify his position on holding a vote on maintaining the public ownership of water services alongside other referenda later this year.

SIPTU Water Committee Chair, Stephen Kelly, said: In recent remarks on the forthcoming gender equality referendum, the Taoiseach also referenced the possibility of holding referenda on a number of different issues on the same day in November 2023. One of the outstanding referendum issues, which this Government has previously committed to resolving, concerns providing constitutional protection for the public ownership of water services.

Our members who provide this vital public service are now calling for some clarity from the Government on the holding of a referendum on the public ownership of water services. We believe such a referendum is essential in order to ensure that the interests of workers, the general public and the wider common good is protected into the future."

He added: While safeguarding water in public ownership has long been an objective of SIPTU members, a formal campaign to Name the Date for this referendum was launched along with several other unions in October 2022. The Taoiseach now needs to commit to what is clearly a very strong public demand, a date on which the referendum on this issue will be held.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said: Retaining water services in public ownership clearly has overwhelming support from trade union members and the general public. The Taoiseach cannot continue to prevaricate on this issue and there is no reason that this vote cannot take place on the same day as the gender equality referendum.

She added: We are therefore calling on the Taoiseach to confirm that the date for the equality referendum will also be the date for a referendum to keep water services in public ownership.

The Taoiseach recently acknowledged that a planned referendum on gender equality could attract a low turnout, but he said that was not a reason not to hold it.

Mr Varadkar said Novembers vote could involve up to three separate referenda to address different proposed amendments to the constitution.

During a press conference at Government Buildings last week, the Taoiseach said the wording of the referendum or referenda would be finalised by early summer, with subsequent legislation passed in the autumn, before campaigning begins.
Michael D Higgins has marked Irelands success at the Oscars by hailing a remarkable year for the Irish film industry.

The Irish President congratulated those behind An Irish Goodbye which took the award for best short film, as well as Richard Baneham who was among those who won the Oscar for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water.

Shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland, black comedy An Irish Goodbye follows the story of two estranged brothers coming to terms with the death of their mother.

Its co-directors led a chorus of Happy Birthday for the films star, James Martin, after it was announced as the winner at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The film also won the short film category at this years Baftas.

President Higgins said: May I congratulate An Irish Goodbye and Richard Baneham for their fantastic achievements in winning the Best Live-Action Short Film and Best Visual Effects Awards respectively at last nights Oscars ceremony.

May I further extend my congratulations to Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Kerry Condon, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Jonathan Redmond and all involved with An Cailin Ciuin and The Banshees Of Inisherin for the exceptional recognition of their work which being nominated for an Academy Award constitutes.

This has been a remarkable year for the Irish film industry and is a testament to the hard work of so many people over recent decades.

It is particularly welcome to see the recognition which the Irish film industry is receiving on what is the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board, now Screen Ireland, in 1993.

The success which we are seeing is built on the acquisition of skills and pursuit of excellence by all in the Irish film community.

As a gesture to all that has been achieved, and the important contribution of the film and related industries to Irish life, Sabina and myself look forward to hosting a St Patricks Day reception celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities at Aras an Uachtarain this Friday.

Irelands culture minister, Catherine Martin, also congratulated the two Irish Oscar winners.

Ms Martin said it was a historic night for Ireland and testament to the wealth of talent that now exists in the Irish industry.

The minister and the Irish Consulate hosted an Oscars viewing event in Los Angeles for producers, film executives and the Irish community on Sunday night.

This evenings ceremony has been a momentous occasion on so many levels; for the nominees who have received richly deserved plaudits for their creative endeavours; for the Irish film industry which is riding the crest of a wave; and for all of us in Ireland who are so proud of your achievements, she said.

The Oscars ceremony showcased our talent, our language, and the beauty of our country as a tourism destination to a global audience, and with the pipeline of exciting projects in production at the moment, there is no reason why we cant be competing every year at the highest level, such is the creative talent within the country at the moment.

Ms Martin is in LA as part of a trade mission to boost investment in Irelands film industry, tourism and culture.

The trip is part of the Irish Governments St Patricks Day programme and includes meetings with US studios and production companies, including Sony and Disney, which includes representatives from Marvel, Searchlight and Lucas Film.

Ross White and Tom Berkeley win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for An Irish Goodbye. The @NIScreen backed short film is a blackly comic story of grief and family. #Oscar pic.twitter.com/dtgWlrMpxa  Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) March 13, 2023

Ireland had a total of 14 Oscar nominations, including nine for The Banshees Of Inisherin.

Susan Bergin, from Screen Ireland, said that, while those who missed out may be disappointed, she praised their amazing contribution to raising the profile of the Irish screen industry.

We couldnt be more proud of them, she told RTE Radio One.

Im sure theres some disappointment perhaps for them. But, for us, we couldnt be more proud because they have raised the profile of the industry.

Were here this week on a trade mission led by Minister Martin.

We have met several studios, and the raising of the profile with all these Oscars (nominations) is just amazing and the feedback and the positivity about Irish creative talent and how good it is to work in Ireland when inward productions come to us.
March 13, 2023





Point of sale (POS) software is an essential component of modern retail and hospitality businesses. It allows businesses to process transactions, manage inventory, and gather important data about their customers and operations. As technology continues to advance, so does the potential for POS software to become even more powerful and effective. In this blog, we will explore the current trends in POS software, make predictions for its future development, and discuss the potential impact on businesses and consumers.







Trends in Point of Sale Software

Cloud-based software: Cloud-based POS software has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing businesses to store data in the cloud instead of on a physical server. This provides greater flexibility, accessibility, and scalability, and can save businesses money on hardware and maintenance costs.

Mobile payment options: Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google (News - Alert) Pay have become increasingly popular among consumers. Many POS software providers have integrated mobile payment options into their systems, allowing businesses to offer this convenient payment method to their customers.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI and machine learning are being used in POS software to analyze customer data, automate tasks like inventory management and pricing, and improve customer experience through personalized recommendations and promotions.

Internet of Things (IoT) integration: IoT devices like sensors and beacons can be integrated with POS software to gather data on customer behavior, monitor inventory, and even automate certain tasks like restocking.

Integration with other systems and software: POS software can be integrated with other business software like accounting, inventory management, and marketing automation tools. This allows businesses to streamline their operations and gain a more holistic view of their business.

Predictions for the Future of Point of Sale Software

Increased use of biometrics for authentication and security: Biometric authentication like fingerprint and facial recognition is becoming more prevalent in mobile devices and other technology. It is likely that this technology will be integrated into POS software for greater security and ease of use.

Integration with blockchain technology for secure transactions: Blockchain technology offers a highly secure and transparent method for processing transactions. It is possible that POS software will integrate blockchain technology in the future to provide greater security and transparency in financial transactions.

Greater emphasis on customer experience and personalization: As competition among businesses increases, POS software will likely place a greater emphasis on improving customer experience and personalization. This could include features like personalized promotions and recommendations, real-time feedback, and social media integration.

Expansion of omnichannel capabilities: Businesses are increasingly offering customers the ability to shop across multiple channels, including online, mobile, and in-store. POS software will likely expand its capabilities to support these omnichannel experiences and provide a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Adoption of augmented reality for product displays and customer engagement: Augmented reality technology allows customers to interact with products in a more immersive and engaging way. It is possible that POS software will integrate augmented reality features to enhance product displays and customer engagement.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

Benefits for businesses: The adoption of advanced POS software can bring many benefits to businesses, including increased efficiency, improved customer experience, and greater insight into customer behavior and preferences. For example, AI and machine learning can help businesses optimize pricing, improve inventory management, and automate tasks like restocking. This can save businesses time and money and improve the overall customer experience.

Benefits for consumers: Consumers can also benefit from advanced POS software, including faster and more convenient transactions, personalized promotions and recommendations, and a more engaging shopping experience. Mobile payment options, for example, can save consumers time and make the checkout process more convenient.

Potential challenges: As with any technology, there are potential challenges and risks associated with advanced POS software. Businesses may face security risks associated with the use of biometric authentication and blockchain technology. Staff may require additional training to fully utilize the new features and capabilities of advanced POS software . Furthermore, integrating multiple software systems and technologies can be complex and costly. Businesses will need to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges before adopting new POS software.

Consumers may also face challenges with new technology, particularly if it requires additional steps or equipment to complete transactions. For example, if biometric authentication is required, some consumers may not be comfortable with this technology or may have difficulty using it. Businesses will need to carefully consider the potential impact on their customers when adopting new technology.

Conclusion

The future of POS software looks bright, with new advancements and trends emerging all the time. Cloud-based software, mobile payment options, AI and machine learning, IoT integration, and integration with other software systems are just a few of the trends we are seeing today. Looking forward, we predict that POS software will continue to prioritize customer experience and personalization, expand its omnichannel capabilities, and adopt new technologies like biometric authentication and blockchain.

While there are potential challenges associated with advanced POS software, the benefits for businesses and consumers are significant. Businesses can increase efficiency, improve the customer experience, and gain greater insight into their operations, while consumers can enjoy faster, more convenient transactions and a more engaging shopping experience.

Manhattan Associates (News - Alert) is a trusted provider of advanced Point of Sale software solutions that can help businesses stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving market. Their software offers a range of features, including cloud-based storage, mobile payment options, and integration with other software systems. With advanced analytics capabilities, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, optimize pricing and inventory management, and automate routine tasks like restocking. Manhattan Associates - Point of Sale Software can help businesses improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and ultimately drive growth and success.
[March 12, 2023]

ReThink Named Winner of Mayors' Matchup Pitch Competition at SXSW

National Competition Showcases Cutting-Edge Technologies Addressing Some of the Greatest Challenges Facing Cities

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ReThink was announced as the winner of the Mayors' Matchup Civic Tech Pitch Competition at South by Southwest (SXSW). Each year at SXSW, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) helps organize a competition with entrepreneurs and innovators promoting new ideas and technologies to address major city challenges. This year, thanks to Tubbs Ventures, the winner was awarded a $100,000 prize. ReThink will now go on to pitch their technology to hundreds of mayors at the USCM Annual Meeting, which will take place later this year in Columbus, OH. The event serves as the finale to the Civic I/O Mayors' Summit at SXSW.

This year, the competition's judges were Mesa Mayor John Giles, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Chief Product Officer at Gale Healthcare Tulsi Dharmarajan, and Partner at Tubbs Ventures Markeze Bryant.

ReThink was one of six companies competing for the $100,000 prize.

"Cyberbullying is such a real and present problem that impacts all families in our communities. It's encouraging to see that there is a viable solution that can help our children navigate the social media landscape. Congratulations to Trisha Prabhu and the entire ReThink team," said Mesa Mayor John Giles.

"It was an immense privilege to pitch Rethink at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' civic tech competition at SXSW this morning and we are honored to win this incredible award," said Trisha Prabhu, Founder and CEO of ReThink. "We greatly appreciate the belief in our vision to transform the lives of youth across the globe. We look forward to continuing our conversations with mayors in the coming months at the Conference's Annual Meeting in June."

"I founded Tubbs Ventures as a natural evolution of the work I've been doing for years to support innovation and create opportunity for all. I know from experience how important it is as a young entrepreneur to have someone invest in you and believe in you. I'm thrilled to be able to support Trisha Prabhu and ReThink to help them expand the reach of their important work to combat cyberbullying," said Michael Tubbs, Founder of Tubbs Ventures.

Mayors from across the country convened in Austin with Mayor Kirk Watson for SXSW and participated in the Civic I/O Mayors' Summit. The summit features interactive discussions to empower local leaders to use emerging technologies to tackle cities' biggest challenges. In addition to the summit, mayors took part in several SXSW interactive panels.

About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rethink-named-winner-of-mayors-matchup-pitch-competition-at-sxsw-301769676.html

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors
[March 12, 2023] MOWI Brand debuts new products at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston

In its third year since its launch in North America, the MOWI Brand puts on a fantastic array of farm raised Atlantic salmon products at the Boston Seafood Expo North America. From four SKUS launched in March 2020, to now over twenty, MOWI has expanded into a variety of categories from fresh skin-packed, cold, and hot smoked, breaded, and frozen indulgent salmon. The Seafood Expo is the perfect occasion to celebrate the brand's trajectory. MIAMI, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seizing the opportunity of the most important US Seafood Expo, MOWI Brand commemorates its third year since its March 2020 launch and displays the impressive progress it has made with new product offerings and categories. The MOWI Brand launched for the first time right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic through online grocery. During the most unprecedented times, the brand was well received by US consumers and quickly flourished with its concept of pre-packed farm raised Atlantic salmon offered in pre-cut portions for convenience. "Launching a new brand during a pandemic presented its challenges, not only proved the strength and tenacity of our team, but it also confirmed that MOWI is set for growth in North America and has a long way to expand," said Robert Clark, Director of Sales at Mowi CP of Americas. MOWI Brand celebrates three years since it launched in North America . The anniversary coincides with Boston Seafood Expo A quick product expansion in a short time and in the middle of a pandemic demonstrated that MOWI has a bright future in the Seafood Category. One of MOWI's product reached the #2 Best Seller with a partner in the online grocery category in 2020. For three consecutive years, 87% of consumer reviews scored the brand 4 out of 5 stars. MOWI Salmon, with pre-packed freshness, expanded to brick and mortar in 2021, and released a new cold and hot roasted smoked line which included alcoholic flavors and marinades to wow seafood eaters seeking for new experiences. MOWI's marketing efforts became a great engine of brand awareness helping bring an average of 39% new shoppers per month to the online seafood category. In 2021, "Salmon" became the #1 Top Key Word Search in the seafood category on fresh YTD at the online grocery partner. Mowi has become the partner of choice for customers who desire the expertise of a market leader, coupled with innovation, quality, and taste. Over the preceding 3 years, MOWI expanded the fresh pre-packed line to offer salmon portions that come pre-seasoned, portions on a cedar plank, pre-cut portions in a variety of sizes and value packs. In 2022, the brand continued to expand with more variety and everyday price points. The product range that received the most interest among Mowi customers offered traditional cuts and generous sized portions of salmon of Canadian, Chilean, and Norwegian origin. This line carries the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council's global standards for responsibly farmed seafood) and the BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) Certifications for all Mowi's certified farms. This year, MOWI is introducing Atlantic salmon portions that bring a variety of flavored butter pucks to enhance the already delicious flavor of salmon. This new line has been unveied in the New Product Showcase Exhibitor segment at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston.



"With the MOWI Brand, we want consumers to recognize the bounties of farm raised Atlantic Salmon and encourage them to try the extensive variety of our product line. US Consumers enjoy salmon for many different occasions: as an everyday meal and as an indulging experience made for a special occasion. In the similar way that some consumers choose a different quality of their favorite protein for entertaining vs an everyday home meal, MOWI has expanded its horizons to meet different price points and eating occasions," said Diana Dumet, Marketing Director at Mowi CP of Americas. Consumers are now able to find a beautiful Atlantic salmon product pre-packed utilizing skin packed technology with a transparent package for clear view of the excellence of Mowi's salmon cuts. MOWI's skin packed farm raised Atlantic salmon offers superior quality as no hands or direct air touches the product from production until customers open their delicious salmon in their kitchens. MOWI is proud to offer product that has No smell-No mess and consumers can easily grab-and-go from our retail partners' seafood shelves. "While Seafood in the retail space continues to acquire shelf space from other protein options, we want to thank those customers that opened the doors to the MOWI Brand and have proven to be a true partner to educate consumers about seafood. We are proud of partnerships that focus on offering the variety that consumers request, selecting quality and uniqueness to raise the bar for the category in the US Market", said Joe Fidalgo, Managing Director Mowi Consumers Products of the Americas.

Mowi cares about the entire process of Salmon-from Sea to Fork - and vows to bring the Goodness of MOWI salmon to the home of consumers. Mowi CP of Americas is proud to continue expanding the Goodness of MOWI to more retail partners and supports the program through a holistic marketing campaign that includes branded content through radio, TV, food publications, influencers, social media, YouTube and much moreSalmon is Good, but MOWI is Goodness! Mowi CP of Americas is excited for what's yet to come as the retailer community opens its doors. "MOWI is now present in 18 markets, and we have reached our goal of becoming a global brand. In all the markets we are present in, we offer high-quality, delicious products. We also focus on bringing new products to the market to meet consumer needs and offer more ways and more occasions in which to enjoy salmon. Our goal going forward is to continue growing in our markets together with our customers, continue on the path of de-commoditizing the salmon category while bringing value to it and to consumers," concluded Andreas Johler, Managing Director of Mowi Branding. For more information about the MOWI Brand visit: Home - MOWI Salmon US and for Media contacts: https://www.mowiamericas.com About Mowi: Mowi, a Norwegian company, has consistently delivered healthy and delicious seafood since 1964 and has become a leading aquaculture company. Mowi works with the ocean to produce nutritious, delicious and supreme-quality seafood while striving to achieve the highest sustainability standards. Fulfilling one-fifth of the global demand for farm-raised Atlantic salmon, Mowi is determined to reduce the environmental impact of seafood production and works exclusively with farmers who follow the most responsible harvesting practices. Mowi has operations in 25 countries and more than 14,000 employees. Go to https://mowi.com/about/ to learn more about the world's largest supplier of Atlantic salmon. As the world's leading salmon producer, Mowi works to help preserve the ocean and work in harmony with the sea to help feed a growing world population. Mowi has been ranked as the world's most sustainable protein producer for the fourth year in a row by the FAIRR Initiative. Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index assesses the world's 60 largest publicly-listed animal protein producers, worth a combined USD 338 billion. Firms are ranked against ten environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related criteria including GHG emissions, deforestation, antibiotic usage and working conditions. Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index  Summary Report .

You can read more about the index here: https://www.fairr.org/index/

Learn more about our We Care element of MOWI Brand: We care - MOWI Salmon US About MOWI Brand: MOWI is all about Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon that offers a variety of cuts from personal size portions to large family cuts. MOWI offers generous cuts for everyday family meals and the experience of a bistro cut for special elegant meals. Learn more about MOWI Brand at www.mowisalmon.us Media contact: Diana Dumet

[email protected] Kathryn Hudson-Melians

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mowi-brand-debuts-new-products-at-the-seafood-expo-north-america-in-boston-301755648.html SOURCE Mowi CP of Americas

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[March 12, 2023] Sungrow Signs 145 MW Distribution Agreements During Solar Pakistan 2023

LAHORE, Pakistan, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system solution supplier, made a high-profile appearance at Solar Pakistan 2023 during 10-12 March by providing its commercial storage system PowerStack, residential solar-plus-storage solutions, and cutting-edge commercial inverters, as well as utility solution 1+X Modular Inverter. The Company also signed 145 MW distribution agreements with local partners including SkyElecteic, Wateen Energy and Uenergy at the expo to further facilitate Pakistan's 2030 ambition to generate 60% of its electricity from renewable sources. Major growth in solar PV has been attributed to distributed generation systems including those for the utility business and residential applications. It is convinced that solar installers in Pakistan are looking to provide their customers with the highest-quality, safest, and most reliable products. The products that Sungrow displayed are expected to be a game changer for commercial and homeowners who desire maximum control over their energy usage in Pakistan. The PowerStack, the competitive energy storage system (ESS) for commercial and industrial (C&I) installations, leverages Sungrow's highly integrated intelligent liquid cooling technology for excellent reliability, easy transportation and O&M, and economies of scale. This high-efficiency ESS solution with long battery cycle life is pre-assembld, and the modular design with multi-level protection layers supports parallel connection and easy system expansion, providing C&I customers with flexible, safe and reliable energy storage at low cost, along with Sungrow's CX-P2 series of inverters.



In addition, homeowners in Pakistan are also increasingly looking to save on electricity costs and minimize their environmental footprint. Sungrow is very proud to support the distribution of its residential solar solutions with three-phase PV inverters ranging from 5 kW to 20 kW, enabling installers to get the technology they need. In addition, Sungrow's solar systems are outfitted with iSolarCloud, which connects its solar system to web portal & APP monitoring platforms, making energy monitoring easy. This particular centralized PV plant management with low O&M cost and user-defined views can provide full system supervision via multi-dimensional analysis, and also enables homeowners and utility-scale users to track both electricity generation and consumption data in real time to understand their bills well.

The rapid growth of Sungrow is largely due to its network of dedicated installer partners in the region who fully understand the benefits of Sungrow's technology and how it meets the needs of its customers. Sungrow and its partners are dedicated to providing innovative, industry-leading products and technical support as well as best-in-class customer service, to increase their independence away from unstable traditional power sources. Sungrow is excited to see more installers in Pakistan adopt its products and solutions to meet the growing demand following the introduction of the C&I and residential portfolio in 2023. "Pakistan is one of the most potential solar and energy storage hubs, and one of Sungrow's essential strategic markets. The smart, safe and efficient solar and energy storage systems of Sungrow are expected to be delivered to utility-scale, commercial & industrial and residential users across Pakistan, contributing to the country's energy supply and climate change mitigation," said Howard Fu, Country Director of Sungrow Pakistan. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 340 GW installed worldwide as of December 2022. Founded in 1997 by Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 26-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.sungrowpower.com. SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.

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[March 12, 2023] Choubao Luosifen Tops China's New Year Shopping Festival Best-Selling Lists, Revealing Remarkable New Consumption Trends

The Company's aromatic river snail rice noodles are an enormous hit with the younger generation in China LIUZHOU, China, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Choubao, a Chinese luosifen or river snail rice noodles brand, has claimed the number one spot on the authoritative 2023 Tmall New Year's Shopping Festival List, widely accepted as the weathervane for highlighting consumer trends among top-selling brands in China. Choubao topped both the overall best-selling list and the luosifen best-selling list thanks to huge monthly sales of over 100,000 among other key indicators. River snail rice noodles are made using a soup made with freshwater river snails (not to be mistaken with their land snail cousins) and unique rice noodles from Liuzhou in Guangxi in China. They are typically mixed with pickled bamboo shoots, edible fungus, peanuts, fried tofu, green vegetables, and other ingredients and have a refreshing sour and spicy flavor with a distinct aroma that has really caught the attention of the tastebuds of younger generations in China in recent years. The annual Tmall New Year's Shopping Festival List identifies current trends by ranking major categories based on sales volumes and amounts during the non-stop shopping period over the Spring Festival holidays. Luosifen has experienced strong growth in recent years and remains one of the top choices for consumers According to sales data from the Tmall list, the turnover of luosifen in 2022 increased by 1500 percent compared with 2021, with the number of people who bought luosifen increasing by almost 900 percent year-on-year. This impressive growth reflects the development of the luosifen industry and the trend towards consumption upgrades based on quality rather than pricing. According to data released by the Liuzhou Municipal Government, sales revenue of prepackaged luosifen reached 18.2 billion yuan in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 19.6 percent.





The key driver of changes in consumption trends for New Year's goods is closely related to shifts in the structure of the main consumer groups of these products. According to marketing technology platform, Alimama, the number of people born after 1995 purchasing goods during the Spring Festival is rapidly increasing, and younger consumers are driving innovation among brands participating in the New Year's Shopping Festival, with Choubao Luosifen as a typical and successful one. "The river snail rice noodle market has a wide scope for development and has robust growth potential," said the General Manager of Guangxi Weinian Industrial Co., Choubao's parent company. "It is only through a strong focus on branding and producing high quality products that we can realize long-term development. We have been fortunate enough to be one of the early promoters and witnesses of the successful rise of the river snail rice noodle industry." About Choubao Luosifen Choubao Luosifen is a popular food brand that specializes in river snail rice noodles with a mission of "Creating Happiness." Choubao's brand concept is "Big Bite, Big Happiness." The brand is committed to promoting Liuzhou river snail rice noodles to the world and hopes to make the world fall in love with the taste of China. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/choubao-luosifen-tops-chinas-new-year-shopping-festival-best-selling-lists-revealing-remarkable-new-consumption-trends-301769779.html SOURCE Choubao

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[March 13, 2023] Korea's representative blockchain-based loyalty integration platform MiL.K, unlocks Indonesia market with GetPlus, a leading coalition loyalty program

Milk Partners signed a strategic partnership with GetPlus, Indonesia's representative loyalty integration platform

MiL.k's point exchange service will be localized with GetPlus for Indonesian members

With market penetration strategy in Indonesia and various marketing activities, MiL.k is expected to recruit significant number of Indonesian users SEOUL, South Korea, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea's representative blockchain-based loyalty integration platform 'MiL.k,' is expanding its business and ecosystem to the Indonesia market following its global expansion in Malaysia. Through the press conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 13th Mar 2023, Milk Partners announced that it has signed a strategic partnership with the Indonesian loyalty point integration platform 'GetPlus' to proide point exchange service in Indonesia.



The GetPlus coalition loyalty program is focused on everyday shopping categories where members can earn reward points daily and make redemptions often. GetPlus offers hundreds of redemption options, such as products, consumer services and shopping eVouchers, or convert their points into airline miles and credit in eWallet etc. Some of GetPlus coalition partners are Indonesia's leading players such as Dana (e-wallet), BCA (Bank Central Asia), Blibli (e-commerce), Tiket.com (OTA) and over 250 merchants both online and offline. Both parties are agreed to open the point exchange service between MiL.k and GetPlus, and plan to launch the service within the second quarter of this year.

Through this partnership, Milk Partners aim to acquire new Indonesian users and reinforce the brand awareness of MiL.k as the representative global loyalty integration platform. As Milk has accelerated its global expansion in Southeast Asia with airasia last year, its usability and convenience are expected to increase even further. Adrian Hoon, the Co-founder of GetPlus, said, "GetPlus users will be able to enjoy more diverse and benefits, through this partnership with Milk Partners" adding, "In particular, MiL.k, which developed by blockchain technology, will provide users with a new value of point utilization and experience of Web3." Jungmin Cho, the CEO of Milk Partners Co., Ltd, said, "The usability of MiL.k has been globally expanded through this partnership with GetPlus, which is the largest point integration service in Indonesia" adding, "from this partnership with Get Plus, we will expand various blockchain-related businesses in Indonesia by utilizing our technology and experience." Meanwhile, Milk Partners, which operates the blockchain-based loyalty integration platform MiL.k, has been actively expanding its ecosystem into the Southeast Asian market since last year. Milk Partners established a foothold for global market expansion by launching point exchange service with global airline, airasia in Q4 last year, and implementing strategic co-marketing activities with Boost (Malaysia's representative e-wallet service) in January of this year. Until now, MiL.k has secured more than 1.3 million users through partnerships with various sector leads, such as airasia (Global airline), Lotte L.Point (Loyalty integration platform of retail giant, Lotte group), Yanolja (No.1 OTA), CU (No.1 convenience store), INTERPARK (Top e-commerce), MEGABOX (Top multiplex), Shinsegae Duty-Free Shop (Duty free brand of Shinsegae group), etc. SOURCE Milk Partners

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[March 13, 2023] Mitra Bukalapak Bridges Financial Access Gaps and Drives Indonesia's Digital Economy

JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitra Bukalapak, an online-to-offline (o2o) player and the subsidiary of Indonesian tech company Bukalapak ("IDX:BUKA''), was established in 2018 to transform warungs into modern retailers through digitalization. Warungs are family-run small stalls that sell groceries. They can be found everywhere in the country. This is why a lot of Indonesians rely on warungs to shop, representing up to 70% of sales in the nation. Unfortunately, many warung owners are restrained in their ability to grow due to financial, infrastructure and access issues. This is where Mitra Bukalapak steps in. From just one app, <>warungs are able to shop for stocks of goods and have them delivered to their doorstep. They can also sell over 42 types of virtual products and services, including prepaid phone credits, electricity tokens, and money transfers.



Currently, over 15 million warungs and other small enterprises in more than 200 cities in Indonesia are registered with Mitra Bukalapak. Upon utilizing the app, the users have successfully increased their income by 3 times (on average) and hired up to 3 employees. Mitra Bukalapak is a key driver of Bukalapak's overall business, contributing 53% in Q3 2022, an increase from 43% in the previous year. Nationwide, Mitra Bukalapak is the leader of o2o market with a 56% penetration to those warungs and prepaid phone credit kiosks using an o2o app, according to a 2022 survey by Nielsen.

Powering Community-Driven Inclusion The impact brought by Mitra Bukalapak to the MSMEs has helped digital inclusion reach parts of Indonesia that were previously deemed too remote. Access to virtual and financial products enabled by Mitra Bukalapak allows everyone to be better served - especially those customers in rural communities who really struggle for quality digital services. "By equipping warungs with the capability to provide these services to their community members, we empower them into becoming local agents of financial inclusion", said Howard Gani, CEO Mitra Bukalapak. Mitra Bukalapak also builds out educational programs, so that the users know how to get the maximum benefit from the app, as well as gaining basic business knowledge. The programs are primarily designed for Juwara, a community of Mitra Bukalapak users from across Indonesia. On a regular basis, members of the community join educational sessions on a wide range of topics, from tech tips to financial management. For more information, visit mitra.bukalapak.com. SOURCE Bukalapak

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[March 13, 2023] MyyShop debuts on SXSW 2023, speeding up its US expansion

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MyyShop, a cross-border social commerce platform launched by DHGATE Group in 2020, made its first appearance at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo. on March 12, 2023, in Austin, Texas, amid its expansion in the United States, aimed at attracting youngsters in the country to leverage its worldwide robust supply chain to tap global trade. SXSW is one of the largest gatherings of entrepreneurs, innovators, and disruptors in a wide variety of industries, such as technology, music, and film, who are dreaming of a better way to make the extraordinary happen. MyyShop's exposition at SXSW will last from March 12 to 15, at booth #1023 inside the Hall 4, Austin Convention Center. On the lat day, mindfully curated, MyyShop is hosting a panel discussion at 14:30 on Austin Industry Day (March 15), at the Next Stage of SXSW The Creative Industries Expo, under the theme of Unlocking the Power of Social Commerce and sharing how to boost business using the platform. MyyShop allows content creators to have a personalized shop that lets them tailor-make their products for their specific audience/community, offering AI product discovery features and a robust supply chain to stock up the store, along with logistics and payment services. Content creators can design their own storefronts and add not only the items they want to sell but also social links, blog posts, and articles to make the shop feel more personal.



"This is only the beginning of MyyShop's expansion in the US, as I firmly believe social commerce is set to take the world by storm after taking over Asia," said Diane Wang, founder, chairperson, and CEO of DHGATE Group. "In 2020, the number of buyers on social media platforms reached 80 million, up 30% year-on-year. In addition, 54% of Generation Z shoppers and 58% of Millennials agree that social platforms and influencers are the best way to discover new products," she said, emphasizing that MyyShop is what content creators need to sell their products to many more people. About MyyShop

MyyShop is a pioneering social commerce platform launched by DHGATE Group that allows effortless selling on social media. MyyShop aims to provide content creators with online store creation tools, as well as AI-powered, tailored product recommendations that their audiences will find irresistible, allowing them to sell with confidence knowing the products are in demand and backed by a world-leading supply chain that delivers to increase earnings quickly. For more information, please visit MyyShop.com and follow @MyyShopOfficial About DHgate Founded in 2004, DHgate has become the leading B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace in China. Through our global operations and offices, including in the US and UK, we reach millions of people with trusted products and services. As of December 31, 2022, DHgate served more than 59.6 million registered buyers from 225 countries and regions by connecting them to over 2.54 million sellers in China and other countries, with over 34 million live listings on the platform annually. For more information, please visit dhgate.com and follow @DHgate.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/myyshop-debuts-on-sxsw-2023-speeding-up-its-us-expansion-301769878.html SOURCE DHGATE Group

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Cap America Inc. recently announced two recipients of its 2023 CAP Scholarship: brothers Jonathan and Justin Nixon.

Each was awarded $2,500 for the spring 2023 semester. Their parents are Tim and Katrina Nixon. Tim has been with Cap America for a year.

Jonathan Nixon will be attending Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Justin Nixon will be attending Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

We are proud to support these outstanding young people and commend them on their academic achievements says Chairman Phil Page.

The College Assistance Program (CAP) scholarship is an employee benefit program available to the dependents of employees who work for the company.

A committee reviews the applications submitted for consideration. Criteria for dependent selection include full-time student status and a GPA performance of 2.50 or higher on a 4.00-point scale or 7.00 or higher on an 11.00-point scale for high school.
[March 13, 2023] Yum China Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2023

SHANGHAI, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, "Yum China" or the "Company") announced it has been named one of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2023 by Fast Company. This marks the second time the Company has been included in the prestigious annual list, following its previous inclusion in 2020. The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature list and provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy. Fast Company recognized Yum China's efforts to promote digital inclusion, specifically highlighting KFC's roll-out of a new version of its app with a simplified user interface designed for seniors. Fast Company highlighted the app as being "the first of its kind in the fast-food business." "We are honored to receive this recognition once again, which underscores Yum China's vision to becoming the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "We embed innovative thinking and approaches across our business as we strive to make a difference and drive sustainable growth." The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of and demand for digital services among the older consumer demographic group. The launch of the senior-friendly KFC Super App set a benchmark for the restaurant industry, highlighting how digital technologies can adapt and help bridge the digital divide for the older consumer demographic group. The senior-friendly app is not just about enlarging the fonts and streamlining functions. By utilizing AI technology, the app can generate meaningful recommendations according to user habits and simplify the purchasing process. Yum China was one of the earliest restaurant companies to embrace digitalization. As early as 2014, the Company launched its digital loyalty program. The program has grown to over 410 million members by end of 2022. The majority of customers now place their orders through the Company's proprietary SuperApps and other digital channels. Digital ordering accounted for nearly 90% of the Company's sales in 2022, a notable increase from 55% in 2019. The Company has also created a powerful digital ecosystem that effectively interates online platforms with offline stores, offering customers great experience while driving operational excellence.



Innovation is a key ingredient of Yum China's core competitiveness, penetrating all aspects of the business - from digitalization, menu innovation to store format development, among other areas. Moving forward, Yum China will continue to explore and roll out new and exciting innovations in order to better serve customers, drive efficiencies and achieve sustainable growth. Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "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. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "aim," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "look forward to" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations " in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results. About Yum China Holdings, Inc. Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has over 400,000 employees and operates nearly 13,000 restaurants under six brands across 1,800 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has also partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee shop concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yum-china-named-to-fast-companys-annual-list-of-the-worlds-most-innovative-companies-for-2023-301769848.html SOURCE Yum China Holdings Inc.

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[March 13, 2023] BMO Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute

BMO is the only bank in Canada to be recognized since the award's inception in 2007 TORONTO and CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - BMO has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. BMO is one of four banks worldwide, three banks in the U.S., and the only bank in Canada to be recognized in 2023. BMO is also the only bank in Canada to be recognized with this award since its inception in 2007. The award exemplifies the bank's commitment to doing what's right and operating with transparency, good governance, and integrity in support of a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. "Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to BMO for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community." This annual recognition honours companies who have best in class ethics, compliance and governance practices and advance an environment that is defined by integrity. It is an affirmation of the leadership of companies contributing to the greater good. This award highlights the ongoing importance of culture and a shift in the purpose of corporations showcasing the importance of exceptional leadership, sustainability, and business integrity. "BMO's reputation as one the world's most ethical companies is built on our strong foundation of client service culture and our track record of responsible risk management," said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "How we achieve our goals is critically important. Our lon-established ethical business practices translate into enduring relationships and strong financial performance that enable us to deliver progress for our clients, communities and the planet. BMO is honoured to be recognized for a sixth consecutive year."



For more information on BMO's commitments to building social good, please read its Sustainability Reporting Suite. Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

About BMO Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $1.15 trillion as of January 31, 2023, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. About Ethisphere Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust, and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine. Ethisphere also helps to advance business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset focused on ethical culture and featuring the responses of 2+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 200+ data points highlighting the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bmo-named-one-of-the-worlds-most-ethical-companies-by-the-ethisphere-institute-301769506.html SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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[March 13, 2023] BairesDev Included on Inc.'s List of Fastest-Growing Pacific Region Companies

Mountain View, CA, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BairesDev, a leading software solutions company, has been named among the 150 fastest-growing private companies in the Pacific region. The Inc. Regional list represents a unique look at the most successful private companies within the Pacific economy (Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington) generating sustainable growth and jobs. "It's an honor to be part of Inc.'s Regional List. Were proud of our sustainable growth and impact in the Pacific Region," said Nacho De Marco, BairesDev's co-founder and CEO. Our speed, dedication, and expert processes add value and make a difference for our clients and the community." The companies on this list show a remarkable growth rate across all industries in the Pacific. The organizations that are part of it created immense value by adding 14,536 jobs, an economic expansion fueled by a tremendous growth rate. In 2022, BairesDev hired more than 2,300 technical and nontechnical professionals, which brought the company's overall talent to more than 4,000 professionals distributed throughout 50+ countries.



"This year's Inc. 5000 Regional winners represent one of the most exceptional and exciting lists of America's off-the-charts growth companies. They're disrupters and job creators, and all delivered an outsize impact on the economy. Remember their names and follow their lead. These are the companies you'll be hearing about for years to come," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. magazine.

Co-founded in 2009 by software engineers Paul Azorin and De Marco, BairesDev is a fully remote company offering software solutions through a nearshore model. By matching clients' tech needs through a proprietary AI-based recruiting suite, BairesDev assembles expert teams to create custom tech solutions for its clients in an average of two weeks. About BairesDev BairesDev provides on-demand nearshore outsourced software development services through skilled technology teams to some of the world's largest and best-known companies, such as Abbott, Adobe, Coca-Cola, eBay, HP, and KKR. BairesDev's 4,000-plus professionals work remotely from over 50 countries worldwide to accelerate businesses in over 100 industries. Join BairesDev's team by applying to https://jobs.bairesdev.com. Or, propose a candidate in the Talent Referral Program https://applicants.bairesdev.com/external-referral About Inc. Media?? The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.? ? The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.?? ?

BairesDev [email protected]

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[March 13, 2023] QlikWorld 2023 Gathers Qlik Customers, Partners and Industry Leaders to Drive Certainty Through Data

PHILADELPHIA, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qlik has announced its agenda for QlikWorld 2023, its customer, partner and prospect event being held April 17-20 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This worldwide conference will feature Emmy Award Winner Katie Linendoll as event MC and include multiple vision keynotes and a feature keynote from John Volanthen, world record holding cave rescue diver and member of the Thailand Cave Rescue team. QlikWorld 2023 will also feature a number of product demonstrations and roadmap discussions, the Global Customer Transformation awards, and over 100 breakout sessions. The event brings together Qlik customers, partners, influencers and data enthusiasts to share in how data can create certainty in decision-making and transform their organizations.

What:

QlikWorld 2023 will provide customers and partners with the knowledge and best practices to lead with the industrys only end-to-end multi-cloud data integration and analytics platform. Qliks platform uniquely manages all stages of the data lifecycle to move, transform and analyze data for actionable insights through analytics data pipelines, modern cloud analytics and intelligent automation. CEO Mike Capone will kick off the event, sharing Qliks strategic vision for the data and analytics market, while demonstrating how Qlik is helpin customers access and activate the right data at the right time to make better decisions with certainty in an ever-changing world.



The event will also feature an additional product keynote presentation from Chief Product Officer James Fisher and Qliks Global Product Team, showcasing how Qliks unique innovations in areas such as delivery of real-time data, workflow and automation, and hybrid cloud are helping customers realize the full potential of their data with Qlik Cloud. This years event will also feature Qliks Global Transformation Award winners  customers recognized for their pioneering work using Qlik solutions. Qliks Chief Transformation Officer Poornima Ramaswamy will host a session with the winners to share how they are accelerating business value with Qlik at the heart of their data-driven transformations, highlighting Qliks data integration, cloud analytics and augmented analytics capabilities. Qlik product trainings will be available during the event, and Qlik certification exams are being offered to attendees at a discounted rate.

Customer and partner presenters from companies like Discover Financial, J.B. Hunt, Lenovo, State Farm and Siemens will participate in more than 100 breakout sessions. The complete list of sessions can be viewed here. When:

April 17-20, 2023, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada. Where:

To view the current QlikWorld 2023 agenda and register, visit here. Follow https://www.qlik.com/qlikworld as it unfolds on social media via @Qlik and #QlikWorld. About Qlik Qliks vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action.?By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships.?Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.  2023 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Media Contact:

Derek Lyons

[email protected]ik.com

617-658-5310



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[March 13, 2023]

TerraMaster Newly Released 10GbE NAS T9-450 and T12-450, Efficient 4K Online Video Editing Can Be Easily Realized

SHENZHEN, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraMaster, a professional brand that focuses on providing innovative storage products for homes and businesses, recently released two models of T9-450 and T12-450 desktop NAS with high-speed dual SFP+ 10Gb ethernet interfaces. They are designed for professionals who require high-speed, high-volume applications such as virtualization, databases, image and video content creation, and more.

TerraMaster T9-450 and T12-450 10Gb NAS storage solutions are connected to workstations through SFP+ 10Gb ethernet interface on the devices, so that dozens of workstations can access storage and post-editing at the same time.

Also, it supports two 2.5GbE network interfaces, and provides convenient and flexible maintenance for non-linear edit network system equipment.

TerraMaster T9-450 and T12-450 10Gb NAS Features:

High Performance Hardware Configuration

Adopts Intel quad-core processor, 8 GB DDR4 dual-channel memory (up to 32 GB), dual SFP+ 10Gb ethernet interfaces, dual 2.5GbE interfaces and supports 2 x M.2 NVMe SSD for cache acceleration.

High-speed Dual 10Gbps Network Sharing

By building a 10Gb network, multiple Windows/Mac workstations can be connected to T9-450 or T12-450 at the same time, and the collaborative operation of online editing of multi-track 4K materials, special effects production, video synthesis, and import and export of lens clips becomes easy, greatly improving the work efficiency and reducing the production time of the project.

Reliable Data Protection and Restoration

Support TRAID protection and regular NAS system snapshots. TerraMaster unique one-click security isolation mode provides effective emergency protection against virus and ransomware attacks.

Compatible with Various Non-linear Software

Edius: Support Edius complete file workflow, and provide performance optimization for real-time, track, multi-format mixing, compositing, chroma key, subtitle and timeline output functions.

Adobe Premiere pro: support Adobe Premiere pro multi-layer and multi-camera editing, and can optimize CPU, memory, and graphics card performance.

DaVinci Resolve: support DaVinci Resolve intelligent database management and collaborative work, which is moe convenient and faster.







Final Cut Pro: support the latest SMB3 protocol of Apple Final Cut Pro, create projects directly on NAS, edit and output videos.

More information, please visit the links below:

TerraMaster T9-450:

https://www.terra-master.com/global/products/smallmedium-businesses-nas/t9-450.html

TerraMaster T12-450:

https://www.terra-master.com/global/products/smallmedium-businesses-nas/t12-450.html

Follow TerraMaster Official Stores

Amazon US T9-450: https://amz.run/6TFz

Amazon US T12-450: https://amz.run/6TGm

Amazon UK T9-450: https://amz.run/6TFv

Amazon UK T12-450: https://amz.run/6TFw

Amazon DE T9-450: https://amz.run/6TFr

Amazon DE T12-450: https://amz.run/6TFs

Amazon JP T9-450: https://amz.run/6TGK

Amazon JP T12-450: https://amz.run/6TGL

Aliexpress T9-450: https://bityl.co/HZOt

Aliexpress T12-450: https://bityl.co/HZP6

Media contact:

Mike Lee

[email protected]

+86 755 81798272

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terramaster-newly-released-10gbe-nas-t9-450-and-t12-450-efficient-4k-online-video-editing-can-be-easily-realized-301768926.html

SOURCE TerraMaster
[March 13, 2023] Swoop and Enterprise Ireland host Irish Minister for Finance in Toronto

Michael McGrath TD attended a roundtable event in Toronto to discuss Open Banking in Canada MILTON KEYNES, England, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swoop, the global online marketplace for business funding solutions, hosted Ireland's Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD at a roundtable event in Toronto on 9th March 2023 to discuss Open Banking in Canada. The event was organised by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government's trade and innovation agency, in collaboration with Swoop. This roundtable brought industry experts and stakeholders from the financial industry together to explore the opportunities and challenges of Open Banking in Canada. As a leader and innovator in Open Banking, Swoop Funding is at the forefront of Open Banking technology worldwide. Open Banking is transforming the financial services industry by enabling secure and regulated data sharing between banks and third-party providers. This creates opportunities forinnovation, competition, and better financial outcomes for consumers and businesses. With this round table event, Swoop Funding is leading the way for Open Banking in Canada, paving the way for a brighter future for businesses and consumers.



Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD said: "I was delighted to join Enterprise Ireland and Swoop Funding in Toronto for a high-level discussion on Open Banking. Leading industry professionals provided invaluable insights, an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date, and to explore how the financial services industry is preparing for the next phase. I would like to thank to organisers for bringing together a group of diverse professionals from the public and private sectors to provide those insights about the strides made in Open Banking in Canada and the opportunities that exist for Ireland."

"At Swoop, we are passionate about empowering businesses with better access to financial services. "We believe that Open Banking is a powerful tool that can help businesses grow and thrive," said Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop Funding. "We are thrilled to host this roundtable event with Minister Michael McGrath to explore the potential of Open Banking in Canada. As a leader in Open Banking, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering value for our customers." A diverse group of industry experts were brought together at the roundtable, including Open Banking lead on the Federal Dept. of Finance, Abraham Tachjian, the CEO of digital first EQ Bank Canada, and senior leadership at Plaid and BMO. The discussion focused on three core areas: looking back at the journey so far in Canada and the pathway to Open Banking; the challenges and opportunities for Open Banking in operation in the EU, Ireland and UK; and Preparing for Open Banking & beyond in Canada, and technology investment required for this next stage. Other topics included the regulatory landscape, customer consent and privacy, technical standards, and business opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to share their insights and feedback, contributing to the broader industry dialogue and shaping the future of Open Banking in Canada. "We were delighted to co-host this event with Swoop Funding and bring our global experience and expertise to the Canadian market," said David McCaffrey, Senior Market Advisor, Digital Technologies at Enterprise Ireland. "Open Banking is a trend that is transforming the global financial services industry. By working together and sharing our knowledge and insights, we can help accelerate the development of Open Banking in Canada and unlock its full potential for businesses and consumers." Contact:

Fiona Peppard

[email protected]

+353 876354423 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031501/Swoop.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/swoop-and-enterprise-ireland-host-irish-minister-for-finance-in-toronto-301770104.html

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[March 13, 2023] Fast Company Names Pentera In Top 10 Most Innovative Security Companies for 2023

TEL AVIV, Israel and BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pentera , the leader in automated security validation, has been named in Fast Company's top 10 most innovative security companies for 2023 . The list recognizes companies that are breaking new ground in the cybersecurity industry while exhibiting rapid commercial growth. "We're truly honored to be included among Fast Company's Most Innovative companies," said Amitai Ratzon, CEO of Pentera. "As the cybersecurity threatscape continues to evolve, companies must stress test their security controls and identify their true security gaps. Pentera has pioneered a new generation of automated security validation solutions that radically reduce security exposure." Pentera's Automated Security Validation platform enables users to improve security readiness and ability to defend against cyber threats. By emulating real-world hacker techniques, Pentera provides security teams with the tools to continuously challenge their existing cybersecurity controls and generates an actionable roadmap to reduce their securityexposure. Pentera's solution is an agentless, rapidly-deployed platform that allows security teams to maintain readiness in their IT infrastructure despite an ever expanding threat landscape.



Pentera is the only vendor to provide a unified attack-surface automated testing and validation platform from the external attack surface all the way through the core enterprise IT network. In the past 18 months, Pentera has continued to innovate to meet critical threats, launching its RansomwareReady and Credentials Exposure testing modules to combat the rising threat of ransomware and leaked credentials. With its Series C funding round in January 2022, Pentera became the first and only unicorn in its category. The company recently announced its global expansion to APAC, and now has offices in 17 countries, serving more than 700 customers from over 40 countries around the globe.

About Pentera Pentera is the category leader for Automated Security Validation, allowing every organization to test with ease the integrity of all cybersecurity layers, unfolding true, current security exposures at any moment, at any scale. Thousands of security professionals and service providers around the world use Pentera to guide remediation and close security gaps before they are exploited. For more info, visit: pentera.io 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. Media contact

Noam Hirsch

Senior PR Manager

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fast-company-names-pentera-in-top-10-most-innovative-security-companies-for-2023-301769969.html SOURCE Pentera

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[March 13, 2023] LeoLabs selects Argentina as its third site in the Southern Hemisphere, expanding critical coverage for space safety

New radar site further bolsters LeoLabs ability to track objects and monitor activities in low Earth orbit, providing timely coverage for operators and regulators in order to prevent future on-orbit collisions MENLO PARK, Calif., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LeoLabs the world's leading commercial provider of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services and low Earth orbit (LEO) mapping, today announced Argentina as the site for its next space radar. The Argentina Space Radar (AGSR) represents a critical addition to LeoLabs growing global constellation of S-band, phased-array sensors strategically distributed across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as the polar and equatorial regions. The AGSR site is located on the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, just under 5,000 km from Antarctica. This site was chosen primarily for its high latitude, which is especially beneficial for monitoring high-risk conjunctions which typically occur above 60 degrees latitude. The AGSR site will provide LeoLabs with better situational awareness in the Southern Hemisphere and lower positional uncertainties, resulting in more accurate and reliable conjunction data messages. The site, equipped with S-band technology, will also increase LeoLabs capacity to discover new objects, including lethal, small debris that are currently not cataloged. Thi latest addition to LeoLabs' network of phased array space radars illustrates the company's efforts to geographically diversify its coverage in both latitude and longitude. This strategic diversification will improve its space safety services, which include collision avoidance for operators. When completed in late 2023, AGSR will grow LeoLabs' global network to include seven operational sites with plans to expand further in the coming year.



"It's a privilege to build this radar site in Argentina and contribute to this country's history of space exploration and stewardship. As our third radar site in the Southern Hemisphere and our first in South America, the Argentina site is critical to closing the global SSA gap in coverage and enhancing scrutiny of events happening over this part of the world. This site will greatly improve our ability to track objects and monitor high-risk events in low Earth orbit," said LeoLabs CEO Dan Ceperley, "We are committed to our partners in Argentina and are eager to help support the space industry here and in South America more broadly." "The choice of Argentina for the location of a new LeoLabs radar is great news," said Jorge Arguello, Ambassador of Argentina to the US, "Our Embassy prioritizes promoting this sector in all its trade promotion and investment attraction activities in Washington DC and, through our general consulates, throughout the United States. Our space sector is highly valued and the interaction of LeoLabs experts with our engineers has been virtuous and enriching. It is very important to address the issue of sustainability in the space sector, and this radar contributes to that regard."

About LeoLabs LeoLabs is transforming the way satellite operators, commercial enterprises and federal agencies across the world launch and track missions in low Earth orbit. Through its vertically integrated technology system, LeoLabs Vertex, LeoLabs delivers the superior information needed to succeed in today's space race. With unmatched LEO coverage, real-time tracking and powerful insights, companies and governments rely on LeoLabs to safely innovate and execute a wide array of operations in space. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leolabs-selects-argentina-as-its-third-site-in-the-southern-hemisphere-expanding-critical-coverage-for-space-safety-301769546.html SOURCE LeoLabs, Inc.

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[March 13, 2023] Upgraded wastewater and active transportation infrastructure to benefit residents of Town of Lunenburg and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg

COOKVILLE, NS, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for KingsHants, the Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lunenburg, Her Worship Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and His Worship Matt Risser, Mayor of the Town of Lunenburg, announced a combined investment of more than $28.8 million to upgrade wastewater and active transportation infrastructure in the Town of Lunenburg and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Two projects will support upgrades to local wastewater treatment plants. The first project will upgrade the Cookville Wastewater Treatment facility in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, which will increase treatment capacity and accommodate future residential and commercial growth. The second project will improve the wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Lunenburg by replacing mechanical and electrical equipment, adding a backup generator, and converting the existing wastewater treatment process to a sequencing batch reactor. These projects will increase the capacity to treat and manage wastewater to support growth in the Town and the Municipality of Lunenburg for years to come. The third project will see the construction of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg's Osprey Village Active Transportation Connector. This consists of a 1.2-kilometre-long active transportation multi-use pathway, a 280-metre sidewalk section, and a 75-metre multi-use pathway bridge connecting Osprey Village's developments with the Town of Bridgewater. The crossing will create a new opportunity for safe, non-vehicular travel between two neighbouring municipalities. Upgrading wastewater and active transportation infrastructure builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to reduce water pollution, provide clean water, as well as encourage safe, environmentally friendly transportation options to Canadians.



By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians. Quotes "Today's announcement on upgraded wastewater treatment facilities and additional active transportation infrastructure for Lunenburg is great news. These projects will reduce water pollution and support residential and commercial growth in the town and municipality for years to come. The Government of Canada is committed to working with our partners in provincial and municipal governments to ensure that communities like Lunenburg continue to grow and remain healthy and active through investments in critical infrastructure." Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for KingsHants, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities "Our municipalities depend on modern infrastructure to be competitive and attract new residents totheir communities. By making this investment, we are focused on the future and laying the foundation for continued growth for years to come."



The Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lunenburg "The Osprey Village Active Transportation Connector will connect Osprey Village's commercial, educational, hospitality, and residential developments with the Town of Bridgewater and its in-town transit system. Residents and business owners have been calling for a safe travel route between two neighboring municipalities, and we are excited to begin work on this project. Additionally, the funding to upgrade the Cookville Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity will ensure the continued success and expansion of Osprey Village. We are grateful to the Province of Nova Scotia and to Infrastructure Canada for their commitment to making these projects a reality."

Her Worship Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg "This crucial project is the largest and most important step toward modernizing the Town's wastewater system and supporting the Town's future growth and long-term viability through increased servicing capacity. The support provided by other levels of government to our residents is both welcomed and appreciated." His Worship Matt Risser, Mayor of the Town of Lunenburg Quick facts The Government of Canada is investing $11,531,139 in these projects. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $9,608,958 . The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is providing $5,025,617 , while the Town of Lunenburg is providing $2,662,133 .

is investing in these projects. The Government of is contributing . The Municipality of the District of is providing , while the is providing . The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Infrastructure Program. Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Plan, the federal government is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. Over the past six years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $1.2 billion towards more than 400 infrastructure projects across Nova Scotia .

has invested more than towards more than 400 infrastructure projects across . During that period, over $50 billion has been invested by Infrastructure Canada in communities across the country to support world-class infrastructure projects, including over $2.8 billion for wastewater infrastructure projects and $711 million for active transportation infrastructure projects.

has been invested by Infrastructure Canada in communities across the country to support world-class infrastructure projects, including over for wastewater infrastructure projects and for active transportation infrastructure projects. Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land. The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities. Related product Backgrounder: Upgraded wastewater and active transportation infrastructure to benefit residents of Town of Lunenburg and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Associated Links

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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[March 13, 2023] Scala Data Centers announces its new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment

A former Oracle executive, Mark Sanchez joins Scala at a moment of strong growth for the company, bringing an expertise of more than 20 years in the implementation of mission-critical infrastructure around the world SAO PAULO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scala Data Centers, the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market, announces Mark Sanchez as its new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment. Graduated in Electronic Engineering and with an MBA by DeVry University (US), he is joining the company's Engineering and Construction team after having worked for five years at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), where he managed teams and implemented data centers on five continents. With direct responsibility for participating and leading teams in the data center design and project process, as well as site installation and implementing activities across Latin America, Mark will be based in Sao Paulo and joins Scala at a moment of accelerated growth. The company has already invested more than R$ 6 billion in its projects in Latin America and expects to reach 500MW of distributed capacity over the next five years, with operations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. Mark has more than 20 years of mission-critical xperience with 13 years dedicated to the data center industry, having participated in the deployment of more than 400MW of capacity worldwide. At Oracle, he worked on key projects to expand the cloud capillarity of the company, going from five to 40 regions when he held the position of Senior Manager of Data Center New Region Build in the US, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa markets. He was also Principal Technical Program Manager for Data Center Build, responsible for infrastructure deployment and delivery in 10 countries, as well as the colocation, construction, and cabling teams.



He also served as a Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer and Special Projects Manager at McKinstry and was a Data Center Infrastructure Engineer at DaVita. In Afghanistan, he served as an US Army Service Member, managing all the infrastructure connecting generators and air conditioning in bases located in desert areas. Marcos Peigo, Scala's CEO and Co-founder, states the executive's global experience brings to the company a solid background in mission-critical projects. "It is an honor to have a professional as Mark on our team. These are decades of accumulated experience which will certainly bring another perk to Scala's successful trajectory. His invaluable knowledge on the Hyperscale market will boost our customer-centric and premium approach," he mentions.

"I am very happy to be part of a team with a pioneering and dynamic vision and performance in the colocation segment. In addition, being able to collaborate directly with the technical training projects that the company leads is another very attractive perk for me, as it is a professional goal I have and will certainly add to my trajectory," says Mark. Scala was founded in 2020 and has five data centers in operation, three on Campus Tambore, the largest in Latin America, located in Barueri (Sao Paulo state, Brazil); one in Sao Paulo; and another in Campinas city. For 2023, the company plans to build 11 new data centers. About Scala Data Centers

Scala Data Centers is the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market. Headquartered in Brazil and founded by DigitalBridge, it was developed to meet and exceed the growing demand for digital access in Latin America. Scala has a highly qualified team of over 700 professionals and applies a flexible and innovative approach to providing exceptional quality colocation services to hyperscale clients, cloud-based software and service providers, and large enterprises. We customize state-of-the-art solutions for each client in the construction of the latest generation data centers, with high availability, the best energy efficiency rates, and superior density. All this allied to the best sustainability practices guided by our ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) program. For more information, visit www.scaladatacenters.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scala-data-centers-announces-its-new-senior-director-of-data-center-deployment-301769378.html SOURCE Scala Data Centers

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Desloge Alderman Pete Pasternak has earned the designation of Certified Municipal Official (CMO) from the Missouri Municipal Leagues Municipal Governance Institute (MGI).

The MGI was created by the Missouri Municipal Leagues board of directors to provide a training program focused on the important municipal areas that officials and professional staff need to know.

To achieve certification, a municipal official must complete 16 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the MGI.

Through his attendance at statewide and regional MGI-sanctioned educational events, Pasternak has received training in council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedures, the Missouri Open Meetings and Records Law, conflicts of interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, purchasing and bidding requirements, municipal revenues sources, personnel law, emergency management and budgeting.

All MGI graduates spend many hours over several years attending workshops and lectures on the finer points of municipal government, said Dan Ross, executive director of the Missouri Municipal League. Earning the CMO designation is a significant achievement, and I commend our graduates for their dedication and motivation to become better informed and more effective municipal officials.

The Missouri Municipal League was organized in 1934 and now serves more than 650 cities as the recognized voice for municipalities in Missouri. This voluntary membership program brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service that strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion.

The primary purpose of the league is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Missouri and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.
[March 13, 2023] Road Safety and Traffic Management Firm Expedites Time-to-Hire, Saves 1,200 Hours in Employee Onboarding with UKG

UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people, today announced that ATS Traffic, one of Canada's leading traffic control and safety providers, is using UKG people technologies to expedite time-to-hire and create an engaging experience for new employees. ATS Traffic provides traffic control solutions to organizations and communities across Canada, including work zone design and set up, lane closures and detours, as well as manufacturing and installing traffic signs and barricades. Prior to UKG, the company's human capital management and workforce management processes were manual and time consuming, based on spreadsheets, email, and paper. With its full-suite UKG solution, ATS Traffic has removed the complexity from its HR practices and experienced significant results, specifically in onboarding new employees. "Before UKG, we were spending almost four hours with new hires on their first day, one on one, at each of our nine locations. Now, with UKG, we can send documents to new hires electronically and they can review, complete, and sign tax forms and policy documents within UKG, prior to their start date," said Janet Semeniuk, vice president of HR at ATS Traffic. "As a result, we can provide a consistent experience to all new hires, while saving an enormous amount of time as information gathered in our UKG recruiting module moves seamlessly through our system and into payroll. In fact, in 2022, we reduced our manual work by about eight hours for each of our 150 new hires, for a total time savings of 1,200 hours." Once a hiring decision has been made, HR can generate offer letters quickly. When candidates accept, UKG onboarding helps ATS Traffic deliver an efficient, optimized new hire experience. Additionally, because of ATS Traffic's coast-to-coast geographic footprint, the ability for candidates to complete their onboarding remotely has been a huge benefit to the company. Employees can also assess critical safety training through the UKG learning management system. "Our remote workforce has access to the same learning curriculum as our on-site locations so we can ensure that our training is consistent and completed," said Semeniuk. "Trainings are available via mobile so employees can take the courses at a time and place that suits them. We also use the learning solution for orientation information, and all mandatory training programs. Additionally, our employees possess certifications that require continuing education annually. UKG gives u an automated process to track what employees need and send them notifications when training is due."



With projects all across Canada, the organization says UKG has been instrumental in helping source job candidates it previously didn't have access to. "We are using UKG to not only fill open positions but reach previously inaccessible candidates," said Semeniuk. "Individuals can apply to our job openings wherever they are, right from their phone. On the administrative side, applications no longer come in through email but rather through our recruitment platform for faster processing and evaluation. Our hiring managers are engaged in the hiring process like never before, and we can send meeting invitations to applicants right inside the solution."

"ATS Traffic is one of the thousands of organizations globally that have chosen to partner with UKG, so they don't miss the mark on their hiring and staffing goals," said Chris Todd, CEO at UKG. "By using UKG to make onboarding and other parts of the operation dramatically more efficient, ATS Traffic can instead focus on keeping the communities they serve safer, and their people more empowered and engaged." Supporting Resources About ATS Traffic .

. Research from Forrester , "The Total Economic Impact of UKG Pro and UKG Dimensions," shows an 89% return on investment and payback within six months.

, "The Total Economic Impact of UKG Pro and UKG Dimensions," shows an 89% return on investment and payback within six months. For the seventh straight year, UKG Pro ranks highest in 2022 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Cloud HCM Suites for 1,000+ Employee Enterprises .

. Follow UKG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. About ATS Traffic Since 1966, ATS Traffic helps organizations and communities keep workers, motorists, and pedestrians safe on our roads. With 9 locations across Canada and over 15,000 products in our inventory, ATS Traffic designs and implements customized safety solutions for traffic control, on-street services, and work zones for specific industries and project scopes. As a 3M Authorized Fabricator and Certified Digital Fabricator, ATS Traffic is Canada's leading sign and barricade manufacturer as well as an award-winning provider of installation services, consulting, procurement and logistics, asset management, ITS solution architecture, and drafting and design services. For more information, visit www.atstraffic.ca. About UKG At UKG, our purpose is people. As strong believers in the power of culture and belonging as the secret to success, we champion great workplaces and build lifelong partnerships with our customers to show what's possible when businesses invest in their people. Born from a historic merger that created one of the world's leading HCM cloud companies, our Life-work Technology approach to HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people helps more than 70,000 organizations around the globe and across every industry anticipate and adapt to their employees' needs beyond just work. To learn more, visit ukg.com. Copyright 2023 UKG Inc. All rights reserved. For a full list of UKG trademarks, please visit ukg.com/trademarks. All other trademarks, if any, are property of their respective owners. All specifications are subject to change. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005043/en/

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[March 13, 2023] Government of Canada releases results of public consultations on the future of genomics in Canada

Report offers valuable insights that will help shape the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy OTTAWA, ON, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Genomics technologies and innovations are paving the way for finding novel solutions to global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, precision health, and food and energy security, as well as offering significant opportunities to drive economic growth. With world-class strength in genomics research, Canada has positioned itself as a global leader in genomics over the past years. Today, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, released the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy  What We Heard Report. It presents the results of the public consultations undertaken in spring and summer 2022 to inform the upcoming Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy. The report highlights several key findings in support of the commercialization and adoption of Canadian genomics innovations and technologies that will lead to socioeconomic benefits for Canadians. To achieve that, the report stresses, Canada must maintain its global competitiveness in attracting and generating genomicsrelated talent, investments, innovations and companies. The consultations included a series of roundtables held by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Stakeholders and business community members provided valuable feedback on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. As well, an online survey targeting key stakeholders was made available to the public. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate closely with Canada's genomics community to develop the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy.



Quote "Genomics is a key technology that is instrumental in responding to national and global challenges. These consultations and resulting report are crucial to ensuring our government develops a Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy that will help cement Canada as a leader in genomics research and commercialization and position us for long-term success in the bioeconomy."

 The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick facts Budget 2021 provided $400 million over six years, starting in 202122, in support of a Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy.

over six years, starting in 202122, in support of a Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy. This funding included $136.7 million over five years, starting in 202223, for programming delivered by Genome Canada to kick-start the new strategy and complement existing genomics research and innovation programming.

over five years, starting in 202223, for programming delivered by Genome Canada to kick-start the new strategy and complement existing genomics research and innovation programming. Genomics drives innovation across many strategic economic sectors in Canada , including human health, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy and the environment.

, including human health, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy and the environment. Genomics data has become one of Canada's most powerful public health and pandemic response tools. The launch of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) early in the pandemic helped not only track viral origin, spread and evolution but also inform time-sensitive critical decision making relevant to health authorities across Canada .

most powerful public health and pandemic response tools. The launch of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) early in the pandemic helped not only track viral origin, spread and evolution but also inform time-sensitive critical decision making relevant to health authorities across . Genomics research requires close collaboration with many government organizations, such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada . Related products Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy  What We Heard Report

Consultation Paper: Developing a PanCanadian Genomics Strategy Associated links Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED.

Follow @CDNScience on social media for Canadian science news: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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[March 13, 2023] ON24 Appoints Customer Success Leader Teresa Anania to Board of Directors

ON24 (NYSE: ONTF) ("ON24" or the "Company"), a leading sales and marketing platform for B2B digital engagement, today announced that it has appointed Teresa Anania to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. Anania replaces Denise Persson, who is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Persson, a Silicon Valley veteran who has served on the Board since 2020, will continue to provide her guidance and expertise to the Company in an advisory capacity. Anania is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Customer Success, Renewals and Customer Experience at Zendesk, where she has led the company's customer success strategy for the past three years. With more than 25 years of technology and go-to-market leadership experience, she brings a proven track record of increasing customer lifetime value and driving revenue growth to the ON24 Board. "Teresa is a passionate executive who brings deep expertise in building customer-centric organizations and innovative customer experiences," said Sharat Sharan, co-founder, CEO and director of ON24. "Customer success is at the core of everything we do, and no one knows how to achieve that better than Teresa. We believe she will be an invaluable asset as we continue to advance the retention and expansion of our customer base by helping enterprises deliver cost-effective revenue and pipeline growth." "ON24 is uniquely positioned to help businesses succeed in today's digital-first world," says Anania. "There's significant opportunity for the digital engagement and insights ON24 provides to transform the entire customer experience, and I'm excited to play a role in helping ON24 realize that vision. I look forward to joining this talented group of directors and supporting the management team as ON24 advances its strategic objectives and delivers ongoing value to both its customers and shareholders." "Denise has been an integral part of building our market leadership and positioning ON24 for long-term success," said Sharan. "We are pleased to continue to work closely with her and benefit frm her invaluable industry knowledge, go-to-market expertise and business counsel."



Persson commented, "It has been a privilege to be part of ON24's journey and I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, both serving as an executive in the Company's formative years and then during my tenure as a director on the Board. ON24's success story is just getting started, and I look forward to supporting the Company as an advisor moving forward." In addition to today's independent director appointment, ON24 announced that Anil Arora has been appointed Lead Independent Director of the Board, effective immediately. Arora joined the Board in 2022 and brings more than 25 years of diverse executive leadership and public company board experience across the technology, financial services, and consumer goods industries. Dominique Trempont will step down as Lead Independent Director and will remain in his roles as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee.

Anania will serve as a Class II Director and will stand for election at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders for a three-year term expiring at the 2026 Annual Meeting. About Teresa Anania

Teresa Anania is Senior Vice President of Global Customer Success, Renewals and Customer Experience at Zendesk, a role that she has held since October of 2021. At Zendesk, she is responsible for the management and development of Zendesk's global client base, including managing 110,000+ paid customers across all customer segments from SMB to enterprise. Prior to Zendesk, Anania spent eleven years at Autodesk, ultimately serving as Senior Director of Customer Success, where she drove both scale and tech-touch success motions across all market segments. Prior to its acquisition by Autodesk in 2009, Anania served as Chief Operating Officer of Algor Inc. and held other roles of increasing responsibility over her 15 years at the company. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Duquesne University with a BS in Accounting and Information Systems, Anania began her professional career at Ernst & Young, where she built the firm's quality assurance program and led engagement teams in sale and fulfillment of multi-site consulting and audit engagements. Anania also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Duquesne University with a specialization in Finance and Information Technology. About ON24

ON24 is on a mission to re-imagine how companies engage, understand and build relationships with their audience in a digital world. Through our leading sales and marketing platform for digital engagement, businesses use our portfolio of webinar, virtual event and content experiences to drive engagement and generate first-party data, delivering ?revenue growth across the enterprise - from demand generation to customer success to partner enablement. ON24 powers digital engagement for industry-leading customers worldwide, including 3 of the 5 largest global technology companies, 3 of the 6 largest US banks, 3 of the 5 largest global healthcare companies, and 3 of the 5 largest global industrial manufacturers, enabling organizations to reach millions of professionals a month for billions of engagement minutes per year with all the first-party data being captured, generated and integrated from one place. ON24 is headquartered in San Francisco with global offices in North America, EMEA, and APAC. For more information, visit www.ON24.com.  2023 ON24, Inc. All rights reserved. ON24 and the ON24 logo are trademarks owned by ON24, Inc., and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. The other referenced trademarks and service marks are also owned by ON24, Inc. and may be registered in some countries. Forward-Looking Statement

This document contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws. In some cases, such statements can be identified by words such as: "expect," "convert," "believe," "plan," "future," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements regarding our ability to achieve our business strategies, growth, or other future events or conditions. Such statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions about future events or conditions, which are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the filings we make from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on them. All statements herein are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any such statement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005614/en/

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[March 13, 2023] Douglas Elliman Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.05 per share. The quarterly cash dividend will be payable on March 31, 2023 to holders of record as of March 23, 2023. About Douglas Elliman Inc. Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG, "Douglas Elliman") owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States with operations in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, the Hamptons, Massachusetts, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, and Nevada. In addition, Douglas Elliman sources, uses and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology ("PropTech") solutions and companies and provides other real estate services, including development marketing, property management and settlement and escrow services in select markets. Additional information concerning DouglasElliman is available on its website, investors.elliman.com.



Investors and others should note that we may post information about Douglas Elliman on our website at investors.elliman.com or, if applicable, on our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube or other social media platforms. It is possible that the postings or releases could include information deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in Douglas Elliman to review the information we post on our website at investors.elliman.com and on our social media accounts.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005791/en/

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[March 13, 2023] Global Tech Industries Group, Inc. Files Lawsuit Against Alpine Securities Corporation in Connection with Trading Activities in the Company's Shares

New York, NY, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Tech Industries Group, Inc. (OTCQB: GTII) (GTII or the Company), www.gtii-us.com, a Nevada corporation, announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Canaccord Genuity LLC, Credit Suisse Securities, (USA) LLC, Instinet LLC, Lime Trading Corporation and GTS, LLC in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges various causes of action related to the spoofing of GTIIs shares, which resulted in a significant number of shares being sold at artificially depressed prices attributable to this illegal behavior.The Company is represented in the action by the Christian Levine Law Group and Warshaw Burstein, LLP, both of which have extensive expertise in stock fraud litigation.

David Reichman, CEO of the Company, stated This action is another step in GTIIs efforts to protect the Company and its shareholders from continued market manipulation. Wes Christian, managing partner of the Christian Levine Law Group, stated This case is yet another example of what we believe is illegal market manipulation by these defendants. About Global Tech Industries Group, Inc.: GTII is a publicly traded Company incorporated in the state of Nevada, specializing in the pursuit of acquiring new and innovative technologies. Visit GTII here https://gtii-us.com/.



Please follow our Company at: www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GTII or at https://gtii-us.com/ Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to the risk that we will not be able to find and acquire businesses and assets that will enable us to become profitable. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Companys most recent SEC filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our development stage, noting that there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. New lines of business may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s), the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time.

Words such as estimate, project, predict, will, would, should, could, may, might, anticipate, plan, intend, believe, expect, aim, goal, target, objective, likely or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of this press release. Unless legally required, we undertake no obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise. Global Tech Industries Group, Inc.

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Taking a stand on any issue in Kansas City is tough and not without consequences.

Remember that a body shop and several other small biz people voiced their outcry against bike lanes on Truman Road and eventually after pleading with council & city hall . . . The poorly designed obstructions were removed on one side of the road.

Now, the main leader of this opposition is getting GOOGLE NEGATIVE REVIEW BOMBED by activists still holding a grudge.

The basics . . .



Atomic Collision has confronted waves of unfair criticism and worse . . . Amid angry review threads there are claims that political opponents are making unwanted home visits.



The Internets remains a weird place and, sadly, this kind of trolling confronts anyone who engages in any manner of discourse.

However . . .

Objectively . . .

We think this kind of bullying is a disservice against advocates of public transit & accessibility. MOST Kansas City cyclists & activists DO NOT condone harassing a small biz owner or even clowning him on the Internets.

Sadly, there's a small clique of "transit friendly" politicos who have hijacked a social media outlet who seem to condone the behavior and even encourage it.



In the meantime . . .

Search engines are working to fight review bombs and we merely wanted to highlight this nasty aspect of the discourse from locals who are ALLEGEDLY proud of their "progressive" values.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
This part of Kansas City is accustomed to bitter council debates every four years.

On paper this might be battle royale but here's what everyone is missing . . . The district has evolved by way of redistricting and all of these candidates are also fighting for Northland love.

Meanwhile . . .

The new gentry in the 4th District MIGHT really benefit any candidate because most of them aren't registered to vote and so many others just rant on Twitter as their twisted form of political engagement.

And so . . . We're curious to see how the primary hashes out given that voters in Midtown are smart enough not to trust anybody no matter their low-rent branding.

The big question that everybody is missing . . .

JUST HOW 'PROGRESSIVE' IS KANSAS CITY'S FOURTH DISTRICT NOW THAT IT INCLUDES MORE NORTHLAND VOTERS?!?!



There is a great deal of speculation but, honestly, nobody will know for certain until after the primary.



Here's the least offensive summary passage we could find . . .



Rizzo, Bunch and Dastrup have their policy differences on the margins, but they all agree that the city needs to do more to address issues like crime, affordable housing and basic services like trash removal.



More than anything at community forums, they have sought to differentiate themselves based on how committed they say they will be to serving constituents needs over the next four years, as well as on their experience and qualifications for the job.



Rizzo and Dastrup both accuse Bunch of not returning constituents phone calls. Bunch says he has always looked out for his constituents and makes a point at candidate forums of giving out his private cell phone number.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC Council incumbent, fired aide & longtime politician trying comeback all want this seat Ten times Kansas City voters picked Henry Rizzo to represent them at the county courthouse and Missouri's capital. But it's been 17 years since he last prevailed at the polls and more than a dozen since he lost his seat on the Jackson County Legislature and receded from the headlines.

City Council 4th District candidates talk housing, the police and a downtown ballpark The Beacon in your inbox. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our free newsletter today! A donation to The Beacon goes beyond the newsroom.

Developing . . .
Once again angel Candice inspires our evening peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Hit & Run Aftermath

KC police officer suffers non-life threatening injures in hit-and-run collision A Kansas City, Missouri Police Department officer is recovering after suffering injuries in a hit-and-run collision Sunday afternoon. KC police say the officer's vehicle was struck shortly after 3 p.m.

Ladies Earn Spotlight

Strawberry Swing helping women-owned businesses shine in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City women-owned businesses were given the chance to shine Sunday at The Strawberry Swing's pop-up event in the Crossroads Arts District. Creators like Kierra Washington, who creates items for "the everyday nomad," displayed their products, putting their creativity on full display for customers.

Legacy Of Good Deeds

280: Junior League of Kansas City On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Becky Haddican and Susan Moss from the Junior League of Kansas City discuss their upcoming event, the sixth annual C3KC conference on March 23, with Publisher Michael Bushnell. The League works to spark change for a better Kansas City through philanthropic work and beyond.

Celebrating EPIC Volunteer

Noticing Neighbors Amber Dawkins, CF Ninja Warrior Amber Dawkins is a fierce advocate in the Cystic Fibrosis community, she's a Branding Photographer, and an American Ninja Warrior.

New KCI Calls On Star Power

Shaq celebrates the opening of his restaurant at new KCI ahead of DJ set in Kansas City NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal was making his way around Kansas City on Saturday. Shaq DJ'd a set under his stage name, DJ Diesel at KC Live! in the Power & Light District.

Angels Almost Return

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to return with 'new version' after 4-year hiatus The Victoria's Secret Angels are floating back to earth. The lingerie retailer announced the return of its iconic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show during a 2022 earnings call on Friday - but fans should expect some changes to the sexy runway spectacle, which has been on hiatus for the past four years.

Happy Returns Via White House

Biden, Democrats applaud 'decisive action' to protect Silicon Valley Bank depositors President Biden and Democrat lawmakers praised the "decisive action" by federal financial agencies on Sunday to protect Silicon Valley Bank depositors and shore up the financial system ahead of markets opening on Monday. "The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them," Biden said...

GOP Considers Security For Your Check

Republican John Kennedy takes aim at Biden over social security funding The Republican senator John Kennedy accused Joe Biden of "demagoguing" the issue of how to fund social security and Medicare and protecting the two programs from Republican proposals to cut them, calling it a "very immature thing to do".

Former Top Doc On Mean Tweet

Fauci lashes out at Elon Musk over COVID claims: 'Prosecute me for what?' Dr. Anthony Fauci lashed out at Twitter CEO Elon Musk after the billionaire suggested Fauci should be "prosecuted" as critics blasted his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci responded to a December tweet from Elon Musk during a Saturday appearance on CNN, telling host Jim Acosta that calls for his prosecution were "insanity."

BACK IN BIZ!?!

Bitcoin, USDC stablecoin rally after US intervenes on SVB SINGAPORE, March 13 (Reuters) - Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rallied on Monday after U.S. authorities announced plans to limit the fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve announced a range of measures to stabilise the banking system and said depositors at SVB (SIVB.O) would have access to their deposits on Monday.

Movie Night At Home

Oscars fight for relevance in the streaming age All the pieces are in place for the Oscars to make a comeback on Sunday. But if a slate of popular movies and the spark from last year's controversial show can't rescue its ratings, then this may be its last gasp of relevance instead.

El Papa Prays For Peace

Pope Francis Calls for Peace as Fighting in Ukraine's Bakhmut Intensifies From the Vatican, Pope Francis sent a message of solidarity with Ukraine as Russian attacks in the city of Bakhmut and other regions intensified. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at the logistical challenges Ukrainian forces are still facing on the battlefield. Video editor: Marcus Harton.

Tribute To Music Man

'Life of the party': Greg Nave, music manager of Kansas City's 7th Heaven, dies at 56 Many businesses claim to be like a family. Yet we seldom find co-workers who can make fellow employees feel like an extended family and the job a second home. At 7th Heaven, that person was Greg Nave. For decades Nave worked as the consignment manager at the store, 7621 Troost Ave., cultivating its extensive catalog of local music.

Forecast For Now . . .

Things stay dry for a couple of days STREET. THE EXCLUSIVE LIVE RADAR IN 90 DAY FORECAST. SO YOU'LL KNOW FIRST. THIS IS FIRST ALERT WEATHER. WHAT A MESS. AND IT CONTINUES TO BE JUST ONE AFTER THE OTHER AFTER THE OTHER. AND WE GET PIECES OF THAT. CERTAINLY NOT AS STRONG BY THE TIME IT GETS TO US AND SEE THAT, CHRIS.

Norman Greenbaum - Spirit In The Sky was the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Bloodshed persists on Kansas City streets and continues along a record breaking pace this election season.

Here is the first report from tonight . . .

Homicide 8300 block of Highland

Tonight about 8:15 pm Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 8300 block of Highland on a sound of shots call, while officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call



On arrival officers were directed inside the residence where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive.



Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victim deceased.



Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred inside the residence.



Detectives have a person of interest detained for further investigation and are not searching for additional suspects



If anyone saw or heard anything in this area or has any information they are asked to contact the Homicide Unit directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS, there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

One person dead after shooting inside of Kansas City residence late Sunday evening The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating the death of an unidentified male suspect Sunday night.KCPD says they have opened a homicide investigation after a reported shooting in the 8300 block of Highland Ave.

One person dead after shooting inside of Kansas City residence late Sunday evening The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating the death of an unidentified male suspect Sunday night.KCPD says they have opened a homicide investigation after a reported shooting in the 8300 block of Highland Ave.

KCPD detains person of interest after fatal shooting in 8300 block of Highland KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Missouri Police Department has detained a person of interest after a fatal shooting in the 8300 block of Highland Avenue Sunday night. Police said they were dispatched to a residence in that area around 8:15 p.m.

Developing . . .
The background that nobody is reporting . . .

Let's not forget that Kansas City ministers claimed with is was an "execution" until video released to the public didn't provide any evidence of that assertion.



And today, here's the aftermath . . .



"We regret the loss of Mr. Johnson's life, as well as the injury to the police officer who also was shot in the incident, and regardless of the legal conclusions, any loss of life and injury to an officer is tragic," the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's office said in a statement Monday.



On the day of the shooting, officers from KCPD's Impact Unit were searching for Johnson on alleged violent crimes.



Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Andy Bell said two officers located Johnson at the gas station and tried to take him into custody.



A struggle ensued and police alleged Johnson fired shots at police, who returned fire in self-defense, Bell said at the time. An officer was also shot in the struggle.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

No charges filed in Kansas City police shooting of Malcolm Johnson KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A special prosecutor will not press charges in the deadly Kansas City police shooting of Malcolm Johnson. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, which was appointed to review the case in 2021, announced Monday that it will not issue any charges. The St.

Special prosecutor: No charges recommended against KCPD officers in deadly shooting of Malcolm Johnson KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City, Missouri, police officers involved in the deadly shooting of Malcolm Johnson won't face charges, a special prosecutor announced Monday. Johnson died after being shot by police during an attempted arrest inside March 25, 2021, inside a gas station near East 63rd Street and Prospect Avenue.

Special prosecutor: Kansas City police officer acted in self defense in shooting of Malcolm Johnson Nearly two years after a Kansas City, Missouri man was shot and killed by Kansas City police inside a gas station, a special prosecutor has determined the officer who shot Malcolm Johnson acted in self-defense. As a result, no charges will be filed against the officers involved.

Developing . . .
A Fenton man received an eight-year prison sentence last week for involuntary manslaughter related to a 2021 vehicle accident that killed a Bonne Terre couple and their infant son. The fatal accident spawned a legislative initiative thats currently moving through Jefferson City.

In January, a Jefferson County jury found 27-year-old David G. Thurby guilty of three counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter following a three-day trial.

During a sentencing hearing last Tuesday, Thurby appeared before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Victor Joseph Melenbrink, who sentenced the man to serve four years on each of the three counts with two of the terms to run concurrent, and one consecutive to the first, for a total of eight years behind bars.

Thurby had initially been charged with three Class B felonies of DWI resulting in death; however, the jury deliberated for five hours before convicting the man on the lesser charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter.

According to original reports, on April 13, 2021, Thurby was involved in a crash on Highway 30 near Byrnes Mill Road in Jefferson County that killed 25-year-old Lacey K. Newton, her fiance 30-year-old Cordell S. Williams, both of Bonne Terre, along with their 4-month-old son, Cordell Williams II.

Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reports indicate Williams car was struck from behind on Highway 30 by Thurby. Both cars reportedly veered off the highway, hitting multiple trees. Williams car then caught fire, according to the MSHP.

The tragedy has led to a bill known as House Bill 195, or Bentleys Law, currently making its way through the state legislature. Bentleys Law is aimed at holding drunk drivers more accountable by establishing provisions requiring certain persons convicted of driving while intoxicated to pay child maintenance.

House Bill 196 is sponsored by State Rep. Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, and had been referred to the Houses Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee earlier this month.

Efforts behind the proposed legislation have come from Cordell S. Williams mother, Cecilia. The Bonne Terre woman has been raising her late sons children in the wake of his death.

Cecilia Williams lost her future daughter-in-law Lacey K. Newton, her son Cordell S. Williams, and the couples 4-month-old boy Cordell Williams II.

Late last year, on Nov. 2, Cecilia remembered her lost loved ones on what would have been Laceys 26th birthday. The grieving matriarch was joined by first responders who addressed last years fatal wreck, as well as family members and friends, as they released 26 balloons into the air to remember the mother of Mason, 3, and Bentley, 5, at the crash site on Highway 30.

Cecilia said at the time she had lost none of her drive to see Bentleys Law through here in Missouri. In fact, she mentioned that shed like to make the law national, and shes already attracted attention from other states. Tennessee has already passed its own version of Bentleys Law, inspired by Cecilias initiative.

Cecilia said she thinks its wrong that negligent drivers involved in fatal accidents walk away without their sentences including something about making restitution to the victims families. She said if she had hired a lawyer to sue the man responsible for her family members deaths, the legal costs would probably have gobbled up any settlement or wage garnishment that might have been determined.

A lot of people find themselves in the position where the person who killed or injured their family, they dont have insurance, they dont have assets, they have nothing, she said. And yet, they somehow have enough to buy other things  In Bentleys Law, it would be a part of victim services and will prevent people from having to go through an attorney to get restitution.

More information about the effort to get Bentleys Law passed can be found at the Facebook group, Bentleyslaw, https://www.facebook.com/groups/570861290607136.
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.
The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors will meet on Monday.

The boards regular meeting will be preceded by a Virginia Department of Transportation work session at 5 p.m. where the VDOT six-year plan is scheduled to be discussed.

The regular meeting, expected to start at 6 p.m., includes a discussion of VDOT road matters, with division resident engineer Scott Frederick in attendance, as well as a number of presentations.

Those presentations include annual updates from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and James River Boys and Girls Club, as well as budget presentations from various groups, including the JAUNT regional transportation system.

The board is also scheduled to hear zoning matters and a proposed lease of Gene Dixon Park by the Buckingham County Youth League.

Both meetings are open to the public and will be held Monday in the Peter Francisco Auditorium of the Buckingham Administration Complex at 13360 W. James Anderson Highway in the village of Buckingham.

The meeting can also be streamed on YouTube.
A role for Desperadoes Steel Orchestra..in suppressing crime..as it gets a spanking new state-of -the-art pan theatre.

At this afternoon's handing over ceremony.. at George Street in Port of Spain.., Prime Minister Rowley called on Despers.. to be a catalyst for change in the community.. and to prevent violence from infiltrating the space..at all cost.
Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, executed by Russian troops, was a citizen of Moldova who defended Ukraine.

According to Ukrinform, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova said this in a Facebook post.

"After the Ukrainian side confirmed the fact that the Ukrainian serviceman executed by Russian soldiers is Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the killing of a citizen of Moldova. This is an act that can be qualified as a war crime and gross violation of international humanitarian law. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Oleksandr Matsievsky," the ministry said.

It also expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

"We reaffirm the firm position of the Republic of Moldova regarding the condemnation of the brutal war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Our country remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to return the region to peace and stability," the ministry added.

On March 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the Hero of Ukraine title to Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, who was shot dead by Russian forces for saying "Glory to Ukraine!"

Ukraine's SBU State Security Service investigators established that the Ukrainian soldier who was executed by the Russians was Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a sniper from the 119th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Chernihiv region. Earlier, footage circulated on social media showing the Russian invaders shooting a Ukrainian soldier after he said "Glory to Ukraine!"
A mechanism is being developed in Ukraine for calculating losses the Russian war inflicted on the countrys environment.

The facility is set to be presented at the forum of environmental organizations in Kyiv, according to Daria Zarivna, adviser to the head of the President's Office, who spoke at the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"The governments tentative assessment suggested UAH 2 trillion in damage to the ecology. But this is a really preliminary estimate as this figure will change upward. Now a mechanism for calculating the damage incurred is being developed, Zarivna said following the meeting between Andriy Yermak, chief of the Presidents Office, and representatives of ecology watchdogs.

It was a really productive meeting involving more than a dozen environmental organizations. We heard a lot of useful things from their representatives. The idea appeared to hold in Kyiv a forum of global environmental organizations, where the mechanism for calculating the damage caused would be presented," Zarivna said.

She added that there is a strategy for promoting in the international arena the issue of war-related environmental damage, in order to bring it higher on the agenda of negotiations with Ukraines international partners.

"The idea put forward by the head of the Office is that a number of countries, which are currently taking a cautious position in some issues, precisely in terms of the ecological damage caused by the war in Ukraine, and not only to Ukraine, but also to the European and global ecosystems, may take a tougher stance," said Zarivna.

The advisor to the head of the Presidents Office added that the situation is very difficult at the moment as more than a third of the country's territory is contaminated with explosives, while the demining process is expected to take a significant amount of time. Considerable damage has been caused to the forests, about a third of which have been affected. Parts of flora and fauna in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov region have been wiped out.

Zarivna reported that immediately after the meeting with ecology organizations,Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Jake Sullivan, the national security advisor to the U.S. president, to discuss environmental issues among other things.

"This time we talked about ecology, we also talked about Russian crimes against our children, forcible deportation and adoption from temporarily occupied territories. This is also a separate trend that will be voiced very powerfully. The Office will be working on it separately, including with international partners, in diplomatic, communication, and media spheres," Zarivna said.

As reported earlier, as part of the ongoing dialogue with allies, the head of the Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, together with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhnyi, had a phone call with the U.S. President's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Millie.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis discussed Czech Republics patronage of the restoration of Dnipropetrovsk region with the delegation of the Czech Republic headed by the Governmental Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine Tomas Kopecny.

Perebyinis expressed gratitude for military, financial, and humanitarian assistance provided by the Czech Republic to Ukraine, in particular, within the Government programme for 2023-25 framework that was adopted in October last year.

The implementation of a number of specific projects was discussed, including prospects for the interaction of two sides in the context of the Czech patronage over the reconstruction of Dnipropetrovsk region, reads the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The parties also exchanged views on a number of topical issues of the bilateral relations, including the development of the Ukrainian-Czech political dialogue as well as cooperation in Ukraine's path towards accession to the EU.

Photo credit: mfa.gov.ua
Sunday's protest in Chisinau was about socio-economic demands, while Ukraine was not directly mentioned, although certain ambiguous anti-war banners were spotted.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova, Marko Shevchenko, told about this on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraine was not directly mentioned, but for some reason, by a strange coincidence, the second-largest slogan put forward by protesters, the one they marched with, was No to war in Moldova. But they never mentioned how this war could be brought to Moldova. Russian propaganda insists that war could be brought by Ukraine while accusing authorities in Moldova of following the lead of the Ukrainian government, who are trying to draw Moldova into a war with Russia. That is why the protesters chanted No to war, carrying anti-war banners," he said.

At the same time, the diplomat noted that the main issue on which the protest focused was socio-economic.

He recalled that against the background of the increase in energy cost in Moldova, the tariffs for household utility bills went up as well, increased, although the authorities decided to compensate their cost to low-income families.

Protesters demanded that the government cover household bills over the winter period.

Shevchenko informed that, according to the local observers, up to 3,500 protesters took part in the rally, which is a rather small number even for Moldova.

The diplomat emphasized that Moldovan law enforcement were serious about the protests, taking into account the reports of Russia's plot to destabilize the country.

"Detentions are not the only measures that were taken. Many people were not allowed to enter the country. Today it was also reported that a member of Wagner PMC was identified at the airport, who was banned from entering Moldova. In addition, a few days ago, a series of searches were held within the inquiries into the illegal financing of the Shor party, which is the main organizer of the protests. As part of the raid, nearly 230,000 euros was seized, which, I suspect, could have been used to pay protesters or cover expenses related to these protests," Shevchenko said.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Sunday, March 12, a protest of the "Movement for the People" and the "Shor" party took place in the center of Chisinau. The day before, law enforcement officials said that mass riots had been plotted.

Clashes erupted between the crowd and police after two columns of protestors merged outside the parliament and decided to continue along Stefan col Mare Avenue. The police blocked further movement as the event organizers had not announced the relocation in advance. The police kept Stefan col Mare Avenue cordoned off.

Chisinau law enforcers arrested 54 persons who intended to take part in the pro-Russia protest, including 12 minors.

Secretary General of the Moldova Presidents Administration, Andrii Spinu, referred to the event as "an unsuccessful attempt by Russia to destabilize Moldova."
The avant-garde jazz musical Radio 477, directed by Les Kurbas, premiered in New York City. The lyrics for the piece were penned by Ukraines famous poet Serhiy Zhadan.

According to Ukrinform's own correspondent, the musical, which conveys the atmosphere of Ukrainian Kharkiv, was performed in English at Manhattans La MaMa.

Virlyana Tkach, founder and head of the Yara art group, told Ukrinform that the piece, originally staged at Kharkiv's Berezil Theater in 1929, was considered lost during Stalins repression campaign. The lyrics written for the musical by Mike Johansen were not preserved.

"During a trip to Ukraine, I found a copy of the conductor's score in the Kharkiv archives and asked a U.S. composer Anthony Coleman to look into it," says the director.

According to Tkach, he was quite surprised that people played jazz in Kharkiv at that time.

Coleman, who is also the conductor in the musical, explained to Ukrinform that he used elements from the original score, but wrote a completely new piece.

After the gig, Zhadan read a number of his poems, while Reginald Dwayne Betts, founder and director of the Freedom Reads, delivered their renditions in English.

Photo: Volodymyr Ilchenko, Ukrinform

As Zhadan told Ukrinform, the main goal of his two-week tour across the USA is to raise money to support the Ukrainian Army.

According to the poet, who has already toured many cities, he was best received by the New York public.

An acclaimed American historian Timothy Snyder, who also attended the premiere, emphasized in a conversation with the Ukrinform correspondent that Americans should make every effort to further support Ukraine.

Zhadans musical will be performed in NYC through March 19.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Zhadan put out for sale at a New York auction battle flags of Ukraines Charter voluntary unit with the signatures of fighters, starting at $2,100 per lot, as well as his books signed off by Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, for $1,100 and $1,150.

Serhiy Zhadan is a Ukrainian poet, novelist, essayist, musician, translator, and social activist. His literary works have received numerous national and international awards and have been translated into more than twenty languages, making the author one of the most famous modern Ukrainian writers.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi (left) walks in front of destroyed buildings in Hatay, Turkiye, during a three-day visit to the country in March.  UNHCR/Emrah Gurel

Istanbul, Turkiye  UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, concluded a five-day visit to earthquake-devastated areas of Syria and Turkiye, visiting survivors and affected people, as well as humanitarian staff on the ground providing urgent support to people in need.

The earthquake has claimed 54,000 lives in the two countries and caused massive destruction to an area where more than 23 million people live, including many who had been displaced either within Syria or across the border into Turkiye as refugees during 12 years of conflict.

The level of destruction and devastation is shocking and in many places it is apocalyptic, Grandi said. Millions have suffered loss, injury and trauma, and many others have been displaced by this tragic and terrible event.

While surveying the damage, Grandi also reviewed and discussed the immediate humanitarian response with authorities in the two countries. In addition to Ankara, Grandi visited Hatay and Gaziantep in Turkiye. In Syria, he visited Latakia, Hama, and Damascus and undertook a cross-border visit to earthquake-affected and other displaced people in northwest Syria.

UNHCR and humanitarian partners, especially national and local responders, continue to step up their assistance in the two countries, something that requires greater and urgent international support. Since the earthquake, UNHCR alone has delivered tens of thousands of tents, beds, mattresses, thermal blankets and other desperately needed support.

The needs on the ground in both countries are enormous and the response must be better resourced, Grandi added. While it is critical to think about and support longer-term efforts, much more humanitarian aid and early recovery resources are needed so that people can begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

In Turkiye, the High Commissioner met Turkish and Syrian families who had lost everything in the earthquake and were now, along with thousands of others, accommodated in a container camp. They expressed their gratitude to the authorities for the help and noted how the humanitarian community and the Turkish authorities are providing assistance for all in need, irrespective of citizenship or status.

In Syria, Grandi met families in collective shelters who had been displaced multiple times  first by the crisis in Syria and now by the earthquake. Their plight exemplified the extraordinary hardship that 12 years of conflict have had on the Syrian people and the infrastructure of the country, including basic services like water and electricity. More than 90 per cent of people in Syria today live below the poverty line.

I have been coming to Syria regularly for almost 20 years, but never have I seen such levels of deprivation and desperation  everywhere I have been. It is unconscionable that so many people have been left with so little for so long. They need and deserve much more support. Stepping up our relief and early recovery activities throughout the country today is a humanitarian imperative. Access to all those in need wherever they are is critical.

The UN has asked for $1 billion for the humanitarian response to the earthquake in Turkiye and nearly $400 million for Syria. UNHCRs part of the response plans totals $201 million. The UN Turkiye appeal is currently 12 per cent funded and Syria is at 59 per cent.

BROLL

Syria - https://media.unhcr.org/Share/633fc7t33royye77es27e44ufm111w06

Turkiye - https://media.unhcr.org/Share/cvd4w40048s53s2ywo6105n0cjr740s2

Notes to Editors:

For more details on the UNHCR response and appeal in Syria see here and for Turkiye here.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
The city of Dnipro, in eastern Ukraine, has become a new home for many people forced from nearby towns and villages by the fighting.

In Dnipro and throughout Dnipropetrovska Oblast region UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is delivering humanitarian assistance in response to the pressing needs of internally displaced people and people who remain in areas heavily impacted by the hostilities. To do so, UNHCR works in close collaboration with local authorities and NGO partners, such as Proliska, a Ukrainian humanitarian organization whose staff include many who themselves have been displaced and personally affected by the war.

UNHCRs support includes essential protection services such as help replacing lost documents, psychosocial therapy, legal advice and social support, as well as shelter, cash and emergency relief assistance.

As the war in Ukraine continues into a second year, no one is left untouched; neither the displaced nor the people working to help them. Here are six people moving on with courage to survive and rebuild their lives in Dnipro.

The Grandmother

At 89, Tamara was forced to flee Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast where she had spent her entire life.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

For the first time in her long life, 89-year-old grandmother Tamara, fled her home in January. As a young girl, even the Second World War did not force her to leave the town of Chasiv Yar, where her parents and grandparents are buried, but Russias invasion proved to be too much.

It became almost impossible to live, she says of the constant gunfire and shelling, the lack of electricity, water, and food, and the constant fear and danger. It was unbearable. We would sit in a room, always afraid and shaking with the cold. A shell broke through a wall in our house. We barely survived.

Tamara left everything behind, including her personal documentation and belongings, and was evacuated to Dnipro, where she is staying with her 60-year-old son Volodymyr in a centre for older displaced people. Here, at least, it is warm when I sleep, she says.

UNHCRs partner Proliska is helping to restore her personal documents so she can access her pension.

The Survivor

Anastasiya and her son survived a January missile attack in Dnipro but lost their apartment.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

Anastasiya was in her apartment on the fifth floor while her young son was playing outside in the winter sunshine when a rocket hit their apartment building in Dnipro in January, ripping the high-rise in two and killing dozens of her neighbours. After the explosion, my only thought was to see my son, says the 33-year-old. She rushed through the ruins and found him alive and unharmed.

Thanks to the kindness of strangers Anastasiya has moved into another apartment in the city. We have clothes, we have food, she says, and with counselling and psychological support she is beginning again to think of the future. Our hopes are to come back to our apartment, to rebuild so that the children can again play loudly in the yard, and we can hear them laugh under peaceful and blue skies.

The Evacuee

Olena and her son, Mykyta, were evacuated from Mariupol to Dnipro in March 2022.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

Olena, aged 33, was evacuated to Dnipro from the besieged city of Mariupol with her 5-year-old son Mykyta in March 2022, after enduring weeks of Russian artillery bombardment. It was not the first time she had fled, having endured conflict in the Donbas eight years earlier, but this time was worse.

It was so loud outside. We covered our children in blankets because they were still sleeping, and we left, Olena recalls. We heard everything, all the rocket attacks, the shelling, and we saw tanks approaching the city.

Together they are taking art therapy classes organized by UNHCR partner Proliska to help process the trauma of their ordeal, and their narrow escape. We have enough support and help, Olena says. The only thing missing is inner security and harmony.

The Recovering Man

Volodymyr is living in a collective centre in Dnipro where he has learned to walk and talk again.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

A missile explosion in June blew 51-year-old Volodymyr out of the second-floor window of his house in Sloviansk, in Donetsk. I broke my hip and suffered a stroke, he says. Volodymyr found himself unable to talk and thought he might never walk again.

Rescuers took him for medical treatment, but Volodymyr had lost everything: his home, his personal possessions, and his identity documents, arriving in Dnipro with nothing but the shirt and shorts he was wearing. I was picked up without anything.

Months later, the damage is gradually being repaired. Rehabilitation sessions mean Volodymyr has regained his ability to speak and walk, while social workers have helped him restore his lost documents, and with them, his identity.

The Psychologist

Iryna uses group therapy to help adults and children recover from the trauma they've experienced.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

Iryna knows the trauma she seeks to heal, because she has suffered it herself. The 37-year-old psychologist was forced to flee her home in 2014, and again last year. She understands what it means to lose everything and wants to help and support people in need.

Working with Proliska, Iryna organizes group therapy sessions where adults and children can work through their trauma and begin to recover. People start speaking with each other and become more open and less stressed. They tell stories about what they saw, and how they felt, she says.

The immediate positive impact she sees the sessions have each day motivates her to carry on.

The UNHCR Officer

Viktoriia, UNHCR's Protection Associate in Dnipro, was herself displaced by fighting in Donetsk.  UNHCR/Alina Kovalenko

Power cuts, air raid sirens, and missile attacks are the daily realities for Viktoriia, a 28-year-old protection officer in Dnipro, who joined UNHCR in April 2022 after being forced from her home by the fighting in Donetsk.

Viktoriia is living through the same hardships and dangers as the people she is helping, but her first thought is always for them. My fear is that I will not have time to help someone. My motivation is the need to get people out of this difficult situation as fast as possible, she says. If I do something good, or bring even partial joy to people and show that they are not alone and forgotten, then it fills my life with meaning.

For the war-displaced, safety and security are just the start. People do not know where and how to get help, Viktoriia says. The biggest basic needs are money, food, housing, and medicine. My role is to help them to solve these problems.
A bar brawl that included a stabbing sent one person to the hospital in Lyons, Saturday March 11.

About 20 people were fighting in a parking lot outside Red Barn Tavern, and one had a knife, according to a press release from Linn County Sheriffs office.

The Linn County dispatch center received a 911 call at 1:38 a.m. Troopers from the Oregon State Police responded to assist deputies with the disturbance.

An argument broke out by the pool table inside the tavern which led to a dogpile fight, said a representative of Linn County Sheriffs office.

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The dispute later moved to the parking lot. A 27-year-old man from Lyons attempted to break up the fight and was stabbed, according to the 911 call.

The man was treated and released from Santiam Hospital in Stayton.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Kyle Connelly of the Linn County Sheriffs Office at 541-917-6675.
Texas State computer science and physics senior Isaac Jaramillo, a developer on the SpeExoDisks team at Texas State, explains spectroscopy to Innovation Lab attendees, Sunday, March 13, 2023, at SXSW. SpeExoDisks is focused on collecting radiation data from stars to create a database of chemical elements on distant planets.
March 13 2023

Wheatley Homes with McTaggart Construction and Mast Architects have shared proposals for 70 homes on open ground at Abbotshall Avenue, Drumchapel.

Located south of Antonine Primary School the mix of flats, cottage flats and houses will be accessed from Drumry Road and built to Housing for Varying Needs Standard.

In a consultation statement, the applicant wrote: "The homes are finished in traditional materials respectful of the setting and the existing built environment. The external fenestration includes traditionally proportioned windows, set in brick and rendered facades. Conventional pitched roof slopes form gable features and are covered with concrete roof tiles. These low maintenance materials extend to the selection of uPVC fascias, and rainwater goods to ensure that the properties continue to enhance their local surroundings without decay."

A draft site layout makes provision for a central shared pedestrian and vehicle street skirting a public green.

All feedback should be received by 20 March.
Tokyo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2023 ) :Nobel-winning Japanese novelist Kenzaburo Oe, a leading liberal voice who defended the disenfranchised and challenged the conformity of modern society, has died aged 88.

"He died of old age in the early hours of March 3," publisher Kodansha said in a statement on Monday, adding that a family funeral has already been held.

Known for his pacifist and anti-nuclear views, Oe saw himself as part of a generation of writers "deeply wounded" by World War II, "yet full of hope for a rebirth".

His esoteric stories, influenced by French and American literary culture, confronted issues from perceptions of disability to the disconnect between village traditions and big-city life.

"With poetic force (Oe) creates an imagined world, where life and myth condense to form a disconcerting picture of the human predicament today," the Nobel panel said when it awarded him the 1994 literature prize.

Born in 1935, Oe grew up in a forested valley on Japan's western Shikoku island, a remote setting which he frequently evoked in his writing as a microcosm of humanity.

Growing up, his mother and grandmother would recount legends passed down through the community about defiant local uprisings.

But his young life was also marked by the war, with his school days dominated by militarist propaganda.

That all changed after Japan's 1945 surrender, and Oe soon became fascinated by the democratic principles espoused by the occupying US forces.

In his Nobel lecture, the writer described the tensions between the country's indigenous culture and its rapid postwar westernisation.

"Present-day Japan is split between two opposite poles of ambiguity," he said.

"I too am living as a writer with this polarisation imprinted on me like a deep scar." Oe left his village to study French literature at the University of Tokyo, immersing himself in existentialist philosophy and Renaissance humanism.

He began writing fiction while still a student, and in 1958 won Japan's prestigious Akutagawa Prize for young authors with "The Catch" -- about a Black American pilot taken captive by Japanese villagers during World War II.

The same year, Oe published his first full-length novel "Nip the Buds, Shoot the kids", a fable about teenage boys left to fend for themselves after being evacuated during the war.

From the outset, he vowed his work would focus "on the peripheries" of society and promised to never collaborate "with those at the centre of things, who have power", he said in an interview in the mid-2000s.

In 1963, Oe's personal life was upended by the birth of his son Hikari, meaning "light" in Japanese, who has intellectual disabilities.

Writing and living with Hikari are activities that "overlap and enrich each other", Oe said. "It's something that shapes my imagination."Oe published a series of novels that drew on his family situation, including 1964's "A Personal Matter", in which a troubled young father struggles to come to terms with the birth of his disabled son.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2023 ) :Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, Senator Irfan Siddiqui Monday termed the long power outage in Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) sad and informed that the matter had been included in the agenda of the next committee's meeting for discussion.

Talking to the media persons outside Parliament House, he said that we heard news regarding clashes between students in many universities across the country which needed to be resolved on priority basis.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that running the university without any VC was not a positive thing as the absence of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in universities caused governance issues in the higher education sector.

The chairman said that all aspects of this serious matter would be examined in detail in the next meeting of the standing committee.
(@FahadShabbir)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th March, 2023) Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that the visit of his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, to Iran would contribute to the development of relations between the two countries, which had already experienced a breakthrough in the past two years.

On Sunday, Lukashenko started his two-day visit to Iran to discuss cooperation in various areas, including industry, agriculture, and transportation. On Monday, the presidents of the two countries held negotiations.

"Meanwhile, I would like to stress that, over the past two years, we have seen a breakthrough. Undoubtedly, your visit will give a great and serious impetus to the development of our bilateral relations," Raisi said, as quoted by Belarusian newspaper SB news.

In turn, Lukashenko noted that Belarus and Iran realized how beneficial their relationship was for each other.

"The current contacts between Belarus and Iran, especially over the recent two years, are really the merit of yours. To be honest, maybe even because of me, because of Belarus, we have somewhat weakened attention to the Iranian state," Lukashenko said, as quoted by the newspaper.

In 2022, the mutual trade between Belarus and Iran exceeded $100 million, which was about three times higher than in 2021. At the same time, Belarusian exports to Iran increased almost six times, reaching $81.3 million.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th March, 2023) Moscow has nothing to say about a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia next week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Reuters reported earlier in the day, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the Chinese leader may pay an official visit to Russia as early as next week.

"Now, I have nothing to say on this topic. As a rule, the announcement of official foreign visits is carried out simultaneously by mutual agreement of the parties. We will inform you when there is such readiness," Peskov told reporters.
Both houses of the Oregon Legislature will get their chance to decide on the $200 million that Gov. Tina Kotek seeks to help unhoused people and avert further homelessness.

The Legislatures joint budget committee voted Friday, March 10 to clear both bills, which will come up first in the House and then in the Senate in the coming week. The package represents the first test for Kotek, who took office just two months ago. Their total cost is about $220 million, $30 million of which comes from the current budget cycle ending June 30, and the rest from the next two-year cycle.

In addition to Koteks original request for $130 million  plus $27 million more that legislators tacked on for aid to rural counties  the two-bill package also provides seed money for programs that Kotek and lawmakers want to increase housing.

A related policy bill, House Bill 2001, would enable the state to prod cities and Metro to plan for more housing production, provide more help for homeless youths, and extend notice for evictions based on nonpayment.

Some minority Republicans dissented on the bills, but the others joined all Democrats on the committee to approve them.

This package includes short- and long-term solutions that will address homelessness, prevent evictions and make building affordable housing our No. 1 priority as a state, said House Majority Whip Andrea Valderrama, a Democrat from East Portland and a committee member. We know that this package is just a start and is laying the foundation for what is to come this session.

Dissenting views

Sen. Fred Girod of Lyons was one of the dissenters. He likened the package to the Legislatures attempt last year to resolve a shortage of lawyers required to represent indigent criminal defendants in court.

We threw extra money at it, and we got zero public defenders out of it, Girod said.

The package does fund an effort by the state land use planning agency to help cities greater than 10,000  plus Metro, the Portland regional government  plan for housing production goals.

Kotek has set a housing production target of 36,000 annually, 80% higher than the annual average of 20,000 during the past five years. But Kotek, who announced that target in her inaugural remarks Jan. 9, conceded that is unlikely to happen immediately.

There is an attempt to get rid of some of the red tape around building, which I think will help in the long run, Girod said. But thats going to take a long time to get through, noting that cities also must have adequate water and sewer capacity for development.

I feel strongly that this is a good first attempt, but we need to sit down and have a long-term strategy.

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But when Girod sought to pin blame for the rise in homelessness on a 2020 ballot initiative, Measure 110, that removed criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of some drugs and redistributed proceeds from state cannabis sales taxes, Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, said he sought to oversimplify the causes.

Sanchez, the House co-chair of the joint budget panel, said that a housing shortage was confirmed by the housing needs analysis that the Legislature commissioned in 2019 at the behest of Kotek, then the House speaker.

We have been in a housing emergency for some time, previous to Measure 110 and any kind of resource distribution by that measure when it took effect, Sanchez said. It really is up to us now how we make that decision and move forward.

Sen. Lynn Findley of Vale also opposed both bills. He said they lacked measurements for their effectiveness in reducing homelessness.

I question whether were going to see anything, he said.

What the package does

Though the bills themselves do not contain the measurements, the accompanying budget reports list them for both Koteks original budget request  which cover only the 10 counties with the greatest number of unhoused people, according to the 2022 point-in-time counts she conceded are incomplete  plus the add-on by legislators for Oregons 26 other counties.

The Portland area and Central Oregon, each with three counties, are separate regions.

Together with $155 million, they call for rapid re-housing of 1,650 households experiencing homelessness, expanded shelter capacity by 700 beds, and prevention of homelessness for 8,750 households through rental assistance and other services. The Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services will funnel aid directly to multiagency coordination groups in five regions designated in Koteks Jan. 10 executive order, plus rural counties.

They also provide for emergency response by the housing agency and the Department of Emergency Management.

This is not a local problem, said Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, who said state agencies should direct the money to cooperative efforts by regions.

Of the rest of the money, $25 million will go to aid for homeless youths, $20 million for production of modular homes that can reduce cost and construction time, $5 million for Oregons nine federally recognized tribes, $5 million for improvements in onsite housing for farmworkers  overseen by the Department of Agriculture  and $3 million for a revolving loan fund to help communities and developers jump-start construction for worker housing with advance payments for permit fees and systems development charges.

One other provision extends the required notice for evictions based on nonpayment from 72 hours (3 days) to 10 days, allowing more time for tenants to obtain help. This does not extend notice of evictions based on other reasons.

In addition to Girod and Findley, both bills were opposed by Republican Reps. Jami Cate of Lebanon and E. Werner Reschke of Klamath Falls. Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton, voted for the policy bill but against the budget bill. The Legislatures Republican leaders, Sen. Tim Knopp of Bend and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville, voted for both bills.

Republican Rep. Greg Smith of Heppner is the longest-serving member of the current House in his 23rd year.

The question I have to ask is: How was this unforeseen? Smith said of Koteks executive orders, which declared a state of emergency on homelessness on her first full day in office.

I feel as if I dropped the ball. I hope all the rest of us look in the mirror and say: Now we have an emergency. How did we drop the ball? Tomorrow is going to be here soon. I hope we dont take our eyes off this need.

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(@FahadShabbir)

The United Kingdom has no intention to return Greece the Parthenon marble sculptures controversially removed from the Athens temple in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin, as they belong to the British Museum by law, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th March, 2023) The United Kingdom has no intention to return Greece the Parthenon marble sculptures controversially removed from the Athens temple in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin, as they belong to the British Museum by law, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday.

Greece has been seeking the return of what it considers illegally exported 2,500-year-old relics for decades. London claims that the sculptures were legally acquired by Elgin from the Ottoman officials who exercised authority in Greece at the time, and are now legally owned by the British Museum.

"The UK has cared for the Elgin marbles for generations," Sunak told reporters on his way back from the US, as quoted by The Guardian newspaper, adding that "our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country.

"

The prime minister emphasized that the collection of Ancient Greek sculptures, belonging to the British Museum, is protected by the law, and the British authorities "have no plans to change it."

"We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them," he added.

Greek media reported in December 2022 that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was in secret talks with British Museum chair George Osborne. Meanwhile, the British Museum could consider returning the sculptures only on loan, according to The Guardian.
Laos-Vietnam to Boost Trade with Slew of New Agreements

Dubbed The Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Vietnam and Laos, 2022 was a profitable year in terms of trade for both Vietnam and Laos. Heres what trade between those two countries looked like at the end of last year.

The year 2022 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

Dubbed the Year of Solidarity and Friendship, 2022 saw these two nations further strengthen their relationship, particularly in terms of trade. This further manifested earlier this year when Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Prime Minister of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Sonexay Siphandone on January 11.

It was during this meeting that the two prime ministers signed a number of cooperation agreements in a broad range of fields, including trade. This is important, particularly for landlocked Laos, which is dependent on its neighbor to the east for access to ocean shipping.

Trade relations between Laos and Vietnam

Total trade turnover between Vietnam and Laos in 2022 was worth US$1.7 billion, increasing 24 percent compared to 2021. Vietnams exports to Laos witnessed sizable growth hitting US$656 million, up 10.4 percent. Imports were also boosted 34.6 percent, to US$1.047 billion.

Two-way trade 5-year overview (US$m)

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Vietnam imports from Laos 437 466 458 778 1,047 Vietnam exports to Laos 594 701 572 595 656 Total 1,031 1,167 1,030 1,373 1,703

This huge growth may be a reflection of the ongoing joint promotion of cross border trade between the two countries. Together, Vietnam and Laos have held a range of conferences connecting Vietnamese and Laos businesses in the fields of agricultural products, food, and consumer goods. There are also Vietnam-Laos trade fairs and a key Vietnam-Laos bilateral trade promotion forum.

Furthermore, the 12th Vietnam-Laos border trade cooperation conference was held along with a conference on the joint development of Laos and Vietnams energy and mining industries in 2022.

In order to support Laos long-term development, Vietnam is working with Laos to develop infrastructure necessary for exporters to access Vietnams port at Vung Ang. This will include a railway connecting Laos and the port (See: Proposed Vietnam-Laos Railway Project to Boost Trade, Connectivity).

Vietnam FDI projects in Laos and vice versa

Vietnamese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Laos is currently over US$5.34 billion spread across 239 projects. Laos consistently ranks first among 78 countries and territories where Vietnam invests.

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In 2021, registered capital from Vietnam to Laos reached US$118.3 million, this was 33.3 percent higher than in 2020. In 2022, investment capital from Vietnam to Laos surged even further to US$180 million, a rise of 52.5 percent over 2021.

In the past five years, Vietnamese enterprises have contributed about US$200 million per year in tax and other fiscal obligations to the Laos state budget.

Laos also currently has 10 FDI projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of over US$71 million. Vietnam is also frequently in the top three countries for outbound direct investment (ODI) from Laos.

See also: Vietnam Starts New Year with US$1.6 Billion in FDI: MoPI

Laos exports to Vietnam

Vietnams primary imports from Laos last year were diverse. Notably, imports of wood and wood products witnessed an increase of 29.4 percent. Fertilizer imports also saw a significant uptick of 50 percent; along with rubber imports, which increased by 30.4 percent; and corn imports, which saw an increase of 5.25 percent.

Top Laos exports to Vietnam 2022

Description US$ Rubber 242,215,147 Wood and wooden products 139,611,211 Fertilizers 92,123,018 Ores and other minerals products 78,283,134 Maize (corn) 28,778,168

Rubber

Laos is one of the largest exporters of natural rubber worldwide, accounting for some 1.5 percent of global sales.

Vietnam is a major importer and consumer of rubber. Vietnamese companies use imported rubber to produce a variety of goods, including tires, footwear, and industrial rubber products.

In recent years, the demand for rubber in Vietnam has increased, driven by the countrys growing automobile industry and expanding infrastructure projects. As a result, neighboring Laos, which has abundant rubber resources, has become an important supplier of Vietnams rubber needs.

Wood and wooden products

Laos has large forest cover, which is a rich source of raw materials like wood. The forests of Laos are known for their teak, rosewood, and other hardwoods.

The cost of production of wood and wooden products in Laos is relatively low compared to many other countries, which makes them more attractive to buyers in Vietnam.

Laos shares a long border with Vietnam, which makes transportation of goods between the two countries relatively easy and cost-effective.

Vietnam also has a growing construction industry and a high demand for wooden furniture and other wooden products.

Fertilizers

Vietnam has a large agriculture industry, and fertilizers are essential for the growth and development of crops.

Laos is known for its abundant natural resources, including phosphate rock, which is a key component in the production of fertilizers.

Additionally, the cost of producing fertilizers in Laos may be lower than in Vietnam, making it a cost-effective option for Vietnamese companies to import fertilizers from Laos.

Vietnams exports to Laos

In 2022, Vietnams primary exports to Laos comprised various commodities. Notably, petrol exports rocketed by 439 percent. Fertilizer exports also saw an uptick of 31.2 percent. Conversely, iron and steel exports dropped by 15 percent. Meanwhile, exports of other machinery, equipment, and spare parts rose marginally by 1.4 percent.

Top Vietnamese exports to Laos 2022

Description US$ Petroleum products 125,392,230 Fruits and vegetables 60,406,650 Iron and steel 60,166,209 Machine, equipment, tools and instruments 59,209,473 Iron and steel products 44,293,152

Petroleum products

Laos relies heavily on imported oil and petroleum products to meet its domestic energy demands. Vietnam, on the other hand, has a surplus of oil and petroleum products due to its oil production industry. Therefore, Vietnam can supply Laos with these essential energy products.

Additionally, Vietnams geographical proximity to Laos makes it a convenient and cost-effective source of petroleum products for Laos.

Fruits and vegetables

Vietnam and Laos share a long border, which makes it relatively easy and cost-effective for Vietnamese farmers and exporters to transport their fruits and vegetables to Laos.

Additionally, Vietnam and Laos share similar food preferences, which means that Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are in high demand in Laos. And as Laos continues to develop and urbanize, the demand for fresh produce is increasing, with Vietnam well-positioned to meet that demand.

Most importantly, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are often priced competitively compared to those from other countries, making them an attractive option for importers in Laos.

Iron and steel

Laos has limited iron and steel resources and relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic demand. Vietnam, on the other hand, has a well-developed steel industry and can produce iron and steel products at competitive prices.

The future of trade between Vietnam and Laos

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Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical uncertainties, bilateral trade relations between the two countries remain strong.

As Vietnam and Laos continue to deepen their cooperation in various sectors, there is immense potential for the two-way trade to further flourish in the years ahead, providing a win-win situation for all involved, including foreign investors seeking to tap into cost-effective production centers and raw material suppliers in the region for their supply chains.
Journalists in the Las Vegas Review-Journal newsroom in Nevada were grieving when reporter Lizzie Johnson arrived last November.

Their colleague  longtime Review-Journal reporter Jeff German  had been found stabbed to death outside his suburban home on September 3.

Johnson, who works for The Washington Post, had flown in from Washington to finish the last story German had been working on.

When Johnsons editor asked her if she wanted to take on the investigation, she immediately said yes.

It felt like such a big honor to even be asked to help do something that important, she told VOA.



While Johnson took over that coverage, Germans colleagues were focused on covering the police investigation of Robert Telles, who is charged with murder with a deadly weapon.

The former Clark County public administrator had been the subject of Germans reporting into alleged mismanagement in Telles office.

Telles, who had lost a reelection bid in June, entered a not guilty plea at an October hearing.



The final story

At the time of his killing, German was working on a new story, about an alleged Ponzi scheme.

Its one of the last stories that he wanted to do, and didnt get a chance to, and that shouldn't have to die with him, Johnson said.

That story was finally released last month: a collaboration between Johnson and Review-Journal photographer Rachel Aston, published on both outlets websites.

The investigations described how an alleged $500 million Ponzi scheme targeting Mormon investors concluded with an armed standoff at a desert mansion.

For the Review-Journals executive editor, Glenn Cook, It wasnt just to honor Jeffs legacy that we made sure his stories were finished. It was to ensure that his murder did not silence important stories.

In 2022, at least 67 journalists and media workers were killed around the world, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a sharp increase from its figures in 2021.

But the killing of journalists in the United States is not common. The CPJ has documented 14 cases in the U.S. since the nonprofit started tracking deaths in 1992.

Even though the Ponzi scheme story was completed, Germans killing prevents him from telling more stories, Cook said.

The community isnt going to be able to get the kinds of stories that Jeff spent his career reporting, he said.

Germans murder is also unique because of what it may mean for shield laws, both in Nevada and around the country, according to Cook. Shield laws protect journalists from being forced to disclose information like the identities of sources.

The Review-Journal says city police unlawfully seized Germans phone, which may include sensitive information including the identities of confidential sources.

In January, the news outlet asked a judge to impose sanctions on city police for not informing the newspaper that investigators searched Germans cellphone. The decision will now go to the Nevada Supreme Court after a judge rejected the request.

Police have said that access to Germans devices is necessary to understand the motivation for his killing.

The situation risks making confidential sources think twice about talking to the media, Cook said.

Having a colleague brutally murdered is bad enough, Cook said. But the fact that Jeff Germans murder now threatens press rights and freedoms is outrageous and really has us, as a news organization, absolutely determined to make sure Jeffs legacy is the upholding of the First Amendment and not a damaging court precedent that hurts journalism everywhere.

Media solidarity

When journalists are killed, the stories they were working on are left unpublished unless other journalists step in to complete them, says French journalist Laurent Richard.

To address that, he founded the nonprofit Forbidden Stories, which finishes the stories of journalists who have been killed or jailed.

If nobodys continuing the work of murdered journalists, thats a big threat for democracy, Richard told VOA from Paris. Whether its in Las Vegas or Mexico City, you should continue the work of every single reporter being killed.

If a story isnt completed, then the killer gets what they wanted, Richard said. His organization is on a mission to defeat impunity with collaborative journalism.

Its even counterproductive to kill a journalist if you know that others will regroup and continue his work, Richard said.

For The Posts Johnson, investigating the story meant balancing typical reporting challenges with the reality that she was assigned to the piece only because another journalist had died.

There would be days where if I let myself think about it too much, I would get overwhelmed, Johnson said.

She tried to focus on tracking down sources and documents but said, There were always these moments at the end of the day where I was wrapping up and I would think, The only reason why Im on this story is because someone died. Thats really heavy.

Visiting the Las Vegas newsroom helped Johnson feel more connected to German.



I felt like I was a lot closer to him and closer to his death after that, she said. I got to see his handwriting, and I got to see the desk that he sat in every day. I got to see how he organized things. So it just felt a lot more real after that.

Johnson said she struggles to find the words to convey how important it felt to her to contribute to Germans legacy.

We get into this work because we feel drawn to hold power accountable, to expose wrongdoing, she said. To think that a journalist would get killed in the course of doing that  thats hard. And then to think that their work would die with them also doesnt seem right.

The Review-Journal newsroom was filled with enormous pride when the story was finally published last month, Cook said. But it was also bittersweet.

There was also a solemnity to knowing that this was Jeffs last story, Cook said, and you wish with every fiber of your being that the byline at the top was Jeff German.
Human rights groups have called on Nigerian authorities to end sectarian attacks that left at least 35 people dead in northern areas over the weekend.



Amnesty International is among human rights groups condemning the recent attacks in Nigeria and calling for accountability.



In a statement Sunday, the group urged authorities to "immediately and decisively end incessant attacks by gunmen on communities in southern Kaduna." Kaduna is a state in northern Nigeria.



Armed men on Saturday night invaded Unguwan Wakili village in the local district of Zangon Kataf and killed 15 people, most of them women and children.



For many years, the region has suffered from violence involving local farmers and herders, causing thousands of deaths.

Amnesty International said 366 people were killed there between January and July of 2020.

Aminu Hayatu is Amnesty Internationals spokesperson.



"Authorities are not living up to the expectation that they bring perpetrators to justice and conduct investigations on those issues, the fact that these kinds of killings have been going on for quite some time. It is quite unacceptable," he said.

Kaduna state police authorities say they're looking into the attack but say initial findings show it could be reprisal for the killing of a herder who was tending to his animals a few days earlier.

Police spokesman Muhammad Jalige did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Hayatu says authorities have been investigating for too long without taking action.

"The position of the Kaduna state government has been that investigations are going on. [But] we haven't seen a single day that the public has been informed of the findings of the so-called investigations that they claim to be going on by the Kaduna state government and this really calls for worry because it emboldens the perpetrators," he said.

Nigeria has been battling a range of security challenges including insurgency, kidnappings, and communal clashes.

In a separate attack on Saturday, gunmen killed 20 people in northwest Katsina state, according to police.

Isah Gambo, a spokesperson for the Katsina state police, says authorities have restored calm in the affected areas and are keeping watch.



"They came all along from Zamfara state on motorbikes into Katsina state. Although there was stiff resistance from members of the community, police, military and other security agencies were mobilized; even the aircraft went for a rescue mission but unfortunately, they killed 20 members of the community and so many persons were injured also," he said.

Millions of Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new president last month. As outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year tenure comes to an end, many hope his successor can do something to rein in the chronic violence and insecurity.
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Boeing structural analysis engineer George Ndayizeye, who grew up in Burundi, has won a 2023 Black Engineer of the Year Legacy Award. He spoke with VOAs Natasha Mozgovaya outside Seattle.
Opposition parties in Cameroon have accused the ruling party of vote-buying in Sunday's Senate elections. Early results show the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) winning all seats in the poll which 10 opposition parties contested.

Singing and celebrating in the streets of the capital Yaounde, supporters of the CPDM already proclaimed themselves the winners of the March 12 Senate elections.

The CPDM is the party of Cameroons long-serving leader, 90-year-old Paul Biya.

Local media, including state broadcaster CRTV, report that similar celebrations took place in at least nine other locations.

Early results from ELECAM, the elections management body, indicate that the CPDM won all 70 seats in Sundays vote.

ELECAM said the elections, involving 15,000 designated members of the Senate electoral college, were free of glitches across the central African country. Voters in the restive western regions defied separatist threats and carried out their duties, the body said.

Opposition parties say the elections were marred by irregularities.

Denis Emilien Atangana was a candidate of the Front des Democrates du Cameroun, or FDC.

He said it was scandalous for the ruling CPDM to hire buses to transport all municipal and regional councilors who constitute the electoral college to polling stations. He also said the CPDM used threats, bullying and vote-buying to deprive voters of their freedom to make democratic choices. He also claimed, while in the buses, officials of the CPDM distributed money and threatened to punish voters who refused the bribe.

Atangana said opposition parties will file petitions with the Constitutional Council to cancel the results of the vote.

He said the government and ruling CPDM suffocate democracy by wanting to occupy all elected and appointed government positions.

Atangana alleged the polls were marred by low turnout and violence. The opposition says many voters in the volatile Northwest and Southwest regions did not vote due to threats from separatists who vowed to disrupt the process.

Separatists on social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook, say they stopped many electors from voting.

About 15,000 councilors in 60 divisions across Cameroon make up the electoral college. ELECAM says more than 97% of electors performed their voting rights.

The government says it protected all voters and candidates throughout the process.

The territorial administration minister, Paul Atanga Nji, said the government did not report irregularities that could jeopardize the outcome of the polls.

"More than 3,000 national and international observers were accredited by the ministry of territorial administration, he said. They travelled across the country, and we hope that they will produce objective reports on the conduct of this election, which in our opinion was free, transparent and credible. As of now, no major incident has been reported in any of the 58 divisions of the country."

The Senate, or upper house of parliament, has 100 seats. Seventy are elected by the councilors. The other 30 will be appointed by President Biya, who has the power to select opposition members as senators.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to travel to Russia to meet with his counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said, which would be sooner than previously expected.

Plans for a visit come as China has been offering to broker peace in Ukraine, an effort that has been met with skepticism in the West given China's diplomatic support for Russia.

Russia's Tass news agency reported on January 30 that Putin had invited Xi to visit in the spring. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of Xi going to Moscow and the Kremlin declined to comment.

No other details were immediately available.

The sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.

Last month, Putin hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi on a visit to Moscow and signaled that Xi would travel to Russia.

China and Russia struck a "no limits" partnership in February of 2022, when Putin was visiting Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, and the two sides have continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties.

Xi has met Putin in person 39 times since becoming president, most recently in September during a summit in central Asia.

On Monday, Xi wrapped up the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress, during which he was unanimously confirmed in a precedent-breaking third term as president.
A new maximum-security prison in El Salvador, considered to be the largest in Latin America, was built under orders of President Nayib Bukele as part of his crackdown on crime and gangs that has helped reduce violence in the country. But the project has raised human rights concerns, as we hear from Claudia Zaldana. Camera: Claudia Zaldana Produced by: Veronica Villafane
While Bakhmut is on fire, most of the front lines are all about waiting. The U.S. has begun an aggressive new push to inflict pain on Russia's economy. Ukrainian women who were imprisoned on Ukrains territory under Russias occupation and in Russia tell their stories and issue a call to action.
U.S. officials stopped hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants entering the country from Mexico on Sunday after a large group broke through Mexican lines to demand asylum in the U.S., only to be thwarted by barbed wire, barriers and shields.

Frustrated with problems securing appointments to seek asylum using a new U.S. government app, the migrants gathered at the frontier in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez but could not breach the crossing connecting the two countries.

Many of the migrants had small children with them.

At one point, some migrants attempted to hurl an orange, plastic barrier at the U.S. line, Reuters images show. Some people said pepper spray was deployed to repel them.

"Please, we just want to get in so we can help our families," said Camila Paz, an 18-year-old Venezuelan, sobbing heavily. "So I can have a future and help my family."

Neither U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) nor the Mexican government's national migration authority immediately replied to requests for comment.

After some pushing and shoving with the officials, the crowd of migrants eventually withdrew, with some heading down to the banks of the Rio Grande where they were monitored by U.S. immigration officials arrayed on the other side.

Many migrants have become fed up with the asylum process since the Biden administration made an app called CBP One available to them that was meant to streamline applications.

They say the app is beset by persistent glitches and high demand, leaving them in limbo in perilous border regions.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said recent app updates will simplify and speed up the process.

Describing her situation as "horrible, horrible," Paz said she had been trying to cross the border for a month, watching her money disappear and getting no nearer to claiming asylum.

"We want answers please," she said, "the (CBP One) application has done absolutely nothing for us."
Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Monday said there were discussions about "resolving" the fate of Paul Rusesabagina, who was portrayed as a hero in the Hollywood film "Hotel Rwanda" and is serving a 25-year sentence in Rwanda on terrorism charges.

Rusesabagina was sentenced in September 2021 over his ties to an organization opposed to Kagame's rule. He denied all the charges and refused to take part in the trial that he and his supporters called a political sham.

Washington has designated him as "wrongly detained", partly because of what it called the lack of fair trial guarantees. Rusesabagina has U.S. permanent residency rights.

Kagame has said his country would not be bullied over Rusesabagina, but on Monday appeared to suggest that there was room for compromise.

"We don't get stuck with our past. We move into the future," Kagame said during a video interview at the Global Security Forum.

"So there is discussion, there is looking at all possible ways of resolving that issue without compromising the most fundamental aspects of that case."

In August U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had raised his concerns with Kagame over the trial. Rwanda has said the trial was lawful.

Rusesabagina was feted around the world after being played by actor Don Cheadle in the 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda". The movie portrayed him as a hero who risked his life to shelter hundreds of people as manager of a luxury hotel during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Rusesabagina, a vocal critic of Kagame, acknowledged having a leadership role in the opposition group but denied responsibility for attacks carried out by its armed wing. The trial judges said the two were indistinguishable.

Rights groups say Rusesabagina's jailing is an example of Kagame using authoritarian tactics to crush political opposition and extend his more than two decades in power, allegations the president denies.
Malawi has diverted flights and suspended schools in its southern districts due to Cyclone Freddy, which has killed at least 40 people, according to the country's disaster management agency.

Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi on Friday and has caused damage in at least 10 districts in the country's south.

The government in Lilongwe suspended schools in southern Malawi until further notice. In Blantyre, authorities suspended flights at the Chileka International airport for much of Sunday and Monday.

"Our officers have been deployed to rescue and provide other services to people who need rescue and we are in each of the districts because we also have police stations in these districts," said Peter Kalaya, spokesman for Malawi's Police Service. "But suffice to say our efforts are being hampered by the effects of the rains because the rains are still falling."

Kalaya said the death toll will likely rise, as they expect reports from nine other affected districts.

Chipiliro Khamula, spokesman for Malawi's Department of Disaster Preparedness, told VOA Monday rescue efforts were underway by police, the military and the Malawi Red Cross.

"We have also set up a national emergency operations center in Limbe to facilitate coordination of preparedness interventions," Khamula said. "Again we have also stockpiled some relief items at the humanitarian staging area in Bangula, at our Blantyre warehouse, and in some districts for effective and efficient provision of relief items in affected areas."

Yobu Kachiwanda, spokesperson for Malawi's Meteorological Department, said the cyclone has started to weaken and is expected to leave Malawi soon.

"Projection is that it is still there in the next 24 to 48 hours, and will go back into Mozambique Channel as usual towards mid-week into the weekend," Kachiwanda said.

Cyclone Freddy first appeared more than a month ago and is believed to be the longest-lasting storm in the region for the past 20 years. Since February, the cyclone has left scores of people dead across Madagascar and twice-hit Mozambique.

The storm is also expected to hit parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe this week.
Myanmar's junta and anti-coup fighters traded accusations on Monday over the killing of around 30 people who were sheltering in a monastery.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since a coup two years ago, with the military fighting dozens of "People's Defence Forces" (PDFs) across much of the country.

Local villagers and media have reported killing and burning sprees by junta forces in many parts of the country as they struggle to crush opposition to the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government.

Two rebel groups operating around Shan state -- the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and the Pa-O National Defence Force -- said soldiers entered Nam Neint village on Saturday.

After ordering civilians sheltering in a monastery to come out, the soldiers shot dead 33 people, including three Buddhist monks, the KNDF said.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed there had been clashes in Nam Neint village on Saturday and some anti-coup fighters had been killed.

He also confirmed that some civilians had died in the village, but blamed their deaths on the local PDF fighters.

AFP has not been able to independently verify those involved.

Pictures posted on Facebook by the KNDF showed a bloody aftermath of the incident, with bodies on the ground, including some who appeared to be wearing the saffron robes of the monkhood.

The Pa-O National Defence Force said junta troops had killed 22 civilians including three Buddhist monks.

Its members had found seven other dead bodies but were working to confirm who they were, it added.

AFP on Monday also obtained video from the Karenni Revolution Union (KRU), another anti-junta group operating in the area.

The video showed around a dozen bodies lying in pools of blood on the ground, near a wall with what appeared to be bullet holes in it. Three of the dead are in saffron robes.

'Shot in the head'

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun did not confirm how many civilians had died in Nam Neint village.

He said reports that the military had killed civilians were to create "illusions between local people and the Tatmadaw," using the word Myanmar's military refers to itself.

Another series of pictures purportedly taken in the same village were released by a prominent pro-military Telegram channel.

According to AFP digital verification reporters, landmarks seen in the images matched a satellite image of Nam Neint village.

The pictures from the pro-military Telegram channel showed several bodies on the floor, and the account said 24 "PDFs had been shot in the head."

One picture from the pro-military Telegram account showed three bodies slumped in a corner holding what appeared to be homemade rifles -- differing from the KRU video that showed the same bodies, with no rifles visible.

"Disciplining unruly Kayah PDFs," the text on the pro-military Telegram account read.

Kayah state borders Shan state, and has seen regular clashes between the military and anti-coup fighters, including the KNDF.
Sayfullo Saipov, the man convicted of killing eight people in an attack on a Manhattan bike path in 2017, was spared the death penalty after a federal jury deadlocked on how he should be punished.

The deadlock means Saipov will be sentenced to life in prison without parole, because a unanimous decision is required to impose the death penalty. He will spend his sentence at Colorado's Supermax facility, the most secure U.S. federal prison.

Saipov, a 35-year-old Uzbek national, was convicted in January by a federal jury 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 has been reconvened to consider Saipov's punishment.

Saipov's case is the first federal death penalty trial since President Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in 2021 after pledging to abolish capital punishment during his campaign.

In its verdict form, read aloud by U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick in federal court in Manhattan, the jury indicated that it did not unanimously agree that Saipov was likely to commit criminal acts of violence in prison in the future.

The 12 jurors agreed on a number of other aggravating factors weighing in favor of the death penalty, including that Saipov planned the attack in advance and that he carried it out in support of Islamic State.

But they also agreed on several mitigating factors, including that many of Saipov's family members still love him despite what he had done and that a sentence of life imprisonment provides hope that he would one day realize that what he did was wrong.

During the penalty phase of the trial, jurors heard from survivors of the attack who testified about their ongoing suffering, and jail officers who described Saipov's outbursts and threats since his arrest.

"The defendant is still committed to jihad and ISIS and violence," prosecutor Amanda Houle said in her closing argument on March 7.

Saipov's defense lawyer, David Patton, said in his closing argument that the death penalty was "not necessary to do justice." He said Saipov would spend 22 or 23 hours a day alone in a cell with a concrete bed if sentenced to life in prison.
The Oscars is the pinnacle of Hollywood's awards season, and thus the A-listers in attendance typically save their best looks for last. On Sunday, the stars did not disappoint.

As the guests filed into the Dolby Theatre, a few trends emerged: lots of understated white, silver and cream gowns; loose flowing hair; dresses with trains; and a few excellent pops of color.

Here are some key looks from the Oscars red carpet:

Muted elegance

For the first time in decades, Oscars organizers changed the red carpet to a champagne hue. And the stars responded by bringing an ethereal lightness to their frocks, many of them in white, cream or silver.

Michelle Yeoh, the star of frontrunner "Everything Everywhere All at Once," wowed in a floating white sleeveless Dior gown, her long hair flowing in loose curls  a look seen all over the carpet  and topped with a bejeweled headband.

"This was the perfect opportunity to show that moms are superheroes," Yeoh told ABC of her film.

Jamie Lee Curtis, nominated for best supporting actress for her work alongside Yeoh, rocked a sleek glittering long-sleeved off-white column gown from Dolce & Gabbana, perfectly setting off her cropped white hair.

Presenter Florence Pugh, who has been shutting down red carpets for months with quirk and swagger, pushed the sartorial envelope in a Valentino gown that was all voluminous creamy taffeta on top  and then slit extra high to reveal a black miniskirt.

And Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai, the executive producer of Oscar-nominated documentary short "Stranger at the Gate," wore a sequined silver hooded Ralph Lauren gown that was ruched at the waist.

Candy-colored glam

Pink, purple, yellow  Curtis' fellow nominees in the best supporting actress category brought a rainbow of hues to the Academy Awards.

Angela Bassett, whose turn as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" could make her the first actor in a Marvel film to win an Oscar, slayed in an amethyst Moschino gown with a bow neckline, a train... and lots of diamonds.

She paid tribute on the red carpet to nominated costume designer Ruth Carter, saying she felt "that sense of royalty spring up," telling ABC: "And it really helped to get me there in terms of the performance."

Hong Chau, who earned a nod for her work opposite Brendan Fraser in "The Whale," oozed sophistication in a cotton candy pink sleeveless Prada gown, with a Mandarin collar and an unusual fringed black train.

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" star Stephanie Hsu floated down the carpet at the Dolby Theatre in a strapless bubble gum pink Valentino number with a full ball skirt, her hair cascading down in soft waves.

And Irish actress Kerry Condon, who shared the big screen with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in "The Banshees of Inisherin," donned a lemon yellow one-shoulder Versace gown  and another train, a definite Oscars trend.

Lets hear it for the boys

For years, the men of Hollywood were a bit of an afterthought on red carpets  tuxedo, rinse, repeat. But no longer.

"Everything Everywhere" star Harry Shum Jr embraced his Asian heritage with a white dinner jacket with midnight piping and coordinated belted sash. And for his "Glee" fans, he danced a bit on the red carpet.

And "Elvis" star Austin Butler wore a Saint Laurent tuxedo fit for a king  though definitely a bit more traditional than his other awards season looks.
Pope Francis marks 10 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has lived since his election.

The Argentina-born Francis, 86, became the first Latin American pontiff on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI who had become the first pope in six centuries to resign.

"It seems like yesterday," he said in a podcast by Vatican News broadcast on Monday. "Time flies. When you gather up today, it is already tomorrow."

When it was recorded at his residence on Sunday, he asked: "What's a podcast?" according to Vatican News reporter Salvatore Cernuzio. When it was explained to him, he said "Nice. Let's do it."

The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his "psychological health."

He has invited all the cardinals who are in Rome with him to the Mass on Monday.

A persistent knee ailment has forced Francis to alternate between a cane and a wheelchair, but he appears to be in good overall health.

"You don't run the Church with a knee but with a head," he reportedly told an aide after he began occasionally using a wheelchair in public for the first time last May.

Cardinal electors

Francis has said he would be ready to step down if severe health problems prohibited him from running the 1.38-billion-member Church. But he has also said he thinks popes should try to reign for life and that being emeritus pope  as Benedict was  should not become a "fashion". Benedict resigned on health grounds but lived nearly 10 more years.

With his 10 years as pontiff, Francis has now reigned longer than the 7.5 years average length of the previous 265 pontificates. He has visited 60 states and territories, clocking up almost 410,000 kilometers.

But he has not returned to his native Argentina, an absence that has prompted much speculation.

He has named about 64% of the so-called cardinal electors who are under 80 and thus eligible to enter a conclave to elect his successor after he dies or resigns.

Francis marks the anniversary having outlasted conservative opposition within the Church that has several times demanded his resignation and which is now at a crossroads, seeking new direction following the deaths of two of its leading figures.

The longest papacy is believed to be that of St. Peter the apostle, the first pope, estimated to have lasted about 35 years.

The longest papacy in recent centuries was that of Pius IX, which lasted more than 31 years between 1846 and 1878. After that comes the papacy of John Paul II, who reigned for more than 26 years between 1978 and 2005.
The heavy snow brings a sense of tranquility to the trenches, Sergey tells me, looking intently at the open field that separates us from the Russians. He is a lieutenant and commander of this system of trenches in the southern Donbas area near the town of Velyka Novosilka.

We are less than 2 kilometers from Moscows troops. A mine-laden open field separates us from them.

"On a day like this, everything is calmer. Everything is less intense. They can't see what's happening here, and we can't see what's happening there," Sergey says, his eyes focused on the field. We are inside one of the many observation points in this complex of more than 2 kilometers of trenches.

'Things are different around here'

Outside, under the thick snow, a Ukrainian soldier walks through the narrow corridors of the trenches like a tiger trapped in a cage. He has a routine. First, he goes to an observation point where a .50-caliber machine gun is camouflaged and raises the binoculars toward the open field. Then, he looks at the gray sky, searching for a drone. He uses the binoculars again and heads to another observation post. He repeats these movements in the same order, at the same time and at the same pace over and over again.

"People think of war as a constant battle, with shots and explosions all the time, but that's not always the case," Sergey says in the bunker he shares with the soldiers in their spare time.

It's dark and cold. Only a candle lights the place. A soldier sleeps. Near him, a cat feeds three kittens born not long ago in this trench.

"We've been here at this point for three months. Before that, we were 800 meters in another line of trenches. But in December, we had to retreat. Their artillery was very accurate," Sergey says.

Since then, he and his men have been here watching and waiting.

"Sometimes they shoot. Sometimes they threaten to advance. But this isn't Bakhmut. Things are different around here," he says.

Bakhmut is an exception. The small town that has become a symbol of this second year of the war is an open battlefield, with Russians and Ukrainians fighting neighborhood by neighborhood, street by street, house by house. In recent months, tens of thousands of men and women on both sides of the conflict have given their lives for Bakhmut. Despite Russian advances, fierce fighting continues there.

But beyond Bakhmut, hundreds of cities and towns form part of a front line stretching from the north of Donbas to the south of Ukraine in Kherson. About 1,000 kilometers of trenches, rivers and other obstacles separate Ukrainian troops from Russian soldiers. Although skirmishes are daily, most of the front lines have been static for months, with no advances and no retreats.

Boredom under the trees

A few kilometers away, the thick snow brings boredom to the team lead by Ivan, a young book editor from Kharkiv who was swallowed up by the war last year. He and a group of six other soldiers are in charge of one of three artillery pieces in a forest region near Vuhledar, also in southern Donbas.

"On days like this, we rarely receive the command to shoot. Our drones can't see what's happening on the other side, and they can't see us," Ivan says. "We only get orders to shoot when there is some action. But most of the time, that's it  wait, wait, wait."

On days like this, they spend most of their time in a bunker about a kilometer from a 2S3 Akatsiya, the self-propelled artillery gun built during the Soviet era that is used by both sides in this conflict.

"We stayed here waiting for the command. When we received the order, we were ready to fire in less than two minutes," Ivan says.

He and his soldiers rarely have an idea what they are shooting at or whether they hit the target.



"We are 6 kilometers away from Russian troops and have an 18-kilometer range, so only our command center can know what we are shooting at and how we are shooting it," he tells me inside a bunker where soldiers play games offline on their cellphones and warm their socks by ovens. The phones dont have connections, to prevent the Russians from intercepting their calls or geolocating them.

The weather changes, and Ivan's radio is abuzz with orders from the Ukrainian command center to the other artillery teams. He says his well-equipped "neighbors" are receiving orders to fire.

"They have Western guns. They have more range than us," he says.

He decides to take his soldiers closer to the Akatsiya, believing that a fire order is imminent. Around us, the booms of cannon fire are heard. Soon, the radio command comes. The soldiers run inside the gun turret, making the last coordinate adjustments.

Ivan advises me to open my mouth to help equalize the pressure caused by the explosion. He warns it will be loud. Suddenly, a ball of fire comes out of the mouth of the Akatsiya's long cannon. After the boom, the smoke fills the forest like a morning mist.

"You need to get out of here now, Ivan tells me. They may have our location."

We leave, avoiding the muddy road and seeking cover from trees.



War secrets

The sound of artillery has become routine for Sasha, a 36-year-old farmer who looks like an imposing lumberjack from a cartoon animation. He has been stationed for nine months in Velyka Novosilka.

"It never stops. It's all the time," Sasha says inside one of the few houses still intact at the entrance to this ghost town, home to only 150 civilians still living under a deactivated fire department unit.

He spends his days and nights here with a colleague. The two are responsible for reporting to Novosilka's command post who enters and who leaves through the western access of the small town. It's a tedious routine, punctuated by the spikes in tension when bombs fall nearby.

"We're constantly digging a deeper and deeper hole in here. We never know when they're going to hit us," he says.

Sasha comes from a small village near Dnipro, not far from Velyka Novosilka. He joined the war when his stepfather died in combat at the start of the Russian invasion.

"But he was already fighting in the Donbas since 2015. He spent years in the war, but he never really told me what the war was," Sasha says.

He says he only now realizes that his stepfather hid a lot from him about war.

"We only understand what war is when we experience it. In general, everything is very different from what we hear. They don't tell us everything," he says.

Today, he does the same with the young people in his village when he has time off.

"It's best to let them know what it's like here for themselves," he says.



Amulet

The snow afforded a lull in the trenches that are under Sergeys command. The thickest flakes fell from the trees, exposing the pieces of wood torn apart by the bullets. Soon, the tranquility is gone. The soldiers are silent. One of them thinks he heard a small drone flying overhead. Suddenly, a gunfight erupts. The sound of bullets cutting through the air shatters the silence of a quiet snowy afternoon. And as soon as it begins, it ends.

"The mortars will come soon. Let's go to a shelter," Sergey tells me. "Don't worry, it's just a provocation. Soon, everything will return to normal."

Sergey is confident he will return home after this war. He deposits part of his faith in an amulet he carries between his uniform and the bulletproof vest he wears  a small candle, lightly burned, no more than an inch long. It was a gift from his father's best friend, a former Red Army fighter in Afghanistan.

"That candle protected him for several years there, and he gave it to me as a gift. I have faith that I will be protected by it, too," Sergey says.

The friend returned alive but without both legs. I ask Sergey if it this a sign of luck, to live in a bed for the rest of ones life. Sergey is honest.

"The most important thing is to come back home alive, no matter how," he says.
A Taiwanese soldier serving on an islet close to the Chinese coast who went missing last week has been found in China, a senior Taiwan minister said on Monday, an incident that has happened amid heightened tensions.

Taiwan's defense ministry said on Thursday that the soldier had failed to report for rollcall on Erdan islet, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen group of islands that lie near the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Speaking to reporters in parliament, Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, said the soldier was in China.

"It's confirmed that he is in the mainland. The defense ministry and relevant departments are actively aware of the relevant progress and situation," he said.

"The defense ministry has their relevant mechanisms for identifying deserters," Chiu added.

The defense ministry declined to comment. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past three years stepped up its military and political pressure to try and get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan's government rejects those claims.

During the height of the Cold War, defectors from both sides would on occasion swim between China and Kinmen.

At its nearest point, from the Mashan observation post, the main island of Kinmen is at low tide less than 2km (1.6 miles) from Chinese-controlled territory.

It was from there former World Bank chief economist Justin Lin swam across to defect to China in 1979.

Taiwan has controlled Kinmen, as well as the Matsu islands further up the Chinese coast, since the Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the communists, who established the People's Republic of China.
After pandemic-related delays, discussion is now underway about resuming work on the railway project in Myanmar that will connect China's Yunnan province to the Bay of Bengal, according to the Myanmar government.

The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative that includes construction of the Pan-Asian Railway Network that would include Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

The railway project covers approximately 1,000 kilometers and is divided into two sections in Myanmar  from Muse to Mandalay and from Mandalay to Kyaukphyu, a port city on the Bay of Bengal. The railroad, when completed, will give China a shipping route that bypasses the Straits of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia.

"We have signed several agreements with China for development projects," Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for Myanmar's military government, told VOA Burmese late last week. "The railroad project to Kyaukphyu is included in those development agreements.  Field inspection and reports have been completed. The implementation to resume the projects are still being discussed."

VOA Burmese emailed the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment on the project but received no response.

Beijing, which is dependent on Middle Eastern oil, wants to avoid the possibility of a foreign power disrupting oil shipments from the Middle East by blockading the straits.

At the 20th Party Congress in October, President Xi Jinping stressed that energy security was one of Beijing's key concerns. China imports some 70% of the crude oil it needs, and much of that comes from Saudi Arabia, although Russia has become a larger supplier since invading Ukraine was followed by international sanctions that closed other markets to Moscow.

A senior official at the Myanmar Transportation Department who was not authorized to speak to the press and asked to remain unnamed confirmed the meeting last week in the capital city of Naypyitaw with Chinese counterparts to resume the railroad project developed by the state-run Myanma Railways and the China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group (CREEG).

"Previously it was OBOR, One Belt, One Road. After that, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," the official told VOA Burmese. "We suspended the project due to COVID.  [The] Chinese are in consultation to resume the Kyaukphyu project eventually."

The preparation of the bilateral memorandum of understanding for the Kunming-Kyaukphyu railway, which is estimated to cost $9 billion, was executed in 2019. The railway projects were among the 33 agreements signed by Xi during his visit to Myanmar in January 2020.

China and Myanmar approved the route for the first segment in 2019. The project will traverse rugged terrain and areas of Myanmar where ethnic armed organizations have fought the Myanmar military and each other for decades.

After the military coup in February 2021, Burmese and Chinese scientists conducted an environmental assessment of the first section of project, which was approved in 2022. Preparations for the second segment began late last year, according to the website, Frontier Myanmar, and were confirmed by Zaw Min Tun.

In late February, China's special envoy for Myanmar affairs, Deng Xijun, held meetings in Myanmar's Shan State with representatives of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) to discuss trade and economic cooperation with a focus on the railway from Yunnan to Muse and Kyaukphyu.

Deng's visit was intended to build ties with the EAOs, as well as to persuade them to reach some form of cease-fire with the military government that came to power with a February 2021 coup. China has expressed concern about instability in Myanmar and the West's support for the anti-military opposition soon after the coup in an editorial published in the Global Times, a newspaper affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.

A rail line connecting China with Thailand via Laos is scheduled to begin operations at the end of May, according to a March 3 release from the railroad. The China-Laos-Thailand round-trip train service will run every other day. Service is scheduled to be expanded to one train per day at the end of June.
A top U.N. official warned Monday that ramping up enforcement alone will not fix the problem of thwarting illegal cross-Channel migration, following a major agreement between Britain and France.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron last Friday agreed a new pact worth over 500 million euros to thwart illegal migration across the Channel.

"An enforcement-only approach won't fix the challenges that they're facing," Amy Pope, the deputy head of the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), told AFP.

The deal will see Britain step up funding to France to allow hundreds more French police to patrol the Channel and also establish a new detention center as a further deterrent.

Activists have expressed unease over the plan, with the France director of Human Rights Watch Benedicte Jeannerod saying the two sides were persisting with a tactic that "pushes exiles to risk dangerous crossings and subjects them to undignified treatment."

Asked what she thought of the agreement, Pope, who is running to take over the top IOM job, said that in her long experience working on border issues, she had seen that "an enforcement-only approach doesn't actually work."

"It may dissuade some people, and it may cut down on the numbers of people, but ultimately, desperate people looking for opportunities will find ways."

Sunak  who is under fierce pressure at home to reduce the number of migrants arriving in Britain  last week also unveiled legislation that would bar anyone arriving in the country illegally from seeking asylum.

Critics say the proposed legislation would make Britain an international outlaw on refugee rights.

In all cases where there are a large number of migrants on the move, Pope said it was vital to address "what is driving people from home in the first place."

"It is critical that... all governments recognize the comprehensive approach that's needed," she said, saying more should be done to help people before they leave, and also to create better regular channels for migration.

"If you're just looking at the Channel or you're just looking at the Mediterranean, or you're just looking at Libya, you have missed about 10 interventions that could have happened along the way," she said.

One good thing about the UK-France agreement, Pope said, was the "recognition that one country acting on its own can't solve the challenge."

More than 3,000 migrants have arrived in Britain in small boats across the Channel so far this year, and the backlog of asylum claims now exceeds 160,000.
For years after Oliver Dean lost his dad to cancer at age 5, triggers could send him into a depressive spiral.

But young Oliver had some advantages: He had a mother who worked at his school, an accessible school counselor and a psychologist specializing in child grief. Together, they helped him cope with overwhelming memories and disabling pain.

Since the pandemic began, more children have experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver, but too few of them have access to such support.

Last year, the Cherry Creek School District began a pilot program with grief-care nonprofit Judis House in Aurora to host group therapy for elementary-age students. The Cherry Creek Schools Foundation is funding the program.

This year, the program serves 20 students at two schools.

I think there is a lot more need, absolutely, said Steve Nederveld, director of mental health for the Cherry Creek School District. We had schools specifically ask us for this kind of program.

Dean knows about that need.

One day in third grade, a book about a girl who had alopecia, a condition causing hair loss, flooded Deans mind with painful memories about his dad balding and how he didnt remember him with hair.

Often, teachers knew to warn Dean when a subject in class might remind him of his loss. On this day, Dean wasnt expecting to have a wave of grief wash over him. But because he had been learning skills to deal with his emotions, he recognized what he was feeling and decided to step out of his classroom.

Now 19, Dean says he was lucky to have the support, part of it arranged beforehand by his dad, who was a social worker. He knows most children arent as fortunate.

There are far more people than you would expect who lose someone significant before they turn 18, Dean said. You dont know everyones circumstance. There are a lot more people who can relate than you think.

If Cherry Creeks trial proves it helps children, leaders say they hope it could become a regular part of Judis House offerings to schools. That would require more data to show the program works, as well as a way to pay for it, since the group does not charge schools. For years, the nonprofit has focused on middle schools, where theyve felt their limited funding can make the most impact.

But Nederveld heard from elementary school leaders who want similar services in their schools.

Firm numbers are hard to come by, but people who work in schools say more students are dealing with losses. Nederveld said some of that is COVID-related, but students also are enduring the fallout of deaths by suicide, drug overdoses and gun violence.

A model Judis House developed estimates the number of children who will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. In 2018, that estimate was 1 in 18 children in Colorado. In 2022, the estimate went up to 1 in 14 children.

That would be about 7% of the child population.

We werent really surprised by the data but we were also shocked, if thats possible, said Dr. Micki Burns, chief clinical officer at Judis House. In 2020, an estimated 4% of children who had lost a caregiver lost that parent to a gun-related homicide. Its a number that is growing and increasing.

Burns said Judis House does serve everyone who comes to them but sometimes people have to wait for a spot in a group. The organization also offers quarterly family services. Sometimes people come to them but need other mental health services first, so they may get referred elsewhere.

There is such a gap in mental health services in general, Burns said. As a society, we do need to do so much more.

Last year, after the pilot started at Sagebrush Elementary, Judis House found positive effects on students. Teachers reported students had improved attention and behavior, said Emily Napier, a licensed clinical social worker and community-based care manager for Judis House who is running the pilot program.

Judis House is running its grief therapy groups this year at Cherry Creeks Village East Community Elementary, where almost 70% of students qualify for subsidized meals, a measure of poverty, and Rolling Hills Elementary, where about 15% of students do.

I dont think these two schools were outliers, Nederveld said. They were the first to reach out.

Kids are placed into either kindergarten through second grade or third through fifth grade groups.

Rolling Hills has about 10 students in a weekly group, for third through fifth graders.

In the fall, staff reached out to families of students they knew had lost a close relative. If the family agreed, a Judis House clinician interviewed the student to see how grief was impacting them and to ensure the group setting could benefit them. Classroom teachers also filled out questionnaires about their students behavior in class.

This spring, the 10 students began meeting once a week for an hour in a group run by staff from Judis House.

District and school leaders say that the fact the group is run at school, during the school day and for no charge helps families who may face barriers trying to access those services outside of schools.

Karen Arrowsmith, the schools psychologist, said that halfway through the 10-week program, teachers are reporting that students are excited.

Theyre looking forward to the group, theyre opening up and theyre checking in to make sure the group is still happening that week, Arrowsmith said.

The goal is to slowly help students better understand their feelings, and to process their emotions. Then students learn about various coping strategies.

When someone close to a child dies, it kind of just rocks their world, Arrowsmith said. I would say we see a variety of emotions: confusion, sadness, anger, worry. Kids will tell me sleeping is hard. Concentrating on schoolwork can be hard.

For the younger group, a six-week course helps students label and understand their feelings and learn strategies to cope with them.

A childs understanding of the world can get shattered or disrupted, Napier said. Its very painful. That can come out as behavioral changes. It helps schools to be able to say we dont want to punish these kids for this behavior, but also we need them to be able to function and learn.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" won the prestigious best picture trophy at the Academy Awards on Sunday as Hollywood embraced an offbeat story about a Chinese-American family working out their problems across multiple dimensions.

The movie claimed three of the four acting Oscars for star Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Yeoh played the lead role of a stressed-out laundromat owner who finds she has superpowers in alternate universes.

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities," the 60-year-old Malaysian actress said on stage. "And ladies, don't let anybody ever tell you you are ever past your prime."

Quan, a onetime child star who gave up acting for two decades, and Hollywood veteran Curtis won supporting actor and actress for their roles.

A weeping Quan, who was born in Vietnam, kissed his gold Oscar statuette as he held it on stage in front of the biggest names in show business.

"My journey started on a boat," Quan said. "I spent a year in a refugee camp. Somehow I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage."

As a boy, Quan starred in a 1984 "Indiana Jones" movie and "The Goonies" in 1985. The 51-year-old said he had quit acting for years because he saw little opportunity for Asian actors on the big screen.

"They say stories like this only happen in the movies," he added. "I cannot believe it's happening to me. This is the American dream."

Quan's co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, who built a career in horror films such as "Halloween," won best supporting actress for playing a frumpy tax auditor named Deirdre Beaubeirdre.

Curtis, 64, looked upward and addressed her late parents, Academy award nominees Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. "I just won an Oscar," she said through tears.

"The Whale" star Brendan Fraser won best actor for playing a severely obese man trying to reconnect with his daughter.

A German remake of World War One epic "All Quiet" won best international feature.
The U.N. high commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, said more needs to be done to support survivors in Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of last month's devastating earthquake as the death toll from the tragedy continues to climb.

Grandi, who concluded a five-day visit to earthquake-devastated areas, said in a statement Monday, "The needs on the ground in both countries are enormous and the response must be better resourced."

He said the focus needs to be not just on long-term rebuilding projects, but on immediate assistance.

"While it is critical to think about and support longer term efforts, much more humanitarian aid and early recovery resources are needed so that people can begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods," he said.

"The level of destruction and devastation is shocking and in many places, it is apocalyptic," Grandi added.

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Monday that the death toll in Turkey had risen to 48,448.

Speaking at a news conference in the hard-hit province of Malatya, Soylu said the toll in Turkey included 6,660 foreign nationals, mostly Syrians. He also said authorities were still trying to identify 1,615 victims.

In neighboring Syria, the quake killed more than 6,000 people.

A U.N. commission Monday blamed both Syria's government and the international community for not acting fast enough to help people in need in Syria's rebel-held northwest.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic said there should be an investigation into why it took a week following the earthquake for Syria's government and the United Nations to agree on opening more border crossings for aid to flow to rebel-held areas.

Commission member Paulo Pinheiro told a news conference in Geneva that there was a "complete failure by the government and the international community including United Nations to rapidly direct urgent lifesaving aid for northwest Syria."

"Many days were lost without any aid to survivors of the earthquake," he said.

Some information in this report came from the Associated Press and Reuters.
Chinese President Xi Jinpings latest move to bolster the power of the Communist Party and tighten its grip on society is a manifestation of the Communist ideology and will likely result in increased suppression at home and intensified conflicts with the West, according to analysts.

The annual national parliamentary session, which ended Monday, endorsed reforms that would boost the partys control over state institutions.

The National Peoples Congress on Friday approved a plan to reorganize central government institutions under the State Council, or Cabinet, including the formation of a financial regulatory body, a national data bureau and a revamp of its science and technology ministry. The partys institutional reform plan was due out after the end of the parliamentary session Monday.

Since Xi came to power, he has headed two rounds of reforms - in 2013 and 2018 - setting up party groups to oversee policy changes in law and order, foreign affairs, finance and security.

Over the past 10 years, the Communist Party has moved from collective leadership with the general secretary, considered first among equals on the elite Politburo Standing Committee  a practice established in the reform and opening era after the Cultural Revolution  to Xis supreme leadership, analysts say.

In 2018, Chinese lawmakers amended the constitution abolishing presidential term limits - paving the way for Xi to rule for life. In a further move to assert his authority, the party pledged to uphold the "Two Establishes, party-speak for loyalty to him, in a historical resolution passed in 2021.

Analysts say Xis reforms are the opposite of the reform and opening policy launched by paramount leader Deng Xiaoping in 1978, to diminish the partys role in the government. They say Xis agenda would give major power to the party to set policy, while the State Council and its government ministries would merely see that the policies were implemented.

Xi thinks he is the 21st century Mao. He feels so firm in his socialism faith and is the only one who could achieve so much, said Willy Lam, senior fellow at the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation.

Chen Daoyin, a former associate professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, says Xis preference for jizhong liliang bandashi (concentrating on big things) has its origin in Marxism-Leninism.

It is the Communist Partys nature to control. They only share power when they have no choice, Chen said, adding that Lenins view of party building was that power should be firmly in the hands of the leaders.

Since Xi took power, he saw upholding the Communist Partys one-party rule as his historical mission, having said in an internal speech in 2012 that when the Soviet Union collapsed, Nobody was man enough to stand up and resist.

He is determined to become this man who saves the party and the nation, Chen said. Following this logic, he needs to grab power in the party, government, military, police and ideology to rejuvenate the country.

And in the partys eyes, the emergence of a civil society and business class is a threat to its rule, says Chen.

Chinese authorities have not only decimated Chinas fledgling civil society in a series of crackdowns on human rights lawyers, liberal scholars, journalists, NGO workers and unofficial churches, but in recent years, they have also targeted technology companies such as Tencent and Alibaba and their bosses.

Peoples awareness of rights has awakened, and they want to get involved in public policymaking, Chen said. So, the party believes it must implement control, so they wont demand power sharing anymore.

Professor Chung Kim-wah, a social scientist formerly with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said Xis reversal of Dengs reform agenda, his cult of personality and attacks on speech and civil freedoms, have alienated China from the international community.

People had once hoped that economic reform would lead to changes I should think nobody harbors this illusion anymore, he said.

Lam believes Chinas growing friction with the United States over trade and technology as well as Taiwan, the South China Sea and Ukraine issues, will mean that its economy will not rebound easily from the stagnation brought on by three years of a "zero COVID" policy.

Xi wont budge, so the problems will become more severe, Lam said. There is no way to bring about a reconciliation. The differences are too fundamental.

Domestically, Xis consolidation of power will also augur more troubles ahead, analysts say.

In the absence of democratic elections, the Chinese Communist Partys legitimacy depends on economic performance and nationalism, but with the economic slump and widespread discontent over the draconian COVID-19 restrictions, the partys legitimacy is wearing thin, Lam said.

In late November, the stringent COVID measures sparked protests across China and escalated into a call for more freedoms. Elderly Chinese also protested in recent weeks against cuts to medical benefits. Although the unrest was quickly quashed, the frustrations are expected to grow. Xis consolidation of power could escalate suppression. Lam says authorities could increase social control and thwart potential unrest more effectively with the help of information gathered by the newly established data bureau.

Chung said Xis centralization of power would impact international politics and the economy.

To a certain extent, I feel the Cold War has returned. This further consolidation [of] power makes the whole process harder to turn around. Would China take more military risks to defend itself? Chung asked.

Li Shaomin, a professor at Old Dominion University in Virginia, said it is important to remember that the Chinese Communist Party has never abandoned one-party dictatorship.

Now China has national strength, it feels it can implement absolute power. It can brandish its sword in front of the world, Li told a VOA Chinese language current affairs program.

Chen warned the lack of checks on power means huge mistakes can be easily made, and given Chinas connection with the world, the consequences could have a tremendous impact. He cited the example of how the authorities suppression of news of the emergence of COVID three years ago led to its rapid spread around the world.

This could lead to a disaster, and this is the dreadful thing about the concentration of power, Chen said.
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By Izzy Hawksworth via SWNS

An envelope that was sent from America has arrived in the UK without the letter inside of it - 80 years after it was mailed.

The envelope, which is dated Oct. 5, 1942 was discovered by manager Kevin Beattie, 39, when it arrived at The Sands Meadows care home in Hest Bank, Lancs.

He immediately realized that 'it wasn't your average letter' and launched an appeal on social media to try and find out who the envelope belonged to.

Kevin then discovered it was from Phillip Tattersall, who was living in Florida at the time while he was training for the British Flying Training School but he sadly died in 1996.

It is believed Phillip tried to send the letter from Florida to his parents Cornelius and Ethel Tattersall, who lived at the property which is now the care home.

Although the actual letter was missing, Kevin said when he opened it and saw the age of the envelope, he realized it was something he had never seen before.

Kevin said: "If letters have come damaged to the home, then its come in a clear plastic bag and just mentioned that if there's anything of value, to contact Royal Mail.

"But once we opened it and saw the age of the envelope and the stamp, it dawned on us that it wasn't your average letter that we would have got.

"We've never seen anything like this locally but I've seen something before how someone received a letter from over a hundreds years ago.

"But we'd never seen one before."

After seeing Kevin's appeal, Phillip's daughter Phillipa and granddaughter Tessa reached out to him to provide more information about the envelope.

They revealed that when he returned from Florida, Phillip became a RAF Flight Lieutenant and later served in northern Germany in WW2 and flew a fighter bomber.

The family also said that Phillip married his wife Ruth and they lived in Morecambe, Lancs, before emigrating to Canada and having four children, including Phillipa.

Phillipa, who lives in an island near Vancouver, Canada, said: "I have been thinking about the power of social media and how quickly information gets passed to all of us.

"Certainly much quicker than that envelope delivered to The Sands Meadow.

"I recognized my father's handwriting as soon as I saw the envelope."

She added: "The envelope probably contained a letter to update his parents on his life during training in Florida.

"He always stayed in close contact with them throughout their lives and would visit them.

"My father, Philip was a great storyteller and would be thrilled that this information be shared."

Kevin of Morecambe, Lancs,. also said it's the 'wonder of social media' that he was able to track down Phillip's family.

He said: "It's just the wonder of social media because they live out near Vancouver so parts of the family have seen it and have got in touch with each other.

"Then they were able to get in touch with ourselves at the home.

"There was no letter inside the envelope and it was just the name of the person who it was addressed to.

"So we could only imagine what they must have been going through in 1942, when the letter was sent in that period of time."

Kevin has tried to contact Royal Mail to find out why the envelope has only been delivered now but said he thinks it has 'fallen through the gaps.'

He said: "They were unaware of where it had actually been so whether it has been found behind a desk while cleaning or whether it has just been on a shelf somewhere.

"It has just kinda fallen through the gaps really.

"They couldn't tell us which depot it had come from either, unfortunately.

"But you can be the age of the envelope as well that it looks like it's been somewhere where the sun had been on the envelope.

"It wasn't white paper, there was some yellowing in the paper so it looked aged."
UZ-SAT, a joint venture between Uzbektelecom, Satellin Group, and private Uzbekistani enterprises, has selected Hughes Jupiter System to power satellite solutions in the market.

The firm will deploy gateways and terminals from Hughes to provide broadband connectivity over geostationary satellites to remote and rural parts of Uzbekistan for the first time.

This is a pivotal moment as we initiate satellite broadband service and bring internet access to communities throughout Uzbekistan beyond the reach of cable and fibre," said Bakhrom Azimov, CEO of UZ-SAT.

"We value the opportunity to support UZ-SAT in their efforts to connect the unconnected across Uzbekistan with satellite broadband," said Ramesh Ramaswamy, International Division executive vice president and general manager at EchoStar, the parent firm of Hughes. "We look forward to working together with UZ-SAT to enable enterprise networks, connect communities and help mobile operators extend their networks so more Uzbekistanis can access the advantages of connectivity."

The Hughes Jupiter System operates on more than 75 satellites globally to enable multiple services, including consumer internet, enterprise networking, cellular backhaul and community Wi-Fi hotspots. System features include private cloud-delivered network management, dynamic traffic load balancing across gateways and data centres, and smart software for orchestration and management, allowing operators to meet requirements for high performance and scalability.
Annual tradition marked on St Joseph's Day.

Italy celebrates Father's Day on 19 March, the feast of St Joseph, in contrast to many other countries around the world which mark the day on the third Sunday in June.

Joseph is the patron saint of fathers and carpenters, according to Catholic tradition, and his feast day in Italy is marked with sweet culinary traditions which vary from region to region.

Festa del papa is celebrated in Rome and central Italy with bigne di S. Giuseppe. These fluffy puffs of deep-fried dough have several regional variations however in Rome they are normally filled with cream or ricotta.

Other hugely popular treats to mark the day in Naples and southern Italy are Zeppole di S. Giuseppe, a sweet made of a mixture of soft choux pastry, either fried or baked, and filled with cream.

Sfincia di S. Giuseppe

Frittelle di S. Giuseppe are fried rice fritters enjoyed mainly in Tuscany and central Italy, while Raviole Bolognesi - sweet pastries filled with jam or mostarda bolognese - are popular in the northern city of Bologna.

Father's Day in Sicily is celebrated with sfincia di S. Giuseppe, a colourful deep fried pastry covered with ricotta and decorated with chocolate, pistachio, cherries and candied orange peel.
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Thailand is heading into a general election  the second since a 2014 putsch  with a group of ex-generals and their associated parties seeking to extend their nearly a decade-long reign. The former coup leaders have a clear head start before even a single vote is cast, as they enjoy the support of their handpicked Senate, which plays a big role in determining the next prime minister. Still, voters are unhappy about the soaring cost of living and record household debt in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people have also become more vocal in their demands for better jobs and more freedom of expression. Such hot-button issues, on top of changes to voting rules, might give the opposition a better shot this time at ousting Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha and his pro-establishment regime.

1. Will Thailands election be democratic?

The vote, expected in May, is the second being held under the 2017 charter drafted by allies of the military rulers, who stayed in power two years later even though they were well short of a majority in the House of Representatives. The deciding factor then was the 250-member Senate, an appointed body that they gave a big say in the selection of premier. The upper house has the same role this time, so a junta-backed candidate who sweeps the Senate needs just 126 votes in the 500-seat House of Representatives to take office. On the other hand, opposition parties would need to win 75% of the lower house seats to offset the Senates weight. That seems a tall order. Still, the Senate might find it difficult to go against the popular mandate in the event a single party or alliance secures a majority of elected lawmakers. A new leader will need a royal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, seen as a mere formality, before he or she can take the job.

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2. Whats dominating the election discourse?

Its the economy. Most parties are touting economic policies to tackle the high cost of living and household debt, as well as raise near-stagnant wages, create better-paying jobs and increase crop prices. Thailands post-pandemic recovery has been the weakest in Southeast Asia, with just 2.6% growth last year, compared with 8.7% and 7.4% for Malaysia and Vietnam, respectively. The only bright spot is a better-than-expected rebound in tourism, which provides jobs to about 20% of the workforce and accounts for 12% of gross domestic product. That should pick up further this year with the expected return of Chinese tourists, freed from Covid Zero restraints at home. But a global slowdown is hurting Thai exports and a strong dollar is once again pummeling the baht and driving foreign investors away.

3. What differentiates the two camps?

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The pro-military, royalist parties are highlighting the relative stability since the coup in 2014 and the repositioning of the economy into a manufacturing hub for green industries such as electric vehicles, smart electronics and chips, which has the potential to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Its also committed billions of dollars to building high-speed railway lines, including a connection to China via Laos. The opposition has accused Prayuths administration of failing to stem corruption and mismanaging the economy during the pandemic. It also says democratic values and freedom of expression have been casualties since the coup, and points to the squashing of youth-led street protests before and during the pandemic.

4. Who are the key players?

Prayuth, who has joined a new political party, the United Thai Nation party, is again the man to watch. While the former general trails some of the other possible candidates, hes built an image as a clean administrator, totally loyal to the monarchy and religion. Hes widely expected to win Senate support if his party wins enough seats and puts his name forward. (In Thailand, any party that crosses the 5% seat threshold can nominate as many as three candidates.) Former military chief Prawit Wongsuwan is another contender for the top job, though his Palang Pracharath party has seen a lot of defections ahead of the elections. The Pheu Thai party linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by an earlier coup and now lives in exile in Dubai, was leading in early surveys. His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra was the most preferred candidate for prime minister as of early this year. Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and the force behind the decriminalization of marijuana last year, is seen by some analysts as a potential kingmaker.

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5. What happens after the vote?

Preliminary results will be available on the same night of the polling, but the formation of a government will likely take months. With Thailand returning to a dual ballot system  one for a constituency candidate and another for a party  large parties should have an edge. Thats expected to help military-linked Palang Pracharath, which won the most votes in 2019, as well as Pheu Thai, which led the elected government that was overthrown in the 2014 coup. Pheu Thai is rooted in poor, rural regions in the north and northeast and has long riled Thailands urban establishment and royalist elite. It or its previous incarnations have taken the most seats in every election in the past two decades, even if it finished second in the popular vote in 2019. But Pheu Thai is unlikely to win enough to form a government on its own, given the Senates role. That might open the door for the pro-establishment parties to cobble together a coalition. Though the militarys ranks have splintered, a fractured mandate might bring them back together to thwart the other parties.

6. What happened to youth-led protests?

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The demonstrations that swept the streets of Bangkok and other Thai cities in 2020 and 2021 broke a long-held taboo with their call for changes to the monarchy and a loosening of the so-called lese-majeste laws, which criminalize insults against the king and close family members. Following a crackdown by the Prayuth administration, the movement has withered, with many of the leaders either in jail or out on bail. Some of the activists, however, are planning to run in the elections with the progressive Move Forward party. But its seen as politically untouchable for the other parties because of its push for changes to the monarchy to conform with democratic principles and liberal stance on social issues.

7. Is cannabis legalization an issue?

Thailand became the first in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, leading to a mushrooming of dispensaries selling everything from buds to marijuana-laced food and drinks to cosmetics. While the government touted liberalization as a way to promote it as a cash crop for medical use and lift farmer incomes, the haphazard manner of legalizing it left plenty of loopholes. Some ruling coalition members as well as the opposition have been demanding an outright ban on cannabis use for recreational purposes or an effort to re-criminalize the plant, citing its impact on children and youth.

 A QuickTake on Thailands moves on gay rights and legalizing marijuana.

 Nida surveys on the Thai elections.

 An article by Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute, on Thailands generation war.

 A Bloomberg article on cannabis liberalization.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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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.
I dont remember discussing finances much with my parents until I started working. My mums main campaign is the importance of superannuation for young women, she made sure that I got into a good super fund and that I make voluntary contributions regularly, even if they are small. As an adult, I regularly turn to both of my parents for financial guidance. My dad believes in serviceable loans to build up a good credit score, and thanks to my now paid-off car loan, I have an excellent credit score. What was your first job, and why did you get it? I worked at a bakery when I was 17 as soon as I finished high school. I got it because my mum was always really clear that shed stop bankrolling everything (except my car insurance and my health insurance) the moment I finished my last exam. It was deadly boring, but I could eat as many croissants as I wanted. Did you worry about money growing up? I grew up pretty comfortably middle class and I dont remember wanting for much as a child. I always knew that I wouldnt have received my private education without the scholarship I was awarded. As Ive gotten older, my mum has shared more with me about just how tight things were for her during my teenage years after my parents separated. My mum is excellent with managing money though, so she hid all of that from us at the time.

Loading Do you worry about money now? Nowhere near as much as I used to. My previous full-time job, which I only left at the end of 2021, barely paid me minimum wage, so Im extremely grateful to be earning what I do now. This last year is the first time Ive felt financially stable in my adult life, so its been a learning curve. Earning very little, I had to learn how to prioritise what I was and wasnt interested in spending money on, and those values are pretty immovable to this day, sometimes to my own detriment (experiences > things, every time). I dont have a hard time saving for a holiday or blowing cash on drinks with friends, but will deliberate for weeks over new gym shoes. I know I could be sacrificing more to achieve financial freedom, but for now, Im pretty happy with the balance Ive struck between prioritising my finances and my enjoyment (were literally all going to die so let me have my daily iced long black!). At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?

Ive gradually become more financially responsible since graduating high school, and Im super lucky that my parents continued making contributions to things like my car insurance and my health insurance as I found my feet. As of 2020, I became completely financially independent. Aside from whats in my savings, I dont have much of a safety net, but I know that if everything well and truly hits the fan, Id have the support of my partner and my family. I dont want to have to touch my super unless I absolutely have no other option. Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. I have inherited about $20,000 total over the last few years from deceased grandparents. $10,000 went straight into my superannuation, and I used the rest to stay alive during uni/periods of underemployment, so its all gone now! Day 1

5:15am  Alarm goes off. Sucks momentarily, but Ive battled with building an exercise routine for so long and unfortunately, what they say about endorphins is correct. 6:00am  Reformer Pilates class. Im a bit over my usual gym routine so I went looking for something different and have now gone full Pilates princess mode. Im doing a two-week trial at a new studio, so its free! 6:55am  Cop an iced long black from the Greek cafe next to the Pilates studio. My bestie is Greek and Im therefore Greek-adjacent, so I feel very much at home here. Plus, the coffee slaps. $6 7:10am  Home, shower, get ready for work, avocado and tomato on toast for brekkie. 7:45am  Drive to work and I see that pesky fuel light. Im one of those people that sees the fuel light merely as a suggestion, especially since petrol is such a rort right now.

8:30am  Working my life away! Wish I could just stop and go on a cruise. 11:00am  Banana bread break. My bestie made it and gave some to me. Love Greek hospitality. 12:15pm  Lunch! I dont face temptation from a wealth of lunch options near my office, so Im pretty good about bringing my lunch with me to work. Today its a leftover chicken and soba noodle salad with edamame, cucumber, celery, nuts and a mint-lime-miso dressing situation that we made a couple of nights ago. 1:30pm  See that Stan has deducted the monthly fee from my account. Im legitimately paying $16 per month (covered in my monthly expenses) just to watch RuPauls Drag Race. 3:30pm  I have an external meeting that I have to drive to, so I cant get away without petrol any longer. Not splurging on a full tank today, though. $50.37

Loading 4:30pm  Home time! Speeding (not literally) home to get to the library to pick up all my reserves before it closes. I love reading and cant justify buying books at the rate I finish them, so the library near my house is a gift. 5:30pm  I give the house a quick tidy and get ready because Im having some girlies over for pres before we go see Kehlani tonight. 7:05pm  My pay comes through so I do some quick admin. I transfer my rent for the week ($342.50, covered in my monthly expenses) into another account which will be direct debited later in the week. Then I put $280 in my savings and pay an outstanding toll notice ($28.84). $28.84 7:30pm  Friends arrive. I make a few vodka lime sodas using ingredients I already have. Were all ravenous, so we Uber Eats some Guzman burrito bowls. $19

8:45pm  We take an Uber to the show and split it three ways. $7.30 9:10pm  One vodka Red Bull at ludicrous gig venue prices. $14 10:30pm  Shows over. This is my second time seeing Kehlani, and shes insanely good live. Her stage presence and vocals are unreal! We take another Uber home (split three ways) at surge prices. $19.70 11:30pm  In bed, scroll TikTok, fall asleep. Daily Total: $145.21

Day 2 8:00am  Bit of a sleep-in this morning before I head off to the rally for Invasion Day. I have a protein bar for a quick breakfast. 9:20am  Train into the city  the pre-authorisation is $1 but the actual amount will be taken out of my account later in the week. $1 12:00pm  My bestie and I get the light rail ($1) to go grab some coffee and lunch at a cafe nearby. We meet up with a new friend of ours who works in music and we discuss some exciting future plans for our DJ duo. I have an iced long black and an insanely good vegetarian sandwich ($25.62). $25.62 1:30pm  Its 35 degrees so my bestie and I stop in for fro-yo on our way back to the train station. After going buck wild with adding cookie dough, Im reminded of how expensive frozen yoghurt is. $12.04

2:00pm  Train back home. $1 3:00pm  My only other Invasion Day plans are soaking up my aircon, watching Netflix, reflecting and keeping to myself. 3:30pm  I receive a surprise $100 refund from switching health insurance policies last week. I donate it to Pay The Rent, a Naarm-based grassroots organisation that distributes mutual aid to various First Nations organisations and communities. My friend and I also donate $200 from our DJing business account (split two ways) to Black Rainbow, an organisation that works for positive health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIA+SB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboy) people. $200 5:30pm  Im getting a bit peckish, but Im not quite ready to commit to a whole meal, so I settle for a slice of buttered toast. 7:15pm  Throw together one of my go-to lazy meals  frozen dumplings and steamed pak choi with oyster sauce.

9:30pm  After bingeing Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey on Netflix (big yikes), I do the dishes, do a couple of loads of laundry, and wind down with a quick Yoga with Adriene practice. Then its straight to bed to read, watch a few TikToks, then lights out by 11pm. Daily Total: $240.66 Day 3 5:15am  Ugh, I should have gone to sleep earlier. Im on the struggle bus to get up for Pilates this morning but I know Ill feel heaps better for it. 6:00am  Pilates time. Im still on my free trial so I dont pay anything.

6:50am  I hit a post-Pilates iced long black from the Greek cafe. $6 7:45am  Get ready for work. I take a bit too leisurely of a pace when Im doing my hair this morning, so I have to skip breakfast. Ill have to get something from the cafe at work. 8:30am  Ease into a (hopefully) quiet Friday at work. 9:30am  Yeah, its not that quiet. I take a break and dash down to the cafe for a piece of banana bread (Im eating an abnormal amount of banana bread this week). $5 12:30pm  Lunch. Today its leftover pasta with homemade pesto sauce and sundried tomatoes that Im absolutely pushing the limit on in terms of still safe to eat-ness. Im quite rigid about my work boundaries so I always take my whole lunch break, and sit and read at my desk for an hour with my AirPods in. I finish my book  it sucked, actually!

3:00pm  I need to head out to pick up some printing and realise I havent eaten enough food today, so I quickly buy a protein bar from 7/11 ($5.70). I need to make a conscious effort to eat more plants this weekend. $5.70 4:30pm  Home time. I am the worlds biggest extrovert so the best thing I can do for myself when Im feeling off is to get out of the house and find my friends. I drive home, drop off my stuff, quickly freshen up, and then head back out the door to get on the train. $1 5:30pm  One of my friends at my old workplace is finishing up today after six years! A bunch of us are meeting up at The Alex in Alexandria. Im really lucky that these relationships are still so strong because I really cherish all of these people. 8:00pm  Were eating burgers, ordering jugs and being merry! I end up buying a haloumi burger for myself and two jugs to share ($49.10). These people are absolute icons. $49.10 12:30am  Proud of myself because even though its absolutely bucketing outside and I didnt bring an umbrella, I resist the urge to get an Uber home. I walk up to Redfern and get on the train. $1
GRACEVILLE, Florida  Jackson County Sheriffs deputies are searching for a suspect wanted in connection to a fatal shooting early Monday south of Graceville.

Juan-Luis Cervantes is wanted for questioning in the shooting. He may be driving a silver Toyota with license number 97A ZNS.

Cervantes is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who spots him should call the Jackson County Sheriffs Department at (850) 482-9624.
Knowledge [of egg survival and success] has improved significantly because ... people are telling their friends, and doctors are more comfortable offering the technology because the results are so good, Cattrall said. An early criticism of so-called social egg freezing was that because less than 40 per cent of women returned for their eggs, enormous waste was created. But it is now so mainstream that, especially in the US where some fertility clinics form partnerships with influencers, egg freezing is portrayed on social media as empowering self-care. In 2021-22, there was a 73 per cent jump in the transfer of fresh embryos created using thawed eggs compared to 2020-21, according to the fertility treatment regulator, VARTA. In the same period, egg storage jumped 30 per cent, and at the end of the 2022 financial year, there were 88,931 eggs in storage in Victoria. Ten years after egg freezing was deemed no longer experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Melbourne IVF researchers are about to publish a paper that will show pregnancy success rates for thawed eggs are now about as good as IVF using fresh eggs.

Were seeing up to 95 per cent survival rate in the eggs [up from 70-75 per cent], Cattrall said. For every seven eggs stored, there is a one-in-two chance of having a baby if they were frozen before the age of 35. But she warned that egg freezing was still not a guaranteed insurance policy. This is not necessarily the message women receive when browsing TikTok or Instagram, where egg freezing is trending hard.

Some Australian researchers, such as Monash University public health researcher Dr Karin Hammarberg, say some clinic websites are not transparent enough in stating the cost, duration and odds. Loading They dont say you might need to have five stimulation cycles for an 80 per cent chance of having a baby, or mention the cost and number of cycles needed to have reasonable hopes of success, Hammarberg said. The total price can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a 38 year-old with 25 frozen eggs  which would typically take at least two collection cycles, as not all retrieved eggs are of the required quality to freeze  has a 77 per cent chance of a live birth. University of NSW epidemiology professor Georgina Chambers, who oversees the Your IVF Success website, and the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database, said while egg freezing was a good tool and option for some, putting childbearing off reduces the likelihood of it happening.

The longer you delay your children, the less likely you are to have children, and to have a smaller family than the desired number of children, Chambers said. Loading Womens desire to understand fertility has grown so much that 3000 users a month visit the two year-old Your IVF website, 60 per cent of whom use its fertility estimator. We were surprised about that, it does point to people desperate to understand their chances of success  we did an evaluation, and most people over-estimate their chances of success, Chambers said. I think where youve got to be careful is so women dont freeze their eggs thinking, Now Im guaranteed to have a baby. Because that can be incredibly disappointing to them.

Cattrall advises women to consider freezing their eggs if they are around the age of 30 and intend to have children, but are not in a situation in which they can envisage this happening. It depends on the age of the eggs frozen and the number of eggs frozen, she said. But what we know now is that eggs are performing much better than they did in the past. Survival rates of frozen eggs have gone from 70-75 per cent to 90-95 per cent due to new technology. Credit: Getty I would say were providing a realistic possibility of having a baby later in life. Boyle has no doubt the procedure was the right choice. She realised what it meant to her when she was having the required counselling session.
Labor is privately urging Indigenous leaders to back a compromise deal that would change the wording of the Voice constitutional amendment proposed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a bid to win over conservatives and boost the chances of a referendum win.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus last week presented members of the referendum working group with an additional set of words to guard against potential High Court challenges, the risk of which has become a key sticking point for some conservative legal thinkers and Coalition MPs whose support could avert a devastating setback for reconciliation.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

This masthead can reveal the seven extra words proposed by Dreyfus and the governments lawyer, Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue, KC, would come after the third clause proposed by Albanese.

The original third clause stated: The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Singapore: From their home in Chiang Mai, Am and Steve Sandford used to have their own unscientific but effective gauge of smoke levels during the height of Thailands dry season.

From our house we could see Doi Suthep temple, said Am, referring to the famous mountain-top attraction just outside the northern city.

Tourists look out over the dense haze covering Chiang Mai. Credit: Getty Images

What wed do to measure the pollution is look to the mountain and if we didnt see it we knew today is very bad. It became our symbol to measure the pollution.

Thailand is accustomed to haze in the skies thickening between January and April each year as farmers burn their crop waste and forest fires rise in frequency, but this year has been particularly bad.
The selling price of cars in Vietnam are nearly double that of those in Thailand and Indonesia, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

According to the government regulations, cars are subject to a special consumption tax, value added tax, and import tax (except for domestically assembled vehicles).

Vehicles are also subject to various fees regarding registration, inspection, road maintenance, license plates, and compulsory civil liability insurance.

Another reason for the high prices is the low volume of domestically assembled cars, the ministry said, noting that automakers in Vietnam are producing far below their designed capacity.

By the end of 2022, the total production capacity of automobile plants in Vietnam was 755,000 vehicles a year, with foreign-invested ones accounting for 35% of that total. Businesses annually import about US$5 billion worth of components and spare parts for vehicle production, assembly and repair.

According to the ministry, the local automobile industry is now at the level of simple assembly with most of production lines consisting of four main stages, welding, painting, assembly and inspection.

Regarding vehicles made in Vietnam, the current local content rate is 60% for buses, and 34-40% for trucks, both meeting targets, but the rate for passenger cars is only 25%, lower than the target.

There are more than 40 automakers in Vietnam with a combined output of 65-70% of domestic demand for cars with less than 9 seats, according to the ministry.

The ministry said the local automobile industry currently faces a small market size, while there are many assemblers and many different car models, making it difficult for companies to invest in mass production.

Vietnams per capita GDP is not high enough for the majority of people to own a car. Per capita GDP should reach $4,000 a year to promote the growth of the automobile industry.

Other countries in the region such as Thailand and Indonesia have policies to attract large-scale automobile investment projects, putting competition pressure on the Vietnamese industry.

However, Vietnam is still a potential car consumption market in the region, with an average growth rate of 20-30% a year. Last year Vietnam overtook the Philippines to become the fourth largest vehicle market in Southeast Asia, after Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Despite continuous calls to ease visa requirements for international tourists, nothing has changed after a year of reopening and the tourism industry continues to face challenges, experts said.

Tran Nguyen, sales director of giant hospitality company and property developer Sun Group, said officials and businesses talked a lot about visa hassles but still have not seen any changes a year after reopening.

"Without timely changes, Vietnam could fall far behind regional neighbors in the tourism recovery race as several Southeast Asian countries have already relaxed tourist visa regulations to attract international visitors, Tran said at a seminar hosted last week by Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Vietnam waives visas for travelers from 25 countries compared to 162 for Malaysia, 157 for the Philippines and 68 for Thailand. It also offers a one-month single-entry e-visa to visitors from 80 countries.

The multi-entry three-month visa that was available before Covid has not been brought back yet.

As a result, the number of foreign visitors coming to Vietnam remains low, while Southeast Asian neighbors have already posted strong recoveries against pre-pandemic levels.

Luong Hoai Nam, a member of the Tourism Advisory Board, said Vietnam's visa policy remains strict compared to other countries, making it difficult for the aviation and tourism industries to take off.

He proposed the government consider granting visa exemptions to 68 countries and territories as Thailand did and prolong the visa-free stay from 15 to 30 days. Instead of just granting a single-entry e-visa, Vietnam should offer multiple-entry visas for tourists as it did in pre-pandemic times to compete with neighboring countries.

Nam added that Vietnam should have a bilateral visa exemption policy agreement with the United States, China and India with a term of 5-10 years.

Pham Trung Luong, former head of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, said relaxing visa requirements should be the top priority at this time to help tourism quickly recover.

In addition to the visa issue, Luong hopes the government will approve the opening of more direct routes to some large tourism markets.

Despite being one of the first Southeast Asian countries to fully reopen to international tourism post Covid, Vietnam only received 3.6 million foreign tourists last year, around 20% of pre-pandemic levels.

Many foreign tourists have complained about Vietnam's current visa policy, saying the 30-day stay is too restrictive and that they did not have enough time to visit remote parts of the country.

German travel blogger Leoni Becker, who visited Vietnam last year, said she only had a maximum stay of 30 days and could not visit more places in Vietnam as she had hoped.

Justin Douglas, an American, expected Vietnam to return to the former three-month visa policy to give tourists more time to explore remote parts of the country.

"One thing I never got a chance to do before the pandemic was to make a bicycle trip around Sa Pa and Ha Giang," he said. "It would be very difficult to do a trip like that in 30 days, which requires ample time to prepare in Hanoi beforehand and time to relax afterward."
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Clouds and some drizzle or fog possible early, then clouds break for sun..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy and breezy with a round of showers overnight and perhaps a thunderstorm.
This past year, since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has highlighted the gross and systematic violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation as part of its brutal war against Ukraine. Make no mistake, the atrocities are on one side, said former U.S. Ambassador to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Keith Harper, moderator of a high-level UN side event on Gross Human Rights Violations Due to Russias Aggression Against Ukraine.

The United States believes Russian forces have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine, said U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The evidence is overwhelming.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine  and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, have documented a wide range of atrocities and other abuses committed by Russian forces, she said. Summary executions. Arbitrary detentions. Torture, rape, and other forms of gender-based violence and sexual violence. And we know women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are most vulnerable to these attacks.

Credible reports indicate Russian officials have orchestrated the transfer, relocation, re-education, adoption, or fostering of thousands of children. Some of these children have been orphaned during this war. And some were already living in institutions for serious health needs, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.

In many cases, parents sent children to what they thought were summer camps for their childs safety but were then denied contact and reunification with their children. In other cases, parents refused to send their children to Russias camps, and Russias occupation authorities enrolled them anyway, she said. And lets be clear: this is not some offshoot operation. We have evidence that President Putin and the Kremlin are actively engaged in this effort to deny and suppress Ukraines identity, their history, and their culture.

And mark my words, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. There will be accountability for Russias atrocities. But right now, what the Ukrainian people need most desperately is peace. As President Biden said during his visit to Kyiv this week, President Putin chose this war. Every day the war continues is his choice.

Our message to President Putin is this: End this war. End your campaign of brutality. End the suffering your forces have wrought on Ukraine and on the world. But until that day comes, we must all stand with Ukraine, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. And we must all stand for accountability in the face of unconscionable human rights violations.


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It seems that the show is actively being planned!

Austin Butley in Elvis

( Warner Bros)

After he first gave WhatsOnStage a heads-up back in the autumn, it seems that Baz Luhrmann's plans are progressing quickly for the stage version of Elvis.

The film may not have picked up any Oscars, but it seems as though it may be destined to follow in the footsteps of shows like Moulin Rouge! or Strictly Ballroom and find its way to the stage.

Speaking on the red carpet at the Oscars, Luhrmann said: "It will be a bit like Moulin Rouge!. There will be an Elvis stage musical. We're getting into that now." Shedding more light on plans, Luhrmann ruled himself out of the director's chair for the stage production, though said he would produce it.

Moulin Rouge! and Strictly Ballroom are both produced on stage by Australian company Global Creatures, though it is unknown if the organisation will spearhead the Elvis stage show. Locations, dates and casting are to be confirmed.

It isn't unusual for Luhrmann to not direct stage versions of his films. Alex Timbers (Beetlejuice, Here Lies Love) was responsible for bringing Moulin Rouge! to the stage, so may be a natural fit for the Elvis gig.

Moulin Rouge! continues to play both in the West End and on Broadway, while a Strictly Ballroom revival is currently touring the UK and Ireland.

Elvis, released in 2022, stars Austin Butler and Tom Hanks and charts the rise and fall of the seminal music maker.
LAS VEGAS  An Ely man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in the death of a 3-year-old girl.

Colon Jackson, 31, of the Ely Shoshone Tribe pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one count of voluntary manslaughter within Indian Country.

According to court documents, the victims mother picked her up from day care on Jan. 9, 2019, and took her home so Jackson could care for her while she was at work. Jackson shook and threw the girl, then called her mother to tell her that she was unconscious.

The mother came home from work and took the child to the emergency room in Ely. The girl was then flown from Ely to Salt Lake City, where she died from her injuries.

The defendants senseless act resulted in the death of a child, said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. Todays sentence sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners are working steadfast to seek justice for victims. In collaboration with state, local, Tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating reports of missing and murdered Indigenous people, also prioritizing the disproportionately high rates of violence against women and girls.

I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to hold the defendant accountable for his actions, said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. The FBI stands strongly with tribal and law enforcement partners in our joint commitment to bring justice for victims. Violent crimes, such as this horrendous act, will never go unchallenged.

The case was investigated by the FBI, BIA, the White Pine County Sheriffs Office, and the Ely Shoshone Tribal Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.

If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.
The play revival opens in the West End this summer

Four headshots showing the cast of The Pillowman

( Photos all provided by the production)

The West End premiere of Martin McDonagh's acclaimed play, The Pillowman, has announced further casting.

The Pillowman, which won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2004, tells the story of a writer, Katurian, who is interrogated by police about the content of her short stories, which bear similarities to a spate of local murders.

Set to join WhatsOnStage Award-winner Lily Allen, who will take on the role of Katurian (in a first for the role to be played by a woman) and Steve Pemberton's Tupolski will be Paul Kaye and Matthew Tennyson. Kaye will play Ariel, and Tennyson will take on the role of Michal.

Kaye is best known for his extensive work on television, including appearances on Game of Thrones, Afterlife, and The Third Day. On stage, he originated the role of Mr Wormwood in Matilda The Musical for the RSC, earning an Olivier nomination for his performance. Tennyson, on the other hand, has film credits including Benediction and Pride, and his stage work includes A Monster Calls at the Old Vic and Cleansed for the National Theatre.

The Pillowman's West End premiere will be directed by Matthew Dunster. Further casting announcements are expected to follow.

The production will run at London's Duke of York's Theatre from June 10 to September 2, 2023, with a press night scheduled for June 21.

McDonagh is one of the most celebrated contemporary playwrights, with other works including The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Banshees of Inisherin and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Anna Fleischle is responsible for the set and costume design, Neil Austin for the lighting design, Ian Dickinson for Autograph for sound design, and Amy Ball for the casting.
In May 1867, the Leinenkugel family brewery was founded in Chippewa Falls by Jacob Leinenkugel. Now in 2023, a sixth generation of family members are keeping the company thriving. That includes Tony Bugher, the new president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.

More than 150 years after the brewery opened, Matt, Kirk, Ellie and Katie Leinenkugel work alongside Bugher to carry on the legacy their great-great-great-grandfather began.

Bugher took over for his uncle Dick Leinenkugel in January after Dicks retirement. Dick had been in the position of president since 2014. Bugher said he spent the last year of Dicks presidency working alongside his uncle to make sure the transition from one president to the next went as smoothly as possible.

Taking over

While it may seem like becoming president of such a prestigious company would make someone nervous, Bugher said he feels fully prepared for what lies ahead.

I think a lot of that goes back to that transitional year with Dick. Had we not done that, it would be really challenging, he said.

Becoming president has left Bugher feeling motivated and passionate about the future of the company.

Each individual generation has made their own unique and pretty significant contribution to our business, he said. I want to make sure that we dont lose sight of that and were not the generation that doesnt have a significant contribution to our business. That doesnt make me nervous. Its just fuel and motivation to ensure that we contribute in a meaningful way to our business.

Bugher said Leinenkugels biggest stakeholders are its distributors. Sharing the family story and history with distributors is an important part of the job.

We have a very powerful history, and were unique in the sense that we have been around for as long as we have. Thats our point of differentiation, he said. Its important for us to be able to share those stories and talk to our distributors about our history and get them to Chippewa Falls to be able to allow them to touch and feel that history and see things firsthand.

Paddling alone

Bugher graduated from Edgewood College in Madison before earning an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

As far as my professional career, I wanted to really do something on my own, he said. There was something that my dad told me a long time ago and that was that you need to be able to paddle your own canoe and not have others paddle at for you. That has really stuck with me. So I wanted to go out and pursue my own career path.

He worked for a telecommunications company, TDS Telecom, for more than 10 years, refining his sales, operations and marketing skills until 2013. The job brought him to southern Mississippi and then Tennessee.

In 2013, he was hired by Tenth and Blake, the craft and import division of MillerCoors where he worked as the development manager in the central region, which was located in Dallas. He moved up the ranks over the next six years.

When Dick Leinenkugel took over as president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in 2014, he began recruiting Bugher to be the next president, knowing that one day he would pass the reins to the next generation.

Big plans

Bugher said he has a list of priorities for Leinenkugels going forward. One of them is to keep Summer Shandy at the top of the craft beer segment.

With Summer Shandy we continue to be the No. 1 craft spring, summer seasonal, year over year and I want to ensure that that continues. Thats certainly a priority, he said. We also want to continue to innovate. And so thats just more motivation for me to continue to accelerate how we think about new beers that we want to test.

Bugher is excited about the new pilot system at Leinie Lodge, which will allow the company to experiment more with small batches. Hes also proud of a new restaurant and brewery opening in April in Milwaukee.

J. Leinenkugels Barrel Yard, a full-service restaurant, bar and brewery at American Family Field, is set to make its public debut April 3, when the Milwaukee Brewers take on the New York Mets in their 2023 Major League Baseball home opener. While serving elevated ballpark fare, Barrel Yard will also operate an on-site brewery. Barrel Yard will offer some of Leinenkugels most popular beers and seasonal favorites, along with craft specialty beers available only at American Family Field.

The wraparound restaurant space features a 27-foot bar with 48 tap lines, as well as a smaller bar just inside the restaurant with 16 taps.

The new ideas dont stop there.

Bugher said the company held its team meeting in Denver in January to talk about its strategy for 2023. There are three significant pillars that act as the foundation of their goals.

The first is to innovate. The second is to modernize, and the third is to accelerate, Bugher said.

We do a lot of good things at Leinie Lodge and a lot of good things in our brewery. We were voted top 10 brewery tour by Readers Digest, and so that suggests that were doing something right. But that doesnt mean that theres not an opportunity to grow differently, he said. Ive challenged the team to think about the things that we are doing right and think about how we can maximize that. I think within the spirit of those three pillars, that will also drive change.

For Bugher and the rest of the Leinenkugels, change is one small part of running a six-generation business. The other parts are consistency and family legacy.

Over the decades, Bugher said he inherited a lot of knowledge from his uncle Dick and other family members.

Theres a lot that Ive learned from my uncle. Theres a lot that he learned from his dad and my grandfather. I think, what he learned from Bill Leinenkugel and something that he has reinforced throughout his career is, the more people you meet, the more beer youre gonna sell, Bugher said. I go back to the value of our relationships.

Bugher said his grandfather Bill Leinenkugel played a big role in the lives of he, his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Not only the fifth generation, my grandfathers kids, my aunts and uncles, and my mom of course, but our generation  his grandkids. While he didnt mandate or try to force all of his kids or grandkids to work in the business, I know hed be very happy. I know he wanted his kids to be interested in this family business, Bugher said.

Family involvement has been such a big piece of who we are as a brewery. So I know that he would be very proud of how far weve come and how weve continued to be able to be involved with the business and lead it.

IN PHOTOS: Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company Dick Leinenkugel and Tony Bugher Tony Bugher and the new small batch brewing pilot system Whats on tap? Leinenkugels Brewing Facility in Chippewa Falls Leinie Lodge Out back Growlers WATCH NOW: Dick Leinenkugel and Tony Bugher talk about transferring leadership of the Leinenkugel Brewing Company Juicy peach Leinenkugels - a piece of local history Summer Shandy The new pilot system Pilot system Leinie Lodge visitors
MADISON  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection releases the six top candidates to become the 76th Alice in Dairyland, according to a March 10 press release. The candidates are Ashley Hagenow, Poynette; Shannon Lamb, Dane; Lydia Luebke, Kiel; Jackie Rosenbush, Sarona; Charitee Seebecker, Mauston; and Jodie Weyland, Neenah.

Candidates completed an application and preliminary interview, will prepare for the three-day Alice in Dairyland Finals, scheduled for May 11-13 in Walworth County. The three-day process includes agribusiness tours, media interviews, an impromptu question and answer session, individual interviews, and candidate presentations. The selection of the 76th Alice in Dairyland will be announced live during the program at the conclusion of the finals on May 13 and her term begins on July 5.

Seebecker grew up on a family-owned dairy farm. After transitioning away from the farm, she turned to 4-H and FFA to ignite her passion for agriculture. Seebecker attended the University of WisconsinPlatteville and currently works as a farm broadcaster at the Mid-West Farm Report. Serving as the official ambassador for Wisconsins farmers and processors would be a dream come true for Seebecker. Alice in Dairyland has been a role model for Seebecker since she was young, and she wants to be a role model for others by making it fun to learn about Wisconsins diverse agriculture industry.
There are men in Portage who fought in Vietnam. Men like Dennis Benson, Chris Schutz, and Ronald Woodard. Men like Bob Gerhartz and Dave DuVall. Men who crewed C-130s. Men, with their trusty beloved dog by their side, roaring across the skies in helicopters. Men who operated small rockets, worked cargo, baked the best bread for an admiral along the Cambodian border. There are men and women in Portage, and beyond, who are more than just men and women. They are heroes.

When you walk down the streets of Portage, the veterans say, chumming it up behind the counter of the local VFW, you dont know how many heroes youre passing by.

There will be a greater indication of local heroes on Saturday, March 18.

At the VFW by the Walgreens at 215 West Collins Street, the public is invited to a free Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon and Program. Everyone is invited and welcomed to attend, help recognize, and give thanks to all who served during the Vietnam War. It goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At 11 a.m. there will be a short program including proclamations and a presentation of colors. The proclamation will come from Portage Mayor Mitch Craig.

Memorabilia will also be on display, as well as a video shown of Vietnam veterans. Guests are encouraged to bring their own memorabilia to share.

Food will be served. It will include sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, beverages, and more.

There is no cost to attend. The event is coordinated by Portage VFW Post 1707, the Poynette American Legion Post 271, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 221.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Portage is eager to celebrate it early on March 18.

This community has been so heartwarming, said David DuVall, about how it supports local veterans. Its fulfilling. He noted that Vietnam veterans are just average joes. We went to college. We raised families. Were good citizens. We look out for each other and the community.

DuVall is eager to gather his compatriots and the public to share stories, commiserate, show appreciation for each other, have the public take note of the sacrifices made and strength within local veterans.

I am proud that I served and I am proud of how I served, DuVall said.

He is proud of veterans lifelong acts of compassion, friendship, and respect. Hes also proud of what Vietnam veterans have done for future veterans, particularly in regard to veterans benefits.

And Portage is proud of them in return. School children treat them well. People come up to them all the time, they say, thanking them for their service. If theyre wearing some indication that they served, a hat or a T-shirt, into the local Walmart or McDonalds, someone will thank them more often than not. Whats more, sometimes theyll pay for the veterans meal without another thought.

The men chatted and laughed at the VFW about their tours of duty decades ago. Some would do it again, if only they were younger.

Theyre getting older. They laugh that some, as they age, remain better looking than others. They remember back to their youths, eager to make an impact on the world, joining the military with thoughts of duty and honor to their country. Men and women, yes. Heroes, yes.
Columbia County Sheriffs officers arrested a man early Saturday morning on the interstate in the town of Dekorra after discovering over a half-pound of cocaine in the vehicle.

Andrew Barrett, 36, New Carlisle, Indiana, could face serious controlled substances charges in Columbia County following his arrest.

Online records show he remains in custody at the Columbia County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.

Barrett was stopped on I-90/94/39 in Dekorra at approximately 12:39 a.m. on Saturday for an alleged speeding violation.

While in contact with the driver, the deputy observed indicators of recent drug use and the driver appeared nervous, Columbia County Sheriffs Detective Captain David Clark said.

Clark said in a statement a K-9 unit was called to the scene and allegedly alerted to an odor of controlled substances coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and found cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Barrett is facing tentative charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle with a controlled substance.

GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair GALLERY: Thursday at the Columbia County Fair
A low profile in mediation, great pragmatism and having no self-interests are some of the key factors behind Beijing's successful facilitation of the landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week, observers said.

After severing ties in 2016 and a standoff lasting seven years, Saudi Arabia and Iran sent high-level delegations to Beijing for five days of talks last week, which started on March 6 and were mediated by China, the Foreign Ministry said.

The talks were "in response to the initiative of President Xi Jinping of China's support for developing good neighborly relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran", the ministry said.

China, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached an agreement and issued a joint statement on Friday evening stating that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, held separate dialogues with the two delegations and chaired the talks' opening and closing ceremonies.

No matter how complicated the issues are and how acute the challenges are, "a mutually acceptable solution can surely be found" as long as dialogue on an equal footing is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, Wang told reporters after the talks.

"China has no intention to and will not seek to fill so-called vacuums or put up exclusive blocs. China always believes that the future of the Middle East should always be in the hands of the countries in the region," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a written response to the media on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his appreciation to China "for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries", saying that "good neighborly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region".

Also on Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "What fantastic news today in a world where we are unfortunately no longer used to receiving good news."

The agreement also shows the leadership role that China is taking on the international stage, "a leadership role that is focused on uniting rather than dividing" and "forming win-win cooperation and encouraging dispute resolution, rather than encouraging perpetual disputes", he added.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Qin Gang answered a question about the Middle East at a news conference on the sidelines of the two sessions in Beijing without mentioning the talks. He said that China "will continue to uphold justice" and support Middle Eastern countries in promoting political solutions to hot-spot issues.

Li Shaoxian, director of Ningxia University's China-Arab Research Institute, said behind China's successful final push in the reconciliation are "trust from both countries, Beijing's patience, Chinese diplomatic wisdom and a great sense of duty".

"China honored its role as a responsible major country by showing the courage to undertake such a demanding task. This is a successful example of putting into practice the China-proposed Global Security Initiative and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

Wu Sike, China's former special envoy on Middle East affairs, said the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major players in the Middle East, will help facilitate the resolution of hotspot issues in the region, including those in Yemen and Syria as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He said that while China's philosophy advocates common and sustained security, there is another kind of outlook that seeks one country's own security at the expense of others.

"The world sees clearly which security outlook is better" in having positive impacts on global security issues, Wu told the Beijing Daily newspaper.

Factors behind the Saudi Arabia-Iran agreement also include the increased sense of strategic autonomy of Middle East countries, the continued de-escalation of tension between some countries and a decrease in interference and disruption from external major countries, experts said.

The sanctions that the United States has imposed on Iran for over 40 years have not really solved any problems and have not brought peace to the Middle East, they added.

John Kirby, a coordinator for strategic communications at the US National Security Council, said at a briefing on Friday that Washington welcomes the agreement "if it can be sustained". He added that the US "has also worked on de-escalation through its own 'effective combination of deterrence and diplomacy'".

Niu Xinchun, director of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations' Institute of Middle East Studies, said that despite the US' great influence on Middle East affairs, it is common for the US to pull the strings behind turmoil, directly intervene in conflicts, attach political conditions to areas such as negotiations, and seek to gain benefits from the countries involved.

"This makes the US unable to stand in an objective, neutral position to mediate conflicts and relations, and even has a negative impact on resolving regional conflicts," Niu said.
The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, concluded its first session Saturday, calling for efforts to pool wisdom and strength to help accomplish the goals and tasks set at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Wang Qishan attended the closing meeting of the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

A resolution on the work report of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, a resolution on the report on how proposals were handled since the previous session, a resolution on an amendment to the CPPCC charter, a report on the examination of new proposals, and a political resolution on the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee were approved at the meeting.

Wang Huning, chairman of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, presided over and addressed the meeting.

Wang said the session, which started on March 4, spoke volumes about the characteristics and advantages of China's whole-process people's democracy and its vigor and vitality.

On the new journey, members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee should thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and unwaveringly uphold the overall Party leadership, Wang said.

Wang called on his fellow political advisors to uphold and improve the CPC-led system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation, better implement the decisions and plans made and the requirements raised for the CPPCC work by the CPC Central Committee, and pool wisdom and strength to make active contributions to accomplishing the goals and tasks set at the 20th CPC National Congress.

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Wang Qishan attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Xi Jinping waves to members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders had group photos taken with them after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders pose for a group photo with members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. Wang delivered a speech at the meeting on Saturday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

The military band of the Chinese People's Liberation Army performs at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Editor: WXY
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This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what it says is an artillery drill at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the federal probe into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, AP reports.
Police: man leads officers on chase on I-24 after fleeing scene of domestic violence incident, causes injury wreck
The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held the closing meeting of its first session Monday morning.

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

NPC deputies passed by voting resolutions on the government work report, on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan in 2022 and the plan for 2023, and on the implementation of the central and local budgets in 2022 and the budgets for 2023.

Deputies approved the national economic and social development plan for 2023 and the central budget for 2023.

They adopted resolutions on the work reports of the 13th NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as well as a revision to the Legislation Law.

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)

Editor: WXY
MARTIN, TN  A group of University of Tennessee at Martin students say by tabling a resolution to condemn newly passed education laws in the state, the UT Martin Faculty Senate is effectively siding with white supremacy.

The accusation comes from the People for Black History, who say they amassed over 1,200 signatures on a petition demanding the faculty senate condemn Senate Bills 623 and 2290, which restrict what can be taught about Critical Race Theory and systemic racism in Tennessee schools.

According to the group, the faculty senate elected to table the resolution to condemn the laws, preventing it from appearing before the full faculty senate meeting on March 14.

The People for Black History say the faculty senate's main concern about their resolution was the harshness of the term they used to describe it  "white supremacy."

The group says the faculty senate fears Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will cut funding from UTM if they label the laws as "white supremacist."

UT Martin students consider resolution publicly condemning Tennessee's 'anti-CRT laws' as racist The Student Government Association at the University of Tennessee at Martin say they will meet Thursday to discuss a resolution condemning two recently enacted Tennessee laws as racist.

"Not one of the COI Faculty Senators disputed the fact that, in actively seeking to suppress the teaching of racisms centrality to American History, these laws objectively are white supremacist laws," the group said in their statement. "This is shameful, and it is a betrayal of UTMs mission statement  to 'educate and engage responsible citizens," they continued.

PBH says the faculty senate is attempting to prevent them from having any other access to placing their resolution on the senate agenda. According to them, they experienced a similar scenario in November of 2020 when a Black History Matters Coalition resolution advocating for a required African American History and Culture general education requirement was prevented from reaching the table.

PBH members say they believe the faculty senate tabled the resolution to avoid taking a stance on it. But they assert that by tabling the resolution, they are taking a side.

"Our Faculty Senate leadership is defending Tennessees white supremacist education laws; it is allowing these white supremacist laws to continue, unhindered and unquestioned, keeping Tennessees students ignorant of the real history of this country; it is continuing to pose before the K-12 teachers in Tennessee  many of them UT Martin graduates  the moral and financial dilemma of teaching the truth or lying about this history in order to save their jobs; it is opening the door to still more white supremacist 'education' legislation  the kinds of legislation Ron DeSantis is currently attempting to roll out in Florida; and, finally, it is preventing the day when UT Martin, and all the states institutions of higher education, can require that students learn the real history of this country, Black History," the group writes.

Click the document below to read the PBH's statement in full.
The family of David Dungay, an Aboriginal man who was killed in a Sydney prison in 2015, have roundly condemned a coronial inquest ruling on November 22 that there will be no disciplinary action taken against the guards involved in the young mans death.

Dungay, a 26-year-old diabetic suffering from schizophrenia, had his cell stormed by five officers from the Immediate Action Team (IAT) on the afternoon of December 29, 2015. The attack was carried out on the pretext that he refused to stop eating a packet of rice crackers. A video released of the incident shows him being overpowered and restrained, crying out 12 times I cant breathe.

Dragging him from the bed to the floor, the guards then forcibly moved him to another cell and held face him down on a bed. Dungay was injected with the sedative midazolam by a Justice Health nurse. Gasping for breath and panicking, officers dismissed his concerns saying, If you can talk you can breathe. He became unresponsive a minute later and died shortly after.

Footage of Dungay's death

The Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee found Dungay died of cardiac arrhythmia, possibly aggravated byhypoxaemia, a lack of oxygen in the blood brought on by being restrained face down. Other contributing factors included his Type 1 diabetes, antipsychotic medication and extreme stress and agitation.

Prior hearings found that medical staff at Sydneys Long Bay jail failed for up to eight minutes to perform consistent CPR before the arrival of paramedics and were effectively without value. At one point, staff forgot to remove the safety cap from the resuscitation equipment, leading to it coming out in Dungays mouth.

Lee also said there was no proper basis for using the IAT to relocate Mr Dungay to another cell.

In a complete whitewash, however, Lee rejected a submission that the officers be referred for disciplinary action. He effectively sided with the officers in their decision to ignore Dungays breathing issues, saying that their actions were not based on malicious intent, but on personal experiences which led them to believe he was being disingenuous.

Citing systemic deficiencies in training for positional asphyxia, Lee recommended specialist practical training on the issue. Two officers were deemed exempt from possible prosecution, owing to issued certificates that prevented their evidence from being used against them.

The judgement was made, despite glaring inconsistencies in the evidence of the guards and other staff. An officer claimed that they had stormed the cell at the suggestion of a nurse, while another said that it was a joint decision taken by nursing and correctional staff. The coroner, however, determined that it was the riot police who initiated the action.

In a mealy-mouthed apology, NSW Corrections Commissioner Peter Severin issued acknowledged organisational failures and claimed that we have made many changes to policy and training procedures as a direct result of Mr Dungays death.

However, almost four years since Dungays death, the level of training remains dubious. Only in July 2018, when the inquest into Mr Dungays death began, was an online training module on positional asphyxia launched. Severin also revealed in September of that year that only a few staff had begun physical training on the issue, leaving thousands exposed to further incidents.

Among further recommendations, Lee proposed an increased emphasis on de-escalation techniques by officers in Corrective Services. He also urged a review of the nurses professional conduct by the Board of Nursing. Despite acknowledging that the situation unfolding in the cell was confronting, there was a clear clinical basis to return to the cell and perform observations owing to Dungays breathing difficulties.

All of the references to insufficient training were aimed at covering-up the brutality shown by the guards and what it revealed: that prisons have nothing to do with rehabilitation, and that the overwhelmingly poor and working-class individuals caught up in the justice system are routinely attacked and their rights denied.

Dungays life was a concentrated expression of this reality. Born in the town of Kempsey, he spent eight years in the New South Wales adult prison system.

The young man had been convicted of theft and assault charges. During his sentencing remarks, the judge was compelled to acknowledge: It is fair to say that the prisoner comes from a very underprivileged and dysfunctional community where unfortunately he and others end up in custody and in juvenile institutions from a young age.

Outside the NSW Coroners Court on November 22, the Dungay family, accompanied by a large crowd of supporters, expressed disbelief and anger at the judgement.

Were not stopping here, were going to keep demanding justice until we get those criminal charges, said Paul Silva, Dungays nephew.

Im disgusted and deeply hurt by what passes for justice in Australia, said Mr Dungays mother, Leetona Dungay.

They stormed my sons cell, held him down, 10 minutes later he was dead, she said. And they all got away with it. What would you call it? I cant say it, Ill get sued.

The ruling is not an isolated episode, but the latest in the mistreatment of Aboriginals in custody. Since the Hawke Labor governments 198791 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, not a single police officer has been successfully prosecuted over Aboriginal deaths in custody, which number at least 424.

Incarceration rates for Aboriginal people have increased, becoming the highest for any indigenous population in the world. Since 1995, the incarceration rate has doubled to 2,481 in 100,000 for indigenous people, compared to 2,304 in 100,000 for African Americans, according to a report tabled in the federal parliament last September.

The treatment of Aboriginal workers is the sharpest expression of an assault of the social and democratic rights of the entire working class. The same report found that Australians as a whole are being imprisoned at greater rates than any time since the end of the 19th century, with incarceration rates increasing 130 percent since 1985.

This has been caused not by growing crime rates (which have been in decline), but by the enactment of law and order policies by Labor and Coalition governments, state and federal alike.

This right-wing program has been accompanied by a build-up of police powers, leading to a spate of deaths in custody.

Victims include Dungays cousin Eric Whittaker, who died shackled to a hospital bed, and Kumanjayi Walker, a 19-year-old Aboriginal man who was shot to death by police in the Northern Territory town of Yuendumu a week before Lee issued his finding in the Dungay case.

The gutting of mental health facilities has led to prisons becoming dumping grounds for many suffering from mental illness. A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in May found that 40 percent of Australian prisoners are diagnosed with mental health conditions, with only twenty three percent taking some form of medication.

One in five had a history of self-harm, with one in twenty reporting such an act in prison. Of the 115 deaths reported in custody between 201314 and 201415, one quarter were the result of self-harm or suicide.

Sixty-six percent of prisoners were also less likely to have seen a medical professional in the past year, compared with 15 percent of the broader population. When adjusted for age, prisoners were two to four times less likely to have seen a GP in the preceding twelve months than people in the community.

According to Dungays mother, Dungay spent 22 hours a day in his cell. She has stated that he only began experiencing hallucinations after being in prison.

At the beginning of inquest proceedings, the counsel assisting the coroner, Jason Downing, admitted that Dungay had been diagnosed as acutely psychotic with auditory hallucinations, and that since being in custody his mental health had deteriorated considerably.

G Ward in Long Bay is the only prison ward in Australia providing involuntary mental health medication. In any other state Dungay would have been placed in a forensic hospital.

The Dungay family is considering three options to pursue, including suing the immediate action team and Corrections NSW for wrongful death, seeking criminal prosecution of the officers involved, and seeking prosecution under Safe Work legislation.

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On March 5, under the headline Lynching the Deplorables, journalist Chris Hedges published a column on his Substack blog opposing the prosecution of participants in the right-wing mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, as part of former President Donald Trumps failed coup attempt.

The column endorses the fascist narrative of the January 6 attack as a harmless protest of frustrated and disenfranchised citizens. It covers up the political significance of the events of that day, the first ever attempt by a US president to overturn an election defeat and remain in power. And it grossly exaggerates the Department of Justices reaction, presenting it as the unduly harsh and possibly illegal persecution of innocent demonstrators, rather than as a limited and reluctant response to an unsuccessful attempt at a coup detat.

Trump supporters at the US Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. [Photo: Flickr?blinkofanaye]

Hedges column turns political reality on its head, transforming participants in a fascist political putsch, who sought to establish a presidential dictatorship, into martyrs whose prosecution is a gross assault on democratic rights.

It is one thing for socialists to warn, as the Socialist Equality Party and World Socialist Web Site frequently have done, that the working class cannot rely on the capitalist state to suppress the fascists; and that whatever repressive measures it may be legally obligated to take from time to time against the right will be employed far more broadly and viciously against the left. It is another thing entirely to oppose holding fascists accountable for actual crimes of violence, to justify their actions politically, and to portray them as martyrs who must be defended.

One usual characteristic of state repression is the gross disparity between the treatment of right-wing and fascistic groups, who occasionally clash with the police, but enjoy considerable support and sympathy within its ranks, and the savage violence unleashed against the left, not only against socialists and revolutionaries, but against even those protesting for liberal reforms.

Lessons from history

There is a long history in the United States of right-wing violence not even being investigated by the capitalist state. In the civil rights era, the killers of Emmett Till and Medgar Evers went unpunished for decades. It took a sustained struggle to hold the murderers of three voting rights activists in rural MississippiJames Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwernerto account. The same was true for the murderers of Viola Liuzzo, a Detroit housewife working as a volunteer during the march to Selma, who was shot to death by a carload of Klansmen. Among the killers was an FBI informant. The Workers League, predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party, was compelled to wage a three-year campaign in the labor movement, between 1977 and 1980, to force the New York police to arrest the two identified assassins of Trotskyist leader Tom Henehan.

During the post-World War I period of the rise of fascism in Europe, there were numerous incidents of wrist-slap punishment of its leaders even when they engaged in violent efforts to overthrow the government. In 1923, Adolf Hitler sought to overthrow the Bavarian state government in the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich. The putsch failed, but Hitler was sentenced to only a one-year term in prison, where he lived in comfort, consolidated his leadership of the extreme right in Germany, and wrote Mein Kampf. In the years leading up to Hitlers accession to power in 1933, Nazi thugs who murdered communists frequently went unpunished by the Weimar regime.

The Munich beer hall putsch [Photo by BundesArchiv / CC BY-SA 3.0

The event that has the greatest similarity to the events of January 6, 2021 is the fascist attack on the French parliament on February 6, 1934, when groups of armed ex-military officers, at the head of a fascist mob, tried to overthrow the government. The police beat them back, killing 15 fascists. But one day later the center-left Daladier government fell, succeeded by a more right-wing regime, decisively shifting the trajectory of French politics and giving the fascists what they wanted.

The mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021 had an even greater chance of success, since it had the backing of the sitting president and a significant section of the military-intelligence apparatus.



As a political event, the attack on the Capitol should not be trivialized and palmed off as the spontaneous expression of frustration over the results of the election. Whatever the individual motivations of disoriented and deluded individuals who bought into the Trump narrative of the stolen election, the attempted coup of January 6 was the end product of a massive conspiracy orchestrated out of the White House.

This first emerged publicly in June 2020, in Trumps response to the nationwide protests against the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. He demanded the deployment of the National Guard and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, declare martial law, and send in the Army. This culminated in his notorious walk through Lafayette Park, trailed by top officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in full uniform, to pose with a bible in front of a church.

Throughout the summer of 2020, Trump deployed armed federal agents in Portland, Oregon and other cities. This led to the execution-style police murder of Michael Reinoehl, who had fled Portland after shooting a fascist attacker in self-defense during a protest march.

The focus then shifted to the presidential election. Throughout the fall campaign, Trump declared that he would not accept the result of the vote if it went against him. Even his Democratic opponent Joe Biden said that his greatest fear was that Trump would refuse to vacate the White House. But Biden did nothing to prepare the voters for the post-election crisis, instead declaring his confidence that the military-intelligence apparatus would enforce the peaceful transfer of power, making it the arbiter of American political life.

Chris Hedges has chosen to ignore the pre-history of the coup. This is a calculated political decision on his part, which contradicts his own explicit warnings, prior to the presidential election in November 2020, of fascist preparations for armed violence.

In an article written for Scheerpost, published on September 8, 2020, Hedges warned of a growing right-wing movement, whose members

stand poised to tear apart the United States, awash in military-grade weapons, unable to cope with the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, cursed with militarized police forces that function as internal armies of occupation and de facto allies of the neofascists.

Clearly anticipating Trumps plan to overthrow the election results, Hedges continued:

Donald Trump and the Republican Party, along with media outlets such as FOX News, in a bid to retain power, are fanning the flames of violence, seeing in the incitement of far-right mobs a route to a ruthless police state.

Covering up Trumps coup attempt

In a thoroughly cynical display of calculated political amnesia, Hedges has chosen to forget his prior warnings and characterization of the forces being mobilized by Trump. In fact, there is almost no reference to Trump in the course of the entire column and nothing at all about his role on January 6. Hedges quotes defense lawyer Joseph McBride, a principal source for his column, denying any connection between the Proud Boys who spearheaded the attack on the Capitol and the instigator in the White House.

Hedges makes no mention of Trumps instruction to the Proud Boys, during a nationally televised campaign debate, to stand back and stand by. Nor does he mention Trumps notorious public call for supporters to come to Washington on January 6, closing with the promise that it will be wild! Nearly every January 6 defendant has cited Trumps summons as the reason for their presence. Nor does Hedges note that the January 6 attack was immediately preceded by a rally outside the White House where Trump ordered the armed mob he had assembled with his Republican allies to march to the Capitol and fight like hell or else you wont have a country anymore.

Hedges even disputes the charge of seditious conspiracy that has been brought against only a handful of ringleaders of the attack on the Capitol, while most of the thousand or so cases filed by the Justice Department against January 6 defendants involve misdemeanors or low-grade felonies carrying little or no jail time. Of the more serious charges, he writes:

While a few of the organizers of the Jan. 6 protest such as Stewart Rhodes, who founded Oath Keepers, may conceivably be guilty of sedition, and even this is in doubt, the vast majority of those caught up in the incursion of the Capitol did not commit serious crimes, engage in violence or know what they would do in Washington other than protest the election results. (emphasis added)

He ignores evidence that members of the Oath Keepers, another paramilitary group, brought guns and suitcases full of ammunition to Washington. He does not discuss why Trump was furious with the active use of magnetometers before his January 6 speech, preventing the armed fascists from getting too close. I dont fucking care that they have weapons, Trump stated. Theyre not here to hurt me. Take the fucking mags away.

Hedges depicts the mob of well over 1,000 people as perhaps overly rambunctious but seeking to do no more than express their legitimate frustration over the election. He never poses the question of what would have happened if those who broke through police lines into the Capitol had succeeded in their goal of capturing Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or another prominent congressional figure.

Members of Congress shelter in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik]

There was a gallows set up outside the Capitol for a reason. It is more than likely that congressmen seized by the rioters would have been either killed or used as hostages to pressure Congress to call off the certification vote entirely and negotiate on the terms for Trump to remain in the White House.

Such a scenario was certainly in Trumps mind when he demanded that his Secret Service entourage take him to the Capitol so he could lead the mob inside to pose his challenge to the congressional certification directly. That is why he foamed at the mouth and struck his own guard when the agent refused to take him.

Are the January 6 attackers being persecuted?

Much of Hedges column is taken up with attempts to generate sympathy for those who attacked the Capitol, exaggerating the punitive consequences they now face, and providing tear-jerking life stories for several of the most notorious defendants.

The truth is that only a select few high-level militia members and ultra-violent fascists, like ex-N.Y.P.D cop and former Marine Thomas Webster, have received multi-year prison sentences for, in his case, choking a policeman and beating him with a flagpole. The vast majority of those convicted for participating in the failed coup have faced misdemeanor or minor felony charges and received short prison terms, home confinement, or nothing beyond fines and probation.

In an update last week, the Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed that of the approximately 420 federal defendants who have been sentenced for criminal activity on January 6, just under half, 200, were never incarcerated after being found guilty. Instead, approximately 100 defendants the DoJ wrote, have been sentenced to a period of home detention, with only 15 of those 100 having previously been sentenced to a period of incarceration.

For those who have been sentenced to jail, their stay has been brief. A recent Washington Post report, analyzing the light sentences handed down to January 6 criminals by federal judges, found that out of 357 people sentenced at that time, 249, or 70 percent, received either a sentence of less than two months in jail (95), home detention (66) or probation (88). The same report found that only eight people at that time had been sentenced to more than five years in prison.

Even more important is the fact that the architect of the coup, ex-president Donald Trump, and his high-level accomplices in the Republican Party, the military-intelligence apparatus and the Supreme Court, have yet to face a single charge for attempting to overthrow the Constitution.

Hedges first profile is of the so-called QAnon Shaman, Jacob Chansley, who marched through the Capitol wearing a horned helmet, carrying a spear with an American flag, with a bizarre paint job on his face and open chest.

Fascist supporters of President Donald Trump inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. At center is Jacob Chansley, wearing fur hat with horns: a regular at pro-Trump events and a follower of QAnon. [AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta]

He says the shaman was sentenced to more than three years in prison, and that Chansley is a practitioner of ahimsa, an ancient Indian principle of non-violence toward all living beings, [who] was not accused of assaulting anyone.

Actually, Chansley pleaded guilty two years ago to one felony charge of obstruction after prosecutors agreed to drop multiple other charges he was facing including civil disorder, violent entry and disorderly conduct. At his sentencing hearing in November 2021, Chansley renounced QAnon and Trump and told the judge ,I have no excuse. No excuses whatsoever. My behavior is indefensible.

Hedges says nothing about the fascistic, anti-Semitic and violent character of the QAnon ideology, which presents Trump as a liberating figure who will massacre his Democratic Party opponents and anyone else who gets in the way.

After whitewashing Chansley, Hedges moves on to convicted Texas III Percenter Guy Wesley Reffitt. Hedges lists the numerous charges for which Reffitt was convicted, then writes, His obstruction of justice charge came from threatening his two teenage children to prevent them from reporting him to law enforcement.

The use of quotation marks around the word threatening is highly revealing. There is no dispute Reffitt threatened to murder his children for turning him in to the police for participating in the coup.

During the trial Reffitt confirmed he traveled to Washington on January 6 with a pair of flex-cuffs and a pistol. Prosecutors told the jury, which found Reffitt guilty after less than five hours of deliberations, that Reffitt intended to use his gun and police-style flexicuffs to forcibly drag legislators out of the building and take over Congress.

After Reffitt returned to Texas following the attack on the Capitol, his teenage son Jackson, who testified against his father at the trial, saw his father in a TV news report on January 6. At the trial, then 19-year-old Jackson testified that his father told him and his sister that if they turned him in to the police they would be traitors and traitors get shot.

Hedges defense of the fascist right

In the first sentence of his column, Hedges writes, There is little that unites me with those who occupied the Capitol building on Jan. 6 (emphasis added). He lists their noxious views with which he presumably disagreesChristian nationalism, white supremacy, blind support for Trumpbut does not answer the obvious question: what is that little? That little is an unspecified political quantity.

Hedges says nothing about the central contention of the fascist right, which was the basis of the January 6 attack, that the 2020 election was stolen and Biden is an illegitimate usurper. He ignores Trumps continuing claim that he won a landslide victory, his message to the attackers as they were driven back from the Capitol, and the basis of his candidacy for the presidency in 2024.

Hedges avoids such questions, focusing instead on what he presents as the heavy-handed prosecution of the attackers, whose actions he describes benignly as a protest, an incursion, or an occupation.

He writes:

The Jan. 6 protestors were not the first to occupy Congressional offices. Young environmental activists from the Sunrise Movement, anti-war activists from Code Pink and even congressional staffers have engaged in numerous occupations of congressional offices and interrupted congressional hearings. What will happen to groups such as Code Pink if they occupy congressional offices with Republicans in control of the White House, the Congress and the courts? Will they be held for years in pretrial detention? Will they be given lengthy prison terms based on dubious interpretations of the law? Will they be considered domestic terrorists? Will protests and civil disobedience become impossible?

The comparison of Code Pink and environmental activists to the Proud Boys is grotesque. They are pacifists, not violent thugs. They were not armed and did not storm congressional offices, breaking windows and cracking skulls in the process. They were seeking to appeal to Congress to listen to their point of view, not shut it down to prevent the certification of a presidential election, keep the president in office, in violation of the US Constitution, and effectively establish a presidential dictatorship in America.

Even more outrageous is the comparison of the treatment of some of the more notorious January 6 attackers to the brutal state persecution of Julian Assange, the founder-editor of WikiLeaks, which has provided invaluable documentation of the crimes of US imperialism in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. To compare in any way Assanges heroic actions with the violence of the fascist riff-raff on January 6, 2021 is politically obscene.

Chris Hedges knows the circumstances in which Assange has been held and the 175 years in a federal Supermax prison that he faces if extradited, and has spoken out against his persecution. What January 6 defendant faces anything comparable?

Who is Joseph McBride?

To buttress his claims of a judicial frame-up, Hedges includes a long interview with Joseph D. McBride, a lawyer representing a number of the January 6 defendants. He presents the lawyer as a champion of civil liberties and defender of the oppressed, someone who assisted Occupy Wall Street and provided free legal advice as a law school student to those encamped in Zuccotti Park.

He quotes McBride comparing the treatment of the January 6 defendants to the government-backed campaign against Muslims that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001: The same thing is happening, except its being applied to a new group of people, primarily white Christians, Trump supporters, for now.

These seemingly democratic sentiments are cited to conceal the fact that McBride is an all-out supporter of Trump who moves in top circles of the fascist right, serving as a counsel for Ali Alexander, one of the main organizers of the Stop the Steal campaign, when he testified before the January 6 Select Committee. Alexander is a close friend of Hitler-lover Nick Fuentes.

Recent tweets from Joseph McBride showing him having dinner with Donald Trump Jr. and appearing on fascist Steve Bannon's podcast. [Photo: @McBrideLawNYC]

Since the failed coup, McBride has appeared on numerous ultra-right outlets, from fascist Steve Bannons War Room, to FOX News, Newsmax, and One America News. He has given multiple interviews to former Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka, championing the cause of the January 6 defendants. At the recent CPAC conference, McBride was on a panel with Donald Trump Jr. and Ashli Babbitts mother discussing the alleged unjust persecution of Trumps foot-soldiers.

In a January 2023 interview with Gorka, McBride explained that he defends January 6 political prisoners because I believe it is my calling ... it is my mission in life. Win, lose or draw my team and myself will be counted amongst the people who looked communism in the face and said in the United States of America, if you are going to succeed here you are going to have to run through us. Thats the only way, there is no way around it.

On December 24, 2022 McBride tweeted at Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, [Black Lives Matter] & ANTIFA looted, burned, and rioted for hundreds of days. Packs of young People of Color still loot every day. You are enabling them & setting them up to FAIL. Your problem is not with extremism. Its [with] the White MAGA Republicans that youre exploiting for political gain.

But the foulest comment by McBride is given to Hedges himself and reproduced uncritically in his column. Hedges quotes, without objection, McBrides false assertion that Trumps persecuted white Christians cannot possibly get a fair trial in Washington D.C., because, according to McBride, the bias in the jury pool is astounding. He tells Hedges, The D.C. jury pool is poisoned beyond repair.

Hedges claims this is because there are many federal workers in the District of Columbia, the seat of the federal government, and they might regard themselves as victims of the January 6 attack. But there is a more obvious reason for racists and fascists to decry a Washington D.C. jury pool as tainted. The citys population, from which juries are drawn, is 50 percent African American.

This makes Hedges use of lynching to describe the imprisonment and sentencing of a small number of fascistic thugs both disgusting and provocative. White Christians whose only crime was protesting the 2020 election result are being lynched by Democrats in Washington D.C. with the assistance of pliant black juries. This is full-out pandering to the white supremacists.

Conclusion

Hedges ends his column on his knees, begging the left to stop the persecution of Trumps foot soldiers lest it upset the fascists. We are hardening the ideology and rage of the far-right. We are turning those being hounded to prison into political prisoners and martyrs, he concludes.

Actually it is Hedges who has transformed the January 6 defendants into martyrs, abandoning both critical judgment and whatever political principles he once professed.

Given Hedges reputation as a left-wing journalist who has written a book and numerous articles on the danger of American fascism, his unrestrained defense of the mob who attempted to carry out the coup of which he had previously warned will come as a shock to his many readers. What is Hedges smoking? will be a common reaction.

Chris Hedges

Hedges has frequently ridiculed attempts by liberals to develop a dialogue with fascists. In his 2006 book American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, Hedges wrote:

Debate with the radical Christian Right is useless. We cannot reach this movement. It does not want a dialogue. It is a movement based on emotion and cares nothing for rational thought and discussion. It is not mollified because John Kerry prays or Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school. Naive attempts to reach out to the movement, to assure them that we, too, are Christian or we, too, care about moral values, are doomed. This movement is bent on our destruction. The attempts by many liberals to make peace would be humorous if the stakes were not so deadly. These dominionists hate the liberal, enlightened world formed by the Constitution, a world they blame for the debacle of their lives. They have one goalits destruction. Alvin Toffler wrote that if you dont have a strategy you end up being part of someone elses strategy.

In a much more recent column, posted on Scheerpost on June 27, 2022, Hedges stressed the present-day relevance of his book on fascism for an understanding of the events of January 6, 2021:

The book was a warning that an American fascism, wrapped in the flag and clutching the Christian cross, was organizing to extinguish our anemic democracy. This assault is very far advanced. The connecting tissue among the disparate militia groups, QAnon conspiracy theorists, anti-abortion activists, right-wing patriot organizations, Second Amendment advocates, neo-Confederates and Trump supporters that stormed the Capitol on January 6 is this frightening Christian fascism.

In recent months Hedges has carried out what appears to be an astonishing political transformation, which has been demonstrated not only in what he now writes, but also in his current political activities.

Only three weeks ago, Hedges stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Libertarians, anti-Semites and right-wing militia elements at the Rage Against the War Machine rally in Washington, claiming that a left-right alliance was the only way to fight back effectively against the US-led war against Russia in Ukraine.

How can this shift in Hedges political orientationfrom a bitter opponent of fascists to their supine apologist and opportunist allybe explained?

Marxists who have followed his writings over the years have noted two significant characteristics of his political outlook that make his present unmistakably right-wing orientation not entirely surprising.

The first is the mood of despair that pervades his writings. It is not merely a strange attraction for the macabre that leads Hedges to illustrate his columns with images of skulls, skeletons and other symbols of death. These images convey Hedges view of the future. His denunciations of fascism invariably read as the desperate lamentations of one who is convinced of its unstoppable victory.

The second characteristic, and the source of Hedges malignant pessimism, is his rejection of and opposition to Marxist theory and politics that define the working class as the basic revolutionary force in society and assign to it the leading and decisive role in the struggle against capitalism. As he does not believe that there exists any social force that can overthrow capitalism, Hedges is left with a perspective of hopelessness. This, in turn, has led Hedges to conclude that the struggle against war requires an alliance with fascists. But to secure that alliance, Hedges is compelled to renounce his past opposition to fascism and serve as its apologist.

Hedges present political course will deeply disappoint his many readers who respected his past denunciations of the crimes of American imperialism. He would do well to critically reexamine his present political trajectory.
Fired Dana workers [Photo: WSWS]

The mounting opposition of rank-and-file autoworkers to mass firings at transnational parts supplier Dana Inc.s factories in the United States is a major episode in the emerging global counteroffensive of the working class.

In the last two weeks, workers at Dana parts plants in the United States have used the World Socialist Web Site to expose labor conditions resembling the 19th century.

Workers with years of seniority and clean records report being fired on the spot, left to fend for themselves amid the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Workers say they are being terminated for speaking out against contract violations, for expressing concerns over safety, for protesting lost wages and for reporting sexual harassment by their superiors.

As a result of the firings, the lives of many workers and their families have been upended. While Dana Inc. pays its CEO $14 million a year and gives out $57 million in annual dividend payments to its wealthy shareholders, autoworkers say their cars are being repossessed, they are at risk of losing their homes, and their young children are eating canned beans and going without medical attention. This is the reality of life under capitalism.

Dozens of workers report being fired without warning and without any real disciplinary or grievance procedure. Workers say the company is firing them by ruse, including by having supervisors instruct workers to write that they arrived at work at a certain time and then using this to fire workers for lying on company documents. Dana has not responded to multiple requests for comment or clarification.

There are a number of critical issues exposed in the struggle of the Dana workers.

First, the extreme exploitation and victimization of workers is driven by the demands of the capitalist market and the ruling class. Dana is a transnational corporation with over 100 factories worldwide. It must increase exploitation because the major world auto companies demand it, and Wall Street makes the same demands on the auto companies. Dana and all corporations are attempting to make the working class pay for the rising cost of material goods while increasing investor returns.

The escalation of the assault on the working class at home goes hand in hand with the escalation of war abroad. While Dana workers are told there is no money to guarantee basic necessities, the Biden administration, with the support of both political parties, is proposing to spend a record $1 trillion on the military to finance the war against Russia and prepare for war against China.

Second, the conditions at Dana expose the UAW apparatus as nothing more than a corporate police force over the working class.

Dana workers are ostensibly represented by the UAW, which in reality is complicit in the mass firings. Some of the workers who have lost their jobs are third or fourth generation UAW members, whose grandparents and great-grandparents defied company thugs and the national guard to build the UAW in the first place.

Many workers report UAW officials are helping the company point out militant workers to fire. One eyewitness said UAW officials at Danas Toledo, Ohio plant celebrated when a worker was terminated, and most say that the UAW has not advanced their grievances and has done nothing to help them get their jobs back. For the privilege of this representation, workers pay an average of $800 a year in UAW dues.

The UAW bureaucracy is now attempting to prop up its legitimacyexposed by years of pro-corporate corruptionby holding an election about which it refused to inform the membership. It is difficult to find a Dana worker who even knew they had the right to vote when rank-and-file socialist Will Lehman was a candidate in the first round last fall.

Third, the fight at Dana shows that workers are beginning to take matters into their own hands and fight back. Rank-and-file workers, assisted by the World Socialist Web Site, have formed a rank-and-file committee that is demanding the rehiring of all fired workers. But since workers do not want to get their jobs back only to face further abuse, they are also demanding democratic rank-and-file control at workplaces, including over hiring and firing across the company.

Their appeal is not to the UAW bureaucrats who have ignored them for so long, but to their coworkers at Dana and beyond. Over the weekend, Dana workers made a powerful intervention at the nearby Stellantis Toledo Jeep plant, winning broad support for their struggle. This September, the contract for 150,000 Stellantis, GM and Ford workers expires. Currently, 5,000 Caterpillar workers are voting on a contract in Illinois, and contracts for hundreds of thousands of workers across all industries are expiring this summer in the US alone, including 350,000 UPS workers.

Finally, the struggle at Dana reveals the fundamental class divide in the United States and throughout the world. After the initial publication of the mass firings of workers of predominantly African American workers at the Dana plant in Toledo, workers at Danas plant in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, who are predominantly white, wrote to the WSWS to report similar conditions.

The emerging struggle is bringing together workers of all ages, nationalities and walks of life in defiance of efforts by the company and UAW to pit workers against each other based on job classification, sexual orientation, gender, race and cultural background. The reality is that in many cases, white workers are being fired by white Human Resources representatives with no representation from white UAW officials, and in an equal number of cases black UAW officials help black HR representatives wrongfully terminate black workers.

The fight by the Dana workers deserves and requires the support of workers throughout the US and internationally.

In a committee mission statement published last week and distributed across multiple facilities in recent days, the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee stated its aim was to broaden the struggle beyond Dana, to unite rank-and-file workers across all backgrounds, and to abolish the UAW bureaucracy. The committee is a part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), founded in 2021 as a global network of the rank and file.

The statement says its purpose is to share our personal stories with the working class and to speak for those who are too intimidated to speak up in fear of losing their jobs and livelihoods and to take the power out of the hands that oppress us: Dana and the UAW, and give power to the workers on the shop floor.

The committees aims go beyond the walls of Danas factories or the floors of the auto plants, stating it intends to fight toward a much bigger purpose: equality at the workplace and in society as a whole. This is a movement of the entire working class.

This is not an abstract hope, it is a strategic necessity. In Greece, France, Sri Lanka, Britain, and dozens of countries around the world, strikes and protests are emerging against spiraling inequality and massive increases to cost-of-living exacerbated by the US/NATO war against Russia.

The United States is the center of world imperialist reaction and the American ruling class is currently pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war against both Russia and China as it recklessly tries to salvage its declining position as world hegemonic power. The entry of the American working class onto the battlefield of the global class struggle will provide immeasurable strength to workers in struggle in every corner of the world.

The WSWS fully supports the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee. We urge workers in the US and throughout the world to share its founding statement and make the struggle at Dana as broadly known as possible.
A woman operates a cart carrying bales of tobacco at the Tobacco Auction Floors in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 9, 2023.(Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

by Tafara Mugwara

HARARE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- After a long journey from a farming region, Shylet Muzveba was waiting impatiently in a truck here to offload her bales at the Tobacco Auction Floors.

She then breathed a great sigh of relief after finally arriving at the unloading bay. She said she will soon reap the harvest after months of toiling in the fields.

Muzveba is one of thousands of small-scale farmers who have chosen to grow the high-reward golden leaf. But for now, her biggest worry is the selling price, as she is not under contract farming, Muzveba told Xinhua.

"This year we harvested a top-quality crop. We received enough rainfall, so we are expecting good pricing so that we will be able to buy inputs for the coming season," Muzveba said.

Tobacco is Zimbabwe's largest agricultural export earner and the second-largest commodity export earner after gold.

The first kilogram this year was sold for 4.35 U.S. dollars compared to 4.20 dollars last year.

Muzveba said she prizes the lucrative crop after having farmed it for five years.

"I used to grow cotton and maize but stopped so that I can cultivate tobacco, which brings more returns," she said.

"I realized that with tobacco farming I get my money at once, and I can plan for my life, build my house, take care of my family and send my children to school with the proceeds from tobacco," she told Xinhua.

Zimbabwe is projected to produce 230 million kg of tobacco this year, up from 212 million kg last year following good rains and increased hectarage.

The country aims to increase the level of value addition from the current 2 percent to 30 percent by 2025, said Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on March 8 when the 2023 tobacco marketing season began.

Another farmer, Sandra Takavata, also jumped ship after realizing how rewarding the farming of tobacco was.

"We used to cultivate corn and beans, but due to erratic rainfall patterns, we realized that those who grew tobacco were getting more returns," she told Xinhua, adding that she has been growing the crop since 2016.

"Farming tobacco is beneficial -- as a woman, considering the economic environment, if I grow tobacco I can educate my children, I can help my husband put food on the table, pay school fees and buy other necessities," Takavata said.

Plaxedes Murumbe, another farmer, also praised tobacco as a game changer for her.

"During the beginning, I was struggling, I had nothing, but with tobacco I managed to buy residential land in the city," Murumbe said.

"I bought a grinding mill and irrigation equipment, all because of tobacco farming," she said.

Editor: WXL
This open letter by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (Sri Lanka) was posted on the Sinhala-language section of the WSWS on March 3.

1. President of the Students Union of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura.

2. President of the University Students Union, University of Sri Jayawardenepura.

3. Vasantha Mudalige, Convener of the Inter University Students Federation.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) denounces with contempt the acts of thuggery by a group of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Students Union (HSSFSU) members against IYSSE member Sakuntha Hirimutugoda, and threats against Socialist Equality Party (SEP) members Pani Wijesiriwardena and Wasantha Rupasinghe, at the university on February 23. The IYSSE is the international youth wing of the SEP.

Hirimutugoda, who had completed his degree courses six months earlier at the universitys Applied Science Faculty, was involved in a political discussion with a student on the afternoon on February 23. The student wanted further information on the working-class internationalist politics of the SEP and IYSSE after attending a February 7 lecture by Wijesiriwardena. The lecture was organised by the Student Union of the Department of Political Science at the university.

SEP Political Committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena delivering lecture at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, on February 7, 2023. [Photo: WSWS]

Wijesiriwardena explained during the SEP lecture that the sole social force capable of defending social rights, such as free education, and democratic rights, including freedom of expression, was the international working class. He made clear that the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), which is controlled by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), is hostile to this classical Marxist position.

The lecturer said that the aim of the IUSFs student politics was to prevent students from turning to the working class, and to trap them behind the myth that their rights could be won by exerting pressure on capitalist governments, thus defending capitalism.

On February 23, Hirimutugoda was explaining to the student the reactionary nature of the practice of the IUSF, and the student unions guided by it. During the discussion, two student activists suddenly rushed in, threatening the student talking to Hirimutugoda. They accused the student of causing an incident at the university on February 14 and prepared to physically attack him. When Hirimutugoda objected, the two activists accused him of being involved the in previous clash, and demanded to know what he was doing on campus.

IYSSE member Hirimutugoda challenged the activists, emphasising his democratic right to be there, making clear that he had no connection with any previous clash and stating that he was a member of the SEP and IYSSE. Angered by his response, the activists attempted to hit him, declaring that party politics could not be discussed, and that only student politics were allowed at the university. They also began making phone calls in order to mobilise other HSSFSU members.

When Hirimutugoda phoned the SEP, informing it of the situation, these individuals forcibly seized his phone. One activist threatened to smash in Hirimuthugodas face if he was not suspended from classes. About ten individuals, including HSSF third-year students Lakshan Sandaruwan, Ranindu Ratnayake and Hasitha Piyumal Bandara were involved.

A university disciplinary officer arrived and took Hirimutugoda to the disciplinary superintendents office. The group of students followed, issuing threatening remarks: Do you accept the university subculture? Party politics divides students! If you come again, lets see what will happen to you! While Hirimuthugoda was in the disciplinary superintendents office, the student thugs stood outside the door searching through his phone.

Your organisations, which claim that there is no space for party politics at the universities, are engaged in definite party politics, both on and off the universities. Students and everyone else, including yourselves, know very well that it is the FSPs politics.

IYSSE convener Kapila Fernando discussing with students at Jayewardenepura university during a campaign in February. [Photo: WSWS]

While your organisations are involved in party politics at the universities, you forcefully prevent other parties from doing so, especially the SEP and IYSSE which are based on proletarian internationalism. This is completely anti-democratic and deceitful.

In opposition to your fraudulent claims, the IYSSE stands openly, at the universities and elsewhere, under the banners of the IYSSE, the SEP and the International Committee of the Fourth International, which is the world party of the working class and provides leadership to the Socialist Equality Parties. The tradition of Marxists is to openly stand in the name of their political organisation. These traditions are utterly foreign to the pseudo-left FSP and its IUSF.

One further point needs to be made. Despite our sharp and uncompromising political differences, the SEP and IYSSE have a consistent and unchallengeable historical record of fighting against every anti-democratic attack and state witch-hunt unleashed on other organisations, including yours, and their leaders.

By banning the politics of the SEP and IYSSE, you are violating our democratic right of freedom of expression to disseminate our political ideas among students, and the rights of students to know about these ideas.

Peddling student politics and banning working-class socialist politics on the universities was begun under the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which then controlled the IUSF. Although the FSP organisationally broke with the JVP, it follows the same reactionary politics.

You carry out these thuggish activities under the pretext of defending the university subculture. The uncultured nature of this so-called subculture finds its foul expression in the crackdown against the IYSSE.



Your subculture has a discredited history at Sri Jayawardenepura University. In November 2002, a group of students influenced by this subculture attacked Samantha Vithanage, who was beaten and killed by thugs who dropped a computer monitor on his head. IUSF thugs attacked Vithanage, and other students, because they opposed ragging [bullying]. As a result of this subculture, democratic political discussions among university students on campuses are completely banned.

You say that party politics at the universities creates disunity among students. But the opposite is the case. The basic reason for clashes between students is a result of your leadership, and your attempts to suppress students who hold alternative political views.

At the same time, your student unions are so reactionary that they unite with the university administration, and at times with the police, to suppress your political opponents. In your anti-democratic intervention against an IYSSE member, you shamelessly associated yourselves with the disciplinary superintendents office, which is part of the university administration and the repressive apparatus used to suppress student activists, including yourselves.

Employing the same allegations as the student thugs, the disciplinary superintendent accused Hirimutugoda of illegally entering the university premises and provoking a clash between students.

Opposing these false claims, the IYSSE member categorically denied this allegation and said that he had a democratic right to discuss politics in the university. He rejected the accusation that he had caused a student clash and explained that it had been fueled by the activists.

The disciplinary officer responded by threatening to hand over Hirimutugoda to the police and refusing to return his mobile phone from the students. He also declared that the university was an institution where no democratic rights apply and any outsider entering the premises must have permission from the Vice Chancellor.

When Wijesiriwardena and Rupasinghe came to defend Hirimutugoda, the student activists employed the same thuggery and even attempted to inspect their mobile phones. The student thugs then worked with disciplinary officers to force the two SEP members from the university premises.

Later, after about an hour of intimidation, the universitys disciplinary superintendent released Hirimuthugoda when SEP General Secretary Deepal Jayasekera telephoned him, insisting on the partys democratic rights to work on the universitys premises.

This anti-democratic intervention reveals not the strength of your organisations but their weakness. What you fear is that the international socialist perspective of the IYSSE will gain ground among the students as your bankrupt policies are exposed by the deepening crisis of capitalism.

IYSSE members and supporters opposing US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine at the University of Peradeniya in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on 7 March 2023. [Photo: WSWS]

Students cannot go forward with these pro-capitalist organisations. They can only defend their rights by breaking with these outfits and turning to the working class in the fight for international socialism. This is the IYSSEs perspective. It is the only organisation with a viable political program that fights against the threat of another world war, austerity measures and attacks on democratic rights.

Threats will not intimidate us or limit our political activities. We have always openly expressed our ideas and are ready to debate them publicly. But we are not ready to accept any ban or restriction on our freedom to hold these ideas, and will mobilise support on and off the universities to defend our rights.

Yours sincerely,

Kapila Fernando

Convener of IYSSE (Sri Lanka)
Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) officially installed Xi Jinping for a third term as president on Friday and Li Qiang, a close associate of Xi, as premier on Saturday. The body, which nominally acts as the countrys legislature, is finalising other top governmental appointmentswith Xis supporters being appointed to key positions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, right arrive for a session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sunday, March 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Xis re-appointment as president was a foregone conclusion following his appointment to a third term as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary at the party congress last October. It is the culmination of the process that Xi set in motion in 2018 when the countrys constitution was amended to end the two-term limit on the presidency.

The CCP congress also stacked the top party body, the Politburo Standing Committee, with Xis followers and incorporated Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the partys constitution. Party officials and the state-owned media ritually declare Xi to be the core of the party leadership and government.

The flipside of the official lauding of Xi in China is the coverage in the US and Western media. As part of the propaganda for the accelerating US-led preparations for war with China, the American media paints Xi as a political strongman and autocratthe most powerful leader in China since Mao Zedong. In reality, Xi has been thrust to the fore by a fragile CCP regime under siege both at home and abroad. He is a Bonapartist figure balancing between rival factions in the party and capitalist class amid sharpening social and geo-strategic tensions.

Beijing confronts escalating US military and diplomatic provocations over Taiwan and the South China and East China Seas, and a dramatic US military build-up and strengthening of alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, the Biden administration has not only maintained the trade war measures put in place by Trump but imposed one ban after another on the transfer of advanced semiconductors and the machinery needed for their manufacture to China.

Last week, in an unusual step, Xi explicitly accused the US of seeking to undermine China, declaring: Western countries led by the United States have implemented all-around containment, encirclement and suppression of China. A major restructuring endorsed by the NPC on Friday of the State Council points to several significant aspects of the mounting crisis facing the regime.

The State Council, which functions as Chinas cabinet, will strengthen its control over the key Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), which will be called on to boost efforts to create an advanced computer chip-making industry in China. A new Central Science and Technology Committee will be created, directly under the State Council, to oversee all the ministrys operations.

China is heavily dependent on imported semiconductors and has been hit hard by the US bans. According to the latest Chinese customs figures, the number of semiconductors imported by China in the first two months of the year plunged by 26.5 percent to 67.6 billion units, compared to the same period last year. Their total value dropped by 30.5 percent from $68.8 billion to $47.8 billion compared to the first two months last year.

While higher numbers of relatively low-end chips may have been manufactured within China, the most damaging impact will have been in the lack of access to advanced semiconductors, critical for both commercial and military applications.

The reform plan endorsed by the NPC declared it was necessary to rationalise the scientific and technological leadership and management system to overcome difficulties in key core technologies, and accelerate the realisation of high-level technological self-reliance and strength.

However, China, despite its economic size, confronts huge problems in replicating and competing with what is a globally-organised industry. The US has not only banned the sale of American equipment and semiconductors to China but pressured Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands and South Korea to do the same. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has a virtual global monopoly in the production of the most advanced chips.

The Financial Times reported last week that the Netherlands is preparing to impose bans on the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China on the pretext of national security. The Dutch company ASML is the worlds largest supplier of advanced chip equipment. The article suggested that a ban on the servicing and repair of existing ASML equipment in China may be under consideration.

The State Council reform also strengthened the oversight of Chinese financial sector, which is threatened by a meltdown in the real estate sector following years of frenzied speculation as well as high levels of government debt. Estimates put public debt as high as $US18 trillion, of which $10 trillion is hidden debt owed by shaky local government financing platforms.

A new National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) is to be established to take over from the existing China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC). It will wield significant new supervisory powers over the financial industry, excluding the share markets, including over small local banks that represent nearly half of the countrys banking sector. Significantly, its national officials will take over from local regulators. The NFRA will be directly administered by the State Council.

The economy as a whole has slumped sharply. Economic growth in 2022 was just 3 percent, well under the target of 5.5 percent and one of the lowest figures for decades. Projected growth for 2023 of around 5 percent was announced by outgoing Premier Li Keqiang on the opening day of the NPC. The CCP regime had long regarded 8 percent growth as the minimum figure necessary to minimise unemployment and maintain social stability.

Under intense pressure from the major powers and the corporate elite, the Chinese government in December abruptly ended its zero-COVID policy that had minimised infections and deaths in China and removed virtually all health restrictions. As a result, infections have ravaged the population and estimates for the death toll are over one million. While the CCP regime is hoping that ending zero-COVID will give it an economic boost, the adoption of the same murderous let-it-rip policy as governments around the world will only further undermine its claims to be looking after public welfare.

Over the past decade, Xi had effectively sidelined Li Keqiang and taken control of economic policy, which traditionally had been the province of the premier. Li Keqiang had been an advocate of further opening up the Chinese economy to foreign investment as part of a China 2030 plan drawn up with the World Bank. In response to Washingtons increasingly confrontational stance and the global economic turmoil, Xi has sought to boost Chinese corporations and Chinas ability to compete technologically.

Li Qiang, the new premier has been closely associated with Xi. He worked for Xi as secretary when Xi was governor of the wealthier coastal province of Zhejiang in the mid-2000s. When Xi became president in 2012, Li took over as Zhejiang governor himself, then party boss of nearby Jiangsu province. In 2017, Li was installed in the powerful position of CCP secretary in Shanghai where he is credited with convincing Tesla founder Elon Musk to build the companys first overseas factory in the city. He is due to speak today about the direction of economic policy and will undoubtedly cleave closely to the line of his mentor.
Farmington, Utah police released the body camera footage of the shooting of Chase Allan last week, who was shot and killed by five police officers during a traffic stop on March 1. Allan was pulled over for an illegitimate license plate, with his vehicle lacking a state license plate and instead having a placard in its place.

Chase Allan [Photo: Allan family via Facebook]

The footage shows a single officer pull Allan over and approach his vehicle. The officer tells Allan why he was pulled over, to which Allan responds that he is not required to have vehicle registration or to provide identification.

Chase Allan and his family have a history of encounters with the Farmington police and rejection of the validity of traffic laws. Allans mother, Diane Allan, filed a lawsuit against the police department alleging that pulling her over for a lack of vehicle registration was illegal and a violation of her constitutional rights.

This rejection of legal authority over them comes from the familys sovereign citizen beliefs. Sovereign Citizens hold a loose set of beliefs based on the idea that state and federal laws do not apply to them because the United States government is illegitimate. The movement has a long history of racist and extreme right-wing and libertarian ideologies, with many claiming that the United States government was secretly replaced in 1933 when the government went bankrupt and began using its citizens as collateral in foreign trade deals. As such, Sovereign Citizens believe that obtaining legal documentation, paying taxes and acquiring government issued identification is part of a conspiracy to turn citizens into financial collateral and enslave them to existing legal and monetary institutions.

During the encounter with the officer Allan can be heard claiming that he does not have to follow federal or state laws because they are corporate policy that a person must be contracted to, and that the officer must prove that he signed a document binding him to state and federal laws. Upon the initial denial of the officers request to identify himself the officer that pulled Allan over called for assistance. Four additional officers arrived on the scene shortly afterwards.

Allan eventually provided the officer with a passport, which he says has the words do not stamp, do not detain on it. A part of Sovereign Citizens belief is that by printing words on documents they can provide some legal authority or protection from the law. This is most commonly used in efforts to avoid taxes but is also used in an attempt to avoid traffic laws. They generally hold the belief that they are not driving but are simply traveling, which does not require a license or vehicle registration because they are not transporting goods.

The officer identifies him as Chase Allan, but Allan responds, That is not me. That is a piece of plastic paper. The officer then states, So you have a fraudulent passport? Wonderful, thats what Im hearing.

At this point the officer orders Allan to step out of the vehicle, to which Allan responds, No. The officer continues to demand that Allan exit the vehicle as Allan argues that he is not required to and that if they attempt to force him they are going to have an issue. At this point in the video Allan can be seen recording the interaction with his phone in his right hand.

As the officers open the car door he moves the phone to his left hand and puts his right hand down by his hip. In the footage a gun holster can be seen and an officer yells out, Gun! Gun! Gun! When the footage was released to the public the Farmington police emphasized this transition of Allans hand and the gun holster. While they did not make an official claim that Allan was an imminent danger to the officers, the belabored point was clearly intended to direct attention to Allans possession of a firearm. Since 2021, Utah law allows for the open carry of an unloaded firearm and the concealed carry of a loaded gun for any person above the age of 20 without a permit.

Immediately after the shout that Allan had a gun all five police officers, four of whom had only been on the force for less than a year, opened fire on Allan and his vehicle. The total number of bullets fired is unknown but it is at least 20 and most likely more. The call Gun! occurred immediately after Allans car door was opened and the first shots are fired only a few seconds later. At least one officer can be seen reloading after the call to cease fire.

Footage shows that Allan fell to the ground after being shot, with an empty holster and a handgun on the floor of the driver side of the vehicle. It is unclear if he ever actually reached for the gun or had a hand on it and the police have made no determination yet on this point.

What is clear from the footage is that Allan posed no threat to the officers prior to their attempt to remove him from the car by force. While the US Supreme Court has upheld the authority of officers to demand a person exit a vehicle during a traffic stop, the necessity of such action is questionable.

Allan was certainly noncompliant, but that in and of itself does not justify the deployment of five armed officers to forcefully remove a man from a car for a lack of vehicle registration, an infraction that carries a $1,000 fine in the state of Utah.

The significance of Allans death is not in his refusal to recognize the laws of the United States but in how indicative it is of the experience of millions of working class Americans. Traffic stops are the most common interaction people have with the police, with 50,000 traffic stops occurring every day. Since 2017 more than 800 people have been killed by police during traffic stops.

Officers are trained to treat a traffic stop as a potentially dangerous situation and to react quickly to any perceived threat. However, research from Jordan Woods of the University of Arkansas School of Law found that non-felony traffic stops in Florida accounted for less than 10 percent of officer fatalities and just 6 percent of officer assaults/injuries with a gun or knife between 2007 and 2016.

Unfortunately, there is little useful data on police violence during traffic stops, with Wood noting that gaps in data make it difficult to evaluate whether certain exercises of police power during routine traffic stopssuch as ordering drivers or passengers out of carscreate avoidable and unnecessary conflicts that may undermine both officer and civilian safety.

Ultimately, the death of Chase Allan is the product of the militarization of the police and the cultivation of reactionary and fascistic forces within departments for the suppression of the class struggle and the preservation of capitalist property rights. As the crisis of American capitalism deepens the police in the US turn to more violent and deadly measures, taking the lives of more than 1,000 people every year, often for little more than non-compliance.
If you are an autoworker who would like to join or support the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee, text or call 2486020936 today or fill out the form at the bottom of this article.

A delegation from the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee traveled to the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex Saturday afternoon to win support for their fight against unjust firings and intolerable working conditions at the Dana Toledo Driveline factory. More than 5,500 workers at the Stellantis plant build Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, using axles manufactured by Dana workers just four miles away.

Some members of the Dana Rank-and-File Committee at the Jeep plant. [Photo: WSWS]

A half dozen of the members of the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee campaigned at the plant gate during the afternoon shift change, distributing hundreds of copies of their call to action and discussing their fight with Jeep workers.

To meet the demands of Stellantis and other automakers and boost its own profits, Dana has forced employees at the Toledo Driveline Factory to work seven days a week, at least 10 hours a day. Over the last few months, workers report that the company has fired at least 50 workers, particularly targeting those workers who have spoken out against unsafe conditions, wage theft, sexual harassment and other abuses. Far from opposing this, UAW officials have allowed management to run roughshod over workers rights and have even pointed out militant workers for management to fire.

Both Dana and Jeep workers are members of UAW Local 12.

During the campaign on Saturday, rank-and-file committee members approached several Jeep workers and asked them: Do you pay dues to the UAW? The Dana workers explained that they paid dues to the UAW too but did not get any representation. Several Jeep workers said they faced similar problems, including workers being unjustly discharged at their plant too.

Dana worker (left) speaking with Jeep worker [Photo: WSWS]

The committee members spoke to several temporary part-time or supplemental employees (TPT or SE) who told them they have not been rolled over to full-time even though they have worked at the plant, in some cases, four or five years. Although they pay dues, these workers can be fired at will and receive no profit-sharing or dental and optical benefits. We get the worst jobs and dont get any support from the UAW, one SE told the Dana workers.

One of Dana campaigners is a third-generation autoworker who used to work at the Jeep plant and was warmly welcomed by several Jeep workers. When a worker with eight years at the plant stopped to talk to her and other Dana workers, she said, My shop chairman was in the HR office and told me, Well, I cant do nothing to prevent your termination. I asked for the grievance papers they filed, and Im still waiting on them. Another Dana worker added, They dont do anything to support us. My grievance wasnt even processed or reviewed.

Asked what Jeep workers could do to support their fight, the Dana worker said, Were getting the information out and making our alliances. Were letting Jeep, DMS, Mayco and other workers know what is going on because we are going to give them hell shortly.

Another Dana committee member had a discussion with a Jeep worker with eight years at the plant. The Jeep worker said he also worked at Dana for about five months and quit because of the intolerable conditions. A supervisor got in my face for using the restroom. There was a parts change and nothing on the line, and hes asking me why I went to the bathroom. I had it and I quit.

Dana committee member (right) discusses fight against unjust terminations with Jeep worker [Photo: WSWS]

The member of the Dana Rank-and-File Committee explained his case to the Jeep worker. I had two write-ups before they gave me the third write-up, and they wrongfully terminated me, instead of giving me a suspension. Ive been there two-and-a-half years and for them to just go off and terminate me without a second thought is messed up. We are fighting this to get our jobs back. Thats why we are going around to spread the word, so in the future the next generation wont be done dirty like that. They are trying to make an example out of us.

Absolutely, the Jeep worker responded. To me, its a weak union. The Dana worker responded, They are not representing us. When I was in the room that day, when they fired me, they couldnt even get a union [official] in the room to defend me.

The Jeep worker responded, I was always told not to talk to management here without a union rep. So, I dont talk to them. He continued, Even here, coming in as a TPT, you dont have 100 percent union behind your back, but they want to take dues out of your check every month.

Jeep worker stops to support terminated Dana workers [Photo: WSWS]

Agreeing, another Dana committee member said, Thats what we are trying to change. The people at Dana, especially the temps, are being represented by the union stewards. There are management conversations, and theyre not even having anyone to be there on their behalf, and theyre being terminated and sent straight out the door.

Were trying educate as many people as we can so they know their employee rights, so they are able to protect themselves if they get into entanglements with management. Not only that, what we are trying to teach people is that the corporate abuse they are using on you guys they are using the same tactics on Dana workers across the nation. So, we are trying to spread the word to tell you guys what to look out for and what our movement is about.

The Jeep worker thanked the Dana workers, saying, We cant build these Jeeps without you.

After decades in which the UAW bureaucracy has done everything possible to isolate the struggles of individual sections of the working class, the efforts by Dana workers to win support from Jeep and other workers is a major step forward. It expresses the powerful striving of workers to unify their struggles and break the grip of the pro-company UAW apparatus.

Discussing the experience after the campaign, one committee member told the WSWS, We got out 700 flyers with our mission statement. Getting the information to the workers in these facilities is going to change things.

Dana is an important artery for the whole auto industry. If we struck, Jeep would not be able to move. At the same time, if the Stellantis workers strike when the contract expires in September, they would shut down Dana and all the other parts suppliers.

Dana worker (right) speaking to Jeep workers [Photo: WSWS]

She continued, In some cases, the conditions at Jeep are even worse than at Dana. Workers start at $15.40, even less than us. You can be a TPT or SE for years and have no representation, but you still have to pay union dues. We told them about the firings at Dana, but they told us they are facing the same situation at Jeep.

Several workers said they were not aware of rank-and-file committees and asked us what is their purpose? We said it was more valuable to make alliances with other workers than to look to the UAW officials to protect us because they wont. We told them to make a list of your demands and create your own rank-and-file committee to fight for it.

Workers at Stellantis, Ford and GM have contracts coming up, and they are thinking about improving their conditions. Now is the right time to come together to fight. It is strategically at the forefront for Dana workers to unite with the Big Three workers and expand our network of rank-and-file committees.

We are pushing our demands to get rehired and back pay, but we are fighting to unite all workers. In France, the workers went out on strike and the students shut down the schools. We all need to be allied.
The Whale is a film directed by Darren Aronofsky, based on a 2012 play of the same title by Samuel D. Hunter.

It features Brendan Fraser as Charlie, a hugely obese man. He is an English professor in Idaho who teaches online courses and essentially hides out in his apartment. He has as few dealings with other human beings as possible. A nurse, Liz (Hong Chau), visits him and tries to keep him alive. A delivery man regularly drops off food on the porch, with Charlie leaving payment in the mailbox.

Brendan Fraser in The Whale

Years earlier, Charlie left his wife and daughter (with whom he has had little or no contact) for a man, Alan, who subsequently killed himself. That tragic event prompted Charlies massive weight gain. Alan was the son of the head pastor of the New Life Church, and guilt over his homosexuality eventually helped drive him to his death.

Now virtually unable to move because of his enormous size, Charlie obstinately refuses to go to a hospital or receive any serious psychological or medical treatment. Claiming to have no money for health insurance, he has, in fact, a sizable sum in the bank, which he has supposedly been saving to give to his estranged daughter Ellie.

A young, door-to-door proselytizer, Thomas (Ty Simpkins), purporting to be a member of the same New Life Church, begins to come around Charlies house, seeking to save his soul.

Charlie makes contact with Ellie (Sadie Sink), who is consumed with anger over his earlier abandonment. (You cant throw me away like a piece of garbage, and then suddenly just want to be my dad eight years later. You left me for your boyfriend.) Charlie offers her the $120,000 in his bank account if she will spend time with him, offering to help rewrite a high school essay on which she received a failing grade. Eventually, Mary (Samantha Morton), Charlies former wife, also finds her way to his place.

The whale in the title may refer to the giant-sized character, but also to Moby Dick, the Melville novel, which looms large in Charlies thinking.

Fraser won an Academy Award Sunday night as best actor and Chau was nominated in the best supporting actress category.

Presumably, Aronofsky wants to encourage tolerance and empathy toward people often considered monstrous in one way or another. Moreover, he opposes the anti-gay fanaticism of religious zealots and is disturbed by its consequences.

Hong Chau

This is somethingbut not very much. Is it really demonstrating great audacity in our day and age, for example, to suggest that an obese man deserves to be treated like other people?

We live at a time of immense official political and social conformism, where every leading institution attempts to create the illusion that its daily lying about earth-shaking events is believed and accepted by everyone. The COVID pandemic was impossible to predict or prevent. Russia launched an unprovoked war on Ukraine. American democracy is resilient and strong. Someone desiring to swim against the stream in a significant manner would find no shortage of opportunities.

The director has explained that he chooses characters whose stories generally either start or end up in very extreme places. He rather proudly points to the fact that Brendan Fraser ended up facing five hours in a makeup chair every day (adding and taking off hundreds of pounds of prosthetics). The Hollywood Reporter notes that as far as physical transformations go, Brendan Frasers in The Whale is by far the most drastic this year in film. A full-body artificial skin suit was created using 3D printing and filled with sacks of gelatinous water beads to get the movement of Frasers limbs right.

The American film industry in particular specializes at present in the technical-organizational tour de force, frequently intended, consciously or not, to divert attention from the emptiness of the work in question.

As we have asked before in regard to Aronofskys murky, strained efforts (Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan, Mother!), all of this to what end? If the filmmakers immediate extremism is peeled away, what is left?

Explaining what impelled him to create his most recent film, Aronofsky indicated he was concerned with the lessons of the pandemic that pulled us all apart and also all the political stuff that was ripping us all apart. The answer to that, he suggested, was human connection  Were all the same species. We are connected, but the fact that were so disconnected in so many different ways  just trying to remind each other that with all of those gulfs, there is a way back. Speaking of Ellie, Charlies daughter, Aronofsky suggested that with all of her pain and distrust and sadness and anger, that she can find love and that this inspired him. One of the films last lines is, People are amazing.

This is rather banal, and misleading.

Charlies insights into literature and his students efforts are also thin, cliched. He advises his daughter at one point, Just think about the poem for a while, and write something. Be honest. Tell me what you really think. Comments of this sort are supposed to set him apart as a teacher and a human being.

Sadie Sink

One of the most deplorable elements of The Whale is its near celebration of defeat and resignation. The decision by Charlie to eat himself to death is treated as a meaningful act of self-sacrifice. Why would this possibly be so? His ultimate fate has nothing whatsoever inevitable about it.

Fortunately, hardly anyone is likely to bother working through the films objectionable social logic, but its there. After all, Charlies defense of his refusal to spend his savings on his own health is that the money is for Ellie. Its always been for Ellie. His martyrdom has to occur because I need to know that shes gonna have a decent life. This is both reactionarythe older generation should remove itself off apparently for the sake of the younger oneand falselosing one of the few people who cares about her is hardly going to help guarantee that Ellie has a decent life! Indeed, what is one to make of a compassionate, humanist film that seriously argues that $120,000 is worth more than a mans life?

Things are not improved by the fact that Charlie, as he perishes, appears to float upward bathed in bright, as though he were genuinely going to a better place. There is also the small fact that, at the end, Thomas the missionary, who has proved to be a fallen creature, is returning to the bosom of his cult-like, godawful Christian family? Why is that a good thing? In general, what in the world (and how much) is Aronofsky thinking?

The director evidently recognizes there is a great deal of suffering and torment in the world, some of it self-inflicted, but he has never offered any insight into its more generalized sources. He seems largely impotent and paralyzed in the face of it. Aronofsky belongs to a generation of directors who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, when the end of history was announced and the status quo was proclaimed to be, if not the best of all possible worlds, at least the only one we were likely to experience.

The artists were officially blocked from examining the existing state of things to see how it might be altered. This did not prevent them, of course, from developing and reflecting anxiety and discontent, but these sentiments take on a largely unproductive, festering character, devoted at best to the small change of psychological life.

Many of the filmmakers reflect the violence and disturbances of the times, without drawing any important conclusions: Robert Rodriguez, Guy Ritchie, James Gray, Lynne Ramsay, Christopher Nolan, Martin McDonagh and the Russo brothers. Extremism in behavior and artistic form, combined with a non-committal or hostile attitude toward the prospect of changing the world.

More than two decades ago, we commented unfavorably on Aronofskys Requiem for a Dream, about drug addicts in Brooklyn, based on a novel by Hubert Selby Jr. We noted the unfortunate affinity that Aronofsky obviously felt for Selby. The latter, we argued, writes in an overheated prose about people who are fairly well destroyed by the time we meet them. His specialty is lovingly detailing the disasters they undergo. He is not a charlatan or a poseur, but an inadequate writer and artist and thinker. The destinies of his wretched characters are so obviously preordained that any real drama or spontaneity is largely drained away. Were watching cattle being slaughtered.

It is never entirely clear, we added, whether the author is protesting against the terrible things that are done to people or registering his disgust with the mutilated, self-deluded population itself. At all points, he fails to bring out the mainspring, the secret of their behavior. Aronofskys film manifests a similar ambiguity.  The films essential hysteria and sensationalism reach extraordinary heights.  If Aronofsky is genuinely distressed by the misery in the world, and not simply attempting to construct a career out of it, he needs to take another tack. There is not much more to be added.
People visit the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Children learn about green architecture at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

People learn about insects at an insect museum of the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Visitors interact with alpacas at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

People visit an insect museum at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Children learn about a seedling box at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A homestay owner arranges furniture at a homestay of the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 10, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Visitors learn about compost with a teacher at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Stones are set on land for tourism at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 10, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Volunteers plant trees at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Children learn to make handicrafts out of recycled materials at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A child learns about woodcraft at the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A child learns about insects with a teacher at an insect museum of the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, March 11, 2023. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

This aerial photo taken on March 10, 2023 shows the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry in Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin. Ahead of China's National Tree Planting Day, the "eden Chunshanli" life demonstration area in Jizhou District of Tianjin organized many public welfare classes, attracting visitors with ecological experiences.

This demonstration area is located at the former site of the wasted Donghouziyu quarry. After years of restoration and tree planting, remarkable achievements have been made. At present, this demonstration area has successfully promoted the development of tourism in surrounding areas with various activities related to ecological education, healthy life style and culture.

The industry of building materials used to be a pillar to Jizhou's economy, resulting in damaged environment and wasted pits. With the participation of social forces, environmental restoration has achieved great results, transforming wasted mines and pits into destination of tourism and relaxation. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Editor: JYZ
Victoria Litvinova, Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine

Among the numerous crimes committed by Russians, there are those that often go unnoticed, although their consequences will be felt by generations of people, even beyond Ukraine. We are talking about crimes against the environment: mass killing of fauna, hundreds of thousands of hectares of burnt forests, thousands of tons of fuel from bombed oil depots, poisoned land and water. Add to this systemic attacks on strategic objects with potentially catastrophic consequences for people and the entire ecosystem.

Ukrainian land is literally suffering from the occupiers.

Nuclear Objects in the Combat Zone

As of March 9, 2022, 104 criminal proceedings related to damage to the environment are being investigated. Among them are 11 cases of ecocide, i.e. actions that have or may have massive destructive consequences for the environment. First and foremost, these are attacks on nuclear facilities.

On February 24, 2022, Russian military forces invaded the territory of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. They detained the employees of the Chornobyl NPP and captured 179 servicemen of the National Guard (169 Russian guards were taken to Russia upon retreat).

We have identified three servicemen of the Russian Federal Service of the National Guard who, according to the investigation, organized the seizure of the plant.

Another egregious case is the mass attacks on the National Scientific Center "Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology", which was shelled with mortars, artillery systems, "Grad", "Uragan", "Tornado", and self-propelled "Peon" guns.

The fact that there is a nuclear facility "Neutron Source" and nuclear fuel storage on the Center's territory did not stop the Russians. Nor did the prospect of creating a zone of radioactive contamination with a 10-15 km radius in one of the most populous cities in Ukraine.

Water Resources and Hydrotechnical Facilities

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces destroyed the North Crimean Canal with artillery fire. Since then, water has been illegally taken from the canal. According to expert estimates, Ukraine's losses amount to more than 1.5 billion UAH. We have identified two Russian military personnel and informed them of suspicion.

The situation with the mass destruction of the population of dolphins in the Black Sea is appalling. Along the entire coast, from the occupied Crimea to the Odesa region, 117 cases of stranding of the Azovka and Afalina dolphins have been recorded. Experts believe that the cause may be acoustic trauma from the work of sonars of the Russian fleet. Ukrainian experts are examining the bodies of dead mammals, and samples have been sent to the universities of Padua and Hannover for independent examination.

Soil and Air Pollution

Massive artillery and missile attacks on oil depots and refineries damage the environment: soil, air, water, flora, and fauna. We have over 20 relevant investigations.

For example, the destruction of two oil depots in the Kyiv region, in the Fastiv district, resulted in the pollution of over 30,000 sq m. of land, and the content of petroleum products in the water exceeded the permissible norm by more than 40 times.

Over 73,000 tons of petroleum products have entered Ukrainian soil due to attacks on bases and enterprises, and over 89,000 square meters of land have been contaminated. Add to this emissions into the atmosphere due to fires and pollution of groundwater.

All facts are being investigated, and suspicion has already been reported to the general and colonel of the Russian armed forces for missile strikes on oil depots in Lutsk and Klevan, where the amount of damage exceeds UAH147 million.

But it's not just oil depots that are under attack. Shelling of the "Severodonetsk Association Azot" has led to emissions of polluting chemicals, with initial estimates of environmental damage totaling UAH253 million. Fires at warehouses in Bucha last March, and at the 7-hectare landfill in Novi Petrivtsi - all of these emissions into the air, water, and soil caused huge damage.

The number of forest fires in the year has covered 330,000 hectares. For comparison, in the most critical year due to drought in 2020, 160,000 hectares were burning. Before the war, the annual number of forest fires did not exceed 10,000 hectares.

Crimes Against the Environment Must Not Go Unpunished

The Russian military has repeatedly demonstrated that it has no regard for human or animal life. Only in the Kharkiv "Feldman Ecopark", three employees and 343 animals, including camels, deer, pumas, primates, and parrots, were killed as a result of shelling. Unfortunately, we do not know what is happening in the occupied territories. Such natural treasures as Askania-Nova, Oleshkivski Sands, Dzharylgach, and others are still under occupation.

Nature is called the silent victim of war, and crimes committed against it will have long-lasting consequences. Not only in Ukraine - the environment has no borders. The State Ecological Inspection of Ukraine estimates environmental damage at $52 billion.

The number and scale of crimes committed as a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine are unprecedented. And none of them should escape justice.

That is why it is important for the Prosecutor General's Office to record and prosecute all cases. And we have the support of our international partners. In particular, experts from EU countries have already been involved in the investigation of soil and water pollution.

Our position is clear: all crimes against the environment must be documented, investigated, evaluated, and considered in courts. Both Ukrainian and international. The aggressor state must compensate for all the damage inflicted on people, the state, and the entire ecosystem.
As of 11.00 on Monday, power supply has been fully restored in Ukraine in all regions affected by the Russian missile attack on March 9, however, restrictions remain for some categories of consumers in Zhytomyr region, the Ministry of Energy reported.

"The situation in the energy system after the last massive shelling has been stabilized, generation is operating with a reserve of power. However, restrictions may still apply in some regions due to the repair of grids," Minister Herman Haluschenko is quoted on the ministry's website.

According to the ministry, as of the morning of March 13, all subscribers in problem areas of Kharkiv region were powered, power supply in Mykolaiv region was completely restored.

In turn, as NPC Ukrenergo informed, work continues on Monday in Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions to eliminate the consequences of missile attacks on March 9.

At the same time, due to equipment overload, emergency shutdowns operate in some areas of Kyiv and Kyiv region.

"In Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions, with an increase in consumption during peak hours, it is possible to use hourly outage schedules," the company warned.

In addition, as a result of enemy artillery shelling, grids in the frontline areas of Kharkiv and Kherson regions were damaged - where the security situation allows, repair work continues.

As the company added, the power supply to consumers de-energized due to weather conditions, in particular, gusty winds in Zhytomyr and Sumy regions, also continues.

"In other regions, energy consumption restrictions were not applied, the limits were not brought up. The volumes of electricity produced in the system are sufficient to cover the needs of all consumers," Ukrenergo stressed.
The Vienna Court has refused to extradite Oleh Bakhmatiuk to Ukraine within the case of VAB Bank at the request of the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, the businessman himself told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The Austrian court, by its decision made in accordance with Parts 1 and 2 of Article 19 of the Austrian law on extradition and mutual legal assistance, not only recognized the demand of the Ukrainian prosecutor's office to extradite me illegal, but also called it unacceptable," said Bakhmatiuk.

He clarified that the hearing on the extradition case began at the end of last year, the final decision was made in January, the Austrian prosecutor's office refused to appeal, and the case came into force on February 6, and officially entered the Ukrainian prosecutor's office last week.

The businessman believes that this decision of the European court proves that the cases of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) opened against him have no real legal content, "except for a certain PR story."

Asked about the repeated request for his extradition in connection with the recent decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court on his arrest in absentia already in a new case - on the provision of unlawful benefits of UAH 722 million to the head of the State Fiscal Service in 2015-2016 - Bakhmatiuk allowed this development of events, including as a response to the loss in the first extradition case.

At the same time, he expressed confidence in the groundlessness of the accusations and in his correctness in this case as well.
Mahmoud El Sherbiny

Mahmoud El Sherbiny/Instagram

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way's Nicole is done with compromise.

On Sunday night's episode, the American woman told her Egyptian husband Mahmoud she wouldn't be wearing a hijab ever again. The news came as a giant shock to Mahmoud, who already had a problem with Nicole's clothing. "You not say, but you will do," Mahmoud responded  implying Nicole would ultimately wear a hijab again because "you promised me."

The couple fought over who would cede some ground, with Nicole calling out Mahmoud for being unwilling to respect her perspective and preferences.

"This is how I am, and I'm never going to change my mind about that, Nicole," said Mahmoud firmly.

She responded, "I'm never going to change my mind about it either."

"I think we [cannot] be together," he said.

RELATED: 90 Day's Mahmoud Seems Ready to Give Up amid 'Endless' Culture Clash with Nicole: 'You Don't Want Me Anymore'

Nicole and Mahamoud, 90 Day: The Other Way Season 4

TLC

Later in the episode, it seemed Mahmoud had resolved the argument on his own. But when he returned home hours later and asked Nicole to get ready for one of his family's nightly parties, he discovered Nicole packing her bags to once again flee the marriage and return to the U.S.

"I'm packing my s--- to leave because you told me that's what you want," said a stunned Nicole.

"I didn't say  you can stay if you want," Mahmoud responded.

Nicole was nowhere near ready to resolve things that quickly, telling Mahmoud: "You don't want me, I'm gone. I gave up everything and I came here to be with you. And now, you say you don't want me anymore because I won't wear the f---ing clothes you want? F--- you."

RELATED: 90 Day: Nicole Finds Return to Life with Mahmoud and His Mom 'Super Overwhelming'

For Mahmoud, the entire afternoon had been a test.

"I want to see if you really want me or not," he told Nicole.

"What the f---, Mahmoud?" she asked. "I came all this way, you think I don't want you?"

Mahmoud countered that "everything you think you promised me, you never did."

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Later, he explained in an interview: "I know she changed everything in her life, but I changed my mind about, like, when she [doesn't] pray much and [doesn't] wear hijab. These [are] all, like, big deals for me. This [is] why I was so clear with her when she said 'I will take off my hijab' and I said 'don't ask for more.' I'm [trying] to show her it's not OK for me.'"

Though the state of their marriage seemed uncertain at the end of the episode, a preview for next week showed Nicole attending the family party. But the disagreement was far from over as one of the major topics of conversation centered on why she entered the family's home without wearing a hijab.

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90 Day Fiance: The Other Way airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC.
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Campa Cola, a popular Indian soda from the 1970s, is due for a relaunch this summer after billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani purchased the brand last August.

Ambanis company, Reliance Industries, announced their plan to bring Campa Cola back to India last week.

"The Campa portfolio will initially include Campa Cola, Campa Lemon and Campa Orange in the sparkling beverage category," the company said in a statement, hinting at the possibility of future flavors.

Since their announcement, Indians who remember drinking the classic soft drink during their childhood have expressed excitement for its return.

More from NextShark: Filipino noodle brand in hot water after EU recall over alleged pesticide content

So many childhood memories, one Twitter user wrote. If it tastes anything like it did, Campa Cola will sell on nostalgia.

A spokesperson for Reliance expressed the companys anticipation for the relaunch:

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. More from NextShark: HYBE publishes open letter upon completed acquisition of SM Entertainment

However, some online expressed doubt that Campa Cola will see success once again.

Campa Cola's success was a product of the Indian economy closing down and the exit of Coke & Pepsi - it had a captive market, one user tweeted. It was a time, not a taste, they said, attributing the brands success to the historical conditions at the time.

"Campa tasted good - because we didn't have any other options, Times of India newspaper columnist Santosh Desai was quoted as saying in a 2009 New York Times article on the soda brand.

More from NextShark: Women who eat preserved foods have increased breast cancer risk, Hong Kong study finds

Coca-Cola was the most popular soft drink in India from the 1950s to 1970s; however, when a new regulation was introduced by the Indian government that required the company to disclose its drink formula, Coca-Cola ceased sales in India.

Campa Cola was introduced soon after Coca-Cola was pulled from the shelves, emerging as the new leader in the soft drink market until the late 1990s when Coca-Cola sales returned to India through foreign investment reforms initiated by then-Finance Minister Manmohan Singh.

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Since then, Campa Cola slowly began to disappear from stores, overtaken by Coca-Cola and Pepsis forceful marketing and advertising. The New Delhi-based brand closed its bottling plants in the 2000s.

More from NextShark: Nvidia CEO hails ChatGPT as greatest thing to happen in computing

Ambani, who chairs Reliance Industries, bought Campa Cola from soft drink manufacturer Pure Drinks for 220 million rupees (approximately $2.7 million) in August.

Although the soft drink was previously served in glass bottles, the relaunched beverage will be served in colorful cans and bottles. However, the tagline The Great Indian Taste will remain the same.

Campa Cola will first be brought to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana before making its way to the rest of the country in phases. The pricing of the drinks has not been announced yet.
Whether you know the catalog of The Mamas And The Papas, or your knowledge of them is limited to Monday, Monday and California Dreamin, a visit to their excellent first album of 1966 will be highly rewarding. It was If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears, which entered the US chart 0n March 12, 1966.

The quartet, who distilled the very essence of the California vocal sound as it matured from straight pop to the greater sophistication of the second half of the 1960s, were not an immediate success. Their first single, the glorious, richly orchestrated John Phillips composition Go Where You Wanna Go, failed to make the charts, but when Phillips and his wife of three years, Michelle, came up with the bittersweet California Dreamin and Dunhill released it as single late in 1965, it was a different story.

Signature hits and much more

The song became a US Top 5 hit, followed just three months later by another superior single, Monday, Monday, which went to No.1 in the States and into the UK and Australian Top 5. The time was right for a debut album containing both of the hits, the earlier, undeserved miss and a great deal more, and that was If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears, produced by Lou Adler.

Listening to the record again, what comes through is not just the extraordinary power of the group harmonies created by John and Michelle, Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot. Its their unique ability to own songs across a wide range of pop styles, on a record split evenly between their own compositions and covers that are every bit the equal of their originals.

Four-way flexibility

Of their material, Straight Shooter is a guitar-led piece that previews the sound that the Monkees would make their own later in 1966. Among the other John Phillips compositions, Got A Feelin has a gentle, metronomic beauty while Somebody Groovy is joyous, quintessential Mamas & Papas. Hey Girl (written by John and Michelle) has Cass taking the lead and Larry Knechtels keyboards to the fore, along with the drums of omnipresent session king Hal Blaine.

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The group had the imagination to address a relative Beatles obscurity (if indeed that word truly applies to any Beatles recording). I Call Your Name, issued on their Long Tall Sally EP, was never on an original album, and the American quartet make it theirs by completely changing the tempo and feel.

Bobby Freemans Do You Wanna Dance is similarly successful, even though it was a well-worn song by then, from Freemans 1958 original and hit covers on either side of the Atlantic by Cliff Richard and The Beach Boys. Despite all that, the M&Ps slow it down and give it their stamp, and Spanish Harlem and The In Crowd are also successfully updated.

Listen to the best of the Mamas and the Papas on Apple Music and Spotify.

By May 1966, If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears was spending a week at No.1 in the States. Fans there, and beyond, could believe their eyes and ears, and filled them with the Mamas and the Papas.

Buy or stream If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears.

For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music.

uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG.
As anyone who loves fashion knows, clothes are about more than mere style; they communicate an abundance of stories, and that was certainly true of the Hollywood A-listers who walked the champagne-hued carpet at the 2023 Oscars. From romantic volume or sleek modernity to conveying messages both subtle and overt, the stars arriving at L.A.s Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood seemed to take a uniquely personal approach to their style this year.

The nights best fashion ran the gamut from the grandeur of voluminous gowns in silk taffeta, notably a pair of Valentino gowns seen on Stephanie Hsu and Florence Pugh, to sleek looks in pale neutrals, including Ana de Armas in Louis Vuitton and Michelle Williams in Chanel. Elegant black gowns also ruled the night, with Danai Guriras Jason Wu design and Jenny Slates Thom Browne ensemble among the best. Winning details, meanwhile, ranged from rose accents to corset boning and a decided preference for vintage jewels.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Tribute ribbons also made an appearance as blue ribbons were worn by several stars to call attention to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which coordinated the #WithRefugees ribbon as an emblem of solidarity with refugees forced to flee their homes. Cate Blanchett, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and fellow nominee Brendan Gleeson were among those seen wearing the blue ribbons on Sunday night. Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo likewise chose to create a message close to her heart, wearing a pair of dresses  by Christian Siriano for the Oscars ceremony and by Kevan Hall for the Vanity Fair party  emblazoned with messages to honor the embattled women of Iran, her native country.

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Which stars ultimately stood out amid the sea of Hollywood insiders? Heres a rundown of the nights most memorable looks. (See a list of the winners, and check out all of the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.)

Angela Bassett in Moschino

Angela Bassett

Purple is the color traditionally associated with royalty, and best supporting actress nominee Angela Bassett indeed exuded a queenly vibe in a richly toned purple organza gown by Moschino, beautifully draped and featuring an exaggerated bow neckline. She finished the look with diamonds by Bulgari, including a high-jewelry Serpenti necklace, and shoes by Sarah Flint Heels.

Stephanie Hsu in Valentino

Stephanie Hsu

The news that the red carpet would be transformed to a champagne hue for the 2023 Oscars spawned a wealth of conversation, not all of it positive. And while the pale neutral indeed created a different framing for many looks, many stylists understood the assignment, including Wayman and Micah, stylists for nominee Stephanie Hsu. The actress bold pink strapless gown, from Valentinos Spring/Summer 2023 Le Club Couture collection, was an outstanding choice against that pale carpet. Hsus look was finished with high-jewelry sapphire and diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet by Cartier.

Jenny Slate in Thom Browne

Jenny Slate

It would have been great to see more of Jenny Slate, co-writer and star of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, not only because the best animated feature film nominee has reached beloved status, but also to get a better glimpse at her custom look by Thom Browne  a black silk faille corset and lace-up skirt, detailed with matching black bugle-bead boning and tuxedo seaming, and seen early on the carpet with a cropped, roped shoulder jacket. Perhaps most adorably: Slate carried Marcel with her, and the diminutive shell was also wearing a look by Browne. The actress and writer, meanwhile, finished her look with a dramatic emerald and diamond necklace by Gismondi 1754.

Malala Yousafzai in Ralph Lauren

Malala Yousafzai

An executive producer of short documentary film nominee Strangers at the Gate, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai embraced the glamour of the 2023 Oscars in a custom silver sequined gown by Ralph Lauren, accessorized with jewels by Santi and Fred Leighton.

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Sofia Carson

An early arrival on the 2023 Oscars carpet, Sofia Carson, who sang the Oscar-nominated song Applause during the telecast, exuded a sort of Audrey Hepburn-inspired elegance in a beautiful two-piece custom look by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, consisting of a draped silk-chiffon crop top with twisted cutout bodice, paired with an asymmetrical waist ball-gown skirt. The neckline was perfect for showcasing a high-jewelry necklace by Chopard, featuring seven octagonal-shaped emeralds totaling 122.49 carats, surrounded by 92.57 carats of white diamonds, all set in Fairmined-certified white gold.

Danai Gurira in Jason Wu

Danai Gurira

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star looked equal parts regal and modern in an elegant strapless gown with a distressed neckline from Jason Wus Fall/Winter 2023 collection, accented with diamond jewels by Messika, including the diamond Divine Enigma choker used to highlight Guriras towering hairstyle.

Sandra Oh in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Sandra Oh

Marigold silk chiffon was a standout color choice for Sandra Oh, who took advantage of the flow and movement of this Giambattista Valli Haute couture empire-waist gown. And with vintage jewels among the nights trends, Oh also wore one of the best necklaces seen at the 2023 Oscars: a circa-1980s Harry Winston piece featuring an oversized citrine as its center stone, courtesy of Briony Raymond.

Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab

Cara Delevingne

Currently on the April cover of Vogue, model and actress Cara Delevingne has been candid in that feature and other interviews about her conscious decision to concentrate on self-care after struggling with sobriety. Thats why it was so thrilling to see her looking nothing less than stunning at Sundays Academy Awards. Every element came together beautifully, starting with her crimson Elie Saab one-shoulder silk gown, which featured an impeccable fit and perfect details like the lush bow at her shoulder. Her Bulgari high jewels, including a Serpenti choker embellished with 62.85 carats of white diamonds, added the ideal splash of sparkle, while her smoky eye and slicked-back hair completed a head-to-toe look that everyone was talking about on social media.

Jay Ellis in Fendi Mens

Jay Ellis

Navy tuxes have dominated awards-show carpets in recent years; perhaps thats why it was so great to see many men reverting to classic black tuxedoes for the 2023 Oscars. Top Gun: Mavericks Jay Ellis was an early arrival, and only in the up-close interviews were viewers able to notice that his suit, by Fendi Mens, included a black single-breasted jacket embellished with an all-over floral motif embroidered in matching tone micro beads. Ellis accessorized his tux with Cartiers Tank Must watch and Christian Louboutins Greggo patent-leather dress shoe.

Rihanna in Alaia

Rihanna

Unsurprisingly, Rihanna created a frenzy on social media when she arrived at the 2023 Oscars in a custom look by Alaia, a black leather-band dress worn over a black jersey bodysuit. A best song nominee for Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rihanna accessorized her look with jewels by Moussaieff, including earrings in orangey brown and yellow diamonds and a ring highlighting an orangey brown diamond.

Florence Pugh in Valentino Haute Couture

Florence Pugh

Few looks sparked conversation on social media like Florence Pughs look by Valentino Haute Couture. Her empire top in greige-hued silk taffeta highlighted dramatic sleeves and a floor-length overskirt worn over black bike shorts, a design from Pierpaolo Picciolis Spring/Summer 2023 Le Club Couture collection. Its a bit romantic and a bit punk, Pugh explained on the carpet. Her diamond jewels by Tiffany & Co., meanwhile, included a platinum and diamond necklace crafted to resemble the curves of an orchid.

Monica Barbaro in Elie Saab

Monica Barbaro

Also among the nights early arrivals, Top Gun: Maverick actress Monica Barbaro opted for this two-tone silk gown by Elie Saab, an unusual color pairing of sky blue and eggplant  and that unique vibe, combined with the overskirt structure highlighted by a perfect bow at the waist, is precisely why it worked. Diamonds by Kwiat and Fred Leighton completed her look.

Andrew Garfield in Fendi Mens

Andrew Garfield

Another actor who went ultra-traditional for the Oscars, presenter Andrew Garfield chose a Fendi Mens Made to Measure black tuxedo that featured a double-breasted jacket with a lapel in tonal satin, paired with traditional black trousers with satin side stripe, a white evening shirt, cummerbund and bow tie, all from the labels Fall/Winter 2023-24 eveningwear collection. Patent-leather lace-up shoes, also by Fendi, a signet ring by David Yurman and Omegas De Ville Tresor Master Co-Axial Chronometer completed his look.

Ana de Armas in Louis Vuitton

Ana de Armas

Perhaps not anticipating the effect of the champagne-toned carpet, many attendees and their stylists planned pale looks, including best actress nominee Ana de Armas, who looked beautiful in a romantic gown by Louis Vuitton. Her custom silver silk organza mermaid gown featured a 3D degrade scalloped train. The Blonde star wore white gold and diamond earrings, a bracelet and ring by Louis Vuitton High Jewelry.

Miles and Keleigh Teller in Celine

Miles and Keleigh Teller

If the Oscars presented a Hottest Couple award, the undisputed winners would be Miles and Keleigh Teller. The Top Gun: Maverick star and his wife were flawless in his-and-hers looks by Celine  with Miles in a traditional black tuxedo in mohair black canvas from Celine Homme by Hedi Slimane, while Keleigh wore a fully embroidered silver bow strapless couture dress and silver Sharp sandals, both from Celine by Hedi Slimane, finished with pearl earrings by Mikimoto.

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Michelle Williams

A best actress nominee for The Fabelmans, Michelle Williams looked utterly ethereal in a custom design by Chanel: a white silk chiffon, cady and tulle embroidered bustier gown, worn with a silk tulle cape closed with a jeweled button. The embroidery on the dress and cape was inspired by a look from Chanels Spring/Summer 2023 haute-couture collection. Williams accented the dress and cape with diamonds set in platinum by Tiffany & Co.

Nicole Kidman in Armani Prive

Nicole Kidman

Rose embellishments were a trend at the 2023 Oscars, seen on everything from Halle Berrys Tamara Ralph gown to the rose Oscar-winning screenwriter Sarah Polley wore on the lapel of her tuxedo. But for roses served with a bit of drama, no one did it better than presenter Nicole Kidman, whose custom Giorgio Armani Prive single-sleeved black gown featured oversized silver-beaded roses on the shoulder and at the waist of this design fully embellished with paillettes. Diamond jewelry by Harry Winston and a diamond watch from the Omega archives completed her look.

John Cho in Zegna

John Cho

Presenter John Cho looked perfectly elegant in a head-to-toe outfit by Zegna, which included a black velvet tuxedo jacket worn over trousers in black wool. Cho paired the suit with a vintage diamond star brooch from the 19th century and circa-1930s ruby and diamond cuff links set in platinum, both courtesy of Fred Leighton, as well as IWCs Portofino Automatic timepiece.

Michelle Yeoh in Dior Haute Couture

Michelle Yeoh

The nights best-actress winner for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once looked elegant and ethereal in a Dior Haute Couture gown crafted of feathers embroidered on ivory silk organza. Her diamond jewels by Moussaieff, meanwhile, included a necklace that was woven into Yeohs hair. A devout fan of Richard Mille watches, Yeoh also wore the brands RM 07-02 Sapphire timepiece, customized on a white strap to match her gown.

Jamie Lee Curtis in Dolce & Gabbana

Jamie Lee Curtis

Corset boning was another big trend at the 2023 Oscars, and that included this Dolce & Gabbana gown worn by best supporting actress winner Jamie Lee Curtis. The blush-hued gown from the Italian labels Alta Moda collection is fully hand-embroidered with Swarovski crystals and features exposed boning detailing.

Hong Chau in Prada

Hong Chau

On the pre-ceremony carpet, Hong Chau, a best supporting actress nominee for The Whale, noted that she asked Prada to amp up the details on her pink satin gown, requesting the designer extend the train embellished with fringes and black sequins, as well as add a Mandarin collar to the neckline, an homage to her heritage. Pearl and diamond jewels by Mikimoto and Panerais Luminor Due Luna watch completed her look.

Lady Gaga in Versace

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga also wore a look that highlighted the nights trend in corset boning, a gown that was fresh from Donatella Versaces high-wattage show that premiered in Los Angeles just a few days prior to the 2023 Oscars. Gagas Tiffany & Co. jewelry included a diamond and platinum necklace from the houses archives, estimated to have been produced between 1955 and 1965.

Halle Bailey in Dolce & Gabbana

Halle Bailey

The star of Disneys upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey embraced every second of her princess moment in a custom turquoise tulle gown by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring a hand-pleated corset bodice and full skirt. Her diamonds by De Beers Jewellers included the Midnight Aura necklace from the houses The Alchemist of Light collection, featuring 74.63 carats of diamonds.

Austin Butler in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Austin Butler

The best actor nominee for Elvis looked cool and confident in a classic black tuxedo by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, featuring a double-breasted jacket with matching tuxedo trousers, the Yves collar shirt in cotton poplin and the Yves bow tie, and the labels XIV 70 zipped boots. Yellow-gold rings and a bracelet by Cartier finished his look.

Janelle Monae in Vera Wang Haute

Janelle Monae

The recording artist and actress definitely understood the assignment, blending bold color with a dramatic silhouette in this custom look by Vera Wang Haute, crafted of a bustier in black velvet and a draped skirt in a brilliant orange silk charmeuse. Her jewels by New York-based Reza included a diamond brooch set in platinum.

Jessica Chastain in Gucci

Jessica Chastain

A presenter for best actor and best actress, Chastain wore head-to-toe Gucci, starting with a custom gown crafted of silver sequins and crystals and finished with velvet trim and an extended velvet train. The actresss Lionhead necklace from Gucci High Jewelry featured 80 carats of tsavorites and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold.

Margot Robbie in Giorgio Armani Prive

Morgan Freeman and Margot Robbie

The Babylon star eschewed the pre-ceremony carpet and was first seen at the 2023 Oscars on the arm of fellow presenter Morgan Freeman. Robbies Giorgio Armani Prive off-the-shoulder column gown was among the designs fashion fans were thirsting to see up close and personal due to the black beading on the bodice and the tulle and crystal embroidery on the skirt. Robbie paired the gown with jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz, including a pair of earrings featuring 72 carats of emeralds and black jade.

Elizabeth Olsen in Givenchy

Elizabeth Olsen

The nights plethora of grand gowns meant presenter Elizabeth Olsen indeed stood out in this bare halter gown by Givenchy. The actresss black metal mesh dress was embellished with fringes and worn with a long black silk-organza skirt. Circa 1990s earrings and a ring in yellow gold and diamonds from the Cartier archives, as well as sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, completed her look.

Paul Mescal in Gucci

Paul Mescal

The best actor nominee for Aftersun looked elegant in an ivory double-breasted dinner jacket by Gucci, paired with a white evening shirt, black bow tie, wide cuffed pants and black patent-leather dress shoes also by the Italian label. Next to a red rose on his lapel, Mescal wore a high-jewelry diamond brooch by Cartier, as well as Cartiers Prive Tank Chinoise on his wrist.

Andie MacDowell in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and Rainey Qualley

Andie MacDowell and Rainey Qualley

The mother-daughter duo were chic in sleek black gowns. MacDowells asymmetrical draped Saint Laurent gown in black jersey is a $5,290 design currently available on the labels website; the actress paired the look with pumps also by the French house, while her white diamond and gold jewelry was by Pomellato.

Fan Bingbing in Tony Ward

Fan Bingbing

Among the nights earliest arrivals, Fan Bingbing undeniably set the tone for the evening when she stepped onto the carpet in a dramatic look by Tony Ward Couture, consisting of a silver beaded gown paired with a silk taffeta evening coat in a brilliant emerald. The color was carried through to statement jewels by Lorraine Schwartz, including earrings highlighting 85 carats of Colombian emeralds and diamonds.

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The Agency continues to be on the run. However, the Bloodhounds are at their tails. Here are the details for Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Episode 11 titled Jailbreak Chronicle.

When Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Episode 11 Releases

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Episode 11 (Episode 48 overall) releases on Wednesday, March 15. The episode will be out in Japan at 11:00 p.m. JST.

For international audiences, Crunchyroll is simulcasting the series. The episode with English subtitles should be available an hour and a half after its release in Japan. In the United States, the corresponding schedule would be as follows:

10:30 a.m. ET

9:30 a.m. CT

7:30 a.m. PT

Where to Watch Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 is streaming on Crunchyroll. The previous seasons are also on this platform.

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Episode 10 Recap

Yosano, Tanizaki, and Kenji meet Gin, Hirotsu, and Tachihara at the rendezvous point. Yosano insists Francis deal isnt a trap because of Atsushi. An ambulance arrives at the scene, but it explodes. Suddenly, the group is surrounded by the military police. They think Francis sided with the military police, but it turns out Francis is siding with the Agency. A mysterious figure in a raincoat attacks Kenji, and Hirotsu counters. Elsewhere, the Bloodhounds are on the way.

The Agency and Port Mafia group manage to escape. Hirotsu talks about the strength of the Bloodhounds, and Yosano suggests they need to split up. While on the way, Atsushi hears fighting and familiar footsteps. Suddenly, Yosano reunites with Atsushi and Kyoka. She heals Margaret and updates Atsushi and Kyoka on the situation. However, Atsushi believes Francis wont betray them. While conversing, the coated figure attacks them. Yosano volunteers to stay to hold them off. The Port Mafia group appears to help her, and Hirotsu stays behind.

The coated figure attacks Tachihara and Gin. Meanwhile, Dazai and Fyodor talk about the fifth member of the Bloodhounds. While fighting, Yosano eventually gets a hold of the figure, and she activates the bomb. However, the bomb is a fake, and a mannequin falls in front of her. The enemy remains at large, and the four Bloodhounds arrive. She realizes how they were located, and Tachihara reveals himself as the fifth Bloodhound. He also reveals hes the younger brother of the soldier friend from her past and points a gun at her.

The post Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 Episode 11 Release Date & Time appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
In a March 10 press conference, speakers projected hope and promised aid for more than 1,000 shocked workers and their families. From left, David Garrett, Workforce Development Director at Southwestern Commission, Nathan Ramsey, Executive Director at Land of Sky Regional Council, Doug Burchfield, Dean of Workforce and Industry at Haywood Community College, and Teresa Allison Economic Services Director for Haywood County Health and Human Services.

WAYNESVILLE - The stunningly fast shutdown of a paper mill that has employed local workers for 125 years will be a "gut punch" to the region, but it will come at a time when unemployment is historically low and manufacturing and other jobs are plentiful, officials have said.

In a March 10 press conference that was largest gathering of elected and other officials since the announced summer shutdown of the Canton paper mill, speakers projected hope and promised aid for more than 1,000 shocked workers and their families.

"This paper mill, while important for many, many decades, does not define who we are. Who we are is defined by our spirit, our mountain heritage, our fight and is powered by our belief in God," said Congressman Chuck Edwards, the highest-ranking elected official of those gathered at Haywood Community College.

Congressman Chuck Edwards takes notes during a gathering of community leaders in light of the Canton paper mill closure at Haywood Community College March 10, 2023.

Mayor Zeb Smathers, also in office during the area's 2021 deadly flood, agreed there were "better days ahead."

But, speaking at one point through tears, Smathers warned that it would be a long, difficult process, similar to the death of a family member. A broad range of assistance would be needed, "especially mental health," he said, referencing the 2003 layoff of 4,800 North Carolina workers to the east when the Kannopolis-based Pillowtex Corporation went bankrupt.

"They had 70 suicides," he said, repeating the number for emphasis. "These are mill workers that went home and faced their family and their kids and also faced those mortgage payments sitting on the table."

The impact of the Canton mill shutdown stretches outside Haywood County, with 40% of plant employees coming from Buncombe County.

More:Canton paper mill closing a 'regional crisis,' mayor says; Buncombe also affected

Illinois-based Pactiv-Evergreen said the mill's closing was part of a company wide restructuring. Since the March 6 announcement, the corporation faced criticism for deciding to pay dividends to the shareholders while announcing the layoff of 1,200 Western North Carolina workers plus those at a soon-to-be-shuttered Ohio plant. In addition, four top Pactiv officials drew allegations of insider trading after selling more than $600,000 in stock three days before the layoff announcement and the tanking of the company's share values.

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Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers addresses community leaders March 10, 2023, as they organize following the announcement of the closure of the Pactiv-Evergreen paper mill.

Edwards has called on Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler to investigate. After the press conference he said he expected a response from the chair to "take a few weeks."

"I simply believe it looks suspicious. And I believe that the people here in Haywood County deserve to know if there was trading that took place on insider information," the Republican WNC congressman said.

Responding to the allegations, Pactiv spokesperson Beth Kelly said the sales were done automatically with proceeds going to cover tax withholdings. Kelly did not respond to March 10 questions asking that, even if legal, officials regretted taking profits at the same time they laid off workers.

The speed and suddenness of the closing  the plant will shut in the summer  added to shock. With some companies, warnings about layoffs are given months, even years, ahead, officials said.

Canton Police Chief Scott Sluder listens during a meeting about the paper mill closure at Haywood Community College in Waynesville March 10, 2023. Sluder said he was encouraged by the opportunities discussed at the meeting. Were gonna take care of our people, he said.

'It is a dangerous place'

Smathers and Local United Steel Workers Union President Troy Dills pointed to environmental and safety concerns. The flood two years ago caused equipment failure and an explosion in the mill in which two individuals were "horribly burned," Dills said.

Shutting down a paper mill requires a special process with the right staff in place, said Dills, adding that he believes that plan may not exist.

Local United Steel Workers Union President Troy Dills, left, speaks to Canton Police Chief Scott Sluder following the meeting on the Canton paper mill closure March 10, 2023.

"That 150-acre campus has got all sorts of chemicals. It is a dangerous place. Inherently paper mills are dangerous," he said.

Aid to workers and others indirectly affected would come from the federal, state and local levels, they said. That could include food assistance, health care and job retraining. Dills said the assistance sounded very good for workers, but it also needed to be extended to family members who might have to take on new jobs. Mill workers average $25 an hour but almost universally work overtime with 50 hours a week not uncommon. Those laid off are to get a week's pay for every year, the union president said, though much of that compensation is to be negotiated.

On a positive note, Nathan Ramsey, The Land of Sky Regional Council's Mountain Area Workforce Development Board director, said economic conditions are very favorable to job seekers.

The region's unemployment is around 2.5%, the best in the state, Ramsey said. And while the closure wipes out many manufacturing jobs, others remain.

"We have over 1,200 manufacturing jobs in the Asheville metro and the greater region. We have over 16,000 job openings in total. So there are opportunities for these workers to find good paying jobs," Ramsey said.

Shelley White, President of Haywood Community College, leads a meeting of local officials March 10, 2023, to discuss next steps following the announcement of the closure of the Canton paper mill.

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Canton mill closing: hope, environmental, mental health risks
Oscar-winning writer Christopher Hampton is in talks to write a screenplay with French director Anne Fontaine about iconic feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Nelson Algrens transatlantic affair.

The playwright and screenwriter, who has won Oscars for The Father (2021) and Dangerous Liaisons (1989) and was also nominated for Atonement (2008), revealed he was in the early stages of the project during a masterclass at the Doha Film Institutes Qumra event on Monday.

More from Deadline

We had an initial discussion followed by a more detailed discussion a week ago. I really want to do it, he told Deadline in an interview after the talk.

De Beauvoir and Algren met in Chicago in 1947 and immediately embarked on a passionate affair that endured for more than 20 years in spite of the complications of transatlantic travel and communication at the time.

Paris-based intellectual de Beauvoir was in the midst of completing her seminal 1949 feminist work The Second Sex and still committed to her relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre, who was her partner for 51 years until his death in 1980.

Algren is best known for his 1949 novel The Man With The Golden Arm which was bought to the big screen in 1955 by Otto Preminger, with Frank Sinatra in the lead role of a man trying to break his drug addiction, opposite Kim Novak.

Hampton previously worked with Coco Before Chanel director Fontaine on the 2013 film Adoration. The film is being developed by The Father lead producer Philippe Carcassonne, who is also Fontaines partner.

Hampton told Deadline that the feature will likely focus on the early years of their affair from 1948 to 1952.

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Her biography is a massive story, he said. Its when their fame was rising she was writing The Second Sex and the political situation in France was pretty volatile at the time.

He said the screenplay will draw on de Beauvoirs 300 letters in English to Algren over the course of the relationship, which are gathered in the work, A Transatlantic Love Affair: Letters to Nelson Algren.

Theres a wealth of material. Theres a whole book of her letters but what I am trying to get hold of which is quite hard to see and I might not succeed are his letters to her, said Hampton.

The writer revealed he would like the project to be multi-lingual.

I very much want all the scenes in America to be in English and all the scenes in France to be in French. The language and their language difficulties formed part of the relationship and the reasons that the relationship finally broke down, he said.

In other projects on the boil, Hampton said he was still holding out hopes for a big-screen version of his play White Chameleon, inspired by his childhood in the Egyptian city Alexandria in the early 1950s.

He revealed that Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy at Cairo-based Film Clinic had recently come on board the project and that the search was now on for finance and partners.

Hampton lived in the city from 1951 to 1956, due to his fathers job as a marine telecommunications engineer. The family fled in 1956 due to the Suez Crisis.

Id never written anything autobiographical before and when I came to do it, I just sat down and wrote down on a few pages all my most vivid memories of Alexandria and that was the basis of the play and the screenplay, said the writer.

Its really about the relationship between the child, which was my experience, and the household servant, who was a very wise Libyan in his 50s. I learned a lot of life lessons from him and spent a lot of time with him when my parents were busy or out playing tennis, or whatever it would be.

Theres a natural dramatic end when my mother and I were evacuated due to the Suez Crisis. We were on the last boat.

Hampton said he had previously tried to get the project off the ground in 2010, with UK producer John McGrath (who produced his directorial debut Carrington) and Egyptian director and producer Marwan Hamad.

We were in Alexandria during Ramadan 2010 (April 12-May 13). I was thinking if I came during Ramadan I could shoot during the day, along the Corniche. I was there with my designer and editor and we were going around all the locations.

The Arab Spring kicked off some six months later with Tunisia and Egypt leading the way, putting the project indefinitely on hold.

Its my dream project and I would love to do it before its too late, said Hampton.

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Click here to read the full article.
Robert Hazelwood, code enforcement officer with the City of Edgewater, saw this coyote running in the Falcon Avenue - Mariners Gate neighborhood at 1 p.m. on Dec, 28. Since then, there have been reports of dead cats and dogs reportedly killed by coyotes, he said.

Though coyotes are believed to only come out at night, lately they've been showing up during the daytime in residential neighborhoods and pet owners are urged to keep a lookout.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes the coyote as a medium-sized canine, a close relative of the domestic dog, that is extremely adaptable and can be found in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes.

"They are typically shy and elusive but encounters between people and coyotes in Florida are occurring more often," the FWC notes on its website.

Why are they out now?

There is a good reason coyotes have been venturing out more this month. Coyote mating season is from January to March, wildlife officials say.

So, male coyotes are out looking for love. But as they go on the prowl for girlfriends, the mammal, which FWC describes as an opportunistic feeder, will eat your small pets. They may even attack larger dogs, wildlife officials said.

FWC said coyote attacks on humans are rare but they do pose a danger, especially to children.

Where are coyotes found?

According to FWC, coyotes are found throughout Florida, and their presence has been documented in all 67 counties, including Volusia.

A coyote interactive map that FWC uses to track the public's interaction with the animal shows they have been seen all over Volusia County. The map also details the type of encounters or reports made by people who have seen coyotes.

In several incidents in Volusia County animals were killed, according to FWC's interactive map.

Coyote encounters in Volusia County

Coyote encounters In Volusia County are occurring more often, said Robert Hazelwood, a code enforcement officer with the city of Edgewater.

Hazelwood ran into one crossing a street in Edgewater at 1 p.m. in the Falcon Avenue and Mariners Gate neighborhood.

Animal control officers have also responded to several calls about dead cats and dogs reportedly killed by coyotes, he said.

Even if coyotes are not seen, they are around, said Gregory Samano, who had to save his Pomeranian from one in his Wayne Avenue backyard one Sunday morning.

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He maybe thought hed have a little hors doeuvre but I fired two shots at him, Samano said this week.

Officials discuss coyotesWith coyotes on prowl along coastal Volusia, New Smyrna hosts meeting

Coyotes in Ormond BeachOrmond Beach police urge caution after beachside coyote sightings

What should you do if you see a coyote?

If a coyote approaches too closely, you can frighten it away by hazing, according to FWC.

Hazing is making loud noises and acting aggressively so the coyote leaves the area. Wildlife officials suggest residents may need to increase and continue hazing efforts until the coyote is effectively deterred and leaves the area for good.

How to haze a coyote

Waving your arms in the air and yelling will usually get a coyote to retreat unless there is a den with pups nearby.

Noisemakers are often effective deterrents to coyotes, including air horns, banging pots and pans, and homemade noisemakers.

Throwing small stones or sticks toward (but not at) a coyote will usually cause the animal to leave. Spraying water from a hose or using bear repellent can also be effective hazing methods.

Do not attempt to hurt the coyote because injured animals are more likely to defend themselves; the goal should be to scare the coyote away. Remember that wildlife will attempt to protect themselves or their young if threatened  keep your distance.

Vary your methods of hazing so that the coyote does not become desensitized.

If a coyote approaches a child, an adult should first yell loudly to startle the coyote and then move toward the coyote. This gives the adult an opportunity to lift the child as quickly as possible and back away. Do not run from a coyote, as this may cause the animal to chase.

Teach children to recognize coyotes. If children are approached by a coyote, have them move slowly inside and yell loudly  teach them not to run, approach, or feed coyotes.

5 steps to avoid conflict with coyotes

Never feed coyotes either intentionally or unintentionally.

2. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit, and seed around bird feeders.

3. Secure garbage cans.

4. Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds to prevent coyotes and other animals from resting or raising their young in areas around your home.

5. Educate your neighbors and ask them to follow these same steps.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: March is coyote mating month
WARWICK  What was once a convent and then a 10-room family emergency shelter on Beach Avenue in Warwick has become four apartments for people who would otherwise be unhoused.

The non-profit Crossroads RI is moving families into the four new apartments this week, after a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Thursday by one of the people who will live there.

The former shelter, on the first floor of the former St. Benedict Church convent, was turned into the four units: two three-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom apartment and one accessible one-bedroom apartment.

Board member Julie Duffy gave resident Michelle Lee the keys to her new apartment after Lee talked about how grateful she was for the housing help.

The doors under the sink in this accessible apartment unit can be removed for someone in a wheelchair. The apartment is one of four in a former convent in Warwick.

Advocates: 'It creates a crisis:'Warwick and Woonsocket homeless encampments destroyed

Lee said giving families housing is so important because of the stability it gives children.

Crossroads RI CEO Karen Santilli said the only way out of the housing crisis in Rhode Island is to build more housing, and every little bit, even four apartments, helps.

What happened to the emergency family shelter?

Crossroads RI has been running the 10-room Warwick Family Shelter for a few years before buying it from the now-defunct Rhode Island Family Shelter in 2018. That same year, with a grant from the Bezos One Day Families Fund, they moved the families who had been living there into permanent housing, Wilcox said.

Priorities:What are new RI Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor's big ideas on housing in the Ocean State?

The idea, since Crossroads RI had been running the shelter, was to find the families permanent housing and turn the space into something else, she said. Construction on the apartments started a year ago.

What do the apartments look like?

Since the space had been a convent, architects had to get creative to turn the space into apartments. In practice, that means long hallways between bedrooms.

Crossroads RI President Michelle Wilcox said once families move in, the long spaces will feel less institutional and more homelike as art and photographs and personality begin to line the walls. Each apartment also comes with new electric appliances.

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Motel surfing:What is it like being homeless in Rhode Island? One family's story.

The single Americans with Disabilities Act compliant apartment has a larger bathroom, a large front door and a slight ramp into the living space. Cabinet doors under the kitchen sink can be removed to make it accessible to someone using a wheelchair, Wilcox said.

The additional four apartments bring the total number in the building to 11.

The first floor of this former convent on Beach Avenue in Warwick was a 10-room family shelter and is now four apartments.

Homeless populations have exploded since the pandemic

Before the pandemic, Crossroads officials believed the construction of a new apartment building in Upper South Providence and the renovation of the current tower would go a long way toward bringing about the end of chronic homelessness in the state, Wilcox said.

The pandemic, which spurred increased rents, has drastically increased the number of people experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island. Some faced rent increases, and some people who were couch-surfing found themselves out of a place to stay as fears of the coronavirus spreading took hold, and the number of people without a place to sleep at night drastically increased, she said.

Crossroads RI President Michelle Wilcox, center, talks during a ribbon cutting for four apartments on Thursday.

The conversion to apartments means the emergency family shelter beds have been taken out of circulation. Crossroads RI is offering more help to keep people from losing their housing, or to find housing, she said.

"The average problem we solve costs $2,000," Wilcox said.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. Here's our latest offer.

Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Non-profit Crossroads RI opens apartments in former homeless shelter
The Diia.Business Center in Warsaw has selected 20 Ukrainian companies that will be assisted in expanding to the Polish market in three main categories: food industry, light industry, wood and metal products, the Ministry of Digital Transformation has reported.

According to information on the centers website, in the food industry the matter concerns the Roast One craft coffee company, the Endorfine manufacturer of jams, Agrobusk LLC agricultural company that grows raspberries and blueberries, as well as ornamental plants on a leased area of 40 hectares, and Panfruit producer of organic berries and fruits.

In addition, the snack producers Brancho and Prime Snack, as well as the Ukrainian manufacturer of culinary spices UNA-Pack, the manufacturer of products based on natural oils Waily and the sweets company MFT were among the selected ones.

Six companies are represented in the light industry section: the women's clothing brands GNZ, Framiore, the Ukrainian manufacturer of business and casual men's clothing Andreas Moskin, the manufacturer of home textiles Mir-Tex, accessories for pets Noble Pet, children's clothing Tatoshka.

The sections of the catalog also include Liswood, a manufacturer of wooden toys for children, the manufacturer of water convectors for heating U-Con, Mirater bathroom furniture, Ecobiz health and beauty products, and Econad, a company specializing in the development of products aimed at protecting environment.

The companies will receive legal support from Diia.Business, assistance with branding to participate in an online company, support in adapting to the Polish market. The companies will be provided with assistance in resolving issues related to relocation, business registration and legalization of stay in Poland.

The program was initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office in cooperation with Abt Britain, the Kyiv School of Economics and with the support of the UK government.

The Diia.Business center in Warsaw was opened by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the commissioner of the government of Poland for cybersecurity. The center is supported by Mastercard, UKaid and the British Embassy in Kyiv.
In this sun-soaked region, youll find Michelin-starred meals, an exciting wine scene, and a new group of young, progressive creatives.

"Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem recently visited the Algarve," textile artist Vanessa Barragao's studio assistant said during my visit. She was one of many who mentioned the Hollywood elite flocking to this region with 300 days of sunshine a year, a coast that forms a jagged smile along the Atlantic, and a burgeoning wine scene. A much less elite Angeleno, I thought to myself, had I traveled nearly 6,000 miles to discover the "California of Europe?"

I didn't mind  I love California. And after spending 10 days in Portugals southernmost region with my boyfriend, it was obvious that California and the Algarve have both similarities and striking differences.

One common thread is that the Algarve has more Michelin-starred restaurants than all other areas of Portugal combined (and California has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other U.S. state). We tasted local cuisine over a three-hour meal at Vista, a restaurant helmed by chef Joao Oliveira.

Within minutes, I shed tears of joy. From the first bite (a molecular explosion of green apple, wasabi, and fennel) to dessert (a miniature citrus tree with an orange sphere encased in a ganache-covered shell and filled with orange chocolate mousse), Oliveira and his staff performed an opera of flavor.

But zoom out, and the local Algarve cuisine splits with California. The Algarve is inflected with a North African influence. After all, the area spent centuries under Moorish rule. Pepper, curry, and coriander spice up the menus, and a traditional dish called cataplana is the Algarves answer to tagine.

Similarly to California, the Algarve offers a lovely mix of beaches, countryside, and city life, but it looks a bit different. For instance, in the fisherman's village of Olhao, we climbed the bell tower of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario for a spectacular view over a zigzagging blanket of white Cubist buildings that conjured comparisons to towns Morocco's Tetouan or Spain's Cadaques.

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Later, we spent a few days in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, the border town between Portugal and Spain, on the right bank of the Guadiana River. This city was planned during Portugal's "Age of Enlightenment" and features neoclassical buildings and symmetrical, Pombaline blocks (akin to Lisbon). Nothing in California compares.

Stacy Suaya

Then, in the capital city of Faro, the comparisons to California returned. Here, you might notice nods to William Krisel's Palm Springs or John Lautner's Hollywood, as it's a hotbed of modernist buildings designed for a tropical climate.

Stacy Suaya

Michael Stock, the co-owner of Quinta Dos Vales vineyard, explained that Californians are flocking to the Algarve for a similar laid-back lifestyle with a lower cost of living and no divisive politics. He added that there's a bevy of international schools, almost everyone speaks English, and taxes are low. Strolling with him among his vines, with the Monchique Mountains as our backdrop, the view and landscape did slightly recall Napa or Sonoma.

Stacy Suaya

And when we later did a tasting at Morgado do Quintao, a historic estate with a 2,000-year-old olive tree, it was clear, too, that the Algarves wine scene might follow in Northern Californias footsteps. Quintao's approach is to reclaim their roots: low intervention, biological practices, and use of the indigenous grapes (called crato, negra mole, and castelao). They're also one of the first vineyards in the Algarve to export to the U.S. and have their wines in three-star Michelin restaurants worldwide.

The coast here also rivals the Golden State. The Algarve's beaches have earned 87 Blue Flags  one of Europes highest concentrations. It is said that the sandier, quieter beaches are on the eastern side of the Algarve, with warmer water and calmer winds.

Stacy Suaya

I walked the east sides Praia de Santo Antonio and experienced a pristine panorama of shimmering ocean and untouched golden sand. Cliff and cove lovers should be aware of the western side, though, which has echoes of Malibu, and, at times, San Luis Obispo.

After returning to L.A. and reflecting on this trip, I thought of the Mark Twain quote: "All scenery in California requires distance to give it its highest charm." The same could be said of the Algarve. Their version of sun, sea, and Michelin stars may approximate California in certain ways, but it definitely has its own special vibe, too.

Best Places to Stay in the Algarve

Casa Modesta: Overlooking the Ria Formosa lagoon, this nine-room boutique hotel offers a design-oriented place to sync with nature's pace. It's also a former fisherman's home, lovingly restored by his architect granddaughter and run by her brother.

Stacy Suaya

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa: This 19th-century, Moorish-style family home-turned-hotel provides gated privacy within a walkable neighborhood on one side and direct beach access on the other. Breakfast on the panoramic terrace is a must.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in the Algarve

Los Locos: A tiny, candlelit restaurant hidden in a cobblestone alley offers surprising flavor combinations and techniques. Trip: Try the salad with smoked greens.

Sushi Pearl: This upscale sushi spot serves just-caught local fish with Portuguese flourishes.

Stacy Suaya

Vista: Expect an unparalleled, Michelin-starred dining experience focused on seafood and vegetables.

Stacy Suaya

Grand House: A Belle Epoque-style bar where you can say your favorite spirit and wind up with a tailor-made, one-of-a-kind cocktail.

Cha Cha Cha: A British food writer opened this charming restaurant, which revolves around the mornings catches.

Best Things to Do in the Algarve

Benagil Sea Cave: Accessible by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, this spot resembles natures cathedral, with an open-air oculus framing the blue sky.

Modernist Architecture Walking Tour: Faro's impressive collection of modernist and art deco buildings are discoverable with a guide created by the owners of the Modernist Hotel. (Theres an in-room copy for hotel guests' use.)

Stacy Suaya

Morgado do Quintao: Come for the wine tasting and a romantic afternoon, leave with the maximum amount of bottles that will fit into your checked baggage.

Best Places to Shop in the Algarve

Kozii: This Tavira boutique sells beautiful, eco-conscious clothing and jewelry inspired by the techniques, people, and landscapes of Jaipur.

Stacy Suaya

Vanessa Barragao: A young textile artist weaves giant tapestries that reflect on climate change, especially its impact on oceans. (By appointment only.)

Loule Design Lab: Local artisans make and sell unique clothing, jewelry, and crafts here.



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Oli Scarff - Getty Images

A dog whose tail 'never stops wagging' has been crowned Best in Show at Crufts 2023, beating more than 19,000 pups from around the world to claim the top prize.

Orca, a four-year-old curly coated Lagotto Romagnolo, is the first ever win at Crufts for a dog of that breed. She wowed judges on Sunday 12th March 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, and was also the winner of the gundog group earlier in the show.

"I have worked for the last 20 years to achieve something like this in my life," Gonzalez Mendikote from Croatia, Orca's handler, told ITV News. "So I think it's really special and even more with Orca. I'm sure we will have a huge party."



What a winner! Orca the Lagotto Romagnolo is your 2023 #Crufts Best in Show! pic.twitter.com/oVldA3oR3Y  Crufts (@Crufts) March 12, 2023

Crufts show manager Vanessa McAlpine added: "Tonight's final has been a fantastic way to end another triumphant year for Crufts.

"Congratulations to Orca who helped end this year's competition on a real high, taking the coveted best in show award alongside her handler, Javier. The pair are very deserving winners and it was clear to see their strong relationship together in the ring."

Oli Scarff - Getty Images

The first Best in Show competition took place in 1928, when Greyhound Primley Sceptre was awarded the top prize. Since then, there have been 78 Best in Show winners, with 43 different breeds taking home the trophy.

Oli Scarff

Other winners at the greatest dog show in the world include Archie the Dobermann (working), Blondie the English Sheepdog (Pastoral), Blanca Wire Fox Terrier, Paris the Irish Wolfhound (Hounds), Jake the Standard Poodle (Utility) and Dublin the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Toy).

Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts celebrates the unique relationship that dogs share with their owners, encouraging the breeding of healthy dogs. Highlights include dog-related goods and services, plus competitions in dog agility, obedience, flyball and heelwork to music.

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Anna Sophia Robb, Viola Davis, Nika King at GBK Brand Bar

EGOT extraordinaire Viola Davis examines a sparkling piece of fine jewelry from Stephen Silver. Vicki Berlin  who portrayed a luxury cruises crew chief catering to the whims of the ultrarich on Triangle of Sadness  tries on a pair of sunglasses from Joe Pescis company, Badazz Glazz. RuPauls Drag Race star Monet X Change poses for the camera out of drag; her Sibling Rivalry podcast cohost Bob the Drag Queen is scheduled to arrive later in the day, a publicist confides.

This was a snapshot of the GBK Brand Bar, a pre-Oscars luxury lounge that took place Friday and Saturday at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. It was one of about seven major gifting events that swirled around Oscars weekend. Largely unseen to the public, these happenings leverage the swarm of celebs that take on L.A., providing them with gifts and a quick elevator pitch in exchange for a bit of Hollywood spotlight in return.

The experience is both surreal and VVIP. After ones car is valeted at the hotel, the tour begins with a red-carpet arrival moment with a photographer. (Photographers are ubiquitous at these events, often stopping guests at each station to pose with products.) Then, a woman with a large black bag guided me through a maze of stations  a bag that grew progressively heavier as the afternoon wore on. When empty, she wore it lightly on her shoulder. When full, she had to drag it down the hotel hallway. One vendor referred to it as the body bag.

Of course, there are always hierarchies when stars gather. Different colors of bags and admission bracelets communicated different tiers of celebrity and media. So, good luck taking home a Schwank Grill  a $1200+ portable grill that can cook a steak in a three-minute flash  if youre not in Everything Everywhere All at Once. (As media, I received a $300 gift certificate for a grill, a common practice with some of the pricier items on display.) A taste of perfectly cooked meat was also its own reward.

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Overall, the offerings comprised the kind of random, fantastical assortment of prizes you might see on The Price Is Right: A Cync Full Color Light Strip, which pulses to music in 16 million vibrant colors ($89.99); a tasting of Cardinal du Four, Frances oldest spirit and accompanying history lesson ($399+); the Netvue Birdfy, a smart bird feeder that records and recognizes its winged visitors ($199); a RenPho Eye Massager, which heats and massages the face while playing soothing music ($69+); a gift set from California Caviar, including sample bumps of caviar that day; a $300 gift certificate for Read Ended, an apparel company founded by a man with a deep appreciation for the female derriere; a wall of Remington hair products; and a membership to Myavana, which connects folks with textured hair to the right products.

In addition to the magical touch of RenPho, the suite also featured the Kahuna Chair, a full-body massage chair that was a welcome end to the three-hour tour. These elite seats can cost upward of $12,000, so unfortunately, it was not an addition to my little black bag, though the company did offer a handy branded Thermos. For those at the suite seeking a more human experience, Kame Bodywork offered an in-person, 90-minute intuitive bodywork therapy session valued at $750.

The suites coffers teemed with actual treasures. In addition to the Titanic-sized pieces from Stephen Silver, which were guarded by a hovering security guard, I visited booths for Higher Calling Bracelets, which encode spiritual messages like all is well and miracles abound into its designs ($69+); and the Artisan Group, a company whose mission is to connect individual artisans with celebrities at gifting events such as these. One of the most stunning stops featured paper sculptures from artist Jeff Nishinaka. The 15x15 framed carvings were valued at $2,000, although the credit can also be applied to a commissioned piece of a grander scale. A past sculpture of a tree stretched to 20 feet, he shared.

The gifting suite also boasted travel packages. Lush Africa Travels, a travel agency, offered a six-day, five-night safari experience in Kenya valued at $30,000  although airfare is not included (and sodomy laws make the trip problematic for queer travelers). Sailrock Resort gave out a $4000 redemption certificate to its luxurious Turks and Caicos property. But read the fine print  that amount covers only one night of a three-night minimum in a three-bedroom beachfront villa.

Booze abounded. Cardinal Du Four didnt pass out its pricy bottles, but it did give an in-home sensory experience of its Rebellion Armagnac 21 for up to 10 guests. There were tastings of the Debate, a cabernet sauvignon ($149+ per bottle) and an offer to imbibe more in Napa Valley; samplings from the Lorenzi Estate and an invitation to tour its Temecula vineyard; and a tequila tasting with El Cristiano Silver Tequila ($39+).

And then there was my favorite type of station: food. Hibachi House prepared a delish shrimp and chicken bowl on-site. With the proffered $1000 dinner certificate, one can also later host a party for 10 guests, which a chef will cater. Soultox gave out cases of its flavored water beverage infused with nutrients and electrolytes. There were samples of VGAN chocolate bars and Core Bars packed with protein and fiber. And Ike himself gave out a $1000 VIP card to Ikes Sandwiches. It was a great social media opportunity for the bald artisan sandwich maker, who posed with actors stopping by for a taste of offerings, some of which were also named after stars, like the Halsey.

There were also areas dedicated to connecting celebs with charity, including Childhelp, which aids survivors of child abuse, and Educating Young Minds, which helps at-risk youth excel in academics and beyond.

Keep in mind that all these gifts are taxable. Some actors may not accept a $30,000 safari, for example, because the taxes to be paid may not fit in the budget. But overall, it pays to have some Hollywood connections during Oscars weekend. And you dont have to take home a trophy to bring home some gold.
The post Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra Announce 2023 Co-Headlining Tour appeared first on Consequence.

Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra are joining forces for a lengthy 29-city North American co-headlining tour this summer. Australian rock band Middle Kids will serve as support across all dates.

The Amplified Echoes Tour will feature Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra taking turns closing the shows. It kicks off on July 11th in Missoula, Montana, and will make stops in Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, and more before closing out on August 26th in Philadelphia. See the full schedule below.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 16th at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster, with a Live Nation pre-sale occurring one day earlier on Wednesday, March 15th (use access code OPENER).

Once tickets are on sale, you can also find them at Stubhub, where orders are 100% guaranteed through Stubhubs FanProtect program. Stubhub is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

Ahead of the joint trek, Jimmy Eat World have a run of Australian dates and a handful of North American shows; grab your tickets here. Their last album was 2019s Surviving, which they followed with last years Something Loud and Place Your Debts. Meanwhile, Manchester Orchestra just released their latest album, The Valley of Vision.

Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra 2023 Tour Dates:

07/11  Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater +

07/14  Spokane, WA @ The Podium +

07/15  Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater +

07/16  Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater +

07/18  San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic ^

07/19  Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre +

07/21  San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park +

07/22  Las Vegas, NV @ The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan ^

07/23  Salt Lake City, UT @ Complex Outdoors +

07/25  Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater +

07/27  St. Louis, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park ^

07/28  Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater ^

07/29  Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit ^

07/30  Charlotte, NC @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre ^

08/07  Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall +

08/08  Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater ^

08/09  Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory ^

08/11  Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion +

08/13  Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory ^

08/15  Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave/Eagles Club +

08/16  Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed ^

08/18  Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park +

08/19  Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! Outdoors ^

08/20  Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill ^

08/21  Toronto, ON @ RBC Echo Beach ^

08/23  New York, NY @ SummerStage In Central Park ^

08/24  Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway +

08/25  Buffalo, NY @ Outer Harbor Buffalo +

08/26  Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at the Mann ^

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+ = Jimmy Eat World closing

^ = Manchester Orchestra closing

Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra Announce 2023 Co-Headlining Tour

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Joe Biden sits down with Kal Penn for tonights episode of The Daily Show, and in one early clip, the president talks of Florida lawmakers attacks on the transgender community.

Speaking of transgender kids, Biden said, Whats going on in Florida is, as my mother would say, close to sinful. It is just terrible what they are doing. Its not like a kid wakes up one morning and says, You know, I decided I want to become a man or I want to become a woman or I want to change. I mean, what are they thinking about here. They are human beings. They love. They have feelings. They have inclinations that are it just to me, is, I dont know is, its cruel.

More from Deadline

Biden said the response should be passing legislation like Congress did last year, which solidified federal recognition of same-sex marriage rights.

Florida medical boards, with the support of Governor Ron DeSantis, have banned gender affirming care for minors. Lawmakers also have proposed legislation that would require teachers matching a childs sex at birth.

Penn served in the White House during the Obama administration. The interview, set to air at 11 p.m. ET/PT, was conducted at the White House and also includes a tour of the Oval Office. This is Bidens first Daily Show interview since becoming president.

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Kate Hudson Dazzles in Silver Mermaid Dress on the Red Carpet at the Oscars 2023

Kate Hudson made her grand return to the 2023 Oscars showing off her flair for fashion.

The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star, 43, hit red the carpet in a dazzling metallic mermaid gown at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on Sunday night.

Shimmering head to toe in silver sequins and sparking embellishments, Hudson's gown featured a strappy neckline with flowing off-the-shoulder sleeves on top and a long glittering train on the bottom.

As for her accessories, Hudson kept it simple to compliment her head-turning dress. While she went sans necklace, she showed off her elegant teardrop earrings with an old Hollywood 'do complete with bombshell waves swept behind her ears.

RELATED: See the Full List of Oscars 2023 Nominations

95th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Arturo Holmes/Getty

Hudson is on hand at tonight's award show as a presenter  while her film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, is up for best adapted screenplay. Although the star has skipped the Oscars for the past few years, she's made several glam appearances at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party.

At the Critics Choice Awards earlier this year, Hudson made another glam appearance, this time in a shimmery silver gown with ultra long hair. Featuring silver beading, her Oscar de la Renta dress fanned out into a trumpet silhouette with a sheer bottom. The daring cut of the halter-neck gown showed off Hudson's toned back, giving a peek at a bit of side boob.

Critics Choice Awards Arrivals

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She wore her blond hair long, sleek and straight, letting it reach the low backless cut of her dress. Hudson completed the ensemble with a multichain bracelet, diamond earrings and a pair of nude heels.

Throughout her Glass Onion press tour, Hudson brought out look after look, each one a head-turner. For a December appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she wore a couture Chrome Hearts set with sheer panels down her legs, making it just daring enough to get away with on TV.

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Hudson also donned a nude sequined Elie Saab look for the Glass Onion premiere in Los Angeles. The turtleneck gown featured exaggerated sleeves and a train  with sequins and paillettes all over for a dramatic look fitting of her character in the film, Birdie Jay.

RELATED: Kate Hudson Flattered That Fans Still Recreate Andie Anderson's Famous Yellow Gown: 'I Love It!'

Kate Hudson attends Netflix's "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" U.S. premiere

Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

And while Hudson always shows up for a red carpet with her most impressive accessories, one of her best accessories is her fiance Danny Fujikawa. The two have been known to dress in coordinating looks for a red carpet occasion, which they did last fall at a screening of Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon.

RELATED: Kate Hudson Shimmers in Daring Silver Dress and Super Long Hair at Critics Choice Awards 2023

Kate Hudson

Xavier Collin/Image Press/Sipa USA

Hudson, who plays Bonnie in the fantasy thriller, donned a romantic off-the-shoulder Oscar de la Renta evening gown featuring a mermaid silhouette, sweetheart neckline and black-sequin floral embroidery.

Fujikawa, 36, matched Hudson's moody ensemble with a relaxed suit including a black velvet jacket, which he layered over a classic white tee shirt.

The Oscars air live on ABC on Sunday, March 12, at 8 p.m. ET.
A year ago, this sentence would have felt impossible: As predicted, Ke Huy Quan won an Oscar on Sunday night for his supporting actor performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

For many, Quans appearance in the Daniels-directed, genre-breaking, sci-fi action-comedy  an unlikely awards contender in its own right  was the sudden reintroduction of a child star who had disappeared into pop culture history after a promising debut in 1984s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies a year later.

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But on the strength of his role  or make that roles, given EEAAOs multiversal nature  as the alternately sweet/badass/debonair Waymond Wang, Quan became virtually the only lock this season, picking up Critics Choice, Indie Spirit, Golden Globe, SAG, Gotham, National Society of Film Critics, L.A. Film Critics Association and New York Film Critics Circle awards on the way to the Dolby Theatre. Still, presenter Ariana DeBoses voice cracked as she announced his name at the Dolby Theatre.

My journey started on a boat, said a tearful Quan, now 51, who was born in Vietnam during the war. I spent a year in a refugee camp and somehow I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe its happening to me. This is the American dream!

Quans Oscar triumph caps a four-decade journey that saw him involuntarily retire from acting in his early 20s because of a lack of roles for Asian actors in Hollywood. My manager [at the time] told me that maybe it would be easier if you were to have an American-sounding name, Quan, who briefly went by Jonathan Quan and Jonathan Ke Quan in the late 80s and early 90s, said backstage. Its insane that at one point I would try a different name than the one given to me, but it can only show you how desperate I was to try and make things different Tonight, to see Ariana open that envelope and say my name, was a really special moment.

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Not wanting to entirely leave the industry he loved, he studied film at USC and upon graduating embarked upon a second career behind the scenes, assisting famed action choreographer Corey Yuen on such films as X-Men and The One and serving as an assistant director on Wong Kar-wais 2046.

It wasnt until 2018 when he watched Crazy Rich Asians  co-starring his future leading lady, Michelle Yeoh  that he realized opportunities for Asian performers might have changed, and he began exploring a path back in front of the camera, landing a part in the 2021 Netflix family film Finding Ohana. But even then, a comeback wasnt assured, as Quan lost his health insurance during the pandemic, just before EEAAOs release, because he failed to book enough work to meet union requirements.

I owe everything to the love of my life: my wife, Echo, who month after month, year after year for 20 years told me that one day my time will come, Quan continued from the stage. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there: Please keep your dreams alive!

With his Oscar, Quan becomes just the second Asian performer to win in the supporting actor category, after The Killing Fields Haing S. Ngor in 1985. Like the late Cambodia-born Ngor, Quan, who was born in Vietnam, is ethnically Chinese. The only other Asian men to earn Oscars for acting are lead actor winners Yul Brynner (who was partially of Russian and Mongolian descent), Ben Kingsley (whose father was Indian) and F. Murray Abraham (whose family hails from the Western Asian country of Syria).

Quans Oscar night also included a couple of full-circle moments for the newly minted Academy Award winner. He attended with his former Goonies castmate-turned-entertainment lawyer Jeff Cohen (Chunk), and mingled with his Indiana Jones director and Goonies exec producer Steven Spielberg, a fellow nominee this year. He also later had an on-stage Indiana Jones reunion with presenter Harrison Ford when Everything Everywhere All at Once won for best picture.

During one of the commercial breaks, I ran up to Steven Spielberg and he gave me a big hug. He said, Ke, you are now an Oscar-winning actor, and hearing him say that meant the world to me. I still cannot believe it, Quan said backstage. My younger self would not know all the struggles I went through to be here because he was just having the time of his life being a kid, being on a set, on a pirate ship going down a water slide. [Goonies castmates] Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Jeff Cohen, every single one of them is so happy. Sean [Astin] reached out. Josh [Brolin], Martha [Plimpton] and we are family forever. Goonies never say die.

While Quan remains in touch with his roots, hes hopeful that the new hardware will change his future.

I remember when I was struggling, I would call my agent  I try not to bother them too much; I would call them once every three, six months  and I would say, Hey, is there anything out there for me? The answer would always be the same: Im so sorry, theres nothing out there but Ill continue to look, Quan said backstage. So hopefully when I call my agent tomorrow, he will give me a different answer.

The 2023 Oscars aired live on ABC on Sunday from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.

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Kendall Jenner's multi-award-winning tequila brand, 818 Tequila, has finally landed in the U.K.

Sustainably produced, 818 is set to be one of "the smoothest tequilas on the market," allowing it to be enjoyed in a cocktail or on its own. Named after the area code of Jenner's Calabasas home, the brand works with a family-owned distillery and offers three varying expressions including Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Each blend is crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave and hand-picked by skilled jimadores from Jalisco, Mexico.

One of the few food and beverage businesses within the KarJenner empire, Jenner's 818 Tequila utilizes traditional processes in Mexico, resulting in agaves that are slow-cooked for over 30 hours and then crushed with large stone Tahona wheels. The agaves then undergo a 48-hour fermentation process before being twice-distilled in copper pots and aged in oak barrels.

"I can't wait for people across the UK to experience the magic of 818 Tequila. We're arriving in London just in time for the start of spring, and I know everyone will love our delicious tequila when they try it," says founder Kendall Jenner in a press release.

In line with Jenner's sustainable beliefs, the business operates a responsible supply chain which aims to help reduce its impact on the environment. Its distillery runs on biomass and solar, with bottles made from recycled glass and additional packaging certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The brand has also partnered with s.a.c.r.e.d. (which stands for Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education and Development) for a community support program in Mexico which aims to transform agave waste and its by-products into usable building materials.

Jenner's 818 Tequila is now available for purchase through the Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and other specialty drinks retailers. The drink will also be available to order in London restaurants like Barrio, The Savoy and Isabel Mayfair.

In other news, here's why the KarJenners might not attend this year's Met Gala.

DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.
When the forecasts came in mid-March 1993, New Jerseyans were snow-weary.

"Winter was winter in those days," said regional meteorologist Jim Witt.

Another storm in a long winter, the March Superstorm of 1993 was expected to be a problem. On the morning of March 13, The Record laid out the forecast from Friday the 12th. Five to 9 inches of snow was expected in Bergen County. A foot could hit parts of Passaic and Sussex counties, read the front-page report.

Deeper inside the newspaper, the predictions were more ominous. The more up-to-date AccuWeather forecast on Page B-10 called for 1 to 3 feet of snow. Expect 50- to 100-mile-per-hour winds and severe drifting, it warned.

The snowstorm of March 1993, dubbed the storm of the century, turns 30.

"This may be the biggest winter storm of the century," it said, echoing predictions from National Weather Service officials.

The storm gained pace in the Gulf of Mexico, where warmer waters than usual met cold north winds, and it intensified in the Southeast. Flooding rains in Florida were followed by record snowfall in Alabama and thundersnow in Georgia. From there, the storm continued northeast.

The heaviest snow fell along the Appalachian Mountains. Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee were hit particularly hard, with some mountain towns reporting more than 30 inches. The band of heaviest snow stretched through Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Montreal. Witt said he recorded nearly 27 inches in Cold Spring, New York.

Here's when your favorite Jersey Shore restaurants will reopen for the season

While New Jersey was not relatively hard hit, it certainly wasn't spared. Much of the state saw more than a foot of snow from what remains one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the state, according to Jeffrey Morrison of the New Jersey Weather Observers network. Airports were closed, as were some of the state's steadfast shopping malls.

The snowstorm of March 1993, dubbed the storm of the century, turns 30.

Harry Woodworth, a spokesman for the National Weather Service at Newark International Airport, told The Record that even the most veteran forecasters had never seen anything like the winter storm.

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"It is the strongest one I've ever seen," Woodworth said.

These North Jersey towns could see the most snow this weekend

The snow started early Saturday, on a weekend that coincided with the 105th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1888. That storm choked Bergen County with 20 inches of snow. Gov. Jim Florio declared a state of emergency shortly before 11 a.m. on March 13, 1993.

"This is the worst snowstorm in the history of the state of New Jersey," Florio said. "We're facing a very serious situation."

Highways across New Jersey remained open, with the turnpike imposing a reduced speed limit. Cars became stuck. The American Red Cross opened shelters in Ridgefield Park, Hackensack and East Rutherford. The last two dealt with drivers left stranded on Routes 4 and 3. Ridgefield Park took in residents left stranded when wind lifted the roof off their Teaneck Road apartment building.

North Jersey could now see 6 inches of snow as weekend begins

By 7 p.m., more than a foot of snow had fallen in Chatham, River Vale, Hawthorne and Newark, according to reports from the North Jersey Weather Observers. Wayne had been covered with 16 inches and Sparta with 15.

Roughly 2,000 travelers, many of whom planned a spring break, were left stuck at Newark Airport. After they started to party in place, airport officials closed the bars in Terminals B and C, The Record reported. The snow subsided early that evening and had dissipated by early Sunday.

The storm was considered to be the first major one accurately predicted by weather computer models five days in advance, Morrison said. It nonetheless caused billions in damage in the U.S. and has been remembered as the "Storm of the Century"  the costliest winter storm in the nation's history, he added.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: A look back: Superstorm of March 1993 turns 30
With a plethora of newly nominated actors and movies, the 2023 Oscars marked a momentous night of firsts for many.

From Jamie Lee Curtis' first nomination (and win) to pregnant Rihanna's first Oscars performance, many will remember Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre for its many "firsts." But even more so, some nominees and movies are breaking records in the 95-year-history of the awards show.

Who is making history with their win? Here's a rundown of some of the ways tonight was a historic one to remember.

2023 Oscars winners: See who took home gold tonight at the Academy Awards

Oscars 2023 live updates: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' wins 7, including best picture

Michelle Yeoh: First Asian actress to win

Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for best actress in a leading role for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Industry veteran Yeoh, 60, who garnered national praise for her performance in the most-nominated film "Everything, Everywhere All At Once," took home one of the biggest prizes of the night: best actress. She is the first Asian actress to win the award. The closest anyone has come to Yeoh's achievement was back in 1936, when India-born actress Merle Oberon was nominated for her leading role in "The Dark Angel." Given the tenor of the times, Oberon hid her mixed-race heritage. She lost that year to Bette Davis, who won for her role in "Dangerous."

"This is a beacon of hope and possibilities," Yeoh tearfully said during her acceptance speech, calling the moment "history in the making." "This is proof to dream big, that dreams do come true."

Guillermo del Toro: First to win best picture, best director and best animated feature

Mexican filmmaker Del Toro, 58, known for "The Shape of Water" and "Nightmare Alley," witnessed a momentous night, winning three major accolades for his 2022 animated film "Pinocchio."

"It's great to have picture, director, and animation because they define what I have loved all my life since I was a kid," del Toro said in the press room. "I want one for makeup effects one day. But it's beautiful, and it will help us implement more movement in the community in Mexico and in Latin America to keep pushing for still motion, which is one of the most Democratic form of animation."

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Naatu Naatu: First Indian film song to be nominated for and win an Oscar.

M.M. Keeravaani, right, and Chandrabose accept the award for best original song for "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR" during the 95th Academy Awards.

Naatu Naatu, the joyous tune that went viral on TikTok from the Indian musical movie RRR, won best original song on Sunday night, becoming the first song from an Indian film to bring home the prize. Other nominees included Lady Gagas Hold My Hand (Top Gun), Rihannas Lift Me Up (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Sofia Carsons Applause (Tell It Like a Woman).

Were blessed that #RRRMovie is the first feature film to bring INDIA's first ever #Oscar in the Best Song Category with #NaatuNaatu! 



No words can describe this surreal moment. 



Dedicating this to all our amazing fans across the world. THANK YOU!! 



JAI HIND! pic.twitter.com/9g5izBCUks  RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) March 13, 2023

Ruth E Carter: First Black woman to win two Oscars

Ruth E. Carter accepts the award for best costume design for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" during the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, 2023.

The Academy formally congratulated Carter, now the first Black woman in Oscars history to win two awards her first for best costume design for "Black Panther" in 2019 and another, tonight, for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

"I pulled myself up from my bootstraps," Carter said in the press room when asked about making Oscar history. "I wanted to be a costume designer. I studied, I scraped I dealt with adversity in the industry that sometimes didn't look like me. And I endured. So, I feel that this win opens the door for other young costume designers that may not think that this industry is for them. And hopefully they will see me, and they will see my story, and they will think that they can win an Oscar too."

Ruth E. Carter makes history once again! With her second win for Best Costume Design tonight, she is now the first Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category. @theblackpanther #Oscars #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/AmcrQKJNyZ  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

'The Elephant Whisperers': First Indian-produced title to win

(L-R) Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga, winners of the Best Documentary Short Subject award for "The Elephant Whisperers," at the 95th Academy Awards.

"The Elephant Whisperers," a documentary short film about an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu, has become the first-ever Indian-produced film to win an Oscar according to Netflix, beating out contenders including "Haulout," "How Do You Measure A Year," "The Martha Mitchell Effect" and "Stranger At The Gate."

Director Kartiki Gonsalves, who accepted the award, dedicated it to "my motherland, India."

"Thank you to the Academy for recognizing our film, highlighting Indigenous people and animals. To Netflix, for believing in the power of this film," she said.

More from the 2023 Oscars:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who made Oscars 2023 history? Michelle Yeoh, 'Naatu Naatu,' more
Representatives of the Ukrainian tourism industry paid UAH 1.551 billion in taxes, which is almost 31% less than in 2021, when the budget received UAH 2.231 billion, the press service of the State Tourism Development Agency reported.

"Despite the war, the tourism industry of Ukraine is working, but it needs support from Ukrainians more than ever. By paying taxes, we finance our economy, the lion's share of the income of which goes to defense and the army. Therefore, it is important to understand that when traveling in Ukraine, Ukrainians will not only reboot and gain strength and inspiration for work, but they will also help the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the press service quotes the words of the head of the State Tourism Development Agency, Maryana Oleskiv.

According to the State Tourism Development Agency, the total number of taxpayers involved in tourism activities decreased by 17% over the year. At the same time, it was recorded that the number of legal entities decreased by 14%, and individuals by 18%.

The largest share of state budget revenues last year was paid by hotels - UAH 898 million, which is 30% less than in 2021.

At the same time, an increase in tax paid by 46% was recorded from the activities of boarding houses and hostels, which were used as a temporary shelter for people forced to leave their homes due to the war. But the share of tax paid from the activities of tourist centers, campsites, children's holiday camps decreased by 57% - UAH 141 million in tax was paid versus UAH 328 million in 2021.

Taxes from the activities of travel operators that paid UAH 167.858 million to the state budget in 2022 were reduced by 35%, while in 2021 this figure was UAH 259.005 million.

Travel agencies paid 27% less taxes to the state budget - UAH 204.795 million.

Three regions showed an increase in the amount of tax paid in 2022: Lviv (UAH 273 million versus UAH 215 million in 2021), Kyiv (UAH 164 million and almost UAH 125 million, respectively) and Ivano-Frankivsk (UAH 159 million and UAH 131 million).

A significant decline in tax revenues was noted in Kyiv and Odesa region - by 46% and 58%, respectively.
Winter storm warnings in Utica and Herkimer counties have expired after the Mohawk Valley was hit by a major winter storm Monday and Tuesday,

Here's the latest:

Total snowfall amounts

The town of Paris leads Oneida County in snowfall totals from the recent prolonged snowfall event with 18.6 inches recorded, according to information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

A sample from other snowfall totals in the county include:

Sauquoit 16 inches

New Hartford 11.5 inches

New York Mills 11.3 inches

Barneveld 9 inches

Rome 4.8 inches

Clinton 6.3 inches

Whitesboro 6 inches

Marcy 4.8 inches

Westmoreland 4 inches

How much snow did we get

Sauquoit is among the leaders in snowfall in Oneida County so far with 16 inches as of 9:22 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Binghamton.

A sample of other snowfall totals in the county:

New Hartford 11.5 inches.

New York Mills 11.3 inches.

Whitesboro 6 inches.

Marcy 4.8 inches.

Rome 3.2 inches.

Herkimer County

Salisbury 14.2 inches.

Frankfort 13.5 inches.

Little Falls 9.5 inches.

Herkimer 5 inches.

Outside the Mohawk Valley

Indian Lake (Hamilton County) 32 inches.

Hunter (Greene County) 28.4 inches.

Cazenovia 22 inches.

Guilford (Chenango County) 17 inches.

Albany 14 inches.

East Oneonta 9 inches.

Syracuse 8.9 inches

In the Utica-Rome area, snowfall records are difficult to pinpoint. The former Griffiss Air Force Base (1949-1995) and Oneida County Airport (1951-2000) no longer collect snowfall data, so those numbers have since 2000 been provided through the Cooperative Observer Program and Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations, according to information provided by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Here is the link to the latest snowfall totals: https://www.weather.gov/bgm/helpPublicInformationStatements.

Warmer days coming

Wednesday will see improved conditions with snow showers ending by the afternoon. The temperature in Utica will reach 32 degrees, according to the weather service.

Story continues

Thursday will be partly sunny with highs ranging from the lower 40s to the lower 50s.

Good morning! Snow continues to wind down, with just some lingering snow showers across parts of Central NY. Any remaining snow showers will end by this afternoon. Quiet weather is then expected until Friday, when widespread rain showers will impact the region. #NYwx #PAwx pic.twitter.com/HX5zgzRiDm  NWS Binghamton (@NWSBinghamton) March 15, 2023

Shoveling and heart health

Though residents need to clear their driveways and sidewalks of snow, the American Heart Association, is urging that people use caution when picking up the shovel, or even starting the snowblower.

Association research shows that many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow.

Winter weather in general can contribute to the increased risk, heart association officials sad. Cold temperatures may increase blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries.

Those factors, combined with the higher heart rate from the extra physical effort, may increase the risk for acute cardiac events. There are even studies that show an increased risk for heart attacks among people using automatic snow blowers. Similar to the extra exertion of pushing shovel, pushing a snow blower can raise heart rate and blood pressure quickly.

Officials said the most important thing is to be aware of the dangers, be prepared and take it easy, including taking short breaks. Even people who are relatively healthy should note that pushing the snow with a shovel is better physically than lifting and throwing it.

Snowfall analysis map from reports received through 330 pm Tuesday. Note, these totals will go up as the storm continues this evening into tonight. A final storm total map will be sent Wednesday. Thanks to the many observers who have sent snowfall reports! pic.twitter.com/S2zsJf6fn2  NWS Albany (@NWSAlbany) March 14, 2023

A flight to snowhere in Syracuse

A Delta Airbus A220-100 with 61 passengers aboard "exited" a taxiway at Syracuse Hancock International Airport at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, airport officials said in a statement. The weather service was reporting light snow, fog and mist in the area at the time. About 45 minutes later a "coordinated response" began to bring the passengers and their luggage back to the terminal, the statement said.

The incident did not effect operations and the airport remained open, the statement said, although several flights were delayed or canceled because of the snowstorm.

The airliner was left where it's at until a Delta aircraft recovery team arrives Tuesday evening to extricate the plane, the airport later reported.

An update from the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority regarding the Delta A220-100 exiting one of the SYR taxiways earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/uog8MGFeUr  Syracuse Airport (@SyracuseAirport) March 14, 2023

Feels like deja vu

On March 14, 2017, the "PI Day" storm dumped 36 inches of snow on Utica, according to the weather service office in Binghamton.

Heavy snow spread across parts of central New York and Pennsylvania late on March 13, and by late evening the next day snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 33 inches.

It wasn't done there.

After the storm moved out, lake effect snow bands produced more snow across Central New York on March 15, 2017.

Snowfall amounts from the PI Day Storm in March 2017

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica NY weather: Winter storm dumps a foot of snow. live updates
Obel Cruz-Garcia was sentenced to death in 2013 for a crime he says he did not commit.

Obel Cruz-Garcia was sentenced to death in 2013 for a crime he says he did not commit.

Obel Cruz-Garcia, a 46-year-old Dominican man who did not speak English, sat in a Houston courtroom on a Friday in July 2013. He faced a jury that would decide whether to sentence him to death for the gruesome killing of 6-year-old Angelo Garcia  a crime he has maintained he did not commit. His life, quite literally, depended on the outcome of the case.



Like most people who end up on death row, Cruz-Garcia could not afford to hire a lawyer for the resource-intensive process of a capital trial, and Harris County, Texas, doesnt offer public defenders in death penalty cases. Instead, he was appointed a private defense lawyer named R.P. Skip Cornelius, who made a living billing the county to represent more than 100 indigent clients a year. Cornelius was paid a flat fee to represent Cruz-Garcia, regardless of how much time he spent working on the case.



The states case against Cruz-Garcia had significant holes. It relied almost entirely on witnesses with changing stories, and on shaky DNA evidence that, at most, connected Cruz-Garcia to the scene of the crime but not the crime itself. Even if the state could convince jurors of Cruz-Garcias guilt, there was plenty of evidence that he was not the worst-of-the-worst criminal  the kind of person the death penalty is supposedly reserved for.



But Cornelius was unable to persuade jurors that Cruz-Garcia was innocent or even deserved not to be executed. The first time a member of his legal team visited Cruz-Garcia in jail was in May 2012, more than eight months after Cornelius was appointed to the case. Cornelius only visited his client in jail twice. He declined to hire a DNA expert to testify at trial, despite how pivotal that evidence was to the states case. He also missed key opportunities to discredit the states witnesses, according to lawyers now managing Cruz-Garcias appeal. After his client was convicted, Cornelius found just three witnesses who knew Cruz-Garcia to tell jurors why he deserved to live. A fourth defense witness, who knew Cruz-Garcia from jail, heard about the trial and showed up on his own to help his friend.



Story continues

Throughout Cruz-Garcias seven-week trial, Cornelius billed Harris County more than $33,000 for work on other cases  nearly the base flat rate offered to defense lawyers for their work on an entire death penalty case at the time. Cornelius failed to perform basic tasks necessary for a competent representation, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote last year in a 255-page petition for writ of habeas corpus, asking a federal court to vacate his death sentence.



The jury reached its verdict after one day of deliberations: Cruz-Garcia was sentenced to death.



Cornelius repeatedly blamed Cruz-Garcia for the outcome, claiming he did not do enough to assist in his own defense. He refused to give us any understanding of the facts, Cornelius wrote in an email to HuffPost. In 50 years I have never had that happen before or after.

Obel Cruz-Garcia (center) could not afford a death penalty lawyer, so he was appointed R.P.

Obel Cruz-Garcia (center) could not afford a death penalty lawyer, so he was appointed R.P. "Skip" Cornelius (left), who was paid a flat fee for his work on the case.

Cornelius is proud of his record defending indigent clients, he said in an interview. He doesnt know how many death penalty cases he has worked on, but in 38 years of death penalty litigation, hes had 10 clients sent to death row, he said. He believes that his decades of experience, willingness to work long hours, and assistance from his wife, who is also a lawyer, have enabled him to manage his heavy caseload. He firmly rejected the idea that he was ever stretched too thin. Cornelius, who has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1972, has no public disciplinary history.



Sixty years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that anyone accused of a felony had a guaranteed right to a lawyer, even if they could not afford to hire one. But with public defense perpetually underfunded, there is no guarantee that your lawyer will have enough time to devote to your case. And in Harris County, which has executed more people than any other county in the U.S., the indigent defense system has made it exceedingly likely that poor people facing the death penalty will receive shoddy representation.



The relatively new Harris County Public Defenders Office is not funded to handle death penalty cases. Instead, the judge in a given case will appoint defense counsel from a cadre of private lawyers.

Defense lawyers vying for indigent appointments often donate to trial judges election campaigns, creating a system that legal scholars have described as judicial pay to play. Those judges typically decide whether to grant lawyers requests to hire investigators and experts.

At the time of Cruz-Garcias arrest, appointed defense lawyers could opt to receive a flat fee for each death penalty case, rather than billing hourly. This incentivized a high caseload over effective representation  more cases, not more legal work per se, was how to maximize income. This setup also benefited judges, who often ran for reelection touting the number of cases they cleared during their previous term. And because its politically beneficial for judges to keep their dockets moving quickly, there was an unspoken understanding that lawyers who requested additional resources risked falling out of favor with judges and losing out on future appointments.



Today, lawyers on capital cases are paid hourly, although the elimination of the flat-fee option has not stopped some private lawyers from taking caseloads that exceed state and federal guidelines, according to the Texas Indigent Defense Commissions caseload dashboard. Although there are private lawyers who provide excellent legal representation to their indigent clients, some use the indigent defense system as a cash cow, quickly churning through cases and dedicating minimal attention to each client.



A HuffPost investigation based on interviews with Cruz-Garcia, his current lawyers, Cornelius, Harris County public officials and multiple capital defense lawyers, as well as thousands of pages of court records and an analysis of campaign finance data and public caseload reports, suggests that once accused, Cruz-Garcia never had a fair chance of staying off of death row.



Since his 2013 conviction, Cruz-Garcia has been represented by several lawyers as hes worked his way through the appeals process and habeas proceedings  the mechanism by which an individual can challenge the legality of their imprisonment. These lawyers have collected thousands of pages of expert reports, public records and affidavits from family members, friends and associates. Much of the information in these documents was available at trial. Together, they present a very different story than the one jurors heard. Although they do not definitively prove Cruz-Garcias innocence, they cast serious doubt on his guilt.



Cruz-Garcias case is not a horrific anomaly. Rather, its an example of how Harris County, the execution capital of the U.S., built a system to deny poor people facing the death penalty a fair shot at trial  and has steadfastly resisted reform.



Because Cruz-Garcia is still seeking review of his case in federal court, his lawyers, whom the Texas Department of Criminal Justice does not allow to attend media interviews, advised him not to answer any questions about the crime. I agreed to an interview under these conditions because this story is not an effort to prove his innocence. I was primarily interested in learning about his court fight and whether he felt Cornelius had done everything he could to save his life. Scheduling a visit was a challenge because the TDCJ only allows media interviews at the Polunsky Unit, where men on death row are imprisoned, on Wednesdays. The states last four executions of 2022 were on a Wednesday, and the TDCJ doesnt allow both on the same day.

The Polunsky Unit, which houses men on death row, is currently facing allegations that its conditions violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

The Polunsky Unit, which houses men on death row, is currently facing allegations that its conditions violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

The men on death row spend most of their lives in solitary confinement, which is recognized by the United Nations as a form of torture, as they trudge through an appeals process designed to uphold death sentences in most circumstances. Cruz-Garcia is so isolated that despite being on Texas death row for nearly a decade, he has been unable to learn English, and so we communicated through an interpreter.



When I arrived at Polunsky in November, Cruz-Garcia sat in a small cage equipped with a phone he used to communicate through a thick pane of glass. Although the weather that day was pleasant, the temperature inside the prison was frigid. Cruz-Garcia wore a white turtleneck under his prison-issued smock with the letters DR stamped on his back. He keeps his clothes impeccably white by hand-washing them in his cell. Now 55 years old, he has a salt-and-pepper goatee that frames an easy smile.



For a man living under the slow, lingering threat of execution for a crime he says he didnt commit, Cruz-Garcia appeared remarkably at peace with his circumstances. He spoke matter-of-factly about the experience of going through a death penalty trial with what he said was minimal legal assistance, but did not seem resentful toward Cornelius. He even has a nickname for his old lawyer: Super Abogado, or super lawyer, a joking reference to the number of cases Cornelius juggled at a time.



Deeply religious, Cruz-Garcia speaks with the lightness of someone who has fully surrendered control of his fate.



Perhaps it is a coping mechanism, but he insists he isnt lonely: Gods with me.



He doesnt fear death: I know, for myself, Im going to go to God someday.



But he hasnt given up: I still feel like its going to work out.

I Just Kind Of Saw Him Pass By

In the fall of 1992, Diana Garcia and her partner, Arturo Rodriguez, told police that two masked men had broken into their apartment, beaten Rodriguez, raped Garcia and kidnapped her 6-year-old son Angelo. Garcia (who is not related to Cruz-Garcia) eventually admitted to police that she and her partner sold drugs. They said Cruz-Garcia was their drug supplier but they did not identify him as one of the intruders.

Law enforcement processed a sexual assault evidence kit, a cutting from Garcias underwear and a cigar from the apartment. They stored the evidence at the Houston Police Departments crime lab. A body found in a mud flat about a month later was identified through dental records as Angelo. But police could not identify the perpetrator or locate Cruz-Garcia and the case went cold.

Shortly after Angelo disappeared, Cruz-Garcia returned to Puerto Rico, where he had lived before coming to Houston. He traveled back and forth between Puerto Rico and his home country, the Dominican Republic. In 2001, he was arrested for kidnapping two people in Puerto Rico and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

My life was a disaster, Cruz-Garcia told me.

During his incarceration in Puerto Rico, Cruz-Garcia had a spiritual experience. While in his cell, he heard the word of God. It was transformative, he said.

Back in Texas, the Houston Police Department created a cold case unit in 2004 to reexamine unsolved homicides. HPD Sgt. Eric Mehl combed through old cases, paying close attention to those that required DNA analysis to move forward.

By then, the DNA section of HPDs crime lab had been shut down after a 2002 state audit revealed that DNA technicians misinterpreted data, were badly trained, kept poor records, and repeatedly used all of the DNA evidence, making it impossible for another expert to check their work. A subsequent report by an independent investigator found that evidence related to rape and homicide cases was water-damaged during a storm and employees had no sense of which cases were affected. Retesting of the labs DNA analysis has led to multipleexonerations.

DNA evidence from Angelos case was stored, handled and processed by the HPD crime lab technicians, but they were unable to connect the evidence to a suspect at the time of the crime. When Mehl came across the case, he sent the evidence to a third-party lab called Orchid Cellmark. Once law enforcement learned that Cruz-Garcia was incarcerated in Puerto Rico, FBI agents went to the prison to collect a DNA sample, which was also sent to Orchid Cellmark.

In 2008, Orchid Cellmark linked Cruz-Garcias DNA to the cigar, underwear cutting and vaginal swabs from the sexual assault kit. It didnt prove he had killed Angelo, but it was enough for the state to move forward. That same year, 16 years after the crime, Cruz-Garcia was charged with murder and transferred to the Houston jail to await trial.

Cruz-Garcias family fundraised through their church to hire private lawyers who visited him regularly and kept him apprised of their strategy and developments in the case, he said. But when the state later decided to seek the death penalty, those lawyers withdrew. The money Cruz-Garcias family raised was not enough to hire a new lawyer who could take on a death penalty case. In August 2011, Cornelius was appointed as first chair, with another private lawyer named Mario Madrid, who spoke Spanish, serving as second chair. As first chair, Cornelius was responsible for directing the strategy of the case.

It was a fascinating case, Cornelius said in a phone interview. I thought it was really a fun case.

When Cornelius, 74, graduated from Baylor Universitys law school, everyone told him the best way to get trial experience was to work in the district attorneys office in a major city. He grew up in Houston, so he applied for the Harris County DAs office, got hired, and was in the courtroom the following week.

In his 30s, Cornelius transitioned into criminal defense work, specializing in capital murder litigation. I just loved being in trial, he said. Its hard to put into words. I dont know, I loved everything. I loved preparing for trial. I loved the legal issues. I loved the appellate process.

He found he preferred defense work to being a prosecutor. I really like helping people, he said. I found that if you really worked hard for your client, especially as I was getting the more serious cases  those people had been around the block and they knew what it was like to have a lawyer that actually worked for them.

They frankly really appreciated it. And it made me appreciate them, he said.

Over time, indigent cases became the bulk of Cornelius caseload. Wealthy clients, with their country club dues, multiple cars and college tuition, were often the slowest to pay, and he hated bugging people for money, he said. I liked representing people that couldnt pay me and saw how hard I worked for them. I got paid a reasonable fee. And that was a reward.

I got paid plenty of money being a court-appointed lawyer, to be honest.

By the time Cornelius was appointed to represent Cruz-Garcia, his caseload had already attracted significant attention.

The National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals recommends a cap of 150 felony cases a year, a guideline the Harris County Public Defenders Office continues to follow. A 2013 evaluation of the office by the Council of State Governments Justice Center compared similar cases and found that Harris County public defenders outperformed appointed attorneys with every measure as they achieved a greater proportion of dismissals, deferred sentences, and acquittals, and a smaller proportion of clients found guilty.

Although the Harris County office has never taken death penalty cases, another public defenders office in Texas that specializes in capital cases was advised to cap caseloads at five active cases per lawyer  with no additional noncapital cases. A 2016 assessment of that office found that even increasing the cap from five to six capital cases appears to be too high to comply with the [American Bar Association] Guidelines.

A habeas petition details how Cornelius billed as many as eight hours a day on other cases while Cruz-Garcias case was in jury selection.

A habeas petition details how Cornelius billed as many as eight hours a day on other cases while Cruz-Garcias case was in jury selection.

Cornelius caseload often exceeded both the guidelines for capital and noncapital cases simultaneously. In 2009, he was one of the lawyers featured in a KHOU story about Harris Countys indigent defense system, described by one expert as among the most flawed in the country belonging to a major metropolitan area. According to KHOU, Cornelius made about $1.9 million in eight years  an average of $237,500 a year  representing people who were too poor to hire a lawyer.

Ive never seen an attorney capable of handling that entire workload and giving effective representation in every single case, David Carroll, then the research director for the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, told KHOU at the time.

Cornelius rejected the idea that his caseload compromised his ability to effectively represent his clients. You can do all the statistics you want but it depends on how hard the lawyers willing to work, he told KHOU. You can check with the people that clean this building. I am the last one to leave every night.

Cornelius told HuffPost that his decades of experience enabled him to effectively represent his clients without adhering to the guidelines. Those guidelines? Theyre probably very useful for somebody whos a new lawyer, Cornelius said. If youve handled 100 or 1,000 less-than-a-gram cocaine cases, you really dont need to spend 10 hours on the next one you get.

He said in an email that lawyers who work on cases post-conviction like to cut and paste graphs and charts of guidelines of how many hours a lawyer should spend on each case and take the total number of cases the attorney has handled for a year or month, or whatever looks better for the Writ and conclude that the lawyer did not have enough time to properly do their work.

At the time Cornelius was appointed to Cruz-Garcias case, death penalty cases in Harris County carried a base flat fee of $35,000 for the first chair and $30,000 for the second chair. But Cornelius and Madrid secured $65,000 and $60,000, respectively, justifying the higher fee by pointing to the complexity of the case. Madrid, who did not respond to multiple requests for an interview, has no public disciplinary history.

In an email, Cornelius equated the flat fee structure to a salary. Let me point out to you what should be obvious especially if you are paid a flat fee, like a salary. All of the Judges work for a flat fee, all of the DAs work for a flat fee, all of the Public Defenders work for a flat fee, all of the court personnel work for a flat fee, all of the police officers work for a flat fee, for all I know the writ writers work for a flat fee; do you get my drift? he wrote, referring to people whose yearly income does not change based on the number of cases they work.

Cruz-Garcias case centered on questionable DNA evidence and supposed eyewitness testimony from people whose stories changed over time. Many of Cruz-Garcias associates at the time of the crime sold drugs and had reason to fear getting involved. Most of his friends and family, who could speak to his character and difficult childhood  both of which would be key in determining his punishment if convicted  lived in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic and did not speak English. Both proving his innocence and, if that failed, proving that he didnt deserve to die, would require dogged investigative work.

But Cornelius failed to investigate key elements of Cruz-Garcias case, according to Cruz-Garcia and his current lawyers.

I didnt even meet anyone [from the legal team] until eight months after Cornelius was appointed, Cruz-Garcia said when I spoke with him. Really, I just kind of saw him pass by. And now I know why, he continued, referring to Cornelius caseload.

Cornelius said in an email that he likely would have spoken privately with Cruz-Garcia each time he appeared in court, which was infinitely better than a jail visit. He added that trial preparation may have been delayed by waiting for discovery, difficulty finding a mitigation expert, working on other trials and defendants reluctance or refusal to participate in his own defense.

When Cruz-Garcia first got to death row, another man warned him not to get close to anyone. You dont want to feel bad when they kill him, the man said.

When Cruz-Garcia first got to death row, another man warned him not to get close to anyone. You dont want to feel bad when they kill him, the man said.

Ahead of the trial, the Harris County District Attorneys Office invited Cornelius to review its entire case file. The DAs open-file policy is designed to insulate the office from accusations that it failed to disclose Brady material, or evidence that is exculpatory for the defense. Reviewing a prosecutors entire file instead of just the Brady material they voluntarily disclose can obviously be useful for the defense, but its also time-consuming and Cornelius indicated he did not intend to sift through thousands of pages of documents.

I dont have a responsibility to go through your file, he told Assistant District Attorney Natalie Tise at trial.

Years later, when Cruz-Garcia first raised ineffective assistance of counsel claims in state habeas proceedings, Cornelius wrote in a 2016 affidavit that he did see the states file many times when prosecutors brought it to court. However, its unclear from the affidavit if he is claiming to have reviewed the entire file, and whether he would have had time to review so much paperwork in court.

In truth I took the position, Cornelius wrote in an email to HuffPost, which was the law, that the prosecution has to give the defense all the discovery they are entitled to and if this is not done the prosecutor is proceeding at their own risk.

You ask did I see the entire file, he continued. How would I ever know. I ultimately saw whatever they brought to court saying it was their entire file.

Jury selection began on June 3, 2013, and lasted 11 days. Cornelius billed at least 2 1/2 hours to other cases on 10 of those days, sometimes as many as seven or eight hours a day, according to Cruz-Garcias habeas petition. During jury selection, he also claimed 19 fees for appearing in court for other cases, for which he was paid a total of $3,450.

DNA Evidence, Its Not Very Complicated

According to the states theory of the crime, Cruz-Garcia and two associates named Carmelo Rudy Martinez Santana and Roger Aviles-Barroso kidnapped Angelo from his mothers apartment and drove him about 30 minutes east to Baytown. There, according to prosecutors, Cruz-Garcia directed Aviles-Barroso to stab Angelo to death. Next, prosecutors said, they put Angelos body back in the car, drove a short distance, and Cruz-Garcia instructed the other two men to dump the boys body into the water.

Aviles-Barroso, who also maintained his innocence, was convicted of capital murder, but prosecutors never sought the death penalty. Santana, who testified against both Cruz-Garcia and Aviles-Barroso, was never charged with a crime in connection with the kidnapping and murder.

Angelos mother, Diana Garcia, and her partner, Arturo Rodriguez, both testified at Cruz-Garcias trial about the assault and kidnapping but said that they could not identify the masked perpetrators.

The states case against Cruz-Garcia hinged on DNA evidence, which was the only forensic evidence tying him to the crime. On the DNA alone, you could convict the defendant, Tise told jurors at trial.

Steven Shellist, the defense lawyer Cruz-Garcia initially hired, recognized that DNA analysis would be a crucial part of the case. Before withdrawing, Shellist contacted a forensic scientist and DNA analyst, with the intention of having her review the DNA testing that had already been done and potentially have the DNA retested, Shellist wrote in a 2015 affidavit.

When Shellist stepped back from the case, he offered to share thoughts about Cruz-Garcias defense but Cornelius declined, Shellist wrote.

The state relied on Orchid Cellmarks supervisor of forensics to help convince jurors that DNA found on the cigar, Diana Garcias underwear and a vaginal swab from the rape kit implicated Cruz-Garcia in the killing. There was no expert challenge to that narrative because Cornelius chose not to hire a DNA specialist, preferring instead to challenge the evidence on his own.

Asked how he decides when to hire outside experts, Cornelius said in an interview, On DNA, Im probably not in need of a DNA expert.

DNA evidence, its not very complicated, he continued. I dont know that Ive ever been baffled about DNA evidence. They either get it or they dont.

A lot of these people that are the experts, I know them, I know theyre not liars. I know they wouldnt make up a result on the DNA test.

A guard walks the hallway of Texas' death row.

A guard walks the hallway of Texas' death row.

Even if Cornelius did know a lot about DNA, he admitted that he had no intention of reviewing all of the evidence. Im not going to go through 20 boxes of DNA records, he told Tise at trial during a disagreement related to Cornelius preparedness to cross-examine one of the states witnesses.

Cornelius tried to get some of the DNA evidence suppressed, citing the well-documented problems with the HPD crime lab. But he was unable to prove this specific evidence was contaminated, he said during pretrial proceedings.

Cornelius later wrote in the 2016 affidavit that he was unsuccessful in suppressing the DNA evidence because the state clearly showed that, even though the crime lab had been in shambles, this evidence, which was tested and re-tested, had been sufficiently preserved.

In a recent email, Cornelius clarified that he did not agree with the judges ruling on the admissibility of the DNA evidence. But once she made her decision, he wrote, he tried to downplay the DNA evidence because it does not time stamp or disprove a consensual relationship.

But there actually was evidence that the DNA was questionable. Daniel Hellwig, a DNA expert hired by Cruz-Garcias post-conviction lawyers, identified in August 2015 significant concerns regarding the reliability of the evidence tested and some of the conclusions drawn regarding this evidence.

Much of the evidence was unsealed when Orchid Cellmark received it from the HPD crime lab 15 years after the crime, raising concerns about its integrity, Hellwig wrote. He also found that Orchid Cellmarks statistical conclusions about the DNA sample on the vaginal swabs were problematic and against best scientific practices. Orchid Cellmark did not respond to a request for comment.

Asked about Hellwigs findings, Cornelius wrote in an email, I never heard the expert you spoke of testify, if he did, and you have not told me that Obel was eliminated as a suspect.

In November 2015, less than a week after Cruz-Garcia lost his direct appeal, the state issued an amended lab report to reflect an FBI update to data used in DNA calculations. The amended report recanted much of the DNA evidence it relied on to tie him to the offense, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote in the habeas petition. According to the states amended report, a mixture of DNA from at least three individuals was found on the vaginal swab, but analysts were unable to draw conclusions about the identity of those individuals. The amended report linked Cruz-Garcia and at least one other unidentifiable person to the DNA mixture found on the underwear.

Everybody wins  except for the clients.Jim Marcus, University of Texas

As corrected, the DNA evidence therefore does not conclusively establish Mr. Cruz-Garcias identity as the assailant  and leaves open the possibility of an unknown assailant, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote.

Cornelius wrote in email, I am not seeing this as much of an impact and of course I would have had to have a clairvoyant expert to even use this at the trial I tried.

Friends of Cruz-Garcia and Diana Garcia wouldlatertell Cruz-Garcias state habeas team that the two had a consensual sexual relationship, which could explain why his DNA was on her underwear. Cruz-Garcia said in an interview that he told his trial lawyers to speak with one of those friends, a man named Cesar Rios, because Rios was with us all the time and saw whatever was going on.

Rios was also listed as a known associate of Garcias on the 1992 police report documenting the crime. But the jury never heard from Rios about the consensual relationship because Cornelius never brought him in to testify. Cornelius disputed in an email that Cruz-Garcia told him or a member of his team to speak to Rios.

Obel Cruz-Garcia did not tell me jack shit about the facts of this case or give me any witnesses to contact. In 50 years I have never seen or heard of a client giving less effort, Cornelius wrote in an email. You can take the word of a life long criminal or my word and that of the entire defense team.

J.J. Gradoni, the lead investigator on Cornelius team, said in a 2016 affidavit that he tried to get in touch with Rios after seeing his name on the police report but was unable to make contact. In his own affidavit, Cornelius said he tried to raise the prospect of a consensual sexual relationship with Cruz-Garcia but could not offer proof of it.

We wanted him to admit that he had a relationship with this woman, Cornelius told HuffPost. If he had explained that away with a consensual relationship  hes a nice-looking guy, actually. Not that nice-looking guys can have sex with whoever they want to. But a jury wouldnt be repulsed by the way he looked and say no other Hispanic person would ever want to have sex with him in their lives. Or any other kind of person.

But he would not discuss it, Cornelius continued. What are you gonna do?

Garcia was not asked at trial about the existence of a consensual sexual relationship. Neither she nor Rodriguez could be reached for comment.

Earning a clients trust and convincing them to assist in their own representation is a key part of a defense lawyers job. The Texas State Bars guidelines for lawyers working on capital cases requires them to make every appropriate effort to establish a relationship of trust with the client and maintain close contact with the client.

The guidelines do not contemplate a one-way street where counsel parachutes in for a couple of visits with their client before trial and the client immediately provides counsel everything needed to win the case, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote in the habeas petition.

Changing Stories

In the 1980s, Cruz-Garcia started dating Angelita Rodriguez, whom he met in Puerto Rico. They soon married and followed Rodriguezs cousin, Carmelo Rudy Martinez Santana, to Houston, where Santana and Cruz-Garcia sold drugs for a living. There, they became friendly with Diana Garcia and Arturo Rodriguez (no relation to Angelita Rodriguez).

For nearly 20 years after Angelos death, Santana insisted he didnt know anything about the kidnapping or circumstances of the boys killing. He said as much to law enforcement during two separate interviews in 1992 and again in 2009 after the case was reopened.

But in 2011, Santana changed his story.

By then, he was in prison for an unrelated conviction. In the lead-up to that conviction, Santanas lawyer had indicated that he might not be mentally competent to stand trial, but he ended up accepting a guilty plea. Then, in April 2011, Santana informed the court that he planned to file a motion to have his guilty plea set aside, based on a plethora of medical records that illustrate my undeniable incompetence to accept a guilty plea.

The next month, Santana met with FBI agent William Ebersole. At first, Santana told Ebersole he didnt know if he was with Cruz-Garcia on the night of the crime, but soon after, he claimed they were together for part of the day.

Ebersole told Santana that Cruz-Garcia had already been charged with the murder, according to the FBI agents contemporaneous notes documenting the interview. Cruz-Garcia would go to trial for the murder of ANGELO with or without the assistance of [Santana], Ebersole said  but that his assistance would make for a better case against [Cruz-Garcia], who is not a good person. He also told Santana that any cooperation he gave would be made known to the prosecutor and the presiding judge.

Ebersole then claimed there was scientific evidence proving that Cruz-Garcia had broken into Diana Garcias home and raped her but said he needed Santana to complete the picture of what happened to the little boy ANGELO.

Santana told the FBI agent that he had lost his whole life, including his sons, his mother and his marriage. He blamed Cruz-Garcia for that loss, according to Ebersoles notes.

He agreed to talk.

He said that on the night of Angelos death, he waited in the car while Cruz-Garcia and another man named Rogelio went inside Diana Garcias apartment, Ebersole wrote. According to Santana, when the two men emerged, Cruz-Garcia was carrying Angelo, saying the little boy saw me and I fucked Diana.

Cruz-Garcia then drove the group to an area where they had sold drugs, pulled over, and told Rogelio in Spanish, You know what you have to do, Santana said. After Rogelio fatally stabbed Angelo, Santana claimed, the group drove to a body of water, where Cruz-Garcia instructed Santana and Rogelio to dump Angelos body.

Santana, who could not be reached for comment, became the states star witness and was never charged with a crime in connection with the kidnapping or killing of Angelo. His graphic testimony of the boys death could not be substantiated by the autopsy, as the body had deteriorated in the water. All the jury had to go on was his word  and jurors never learned that Santana changed his story to corroborate the states theory just weeks after indicating his plea deal should be tossed because he was too mentally ill to have entered into the agreement.

Cornelius said in an email he didnt remember any questions about Santanas competency or thinking he seemed incompetent. This is really weak, he wrote.

Had trial counsel performed an adequate investigation, they could have seriously undermined the credibility of the States star witness.Obel Cruz-Garcias federal habeas petition

Jurors also never learned that around the time of Angelos death, Santana was convicted of assaulting a young girl, according to the habeas petition. Under Texas law, crimes against women and girls are considered crimes of moral turpitude. This is significant because in Texas, crimes of moral turpitude can generally be used to impeach a witness, or attack the credibility of their testimony at trial.

Billing records show that Cornelius investigator tried to Obtain Offense Report Regarding State Witness Prior Conviction on June 20, 2013  while the trial was already underway. On July 11, Cornelius indicated in court that he wasnt sure whether Santanas prior convictions were grounds for impeachment. Ive got some conflicting information from my own investigators and so, Im going to accept pretty much whatever the State tells me or what [Santana] tells me, Cornelius told the judge.

Cornelius proceeded to question Santana about his past convictions without the jury present in order to determine what he could bring up in front of jurors. Santana told Cornelius that he pleaded guilty to assaulting a boy, but that he was innocent. Cornelius tried to get permission to bring up that conviction in front of jurors, but the judge denied the request.

Had trial counsel performed an adequate investigation, they could have seriously undermined the credibility of the States star witness, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote in his habeas petition.

Given how crucial Mr. Santanas testimony was to establishing Mr. Cruz-Garcias guilt, there is a reasonable probability that at least one juror would have voted not to convict Mr. Cruz-Garcia had trial counsel not performed deficiently, the lawyers continued.

Cornelius said in an email that he did not remember these details but that it sounds so trivial in comparison to the facts of this case.

The states other key witness was Angelita Rodriguez, Cruz-Garcias wife at the time of the crime. Like her cousin Santana, Rodriguez initially told law enforcement that she didnt know anything about Angelos disappearance or death. In 2008, 16 years later, Rodriguez told Mehl, the HPD sergeant, a slightly different story. She said that after learning about Angelos disappearance, she asked Cruz-Garcia if he had kidnapped the boy, according to notes Mehl took documenting the conversation.

She said Obel would not answer the question, Mehl wrote. She said he just looked at her and remained silent.

Rodriguez told the police sergeant that Cruz-Garcia left abruptly for Puerto Rico after Angelos disappearance and then went to the Dominican Republic. She said that she didnt see Cruz-Garcia again until she went to meet him in the Dominican Republic to ask for a divorce. He responded, she said, by threatening to kill her.

Then at trial, Rodriguez offered shocking testimony. She repeated her claim that she did not see Cruz-Garcia until she went to ask him for a divorce at the end of 1992, about two months after Angelo was killed. She said that he refused and threatened to harm her family, but she did not testify that he threatened to kill her, as she had previously told law enforcement.

She said that when she told Cruz-Garcia she wanted a divorce, she asked again about Angelo. Cruz-Garcia told her that he had killed him, Rodriguez testified. When the assistant district attorney asked Rodriguez what else Cruz-Garcia had said about the alleged crime, she said she couldnt remember.

Rodriguez testified that her story had changed because she was previously afraid to tell the truth. But there are signs that her testimony may not have been accurate. Contrary to Rodriguezs claims about not seeing Cruz-Garcia after Angelos disappearance until she asked for a divorce at the end of 1992, Cruz-Garcia told a psychologist in 2019 that the couple moved back to the Dominican Republic together sometime in 1992 and lived with her family.

A February 1993 FBI memo appears to partially corroborate Cruz-Garcias recollection, although with what appears to be a confusing typo. RODRIGUEZ is the common law wife of GARCIA and is currently residing with RODRIGUEZ in the Dominican Republic at her mothers house, the memo reads. It is unlikely that the author of the memo intended to write that Rodriguez lived with herself at her mothers house.

Asked if he was aware of the memo and ever sought clarification, Cornelius said he did not remember. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.

Several years after the trial, the Harris County District Attorneys Office provided Rodriguezs lawyer with a letter in support of her immigration case, stating that she had served as a very important witness in the 2013 trial of a capital murder case despite credible threats to her safety. Rodriguez could not be reached for comment.

Josh Reiss, the chief of the post-conviction writ division of the Harris County District Attorneys Office, told HuffPost that Rodriguez was not offered immigration assistance in exchange for her testimony. Skip Cornelius is an outstanding lawyer who has the admiration and respect of the entire Harris County criminal bar  prosecution and defense, the prosecutor added.

The states case against Cruz-Garcia was filled with contradictions and unanswered questions. But during the stage of trial to determine whether his client was guilty, Cornelius did not call a single witness to offer jurors an alternative theory of events. And on each day jurors heard evidence, Cornelius billed at least four hours for work on other cases, according to the habeas petition.

Monday, July 8: four hours.

Tuesday, July 9: 5.5 hours and two court appearance fees.

Wednesday, July 10: four hours and three court appearance fees.

Thursday, July 11: four hours and another court appearance fee.

When it came time to decide whether the state had proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Cruz-Garcia was responsible for Angelo Garcias death, the jury reached its guilty verdict in a few hours. It would be up to jurors to decide next whether he would be punished with life imprisonment or the death penalty.

An Anti-Public Defender Culture

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has spent decades fighting to improve the countys indigent defense system.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has spent decades fighting to improve the countys indigent defense system.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, 68, still remembers riding the city bus home from school in middle school, wearing his student council badge, when some kids started trashing the bus. The driver pulled over and called the police from a phone booth. When they arrived, the bus driver, who was white, accused Ellis and other Black boys of destroying the bus.

If you did this, were gonna get you one of those jackleg lawyers the judge appoints for you, Ellis father told him when he got home from the police station. But if youre innocent, well hock this house and get you a real lawyer.

It was an early lesson on Harris Countys indigent defense system for Harris, who would go on to lead the fight for reform.

Texas has always had this sort of anti-public defender culture, Jim Marcus, a clinical professor at the University of Texas School of Law, said in an interview. When Marcus graduated from law school in Houston in 1993, he knew he wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer but he didnt know where to start.

He asked around and was told, Well, you go down to the courthouse and you make a few contributions to the judges campaigns and they start giving you cases, Marcus said. People told me that with a straight face  thats just the way it was done.

Rodney Ellis (second from left) learned from his father (far right) at an early age that if he ever got into trouble in Harris County, he didnt want to end up with a court-appointed attorney.

Rodney Ellis (second from left) learned from his father (far right) at an early age that if he ever got into trouble in Harris County, he didnt want to end up with a court-appointed attorney.

Judges typically like the system of appointing private defense lawyers to indigent cases because it gives them more control over how the case unfolds, Marcus said. When defense lawyers are dependent on judges for income from appointments, there is an incentive to forgo costly and time-consuming investigative work and instead keep cases moving along quickly, he continued. Judges, in turn, boast about how efficiently they send dangerous criminals to prison when its time to run for reelection. This system works well for members of the defense bar, who can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year by taking on soaring caseloads. And prosecutors, of course, like facing less opposition in the courtroom.

Everybody wins  except for the clients, said Marcus, who went on to help start the nonprofit Texas Defender Service.

Cornelius said in an interview that he never felt pressure from judges to rush cases or forgo resources for experts or travel. The reason some judges preferred flat fees, he said, was to eliminate the paperwork associated with hourly billing, which was done by hand at the time.

The ability of the attorney appointment system to provide fair representation has long been the subject of withering criticism. In a seven-month period in 1996, defense lawyer Gerard Guerinot saw four of his appointed clients go to death row  while handling 174 other felony cases that year and working part time as a prosecutor in a different jurisdiction, according to a court filing from one of the clients on death row. Guerinot, who did not respond to a request for comment, said in a 2002 affidavit that his caseload did not hinder our preparation or investigation at all.

In 1984, Calvin Burdine was sentenced to death after his court-appointed lawyer, Joe Frank Cannon, slept through several parts of the trial. In a 2-1 ruling, a panel of judges for the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Burdines verdict and sentence, arguing that it is impossible to determine  only speculate  that counsels sleeping hurt Burdines case. The full court later reversed the panels ruling and Burdine was granted a new trial. Burdine pleaded guilty in exchange for three life sentences.

Ellis was elected to the Texas Senate in 1990, representing parts of Harris County. In 1999, he managed to pass an indigent defense bill out of the legislature  only to have it vetoed by then-Gov. George W. Bush.

That year, Ellis became president pro tempore of the Texas Senate, putting him second in line for the governorship after then-Lt. Gov. Rick Perry. That also meant he would serve as acting governor when both Bush and Perry traveled out of state.

On one of Ellis first days in the acting role, a man named Tyrone Fuller was scheduled to be executed. Suddenly, it was up to Ellis  who had spent the previous decade educating his colleagues about how people end up on death row simply because they cant afford a good lawyer  to decide whether to let the state kill one of those people. He couldnt halt the execution altogether, but he could grant a temporary delay.

Ellis declined and allowed Fuller to be executed on schedule.

I made it clear that if I took an oath to obey the Constitution and the laws of the state of Texas, it wouldnt just be the ones that I agree with, Ellis said in an interview.

In the following months, he allowed two more executions to proceed. Their faces haunted him like a nightmare, he said.

The fourth execution scheduled on his watch gave him pause. It was for a man named Ricky McGinn, who was convicted of raping and killing his 12-year-old stepdaughter but who maintained his innocence. Ellis told Bush he felt a real unease executing McGinn without conducting DNA testing first.

Have you told the press? Bush asked.

No, sir, I have not, Ellis said.

OK, keep your powder dry, Bush said.

By then, Bush had overseen 131 executions and had never granted a reprieve. But he was months away from the November 2000 election and his unwavering defense of Texas outlier use of capital punishment was threatening to become a campaign issue.

On Thursday, June 1, 2000, the day McGinn was scheduled to be killed, Bush made a surprising announcement while campaigning in Sacramento. I have recommended and Sen. Ellis has accepted my recommendation to grant a 30-day reprieve in the case of Ricky McGinn, Bush told reporters. It was a decision, Time magazine wrote at the time, that highlights the first part of compassionate conservative, referencing a key Bush campaign slogan.

McGinn was eventually executed four months later. The office of George W. Bush did not respond to a request for comment.

When Ellis eventually became the head of the Senate Finance Committee, he managed to push through the Fair Defense Act, a stronger version of the bill that Bush had vetoed. For the first time, Texas would provide counties with state funding to improve their indigent defense systems.

At the time, just seven of Texas 254 counties utilized public defender offices. Part of the problem is that Texas, as a state, is trying to move from last place in indigent-defense quality of representation to the middle of the pack, Bill Beardall, a legal activist who helped write the Fair Defense Act, told the Houston Chronicle in 2001.

Unlike private defense lawyers, public defenders are paid a set yearly salary rather than hourly or per case  a structure that better aligns their incentives with their clients. Throughout the country, public defender offices are short-staffed and overburdened, with lawyers juggling caseloads that far exceed recommended guidelines. But they tend to attract lawyers driven by an intense outrage toward the injustices of the criminal legal system and fervent dedication to fighting for the people they represent, Slate wrote earlier this year. In the several decades following Gideon v. Wainwright  the 1963 Supreme Court decision establishing that any criminal defendant who could not afford an attorney had a right to have one appointed  the culture in public defenders offices broadly prized tireless, almost martyr-like dedication to the work.

Clarence Gideon (left) won a landmark Supreme Court case in 1963 that established the right to counsel.

Clarence Gideon (left) won a landmark Supreme Court case in 1963 that established the right to counsel.

Progress was slow in Texas most populous county. In order to avoid a veto from Perry, who had succeeded Bush as governor, Ellis agreed to include a compromise provision requiring counties to get approval from their judges before changing their indigent defense system. And many Harris County judges insisted that things were just fine the way they were.

In 2008, the American Bar Association recognized Ellis for his work on indigent defense at a conference in Los Angeles. Ellis wondered if he deserved the praise.

I passed that bill in 2001 and Harris County hasnt done a damn thing! he told a friend at the time.

By the time he returned to Houston, he was intent on getting a public defenders office in Harris County, at the time the largest jurisdiction in the country that didnt have one. He and Barry Scheck, a co-founder of the Innocence Project, published an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle invoking the Constitution, Martin Luther King Jr. and Atticus Finch in calling for a public defender. Ellis helped line up state funding for the office and recruited a Baptist minister, an archbishop and a rabbi to spread the word to their communities.

But the judges pushed back. In a 2009 poll of the countys 22 criminal district judges, just five expressed interest in using public defenders for trials  and those five envisioned using public defenders only for low-level offenses.

I cant imagine anyone doing a better job than I am with my four contract attorneys, Judge Michael McSpadden, who opposed the creation of a public defenders office, told the Houston Chronicle in 2009. (McSpadden, who died in 2021, was formally reprimanded in 2019 for claiming that young Black men do not get good advice from their parents and instead learn from Black Lives Matter to have contempt for the justice system.)

Some members of the defense bar who made their living from indigent appointments were even more vocal in their opposition: I would hate for there to be a Public Defenders Office because it could potentially cut into my business, defense lawyer Murray Newman wrote on his blog in 2009.

The indigent defendant who gets an attorney appointed to him like, say, Skip Cornelius or Tyrone [Moncriffe], just hit the freaking mother lode when it comes to quality representation, Newman wrote. Skip and Tyrone wont be headed to work for a government agency any time soon.

It was clear that the only way Harris County would get a public defenders office would be to start with something narrow in scope, Jim Bethke, the head of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission at the time, said in an interview. As soon as death penalty cases would get thrown into the equation, it sucked the air out of the room, Bethke recalled. Because then youre talking serious, serious money.

In June 2010, Ellis, jet-lagged after a long flight, was asked by a reporter why it was so difficult to get the countys judges on board with a public defenders office. Too exhausted to be diplomatic, he answered honestly.

The status quo is an inherent conflict of interest, Ellis told the reporter. It is sleazy. It is old school.

After Ellis off-the-cuff comments landed in the Houston Chronicle, he got a call from a number he didnt recognize. The caller introduced himself as Mike Anderson and said he objected to being called sleazy, Ellis recalled.

Ellis didnt know who Anderson was and he was still tired. I didnt say you were sleazy, he told Anderson, who died in 2013. I said the system is  now if the shoe fits, Im sorry.

As a state senator, Rodney Ellis helped establish Harris Countys first public defenders office.

As a state senator, Rodney Ellis helped establish Harris Countys first public defenders office.

Then he called one of his colleagues. Who in the hell is Mike Anderson? he asked.

You just went off on the chief criminal judge in the damn county, the colleague responded. I suggest you dont get pulled over anytime soon.

But Ellis had made his point. By the end of that year, Harris County hired its very first public defender.

The Harris County Public Defenders Office has not come close to replacing the previous system. During its first decade, the percentage of misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases appointed to the office remained in the single digits. Even today, it handles only about 20%  and no death penalty cases.

Instead, death penalty cases  those with the highest stakes  continue to operate under the appointment system, where the judge on the case personally selects the defense lawyer.

A public database created by the Texas Indigent Defense Commission shows that in 2014, the first year the database was in operation, Cornelius had six capital cases in addition to 141 felony cases. He was paid $393,708, making him the second-highest-paid lawyer listed in the database. The highest-paid lawyer had 428 felony cases and was paid $397,013.

Cornelius, as far as Im concerned, is a good man and an excellent lawyer, Robert Pelton, a Houston-based criminal defense lawyer, said in an interview. But I personally would not take on that many cases. With that many cases, its hard to go to the jail, see your client, research the law.

Even with this information publicly available, judges have continued assigning huge caseloads to the same handful of defense lawyers  even after some of those lawyers have repeatedly failed clients.

In 2009, the Houston Chronicle reported that two of defense lawyer Jerome Godinichs clients on death row lost their federal appeals because Godinich missed filing deadlines. The lawyer blamed a broken filing machine in each of the cases, prompting criticism from the 5th Circuit. That hasnt stopped Harris County judges from sending a steady stream of work Godinichs way. Godinich, who has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1987, has no public disciplinary history.

A 2020 study published in the Duke Law Journal offered a possible explanation. The study, by Georgetown Law professor Neel Sukhatme and Texas Center for Justice and Equity attorney Jay Jenkins, found that defense lawyers routinely pay entry fees to trial judges in Harris County in the form of campaign donations. Those judges appoint more than twice as many cases to lawyers who donate as to those who dont.

There is no evidence that donor lawyers receive more cases because they are better at their jobs, according to the study. We find that, if anything, defense attorneys who donate to judges are less successful than those who do not in terms of attaining charge reductions, dismissals, and acquittals, or avoiding prison sentences for their clients, Sukhatme and Jenkins wrote.

Between 2004 and 2018, Godinich was appointed 1,974 cases, including five capital cases, from a trial judge named Jim Wallace, the study found. During that period of time, Godinich donated at least $9,000 to Wallaces electoral campaigns. It appears to have been a good investment: Between 2014 and 2018, Godinich made at least $872,642.50 from cases before Wallace, according to the study.

Godinich did not respond to a request for comment.

Cornelius donated to judges, too. I give money to people running for judge out of friendship and because I believe they are a good Judge, or will be, and for no other reason, Cornelius wrote in an email.

According to campaign finance records, he contributed more than $17,000 to various judges election campaigns between 2004 and 2021  including $300 to state District Judge Renee Magee, who presided over Cruz-Garcias case.

Its like watching a slow-motion train wreck, said Marcus, the UT law professor, referring to Harris Countys indigent defense system. You see these repeat offenders who have more cases than could be competently handled by a 10-lawyer public defender office on their own and nobodys doing anything about it.

He Is An Evil Person

In death penalty cases, a defense lawyers job can be twofold. Their first task is to convince the jury of their clients innocence. But if that fails, their job is to keep their client off of death row.

In Texas, jurors are asked to consider mitigating circumstances and future dangerousness in deciding whether to sentence someone to death. During the punishment phase of trial, defense lawyers can present mitigation evidence: information that could reduce their clients culpability. This can include evidence of an abusive childhood, addiction, untreated mental illness or positive steps their client took to get their life on track since the crime.

Mitigation investigation is typically time-consuming work. It requires developing enough trust with the client that they will feel comfortable divulging deeply personal and traumatic information. It demands an understanding of intergenerational trauma and finding family members who are willing to disclose information that may be unflattering to them, like a history of abuse or addiction. Mitigation specialists can spend years tracking down decades-old medical, academic and legal records. Guidelines from the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association both specifically call for mitigation work in capital cases.

Cornelius did not hire a mitigation expert in Cruz-Garcias case. However, we had my experience, which predates mitigation experts, at least in Harris County, he wrote in the 2016 affidavit, adding that he consulted a psychologist and hired a private investigator to help develop mitigation evidence.

Cornelius wrote in the affidavit that he couldnt find a mitigation expert who would accept the countys $75 hourly rate, so he hired a psychologist instead because the county was willing to pay a higher hourly rate for that role.

When Cornelius requested his $65,000 flat fee  $30,000 higher than the standard fee  he said the case would involve a multitude of expert witnesses on many different elements of the various cases. But the only expert he requested funding for was the psychologist, Susana Rosin. Rosin estimated she would need to do 60-70 hours of work on the case, and the court approved the necessary funding. But Cornelius did not have her work on the case for almost a year, until just before the trial began, according to a review of Cornelius billing records by Cruz-Garcias current lawyers. Ultimately, Rosin completed only seven hours of work and did not testify at trial.

Cornelius wrote in an email that he made a calculated decision not to call her as a witness.

Rosin would have been a disaster if she got on the witness stand  I mean a disaster for us, Cornelius said in an interview. She would have been forced to answer questions that would have labeled [Cruz-Garcia] as a sociopath, psychopath or antisocial personality, or all three. And thats a recipe for the death penalty.

Harris County has executed more people than any other county in the U.S.

Harris County has executed more people than any other county in the U.S.

Asked if Rosin had identified anything about Cruz-Garcia that would have prompted that kind of testimony, Cornelius said that she had.

I dont remember exactly what she said, Cornelius said. And I told her, Dont write it down.

Rosin did not respond to a request for comment.

When Cornelius sought funding for an investigator, he indicated the need to go to Puerto Rico to properly investigate this case. Cornelius was right: Cruz-Garcia spent much of his life in Puerto Rico, including a stint in prison, and has several family members who live there. But billing records from the trial make no mention of any member of the defense team traveling to Puerto Rico or requesting records from Puerto Rico. Cruz-Garcias younger brother, Joel Cruz Garcia, wrote in a 2019 affidavit that as far as I know, nobody from the defense team came to Puerto Rico.

Cornelius said in an email that the defense team did go to Puerto Rico and that he remembered seeing pictures, although he did not remember if they brought back records.

During the punishment phase of trial, Diana Garcia testified about the enduring pain of losing Angelo. He was my whole world. I love him. I loved him a lot. I still do. I still miss him. I still dream of missing him. Its as if he is still alive. I can still feel him.

She told jurors she regretted meeting Cruz-Garcia. I didnt think he would ever, ever do something like that. We trusted him, she said. He raped me. He took my son away from me. He hurt me very much. And I didnt hurt him. I didnt do anything to him.

Prosecutors convincingly portrayed Cruz-Garcia as an inherently violent drug dealer, a man at ease with using violence in response to even the slightest provocation. Obel Cruz-Garcia is a monster. He is an evil person who likes to torture and taunt his victims, Tise, the assistant district attorney, said during closing arguments.

Cruz-Garcias defense team offered jurors little to counter that narrative. During their closing arguments, the defense assured jurors that if they declined to sentence Cruz-Garcia to death, he would still spend the rest of his life in a hell hole where prisoners can be caged for 23 hours a day and risk being shot if they try to escape. They appeared to make only a vague effort to humanize their client.

He was a family man, said Madrid, the second-chair defense counsel. You heard his brother. You know he has a family. You know he raised his boys as best he could. Obviously, he went to prison, so he cant continue to do that. But he has kept in contact with them. He helped to build a church.

Madrid turned it over to Cornelius, who repeatedly reminded jurors they didnt have to sentence his client to death  but provided few reasons why they should let him live. If you go back in the jury room and everybody is crying and everybody is so sad because of little Angelos death  and I know everybody is sad about it  at some point, though, when you start looking at the evidence in the case and making decisions, if you will just say to yourself, Lets take the emotion part of it away and decide what the facts are, everybody will do better if you do that, Cornelius said. Everyone will do better.

After losing his direct appeal and bid for state habeas relief, Cruz-Garcia was appointed a team of lawyers from the Dallas federal public defenders office who specialize in death penalty litigation. In May of last year, they summarized their years of investigative work in a 255-page habeas petition in which they asked a federal judge to vacate Cruz-Garcias murder conviction and death sentence.

Somebody from the team comes every month, Cruz-Garcia said, his eyes filling with tears. They already know everything about the case, but they still come and visit me. Just to talk with me.

They are like my family.

Much of the information they uncovered was available at the time of Cruz-Garcias trial. It tells the story of a complicated man who cared deeply about his family and fell into the violent world of drug dealing after being unable to escape poverty through licit work. It describes a man who, after being arrested, became a model prisoner who devoted his life to religious study. Its a version of Cruz-Garcias story that jurors never heard  one that might have made at least one juror pause before sending him to death row.

Texas has executed five people this year, bringing the total to 583 since the Supreme Court reinstated the punishment in 1976.

Texas has executed five people this year, bringing the total to 583 since the Supreme Court reinstated the punishment in 1976.

Cruz-Garcia was born in Santo Domingo and grew up in extreme poverty. He spent much of his childhood working and caring for his siblings after his father was severely injured in an accident. His father drank heavily and gave him alcohol at a young age, a forensic psychologist who interviewed Cruz-Garica four times for a combined 23 hours wrote in a 2019 declaration.

He grew up too fast, Joel Cruz Garcia, his brother, wrote in a 2019 affidavit requested by Cruz-Garcias current legal team. I think that Obel felt abandoned, but he kept all of the sadness inside him. He focused in working hard to provide for the family.

After marrying young, he moved to Puerto Rico by himself in search of better work. Unable to afford a flight, he made the dangerous journey by sea in a boat he helped build. There, he worked seven days a week on a coffee plantation, earning about $60 a week and living in a warehouse with 15 other workers. He sent his father money to give to his wife, Mireya Perez, she wrote in a 2018 affidavit.

At some point, Cruz-Garcias father told him that his wife was seeing another man. Devastated, he started drinking heavily, mimicking the coping mechanism he had learned from his father. He felt everything a body can feel, he later told the forensic psychologist.

Perez believes Cruz-Garcias father lied about her in hopes of keeping more of his sons money, she wrote in her affidavit. Even after they stopped speaking, Cruz-Garcia continued sending money for their child, she wrote.

Cruz-Garcia left the coffee plantation and got a job at a restaurant, where he met Angelita Rodriguez, who introduced him to Santana, according to the habeas petition. They eventually made their way to Houston, where they sold drugs.

Even though I dont know exactly why Obel got involved with drugs, I believe that he thought that was the only way that a young guy from a small fishing town in the Dominican Republic could be successful in this world, his brother wrote in his affidavit.

I would have liked to have the opportunity to explain more about this to the jury, with the hope that they would have understood that Obel is a good person who found himself trapped in a dangerous trade. The drugs were everywhere in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic around the 80s and 90s.

Around the time that Cruz-Garcia moved to Houston, a man named Saul Flores was killed. His murder was unsolved but during the punishment phase of the trial, Tise claimed that Cruz-Garcia killed him for nothing more than he hit on his girlfriend, a woman named Elizabeth Ramos.

Cruz-Garcia wasnt on trial for killing Flores and prosecutors didnt have to prove his guilt. But they used the portrayal of Cruz-Garcia as a man who was willing to kill over the slightest provocation as proof that he posed a future danger. The Flores murder appears to be part of why prosecutors chose to pursue the death penalty, according to a 2011 email from Tise.

By his own admission, Cornelius made little effort to challenge prosecutors claim that Cruz-Garcia posed a future danger. I did not feel we had much of a chance on the issue of future dangerousness in this trial, he wrote in his post-trial affidavit. The State does not seek the death penalty on cases where the crime is an aberration or where the defendant does not have a history.

Cruz-Garcias current lawyers tracked down Ramos, who wrote in a 2018 affidavit that she did not recognize the name Saul Flores and had no recollection of a man showing up at her apartment seeking a romantic relationship, as Santana had described at trial. She would have been willing to testify at trial, she wrote.

Asked about Ramos and whether he thought it was a mistake not to investigate this example of future dangerousness, Cornelius said he did not remember this part of the case.

While selling drugs, Santana became addicted to cocaine, he testified at trial. In a 2018 affidavit, Santanas ex-wife, Margarita Martinez Zorrilla, wrote that Santana was physically abusive and that she sometimes sought help from Cruz-Garcia.

Obel was the only person who was able to calm him down, she wrote. Cruz-Garcia brought her and her child food and diapers when Santana was unable to provide for his family, she continued. Obel was very good to me, not like [Santana].

If Cornelius had asked, Zorrilla would have testified at Cruz-Garcias trial, she wrote.

I would have liked to have the opportunity to explain more about this to the jury, with the hope that they would have understood that Obel is a good person who found himself trapped in a dangerous trade.Joel Cruz Garcia

After Angelos death, Cruz-Garcia left Houston, reconnected with Perez, and the two had a second child. He was an affectionate and loving father, who, unlike most men she knew, did laundry, cooked, cleaned and changed diapers, Perez wrote in her 2018 affidavit.

Cruz-Garcias current lawyers also collected an affidavit from another woman, who dated Cruz-Garcia and had a child with him while he was with Perez. She described how Cruz-Garcia convinced her to seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain, paid for her surgery and took care of her while she recovered.

In 2001, Cruz-Garcia was arrested and sentenced to 16 years in prison in Puerto Rico after pleading guilty to kidnapping a man and a teenage boy from a food truck there and attempting to get drugs and cash in exchange for their return. He remained incarcerated in Puerto Rico until he was charged with Angelos murder in 2008 and transferred to Texas.

During this time, he developed a reputation as a modelprisoner, guided by his religious conviction. He served as the assistant to the chaplain of a prison in Bayamon, a role that allowed him to walk unsupervised throughout the facility and keep a copy of the keys to the chaplains office.

Cruz-Garcia was a good listener and dedicated and loving, the chaplain wrote in a 2015 affidavit. At times, he also helped me think through my own faith and belief in God. Had he been contacted by Cornelius team, I would have done anything I could to help Obel.

The only information jurors received about Cruz-Garcias imprisonment in Puerto Rico came from a corrections officer called by prosecutors. That officer testified that, early during his incarceration, a map and rope made from bedsheets were found in Cruz-Garcias cell, which he shared with another prisoner, suggesting a possible escape plan. He also testified that a cell phone was found on Cruz-Garcia during a strip search. Cruz-Garcia was never charged with attempting to escape and he did not receive any disciplinary infractions after that incident, according to the habeas petition.

During the punishment stage of Cruz-Garcia's trial, his defense counsel called four witnesses, including one who knew Cruz-Garcia from jail and showed up on his own.

During the punishment stage of Cruz-Garcia's trial, his defense counsel called four witnesses, including one who knew Cruz-Garcia from jail and showed up on his own.

Throughout the punishment stage of the trial, prosecutors called 15 witnesses, whose testimony lasted two days. Cornelius called four witnesses, only two of whom testified in person. Collectively, their testimony lasted less than a day.

Perez, Cruz-Garcias wife, went first. She testified from the Dominican Republic, and a poor video connection combined with interpretation problems made her testimony difficult to follow.

Cruz-Garcias brother Joel Cruz Garcia went next.

As the trial approached, Joel Cruz Garcia felt Cornelius work was rushed, he wrote in the 2019 affidavit. The flight to Houston they had booked for him to testify was at a time he had already told them conflicted with his schedule, so he ended up buying a separate ticket. When he spoke with the legal teams investigator over the phone, she asked only about his relationship with his brother as an adult.

Because trial counsel were unprepared and had not adequately investigated Mr. Cruz-Garcias life history, they failed to elicit helpful testimony from Joel Cruz Garcia, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote. Instead, Joel provided only the briefest chronology of Mr. Cruz-Garcias childhood and inadvertently made it appear that he had experienced a pleasant childhood.

Not only was the testimony not particularly mitigating, they continued, the false impression it gave was actually aggravating.

Abel, Cruz-Garcias younger son, also testified, but because he was just 5 years old when Cruz-Garcia went to prison in Puerto Rico, he didnt have much information to offer.

The most effective witness ended up being an 18-year-old boy named Angel Meza, who came to the courtroom on his own after hearing about the trial. Meza met Cruz-Garcia in the Houston jail, where the two had regular spiritual discussions, Meza testified. He told the jury that he was a hard-headed teen facing a burglary charge and that Cruz-Garcia helped him make better choices. The two stayed in touch through letters, even after Meza went home.

In my opinion, hes a man of God, Meza testified. Always tried to help me in every possible way he could.

On each day that the jury heard evidence during the punishment phase, Cornelius billed at least three hours to other cases, according to the habeas petition.

Tuesday, July 16: 6.25 hours and one court appearance fee.

Wednesday, July 17: 3.25 hours and two court appearance fees.

Thursday, July 18: 5.5 hours and another court appearance fee.

In Texas, jurors arent explicitly asked whether to sentence someone to death. Instead they are instructed to answer a series of yes-or-no questions, the answers to which determine the defendants fate. Is the defendant likely to pose a future danger to society? Did the defendant cause the victims death or intend to? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, jurors face a third question: Are there sufficient mitigating circumstances to warrant life imprisonment instead of a death sentence?

By law, jurors are instructed that they cannot answer any question in favor of death unless they agree unanimously, and they may not answer any question in favor of life unless 10 or more of the 12 jurors agree.

But what happens if 11 jurors want to answer the questions in favor of the death penalty and theres one holdout?

By law, that would result in a life sentence. But the law explicitly forbids jurors from being told that at trial: The judge, defense lawyer and prosecutors may not inform a juror or a prospective juror of the effect of a failure of a jury to agree on issues, the law reads. Unless jurors come in with a detailed understanding of the complicated law, they will be unaware that they, on their own, have the ability to block a death sentence.

This appears to have happened in Cruz-Garcias case.

On the afternoon of July 18, 2013, the day the jurys punishment deliberations began, juror Angela Bowman received a voicemail from her 10-year-old daughters camp counselor. Bowmans daughter had a 101.8-degree fever and she was about to be sequestered away from her sick child, indefinitely.

Bowman asked Magee to replace her with an alternate juror, but the judge told her that was not possible. When a bailiff allowed her to call home that night, she learned her daughters symptoms had worsened. She worried it was pneumonia.

By the next morning, jurors were still split over whether to sentence Cruz-Garcia to death. The jury foreman pulled out a Bible and read passages from Genesis 9 and Deuteronomy  books that include calls for the death penalty. The Bible reading appeared to move some of the jurors more in favor of a death sentence, Bowman wrote in an affidavit the next month. I felt a great deal of pressure from the other jurors because it appeared that I was the last holdout for a life sentence, she wrote.

Bowman asked to speak with Magee.

I am the only juror thats completely  I cant agree, Bowman said. I cant answer the same questions with everyone else and I feel pressured. And I dont want to hold them up.

She asked again to be replaced with an alternate juror. Magee repeated that that was not an option and instructed her to continue deliberating.

Heres my thing, Bowman responded. I dont think Ill ever come to an agreement.

Still, Magee told Bowman to go back and continue to deliberate.

Judge, I dont want to have to stay another night. I really dont know, Bowman said.

Thats completely in the hands of the entire jury, Magee said.

At the end of the day, the other 11 jurors told Bowman that they werent changing their minds and that she was holding things up, Bowman wrote in her affidavit. I changed my verdict so I could go home and take care of my child.

The jury returned a unanimous death sentence for Cruz-Garcia. Bowman left the courthouse and took her daughter straight to the emergency room, she wrote.

By then, Cornelius had billed Harris County more than $33,000 for work on other cases over the course of Cruz-Garcias seven-week trial.

In other words, Cruz-Garcias current lawyers wrote in his habeas petition, during Mr. Cruz-Garcias trial, Mr. Cornelius worked the equivalent of an entire other death penalty case.

Ill Say A Prayer For You, Buddy

After losing his direct appeal, Cruz-Garcia filed a state habeas petition, his first opportunity to make a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. In Texas, state habeas proceedings occur in the same court as the conviction, often with the same judge. Cruz-Garcia filed a motion to recuse Magee from his case; he alleged that she had improperly met with Bowman, the holdout juror, and convinced her to vote for the death penalty.

Magee declined to recuse herself and referred the matter to the regional presiding judge. That judge also declined to recuse Magee from the case without ever holding a hearing. As a result, Cruz-Garcia had to present allegations of Magees misconduct to Magee to adjudicate.

During Cruz-Garcias state habeas proceedings, Magee was running for reelection. Her campaign website boasted that she significantly reduced her pending caseload  in an effort to provide a fair and speedy resolution of cases. It featured a news article about Cruz-Garcias trial  the only case she presided over as a judge mentioned on the site.

Magee lost her reelection campaign in November 2016. Cruz-Garcia had not yet had the opportunity to submit evidence in support of his claims, but Magee and prosecutors worked to wrap up the case during Magees final weeks on the bench.

On Nov. 30, she granted prosecutors request to set a Dec. 22 deadline for each party to submit their findings of fact and conclusions of law. That decision wasnt received by Cruz-Garcias lawyer until Dec. 6, giving her just 16 days to file her findings  during which time she had a weeklong hearing in a separate case and an out-of-town funeral for a family member.

Magee signed the states proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, verbatim, on Dec. 29, a week after receiving it and just two days before leaving office.

When Magee ran for another judgeship in 2018, her website, again, promoted her work on Cruz-Garcias case. She died last year.

Judges rubber-stamping of prosecutors findings is not uncommon. A 2018 report published in the Houston Law Review found that judges adopted all of the prosecutors findings verbatim in 96% of the 191 cases the authors analyzed.

Because even rubber-stamped findings receive deference in federal court, the inadequate state court resolutions frustrate the enforcement of constitutional norms in federal court as well, wrote the authors, one of whom is Marcus.

Whenever someone is executed, prosecutors and the media hype the years of review that preceded their killing, the authors noted: When those layers of review afforded no meaningful consideration of the inmates constitutional claims, they make the general public more comfortable with the execution than is justified by the underlying reality.

There is a common misconception that if someone is unfairly sentenced to death, the lengthy appeals process offers plenty of opportunities for redress. In reality, once someone is condemned to die, it is incredibly difficult to vacate that sentence, no matter how much evidence there is that the person didnt get a fair trial  or is even innocent.

Last year, the Supreme Courts conservative justices blocked two people sentenced to death from presenting evidence in federal court that they had ineffective lawyers at trial because they had failed to present the evidence in state court. This ruling means that if someone has a bad lawyer at trial and gets another bad lawyer in state post-conviction proceedings, they may be left with no way of ever raising the issue in federal court  the part of the judicial system thats supposed to function as a safeguard against unfair outcomes in state court.

The Courts decision will leave many people who were convicted in violation of the Sixth Amendment to face incarceration or even execution without any meaningful chance to vindicate their right to counsel, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a dissent. This decision is perverse. It is illogical.

Once a person is sentenced to death, it is extremely difficult to get that sentence overturned on appeal.

Once a person is sentenced to death, it is extremely difficult to get that sentence overturned on appeal.

Cruz-Garcias case is now pending in federal court. Despite having a devoted team of lawyers who specialize in death penalty litigation, it could be too late to save his life. During the Clinton administration, Congress passed the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which was designed to speed up the time from conviction to execution and imposed strict limits on what prisoners can bring up in federal habeas proceedings, and when. In November, the state argued that several of Cruz-Garcias ineffective assistance of counsel claims are procedurally barred and defaulted and all are without merit.

The Harris County district attorney is unlikely to request an execution date for Cruz-Garcia until after the 5th Circuit rules on the case, which is the next step if he loses in federal district court.

Texas has already executed five people this year, bringing the total to 583 people since the Supreme Court reinstated the punishment in 1976. Harris County accounts for more than one-fifth of the killings.

Robert Hurst, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice communications officer, has witnessed several of these executions. When people ask how it affects him, he asks if theyve ever had to put a dog down. Its the same thing, he said. They just go to sleep.

Hurst primarily deals with the media, so he doesnt know most of the people on death row very well, he said. But he was on a first-name basis with one man who did several media interviews before he was executed in October. Asked if that death was more painful to witness, Hurst said it was not.

As the time of death was called out, Hurst thought, Ill say a prayer for you, buddy.

When Cruz-Garcia first got to Polunsky, another Spanish speaker incarcerated on death row warned him not to get close to anyone  to avoid feeling affection. You dont want to feel bad when they kill them, the man warned.

But it still hurts. From his cell, Cruz-Garcia can see when guards escort people out of the prison to be executed at another facility about 40 miles away.

Its terrible, he said. You cant do anything.

Interpretation provided by Suzette Ermler. Mari Hayman and Roque Planas contributed reporting.
Michelle Yeoh thanks "all the moms in the world" while accepting a Best Actress Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. (Photo: Everett Collection, Getty Images)

Michelle Yeoh just made history.

On Sunday, Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The category is usually presented by the previous year's Best Actor winner but since Will Smith  who won last year for King Richard  was banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade after slapping Chris Rock during the 2022 broadcast, show producers had last year's Best Actress winner Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry  who became the first Black woman to win Best Actress in 2002 for Monster's Ball  jointly hand out the trophy to Yeoh.

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities," she began her acceptance speech. "This is proof that ... dream big, and dreams do come true. And, ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime."

Yeoh went on to thank the cast and crew of the film, including its dual directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who won the Oscar for Best Directing and Best Original Screenplay.

Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' #Oscars #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/fIDMBH1rEy  The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023

Pausing to take a breath, Yeoh went on to acknowledge other important people in her life.

"I have to dedicate this to my mom [and] all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes, and without them none of us would be here tonight," she said.

"Shes 84," the actress noted of her mom, "Im taking this home to her. Shes watching right now in Malaysia ... with my family and friends: I love you guys! Im bringing this home to you." She also thanked her "extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so I can be here today."

Story continues

Janet Yeoh, mother of Michelle Yeoh, celebrates during a live viewing at a cinema in Malaysia after her daughter won the Oscar for best actress.



I have to dedicate this to my mom and all the moms in the world, Michelle Yeoh said during her speech. https://t.co/ZZrf9Ix6hH pic.twitter.com/nzT6mkfi1x  The Associated Press (@AP) March 13, 2023

Finally, "To my god children, to my sisters, all of them, to my brothers," she concluded. "To my family, thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the Academy. This is history in the making. Thank you!"

Yeoh's win was certainly historic, as she was the first Asian-identifying performer to be nominated in the lead actress category. (As noted on the Academy's website, Merle Oberon, who was of Sri Lankan and Maori descent, was previously nominated in the category for 1935's The Dark Angel; however, Oberon kept her heritage hidden due to fear that it would hinder her career.)

Yeoh joins castmates Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, both of whom were first-time Oscar nominees and first-time winners during the ceremony.
As Navalny won best documentary feature film at the 2023 Oscars, filmmaker Daniel Roher dedicated the award to the films namesake political prisoner and Putin critic while Navalnys wife told her husband to stay strong.

After director Roher took to the Dolby Theatre stage with Alexei Navalnys wife Yulia and his children Dasha and Zakhar on Sunday, he noted to the audience that the Russian opposition leader could not be present at the ceremony. (Navlany, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2021 and has said he is in solitary confinement.) I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny, to all political prisoners around the world, said Roher in his speech. Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Yulia Navalnaya also spoke during the acceptance speech, telling the audience, My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy. Then she addressed her husband: Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.

This is Rohers first Academy Award and his first nomination. His film, which chronicles Navalny in the wake of an attempt on his life (which the European Union has stated would only be possible with the consent of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, though Russia has denied that claim), beat out All That Breathes, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, Fire of Love and A House Made of Splinters for the best documentary feature Oscar. Though he recovered from the assassination attempt in Germany, Navalny returned to Russia in 2021, only to face imprisonment.

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Earlier in his speech, Roher also lauded the extraordinary crop of documentary filmmakers that were nominated in the category at the 2023 Oscars and praised the journalists he worked with on the project, including Christo Grozev and Maria Pevchikh. Its investigative journalists like you, he said, that empower our work.

Backstage after he accepted the award, Roher added, I want to make sure that Navalny gets out of prison one day, [that] he survives this ordeal. He said, Navalny should be free, thats [what] I want the world to remember today.

The 2023 Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, took place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday and were broadcast live on ABC.

See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.

Click here to read the full article.
Burt Bacharach, Legendary Songwriter, Dies at 94

Lenny Kravitz appeared at the 95th Academy Awards tonight (March 12) to help honor the long list of actors, actresses, directors, and film industry veterans who died in 2022 and early 2023 during the ceremonys solemn In Memoriam segment.

John Travolta introduced the performance, paying homage to his late costar Olivia Newton-John, one of the many honored during the tribute. Kravitz, playing piano and joined by a bass player, delivered his song Calling All Angels as the video reel played. The other late stars honored included Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Irene Cara, James Caan, Raquel Welch, and prolific songwriter Burt Bacharach.

More from Spin:

In addition to being a Grammy-winning musician, Kravitz is also an actor whos had roles in Precious, The Butler, and The Hunger Games and hails from a Hollywood family (hes the son of actress Roxie Roker and producer Sy Kravitz). Of course, his daughter with Lisa Bonet is actress Zoe Kravitz who recently appeared as Catwoman in The Batman.

Kravitz has kept a bit of a low profile since releasing his last album, 2018s Raise Vibration and a 2020 memoir Let Love Rule. He relocated from Paris to his mothers native home in the Bahamas just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. as he told SPIN in a 2020 interview.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

The post Burt Bacharach, Legendary Songwriter, Dies at 94 appeared first on SPIN.
When Jimmy Kimmel last hosted the Oscars in 2018, the TV vet made sure ticketed guests were prepared for the show to go long (as it typically does) by delivering curated lunchboxes packed with snacks under each seat inside the Dolby Theatre. Inside were gourmet chips, cookies, gummy bears, cookies and snack bars while the outside featured artwork from one of nine nominated best pictures.

As Kimmel returned to the Dolby on Sunday night for a third outing as host, he made sure the night was just as charming on the snacks front. He and his staff along with the Academy offered up another round of food boxes for the 2023 Oscars audience, expected to be at capacity of 3,400.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The boxes  covered with a caricature of a bearded Kimmel holding an Oscar  featured Shappy Pretzel Co., eco-conscious aluminum bottles of Open Water, boxes of candy and another handwritten note from the host himself. Isnt this a nice surprise? reads the slip of paper, along with the heads up of a charity element. P.S.  A donation in my name has been made to the L.A. Regional Food Bank. (It was a nice surprise for Oscars presenter Halle Bailey, who The Hollywood Reporter spotted cracking open a food box before showtime.)

While the boxes may have come as a welcome surprise to hungry Oscar attendees, two boldfaced names seated inside the Dolby definitely were not shocked.

Actor couple Adam Shapiro and Katie Lowes attended the ceremony thanks to Shapiros Shappy Pretzel Co. making the cut in Kimmels food boxes. The host is known to be a longtime fan of Shapiros soft pretzels that have become a phenomenon in Hollywood and beyond. In turn, they are huge fans of Kimmel after Lowes has appeared on the show multiple times, even announcing the couples two pregnancies on the weeknight talk show.

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Shapiro, who hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, launched the company in 2020 after a pandemic cooking experiment took off and kept rolling thanks to the popularity of his doughy delectables. In short: Shapiro just missed his hometowns speciality so much that he started making them himself before offering up batches to friends and soft pretzel-lovers via social media.

Soon, there was a demand that skyrocketed, and in the past two years, hes steered a Shappy Pretzel Co. expansion that includes catering (movie and TV sets, wrap parties and bar-mitzvahs have come calling), in-store availability at Diamond Bakery on Fairfax Avenue and the just-added online sales option with Gold Belly. Hes also made up many a batch for the staff at Kimmels Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Shapiro and Lowes even offered up a soft launch of the food box news while walking the champagne-colored carpet at Sundays Oscars and posing with Shappy Pretzels while Shapiro also showed off his custom pretzel-shaped cufflinks. Beyond keeping Oscar attendees full and happy, he tells THR that they are just stoked to be making it to Hollywoods biggest night.

Katie Lowes, in 1997 Donna Karan from the Albright Fashion Library, and Adam Shapiro, in Tom Ford, Mr. Porter and custom pretzel-shaped cufflinks by BadCrumble FX, pose on the carpet ahead of the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood.

Ive always said that the pretzels and the acting are all part of the same train that continues to move forward, explains the actor, known for work in such projects as Mank, The Good Lord Bird, Never Have I Ever and the upcoming The Continental opposite Mel Gibson. (He was also hoping that his most recent big screen effort, Maria Schraders She Said, would make it to the Oscar dance.) And its funny that the pretzels got to the Oscars before I did. And Katie loves it, she said, I love how our first Oscars is going to be because of the pretzels.

Not that either are complaining. Its just another blessing on this dough-filled journey that includes nine full-time employees and a future that is still being written.

This is just the coolest because the film industry is why Shappy Pretzel Co. survived. They were the ones ordering pretzels to sets and out of last years Oscars, I think we catered six out of the 10 nominees so there will be a lot of people sitting in those seats at the Dolby on Sunday that will be like, Oh wow, Shappy Pretzels!' explains Shapiro. Its been such an insane ride and I just continue to let the universe kind of take it where it wants to go.

Who knows, maybe a pretzel could even make it to the podium tonight.

I barely ate before the #oscars but I wont go hungry thanks to Jimmy Kimmel! Hes left everyone some food under the seat!! pic.twitter.com/RLDDwDwunq  nekesa mumbi moody (@nekesamumbi) March 12, 2023

The Oscars are taking place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will air live coast to coast on ABC starting at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.





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Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar has said heads have to roll over the January 6 Committees now-concluded investigation into the Capitol riot.

In an interview with the right-wing outlet The Gateway Pundit published on Sunday, Mr Gosar agreed that former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, the vice chair of the committee and one of only two Republicans in the panel, should be prosecuted for her role in the probe.

Mr Gosar, who has relentlessly downplayed the attack had said in January that he was poised to conduct a real investigation into January 6.

 I think theres also military that are involved, the politician told the Pundit. And I think that their heads have to roll. Otherwise, you condone this lawlessness ... we see lawlessness everywhere and thats part of the precipitating actions that Congress is allowed.

Mr Gosars remarks come days after Georgia Representative Barry Loudermilk revealed an investigation into the dissolved committee is already underway and that meetings will be held eventually.

We need to give a serious, in-depth investigation into what happened that day, which the J6 committee didnt do. We need to know, where were the security failures  as well as what do we need to do to fix it? Mr Loudermilk said, per The Hill.

I would hope that, you know, theyd just come and talk. This is not going to be a gotcha. This is getting to the truth.

A heated controversy also ensued last week after some of more than 40,000 hours of surveillance footage from the riot were aired on Fox News.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy handed the tapes to Tucker Carlson, allowing the host to cherry-pick moments from the siege on Congress by Trump supporters and then downplay the threat on those who witnessed the insurrection.

Paul Gosar says he expects there to be criminal referrals coming from the House seeking the prosecution of Liz Cheney, other Members of the J6 Committee, and for some military officers. pic.twitter.com/6s0u41B9Yl  Ron Filipkowski  (@RonFilipkowski) March 12, 2023

In a statement to The Independent, the White House condemned the networks coverage.

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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 spokesperson said.

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.

Republican and Democrats alike have also decried the release of the tapes, saying Carlsons comments were misleading at best.

If @HouseGOP wants new Jan 6 hearings, bring it on. Lets replay every witness & all the evidence from last year. But this time, those members who sought pardons and/or hid from subpoenas should sit on the dais so they can be confronted on live TV with the unassailable evidence.  Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) March 8, 2023

Elsewhere in the interview with the Gateway Pundit, Mr Gosar said the tapes showed a complete 180 from the evidence presented during the January 6 Committee meetings. He also doubled down on Carlsons remarks that Democrats lied about the death of Capitol officer Brian Sicknick.

They knew he was not murdered by the mob, but they claimed it anyway, Carlson said in his show.

Officer Sicknick died eight hours after suffering two strokes following the Capitol riot, according to NBC. Two men have been convicted for assaulting and spraying Sickinick with chemicals and his family has contended that fighting during the riot caused the strokes.

The first thing is acknowledg[ing] that we were rotten with fraud, and we need the American people to start calling and asking and hoping to plead that Congressman [Jim] Jordan really starts making the impact, Mr Gosar said.

Hiring the attorneys, getting everybody is subpoenaed, because we need to get the bottom of this and it shouldnt stop here.

The Gateway Pundit has been accused of publishing misleading and outright false articles and conspiracies about the 2020 Presidential election and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Ms Cheney said that she would cooperate with the expected new probe.

If @HouseGOP wants new Jan 6 hearings, bring it on. Lets replay every witness & all the evidence from last year, she wrote on Twitter.

But this time, those members who sought pardons and/or hid from subpoenas should sit on the dais so they can be confronted on live TV with the unassailable evidence.
Pedro Pascal

Gilbert Flores/Getty

Pedro Pascal was a proud younger brother as he supported his sister Javiera Balmaceda at the 2023 Oscars.

The Last of Us star, 47, attended the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night as a presenter (he introduced Best Animated Short and Best Documentary Short with Elizabeth Olsen), but he was also there for his sister. Balmaceda was in attendance for her contribution to Argentina, 1985, which was nominated for Best International Film. Germany's All Quiet on the Western Front ultimately won that category.

The siblings smiled for photos together on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony, which was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

Back in August 2021, Balmaceda, Amazon Studios' head of local originals for Latin America, told Variety, "It's exciting to be part of such an ambitious project that will take audiences on a journey through a pivotal point in Argentina's history."

RELATED: See Every Star Arriving on the 2023 Oscars Red Carpet

Pedro Pascal

Arturo Holmes/Getty

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Balmaceda added, "The amazing and internationally recognized Argentine cast, director and entire Argentinean production team are sure to bring us one of the most compelling and well-produced of films, that will keep our audience talking."

The two siblings have different last names because Pascal changed his performing name to honor their late mom, Veronica. As he told PEOPLE in 2020, while living in New York City to launch his career as an actor, the Chilean-American star's mom died, and shortly after her death, Pascal changed his professional last name from Balmaceda, his father's, to Pascal, his mother's.

"She was always incredibly supportive, never a stage mom. I always felt like she knew something that I didn't," he said. "None of [my success] would be real if it weren't for her."

Argentina, 1985 is now streaming on Prime Video.

The Oscars are airing live on ABC on Sunday, March 12, at 8 p.m. ET.
Diana Jenkins

JC Olivera/WireImage Diana Jenkins

Diana Jenkins had a monumental night out this weekend, attending her first red carpet event since announcing the happy news that she and fiance Asher Monroe are expecting a baby girl, due this August.

The pregnant Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alumna, 49, showed off her growing baby bump at Elton John's Oscars 2023 viewing party in West Hollywood, California on Sunday, posing at the bash in a white strapless Tom Ford gown. She accessorized the ensemble with a matching fluffy Christian Dior Jacket, Bottega Veneta shoes and Graff jewelry.

Monroe, 34, was also at the event, posing by Jenkins' side in a brown suit with a gold patterned shirt. The two are already parents to 2-year-old daughter Eliyanah. Jenkins is also mom to son Innis, 22, and daughter Eneya, 19, from her relationship with ex-husband Roger Jenkins.

RELATED: RHOBH Star Diana Jenkins Is Pregnant at 49 After Suffering Miscarriage: "Long Way to Go"

Asher Monroe and Diana Jenkins

Lester Cohen/Getty Asher Monroe and Diana Jenkins

Fans got to meet Diana and her family when she debuted on season 12 of RHOBH last May. The Neuro Brands CEO hails from Bosnia and resides in California, where her advocacy work has sparked the development of many philanthropic endeavors including the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization she launched with actor Sean Penn.

Neuro Brands was the presenting sponsor of John's 31st annual Academy Awards party, which raises funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

RELATED: Pregnant RHOBH Alum Diana Jenkins Shares Ultrasound of Baby Girl, Will Fly to London for Birth

It was on RHOBH that the former Bosnian refugee revealed that she had a pregnancy loss, opening up about the pain of having to deliver a stillborn baby to avoid infection. In January, Jenkins told PEOPLE exclusively that she will not be returning to the Bravo show for season 13 on doctor's orders.

"You also know that due to many factors, this pregnancy is considered high risk and I am on doctor-advised bed rest," Jenkins wrote in a statement. "To that end, I am not able to devote myself fully to filming the next season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."

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Kathy Hilton and Kyle Richards

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation Kathy Hilton and Kyle Richards

Despite her exit from the show, Jenkins has remained close with a number of her former costars, and reunited with a few of them on Sunday night.

At her table at the party was Kyle Richards, the Halloween star, 54, keeping it classic in a strapless black gown she borrowed from daughter Alexia Umansky. Richards' sister Kathy Hilton  a Friend on RHOBH  wore black as well, though her dress featured a neckline of colorful floral appliques.

Both Richards and Hilton, 64, posed for a picture together. Hilton was also spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, where she was photographed with stars like Jennifer Coolidge, Tiffany Haddish and Saweetie.

Lisa Rinna and Dorit Kemsley

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation Lisa Rinna and Dorit Kemsley

Lisa Rinna was at the Elton John party, too. The 59-year-old actress, who PEOPLE also exclusively announced was departing RHOBH ahead of season 13, turned heads in a statement cream Jean Paul Gaultier dress, with an avant garde bodice, black gloves and a long train.

At the party, Rinna took a snap with Dorit Kemsley, who wore black and gold printed number.

Kemsley, 46, was there with husband Paul Kemsley, while Rinna and Richards attended with their respective husbands, Harry Hamilin and Mauricio Umansky. All three men wore class black tuxedos.

RELATED: RHOBH Star Dorit Kemsley Celebrates 8th Wedding Anniversary to 'Soulmate' Paul Kemsley

Rob Minkoff and Crystal Minkoff

Phillip Faraone/Getty Crystal Kung Minkoff

Oscar winner Rob Minkoff channelled Old Hollywood in a trustee dark suit with a cream tie. His wife, Crystal Kung Minkoff, made a statement with her look, on the other hand.

The RHOBH star, 40, wore a hot-pink long-sleeve Stello dress with an asymmetrical neckline and long slit. She added tan strappy sandals and a sparkling gold purse.

Elsewhere at the Oscars parties was Garcelle Beauvais, who attended Byron Allen's 5th annual Oscar Gala at the Beverly Wilshire, a party benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

She wore a neon green long-sleeve dress with a plunging neckline. She added a diamond necklace, coordinating earrings and wore her new red locks back.

By Beauvais' side were 15-year-old sons Jax Nilon and Joseph Nilon, both in dark suits with white sneakers.

Jax Nilon, Garcelle Beauvais and Joseph Nilon

Unique Nicole/Getty Garcelle Beauvais and her sons

Season 15 of RHOBH is currently filming. In addition to Richards, Kemsley, Kung Minkoff, and Beauvias, the show also stars Erika Girardi and Sutton Stracke.

A premiere date has yet to be announced, though it is expected on Bravo sometime next year.

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.

Meanwhile, movies' biggest night was held at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and was televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Everything Everywhere All at Once earned the night's most coveted award for Best Picture. Some stars who took home awards included Brendan Fraser for Best Actor, Michelle Yeoh for Best Actress, Ke Huy Quan for Best Supporting Actor and Richards' Halloween costar Jamie Lee Curtis  who famously made a memorable appearance on RHOBH last season  for Best Supporting Actress.
A school building sits in ruins in Posad Pokrovsk, Ukraine on March 6, 2023. - Credit: Alex McBride for Rolling Stone

KHERSON, Ukraine  The city is free between the hours of eight a.m. and three p.m. The rest of the day belongs to the Russians: by late afternoon, the streets are empty, the few businesses left operating mostly closed. Traffic dies down to almost nothing. Before the war, 220,000 people lived in this city. By four p.m., the city is dead silent. Everyone is indoors, hoping to last one more night under fire.

Life in occupied Kherson takes place in that window by necessity: There are still people making a life here, and at some point, they have to brave the risks and leave their homes. So they make a schedule, despite the fact that the shells do not fall on any kind of predictable timetable.

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The markets are stocked, the buses are running, street sweepers maintain the streets. When I entered the city for the first time, early on a chilly morning last week, a group of electrical workers was replacing a stoplight in the citys main square, which a few months ago was filled with joyous crowds waving Ukrainian flags. Even in the morning, the square is almost deserted  too much open space, not enough cover. The shells fall at random  on houses, hospitals, busy streets. The day before I visited two aid workers told me a story of a man who was trying to evacuate two women from a village near the city that was under heavy shelling. As they drove into the city the road they were on was shelled and the woman in his passenger seat was killed. He was taken to Kherson City Hospital with shrapnel in his leg. The next day the hospital was shelled so badly it had to be evacuated.

In November, Ukrainian forces recaptured the southern city of Kherson, a major hub on the marshy river delta of the Dniper, which runs north to south through the middle of Ukraine. Kherson was Russias first and largest prize of the war, captured relatively intact on March 2, 2022, as Russian troops swept through the region before grinding to a halt on the outskirts of the city of Mykolaiv, about 50 kilometers to the north. Its residents suffered through more than eight months of occupation before Ukraines fall offensive recaptured the city and surrounding region, forcing Russian troops back to the east side of the Dniper. But about a week after the liberation, Russian forces began indiscriminately shelling the city, killing dozens with barrages of rockets and artillery shells and instilling near-constant fear among the tens of thousands still living in the line of fire.

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As Ukrainian forces continue to roll back Russias invasion, its tempting to believe that some sense of normalcy has returned to previously-occupied areas. But in Kherson, the constant specter of Russian artillery fire  and the troops looming just across the river  means the city feels anything but free.

The electrical workers I meet arent too worried about the shells. When I walk up theyre discussing two notorious collaborators who worked with the Russians during the occupation, Saldo and Stremousov. Stremovsov was killed by a car bomb before he could flee the city; Saldo escaped to Russian territory. One of the workers tells an intensely graphic joke about the two involving Putin and oral sex. Everyone laughs. Still, one of them is wearing a bulletproof vest while he works. Body armor is not an uncommon sight in Kherson. The citys street sweepers have all been issued plate carriers, as they work in open spaces outdoors. It is surreal to see a group of men and women in military garb and plate carriers armed with an arsenal of brooms and rakes.

A garbage disposal worker wears a flak jacket as he works in Kherson, Ukraine on March 7, 2023.

Average civilians, however, have no such protection. They stand in lines at aid centers around the city to collect food, clothes and hygiene products, the latter of which are often scarce. Outside of a shopping mall electronics store that has been converted to a makeshift aid center by a travel company-turned-humanitarian-organization, I meet Nataliya, 42, who is waiting in line with her daughter Leah, who is seven and a half. Nataliya is twisting and popping a pink sheet of bubble wrap between her hands (Leah says it is hers). Theyre waiting in line to get laundry detergent, which is hard to find these days. Nataliya tells me that a few days ago shelling killed someone in the entryway to their building and damaged her apartment. Her family then moved in with her aunt, who lives in an antiquated building with an outdoor toilet, which Leah needs to be escorted to; the shelling scares her too much to go alone. Before the war they both loved Khersons wide public parks, now they are too afraid of mines and shells to visit them. Nataliya tells us about Leahs school  online, assignments mailed back and forth with a teacher in Poland, as the mobile internet is too slow for video chat  as the bubble wrap gets thinner and thinner. She folds it in on itself over and over again, trying to coax any last snaps out of the plastic. Anti-stress, she says.

These little indignities are everywhere in Kherson. At the citys central market, I meet a woman named Tanya, who is from the westen Ukrainian city of Rivne. Tanya asks my fixer and I for money, and tells us that shes effectively trapped in the city: During the occupation, Russian soldiers heard her speaking Ukrainian on the phone and stopped her, eventually taking her passport. Without a passport, she cant cross the Ukrainian checkpoints outside of the city to get home.

Galina sells fruit and veg to customers at her stall in the centre of Kherson, Ukraine on March 6, 2023.

Tanyas story isnt unique. The Russians who occupied Kherson inflicted violence in the same way that they now lob bombs at it: at random, with little reason or logic. At the market, we buy a bag of tangerines from Galina, a fruit seller, who also stayed through the Russian occupation.

In the occupation the fear was different, Galina says. Anyone could be detained. Anyone could be interrogated. She says that Russian soldiers came to her house and beat her, insisting that she tell the truth. They left when they realized they were at the wrong address. She calmed down when the Ukrainian troops came, but then a week later, the shelling started. Its a sign that while the Kremlins forces may have retreated, its war machine hasnt gone away.

As were talking, a volley of outgoing shells echoes through the city; four blasts from Ukrainian batteries in each of the cardinal directions around us, the city in the center. I edge a bit closer to the makeshift concrete shelter next to Galinas stall, expecting a reprisal. No one else even flinches; theyve given up predicting where or when a shell will land.

Its so frightening  you go to bed not knowing whats happening. You never know whether youll wake up tomorrow. Im only Im only 62. I want to live a bit more! Galina says.

Dr. Leonid Remyga at Tropinka hospital in Kherson, Ukraine on March 7, 2023.

In Kherson, almost everyone has a story of the occupation or its aftermath. At Kherson City Clinical Hospital, one of the few medical facilities operating during the occupation, Chief Doctor Leonid Remyga was first suspended from his job in June and then arrested in September, spending months in a Russian detention center. This is what I want to forget, he said when I asked him about his time in Russian custody. But there are some things that are impossible to forget.

When Ukrainian forces liberated the city in November, Remyga immediately returned to his post, but found that Russian troops had trashed his house and stolen his car. He now sleeps in his office at the hospital with a bulletproof vest on the couch beside him. Remyga explained that because of Khersons prominence and relative accessibility, the scarcity that plagues other areas of the front line is largely nonexistent  the city has steady supplies of food, medicine, and other aid. What it doesnt have is security, leaving hospitals and city agencies understaffed. Khersons position on the west bank of the Dnipro makes it both easy to hold and uniquely vulnerable to Russian troops similarly ensconced on the opposite bank. The prevailing strategic wisdom right now is that Ukrainian troops will launch a major offensive to reclaim more territory in the spring, potentially targeting the southern front for further liberation. But until the Russians are pushed back form the Dnipros banks, Kherson will stay firmly within range.

What that means for civilian authorities is an ever-increasing caseload of potential war crimes, as investigators rush to document both abuses committed by Russians during the occupation and fresh incidences of shelling on civilians. In Mykolaiv, a city an hour to the north of Kherson, the regional war crimes prosecution unit commutes daily both to the city and surrounding villages, exhaustively documenting reports of sexual assault, torture, executions and deliberate attacks on civilian populations, often while shelling is ongoing. In the Kherson region, there are 10 investigators, responsible for investigating over 11,000 cases of potential war crimes. We work 24/7, Anastasiia Vesilovska, the units press officer says.

The work is often traumatic and deeply personal: a few days before we meet, Vesilovskas apartment building in Kherson was shelled and one of her neighbors was killed in the entryway of the building. Vesilovska, who was staying in Mykolaiv at the time, responded to investigate a potential war crime at her own home, working with the team to determine the trajectory, weaponry, and potential origin of the munitions that struck her apartment. Investigators use this data to try to determine specific Russian units responsible for the strikes, sending their evidence to the national Attorney Generals office in the hopes that it will eventually be used in trials conducted by the International Criminal Court.

On my last evening in Kherson, my fixer, photographer and I drive slowly around the city as dusk falls. My photographer gets out to take pictures of an empty park filled with trees and a sprawling jungle gym area for children; just the kind of place Nataliya said she loved to go before the war. A group of street sweepers, all in armored vests, trudges into the park, sticking to a path on the edge. The Ukrainian artillery is at work somewhere on the citys outskirts again; so far, the incoming fire has been light today. As we move on, the streets empty out entirely, and the quiet becomes almost overwhelming.

At a bus stop across from Khersons abandoned concert hall, a few hundred meters from the riverbank, a single man sits alone with his dog, a small, pert terrier looking around with pricked ears. He introduces himself as Valera, the dog as Vasya. They are the only living things in sight. The bus is nowhere to be seen. There are holes in the concrete wall behind the stop from past shelling. I bend down for a moment to pet Vasya, who stands up tall on his hind legs to grab onto my arm. Two weeks ago a mortar landed down there, Valera says, pointing to the west. He says it as if he is discussing the weather. For the free citizens of Kherson, he might as well be.

A view over Khersons central square in Kherson, Ukraine on March 7, 2023.

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As a result of the shelling of the settlement of the Kutsurub community, two people were killed, three were injured, among them a child who was hospitalized, Head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim has said.

"As a result of the morning enemy shelling of the settlement of the Kutsurub community, a man and a woman born in 1978 and 1980 were killed, a seven-year-old child was taken by an ambulance. In addition, two people were injured," Kim said in his Telegram channel.

As reported, on Monday morning, Russian invaders fired at the settlement of Kutsurub community in Mykolaiv region.
Neve Campbell

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Netflix

The directors behind the latest Scream entries are hopeful Neve Campbell will one day return to the franchise.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who directed last year's fifth Scream as well as the new Scream VI, told The Hollywood Reporter about Campbell's absence in the new entry  the first of the franchise not to feature her character, Sidney Prescott, onscreen.

Campbell, 49, revealed last year that she made the "very difficult decision" to not return for the sixth film due to a contractual disagreement. She said at the time that she "felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise" for over more than two decades.

"We'd never give up on her," said Bettinelli-Olpin. "We love Neve, and we love Sidney. So we'd love to be able to make another movie with her, and we're not giving up."

Additionally, the filmmakers spoke to Variety, and screenwriter James Vanderbilt added, "We love Neve and think she's amazing and had a great experience with her on 5. She needs to do what she needs to do as a business woman, and we totally support that."

RELATED: Courteney Cox Admits She 'Really Missed' Neve Campbell While Filming Scream VI

Tyler Gillett (L) and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin attend the world premiere of Paramount's "Scream VI" at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 06, 2023 in New York City.

Dominik Bindl/FilmMagic Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

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When asked if there was a plan for how to bring Campbell's character to New York City, where the new sequel takes place, Vanderbilt said, "Yeah, I don't want to talk about the woulda-couldas," but also mentioned that they considered bringing back Scream 3's Patrick Dempsey character Mark as Sidney's husband. That concept never got past the "preliminary" stages, though.

Bettinelli-Olpin said of discussions of a potential Dempsey return, "Yes, absolutely. There 100 percent was, and that would have been incredible."

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Producer Paul Neinstein told Variety they hope to keep making sequels: "We will continue to make these as long as they let us." Vanderbilt added, "Absolutely! It would be amazing to do this again."

In an interview with Deadline, producer William Sherak said Campbell is "always welcome" back.

"We had an amazing time with her on 5, [so] we look at that and say she is a spectacular part of this franchise. We want her to make decisions that are right for her, and she will always be welcome and part of this franchise," said Sherak. "I think the fun of what Jamie and Guy did in 5 and 6 proves that anybody can exist in this franchise at any moment. So, we look at it and go, 'It's a door, it's open, and at any time you can walk through the door, whoever it is, as a legacy character.' We continue to just widen how many legacy characters we have, and they're all amazing people that we can bring back at any time."

RELATED VIDEO: Scream VI Cast Gush Over 'Mama Hen' Courteney Cox: 'She Checks on Us' and 'It's Genuine'

"This story is amazing in the way it lived, and everybody in it is spectacular," he continued. "And as we look to the future, should we be allowed to continue making them, any and everybody that has been in them before can come be part of them again. Our legacy cast is part of our family and we look at them that way, and we just want to keep having a good time making them. So at any moment, that can be part of the franchise."

Campbell previously confirmed that she'd be open to returning to Scream if the offer is right.

"I don't know that I'm done for good," she told PEOPLE in August of any potential for a return. "It would really depend on what they came to me with next. It would have to be different. It would have to be a different attitude, and I'm not sure that's going to happen."

"If they came to me with a number that felt right, that felt respectful, that felt in keeping with my value that I brought to the franchise, I'd be willing to consider [returning in the future]," she added.

Scream VI is now in theaters.
Telefilm Canada has hired Julie Roy as its new executive director and CEO for a five-year term.

The Canadian government agency is the countrys biggest film financier, and Roy comes to Telefilm from the National Film Board of Canada, where she was most recently director general and programming chief officer.

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Im honored to be appointed to lead Telefilm Canada. The countrys digital landscape is in a state of change and the challenges ahead are significant and exciting. There are opportunities ahead of us. We must seize them in order to increase the influence of our talent and our industry, Roy said in a statement on Monday ahead of taking the top post on April 3, based in Montreal.

Roy replaces Christa Dickenson, who left Telefilm in Sept. 2022 after four years in the post. During her tenure, Dickenson invested in the reopening and recovery of Canadas film production sector amid the pandemic and overcame criticism and opposition to increased financing for a greater diversity of Canadian creative voices, including new talent from the countrys Black, Indigenous and people of color communities.

While at the NFB, Roy also served as executive producer of its French animation studio, where she produced around 50 films, mostly animated shorts for which the publicly funded filmmaker has received a slew of Oscar trophies. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Ms. Roy is a proven bilingual leader who is well versed of the current challenges facing the audiovisual industry. As an ardent advocate of equity, diversity and inclusion on both sides of the camera, she will continue the work already begun by Telefilm and its partners to achieve an inclusive and representative industry, Robert Spickler, chair of Telefilms board of directors, said in a statement on Monday.

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Tilda Swinton is over the pandemic, and she doesnt care who knows it.

She opened her keynote appearance at South by Southwest by sharing her pleasure that the pandemic had gotten to a point where audience members at the event didnt have to wear masks anymore.

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Later in the conversation, Swinton said, Im about to shoot a picture in Ireland, and I was told to wear a mask at all times, and Im not.

Im sure this is being recorded, she noted, before saying that she is very healthy after having gone through COVID-19 infections multiple times.

Interestingly, in 2022, Swinton spoke to W Magazine about the severity of one of her infections and the long COVID symptoms she was continuing to endure, including struggles with memory.

Swinton isnt the only high profile actor to disagree with on-set COVID protocols recently. Fran Drescher spoke to Variety about her position against vaccine mandates, and Woody Harrelson has come out against all COVID-related rules in Hollywood.

Swinton was at SXSW in support of Problemista, which she stars in alongside writer-director Julio Torres. Premiering on March 13, the A24 film follows Alejandro (Torres), an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who struggles to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast (Swinton) becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream.

I love him. I always loved him, Swinton said about Torres. Its such a thrill to call him comrade. Hes next level. Now hes a filmmaker, and thats really good for all of us who are interested in film.

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Something that worries Swinton in the film industry, however, is an attitude of self-centeredness.

There is a belief that when you make a film, or write a story, that all the focus is on you as an individual. The spotlight is on you, she said. One thing that I can attest to, that I am actually a real poster child of, is staying collective. You dont have to get separated from your kin and your herd.

This issue is unique to younger people, according to Swinton.

There is a such a new virus in the air about being an individual, which frankly speaking, people of our generation didnt have to deal with, because there was there was more respect for and investment in collective action. But now I do feel that there is pressure on fine artists to cut ties, grow big balls and be a narcissist. And that might put a lot of people off.

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DENVER  As western water woes continue, some experts and authorities say a national-level problem like this requires an innovative solution.

The U.S. has plenty of drinking water  it's simply in the wrong place. That's a seemingly fixable problem that has inspired a number of creative ideas. Unfortunately, everything except conserving water has proven to be a longshot proposal riddled with logistical, legal or cost problems.

The problem : The Colorado River is drying up from drought and overuse. It's the literal lifeblood of the West.

A rainy year doesn't solve the water crisis : Rain and snow, particularly in California, has offered temporary relief to water worries. But experts say the water demand in the west is set to keep exceeding supply  unless major conservation efforts successfully roll out.

Demand remains high: Native American tribes increasingly demanding their legal rights to water, fast-growing Phoenix and Las Vegas are consuming more water to support development and California and Arizona farmers are under increasing pressure to keep food costs low and production high.

Meanwhile, massive amounts of fresh water are readily available to the East. Ocean water can be processed into drinking water. And even glaciers could be helpful sources of fresh water.

FEBRUARY: Massive reservoir Lake Powell hits historic low water level

BACKGROUND: Western water crisis looms as California complicates critical water deal

It's an ironic problem that hearkens back to a famous quote from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 1834 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: "Water, water, every where; Nor any drop to drink."

Here's a few ideas, some old and some new, about how the West could get more drinking water  and why experts generally regard these as desperate longshots.

Draining the Great Lakes

The idea: Divert water from the Great Lakes into the Colorado River. (A similar proposal has suggested diverting the Mississippi River into Lake Powell.)

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How it could work: With 20% of the available surface fresh water in the world, the Great Lakes are essentially massive reservoirs that could quench the thirst of states like Arizona and California.

In 2017, hydrologist Jay Famiglietti, who was then with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, suggested that national solutions are needed.

"...You can imagine that 50 years from now, well were already talking about this, but 50 years from now there might actually be a pipeline that brings water from the Great Lakes to Phoenix," he said in an interview. "I think thats part of our future."

Why it's a longshot: First, to get across the Continental Divide and into the Colorado River, you'd need an uphill pipeline about 1,000 miles long, which is longer than any other drinking water pipeline ever built, and longer than even the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, which is 800 miles long. There here might be a flatter route, but it would likely add hundreds of miles in length.

Second, pulling any large amount of water from the Great Lakes is illegal. Water diversions from them are barred by the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement between the eight surrounding states, along with a similar agreement between the United States and Canada.

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READ MORELatest climate change news from USA TODAY

Nuclear-powered desalination plants

The idea: Build a network of facilities to remove saltwater from the Pacific Ocean.

How it could work: Desalination on a large scale is a proven technology, widely used in areas with limited drinking water, from Tel Aviv to Saudi Arabia. California already has several itself.

Why it's a longshot: Desalination is a massively energy-intensive process that makes drinking water by either boiling seawater and capturing the steam, or by pumping it through special membranes under high pressure, called reverse osmosis.

Using solar arrays to power desalinization plants is enticing but faces obstacles. The Persian Gulf nation of Dubai is experimenting with the technology but it's still a pilot project.

Plus there are environmental concerns with dumping the concentrated saltwater back into the ocean.

Harvesting icebergs

The idea: Round up fresh-water icebergs and float them to thirsty coastal cities.

How it could work: About 75% of the Earth's fresh water is frozen in glaciers, almost all of it in Antarctica. California-based engineer and oceanographer John Isaacs is credited with kicking off the debate with a 1949 presentation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in which he suggested it would be cheaper to tow an iceberg to California than alternatives like desalinating seawater.

In subsequent decades, consultants proposed plunking a nuclear power plant atop a massive iceberg to power electric motors, or surrounding one with a cradle of cables attached to a tugboat. In 1977, a Saudi royal sponsored an Iceberg Utilization conference at Iowa State University, complete with a two-ton chunk of ice hauled down from Alaska. Saudi Arabia ultimately invested instead in desalination plants.

Why it's a longshot: So far, no one has figured out a practical way to move an iceberg before a significant amount melts away in the warmer ocean water.

Chopping down forests

The idea: Thin large portions of the national forests to free up more water, either by logging or controlled burns.

How it could work: A single healthy tree needs about 11,000 gallons of water annually, and some Utah authorities are pushing to seriously consider large-scale thinning projects that would remove large swathes of forest. They argue that water could then be used to replenish the shrinking Great Salt Lake.

The National Science Foundation in 2018 published a study that found over a nearly 20-year period starting in the late 1990s, wildfire-burned forests allowed an extra 20 billion gallons of water to flow through the Kings and American River Basins. That study was based on losing half of the trees in a given area.

Why it's a longshot: Wildfires generate massive amounts of pollution, including releasing large quantities of carbon, which can accelerate climate change. Allowing large-scale commercial logging, especially near big cities, would likely draw lawsuits from environmental groups over concerns about habitat loss. And let's also not forget that trees take up carbon dioxide, so cutting them down might be a short-term solution that could exacerbate climate change.

Contributing: Elizabeth Weise

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's the solution to West's water crisis? Desperate ideas explained
UPDATED with statement from CNN Films from original 6:31 p.m. story: Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny got a loving message from his wife from the Oscar stage after the film about him won Best Documentary Feature on Sunday.

Thank you to everybody here, Yulia Navalnaya said when director Daniel Roher summoned her to the microphone after making his acceptance remarks. My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy. Alexei, Im dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong.

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Rohers documentary Navalny, from CNN Films, chronicles the poisoning plot that nearly took Alexei Navalnys life. He was flying from Siberia to Moscow in August 2020 when he became deathly ill. Russian doctors who initially treated him claimed he was suffering from a metabolic disorder. But after Yulia successfully campaigned to get her husband transferred to Europe for further treatment, doctors in Germany concluded he had been poisoned with the deadly nerve agent Novichok.

Christo Grosev, a journalist for investigative collective Bellingcat who is among the main characters in Navalny, helped expose the Kremlin apparatchiks behind the plot. In a remarkable scene in the film, Navalny himself got on the phone with one of the alleged plotters, and  by posing as a government official  got the man to divulge incriminating details of the assassination attempt. Roher saluted both Grosev and Navalnys associate Maria Pevchikh, who joined him on the Oscar stage.

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Thank you to the Academy. We are humbled to be in the company of such an extraordinary crop of documentary filmmakers. These films redefined what it is to make a documentary, Roher said. We owe so much to our Bulgarian nerd with the laptop, Christo Grosev. You risked everything to tell this story and its investigative journalists like you and Maria Pevchikh that empower our work.

Roher saved his most passionate remarks for Navalny himself. As the film shows, the former lawyer recovered in Germany, then returned to Moscow in January 2021, whereupon he was immediately arrested. He was convicted for allegedly violating parole on an earlier conviction and later sentenced to an additional nine years in prison on alleged fraud and contempt charges.

Theres one person who couldnt be with us here tonight. Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, remains in solitary confinement for what he calls  I want to make sure we get his words exactly right  Vladimir Putins unjust war of aggression in Ukraine, Roher said, referring to quotes he had written down in a notebook he held in front of him. I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny, to all political prisoners around the world. Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head.

The Oscar win was shared by Roher and producers Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris (Boris also was nominated for producing fellow Best Documentary Feature nominee Fire of Love).

RELATED: Navalny Shows The Cost An Activist Pays For Opposing Vladimir Putin  Contenders Documentary

The win came for a CNN Films division that underwent major change in the past year. After a decade of acquiring and producing films by outside talent, the network under new President Chris Licht announced it would no longer follow that template, but instead produce all future documentary content in house.

CNN issued a statement minutes after the win, noting the network celebrated its first Oscar win in its nearly 43-year history. Amy Entelis, EVP, talent and content development for CNN Worldwide commented, Navalny, first and foremost, is about the passion, drive, and inspiring heroism of Alexey Navalny, who even as we celebrate this award continues to languish in a penal colony. An extraordinary group of people were dedicated to keeping Alexeys story in front of the world, from our indefatigable film team led by visionary director Daniel Roher to our partners at Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max, and of course our friends at Bellingcat and CNNs Clarissa Ward.

Entelis added in the statement, Behind each project in CNN Films 10-year history is an incredible group of people who I know are beaming with pride today. This is a monumental win to have the global storytelling of CNN honored with an Academy Award and a testament to the lasting impact of CNN Films.

CNN Films previously earned an Oscar nomination in 2019 for RBG, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

Academy Award winners Riz Ahmed and filmmaker-musician Ahmir Questlove Thompson presented the category. Questlove won the Best Feature Documentary category last year for Summer of Soul, a victory overshadowed by the incident that occurred just before he was announced as the winner: Chris Rock was introducing the category when he was assaulted on stage by Will Smith (after Rock dissed Smiths wife Jada Pinkett Smith in a joke).

Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel alluded to that as he introduced Ahmed and Questlove to reveal this years Best Documentary Feature. You will recall that is where we had that little skirmish last year, Kimmel reminded the audience. Lets hope this year it goes off without a hitch, or at least without Hitch. Please put your hands together  and then keep them to yourselves  for Oscar winners Riz Ahmed and Ahmir Questlove Thompson.

Below is the Navalny team backstage.

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A few years back, Willem Dafoe starred alongside Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse, a two-hander film from director Robert Eggers. Now, Dafoe is going one better, or maybe that should be one lesser, by essentially appearing solo in the heist movie Inside (out March 17).

"The next one I do there won't be any actors!" says Dafoe, with a laugh, over Zoom.

The film stars Dafoe as an art thief named Nemo who breaks into a spacious, swanky New York apartment to steal three pieces by expressionist painter Egon Schiele only to become trapped by the residence's security system.

"He's getting ready to leave, and the alarm system goes wacky and closes him in," says Dafoe. "After a little while, it's clear no one's coming; no one's been alerted, the owner's not coming back. There's very little in the house. He's trapped there. He doesn't know what to do. He's got to find food; he's got to find water. There's not much there. Nobody's been there for a while. There's all this priceless art on the walls, and he has to figure out a way to survive, and he doesn't quite know how long this will go on. So that's the basic setup."

Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis' INSIDE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Wolfgang Ennenbach / Focus Features

Wolfgang Ennenbach/Focus Features Willem Dafoe in 'Inside'

The movie is written by British writer-director Ben Hopkins (Simon Magus) based on an idea that struck Inside director Vasilis Katsoupis during one of the filmmaker's first trips to New York.

"I was looking at all these huge buildings," says Katsoupis. "It came to me that what would be the situation if I get stuck in a top floor of these buildings. I started working to make it more of a survival film [like] Robinson Crusoe. I found it very interesting that my hero will be lonely in the middle of a metropolis. He can actually see life, the busy streets, people around him, but nobody can reach him, and nobody can help him."

Inside producer Giorgos Karnavas had met Dafoe at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and reached out to see if the Platoon and Spider-Man franchise star would be interested in taking the part of Nemo.

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"We usually try to cast our films very early on. Usually, it's not going to casting directors but trying to find the direct contact," says Karnavas, whose company Heretic also helped bring the Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness to the screen. "It feels more organic, and if this moves forward, it becomes a relationship that is very strong and very creative because they become part of it. This was the case with Willem. He reacted very quickly. He gave us his trust. I think he took a very big artistic risk because it's one of these films that it's execution-based. I mean, the level of production design, production value, all that, if you don't do it right, it can be ridiculous."

Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis' INSIDE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Wolfgang Ennenbach / Focus Features

Wolfgang Ennenbach/Focus Features Willem Dafoe in 'Inside'

In the film, the apartment is full of art, from paintings to sculptures to a video installation, with which Dafoe's thief interacts and, in some cases, damages. Italian art curator Leonardo Bigazzi was tasked with choosing the pieces on display, mixing old and new works, to help give hints about the character of the collector whom Nemo is attempting to steal from. Bigazzi describes the results as "the physical manifestation of the antagonist. So, as [with] every art collection, it should be the response to the passion, the obsessions, the love that a collector has in his life. But at the same time, [there] was this idea of how each work would provoke reactions from Willem on set."

Katsoupis shot Inside in Cologne, filming the script chronologically, allowing Dafoe to depict his character's physical deterioration more realistically.

"I just kind of let myself go," says the actor. "I did wash! But let my hair go, let my beard go, didn't do my normal physical exercise, so I started to get a little wasted. Because working 12 hours a day, when you're the only guy in a dark room, it takes a toll on you. Doing physical things, dragging things, banging things, screaming. [Laughs] It will start to show after a while if you want it to." The already slender actor even dropped a few pounds during the shoot. "I didn't lose too much weight," he says, "but I'd see a couple of shots toward the end, and I'd think, 'Oh, boy, put on a little beef!"

Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis' INSIDE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

Focus Features

While Katsoupis' film is a serious meditation on art and loneliness, there are moments of levity, several of them provided by the apartment's high-tech fridge, which blasts out the '90s novelty hit "Macarena" when the appliance's door is left open for too long.

"Everybody thought it was pretty funny," says Dafoe. "It's goofy, but that was important too, to find the humor and not get too dour about what we were doing. Even when people are in a terrible situation, they find time to step back and try to have a good laugh about it."

As it happens, there will be actors aplenty in Dafoe's next project, Nosferatu, which the actor is about to start shooting and for which he has grown a generous amount of facial hair. Directed by Eggers, this new version of the vampire costars Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Emma Corrin, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, among others.

"Right now, this glorious Joseph Stalin mustache and these silly sideburns are to shoot Nosferatu with Robert Eggers," says Dafoe. "I don't know what he wants me to say, it's just his version of the classic story, and I play a character called Von Franz. I'm not the creature, but I'm after the creature, and I'm something of an occultist."

Watch the trailer for Inside below.

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A private autopsy found a 26-year-old environmental activist who was protesting the construction of a police and fire training center near Atlanta had their hands raised when they were shot 14 times, attorneys said Monday.

Manuel Paez Teran, who went by the name Tortuguita, was killed by police Jan. 18 after allegedly shooting a state trooper as law enforcement attempted to clear protesters from the site of the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, called "Cop City" by its opponents.

The family and their attorneys urged the city to release more information about Tortuguita's death.

"We still do not know anything," Tortuguita's mother, Belkis Teran, said at a news conference Monday. "My heart is destroyed . . . I want answers for my child's homicide."

A demonstrator holds a sign protesting the death of an environmental activist, who went by Tortuguita, in Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. Tortuguita was killed Wednesday, Jan. 18, after authorities said the 26-year-old shot a state trooper. Activists have questioned officials version of events, demanding an independent investigation. (AP Photo/R.J. Rico)

What did the autopsy find?

An initial autopsy done by the DeKalb Medical Examiners Office has not been released to the public or the family, according to attorney Brian Spears.

The second autopsy, conducted at the request of the family by former state medical examiner Kris Sperry, found Tortuguita was shot multiple times by different firearms. Sperry abruptly resigned in 2015 after the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found he claimed hundreds of work hours at the GBI when he actually was working for clients of his forensic-science consulting firm.

Gunshot wounds to the hands and arms indicate Tortuguita raised their hands with their palms facing their body during the shooting, according to the second autopsy report. The trajectory of several bullet wounds indicate Tortuguita was likely sitting cross-legged when they were shot, the report said.

They suffered a gunshot wound to the head that "would have been instantaneously incapacitating and unquestionably lethal," according to the autopsy. The autopsy said "it is impossible to determine" if Tortuguita was holding a weapon before or during the shooting.

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Manuel was looking death in the face, hands raised when killed, Spears said. "The second autopsy is a snapshot of what happened, but it is not the whole story. What we want is simple: GBI, meet with the family and release the investigative report.

Attorneys accuse city of withholding records

Attorney Jeff Filipovits said the family has sued the city to release more information about the shooting. He said the autopsy "is not enough for us to work backward from it to figure out what happened."

"Imagine your child was killed by the police under suspicious circumstances and imagine the police will tell you nothing," Filipovits said.

The family requested records from various agencies after Tortuguita's death and the Atlanta Police Department released recordings from the day of the shooting, family attorney Wingo Smith said Monday.

But the department refused to release additional recordings to the family or the media after it received a letter from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation asking police to stop releasing material related to the incident and the attorney general's office advised the city that it did not have to release records to the family, Smith said.

"It appears there has been a coordinated campaign to silence the city of Atlanta and it worked," Smith said.

GBI says it 'intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation'

The GBI said in a statement Monday it is investigating the shooting and will turn over its findings to a prosecutor "for review and action."

"The actions of the GBI to prevent inappropriate release of evidence are solely intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation and to ensure the facts of the incident are not tainted," the statement said. "The GBI investigation still supports our initial assessment."

The GBI said in January that the officers near the incident during the shooting were not wearing body camera and there isn't body camera footage of the moment Tortuguita was shot. Police released two hours of footage of moments surrounding the shooting which includes officers clearing tents, reacting after they heard gunfire and at least one officer speculating the trooper was shot by another officer.

"Speculation is not evidence," the GBI said in a statement. "Our investigation does not support that statement."

The GBI also said the projectile recovered from the troopers wound matches a handgun Tortuguita legally purchased in 2020.

Attorney raises concerns about 'unprecedented crackdown against protesters'

Filipovits said Tortuguita's death came amid "an unprecedented crackdown against protesters."

Activists have been occupying the area since late 2021 in an attempt to halt the project's development due to concerns that it will negatively impact the South River Forest and contribute to the militarization of police. A coalition of law enforcement agencies claim the groups are terrorizing project workers and endangering local residents.

The day of the shooting, seven people were arrested and charged with domestic terrorism and criminal trespass, according to the GBI.

"People are sitting in the DeKalb County jail right now who have no factual basis for the charges against them, at least none that have been articulated..." Filipovits said. "This is continuing. This is ongoing. This is intimidation by the state against dissent."

Dig deeper

Contact Breaking News Reporter N'dea Yancey-Bragg at nyanceybra@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @NdeaYanceyBragg

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Cop City' protester had hands raised during fatal shooting: Autopsy
A woman paid to have headshots taken, didn't read the fine print, and now sees her face on ads she doesn't want to be in

Demeritt Amazon.com

Christian Demeritt took headshots after graduating college in 2010.

Years later, she saw her image pop up online in different ads, billboards, and a romance novel.

She didn't read the fine print and told Insider her story is a cautionary tale.

Imagine scrolling online and coming across an ad featuring your face  but you never consented. Or seeing your face on the cover of a romance novel, and you never knew until a stranger or a friend told you.

Those scenarios have been a reality for Christian Demeritt when she noticed the same headshot that she took over a decade ago, after graduating with a theater degree from Florida A&M University, was used in a breast reduction ad.

Christian Demeritt took headshots after graduating college in 2010. Years later, she saw her image pop up online in different ads, billboards, and a romance novel. Courtesy of Christian Demeritt

"I've always had a large chest, I thought it was funny because it specifically is advertising for breast reductions and my breasts are huge in that picture," Demeritt told Insider, noting that she  oddly  got a breast reduction two months after taking the photos.

She said she got the headshots in 2010 after a friend connected her with the photographer who was able to give her a good deal at the time  about $100. Before they met in person, he emailed some documents to sign.

"He did mention that there would be a model release form. I didn't know what that meant," the Miami native said, who is also an up-and-coming actress.

Since then, many people have said they've seen her image used in multiple places including a billboard and novel cover. She did not disclose the photographer's name because, as she told Insider, he did not do anything wrong but hopefully her story can be a cautionary tale for others.

"I was just excited about the discount and I signed it without reading the fine print," she said. "This whole thing is completely on me."

'I did not read the fine print'

The first sighting was in 2014, four years after her photoshoot. Demeritt said that a woman she knew reached out to her on Facebook and mentioned that she saw her face in front of a local newspaper in Sacramento.

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"She sent me a newspaper magazine called the Sacramento News and Review," she recalled. "It was a picture of my face from the headshots, but it was photoshopped onto the Mona Lisaand the headline said something to the effect of "Is Sacramento's Art Scene Too White?"

Demeritt was perplexed as to why her face was used, especially from a publication in a state that she hadn't even visited during that time. When she reached out to her friend, she learned that her image was used as stock photos. It prompted her to reverse Google search leading her to find out her likeness was being used "everywhere," she said.

"Random people have said they have seen me and either recognized me from different ads or their family and friends had," she continued. "It's been going on for over 10 years now. It's just part of my life."

In January, she shared her story on TikTok, @christian.joy.d, and since then people have been telling her that they've seen her photo before. In one video, she spoke about how she's on the cover of a book titled "His BIG, Childhood Sweetheart" by Samantha Drake.

A spokesperson for Afro Romance, the publishing company for the book, told USA TODAY last month that they bought her photo from a stock website.

A similar situation happened to a New Jersey mother in 2011 who saw her 4-year-old daughter's photo used in an anti-abortion billboard, as Insider reported. She later learned from the photographer that her child's photos would be used for stock photography.

"I kind of get a little upset when I think about the fact that he is still making money off of me and so many other people," she said but added that she is taking accountability for her actions. "I'm a rule follower, I didn't follow the rules in this case. I feel like this is my fault because I did not read the fine print."

Read the original article on Insider
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Institutions of higher education can often receive big donations, often from corporations or other such entities. But when officials at New Jerseys William Paterson University received word of a forthcoming donation of nearly $1 million dollars, it came from a single individual. And just who that individual was may have come as quite a surprise.

As NJ.com reported, Carol Mathews LeBeau was a regular donor to her alma mater every year since she graduated in 1945. LeBeau, who became an elementary school teacher after receiving her elementary education degree from the university, donated $5 to $7 per year to William Paterson annually until her passing in 2003. Naturally, at that point the donations stopped.

Until, that is, 20 years later, when the administrator of LeBeaus will contacted the university, to inform them of a $976,500 gift from her estate was forthcoming.

The story of just how LeBeaus belated bequeathment came to be is one of compassion. While how she amassed the totality of her wealth has not been made public, what is known is that Carol had a special needs daughter, Juliet. In Carols will, composed in 1972, it was stated that upon her passing ...her estate go first to her daughter Juliet for the remainder of her lifetime. Afterwards, 35 percent of the remaining estate was to be gifted to William Paterson University. Juliet lived until the age of 70, at a home for people with disabilities in Florida, and passed away in June 2022.

With consideration towards the legacy of LeBeaus love, both for education and her daughter, William Paterson University is using the donation to ...establish the Carol Mathews LeBeau Special Education Scholarship for graduate and undergraduate students pursuing teaching careers.

Her consistently remembering the institution, every single year, is a priceless testament of her pride and philanthropy, noted Pamela Ferguson, vice president for institutional advancement and president of the William Paterson University Foundation. While she was not able to make a transformative gift in her lifetime, Carol remembered us with great generosity in her estate plans, and for that, we are very grateful.

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When you really need to get away, plan a trip to one of these remote islands.

SimonDannhauer/Getty Images

There are getaways, then theres really getting away from it all. And if youre in need of the latter, weve got a few islands for you to consider for your next vacation.

Sure, with the advent of the internet and social media, it can feel almost impossible to find a destination that remains off the beaten path, but thats where an ultra-remote and under-the-radar island comes in. Here are 15 remote islands around the world that you can visit when you need a time-out from life.

Rapa Nui, Chile

Kevin Schafer/Getty Images

Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is as far away as one can get from the rest of the world. According to UNESCO, it is the most remote inhabited island on the planet, and sits some 2,300 miles from the coast of Chile. Though its Indigenous population saw a significant decline after colonization, they held on to their rich cultural traditions, and now there are about 3,000 people who still carry the Rapa Nui lineage. Travelers can visit the island on various cruise ship itineraries, or by flying directly there with LATAM Airlines.

Flores Island, Azores, Portugal

tane-mahuta/Getty Images

Find yourself at the westernmost point of Europe with a trip to the Azores; specifically, with a trip to Flores Island, a lush landscape thats part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The island gained its name thanks to the plentiful golden flowers blooming all over its 54 square miles, including up and down its craggy coast. Get here by flying from mainland Portugal with Azores Airlines.

Los Roques, Venezuela

simonkr/Getty Images

Those seeking gin-clear waters and very few other people around can make their way to Los Roques, an island off the coast of Venezuela, about 100 miles from the nations capital. Its actually a small island chain that makes up one of the countrys national parks. There are no roads here, and just one of the islands is inhabited. There are no buildings taller than two stories, and hotels are limited to just 10 rooms, meaning if you do make the trek here, youll likely be one of very few visitors. The only way to get here is by plane.

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Niue

Maximilien Leblanc/Getty Images

Niue, an island some 1,500 miles off the coast of New Zealand, is a literal paradise. The small island is home to just over 1,600 people and remains as wild and rugged as the day it sprang from the ocean as the largest raised coral atoll on the planet. Visitors here can spend their days snorkeling in the clear waters, watching whales migrate in the summer, or biking through the dirt roads without a single care in the world. Get there via regular flights on Air New Zealand.

Pitcairn Island, British Overseas Territory

Michael Dunning/Getty Images

The Pitcairn Islands, located in the South Pacific, are made up of several smaller land masses, but just the main island of Pitcairn is inhabited. The island is located more than 1,300 miles from Tahiti and more than 3,300 miles from the closest mainland in New Zealand. And with clear, tropical waters, its a destination that feels like paradise on Earth.

Skellig Islands, Ireland

MNStudio/Getty Images

Want to go to another planet? The Skellig Islands are as close as youll get. That other-worldly feeling only deepens when you realize the remote islands off the coast of Ireland are featured in both Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. The rugged island is the ideal place to come for a bit of exploration, to see a flock of puffins, and simply to marvel at one of Mother Natures masterpieces. Just know you can only get here by boat, so plan ahead.



Keeling Islands, Australia

Mlenny/Getty Images

Those seeking a warmer-weather retreat should head south and keep going all the way to the Keeling Islands, located 1,700 miles off the coast of Perth. The drop-dead-gorgeous islands are filled with golden sands, palm trees, and plenty of space just for you, as only two of the 27 islands are inhabited.

San Blas Islands, Panama

SimonDannhauer/Getty Images

Find more beachy bliss by making your way to Panama to visit the dreamy San Blas Islands. The archipelago is made up of 365 islands, but only 50 are inhabited. Come visit the Guna People who call the islands home, sleep in thatched-roof accommodation, and take a break from the internet, as there is no Wi-Fi available here.

Rodrigues Island, Mauritius

Ricardo Stephan/Getty Images

Located in the Indian Ocean, Rodrigues Island is a hidden gem that has stayed far enough off the mainstream radar to remain relatively untouched, but it still offers luxury accommodations like the Tekoma Boutik Hotel Rodrigues, which is happy to cater to your every whim as you take a break from reality.

Man Island, Bahamas

The Bahamas may be a rather accessible destination, especially for those living along the East Coast, but there are still plenty of smaller islands in the archipelago that your friends likely havent explored, and Man Island is one of them. Man Island has all the ultra-soft sand and turquoise waters of the other islands but none of the crowds. Take a snorkeling tour or just lounge in the sun without a care in the world.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Leandro Anhelli/Getty Images

No, your eyes arent deceiving you. The beaches at Fernando de Noronha really are that heavenly. Located some 270 miles off the coast of Brazil, the islands are a tranquil paradise and ideal for divers and snorkelers looking to get up close to nature. Here, youll find dolphins, sharks, and colorful fish all intermingling in the coral reef. And attention surfers: Fernando de Noronha is known to have some of the best winter surf on Earth.

Fogo Island, Canada

FedevPhoto/Getty Images

Travelers seeking a low-key adventure should book a ticket to Fogo Island, the largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite its size, its home to just 2,700 full-time residents. Come hike along its craggy shoreline and book a stay at the Fogo Island Inn, a high-design hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, allowing for maximum landscape-viewing opportunities.

Floreana Island, Ecuador

imageBROKER/Stefan Huwiler/Getty Images

Floreana Island, part of the Galapagos Archipelago, is another swoon-worthy tropical getaway spot that will transport you to another time, long before humans walked these lands. Its a spot filled with emerald greenery and a glittering natural pond, and it's surrounded by clear waters. There is, however, one way to interact with your fellow man here, and thats by visiting the post office, a small stand set up by whalers in the 1700s where you can still drop off a letter today.

La Gomera, Spain

elzauer/Getty Images

Find a bit of peace on La Gomera, the smallest of the Canary Islands. The island, which is also a national park, is home to dazzling black-sand beaches, and even though it's small, it has a terrain so varied youll feel like youre in a whole new place with each step. Get here by taking a flight from either Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

Tristan da Cunha, British Overseas Territory

David Forman/Getty Images

Travelers who are feeling a bit bold can head to super-remote Tristan da Cunha. The island, which sits in the very middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, is also an active volcano, but that hasnt stopped a few hundred people from taking up residence here. Getting to Tristan da Cunha takes some work, including obtaining permission to visit, but you can reach this bird-watching utopia via cruise ship.

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More than 1,100 Russian soldiers were killed near Bakhmut in less than one week, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address on Sunday, March 12.

"In less than one week, since March 6, more than 1,100 enemy soldiers were destroyed in Bakhmut direction alone  these are irretrievable losses for Russia, losses right there, near Bakhmut," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, at least 1,500 enemy sanitary losses can be added to this figure, "these are injuries that are incompatible for them with continued fighting."

"Moreover, dozens of units of enemy equipment were destroyed. In addition, burned Russian ammunition depots  more than ten," he said.
Craig Sjodin - Getty Images



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



With this season of The Bachelor nearly over, it's safe to say that everyone has a pretty good understanding of Bachelor Zach Shallcross' personality. But how well do Bachelor fans truly know him?

So far, he's given away his aggressively normal behavior (which has made this season, for some, a little boring), his mind on COVID quarantine, and his genuine intentions in finding true love. Is there any more to Zach than what meets the eye, or rather, the dramatic B-roll footage of him being pensive? Hopefully.

This week, viewers might actually find out during the "Women's Tell All," a.k.a. the episode where viewers finally get the contestants' unfiltered side of the storyon Zach and each other.

Will Greer air out her post-quarantine send off? Will Jess expand on why she went home in Estonia? Here's everything to know (so far) about tomorrow's episode.

It was filmed on February 24.

The "Women Tell All" episode was filmed on Friday, February 24, 2023, per Reality Steve. There's no word yet on where exactly it was filmed, but it was likely taped somewhere in Los Angeles.

Jesse Palmer will host.

Although no other details on the episode have been shared on the page, Jesse Palmer will reportedly host the "Women Tell All" event, per IMDb.

16 contestants will be there.

According to Reality Steve, there will be 16 contestants present during the tell all episode. In season 26, the "Women Tell All" episode included 18 contestants, but the number varies year to year. This year, the number might be slightly lower because Zach sent home 10 contestants in The Bachelor's first episode and viewers don't know much about those women.

Here is the list of contestants at the "Women Tell All," according to Reality Steve:

Cat Wong

Brooklyn Willie

Aly Jacobs

Greer Blitzer

Charity Lawson

Jess Girod

Genevie Mayo

Madison Johnson

Olivia Lewis

Christina Mandrell

Brianna Thorbourne

Mercedes Northup

Kylee Russel

Victoria Jameson

Anastasia Keramidas

Katherine Izzo

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It will reportedly be "chaotic."

Last week's teaser trailer proved that a few choice words will be said during the "Women Tell All." On March 9, 2023, Jess Girod, a season 27 contestant, also gave some details about the upcoming episode on the Click Bait with Bachelor Nation podcast. "It was fun, it was very chaotic," Jess said on the podcast.

Jess went on to say that the episode should be "very entertaining" for viewers. It also seems like drama will def be aired out between contestants in tomorrow's episode. "A lot of the women needed some closure on some of their situations with each other, so everyone kind of said their piece," Jess said.



Jess also told the Click Bait hosts that contestants Cat Wong and Brooklyn Willie will reportedly "come to a good understanding" at the end of the "Women Tell All" episode.

Reality Steve also reported that Christina and Anastasia will be big topics during the episode on a recent podcast episode. "A lot of the women [went] after Christina for how they felt she acted in the house," said Reality Steve.

It will air on March 14, 2023.

The Bachelor will air two episodes this week. Tonight will be the hometowns episode, and tomorrow will be the "Women Tell All" at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. You can also catch up on everything you may have missed this season on Hulu. Get your popcorn ready.

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Bagpiper Glenn Mackie warms up with the Shamrock Club of Columbus Pipes & Drums before marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade through downtown Columbus.

Have you started making your St. Patrick's Day plans?

Despite being a long way away from Ireland, the Columbus area gets well into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. Every year a St. Patrick's Day parade is held in Dublin as well as in downtown Columbus, and Columbus bars and pubs open earlier to serve corned beef, cabbage, soda bread and green beer.

Looking for a place to enjoy a pint on St. Patrick's Day in the Columbus area? Check out these bars and pubs, and look out for more ways to celebrate in the coming weeks.

St. Patrick's Day:5 things to know about the religious and cultural celebration

The Dublin Village Tavern

Located in historic Dublin, the Dublin Village Tavern, 27 S. High St., is one of the city's favorite bars for St. Patrick's Day. This establishment has been serving up drinks and food since 2000, including Irish imports, Irish whiskey, egg rolls filled with corned beef and sauerkraut, fish and chips, the classic Ruebens sandwich and more.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bryne's Pub

Byrne's Pub is an authentic Irish pub located at 1248 W. 3rd Ave. on the Northwest Side. The bar is a great place to grab a pint and offers dishes like shepherd's pie, sauerkraut balls, Ruebens and more. In the past, the pub has celebrated with a full day of music from Columbus bands, as well as appearances by the Shamrock Club Pipes and Drums.

Hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday, noon to midnight.

O'Huids Gaelic Pub

At 167 W. Main St. in Lancaster, the family-run O'Huids Gaelic Pub serves up Irish-inspired signature entrees like cottage pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, the "William Wallace" with corned beef, cabbage and cheddar cheese, sides like colcannon and minted mushy peas, and a beer menu featuring domestic beers, whiskey, bourbon and more.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Fad Irish Pub

Fad Irish Pub, located at 4022 Townsfair Way in Easton Town Center, hosts a ticketed St. Patrick's Day party, making it a popular place to celebrate the holiday. The bar has an extensive selection of drinks, including lagers, ciders, non-alcoholic beer, wine and more. The food menu features contemporary takes on Irish and European dishes, including corned beef rolls, the Fad Rueben, Guinness mac and cheese and shepherd's pie.

Hours are Monday through Tuesday, 11:30 am to 10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 am to 11 p.m., Friday, 11:30 am to midnight, Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fad Pub & Kitchen

Fad Pub & Kitchen is another great option for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. With its decor directly from its owner and operator's hometown of Dublin, Ireland, the restaurant and bar located at 6652 Riverside Drive in Dublin, Ohio offers a modern take on European dishes. The menu includes Bavarian pretzels, fish and chips, steak frites and more, plus an extensive drink menu.

Fad also has a full week of festivities planned, including live music, a parade party, 2.5-mile run and more.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hey Hey Bar & Grill

The Hey Hey Bar & Grill in Merion Village is a classic dive bar that has been a staple of the Columbus bar scene for over 100 years. The bar, at 361 E. Whittier St., has a great selection of beers and cocktails. The food menu features its mainstay sauerkraut ballsin regular, jalapeno and veggiein addition to in-house eats from Two Fat Indians.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday, noon to 2:30 a.m.

Old Bag of Nails

Old Bag of Nails has 11 locations in the Columbus area, any of which would be a good spot for a pint and a bite to eat on St. Patrick's Day. The popular regional pub chain is known for its fish and chips and other European pub eats like the Rueben-style fish sandwich and jumbo Bavarian pretzel and a rotating selection of draft and canned beers.

Hours vary by location.

O'Reilly's Pub

Irish tavern O'Reillys Pub, at 2822 N. High St. in Clintonville, is also a good place for a pint of Guinness and bar eats like the legendary Pepper Burger, fish and chips, grill Rueben sandwich and spicy "Scott's style" wings. O'Reilly's is counting down the days to St. Patrick's Day, when the veteran dive bar tends to open earlier than its standard hours.

Hours are seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Cherry Street Pub

Cherry Street Pub, at 202 N. Cherry St. in Lancaster, offers a vast menu of Irish and other European staples like Ruebens and fish and chips, plus a wide variety of other bar eats, beer, wine and cocktails. From the owners of the Barrel & Boar, the pub is located in a 100-year-old building with old English charm perfect for the holiday.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

tmoorman@dispatch.com

@taijuannichole

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: St. Patrick's Day: Here is where you can celebrate in Columbus
A worker announces on Friday that the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters is closed in Santa Clara, California. SVB was shut down by California regulators and put in control of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in California on Friday and Signature Bank in New York on Sunday sent ripples of concern throughout the country, as nervous investors and consumers wonder about their own banks.

The collapse of SVB was the largest failure of a financial institution since Washington Mutual collapsed at the height of the financial crisis more than a decade ago, and the collapse of Signature was the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history.

More:Regulators tap former Fifth Third CEO to run collapsed Signature Bank

Here's what experts say consumers should know in wake of the failures:

Are my bank deposits safe?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures bank deposits up to $250,000, so customers with less than that amount are protected.

In addition, the federal government on Sunday announced that it will guarantee not just those deposits, but all deposits in the troubled banks. Under the plan, depositors at SVB and Signature, including those whose holdings exceed $250,000, were to be able to access their money on Monday. In a separate announcement, the Federal Reserve late Sunday announced an expansive emergency lending program intended to prevent a wave of bank runs.

"The vast majority of consumers have less than 250,000 in the bank. All their deposits are covered," said Michael Adelman, president and CEO of the Ohio Bankers League, the trade association for the state's banks. "For a business, they may have more than that, but banks have legal tools to extend those coverages."

Adelman noted that customers with larger deposits can split those deposits into different accounts, none more than $250,000.

Banking news:Black-owned Adelphi Bank arises in Columbus neighborhood out of George Floyd protests

What does the state do to prevent bank collapses?

Bank collapses in Ohio are rare but not unheard of. Perhaps the best known is the 1985 collapse of the Home State Savings Bank in Cincinnati, which triggered the closure of savings and loans throughout the state and even nation. The last Ohio-chartered bank to close was Columbia Savings Bank in 2014. In addition, the Ohio-based Resolute Bank, which was a federally regulated savings bank, closed in October, 2019 and its assets later acquired by a state chartered bank.

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The state's Division of Financial Institutions works to prevent such events.

"We examine each financial institution at least every 18 months or sooner and this information is shared with federal regulators and the bank," said Brandon Klein, a spokesman for the institution's parent, the Department of Commerce. "We work closely with federal regulators and our banks to ensure Ohio banks are strong."

What about those who banked with SVB or Signature?

Customers are protected by federal insurance and Sunday's announcement, but some remained worried.

At least one Columbus-based company, Strongsuit, reported that it is directly impacted by SVB's collapse. The company's CEO, Lindsey Michaelides, tweeted over the weekend that her effort to move some of her firm's deposits out of SVB on Thursday were blocked.

"Friday morning I learned the wires had not processed," Michaelides tweeted. "Then, SVB collapsed and was taken over by the FDIC. I spent the day ensuring my team would be paid and talking with other founders in the same boat. The only certainty: all our $ was locked up; very little is insured. I dont know how this ends. I know that the financial future of Strongsuit, my team and my family are at risk w/ the collapse of SVB."

Michaelides could not be reached for additional comment, including whether she was able to access her funds Monday.

Is SVB a typical bank?

Silicon Valley Bank's customers were largely startups and other tech-centric companies that started becoming more needy for cash over the past year. Venture capital funding was drying up, companies were not able to get additional rounds of funding for unprofitable businesses, and therefore had to tap their existing funds  often deposited with SVB, which sat in the center of the tech startup universe.

The withdrawals started requiring the bank to start selling its own assets to meet customer withdrawal requests. Because Silicon Valley customers were largely businesses and the wealthy, they likely were more fearful of a bank failure since their deposits were over $250,000.

Signature Bank likewise had an unconventional deposit base, which leaned heavily on crypto investments and real-estate assets.

Banking news:First women-owned bank in Ohio proposed for Grandview Heights

Ohio banks don't share those characteristics, Adelman said.

"Ohio consumers should not be concerned about their banks," he said. "Silicon Valley Bank and Signature, those are pretty unique business models, very different from traditional banks in Ohio. SVB was heavy on tech and startups, and Signature catered to the crypto industry. Ohio banks are well-capitalized, have strong leadership and are very liquid. That's born out in the latest FDIC report."

Could this be the start of a 2008-style financial crisis?

At the moment, experts don't expect there to be any issues spreading to the broader banking sector.

Silicon Valley Bank was large but had a unique existence by servicing nearly exclusively the technology world and companies backed by venture capital. Signature also had an unusual deposit profile. Other banks are far more diversified across multiple industries, customer bases and geographies. The most recent round of stress tests by the Federal Reserve of the largest banks and financial institutions showed that all of them would survive a deep recession and a significant rise in unemployment.

How can consumers protect themselves?

Experts advise customers to speak with their bank if they have any concerns, especially if their account balance exceeds the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000.

"For customers that have deposit funds in excess of the limit they should ask the bank if there are ways to gain additional coverage for the excess or consider depositing funds in another bank," said Klein, with the state Department of Commerce.

Those with questions or concerns about their banks, can reach out to the department via its website.

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What Ohio bank customers should know after SVB and Signature collapse
Tulare County residents are bracing for the latest in an unrelenting wave of strong storms as forecasters warned of another atmospheric river expected to bring an additional round of flooding rainfall, high-elevation snow, and strong winds this week.

More than half of California  including Tulare County  was under a flood watch or a winter storm warning Sunday as one atmospheric river receded and another approached.

Tulare County is under a flood watch until Wednesday morning.

Multiple swift water rescues were underway this weekend as rivers and streams flooded across the Central Valley.

On Sunday morning, the sheriff's Swift Water Dive Rescue Team responded to Road 108 north of Avenue 364 after a driver tried to drive across a flooded roadway. The truck was swept onto the shoulder of the road and into a culvert full of fast-moving water. Although the driver was trapped, he could call 911 for help.

Deputies rescued the man from the fast-moving water. He was not injured, according to deputies.

Tulare County Fire crews work Friday, March 10, 2023 to rescue residents from flood waters on the south side of Highway 198 near Road 220.

In the California Hot Springs and Pine Flat area, firefighters set up a rope system across a fast-flowing creek to get needed supplies to residents who could not evacuate.

On Friday night, an evacuation warning was issued for homes and businesses on both sides of the Tule River from Richard L. Schafer Dam at Lake Success to Olive Avenue. The amount of added water to Lake Success from the rain and runoff threatened to reach the spillway.

Portions of Three Rivers, Springville, Woodlake, and Cutler were also impacted by flooding.

More rain is on the way.

The bulk rain and high-elevation snow will fall Tuesday through Tuesday night. This storm will "exacerbate" high flows that rivers and streams are already experiencing and will create more flooding concerns for areas along these rivers and streams and in low-lying areas, according to National Weather Service.

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Lodgepole, Grant Grove, and Shaver Lake are expected to receive between 4-6 inches of rain, while foothill communities like Three Rivers and California Hot Springs could get up to 3 inches.

Last weeks atmospheric river carried warm subtropical moisture that caused melting at lower elevations of Californias Sierra Nevada snowpack, adding to runoff that has swelled rivers and streams.

These long, narrow bands in the atmosphere carry copious amounts of water vapor released as rain or snow when making landfall. The upcoming atmospheric river, not expected to be quite as wet as the one from the weekend, will be the 11th to slam the state since late December.

Definitely prepare for some more flooding impacts,'' National Weather Service forecaster Eleanor Dhuyvetter said Sunday. "The ground is very saturated. Were already seeing some impacts from some light amounts even today.

Before this parade of storms, California was at the grips of a punishing three-year drought that now seems like a distant memory.

"The weather in California is almost like your spigot outdoors," AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "When it's on, the water flows out and floods. But when it's off, there will be barely a drop."

WHAT IS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER?These rivers of water vapor can extend thousands of miles

An aerial view shows people sitting on a bench in a flooded neighborhood in the unincorporated community of Pajaro in Watsonville, California on March 11, 2023.

Wind gusts of up to 45 mph will spread across Northern California on Sunday and Monday, AccuWeather said, raising the possibility of downed power lines. Rainfall will intensify Monday into Tuesday, and in upper mountain elevations, meteorologists warn visibility could be near zero.

The combination of more rain and melting of some of the snowpack due to warmer conditions will increase the risk of flooding at lower elevations.

"Considerable flooding impacts below 5,000-foot elevation along the central California coast, San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, and southern Sierra Nevada foothills into Tuesday,'' the National Weather Service said.

STORM SLAMS STATE: California storm brings flooding, breached levees, and evacuations

More than 8,500 people evacuated

The latest storm caused at least two deaths, and a third is being investigated for its links to the weather.

Over 8,500 people were evacuated Saturday in Monterey County, where a levee failed and flooded the unincorporated community of Pajaro, home to about 1,700 residents, many Latino farmworkers.

YOSEMITE STILL CLOSED:Park won't reopen until at least St. Patrick's Day due to winter weather

The Pajaro River separates the counties of Santa Cruz and Monterey in the area that flooded Saturday. Officials said that crews have been working to fix the levee. loodwaters that got into the regions wells might be contaminated with chemicals, and residents were told not to drink or cook with tap water.

The rain and snow from the upcoming system, carrying warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii, is expected to extend from Central California to Oregon and northern Nevada.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has recently declared emergencies in 34 counties. The Biden administration approved a presidential disaster declaration for some on Friday morning, bringing more federal assistance. President Joe Biden spoke with Newsom on Saturday to pledge the federal governments support in Californias response to the emergency, the White House said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: California winter storm: New atmospheric river deluge could slam state
Michelle Yeoh FaceTiming her mother after winning and Oscar for best actress. CNA Malaysia Bureau Chief Melissa Goh/Twitter

Michelle Yeoh FaceTimed her ecstatic mother in Malaysia while holding her Oscar.

Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress at Sunday night's ceremony.

Yeoh's mother Janet Yeoh said she has "made Malaysia proud."

Michelle Yeoh FaceTimed her 84-year-old mom in Malaysia moments after she became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress.

At Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony, Yeoh won the award for her leading role in "Everything Everywhere All At Once," which took home seven awards total, including best picture.

While holding her Oscar, Yeoh FaceTimed her mother, Janet Yeoh, and the two blew kisses to each other back and forth. CNA's Malaysia bureau chief, Melissa Goh, shared a video of the heartwarming encounter on Twitter.

At a viewing party in Malaysia, where Yeoh grew up, a crowd of Yeoh's family and friends erupted in cheers when Yeoh was announced as the winner.

"I so love my daughter, and she has made Malaysia proud," Janet Yeoh said at a news conference after the event, according to the AP.

Janet Yeoh, mother of Michelle Yeoh, celebrates after her daughter won in the best actress category during the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, as seen in a live view event at a cinema in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 13, 2023. Vincent Thian/AP

"This is something she earned with her hard work," Janet Yeoh told CNA's Melissa Goh in Chinese. "She is a very filial daughter, and helps people a lot."

In her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, Michelle Yeoh dedicated her Oscar to her mother and said that "all the moms in the world" are "superheroes."

"Without them, none of us would be here tonight," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
Starting April 1, all hikers will have to hire a government-licensed guide and obtain a card proving permission through authorized trekking agencies.

Pakawat Thongcharoen/Getty Images

Nepal will ban individual trekkers from venturing out alone next month in an effort to prevent potentially costly search and rescue efforts.

The country, which, CNN reported, already banned individual climbers on Mount Everest five years ago, will now ban solo trekkers across all of Nepal, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Starting April 1, all hikers will have to hire a government-licensed guide and obtain a card proving permission through authorized trekking agencies.

The decision has been taken subsequent to a series of discussions with the trekking and expedition stakeholders and relevant trade unions in Nepal, to help mitigate adverse incidents like getting lost en-route, health issues and/or natural disasters etc., the tourism board wrote in a notice. With this implementation, the trekkers will have immediate access to [a] professional support system and will help in addressing the challenges of rescue operations in case of any unwarranted situation. In addition to safety, the new provision will create employment for workers in the tourism sector of Nepal and discourage unauthorized trekking operations in the country.

Nepals Himalayan peaks are home to some of the tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, which is the tallest from sea level to peak. Mani R. Lamichhane, the director of the Nepal Tourism Board, told CNN the cost to rescue solo travelers is significant.

"When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you," Lamichhane said. "It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate When tourists go missing or they are found dead, even the government cannot track them because they have taken remote routes."

Trekking in Nepal is a bucket list experience, but there are other amazing hikes closer to home, like Mauna Kea in Hawaii, which is a National Natural Landmark and is actually taller than Everest if measured from its base beneath the Pacific Ocean.

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A24s Everything Everywhere All at Once won best picture at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday night, one of seven Academy Awards it received  including prizes for its direction, original screenplay, editing and performances from actors Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis.

The films star Michelle Yeoh won the Oscar for best actress, becoming the first Asian woman and only second woman of color after Halle Berry  who won for Monsters Ball in 2002 and presented the award to Yeoh with last years winner Jessica Chastain  to win the award.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Thank you all the little boys and girls look like me watching tonight, said Yeoh. This is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dreams to come true. And ladies, dont let anybody tell you [that] you are ever passed your prime.

Brendan Fraser won best actor for another A24 film, The Whale. His performance in the film has been considered a comeback for the actor who  as host Jimmy Kimmel noted in his opening monologue  once appeared in Encino Man alongside fellow Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan. I started in this business 30 years ago, said Fraser in his acceptance speech. Things didnt come easily to me, but there was a facility that I didnt appreciate at the time until it stopped.

Ke Huy Quan won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in Everything Everywhere, delivering an emotional speech to a standing ovation from the audience. Mom, I just won an Oscar! he said, noting that his road to the Oscars was long and unexpected. My journey started on a boat, said Quan, who fled Vietnam with his parents in 1978. I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow, I ended up here on Hollywoods biggest stage. Stories like this only happen in the movies.

Quans co-star Jamie Lee Curtis took the Oscar for best supporting actress for the A24 film. I know it looks like Im standing up here by myself, but I am not  I am hundreds of people, said Curtis, who noted that her parents Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh were both nominated for Oscars, but neither won. She also called out the fans of the Halloween franchise, which made her a star after the first film was released in 1978. To all of the people who have supported the genre movies that Ive made for all these years  the thousands, the hundreds of thousands  we just won an Oscar!

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Filmmaking duo Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) took both best director(s) and best original screenplay for Everything Everywhere All at Once, becoming just the third two-person directing team to take the Oscar for direction after West Side Storys Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins and the Coen brothers for No Country for Old Men. In his acceptance speech for the latter category, Scheinert honored the public school teachers who taught him as a kid. Kwan, meanwhile, thanked his creative partner for being his confidence. Women Talking writer-director Sarah Polley won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay. I want to thank the Academy for not being mortally offended by the words women and talking so close together like that, she joked as she accepted the award.

Netflixs All Quiet on the Western Front won best international film, the third win for Germany. All Quiet also scored prizes for original score, production design and cinematography. It was the eighth film to be nominated for this category and best picture in the same year (and the first German-language film to earn a best picture nomination). In his acceptance speech, he noted that fellow nominee Florian Hoffmeister  the cinematographer of Tar, with whom Berger reunited at a recent brunch  hired Berger as his assistant on their first film together 30 years ago.

Guillermo del Toro earned his third Oscar for Netflixs Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, which earned the award for best animated feature. Animation is ready to be taken to the next step, said del Toro in his acceptance speech. Please help us, and keep animation in the conversation.

Performances of the tunes nominated for best original song included 14-time nominee Diane Warren making her debut on the Oscars stage, accompanying singer-actress Sofia Carson on piano for Applause from Tell It Like a Woman. Lady Gaga  who originally was not slated to perform before being added to the lineup at the last minute  delivered a stripped-down rendition of Top Gun: Mavericks ballad Hold My Hand. Rihanna, fresh off her Super Bowl halftime show in February, performed Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which she wrote with the films composer Ludwig Goransson, director Ryan Coogler and Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems. And Oscar winner David Byrne was joined by Everything Everywhere star (and nominee) Stephanie Hsu to perform This Is a Life from the A24 film. But it was RRRs Naatu Naatu that won the Oscar for best original song, with composer M. M. Keeravani delivering his acceptance in the form of a parody of the Carpenters Top of the World

Ruth E. Carter won her second Oscar for best costume design for Disney/Marvels Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, following her first win in 2019 for the previous film in the Marvel franchise. Carter dedicated her historic win, as the first Black woman to win two awards in any category, to her late mother, who passed away last week: This [movie] prepared me for this moment, Carter said, also honoring Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick, please take care of Mom.

Best documentary feature went to Navalny, and director Daniel Roher dedicated the prize to Russian political opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and relayed a statement on behalf of his films imprisoned subject: I would like to dedicate this award to not only to all political prisoners around the world, read Roher, before adding: Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot be must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head.

Yulia Navalnaya, wife of the films subject, also delivered a message of thanks to her husband. My husband is in prison just for telling the truth and defending democracy, she said. Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free.

The directors of An Irish Goodbye, winner of the Oscar for best live action short film, used their time at the mic to ask the audience to sing Happy Birthday to star James Martin. Netflixs All Quiet on the Western Front earned the prize for best cinematography, going to DP James Friend. A24s The Whale won the Oscar for best makeup and hairstyling, becoming the first film to win for using digitally printed prosthetics. Avatar: The Way of Water  as expected  won the Oscar for best visual effects. Top Gun: Maverick, meanwhile, won the Oscar for best sound. In accepting his Oscar for best editing, Everything Everywhere editor Paul Rogers noted, This is my second movie, yall.

Host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the Dolby Theatre for his third Academy Awards hosting gig, using his opening monologue to applaud the films that brought moviegoers back to cinemas. The films you worked so hard to make the way they were supposed to be seen: in the theater, Kimmel noted before turning his attention to Oscar winner Nicole Kidman in the audience: Im glad to see that Nicole Kidman has finally been released from that abandoned AMC, he joked.

It was such a great year for diversity and inclusion, including nominees from all corners of Dublin, mused Kimmel, pointing out that five Irish performers were among the nominated actors. But he also noted two films not nominated for Oscars: Sonys The Woman King and MGM/United Artists Till, which were both controversially shut out by the Academy despite critical praise for Gina Prince-Bythewoods historical epic and Chinonye Chukwus drama lead by Danielle Deadwyler.

Kimmel also saved the elephant in the room, Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during last years Oscars, for the end of his monologue: We want you to have fun, we want you to feel safe; and most importantly, I want to feel safe, he said. If anyone commits an act of violence, you will be rewarded with the Oscar for best actor.

Heading into the 95th Academy Awards, A24s Everything Everywhere led the pack with 11 nods, including best picture, best director and original screenplay (for duo Daniels), and acting noms for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Curtis and Hsu. The studio had a good year, also earning noms for The Whale (best actor, supporting actress and hair and makeup), Aftersun (best actor) and Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (animated feature).

Going into Sunday night, Netflixs All Quiet on the Western Front and Searchlights The Banshees of Inisherin both had nine nominations including for best picture.

See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.

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Head of the Committee for the National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine Yuriy Makarov has resigned.

"I am leaving this honorary position with the feeling that our previous joint work somehow contributed to the strengthening and renewal of our national culture," Makarov said on Facebook.

In addition, he said that a few days ago, as head of the Committee, he took the initiative to supplement the list of nominations with additional awards "For Contribution to Victory."

"I proceeded from the fact that this year the committee did not consider it possible to award an award in two categories, and meanwhile, since the beginning of a full-scale war, an incredible, unimaginable number of works of art, projects and phenomena have appeared that are made on enthusiasm and literally bring our victory closer," he said.

Such a proposal was supported by the President's Office, which delayed the release of the results of the 2023 contest in order to announce the winners collectively on May 22, he said.

"Unfortunately, the desire to pay respect to those artists who raise Ukrainian culture to a fundamentally new level, involve our heroic warriors and residents of the liberated territories in it, promote the country in the world, ran into aggressive misunderstanding. Many respected representatives of the artistic community and caring citizens took this step as a political speculation, an attempt by the authorities to appoint "their" nominees or to belittle the weight of already determined laureates," he said.

In addition, according to Makarov, his initiative also did not find support among colleagues, members of the Prize Committee.

As reported, on March 10, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko and Yuriy Makarov announced that the winners of the Shevchenko Prize, along with the winners of the new nomination "For Contribution to Victory" would be announced on May 22, the day of Taras Shevchenko's reburial.

At the same time, already on March 11, the Prize Committee announced the winners of some of the nominations.
Perhaps Tom Cruise and James Cameron were onto something.

The superstars behind two of the biggest films from the past year, Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water, didnt attend the 2023 Oscars, where their blockbuster movies, despite being nominated for multiple awards, went home with only one award each, both in the craft categories.

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While Cameron missed out on a best director nomination and Cruise was left out of the best actor contest, they were both nominated for best picture for their roles as producers on their long-gestating sequels.

But at least Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar 2 won one award each.

The Banshees of Inisherin went into the night up for nine awards, tied with All Quiet on the Western Front for the second-most nominations this year, and while All Quiet made noise winning four awards, Banshees left the 2023 Oscars empty-handed. Still, star Colin Farrell got some screen time, jabbing back at Saturday Night Lives Oscar parody and reminiscing with a donkey that host Jimmy Kimmel claimed was the same one who worked on Banshees.

Some predicted that Banshees actress Kerry Condon would win in supporting actress or perhaps even that Barry Keoghan would win for supporting actor, repeating their BAFTA triumphs, but instead those awards, as part of the Everything Everywhere All at Once dominance, went to Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, respectively.

Curtis win was somewhat of a surprise. While Curtis won the SAG Award, many were expecting Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Angela Bassett to win, repeating her Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards triumphs, and making history as the first Oscar-winning Marvel actress.

The best actor race was also a toss-up going into Sunday night with some experts predicting another SAG Awards repeat with a Brendan Fraser win and others suggesting Elvis star Austin Butler would triumph. Indeed, Fraser won, in a rare case of a best actor win coming from a film not nominated for best picture (The Whale) and marking a surprise defeat for Butler. But that wasnt the only setback faced by Elvis. The Baz Luhrmann-directed film, which went into the Oscars up for eight awards, didnt win any.

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Elvis was predicted to triumph in a number of categories, including cinematography, where Mandy Walker would have become the first woman to win in that field. Instead, the cinematography Oscar went to All Quiet on the Western Front. Catherine Martin also could have pulled off a three-peat win in both production and costume design (she lost both), after winning both categories for Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby.

Also failing to win any of the awards for which they were nominated were two films that looked like Oscar favorites this fall: Steven Spielbergs semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans (composer John Williams could have become the oldest winner of a competitive Oscar if hed won for best score) and Todd Fields Tar (Cate Blanchett could have won her third Oscar, but as with many awards this season, she lost to Michelle Yeoh).

While All Quiet on the Western Front won four awards, some experts predicted it would win best adapted screenplay but that honor went to Women Talking, the only award for the best picture nominee.

And Naatu Naatu, which has had audiences dancing in the aisles, beat starry best original song competitors from Rihanna, Lady Gaga and perennial nominee Diane Warren.

See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals.

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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle

In a word? Yikes. Theres still no RSVP either way from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle re: their attendance at King Charles Coronation on May 6, but, if they do come, they should be prepared to get the cold shoulder from some of the royal family, The Mirror reports.

Despite familial rifts, the Frogmore eviction, and the day of the ceremony also being their son Archies fourth birthday, the Sussexes are still largely expected to attend the historic event. (There hasnt been a Coronation since June 1953, when Her late Majesty was crowned 70 years ago.) Yet, The Mirror reports, though the weather may be warmer in London by May, the couple should expect a frosty reception from some members of their family, who apparently have no desire to socialize with the Sussexes and hope they will be seated in Iceland for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. (Really?)

They will be given the cold shoulder by very many relatives, a friend of the royal family tells The Daily Mail . One said to me I hope theyll be seated in Iceland. Many of the family just want nothing more to do with them. If they have to see them at the Coronation then so be it, but they do not want to socialize with them.

It is understood that Harry and Meghan will not be invited to the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance, as that moment will be reserved for working members of the royal family. (Harry and Meghan stepped back from those duties in January 2020 and have since forged a new life for themselves Stateside.) Despite their eviction from their U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage, the couple is expected to stay there if they fly in for the Coronation, enjoying Archies birthday before the ceremony, The Mirror reports. The King has given Harry and Meghan until after the Coronation in May to clear their belongings from Frogmore Cottage.

While there, reports The Sun , the couple will have no control and will be treated as minor figures left on the fringes: Harry and Meghan will have no control over how this event plays out, said royal expert Dr. Ed Owen. The Royal Household will have complete control over this event. The rehearsal schedule will be extremely intense. Everything will be organized down to the second in terms of how the event is meant to unfold, in terms of the role of the different performers. If Harry and Meghan are present on the day, they are going to be minor figures at the fringe of this event.

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If they do go, it would show a sign of respect for the monarchy, royal author Robert Hardman tells Page Six . This is not our show, its his [King Charles] show, we are here because thats the sort of respect for a beautiful thing to do, he said. Private family issues asidethats for another day. He adds the Coronation is a family event as well as a state event, and you would expect all the family to be at a family event. He points to Harry and Meghans attendance at last years Platinum Jubilee, where they didnt seek to upstage the main event, they didnt give any interviews, they didnt have a Netflix crew following them up the aisle [at St. Pauls Cathedral]. I think if theyre sensible, thats how theyll play it this time.

However, if they dont go, it would show the rift will never heal between the Sussexes and the royal family, OK reports. The kind of symbolism of not going feels a little bit like giving up on the relationship with the royals, Newsweeks chief royal correspondent Jack Royston said on The Royal Report podcast. It feels like just kind of admitting defeat and that the rift will never heal. You know, if you dont go back to Britain to see your family for the coronation, then what do you go back for? What is going to be bigger than this?

The next time the entire royal family might gather like this could be as far out as Prince Georges weddingand George, at present day, is only nine years old.

But George is still, you know, an elementary school-aged kid, Royston said. Like, who is going to have an event of a scale that will actually bring Harry and Meghan back? They might come back to see friends, but thats not the same as seeing family members. Thats the thing about the royal family, is that you really do have to make a deliberate effort to see somebody. You have to get it in the calendar, or it wont happen. So, you know, going [to the Coronation], I guess is keeping hope alive.
Tapping into the Japanese national zeitgeist once again with Suzume, writer-director Makoto Shinkai surpasses his peers in making films for and about teenagers. Now 50 years old, the anime master christened his latest blockbuster after its heroine, Suzume Iwato (voiced by Nanoka Hara), a 17-year-old orphan on the southwestern island of Kyushu swept up in a cross-country trip to prevent a series of natural disasters. That such a responsibility should fall to someone so young is typical of his oeuvre (see Weathering With You), but also an apt way of illustrating the lingering trauma and vulnerability that adolescents feel in many parts of Japan.

Funnier and more streamlined than Shinkais earlier hypercharged toon epics, Suzume is a massive hit in its home country, where it has earned more than $100 million since opening last November  his third film to pass that milestone. The film made its international premiere at the Berlinale, one of two animated features in official competition (the other being Chinese director Liu Jians Art College 1994). Theatrical releases are scheduled to follow in most countries on or around April 13.

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By now, the world knows Shinkais name, thanks to the success of Your Name, a gorgeous and inventive global phenom from 2016, which dazzled audiences with its stunning landscapes and fantastical touches. The panoramas alone are reason to see Shinkais films, and the helmer outdoes himself this time around: His clouds glow golden, beaming honeyed light (and virtual lens flares) across J.M.W. Turner-worthy horizons. Shinkai is such a stickler for detail that even his backdrops are meticulously animated, with attention paid to everything from birds flapping in the mid-ground to the sparkles reflected off distant waves.

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In Your Name, the director invented a disaster  a spectacular meteor strike  almost surely inspired by 2011s Tohoku earthquake. With Suzume, he references the 3/11 tremors and tsunami outright in the films prologue as Suzume stumbles through what seems like a parallel dimension alone, facing the surreal devastation: Houses reduced to rubble, a ghostly boat wedged atop a low building. Searching for her mother, she meets a figure there  a woman, her face unclear  though it will take the entire movie for audiences to discover the significance of this encounter.

The rest of the film takes place about a decade later, starting out in Kyushu (sadly, the island was struck by a 5.6-magnitude earthquake just six weeks before the films release, lending added resonance). Suzume now lives with her aunt, who gives the girl enough independence that she can disappear for a day or two without raising too much concern. Riding her bike to school one morning, Suzume passes a handsome young man walking in the other direction, and in a strategy lifted from live action, time slows, and the camera captures the romantic spark between them (its a Shinkai signature to import such tactics into the realm of anime).

The stranger is named Souta Manakata (Hokuto Matsumura). He will later describe himself to Suzume as a Closer  someone tasked with closing a series of mystical portals, lest a giant Worm escape and wreak disaster on the country  but at first glance, hes little more than a crush. After school gets out, Suzume goes looking for him amid some ruins, finding a doorway standing oddly at the center of an abandoned onsen. In what seems like a moment from Alice in Wonderland, Suzume removes the Keystone  which transforms into a tiny white cat and scampers away  and opens the door to reveal a star-filled parallel dimension. But instead of passing through it, she inadvertently unleashes a Worm.

As a plot device, theres nothing wrong with these Worms, which burst forth from portals in different towns, forcing Suzume and Souta to trace their path along the eastern coast. The pair must shut each door before these radioactive indigo Worms can topple to the ground and cause a cataclysmic earthquake. Thats especially challenging for Souta, whos magically transformed into a three-legged childrens chair  a whimsical notion for a sidekick that proves surprisingly effective. By contrast, it was a mistake to render the monstrous, undeniably phallic Worms via computer animation, as they look more lame than menacing.

Still, the threat is real, anthropomorphizing any number of actual natural disasters that have hammered Japan in recent years. (The country is situated at a kind of seismic epicenter, resulting in roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually!) Whats so smart about Shinkais script is the way it integrates the anxiety locals feel about such tremors with an appreciation of the countrys disappearing heritage, as represented in the sites where Suzume finds the portals: a shuttered middle school, a dilapidated amusement park and so on. To find the strength to close each door, Suzume must imagine the people who existed there before. And while shes not afraid to die, she must rediscover the will to live.

Shinkai brings a contemporary, youth-friendly feel to his films by collaborating with the rock band Radwimps, joined here by composer Kazuma Jinnouchis atmospheric instrumentations. The ethereal chanting track that accompanies Suzumes gravity-defying showdown in the sky over Tokyo is a high point, as is the bouncy theme song. Shinkai also keeps things relevant by incorporating modern technology, like text messaging and social media: One running gag finds the mischievous Keystone becoming a viral sensation as people post photos of its cutesy antics online. The design of the cat Daijin will almost certainly remind Puella Magi Madoka Magica fans of the shows naughty kitty, Kyubey.

Structured as a road movie, Suzume invites audiences on a tour of Japan, bypassing familiar landmarks, like Mount Fuji, to concentrate on places that represent the countrys endangered heritage  each cloud and ruin lovingly rendered to deliver the soul-nourishing charge of a real-world sunset. So, come for Shinkais skies, stay for the feels. At first, the film may seem like little more than a succession of door-slamming showdowns, but in the end, Suzume has something more profound to say  to her younger self. Its an emotional payoff to an epic personal journey in which learning to cope is key. In Suzume, healing proves more important than preventing disaster.

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Tensions between the Russian ministry of defence and the rebel Wagner group have likely reached a boiling point in their rivalry over Bakhmut, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said.

The city in Donetsk Oblast, which has been the site of bloody contention for several weeks, serves as a symbolic stepping stone for Moscow to push forward in its invasion.

According to ISW analysis, the Russian MoD is trying to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken [Yevgeny] Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin.

The analysis continued: The Russian MoD is currently prioritising eliminating Wagner on the battlefields in Bakhmut, which is likely slowing down the rate of advance in the area.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Monday it was not ruling out Russian President Vladimir Putin attending a summit of leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) developed and emerging economies on Sept. 9-10 in New Delhi.

Key points

Putin and Wagner group reach boiling point in Bakhmut rivalry

Russia suffering extremely heavy casualties, says MoD

Wagner chief cut off by Putin over arms call

IAEA chief makes plea for Zaporizhzhia safe zone after outage

Russia unleashes barrage of missiles on many Ukrainian regions

Putin and Wagner group reach boiling point in Bakhmut rivalry

11:38 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Tensions between the Russian ministry of defence and the rebel Wagner group has likely reached a boiling point in their rivalry over Bakhmut, the Institute of War has said.

The city in Donetsk Oblast, which has been the site of bloody contention for several weeks, serves as a symbolic stepping stone for Moscow to push forward in its invasion.

According to IoW analysis, the Russian MoD is trying to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin.

The analysis continued: The Russian MoD is currently prioritizing eliminating Wagner on the battlefields in Bakhmut, which is likely slowing down the rate of advance in the area.

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Prigozhin saw Bakhmut as an opportunity to gain leverage on the Russian MoD and likely in the Kremlin in pursuit of his own commercial and political aspirations.

Putin used Wagner to protect his regime from detrimental societal ramifications of mobilization, which also continues to inhibit his war efforts in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky awards highest military honour to soldier executed on video

10:53 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Volodymyr Zelensky awarded a top military honour to the Ukrainian sniper and prisoner of war Oleksandr Matsiyevsky who was shot down by Russian-speaking forces as captured in a widely circulated video.

The man was heard chanting Slava Ukraini or glory to Ukraine as his last words before multiple shots from an unseen shooter or shooters behind the video camera claimed his life, leading to widespread condemnation of the alleged war crime.

I conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine upon Oleksandr Matsiyevsky. A Ukrainian warrior. A man who will be known and remembered forever. For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine and for his Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Hero! Glory to the Heroes! Glory to Ukraine! Mr Zelensky said late on Sunday in his nightly address.

Volodymyr Zelensky awards highest military honour to soldier executed on video

Kremlin doesn't rule out Putin attending G20 summit in India

10:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Kremlin said on Monday it was not ruling out Russian President Vladimir Putin attending a summit of leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) developed and emerging economies on Sept. 9-10 in New Delhi.

Putin has yet to travel beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union since sending his armed forces into Ukraine in February last year, and missed Novembers G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Asked whether Putin might attend the Delhi summit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters:

It cant be ruled out. Russia continues to participate fully in the G20 framework. It intends to continue to do that. But no decision has been made yet.

(Sputnik)

Patchwork fixes to Ukraine grain shortfall leave world vulnerable a year into war

10:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A patchwork of fixes and increased crop plantings around the world to counter the impact of war in Ukraine on global grain supplies are not enough to ward off further risks of disruption.

Extensive damage to Ukraines farm sector and uncertainty that the UNs grain export corridor deal will be renewed this month suggest food prices may remain elevated, increasing the potential of hunger if other problems arise, agriculture experts warn.

Meanwhile, adverse weather, including a historic drought in No. 3 corn exporter Argentina, highlights the risks of increasingly severe weather around the world for food supplies.

A year after Russias war on major grains producer Ukraine sent global crop values to decade highs on fears of shortages, prices of key crops have reverted back to pre-war levels, with benchmark corn futures down 10% and wheat futures more than 20% lower than the days before the invasion.

The world has had some time to patch some holes, said Dan Basse, president of AgResource Co in Chicago, citing larger-than-anticipated Russian wheat exports and the grain export corridor deal that allowed some 3 million tonnes of grain per month to be exported from Ukraines Black Sea ports.

If we dont have another supply shock somewhere, the world can get by on the diminishment of Ukrainian grain. But its tenuous. Things have to go right, he said.

(AP)

UK boosts defense spending in response to Russia and China

10:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Monday to increase UK military funding by 5 billion ($6 billion) over the next two years in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and the epoch-defining challenge posed by China.

The increase, part of a major update to UK foreign and defense policy, is less than military officials wanted.

Sunak said the UK would increase military spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product in the longer term, but did not set a date. Britain currently spends just over two per cent of GDP on defense, and military chiefs want it to rise to three per cent.

The extra money will be used, in part, to replenish Britains ammunition stocks, depleted from supplying Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

Some will also go towards a UK-US-Australia deal to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Sunak will meet US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego on Monday to confirm next steps for the military pact, known as AUKUS, struck by the three countries in 2021 amid mounting concern about Chinas actions in the Pacific.

Russia suffering extremely heavy casualties, though countrys elite left relatively unscathed, says MoD

09:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Vladimir Putin continues to suffer extremely heavy casualties in Ukraine, though the impact of those losses varies dramatically across Russias regions, according to UK intelligence.

In proportion to the size of their population, the richest cities of Moscow and St Petersburg have been left relatively unscathed, the Ministry of Defence said in its daily update on Sunday.

This is especially true for the families of the countrys elite, it adds.

In many of the Eastern regions, deaths are likely running, as a percentage of population, at a rate 30+ times higher than in Moscow. In places, ethnic minorities take the biggest hit; in Astrakhan some 75 per cent of casualties come from the minority Kazakh and Tartar populations.

As the Russian MoD seeks to address its continued deficit of combat personnel, insulating the better-off and more influential elements of Russian society will highly likely remain a major consideration.

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

09:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russias advance seems to have stalled in Moscows campaign to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a leading think tank said in an assessment of the longest ground battle of the war.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said there were no confirmed advances by Russian forces in Bakhmut. Russian forces and units from the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group continued to launch ground attacks in the city, but there was no evidence that they were able to make any progress, ISW said late Saturday.

The report cited the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Eastern Group, Serhii Cherevaty, who said that fighting in the Bakhmut area had been more intense this week than the previous one. According to Cherevaty, there were 23 clashes in the city over the previous 24 hours.

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

Indonesia's Bali wants to tighten visa requirements for Russian tourists

09:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Authorities in Indonesias popular holiday island of Bali have asked the central immigration agency to cancel a visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian nationals after tourists were found working illegally.

Russian nationals are among the biggest groups of foreign arrivals in Indonesia, according to official tourism data. At least four Russian citizens were deported this month for visa violations and immigration authorities have repeatedly warned foreigners in Bali against working on tourist visas.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on Sunday he has asked the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to tighten visa requirements by cancelling the visa-on-arrival facility specifically for Russian and Ukrainian citizens due to a series of violations.

Because they are at war, so they flocked to Bali, including those who sought comfort or came to work here, he said, according to a post on the immigration agencys Instagram account. He added these two countries were singled out because their citizens infractions were more significant than those of others.

He did not provide details on the violations.

The move comes as Indonesians take to social media to complain about some Russian tourists actions in Bali, including a model who posed nude at a sacred tree and a man who allegedly hit a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol.

A spokesperson for Indonesias immigration agency, which is under the law ministry, declined to comment.

The embassies of Russia and Ukraine in Jakarta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Indonesia allows nationals of certain countries to apply for a visa upon landing in the country, while others have to apply before departure.

More than 77,500 Russians arrived in the Southeast Asian country between September 2022 and January 2023 as COVID-19 restrictions were eased, compared with about 88,000 in the same period just before the pandemic.

About 8,800 Ukrainian visitors arrived between September 2022 and January 2023.

Russia adding IKEA, Lancome and other luxury goods to parallel import list

08:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russias industry ministry said on Monday it was expanding its list of brands that can be imported without the trademark owners permission to include goods from companies such as IKEA and American toy manufacturers Hasbro and Mattel.

Moscow has been pushing a so-called parallel imports scheme to help Russian consumers maintain access to a host of foreign products in the face of tough punitive sanctions imposed by the West over the conflict in Ukraine.

The mechanism allows Russian companies to buy goods from any company outside Russia, including from the country of the goods origin, provided they were purchased legally.

The Ministry of Industry and Trades expanded list includes luxury brands, such as Lancome, Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent, domestic goods brands Wahl and Zanussi, and Japans Nintendo. Brands of motor oils and agricultural equipment makers were also added.

(PA)

The updated list was first reported by the Izvestia daily, which said that IKEA would be added towards the summer.

Izvestia has the correct list and it is now being registered with the Ministry of Justice, the ministry said in a statement.

Many goods of top brands that pulled out of Russia remain available, with parallel importing mechanisms having been consolidated and expanded in the past year, demonstrating the difficulty companies have in controlling supply chains when exiting a market.

The ministry said it was working on fine-tuning the mechanism, transitioning from including brand names to rights holders, a move it said would simplify the administrative procedure. (

Chinas Xi plans Russia visit as soon as next week

08:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to travel to Russia to meet his counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said, which would be sooner than previously expected.

Plans for a visit come as China has been offering to broker peace in Ukraine, an effort that has been met with scepticism in the West given Chinas diplomatic support for Russia.

Russias Tass news agency reported on Jan. 30 that Putin had invited Xi to visit in the spring. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May.

Chinas foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of Xi going to Moscow and the Kremlin declined to comment.

No other details were immediately available.

The sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.

China and Russia struck a no limits partnership in February of 2022, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, and the two sides have continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (AP)

Russia's Patrushev doubts pro-Ukrainian group blew up Nord Stream

07:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

One of President Vladimir Putins top allies said on Monday that he doubts that the Nord Stream pipelines were blown up by a pro-Ukrainian group, and said that Moscow still does not know who exactly was behind it, Interfax reported.

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Ukraine had gained nothing from the destruction of the pipelines.

German and United States media have reported that the U.S. intelligence community believes that a pro-Ukrainian group was behind the September explosions that badly the pipelines. Russia has called the incident a terrorist attack, and suggested that Western countries were behind it.

Russia's security council secretary Nikolai Patrushev (AP)

What is the latest from Bakhmut?

07:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Here is the latest update from the battle in Bakhmut:

* The situation in Bakhmut was difficult, the commander of Ukrainian ground forces said, though adding that his troops were repelling all Russian attempts to capture it.

* The head of Russias Wagner mercenary group, which has led the assault on Bakhmut, said the situation in the mining town was tough, very tough ... But we are advancing and we will be advancing.

* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had suffered more than 1,100 dead in the past few days fighting along the Bakhmut section of the frontline. Russian forces also sustained 1,500 sanitary losses - soldiers wounded badly enough to keep them out of further action, he added.

* Russias defence ministry said on Sunday its forces had killed more than 220 Ukrainian service members over the past 24 hours in the Donetsk direction.

* The Wagner chief said his army would begin to reboot once Bakhmut was captured. In particular, we will start recruiting new people from the regions, Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a clip posted on Telegram channels associated with Wagner.

Wagner chief likely lost access to Russian prisons for recruiting men  MoD

06:58 , Arpan Rai

The British defence ministry has claimed that Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin has likely lost access to recruiting in Russian prisons due to his ongoing disputes with the Russian defence ministry leadership.

Prigozhin is highly likely pivoting recruitment efforts towards free Russian citizens, the ministry said today in its latest intelligence update.

The defence ministry said that since the start of March 2023, Wagner has set up outreach teams based in sports centres in at least 40 locations across Russia.

In recent days, masked Wagner recruiters also gave career talks in Moscow high schools, distributing questionnaires entitled application of a young warrior to collect the contact details of interested pupils, the MoD said.

tating that the new initiatives are unlikely to make up for the loss of the convict recruit pipelines, the ministry said that about half of the prisoners Wagner has already deployed in Ukraine have likely become casualties.

If the ban endures, Prigozhin will likely be forced to reduce the scale or intensity of Wagner operations in Ukraine, the ministry said.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 13 March 2023



Find out more about Defence Intelligence: https://t.co/qi9pyI0NXr



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/hc3RfWFhvf  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 13, 2023

Zelensky awards highest honour to Ukrainian man shot by Russia

05:49 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the highest military honour posthumously to the Ukrainian soldier gunned down by Russian forces for chanting Glory to Ukraine.

Today I conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine upon Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, a soldier. A man whom all Ukrainians will know. A man who will be remembered forever. For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine and for his Glory to Ukraine!, he said in his nightly address.

Ukrainian journalists lauded the deceased soldier and the award by the Zelenksy administration, confirming that the man was killed in December last year.

We now know the name of this man. Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, a sniper of Chernihiv territorial defence brigade. He went MIA in late December 2022, and according to Ukrainian officials, was killed by Russians just before New Year. He has been posthumously awarded Hero of Ukraine. RIP, said journalist Olga Tokariak.

Wagner chief says Bakhmut situation very tough'

04:59 , Arpan Rai

Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin has described the situation in Bakhmut as tough, very tough.

The mercenary gorups chief said: The closer we are to the centre of the city, the harder the fighting ... The Ukrainians throw in endless reserves. But we are advancing and we will be advancing.

Last week, the Wagner chief had complained of ammunition hunger among his soldiers but confirmed yesterday that the Russian army members helped his troops with ammunition.

Yesterday, we got 15 truckloads, today we got 12. And I think we will continue to receive them, he said, and added that there was no conflict between his fighters and Russian troops.

In a previous allegation, the private military organisations chief had accused Russias top brass was deliberately starving his men of ammunition, an allegation the defence ministry rejected.

He added that Wagner will begin to reboot and start hiring once Bakhmut is captured, adding he wanted to turn his private military company into an army with an ideology that would fight for justice in Russia.

Russia downs four missiles in Belgorod region  official

04:23 , Arpan Rai

At least one person has been injuried in Russia after the countrys air defence forces shot down four missiles over the region and administrative centre Belgorod, regional governor said.

At this time one person is known to have been injured. There is also damage from rocket debris in two residential buildings, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, said on the Telegram messaging app.

It is not immediately clear if the missiles were fired from Ukraine but officials in the past have accsued Ukrainian forces on the other side of the border of carrying out similar attacks.

Belgorod borders Ukraines Kharkiv region and has repeatedly come under fire since the war began last year.

Russian and Ukrainian losses mount in Bakhmut

04:12 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky has said his forces had killed more than 1,100 Russian soldiers in the past few days as they battled for control of Bakhmut.

In less than a week, starting from the 6th March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russias irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

Russian forces also sustained 1,500 sanitary losses, soldiers wounded badly enough to keep them out of action, he added.

Similar claims have been made by Russias defence ministry and said that more than 220 Ukrainian service members have been killed in the Donetsk direction in the past 24 hours.

Rishi Sunak pledges 5bn for defence as UK faces a volatile world

03:51 , Arpan Rai

Rishi Sunak insisted the UKs armed forces had the funding they needed for a more volatile world in the face of the growing challenges posed by China and Russia.

The prime minister promised an extra 5bn for the military over two years, but failed to meet Tory demands to commit to a goal of spending 3 per cent of the UKs gross domestic product (GDP) on defence.

Significant sums of the promised new money will be swallowed up by replenishing ammunition stockpiles handed to Ukraine and work on the Aukus project to develop nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.

Read the full story here:

Rishi Sunak pledges 5 billion for defence as UK faces a volatile world

Wagner chief admits Ukrainian forces are fiercely fighting in Bakhmut

02:25 , Martha Mchardy

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian private military company Wagner, has admitted that Ukrainian forces are fighting fiercely in Bakhmut.

In a new audio message posted on his Telegram page on Sunday, Mr Prigozhin said Ukrainian forces are fighting for every meter.

He continued: the situation in Bakhmut is very difficult, the enemy is fighting for every meter. The closer we are to the city center, the harder the battles, the more artillery works against us, and the more tanks.

The Ukrainians are throwing up endless reserves, Prigozhin added.

Support will put Ukraine in strongest position to negotiate ceasefire  Sunak

01:25 , Martha Mchardy

Rishi Sunak said new support measures for Ukraine agreed between the UK and France are designed to put Kyiv in the strongest possible position to negotiate a ceasefire.

The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron used the UK-France summit to sign off on jointly training Ukrainian marines and supplying weapons to the country in its fight against Russias invading forces.

Patrick Daly reports:

Support will put Ukraine in strongest position to negotiate ceasefire  Sunak

Ukraine identifies PoW killed by Russians as Oleksandr Igorevich Matsievskyi

00:25 , Martha Mchardy

Ukraine has identified the Prisoner of War (PoW) killed by Russia as Oleksandr Igorevich Matsievskyi.

Ukraines security services identified the prisoner killed Russian soldiers in a clip that spread quickly across the world, bringing an end to the dispute over his identity.

Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to find the murderers of the unarmed Ukrainian prisoner of war. While Ukraines chief prosecutor announced a criminal investigation into the killing, and human rights chief Dmytro Lubinets said it was a violation of the Geneva Conventions.

Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to find the murderers of the unarmed Ukrainian prisoner of war. (Ukrainian Presidential Office)

The 12-second video, orginally posted on Telegram before being shared on Twitter, shows the man in uniform with a Ukrainian insignia on his arm, standing and smoking a cigarette in a wooded area. The man says Slava Ukraini!  Glory to Ukraine  before multiple shots are fired. The man then slumps to the ground.

Ukraines military originally named the man as Tymofiy Shadura, a member of the 30th Separate Mechanised Brigade, who has been missing since 3 February near Bakhmut, but cautioned a final confirmation could not be made until the body had been recovered from currently Russian-controlled territory.

Oleksandr Igorevich Matsievskyi, 42, was deployed to Bakhmut in November.

Russia claims it is continuing military operations in Donetsk region

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:25 , Martha Mchardy

The Russian Defence ministry says it is conducting military operations in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region.

Moscow claims its troops have taken out 220 Ukrainian soldiers in the last 24 hours. Ukraine also claiks it has killed 200 Russian soldiers.

Russias defence ministry said: In the Donetsk direction... more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, 3 armoured fighting vehicles, 7 vehicles, as well as a D-30 howitzer were destroyed during the day.

Saudi state-owned oil giant sees record profit after Russia invasion of Ukraine

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:10 , Martha Mchardy

Saudi oil giant Aramco has announced record profits of $161billion (133 billion) for 2022, equivalent to 134billion, after soaring energy prices and bigger volumes.

The increase represents a 46.5 per cent rise on last year for energy firm Aramco.

Aramco also declared a dividend of $19.5bn (16 billion) for the October to December quarter of 2022, most of which will go to the Saudi government in the first quarter of this year, which owns nearly 95 per cent of the shares in the company.

It comes as energy prices spiked following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Martha McHardy reports:

Saudi state-owned oil giant sees record profit of $161bn

Ethnic minorities bear the brunt of the Kremlins war, according to Britains Ministry of Defence

Sunday 12 March 2023 22:25 , Martha Mchardy

Ethnic minorities bear the brunt of the Kremlins war, according to Britains Ministry of Defence.

Deaths are more than 30 times higher in many eastern regions in Ukraine than in Moscow, with the capital and St Petersburg relatively unscathed, said the Ministry of Defence.

Insulating the better-off and more influential elements of Russian society is likely a major consideration, the ministry said, adding that none of the officials in the two front rows of the audience at Mr Putins state of the union speech on 21 February are known to have children in the military.

Hundreds of Russians killed in Bakhmut battle as snipers create killing zone

Sunday 12 March 2023 21:40 , Martha Mchardy

Hundreds of Russian troops have been killed in Bakhmut as Vladimir Putins troops seek to wrest control of the frontline Donetsk city  with Kyivs snipers said to have set up a killing zone.

Some 520 Russian troops were killed and wounded in Bakhmut alone in one days fighting, Ukraines military said, claiming Russia had suffered 2,000 fatalities since Friday  marking some of the deadliest days of the war since the invasion began.

Andy Gregory reports:

Hundreds of Russians killed in Bakhmut battle as snipers create killing zone

Turkish defence minister says he believes Black Sea grain deal will be extended

Sunday 12 March 2023 21:25 , Thomas Kingsley

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday that he believes that a deal allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea will be extended from its current 18 March deadline.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered between Russia and Ukraine 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 18 March if no party objects. However, Moscow has already signalled it will only agree to an extension if restrictions affecting its own exports are lifted.

Turkey has said previously that it is working hard to extend the deal.

In separate talks with the Russian and Ukrainian sides, we saw that both sides are approaching this positively. We believe it will conclude positively, Akar said in an interview with state-owned Anadolu Agency.

We have the opinion that the duration will be extended on 18 March, he added.

(Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Russia says forces continue attack in Ukraine's Donetsk region

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:55 , Thomas Kingsley

Russia's defence ministry said on Sunday that its forces continued to conduct military operations in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, claiming to have killed more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen over the past 24 hours.

In the Donetsk direction... more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, 3 armoured fighting vehicles, 7 vehicles, as well as a D-30 howitzer were destroyed during the day, the defence ministry said.

Both sides claim to have inflicted significant losses and the exact numbers are difficult to verify.

Ukraine said on Saturday that more than 500 Russian troops had been killed or wounded in a recent 24-hour period as they battled for control of Bakhmut.

The Independent has not been able to independently verify these claims

More than 1,100 Russian dead in less than a week in Bakhmut

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:25 , Thomas Kingsley

Russian forces suffered more than 1,100 dead in less than a week of battles near the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, the focal point of fighting in eastern Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

In less than a week, starting from 6th March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russia's irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

He said Russian forces had also sustained 1,500 sanitary losses - soldiers wounded badly enough to keep them out of further action. Dozens of pieces of enemy equipment were destroyed as were more than 10 Russian ammunition depots.

Images emerge from Donetsk region after Russian shelling

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:55 , Martha Mchardy

A house destroyed in recent shelling (REUTERS)

Local resident Svetlana Boiko, 66, who was injured in recent shelling (REUTERS)

Another house destroyed in recent shelling (REUTERS)

Ukraine will continue fight in Bakhmut, says Ukraines foreign minister

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:10 , Martha Mchardy

Ukraine will fight on in the city of Bakhmut, Ukraines foreign minister has said.

In an interview with Germanys Bild newspaper Ukraines foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said the country will continue to fight in the city of Bakhmut.

Mr Kuleba compared Russias advance to a thief breaking into ones house and trying to steal everything.

He said: When someone breaks into your house, you dont ask yourself how long you can resist the guy who broke into your house and is trying to kill you and your family and steal everything in the house, right?

You think what else can you do to evict him from your home and get the police to arrest him.

Moldova police say they foiled Russia-backed unrest plot

Sunday 12 March 2023 18:25 , Martha Mchardy

Moldovan police said on Sunday they have foiled a plot by groups of Russia-backed actors who were specially trained to cause mass unrest during a protest the same day in the capital against the countrys new pro-Western government.

The head of Moldovas police, Viorel Cernauteanu, said in a news conference that an undercover agent had infiltrated groups of diversionists, some Russian citizens, who had been promised $10,000 to organize mass disorder to destabilize Moldova during a protest in the capital, Chisinau. Seven people were detained, he said.

Aurel Obreja and Stephen McGrath report:

Moldova police say they foiled Russia-backed unrest plot

Zelensky holds talks with Czech Republic president

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:40 , Martha Mchardy

President Zelensky has tweeted about holding talks today with the Czech Republics new president Petr Pavel.

Had a call with  President @prezidentpavel. Congratulated him on officially taking office. Outlined the situation at the front & our security needs. We discussed s EU integration & agreed to further cooperate.  support is crucial for  in fighting against RF's aggression!    (@ZelenskyyUa) March 12, 2023

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:55 , Martha Mchardy

Russias advance seems to have stalled in Moscows campaign to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a leading think tank said in an assessment of the longest ground battle of the war.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said there were no confirmed advances by Russian forces in Bakhmut. Russian forces and units from the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group continued to launch ground attacks in the city, but there was no evidence that they were able to make any progress, ISW said late Saturday.

The report cited the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Eastern Group, Serhii Cherevaty, who said that fighting in the Bakhmut area had been more intense this week than the previous one. According to Cherevaty, there were 23 clashes in the city over the previous 24 hours.

Karl Ritter reports:

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

Moldova police say they foiled Russia-backed unrest plot

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:10 , Emily Atkinson

Moldovan police said on Sunday they have foiled a plot by groups of Russia-backed actors who were specially trained to cause mass unrest during a protest the same day in the capital against the countrys new pro-Western government.

The head of Moldovas police, Viorel Cernauteanu, said in a news conference that an undercover agent had infiltrated groups of diversionists, some Russian citizens, who had been promised $10,000 to organize mass disorder to destabilize Moldova during a protest in the capital, Chisinau. Seven people were detained, he said.

Separately, police said they arrested 54 protesters on Sunday, including 21 minors, who exhibited questionable behavior or were found to be carrying prohibited items, including at least one knife.

More on this story here:

Moldova police say they foiled Russia-backed unrest plot

Russias mounting casualties reflected in loss of government control, says think tank

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:25 , Emily Atkinson

Russias mounting casualties are reflected in a loss of government control over the countrys information sphere, the Institute for the Study of War has suggested

The think tank said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed infighting in the Kremlin inner circle and that the Kremlin has effectively ceded control over the countrys information space, with Mr Putin unable to readily regain control.

The ISW sees Ms Zakharovas comments, made at a forum on the practical and technological aspects of information and cognitive warfare in modern realities in Moscow, as noteworthy and in line with the think tanks longstanding assessments about the deteriorating Kremlin regime and information space control dynamics.

Images show damage after recent shelling in Donetsk

Sunday 12 March 2023 14:40 , Emily Atkinson

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Russia says forces continue attack in Ukraine's Donetsk region

Sunday 12 March 2023 13:55 , Emily Atkinson

Russias defence ministry said on Sunday that its forces continued to conduct military operations in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, claiming to have killed more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen over the past 24 hours.

In the Donetsk direction... more than 220 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, 3 armoured fighting vehicles, 7 vehicles, as well as a D-30 howitzer were destroyed during the day, the defence ministry said.

Watch: Edward shares message for Ukrainians in Scotland after being made Duke of Edinburgh

Sunday 12 March 2023 13:10 , Emily Atkinson

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

Sunday 12 March 2023 12:25 , Emily Atkinson

Russias advance seems to have stalled in Moscows campaign to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a leading think tank said in an assessment of the longest ground battle of the war.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said there were no confirmed advances by Russian forces in Bakhmut. Russian forces and units from the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group continued to launch ground attacks in the city, but there was no evidence that they were able to make any progress, ISW said late Saturday.

More on this story from The Associated Press here:

Russian advance stalls in Ukraine's Bakhmut, think tank says

Ankara says it believes Black Sea grain deal will be extended

Sunday 12 March 2023 11:39 , Emily Atkinson

Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday that he believes that a deal allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea will be extended from its current March 18 deadline.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered between Russia and Ukraine by the United Nations and Turkey last July, aimed to prevent a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blockaded by Russias 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.

Turkey has said previously that it is working hard to extend the deal. In separate talks with the Russian and Ukrainian sides, we saw that both sides are approaching this positively. We believe it will conclude positively, Akar said in an interview with state-owned Anadolu Agency.

We have the opinion that the duration will be extended on March 18, he added.

Hundreds of Russians killed in Bahkmut battle as snipers create killing zone

Sunday 12 March 2023 10:00 , Emily Atkinson

Hundreds of Russian troops have been killed in Bakhmut as Vladimir Putins troops seek to wrest control of the frontline Donetsk city  with Kyivs snipers said to have set up a killing zone.

Some 520 Russian troops were killed and wounded in Bakhmut alone in one days fighting, Ukraines military said, claiming Russia had suffered 2,000 fatalities since Friday  marking some of the deadliest days of the war since Russias invasion.

Seeking to replenish its heavy losses, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said his Wagner private army had opened recruitment centres in 42 cities  as the UK asserted that the impact of casualties varies dramatically across Russian regions.

My colleague Andy Gregory reports:

Hundreds of Russians killed in Bahkmut battle as snipers create killing zone

Russia suffering extremely heavy casualties, though countrys elite left relatively unscathed, says MoD

Sunday 12 March 2023 09:15 , Emily Atkinson

Vladimir Putin continues to suffer extremely heavy casualties in Ukraine, though the impact of those losses varies dramatically across Russias regions, according to UK intelligence.

In proportion to the size of their population, the richest cities of Moscow and St Petersburg have been left relatively unscathed, the Ministry of Defence said in its daily update.

This is especially true for the families of the countrys elite, it adds.

In many of the Eastern regions, deaths are likely running, as a percentage of population, at a rate 30+ times higher than in Moscow. In places, ethnic minorities take the biggest hit; in Astrakhan some 75 per cent of casualties come from the minority Kazakh and Tartar populations.

As the Russian MoD seeks to address its continued deficit of combat personnel, insulating the better-off and more influential elements of Russian society will highly likely remain a major consideration.

The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.



The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  11 March 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Q556veYzIS



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/RTRuEc0HP5  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 12, 2023

Ukrainian president denied permission to speak at Oscars - report

Sunday 12 March 2023 08:30 , Emily Atkinson

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskys request to speak at the Oscars has been rejected for the second year in a row, reported Variety Magazine.

Mr Zelensky has participated virtually in mega-cultural events like the Grammys, Golden Globe Awards, Cannes Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival since the war in Ukraine.

A request was reportedly sent to the Academy to include Mr Zelensky by WME power agent Mike Simpson. However, the request was turned down, it reported.

Last year, Oscars executive producer Will Packer was vary of giving Mr Zelensky airtime because everyone involved in the conflict is white and previous tragedies involving people of colour did not receive the same level of attention.

The Oscars that year showed solidarity with Ukraine by observing a moment of silence during the ceremony.

Over 40 missiles hit Kharkiv since beginning of 2023, Ukrainian president says

Sunday 12 March 2023 07:45 , Emily Atkinson

An onslaught of 40 missiles has hit the northeastern city of Kharkiv since the beginning of the year, Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address.

Ruins, debris, shell holes in the ground are a self-portrait of Russia, which it paints where normal life reigns without Russia, he said.

He said Russian shelling has killed three Ukrainians in Kherson who simply went to a store to buy groceries.

Russia has become a synonym for terror and will be an example of defeat as well as fair punishment for its acts in Ukraine.

The punishment that the Kremlin cannot stop, he said.

Hundreds of causalities in Russian and Ukrainian forces in 24 hours in Bakhmut

Sunday 12 March 2023 07:00 , Shweta Sharma

More than 500 Russian and Ukrainian troops have been killed over the previous 24 hours as the battle in Bakhmut continued to rage.

Serhiy Cherevatyi, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, said 221 pro-Moscow troops were killed and more than 300 wounded in Bakhmut.

While Moscow did not specify Bakhmut casualties, the defence ministry said up to 210 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the broader Donetsk part of the frontline.

Ukrainian forces are fending off unabating attacks in Bakhmut and a small river that bisects the town now marks a new front line as the Wagner mercenary group made advances in most of the eastern part of the city.

Moscow says capturing Bakhmut would punch a hole in Ukrainian defences and be a step towards seizing all of the Donbas industrial region, a major target. Kyiv says the battle is grinding down Russias best units.

Aerial view of Lviv Oblast as Russian missiles strike Ukraine

Sunday 12 March 2023 06:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Aerial footage reveals the extent of destruction in Lviv Oblast after Russia launched a barrage of missile strikes against Ukraine.

This video, shared by the regions governor, shows the state civilian houses were left in after the shelling hit the area.

It was the first such missile attack in weeks, with Volodymyr Zelenskiy reporting a total of 81 strikes across the country.

He said it has been a difficult night and offered his condolences for the families of the dead and injured.

Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, and Vinnytsia regions were hit.

Watch:

Aerial view of Lviv Oblast as Russian missiles strike Ukraine

The turmoil in Georgia over a foreign agents bill raises fresh questions over Russias influence

Sunday 12 March 2023 05:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In case you missed it...

Georgias ruling party has shelved a controversial foreign agents law that critics called a Russian-inspired authoritarian move that could have hit hopes of the country joining the European Union.

The bill, which had been given initial parliamentary approval, has sparked several nights of protest, with tens of thousands of on the streets. Demonstrations were dispersed by police using water cannons and tear gas.

Given Georgias status as former Soviet state situated at Russias south-west border, any suggestions of influence from Moscow will carry significant weight. Vladimir Putin has long seen Georgia as part of Moscows sphere of influence. Since his invasion of Ukraine, the Russian president has also upped his rhetoric about Western institutions, such as the EU and the Nato military alliance, seeking to erode Russias standing in the world. Georgia is not a member of Nato, but has sought to join.

My colleague Chris Stevenson reports:

Ukraines leading campaigner against Russian fossil fuels refused entry to top US energy conference

Sunday 12 March 2023 04:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In case you missed it...

A Ukrainian lawyer, who founded the war-torn countrys leading campaign against Russian fossil fuels, has been refused entry to the worlds most prominent energy summit.

Svitlana Romanko travelled from her home in Ivano-Frankivsk, western Ukraine, in late February to Houston, Texas to attend CERAWeek, an annual summit which attracts the heads of major oil and gas companies and industry bodies along with senior government officials.

CERAWeek speakers this year included both John Kerry, the special presidential envoy for climate, ExxonMobil chief executive Darren Woods, and the Cop28 climate summit president, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who is also CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Read the full story:

Ukraines leading campaigner against Russian fossil fuels barred from US energy event

Support will put Ukraine in strongest position to negotiate ceasefire  Sunak

Sunday 12 March 2023 03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In case you missed it...

Rishi Sunak has said new support measures for Ukraine agreed between the UK and France are designed to put Kyiv in the strongest possible position to negotiate a ceasefire.

The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron used the UK-France summit to sign off on jointly training Ukrainian marines and supplying weapons to the country in its fight against Russias invading forces.

During a press conference in Paris, the leaders said the immediate priority was to bolster Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys forces and allow them to mount a successful counter-offensive.

Mr Sunak announced in February, during Mr Zelenskys visit to Britain, that the UK would start to train Kyivs marines as well as pilots.

Fridays declaration from the summit at the Elysee Palace will see France join Britain in preparing marines for the drive to purge Ukraine of Russian troops.

Patrick Daly reports:

Support will put Ukraine in strongest position to negotiate ceasefire  Sunak

Vladimir Putin: What is driving Russian leaders relentless assault on Ukraine?

Sunday 12 March 2023 02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In the year since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has been the figurehead of what he initially termed a special military operation. Russias president might have prepared the political ground with a show of collective responsibility  few will forget how he solicited the support of key ministers live on TV just hours before ordering the invasion  but he has fronted the invasion ever since, often alone, and it is he who will answer to history.

From the start, Russias military action tended to be seen as an old-fashioned war launched by an old-fashioned autocrat. As such, it was as surprising as it was shocking to all those who believed such wars to be over, at least in Europe. The scenes that have dominated our television screens ever since have been tragically reminiscent of black-and-white newsreel showing battles for the very same cities during the Second World War.

But the supposedly old-fashioned autocrat who gave the orders for this war is a more complicated figure than many think.

He sold the invasion as a collective decision with his military chiefs, but it is the president alone who will have to answer to history, writes Mary Dejevsky:

What is driving Putins relentless war on Ukraine?

How British eels could be helping Putin in his war with Ukraine

Sunday 12 March 2023 01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Wildlife groups are calling for Britain to ban the transportation of eels to Russian conservation projects because of fears they are being sold on to China for food.

The alarm was sounded after a consignment of half a million eels were moved to Kaliningrad. Charities have said that the profits Russia has made from these sales could be funding the Ukraine war.

Multi-member organisation Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), which represents the RSPCA, CPRE and the Marine Conservation Society, has called for action from Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs).

Conservation has been required with the European eel population falling by 90 per cent in the past four decades despite hundreds of millions of baby, or glass, eels arriving each year.

Read more:

How British eels could be helping Putin in his war with Ukraine

What are hypersonic missiles and why is the west developing them amid Russias war in Ukraine?

Sunday 12 March 2023 00:01 , Eleanor Noyce

Russia launched its first large-scale missile assault on Ukrainian cities for several weeks in the early hours of Thursday 9 March, firing at least 81 missiles and killing at least five people.

The capital Kyiv, Kharkiv and the Black Sea port of Odessa were all struck as air raid sirens rang out across the nation while explosions were also reported in the northern city of Chernihiv and the western Lviv region, as well as in Dnipro, Lutsk and Rivne.

Among the projectiles fired were six Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic ballistic missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, which are difficult to intercept because they reportedly travel at up to ten times the speed of sound, which is around 8,000mph.

Russia has used hypersonic missiles since the earliest stages of the conflict, claiming to have destroyed a fuel depot in the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv and an underground ammunition store in western Ivano-Frankivsk in the opening skirmishes.

Ukraine has confirmed that those targets were struck but did not specify what weapons were used.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

What are hypersonic missiles?

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Saturday 11 March 2023 23:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Russias special military operation in Ukraine has been raging for one year now as the conflict continues to record devastating casualties and force the mass displacement of millions of blameless Ukrainians.

Vladimir Putin began the war by claiming Russias neighbour needed to be demilitarised and de-Nazified, a baseless pretext on which to launch a landgrab against an independent state that happens to have a Jewish president in Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine has fought back courageously against Mr Putins warped bid to restore territory lost to Moscow with the collapse of the Soviet Union and has continued to defy the odds by defending itself against Russian onslaughts with the help of Western military aid.

Battle tanks from the US, Britain and Germany are now being supplied for the first time and Mr Zelensky toured London, Paris and Brussels in early February 2023 to request fighter jets be sent as well in order to counter the Russian aerial threat, a step the allies appear to have reservations about making, although Joe Biden has since visited Kyiv in a gesture of solidarity.

Joe Sommerlad and Thomas Kingsley report:

Heres why Putin really invaded Ukraine

Russias first missile barrage against Ukraine in weeks knocks nuclear plant off grid for hours

Saturday 11 March 2023 22:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In case you missed it...

Russia has launched a huge wave of missile strikes across Ukraine, killing a number of civilians and forcing Europes largest nuclear power plant off the electrical grid for hours.

It is the first search mass attack in weeks, with the strikes including the use of hypersonic cruise missiles  one of Moscows most valuable weapons which travel at such speed they can evade air defences.

The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. Thats all they can do. But it wont help them, said Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

In all Russia was said to have fired 81 missiles, with Ukraines military saying that 34 cruise missiles were successfully shot down, as well as four of the eight Iranian-made Shahed drones that were sent. Eight guided missiles did not reach their target. Ukraine said six hypersonic missiles had been fired, with Russias Defence Ministry confirming their use.

My colleague Chris Stevenson has the full story:

Russia missile barrage knocks Ukraine nuclear plant off grid for hours

China denies hidden motives after hosting Iran-Saudi talks

Saturday 11 March 2023 21:00 , Eleanor Noyce

After hosting talks at which Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations, China said Saturday it has no hidden motives and isnt trying to fill any vacuum in the Middle East.

The agreement announced Friday to reestablish Iran-Saudi ties and reopen embassies after seven years was seen as a major diplomatic victory for China, as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as reducing its presence in the Middle East.

The Foreign Ministry quoted an unidentified spokesperson as saying China pursues no selfish interest whatsoever and opposes geopolitical competition in the region.

Following Fridays announcement, Chinas senior diplomat Wang Yi said the agreement showed China was a reliable mediator that had faithfully fulfilled its duties as the host.

Notably, Wang also stated that this world has more than just the Ukraine question and there are still many issues affecting peace and peoples lives.

China has been heavily criticized for failing to condemn Russias invasion and for accusing the U.S. and NATO of provoking the conflict. A Chinese proposal calling for a cease-fire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine went nowhere, largely because of Chinas perceived backing of Russia.

Read the full story here:

China denies hidden motives after hosting Iran-Saudi talks

UK: Russian advance in Bakhmut could come with heavy losses

Saturday 11 March 2023 20:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian forces have made progress in the front-line hotspot of Bakhmut, a key target of Moscows monthslong campaign in eastern Ukraine that has resulted in staggering casualties, but their assault will be difficult to sustain without further harsh losses, U.K. military officials said in an assessment Saturday.

The U.K. defense ministry said in the latest of its regular Twitter updates that units from the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group have captured most of eastern Bakhmut, with a river flowing through the city center now marking the front line.

However, the update added, it will be highly challenging for Wagner forces to push ahead, as Ukraine has destroyed key bridges over the river, while Ukrainian sniper fire from fortified buildings further west has made the thin strip of open ground in the center a killing zone.

At the same time, Ukrainian troops and supply lines in the mining city remain vulnerable to continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south, as Russian forces try to close in on them in a pincer movement, the ministry said.

Karl Ritter has the full story:

UK: Russian advance in Bakhmut could come with heavy losses

Russias use of hypersonic missiles poses a difficult challenge for Ukraines air defences

Saturday 11 March 2023 19:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The Russian airstrikes across Ukraine are the latest in a series aimed at damaging infrastructure and are part of a pattern to emerge in the last five months.

They are, however, the largest attacks for a while and included hypersonic as well as cruise missiles in their number. The former, in particular, poses great challenges for the Ukrainian air defences which have become increasingly adept at coping with swarms of drones used in previous raids.

Hypersonic missiles can travel at nine times the speed of sound or more, are extremely difficult to track, can only by tackled by counter-hypersonic systems, and can destroy an aircraft carrier even without a warhead.

The Kinzhal  or Dagger  was among the supposedly invincible weapons which Vladimir Putin first spoke about in a national address five years ago. Russias defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced the deployment of the hypersonic missile system in Ukraine at the end of last year and US officials have subsequently charted their use in combat in the country.

Read the full story:

Analysis: Russias use of hypersonic missiles poses a challenge for Ukraine

Norway to donate air defence systems in cooperation with US

Saturday 11 March 2023 18:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Norway is to provide Ukraine with new air defence systems, cooperating with US aid.

The countrys defence minister announced that two complete NASAMS air defence systems would be utilised as Ukraine continues to push back in Bakhmut, with its Colonel-General revealing that a counter-offensive is not far off.

Norwegian defence minister Bjorn Arild Gram visited Kyiv this week, holding meetings with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov.

The devastation is difficult to comprehend. Seeing this with my own eyes makes a deep impression, Mr Gram stated.

An anti-government protest in Czech capital draws thousands

Saturday 11 March 2023 17:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Thousands of people in the Czech Republic rallied against the government Saturday, protesting high inflation and demanding an end to the countrys military support for Ukraine.

A new political group, PRO, organized the rally at Pragues Wenceslas Square as an anti-poverty event. As participants called on the coalition government to resign, party leader Jindrich Rajchl said they want a government to care first of all about the interests of the Czech citizens.

His group, whose name translates in English to Law, Respect, Expertise, blames the European Union for soaring energy prices. Inflation slightly dropped to 16.7% in Czechia in February from 17.5% a month earlier.

PRO also wants the Czech government to stop taking actions that are intended to reduce misinformation and fake news.

Ukraine was a key issue at Saturdays demonstration, where the crowd called for a peaceful solution to the war. Some people had the letter Z, a symbol of the Russian military, on their bags.

Read more:

An anti-government protest in Czech capital draws thousands

Ukraines counter-offensive not far off, says commander of ground forces

Saturday 11 March 2023 16:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi - the commander of Ukraines ground forces - has said that its counter-offensive is not far off.

The real heroes now are the defenders who hold the eastern front on their shoulders, his statement - communicated by the Ukrainian Army Land Forces Telegram account - read.

He remarked that holding Bakhmut - the area at the centre of Russian efforts for months now - is necessary to buy Ukraine extra time.

It is necessary to gain time to accumulate reserves and start a counteroffensive, which is not far off.

Three civilians killed in Kherson

Saturday 11 March 2023 15:00 , Katy Clifton

Three civilians were killed in Russian shelling of Kherson in southern Ukraine on Saturday, and one more died in the eastern Donetsk region, regional officials said.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said three people, including an elderly woman, were also wounded during the artillery shelling of the city.

Today the Russian occupiers have hit Kherson again. On a Mykolayivsky road near a shop debris from a shell killed three people..., Prokudin told Ukrainian TV, adding that a car, several buses and a commercial property were damaged.

Russia claims to have entered metal processing factory in Bakhmut

Saturday 11 March 2023 14:00 , Katy Clifton

Russian military bloggers and other pro-Kremlin Telegram accounts on Friday claimed Russian forces have entered a metal processing factory in north-west Bakhmut.

A Washington-based think tank late on Friday also referenced geolocated footage showing Russian forces within 800 metres of the heavily built up and fortified Azom complex.

The Institute for the Study of War said Moscows apparent focus on capturing the factory, rather than opting for a wider encirclement of western Bakhmut by attempting to take nearby villages, is likely to bring a further wave of Russian casualties.

Highly challenging for Wagner forces to push ahead

Saturday 11 March 2023 12:58 , Katy Clifton

Russian forces have made progress in the frontline hotspot of Bakhmut but their attack will be hard to sustain without further harsh losses, UK military officials say.

Bakhmut is a key target of Moscows campaign in eastern Ukraine, which has resulted in staggering casualties.

The Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group has captured most of eastern Bakhmut, which a river flowing through the city centre now marking the frontline, the Ministry of Defence said.

But, its assessment added, it will be highly challenging for Wagner forces to push ahead because Ukraine has destroyed key bridges over the river - while Ukrainian sniper fire from fortified buildings further west has made the thin strip of open group in the middle a killing zone.

At the same time, Ukrainian troops and supply lines in the mining city remain vulnerable to continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south as Russian forces try to close in on them in a pincer movement, the ministry said.

Russia plotting insurrection in Moldova, White House says

Saturday 11 March 2023 11:30 , Shweta Sharma

Russia is trying to destabilise Moldovas government and replace it with leadership more friendly toward Moscow, the White House has said.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the US believes Russia is pursuing options to weaken the Moldovan government to prevent it from more closely integrating with Europe, and with the eventual goal of seeing a more Russian-friendly administration in the capital.

Mr Kirby said Russian actors with ties to Moscows intelligence services are seeking to stage and use protests in Moldova as a basis to foment a manufactured insurrection against the Moldovan government.

Russia plotting insurrection in Moldova, White House says

Saturday 11 March 2023 10:40 , Katy Clifton

An aide to president Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraines troops are focusing on disrupting Russias offensive by making them focus their efforts of a few key wearisome battles.

Russia has changed tactics, Mr Podolyak said in an interview published by Italys La Stampa newspaper. It has converged on Bakhmut with a large part of its trained military personnel, the remnants of its professional army, as well as the private companies.

We, therefore, have two objectives: to reduce their capable personnel as much as possible, and to fix them in a few key wearisome battles, to disrupt their offensive and concentrate our resources elsewhere, for the spring counter-offensive. So, today Bakhmut is completely effective, even exceeding its key tasks.
Photo: Uncredited (AP)

The University of Rhode Island has finally taken down a shortened quote by Malcolm X that was placed in its main library. The decision comes 30 years after the schools Black Student Leadership Group and others protested because they said it was taken out of context and misconstrued the revolutionarys original intentions.

The words that were inscribed on the Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons read: My alma mater was books, a good library ... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity. However, the actual quote from The Autobiography Of Malcolm X originally stated:

Read more

I told the Englishman that my alma mater was books, a good library. Every time I catch a plane, I have with me a book that I want to read  and thats a lot of books these days. If I werent out here every day battling the white man, I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity  because you can hardly mention anything Im not curious about.

The tribute was installed in 1992 and even though the university meant to celebrate the icon, it was met with intense backlash. The original protesters reunited 30 years later in November. During that time, University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange said that the quote would be removed.

In a statement, Parlange explained:

The removal of this inscription started 30 years ago, when a group of URI students had the courage to stand up and speak out against injustices happening at that time. Our university is grateful to those students for their courage, and I am grateful to todays generation of student leaders who, advocating in that same spirit, continue to inspire our ongoing work to foster a truly inclusive and equitable community.



Story continues

As conservative politicians work to erase Black history across the nation, its worth noting that accuracy is just as important visibility.

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A Montana photographer on Friday shared footage showing dozens of bison stampeding toward Yellowstone National Park after apparently being targeted by tribal hunters.

A description on Elizabeth Alucks Facebook reel reads: Bison running back into Yellowstone National Park after being shot at by hunters. (Click here to view the reel.)

The footage, posted on the Yellowstone Critters page, was captured in mid-February near Gardiner, just north of the park. Aluck told FTW Outdoors that she saw hunters shooting at bison and subsequently followed the herd for about 15 minutes as it ran toward the park.

A second Reel showing the beginning of the stampede also was posted to her Yellowstone Critters page. (Aluck privately shared several clips with FTW Outdoors that showed hunters shooting, and wounded bison limping. She said she did not want such graphic content on her public page.)

RELATED: Yellowstone National Park logs first grizzly bear sighting of 2023

On Friday, she added: Hunters are all over town right now, and will be all weekend.

Montanas general bison season closed Feb. 15. But Native American tribes, which enjoy traditional hunting rights, operate within their own system of guidelines.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, several tribes have demonstrated their aboriginal right to hunt bison in Montana near Yellowstone National Park under treaties that were negotiated with the U.S. Government.

These are legal hunting rights, and tribes hunt during seasons and under regulations established through their own regulatory processes. At times, these hunts may occur outside of Montanas regulated hunting seasons.

The hunts are controversial, in part because bison are sometimes shot soon after crossing the park boundary toward winter foraging areas such as the Gardiner Basin. (Hunting inside the park is illegal.)

The harvest for 2022-23 exceeded 800 animals as of March 3.

Its worth noting that the park anticipated a significant cull this winter because so many bison were expected to migrate outside of the park in search of grass, posing potential problems.

Story continues

To be sure, management of Yellowstone National Park bison is highly complex. The park boasted a population of about 6,000 bison before the 2022-23 hunting seasons began.

Image showing bison running toward Yellowstone National Park is courtesy of Elizabeth Aluck

Story originally appeared on For The Win
The United States will spend billions of dollars expanding its ability to produce nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a landmark security deal with Australia and the United Kingdom that President Joe Biden detailed Monday.

The announcement, made at a naval base in San Diego with the leaders of the three nations, came 18 months after the creation of the AUKUS partnership to counter Chinas growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The deal will provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, which can stay underwater longer than conventionally powered ones and are harder to detect.

Pending approval from Congress, the U.S. will sell at least three  and as many as five  Virginia-class submarines to Australia once its navy is trained and ready to receive them.

In later years, the United Kingdom and Australia will build their own advanced-technology boats with U.S. help.

The United States could ask for no better partners in the Indo-Pacific where so much of our shared future will be written, Biden said from a pier near two U.S. submarines and a flag-adorned destroyer. "I'm proud to be your shipmates."

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To carry out that plan, the U.S. and Britain have to expand their submarine production capabilities and Australia must build its own.

The question is whether the submarines can be built fast enough to be enough of a deterrent to China, said Charles Edel, an expert on the Indo-Pacific region at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Navy is already behind in production for its own submarine needs because of backlogs, maintenance problems and disruptions from COVID-19, he said.

"This looks like it will be an extraordinarily ambitious program," Edel said during a public discussion of the initiative Friday. "But for those ambitions to be realized, the three governments need to match their resources to their aims, look to the budgets and the level of bipartisan support this initiative has in each of the three countries."

Story continues

President Joe Biden speaks after meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Naval Base Point Loma, Monday, March 13, 2023, in San Diego.

The latest

The U.S. is spending $4.6 billion over the next five years to increase submarine construction capacity and improve maintenance capabilities. More may be needed.

Australia is making what the White House described as a proportional financial investment" to accelerate production in the U.S., beyond what it will be paying for the submarines.

The spending will support thousands of high-skilled jobs in the United States, according to the White House.

Congress approved an initial request last year to boost capacity. The Pentagons budget request for next year includes $543 million to bolster the industrial base and $207 million to ensure shipyard workers have the skills needed to work on them.

The agreement allows Australia access to U.S. nuclear technology previously available only to Great Britain, the closest American ally. Doing so draws both into closer cooperation with the U.S. in its competition with China.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the plan the biggest single investment in Australias defense capability in the nation's history.

President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a news conference during the AUKUS summit on March 13, 2023, at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego.

What else is involved?

The three nations already have begun joint training exercises. Australian sailors will increasingly embed with U.S. and British forces and at nuclear power schools. Australians also will work in U.S. shipyards.

Once Australia has built up its ability to house U.S. and U.K. submarines, the nations will rotate forces there.

"For the first time ever, it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across both the Atlantic and Pacific, keeping our oceans free, open and prosperous for decades to come," said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Submarines that combine the best technologies from all three countries will be built and deployed by both Australia and the U.K.

Britain is expected to produce its first AUKUS submarine in the late 2030s. Australias wont be ready until the early 2040s.

President Joe Biden speaks at a press conference during the AUKUS summit on March 13, 2023, at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, Calif.

Why is this happening?

China has taken what the Biden administration calls a series of provocative steps in recent years, including stepped up activities in the South China Sea. China, which has been building up its navy, says it wants to bring independent Taiwan under its control, by force if necessary.

In addition to China, the U.S. is also worried about threats in the region from North Korea and Russia.

Last month, the Pentagon announced an agreement with the Philippines for enhanced U.S. access to bases there. On Monday, the Pentagon announced plans to spend $6.1 billion on the Pacific Defense Initiative, which is intended to strengthen deterrence against China, according to budget documents.

Taken together, the moves represent the Pentagons efforts to shift its focus from wars in the Middle East to competition in the Pacific region with China.

How has China reacted?

China contends the nuclear submarine deal violates the spirit of an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Australia says it doesnt because the submarines are nuclear-powered, not armed with nuclear weapons.

"These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind on them," Biden emphasized.

Right now, just six countries  the United States, China, Russia, France, India and the U.K.  have nuclear submarines.

More: Biden approves massive oil project in Alaska, moves to bar future drilling in Arctic Ocean

AF1: Why the new Air Force One won't be red, white, and blue as Trump asked

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden announces submarine deal with AUKUS amid China tensions
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.
A University of Missouri banner is taken down as a storm rolls over the Phi Gamma Delta house during the fraternity's move-out day Oct. 24, 2021.

Court hearings for defendants charged with felony hazing of University of Missouri Phi Gamma Delta pledge Danny Santulli resulted only in future court dates for them.

They are among the 10 charged with felony hazing for the October 2021 incident, with one other charged with a misdemeanor.

Santulli was 19 when he was hazed at the house of the fraternity, also known as Fiji, on what was called "pledge dad reveal night." Santulli was required as part of the initiation to consume a bottle of vodka. Before he finished it, he passed out and became unresponsive.

A few fraternity members loaded Santulli into a car and took him to the emergency room of MU hospital, where personnel resuscitated him. The alcohol poisoning resulted in brain damage. He's unable to walk, talk or see.

His parents care for him around the clock at their home in Minnesota.

Hearings for Thomas Shultz and Benjamin Parres, both of Chesterfield, and Harrison Reichman of Kansas City were held Monday morning and their court hearings were pushed off to April 24.

Parres' attorney, Christopher Slusher, said he understood the judge would want to begin looking at a trial docket.

"There's still more to do in the case," Slusher said.

Judge Jeff Harris asked about where things stand in the Shultz case. Shultz and Ryan Delanty were the first two defendants charged with felonies.

"Are you all prepared today to talk about a trial readiness date or the status of discovery?" Harris asked.

Attorneys for the prosecution and defense said they want to wait until the April 24 date to take up those issues.

A hearing for Samuel Morrison, of Cameron, was scheduled for Monday morning, but didn't happen as planned. His attorney, Jeffery Hilbrenner, said outside the courtroom it also will be reset for another date.

MU kicked the fraternity off campus and disciplined 13 of the fraternity members.

MU documents received in an open-records request show widespread hazing and alcohol abuse at fraternities.

Story continues

Legislation introduced in the Missouri House this session would protect from prosecution university students who call 911 to report other students in danger.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: These MU hazing defendants were in court Monday, with nothing resolved
One private American citizens decision purportedly turned off the bands of the electronic spectrum that Ukrainian forces rely upon for drone operations at the front lines, just as a new Russian offensive kicked off. That same man controls the United States primary capability to get cargo and astronauts into space. His contracts with the Pentagon and NASA, including an agreement to develop satellites capable of tracking intercontinental ballistic missiles, are worth billions of dollars.

As his influence and willingness to wield it increase, Elon Musks eccentric views on foreign policy and erratic behavior present a strategic vulnerability to the United States.

Musk won great praise early last year for sending Starlink terminals to Ukraine and providing secure network access to a nation battling for its right to exist. But while public relations efforts from Starlink implied that these were provided by the company as a charitable venture, the truth was more complicated  the U.S. government paid millions for a significant portion of the equipment as well as its transportation costs to Ukraine.

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Dispute over Starlink left Ukraine more vulnerable

By October, following an online spat with a Ukrainian government official over an online poll that Musk initiated regarding settling the war on Russias terms, he threatened to shut off access to the system upon which the Ukrainian people, their government and military depended upon  unless the U.S. military started footing the bill.

Last month, Musks organization banned Ukrainian forces from operating drones using the Starlink network, with Starlink COO Gwynne Shotwell arguing that the network was never meant to be weaponized, despite broad awareness that the Ukrainian military had used the network for communications and drone operations for nearly a year.

Story continues

On Twitter, Musk called criticism of the Starlink decision media & other propaganda bs and claimed that we will not enable escalation of conflict that may lead to WW3.

Elon Musk's contracts with the Pentagon and NASA, including an agreement to develop satellites capable of tracking intercontinental ballistic missiles, are worth billions of dollars.

As one U.S. Department of Defense official told The Washington Post during the October dust-up, Musk dangle(d) hope over the heads of millions, then effectively stuck the U.S. government with a bill for services that no one asked for but now so many depend on.

Denying Ukraine a critical capability for surveillance in the ludicrous name of avoiding escalation  as if small quadcopters dropping grenades on individual Russian soldiers could somehow escalate a conflict defined by a large-scale terror campaign against civilians  is unconscionable.

What's the endgame?: White House is fine with the chaos it created at the border

For the sake of avoiding escalation, Musk is effectively reducing Ukraines ability to oppose Russian forces attempted conquest of Ukraine, and he is doing it on Washingtons dime and counter to Washingtons interests.

Musks public commentary has swerved into engagement with pro-Kremlin accounts and propaganda, which most recently resulted in him amplifying false claims of NATO troops being killed by the thousands in Ukraine.

This shocking media illiteracy as well as swipes at the free press, the United Nations and the U.S. government should prompt caution from agencies that rely on Musk for his services, as valuable as those services might be.

Musk suggested surrendering Taiwan to China

In October, Musk suggested that tensions over Taiwan might be best resolved by handing control of Taiwan to China. It was a ludicrous notion, but when considered through the lens of Musks receipt of subsidies from the Chinese government and his multibillion dollar financial interest in China, a particularly concerning one.

The Global Times, one of Chinas most prominent propaganda outlets, recently warned Musk publicly for drawing attention to the COVID-19 lab leak theory. The organization cited his significant business presence in the country and asked whether he was breaking the pot of China  a phrase akin to the English idiom biting the hand that feeds you.

It is worthwhile to consider the intelligence communitys markers for susceptibility to hostile intelligence recruitment  money, ideology, compromise and ego, or MICE. Operating a business reliant on positive relations with Beijing and buying a social media company for $44 billion only to force it to promote his own tweets in a fit of pique seem to trend heavily to C and E.

Give it up, Joe: From student loans to masks, why does Biden want to keep us in a perpetual 'emergency'?

There is a worrying thread running throughout Musks chaotic behavior, and the federal government would do well to investigate it thoroughly before enmeshing his enterprises any further into the countrys national security. The Department of Defense would revoke security clearances from its own personnel for carrying unreasonable debt and displaying public admiration for American adversaries, but it seems oddly happy to reward Musks public endorsement of authoritarian propaganda with more multimillion dollar contracts.

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.

What is to stop one of Musks enterprises from deciding to turn off a ballistic missile detection satellite over the owners future escalation concerns? Or throttling network traffic to a Navy ship conducting a freedom-of-navigation operation in an area contested by China?

Taking it one step further, if Musks enterprises are crossing over into the defense market, which customers will they take on in the future, and what accountability measures will be put in place?

Musk is motivated by commercial interests, not U.S. national interest. His contracts with the government are extraordinarily lucrative, but he has clearly shown his willingness to act contrary to U.S. interests while taking the governments money. Shockingly, he seems to avoid any financial consequences for doing so.

Instead, more and more government agencies and organizations are rushing to partner with Musk's enterprises. If these are services that the U.S. government plans to rely upon in the event of conflict, particularly a conflict with China, it cannot rely on the goodwill of one capricious individual.

American industrys capacity for innovation has long been a strength in national defense, but running military operations via what is effectively a subscription service presents significant risk  especially in a case where the service provider is vulnerable to pressure from the United States primary adversary.

Blake Herzinger is a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His research areas include U.S. Indo-Pacific defense strategy, security cooperation in Asia, U.S. alliances and partnerships in Asia and naval/maritime affairs in the Indo-Pacific region.

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 USA TODAY: Elon Musk's ties to China raise national security concerns
The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has finally confirmed the identity of the Hero, who was shot by the Russian invaders after the words "Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)!" SBU press service has said.

"Investigators of the State Security Service have established that the Ukrainian soldier, who was shot after the words "Glory to Ukraine!" was a sniper from the 163rd battalion of the 119th separate brigade of Chernihiv region Territorial Defense Forces Oleksandr Ihorovych Matsiyevsky," the SBU said on the Telegram channel on Sunday evening, March 12.

It is noted that "it was possible to finally confirm the data of the Hero after a complex of investigative actions, which included communication with relatives and brothers of the deceased, as well as the development of photo and video materials."

The SBU also received the opinion of a forensic portrait examination, which confirmed that it was Oleksandr Matsiyevsky in the video.

"This is a real Hero who, even looking into the face of death, demonstrated to the whole world what the Ukrainian character and invincibility are. It is these defenders who defend our land today, which means that the enemy will certainly be defeated. For the Great Victory of Ukraine consists of the heroic deeds of such people like Oleksandr Matsievsky. Glory to the Hero! Glory to the Heroes! Glory to Ukraine!" Head of the SBU Vasyl Maliuk said.

He also said the SBU is working to identify the Russian invaders who committed this crime.

"We will do our best to ensure that these monsters suffer the punishment they deserve," Maliuk said.

It is known that Matsievsky was called up for military service in March 2022. Since the end of December, he was considered missing near the village of Krasna Hora in Donetsk region.

According to information established by the SBU, Matsievsky was shot on December 30, 2022. His body was returned home in February 2023.

At the moment, the SBU is taking comprehensive measures to identify the Russian servicemen who committed this crime. Pretrial investigation is carried out in accordance with Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war).
A dog died after it was left in this burning pickup truck in Flagler County. A man and a woman fled from the truck, which had been reported stolen in Jacksonville, but were arrested, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

A dog died in a burning pickup and several deputies were stung by hornets after a man driving the truck sped away from deputies, crashed the vehicle in Palm Coast, and then he and a passenger fled into some woods, according to a release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

The driver of the truck, Emmitt Loges, 37, of Jacksonville, and the passenger, Sarah Brooks, 33, of West Virginia, remained in the Flagler County jail on Monday facing charges.

The situation began when a Flagler County Sheriffs Office deputy tried to stop a 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup truck on Thursday which had been reported stolen in Jacksonville. The pickup briefly entered Volusia County before heading back to Flagler County where the deputy tried to make a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 95 in the area of the weigh station, north of State Road 100, according to the release and a charging affidavit. The pickup sped away fleeing north on I-95 and exited at Matanzas Wood Parkway.

A pursuit was not authorized but Flagler County Fire Rescue's helicopter kept watching the pickup, the affidavit stated.

A deputy placed a tire deflation device in the path of the pickup near Matanzas Woods Parkway and US 1. The pickup continued south on US-1 with one or two tires deflated, the affidavit stated. The truck crashed and caught fire in the area of Hargrove Grade and U.S. 1, in Palm Coast. A man and a woman ran from the truck into nearby woods.

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Two dogs were left in the pickup truck and one of the dogs died in the fire, the release stated. Flagler County Fire Rescue and Palm Coast Fire Department extinguished the fire. The other dog was unaccounted for, according to the charging affidavit.

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Deputy First Class Marcus Dawson with K-9 Baro found the pickup's driver, Loges, at about 1:33 p.m. in the woods. The K-9 bit Loges who struck the dog and pushed the dog's face multiple times, according to the affidavit. The K-9 kept its hold on Loges, the release stated.

Corporal Troy Cavas and K-9 Holmes found the woman, Brooks, in the woods. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly assisted in taking her into custody.

During the search in the woods, hornets stung three deputies multiple times, the release stated. Community Policing Division Chief Jon Welker was stung more than 20 times and was treated and released from AdventHealth Palm Coast.

Loges was charged with grand theft auto, aggravated fleeing with injury or damage, touching or striking a police animal causing harm, resisting an officer without violence, criminal mischief (Over $1,000), and animal cruelty causing cruel death, pain, and suffering. Loges, who is a fugitive from several states had not given his true name to deputies and faces an additional charge of providing a false name.

Loges was taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast and then to the Flagler County jail, where he remained Monday on a $108,500 bond.

Brooks was charged with animal cruelty causing cruel death, pain, and suffering, and resisting an officer without violence. She was being held on a $22,000 bond.

Staly stated in the release that fortunately the deputies who suffered the hornet stings did not have a "serious reaction" and commended them for continuing to pursue the suspects.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Sheriff: Dog dies, hornets sting deputies after fleeing pickup crashes
A seething tangle of floating trouble is massing for a potential summer assault on Florida beaches as a vast forest of sargassum grows in record amounts in the Atlantic Ocean.

University of South Florida scientists said January was the second consecutive month that the amount of seaweed doubled, reaching 8.7 million tons, which is enough to fill about 3,000 Olympic size pools.

It also broke the previous January record set in 2018.

This is very rare in history, said USF oceanography professor Chuanmin Hu, about the rapid growth. "All we can do now is keep a close eye on what's going on."

Seaweed comes to shore like a horror movie

Sargassum is a lifeline for fish nurseries, hungry migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings seeking shelter in its buoyant saltwater blooms. But in mass quantities, it chokes life from canals, clogs boat propellers, and is a killjoy at the beach, piling up several feet deep like a rotting bog emitting hydrogen sulfide as it decomposes.

Our beach could literally be clean at 8 a.m. and three to four hours later a giant mat of sargassum the size of a mall will come in like the blob, like a Stephen King movie, said Tom Mahady, city of Boynton Beach Ocean Rescue chief. "It's not pleasant for swimmers."

A satellite image shows the extent of the sargassum growth in the Atlantic Ocean in January 2023. Warmer color tones indicate heavy amounts of sargassum.

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Winter growth spurt is unusual

Last year was a record-breaker for the total amount of sargassum, with it reaching a peak of 22 million tons in July. Hu said 2023 will be another major sargassum year, possibly surpassing 2022.

Its too early to know how much seaweed will reach Floridas beaches, but it has shown up in varying degrees and depths during every major growth year, hitching a ride on the loop current to assail the Keys and areas north from Miami to Jacksonville.

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One mystery this year is the proliferation of the sargassum in the winter months when it usually sees its growth spurt in spring and summer, said Hu, noting that his team has not tied warmer water temperatures to larger blooms.

People navigate their way through the seaweed while swimming near the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach in 2018.

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Hus Optical Oceanography lab at USF measures the sargassum by satellite and has images dating back decades. He was part of a team of scientists that discovered the worlds largest sargassum bloom in the Atlantic Ocean, dubbing it the Great Atlantic Sargassum belt.

Smoke, Amazon River, cold water upwelling feeds seaweed

A 2019 report on the group's findings pointed to two main culprits for the increase in sargassum  higher nutrient levels in runoff from the Amazon River and when an upwelling in the eastern Atlantic brings cooler water and nutrients from the bottom of the ocean to the surface.

A University of Miami study released the same year found that smoke from African fires  either from those burning wild or burning to clear land  has phosphorus in it that could also be feeding the sargassum after it settles out of the atmosphere.

Tiffanie Radford, of Lantana, walks south through sargassum on the first day of summer near R. G. Kreusler Park in unincorporated Palm Beach County, on June 21, 2022.

Florida Atlantic University research professor and algae expert Brian LaPointe said years with large amounts of sargassum build on each other because there is so much seed material to start the next crop.

It really becomes a problem when it piles up in the mangroves and causes these dead zones, LaPointe said. It literally fills manmade canals, coming right up in front of people's homes and surrounding docks.

LaPointe spoke in September to the Palm Beach Town Council after sargassum piled up several feet deep at the north end of the island south of the Lake Worth Inlet, also known as the Palm Beach Inlet.

Sargassum piles on Palm Beach as high as moguls on a ski slope

We had moguls of it, said town councilmember Bobbie Lindsay about the sargassum. The beach was unusable for much of the summer, it was scratching your thighs, it was just disgusting.

Lindsay said the decaying seaweed could be smelled several streets away from the beach depending on the wind direction.

"The air was so toxic I couldn't walk down there," Lindsay said.

Boynton Beach resident Johnny Ortiz, 61, jogs along the Ocean Inlet Park shoreline next to piles of accumulated sargassum seaweed in Boynton Beach on August 2, 2022. "God, I wish it would go away," Ortiz said about the seaweed.

Palm Beach, like many towns, cleans its public beaches with mechanical raking devices. But during the turtle nesting season from March 1 through Oct. 31, the cleaners have to stay below the high tide line. Sea turtles typically nest above the high tide line so their eggs stay dry. Nests below the high tide line are usually marked by sea turtle monitors so the rakes can avoid them.

While sargassum can help turtle hatchlings once they hit the water, high mounds on the beach are a barrier to them reaching it.

This year the Town of Palm Beach has a contract to either bury the sargassum at the north end of the island or remove it if there is too much to bury. Director of Public Works Paul Brazil said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Environmental Protection are working with the town on ways to handle the sargassum during nesting season.

LaPointe suggested using floating barriers to keep the seaweed from coming ashore. More than a mile of floating barrier was placed off the coast of Mexicos Tulum National Park in August. LaPointe said areas of the Keys are already using it or considering it.

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The rotten egg smell in the Keys from the decomposing sargassum has prompted at least one online guidebook to have a chapter titled Why do the Florida Keys smell like sulfur?

Hu said hes been called by real estate investors on where best to buy land along Mexicos Caribbean coastline to avoid sargassum. An airline also asked for his advice when it was deciding its schedule so as not to load up on flights to sargassum-rich areas during tourist season.

People dont like it because its unsightly, said Mahady, the Boynton Beach ocean rescue chief. But you cant stop it from raining, you cant stop snow, and you cant stop seaweed.

Kimberly Miller is a veteran journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida beaches could be covered in record seaweed blob this summer
A prisoner was still unaccounted for Monday evening after the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry said he walked away from a work crew at 9:20 a.m. in San Luis.

The department identified the escaped prisoner as Jonathan Perryman, a minimum custody work crew member.

In a statement, the department said it had notified "all local law enforcement agencies as well as the U.S. Marshals Office, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection. ADCRR investigations and apprehension staff, including ASPC-Yuma staff, are actively searching for Perryman."

The San Luis Police Department posted on its Facebook page Monday morning that it was "on the lookout for an escaped prisoner from the Arizona Department of Corrections."

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety said the agency put out an attempt to locate (ATL) on behalf of the Department of Corrections. An ATL is a standard broadcast to all highway patrol units in the area.

"Perryman was working at a recreation center in San Luis and was last seen walking into a restroom to wash paint off his hands by a work crew checker and a City of San Luis civilian supervisor," the Department said in a statement.

His last known location as of 3:40 p.m. was near the 400 block of West Cano Street, according to the Yuma Sheriff's Office Twitter. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black pants.

People are advised to stay out of the area while officers continue their search.

Update 3:30 PM: Somerton Police Department-Prisoner Escapee, last seen at the 400 block West Cano Street,       . Please stay out of the area, multiple officers in unmarked police vehicles searching. https://t.co/IvBHM8fwHz  Yuma Sheriff's Office - AZ (@YumaSheriff) March 13, 2023

Perryman was incarcerated in November of 2022 for charges related to misconduct involving weapons, according to the Department of Corrections. He was housed in the lowest custody level at the La Paz Unit at Yuma. Perryman's release date was set for June of 2026.

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Perryman does not have any history of violence or prior violent convictions, according to the Department of Corrections.

Earlier in the day, the San Luis Police Department said it had contacted the Gadsden School District as well as the San Luis High School and the schools were placed on lockdown.

Have a news tip on Arizona prisons? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man escapes from Yuma prison; search underway
As all indications are that Iowa will lose its first-in-the-nation role in the Democratic Partys primary process, it is worth looking at the uneven early history of this political event.

It is well-documented that Iowas first-in-the-nation caucuses began with the Iowa Democratic Party in 1972. However, while Jimmy Carters success in campaigning in Iowa in 1975 and 1976 initiated his successful presidential bid, Carter supported a revision of the 1980 nomination process in 1977. Additionally, it is often overlooked that Iowa Republicans with an incumbent president in Richard Nixon ignored participating in the 1972 early caucuses, and barely participated in 1976.

Carters 1976 campaign presaged the campaigns of succeeding candidates, if not in numbers then with a respectable geographic reach. His first Iowa campaign visit was in Le Mars on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1975. The Plymouth County Democratic Party was honoring the retiring county recorder Marie Jahn for her 38 years of service. At the event at Westmar College, the Le Mars Daily Sentinel reported that Carter spoke on farm policy, energy issues and the federal government for about 40 minutes. The newspaper described his speech as captivating, as Carter called for economy and efficiency in government. Reflecting the informality of the process at the time, newspaper reporter Linda Kettner shuttled Carter to the Daily Sentinels office following the event for Ms. Jahn.

Jimmy Carter campaigns at the Iowa State Fair ahead of the 1976.

Other Democratic candidates visited the state, too. The Democratic field included Birch Bayh of Indiana; Fred Harris of Oklahoma; Morris Udall of Arizona; Sargent Shriver of Maryland; and Henry Scoop Jackson of Washington. According to an Associated Press report in the Mason City Globe-Gazette of Jan. 20, 1976, Carter visited Iowa 17 days; Bayh 15 days; and Shriver 13 days. Harris was said to be in Iowa about the same number of days as Carter. Carter finished second behind uncommitted in the caucus held on Jan. 19 with 27.6% of the state delegate equivalents. Carter won New Hampshire on Feb. 24 and continued to do well, thus earning him the partys nomination for president.

While Iowa Republicans joined the first-in-the-nation fray in 1976, their effort was incomplete. With Gerald Ford moving into the vice presidency and presidency through resignations, he had a significant challenge from former California Governor Ronald Reagan. The reported results from Iowa Republicans were inconclusive.

The Iowa Republican Party chose to survey only a selection of precincts in the campaign. President Ford won 264 precincts and Ronald Reagan won 248, where results were tabulated in 583 of about 2,536 total precincts. Reagans national challenge was substantial with President Ford narrowly gaining the nomination in the Republican National Convention in Kansas City in August 1976. Reagans strong national showing made him a frontrunner for Republicans in 1980.

In spite of the relatively smooth operation of the 1976 caucuses and Carters solid performance, Carter and his supporters sought to change the nomination process by late 1977. The National Democratic Partys Commission on Presidential Primaries and Delegate Selection issued a proposal with three features. The commission suggested a primary season from March to June, sought to prevent delegates from switching candidates on the first two ballots at the national convention, and would require a candidate to get at least 25% of the vote in a precinct to gain a state delegate in state nomination contests.

The last provision was a direct attack on Iowa Democrats' 15% threshold for viability in a precinct. The shortened nomination period would also eliminate Iowas first-in-the-nation role. It was believed President Carter and his supporters desired to consolidate power and eliminate any threat of competition for the 1980 nomination.

The Republican caucus at precinct 74 in Des Moines drew a crowd of 500 to Greenwood School in January 1980, compared to an attendance of 50 people four years earlier.

Surprisingly, Iowa Democrats were ambivalent. According to a Dec. 4, 1977 story in the Register, former Iowa Democratic Party Chair Clark Rasmussen saw nothing wrong with limiting the primary season to 13 weeks. Robert Fulton, a former lieutenant governor and transitional governor in early 1969, was the only Iowan on the National Democratic Committee. He argued the 1976 process worked well for the party, and if it works, dont fix it. The commissions report proved largely unpopular due to the restrictions being undemocratic. News it would be scrapped appeared by the spring of 1978, and the report was shelved.

Iowa would retain its first-in-the-nation status for decades, but it is worth recognizing that Jimmy Carter, as the candidate who is often cited as the model for Iowas role in the nomination process, led an attack against it less than a year after his inauguration. That President Barack Obama has praised and thanked Iowa for helping launch his 2008 campaign but has not advocated for Iowa is equally telling.

Iowa Republicans also had little concern for the first-in-the nation status in the 1970s. The party did not engage in a first-in-the nation effort until four years after the Iowa Democrats, and the 1976 Iowa Republican caucuses were not fully reported. It's hard to argue the Iowa caucuses were important to the GOP in the early years. When defending our states role in the national presidential process, it's important to realize that some Iowans and the political parties showed an early disregard for Iowas role as the first-in-the-nation caucus state.

Leo Landis is the state curator for the State Historical Society of Iowa, which provided this essay as part of a series for Iowa History Month. For more information, visit iowaculture.gov.

March is Iowa History Month

To celebrate Iowa History Month, the Register has published weekly essays from leading state historians.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa History Month: First-in-the-nation status was challenged early on
LAC DU FLAMBEAU - Officials with the Lac du Flambeau tribe and the town of Lac du Flambeau have reached a deal to temporarily reopen four barricaded roads on the reservation in northern Wisconsin.

Town officials held a special meeting March 11 and accepted the tribes offer to remove the barricades for 90 days in exchange for $60,000 while negotiations for a more permanent solution continue.

Tribal officials had barricaded the four roads on the reservation Jan. 31, stranding non-tribal residents of some 65 properties by cutting off the only access for vehicle traffic to their homes.

Tribal officials said the easement agreement for the roads expired more than 10 years ago and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the title insurance companies that handle the properties had not negotiated in good faith to extend the agreements.

A roadblock is seen on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, along Elsie Lake Lane in Lac du Flambeau, Wis. A special town board meeting was held to receive public comment and deliberate over the towns course of action in response to Lac du Flambeau reservation tribal officials erecting barricades along four roads in the area. Tribal officials set up barricades on the roads Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies that built the roads and the homes they access broke down. Tribal officials say the roads were illegally built on tribal lands and the tribe was not compensated for the right-of-way easements.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Tribal Chairman John Johnson had previously said residents had been trespassing on the illegally built roads on tribal lands and the tribe needs to safeguard what little land it has left.

The barricades may be coming down temporarily, however the real work of developing a longer-term solution is just beginning, wrote Dave Kievet, one of the affected residents.

Many residents have been using snowmobiles to travel across woods and frozen lakes to leave their properties for supplies, but the ice will start to melt soon.

It is a short-term fix so we have a way out when the ice is no longer safe to cross, but it does not solve the long-term problem, said Marti Hunt, another affected resident.

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A roadblock is seen along Annie Sunn Lane on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Lac du Flambeau town hall in Lac du Flambeau, Wis. A special town board meeting was held to receive public comment and deliberate over the towns course of action in response to Lac du Flambeau reservation tribal officials erecting barricades along four roads in the area. Tribal officials set up barricades on the roads Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies that built the roads and the homes they access broke down. Tribal officials say the roads were illegally built on tribal lands and the tribe was not compensated for the right-of-way easements.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Many residents are hopeful a long-term deal can be reached.

Im so happy to have the opportunity to work with the tribe to get them fair compensation for the past use of their land, said Elizabeth Lindquist, another affected resident.

The temporary deal comes on the heels of a federal court decision in favor of the tribe last week.

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A law firm representing many of the residents had file a lawsuit Feb. 28 against the tribe demanding that the roads be reopened.

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The defendants (Lac du Flambeau Tribe) took the law into their own hands and illegally barricaded public roadways, despite the fact that they must be open and available to public use under federal law, the lawsuit read.

A federal judge disagreed with that assertion and denied the request and questioned whether the federal court has jurisdiction to issue an injunction on tribal land.

We feel for the impacted property owners and hope this ruling encourages all property owners to press for immediate action by the town of Lac du Flambeau, the involved title insurance companies and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to resolve this matter, Johnson said in a statement. As we have said before, this entire situation could have been avoided if the town and the title insurance companies would have negotiated in good faith.

A roadblock is seen along Center Sugarbush Lane on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Lac du Flambeau town hall in Lac du Flambeau, Wis. A special town board meeting was held to receive public comment and deliberate over the towns course of action in response to Lac du Flambeau reservation tribal officials erecting barricades along four roads in the area. Tribal officials set up barricades on the roads Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies that built the roads and the homes they access broke down. Tribal officials say the roads were illegally built on tribal lands and the tribe was not compensated for the right-of-way easements.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Last week, Gov. Tony Evers wrote another letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as the title insurance companies and tribal and town officials, urging them to come to a resolution.

While I cannot dictate the terms of settlement of a private dispute, I remain committed to encouraging open and frank communication and negotiations between the parties to find a resolution as quickly as possible, Evers wrote. Come to the table. Mediate this dispute. Do so with commitment and haste. Your neighbors are relying on you.

Gov. Tony Evers delivers his 2023-2025 biennial budget message Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, inside of the Assembly Chamber at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

He said his administration will take all legal steps to ensure the title companies are providing the coverage they committed to homeowners.

Rhetoric toward the tribe and town had been increasing in animosity by some residents and observers.

The issue has been reported in the Washington Post, New York Times and Fox News.

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Last month, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wausau, wrote a letter to LDF Tribal President Johnson saying the move by the tribe appears to be a shakedown attempt and threatened legislative action.

And last week, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson wrote a letter asking the federal government to intervene in the private dispute. He requested that the total amount of federal funding administered to the tribe for the four roads be made known and that a legal analysis be conducted to determine the legality of the tribe blocking access to the roads.

The administrators of a Facebook page Behind the Barricades in Lac du Flambeau wrote they had to pause public comment on the page because of increasing negative rhetoric.

A roadblock is seen along Ross Allen Lane on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Lac du Flambeau town hall in Lac du Flambeau, Wis. A special town board meeting was held to receive public comment and deliberate over the towns course of action in response to Lac du Flambeau reservation tribal officials erecting barricades along four roads in the area. Tribal officials set up barricades on the roads Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies that built the roads and the homes they access broke down. Tribal officials say the roads were illegally built on tribal lands and the tribe was not compensated for the right-of-way easements.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

This Facebook page was started with the intent of letting everyone know what we were dealing with here in northern Wisconsin, wrote Dave Kievet, administrator of the page. The posts and comments indicate that there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue. Rather than deescalating the situation our page appears to be creating a greater divide.

He wrote that the root of the issue really started in 1887 when Congress passed the Dawes Act, which allowed non-tribal people to purchase land on the reservation in the first place.

Kievet wrote, The federal government created this issue and the federal government should be responsible for rectifying the situation.

Dig deeper on the standoff:

Frank Vaisvilas is a Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.You can directly support his work with a tax-deductible donation online at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Lac du Flambeau tribe to reopen barricaded roads in northern Wisconsin
Have you checked out the Annual Community Quilt Show happening at the Cheboygan Area Public Library? Come see the amazing quilted items created by members of your own community.

The quilt show is free to attend and viewable during regular library hours which are Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Quilt Show will conclude at the end of March. Be sure to visit while you can. Curious about learning a new skill like quilting or maybe you want to discover a new style of quilting? The Cheboygan Library has many books about quilting for varying skill levels and types of quilting. Check out books or magazines to learn more about a craft or skill that interests you.

Ready to meet some slithering friends? Now is your chance! The Straits Area Audubon Society and the Cheboygan Area Public Library are bringing the Snakes Alive! program to the Cheboygan Library on March 13 at 6 p.m. During this program, several snakes will be used to educate the public on their species and there may be a chance for audience members to touch or hold them.

Snakes Alive! is an educational program that Jim and Carol McGrath share through their organization Nature Discovery, located in Williamston, Michigan, which resides east of Lansing. The McGraths have been educating both adults and youths about natural science through education programs at libraries and schools for more than twenty years.

With over 40 species of Michigan snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs and salamanders, Nature Discovery is home to the largest collection of live Michigan Reptiles and Amphibians in the state. Nature Discovery is dedicated to enhancing awareness and sensitivity toward Michigan's diverse living resources through natural science education. To learn more, visit naturediscovery.net.

March is Reading month. March was designated reading month to celebrate Dr. Seuss. Born March 2, 1904, Dr. Seuss was an author and illustrator of many popular childrens books. Celebrate this month by visiting the Cheboygan Library. Ask a student how they are celebrating March is Reading Month at school. Help young readers reach reading goals. Discover the many new books in our childrens section. Check out the new VOX books. VOX books are picture books with an audio reader attached for read-along reading. Children can simply push a button to listen and read (no computer or tablet is required).

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Reading aloud to children even after they have learned to read on their own is essential for building better readers. Hearing a story read aloud benefits children. They learn inflection, expression and build fluency. Consider reading aloud, taking turns reading a picture book or share reading pages in a chapter book. Time spent together reading is an investment. You can find magic wherever you look, sit back and relax all you need is a book.  Dr. Seuss

Take and Read! Free to participate and open to 8th-12-graders. Teens receive a free book each month. The Books and Bites reading club meets the last Thursday of the month at the Cheboygan Library from 3:30-5 p.m. for book chat and a bite to eat. Bring a friend! Sign-up is required, stop by, call or sign up on the Bookclubs app.

Reading is so important to grow minds young and old. Reading promotes mental stimulation, can reduce stress, enhances social skills, expands vocabulary, helps to improve memory, and promotes better sleep. Reading aloud is not just for children. Consider joining or forming a book club. Readers meet to discuss books, share favorite passages, offer interpretations or make predictions. Book clubs bring people together. There are also virtual book clubs and celebrity book club recommendations. However you choose to celebrate reading month, the Cheboygan Public Library has many resources to offer, visit us in person or online at cheboyganlibrary.org.

 Paula Jewell is program director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Library Lines: Slither in to check out snakes
Lets go back over 100 years to a modest village on the West coast of India. As often happens in places by the sea, years of trading have left a polyglot mixture; Hindus live here but also Muslims and a few Christians and Jews. But they have a problem. Their few Jewish families have only daughters. Traditionally, the women would marry into neighboring families and adopt the faiths of their in-laws. But if it happens that way, soon, there will be no Jewish presence in town. This presents a problem worthy of a town meeting.

The problem is explained  and soon solved. Some of the local young men agree to marry Jewish women and to study under their rabbi to become Jews themselves. Thus the town preserved its diverse qualities and all was well. Ive long cherished this true story as emblematic of what civilization could be. The more stories we hear, the more wisdom we get.

Its 1999 and were at the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in South Africa. During an evening program, Rabbi Hoffman from Cape Town rises to speak. Hes a barrel-chested man with a dense, cropped beard.

"It's 1943," he says. "A young woman is running down a narrow, darkened street in occupied Holland carrying a battered old suitcase with holes in it. Its been raining and the streets are wet and glistening. She bangs on every door she comes to. Finally, an elderly couple opens to her. 'Will you take this?' she asks and thrusts the suitcase at them. They open it; there is a baby inside. 'There is no time. Will you take responsibility for this or not?' They take the suitcase inside and the girl continues running down the street and vanishes from sight forever.

They were old, this couple, presumably theyd raised their children already. The Nazis would shoot them if they found out. But they did it anyway.

"Had that couple said 'no,' the Rabbi said, had they refused her  I would not be standing before you at this moment."

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The couple not only raised the boy; they raised him Jewish. And here he was, this product of love and desperation.

Presuming the old couple was Christian, they could have raised the boy Christian, too. Instead, they honored this child's presumably murdered mother by raising him Jewish. There are stories that momentarily stop the heart  then fill it.

Now we're going back to the late 1970s. I was living another life back then, supporting my family as a salesman. In New York City, I had a sales representative named Max who was Jewish. I was much younger than he was, and Max taught me a lot.

In the long run, Max used to tell me, it's both good business and good morals to take care of people.

We were on a business trip together, driving late one night down the Jersey Turnpike. We had become good friends by then and our rambling conversation touched on many things. Finally, after a long silence, Max asked me a question.

You seem to know about religion  did we kill Jesus?

What do you mean we, Max? That was 2,000 years ago.

A car went by and threw some light on Max's face.

You know it's just  it's just when I was a kid, all my way through school in New Jersey, the kids called us 'Christ killers.' Ever since I've always wondered if it was true.

A generation had passed since then and it still hurt. It still haunted him. I was years from becoming a history teacher, but I already knew enough. If the ancient Jews had wanted Jesus dead, they had numerous opportunities  especially the night he was arrested and hadn't yet been turned over to the Romans. But they didn't do it. Instead, Jesus was tried Roman-style, flogged Roman-style and crucified Roman-style, all for Roman reasons.

Max always worked hard and when it finally paid off, he had brought in two huge new accounts. Seeing this whopping commission check lying on his desk, my boss suddenly refused to sign it.

Do you know why I hired you? My boss had asked me a few months before. Because the word is out that you're good with Jews. Can't stand them, myself.

Not being able to stand Jews, my boss took over Maxs accounts and tore up his commission check.

I like telling stories and today I've told you a few. The more stories we hear, the more wisdom we can get. Look for creed and race, and youll see creed and race. Look for humanity, and youll get humanity. Let's try for that.

Lawrence Brown is a columnist for the Cape Cod Times. Email him at omamerica1@gmail.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Brown: Stories on love, hate, kindness and prejudice
REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Welcome to this weeks edition of Royalist, The Daily Beasts newsletter for all things royal and Royal Family. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox every Sunday.

No invite for the kids and a cold shoulder

King Charles Coronation continues to generate ever more bonkers royal soapiness. Now it has emerged that Prince Harry and Meghan Markles children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are not currently invited to the event, the Telegraph reports.

As has been reported, Harry and Meghan have been invited (and not said yes or no yet, ensuring all Coronation media coverage is focused on them), but no mention has been made of Archie or Lilibet who this week assumed their new royal titles of prince and princess after another intriguing slice of royal drama.

According to the Telegraph, the couple have had no information about whether the children have been included in the plans around the Coronation, with friends of Harry and Meghan claiming Archie and Lilibets inclusion will be discussed if and when they confirm their own attendance. Asked if Archie and Lilibet were invited, one royal source told the Telegraphmysteriously/forebodingly/bizarrely/accuratelythat they were very young.

Harry and Meghan Called Charles Bluff Over Princess Lilibetand Won

If Harry and Meghan do show up for the Coronation, members of the royal family are hoping they are seated in Iceland, andto keep the chilly metaphor goingplan to give them the cold shoulder, according to the Mail on Sunday.

A friend of the family told the Mail: They will be given the cold shoulder by very many relatives. One said to me, I hope theyll be seated in Iceland. Many of the family just want nothing more to do with them. If they have to see them at the Coronation then so be it, but they do not want to socialize with them.

The paper says Harry and Meghan are expected at the May 6 ceremony, but not their young kids (Archie turns 4 the same day). The Telegraph says William and Kate are expected to bring Prince George and Princess Charlotte, with George taking on an official role; Prince Louis may or may not attend. Queen Camillas grandchildren will have official roles at the ceremony.

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Harry and Meghan would likely stay at Frogmore Cottage if they do come to the event; their end-of March lease expiry date has been extended a bit to give them some time to sort out the removal and shipping of their stuff.

Palace sources told the Mail that while Harry and Meghan wouldnt appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, there was a discussion as to whether they would take part in other events surrounding the celebrations.

Andrew has a new money problem

Prince Andrew has a fresh complaint to make. We know, get the sympathy cakes ready! He is in despair after not being left any money by Queen Elizabeth, the Sun on Sunday reports. He has told friends he received none of her 650 million ($782 million). Instead, King Charles got it, and he doesnt have to pay any tax on it.

Andrew is said to be bewildered not to have received any of the dosh, especially as he has lost his Buckingham Palace base and royal security in the wake of the Virginia Giuffre scandal. He may also be kicked out of Royal Lodge soon, and is refusing Charles desire that he move to Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghans previous pad.

Its not just Andrew, Queen Elizabeths other childrenPrincess Anne and Prince Edwardare said to have some resentment over inheriting nothing, or get some money from being working royals. A friend of Andy told the Sun on Sunday: I gather hes checked it out and theres no will. Hes in despair. Hes a member of the family, for Gods sake. Whats he meant to do? Go cap in hand to his older brother to keep a roof over his head?

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Royal Family's Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene's church, as the Royals take residence at the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain December 25, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Andrew, the Mirror reported, is also furious that Charles may ban him from wearing all the finery he should wear as a Knight of the Garter. Andrew is no longer Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, but remains a Vice Admiral because of his service in the Royal Navy. One source told the Mirror that Andrew had been left completely in the dark over his role and required dress for the coronation, adding Andrew is furious. Hes already not playing a part and now he feels he is being disrespected and dictated to over something he is fully entitled to (wear).

Charles spiritual guidance sessions

King Charles is having spiritual guidance sessions with Britains top churchman, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Sunday Times reports. In order to prepare for the Coronation on May 6, Charlesas king, the supreme governor of the Church of Englandhas held several private meetings with Justin Welby, who will officiate at the coronation, the paper reports. Welby is giving Charles religious guidance on the significance of his coronation oath, the commitments he will make to his subjects and the Christian symbolism of the regalia, apparently, a source saying, The archbishop is assisting the king with what it all means.

The Sunday Times also reports that the two men are also trying to thrash out a way to make the ceremony more inclusive of non-Protestants. In 1994, Charles famously said he would like to be seen as defender of faith, not the Defender of the Faith, an issue that has dogged him ever since.

The paper says that the king and Welby are looking to make tweaks to the coronation oath, in which the monarch promises to do their utmost [to] maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant reformed religion.

Meanwhile, on the issue of the key invite, a Harry and Meghan spokesperson says that an immediate decision on whether the duke and duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.

Britain's King Charles III shakes hands with Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, during a presentation of loyal addresses by the privileged bodies, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, Britain March 9, 2023. Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS

The Times and other outlets are also reporting how pissed off various poshos in the U.K. are that are a slimmed down Coronation means fewer aristos and people of influence receiving invites. A senior Whitehall source told the Times: MPs and peers have been up in arms after learning about plans for a slimmed-down coronation and are anxious not to miss out on having a front-row seat in history.

The Mail reports that good friends of Charles and Camilla are getting antsy at not getting a save the date email. Some of them are furious, especially those who have made rather a lot about their royal friendships over the years, an amused grandee told the Mail. Theyre finding the wait excruciating. And, for some, its going to end in humiliation.

The Mail also says the emails are going out in batches. Its a practical arrangement, a source said.

Charles solution to all this high-class social mortification, a soothing of ruffled feathers, is to hold a special audience afternoon tea event on May 2, the Times says. But come on, if you get an invite to that while your best lord and lady friends get the invite for the big do, youll likely never feel sicker to see a scone, cream, and jam.

Subscribe here to get all the latest royal news and gossip with Tom Sykes and Tim Teeman.

Sophie relieved she no longer has to curtsy to Meghan

The recent elevation of Prince Edward to the dignity of Duke of Edinburgh, a title formerly held by, and perhaps forever associated with, his father, the irascible Prince Philip, has a welcome bonus for Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward. Now, as the newly ensconced Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie does not have to curtsy to Meghan Markle.

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, meets members of the public, before attending an event at the City Chambers to mark one year since the city's formal response to the invasion of Ukraine, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain March 10, 2023. Jane Barlow/Pool via REUTERS"

Up till now, as a mere Countess (of Wessex), Sophie would have been required to bend the knee to the Duchess of Sussex, but with Sophie now being a duchess too, those days are over. A friend of the couple told the Daily Mail, Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsy to someone in the family who has not only left royal duties but has spent the past three years criticizing the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.

Alright on the night

A full-scale replica of the stage on which Charles and Camilla will be crowned is being built in Buckingham Palace to allow for rehearsals. The idea is that the many rehearsals required between now and the big day can be carried out in private and without causing disruption to day-to-day operations at Westminster Abbey, where the great event will take place on May 6.

A source told the Daily Mail, Its a big undertaking. Builders are working on it at the moment. Its going to be an exact replica of the raised stage or theatre which will be built in the Abbey when the king and queen consort are crowned. There are lots of steps and lots of people taking part. The Queen has chosen her grandchildren to be pages and the King will choose four young people from his side to act as his pages.

These youngsters, along with all the bishops, the Archbishop and everybody involved, will need to rehearse away from the public eye and this seemed like the perfect way to go about it. It also means that the Abbey wont have to shut to the public for the rehearsals so they can continue to earn the revenue from visitors and not disrupt everyone elses plans.

This week in royal history

On March 18, 1986, the engagement of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, aka Fergie, was announced by Buckingham Palace. Long divorced, the two remain close friends.

Unanswered questions

What will the next turn in the endless saga of Harry and Meghans attendance at the Coronation be, now with the added complication of Archie and Lilibets invite? And will Charles and Andrew start figuring out all the latters accommodation and money woes?

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MFA categorically refutes insinuations of Georgian authorities on alleged preparation by Ukraine of coup in Georgia, dragging it into war with Russia

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine categorically refutes the insinuations of the Georgian authorities about Ukraine's alleged preparation of a coup in Georgia and drawing it into a war with Russia, and believes that the statements of Georgian politicians will not be able to shake the strong relations between the Ukrainian and Georgian peoples, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko has said.

"Over the past few days, the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Georgian parliament have made a number of statements that are unfriendly to Ukraine. Almost verbatim repeating the theses of Russian propaganda, representatives of the Georgian authorities accused Ukraine of preparing a coup in Georgia, dragging it into a war with Russia, and sending forces to foment a civil war. We categorically reject such insinuations that have nothing to do with reality," Nikolenko said on Facebook on Monday.

The Foreign Ministry said "the Georgian authorities are looking for an enemy in the wrong place," however, they expressed confidence that the statements of Georgian politicians would not be able to shake the strong friendship between the Ukrainian and Georgian peoples.

"We highly appreciate the support of Georgians at a time when Ukrainians are fighting for their independence. For its part, Ukraine has been and will remain a friend of the Georgian people, to whom we wish not to stop in the development of the European future," the spokesman said.

Earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian politicians "to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of his country."
As the live online session got underway, participants were read the names of some of those whose deaths had brought them here: George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Tyre Nichols. Walter Scott.

All had been killed by police. All were Black. In the cases of Floyd and Scott, it was footage collected by bystanders that had helped make the case against the officers.

This is something thats been going on for generations, said Tansy McNulty, founder and CEO of 1 Million Madly Motivated Moms, or 1M4, an organization working to eliminate police brutality. We want to end it.

The session was the first of what anti-hate organization Right To Be plans to make an ongoing monthly series in partnership with 1 Million Madly Motivated Moms. Called "Bystander Intervention: How to Safely Intervene and Respond in the Face of Anti-Black Police-Sponsored Violence, it aims to prepare participants to safely respond or even intervene in the face of police violence and harassment, especially in cases against Black people communities.

Black Americans are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white Americans, and, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, 3.73 times likelier than whites to be arrested on marijuana-related charges despite similar rates of usage.

These statistics make me angry but Im here to do something, one woman wrote in the group chat.

A portrait of George Floyd hangs on a street light pole as police officers stand guard at the Third Police Precinct during a face-off with a group of protesters on May 27, 2020, in Minneapolis.

How did the training evolve?

Jorge Arteaga, vice president of Right To Be, said it was the 2020 police killings of Floyd in Minneapolis and Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, that had planted the seed for the training.

At the time, anti-Asian hate incidents had been spreading along with the pandemic, and the New York City-based group had developed a program intended to help bystanders respond effectively during or after incidents of hate or harassment.

Organizers surmised that the program, structured around what Right To Be calls the five Ds of bystander intervention  distract, delegate, document, delay and direct  could be tailored to police mistreatment of Black people. Initial feedback was positive, with a bit of pushback.

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They said, this is great  but what if youre a Black or Brown person in the community watching another Black or Brown person be harassed? Arteaga said. Some of these strategies wouldnt work."

That's a valid point, said Suzanne Adely, president of the National Lawyers Guild.

"Anybody in proximity to police violence is also a potential target," she said, "which is especially dangerous for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color."

In response to the feedback, Right to Be focused its police brutality sessions on three "D" strategies: Document (the incident), delegate (solicit help) and delay (assist the harmed person afterward).

Right to Be's next session is set for March 28.

The importance of documentation

About 75 people attended last months initial webinar from throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Documenting is especially important, Arteaga said. While the presence of bystanders to George Floyds murder didnt stop the killing, he noted, witnesses' video not only sealed the legal case against Officer Derek Chauvin but served to sway public opinion.

In looking at communities where these things happen, people often dont feel confident about stepping in, Arteaga said. Theyre intimidated by law enforcement, and sometimes in an effort to help they can make things worse by not knowing their rights.

Rights when recording

Among the questions at the initial training: What kind of incidents should one record?

If someones pulled over by police and theres heightened emotions, record, McNulty said.

"Police officers do not have privacy rights while they are doing their work," said Bernardo Rafael Cruz, attorney for the ACLU's Texas chapter. "We have a lot of reports of police saying, 'You can't record me.' But they are a public agent of the government."

Generally speaking, officers cant confiscate a phone or demand to view photos or videos without a warrant, even during an arrest.

People walk from District One Police Department during a march for Tyre Nichols in Milwaukee on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. Nichols was killed by Memphis police officers who brutally beat the 29-year-old after a traffic stop.

A password can be a solid way to defend against officers looking through a phone, as the Fourth Amendment protects against an officer forcing someone to unlock a phone in most places, Adely said.

While laws may vary from state to state regarding audio footage or the distance that one must remain away from officers during an incident, people dont realize that if youre in public, as long as youre not obstructing justice, you can record it all, Arteaga said.

However, Adely cautioned that one should be judicious in sharing such footage, citing the unintended consequences of people who post videos to social media. Show the footage to an attorney, she said.

What other strategies are useful?

Arteaga said one can also rely on the two other approaches: delegating and delaying. For instance, ask a person being harmed whether there's someone they need to contact by phone. Or approach nearby business owners for footage that can be shared with attorneys.

People have this idea that we have to delegate our power to political officials and law enforcement, and this is one way to restore folks power, the sense that we can actually take care of each other with these tools, Arteaga said.

Dig Deeper:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police brutality: Anti-hate group hopes to spur bystanders into action
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told the audience at a South by Southwest political panel in Austin on Sunday that democracy has been growing stronger ever since the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

However, she said, threats of political violence, extremism and decisions such as Dobbs v. Jackson, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated women's constitutional right to abortion, are reflections of democracy's status at home and abroad.

"It's about our example. I have no doubt that we will have a path to strengthen our democracy as a model to the world," Pelosi said. "That doesn't mean suppressing; it means respecting other views, but to do so in a way that, again, honors the oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Pelosi, D-Calif., who served two stints as speaker and had led House Democrats since 2003 before leaving the post in January to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., acknowledged her own experience with being a target of political violence.

"My dear husband, Paul, was able to make this trip. This is highly unusual, but he's getting out now," Pelosi said.

He was attacked with a hammer by an intruder at their San Francisco home in October.

"I was the target, he paid the price, and you can just imagine what my sentiment is about this," she said.

Briefly touching on global competition with China and the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war, Pelosi went on to discuss issues related to the U.S.-Mexico border and a bank failure threatening the technology industry during the SXSW panel Sunday hosted by The Atlantic and moderated by Evan Smith, co-founder of The Texas Tribune.

"I have no doubt that we will have a path to strengthen our democracy as a model to the world," former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday at a South by Southwest political panel.

Texas and the border

Declaring it a responsibility to protect the border, Pelosi flatly denied claims that the Biden administration is considering reinstating a Trump-era rule that allowed law enforcement to detain migrant families that crossed the border illegally.

Pelosi said such a potential deal or policy change, as reported by the New York Times last week, is simply not on the table.

Story continues

"The president has never said this," Pelosi said. "This was a notion that was floating in the Department of Homeland Security. It didn't receive resonance or even the support of the secretary" of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.

Pointing to lawmakers' need to consider the contributing factors driving global migration, such as crime, economic instability and climate change, Pelosi said those factors should be examined before migrants reach the U.S. border.

"I think that we should be doing the adjudication of it at a previous border like Guatemala, Mexico," Pelosi said. "But in any event, the president never said" he'd reinstate the Trump-era policy.

Meanwhile, in the Texas Legislature, Republicans in both chambers have constantly blamed Biden for the influx of drugs and immigrants at the border.

Paul Pelosi, left, listens as his wife, Nancy, talks politics at South by Southwest. He was attacked with a hammer by an intruder at their San Francisco home in October.

As bill filing for the 88th Legislature closed Friday, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, included in his priorities a proposal to create a "Border Protection Unit" that would be able to arrest, detain and deter those who cross into the country illegally.

House Bill 20, filed by Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, would create the law enforcement unit stationed on the border and give it oversight of construction and maintenance of physical barriers on the border.

In the Texas Senate, a proposal from Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, would create a misdemeanor or felony charge for anyone who "enters or attempts to enter this state from a foreign nation at any time or place other than as designated by United States immigration officers."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the state Senate, said Senate Bill 2424 showcases the chamber's commitment to beef up border security as well as the $4 billion included in its base 2024-25 biennium budget to fund Operation Lone Star, the governor's joint mission launched in March 2021 involving the Texas Military Department and the Department of Public Safety to stem the flow of illegal immigration and drugs, such as fentanyl, across the southern border.

The Mexican American Legislative Caucus has already expressed vehement opposition to HB 20, and House Democratic leader Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio, called it a "tinderbox."

"Let's be clear  HB 20 is a 'Show me Your Papers' bill being enforced by a new state police force," Martinez-Fischer tweeted Saturday. "This legislation is a tinderbox waiting to explode that will leave this session in flames. And House Republicans have been warned."

Buyout for Silicon Valley Bank

A central bank for technology startup capital failed Friday, succumbing to a "bank run" that has left many wondering if there's a fallback other than the federal government.

Pelosi, whose congressional district is across the San Francisco Bay from the Santa Clara-based Silicon Valley Bank, said that there "isn't much appetite" for a government bank bailouts and that other suitors, along with regulators, need to move now to protect depositors.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed myriad topics at South by Southwest, including border enforcement and bank buyouts.

"Whatever any differences of opinion that anybody has about how we go forward, they want it to happen by tomorrow morning before the markets open," Pelosi said at the SXSW panel Sunday morning.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has taken over the bank, saying that deposits will be available Monday morning, but the federal government insures deposits only up to $250,000 per depositor.

A vast majority of Silicon Valley Bank's deposits are uninsured, a unique characteristic of the bank due to its customers being largely startups and wealthy tech workers.

The banks failure has also raised concern about a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, but Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sought to reassure Americans that the collapse is an isolated incident while also declaring a lack of interest in stepping in.

More:Silicon Valley Bank failed. FDIC covers some of the money, but only up to $250,000.

Were not going to do that again," Yellen told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday. But we are concerned about depositors and are focused on trying to meet their needs.

Similarly, when asked about a potential deal to buy the bank, Pelosi said that amid concern for technology industry participants, and specifically individual depositors, a private purchase of the bank is a real possibility.

"It's about the depositor, and hopefully somebody will buy the bank," Pelosi said. "But I don't see any appetite for the federal government to bail out the bank."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi talks democracy, border at SXSW in Austin
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.

Story continues

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
The Biden administration is allowing thousands of Ukrainian refugees who were processed along the southern border after Russia's invasion of Ukraine to remain and work in the U.S. legally for at least another year, according to a government notice obtained by CBS News.

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and displaced millions of refugees, thousands of Ukrainians flew to Mexico seeking to enter the U.S. along the southern border, mainly in California. In a few weeks, U.S. border officials allowed more than 20,000 Ukrainians to enter the country, exempting them from a pandemic restriction known as Title 42 that has blocked hundreds of thousands of migrants from staying in the U.S.

The ad hoc process along the U.S.-Mexico border was shut down in late April after the Biden administration created a formal program for displaced Ukrainians to fly to the U.S. directly if they had American sponsors. Under that program, known as Uniting for Ukraine, more than 118,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the U.S.

While both populations were allowed to enter the country under a humanitarian immigration authority known as parole, the Ukrainians brought to the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine policy have received two-year grants of parole. Those processed along the southern border were granted parole for 12 months, meaning that their temporary permission to live and work in the US. was set to expire this spring.

But under a policy announced Monday, the government will consider extending by one year the parole grant of Ukrainians who were processed along the southern border between Feb. 24 and April 25, 2022. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expects to review these cases in four weeks, according to the notice. Those approved will be able to download their updated parole grants online.

In a statement, Homeland Security spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez confirmed the policy change.

"As Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis it has caused continue, DHS assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians and family members on a case-by-case basis to align with the parole provided under Uniting for Ukraine," Fernandez Hernandez said.

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Ukrainians who are seeking asylum in the United States gather in a city government shelter for Ukrainians on April 7, 2022, in Tijuana, Mexico. / Credit: Getty Images

Ukrainians who have lived in the U.S. since April 19 can also apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that allows immigrants from crisis-stricken countries to obtain work permits and deportation protections. Like parole, however, TPS is temporary and does not offer recipients permanent legal status.

While U.S. government officials have said most Ukrainians wish to return to Ukraine, it's unclear when the fighting there will cease. Those seeking to remain in the U.S. permanently must apply for asylum or other immigration benefits, like family-based green cards, to remain in the U.S. legally.

The announcement Monday could prove to be a test case for how the Biden administration handles the temporary legal status of tens of thousands of refugees and migrants it has allowed to enter the U.S. under the parole authority.

In addition to the tens of thousands of Ukrainians paroled into the U.S. since last year, the Biden administration used the parole authority to admit more than 70,000 Afghan evacuees following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. More recently, as part of an effort to deter illegal border crossings, the administration has granted parole to thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela with U.S. sponsors.

Unlike other immigration benefits, there's no straightforward way for immigrants paroled at airports to request an extension of their legal permission to stay in the U.S., since they are processed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a law enforcement agency that does not typically adjudicate applications.

Afghans relocated to the U.S. under the parole process will start to lose their deportation protections and work permits this summer, and only a small number of them have secured permanent legal status through applications for asylum or special visas for wartime allies, according to data published by CBS News.

While a bipartisan group of members of Congress have proposed to make Afghan evacuees eligible for permanent residency, a bill to do so, dubbed the Afghan Adjustment Act, has failed to gain enough support from Republican lawmakers.

Advocates have urged the Biden administration to extend the parole grants of Afghans to provide more time for Congress to act or for evacuees to apply for asylum or other immigration benefits.

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When a grease fire damaged her Newport apartment and ruined almost everything she owned, Jessica Helpy took her two sons and started over.

She found comfort moving to a familiar place: Her hometown, East Palestine, Ohio.

Jessica Helpy and her two sons relocated to Newport, Kentucky from East Palestine, Ohio recently. She and her two sons lived within the one-mile evacuation zone of the train derailment that happened last month.

"It was the first house that I've ever had because we always lived in apartments," the 35-year-old mother said. "It was just the perfect thing to work out at the time it did."

The family reveled in their new home. They had found stability. Calm after chaos. But less than five years into her new life, Helpy once again found herself seeking refuge and deciding to move her family hundreds of miles away.

She and her family were among hundreds of victims in the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment.

The train, traveling from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, derailed when it passed through East Palestine, an Ohio village of less than 5,000 residents near the Pennsylvania border. An overheated wheel bearing caused a dangerous derailment that spilled more than 100,000 gallons of toxic chemicals into the air and a fire burst into flames that night.

'We want to get back to normal:'Residents face long road ahead in East Palestine

'We're afraid we'll be forgotten:' East Palestine residents want answers after derailment

Residents have faced disruption, financial strain, health concerns and uncertainty ever since. Helpy is no exception.

'Sitting ducks'

Since her East Palestine home is within a mile from the derailment site, Helpy received a text message on the night of Feb. 3 recommending that she evacuate. She decided to go.

She gathered her teenage sons and rented a hotel for the night 11 miles away in North Lima, Ohio. Having just paid monthly bills two days earlier, however, she was starting to feel financial pressure mount due to the unplanned disruption.

"We were sitting ducks," she said.

Out of money, having nowhere to go and facing temperatures in the single digits, Helpy decided she would have to return to her home the next night after passing some time during the day. Though the initial derailment looked bad, Helpy said she wasn't told about the hazardous materials. The village seemed unaware of the dangers, she said. Many even went down to the site to see what was going on. When she returned home, she could smell something strong in the air. That's when she started to become concerned.

Story continues

"Hindsight is, it should have immediately been a contained area," Helpy said. "And not allow residents and media to come in and speculate and photograph things."

The next day she awoke to a loud banging on the door. Sheriff's deputies were at her door. They told Helpy she had to evacuate again because a controlled chemical burn was going to take place. Residents in the immediate area were cleared out.

A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

The controlled burn, a practice in which an intentional fire is set off to burn off dangerous chemicals, took place Feb. 6. and residents watched the news from remote locations after evacuating, horrified at the scene of their village. Many described it as a war zone or a scene out of a movie. The decision to conduct the controlled burn came from government officials including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway and East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick. Norfolk Southern Chief Executive Officer Alan Shaw was also part of the decision under what he called "unified command" and said the burn was necessary to avoid a massive explosion.

"The fact that we knew at that time that the pressure relief valves on the cars had failed, the temperatures were rising, caused our independent expert to become very concerned about the potential for an uncontrolled explosion that would shoot harmful gas and shrapnel into a populated community," Shaw said in an interview with CNBC.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw pauses for a moment before responding to a reporter's question during an interview near the site of the company's train derailment Feb. 21 in East Palestine.

Helpy had evacuated her home and stayed with a relative in Pittsburgh for a few days. She watched videos of the burn from Pittsburgh in horror.

"It was scary," she said. "When you hear about the things that were going to be released when they did this controlled burn. You detonated it and you saved things from getting hit by shrapnel, but what about the environmental tragedy that happened?

"Waterways, soil, air."

Picking up the pieces

Helpy was devastated by the images she saw. She had endured a long struggle to get to a stable environment and realized years of uncertainty might lie ahead.

Bob Bowcock, a leading water expert and hydrologist, gave East Palestine residents a sobering warning that the aftermath of the derailment and chemical burn won't go away anytime soon.

"You're in a situation that you're going to be dealing with for the rest of your lives if you stay here," Bowcock said to a large gathering of residents at a town hall hosted by environmental activist Erin Brockovich.

Since the derailment, Helpy said she has maintained an optimistic outlook for her kids, but she fears what lies ahead and what her sons may have already faced or been exposed to. They reported some mild symptoms and Helpy herself had rashes show up on her arms.

"Mentally and visually I was trying to project strength and normality for my kids," she said, "Like, 'this is something that happened but we're OK, so let's be grateful for that and just wait to see what the outcome is.' But honestly, I'm human, I was beside myself. This is my home, this is everything I worked so hard for. This is my little life that I built that brought me peace."

Helpy stayed with relatives for a few more days after the burn before concluding she needed some temporary stability while the situation in East Palestine continues to unfold. Concerned about the health impacts that remain, she gathered her kids and cats and returned to Northern Kentucky where she's currently staying with her great uncle.

East Palestine: Residents caught in politics of Ohio train derailment

Ohio train derailment: East Palestine residents remain fearful; feds pledge more help

"We've been here once and started over, we can do it again," she said. "And now we're here."

The move is a temporary solution to an uncertain future. In order to get reimbursements offered by Norfolk Southern, Helpy has to drive back and forth from Newport to East Palestine to submit claims. She said her new reality is one that's "flipped upside down" and she often has to think about what day of the week it is because so much occurs within a single day.

She works as a freelance interior and exterior painter for homes and buildings and is trying to gain some clients in the area after she built a network in East Palestine. Her kids are taking online classes for now. And every day she gauges whether it's safe to return to East Palestine or if she needs to stay put in Northern Kentucky for awhile.

She doesn't know what the immediate, short term and long term future will be for her family. Instead, she has one thing top of mind: her children's safety.

"Until we have clear-cut answers, I know that I am not going to wager my kids' health for the benefit of being back in a place that I'm not sure is safe," Helpy said. "My main concern is making sure that my kids are OK."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Family finds temporary home in Kentucky after Ohio train derailment
Crime and Courts Reporter

Donald W. Meyers is a multimedia journalist at the Yakima Herald-Republic covering crime and courts. He is also the writer behind It Happened Here, a weekly history column. Before coming to Yakima, Meyers covered a wide variety of beats at The Salt Lake Tribune, Daily Herald, and daily and weekly newspapers across New Jersey. He is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, serving as a regional officer in the organization as well as on the national Freedom of Information Committee.
RFA/Latino Community and Lower Valley Reporter

Heyo, Im Jasper. Nice to meet you. I cover a wide variety of news, but I try to focus on the Latino community and the Lower Yakima Valley. I want to sharestories and perspectives from the Yakima Valley. Im interested in economics, labor, geography and the environment, but the most important issues will always be the ones the community cares about. If you have something worth saying, Ill listen and try to write it down. Im a gosei from Northeast Los Angeles and I got my start as a student journalist and editor covering sports in the Bay Area. Im a massive soccer fan and I still love to play. I also love water in all its forms, the word copacetic and trying new things. I want to read more, and I like to cook, but Im not great at either. Have fun out there!
In Znob-Novhorodske, Sumy region, one killed, four injured by missile attack

On Monday morning, the Russian occupying troops launched a missile attack on the village of Znob-Novhorodske, Sumy region, a person killed, four were injured, Sumy Regional Military Administration said.

"In Sumy region, the Russians fired on the village of Znob-Novhorodske. A missile attack was carried out in the area of the local vocational-agrarian lyceum. One civilian was killed, 4 people were injured," the administration said on Telegram channel on Monday.

Earlier, Sumy Regional Military Administration reported on the morning shelling "from the mortars of Shalyhyne community  16 arrivals. Preliminarily, no casualties."
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Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters.

Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month.
Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a visit to Moscow next week, The Wall Street Journal said.

"Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war, likely after he visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with the matter," the edition said on Monday.

As expected, the conversation with Zelenskyy will be held virtually. According to The Wall Street Journal, "a direct conversation with Mr. Zelenskyy, if it happens, would mark a significant step in Beijing's efforts to play peacemaker in Ukraine, which have so far been met with skepticism in Europe."

As the WSJ said, achieving a breakthrough in Ukraine would be a taller task: both sides in the war believe that too much remains to be played out on the battlefield. "Beijing nevertheless has an active interest in bringing an end to the conflict. The war has put Beijing in a precarious situation, forcing Mr. Xi to balance China's ' no limits' partnership with Russia with increasing distrust and tension with the United States and its allies," the newspaper said.

Last month, China declared itself to be a neutral intermediary. In a 12-point document, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called for a political solution to the conflict and an end to unilateral sanctions.
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The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Hungarys practice of publishing personal information about people with overdue tax debts of at least Ft 10 million for more than 180 days violates EU rules.

The Grand Chamber, in a 15-2 vote, said the Hungarian regulation was a violation of the right to privacy and family life.



The tax office NAV regularly publishes the personal data of taxpayers who are in arrears with names and other information, including the tax number and address.



The ECHR ruling came in response to an appeal filed in 2016 by a Hungarian citizen.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris late on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and the most important aspects of the future of Europe, the PMs press chief said on Tuesday.

Orban said Hungary wants an immediate ceasefire and peace talks in Ukraine, Bertalan Havasi said. Hungary has been pro-peace since the start of the war and will stay so, Orban said.



Orban also had talks with former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, focusing on Hungary-France bilateral relations and international issues such as the war in Ukraine and European politics.



Earlier:



Prime Minister Viktor Orban will meet French President Emmanuel Macron for talks at a working dinner in Paris on Monday, Orbans press chief said in a statement.According to French press reports, the meeting will be held in preparation for an EU summit held late in March.



The agenda of the talks includes the war in Ukraine, European competitiveness, energy issues, and the continents defence industry.
By committing to judicial reforms Hungary has taken a "huge step" towards unblocking cohesion, the justice minister said in Brussels.

Talks between Hungary and the European Commission on the package of judicial reforms are focused on a narrow set of political issues and are now in the home stretch, Judit Varga told MTI after a meeting of European Union interior and justice ministers.



The Hungarian government has been conducting constructive and intensive negotiations with the EC since last July with a view to ensuring that Hungarians are given access to the EU monies they are entitled to, the minister said, noting that the package of judicial reforms agreed on between Hungary and the EU last December will soon be submitted to parliament, with the government having consulted all stakeholders.



Varga said she had discussed the judicial reforms with European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders on Friday, adding they had agreed that the package would soon be finalised.
Recirquel Budapest, which has become one of the world's leading contemporary circus companies, was founded by director and choreographer Bence Vagi in 2012.

Their performances fusing contemporary circus, dance and theatre, have captivated audiences both in Hungary and abroad.



The company's new cirque danse production is an immersive theatrical experience that transports the viewer from the physical reality of earthly existence.



The installation, which evokes the depth of the universe, invites you on a journey inside: in the pulsating space brought to life by the light emanating from millions of points, the Spirit, leaving behind the Ego, embarks on its own path.



Escaping the noise of the present, in the solitude of the universe, torn out of time and space, it hears the voice of its own essence. As in the company's previous works, the power of IMA is rooted in the modern-day longing for a miracle.



The performance is not recommended for audiences under the age of 12.



Please note that due to the nature of the venue and the production, they are unable to admit late arrivals to the performance, so please arrive on time.

Venue:

Palace of Arts Budapest

1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1.



Source and dates: mupa.hu
Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose video of the execution by Russian invaders appeared on the Internet on March 6, was a citizen of Moldova, the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration has said.

"After the confirmation by the Ukrainian side of the fact that Oleksandr Matsiyevsky is the Ukrainian soldier executed by the Russian military, the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the murder of a Moldovan citizen, an act that can be qualified as a war crime and a gross violation of international humanitarian laws," the ministry's press service said in a statement.

The ministry also confirmed the strong position of Moldova, condemning Russia's war against Ukraine.

"Our country remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to return the region to peace and stability," the ministry said.
Matild Palace has added another top executive to its management team with the appointment of Burak Cecen as the luxury hotel's new Director of Food & Beverage.

The well-traveled professional will be responsible for the high-quality operation of the Spago Budapest by Wolfgang Puck restaurant, Matild Cafe & Cabaret and The Duchess rooftop bar, in close cooperation with the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.



The experienced professional started his career at Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul. He has also worked in prestigious hotels around the world, including in Chicago, Mecca, Sydney and Osaka, where he managed the operations of a number of restaurants, bars and venues.



For the past 5 years he has been based at Park Hyatt in Shanghai, where he was responsible not only for the luxury hotel but also for the luxury catering of the city. He wanted to continue his career path in Europe hence his arrival in Budapest.



His aim is to make Matild Palace the city's reference point and create an experience for guests that is not just about dining. By inviting internationally renowned professionals and using high-quality ingredients not only from the local area but from around the world as well he intends to make an impact on Budapest's gastronomic culture. His aim is nothing less than to reform and enrich the gastronomic offer of the capital and to strengthen its bar culture.



"I would like to be the person who helps broaden the local taste in both food and cocktails. I would like to use ingredients from all over the world, offering the city and the community an interesting alternative. This is my vision," said Burak Cecen.



With his international strategic experience in the hotel industry and F&B services, he will contribute significantly to making Matild Palace an excellent choice from a gastronomic perspective for both local guests and international travellers.



Click here to virtually visit Matild Palace
The 2023 Kawasaki Z900RSis launched in the country after it was discontinued earlier. Prices for the motorcycle now start from Rs 16.47 lakh, ex-showroom. It will be sold in two new paint schemes - Candy Tone Blue and Metallic Diablo Black. The newest member of the 900 club is a colossal combination of retro styling taking modern cues. The all New Z900RS will attract all retro lovers, who are waiting for new evolution  The Retrovolution. Time ceases everything but certain things are immortal, and the retro styling is one such trait, and the all-new Z900RS is all set to carry the retro legacy into the future, tempting every eye with the timeless beauty of an orthodox motorcycle.

A slim tank and a short, compact tail are expressions of light handling and an approachable character which distinguish the Z650RS from its big brother. The all-new Z900RS will also appeal to those who fondly recall the launch of the iconic "son of Z1," the Z900-B1, in 1977. The delicate balance of old and new, retro, and current, has been expertly achieved by the Kawasaki design team, with clever Z references abounding.

2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Highlights

1. Modern Retro Styling

2. Relaxed Riding Position

3. Parallel-twin 948cc engine

4. Lightweight Trellis Frame

5. Inverted Front Fork & Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension

6. KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)

7. Assist & Slipper Clutch

8. Dual-Dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD

9. All-LED lightings

10. Spoke-style cast wheels

Also read - Upcoming All-New Maruti Suzuki Swift To Look Crisp And Sporty, Reveals Digital Rendering

Kawasaki motorcycles possess both power and grace so are often recognised as being different from other bikes. This results from certain guiding principles adopted at the design stage. Rideology is Kawasakis rider-centric development philosophy focused on how the riding experience offered by a Kawasaki is crafted, ensuring that our machines are fun to ride and rewarding to control. This approach has been the force behind many of our legendary machines, and in our pursuit of all possibilities it will continue to guide the future creation of Kawasaki motorcycles.
A Doha-bound IndiGo flight made an emergency landing at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan on March 13 morning. The IndiGo pilot decided to divert the plane at the Karachi Airport after a man fell ill on the flight to Doha. However, the Nigerian Passenger named Abdullah, 60, died before the plane landed in Karachi. Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority officials in Karachi said the passenger fell ill onboard and the captain requested an emergency landing at the Jinnah International Airport. The ATC granted permission to the IndiGo pilot and an ambulance was on standby at the airport.

The officials said the aircraft, A320-271N, which was parked at the Karachi airport for nearly five hours, returned to Delhi after the authorities in Karachi issued the death certificate of the passenger and all formalities were completed. The IndiGo flight 6E 1736 took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi at 22.05 PM on March 12, 2023 and was scheduled to land at the Hamad International Airport in Doha at 11.43 PM.

However, the flight landed at the Karachi International Airport on March 13, 2023 at 00.08 AM after the health of a passenger deteriorated mid-air. IndiGo, India's largest domestic airline was operating an Airbus A320 plane on the international route.

In a statement, IndiGo said, "IndiGo flight 6E-1736, operating from Delhi to Doha was diverted to Karachi due to a medical emergency on board. Unfortunately, on arrival, the passenger was declared dead by the airport medical team. We are deeply saddened by the news and our prayers and wishes are with his family and loved ones. We're currently making arrangements for transferring the other passengers of the flight, in coordination with the relevant authorities."

A Delhi Police officer said the body of the passenger has been handed over to his family members. The total number of people onboard the aircraft could not be immediately ascertained.
New Delhi: After completing the last leg of shooting in Kashmir, Karan Johar has finally wrapped up his directorial `Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani`.

Taking to Instagram, Karan treated fans with a glimpse of wrap-up celebrations with behind-the-scenes along with a long note. In the pictures, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Karan were seen doing pooja on the sets.

He also shared images of passing instructions to the film`s cast and crew. He wrote, "It`s been 7 years since I directed a film..... I embarked on a journey of a film that I had to stop mid way for various unavoidable reasons and then the germ of #rockyaurranikipremkahani came to me from a real life family anecdote ( something my father once told me about ) and then my soldiers helped me create everything I wanted to with my 7th feature ..."

He added, "I was blessed with the best team ... a team so full of love that bidding them goodbye was not easy..... thank you to each and every one of the core team that helped me through thick , thin , Covid and bad weather.... ( you know who you are and I love you forever) to my amazing cast from veterans to friends ... from first time actors to established maestros .... I am blessed with this illustrious cast who portrayed each and every part to its visualisation and more .... We finally wrapped last night!!! We can`t wait to share our labour of love , family, fun and sheer joy with all of you on the 28th of July 2023...... see you at the movies!!"

As soon as the news was shared on Insta, the director`s fans and industry friends chimed in the comment section. Anil Kapoor reacted with heart emojis. Janhvi Kapoor wrote, "Most special. can`t wait." Shilpa Shetty dropped a comment, she wrote, "Can`t wait to see this one." Tiger Shroff also commented, he wrote, "Woohooo congratsss." Neha Dhupia wrote, "Yes will definitely see you at...too excited #rockyaurranikipremkahani."

Helmed by Johar, `Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani` is the second collaboration between Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh after `Gully Boy`.

The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in lead roles.

Initially, the movie was supposed to release on the eve of Valentine`s day this year. But later the makers pushed the date to April. `Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani` marks the return of Karan as a director after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
New Delhi: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Twitter, and other five countries apparently intends to construct Snailbrook, a corporate town for employees. According to reports, the project will be close to Austin, Texas. The planned community would have 110 homes close to the SpaceX and Boring operations in Bastrop County.

Rent for a two or three-bedroom home would start at about $800 per month, and employees would be encouraged to apply. According to a WSJ story, hamlet would also have a Montessori school that could accommodate up to 15 pupils. (Also Read: Open Account With Rs 250, Get Rs 2.5 Lakh At Maturity From This Govt Scheme: Check Return Calculator, Other Details)

The mascot of The Boring Company is referred to in the planned town name Snailbrook. As Elon Musk began the tunnelling project, he challenged his staff to create boring machines that move "faster than a snail." This is how the name was born. (Also Read: This Restaurant Gives Free Food To Customers Over 158 Kg Weight - Read Story)

Over the past few years, Musk's businesses and/or executives have acquired at least 3,500 acres of land in the Austin region, and Snailbrook is just one of many ongoing projects.

But, some locals are worried about how the projects would affect the environment, particularly since Boring intends to discharge up to 5,30,000 litres of industrial wastewater into the Colorado River.

Notwithstanding any possible problems, Snailbrook might provide staff at Musk's numerous firms with a more inexpensive housing alternative. Workers in Snailbrook would pay below-market rent, which is $2,200 a month on average in adjacent Bastrop.

Yet, because they would be paying Musk rent and perhaps being subject to his rules for the municipality, the town would also leave its employees subservient to Musk.

Employees from Musk's other businesses, like Tesla's Texas Gigafactory, have apparently been invited to apply for Snailbrook housing as well.
GATE 2023: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, GATE 2023 Result will be released this week. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, will release the results on the GATE website, gate.iitk.ac.in. Applicants should be aware that the link will be activated once the results are announced. According to the IIT Kanpur timetable, the GATE Result will be released this week on March 16, 2023. As a result, the final answer key is expected to be released as well. The final answer key is used to generate the final result. According to the schedule, the institute will issue the GATE 2023 scorecard independently on March 21, 2023.

The cut off is scheduled for release alongside the result. The cut off will be established based on the candidates' cumulative scores, the total number of candidates, and the availability of seats, among other factors.

GATE 2023: Schedule

16 March 2023: GATE 2023 Result

19 March 2023: GATE 2023 Scorecard

GATE 2023: Here's how to check GATE Scorecard

Step 1- Open the GATE 2023 official website and click on the download scorecard link.

Step 2- Login using enrollment ID and password.

Step 3- Click on GATE 2023 score card tab.

Step 4- GATE score card 2023 will be displayed on screen.

Step 5- Click on download link and take a printout of it.

The date for the GATE Result 2023 has already been set, however the timing has not yet been released. According to prior trends, the results will be revealed in the first half of the year. Students who took the exam, on the other hand, are advised to visit the website on a frequent basis.

IIT Kanpur held the GATE Exam 2023 on February 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2023, with 29 papers. The institute released the answer key and response sheet for all papers earlier in February 2023.
Mumbai: In yet another blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) faction head Uddhav Thackeray, Bhushan Desai, the son of his trusted aide and former industries minister Subhash Desai, joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction on Monday. Desai joined the Shinde faction in the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several other Shiv Sena leaders.

Maharashtra | Bhushan Desai, son of former industries minister & Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Subhash Desai joins CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. pic.twitter.com/Y4MeNH4XtF  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2023

Desai joined the Shinde faction just days ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. His switching the camp is being seen as a major development in the political circles of Maharashtra. It may be noted that Subhash has been a close confidant of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for over five decades and served as the Minister of Industries and Mines during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra.

The development is also being seen as a big setback for Uddhav Thackeray, days after the former Maharashtra chief minister lost the Shiv Sena name and its election symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction after the Election Commission declared the latter as the "real Shiv Sena".

On his joining the Shinde camp, Bhushan Desai told media persons that he was "impressed by the functioning style of CM Shinde" and after discussing it with his father, he decided to join the party. "I had made up my mind to join the Shiv Sena which runs on the ideals of the late Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeraya I shall take up whatever responsibility the party gives me," he said. Shinde and other senior leaders lauded Bhushan Desai for his move, offering him a party flag and other symbols marking his entry to the Shiv Sena.

However, reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said Bhushan was not with the Uddhav faction. Subhash Desai is our big leader. we follow his guidance, his son was not with us. Whoever wants to go to the washing machine should go," he added.

Earlier on February 17, in a major setback to the Uddhav Thackery faction of Shiv Sena, the Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted the party name "Shiv Sena" and the symbol "Bow and Arrow" to the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. While the Shinde faction welcomed the decision of being recognized as the real Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray approached the Supreme Court, which later refused to stay the EC order.

The Commission observed in its order that the current constitution of the Shiv Sena party is undemocratic and has been "mutilated to undemocratically appoint people from a coterie as office bearers without any election at all". It said such party structures fail to inspire confidence. The poll panel advised all political parties to reflect democratic ethos and principles of inner party democracy and regularly disclose on their respective websites aspects of their inner party functioning, such as organisational details, holding of elections, the copy of the Constitution and list of office bearers.

"The constitution of political parties ought to provide for free, fair and transparent elections to the posts of office bearers and a further free and fair procedure for the resolution of internal disputes. These procedures ought to be difficult to amend and should be amendable only after ensuring larger support of the organisational members for the same," the ECI said.

Last month, both the Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray-led factions of the Shiv Sena submitted their written statements in support of their claims over the party name and symbol to the Election Commission.

The ECI had frozen the bow and arrow symbol of the Shiv Sena and had allotted the `Two Swords and Shield symbol` to the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and the `flaming torch` (mashaal) election symbol was allotted to the Uddhav Thackeray faction for the bypoll in Andheri East assembly constituency in November last year.

Shiv Sena had seen a split last year forcing Uddhav Thackeray to resign as Chief Minister of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Shinde later joined hands with BJP to form a government in the state.
New Delhi: Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday said that the Assam High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) General Science paper, which was cancelled on Sunday following reports regarding the paper leak, will now be held on March 30. Pegu further said that the cancelled English examination in JR Higher Secondary School, Ganirgram will now be held on March 28.

"The cancelled examination of General Science scheduled today (13/3/23) will now be held on 30 March 2023. On the other hand, the cancelled English examination in JR Higher Secondary School, Ganirgram will be held on 28th March. SEBA has issued notice," the minister said in his tweet.

HSLC or Matric Science exam was scheduled for March 13 but was cancelled in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. Considering the reports, Pegu said, "SEBA has cancelled the General Science examination of the ongoing HSLC examination scheduled for 13/03/2023 in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper."

In this regard, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam has also released a notification on Sunday.

"News is telecasted in a section of media today evening that a handwritten model question paper of HSLC examination of General science C3 subject which is to be held on 13th March 2023 is available in the hands of some candidates and it spread on the social media. We have a belief that such news may create confusion in minds of the candidates and keeping in view of this, the examination of the General science C3 subject which is to be held on 13th March 2023 is cancelled," the notification said.

Meanwhile, the Assam Director General of Police GP Singh said that a criminal case has been registered and CID Assam will investigate the matter."

Reference media reports of leakage of General Science (C3) question paper of HSLC examination scheduled for March 13th 2023 conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Assam - A criminal case has been registered and would be investigated by CID Assam. We would bring the culprits and conspirators to law," DGP GP Singh tweeted.
New Delhi: Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday (March 12, 2023) said the acronym "CM" of Maharashtra currently stands for a "corrupt man". Addressing a meeting of the party workers in Mumbai, Thackeray said that the "illegal and unconstitutional chief minister will surely go". He also slammed the Election Commission (EC) and alleged that it is "completely compromised". He said the poll body's decision to recognise the faction led by Eknath Shinde as the Shiv Sena and allot it the bow and arrow symbol was "dangerous for democracy".

Thackeray, the former Maharashtra minister, also said that the flaming torch (Mashaal) symbol allotted to Shiv Sena (UBT) is the only light that will brighten the darkness caused by the betrayal and back-stabbing.

He said the rebel MLAs led by Shinde had done the "dirty work" of toppling his father Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government that had done good work of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and alleviating hardships of farmers affected by the cyclone and unseasonably rains when in power.

"The Maha Vikas Aghadi government was leading Maharashtra to a golden period. An investment of Rs 6.5 lakh crore was made during the MVA rule of 2.5 years and 93 per cent of the investment proposals had been implemented," he said.

He said the investments attracted by Maharashtra during the MVA rule were shifted to Gujarat (under the Eknath Shinde-BJP dispensation).

Thackeray said the Bharatiya Janata Party must be wondering whether the happening (the pulling down of the government) was right or wrong.

"Maharashtra didn't like betrayals and this is the reason the local body elections, which are overdue, are not being held," the Worli MLA said.

He exuded confidence that Shiv Sena (UBT) will win the Mumbai civic polls whenever they are held.

"You need to have a clean heart and strength to carry the bow and arrow. Merely getting the bow and arrow (symbol) is not enough," he said.

Thackeray said none of the 40 MLAs who defected to the Shinde camp has categorically stated that they haven't taken money to do so.

"The 40 MLAs betrayed Uddhav Thackeray. How can they remain true to the people and the state?" he asked.

Thackeray said their Hindutva is "inclusive and everyone's blood is red".

The Thackeray camp has alleged the exchange of money in rebel MLAs switching their loyalties to the Shinde camp and often taunts them with "50 khoke" (boxes) jibe.
Stoking yet another controversy, Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Shastri today 'advised' Hindus to have at least 3-4 children. Shastri, while speaking at an event at his Ashram, said two children must be spared to serve the nation and lord Rama. "While it's said that two children are enough (Bachche, 2 hi acche), but 1 child must be devoted in service of Lord Rama. Teach him to work for the nation in his childhood only," Shastri was quoted as saying by Zee Salaam.



"We are also only 2 siblings, our father sent us to the Dham".



A number of Hindu seers and religious leaders have advised the community members to have more children. Most seers and religious leaders have given the logic that if Hindus don't give birth to more children, they will soon become the minority, as Muslims would outnumber the community.



However, the data from the Central government suggests that the population rise in the nation is largely under control.



During a debate last year, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said family planning and better healthcare have ensured stabilization of population anyway.



"The total fertility rate has come down to around 2%... It tells us that the family planning mission is moving towards success," the minister said.



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During the day, the Ukrainian military killed about 710 people personnel of the army of the Russian aggressor, eight tanks, 16 armored combat vehicles, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported.

"The total combat losses of the enemy from Fbruary 24, 2022 to March 13,2023 approximately amounted to: about 159,800 of military personnel (+710) people, 3,474 tanks (plus eight) units, 6,774 armored combat vehicles (plus five) units, 2,503 units of artillery systems (plus 16), 493 units of MLRS, 259 units of air defense equipment, 304 aircraft units, 289 helicopters, 2,109 operational-tactical level UAVs (plus one), 907 cruise missiles, 18 ships/boats, 5,354 motor vehicles and tankers (plus six) units, and 251 special equipment units (plus nine)," the message posted on Facebook says.

The data is being updated.
Jaipur: Senior Congress leader and partys Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has sparked a controversy by saying that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is finished then India will be saved from industrialists like Gautam Adani. Randhawa made these remarks while addressing a gathering of party workers in poll-bound Rajasthan during which he asked them to defeat PM Modi if they want to get rid of industrialists like Gautam Adani. The Congress leader was addressing a protest meeting in Jaipur against the BJP government at the Centre for not agreeing to form a joint parliamentary committee to look into the allegations made by the US firm Hindenburg against the Adani Group.

Modi is destroying the country and the BJP at the Centre is selling the nation, so our fight is not with Adani but directly with the BJP, he said. Everyone is talking about Adani while they should be talking about Modi. His defeat is important to remove Adani, Randhawa told the Congress workers.

#WATCH | Jaipur: You should end your fights and talk about finishing Modi, if Modi is finished then India will be saved...Modi doesn't know meaning of 'deshbhakti': Congress Leader SS Randhawa pic.twitter.com/D2IUzDouOy  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2023

Randhawa further said, PM Modi has brought the East India Company in the form of Adani. Today, businessmen like Adani are deciding the country's policy, not the prime minister. US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research has accused the Adani Group of fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation. The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations.

The Congress and some other opposition parties have been demanding the Centre to form a joint parliamentary committee to look into the Adani issue. Randhawa also urged the party's women workers to work towards strengthening the Congress. He said, "We have to work for the Congress (as a whole), we don't have to work for any individual. Congress does not run in the name of anyone."

Demanding an inquiry into the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Randhawa claimed, "Till date, it is not known how the jawans were martyred."

The Congress, meanwhile, held several protests across the country over the Adani-Hindenburg issue on Monday. Rajasthan ministers, party MLAs and workers took part in the Jaipur protest held near the gate of Civil Lines Gate. Earlier, hitting at the Prime Minister, state president Govind Singh Dotasra said that the people of the country were cheated by a particular person and his own political gains and election funding.
New Delhi: India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released its annual report on Monday (March 13, 2023) and stated that Pakistan has failed to deliver justice to the families of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. In its 345-page report, which was prepared by the Policy Planning Division of the Ministry, the MEA highlighted Pakistan's persistent cross-border terrorism, infiltration, and smuggling of arms into India across the Line of Control and International Boundary.

"Pakistan is yet to show sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. India has consistently stressed the need for Pakistan to take credible, irreversible, and verifiable action to end cross-border terrorism," the report said.

As many as 166 people, including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreign nationals, were killed, while over 300 people were injured on November 26, 2008, in the Mumbai terror attacks.

India has repeatedly raised the issue of Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism in bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums, and has shared credible inputs regarding the Pakistani origins of captured terrorists.

In addition to cross-border terrorism, the MEA report also pointed out how Pakistan engages in "hostile propaganda to vilify India and divert attention from its domestic political and economic failures".

The report stated that India has unequivocally rejected all actions and statements by Pakistan on matters which are completely internal to India, including Jammu and Kashmir.

The MEA's annual report provides a comprehensive overview of India's foreign policy and its interactions with other countries.

The report's critical comments on Pakistan reflect the state of ties between the two neighboring countries, particularly over the issue of terrorism.

Despite occasional attempts to improve relations, such as the recent ceasefire agreement along the LoC, significant differences remain unresolved.
New Delhi: The second leg of the Budget session will commence on Monday with the government asserting that its priority is to pass the Finance Bill and the Opposition planning to raise issues like the action of central agencies against the BJP's political rivals and allegations against the Adani group. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that they want to play a constructive role in making the government accountable and sought a discussion in the House on "every burning issue facing the nation".

Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar sought views of leaders of various political parties on ways to curb disruptions in the House at a meeting held on Sunday. Opposition members raised the issue of alleged misuse of central agencies against non-BJP governments and the move to appoint Dhankhar's personal staff on parliamentary committees.

The opposition parties will meet on Monday morning to evolve their strategy in both Houses of Parliament after protests by them on the Hindenburg-Adani issue overshadowed most of the first half of the Budget session.

Manickam Tagore, Congress Whip in Lok Sabha, told PTI that his party wants the Opposition to take a united stand.

"We will continue to raise people's issues - price rise, LPG cost, Adani, misuse of agencies, farmers issues, governors' intervention. We will continue to work with all like-minded parties. Tomorrow's meeting is called for the purpose as we want the Opposition to be united."

Congress leader K Suresh maintained that his party would continue to demand answers from the government on the Adani-Hindenburg issue as it has been keeping a studied silence.

The principal opposition party has been pressing for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe.

The opposition parties are also likely to vociferously raise the issue of recent raids by the CBI and the ED against their leaders, some of whom were questioned and even arrested in various cases. They have accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of misusing the central agencies to target leaders of the BJP's rival parties.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjunram Meghwal told PTI on Sunday that the top-most priority for the government is the passage of the Financial Bill.

He said discussions will be held on demands for grants of ministries including Railways, Panchayati Raj, Tourism, Culture and Health. Speaker Om Birla will later apply the guillotine, after which all the outstanding demands for grants, whether discussed or not, will be put to vote and passed.

"Then we will get the Finance Bill passed. After that we'll look into the demands of the Opposition... The first responsibility of the government is to get the Finance Bill passed. Then we will hold discussions on issues the Opposition's demands," he said.

The session, which began on January 31, is likely to conclude on April 6. Parliament is meeting after a month-long recess which allows various parliamentary panels to scrutinise allocations made in the Union Budget for different ministries.

On Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present Supplementary Demands for Grants - Second Batch for 2022-23.

She will also table the budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2023-24 in Lok Sabha. The UT is at present under central rule.

The two items are listed in the order paper of Lok Sabha for Monday.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge and Dhankhar also had a one-on-one meeting on Sunday.

"Met @VPIndia, ahead of the forthcoming session of the Parliament to seek his cooperation," Kharge said in a tweet.

"We as Opposition parties are keen to play a constructive role in making the Government accountable and would want discussion on every burning issue facing the nation," he said.

Met @VPIndia, ahead of the forthcoming session of the Parliament to seek his cooperation.



We as, Opposition parties are keen to play a constructive role in making the Government accountable and would want discussion on every burning issue facing the nation. pic.twitter.com/aO82nO2k23  Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha (@LoPIndia) March 12, 2023

Kharge had on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of making "sinister attempts to kill democracy" by misusing probe agencies against opposition leaders, as he slammed the Centre over the ED searches on the premises of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad's family.

The Samajwadi Party, the Left and the DMK were among those who protested against the alleged attack on the federal structure and the "misuse" of institutions.

The Trinamool Congress will raise in Parliament issues such as LIC and SBI's risk exposure, price rise of essential commodities, unemployment and "misuse" of central agencies during the second phase of the session, its Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O'Brien had recently said.

He said LIC's risk exposure and price rise affect the lives of the common man and their savings and should be highlighted.

The TMC will also raise the issue of "political vendetta" against non-BJP ruled states in Parliament and also question the Union government on "holding back of funds for schemes such as MNREGA", O'Brien said.

At the meeting with Dhankhar, several floor leaders raised the issue of the appointment of his personal staff on parliamentary committees.

The vice president responded by saying that the sole purpose behind the move was to achieve optimisation of human resources and the output of committees.

The staffers were not participating members of the committee and are just there to assist, facilitate and provide research material, he was quoted as saying.

Dhankhar, sources said, asserted that he was committed to improving the functioning of the committees.

At the all-party meeting, AAP raised the issue of alleged misuse of investigative agencies and the Adani-Hindenburg matter.

Its leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia has been recently arrested by the CBI and the ED in cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Former Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain is already in jail on charges of money laundering.

The opposition parties are also gearing up to corner the government on issues such as the China border row and unemployment.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Monday claimed that the ED raid on his house in Delhi`s New Friends Colony lasted only 30 minutes and the team found nothing while he and his family members had treated the officials hospitably, serving tea and meals to them. "We have not left any scope to offer hospitality to ED officials. We have served tea, breakfast, and lunch," Tejashwi Yadav said after returning to Patna.

"When ED officials came to my house for a raid, they completed the search operation in half an hour. When we asked them to go from my house as the search was over, they said that they have orders from top bosses to stay in the house for a longer period of time so that news about the raids would run for the day," he claimed. Tejashwi Yadav also claimed that the ED team, which claimed to have seized a large amount of cash and gold, had found nothing and dared them to release a list of their seizures.

"All BJP people are fake and we are original socialist leaders. We would not get scared of their lies. The BJP leaders are becoming uncomfortable after the rally in Purnea. They want to divert attention from it but they will fail in their efforts," he said.

"In 2017, they were talking about Rs 8,000 crore. Now they are talking about Rs 600 crore. I want to ask them to give the details of Rs 8,000 crore first.. where did the Rs 8,000 crore go. They do not have any proof. They only have fictitious stories. BJP leaders are feeling uneasiness ever since we have thrown them out of power in Bihar," he added.

(The above article is sourced from news agency IANS. Zeenews.com has made no editorial changes to the article. News agency IANS is solely responsible for the contents of the article)

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New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao was on Sunday (March 12, 2023) admitted to a Hyderabad hospital after he experienced abdominal discomfort, an official said. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party chief has developed a small ulcer in his stomach, the official said, and added that the treatment of which has been initiated.

Rao, who is commonly known as KCR, is admitted to AIG Hospitals and was examined by the chairman of the hospital Dr D Nageshwar Reddy.

"This is to inform that Hon'ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri K Chandrashekar Rao garu developed Abdominal Discomfort today morning, following which he was examined by Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals. He was brought to AIG Hospitals following which CT and Endoscopy was performed," a statement by the hospital said.

"A small ulcer in the stomach was found which is being managed medically. His all other parameters are normal. Appropriate medication has been started," it added.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan Wishes KCR Speedy Recovery

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Sunday wished speedy recovery to K Chandrasekhar Rao.

"Wish honb Chief Minister KCR garu speedy recovery & get well soon," the Governor said in a tweet.
New Delhi: US President Joe Biden has assured action against "those responsible for the mess" after a banking crisis hit the US with regulations shutting down Signature Bank, a New York-based lender, and California-based Silicon Valley Bank within a span of three days. Biden said that he will on Monday morning (local time) deliver remarks on how his government will maintain a resilient banking system.

Signature Bank was closed by the state regulators on Sunday, becoming the second US bank after Silicon Valley Bank which collapsed on Friday. The crisis-hit Silicon Valley Bank's shares tumbled over 60 percent, data showed. (Also Read: Signature Bank 2nd Lender To Fail In Last Three Days, 3rd Largest Bank Failure In US History)

"Tomorrow morning, I will deliver remarks on how we will maintain a resilient banking system to protect our historic economic recovery," Biden was cited in the White House statement said Sunday (local time). (Also Read: HSBC Buys UK Division Of Silicon Valley Bank)

The US president said that over the weekend, the US Treasury Secretary and National Economic Council Director worked diligently with the banking regulators to address problems at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.

"I am pleased that they reached a prompt solution that protects American workers and small businesses, and keeps our financial system safe. The solution also ensures that taxpayer dollars are not put at risk," Biden said.

Biden assured the American people and American businesses have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them. "I am firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again," the statement added.

As these banks collapsed, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed as a receiver, which typically means it will liquidate the bank's assets to pay back its customers, including depositors, and others.
New Delhi: Tim Mayopoulos, a former CEO of Fannie Mae, was appointed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Monday to lead Silicon Valley Bank, a division of the now-defunct SVB Financial Group. He steps in after the startup-focused lender was shut down by regulators on Friday following a run on its deposits that left it with a lack of capital.

Before joining fintech Blend, Mayopoulos spent more than six years as the CEO of mortgage financier Fannie Mae. The greatest bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis, SVB's failure has decimated stocks and raised worries about a global market contagion. (Also Read: HSBC Buys UK Division Of Silicon Valley Bank)

The sale of a $21 billion portfolio of securities that were available for sale last week, which resulted in a $1.8 billion loss and a sharp decline in deposits, prevented the bank from raising capital to cover the shortfall. (Also Read: Signature Bank 2nd Lender To Fail In Last Three Days, 3rd Largest Bank Failure In US History)

Also, the regulator has moved nearly all of the bank's assets, including all insured and uninsured deposits, to a recently established bridge bank.

For the unversed, once Silicon Valley Bank went under, leaving behind billions of dollars in deposits, HSBC purchased the UK division of the firm. The UK branch of Silicon Valley Bank will be sold to HSBC UK Bank Plc, the Bank of England announced in a statement on Monday, following discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), HM Treasury (HMT), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FCA and PRA have given HSBC its approval. According to the UK central bank, the measure was taken to support financial system trust, stabilise SVBUK, assure the continuity of banking services, and minimise damage to the UK technology sector.

Jeremy Hunt, a South West Surrey MP, addressed the situation on Twitter "This morning, a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC was made possible by the government and the Bank of England. Deposits will be safeguarded without assistance from the taxpayer. I promised to protect the IT sector yesterday, and we have been working hard to keep that pledge."

This outcome comes after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was designated to assume control of the lender's deposits by California banking authorities on Friday after closing startup-focused Silicon Valley Bank. The last bank to fail that was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation occurred in October of 2020, and SVB is the first one to do so in more than two years.
New Delhi: Once Silicon Valley Bank went under, leaving behind billions of dollars in deposits, HSBC purchased the UK division of the firm. The UK branch of Silicon Valley Bank will be sold to HSBC UK Bank Plc, the Bank of England announced in a statement on Monday, following discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), HM Treasury (HMT), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FCA and PRA have given HSBC its approval. According to the UK central bank, the measure was taken to support financial system trust, stabilise SVBUK, assure the continuity of banking services, and minimise damage to the UK technology sector. (Also Read: This Restaurant Gives Free Food To Customers Over 158 Kg Weight - Read Story)

As a result of this transaction, the central bank and the government "can ensure that all depositors' money with SVBUK is safe and secure," the statement read. All services will continue to be provided as usual, and SVBUK will continue to run the UK division of SVB normally. According to the Bank of England, customers wouldn't notice any changes. (Also Read: Open Account With Rs 250, Get Rs 2.5 Lakh At Maturity From This Govt Scheme: Check Return Calculator, Other Details)

Also, it let clients know that they could still use the standard channels and make loan payments according to schedule. The employees will continue to work for SVBUK.

The Bank of England also indicated that the announcement from Monday supersedes the one from March 10 in which it was stated that, in the absence of any pertinent new information, it intended to ask the court to put SVBUK under Bank Insolvency Process.

"Neither these proceedings nor the resolution of SVBUK's US parent bank has a direct, significantly negative impact on any other UK institutions. The overall UK banking system is still stable, strong, and well-capitalized, the report stated.

SVBUK reported that its entire balance sheet size at the time of failure was close to 8.8 billion pounds and that its deposit base was close to 6.7 billion pounds.

Jeremy Hunt, a South West Surrey MP, addressed the situation on Twitter "This morning, a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC was made possible by the government and the Bank of England. Deposits will be safeguarded without assistance from the taxpayer. I promised to protect the IT sector yesterday, and we have been working hard to keep that pledge."

This morning, the Government and the Bank of England facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC



Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support



I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver that promise  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) March 13, 2023

This outcome comes after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was designated to assume control of the lender's deposits by California banking authorities on Friday after closing startup-focused Silicon Valley Bank. The last bank to fail that was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation occurred in October of 2020, and SVB is the first one to do so in more than two years.
New Delhi: Two days after authorities shut down Silicon Valley Bank in a collapse that left billions in savings unclaimed, state regulators shut down New York-based Signature Bank on Sunday, the third-largest failure in US banking history.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assumed management of Signature, which, according to the New York State Department of Financial Services, had $110.36 billion in assets and $88.59 billion in deposits at the end of the previous year. (Also Read: HSBC Buys UK Division Of Silicon Valley Bank)

The US Treasury Department and other bank authorities declared in a joint statement that "no losses will be borne by the taxpayer" and that all of the depositors of Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank will get full compensation. (Also Read: Elon Musk Planning To Become Landlord - Read Details Of Musk's Next Move)

According to a Reuters reporter on the scene, workers appeared to congregate at the company's Manhattan headquarters on Sunday for meetings while ordering catering from the Italian restaurant Carmine's and Starbucks coffee.

Upon the announcement of the closure, a small number of people slowly left the premises. An inquiry for comments was not immediately answered by the lender's representatives.

The fall of Silicon Valley Bank, the second-largest in American history after Washington Mutual, which went down during the 2008 financial crisis, was followed by that of Signature on Friday.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York expressed her hope in a statement that the American government's measures on Sunday will lead to "greater confidence in the safety of our banking sector."

Small businesses, notably those driving the innovation sector, make up a large portion of the depositors at these banks, and their success is essential to New York's thriving economy, she said.

Authorities said on Sunday that senior management of both institutions has been replaced, and that shareholders and some unsecured debtholders of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank will not be protected.
SRINAGAR: A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided a residential house in Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar in the wee hours of Monday in the downtown area of Karfali Mohalla Habbakadal in connection with the Kerala ISIS module case registered with the central agency.

In a handout, the NIA said, "In 2021, the National Investigation Agency had started investigations into Mohammed Ameen @ Abu Yahya* r/o Kadannamanna, Distt. Mallapuram (Kerala), who had been running various ISIS propaganda channels on different social media platforms, such as Telegram, Hoop and Instagram. Through these channels, he was propagating violent Jihadi ideologies of ISIS and was radicalizing and recruiting new members to this ISIS module. He and his associates had even identified certain individuals for targeted killings. They had also made plans to undertake Hijrah to Jammu & Kashmir for engaging in terrorist acts and had raised funds from various sources for this trip.

During the probe, it was found that Mohammad Ameen was in touch with Deepthi Marla of Kerala, a converted Muslim, married to Anas Abdul Rahiman of Mangalore, the agency said.

In 2015, she had gone to Dubai to pursue studies where she met Mizha Siddeeque and both women developed an inclination towards ISIS. In 2019, they tried to do Hijrah to Khorasan and reached Tehran, Iran. After reaching Tehran, their contact with ISIS operatives based in Khorasan could not be established.

They both returned to India, and Deepthi got in touch with Ameen, Obaid Hamid Matta, Madesh Shankar alias Abdullah and others and made plans to undertake Hijrah to ISIS administered territory. In January 2020, she went to Srinagar in January 2020 to meet Obaid to plan the Hijrah and stayed in Srinagar for one week.

One of the common contacts between Deepthi and Obaid, Uzair Azhar Bhat, who is suspected to have been part of the conspiracy, was raided today (13.03.2023). NIA conducted search at Bhats house in Karfali Mohalla, Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir). Seized digital devices are being examined and further investigations are in progress, the NIA handout read.
The European Council has decided to extend restrictive measures against persons guilty of undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until September 15, 2023.

As the press service of the European Council reported on Monday, sanctions will continue to apply to 1,473 individuals and 205 entities, many of which are targeted in response to Russias ongoing unjustified and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine, the European Council clarified. The existing restrictive measures provide for travel restrictions for natural persons, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed individuals and entities, the EC clarified.

In addition, the Council recalled that after February 24 last year, in response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the EU massively expanded sanctions against Russia in order to significantly weaken Russia's economic base, deprive it of critical technologies and markets and significantly limit its ability to wage war. In the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023, the EU reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a blatant violation of the UN Charter, and has brought immense suffering and destruction upon Ukraine and its people. Russia must stop its atrocious war immediately. The European Union will stand by Ukraine with steadfast support for as long as it takes, and remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the press release reads.
NEW DELHI: Jacqueline Fernandez has recently booked a massive win of the 'Women of Excellence' award at the Annual Los Angeles Festival of Film, Fashion, and Art for her international film, 'Tell it Like a Woman'. The song 'Applause' from her Hollywood film 'Tell It Like A Woman' was nominated in the 'Best Original Song' category. However, 'Naatu Naatu' from Ss Rajamouli's 'RRR' emerged as the winner in this category.



Jacqueline attended the pre-Oscar party for the South-Asian community hosted by global icon Priyanka Chopra recently. The 'Race 3' actor took to social media and dropped some pictures from the bash she attended. The actor looked ravishing dressed up in a stylish black sheer dress. She captioned the pictures writing, "At the Annual Academy Award Viewing party to benefit the @eltonjohn AIDS foundation! #oscars2023 congrats to all the winners!!!"



Netizens showered a lot of love on her for this look.

Earlier the actress dropped some pictures in a navy blue pant suit from her pre-Oscar dinner with the team of 'Tell It Like A Woman'.

Speaking of her work front, Jacqueline Fernandez will be seen next in 'Fateh' alongside Sonu Sood and 'Crack' alongside Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal. She was last seen in a special song in Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi-starrer 'Selfiee'.



The actor has lately been in news for her alleged relationship with conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is facing trial in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case. Her name cropped up in the case after some of her intimate pictures with Sukesh Chandrashekhar surfaced online. While Jacqueline initially denied relationship with him, the conman stated before the Enforcement Directorate that they were in a relationship with no monetary benefits involved.



Later, during a questioning by the ED in April 2022, Jacqueline Fernandez admitted that she received several luxury gifts from the conman, including expensive bags, clothes, jewellery, etc, worth Rs 5.71 crore. The actor also told the ED that Sukesh hired private jets as well as booked helicopter rides for her.



Jacqueline told the law enforcement agency that Sukesh introduced himself as the owner of Sun TV and that he belonged from the political family of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa.


Oscars 2023: Host Jimmy Kimmel on Monday (March 13, 2023) was slammed for calling SS Rajamouli's film "RRR" a "Bollywood" movie at the 95th Academy Awards. Kimmel, who is no stranger to Oscars controversy, called "RRR" a "Bollywood" film -- which actually is a Tollywood movie -- in his opening monologue. Soon after the slip up, several people took to their social media accounts to slam the comedian, who returned for a third stint as Oscar host.

"Why are they stating as a 'Bollywood Film' when RRR is actually a Tollywood film? There is lack of representation in the Western world unfortunately. Shame on #TheAcademy!" a user wrote on Twitter.

"Not even 15 minutes in and Jimmy Kimmel called RR Bollywood ugh," another user said.

Here are some of the reactions:

Why are they stating as a 'Bollywood Film' when #RRR is actually a Tollywood film? There is lack of representation in the Western world unfortunately. Shame on #TheAcademy! https://t.co/aYW4bXwM16  iinkqbird (@iinkqbird09) March 13, 2023

not even 15 minutes in and jimmy kimmel called rrr bollywood ugh  arool (@uh_rool) March 13, 2023

jimmy kimmel saying rrr is a bollywood film is my last straw cause how is someone SO lousy god i cannot take this  sree was @.pradavmins | FACE ON THE STREET (@sweetaener7) March 13, 2023

I dont need to hear Jimmy Kimmel incorrectly call RRR a bollywood movie. What I I need is to see GDT do the Naatu  sreekar (@sreekyshooter) March 13, 2023

every single person who knows anything about RRR when Jimmy Kimmel referred to RRR as Bollywood pic.twitter.com/jpsNMgQKBl  Ashley (@Xx_Ashley28_xX) March 13, 2023

In 2017 as a host at the Oscars, Kimmel had incorrectly announced 'La La Land' as the winner of best picture.

He was then forced to navigate a tricky situation after the `La La Land` producers and cast took the stage to accept the Oscar, only for `Moonlight` to be then announced as the correct winner.

Oscars 2023: Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Will Smith For Slapping Chris Rock

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel started Monday's 95th Academy Awards with a joke on Will Smith's infamous slap of Chris Rock during Hollywood's biggest awards ceremony last year.

"Five Irish actors are nominated tonight, which means the chances of a fight just went way up," Kimmel joked.

"We want you to have fun, feel safe and, most importantly, we want me to feel safe," he told the audience.

"So, we have strict policies in place. If anyone in this theatre commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech.

"But seriously, the academy has a crisis team in place. If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the show, sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug," the Oscars host added.

"... And if any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to get jiggy with it -- it`s not going to be easy," Kimmel said while shouting out fighters in the audience like Michael B Jordan`s `Creed` and Michelle Yeoh.

The late-night ABC television comedian repeatedly made light of Oscar's notorious history of exceeding its designated three-hour running time, joking at one point that the hour of sleep Americans lost on Sunday as the US reverted to daylight saving time was added to the Academy Awards telecast.

Oscars 2023: 'RRR' team, Deepika Padukone Stun At Red Carpet At 95th Academy Awards

The team of "RRR" and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone led the Indian contingent on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars where India is vying for three trophies.

"Do you know Naatu? Because if not, you're about to."



- Queen Deepika Padukone announces Naatu Naatu live performance at the #Oscars

pic.twitter.com/T6q2ZGKTO0  LetsCinema (@letscinema) March 13, 2023

This year, India-made productions have earned three nominations at the Academy Awards -- "Naatu Naatu" has been shortlisted for Original Song, "All That Breathes" is in the running for Documentary Feature, and "The Elephant Whisperers" for Documentary Short.

"RRR" director SS Rajamouli represented the country on the global stage wearing a traditional dhoti with mauve-coloured silk kurta.

His leading men Ram Charan and Jr NTR wore black velvet 'bandhgalas' with statement embroidery reminiscent of their characters in "RRR".

Charan -- whose character Alluri Sitarama Raju was described as a soldier in the British Indian Army -- sported a medal-like brooch on his bandhgala.

He was accompanied by his wife and entrepreneur Upasana Konidela, who looked resplendent in white.

Jr NTR's sherwani celebrated the majestic tiger with whom his character Komaram Bheem has a face-off in "RRR".
7th Pay Commission DA Hike Update: The Narendra Modi government may present a post holiday extravaganza to central government employees next week. Modi government is supposed to hold a cabinet meet on March 15, post which the announcement on DA Hike for government employees may be announced.

The All-India CPI-IW for January, 2023 increased by 0.5 points and stood at 132.8 (one hundred thirty two point eight). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 0.38 per cent with respect to previous month compared to decrease of 0.24 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.

However, if the cabinet meeting does not discuss the issue of DA next week, then there might be a hint regarding the anticipated Dearness Allowance (DA) hike in the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) figures that the Labor Ministry releases by the end of the month. The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of February, 2023 will be released on Friday, 31st March, 2023.

The AICPI data for December 2022 were 132.3. The only factor used to calculate the daily pay for central workers is the AICPI index. The index covered 88 centres as well as the entire nation. The last working day of every month sees the release of the AICPI.

According to media reports, the dearness allowance would increase by 3%. As a result, the DA will rise to 41% from its current 38 percent.

How much will salaries increase if the government increases the DA by 3%, bringing it to 41 percent?



With a minimum basic wage of Rs. 18,000

If the DA is increased to 41% (Rs 7,380/month)

Actual 38% DA = Rs 6,840 per month

monthly salary rises of Rs 900 (Rs 7,380 minus Rs 6,840)

Increase in annual salary: Rs 900 x 12 = Rs. 10,800

Assuming a base income of Rs 56,900

If the DA is increased to 41%, the monthly salary would be Rs 23,329

Actual 38% DA = Rs 21,622 per month

monthly salary increments of Rs 1,707 (Rs 23,329 minus Rs 21,622)

Increase in annual salary: Rs 1,707 x 12 = Rs. 20,484

7th Pay Commission: DA increased by 4% to 38%

According to the percentage increase in the 12 monthly average of the All India Consumer Price Index for the period ending June 2022, the Union Cabinet had approved the release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief @ 4 percent to Central Government employees and pensioners due from July 1, 2022. With effect from July 1,2022, both Central Government employees and pensioners are now eligible to increased amounts of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, respectively.

According to estimates, the additional financial effects of this increase in Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees will total Rs. 6,591.36 billion each year and Rs. 4,394.24 billion in the fiscal year 20222023 (i.e. for a period of 8 months from July, 2022 to February, 2023).

According to estimates, this rise in Dearness Relief for Pensioners will have significant financial effects totaling Rs. 6,261.20 billion annually and Rs. 4,174.12 billion in the fiscal year 20222023 (i.e. for a period of 8 months from July, 2022 to February, 2023).

The combined burden of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief on the exchequer would be in the range of Rs.12,852.56 billion each year, and Rs.8,568.36 billion in the fiscal year 20222023 (i.e. for a period of 8 months from July, 2022 to February, 2023).
Lucknow: The day that South Indian 'Natural Star's' fans have been eagerly waiting for is finally here. Dasara, the first Pan Indian film featuring Nani has been a disruptor with every activity. First, the teaser of the film was picked up by local city social media pages. A fan from Maharashtra paid tribute with a 100 kg rangoli. Nani made his first ever public appearance up north playing Holi with his fans in the heart of Bollywood, Mumbai, and showcased a sneak peak of a song. And now, the much awaited trailer of the upcoming pan-India release will take plac in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

A first for many, this is the first time a trailer launch will be held in Lucknow and the excitement is surely palpable. The Natural Star is known for his instant connect and respect for his fans, and unveiling the trailer of Dasara in such a unique way is a testament of the fact that it's the heartland that deserves to see the magic of cinema unfold in front of them. Ever since the announcement, netizens and even the people of Uttar Pradesh have started a countdown for the D-Day.

The trailer launch is planned to be held in a grand way with the lead actor Nani, Dheekshith Shetty and Director Srikanth Odela and producer Sudhakar Cherukuri and Srikanth Chundi of the film.

Dasara is a Santhosh Narayanan musical, written directed by Srikanth Odela, produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri and Srikanth Chundi. The film is slated for release on March 30, 2023.
New Delhi: The Oscars, usually referred to as the Academy Awards, are a yearly event that recognizes exceptional accomplishments in the film industry. A noteworthy accomplishment that won an Oscar is RRR's Naatu Naatu, which took home the prize for Best Original Song. It demonstrates the influence RRR has had on both the industry and its followers. Many of our Tollywood celebrities take to social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to publicly congratulate the winners and express their excitement for the winners' achievements.

Seerat Kapoor who has given many phenomenal films in the Tollywood industry couldn't control her admiration for the team who won the award, the actress says, Bring a North Indian girl, working in the south film industry, over the years has exposed me to many table conversations in which the south film industry despite their grounded sensibilities was looked under unfortunately still a limited light. It would always pinch my soul because the standards of credibility, awareness, creativity and the cultural roots here were so clear to me having worked firsthand in the Telugu film industry. Today marks history because of team RRR. They lead by example that hard work speaks above all.

She further said, "It is a win beyond one film. I Woke up this morning feeling so proud and emotional. A grand salute to team RRR. Thank you for placing us on the map we always believed in. All my love! This is only the beginning

It is truly one of the proudest and happiest days for India and Team RRR proudly brings the Oscar home. A truly exceptional masterpiece has been created.
New Delhi: After winning the Golden Globe and the Critics Choice Award, 'Naatu Naatu' from filmmaker SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' on Monday (March 13, 2023) bagged the Oscar in the Best Original Song category. Composed by MM Keeravaani and penned by Chandrabose, the Telugu chartbuster has now become the first Indian track to win the Academy Award in the Best Original Song category.

'Naatu Naatu' was nominated in the category alongside 'Applause' from 'Tell It Like a Woman', 'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and 'This Is a Life' from Oscar-winning 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.

However, not many people know that RRR's "Naatu Naatu" was shot in Ukraine.

The song, which demonstrates the spirit of fun in country music in its over 4.35 minutes of runtime, was shot on the lawns of the Presidential Palace of Kyiv.

It begins when the action epic's two leads -- Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr -- flaunt their dance skills after being bullied as the only Indian people invited to a British party in colonial times.

When a young British man aims racist insults at the leads, they decide to educate him using the song Naatu Naatu.

ALSO READ | Oscars 2023: Popularity Of Naatu Naatu Is 'Global', Says PM Modi After RRR Gets Academy Award

The superhit song celebrates the inclusive spirit of dance and bonhomie and features Charan and Jr NTR matching steps to its catchy rhythm.

"Naatu means ethnicity, ethnic," composer Keeravani told Reuters in a recent interview.

Since the film's release in 2022, the fast-paced dance number has found fans all over the world. It has also spawned a TikTok challenge and has garnered millions of views on YouTube.

Director Rajamouli had also recently revealed in an interview that choreographer Prem Rakshith came up with over "100 variations" of the hook step for the song.

"RRR" (Rise Roar Revolt) is a pre-independence fictional story and follows two real-life Indian revolutionaries -- Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR) -- in the 1920s.

RRR's 'Naatu Naatu' Is First Song From Indian Film To Bag Oscar

"Naatu Naatu" is now the first song from an Indian film to win an Oscar.

Were blessed that #RRRMovie is the first feature film to bring INDIA's first ever #Oscar in the Best Song Category with #NaatuNaatu!



No words can describe this surreal moment. Dedicating this to all our amazing fans across the world. THANK YOU!!



JAI HIND!pic.twitter.com/9g5izBCUks  RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) March 13, 2023

In 2008, composer AR Rahman won the Oscar for the Hindi song "Jai Ho", but that was for the US-British production of "Slumdog Millionaire", which was set in India.
Ministry of Veterans Affairs, together with IOM and Germany, launches project on psychosocial support for veterans, their families for EUR4.8 mln

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is launching a new joint project to strengthen support for Ukrainian war veterans and their families.

"It is aimed at increasing the stability of Ukraine through integration at the community level, strengthening psychosocial support for veterans and their families, attracting extrabudgetary funds for the development and implementation of veterans' programs, and strengthening the possibilities of veterans' policy in the regions," the ministry's press service said.

It is noted that the Path of Resilience project will be funded by the German government in the amount of EUR4.8 million and will be implemented during 2023-2024.

According to the report, the project will be implemented in two components.

In particular, the first one is aimed at developing the potential of the Ministry of Veterans, local authorities and veterans' organizations, and the second one is mental health and psychosocial support.

"The Path of Resilience project is important and necessary. It has a special focus on working with non-governmental veteran organizations, local authorities, as well as on attracting non-budgetary funds - they are necessary for the development and implementation of modern effective programs that will help our soldiers and their families successfully integrate into peaceful life," the Ministry of Veterans emphasizes.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy, Housing and Utility Services supported the draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on an appeal to the parliaments of all countries, the European Parliament and the IAEA with a proposal to impose sanctions on Rosatom.

The full title of the document, supported by the committee at a meeting on Friday, sounds like a draft resolution on the appeal of the Verkhovna Rada to the parliaments of all foreign states, the European Parliament and the IAEA regarding the imposition of sanctions on the Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom and the introduction of measures to reduce cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear energy.

"The problem will be complex and it will be a long process of refusing to cooperate with Rosatom. However, this process must be started," MP Inna Sovsun, who is one of the authors of the document, said at the meeting.

According to her, so far no country has a clear plan of action on how to refuse cooperation with Rosatom, but it is necessary to carry out explanatory work on the subject of what needs to be done.

"Western companies say: we need to understand that if there is such a refusal, it will be for a long time, for a long time, and then we will be able to invest in the development of alternative capacities here ... Therefore, the position of the Verkhovna Rada on this issue would increase the attention of Western politicians to this topic," Sovsun said.
As of Monday, March 13, three carrier ships of Kalibr cruise missiles with a total salvo of 20 missiles are on combat duty in the Black Sea, according to the page of the Operational Command Pivden (South) on Facebook.

"Two surface launch vehicles equipped with up to 16 Kalibr missiles have been launched into the Black Sea  As of 11:30, the enemy continues to increase the presence of missile carriers in the Black Sea. Additionally, a submarine was withdrawn. A total salvo of up to 20 missiles," the report says.

As reported, on March 9 and March 10, two carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles were on combat duty in the Black Sea with a total salvo of four missiles. On March 11, there was one carrier of Calibers in the sea with a total salvo of seven missiles, and on March 12 and 13 in the early morning  none.
On Thursday, March 16, at 13.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference on the subject: "Ideological Education of Children in Temporarily Russia-Occupied Territories of Ukraine. Presentation of Analytical Report." Participants include journalist, writer, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Security Maksym Butchenko, human rights activist, Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Security Pavlo Lysiansky, lawyer, Director of NGO Eastern Human Rights Group Vira Yastrebova (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Additional information by phone: (095) 655 4395 (Vira Yastrebova).
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod signed in Copenhagen on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost consultation on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues, amid a ministerial climate meeting.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry and Kofod held talks on cementing bilateral political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries as well as the green transition in Egypt.

They discussed cooperation in light of Egypts hosting of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), which is set to be held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

The two officials also discussed Egypt-EU relations and cooperation, which Denmark expressed a desire to support.

Shoukry and Kofod also exchanged views on the impacts of the Ukraine crisis, developments in Palestine, and the situation in Libya and Syria.

The Egyptian FM spoke about the latest developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), upholding Egypts stance demanding Ethiopia sign a legally binding agreement with the downstream countries on the filling and operation policies of the dam.

The two also discussed the counter-terrorism file, with the Danish FM presented his condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks that took place in Sinai this week.

Shoukry is currently in Copenhagen to attend and co-chair the ministerial meeting on the implementation of climate pledges.

He is attending the event in his role as president-designate of COP27.

The meeting, which is co-chaired by Egypt and the UK, the current president, runs on 12-13 May.

During COP27, Egypt hopes to build on the outcomes of COP26 in Glasgow and support global efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

On the sideline of the meeting, Sameh Shoukry reviewed Egypts vision for COP27 with Britain's Minister of State at the Cabinet Office Alok Sharma and Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jrgensen.

Sameh Shoukry also met earlier on Thursday with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, where he welcomed cooperation with Denmark along with other international partners to make COP27 a success.

The Egyptian FM conveyed President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis invitation to Frederiksen to attend the summit of heads of state and governments that will be held during the conference in November.

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Egypt is following with interest the recent agreement to resume diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and hopes "it will ease tensions and achieve the aspirations of the peoples in the region," according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

"Egypt hopes the agreement will ease tensions in the region and contribute to stabilising and preserving the capabilities of Arab national security," read the statement.

Egypt also hopes that agreement "would achieve the aspirations of the peoples in the region toward prosperity, development, and stability," added the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after years of tensions between the two countries in a deal that was brokered by China.

Dr. Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban headed the Saudi delegation at the talks, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The agreement includes a commitment to respect the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, according to SPA.

The foreign ministers of both countries will meet to activate the agreement, arrange the exchange of ambassadors, and discuss ways to strengthen relations.

Additionally, the security cooperation agreement signed in 2001 and the general agreement for cooperation in various fields signed in 1998 will be activated.

The three countries - Saudi Arabia, Iran and China - expressed their commitment to enhancing regional and international peace and security, added SPA.

Regional & international reactions

Iraq welcomed the agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran, saying it would improve regional cooperation and fulfill the aspirations of all parties.

"A new page has been opened in diplomatic relations between the two countries," said a statement from the foreign ministry of Iraq that was published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) on Friday.

The statement noted that "the efforts made by the Iraqi government through Baghdad hosting the dialogue rounds between the two sides" paved the way for reconciliation.

It added that these Iraqi efforts "established a solid base for the dialogues that followed through the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China, leading to the moment of agreement." \

Shortly after the news broke, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took to his official Twitter account on Friday to express his concerns regarding the renewal of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Bennett said: "The renewal of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a serious and dangerous development for Israel and is a political victory for Iran. This is a fatal blow to the effort to build a regional coalition against Iran."

His remarks reflect concerns in Israel that Iran's regional influence constitutes a threat to Israel's security.

Meanwhile, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said the US is aware of reports that Iran and Saudi Arabia have resumed diplomatic ties, but referred further details to the Saudis.

"We welcome any efforts to help end the war in Yemen and de-escalate tensions in Mideast."

"De-escalation and diplomacy together with deterrence are key pillars of the policy President Biden outlined during his visit to the region last year," the White House spokesperson told Reuters.

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The Egyptian presidency said in a statement on Saturday that the Saudi-Iranian deal to resume diplomatic ties is an important step" to remove points of tensions in the region, while expressing hope that Tehran would "pursue a policy that takes into account the legitimate concerns of the countries of the region."

"The Arab Republic of Egypt values the direction taken by Saudi Arabia to remove points of tension on the regional level, read the statement that was posted by the Spokesperson of the Egyptian Presidency Ahmed Fahmy.

[This direction] affirms its commitment to principles and aims of the United Nations Charter in respecting the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness, and enhancing security and stability in the region," the Egyptian presidency said.

"Egypt looks forward to this development having a positive impact on Iran's regional and international policies," it stressed.

"[This development] presents an opportunity to Iran confirm its orientation towards pursuing a policy that takes into account the legitimate concerns of the countries of the region, in a way that enhances opportunities for cooperation and consolidation of positive communications among them to chart a path that meets the aspirations of the peoples of the region for prosperity and progress," the Egyptian presidency added.

On Friday, after years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies in a deal that was brokered by China.

The agreement includes a commitment to respect the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

It also includes a commitment to respect the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs.

According to the terms of the agreement, the foreign ministers of both countries will meet to activate the agreement, arrange the exchange of ambassadors, and discuss ways to strengthen relations.

Additionally, the security cooperation agreement signed in 2001 and the general agreement for cooperation in various fields signed in 1998 will be activated.

The three countries - Saudi Arabia, Iran and China - expressed their commitment to enhancing regional and international peace and security, added SPA.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry had issued a statement on Friday welcoming the agreement and expressing hope that it would ease tensions in the region and contribute to stabilising and preserving the capabilities of Arab national security.

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The news of the rapprochement between long-time regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran sent shockwaves through the Middle East on Saturday and struck a symbolic blow for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made the threat posed by Tehran a public diplomacy priority and personal crusade.

The breakthrough, a culmination of more than a year of negotiations in Baghdad and more recent talks in China, also became ensnared in Israels internal politics, reflecting the countrys divisions at a moment of national turmoil.

The agreement, which gives Iran and Saudi Arabia two months to reopen their respective embassies and re-establish ties after seven years of rupture, more broadly represents one of the most striking shifts in Middle Eastern diplomacy over recent years. In countries like Yemen and Syria, long caught between the Sunni kingdom and the Shiite powerhouse, the announcement stirred cautious optimism.

In Israel, it caused disappointment  along with a cascade of finger-pointing.

One of Netanyahu's greatest foreign policy triumphs remains Israels U.S.-brokered normalization deals in 2020 with four Arab states, including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates  part of a wider push to isolate and oppose Iran in the region.

He has portrayed himself as the only politician capable of protecting Israel from Tehrans rapidly accelerating nuclear program and regional proxies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel and Iran have also waged a regional shadow war that has led to suspected Iranian drone strikes on Israeli-linked ships ferrying goods in the Persian Gulf, among other attacks.

A normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, the most powerful and wealthy Arab state, would fulfill Netanyahu's prized goal, reshaping the region and boosting Israels standing in historic ways. Even as backdoor relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia have grown, the kingdom has said it won't officially recognize Israel before a resolution to the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Since returning to office late last year, Netanyahu and his allies have hinted that a deal with the kingdom could be approaching. In a speech to American Jewish leaders last month, Netanyahu described a peace agreement as a goal that we are working on in parallel with the goal of stopping Iran.

But experts say the deal that broke out Friday has thrown cold water on those ambitions. Saudi Arabias decision to engage with its regional rival has left Israel largely alone as it leads the charge for diplomatic isolation of Iran and threats of a unilateral military strike against Irans nuclear facilities. The UAE also resumed formal relations with Iran last year.

Its a blow to Israels notion and efforts in recent years to try to form an anti-Iran bloc in the region, said Yoel Guzansky, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank. If you see the Middle East as a zero-sum game, which Israel and Iran do, a diplomatic win for Iran is very bad news for Israel.

Even Danny Danon, a Netanyahu ally and former Israeli ambassador to the U.N. who recently predicted a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia in 2023, seemed disconcerted.

This is not supporting our efforts, he said, when asked about whether the rapprochement hurt chances for the kingdom's recognition of Israel.

In Yemen, where the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has played out with the most destructive consequences, both warring parties were guarded, but hopeful.

A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemens conflict in 2015, months after the Iran-backed Houthi militias seized the capital of Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally recognized government into exile in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi rebels welcomed the agreement as a modest but positive step.

The region needs the return of normal relations between its countries, through which the Islamic society can regain security lost from foreign interventions," said Houthi spokesman and chief negotiator Mohamed Abdulsalam.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government expressed some optimism  and caveats.

The Yemeni governments position depends on actions and practices not words and claims," it said, adding it would proceed cautiously until observing a true change in (Iranian) behavior.

Analysts did not expect an immediate settlement to the conflict, but said direct talks and better relations could create momentum for a separate agreement that may offer both countries an exit from a disastrous war.

The ball now is in the court of the Yemeni domestic warring parties to prioritize Yemens national interest in reaching a peace deal and be inspired by this initial positive step, said Afrah Nasser, a non-resident fellow at the Washington-based Arab Center.

Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf analyst with the International Crisis Group, said she believed the deal was tied to a de-escalation in Yemen.

It is difficult to imagine a Saudi-Iran agreement to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies within a two-month period without some assurances from Iran to more seriously support conflict resolution efforts in Yemen, she said.

War-scarred Syria similarly welcomed the agreement as a move toward easing tensions that have exacerbated the country's conflict. Iran has been a main backer of Syrian President Bashar Assads government, while Saudi Arabia has supported opposition fighters trying to remove him from power.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry called it an important step that will lead to strengthening security and stability in the region."

In Israel, bitterly divided and gripped by mass protests over plans by Netanyahu's far-right government to overhaul the judiciary, politicians seized on the rapprochement between the kingdom and Israels archenemy as an opportunity to criticize Netanyahu, accusing him of focusing on his personal agenda at the expense of Israels international relations.

Yair Lapid, the former prime minister and head of Israels opposition, denounced the agreement between Riyadh and Tehran as a full and dangerous failure of the Israeli governments foreign policy.

This is what happens when you deal with legal madness all day instead of doing the job with Iran and strengthening relations with the U.S., he wrote on Twitter. Even Yuli Edelstein from Netanyahu's Likud party blamed Israel's power struggles and head-butting for distracting the country from its more pressing threats.

Another opposition lawmaker, Gideon Saar, mocked Netanyahus goal of formal ties with the kingdom. Netanyahu promised peace with Saudi Arabia, he wrote on social media. In the end (Saudi Arabia) did it  with Iran.

Netanyahu, on an official visit to Italy, declined a request for comment and issued no statement on the matter. But quotes to Israeli media by an anonymous senior official in the delegation sought to put blame on the previous government that ruled for a year and a half before Netanyahu returned to office. It happened because of the impression that Israel and the U.S. were weak, said the senior official, according to the Haaretz daily, which hinted that Netanyahu was the official.

Despite the fallout for Netanyahus reputation, experts doubted a detente would harm Israel. Saudi Arabia and Iran will remain regional rivals, even if they open embassies in each others capitals, said Guzansky. And like the UAE, Saudi Arabia could deepen relations with Israel even while maintaining a transactional relationship with Iran.

The low-key arrangement that the Saudis have with Israel will continue, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham, noting that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank remained more of a barrier to Saudi recognition than differences over Iran. "The Saudi leadership is engaging in more than one way to secure its national security.

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Iran said Monday it would welcome restoring ties with Bahrain to end seven years of ruptured relations, following a recent China-brokered deal to heal rifts between Tehran and Riyadh.

"The resumption of political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia shows the effectiveness and success of the diplomatic solution to resolve misunderstandings," said Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani.

Tehran, pleased by the rapprochement with the Saudis, believes "relations between Iran and Bahrain are no exception to this rule", Kanani added.

Riyadh and Tehran on Friday announced they would reopen embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation agreements signed more than 20 years ago.

"With the positive atmosphere that we are witnessing in the region, this positive development can happen in relation to other countries in the region, including Bahrain," Kanani said.

In 2016, Bahrain followed in Riyadh's footsteps when Saudi Arabia cut ties after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the Saudi execution of revered Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

In the past, Bahrain has also accused Iran of having trained and backed a Shia-led uprising in the Sunni-ruled kingdom in order to topple the Manama government, an accusation Tehran denies.

The detente between Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, and Iran, strongly at odds with Western governments over its nuclear activities, has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterised by turbulence for decades.

Iran and Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones including Yemen, where the Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the internationally recognized government.

The two sides also vie for influence in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

Some of Saudi's Gulf Arab allies have already sent envoys back to Iran.

In September, Iran welcomed an Emirati ambassador after a six-year absence, and a month earlier it said Kuwait had sent its first ambassador to Tehran since 2016.

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During his meeting Monday evening with CEO of Al-Mansour Automotive Ankush Arora along with a host of officials, Madbouly also lauded cooperation with GM over the past period.



For his part, Arora said that GM believes in Egypt's distinguished capabilities in the automotive industry.



GM sold 90 percent of what it produces locally in the Egyptian market, he said, adding that the company pumped $ 90 million in direct investments into Egypt in 2018.



From 2018 to 2022, the company invested about $ 15 million in Egypt, he went on to say.



He further gave an overview of the company's plans to pump investments worth $ 16 million into a program for the manufacture of new models in Egypt.

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The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called Monday during a visit to Algeria for stronger energy cooperation with Africa's top gas exporter as well as enhanced security ties.

About "90 percent of Algerian gas exports go to Europe, and we know we can count on Algeria, which is a reliable partner and has been through difficult times," Borrell said after a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The 27-country bloc would like to develop the partnership with Algeria "looking at the future, by prioritising European investments in the renewable energy sector", Borrell added in a statement.

European governments, scrambling to find alternatives to Russian gas since last year's invasion of Ukraine that has sent prices soaring, have turned to Algeria instead, with Italy leading the pack.

Borrell called on Algeria to "join efforts... to stop this unjustifiable war", noting its "economic and human impact on the entire world".

Algeria has maintained warm ties with both its European neighbours and Moscow, despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

President Tebboune, who is set to visit Russia in May, decided in February to reopen the Algerian embassy in Kyiv, which had been closed since the invasion began last year.

Borrell also said the EU and Algeria had agreed to "relaunch high-level security dialogue", with the first meetings planned before the end of the year.

"This proves that Algeria is a trusted partner and a key player in the fight against terrorism in our shared neighbourhood."

Borrell hailed Algeria's "great history of fighting against terrorism" and called for a "global and strategic vision" to counter threats, particularly in the Sahel region.

The top diplomat said the EU and Algeria could "do better" on trade relations, calling for a solution "to obstacles (Algeria) introduced since June 2022 to commerce with Spain".

The North African country had suspended a cooperation pact with Spain after Madrid reversed its decades-long stance of neutrality on the Western Sahara.

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The European Union (EU) has provided Egypt with more than 550 million in grants since 2007 to help it overcome its water challenges, head of the EU delegation to Egypt Christian Berger said on Sunday at a celebration organised by the EU and Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources on the occasion of World Water Day

The EU has also been leveraging concessional funds of nearly 3 billion to Egypt since 2007, thanks to European financial institutions, for Egypt to follow up on its Sustainable Development Strategy, he added.

During his speech, the head of the EU delegation cited ancient Greek historian Herodotus who said Egypt is the gift of the Nile. Berger noted that the person's share in Nile water in Egypt in the coming decade will decrease by 22 percent, only due to population growth.

This might lead to a significant threat to water quality, and hence the overall quality of life, he added.

The EU's current co-funded programmes in Egypt cover 16 governorates, providing jobs, mainly in rural areas, which shall help improve the quality of life for nearly 20 million inhabitants in Egypt, he added.

Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sewilam said Egypts annual share of water has reached 500 m3 per person at a time when the United Nations has set water scarcity at 1,000 m3 of water per person per year. He added that Egypt is one of the driest countries in the world, relying almost exclusively on the water of the Nile River.

More than 85 percent of Egypts river waters flow from the Ethiopian highlands through the Blue Nile  one of the Niles two main tributaries along with the White Nile.

The country, with a population estimated at over 104 million and expected to increase by 75 million by 2050, overcomes water scarcity by importing 54 percent of its virtual water, which is the embedded water required to produce commodities, and reusing 42 percent of its renewable water as per its National Water Resources Plan 2017-37.

This comes amid the stalled negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on which Egypt has been negotiating with Ethiopia since 2011 to reach a legally binding agreement that regulates the rules of filling and operating the dam.

Egypt fears that the massive $4.8 billion Ethiopian hydropower project will significantly diminish its crucial water supply, which is already below scarcity level.

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Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed on Monday the importance of reviving the political process and settling the crisis in Syria as soon as possible in accordance with relevant international resolutions, most importantly UN Security resolution 2254.

In a meeting in Cairo with the UN special envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated that Shoukry reviewed with Pedersen Egypts support of Syria in the face of the devastating earthquake that hit Northern Syria and Southern Turkey killing thousands.

Egypt has already sent several shipments of relief aid to both Syria and Turkey.

In late February, Sameh Shoukry paid a visit to Damascus  the first for an Egyptian FM to the country since 2011  to convey a message of a solidarity.

During the talks, the Egyptian foreign minister stated that all parties should help Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake.

For his part, Pedersen shared Shoukrys vision on the importance of moving forward towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

The Egyptian foreign minister expressed Egypts full endorsement of the envoys efforts in this regard.

Both officials agreed to continue consultations on ways to facilitate reaching a political solution in Syria.

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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday that the Middle East region requires the positive potential of Tehran and Cairo.

Kanaani's remarks come only three days after the announcement of a Saudi-Iranian deal to resume ties on Friday.

According to Iranian News agency "Tasnim", Kanaani was asked about the plans to revive the relations between Egypt and Iran.

He responded by highlighting the significant role of Iran and Egypt in the region.

Egypt is an important country and the two states (Iran and Egypt) attach significance to each other," he said, adding that "the region requires the positive potential of Tehran and Cairo."

On Friday, after years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies in a deal that was brokered by China.

The agreement includes a commitment to respect the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

According to the agreement, the foreign ministers of both countries will meet to activate the agreement, arrange the exchange of ambassadors, and discuss ways to strengthen relations.

Additionally, the security cooperation agreement signed in 2001 and the general agreement for cooperation in various fields signed in 1998 will be activated.

The three countries - Saudi Arabia, Iran and China - expressed their commitment to enhancing regional and international peace and security, added SPA.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday welcoming the agreement and expressing hope that it would ease tensions in the region and contribute to stabilising and preserving the capabilities of Arab national security.

On Saturday, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement that the Saudi-Iranian deal to resume diplomatic ties is an important step" to defuse tensions in the region.

"[This development] presents an opportunity to Iran to confirm its orientation towards pursuing a policy that takes into account the legitimate concerns of the countries of the region, in a way that enhances opportunities for cooperation and consolidation of positive communications among them to chart a path that meets the aspirations of the peoples of the region for prosperity and progress," the Egyptian presidency added.

Egyptian-Iranian relations were severed by the Islamic Republic of Iran after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Despite many forms of cooperation in multilateral forums, especially the UN Security Council, relations between Egypt and Iran have remained below the full ambassadorial level.

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The oldest Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail was released on Monday after serving a 17-year sentence over accusations of arms smuggling, an advocacy group and his son said.

Fuad Shubaki, 83, was released from Ashkelon prison and is "on his way to Ramallah" in the occupied West Bank, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Prisoner's Club said, which was confirmed by Shubaki's son Hazem.

Shubaki, whose name was linked to the Karine A ship hijacked by Israeli units in the Red Sea on January 3, 2002, was born on March 12, 1940, in Gaza, in al-Tuffah neighborhood.

He was accused of attempting to smuggle weapons from Iran to the coastal enclave of the Gaza aboard the Karine A ship, which was seized by Israel in the Red Sea.

Shubaki is considered the eldest among the more than 4500 Palestinian freedom fighters incarcerated in Israel for their resistance of its occupation.

He is also a senior member of of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' movement Fatah and a major general in the Palestinian security forces.

Israel claims Shubaki was the mastermind in financing and smuggling the arms ship.

In 2002, he was detained by the Palestinian authorities, and held in the West Bank town of Jericho under US and British supervision.

In 2006, the prison was stormed by Israeli forces and Shubaki was taken to Israel were he was tried in a military court.

Shubaki was sentenced to 20 years in jail, which was later reduced to 17 years.

He suffers from many health problems, in his eyes, stomach, heart, and high blood pressure and recently had to rely on fellow inmates to meet his physical needs.

His wife died in 2011 and he was forbidden to say goodbye to her. He has six children and nine grandchildren, most of whom he does not know.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Monday to increase UK military funding by 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) over the next two years in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and the epoch-defining challenge posed by China.

The increase, part of a major update to UK foreign and defense policy, is less than military officials wanted. Sunak said the UK would increase military spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product in the longer term, but did not set a date. Britain currently spends just over 2% of GDP on defense, and military chiefs want it to rise to 3%.

The extra money will be used, in part, to replenish Britains ammunition stocks, depleted from supplying Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Some will also go towards a UK-US-Australia deal to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Sunak is meeting US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego on Monday to confirm next steps for the military pact, known as AUKUS, struck by the three countries in 2021 amid mounting concern about Chinas actions in the Pacific.

Under the deal, new nuclear-powered, conventionally armed subs for Australia's forces are to be built in Australia and the UK with US. technology and support.

Britain last produced a defense, security and foreign policy framework, known as the Integrated Review, in 2021.

The government ordered an update in response to an increasingly volatile world. The new report, released Monday, said that we are now in a period of heightened risk and volatility that is likely to last beyond the 2030s.

Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine upended European security order, and the review said Russia poses the most acute threat to the UK's security.

The UK is also increasingly concerned about what the government calls the epoch-defining challenge presented by the Chinese Communist Partys increasingly concerning military, financial and diplomatic activity.

The defense review said that "wherever the Chinese Communist Partys actions and stated intent threaten the UKs interests, we will take swift and robust action to protect them.

Britains intelligence agencies have expressed growing concern about Chinas military might, covert activities and economic muscle. Ken McCallum, head of domestic spy agency MI5, said in November that the activities of the Chinese Communist Party pose the most game-changing strategic challenge to the UK

That concern has sparked a government-wide catch-up campaign on China, including Mandarin-language training for British officials and a push to secure new sources of critical minerals that are essential to technology.

The review does not brand China itself a threat to the UK and Sunak has stressed the need for economic ties with China, to the annoyance of more hawkish members of the governing Conservative Party.

Speaking as he travelled to the US, Sunak said China's Communist government is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad, and has a desire to reshape the world order.

But, he added, you cant ignore China given the size of its economy.

Its right to engage with China, on the issues that we can find common ground and make a difference on, for example climate change, global health, macroeconomic stability, he said.

Thats the right approach whilst being very robust in defending our values and our interests.

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Australia will buy as many as five US nuclear-powered submarines and later build a new model with US and British technology under an ambitious plan to build Western muscle across the Asia-Pacific in the face of a rising China, a US official said Monday.

President Joe Biden was hosting the leaders of Australia and Britain, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on a US naval base in San Diego, California, to announce the plan.

Australia, which joined the newly formed AUKUS group with Washington and London 18 months ago, will not be getting nuclear weapons.

However, with nuclear propulsion, the new submarine fleet will add substantial new strength to the Western alliance seeking to push back against China's own military expansion.

Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, told reporters that the submarine plan illustrates Washington's long-term vow to guarding "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership with Australia, which involves sharing secret nuclear technology previously only given to Britain, is "a decades-long, maybe a century-long commitment," Sullivan said.

Three conventionally armed, nuclear-powered Virginia class vessels will be sold "over the course of the 2030s," with the "possibility of going up to five if that is needed," Sullivan said.

The new model, also nuclear-powered and carrying conventional weapons, is a longer-term project and will be dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, he said. It will be built on the base of a British design, with US technology, and "significant investments in all three industrial bases," Sullivan said.

Defense Spending On The Rise

While Australia has ruled out deploying atomic weapons, its submarine plan marks a significant new stage in the US-led attempt to counter growing Chinese military power, including Beijing's construction of a sophisticated naval fleet and turning artificial islands into offshore bases.

In the face of the Chinese challenge, and Russia's invasion of pro-Western Ukraine, Britain is also moving to beef up its military capabilities, Sunak's office said Monday.

More than $6 billion in additional funding over the next two years will "replenish and bolster vital ammunition stocks, modernize the UK's nuclear enterprise and fund the next phase of the AUKUS submarine program," Downing Street said.

Australia had previously been on track to replace its aging fleet of diesel-powered submarines with a $66 billion package of French vessels, also conventionally powered.

The abrupt announcement by Canberra that it was backing out of that deal and entering the AUKUS project sparked a brief but unusually furious row between all three countries and their close ally France.

Compared to the Collins-class submarines due to be retired by Australia, the Virginia-class is almost twice as long and carries 132 crew, not 48.

However, the longer-term upgrade will require a long wait.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the British navy should get its "state of the art" SSN-AUKUS vessels in the late 2030s and Australia only in the early 2040s.

In the meantime, Australian sailors, engineers and other personnel will be training with their US and British partners to acquire expertise.

China warned that AUKUS risked setting off an arms race and accused the three countries of setting back nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

"We urge the US, the UK and Australia to abandon the Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, honor international obligations in good faith and do more things that are conducive to regional peace and stability," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

The communist country's leader Xi Jinping made a fiery statement last week accusing the United States of leading a Western effort at "all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China."

But Washington says Beijing is alarming countries across the Asia-Pacific with its threats to invade the self-governing democracy of Taiwan, as well as highlighting the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea.

"What we've seen is a series of provocative steps that China has undertaken under the leadership of Xi Jinping over the last five to 10 years," the senior US official said. "This is an attempt to defend and secure the operating system of the Indo-Pacific."

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With the aim of improving agricultural productivity for food security in Egypt, Ambassador of Japan in Egypt Oka Hiroshi has recently signed a financing agreement with Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Egypt Nasredin Hag El-amin to provide a $3.8 million grant aid.

The signing ceremony was held earlier this week in Cairo and was attended by Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova, according to a statement by the FAO.

The project will support the Egyptian governments efforts to ensure food security by increasing water productivity in agriculture and resilience to climate change.

It will target small-scale farmers in rural areas of Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta with the introduction of modern irrigation facilities and solar-powered pumps, the installation of agri-voltaic greenhouses and the provision of highly efficient attachments for agricultural tractors and heat and saline-tolerant crop varieties, according to the FAO.

Moreover, the project will collaborate with Tottori University in Japan, known for its expertise in dryland agriculture, and JICA's Improving Small-scale Farmers' Market-Oriented Agriculture Project (ISMAP) to increase farmers' incomes.

Al-Mashat said that the project  which is carried out in partnership with the Japanese government and FAO  uses integrated and innovative solutions to achieve food security and support rural communities.

It also contributes to Decent Life initiative (Haya Karima in Arabic) and falls within the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023- 2027 that includes investing in human capital and environmental sustainability, she said.

She added that the project also presents new solutions in transitioning towards a low carbon climate-resilient agriculture sector, while also complementing the country-platform for the Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) Program.

For his part, Sewilam said he was grateful to the Japanese government and to FAO for supporting this project which aims to improve the utilisation of water for agriculture, enhance water unit productivity and increase water efficiency.

Egypt faces many challenges in the water sector, due to its limited water resources and the negative impacts of climate change. Climate change increases water requirements due to high temperatures. Therefore, the Egyptian government is carrying out major projects to increase water use efficiency and maximise water unit productivity, Sewilam stressed.

On Sunday, Sewilam said that Egypts annual share of water is nearly 500 m3 per person.

He added that the United Nations defines water scarcity as 1,000 m3 of water per person annually, which makes Egypt one of the driest countries in the world.

Sewilam also noted that Egypt almost exclusively relies on the waters of the Nile River which comes from outside its borders.

Ambassador Oka asserted that in addressing food security it is important to focus on "each and every human being."

The Japanese government will work closely with the Egyptian government to provide food security, with the aim to deliver affordable, safe and nutritious food to each and every person, Oka said.

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Nile Developments  the first specialised Egyptian company in developing skyscrapers  announced on Monday that its Tycoon Tower has managed to sell 50 percent of its first phase with a total of EGP 2 billion.

The Tower which is located in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) is Africas highest hotel.

In February, Chairman and Managing Director of the Administrative Capital Company Khaled Abbas witnessed the launching of the project.

NAC has attracted investors from all over the world, especially in real estate, smart cities, and energy and digital solutions.

The New Capital is coming to life as a number of ministries have begun relocating there.

In January, Abbas stated that 30,000 public employees will relocate to the new capital between March and April.

Furthermore, Egypts cabinet has held its weekly meeting earlier this month at the new capital.

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Iran has reached a deal to buy advanced Su-35 fighter planes from Russia, Iranian state media said on Saturday, expanding a relationship that has seen Iranian-built drones used in Russia's war on Ukraine.

"The Sukhoi-35 fighter planes are technically acceptable to Iran, and Iran has finalized a contract for their purchase," the broadcaster IRIB quoted Iran's mission to the United Nations as saying in New York.

The report did not carry any Russian confirmation of the deal, details of which were not disclosed. The mission said Iran had also inquired about buying military aircraft from several other, unnamed countries, IRIB reported.
Thousands of people protested Sunday against safety deficiencies in Greece's railway network nearly two weeks after dozens were killed in the country's deadliest train crash.

The demonstrators also demanded punishment for those responsible for the head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train that killed 57 people on Feb. 28. Police said that more than 8,000 people in Athens gathered outside Parliament Sunday to protest.

The protesters later marched to the offices of privatized train operator Hellenic Train. The company, which has been owned by Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane since 2017, isn't responsible for the maintenance of the railway network. State-owned Hellenic Railways oversees upkeep.

Authorities shut down four subway stations on two lines running through central Athens because of the protest. The rally was organized by civil servants, a pro-communist union and university students.

In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, about 5,000 people demonstrated, listened to speeches and shouted slogans, such as "we will be the voice for all the dead."
Korea was left out in the cold when China newly authorized group package tours to 40 countries last week.

The website of China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism lists 40 countries from France and Spain to Vietnam as permissible destinations for travel agencies that organize group tours from Wednesday, but not Korea.

On Feb. 6, China selected 20 countries including Thailand, Indonesia and the UAE as authorized destinations for group tours, but at the time Seoul was locked in a diplomatic tussle with Beijing because it halted short-term visas for Chinese travelers over the coronavirus surge there.

The two sides have now resolved the conflict, but so far Korea remains excluded together with the U.S. and Japan.
The second part of Netflix's hit Korean series "The Glory" shot to the No. 3 spot on the streaming giant's chart of non-English TV series after its release last Friday.

The limited series starring Song Hye-kyo tells the story of a woman taking revenge on her persecutors for brutally bullying her in high school.

The first eight episodes released late December were an instant hit, and the second eight episodes did not disappoint. They shot to the top in 26 countries including Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Ironically An Gil-ho, the producer of the show, has been accused of bullying himself while attending a high school in the Philippines. Responding to anonymous online allegations posted on a forum for Korean Americans last week, An initially denied them but apologized through his lawyer on Sunday.

"My emotions ran high when I found out that my girlfriend had become the subject of ridicule at school because of me and ended up inflicting an indelible wound on another person," he said in the statement. "I seek heartfelt forgiveness from those who were hurt and wish to convey my apology personally if given the opportunity."
North Korea launched two missiles from a submarine on Sunday morning soon after threatening "more effective, powerful and offensive use of the war deterrent."

The launch coincided with the start of massive military drills by South Korea and the U.S. on Monday.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency said on Monday the country launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine off Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province into the East Sea. It claimed they flew some 1,500 km over two hours in a figure-of-eight before precisely hitting their targets.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff here confirmed the launch and said they are analyzing the type and trajectories of the missiles.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 18:47 | All, Japan

Japanese novelist Kenzaburo Oe, the winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Literature who was also known as a campaigner for the pacifist Constitution and against nuclear power, has died of old age, publisher Kodansha Ltd. said Monday. He was 88.

One of the most celebrated authors in Japan in the post-World War II era, Oe spearheaded a civic movement calling for eliminating nuclear plants in his late 70s in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami.

"To repeat the error by exhibiting, through the construction of nuclear reactors, the same disrespect for human life is the worst possible betrayal of the memory of Hiroshima's (atomic bombing) victims," Oe wrote in an article for U.S. magazine The New Yorker, dated 10 days after the triple disaster.

According to Kodansha, Oe died in the early hours of March 3, and his family has already held a funeral led by his wife, Yukari. The publisher said a memorial service will be held later.

Born in 1935 in the western prefecture of Ehime, Oe debuted as a writer in 1957 while studying French literature at the University of Tokyo.

He was awarded Japan's prestigious Akutagawa Prize for literature the following year at age 23 for "The Catch," a short story about the capture of a black American airman in a Japanese village during the war.

In 1994, he became the second Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, after Yasunari Kawabata. "With poetic force (Oe) creates an imagined world, where life and myth condense to form a disconcerting picture of the human predicament today," said the Swedish Academy in awarding the prize.

In the same year, he also made headlines by rejecting an Order of Culture from the Japanese government, saying he would "never in my lifetime or after accept an award from any state." The decision, he said, was down to his being a "postwar democrat" -- a mindset he felt was not compatible with the national award.

The author gained critical acclaim worldwide, with many of his novels, including "The Silent Cry," translated into several languages.

In making its decision, the Nobel committee gave high praise to Oe's novel, which they said fundamentally "deals with people's relationships with each other in a confusing world, in which knowledge, passions, dreams, ambitions and attitudes merge into each other."

Oe penned several works reflecting his personal experience as the father of composer Hikari Oe, who was born with disabilities. Among them is his novel "A Personal Matter," published in 1964, in which he depicts a man struggling to come to terms with the birth of a brain-damaged son in a failing marriage.

Semi-autobiographical fiction was a mainstay of Oe's works, with his later novels, including 2000's "The Changeling," featuring an aging novelist as the protagonist, and his 2009 novel, "Death by Water," exploring the death of his father.

He also wrote reportage on the horrors of the war and nuclear weapons, "Hiroshima Notes" in 1965 and "Okinawa Notes" in 1970.

Oe and the late literary critic Shuichi Kato, among others, founded an anti-war civic group, "Article 9 Association," in 2004, urging the government to retain the war-renouncing article of the Constitution.

After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Oe became the co-organizer of a campaign that collected signatures from millions of people demanding an end to nuclear power plants and took part in anti-nuclear power demonstrations attended by tens of thousands of people.

In his 70s, Oe said he intended to continue living as a novelist until he died and that the aim of his life's "late work is to write grotesque novels that defy the present time and society."

Novelist Fuminori Nakamura, who in 2010 received the now-discontinued Oe Kenzaburo award, said his death was "truly a loss to the whole world."

"He was a writer who wrote deeply on people's inner lives, and his work was hugely impressive," he said.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 11:13 | All, Feature, Japan

Twelve years have passed since the 2011 nuclear disaster and preparations are underway to discharge treated radioactive water into the sea from the crippled Fukushima power plant, although local fishermen and Japan's neighbors remain wary of the plan.

The Japanese government seeks to begin releasing the water sometime this spring or summer, with operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. asserting the many large tanks holding treated water are obstructing work to decommission the defunct reactors.

TEPCO and the government plan to release the water containing trace amounts of tritium into the Pacific Ocean despite opposition from fishery communities whose businesses have finally made progress in recovering from reputational damage caused by the disaster, considered the world's worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown.

"Immediately after the accident, I never thought the day would come when we would be able to sell so much fish," said Masahiro Ishibashi, a 43-year-old fisherman who spoke while sorting seasonal whitebait at a port in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture.

"The discharge of the water may destroy everything that has been built up so far. I want the government and TEPCO to think a little more about this," Ishibashi said in late February.

After a massive earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi plant lost power and the ability to cool its reactors. The Nos. 1 to 3 reactors suffered core meltdowns, and the buildings of No. 1, 3 and 4 units were severely damaged by hydrogen explosions.

Since then, water has been continuously pumped in to cool melted fuel and debris. The water becomes contaminated with radioactive materials like cesium and strontium and mixes with groundwater and rainwater before being moved into storage tanks after being treated with an advanced liquid processing system, or ALPS, that removes most radionuclides.

The introduction of the ALPS in 2013 allowed most contaminants to be removed from the water, but the process cannot eliminate tritium, which is difficult to separate.

The total amount of treated water stored in tanks exceeded 1.32 billion liters, or 96 percent of the storage capacity as of Feb. 16, and TEPCO says it is difficult to add more tanks as it needs to secure a site for a debris storage facility.

The government decided in April 2021 to start discharging the treated water into the sea from around the spring of 2023 after diluting it with seawater to keep the concentration level of tritium under one-40th of the country's safety standards.

According to the plan, the treated water will be released about one kilometer off the coast through an underwater tunnel, which now measures about 800 meters in length, and two large tanks to pool treated water before the release that have been built near the Nos. 5 and 6 units.

Tritium is a relative of hydrogen and exists naturally in rainwater and seawater due to cosmic radiation and past nuclear tests.

It is said to pose little risk to human health and the environment as the radiation given off by it is very weak and cannot penetrate human skin. It is also believed to be unlikely that it can accumulate in a living body.

Tritiated water is produced at nuclear generation facilities that have not experienced accidents and is released inside and outside Japan under set regulations.

Fishery associations nationwide remain firmly opposed despite the government pledging to provide the industry with financial support to help them continue operations and prevent reputational damage. It also guaranteed to buy their products if demand dries up due to consumer backlash.

Fishing along the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, known for high-quality seafood, has not recovered fully, as hauls by fisheries in the prefecture last year only stood at 20 percent of the level before the nuclear disaster.

TEPCO and the government promised local fishermen in 2015 they will not dispose of the treated water without gaining the understanding of concerned parties -- but it remains unclear to whom that refers -- and local residents are worried the release could take place without local approval.

Some of Japan's neighbors have also expressed opposition to the plan, with China and Russia voicing concern at a U.N. Security Council meeting last month.

"Regrettably, to date Japan has yet to provide science-based and credible explanations on key issues," China's Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun said, citing such points as the legitimacy of the discharge plan and reliability of its data on the treated water.

A Russian representative also criticized Japan's stance, arguing Tokyo approved the water discharge plan without obtaining consent from neighboring countries.

"When making that decision, our Japanese colleagues did not think it necessary to discuss the issue with the neighboring states," Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov said.

Meanwhile, a South Korean government official said in January the water must be safely disposed of in accordance with international standards from objective and scientific perspectives.

The country's government-backed research institutes released an analysis in February that the release would not affect human health, as the concentration of tritium will be extremely low in South Korean waters in 10 years if the treated water discharge goes ahead as scheduled.

To ensure the discharge is in line with international safety standards and poses no harm to public health and the environment, the International Atomic Energy Agency has conducted several safety reviews of the plan.

The IAEA plans to issue a comprehensive report based on their findings prior to the start of the discharge, with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi saying transparency of the process is key to the successful execution of Japan's plan.

Related coverage:

Japan seeks G-7 endorsement on discharge of Fukushima treated water

Fukushima treated water likely to be discharged in spring or summer
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 16:05 | Feature, All, Japan

Japan has granted a long-term visa to an American man who married his same-sex Japanese partner in the United States, in what his representative called on Monday a "breakthrough" move in a country that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The designated activities visa will allow Andrew High, who has been seeking long-term residence through the legal system, to remain in Japan for up to a year. The visa was granted by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau on Friday.

"The decision was made on a case-by-case basis, but it should be established as part of the system," his representative said.

Same-sex couples are eligible for a designated activities visa if both of them are foreign nationals but not if one of them is Japanese. High had previously only been granted a temporary visa.

Last September, the Tokyo District Court said High should be granted the visa as the current system, which differentiates treatment depending on whether a partner is Japanese, was "not based on logic and violates the Constitution, which guarantees equality under the law."

However, it also upheld the denial of a long-term residence visa and dismissed claims for damages on grounds that Japan does not recognize same-sex marriages.

According to his representative, High and his partner began dating in 2004 and married in the United States in 2015.

High is expected to continue fighting in court for a more stable long-term resident visa, as the designated activities visa limits working conditions.

Related coverage:

Japan court rejects long-stay visa for U.S. man in same-sex marriage
By Donican Lam, KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 13:40 | Feature, All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

With Japan preparing to welcome foreign visitors for the cherry blossom season for the first time in three years after loosening COVID-19 border controls, excitement is in the air for the travel industry.

Operators of popular tourist spots are rushing to ride the cherry blossom wave, adorning everything from restaurants, vehicles and digital art with shades of pink and petal designs.

E-commerce travel platform KKday said activity bookings from overseas for the March 18 to April 30 period have already hit around 50 percent of 2019 figures -- the last cherry blossom season before the pandemic -- with the firm holding high hopes for a complete recovery by the time blossoms hit their peak.

"We expect the figure to exceed 2019 levels," said Kosei Obuchi, president of KKday Japan Co., the platform's local operator. "While people tend to book hotels one or two months in advance, when it comes to activities, the vast majority do it only one month or two weeks beforehand."

Obuchi has reason to be optimistic. KKday Japan has already toppled pre-pandemic figures this year, with bookings for the Lunar New Year holidays -- Jan. 20 to 29 -- around 250 percent more than 2019 levels.

The firm's recovery for January at 180 percent is also higher than the overall market, with the number of foreign visitors to Japan that month still at only 55.7 percent of pre-pandemic January 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Obuchi said that the company's efforts to attract more customers by taking advantage of the digital shift during the pandemic paid off.

"Customers who had gone to physical stores to (book) are now used to doing it online," Obuchi said. "KKday was able to successfully tap into those needs."

With 12 offices across Asia and the Pacific, including its headquarters in Taiwan, KKday offers activities and tickets at locations around the globe, but Japan is currently "the number one destination," according to Obuchi.

The JNTO data showed that South Koreans constituted the largest group of visitors to Japan in January with 565,200 travelers, followed by Taiwan at 259,300 and Hong Kong at 151,900.

Taiwanese student Li Hsin, an avid traveler to Japan who visited two to three times a year before the pandemic, was among the participants of an afternoon tea bus tour on March 5 booked through KKday.

The tour, which runs on selected days until the end of the month, takes passengers on a 90-minute "London bus" drive-by to famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo as they enjoy a selection of sweet and savory delights on board.

"I had been to Japan many times before, but never during cherry blossom season," the 28-year-old said. "So I wanted to come to Japan and experience a cherry blossom pilgrimage."

While border restrictions enforced due to the pandemic prevented Li from visiting Japan for around three years, she was finally able to return last October as a student. And she noticed some differences.

"Before (the pandemic), store attendants were very happy when I went to buy something and could use simple English or simple Japanese to communicate. But when I just arrived (in October), probably because the borders had been closed for a while, they would tend to only use Japanese to communicate," she said.

But Li added that the stores have since been quick to adapt, and now "things have returned to how they were before."

Restaurants have also been eager to embrace the return of foreign visitors, with Bills, an Australian restaurant chain, running a "Hanami at Bills" event from March through April 9 at all eight of its branches in Japan.

During the period, each store's interior will be decorated with live cherry blossom plants for diners to enjoy, and two seasonally-themed drinks will be on offer to complement its multicultural menu.

With foreigners making up a large bulk of its customer base, Bills, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary since coming to Japan this month, was hit hard by the events of the past few years.

But foreign diners have gradually begun to return since late last year following the easing of Japan's border measures in October, with the branch in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, seeing a lot of Taiwanese customers, according to a media coordinator for Bills.

Meanwhile, the branch in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district has seen "a lot of Middle Eastern customers, who are likely tourists staying in the area wanting a place to eat in the morning, when not a lot of places are open," the coordinator said.

Teamlab Planets Tokyo, a temporary digital art museum in Toyosu, has also seen a surge in foreign visitors since Japan eased border restrictions, with foreigners accounting for around 60 percent of all visitors in the month through Jan. 9, according to a news release.

From March until the end of April, the museum will transform two of its exhibits into spaces where cherry blossoms bloom digitally, immersing visitors in stunning computer-rendered artwork.

A survey conducted by the digital art collective between Dec. 17 and Jan. 10 found that approximately 70 percent of foreign visitors accessed information on Teamlab Planets before considering a trip to Japan, suggesting that many had the museum on their planned itineraries for Tokyo.

The collective's distinctive digital art and projection mapping techniques attracted international attention when it opened the museum and another of its facilities, Teamlab Borderless, in Tokyo in summer 2018.

Teamlab Borderless, which set a Guinness World Record for the world's most visited museum dedicated to a single art group after attracting around 2.2 million visitors in 2019, closed last August but is set to reopen in a new complex in Minato Ward to be completed by the end of this year.

The travel industry can only be said to have fully recovered when all three markets of inbound, outbound and domestic tourism have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

"Japan's travel industry was hit extremely hard and suffered a lot of damage due to the coronavirus pandemic, and I believe it will be inbound tourism that revives and strengthens it," Obuchi said.

And while the recovery of outbound tourism has been sluggish due to factors such as surging flight costs and the weak yen, Obuchi said that those factors could actually work in favor for Japan.

"When people look at the quality of Japanese food and service they get in relation to the weak yen, they feel they are getting a really good deal," he said. "Right now, Japan is cheap."
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 20:11 | All, Japan

A Tokyo court decided Monday to grant a retrial to a former professional boxer who was sentenced to death over a 1966 quadruple murder case in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, and who spent nearly half a century behind bars before new evidence led to his release.

The Tokyo High Court decision on the retrial of Iwao Hakamata, 87, came after the Supreme Court sent the case back to the court in 2020, ordering it to reconsider an earlier decision not to reopen it.

The court said it "cannot possibly identify Mr. Hakamata as the culprit," citing the unreliability of the main evidence -- five pieces of clothing he allegedly wore during the incident -- that was used in finalizing his death sentence.

The court ruled that there was a strong possibility that the clothing items had been planted by investigators in a tank of miso soybean paste in which they were found.

It also upheld an earlier decision that Hakamata should not be returned to prison, considering the likelihood that he will be found not guilty.

Prosecutors will decide by next Monday whether to file an appeal to the Supreme Court. Without an appeal, a retrial will be held at the Shizuoka District Court, although it remains unclear when it will start.

Following Monday's decision, supporters of Hakamata refrained from immediately telling him of it so as not to mentally stress him. He suffers from conditions caused by many years of incarceration, according to the supporters.

Hakamata's elder sister Hideko, 90, told reporters in front of the Tokyo High Court, "We've been waiting for this day. It's finally here."

The main focal point of the case was whether the color of blood on the clothing items found in the miso tank could preserve its redness over a year later.

Presiding Judge Fumio Daizen supported the defense's claims that the reddish color of bloodstains on clothing would turn black when immersed in miso for a few months. The defense team has argued the evidence was forged.

Hakamata had always insisted on his innocence but his sentence was finalized in 1980. He was freed in 2014 after the Shizuoka District Court decided to suspend his death sentence and reopen the case, accepting DNA test results that indicated blood found on items was not Hakamata's.

The former boxer was a live-in employee at a miso maker when he was arrested in 1966 for allegedly killing the firm's senior managing director, his wife and their two children. They were found dead from stab wounds at their house in Shizuoka, which had been burned down.

Indicted for murder, robbery and arson, his death sentence was finalized based on a ruling that blood marks on five clothing items found in a miso tank 14 months after the murder matched the blood types of the victims and Hakamata.

But in 2018, the Tokyo High Court scrapped the Shizuoka court's decision to suspend his death sentence and reopen the case, questioning the lower court's reliance on the DNA tests.

The Supreme Court upheld the high court decision over the credibility of the DNA tests, but concluded it should re-examine the case because questions had not been resolved over the color of alleged bloodstains left on the clothing items.

After his arrest, Hakamata had initially confessed to investigators but pleaded not guilty at his trial.

Since the Supreme Court decided in 1975 to act in the best interests of the accused when doubt is left, retrials have been ordered in four cases in which the death penalty had been finalized, with all resulting in acquittals in the 1980s.

Chronology of events related to 1966 Shizuoka quadruple murder case

The following is a chronology of major events related to the 1966 murder of four people in Shizuoka Prefecture.

June 30, 1966 -- Family of four, including two children, found murdered in ruins of soybean processing company executive's burned-down house in Shizuoka.

August -- Former professional boxer Iwao Hakamata arrested on suspicion of murder-robbery.

August 1967 -- Bloodstained clothing discovered in factory's soybean tank.

September 1968 -- Hakamata sentenced to death.

December 1980 -- Supreme Court finalizes capital punishment.

April 1981 -- Hakamata files first appeal for retrial.

August 1994 -- Shizuoka District Court turns down appeal, prompting defense team to appeal to Tokyo High Court.

August 2004 -- Tokyo High Court turns down appeal, prompting defense team to file special appeal the next month.

March 2008 -- Supreme Court turns down special appeal.

April -- Hakamata's sister Hideko files second appeal.

March 27, 2014 -- Shizuoka District Court decides to reopen Hakamata case, Hakamata freed.

March 31 -- Prosecutors appeal decision to reopen case.

June 11, 2018 -- Tokyo High Court rules against reopening case.

June 18 -- Defense team files special appeal to Supreme Court.

December 2020 -- Supreme Court sends case back to Tokyo High Court.

March 13, 2023 -- Tokyo High Court rules for reopening case.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 14:58 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Japan's easing of coronavirus guidelines on mask-wearing had little apparent effect on Monday, with many people keeping their faces covered despite government efforts to normalize aspects of daily life that were subject to public health restrictions during the pandemic.

Even though the government no longer recommends mask-wearing in most cases under the relaxed rules, morning commuters in Tokyo and people at stations and other gathering places were appearing to take a wait-and-see approach.

Among them was 29-year-old Shiori Ogino, who said on the way to her office she would be staying masked because the "risk of coronavirus infection and the rules on distancing are unchanged."

She said she wants to wait until the government downgrades the legal status of the coronavirus as an infectious disease in May as planned.

The mask-wearing guidelines were eased ahead of the downgrading of the legal status of COVID-19 to the same category as common infectious diseases on May 8. COVID-19 is currently designated as a special category equivalent to or stricter than Class 2, which covers infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS.

On a shinkansen bullet train platform at Tokyo Station on Monday morning, however, most businesspeople and travelers remained masked. Kiyoshi Watanabe, a 76-year-old headed on a trip to Kyoto Prefecture, said he was "still keeping an eye on how it goes."

"I hope I might be able to start taking it off by about the end of springtime," he said.

Although mask-wearing has never been legally mandated in Japan, the government had recommended wearing masks indoors while not suggesting doing so outdoors. But most of the Japanese public wore them regardless of whether they were indoors or outdoors.

Under the new guidelines, the government still recommends mask-wearing in medical institutions, nursing homes and on crowded public transportation. It also notes that masks protect people at higher risk of serious illness, including the elderly.

Airlines, railways, buses and other public transportation will no longer ask travelers to wear one, and the same goes for operators of major supermarket chains and convenience stores.

One commuter that went without a mask was Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Japanese leader, his security and secretarial staff all made the short walk from the leader's residence to his office with faces uncovered.

Speaking to reporters, he said he "will be taking my mask off in more instances from now on," while also asking people to wear a mask when meeting people at high risk of infection, such as the elderly in care facilities.

At Tokyo Disneyland, which is from Monday no longer requiring visitors or staff to wear masks, almost everyone headed for the ticket gates was covered up.

But a 30-year-old woman visiting with her family from Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, bucked the trend.

"We've come all the way to Disneyland, and the best thing is if we can all see each other's expressions today," she said.

Schools will also, in principle, no longer request mask-wearing from April 1, the start of the Japanese academic year.

However, for barbers, beauty salons and other services in which there is close contact, customers will still likely be asked to wear masks in most cases.

At music performances and concerts, attendees will be asked to follow the organizers' policies.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 13, 2023 - 18:09 | All, World, Japan

A Kyodo News poll showed Monday that 57.1 percent of respondents in Japan support South Korea's solution to a wartime labor row between the two countries, announced last week.

The telephone survey, conducted over three days from Saturday, also found that 56.8 percent will continue using protective face masks despite the government relaxing its COVID-19 guidelines on mask-wearing this week.

The approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stood at 38.1 percent, up from 33.6 percent in mid-February.

As part of efforts to improve ties with Japan, South Korea unveiled its plan for settling the wartime labor compensation dispute with its neighboring nation.

Kishida has hailed the proposal, saying South Korea's decision will help restore "healthy" relations between Tokyo and Seoul, while 33.3 percent of the respondents did not appreciate the move, the survey showed.

Under the solution, a South Korean government-backed foundation will pay compensation to the country's plaintiffs who won lawsuits over alleged forced labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the peninsula instead of the Japanese companies that were sued.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has expressed eagerness to improve bilateral ties with Tokyo since taking office last year, is scheduled to visit Japan later this week for talks with Kishida about the wartime labor issue.

On Monday, meanwhile, Japan began to ease its coronavirus guidelines on mask-wearing, now making it a personal choice whether to use the face coverings as it seeks to normalize daily activities that have been under public health restrictions due to the pandemic.

Mask-wearing has not been legally mandated in Japan. But more than half of the respondents in the latest poll said they will keep donning masks, with 35.1 percent saying they will reduce the frequency of using them.

As for a controversial issue of whether the government of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe put political pressure on broadcasters, 65.2 percent said they believe a former special advisor to him intervened in the freedom of broadcasting.

Last week, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications acknowledged papers recently made public by an opposition party lawmaker that suggest political pressure was put on broadcasters by Abe's administration having been compiled within the organ.

The documents, revealed earlier this month, indicate that between 2014 and 2015, Abe's government urged the internal affairs ministry to change its interpretation of "political fairness" under the broadcasting law.

Sanae Takaichi, the minister in charge of broadcasting at the time, has claimed that parts of the papers featuring her are incorrect, calling on the opposition party lawmaker to bear the burden of proving the authenticity of the documents.

Takaichi now serves as economic security minister. Kishida, who became prime minister in October 2021, said the government has not altered the interpretation of the broadcasting law.

The survey called 498 randomly selected households with eligible voters on landline phones and 2,256 mobile phone numbers. It yielded responses from 431 households and 626 mobile phone users.

Related coverage:

60% of South Koreans oppose Japan wartime labor dispute resolution

South Korea President Yoon to visit Japan on March 16 amid improving ties

South Korea announces solution to wartime labor row with Japan
This aerial photo taken on Dec. 24, 2022 shows a Fuxing high-speed train making a trial run before the opening of the new Chengdu-Kunming Railway in Mianning County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

by Evgeny Semaykin

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing "two sessions" are drawing worldwide attention to Beijing. Just as Russia's RIA Novosti news agency stated, the policies and decisions formed in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing directly impact many affairs in the modern world.

Transport, in particular, is one of the sectors that holds great significance to China and the world. As a Russian who has lived in China for two decades and has tried various types of available transport, I believe the transition of China's transport means could be a window to track the country's development progress and its contribution to the world.

25 HOURS TO 4 HOURS

In 1996, I first came to China and took a teaching job at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, a city over 1,000 km away from Beijing. I went through many troubles to get a train ticket to travel to Wuhan from Beijing. I also had to endure a tedious and exhausting 25-hour trip. Eating wasn't easy either. I packed a bowl of instant noodles, but it was difficult to cross the aisle tightly crammed with passengers and access hot water in the dining car.

The travel experience on a high-speed train nowadays is a far cry from the past. It takes roughly four hours from Wuhan to Beijing on a Fuxing bullet train. Passengers can also connect to the internet, charge their phones or laptops, and even order takeout on the train.

The self-developed Fuxing trains operate with a maximum speed of 350 kph, which makes taking a spur-of-the-moment trip a piece of cake for Chinese people.

Over the past five years, the length of China's in-service high-speed railways increased from 25,000 km to 42,000 km, and the expressway network expanded from 136,000 km to 177,000 km, according to the government work report submitted on March 5 to the national legislature for deliberation.

China, originally a latecomer to modern transport, now has the world's largest high-speed railway network, expressway network, and world-class port clusters.

I am impressed by China's emphasis on infrastructure. The country's comprehensive transport infrastructures ensure the convenient travel of people and the efficient flows of commodities, turbocharging the entire world's economy.

ASPHALT ROAD PAVED TO VILLAGE

There are still many rural areas worldwide that lack public transportation services. But China, with a vast rural area, has built or upgraded 1.25 million km of road over the past five years. All towns, townships and villages where conditions permit are now connected by paved roads and linked to bus networks, said the government work report.

A few years ago, I traveled to Xidi, a thousand-year-old remote mountain village in east China's Anhui Province. We departed from Beijing and took a high-speed train to arrive in Huangshan City and transferred to a bus. The bus ran on a multiple-lane asphalt road, which took us to the village.

I learned that leaving for massive cities and taking migrant work used to be the main source of livelihood for villagers in Xidi. But a paved road has brought sweeping changes to the village, a vendor in her 70s told me. "Ever since there was a road, more tourists have visited the village, and our business has been booming," she said.

Xidi has been recognized among the Best Tourism Villages by the World Tourism Organization. Now more than 80 percent of the villagers are in the tourism business. The annual per capita disposable income surged from 13,000 yuan (about 1,866 U.S. dollars) in 2012 to 50,000 yuan in 2021.

With 490 million people living in the rural areas, China has prioritized transport development, especially in backward areas. The economy and livelihood of China's underdeveloped regions are thriving on roads.

COMMON DEVELOPMENT IS TRUE DEVELOPMENT

A friend of mine orders Russian takeout for his wife on a food-delivery app almost every day, and I am fond of Italian cuisine. Thanks to China-Europe freight trains -- a contemporary railway version of camel caravans -- we can all savor authentic Russian-style borsch and Italian spaghetti in China cooked with ingredients of origin.

Some 2,000 years ago, merchants traversed grasslands and deserts using camel caravans for trade between the East and the West via the ancient Silk Road. Today, a wide variety of products, from food and clothes to home appliances and automobiles, are transported to countries thousands of miles away through China-Europe freight trains under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This year marks the 10th anniversary of BRI. Over the past 10 years, the China-Europe freight trains have connected 208 cities in 25 countries in Europe. A total of 65,000 trains have carried more than 6.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo.

The government work report noted that imports and exports between China and other BRI countries increased at an annual rate of 13.4 percent over the past five years, and exchanges and cooperation between China and these countries registered steady progress in a wide range of areas.

Examples also abound of countries benefiting from China's advanced technological prowess in transport. The landmark China-Laos Railway, which stretches over 1,000 km, links Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with Vientiane in Laos. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, which China participated in building, will be the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia.

"Only when countries develop together can there be true development; only when countries prosper together can there be true prosperity." Seeing China's remarkable transport achievements and its contribution to the world, I am deeply convinced by Chinese President Xi Jinping's words.

I believe that China, a country dedicated to making the world more connected, not severed, will no doubt bring more opportunities for global development. 

(Daria Karakash also contributed to the story.)


A voter carries out voting operations at a polling station in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 12, 2023. The voting for Senate elections began on Sunday morning in 198 polling stations in ten regions of the country. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

YAOUNDE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Voting for Senate elections is underway in Cameroon, officials said Sunday.

The voting, which began on Sunday morning in 198 polling stations in ten regions of the country, will continue until 6:00 p.m. local time.

"The atmosphere is calm and everything is moving on smoothly," Gabriel Bihina Effila, a municipal councilor who voted in the capital, Yaounde, told Xinhua.

Municipal and regional councilors will elect 70 senators from ten political parties which are taking part in the elections, according to the country's electoral body, Elections Cameroon (Elecam).

The Elecam said all the necessary facilities and security arrangements to ensure free and fair polling had been provided.

Cameroon Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, has 100 seats. The elections will be held for 70 seats as 30 senators will be appointed by President Paul Biya.

The senators will be elected for a five-year mandate.

The central African nation held its first Senate elections in 2013. 

Voters consult their names on the electoral list in order to vote at a polling station in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 12, 2023. The voting for Senate elections began on Sunday morning in 198 polling stations in ten regions of the country. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

A voter puts a ballot in the ballot box at a polling station in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 12, 2023. The voting for Senate elections began on Sunday morning in 198 polling stations in ten regions of the country. (Xinhua/Kepseu)
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China will make efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, President Xi Jinping said Monday.

China's development benefits the world and China cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world, Xi said when addressing the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the national legislature.

Stressing that China will make concrete efforts to advance high-standard opening up, Xi said the country will not only leverage global markets and resources for its own development, but also promote the development of the whole world.

"We will be dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, stand firmly on the right side of history, practice true multilateralism, and uphold the shared values of humanity," said Xi.

He added that China will play an active part in the reform and development of the global governance system, contribute its share to building an open world economy, advance the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, add more stability and positive energy to the peaceful development of the world, and foster a favorable international environment for China's development. 
GUANGZHOU, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and foreign researchers have jointly proven an innovative drug effective in treating moderate and severe ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bringing a new treatment option.

As a group of chronic inflammatory diseases, IBDs mainly include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. They are prone to recurrent attacks, with pathogenesis not fully understood yet. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is believed to be a key mediator of their pathogenesis.

The existing drugs have shown poor curative effects on IBDs, so the treatment strategy is to control symptoms and prevent their recurrence by suppressing overactive immune responses.

The innovative domestic drug, olamkicept, is a soluble fusion protein and can selectively inhibit the IL-6 trans-signaling. During its phase 2 clinical trials, a joint team led by researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (FAH), in collaboration with counterparts from 22 hospitals and research centers in East Asia, conducted a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study.

A total of 91 adult patients with active ulcerative colitis, with an average age of 41, were included in the study, starting from February 2018. They were randomly divided into three groups of nearly equal numbers and received an intravenous infusion of olamkicept with a dose of 600 milligrams or 300 milligrams, or placebo, respectively, for 12 weeks, said Zhang Shenghong, a team member from the FAH.

The results indicated that olamkicept with a dose of 600 milligrams showed a curative effect on patients with moderate and severe ulcerative colitis by significantly improving their clinical symptoms and biological indicators.

The drug is safe and well tolerated and can effectively reduce complications and mortality in patients with IBDs. It will enter phase 3 clinical trials this year, said Chen Minhu, the team leader from the FAH.

The research results have been published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that the notable institutional strength is one of the advantages for China's economic development.

China is facing multiple advantages and disadvantages in its economic development, Li told a press conference after the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Its huge market, complete industrial system, rich supply of human resources, solid development foundation, and institutional strength have been supporting the country's development, Li said.

Noting that disadvantages are challenging not only China but also the rest of the world, Li said the Chinese people have always managed to pull through difficult times and achieve new progress.

Citing several stories of Chinese heroes, the premier highlighted that Chinese people, with resilience, tenacity and perseverance, have never been overwhelmed by any difficulty.

Li said the economic performance over the past about two months has demonstrated that the Chinese economy is stabilizing and picking up again, and some international institutions have raised their forecasts for China's 2023 economic growth.

"I believe the Chinese economy will brave the wind and waves and sail toward a brighter future," Li said. 
Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, concluded its first session Monday morning.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the closing meeting, which was presided over by Zhao Leji.

When addressing the meeting, President Xi Jinping said that the people's trust is the biggest motivation that drives him to march on and a great responsibility he shoulders.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that he will faithfully fulfill his responsibilities bestowed by the Constitution, with the nation's needs as his mission and the people's interests his yardstick.

He pledged to perform his duty scrupulously, do his utmost, and prove worthy of the trust of all NPC deputies and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups.

Xi stresses unswervingly advancing high-quality development, putting the people first on the new journey, better coordinating development and security, advancing the practice of "one country, two systems" and the cause of national reunification, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

He also stressed upholding the leadership of the CPC and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee.

Voicing support to Xi's speech, Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, called for carefully studying and implementing Xi's instructions, when addressing the closing meeting.

The 14th NPC and its standing committee will thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, uphold and improve the system of people's congresses, ensure its smooth operation, and contribute to the cause of building a modern socialist country in all respects, Zhao said.

At the closing meeting, NPC deputies passed by voting resolutions on the government work report, on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan in 2022 and the plan for 2023, and on the implementation of the central and local budgets in 2022 and the budgets for 2023.

They also adopted resolutions on the work reports of the 13th NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as well as a revision to the Legislation Law. 

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Xi Jinping waves to deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders met with the deputies and had group photos taken with them after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Xi Jinping waves to deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders met with the deputies and had group photos taken with them after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders meet with deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and have group photos taken with them after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, presided over and addressed the meeting. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) sing the national anthem at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) press buttons to vote at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) leave the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
ZAGREB, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to re-establish diplomatic relations could not have been reached without China's crucial role of mediation, said a Croatian political analyst on Monday.

"It is a success for China," Marinko Ogorec told Xinhua, adding that China, as a major country in the world, has both the political will and international prestige to help achieve such a success.

After years of open hostility, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed last week to restore diplomatic ties after talks facilitated by China -- a significant development for the two nations and a boon to the security and stability of the Middle East.

In a joint statement released with China on Friday, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, hold talks between their foreign ministers on the arrangement of ambassadors' exchange, and explore ways to improve bilateral ties.

In contrast to the United States, who has played a role of suppressing one side and supporting the other in the Middle East, China has taken a different approach by promoting dialogue, peace and cooperation, said Ogorec.

China "enters negotiations with much more trust than the U.S." and thus is more effective, he said.

The United States has discredited itself in the so-called "Arab Spring," which "the U.S. was surely involved (in)," said Ogorec, adding that the uprisings didn't end "as they thought they would" and that the U.S. influence in the region has waned.

Ogorec said he believed that as the world heads to multi-polarity, China will play an even bigger role in the international stage in the future.

China's mediation role in restoring Saudi-Iran diplomatic ties "is a sign of China's even greater influence in the future," Ogorec said.

Expecting future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the Croatian analyst said China could also be an important mediator to ease the conflict. 
ANKARA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from two earthquakes that hit Turkiye on Feb. 6 has risen to 48,448, the Turkish Interior Minister said Monday.

"The number of foreign nationals among the killed is 6,660. Most of them are our Syrian brothers," Suleyman Soylu said at a press conference in the central Malatya province, which was also attended by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

The Turkish authorities are still working on the identification of 1,615 victims, Soylu said.

He said the debris removal are underway and that Turkiye will start the demolition of heavily damaged buildings in the next stage.

The powerful earthquakes and major aftershocks centered in southern Turkiye have caused huge property losses and left tens of thousands of people homeless.

More than 433,500 tents have been installed in quake-hit provinces in southern Turkiye, along with 21,000 containers for temporary sheltering, the minister said, noting that the country plans to install a total of 115,585 containers.

More than two million people fled quake-hit provinces across southern Turkiye, official statistics show. 




BEIRUT, March 13 (Xinhua) -- As announced by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday, the latter two have reached a deal which includes the agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months.

A Lebanese military analyst has said the agreement will have positive effects on the whole region while hailing China's contribution to peace and stability.

The United Nations and Middle East countries have welcomed the agreement, saying that it will contribute to regional security and stability and promote constructive cooperation that will benefit the region and the world.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following the Saudi execution of a Shiite cleric.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
This photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows the main entrance to the Suojia ecomuseum in Suojia Miao, Yi and Hui Township of Liuzhi Special District, Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Xuanni)

GUIYANG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Every day early in the morning, Luo Gang, the curator of China's first ecomuseum in southwestern Guizhou Province, cleans up the courtyard to welcome visitors.

The ecomuseum nestles in the Liuzhi Special District mountains. It was built to protect the Qing Miao culture, an ancient and mysterious branch of the Miao ethnic group.

There were less than 5,000 Qing Miao people in remote high mountains from 1,400 to 2,200 meters above sea level in the Liuzhi Special District and Zhijin County when a research team organized by the Chinese Museums Association traveled to the area in early 1995.

The symbolized buffalo horn-shaped head ornament, traditionally used by women, also has the Qing Miao people known as "the longhorn Miao people."

The eye-catching head ornament is tied with horn-shaped wooden boards in hair, twined by linen and wool thread, or hair as long as three meters and weighing around two kilograms. The Qing Miao people wore this head ornament to scare off beasts while escaping wars and moved to forests in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

"Roads towards the villages were muddy, and dwellings were thatched-roof. Villagers there were afraid of strangers, and children ran away," recalled An Laishun, who was among the research team members, and now is the chairman of the regional alliance of Asia-Pacific countries of the International Council of Museums.

"Back then, the Qing Miao people still lived in a closed environment and had a self-sufficient natural economy, which was rare to see," An added.

The research team was invited by the provincial cultural department to build a new type of museum in the province. Finally, team members, including Chinese and Norwegian museum professionals, decided to set up the country's first ecomuseum in Suojia Miao, Yi, and Hui Township.

Sponsored by the Chinese and Norwegian governments, construction of the ecomuseum was launched in 1997. It opened to the public in October 1998.

The Suojia ecomuseum consists of a Qing Miao community and an information center. The community covers 12 villages distributed over more than 120 square kilometers. The information center is in Longjia Village. It holds all data and documentation of the culture, such as tape recordings of oral history, photographs, written sources, and specific, valuable objects.

The concept of the ecomuseum originated in France in the 1970s. Unlike traditional museums, which transfer cultural heritage to museum buildings, the ecomuseum protects and preserves cultural heritage in its original state in its community and environment. The community area is equivalent to the scope of the museum.

"Countries have been exploring new methods to protect traditional culture since the 1970s. And China adopted a brand new mode of ecomuseum at that time. The Suojia ecomuseum was the first of its kind across the country," An said.

Over the past two decades, experts and local people have helped protect the local ethnic culture by developing the ecomuseum.

The museum put the remote area on the map, closing the distance between villagers and the outside world.

Over 70,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit the ecomuseum annually, said Luo.

However, the outside world also brought challenges.

"Since the area has been isolated so long, its culture has been well preserved in its original state. However, as links between the area and the outside world have strengthened, the balance between modern life and traditional culture and living standards has been challenged," An said.

Around a decade ago, Luo found that fewer people could make traditional Qing Miao costumes as more young people left their hometowns to find jobs, and spinning and weaving machines at home were abandoned.

"We applied for funding from the local government to tailor 50 spinning and weaving machines and distributed them to villagers who know how to make traditional clothing for free. And we encourage them to pass on their weaving skills to young women," Luo said.

At present, about 200 villagers have a grasp of the skills. A Qing Miao clothing processing factory was even opened in Gaoxing Village, providing jobs, increasing income for villagers, and passing on the ethnic tradition.

The traditional thatched-roof wooden and mud dwellings were once in danger of disappearing as they could not meet the young people's pursuit of modern life. All new residential buildings are concrete brick structures.

Luo also applied for governmental funding to protect ten traditional dwellings in the community.

In the eyes of residents, the ecomuseum helps protect their traditional culture and also brings a better life for them. Villagers are looking forward to better roads and more tourists in the future.

"Mainstream museums in the cities reflect the elite culture, while museums in the countryside preserve the cultural heritage and lifestyle of ordinary people there. Combining cultural heritage protection with tourism and cultural and creative industries will be one of the focuses of the ecomuseum's future development," said Pan Shouyong, a professor of the Department of Archaeology and Museology at the School of Cultural Heritage and Information Management, Shanghai University. 
SEOUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A huge fire broke out at a tire plant in the South Korean central city of Daejeon, with no serious injury reported, Yonhap news agency said Monday.

The flame started at 10:09 p.m. local time (1309 GMT) on Sunday from the plant, run by Hankook Tire & Technology, in Daejeon, some 140 km south of the capital Seoul.

A total of 11 people, including 10 plant workers and one firefighter, have been taken to the hospital for treatment after inhaling smoke, but no serious injury has been reported yet.

Over 750 firefighters, nine helicopters and 148 equipment have been deployed to put out the fire, which is difficult to extinguish as the tires are made of flammable materials.

The blaze engulfed one of the two tire factories in Daejeon, burning about 87,000 square meters inside and all the 400,000 tire products or so in the logistics building. 
NANCHANG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Rows upon rows of tape grass have been planted at the Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, in Duchang County of east China's Jiangxi Province. The grass is an important food for migratory birds that winter at the lake.

According to the county's migratory bird nature reserve administration, about 900,000 tape grass seedlings worth a total of more than 200,000 yuan (about 28,830 U.S. dollars) have been planted across approximately 6.67 hectares, with a decision on the expansion of the planting area to be made based on the survival rate of this year's crop.

Due to the impact of last year's drought, the degradation of submerged plants such as tape grass in some areas of the Poyang Lake wetland was severe, according to administration official Guo Hua. The drought-affected lake entered its dry season last year in early August, some three months earlier than the average date since 1951.

"So, we explored a method of growing manually planted tape grass to store food for migratory birds overwintering at the Poyang Lake in the second half of the year," Guo said, noting that the plant will experience a breeding boom when the wet season arrives in June.

The Poyang Lake has an intact ecosystem and is an important wintering site for waterfowl in Asia. The peak migration period for birds heading to the lake begins in mid-December and continues into early January.

Hundreds of thousands of migratory birds arrive at the lake for the winter each year. A total of 98 percent of the world's white cranes, more than 80 percent of the world's oriental storks and more than 70 percent of the world's white-naped cranes winter at Poyang. 
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A dialogue between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and other political parties from across the world will take place Wednesday via video link, Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson for the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, announced Monday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, will attend the opening ceremony of the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting in Beijing and deliver a keynote address, Hu said.

The event, under the theme of "Path towards Modernization: the Responsibility of Political Parties," will gather leaders of political parties and political organizations from many countries, Hu said.

China hosted the first dialogue of its kind in Beijing in 2017.
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- World leaders continued to extend congratulations to Xi Jinping on his election as president of the People's Republic of China.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said that under Xi's leadership, China has become a major player in the world economy and a model for socio-economic transformation of developing countries, adding that Zambia looks forward to developing closer relations with China.

Recalling the heads of state meeting with Xi during the Group of 20 Summit last year, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said they had a conducive dialogue on the development of bilateral relations.

Yoon said he hopes to continue to maintain close communication with Xi in the future and further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

General Raul Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution, said that Xi has promoted a number of global initiatives and won the support of the overwhelming majority of countries in the international community.

Cuba-China friendly and cooperative relations, carrying forward valuable historical tradition, are of strategic significance and will be sustainable in the long term, he said, adding that Cuba attaches great importance to and will continue to promote Cuba-China comprehensive cooperative relations.

Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that the regional bloc stands ready to further enhance the Arab-China strategic partnership.

Those also sending congratulatory messages to Xi include Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. 
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that Hong Kong and Macao will enjoy an even brighter future with the full support from the central government.

"I'm confident that Hong Kong and Macao will strengthen their position and role, with the strong backing of the motherland and the institutional safeguards of the 'one country, two systems' policy," Li said at a press conference.

The central government has always attached high importance to helping the two special administrative regions leverage their unique strength, Li said.

Since their return to the motherland, with the support of the motherland, Hong Kong's status as a global financial, shipping and trading center has been strengthened, and Macao has also built itself into a world-renowned tourism and leisure center, he added.

The central government will give full support to Hong Kong and Macao in integrating into the country's overall development, growing their economy, improving people's livelihood, and further building their global competitiveness, Li said. 
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (C, rear) meets the press after the closing of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2023. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China's new premier on Monday voiced full confidence in the country's economic outlook despite challenges and pledged to further expand opening up regardless of external changes.

Citing the many factors of uncertainty and instability facing the world economy, Premier Li Qiang told reporters that stabilizing economic growth is a challenging task not just for China but for all countries in the world this year.

It is "no easy task and requires redoubled efforts" to achieve the economic growth target of around 5 percent in 2023 on a high base of economic output and amid new challenges, Li told a press conference held after the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the national legislature.

However, the premier said China's development is supported by multiple advantages, including a vast market, a complete industrial system, abundant human resources, solid foundation for development, and most importantly, notable institutional strength.

"I believe the Chinese economy will brave the wind and waves and sail toward a brighter future. I'm full of confidence in that," he said, noting that the Chinese economy has been stabilizing and picking up in the past two months.

PURSUE PROGRESS WHILE ENSURING STABILITY

China will keep to the general principles of prioritizing stability and pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and push for a turnaround in the country's overall economic performance this year, Li told reporters.

"On stability, the emphasis will be placed on ensuring stable growth, employment and prices, and the key to seeking progress lies in making new advancement in high-quality development," he said.

China will make good use of policy combinations in the areas of leveraging macro policies, expanding demand, advancing reform and innovation, and preventing and defusing risks, according to the premier.

He also vowed to create a level playing field for all kinds of business entities and further support private enterprises in growing and thriving.

"The private sector will enjoy a better environment and broader space for development," he said, stressing that China's commitment to the development of the private sector is unequivocal and steadfast.

Meanwhile, the premier dismissed concerns over China's demographic change, saying the country's "demographic dividend" has not disappeared and that its "talent dividend" is in the making.

"When assessing demographic dividend, we shall not just look at the sheer size of the population but also look at the scale of high-caliber workforce," he told reporters, saying that more than 240 million people have received higher education in China, and the average length of education received by newcomers into the workforce has increased to 14 years.

PEOPLE-CENTERED DEVELOPMENT

Li said the ultimate aim of the work of the Party and the government is to improve the well-being of the people, vowing efforts in various sectors concerning the people's livelihood from employment to rural development.

With 11.58 million college graduates expected to enter the workforce this year, China will continue to pursue an employment-first strategy and increase support in terms of employment services and technical training, the premier said.

Li said rural revitalization should be advanced across the board, and that different localities should develop the countryside based on their local conditions.

The country will further increase its grain production capacity by focusing on arable land and seeds, Li said, noting that China's food security is "well guaranteed on the whole."

"The government will make sure that the rice bowls of 1.4 billion Chinese people will always be firmly held in our own hands," he told the press.

The premier also pledged efforts to strengthen government building by further transforming government functions and improving its efficiency and conduct.

He encouraged officials at all levels to engage more with local communities to learn about what the people need and seek their opinions on the work of the government.

"They need to learn from the people and help the people at the grassroots solve problems," he said.

DOOR TO OPEN WIDER

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, which has not only developed China but also influenced the world, Li said.

He said China will further expand opening up this year in alignment with high-standard international trade rules, opening its door wider to the world with better business environment and services.

"Opening up is a basic state policy of China, and no matter how the external situation evolves, China will stick to pursuing this policy," the premier told the press, saying that China welcomes investors from all over the world.

China has remained a favored destination for global investment, Li said, citing statistics that foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, reached a record high of more than 189 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Commenting on China-U.S. relations, the premier refuted the hype in the United States on "decoupling" with China, saying that the two countries can and must cooperate and will achieve a lot by working together.

"Encirclement and suppression are in no one's interests," he said, noting that the two countries are closely intertwined economically and have both benefited from the other side's development.

PROMOTE CROSS-STRAIT EXCHANGES, SUPPORT HK, MACAO

On cross-Strait cooperation and communication, Li said the early restoration of normal exchanges and regular cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is a shared aspiration and requires joint efforts of both sides.

The Chinese mainland will continue to promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Strait on the basis of the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, Li noted, expressing the hope that more Taiwan compatriots and businesses will come to the mainland.

"We hope they are not just willing to come to the mainland, but also able to integrate into the local communities and achieve better development," Li said.

The premier also voiced confidence in the prospects of Hong Kong and Macao, saying that the two regions will enjoy an even brighter future as the central government will give them full support in integrating into the country's overall development, growing their economy, improving people's livelihood, and further building their global competitiveness. 
The fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national legislature on Sunday decided on the new lineup of the State Council, or the cabinet, at its ongoing annual session.

Upon nomination by Premier Li Qiang, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers, governor of the central bank, auditor-general, and secretary-general of the State Council were endorsed by lawmakers at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to appoint these officials.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the meeting.

Lawmakers also approved by voting chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members of eight special committees of the 14th NPC at the meeting.

The vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledged allegiance to the Constitution. 

Vice premiers, state councilors and secretary-general of the State Council pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. Nominated by Premier Li Qiang, Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong were endorsed as vice premiers, while Li Shangfu, Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, Shen Yiqin and Qin Gang were endorsed as state councilors and Wu Zhenglong was endorsed as secretary-general of the State Council at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

State Council's ministers, heads of commissions, governor of the central bank, and auditor-general pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Members of special committees of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) pledge allegiance to the Constitution in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
UNITED NATIONS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The world body readies itself for response as Cyclone Freddy slammed into central Mozambique over the weekend with winds of 148 km per hour, UN humanitarians said on Monday.

"It made its landfall for the second time over the weekend in Mozambique, dumping as much rain in 24 hours as would usually fall in one month," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "Homes have been destroyed, basic services are affected, and livelihoods have been impacted. Thousands of people have sought refuge in temporary accommodation centers."

As feared, after hitting Mozambique's mid-section Saturday, Freddy's somewhat diminished wind and rain also hit southern Malawi. Heavy rains and strong winds triggered landslides, damaging houses and public infrastructure.

"The UN and our humanitarian partners are working closely with both governments to respond to Freddy and to cholera," the office said. Both countries are battling a cholera outbreak, with their efforts hampered by the storm.

The cumulative number of cholera cases is 8,465 in Mozambique, an increase of 1,114 in the last week, OCHA said.

Aid workers were deployed before the storm to the target area of Freddy, OCHA said. They are assessing the storm's impact in support of the government-led response. Power and communications are down in many affected regions, hindering aid operations.

In Malawi, humanitarian partners are working closely with the government to coordinate the response, the humanitarian office said. Workers stockpiled relief items ahead of the storm, and communities were warned about the possible impacts of the cyclone.

"In both countries, humanitarian partners urgently need additional resources to respond to the emergencies," OCHA said.

The World Meteorological Organization said Freddy was first named a tropical cyclone when spotted on Feb. 6 between the northwest coast of Australia and Indonesia. It crossed the entire South Indian Ocean, traveling more than 8,000 km, before ripping across Madagascar into the Mozambique Channel, restrengthening and hitting Mozambique for the first time on Feb. 24.

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which measures accumulated cyclone energy, said Freddy's energy is equivalent to an average entire North Atlantic hurricane season. 
RAMALLAH, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on the Israeli government to abide by the signed agreement and the UN resolutions and stop all unilateral measures and actions in the Palestinian territories.

The official Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported that Abbas made the remarks during a meeting with the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tiani in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Tiani affirmed Italy's support for achieving peace according to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and its continued support to the Palestinian people, WAFA reported.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye called on Italy to recognize the state of Palestine based on its belief in the two-state solution and its commitment to support it.

An official statement said that during a meeting with Tiani, Ishtaye noted that recognition of the state of Palestine at this time "is important due to the complexity of matters on the ground and the lack of any political initiative."

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki said during a joint press conference with Tiani that the "incitement program of the Israeli government is translated on the ground daily, as we witnessed the beginning of a bloody year, with the killing of 84 Palestinians, including 15 children."

Al-Maliki called on Italy "to reconsider its vote in the UN General Assembly and the rest of the specialized committees of the UN and other international agencies in favor of the State of Palestine and its national rights." 
WINDHOEK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Grafting is the most common practice for the propagation of fruit trees worldwide and a 28-year-old Namibian youth has taken it upon himself to use this technique to bring about a green culture in Namibia, one of the driest places in the world.

Over the past three years, Allan has been in the business of grafting fruit trees and vegetables for sale, as well as supplying trees in the fruiting stage to an ever-insatiable market, which he described as "untapped."

"Here in Windhoek (Namibian capital), there is one particular place -- nursery which supplies plants. This place is always overwhelmed and can not meet up the demand, hence I ventured into the field and started desert green farming," he told Xinhua.

Allan said he discovered that grafting is the most common practice for the propagation of fruit trees and has been an important tool for improving agriculture and horticulture. The technique can be traced back 4,000 years to ancient China.

Through such practices, Allan has been able to create fruit trees that are quite popular in the small southwestern African nation that heavily depends on imports.

Namibia currently imports processed horticultural (fruits and vegetables) products valued at approximately 1.5 billion Namibian dollars (about 82 million U.S. dollars) yearly and only exports processed fruits and vegetable products valued at approximately 3.5 million Namibia dollars, according to the country's statistics agency.

"I decided to venture into grafting as I saw a niche, untapped market, considering Namibia is arid desert, the trees and the whole green sectors remain untapped, hence the heavy reliance on imports," he said.

According to him, grafting is an environmentally friendly, efficient, rapid, and integrative reciprocal process and he sees it as important for its contribution to national food production and food security.

"The idea behind grafting is to minimize the time frame of fruit production. What you should realize is that a tree that is not grafted takes up to 6 to 7 years, and in some circumstances, they get up to 12 years before bearing fruit," he said, adding that grafted plants take from 1 to 2 years to bear fruits.

Allan currently supplies plants that include guava, blackberry, cashew nut, lemon, bell peppers, granadilla, and olive trees amongst others, to his ever-growing clientele. "Sometimes I can have up to 10 clients a day requesting various plants."

Amid the grafting of plants, Allan currently conducts workshops for farmers and community members.

"We provide workshops, be they tailored or regular ones, paying or free ones. We host teaching people how to graft, teach them tree maintenance, the uses of trees in combatting climate change, the types and varieties of trees, and the types of vegetables we also supply," he said.

According to Allan, the aim and vision of the workshops are not only to benefit the farmers but also people in less privileged communities by enriching them with the necessary knowledge to open up their nurseries or venture into the green business.

"Through our workshops, the most beneficial thing is that farmers are getting the knowledge for large-scale production, meaning to say Namibia can and will be fruit and vegetable independent," he said.

Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land reform spokesperson, Jona Musheko, acknowledged the impact climate change has on food production.

"Grafting is one way to speed up the period from planting to fruition, which is key to fighting the impacts of climate change on food (fruit) production. Climate change is associated with increased temperatures and consequently increases evaporation. This means more rain/water is needed, consistently, to irrigate plants for more years till they reach the stage of fruition. But when there's grafting involved, it reduces the time a farmer has to wait before his fruit trees yield fruit," he told Xinhua.

"So grafting that's done procedurally is highly encouraged. The same applies to utilizing quality seedlings and seeds for fruit trees and crops," he added.

Allan, meanwhile, said his main vision is to see Namibia "turn green" through various branches he would like to set up in major towns, out of the capital city, around the north and southern regions across the country. 
SYDNEY, March 13 (Xinhua) -- With major flooding still occurring in Burketown and the Gregory River, the police force in the Australian state of Queensland on Monday reminded residents to limit movement in floodwaters due to unseen hazards and recent crocodile sightings.

"Police rescued a baby kangaroo from floodwaters behind a residential community in Burketown yesterday. A helicopter pilot flew over at the time and spotted two very large crocs nearby, a timely reminder to stay out of floodwaters as you never know what is lurking beneath," Queensland Police Service warned on social media.

In an update on the severe weather event affecting northwestern Queensland, the state police said sewage and water treatment plants in Burketown are now offline, with residents instructed to conserve water usage and continue to monitor advice from local councils.

As significant flooding is surging downstream of Urandangi to Roxborough Downs, police are closely monitoring the situation in Urandangi, with 16 people so far evacuated from the town in preparation for rising floodwaters.

According to the police, air assets are stationed nearby and on standby for emergency rescues and transport of food, water and medical supplies.

Days of heavy rainfall led to major to record-breaking floodings through parts of northwestern Queensland.

"No observations are available for the Burketown Airstrip manual gauge. Based on anecdotal information from Burketown, the river level is expected to have peaked above the 2011 record flood level of 6.78 meters on Sunday," said the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

"Major flooding is expected to be easing slowly on Monday. The river level along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip is expected to continue easing slowly over the next few days, but is likely to remain above the major flood level (6.00 m) during Monday and Tuesday, possibly longer," the BOM added.

Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Monday morning that up to 100 people had been evacuated from Burketown, with another 120 across the shire.

Camp noted that the water levels dropped about 400 millimeters. "So hopefully, there won't be no any further rises and we'll keep it positive." 
SEOUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- South Korean peace activists have cried out over the weekend for an end to the war exercise with the United States as it was feared to escalate military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

Hundreds of peace activists gathered near the presidential office in central Seoul on Saturday to demand stopping the Freedom Shield (FS), the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise that kicked off on Monday and would last for 11 days until March 23.

Holding banners and placards with the slogans of "Stop the Korea-U.S. joint exercise that brings on war" and "What we want is peace" in their hands, the participants shouted, "We want to live. Stop the war exercise."

They lay down on the street when a siren rang to do a "die-in" performance that was aimed at warning against the heightened war crisis on the peninsula ahead of the annual springtime war game, the demonstration organizer said.

The protesters marched about 3.6 km in line to a plaza beside the Seoul metropolitan government building, where thousands more joined the protest rally.

During the 11-day war game, the combined forces planned to stage a number of large-scale field training exercises, named Warrior Shield, that include a combined amphibious drill where as many as 13,000 soldiers would reportedly be mobilized.

Seoul and Washington have insisted that the joint drill was defensive in nature, but the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has denounced it as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion.

"It raises tensions as the United States is carrying out the large-scale Korea-U.S. joint military exercise targeting the DPRK while mobilizing strategic weapons such as B-2 and B-52 (nuclear-capable bombers)," Lee Jin-ho, one of the rally participants, told Xinhua.

He noted that the war game involving the U.S. nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers will increase military tensions on the peninsula and in neighboring countries, warning that the South Korea-U.S.-Japan military alliance, which the United States was seeking to forge, could instigate war and encourage friction in East Asia.

The peace rally and march were organized by Korea Peace Appeal, a campaign to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War by collecting 100 million signatures.

The war between the two Koreas ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Joining the campaign were over 370 South Korean civic and religious groups as well as over 70 international partner organizations.

"The Korea-U.S. joint military exercise should be stopped immediately before it leads to a greater crisis. It is urgent to de-escalate military tensions and create dialogue conditions again," the organizer said. 
HELSINKI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a press release on Monday that no one has promised Hornet fighters to Ukraine.

"Finland has not made any policies on the matter, but I see that we have the ability and opportunities to have this discussion," Marin said.

Finland purchased around 60 Hornet F/A-18 jets from the U.S. in the mid-1990s. They will be replaced with U.S. F-35 jets beginning in 2025.

The debate about Marin's comments on the fighter jet during her visit to Ukraine last week has been heated in Finland since the weekend. Marin said at a press conference there that the option of giving Ukraine Hornet F/A 18s that Finland no longer needs after 2025 could be considered.

"The issue of fighter jets is very sensitive in terms of foreign policy in discussions between countries, so the discussions should at least be held in the home country first. Now it seems that the matter has not been primed, but that the matter was taken up in Kiev," Defense Committee Chairman Antti Hakkanen told Finnish national broadcaster Yle.

Foreign policy in Finland is led by the president in cooperation with the government. "This has raised the question of the proper marching order in the Hornet affair," Yle noted.

President Sauli Niinisto issued earlier on Monday a comment on the debate regarding the future use of the Hornets.

In his written comments to Yle, Niinisto underlined that the needs of Finnish defense must be given priority. He said that Finland has been meeting the immediate needs of Ukraine. "What happens to the Hornets is a different issue." 
MEXICO CITY, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday dismissed U.S. State Department travel advisories that recommend Americans avoid vacationing in Mexico.

"Mexico is safer than the United States," Lopez Obrador told reporters at his daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"There is no problem whatsoever for traveling safely through Mexico," he added.

According to the president, Mexico is safe and there are increasingly more Americans who have come to reside in the country in recent years.

The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for Mexican destinations, including "do not travel" warnings for several states marred by drug violence.

The advisories are part of "a campaign" against Mexico, mainly by "conservative" U.S. politicians who disagree with Mexico's current reformist agenda, said Lopez Obrador.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard was to meet Monday with Mexican consuls in Washington to report on the measures the government is taking against crime and drug trafficking, he said. 
NEW YORK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices fell sharply on Monday as traders remained concerned over contagion from the collapse of U.S. lender Silicon Valley Bank.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April delivery dropped 1.88 U.S. dollars, or 2.45 percent, to settle at 74.8 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for May delivery lost 2.01 dollars, or 2.43 percent, to close at 80.77 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

The pullback came as traders were worried that the recent bank failures in the United States will trigger an economic slowdown, hurting demand for crude oil.

For the week ending Friday, the WTI fell 3.8 percent, while Brent decreased nearly 3.6 percent, based on the front-month contracts. 
Soldier shot by Russians for uttering Glory to Ukraine was Moldovan citizen 13 March, 05:45 PM Oleksandr Matsievskyi (Photo:)

Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Matsievskyi, whose murder by Russian soldiers was caught on camera, was a Moldovan citizen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova reported on March 13.

The ministry strongly condemned the murder of its citizen, stating that it could qualify as a war crime and a gross violation of international humanitarian law.

Matsievskyi, while unarmed and a prisoner, was murdered by Russian soldiers after he shouted Glory to Ukraine. He was shot multiple times with assault rifles. The Russian soldiers filmed the murder and released the video on social media.

Video of day

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the hero's family, declared solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned the bloody war unleashed by Russia.

Chisinau also reaffirmed its position of condemning Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and assured of its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to return to peace and stability.

On March 12, Ukraines Security Service officially identified the soldier who was shot dead by the Russian troops after saying "Glory to Ukraine" as a sniper of the 163rd Battalion of the 119th Separate Brigade of the Chernihiv Oblast's Territorial Defense, Oleksandr I. Matsiyevskyi.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded Matsiyevskyi the title of Hero of Ukraine.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense tentatively stated that the deceased soldier could be a fighter with the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade, Tymofiy Shadura. He has been missing since Feb. 3, 2023, after fighting near Bakhmut.

The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubynets sent a video of the shooting of the Ukrainian prisoner of war to international partners and fellow ombudspersons from around the world as evidence of another Russian war crime.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called the shooting of a Ukrainian prisoner of war a heinous war crime and further proof that Russia's war against Ukraine is genocide. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would find the murderers of the defender.

Law enforcement officers opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war).

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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / The Board of Trustees of each of abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund ("ACP"), abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund ("AGD") and abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI") (together the "Acquiring Funds") completed the reorganizations of the respective Acquired Funds, listed below, after close of regular business on March 10, 2023.

In the reorganizations, common shareholders of each Acquired Fund, respectively, received an amount of Acquiring Fund common shares with a net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of their holdings of the relevant Acquired Fund common shares, as determined at the close of regular business on March 10, 2023.

Relevant details pertaining to the reorganizations are as follows:

Acquiring Fund Website for additional information Acquired Fund Acquiring Fund NAV per Share ($) 3/10/2023 Conversion Ratio ACP abrdnacp.com Delaware Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund ("IVH") 7.1889 1.615135 AGD abrdnagd.com Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund ("DEX") 10.5040 0.835659 Delaware Investments Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. ("DDF") 10.5040 0.801802 ASGI abrdnasgi.com Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc. ("MGU") 20.3964 1.329043

There are no proposed changes to the current investment objective, strategies, structure or policies of the Acquiring Funds, including each Fund's monthly distribution policy as a result of the applicable reorganization.

We welcome the Delaware Funds by Macquarie and Macquarie Funds shareholders to the abrdn Fund family. As a leading global asset manager, abrdn is dedicated to creating long-term value for our clients. As of December 31, 2022, we manage over $450 billion in assets on behalf of institutional and retail clients worldwide. We believe that our global footprint ensures that we are always close to our clients and the challenges they face. For more information on the abrdn range of open-end and closed-end mutual funds please visit abrdn.com/us.

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Important Information

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.

The information in this press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to or in connection with the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. Each Acquiring 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 each Acquiring 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





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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has awarded the Penco Module Feasibility Study (the "Penco Feasibility Study") contract to Pares & Alvarez ("P&A"), a Chilean engineering company with more than 28 years of experience in the design and construction of similar mining and industrial projects, located in both Chile and abroad.

The scope of the Penco Feasibility Study contract includes the feasibility engineering for the process plant, mine infrastructure and mine services. Pursuant to the contract, P&A will also be responsible for the preparation of the associated technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, which is expected to be issued during the first half of 2024.

Barry Murphy (Aclara Chief Operating Officer) commented:

"We are thrilled to be working with such an established and highly regarded Chilean engineering company during this next important phase of the development of our Penco rare earths deposit in Chile. P&A has a reputation for designing cost effective, and fit-for-purpose mine and process facilities and bring a wealth of local project development knowledge due to their long-standing presence in Concepcion, Chile. Aclara is pleased to continue its support of the local Chilean workforce through awarding the contract to P&A, as the design work will be undertaken in their offices in Concepcion. We look forward to working collectively with P&A to advance the Penco Feasibility Study."

About Aclara

Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage rare earth mineral resources company with its principal project located in Chile. The Company is focused on the development of its mineral resources through a project called the Penco Module, which covers a surface area of approximately 600 hectares and hosts ionic clays rich in rare earth elements. Aclara is currently focused on the development and future construction and operation of the Penco Module, which will aim to produce a rare earth concentrate through a processing plant that will be fed by clays from nearby deposits. Aclara's extraction process offers several environmentally positive attributes such as: no blasting, crushing, or milling; no tailings facility; minimal water consumption due to a high level of water recirculation; is amenable to leaching with a fertilizer; and contains no radioactivity. In parallel with the development of the Penco Module, the Company intends to define additional opportunities to increase potential future rare earth element production via intensive greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional project "modules" within the Company's concessions.

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About Pares & Alvarez

P&A is a Chilean engineering company with more than 28 years of experience across various disciplines including environmental, consulting, engineering, procurement, and construction management, both at the local and international level. P&A provides a wide range of engineering services for numerous industries such as mining, energy, chemical, pulp and paper, oil and gas, food, manufacturing and infrastructure, among others, and specializes in delivering high quality solutions to its clients.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to: the expectations of the Company's management as to the timing of completion and issuance of the Penco Feasibility Study. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 30, 2022 filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results, timing, performance, achievements or future events or developments could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein.Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws.

For further information, please contact:

Ramon Barua

Chief Executive Officer

investorrelations@aclara-re.com

SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc.





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Press Release

March 13, 2023 Hontiveros: Reparations, amends must be made to comfort women and their families Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed Proposed Senate Resolution Number 539, urging the government to ensure just and meaningful reparations are given to Filipino comfort women and their families. The resolution comes after the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women recently ruled that the Philippines failed to fulfill its treaty obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) when it did not seek redress for comfort women, the wartime victims of sexual violence perpetrated by the Japanese Imperial Army. "Reparations to victim-survivors are long past due. Many of them have already passed away and the few who remain are in their twilight years, making it all the more critical for the Philippine government to take immediate measures that can tangibly support these women and their families," Hontiveros said. The senator, who has authored laws against sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation, added that "we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of these women who have suffered and have borne this pain for decades." The nonprofit organization Malaya Lolas, which consists of Filipino survivors of sex slavery, asserted to the UN Committee that the failure of the Philippine government to press the Japanese government for reparations resulted in continuing discrimination. The complainants also alleged that the failure of the government to take up their cause is tantamount to a breach of its treaty obligations to "adopt appropriate legislative and other measures to prohibit all discrimination against women, and protect women's rights on an equal basis with men." "I laud the UN Committee for recognizing that sexual violence against women and girls during war is indeed a violation of women's rights. The experiences of the comfort women have caused them undue shame and trauma that they have had to live through most of their lives. The least our government can do is help them and their families as they carry on in their healing," Hontiveros said, stressing that the victim-survivors were repeatedly subjected to rape, torture, and inhumane detention conditions during World War II. "As we celebrate Women's Month, may the bravery of the survivors inspire more women to push back against abuse in all its forms. I proudly stand with these women who had the courage to share their stories, stand up for their rights, and demand justice. Their fight is our fight, too," Hontiveros concluded. ***** Please see attached Proposed Senate Resolution No. 539
Market.Us

The Active Wound Care market is anticipated to reach USD 1,916 million by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2023 and 2032. The Need for Innovative Treatments for Chronic Wounds Around the World is Prompting an Increased Demand in the Active Wound Care Market.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, the global active wound care market was valued at around USD 1,137 million in 2022 and is expected to reach approximately USD 1,916 million in 2032, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 5.5% between 2023 and 2032. Active wound care involves a variety of treatments depending on the type and severity of the wound. Active wound care may include cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, applying dressings, and providing medications. It may also involve controlling any infection, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and preventing further tissue damage. Other treatments may include the use of pressure garments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, debridement, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery.

global active wound care market

To get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request an active wound care market sample report at https://market.us/report/active-wound-care-market/request-sample/

Key Takeaway:

By Product : the biomaterials segment accounted for the largest share of global active wound care market sales in 2022 with 45.8% revenue share. During the forecast period the growth of this segment is attributed due to rapid technological progress in the use of biomaterials for wound healing treatments.

By Indication : the diabetic foot ulcer segment dominated the active wound care market during the forecast period (2023 to 2032).

By End-user , the home healthcare segment is expected to grow at CAGR 6.9% during the forecast period (2023-2032), due to factors like increasing hospital costs and the onset of COVID-19 led to the promotion of home healthcare.

In 2022, North America dominated the Market with the highest revenue share of 47.0%.

Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to register a 5.9% CAGR due to changing lifestyles leading to an increase in chronic wounds and the presence of a large population.

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Active wound care is gaining popularity in the market due to rapidly increasing aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases such as, diabetes and obesity. The Active Wound Care Market is also growing because of several patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.

Significant unmet market needs exist due to the rising economic cost of chronic wounds, which includes direct and indirect treatment costs, prolonged treatment times, and ineffective wound dressings. Market players have a great opportunity to enter active wound care markets by offering new products based on regenerative technology to decrease treatment time and cost.

Factors Affecting the Growth of the Global Active Wound Care Market?

Several factors can affect the growth of the global active wound care market. Some of these factors include:

Increasing prevalence of chronic wounds: Chronic wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers, are rising due to the increasing geriatric population and rising incidence of diabetes and obesity. These factors are augmenting the revenue growth of the global active wound care market.

Increasing awareness about advanced wound care products: Increasing awareness about the availability of advanced wound care products and their efficacy in wound healing is bolstering the financial prospect of the global active wound care market.

Rising demand for homecare wound care products: The rising demand for homecare wound care products is boosting the profit margins of major players operating in the global active wound care market. Homecare products are easy to use and cost-effective, making them an attractive wound care options.

Technological advancements: Technological advancements in wound care products, such as the development of advanced wound care dressings and devices, are ameliorating the demand for active wound care products in the target market.

Growing government initiatives: Government initiatives, such as healthcare reforms and increased healthcare expenditure, are creating a favorable environment for the expansion of the global active wound care market.

To understand how our Active Wound Care Market report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/active-wound-care-market/#inquiry

Top Trends in the Global Active Wound Care Market

Top trends in the global active wound care market include the development of advanced wound care products such as alginate dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, and antimicrobial dressings. These products are designed to provide greater protection to wounds and improve healing rates. Additionally, the market has seen a surge in the use of bioactive dressings, that are designed to interact with the wound bed and increase the healing process. Other trends include the development of advanced active wound care devices such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), which is designed to promote healing by providing a continuous flow of negative pressure to a wound.

Market Growth

The growth of the global active wound care market can be attributed to factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the rising geriatric population, technological advancements in wound care products, and the growing demand for better wound care solutions. Additionally, the increasing awareness about wound care and the increasing number of clinical trials for active wound care products are expected to boost the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing investment in R&D activities aimed towards wound care products, the growing focus on homecare settings, and the surging acceptance of advanced wound care products are expected to provide significant opportunities for key players operating in the global active wound care market.

Regional Analysis

The global active wound care market is segmented on the basis of region into North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Due to increasing wound prevalence, rising economic costs, and increased efforts by national and regional governments to decrease the treatment duration, there is a growing demand for new treatment options for chronic wounds. These factors all indicate that North American active wound care market growth is on the ascendant side. These factors have resulted in an increase in regulatory approvals for active skin care products. These factors, together with the availability of reimbursement policies in the region, are responsible for North America's dominant market share in 2022. Active wound care products for diabetic foot ulcers will be in the demand due to the rising prevalence of diabetes in Asia Pacific and Europe. This growth can be attributed to an increase in the adoption of active wound care management in countries such as India, China, and Japan. The rising demand for advanced healthcare IT solutions and the increasing number of healthcare facilities in the region are expected to contribute to the growth of the Market. The CAGR for Latin America will be moderate between 2023-2032.

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Scope of the Report

Report Attribute Details Market Value (2022) USD 1,137 billion Market Size (2032) USD 1,916 billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 5.5% North America Revenue Share 47.0% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032

Market Drivers

The global active wound care market is driven by an increase in the prevalence of chronic wounds, the rising aging population, and a surge in diabetic foot ulcers. Moreover, the increase in the demand for advanced and innovative wound care products, rising awareness about benefits of active wound care, the increase in the number of health care facilities, and growing adoption of technologically advanced products are also augmenting the financial growth of the active wound care market. Additionally, the increase in the demand for home healthcare services is also boosting the revenue prospect of the active wound care market across the world. Furthermore, the increase in investments in research and development activities, and the rising focus of leading market players on introduction of novel products are also expected to fuel the demand of the active wound care market.

Market Restraints

The major restraints of the active wound care market over the forecast period are, higher costs of wound care products, especially in cost-sensitive markets like Asia, Latin America, may hinder their adoption and negatively impact the market. Physicians and patients in these regions optimise for lesser expensive wound care products.

Market Opportunities

In addition, increasing awareness in product innovations and development due to global technological advancements will create lucrative opportunities for market players between 2023 and 2032. In the near future, the market's growth rate will be further accelerated by rising the prevalence of kidney stone management disease and the minimal invasiveness of the surgeries.

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Report Segmentation of the Global Active Wound Care Market

Product Insight

By product analysis, the market can be divided into two types such as biomaterials and skin substitutes. Among these types, the biomaterials segment accounted for the largest share of global sales in 2022 at 45.8%. The technological advances regarding biomaterials are responsible for the growth of active wound care market. The skin substitute products segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.4%. A skin substitute is an artificial tissue that temporarily or permanently replaces the form and function of the skin. Furthermore, research and development activities related to biomaterials are aiding the launch of new products. All the above factors can be attributed to contribute in the growth of the segment.

Indication Insight

Based on indication, the market is segmented into diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. Since diabetic foot ulcers comes under category of chronic wounds with an affection rate more than 25% in diabetic population, and may lead to foot amputation for around 20%. Therefore, the diabetic foot ulcer segment dominated the active wound care market. Moreover, the trauma segment is the key up surging factor for the sale of active wound care products as it requires instant hospitalization is likely to boost the market share for this segment.

End User Insight

The global active wound care market is segmented by end user into hospitals, speciality clinics, home healthcare, and other end users. The market for hospitals is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. This is owing to an increase in the number of operations performed and the preference of patients to visit hospitals for various cases, such as burns and surgical wounds. The highest growth rate is expected for the home healthcare segment, owing to increasing hospital costs, lesser reimbursements primarily in developing nations as well as preference of homecare setting after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.

For more insights on the historical and Forecast market Active Wound Care Market Data from 2016 to 2032 - download a sample report at https://market.us/report/active-wound-care-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

Based on Product Type

Biomaterials

Skin Substitutes

Based on End-User

Hospitals

Specialty Clinics

Home Healthcare

Other End-Users

Based on Indication

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Pressure Ulcers

Venous Leg Ulcers

Trauma

By Geography

North America

The US

Canada

Mexico

Eastern Europe

Russia

Poland

The Czech Republic

Greece

Rest of Eastern Europe

Western Europe

Germany

France

The UK

Spain

Italy

Portugal

Ireland

Austria

Switzerland

Benelux

Nordic

Rest of Western Europe

APAC

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,

Smith & Nephew

MiMedx

Tissue Regenix

Organogenesis Inc.

Acell Inc.

Integra Lifesciences

Solsys Medical

Osiris Therapeutics Inc.

Cytori Therapeutics Inc.

Human BioSciences

Wright Medical Group N.V.

ConvaTec Group PLC.

Derma sciences Inc.

Baxter International Inc.

Axio Biosolutions

Coloplast Corp.

MTF Biologics

Cardinal Health Inc.

Other Prominent Players

Recent Development of the Global Active Wound Care Market

Smith & Nephew plc has introduced the PICO 14 single-use NPWT system and dressing technique in the U.S which likely to drive the market expansion.

In June 2021, Stratatech received FDA approval for its StrataGraft for treating adult patients with thermal burns.

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ReportLinker

Adeno Associated Virus Vector Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Scale Of Operations (Clinical, Commercial), By Method, By Application, By Therapeutic Area, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Adeno Associated Virus Vector Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Scale Of Operations, By Method, By Application, By Therapeutic Area, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428308/?utm_source=GNW



Adeno Associated Virus Vector Manufacturing Market Growth & Trends



The global adeno associated virus vector manufacturing market size is expected to reach USD 3.95 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 22.5% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancers, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, and many more. AAV vector plays a vital role in the treatment of these diseases. AAV vectors also have a wide range of applications in gene therapy delivery. Companies are engaged in collaborations, mergers, and partnerships for innovative product launches with advancements in R&D.



For instance, in December 2021, Astellas and Dyno Therapeutics entered into a strategic collaboration to develop an NGS-based AAV vector for gene therapy by using Dynos CapsidMap platform for cardiac and skeletal muscle.Such initiatives are expected to expand their market presence in the development and production of antibodies, which is likely to support the growth of the market.



The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the industry.As adeno associated virus has vast applications in vaccine manufacturing, various companies were involved in the race to manufacture the vaccine to treat COVID-19.



This resulted in a sudden spur in the demand for manufacturing these vectors.



For instance, in September 2021, CEVEC and UCB entered into a strategic agreement for the use of ELEVECTA AAV vector manufacturing technology for R&D and gene therapy applications.As gene therapy involves alterations or modifications in the set of genes, it has raised many ethical issues.



As a result, the U.S. government restricted the usage of federal funds for research on germline gene therapy in people. Gene therapy can help save future generations of a family from acquiring a particular genetic disorder. However, it is anticipated to affect the fetuss development significantly. The high demand for vaccines, gene therapeutics, CGMP drugs, and products to treat & cure acute diseases and the demand for improving patient care also propel the industry growth. Thus, global stakeholders are investing significantly in expanding their production capacities to fulfill the growing demands.



Adeno Associated Virus Vector Manufacturing Market Report Highlights

 By the scale of operations, the commercial segment dominated the industry in 2022. Owing to the increasing R&D investment by companies and demand from vaccine manufacturers

 The neurological diseases therapeutic areasegment captured the largest share in 2022 due to the high prevalence of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and the effectiveness of the adeno associated virus vector-based therapies to treat these disease

 Vaccine is considered a key application segment, which held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is likely to remain dominant throughout the forecast period due to the rising demand for vaccine therapeutics and increasing investments & funds for the production of vaccines

 North America has established a strong regional position. The increasing incidence of cancer and high R&D expenditure is encouraging companies in the region to undertake product development, which drives the regional market

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Allied Market Research

Rising severity of cyber-attacks against aviation, advancements required to support passenger traffics, growing inclination of companies towards offering effective cybersecurity solutions drive the growth of the global aerospace cyber security market. By region, North America held the largest share in 2021, contributing to nearly one-third of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue.

Portland, OR, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global aerospace cyber security market garnered $39.7 billion in 2021 and is estimated to generate $92.0 billion by 2031, manifesting a CAGR of 9.0% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, major segments, value chains, competitive scenarios, and regional landscapes. This research offers valuable guidance to leading players, investors, shareholders, and startups in devising strategies for sustainable growth and gaining a competitive edge in the market.

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Report Coverage & Details:

Report coverage Details Forecast period 20222031 Base year 2021 Market size in 2021 $39.7 billion Market size in 2031 $92.0 billion CAGR 9.0% No. of Pages in Report 292 Segments covered Type, Deployment, Application, Component, and Region Drivers Rising severity of cyber-attacks against aviation Advancements required to support passenger traffics Growing inclination of companies towards offering effective cybersecurity solutions opportunities Increasing use of modern technologies and automation Restraints Limited awareness related to cybersecurity and lack of cybersecurity professionals or workforce.









Covid-19 Scenario:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development and adoption of cybersecurity services for application in the changing needs of surveillance and control missions.

As the number of threats is growing fast, aerospace cybersecurity will play a pivotal role. The rapid inclination toward digitization through all kinds of channels makes it a target for cybercriminals, and rogue states.

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The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global aerospace cybersecurity market based on type, deployment, application, component, 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 type, the content security segment contributed to nearly one-third of the global aerospace cyber security market share in 2021 and is projected to maintain its lead in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The wireless security segment, on the other hand, would display the fastest CAGR of 10.3% throughout the forecast period. The report also discusses network security and cloud security segments.

Based on deployment, on premise segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, contributing to more than half of the global aerospace cyber security market and is expected to maintain its lead in terms of revenue during the forecast period. However, the cloud segment is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 9.7% throughout the forecast period.

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Based on application, the satellite segment held the largest share in 2021, garnering nearly two-fifths of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue. However, the aircraft segment is expected to rule the roost in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The drones segment, on the other hand, is expected to showcase the fastest CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.

Based on component, the solutions segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, contributing to nearly two-thirds of the global aerospace cyber security market share in 2021 and is expected to maintain its lead in terms of revenue during the forecast period. Also, the same segment is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period.

By region, North America held the largest share in 2021, contributing to nearly one-third of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue. In addition, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to rule the roost during the forecast period. Also, the same segment would portray the fastest CAGR of 10.5% from 2022 to 2031.

The key market players analyzed in the global aerospace cyber security market report include DXC Technology Company, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems, Astronautics Corporation of America, Northrop Grumman Corporation, International, Inc., Thales Group, EUROCONTROL, The Aerospace Corporation.

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The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global aerospace cyber security market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, product portfolio, operating segments, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Similar Reports We Have on Cyber Security Industry:

Military Sensors Cybersecurity Solutions Market Research Report 2023-2035

Railway Cybersecurity Market Research Report 2023-2035

Automotive Cybersecurity Market Research Report 2023-2035

V2X Cybersecurity Market Research Report 2023-2035

Defense Cyber Security Market Research Report 2023-2035

About Us

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of " Market Research Reports " and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

CONTACT: Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/aerospace-and-defence Follow Our Blog: www.theinnovativereport.com




Historic AlUla Old Town was among villages included by UNWTO on its 2022 list of Best Tourism Villages

Delegates from around the world will share their insights on sustainable, innovative rural tourism

ALULA, Saudi Arabia, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AlUla, the ancient crossroads of civilisations in north-west Arabia that is now emerging as a global destination for cultural and natural heritage, will be the site of the first-ever in-person meeting of representatives of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO.

AlUla Cultural Oasis

The villages, including AlUla Old Town District were recognised in December as part of UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages (BTV) initiative, "recognises villages that are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with accredited cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects  economic, social, and environmental."

UNWTO have organised the first iteration of the Best Tourism Villages Award Ceremony and meeting of the BTV Network in AlUla on March 12-13. The event will be a forum for knowledge-sharing on topics such as best practices, community empowerment, and public-private partnerships. It will also review the programme's 2022 activities and 2023 work plan.

Delegates originating from Switzerland to Vietnam will gather at AlUla's Maraya multi-purpose venue, which holds the Guinness record as the world's largest mirror-clad building, with mirrors covering its 9,740 sqm surface. The UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, is expected to attend.

The BTV programme aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to triple tourism's share of the national economy to 10%. In 2019 Saudi Arabia introduced eVisas for citizens of 49 countries, and this February the Kingdom introduced a 96-hour stopover visa.

For the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) the gathering affirms AlUla's legacy as a cultural crossroads. A place of collaboration and cultural exchange for a millennia, there is a natural synergy between the destination and the UNWTO's BTV programme. The inclusion of AlUla on the 2022 list is an accolade in support of RCU's careful regeneration, cultural rejuvenation, and curated redevelopment of heritage destinations. RCU is honoured not only by AlUla's inclusion as a BTV but by its selection as host of this inaugural BTV global gathering.

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HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: "The Ministry is proud to partner with UNWTO to host the Best Tourism Villages 2022 Awards Ceremony and jointly convene the first meeting of the BTV Network in the historic destination of AlUla, one of the villages across the globe recognised for its innovative approach to transforming the tourism sector."

Mr. Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO, said: "For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true gamechanger in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive. The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside of big cities."

Eng. Amr AlMadani, CEO of RCU, said: "This gathering of the world's best tourism villages serves several purposes for RCU: it allows us to share insights with destinations that share our commitment to sustainable regeneration, it showcases Maraya as a leading venue for conferences. It also provides our guests with the opportunity to visit AlUla, including the remarkable site of Hegra, which in 2008 was inscribed as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site."

The complete list of Best Tourism Villages 2022 can be read here: www.unwto.org/news/best-tourism-villages-of-2022-named-by-unwto

Tune into the event through the official livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/32ecVh7kzkE

Noted for editors:

It is always AlUla / not Al-Ula

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU's long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area's natural and historic heritage while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work, and visit. This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme.

AlUla Old Town District

SOURCE Royal Commission for AlUla
The annual week-long celebration of AmeriCorps members, alumni, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and programs began March 12

AmeriCorps Week 2023

During this week, AmeriCorps celebrates the millions of Americans ages 18 to 55+, who have served with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors. In nearly 40,000 locations right now, more than 200,000 people serve as members or volunteers across all 50 states and territories. To join the celebration, follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation by sharing pictures and stories on Twitter, using #AmeriCorpsWeek.

WASHINGTON, DC, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- March 12-18, AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, celebrates AmeriCorps Week, and the millions of Americans who unite through service to address their communities most urgent needs. The annual celebration, observed the second full week of March, recognizes the more than 1.2 million Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps programs as well as thousands of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers.

AmeriCorps members and volunteers have helped manage COVID-19 response, ensured students stay on track to graduate, combatted hunger and homelessness, responded to natural disasters, fought the opioid epidemic, helped seniors live independently, supported veterans and military families, and more over the past year.

For decades, AmeriCorps alumni, members and volunteers have become the next generations thought leaders, innovators and change-makers in global corporations, national social good organizations and public service fields. President Biden called upon Americans to unite through national service and volunteerism during the United We Stand Summit to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence on our democracy and public safety, putting forward a shared vision for a more united America that begins with service to others.

Over the past year, AmeriCorps programs have doubled down on and made marked progress to make service more accessible:

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Across the country, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers continue to come together to bring hope, healing and possibility to communities when they need it most, said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. Not only do our members and volunteers have a transformational impact in our schools, community centers, food banks and great outdoors  but for decades, our alumni also have become the next generations innovators and change-makers in academia, global corporations, national social good organizations and public service fields. Im grateful for the thousands of Americans  from elected officials to grateful neighbors  who will stand up this week and recognize the profound contribution of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers.

This week, Smith travels to AmeriCorps program sites and celebrate the achievements of members and volunteers across the nation. As the countrys Chief Service Officer, he also will lead national activities throughout the week:

Monday, March 13

AmeriCorps CEO in Phoenix, Ariz.

Nationally: #AmeriThanks Social Storm. Be a part of the storm by sharing our #AmeriThanks Social Storm post from your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account.



Tuesday, March 14

AmeriCorps CEO in Provo, Utah

Nationally: Mayors Day, with local and state officials invited to issue proclamations declaring AmeriCorps Week.



Wednesday, March 15

Salt Lake City, Utah



Thursday, March 16

AmeriCorps CEO in Atlanta, Ga.

Nationally: Day of the A. Current members, volunteers and supporters are invited to show off their AmeriCorps gear by sharing on social media.



Friday, March 17

AmeriCorps CEO in Atlanta, Ga.

For more information about events, Mayors Day, Day of the A and ways to celebrate, visit AmeriCorps.gov/AmeriCorpsWeek.

This AmeriCorps Week, AmeriCorps celebrates the millions of Americans ages 18 to 55+, who have served with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs. In nearly 40,000 locations right now, more than 200,000 people serve as members or volunteers across all 50 states and territories. To join the celebration, follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation by sharing pictures and stories on Twitter, using #AmeriCorpsWeek.

###

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.

Attachment

CONTACT: National Service Press Office AmeriCorps (202) 766-2848 pressoffice@cns.gov




Precedence Research

According to study by Precedence Research, the global armored vehicle market size is estimated to increase at USD 32.53 billion by 2032 from valued at USD 18.1 billion in 2022.

Tokyo, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The armored vehicle market growth is anticipated to register at a CAGR of 6.04% from 2023 to 2032. The growth of the global armored vehicle market is driven by the rising development of fuel-efficient armored vehicles globally.



Market overview:

Armored vehicles are designed to offer additional protection with robust safety features. Such vehicles are widely used for personalities that are vulnerable to a threat. Apart from enhancing the survivability of a person travelling in the vehicle, armored vehicles are used to carry valuables within borders and even weapons on the battlefield or other operations. Conventional and electric are two significant types of armored vehicles, and the electric armored vehicle type is projected to lead the market over conventional armored vehicles during the forecast period.

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The sudden increase in military modernization programs in various countries has supplied lucrative opportunities for market players in the global armored vehicle market to develop advanced vehicles for the defense sector. Furthermore, factors such as rising government spending on the military, emerging economies, increasing demand for luxurious SUV vehicles in European countries and growing numbers of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop components of armored vehicles are supplementing the growth of armored vehicle market.

Regional snapshot:

Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest share 32% of the global armored vehicle market during the projected timeframe. The availability of raw materials in China with low-cost labor supports the markets growth. Moreover, rising military budgets in Asian countries due to increasing national security concerns are observed to boost the demand for armored vehicles in the region. For instance, according to the Indian annual budget, the Indian government has enhanced the allocation of Indias defense budget by 13% for the fiscal year 2023-24. At the same time, the approved annual budget of Japan states that the country has boosted the defense budget by approximately 30% in 2023. The presence of local original equipment manufacturers (OEM) is observed to support the development of the market in Asia Pacific by reducing its dependency on other countries/regions for armored vehicles or their components. For instance, in July 2022, a leading manufacturer in India, Tata Advanced System Limited, delivered QRFV fighting vehicles to Indian Army. These armored vehicles are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. The country is continuing its investments to bolster the Armys capabilities with local firms. The presence of multiple OEMs in China drives the growth of the armored vehicle market in Asia Pacific. Norinco is one of the largest corporations in China that develops parts for armored vehicles and equipment for the military.

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North America holds the largest share of the global armored vehicle market, with significant revenue. The demand for armored vehicles in North America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% annually during the forecast period. The U.S. Army focuses on replacement initiatives to replace aging armored vehicles with advanced ones, and this factor is propelling the markets growth. Furthermore, rising terrorist activities, military modernization and the defense sector's purchasing capacity have supplemented the markets growth. North America is focused on the innovation of advanced armored vehicles; this factor has provided lucrative opportunities for regional firms in the North American armored vehicle market to grow. For instance, in October 2022, the U.S. Army and BAE Systems collectively started focusing on accelerating the production of multi-purpose armored vehicles. These efforts aim to replace the aging troop carriers to boost the operational capabilities of the U.S. Army.

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Report Coverage Details Market Size in 2032 USD 32.53 Billion CAGR 6.04% from 2023 to 2032 Fastest Growing Region North America Combat Vehicle Segment CAGR 2.7% from 2023 to 2032 Wheeled Segment CAGR 3.3% from 2023 to 2032 Key Players Oshkosh Corp, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Hanwha Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation and Others

Report Highlights:

By platform, the combat vehicle is projected to dominate the global armored vehicle market during the forecast period. The rising development of improvised fighting vehicles in the market is observed to boost the growth of the combat vehicle segment. Furthermore, the importance of combat support vehicles to cover troops and soldiers on the battlefield is considered to fuel the growth of combat support vehicles in the upcoming years.

By application, the defense segment is projected to lead the market during the projected period. Manufacturers in countries such as China, India and the U.S. are focused on developing advanced armored vehicles for the military. The growing number of terrorist attacks, national security concerns, and cross-border conflicts have boosted the demand for armored defense vehicles from the defense sector. The commercial armored vehicle segment is growing with the increasing demand for additional security for government officials and high-profile personalities within the countrys borders.

By mobility, the wheeled segment leads the market; the segment is projected to maintain growth. The growth of the wheeled segment is attributed to better mobility and lower maintenance requirements for wheeled armored vehicles. The tracked vehicle segment is growing at a significant rate due to rising demand from the defense sector.

By sales, the OEM segment is growing at a robust pace due to the rising number of contracts for original equipment manufacturers. Moreover, the increasing number of OEMs in the armored vehicle market produce advanced components for armored vehicles. At the same time, the retrofit segment is likely to hold a significant share of the global market owing to the rising electric retrofitting activities.

Market dynamics:

Driver:

Rising national security concerns

Aggression from neighboring countries, social issues, political tensions, shifting global economic trends, and infiltration from terrorist groups have raised national security concerns. Governments are focused on protecting citizens from such threats by working autonomously. The government relies on numerous measures to safeguard the country, and the deployment of armored vehicles for diplomats, the defense sector and politicians is one of the measures. Superior engineering and armored methodologies in armored vehicles allow them to be employed for arm escorts, internal security and even battlefield tasks. Thus, rising national security concerns are observed to boost the growth of armored vehicle market.

Restraint:

Software malfunctions in the armored vehicles

Armored vehicles (defense and commercial) comprise various systems, including G.P.S., navigation, command and control, and observation systems. Inevitable glitches in the software of such automated systems can result in the failure of functionality. Software malfunctions are prone to occur due to the integrated electrical component (I.E.C.) failure, software defect, disrupted wiring or software integration failure. Such glitches adversely affect the markets growth by acting as a restraint. However, the rising risks of such malfunctions have forced the end-users to invest in OEMs that provide dealerships for servicing in case of such glitches.

Opportunity:

Technological advancements through the development of unmanned armored vehicles

Unmanned or uncrewed armored vehicles are controlled by an operator using a sophisticated ground control system. The integration of unmanned armored vehicles is considered to reduce the loss of life during battlefield tasks. Countries such as the U.S., Russia, the UK and Israel are focused on developing unmanned armored vehicles intended to offer surplus opportunities for players in the global armored vehicle market. The deployment of unmanned armored vehicles will also bring tremendous growth in the armored vehicle market. Moreover, deploying machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics in armored vehicles is prone to bring advent in the military sector. For instance, the Russian Defense Ministry has started working through the concepts to develop more unmanned armored vehicles to come up with a fully autonomous system for military operations in the upcoming years.

Challenge:

Obstacles for the underdeveloped countries

Lack of technological catch-up and skilled professionals in underdeveloped or economically weaker countries create an obstacle for the armored vehicle market. Moreover, lesser manufacturers or OEMs and the high initial investment cost in armored vehicles are a challenge to the markets growth. The manufacturing of main battle tanks is complicated both technically and mechanically. Newer models, deployed technology, expensive raw materials, encrypted systems, and armaments collectively increase the price of main battle tanks. Due to the prohibitive cost, underdeveloped or economically weaker countries fail to invest in battle tanks, which hampers the growth of the armored vehicle market. Such countries invest less in research and development due to a lack of capital. Such prohibitive obstacles for underdeveloped countries limit the growth of the armored vehicle market.

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Recent developments in the global armored vehicle market:

In September 2022, Lativa, a European country, unveiled a new light military vehicle prototype VR-1 FOX to support ground operations. The domestically developed armored vehicle can be operated by a two-five-person crew. This vehicle is fitted with special equipment to support soldiers on the battlefield.

In November 2022, China launched VN20 most protected armored tank based on the modified structure of VN4. This battle tank has additional mounted armored at the front and sides of the hull. The VN20 was displayed at AirShow China 2022 and developed by a prominent Chinese company NORINCO.

In November 2022, the Canadian military ordered 39 light armored vehicles worth $165 million from General Dynamics. This investment aims to replace the equipment that Canada donated to Ukraine. The country has planned to buy a new-generation Carl Gustaf anti-tank system along with this order.

In November 2022, Sweden contracted BAE Systems to develop forward maintenance and combat-engineered armored vehicles as a variant of CV90. The contract is worth $90 million, which is added to the Swedish CV90 Reno Upgrade program. The new variants of armored vehicles are scheduled to be delivered between 2023-2027.

Market Segmentation

By Platform

Combat Vehicle

Combat Support Vehicle

Unmanned Vehicle





By Application

Defense

Commercial

By Mobility

Wheeled

Tracked

By Sales

OEM

Retrofit

By Geographys

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

The Middle East and Africa





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International partnership will see sensor installations in senior care facilities in all of Austco's operating regions, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US.

DALLAS and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Austco, an international manufacturer of nurse call systems and healthcare communications solutions for hospitals and senior care facilities, has partnered with Vayyar, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, to provide touchless, camera-free fall detection and activity monitoring.

Austco is partnering with Vayyar to bring touchless fall detection and activity monitoring to its global care provider customer base.

Austco plans to integrate Vayyar Care devices directly with its Tacera nurse call platform to power several solutions for different segments of the market: independent living and aged care, remote patient monitoring, and dementia/memory care. The integrated solution will provide fall alerts in all scenarios, including those when resident or patient is unable to operate a standard alarm system, or has neglected to put on a wearable device.

Austco will also leverage the rich behavioral data gathered by Vayyar Care. Insights into how long residents spend alone in their suites, in bed or at rest, and the frequency and duration of bathroom visits will reveal a range of issues. These include changes in residents' clinical conditions, reduced mobility, level of medication compliance, morbidities such as UTIs (urinary tract infections), and mental condition, such as early signs of depression.

With the ability to "see" residents in all conditions without revealing personally identifying information, the integrated solution gives caregivers the visibility they need to monitor residents and patients without violating their privacy.

Austco is planning installations across the company's key geographies, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Europe, the US and Canada.

In independent and assisted living, the focus will be on fall reduction and prevention by identifying behavioral changes and detecting "hidden" falls  incidents that residents often fail to report but which are the leading predictor of subsequent, more serious falls.

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In higher acuity facilities such as skilled nursing and post-acute care, Austco will assess and mitigate fall risk through multifactorial activity analytics and vital signs monitoring, while in memory care, operators will be able to overcome the challenge of residents' inability to report health and wellbeing issues through 24/7 monitoring.

The integrated solution will also enable a suite of automated applications such as lighting, environmental control, and security features, that will reduce risk and enhance comfort for residents in all types of facilities.

"Residents and patients deserve both protection and privacy, and caregivers and facility administrators need a new level of data-driven insight," said Kevin Higgins, VP of Product, Austco. "Integrating Vayyar's best-in-class camera-free technology will keep Austco at the cutting edge of emerging monitoring markets, as we look to expand worldwide."

Easing the burden on facility staff is a key dimension of the partnership. Vayyar Care's exceptionally high accuracy rate enables caregivers to instantly verify that a real fall has occurred, mitigating alarm fatigue  and potential delayed response  due to resident overuse of nurse call systems.

"Integrating with a system of the caliber of Austco's is a significant milestone for our solution," said Guy Meger, Head of Vayyar Care Business Unit. "Our technology is designed and built to provide the data that will transform the industry and I'm excited to collaborate with Austco on driving that change."

This data is at the core of an emerging model of predictive, data-driven care that will enhance resident and patient outcomes, reduce the burden on frontline caregivers, and increase profitability for healthcare facilities across all categories.

About Austco

Austco is a worldwide provider of IP Nurse Call Solutions with over 30 years experience in the healthcare market, across 4500+ sites, in over 60 countries. With products designed to comply with global healthcare standards, the Austco team is fully committed to providing quality products and global support services to all our clients. Our flexibility to integrate into various technologies enables a healthcare facility to continue to drive efficiencies to achieve an overall quality healthcare solution. Austco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Austco Healthcare Ltd (ASX: AHC).

For media inquiries, please contact marketing@austco.com.

+1.972.929.0974

About Vayyar Care

Vayyar Care's touchless 4D imaging radar gathers the data caregivers need to protect residents, as well as their dignity, privacy, and independence. The solution delivers instant fall detection and 24/7 visibility on room presence, mobility, time at rest, bathroom visits and more, overcoming the limitations of standard technologies. Vayyar Care is interoperable with any nurse call system and care platform, enabling person-centered, predictive care that enhances outcomes and staff efficiency.

vayyar.com/care/b2b

Contact:

Marc McGrann,

US Director of Sales

Marc.McGrann@vayyar.com

+1 919 747 401 899

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Cision

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SYDNEY, March 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autel, one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of professional diagnostic tools, equipment and accessories in the automotive aftermarket, is stepping up its expansion into the Asia and Australian markets with a full range of new energy vehicles charging solutions for both residential and commercial use. The move is part of Autel's strategy to expand its presence and provide comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of customers in different regions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005943/en/

22 kW MaxiCharger AC Wallbox on display at Fully Charged LIVE Australia (Photo: Business Wire)

To expand its Asia-Pacific presence, Autel has partnered with ChargeSini EV Charging, a leading smart EV charging supplier in Malaysia, to provide charging solutions for electric vehicles as well as related infrastructure services. In Australia, Autel has formed a strategic partnership with Connect Source, which will enable Autel to leverage Connect Sources local expertise and distribution channels to better serve customers in the Australian market. Autel has also teamed up with EVCharge Evolution, a leading EV charger distributor in Thailand, to combine Autel's expertise in EV charging technology with EVCharge Evolution's proficiency to provide high-quality EV charging solutions for customers in Thailand.

"Autel is committed to providing comprehensive solutions for EV charging to meet the needs of customers in more regions worldwide. Our expansion into the Asia-Pacific markets is a strategic move to better serve our customers and strengthen Autels position as a leader in smart EV charging solutions," said Henry He, the director of Autel APAC and Australia.

Over the years, Autel has been committed to becoming a leader in the new energy automotive aftermarket service industry. The company has been investing heavily in the R&D of automotive diagnostic solutions, and has established a comprehensive system covering software, hardware, and testing. Autel's new energy products include MaxiCharger AC Compact, MaxiCharger AC Wallbox, MaxiCharger DC Compact, MaxiCharger DC Fast, and MaxiChargerDC HiPower, catering to all scenarios such as residential, apartments, convenience stores, gas stations, and offices.

Story continues

At present, Autel's products and services have reached more than 70 countries and regions. Meanwhile, an integrated global marketing network is taking shape through partnerships with local distributors. The company has established cooperative relations with the four major auto parts retailers such as Advance Auto Parts and Genuine Parts, as well as wholesalers in the North American auto aftermarket such as Medco Tool and Integrated Supply Network.

This month, Autel showcased its solutions at various automotive shows in the Asia-Pacific Region, including the International Auto Aftermarket EXPO Japan and Fully Charged LIVE Australia, and will attend EV Trend Korea 2023 and the Agenda Asia EV Leadership Summit + Asia EV Tech Show in Indonesia later this month.

For more information about Autel and its portfolio of automotive solutions, please visit www.autelenergy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005943/en/

Contacts

Henry He

henryhe@autel.com
Market Research Future

Automotive Connectors Market Research Report: Information By Connection Type (Wire-to-Wire, Wire-to-Board and Board-to-Board), System Type (Sealed and Unsealed Connector System), Application (Body Control & Interiors, Engine Control & Cooling System, Safety and Security System and Others), Vehicle Type (Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World)- Forecast till 2030

New York, US, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a Comprehensive Research Report by Market Research Future (MRFR),  Automotive Connectors Market Research Report: Information By Connection Type, System Type, Application, Vehicle Type and Region - Forecast till 2030, The Automotive Connectors Market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from its current estimated size is $11 billion in 2023.

Automotive Connectors Market Overview

Electrochemical components called automotive connectors are used to link multiple electrical circuits. To provide proper communication and navigation between the gadgets and the car's electronics, they are utilised to connect the electric terminals and create a full circuit. Automotive connectors typically consist of plugs and sockets installed within the car. Advanced safety and security features including adaptive cruise control, theft prevention, keyless entry, an automatic braking system, and other functions are offered via these connectors.

Automotive connectors are crucial in providing reliable electricity to numerous components. Also, these connectors are made to endure extremes in temperature, dirt, wear, and dirt. Additionally, the market for automotive connectors is expanding due to the rising number of vehicles and electrification in some vehicle segments. The automotive connectors market will grow during the projected period as a result of rising demand for electric vehicles, enhanced features, and security features in the automotive industry. Increasing the use of automotive sensors will be a key factor in driving the market's expansion.

Story continues

The major market key players in the Automotive Connectors Market

Yazaki Corporation (Japan),

Sumitomo Electric (Japan),

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (Japan),

Amphenol Corporation (US),

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd (Japan),

TE Connectivity (Switzerland),

Delphi Automotive (UK),

Hu Lane Associates Inc. (Taiwan),

Korea Electric Terminal Co. Ltd (South Korea),

Kyocera Corporation (Japan)



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To improve data transmission, vehicle manufacturers integrate copper cables with plastic optical fibre. This lowers total costs and increases design flexibility, which helps the automotive connectors market grow. Yet, automotive connectors are necessary for the plastic optical fibre to perform properly. As a result, there is a growing need for automotive connectors. The Market will benefit greatly from several cutting-edge improvements, like park assistance, front lighting, and the use of machine learning. The top players are very important in driving market trends.

The populace was moreover dealing with a financial crisis. Because of this, they had limited purchasing power and refrained from making investments in brand-new cars.

As a result, the automobile market's growth declined, which made market trends even more difficult. But, the firms haven't entirely recovered, and the market is experiencing issues with many versions. After the epidemic is over, the market is anticipated to experience a beneficial outcome.

Automotive Connectors Market Report Scope:

Report Metrics Details Market Size by 2030 2030: USD Significant Value CAGR during 2022-2030 8.5% CAGR Base Year 2021 Forecast 2022-2030 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Key Market Opportunities Increase in electrification in vehicles Key Market Drivers The rise in the security needs in the automobile



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Growing government security measures and concerns about safety and security are propelling industry expansion. Both the vehicle manufacturer and the governments are quite concerned about security in the automobiles. A result of the manufacturers' investments in specialised electronic components and the installation of cutting-edge security features in the vehicle's powertrain, braking, and steering systems. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in demand for electric control units.

Increasing security features like airbags and central locking also helped the industry expand. The Automotive Connectors are essential to the operation of GPS and the distribution of power in a car, among other functions. Because even little connector issues can result in major issues, automakers are employing high-quality connectors, which will boost the industry. The Automotive Connectors Industry is also being driven by expanding consumer demand in the automotive sector and rising per capita income. According to census information, American automakers reported $344.4 billion in shipments to the automotive sector, $5.7 billion in total capital expenditures, and $261.7 billion in material costs in 2016.

The demand for electric vehicles is rising as environmental concerns grow. The government is also encouraging electric vehicles and adopting numerous other actions to cut carbon emissions, which will open up new business prospects. Electric vehicles employ automotive connectors to increase their efficiency and develop the market for automotive connectors in the future.

There are several uses for automotive connectors in the automobile industry. The efficiency of today's automobiles is increased by a variety of improvements. But in order to avoid numerous issues and disastrous outcomes, these connectors must be dependable and strong. The use of these connectors could harm the automotive connectors industry, thus the makers are highly concerned about it.



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Automotive Connectors Market Segmentation

Product, application, connection, and vehicle type are the segments used to divide the automotive connectors market.

The Automotive Connectors industry is divided into integrated circuit, printed circuit board, fibre optic, radiofrequency, and others depending on the type of product. Over the projected period, the fibre optic sector is anticipated to have the largest market share. Moreover, a CAGR of 10.6% is anticipated.

The convenience, comfort, powertrain, safety and security, power distribution, instrumentation, and navigation segments of the market are separated based on application. In 2017, the safety and security sector held the largest market share. The focus on numerous safety elements in vehicles has increased as a result of technological advancement.

Automotive Connectors are divided into wire to board, wire to wire, and other segments based on connectivity. In 2017, the wire to wire market accounted for the largest proportion, reaching $5.44 billion. These connectors are frequently used to join two wires for power distribution and data transmission.

The market is split into commercial vehicles and commercial vehicles based on the kind of vehicle. In 2017, the passenger automobile category led the market, held the largest market share, and had a market value of $11.55 billion.

Automotive Connectors Market Regional Evaluation

Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the rest of the world make up the key geographic automotive connectors market. With 36% of the total, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest portion in 2017. Japan, China, and Taiwan are the top producers of electric components for both commercial and passenger vehicles in Asia. Due to its affordable labour, accessibility to raw materials, and state-of-the-art production facilities, the Asia-Pacific area is one of the largest export hubs for various automobile parts.



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Due to sophisticated driver assistance technologies, Europe has the second-highest market share. The usage of safety measures in cars is now required by the European Union. The automotive connectors market is expanding significantly in North America as well, thanks to the region's economic expansion and prominent industry players.

Related Reports:

Automotive Wiring Harness Market Research Report by Material Type, Component Type, Application, Vehicle Type - Forecast to 2030

Cable Connector Market Research Report: Information by Type, Verticals, and Region - Forecast till 2030

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Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Autonomous Crop Management Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2023 To 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



In 2021, the global market for autonomous crop management was valued at USD 1.45 billion and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period of 2023 and 2031.

Farmers' increased awareness of benefits such as improved crop planning and tracking, labor cost reduction, and weather forecasting is driving the expansion of the industry. The expansion is also attributable to the expanding use of cloud computing for real-time crop data management and the growing global population, which has led to an increase in food demand.

During the forecast period, it is anticipated that a greater emphasis by farmers on crop yield, productivity, and farm efficiency will spur economic expansion. It is anticipated that technological advances such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) will encourage the use of big data, AI, and robots in agriculture. Utilizing big data analysis in autonomous crop management is essential for providing farmers with predictive insights, reengineering business processes, and making operational decisions in real-time to increase agricultural productivity.



Increasing Global Population to Boost the Market for Autonomous Crop Management Market



With a global population growth rate of over 1% per year, it will be difficult to meet the food demands of all these people in the coming years. Adopting the most advanced agricultural technology is one approach to addressing this problem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 70% of global food production is expected to increase by 2050.

Precision farming is the solution adopted in densely populated nations such as India and China to meet the rising demand for food. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become more pervasive, allowing for real-time data access that simplifies data management tasks such as planning, purchasing, harvesting, feeding, marketing, and inventory control. Agricultural operations that collect data in real time facilitate analysis and decision-making.



Growth in Agro Tech Industry Favouring the Market Expansion



In the past few years, the agri-tech industry has experienced exponential growth worldwide. According to a report by Accel Partners and Omnivore, the sector's investments increased from $45.8 billion in 2015 to a staggering $430,6 billion by March 2020. The agri-tech industry has been expanding at a rate of 25% per year in India as well. Experts attribute this expansion to increased digitization, government initiatives, and rising investor interest. According to estimates, the agri-tech market in the United States will reach $24 billion by 2025.

Story continues

The software enables farmers to implement environmentally friendly agricultural practices, thereby reducing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides and ensuring food safety. In addition, modern agricultural practices would replace inefficient conventional agricultural methods, thereby assisting the agriculture sector in addressing sustainability concerns. This change is anticipated to have a positive impact on the autonomous crop management industry's growth over the forecast period. According to a study by Nasscom, India has over 450 agri-tech startups that have received over $248 million in funding. Notably, India is home to every ninth agri-tech startup in the world.



Software Segmented Dominates the Market by Solutions



In 2021, the software segment accounted for the largest revenue share, at 65%, and is anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Based on professional and managed services, the service segment is subdivided. System integration consulting and maintenance support are the two types of professional services. The crop management software improves planning and tracking, reduces input and labor costs, and complies with regulatory standards.



On-Premises Deployment Accounted for Over 50% of the Market



In 2021, the on-premises segment held the largest market share, at 55%. The segment of cloud-based autonomous crop management is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. By focusing on storage devices, shared networks, and servers, cloud computing eliminates the high costs associated with maintaining software and hardware infrastructure. Cloud computing to monitor crop inputs and output in agriculture can contribute to climate change. In addition, the majority of businesses are adopting partnership strategies to improve cloud-based applications.

Crop tracking and Management Dominates the Market by Applications



Crop tracking and management accounted for 30% of total revenue in 2021 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is also attributable to the increasing demand for crop growth monitoring and waste reduction through the timely delivery of essential water and minerals. Agriculture-type applications include crop tracking and management, weather tracking and forecasting, irrigation management, labor, and resource tracking, and others. From 2023 to 2031, the weather tracking and forecasting segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR.

Monitoring the weather can reduce expenses, prevent over- or under-watering, and increase crop yields. Predicting the weather aids in preventing the spread of pests and other crop diseases, as well as crop-destroying problems. The market has expanded due to the development of advanced data analytics services and machine learning techniques, which have enhanced the dependability and precision of weather forecasts. Increasing environmental awareness among consumers and growing water scarcity have necessitated the modification of agricultural management techniques that conserve natural resources, such as soil, air, and water, to boost the market growth. In addition, the segment of irrigation management is anticipated to expand significantly in the coming years.



North America Remains as the Global Leader



North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 38% in 2021, and its dominance is anticipated to continue in the years to come. North America is home to numerous technology companies that provide crop management solutions. Additionally, the region is regarded as an early adopter of technology. Increasing government initiatives to adopt modern agricultural technologies and developed infrastructure are the primary factors driving market expansion.

For example, the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA) was formed to educate and equip farmers for sustainable agricultural productivity. In addition, the high income and purchasing power of farmers in developed nations such as the United States and Canada is a major factor in the adoption of crop management solutions. Digital farming requires substantial investments, which is a disadvantage for farmers, particularly in developing nations such as India, China, and Brazil. Smart agriculture requires a relatively large capital investment, but it provides a significant return on investment by increasing crop productivity and enhancing crop resilience.



Acquisitions to Start on Market Consolidation



The companies use a variety of inorganic growth strategies, such as partnerships, regular mergers, and acquisitions, to expand their product offerings. CropX, a leading provider of soil and agricultural analytics, acquired CropMetrics to expand its presence in the American market. Using their extensive dealer network, service model, user-friendly platform, and Variable Rate Irrigation System, the purpose of this acquisition was to expand CropMetrics' product offerings throughout significant U.S. regions.

Approximately 65% of the market's presence is held by crop monitoring and dairy farm management, the market's top segment leaders. As of 2021, other technologies, such as inventory management and harvesting and picking, represent approximately 35% of the market presence. Croptracker, Cropio, EasyFarm, Software Solutions Integrated (SSI), Agrivi, Granular, Trimble, and Raven Industries Inc. are key companies operating in the autonomous crop management market.



Recent developments in the market include the following:

In April 2022, Verdant Robotics announced a robotic spraying and weeding solution for farms that uses machine learning, artificial intelligence perception, and robotics technology.

In December 2021, Lely collaborated with Connector B.V. of the Netherlands. Lely intends to use Connecterra B.V.'s advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with more information. In addition, these technologies facilitate the integration of agricultural technologies with artificial intelligence for the development of farm management systems.

In October 2021, BouMatic acquired SAC Group, a reputable manufacturer of full-line milking systems for cows, sheep, and goats. This acquisition is anticipated to facilitate the expansion of BouMatic's global presence and product catalog.

Robert Bosch GmbH and BASF SE commenced a joint venture for agricultural digital technologies in November 2020. They developed a smart spraying technique to apply herbicide to weeds without spraying unaffected crop areas.

Market Segmentation

Solution

Software

Services

Professional Services

System integration consulting

Maintenance support

Managed Services

Deployment

On-premises

Cloud-based

Application

Crop tracking and management

Weather Tracking Forecasting

Irrigation Management

Labor and Resource Tracking

Others

Key questions answered in this report

What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Autonomous Crop Management market?

What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?

Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2031.

Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?

Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?

Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Autonomous Crop Management market?

Which is the largest regional market for Autonomous Crop Management market?

What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East Africa?

Which are the key trends driving Autonomous Crop Management market growth?

Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Autonomous Crop Management market worldwide?

Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Executive Summary



3. Autonomous Crop Management Market: Competitive Analysis



4. Autonomous Crop Management Market: Macro Analysis & Market Dynamics



5. Autonomous Crop Management Market: By Solution, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



6. Autonomous Crop Management Market: By Deployment, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



7. Autonomous Crop Management Market: By Application, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



8. North America Autonomous Crop Management Market, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



9. UK and European Union Autonomous Crop Management Market, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



10. Asia Pacific Autonomous Crop Management Market, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



11. Latin America Autonomous Crop Management Market, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



12. Middle East and Africa Autonomous Crop Management Market, 2021-2031, USD (Million)



13. Company Profile



Companies Mentioned

Croptracker

Cropio

EasyFarm

Software Solutions Integrated (SSI)

Agrivi

Granular

Trimble

Raven Industries Inc .

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The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili met with the National Security Adviser to Joe Biden Jake Sullivan. According to the press release, they talked about recent developments in Georgia and emphasized the common interest of the two countries in Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.They also talked about President Zourabichvili's advocacy of a unified and inclusive approach to achieving reforms, which is necessary for Georgia to get closer to EU membership. The topic of the meeting was also the draft law initiated by the deputies of the People's Power party, which was dropped by the ruling party after protests."They also discussed their common concerns about the draft laws, which provide for the registration and stigmatization of civil society organizations for receiving external funding, which may hinder the important activities of hundreds of Georgian non-governmental organizations. They welcome the government's decision to withdraw both draft laws," the statement reads.According to the information from the White House, it was discussed at the meeting that it is necessary for Russia to feel the weight of the sanctions imposed by the USA and a coalition of more than 30 allies or partners so that Putin is held responsible for the war he started in Ukraine. Sullivan also emphasized that it is necessary that Georgia does not become a way to circumvent or avoid sanctions.Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili said that comparing Georgia with Russia is unacceptable and politicians and diplomats should not make such comparisons."Any comparison with Russia is absolutely unacceptable and impermissible, it doesn't matter who makes this comparison - a Georgian politician or a foreign diplomat. This should be understood by everyone, including ambassadors.Comparing Georgia with Russia, a country that has occupied part of Georgia's territory is unacceptable and an insult to the Georgian people. Moreover, this comparison has no basis, because, on the one hand, we are talking about Russia, a country in which there is a totalitarian regime, and we are talking about democratic Georgia. It is impossible not to see it.I am surprised that such comparisons are made. Comparing Georgia with Russia is unacceptable and the Georgian people will not accept it. It is impossible to compare a totalitarian regime with a democratic regime," Shalva Papuashvili said.Shalva Papuashvili expressed hope that diplomats will avoid comparing Georgian politicians, authorities, or the country with Russia.
Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7%, North America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6%

Farmington, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Baby Fashion Accessories Market Was Valued At USD 5.857 Billion In 2022 And Is Expected To Reach USD 8.759 Billion By 2030, At A CAGR Of 6.43% During The Forecast Period 2022 to 2030. For a long time, baby fashion was seen as a way for all parents to show their differences in wealth, social class, race, or gender. Because of this, there has been a rise in the number of people buying baby fashion items. Dress and decorations show how people fit into different social groups. Before, people thought that the way babies dressed showed their social class. The world market for baby fashion accessories is growing because people's habits are changing and their income per person is going up.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Baby Fashion Accessories Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2022 to 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Rich people used baby fashion as a way to show off their power, money, and plenty. So, over the years, product innovations that have tried to make new goods based on what consumers want have been very successful. The rise of the global baby fashion accessories market is being driven by the fact that more women are working in developed areas like Europe and North America.

Baby Fashion Accessories Market Recent Developments:

In August 2020 , premium diaper brand Kimberly-Clark launched a new product with plans to increase penetration and cater to a wider age group of children.

In September 2021 , Johnson & Johnson Personal Care has launched a new range of 'Cottontouch' baby care products, including lotions, oils, body washes and face creams, following increased demand in the Indian market. The company plans to sell the products through multiple channels including stores and multi-brand e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Nykaa, Amazon India, BigBasket and FirstCry.

In July 2020, Procter & Gamble, the Cincinnati-based consumer goods maker, launched a new line of Pampers diapers designed to help hospitals minimize disruptions to the sleep of premature babies.

Story continues

Baby Fashion Accessories Market Dynamics:

Over the past few years, there have been big changes in the market for baby fashion items. Because the baby fashion business is always changing, stores have to be flexible with their designs and work to make them better. To stay competitive in a market that is becoming more demanding, manufacturers are coming up with new products, merging with other companies, and forming partnerships. For example, FirstCry, an online store in India that sells fashion accessories for babies, bought BabyOye, the franchise arm of Mahindra Retail Pvt. Ltd., to add more brands and draw more customers.

Over the projected period, market players are likely to worry more about possible changes in the economic cycle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the market for baby fashion accessories is expected to grow over time and prices are going up, players in the market may shift their focus to improving productivity and quality.

The market for accessories for babies is moving very quickly. It can be different from one country to the next, based on things like culture, age, climate, and geography. There are two types of fashion accessories: those that are worn and those that are carried. There are two kinds of accessories in the market study.

Regional Outlook:

From 2022 to 2022, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7%. The market in this area is mostly driven by the number of working mothers and the growing birth rate in developing countries like India and China. According to EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review, female labor force participation has increased by 4.1% over the past 0 years, which in turn has fueled the development of various baby-related products such as baby food, baby cosmetics and toiletries, And baby safety and convenience. Also, more money in people's pockets has made it easier for them to spend, which has increased product demand.

From 2022 to 2022, North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6%. People in places like the US and Canada are ready to pay a lot to make sure their babies live and stay healthy. The North American market is growing because of new technologies, parents who work, government programs to keep babies safe, and early adoption of new goods. A TABS industry study says that more people with incomes of more than $150,000 are buying baby products.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate 6.43% from 2023 to 2030 Market Size in 2022 USD 5.857 Billion Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 8.759 Billion By Type Baby Clothing Accessories

Baby Hosiery

Baby Winter Wear

Baby Jewelry

Baby Hair Accessories

Baby Glasses

Baby Bags By Applications Baby Girls

Baby Boys By Companies M&Co, Burberry Group Plc, Carters, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, Esprit Global Image, Gerber Childrenswear, H&M Group, Kidiliz Group, Mamas & Papas, Mothercare plc, Nike, Inc., RALPH LAUREN, The Children's Place, Inc., The Gap, Inc., ZARA, and Others Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2017 to 2021 Forecast Year 2023 to 2030

Baby Fashion Accessories Market Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

M&Co, Burberry Group Plc, Carters, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, Esprit Global Image, Gerber Childrenswear, H&M Group, Kidiliz Group, Mamas & Papas, Mothercare plc, Nike, Inc., RALPH LAUREN, The Children's Place, Inc., The Gap, Inc., ZARA, and Others.

Baby Fashion Accessories Market by Types:

Baby Clothing Accessories

Baby Hosiery

Baby Winter Wear

Baby Jewelry

Baby Hair Accessories

Baby Glasses

Baby Bags

Baby Fashion Accessories Market by Applications:

Baby Girls

Baby Boys

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

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Special Copper Clad Laminate Market  The Special Copper Clad Laminate market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period and is expected to reach USD 2.06 Billion in 2030. Asia Pacific dominated the global Special Copper Clad Laminate market, accounting for more than 44% of the total revenue share. The region is expected to continue to dominate over the forecast period due to rising foreign investment coupled with rapid industrialization and favorable government policies aimed at stimulating manufacturing activities in emerging economies such as China and India.

Lawn Mower Batteries Market - The global Lawn Mower Batteries Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030. North America represented the major chunk of the market share pie for lawn mower battery shipments in 2020 and is expected to continue to dominate throughout the evaluation period. Major contributing factors to the development of the market in this region will be the growing general consumption of lawn mower batteries in the US and the demand for artistic appeal in commercial and residential properties for formal and recreational activities favoring landscaping.

Passenger Vehicle Batteries Market  The global Passenger Vehicle Batteries Market size is expected to be valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2022 and is growing at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030. North America is expected to dominate the market in terms of value over the next five years. Latin America is expected to be the fastest-growing market in terms of CAGR over the forecast period. Europe is expected to be the second largest market for passenger vehicle batteries.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Inspection Equipment Market - The Global Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Inspection Equipment Market Size Was Valued At USD 2.8 Billion In 2020 And Is Expected To Reach USD 8.8 Billion By 2028, Growing At A CAGR Of 15.3% From 2021 To 2028. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for high-quality electronic products in emerging economies such as China and India.

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Market Research Future

Baby Wipes Market Analysis Research Report Trends and Insights Information by Material (Natural, Synthetic, Blended), Type (Dry and Wet), Distribution Channel (Store-based & Non-Store-based), Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World)  Competitive Market Growth, Size, Share and Forecast to 2030

New York, US, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baby Wipes Market overview:

According to a Comprehensive Research Report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Baby Wipes Market Analysis Research Report: Information by Material, Type, Distribution Channel, Region  Global Forecast till 2030, Baby Wipes Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 6.70 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5% during 2022-2030.

Market Scope:

Baby wipes are disposable wet cloths or wipes used to clean the delicate skin of infants. Baby wipes are saturated with skin-friendly cleaning agents. They come in a variety of packs and shapes and are frequently packaged in plastic containers or tubs to retain the moisture in.

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Report Scope:

Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2030 USD 6.70 Billion CAGR 5% Base Year 2021 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Historical Data 2020 Forecast Units Value (USD billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered by Material, Type, Distribution Channel, Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers Increase In the Sales and Demands of Baby Wipes growing number of working women

Competitive Dynamics:

To increase both the quality and quantity of newborns, numerous potential manufacturers are exerting great effort. The producers are attempting to provide cutting-edge personal baby care products as well. Some of the main key players in the industry are listed below

P&G

Kimberly Clark Corporation

S. C. Johnson & Son

Procter & Gamble

Unicharm Corporation

Bodywise Limited

Seventh Generation Inc.

The Aldo Group Inc.

D&G Laboratories Inc.

Irish Breeze UC

The Honest Company, Inc.

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Market USP:

Market Drivers

These aspects show to be the beneficial driving factors that have led to the increase in sales and demand of baby wipes in the baby wipes market, according to current research and data acquired by numerous top companies and manufacturers of baby wipes. The increased awareness of personal newborn and child cleanliness during the pandemic may be one of the main contributing causes.

Baby wipes are in great demand because of evolving tourist destinations, a rise in the number of working women, modernized medical practices, widespread use in spas and salons, and rising disposable income. Baby wipes, especially in the early years of an infant's life, significantly contribute to increased birth rates.

Changes in lifestyle brought on by modernity and urbanization may also be contributing causes. This has led to a rise in working people, especially working mothers. In an effort to combine work and personal life, many are resorting to creative and time-saving alternatives, such as baby wipes for sanitary needs. The rising birthrates in developing nations, which help to increase people's purchasing capacity, are another major driving factor. It has aided the expansion of the baby wipes market on a global scale.

Browse In-depth Market Research Report (90 Pages) on Baby Wipes:

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/baby-wipes-market-7298

Market Restraints

The easy availability of counterfeit products on the market and the high pricing of personal care products, which also impede growth, are among the many factors limiting the baby wipes business, according to numerous market analyses and statistics. In addition, other issues including declining birth rates, poor quality goods, and high costs of the raw materials needed to create the product limit the growth of the market for baby wipes.

COVID-19 Analysis:

It's critical to remember that worldwide, as evidenced by current statistics and COVID 19 impact reports. Yet, many large and small businesses have seen a decline in their monthly and annual income as a result of the pandemic. Income and earnings in several industries have significantly increased. During the epidemic, the market for groceries, everyday necessities, and food is unchanged. Humans cannot survive without their basic needs, including food, which facilitates the advantages of numerous markets like the one for baby wipes.

The sale of connected goods in the sanitary and personal hygiene industries is rising quickly as a result of the dangerous COVID19 virus' unrelenting spread. Using good personal hygiene practices and sanitary supplies can help stop the virus from spreading. Baby wipes and sanitized wet wipes are therefore frequently used in diagnostic facilities, hospitals, clinics, and households with young children. As a result, many top manufacturers and businesses are working diligently to increase production while keeping innovations in mind in order to improve the quality of the baby wipes in order to meet the always increasing need for regular and gentle baby wipes. The size of the baby wipes market has grown.

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Market Segmentation:

Product type segmentation

The wet wipes segment is expected to dominate the market over the review period.

Material type segmentation

The natural segment is poised to gain momentum over the review period.

Distribution channel segmentation

The market for wet wipes was controlled by the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment, which also contributed to revenue. Due to the increased customer propensity to buy toiletries from supermarkets and hypermarkets as these venues offer a broader selection of products and brands, the segment is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis:

When considered in a regional context, North America is where the market expansion is most noticeable. The markets with the biggest demand are those in Europe and Asia-Pacific. With a market share of 29.2% in 2021, North America has a disproportionately big share of the baby wipes market. In addition, the CAGR for the Asia-Pacific area is projected to be 5.5% from 2021 to 2027. The region's rising demand can be due to a number of causes, including the region's fast urbanization and a rise in the need for products in nations like China, India, and South Korea that can be convenient, save time, and still have the same cleaning impact. One of the primary factors driving regional expansion is the simple accessibility of wet wipes as a result of the region's rising popularity and high expenditure. The primary drivers of product demand in the region are rising product promotion efforts and increased awareness among women of the negative impacts of unclean intimate areas, such as skin conditions, irritation, odor, and the potential for cervical cancer.

Changes in people's lifestyles, an increase in the number of working women, developing internet retailing tendencies, and increased disposable income are the main factors propelling the North American area. The need for baby wet wipes is also being fueled by women's increasing knowledge of infant hygiene in North America. The market analysis indicates that the fact that the majority of women are employed in the United States is one of the key factors contributing to North America's dominant market share. Because of this, parents should consider investing in high-quality baby items like natural baby wipes for their newborns. One of the top businesses, Kimberly-Clark, offers reasonably priced pregnancy kits and additional perks like free shipping along with its high-quality baby wipes.

Discover more research Reports on Consumer and Retail Industry , by Market Research Future:

Baby Toys Market : Information by Product Type (Board Games, Soft Toys & Dolls, Action Toys, Arts & Craft Toys, Construction Toys, Vehicles, Musical Toys & Rattles, and Others), by End User (Infants and Toddlers), by Distribution Channel (Store-Based {Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, and Others} and Non-Store-Based) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World)Forecast till 2028

Global Organic Baby Bathing Products Market Research Report: Information by Type (Soaps, Body Wash, Shampoos, Wet Wipes and others), Distribution Channel (Store-Based and Non-Store-Based) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World) - Forecast till 2030

Baby Diapers Market Research Report by Product Type (Disposable, Non- Disposable), Size (Extra Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large), Distribution Channel (Store-Based, Non-Store Based), and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.

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MIDVALE, Utah, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Insurance, a reimagined insurance organization offering a customer-driven experience through ease and innovation, announced today it has no direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank through depository, lending, investing or other relationships. The organization has identified six vendors and partners that have a banking relationship with Silicon Valley Bank; however, Bamboo does not anticipate any service interruptions at this time and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Bamboo Insurance (PRNewsfoto/Bamboo Insurance)

About Bamboo Insurance

We're a growth-oriented insurance organization on a mission to deliver an easy and innovative insurance experience with an unwavering focus on customer advocacy. We're using data and technology to simplify the insurance process, while enhancing transparency for our partners and policyholders. For more information on Bamboo Insurance, visit our site at www.bambooinsurance.com

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services (Bamboo) is Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046; AZ License #3000209096; CA License #0M31082.

Bamboo Insurance Media Relations

Becca Powell

Director of Marketing

bpowell@bambooinsurance.com

Cision

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SOURCE Bamboo Insurance
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beta Shale, LLC ("Beta"), an Oklahoma City based oil and natural gas company who owns 1,000,000 shares of PHX Minerals Inc. ("PHX" or the "Company"), has reached out to the PHX Board of Directors to express Beta's concern with the performance of the Company and its proposed future path under the direction of current management.

Derby Energy, LLC (PRNewsfoto/Derby Energy)

Beta sent an initial letter on February 3, 2023, which was followed by a meeting between Beta's CEO and the Independent Director of PHX. After the meeting, Beta sent a follow up letter of concern on March 2, 2023.

As a significant shareholder of PHX, Beta is voting against the majority of current proxy materials presented by PHX management.

Both letters can be found at www.betashalenews.com. Beta encourages all PHX shareholders to review these materials and to assess PHX's performance and future potential under existing management.

About Beta Shale, LLC

Beta Shale, LLC, established in 2004, is a privately-owned opportunistic investor in oil and gas, primarily focused on non-operated working interests with assets in the Arkoma and Delaware Basins under management of Derby Energy, LLC.

About Derby Energy, LLC

Derby Energy, LLC, headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, is the administrative management company for the following six entities: Derby Exploration, LLC (Operated - Anadarko Basin E&P); Thoroughbred Gathering, LLC (Operated - Anadarko Basin Midstream); Bakken HBT, LP (Non-Operated  Williston Basin); Bakken HBT II, LP (Non-Operated  Williston Basin); SCOOP I, LP (Non-Operated  Anadarko Basin); and Beta Shale, LLC (Non-Operated  Arkoma and Delaware Basin).

For further information, please visit www.derbyenergy.com

Contact

Mike Weatherholt, Vice President of Finance, 405.708.2875

or

Jake Long, Vice President of Administration, 405.401.8517

SOURCE Derby Energy
Societe BIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Disclosure of total number of voting rights and

number of shares forming the capital

as of February 28, 2023

Clichy, France  10 March 2023

Article L 233-8-II of the French Code de Commerce and Article 223-16 of the General Regulations of the French Autorite des Marches Financiers.

As of February 28, 2023, the total number of issued shares of SOCIETE BIC is 43,952,226 shares, representing:

64,938,416 voting rights,

64,341,188 voting rights excluding shares without voting rights

ABOUT BIC

A world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday Life. For more than 75 years, the Company has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable, essential products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world and feature iconic brands such as BIC Kids, BIC FlexTM, BodyMark by BICTM, Cello, Djeep, Lucky Stationery, Rocketbook, Soleil, Tipp-Ex, Us. TM, Wite-Out, Inkbox and more. In 2022, BIC Net Sales were 2,233.9 million euros. The Company is listed on "Euronext Paris"," is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and education. It received an A- Leadership score from CDP. For more, visit www.bic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations team

investors.info@bicworld.com







Michele Ventura

Investor Relations Senior Manager

michele.ventura@bicworld.com



Isabelle de Segonzac

Image 7, Press Relations contact

+ 33 6 89 87 61 39

isegonzac@image7.fr

2023 AGENDA

ALL DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

1st Quarter 2023 Results April 25, 2023 (post market close) 2023 Annual General Meeting May 16, 2023 2nd Quarter and 1st Half 2023 Results July 26, 2023 (post market close) 3rd Quarter and 9 Months 2023 Results October 26, 2023 (post market close)

Attachment




SAN DIEGO (AP)  President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom on Monday announced that Australia will purchase nuclear-powered attack submarines from the U.S. to modernize its fleet amid growing concern about Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Biden flew to San Diego to appear with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as they hailed an 18-month-old nuclear partnership given the acronym AUKUS  for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The partnership, announced in 2021, enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels, as a counterweight to China's military buildup.

Biden, appearing sensitive to tensions with China and its criticism of the deal, stressed that the submarines are nuclear powered, not nuclear armed.

These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind of them, he said at an outdoor ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, where he was flanked by Albanese and Sunak. Two submarines, the USS Missouri and the USS Charlotte, were tied up at the next pier in the Pacific Ocean behind the leaders.

Albanese said the agreement represents the biggest single investment in Australias defense capability in all of our history. It's also the first time in 65 years that the U.S. has shared its nuclear propulsion technology, and we thank you for it," he said.

Sunak called AUKUS the most significant multilateral defense partnership in generations. He said the U.K. also will share its 60 years of experience running its own submarine fleet with Australian engineers so they can build their own fleet.

In a joint statement before the formal announcement, the leaders said their countries have worked for decades to sustain peace, stability and prosperity around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific.

We believe in a world that protects freedom and respects human rights, the rule of law, the independence of sovereign states, and the rules-based international order, they said in the statement, released before their joint appearance in San Diego.

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The steps we are announcing today will help us to advance these mutually beneficial objectives in the decades to come, they said.

San Diego is Biden's first stop on a three-day trip to California and Nevada. He will discuss gun violence prevention in Monterey Park, California, where 11 people were killed in a January mass shooting, and his plans to lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas. The trip will include fundraising stops as Biden steps up his political activity before an expected reelection announcement next month.

A fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe, California, on Monday night is expected to include about 40 attendees and raise $1 million for Democrats, according to a Democratic National Committee official.

Australia is buying three, and possibly up to five, Virginia-class boats as part of AUKUS. A future generation of submarines will be built in the U.K. and in Australia with U.S. technology and support.

The U.S. will also increase its port visits in Australia to provide it with more familiarity with the nuclear-powered technology before it has such subs of its own. The USS Asheville was docked in Perth, Australia, on Monday, Biden said.

Biden also met individually with Sunak and Albanese, an opportunity to coordinate strategy on Russia's war in Ukraine, the global economy and more.

Sunak invited Biden, who is of Irish descent, to visit Northern Ireland in April to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of its peace accord, the 1998 Good Friday agreement. Biden replied that it is his intention to go to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

During a subsequent meeting with Albanese, Biden said he planned to visit Australia in May for meetings that will include the leaders of Japan and India.

Biden views the partnerships and alliances in the region as cornerstones for U.S. strategy for years to come. Asked if AUKUS would survive if a new, more isolationist president was elected  a veiled reference to Donald Trump, who is running for another term  Biden said yes.

The secretly brokered AUKUS deal included the Australian governments 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.

China has argued that the AUKUS deal violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It contends that the transfer of nuclear weapons materials from a nuclear-weapon state to a non-nuclear-weapon state is a blatant violation of the spirit of the pact. Australian officials have pushed back against the criticism, arguing that they are working to acquire nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed, submarines.

The question is really how does China choose to respond because Australia is not backing away from what it  what it sees to be doing in its own interests here, said Charles Edel, a senior adviser and Australia chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. I think that probably from Beijings perspective theyve already counted out Australia as a wooable mid country. It seemed to have fully gone into the U.S. camp.

Biden downplayed the rivalry with China during his meeting with Albanese.

I dont view what were doing as a challenge to anybody," he said.

Before he departed for California, Biden spoke at the White House about steps the administration is taking to safeguard depositors and protect against broader economic hardship after the second- and third-largest bank failures in U.S. history.

Biden said the nation's financial systems are safe. He said hed seek to hold accountable those responsible for the bank failures, called for better oversight and regulation of larger banks, and promised that taxpayers would not pay for any losses.

___

Superville reported from Washington.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This Women's History month three Brookdale Senior Living leaders have been recognized by McKnight's as "Women of Distinction" in the senior living industry. The program, in its fifth year, recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the senior living, skilled nursing or home care fields.

Three Brookdale Senior Living leaders have been recognized by McKnights as Women of Distinction."

Brenda Perkins, Brookdale's Divisional Resident Engagement Manager-East, was announced as a Veteran VIP award-winner. Veteran VIPs are women who have more than 15 years of experience in the industry and have made an impact on the senior living, skilled nursing or home care fields at a level lower than vice president or the equivalent.

Rhonda St. Onge, Executive Director of Brookdale Trillium Crossing in Columbus, Ohio, was announced as a Rising Star, after being nominated by her own community residents. Rising Stars are women who are younger than 40 or have fewer than 15 years in the industry.

Nadeen Moore, Area Nurse Manager, Florida, was announced as a recipient of the Spirit Award. The Spirit Award, now in its second year, recognizes inspiring caregiving and service provision efforts.

Eligibility for this award was open to women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination  or other noble gestures.

"I am thrilled that all three of these strong and resilient Brookdale leaders were recognized by McKnight's for their hard work and dedication to senior living," said Lucinda ("Cindy") Baier, Brookdale president and chief executive officer. "Their work serves as an example to all as they demonstrate Brookdale's cornerstones of passion, courage, partnership and trust. Their contributions to Brookdale have helped to cement us as the leading senior living provider in the United States. I am proud of the positive impact they have made."

McKnight's Women of Distinction awards are a joint program of McKnight's Long-Term Care News, McKnight's Senior Living and McKnight's Home Care. Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at an in-person celebration on May 22 in Chicago.

Story continues

For more information on Brookdale's winners, visit news.brookdale.com .

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the nation's premier operator of senior living communities. The Company is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity. The Company through its affiliates, operates independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Through its comprehensive network, Brookdale helps to provide seniors with care and services in an environment that feels like home. The Company's expertise in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate provides residents with opportunities to improve wellness, pursue passions and stay connected with friends and loved ones. Brookdale operates and manages 673 communities in 41 states as of December 31, 2022, with the ability to serve more than 60,000 residents. For more Brookdale news, go to news.brookdale.com.

Contact: Media Relations, (615) 564-8622, Media.Relations@brookdale.com

Cision

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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living
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
ReportLinker

Cell Dissociation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Cell Detachment, Tissue Dissociation), By Product (Enzymatic Dissociation), By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Cell Dissociation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Product, By End-user, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428307/?utm_source=GNW



Cell Dissociation Market Growth & Trends



The global cell dissociation market size is expected to reach USD 863.3 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 13.55% of the overall revenue. The rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, coupled with the increasing focus on cell-based therapeutics, is boosting market growth. In addition, growing funding for cell-based research and increasing use of automated instruments are the key factors driving the industry. With the growing applications of patient-derived cells as a model system for research, the necessity for high-quality cell material is constantly developing. The capability to extract individual cells from tissues is presently a bottleneck for cell-based diagnostic technologies and remains vital in the areas of tissue engineering, emerging diagnostic methods, cancer research, and personalized medicine approaches.



Key challenges comprise the quality and yield or the purity and integrity of cells as well as reproducibility and throughput.To overcome these limitations, researchers from Institut fur Politikwissenschaft are developing a mechanical tissue dissociation system based on counter-rotating rows of grinding teeth integrated into a standard 50 ml centrifuge tube.



The COVID-19 pandemic influenced market growth positively.Cell dissociation and tissue dissociation are used to aid cell-based therapies, primarily using Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs).



As a result, the usage of these enzymes increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which augmented market growth. In current years, stem cell therapy has become an advanced and promising scientific research topic.



The development of treatment methods has induced great opportunities.Stem cells have considerable potential to become one of the most significant aspects of medicine.



In addition to the fact that they play a huge role in developing restorative therapy, their study also divulges additional information about the complex events that happen during human development.Moreover, there is a growing interest in improving stem cell culture, not only because cell culture is extensively used in basic research for studying stem cell biology but also due to the potential therapeutic applications of cultured stem cells.



Dissociation plays an important role in various research and therapeutic applications, including drug discovery, development, and cell therapy.



Furthermore, increasing clinical trials, FDA approvals, and strategic initiatives, such as collaborations by major players, are boosting industry growth.For instance, in October 2021, RHEACELL, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Germany, focused on the clinical development of innovative stem cell therapeutics, received national approval under the German Medicinal Products Act for its cell therapy product AMESANAR.



In February 2023, IASO Biotherapeutics received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation and Fast Track designation from USFDA for its IND BCMA CAR-T CT103A for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Stringent regulations for raw materials and ethical issues concerning animal-derived products might hamper the industrys growth to a certain extent.



The guidelines for the manufacturing of cell therapy products are still progressing.Still, the relevant reference is the USP 1046, which designates the significance of qualifying raw materials used in the manufacturing process.



Thus, considering the concerns, such as raw material consistency, origin, risk of impurity, and whether the raw material was manufactured under the GMP guidelines, is significant for approval.However, there is a growing interest in Animal-origin free and GMP-grade enzymes, which will drive the industry growth during the forecast period.



North America dominated the global industry in 2022 due to the high incidence of chronic diseases, the rise in investment funding by the government for cell therapy, and the presence of high-quality infrastructure for laboratory and clinical research.



Cell Dissociation Market Report Highlights

 The enzymatic dissociation product segment accounted for the highest share in 2022 due to increased requirements and the importance of enzymatic dissociation products for pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, which, in turn, is likely to boost the adoption and anticipate the segment growth

 The tissue dissociation type segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the increased R&D activities and high prevalence of chronic disorders

 The biopharmaceutical & pharmaceutical companies end-user segment led the industry in 2022 owing to growth in clinical trials of cell-based therapeutics, FDA approvals, and research on cell & gene therapy

 The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period

 This is owing to the rising demand for novel therapeutics and rapid infrastructural development

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428307/?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




Azerbaijan is planning to build or restore 37 small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 240 megawatts in the liberated territories, Azernews reports, citing Alasgar Hasanov, head of the Department of Electricity and Thermal Energy of the Energy Ministry.

According to him, a small hydropower plant with a total capacity of 20 megawatts has already been put into operation, and seven are being operated in test mode and will soon be put into operation.

Moreover, at present, the restoration of four hydropower plants with a capacity of 10.5 megawatts each is being continued in Zangilan District, and the restoration of three power plants is underway in Lachin District.

Alasgar Hasanov also added that 19 hydroelectric power stations will be put out to investment tender and restored.
Season 3 of the district-wide bootcamp introduces new Hackathon to encourage knowledge application and soft skills development

SINGAPORE, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 1,500 students from lower-income families in Central Singapore District will pick up new digital skills at the third edition of 'My Digital Bootcamp', sponsored by UOB. The district-wide programme will help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have access to extra-curricular education. This is part of Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC)'s SkillsFuture Junior movement, which aims to equip its young residents with digital and soft skills to be future-ready.

Central Singapore CDC partners UOB to help 1,500 children pick up new digital skills through My Digital Bootcamp

At each two-day Bootcamp held from May to December 2023, students will go through four modular skills-based workshops to learn advanced digital-making skills, such as robotics, mobile app development, game design and programming, in a fun and engaging manner. Participants can choose from two new immersive narratives: visit ancient civilisations as a space-time traveller or defuse a climate crisis as a hero of Earth (more information in Annex C). During the Bootcamp, they will also be exposed to complementary soft skills such as logical reasoning, pattern recognition, algorithm design, relationship management and communication skills, among others.

'My Digital Bootcamp' will provide the young participants with structured learning support to encourage learning beyond the workshops. Each child will bring home a special home-based learning (HBL) digital-making kit (more information in Annex D) comprising a micro:bit pocket-sized computer, a KittenBot expansion board, an ultrasonic sensor and other resource materials, complete with a learning management system, so they may continue learning and practising what they have learnt from the Bootcamp at home.

New Hackathon Component

A brand-new Hackathon component will be held at the end of this season where the young learners are empowered to solve real life scenario-based challenges in friendly competitions that undergird holistic learning. The Hackathon will involve 300 participants comprising students that attended the Bootcamps as well as new students.

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In the two-day Hackathon challenge, participants will partake in digital-making skills workshops or refresher, preparatory workshops, competition and presentation. They will explore skillsets and develop competencies in soft skills beyond those taught in the Bootcamp including idea pitching, design thinking and ideation, that can help provide them a sturdy foundation for the future economy.

Strong Partnership between UOB and Central Singapore CDC

'My Digital Bootcamp' was made possible through Central Singapore CDC's longstanding partnership with UOB.

A steadfast supporter since the programme's inception in 2019, UOB has donated $1.5 million across three seasons of 'My Digital Bootcamp', with $500,000 attributed to Season 3. The funds contributed this year was from UOB Commercial Banking's annual Lunar New Year festive celebrations in 2022 that raised almost $1.9 million for charity, in partnership with the Bank's clients.

More than 2,000 children from 34 schools and community organisations in Central Singapore have benefitted from the past two seasons of the programme since its launch in September 2019. Over 30 employee volunteers from UOB also befriended the students, distributed participation kits and meals, and helped to guide the students through their learning.

'My Digital Bootcamp' Season 3 kicked off at Cairnhill Community Club today with a cheque presentation ceremony, attended by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister's Office & Second Minister for Finance & Second Minister for National Development, Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, and Mr Eric Lian, UOB's Head of Group Commercial Banking.

Close to 100 upper primary school students, aged 10 to 12, will be attending 8 workshops held concurrently at the event. They will learn to create digital products and bring home digital-making kits to continue learning at their own convenience.

Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister's Office & Second Minister for Finance & Second Minister for National Development, said: "We want all our children to be future-ready. Some children have greater access to resources to acquire the skills for the future than others. My Digital Bootcamp bridges that gap and ensures that children can have access to digital skills irrespective of background. We also hope that these workshops will spark the spirit of innovation and creativity in these children and give them a positive experience with technology, so that they will see it as an enabler and not as a barrier."

Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore CDC, said: "I am thankful for corporates like UOB who give so generously to benefit communities and those in need. As technology constantly evolves, it is extremely important that the future generations of Singapore's workforce are equipped with digital skills. Programmes like My Digital Bootcamp will help level the playing field for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have as much access to such extra-curricular education. I sincerely encourage all businesses to follow in the stead of UOB, not just to do well, but to do good for our communities and residents."

Mr Eric Lian, Head of Group Commercial Banking, UOB, said: "UOB is proud to support initiatives that positively impact our community. We are honoured to contribute towards My Digital Bootcamp, a programme which will help develop the young minds and build their confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world. It is a testament to UOB's promise to do right by our community and our commitment to invest in the future of our youth while challenging them to push the boundaries of possibilities."

My Digital Bootcamp is one of 52 programme offerings under Central Singapore CDC that aims to better support its residents in their journey of lifelong learning. Interested primary schools with and community organisations serving children from lower-income families in Central Singapore District can write to PA_CentralSingapore@pa.gov.sg . More details can be found in Annexes below.

Encl.  Please click here for the annexes

Annex A: My Digital Bootcamp Project Overview

Annex B: My Digital Bootcamp 2023 Factsheet

Annex C: Summary of My Digital Bootcamp Storylines

Annex D: Home-based Learning Kit

About Central Singapore Community Development Council

Situated at the heart of Singapore, Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) serves close to one million residents living in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan-Toa Payoh, Jalan Besar and Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), and Kebun Baru, Marymount, Potong Pasir, Radin Mas, as well as Yio Chu Kang Single Member Constituencies (SMCs). The CDC envisions itself as a Do-Good district that aims to help our residents live The Better Life. It works in close partnership with schools, voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), grassroots organisations (GROs), government and commercial agencies to fulfil its mission as an Aggregator of needs and resources; Builder of capability/capacity in partners and networks; and Connector of communities.

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world's top banks: Aa1 by Moody's Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN  for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer's unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

SOURCE UOB
By Samuel Shen, Kane Wu and Roxanne Liu

SHANGHAI/HONG KONG (Reuters) -Stunned by the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the main go-to foreign bank for the majority of Chinese start-ups, entrepreneurs and venture funds are scrambling for alternatives despite U.S. regulators averting a banking crisis by guaranteeing all deposits of the troubled bank.

Chinese start-ups and fund managers said they are still looking to move their money out of SVB once they can. Some of them are turning to bigger U.S. banks, while a few Chinese lenders such as China Merchants Bank and the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China are also rushing to fill the gap.

Such banks have offered account services similar to those of SVB, but found it hard to crack the U.S. bank's dominance among early-stage start-ups in China, where SVB has operated for more than two decades and has a local joint venture.

As SVB was one of the few banks that made it easy for start-ups to open bank accounts for dollar financing, it was the dominant foreign bank of choice for young companies in China, advisors and companies said.

"China Merchants Bank told us they can set up an offshore account for us within a week," said one start-up founder who gave his surname as Hong, describing how he had been offered a number of proposals by banks, including Zheshang Bank , to solve his issues with SVB.

CMB, ICBC and Zheshang Bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On Sunday evening, U.S. banking regulators moved swiftly to backstop all deposits at SVB, which was shuttered on Friday, putting to rest fears that startups would struggle to pay their employees this week.

Still, Wu Yujun, chief executive at Hangzhou-based banking platform start-up QBIT, said in the past three days it had received six times as many queries on creating accounts as usual, mostly from SVB clients.

CB International Bank, a U.S.-headquartered bank serving mainly Asian small- and medium-sized companies, said it has been contacted by many start-ups and U.S. dollar funds seeking to open accounts quickly so they can deposit funds they have withdrawn, or plan to withdraw, from SVB.

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The bank's chairman Sam Su said the firm was also asking companies to consider converting their USD holdings into offshore RMB deposits to diversify risks.

STILL HUNTING

Some venture funds said they were in a quandary as SVB had certain advantages and was especially friendly to early-stage start ups.

"We are still searching for a bank which we could safely open an account with," said an executive at a Chinese venture capital fund with deposits at SVB who declined to be identified as she was not authorized speak to media.

"Not a lot of banks are friendly to venture capital."

China is home to thousands of start-ups and venture capital investment is expected to recover gradually this year after funding in 2022 was battered by the country's zero-COVID policy, a share market slump and U.S.-China tension.

"Withdrawal is the easiest option but no other bankers in the U.S. provide the level of services SVB used to offer," said an executive at a major Chinese investment bank, which has deposits at SVB via its private equity arm, adding that the bank's priority is to have at least "a few accounts" in the United States.

Going forward "everyone will need to set up two accounts - one for domestic capital and the other for foreign capital," said Stephen Chen, co-founder of Shanghai-based start-up Lead Digital.

"But the market space left by SVB will be filled by the next bank, which is an opportunity," said Chen, whose company counts Sequoia Capital China and Wu Capital among its investors and banks with SVB.

(Reporting by Samuel Shen and Li Gu in Shanghai, Roxanne Liu in Beijing, Kane Wu and Selena Li in Hong Kong; Writing by Kane Wu and Brenda Goh; Editing by Anshuman Daga and Christina Fincher)
DARTFORD, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / A Chiron Investigations has launched a cutting-edge service that helps victims to recover stolen funds. The new service is designed to help individuals and businesses who have fallen victim to online trading crimes, providing them with a reliable and effective way to recover their money. With the growing number of online transactions, the threat of cybercrime has become a major concern for businesses and individuals alike. Online technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated; therefore, company is using a range of tactics on how to get their stolen cryptocurrency back.

Chiron, Monday, March 13, 2023, Press release picture

Chiron Investigations also understands the devastating effects of Forex trading crimes and the impact it has on its victims. With the same level of expertise and dedication, their team of experts is equipped to trace and recover stolen funds related to Forex trading. They collaborate with financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and victims receive the assistance they need. Chiron Investigations is committed to providing a trusted and reliable service to victims of cybercrime.

"Our mission is to provide a comprehensive service that helps victims of cybercrime recover their stolen funds quickly and efficiently," said IT head of Chiron Investigations. "We understand the devastating impact that can have on individuals and businesses, and we are committed to helping our clients recover what is rightfully theirs." Further stated by IT head of Chiron Investigations.

Chiron Investigations' service is available to clients worldwide. As such, the company has expanded its services to include helping those impacted by Forex trading crimes. The company offers a range of solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, including forensic investigations, legal support, and recovery services. Team of experts is available 24/7 to assist clients and answer any questions they may have. The company's service is designed to be affordable and accessible to everyone. Company offers flexible payment plans to ensure that clients can access the service they need, regardless of their budget. The company's team of experts uses advanced technology and techniques to trace and recover stolen cryptocurrency funds.

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They work tirelessly to ensure that their clients are informed throughout the entire recovery process, providing regular updates and progress reports. Chiron Investigations understands the devastating effects of cryptocurrency and is dedicated to providing a trusted and reliable service to those who have fallen victim to it. As part of their commitment to transparency and reliability, Chiron Investigations has expanded its services to include crypto recovery services to help get stolen funds back

"We are confident that our service will make a real difference to victims of cybercrime around the world," said Spokes person for Chiron Investigations. "Our team of experts is dedicated to helping our clients recover their stolen funds and bring the perpetrators to justice. We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure when conducting online transactions, and we are committed to making that a reality." Further added by Spokes Person of Chiron Investigations.

For more information about Chiron Investigations 's services, visit their website at https://chiron-investigations.com/.

About Chiron Investigations

Chiron Investigations is a Hi-tech company, offering a range of services to help victims of cybercrime recover their stolen funds. The company's team of experts has years of experience in investigating and recovering funds from online transactions, using advanced technology and techniques to trace and recover stolen funds. Chiron Investigations is committed to providing a transparent and reliable service to its clients, and they work closely with law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.

Media Contact

Contact Person: Julie Spencer

Company Name: Chiron Investigations Crypto Recovery Solutions

Website: https://chiron-investigations.com/

Email: Admin@chiron-investigations.com

City: Dartford

Country: United Kingdom

SOURCE: Chiron





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The Company's aromatic river snail rice noodles are an enormous hit with the younger generation in China

LIUZHOU, China, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Choubao, a Chinese luosifen or river snail rice noodles brand, has claimed the number one spot on the authoritative 2023 Tmall New Year's Shopping Festival List, widely accepted as the weathervane for highlighting consumer trends among top-selling brands in China. Choubao topped both the overall best-selling list and the luosifen best-selling list thanks to huge monthly sales of over 100,000 among other key indicators.

River snail rice noodles are made using a soup made with freshwater river snails (not to be mistaken with their land snail cousins) and unique rice noodles from Liuzhou in Guangxi in China. They are typically mixed with pickled bamboo shoots, edible fungus, peanuts, fried tofu, green vegetables, and other ingredients and have a refreshing sour and spicy flavor with a distinct aroma that has really caught the attention of the tastebuds of younger generations in China in recent years.

The annual Tmall New Year's Shopping Festival List identifies current trends by ranking major categories based on sales volumes and amounts during the non-stop shopping period over the Spring Festival holidays. Luosifen has experienced strong growth in recent years and remains one of the top choices for consumers. According to sales data from the Tmall list, the turnover of luosifen in 2022 increased by 1500 percent compared with 2021, with the number of people who bought luosifen increasing by almost 900 percent year-on-year. This impressive growth reflects the development of the luosifen industry and the trend towards consumption upgrades based on quality rather than pricing. According to data released by the Liuzhou Municipal Government, sales revenue of prepackaged luosifen reached 18.2 billion yuan in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 19.6 percent.

The key driver of changes in consumption trends for New Year's goods is closely related to shifts in the structure of the main consumer groups of these products. According to marketing technology platform, Alimama, the number of people born after 1995 purchasing goods during the Spring Festival is rapidly increasing, and younger consumers are driving innovation among brands participating in the New Year's Shopping Festival, with Choubao Luosifen as a typical and successful one.

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"The river snail rice noodle market has a wide scope for development and has robust growth potential," said the General Manager of Guangxi Weinian Industrial Co., Choubao's parent company. "It is only through a strong focus on branding and producing high quality products that we can realize long-term development. We have been fortunate enough to be one of the early promoters and witnesses of the successful rise of the river snail rice noodle industry."

About Choubao Luosifen

Choubao Luosifen is a popular food brand that specializes in river snail rice noodles with a mission of "Creating Happiness." Choubao's brand concept is "Big Bite, Big Happiness." The brand is committed to promoting Liuzhou river snail rice noodles to the world and hopes to make the world fall in love with the taste of China.

Cision

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SOURCE Choubao
Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, North America acquired the largest market share for the global CNG compressor market.

Farmington, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global CNG Compressor Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 5,072.6 Million By 2030, at a CAGR Of 5.0% During The Forecast Period. A CNG compressor is a machine that makes natural gas more compact and ready to be transported. It makes the amount of fuel 600 times bigger than it was before. By compressing gas, transportation costs go down, pollution is kept in check, and greenhouse gas emissions go down. CNG compressors are used to squeeze CNG, which is a mixture of methane and other things. These compressors were made to be as efficient, reliable, and long-lasting as possible in a variety of settings, such as pipeline transport, gas stations, and storage.

Request Sample Copy of Report  CNG Compressors Market Size, Share & Trends Estimation Report By Type (Oil Injected, Oil Free), By Compressor (Dynamic Compressor, Positive Displacement Compressor, Piston Compressor, Rotary Screw Compressor, Others), By End User (Construction, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemicals, Power Generation, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Natural gas is becoming more popular as a fuel because it burns cleanly and costs less than other fossil fuels. Because of this, the market for CNG has grown, making more people want to buy CNG compressors.

Government programmes that encourage the use of CNG: Governments all over the world are encouraging the use of CNG as a way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of the air. Because of this, good policies and rules have been put in place, which is expected to help the CNG compressors market grow.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) cars are becoming more popular because they are cheaper to run and cause less pollution. Because of this, the infrastructure for refuelling CNG vehicles has grown, which is driving the demand for CNG compressors.

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Restraints & Challenges:

High initial investment: CNG compressors cost a lot of money to install, which may make some people decide not to buy them.

Limited natural gas infrastructure: The growth of the CNG market depends on the availability of pipelines, refuelling stations, and storage facilities. If there isn't enough of this kind of infrastructure, the growth of the market could be slowed down.

Natural gas is becoming more and more at risk from other fuels. Natural gas is a clean and inexpensive fuel, but electric and hydrogen are also becoming more popular. This could make people in the market for alternative fuels compete with each other for market share.

Regional Outlook:

Because natural gas is used so much as an alternative fuel for cars, trucks, and generators in North America, it had the largest share of the global CNG compressor market. This is a big reason why the region's demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) is going up, which is helping to fuel the growth of compressor systems used in many industries, such as chemical storage facilities.

The demand for compressed natural gas in places like Europe, Germany, and Italy is growing, which is a key factor in the growth of this market around the world. Aside from this, more people are becoming aware of how the use of fossil fuels in different industries harms the environment. This has led to a rise in the use of clean energy sources like natural gas and is expected to drive growth over the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific has a large share of the global CNG compressor market's revenue. This is because automakers are investing more money in the region to improve emission standards for vehicles.

The demand for CNG in places like the UAE and Saudi Arabia is growing, which is a key factor in the growth of this market around the world. Aside from this, more investment in the auto industry in different parts of the world is also expected to increase demand during the forecast period.

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https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/buy/114592

Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 5,072.6 Million By Type Oil Injected, Oil Free, Others By Compressor Dynamic Compressor, Positive Displacement Compressor, Piston Compressor, Rotary Screw Compressor, Others By End User Construction, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemicals, Power Generation, Other By Companies Siemens, Galileo Technologies, Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Wartsila, Exterran, Chicago Pneumatic, Kobelco, MAN Turbo, Ariel Corporation, CIMC ENRIC, Propak Systems, Xian Shaangu Power, Bauer Compressors, Sinopec Oilfield Eouipment 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

Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

Siemens, Galileo Technologies, Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Wartsila, Exterran, Chicago Pneumatic, Kobelco, MAN Turbo, Ariel Corporation, CIMC ENRIC, Propak Systems, Xian Shaangu Power, Bauer Compressors, Sinopec Oilfield Eouipment Corporation, and others.

By Type

Oil Injected

Oil Free

Others

By Compressor

Dynamic Compressor

Positive Displacement Compressor

Piston Compressor

Rotary Screw Compressor

Others

By End User

Construction

Oil & Gas

Mining

Chemicals

Power Generation

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

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Cryogenic Pump Market - The Global Cryogenic Pump Market Size Was USD 3.41 Billion In 2021. The Market Is Projected To Grow From USD 3.62 Billion In 2022 To USD 6.64 Billion In 2030, at a CAGR of 9.06% During The Forecast Period.

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Companies have become the main driving force behind scientific and technological innovation in China and account for more than 70 percent of research and development investment, according to a new report.

Yicai Media Group, Monday, March 13, 2023, Press release picture

Corporate spending on R&D soared to CNY1.9 trillion (USD274 billion) in 2020 from CNY30 billion (USD4.3 billion) in 1995, accounting for 77 percent of total R&D investment, according to the findings of the study published earlier this month by Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Industrial Transit at Dalian University of Technology.

Government spending on R&D has fallen to account for less than 20 percent in 2020, the report said.

Telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies is the biggest investor in R&D in China, with its spending second only to Google worldwide. Huawei accounts for 7 percent of all Chinese corporate investment in R&D, the report said, adding that e-commerce titan Alibaba Group Holdings and internet giant Tencent Holding ranked second and third, respectively, in China.

China's R&D spending ranked second globally in 2020, coming in at half that of the United States and twice that of Japan, which ranked third. But China's R&D intensity -- R&D expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product -- remained middle-ranking compared with G7 countries, falling behind the US, Japan, and Germany, according to the report.

The position of companies in China's innovation system has changed greatly, Wang Zhigang, science and technology minister, said on March 5 during the Two Sessions. Firms should be the main players in generating scientific and technological innovation, not just the primary users of innovation results, he said, and they should participate in the whole process from basic research to the application of results.

Companies still need to improve their R&D investment in basic research, Sun Yutao, a professor at Dalian University of Technology and author of the report, told Yicai Global.

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In 2020, enterprises contributed only 6.5 percent of the basic research funds in China, while the proportions in the US and Japan were 32 percent and 47 percent respectively, Sun added.

Many companies have not yet realized the importance of basic research, as they can learn about existing advanced technologies before they become leading firms, but companies like Huawei need to conduct cutting-edge research on their own, he said.

China's R&D investment reached CNY3.1 trillion last year, up 10.4 percent from a year earlier, with R&D intensity hitting 2.6 percent. Investment in basic research was CNY195.1 billion, accounting for 6.3 percent of total R&D expenditure, according to data from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Media Contact:

Contact person: Zhu Liming

Email: zhuliming@yicai.com

SOURCE: Yicai Media Group





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Report highlights progress on key environmental and social initiatives

CHICAGO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced the publication of its 2022 Citizenship Report, an annual update that shares the company's progress against key environmental and social initiatives and details its efforts to nourish people, the planet and communities.

Conagra Brands, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. (PRNewsfoto/Conagra Brands)

"At Conagra, our approach to citizenship supports a healthy planet, healthy communities and a healthy business," said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands. "We are conscious about how our business impacts the world and our latest Citizenship Report underscores our focus on collaboration, transparency and action. It is especially meaningful that our employees continue to drive sustainable and societal impact across our business while producing exceptional results. I thank them for their ongoing dedication to doing the right things and doing things right."

The report covers a broad range of topics across four focus areas: Good Food, Responsible Sourcing, Better Planet and Stronger Communities. Highlights from the 2022 report include:

Good Food : Conagra continuously strives to make safe, delicious and nutritious foods, while providing nutrition information about its food that consumers need to make educated choices.

Responsible Sourcing : Conagra approaches the sourcing of ingredients and packaging materials with care and consideration, taking into account environmental and social impacts across the value chain.

Better Planet : The health of the planet and availability of natural resources are intricately linked to Conagra's business. The company is especially focused on reducing its impact on climate change, minimizing packaging waste, supporting regenerative agriculture, preserving water resources and eliminating waste in its operations.

Stronger Communities: Conagra cares deeply about its employees and invests in their growth, success and wellbeing. The company's ambition is to be the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. The company also supports the communities where its employees live and work, and takes action to address the issue of food insecurity through volunteerism, product donations and financial contributions.

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For more information about these highlights, including information about calculations, measurements and methodology, please see the full Citizenship Report for fiscal year 2022, ending May 29, 2022. All numbers referenced are approximate values.

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.ConagraBrands.com.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA:

Tim Wrona

708-495-1119

Cision

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SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.
Efecte Oyj

EFECTE PLC -- COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT -- 13 March 2023 at 16.15

Correction: New Proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Efecte Plc regarding Election of the Auditor

The English translation of the company announcement concerning the new proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Efecte Plc regarding election of the auditor, published on 13 March 2023 at 14:35 erroneously contained a Finnish translation of the first sentence of the third text paragraph of the announcement (Ehdotuksen taustalla on alun perin ehdotetun tilintarkastusyhteison tuleva liiketoimintasuhde yhtion kanssa ja sen vaikutus tilintarkastusyhteison riippumattomuuteen.). The Finnish translation of the sentence was included in error and may be disregarded.

Below is the corrected announcement in its entirety:

New Proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Efecte Plc regarding Election of the Auditor

The Board of Directors of Efecte Plc has decided to make a new proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 22 March 2023 regarding item 14 (Election of the Auditor).

The Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that, instead of the originally proposed KPMG Oy Ab, BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

The proposal is made due to future business relationship of the audit firm with the Company and its effect on the independency of the audit firm. The proposed new auditor BDO Oy has participated in the evaluation process performed by the Company when preparing for the change of the Companys present auditor (Ernst & Young Oy). Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30 % of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc support the new proposal and have informed the Company to vote in favour thereof. BDO Oy has notified the Company that, subject to their election, Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

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Registrations for the Annual General Meetings already made by shareholders wishing to participate, as well as advance votes already cast, will remain valid without any action required. Shareholders who have already cast their votes in the advance voting, have the possibility to vote in respect of the new proposal either before the end of the advance voting period (15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET)) or by attending the meeting either in person or by appointing an authorised representative. Unless changed, all votes cast in favour of the original proposal will remain valid and the new proposal will be treated as a counter proposal to the original proposal. More detailed guidance is included in Section C of the notice to the Annual General Meeting.

The amended item 14 of the notice reads as follows:

14. Election of the auditor

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that KPMG Oy Ab, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. KPMG Oy Ab has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Miika Karkulahti would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

NEW PROPOSAL (13 March 2023):

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. BDO Oy has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

Apart from the new proposal in Section A, item 14 (Election of the auditor), no other changes have been made to the original notice published on 1 March 2023. The amended notice to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is below in its entirety:

EFECTE PLC: NOTICE TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is given to the shareholders of Efecte Plc to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 22 March 2023 starting at 11:00 a.m. (EET) at Laurea Leppavaara Campus, main building, meeting room Tuomo (Vanha maantie 9, 02650 Espoo). The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 10:00 a.m. (EET).

The Companys shareholders and their proxy representatives may also participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise their shareholder rights by voting in advance. Instructions for advance voting are provided in this notices section C.

A. MATTERS ON THE AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Annual General Meeting, the following matters will be considered:

1. Opening of the meeting

2. Calling the meeting to order

3. Election of person to scrutinise the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes

4. Recording the legality of the meeting

5. Recording the attendance at the meeting and adoption of the list of votes

6. Presentation of thefinancial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditors report for the year 2022

Presentation of the CEOs review.

The Companys financial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditors report will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com as of 1 March 2023.

7. Adoption of the financial statementsand the consolidated financial statements

8. Resolution on the use of the profit shown on the balance sheet and the payment of dividend

Efecte Plcs Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that no dividend be distributed for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2022.

9. Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability

10. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors

Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30% of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc have proposed that remuneration for the elected board members remains unchanged and is paid for the following term of office as follows: Chairman of the Board EUR 45,000 and other members of the Board of Directors EUR 25,000 per year.

In addition, the above-mentioned shareholders propose that approximately 40% of the remuneration be paid for in Efecte Plcs shares and approximately 60% be paid in cash. The part of the remuneration paid in shares will be paid by issuing new shares and/or transferring the Companys own shares to Board members within four weeks from the release of the business review for 1 January to 31 March 2023 or, if this is not possible considering insider rules, as soon as possible thereafter. The Company shall be liable for any transfer tax payable as a result of the payment of the share part of the remuneration.

In addition, it is proposed that the members of the Board of Directors be compensated for reasonable travelling and other costs for attending the Board meetings and relating to other Board work.

11. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that five (5) members be elected to the Board of Directors.

12. Election of members of the Board of Directors

Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30 % of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc have proposed that the current members of the Board Pertti Ervi, Turkka Keskinen, Esther Donatz and Eric Gustavsson be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors, and that Panu Hannula be elected as a new member of the Board of Directors for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

Paivi Rekonen, current member of the Board of Directors, has informed that she is not available for re-election.

The CVs and evaluations of independence of all persons proposed as Board members are available on the Company's website at https://investors.efecte.com/en. All proposed members have given their consent to the election.

13. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the remuneration of the auditor be paid against an invoice approved by the Company.

14. Election of the auditor

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that KPMG Oy Ab, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. KPMG Oy Ab has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Miika Karkulahti would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

NEW PROPOSAL (13 March 2023):

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. BDO Oy has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

15. Amendment of the articles of association

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Article 9 of the articles of association be amended to enable holding a general meeting entirely without a meeting venue as a so-called remote meeting in addition to the Companys domicile Espoo or in Helsinki as currently provided in the articles of association. In its amended form, said provision of the articles of association would read as follows (unofficial translation in English below for informational purposes only):

9  Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting is to be held each year within six months from the end of the financial year.

At the Meeting, the following shall be presented:

1. financial statements for the company and possibly for the group as well as a report of the Board of Directors;

2. auditors report;

resolved upon:

3. confirmation of the companys financial statements and possibly that of the group;

4. use of the profit indicated in the financial statements;

5. discharge of liability for the Board members and the CEO;

6. number of the Board members;

elected:

7. the members of the Board of Directors as well as

8. the auditor.

The Annual General Meeting may be held in the companys domicile or Helsinki. In addition, the Board of Directors may resolve on organising the general meeting without a meeting venue whereby the shareholders have the right to exercise their decision-making power in full in real time during the meeting using telecommunication connection and technical means

The proposal is based on amendments made to Chapter 5 of the Finnish Companies Act, including the possibility to arrange remote general meetings. The legislative amendments are based on the premise that shareholder rights shall not be compromised, and that all participating shareholders are able to exercise their shareholder rights in full, including the right to request information and to vote, in real time during the general meeting, irrespective of the chosen general meeting format. The possibility to organise remote general meetings enables the Company to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in the Companys operating environment and society in general, for example due to pandemics. It is important for the Company to have means available to offer its shareholders the possibility to exercise their shareholder rights and resolve on any matters presented to the general meeting under all circumstances.

It is proposed that the articles of association will otherwise remain unchanged.

16. Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Companys own shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to resolve on the repurchase of a maximum of 450,000 shares in the Company in one or several instalments by using funds from unrestricted equity. The proposed number of shares corresponds to approximately 7,0% of all shares in the Company.

The shares may be repurchased in order to improve the capital structure of the Company, to carry out acquisitions or other arrangements related to the Companys business, to be transferred or cancelled for other purposes, to be used for the Companys incentive plans, or if the Board of Directors otherwise deems it to be in the interest of shareholders.

The price paid for the shares repurchased under the authorisation shall be based on the market price of the Companys share in public trading. The minimum price to be paid shall be the lowest market price of the share quoted in public trading during the authorisation period and the maximum price the highest market price quoted during the authorisation period.

The Companys own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholding of the shareholders (directed repurchase).

It is proposed that the authorisation be valid until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2024. The authorisation will revoke the repurchase authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on 17 March 2022.

17. Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of shares,and option rights and other special rights entitling to shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to resolve on the issuance of shares, and option rights and other special rights entitling to shares as referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act in one or several instalments as described below.

The Board of Directors would, pursuant to the authorisation, be entitled to resolve on the issuance of an aggregate maximum of 620,000 new shares. The Board of Directors may decide to issue new shares or shares held by the Company. The maximum number of shares included in the proposed authorisation accounts for approximately 9,7% of all shares in the Company.

The authorisation includes the right to issue shares, option rights and/or other special rights entitling to shares through private offering, in other words, to deviate from the shareholders pre-emptive rights, if there is a weighty financial reason from the Companys point of view, such as using them as consideration to carry out acquisitions or other arrangements or investments related to the Companys business, and/or as part of the remuneration of Board members paid for in shares as resolved by the Annual General Meeting. The authorisation also includes the right to issue shares, option rights and/or other special rights entitling to shares against payment or for free. A directed issue without payment requires that there is an especially weighty financial reason from the Companys point of view and taking the interests of all of its shareholders into consideration.

Under the authorisation, the Board of Directors will be entitled to resolve on the terms and conditions of the issuance of shares, option rights and other special rights entitling to shares, including the recipients and the compensation to be paid.

It is proposed that the authorisation be valid until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2024. The authorisation will revoke the share issue authorisations granted by the Annual General Meeting on 17 March 2022.

18. Closing of the meeting

B.DOCUMENTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The above-mentioned proposals for decisions relating to the agenda of the Annual General Meeting as well as this notice are available on Efecte Plcs website at https://investors.efecte.com/en. The financial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors, and the auditors report of Efecte Plc will be available on the above-mentioned website no later than 1 March 2023. The proposals for decisions and other above-mentioned documents are also available at the Annual General Meeting. Copies of these documents and of this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request. The minutes of the general meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website as of 5 April 2023 at the latest.

C.INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OFTHE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1. Shareholders registered in the shareholdersregister

Each shareholder who on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, i.e. on 10 March 2023, is registered in the shareholders register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting. A shareholder whose shares are registered on their personal Finnish book-entry account is registered in the shareholders register of the Company.

Registration for the Annual General Meeting will begin on 1 March 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EET). A shareholder who is registered in the shareholders register of the Company and who wants to participate in the Annual General Meeting shall register for the meeting no later than by 10:00 am (EET) on 15 March 2023, by which time the registration must be received. Registration may be made:

via the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en

by telephone +358 10 2818 909 from Monday to Friday at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm; or

by mail addressed to Innovatics Ltd, General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder shall notify the requested information such as his/her name, personal identification number and contact details. The personal data given to Efecte Plc is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

The shareholder, his/her legal representative or proxy representative shall, if necessary, be able to prove his/her identity and/or right of representation at the meeting venue.

2. Holders of nominee-registered shares

A holder of nominee-registered shares has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which he/she would be entitled, on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, i.e. on 10 March 2023, to be registered in the shareholders register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting requires that the shareholder has, on the basis of such shares, been temporarily registered in the shareholders register held by Euroclear Finland Ltd at the latest by 17 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET). This constitutes the required registration for the general meeting for nominee-registered shares. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the general meeting do not have any impact on the right to participate in the general meeting nor on the number of votes.

Holders of nominee-registered shares are advised to request from their custodian bank, without delay, necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholders register of the Company, the issuing of proxy documents and voting instructions and the registration for the Annual General Meeting. The account management organisation of the custodian bank shall register a holder of nominee-registered shares, who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting, temporarily in the shareholders register of the Company by the aforementioned time 17 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) at the latest, and, if needed, to arrange for advance voting on behalf of a nominee-registered shareholder before the registration concerning nominee-registered shareholders has ended.

3. Proxy representative and powers of attorney

A shareholder may participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. A proxy representative may also vote in advance as described in this notice.

A proxy representative must identify to the electronic registration service and advance voting in person with strong identification, after which he/she will be able to register and vote in advance on behalf of the shareholder he/she represents. A proxy representative shall provide a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder in the general meeting. A statutory representation right may be demonstrated by utilising the suomi.fi e-authorisations service used in the electronic registration service.

When a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives who represent the shareholder with shares on different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration.

Proxy and voting instruction template will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en on 1 March 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EET) at the latest. Proxy documents are recommended to be delivered either as an attachment in connection with the electronic registration, by email to agm@innovatics.fi or by mail to Innovatics Ltd, Annual General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki before the registration for the general meeting has ended, by which time the proxy documents must be received. Efecte Plc may demand original proxy documents if considered necessary by the Company.

A holder of nominee-registered shares is advised to follow the instructions regarding proxies given by such holders custodian bank as described in section 2. Holders of nominee-registered shares above. If a holder of nominee-registered shares wishes to be represented by a party other than such holders custodian, such legal representative must provide Innovatics Ltd with a dated proxy demonstrating the right to represent the shareholder.

4. Advance voting

Registration for the Annual General Meeting and advance voting will begin on 1 March 2023. A shareholder who is registered in the shareholders register of the Company and who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting by voting in advance must register for the Annual General Meeting and vote in advance by Wednesday 15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) at the latest, by which time the registration and advance votes must be received.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder shall notify the requested information such as his/her name, personal identification number and contact details. The personal data given to Efecte Plc is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

A shareholder who has voted in advance may request information under the Finnish Companies Act, request a vote at the general meeting or vote on a possible counterproposal, if they are present at the general meeting.

Shareholders holding a Finnish book-entry account may register and vote in advance on certain items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting between 1 March 2023 and 15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) in the following ways:

a) via the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en

Electronic registration and advance voting require strong identification of the shareholder or his/her legal representative or the proxy representative via Finnish or Swedish online bank service or mobile certificate.

b) By mail or email

A shareholder voting in advance by mail or email must send the advance voting form available on the Companys website https://investors.efecte.com/en or corresponding information to Innovatics Ltd by mail to Innovatics Ltd, Annual General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki or by email to agm@innovatics.fi.

If a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by submitting advance votes by mail or email to Innovatics Oy, the submission of votes before the end of the registration and advance voting period is considered as official participation in the Annual General Meeting, provided that the shareholders registration includes the information required for registration mentioned on the advance voting form.

An agenda item subject to advance voting is considered to have been presented unchanged to the general meeting. Voting instructions will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com. Additional information on registration and advance voting is also available by telephone at +358 10 2818 909 during the registration period between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EET) on weekdays.

5. Otherinstructions and information

The Annual General Meeting will be held in Finnish.

Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the Annual General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.

The Company will publish video recordings of the address of the Chairman of the Board and the review of the CEO on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com after the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders are requested to note that the video recordings are not a part of the official General Meeting material.

On the date of this notice to the Annual General Meeting, 1 March 2023, the total number of shares in Efecte Plc is 6,383,590 and the total number of votes in Efecte Plc is 6,383,590. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the general meeting do not have any impact on the right to participate in the general meeting nor on the number of votes.

Espoo, 1 March 2023

EFECTE PLC

The Board of Directors

Further inquiries:

Tatu Paavilainen

Head of Legal

Efecte Plc

tatu.paavilainen@efecte.com

+358 400 383 064

Certified Adviser:

Evli Plc, tel +358 40 579 6210

Efecte Plc

Efecte helps people digitalize and automate their work. Customers across Europe leverage our cloud service to operate with greater agility, to improve the experience of end-users, and to save costs. The use cases for our solutions range from IT service management and ticketing to improving employee experiences, business workflows, and customer service. We are the European Alternative to the global goliaths in our space. Our headquarters is located in Finland and we have regional hubs in Germany, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Efecte is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland marketplace.

www.efecte.com




INVL Technology

The date of preparation of the first edition of the prospectus of INVL Technology is corrected.

INVL Technology (hereinafter  the Company) informs that under the provision of the Law on Collective Investment Undertakings of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter  CIU), the Company operating under the CIU is under an obligation to have a valid prospectus (hereinafter  the Prospectus) prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CIU or of the Law on Securities of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter  LS).



In order to meet the above-mentioned requirement, in August 2019 the Company's management company INVL Asset Management, UAB (hereinafter  the Management company) prepared a Prospectus in compliance with CIU. Considering that at the time of publication of the information there are no grounds that the Company should prepare and own a prospectus complying with the requirements of the LS, on 8 March 2023, the Management company of the Company approved the updated version of the Prospectus and approved its publication.

The Prospectus was submitted to the Bank of Lithuania in accordance with the CIU.

The person authorized to provide additional information:

Kazimieras Tonkunas

INVL Technology Managing Partner

E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt





Attachment




Vantage Market Research, The North Star for the Working World

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Cosmetic Dentistry Market was valued at USD 29.2 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 60.2 Billion by 2028 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 12.8% over the forecast period 2022-2028.



Market Overview

The prevalence of dental conditions like periodontal disease, tooth decay, gum disease, dental cracks, and cavities, which all increase demand for Cosmetic Dentistry to improve aesthetic appearance, as well as the aging population's increased susceptibility to tooth problems, are some factors that are propelling the growth of the Cosmetic Dentistry market.

We forecast that the dental systems & equipment category in the Cosmetic Dentistry market sales will account for more than 20% of total sales by 2028. Their employment in so many different dental applications may help explain this. There are many different dental systems and equipment, including instrument delivery systems, light-curing equipment, radiography equipment, dental chairs, dental lasers, scaling units, dental handpieces, and dental CAD/CAM systems.

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Market Dynamics

Minimally Invasive Techniques and the Uptake of 3D Dentistry are Fueling the Demand

Cosmetic Dentistry has started using three-dimensional (3D) printing, a relatively recent manufacturing method. Computer software is used in 3D printing to deposit small amounts of material, such as powdered stainless steel or milled plastic, until an object is fully constructed. Applications for 3D printing include the ability for patients and professionals to customize 3D-printed teeth, dentures, and other instruments. Robotics and artificial intelligence are also being used more frequently in dentistry. The market will grow as robots become more readily available for less invasive dental procedures such as tooth extractions, cavity filling, cap application, and tooth cleaning.

Story continues

Development of Innovative Technology Solutions to Drive Market Growth

Due to the creation of new dental materials that produce superior results, Cosmetic Dentistry has evolved. Patient compliance has increased with the substantial surge in demand for minimally invasive procedures. Dental lasers have increased to prevent or significantly reduce patient discomfort and blood loss during surgical operations such as gum elevation and teeth whitening. More people are choosing to get these operations as a result. As a result, the emphasis on developing novel dental materials and technology would open up new opportunities for market participants in aesthetic dentistry.

Top Players in the Global Cosmetic Dentistry Market

3M Company (United States)

Align Technology Inc. (United States)

DENTSPLY Sirona (United States)

Envista Holdings (United States)

Henry Schein (United States)

Kuraray Co. Ltd. (Japan)

Planmeca Group (Finland)

Roland DG (Japan)

Straumann Holdings AG (Switzerland)

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. (United States)

For Additional Information on Cosmetic Dentistry Market Players and Detail List, Download a Report PDF Brochure@ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/cosmetic-dentistry-market-2022/request-sample

Top Trends in Global Cosmetic Dentistry Market

One trend that Vantage Market Research (VMR) expects to see in the Cosmetic Dentistry industry is a growing focus on aesthetics among individuals. Market expansion is facilitated by the growing emphasis on beauty and appearances, particularly in the film industry. Recently, emphasis has grown on improving and restoring smiles.

Another trend that VMR predicts will continue in the Cosmetic Dentistry industry is rising technological advancement. The market is predicted to benefit greatly from developing technologically sophisticated solutions and the growing number of dental laboratories investing in CAD/CAM technologies.

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Top Report Findings

Based on the Product Types, most of the Cosmetic Dentistry market's revenue is controlled by the dental systems & equipment category due to causes including the expansion of cutting-edge technology like the dental CAD/CAM system and other technologies as raising awareness of dental reformation.

Based on the End Users, most of the Cosmetic Dentistry market's revenue is controlled by the dental hospitals and clinics category. The increase in dental clinics and the number of persons choosing Cosmetic Dentistry operations in dental offices and hospitals are attributable to this.

Based on Age Groups, most of the Cosmetic Dentistry market's revenue is controlled by the Adult category because dental conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, dental cracks, and cavities are becoming more common. Additionally, adult periodontal problems enhance the need for Cosmetic Dentistry procedures and mature awareness of the value of aesthetic beauty, particularly in women.



Recent Developments in the Global Cosmetic Dentistry Market

June 2021: Zenyum, a dental start-up, raised USD 40 million in series B funding from existing investors, including Sequoia Capital India, Partech, and RTP Global, among others. The company plans on using these funds to deliver dental cosmetics to patients.

January 2021: Nobel Biocare announced the launch of Xeal and Ti Ultra surfaces in the U.S. These surfaces could be applied to implants and abutments that help optimize tissue integration.

Dental Hospitals and Clinics Category in Cosmetic Dentistry Market to Generate a Substantial Revenue

Cosmetic Dentistry is an expensive investment. Vantage Market Research has analyzed the market for Cosmetic Dentistry to understand its current state and potential future growth factors. For better understanding, based on the end user, the Cosmetic Dentistry market is divided into Dental Hospitals & Clinics, Dental Laboratories, and Others.

During the forecast period, the market for Cosmetic Dentistry is anticipated to experience the highest CAGR for the dental hospitals and clinics category. Dentists who have acquired skills in dental operations carry out dental procedures. These treatments are expertly carried out in dental clinics and hospitals, which gives the sector dominance.

On the other hand, the dental laboratories category is anticipated to grow significantly because government-recognized dentists collaborate with dental laboratories to create dental prostheses like crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations.

North America Region in Cosmetic Dentistry Market to Generate a Huge Chunk of Revenue

North America dominates the market throughout the projection period. This is related to technological advancements and an increase in people selecting aesthetic dentistry procedures. In addition, the region's high acceptance of aesthetic operations, receptivity to them, and increased appearance consciousness are anticipated to encourage market expansion.

Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 146 Pages and in-depth TOC on Cosmetic Dentistry Market Forecast Report (2022-2028).

Global Cosmetic Dentistry Market Segmentation

By Product Types

Dental Systems & Equipment

Dental Implants

Dental Bridges

Dental Veneers

Dental Crowns

Orthodontic Braces

Inlays & Onlays



By End Users

Dental Hospitals & Clinics

Dental Laboratories

Other End Users



By Age Groups

Children

Adults

By Region

North America United States Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa GCC Countries South Africa Rest of MEA



Read Full Report@ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-dentistry-market-2022

Scope of the Report:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2021 USD 29.2 Billion Revenue Forecast by 2028 USD 60.1 Billion CAGR 12.8% from 2022 to 2028 Base Year 2021 Forecast Year 2022 to 2028 Key Players 3M Company, Align Technology Inc., DENTSPLY Sirona, Envista Holdings, Henry Schein, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Planmeca Group, Roland DG, Straumann Holdings AG, Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

What is the size and growth rate of the cosmetic dentistry market?

What are the key drivers and challenges affecting the market?

What are the different types of cosmetic dental procedures available in the market?

Who are the major players in the market, and what are their market shares?

What are the key trends in the market, such as new technologies or changes in consumer preferences?

What is the geographic distribution of the market, and what are the growth opportunities in different regions?

What are the regulatory and reimbursement issues affecting the market?

What is the competitive landscape of the market, and how are companies differentiating themselves from each other?

What are the future growth prospects of the cosmetic dentistry market, and what are the key factors that will drive growth in the coming years?

What is the impact of COVID-19 on the cosmetic dentistry market, and how are companies adapting to the changing market conditions?

Browse More Reports from Vantage Library:

Cosmetic Chemicals Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-chemicals-market-1962

Cosmetic Preservatives Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-preservatives-market-1919

Cosmetics Packaging Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetics-packaging-market-1862

Vegan Cosmetics Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/vegan-cosmetics-market-1700

Cosmetic Pigments Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-pigments-market-1945

Cosmetic Ingredients Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-ingredients-market-1918

Cosmetic Surgery Market - Global Industry Assessment & Forecast: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-surgery-market-1701



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Laman Ismayilova

The International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has celebrated Manas Day, devoted to the ancient epic of the Kyrgyz people.

"The Manas Epic and the Turkic Epic Tradition" book was presented as part of the event, Azernews reports.

The book was written by the Manas scholar and prominent poet, Adil Jamil, and was released in the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz languages.

Many officials, deputies, ambassadors, culture and art figures, intellectuals, and media representatives took part in the event.

In her speech, President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva outlined that the centuries-old sagas and epics of the Turkic people are among the richest examples of folklore in the world, along with the all-Turkic oral literature.

The foundation president valued the Manas epic as a vital part of the spirituality of the Kyrgyz people.

"Manas reflects the inner world, opinion, and thinking of the Kyrgyz people, that is, their national identity. Furthermore, Manas is the power of the Kyrgyz. It is because, in the epic, the heroic pages of the Kyrgyz, their love for the motherland, and their ever-standing desire to defend the land are manifested. On the other hand, Manas is a heritage. It is a legacy that is passed down from generation to generation, despite various obstacles, and difficulties. And finally, Manas is a factor that unites the Turkic World," she said.

Gunay Afandiyeva recalled the statements by Azerbaijani National Leader Heydar Aliyev on the 1,000th anniversary of Manas held in 1995 in Bishkek: "Our immortal epics like Manas are the eternal wealth of all mankind. The extent to which Manas belongs to the Kyrgyz people is the same for Manas belonging to the Azerbaijani people. Manas belongs to all Turkic peoples."

The foundation president underlined that the book written by Adil Jamil, a well-known scientist in the field of in-depth study of Manas, aims to bring the Turkic peoples closer together.

She also noted that the relations between the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and Kyrgyzstan, the founding member state of the organization, are strengthening day by day, adding that multiple projects are being implemented in this direction.

Speaking at the event, Kyrgyz Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalatbek Masadykov, noted that Manas is one of the brightest peaks of world epic art.

He emphasized that the preservation and transmission of rare values and knowledge collected in the epic, inherited from ancestors, created an opportunity for the Turkic peoples to continue their progressive development.

T. Masadykov said that the book published by the organization makes a significant contribution to the study of culture, traditions and spirit not only of the Kyrgyz people but of the entire Turkic world.

He highly appreciated the mutual friendship and cooperation of the organization with Kyrgyzstan and thanked the foundation for its support in the book publication as well as the author for his interest and in-depth research on the topic.

Kyrgyz Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kairat Osmonaliev said that scientific research of Manas and its comparative analysis with epics of other peoples are always relevant.

He stressed that the dastan was declared a cultural treasure of the world by the United Nations.

The ambassador said that this historical source, which contains a thousand-year history of Kyrgyzstan, also described the ties of friendship between the Kyrgyz people and various Turkic peoples.

In his speech, Kairat Osmonaliev also touched upon the importance of the work carried out by the foundation for the preservation of the common heritage of the Turkic world and evaluated the book as an important source for studying the features of Turkic folklore.

In their remarks, Azerbaijani MP Academician Nizami Jafarov, representative of TURKSOY Kanat Mambetaliyev, director of the Azerbaijan Institute of Folklore, Academician Muxtar Imanov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Azerbaijan to the Organization of Turkic States, statesman Hasan Hasanov stressed the book's major role in further strengthening the ties between the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples.

The author of the book, Adil Jamil, emphasized the important role of the preservation and promotion of Turkic inscriptions in the transmission of ancient thoughts and thinking of Turkic peoples to future generations.

He expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation with the foundation and the embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Azerbaijan for the high-level organization and presentation of the research he has been working on for a long time.

In the artistic part of the event, Manaschi Emirtemir Tolonov, a cadet of the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute, performed excerpts from the Manas epic.

Honored Art Worker of Azerbaijan Sahib Pashazada and Saule Osmonaliyeva thrilled the audience with Kyrgyz national songs and music.

Samples of Kyrgyz cuisine were also presented as part of the event. An exhibition of illustrations, dedicated to the Manas epic by the well-known Kyrgyz artist Zamir Ilipov, was of special attention.




Virtual Investor Conferences

Crown Exploration invites Accredited Investors that are U.S. Citizens to attend our real-time, interactive presentation on VirtualInvestorConferences.com

CARROLLTON, Texas, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Exploration, based in Carrollton, Texas, focused on Private Placement Offerings in Oil and Gas, today announced that its CEO, Shane Shanafelt will present live at the Oil & Gas Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 16th, 2023.



DATE: March 16th, 2023

TIME: 2:00-2:30 Eastern Time

LINK: https://bit.ly/3I8vLSO

Available for 1x1 meetings: March 17, 20, & 21

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Company Highlights

26-Year Old Private Oil and Gas Company

223+ wells in 38 Counties in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Montana

Developing areas with horizontal and fracture technology advances

Invest through Exclusive Broker-Dealer fully licensed with FINRA

About Crown Exploration

Since 1997, Crown Exploration has provided Accredited Investors the opportunity to lower their tax burden, earn monthly income, and diversify their portfolios by acquiring Oil and Gas interests across the United States.

The tax advantages of investing in Oil and Gas are not found in stocks, real estate, or any other investment.

Intangible Drilling Costs 100% Tax Deductible during first year

Tangible Drilling Costs 100% Tax Deductible over life of well

Depletion Allowance 15% of gross production revenue is tax-free

Active Income Deductions can be deducted against business income, salaries, capital gross interest income, etc.

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For over 26 years, Crown has set itself apart by applying new technology in proven areas, keeping its investors completely informed and holding up to unparalleled industry standards.

For a preview prior to the event, visit our website at www.crownexploration.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Crown Exploration

Shane Shanafelt

CEO

972-395-1133

shane@crownexploration.com

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com




LANZHOU, PINGLIANG and QINGYANG, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --The seven-day Foreign Journalists' Visit to Gansu 2023, jointly organized by The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government and the China Center for International Communication Development of CICG, came to a successful conclusion on February 26.

The Foreign Journalists' Visit to Gansu 2023 jointly organized by The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government and the China Center for International Communication Development of CICG comes to a successful conclusion

The delegation of journalists visited Lanzhou, the city that earned its fame for being one of the key stops along the ancient Silk Road, Qingyang, the cradle of Chinese agricultural civilization and medicine culture, and Pingliang, one of the original sources of Chinese civilization.

Understanding Gansu culture through its historical heritage

The journalists visited Lanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, Qinqiang Museum and Lanzhou Yellow River Bridge Museum, and viewed several contributions to Chinese intangible cultural heritage, including the Lanzhou Taiping Drum, the Lanzhou Drum, and the Lanzhou Gourd Carving. Through the distinctive exhibitions, the tradition-rich Qinqiang Opera performances, and precious original exhibits and miniature landscape models, they learned about the history of the bridges dotting the Yellow River, and experienced Gansu's many folk cultures and their development.

Observing sustainable development through new technologies

The delegation also visited the Comprehensive Intelligent Emergency Control Center at Lanzhou New Area Green Chemical Park, the production facilities of Gansu Hailiang New Energy Materials Co., Ltd., and the Pingliang Industrial Park (High-tech Zone) Comprehensive Energy Supply Area. They were given a tour of the area's traditional coal sector, and developed an understanding of how the sector had been transformed through an optimization of the energy structure supporting the province's traditional industries by extending the "coal industry chain", and building on top of that chain to develop energy and chemical industry clusters.

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Witnessing rural revitalization in Gansu Province through field visits

The journalists also toured Maosi Village, Xiansheng Town, Xifeng District, and the Master Herbalist Cave Health Town. The walks through the restored ancient buildings and local cave farmhouses, and the stop at the top of the glass bridge from which one can take in a panoramic view of the town's scenery, gave the journalists a genuine feel for the attraction and charisma of the area's history and traditional customs. They learned more about the folk culture of eastern Gansu and the province's experience in promoting rural revitalization as well as about the area's economic and social development through the integration of culture and tourism.

Gansu province was one of the first regions in China to develop strategies for environmental protection and to promote the kind of quality development in the Yellow River Basin that takes into account the local ecology. In recent years, Gansu's government has understood the degree to which the province's "lucid waters and lush mountains" are invaluable assets, and has integrated this viewpoint into its economic and social development. With the advantages bestowed on the eastern half of Gansu as a result of its energy reserves, the province has driven quality economic development while conserving the ecological environment. Gansu aims to promote the development of its cultural tourism industry by virtue of its precise positioning in the industry and the implementation of policies that support rural revitalization.

Guo Jinshi, director general of Publicity Department of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, said that he welcomed the journalists to visit Gansu in person to collect information first-hand, to take note of the amazing changes that have taken place throughout Gansu and tell the province's story. Fan Daqi, deputy director of the China Center for International Communication Development, said that he looked forward to experiencing the cultural charm of Gansu with the world's journalists, listening to the real stories about the ecological and economic achievements made by the province, and helping build a bridge for communication between China and the rest of the world.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-delegation-of-journalists-from-the-worlds-leading-media-organizations-tour-gansu-301770124.html

SOURCE The Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government; China Center for International Communication Development,CICG
FACT.MR

Fact. MRs latest report on Car Rental Market provides a detailed analysis of growth drivers, market restraints, and emerging trends. It also offers insights into various strategies employed by key market players to gain a competitive edge in the Car Rental Market.

Rockville , March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global car rental market is estimated to touch US$ 200 billion by the end of 2033, rising at 9.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.



A car rental service is a business that rents cars fors a fee for brief periods. It is usually organized with several local branches and is mostly found near airports or major metropolitan centers. Car rental companies typically help those who have a vehicle that is out of service or temporarily unavailable, including out-of-town vacationers or owners of destroyed or damaged vehicles waiting for repair or insurance payment.

Download Free Sample Copy of This Report:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=8420

A massive expansion in the travel & tourism industry worldwide is one of the key factors driving the growth of the car rental market. Furthermore, the expanding urban population's interest in travel and adventure is supporting market expansion. Individuals are resorting to car rental services for more mobility and cost-effective travel.

Another factor stimulating market growth is the implementation of beneficial government regulations and improved public awareness of environmental protection. Governments in both developing and developed economies are emphasizing the necessity of lowering vehicle emissions and promoting car rentals as among the most cost-effective modes of transportation. Other aspects, such as the growth of car rental services through websites and smartphone-based applications and rising customer spending power, are estimated to propel global market expansion.



Report Attributes



Details Forecast Period 2023 - 2033 Value Projection (2032) US$ 200 Billion Growth Rate (2022-2032) 9.6% CAGR No. of Pages 170 pages No. of Tables 80 Tables No. of Figures 227 Figures





Key Takeaways from Market Study

The global car rental market is valued at US$ 80 billion in 2023.

Worldwide demand for car rental services is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

The global market for car rental is set to hit US$ 200 billion by 2033.

North America held 52% share of the global market in 2022.

Demand for economy/budget cars is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% over the decade.



Story continues

A huge increase in the number of individuals traveling for both business and leisure purposes around the world is boosting the demand for car rental services. Moreover, increasing Internet penetration in both emerging and developed countries is aiding market companies in capturing a wider customer base through dedicated mobile apps for customer convenience, says a Fact.MR analyst.

Why is the US a significant market for car rental companies?

Booming Domestic Travel and Tourism Sector

North America will hold a 52% share of the global market in 2022, according to a study by Fact.MR, a supplier of market research and competitive intelligence. The region's market is expanding due to the presence of well-known automobile rental businesses as Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Avis Budget Group. Also, the expansion of the regional market is being fueled by the rising number of tourist and business arrivals in the area.

According to data from the United States Travel and Tourism Statistics, 2.25 billion Americans travelled domestically in 2021, making up the lion's share. In addition, leisure travel made up 72.6% of all tourism in America, with business travel and other types of travel making up the remaining 25.3%.

Key Companies Profiled in Car Rental Market Report

Toyota Motor Corporation

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Zipcar, Inc

Enterprise Holdings, Inc

Sixt SE

Avis Budget Group, Inc

Getaround, Inc





Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=8420

Competitive Landscape

There are numerous domestic and foreign companies operating on the moderately fragmented global market. Major participants in the car rental industry are concentrating on market expansion plans to capture local market share, build brand recognition, and penetrate emerging regions. These players prioritise enhancing their offerings in order to boost profitability and expand their clientele.

Another effective approach that market participants use to increase their market position is strategic partnerships. Moreover, several start-ups are entering the market and competing with prominent players.

Kovi, a Brazilian start-up, provides an online platform for car rental services. The platform allows customers to search for and book rental cars by providing duration, personal information such as driving license, and so on. It provides services such as a large pool of cars, insured rides, various payment choices, etc.

Ikenna Ordor's luxury car rental company 'Starr Luxury' announced its entrance into the United States in July 2022. It announced the launch of its services in major cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, Austin, Atlanta, and Houston. Starr Luxury is well-known for being one of the world's few companies of its sort to collaborate with five-star hotels.

Uber's premium electric car service, Uber Comfort Electric, revealed its extension into other United States cities in July 2022, including Portland, Las Vegas, Seattle, Baltimore, Denver, Philadelphia, and Austin.

Uber introduced a new car rental service named Uber Rent in May 2021 in collaboration with the Dublin-based car rental firm CarTrawler. CarTrawler will manage Uber's car rental technology, which is being pushed out across the United States as part of the agreement.

Regional Analysis

North America is dominating the global car rental market. The United States is leading the regional market due to the thriving domestic tourism industry. The market in Asia Pacific is also experiencing strong growth due to the increasing demand for car rental services in South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, Germany is significantly supporting the market expansion in Europe.

Quick Buy & Expand Your Horizons (Get 20% Discount):

https://www.factmr.com/checkout/8420

Key Segments

By Vehicle Type : Luxury/Premium Cars Economy/Budget Cars

By Booking Type : Offline Online

By Application : Leisure/Tourism Business

By End User : Self-driven Chauffeur-driven



Explore More Related Studies Published by Fact.MR Research:

Car Fuel Filter Market : The global car fuel filter market is estimated at USD 490 Million in 2022 and is forecast to surpass USD 671 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2022 to 2032.

Car DVR Market : The global car DVR market is expected to be worth US$ 1.5 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 2.49 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2022-2032.

Car Detailing Products Market: The global car detailing products market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.7% in the forecast period. The market at present is estimated at USD 4.40 Billions in 2022. The car detailing products market is expected to surpass the valuation of USD 6.96 Billion by end of 2032.

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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PMI

According to Prophecy Market Insights has published a new research report titled Desktop Virtualization Market, By Type (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Desktop-as-a-Service, Remote Desktop Services), By Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), By End-User Verticals (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Education, Healthcare, Government and others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2030 in its research database.

Covina, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest research study, the demand of Desktop Virtualization Market accounted for US$ 12.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to be US$ 35.2 billion by 2032 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 10.4%

Many benefits offered by desktop virtualization solutions such as centralization of IT functions and increasing the productivity of employees and other is the major factor driving the growth for the target market. Furthermore, the competence to lower difficulty and provide apps to various mobile users is the foremost factor boosting the adoption of desktop virtualization. Moreover, it is fully adjusted with cost reduction. Henceforth, cost-effectiveness is expected to be a key driving factor for the growth of the market. Desktop Virtualization Market accounted for US$ 12.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to be US$ 35.2 billion by 2032 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 10.4%.

The report "Global Desktop Virtualization Market By Type (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Desktop-as-a-Service, Remote Desktop Services), By Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), By End-User Verticals (It & Telecom, BFSI, Education, Healthcare, Government and others), and Region - Global Forecast to 2029"

Get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request a Desktop Virtualization Market sample report at:

https://www.prophecymarketinsights.com/market_insight/Insight/request-sample/3928

Story continues

Key Highlights:

On April 29, 2019, Dell Technologies and Microsoft enlarge partnership through VMware. VMware reveals they're working together on digital workspace offerings and future cloud integrations. This VMware will also extend the capabilities of Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop leveraging VMware Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure.

April 30, 2019, Dell Technologies, VMware, and Microsoft announced a hybrid cloud partnership that will permit customers to run VMwares software stack in Microsofts Azure public cloud.

Key Market Insights from the report:

Desktop Virtualization Market accounted for US$ 12.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to be US$ 35.2 billion by 2032 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 10.4%. The market report has been segmented on the basis of Product and end-users and region.

By Type global desktop virtualization market is classified into virtual desktop infrastructure, desktop-as-a-service, and remote desktop services.

By Organization size global desktop virtualization market is classified into large enterprises and SMEs.

By End-user global desktop virtualization market is classified into it & telecom, BFSI, education, healthcare, government and others

By Region, North America Expected to dominate the market. Owing to huge IT and telecommunications industry in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Due to the growing number of startups in the region.

Browse 60 market data tables* and 35 figures* through 140 slides and in-depth TOC on Global Desktop Virtualization Market By Type (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Desktop-as-a-Service, Remote Desktop Services), By Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), By End-User Verticals (It & Telecom, BFSI, Education, Healthcare, Government and others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - forecast till 2029

The prominent player operating in the global Desktop Virtualization market includes Citrix Systems Inc., DELL Technologies Inc, IBM Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Microsoft Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Parallels International GmbH, Red Hat Inc., NComputing Co. Ltd., and Ericom Software Inc. The key players in the market are focusing on product launch with technological advancement.

Scope of the Report:

Global Desktop Virtualization Market, By Type, 2022  2032, (US$ Bn) Overview Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Segment Trends

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Desktop-as-a-Service Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Remote Desktop Services Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Global Desktop Virtualization Market, By Organisation Size, 2022  2032, (US$ Bn) Overview Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Segment Trends

Large Enterprises Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

SMEs Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Global Desktop Virtualization Market, By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032, (US$ Bn) Overview Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Segment Trends

IT & Telecom Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

BFSI Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Education Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Healthcare Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Government Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Others Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2022  2032

Global Desktop Virtualization Market, By Region, 2022  2032, (US$ Bn) Overview Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2022  2032 Regional Trends

North America Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Type, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Organisation Size, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, 2022  2032 U.S. Canada

Europe Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Type, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Organisation Size, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, 2022  2032 Germany UK France Russia Italy Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Type, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Organisation Size, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, 2022  2032 China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Type, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Organisation Size, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, 2022  2032 Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Type, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Organisation Size, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By End-User Verticals, 2022  2032 Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, 2022  2032 GCC Israel South Africa Rest of Middle East



For More Information or Query or Customization before buying, Visit at

https://www.prophecymarketinsights.com/market_insight/Insight/request-customization/3928

Key Reasons to Purchase Desktop Virtualization Market:

There are several key reasons why businesses and individuals may choose to purchase desktop virtualization:

Cost Savings: Desktop virtualization can help businesses save money on hardware and maintenance costs. Since the virtualized desktop environment is hosted on a remote server, users do not need to purchase expensive desktop hardware. Additionally, because the virtual desktop is managed centrally, IT staff can manage and maintain the environment more efficiently, reducing costs. Scalability: Desktop virtualization allows businesses to easily scale their IT infrastructure to accommodate growing numbers of users. As more users require access to the virtual desktop environment, additional virtual machines can be added to the server infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand. Security: Desktop virtualization can help businesses enhance their security posture by centralizing data and application access. Because all data and applications are stored and accessed from the central server, there is less risk of data breaches or data loss from local devices. Flexibility: Desktop virtualization provides users with greater flexibility and mobility. Users can access their virtual desktop environment from any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Improved Performance: Desktop virtualization can improve the performance of applications and data access by centralizing these resources on high-performance server hardware. This can lead to faster application response times and improved user productivity.

About Prophecy Market Insights:

Prophecy Market Insights is specialized market research, analytics, marketing/business strategy, and solutions that offers strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high-value opportunities in the target business area. We also help our clients to address business challenges and provide the best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business.

Browse Other Related Research Reports from Prophecy Market Insights:



Desktop IP Phones Market: By Type (Video Desktop IP Phone and Common Desktop IP Phone), By Application (Office and Hotel), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2029

Network Automation Market: By Network Type (Physical, Virtual, and Hybrid), By Type (Network Automation Tools, SD-WAN and Network Virtualization, and Intent-based Networking), By Service Type (Managed and Professional), By Deployment (Cloud, On-premise, and Hybrid), By End- User Industry (IT and Telecom, Manufacturing, Energy and Utility, Banking and Financial Services, Education, and Other End-user Industries), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2030

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Market: By Type (On-Premise and Cloud Based), By Application (Virtualization, Grid Computing, And Enterprise Cloud), By End User (Large Enterprises, And Small & Medium Enterprises), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, And Middle East & Africa) - Trends, Analysis And Forecast Till 2030

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CONTACT: Shweta R Prophecy Market Insights U.S.: +1 860 531 2701 APAC: +917775049802 Email- sales@prophecymarketinsights.com Web: www.prophecymarketinsights.com




Ensurge Micropower ASA

Reference is made to the announcement by Ensurge Micropower ASA (the "Company") on 21 February 2023 regarding the Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting (Notice) to be held on 14 March 2023. The Nomination Committees proposal, with respect to agenda item 5 and 6 in the Notice, is attached hereto.

An updated version of the Boards proposal relating to the renewal and amendment of the Companys 2022 Subscription Rights Incentive Plan, cf. Section 9 of the Notice, is also attached, with revision marks identifying certain amendments to the proposal.

Contact:

Stale Bjrnstad - Investor Relations

Email: stale.bjornstad@ensurge.com

Phone: +47 99 16 76 72

About Ensurge Micropower

Ensurge is Energizing Innovation (TM) with ultrathin, flexible, and safe energy storage solutions for wearable devices, connected sensors, and beyond. Ensurge's innovative solid-state lithium battery (SSLB) technology is uniquely positioned to enable the production of powerful, lightweight, and cost-effective rechargeable batteries for diverse applications. The company's state-of-the-art flexible electronics manufacturing facility, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, combines patented process technology and materials innovation with the scale of roll-to-roll production methods to bring the advantages of SSLB technology to established and expanding markets. Ensurge Micropower ASA ("Ensurge") is a publicly listed company in Norway with corporate headquarters in Oslo and global headquarters in San Jose, California.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

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SINGAPORE, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") today launched a three-year international partnership with global conservation organisation WWF focusing on forest restoration and conservation around the world. This partnership is the first of its kind for a Japanese corporation in the electronics and precision instruments sector and builds on the existing relationship between the two organisations that started in March 2022 working on marine conservation in Southeast Asia.

Based on a shared ambition to tackle common environmental concerns, the partnership will encompass three objectives:

Addressing Epson's environmental footprint, Supporting WWF's forest restoration and conservation projects in seven countries in four regions, and Communicating about environmental issues.

To make this possible, Epson is planning a contribution of 240 million Japanese Yen (approximately 1.6 million Euros) over the next three years starting from March 2023 that will go towards WWF forestry projects.

Through the partnership, Epson will be supporting forest conservation activities and nature recovery efforts implemented by WWF across several "Deforestation Fronts"(1) and will aim to improve sustainability in their supply chain as a participant of WWF's Forests Forward(2) program. To realise a nature-positive world together, the collaboration will also promote the responsible use of forest resources (paper) in business, as well as future considerations for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and activities that contribute to a circular economy.(3)

"We are delighted to sign this agreement with the WWF," said Yasunori Ogawa, global president of Epson. "The world is facing an environmental catastrophe and it is essential we act now to preserve the biodiversity of our planet before it is too late. This partnership reflects Epson's commitment to conserving the environment, reducing waste, and ensuring that the use of natural resources is sustainable. With a goal of realizing a future in which people can live in harmony with nature, the WWF is a perfect fit for Epson."

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In 2021, Epson announced its Environmental Vision in which it pledged to become carbon negative and eliminate the use of non-renewable underground resources by 2050. To achieve these goals, the company is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at achieving decarbonization, closing the resource loop, providing products and services that reduce environmental impacts and developing environmental technologies. Epson recognizes that the engagement of the whole community is necessary to achieve a sustainable society, and is working with like-minded partners such as WWF to raise awareness of and take bold actions to solve environmental issues facing our planet.

"WWF welcomes this ambitious partnership with Epson for the future of the forest," said TOBAI, Sadayosi, CEO of WWF-Japan. "It's not only a single company's commitment, but also reflects a significant step forward to accelerate efforts from the private sector to prevent the degradation of nature, in particular the forests, that we all depend on."

The protection and responsible management of forest ecosystems has been high on the agenda at recent global discussions such as UN COP27 for climate and UN COP15 for biodiversity. It is critical that we ride on this momentum by making robust commitments and urgent transformative changes necessary to reverse biodiversity loss and build a more sustainable society.

Through the partnership and participation in the Forests Forward program, Epson and WWF are together committed to saving threatened forests in vital landscapes within, and beyond, Epson's supply chain by improving forest management and restoring nature.

Details about Partnership Activities

Forest conservation projects implemented by WWF-Japan

WWF Japan is working to conserve forest ecosystems in areas of deforestation such as Southeast Asia and South America, shift to sustainable production of agricultural, forestry, and livestock products that are leading drivers of deforestation, and promote sustainable use in Japan, which is a significant consumer country.

Working to conserve rare tropical forests and peat swamps that are home to wildlife such as tigers and orangutans. The surrounding forests are decreasing due to the extraction of raw materials for paper manufacturing and palm oil production. Credits:  Anton Vorauer/WWF

Working to conserve rare tropical forests and peat swamps that are home to wildlife such as tigers and orangutans. The surrounding forests are decreasing due to the extraction of raw materials for paper manufacturing and palm oil production. Credits:  Anton Vorauer/WWF

(1) Deforestation Front

The causes, pace and magnitude of deforestation and forest degradation have changed over time. The way that different causes of deforestation link together and the effects they have on forests varies across regions. Globally, a multitude of approaches have been implemented to halt deforestation and forest degradation. While progress has been made in halting forest loss and degradation, both continue at alarming rates. According to a WWF report , 43 million hectares of forest were lost in "deforestation fronts" in 24 countries between 2004 and 2017. For more details, visit WWF's Deforestation Front projects.

(2) Forests Forward

WWF's Forests Forward program engages businesses, local communities, and other key stakeholders to change forest valuation, management, protection, and recovery methods to benefit nature, people, and the climate.

For more details, visit https://forestsforward.panda.org/

(3) Circular Economy

In contrast to one-way businesses based on traditional methods of mass production and mass disposal, the circular socio-economic system recycles limited resources and continues to use them for as long as possible to eliminate waste. From the initial development stage, products and services are designed to greatly minimize the use and disposal of new resources.

Epson and WWF Marine Conservation in Southeast Asia

Launched in 2022 in Southeast Asia, Epson partnered with WWF-Singapore to scale coral restoration efforts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, as well as mangrove restoration in the Philippines. By working with local stakeholders and institutions, these restoration efforts support and restore the critically important marine ecosystem health that we all depend on, while building capacity among local communities as key stakeholders in the long-term maintenance and management of their coastal resources. These current programmes complement the upcoming forest conservation activities in Borneo and Sumatra Islands to protect biodiversity above land and under water, contributing to the restoration of both ecosystems on a larger scale.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.

corporate.epson/en/

About WWF

Established in Switzerland in 1961, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is the leading

conservation organization in the world, with a global network active in over 100 countries.

With a mission to build a future in which people can live in harmony with nature, it promotes the realization of a sustainable society. In particular, WWF is working to restore the world's rich biodiversity and realize a carbon-free society to prevent global warming.

https://panda.org/

SOURCE Epson Singapore
MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED

Ethylene Carbonate Market covers all the application areas of ethylene carbonate & the future scope for the molecule. The market is segmented by form, application and end use. The growing demand for products from various sectors having ethylene carbonate as a based ingredient is expected to drive the market.

New York, US, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maximize Market research, a global Material & Chemical market research firm, has published a competitive intelligence and market research report on  Ethylene Carbonate Market . The Ethylene Carbonate Market size was valued at USD 416.01 Mn in 2021. The total Ethylene Carbonate revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7 percent from 2022 to 2029, reaching nearly USD 1,161.95 Mn during the forecast period.



Market Size in 2021 USD 416.01 Mn Market Size in 2029 USD 1,161.95 Mn CAGR 13.7 percent (2022-2029) Forecast Period 2022-2029 Base Year 2021 Number of Pages 260 No. of Tables 125 No. of Charts and Figures 115 Segment Covered By Form, Application and End Use 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.

Request For Free Sample Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/6324

Ethylene Carbonate Market Scope and Research Methodology

The report is a comprehensive analysis of the Ethylene Carbonate market by region, segment and competitive landscape. For understanding the global factors affecting the Ethylene Carbonate Market, the report presents drivers, challenges, restraints and opportunities prevailing in the Ethylene Carbonate. Segments covered in the Ethylene Carbonate Market report are by form, application and end use. The report covers the current trends prevailing in the market & changing market scope for the molecule facilitating the leading companies for identifying investment pockets and opportunities in the Ethylene Carbonate.

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The report is equipped with a competitive analysis of the Ethylene Carbonate market players. Key players and new entrants in the ethylene carbonate market are listed together to provide a thorough analysis. The ethylene carbonate market was analysed by region, revenue, financial status, portfolio, technological advancement and mergers and acquisitions. The new entrants in the ethylene carbonate market were researched for growth prospects and future business outlooks. The analysis acts as a guide for stakeholders, investors, market players and followers and new entrants with an overall view of the ethylene carbonate market for formulating investment approaches and marketing tactics. Bottom-up approach was used to estimate the ethylene carbonate market size.

Ethylene Carbonate Market Overview

Ethylene Carbonate is a compound belonging to the esters family. Ethylene carbonate is an essential raw material in the production of lubricants. The rapid urbanization & increasing disposable income is driving the market demand for lubricants in the vehicle industry requiring ethylene carbonate. The increasing use of ethylene carbonate in pharmaceutical & cosmetics is primarily driving the ethylene carbonate market.

Ethylene Carbonate Market Dynamics

The Ethylene Carbonate market is expected to grow rapidly as a result of growing demand in the vehicle sector as a result of growing living standards. Ethylene carbonate is witnessing an increased demand in the cosmetics & pharmaceutical industry. The application of ethyl carbonate in lithium ion batteries is getting increasingly popular. The batteries are adopted in electric cars. In 2021, the sales of electric vehicles rose by 3240 units compared to 2020. This is expected to increase the ethylene carbonate market scope during the forecast period.

The adoption of toxic materials for the production of ethylene carbonate is expected to limit the market scope. Ethylene carbonate however itself is environment friendly resulting in companies looking for advanced solutions to make the manufacturing process eco-friendly. This is expected to positively impact the ethylene carbonate market growth over the forecast period.

Get the Sample PDF of Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/6324

Ethylene Carbonate Market Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region is dominating the ethylene carbonate market. The electronic industry in the Asia region is huge with China & Japan having the highest production of lithium batteries. The government's limitation on combustions in the region is further increasing the demand. The Asia-Pacific region is also a huge hub for pharmaceuticals with India & China being leading manufacturers of active excipients globally. The huge demand in the pharma sector is further driving the ethylene carbonate market growth in the region

North America is expected to witness the highest market growth. The high spending power in the region & surge in the demand for electric vehicles is driving the regional ethylene carbonate market growth. The availability of great reimbursement in the healthcare sector is resulting in high demand for pharma products of premium quality is also driving the ethylene carbonate market growth in the region.

Ethylene Carbonate Market Segmentation

By Form:

Solid

Liquid

By Application:

Lubricants

Surface Coatings

Lithium Battery Electrolyte

Plasticizers

Others



By End Use:

Automotive

Industrial

Oil & Gas

Medical

Other



Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-customization/6324

Ethylene Carbonate Market Key Players include:

Thermo Fisher Scientific (US)

Empower Materials (US)

Huntsman International LLC (US)

Alfa Aesar (US)

Chevron Phillips Chemical (US)

BASF SE (Germany)

The Merck Group (Germany)

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Japan)

FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation (Japan)

Toagosei Co., Ltd. (Japan)

New Japan Chemical Co. Ltd (Japan)

Tokyo Chemical Industry Co. Ltd (Japan)

Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd. (India)

RX Marine International (India)

Vizag Chemical (India)

Antares Chem Private Limited (India)

Parsol Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. (India)

Shandong Lixing Chemical Co.,Ltd (China)

Taixing Taida Fine Chemical Co. Ltd (China)

Zibo Donghai Industries Co. Ltd. (China)

OUCC Taipei (Taiwan) Pure Encapsulations, Inc.





Key questions answered in the Ethylene Carbonate Market are:

What is Ethylene Carbonate?

What are the major drivers of the Ethylene Carbonate market?

What is the expected size of the Ethylene Carbonate market by 2029?

Which factors are expected to restrain the Ethylene Carbonate market growth?

Who are the key players in the Ethylene Carbonate market?

Which segment dominated the Ethylene Carbonate market growth?

Which segment is expected to have the highest demand during the forecast period?

What is the demand pattern for the Ethylene Carbonate Market?

Which region held the largest share in the Ethylene Carbonate market?



Get a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/6324

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 Form, Application and End Use

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 Material & Chemical research firm, has also published the following reports:

Bioplastic Composites Market : The total market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7 percent over the forecast period and the market is expected to reach USD 68.10 Bn by 2029. The environment friendly nature of bioplastics and increasing acceptance by the consumers are primarily driving the market growth.

Lead Acid Battery Market : The total market size was valued at USD 61.45 Bn in 2021 and the market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.51 percent over the forecast period. Advancements in energy storage go hand in hand with creative machinery design is expected to drive market growth.

Ammonia Market : The total market size was valued at 178188.20 kilotons in 2021, and it is expected to reach 209596.02 kilotons by 2029 with a CAGR of 2.05 percent during the forecast period. Demand for ammonia in the agricultural industry associated with the consumption of food via growth in population is the factor expected to drive the market growth.

Hydrogen Compressor Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 2.37 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 5.79 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for Hydrogen compressors in the mobility sector and developing companies in hydrogen compression technologies.

Hydrogen Generation Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 246.60 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 6.3 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing energy demand with rising environmental concerns, which are fuelling the need for sustainable energy sources like hydrogen.

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




BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone banks have no exposure to Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and euro zone banks are in good shape, the chairman of euro zone finance ministers Paschal Donohoe said on Monday.

"The problems arise from the specific business model of the Silicon Valley Bank. And the picture here in Europe is very different. Our banks are overall in good shape," Donohoe told a news conference after talks of euro zone finance ministers.

"We have strengthened them enormously in recent years, and they are under the close supervision of national and European authorities and the Basel framework is being applied to all EU banks. There is no direct exposure, therefore, to Silicon Valley Bank," he said.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski)
ReportLinker

Frozen Food Market in Europe 2023-2027. The analyst has been monitoring the frozen food market in Europe and is forecast to grow by $48.81 bn during 2022-2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Frozen Food Market 2023-2027" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428858/?utm_source=GNW

Our report on the frozen food market in Europe provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.

The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by growing inclination toward e-commerce, expansion of retail stores offering frozen food, and growing consumer inclination toward vegan frozen food.



The frozen food market in Europe is segmented as below:

By Distribution Channel

 Offline

 Online



By Product

 Frozen ready meals

 Frozen fish and seafood

 Frozen meat and poultry

 Frozen fruits and vegetables

 Others



This study identifies technological innovations as one of the prime reasons driving the frozen food market growth during the next few years. Also, expanding the organized retail landscape and growing popularity of private-label frozen foods will lead to sizable demand in the market.



The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our report on the frozen food market in Europe covers the following areas:

 Frozen food market sizing

 Frozen food market forecast

 Frozen food market industry analysis



This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading frozen food market vendors that include Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Aryzta AG, Associated British Foods Plc, BRF SA, Cargill Inc., CONGELADOS CIENTOCINCO, S.L., Dr. August Oetker KG, FRoSTA AG, General Mills Inc., Iceland Foods Ltd., JBS SA, McCain Foods Ltd., Nestle SA, Nomad Foods Ltd, Orkla ASA, The Kraft Heinz Co., Tyson Foods Inc., ULTRACONGELADOS VIRTO, SAU, WH Group Ltd., and William Jackson Food Group Ltd. Also, the frozen food market in Europe analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities.

The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors.



The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. Technavios market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast accurate market growth.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428858/?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




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Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Monkeypox Testing Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2023-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Europe monkeypox testing market was valued at USD 18,330.00 thousand in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 56.10 thousand by 2025.

Syndromic tests for monkeypox detection are expected to witness strong growth because they can distinguish monkeypox from other harmful diseases, allowing for easier treatment.

On 25th May 2022, Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol announced that they had developed a unique LightMix Modular Virus kit that simultaneously detects orthopoxvirus and offers information on whether an MPXV is present or not, including all MPXV from both the West African and Central African forms of the virus.



Rapid tests in the Europe monkeypox testing market are also expected to witness strong growth due to their rapid results and increasing consumer preference. Demand for MPXV testing kits is expected to decline during the forecast as the cases can be seen declining due to increased surveillance, contact tracing, and increasing vaccination across Europe. Increasing cases and testing are driving the growth of the Europe monkeypox testing market. The growing development of PCR kits as a standard gold method for monkeypox virus detection is propelling the growth of the market in the country.

Also, increasing collaborations among In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) companies to develop and launch new monkeypox test kits is driving market growth. Surprisingly, the ease in medical device regulation only specific for monkeypox encouraged the IVD companies to bring new testing kits into the market and commercialize it, with PCR kits being the gold standard method.

Confirmation of MPXV infection is based on nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), which uses conventional or real-time PCR to detect unique viral DNA sequences and is widely used as a standard method to detect MPXV.

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SEGMENT ANALYSIS



The growing product launches of lateral flow assay kits are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the Europe monkeypox testing market growth. Lateral flow assay is presently not preferred for monkeypox detection in the region because it may give false positive and negative results and because of its high cost.

A number of rapid antibody and antigen test kits has been developed. Nanjing Synthgene Medical Technology, a China-based biomedical company, offers CE-certified rapid antibody and antigen tests at USD 1,253 and USD 438, respectively. In contrast, its MPXV Detection Kit (RT-PCR) costs around USD 144 with 24 tests, which means about USD 6 for each test.



By Type

The growing surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccine doses across the region are expected to impede market growth by a greater margin. However, it is unclear how much vaccine administrations have contributed to the slowdown in case numbers, and it is also unclear how long vaccine effects will last. In July 2022, the European Commission approved the MPX preventative vaccine, recommended by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).



By End-User

Bavarian Nordic, a global leader in smallpox vaccines, has been a long-term supplier of the Imvanex vaccine to the US Government and has already supplied the vaccine in the European Union (EU) to many different, often unnamed, European countries. Bavarian Nordic is focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing human vaccines. Imvanex vaccine has been authorized to protect adults from MPX disease in the EU since 22nd July 2022.



Since the time of vaccine approval, the region has been ramping up to supply vaccine doses to every country dealing with the highest number of cases. Vaccine administration and contact tracing have rapidly increased in Spain, the second country after the US, with the highest number of confirmed cases since June 2022. On 20th October 2022, National Health Service (NHS) launched a new online vaccine site finder to make it easy for eligible people to vaccinate.



REGIONAL ANALYSIS



In 2022, EU-5 accounted for the largest share of 77.71% in the Europe monkeypox testing market. In EU-5, Spain accounts for the highest revenue share, followed by France, UK, Germany, and Italy, which can be attributed to increasing cases, and increased testing. More than 98% of cases are identified in men who have sex with men in EU-5. The Netherlands is vaccinating high-risk people against MPX using two doses of the Imvanex smallpox vaccine. Until 3rd August 2022, 1,976 people in the Netherlands received a preventive vaccination against the MPXV.



In Berlin, Germany, vaccinations against the viral infection had begun in mid-July. In July, The Standing Commission on Vaccination (Stiko) recommended this for certain groups and people who have had close contact with infected persons. It sees an increased risk of infection, particularly among men who have same-sex sexual contact with changing partners.

According to the Senate Department for Health, demand for the MPX vaccine is very high in Berlin; however, the vaccine is still in very short supply. The shortage in vaccine supply has increased the chances of spreading MPX, which implicitly increases the possibilities of the Europe monkeypox testing market growth.

However, in the future, the growing number of vaccinations for monkeypox may hinder the growth of the MPX testing market. In addition, as the currently authorized vaccine, Imvanex is not authorized for children and pregnant women, the growth of MPX testing still holds growth opportunities during the forecast period. Also, an increase in risky behavior may cause a resurgence of the virus that may keep the opportunity for MPX testing market demand.

Increasing activities among vendors are driving the Europe monkeypox testing market growth, including the following:

In July 2022, ELITechGroup, a France-based privately held manufacturer and distributor of IVD equipment, strategically partnered with Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies for monkeypox virus testing across Europe.

In June 2022, Eurobio Scientific launched a CE-marked monkeypox screening test available for hospital use in France.

On 8th June 2022, altona Diagnostics, a medical diagnostic company headquartered in Germany, announced the launch of the RealStar Zoonotic Orthopoxvirus PCR Kit 1.0, a real-time RT-PCR based reagent system for the detection of zoonotic (non-variola) Orthopoxvirus species-specific DNA - including MPVX DNA of the Central and West African strains.

On 27th June 2022, Cepheid collaborated with the UK-based global molecular diagnostics company BioGX and announced a partnership between the two companies to provide a PCR test for MPX that will run on the GeneXpert system.

In July, the altona Diagnostics company launched another monkeypox virus detection kit, Flexstar Monkeypox virus PCR Detection Mix 1.5, for research purposes.

Bioactiva Diagnostica is another Germany-based company that offers PCR kits for monkeypox virus detection.

Vendor Landscape

Hoffmann-La Roche

Qiagen

altona Diagnostics

Autobio

Applied DNA Sciences

Aurora Biomed

bioactiva diagnostica

Beijing Hotgen Biotech

BioGX

CERTEST BIOTEC

Creative Biogene

CorDx

CLONIT

Eurobio Scientific

FireGene

GenScript

Guangzhou Pluslife Biotech

JOYSBIO (Tianjin) Biotechnology

Nanjing Synthgene Medical Technology

RayBiotech Life

Sansure Biotech

Virax Biolabs

Wondfo

Shanghai Biogerm Medical Technology

Segmentation By Region

Europe

EU-5

Spain

France

UK

Germany

Italy

Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe

Netherlands

Portugal

Switzerland

Nordic

Sweden

Denmark

Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of the Study



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation



6 Premium Insights

6.1 Overview



7 Market at a Glance



8 Introduction

8.1 Overview



9 Market Opportunities & Trends

9.1 Development of Rapid Testing Methods

9.2 Advances in PCR Technology

9.3 Vendor Collaborations



10 Market Growth Enablers

10.1 Increased Government Surveillance

10.2 Ease of Regulations for Product Approvals

10.3 Increased Product Launches



11 Market Restraints

11.1 Decline in MPX Cases

11.2 MPX Vaccine Approval & Access

11.3 False MPX Test Results



12 Market Landscape

12.1 Market Overview

12.1.1 Insights by Type

12.1.2 Insights by End-User

12.1.3 Insights by Geography

12.2 Five Forces Analysis



13 Test Type

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 Market Overview

13.3 PCR

13.4 Lateral Flow Assays

13.5 Others



14 End-User

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 Market Overview

14.3 Laboratories

14.4 Hospitals & Clinics

14.5 Others



15 Geography

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Market Overview

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t4abpz

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




Laman Ismayilova

Around 150 colorful paintings have been exhibited within the "Feelings and Paintings" art project that encourages creativity.

The exhibition was co-organized by the Culture Ministry, the Union of Azerbaijani Artists, the State Art Gallery, and the Khatai Art Center for non-professional artists, Azernews reports.

Secretary of the Union of the Azerbaijani Artists, People's Artist Agali Ibrahimov, Deputy Director of the State Art Gallery Gulshan Garibli, Director of the Khatai Arts Center Zahid Avazov, a representative of the Khatai District Executive Authorities, Mehriban Israfilova, and others attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Distinguished by unique art techniques, the artworks raised interest among art enthusiasts.

The authors of the best artworks were awarded valuable prizes and certificates. The online catalog of paintings is available here.

Furthermore, the Khatai Art Center will please art lovers with a series of exhibitions "Spring Colors".

The final exhibitions within the Republican Children's Drawing Contest will be held on March 14-17.

The event is jointly organized by the Culture Ministry, the Minister of Science and Education, the Azerbaijani TV and Radio Broadcasting Company, the Khatai District Executive Authorities, the Union of the Azerbaijani Artists, the State Art Gallery and the Khatai Art Center within the Year of Heydar Aliyev.

The art competition aims to show nature's awakening through the eyes of young artists.
ExeVir Bio

ExeVir Bio and VIB-UGents bioRxiv pre-print reports on S2-binding camelid single-domain antibody-based drug, XVR013, that targets the Achilles heel in the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike

Focus on protecting the millions of immuno-compromised patients, who are most vulnerable to COVID-19

GHENT, Belgium, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ExeVir Bio, a biotech company developing robust single domain antibody therapies for broad protection against infectious diseases, and its scientific founders at Belgiums VIB, Flanders leading life sciences institute, today announced the publication of a pre-print paper by De Cae et al., entitled Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that bind a conserved membrane proximal epitope of the spike. The pre-print paper is available here.

Nearly all SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies that have been used in the clinic show substantial loss of potency against currently circulating variants. The bioRxiv pre-print details a novel, highly potent, anti-S2 camelid single-domain antibody, discovered at the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, and developed as a candidate drug molecule by ExeVir as XVR013. It targets a conserved region in the spike S2 subunit that is essential for viral entry. It neutralizes all previous and current variants of concern and the currently most frequently circulating variants, including XBB, XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1 and BF.7.

These single-domain antibodies bypass the highly immunogenic spots on the S1 part of the COVID-19 virus, that were the targets of all first-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the clinic. In addition, the anti-S2 single domain antibodies directly neutralize the virus without relying on the patient's own immune system, potentially providing protection for immunocompromised patients who typically do not, or only poorly, respond to COVID-19 vaccines.

The S2 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike mediates membrane fusion, an essential step during virus entry. XVR013 prevents this membrane fusion and potently protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in an in vivo model.

Story continues

ExeVirs COVID-19 pipeline includes XVR012, which is a combination product of the S2-targeting single-domain antibody-based XVR013 reported in the pre-print paper, and XVR014, a bispecific single-domain-based antibody construct which targets two conserved epitopes in the S1 subunit, using an innovative design that will be reported in the future. XVR012 has demonstrated very high neutralization activity against all previous and current variants of concern and the currently most frequently circulating variants and is advancing towards clinical trials for COVID-19.

Dr. Torsten Mummenbrauer, CEO of ExeVir, said: The pandemic isnt over; it is an ongoing challenge for immunocompromised patients, who total around 3%1 of the world population and remain at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease despite availability of current vaccines. We are therefore delighted to share our positive results in this pre-print paper with our VIB colleagues. It highlights XVR013s unique and powerful mode of action targeted to a highly conserved epitope of the coronavirus spike protein. This is but one asset in our arsenal of multiple epitope binders which offer the potential of multi-specific binders to the spike protein in one molecule or as a cocktail. XVR013 is a super potent molecule with a single digit nanomolar IC 50 against virtually all circulating known variants. It could add an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable in our population who are unable to build an adequate immune response with current vaccines.

Dr. Bert Schepens of VIB, said: As there is currently a strong need for antibodies that work against the newest omicron variants, we think it is useful to rapidly communicate to our scientific colleagues about the discovery that targeting this novel membrane-proximal S2 epitope can yield such strong neutralization of SARS-CoV-2. We will be submitting a comprehensive paper for peer review soon. As researchers, it is very motivating that ExeVir, who we have been working closely with, is finalizing the preclinical package to move into the clinic. Together we are enabling great strides towards bringing a long-lasting biologic to treat and protect immuno-compromised and elderly people. Our research, part of which is pre-printed today, has unveiled weak spots in the SARS-CoV-2 spike; a true Achilles heel that requires spears with a small tip to reach them well, in the form of our new single domain antibodies.

The new S2-binding camelid single domain antibodies described in the bioRxiv pre-print paper by Sieglinde De Cae were identified and characterized in the lab of Xavier Saelens by the team of Bert Schepens (VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology). A hybrid molecule based on these camelid single domain antibodies and a human antibody was designed and built in the lab of Nico Callewaert (also VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology). The interaction between these single domain antibodies and the S2 protein was characterized by Inge Van Molle in the lab of Han Remaut (VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology). Together these labs form VIB's pandemic drug development response team, which was assembled by the Center for Medical Biotechnology in January 2020. The pharmacodynamic and safety properties of candidate drug molecules based on these S2-binding single domain antibodies were extensively evaluated in vitro and in vivo by ExeVir Bio.

[1] Global, regional, and national estimates of the population at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions in 2020: a modelling study (thelancet.com)

For more information contact:

ExeVir Bio

Veronique Vandevoorde

vvandevoorde@exevir.com

Scius Communications (for media)

Katja Stout

+44 778 943 5990

katja@sciuscommuications.com

Daniel Gooch

+44 774 787 5479

daniel@sciuscommunications.com

VIB

Joran Lauwers

+32 478 99 33 98

joran.lauwers@vib.be

About ExeVir Bio

ExeVir Bio is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing single-domain antibody based therapeutics focusing on infectious diseases. The company is harnessing its llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of infectious diseases. ExeVirs initial focus is on prevention of COVID-19 for the immunocompromised patient population, including active chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, solid organ transplantation, hematological malignancies, and AIDS patients, where there remains a high unmet need due to the limitations of current vaccines and therapeutic approaches.

ExeVirs COVID-19 pipeline includes XVR012, a combination product of XVR013 and XVR014, a bi-specific single-domain-based antibody construct which targets two conserved epitopes in the S1 subunit. Together they target several S1 and S2 epitopes in one product.

ExeVir has demonstrated it can progress its candidates from research to the clinic in under one year, execute on Phase 1a and Phase 1b studies and conduct scale-up manufacturing. Leveraging this extensive experience, its XVR012 asset is being developed for regulatory submission in 2023.

ExeVir has also initiated research in dengue, a migrating disease becoming an increasing global health burden due to global warming and urbanization.

VHHs are smaller in size than whole antibodies, giving them access to hidden epitopes that traditional monoclonal antibodies are unable to reach with potential for deeper tissue penetration and simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing. VHHs can be linked together like building blocks into a single molecule to tackle different epitopes or act through different mechanisms of actions at once, to address the arms race in more complex and co-evolving infectious diseases.

ExeVir is a spin out of VIB, the leading Belgium-based life sciences research institute. It is backed by strong investors including Fund+, which led the series A of EUR 42 million, together with an international consortium including UCB Ventures, FPIM, V-Bio Ventures, VIB, SRIW, Noshaq, Vives IUF and SambrInvest. ExeVir has received support from VLAIO, the SPW-Recherche and the European Union, leading to a total of 16.5M in non-dilutive funding. In 2023, Exivir secured an option for EUR 25 million venture debt financing from the European Investment Bank.

Find out more on ExeVirs LinkedIn or on ExeVirs website

About VIB

VIBs core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities  Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University  and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIBs technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information.

More info can be found on www.vib.be.




With hours to go before the trading day begins in Asia, top U.S. regulators have mulled guaranteeing all deposits at Silicon Valley Bank to prevent broader panic in the global financial sector, the Washington Post reported late Sunday.

Breaking news: Federal authorities are seriously considering safeguarding all uninsured deposits at Silicon Valley Bank, according to three people with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations. https://t.co/rUd6C4wEcJ  The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 12, 2023

Among the Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, FDIC, and White House, an outright buyer for the failed bank is the best-case scenario. "Most bank failures are resolved that way and enable depositors to avoid losing any money," according to the Post. The FDIC reportedly launched an auction for SVB assets yesterday, with final bids due at 2 p.m. EST.

That leaves them fewer than six hours before the trading markets open in Shanghai and Tokyo, where the global impact of the bank's failure late last week will become clear.

One of the options on the table includes providing a "backstop" for all uninsured deposits at Silicon Valley Bank, the Post reported, quoting an anonymous source as saying that federal officials are mulling a "legal and politically justifiable way to protect all uninsured deposits."

Such a move would not technically be a bailoutsomething Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ruled out over the weekendas it would tap into an insurance fund paid into by U.S. banks rather than falling back on taxpayer funds.

Silicon Valley Bank was among the 20 largest banks in the U.S. when it failed Friday after a bank run by customers. California state regulators placed the bank under the control of the FDIC, which in turn created a new entitythe Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clarathrough which to manage remaining assets.

Story continues

The FDIC guarantees deposits at member banks for up to $250,000, but many Silicon Valley Bank customers kept significantly larger balances. The bank catered to tech companies and startups, describing itself as "the financial services partner for the innovation economy," and many firms deposited the proceeds of entire fundraising rounds.

According to Silicon Valley Bank's most recent regulatory filings, more than 85% of its deposits were uninsured.

The Silicon Valley Bank Twitter account, @SVB_Financial, was also deleted on Sunday.

To proceed with the "backstop," Silicon Valley Bank's failure would have to be classified as part of "systemic risk" and agreed to by multiple regulatory bodies. This is a high bar, as many financial industry analysts remained confident in the stability of the U.S. financial sector despite Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.

This isnt a systemic eventthis is a midsize bank that was badly managed, University of Chicago business professor Anil Kashyap told the Post. It may be a little messy, but thats different than if you have somebody at the core of the financial system stop making payments to somebody else at the core of the system and then the core implodes."

Others, meanwhile, stepped up criticism of federal regulators, asserting that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank revealed shortcomings in their practices.

WHERE WERE REGULATORS? @mcuban, heres what the Feds top bank supervisor said as the SVB bank run was in full swing on Thursday. Source: https://t.co/7UsHDKfQ0a https://t.co/yWM3vw3jD0 pic.twitter.com/Qg2eZIDS0b  Caitlin Long  (@CaitlinLong_) March 12, 2023

The Post report is attributed to three people with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations. None of the cited agencies commented on the record.
Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, Asia Pacific holds the largest market for global optical power meters globally.

Farmington, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Fiber Optical Power Meter Market Size was estimated at USD 147.3 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 207.3 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. The Fiber Optical power metre is a type of handheld instrument that can be used to run, install, and take care of fibre optic networks. It is tough and accurate. This instrument is easy to use, comes with everything you need, and is easy to carry. The growth of the fibre optic communication system and test equipment market is very important to the growth of the fibre optic power metre market.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Fiber Optical Power Meter Market Size, Share & Trends Estimation Report By Type (850 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, Others) By Application (Test equipment, Fiber optic communication system, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Market Dynamics:

In spite of the many factors that are driving the market for fibre optic power metres, growth rates are expected to be volatile as a result of the sophisticated and strict nature of the way these metres function. Conversion issues between OE and EO are one of the most significant challenges faced by manufacturers of fibre optic power metres in today's industry. Because of this, it will be more difficult for a greater number of individuals to adopt fibre optic power metres. There is a good chance that applications that have low attenuation, an increase in measurement resolution, and an increase in the amount of time data can be collected will generate a significant amount of new revenue for the market for fibre optic power metres.

Regional Outlook:

The largest market for optical power metres is in Asia and the Pacific.

Asia-Pacific has the biggest share of the global optical power metre market and is expected to keep doing so over the next few years. This is because of the growth of telecommunications companies and internet communications, as well as demand from a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, defence and government, industrial, and commercial. As the fibre optic industry in the area grows, the global market for optical power metres is expected to grow.

Story continues

The region has become home to a number of large on-going fibre optic projects, such as the Cambodia Fiber Optic Communication Network Co., Ltd., which plans to cover 100% of urban areas with broadband by 2020 and 70% of rural areas. Industry Analysis also says that the income from the fibre optic market in India rose by about 20% in 2019.

There have also been a lot of new market launches and expansions in the region. Anritsu Corporation released the new MU100023A OTDR*1 module for the Network Master Pro MT1000A optical network measurement instrument in July 2020. This module adds support for triple wavelengths (1310/1550 nm, 1650 nm SMF) to the existing module line. Also, the Japanese company Yokogawa Electric Corporation has signed an agreement to invest in the Nippon India Digital Innovation Fund of Funds. This will help the company grow its business in India faster.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 207.3 Million By Type 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, Others By Application Test equipment, Fiber optic communication system, Other By Companies Fluke Power Quality , Newport Corporation , Thorlabs, Joinwit Optoelectronic Tech, Co., Ltd , NOYES , Electro Rent Corporation , Artifex Engineering, M2 Optics, Inc. , EXFO , CableOrganizer.com, Inc.,Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc , Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc 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:

Fluke Power Quality , Newport Corporation , Thorlabs, Joinwit Optoelectronic Tech, Co., Ltd , NOYES , Electro Rent Corporation , Artifex Engineering, M2 Optics, Inc. , EXFO , CableOrganizer.com, Inc.,Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc , Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc, and others.

By Type

850 nm

1310 nm

1550 nm

Others

By Application

Test equipment

Fiber optic communication system

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:

FCC Catalyst Market - The Global FCC Catalysts Market Is Worth USD 2.7 Billion In 2021 And Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 3.5% From 2023 To 2030.

Parenteral Packaging Market - The Global Parenteral Packaging Market Size Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 5.5% From 2023 To 2030.

Elastomeric Couplings Market - The Global Elastomeric Couplings Market Is Expected To Grow From USD 1.02 Billion In 2022 To USD 1.48 Billion In 2030, At A CAGR Of 4.5% From 2023 To 2030.

Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per client needs or requirements.For any queries, you can contact us on anna@contrivedatuminsights.com or +1 215-297-4078. Our sales executives will be happy to understand your needs and provide you with the most suitable reports.

About Us:

Contrive Datum Insights (CDI) is a global delivery partner of market intelligence and consulting services to officials at various sectors such as investment, information technology, telecommunication, consumer technology, and manufacturing markets. CDI assists investment communities, business executives, and IT professionals to undertake statistics-based accurate decisions on technology purchases and advance strong growth tactics to sustain market competitiveness. Comprising of a team size of more than 100 analysts and cumulative market experience of more than 200 years, Contrive Datum Insights guarantees the delivery of industry knowledge combined with global and country-level expertise.

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Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Figure 1

Sunbird Deposit long-section looking west showing recent drilling results.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) is pleased to provide an update on its Sunbird drilling program at the Seguela Gold Project located in Cote dIvoire.



Paul Weedon, Senior Vice President of Exploration at Fortuna, commented, Infill drilling at Sunbird to upgrade resource confidence has commenced, with the first batch of results returning shallow high grade intersections from modelled low grade areas from within the pit optimization shell, including highlights such as 10.6 g/t Au over a true width of 21.7 meters in drill hole SGRC1572 and 14.9 g/t Au over a true width of 14 meters from drill hole SGRC1570. Mr. Weedon continued, In addition to the initial infill results, extension drilling to test the northern strike beyond the pit shell has been successful in intersecting additional high grade results such as 12.0 g/t Au over a true width of 5.6 meters in drill hole SGRC1566 and 6.6 g/t Au over a true width of 6.3 meters in drill hole SGRC1567. Mr. Weedon added, The focus at Sunbird is currently on upgrading its resource confidence with the ultimate intention of conversion to mineral reserves to expand Seguelas current 1.1 million ounces of gold reserves and nine-year life-of-mine1. The Company is looking forward to the positive outcome of the program and the resumption of testing the high grade depth potential beyond the current optimization shell limit.

Sunbird Deposit infill drilling highlights:

SGRC1572 : 10.6 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 21.7 meters from 60 meters

SGRC1570: 14.9 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 14.0 meters from 65 meters and5.4 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 4.2 meters from 38 meters

SGRC1566: 12.0 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 5.6 meters from 28 meters

SGRC1576: 9.9 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 9.8 meters from 163 meters

SGRC1568: 4.1 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 14.7 meters from surface

SGRC1573 : 6.6 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 9.1 meters from 126 meters

SGRC1564: 2.5 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 19.6 meters from surface



Story continues

Infill drilling for increased resource confidence at Sunbird is underway, with 30 holes drilled in the first 4,560 meters completed of a 9,500 meter program. Drilling has continued to intersect shallow high-grade mineralization in areas previously modeled as lower grade based on earlier wider spaced drilling. Drill hole SGRC1572 intersects several zones of mineralization including 10.6 g/t Au over a true width of 21.7 meters and SGRC1570 intersects 14.9 g/t Au over a true width of 14.0 meters in the north of the pit optimization shell (refer to Figure 1).

Drilling to test continuity beyond the pit optimization shell to the north has also intersected broad shallow zones of mineralization including 2.5 g/t Au over a true width of 19.6 meters from surface in drill hole SGRC1564 and 2.4 g/t Au over a true width of 17.5 meters from surface in drill hole SGRC1581. Additional drilling is planned to further define the extent of these zones.

Note:

Seguela Probable Mineral Reserves of 12.1 Mt averaging 2.80 g/t Au. Refer to Seguelas technical report entitled Seguela Project, Feasibility Study, Worodougou Region, Cote dIvoire, with an effective date of May 26, 2021



Drilling is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2023 ahead of further optimization work and integration into the life of mine plan. Further drilling to test the depth potential of the high grade shoots previously identified plunging to the south is planned for the second half of 2023.

Sunbirds mineralization consists of a series of near vertical quartz dominant veins demonstrating good continuity down-dip and along strike. This reflects the strong structural control present; consistent with the majority of the deposits drilled at Seguela to date. Refer to Appendix 1 for full results received for all holes drilled in the first phase of the Sunbird drill program.

Figure 1: Sunbird Deposit long-section looking west showing recent drilling results.

Sunbird Deposit long-section looking west showing recent drilling results.





Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA-QC)

All drilling data completed by the Company utilized the following procedures and methodologies. All drilling was carried out under the supervision of the Companys personnel.

All RC drilling at Seguela used a 5.25-inch face sampling pneumatic hammer with samples collected into 60-liter plastic bags. Samples were kept dry by maintaining enough air pressure to exclude groundwater inflow. If water ingress exceeded the air pressure, RC drilling was stopped, and drilling converted to diamond core tails. Once collected, RC samples were riffle split through a three-tier splitter to yield a 12.5% representative sample for submission to the analytical laboratory. The residual 87.5% samples were stored at the drill site until assay results were received and validated. Coarse reject samples for all mineralized samples corresponding to significant intervals are retained and stored on-site at the company-controlled core yard.

All diamond drilling (DD) drill holes at Seguela were drilled with HQ sized diamond drill bits. The core was logged, marked up for sampling using standard lengths of one meter or to a geological boundary. Samples were then cut into equal halves using a diamond saw. One half of the core was left in the original core box and stored in a secure location at the company core yard at the project site. The other half was sampled, catalogued and placed into sealed bags and securely stored at the site until shipment.

All Seguela RC and DD core samples were shipped to ALS Laboratories preparation laboratory in Yamoussoukro for preparation and then, via commercial courier, to ALSs facility in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso for finishing. Routine gold analysis using a 50-gram charge and fire assay with an atomic absorption finish was completed for all Seguela samples. Quality control procedures included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates and sample standards into the sample stream. In addition, the ALS laboratory inserted its own quality control samples.

Mineral Resources

Current Mineral Resources at the Sunbird Deposit are set below. For further information refer to Fortuna news release dated December 5, 2022.

Deposit Classification Tonnes

(000) Au

(g/t) Au

(koz) Sunbird

Measured - - - Indicated 3,260,000 2.74 279,000 Inferred 4,219,000 3.74 506,000

Notes:

Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as defined by the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability Factors that could materially affect the reported Mineral Resources include changes in metal price and exchange rate assumptions; changes in local interpretations of mineralization; changes to assumed metallurgical recoveries, overall slope angles, mining dilution and recovery used to generate the pit design; and assumptions as to the continued ability to access the site, retain mineral and surface rights titles, maintain environmental and other regulatory permits, and maintain the social license to operate at Seguela Mineral Resources are estimated and reported as of November 21, 2022 Mineral Resources are reported in-situ constrained within an optimized pit shell at a cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t Au based on an assumed gold price of US$1,700/oz, metallurgical recovery rate of 94.5%, mining cost of US$3.04/t, processing and G&A costs of US$21.44/t, and refining/selling costs including state and third-party royalties of US$113.64/oz Au. The pit design was completed based on overall slope angle of 36. 8 for oxide material, 44.2 for transitional material and 53.3 for fresh material Matthew Cobb is the Qualified Person responsible for Mineral Resources, being an employee of Roxgold Inc. Totals may not add due to rounding procedures

Qualified Person

Paul Weedon, Senior Vice President of Exploration for Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 being a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (Membership #6001). Mr. Weedon has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Weedon has verified the data disclosed, and the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing geochemical and geological databases and reviewing diamond drill core. There were no limitations to the verification process.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with four operating mines in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico and Peru, and a fifth mine under construction in Cote d'Ivoire. Sustainability is integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders through efficient production, environmental protection, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza

President, CEO and Director

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Investor Relations:

Carlos Baca | info@fortunasilver.com | www.fortunasilver.com | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Forward looking Statements

This news release contains forward looking statements which constitute forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, Forward looking Statements). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward looking Statements. The Forward looking Statements in this news release may include, without limitation, statements about the Companys plans for the exploration on the Sunbird deposit at the Seguela gold Project; the anticipated exploration and development programs at the Sunbird deposit, together with the investment, nature, implementation and timing thereof; the timing for, and anticipated results of the exploration programs at the Sunbird deposit Seguela gold Project, and the intention to expand mineralization at the Seguela gold Project beyond the pit optimization shell and integrate into the life of mine plan; the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves at the Sunbird deposit; the Companys business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Companys mines and mineral properties; mineral resource and reserve estimates; timelines; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these Forward looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, planned, reflecting, will, containing, remaining, to be, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

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 results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and workforce and the effects on the global economy and society; changes in prices for silver, gold and other metals; the timing of the Companys proposed exploration programs at the Sunbird deposit at the Seguela gold Project; the success of the Companys proposed exploration programs; there can be no assurance that the infill drill program will result in the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves; technological and operational hazards in Fortunas mining and mine development activities; risks inherent in mineral exploration; fluctuations in prices for energy, labor, materials, supplies and services; fluctuations in currencies; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; governmental and other approvals; political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is active; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Information Form. 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to expectations regarding the results from the exploration programs conducted at the Seguela Gold Project; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Companys information derived from its exploration programs at the Sunbird deposit at the Seguela Gold Project; the infill drill program will result in the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves ; current mineral resource and reserve estimates; the presence and continuity of mineralization at the Seguela gold Project; that the Companys activities will be in accordance with the Companys public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that Forward looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward looking Statements.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources

Reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves.

Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and mineral reserve and resource information included in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.

APPENDIX 1. Sunbird Deposit drill results, Seguela gold Project, Cote dIvoire

HoleID Easting (WGS84_29N) Northing (WGS84_29N) Elevation

(m) EOH Depth (m) UTM Azimuth Dip Depth From1 (m) Depth To (m) ETW2

(m) Au (ppm) Hole Type3 SGDD115 742540 892860 530 558.8 90 -60 449 454 3.5 2.63 DD 467 471 2.8 1.32 DD SGDD116 742615 892510 545 255.2 90 -60 NSI DD SGDD117 742640 892560 539 235.2 90 -60 144 153 6.3 3.63 DD including 152 153 0.7 11.45 DD SGDD119 742680 892735 549 201.3 90 -60 104 116 8.4 1.10 DD 124 125 0.7 14.25 DD SGDD120 742965 893285 521 324.5 270 -60 305 314 6.3 2.07 DD SGDD121 742615 892785 555 322.4 90 -60 200 203 2.1 2.30 DD 293 301 5.6 2.48 DD SGDD122 742727 892985 503 110.1 270 -60 Geotech hole - Not Sampled DD SGDD123 742805 892968 506 125.1 120 -60 Geotech hole - Not Sampled DD SGDD124 742719 892732 536 115.1 180 -60 Geotech hole - Not Sampled DD SGRD1559 742570 892810 548 400.4 90 -60 313 318 3.5 4.38 RCD including 317 318 0.7 15.15 RCD 349 360 7.7 1.91 RCD 366 376 7 3.42 RCD including 372 373 0.7 10.55 RCD SGRD1562 742695 893210 483 300.1 90 -60 243 256 9.1 5.18 RCD including 248 249 0.7 25.80 RCD SGRC1563 742865 893685 455 90 90 -60 55 59 2.8 1.25 RC SGRC1564 742875 893635 460 60 90 -60 0 28 19.6 2.52 RC including 17 18 0.7 16.40 RC SGRC1565 742855 893635 457 90 90 -60 55 62 4.9 2.37 RC SGRC1566 742865 893585 464 66 90 -60 28 36 5.6 12.03 RC including 29 34 3.5 18.38 RC SGRC1567 742845 893585 462 96 90 -60 60 69 6.3 6.61 RC including 60 61 0.7 22.70 RC SGRC1568 742875 893535 474 60 90 -60 0 21 14.7 4.06 RC including 0 1 0.7 12.50 RC and 15 16 0.7 13.90 RC SGRC1569 742855 893535 471 90 90 -60 44 48 2.8 6.01 RC including 46 47 0.7 17.30 RC SGRC1570 742912 893510 483 90 270 -60 30 38 5.6 2.32 RC 65 85 14 14.94 RC including 73 81 5.6 33.87 RC SGRC1571 742885 893485 484 79 270 -60 3 6 2.1 4.61 RC 12 18 4.2 1.25 RC SGRC1572 742905 893485 486 100 270 -60 38 44 4.2 5.41 RC including 38 39 0.7 16.60 RC 52 56 2.8 7.35 RC including 52 53 0.7 22.90 RC 60 91 21.7 10.60 RC including 74 76 1.4 81.45 RC and 81 87 4.2 18.75 RC SGRC1573 742925 893485 489 140 270 -60 126 139 9.1 6.57 RC including 133 136 2.1 22.42 RC SGRC1574 742880 893460 488 60 270 -60 3 17 9.8 0.63 RC SGRC1575 742813 893435 495 161 90 -60 NSI RC SGRD1576 742770 893435 486 210 90 -60 163 177 9.8 9.88 RCD including 166 169 2.1 16.77 RCD and 171 172 0.7 43.40 RCD SGRC1579 742840 893360 493 80 90 -60 20 25 3.5 2.26 RC SGRC1581 742885 893685 457 60 90 -60 0 25 17.5 2.40 RC including 13 14 0.7 37.50 RC SGRC1588 742780 893210 492 140 90 -60 83 89 4.2 1.05 RC SGRC1590 742780 893160 492 90 90 -60 18 39 14.7 0.90 RC 78 82 2.8 1.28 RC 89 90 0.7 23.50 RC SGRC1591 742735 893160 484 200 90 -60 172 180 5.6 3.69 RC including 177 178 0.7 15.90 RC

Notes:

EOH: End of Hole NSI: No significant intercepts ETW: Estimated true width RCD: Reverse circulation with diamond tail | DD: Diamond drilling tail | RC: Reverse Circulation drilling

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7e63f2df-ec05-4c8b-9208-e9a0c7b68faa




Communities First Financial Corporation

FRESNO, Calif., March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Communities First Financial Corporation (OCTQX: CFST), parent of Fresno First Bank, today announced that after seventeen years of being known as Fresno First Bank, the Fresno Community Bank will be changing its name to FFB Bank (the Bank). In light of recent events involving certain regional banks, the Bank also announced it continues to maintain strong capital levels and healthy reserves.



With the sudden failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, we want to underscore the importance of maintaining strong capitalization and diversified sources of funding, said Steve Miller, FFB Bank President and CEO. Our capital levels are solid, and we have been consistently profitable, evidenced by the last two years of record earnings. We navigated through a similar time from April 2020 to October 2020 following the PPP and Banks COVID Loan deferrals, which stabilized credit quality and Capital fears. The following (unaudited) financial information is provided considering the recent industry events.

As of March 10, 2023:

Total deposits have grown 4.2% to $1.127 billion from $1.081 billion at year-end 2022.

Cash and cash equivalents total over $57.7 million and represent 4.5% of total assets.

Total securities held to maturity total $3.5 million, or 0.27% of total assets.

Total securities available for sale were $325.0 million with the negative mark of $24.2 million reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Reliance on wholesale funding, which includes brokered deposits and overnight borrowing, decreased to $50 million from $84 million as of year-end.

FFB Bank has no exposure to venture capital or cryptocurrency.

No material changes in asset quality from year-end 2022.

FFB Bank has $440 million in secured lines of credit and $91 million in unsecured lines of credit available.

Considering the recent events in the banking sector and general market, we wanted to communicate clearly with our customers, shareholders, and key stakeholders about where our bank stands from a balance sheet and profit strength standpoint. Our team has been actively engaged with our customers since last week answering their questions/concerns about the recent bank failures and also explaining to them the difference between our banks strategy and why we are confident in our position. Because of the location of our core franchise versus where these failures took place, our team is seeing opportunity to gain new customers and talent to join our team.

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Mr. Miller continued, Over the last 6 months our team has been working diligently on a strategic initiative to change our banks name in order for us to have a more relevant name in new markets we are exploring. This name change is taking place over the course of this week. While we recognize our name change may be lost among the other banking stories circulating this week, the timing to debut FFB Bank as our new name was set in motion prior to last weeks events. The team is very excited about our new name, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our franchise in a prudent manner moving forward.

The decision to go by FFB Bank was made as part of the Banks strategy to continue to expand its business to new markets throughout the state of California and throughout the country. Without a location-based name, the Bank hopes to better resonate with customers outside of the California Central Valley. The universalized name will also reflect the FFB Bank staffs focus on delivering a high-touch relationship no matter where a customer is based using industry-leading technology.

The name itself, FFB Bank, was chosen in part to honor the banks history as Fresno First Bank. However, the Bank is also encouraging people to personalize the meaning of the acronym through its new marketing campaign. The campaign is titled, Whats your FFB? and will be used as a promotion for the name change. It is set to launch with the release of various video segments asking staff what the acronym means to them.

Changing the brand and making it more universal is the logical, necessary step for us to take, explained Miller. We have an opportunity to continue to grow in Fresno while also expanding beyond Californias Central Valley. We think that this is the right thing to do for our current and future customers, our shareholders and for our people. To this end, the Bank has already begun establishing customer bases in Northern and Southern California as well as in 30 other U.S. states.

Miller also emphasized the Banks continued love for the Fresno community regardless of its plans to grow beyond the Central Valley. For local customers who have supported the Bank thus far, he stated, I want them to take credit for our success and to feel proud that the Bank theyve been supporting and working with for the past 17 years is now at the stage where we can grow beyond our traditional footprint. As we expand, we will be taking the core values and work ethic of the valley with us.

Although the name is changing, FFB Bank will not be undergoing any other changes. The Bank will retain the same leadership, board, and staff as well as its local shareholders. FFB Bank also plans to remain a single-branch operation and serve its expanded customer base remotely while maintaining headquarters in Fresno, California. As a result, local customers who already bank with FFB Bank will still be able to interact with the staff in-person as usual.

The Whats Your FFB videos and campaign posts will be available for viewing at FFB Banks new social media handle, @FFB.bank, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Meanwhile, those interested in learning more about the Bank and its services can visit FFB.bank or contact an FFB Bank representative at (559) 439-0200.

About FFB Bank

Since opening in 2005, FFB Bank has been a single-branch operation in Fresno, California. The banks primary focus is on serving the needs of businesses, professionals and successful individuals throughout the country. As a leading SBA Lender in Californias Central Valley and one of the few direct acquiring banks in the United States, FFB Bank offers clients a range of personal and business checking accounts, payment processes and loan programs. Among FFB Banks awards and accomplishments, it was included in Forbes Best 25 Small Businesses in America for 2016, Inc.s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in 2017 and, most recently, the 2023 OTCQX Best 50 Companies.

Contact: Steve Miller  President & CEO Bhavneet Gill  Executive Vice President & CFO (559) 439-0200




TORONTO, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has initiated enforcement action against Yogender Jain (Jain) to revoke his insurance agent licence and impose administrative penalties in the amount of $100,000, against Gold Standard Group Inc. (Gold Standard) to impose administrative penalties in the amount of $100,000 and against Daniel Emerson Tiffin (Tiffin) to impose a compliance order and administrative penalties in the amount of $50,000.

FSRA logo (CNW Group/Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario)

FSRA alleges that Jain contravened the Insurance Act and its regulations:

by making false or misleading statements to an insurer contrary to subsection 17(c) of Ontario Regulation 347/04;

by inducing an insured under an existing contract of life insurance to surrender the contract for consideration contrary to their interests contrary to paragraph 17(b)(ii) of Ontario Regulation 347/04;

by allowing compensation to be paid to a non-licensee contrary to section 403 of the Insurance Act; and

by furnishing false, misleading, or incomplete information to FSRA contrary to paragraph 447(2)(a) of the Insurance Act.

FSRA alleges that Gold Standard contravened the Insurance Act and its regulations:

by making false or misleading statements to an insurer contrary to subsection 17(c) of Ontario Regulation 347/04;

by inducing an insured under an existing contract of life insurance to surrender the contract for consideration contrary to their interests contrary to paragraph 17(b)(ii) of Ontario Regulation 347/04; and

by allowing compensation to be paid to a non-licensee contrary to section 403 of the Insurance Act.

FSRA alleges that Tiffin contravened the Insurance Act and its regulations by acting as an insurance agent without a licence contrary to subsection 2(1) of Ontario Regulation 347/04.

Jain, Gold Standard and Tiffin may request a hearing before the Financial Services Tribunal.

Learn more:

FSRA is working to protect consumers through its monitoring and enforcement activities.

Story continues

FSRA continues to work on behalf of stakeholders, including consumers, to ensure financial safety, fairness, and choice for everyone. Learn more at www.fsrao.ca.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Russ Courtney

Sr. Media Relations and Digital Officer

Financial Services Regulatory Authority

C: 437-225-8551

Email: russ.courtney@fsrao.ca

SOURCE Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/13/c7337.html
Mordor Intelligence

Hyderabad, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, GCC Contract Logistics Market Share-2023-2028", the GCC contract logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7%. The United Arab Emirates has strong economic ties with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman in the GCC. Under the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement (GAFTA), the United Arab Emirates has free trade access to Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. The United Arab Emirates has been focusing on improving its trade agreements to develop the level of trade and economic cooperation as per the laws prevailing in each country and diversify aspects that can boost the economy and promote sustainable development.

In September 2021, the United Arab Emirates and India proposed a free trade agreement to conclude a comprehensive trade negotiation by December 2021. They decided to sign a formal free trade agreement in early 2022 to achieve over USD 115 billion in bilateral trade in the next five years.

Global Contract Logistics Market - What is driving the growth of the market?

The growing e-commerce activities are expected to drive the UAE freight forwarding market. In the second quarter of 2021, statistics from the "State of the Retail Sector in the United Arab Emirates" study highlighted that the recovery that began earlier in the year appeared to continue.

According to the report, e-commerce sales in the United Arab Emirates increased by 17% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2021, Dubai's consumer confidence reached its best level in over 10 years.

Compared to the same quarter in the previous year, e-commerce will expand by 34% in the third quarter of 2021.

E-commerce in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic, demanding stronger supply chains, which will drive the freight forwarding market.

The growing exposure of social media platforms in the region also contributed to more online engagement, which converted into e-commerce sales for businesses in the country.

E-commerce is expected to be one of the biggest growth drivers for the freight forwarding market in Saudi Arabia.

According to sources, the number of users will reach 34.5 million by 2025, and user penetration is anticipated to reach 92.5% by 2025.

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From the beginning of 2021 to the end of August 2021, the e-commerce sales in Saudi Arabia totaled SAR 44.244 billion (USD 11.7 billion), topping the previous years' purchases.

Increasing Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Driving the Contract Logistics Market

The Saudi pharma market is considered one of the fastest-growing markets, with strong export potential to serve MENA and OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) with a total market of USD 120 billion.

Another key factor driving the growth of the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is the countrys strategic move to allow 100% FDI in the pharmaceutical sector. Over 81% of generic pharmaceuticals taken in Saudi Arabia are imported, and the country has only one significant API manufacturer. The Kingdom's generics market grew to USD 763 million in 2020, accounting for 72% of the Middle East and North African (MENA) industry.

In June 2021, Naqel Express, Saudi Arabias leading express logistics and supply chain company with the largest seamless network, officially opened its gateway facilities at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) and its new Pharma and Cold Chain warehouse facilities in Jeddah.

In November 2021, Maersk signed an agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) to invest USD 136 million over 25 years to establish an Integrated Logistics Park at the Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia.

Who are the key players in the GCC Contract Logistics Market?

The GCC contract logistics market is extremely fragmented. The contract logistics market is getting a lot of traction in the GCC region.

Agility Logistics Pvt. Ltd

Gulf Warehousing Company QPSC (GWC)

Al Futtaim Logistics

Almajdouie Logistics Co. LLC

Ceva Logistics

Yusen Logistics Co. Ltd

DB Schenker

Al Futtaim Logistics

Mac World Logistics LLC

Almajdouie Logistics Co. LLC

Deutsche Post DHL Group (DHL Supply Chain

Recent developments in the GCC Contract Logistics market:

In June 2021: MdR signed a 5-year contract with Farabi Petrochemicals Company, the largest producer of Linear Alkyl Benzene in the Middle East. In line with the agreement, MdR will provide operation, maintenance, and product handling services at the companys Jubail facility.

In October 2021: SAL Saudi Logistics Services, a market-leading air cargo handler, signed a cargo ground handling agreement with Qatar Airways Cargo. SAL will provide comprehensive ground logistics support at Saudi Arabias main airports, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina.

In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence GCC Contract Logistics Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand the GCC contract logistics industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/gcc-contract-logistics-market

About Mordor Intelligence

Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics.

Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends.

Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you:







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CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India




Genius Group Limited

SINGAPORE, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Group Limited (NYSE American: GNS) (Genius Group or the Company), a leading entrepreneur edtech and education group, will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the EGM) on April 28, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. Singapore Time).



The proposal to be submitted for shareholders' approval at the EGM is to consider and vote on the resolutions for the spinoff of its subsidiary Entrepreneur Resorts Ltd (ERL) and modifications to the Companys Constitution. ERL is a public listed company on the Seychelles MERJ Stock Exchange with a share price of $2.75 and market cap of $37 million, with 97% of outstanding shares owned by Genius Group. The company was acquired in June 2020 in an all-share swap, with shareholders in ERL receiving shares in Genius Group. ERL operates a Bali resort, South Africa safari and co-working cafes in Bali and Singapore.

The board of directors believes the spinoff will be of benefit to shareholders, as it will streamline and rationalize the groups operations into Genius Group Ltd with its Edtech focus, and Entrepreneur Resorts Ltd, with its hospitality focus, enabling the management teams of both companies to grow their respective business models most effectively.

If approved by shareholders and by court order (if required), the spinoff will result, after NYSE and SEC approval, in all shareholders of Genius Group receiving an equal percentage of shares in ERL.

Details related to the proposal and the EGM meeting will be available in the coming weeks.

Genius Group CEO, Roger Hamilton, stated We believe that the spin of Entrepreneur Resorts will create value for shareholders in both Genius Group and Entrepreneur Resorts as it will allow the companies to focus on what they do best and continue growing together through a business partnership.

About Genius Group

Genius Group is a world leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, with a mission to disrupt the current education model with a student-centered, life-long learning curriculum that prepares students with the leadership, entrepreneurial and life skills to succeed in todays market. The group has a group user base of 4.3 million users in 200 countries, ranging from ages 0 to 100.

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Investor Notice

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2022. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See Forward-Looking Statements below.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release include 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. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as may, will, plan, should, expect, anticipate, estimate, continue, or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Reports on Form 20-F, as may be supplemented or amended by the Companys Reports of a Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise.

Contacts

Investors:

Flora Hewitt, Vice President of Investor Relations and Mergers and Acquisitions

Email: investor@geniusgroup.net

Media Contacts: Adia PR

Email: gns@adiapr.co.uk

US Investors:

Dave Gentry

RedChip Companies Inc

1-800-RED-CHIP

GNS@redchip.com




Company Logo

Global Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market

Global Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market

Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global continuing medical education (CME) market size reached US$ 8.24 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 11.98 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.44% during 2021-2027.

Companies Mentioned

AffinityCE

Afya Ltd.

CME Outfitters LLC

CME Procedures LLC

Coursera Inc.

Elsevier (RELX plc)

EXCEL CME

HealthStream Inc.

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG)

Continuing medical education (CME) involves various educational activities that help maintain and develop the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of trainees. It includes multiple courses and conferences, written publications, online programs, and audio, video, and live events on electronic media.

It helps develop a healthy relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. It enables practitioners to learn, refine, and discover viable approaches to improve overall patient care and attain professional growth. Besides this, it helps medical professionals learn effective team management skills, address real-world challenges they face professionally, and earn membership in reputed organizations.



At present, the rising occurrence of new infections and diseases that require updated medical knowledge for treatment represents one of the key factors positively influencing the market.

In addition, the development of novel collaborative elements in medical education, along with shifting preference toward online education and CME programs, is creating a positive outlook for the market. Online education offers courses that are engaging and interactive and help users comprehend and retain knowledge with quality images, video, audio, and animation. Apart from this, the expansion of hospitals, medical institutes, and research centers is contributing to market growth.

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Furthermore, governments of various countries are introducing different initiatives to provide quality education to professionals, which is also providing a thrust to market growth. Additionally, interactive education options and flexibility to continue learning as per the personal choice of healthcare professionals are driving the market. Moreover, considerable changes in medical practice to limit class hours and patient availability and increased diagnostic and management possibilities, coupled with advancements in technology, are bolstering the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:



The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being AffinityCE, Afya Ltd., CME Outfitters LLC, CME Procedures LLC, Coursera Inc., Elsevier (RELX plc), EXCEL CME, HealthStream Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V. and Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG).



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global continuing medical education (CME) market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global continuing medical education (CME) market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the delivery method?

What is the breakup of the market based on the providers?

What is the breakup of the market based on the speciality?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global continuing medical education (CME) market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?





Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 143 Forecast Period 2021 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (Billion) in 2021 Billion8.24 Billion Forecasted Market Value (Billion) by 2027 Billion11.98 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.4% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Delivery Method

6.1 Classroom Training

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 E-Learning

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Regularly Scheduled Series

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast

6.4 Journals

6.4.1 Market Trends

6.4.2 Market Forecast

6.5 Others

6.5.1 Market Trends

6.5.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Providers

7.1 NPOS

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Publishing/Education Company

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 School of Medicine

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Hospital/Healthcare Delivery System

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast

7.5 Others

7.5.1 Market Trends

7.5.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Speciality

8.1 Oncology

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Cardiology

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Infectious Disease

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Orthopedic

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast

8.5 Gastroenterology

8.5.1 Market Trends

8.5.2 Market Forecast

8.6 Pediatric

8.6.1 Market Trends

8.6.2 Market Forecast

8.7 Primary Care

8.7.1 Market Trends

8.7.2 Market Forecast

8.8 Others

8.8.1 Market Trends

8.8.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by Region



10 SWOT Analysis



11 Value Chain Analysis



12 Porters Five Forces Analysis



13 Price Analysis



14 Competitive Landscape

14.1 Market Structure

14.2 Key Players

14.3 Profiles of Key Players



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ibn6di

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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Polaris Market Research & Consulting LLP

[115+ Pages Research Study] According to Polaris Market Research, the global hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) market Size & share was valued at USD 1.51 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 45.2%, to reach USD 62.88 Billion by 2032. The rise in environmental concerns, the expansion of government programs to build infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cells, the large initial investment in infrastructure, technical improvement, and future potential all influence the growth of the worldwide market. Some of the key players covered are The Hyundai Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc., Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz), BMW, General Motors Company, Groupe Renault and others.

New York, NY, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polaris Market Research has published a new research report titled Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (HFCV) Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Technology (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Alkaline Fuel cell, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell); By Vehicle Type (Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Car); By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032 in its research database.

According to the latest research study, the global hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) market size/share is anticipated to be valued at approximately USD 1.51 Billion in 2022 and is projected to hit a revenue of around USD 62.88 Billion By 2032, at a CAGR of around 45.2% between 2023 and 2032.

What are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV)? How Big is Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) Market Share?

Overview

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have the ability to address both the environmental and oil dependence issues in transportation, although the development of infrastructure is a significant problem that has to be resolved. Fuel cell vehicles produce current by passing charged hydrogen ions over an electrolyte membrane, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The market is predicted to increase significantly as infrastructure for producing hydrogen is developed.

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Unlike electric cars, HFCVs are completely emission-free and have no engine noise. Also, compared to electric automobiles, it has a faster charging time. Rising technological development in the automotive sector is expected to create growth opportunities for the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market. National tax rebates, the rising number of OEMs, and the potential of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) will drive market growth.

Request Sample Copy of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) Market Research Report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-market/request-for-sample

(The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, a Table of Contents, a Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis, and our research methodology.)

Our Sample Report May Includes:

2032 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis.

115+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research).

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Requests.

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends

Includes Updated List of tables & figures.

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis.

What are New Additions in 2023?

Detailed industry outlook

Additional information on company players

Customized report and analyst support on request

Recent market developments and its futuristic growth opportunities

Customized regional/country reports as per request

Some of the Top Companies Operating in the Market Are:

The Hyundai Motor Company

Toyota Motor Sales

USA Inc.

Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz)

BMW

General Motors Company

Groupe Renault

Mazda Motor Corporation

Hydrogenics

Kia Motor Corporation

Tata Motors Limited

For Additional Information on Key Players, Download a PDF Brochure: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-market/request-for-sample

Market dynamics

Key Growth Driving Factors

Increasing R&D activities for the development of HFC technology

Increase in government investments in the development of HFC vehicles is expected to boost the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market size. Rising petrol prices worldwide are also likely to accelerate the industry's growth. Increased awareness about environmental concerns due to air pollution coupled with an increase in levels of traffic & greenhouse gas emissions fuels the adoption of hydrogen fuel vehicles. Rising number of R&D activities for hydrogen fuel cell technology has led to an increase in the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market demand. Further, a surge in the prevalence of reimbursement policies in the automation industry is positively influencing market expansion.

Recent Trends Influencing the Market

Favorable government policies propel the industry's growth

Escalating innovations and developments by key industry players are anticipated to propel market growth. For instance, the Honda Clarity, Toyota Mirai, and Hyundai ix35 FCEV are the three publicly accessible hydrogen cars as of 2019.

To address environmental challenges, several countries have established various policies. For example, the American state of California committed funds to the development of hydrogen filling stations in order to meet its target of 1.5 million zero-emission automobiles by 2025. Such initiatives support market growth.

Request for a Discount on this Report Before Purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-market/request-for-discount-pricing

Segmental Analysis

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell segment dominated the market in 2022

By technology, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) category held the highest hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market share in 2022. A PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) cell uses hydrogen and oxygen gas as fuel, and the results of the cell's reaction are water, electricity, and heat. Fuel cells eliminate the "thermal bottleneck" by turning chemical potential energy directly into electrical energy.

The passenger car segment is likely to witness the major revenue share in the forecast period

On the basis of vehicle type, the passenger car segment is predicted to account for the largest revenue share in the market over the foreseen period. An emerging trend among automakers is advancing R&D efforts to improve fuel efficiency, concentrating on good manufacturing locations and close supply chains to cut costs. A surge in emphasis on high-quality products, a change in customer habits, and more purchasing power are some of the key hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market trends positively influencing its growth.

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(Inquire about a report quote OR available discount offers to the sales team before purchase.)

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) Market: Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2032 USD 62.88 Billion Market size value in 2023 USD 2.19 Billion Expected CAGR Growth 45.2% from 2023  2032 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023  2032 Top Market Players The Hyundai Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc., Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz), BMW, General Motors Company, Groupe Renault, Mazda Motor Corporation, Hydrogenics, Kia Motor Corporation, Tata Motors Limited. Segments Covered By Technology, By Vehicle Type, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options

Geographic Overview

North America captured the highest market share in 2022

In terms of geography, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) market in North America dominated the market and is estimated to maintain its dominance throughout the predicted period. The United States continues to demonstrate unmatched leadership in the development of hydrogen infrastructure and HFCV incentives. Also, a number of nations, including Japan, the UK, Germany, and California, have made plans to assist in funding hydrogen refueling stations in the United States.

Moreover, Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate owing to the significant level of automotive manufacturing development and demand in the area, especially in China.

Browse the Detail Report Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (HFCV) Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Technology (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Alkaline Fuel cell, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell); By Vehicle Type (Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Car); By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032 with in-depth TOC: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-market

For Additional Information OR Media Enquiry, Please Mail At: sales@polarismarketresearch.com

Recent Developments

In August 2022, Proton Motor Power Systems PLC, a producer of electric hybrid systems and hydrogen fuel cells, introduced a 90-kilowatt power-producing pack.

Some of The Key Questions Answered in This Report

What are the key factors driving the market?

Who are the key manufacturers in the market space?

How the competition goes in the future related to the industry?

What are the key trends impacting the growth of the market?

Which is the leading country in the world?

Where will the strategic developments take the industry in the mid to long term?

Polaris Market Research has segmented the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) Market report based on technology, vehicle type, and region:

By Technology Outlook

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Alkaline Fuel cell

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

By Vehicle Type Outlook

Commercial Vehicle

Passenger Car

By Region Outlook

North America (U.S., Canada)

Europe (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina)

Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

Browse More Related Reports:

Vessel Traffic Management Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/vessel-traffic-management-market

Autonomous Mobile Robot Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/autonomous-mobile-robot-market

Drone Logistics and Transportation Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/drone-logistics-and-transportation-market

Automotive Traction Motor Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-traction-motor-market

Self-Driving Cars Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/autonomous-vehicle-market

About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for PMRs clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve PMRs diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semiconductors, and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide PMRs customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high-growth markets, emerging business environments, and the latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced, and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts, and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to PMRs customers.

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Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (center L) welcomes Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (center R) in Algiers, Algeria, on March 12, 2023. (Algerian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

ALGIERS, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and Uganda signed a number of agreements on Sunday to boost their economic cooperation, during a four-day visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Algiers.

The two countries signed two memoranda of understanding in the field of energy, as well as agreements in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, and trade, Algeria's state-owned news agency APS reported.

The signing ceremony was held at the presidency in Algeria's capital Algiers, and co-chaired by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Museveni.

Earlier in the day, the two presidents met to discuss "a number of issues of common interest, in addition to ways of coordinating positions aiming at supporting just causes in African and international arenas," the APS reported.

Tebboune announced during the meeting that 150 Algerian businessmen will travel to Uganda's capital Kampala to discuss potential partnerships with Ugandan companies, in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations.

Museveni arrived in Algeria on Saturday. 

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meets with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (L) in Algiers, Algeria, on March 12, 2023. (Algerian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)
Azerbaijan is continuing activities to expose Iranian spy networks in the country, Azernews reports.

As a result of a special operation carried out by the special forces, another spy network was uncovered and several people were detained.

The operation is currently underway.
AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd.

A latest research report [229+] pages with 360-Degree visibility, titled "Global Industrial Controls Market: By Components; By Type; By Network Component; By End User; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023- 2031" published by Astute Analytica in its research repository.

New Delhi, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global industrial controls market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for automation and control solutions in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automotive. The market is projected to reach a size of US$ 341.8 billion by 2031 from US$ 212.3 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing need for efficiency and productivity in industrial processes, as well as the growing trend towards Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In terms of volume, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the same period.

Get Free sample copy of this report @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/industrial-controls-market

North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for industrial controls, but the Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by rapid industrialization and increasing adoption of automation technologies in countries such as China and India.

Sustainability and Efficiency: Trends in Industrial Controls Market in the Era of Green Technologies

Industry 4.0 and IIoT: The adoption of Industry 4.0 and IIoT is expected to continue driving the growth of the industrial controls market. These technologies enable the integration of physical and digital systems, leading to greater automation, data exchange, and real-time decision-making. This trend is expected to drive demand for advanced sensors, software, and communication technologies.

Robotics and Automation: The demand for robotics and automation is increasing across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Industrial controls play a critical role in ensuring the seamless integration and control of robotic systems. The integration of robotics and automation with IIoT is expected to create new opportunities for the industrial controls market.

Edge Computing: The growing adoption of edge computing is expected to create new opportunities for the market. Edge computing allows for the processing and analysis of data closer to the source, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making. Industrial controls that can operate at the edge and provide secure communication with central control systems will be in high demand.

Cybersecurity: With the increasing adoption of IIoT and the growing use of interconnected systems, cybersecurity is becoming a critical concern. Industrial controls that provide secure communication and prevent unauthorized access will be in high demand. The market is expected to see an increased focus on developing secure industrial control systems.

Sustainable and Green Technologies: The focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is driving the adoption of sustainable and green technologies. Industrial controls that enable greater energy efficiency and enable the integration of renewable energy sources will be in high demand. This trend is expected to create new opportunities for the industrial controls market.

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Europe to Generate Over 35% Revenue of the Global Industrial Control Market

Europe has been dominating the global industrial controls market for several years. This is due to various factors such as the presence of established market players, a strong demand for automation technologies, government support for industrial development, and advanced manufacturing processes.

One of the key reasons for Europe's dominance in the industrial controls market is the high demand for automation technologies in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. The region's manufacturing sector is one of the largest in the world, with countries such as Germany, France, and the UK being major players. As these industries continue to automate their operations to improve efficiency and productivity, the demand for industrial control systems increases.

Europe is also home to several major players in the industrial controls market, such as Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, and Emerson Electric Co. These companies have a strong presence in the region and are actively involved in research and development to improve their products and services. Moreover, governments in Europe have been supportive of the development of the industrial sector, providing incentives for businesses to invest in automation technologies. For instance, the European Union's Horizon 2020 program has provided funding for research and innovation in the industrial sector, promoting the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.

In terms of supply, Europe has a well-established supply chain for industrial control systems. The region has a highly skilled workforce in the engineering and manufacturing fields, with a focus on innovation and quality. This has led to the development of high-quality and reliable industrial control systems, which are in high demand globally.

Automotive Industry to Remain the Largest Consumer of Industrial Control Market, with 29% Revenue Contribution

The industrial controls market is expected to continue its growth trajectory as more industries recognize the benefits of automation, energy efficiency, and improved production processes. This growth is attributed to factors such as the increasing need for industrial automation and the growing demand for energy-efficient production processes. The use of industrial controls can lead to significant cost savings for companies. Schneider Electric estimates that the use of automation and control systems in manufacturing processes can lead to cost savings of up to 30%. Additionally, the use of energy-efficient industrial controls can help companies reduce energy consumption and costs. According to the International Energy Agency, the use of energy-efficient motors and drives can lead to energy savings of up to 40%.

Improved end-user experience is another key benefit of industrial controls. The use of industrial controls can ensure that products are of high quality and meet customer demands. The automotive industry accounted for the largest share of the industrial controls market in 2022, with a revenue share of 29%, according to a report by Astute Analytica. The use of industrial controls in the automotive industry can help manufacturers produce vehicles that are reliable, safe, and meet customer specifications.

End-user preferences also play a role in the industrial controls market. For example, the food and beverage industry is a key market for industrial controls that meet strict sanitation requirements. The oil and gas industry is a key market for industrial controls that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Our study estimates that the food and beverage industry accounted for the second-largest share of the market in 2022, with a revenue share of over 18%.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/industrial-controls-market

Top 10 Players Dominate Global Industrial Controls Market, Capturing Over 74% of Total Revenue

The global market is highly concentrated, with the top 10 players holding over 74% of the revenue share. One of the leading players is Siemens AG, a German multinational conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, power generation, and transportation systems. Siemens AG's industrial automation division offers a wide range of products and solutions, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and industrial PCs. With operations in over 200 countries, Siemens AG's industrial automation division serves customers in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, chemical, and pharmaceuticals.

Siemens AG has a strong focus on innovation, investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to develop new products and technologies for the industrial automation in the global industrial controls market. In 2020, the company invested over EUR 5.5 billion in R&D, accounting for 6.4% of its total revenue. Siemens AG has a dedicated R&D division and has won several awards for its innovative technology.

Siemens AG is also committed to sustainability, setting ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint and investing heavily in renewable energy sources. The company has implemented sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

ABB Ltd.

Emerson Electric Co.

Endress+Hauser AG

General Electric

Honeywell International Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

Omron Corporation

Rockwell Automation Inc.

Schneider Electric SE

Siemens AG

Yokogawa Electric Corporation

Other Prominent Players

Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/industrial-controls-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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ReportLinker

Global Travel and Business Bags Market 2023-2027. The analyst has been monitoring the travel and business bags market and is forecast to grow by $12,165.86 mn during 2022-2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.64% during the forecast period.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Travel and Business Bags Market 2023-2027" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05764071/?utm_source=GNW

Our report on the travel and business bags market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.

The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by growing demand for lightweight travel bags, increased product and brand promotions and marketing campaigns, and rise in online sales of travel and business bags.



The travel and business bags market is segmented as below:

By Product

 Travel bags

 Business bags



By Distribution Channel

 Offline

 Online



By Geography

 Europe

 APAC

 North America

 Middle East and Africa

 South America



This study identifies the growing demand for travel and business bags with smart features as one of the prime reasons driving the travel and business bags market growth during the next few years. Also, personalization and customization of travel and business bags and increased demand for bags made of eco-friendly materials will lead to sizable demand in the market.



The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our report on the travel and business bags market covers the following areas:

 Travel and business bags market sizing

 Travel and business bags market forecast

 Travel and business bags market industry analysis



This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading travel and business bags market vendors that include DELSEY, Eagle Creek Holdings LLC, Hermes International SA, Kering SA, Ohio Travel Bag LLC, Osprey Packs Inc., Prada Spa, Ralph Lauren Corp., Safari Industries (India) Ltd., Samsonite International S.A., Tapestry Inc., Targus Inc., The LVMH group, Titan Co. Ltd., Tods Spa, United States Luggage Co. LLC, Valigeria Roncato Spa, VIP Industries Ltd., Wildcraft India Pvt. Ltd., and IT Luggage Ltd. Also, the travel and business bags market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities.

The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors.



The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. Technavios market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast accurate market growth.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05764071/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

Story continues

CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Company Logo

Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global TROP2 Antibody Market, Drug Sales & Clinical Trials Outlook 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report provides insight into the upcoming TROP-2 targeted drug candidates as well as a comprehensive analysis of the success of Trodelvy, the only approved TROP-2 antibody-drug conjugate and what were the reasons for its colossal triumph.

The report also provides information about the current market players and the strategies adopted by them in terms of technology exchange, licensing agreements, cooperative research arrangements or forming alliances among each other so as to climb the ladder of success in the case of TROP-2 targeted antibody market.

With advancements in science and technology and the convergence of trends in drug development, the landscape for the commercial market for medicines has developed a deep understanding of the need to deliver novel approaches, having targets that have previously remained untouched.

Despite the range of anti-cancer drugs available there still remains a surge in the number of cases which has led researchers in the quest to pursue unique targets with different strategies to fight the tumor. One such novel target discovered in multiple solid tumors is TROP-2.

Trophoblast cell-surface antigen or TROP-2 is known by many names such as; tumor-associated calcium signal transducer (TACSTD2), epithelial glycoprotein-1 (EGP-1), a gastrointestinal tumor-associated antigen (GA733-1) and surface marker 1 (M1S1).

This emerging target has been gathering a staggering amount of attention toward its potential therapeutic use. Even though TROP-2 has garnered curiosity among researchers, there remains just one approved and commercially available antibody against it, Trodelvy.

Getting its first approval on April 2020, Trodelvy developed by Gilead has shown immense success both among the patients and the commercial market. The drug is approved for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received two or more prior systemic therapies and for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have previously received platinum-containing chemotherapy and either PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor.

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The year 2022 proved to be beneficial for Trodelvy as its sales increased by more than 70% to surpass US$600 Million in 2022 which reflected continued adoption in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in the US and Europe.

The sales are further expected to increase in the coming years as in February 2023, the US FDA further approved Trodelvy for pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, becoming a recommended Category 1 preferred drug for the indication. HR+/HER2- breast cancer is among the most therapy resistant cancer and for Trodelvy to show statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival and overall survival, displays that the drug will now further dominate the market gaining increased market penetration.

Even though Gilead is leading the current TROP-2 targeted therapy market segment, it is not the only market player. Just behind Gilead are Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, who entered into a collaborative agreement to develop and commercialize the new TROP-2 antibody-drug conjugate, DS-1062 which could refine the treatment standards for lung, breast, and multiple other cancers.

AstraZeneca had faith in the concept and after two years for it providing US$1 Billion up-front to Daiichi Sankyo for rights of DS-1062, the drug has finally entered the phase III trial which will be evaluating it with Merck's blockbuster, Keytruda in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with PD-1 expression. Earlier trials have proven to be successful for this combinational use and it is expected to provide the same promising outcomes.

Following the burgeoning competition from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead has also started testing its TROP-2 antibody-drug conjugate as a first-line therapy for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with Keytruda in a trial which is being sponsored by Merck. Apart from the fierce competition between these leading pharmaceuticals, there are several pharmaceutical underdogs that have been slowly but steadily developing their novel TROP-2 targeted therapies.

For instance, recently, BiOneCure Therapeutics received US FDA clearance for its Investigational new drug BIO-106, an antibody-drug conjugate designed to target TROP-2 to treat a broad range of advanced solid tumors.

Moreover, the commercial success of Trodelvy has pushed the preclinical pipeline for several targeted drug candidates and it can be estimated that there are approximately 20 TROP-2 targeted therapies in clinical trials. It can be predicted that in the next 5 years, there will be 2 more TROP-2 antibody-drug conjugates available in the market, further increasing the sales for this market segment by US$ 3 Billion. Additionally, looking at the robust scientific channel of several companies, roughly 30-40 more drugs can enter their clinical phase in the coming years.

Report Highlights:

Global & Regional TROP2 Antibody Market Sales Insight

Global TROP2 Antibody Sales Opportunity: > USD 3 Billion

Global TROP2 Antibody Sales Forecast ( 2023 -2028)

Approved TROP2 Antibody In Market: 1 Drug (Trodelvy in 2020)

Trodelvy Dosage, Price & Sales Insight

Trodelvy Global & Regional Sales Insight ( 2020 - 2022)

TROP2 Antibody Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase

Insight On More Than 20 TROP2 Antibodies in Clinical Trials

Competitive Landscape

Amunix

BiOneCure Therapeutics

Bio-Thera Solutions

Biosion

CytomX Therapeutics

Daiichi Sankyo Company

Eucure Biopharma

Gilead Sciences

Hangzhou DAC Biotech

Janux Therapeutics

KAEDI Biotech

Klus Pharma

LegoChem Biosciences

Molecular Templates

Peak Bio

Radiopharm Theranostics

Shanghai Henlius Biotech

Suzhou GeneQuantum Healthcare

SystImmune

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to TROP2 Targeting Therapy Market

1.1 Overview

1.2 TROP2 Targeting Therapeutics Mechanism

2. TROP2 Ideal Clinical Biomarker for Cancer

3. First Approved TROP2 Targeting Antibody - Trodelvy

3.1 Clinical Overview

3.2 Approval, Patent & Exclusivity

4. Trodelvy - Commercial Insight 2020 -2022

4.1 Dosage & Price Analysis

4.2 Sales Analysis

5. Global TROP2 Targeting Therapy Market Analysis

5.1 Current Market Scenario (2020 -2022)

5.2 Future Market Opportunity (2023 -2028)

6. Global TROP2 Targeting Therapy Market Opportunity by Region

6.1 US

6.2 Europe

6.3 Japan

6.4 Australia

6.5 UK

6.6 China

7. TROP2 Targeted Therapy Ongoing Clinical Trials Insight

7.1 By Company

7.2 By Country

7.3 By Patient Segment

7.4 By Phase

8. Global TROP2 Antibody Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase

8.1 Research

8.2 Preclinical

8.3 Phase-I

8.4 Phase-I/II

8.5 Phase-III

9. Marketed TROP2 Antibody Clinical Insight

10. Global TROP2 Targeted Therapy Market Dynamics

10.1 Market Drivers

10.2 Market Challenges

11. Competitive Landscape

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/21frio

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




Gotransverse

Given highest marks possible in product configuration, configurability and extensibility, analytics, and usage rating and pricing calculation criteria

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gotransverse (www.gotransverse.com), the leading provider of enterprise order-to-cash solutions, announced today that the company received a "Strong Performer" ranking in The Forrester Wave: SaaS Recurring Billing Solutions, Q1 2023. Gotransverses ranking underscores its billing management capabilities for enterprises looking to drive top-line revenue growth and turn back-end operations into a competitive advantage.



Forrester Research, Inc. evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of ten top recurring customer and billing management vendors based on 26 criteria. Gotransverse's billing solution scored the highest possible in the criteria for its focus areas, which are the complex categories relating to Product Configuration, Pricing Configuration, Usage Data Transformation, Usage Rating and Price Calculation, Customers and Accounts, Configurability and Extensibility, Analytics, and Security and Reliability. Gotransverse also received the highest marks highest marks possible in the strategy category for the criteria of Delivery Model and Innovation Roadmap.

According to the report, Gotransverses product, pricing, and billing configuration features are top-notch. And its, Customer-centric capabilities empower nontechnical users to configure complex pricing models with ease and without a developer's help, like an Excel upload for formulaic pricing logic. Forrester also notes that Gotransverse, is a good fit for B2B firms with usage-based billing and rating requirements, especially  but not exclusively  for those using Workday, which is a key strategic partner for the company.

Successful enterprise monetization isnt only about subscriptions and recurring pricing, its about transforming complex billing processing and pricing models of all sorts into streamlined and automated processes that empower a business to focus on what truly matters  growth and innovation, said James Messer, co-founder, and CEO of Gotransverse. Our mission is to help our customers maximize revenue using an agile monetization model, incorporating recurrent pricing and usage pricing across products and services, and to do that at scale. We believe ranking as a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave report demonstrates the strength of our platform to support business models of all sorts.

Story continues

For a copy of the 2023 Forrester Wave: SaaS Recurring Billing Solutions report, please visit https://marketing.gotransverse.com/ForresterWave_TopRankedInBillingManagement.

About Gotransverse

Gotransverse provides cloud-based software that enables companies to operate as a subscription business model, including the often-challenging aspects of usage-based pricing and monetization at scale. Founded by globally recognized billing experts, the company offers an intelligent billing and subscription management platform that automates the subscription order-to-cash process, including billing, rating, collections, mediation, analytics, and revenue recognition. Gotransverse was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

For more information, visit http://gotransverse.com.

Press Contact:

Tom Woolf

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415.842.7398

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RENO, Nev., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Commercial Lending (GCL), which provides loans to businesses and organizations in under-served and rural communities, obligated more than $811 million in government-guaranteed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) commercial loans during fiscal year 2022.

Greater Commercial Lending (PRNewsfoto/Greater Commercial Lending)

As one of the top USDA loan originators, GCL obligated loans across several USDA Rural Development (RD) guaranteed loan programs, including Business and Industry (B&I), Food Supply Chain (FSC), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Community Facilities (CF).

"It's gratifying to be able to help so many important and innovative businesses, initiatives and organizations in rural and under-served areas gain access to long-term credit solutions at terms that may not be available to them through traditional lending sources. The USDA's guaranteed loan program makes this possible, so we are thrilled to have been so active on the obligation front, beating our previous best from the last year. And we're looking to top it again in 2023," said Jeremy Gilpin, executive vice president of GCL. "We're happy to help worthy borrowers across the full breadth of the USDA loan program, from renewable energy to foodservice to sustainable agriculture and more."

GCL leverages relationships with nearly 200 U.S. financial institutions, including community banks and credit unions, to arrange USDA-guaranteed commercial loans at terms favorable for borrowers.

Among the many projects GCL helped finance in 2022: $112.6 million for New Rise Renewables Reno, a state-of-the-art renewable diesel plant that will turn feedstocks in diesel that burns clean; $50 million for AppHarvest for a high-tech indoor berry farm in Kentucky that will produce yields up to 30 times that of traditional agriculture while preventing pollution from agricultural runoff; and $73 million for two North Carolina facilities developed by EVENSOL that will turn gas from landfill emissions into renewable natural gas.

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About Greater Commercial Lending

Greater Commercial Lending (GCL) is a credit organization that brings together banks, credit unions and other lenders to provide U.S. government-guaranteed loans to businesses and initiatives in rural and under-served markets throughout the U.S. and its territories. It helps finance key infrastructure services, like power, renewable energy, transportation and fiber optics, as well as schools, hospitals, restaurants, agriculture, hotels and manufacturers. GCL partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which guarantee loans, to arrange credit at favorable terms. GCL's network of lenders includes nearly 200 banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

Media contact:

Michael-Jon Romano

Allison+Partners

michael-jon.romano@allisonpr.com

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SOURCE Greater Commercial Lending
BAODING, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 10th, GWM held the INTELLIGENT NEV DAY event at its Chinese technology center.

GWM Releases New Hybrid Technology to Accelerate Electrification Transformation (PRNewsfoto/GWM)

The event was attended by thousands of authoritative media outlets to discuss the development direction and frontier technology trends of the new energy vehicle industry. GWM also conducted a simultaneous online live broadcast, which attracted numerous users.

During the event, GWM President Mu Feng presented the company's new brand declaration: "GWM Intelligent New Energy--more efficiency, more range and more safety." He stated that "GWM has always been adhering to an intelligent new energy strategy. In the future, GWM will apply core technology to provide more advanced intelligent new energy products to meet the global users' demand for cleaner and safer mobility life."

GWM has been continuously deepening its new energy and intelligent layout, with a complete industrial chain layout of vehicles, covering hybrid architecture, power batteries, hydrogen energy, electric drive technology, intelligent cabin, intelligent driving, and intelligent chassis.

For the hybrid architecture, GWM has established a multi-architecture parallel development strategy while keeping optimizing it, providing strong technical support for the electrification transformation. GWM also released an upgraded new hybrid technology  Hi4 at this event.The Hi4 technology is a new hybrid system that integrates hybrid, intelligent, and four-wheel drive. It can achieve a balance between high efficiency and high performance in all scenarios.

GWM plans to launch the first model with this hybrid technology in April this year. By 2024, GWM's entire new energy product line will be equipped with electric four-wheel-drive technology, providing users with a more powerful and environmentally friendly driving experience.

GWM has already introduced a range of new energy products globally, including the HAVAL H6 HEV/PHEV, HAVAL JOLION HEV, GWM TANK300 HEV, WEY Coffee 01, and GWM ORA. Its leading intelligent new energy strength has gained recognition from media outlets and users.

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GWM will continue to deepen its new energy and intelligent strategic transformation and inject new energy and intelligent technology into more vehicle models. The company aims to create a more diversified new energy product structure, providing global users with more high-quality choices.

About GWM:

Facing the trend of personalized consumption of users, GWM insists on the user-centered concept and practices the development strategy of "Based on category innovation, and brand building through new category creation", and has created five major brands: HAVAL, WEY, ORA, GWM TANK and GWM Pickup.

To contribute to the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goal, GWM has made the construction of future-oriented industrial ecology a top priority. From battery electric technology to hybrid technology, from perovskite to hydrogen energy, GWM has been one of the companies with the widest layout in China's new energy industry chain.

In the future, premiumization, globalization, intelligentization and new energy will still be the key drivers for the continuous growth of GWM's business performance.

GWM Group

SOURCE GWM
MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED

Heat Pump Market in the Europe region is expected to grow at a fast rate during the forecast period. The Heat Pump Market research was conducted by dividing the market into three major segments: Type, Capacity and End-User.

New York, US, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A global Engineering Equipment business-consulting firm, Maximize Market research, has published a market intelligence and competitive landscape report on the  Heat Pump Market , which is a combination of primary and secondary data. The domain expert has analyzed the Heat Pump Market from a local and a global point of view. Over the forecast period, Maximize Market research expects the market to grow from USD 52.4 Bn in 2021 to USD 95.4 Bn in 2029 at a CAGR of 7.75 percent. As per the report, the Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global Heat Pump Market during the forecast period.



Heat Pump Market Report Scope and Research Methodology

Market Size in 2021 USD 52.4 Bn. Market Size in 2029 USD 95.4 Bn. CAGR 7.75 percent (2022-2029) Forecast Period 2022-2029 Base Year 2021 Number of Pages 272 No. of Tables 118 No. of Charts and Figures 116 Segment Covered Type, Capacity and End-User 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.

Request For Free Sample Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/24631

The Heat Pump Market report majorly focused on the market's dynamics including drivers, constraints, opportunities, and challenges. The report helps in understanding the market structure by providing a detailed analysis of market segments and estimations. The report also provides the regional development status of the Heat Pump Market. For the competitive analysis, the report presents in-depth information on the strategies of the Heat Pump industrys leading players. Figures for supply, demand, price, gross margin and revenue are included in the Heat Pump Market report.

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The bottom-up approach was used to estimate the global and regional Heat Pump Market size. Extensive primary and secondary research was conducted for the report on Heat Pumps. The primary research was conducted to gather the information , verify and confirm the crucial numbers arrived at a comprehensive engineering and calculations for market statistics, market forecasts, market size estimations, data triangulation and market breakdown. The secondary data was meticulously collected from the selected set of sources, which includes official databases of various organizations and government sites, white papers, annual reports, industry journals, releases of product manufacturers and suppliers in the Heat Pump industry along with paid databases. SWOT analysis was employed to provide the strengths and weaknesses of the Heat Pump Market.

Heat Pump Market Overview

A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system and is installed outside the home generally known as an important clean energy technology for the energy transition. It helps for the cooling of the home and is also capable of providing heat. Heat pumps pull heat from the cold outdoor air and transfer it indoors. They are powered by electricity and transfer heat using refrigerants. The two common types of heat pumps are air source and ground source.

Heat Pump Market Dynamics

The contribution of heat pump technology to reduce carbon footprint, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the dependency of non-renewable energy sources are expected to influence the Heat Pump market growth. Heat pump technology is a solution for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Through aerothermal and geothermal technologies heat pumps offer an energy-efficient approach to space heating. Heat pumps are used as heat sources in single-family and terraced houses is the factor expected to fuel the Heat Pump Market growth. Rising focus on sustainability, changing environmental conditions and climate change issues are the major factors responsible for the adoption of the Heat Pump Market growth.

Integration of advanced technologies like the Internet of Things for the monitoring of environmental conditions presents opportunities for the Heat Pump Market growth. Less awareness regarding energy efficiency, cost efficiency, and environmental benefits is expected to restrain the Heat Pump Market growth

Heat Pump Market Regional Insights

The European region is expected to be at a significant growth rate during the forecast period. The governments policies to support more energy-efficient infrastructure in the region is expected to fuel the regional Heat Pump Market growth. Heat pumps are well-known products in private and commercial sectors expected to drive the Heat Pump Market growth.

Get the Sample PDF of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/24631

The Asia Pacific region dominated the Heat Pump Market in 2021 and is expected to continue the dominance over the forecast period. Rising demand for energy-efficient heating solutions in the residential and commercial sectors with growing awareness about climate change is expected to drive the Heat Pump Market growth. Adoption of clean heating and cooling systems to adopt clean and sustainable technology is expected to boost the regional Heat Pump market growth.

Heat Pump Market Segmentation

By Type

Air-to-Air Heat Pump

Air-to-Water Heat Pump

Water Source Heat Pump

Ground Source Heat Pump

Hybrid Heat Pump



By Capacity

Up to 10 kW

1020 kW

2030 kW

Above 30 kW

By End User

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Food & Beverage

Paper & Pulp

Chemicals & Petrochemicals

Other



Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-customization/24631

Heat Pump Market Key Competitors include:

Rheem(US)

Emerson Electric Co (US)

Lennox International (US)

Carrier (US)

Stiebel Eltron (Germany)

GEA Group (Germany)

Vissemann (Germany)

NIBE (Sweden)

Ingersoll Rand (Ireland)

Glen Dimplex (Ireland)

Johnson Control (Ireland)

Trane Technologies (Ireland)

Danfoss (Denmark)

Midea (China)

Samsung(South Korea)

Gaungzhou Sprsun New Energy Technology Development Co. Limited (China)

Panasonic (Japan)

Daikin (Japan)

Hitachi (Japan)

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)

Fujitsu General(Japan)

LG Electronics (South Korea)

Thermax Limited (India)



Key questions answered in the Heat Pump Market are:

What is Heat Pump?

Who held the largest market share in Heat Pump Market?

What is the CAGR of the Heat Pump Market?

What is the expected Heat Pump Market size by 2029?

What are the global trends in the Heat Pump Market?

What are the major challenges that the Heat Pump Market could face in the future?

What are the upcoming industry applications and trends for the Heat Pump Market?

What are the factors contributing to the final price of Heat Pumps?

What are the recent industry trends that can be implemented to generate additional revenue streams for Heat Pump Market?

Who are the leading companies and what are their portfolios in Heat Pump Market?

Get a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/24631

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 Type, Capacity, End-User and Region

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 Engineering Equipment research firm, has also published the following reports:

Air Source Heat Pumps Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 65.94 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 6.8 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient systems across the world and the benefits associated with the usage of air-source heat pumps.

Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 10.43 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 6.28 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing penetration of shell and tube heat exchangers in the petrochemical industry.

Microchannel Heat Exchanger Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 38.12 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 12.98 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand from industries such as heat, air ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration.

Infusion Pumps Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 17.91 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 8.8 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and others.

Intravenous Infusion Pumps Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 9.11 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 7.9 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the increasing elderly population.

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




HONG KONG, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 9, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China hosted "Park City under the Snowy Mountains - Happy Chengdu in the Firework" (hereinafter referred to as Hong Kong), which was also co-organized by gochengdu. The Chengdu Cultural Tourism Promotion Seminar returned to Hong Kong after a three-year absence, using Hong Kong as a platform to introduce Asia to a historically significant and culturally rich city with a past spanning more than 4,500 years of urban civilization and 2,300 years of city construction. Additionally, Chengdu is a dynamic, open, secure city that welcomes everyone.

Hello, Hong Kong! Chengdu is here!

On March 6, it will have been one month since Hong Kong and the mainland resumed full customs clearance. The economy, tourism, and business exchanges of Hong Kong and the mainland are conducted in an orderly manner. In a single month, the number of individuals entering and exiting Hong Kong surpassed 10 million. Both Hong Kong and Chengdu are globally significant tourism source markets. As the global tourism industry is recovering, Chengdu Municipality takes Hong Kong as the second stop for global cultural tourism promotion, eager to tell the story of Chengdu and promote Chengdu tourism to the world through Hong Kongs tourism window, and to fully demonstrate the different "Park City under the Snowy Mountains - Happy Chengdu in the Firework" in 2023.

At the promotion seminar , representatives from Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Asia Tourism Exchange, Hong Kong Tourism Board, The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Asia Travel TV and more than 20 travel agencies in Hong Kong attended together with journalists from the media in Hong Kong. In addition, they visited the Chengdu Cultural Tourism Scene Exhibition, which was meticulously arranged by the meetings organizer. Among them, dozens of photo exhibitions with Chengdu cultural tourism themes, such as giant panda habitat, art and humanities, park city construction, Land of Heaven Greenway, and tourist attractions, drew the interest of many attendees. After observing the exhibit, the guests remarked, "Chengdu has a rich history and culture, an abundance of goods, a temperate climate, and convenient transportation." It is ideal for travelers and residents. I plan to return to Chengdu this summer to sample the cuisine and see the monuments."

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Spring is here, Chengdu is waiting for you!

Mr. Jian Yang, Director of the Chengdu Office of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, stated in his speech, "With a 2,300-year history, Chengdu is one of Chinas most rapidly developing and promising cities.In recent years, the development of Chengdus park city has garnered international attention and praise. The concept of park city is proliferating throughout the nation from Chengdu. The New Western Land and Sea Corridor has transformed Chengdu from a landlocked city to the frontier of national opening. Chengdu is currently the Midwest region with the highest concentration of Hong Kong capital."

"Cultural Tourism , Cultural Expo , Cultural Innovation". Chengdu and Hong Kong strengthen their cooperation, and Chengdu and Hong Kong science and technology innovation will bolster the park citys industrial base. Chengdu has developed a new economy and bolstered its industrial foundation through technological innovation in recent years, giving the park city a brighter development outlook. Chengdu, as the "Land of Heaven," has a rich history, culture, and natural resources, as well as an ancient Shu civilization. The fourteenth five-year plan has repositioned Hong Kong as a hub for cultural and aesthetic exchanges between China and other nations. As Hong Kong absorbs the diverse cultures of the East and West, Chengdu and Hong Kong can collaborate to convey Chengdus story and enhance the citys communication capabilities. Following the meeting, Hong Kong travel agency representatives congregated in front of the rattan and bamboo art exhibition of Chengdus non-traditional projects and exchanged opinions with reporters. I appreciate its tranquility and comfort. I adore its tolerance, and I also adore its landscape and romance! Through todays promotion, I gained a deeper understanding of Chengdus humanity and a greater understanding of the new Chengdu. This year, I will present the Chengdu tour itinerary as a quality travel route to Hong Kong and Asian tourists."

It is reported that the organizers also grandly introduced the upcoming events in Chengdu, the 31st World University Summer Games, the 81st World Science Fiction Convention and the 2024 World Horticultural Expo at this promotion, and expressed their hope that through more and more major international events. Let the world know that Chengdu is welcoming, inclusive, safe, pleasant, and dynamic.

Chengdu and Hong Kongs resumption of interactions has been hastened by the speedy resumption of flights.

"Riding on the spring breeze of the global tourism relaunch, we traveled from Chengdu in western China to New York and back to Hong Kong to share with you the 3,000 years of culture in the Land of Heaven and the prosperous City of the Golden Government beneath the snow-capped mountains." Chengdu is as prosperous as Hong Kong in March. At the promotion site, the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Film, and Television presented Chengdus brand-new tourism resources and extended a cordial invitation to Asian visitors.

It is reported that Air China has increased the frequency of the flight from Chengdu Shuangliu to Hong Kong, and beginning March 1, the frequency of the flight from Chengdu to Hong Kong, China will be increased to once per day, making travel between the two cities much more convenient for passengers.

SOURCE GoChengdu
HANGZHOU, China, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision helped scientists at a National Nature Reserve to better understand the growth of a rare grape variety, assisting in the study of this species, and facilitating their protection and cultivation work.

Grapevines added to list of protected plants

In 1984, the first wild Baihuashan grapevine (Vitis baihuashanensis) was found in the west of Beijing, China. This remained the only individual grapevine of its species found in the wild until 2016. Up to now, only these two specimens have been found in the wild, making this kind of grape more endangered than the giant panda [1]. In 2020, Vitis baihuashanensis was added to the List of National Key Protected Wild Plants in China (Draft for Comments), under first-level protection. The list was announced in 2021 with Vitis baihuashanensis included [2].

To breed the population of this grape variety, Beijing Songshan National Nature Reserve collaborated with Beijing Forestry University on seeds breeding in 2019 in order to artificially cultivate "second-generation seedlings". Thanks to their efforts, the seedling project has proven to be a success and now those grapevines are growing in good health.

Hikvision technology contributes to protection

Hikvision joined the protection project concerning the Baihuashan grape in 2021, and since then it has leveraged its video expertise to help monitor the growth of the "second-generation seedlings". A Hikvision solar-powered camera automatically takes a snapshot at regular intervals, aside from video recording. It is important for caretakers to know the status of the seedlings in the different stages of their lives. These images and video footage help staff at the reserve better understand the growth of the grapes, assisting in the study of this species, and facilitating their protection and cultivation work.

Safeguarding the diversity of plants

In addition to the Baihuashan grape, Hikvision has also applied its technology to help monitor Lonicera oblata 24/7 in Songshan National Nature Reserve. Lonicera oblata is a kind of deciduous shrub and has been in danger mostly due to its weak population regeneration ability under natural conditions.

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In response to the increasing awareness of protecting the biodiversity, engineers in Hikvision have developed a number of technologies and solutions excelling at plant monitoring, specific plant phenological identification, and life cycle observation with time-lapse video. These technologies play an effective role in supporting the study, protection, and artificial cultivation of rare plants. In addition to that, researchers are able to see and compare the changes between different growth stages of rare plants effectively, follow their phenological changes, and raise a flag when the change is material.

Hikvision is committed to a harmonious and sustainable ecological environment with advanced technologies and innovative solutions. Joining hands with professional organizations and experts globally, it will continue to make a concerted effort to safeguard the biodiversity of the planet.

To learn more about Hikvision's commitment and solutions to the biodiversity protection, please read the 2021 ESG Report.

[1] "Baihuashan grape is 'hanging by a thread'", September 2018

[2] "List of National Key Protected Wild Plants in China", September 2021

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SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology
In partnership with Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, HMH launches a nationwide contest to recognize teachers who have positively affected students, teachers and their communities

BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, learning technology company HMH announced the inaugural HMH Lighthouse Awards, in partnership with acclaimed speaker and author of The Lighthouse Effect, Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, Chief Operating Officer at NAIC and a "human lighthouse" featured in Pemberton's book. The nationwide contest invites people to nominate, or self-nominate, teachers who have positively affected students, other teachers, and their communities. HMH believes that it is more important than ever to recognize teachers and celebrate all that they do for those around them. Call for entries opens today.

(PRNewsfoto/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

"The Lighthouse Effect tells the stories of ten seemingly ordinary people who I met along my life journey. Their lives are much like lighthouses, humble in purpose and yet illuminating in their ability to guide and protect. The book was inspired by a high school teacher, John Sykes, who took me in as a teenager and turned my doubts into a destination," said Steve Pemberton, acclaimed speaker and author of The Lighthouse Effect. "Carmen and I are thrilled to partner with HMH to recognize the special impact teachers have on students, schools and communities."

Nominators are invited to write about a K-12 teacher who embodies one of the key characteristics of a teacher lighthouse, as exemplified in Pemberton and Ortiz-McGhee's stories, and uplifts their students and community. The stories used in submission must have taken place in the 2022-2023 school year.

"These awards center around the idea that any of us in any given moment and any given interaction can be a lighthouse for someone or find a lighthouse for ourselves. I attribute much of the success in my life to the teachers who supported me, including Duchene Gerardi, my 7th and 8th grade French and English teacher," said Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, COO at NAIC and a "human lighthouse" featured in The Lighthouse Effect. "All teachers deserve recognition for the important work they do and being able to celebrate some of them with Steve and HMH is an honor."

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"We know that the most important factor in student success is the strength of the student-teacher relationship. Empowering educators is vital to HMH's mission, and we're honored to partner with Steve and Carmen to recognize and shine a light on inspirational teachers who show resiliency, steadiness and mentorship to students, peers and their broader communities," said Jack Lynch, CEO of HMH.

HMH will select ten K-12 teachers, currently employed and residing in the US. The ten award winners will receive a visit from Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee at their school in the 2023-2024 school year. Winners will also receive an all expense paid trip to the 2023 Model Schools Conference, June 25-28, in Orlando, FL.

The contest will run from March 13 through April 7, 2023. To nominate a teacher please submit your nomination here.

About HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions, and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com

Media Contact

Victoria Walker

360PR+

vwalker@360pr.plus

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SOURCE Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
As humanity is nearing the third decade of the XXI century, France continues to live with its past shame and seems determined to hide the embarrassment under various pretexts.

Actually, developments in France or pertaining to French policies beyond its borders have long fallen short of being news and Azerbaijan keeps feeling open-ended provocations of Paris with biased pro-Armenian moves designed to retain tension in the South Caucasus and prevent Armenia from signing a peace deal to restore lasting peace and order in the war-ravaged zone.

Reports are rife that protests in Corsica have erupted as the court banned the use of the local language in French Island. The court of Corsica has outlawed the use of the Corsican language in public institutions on the island and the ban provoked protests.

The court of Bastia referred to the French constitution in its ruling that French was the only language permitted in the performance of public duties.

The Corsican language, close to standard Italian and numbering about 150,000 speakers, according to UNESCO, is in danger of extinction.

The verdict ruled that the custom of the Corsican Assembly to allow the Corsican language for debate was unconstitutional and therefore prohibited. In addition to the language issue, the court stated that local rules establishing the existence of the Corsican people were also a violation of the French constitution.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the prefect of Corsica - the highest representative of the central government on the island - and comes as Emmanuel Macron's administration is negotiating with local politicians to give Corsica more autonomy.

Leading pro-Corsican autonomy politicians have immediately lashed out at the verdict, while supporters of the island's independence tweeted in Corsican that they considered the verdict "shameful".

Leading pro-autonomy politicians criticized the decision right away.

Presidents of the islands executive council Gilles Simeoni and Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, and the Corsican assembly criticized the decision as depriving parliamentarians on the island of their right to talk in their native tongue during discussions, Azernews quotes firstpost.com.

They announced an appeal against the judgement in a joint statement, saying, accepting this state of affairs is unthinkable for us. They claimed that in order for Corsican to live and advance, it needed to be recognized as an official language alongside French.

The pro-independence group Core in Fronte called the verdict shameful in a tweet that it posted in Corsican.

The boss of the Party of the Corsican Nation, Jean-Christophe Angelini, wrote that the decision sounds to us like an insult, also calling it an injustice and a disgrace.

Corsica and Frances national government have a tense relationship because nationalist groups have long called for greater autonomy or even outright independence.

Last month, Macron declared that he had no taboos about changing the status of Corsica, a bright Mediterranean island that is a favorite among tourists. He insisted, nonetheless, that Corsica must stay a part of France.

The conditional release of two men convicted of taking part in the 1998 assassination of the islands prefect Claude Erignacthe highest-ranking French official ever assassinatedseems to have opened the door for new talks between Paris and Corsican leaders.
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) today unveiled its climate plan for achieving net zero in its portfolio by 2050. The plan, which seeks to leverage climate-related opportunities while also managing risks, includes an expectation of deploying $23 billion in green investments by 2030. Our climate strategy: good for the Plan and the planet is the natural next step for HOOPP and its long-standing commitment to sustainable investing.



The plan recognizes that climate change poses both risks and opportunities, and that managing these as part of the investment process is essential to our fiduciary responsibility to deliver on the pension promise to Ontario healthcare workers. HOOPP has committed to achieving net-zero emissions in its portfolio by 2050 by reducing the portfolios carbon footprint through real-world emissions reductions.

Our climate change strategy has been built on the belief of doing what's good for our pension plan and good for our planet, said President & CEO Jeff Wendling in his letter introducing the plan. We believe we can contribute to the transition to a net-zero economy through our carefully selected interim targets. To achieve these targets, we will seek to grow the percentage of our investments with credible, science-based transition plans, and increase our green investments  which should, in turn, lead to reductions in our investment portfolios carbon footprint.

HOOPP CIO Michael Wissell said: HOOPP is starting from a very strong position on our path to net zero. We were the first pension plan in Canada to enact a greenhouse gas policy on our real estate portfolio, a portfolio that is recognized as a global leader in sustainability. Other examples include our ongoing investment in green bonds, transition-enabling infrastructure and our recently implemented $1 billion portfolio allocation to climate change equities.

HOOPPs climate plan was purposefully designed to lower its carbon footprint through real-world emissions reductions. By 2030 we expect to:

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deploy $23 billion in capital for green investments;

have 50% of our infrastructure and private equity portfolios with credible transition plans;

reduce our portfolios carbon footprint to 28 tCOeq/$M, compared to a 2021 baseline.



HOOPP has also committed to being net zero within its own operations in the coming years.

HOOPP is a founding member of Climate Engagement Canada (CEC), a finance-led initiative that drives dialogue between the financial community and businesses to promote a just transition to a net-zero economy. This includes an expectation that companies should disclose in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Wissell said: Climate change is a global issue that requires collective action, including enhanced and standardized reporting of information by companies. To that end, we want to have 80% of our assets providing reported emissions by 2025, for more accurate measurement of progress.

He added: As an institutional investor, HOOPP has an important role to play and there are actions that we can take. But we know that we will have a greater impact when we work in collaboration with other investors and directly with the businesses we invest in. Engagement is key.

About the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

HOOPP serves Ontarios hospital and community-based healthcare sector, with more than 630 participating employers. Its membership includes nurses, medical technicians, food services staff, housekeeping staff, and many others who provide valued healthcare services. In total, HOOPP has more than 435,000 active, deferred and retired members.

HOOPP operates as a private independent trust, and is governed by a Board of Trustees with a sole fiduciary duty to deliver on the pension promise. The Board is jointly governed by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and four unions: the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This governance model provides representation from both management and workers in support of the long-term interests of the Plan.

Contact:

James Geuzebroek, Director, Media & External Communications

jgeuzebroek@hoopp.com




One in five adults experiences neurodivergent conditions like Autism, ADHD, Tourette's, and OCD, and is more likely to avoid care due to previous negative healthcare interactions

Chronically underserved patient population is twice as likely to visit the emergency department, and more likely to experience co-occurring mental health issues and other chronic conditions

Founded by former US Army combat medic Katya Siddall-Cipolla, an autistic healthcare leader with deep payer experience, Hopper Health aims to deliver contextual, collaborative care to 31M neurodivergent adults

NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopper Health , a digital-first personalized primary care platform for neurodivergent adults, today announced its launch in California and New York. Hopper supports neurodivergent adults by connecting them with neurodivergent care navigators and primary care teams trained in the communication and sensory needs of neurodivergent healthcare.

Hopper

One in five adults in the US is neurodivergent, experiencing a range of conditions like autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or Tourette's. For people with these conditions, visiting the doctor can be a waking nightmare. Dense paperwork can overwhelm them, bright lights stoke anxiety, and the doctor-patient dynamic can lead to camouflaging . People with neurological differences are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while their neurodevelopmental conditions are often misdiagnosed as mental illness. They are also more likely to experience other comorbidities , including GI issues, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain.

The U.S. healthcare system is not equipped to serve neurodivergent people. For example, 85% of medical students feel inadequately prepared to provide care for autistic patients. As a result, neurodivergent adults often experience diagnostic overshadowing , which occurs when a physician unconsciously attributes a patient's physical symptoms to a known condition, such as OCD or ADHD, to the exclusion of other potential causes. Less than 3% of physicians report having a disability, inclusive of neurodevelopmental disorders. The inability to find care providers who relate to their lived experiences and understand their unique healthcare needs leads many neurodivergent adults to avoid seeking care for potentially serious or life-threatening conditions.

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Founded by a neurodivergent team , Hopper Health provides culturally-competent and contextual primary care and healthcare navigation services to a chronically underserved patient population. Upon signup, members are connected with a neurodivergent peer navigator who understands the unique challenges of seeking healthcare through their own lived experience. Clinically-validated screeners gather in-depth family, social, and health history experiences as well as sensory and communication preferences that are shared with the clinician. Hopper's primary care clinicians are trained and educated in neurodivergent accommodations, and adapt to the patient's needs to provide the best patient care possible. Each visit includes an extended history review, longitudinal care plan development, and insurance navigation that removes friction and supports patient engagement.

"As an autistic and ADHD person with co-occurring chronic health conditions, I built Hopper Health for people like me to receive higher quality care," said Katya Siddall-Cipolla , CEO and Founder of Hopper Health. "Clinicians often don't know how to effectively accommodate neurodivergent patients, and an imbalanced patient-provider power dynamic can mean we aren't taken seriously as experts on our own symptoms or experiences. My goal is to create a path for neurodivergent adults to take their health into their own hands with a support system that inherently understands their challenges and needs."

With years of healthcare leadership experience at top insurers including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas, Katya understands the payor system and how best to partner on value-based programs for outcomes that improve patient experiences and reduce total cost of care. She is also a veteran, having served as a US Army combat medic at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.

At launch, Hopper Health will offer a direct-to-consumer $99 monthly membership to patients living in California and New York, with the goal of expanding in-network insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage in the future. Those who would like to join can sign up for the waitlist here . Hopper Health is also actively hiring primary care practitioners and peer navigators who specialize, or have an interest in working with neurodivergent adults. PCPs and navigators interested in working with Hopper Health can contact info@hopper.health .

About Hopper Health

Hopper Health is the first virtual primary care and navigation platform created specifically for neurodivergent adults. Created by autistic healthcare industry veteran Katya Siddall-Cipolla, the platform directly connects neurodivergent people with the individualized care they deserve via clinicians and peer navigators who understand how difficult it is to find primary care through firsthand experience. Hopper Health's monthly subscription supports those with ASD, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette's in getting care that meets their individual needs. To learn more, visit https://www.hopper.health/

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SOURCE Hopper Health
Market.Us

According to Market.us, the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) market size is projected to surpass around USD 13 billion by 2032, and it is poised to reach a registered CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2032, Owing to the Emergence of HPV Strains, Human Papillomavirus Vaccines Are a Primary Preventative Measure Against Infection.

New York, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market size was USD 4.6 billion in 2022 and size will become worth USD 13.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2032. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine is an immunization developed to prevent infection with certain types of the virus that can cause conditions such as cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine provides protective immunity against specific HPV types, thereby preventing infection with these viruses.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market Value

Get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market sample report at https://market.us/report/human-papillomavirus-hpv-testing-market/request-sample/

Key Takeaway:

By type , in 2022, the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) market was dominated by the polyvalent vaccines segment due to their higher efficiency than other vaccines.

By disease indication , the HPV-associated cancer segment dominated the market share owing to its rising prevalence.

Hospital pharmacies hold the largest market share by distribution channel owing to their accessible and quick facilities.

In 2022, North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 45%.

APAC is expected to register a higher CAGR among all the regions covered in the report.

Factors affecting the growth of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) industry.

Several factors can impact the growth of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) market.

Some of these factors include:

Public Awareness : The level of public awareness regarding the dangers posed by HPV has been a key factor driving the demand for vaccination. For instance, education campaigns have enabled individuals to identify their risk of infection and garner knowledge on preventative measures such as vaccination.

Advancements in R&D Facilities: Adopting advanced technology in manufacturing HPV vaccines may boost the market's growth during the forecast period.

Increased Investments in the Pharmaceutical Industry: An increase in investments in the development of the pharmaceutical industry for the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) is a significant factor contributing to the growth of the target market.

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To understand how Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/human-papillomavirus-hpv-testing-market/#inquiry

Market Growth

The exponential demand for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has catalyzed the market's growth. This trend can be attributed to the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the vaccine's efficacy in preventing HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer, genital warts, and other associated health complications. Rising government initiatives to promote immunization programs and favorable reimbursement policies have also increased access to these vaccines, driving market growth. As a result, the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) industry has witnessed a surge in growth over the last few years. This growth can be attributed to various factors such as societal awareness, governmental initiatives, and technological advancements. In addition, the level of public awareness regarding the dangers posed by HPV has been a key factor driving the demand for vaccination. For example, education campaigns have enabled individuals to identify their risk of infection and garner knowledge on preventative measures such as vaccination.

Regional Analysis

North America held 45% of the Global Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market share in 2022. In North America, the United States and Canada are the primary consumers of HPV vaccines, with a combined share of nearly 75% of the target market. Owing to various reasons, such as its high vaccine uptake rate and the presence of major key players.

Moreover, HPV has been linked to various cancers, such as cervical cancer and genital warts, which vaccinations can prevent. In addition, healthcare professionals have recognized that early vaccination is necessary to protect adults against these diseases before exposure to HPV. As a result of this awareness, North America countries such as Canada and the U.S. have adopted policies that promote widespread access to HPV vaccination programs for adolescents. Moreover, government funding has contributed significantly towards increasing vaccine uptake rates across North America by incentivizing parents and health care providers. This has resulted in higher adoption rates of HPV vaccines compared with other parts of the world where access to these life-saving drugs is still limited or non-existent. Furthermore, APAC is expected to increase during the forecast period due to the growing population, which is boosting the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus, thus increasing demand for the vaccine.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the market has also been examined in this report. Some of the major players include GlaxoSmithKline plc., Sanofi, Pifzer Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Novartis AG, Emergent Biosolutions, CSL Limited, Xenetic Bioscienes Inc., Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Thymox Technology, Benefit Corporation, Bosque Solutions, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, Bharat Biotec., Other Key Players

Have Queries? Speak to an expert, or To Download/Request a Sample, Click here.

Scope of the Report

Report Attribute Details Market Value (2022) USD 4.6 Billion Market Size (2032) USD 13.9 Billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 4.3% North America Revenue Share 45% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032

Market Drivers

The driving factors for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market have been multifaceted and varied. Regarding macroeconomic drivers, the increasing awareness among consumers of the potential risks associated with HPV infection has significantly influenced the demand for vaccination. In addition, consumers are increasingly turning to preventive healthcare measures to reduce their risk of contracting HPV and other related diseases, raising the demand for vaccination. Moreover, rising public awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination, rising healthcare expenditure in developed countries, concerted efforts from governments to promote HPV vaccination, and the presence of robust distribution networks.

Market Restraints

With the increasing demand for vaccines to prevent HPV, several factors have been identified as potential restraints on the development of this market. These factors include cost, availability, hesitancy among certain demographic groups, and inadequate knowledge about HPV and its impact on health. Moreover, limited launches of products offered by manufacturers may hamper the growth of the market.

Market Opportunities

A rising number of HPV awareness programs owing to the increased prevalence of severe health conditions such as cervical cancer, genital warts, and other types of cancer are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for major key players. Moreover, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine market provides opportunities for stakeholders to capitalize on the lucrative market by leveraging the numerous advancements in immunology and preventative health care. Furthermore, these stakeholders can create opportunities to expand their operations across this increasingly competitive landscape by deploying novel strategies such as innovative product designs, novel marketing techniques, and increased access through improved distribution networks.

Grow your profit margin with Market.us - Purchase Premium Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market Report at https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=59786

Report Segmentation of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market

Type Insight

The human papillomavirus vaccine market has been segmented based on the type into bivalent, polyvalent, and quadrivalent. The polyvalent segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. The polyvalent vaccine's higher efficiency than the bivalent vaccine is another factor responsible for the surge in the market value of the polyvalent vaccine.

Disease Indication Insight

The global human papillomavirus vaccine market is segmented by disease indication into HPV-associated cancer and genital warts. The HPV-associated cancer segment holds the largest market share due to increased prevalence among females. In addition, cervical cancer is the fourth most common HPV-associated cancer, with an estimated 604,000 new cases worldwide in 2020. These cancers are usually caused by chronic infection of high-risk types of HPV and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Distribution Channel Insight

By distribution channel, the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) market is further divided into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and government suppliers. Hospital pharmacies held the largest market share due to their accessible and quick facilities.

For more insights on the historical and Forecast Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing Market data from 2016 to 2032 - download a sample report at https://market.us/report/human-papillomavirus-hpv-testing-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

Based On Type

Bivalent

Polyvalent

Quadrivalent

Based On Disease Indication

HPV Associated Cancer

Genital Warts

Based On the Distribution Channel

Hospitals Pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Government Suppliers

Other Distribution Channels

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

APAC

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 M.E.A.

Competitive Landscape

Leading key market players are improving their research & development facilities and new product launches by increasing their quality criteria. As a result, market share is dominated by key players such as Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, etc.

Some of the major players include:

GlaxoSmithKline plc.

Sanofi Company Profile

Pifzer Inc.

Merck & Co. Inc.

Novartis AG Company Profile

Emergent Biosolutions

CSL Limited

Xenetic Bioscienes Inc.

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Thymox Technology

Benefit Corporation

Bosque Solutions

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd

Bharat Biotec.

Other Key Players

Recent Development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Market

June 2020  On the eve of Global Vaccine Summit 2020, vaccine manufacturers Inovax, Serum Private Institute of India Private Limited, and Walvax ramped up human papillomavirus vaccine supply availability for Gavi- Supported Countries, which have among the highest cervical cancer burdens in the world.

January 2020  The Food and Drug Administration has raised the recommended age to receive the vaccine for human papillomavirus.

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Iceland Seafood International hf.

As previously announced the Annual General Meeting of Iceland Seafood International hf will be held on March 16th 2023 at 4pm. The meeting will be held at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Suurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik.

Deadline of notification of candidacy for Board of Directors was on March 11th. Below is a list of candidates for the Board of Directors:

Liv Bergorsdottir, the CEO of BIOEFFECT. She joined BIOEFFECT / ORF Genetics in 2020 after 20 years in the telecomunication industry.

Jakob Valgeir Flosason, the CEO of Jakob Valgeir ehf. Jakob has been a board member of Iceland Seafood since February 2019 and has a long experience in the seafood industry.

Ingunn Agnes Kro, the General Manager of Jarvarmi slhf, holding company. Prior to that Ingunn was in various positions at Skeljungur hf from 2009-2019. Ingunn sits on the board of various listed and unlisted companies in Iceland.

Bergor Baldvinsson, CEO of Nesfiskur. Has been the CEO of Nesfiskur since 1979. Nesfiskur and its subsidiaries employ around 400 people today.

Halldor Leifsson, Marketing and Sales director of FISK Seafood ehf. Halldor has held various management positions within the seafood industry for the last 30 years.

Alternate:

Gunnlaugur Karl Hreinsson, Chairman and owner of GPG seafood. Gunnlaugur has decades of experience within the seafood sector.

According to the Articles of Association of the Company, the Board of Directors shall be comprised of 5 members and up to two alternate members. Consequently, the above candidates will be elected to the Board without ballot at the meeting.

Further information in relation to the Annual General Meeting are on the Company's website Annual General Meeting 2023 (icelandseafood.com)

Further information:

bjarni.armannsson@icelandseafood.com




MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt. Ltd.

Chicago, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Industrial Refrigeration Market by Component (Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator), Application (Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Refrigerated Warehouse), Refrigerant Type, and Region (2021-2026)", The growth of the industrial refrigeration system market is driven by factors such as the rising demand for innovative and compact refrigeration systems; increasing government support to strengthen cold chain infrastructure in developing countries; and growing inclination toward eco-friendly refrigerant-based refrigeration systems due to stringent regulatory policies.

Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=245749288

The industrial refrigeration industry is a large and diverse market that encompasses a range of applications such as food and beverage production, chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and data center cooling. The market is driven by the need to maintain precise temperature and humidity control in various industrial processes to ensure product quality, safety, and energy efficiency.

Industrial Refrigeration Market Report Scope

Report Metric Details Estimated Value USD 19.4 Billion Expected Value USD 25.1 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of 5.3% Forecast Period 20212026 On Demand Data Available 2030 Market Size Available for Years 20172026 CAGR 5.3% Segments Covered By Component, Refrigerant Type, Application, and Region Geographic Regions Covered APAC, North America, South America, Europe, and RoW (includes South America and the Middle East & Africa) Market Leaders Johnson Controls (Ireland), GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany), Danfoss (Denmark), Mayekawa (Japan), Daikin (Japan), Ingersoll Rand (Ireland), BITZER (Germany), LU-VE Group (Italy), MTA S.p.A. (Italy), Frascold (Italy), HITEMA INTERNATIONAL (Italy), Guntner GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), KOBELCO (Japan), Clauger (France), Rivacold (Italy), Dorin S.p.A. (Italy), Star Refrigeration (Scotland), Industrial Frigo (Lombardy), SRM Italy (Italy). Top Companies in North America Emerson Electric Co. (US), EVAPCO, Inc. (US), Baltimore Aircoil Company (US), Lennox International (US), Hannifin (US), and Innovative Refrigeration Systems (US) Key Market Driver Increasing government support to strengthen cold chain infrastructure in developing countries Key Market Opportunity Growing popularity of carbon dioxide/ammonia (CO2/NH3)-based cascade refrigeration systems Largest Growing Region North America Largest Application Market Share Refrigerated Warehouse Applications Highest CAGR Segment CO2-based Refrigeration Systems

In terms of potential growth use-cases:

Cold storage and warehousing - the demand for cold storage facilities is increasing due to the growth of e-commerce and the need for temperature-controlled storage for perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Food processing and packaging - the food industry relies heavily on refrigeration for the processing and packaging of products such as meat, dairy, and produce. Beverage production - breweries, wineries, and soft drink manufacturers require refrigeration for the fermentation, maturation, and storage of products.

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Browse in-depth TOC on " Industrial Refrigeration Market Trends, Growth Drivers"

169  Tables

64  Figures

264  Pages

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Industrial Refrigeration Market Growth Opportunity and Niche Growth Drivers

Here are some hypothetical growth opportunities and niche growth drivers industrial refrigeration business:

Growth Opportunities:

a. Sustainable refrigeration solutions: As environmental concerns continue to grow, there will be a growing demand for eco-friendly refrigeration solutions. The use of natural refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies will become increasingly important.

b. Developing countries: Industrialization in developing countries will drive demand for refrigeration solutions. These markets will require cost-effective and scalable solutions, presenting opportunities for innovative industrial refrigeration companies.

c. Cold chain logistics: The growth of e-commerce and the need for cold storage and transportation of goods will create significant growth opportunities in the cold chain logistics market.

Niche Growth Drivers:

a. Customized solutions: Industrial refrigeration companies that can offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of their clients will have a competitive advantage.

b. High-quality service: The ability to offer high-quality service and maintenance will be critical in maintaining customer loyalty and growing market share.

c. Remote monitoring: The ability to offer remote monitoring and control of refrigeration systems will become increasingly important, as clients look to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

Top 10 companies in Industrial Refrigeration market

As of September 2021, here are ten of the top companies in the industrial refrigeration market:

Johnson Controls International plc Danfoss A/S GEA Group AG Emerson Electric Co. Ingersoll Rand Inc. United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. BITZER SE Evapco, Inc. LU-VE Group

It's worth noting that the industrial refrigeration market is highly fragmented, and there are many other companies operating in the space, ranging from large multinational corporations to small and mid-sized regional players. Additionally, market share can vary by region and application, so it's important to consider these factors when evaluating the competitive landscape of the industrial refrigeration industry.

Related Reports:

The Magnetic Refrigeration Market is expected to be commercialized by 2022 at USD 4 million, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 105.4 % from 2022 to 2027 to reach USD 165 million by 2027.

CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com




DAYTON, Ohio, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infoscitex (IST) recently completed an organizational transition as part of its ongoing growth strategy. IST is a wholly owned subsidiary of DCS Corporation headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, providing research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) support to Government and commercial customers including the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Personnel Center, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Pictured (left to right): Tom Hughes, Mike Gilkey and Don Emerson (PRNewsfoto/DCS Corporation)

Mike Gilkey has led IST since 2017, serving as a Vice President and Division Operations Manager as part of the DCS operational structure. He was promoted this year to Executive Vice President and Sector Operations Manager. Mike brings over 37 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and other Government customers. He was recently named to Dayton Business Journal's Who's Who in Aerospace and Defense 2023, marking his second consecutive year on the list. Mike has reorganized his team into three organizations, focusing expertise and resources in key areas to facilitate and support sustained growth.

The Human Systems Division is led by Tom Hughes who was recently promoted to Vice President. Tom has provided the Air Force with Human Systems support for 40 years, most recently focused in Human Autonomy coordination and Man-Machine Teaming research. In addition to these disciplines, his portfolio includes machine learning, visualization, operator interface design and human performance research.

The Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) Division is headed by Don Emerson, also recently promoted to Vice President. Don has been supporting AFRL since 2010 and provides engineering, management, operations, and MS&A support to a broad range of DoD and manufacturing domains. His portfolio consists of modeling of systems and synthetic environments, advanced simulation development and battlespace analytics.

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IST's legacy Air and Space Operations Division, Sensors and Intelligence Department is now led by John Tate. John brings 34 years' experience in Air Force and contractor roles supporting avionics, flight test, systems engineering and program management. His portfolio consists of sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance research as well as intelligence analysis and threat modeling support.

"The DoD is making big investments into RDT&E to develop advanced warfighting capability. This is a technically demanding market that brings tremendous opportunity, but significant competition as well," commented Mike Gilkey. "This reorganization strengthens our ability to pursue new business and sustain organizational growth."

About Infoscitex

Infoscitex and its parent company, DCS Corporation, offer advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to Government agencies in the Department of Defense and national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of our Nation. For more information, please visit http://www.infoscitex.com and https://www.dcscorp.com

Contact: DCS Media, dcsmedia@dcscorp.com, 571-227-6000

Infoscitex Logo (PRNewsfoto/DCS Corporation)

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Recognized for demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

BENGALURU, India , March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been recognized, by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies. Infosys received the honour, for the third consecutive year, for demonstrating the high standards of business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.

Infosys_Logo

Infosys has become the only Company in India, and one of the four companies globally, in the software and services industry to receive this recognition. This recognition is awarded to global companies that have exceptional business ethics and are committed to advance business integrity.

Infosys has been recognized among 135 honorees spanning 19 countries and 46 industries. These companies were evaluated based on the Ethisphere Ethics Quotient across multiple categories, including culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain.

"Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said, Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Infosys for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys, said, "We are honoured to be part of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies community. This recognition is a testament to the strong foundation of ethical business practices and accountability that we continue to build on. As a responsible corporate entity, we are fully committed to nurturing excellence and transparency of operations and outcomes for the businesses that we drive."

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The complete list of 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found here: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

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.

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SOURCE Infosys
Recognized for demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices

BENGALURU, India, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been recognized, by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies. Infosys received the honour, for the third consecutive year, for demonstrating the high standards of business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.

Infosys_Logo

Infosys has become the only Company in India, and one of the four companies globally, in the software and services industry to receive this recognition. This recognition is awarded to global companies that have exceptional business ethics and are committed to advance business integrity.

Infosys has been recognized among 135 honorees spanning 19 countries and 46 industries. These companies were evaluated based on the Ethisphere Ethics Quotient across multiple categories, including culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain.

"Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said, Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Infosys for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys, said, "We are honoured to be part of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies community. This recognition is a testament to the strong foundation of ethical business practices and accountability that we continue to build on. As a responsible corporate entity, we are fully committed to nurturing excellence and transparency of operations and outcomes for the businesses that we drive."

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The complete list of 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found here: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

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.

SOURCE Infosys
Consumer-favorite housewares company honored for exemplary impact on local Mississippi communities

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Instant Brands, maker of consumer favorites like Instant Pot, Corelle, Pyrex and more, was recently recognized by the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce with its Industry of the Year Outstanding Service and Leadership Award. Instant Brands' Byhalia, Miss.-based distribution center earned the coveted accolade for making a positive social and economic impact on the Marshall County area.

Laura Taylor, Executive Director of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the Industry of the Year Award during a ceremony on Thursday, March 9 at the Byhalia Convention Center.

"On behalf of the Byhalia Area Chamber, we appreciate Instant Brands' civic-minded efforts and intentional investments that directly benefit our residents, our schools and the places we live, work and play," said Laura Taylor. "We appreciate Instant Brands' leadership and commitment to giving back to Byhalia, and we are grateful to have them as members of our chamber and the Byhalia community."

Over the past year, Instant Brands supported the Byhalia community in myriad ways, including community-focused initiatives and outside-the-box partnerships with local organizations including:

Hearts & Hands Ministries Food Bank , donating nearly 2,000 pounds of canned food in summer 2022, holding an annual Thanksgiving food drive, and donating Snapware  food storage solutions;

Mid-South Food Bank , serving Greater Memphis and Northwest Mississippi, through donations of Instant Pot  appliances and Snapware  to keep produce fresher longer and stretch grocery dollars;

Marshall and DeSoto County High Schools' Career and Technical Education Programs , hosting five local high schools for open houses and career fairs and providing workforce development support and representation on Marshall County School District's Student Advisory Board to help create career pathways for the next generation of manufacturing employees;

Keep America Beautiful , participating in the organization's Great American Cleanup Day around the Byhalia Town Square;

The Market Festival , sponsoring the festival and supporting local farmers, crafters, non-profits and small businesses;

Porter-Leath , donating gifts to the annual Christmas Toy Drive and supporting the non-profit's commitment to empowering at-risk children and families in the Greater Memphis Area; and

Byhalia High School, providing faculty and staff with breakfast and product giveaways.

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"I'm incredibly proud of our Byhalia team for their commitment to serving the local community. We are all connected, and by partnering with other purpose-driven organizations, we collectively play a part in addressing real needs and giving back in ways that tangibly impact people," said Ben Gadbois, President and CEO of Instant Brands. "It's wonderful to see the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce recognize our team's contributions to the local community, and we thank them for this honor."

Operating in Byhalia since 2019, Instant Brands currently employs several hundred employees at its 1.2 million-square-foot facility. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit Careers  Instant Brands.

About Instant Brands

Instant Brands designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands: Instant, Pyrex, Corelle, Corningware, Snapware, Chicago Cutlery, ZOID and Visions. With people-first and purpose-driven solutions in mind, Instant Brands is reimagining how people live, eat, connect, and play inside the homeand in the spaces where people gather. The Cornell Capital-backed company is headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., and employs more than 2,000 people across four continents. Today, Instant Brands' products are in millions of homes worldwide. For more information visit Instant Brands or join the community at LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media Contact

media@instantbrands.com

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SOURCE Instant Brands
Elnur Enveroglu

A few weeks ago, President Ilham Aliyev's strong critical views on France at the Summit-Level Contact Group meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement has come back to the agenda again.

Unfortunately, nowadays, we observe a rising tendency towards neo-colonialism. NAM, which came into existence due to the historical decolonization process, should unify its efforts toward completely eliminating this shameful page of mankind.

Although some people associate the presidents words with France's support of pro-Armenian policy, the main stories of the world media about France today shed more light on the facts about French policy.

So, an article depicting France's racist behavior on Britains Guardian news website has attracted the attention of thousands of anti-imperialist nations, members of Corsicas pro-independence party Core in Fronte, and most importantly the islands inhabitants. The article reads that the island of Corsica, currently a French colonial territory, has been deprived of its native language, and the constitution has come into force on the introduction of only the French language on the island.

What is more shameful is that a court in Corsica has prompted outrage by banning the use of the Corsican language in the islands local parliament.

Based on its ruling last week, the court in the city of Bastia cited Frances constitution that French was the only language allowed in the exercise of public office.

Corsican, which is close to standard Italian and has about 150,000 native speakers, is considered by the UNs cultural organization UNESCO to be in danger of becoming extinct.

The verdict last week ruled the Corsican assemblys custom of allowing the Corsican language for debates was unconstitutional and therefore banned.

However, the ultra-racist policy of France was not satisfied with the abolition of the native language of the island and resorted to adopting some illegal so-called laws that would harm the existence of the island people. It reads in the report that the ruling follows a lawsuit brought by the prefect of Corsica, the one that is the central governments highest representative on the island, and besides that, it comes as Emmanuel Macrons administration is talking with local politicians about granting Corsica greater autonomy. Nevertheless, all leading pro-autonomy politicians immediately lashed out at the verdict.

Currently, many leading figures of the island call what is happening far-fetched and demand that their native language be given official status along with French so that it can survive and develop.

Regarding what happens with the island, even the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Dr. Fernand de Varennes, on his official Twitter page, has seriously criticized the law passed on the language of the island calling it stark racism.

Besides, the leader of the Party of the Corsican Nation, Jean-Christophe Angelini, tweeted that the decision sounds to us like an insult, also calling it an injustice and a disgrace.

Thus, France's insatiable appetite for colonialism becomes the new scourge of our planet. There is no doubt that France's love for Armenians stems from its colonial policy. Unfortunately, this disgraceful political regime, which has one eye on the island of Corsica and the other on the South Caucasus and beyond, either prey on the languages of the oppressed or sows the seeds of discord in the area where it steps.




MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's biggest utility Enel and 'clean' nuclear technology company newcleo have signed an agreement to work together on the British start-up's technology projects aimed at providing safe and stable power, they said on Monday.

The deal marks a renewed interest for nuclear around the world with large energy groups exploring the possibility of developing innovative solutions with start-ups as an alternative to fossil fuels.

"Generation IV nuclear solutions aim to provide a safe and stable power source and to significantly reduce existing volumes of radioactive waste," Enel and newcleo said in a statement.

Under the agreement, newcleo has committed to securing an option for Enel as first investor in its first nuclear power plant, which it will build outside Italy.

London-based newcleo plans to design and construct the first-of-a-kind mini lead fast reactor to be deployed in France by 2030.

Italy banned nuclear energy in 1987 after it was rejected in a national referendum.

Enel currently has over 3.3 gigawatt (GW) of nuclear capacity in Spain and retains a stake of around 33% in Slovak company Slovenske elektrarne, which recently connected to the grid the first of two turbine generators of the nuclear power plant of Mochovce.

(Reporting by Francesca Landini; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Labrador Uranium Inc.

Announces Concurrent Private Placement

Figure 1:

The Angilak Property in Nunavut Territory, Canada

Figure 2:

Angilak Long Section

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Labrador Uranium Inc. (Labrador Uranium, LUR or the Company) (CSE: LUR, OTCQB: LURAF, FRA: EI1) is pleased to announce that today it entered into an arms length definitive agreement (the Arrangement Agreement) with ValOre Metals Corp. (ValOre) pursuant to which LUR will acquire ValOres Angilak Property located in Nunavut Territory, Canada (the Angilak Property), all by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement (the Arrangement). LUR is also pleased to announce that Mr. John Jentz is expected to join LUR as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, and that two additional Directors appointed by ValOre, including Jim Paterson, ValOres Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be nominated for election to the Board of Directors at the Companys next annual general meeting.



Transaction Highlights:

Adds a large, high-grade uranium project in Nunavut, Canada

The Angilak Property ranks among the highest grade uranium resources globally, outside of the Athabasca Basin, and has additional upside from molybdenum, copper and silver with a historical mineral resource estimate of: Inferred mineral resources of 2,831,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.69% U 3 O 8 and 0.17% molybdenum containing 43.3 million pounds of U 3 O 8 and 10.4 million pounds of molybdenum. This estimate is considered to be a historical estimate under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ( NI 43-101 ) and is not considered by Labrador Uranium to be current. See below for further details regarding the historical mineral resource estimate for the Angilak Property. The Angilak Property has been the subject of significant past expenditures with over $95 million spent on exploration and resource delineation including approximately 95,000 metres of drilling.



Local and district scale exploration potential

The Angilak Propertys historic mineral resource covers just 5 km of the identified 12 km Lac 50 Trend ( Lac 50 ) with nine expansion targets identified along trend using a proven and effective targeting methodology.

Outside of the Lac 50 Trend additional target areas have shown the potential for significant uranium mineralization at the Dipole and YAT target areas, which were drilled by ValOre in the prior field season.

An aggressive work program is being planned for the 2023 field season including drilling, targeting extensions of existing mineralized areas at the Lac 50 Trend, a property wide airborne radiometric survey and additional soil sampling.



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Tier-1 Mining Jurisdiction

Canada consistently ranks as one of the most attractive countries for mining investment including uranium.

Both Nunavut and Labrador have transparent permitting processes, established mining and taxation laws, and mining knowledgeable First Nations groups.

Nunavut is host to multiple established operations including the Meadowbank, Meliadine, Mary River and Hope Bay mines.



Continuation of LURs Strategy with Strong Operational Synergies

Acquisition of the Angilak Property expands LURs exposure to proven uranium camps in Canada with district scale potential.

Provides the ability to leverage LURs existing team with extensive experience in Canadian uranium exploration, including technical expertise, corporate and board.

In connection with closing of the Arrangement, the Company will undertake to change its name to Latitude Uranium Inc. to reflect its expansion within Canada.



Philip Williams, Executive Chairman of LUR commented, Todays announcement represents a giant step forward in LURs strategy to become a premier uranium exploration company in Canada. Assets like Angilak are few and far between, boasting both high uranium grades with upside to other commodities that are also important to the clean energy transition like molybdenum, silver and copper. The large-scale project tenure in Nunavut, an increasingly prominent mining jurisdiction, effectively puts LUR in control of an entire uranium district and complements our large CMB project in Labrador. We look forward to welcoming ValOre shareholders to our register as well as the new directors to our Board. I am also pleased to announce the expected appointment of John Jentz as CEO. John will bring decades of senior mining experience to the company. When I stepped in as Interim CEO earlier this year it was with the goal of elevating the Companys management and project portfolio, both of which have been accomplished with todays announcement.

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the Arrangement, among other things:

ValOre will transfer and assign its interest in the Angilak Property to a new wholly-owned subsidiary of ValOre ( VO Subco ) formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the Arrangement (the  Transfer );

Following completion of the Transfer, LUR will acquire from ValOre all of the issued and outstanding common shares of VO Subco and in consideration therefore, ValOre will receive $3,000,000 in cash (the  Cash Consideration ) and 100,000,000 common shares of LUR at a deemed price of $0.40 per share (the  Consideration Shares  and together with the Cash Consideration, the  Consideration ); and

The Consideration Shares will be distributed to the holders of common shares of ValOre (the VO Shares) on a pro rata basis.



The Arrangement will be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), requiring the approval of (i) at least 662/3% of the votes cast by ValOre shareholders, and (ii), if applicable, a simply majority of the votes case by ValOre shareholders, excluding certain related parties as prescribed by Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, voting in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at a special meeting of ValOre shareholders to consider the Arrangement (the ValOre Meeting). The ValOre Meeting is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2023. The Arrangement is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, subject to satisfaction of the conditions under the Arrangement Agreement.

The directors and executive officers of ValOre, representing an aggregate of approximately 19.6% of the issued and outstanding VO Shares, have entered into voting support agreements with LUR and have agreed, among other things, to vote their VO Shares in favour of the Arrangement at the ValOre Meeting.

In addition to shareholder and court approvals, closing of the Arrangement is conditional upon the completion of the Concurrent Private Placement (as described below), receipt of applicable regulatory and stock exchange approvals and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature.

The Consideration Shares will be subject to a contractual hold period until the expiry of the hold period applicable to the Offered Securities (as described below) under the Concurrent Private Placement.

In connection with the Arrangement, LUR has also entered into an earn-in agreement with ValOre (the Earn-in Agreement) pursuant to which, among other things, ValOre has granted LUR the option (the Option) to acquire up to a 10% interest in the Angilak Property by funding mineral exploration expenditures in the aggregate amount of up to $3.5 million (the Expenditures) on or before the first anniversary of the Earn-in Agreement (the Earn-in Term).

It is anticipated that any Expenditures funded by LUR will be used by ValOre to fund the upcoming exploration program on the Angilak Property that is expected to commence later this month with initial deliveries of fuel.

About the Angilak Property

The 68,552-hectare Angilak Property is situated in the mining- and exploration-friendly Nunavut Territory, Canada, and has district-scale potential for uranium, precious and base metals (Figure 1). The Angilak Property is located in the Kivalliq District of Nunavut, approximately 225 km south of Baker Lake, 325 km west of Rankin Inlet and 820 km east of Yellowknife.

The Angilak Property occurs in the "Barren lands, a large region of almost flat, treeless tundra characterized by poor bedrock exposure and extensive swampy areas with abundant small, shallow lakes. Access is reliant on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

The Angilak Property is located in the Western Churchill Province, a large Archean Craton that has experienced structural and metamorphic overprint in the Proterozoic. Tectonic activity in the early Proterozoic resulted locally in tectonic collapse and the formation of rift basins which have been superimposed on the Archean crust. The Baker Lake Basin and the associated Angikuni and Yathkyed subbasins were formed as a result of these tectonic processes. The contact between these Proterozoic basins and the Archean represents an unconformity that has been targeted globally for uranium, a deposit type termed unconformity style uranium. The most prolific occurrences of this deposit type are found in the Athabasca basin in northern Saskatchewan.

The Angilak Property in Nunavut Territory, Canada





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a4c793e-d161-4c41-b5e3-d6c93c429828

Previous exploration by a variety of companies during the late 1970s and early 1980s in the Yathkyed Lake region resulted in the discovery of numerous uranium, base metals, silver showings and the Lac Cinquante Uranium Deposit, a Beaverlodge style veintype uranium deposit. Most of the showings occur close to the western, northern and northeastern boundary of the Angikuni sedimentary subbasin, within both Archean basement and later basinfill sedimentary and volcaniclastic material.

Over $95 million has been invested since 1975, with ValOre investing over $65 million on resource delineation and exploration drilling, metallurgy, geophysics, geochemistry, and logistics across the large land package. This work supported the development of the significant Lac 50 Trend with a historic inferred uranium mineral resource estimate shown in Table 1 and Figure 2. See below for further details regarding the historic mineral resource estimate for the Angilak Property.

Table 1: Historical 2013 Inferred Mineral Resource Summary by Zone

Number of

holes used



Zone



ktonnes



U 3 O 8 %



Ag g/t



Mo%



Cu%



Contained U 3 O 8

(Mlbs) Ag

(koz) Mo

(Mlbs) Cu

(Mlbs) 143 Lac 50 Main 892 0.825 13.5 0.230 0.17 16.2 387 4.5 3.3 67 Lac 50 W Ext. 709 0.506 17.5 0.044 0.33 7.9 399 0.7 5.2 46 Lac 50 E Ext. 304 0.569 20.1 0.167 0.28 3.8 197 1.1 1.9 63 J4 Upper 592 0.698 23.3 0.145 0.28 9.1 443 1.9 3.7 52 J4 Lower 258 0.938 45.8 0.279 0.24 5.3 379 1.6 1.4 16 Ray 76 0.525 29.9 0.366 0.10 0.9 73 0.6 0.2 Total 2,831 0.693 20.6 0.167 0.25 43.3 1878 10.4 15.6

1. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

2. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant issues.

3. The quality and grade of the reported inferred resource in these estimations are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured resource category.

4. Contained value metals may not add due to rounding.

5. A 0.2% U 3 O 8 cut-off was used.

6. The mineral resource estimates contained in this table are considered to be historical estimates as defined under NI 43-101 and are not considered by LUR to be current.

7. Reported by ValOre Metals Corp. in a Technical Report entitled Technical Report and Resource Update For The Angilak Property, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada, prepared by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol. of APEX Geosciences, Robert Sim, B.Sc., P.Geo. of SIM Geological Inc. and Bruce Davis, Ph.D., FAusIMM of BD Resource Consulting Inc., dated March 1, 2013.

8. As disclosed in the above noted technical report, the historic estimate was prepared under the direction of Robert Sim, P.Geo, with the assistance of Dr. Bruce Davis, FAusIMM, and consists of three-dimensional block models based on geostatistical applications using commercial mine planning software. The project limits area based in the UTM coordinate system (NAD83 Zone14) using nominal block sizes measuring 5x5x5m at Lac Cinquante and 5x3x3 m (LxWxH) at J4. Grade (assay) and geological information is derived from work conducted by Kivalliq during the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 field seasons. A thorough review of all the 2013 resource information and drill data by a Qualified Person, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical resource subsequent to the publication of the 2013 technical report, would be required in order to verify the Angilak Property historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

9. The historical mineral resource estimate was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).

Angilak Long Section





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d65ceaac-52a8-4aae-bdc4-da78d489b2fd

Concurrent Private Placement

In connection with the Arrangement, LUR has entered into an engagement letter with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (Red Cloud), as sole bookrunner, and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (Canaccord Genuity, and together with Red Cloud, the Co-Lead Underwriters), together as co-lead underwriters, on their own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the Underwriters) pursuant to which the Underwriters will purchase for resale subscription receipts (the Subscription Receipts), flow-through subscription receipts (the FT Subscription Receipts) and premium flow-through subscription receipts (the PFT Subscription Receipts and together with the Subscription Receipts and the FT Subscription Receipts, the Offered Securities) at a price of $0.35 per Subscription Receipt (the Issue Price), $0.42 per FT Subscription Receipt (the FT Issue Price) and $0.525 per PFT Subscription Receipt (the PFT Issue Price) on a bought deal private placement basis for aggregate gross proceeds of $12,000,000 (the Concurrent Private Placement). The Offered Securities may be sold in any combination provided that the Concurrent Private Placement consists of a minimum of 11,428,572 Subscription Receipts for gross proceeds of $4.0 million.

LUR has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase for resale additional Subscription Receipts, FT Subscription Receipt and PFT Subscription Receipts at the Issue Price, the FT Issue Price and the PFT Issue Price, respectively, to raise additional gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the Over-Allotment Option). The Over-Allotment Option will be exercisable in whole or in part, up to 48 hours prior to closing of the Concurrent Private Placement.

Upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions including, among others, the satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the Arrangement, other than the conversion of the Offered Securities and the satisfaction of those conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied until completion of the Arrangement (the Escrow Release Conditions), each Subscription Receipt will be automatically exercised, for no additional consideration, into one unit of LUR (a Non-FT Unit) and each FT Subscription Receipt and each PFT Subscription Receipt will be automatically exercised, for no additional consideration, into one unit of LUR (the FT Units). Each Non-FT Unit will be comprised of one non-flow-through LUR Share and one-half of one non-flow-through common share purchase warrant of LUR (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each FT Unit will be comprised of a common share that will qualify as one flow-through share (a FT LUR Share) as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada ) (ITA) and one-half of one Warrant. Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one non-flow-through LUR Share (each, a Warrant Share) at a price per Warrant Share of $0.50 at any time on or before the date which is 36 months after the closing date of the Concurrent Private Placement. For greater certainty, the Warrants and the Warrant Shares are being issued on a non-flow-through basis. Closing of the Concurrent Private Placement is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE).

The proceeds from the issuance of the FT Subscription Receipts and the PFT Subscription Receipts allocated to the FT LUR Shares are expected to be used to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses as defined in the ITA that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as defined in the ITA and LUR will renounce the Canadian exploration expenses (on a pro rata basis) to each subscriber for FT Subscription Receipts and for PFT Subscription Receipts with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2023 in accordance with the ITA.

The gross proceeds of the Concurrent Private Placement will be deposited in escrow on the closing date of the Concurrent Private Placement until the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. If the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied on or prior to 120 days following the closing of the Concurrent Private Placement, or LUR advises the Co-Lead Underwriters or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions or that the Arrangement has been terminated, the aggregate issue price of the Offered Securities (plus any interest earned thereon) will be returned to the holders (net of any applicable withholding taxes), and such Offered Securities will be automatically cancelled and be of no further force and effect.

As consideration for the services to be provided in connection with the Concurrent Private Placement, the Underwriters will be entitled to receive a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Concurrent Private Placement (the Cash Commission) and such number of compensation options (the Compensation Options) equal to 6.0% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Concurrent Private Placement. Each Compensation Option will be exercisable to acquire one LUR Share at the Issue Price for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the Concurrent Private Placement. The Compensation Options will only be exercisable and the Cash Commission will only be payable, upon the satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of the Escrow Release Conditions.

The Offered Securities will be offered in all provinces of Canada and the Subscription Receipts may also be sold in such other jurisdictions as LUR and the Underwriters may agree. Assuming the completion of the Arrangement and the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, it is expected that the net proceeds from the Concurrent Private Placement will be used to complete the 2023 exploration program of the Angilak Property and for working capital and general corporate purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Concurrent Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following the date of closing of the Concurrent Private Placement.

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer and Director

In connection with the Arrangement, it is expected that Mr. John Jentz will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company and that Mr. Philip Williams will be stepping down as Interim Chief Executive Officer but will continue to serve as Executive Chairman and a Director of the Company. Mr. Jentz is a seasoned mining professional having held operational, investment banking and board of director roles across the mining industry. Most recently, Mr. Jentz was Head of Strategy and Corporate Development for SEMAFO Inc., a west African gold producer that was sold to Endeavour Mining Corporation in 2020 for consideration valued at approximately $1.6 billion.

Additional Directors and Name Change

Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, LUR and ValOre have agreed to nominate two directors of ValOre, one of which shall include Mr. Jim Paterson, the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValOre, for election to the Board of Directors of LUR at the next annual general and special meeting of holders of LUR Shares (the LUR AGM), which is anticipated to be held during the second quarter of 2023, such election to be conditional upon completion of the Arrangement. In addition, at the LUR AGM, LUR will also seek approval from LUR shareholders to authorize LUR to change its name to Latitude Uranium Inc. (the Name Change), conditional upon completion of the Arrangement.

Board of Directors Recommendations

The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each of LUR and ValOre, including, in the case of ValOre, following, among other things, the receipt of the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors of ValOre. Canaccord Genuity provided an opinion to the Board of Directors of ValOre to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the consideration to be received by ValOre under the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to ValOre, subject to the limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth in such opinion. The Board of Directors of ValOre unanimously recommends that ValOre shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement at the ValOre Meeting.

LUR will file a material change report in respect of the Arrangement in compliance with Canadian securities laws, as well as copies of the Arrangement Agreement and the form of voting support agreement, which will be available under LURs SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Advisors and Counsel

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP acted as legal counsel to LUR, Lawson Lundell LLP acted as Nunavut counsel to LUR and Red Cloud acted as financial advisor to LUR in connection with the Arrangement.

LUR has agreed to pay Red Cloud an advisory fee of $600,000 to be satisfied through the payment of $300,000 in cash and the issuance of 709,219 LUR Shares at a deemed price of $0.423 per LUR Share, subject to the approval of the CSE.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement or the Concurrent Private Placement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Technical Disclosure and Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Matthew Melnyk, M.Sc., CPG, an advisor to LUR, who is a Qualified Person (as defined in NI 43-101).

About Labrador Uranium Inc.

Labrador Uranium is engaged in the exploration and development of uranium projects in Labrador, Canada and holds a dominant land position with 52 Mineral Licences covering 152,825 ha in the prolific Central Mineral Belt in central Labrador and the Notakwanon Project in northern Labrador. Currently, the Company is advance the district scale CMB Project which includes the Moran Lake and Anna Lake Deposits. The CMB is adjacent to Paladin Energys Michelin deposit, with substantial past exploration work completed, and numerous occurrences of uranium, copper and IOCG style mineralization.

For More Information, Please Contact

Philip Williams

Executive Chairman and Interim CEO

pwilliams@labradoruranium.com

Investor Relations

Toll-Free: 1-833-572-2333

Email: info@labradoruranium.com

Website: www.labradoruranium.com

Twitter: @LabradorUr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-uranium-inc/

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing and outcome of the Arrangement, including required shareholder, regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement to the Company and its shareholders, including anticipated strategic and growth opportunities with respect to the Angilak Property, including the potential exploration and development thereof, its geology and mineralization, potential processing results, that the historical mineral resource estimate for the Angilak Property can be converted into a current mineral resource estimate, the timing and outcome of the Concurrent Private Placement, the expected gross proceeds of the Concurrent Private Placement, the use of proceeds from the Concurrent Private Placement, the Over-Allotment Option and the exercise thereof, the Earn-in Agreement and the exercise of the Option thereunder, the expected use of the Expenditures funded by the Company, the expected appointment of Mr. Jentz as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company and the resignation of Mr. Williams as Interim Chief Executive Officer, changes to the composition of the board of directors of the Company following completion of the Arrangement and the Name Change. Generally, but not always, forward looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statement that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the Companys business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, assumptions regarding the Company following completion of the Arrangement, that the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement will be realized, completion of the Arrangement, including receipt of required shareholder, regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals, the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, other expectations and assumption concerning the Arrangement changing, receipt of required shareholder approval for the appointment of the two director nominees of ValOre to the board of directors of the Company and the Name Change, receipt of required regulatory approvals with respect to the Concurrent Private Placement being obtained in a timely manner, satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, the continuing tax treatment of the FT Subscription Receipts and the PFT Subscription Receipts, that the Option will be exercised, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that locations of historical mineral resource estimate could lead to new mineralization discoveries and potentially be verified as current mineral resource estimates, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms to conduct further exploration and operational activities, the accuracy of previous exploration records and results, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the cost of planned exploration activities, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companys planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Labrador Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Labrador Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the failure to obtain shareholder, regulatory, court or stock exchange approvals in connection with the Arrangement, the failure to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions or to obtain the required regulatory approvals with respect to the Concurrent Private Placement, the failure to fund the Expenditures during the Earn-in Term, failure to complete the Arrangement or the Concurrent Private Placement, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement or implement the business plan of the Company following completion of the Arrangement, limited operating history, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals, no known mineral resources/reserves, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks, community relations, delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to Labrador Uranium set out in the Companys listing statement dated March 2, 2022 filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.




TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV:LG)(OTCQB:LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed Brian J. Maher Vice President - Exploration. Mr. Maher, a Founder of Lahontan, brings more than 45 years of exploration and mine development expertise to the Company.

Kimberly Ann, Founder, President, CEO, and Director commented: "The appointment of Brian as Vice President - Exploration enhances Brian's role with Lahontan. As a Founder of the Company, Brian is intimately familiar with all the Company's projects and is uniquely qualified to lead the technical team as we advance the Santa Fe Mine project. Our goals at Lahontan are straightforward: Build resources at Santa Fe, leading to a Preliminary Economic Assessment, that establishes the economic parameters for putting Santa Fe back into production while simultaneously advancing our other exploration projects."

Brian Maher is an economic geologist with over 45 years of experience in the international mining and exploration industry. Prior to Lahontan, Brian was the President, CEO and Director of Prodigy Gold Inc. where he guided the company through a period of expansive growth, exploring and developing the 6.6M ounce Magino gold deposit in northern Ontario, culminating in the $341M acquisition of Prodigy Gold by Argonaut Gold in 2012. In 1982, Brian began a 16-year career with ASARCO Inc. exploring for gold and copper deposits in a variety of geologic environments throughout North and South America. From 1998 and 2004, Brian was Project Manager for Metallic Ventures Gold Inc., supervising underground and surface exploration, mine development, and operations at an underground gold mine in Nevada. In 2005, Brian joined Hochschild Mining PLC and was involved in all aspects of the company's North American exploration program, serving as the Exploration Manager for the US, Canada, and Mexico. From 2013 to 2022, Brian was the President and CEO of PPX Mining, developing, and operating a high-grade underground gold and silver mine in northern Peru. Brian is also the Managing Partner of KA Gold LLC, a private company with a portfolio of advanced gold-silver exploration projects in Nevada. Brian received his BA degree (Geology) from the California State University, Chico in 1980 and his MSc. degree (Economic Geology) from Colorado State University in 1983.

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About Lahontan Gold Corp:

Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, three top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 19 km 2 Santa Fe Mine, had past production of 345,000 ounces of gold and 711,000 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 1995). The Santa Fe Mine has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,112,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.14 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 544,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.00 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report available on SEDAR or the Company's website). The Company will continue to aggressively explore Santa Fe during 2023 and begin the process of evaluating development scenarios to bring the Santa Fe Mine back into production. Quentin J. Browne, P.Geo., Consulting Geologist to Lahontan Gold Corp., is the Qualified Person for the Company and approved the technical content of this news release. For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kimberly Ann

Founder, CEO, President, and Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lahontan Gold Corp.

Kimberly Ann

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director

Phone: 1-530-414-4400

Email: Kimberly.ann@lahontangoldcorp.com

Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 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. Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. 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 including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. 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. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Lahontan Gold Corp.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/743329/Lahontan-Gold-Appoints-Brian-Maher-Vice-President--Exploration




Lynx Air

To celebrate, Lynx is launching a seat sale, offering up to 50 per cent off base fares on all Fredericton routes

Lynx Air adds Fredericton to its Network

Lynx will fly to Fredericton, New Brunswick beginning in June.

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lynx Air (Lynx) today announced the addition of Fredericton to its network from June 12, 2023, offering affordable links between New Brunswick, Ontario and Alberta.



Canadas new ultra-affordable airline will offer 3 services a week between New Brunswicks most central airport, Fredericton International Airport (YFC) and both Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Toronto Pearson International (YYZ). The Fredericton - Calgary service will operate as a through flight via Toronto Pearson, providing a seamless service with a single boarding pass and the ability to check bags through to the final destination.

The Fredericton announcement represents a further expansion of the Calgary-based airlines footprint in Eastern Canada and follows the addition of Montreal to Lynxs network just last week. Lynx plans to grow its fleet from 6 to 9 aircraft over the next 3 months in anticipation of a busy summer in Canada.

Tickets go on sale today, and the fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $79* one way Toronto to/from Fredericton and $199* one way Fredericton to/from Calgary, including taxes and fees. To celebrate, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares on both Fredericton routes. The sale will run from March 13, 2023, ending at 11:59 PM EDT on March 14, 2023, and can be accessed with the promo code: FREDERICTON. For complete details and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.

Lynx Air adds Fredericton to its Network





We are excited to be adding Fredericton to our rapidly expanding network. said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. We know that there are strong connections between the communities of New Brunswick, Ontario and Alberta and we are proud to offer ultra-affordable links to connect them. Our strategy is to fly to destinations where airfares are high, and low cost options are limited, and Fredericton and New Brunswick are a perfect example of this. By offering ultra-affordable fares, we aim to inspire more Canadians to travel to see their favourite people and places.

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Our region has close ties to Alberta, Calgary and beyond, and this new flight is one our travellers have been asking for, says Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) President and CEO Johanne Gallant. Were delighted to welcome Lynx to the brand new terminal at YFC.

This is another great announcement for Fredericton travellers and those visiting from further West. This new capacity benefits us and opens up new tourism markets for the Fredericton Capital Region, says David Seabrook, Director of Tourism for the Fredericton Capital Region.

This newest route connecting Calgary to Fredericton provides Albertans greater access to Canadas East Coast and gives travellers the opportunity to explore all it has to offer at an affordable price, says Chris Miles, Vice President, Operations & Infrastructure for The Calgary Airport Authority. Were thrilled to work with Lynx to enable more connections and more ways to travel to the destinations Canadians want to explore.

* Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees; fares vary by destination and date.

About Lynx Air

Lynx Air (Lynx), Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. The airline was recently awarded Youngest Fleet in North America by ch-aviation. Lynx operates a brand-new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing an elevated customer experience to low-cost travel in Canada. These ultra-efficient and reliable aircraft reduce Lynxs carbon footprint, making Lynx one of Canadas most sustainable airlines. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape.

Visit FlyLynx.com or connect with Lynx on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to learn more.

Media contact:

Rose Bolton

Director, PR and Communications

Rose.bolton@lynxair.com

403-648-2800 ext. 2110

FlyLynx.com

About Fredericton International Airport

With a brand-new terminal building and a track record as the fastest-growing airport in the Maritimes over the past decade, the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is ready to reconnect New Brunswickers with the world. Serving central and Western New Brunswick, including the capital city, Fredericton, YFC offers flights to Canadian hubs and sun destinations and is home to over 20 companies employing more than 300 New Brunswickers.

For more information or interviews:

Fredericton International Airport Authority

Kate ORourke

Manager of Public Relations and Marketing

orourkek@yfcfredericton.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a308094e-491e-40ca-a1f4-f908f21e7e6f




Malaysia's former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin poses for media outside courthouse, after charged with corruption and money laundering, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, March 10, 2023. Muhyiddin has been charged with corruption and money laundering, making him Malaysia's second ex-leader to be indicted after leaving office. Muhyiddin pleaded innocent Friday to four charges of corruption and two charges of money laundering. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin pleaded innocent Monday to a seventh corruption charge, this one alleging he received illegal proceeds of 5 million ringgit ($1.1 million) that was banked into his political party.

Muhyiddin is Malaysia's second leader to be indicted after leaving office and has denied wrongdoing. He slammed the case as organized political persecution to embarrass him and crush his Islamic-dominated opposition ahead of state elections. He denied abusing his power to award contracts to selected ethnic Malay contractors in return for bribes, and to approve an appeal by a business tycoon on the cancellation of his tax exemption.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected accusations that the charges were politically motivated. The anti-graft agency and the attorney-generals chambers, whose chiefs were previously appointed by Muhyiddin, have denied there was political interference in the investigation and prosecution process.

On Friday, Muhyiddin pleaded innocent to four charges of abusing his power to obtain 232.5 million ringgit ($51.4 million) bribes for his party and two charges of money laundering involving 195 million ringgit ($43 million).

After taking power in November, Anwar ordered a review of government projects approved by past administrations including Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia from March 2020 until August 2021. Anwar has said many of the projects awarded were overpriced and given without tender.

Anwar and Muhyiddin had fought for the premiership after the November general elections produced a hung parliament. Muhyiddins alliance includes a conservative Islamist party that won stronger-than-expected support from Malays, who account for about two-thirds of Malaysias 33 million people. The king later appointed Anwar as premier after he formed a unity government with several smaller parties, but his strength will be tested in six state elections due in the next few months.

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Muhyiddin was the second former leader to be charged after ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was hit with multiple charges after he lost in 2018 general elections. Najib began a 12-year prison term in August after losing his final appeal in the first of several graft trials related to the looting of the 1MDB state development fund.

Two senior members from Muhyiddins Bersatu party were recently charged with graft. The anti-graft agency has also frozen Bersatus party accounts.

If Muhyiddin, 75, is found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the corruption charges, 15 years each for money laundering and fines.
HONG KONG, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Hong Kong today announced the appointment of Carrie Tong as its Chief Operations Officer, Hong Kong and Macau. She is a member of the Hong Kong senior management team and reports jointly to Patrick Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau, and Anne-Maree Tassell, Chief Operations Officer of Manulife Asia.

In her new role, Ms. Tong is responsible for driving operational strategies and leading the Company's core insurance operations such as underwriting, claims, policy administration and customer service functions. She will play a pivotal role in driving the Company's customer experience agenda by developing more customer-centric services and ensuring a relentless pursuit of excellence for both its policyholders and distribution channels. With expertise in streaming business processes to deliver on customer value, she will spearhead the Company's efforts to achieve operational efficiency through digitisation, utilisation of digital tools and the continued improvement of its procedures.

Ms. Tong joined Manulife as Head of Asia Strategy in 2015 to lead strategy development and business planning, drive business transformation, and execute its strategic project agenda across the region. She was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer for Hong Kong and Macau in 2020 and has since overseen many successful projects in relation to the company's ongoing investments in ramping up its agency and business footprint. As part of the Company's ongoing commitment to driving its growth ambitions in the Greater Bay Area, her role was expanded in January 2022 to head up the Macau operations and became Manulife Hong Kong and Macau's Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Macau Branch. Since then, Manulife Macau has recorded significant growth in sales and improvements in operation efficiencies.

In commenting on her new appointment, Mr. Graham said: "Ms. Tong has played an important role in driving our growth ambitions in the Greater Bay Area and led a number of strategic projects over the last three years. Her latest appointment comes as part of the company's ongoing commitment to driving our operational efficiency and developing home-grown talent to bolster our leadership. It also demonstrates the depth of Manulife's talent and our commitment to talent development and succession planning."

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Prior to Manulife, Ms. Tong worked at the Hong Kong Jockey Club overseeing new markets development and partnerships. She was formerly a senior consultant at Bain & Company. She began her career working at Willis Towers Watson in Toronto. She holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, Canada.

Carrie Tong, Chief Operations Officer, Manulife Hong Kong and Macau

About Manulife Hong Kong

Manulife Hong Kong has been a trusted name for 126 years. Since our operations started in Hong Kong in 1897, we have grown to become one of the top-tier providers of financial services, offering a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to over 2.4 million customers in Hong Kong and Macau. We are committed to helping make decisions easier and lives better for our customers.

Manulife Hong Kong, through Manulife International Holdings Limited, owns Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2022, we had more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 34 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Manulife (International) Limited

manulife.com.hk

Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability

22/F., Tower A, Manulife Financial Centre, 223  231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2510 5600

SOURCE Manulife Hong Kong
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

What: HIIs Newport News Shipbuilding division will host commencement exercises for the class of 2022 graduates of The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will offer the keynote address. Members of the news media are invited to attend the graduation ceremony. This event is NOT open to the general public, but will be livestreamed: https://hii.com/events/nns-as-graduation. When: 10 a.m., Saturday March 18

(Media asked to check-in by 9:30 a.m.) Where: Liberty Live Church

1021 Big Bethel Road

Hampton, Virginia, 23666 RSVP: Confirmation of media attendance is required. Please RSVP by noon on Thursday, March 16 to:



Todd Corillo

Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com

(757) 688-3220 Details: The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School accepts more than 200 apprentices per year. The school offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced programs. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes.



Through partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, The Apprentice Schools academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology and bachelors degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering.

About HII



HII (NYSE: HII) is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit:

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HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII








SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

SkyQuest, a leading research firm, has recently published a detailed report on the metalized flexible packaging market. This report is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights into the market dynamics, including the industry's competitive scenario over time. The report offers businesses an in-depth understanding of the various challenges and opportunities in the market, such as technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and the competitive landscape. Furthermore, the report offers a complete analysis of the market's growth potential, giving businesses a clear picture of the industry's future.

Westford, USA,, March 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metalized flexible packaging market is gaining significant traction in the Asia Pacific region, where it has emerged as the dominant player in the market with close competition from North America. The food and beverage (F&B) industry is a major consumer of metalized flexible packaging, as it is widely used for packaging food products and drinks. In addition, governments of numerous countries are increasingly promoting the adoption of sustainable packaging methods. As a result, metalized flexible packaging is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative. In addition to the F&B industry, the pharmaceutical industry also uses metalized flexible packaging for packaging medicines, medical products, and other supplies. The packaging provides a barrier against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants, reducing the risk of cross-contamination among patients and healthcare professionals.

SkyQuest's global research shows that the e-commerce industry is expected to grow rapidly and cross the 58.74 trillion mark by 2028. This remarkable growth is projected to have a significant CAGR of 26.55%, a promising indicator of the high potential for metalized flexible packaging soon. Therefore, as the e-commerce market is expected to grow significantly, Metalized flexible packaging is poised to become a popular choice for businesses looking to capitalize on this trend.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Metalized Flexible Packaging Market"

Pages - 273

Tables - 150

Figures - 81

Metalized flexible packaging is a type of packaging that has become highly demanding in recent years. It is prepared with a thin layer of metal applied to a flexible material such as plastic or paper. This metal layer provides several benefits, including increased durability and improved barrier properties. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to transport, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It is also cost-effective and can be produced in large quantities, making it a popular choice for manufacturers.

Prominent Players in Metalized Flexible Packaging Market

Polyplex

Jindal Poly Films

Constantia Flexibles

DUNMORE

Ultimet Films Ltd.

UFlex Limited

Treofan Group

Cosmo Films Ltd.

Sealed Air

Transcontinental Inc.

SRF India

Mondi

Accured Plastic Ltd.

Celplast Metallized Product

All Foils, Inc.

Aluminum-Based Flexible Films Segment Witness Higher Traction as It Brings High Level of Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness to Packaging Solutions

Aluminum-based flexible films have become popular in the metalized flexible packaging market. This is due to their ability to prevent moisture, heat, and oxygen entry effectively. As a result, they are projected to maintain their lead in the market from 2023 to 2030. The properties of aluminum foil make it an ideal material for food and pharmaceutical packaging, as it provides an effective barrier against light, oxygen, moisture, and germs. Aluminum-based flexible films are widely used in the food industry to maintain the freshness and quality of packaged products. By preventing the entry of moisture and oxygen, they help preserve food items' flavor, aroma, and texture.

In 2022, the Asia Pacific region maintained its leading position in the metalized flexible packaging market, and such an upward trend is expected to continue until 2030. The increasing demand for metalized flexible packaging in numerous industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and personal care, has fueled market growth in the region. Moreover, the increasing population and rising disposable income in the Asia Pacific region have led to a surge in demand for packaged food and beverages, further boosting the demand for metalized flexible packaging.

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Food and Beverage Segment to Attract Higher Growth Thanks to Rising Need for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

The metalized flexible packaging market is experiencing significant growth, with the food and beverage segment leading the way. In 2022, this segment registered the fastest growth, and according to analysis, it will continue to dominate the industry from 2023 to 2030. The primary reason for this growth is the high demand for packaged food and beverages. With consumers' increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles, the demand for packaged meals and snacks will likely continue to rise. As a result, the food and beverage industry has responded with a wide range of products packaged in metalized flexible packaging, offering convenience and portability to consumers.

In 2022, North America emerged as a significant player in the metalized flexible packaging market, posing a challenge to other major players in the industry. This growth is projected to continue, with the region expected to take a major leap by 2030. In 2022, North America's market saw a surge in demand, increasing adoption by industries such as food and beverages, healthcare, and personal care. The region's advanced manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements have enabled it to produce high-quality metalized flexible packaging solutions that meet the diverse needs of various industries.

The research report on the metalized flexible packaging market provides detailed insights into the industry's competitive landscape. It offers a thorough analysis of the business segments, operational strategies, regional trends, and latest innovations of the leading companies in the market. The report empowers market participants to stay ahead of their competition by providing deep insights into the market.

Key Developments in Metalized Flexible Packaging Market

Plastchim-T, a leading producer of plastic films, has recently announced an exclusive partnership with Bayshore Films LLC to offer their PEONEER range of BOPE films. This partnership will expand Plastchim-T's existing portfolio of films, including BOPP, CPP, and BOPE films, metalized and transparent films, specialty films, 5-layer films, and antifog films. With this exclusive partnership, Plastchim-T aims to expand its market reach and cater to the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

A Canadian packaging company is planning to expand its operations in the United States, specifically in Thomasville. The company has identified a potential market in the area and is looking to establish a presence there to serve its customers better. The expansion will involve establishing a new facility in Thomasville to manufacture and distribute packaging products. The decision to expand in Thomasville is strategic, based on several factors, such as the region's skilled workforce, infrastructure, and favorable business climate.

Jindal, a BOPP and BOPE film manufacturer based in Luxembourg, has recently launched a new line of high-barrier Ethy-Lyte films. These innovative films are ideal for the flexible packaging industry as printing films for recyclable mono-PE structures. By using these high-barrier films, manufacturers can create flexible packaging made entirely from a single type of material - polyethylene (PE). This makes the packaging much easier to recycle, eliminating the need for complicated separation processes.

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Key Questions Answered in Metalized Flexible Packaging Market Report

How do economic and industry-related factors influence the market's valuation and growth rate, and what trends are anticipated in the upcoming years?

Which sub-segments are predicted to have the highest profitability on a global scale, and what are the underlying reasons for this projection?

Are there any emerging or underdeveloped regions that are estimated to garner substantial growth in the forecast period, and what factors contribute to this growth potential?

What strategies have the market's leading players adopted to distinguish themselves from their rivals, and how have these tactics enabled them to achieve a competitive advantage?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Polypropylene Corrugated Packaging Market

Global Packaging Automation Market

Global Can Packaging Market

Global Ultra Thin Glass Market

Global Plastic Packaging Market

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Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, Europe was the leading region in the global market, In terms of consumption, North America and Asia Pacific follow Europe

Farmington, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Microencapsulated Pesticides Market Size Was Estimated At USD 12.5 Million In 2022 And Is Projected To Reach USD 59.5 Million By 2030, Growing At A CAGR Of 11.54% From 2022 To 2030. Microencapsulated pesticides have a coating around the active ingredient that keeps it from getting into the body. The controlled release method makes the poison more effective by putting it in tiny capsules. Coated pesticide capsules called "microencapsulated pesticides" are used to keep pests away from farms, agricultural product warehouses, cattle feed storage, and other places. These are better than liquid spray poisons, which can make you sick if they get close to your skin. But the way it is used is the same: it is mixed with water and sprinkled on fields of crops. When the capsules break open, the pesticide starts to work.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2022 to 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Microencapsulated insecticides have a protective coating around the active ingredient, which can be dry or liquid. Coatings can be made of starch, plastic, or other things. poisons in microcapsules are sprayed on crops in the same way as other poisons that can be sprayed.

Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market Recent Developments:

In January 2019 , the Environmental Protection Agency approved FMC Corporation's Lucento fungicide.

In December 2016 , Belchim Crop Protection, a Belgian company, acquired Engage Agro USA, LLC, an American agrochemical company.

In June 2021, BASF launches a new microcapsule insecticide: BASF has launched a new microcapsule insecticide called Fendona 60 SC. This insecticide is designed to control a wide variety of pests in residential and commercial environments, and the microencapsulated formulation provides long-lasting efficacy.

April 2021, Syngenta Acquires Valagro: Syngenta, a leading agricultural solutions provider, has announced the acquisition of biostimulants and biocontrol company Valagro. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Syngenta's capabilities in the microencapsulated chemical pesticides market and strengthen its position as a leading agricultural solutions provider.

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Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Pesticides that are put into tiny capsules have a few benefits over other pesticides. Microencapsulated herbicides are safer than other chemicals used to kill pests. They also have benefits like less smell, slow release of active ingredients, less pesticide vaporization, and less pesticide waste, which all help the global market for microencapsulated pesticides grow. Pesticide microencapsulation systems can also be made to make pesticides less harmful to mammals and keep them working longer, less harmful to plants, less likely to break down in the environment, less likely to leak, and with less pesticide in the environment.

Opportunity:

When there is more food trade across borders in emerging countries, the market has more room to grow. In some countries, microencapsulated pesticides are used on food because of a rise in food-borne illnesses, bad sanitation, and bad working conditions in companies that process food. Enforcement of regulations in emerging economies that are getting into the food trade, as well as the ability of officials to ban the import and supply of contaminated food and cause food recalls, are likely to increase the demand for pesticides in these areas.

Restraints:

It is anticipated that the spread of pests and insects, as well as a lack of awareness among producers about microencapsulated pesticides, will restrain development and hinder market expansion. This Microencapsulated Pesticides Market report provides details on the latest developments, trade regulations, import and export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and local market players, analysis opportunities for emerging revenue streams, Changing market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growth, application areas and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographical expansion, technological innovations in the market.

Regional Outlook:

The world market for microencapsulated pesticides can be split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In 2017, both value and volume-wise, Europe was the largest market in the world. During the time frame of the forecast, the region is also likely to continue to be the most important. In the near future, the demand for these pesticides in Europe is likely to rise due to more government programs that support integrated pest management in the area and more people learning about the benefits of microencapsulated pesticides in the area. When it comes to how much they buy, North America and Asia-Pacific are behind Europe. From 2018 to 2026, China and India are likely to be very successful markets for encapsulated pesticides. In terms of demand, Latin America has a big part of the world market for microencapsulated pesticides. During the forecast period, the market in this area is projected to grow quickly. The Middle East and Africa only made up a small part of the world market.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate 11.54% from 2023 to 2030 Market Size in 2022 USD 12.5 Million Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 59.5 Million By Type Herbicides

Insecticides

Fungicides

Rodenticides

Others By Applications Agricultural

Non-agricultural By Companies Syngenta, BASF, Bayer AG, FMC Corporation, Monsanto, and Others Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2017 to 2021 Forecast Year 2023 to 2030

Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

Syngenta, BASF, Bayer AG, FMC Corporation, Monsanto, and Others.

Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market by Types:

Herbicides

Insecticides

Fungicides

Rodenticides

Others

Microencapsulated Chemical Pesticides Market by Applications:

Agricultural

Non-agricultural

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:

Recovered Packaging Market - The Global Recovered Packaging Market Is Projected To Grow At A CAGR Of 6.5% From 2022 To 2030. Asia Pacific dominated the global market in terms of revenue share in 2019. The region is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period due to high demand for corrugated cartons and wood packaging from various end-use industries such as food and beverage retail and protective packaging.

Loose Fill Polystyrene Packaging Market - The Global Loose Fill Polystyrene Packaging Market Is Estimated To Exhibit A CAGR Of 4.1% Over The Forecast Period. Asia Pacific held the dominant position in terms of revenue share in the global loose-fill polystyrene packaging market in 2017, accounting for a market share of 44.1%. End-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care industries in the region are growing rapidly, driving the growth of the market in the region.

Biodegradable Bubble Wrap Packaging Market - The Global Biodegradable Packaging Market Is Estimated To Garner Around USD 160 Billion In Revenue By 2031 By Growing At A CAGR Of Nearly 6.0% Over The Forecast Period 2022 2030. The packaging industry has resonated well in meeting the requirements of several flagship product manufacturers and OEMs. The diversity of needs across the manufacturing industry has led to the development of new packaging materials. In addition, the growth of the electronics business industry has Multiple products are placed in moving supply chains.

Packaging Robot Market - The Packaging Robot market size was valued at USD 4,352.1 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 14,475 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2022 to 2030. In terms of region, the market is dominated by Asia Pacific. China is likely to show as high deal value as high volume in the global Packaging Robots market before long. The influx of Chinese manufacturers is expected to intensify the competition in the global packaging robotics market in Asia Pacific in the near future.

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Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

According to a study by Future Market Insights, the global microneedle drug delivery systems market is expected to experience a negative BPS growth of 50 in the H1-2022 outlook, compared to the projected period of H1-2021. Additionally, a decline of 36 basis points share (BPS) in growth is anticipated in H1-2022 over the H1-2021 duration.

NEWARK, Del, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the latest market research conducted by FMI, the global microneedle drug delivery systems market is expected to record a CAGR of 6.6% from 2023 to 2033. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 768.9 million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 1459.1 million.



The advantages of microneedle drug delivery systems over traditional hypodermal injections include a rapid start of the effect, improved permeability and efficacy, higher patient compliance, and self-administration. Microneedles not only improve therapeutic advantages but also deliver extremely accurate and consistent outcomes with little inter-subject variability in bioavailability.

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Opportunities of the Market:

Rising Expenses in the Healthcare Sector: The future market potential is likely to be improved by the rising expenses of research and development for medical instruments and devices, particularly in developed and developing nations.

Advanced Technology: The future market expansion can be supported by the use of improved and more modern technology.

Development in the Public & Private Sector: A significant possibility to boost the growth of the market as a whole can be established in the future when it comes to the public and private sectors' cooperation in targeted research in emerging nations and the availability of highly advanced technology.

Rising Investment: An important factor that can support the market's growth is the rising investment in healthcare facilities and advancements in healthcare infrastructure around the world.

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Key Information from the World Health Organization:

The market for microneedle drug delivery systems is expanding significantly due to the rise in overweight and obese people around the world. In 2017, 38% of people worldwide were overweight, and 14% of people were obese, according to the WHO.

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Applications for microneedle drug delivery systems have been developed to include administering vaccines, hormone therapy, cancer therapy, pain management, and even cosmetics. In recent years, a lot of microneedle products have entered the marketplace. Before microneedles can be commercially marketed, more research is necessary to solve a range of problems.

Key Takeaways:

The microneedle drug delivery systems market is predicted to record a CAGR of 6.6% through 2033.

The microneedle drug delivery systems market is expected to surpass US$ 1459.1 million by 2033.

The microneedle drug delivery systems market recorded a CAGR of 6.0% from 2018 to 2022.

The microneedle drug delivery systems market is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ US$ 768.9 million in 2023.

Competitive Background:

The key players operating in the microneedle drug delivery systems market are investing in mergers and acquisitions in order to gain a significant market share. The manufacturers are also investing in research and development, and are introducing innovative methods to boost production capacity. Product development and market expansion are significant aspects of the microneedle drug delivery systems market. As a result, market participants are likely to have a better overall revenue share in the global microneedle drug delivery systems market.

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Significant Key Players in the Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems Market Include:

3M Company

Becton

Dickinson and Company

Zosano Pharma Corporation

Raphas Co. Ltd.

Nanopass Tech

Corium International Inc.

Valeritas Inc.

Nitto Denko Corporation

Microdermics Inc.

TheraJect Inc.

Vaxxas Pty Ltd.

Endoderma Ltd.

QuadMedicine

SNvia Co. Ltd.

Small Lab

AdminMed nanoBioSciences LLC



Key Segments of Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems Industry Survey

by Product:

Solid Microneedles Silicon Metal Polymer

Hollow Microneedles

Dissolving Microneedles

by End User:



Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Specialty Clinics

Academic Institutions

Research Institutes



by Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia & Pacific

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

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Sabina Mammadli

The Azerbaijani Presidential Office is inviting the representatives of the Armenian public living in Karabakh to continue contacts on reintegration, Azernews reports.

Besides, the sides will have a chance to discuss the issues related to the implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh.

The second meeting is proposed to be held in Baku in the coming days.

Earlier, Azerbaijan assigned MP Ramin Mammadov as a point person for contact with the ethnic Armenians of Karabakh. The first meeting between the Azerbaijani official and the representatives of the Armenian residents was held in the city of Khojaly at the headquarters of the Russian peacekeeping contingent temporarily deployed in the territory of Azerbaijan.

It is worth noting, that back on February 24, a similar meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian representatives was held with the direct participation of Russian peacekeepers. It was also informed that the next such meeting of representatives of official Baku with representatives of Karabakhs ethnic Armenians might take place in Baku, Ganja, or Agdam.




(Bloomberg) -- When Microsoft Corp. invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019, it agreed to build a massive, cutting-edge supercomputer for the artificial intelligence research startup. The only problem: Microsoft didnt have anything like what OpenAI needed and wasnt totally sure it could build something that big in its Azure cloud service without it breaking.

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OpenAI was trying to train an increasingly large set of artificial intelligence programs called models, which were ingesting greater volumes of data and learning more and more parameters, the variables the AI system has sussed out through training and retraining. That meant OpenAI needed access to powerful cloud computing services for long periods of time.

To meet that challenge, Microsoft had to find ways to string together tens of thousands of Nvidia Corp.s A100 graphics chips  the workhorse for training AI models  and change how it positions servers on racks to prevent power outages. Scott Guthrie, the Microsoft executive vice president who oversees cloud and AI, wouldnt give a specific cost for the project, but said it's probably larger than several hundred million dollars.

We built a system architecture that could operate and be reliable at a very large scale. That's what resulted in ChatGPT being possible, said Nidhi Chappell, Microsoft general manager of Azure AI infrastructure. Thats one model that came out of of it. Theres going to be many, many others.

The technology allowed OpenAI to release ChatGPT, the viral chatbot that attracted more than 1 million users within days of going public in November and is now getting pulled into other companies business models, from those run by billionaire hedge fund founder Ken Griffin to food-delivery service Instacart Inc. As generative AI tools such as ChatGPT gain interest from businesses and consumers, more pressure will be put on cloud services providers like Microsoft, Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google to ensure their data centers can provided the enormous computing power needed.

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Now Microsoft uses that same set of resources it built for OpenAI to train and run its own large artificial intelligence models, including the new Bing search bot introduced last month. It also sells the system to other customers. The software giant is already at work on the next generation of the AI supercomputer, part of an expanded deal with OpenAI in which Microsoft added $10 billion to its investment.

We didn't build them a custom thing  it started off as a custom thing, but we always built it in a way to generalize it so that anyone that wants to train a large language model can leverage the same improvements, said Guthrie in an interview. That's really helped us become a better cloud for AI broadly.

Training a massive AI model requires a large pool of connected graphics processing units in one place like the AI supercomputer Microsoft assembled. Once a model is in use, answering all the queries users pose  called inference  requires a slightly different set up. Microsoft also deploys graphics chips for inference but those processors  hundreds of thousands of them  are geographically dispersed throughout the companys more than 60 regions of data centers. Now the company is adding the latest Nvidia graphics chip for AI workloads  the H100  and the newest version of Nvidias Infiniband networking technology to share data even faster, Microsoft said Monday in a blog post.

Read more: How Much Energy Does AI Use? No One Knows For Sure

The new Bing is still in preview with Microsoft gradually adding more users from a waitlist. Guthries team holds a daily meeting with about two dozen employees theyve dubbed the pit crew after the group of mechanics that tune race cars in the middle of the race. The groups job is to figure out how to bring greater amounts of computing capacity online quickly, as well as fix problems that crop up.

It's very much a kind of a huddle, where it's like, Hey, anyone has a good idea, let's put it on the table today, and let's discuss it and let's figure out OK, can we shave a few minutes here? Can we shave a few hours? A few days? Guthrie said.

A cloud service depends on thousands of different parts and items  the individual pieces of servers, pipes, concrete for the buildings, different metals and minerals  and a delay or short supply of any one component, no matter how tiny, can throw everything off. Recently, the pit crew had to deal with a shortage of cable trays  the basket-like contraptions that hold the cables coming off the machines. So they designed a new cable tray that Microsoft could manufacture itself or find somewhere to buy. Theyve also worked on ways to squish as many servers as possible in existing data centers around the world so they dont have to wait for new buildings, Guthrie said.

When OpenAI or Microsoft is training a large AI model, the work happens at one time. Its divided across all the GPUs and at certain points, the units need to talk to each other to share the work theyve done. For the AI supercomputer, Microsoft had make sure the networking gear that handles the communication among all the chips could handle that load, and it had to develop software that gets the best use out of the GPUs and the networking equipment. The company has now come up with software that lets it train models with tens of trillions of parameters.

Because all the machines fire up at once, Microsoft had to think about where they were placed and where the power supplies were located. Otherwise you end up with the data center version of what happens when you turn on a microwave, toaster and vacuum cleaner at the same time in the kitchen, Guthrie said.

The company also had to make sure it could cool off all of those machines and chips, and uses evaporation, outside air in cooler climates and high-tech swamp coolers in hot ones, said Alistair Speirs, director of Azure global infrastructure.

Microsoft is going to keep working on customized server and chip designs and ways to optimize its supply chain in order to wring any speed gains, efficiency and cost-savings it can, Guthrie said.

The model that is wowing the world right now is built on the supercomputer we started building couple of years ago. The new models will be built on the new supercomputer we're training now, which is much bigger and will enable even more sophistication, he said.

--With assistance from Max Chafkin and Ian King.

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Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East Handicraft Market | Trends, Value, Revenue, Outlook, Forecast, Size, Analysis, Growth, Industry, Share, Segmentation & COVID-19 IMPACT: Market Forecast By Countries, By Product Type, By Distribution Channel, By End User And Competitive Landscape" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Middle East Handicraft market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during 2022-2028

Middle East Handicraft market is anticipated to grow significantly on the back of government initiatives such as Dubai Expo 2020, Saudi Vision 2030, Turkey Vision 2023.

Moreover, rising e- commerce market across the MENA region, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE accounts for more than 80 per cent of the e-commerce market, while in MENA region the e-commerce market is expected to double in the coming years with a valuation of around $27 billion in 2018 to $49 billion.

The spread of covid-19 in 2020 resulted in sharp decline in import of Handicraft as well as temporary closure of malls and retail stores resulted in decreasing the overall revenues of the Middle East Handicraft market.

However, the demand for Handicraft witnessed an increase owing to government efforts towards promotion of local traditions, art and culture through platforms like Abu Dhabi Register of Artisans, The Abu Dhabi Crafts Platform, National Register of Craftsmen, and Saudi Heritage Commission craftsmanship initiatives. Moreover, government initiatives such as Dubai Expo 2020, Saudi Vision 2030, Turkey Vision 2023 is further expected to boost the market for Handicraft in the country.

Additionally, rising e- commerce market across the MENA region, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE accounts for more than 80 per cent of the e-commerce market, while in MENA region the e-commerce market is expected to double in the coming years with a valuation of around $27 billion in 2018 to $49 billion.

Market by Countries

The market in Turkey is acquired the maximum revenue share in Middle East Handicraft market on the back of growing tourism in the country.

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Moreover, in the years ahead, the handicraft market in Turkey would acquire the maximum revenue share as the tourism sector is anticipated to rise by 15.5% and would contribute 8.3% to the economy of Turkey in 2022. Additionally, the goal of Turkey's 2023 Vision is to see 70 million tourists and generate $70 billion in revenue, which will enhance demand for the handicraft industry in the years to come.

The handicraft market in Saudi Arabia has progressed at the rapid speed owing to increased government initiatives and training facilities, including the NEOM initiative to help local artisans and help them expand their businesses.

Craftmanship initiative in three different areas to aid in the production of innovative designs for Saudi handicraft items, as well as an investment of $1.5 trillion in the tourism sector over the next ten years.

Key Highlights of the Report

Middle East Handicraft Market Overview

Middle East Handicraft Market Outlook

Middle East Handicraft Market Forecast

Historical Data and Forecast of Middle East Handicraft Market Revenues for the Period 2017-2027F

Historical Data and Forecast of Middle East Handicraft Market Revenues By Product Type, for the Period 2017-2027F

Historical Data and Forecast of Middle East Handicraft Market Revenues By Distribution Channel, for the Period 2017-2027F

Historical Data and Forecast of Middle East Handicraft Market Revenues By End User, for the Period 2017-2027F

Market Drivers

Market Restraints

Market Trends

Industry Life Cycle

Porter's Five Force Analysis

Market Opportunity Assessment

Market Player's Revenue Ranking

Market Competitive Benchmarking

Company Profiles

Key Strategic Recommendations

Company Profiles

Asian Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd.

Fakih Group of Companies

Minhou Minxing Weaving Co., Ltd.

Atharna

Turquoise Mountain

Human Hands & the Craft

Tribe Dubai

Craft India Overseas

Middle East Handicraft Market Trade Statistics

UAE Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Saudi Arabia Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Turkey Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Qatar Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Kuwait Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Bahrain Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Oman Handicraft Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

Market Scope and Segmentation

The report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:

By Product Type

Woodware

Art Metal Ware

Hand printed Textiles and Scarves

Embroidered and Crocheted Goods

Zari and Zari Goods

Imitation Jewellery

Others (Agarbatties & Attars and Miscellaneous Goods)

By Distribution Channel

Mass Retailers

Departmental Stores

Independent Retailers

Specialty Stores

Online Stores

Others (Local Vendors and Retail Stores)

By End User

Government

Local

Tourist

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/md44t6

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




(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Two high-flying AI companies backed by an influential Middle Eastern royal have been opening up to the public markets for the first time. Behind the scenes, their rise has been predominantly powered by business with connected parties.

Data analytics firm Presight AI Holding Plc said this month its seeking 1.82 billion dirhams ($496 million) in an Abu Dhabi IPO. Its hoping to repeat the success of sister company Bayanat AI Plc, a geospatial intelligence provider that has more than tripled since it listed in October last year and is now worth about $2.4 billion.

Theyre both part of the sprawling business empire of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whos known as the spy chief of the United Arab Emirates. He chairs their parent company G42, which is rapidly expanding as it builds up a portfolio of firms involved in everything from cloud computing to vaccines and driverless cars.

Presight booked $347.9 million of revenue from related-party transactions in 2022 or about 82.3% of total sales, according to its IPO prospectus, which notes the Abu Dhabi government is considered a related party. The year before, 99.8% of its revenue came from related parties.

The company doesnt specify precisely which clients those sales came from. Other sections of the prospectus note Presight provided pandemic management tools for the UAE amid the spread of Covid-19 and supplied video analytics for Expo 2020 in Dubai. The listing documents warn Presight is highly dependent on its domestic operations, though it has plans to boost its international business.

Investors look for recurring revenue from a diverse set of customers, said Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, head of consumer and internet at advisory firm Aletheia Capital. It is not common for the related-party transactions to be of this magnitude.

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Mapping Data

Accounting rules require companies to disclose the amount of business with related parties, which can include clients with links to their major shareholders or top management. Backers of Presights parent company include Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co. Sheikh Tahnoons older brotherSheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, known as MBZis ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE.

Jay Ritter, a finance professor at the University of Florida, said foreign fund managers tend to be the most concerned about the business mix when evaluating investments. Having related entities as clients can be seen as positive if theyre reliable customers, but it can sometimes indicate the companies arent making products that others want to buy, he said.

Investors would generally prefer a mix of arms-length clients to related parties, said Simon Kitchen, head of strategy at EFG Hermes. However, it may be difficult to avoid related-party revenues in Abu Dhabi, where much of the economy is in the hands of state-owned companies.

Bayanat, which grew out of the UAEs Military Survey Department and was acquired by G42 in 2020, has relied even more heavily on business with related entities. For the first nine months of 2022, 100% of its sales came from connected parties, its IPO prospectus shows. Thats up from 99.97% the year before and 97.7% in 2020.

Bayanat is the UAEs main supplier of geospatial products with customers including the Ministry of Defence and Department of Municipalities & Transport, as well as Abu Dhabis Environment Agency. While reliance on large contracts is unusual in developed markets, the situation in Gulf countries is different, said Al Dhabi Capital senior investment analyst Dahlia Sabaayon.

Thats particularly true for sensitive industries where arms of the government play a key role, she said. Solutions By STC, an IT services unit of Saudi Arabias biggest telecom company that listed in 2021, got roughly three quarters of its revenue from the parent company and its subsidiaries last year, according to its annual report.

Bayanat had a strong debut in October, even though its share sale came at a time when investors were dumping growth stocks. The IPO attracted a cornerstone investment from tech buyout firm Silver Lake, which was already a shareholder in Bayanats parent company. Bayanat nearly quadrupled on its first day of trading, marking the best debut performance of any major tech IPO globally in 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Bayanats shares fell as much as 5.2% on Monday, the most in more than six weeks, before erasing those losses. The stock is up about 218% from its IPO price, compared with a 5.3% rise in the MSCI World Information Technology Index and a 4.5% decline in the Abu Dhabi benchmark index over the same period.

International Holding Co., a listed conglomerate chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon, signed up as a cornerstone investor for the IPOs of Presight and Bayanat. IHCs brokerage arm, International Securities LLC, is lead placement agent for both deals while Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC is lead manager.

G42 and the UAE government media office referred queries to the companies. A spokesperson for Bayanat said it has the most discerning customers and is focused on areas including international expansion and inorganic growth after completing its IPO.

A representative for Presight said it has delivered projects of growing significance to key domestic customers since its founding in 2020. The companys World Expo work opened up more international opportunities, and Presight expects to diversify its sales even further this year, the spokesperson said.

Presight is taking investor orders for its IPO from March 13 through March 17 and will start trading at the end of the month. Its led by Thomas Pramotedham, the former CEO of mapping software developer Esris Singapore business. While 20% of Presights sales last year came from overseas, it aims to get over half its revenue from international contracts starting in 2026.

The company will invest to expand its footprint across four continents, according to the prospectus. Pramotedham said in an interview Presight is working with the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority to bring its technology to the audit sector and is looking at relationships with central banks.

The key things to our success moving forward is, one, we set up relationships at the federal government level in the international space, he said. We have seen us sign MOUs for digital transformation in Angola, in Zambia, and these types of agreements give us a long-term programmatic approach to unlock opportunities.

The listings come as Abu Dhabi ratchets up efforts to plow oil revenue into the tech industry and boost trading on the local exchange. G42 recently set up a $10 billion tech fund which will scout for opportunities across Asia as well as in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Bloomberg News reported.

After Bayanat and Presight, G42 is considering IPOs for its other businesses including its health-care unit and a joint venture with state oil producer Adnoc, people familiar with the matter have said.

--With assistance from Ben Scent, Ben Bartenstein and Abeer Abu Omar.

(Corrects Bayanats market cap in second paragraph of story first published on March 12)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) (WKN: A2P4DU) (OTC: SMAGF) (the "Company" or "Soma") announced today that mining and processing operations at its el Bagre, Colombia Gold Mining Complex have been temporarily suspended due to civil unrest in the region. The unrest has been caused by small alluvial miners rejecting and protesting against the Government's enforcement of the mining and environmental rules. The general strike and protests are not aimed at legal underground operations, such as Soma's mine and mill. Still, the Company has decided to suspend operations in the interest of their workers' safety.

Soma Gold Corp Logo (CNW Group/Soma Gold Corp.)

The Government is actively working to resolve the conflict with an expectation of a quick resolution of the issues.

Soma is maintaining all systems at "ready status" and will re-commence operations as soon as possible.

At this point, the anticipated suspension will not affect the Company's production guidance for 2023.

ABOUT SOMA GOLD

Soma Gold Corp. (TSXV: SOMA) is a mining company focused on gold production and exploration. The Company owns two adjacent mining properties in Antioquia, Colombia with a combined milling capacity of 675 tpd. (permitted for 1,400 tpd). The El Bagre Mill is currently operating and producing. Internally generated funds are being used to finance a regional exploration program.

The Company also owns an exploration property near Tucuma, Para State, Brazil that is currently under option to Ero Copper Corp.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Javier Cordova Unda"

Chief Executive Officer and President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements, analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Soma Gold Corp.

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitra Bukalapak, an online-to-offline (o2o) player and the subsidiary of Indonesian tech company Bukalapak ("IDX:BUKA''), was established in 2018 to transform warungs into modern retailers through digitalization. Warungs are family-run small stalls that sell groceries. They can be found everywhere in the country. This is why a lot of Indonesians rely on warungs to shop, representing up to 70% of sales in the nation. Unfortunately, many warung owners are restrained in their ability to grow due to financial, infrastructure and access issues.

One of Mitras with over 3X increase.

This is where Mitra Bukalapak steps in. From just one app, warungs are able to shop for stocks of goods and have them delivered to their doorstep. They can also sell over 42 types of virtual products and services, including prepaid phone credits, electricity tokens, and money transfers.

Currently, over 15 million warungs and other small enterprises in more than 200 cities in Indonesia are registered with Mitra Bukalapak. Upon utilizing the app, the users have successfully increased their income by 3 times (on average) and hired up to 3 employees. Mitra Bukalapak is a key driver of Bukalapak's overall business, contributing 53% in Q3 2022, an increase from 43% in the previous year.

Nationwide, Mitra Bukalapak is the leader of o2o market with a 56% penetration to those warungs and prepaid phone credit kiosks using an o2o app, according to a 2022 survey by Nielsen.

Powering Community-Driven Inclusion

The impact brought by Mitra Bukalapak to the MSMEs has helped digital inclusion reach parts of Indonesia that were previously deemed too remote. Access to virtual and financial products enabled by Mitra Bukalapak allows everyone to be better served - especially those customers in rural communities who really struggle for quality digital services.

"By equipping warungs with the capability to provide these services to their community members, we empower them into becoming local agents of financial inclusion", said Howard Gani, CEO Mitra Bukalapak.

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Mitra Bukalapak also builds out educational programs, so that the users know how to get the maximum benefit from the app, as well as gaining basic business knowledge. The programs are primarily designed for Juwara, a community of Mitra Bukalapak users from across Indonesia. On a regular basis, members of the community join educational sessions on a wide range of topics, from tech tips to financial management.

For more information, visit mitra.bukalapak.com.

SOURCE Bukalapak
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ -- The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, today joined Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm 1.3 kilometres underground to celebrate the commencement of underground production from the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in the Gobi Desert.

This was followed by a ceremony with Oyu Tolgoi employees and leaders, Government of Mongolia representatives, Oyu Tolgoi Board members and local suppliers to mark this important milestone towards Oyu Tolgoi ramping up to become one of the world's leading copper suppliers.

Since the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto in January 2022 to reset the relationship and move the Oyu Tolgoi underground project forward, 30 drawbells have been blasted and copper is now being produced from the underground mine. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to become the fourth-largest copper mine in the world by 2030, operating in the first quartile of the copper equivalent cost curve. Ore is currently being processed from Panel Zero in Hugo North Lift 1 and production will ramp up over the coming years.

A partnership between Rio Tinto and Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi open pit and concentrator have been succesfully operating for over a decade. The total workforce of Oyu Tolgoi is currently around 20,000 people, of which 97% are Mongolian. Oyu Tolgoi works with more than 500 national suppliers and has spent around $15 billion in Mongolia since 2010, including $4 billion of taxes, fees and other payments to the state budget.

Developing the underground mine is an investment of over $7 billion, unlocking the most valuable part of the copper resource for the benefit of all stakeholders. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce around 500,000 tonnes of copper per year on average from 2028 to 2036 from the open pit and underground, enough to produce around 6 million electric vehicles annually, and an average of around 290,000 tonnes over the reserve life of around 30 years.

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Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene said "I am proud to celebrate this major milestone with our partner Rio Tinto as we look towards Mongolia becoming one of the world's key copper producers. The start of underground production at Oyu Tolgoi demonstrates our ability to work together with investors in a sustainable manner and become a trusted partner. The next phase of the partnership will enable the continued successful delivery of Mongolia's 'New Recovery Policy' and Vision 2050 economic diversification strategy. Mongolia stands ready to work actively and mutually beneficially with global investors and partners."

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said "We would like to thank the Government of Mongolia for their commitment as our partner in achieving this remarkable milestone. We are starting underground production 1.3 kilometres beneath the remote Gobi desert from an ore body that will be critical for global copper production and Mongolia's ongoing economic development. The copper produced in this truly world class, high technology mine will help deliver the electrification needed for a net zero future and grow Rio Tinto's copper business."

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SOURCE The Government of Mongolia

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New Bain & Company study reveals four types of roles will make up the "augmented workforce," enabling companies to transition workers to jobs of the future

BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies across industries are underutilizing automation capabilities and underestimating the challenge of transitioning workers to jobs of the future, according to new research by Bain & Company. Survey findings included within Bain's new report: "Automation's Ultimate Goal: The Augmented Workforce," show that workforce augmentation across industries has reduced costs by as much as 30%.

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of the augmented workforce should lead executives to think differently about the value their employees contribute; and yet, according to Bain, few companies are taking a fully strategic approach as they undergo automation transformations.

"Successful transformations will change the way employers manage and reward workers," said Rasmus Wegener, Americas leader of Vector, Bain's digital delivery platform. "The real value of automation lies far beyond the traditional efficiency plays. When done right, automation enables employees to focus on truly human, high-value activities, creating what we call the 'augmented workforce.' Our research shows that many employees want to use automation, and that letting them do so will increase personal job satisfaction, improve customer experience and deliver better outcomes for shareholders."

Focusing on higher-value work

One of the biggest hurdles for companies hoping to achieve transformations is getting their workforce to change their habits; something Bain says that will take communication, support and incentives. A concerted effort is necessary to redesign processes, encourage participation, and reimagine how work gets done. Whether measured by cost reduction, growth opportunities or improved Net Promoter Score, most companies do not achieve all transformation objectives overnight.

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According to Bain, leading firms will create internal communities of expertise, while automating or outsourcing tasks that do not require as much problem solving, creativity, or interpersonal skills. Research finds that top-performing companies allocate more than 90% of their top talent to roles that are considered as mission-critical, while other companies allocate just 20% of their top talent to these roles. Three areas that Bain says workers can benefit from automation include:

Problem solving. Companies can support workers with training in strategies that include establishing perspective, disaggregating problems, framing solutions and deploying analogical reasoning; all of which can greatly improve decision making.

Creativity. Everyday creativity required for success for the future jobs can be taught by introducing workers to the right techniques and tools.

Interpersonal communication. Empathy, introspection and behavioral adaptation will be increasingly important.

"While automation capabilities are underutilized, our research shows that only 12% of companies that are undergoing changes during major initiatives achieve their goals," said Ted Shelton, expert partner within Bain's Performance Improvement practice. "Successful automation programs depend on the support of the workforce, including contributors who can describe how processes can be improved, and creators who learn how to build simple automations that improve processes."

The augmented workforce: four important roles

As companies adopt large-scale automation initiatives, Bain sees employees take on one or more of the following four roles that work to support successful transformations:

Contributors: Employees who are closest to a process are the ones who can usually describe how it can be improved. Creators: Similar to "citizen developers," creators can build simple automations that improve processes. Coordinators: Specialists who provide tools, education, support, and ongoing monitoring for everyone whose job is touched by new automation. Consumers: Almost all employees are within this group, since automation touches nearly every role in one of two ways: scheduled automation provides information and insights to support good decision making, and on-demand automation triggers employee action.

Scaling a successful automation program

Companies that successfully transition to an augmented workforce typically get two important activities right, Bain found. This includes aligning the business and technology on a plan to create new value both for the company and for employees, and ensuring they have the right tools and programs for enabling workers. To do this, companies are encouraged to develop a plan for creating value that aligns automation goals with company strategy, as well as choose the right technologies and vendors to support workers throughout transformations.

Additionally, automation initiatives should also try to deliver benefits for each category of stakeholder: customer and worker experience, risk mitigation, and career opportunities and rewards.

Where to start

While automation transformations can take time, Bain encourages companies to be thoughtful and supportive of their employees as workers move to richer and higher value tasks. When setting automation goals, it's important to aim high, while also balancing business aspirations with the amount of change and time that is required for full implementation.

"Companies should begin by prioritizing a few high-impact initial use cases to help the organization see the value of automation," said Wegener. "A successful shift will leave employees feeling empowered."

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 64 cities in 39 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

Media Contact:

Dan Pinkney

Bain & Company

+1 646-562-8102

dan.pinkney@bain.com

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SOURCE Bain & Company
Green stalks of corn grow in an Indiana field where a rye cover crop is helping lessen erosion and runoff of possible pollutants to nearby creeks and streams.

Doubling the acreage of cover crops in the U.S. to 40 million acres by 2030 is the aim of a $10 million grant project led by University of Missouri researcher Rob Myers.

Myers is director of MU's Center for Regenerative Agriculture. The $10 million grant is from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It's a national grant," Myers said. "We have 38 scientists across the country in 16 states working on this. It's exciting to get the grant."

Cover crops are important for several reasons, Myers said.

"Cover crops are used to protect and preserve usually bare soil," Myers said.

Cover crops can be planted after a main cash crop like corn or soy is harvested until the next planting of the cash crop, he said.

"It's keeping the soil healthy," Myers said. "The roots of the cover crops are helping the soil. There are lots of benefits to soil health."

The cover crops also can be a source of income for farmers, he said.

The 20 million acres of cover crops in the nation now includes a million acres in Missouri, he said.

Cover crops can include rye, radishes and clover, he said. The project will work to develop and distribute seeds for a variety of cover crops.

MU professor Robert Myers

MU has 13 faculty members working on the project, Myers said. An animal scientist is researching plants that can be used as livestock feed. Another is researching plant roots and what nutrients they can deliver to the soil.

"It's a pretty diverse team," Myers said.

There will be challenges, he said.

"It's a five-year effort and it's going to take time to get new varieties of cover crops to market," Myers said.

The research in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will be made available to farmers through MU Extension.

"That will help farmers economically and with the health of the soil," Myers aid.

The $10 million grant is the largest MU has received from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Myers also recently received the largest-ever federal grant awarded to an MU faculty member, for $25 million. That was to help farmers adapt climate-smart practices.

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Michael Williams, chairman of the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, praised the project in a news release.

Agriculture is the largest industry in Missouri, and the experts we have here at MU are not only improving farming practices throughout the Midwest, but also across the country, Williams said. MU research is critical to improving the health and well-being of Missourians, and these large grants are only awarded to scientists who have demonstrated they are among the best in the country.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: MU professor leads research team on $10 million cover crops project
Didier Saugy Comes to the Club From Hong Kong's Foreign Correspondents' Club

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After a global yearlong search, the National Press Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Didier Saugy as its new executive director upon the retirement of long-time Club Director Bill McCarren.

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB LOGO. (PRNewsFoto/NATIONAL PRESS CLUB) (PRNewsfoto/National Press Club) (PRNewsfoto/National Press Club)

Saugy comes to Washington from the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) of Hong Kong where he served as general manager of the renowned Club as it successfully weathered 2019 Hong Kong protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining open and vibrant throughout.

"Didier stood out as someone with the knowledge and skill to operate a city club while also understanding the needs of journalists and the importance of a free press," 2022 NPC President Jen Judson said. "We were impressed by his ability to navigate the protests, the pandemic, and an environment often hostile to journalists, all while ensuring that the Club remained profitable."

Club leadership was heavily involved in the search and is thrilled to have Saugy join the community, Judson said.

Saugy became general manager of the FCC in 2018, overseeing its 2,200 active members, three restaurants, two bars, and numerous workrooms for journalists.

"Didier's commitment to protecting journalists' rights and interests combined with his impressive culinary and business experience will invigorate the National Press Club as one of the most exciting and important places to be in Washington," NPC President Eileen O'Reilly said. "I have confidence in Didier's vision for the Club's future, and am looking forward to working together to bring our Club to new heights."

Saugy grew up in Nyon, a small town near Geneva in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. He began his career as a chef, training in Fechy, a place well-known for dining and wine-making. Saugy spent two years on active duty in the Swiss Army's Alpine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant major.

Saugy then ran his own cafe and restaurant for four years in Switzerland and then spent a decade working in New Zealand's five-star hotels. His career then took him to Australia where he worked as an executive chef and food and beverage manager in the hotel industry in both Sydney and Melbourne, and ultimately spent several years as the executive chef and then operations manager for Zoos Victoria, which includes the Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo, and Healesville sanctuary.

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Saugy moved to China in 2007, working in a variety of well-known hotels as he progressed from executive chef to food and beverage manager.

While Saugy enjoyed his years at the FCC working with the board of directors as well as a variety of committees and members, he is looking forward to this next chapter at the National Press Club where he can apply his creativity, experience and energy to make it a place where every journalist and communicator wants to be and ensure it continues to be the best Club for journalists in the world.

Saugy, his wife, and 8-year-old son are in the process of relocating from Hong Kong to the D.C. area.

Press contact: Cecily Scott Martin, cscottmartin@press.org, 202-662-7525

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Sabina Mammadli

Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova has flatly denied claims by Armenian Speaker Alen Simonyan.

Addressing the Second Conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement and the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Azerbaijani Speaker responded to the claims by citing displacement of over a million internally displaced persons from the occupied Azerbaijani territories and refugees from Armenia, the massive destructions of Azerbaijani cities and villages, desecration of Azerbaijans historical, cultural and religious sites during the occupation, as well as the destruction of all historical and religious monuments belonging to Western Azerbaijanis, who lived for centuries on the territory of modern Armenia.

Underscoring that such remarks are another manifestation of falsification by Yerevan, the speaker pointed out that these actions are an open demonstration of intolerance and hatred by the mono-ethnic Armenian state.

Furthermore, Gafarova added that despite the consequences of the almost 30-year-long occupation, in the post-war reality, Azerbaijan initiated a peace agenda based on the 5 principles of international law and the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations.

She stressed that Armenia does not only mislead the international community with false information but also does not fulfill its obligations and continues to illegally transport weapons and mines to Azerbaijani territory and rotate personnel.

Gafarova expressed regret over the speech of a representative of one of the most mono-ethnic countries in the world, known for its aggressive, discriminatory, and intolerant policies, on the important topic of peaceful coexistence and inclusive society, which was submitted for discussion in the assembly.

Furthermore, the speaker highlighted that when talking about national minorities living in his country the Armenian official did not mention the forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, where they lived for centuries. In this regard, she stressed that the Western Azerbaijanis have the right to return to their homes, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international acts.

She also refuted the remarks of the Armenian official about Yerevan's lack of territorial claims against any country drawing attention to the 30 years of occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the fact that Armenia still maintains its armed forces in the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, violating the tripartite declaration signed on November 10, 2020.

Additionally, the speaker once again reiterated that all rights would be granted to Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin, and claims about the alleged "blockade" of the Lachin road, the road is open for the free passage of all civilian and humanitarian vehicles, as confirmed by the relevant international organizations operating in this area.

To recap, Gafarova stressed that Azerbaijan complies with its obligations, and at the same time is committed to ensuring the realization of the rights of its citizens and the fulfillment of their legal requirements.

A Moscow-brokered ceasefire deal that Baku and Yerevan signed on November 10, 2020, brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani army declared a victory against the Armenian troops. The signed agreement obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.

The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam, and Lachin regions and the withdrawal of its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
NEW YORK, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) today announced it has been named Ad Age's Holding Company of the Year for the publication's 2023 A-List and Creativity Awards.

Omnicom was named Ad Age's Holding Company of the Year for the 2023 A-List and Creativity Awards.

Omnicom was recognized for achieving industry leading organic growth; winning some of the year's biggest new business pitches (Mercedes, L'Oreal, Restaurant Brands International, and more); strengthening its Omni operating system; progressing on DEI efforts; investing in its talent; refining its portfolio; and producing ground-breaking work.

"This win is a testament to the incredible talent housed within our strong agency brands and specialized practice areas," said John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom Group. "Our people across the globe service our clients with unparalleled comradery and innovation, a key reason both new and existing clients trust us with transforming their businesses. We're proud to see our teams' efforts and our operational enhancements recognized at such a high level."

The coveted Ad Age A-List & Creativity Awards honor the forward-thinking leaders, top agencies and creative innovators in the industry today. Only in its second year, the Holding Company of the Year category recognizes a single company that has a standout year based on factors such as financial performance, business wins, company culture, creative prowess and more.

"Omnicom Group earned its reputation from creative agencies such as Bill Bernbach's DDB, but the holding company has since evolved into a data-driven powerhouse that enables marketers to transform their businesses using its rich capabilities in data, commerce, consumer experience management, CRMand yes, creativity," said Ad Age Executive Editor Judann Pollack. "This reinvention has been a new-business magnet for global marketers such as L'Oreal and contributed to robust organic growth. Omnicom has demonstrated its readiness for the contemporary marketing world, leading us to choose it as our 2023 Holding Company of the Year."

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The honor follows a string of other prominent industry accolades Omnicom won this past year, including being named 2022 Holding Company of the Year for both The One Show and the WARC Creative 100 as well as the Most Effective Agency Holding Company in the 2021 Global Effie Effectiveness Index. The company was also named a leader in three 2022 Forrester Wave assessments that covered the critical areas of global media management services, marketing creative and content services, and global marketing services.

For more information on Omnicom's A-List recognition, please visit https://bit.ly/2023AdAgeHoldingCo.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms offer services in advertising, strategic media planning and buying, precision marketing, commerce and brand consulting, experiential, customer relationship marketing (CRM), public relations, healthcare marketing and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries.

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SOURCE Omnicom Group Inc.
BEIJING, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SANY Group, the world's leading manufacturer of heavy machinery, has been providing much-needed aid to assist rescue work after the country was hit by the Turkey-Syria earthquakes on February 6th. The SANY rescue team has helped save 28 survivors and continues its holistic aid efforts across regions hit by the quake.

According to a statement from the group, SANY sent 12 search and rescue specialists to the worst-hit region on February 7th to support the earthquake response. With some 30 units of SANY machines including excavators and cranes, the rescue team managed to pull out four survivors, including one child, in a 150-hour timespan after the disaster.

After the rapid first response, SANY had been assisting the Chinese national rescue team and provided more than 100 units of its best machinery, including 40 excavators, 10 cranes, and over 10 service vehicles. With help from Putzmeister, the group's German subsidiary, SANY managed to deploy promptly one 60-ton rough terrain crane, two 23.5-ton excavators, one 6.5-ton excavators.

In addition to rescue machinery, the group has also provided rescue supplies such as search equipment, warm clothing, and medicine. A total of 200 sets of supplies were sent to the regions hit by the earthquake on February 7th. Together with SANY Foundation, the group sent two experts in structural collapse rescue to Turkey from China. The two experts, Song Ximei, and Jia Yingnan, brought with them life support, telecommunication assistance, and lighting equipment of over 50kg.

The SANY machinery were also used in infrastructure restoration. The rescue team helped repair gas pipelines and high-voltage power lines, as well as clean up fallen street lamps and house relics. Beyond saving lives, rescue efforts by SANY continues in the communities. A commitment made by the group, the SANY rescue team will help the local communities affected by the earthquake in Turkey build new homes.

Sales Hotline: +86-731-85835199

SOURCE SANY Group
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global online tutoring services market size is expected to reach USD 23.73 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to a report published by Grand View Research, Inc. Online tutoring refers to the process of tutoring in an online, networked, or virtual environment where learners and tutors are present virtually. It has gained popularity with the ever-increasing use of internet services worldwide. Increased internet data transfer speed has enabled tutors and learners to engage online simultaneously.

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Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report:

The increasing adoption of mobile phones and tablets by students and parents has led to the impulsive growth of mobile learning methods.

The structured tutoring segment is anticipated to register a significant CAGR over the forecast period owing to the growing prominence of live teaching sessions via videoconferencing.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses segment dominated the market in 2022. STEM in higher education prepares students to think critically and creates professionals that can perform across scientific disciplines to solve complex problems.

The long-term courses segment dominated the market in 2022. The coronavirus outbreak has carried vast opportunities for long-term courses in the online tutoring services market.

The subject tutoring segment dominated the market in 2022. Subject tutoring is a one-of-a-kind way to augment the classroom in a tailored, private setting where students can learn at their own pace.

The K-12 segment dominated the market in 2022 owing to the growing significance of STEM education among students globally.

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of the global revenue in 2022, owing to the availability of an enormous client base and well-established ICT solution providers.

Read full market research report for more latest industry insights, "Online Tutoring Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Tutoring Type, By Course Type (Language, STEM), By Duration, By Tutoring Style, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research.

Online Tutoring Services Market Growth & Trends

The rapid adoption of smartphones is one of the significant factors driving the adoption of online teaching services worldwide as it enables learning to take place regardless of geographic location. For instance, in January 2022, MyCaptain, an online mentorship platform, raised USD 3 million in a new round of funding headed by Ankur Capital. The funds raised will be used to expand the company's course offerings, recruit more users, and increase its team with an eye toward expansion.

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Furthermore, schools, universities, and other learning institutes have been encouraged to follow distance education and work remotely with their students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The adoption of distance learning owing to the outbreak of the pandemic has impacted the industry's growth favourably. For instance, in January 2023, Waterbury Public Schools, a school district based in Waterbury, Connecticut, partnered with Varsity Tutors, a Nerdy Inc. company.

The acquisition aims to deliver each district's students free 24/7 live-chat academic support and essay review services. Thus, online tutoring service providers have positively leveraged the pandemic situation as educational institutes have been closed in many states and countries. For instance, in November 2021, Unacademy, an Indian multinational learning platform, acquired Swiflearn, an e-learning platform that provides live virtual tuitions for school children for an undisclosed fee. The company's acquisition is part of a larger plan to strengthen its position in the K-12 market and expand its product offerings.

The market has benefitted from the onset of analytical applications to customize tutoring services. For instance, in August 2021, Acellus Corporation, an online school platform for K-12 students, offered its online program for independent study to the Wilsona district in California, which would provide personalized learning according to the requirement of the learners.

For another instance, in February 2022, Paper, an online tutoring company, raised USD 270 million in a Series D fundraising round, owing to increased demand for academic intervention in American schools. According to the business, the new funding will be used to partner with a growing number of innovative educational systems to level the playing field for all students. This trend of growing customization in tutoring services is anticipated to trigger market growth owing to the formative assessment features of these services.

Online Tutoring Services Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global online tutoring services market based on tutoring type, course type, duration, tutoring style, end-user, and region:

Online Tutoring Services Market - Tutoring Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Structured Tutoring

On-demand Tutoring

Online Tutoring Services Market - Course Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Language Courses

Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) Courses

Others

Online Tutoring Services Market - Duration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Short-term Courses

Long-term Courses

Online Tutoring Services Market - Tutoring Style Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Test Preparation Service

Subject Tutoring Service

Online Tutoring Services Market - End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Online Tutoring Services Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)





List of Key Players in the Online Tutoring Services Market

Ambow Education

ArborBridge

Beijing Magic Ears Technology Co., Ltd

BYJU'S

Chegg Inc.

Club Z! Inc.

iTutorGroup

Qkids Teacher

Varsity Tutors

Vedantu.com

Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research:

Digital Education Market - The global digital education market size is expected to reach USD 77.23 billion by 2028. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 30.5% from 2021 to 2028. The education industry has witnessed a paradigm shift from conventional exam-oriented learning to personalized and interactive learning in recent years. As digitization continues to penetrate the education industry, the latest technologies and new and creative techniques are being used to deliver knowledge and educational content, thereby transforming learning and development into a lifelong process. Looking forward to the future, digital education is predicted to benefit several beneficiaries across various geographies, demographics, ages, and socioeconomic conditions.

Smart Education And Learning Market - The global smart education and learning market size is expected to reach USD 680.1 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 17.9% from 2020 to 2027. Demand for smart education and learning solutions is increasing among the growing population in corporate and academic sectors, owing to benefits such as improved education quality and easy access to educational content. Increasing adoption of consumer electronics, such as smartphones, e-readers, laptops, and e-learning applications, has altered conventional education methodology and has enhanced the efficiency of an individual to learn. Additionally, there are enormous opportunities for advancements in the market, owing to improved internet accessibility.

Technical And Vocational Education Market - The global technical and vocational education market size is anticipated to reach USD 1.43 trillion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2030. The increasing use of technology in education and the rising demand for job-relevant skills in various sectors are expected to propel industry growth. Technical and vocational education provides support services for the educational sectors that are both instructional and non-instructional. The widespread use of the internet has demonstrated that e-education continues to proliferate and has a lot of untapped potential that could alter the industry's performance.

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
PUTEAUX, France, March 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

ORPEA S.A. (Paris:ORP) (the "Company") announces that as of 10 March, which is the longstop date to accede to the lock-up agreement relating to the financial restructuring of the Company concluded on 14 February 2023 with, on the one hand, a group of French long-term investors led by the Caisse des Depots, accompanied by CNP Assurances, MAIF and MACSF, and, on the other hand, five institutions holding unsecured debt of the Company (the "SteerCo")1, approximately 51% of the unsecured financial creditors of the Company2 (representing unsecured debt of approximately 1.9 billion euros) have adhered to the lock-up agreement.

As planned, the Company contemplates to file, within the next days, a request before the specialised Commercial court of Nanterre for the opening of an accelerated safeguard proceeding in order to implement its financial restructuring plan.

About ORPEA

ORPEA is a leading global player, expert in the care of all types of frailty. The Group operates in 22 countries and covers three core businesses: care for the elderly (nursing homes, assisted living, home care), post-acute and rehabilitation care and mental health care (specialized clinics). It has more than 72,000 employees and welcomes more than 255,000 patients and residents each year.

https://www.orpea-group.com/en/

ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120, STOXX 600 Europe, MSCI Small Cap Europe and CAC Mid 60 indices.

1 See the press release published by the Company on 14 February 2023.

2 Including the members of the SteerCo, which are the initial signatories of the Lock-Up Agreement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005336/en/

Contacts

Investor Relations

ORPEA

Benoit Lesieur

Investor Relations Director

b.lesieur@orpea.net

Toll free tel. nb. for shareholders:

+33 (0) 805 480 480

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Investor Relations

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

ORPEA@newcap.eu

Media Relations

ORPEA

Isabelle Herrier-Naufle

Media Relations Director

Tel.: +33 (0)7 70 29 53 74

i.herrier-naufle@orpea.net

Image 7

Charlotte Le Barbier

Tel.: +33 (0)6 78 37 27 60

clebarbier@image7.fr

Laurence Heilbronn

Tel.: +33 (0)6 89 87 61 37

lheilbronn@image7.fr
IndieWire The Craft Top of the Line

Best Foreign Language Feature winner All Quiet on the Western Front won the Oscar crafts battle Sunday night, grabbing three prizes out of six for cinematography, production design, and score. (It won four total if you include the non-Crafts, International Feature Category.) That ties Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for the most craft Oscar wins for an international feature. Edward Bergers World War I epic from Netflix was also nominated for makeup/hairstyling, sound, and VFX.

Shockingly, Baz Luhrmanns delirious musical biopic, Elvis, was blanked after also receiving six nominations, highlighted by Mandy Walkers cinematography and the costume and production design of four-time Oscar winner Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge!). It was a particularly missed opportunity for Walker to break the glass ceiling again after her historic ASC victory. She represents only the third woman DP to be nominated, following Ari Wegner (last years The Power of the Dog) and Rachel Morrison (2018s Mudbound).

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The other craft wins went to A24s Best Picture victor Everything Everywhere All at Once (editing), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (costume design), The Whale (makeup-hairstyling), Top Gun: Maverick (sound), and Avatar: The Way of Water (visual effects). The biggest surprise was All Quiet production designer Christian Goldbecks win over Babylon production designer Florencia Martin. History was made when Wakanda Forever costume designer Ruth Carter became the first Black woman to earn two Oscars.

Meanwhile, streaming giants Netflix and Apple both made inroads in animation: the former won its first Best Animated Feature Oscar with the brilliant stop-motion of Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, and the latter earned its first Best Animated Short with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, the gorgeously hand-drawn ode to kindness (directed by Charlie Mackesy and Peter Baynton and produced by Cara Speller, Matthew Freud, Hannah Minghella, and J.J. Abrams). Del Toro is also the first Best Director winner (The Shape of Water) to snag Animated Feature.

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Here are the craft takeaways:

The power and topicality of All Quiet on the Western Front

The late surging All Quiet turned out to be the surprise craft heavyweight contender that benefited from the topicality of the war in Ukraine with Russia. This was reflected by its BAFTA domination and the continuing influence of international Academy voters. Berger adapted Erich Maria Remarques popular 1928 anti-war novel for the first time as a German film, relying on the crafts to deliver the visceral immediacy of death and destruction.

James Friends immersive, horror film-like cinematography (with a variety of large format cameras) took us through the battlefield and trenches of World War I with long tracking shots as we follow young German soldier Paul (Felix Kammerer) amidst the unrelenting artillery attacks and massive carnage.

Goldbeck built the maze of battlefields and trenches outside Prague in a way that aided the oppressive atmosphere. The trenches were claustrophobic, and moving around the battlefield during filming (against the light) was psychologically and physically challenging and depressing, especially since it was cold, wet, and muddy.

Composer Volker Bertelmann conveyed not only the demoralizing emotional state of the soldiers but also the sounds of battle itself with a powerful fusion of classical and avant-garde sensibilities, leaning into staccato drumbeats and a burst of sinister, spare chords, surrounded by bass.

Ending the Best Picture/Best Editing drought

In winning both Best Picture and Best Editing, EEAAO (which was also nominated for costume design, score, and song) broke a 10-year drought. The last time this occurred was with Argo. In fact, its also been five years since a Best Picture winner has even won a single craft award. The last instance was Guillermo del Toros The Shape of Water (which won for Paul Austerberrys production design and Alexandre Desplats score). Perhaps its because recent Best Picture winners havent been showy enough. That certainly wasnt the case with the Daniels blockbuster multiverse action-drama-comedy, which turned convention on its head with its wild, handcrafted, low-fi sensibility. This benefited Paul Rogers, whose flashy verse jumping and martial arts cutting would not have worked without his grounding of the compelling mother-daughter story between Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh and Best Supporting Actress nominee Stephanie Hsu.

Black Panther strikes again with Carter

After breaking the color barrier for costume design with Black Panther, Carter returned with her second historic win for Ryan Cooglers sequel. Yet, in continuing to expand and reshape the Wakandan costumes  especially for the grief-stricken yet noble Queen Ramonda (Best Supporting Actress nominee Angela Bassett)  she took inspiration from the passing of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. In addition, she created the fantastical clothing of the underwater Talokan people but grounded it through inspiration from the ancient Mayan civilization with a touch of sea life.

Ending the MUAHS biopic trend

The last five MUAHS Oscars have gone to transformations of real-life legends for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Ma Raineys Black Bottom, Bombshell, Vice, and The Darkest Hour. This ended with the win for The Whale, whose first-time all digital prosthetics work for a feature was led by prosthetics designer Adrien Morot (in collaboration with makeup artist Judy Chin, and hairstylist Anne Marie Bradley). What they achieved is pushing the weight of Best Actor winner Brendan Fraser to the extreme 600 pounds without covering his face and obfuscating his emotional range of expression.

Sounding off with Top Gun: Maverick

The best Oscar opportunity for the high octane Maverick was always its hyper-real soundscape inside the cockpits with Tom Cruise, which was part of the thrilling spectacle that brought audiences back to theaters. For the sound team of Mark Weingarten (production sound mixer), James H. Mather (sound designer/supervising sound editor), Al Nelson (sound designer/supervising sound editor), Chris Burdon (re-recording mixer), and Mark Taylor (re-recording mixer) that was built around the concept of a synaptic experience, which emphasized breathing and the manipulation of the control stick while strategically layering in the jet noises, including the sound of air whooshing over the wings and the sonic reflection of the aerobatics.

Avatar makes VFX history

With its second VFX prize, Avatar joins only five other franchises that have achieved the same feat: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Aliens, The Lord of the Rings, and King Kong. Led by Wetas five-time Oscar-winning senior visual effects supervisor Joe Letteri, the ocean-centric sequel featured groundbreaking underwater performance capture, a rebuilt global simulation tool set (including an FX water and fire system called Loki), and a game-changing muscle-based facial animation system for greater ease of use artists and improved character performance.

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Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

Packaging laminates printing to enhance brand image and their brand value to meet consumers' customized requirements are likely to gain momentum during the forecast period. Expansion of modern retail format allowing to accommodate ready-to-eat packaged foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics products, thus boosting demand for packaging laminates. According to Future Market Insights in a new study, the packaging laminates market is evaluated to gain momentum due to the expansion of the retail sector over the analysis period.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The packaging laminates market size is projected to be valued at US$ 6,274.7 million in 2022 and is expected to rise to US$ 10,410.2 million by 2033. The sales of packaging laminates are expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.



Packaging is critical in product promotion and branding. It has progressed from a requirement of the business strategy to an essential component of the business strategy.

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The preference of consumers for packaging laminates to fasten flexible packaging materials is changing as there are more manufacturing facilities, food processing facilities, and industrial production sets.

It is anticipated that rising packaged food spending in both established and emerging nations is likely to fuel the expansion of the laminating adhesive market.

Consumers, corporations, and government agencies in the United States spent US$ 1.71 trillion on food and beverages in grocery stores and other shops as well as on takeout meals and snacks in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.





It is anticipated that developing economies like the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) can witness a sharp increase in GDP growth. The manufacturing sector is anticipated to rise as a result, which is anticipated to fuel the market expansion of packaging laminates.

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Producers are opting to expand their polypropylene production lines, which is an essential raw material for packaging. This scenario is predicted to propel raw material production for packaging solutions in a variety of countries around the world.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

In terms of material type, the metallized polypropylene (PP) films are anticipated to attain more than 35% of the revenue share, recording an optimistic 5.1% value CAGR throughout the assessment period due to their high flexibility and durability.

Based on thickness, the 30-45 microns category is likely to command market share reaching US$ 4.0 Bn by 2030, as it is the ideal size utilized for packaging several items, chiefly perishable foodstuffs.

Based on application, aseptic packaging is the key beneficiary of the global market, recording a 4.9% CAGR across the assessment period. Consumer preferences for instant food and high-quality meals, as well as the expansion of the dairy beverage industry, are driving sales of aseptic packaging.

According to FMI, the United States is expected to dominate the North America packaging laminates market with a market share of 81.7% during the assessment period, owing to rising packaged food consumption, the expansion of the medical device packaging market, and the presence of key market players.

India is anticipated to develop into a very lucrative market for packaging laminates over the forecast period due to the rising popularity of packaging laminates in packaging applications and the expansion of end-use verticals. According to emerging trends, India is likely to command Asia Pacific, which currently accounts for 49.2% of global income, in 2022.



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Competitive Landscape

To comply with the strict environmental laws, major players in the worldwide laminating adhesive market are concentrating on producing unique products with low or no VOC emission. In addition, they have expanded its global footprint by implementing expansion methods like alliances, purchases, mergers, collaborations, and the use of online sales platforms.

Latest Developments

For the food packaging and industrial markets, primarily in Asia, Toyo-Morton, Ltd. introduced the new ECOAD family of polyurethane solvent-free laminating systems in August 2022.

For flexible packaging laminates, SONGWON created the HI-THANE A-7363 + HI-THANE A-6600 new solvent-free packaging laminates in July 2022.

For the dry lamination of films in flexible packaging, Toyo-Morton, Ltd. developed new bio-based packaging laminates in June 2022.

Key Segments Covered in the Packaging Laminates Market Report

Packaging Laminates Market by Material:

Aluminium Foil

Paper and Paperboard

Metallized PP

Metallized BOPP

Metallized OPP

Metallized CPP

Metallized PET

Metallized PA

Metallized PE

Metallized PVC

Others (PVC, EVOH, etc.)



Packaging Laminates Market by Thickness:

Up to 30 Micron Packaging Laminates

30-45 Micron Packaging Laminates

45-60 Micron Packaging Laminates

Above 60 Micron Packaging Laminates

Packaging Laminates Market by Application:

Aseptic Packaging

Non-Aseptic Packaging

Packaging Laminates Market by End-use Industry:

Packaging Laminates for Food

Salty Snacks

Confectionery

Tea & Coffee

Ready to eat Foods

Meat, Poultry, & Seafood

Fruits & Vegetables

Others

Packaging Laminates for Pharmaceuticals

Packaging Laminates for Cosmetics & Personal Care

Others



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Table of Content



1. Executive Summary | Packaging Laminates 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

3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario

3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario

3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario

3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis

3.4. Product Life Cycle Analysis

3.5. Supply Chain Analysis

3.5.1. Supply Side Participants and their Roles

3.5.1.1. Producers

3.5.1.2. Mid-Level Participants (Traders/ Agents/ Brokers)

3.5.1.3. Wholesalers and Distributors



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Explore Trending Reports of Packaging:

Protective Packaging Market: The global protective packaging market is set to gain a valuation of US$ 28.3 billion in 2023. Between 2023 and 2033, it is likely to extend at a steady CAGR of 5.0% and register a valuation of US$ 46.1 billion in 2033.

Hot Fill Packaging Market: The global hot fill packaging market is anticipated to secure a market value of US$ 82 Million by 2032. The projected growth rate is 4.5% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

Vacuum Packaging Market: According to Future Market Insights research, during the projected period, the global vacuum packaging market is set to enjoy a valuation of US$ 7.5 Bn in 2022, and further expand at a CAGR of 4.9% to reach US$ 12.1 Bn by the year 2032.

Parenteral Packaging Market: Future Market Insights (FMI) in its market analysis projects the parenteral packaging market to grow at 5.5% CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2031.

Zero-waste Packaging Market: The global zero-waste packaging market size is set to reach a valuation of US$ 984.9 Mn in 2022, and expand at a CAGR of 8.8% in the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

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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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Old Source: Packaging Laminates Market to Gain Momentum by Expansion of Retail Sector across the Projected Period, Says Future Market Insights in New Study

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Meeks Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience in Energy, Infrastructure, and Transportation Sectors to Top Post

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyzon Motors Inc. (NASDAQ: HYZN), a global supplier of zero-emission fuel cell electric heavy-duty vehicles, today announced it has named Parker Meeks as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Meeks brings deep strategic, analytical, and performance-driven expertise across energy, transportation, and infrastructure to the company, along with strong tactical, operating, and organizational leadership experience. Meeks has also spearheaded initiatives to optimize Hyzon's financial, accounting, and governance strategies to spur growth and deliver value to shareholders. Meeks has a clear vision for the future of the company and has put in place a strong, sustainable foundation to ensure its growth and success.

During his brief tenure as interim CEO and after nearly two years in company leadership, Meeks achieved significant milestones for Hyzon, such as fostering a collaborative technology development effort to bring a complementary heavy-duty fuel cell truck to the US market with an electric powertrain provider, enhancing the Heavy Rigid and global Cabover product portfolios, continuing to progress the company's hydrogen fuel infrastructure partner and project portfolio, and launching vehicle trials with a global trucking giant in Germany and an Austrian grocery retailer.

"Parker Meeks is the right leader for Hyzon, bringing extensive experience across sectors vital to the company's future," said Elaine Wong, Hyzon's Lead Independent Director. "In the time since he was named President and interim CEO, Parker has proven to be a trusted, strategic advisor uniquely adept at driving execution across global business operations. We have every confidence in his leadership of Hyzon during this exciting new chapter."

Hyzon's Board of Directors appointed Meeks President and interim CEO August 17, 2022. He immediately took over full responsibility for day-to-day management of all business lines and functions reporting to the board. Since then, Meeks directed a strategic review of global operations, which led to a reorganization of European operations under new leadership and ownership structures, as well as exit of the commercial truck operations in China to focus on high-priority regions (North America, Europe, Australia).

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"Hyzon has a bright future, and I am privileged to take the permanent helm and put my decades of experience to work in a new way," said Parker Meeks, CEO of Hyzon Motors. "Pairing our proprietary technology with operational excellence will position our company to help lead the global clean energy transition. In this fresh, new chapter, I'll focus on leading Hyzon's commercialization efforts to accelerate decarbonization on both a global and customer-by-customer basis."

Meeks' experience spans traditional energy, decarbonization and energy transition, infrastructure, and transportation sectors. He has served clients and led operations across four continents, more than 15 countries, and more than half of U.S. states.

Before joining Hyzon in June 2021 as Chief Strategy Officer and being appointed President and interim CEO in August 2022, Meeks served as President, Infrastructure Sector for TRC Companies, a design and construction management business in transportation, renewable energy, and water resources end markets. He was responsible for a nationwide 900-person design and construction management business with operations in 25+ US states, China, and Canada. Meeks drove initiatives including key business developments, partnership strategies, merger integration, and digital technology solution development and commercialization.

Prior to TRC, he was a partner and founding leader of McKinsey & Company's global Capital Productivity & Infrastructure practice, a division that has more than 1,000 employees across the world which supported over 30 mega-projects (> $500M in total project cost) over a 5-year period. He also served as the managing partner of McKinsey's Houston office. Meeks served clients in over 10 countries on four continents delivering over $18 billion in entity value improvements predominantly in strategic growth, private equity-backed business building, operational performance improvement, and major capital project turnarounds.

Meeks has a BS in electrical engineering from Columbia University, an MBA from Rice University, and he serves on the advisory board for Rice University's chemical engineering department.

About Hyzon Motors

Hyzon is a global supplier of fuel cell electric mobility, with US operations in the Rochester, Chicago and Detroit areas, and international operations in the Netherlands, Australia, and China. Hyzon is an energy transition accelerator and technology innovator, providing end-to-end solutions in the transport sector with a focus on commercial vehicles and hydrogen supply infrastructure. Utilizing its proven and proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyzon aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks to customers in North America, Europe and around the world to mitigate emissions from diesel transportation - one of the single largest sources of carbon emissions globally. The Company is contributing to the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles through its demonstrated technology advantage, fuel cell performance and history of rapid innovation. Visit www.hyzonmotors.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Hyzon disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Hyzon cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Hyzon, including risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Hyzon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 30, 2022, our Amended Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on April 6, 2021, and other documents filed by Hyzon from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Hyzon gives no assurances that Hyzon will achieve its expectations.

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SOURCE Hyzon Motors Inc.
Mordor Intelligence

Hyderabad, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, Philippines Foodservice Market-2023-2028", the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.83%. As the country's economy and supply chain is on the path to recovery, the food service industry has recovered in terms of demand. The food service market in the Philippines is highly driven by the rise in value-conscious consumers willing to try new restaurants with a wide range of menu options.

The increasing consumer preference for convenient, on-the-go food options has become another primary market driving factor.

Foodservice Market Share - What is driving the growth of Philippines Foodservice Market?

The increased internet penetration, access to smartphones, and simplified e-banking systems in the Philippines resulted in more purchases through online channels. This has propelled several food chains in the country to shift toward online portals and enhance online ordering by offering customers improved selections, convenience, transparency, and security.

Online food delivery service providers rely on social media promotional campaigns as their primary marketing strategy.

They use social media platforms to run their service promotions and campaigns.

These platforms increase consumer engagement and create brand awareness.

The growing digital platforms and consumer engagement on social media platforms are key factors that will positively impact the online food delivery services market across the country.

One-third of all meals consumed by Filipinos in 2021 were ordered from restaurants, while two-thirds were home-cooked.

Around 50% of customers decide what they want to eat based on what they see on the app.

Thus, with the growing number of online food service platforms and partnerships of restaurants with food delivery service providers, the food service market across the country is expected to grow at a fast pace.

Filipino meals have been evolving. The inflow of overseas cuisines has been compelling local Filipino food outlets to elevate their recipes and presentation of meals effectively. For example, a few Filipino eating places serve fried fowl the use of the equal caramel breading utilized by BonChon. New cooking strategies like sous-viding, smoking, and foam also are locating their manner into nearby dishes.



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In the Philippines, locals and foreigners are embracing Japanese food. Options range from luxury to fast food and street food, from franchised to homegrown, from traditional to progressive, from meals in a box to conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, and from hundred-set meal combinations to a la carte dishes.



This blend of cultures has increased the demand for food from around the world in the Philippines, which is expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Who are the key players in the Philippines Foodservice Market?

The Philippines foodservice market is highly competitive. Most of the market is held by some leading players, including:

Jollibee Foods Corporation

McDonalds Corporation

Starbucks Coffee Company

Yum! Brands RSC

Restaurant Brands International inc.

Inspire Brands Inc.

The Figaro Group

Domino's Pizza Inc.

Century Pacific Food Inc.

Max's Kitchen Inc.

Recent developments in the Philippines Foodservice Market:

In March 2022: McDonalds Philippines launched the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Happy Meal!. In its newest Happy Meal collection, McDonalds gave customers ten toys to collect, including fan-favorite characters Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, Knuckles, and a surprise toy targeted at movie-watchers.

In February 2022: KFC Philippines saw a strong expansion in Mindanao as regional investors began to appreciate the opportunities presented by KFCs innovative and hassle-free sub-franchising scheme. Proof of this was the opening of the KFC branch on Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City, Maguindanao, the quick-service restaurants first sub-franchised outlet in Mindanao.

Briefly, the Mordor Intelligence Philippines Foodservice Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand the Philippines Foodservice industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/philippines-foodservice-market



About Mordor Intelligence



Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics.

Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry.

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CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India




Royal Philips

Julia Strandberg

March 13, 2023

Amsterdam, the Netherlands  Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the appointment of Julia Strandberg as the Chief Business Leader of its Connected Care businesses, effective April 24, 2023. Ms. Strandberg will become a member of Philips Executive Committee reporting to Philips CEO Roy Jakobs. As of April 1, 2023, Philips Connected Care businesses will comprise the Monitoring, Sleep & Respiratory Care and Enterprise Informatics businesses.

Ms. Strandberg (American, 1974) joins Philips from Pear Therapeutics, where she served as the Chief Commercial Officer leading the commercial team that built, launched and grew their prescription digital therapeutics offering. Prior to this, Ms. Strandberg led a healthcare business consulting firm focused on driving client growth, and before this, she led Medtronics global Health Informatics and Monitoring business, and was the global marketing leader for the Patient Monitoring business within Covidiens Respiratory & Monitoring group, which was acquired by Medtronic. Ms. Strandberg started her career at 3M, where she worked across a number of roles at the company.

On behalf of Philips Executive Committee, I am delighted to announce that Julia Strandberg will join Philips as our new Chief Business Leader of the Connected Care businesses and member of the Executive Committee, said Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips. Julia brings deep, multi-disciplinary expertise, including in informatics and monitoring, to Philips. Passionate about improving the healthcare experience for patients and providers across care settings, Julia understands how to deliver in the global healthcare ecosystem and adds extensive experience in developing and commercializing medical technologies.

Ms. Strandberg succeeds Dan Leonard, who took on the role of Chief Business Leader Connected Care ad interim when Roy Jakobs became CEO in October, 2022.

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Philips strong brand and compelling purpose appeal to and attract talent, and the company has therefore continued to strengthen the organization with new health technology talent, including seasoned leaders with deep expertise. Ms. Strandberg s appointment to Philips Executive Committee builds on the recent appointments of Wim Appelo as Philips Chief Operations Officer and Steve C. de Baca as Philips Chief Patient Safety & Quality Officer, as well as the promotion of Jeff DiLullo to Philips Chief Market Leader of North America.

Additional information on Philips Executive Committee can be found here .

For further information, please contact:

Ben Zwirs

Philips Global Press Office

Tel.: +31 615213446

E-mail: ben.zwirs@philips.com

Derya Guzel

Philips Investor Relations

Tel.: +31 20 59 77055

E-mail: derya.guzel@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2022 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter .

Forward-looking statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements made about the strategy, estimates of sales growth, future EBITA, future developments in Philips organic business and the completion of acquisitions and divestments. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements.

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Six people died and three others have been injured since March 5 in Florida after several plane crashes around the state.

The deadliest crash killed four people after two planes collided in mid air over a Winter Haven lake. The crash happened two days after two men  including a newlywed with a baby on the way  were killed in a fiery crash near Lantana.

4 killed in plane crash:2 planes collide over Winter Haven lake. Four people killed

'A devastating loss': Pilot who died in Lantana crash left new wife, child on the way

Here's a roundup of what has happened:

Deadliest crash kills four over Winter Haven lake

On March 7, four people were killed after two planes collided in mid air over Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven.

The pilot of the Piper J-3 Cub seaplane apparently saw the other plane just seconds before the two planes crashed nose to nose, said Air Safety Investigator Lynn Spencer.

We also know from preliminary information and review of these videos that the J-3 Cub attempted to dive to the right immediately before the collision, Spencer said.

The Cherokee carried Faith Irene Baker, 24, of Winter Haven, a pilot and flight instructor with Sunrise Aviation; and Zachary Jean Mace, 19, of Winter Haven, a student at Polk State College.

Louis C. Defazio, 78, a part-time Winter Haven resident from Fredericksburg, Texas, and Randall Elbert Crawford, 67 of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, were aboard the Piper J-3 Cub.

Investigator: Pilot attempted evasive move just before Winter Haven collision

2 killed after fiery crash near Lantana

A single-engine Diamond DA40 plane crashed on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Palm Beach County Park Airport near Lantana, killing both people inside. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the wreck, which took place at about 9:25 p.m.

Two men died March 5 when a small plane crashed and caught fire at Palm Beach County Park Airport near Lantana, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said.

John Holland, 43, of Delray Beach and Michael Marshall Jr., 34 , of Boca Raton died in the crash, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said.

2 killed after crash, fire:Plane crash at Lantana airport in Palm Beach County: 2 die when aircraft crashes, catches fire

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The Federal Aviation Administration said March 6 the plane was a single-engine Diamond DA40 and that it crashed shortly after taking off from the airport.

Pilot injured in Monroe County crash

A small plane crashed near Bahia Honda State Park in Monroe County March 11, about 1:30 p.m., according to Monroe County Sheriffs Office spokesman Adam Linhardt.

Linhardt told Local 10 News the 75-year-old pilot was injured in the crash and was the only one on board. He was flown to a Miami hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Pilot reported engine problems before crash in North Brevard County

A small single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza crash-landed March 14 in a field near a major roadway in Scottsmoor, injuring the pilot, federal investigators and Brevard County Fire Rescue crews reported.

The incident happened about 10:30 a.m. near Deering Parkway and U.S. 1.

Pilot injured after crash in field:One injured in north Brevard plane crash; pilot had reported engine problems

The FAA was alerted and an investigation into the cause of the incident will get underway, officials said.The pilot had reported engine problems before the aircraft went down, the FAA reported.

Pilot not injured after biplane crashes in DeLeon Springs

A small plane crashed around 9:20 a.m. March 12 near Chuck Lennon Park in DeLeon Springs, according to a tweet from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

The pilot reported an engine failure and attempted an emergency landing in a field. During landing, a wheel broke off and the plane crashed.

Biplane crashes near park:Pilot uninjured in DeLeon Springs plane crash

The pilot was the only occupant. He wasnt injured.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Florida plane crashes kill 6, injure 3 across state in March 2023
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Pope Francis on the occasion of his election anniversary. The letter reads:

I am delighted by our countrys participation in restoring the Vaticans historical sites and thus contributing to the preservation and passing along to the next generation of world cultural heritage and rich art treasure trove, as well as to the intercultural dialogue."

Stressing the merits of developing and strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and expanding sincere dialogue, President Ilham Aliyev thanked Pope Francis for his constant high praise of Azerbaijans multicultural environment and tolerant traditions.

I believe that through our joint efforts, cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See aimed at promoting universal values and ensuring mutual understanding and solidarity among the people will successfully continue, the president said in his letter.
SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

The research report on the plaster retarder market by SkyQuest is an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to make well-informed decisions. It highlights the most effective practices and strategies employed by prominent companies in the industry, serving as a blueprint for others to follow. Key decision-makers can depend on this report to make well-informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Westford USA, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest research projects that the Asia Pacific region is the leading contributor to the revenue of the plaster retarder market , followed by Europe. The regional progress can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing consumer preference for luxurious residences and private office spaces in home settings. Additionally, the rise in government measures to create infrastructure and affordable housing projects and increased foreign direct investment is expected to drive market growth further. Furthermore, the world has witnessed rapid urbanization, which has led to the construction of new buildings and infrastructure projects, contributing to the demand for plaster retarders.

According to a report by SkyQuest, the construction equipment industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% by 2028. The substantial progress of the construction equipment industry is expected to impact the plaster retarder market positively. Plaster retarders are chemical additives used in construction to slow down the setting time of plaster. The increasing demand for construction equipment is expected to lead to more construction projects, which, in turn, will create a greater demand for plaster retarders.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Plaster Retarder Market"

Pages - 284

Tables - 93

Figures - 66

Plaster retarder is a type of additive used in the construction industry to slow down the setting time of plaster. It is typically a chemical compound that is added to plaster mixtures to extend the working time of the plaster before it hardens. Different types of plaster retarders are available, each with unique properties and recommended usage. Some retarders are designed to work with specific types of plaster, while others are more versatile to use with different types of plaster.

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Prominent Players in Plaster Retarder Market

Paras Enterprises

USG Boral

Sidley Chem

Hebei Yida Cellulose Co. Ltd.

Eazymix Ltd.

Goodyear Global Tech (Beijing) Co. Ltd.

Lawrence Industries

Vinayak Gypsum & Interiors Pvt. Ltd.

MUHU Construction Materials Co. Ltd.

Fritz-Pak Corporation

Get a sample copy of this report:

https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/plaster-retarder-market

New Construction Segment to Drive Huge Sales owing to Rising Demand for High-Quality, Efficient Building Materials in the Construction Industry

The plaster retarder market saw promising growth in the new construction segment in 2022, and the emerging trend is likely to continue in the coming years. As a result, the segment is projected to dominate the market between 2023 and 2030, showcasing a robust performance. The growth of the new construction segment can be attributed to various emerging factors, such as the increasing demand for affordable housing, growing infrastructure development projects, and the rising trend toward sustainable construction practices. Moreover, the advent of new technologies and materials in the construction industry has further bolstered the use of plaster retarders, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the durability and aesthetics of buildings.

According to recent market research, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to register a high CAGR to dominate the market in 2022 and retain its position comfortably until 2030. According to the latest analysis by SkyQuest, the region is projected to contribute almost 43% of the industry's output value by 2030, making it the largest market in the world. This growth is likely to have a positive impact on related industries, including the plaster retarder market. With the expected growth in the construction and real estate industry in the Asia Pacific region, there will be a sharp rise in demand for plaster retarders as well. The need for faster construction times and higher-quality finishes will drive this demand.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/plaster-retarder-market

Residential Construction Segment to Dominate the Market due to Rising Adoption of Modern Building Materials that Require the Use of Plaster Retarders

The plaster retarder market has witnessed a significant share captured by the residential construction segment in 2022. This segment is expected to continue its lead from 2023 to 2030, indicating a positive growth trend in the market. The demand for plaster retarders in the residential construction segment can be attributed to the growing trend of eco-friendly and sustainable building materials. Plaster retarders are made from natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals, making them an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious builders.

The year 2022 saw Europe take a leading role in the plaster retarder market, and the outlook for the region looks extremely promising, heading toward 2030. The European market has emerged as a major force in the global plaster retarder industry with the increased demand for high-quality building materials and a focus on sustainable construction practices. European countries have been at the forefront of promoting sustainable construction practices, and the use of plaster retarders is no exception. Furthermore, by slowing down the setting process of plaster, these additives allow for greater flexibility in construction and reduced waste, which aligns well with Europe's push for a more circular economy.

In the highly competitive plaster retarder market, businesses must implement effective strategies to gain a foothold and succeed. The recent report by SkyQuest offers valuable insights for both new entrants and established brands. Understanding market trends and consumer behavior is crucial to developing a successful strategy. With the right approach, businesses can establish a strong foothold and gain a significant market share.

Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements:

https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/plaster-retarder-market

Key Developments in Plaster Retarder Market

CGC, a leading building materials company, has announced a significant investment of $210 million to construct a cutting-edge wallboard manufacturing plant in Alberta, Canada. This new facility is set to be a state-of-the-art complex that will bring the latest technological advancements to the production of wallboards. The plant will also employ advanced environmental controls to minimize its impact and ensure sustainable manufacturing practices.

RMA Companies has recently announced its acquisition of PRI Group, known for providing top-notch testing, product development, validation, and certification services to various industries, including asphalt, transportation, and building materials. This acquisition is expected to bolster RMA's capabilities further and expand its reach in these end markets. With this acquisition, RMA Companies will now leverage PRI Group's expertise and experience to better serve its clients in the asphalt, transportation, and building materials industries.

Core & Main Inc., a prominent distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products, has completed its acquisition of Landscape & Construction Supplies LLC. The acquisition includes most of the assets of Landscape & Construction Supplies, a well-known geosynthetics products provider with two locations in the Chicago metropolitan region. With the acquisition of Landscape & Construction Supplies LLC, Core & Main is poised to strengthen its position further as a leading distributor of water infrastructure products and related services in the United States.

Key Questions Answered in Plaster Retarder Market Report

What are the historical and current growth drivers, and how have they impacted the industry's evolution over time?

How do market leaders differentiate between market share, revenue, and competitive tactics?

What are the emerging trends predicted to shape the market's future, and what are their potential impacts on industry growth and development?

Which specific factors have led to the success of certain market players, and how have they positioned themselves to remain competitive and grow in the future?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Sugarcane Bagasse Market

Global Crushers Market

Global Programmable Electronic Loads Market

Global Piston Compressor Market

Global Bottle Filling Machine Market

About Us:

SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally.

Address:

1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE USA/

KAMLOOPS, BC, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - March 13, 2023  Progressive Planet (TSXV: PLAN) (OTCQB: ASHXF) ("Progressive Planet", "PLAN", or the "Company") is proud to announce the signing of a non-binding MOU on March 13, 2023, with Lafarge Canada Inc. ("Lafarge"), Canada's largest cement producer, to explore a CleanTech solution expected to decrease the carbon footprint of cement.

Progressive Planet Logo (CNW Group/Progressive Planet Solutions)

Under the MOU, Lafarge and Progressive Planet will explore an agreement that will see Lafarge purchase all the PozGlass produced by Progressive Planet's pilot plant, based in Kamloops, BC. The pilot plant is expected to begin construction in 2023 and be operational in 2024. Lafarge will test the commercial possibilities of PozGlass 100G ("PozGlass"), the Progressive Planet innovation made of 100 per cent recycled consumer glass. It is designed to replace many of the carbon-intensive ingredients used in cement.

In addition, Lafarge will be Progressive Planet's exclusive cement industry partner in testing and implementing PozGlass into cement products. Both companies will also identify opportunities to expand the PozGlass technology.

"Lafarge is at the forefront of green building solutions and the potential addition of PozGlass to reduce the global warming potential of cement is very promising," says Brad Kohl, President and CEO of Lafarge Western Canada. "We are excited to provide technical guidance and support to Progressive Planet as they move through design, construction and operation of their Pilot Plant to show PozGlass can meet industry performance expectations and be produced at industrial scale."

On March 9, 2023, Progressive Planet announced it is building a 12-tonne per day pilot plant to produce PozGlass and sequester emissions generated from its Kamloops operations. The value proposition to the environment is that replacing a percentage of Portland cement with equivalent amounts of PozGlass reduces the carbon footprint of cement. Progressive Planet has hired Brightspot Climate Inc., a leading Canadian greenhouse gas emissions consulting firm, to measure the carbon footprint of PozGlass using data gathered from the pilot plant.

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"We are delighted Lafarge, our partner of choice and a global leader in sustainable construction, will be working with us to help prove the effectiveness of PozGlass," said Progressive Planet CEO Steve Harpur. "Our strategy is focused on product development and licensing of our solutions, and there is no better partner to work with than Lafarge to take this to commercial markets and help the world fight climate change and get to a Net Zero future."

Progressive Planet provides regular information for investors on its website: progressiveplanet.com/investors/. This includes press releases and other information about financial performance, patents filed, and information on corporate governance.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Lafarge Canada Inc.

Lafarge is Canada's largest provider of sustainable and innovative building solutions including Aggregates, Cement, Ready Mix and Precast Concrete, Asphalt and Paving, and Road and Civil Construction. With over 6,900 employees and 400 sites across the country, we provide green products to build the infrastructure and communities where Canadians live and work. As a member of Holcim Group, our purpose is to build progress for people and the planet. www.lafarge.ca

About Progressive Planet:

We are a well-established CleanTech and manufacturing company based in Kamloops, British Columbia, in the heart of some of Canada's richest volcanic fields, which are the prime ingredient of our innovations. Our expertise lies in merging CleanTech with ancient volcanic ash and minerals to create planet-friendly products that fight climate change and protect our planet's health.

Our products are in 10,000+ retail stores across North America. Our innovations, created at our C-Quester Centre of Sustainable Innovation, are bringing positive disruption to the cement, agricultural and animal-care sectors with products that contribute to reducing carbon footprints and restoring ecosystems.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the matters described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

Disclaimer:

This news release, required by Canadian laws, does not constitute an offer of securities and is not for distribution or dissemination outside Canada.

SOURCE Progressive Planet Solutions

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Efecte Oyj

EFECTE PLC -- COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT  13 March 2023 at 14:35

New Proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Efecte Plc regarding Election of the Auditor

The Board of Directors of Efecte Plc has decided to make a new proposal to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 22 March 2023 regarding item 14 (Election of the Auditor).

The Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that, instead of the originally proposed KPMG Oy Ab, BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

Ehdotuksen taustalla on alun perin ehdotetun tilintarkastusyhteison tuleva liiketoimintasuhde yhtion kanssa ja sen vaikutus tilintarkastusyhteison riippumattomuuteen.

The proposal is made due to future business relationship of the audit firm with the Company and its effect on the independency of the audit firm. The proposed new auditor BDO Oy has participated in the evaluation process performed by the Company when preparing for the change of the Companys present auditor (Ernst & Young Oy). Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30 % of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc support the new proposal and have informed the Company to vote in favour thereof. BDO Oy has notified the Company that, subject to their election, Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

Registrations for the Annual General Meetings already made by shareholders wishing to participate, as well as advance votes already cast, will remain valid without any action required. Shareholders who have already cast their votes in the advance voting, have the possibility to vote in respect of the new proposal either before the end of the advance voting period (15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET)) or by attending the meeting either in person or by appointing an authorised representative. Unless changed, all votes cast in favour of the original proposal will remain valid and the new proposal will be treated as a counter proposal to the original proposal. More detailed guidance is included in Section C of the notice to the Annual General Meeting.

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The amended item 14 of the notice reads as follows:

14. Election of the auditor

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that KPMG Oy Ab, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. KPMG Oy Ab has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Miika Karkulahti would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

NEW PROPOSAL (13 March 2023):

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. BDO Oy has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

Apart from the new proposal in Section A, item 14 (Election of the auditor), no other changes have been made to the original notice published on 1 March 2023. The amended notice to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is below in its entirety:





EFECTE PLC: NOTICE TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is given to the shareholders of Efecte Plc to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 22 March 2023 starting at 11:00 a.m. (EET) at Laurea Leppavaara Campus, main building, meeting room Tuomo (Vanha maantie 9, 02650 Espoo). The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 10:00 a.m. (EET).

The Companys shareholders and their proxy representatives may also participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise their shareholder rights by voting in advance. Instructions for advance voting are provided in this notices section C.

A. MATTERS ON THE AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Annual General Meeting, the following matters will be considered:

1. Opening of the meeting

2. Calling the meeting to order

3. Election of person to scrutinise the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes

4. Recording the legality of the meeting

5. Recording the attendance at the meeting and adoption of the list of votes

6. Presentation of thefinancial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditors report for the year 2022

Presentation of the CEOs review.

The Companys financial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditors report will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com as of 1 March 2023.

7. Adoption of the financial statementsand the consolidated financial statements

8. Resolution on the use of the profit shown on the balance sheet and the payment of dividend

Efecte Plcs Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that no dividend be distributed for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2022.

9. Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability

10. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors

Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30% of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc have proposed that remuneration for the elected board members remains unchanged and is paid for the following term of office as follows: Chairman of the Board EUR 45,000 and other members of the Board of Directors EUR 25,000 per year.

In addition, the above-mentioned shareholders propose that approximately 40% of the remuneration be paid for in Efecte Plcs shares and approximately 60% be paid in cash. The part of the remuneration paid in shares will be paid by issuing new shares and/or transferring the Companys own shares to Board members within four weeks from the release of the business review for 1 January to 31 March 2023 or, if this is not possible considering insider rules, as soon as possible thereafter. The Company shall be liable for any transfer tax payable as a result of the payment of the share part of the remuneration.

In addition, it is proposed that the members of the Board of Directors be compensated for reasonable travelling and other costs for attending the Board meetings and relating to other Board work.

11. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that five (5) members be elected to the Board of Directors.

12. Election of members of the Board of Directors

Efecte Plcs shareholders representing in total over 30 % of all shares and votes in Efecte Plc have proposed that the current members of the Board Pertti Ervi, Turkka Keskinen, Esther Donatz and Eric Gustavsson be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors, and that Panu Hannula be elected as a new member of the Board of Directors for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

Paivi Rekonen, current member of the Board of Directors, has informed that she is not available for re-election.

The CVs and evaluations of independence of all persons proposed as Board members are available on the Company's website at https://investors.efecte.com/en. All proposed members have given their consent to the election.

13. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the remuneration of the auditor be paid against an invoice approved by the Company.

14. Election of the auditor

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that KPMG Oy Ab, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. KPMG Oy Ab has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Miika Karkulahti would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

NEW PROPOSAL (13 March 2023):

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that BDO Oy, a firm of authorised public accountants, be elected as the Companys auditor for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. BDO Oy has notified the Company that Authorised Public Accountant Taneli Mustonen would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

15. Amendment of the articles of association

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Article 9 of the articles of association be amended to enable holding a general meeting entirely without a meeting venue as a so-called remote meeting in addition to the Companys domicile Espoo or in Helsinki as currently provided in the articles of association. In its amended form, said provision of the articles of association would read as follows (unofficial translation in English below for informational purposes only):

9  Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting is to be held each year within six months from the end of the financial year.

At the Meeting, the following shall be presented:

1. financial statements for the company and possibly for the group as well as a report of the Board of Directors;

2. auditors report;

resolved upon:

3. confirmation of the companys financial statements and possibly that of the group;

4. use of the profit indicated in the financial statements;

5. discharge of liability for the Board members and the CEO;

6. number of the Board members;

elected:

7. the members of the Board of Directors as well as

8. the auditor.

The Annual General Meeting may be held in the companys domicile or Helsinki. In addition, the Board of Directors may resolve on organising the general meeting without a meeting venue whereby the shareholders have the right to exercise their decision-making power in full in real time during the meeting using telecommunication connection and technical means

The proposal is based on amendments made to Chapter 5 of the Finnish Companies Act, including the possibility to arrange remote general meetings. The legislative amendments are based on the premise that shareholder rights shall not be compromised, and that all participating shareholders are able to exercise their shareholder rights in full, including the right to request information and to vote, in real time during the general meeting, irrespective of the chosen general meeting format. The possibility to organise remote general meetings enables the Company to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in the Companys operating environment and society in general, for example due to pandemics. It is important for the Company to have means available to offer its shareholders the possibility to exercise their shareholder rights and resolve on any matters presented to the general meeting under all circumstances.

It is proposed that the articles of association will otherwise remain unchanged.

16. Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Companys own shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to resolve on the repurchase of a maximum of 450,000 shares in the Company in one or several instalments by using funds from unrestricted equity. The proposed number of shares corresponds to approximately 7,0% of all shares in the Company.

The shares may be repurchased in order to improve the capital structure of the Company, to carry out acquisitions or other arrangements related to the Companys business, to be transferred or cancelled for other purposes, to be used for the Companys incentive plans, or if the Board of Directors otherwise deems it to be in the interest of shareholders.

The price paid for the shares repurchased under the authorisation shall be based on the market price of the Companys share in public trading. The minimum price to be paid shall be the lowest market price of the share quoted in public trading during the authorisation period and the maximum price the highest market price quoted during the authorisation period.

The Companys own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholding of the shareholders (directed repurchase).

It is proposed that the authorisation be valid until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2024. The authorisation will revoke the repurchase authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on 17 March 2022.

17. Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of shares,and option rights and other special rights entitling to shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to resolve on the issuance of shares, and option rights and other special rights entitling to shares as referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act in one or several instalments as described below.

The Board of Directors would, pursuant to the authorisation, be entitled to resolve on the issuance of an aggregate maximum of 620,000 new shares. The Board of Directors may decide to issue new shares or shares held by the Company. The maximum number of shares included in the proposed authorisation accounts for approximately 9,7% of all shares in the Company.

The authorisation includes the right to issue shares, option rights and/or other special rights entitling to shares through private offering, in other words, to deviate from the shareholders pre-emptive rights, if there is a weighty financial reason from the Companys point of view, such as using them as consideration to carry out acquisitions or other arrangements or investments related to the Companys business, and/or as part of the remuneration of Board members paid for in shares as resolved by the Annual General Meeting. The authorisation also includes the right to issue shares, option rights and/or other special rights entitling to shares against payment or for free. A directed issue without payment requires that there is an especially weighty financial reason from the Companys point of view and taking the interests of all of its shareholders into consideration.

Under the authorisation, the Board of Directors will be entitled to resolve on the terms and conditions of the issuance of shares, option rights and other special rights entitling to shares, including the recipients and the compensation to be paid.

It is proposed that the authorisation be valid until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2024. The authorisation will revoke the share issue authorisations granted by the Annual General Meeting on 17 March 2022.

18. Closing of the meeting





B.DOCUMENTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The above-mentioned proposals for decisions relating to the agenda of the Annual General Meeting as well as this notice are available on Efecte Plcs website at https://investors.efecte.com/en. The financial statements, consolidated financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors, and the auditors report of Efecte Plc will be available on the above-mentioned website no later than 1 March 2023. The proposals for decisions and other above-mentioned documents are also available at the Annual General Meeting. Copies of these documents and of this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request. The minutes of the general meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website as of 5 April 2023 at the latest.

C.INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OFTHE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1. Shareholders registered in the shareholdersregister

Each shareholder who on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, i.e. on 10 March 2023, is registered in the shareholders register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting. A shareholder whose shares are registered on their personal Finnish book-entry account is registered in the shareholders register of the Company.

Registration for the Annual General Meeting will begin on 1 March 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EET). A shareholder who is registered in the shareholders register of the Company and who wants to participate in the Annual General Meeting shall register for the meeting no later than by 10:00 am (EET) on 15 March 2023, by which time the registration must be received. Registration may be made:

via the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en

by telephone +358 10 2818 909 from Monday to Friday at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm; or

by mail addressed to Innovatics Ltd, General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder shall notify the requested information such as his/her name, personal identification number and contact details. The personal data given to Efecte Plc is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

The shareholder, his/her legal representative or proxy representative shall, if necessary, be able to prove his/her identity and/or right of representation at the meeting venue.

2. Holders of nominee-registered shares

A holder of nominee-registered shares has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which he/she would be entitled, on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, i.e. on 10 March 2023, to be registered in the shareholders register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting requires that the shareholder has, on the basis of such shares, been temporarily registered in the shareholders register held by Euroclear Finland Ltd at the latest by 17 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET). This constitutes the required registration for the general meeting for nominee-registered shares. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the general meeting do not have any impact on the right to participate in the general meeting nor on the number of votes.

Holders of nominee-registered shares are advised to request from their custodian bank, without delay, necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholders register of the Company, the issuing of proxy documents and voting instructions and the registration for the Annual General Meeting. The account management organisation of the custodian bank shall register a holder of nominee-registered shares, who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting, temporarily in the shareholders register of the Company by the aforementioned time 17 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) at the latest, and, if needed, to arrange for advance voting on behalf of a nominee-registered shareholder before the registration concerning nominee-registered shareholders has ended.

3. Proxy representative and powers of attorney

A shareholder may participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. A proxy representative may also vote in advance as described in this notice.

A proxy representative must identify to the electronic registration service and advance voting in person with strong identification, after which he/she will be able to register and vote in advance on behalf of the shareholder he/she represents. A proxy representative shall provide a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder in the general meeting. A statutory representation right may be demonstrated by utilising the suomi.fi e-authorisations service used in the electronic registration service.

When a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives who represent the shareholder with shares on different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration.

Proxy and voting instruction template will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en on 1 March 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EET) at the latest. Proxy documents are recommended to be delivered either as an attachment in connection with the electronic registration, by email to agm@innovatics.fi or by mail to Innovatics Ltd, Annual General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki before the registration for the general meeting has ended, by which time the proxy documents must be received. Efecte Plc may demand original proxy documents if considered necessary by the Company.

A holder of nominee-registered shares is advised to follow the instructions regarding proxies given by such holders custodian bank as described in section 2. Holders of nominee-registered shares above. If a holder of nominee-registered shares wishes to be represented by a party other than such holders custodian, such legal representative must provide Innovatics Ltd with a dated proxy demonstrating the right to represent the shareholder.

4. Advance voting

Registration for the Annual General Meeting and advance voting will begin on 1 March 2023. A shareholder who is registered in the shareholders register of the Company and who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting by voting in advance must register for the Annual General Meeting and vote in advance by Wednesday 15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) at the latest, by which time the registration and advance votes must be received.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder shall notify the requested information such as his/her name, personal identification number and contact details. The personal data given to Efecte Plc is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

A shareholder who has voted in advance may request information under the Finnish Companies Act, request a vote at the general meeting or vote on a possible counterproposal, if they are present at the general meeting.

Shareholders holding a Finnish book-entry account may register and vote in advance on certain items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting between 1 March 2023 and 15 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (EET) in the following ways:

a) via the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com/en

Electronic registration and advance voting require strong identification of the shareholder or his/her legal representative or the proxy representative via Finnish or Swedish online bank service or mobile certificate.

b) By mail or email

A shareholder voting in advance by mail or email must send the advance voting form available on the Companys website https://investors.efecte.com/en or corresponding information to Innovatics Ltd by mail to Innovatics Ltd, Annual General Meeting/Efecte Oyj, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, 00520 Helsinki or by email to agm@innovatics.fi.

If a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by submitting advance votes by mail or email to Innovatics Oy, the submission of votes before the end of the registration and advance voting period is considered as official participation in the Annual General Meeting, provided that the shareholders registration includes the information required for registration mentioned on the advance voting form.

An agenda item subject to advance voting is considered to have been presented unchanged to the general meeting. Voting instructions will be available on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com. Additional information on registration and advance voting is also available by telephone at +358 10 2818 909 during the registration period between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EET) on weekdays.

5. Otherinstructions and information

The Annual General Meeting will be held in Finnish.

Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the Annual General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.

The Company will publish video recordings of the address of the Chairman of the Board and the review of the CEO on the Companys website at https://investors.efecte.com after the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders are requested to note that the video recordings are not a part of the official General Meeting material.

On the date of this notice to the Annual General Meeting, 1 March 2023, the total number of shares in Efecte Plc is 6,383,590 and the total number of votes in Efecte Plc is 6,383,590. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the general meeting do not have any impact on the right to participate in the general meeting nor on the number of votes.

Espoo, 1 March 2023

EFECTE PLC

The Board of Directors









Further inquiries:

Tatu Paavilainen

Head of Legal

Efecte Plc

tatu.paavilainen@efecte.com

+358 400 383 064

Certified Adviser:

Evli Plc, tel +358 40 579 6210

Efecte Plc

Efecte helps people digitalize and automate their work. Customers across Europe leverage our cloud service to operate with greater agility, to improve the experience of end-users, and to save costs. The use cases for our solutions range from IT service management and ticketing to improving employee experiences, business workflows, and customer service. We are the European Alternative to the global goliaths in our space. Our headquarters is located in Finland and we have regional hubs in Germany, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Efecte is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland marketplace.

www.efecte.com




SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

SkyQuest, a leading market research firm, has just published an in-depth report on the quick delivery commerce market, providing valuable insights and analysis on this rapidly growing industry. This report is an essential resource for companies and individuals seeking to invest in the market, offering reliable information on growth projections, segment breakdowns, emerging trends, and lucrative business prospects. Moreover, the report highlights several emerging trends likely to shape the market's future, including drone technology, the rise of subscription-based services, and the increasing adoption of contactless delivery options.

Westford, USA, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia Pacific region has become a significant player in the quick delivery commerce market . Thanks to the widespread availability of smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity, consumers in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly turning to Q-commerce to meet their on-demand needs. With more people living in densely populated urban areas, the demand for quick and efficient delivery options is higher. As a result, E-commerce sales are on the rise, and quick delivery commerce (QDC) is an important part of this trend. As more consumers shop online, the need for fast and reliable delivery options increases, making QDC an attractive option for retailers and consumers.

As per SkyQuest's latest research, the global e-commerce market is predicted to experience exponential growth in the coming years, with a projected value of USD 58.74 trillion by 2028. This represents a significant CAGR of 26.55%, which is expected to impact the quick delivery commerce market positively. As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping for convenience, accessibility, and competitive pricing, the demand for quick delivery services is growing rapidly. Consumers expect their purchases to be delivered quickly and efficiently, often within just a few hours of placing an order.

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Browse in-depth TOC on the "Quick Delivery Commerce Market"

Pages - 242

Tables - 65

Figures - 68

Get a sample copy of this report:

https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/quick-delivery-commerce-market

Quick delivery commerce refers to a business model that focuses on the fast and efficient delivery of goods to customers. This approach has become highly popular in recent years as consumers seek convenient and timely delivery options. In addition, technological advances like real-time inventory tracking, automated order processing, and optimized logistics networks enable quick delivery commerce.

Prominent Players in Quick Delivery Commerce Market

Swiggy Instamart

Dunzo

Big Basket

Joker

Cajoo

Dika

Getir

GoPuff

BuyK

SariSuki

Gorillas

Grab

Flink

Blinkit

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/quick-delivery-commerce-market

B2C Segment to Continue Its Market Dominance Thanks to Higher Convenience, Faster Delivery Times, Effective Marketing, and Scalability

In the quick delivery commerce market, the B2B segment has emerged as a dominant player in 2022, holding a significant market share. This trend is expected to continue from 2023 to 2030, as the B2B sector is projected to capture even more market share. The rise of B2B in the market can be attributed to several factors. For one, businesses are increasingly relying on fast and efficient delivery services to meet the demands of their customers. This means that B2B companies that can offer reliable and speedy delivery services are in high demand.

As of 2022, a majority of the population in India preferred to shop both online and in-store, according to a regional analysis conducted by SkyQuest. This indicates that the Indian consumer market values both the convenience of online purchases and the tactile experience of in-store shopping. However, the analysis also reveals that only 16.7% of the population in India prefers online shopping exclusively. This suggests that there is still significant untapped market potential for businesses looking to capitalize on the growing trend of quick commerce in India and the surrounding region.

E-Commerce Segment to Exhibit Tremendous Growth Rate as E-commerce Companies Investing Heavily in Developing a Robust Logistics Network

The e-commerce industry has proven to dominate the quick delivery commerce market, taking the lead in 2022. This growing trend is predicted to continue in the coming years, with the e-commerce segment projected to register even higher growth rates from 2023 to 2030. With the advent of new technologies and innovative business models, e-commerce companies have been able to provide fast and reliable delivery services, which has contributed to their success in the quick delivery commerce sector.

Staying on top of market trends and rising opportunities is crucial in the quick delivery commerce market, where customer preferences can change rapidly. Companies that can quickly adapt to these changes and offer innovative solutions that meet their customers' needs are more likely to succeed. With SkyQuest's report as a guide, businesses can navigate the complexities of the industry and make informed decisions that can lead to success. By leveraging the latest insights and recommendations, companies can position themselves as leaders in this dynamic and growing market.

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Key Developments in Quick Delivery Commerce Market

South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang has decided to pull out of the Japanese market. The move comes as a surprise, as the company had only recently launched its services in Japan to expand its reach beyond South Korea. Coupang's decision to exit the Japanese market underscores the intense competition in the e-commerce space, particularly in Asia. With many players aiming for market share, companies must innovate and adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve.

Raymour & Flanigan, a renowned furniture retailer in the United States, has announced a strategic partnership with Korber, a global supply chain software and technology solutions provider. The partnership aims to enhance the end customer experience by improving the retailer's supply chain operations. The collaboration with Korber will also enable Raymour & Flanigan to leverage data and analytics better to gain crucial insights into customer preferences and behaviors. This will allow the retailer to personalize its offerings, improve product recommendations, and provide customers with a more seamless and personalized shopping experience.

Zepto, the popular food delivery service, has recently announced its plans to expand its instant food delivery services. With this new expansion, Zepto aims to make food delivery more convenient and accessible for its customers. Zepto's expansion plans respond to the growing demand for fast and efficient food delivery services. With the rise of technology and changing consumer preferences, customers are increasingly seeking quick and convenient food delivery options.

Key Questions Answered in Quick Delivery Commerce Market Report

Can you provide examples of successful companies that have utilized innovative strategies to succeed in the global market, and what commonalities exist among these strategies?

What factors contribute to the projected sales and revenue growth in specific global market regions, and which regions are expected to experience the most significant growth?

What are the primary obstacles vendors face when operating in the global market, and what actions can they take to enhance their competitive position and market share?

How can changes in government policies or regulations affect the growth and performance of companies in the global market?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Event Management Market

Global Pet Grooming Products Market

US Laundry Facilities Dry Cleaning Services Market

Global Legal Services Market

Global Nuts And Seeds Market

About Us:

SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally.

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Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, The Asia Pacific market size was valued at USD 95.4 Million, North America also holds the second largest share in the global market

Farmington, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Rail Wheel and Axle Market Was Valued At USD 4,109.20 Million In 2022 And Is Expected To Reach USD 6,952.86 Million By 2030, At A CAGR Of 5.4% During The Forecast Period 2022-2030. A Rail Wheel is a type of axle that is made to work with trains. Because train networks and technology are always getting better, train companies have had to put a lot of money into research and development of lighter materials for wheels on passenger trains, freight trains, and short-distance trains. The growth of the railway axle market is mostly due to more locomotives being made in both emerging and developed countries.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Rail Wheel and Axle Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2022 to 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

In recent years, there has been a big rise in the number of people who want to travel by train. Because of this, the railway transportation system is going through big changes. In every country, they are not only an important part of the infrastructure, but they also do a lot to make the future viable. For a good level of safety, it is important to have reliable rolling stock and infrastructure equipment. Rail axles are the most important parts of locomotives and bogies. They are made to carry big loads and last for a long time.

Rail Wheel and Axle Market Recent Developments:

October 2020 - JSPL becomes first company in India to develop rails for high speed corridors Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL) becomes first company in India to produce heat treated rails for high speed and high axle load applications. Heat treated (HT) rails (60E1 1175) are superior to 1080 HH and will be incorporated by Indian Railways for heavy and high speed applications.

November 2020 - Bombardier's joint venture wins contract from China State Railway Group Bombardier Sifang Transportation Co., Ltd. (BST), the Chinese joint venture of Bombardier Transportation, signed a contract with China State Railway Group Corporation to supply 112 CR00AF - based on New China standard high-speed trains for China's growing high-speed rail network. The carriages will be configured as trainsets operating at a speed of 250 km/h.

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Rail Wheel and Axle Market Dynamics:

Digitalization is changing the way train technology works. Digitalization will make railway infrastructure safer and improve how well it works overall. Also, as the rail network continues to be digitized, people will be able to get information about train movements and places in real time.

This reason is likely to keep the global railway axles market moving forward. Automation of subway trains is becoming more popular around the world because it is expected to cut energy use by up to 42%. Over the next few years, the market is likely to grow because of new technologies in railway networks, such as the use of 5G networks.

Use of lightweight materials for autonomous trains: Continuous advancements in train networks and train technology, as well as the trend toward autonomous technologies, are forcing train manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development of lightweight materials for axles in freight trains, passenger trains and short-distance trains.

Regional Outlook:

In 2019, the Asia-Pacific market was worth USD 95.4 million. Due to more people living in cities, more money in their pockets, and a growing industrial sector, this area is leading the world market. The rise of the market in Asia-Pacific is likely to be helped by the fact that key players are there. Companies like Taiyuan Heavy Industries, Datong ABC Foundry Co Ltd, and many others are creating new chances in the area. Also, these providers put a lot of effort into research and development. Also, these companies work with other groups to help export transactions go smoothly and make goods with the latest technology. These businesses are making smart investments that will help them improve.

North America also has the second-largest part of the world market. This is because the countries there have a well-developed rail network. As trains go by at full speed, powerful scanners along the tracks look for tiny problems in the equipment. With these new technologies, it's possible that the rail network will continue to make money and have low maintenance costs. Also, the fact that North America has intermodal hubs (rail, ship, and truck) helps the rail business move a lot of cargo around the world. This factor is also driving the growth of the railway wheels (railroad wheels) market in North America, which is projected to have a high CAGR over the next few years. This market is also expected to grow steadily in Europe.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate 5.4% from 2023 to 2030 Market Size in 2022 USD 4,109.20 Million Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 6,952.86 Million By Type Rolled Wheels & Axles for Railways

Forged Wheels & Axles for Railways By Applications Unit Trains

Mixed Freight Trains

Intermodal Trains By Companies GHH-BONATRANS, Lucchini RS, EVRAZ NTMK, GMH-Gruppe, Interpipe, OMK, Amsted Rail, Masteel, NSSMC, Kolowag., and Others Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2017 to 2021 Forecast Year 2023 to 2030

Rail Wheel and Axle Market Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

GHH-BONATRANS, Lucchini RS, EVRAZ NTMK, GMH-Gruppe, Interpipe, OMK, Amsted Rail, Masteel, NSSMC, Kolowag., and Others.

Rail Wheel and Axle Market by Types:

Arthrospira Platensis

Arthrospira Maxima

Rail Wheel and Axle Market by Types:

Rolled Wheels & Axles for Railways

Forged Wheels & Axles for Railways

Rail Wheel and Axle Market by Applications:

Unit Trains

Mixed Freight Trains

Intermodal Trains

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

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Cloud Services Brokerage Market - The Global Cloud Services Brokerage Market size was valued at USD 10.59 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 42.13 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.58% from 2022 to 2030. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the market study, owing to exponential growth in adoption of cloud services across all types of businesses.

Online Corporate Meeting Services Market - The Global Online Corporate Meeting Services Market Size Reached US$ 5.0 Billion In 2022, Expects The Market To Reach US$ 7.1 Billion By 2029, Exhibiting A Growth Rate (CAGR) Of 6.04% During 2022-2029. 40% of the market growth will occur in North America during the forecast period. The United States and Canada are major markets for North American online corporate meeting services. However, market growth in this region will be slower than that of the APAC market.

HVAC Services Market - The Global HVAC Services Market stands at US$ 71.1 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to progress steadily at a CAGR of 6.2%. Asia Pacific dominates the HVAC systems market with a revenue share of over 40.0% in 2021. Increasing urbanization, growing population, and increasing disposable income of consumers are the key success factors behind the region's tremendous growth over the years.

Pipeline Maintenance Services Market - The global Pipeline Maintenance Services market size is expected to reach close to $34.8 Billion by 2030 with an annualized growth rate of 7.9% through the projected period. With the largest hydrocarbon pipeline infrastructure, the United States has been leading the market for several years. The market is expected to grow further at a healthy rate due to the expansion of oil and gas fields in the country. Thus, North America, accounting for 1.44 billion units in 2020, is expected to lead the pipeline and process services market going forward.

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Grocer hiring for salaried and hourly roles in retail, supply chain and manufacturing

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralphs Grocery Company today announced it is seeking to hire new associates for roles in retail, supply chain and manufacturing with hiring events starting in early March. Potential associates interested in pursuing positions in retail are invited to learn more at in-store weekly hiring events each Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., running from March 13 to May 13. Those wishing to explore roles in supply chain, manufacturing or delivery are encouraged to participate in a virtual session offered April 4 and May 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

Ralphs - Even more Low prices... and fast checkout too! (PRNewsFoto/Ralphs Grocery Company)

"Whether you are looking for a new opportunity, have questions about a career at Ralphs or know you are interested in joining our team, we encourage everyone to participate in a hiring event," said LeAnne Romesburg, Director of Human Resources at Ralphs.

Hiring event participants can expect to meet a friendly Ralphs associate who can answer any questions they may have about a career in the grocery industry and take part in open interviews. Candidates should complete the online application at thekrogerco.com/careers in advance of the event and come prepared to be themselves.

The grocer also offers resources, benefits, and training , to support and develop associates including:

Comprehensive wage & benefits packages;

Continued education & tuition reimbursement for both part-time and full-time associates;

Training & development;

Health & wellness resources to promote associate safety, health and well-being;

Perks & discounts, including flexible scheduling, discounts on groceries and more.

About Ralphs

Ralphs Grocery Company is dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit. We are more than 18,000 associates serving customers in 184 supermarkets across Southern California. From the company's headquarters in Los Angeles County, Ralphs is a recognized leader in community service and giving. The company supports Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative aimed at ending hunger in our communities and eliminating waste within our company by the year 2025. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE: KR ), one of the world's largest retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more about Ralphs, please visit our website at www.ralphs.com .

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Cision

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SOURCE Ralphs Grocery Company
Visiongain Reports Ltd

Visiongain has published a new report entitled Regenerative Medicine Market 2023-2033 . It includes profiles of Regenerative Medicine Market and Forecasts, Regenerative Medicine Market Size By Product (Cell Therapy {Autologous, Allogenic}, Tissue Engineering {Scaffold, Hydrogels}, Gene Therapy, Others), By Application (Oncology, Dermatology, Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Cardiovascular, Wound Healing, Ophthalmology, Others) plus COVID-19 Impact Analysis and Recovery Pattern Analysis (V-shaped, W-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped), Profiles of Leading Companies, Region and Country.

The Regenerative Medicine Market was valued at US$ 50.37 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.40% during the forecast period 2023-2033.

Favourable regulatory scenario will propel business growth

The regulatory approvals, improvements in standards, will drive the growth rate of regenerative medicine market across the globe. In September 2022, China released the world's first global standards on stem cell research, making the country an acknowledged pioneer in this cutting-edge field that has the potential to revolutionise medicine. There are many standards and recommendations for developing and using both mouse and human pluripotent stem cells are included in the ISO 24603 publication. The increasing level of research and development effort in the treatment of muscular problems is anticipated to drive revenue growth in the regenerative medicines market. Novel innovative tools such as stem cells promotes the healing response of sick, malfunctioning, or injured tissue. Regenerative medicine along with cellular treatment will open new treatment options to restore the diseased state of the patients.

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How has COVID-19 had a moderately positive impact on the Regenerative Medicine Market?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on the market for regenerative medicine in a number of ways, such as clinical trial disruption, shortage of raw materials, and halt in supply chains. Manufacturing continues to be a factor that restricts the rate of cell and gene therapy output. It's critical to find solutions to manufacturing process bottlenecks in order to maintain business operations and boost resilience to deal with potential disruptions. Although increasing the capacity to produce viral vectors is the long-term solution, the companies operating in regenerative medicine should focus on strategic alliances with important raw material and viral vector suppliers or find and evaluate up to three bidders early on in the development process rather than reliance on just one.

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How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongains 225-page report provides 101 tables and 108 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the Regenerative Medicine Market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Regenerative Medicine Market. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, process, upstream, downstream, and company size and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing Regenerative Medicine Market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Rising Efforts from Public and Private Associations

The development of regenerative medicine technology will be accelerated by government assistance and the opening of new research facilities to increase R&D activity by industry participants. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and UK Medical Research Council (MRC) have entered into collaboration to support the clinical stage development of effective regenerative medicine-based therapies for several disorders, including rare diseases, Parkinsons disease among others. Similarly The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Germany has partnered with Canadian research institutions to develop new automation strategies for manufacturing cell therapy products, point-of-care diagnostic systems and innovative biomaterials for biomedical applications.

In order to further encourage collaboration between international agencies, a number of pharmaceutical businesses are also working with other academic institutional and other industry participants. The pharmaceutical firms are utilising R&D and innovation from other stakeholders such as academic institutions, etc. and to fuel development activities and raise the number of regulatory approvals in the future.

Growing research in the field of stem cell and gene therapies

The rising research in the field of stem cell and gene therapies is bolstering the growth of the market. For instance, a novel gene treatment that can extend mice's lives and treat some of the effects of ageing was developed in January 2021 by researchers in Beijing. These findings might one day be applied to develop a similar human treatment. Deactivating a gene known as kat7, which scientists have identified as a key contributor to cellular ageing, is the key component of the approach, which was disclosed in a study published in the Science Translational Medicine Journal.

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Where are the Market Opportunities?

Increasing Clinical Trials in Gene Therapy Sector

Regulatory agencies across the globe are optimistic about the potential of regenerative medicines. They have been more than willing to support the development of new and innovative treatment options in the regenerative medicine market space. For instance, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., was successful in getting an approval from regulatory agencies to conduct a Phase I/II trials for its novel gene therapy candidate, BV-101 for the management of Huntington's Disease (HD). The company was also granted approval from the French national drug approval body after getting a permission from the Ethics Committee

Rising awareness about the applications of regenerative medicine

The rising awareness related to regenerative medicine sectors is pushing the preference rate to a high level. For instance, in January 2020, Anemocyte, a forward-thinking Italian company focused on non-viral gene modification methods in the sector of stem cell therapies, participated in Phacilitate Leaders World, one of the most important gatherings for companies, professionals, as well as investors in the advanced therapy sector. Such initiative has raised the level of awareness about the cell therapies, gene therapies and other applications of regenerative medicines.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the regenerative medicine market are Aspect Biosystems, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Amgen, Inc., AstraZeneca, Medtronic plc, Novartis AG, MiMedx Group, Smith & Nephew plc, Baxter, Shenzhen SibionoGeneTech Co., Ltd., among others.

The major industry participants are engaged in driving innovation through R&D investments, strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions and building a competitive advantage in the market.

Recent Developments

Sysmex Corporation with JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. established a joint venture in October 2022 with the goal of conducting research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization of regenerative medicine products, comprising hematopoietic stem cells and other stem cells

Through its Telethon fund, the start-up financing company Sofinnova Partners made investments in Borea Therapeutics, AAVantgarde Bio, and Alia Therapeutics in July 2021. To help with the development of medications for rare genetic illnesses, the three businesses divided a maximum of Euro six million in start-up funding.

To access the data contained in this document please email oliver.davison@visiongain.com

To find more Visiongain research reports on the Pharma sector, click on the following links:

Do you have any custom requirements we can help you with? Any need for a specific country, geo region, market segment or specific company information? Contact us today, we can discuss your needs and see how we can help: oliver.davison@visiongain.com

About Visiongain

Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent market intelligence providers around, the company publishes hundreds of market research reports which it adds to its extensive portfolio each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis across 18 industries worldwide. The reports, which cover 10-year forecasts, are hundreds of pages long, with in-depth market analysis and valuable competitive intelligence data. Visiongain works across a range of vertical markets with a lot of synergies. These markets include automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors. Our customised and syndicated market research reports offer a bespoke piece of market intelligence customised to your very own business needs.

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Proficient Market Insights

pune, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Remote Browser Isolation Market" research report focus on overall information that can help to take decisions on current market situation. Remote Browser Isolation Industry Forecast looks at past sales and reviews total world Remote Browser Isolation sales in 2022, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Remote Browser Isolation sales for 2023 through 2029. With Remote Browser Isolation sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Remote Browser Isolation industry.

Remote Browser Isolation Market Report Contains 2023: -

Complete overview of the global Remote Browser Isolation Market

The global Remote Browser Isolation market size is projected to grow from US$ 313.5 million in 2022 to US$ 2126.5 million in 2029; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.5% from 2023 to 2029.

Top Country data and analysis for United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, etc. It also throws light on the progress of key regional Remote Browser Isolation Markets such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa

Description and analysis of Remote Browser Isolation market potential by type, Deep Dive, disruption, application capacity, end use industry

impact evaluation of most important drivers and restraints, and dynamics of the global Remote Browser Isolation Market and current trends in the enterprise

Detailed profiles of the Top major players in the industry, including. Broadcom,Cisco,Cloudflare,ConnX,Ericom,Forcepoint,McAfee,Proofpoint,Versa Networks,Zscaler,Netskope,Check Point,Menlo Security,Hysolate,Tistarsec

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Remote Browser Isolation Market Segmentation: -

Browser isolation is a virtualization technique that moves browser execution from the user device to a secure environment -- either locally on the user device or remotely in the cloud (Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)). In this way, browser activity is isolated from the user, preventing any attempts at malware infection through web-based attacks. Browser isolation takes a completely different approach to Web security than traditional network security solutions. Typically, security solutions require a list of known attacks and suspicious activity in order to identify threatening Web content and block access to it. Web quarantine technology protects any Web content within a remote endpoint, sanitizes it, and sends the secure content to the user's local browser. As a result, users can access content while being protected, even from zero-day attacks. This security technique is particularly useful for protecting employees who work with highly sensitive data, such as government, medical, banking or military records.

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This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Remote Browser Isolation landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyzes the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Remote Browser Isolation portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms unique position in an accelerating global Remote Browser Isolation market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Remote Browser Isolation and breaks down the forecast by type, by application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Remote Browser Isolation.

The global Remote Browser Isolation market size is projected to grow from US$ 313.5 million in 2022 to US$ 2126.5 million in 2029; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.5% from 2023 to 2029.

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Global key remote browser isolation manufacturers include Forcepoint, Netskope, Menlo Security etc. The top 3 companies hold a share about 35%. North America is the largest market, with a share about 45%, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific with the share about 23% and 16%. In terms of product, DOM Reconstruction is the largest segment, with a share over 55%. And in terms of application, the largest application is BFSI, followed by information technology and telecommunications and health care.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Remote Browser Isolation market by product type, application, key players and key regions and countries.

researchers latest report provides a deep insight into the global Remote Browser Isolation Market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from a macro overview of the market to micro details of the market size, competitive landscape, development trend, niche market, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porters five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc.

Remote Browser Isolation Market segments help decision-makers direct the product, sales, and marketing strategies, and can power your product development cycles by informing how you make product offerings for different segments.

Segmentation by type

DOM Reconstruction

Pixel Push

Network Vector Renderer

Segmentation by application

BFSI

Information Technology and Telecommunications

Health Care

Education

Others

Market segment by Region/Country including: -

North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, etc.)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc.)

Middle East & Africa (South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.)

Key Players in the Remote Browser Isolation Market: -

Broadcom

Cisco

Cloudflare

ConnX

Ericom

Forcepoint

McAfee

Proofpoint

Versa Networks

Zscaler

Netskope

Check Point

Menlo Security

Hysolate

Tistarsec

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Key Benefits of Remote Browser Isolation Market Research Report:

Types, applications, regions, and key players covered in the study

Industry drivers, restraints, and opportunities covered in the study

Recent industry trends and developments

Competitive landscape & strategies of key players

Historical, current, and projected market size, in terms of value

In-depth analysis of the Artificial Intelligence AI Chips Market

Sales, price, revenue, market share, and growth rate are covered in the report sales channels, distributors, traders, dealers, etc. are covered in the report

Detailed TOC of Global Remote Browser Isolation Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2023-2029

1 Scope of the Report

1.1 Market Introduction

1.2 Years Considered

1.3 Research Objectives

1.4 Market Research Methodology

1.5 Research Process and Data Source

1.6 Economic Indicators

1.7 Currency Considered

1.8 Market Estimation Caveats

2 Executive Summary

2.1 World Market Overview

2.1.1 Global Remote Browser Isolation Market Size 2018-2029

2.1.2 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size CAGR by Region 2018 VS 2022 VS 2029

2.2 Remote Browser Isolation Segment by Type

2.2.1 DOM Reconstruction

2.2.2 Pixel Push

2.2.3 Network Vector Renderer

2.3 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size by Type

2.3.1 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size CAGR by Type (2018 VS 2022 VS 2029)

2.3.2 Global Remote Browser Isolation Market Size Market Share by Type (2018-2023)

2.4 Remote Browser Isolation Segment by Application

2.4.1 BFSI

2.4.2 Information Technology and Telecommunications

2.4.3 Health Care

2.4.4 Education

2.4.5 Others

2.5 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size by Application

2.5.1 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size CAGR by Application (2018 VS 2022 VS 2029)

2.5.2 Global Remote Browser Isolation Market Size Market Share by Application (2018-2023)

3 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size by Player

3.1 Remote Browser Isolation Market Size Market Share by Players

3.1.1 Global Remote Browser Isolation Revenue by Players (2018-2023)

3.1.2 Global Remote Browser Isolation Revenue Market Share by Players (2018-2023)

3.2 Global Remote Browser Isolation Key Players Head office and Products Offered

3.3 Market Concentration Rate Analysis

3.3.1 Competition Landscape Analysis

3.3.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) & (2021-2023)

3.4 New Products and Potential Entrants

3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion

And More..

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1.To study and analyze the global Remote Browser Isolationconsumption (value) by key regions/countries, product type and application

2.To understand the structure of Remote Browser Isolation Market by identifying its various sub segments.

3.Focuses on the key global Remote Browser Isolationmanufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

4.To analyze the Remote Browser Isolation with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

5.To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

6.To project the consumption of Remote Browser Isolation submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

7.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

8.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

Key Reasons to Purchase

To gain insightful analyses of the market and have comprehensive understanding of the global Remote Browser Isolation Market and its commercial landscape.

Assess the production processes, major issues, and solutions to mitigate the development risk.

To understand the most affecting driving and restraining forces in the Remote Browser Isolation Market and its impact in the global market.

Learn about the Remote Browser Isolation Market strategies that are being adopted by leading respective organizations.

To understand the future outlook and prospects for the Remote Browser Isolation Market.

Besides the standard structure reports, we also provide custom research according to specific requirements

Client Focus

1. Does this report consider the impact of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war on the Remote Browser Isolation market?



Yes. As the COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war are profoundly affecting the global supply chain relationship and raw material price system, we have definitely taken them into consideration throughout the research, and we elaborate at full length on the impact of the pandemic and the war on the Remote Browser Isolation,Industry.



2. How do you determine the list of the key players included in the report?



With the aim of clearly revealing the competitive situation of the industry, we concretely analyze not only the leading enterprises that have a voice on a global scale, but also the regional small and medium-sized companies that play key roles and have plenty of potential growth.

Please find the key player list in Summary.



3. What are your main data 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.



4. Can I modify the scope of the report and customize it to suit my requirements?



Yes. Customized requirements of multi-dimensional, deep-level and high-quality can help our customers precisely grasp market opportunities, effortlessly confront market challenges, properly formulate market strategies and act promptly, thus to win them sufficient time and space for market competition.

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Proficient market insights 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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Market Research Future

Advanced & Cost-Effective Technologies Drive Global Service Robotics Market

New York, US, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR),  Service Robotics Market  Research Report: By Type, Region, End-Users - Forecast Till 2030, the market was valued US$ 19.5 billion in 2021; is anticipated to acquire a valuation of approximately USD 59.65 billion by the end of 2030. The reports further predict the market to flourish at a robust CAGR of over 15% during the assessment timeframe.

Service robots are autonomous and/or operated by a built-in control system that can perform useful tasks for humans according to their intended application. They can perform tasks independently without requiring human interference by manipulating objects in their environment to achieve specific goals. Service robots are used in a number of industries and for personal/domestic use.

They have made human life easier by providing self-assistance for every activity. They offer highly reliable performance owing to their high efficiency in working and programming protocols. The advantages of using service robots are immense, such as higher flexibility in working, enhanced data collection activities, and the ability to perform analysis efficiently.

With their interoperability management software, they offer end-to-end deployment services. Service robots can significantly reduce labor costs and help solve skilled workforce shortage problems. Growing automation in both professional and personal sectors, alongside the rising awareness of service robots benefits, drives the market demand. The adoption rate of service robots is anticipated to accelerate significantly in the coming years.

Commercial applications of service robots include retail, agricultural, domestic, and industrial cleaning services. In hospitality and home care businesses, AI-enabled and autonomous service robots assist in serving food & drinks and clear tables, allowing the hotel and home care employees to focus on delivering outstanding service to customers and patients.

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Service Robotics Market Key Players

Key players leading the global service robotics market are

Gecko Systems Intl. Corp. (US)

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (Japan)

Adept Technology Inc. (US)

KUKA AG (Germany)

iRobot Corporation (US)

Kongsberg Maritime AS (Norway)

DJI (China), Knightscope, Inc. (US)

SoftBank Robotics (US)

Intuitive Surgical Inc. (US)

Parrot SA (France)

Grumman Corporation (US)

Fujitsu Frontech Limited (Japan)

LG Electronics Inc. (South Korea)

Report Scope:

Report Metric Details Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 59.65 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of 15% from 2022 to 2030 Base Year 2021 Study Period 2022-2030 Key Market Opportunities Adopting swarm intelligence technology enables service robotics to perform various complex tasks easily. Key Market Drivers Rising use of IoT in robots for cost-effective predictive maintenance Growing investment in research on the service robotics

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Industry Trends

Currently, the market is witnessing enormous traction due to the increasing trend of automation in production and manufacturing processes. Moreover, rapid technological upgrades have sped up the development of autonomous service robots. Moreover, growing applications and adoption of service robotics in autonomous warehouses and logistics industries escalate the market value.

Conversely, government regulations and security concerns related to service robotics restrict the market's growth. In the current scenario, machines have been progressing from being entirely manual for having a fixed automatic function to becoming intelligent where they can deal with real-world situations themselves.

Service Robotics Market Segments

The service robotics market report is segmented into types, end users, and regions for a better understanding. The service robotics type segment is sub-segmented into domestic and professional. The end user segment is sub-segmented into healthcare, defense, electronics, automotive & transportation, construction, and others. The region segment is sub-segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest-of-the-World.

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the global service robotics market, heading with the huge technological advancement in robotics. Additionally, factors such as increasing demand for service robotics from various sectors and increasing focus on enhancing industrial communication capabilities, especially in the defense sector, drive the regional market's growth.

The US is the leading market in the region and the largest revenue generator in the global service robotics market. Moreover, the massive spending on growing military UAV activities and growing applications of AGVs have opened up a big market for autonomous robots. Moreover, the presence of major robotic players in the US has been helping the regional market to become more dominant compared to other regions.

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The Asia Pacific region is the second-largest market for service robotics. Rapidly emerging countries in the APAC, such as India and China, are increasingly investing in commercial and military activities. India has the maximum potential to grow during the forecast period. Furthermore, factors such as rapid economic growth, increased R&D activities, and the demand for new autonomous technology from burgeoning sectors such as automotive and aircraft are propelling the regional market.

The European service robotics market has been emerging as a promising space globally. European countries are initiating regulations transforming and expanding the service robotics market in the region. Moreover, increasing activities of R&D, increasing commercial applications, and modifications in service robotic systems are some of the key factors acting as major tailwinds to the growth of the market.

Service Robotics Market Competitive Analysis

Highly competitive, the service robotics market appears fragmented due to the presence of several well-established players. These players incorporate strategic initiatives such as acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product/ technology launch to maintain their positions and gain a competitive advantage in this market.

These players focus on new product development initiatives and geographical expansion. The global service robotics market is anticipated to witness relentless innovations and new product development, eventually resulting in intense competition among manufacturers.

For instance, on Mar.09, 2023, LG Uplus announced a partnership by signing an MoU with Bigwave Robotics (South Korea), a leading operator of robot automation platforms, to strengthen its robot business. This business agreement enables LG Uplus to provide seamless service robots that use LTE/5G communication to all stores and industrial sites. The two companies will jointly develop related robot solutions using new business models.

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They will expand their share in the robot market by collaborating on customers' overall needs. New service robots will be used for customer consulting, pilot operation of robots, and installation & maintenance. The two companies will showcase logistics robotics at the 2023 Smart Factory Automation Industry Exhibition, COEX.

The company decided to collaborate with Bigwave Robotics for its innovative services in the robot market and a wealth of customer data. Bigwave Robotics will play an important role in marketing LG Uplus products to new customers through AI analysis of My Robot Solution. It has a large customer base and cooperative relationships with about 400 suppliers. Its MyRobot Solution is a platform that recommends the optimal robotics suitable for the intended situation and environment.

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Qabil Ashirov

New footage of two UAZ Patriot vehicles belonging to the Russian peacekeeping contingent escorting three UAZ vehicles of Armenian separatists moving on the Khankandi-Khalafli-Turshsu dirt road has been circulated on social networks, Azernews reports.

According to the information previously provided by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, the illegal supply of arms, ammunition, mines, and other military equipment by Armenia to the Armenian armed forces located in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan, as well as the transfer and rotation of personnel to the combat position violates the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and the trilateral statement.

The events that have taken place once again confirm the necessity and inevitability of establishing control over the Lachin road by Azerbaijan.

On March 5, when the Azerbaijani army tried to stop a vehicle carrying weapons from Armenia to Karabakh separatists on the Khankandi-Khalafli-Turshsu dirt road for inspection, Armenian sides opened fire and as a result, two Azerbaijani soldiers were martyred.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, has recognized Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK:NYSE) as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies.

This is the 15th time Rockwell has been included on this prestigious list which honors companies that demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.

"Our organization is committed to doing business the right way, through strong programs and transparent practices that elevate expectations and standards for all," said Rockwell Chairman and CEO Blake Moret. "We are honored to be among those companies making an impact for employees, customers, and communities, and leading by example."

Ethics and integrity are among Rockwell's highest scoring drivers of employee engagement, nurtured and cultivated through a robust commitment and a strong "speak up" mindset, including the company's long-standing Ombuds program. Rockwell also requires 100% of its Board of Directors, employees, and contractors to complete an Annual Ethics Training, which is updated each year.

Only 16 companies have achieved this honor 15 or more times, putting Rockwell in a special class of honorees.

Rockwell was one of 135 honorees recognized in 2023, and only one of two honorees in the Diversified Machinery industry. The ranking spans 19 countries and 46 industries. View the full list of 2023 honorees.

Learn more about Rockwell's commitment to ethics and integrity.

Rockwell Automation, Monday, March 13, 2023, Press release picture

Only 16 companies have achieved this Ethisphere honor 15 or more times, putting Rockwell Automation in a special class of honorees.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rockwell Automation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Rockwell Automation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rockwell-automation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation





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A former Oracle executive, Mark Sanchez joins Scala at a moment of strong growth for the company, bringing an expertise of more than 20 years in the implementation of mission-critical infrastructure around the world

SAO PAULO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scala Data Centers, the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market, announces Mark Sanchez as its new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment. Graduated in Electronic Engineering and with an MBA by DeVry University (US), he is joining the company's Engineering and Construction team after having worked for five years at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), where he managed teams and implemented data centers on five continents.

Mark Sanchez assumes as new Senior Director of Data Center Deployment at Scala

With direct responsibility for participating and leading teams in the data center design and project process, as well as site installation and implementing activities across Latin America, Mark will be based in Sao Paulo and joins Scala at a moment of accelerated growth. The company has already invested more than R$ 6 billion in its projects in Latin America and expects to reach 500MW of distributed capacity over the next five years, with operations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.

Mark has more than 20 years of mission-critical experience with 13 years dedicated to the data center industry, having participated in the deployment of more than 400MW of capacity worldwide. At Oracle, he worked on key projects to expand the cloud capillarity of the company, going from five to 40 regions when he held the position of Senior Manager of Data Center New Region Build in the US, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa markets. He was also Principal Technical Program Manager for Data Center Build, responsible for infrastructure deployment and delivery in 10 countries, as well as the colocation, construction, and cabling teams.

He also served as a Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer and Special Projects Manager at McKinstry and was a Data Center Infrastructure Engineer at DaVita. In Afghanistan, he served as an US Army Service Member, managing all the infrastructure connecting generators and air conditioning in bases located in desert areas.

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Marcos Peigo, Scala's CEO and Co-founder, states the executive's global experience brings to the company a solid background in mission-critical projects. "It is an honor to have a professional as Mark on our team. These are decades of accumulated experience which will certainly bring another perk to Scala's successful trajectory. His invaluable knowledge on the Hyperscale market will boost our customer-centric and premium approach," he mentions.

"I am very happy to be part of a team with a pioneering and dynamic vision and performance in the colocation segment. In addition, being able to collaborate directly with the technical training projects that the company leads is another very attractive perk for me, as it is a professional goal I have and will certainly add to my trajectory," says Mark.

Scala was founded in 2020 and has five data centers in operation, three on Campus Tambore, the largest in Latin America, located in Barueri (Sao Paulo state, Brazil); one in Sao Paulo; and another in Campinas city. For 2023, the company plans to build 11 new data centers.

About Scala Data Centers

Scala Data Centers is the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market. Headquartered in Brazil and founded by DigitalBridge, it was developed to meet and exceed the growing demand for digital access in Latin America. Scala has a highly qualified team of over 700 professionals and applies a flexible and innovative approach to providing exceptional quality colocation services to hyperscale clients, cloud-based software and service providers, and large enterprises. We customize state-of-the-art solutions for each client in the construction of the latest generation data centers, with high availability, the best energy efficiency rates, and superior density. All this allied to the best sustainability practices guided by our ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) program. For more information, visit www.scaladatacenters.com.

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SOURCE Scala Data Centers
NEO: SHWZ

OTCQX: SHWZ



R.Greenleaf Paves Way for Direct Commerce Relationship with Customers,

Provides Seamless, Time-Saving Shopping Experience

DENVER, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Schwazze, (NEO: SHWZ) (OTCQX: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), announces the launch of a new ecommerce shop site for R.Greenleaf, its New-Mexico based retail banner with 17 locations throughout the state. This new shopping experience, available at http://rgreenleaf.com, allows customers to 'skip the line and order online' by ordering ahead to reserve product and picking up in store. Customers can create an account on the new shop site to access prior orders and receive special offers while also enrolling in R.Greenleaf's customer loyalty program, Gratify.

R.Greenleaf Ecommerce Menu (CNW Group/Schwazze)

"We are excited to bring the convenience of ecommerce shopping to all of our R.Greenleaf locations. Our enhanced online shopping experience allows us to deliver our brands, product assortment and dedicated service to customers in all of our neighborhoods as we continue to expand throughout the state," said Ken Diehl, Division President  New Mexico.

R.Greenleaf, offering a wide variety of quality products serviced by top-notch, knowledgeable staff, has grown from 10 locations to now 17 since Schwazze's acquisition nearly one year ago. All locations serve the needs of medical patients as well as recreational consumers.

Since April 2020, Schwazze has acquired, announced the planned acquisition of, or opened 44 cannabis dispensaries as well as seven cultivation facilities and two manufacturing assets in Colorado and New Mexico. In May 2021, Schwazze announced its BioSciences division and in August 2021 it commenced home delivery services in Colorado.

About Schwazze

Schwazze (NEO: SHWZ) (OTCQX: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company's leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.

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Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze's former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "plan," "will," "may," "continue," "predicts," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to consummate the acquisition described in this press release or to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, including the acquisition described in this press release, and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, * the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xi) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

R.Greenleaf New Mexico logo (CNW Group/Schwazze)

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BOSTON, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The second-life EV battery market is one of great importance for many reasons. These include adding value to future energy infrastructure, creating a circular economy for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and providing a lower levelized cost of storage compared to new batteries. The new IDTechEx report, "Second-life Electric Vehicle Batteries 2023-2033", highlights advancements in the second-life industry, ranging from regulatory and technology developments to player activity in battery diagnostics and repurposing. IDTechEx forecasts that the second-life EV battery market will reach US$7B in value by 2033.

The bulk of EVs currently use Li-ion battery chemistries, and once their eight-to-ten-year initial lifetime has expired, they are usually unsuitable for future EV use. Battery second use (B2U) extends the lifetime of the EV battery. Depending on the State of Health (SOH) and residual capacity of the battery, second-life batteries can be further utilized in less demanding applications, such as stationary energy storage and lower-power electromobility applications. This brings value to cross-sector stakeholders, including EV/battery manufacturers, EV customers, utilities, grid operators, energy companies, and electricity consumers.

Stakeholders must make key decisions regarding the End-of-Life management of retired EV batteries. Second-life batteries created through a remanufacturing process offer benefits of maximizing battery value and extending battery life, whereas recycling results in batteries losing this value prematurely. If remanufacturing is chosen, second-life BESS developers must make further decisions to ensure that the creation of their second-life systems is techno-economically feasible. Remanufacturers must consider several process operations, such as battery procurement, depth of disassembly, testing/grading, and reassembly procedures. The new report from IDTechEx assesses how these processes impact the final pricing of second-life BESS to be competitive with new Li-ion BESS.

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Key player geographic map (by HQ). Source: IDTechEx

Key player geographic map (by HQ). Source: IDTechEx

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Within this young yet competitive market, key players are involved in both second-life battery repurposing and retired EV battery health and performance grading. A growing number of repurposer and battery diagnostician start-ups are starting to establish robust supply chains with automotive OEMs. The lack of battery standardization is one of the key barriers in the second-life market, and so procuring a larger volume of similarly designed batteries can help simplify both data-driven battery modeling and repurposing processes.

Currently, base station backup energy in China is the dominant market for second-life EV batteries. These are replacing lead acid batteries, which have historically provided this service. However, IDTechEx has observed that the US and Europe are key regions with players making great advancements in deploying second-life BESS. These players have generally been focused on behind-the-meter installations. However, some players who have commercialized these second-life BESS will soon be looking to scale their technologies to be suitable for large grid-scale applications. These will be suitable for use in the front-of-the-meter (FTM) battery storage market. 'Large' second-life BESS deployments in China are unlikely to be seen over the next few years amid a ban from China's National Energy Administration in 2021. As repurposers in the US and Europe look to deploy more second-life BESS, the regional distribution of total second-life battery deployments could shift over the next decade.

In the latest version of their market report, "Second-life Electric Vehicle Batteries 2023-2033", IDTechEx brings the reader a holistic overview of the second-life EV battery market, including the following information:

Executive Summary

What are second-life electric vehicle batteries?

- Battery second use value chain

- Applications and project examples

Battery design, chemistry, and technology developments

- Cell-to-pack EV batteries, serviceable batteries, cathode chemistries, advanced BMS

Techno-economic analysis of the remanufacturing process

- Overview of and bottlenecks in the remanufacturing process

- Analysis on pack-, module-, and cell-level disassembly and reconfiguration

Regulatory landscape and battery traceability

- EU, US, and China regulatory landscapes

- EU Battery Passport

Battery performance testing

- Key and supplementary tests for second-life battery testing

Battery performance modeling

- Data-driven (includes machine learning / AI), physics-based and hybrid modeling approaches

Key players in battery performance testing and modeling

Market landscape

- Overview of players  automotive OEMs, repurposers, diagnosticians, utilities

- Key repurposing players in the second-life EV battery market

- Technologies and business models

Market barriers

Forecasts  Second-life market (GWh installed) and EV battery availability forecasts 2023  2033

Company profiles  links to 23 IDTechEx Portal Profiles

To find out about this IDTechEx report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/SecondLife.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

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Media Contact:

Lucy Rogers

Sales and Marketing Administrator

press@IDTechEx.com

+44(0)1223 812300

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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/IDTechEx

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SOURCE IDTechEx
What a weekend that was, reader.

By now, you've probably heard a lot about the sudden, bank run-driven collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, one of the tech industry's most stalwart and trusted institutions. There's a lot to catch up on, so buckle up.

The weekend was a period of intense stress in the tech industry, as the bank's customers wondered what they would do if Monday rolled around and they couldn't get access to the cash they needed to make payroll or pay their office rent.

Well, late on Sunday afternoon, the federal government stepped in: While the bank itself will no longer be a going concern  its assets are already being auctioned off  the FDIC is guaranteeing that anyone who had their money in Silicon Valley Bank will be made whole.

Then, news broke early this morning that HSBC has bought the UK arm of collapsed SVB in a last-minute deal. The UK government and the Bank of England facilitated the private sale, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter: "Deposits will be protected, with no taxpayer support".

You can follow our live coverage here.

As the tech industry breathes a massive sigh of relief, here's what you need to know going into your week.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider's app here.

Dollar In Flames

Tech startups say they can't access their cash deposited in Silicon Valley Bank.Tom Stoddart/Getty Images

1. "Our money is gone." Before the FDIC stepped in to save the day (for depositors, anyway), the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank sparked fear, uncertainty, and panic as startups suddenly lost access to whatever cash they had stashed there.

Here's the latest from Insider on the Silicon Valley Bank meltdown:

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Read more about the financial panic that swept Silicon Valley over the weekend here.

In other news:

An illustration of a surgical mask, folded and containing stacks of money.

Can tech startups stop the next pandemic?Robyn Phelps/Insider

2. Can Silicon Valley succeed where the CDC failed? Insider's Adam Rogers writes that the CDC fumbled its response to COVID-19 so badly that the private sector may be our best hope in the next pandemic. As VCs invest in pandemic-related startups, it's tech versus the virus.

3. Microsoft's AI plan to take on Google. Insider reports on Microsoft's plan to woo advertisers to its new ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine. Ads could appear as annotations to the Bing chatbot's answers, helping Microsoft steal some search ad market share from its larger rival. Go inside the plan here.

4. The great "fake work" debate. Last week, investor Keith Rabois made the incendiary claim that most Big Tech workers do "fake work," drawing a paycheck for very little actual result. It's started a huge debate among tech elites, centered around a simple question: What is "real work?"

5. Goodbye to Smarty Pants. Alphabet is spinning off Skip (formerly known as Smarty Pants), its robotic exoskeleton subsidiary, as the Google parent company cracks down on its expensive science-fictional "moonshot" projects.

6. "Code Yellow" at Shopify. Insider reports on leaked documents, showing that Shopify's own data sees its customer support experience has deteriorated. It's now trying to right the ship, at the risk of losing more of its e-commerce vendor customers. Read more about the "Code Yellow" here.

7. Meta is working on a Twitter clone. Facebook's parent company has confirmed that it's building a new social media productthat takes a page (and uses the same key technology) from Mastodon, the decentralized Twitter competitor. What will they call it? Mastobook? Metadon?

8. Amazon employees want to work from home. Insider reports on a petition signed by at least 30,000 employees to fight against Amazon's return-to-office plans. The retail giant wants most employees back in the office at least three days a week, starting in May.

Odds and ends:

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Rivian R1S electric SUVs.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Rivian R1S electric SUVs.Tim Levin/Insider

9. How a startup beat Mercedes at its own luxury-car game. Tim Levin, Insider's auto expert extraordinaire, test-drove luxury SUVs from Mercedes and electric vehicle startup Rivian. Surprisingly, he said that Rivian's focus on high-tech features really set it apart from the more traditional Mercedes model.

10. Netflix lets you change subtitle sizes. If, like me, your eyes are shot after spending the week glued to your screen for updates on all the breaking news, a little bit of good news: Netflix will finally let subscribers make its subtitles larger on the screen.

What we're watching today:

The South by Southwest (SXSW) tech, music, and culture festival rages on in Austin, Texas all week.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Extrapolate

Global smart power distribution system market is set to explode with fourfold revenue growth by 2030, making it a game-changing industry. With its potential impact on the future of energy, this market is one to watch out for. This innovative and dynamic sector is expected to soar to an astounding valuation of USD 96.2 billion by 2030, promising to transform the way we consume and distribute power. Order your copy today to stay a step ahead of your competitors.

Dubai, UAE, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the recent research report published by Extrapolate, the global Smart Power Distribution Systems Market is anticipated to grow to $96.2 billion by 2030, recording a burgeoning CAGR of 9.7%. The market was valued at $23.8 billion in 2021.

The smart power distribution system market is rapidly evolving and transforming the way electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed. With the advent of this technology, up to 30% of energy is saved. The markets technology landscape is diverse, ranging from advanced metering infrastructure to cybersecurity, and is driving innovation and creating new opportunities for utilities, consumers, and technology providers.

As per the study, the installed capacity of smart grid-connected energy storage systems is expected to increase from 4.3 GW in 2019 to 22.3 GW by 2025. Moreover, governments around the globe, especially from European and North American countries, are making extra efforts to make the smart grid a mainstream technology in the power sector to reduce carbon emissions efficiently. For instance, adopting smart grid technologies can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 2.03 Gigatons per year by 2030, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.

As the market continues to grow and evolve, it has become imperative for industry players to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends to remain competitive and fully realize the potential of the smart power distribution systems market.

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Furthermore, the rising investments in energy storage start-ups that are yielding lucrative returns are encouraging venture capitalists and other stakeholders to invest in the market. In the recent Electric Power Summit, Zhou Haojie, COO of Huawei, announced the introduction of four solutions with a focus on smart and integrated power distribution systems.

Key Insights



Based on components, the software segment is anticipated to dominate the market.



According to Extrapolate, North America is expected to dominate the market as a result of prominent companies providing innovative solutions such as Huawei's newly introduced four electric power solutions to promote global energy transition for a sustainable future.

Huawei BG to partner with more than 2500 global leaders, industry customers, and partners to build a smart world with improved digital technologies, adding immense value to businesses worldwide.

Huawei recently announced the launch of four electric power solutions in 2023 aimed at fueling the global energy transition. The COO of the company revealed the plans for new solutions in the power grid sector by creating distributed IoT solutions, substation inspection that eliminates 70% of manual inspection minimizing network construction up to 50% by the integration of electric wireless campus solutions, and the introduction of intelligent wind power network solutions.

Increasing expenditure in start-ups encourages stakeholders to invest in the market.

Competitive Landscape of Smart Power Distribution Systems Market

The global smart power distribution systems market is expected to remain competitive as most of the prominent players are focusing on designing minimal and cost-effective products to attract target consumers. In line with this, ABB Ltd. has been investing heavily in research and development to create innovative solutions, such as a digital substation with advanced sensors and software for real-time monitoring and control of power grids. Siemens AG has also expanded its market presence through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as acquiring C&S Electric in 2020 to strengthen its position in the Indian smart grid market.

Some of the top companies profiled are ABB, Aclara Technologies LLC, Cisco, Eaton, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., GE, Oracle, Wipro Limited, Landis+Gyr, Honeywell International Inc., Itron Inc., ABB, and Siemens, among others.

For Any Additional Information or To Obtain Further Clarity, Please Get In Touch With Our Analyst @ https://www.extrapolate.com/enquire/Semiconductor-Electronics/smart-power-distribution-systems-market/25813

Market Segmentation by Component:

Hardware

Software

Services

Software Segment to Retain Dominance in Smart Power Distribution Systems Market

The smart power distribution market is rapidly evolving, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and the need for more efficient and reliable power distribution systems. Wherein, the software segment is expected to remain the largest revenue contributor as utilities adopt advanced solutions to enhance their operations and improve their bottom line by enabling utilities to monitor and control their power grids more efficiently and effectively. In addition, with the rise of the Internet of Things and other technologies, the amount of data generated by power grids is set to increase exponentially, and software will be essential for analyzing and processing this data to extract valuable insights.

Leading software companies, including ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Eaton Corporation, offer a range of software solutions, including grid management systems, energy management systems, demand response systems, and advanced analytics tools that enable utilities to manage their power grids more effectively.

Unlock the Full Potential Of Market Insights By Purchasing Our Comprehensive Research Report

Market Segmentation by Application:

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Industrial Segment to Lead the Smart Power Distribution Systems Market

The industrial segment held the largest market share in 2021 as a result of the increasing demand for smart power distribution systems solutions. The segment is expected to continue leading the market due to several advancements in the networking sector and a number of advantages offered by automation technology. According to a report by the US Department of Energy, grid modernization technologies, including smart grid technologies, could reduce power outages by up to 50% and save businesses and consumers billions of dollars in lost income and damages each year.

A report by the World Economic Forum estimates that global investment in smart grid infrastructure will need to reach $2.4 trillion by 2035 to meet the demands of a more sustainable energy system for industrial users. Moreover, most of the large-scale industry users have started preferring smart grid technology to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency by optimizing energy usage and reducing energy waste. In addition to this, smart grid technology is enabling businesses to integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the grid, which can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals.

North America to Continue Dominating Global Smart Power Distribution Systems Market

According to Extrapolate, North America is projected to continue dominating the global smart power distribution market during the forecast period. This is majorly attributed to favorable policies, prompt initiatives taken by federal and state governments in the US and Canada, and excessive emphasis of power companies on modernizing their distribution network in the region. For instance, the US Department of Energy has started the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program that provides funding to modernize the electric grid and invest in smart grid technologies. Apart from this, Natural Resources Canada has floated a collection of programs and initiatives aimed at advancing clean energy innovation, including smart grid technologies.

Similarly, in December 2021, ABB introduced EcoStruxure Power, an IoT-enabled architecture and platform that provides "always-on" power for industrial and infrastructure as well as commercial buildings, data centers, and healthcare establishments.

Browse Complete Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/Semiconductor-Electronics/smart-power-distribution-systems-market/25813

Major Points from Table of Content:

Chapter 1. Executive Summary

Chapter 2. Research Methodology

Chapter 3. Market Outlook

Chapter 4. COVID-19 Impact On Smart Power Distribution Systems Market

Chapter 5. Global Smart Power Distribution Systems Market Overview, By Component, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 6. Global Smart Power Distribution Systems Market Overview, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 7. Global Smart Power Distribution Systems Market Overview, By Geography, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 8. North America Smart Power Distribution Systems Market Overview, By Countries, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

...TOC Continued









Part II: Transmission and Distribution Market Report 2023-2030:

Global Transmission and Distribution Market was previously valued at $200.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $274.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.11% during the forecast period.

In recent years, the transmission and distribution market has seen significant investment in modernization and infrastructure upgrades, driven in part by the need to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid. This has led to the development of smart grid technologies, which use advanced sensors and communication systems to improve grid efficiency and reliability.

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The equipment segment is anticipated to capture the dominant market share due to smart upgrades of distribution systems, improved power transmission, and the rapid development of smart grids. Cables, switchgear, wires, and various other equipment are vital to meet the growing demand for safe, secure, and reliable power transmission and distribution. Moreover, the rising adoption of high-end appliances with high-voltage requirements is also augmenting growth in the transmission and distribution market.

Regional Analysis

North America is the dominant market for transmission and distribution, primarily due to the high demand for oil and gas by-products. The electricity transmission sector in North America, particularly in the United States, has set ambitious goals for achieving carbon-free electricity and offshore wind energy, resulting in significant investments in expansion and modernization.

As per a recent report, North Americas electricity transmission sector has set goals for achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 and 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, resulting in heavy investments for robust expansion and modernization.

New York has approved 62 local transmission upgrades to reduce congestion and generate 3.5 GW of capacity for clean energy, with completion anticipated between 2024 and 2030.

Europe is expected to become the second-largest market for transmission and distribution, thanks to favourable governmental initiatives and significant investments in grid modification. The European Commission has planned to invest over $50 billion annually to replace 140,000 miles of transition lines.

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Competitive Analysis

The transmission and distribution market is highly competitive and fragmented. Key players existing in the market are shifting their focus to modernize energy grids to meet zero carbon emissions by 2050. For instance, Siemens Energy announced the delivery of its highly efficient HL-class power plant technology to South Korea, which is expected to be utilized in the Eumseong Unit 1 combined cycle power plant (CCPP) built in the north-western Chungcheongbuk-do Province.

Key Players:

EDF Group

Enel Spa

Iberdrola, S.A.

Exelon Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

ABB

TBEA

Eaton

CG Power & Industrial Solutions Ltd.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

Siemens AG

General Electric

LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED

Kirloskar Electric Company

Schneider Electric

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Solaris Resources

Figure 1  Plan View of Warintza Central Drilling Released to Date

Figure 1  Plan View of Warintza Central Drilling Released to Date

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS; OTCQB: SLSSF) (Solaris or the Company) is pleased to report assay results from a series of holes aimed at growing the Northeast Extension of the Indicative Starter Pit at its Warintza Project (Warintza or the Project) in southeastern Ecuador. Highlights are listed below, with a corresponding image in Figure 1 and detailed results in Tables 1-2.



Highlights

Resource expansion drilling continues to grow the Northeast Extension of the Indicative Starter Pit, an area of near surface, high-grade mineralization estimated at 180 Mt at 0.82% CuEq (Indicated) and 107 Mt at 0.73% CuEq (Inferred) within the Warintza Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) based on drilling to the end of 2021. Assays are pending from follow-up step-out drilling, with additional platforms planned for construction.

SLS-70 was collared at the northeastern limit of Warintza Central and drilled northeast into an open volume, returning 186m of 0.64% CuEq from near surface within a broader interval of 264m of 0.55% CuEq, expanding the zone to the north where it remains open



This hole follows from SLS-65, drilled approximately 90 degrees to the northwest from the same platform, which returned 286m of 0.55% CuEq from near surface (refer to press release dated December 5, 2022)



SLS-69, collared from the same platform and drilled the opposite direction to the southwest, returned 156m of 0.60% CuEq from 52m depth within a broader interval of 846m of 0.30% CuEq, connecting the Northeast Extension to Warintza Central



Prior hole SLS-66, drilled west-southwest, returned 124m of 0.82% CuEq from near surface within a broader interval of 622m of 0.42% CuEq (refer to press release dated September 7, 2022) from a platform to the south where a follow-up southwest-oriented hole is planned to better connect the Northeast Extension to Warintza Central



Assays are pending from two newly constructed 250m step-out platforms testing the zone further to the northeast, with additional platforms planned for construction as the weather improves



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Mr. Jorge Fierro, Vice President, Exploration, commented: The Northeast Extension represents a significant area of focus for growing the Indicative Starter Pit, one of the two key goals for the follow-on drilling program from the 2022 MRE, with the other being major resource growth at Warintza East, where extensional and step-out holes are due shortly. In addition, a major program of reconnaissance sampling that commenced last summer has identified new areas of well mineralized outcrop in previously inaccessible terrain adjacent to the Warintza Central and Warintza East deposits that present opportunities for additional discoveries, with further details to be released shortly.



Figure 1  Plan View of Warintza Central Drilling Released to Date

Table 1  Assay Results

Hole ID Date Reported From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Mo (%) Au (g/t) CuEq (%) SLS-70 Mar 13, 2023

26 290 264 0.38 0.03 0.11 0.55 Including 104 290 186 0.48 0.03 0.11 0.64 Including 104 198 94 0.53 0.03 0.11 0.70 SLS-69 52 898 846 0.20 0.02 0.03 0.30 Including 52 208 156 0.48 0.02 0.08 0.60 Including 52 122 70 0.56 0.03 0.06 0.70 Notes to table: True widths of the mineralized zone are not known at this time.





Table 2 - Collar Location

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth (degrees) Dip (degrees) SLS-70 800350 9648417 1356 291 20 -65 SLS-69 800350 9648417 1356 944 200 -70 Notes to table: The coordinates are in WGS84 17S Datum.

Endnotes

Copper-equivalence calculated as: CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + 4.0476  Mo (%) + 0.487  Au (g/t), utilizing metal prices of US$3.50/lb Cu, US$15.00/lb Mo, and US$1,500/oz Au, and assumes recoveries of 90% Cu, 85% Mo, and 70% Au based on preliminary metallurgical test work. The Indicative Starter Pit is based on the same assumptions as the MRE except utilized metal prices of US$1.00/lb Cu, US$7.50/lb Mo, and US$750/oz Au. The Indicative Starter Pit is comprised of Indicated mineral resources of 180 Mt at 0.82% CuEq (0.67% Cu, 0.03% Mo, 0.07 g/t Au) and Inferred mineral resources of 107 Mt at 0.73% CuEq (0.64% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 0.05 g/t Au) above a 0.6% CuEq cut-off grade. No economic analysis has been completed by the Company and there is no guarantee an Indicative Starter Pit will be realized or prove to be economic. Refer to Solaris technical report titled, NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Warintza Project, Ecuador with an effective date of April 1, 2022, prepared by Mario E. Rossi and filed on the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. For additional details on Near Surface, High-Grade, NE Extension intervals, refer to press release dated May 26, 2022 for SLS-57: 230m of 0.73% CuEq (0.59% Cu, 0.03% Mo, 0.08 g/t Au), refer to press release dated July 20, 2022 for SLS-62: 168m of 0.68% CuEq (0.51% Cu, 0.03% Mo, 0.07 g/t Au) and SLS-63: 230m of 1.02% CuEq (0.87% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 0.12 g/t Au), refer to press release dated September 7, 2022 for SLS-64: 110m of 0.54% CuEq (0.38% Cu, 0.04% Mo, 0.03 g/t Au) and SLS-66: 124m of 0.82% CuEq (0.71% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 0.09 g/t Au), refer to press release dated December 5, 2022 for SLS-65: 286m of 0.55% CuEq (0.38% Cu, 0.04% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au) and SLS-68: 72m of 1.00% CuEq (0.88% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au).



Technical Information and Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) program that includes the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards), blanks and field duplicate samples. Logging and sampling are completed at a secured Company facility located in Quito, Ecuador. Drill core is cut in half on site and samples are securely transported to ALS Labs in Quito. Sample pulps are sent to ALS Labs in Lima, Peru and Vancouver, Canada for analysis. Total copper and molybdenum contents are determined by four-acid digestion with AAS finish. Gold is determined by fire assay of a 30-gram charge. In addition, selected pulp check samples are sent to Bureau Veritas lab in Lima, Peru. Both ALS Labs and Bureau Veritas lab are independent of Solaris. Solaris is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. The drillhole data has been verified by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, using data validation and quality assurance procedures under high industry standards.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, Vice President Exploration of Solaris who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Jorge Fierro is a Registered Professional Geologist through the SME (registered member #4279075).



On behalf of the Board of Solaris Resources Inc.

Daniel Earle

President & CEO, Director

For Further Information

Jacqueline Wagenaar, VP Investor Relations

Direct: 416-366-5678 Ext. 203

Email: jwagenaar@solarisresources.com

About Solaris Resources Inc.

Solaris is a multi-asset exploration company, advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in the Americas, which includes: its primary focus, a world class large-scale resource with expansion and discovery potential at the Warintza Project in Ecuador; discovery potential at its Ricardo Project and Tamarugo Project in Chile; discovery potential at its Capricho and Paco Orco projects in Peru; and significant leverage to increasing copper prices through its 60% interest in the La Verde joint-venture project with a subsidiary of Teck Resources in Mexico.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). The use of the words will and expected and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements that resource expansion drilling continues to grow the Northeast Extension of the Indicative Starter Pit within the MRE, assays are pending from follow-up step-out drilling, with additional platforms planned for construction, a follow-up southwest-oriented hole is planned to better connect the Northeast Extension to Warintza Central, assays are pending from two newly constructed 250m step-out platforms testing the zone further to the northeast, with additional platforms planned for construction as the weather improves, that the Northeast Extension represents a significant area of focus for growing the Indicative Starter Pit, one of the two key goals for the follow-on drilling program from the 2022 MRE, with the other being major resource growth at Warintza East, where extensional and step-out holes are due shortly, and finally, that a major program of reconnaissance sampling that commenced last summer has identified new areas of well mineralized outcrop in previously inaccessible terrain adjacent to the Warintza Central and Warintza East deposits that present opportunities for additional discoveries, with further details to be released shortly. Although Solaris believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. These statements are based on a variety of assumptions including assumptions made about the Companys ability to advance exploration efforts at the Warintza Project; the results of such exploration efforts; and the Companys ability to achieve its growth objectives. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Solaris Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021 available at www.sedar.com. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Solaris does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a425acc3-dd47-47e5-a349-1661dbb7a15c




Sonasoft Corp.

SAN JOSE, CA, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Today, Sonasoft Corp., a California Corporation, (OTCQB: SSFT) (Sonasoft or the Company) announces that, after notifying FINRA and the OTC Markets Group, the Company voluntarily delisted from the OTC Markets Group OTCQB market, effective immediately.

The Company advises its shareholders that its common stock will no longer trade on the OTCQB market, but may be quoted on the OTC Pink market, also operated by OTC Markets Group. The Company can provide no assurances that any broker-dealer will continue to make a market in its common stock or that trading levels, liquidity, or quotation prices will be maintained. The Company also cautions its shareholders that trading on the OTC Pink market may be subject to limited availability of information, reduced transparency, and greater volatility.

CEO and Board Chairman Mike Khanna stated, After careful contemplation, our Board originally pursued this path with the firm belief that doing so is in the best interests of our shareholders. This conviction has not changed. We are excited about our prospects for future growth as we now continue operations as a private entity.

About Sonasoft Corp. (OTCQB: SSFT)

Sonasoft was founded in Silicon Valley in 2003. For more information about the company, please visit: https://www.sonasoft.com . Sonasoft specializes in building end-to-end AI applications supported by the SAIBRE AI ecosystem.

For investor-specific information, please visit: https://www.sonasoft.com/investors/

Investor Relations Contact Josh Rose, Chief of Staff, Sonasoft Corporation. Phone: (408) 708-4000 jrose@sonasoft.com

Forward-looking Statements

This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Companys financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Companys financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Companys growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words may, would, will, expect, estimate, anticipate, believe, intend, and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.




DUBLIN , March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "South Korea Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research_and_Markets_Logo

The South Korea data center market size will reach USD 6.74 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.89% from 2022 to 2028

This report analyses the South Korea Data Center Market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments.

The increasing demand for migration to cloud platforms by various sectors is attracting local and global cloud service providers. For instance, Neowiz, an online gaming company in South Korea, closed its on-premises data centers to shift to AWS and MegazoneCloud. Neowiz opted for AWS cloud because of its highly reliable and scalable infrastructure and secure environment.



In terms of 5G connectivity, telecom operators such as SK Telecom, KT Corp, LG Uplus, Samsung, Nokia, and Contela are involved in deploying the 5G network services across the country. For instance, Nokia announced the launch of its private 5G open lab at its Seoul office to support the development of 5G private wireless networks in the country.



The market is also witnessing the development of several smart city projects that will significantly benefit industrial land availability and data center construction opportunities in the coming years. For instance, in 2021, Sejong City and Hancom Group joined hands to develop a new smart city based on technologies such as artificial intelligence.



The government established several free economic zones, such as Incheon FEZ, Busan-Jinhae FEZ, Gwangyang Bay Area FEZ, and Yellow Sea FEZ, that will offer space for industrial development with benefits such as tax exemptions.



Government steps towards the personal data protection law named the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the establishment of the Korea Data Center Council have strengthened the South Korea data center market.



The country's market is among the prominently growing markets with a significant rise in job opportunities, and the government of South Korea is leveraging the migration of foreign workforce. For instance, in June 2022, Tencent Cloud signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Megazone Cloud, Korea Mobile Game Association (KMGA), and Yeonsung University to encourage cloud-based mobile game developers in South Korea.



WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH?

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Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and South Korea colocation market revenue.

An assessment of the data center investment in South Korea by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country.

A detailed study of the existing South Korea data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in South Korea

Facilities Covered (Existing): 34

Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 18

Coverage: 10+ Cities

Existing vs. Upcoming (Area)

Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in South Korea

Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028)

Retail and Wholesale Colocation Pricing

Retail vs Wholesale Colocation Market

The South Korean market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast.

A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry.

Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

South Korea data center market has the presence of several local and global data center operators such as KT Corp, Kakao Corp, LG Uplus, Digital Realty, Equinix, and others. The prominent growth potential of the market has also attracted several new entrants, such as ESR, Empyrion DC, STACK Infrastructure, SC Zeus Data Centers, Pure Data Centres Group, Princeton Digital Group (PDG), and others.

The significant opportunities in the South Korea Data Center Market have attracted several joint ventures by local and global investors to construct facilities in the country. For instance, STACK Infrastructure announced a joint venture with ESR Group to develop a data center with a power capacity of around 48 MW in Incheon, South Korea.

The adoption of renewable energy is gaining traction in the market; most data centers are investing in developing green data centers and targeting carbon neutrality. For instance, Equinix's two new xScale facilities in South Korea are operated by 100% renewable energy sources.

In terms of IT infrastructure, the market is dominated by global vendors such as Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Arista Networks, IBM, Atos, Fujitsu, and Lenovo. For instance, Cisco Systems provided its Catalyst 9000 series switches to pharmaceutical company Kolmar Korea for network expansion.

Local construction contractors dominate the South Korea data center market, including GS E&C, POSCO ICT, Samsung C&T, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction. For instance, Samsung C&T has provided services for constructing IGIS Asset Management's data center in Hanam.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

IT Infrastructure Providers:

Arista Networks

Atos

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

IBM

Inspur

Intel

Lenovo

NetApp.

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors:

BEHIVE Architects

DPR Construction

GS E&C

HanmiGlobal

Hyundai Engineering & Construction

ISG

POSCO ICT

SAMOO Architects & Engineers

Samsung C&T.

Support Infrastructure Providers:

ABB

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

Eaton

Fuji Electric

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Piller Power Systems

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Vertiv.

Data Center Investors:

Actis

Digital Realty

Dreammark1

Digital Edge DC

Equinix

Hostway IDC

Kakao Corp

KT Corp

LG Uplus

LG CNS

NAVER

NHN Corp

SOLISIDC

SK Broadband

Samsung SDS.

New Entrants:

Empyrion DC

ESR

OneAsia Network

Princeton Digital Group

Pure Data Centres Group

SC Zeus Data Centers

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

STACK Infrastructure

EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Seoul

Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

The segmentation includes:

IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgears

PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units

Chiller Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Core & Shell Development

Installation & commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Fire Detection & Suppression Systems

Physical Security

DCIM

Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Geography

Seoul

Other Cities

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jk80ct

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

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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Cision

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SOURCE Research and Markets
JOHOR BHARU, Malaysia, March 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Realising the continuous quest to be globally prominent, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) acknowledges the importance of tapping on international alliances to appear prevalent internationally. To achieve this, we need to consistently tap on our strong partners to gain benefits, as we know that to excel internationally mutually, we need strong partners. Hence, UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and senior UTM officials recently visited few Indonesian universities under the "UTM VC Asia Tour 3.0" initiative.

UTM Vice-Chancellor and UNSRI Rector at the launching of UTM-UNSRI Research Centre

UTM's idea of international collaboration involves academic programmes and research collaborations and goes beyond that. In line with its new tagline, "Innovating Solutions", UTM places great emphasis on providing solutions for the betterment of international communities, be it on environmental, education, or general well-being issues. UTM is well-prepared to participate in global problem-solving initiatives with its own pool of technologists, scientists, and engineers.

Establishment of UTM Regional Satellite Labs and Office

As such, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Sriwijaya (UNSRI), Indonesia, launched the UNSRI-UTM Research Centre (UTM Satellite Office) located at UNSRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. This UNSRI-UTM Research Centre is the first research centre and the second satellite office launched in Indonesia after the UTM-Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) Satellite Office that was established in September 2022. This initiative would further strengthen UTM and UNSRI collaborations through pre-planned research and innovation programmes, staff and students exchange programmes,

According to UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, the launch of this office shows a complete commitment to injecting and empowering excellence in both universities. Professor Fauzi added, "this is a manifestation of the practical global relationship between UTM and UNSRI, specifically in the academic and research fields, focusing on technology development, talent development, research and innovation".

Story continues

Collaborative models such as satellite offices between universities in these two countries are necessary to overcome global challenges. This can fuel research activities in innovating solutions to the world's primary needs, such as energy, agricultural technology, and food security. This is one of the initiatives in UTM's enVision Moonshot 2023.

Society and Industry Impact as an End in Mind

Rector of UNSRI, Professor. Dr. Ir. H. Anis Saggaf commented that "with the collaboration between UTM and UNSRI, the research carried out will focus more on the development of technology relevant to the needs of society and industry so that it can help improve competitiveness, socio-economics and community well-being".

After the launching ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor was invited to give a keynote speech on 'Scholarship Excellence and Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions' with the management and senior officials of UNSRI. Also present from UTM was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Rosli Md. Illias; UTM Pagoh Campus Director, Professor Dr. Safian Sharif and Professor Ir. Dr. Mahmood Md. Tahir.

Apart from UNSRI, the Vice-Chancellor entourage also visited Universiti Negeri Makassar (UNM). Professor Fauzi and Professor Dr. Husain Syam, Rector of UNM, have agreed to further strengthen cooperation by signing a memorandum of agreement scheduled to be endorsed in July 2023. Collaboration between the two parties will cover the field of research cooperation through matching grants, publication, student exchange and creating a UTM-UNM satellite office in Makassar.

Digitization and Double Degree Programs

The UTM delegation ended the series of cooperation visits in Makassar with a courtesy visit to the Rector's Office of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa. The meeting has brought about a positive impact where several areas of cooperation between the two institutions will be implemented. Among the areas of collaboration are the exchange of staff and students, joint research, publication of translations of La Galigo, digitization and double degree programs.

It is hoped that these visits will further strengthen international alliances between UTM and its strategic partners, especially in Indonesia. UTM also plans to have more strategic engagements to establish and intensify international collaborations to achieve global eminence, especially in the field of engineering, science, and technology.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

UTM is a leading innovation-driven research university in engineering, science, and technology in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Pagoh, Malaysia. It is renowned for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge and expertise. UTM operates based on the core values of Integrity, Synergy, Excellence, and Sustainability. These values guide UTM community practices, and they are embedded in the strategic thrusts that propel the University to greatness. For more information about UTM visit utm.my

SOURCE Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Sabina Mammadli

Chair of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Sahiba Gafarova and Secretary-General of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Azernews reports.

The document was signed on the sidelines of the working visit of the Azerbaijani parliamentarians to Bahrain's Manama city.

During the event, Rahman hailed the cooperation with Azerbaijan and reminded that the Azerbaijani parliament was granted the status of observer in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2022. Further, he highly praised Azerbaijan's NAM chairmanship and emphasized the importance the international community attaches to cooperation with the organization.

In turn, Gafarova underscored the network's interest in cooperation with inter-parliamentary entities, emphasizing the broad international support for the significant initiatives brought forth by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as the Chair of the NAM.

She also gave detailed information about the network's growing cooperation with other inter-parliamentary organizations, noting that it already has observer status in three inter-parliamentary organizations: the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab Parliament.

Azerbaijan joined the NAM in 2011. With the unanimous decision of the NAM leaders of 2016, Azerbaijan was elected as the chair of the NAM for the period of 2019-2022.

Last year, NAM member states unanimously decided to extend Azerbaijans chairmanship for one more year until late 2023.




NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / U.S. Bank



U.S. Bank, Monday, March 13, 2023, Press release picture

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

In communities across the United States and every year around late-winter, Girl Scouts put on their green vests and embrace the life of being a young entrepreneur. For four weeks in the Kansas City area, they can be found in front of stores, in neighborhoods and at local events selling cookies to all. What isn't seen, however, are the bankers who stand behind them.

"I love supporting these young entrepreneurs," said Steven Sickmeyer, a small business banking specialist with U.S. Bank in the Kansas City area. "I want to help give them a sense of business ownership."

A sense of ownership that first came to Sickmeyer in July 2022, when two Girl Scout troop leaders from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri set up an appointment looking for help.

At their previous bank, troop leaders struggled with a variety of challenges including not having a banker to provide in-person support, being restricted to ATM-only deposits, and requiring everyone to be in the same room at the same time to make changes to accounts.

"Our banking and treasury management is complicated," said Shari Wyly, the CFO of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. "There is banking for the council and then there is troop banking and troop banking now has a lot of autonomy in deciding where they want to bank."

Late last year, about 600 troops that are a part of the Girl Scout council began the process of looking for a new banking home that could provide everything from checking to merchant services.

"When we first started this process of helping those troops solidify relationships with a bank, we were reaching out to every single bank in the area," said Dawn Hewitt, customer care specialist at Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. "When Steven came in and said he could be our one point of contact well, it was like the clouds parting and sunshine coming through."

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From there, things started moving quickly.

"We had a lot of people working to get their finances straight before cookie sales started," said Kathy Smith, the volunteer support specialist with the Girl Scouts council. "They all needed to know where their money was going and how to get there."

That's where Sickmeyer and U.S. Bank branch teams stepped in, providing non-profit checking accounts, using technology that allowed for virtual docu-signing, and setting up merchant services. Then, when Sickmeyer was away from the office to volunteer for several weeks, he had a plan in place to make sure the Girl Scouts didn't go without support.

"My team and I, at one point, were opening accounts for Girl Scout troops by the handful every day," said Jessica Fairchild, a branch manager in Blue Springs, Missouri. "Since then, we've been there for them to provide that in-person support they were lacking at a previous bank as well as help them take advantage of our digital solutions like the U.S. Bank mobile app."

Now, more than half-a-year later, the success of the partnership between the U.S. Bank team and the Girl Scouts is seen in each cookie sale.

"I appreciate the relationship and that we are able in to, in good conscious and good faith, say that U.S. Bank is a good option for our troops," said Wyly.

To learn more about U.S. Bank, click here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: U.S. Bank

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Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: U.S. Bank





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Michael McGrath TD attended a roundtable event in Toronto to discuss Open Banking in Canada

MILTON KEYNES, England, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swoop, the global online marketplace for business funding solutions, hosted Ireland's Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD at a roundtable event in Toronto on 9th March 2023 to discuss Open Banking in Canada. The event was organised by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government's trade and innovation agency, in collaboration with Swoop. This roundtable brought industry experts and stakeholders from the financial industry together to explore the opportunities and challenges of Open Banking in Canada.

David McCaffrey Senior Market Advisor, Digital Technologies, Enterprise Ireland Canada; Andrea Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of Swoop; Irish Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD; Ciaran Burke, COO & Co-Founder of Swoop; and Daire Burke, Head of Swoop North America

As a leader and innovator in Open Banking, Swoop Funding is at the forefront of Open Banking technology worldwide. Open Banking is transforming the financial services industry by enabling secure and regulated data sharing between banks and third-party providers. This creates opportunities for innovation, competition, and better financial outcomes for consumers and businesses. With this round table event, Swoop Funding is leading the way for Open Banking in Canada, paving the way for a brighter future for businesses and consumers.

Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD said: "I was delighted to join Enterprise Ireland and Swoop Funding in Toronto for a high-level discussion on Open Banking. Leading industry professionals provided invaluable insights, an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date, and to explore how the financial services industry is preparing for the next phase.

I would like to thank to organisers for bringing together a group of diverse professionals from the public and private sectors to provide those insights about the strides made in Open Banking in Canada and the opportunities that exist for Ireland."

"At Swoop, we are passionate about empowering businesses with better access to financial services. "We believe that Open Banking is a powerful tool that can help businesses grow and thrive," said Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop Funding. "We are thrilled to host this roundtable event with Minister Michael McGrath to explore the potential of Open Banking in Canada. As a leader in Open Banking, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering value for our customers."

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A diverse group of industry experts were brought together at the roundtable, including Open Banking lead on the Federal Dept. of Finance, Abraham Tachjian, the CEO of digital first EQ Bank Canada, and senior leadership at Plaid and BMO.

The discussion focused on three core areas: looking back at the journey so far in Canada and the pathway to Open Banking; the challenges and opportunities for Open Banking in operation in the EU, Ireland and UK; and Preparing for Open Banking & beyond in Canada, and technology investment required for this next stage. Other topics included the regulatory landscape, customer consent and privacy, technical standards, and business opportunities.

Participants had the opportunity to share their insights and feedback, contributing to the broader industry dialogue and shaping the future of Open Banking in Canada.

"We were delighted to co-host this event with Swoop Funding and bring our global experience and expertise to the Canadian market," said David McCaffrey, Senior Market Advisor, Digital Technologies at Enterprise Ireland. "Open Banking is a trend that is transforming the global financial services industry. By working together and sharing our knowledge and insights, we can help accelerate the development of Open Banking in Canada and unlock its full potential for businesses and consumers."

Contact:

Fiona Peppard

fiona@heneghan.ie

+353 876354423

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Global U.S. Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market

Global U.S. Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market

Dublin, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Mammalian, Non-mammalian), By Service (Contract Manufacturing, Contract Research), By Product (Biologics, Biosimilars), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The U.S. biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO market size is expected to reach USD 16.7 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

The contract manufacturing organization (CMO) and contract research organization (CRO) industries have seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in the U.S.

This growth is driven by a variety of factors, including the increasing demand for biologics and other complex therapies, the need for more flexible and scalable manufacturing capabilities, and the desire to reduce supply chain risks and costs.



Another factor driving the expansion of CMO and CRO manufacturing facilities in the U.S. is the need for more flexible and scalable manufacturing capabilities. The biopharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapid technological change and changing demands, which can create challenges for companies that have invested heavily in fixed manufacturing assets.

By outsourcing to CMOs and CROs, pharmaceutical companies can access manufacturing and research capacity on an as-needed basis, without incurring the fixed costs associated with building and maintaining their own facilities. This approach allows companies to more quickly and efficiently respond to changes in market demand.



The increased demand for biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing has resulted in CMOs and CROs acquiring existing biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities or building new facilities in their existing plants. This is because the expansion of these facilities increases the capacity to meet the growing demand for biologics and other biopharmaceutical products.



With the U.S. being a major market for biopharmaceuticals, expansion of facilities in this region is crucial for companies to cater to the needs of their customers and stay competitive in the market. For instance, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies announced plans to expand their Taxes plant by adding 138,000 sq feet by 2024. This expansion will lead to the construction of a new cGMP production facility that is expected to become operational in 2024. This expansion is expected to double the advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity of the company in the U.S.



U.S. Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Report Highlights

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Mammalian cell line-based bioproduction system is the largest segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period.

The contract research service types segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period

The biologics product segment accounted for the largest market share of 82.4% in the year 2022

This can be attributed to the local presence of several contract research service providers in the country. The U.S. has a higher concentration and number of biopharmaceutical CMOs and CROs in comparison with other countries

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 122 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $10.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $16.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.1% Regions Covered United States





Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Research Methodology



Chapter 2 Executive Summary



Chapter 3 Industry Outlook: Market Variables, Trends, & Scope



Chapter 4 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Source Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Source Movement Analysis

4.2 Mammalian Source

4.3 Non-mammalian Source



Chapter 5 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Service Type Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Service Type Movement Analysis

5.2 Contract Manufacturing, by service

5.2.1 U.S. contract manufacturing market, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.2.2 Process development

5.2.2.2 Downstream processing

5.2.2.3 Upstream processing

5.2.3 Fill & finish operations

5.2.4 Analytical & QC testing

5.2.5 Packaging

5.3 Contract Research

5.3.2 Oncology

5.3.3 Inflammation & immunology

5.3.4 Cardiology

5.3.5 Neuroscience

5.3.6 Others



Chapter 6 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

6.1 U.S. Biopharmaceuticals CMO & CRO Market: Product Movement Analysis

6.2 Biologics

6.2.1 U.S. biologics market, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

6.2.2 Monoclonal Antibodies

6.2.3 Recombinant proteins

6.2.4 Vaccines

6.2.5 Antisense, RNAi, & molecular therapy

6.2.6 Others

6.3 Biosimilars



Chapter 7 Competitive Landscape



Companies Mentioned

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

LONZA

Catalent

Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

AGC Biologics

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

Abzena

Samsung Biologics

WuXi Biologics

AbbVie Inc.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

ICON Plc

Parexel International Corporation

Labcorp.

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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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The increase in demand for 5G high speed network, the surge in trend of bring your own device (BYOD) and mobility, and the growth in migration from legacy systems to cloud-based communication services drive the global unified communications as a service market

PORTLAND, Ore., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Unified Communications as a Service Market by Component (Telephony, Unified Messaging, Conferencing, Collaborative Platform and Application), by Deployment Model (Managed Service, Hosted/Cloud Service), by Organization Size (Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises), by Industry Vertical (Media and Entertainment, BFSI, IT and Telecom, Healthcare, Automotive and Transportation, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031."According to the report, the global unified communications as a service industry was valued at $27 billion in 2021 and is estimated to generate $118.8 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 16.3% from 2022 to 2031. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chain, regional landscape, and competitive scenario.

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Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

The increase in demand for 5G high speed network, the surge in trend of bring your own device (BYOD) and mobility, and the growth in migration from legacy systems to cloud-based communication services drive the unified communications as a service market. However, security concerns and interoperability issues associated with the system and the high initial cost of unified communication as a service are likely to hinder the market growth during the forecast period. On the other hand, the rise in integration of advanced technologies in unified communication as a service will present new growth opportunities for the global market in the coming years.

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Covid-19 Scenario

During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the unified communications as a service market expanded due to the rising adoption of technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. This is because AI capabilities enable faster and more accurate manual task completions.

Moreover, the emergence of 5G technology during the pandemic period enabled high-speed internet that boosted the market growth. This is because video and audio-conferencing require high speed and low latency in the connection, which is easily provided by the 5G network.

Players in the market also enhanced their communication tools to provide better services to employees. For instance, in May 2020, Zoom Video Communication Inc. for unified communications-enabled organizations to add up to 52 weekly minutes' worth of productivity per employee, reduce IT troubleshooting time by 75%, and decommission redundant technologies valued at up to tens of millions of dollars annually.

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The conferencing segment to dominate the market during the forecast period

Based on component, the conferencing segment contributed to the largest share of nearly one-third of the global unified communications as a service market in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is owing to the rise in remote working trend that led to an increased demand for UCaaS conferencing solutions, as businesses seek to communicate and collaborate effectively with their remote team solutions. The unified messaging segment, however, is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 17.9% from 2022 to 2031. This is owing to the increasing demand for remote work and collaboration tools.

The hosted/cloud service segment to grab the lion's share during the forecast period

Based on deployment model, the hosted/cloud service segment grabbed the highest share of three-fifths of the unified communications as a service market in 2021 and is expected to dominate the market in 2031. This is because companies are looking for ways to improve collaboration and productivity among their employees. The managed service segment, however, would witness the fastest CAGR of 17.3% from 2022 to 2031. This is owing to the rise in cyber threats which has led to an increased demand for managed security services, including threat detection and response, data protection, and compliance management.

North America to achieve the largest revenue by 2031

Based on region, the market in North America was the largest in 2021, accounting for more than one-third of the global unified communications as a service market and is likely to maintain its dominance during the forecast timeframe. This is owing to the increase in demand for connected interfaces, growth associated with cloud technology, and penetration of bring your own devices (BYOD) in the U.S. However, the market in Asia-Pacific is likely to show the fastest CAGR of 18.6% during the forecast period. This is owing to the rapidly digitized straining cloud networks and data centers in the region, where the adoption of edge computing is helping to reduce latency, enhance security, and maximize reliability.

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Leading Market Players

Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

Microsoft Corporation

Mitel Networks Corp.

Avaya Inc.

Genesys

8x8, Inc.

Google LLC (Alphabet)

Cisco Systems Inc.

NEC Corporation

RingCentral, Inc.

The report analyzes these key players of the global unified communications as a service market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and developments by every market player.

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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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AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd.

Astute Analytica has published a new research report titled United States Clinical Laboratory Services market: By Test Type (Clinical Chemistry Testing, Microbiology Testing, Hematology Testing, Immunology Testing, Cytology Testing, Genetic Testing and Drug of Abuse Testing): Applications (Bioanalytical & Lab Chemistry Services, Toxicology Testing Services, Cell & Gene Therapy Related Services, Preclinical & Clinical Trial Related Services, Drug Discovery & Development Related Services and Others): End User (Hospitals, Government Agencies, Physicians, Clinicals Labs, Pharmaceutical Companies and Others): RegionIndustry Dynamics, Market Size, Opportunity and Forecast 20232030 in its research database.

New Delhi, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The clinical laboratory services market in the United States is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period of 2023-2030, reaching a valuation of US$ 125.6 Billion by 2030 from an estimated valuation of US$ 93.0 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to be propelled by factors such as the rise in chronic diseases, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and the increasing demand for personalized medicine.

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One of the major trends in the US clinical laboratory services market is the increasing adoption of point-of-care testing (POCT). POCT enables the rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients, which is particularly important in emergency situations. Moreover, the trend towards home-based testing is also gaining popularity, as patients are increasingly seeking convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Another trend in the US clinical laboratory services market is the growing demand for personalized medicine. Advances in genetic testing and genomics have enabled healthcare providers to deliver personalized treatment plans based on an individual's genetic makeup. This has led to an increase in demand for genetic testing services, which is expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years.

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However, the US market is also facing challenges, including regulatory issues and the increasing cost of healthcare. The regulatory environment in the US is complex, and regulatory changes can have a significant impact on the industry. Moreover, the rising cost of healthcare is putting pressure on healthcare providers to reduce costs, which could potentially limit the growth of the clinical laboratory services market.

Government Support in Strong Clinical Laboratory Services Demand in the US: Analysis and Statistics

The government plays a critical role in supporting strong clinical laboratory services demand in the US. In 2021, Medicare and Medicaid spending on clinical laboratory services amounted to approximately $7.5 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively. Additionally, the government provides funding for research and development in the field of clinical laboratory science, with the National Institutes of Health allocating $584 million in 2020. The government also regulates clinical laboratories to ensure that they meet specific standards of quality and safety, with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program overseeing more than 250,000 laboratories in the US.

Medicare and Medicaid are the two largest payers of clinical laboratory services market in the US. In 2021, Medicare covered approximately 47 million beneficiaries, while Medicaid covered approximately 65 million people. Together, these programs accounted for about 57% of all clinical laboratory testing in the US.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. In 2021, the NIH allocated $41.7 billion to support research across a wide range of scientific fields, including clinical laboratory science. This funding helps to drive innovation and advances in laboratory science, which ultimately benefits patients and supports the continued growth of the industry.

In addition to federal support, some states in the US clinical laboratory services market provide additional funding and support for clinical laboratory services. For example, the state of New York has a laboratory grant program that provides funding to support laboratory testing and related activities, while California has a state-run public health laboratory system that provides diagnostic testing and surveillance services to detect and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

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Astute Analyticas Analysis Says Top 5 Factors are Shaping the Growth Trajectory of the US Clinical Laboratory Services Market

Population growth: The US population has been steadily growing over the years, which has led to an increase in demand for clinical services. According to the US Census Bureau, the population of the United States was estimated to be over 334 million in 2022, an increase of approximately 7.6% since 2010. With a larger population comes a higher demand for healthcare services, including clinical services.

Aging population: The US has an aging population, with the number of people over the age of 65 expected to double by 2050. This demographic shift has significant implications for the demand for clinical services, as older adults tend to require more healthcare services than younger individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of adults over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition, and 68% have two or more. This highlights the need for increased clinical services to manage chronic conditions in the elderly population in the US clinical laboratory services market.

Chronic disease prevalence: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are prevalent in the US and are major contributors to the demand for clinical services. According to the CDC, approximately 6 in 10 adults in the US have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more chronic conditions. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases underscores the need for clinical services to manage these conditions and improve patient outcomes.

Healthcare access: Access to healthcare is a critical factor in the demand for clinical services. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased access to healthcare for many Americans, there are still significant barriers to accessing care, including lack of insurance, high out-of-pocket costs, and a shortage of healthcare providers in certain areas. These barriers can limit the demand for clinical laboratory services market in some populations, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Technological advances: The advancement of technology has also contributed to the demand for clinical services in the US. Telemedicine, for example, has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing patients to access clinical services remotely. This has increased access to care for many individuals, particularly those in rural areas or those who have difficulty traveling to healthcare facilities.

Bioanalytical and Lab Chemistry Services in the US Clinical Services Market to Generate 59% Sales Revenue

The US clinical laboratory services market is seeing the highest revenue generated by bioanalytical and lab chemistry services, and this trend is expected to continue. There are several factors contributing to this growth.

These services are essential for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions. Laboratory testing plays a critical role in identifying the underlying causes of various health issues and guiding appropriate treatment options. Bioanalytical and lab chemistry services involve the analysis of biological samples such as blood, urine, and tissue using sophisticated techniques such as chromatography, spectrometry, and immunoassays. These techniques provide accurate and precise results, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions about patient care.

Prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases in the United States is increasing, and many of these conditions require extensive laboratory testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the US. Effective diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of these diseases often require laboratory testing, including bioanalytical and lab chemistry services in the clinical laboratory services market.

Technological advancements have made it possible to conduct more tests with higher accuracy and efficiency, thus driving demand for laboratory services. For instance, the development of automated laboratory equipment and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) have improved laboratory efficiency, reduced errors, and increased the speed of test results.

The aging population is another factor that contributes to the high revenue share of bioanalytical and lab chemistry services. Older individuals tend to require more medical care, including laboratory testing, than younger individuals. As the population continues to age, the demand for laboratory services is likely to increase.

US Clinical Laboratory Services Market: A Crowded Space with the Top 15 Players holding a 25% market share

The competitive landscape of the US clinical laboratory services market is highly fragmented, with a large number of players operating in the market. Wherein, Almac Group, Siemens Healthcare Limited, Astrazeneca, Novartis Laboratories, Merck Inc., Pfizer Inc, Eli Lillys are some of the key players with international presence. However, the market is dominated by a few large national players, including Quest Diagnostics and Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), but there are also many regional and local laboratory service providers.

Quest Diagnostics is a top player in the US clinical laboratory services market, with a strong market presence. It has a network of approximately 2,200 patient service centers and 17 full-service clinical laboratories across the country. Additionally, it has a network of rapid response laboratories that provide fast turnaround times for urgent patient testing.

Quest Diagnostics services over 150 million patients each year, making it one of the largest clinical laboratory services providers in the US. It offers diagnostic testing services to patients through various channels, including physicians' offices, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. The company has affiliations and partnerships with several hospitals and healthcare systems across the US.

In terms of revenue, Quest Diagnostics generated total revenues of $8.43 billion in 2022, a 5% increase than 2021 making it one of the largest clinical laboratory services providers in the world clinical laboratory services market. The company markets its services to healthcare providers and patients through various channels, including digital marketing, direct mail, and physician outreach. Quest Diagnostics leverages its strong brand recognition to promote its services and build awareness among patients and healthcare providers.

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

Qiagen Inc.

Quest Diagnostics

Opko Health, Inc.

Abbott Laboratories

Charles River Laboratories

Johnson & Johnson

Roche Laboratories

Pfizer Inc

Eli Lilly

Novartis Laboratories

Merck Inc.

Astrazeneca

Arup Laboratories

Davita, Inc.

Siemens Healthcare Limited

Viapath Group Llp

Almac Group

Neogenomics Laborateries

Eurofins Scientific

UNILABS, SYNLAB International GmbH

H.U. Groups Holdings, Inc.

Sonic Healthcare

ACM Global Laboratories

Amedes Holding GmbH

BioReference Laboratories, Inc.

Other Prominent Players

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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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Robert O'Brien, a former US national security advisor, told Semafor that China would be "like the new OPEC of silicon chips" if it invaded Taiwan and took over semiconductor factories. Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images

A former national security advisor said the US would "never" let China gain hold of Taiwan's semiconductor factories.

Robert O'Brien told Semafor that China could "control the world economy" with the factories.

TSMC is the world's largest chipmaker, powering most of the devices and equipment used every day.

A former national security advisor said the US would destroy Taiwan's semiconductor factories if China seemed on the verge of controlling them after an invasion.

Robert O'Brien, who served as national security advisor in the Trump administration, told Semafor the US "and its allies are never going to let those factories fall into Chinese hands."

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is the world's largest chipmaker, making up an estimated 90% of the market for advanced processors. The company produces chips for most devices and equipment like phones and cars that are used every day. More advanced chips produced by the manufacturer are used in highly advanced technology like machine learning and guided missiles.

If China were to take control of these factories, the country would be "like the new OPEC of silicon chips," O'Brien said, adding that China would be able to "control the world economy."

The former advisor compared the US destroying the factories to when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the destruction of France's naval fleet during World War II after France surrendered to Germany, per Semafor.

Neither O'Brien nor TSMC immediately responded to requests for comment from Insider.

Apple is TSMC's biggest customer, and the manufacturer produces most of the 1.4 billion smartphone processors in the world. Around 60% of the simpler microcontrollers that automakers also reportedly use are made by the company.

Though a lot of the research and development for semiconductors happens in the US, the past 30 years saw manufacturers deciding it was best to outsource manufacturing, William Alan Reinsch, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, previously told Insider.

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"You build a big factory and you crank these things out by the thousands, and you do it in a low-wage, nonunion country that probably doesn't have environmental requirements," Reinsch said. "You keep all the design and IP at home and you do all your sales, marketing, and service at home, and that's where you make the money."

O'Brien is not the first to raise the idea of destroying Taiwan's semiconductor factories if China successfully invades. Two US scholars recommended the move in a paper published by the US Army War College in 2021.

"To start, the United States and Taiwan should lay plans for a targeted scorched-earth strategy that would render Taiwan not just unattractive if ever seized by force, but positively costly to maintain," the paper said. "This could be done most effectively by threatening to destroy facilities belonging to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the most important chipmaker in the world and China's most important supplier. Samsung based in South Korea (a US ally) is the only alternative for cutting-edge designs."

But Chen Ming-tong, the director-general of Taiwan's National Security Bureau, has said it would be unnecessary for the US to destroy Taiwan's semiconductor factories in the case of an invasion, because the system is already deeply integrated into the global supply chain, meaning that production can be shut down by the US and other countries without physically destroying the factories.

For example, TSMC wouldn't be able to produce certain chips without components from the Dutch supplier ASML, Chen said. "Even if China got a hold of the golden hen, it won't be able to lay golden eggs," Chen said.

As tensions between mainland China and Taiwan continue to escalate, analysts are predicting a Chinese invasion of the island within the next few years. If China does invade Taiwan, "that would be the biggest impact we've seen to the global economy  possibly ever," Glenn O'Donnell, the vice president and research director at Forrester, previously told Insider, adding that it could be worse than the stock market crash in 1929.

Correction: March 14, 2021  An earlier version of the story misstated how much of a certain chip used by automakers is made by TSMC. The company makes about 60% of these "microcontrollers."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Valour's partially owned bank, SEBA Bank AG, is expanding onboarding resources due to higher customer demand amidst recent banking developments

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Valour Inc. (the "Company" or "Valour") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: MB9) (OTC: DEFTF), today confirms, in connection with the Company's commitment to providing transparent information, that neither itself nor any of its operating subsidiaries have any exposure to Silvergate Bank, Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank.

Valour Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Valour, Inc.)

The company also confirms that SEBA Bank AG, one of its strategic investments, has no exposure to Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank, or USDC "The strategic decision to acquire a stake in one of two digital assets licensed banks by the Swiss regulator FINMA, SEBA Bank has proven to be paying off, particularly during difficult times like these. SEBA bank has no exposure to USDC, Silvergate or Silicon Valley Bank and is seeing more interest from potential customers during the last days," said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Valour, who also holds a seat on SEBA's management board. The security and safety of investors' funds will always remain the Company's top priority.

Valour Cayman offers fully hedged digital asset ETPs with low to zero management fees, with product listings across European exchanges, banks and broker platforms. Valour Cayman's existing product range includes Valour Uniswap (UNI), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Binance (BNB), Enjin (ENJ), Valour Bitcoin Carbon Neutral, and Valour Digital Asset Basket 10 (VDAB10) ETPs with low management fees. Valour Cayman's flagship products are Bitcoin Zero and Ethereum Zero, the first fully hedged, passive investment products with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as underlyings which are completely fee free.

About Valour

Valour Inc. (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJ.F) (OTCQB: DEFTF) is a technology company and the first and only publicly traded company that bridges the gap between traditional capital markets and finance. Founded in 2019, Valour is backed by an acclaimed and pioneering team with decades of experience in financial markets and digital assets. Valour's mission is to expand investor access to industry-leading Web3 and technologies. This allows investors to access the future of finance via regulated equity exchanges using their traditional bank account and access.

Story continues

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the Offering; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by Valour and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of DeFi and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to DeFi and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cision

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SOURCE Valour, Inc.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/13/c4147.html
Valour's partially owned bank, SEBA Bank AG, is expanding onboarding resources due to higher customer demand amidst recent banking developments

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Valour Inc. (the "Company" or "Valour") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: MB9) (OTC: DEFTF), today confirms, in connection with the Company's commitment to providing transparent information, that neither itself nor any of its operating subsidiaries have any exposure to Silvergate Bank, Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank.

Valour Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Valour, Inc.)

The company also confirms that SEBA Bank AG, one of its strategic investments, has no exposure to Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank, or USDC "The strategic decision to acquire a stake in one of two digital assets licensed banks by the Swiss regulator FINMA, SEBA Bank has proven to be paying off, particularly during difficult times like these. SEBA bank has no exposure to USDC, Silvergate or Silicon Valley Bank and is seeing more interest from potential customers during the last days," said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Valour, who also holds a seat on SEBA's management board. The security and safety of investors' funds will always remain the Company's top priority.

Valour Cayman offers fully hedged digital asset ETPs with low to zero management fees, with product listings across European exchanges, banks and broker platforms. Valour Cayman's existing product range includes Valour Uniswap (UNI), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Binance (BNB), Enjin (ENJ), Valour Bitcoin Carbon Neutral, and Valour Digital Asset Basket 10 (VDAB10) ETPs with low management fees. Valour Cayman's flagship products are Bitcoin Zero and Ethereum Zero, the first fully hedged, passive investment products with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as underlyings which are completely fee free.

About Valour

Valour Inc. (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJ.F) (OTCQB: DEFTF) is a technology company and the first and only publicly traded company that bridges the gap between traditional capital markets and finance. Founded in 2019, Valour is backed by an acclaimed and pioneering team with decades of experience in financial markets and digital assets. Valour's mission is to expand investor access to industry-leading Web3 and technologies. This allows investors to access the future of finance via regulated equity exchanges using their traditional bank account and access.

Story continues

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the Offering; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by Valour and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of DeFi and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to DeFi and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valour-confirms-no-exposure-to-silvergate-bank-signature-bank-or-silicon-valley-bank-301769875.html

SOURCE Valour, Inc.
MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Toronto-area tech company Veriday, Inc., who provide digital transformation and managed services to clients throughout Canada and the U.S., has officially surpassed 15 years of partnership with global digital experience platform Liferay. Veriday is one of Liferay's longest standing and most trusted partners in Canada, making this anniversary an important milestone in their prodigious partner journey. Both companies have benefited from the relationship over the years and look forward to what they can continue to achieve together.

By partnering with Liferay, Veriday has the capability to use the platform to enhance digital experiences for customers. Together, this powerful duo has established an enduring reputation for keeping customers at the forefront by offering tailored digital transformation solutions including customer portals, intranets, external websites, and more, for diverse industries from finance, to energy and utilities.

Veriday, Monday, March 13, 2023, Press release picture

Looking back

To date, Veriday has received numerous recognitions from Liferay, most recently being named North America Partner of the Year at the November 2022 Liferay Partner Summit. Liferay dedicates this annual award to partners "who have been exceptional in delivering powerful digital experiences solutions that help organizations achieve continued business success."

Prior awards and recognitions include Veriday becoming a Platinum partner in 2015, Worldwide and North America Innovation Partner of the Year in 2018, and Liferay Commerce and DXP Specialized Partner in 2020.

Marc Lamoreux, CEO of Veriday says, "We are excited to continue our valuable and strategic partnership with Liferay seeing our businesses grow together and more importantly implementing significant and impactful solutions for retail, manufacturing, insurance, and banking customers achieving both customer and employee experience transformations."

Moving Forward

Earlier this year Veriday launched a series of Liferay user groups, gathering diverse clients across North America who are using the Liferay platform. The Veriday Liferay user groups are an opportunity for the tech community in the Greater Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis areas to get together to network and discuss the cloud, intranet, Liferay roadmap, and other hot topics. The first of these was held in Mississauga, Ontario, just outside Toronto on cloud migration. We have since hosted these forums virtually in Chicago and are planning to hold additional events virtually in Minneapolis on March 21, 2023 .

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If you are interested in attending, please register using the link above. If you are interested in learning more about Liferay user groups, or how Veriday can support your organization, let us know more about your goals by contacting marketing@veriday.com.

Success stories

This pairing has a long record of success stories under its belt. Some of the most notable cases are from companies like Volkswagen (VW), which wanted to take its existing digital structure and migrate over to an all-in-one B2B solution to accommodate better, more frequent ordering for customers.

By implementing a built-in data portlet, company CEOs at VW were able to make ordering decisions with instantaneous access to market intelligence. The solution delivered by Veriday helped the company improve its processes while simultaneously reducing costs.

To read about other success stories like this one, feel free to visit one of the links below:

Canadian Tire

Best Buy

Toronto Hydro

Sompo

About Veriday, Inc.

Veriday is a technology company that specializes in creating tailored digital transformation strategies, solutions, and products for its customers. The company works with clients from beginning to end from stages like collaboration and research to helping clients implement emerging technologies and processes.

For more information, check out the Veriday website.

For important updates, follow Veriday Inc. on social media:

LinkedIn

Twitter

YouTube

About Liferay

Liferay offers a cloud-powered, digital experience platform to help organizations solve their digital experience issues. The company serves customers from various industries including healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and insurance.

Visit Liferay for more information.

For important updates, follow the platform's social media pages:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

Press Contact: Jamie Kingsley jamie@theprgenius.com

SOURCE: Veriday





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/743399/Veriday-Celebrates-Partnership-Milestone-with-Liferay




In the near future, the European Parliament is preparing to adopt another slanderous resolution against Azerbaijan, consisting of baseless claims and accusations put forward by Armenia. The initial text of the resolution contains Armenian lies, claims such as Azerbaijan's alleged "military aggression" against Armenia, the alleged "blockade" of the Lachin road, as well as the "Minsk group", "status", "Nagorno-Karabakh" and so on.

Political pundit Elchin Mirzabayli commented on the issue to Azertac, Azernews reports.

In his opinion, turning a blind eye to the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia for nearly 30 years and the atrocities committed in Karabakh, accusing Azerbaijan of military aggression against Armenia, the European Parliament is demonstrating political immorality and shamelessness. It seems that European parliamentarians are continuing their classic traditions.

The European Parliament, "challenged" by the parliamentarians, who perform as advocates of individual countries and institutions, including Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, in exchange for dirty money, has long lost its authority and is governed by interests, not by the principles of parliamentarianism," Elchin Mirzabayli emphasized.

Touching on the issue of Eva Kaili, the vice-president of the European Parliament from Greece, who was arrested in December 2022, the political expert said: This fact once again proves what the `real mission' of the institution in question consists of.

Eva Kaili was also one of the active members of the Armenian lobby in the EP, and one month before her arrest, she was included in the list of 33 parliamentarians, who submitted a draft resolution to the European Parliament against our country. Like other members of the "friendship" group with Armenia in the EP, Eva Kailin is considered to be one of the people in his close circle of Kaspar Karampetyan, the patron of Armenian separatists and Armenian terrorist organizations, including ASALA, the head of the ultranationalist Dashnaksutyun organization hidden under the name "Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy" in Europe.

Karampetyan controls European parliamentarians with a "conductor's rod" as he wishes. The information about the scandalous election campaign of his close friend, MP Lukas Furlas from Northern Cyprus, the head of Armenia's friends' group in the EP, can be evaluated as a factor confirming that he got his way to the European Parliament with the dirty money of Dashnaksutyun.

"The fact that 13 percent of the European parliamentarians participating in various trips and parties at the invitation of third parties, included in one of the latest studies of the Belgian publication Le Soir, is undoubtedly a small part of the revealed facts. But these facts are enough to understand the real situation in the European Parliament. According to Le Soir's investigation, such trips and parties are organized mainly by Armenia and the Armenian diaspora.

At the parties, organized by Karampetyan, Lucas Furlas was in the front row with another parliamentarian from France, Francois-Xavier Bellamy, and Kaspar Karampetyan thanked Lucas Furlas "for 20 years of cooperation with European institutions" and this proves that the head of the "friendship group" with Armenia was one of the main figures in bribing European parliamentarians.

Moreover, Lukas Furlas works in the European Parliament as a spy for Karampetyan. He finds out the weaknesses of European parliamentarians, passes the information on to Karampetyan, and then gold rings are sent to gold lovers, diamond-encrusted gifts to jewelers, and live "rewards" to some according to their orientations.

All these are just a small part of the moments that bring to light the real and disgusting faces of European parliamentarians, who are trying to teach the world "democracy, and human rights". The number of invisible, unrevealed abominations is many times more than that, and justice should not be expected from them," Elchin Mirzabayli said.

He said with regret that the European parliamentarians, whose eyes are covered by a veil of racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, for some reason do not see the bloody traces of Armenian brutality in the territories freed from the occupation of Azerbaijan and do not want to look at the most shameful scene in human history and express their opinions.

After the 44-day war, up to 300 Azerbaijani citizens became victims of Armenia's mine terror. Among them are media representatives who fulfill their professional obligations. I wonder, why the European parliamentarians, who blow countless soap bubbles about "freedom of speech and opinion" when it suits their own interests, remain spectators to the killings of Azerbaijani journalists and innocent people becoming victims of Armenian terrorism?

According to the political pundit, maybe Armenians have been given a special status by the EP and they can kill innocent people, occupy other people's lands, and destroy their houses and sanctuaries. What kind of thinking is that? With what right do the people who are carriers of this primitive communal thinking and tribal thinking make accusations against Azerbaijan?

"For us, the next `resolution' that the European Parliament is preparing to adopt is a crumpled piece of paper, smeared with facelessness, hypocrisy, and political immorality, and in no case can it create an obstacle to the will of the Azerbaijani state, the position of the Azerbaijani people, and the achievement of our country's legitimate goals," he said.
Vital Battery Metals Inc

The Dickson Lake Lithium Project is neighboring to a Brunswick Exploration Lithium Project, is 51km ESE of Imagine Lithiums Jackpot Deposit and is 64km ESE of Rock Techs Georgia Lake Deposit

Figure 1

Vital Battery Metals Dickson Lake Lithium Project Regional Geology

Figure 2

Dickson Lake Lithium Project Mapped Pegmatites

Figure 3

Dickson Lake Regional Geology

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Highlights:



Neighboring to Rock Tech Lithiums Georgia Lake Project, which has an indicated & inferred mineral resource of 14.8MT of Li 2 O (1) .

Neighboring Imagine Lithiums Jackpot Deposit, which has a historical resource of 2 MT of Li 2 O and is currently being drilled for additional lithium targets ( 2 ) .

There are 25 mapped pegmatite outcrops on the Project which have not been thoroughly tested for LCT (lithium, cesium and tantalum) mineralization.

Mapped pegmatites on the Project are hosted in metasedimentary migmatites/paragneisses and within felsic intrusives. This is a similar geological environment to other LCT pegmatite discoveries in the Quetico subprovince (Lowther, Georgia Lake) ( 3 ) .

Lake sediment anomalies (Lithium/Cesium) in the northeast part of the Project indicate the potential for LCT mineralization.

Located 50km north of Terrace Bay, Ontario, accessible via Wintering Road and a network of logging roads.

Vital Battery Metals Inc. (Vital or the Company) (CSE: VBAM |OTC: VBAMF | FRA: C0O) is pleased to announce it has increased its presence in the lithium market by acquiring, for the cost of staking, the Dickson Lake Lithium Project (Dickson or the Project). The Project consists of 464 single-cell mining claims covering approximately 9,780 hectares and is near Imagine Lithium and Georgia Lake Lithium Deposits. With the recent acquisitions of Dickson and the Schofield Lithium Project, the Company now owns over 18,000 hectares of prospective lithium properties in Northern Ontario.

Chief Executive Officer of Vital, Adrian Lamoureux, comments, We are very proud to add the Dickson Lake Lithium Project to our portfolio. We believe that the Project ticks a lot of boxes in terms of cost, location, mapped pegmatites, road access, geological environment, and geochemical signatures. We are especially proud that in the past two weeks we have been able to acquire over 18,000 hectares of prospective lithium properties near companies such as Brunswick Exploration, Imagine Lithium and Rock Tech Lithium without added dilution. We intend to continue to build a strong battery metals portfolio with low-risk opportunities that positively impact the Company and its shareholders. We look forward to providing shareholders with a detailed initial work plan in the coming weeks.

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Vital Battery Metals Dickson Lake Lithium Project Regional Geology





Figure 1 - Vital Battery Metals Dickson Lake Lithium Project Regional Geology

Dickson Lake Lithium Project Mapped Pegmatites





Figure 2 - Dickson Lake Lithium Project Mapped Pegmatites

Regional Geology

The Project is situated within the Quetico subprovince, an Archean aged terrane comprised predominantly of metasedimentary gneiss, derived migmatites, granitoid intrusives and amphibolite. The rocks have undergone regional metamorphism to almandine-amphibolite facies. Metasedimentary rocks are dominantly greywacke in composition, with lesser arenite and arkose. Migmitization of these metasediments is generally pervasive with some sections remaining unaffected. Intrusive bodies range in composition from granite to quartz monzonite and are, for the most part, in gradational contact with migmatite.

Mapping completed in 1974 by Carter(3) indicates that there are at least 25 pegmatite outcrops on the Project. These are primarily composed of white and pink pegmatite with minor aplite (garnet, biotite and tourmaline). The pegmatites mapped vary in size from single small outcrops to areas that are 1,000m long and 100m wide. Although the previous mapping indicates that there are pegmatites present on the Project, the Company has yet to determine the dimensions or extent of any mineralization that may be present on the Project. The Project has been underexplored but saw sporadic exploration for base metals in the late 1980s.

Dickson Lake Regional Geology





Figure 3 - Dickson Lake Regional Geology

Qualified Person



The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Garry Clark, P.Geo., and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The reader is cautioned that the mineralization on nearby or adjacent properties does not necessarily indicate that any mineral resources may be discovered on the Dickson Lake Lithium Project, or if discovered, that such resources would be economically recoverable.

About Vital Battery Metals Inc.



Vital Battery Metals Inc. (CSE: VBAM |OTC: VBAMF | FRA: C0O) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to the development of strategic projects comprised of battery, base and precious metals in stable jurisdictions. The Company is working to advance its Schofield Lithium, Dickson Lake Lithium, Sting Copper Project, and Vent Copper-Gold Projects.

The Schofield Lithium Project covers 8,824 hectares and is adjacent to Brunswick Explorations Hearst Lithium Project. With 17 pegmatite outcrops mapped on the Project and preferred geological environment, the Schofield Lithium Project shows potential for LCT-type mineralization. The Schofield Lithium Project is located ~60km south of Hearst, Ontario.

The Dickson Lake Lithium Project covers 464 single-cell mining claims and approximately 9,780 hectares and is near a Brunswick Exploration Lithium Project, Imagine Lithiums Jackpot Deposit and Rock Techs Georgia Lake Deposit. There are 25 mapped pegmatite outcrops on the Project which have not been thoroughly tested for LCT mineralization.

The Sting Copper Project covers approximately 12,700 hectares and hosts multiple historic Newfoundland and Labrador Government documented mineral occurrences and is located within a 50 km corridor known for significant volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS), copper quartz vein lode and low sulphation epithermal gold showings. The Vent Copper-Gold project covers 1,562 hectares in British Columbia. Vital continues to evaluate value-add assets to bolster its project portfolio.

For more information, visit www.vitalbatterymetals.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Adrian Lamoureux

Chief Executive Officer, Director

+1 (604) 229-9772

info@vitalbatterymetals.com

References:

1  Technical Report, Georgia Lake Lithium Project Pre-Feasibility Study, Rock Tech Lithium Inc., AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd., October 1, 2022.

2  Imagine Lithium Jackpot Project Resource, 1956 by Ontario Lithium Company Limited.

3  Carter, M.W. 1975: Geology of the Dickson Lake Area. District of Thunder Bay; Ontario Div. Mines. GR123, 28p. Accompanied by Map 2293, Scale 1 inch to 1 mile.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the Project acquisition bringing a low-risk opportunity, the Company building a strong battery metals portfolio with low-risk opportunities that positively impact the Company and its shareholders and the Company providing an initial work plan are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Project and its mineralization potential; the Companys objectives, goals or future plans with respect to the Project; the commencement of drilling or exploration programs in the future. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/187e2b5c-79fa-461c-b1d6-53441f1f51ae

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/789a5f8f-d79b-45ad-b466-ea5cc3bfacef



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d30a0e94-58ca-4923-98cb-9f0f2996141c




Innovative space exploration company adds leader in aerospace engineering and manufacturing to portfolio of capabilities

DENVER, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyager Space , a global leader in space exploration, announced today the acquisition of ZIN Technologies, Inc. (ZIN), a leading engineering, design and integration company with decades-long experience providing critical human-rated spaceflight systems and monitoring solutions, propulsion, and more to NASA, national security agencies, and leading aerospace and defense companies. Voyager Space's acquisition of ZIN is an essential step in expanding the company's space infrastructure and technology capabilities to further its Starlab development efforts.

ZIN logo

ZIN has a storied history having worked with NASA for more than 50 years. ZIN provides systems and highly engineered solutions to multiple launch vehicles, low-Earth orbit infrastructure projects, and spacecraft, including the U.S. Space Shuttle, the MIR space station, the International Space Station (ISS), Dream Chaser, and Starlab. ZIN is a recognized global leader in developing microgravity research equipment, having participated in over 400 research activities on the ISS, and for supporting the human-rated structural monitoring systems for the Lunar Gateway under NASA's Artemis program.

ZIN also brings extensive expertise in the integration of complex space-rated hardware and the development of rendezvous, docking, and related capabilities. These solutions have direct applications to the Starlab space station and complement Voyager Space's portfolio of leading space infrastructure and technology capabilities.

"ZIN's aerospace expertise, strong reputation in the industry, and legacy working with NASA and the ISS, makes them a perfect fit for Starlab and the growing Voyager Space technology ecosystem," said Matthew Kuta, President and COO of Voyager Space. "ZIN has already played a crucial role as a capability provider to Starlab and as a founding leadership team member of the George Washington Carver (GWC) Science Park. We look forward to working with them further as part of the Voyager Space family."

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"The idea of combining our advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Voyager Space's business savvy and propensity for innovation made this partnership extremely appealing to us," said Daryl Laisure, CEO of ZIN Technologies. "We look forward to being a part of Voyager Space's mission to better the future of humanity through sustainable space efforts while also continuing to be a leader in providing our services to NASA, the national security community, and private industry."

"ZIN marks the seventh acquisition by Voyager Space since January 2020, and our largest to date," adds Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Voyager Space. "We are also excited about the prospect of furthering our ties in Ohio. Last week, we officially opened the first facility of the GWC Science Park at The Ohio State University, and the addition of ZIN emphasizes our belief in the Ohio aerospace industry."

For more information on Voyager Space please visit: https://voyagerspace.com/

About Voyager Space

Voyager Space (Voyager) is a space technology company dedicated to building a better future for humanity in space and on Earth. With nearly 20 years of spaceflight heritage and over 1550 successful missions as of March 2023, Voyager delivers space station infrastructure and services and technology solutions to commercial users, civil and national security government agencies, academic and research institutions, and more, with the goal to accelerate a sustainable space economy.

About ZIN Technologies

ZIN Technologies, Inc., powered by Voyager Space, is a dynamic and experienced advanced aerospace engineering company. A registered AS 9100 small-disadvantaged business (SDB) located in Northeast Ohio, ZIN is an industry leader providing advanced engineering services and product development solutions for NASA, the Department of Defense, and private industry. ZIN has enabled and supported unique research and the advancement of aerospace technologies for over sixty years. ZIN provides systems design, development, engineering and integration, test and evaluation, advanced aerospace systems modeling and simulation and support the full life-cycle development of aerospace hardware and software.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including those with respect to Voyager Space, Inc.'s (the "Company's") mission statement and growth strategy, are "forward-looking statements." Although the Company's management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; and the ability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all. Readers should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve these known and unknown uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

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SOURCE Voyager Space
Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

TORONTO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX:WM, OTCQX:WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced non-brokered private placement with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited of 6,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.17 per common share (the Private Placement). The proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general corporate purposes and to support the Companys 2023 exploration program at the Companys Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property and completes the Companys capital raising efforts necessary to fund such exploration program for 2023.



All common shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a four month and one day statutory hold period.

None of the securities offered in the Private Placement have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges flagship project, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon), is located on the highly prospective Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region. An updated mineral resource estimate completed in January 2023 yielded significantly improved grades and additional ounces at the 100%-owned Fenelon and Martiniere properties, incorporating a combined 3.05 million ounces of Indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of Inferred gold resources. Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 km2 exploration land package controlled by Wallbridge. The Company believes that these two deposits have good potential for economic development, especially given their proximity to existing hydro-electric power and transportation infrastructure. In addition, Wallbridge believes that the extensive land package is extremely prospective for the discovery of additional gold deposits.

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Wallbridge also holds a 19.9% interest in the common shares of Archer Exploration Corp. (Archer) as a result of the sale of the Companys portfolio of nickel assets in Ontario and Quebec in November of 2022.

Wallbridge will continue to focus on its core Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property while enabling shareholders to participate in the potential economic upside in Archer.

For further information please visit the Companys website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBA

President & CEO

Tel: (705) 6829297 ext. 251

Email: mkord@wallbridgemining.com

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBA

Investor Relations Advisor

Email: vvargas@wallbridgemining.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this press release.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, potential, targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI herein includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the use of proceeds of the Private Placement; the future prospects of Wallbridge; historical trends; current conditions and expected future developments; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resource estimates (each an MRE) at the Fenelon and Martiniere properties (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI or information contained herein.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include the results of exploration activities; the Companys financial position and general economic conditions; the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the Deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs; the ability of the Company to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other required approvals; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and non-governmental actions; any impacts of COVID-19 on the Deposits; and, the Companys ability to secure required funding. Risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The disclosure in this press release and referred to herein was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The terms measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource and inferred mineral resource used in this press release are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the CIM Definition Standards), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained in this press release providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, inferred mineral resources are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of contained ounces in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute reserves by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the SEC Modernization Rules), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources. Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be substantially similar to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

The technical content of this release has been compiled, reviewed and approved by Francois Chabot, Eng, Technical Studies Manager of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.




Water Ways Technologies Inc.

Blueberry Wind-Block

Blueberry Wind-Block

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



TORONTO, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water Ways Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WWT) (FRA: WWT) ("Water Ways" or the "Company"), a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology specializing in water irrigation solutions, is pleased to announce that its Chinese subsidiary (in which the Company holds a 73% interest), IRRI-AL TAL (Shanghai) Agriculture Technology Company Ltd. ("IAT Shanghai"), has received an order to install a wind-block system for a recurring client who ordered an irrigation system for its blueberry project. The wind-block system is designed to counteract high-velocity wind from a specific direction, which poses a challenge for the growth of the blueberry crop. The new system will be installed as part of a 30-hectare turnkey blueberry irrigation project in the province of Yunnan, China. The total value of the order is C$100,000 and the Company expects to recognize revenues in respect of this order in the first and second quarters of 2023.

Ohad Haber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are focused on building our reputation for irrigation of high yield crops, especially blueberries. We believe that the system ensures that our growers can provide high-quality blueberries to meet the increasing demand in the market."

Blueberry Wind-Block





Blueberry Wind-Block

About Water Ways Technologies Inc.

WWT through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology, providing water irrigation solutions to agricultural producers. WWT competes in the global irrigation water systems market with a focus on developing solutions with commercial applications in the micro and precision irrigation segments of the overall market. At present, WWTs main revenue streams are derived from the following business units: (i) Projects Business Unit; and (ii) Component and Equipment Sales Unit. WWT is capitalizing on the opportunities presented by micro and smart irrigation, while also making a positive mark on society by making these technologies more widely available, especially in developing markets such as Africa and Latin America and developed markets such as China and Canada. WWTs irrigation projects include vineyards, Cotton fields, Apple and Orange orchards, Blueberry, Medical Cannabis growers, fresh produce cooling rooms and more, in over fifteen countries.

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For more information, please contact Ronnie Jaegermann Dor Sneh Dr. Eva Reuter Director CFO Investor Relations - Germany T: +972-54-4202054 T: +972-54-6512500 +49 69 1532 5857 E: ronnie@waterwt.com E: dor@irri-altal.com E: e.reuter@dr-reuter.eu

https://www.water-ways-technologies.com/

https://www.hg-wwt.com/

Twitter: @WaterWaysTechn1

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to Water Ways Technologies Inc. (Water Ways). All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect Water Ways' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to Water Ways, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Should any factor affect Water Ways in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Water Ways does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and Water Ways undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Water Ways' results and forward-looking information and calculations may be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and its own share prices. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d47745e-7c51-405e-b958-406af053ccf6




DELAWARE, Ohio, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio-based company, InnTown Stays, is working to find temporary housing for insured homeowners and their families displaced by disasters such as fires, flooding, and other natural disasters.

InnTown Stays official logo

"Our philosophy is a win-win for all parties concerned," say owners Thom Leiter and Jorge Sanclemente. "It not only helps the victims themselves  it benefits insurance agencies and adjusters, and rental property owners with apartments, houses and VRBO and Airbnb operators, too."

"It's everyone working together and it just makes sense, responsibly as well as financially," they added.

The idea grew from a family's disaster in 2019. The company owners heard about a house fire that required an Ohio family to move from their home into an extended stay hotel. The hotel was 30 minutes away from their home increasing the difficulty for them in an already stressful situation.

After talking with the family, InnTown Stays contacted their insurance company and arranged a contract to rent a home back in their own town. The location was highly preferred for their family's own needs, plus the rate was lower than the hotel rate.

From this experience, the founders realized this could help many more people across the nation.

"While there is a business component of this for us, it's more than that. It's helping people. It's meeting a real need." says Leiter.

To help more families, the company is seeking more rental property owners to register their homes, and for insurers to visit the web page to learn more. There is no cost to list a property with the service.

"With more rental properties available in almost every town, building a community of hosts dedicated to providing temporary housing to disaster victims seems like a natural way to answer this need." adds Sanclemente.

The company has a web site established at InnTownStays.com with contact information for disaster victims to search for homes. Insurance companies, adjusters, and rental property owners are also invited to find out more and join the network.

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In addition to their web site, InnTown Stays can be contacted by phone or email at +1 877-687-1020 and contact@inntownstays.com.

Press contact information:

Jorge Sanclemente at jorgesanclemente@inntownstays.com

Thom Leiter at thomleiter@inntownstays.com

Phone: +1 877-687-1020

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SOURCE InnTown Stays, LLC
VANCOUVER, BC, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Zacatecas Silver Corp. ( the "Company"), (TSXV: ZAC) (OTC Markets: ZCTSF) (Frankfurt: 7TV) is pleased to announce its exploration plans on a key deep intrusion target near the Esperanza Gold Project as well as other near surface targets around the Esperanza Gold Project.

Highlights:

Recently completed review of historical drilling suggests gold and silver enriched fluids were sourced from a deeper mineralized intrusion (see deposit model in Figure 1).

Geophysical studies to be carried out on deeper mineralized intrusion to determine potential target types.

Several near surface priority targets for near surface gold and silver mineralization.

Exploration planning follows recently announced strategic alliance with the Tetlama Community, home of the Esperanza Gold Project

Western Limb Deep Intrusion Related Target

The previous operators drilled several holes targeting mineralization on the western edge of the Esperanza Gold Project beneath the planned depth of the open pit. Drill result intercepts in primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralization included:

9 m @ 2.04 g/t Au from 256.5 to 265. 5 m and 9 m @ 106 g/t Ag from 246 to 255 m in hole 11-219.

30 m @ 2.56 g/t Au from 324 to 354 m, including 7.5 m @ 7.36 g/t Au from 324 to 331.5 m, and 27 m @ 26.0 g/t Ag and 0.18% Cu from 321 to 348 m in hole 11-214.

25.5 m @ 1.14 g/t Au from 303 to 328.5 m including 9 m @ 2.26 g/t Au from 319.5 to 328.5 m, and 36 m @ 38.4 g/t Ag, 0.97% Zn and 0.15 % Cu from 283.5 to 319.5 m in hole 11-213.

Mineralization in the above three holes is open at depth and along strike, suggesting that gold and silver-mineralized fluids were sourced from a deeper mineralizing intrusion. Potential target types include stockwork, disseminated and breccia-hosted gold and silver mineralization proximal to the mineralizing intrusion, and skarn and disseminated gold and silver mineralization in limestone and calcareous sediments (see Figure 1). Although zinc and copper grades were generally low, grades increase downhole, highlighting the potential for deep base metal targets. The highest grades of these assays were contained in 1.5 m at 0.52% Cu and 7.82 % Zn and further support this hypothesis.

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The previously un-drilled Southwest Extension Prospect is defined at surface by skarn facies and marble with quartz-iron oxide veins. This prospect is along strike of the Esperanza Deposit and feldspar porphyry, and the Coatetelco Prospect 3.5 km to the southwest. The Southwest Extension Prospect appears to lie within a northeast-southwest trending corridor that has exerted a fundamental control on mineralization at Esperanza. It is a robust deep exploration target.

Figure 1: Schematic representation showing the Esperanza oxidized gold skarn deposit that also contemplates a deeper source mineralizing intrusive with variety of valid deposit target types. (CNW Group/Zacatecas Silver Corp.)

Several Near Surface Targets

Historical geochemical sampling and scout diamond drilling defined four areas proximal to the Esperanza deposit that are high priority targets for near surface discovery of gold-silver mineralization. Three of the targets occur at the contact of the feldspar porphyry and are known as the Northern Contact, Northeastern Contact and Colotepec Prospects (see Figure 2). A fourth prospect known as Maize, is located approximately 0.5 km to the northwest of the feldspar porphyry at the northwestern edge of the Esperanza deposit.

Northern Contact. The Northern Contact prospect is located at the northern contact between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This target is covered by post-mineralization Cuernavaca volcanics and has never been tested.





Northeastern Contact. The Northeastern Contact prospect is a zone of anomalous gold mineralization, with a strike length of at least 400 m, coincident with the contact zone between feldspar porphyry and limestone. This prospect has never been drill tested.





Colotepec. The Colotepec Prospect occurs at the southern edge of the Esperanza Deposit. It presents at a 500 m long by 50 m wide zone of marble cross-cut by quartz-iron oxide veinlets. Similar alteration has been observed in historical diamond drill holes immediately above high grade gold skarn mineralization.

Figure 2: Summary geological map of the Esperanza Deposit and surrounding geology showing near-surface deposit proximal exploration targets, deep targets and the Coatetelco Prospect. (CNW Group/Zacatecas Silver Corp.)

Planned Exploration Program

Based on the foregoing high priority exploration targets, the Company plans a focused geochemical sampling and field-based geophysical sampling program:

Soil geochemistry will be completed across all prospects on an initial 50 by 100 m grid. The program will start on the near-surface targets where soil anomalism is likely to be strongest and then focus on the deeper targets.





Field magnetic studies are an effective exploration tool for porphyry and associated deposit types. Magnetics provide important information on the distribution of host rocks and intrusive stocks (due to differences in primary magnetite content), alteration facies, and regional structures.





A focused induced polarization and resistivity program is planned to target areas of geochemical anomalism and favourable magnetic signature to help delineate sulphide rich and silica-rich targets.





Dependent upon the results of the above studies, deep-sensing audio-frequency magnetotellurics (AMD) or large-scale controlled audio magnetotellurics (CSAMT), may be used to assist deep targeting on the western limb of the Esperanza Gold Project. These techniques are increasingly used in the exploration of deeply buried mineralized systems (CSAMT was successfully deployed in the discovery of the Cukari Peku copper-gold porphyry and high sulphidation deposit in Serbia).

Qualified Person

The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Chris Wilson, B.Sc. (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, Chief Operating Officer of Zacatecas. Dr. Wilson is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and is responsible for all technical information in this news release.

About Zacatecas Silver Corp.

The Company has two key projects. The Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos State, Mexico and the Zacatecas Silver Project in Zacatecas State, Mexico.

Esperanza is an advanced stage, attractive low-cost, low-capital-intensity and low-technical-risk growth project located in Morelos state, Mexico. Alamos has progressed the project through advanced engineering, including metallurgical work, while also focusing on stakeholder engagement, including building community relations. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at Esperanza consisting of a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 30.5 million tonnes at 0.97 g/t AuEq for 956 thousand ounces AuEq and an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 8.7 million tonnes at 0.98 g/t AuEq for 277 thousand ounces AuEq (see news release dated November 16, 2022).

The Zacatecas Silver Project is located in Zacatecas state, Mexico, within the highly prospective Fresnillo silver belt, which has produced over 6.2 billion ounces of silver. The Company holds 7,826 hectares (19,338 acres) of ground that is highly prospective for low-sulphidation and intermediate-sulphidation silver base metal mineralization and potentially low-sulphidation gold-dominant mineralization. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at the Panuco Deposit consisting of 2.7 million tonnes at 187 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (171 g/t silver (Ag) and 0.17 g/t gold (Au)) for 16.4 million ounces AgEq (15 million ounces silver and 15,000 ounces gold) (see news release dated December 14, 2021).

The property is 25 kilometres (km) southeast of MAG Silver Corp.'s Juanicipio Mine and Fresnillo PLC's Fresnillo Mine. The Property shares common boundaries with Pan American Silver Corp. claims and El Orito, which is owned by Endeavour Silver.

On behalf of the Company

Bryan Slusarchuk

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas' limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on its Esperanza Gold Project and Zacatecas Silver Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. A Pre-Feasibility Study has commenced for the Esperanza Gold Project which will provide further information as to economic projections and assumptions related to the project, however there are currently no assurances that the project will be economically viable nor assurances that necessary financing, permitting, and metal prices will exist to enable development. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zacatecas does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Zacatecas Silver logo (CNW Group/Zacatecas Silver Corp.)

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SOURCE Zacatecas Silver Corp.
Two Spotsylvania County sisters were killed Saturday night when the car they were riding in went out of control and crashed in the county, police said.

Sheriffs Maj. Troy Skebo said the fatal single-vehicle accident occurred at 10:25 p.m. in the area of River Road and Musket Ridge Lane in Spotsylvania. A 2005 Honda Accord carrying four people was heading east on River Road when the driver lost control in a curve, struck a tree trunk that was a little off the road and overturned.

Skebo said the car then went into an embankment and turned back on its tires before catching on fire. Two deputies arrived within minutes and had pulled out one victim shortly before fire and rescue workers arrived to assist with getting the other vehicle occupants out. One victim had been ejected from the car.

Dawn Donnelly, 16, a junior at Riverbend High School, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sister, 18-year-old Alexyss Scott, a senior at the same county high school, was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The driver, an 18-year-old Riverbend High student, was flown to the VCU Medical Center in critical condition. His front-seat passenger, a 17-year-old girl from South Carolina, suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash, Skebo said.

Skebo said speed and reckless driving were factors in the crash. Two other drivers told police that seconds before the crash, the Honda passed them on a double-yellow line at a high rate of speed.

The Sheriffs Office accident reconstruction team is investigating the accident. No charges had been filed as of Monday.

Skebo said Sheriff Roger Harris sends his condolences to the victims family and to the Riverbend school community.
Over the years at the Career Nursing Academy, one or two students in a class have had some sort of major obstacle to overcome as they studied to become caregivers or nursing aides.

Six weeks ago, instructors saw that trend explode as almost every one of the 10 students in a class has a language barrier, medical issue, learning disability or financial difficulty  or several of the above, said Zoila Ortega, director of the facility in Locust Grove in Orange County.

One young woman is living in a shelter, another has a severe hearing impairment, a few are taking classes while also working at the school to pay their tuition, and several are primarily Spanish speakers.

The varied issues have created a perfect storm, but in a good way for the academy, said Ortega, a Cuban-born nurse who earned a PhD in philosophy and specialized in health administration.

These students are particularly and unusually kind and very tolerant of each others needs, she said. They dont get exacerbated, they dont criticize, they dont make little of a person whos getting a lot of attention because that person needs it. They just go about their business, handling what they need to handle. Thats not the way it often is, I would say.

On Saturday, students in white scrubs practiced skills they need to master to become certified nursing aides who will work in facilities or clinics, with hospice patients or elderly residents who want to stay in their homes.

Crystal Johnson, who has epilepsy, was tasked with demonstrating how to roll a patient on her side in one of the academys hospital beds. Fellow student Sheila Amirez, a native of Saipan, knew Johnson was nervous because it was only the second time shed done it  and a photojournalists camera was aimed at her.

Just stay calm, Amirez told her.

As the patient, Amirez ended up being a little too helpful in terms of raising her arm or rolling over before Johnson asked her to do so. Christine West, the academys program coordinator, reminded her that Johnson needs to learn the skill for herself.

Thats Johnsons plan, too, to practice until she got it right  and she appreciates the patience from others as she learns about caring for patients.

They are really helpful to get me to understand what Im doing, even if it takes a longer time, she said. I need to let it sink in. You got fast learners, you got slow learners. Me, Im the all-over-the-place learner but I still know what Im doing.

In the same classroom, Spanish speakers Maria Arevalo and Adalinda Fernandez talked with Mary Annatuna, an Argentinian student who helps West by interpreting instructions for the Latinas.

All three understand more English than theyre able to speak and each reads, then gets tested, first from a Spanish textbook, then an English one.

However, Virginias certification exam is given only in English, and when Annatuna passed her CNA test in January, she and West both cried.

Arevalo and Fernandez wouldnt speak in English when the class began, but instructors have encouraged them to give answers in their second language. Theyve become comfortable enough to do that.

The other chicas  ladies  talk to me, slow, Fernandez said. I understand.

Locust Grove academy helps meet 'overwhelming' demand for caregivers There was a need before COVID-19, but the pandemic has worsened the staff shortages, according to health officials.

Instructors discussed the unusual makeup of the class and devised strategies to deal with it. Ortega admits she would be lying if she said she wasnt concerned about how the teachers would deal, not only with so many students with challenges, but also so many varied ones.

They added a second bilingual instructor to the mix and found devices for the hearing impaired student. A special stethoscope amplifies the sound of blood flowing through the arteries and helps the student hear, and take, blood pressure, Ortega said.

Teachers also discovered that students did better if they moved between classroom labs every 30 minutes or so instead of being lectured for an hour at a time. On test days, the instructor encourages students to review the chapters together and devotes 15 minutes of class time to that task.

Teachers also selected students, such as Emalea Novlan, whos more of a visual learner and masters skills easier, to partner with someone whos struggling. Novlan said the action reinforces the lesson for her, and shes able to point out something to another student who missed a step.

Coming from a teacher, that might be viewed as a criticism, but hearing the same instruction from a fellow student is that little bit of sugar that makes the medicine go down, Ortega said.

Mya Hord, who often introduces herself with the line: Hi, Im Mya and Im dyslexic, giggled with glee when describing how much she enjoys the class and seeing everyone work together.

Like Johnson, she wanted to stress that everyone has some sort of challenge and people shouldnt let them keep us from not trying things.

Plus, theres an incredible market for care providers who speak Spanish, can relate to those with hearing impairments or learning disabilities or understand the financial difficulties faced in life, Ortega said.

Earlier on Saturday, a mock evaluator came to the facility to perform the same tests the students will have to demonstrate for their certification exam and they did beautifully, the director said.

They can do the skills and they know what theyre doing, she said. Its just that they dont learn in the established, standard way for whatever reason.
Kudos to Caroline High School. Raspberries to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Caroline High has joined about 200 other schools across the United States in agreeing to take part in an Advanced Placement African American Studies course offered by the College Board. The course is offered to explore the contributions and experiences of Black Americans over the 404 years since the first slave ship arrived at Jamestown.

The course will be divided in four parts: the African diaspora; enslavement, resistance, emancipation and Reconstruction; Jim Crow days and the early Civil Rights movement; and the modern era (1950 to present).

Caroline joins the school systems in Fairfax and Arlington counties in adopting this pilot program.

Getting a better, deeper understanding of the Black experience in America seems like a winner. We are assuming that the information presented in this course will be factual. It will almost have to be more factual than some of the glossy, truth-resistant Gone With the Wind fantasies about slavery and Reconstruction that polluted young Virginia minds in the past via state-approved textbooks.

Who could object to this program?

How about a governor who seems to have his sights set on another capitol, 100 miles to the north of Richmond, and who sees feeding Americans a heaping dose of xenophobia as his best route there?

Gov. Youngkin, who often comes across as DeSantis Lite, is following in the muddy footsteps of the Florida governor by asking his education secretary to review the AP course. Ron DeSantis has already ripped the course (which the College Board has fine-tuned, by the way, insisting that DeSantis attack had nothing to do with the tweaking).

We hope our governor will see that an AP course in African-American studies can be a useful tool in giving students a more complete picture of American history.

There are few states in which the Black experience is as intrinsically woven into history as it is in ours: Jamestown, 1619. Nat Turner. The Civil War and Reconstruction. Prince Edward County and Massive Resistance. The Civil Rights movement. Black Lives Matter and the dismantling of Confederate monuments. Black history is an essential part of Virginias story. To understand our past and present, it should be taught.

It is not a slice of history that will make everyone comfortable. History is not built for comfort. History is built for growth and understanding. It can show the whole, imperfect, two-steps-forward, one-step-back path that led us here.

Our governor has already made it clear that he does not like much of what he sees in the way Virginias students are being educated. He has blasted the maniacal focus on equity in districts statewide.

Giving students a clear, unvarnished story of Virginias past is not maniacal. Trying to quash that history for political points would be something else: Unconscionable.
MONDAY, March 13, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Kids and teens are struggling with their mental health in America, and one new report suggests the overinvolvement of parents may be partly to blame.

Kids don't get to roam any more. They've lost time for free play and risk-taking amid parents' fears about the dangers of the world, said report co-author David Bjorklund.

While people think the lack of independence and the growth in mental health issues is new, its been a lot more gradual, said Bjorklund, a professor in the psychology department at Florida Atlantic University College of Science, in Boca Raton.

Its not a really new phenomenon. Its a growing one. And it's been growing for decades, Bjorklund said. The trend emerged in the 1960s and really accelerated in the 1980s, the authors said. Some eventually dubbed the trend "helicopter parenting."

Adults were well-intentioned in wanting to protect children, according to the paper, but this has deprived kids of the independence they need for mental health. And now young people are experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Childrens Hospital Association issued a joint statement to the White House that child and adolescent mental health be declared a national emergency.

Last month, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported on the results of a 2021 survey that found 57% of teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless. Those numbers are double the number of teen boys experiencing sadness or hopelessness.

School pressures play a role

Too much schoolwork is a part of this mental health decline, according to the article published online recently in the Journal of Pediatrics. The school year increased by an average of five weeks between 1950 and 2010, and homework is common, even for small kids.

Recess, meanwhile, averaged just 26.9 minutes in a school day in 2014, the authors said.

Yet another challenge to a youngster's mental health: intense pressure to achieve at an early age, especially in middle-class families planning on college, Bjorklund said.

Having opportunities for independent play, self-directed activities, and being able to contribute to their families helps children feel trusted, responsible and capable, Bjorklund said.

Play is important, and that's the concept that some people find hard to believe, Bjorklund said.

Play is, by definition, not serious, he said. Yet scholars who study play believe it plays a really important part in children's healthy development, social development, mental development, emotional development. It's been taken for granted for too long, Bjorklund said.

From play and independence, children gain a sense of autonomy, a feeling that what they do makes a difference, Bjorklund said.

It also gives them a feeling of competency.

We're all better off if we have a sense that we are important agents in our own lives, that we're competent, at least at some things, Bjorklund said.

The importance of play

The need for more opportunities for unstructured play is just one of many different issues likely affecting childrens mental health, said Jill Emanuele, vice president of clinical training for the Child Mind Institute in New York City. Emanuele was not involved in this commentary.

Emanuele also made a distinction between play time and spending downtime on screens.

It's a crucial part of children's development. They learn cognitive skills, social skills, linguistic skills, physical skills. They learn risk-taking. They learn social skills, how to interact with other kids and also self-regulation and management. They learn how to be creative. They learn how to imagine, Emanuele said of play time. That independent way that they can build their world and build all these skills is so very important.

In terms of risk-taking, Emanuele uses the metaphor of teaching kids to ride a bike, that eventually, you have to take your hand off the bike and let them ride or fall.

From her own observations, Emanuele said, "parents are much less willing to let their hands off the bike. And some kids aren't really being able to fall and learn for themselves, have that experience, be able to deal with failure.

Perhaps parents need to be taught to encourage more independence in their kids and to maintain healthy boundaries while allowing some independence in play, Emanuele said.

Bjorklund said the first step in trying to solve the issues raised in the study is acknowledging the need.

Parents could work together with a few other parents to give their kids more independence to walk to the store together or even to play in one child's yard and bring in the adults in case of emergency, he said.

Parents could also petition schools to restore longer recess.

Among the types of risky play that the authors noted is climbing high into a tree. This helps protect kids from developing phobias, according to the report, and it reduces anxiety by boosting self-confidence in dealing with emergencies.

Its an issue that requires balance. Of course, parents need to not be irresponsible and to keep kids safe, Bjorklund said, noting they need to temper that with opportunities to help children be independent.

Risk is cost and benefit. And when we take risks and we succeed, there's often great benefit, Bjorklund said. We want to moderate the risks, of course, for our children. But we don't want to prevent them from engaging in it.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on childrens mental health.

SOURCES: David Bjorklund, professor, department of psychology, Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla.; Jill Emanuele, PhD, vice president, clinical training, Child Mind Institute, New York City; Journal of Pediatrics, Feb. 23, 2023, online
Sabina Mammadli

Kazakhstan's Information and Community Development Minister Darkhan Kydyrali proposed the exchange of experience and content in the media sector between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan taking into mind the common interaction in this sector, Azernews reports.

The remarks were made during his meeting with Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, prominent statesman Heydar Aliyev. In honor of this event, documentaries and articles are published in the media organizations of Kazakhstan, the minister added.

He also praised the conduct of the 10th Baku Global Forum at the highest level.

The minister emphasized that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to strengthening relations with Azerbaijan, which was evident by the official visit of the Azerbaijani president to the country last August, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum on cooperation in the information sector between the two countries.

Kydyrali also proposed joint work in the direction of youth policy.

Further, he thanked Azerbaijan for participating in the 1st Central Asian Media Forum, held at the end of last year in Astana, and invited him to become the guest of honor of the first Nauryz National Television Series Award, which will be held on March 31 this year. He also said that Azerbaijan will partake in the International Forum of Volunteers and the Youth Platform of the Organization of the Turkic States.

In his turn, Hajiyev highly appreciated the cooperation between the two countries and expressed readiness to implement joint projects.

The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan were established on August 30, 1992. The Kazakh embassy in Azerbaijan was opened on January 9, 1993, and the Azerbaijani embassy in Kazakhstan on March 1, 2004.

The two countries closely cooperate in various sectors of the economy. Around 160 companies with Kazakh capital operate in Azerbaijan in the industry, construction, trade, agriculture, transport, services, and Azerbaijani companies are also represented in the Kazakh market.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio  Heather Bable speaks rapidly, recalling the terror of the night when a train loaded with hazardous chemicals derailed Feb. 3 less than a half-mile from her home in East Palestine, Ohio. She heard an earthshaking boom and, from her bathroom window, "all you saw was the flames."

"I kind of kept myself under control, told my kids, 'OK, guys, we have to leave,'" Bable says. " The only thing I knew was I had to get my kids to safety. Take just the necessary things and get out of there."

Days after the derailment, after evacuating thousands of residents nearby, crews vented and burned toxic vinyl chloride from five cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion, sending another black plume skyward.

Bable's voice catches, tears welling in weary eyes, as she describes eight days in a hotel and an uneasy return home; hoarseness, congestion, nausea and itchy rashes; inconclusive doctor visits; the "god-awful smell" that disturbs her at night; anger at train company Norfolk Southern over the crash and government agencies she thinks responded too slowly.

And constant fear  to breathe the air, drink the water, let her 8-year-old son play outdoors.

Her family has lived in East Palestine for four generations. Now, at 45, Bable is eager to move. So is her mother, who has been here even longer.

"We don't feel safe anymore," Bable says at Sprinklz On Top, a cozy downtown diner. She pulls a bottle of water from her jacket pocket and takes a sip. She won't drink from the tap.

She glances at a smartphone application that reports local air quality. "Just a couple of days ago, when it was so beautiful, I didn't dare to open my windows, because I didn't want the air to come in," she said.

Fear and mistrust still grip many in the village of 4,700 whipsawed by government assurances that the air and water are safe; warnings from activists like Erin Brockovich about coverups and danger for years to come; and misinformation on social media.

Outrage against the railroad company, widely condemned for failing to prevent the disaster and doing too little afterward, is palpable. A married couple recently sold yard signs reading, "Together we stand against Norfolk Southern," from a sidewalk table to benefit the fire department. Business was brisk.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw expressed regret and pledged a thorough cleanup.

Sherry Bable, 64, stands near the roadblock keeping gawkers from the derailment site. Her house is just down the street. Heather Bable lives a couple blocks away with Ashton and her 25-year-old daughter, Paige.

"Every time I hear a train, all I keep thinking is, 'Oh my god, don't let nothing happen this time,'" Sherry Bable says. "And I'm not the only one in town like that."

She gazes sadly at Sulphur Run, a creek near the railroad. It's now among waterways getting "KEEP OUT" signs amid testing and cleanup. Nearly 4.85 million gallons of liquid wastewater and 2,980 tons of soil have been hauled away, Gov. Mike DeWine's office says.

"That railroad company should buy all these houses, tear them down  get families that's got kids first, get the elderly ones out, and then work with everybody else," Bable says. "Because I still say this stuff is going to cause cancer."

Federal agencies say prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride  primarily through inhalation  is associated with increased risk of some cancers. But experts say living near a spill doesn't necessarily elevate risk, and proving links between individual cases and pollutants is hard.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Norfolk Southern has yet to report exactly how much vinyl chloride was released. EPA is monitoring air at 29 outdoor stations and tested it inside more than 600 homes, finding no vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride  an irritant that can be generated when vinyl chloride is burned. It ordered Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins.

University researchers from Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon say their own sampling from a mobile lab picked up chemicals including vinyl chloride and acrolein  a foul-smelling, probable carcinogen that can form during burning of fuels, wood and plastics.

Most readings fell below minimum-risk levels for people exposed less than a year. But acrolein levels were high enough in some places to raise long-term health concerns, said Albert Presto, a Carnegie Mellon mechanical engineering research professor.

Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio's health director, said in February that foul odors and symptoms such as headaches can be triggered by air contaminants at levels well below what's unsafe.

State officials also say no contaminants associated with the derailment were found in the municipal water supply or in 136 private wells. Norfolk Southern plans soil sampling, with farmland a priority.

After more than a week in a hotel, Sherry Bable returned home. The next morning, she had congestion, a hoarse throat and itchy eyes, she said. Since then, she's had irritating red skin patches, headaches and a "goopy" substance in her eyes.

Heather Bable, interviewed three weeks after the crash, showed selfies of red face and neck splotches. The previous night, a powerful "burned plastic" stench woke her. The odors are worse at night, as cleanup work continues, she says.

The state opened a free clinic where residents get medical exams and meet with mental health specialists and a toxicologist. State and federal teams also distributed more than 2,200 informational flyers, according to EPA, which has an information center in town.

Photos: A look at the aftermath of the Ohio train derailment
OMAHA  A former Omaha police officer pleaded guilty to production of child pornography in federal court Wednesday.

Christopher Groth, 39, also faces charges of possession and transportation of child pornography, according to court documents. Groth, who was an Omaha police officer for 15 years, was terminated following his indictment in February 2022.

According to the indictment, Groth coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction between September and December 2020.

It also alleges that Groth transported the depiction on or about Feb. 2, 2021, and that he knowingly possessed child pornography on or about June 3, 2021.

Groth had entered a petition to plead guilty in October 2022, but after firing his public defender and hiring a new attorney in December, no longer wanted to enter a guilty plea, court records show.

Groth's sentencing is set for June 5 in Lincoln, according to court records, and a trial for the charges of possession and transportation of child pornography is scheduled for March 21.

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
Many military veterans develop a passion for serving others that lingers in their consciousness long after theyve hung up their uniform, according to Marshall Bosworth, El Paso Countys Veterans Service Officer.

We know a lot of our veterans continue to serve. It doesnt stop when we leave active duty, Bosworth said. We want to find those people in our community, and highlight them.

The county is currently seeking nominations for the 2022 Veteran of the Year Award, which honors an individual for their exemplary military service and continued commitment to serving fellow veterans in the region, according to a recent news release.

The awards program was created in 2017 to put a spotlight on veterans who consistently go above and beyond to support veterans and/or the military, Bosworth said.

Some veterans seek jobs that support the military, he said. Some people volunteer significant amounts of their free time. Others do nonprofit work.

Most of these people would be reluctant to call attention to themselves. But they deserve the attention.

Thats why the program was created, Bosworth said.

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In order to be eligible for the Veteran of the Year Award, nominees must be honorably discharged or retired from one of the five U.S. armed forces  including the Reserve or National Guard  or the U.S. Merchant Marine. Nominees must also live in El Paso County, officials said.

Nominations are due no later than March 31, according to the news release. Anyone can submit a nomination via the El Paso County website.

A panel of county leaders will review the nominees, winnow the field down to a handful of finalists, and eventually come to a consensus on the winner, Bosworth said. The winner will be announced sometime in May. Runners-up will also be recognized.

The previous award winners are Leo Martinez, Victor Fernandez, Duane France, Nanette Brede Mueller and the 2021 recipient, Skyler Miller.

Its an honor for us, as a county, to find the veterans in our community that are still serving, and honor them for what they do to continue helping others, Bosworth said. As the countys Veterans Service Officers, this is one of the best parts of my job.
A selection committee is recommending the Colorado Department of Education use the new computer-based SAT as Colorados college entrance exam beginning in 2024. The recommendation will become official after a procurement process, according to a news release.

The committee, composed of teachers and administrators from districts across the state, meets every five years to evaluate vendor bids for the college entry exam. In its latest recommendation, the committee asked the state Department of Education to continue using the College Board, a New York-based nonprofit organization that administers exams such as the PSAT and SAT and that Colorado has used since 2017.

The College Board last year announced it would transition to a digital-only standardized testing format in 2024. The new computer-based exams would replace pencil and paper exams, with the final paper-based exams being administered this spring.

The Department of Education will share more information on the change by September after award and contract negotiations are complete, according to the release.

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Colorado high schools first began administering the SAT in 2019 after the committee favored its selection over the ACT, which it had used since 2001. The switch in tests followed 2015 legislation that required the Department of Education to solicit bids for a new 10th-grade exam and an aligned 11th-grade college entrance exam. The education department at the time struck a $12.4 million, five-year contract with the College Board.

Not all higher education institutions even require the test, however. In 2021 Gov. Jared Polis signed into law a bill that made collecting standardized test scores optional for Colorados public universities.

Students may still choose to submit their test scores to institutions that do not require them.
The celebration over Everything Everywhere All at Once winning the 2023 Academy Award for Best Picture is spreading everywhere, notably including Littleton, hometown of Allison Rose Carter.

Carter is one of 15 official producers of the runaway hit, which pulled seven Oscars at Sunday nights party. Carter, who has 33 professional film credits to her name, is listed as a co-producer. But she was also the films Unit Production Manager, which, according to the Directors Guild of America, is a significant title that goes to those primarily responsible for the administration of a feature film.

And talk about a multiverse: Shes going straight from Everything Everywhere All at Once to an upcoming film called Nobody Nothing Nowhere, which is starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lucy Liu and Octavia Spencer. Its about a human-looking being who has been designed and trained for the purpose of filling in a realistic world for Dave, the last remaining person on Earth.

Carter is a graduate of Columbine High School, and she was in class the day of the 1999 massacre.

Carter joins Colorado Academy graduate Shane Boris as winning Colorado producers at Sundays Oscars. Boris produced the winning Best Documentary Feature, Navalny.

Carters parents, Vince and Terri, told Denver Gazette media partner 9News that Allison would watch Steven Spielberg films growing up  and now her latest movie was nominated in some of the same categories he was (for "The Fablemans"). She started making her first movies at Columbine with the help of her parents.

"We played some of the bystanders," Terri told 9News' Marc Sallinger about a scene that was filmed in front of the familys fireplace.

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"She has surpassed anything that Ive ever done," Vince Carter added. "What you want for your kids is for them to be happy. Shes not only happy, but successful and happy. Man, that just blows me away. She was here just this last Christmas and I said, 'Youre a better person than I am, and its true.

The Carters told Sallinger they love all their daughters movies, but nothing prepared them for Everything, Everywhere All at Once hauling in 11 Oscar nominations. The film is an eccentric tale about a laundromat-owning Chinese immigrant family that blends science fiction and alternate realities.

"I know everybody says that, 'Oh, its just good that you got nominated,'" Terri Carter told Sallinger. "Well, I think that is true."

Carter is also listed as executive producer for an upcoming film called Nightbitch and producer of another called Infinite Summer. Previous credits include the award-winning film "Diane," starring Mary Kay Place as a mother desperately attempting to bond with her drug-addicted son.

Producer titles are the most fluid designations in the film industry, but one local film exec told The Denver Gazette today that Carter is the real deal. In general, the title reflects the amount of influence and responsibility a producer has on a given project. The pecking order starts with associate producer and rises to co-producer to producer to executive producer.

Carter won the L.A. Femme Filmmaker Award in 2012 as Best Feature Writer for co-writing Hannah Has a Ho-Phase. Together with Jon Read, Carter runs a production company called Savage Rose Films.
Miss International 2022 to visit Vietnam in late May

Jasmin Selberg, the winner of the Miss International 2022 pageant, is set to go on a working trip to Vietnam in late May, according to global beauty website Pageantry News International.











The German beauty queen will be in Ho Chi Minh City on May 23, although there is currently no confirmation of any special events that Selberg will attend during her upcoming stay in Vietnam.





According to her schedule she will fly to Belgium on April 29 to join the jury of the Miss Exclusive 2023 that selects a representative of Belgium to Miss Earth and Miss International.





Selberg will arrive in the Czech Republic on May 13 to attend the final night of the Miss Czech Republic 2023 pageant, looking for a contestant to vie for Miss International 2023.





The reigning Miss International 2022 has also been invited to judge Puteri Indonesia pageant to choose the winner during its finale on May 19.





Selberg, 24, is the third winner of the Miss International pageant to come from Germany. She previously represented Germany at the Miss Globe 2021 and finished among the Top 15 with the award Miss Social Media. After that, she made the Top 16 of Miss Universe Germany 2022 and attended Miss Supranational 2022.





In the three months since her coronation in December 2022, Selberg has been to Japan, Germany, and Estonia to take part in social activities.
Sabina Mammadli

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belarus Ulvi Bakhshaliyev visited the Mogilev Carriage Construction Plant.

During the visit, the envoy got acquainted with the production, technologies and products of the plant for the development of further cooperation, Azernews reports.

Besides, the representatives of the factory will pay a return visit to Azerbaijan on March 28-30.

Mogilev Carriage Construction Plant is the main manufacturer of freight rolling stock in Belarus.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus were established on June 11, 1993. The two countries are cooperating in various sectors of economy, such as agriculture, transport, remote sensing services, etc.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Belarus for 2022 amounted to $363.5 million.
Change comes hard

OK guys ... lets be fair. Regarding your editorial for a strong superintendent when Academy District 20 selects its next district

leader. Well, of course, we all want that. But in doing so, you threw the current superintendent under the proverbial school bus. I should know...I drive one!

The editorial cited the fact that in recent standardized testing that roughly 40% of D-20s students read below grade level. But in the same opinion, you praised District 11 for hiring a district leader that prioritizes learning. Well, they should ... as 65% of D-11s students read below grade level in the same testing that you referenced. Make no mistake, Im not proud of D-20s score ... we need to do better.

But for context, in 2017 standardized testing ... 44% of D-20s students read below grade level. I dont recall anyone at that time inferring that D-20 was underperforming and that they need new direction. You may recall that all school districts had to deal with an event called COVID. Under the states leadership by instituting Were all going to die mandates, in-person education was sidelined and scores went down. Yet, D-20 went up 4% in literacy testing. I find that amazing

Given all the challenges thrown the schools way. Should we be happy with the status quo? Certainly not...we can do (and should) do better. Change comes hard. The district recently tried to make for a more healthy teaching atmosphere by changing the school times to better facilitate the students sleeping patterns. After two years of study, some parents became upset at how that would upset their lives...and it was tabled.

Anyone who drives half-awake high schoolers to school (I do) would see the time change as a positive.

Under the previous superintendent, schools could regulate their own bell times without consideration of transportation limitations. Before that change, bus drivers could transport up to three schools each day. Now we average two and with a shortage of bus drivers we cant even cover field trips. All Im saying is that it is going to take more than just a new superintendent to get us where we need to be.

Steve Warner

Colorado Springs

Decision affected many people

And so it goes ...

My husband is a retired veteran. As his spouse, I appreciate all the nice benefits that I get to be a part of. Being able to use different services on the bases is a nice privilege, so it saddens me when something is taken away, such as the thrift store that has been successfully operated for so many years at the Air Force Academy. Ironically, I was just going to enter it when a lady was ushering people out, saying there was an emergency and they had to shut it down immediately.

After reading and hearing about how it was ordered by 10th Air Base Wing g,ro,gc. Col. Christopher Leonard to shut it down, I wondered if that was really necessary, or if there was something wrong that could have been easily rectified. That decision affected so many people that enjoyed going there, and, even more importantly, ends the profitability of it that helped so many good causes.

Kathy Dropp

Colorado Springs

Correct this political problem

The delay in a final decision as to the permanent location of the Space Command is, perhaps, an example of paralysis by analysis. Taking two years or so to render a decision so important to our national defense reminds one of a speech that Peter Drucker made to the UCLA Graduate School of Business in 1975:

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Many good people, excellent ideas and innovative concepts get lost in the slime of governmental bureaucracies.

The Pikes Peak Region is the current location for Space Command operations for virtually all aspects of the Force. It was Donald Trumps petulant politics that led to the initial decision to move the Command to Alabama. So, just correct a political problem for the sake of the Country and be done with it.

John M. Bass

Colorado Springs

Why not use reason, logic?

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennett sank to shameful new lows of liberal political acumen. While lobbying Congress to change U.S. Space Force HQ to Colorado, he proclaimed that access to abortion up to the point of birth should be pivotal to the decision-making process. You read that correctly. Colorados shameful and embarrassing law permitting abortion from conception to canal was used as a positive to sway Congress in its decision.

Im surprised Bennett didnt use our other so-called accolades in his dreary monologue, Colorado leads the nation in auto thefts! Colorado has near-zero penalties for fentanyl dealers! Colorado legalized marijuana and mushrooms! Safe drug injection sites are next!

The man, along with a blathering horde of similarly minded liberal supporters, have no shame. Why not rely on the various and sundry objective reasons to move USSF HQ back to Colorado? Why not use reason, logic and articulate arguments? Instead, he valorizes Colorados legally endorsed murder of children. Should HQ USSF return to Colorado, lets affirm to our citizenry that its for the right reasons  of which Bennett apparently knows little.

Roy Recker

Colorado Springs

These things do not work

So the Colorado Legislature is once again proposing a government-run, single-payer health care system. Only $36 billion per year, funded by a 10% payroll tax. Its astounding how unwilling  or unable  the left is to learn from history. These things do not work. Anybody whos lived near Canada or in the U.K. (as I have) knows this from experience. But the Big Lie is they just werent implemented right, we can do it right. It will never be implemented right because its rooted in socialism, the antithesis of what America is about. Health care will be rationed. Its inevitable and unavoidable.

In the words of Ronald Reagan, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, Im from the government, and Im here to help. It was true when he said it, and its true now.

Remember the lie of you can keep your doctor? Remember the lie of you can keep your plan? A taxpayer-paid government plan in Colorado would be a disaster. Period. This is a money grab and a power grab.

But at least this will drive more people out of the state to other states with more rational legislatures.

Dan OReilly

Colorado Springs
They are, in the words of Pulitzer-Prize winning author David Hoffman, dreamers who dared to wish for more.

They are people like Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine. Or Alexei Navalny, imprisoned opposition leader and freedom fighter in Russia. Or Mahsa Amini, the young woman whose death in Iran is fueling mass protests against the hijab laws. Or Tank Man, the unidentified Chinese man who faced down a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square.

They are sometimes relatively unknown to us here in America, like Oswaldo Paya, a dissident who dared to defy Fidel Castro in Cuba, inspiring thousands of Cubans to fight for democracy.

They are liberty's torchbearers, intrepid souls who are lighting flames of freedom all over the world, and sometimes across multiple generations, refusing to let the dream of democracy die.

I think there are people like Paya in these places, people with incredible endurance and principle, Hoffman told me. They are not often in the headlines, but they are there.

Hoffman, a longtime editor and reporter for The Washington Post, was in town at the Tattered Cover over the weekend to talk about his new book, "Give Me Liberty: The True Story of Oswaldo Paya and his Daring Quest for a Free Cuba."

Paya formed a pro-democracy movement in Cuba in the 1990s. A devoted Catholic, he championed a simple, bedrock belief that rights are bestowed by God, and not the state, Hoffman writes. Every day, he witnessed these rights trampled in Cuba. He could not stay silent.

In 1998, in the twilight of Castros rule, Paya launched the Varela Project, challenging Castros dictatorship with an unprecedented nationwide citizen petition demanding democratic reforms such as free speech and free association. The petition was perfectly legal, allowed by a little-known clause in the constitution that Paya exploited.

Paya and his fellow liberty lovers secretly collected 11,020 signatures door to door, then surprised Castro by submitting them with great fanfare to the National Assembly in 2002. They added 14,384 signatures the following year, and nuns kept 10,000 more signatures secretly hidden. All told, more than 35,000 Cubans had signed the petition.

But Paya and his movement paid a heavy price. Castro responded by ignoring the petition, arresting dozens of Payas followers and sending them to prison for many years.

After receiving multiple death threats, Paya was killed in a suspicious car wreck on a remote country road, a martyrdom chillingly recounted in the opening pages of Hoffmans book.

Payas dream of democracy did not die with him, however. Just as he inherited his thirst for liberty from Felix Varela, a 19th-century priest and philosopher who was Cubas most illustrious educator, so he passed it along to activists and protesters to come.

As recently as July 11, 2021, protesters inspired by Paya took to the streets in a massive demonstration. The ourpouring was sparked by a Facebook live video, and there are still small and local protests reverberating to this day.

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Hoffman believes its only a matter of time until Cuba is free.

I think Cubans lost their fear long ago  it is one of Oswaldos legacies, Hoffman told me.

Cuba today resembles the Soviet Union in 1983  it is showing signs of deep stagnation, added the former Moscow correspondent.

There are severe food shortages; electricity blackouts; the country that once produced one quarter of all the worlds sugar now barely produces enough to satisfy its own needs. So conditions are dire. This is one precondition for change. The other is that the Cuban people have to demand change, as they did on July 11, 2021. I think the popular desire for change is now stronger than it has been at any time during the last 64 years. At some point it will break through.

Hoffman's story of Paya's journey tries to answer larger questions about the innate quest for liberty.

How do people gain the right to think and speak freely, advocate their views, follow their conscience, worship or assemble as they desire without persecution? Hoffman asks. How do they secure the right to choose their leaders and set the course for their own future? What does it take to attain such freedoms?

Hoffman said he tends to be an optimist about the democratic future. Just ask anyone who has lived for a few years under a true dictatorship  anyone who has come up against jail time for shouting something in the street, or who has struggled with bread lines or who has been targeted by the secret police for a tweet  if they like it. Given a chance, people flee them. Open societies and democracy are more resilient because they are able to self-correct, adapt and enjoy legitimacy.

Interestingly, just as I was talking to Hoffman, Freedom House released a new report that shows, after many years of stagnation and backtracking, democracy is on the march again.

This years Freedom in the World survey notes that the number of countries suffering democracy declines in 2022 was the lowest in 17 years, and was nearly matched by the number of countries experiencing improvements.

If five decades of global monitoring tell us anything, it is that the demand for fundamental rights is universal and impossible to extinguish, the reports authors wrote. Pro-democracy movements have arisen again and again in some of the worlds most repressive environments."

Hoffman is realistic about a looming global contest between democracy and dictatorship that did not exist 15 years ago. Something has changed, and we are in for a new struggle, he said. But he sees the same kind of long-term hope Freedom House does.

Oswaldo Paya showed, Hoffman writes, that no state, no matter how dictatorial, can imprison an idea forever. The quest for liberty runs free.
Owners of properties where Coloradans hike and play in the outdoors had hoped to feel better about allowing that access after a hearing this month at the state Capitol.

Instead, some are feeling more worried than ever.

That includes Patrick Schilken, who has long held land along the base of 14,000-foot Mount Sherman in Park County. It's not a popular area for climbers, but Schilken has still often come by lost or ambitious types.

He's an attorney, knowing all too well about what he and others have seen as a gaping hole in the Colorado Recreational Use Statute opened by a court ruling in 2019, which awarded a mountain biker more than $7 million for injuries sustained on a ride around the Air Force Academy.

"From that point on, we've been fighting pretty fervently to try to limit our exposure" to liability, Schilken said.

By "we," he means other landowners who were joined by more than two dozen statewide recreation groups, water managers and government agencies in support of an amendment to the Colorado Recreational Use Statute. Senate Bill 103 was shot down by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The response was immediate from John Reiber, who owns mining claims along the trail skirting mounts Lincoln, Democrat and Bross. With his posted closure, the multi-peak route known as Decalibron is no longer available to the tens of thousands of people who venture it every year.

Leading up to the judiciary committee's hearing, Reiber said his insurance carrier had notified him of dropping his coverage.

"That, combined with no real relief regarding liability from the Legislature, that made me decide that, boy, I really need to protect my family," said Reiber, who has mostly kept his mountain swaths open for decades.

That's been against suggestions from attorneys in recent years, he said. "I've been advised more than once that the best thing I could do is make my land 'no trespassing.'"

That's what Schilken is planning to do at his side of Mount Sherman. It's as he heard an associate say: "'If I was advising anyone, I would tell them to close it down.' I think he's right."

It could be the thinking of more landowners spotting Colorado's recreation landscape, advocates say.

Mark Baisley, the Republican senator from Teller County who sponsored Senate Bill 103, said he has heard from several concerned individuals who have allowed people to fish or boat streams through their properties, or hunt or ride horses through their pastures.

"I think the dominoes will keep falling," Baisley said. "I think you'll see people putting up no trespassing signs everywhere."

Boulder Climbing Community is among groups that supported the proposed amendment and signed an online petition to continue the push. The organization's board chair, Anneliese Steel, in a letter listed several crags at potential risk of closure under the current Colorado Recreational Use Statute: areas in Boulder Canyon and along Eldorado Mountain, as well as routes on the west end of Clear Creek Canyon.

"That's over 250 routes in some of the most popular climbing areas in Colorado," Steel wrote.

She added of the proposed amendment: "This may sound like a small change, but it has big consequences for public access."

The proposed change centered on the word "willful" in the statute.

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The law exposes landowners to lawsuit if they demonstrate "willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a known dangerous condition." In 2019, a federal appeals court determined the Air Force Academy knew about a washed-out trail that resulted in mountain biker James Nelson's injuries.

That was "the only case of its kind in 26 years," Kari Jones Dulin, representing Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, said in her opposition to Senate Bill 103 before the judiciary committee. She started her testimony by saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

The statute, Jones Dulin argued, "has worked to both protect the landowner and those that enjoy the land for recreational use." And the word "willful" was important, she said.

"All that it asks of a landowner is, if you know something is dangerous and likely to cause harm, either guard against it or warn against it, which is to say: If you know something, do something. ... Isn't that just basic human decency?"

The committee voted 3-2 against the change on partisan lines; three no votes by Democrats, two yes votes by Republicans.

In Colorado Springs, Trails and Open Space Executive Director Susan Davies said the decision was "heartbreaking." Her group has led a decades-long effort to complete the Ring the Peak trail, a full loop around Pikes Peak. She said success will depend on private landowners allowing corridors  like fourteener-owning Reiber and Schilken, who feel their knowledge of inherent dangers in the backcountry makes them vulnerable.

"It starts with willing landowners, Davies said of Ring the Peak, and this is really a blow to securing willing landowners.

Ring the Peak also involves Colorado Springs Utilities, which was listed as another supporter of Senate Bill 103. Denver Water, overseeing premier recreation areas like Dillon Reservoir and Waterton Canyon, was also monitoring the bill.

Denver Water declined to comment for this article, but in an email said it "didn't have any immediate concerns."

Anyone not concerned, advocates recognized, might have come away from the judiciary committee decision believing what the opposing trial lawyers said: that the Recreational Use Statute protects landowners, and that the Nelson case was an outlier.

But it appears some fourteeners will be off-limits this summer, and it's likely other areas will be fenced off, said Nicole Budine, the Colorado Mountain Club's policy director. "That's a pretty clear sign that this is a problem now, that the Colorado Recreational Use Statute is not working as intended," she said.

In recent years, the trail to 14,000-foot Mount Lindsey, crossing parts of Trinchera Blanca Ranch, has also been marked for no trespassing.

On land it owns along Mount Shavano, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative has posted several signs warning of dangers and unpredictable circumstances in the high alpine.

"If we had a sign go missing from a rock fall or an avalanche or I guess somebody could steal it, does that mean we're still liable?" asked Brian Sargeant, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative's development and communications manager. The signs are high on hard-to-reach terrain, he noted, "and we don't have cameras up there to see if (they are) up there every single day."

Shavano remains open as part of the initiative's overall vision of access across the fourteeners. But "there's still concern," Sargeant said. "We're a small, little nonprofit. Going to court would put us in financial ruin pretty quick."

Fees and waivers have long been the model of one fourteener, Culebra Peak. Back at mounts Lincoln, Democrat and Bross, Reiber expressed no interest in money; he said he struggled to envision logistics and how waivers would be managed and enforced.

"I don't see that as a true possibility at this juncture," Reiber said. "I don't know what the end result is gonna be, but I sure wish we had some resolution to this."
Fuad Muxtar-Aqbabali

The Armenian political establishment has lost its bearings, or it would be advisable to say that it has never had it, be it during the brief stint after the collapse of tsarist Russia or soon after the Soviet empire demised, and political experts ascribe it to the lack of statehood experience.

The absence of historical roots in the construction of its statehood and a hundred years of being on political and economic subsidies from Russia did not allow Armenia to build its established state and the key and secondary actors in the political arena have always been used by their patrons for their own interests.

Today in Armenia, some are against Russia, others are against the West, some are against getting rid of the age-old enmity with the Turks, others are for the continuation of this enmity political expert Kamran Rustamov told Azernews.

Armenias unstable political state allows the use of Armenians in this or that political game and the current trend indicates that Armenia is gradually moving away from Russia.

Some believe that this is the only correct path aimed at rapprochement with the West, others believe that in the absence of a reliable system that will take Armenia under the wing of the West, separation from Russia can lead to unpredictable, and some consider quite predictable results.

Continuing to fiddle around the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, which the Armenians themselves have never officially announced on what maps, where and how it passes, Armenians allow others to use the border map as a tool in the hands of various political forces. Why do people in Armenia think that if you cant clean up your house yourself, someone else will do it for you? Therefore, Armenia is torn between North and South, West and East.

Remembering that once Armenians built that old Egypt, moreover, they ruled it, voices often began to be heard in Armenia about the need to establish allied relations with Egypt against Turkey.

With the assistance of Egypt, Armenia can counteract the Azerbaijani-Turkish propaganda in the Arab world, even in the context of Islamic solidarity. Gor Gevorkyan, a former member of the Armenian parliament, Ph.D. in History, and associate professor, expressed this opinion in an interview with Sputnik Armenia, commenting on the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to Egypt and participation in the ministerial meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, pundit Kamran Rustamov added.

"It is necessary to take into account Egypt's relations with Western countries, Russia, and its presence on the African continent in general. The political weight and authority of Egypt in the Arab world are so great that this country can be considered as an intermediary, with the help of which in the Arab world, we can counteract the Azerbaijani-Turkish propaganda," Gevorkyan opined.

For this purpose, he proposes to use the emerging cool relations between Egypt and Turkey.

"Recently, Turkey has been very actively probing the possibility of restoring relations with Egypt. You know that after 2013, Turkiye-Egyptian relations escalated when Abdul Fattah al-Sisi came to power. Turkey accused the Egyptian authorities of a number of issues and, in fact, froze relations that were actively developing under the previous president," Gevorgyan added.

In this regard, the specialist advises the Armenian authorities to be guided primarily by state interests in relations with Arab countries and to raise contacts with Egypt to a higher political level.

Depending on the political orientation of the state, some countries are trying to wedge themselves into relations between countries in order to bring them closer, while others are trying to separate them on opposite sides of the barricades.

Today, when positive processes are visible in the South Caucasus, again, both from inside Armenia and from outside, there is an attempt to counter these processes.

They still cannot understand in Armenia that today's realities dictate that only the building of peaceful, good-neighborly relations and the renunciation of territorial claims in the region is the only way to preserve and develop the Armenian statehood. All other roads are leading to the catastrophe.

Armenia, built on historical Azerbaijani lands, has a neighbor - Azerbaijan, which has more than 3,000 years of history of its statehood. It is this genetics that makes it possible today to build a reasonable, well-considered policy both within the country and on the world stage.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation Batyr Niyazliev held a meeting with the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Russia Atanas Krastin on March 10, 2023, during which they discussed the possibilities of intensifying comprehensive cooperation.

During the meeting, the ambassadors of the two countries exchanged views on the progress of bilateral cooperation, touched upon issues related to the intensification of political, diplomatic, economic, logistical, and humanitarian cooperation, and also stated that relations between Turkmenistan and Bulgaria are developing consistently, of equal nature and have great potential in many areas.

Touching upon the issues of trade and economic cooperation, the diplomats stressed the importance of implementing previously reached agreements, and also expressed interest in intensifying Turkmen-Bulgarian cooperation, including in the context of considering the possibility of bilateral visits at the highest level in the near future.

At the end of the meeting, the heads of the Turkmen and Bulgarian diplomatic missions in Russia agreed to continue working contacts.
A Garner man has filed an appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court after being sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for sexual abuse.

According to court documents, 27-year-old Juan Paramo Vargas was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse in January.

Vargas was accused of abusing a woman at his residence in Garner. The affidavit states that Vargas was hosting a party Nov. 21, 2021, and the alleged victim was consuming alcohol. Her boyfriend tucked her into bed. He later went to check on her and found her still asleep, but the blankets were pulled back and her dress was pulled up.

Police were called the following morning after Vargas allegedly told the victim what he did to her.

The appeal has been filed, but not responded to as of Monday.

North Iowa history in photos: Schools and teams of the early 1900s 1910 Mason City town ball club 1912 Hub bottling company baseball town team.jpg 1910 Mason City Claydiggers Baseball team.jpg 1904 Local Ball CLub Mason City2.jpg Cerro Gordo County Teachers Institute 1914.jpg Mason City Baseball 1912 in Rockwell.jpg Mason_City_1012.jpg Mason_City_1014.jpg Mason_City_1015.jpg Mason_City_1019.jpg Mason_City_1020.jpg
It's that time in the news cycle again where Iowa is assaulted and disparaged as being a "flyover state" for reasons purely political spewed by people who have never been here.

It's tiring, yet in our Iowaness we will once again come to her defense. How can we not rise to the occasion and to atonement rather than apology? Nearly eighty percent of Iowans living here today were born here.

We're not held captive here. We are not indentured servants yielding to some archaic apprenticeship without pay, not being able to escape.

We choose to live here, raise families here, retire here, and die and be buried here. Unless three million of us are controlled by some mass psychoses or government mind control, the rest of the world just needs to get over it and acknowledge that there is a big chunk of humanity out here on the former prairie, who are here because we want to be.

As with many of you, I have spent my share of time on flights all over the country. In my hayseed Iowan way, I always ask for a window seat, much to the exasperation and direct ridicule of east and west coasters. You all know why I do it. It's the same hickness that has had me looking up at the skyscrapers in every big city I've ever visited.

Yes, I am mesmerized by the OCD-level of precision demonstrated and demanded by Iowa's first surveyors in laying out the perfect geometry, chessboard-like squares; square mile after square mile of sections of 640 acres each.

One can really only appreciate with amazement the exactitude and fidelity of their pioneering efforts from a jet, seven-miles up. If you are of the flavor that cannot appreciate the perfectness of Iowa from that altitude, then book yourself on a 10-stop milk run to Spokane via Manitoba on Bumfuddled Airlines and leave us alone.

A team of two guys at a time, over 200 years ago in the summer when Iowa was still over 30% swamp land, breeding mosquitoes as big as kites, and a few decades away from the invention of Deep Woods Off, were still able to create survey lines as straight as a string.

Their tools of their trade were a surveyor's compass on a wooden tripod, leveled by a lead plumb bob, brass stakes and a 66-foot-long precision Gunter's chain.

150 years after those surveys had been done, my grandpa would take me out in the field to find a plugged drain tile line and using Gunter's chain measurements, and rods (1/4 of a chain) would land exactly on the spot of the tile line problem.

The same surveyors used those same tools to survey and plat town sites. But, it took Mason City a while to come around to the beauty of the chessboard-like street naming methodology that we still see here today. Up until 1916, streets in Mason City were named willy-nilly and helter-skelter with no rhyme nor reason other than ego and nepotism and money that talked.

So, in 1916, Mason City streets were renamed into an eternal history lesson and math lesson.

 Cross streets to Federal north and south: numeric ascension

 Cross streets to State Street to the east: state names in the order in which they joined the union.

 Cross streets to State Street to the west: presidential last names in order of their presidency.

Perfect Iowan order that you cannot see from an aircraft window. OCD? Maybe, but comforting for us old-timers who cannot remember what they had for breakfast most days but can navigate Mason City with our eyes shut.

Yet, as far back as old-timers can remember, with this comfort of continuity and perfect original planning, the devil is lurking behind the dais at our city council meetings.

What navigational atrocity is coming to Mason City? What discombobulation of normal Midwest rule of order is now being threatened?

We are going to be herded into roundabouts on every journey on Highway 122 at the junction of Winnebago Drive and west to Eisenhower.

But Nooooo. Not one roundabout, or two roundabouts, but FIVE roundabouts in about 5 miles of roadway.

The perfect order brought to us by surveyors two centuries ago is about to disappear in a cloud of car accident debris. Have you ever witnessed Iowans negotiating roundabouts on the east coast? I have, and it isn't pretty.

We Iowans don't like change in the first place and especially if we have no way to change it back once we get enough votes to do so.

There appears to be 25,000 cars by traffic count on that stretch of road everyday. 20,000 of them are older than me and those folks are of the age that license renewal is now annual.

How about we just build a city-sponsored and -owned bumper-car track out on the fairgrounds property and forget about the real-life version coming to Highway 122? Good grief.
" " It's been said that slithering snakes are soothing to the skin. Uriel Sinai/ Getty Images

So you want to pamper yourself with a visit to a luxury spa, but you're bored with the usual aromatherapy, heated stones on your back and placid New Age music. Well, that's great because we have some suggestions for you!

How about a slithery snake massage or a pedicure from a school of hungry fish? Or perhaps a cactus needle massage, a facial with human placenta tissue, or a scrub with nightingale droppings? Snail slime moisturizer is said to be wonderfully rejuvenating, too. And if you crave full-body relaxation, maybe baking in a Korean oven sauna or taking a dip in a tub of Czech beer will do the trick.

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A Gofundme site has been set up to help a retired Capital High School teacher who suffered a serious head injury when he fell last month in a museum in Chile while on vacation, relatives said.

John Laurie Simms collapsed Feb. 21, on the last day of his vacation with wife Marlene in South America, John Simms collapsed in a museum.

He was taken to the Hospital Clinico Universidad Catolica in Santiago, Chile.

He suffered a subdural hematoma that required surgery to repair and has had some neurologic complications as a result of the surgery, according to the Gofundme page organized by his brother-in-law, Kenneth Holden.

The reason for the fall was a sudden drop in his blood pressure which they are still trying to assess and treat, it was stated said on the Gofundme page.

The Simms have some travel insurance to assist, family members said.

However, while less expensive than the US, the uncovered emergent and intensive care hospital costs of a 21 + day stay and after medical flight to the US, will likely exceed $250,000, friends said.

His wife, Marlene, who is also a retired Capital High School teacher, has remained by his side in Santiago.

His children arrived to assist as much as they could.

Simms, 74, is a beloved husband, father and grandfather, the Gofundme page states.

He has taught many the art and love of sailing on Canyon Ferry Lake in Helena, Montana, the page states. He devoted 20 years to teaching History and AP Government to students at Capital High School in Helena. It will likely be a long road to recovery, but we are hoping to get John back to the US and closer to family.

He was named a Helena Education Foundation Distinguished Educators in 2014.

On Monday, daughter Meghan Erickson said the family had spent the day working to secure the medical flight.

It has been a challenging day working with multiple countries, agencies and technology, she wrote.

Erickson said Simms is engaging in very short conversation and showing a good use of vocabulary and motor skills.

He is more alert and in decent spirits (all things considered), she wrote. We are still crossing our fingers for a flight for tomorrow!

How to help

To help John "Laurie" Simms and his family, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rz7y5-almost-home
Editor's note: This is the second email the Independent Record has received from Hands On Global Executive Director Valerie Hellermann, of Helena, who is offering aid and comfort to people in Ukraine and is making her third trip to the area since Russia launched a war in February 2022. This email from Hellermann arrived 1:58 a.m. Monday. Portions of this report have been edited for clarity.

Our team is now in Mukachevo, western Ukraine.

Our many bags of trauma supplies have been loaded into a van and are on the way to the front lines in Bekhmut where there are raging battles with many injuries of Ukrainians and Russians.

We have delivered critical orthopedic equipment to a trauma surgeon here. He is a pediatric trauma surgeon with experience in complex ortho surgeries.

He continues as chief of the Childrens Regional Hospital and volunteers at the military hospital.

90% of the people treated are civilian military."

They are mostly treating limb injuries because chest and head injuries do not usually survive. The ortho equipment is limb saving and allows for complex treatment of soft tissue and burns. Today we will be going to the hospital.

We have been told there is an American NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) sending prosthetics to Ukraine and it is near this town.

Well find out more about this and try to visit. This service is critical for theses amputees.

This town seems peaceful, we did see a number of military persons walking around and many Ukrainians flags flying.

But here, no battles, people are seemingly going about their normal activities. There have been no air raids since we have been here but a few days before we arrived there were 3.

We have just learned we cannot drink the tap water anywhere in Ukraine.

Have not figured out exactly why.

Editor's note: Later in the day Hellermann sent another update. She includes a photo where she is talking to a doctor and in the front of the photo is a leg that has been operated on:

(This is from) a war injury in Bakhmut about 5 months ago (she says of the leg). It was from artillery shells and was a severe tibia fracture and required complex soft tissue surgery as well as this apparatus, an external fixation, to align the bone.

It is a long and painful healing process.

This is the ortho equipment we bring. It is all donated from orthopedic specialists in USA. This man was young , not more than 30 . And this is why we came! The hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries. Here in Mukachevo 100 - 140 patients arrive each week from various triage units.

They are transported as soon as they are stable.

For more on Hands On Global, go to https://www.facebook.com/handsonglobal/

A tagline at the bottom of Hellermann's email reads: Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now.

Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
In a nearly party-line vote Monday with Republican support and Democratic opposition, Montana lawmakers advanced out of a budget-focused committee a bill that would define sex in state law.

Senate Bill 458 is from Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila. It would define sex based on sex organs and chromosomes. To be defined as a female, a person would have to produce eggs; to be defined as a male, they must produce sperm. The legislation drew intense testimony in its initial committee hearing last month.

It passed out of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee on an 11-8 vote after short debate, with one Republican joining all Democrats against it. Last week lawmakers spared over the estimated financial effect a bill would have on the state. It has already cleared a policy committee and will be debated before the full Senate, where the GOP has a supermajority, before it would advance to the House.

A fiscal note posted online with the bill last week declared "SB 458 has no fiscal impact to the state." However, lawmakers were provided Friday with a copy of a fiscal estimate produced by the state Department of Corrections, which found that the bill would create a conflict between state and federal law over the definition of sex.

That document said the bill could come at a significant cost" to the state.

This conflict could cause the Department of Corrections to face liability in federal court, which will create a significant fiscal impact, the note reads.

In documents provided to lawmakers by the governor's Office of Budget and Program Planning after last week's hearing, nearly all other state agencies said the bill would have no financial effect, except the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. That agency said the bill, if passed, would put the state in conflict with federal anti-discrimination laws.

"As drafted, the bill will create conflicts between state and federal laws that will likely result in legal challenges, which may create a significant fiscal impact," the note reads.

Before the vote Monday, Sen. Ellie Boldman, a Missoula Democrat, said she wished there was more time before the committee's vote to better understand any possible financial effects from the bill.

"This isn't about lawsuits. This is about current funding and the requirements we as a state have to maintain the funding we receive," Boldman said. " ... There will be other bills to make statements about policy on, but this one  this one will cost us a lot."

Sen. Jon Esp, a Big Timber Republican who chairs the committee, said the bill would have a full hearing in the House and he suggested people with concerns testify there.

"We're going on what we heard," Esp said, pointing to the fiscal note indicating the bill would not have a financial effect to the state.

Sen. Pat Flowers, a Belgrade Democrat, said he was frustrated the committee was voting on the bill so soon.

"To allow this to get out of this committee, without taking the time to fully understand those implications, is irresponsible," Flowers said. He told the committee he would ask for a "deep-dive fiscal note," which will provide an analysis for the bill from the Legislative Fiscal Division. The governor's Office of Budget and Program Planning produces fiscal notes for bills.

When asking the committee to delay, which it did not, Flowers said "we are abdicating our fundamental responsibility in this committee to know the fiscal impacts when in fact we don't based on what we've heard so far."

Glimm defended his bill, saying that estimates of financial effects were based on assumptions. He said the bill only defines sex and that it's up to lawmakers to determine where in state code they want to use the term sex or gender. Glimm's bill would amend sections of state code where sex is already used, however. That includes ways that opponents say could harm those who do not fit into the definitions and possibly cut off same-sex marriage in Montana.

The legislation drew intense testimony in its initial committee hearing last month. Those opposed to the bill who testified in an earlier policy hearing said it would legislate transgender Montanans out of existence, as well as place intersex people in legal limbo. Supporters have echoed Glimm in saying the law needs to be clear between sex and gender.

"We as policy makers need to decide where we're going to use sex and where we're going to use gender," Glimm said. " ... All we're doing is setting up a definition. To say that all of this is going to cause all kinds of legal costs is purely speculation in my opinion."
Wayne Hadley retired in 2005 from his regional post as a fisheries biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. But he never stopped caring about the Clark Fork River, Georgetown Lake and other lakes and streams within his expansive territory.

Hadleys field research helped jumpstart Superfund cleanup of the upper Clark Fork River by pinpointing pollution from historic mining and smelting pollution as the source for fish kills in the river.

He tangled sometimes with the Atlantic Richfield Co., deemed responsible for remediation, with his bosses at FWP, the EPA and occasional others. He could be cantankerous and stubborn but won many admirers through the years who recognized his commitment to the resources he managed, his agile intelligence and lively wit.

Hadley died early Saturday at age 82. He had been in hospice care for a few days after cardiologists in Boise concluded there was nothing they could do to improve cardiac function.

After he and his wife, Kathy, retired, they lived part of the year at their home in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County near the Clark Fork River. They wintered in Boise with their older son, Erik, and his wife, Shasta. Survivors also include son Liam and two grandchildren from Erik and Shasta.

Kathy Hadley was the longtime executive director for the Butte-based National Center for Appropriate Technology and has been active for years with the National Wildlife Federation and the Montana Wildlife Federation.

Family and friends plan to gather sometime this summer in Montana to swap Wayne Hadley stories.

There will be no shortage.

A recent book about the Love Canal environmental disaster in Niagara, New York, where Hadleys sister-in-law Lois Gibbs gained notoriety as an activist, described Hadley as having a devastating knack for brutal honesty.

That candor led to memorable encounters  both with people he liked and those he did not. Hadley was fond of observing, You can judge a man by the quality of his enemies.

Recipients of his world-class teasing eventually determined that being a target meant theyd earned Hadleys respect, even affection. He clearly felt a deep and fierce love for family and close friends.

Hadley shared generously the knowledge hed gained during a lifetime of hunting and fishing. Such field-and-stream advice typically included a playful barb or two.

Perhaps his most enduring legacy will be the work he and FWP colleagues completed to provide evidence that fish kills in the upper Clark Fork River resulted from metals pollution from old mining and smelting tailings being washed into the river during thunderstorms.

That work helped spur action by Atlantic Richfield, the EPA and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to begin removing the contaminants from the floodplain. That work continues.

During the 1990s, Hadley sometimes sparred verbally with Sandy Stash of the Atlantic Richfield Co. and Scott Brown of the EPA. Both were quoted in a Fall 2000 article about Hadley in Trout magazine.

Wayne has a mission. Lets put it that way, Stash said. And you cant fault somebody for having a mission. Sure, he can be a problem from our perspective. But I think he does a very good job representing his constituents.

Brown observed, You love him and youre afraid to death of him all at the same time.

Chris Marchion of Anaconda, like Kathy Hadley, is a member of the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Marchion said this week that it was clear to him that Wayne Hadley always cared deeply about the resources he managed.

Hadley grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In the early 1990s, reporter Bill Platt took over the Anaconda Bureau of The Montana Standard. He met Hadley soon after and disclosed that he was from Oklahoma.

Nothing you cant overcome, Hadley said, eyes twinkling.
The aging Coast Guard icebreaker moored itself for the long winter night at the sea ice edge in the Weddell Sea off the eastern coast of the Antarctica Peninsula.

The temperature dropped precipitously as some crew members and scientists turned in. The year was 1988, more than 70 years after explorer Ernest Shackletons wooden ship Endurance became trapped in ice in the Weddell Sea and was ultimately crushed.

Researcher Bill Fraser was aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker as part of a winter expedition into the Weddell Sea, one of the first such missions ever attempted at that time of year.

Truly the most inhospitable place Id ever been, he recalled recently during an interview at his home near Sheridan.

He and others woke the next morning to a memorable seascape.

There was fresh sea ice as far as you could see, Fraser said. And surrounding our ship were tens of thousands of Adelie penguins.

That morning was a turning point for Fraser. His previous research in Antarctica had focused on seabirds such as the southern black-backed gull.

But he realized that the Adelie penguin, a flightless bird, offered a rich research focus because of its dependence on sea ice  which was disappearing in some regions of Antarctica.

By 1988 we already knew that Adelie penguin populations were starting to decrease, Fraser said. But we didnt know why, and no one actually knew then that these birds wintered on the sea ice of Antarctica.

So, with this discovery in the Weddell Sea  that this species did in fact winter on the sea ice  we were able to develop a key research question. Could it be that populations of Adelie penguins were decreasing due to the effects of climate warming on the sea ice, their critical winter habitat?

Penguins remained sort of a background species for a while until about the 1990s, Fraser said. Thats when it became super obvious that Adelie penguins were sensitive to sea ice changes.

They feed from the ice. They retreat to the ice. Its like winter range for elk, he said.

That sensitivity intrigued Fraser and its interaction with a warming climate launched a new research focus.

Thats what got me interested in penguins, Fraser said. That was the switch. I realized there was a big story developing here.

The effects of a changing climate are most obvious at the poles. Scientists say that the polar bear in the arctic and animals like the Adelie penguin in the Antarctic ecosystem are indicator species  sensitive to both past ecological changes and warning us of the effects of what already is and what might be coming.

Fraser approached the National Science Foundation about funding research under its Long Term Ecological Research program. Subsequently, Fraser and other researchers founded the Palmer Antarctica Long Term Ecological Research Program.

Hugh Ducklow was the projects lead investigator, which meant the entire marine ecosystem in Antarctica was within his purview. Bill Fraser was a colleague. The men first met in 1998, Ducklow said.

Nothing speaks more to Bills commitments to his research, penguins and Antarctica than the record of his fieldwork, Ducklow said.

Some of my most meaningful experiences in science were walking around in the field with Bill and hearing him talk about Antarctica, he said.

Fraser, now 72, and other researchers have witnessed dramatic and deeply disturbing trends in Antarctica.

Sea ice has crashed, he said. The Adelie penguin population has declined by about 90 percent within our study area near Palmer Station.

Other ice-dependent creatures, such as the shrimplike krill and Antarctic silverfish, have experienced the dire effects of warming. Adelie penguins have traditionally relied on both for food.

Fraser said he has witnessed dramatic ecosystem shifts over the course of a few decades that typically require centuries to unfold.

Accounts of his work in Antarctica have been featured in National Geographic, The New Yorker and in a book titled Frasers Penguins. Journalist Fen Montaigne authored all three.

Montaigne first met Fraser during the Antarctic winter of 2003-04. During the Antarctic summer of 2005-06, he spent nearly five months as an unpaid member of Frasers research team and journalist at Palmer Station, the U.S. research station on Anvers Island off the Antarctica Peninsula. He reflected this week about his experiences.

What struck me about Bill was how much he loved his work and how much he loved his office, as he used to call the western Antarctic Peninsula, Montaigne said.

The western side of the peninsula is far and away the most beautiful place I have ever seen, with the 6,000 to 7,000-foot mountains that form the backbone of the peninsula plunging into the iceberg-covered seas of the Southern Ocean, he recalled. Penguins, seals, whales and seabirds were everywhere.

Montaigne described Fraser as a methodical, painstaking researcher. The teams work included regular counts of Adelie penguins and chicks and a host of measures taken of the penguins, of snow and more.

But the work never seemed tedious because of the stunning landscape and seascape, and we were constantly zipping around in Zodiacs from island to island, Montaigne said.

When I worked with Bill, he was about 55 and he was in exceptionally good shape, he said. He stayed step-for-step with team members who were 20 to 30 years younger as he climbed over guano-slick rocks and scrambled up snow-covered hillsides.

Bill Fraser and Donna Patterson met in Antarctica during the summer season of 1990-91. At the time, she worked in an administrative role at Palmer Station.

According to the National Science Foundation, Palmer Station is superbly located for biological studies of birds, seals, and other components of the marine ecosystem. It has a large and extensively equipped laboratory and sea water aquaria.

Palmer Station was home base for Bill Fraser over the better part of 45 seasons during which he conducted research in a harsh and life-threatening environment that also displays a raw and enrapturing beauty of ice, stone and sea.

Weve been doing a very dangerous job in a very dangerous place, he said. If you dont keep your eyes on the ball, you can die so quickly you wont even know what hit you.

You dont want to get wet, he said  from precipitation, the ocean or perspiration. The key is layering, he said.

The world record for low temperature was documented as minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Vostok, Antarctica, in 1983.

During Donna Pattersons second season at Palmer Station she had an opportunity to join Frasers field team when another member did not work out. She has worked since the 1991-92 season as part of the Long Term Ecological Research Program.

Bill is amazing at letting anyone on the field team run with their passions, and mine has always been southern giant petrels, she said. Fraser and Patterson discovered they had more in common than just Adelie penguins and married. They have lived for 23 years in a house in the Ruby Valley and raised a son, Christopher Mackenzie Fraser.

Montaigne said the couples choice for a home makes sense to him.

There are few places outside of Antarctica where I can imagine Bill living, but Montana is one of them, given its wildness and beauty and Bills love of the outdoors, he said.

Patterson-Fraser spoke to her husbands commitment to his research, to Antarctica and the Adelie penguin.

He is, she said, like an Adelie penguin.

Tenacious, determined, persistent. Hes never clocked in or out. Its a bone-deep, lifelong passion.

Patterson-Fraser added that her husband held to the hypothesis that the decline of Adelie penguins was tied to shrinking sea ice even when colleagues balked.

To watch him at Palmer, or on a vessel, or standing on an ice floe, is sheer magic, she said.

Fraser often appears lost in thought in those moments, Patterson-Fraser said, but hes not daydreaming or focused on compiling a mundane list of chores. Instead, the ecologist with a long history in Antarctica is studying the landscape and its processes.

Fraser was born in Argentina but grew up mostly in Florida and Virginia. In 1973, he received a bachelors degree in wildlife management from Utah State University. Later, he completed a doctorate in ecology at the University of Minnesota. His mentor there, renowned ornithologist David Parmelee, played a key role in introducing Fraser to research in Antarctica.

His first trip to the southernmost continent was as a graduate student in 1974.

As the sea ice has retreated and the Adelie populations have declined, gentoo and chinstrap penguins have moved in.

Their populations are going through the roof within our study area, Fraser said. Their life histories are not as dependent on sea ice.

Fraser said he believes its best to consider climate change as an interaction of both a normal warming cycle that began at the end of the last ice age and man-caused, or anthropogenic change, caused by increased carbon in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution.

To me, its not either or, he said. Its the outcome of two converging forces that are affecting global ecosystems.

Montaignes Frasers Penguins quotes Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard, who was part of the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910-13.

All the world loves a penguin. I think it is because in many respects they are like ourselves, and in some respects what we would like to be. Had we but half their physical courage no one could stand against us.

Fraser the empiricist, the ecologist, the painstaking researcher, was asked whether his reactions to the startling population decline in the Adelie penguin in the study area engenders an emotional response.

I feel an absolutely tremendous sadness, he said. Ive been studying this bird forever. You begin to appreciate how tough they are, how committed they are to their chicks. These guys are indicators of some very serious changes.
The British government will boost its defense spending by 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) during the next two years in light of the situation in Ukraine, the office of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the investment in defense will be announced in the 2023 Integrated Review Refresh to be available to read on Monday. Of this money, 3 billion pounds ($3.6 billion) will be spent on the defense nuclear enterprise, while the remaining funds will "replenish and bolster our munitions stockpiles to replace items donated to Ukraine," the statement reads.

Sunak will set out an ambition to ramp up his countrys defense spending to 2.5% of GDP in the longer term from a little over 2% now, the UK prime ministers office said. At present, the Ministry of Defense budget amounts to 48.6 billion pounds ($58.4 billion).
In the business of real estate, Beartooth Group may have redefined a liquid asset.

The Bozeman-based investment company buys ranches, fixes up the buildings, restores waterways, irrigation ditches and upland habitat before selling the properties at a profit. Since they are long-term landowners, the company can be patient awaiting a sale.

The Beartooth Group has always been about finding creative financial tools to fund conservation solutions, said Robert Keith, Beartooth Group founder.

That creativity was challenged on a recent property when Keith and his company encountered an unusual situation  a 640-acre ranch located in Sweet Grass County along Otter Creek with questionable access and rundown buildings. Detached from the home parcel were two 50-acre islands in the Yellowstone River, about 30 miles away from the ranch.

Islands in the undammed Yellowstone River are under threat every spring as mountain snows melt. So from a landowner perspective, islands arent a great place to build a rustic retreat.

Islands are, however, valued on free-flowing streams like the Yellowstone to provide vegetation and cottonwood trees creating a home for birds and other wildlife. Islands also gather and shed woody debris like uprooted trees that when washed into the stream create fish habitat.

These large island parcels are recreationally rich, provide great riparian habitat, and, undeveloped, will allow for natural river function, said Mike Ruggles, Region 5 supervisor with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Working in concert with Montana Trout Unlimited and Livingston-based Montana Freshwater Partners, Beartooth Group found the perfect buyer for the water-surrounded land. FWP signed the papers for the deal on Monday, with funding coming from the Natural Resources Damage Program.

NRDP acquired the $140,150 in funds as a portion of its settlement with ExxonMobil Pipeline Co. over the 2011 Silvertip oil spill into the Yellowstone River at Laurel. The rupture dumped an estimated 63,000 gallons  about 1,500 barrels  of oil into the waterway.

Wendy Weaver, executive director of Montana Freshwater Partners, has been involved with the NRDP program from the beginning. One remediation sought under the settlement was to replace large trees that had to be taken out when they were contaminated with oil. So her group began looking for properties to provide that function without having to go in and cut down trees to replace those removed. Providing new public access was also one of the goals for NRDP.

It highlights the benefits of having this type of partnership thats beneficial for the landowner, state and river, she said.

The Natural Resource Damage Program was designed for these islands, said Pat Byorth, of Montana Trout Unlimited and a former fisheries biologist. The snags and woody debris they provide are critical for fish habitat and a healthy flood plain.

As part of the states $12 million settlement with ExxonMobil, other similar purchases include 45 acres downstream of Reed Point and the 288-acre Dover Island northeast of Billings.

This project came to life through partnerships across like-minded conservation groups, Keith said in a statement. Together, we were able to ensure the protection of this critical habitat for wildlife along with new public access. We look forward to replicating this public-private partnership structure on other ecologically and recreationally critical properties in Greater Yellowstone.
The governors of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho have been moving heaven and earth to expedite the removal of Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears and return management to the states.

This devolution of authority would predictably result in efforts to reduce sizes of grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, including through the use of a trophy hunt. At every turn, the governors have pointed to increasing bear numbers and human-bear conflicts as justification for removing protections and implementing punitive management.

In total, we now have perhaps a tad more than 2,000 grizzly bears, about 4% of the total western population during the mid-1800s and roughly twice what we had in the 1970s and 1980s, but distributed among four isolated or semi-isolated populations.

Importantly, even the most optimistic population estimates do not provide reasonable assurance that grizzlies will survive in the Rockies. The emerging scientific consensus is that 2,000-8,000 bears  all in a single inter-breeding population  are needed to guarantee long-term viability. By this standard, our comparatively small and isolated populations are at risk. Management designed to reduce population sizes and perpetuate isolation would only compound this risk, as do the deteriorating environmental conditions were already seeing.

Perhaps even more problematic, the politicians who so ardently promote removing ESA protections neglect history and almost totally disregard the interests and values of most people in this country.

Grizzlies in the contiguous U.S. nearly succumbed to the murderous attitudes of European settlers in a startlingly brief 50-year period between 1870 and 1920. Small populations hung on in ecosystems centered on Yellowstone and Glacier national parks as well as in northern Idaho and far northwestern Montana.

Hard-fought implementation of the Endangered Species Act since the mid-1970s has rescued grizzly bear populations in the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems from their perilous state, although encounters with hunters and poachers, and conflicts with humans over livestock and garbage remain a source of worrisome mortality. Loss of key foods is also a threat.

Tragically, populations in the Selkirk Mountains and Cabinet-Yaak region barely survive due to the loss of secure habitat and the toll taken by poachers. A recovery area centered on north-central Idaho has only a handful of bears.

I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, not too far from where the last grizzlies in the region were killed. Coyotes and white-tailed deer were our largest surviving native mammals. Later during my career as a wildlife researcher, I was able to draw inspiration from the rescue of our surviving critically imperiled grizzly bear populations.

My field studies also allowed me to experience the magic of grizzly bears through numerous close encounters  a magic that millions of visitors to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier national parks have experienced from afar. We are rediscovering what Indigenous people have known for a long time: Grizzlies are a source of powerful medicine.

The management regime being developed by state managers and politicians seems to dismiss this inspiring connection between humans and bears out of hand, in addition to being anything but precautionary.

Now is not the time to remove federal Endangered Species Act protections for grizzlies. Their populations are too small, fragmented and vulnerable to deteriorating environmental conditions. More important, politicians in the northern Rockies promise imprudent and vengeful management.

If anything, we should be redoubling our commitment to restoring and protecting grizzly bears.

The bears, as well as the multitudes of people throughout our country who cherish them, deserve no less.
QUINCY  Timothy W. Bliefnick has been charged in Adams County in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife.

According to Adams County Circuit Court records, Bliefnick, a Decatur native, faces two counts of murder and one count of home invasion.

The charges were filed Monday and media reports say Bliefnick, 39, was taken into custody Monday morning by Quincy police. Court records indicate he was being held without bond, with a first appearance in court set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14.

Rebecca Bliefnick was discovered deceased in her residence in the 2500 block of Kentucky Road on Feb. 23. A family member went to the residence after 41-year-old woman failed to pick up her children from school. She had multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities executed a search warrant on Timothy Bliefnick's home on March 1.
QUINCY  Timothy W. Bliefnick has been charged in Adams County in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife.

At a press conference held at the Quincy Police Department headquarters Monday morning, Chief Adam Yates said department detectives and members of the Emergency Response Team arrested Bliefnick, 39, of Quincy, at 8:24 a.m. Monday on two counts of first degree murder and home invasion in the death of 41-year-old Rebecca Bliefnick, who was found shot to death in her home on Feb. 23.

"Mr. Bliefnick was transported to the Adams County Jail where he is currently lodged," Yates said. "I want to remind everyone that in our criminal justice system, individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty."

Timothy Bliefnick is a Decatur native.

Joshua Jones, lead trial attorney for the Adams County State's Attorney's Office, said prosecutors have filed a motion to hold Bliefnick without bond, an issue that will be taken up by a judge in coming days.

"While this is an important step, and an important stage of the investigation, it's important to remember that it's just that: a first step," Jones said. "At this point, the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges. Our office will continue to work hand-in-hand with the detectives as the investigation continues into this heinous and premeditated act that the defendant is alleged to have committed."

"This brutal crime has had the Quincy community on edge and our residents living in fear," Yates said in his statement. "I hope todays announcement can begin to calm some of those concerns. That said, it is a good reminder to not become complacent. Make sure you lock your doors, turn on exterior lights, be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to the police. These are things we should always do. We must look out for one another and work together to make Quincy as safe as possible."

Jones noted that the community should rest assured that the death of Rebecca Bliefnick was not a random act of violence.

"However, it is equally important to recognize the event for what it is: an act of domestic violence," he said. "Domestic violence takes many forms, and regardless of whether a victim suffers from emotional abuse, physical abuse or what our community is confronting today, every victim of domestic violence must be treated with the urgency, the respect, and the compassion that he or she deserves. Every victim of domestic violence deserves to be seen, to be heard, and to be believed."

Quincy police Detective Sgt. James Brown said the Bliefnicks' three children are currently being watched over by a representative of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, along with a Quincy Police Department detective.

"The concern for (the Bliefnick children) is a concern we've had in the back of our mind as a priority during this whole time," Brown said. "The incident was hot-lined to DCFS. DCFS and one of the QPD detectives are currently with the children. They made contact with the children at St. Peter School this morning shortly after (Bliefnick's) arrest."

"A great deal of work went into getting to this point in the investigation," Yates said. "I want to thank Adams County States Attorney Gary Farha for the support his office has provided. Lead Trial Attorney Josh Jones and Assistant State's Attorney Laura Keck have been working alongside our investigators, which is critical during complex investigations. I want to also thank Adams County Sheriff Tony Grootens and his deputies, as well as the Illinois State Police investigators and forensic scientists, who have provided their support, personnel, resources and expertise over the last 19 days.

"To Ms. Bliefnicks family, nothing we do as a police department will ever bring Rebecca back to you and her three boys," he added. "All we can do is use our tools, talents and every available resource to bring you justice. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you."

Timothy Bliefnick is currently scheduled for an initial court hearing on Tuesday at the Adams County Courthouse.
An unidentified male suspect robbed the Truist bank on Mulberry Street in Lenoir on Monday morning, according to a press release from the Lenoir Police Department. The release asks for community assistance in identifying the suspect.

The suspect is described as a short, white man with green eyes, dressed in all black with a mask concealing his features. He fled on foot.

Police said one suspect entered the bank and passed a note to the teller, demanding an undisclosed amount of money. The note said he had a weapon, but no weapon was seen during the incident, police said.

Detectives are still conducting a criminal investigation and working to identify suspects, the release said.

Anyone with information about the incident or identities of the suspects is asked to call Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300. All information received will be kept confidential, and tips may be provided anonymously. Callers who provide information leading to an arrest in the case may also be eligible for a cash reward.
HB 88, which you probably dont even know about, is about to passed with zero fanfare. You wont even know they changed it, and one day soon you certainly will say to yourself why would they have done that? You dont even know they proposed it, or that they could do this without you having a say.

Prior to 2013, there were only 10 partisan school districts in the state of North Carolina. Today, Cabarrus County is one of the few counties in NC left where the School Board is non-partisan. That means it is designed for you to vote on whoever you think is best for the job and best for our kids and their schools, not blindly on who is best for either political party. You have to think for yourself about who to vote for. Board members are free to do what they think is right without fear of being primaried. It also means that you do not have to affiliate with a party to run for school board. Everyone on planet earth agrees that is the way it should be. By the way, the largest segment of Cabarrus County voters is unaffiliated. So you could consider Unaffiliated to be the majority party in our county, and this bill completely disenfranchises that majority.

To somewhat circumvent this, the political parties in our county have made sure to keep us a sample ballot county. If youve ever gone to vote here, you most likely got jumped as soon as you got out of your car with a perfect stranger handing you a sample ballot and saying copy this if (insert trigger phrase or fear tactic here). And youve certainly had at least one mailed to you as well. Those sample ballots are filled out top to bottom as cheat sheets to copy that give a political identifier to the candidates that run for non-partisan offices that are supposed to be above political games. And it works.

You absolutely cannot win if youre not on one, trust me I tried. They could put Micky Mouse on that thing, and its Senator Micky Mouse to you from now on. But what if your party is divided on who the chosen candidates should be? Due to their own dysfunction they cant control who you chose to vote for then they split their vote and risk losing. And if an unaffiliated candidate is on the ballot as well, then their control over your vote is further diluted. Thats exactly what happened this past November, now suddenly this is a top priority.

HB 88 originally was drafted for Guilford County to fill a vacant Board of Education seat they had. Six more counties were added to the bill in committee, and Cabarrus County was still not one of them. At the last minute Cabarrus County was inexplicably added to the bill. The bill was on the Senate committee agenda last Tuesday and was moved from last to first on the agenda. It passed the Senate before everyone was present to vote and was sent back to the House because Cabarrus County had mysteriously been added to the original bill.

I have never met anyone outside of the political establishment who wants this. But Im not naive enough to think I know everyone and everything. If a majority of Cabarrus County voters want this, then why not put it on the ballot and let the voters decide rather than sneak our county secretly onto another bill in progress?

HB 88 would eliminate school board positions as non-partisan races and further politicize something that has become dangerously too political already. Nothing shifts a politicians loyalty away from the people they represent and towards selling out to political parties like the fear of losing a primary. They lose their ability to think independently and do what they think is right, and still survive. It gives the party the power over an elected official rather than the voter. And it gives the party the power over who we unaffiliated (the majority) are allowed to vote for. And it takes the power of anyone unaffiliated like me from even being able to run.

Many of you have told me you hope I will run again. These games and the people who play them are why I wont. And once this bill secretly passes behind closed doors next week, I would either have to sell out and join one of them and give them control over me, or I would have to collect thousands of signatures just to even be allowed to get on the ballot to run which is virtually impossible. That doesnt feel like freedom and democracy that I went to war for, it reminds me more of what I saw in the places I went to war.

This will be the effective end of anyone on the school board having schools and the children they serve as a priority at all. The school board will not have a chance to be made up of people with integrity and the right priorities. They wont be chosen by regular people like you and me. Theyll be chosen by the machine, and people showing up to vote on the pre-determined candidates will merely be a formality. Politicians with political agendas.

All of you should reach out to our state delegation about this, and if you do heres what they will tell you to defend this self-serving politicization of our children. Theyll say the field is too crowded, voters have a right who to choose who to vote for, or the school board is already politicized. This past election was the least crowded field of school board candidates we have had in a while. Its always crowded. It wasnt a problem before, but the party in power just happened to take an embarrassing loss this year so it suddenly became a priority. To say the board is already politicized is short sighted.

Yes recently it has been, but four years ago you couldnt even name two school board members. This a passing flash in the pan, and one we can all agree has been monumentally unhealthy. But if we do this then we make that poison permanent. We cannot unring this bell, the party in power will never just give some of it back because its the right thing to do. To say voters have a right to choose who to vote for is an insult to the flag I fought for. By definition you already choose who to vote for, unless theres some secret about democracy they dont want you to know? What they mean is they dont trust you to choose the candidates they want you to choose and you need a little more push in the right direction.

If you care, if youve ever said the political games at our expense have to stop, then reach out to our county delegation and tell them. Unfortunately, it probably wont change how they feel or what they do. But at least theyll have to do it knowing that you know what they really did. This isnt Candy Land, if they want to do this they have to wear the stink of it too.

Unaffiliated voters make up roughly 40% of voters in Cabarrus County. This backroom secret bill only benefits one party, and completely disenfranchises the majority of us in this county. But maybe Im wrong and cannot see outside my own bubble. Maybe We the People do want this. If so, then why not put it on the ballot in November and let us vote for it? I think its because we all know how that would turn out.

This isnt about what is good for schools, this isnt about whats best for our kids, and this isnt about whats best for voters. It is about benefiting one party and consolidating their control. It spits in the face of freedom and democracy. Your vote doesnt matter and theyre going to do this anyway, but Im not going to take this lying down and neither should you. I fought for this country, and nobody gets to tell me who and what Im allowed to vote for or if I can run for office.

Brian Floyd

Concord

Contacts for Cabarrus member of General Assembly

Rep. Kevin Crutchfield kevin.crutchfield@ncleg.gov 919-715-2009

Rep. Dr. Kristin Baker kristin.baker@ncleg.gov 919-733-5861

Rep Diamond Staton-Williams diamond.staton-williams@ncleg.gov 919-715-8361

(Rep Staton-Williams opposes HB 88)

Sen. Paul Newton paul.newton@ncleg.gov919-733-7223


include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> After reviewing some 41,000 hours of security-camera videos, Tucker Carlson and his Fox News team this week refuted multiple lies that Democrats have trafficked since January 6, 2021. Here are the five biggest:

 Democrats consider January 6 a "deadly insurrection." They call this Storming of the Bastille 2.0 a bloody attempted overthrow of the U.S. government.

Footage from outside the Capitol shows an initial cadre of violent extremists breaking windows and kicking down doors. "It was awful," Carlson said. "We hate vandalism. We hate assault."

But new video shows hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people who walked calmly between velvet ropes within the Capitol. Many took photos of paintings in the Rotunda. Two of them quietly perused a literature table and walked away with free publications.

Many of these unarmed protesters innocently wandered into the Capitol, after overwhelmed guards threw the doors open. Evidently, they believed that January 6 was an open house on Capitol Hill.

Should these people have been there? No.

Were they armed revolutionaries? No.

 Wearing red, white, and blue face paint and fur-wrapped Viking horns, an Arizona Navy veteran named Jacob Chansley was that day's highest-profile protester. Dubbed the "QAnon Shaman," the Justice Department called Chansley "the most prominent symbol of a violent insurrection." Former federal prosecutor Paul Butler said on MNSBC: "Chansley is a stone-cold thug."

But far from dangerous, security cameras witnessed Chansley on what the New York Post called a "Tour de Farce." Police escorted him through the Capitol. At least nine officers surrounded him. Two tried to open locked doors for him. None arrested him. Indeed, his armed guides ushered him into the Senate Chamber.

Rather than attack them there, Chansley prayed: "Thank you, Heavenly Father, for taking the inspiration needed to these police officers to allow us into the building." (Emphasis added.)

Should Chansley have been there? No.

Was he a "stone-cold thug?" No.

 CBS News blamed some 2,000 January 6 rioters for "causing the deaths of five police officers." MSNBC's Joe Scarborough claimed that "Donald Trump's supporters...killed police officers."

Some rioters, in fact, battled and beat cops. They should be locked up.

There were law-enforcement personnel who perished, but "none of whom died at the scene on Jan. 6," according to FactCheck.org. Four committed suicide -- three days, eight days, and two of them six months later, respectively.

Tragic and horrible? Yes.

Did Trump supporters kill them? No.

CNN's Anderson Cooper said: "Officer Brian Sicknick died after being hit in the head with a fire extinguisher during the fight."

New January 6 video, in fact, shows Sicknick alive, well, and on duty inside the Capitol, after rioters supposedly murdered him outside the building. He wore a helmet, which shielded him from fatal cranial trauma.

"Officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes," an April 19, 2021 Capitol Police statement declared. Washington, D.C.'s coroner determined that two strokes killed Sicknick on January 7, 2021.

A depressing and untimely demise? Yes.

Murder by Trump supporters? No.

 According to the January 6 Committee, "On January 5th, [Trevor] Hallgren took a tour of the Capitol with Representative Barry Loudermilk, during which he took pictures of hallways and staircases."

Lie: George Republican Loudermilk showed the carefully plotting putschists how to succeed.

Truth: Loudermilk took some 15 constituents through the Rayburn House Office Building, across the street from the Capitol. None of Loudermilk's guests was in the Capitol the next day.

 "Later that day, Senator Hawley fled after those protesters he helped to rile up stormed the Capitol," said then-Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D - VA). The January 6 Committee then presented a recording of the Missouri Republican running down a Senate hallway. The audience roared with derisive laughter.

New video shows that Hawley followed Capitol Police advice and was at least the 25th person to sprint past that security camera.

Of course, this unraveled the Democrats' lies. So, they padlocked the truth until House Republicans set it free.
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 Rosie Grant, 33, of Takoma Park, Maryland, stumbled upon a new hobby while finishing an internship at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., a year ago, The Washington Post reported.

Her studies revealed her own interest in cemeteries, and she found social media threads of other taphophiles like her.

On one of those, Grant noticed a list of ingredients engraved on a headstone in Brooklyn, New York, and thought she'd give the spritz cookies a try.

Naomi Odessa Miller-Dawson's recipe didn't include instructions, but even so, Grant said the results were heavenly.

"Cooking these recipes has shown me an alternative side to death," Grant said. "What a cool gift (Miller-Dawson) put on her gravestone."

Grant has found other gravestone recipes -- several in the U.S. and two in Israel, all from women. [Washington Post, 10/24/2022]

 Remember the scene in "The Empire Strikes Back" when Han Solo gets frozen in carbonite?

Catherine Pervan and her daughter, Hanalee, owners of One House Bakery in Benicia, California, have brought Solo back to life -- in bread, The New York Times reported.

The two worked together for more than a month to create the 6-foot-tall "Pan Solo" sculpture from bread dough; now he stands outside their store as part of downtown Benicia's scarecrow contest.

"People are just super interested in it, and you see people smelling it and poking it," said Hanalee. [NYTimes, 10/15/2022]
The new $83.5 million owner of the Plant 64 apartment complex in downtown Winston-Salem said it views its purchase as a long-term investment.

TBR Plant 64 Owner, an affiliate of TriBridge Residential, completed the purchase of the 243-unit property at 545 Power Plant Circle on March 8. It was the most ever paid for an apartment complex in Forsyth County history.

Mark Zhang, TriBridges director of acquisitions, called Plant 64 a generational opportunity to own a best-in-class asset in an incredible neighborhood.

Zhang added that TriBridge viewed the purchase price as affordable because we took advantage of an existing, assumable loan with extremely low cost of interest.

Although it is TriBridges second purchase of a downtown Winston-Salem apartment complex in the past two years, Plant 64 is only the companys fifth apartment complex transaction in North Carolina. In April 2021, TBR/Small Gallery Lofts Owner paid $18.8 million to purchase Gallery Lofts, an 82-unit complex at 181 E. Sixth St. in Innovation Quarter.

At that time, a separate TriBridge affiliate paid $438,500 for two small adjacent lots at 102 E. Seventh St. and 582 N. Chestnut St.

We believe these historic properties only become cooler with time and offer irreplaceable charm and character to our residents, Zhang said. After purchasing Gallery Lofts just a few blocks away, we sought more investments in the growing Innovation Quarter due to the neighborhoods strong employers, great food and beverage options, walkability and historic character.

Out-of-state buyers

Since early 2018, there have been at least 109 apartment or multi-family complex transactions in Forsyth  with some properties sold two or more times  for a combined value of at least $1.2 billion. The purchases have been primarily fueled by out-of-state groups.

Still, no single-property sale has been larger than Plant 64.

This clearly shows that downtown Winston-Salem is a great place for a large investment, and that residential living has a long and bright future in our downtown, said Jason Thiel, president of Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. Plant 64 was much larger than the projects before it, not only in size, but in the number of units. It started the trend of larger projects to follow.

The previous most expensive single-property sale came in December 2019 when the luxury 229-unit West End Station apartment complex near downtown sold for $52.5 million to an affiliate of EBSCO Income Properties of Alabama.

This clearly confirms and validates the strength of the downtown residential market, Mayor Allen Joines said. Such positive returns is one reason we are enjoying robust investment in the downtown area.

Growth spurts

Thiel refers to the downtown apartment unit growth in three phases: 1983 to 2004, 2004 to 2009, and 2010 to the present.

At the turn of the 21st century, downtown Winston-Salem was not recognized as a residential center, Thiel explained. It had two historic housing neighborhoods: Holly Avenue and West End. This window (from 1953 to 2005) of stark decline in housing investment in downtown Winston-Salem by private investors is hard to imagine after the past 20 years when there have been 34 projects yielding a combined total of 2,527 units.

Between 1983 and 2004, there were 10 downtown projects featuring a residential component, the largest being 86 units with the Tanners Park development in 1996.

The first 100-plus unit development came in 2005 with the historic rehabilitation of the Nissen Building into 145 units.

It took until 2014 for another 100-plus unit development with the 243-unit Plant 64 off Fifth Street across from Wake Forest BioTech Place.

Since 2014, 10 of the 14 apartment complexes that have been completed, under construction or proposed contain at least 105 units.

Thiel said the housing boom comes during a time when downtown is gaining more retail, restaurant and services options.
Truist Financial Corp. chairman and chief executive William Rogers Jr. received a 27.3% jump in fiscal 2022 total compensation to $13.24 million, the bank reported Monday in a regulatory filing.

It was Rogers first full year as chief executive, taking over for Kelly King in September 2021, as well as succeeding King as chairman in March 2022.

Rogers served as chairman and chief executive of SunTrust Banks Inc. before BB&T Corp.s $33.4 billion megadeal for SunTrust.

Truists community/retail banking hub is in Winston-Salem. It is the seventh-largest U.S. commercial bank at $552.96 billion.

The bank reported Rogerss base salary rose 5.9% to $1.2 million, along with a 21.5% increase in incentive pay to $5.19 million.

Rogers received stock awards worth $6.39 million on the date they were awarded in 2022.

In February 2017, BB&Ts board of directors disclosed a significant shift in executive compensation, eliminating stock options and putting more emphasis on tying the number of shares granted to company performance.

All other compensation totaled $446,569, which included: $310,264 in a company match of nonqualified deferred compensation; and $18,300 in a company-match 401(k) contribution.

Rogers also received $118,005 in perquisites that featured: maintenance of a residential security system and limited use of corporate aircraft valued at $108,567, and a driver for personal travel.

The bank reported the CEO pay ratio was $153-to-$1 for Rogers compared with the median employee compensation of $86,728.

For fiscal 2022, net income was $5.93 billion, down 1.8% from fiscal 2021.

Clarke Starnes III, chief risk officer and co-vice chairman, was paid $745,909 in base salary, up 4.6%. Incentive pay was $2.13 million, down 18.7%. Total compensation was $7.91 million.

Hugh Cummings III, co-vice chairman, gained a 2.6% increase in base salary to $800,000, along with a 23.2% jump in incentive pay to $2.89 million, and total compensation of $11.7 million, down 39.8%.

Daryl Bible, who retired as chief financial officer in May, received $803,333 in base salary, $1.93 million in incentive pay and $7.78 million in total compensation.

Donta Wilson, chief retail and small business banking officer, was listed for the first time. He was paid $656,250 in base salary, $1.44 million in incentive pay and total compensation of $5.33 million.

Michael Maguire, who took over as chief financial officer in September, also was listed for the first time. He was paid $576,705 in salary, $1.23 million in incentive pay and total compensation of $2.89 million.

Truists annual shareholder meeting will be held at 11 a.m. April 25 in the banks Charlotte Innovation and Technology Center.

There is one shareholder proposal on the agenda, which would require an independent chairman of the bank rather than allowing Rogers to serve as chairman and chief executive.

Truist recommends against the proposal.

A similar shareholder proposal was made at the 2020 and 2022 meetings.

During the 2022 meeting, 67% of the 1.02 billion shares represented were voted in favor of allowing one person to serve in both roles.

By comparison, during the 2020 meeting almost 45% of the 1,047 billion shares represented were cast in favor of ending the practice.

Truist Securities changes

Truist disclosed in a news release that John Gregg will retire as chairman and chief executive officer of Truist Securities, Truists full-service corporate and investment bank, on March 31.

Tom Hackett will be promoted to those duties. He currently serves as president and chief operating officer of Truist Securities, positions hes held since 2000.

Toms purpose-driven leadership and depth of experience make him well-suited to lead our firm as we continue to leverage our range of capabilities and expertise to position our clients for success, Truist vice chairman Beau Cummins said. I also want to thank John for his leadership in growing Truist Securities and creating a culture that is centered around serving our clients and helping them achieve outstanding results.

As president and chief operating officer, Hackett has been responsible for the Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, M&A, Capital Markets and Asset Finance organizations.
Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan has been selected as a country partner of the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) "Fundamentals of Hotel Sustainability" program.

The decision was announced at a press conference in Berlin, which brought together Chief Executive Officer of Azerbaijani Tourism Board (ATB) Florian Sengstschmid; President of World Travel and Tourism Council Julia Simpson; Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Glenn Mandziuk and Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications for Radisson Hotel Group Inge Huijbrechts, Azernews reports.

At a press conference, it was noted that the main goal of the program is to achieve the implementation of a number of globally accepted criteria in hotels in order to promote sustainable tourism.

The program consists of 12 criteria grouped into 3 areas: Efficiency (reducing energy and water waste, minimizing carbon emissions, etc.), Planet (reusing consumables in hotels, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, etc.), and People (benefiting the community and reducing inequality).

Speaking at the press conference, Florian Sengstschmid noted that Fundamentals of Hotel Sustainability serves as an important complement to Azerbaijan's sustainable tourism development strategy.

The Azerbaijani Hotel Association is entrusted to carry out the program in Azerbaijan.

The participants in the press conference were also informed about the Slow Food travel program, restoration works carried out in Basgal, and the role of these projects in improving the welfare of local communities, protecting fauna and flora, and supporting small businesses.

Azerbaijan's tourism potential was also showcased at the international tourism fair ITB Berlin.

For over 50 years, ITB has been showcasing the travel sector, hosting network events and trade fairs.

Nearly 15 partners, including the Azerbaijan Hotel Association, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), Absheron Hotel Group, InterContinental Baku, and a number of leading travel agencies, took part in the fair to promote the country's tourism potential.

Speaking at the event, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid, told Euronews that a lot of new projects and experiences have been developed over the past years: new hotel openings, so the industry is very active and vivid.

On the first day of the fair, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Agayev visited the country's stand.

On the same day, an event was held at the Azerbaijani national stand to present the World Travel and Tourism Organization's program "Fundamentals of hotel sustainability".

It was noted that Azerbaijan makes confident steps to develop the country's hotel industry.

Around 150 hotels have already applied to the National Star Classification, which has been successfully implemented for two years.

At the same time, the classification of about 100 hotels was completed by the end of the last year. Some 44 hotels were awarded 3,4, and 5 stars.

The increase in the number of hotels with a star certificate is expected to stimulate the growth of the hotel industry in Azerbaijan.

Major activities have also been carried out in liberated territories to revive tourism.

In the near future, Karabakh is expected to be a major tourism destination. Currently, both luxury and mid-level hotels are being built in Shusha and Agdam.
A Boonville company called Carolinabis has been getting attention with its latest product, flavored waters made with chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that are derived from hemp.

Hemp is the same species, cannabis sativa, that produces marijuana.

But the difference in hemp  and what makes it legal in North Carolina  is that it has much less of the cannabinoid called Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, that gets people high.

The 2018 federal Farm Bill removed hemp from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act  with the major stipulation that the potency in any hemp product is no more than 0.3% concentration by dry weight. North Carolina, like other states, has since passed its own hemp laws that mirror the federal law.

What were talking about is the cannabis plant, but it comes in two forms from a legal perspective, said Rod Kight, an attorney in Asheville who specializes in hemp and cannabis law. Hemp is cannabis with no more than 0.3% Delta-9. Any more than that, and its classified as marijuana and illegal.

Carolinabis sells online and to local bars and restaurants. It makes two kinds of flavored waters. Still waters are sold in 16-ounce bottles in four flavors: grapefruit, key lime, blackberry and apple cider. They are calorie- and sugar-free, but they do contain small, legal amounts of HHC, another type of cannabinoid.

Carolinabis also sells a carbonated, or sparkling, version of the waters in the same flavors but made a bit differently, containing Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

And, yes, both the still and sparkling waters do deliver a buzz  but a mild one.

Owners Karen and Shawn King formerly ran a microgreens business in Boonville from 2015 to 2017. When federal legislation in 2018 allowed people to grow hemp, the Kings made the switch.

The Kings believe in the potential medicinal properties of hemp-derived products. They also produce flowered buds, muscle gels, oils, brownies and gummies. Some of these contain the CBD cannabinoids, which have become popular in recent years.

CBD products have become so popular that whole stores devoted to them have cropped up everywhere, including Salem Organic Supply, Apotheca and Camel City Hemp in Winston-Salem. Like Carolinabis, some of these shops sell products with HHC or THC as well as CBD.

CBD gives you the body relaxation, Karen King said, but thats all. With HHC or THC, you are going to get high, she said.

But the Kings say that the doses in the products are small for practical as well as legal reasons. Bigger doses arent a good experience, Shawn King said. Its like getting drunk. Most people dont want that.

Carolinabis grows its own hemp from specially bred seeds, and the hemp undergoes testing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine its concentration of cannabinoids and make sure it is under the legal limit.

Carolinabis has grown hemp both outdoors and indoors but currently is producing it all indoors hydroponically so that it can grow year-round without use of pesticides.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for the treatment of any disease or condition, it says on its website. FDA has, however, approved one cannabis-derived and three cannabis-related drug products. These approved products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

In other words, companies such as Carolinabis cannot make health claims on its package labels. But the Kings do share anecdotes and testimonials about how the products have helped people.

In an interview, Karen King mentioned a cousin going through chemotherapy. He said it helps him with the chemo. Now, he can sleep at night.

Shawn King said he has personally seen benefits, both from panic attacks, pain and more. For the last couple of years, he said, he has been living with stage four cancer. In the last 18 months, he has had two surgeries for the cancer, which started in his colon and moved to his liver, but his latest CT scan came back clean.

Cancer makes you nauseous, and I had lost 20 pounds, he said. I got my appetite back and the pain was suppressed while taking these hemp products.

I also was diagnosed bipolar/manic in my 20s, and I would have panic attacks, he said. This has really worked for me, so its a personal passion.

Though the Kings are very interested in the medicinal properties of hemp, the introduction of their beverages into bars may accentuate the recreational aspects of hemp products. But local business owners seem to see these products as a good alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Juggheads Growlers and Pints on Country Club Road was one of the first businesses in Winston-Salem to offer Carolinabis Wild Waters on tap, right alongside all its beers.

We started carrying them four or five months ago, said owner Ben Pritchard. Almost as soon as they dropped off the first keg, we had to call them back and reorder. Ive been shocked how much customers like it.

Pritchard said he now goes through four to six kegs a week  with about 55 servings in each keg. He said he normally likes to rotate his taps, but customers wont let him take Wild Waters off the menu. That and Gingers Revenge Lime Agave are the only two things we have all the time, Pritchard said.

He said he makes a point of not serving more than two Wild Waters to any one customer. But it doesnt inebriate you. It just kind of mellows you out.

He does let customers fill growlers to take home. I have customers getting two 64-ounce growlers a week. One guy was getting a growler and taking it to his father in the hospital  he said it helped him with the pain.

Michael Millan, the chef/owner of Mojito Latin Soul Food on North Trade Street, said he is using Wild Waters in a mocktail version of his popular mojito, which he dubbed moweeto.

He uses the lime-flavored sparkling Wild Waters instead of Bacardi rum and soda, and then adds muddled lime and mint, plus house-made syrup.

Its really tasty, Millan said. I find a lot of people like myself who dont drink alcohol gravitate toward it. To me, alcohol is poison. I havent had a drink in 10 years. So, its nice to have that ability to hang out with other people and not drink.

Wild Waters is joining a host of nonalcoholic products that are becoming standard for mocktails for the growing number of people who like to socialize in bars but dont want to drink alcohol.

Its really innovative. Its really interesting what theyre doing, Millan said of Carolinabis. Its such a great product because it doesnt blow your head off. Its a gradual, easy buzz feeling.

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Authorities say a 34-year-old Davidson County man picked up a 13-year-old girl in Texas after persuading her to leave her home over the weekend, then kept her locked in an outbuilding at his home in Southmont until she was found by law enforcement officers.

Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons in a Monday news conference announced the arrest of Jorge Ivan Santos Camacho on multiple charges including abduction, statutory rape and human trafficking, and said the crimes show the importance of talking to young people about the dangers of social media.

I thank God we were able to find this young girl, Simmons said.

Simmons said his office was contacted about 6 p.m. Friday by special agents from a Texas FBI violent crime task force in regards to a missing 13-year-old girl from the Dallas area. The girl had communicated on a social media chat platform with an adult male, who enticed her to leave her home.

A camera was able to capture an image of a vehicle authorities said Camacho was driving when he picked up the girl in Texas, authorities said. Simmons said his investigating deputies quickly went to work Friday evening, and had Camachos home under surveillance within 10 minutes of getting the tip from Dallas authorities.

Simmons said deputies were able to make a traffic stop that led them to the location of the missing girl and to the arrest of Camacho.

An emergency response team of Davidson County deputies mobilized and went to the Southmont home, where they found the girl locked in a building and conducted a search of the home. After being taken for treatment locally, the girl was returned to Texas, Simmons said.

Comacho was being held in the Davidson County Jail with bond set at $1.2 million. He is charged with felony child abduction, felonious restraint of a child, human trafficking, two counts of statutory rape of a juvenile under 15 years old, two counts of statutory sex offense against a juvenile under 15 years old and taking indecent liberties with a child.

The Texas girl was being held at a home in the 10400 block of Linwood-Southmont Road, authorities said. Authorities were able to book Camacho shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday.

Things went very well for us on Friday, on a quick response, Simmons said. The Greensboro office of the FBI assisted on the case, Simmons said.

Simmons said the case was almost a reverse of one in 2021 where a 14-year-old from Davidson County was rescued in Arkansas. That case took a deadly turn when the suspect engaged in a shootout with Arkansas authorities and died from what was described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No guns were fired in the arrest of Comacho, but Simmons said hes asking for more deputies to help deal with a rising number of crimes traceable to young people taking dangerous risks on social media.

Parents have to wise up and see the danger to these kids, Simmons said, adding that if the problem isnt handled at home or in the schools, it comes to us.

This is a major problem, and how kids are sold into human trafficking, the sheriff said.
Dave Richard, the recently retired head of the states Medicaid program, has been hired by the consulting subsidiary of the McGuireWoods law firm.

Richard is serving as a vice president for state government relations.

His consulting focus, as expected, is on health care issues related to state and federal government, payors and providers.

Richard retired on Feb. 28 as deputy health secretary.

He stepped down after a 41-year career in public health, also serving as executive director of The Arc of N.C. and the states top official for behavioral health services for two years before become deputy secretary

The law firm cited Richards more than 40 years leading non-profit and government health care organizations, including the last eight years in charge of the states $21 billion Medicaid program.

Richard served in the top Medicaid leadership role in both the McCrory and Cooper administrations, being a stabilizing presence as the state transitioned through four health secretaries.

During his time, the state Medicaid program grew from 1.9 million to 2.9 million beneficiaries and from a $14 billion to $21 billion program.

Few have done more to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.

Dave made it his focus to improve our mental health system, increase community-based supports for those with disabilities, and partner with providers.

In Medicaid, he bolstered the financial stability of the program and worked closely with the General Assembly to shape the vision for managed care.

Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, and the chief House health-care reform proponent, worked closely with Richard on pivotal Medicaid transformation reform legislation.

Dave has been a dedicated advocate for many Medicaid issues, including expanding care to citizens who need care, Lambeth said. He has worked tirelessly with both parties and has been consistent in his advocacy. He is one of the longest serving state Medicaid directors in the nation, so his experience and history with this program will be missed.

I have found him to be fair in his relationships with legislators, as well as a variety of advocacy groups in North Carolina.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said Richard has done good work managing a vital and challenging health insurance program that does so much good for North Carolinians.
BEATRICE  Chris Weber opened BlueMore Roasters  the name, a nod to Blue Springs and Wymore, where he grew up  in an effort to bring something new and different to the area.

After he graduated from high school and spent a few years in college he decided he wanted more.

I just wanted to see what else what else was out there, he said.

He worked in retail in Omaha for a while and was then transferred to New Mexico. Weber said he moved around for the last 15-20 years.

I wasnt around for my nephews when they were younger. I wanted to be around family.

He returned to Wymore in late 2018 from Portland, Oregon, where he had worked in a coffee shop. In the Pacific Northwest he learned how different coffee can be from what he grew up knowing.

I found out I really enjoyed all of the different coffees that were available. Seattle has coffee shops on every corner.

Weber said he had an uncle that roasted his own coffee for many years, and it was fun trying his new coffees. His uncle had inquired about commercial roasters and considered purchasing a machine, but instead retired and encouraged Weber to start a business.

He researched different types and styles before he bought a San Franciscan Roaster in May 2019 which looks like the front of a locomotive.

I wanted to open a roasting room with a window where people could watch, but I didnt want to invest a lot of money, he said. So, I set it up in my garage and its been great, but Im already running out of space.

COVID changed a five-year plan to going on a 10-year plan, but I still want to bring the experience to this area. Its just something different.

Weber said he owns a property near the old BlueMore Hotel in Blue Springs and anticipates opening a roasting room there eventually.

He said he enjoys providing education on coffee. Coffee beans are grown around the equator and the type of bean changes depending on the different soils and regions. The elevation the bean was grown at changes the flavor.

I love the idea of roasting coffee because its a perfect combination of art and science, he said. The process of roasting the bean with changes in temperature and time will affect the flavor. I work with the beans and the roast level to find its best flavor profile without adding any flavorings to them. I want the bean to speak for itself.

Weber said he can roast up to six pounds of beans which only requires less than 15 minutes of actual roasting time. The preparation and different steps in the process requires more time.

He said he only grinds the beans when the customer wants it but does not grind everything. Grinding breaks down faster than whole beans.

You can have a fresher, better tasting coffee if you grind your beans just before you brew it every day.

Weber said his favorite coffee was a medium roast Guatemala.

He noted that BlueMore Roasters coffee was in a few local stores, but his focus has been on keeping the product fresh. Weber provides free delivery within 60 miles to grow his business.

He said he worked with some cold brews and offers that at local Farmers Markets.

Im trying to make connections at different locations, He said. I just wanted to offer a business in my hometown. I see all of these small towns withering away and that cant happen. We need smaller communities and they need to not go into the night.
A Lincoln man is in jail after he aimed a laser pointer toward the Nebraska State Patrol's helicopter as it flew over Lincoln on Friday, according to authorities.

The helicopter's pilots reported a "laser strike"  a violation of federal law  while flying west of downtown Lincoln shortly after taking flight from the Lincoln Airport at about 10 p.m. Friday, the Patrol said in a news release.

After reporting additional strikes, the pilots tracked the source of the laser to a man walking on a path near Salt Creek, south of West O Street, the agency said.

Troopers responded to the area and found 42-year-old Lee Cimfel walking along the Salt Creek Levee Trail. He was in possession of a laser pointer, the Patrol said.

Cimfel was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault for pointing the laser toward the helicopter.

Troopers took him to the Lancaster County Jail and reported the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
The state auditor is calling for GPS tracking of state vehicles used by a Nebraska Department of Transportation employee after the employee logged more than 1,355 hours of overtime in two years.

In a letter sent to the department Friday, State Auditor Mike Foley requested immediate action after apparent misuse of a state vehicle by the employee for the second year in a row.

The employee  who wasnt identified by the Auditors Office  recorded more than 737 hours of overtime during the fiscal year that ended in June 2022, and most of those hours represented excessive travel time in the employees department-assigned vehicle, according to an audit for the fiscal year.

For example, on May 12, 2022, the employee recorded 520 miles and 11.25 work hours. The audit noted that even if the employee drove 60 mph the entire time, it would still mean he spent 8.5 hours of the 11.25-hour day traveling.

An audit for the previous fiscal year found the same employee received 626 hours of overtime pay, also mainly for travel in his department-assigned vehicle, Foley said, citing the previous years report.

That report said a vehicle log showed that the employee took 71 trips for a total of 19,759 miles between December 2020 and July 2021, and that 17 fuel purchases were made on days when no trips were recorded in the vehicle log.

The questionable use of state property was enabled, as least in part, by the departments lack of a comprehensive travel report form and an overall vehicle use policy, the Auditors Office concluded at the time.

The Transportation Department responded at the time by acknowledging the benefit of those policies and said it would enhance its oversight.

That promised oversight never happened, Foley said, and a second annual audit mentioned the specific employees excessive overtime and travel hours.

In its formal response contained in the latest report, which the Auditors Office released last week, the department acknowledged the benefit of reviewing policies and procedures to ensure travel is reasonable and appropriate.

NDOT will review and update travel policies as deemed necessary, the department wrote.

In his letter, Foley also criticized the department for failing to explain any corrective action taken following the previous years report. State law requires such responses within six months.

In addition to constituting a violation to state law, the departments failure to issue that letter contributed, no doubt, to the employees repeated questionable use of a state vehicle, the auditor wrote in his letter.

He called for all vehicles driven by the employee to be fitted with a GPS system to allow for close monitoring.

Foleys letter Friday expanded on findings in the audit report sent from his office to the Transportation Department on Jan. 30. The audit examined the departments financial reports for the fiscal year that ended in June 2022.

It found the department made nearly $15 million in reporting errors for the fiscal year.

According to the report, the largest error was incorrect adjustments that caused the department to overstate accounts receivable owed from local governments for road projects by $10.1 million.

Other errors included $1.95 million from a highway project that was included in capitalized expenses instead of construction in progress, according to the report. That also led to the fiscal years construction in progress expenses being understated by about $506,000.

The Auditors Office recommended the department implement changes to ensure accurate financial information is submitted to the State Accounting Division.

In a response included in the report, the department said it agreed with the identified adjustments and will work to refine our process for capturing information provided to the State Accounting Division for year-end reporting.

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MOUNT PLEASANT  A Racine man who is accused of selling more than 140 grams of cocaine allegedly was found with an additional 79 grams of cocaine at his home.

Abel Santiago Cruz Jr., 24, of the 2300 block of Thor Avenue was charged with three felony counts of manufacture/deliver between 15-40 grams of cocaine, and felony counts of manufacture/deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine, neglecting a child where specified harm did not occur and child was under 6 years of age, possession with intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine, and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

According to a criminal complaint, a confidential informant allegedly purchased 141.5 grams of cocaine from Cruz between Dec. 6 and March 8.

The complaint said that after a controlled buy on Wednesday at Festival Foods at 5740 Washington Ave., agents executed a search warrant at Cruzs residence.

Inside the residence officers reportedly found a shotgun under a bed and the following items in the basement:

An AR style rifle.

Three baggies of cocaine weighing 79.5 grams.

A scale and baggies.

Three .223 magazines with 57 rounds or ammunition.

Two boxes of .38 special ammunition with 85 rounds of ammunition.

5.11 body armor carrier with ceramic level 4 plates.

8.7 grams of marijuana.

A grinder with residue.

Cruz reportedly admitted to living at the residence, but when asked where in the house he lived he stopped answering questions.

Cruz was given a $30,000 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Friday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, online court records show.

Mugshots: Racine County criminal complaints, March 10, 2023 Today's mugshots: March 10 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. Lucero A. Gutierrez Lucero A. Gutierrez, Waukegan, Illinois, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (1st offense, with a minor child in the vehicle), possession of THC. Abel Santiago Cruz Jr. Abel Santiago Cruz Jr., 2300 block of Thor Avenue, Racine, manufacture/deliver cocaine (between 15-40 grams), manufacture/deliver cocaine (greater than 40 grams), neglecting a child (specified harm did not occur and child under 6 years of age), possession with intent to deliver cocaine (greater than 40 grams, use of a dangerous weapon), maintaining a drug trafficking place. Kyle L. Larson Kyle L. Larson, 2400 block of Illinois Street, Racine, possession of a firearm by a felon. Michael D. Canady Michael D. Canady, 1600 block of Flett Avenue, Racine, burglary of a building or dwelling, criminal damage to property (domestic abuse assessments), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessments), misdemeanor bail jumping (domestic abuse assessments). Azaria S. Tanner Azaria S. Tanner, 4000 block of 28th Avenue, Kenosha, disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessments), misdemeanor bail jumping.
UNION GROVE  A squabble involving a little-known government agency in Racine County is threatening to derail a $3 million flood-control effort, as Union Grove contests its obligation to help fund the project.

The dispute means taxpayers in neighboring Yorkville and Raymond could end up paying more for the project aimed at improving the flood-control capacity of the Root River in western Racine County.

How the unusual situation is resolved could set a precedent for similar disagreements in other Wisconsin communities where residential growth compels hefty investments to provide adequate drainage of wastewater and storm water.

Union Grove contends that the little-known government entity planning the Root River endeavor is overstepping its bounds by demanding more than $1 million from Union Grove for dredging and cleaning the nine-mile-long river channel.

Known as the Racine County Board of Drainage Commissioners, the independent agency oversees the maintenance of several waterways that contribute to drainage and flood prevention throughout the county.

Historically, the board has operated away from the spotlight, enjoying goodwill cooperation among neighboring communities that were happy to share in the cost of keeping the Root River moving.

Most previous investments, however, ran in the thousands of dollars  not millions.

With the agency now seeking $3.2 million for a much bigger undertaking, Union Grove is resisting and challenging the authority of the Board of Drainage Commissioners to assess fees on the village.

Officials on both sides of the standoff say the matter could end up in court, and it could have a statewide impact on flood-control districts operating elsewhere under the same state laws.

Meanwhile, the future of the Root River project remains uncertain, and the threat of flooding looms for nearby homes and businesses that depend on government to manage flood risks.

Julie Anderson, director of public works and development services for Racine County, said flood control is a challenge throughout the county. Success depends on cooperation among the public agencies currently fighting one another, she said.

Anderson expressed uncertainty about how to resolve the funding issue that has come between Union Grove and its neighbors.

Theres a disconnect there, she said. Someone needs to step up.

The state agency responsible for refereeing Union Groves fight says no such disagreement in recent memory has reached this level before.

Barton Chapman, the state drainage engineer at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said local communities traditionally have worked out funding questions among themselves within their local or regional drainage districts.

With more and more farmland being developed throughout the state, Chapman said he anticipates getting more requests in the future to mediate disagreements over who should foot the bill for flood control.

This is something that is going to continue to happen, he said. Its an important topic to get a handle on.

The west branch of the Root River extends north and south through western Racine County, flowing north from Union Grove into Yorkville and Raymond. It is part of the larger Root River Watershed, which includes 117 miles of rivers and streams, all ultimately emptying into Lake Michigan in Racine.

Union Grove officials contend that they are not legally required to help fund Root River maintenance because their community lies outside the boundaries of the drainage district operated by the Racine County Board of Drainage Commissioners.

Although Union Grove discharges wastewater into the river and contributes storm water runoff, Union Grove Village President Steve Wicklund said his village is being unfairly pressured to pay for infrastructure improvements in other communities  Yorkville and Raymond.

The demand for $1.16 million for river drainage improvements equals about one-tenth of Union Groves total yearly budget.

Wicklund said it likely would require service cuts locally or higher taxes for property owners if the village has to pay the drainage district. He also questions the constitutionality of any state law that would allow an outside agency to collect taxes from Union Grove residents for a project in another municipality.

We owe it to our village residents to challenge this, he said. Were going to fight like hell.

In appealing the matter to the state drainage engineer in Madison, Union Grove is asking that state regulators throw out the county drainage boards assessment. A decision from the state is due by July.

Either party then could take the dispute to Racine County Circuit Court with a civil lawsuit.

Alan Jasperson, chairman of the county drainage district board, said not only is an appeal to the state drainage engineer rare, it is unusual for his organization even to have to impose an assessment on a community like Union Grove.

Usually, municipalities voluntarily contribute whatever is requested for flood-control maintenance in their parts of the county.

Flooding along the west branch of the Root River would threaten residents in Union Grove just as much as it would residents in Yorkville and Raymond, Jasperson said.

Its pretty obvious Union Grove has a need for this system to work, he said. Bad things happen if you dont manage the system.

The Yorkville-Raymond drainage district is one of five such geographic districts operated by the county drainage board. The five-member board, appointed by the circuit court, operates independent of the rest of county government, under state laws dating back to the early 1900s.

Each of the five districts is funded by local municipalities, some of which have created their own storm water management districts and collected taxes to fund flood-control efforts. The county also contributes funding to the districts.

Jasperson contends that although his boards taxing authority applies most directly to Yorkville and Raymond, state law also allows the board to charge fees to Union Grove because of Union Groves wastewater and storm water flowing into the Root River.

Jasperson said he is confident that Union Grove is on the wrong side of the argument.

If theyre going to fight us, were going to go to court, he said.

Wicklund is equally adamant that Union Grove must stop unfair taxation for its residents and for other communities that might face the same situation in the future.

We have a really good chance of winning this, he said. Its a really big deal.

The dispute began about a year and a half ago when the country drainage board told Yorkville, Raymond and Union Grove that the west branch of the Root River needed a major maintenance project.

Dredging, brush removal and other cleanup would enable the river channel to handle drainage needs for perhaps another 50 years.

The last time the river got such a significant upgrade was in the early 1980s.

Estimating the cost at $3.2 million, the drainage board proposed that Yorkville and Union Grove each pay $1.16 million and that Raymond pay about $800,000.

Wicklund said he and other village officials were stunned to receive such a large request.

Union Grove had been contributing $10,000 to $20,000 a year to the drainage district for smaller operational needs and routine maintenance work.

Wicklund described the previous allocations as make-them-go-away donations, referring to his contention that the district has no real authority to demand money from Union Grove.

He said the $1.16 million assessment is kind of an outrageous number.

Yorkville and Raymond officials declined to comment.

Wicklund speculated that the other two municipalities are not happy about the situation, because if Union Grove does not have to pay, both of them could be forced to pay more.

Yorkville village records show that members of the Yorkville Storm Water Commission discussed the issue in September. The records show that both Yorkville and Raymond had taken the position that if Union Grove was not paying its share to the drainage district, both of them would withhold payment, too, until the infighting is resolved.

Yorkville commissioners said Union Grove was being very uncooperative, and that funding the Root River maintenance project was imperative.

We will wait to see what happens, the commissioners recorded in their minutes.

Before Union Grove filed its appeal with state regulators March 6, the village and the drainage district had for months engaged in a back-and-forth debate about the Root River project and the funding request.

Village officials insisted on seeing a detailed breakdown of past flood-control work to illustrate how the villages portion of each expenditure was calculated.

Costs had historically been divided as 40% Union Grove, 40% Yorkville and 20% Raymond.

The village remains interested in negotiating a voluntary cost-sharing agreement, Union Grove village attorney Lawrie Kobza wrote. It is unreasonable for the district to expect the village to negotiate a voluntary cost-sharing agreement in an information vacuum.

But even after the drainage district presented 20 pages of records about past expenditures, the dispute continued.

Drainage board attorney Jane Landretti cited new residential developments in Union Grove  projects called Canopy Hills and Dunham Grove  and argued that largely urbanized Union Grove owed money for its increasing flow of wastewater and storm water into the Root River system.

Runoff and other discharges from Union Grove drain into the Yorkville-Raymond drainage district at a growing rate, Landretti wrote. These costs have increased with the growth of Union Grove, and will continue to increase with additional growth.

Photos: Union Grove library treats kids to a preschool story time and craft activity Sara Grabarec youth services librarian at Graham Public Library in Union Grove Nanny Gaby Perron with Landon and Kinsley Berghuis at library story time Lazarus Miller and brother Ezekiel Miller together at Union Grove library story time Latisha Zeyen and her son, Isaac, 3, at Union Grove library story time and craft activity Lazarus Miller sits front and center during story time at Union Grove library Toddler Kinsley Berghuis snuggles with her nanny during Union Grove library story time Tyler Miller with his son, Ezekiel, 4, at Union Grove library story time Isaac Zeyen, 3, works on a paper truck during craft activity at Union Grove library
Union Properties, a leading Dubai developer, has returned to profitability in 2022 with a net profit of AED30 million ($8.1 million) compared to a net loss of AED966.8 million ($263 million) the previous year, while its revenue surged by 5% thanks to its turnaround strategy.

Announcing its consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022, Union Properties said it revenue from contracts with customers increased by 5% year-on-year to hit AED419.2 million in 2022 as the groups subsidiaries continued to deliver significant performance improvements supported by strong positive momentum in the UAEs real estate sector.

Union Properties made substantial progress with its efficiency strategy including merging three of its existing business units - Edacom Owners Management Association, Uptown Mirdif Mall, and Al Etihad Cold Store - into one single entity, Edacom Asset Management.

This unlocked significant synergies across the business and improved resource and asset utilization. As a result, administrative and general expenses declined 39% year-on-year to AED80.5 million in 2022.

Operating profit for the year increased significantly to AED10.2 million compared to a loss of AED34.1 million in the previous year.

Commenting on the results, Managing Director Amer Khansaheb said: "2022 was a milestone year for Union Properties as its new management team successfully implemented their turnaround strategy and restored the company to profitability. We completed our debt restructuring process and are in a strong position to leverage our deep expertise, reputation, and highly sought-after land bank locations to drive growth and capture opportunities in the UAE flourishing real estate market."

"Union Properties is now on a solid foundation to deliver long term and sustainable value for its shareholders and is evaluating a number of potential development opportunities," he noted.

During the year, Union Properties successfully completed AED595 million debt restructuring, marking a major milestone by resolving legacy liabilities with the majority of its lenders.

The restructuring supports improved profitability and cash flow generation by effectively reducing the companys financing costs. Additionally, it strengthens Union Properties balance sheet and enables it to raise additional financing for future real estate developments.-TradeArabia News Service
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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1. Yes. Having a community member interview panel is an excellent opportunity for input.

2. Yes. Its good that the city will allow residents to meet the finalist at a reception.

3. No. The city should have conducted a public survey early in the process, as KISD is doing.

4. No. Residents should be able to meet candidates before a lone finalist is chosen.

5. Unsure. Its hard to know how to gauge the proper level of public involvement.

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KEARNEY  As the COVID-19 pandemic fades, something new worries teachers, guidance counselors and parents: teenagers' attachment to their smartphones.

People talk about how kids have it so easy now, but I think its way more difficult to be a kid now, Josh Pierce, a guidance counselor at Kearney Catholic High School, said.

When I was a teenager, I made mistakes and said things that maybe I shouldnt have said, but I didnt have a phone in my face all the time. I wasnt on camera constantly, he said.

I didnt feel the pressure of putting something about myself out there  often something that wasnt completely true  just to make myself more appealing, he added. Now, you take away a kids cell phone, and he doesnt know how to exist.

Kearney High School guidance counselor Tanya Holoubeck saw student cell phone use skyrocket four or five years ago with the instant messaging app Snapchat.

Smartphones cannot be used in high school study halls, but some kids dont want to give them up. Cell phones are like their life, she said. About 90% of the students do what theyre supposed to do, but some kids start crying when told to put them away. Life is falling apart over their cell phone.

400 times a day

Pierce said research has shown that between 2018-19, people of all ages picked up their phones 100 times a day. By April of 2022, that figure quadrupled to 400 times a day.

I know Im guilty of some of those numbers, but I dont pick my phone up 400 times 365 days a year, he said.

When Pierce was in middle school in the 90s, he sold magazine subscriptions in a school fundraising drive so he could get a headset phone that would allow him to talk to his friends while he played catch.

But that phone was plugged into the wall, he said. Now that phones are so mobile, kids take em anywhere and everywhere.

Most teens see social media as a positive thing.

He said eight out of 10 students feel more connected to friends due to social media, and seven out of 10 describe their online friends as their support group who help them through tough times.

During COVID, during that stretch of time when we were all home, our phones were our connection to the world. Kids asked themselves, How am I portraying my life? Are people interested in me? Pierce said.

For many kids today, their core teenage memories with friends are not their first date or their first car, but sharing on their phones, he said.

As teens get likes and follows after posting online, their endorphins rise. They say, This is a great feeling, Pierce said.

But not always. A few years ago, a student told Pierce that if he doesnt get 120 likes within two hours after posting something, it ruins his day. I cant imagine its gotten better, Pierce said. I worry because social media has the ability to make them feel alone and isolated.

School rules

At Kearney Catholic, students cannot use phones in class. Those who do are sent to the office. Frequent violators must turn their phones into the office at the start of the day.

Kearney Public Schools students cannot use cell phones in class, either, although Holoubeck said a few teens try to tuck phones into their waistbands and hide them under bulky sweatshirts

You have to have boundaries. We teach boundaries, but we need to be supported at home. Its like anything else. Some parents have influence over their teens, and some dont, she said.

At the KPS Hanny Arram Center for Success, a nontraditional school and therapeutic center for students in grades 6-12 that opened last fall, students must check their phones when they arrive each morning. They are not permitted to have them during the day.

Holoubeck believes students, like all humans, need live, in-person connections with other people. She worries about students who lack social skills and instead rely on indirect human contact through cell phones.

The advent of Snapchat made things hard. I saw this before the pandemic. But this trend has been coming for a while. I shouldnt be surprised," she said.

COVID-19 influence

Both counselors said cell phone dependence was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns in the spring of 2020. During those shutdowns, cell phones allowed isolated students to connect to each other and the world outside.

When schools reopened that fall, attendance was spotty due to recurring COVID-19, mandatory quarantine rules for those exposed to the virus and the lack of a vaccine. Technology allowed teachers to put lessons on Zoom because 10 students were commonly absent in a class of 25. Principals spent entire days just keeping track of attendance, Holoubek said.

But the following fall, when the 2021-22 school year began, I started seeing kids fearful of being in school. It was apparent that some kids had developed social anxiety. It was hard to come back to school, Holoubeck said.

Parents requests for home schooling soared (the highest Id ever seen), but KPS denied those requests. It believed that being in school is the best way to provide a well-rounded education, Holoubek said. Although not required to, she assisted some families in finding home-school options.

Many parents wanted to send their teens to the Arram Center, but it was built for a maximum of 100 students in grades 6-12 and is aimed to serve a small percentage of students with distinct needs for whom other interventions have not been effective.

The Arram Center is working well, but we dont have room there for all the kids with social anxiety who cant function at Kearney High," she said.

People need people

Before coming to Kearney Catholic last September, Pierce worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearneys Kearney Bound Scholars program, which prepares first-generation and income-eligible students from four area high schools for a college education.

Now, at Kearney Catholic, students drop into his office during the day to take a break or to talk to a listening adult. He often uses a tool that he could not use at the university: prayer. Pierce often prays with students who are struggling.

He said KCHS students know that prayer can offer a different kind of relief. A peace comes with prayer, along with a confidence that if you put your trust in faith, its something more than social media, he said.

But people need people, too, he said. We are social creatures. We were not designed to connect only on phones. We humans want to look each other in the eye, shake hands or hug someone, or laugh with someone. We need that. Phones dont fulfill the same need.
Only one of Nebraska's 93 counties is named for a woman -- and its initial county seat carried her name, too.

Merrick County was created by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature in 1858, named in honor of Elvira Merrick De Puy. Her husband, state Rep. Henry De Puy of Dodge County, future agent to the Pawnee Tribe at the Genoa Indian Agency, bestowed his wife's name upon both the county name (Merrick) and its initial seat of government (Elvira).

Though approved as county seat by the Legislature, the town of Elvira scarcely existed -- if at all. By all accounts, this ghost (town) never materialized.

In his 1882 "History of the State of Nebraska," A.T. Andreas mused that nobody knew where the county seat had even been designated. That is, except for a Judge Martin, who cheekily noted: "Elvira was beautifully located upon a paper in the office of Dr. Henry, of Omaha, and supposed, by the fortunate possessor of corner lots, to be about two miles southwest of the present town of Clark's, on the old military road."

Meaning Elvira existed only on paper and not in reality. However, Andreas admits that directing people to a town that was yet to be built, in an area not yet surveyed, would have been nearly impossible.

When the county's government was formally organized in 1864, Merrick County's first residents instead met in Lone Tree, which would later take the name Central City. It holds the courthouse to this day; whatever, if anything, existed of Elvira disappeared.

Merrick County's jagged, pointed triangle appeared on a headstone for Elvira Merrick recently installed at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. There, she'd been buried in an unmarked grave until the Merrick County Historical Museum and Merrick Foundation raised money to buy and transport the marker that so honors the only woman for whom a Nebraska county will forever remember.
Our Question of the Week is, Pray tell, what is outdated about obedience, respect, proper manners and humility?

Said QOTW is prompted by numerous grandparents who have informed me that they are not qualified, apparently, to care for their grandchildren because they are not hip to the most up-to-date parenting methods. They reprimand their grandchildren when they misbehave, for example. Or, even more egregious, said grandparents absolutely refuse to negotiate in the face of tantrums.

One particularly abusive grandmother, when her 5-year-old granddaughter bit another child during a play date, confined the little vampire to her room for several hours.

Did you talk to her about other ways of expressing anger? the hip parents asked when they arrived home.

Her answer being No, I did not, Grandma is no longer allowed to have unsupervised visits, lest she further damage the childs psyche.

The 5-year-olds therapist (aka enabler-for-hire) recommended the suspension, by the way, claiming that continuing contact with Grandma might result in setbacks.

Apparently, the grandmothers presence at the play date caused the child to feel anxious, which she expressed by biting. The child was simply responding to Grandmas palpable negativity. One must never forget that children misbehave not because they are inherently narcissistic but because other people cause them to feel certain things.

Another set of grandparents allowed their grandchildren, ages 7 and 4, to eat genetically modified foods while at their house for an extended weekend. Upon discovering this nutritional catastrophe, the parents made the criminals sign a contract in which they pledged to never feed the grandkids anything but foods from a list prepared by the childrens bodyguards.

You cant make this stuff up.

Sixty years ago, who would have predicted personal computers, smartphones and a ubiquity of parents who all claim to be raising immaculate beings who are incapable of even thinking bad thoughts? The word bad is so judgmental, anyway. People who use it should not be allowed to publicly advocate for a retro-parenting revolution featuring the return of families that are adult-centered, parents who are husband and wife first, mom and dad second, and children who possess respect for adults, proper manners and inquiring minds.

Yes, folks, there was a time not so long ago when humility was the ideal, not a high level of esteem for ones sorry self.

This business of restricting or downright barring grandparents from the lives of their grandchildren  Im assuming the former are morally upright people who simply do not hold with a post-1960s approach to raising children  is symptomatic of the neo-progressive notion that not only are new ideas better than old ones, but the old ones are downright dangerous and must be erased from the record.

Despite child mental health being considerably better when children were second-class citizens, cherished but not given a vote, the new ideas are winning the popularity contest. Therefore, my advice to grandparents is rather pessimistic: Hold on to your hats. Its not getting better anytime soon.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract worth AED800 million ($217 million) for Phase 4 of Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project that extends 4.8 km along Sheikh Rashid Road from the intersection with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Road.

The project aims to keep pace with the continuous development of the locality while catering to the demands of urban expansion and population growth.

The scope of work includes construction of three bridges spanning 3.1 km in total, capable of accommodating 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes.

The first is a three-lane bridge stretching 1335 m to ensure a smooth traffic flow between Sheikh Rashid Road and Falcon Intersection with a capacity of 10,800 vehicles per hour in both directions.

The second is a 3-lane bridge extending 780m to serve the traffic inbound from Falcon Interchange heading to Al Wasl Road with a capacity of 5,400 vehicles per hour.

The third is a 2-lane bridge extending 985m to serve the traffic inbound from Jumeirah Street heading to Al Mina Road in the direction of Falcon Interchange with a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour.

It also covers the construction of two footbridges: the first on Sheikh Rashid Road, and the second on Al Mina Road in addition to streetlighting works, traffic systems, rainwater drainage networks, and irrigation networks, it added.

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: "Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is one of the largest projects currently being undertaken by us with a total estimated cost of AED5.3 billion. The project encompasses the construction of 15 intersections spanning 13 km in total."

"Due to its massive scope, the project had been split into five phases. The corridor serves Deira and Bur Dubai in addition to several development projects such as Deira Islands, Dubai Seafront, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid. As such, it is expected to serve about one million people. It will slash the travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030, and the time saved over 20 years will be worth about AED45 billion," noted Al Tayer.

According to him, RTA had made significant progress in the construction works of the Falcon Interchange Improvement Project, which includes the construction of two bridges along Al Khaleej Street.

The first bridge extends 750m North, and the second one stretches 1075m South. These bridges have 6 lanes in each direction with a capacity of 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Works include the construction of a single-lane bridge extending 250m for the right-turn from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street to Al Khaleej Street with a capacity of 1600 vehicles per hour, it stated.

Works underway include a two-lane 500m tunnel for left turns from Khaled bin Al Waleed Street to Al Mina Road capable of handling 3200 vehicles per hour in addition to a surface signalised intersection linking Al Khaleej with Al Ghubaiba and Khaled bin Al Waleed Streets, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Viroqua City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a resolution to create No Mow May at its meeting, Feb. 28.

The idea for the resolution was brought before the city council by Alderperson Tanja Birke. Birke said she was approached by constituents last year asking if the city council would consider a resolution suspending the requirement of having grass 8 inches high during the month of May.

No Mow May is the practice in which people allow their lawn to grow throughout the month of May without mowing, watering or fertilizing.

Birke said most cities do a No Mow May resolution year by year, but Appleton has it permanently. She said La Crosse started having No Mow May in 2022. She added No Mow May started in the United States in 2020 when Appleton was the first city in the United States to adopt the practice; it was adopted in Europe before that.

Its been so successful its spreading in Wisconsin and the United States, Birke said. Its no surprise to anyone that pollinators are stressed.

She noted people can still mow their lawns if they want to in May, as the program is voluntary.

Birke said her request is to tweak an existing No Mow May resolution, stating that participants must be back in compliance with 8-inch high grass a couple days into June, when the tall grass ordinance would go into effect again.

I ask that we do this for a year and revisit it, she said.

Birke said she was hopeful the city could work with one of the schools or a community group to make signs explaining why lawns arent being mowed in May. We could do it as a collaboration. She said when she saw signs in La Crosse last year in May the made her smile.

City Administrator Nate Torres said there would be no registration for No Mow May and the tall grass ordinance would be suspended for everyone in the city during May.

The No Mow May resolution will be reviewed and approved by the city council at its meeting March 14.

In a separate vote, the city council voted 8-1 to amend the noxious weed ordinance regarding the timeline when letters are sent notifying people whose property isnt in compliance. Alderperson Cyndy Hubbard voted no.

The city council voted to amend the noxious week ordinance by removing the citys requirement to notify the owner and give them 10 days to remedy before being able to issue a citation on an identified violation.

Prior to the vote, Torres said there is a concern over how long it takes to give people written notification when they are not in compliance with the noxious weed ordinance.

In an email after the meeting, Torres wrote, The requirement to notice is administratively burdensome and cost inefficient. It also delays the Citys ability to regulate violations by 12-15 days. Under the amended ordinance, the City could move right to a citation.

The amended noxious weed ordinance will come before the city council for a first reading at its meeting on March 14.
A La Crosse County jailer was transported by ambulance to a local hospital after authorities said he was exposed to an illegal substance while trying to subdue a suspect being booked into the jail.

Jonathan L. McNell was charged Friday, March 10, in La Crosse County Circuit Court with two felony counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, one felony count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and one misdemeanor count of resisting an officer.

According to the criminal complaint, McNell, 38, was taken to the jail March 8 after being arrested on drug charges. A jailer told police that McNell was changing into his jail uniform when the jailer heard the sound of a crinkling bag.

The jailer said he opened the changing room door and witnessed McNell shaking a sandwich bag and trying to empty its contents. The jailer said the shaking filled the room with white powder that he suspected was methamphetamine or fentanyl.

The complaint says the jailer moved to subdue McNell and that his uniform became covered with the powdery substance. The jailer said he could taste a bitter substance in his mouth.

The jailer reported chest tightness and feeling light-headed. His blood pressure rose to 220, and he was administered two doses of Narcan.

McNell was arrested earlier in the evening on a probation warrant. The complaint says police recognized McNell walking on Market Street. When police attempted to make contact with McNell, he took off running.

McNell reportedly ran through an alley on Market Street. The chase ended when he tripped and fell on the 600 block of Seventh Street South. Police were able to handcuff McNell without further incident.

The complaint says 12.7 grams of methamphetamine were found inside a knotted bag during a booking search of McNell. The substance that endangered the jailer was from a separate bag.

McNell is being held in the jail on a probation violation. His next court date is a March 14 calendar call.
All properties containing at least one residential rental unit must be registered with the city of La Crosse after a new ordinance was passed Thursday by the Common Council.

The rental dwelling unit registry was approved by a vote of 11-2 Thursday, with council members Barb Janssen and Scott Neumeister voting against the ordinance.

Under the plan for affordable housing that was also approved Thursday, a rental registry is suggested as a way to eliminate barriers to affordable housing.

In conjunction with the ordinance, an additional resolution was passed to establish a $10 fee per building for the registry.

Councilmember Jennifer Trost spoke in support of the ordinance and urged her colleagues to vote in favor.

We all know that the balance of power between property owners and renters is not equal, Trost said. The market does not assure livable and safe properties and so I think what were offering is a balance of power to support and understand exactly what its like to be a renter in this city.

The idea for the rental registry came before the council at the request of the La Crosse neighborhood associations. The registry is intended to be made available for the city and public.

The council also received a letter of support for the ordinance from Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA and Cia Siab Inc.

Registration of rental units provides necessary data about housing in La Crosse. Without this information, the city  and advocates like us  cannot effectively address issues of homelessness, affordability and poverty, the letter stated. Information about the quality and quantity of rental units will help us all work toward a community where all have a safe place to sleep at night.

Council president Janssen said she understands the desire and need for the registry, but is concerned it wont accomplish its intended goals.

I think were giving people this false hope that having a rental registry is going to solve all these problems, Janssen said. A lot of the rentals that we have problems with arent even going to be asked to register.According to the ordinance, a residential rental dwelling unit is defined as any independently rented living space whose term of lease is 30 days or greater.

It does not include facilities that are inspected, owned, licensed or certified by the state of Wisconsin, including rest homes, convalescent homes, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living centers, community-based residential facilities, university-owned student dormitories, or adult homes, and properties owned or operated by the City of La Crosse Housing Authority.

While the ordinance states it will take effect immediately after passage, city staff has not yet prepared a method for landlords to register their units. The citys information technology department is working to create a digital registry. Both city police and fire departments maintain independent rental registries for landlords with three or more rental units.

La Crosse Fire Chief Jeff Schott said those databases are specifically designed to support the work of the police and fire departments.

Creating an additional rental registry would better serve city staff and the community, he said.

Schott advised that adding a fee to the registry would likely delay compliance.

If someone chooses not to register their rental, the city will issue an order to correct. If the landlord still doesnt comply within the specified timeframe, it would escalate to a municipal court appearance and a fine to gain compliance.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was released from the hospital Monday after treatment for a concussion and will continue to recover in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, a spokesman said.

McConnell's office said his doctors discovered over the weekend that he had also suffered a minor rib fracture after he tripped and fell at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington on Wednesday evening.

Leader McConnells concussion recovery is proceeding well and the Leader was discharged from the hospital today, McConnell spokesman David Popp said in a statement. At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home.

The Senate returns to Washington Tuesday evening after the weekend off and will be in session for the rest of March.

Concussions can be serious injuries and take time for recovery. Even a single incident of concussion can limit a persons abilities as they recover.

In 2019, McConnell tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture that required surgery. The Senate had just started a summer recess, and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, McConnell 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.

McConnell is one of several senators who have been absent lately due to illness or hospitalization. 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. And Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., 89, said last week that she had been hospitalized to be treated for shingles.

How Americas aging population will affect nursing How Americas aging population will affect nursing 1 million nurses are expected to retire by 2030 as the older adult population grows Demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow the most Wages and benefits may need to expand to retain nurses There may be increased demand for hospice care Automated solutions may aid nursing shortages
Schiller Institute Activist Tells CGTN, Iran-Saudi Arabia Deal Is a World Game-Changer

March 12, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)West Asia coordinator for the Schiller Institute in Sweden Hussein Askary appeared on CGTNs Talk It Out show with hostess Li Jingjing yesterday, and discussed the seismic significance of the Iran-Saudi Arabia deal negotiated by China. On March 6-10, talks were held in Beijing. Resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries will happen in two months. Askary declared: This is the biggest positive development in the history of this region, at least since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.... If you want to talk about a game-changer in world politics, this is it. And also, this is an embodiment of what President Xi Jinping launched as the Global Security Initiative. And, also attached to that, is the combination of the Global Security initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, all are combined now. And this gives hope for solving problems all over the world.

Respect for the sovereignty of each party, and non-interference in the internal affairs of the countries; diplomacy as the only way to solve problems; and economic development as the key to securing such an agreement (no security without development, no development without security) are at the foundation of the successful negotiation. Askary reported that Chinas State Councilor and top diplomat Wang Yi had said that this agreement sends a message to every nation in the world, that whatever the differences people have are, no matter how high level or intense the dispute is, you should sit down and talk. This clearly applies to Ukraine. Second, this sends the message that Southwest Asia (the Middle East) should not be owned or controlled by any global power. The people that live here should decide their own fate. This is very important.

Askary reminded the audience that next week will mark the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and Britain.

During the preparations of that invasion, I was personally involved with American economist Lyndon LaRouche, and with Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder of the Schiller Institute, in an initiative in the Gulf, in May 2002. There was a conference sponsored by the Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi. There were ministers there from all the Gulf countries. The idea presented there was that you cannot have security without a vision of economic development.

Askary then showed a map of the then-proposed integration of Asia and Africa.
Competitive advantages of Al Mazunah Free Zone in Oman were highlighted at a key meeting attended by senior officials.

The meeting was attended by Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Madayns Board of Directors with Major General Khalifa bin Ali Al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, at Al Mazunah Free Zone.

Brigadier Saeed bin Khamis Al Ghaithi, Director General of Customs, Hamad bin Hamoud Al Qasabi, Acting CEO of Madayn, and a number of officials from the Royal Oman Police and relevant government bodies also attended.

The meeting underscored the growth witnessed by Al Mazunah Free Zone, which is being operated by Madayn, as well as discussed efforts towards streamlining procedures, enhancing competitiveness and attracting investments to Al Mazunah Free Zone.

During the meeting, Eng. Ali bin Salim Al Maashani, Director General of Al Mazunah Free Zone, highlighted the digital processes available to investors through Madayns digital platforms (Eddah and Masar Platforms), which incorporate a variety of services such as requesting, evaluating and localising investments, approval procedures for investment activities, and the related financial and administrative aspects.

Al Maashani also highlighted how the free zones Eddah System helps streamline entry and exit processes for goods and vehicles, with annual and temporary permits being issued for individuals, equipment, and machinery in coordination with the Royal Oman Police. He added that the free zone aims for simplifying its procedures to achieve increased competitiveness through joint coordination with the Royal Oman Police, including those related to the passage of vehicles and goods to Al Mazunah Dry Port. On the sidelines of the meeting, a field visit was made to explore the infrastructure development phases of the free zone and the current and future projects.TradeArabia News Service
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR MONDAY MARCH 13, 2023

Will The Spirit of Bandung Rekindle The Spirit of 1989?

March 12, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The power of reason is on the march in world affairs. The triumph for humanity in the recently-concluded Beijing-Iran-Saudi Arabia negotiations is only humiliating to the United States, or for NATO countries, for those that think like inhuman predators, like John Bolton, Samantha Power, Liz Truss, Tony Blinken, Boris Johnson, Victoria cookie Nuland, and most of the present incarnation of the State Department. To people for whom ideas matter, it is a sign that what happened in Europe in 1989, can now happen worldwide, so long as the Anglo-Malthusians are displaced from their power or influence. After all, most of the worlds nations have made clear, if sometimes privately, their preference for the policy-outlook expressed in the Belt and Road Initiative, or the policies enunciated by the BRICS nations. They are opposed to being a cock-boat in the wake of a NATO man-of-war in Ukraine. And last weeks bank tremors from Californias Silicon Valley Bank collapse indicate that even the theft last year of Russian assets, far from defending Ukraine, might have as much to do with defending, by any means necessary, from near-term system meltdown.

Yes, the Establishment, and particularly the Biden Administration, in the words of journalist Seymour Hersh, is in a real mess. But how might a new order of reason be brought about, given the principalities and powers that are provoking thermonuclear war? Those assembled at yesterdays Schiller institute Youth Conference were given an insight into how to discover the answer, from Helga Zepp-LaRouche in her keynote:

The good news is, there is right now since yesterday, a diplomatic revolution going on in the entire Middle East and Southwest Asia. Now, the term diplomatic revolution in one sense is a paradox; because either you have a diplomatic solution or you have a revolution. But in this case, it is the diplomacy which made the revolution....

This is the sign of the new paradigm, of what can happen all over the world. The whole package, this is not just Saudi Arabia and Iran. This involves China, it involves the Belt and Road Initiative, it involves the BRICS countries and the 24 countries that have applied for membership in the BRICS, and, therefore, a new economic system. It involves the end of the petrodollar, and the beginning of a new currency based on completely different principles....

The poetic principle, inventing a new conception, diplomatic revolution, transcending an apparent paradox regarding government; or, advancing the idea that the human mind is demonstrably the most valuable, yet abundant, source of natural resources on the planet, thus transcending the pessimistic paradox of limits to growththis is humanitys secret weaponintelligence, which is only secret to those who refuse to think as human beings. It is why Percy Shelley declared that poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. The work of Lyndon LaRouche, largely still unacknowledged, is, nonetheless, the implicit source of the thinking now informing several of the steps being taken to form a durable new security and development architecture.

The Zepp-LaRouche Ten Principles can act as the worlds discussion document, which starts the conversation from the top, but, like Tom Paines Common Sense, also demands action, and action now. The International Caucus of Labor Committees has the advantage that, since the time of its inception as a philosophical organization invented, educated and deployed by Lyndon LaRouche and associates, has eschewed the role of money as essential to economic policy. Real economics is the science of physical economy, including the fostering, advancement and deployment of human creativity, producing discoveries and inventions that prevent the depopulation, the physical bankruptcy of societies. That is done by expanding social reproduction, of course, not by contracting the physical preconditions for healthy, productive households due to the bankruptcy of the post-Bretton Woods casino, to which Russia and China as well as others are trying to render themselves immune.

Meanwhile, Operation Mop Up the Nord Stream Saboteurs continued over the weekend with Seymour Hershthe man himself as interviewer Liu Xin put itsaying of Jake Sullivan, Blinken, and the other Katzenjammer Kids of American diplomacy: I will tell you, the people from the intelligence community, were appalled by what happened, and horrified. They thought it was useless.... What Biden did by triggering the mine last September. He was worried; the war in Ukraine was a big deal for Biden.... Winning a war against an adversary, and I dont know Mr. Biden, I just think his foreign policy is complete idiocy, alienating people around the world. Russia has made more friends in the Third World since this began, than anybody in this administration seems to appreciate.

So this notion of American hegemony, if you will, just doesnt work anymore. And so, thats what I object to. The fact that Hersh, Ray McGovern, Col. Richard Black (ret.), Scott Ritter, Jeffrey Sachs, Dennis Kucinich, Daniel Ellsberg, and others have joined forces, through their interviews with journalists from around the world, to break this story, cannot be underestimated.

The weak forces of the International Schiller Institute, the Diane Sare United States Senate campaign, and institutional and individual collaborators, are leveraging the power of reason, using the ponderous weight of the bloated, dying Anglo-American Empire against itself. This is a war on a battlefield of ideas unfamiliar to the knuckle-draggers, requiring poetic imagination, in which the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia collaboration has captured the imagination of the world. In this time and context, wordssuch as the unit-idea called the Ten Principlescan wield a physical power greater than bombs, mines, or artillery shells, should people choose to acknowledge and be inspired, that is to say governed, by the principles that underlie them.
Everything Everywhere All at Once won the best picture Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night in Los Angeles, California.

The unusual movie about a Chinese-American immigrant family won seven Oscars, including three acting awards for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis.

The Malaysian-born Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win a best actress Oscar. In the film, she plays the laundromat owner with superpowers in a different universe.

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities," the 60-year-old actress said. "And ladies, don't let anybody ever tell you youre past your prime," Yeoh added.

As a boy, Quan starred in the 1984 Indiana Jones movie and The Goonies in 1985. The 51-year-old said he quit acting for many years because he saw too few opportunities for Asian actors. On Sunday night, Quan won the best supporting actor Oscar. In the film, he plays Yeoh's husband.

Quan, who was born in Vietnam, cried as he gave his speech Sunday. He said, "My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. Somehow I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage."

"They say stories like this only happen in the movies," he added. "I cannot believe it's happening to me. This is the American dream."

The 64-year-old Curtis won best supporting actress for her role as the tax agent in Everything Everywhere All at Once. In her speech, Curtis looked upward and addressed her parents, Academy award nominees Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Both of her parents have passed away. "I just won an Oscar, Curtis told them.

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert together won best director and best original screenplay. Everything Everywhere All at Once was made with a small $14.3million budget and has brought in more than $100 million so far.

Other notable winners

The fourth acting award went to Brendan Fraser who won best actor for his work in The Whale. In the film, he plays an extremely overweight man trying to reconnect with his daughter.

A German remake of the World War I story All Quiet on the Western Front was named best international feature film. The movie, which streamed on Netflix, shows the horrors of war through the eyes of a young man. The movie also won Oscars for music, production design and cinematography.

Director Edward Berger thanked the film's young star, Felix Kammerer, who joined him on stage. "This was your first movie, and you carried us on your shoulders as if it was nothing," Berger said.

Navalny won the Oscar for best feature documentary. The movie is about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was nearly killed by poison and has been jailed since his 2021 return to Moscow.

"Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free," his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, said at the award presentation. "Stay strong my love."

Naatu Naatu, the song from the Indian movie RRR that created a viral dance, earned an Oscar for best original song.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Hai Do adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from The Associated Press and Reuters.

____________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

laundromat - n. place that has machine for washing and drying clothes

beacon of hope - phrase. something that holds the promise of hope

past your prime - idiom. no longer as good as something as one once was

opportunity - n. time or situation in which something can be done, chance

journey - n. the act of traveling from one place to another

stage - n. a raised platform in a theater where the performers stand

role - n. character played by an actor

original - adj. made or produced first

horror - n. strong feeling of fear, shock and dread
Food prices around the world increased when Russia invaded Ukraine last year partly because Ukraine is a big grain exporter.

Ukrainian farmers left their fields to either fight in the war or go to safer places. In many places, food production stopped.

Before the war, Ukraine was the fourth-largest corn exporter and fifth largest wheat exporter. Much of the grain went to poor countries in Africa and the Middle East.

But grain production will take years to get back to normal once the war ends. Experts say it might take decades.

Soil recovery question

More than 20 experts told the Reuters news agency that it would take years to fix the damage to the place once called Europes breadbasket.

Andrii Povod is one of the Ukrainian farmers who stopped working when the war started. When the army recaptured Kherson in November, he returned to his land. He found everything in ruins.

Two tractors were gone. Most of the wheat was missing. All 11 buildings used to store crops and machinery were destroyed.

"For our region, it's a very big problem. This good soil, we cannot reproduce it," he said.

Scientists who study soil and agriculture in Ukraine have said at least 10.5 million hectares of farmland has been damaged by the war. That is 25 percent of Ukraines farmland.

Tanks rolling over the land have compressed the soil, the scientists said. Shelling has hurt the small organisms that enrich the soil. And mining, digging and explosions might have destroyed some farmland completely.

Mines and lead

Sviatoslav Baliuk is the head of the Ukrainian Soil Institute. He said the war could reduce Ukraines production by 10 to 20 million tons. Ukraines agriculture ministry chose not to comment to Reuters about long-term soil damage and harm to the farming.

Beyond the fields and soil, Povod and many other farmers lost equipment and storage buildings that will be costly to replace.

Andriy Vadaturskyi is the head one of Ukraines largest grain producers. He said farmers need financial help.

Today, he noted, there is a problem of high prices, but there is food ready to ship out of Ukraines ports on the Black Sea. He said in one year, the situation could be much worse. There could be a shortage of food.

High cost of recovery

A working group of scientists created by the Ukrainian government estimated it would take $15 billion to remove the mines and make the soil healthy again.

Baliuk said it could be done in three years or in 200 years depending on how badly the soil is damaged.

Joseph Hupy studies soil and land at Purdue University in the U.S. state of Indiana. He has written about the effects of war on farmland. He told Reuters that some land in Ukraine might have been changed so much from explosions that it cannot be farmed again.

Naomi Rintoul-Hynes studies soil at Canterbury Christ Church University in Britain. She said that the lead from ammunition can contaminate the soil so much that plants grown there can be harmful for humans.

Infrastructure damage

The problems do not end with the soil, mines and other land damage. The war destroyed roads and railways that get crops to market.

The Kyiv School of Economics said in October that it might cost more than $35 billion to rebuild roads and other transportation lines.

Caitlin Welsh studies food security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. She said people think once the war is over, food production will restart.

With Ukraine, just repairing the infrastructure is going to take a really long time," Welsh said.

In addition, some of the farmers are running out of money. Dmitry Skornyakov, leads HarvEast, a Ukrainian farming company. He said farmers have enough money right now, because they had a good year just before the war started.

However, he said, half the farmers will have serious financial problems if the war goes into 2024.

The future, he said, is from grey to dark at the moment.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters.

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Words in This Story

breadbasket idiom an area that produces a lot of food

tractor n. a farm vehicle used to pull heavy loads

decade n. a period of 10 years

compress v. to crush or press a material to force the air out of it to make it smaller

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Several new studies confirm the success of a test by the American space agency NASA to crash a spacecraft into an asteroid.

The studies suggest the experiment was an important first step in learning how spacecraft might be able to protect Earth from asteroids or other space objects that might threaten the planet.

NASA carried out the operation last September with the DART spacecraft. It crashed into an asteroid called Dimorphos, a small moonlet that orbits a larger asteroid, Didymos. The crash happened about 11 million kilometers from Earth.

NASA reported in October that it considered the test a success because the force of the crash changed the path of the asteroid. Now, several new studies are confirming the effectiveness of the experiment.

A team from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland examined data about the mission that NASA describes as the worlds first planetary defense test. But the asteroid targeted in the mission never presented a threat to Earth.

Satellites and powerful telescopes observed DARTs crash into the asteroid. The goal of the crash was to see how it might redirect the asteroids path and speed.

Before the hit, Dimorphos was completing one orbit around Didymos every 11 hours and 55 minutes. The latest results showed the crash reduced this orbital period by 33 minutes. This is one minute more than NASA first announced after examining data from the crash in October.

"The DART test was phenomenally successful, said planetary scientist Terik Daly of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He added that the experiment proved the impact method could be used to prevent an asteroid from crashing into Earth if one day we had the need to."

The studies, which recently appeared in the publication Nature, examined many different elements involved in the crash experiment. These included a major study of the impact itself and looking closely at crash timelines and investigating how the targeted asteroid changed size and shape.

The researchers said one of the most important findings was that the asteroids travel path was not just affected by being struck by the DART spacecraft. The space objects speed and direction were also greatly influenced by materials released by the asteroid after impact.

The researchers said the impact by the DART spacecraft led to a recoiling effect of the asteroid. When something recoils, it moves suddenly in reaction to a force. A large amount of material from the asteroid was observed after impact, the team reported.

This recoiling effect  caused by materials being released into space after the crash  gave the object additional momentum, the team reported. The researchers reported the impact caused an immediate slowing in the targeted asteroids speed. The additional momentum Dimorphos picked up from the release of materials was far greater than the spacecraft impact itself, they added.

The researchers noted the experiment showed that such operations can be carried out on asteroids that have not been studied in-depth before. What is required, however, is enough warning time to prepare for a specific mission. The team said that ideally, scientists will need several years of lead time to study any asteroids identified as a threat to Earth.

The scientists noted DARTs impact had turned Dimorphos into an active asteroid. An active asteroid is one that orbits like other asteroids, but has a trail of material following it, like a comet.

Some scientists had in the past proposed the idea that some active asteroids are the result of impact events. But until the DART experiment, no one had observed an actual activation.

Daly, of the Applied Physics Laboratory, said no known asteroids currently present a threat to Earth. But he added that the latest studies support the need for more research to prepare for such a possibility. Daly made a comparison to testing a car's airbags. You make sure they work during a crash test instead of waiting to get in a real car accident to find out if they work," he said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters, NASA and Nature reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - New Studies Show NASAs Asteroid Crash Test Was Highly Successful Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

asteroid  n. a rocky object that goes around the sun like a planet

mission  n. a flight by an aircraft or spacecraft to perform a specific task

phenomenal  adj. extremely successful or showing great qualities or abilities

momentum  n. the way in which something continues to move, increase or develop

trail  n. a line of marks that someone or something leaves behind as they move

comet  n. an object in space that leaves a bright line behind it in the sky

__________________________________________________________________

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District Court Judge James Doyle was honored Saturday night in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Bar Foundations annual Fellows Dinner.

He received the Bar Foundations Legal Pioneer Award, which is presented to a lawyer who has made innovative contributions to the improvement of justice.

Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Frankie Moore said, Tonight we honor Judge Doyle for identifying and resolving a barrier to justice.

Doyle was appointed to the 11th Judicial District Court in 2001. He is a native Nebraskan, who received his undergraduate degree from UNL College of Engineering, Science and Technology in 1978. Then in 1981, he earned his Juris Doctorate from UNL College of Law.

In his acceptance remarks, Doyle noted, During the early days of the Covid pandemic, the Dawson County Courthouse was required to operate under the Two Rivers Public Health Departments pandemic mandates. This meant very few members of the public could attend and observe court operations.

In response to physical distancing required by pandemic protocols, Doyle had the novel idea of using YouTube for court proceedings. He contacted the Nebraska Supreme Courts Technology Division to assist in setting up a YouTube channel. This pilot program was approved by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Utilizing YouTube has made it more convenient for families and friends  some who live out of state  to attend a complex criminal trial without the expense of traveling to Lexington. He is an innovator, and this pilot program has provided many benefits to the public and the media, Judge Moore said.

Doyle is the only judge in the State of Nebraska who broadcasts his court proceedings live via YouTube. By displaying the courtroom and its legal proceedings online, Doyle is creating greater transparency for the public.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Bar Foundation is dedicated to serving the citizens of Nebraska and the legal profession through the administration and funding of innovative programs directed at the improvement of the administration of justice and the fulfillment of the American vision of equal justice for all.
LEXINGTON  United By Culture Media will be hosting an LGBTQ+ lunch and learn session on Friday, April 7 at the Lexington Public Library.

The event will be conducted by OutNebraskas Executive Director Abbi Swatsworth, who will cover topics like pronouns, etiquette and more.

LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning.

The event will be hosted at the Lexington Public Library, 907 N. Washington St., on April 7 from 11:30 a.m.  1 p.m. Free food and beverages will be provided.

Register for the event at this link: https://forms.gle/pgzCbFNg8zNvRzTX7

We welcome you to come learn with us, as we understand together how to better support, welcome and include our LGBTQ+ community members, states United By Culture Media.

OutNebraska, based in Lincoln, has been working for a decade to support, empower, celebrate and grow LGBTQ+ communities.

We believe in a Nebraska that embraces and celebrates the full spectrum of LGBTQIA2S+ people. Often, LGBTQIA2S+ Nebraskans experience discrimination, disparities, and isolation  particularly transgender people and people of color, the OutNebraska website states.

United by Culture Media Inc. was initiated in 2021 to highlight and uplift stories of diverse backgrounds. Gladys Godinez and husband Chris Cox initiated the process to formalize United by Culture Media to make sure that the diverse rural stories exist.
I love to travel. I especially love when traveling allows me to explore a place with a rich history in shaping alcohol culture, as I find the human relationship with alcohol to be fascinating. On the one hand, you have a world immersed in creativity and culinary enjoyment. On the other, one rooted in binge drinking and chemical dependence.

For the purpose of this column here today, I want to highlight how incredibly excellent a part of this country is when it comes to imbibement and showcasing the rich history of its evolution. If you hadnt already guessed, I am talking about the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky.

My husband and I recently returned from a long weekend exploring the Louisville area and I cannot stop thinking about it. For two people fully immersed in the food and beverage industry, Louisville offered so much fun inspiration and knowledge. Im actually shocked that neither of us had been to Louisville prior.

Before I go further, you should know that there was beer, yes. Really good beer. Great beer in fact. Excellent beer experiences to round out the trip and I will get to those eventually. However, this visit had one main focus and that was exploring as much of bourbon country as we could manage in three days.

We love whiskey as much as we love beer and the two often go hand in hand. What I wasnt expecting from this trip was to be so taken aback by the beauty of the countryside and the impact of the excitement from all of our tour and tasting guides that I somehow inoculated myself with the desire to keep learning more. Pun intended.

Some fun facts and takeaways about whiskey before I lay out our fun:

Whiskey is aged in large warehouses known as rickhouses or rackhouses. They typically hold anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 barrels of whiskey. Dang!

That black fungus that you see growing on buildings and other objects all around distillery campuses is completely harmless. It is only there because it is attracted to the

angels share,

or the whiskey lost through evaporation during the aging process.

New Orleans grew into the party city it is today because of all the whiskey it received from Louisville. The Ohio River to the Mississippi and on down to the Gulf was an excellent whiskey corridor and aided in massive growth.

Whiskey has grown exponentially over the past decade and a lot of the money has been reinvested into the consumer experience when they visit the distilleries. These campuses are gorgeous.

The dedication to ingredients, ownership of recipes and categorization of types of whiskey is unparalleled.

Piece of history

We spent a lot of time at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the longest-operated distillery in Kentucky, named for the buffalo traces explorers used as paths to move westward and one of only four distilleries allowed to function during Prohibition due to its medicinal whiskey license.

Buffalo Trace is now home of Sazerac (New Orleans), Blantons, EH Taylor, Weller and other infamous whiskey brands like Pappy van Winkle and George T. Stagg. The tour was fascinating. Our guide, David W., was full of knowledge and openly cared for the distillery and what he did for a living.

My favorite whiskey experience was our tasting at Heaven Hill distillery, the largest family-owned and independent distillery in Kentucky. Our tasting guide, Allen, was a true Southern charmer and overtly excited about the whiskies he was sharing with us. He was an excellent storyteller, historian and sensory educator; our 45 minutes was quick but impactful.

His biggest word of advice was to try before you buy, and drove home the fact that whiskey is meant to be shared, not set on a shelf to be looked at. I could sit and listen to Allen speak about Elijah Craig and others over and over again.

An old reliable

We couldnt pass up the opportunity to see the workings of Jim Beam, home to the hardest working still in America as indicated in mural form on the side of the still house. The largest of all distilleries in Kentucky, Jim Beam has over 100 rickhouses currently aging whiskey for the masses.

Our tour guide, Mila, was enthusiastic and fun. It was definitely the Anheuser Busch-esque tour of the weekend  as opposed to the little craft brewery tour around the corner. This tour drove home the importance of yeast and water in the distilling process.

Kentucky lies on a bed of limestone, which acts as a natural filter and allows for some of the best iron-free and calcium-rich water. In addition, Beams proprietary yeast that they have propagated for decades and introduced at the end of Prohibition is so important to the brand that they house some samples off-site in case anything tragic happens at or to the distillery.

In addition, we visited Wild Turkey, Evan Williams, Willett, Four Roses, Michter and Woodford Reserve. We had such a lovely time and tried so much excellent whiskey.

The Bar at Willett offered some reprieve in whiskey drinking and after our very extensive tasting we saddled up for one of the best egg salad sandwiches I have ever had, a Hurricane (hello, New Orleans!) and a table beer from Scout and Scholar, Bardstowns first brewery established in December 2020 and named after the two brothers who discovered the area.

Brewed with satiable honey malt, spicy rye and fermented with a Saison yeast, Stonehands table beer was effervescent and dry with a refreshing bitterness driven by notes of lime zest and grass. I will definitely swing by this brewery the next time I am in town.

Back to beer

We kept the beer train rolling Saturday night with a stop at Mile Wide Beer Co. in Louisvilles Butchertown neighborhood. One of the co-owners and head brewer spent some time in St. Louis circa my tenure in that fair city and has been a beer peer of mine for years. When he left for Louisville in 2016, I knew there were exciting things on the horizon.

Along with a visit to The Holy Grale, one of the countrys finest beer bars, Mile Wide was the only beer-related spot on my to-do list. It did not disappoint. The beer was excellent, the space was fun and inviting and it was just barely warm enough to enjoy some patio seating.

Catalina Breeze West Coast IPA was dynamite and had just been released, so it was fresh. Fresh fresh, just like the style should be enjoyed. Citrus pith bitterness with an underlying tropical note, the pour was a sneaky 7% and oh so good.

Mile Wide Patchwork pale ale was a delicious take on a mosaic-hopped beer and was stacked with tropical fruit dankness and a little oniony herbal note to round out the true mosaic hop character. Vanilla Leroy Brown ale was toasty and dry with a very subtle yet pleasing vanilla presence.

I had another really nice West Coast-style IPA from Gravely Brewing and although we never made it to the taproom, their beers were on all the tap and can lists we saw. Founded in 2017 and a Mayan street food and music haven, this brewery will be a stop the next time I am in the area.

Power Cord West Coast IPA was piney with a little stone fruit, Gravely Sprockets German-style pilsner had a nice slightly spicy and fruity noble hop character with a pleasant lingering bitterness and dry finish, and Debaser Hazy IPA was juicy and tropical. Three different styles all executed very well.

More to come

The beer scene is obviously growing in this quaint Southern city. Hi-Wire Brewing out of Asheville, North Carolina, with their fun circus-themed imagery, just opened up their newest taproom and their second out-of-state facility in Louisville in the summer of 2021. Likewise, Against the Grain is holding their own as one of the first craft breweries in the state and Monnik Beer Company appears to have a handle on the cool kid vibe. All good things for a newly emerging beer scene.

Lastly, and perhaps a bit more apropos to you, my Wisconsin family: Louisville is home to one of the best American brandy producers. Copper & Kings distillery is harnessing some very creative energy with their multiple copper pot stills. With the influence of their newly appointed parent company, Constellation Brands, Copper & Kings brandy is now the house brandy at Lambeau Field.

For all you brandy old fashioned sweet, sour and press drinkers out there, may you now know that whiskey country produces some of the best brandy (and beer!) too.
LOS ANGELES  How do you play a man who betrays his country?

The question weighed heavily on actor Guy Pearce who stars in A Spy Among Friends, a new six-part series about Kim Philby, the most effective Soviet mole in British history.

Through the process, Im searching, Pearce says. Im lost in trying to just understand him.

To make informed decisions, the Emmy-winning actor read several books, then honed in on letters Philby had written to his wife. There was something personal there, but I would always come back to the script and, finally, had to let the research material go.

While cyber espionage takes precedent today, much of the work in the 1960s was done in person, says Alexander Cary, who wrote the television script for A Spy Among Friends. Human intelligence is really the only way that youre going to get the definitive stuff, he says.

When word got out about Philby, officials sent his best friend, Nicholas Elliott, to interrogate him and, after four days in a safe house, Philby escaped.

What the hell happened? asks director Nick Murphy. In the limited series, Cary peels back several layers.

Damian Lewis, who plays the friend, says young men in the 1960s dabbled in communism at universities. Communism in and of itself wasnt considered a bad thing because it was fighting fascism and thats why they got pulled in, he says. A lot of them enjoyed the duplicity, the secrecy and the promise of an ever-increasing and smaller elite.

A caste system in Great Britain added fuel to the fire. People like Philby and Elliott were sent to schools to believe that they were the ruling class, the future of the country, Cary says. In that education and in that breedingthere was this trust that no one could possibly let this side down. So there was a certain type of snobbery and a certain type of elitism that people survived on.

Pearce says spies have always been intriguing, but none of us have the courage to actually live in that world. But the idea of friends betraying friends and keeping secrets from very close friends is something we can all relate to.

In the series, Murphy shifts back in time to lend insight. Cary added a character  Lily Thomas  whos at the center of the investigation. I knew the character would irritate and get under the skin of these gentlemen in the British intelligence world, Cary says.

Anna Maxwell Martin, who plays Thomas, is they audiences eyes and ears, discovering the world as they discover it. Its very immediate, she says. Its just about being with Damian in a room and the relationship that they have.

As the characters chip away at the betrayal, theyre just getting through the moments, Cary says. The moments become very intense and specific to their relationships  one which is crumbling and one which is beginning to flourish. The show is a spy show, but its a show about friendships and relationships.

While acting is often a part of the spy game, Pearce says he wouldnt get involved. Look, I might make a good spy on the surface I can work as an actor on the screen. But its never a life or death situation. I dont know if Ive got the chutzpah to act as well when I know that lives or countries are at stake.

Like most of those in the miniseries, Pearce had heard of Philby but didnt know about the others or the relationship he had with Elliott. It was quite an eye-opening, educational process for me.

Lewis was similarly struck. Everybody knows about Philby, he says. But who knows about the best friend? Hes the sap. Hes the second guy. You get Tom Cruise or Guy Pearce to play the rock star. But Nicholas Elliott was the best friend who was duped.

And, says Pearce with a smile, you get Damian Lewis to play the sap.

Thats why he was interesting to all of us, Lewis adds. Whos this other guy? And why is this friendship interesting?

A Spy Among Friends airs on MGM+
The Dane County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating rash of car break-ins in the town of Westport overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.

There were seven reports of vehicle break-ins and stolen items overnight Saturday to Sunday, and deputies believe the incidents are conncted, Sheriffs Office spokesperson Elise Schaffer said in a statement.

The first report was on Cottontail Trail just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, with the vehicle owner seeing two people going through his vehicle before they fled in a black sedan, and a wallet being taken out of the vehicle, Schaffer said.

The Sheriffs Office reminds citizens to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables. Anyone with information related to these crimes, including potential security camera footage, is asked to call the Dane County tip line at 608-284-6900.

Police ask that anyone with information on the incident contact them at 608-255-2345. Tipsters may remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or P3Tips.com. Individuals contacting Crime Stoppers can receive a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest.

The cities with the most break-ins and burglaries Cities With the Most Break-Ins / Burglaries Over the past decade burglary and larceny rates have declined Daytime break-ins of homes are most common Southern states experience the most property crime Small and midsize cities with the most burglaries 15. Dallas, TX 14. Houston, TX 13. Las Vegas, NV 12. Columbus, OH 11. Minneapolis, MN 10. Milwaukee, WI 9. Wichita, KS 8. Kansas City, MO 7. Oklahoma City, OK 6. Bakersfield, CA 5. Seattle, WA 4. Baltimore, MD 3. Detroit, MI 2. Tulsa, OK 1. Memphis, TN
The US Society of Robotic Surgery and Crescent Healthcare (a Division of the Crescent Group of Companies) are set to host the Global Robotic MedTech Forum in the Middle East for the first time on March 16, 2023.

Taking place in Dubai, the event will focus on the latest advancements in robotic surgery, a rapidly growing field that is revolutionizing healthcare.

While the regions healthcare sector has prioritized robotic surgery, this is the first dedicated global forum to gather world renowned experts in the region to discuss the technology alongside healthcare practitioners and policymakers.

The Forum will gather ministers, senior government officials, as well as healthcare, R&D and investment professionals to discuss the future of robotic assisted surgery, in addition to the UAEs leading position at the cutting-edge of healthcare.

AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health and Prevention, commented: "As we navigate the challenges of modern healthcare, the UAE is proud to host the Global Robotic MedTech Forum, which brings together renowned experts from around the world to share their knowledge and latest advances in the field of robotic surgery. By embracing technology and innovation, we can further improve patient outcomes and provide more efficient and effective healthcare solutions for all."

Dr. Vipul Patel, President of the Society of Robotic Surgery, said: "The Forum will provide a unique platform to exchange knowledge and ideas, and to explore innovative solutions that can help improve patient outcomes and drive the growth of the healthcare industry."

Hamid Jafar, Chairman of the Crescent Group of Companies, which is hosting the event, said: "The Global Robotic MedTech Forum is an important platform that brings together industry leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge and ideas and drive meaningful advancements in the healthcare sector. We are pleased to host this event and look forward to enabling the sharing of insights and knowledge in this exciting field."

Dr. Fred Moll, Founder of Intuitive Surgical, said: "I am honored to be part of the Global Robotic MedTech Forum and to have the opportunity to share my insights on the future of robotic surgery with fellow innovators and industry leaders."

Neeraj Agrawal, Board Member of EndoQuest, said: "This event brings together the best and brightest global minds in the field to the Gulf region, and we are honored to participate."

Kurt Azarbarzin, CEO of EndoQuest, added: "We are excited to present the latest innovations in scarless incisionless robotic surgery deploying flexible robots through natural human orifices."

Eduardo Fonseca, Board Member of XCath, commented: From advanced imaging and sensors to cutting-edge robotics and AI, the possibilities for enhancing patient outcomes and improving the quality of care are endless. The Gulf region will be at the forefront of the development of groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to transform the healthcare industry."

Viljar Palmer, VP Electro-Polymer R&D, added: We are thrilled to showcase innovative systems designed to make a significant impact in the field of neuro endovascular surgery.

The Global Robotic Medtech Forum will feature some of the most prominent global figures in the field of robotic surgery. Among the distinguished speakers are Dr. Vipul Patel, founder of the US Society of Robotic Surgery and one of the world's most experience robotic surgeons; Dr. Fred Moll, the founder of Intuitive Surgical and pioneer of robotic surgery; and Dr. Chris Thompson, Professor at Harvard University who has been at the forefront of developing and testing new robotic surgical techniques. Dr. Santiago Horgan, the Director of UC San Diegos Center for the Future of Surgery will also share his insights. The participation of these distinguished experts underscores the importance of the Global Robotic Medtech Forum as a platform for sharing knowledge and advancing the field of robotic medicine.

The Forum will feature keynote speeches from leading experts in the field, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations of the latest robotic surgical systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the field, and to see first-hand how robotic surgery is rapidly changing the face of healthcare globally.

The invite-only event will include a diverse range of attendees, such as innovators, policymakers, medical professionals, researchers, and representatives from the financial sector. The invitees represent a cross-section of the healthcare and technology industries and will facilitate an open dialogue for the advancement of robotic surgery.TradeArabia News Service
SSM Health will stop requiring all patients and visitors to wear face masks starting Wednesday, the organization said Monday.

The loosening of the universal mask policy, which started shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, comes as federal health emergencies related to COVID-19 are scheduled to expire May 11. Last week, Public Health Madison and Dane County said its free community COVID-19 testing clinic will close April 14 after operating for nearly three years.

SSM Health said it will continue screening patients and requiring masks for those with known or suspected COVID-19 infections, as well as anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory infection. Staff will provide masks for patients who need them. Masks will no longer be universally required.

We are making this change in response to the changing status of COVID-19 in the communities we serve, SSM Health spokesperson Lisa Adams said in a statement.

She said highly effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 are widely available and community levels of COVID-19 have stabilized and declined. Adherence to CDC guidelines and protocols regarding appropriate personal protective equipment for providers and staff will continue, Adams said.

UW Health and UnityPoint Health-Meriter still have mask requirements for patients and visitors. We continue to monitor the improving trends related to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and could adjust policies in the future, UW Health spokesperson Emily Greendonner said.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is advising FoodShare members to monitor account balances and boost the security of passwords amid the investigation of a scam targeting recipients through fake text messages.

Some FoodShare members said they received texts instructing them to call a phone number to confirm their account and personal identification numbers to avoid having benefits locked. Scammers have used the information to access and steal the benefits, the department said.

DHS sends official FoodShare texts from 94347 (WI DHS) and emails from dhs@info.wisconsin.gov, the agency said.

We encourage FoodShare members to understand how to protect their benefits from these increasingly sophisticated scams and to report them when they happen, DHS Inspector General Anthony Baize said in a statement.

Tabitha Ramminger, deputy inspector general, said scammers sometimes obtain FoodShare information through skimming, or placing a device on the card-swiping machine used at a store that accepts FoodShare cards. This allows them to copy the card information.

When an unauthorized user has a FoodShare card, they use an automated call line to learn how much money is on the account and make a purchase below that amount. When DHS sees such unauthorized phone numbers calling in, the agency cuts off their access to its system, officials said. DHS is also discontinuing and replacing compromised QUEST cards so that the stolen card information cannot be used.

FoodShare members should monitor balances on the MyACCESS mobile app or ebtEDGE website or mobile app, DHS said. They should also add or change optional account passwords, use unique passwords and not share passwords or PINs with people outside of their households.

For more information, call the QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164 or Wisconsins Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128, or email DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Politicians often complain about government regulations as a big pain in the neck. So I was relieved in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, to see some bipartisan good sense break out.

Having grown up many moons ago next to the old Baltimore & Ohio tracks between Cincinnati and Dayton, I sympathize with the residents of East Palestine whose lives were disrupted.

The spill created doomsday images of billowing black smoke when a controlled burn was set to avoid an uncontrolled explosion. More than 7 miles of stream waters were affected, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and an estimated 3,500 fish, among other animals, were killed.

Political figures as varied as Ohios Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, former President Donald Trump and, later, President Joe Bidens Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg descended on the scene as rounds of finger-pointing broke out to assess who was to blame.

Meanwhile, other derailments were reported. About 28 cars in another Norfolk Southern train derailed March 4 in Springfield, Ohio. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Another Norfolk Southern train derailed Thursday in Calhoun County, Alabama, hours before company CEO Alan Shaw faced lawmakers to answer questions about the derailment in East Palestine.

Yet, it turns out, multiple derailments in a short span arent as unusual as I thought. Last year, for example, more than 1,000 trains derailed in the U.S., according to the Federal Railroad Administration. That means the country is averaging roughly three derailments per day.

Nevertheless, the recent events brought on a renewed push for tightened safety measures and, yes, regulations.

A refreshingly bipartisan group of senators has proposed legislation to mandate that the Transportation Department tighten safety rules for freight rail.

The measure sponsored by Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and J.D. Vance, a freshman Republican, would strengthen notification and inspection requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials. It would also increase fines for safety violations by rail carriers and authorize $27 million for research on more safety improvements.

The bipartisan nature of the bill, also co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Josh Hawley of Missouri, indicates that it may get somewhere in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance, though its fate in the Republican-led House appears less certain.

Vance, who comes from the same factory town where I grew up with an earlier generation  and which served as backdrop for his bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy  offered an insight to Axios into why politicians have grabbed onto this issue.

The three of us, in our own ways, recognized instantly: This is fundamentally our voters, right? Vance told Axios, referring to himself, the former president and their mutual pal Fox News host Tucker Carlson. These are sort of our people.

I understand. Though Im still disappointed that Vance, who struck me as a thoughtful Trump critic, became a political candidate who sought Trumps endorsement. After he received it, he soared to the top of a crowded field and won. Too bad, in my view, but in politics its hard to argue with success.

But I am a longtime fan of Brown.

It shouldnt take a massive railroad disaster for elected officials to put partisanship aside and work together for the people we serve  not corporations like Norfolk Southern, Brown said in a statement that reflected his successful center-left populism. Rail lobbyists have fought for years to protect their profits at the expense of communities like East Palestine and Steubenville and Sandusky.

With that, Brown expressed the pragmatic politics that have helped him hold his Senate seat since 2007 in a former swing state that, since voting for Barack Obama twice, has been moving decidedly to the right.

Theres a lesson here for Democrats who puzzle over how and why they have lost so much of their reputation as a party of the working class.

In Rust Belt states such as Ohio, heavy with working class folks who feel left behind by changing times, right-wing candidates have won by appealing heavily  some would say pandering  to working-class resentments.

Brown has stayed positive by emphasizing ideas over ideology. I wish more politicians did that. We shouldnt need a disaster to bring us together.
The news about the kidnappings of four Americans who traveled to Mexico earlier this month was heartbreaking, especially since two of them were killed. My heart goes out to the families of the dead and to the survivors.

I cant help thinking about what this episode conveys about the lives of Mexicans who are forced to live with the horrendous drug-related violence that has engulfed much of their country. Is it any wonder that our southern border is overwhelmed by migrants trying to escape that madness?

After Mexican authorities quickly apprehended a suspect in the kidnappings, Mexican citizens complained that their government and its security apparatus are apathetic about violence against their own citizens, according to The New York Times, which noted that the vast majority of crimes in the country, parts of which have been overrun by drug cartels, go unsolved. While the United States has an annual homicide rate of roughly seven deaths per 100,000 people, according to the World Bank, Mexico has a homicide rate of about 28 per 100,000 people.

There are many caveats, of course. Some parts of Mexico  its capital, Mexico City, for example  are as safe as many locales in the U.S., and some migrants flee for other reasons, including poverty. American tourists, who often vacation in seaside resorts, are rarely in harms way. But Matamoros, a city in Tamaulipas state just across the southeastern Texas border, is among the locations that the U.S. State Department warns Americans against visiting. It is beset by violence among warring drug cartels, which not only smuggle illegal narcotics but also engage in human trafficking.

While some Republicans have gone so far as to urge President Joe Biden to categorize Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups and take military action against them, that smacks of colonialism and the old policy of Manifest Destiny. Biden seems to recognize that.

Instead, Americans should recognize our role in aiding and abetting the violence. This country is, by far, the biggest market for the illicit drugs that have enriched cartels and boosted the corruption that has ensnared Mexicos criminal justice system. Without American users, the cartels would hardly have such power.

Conversely, the U.S. is, by far, the biggest supplier of firearms to Mexican gangsters. According to data from Mexicos Secretariat of National Defense, as many as 90% of all guns recovered in that country were manufactured in the U.S.

The source of the data shows the reason this problem is so hard to curtail: It came from a lawsuit filed in the U.S. against the U.S. gun industry by the Mexican government. The lawsuit was tossed out by a federal judge because the firearms industry here enjoys special protections afforded to no other industry. Given the power of the gun lobby, which has also inflicted considerable harm in this country, thats unlikely to change.

Nor is our addiction to mind-altering narcotics likely to change. In the half-century since President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs, the U.S. criminal justice system has incarcerated countless men and women  a disproportionate number of them Black and brown  while hardly making a dent in the drug problem.

The startling rise in drug overdoses, which began with the opioid crisis in the early 21st century, has prompted lawmakers to speak of treating addiction as a medical problem rather than a crime  an empathy that white powerbrokers did not show to Black cocaine addicts in the last century. Still, the nation has hardly turned the corner. There remains a dire shortage of residential rehabilitation beds for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Yet Congress and states continue to pour billions into the criminal justice end of the equation: more prison beds, more jail cells, more high-profile drug busts. The U.S. has also spent billions on cooperative drug interdiction programs inside other nations, including Mexico. It hasnt worked.

This is not an argument for legalizing dangerous narcotics, but it is a plea for ending a war on drugs that we will never win. If we cant find another approach, we can expect more horrific violence in nations south of the border and more traumatized migrants trying to escape it.
The apocalypse may not be upon us, but maybe you should take a peek outside to make sure.

Were seeing the two top Democrats in the Legislature embracing Republican Gov. Brad Littles budget priorities  something unheard of in todays politics. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow of Boise said in a recent news conference, called by Democrats, that the governor has really provided a great road map for the state with his budget.

And House Minority Leader Ilanna Rubel of Boise went a few steps further in a conversation with me.

The governors agenda isnt exactly what we would have done, but its pretty good. It pays teachers  helps kids go to school and train for better jobs and fixes our roads and bridges. Were all for it, Rubel said. If we came in a day after his State of the State address, passed his budget and adjourned for the year, it would be the best session in modern history.

Instead, Rubel says, we could be looking at one of the worst sessions ever  with no guarantees of the Republican majority agreeing on any of the governors priorities.

Frustration from the Dems has reached the boiling point. The minority leaders have lashed out at Republicans for focusing on right-wing talking points, instead of working in Idahos best interests.

NECOCHEA: Its past time for Idaho Legislature to get on track IDAHO DEMOCRATIC PARTY: As we zoom toward a targeted March 24 adjournment, it is past time for the legislature to get on track.

We have real needs that need to be addressed  underfunded schools, underpaid teachers, an infrastructure that has to be fixed and property tax problems. These are bread-and-butter issues for Idahoans, but you would never know it by how its playing out, Rubel says. Its pretty much non-stop with hot-button social warfare. Its all about transgender care, drag shows, going after librarians and book banning.

A few other things can be added to the list, including abortion trafficking, seeking to bring back execution by firing squad, essentially killing voter initiatives and voter suppression. And lets not forget about school vouchers and lifting the militia ban.

Were spending an overwhelming amount of time, and sucking up the oxygen in the room on things that will not lower taxes, not help kids get a better education, not help with property taxes, not pay teachers, not fix school buildings and not fix roads, Rubel says. As Democrats, we dont chair committees or control the agenda. If we did, wed be talking about property taxes and school funding all day long. It would be boring, but thats what we came here to talk about.

As Rubel sees it, this session is wall-to-wall social engineering, which was once viewed as taboo by Republicans who preached about getting government out of peoples lives.

GUEST COMMENTARY: No one is proposing school 'vouchers' in Idaho GUEST COMMENTARY: The reality is few folks could tell you the difference between a voucher and an Education Savings Account, writes Chris Cargill, president of the Mountain States Policy Center.

I could characterize Brad Little at this point as an old-school Republican  more like how Republicans looked 30 years ago when it wasnt all about constant social control, telling people what books their kids are allowed to read, what health care you should be allowed to get, and social engineering every minute of peoples lives. If it was just about fiscal conservatism, I wont mind getting back to that, says Rubel.

Its really telling when you see a bill that has been introduced in about 10 states at the same time, and we hear it in Idaho two days after it has been signed in Tennessee and a day before it was introduced in Oklahoma, she says. I think thats a sign that its a bill that is not tailored to the needs of Idahoans. They are coming from a smoke-filled room somewhere.

Given the low number of minority members in the Legislature, its easy to ignore  or dismiss  anything that Democrats might say or think. Republican leaders say there is no reason to panic. Priorities will be addressed, budgets will be set and everyone will go home with smiles on their faces.

But Rubel and Wintrow wont be smiling if the Legislature  as it often does  waits until the end to address the issues that are most important to Idahoans.
In the sometimes-heated debate over bringing more education choice options to the region, Republicans, Democrats, and some in the media are falling into the trap of labeling as Education Savings Accounts vouchers.

For Republicans, its likely an unconscious slip. For the media, its probably a lack of understanding. For Democrats and activists opposed to education choice, it is a strategy.

Polling shows vouchers are very controversial and dont have a lot of support. Education Savings Accounts, however, are much more likely to be looked upon favorably.

The reality is not many folks  including our lawmakers  could tell you the difference between the two. In fact, some have started to use the term ESA voucher. In a recent Idaho House education committee meeting, members of both parties used that term.

The trouble is theres no such thing as an ESA voucher.

CLOW: Whats this talk about ESAs in Idaho? Let me explain. GUEST EDITORIAL: It's time for Idaho to invest in an Education Savings Account program that serves all families and protects funding for public schools, writes Twin Falls. Rep. Lance Clow.

A voucher program would only let parents use taxpayer dollars to pay for tuition at a private school approved by the state. Typically, the state writes a check to a school in the name of a student to cover tuition.

An ESA is much different. First, money is held in an account by the stateit is not given directly to schools. Second, an ESA allows parents to use a portion of state funding on a variety of education services. Yes, it can include private school tuition, but it can also include tutoring, special needs services, curriculum, mental health treatment and much moreso long as it is for an educational purpose.

In the end, ESAs are given to parents via a state fund, whereas vouchers are given to schools or a specific institution.

ESAs are popular with parents. In fact, more than $335 million has been allocated to ESAs across the country, and several more states including Utah, Iowa, Arkansas and Texas are considering or have already passed ESAs this year.

The language of various education choice bills in Idaho, Montana and Washington calls for ESAs  not vouchers.

No one who supports or opposes education choice or covers the topic should use the term voucher unless an actual voucher bill is introduced. Doing so is simply inaccurate and on such an important topic, the clarity is crucial.
With a winter that has been as mild as we have seen across McDowell County, you just knew the inevitable was going to happen at some point.

The county and the region are expected to experience below-normal temperatures for a good chunk of this week, leading to the potential of a freeze the next two nights.

The mid-March cold snap began over the weekend as a quick storm system moved through during the day on Sunday. Temperatures were just cold enough early Sunday morning to allow a light mixture of rain, sleet and even a couple snowflakes to fall across McDowell County and the rest of the foothills. The result was just a light coating of ice mainly on elevated surfaces such as car tops and patios. Temperatures never got below the freezing mark, which kept local roadways wet. By mid-Sunday morning, all precipitation had changed over to a cold rain.

With that system gone, a stout blast of cold air has moved in and is going to lead to the threat of a freeze, which could prove troublesome especially for plants, trees and crops that experienced early bloom last month.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a freeze warning effective from 11 p.m. Monday through 11 a.m. today, Tuesday, for a large chunk of the western Carolinas, including McDowell County where the combination of clear skies and calm winds may allow temperatures to drop into the upper 20s. Also, a freeze watch has been issued for Tuesday night as temperatures could potentially be colder than what is expected for Monday night, leading to a hard freeze that could leave plants and crops prone to damage.

Local forecasters at Foothills Action Network started highlighting the potential of a freeze last weekend in their latest forecast discussion.

By Tuesday night and early Wednesday, high pressure will likely be centered over the Ohio or Tennessee River Valley regions. This will bring some of the coldest weather in several weeks, forecasters said in the discussion. Temperatures by Wednesday morning could drop into the mid-20s across the Foothills and upper 20s for Piedmont and Upstate South Carolina. This could pose a hazard to early blooming trees, strawberry and peach crops regionally.

The latest Foothills Action Network forecast for Tuesday indicates a high of 47, which is 13 degrees below the normal high of 60 degrees for the date. Tuesday night will be the coldest night of the week, with a forecasted low of 24. Wednesday will be cool day with a high of 57 expected. Thursday will start chilly again in the 20s, but an afternoon high of 62 will get daytime temperatures back to a couple degrees above normal.

With the potential of there being up to three nights of temperatures significantly below freezing, some damage to those early blooms is expected.

Im concerned that this cold snap is going to cause some damage to those plants and crops that bloomed early when it was so warm in February, said Foothills Action Network Chief Meteorologist Chris White. We advise to cover your plants but honestly, with the expectations of some lower to mid-20s, particularly Wednesday morning, covering plants may end up being just marginally effective.

White also notes that this wont be the last freeze threat coming up. After a brief late-week moderation of temperatures, another surge of cold will bring the potential of more frost and freeze conditions at the end and beyond the current seven-day forecast period.
The Cape Verdean parliament approved in generality and unanimously of the deputies present, the establishment of digital banks and its financial activity in the national territory only via the Internet, under supervision of the central bank.

The governments bill, which had been discussed earlier, received the votes of all 60 deputies present at the time of the vote  the Cape Verdean parliament has 72 deputies in total  30 of them from the ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD), 26 from the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and four from the opposition Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID).

In his explanation of the vote, deputy Demis Almeida (PAICV) said that his group voted in favor because he believes that information and communication technologies currently offer a set of opportunities that the financial system should be able to accommodate.

And in this line, he understood that these opportunities open the possibility for more investments, creation of qualified jobs and provision of digital banking services that facilitate the users of the financial system and commercial banking.

However, he made it clear that the PAICV gives a vote of principle, warning that it is conditional on the adoption, in the specialty, of a number of aspects that the party drew attention to in the generality, such as the implementation of the concept of virtual assets and compliance with legislation to prevent crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

MP Celso Ribeiro, from the MpD, also justified the favorable vote of his bench because he considers that the initiative represents an innovation that follows current global practices.

Since the path points towards a 100% digital banking system and with technological advances in the country and signs of digitalization of companies, the banking sector could not remain apart from this reality, said the deputy.

Celso Ribeiro pointed out several benefits of the diploma, such as security, exemption from opening commissions and other usual charges, the possibility of making very fast transfers abroad, account control, continuing to have a physical card, the option to create virtual cards, currency exchange and other operations.

These are concepts that are very clear, we think that this initiative came at a good time where the world is digital and Cape Verde cannot be apart from this reality, he insisted.
In this first phase we are talking about an investment of about six million dollars [5.6 million euros], but at the end of the entire development program, we have calculated a total of 30 million dollars [28 million euros], Helenio Turzao (administrator in the region) said.

On the night of August 12, 2020, the armed groups that have been carrying out attacks in Cabo Delgado invaded the port of Mocimboa da Praia and the clashes with the Defence and Security Forces left an unknown number of dead, including elements of the maritime force, in addition to several destroyed infrastructures.

According to Helenio Turzao, the rebels who occupied the port and the headquarters of Mocimboa da Praia for several months devastated the entire infrastructure, as well as the cargo of several clients that were in place.

We found the port extremely destroyed, both from the point of view of infrastructure and cargo. We had to do all the clean-up activity to start the rehabilitation, the administrator stated.

The infrastructure works, which include the construction of a new wharf and the rehabilitation of the container yard, began in August 2022 and should be finished in July, at a time when the district is gradually coming to life as a result of joint operations by Mozambican, Rwandan, and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces. The commercial and industrial fabric is already returning with some strength, which means that there is already economic activity for the populations, who have been returning at a good pace, concluded Helenio Turzao.

After months in the hands of the rebels, Mocimboa da Praia was looted and almost all the public and private infrastructure was destroyed, as well as the energy, water, communication and hospital systems. In total, about 62,000 people, almost the entire population, have left the coastal town due to the conflict that began five and a half years ago, with emphasis on the mass escapes that occurred after the intensification of rebel actions in June 2020.

The coastal town was the one where armed groups carried out their first attack in October 2017, and was long described as the base of the rebels. Mocimboa da Praia is located 70 kilometers south of the construction area of the natural gas exploration project in Afungi, Palma, led by TotalEnergies.
The National Assembly approved the reports joint opinion on the specialty and the draft resolution authorizing the President of the Republic to maintain the Angolan component of the SADC Standby Force in Mozambique.

The draft resolution authorizes the President, as Commander in Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces to maintain the Angolan component that will consist of 20 military personnel, including two officers in the regional cooperation mechanism, eight officers in command of the force and 10 crew members.

The Angolan mission also includes material resources, including an IL-76 strategic aircraft, financial resources of US$1,174,307, for three months, including logistical support and training, to strengthen the capacity of Mozambiques armed forces.

The document stresses that Angola is a member state of SADC since its foundation in 1980, and that the community is governed by the principles of sovereign equality, solidarity, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and cooperation in various areas.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), in collaboration with Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions), has inaugurated its Cyber Security Innovation Lab, the Waee Cybersecurity Centre and Identity Intelligence Centre.



This is part of its efforts to build a safe, solid and reliable digital environment and support innovation in cyberspace. This enhances the integrated protection for all stakeholders against cybersecurity risks and ensures secure access to Dewas cyberspace, especially with the acceleration of digital transformation at Dewa and its wide adoption of smart technologies.



Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa, highlighted that this step comes in line with the organisations efforts to achieve the wise leaderships vision to fully prepare for all the challenges that technology brings along with the opportunities it provides, and to enhance the growth and economic prosperity of Dubai and to continue Dewas journey of excellence and global leadership.



Dewa adopts an integrated approach for cybersecurity. This includes a complete series of proactive, preventative and predictive defence mechanisms to ensure business continuity and swift recovery from incidents and protect data security, Al Tayer said.



As part of Digital Dewa, we are disrupting the entire business of public utilities and contributing to building a new digital future for Dubai. Digital Dewa is based on four pillars: launching advanced solar power technologies; deploying a renewable energy grid with innovative energy storage technologies; expanding integrated AI solutions; and providing digital services that serve smart, sustainable cities while ensuring their security and continuity in the cyber digital space, said Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at Dewa.



The Cybersecurity Innovation Lab was designed to enable and streamline Dewas digital transformation through research, exploration, innovation, design and testing of cybersecurity controls and deployment in its environment. The lab aims to save time and cost and increase Dewas return on investment in information and cyber security.



The Waee Cybersecurity Centre provides a virtual environment to run comprehensive technical training and exercises with scenarios and tools to simulate cybersecurity attacks and defence mechanisms to enhance employee skillsets and raise awareness through virtual experiences designed to improve national skills in cybersecurity.



The Identity Intelligence Centre is the first of its kind in Dewa, with an adaptive intelligence capability that gathers identity-related data from various sources to proactively secure Dewa identities and enable advanced Identity & Access Management controls to leverage the user experience and ensure secure access to Dewas environment.



Dewa has made significant advances in the systematic and practical development of its enterprise risk management strategy and has formed a high-level crisis management committee since 2008.



Dewa established the first cyber defence centre across Dubai Government to predict threats ahead of time and conduct any required preventive procedures to protect data, by monitoring services and technical assets around the clock, handling incidents with care and limiting the effects of potential threats. Dewa also adopts the Information Security Regulation (ISR) of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC).



Dewa has received the ISO 27001:2013, which is the highest international standard in information security management. Dewa has extended the standard implementation to include all its divisions, departments and operations.  TradeArabia News Service
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Antisense oligonucleotides for treatments of neurological diseases, directly injected into cerebrospinal fluid in spaces around the brain, may cause side effects, abnormalities of consciousness or motor function. These side effects can be predicted by calcium decrease in neuronal cells. Credit: Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, TMDU

A promising therapy for a range of brain diseases involves antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)specialized molecules that can modulate RNA and alter protein productiondirectly injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, in the space around the brain and spinal cord. Unfortunately, when ASOs are injected like this, they often cause severe side effects.

In a recent study published in Molecular TherapyNucleic Acids, Japanese researchers have revealed that that such side effects are caused by calcium imbalances in the brain and can be improved by calcium-balance modulators.

Many brain diseases are thought to be caused by specific proteins. ASOs can be created to bind to the RNA that provides a template for a disease-related protein, usually with the aim of making more or less of the protein. To alter protein production in the brain only, ASOs are then injected directly into patients' cerebrospinal fluid, which flows in and around the whole brain and spinal cord. However, only one such ASO treatment is currently available, to treat spinal muscular atrophy.

Many other promising ASOs can induce neurotoxicity (that is, they cause disturbances of consciousness or motor function), which is experienced as unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening side effects. Because the reason for this neurotoxicity is relatively unknown, treating ASO-related neurotoxicity or creating new ASOs with low neurotoxicity is difficult. The researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) wanted to address this problem.

"We used three different ASOs that we know are neurotoxic and injected them into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice," says lead author Chunyan Jia. "The mice showed many abnormal behaviors that indicated acute neurotoxicity, and these behaviors were correlated with changes in calcium levels, as measured in other experiments with neuronal cells."

Specifically, when the neurotoxic ASOs were used to treat cells, they reduced the levels of free calcium within the cells. Importantly, these reductions were associated with neurotoxicity levels in the mice. The results indicated that calcium levels within cells are important for modulating ASO neurotoxicity, and suggested ways of modifying the calcium balance to reduce neurotoxicity.

"Our findings have important implications for developing effective ASO therapies with fewer harmful side effects," explains Kotaro Yoshioka, senior author.

"As well as suggesting drugs that may be used alongside ASOs to reduce neurotoxicity, we also reported a relationship between certain nucleotide sequences in ASOs and greater neurotoxicity; this information may be useful when choosing potential ASOs for clinical use," says Takanori Yokota, director of the research group.

Given that many neurological diseases have no cure or effective treatment, the development of new therapeutic agents is very important. The findings of this study will pave the way for more ASO-based therapies with fewer side effects, and are also expected to improve the ASO development pipeline for very rare brain diseases.

More information: Chunyan Jia et al, Change of intracellular calcium level causes acute neurotoxicity by antisense oligonucleotides via CSF route, Molecular TherapyNucleic Acids (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.12.010
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mCSF1R CART do not cause toxicity in mice. Credit: Nature Biotechnology (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-023-01684-0

Unlike other forms of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot currently be treated with CAR-T cell immunotherapy. The reason is that specific molecular targets with which certain immune cells could specifically target AML cells are lacking, which would permit the immune system to attack cancer.

Two research teams of Professor Dr. Sebastian Kobold with Dr. Adrian Gottschlich from the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at LMU University Hospital Munich and Dr. Carsten Marr with Moritz Thomas from the Institute of AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich have now succeeded in discovering such targets. The results have now been published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

AMLone of several forms of leukemia ("blood cancer")is a treacherous disease. Five years after the initial diagnosis, only one-third of patients are still alive. Up to 85 percent of patients appear to be cured after intensive chemotherapy. However, in more than half of them, the disease returns within one to two years because the chemotherapy has not destroyed all leukemia cells.

In the event of a relapse, a stem cell transplant is the only hope for cure for a patient. But even then, the long-term probability of survival is less than 20 percent. New treatment options are therefore urgently needed.

CAR-T cell therapy is an innovative therapy. CAR-T stands for "chimeric antigen receptor in T cells." T cells are cells of the immune system. Cancer cells evade their "normal" attempts to attack them by using various molecular tricks. Thus, T cells no longer recognize their opponents, the cancer cells.

During CAR-T cell therapy, T cells are first removed from the patients and then genetically engineered to produce a specific protein (CAR) on their surface. When these CAR-T cells are injected back into the patient's body, these will only engage their target: CD19, which ensures that they recognize the patient's cancer cells and bind to them in a targeted manner. The cancer cells consequently die.

New targets

However, the approved CAR-T cells against CD19 are not suitable for AML, because CD19 is (usually) not present on the surface of AML cells. Clinical results with CAR-T cells directed against other surface molecules of AML cells have been sobering so far, according to scientists. This is because CAR-T cells were unable to distinguish between healthy and degenerated cellswith correspondingly induced significant side effects.

The physician Sebastian Kobold and the physicist Carsten Marr, together with colleagues from the LMU University Hospital Munich and the Institute of AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich, set out to find alternative molecules that would ideally be found exclusively on the surface of AML cells. With the help of extensive bioinformatic analyses and the integration of expression data from more than half a million individual cells, two candidates finally crystallized out of 25,000 potential cell surface molecules.

These are known as CSF1R and CD86. "Such an analysis would not have been possible a few years ago, since the required single-cell data has been generated only very recently," says Marr, who led the AI-assisted analysis in the study at Helmholtz Munich.

The researchers produced CAR-T cells in the laboratory of the LMU University Hospital Munich that precisely target these molecules. The cells were then tested on different AML models, including AML cells from patients. The results, according to Kobold are promising: "On the one hand, these CAR-T cells are effective against AML, but on the other hand, they hardly destroy healthy cells."

The study impressively demonstrates how the synergy of interdisciplinary research groups can lead to breakthroughs in health research to treat patients in the best possible way. The researchers' next goal: They want to develop GMP (good manufacturing practice)-capable processes to produce CAR-T cells that can then also be used in clinical trials with AML patients. This is to take place within the framework of the "Bavarian Cell Therapy Catalyst," which is supported by the Bavarian Research Foundation. Kobold expects the first tests with patients in two to three years.

More information: Gottschlich, A. et al. Single-cell transcriptomic atlas-guided development of CAR-T cells for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, Nature Biotechnology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01684-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-01684-0 Journal information: Nature Biotechnology
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An influenza outbreak in China picked up intensity over the past week as a major city prepared to enforce pandemic-style lockdowns to curb the surge in infections.

The positivity rate for flu jumped to 41.6% in the week beginning March 5 from 25.1% the previous week, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in its weekly COVID-19 surveillance report on Saturday. The COVID-19 positivity rate was down to 3.8% from 5.1%.

The northwestern city of Xi'an said earlier this week it would employ measures similar to those used to curb COVID-19 as part of its plan to contain influenza outbreaks, with school and business closures included in the response.

The city of 13 million residents was locked down for a month in 2021 because of COVID-19, with residents largely barred from leaving their homes.

The positivity rate has increased for six consecutive weeks and started to increase more sharply in mid-February, according to government data.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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In 1956, Alma Merrick Helms announced that she was bound for Stanford University. But she would not be attending classes. Upon learning that there was a "special shortage of women's bodies" for medical students, this semiretired actress had filled out forms to donate her corpse to the medical college upon her death.

As historians of medicine, we had long been familiar with the tragic tales of 18th- and 19th-century grave robbing. Medical students had to snatch unearthed bodies if they wanted corpses to dissect.

But there was little to no discussion of the thousands of Americans in the 20th century who wanted an alternative to traditional burialthose men and women who gave their bodies to medical education and research.

So we decided to research this especially physical form of philanthropy: people who literally give themselves away. We are now writing a book on this topic.

Grave robbing and executed criminals

As more and more medical schools opened before the Civil War, the profession faced a dilemma. Doctors needed to cut open dead bodies to learn anatomy because no one wanted to be operated on by a surgeon who had only been trained by studying books.

But for most Americans, cutting up dead human beings was sacrilegious, disrespectful and disgusting.

According to the ethos of the day, only criminals deserved such a fate after death, and judges intensified murderers' death sentences by adding the insult of dissection after their executions. As in life, the bodies of enslaved people were also exploited in death, either consigned for dissection by their masters or robbed from their graves.

Yet there were never enough legally available bodies, so grave robbing flourished.

The unclaimed poor

To meet the medical profession's growing demand for cadavers, Massachusetts enacted the first anatomy law. This measure, passed in 1831, made the bodies of the unclaimed poor available for dissection in medical schools and hospitals.

With more medical schools opening and grave-robbing scandals pushing politicians to act, similar legislation eventually took effect across the United States.

One of the most visible incidents occurred when the body of former Rep. John Scott Harrison, both the son and the father of U.S. presidents, involuntarily turned up on an Ohio dissecting table in 1878.

In many states, kin and friends could claim a body that would otherwise be destined for dissection, but only if they could pay burial costs.

Donated bodies

Yet not everyone shared the horror at the very idea of being dissected.

By the late 19th century a growing number of Americans were willing to let medical students cut up their bodies before eventual burial or cremation. It did not apparently frighten or disgust them.

Doctors volunteered, but so did nurses, store owners, actors, academics, factory workers and freethinkerseven prisoners about to be executed. Some were people who simply sought to avoid funeral expenses.

Other Americans hoped that doctors would use their bodies to research their diseases, while others wanted to enable "medical science to enlarge its knowledge for the good of mankind," as George Young, a former wagon-maker, requested before he died in 1901.

Cornea transplants

By the late 1930s, advances in cornea transplant surgery made it possible for Americans to gift their eyes to restore the sight of blind and visually impaired men, women and children.

Along with World War II blood drives, heartwarming stories about corneal transplants spread a radically new understanding of corporeal generosity.

As efforts to attract donors who would pledge their eyes at death spread in the 1940s and early 1950s, so too did a new problem for anatomists: a decline in the number of unclaimed bodies.

Anatomists blamed a host of factors: rising prosperity in the postwar years; new laws that allowed county, city and state welfare departments to bury the unclaimed; veterans' death benefits; Social Security death benefits; and outreach by church groups and fraternal orders to take care of their poverty-stricken members.

Dear Abby and Reader's Digest

By the mid-1950s concerns arose about cadaver shortages for anatomy classes. But media coverage of people who had chosen to donate their bodies started to sway others to follow suit. Good examples include a Dear Abby advice column published in 1958 and a Reader's Digest article in 1961.

In 1962, Unitarian advocate Ernest Morgan published "A Manual of Simple Burial," which promoted memorial services as alternatives to lavish funerals. He included a directory of medical schools and dental schools that accepted whole-body donations.

Journalist Jessica Mitford, in her wildly popular 1963 book that condemned the funeral industry, "The American Way of Death," also endorsed that practice. She helped make giving your body to science a respectable, even noble, alternative to expensive conventional burials.

In the early 1960s, Protestant, Catholic and Reform Jewish leaders also came out in favor of donating bodies to science.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, some anatomy departments began to organize memorial services to acknowledge donors and provide some closure for their loved ones.

Word of such efforts further encouraged whole-body donation.

Letters of encouragement

We reviewed dozens of unpublished letters to and from donors in the 1950s to the early 1970s, in which anatomy professors encouraged potential whole-body donors to see themselves as heroically giving to medical science. Early donors frequently expressed this altruistic vision, wanting their mortal shells to participate in advancing knowledge.

By the mid-1980s, most medical and dental schools relied on donated bodies to teach anatomy, although a few unclaimed bodies still make their way today to medical schools. Technology has revolutionized anatomy teaching, as with the National Library of Medicine's Visible Human Project, but cadavers are still needed.

Images and models cannot replace hands-on experience with the human body.

Where many Americans once regarded medical students as "butchers" for exploiting their beloved dead, contemporary students honor what some of these future doctors call their "first patients" for the precious gift they have been given.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Analytic Sample Construction. Notes: Sample sizes are approximate (varies across model specifications); and rounded to the nearest 10 based on dataset guidelines. * The ECLS-K data manual recommends the use of sampling weights as appropriate to balance the trade-off between non-response bias and sample size considerations; therefore we chose the longitudinal weight - w9c29p_9a0 for our analyses that provides appropriate adjustments for complex survey design and non-response bias in the survey waves we use in our sample. Credit: Southern Economic Journal (2022). DOI: 10.1002/soej.12614

A recent series of three papers authored by Caitlin Lombardi demonstrate the effects of publicly funded health insurance for parents on three different metrics of children's health and development. The newest, published in Southern Economic Journal, highlights a significant boost to children's reading scores when their parents gain healthcare coverage.

"It was very exciting to find that result," says Lombardi, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). "In general, these papers and much of my research looks at how policies, at both the state and federal levels, can impact children's development and their parents' and families' well-being. And some of these [impacts] are indirect."

Lombardi's previous work on health and education policy (under former Vermont U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy) led her to the field of human development and family sciences. At UConn, she is researching the effects of some of the policies she worked on while staffing the Senate.

When she worked in the federal government, Lombardi heard from thousands of constituents about health insuranceincluding families who had been thrown into financial ruin by medical bills that far outstripped their limited or nonexistent coverage. The work revealed the necessity of expansions to the public health insurance system, she says.

This was back in 2008; in 2014, Medicaid coverage was expanded under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, sometimes known as "Obamacare"). While individual states could choose whether or not to adapt to the new policy, many, including Connecticut, embraced the ACA's provisions. This meant that many Connecticut residents whose income had exceeded the previous cutoff threshold for public health insurance were now eligible for coverage.

Lombardi and her collaborators report that children whose parents became newly eligible for Medicaid coverage under the ACA demonstrated approximately 2.3% higher reading scores than children from similar economic circumstances who lived in states where Medicaid eligibility was not expanded.

More targeted policies, such as in-classroom reading interventions and expanding healthcare coverage for children themselves, typically result in about twice that increase in reading scores, according to Lombardi. Still, as a side effect of the ACAa policy with no stated aims to improve children's literacythis finding is revelatory for family science and public policy researchers.

Other papers in this series of three studies, on which Lombardi collaborated with Lindsey Rose Bullinger at Georgia Tech and Maithreyi Gopalan at Penn State, analyze the effects of expanded Medicaid coverage on families' health-related financial well-being and on parent and child health outcomes. Children's reading skills may seem less intrinsically linked to parental health insurance, but, Lombardi points out, this analysis highlights the positive ripple effects of the policy beyond its intended aims.

Households where parents became eligible for public health insurance under the ACA "spent more time reading at home and more time eating dinner together," Lombardi says, which may have indirectly translated to a boost in reading skills.

The other mechanism that researchers identify is less parental help with homework, highlighting the importance of late elementary schoolers' academic independence.

"It might make sense that more parental time with homework is better for children, but at this particular agethese children are now around 4th and 5th gradethis is when children's expected independence and autonomy in relation to their homework really develops," Lombardi explains.

"Being able to receive an assignment from their teacher and come home and, with some structure in place at home, be able to complete that with less direct help and monitoring by parents than with younger elementary school students. This is expected as they're preparing for middle school and eventually high school."

The researchers also point to an important phenomenon known as the "welcome mat effect," where increased health coverage for adults indirectly leads to more children receiving coverage. While the ACA only applied to adults (child health insurance coverage was previously expanded under a separate program, CHIP), more children were nonetheless enrolled in public insurance plans after its passage.

This may be because the ACA made it simpler for parents to enroll in their own coverage, providing a "welcome mat" to the world of public insurance and thus streamlining the process of enrolling their children, according to Lombardi. Another likely explanation is that the ACA lessened financial burdens on low-income families overall, enabling them to invest more in preventative health services for both parents and children.

As the health insurance system continues to evolve, shaped by public advocacy and fierce policy debate, research in HDFS will remain crucial in interpreting its effects on children and families in Connecticut and across the country.

More information: Lindsey Rose Bullinger et al, Impacts of publicly funded health insurance for adults on children's academic achievement, Southern Economic Journal (2022). DOI: 10.1002/soej.12614
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Three years ago, the world stood on the precipice of a pandemic.

And as scientists raced to learn more about the virus that caused it, and medical teams tried desperately to save its first victims, nations turned to an unlikely source for protection.

History.

In those early months, lessons from studying the 1918 influenza pandemic helped save as many as 1.7 million lives in the United States alone, research suggests. Other studies have made even greater estimates of infections prevented worldwide.

Those lessons were largely drawn in part from a study based at the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine. The team had found that steps taken in 1918 to reduce close indoor contact, encourage mask-wearing and increase ventilation had reduced the death toll.

In early 2020, their data informed efforts to keep the new coronavirus from spreading so quickly that it would overwhelm hospitals and clinicsa concept the U-M team came to call "flattening the curve."

And it worked, says Howard Markel, M.D., Ph.D., who led the U-M Medical School team that carried out the 1918 flu study with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But now, looking back from the vantage point of three years, it's clear that efforts to respond to future pandemics must use the recent history of COVID-19 as their main guide, he says.

That's what he and others are now trying to help the Biden Administration's COVID-19 response team do, by consulting on preparedness and response efforts.

"It's not a matter of if we will have another pandemic, it's a matter of when," he said. "No one can tell where it's going to come from, or when, or which virusbut it will happen."

Learning from 1918

A physician and historian who has written dozens of books and essays on pandemics stretching back centuries, Markel is glad that the lessons revealed by the U-M team's work had an impact during the height of COVID-19.

"History was incredibly helpful when informing us about social distancing, and it was really a privilege to be able to provide the numerical data to show that," he said. "The participation in efforts to reduce spread around the world, before we had the tools we have now, was really remarkable and made a difference."

Keeping society and healthcare afloat by heeding lessons from 1918 also bought time for scientists and companies to understand the virus, protect hospitals and infrastructure from being flooded with patients, and develop vaccines and treatments.

In less than a year after the novel coronavirus was discovered, the first mRNA and traditional vaccines, and the first monoclonal antibody treatments, became available. The first rapid tests and oral medications were approved for use a few months later.

Learning from recent history

But the influenza virus and the novel coronavirus are very different from one another. And the political, information, medical and economic environments of the late 1910s and the early 2020s are light years apart.

The 1918 influenza research did show that resistance emerged to non-pharmaceutical interventions such as masking in public, as Markel's colleague J. Alex Navarro wrote in a 2020 essay.

But it wasn't anywhere near as vocal and visible as the resistance to mask-wearing and vaccination, and promotion of unproven remedies, that started early in the COVID-19 pandemic, says Markel. The fact that top-level political leaders engaged in this was especially damaging. Future pandemic responses may face the sameor worse, he warns.

Similarly, the team's research showed that easing up on preventive measures too soonwhich happened in some cities in 1918 and 1919also led to problems, as Navarro wrote in another piece, and Markel and Navarro wrote in the wake of a court ruling in Michigan regarding a governor's ability to declare or extend states of public health emergency.

But in COVID-19 this happened much more broadly, Markel notes. So teams preparing for the next pandemic should harness recent data on the impacts of masking, vaccination and social distancing, and anticipate broad-based resistance to protective measures.

At the same time, some positive lessons have emerged from the past three years, he reflects.

The importance of basic biomedical researchscientists working in relative obscurity for decades on the biology of the coronavirus and the potential use of mRNA and monoclonal antibodies in vaccines and treatments - paid off in powerful and rapid ways.

The increased communication between the medical community and public health community in the past three years has led to a greater recognition of how social, economic, geographic, political and environmental factors affect a person's risk of disease and their likelihood of severe illness or death.

This newfound attention to the social determinants of health, Markel notes, may make it more possible to treat medicine and public health as a continuum, rather than two separate fields.

COVID-19 also revealed major shortcomings in funding for public health infrastructure that leaves society vulnerable to future pandemics, he says.

"This could be a golden moment to really fix the public health systemor not," he said.

Another key thing that wasn't present in 1918, but that pandemic response must consider now and going forward, is the fact that millions of Americans now live with health conditions that 100 years ago, or even 30 years ago, would have killed them. And that means they're more vulnerable to infections.

"People receiving chemotherapy, transplant patients, or people who are immunocompromised for other reasons, are still at risk right now, especially in light of the new viral variants," said Markel. "Everyone wants to move on from COVID-19. But if we're all in this together, then we're all in this togethernot just when it's convenient for some."

Continuing to develop treatments and vaccines that provide protection against new strains of coronavirus will help protect the vulnerable, he says. It could also help sustain the industrial infrastructure needed to respond to the next pandemic.

The U-M team studied a lot of newspaper coverage from 1918 and 1919 to perform their research, because that was the main mass communication method of the day in pre-radio, pre-television days. The COVID-19 experience, says Markel, has shown the importance of using modern communication platforms to get good information out and counteract misinformation that has been rampant, and studying how people get and decide to act on information about health threats.

No matter what pandemic disease emerges next, learning lessons from the COVID-19 experience and not succumbing to the "global amnesia" that has happened after previous pandemics, will be critical, says Markel.

"As humans, we don't want to think about scary, terrible things," he said. "But we need to stick together for the greater good, and have faith in medicine, science and public health. That's the only way we're getting out of this pandemic, and the ones that are coming."
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A population data linkage study using anonymized primary and secondary care health records in Swansea University's SAIL Databank has revealed that in 2020 and 2021, fewer people in Wales were being diagnosed with long-term conditions than expected.

Diagnosis rates increased over the two-year period but for most conditions, they still lagged behind expectations at the end of 2021, implicating a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients who are unlikely to be receiving systematic monitoring and management for their conditions.

The study was led by researchers from Population Data Science at Swansea University Medical School in partnership with the Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Welsh Government, Cardiff University and PRIME Centre Wales.

Among the most affected conditions were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety disorders corresponding to more than 30 and 80 "missing" diagnoses in a typical general practice of 10,000 patients, respectively.

Such a practice may have more than 400 missing diagnoses across the 17 conditions studied. Researchers did not find any notable differences in socio-demographic characteristics of the patients diagnosed pre- and post- pandemic such as age, sex and ethnicity.

A second phase of research will build on this work to investigate the impact of COVID on patterns of healthcare resource use for patients with long-term conditions.

The study team conducted a population data linkage study using primary and secondary care data within the Secure Anonymized Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. They identified 2,257,992 individuals living in Wales and diagnosed for the first time with any of 17 long-term conditions between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2021.

Comparing diagnosis rates of each condition from 2020 to 2021 to forecasted expectations based on rates from 2015 to 2019, the researchers estimated the difference between the total number of expected and recorded diagnoses over the two-year period.

This research uncovers a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients with multiple long-term conditions in Wales, requiring resources to tackle anticipated workload as part of COVID-19 recovery, particularly in primary care.

"This study gives us valuable insight into the wider effects the pandemic has had on people, communities and the NHS in Wales," said Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales and Professor of Health Policy and Management.

"Research partnerships like this demonstrate not only the huge value of collaboration in research, but also the range of benefits offered by making full use of routinely collected data. From April this year, the newly expanded Wales Evidence Centre will deliver on a wider remit, addressing key priority issues in health, public health and social care."

Co-director of SAIL Databank Professor Ronan Lyons added, "SAIL Databank has been an integral tool for monitoring transmission and the long-term effects of the pandemic since it first emerged. Over the last 15 years, the teams at SAIL and Population Data Science, together with others across public health bodies in Wales, have worked hard to develop our network and capabilities which has enabled us to respond swiftly and effectively to this health crisis.

"As part of this One Wales collaboration, our work is far from over as we continue to monitor and assess COVID-19's impact across Wales and ensure that we learn from this experience and further enhance our collective resolve and knowledge for future health emergencies."

The work is published in the British Journal of General Practice.

More information: Cathy Qi et al, Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on incidence of long-term conditions in Wales: a population data linkage study using primary and secondary care health records, British Journal of General Practice (2023). DOI: 10.3399/BJGP.2022.0353 Journal information: British Journal of General Practice
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Financial disruption as a result of pandemic containment policies in the United States adversely influenced children's mental health, according to a new study co-led by Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University investigators. Mitigating these economic effects may help protect children's well-being if strict containment policies are needed in the future, according to the investigators.

The study, published March 13 in JAMA Network Open, examined the relationship between school and financial disruptions to children's sleep and mental health during COVID-19, accounting for a variety of pandemic-related policies. This work builds upon a previous publication by lead author Dr. Yunyu Xiao, assistant professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine; senior author Dr. J. John Mann, the Paul Janssen Professor of Translational Neuroscience (in psychiatry and radiology) at Columbia University; and colleagues reporting that children's psychological status was influenced by socioeconomic factors like access to health care, food insecurity and vaccination rates.

"Children's mental health and exposure to stress in early life may have a long-term impact in later life," said Dr. Xiao. "Simultaneously, containment policies are necessary as an emergency strategy in a pandemic to prevent disease transmission."

"We need to understand the impact of these policies on children's mental health to better inform public policy and prepare for public health emergencies," she said. "So, when we do have containment policies in place, we can mitigate their effects."

In the new study, Dr. Xiao, Dr. Mann, and investigators at the University of California, Berkeley (Drs. Timothy Brown, Lonnie Snowden, and Julian Chun-Chung Chow), conducted a nationwide study on 6,030 children between 10 to 13 years old. They used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, a long-term study of children's mental health across 21 U.S. cities, and surveyed children and their guardians about mental health and sleep between 2020 and 2021. The team also collected information on COVID-19 policy, COVID-19 incidence and unemployment rates to measure the relationship between children's mental health outcomes and these factors during the pandemic.

The team found that financial disruption, such as a parent losing their job or taking a decrease in wages, was associated with an increase in stress, sadness, and COVID-19-related worrybut had no association with sleepin the children surveyed. School disruption was not associated with changes in mental health or sleep, surprising the researchers. One possible explanation for this unexpected result is if children had more protective factors like increased parental care at home during lockdown, which would help with mental health, Dr. Xiao said.

"Previous research has examined the associations of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, but little information has been published on its causal effects on children," said Dr. Mann. "This study is the first longitudinal observational study in children to estimate bias-corrected associations of school and financial disruptions with mental health and sleep."

The study team comprised investigators with wide-ranging expertise. Drs. Brown and Snowden brought insights into health service research, particularly disparities in access to health care. Dr. Chow contributed expertise on the social welfare needs of children from underrepresented communities, and Dr. Mann offered critical insights for clinical implications.

"The findings of this study highlight the adverse impact of financial disruption on children's mental health, emphasizing the need to address economic, environmental, physical, and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in developing evidence-based policymaking," said Dr. Jyotishman Pathak, chief of the Division of Health Informatics and the Frances and John L. Loeb Professor of Medical Informatics at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Xiao plans to continue this research with a focus on those facing health disparities. She highlighted the need for research on the impact of pandemic-related hate and racism on the mental health of Asian Americans. She also wants to assess the impact of the COVID-19 policy on suicide and establish collaborations with community organizations to address social needs during a pandemic.

"We must not only take care of clinical needs but also study other factors that affect people," she said. "To conduct the best science aimed at improving lives, we need to develop holistic public health approaches that go beyond treating biological causes of illness and addressing the social determinants of health."

More information: Yunyu Xiao et al, COVID-19 Policies, Pandemic Disruptions, and Changes in Child Mental Health and Sleep in the United States, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.2716 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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Amino acid position, MAF, and variant type, including pathogenic/likely pathogenic (ClinVar/InterVar), potentially oncogenic (CGI), predicted deleterious (SIFT/PolyPhen), splice variant, or novel, identified in 113 patients of African ancestry with PCa for the genes presenting with the highest number of potentially impactful germline variants in our study: (A) ATM and (B) BRCA2. Abbreviations: CGI, Cancer Genome Interpreter; MAF, minor allele frequency; PCa, prostate cancer; PolyPhen, Polymorphism Phenotyping v2; SIFT, Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant. Credit: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2023). DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7097

New research in the March 2023 issue of JNCCNJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network highlights how the lack of genomic research for people with African ancestry, particularly those from the Sub-Saharan region, is hampering efforts to reduce disparities for people with cancer. In a first-of-its-kind study, the researchers evaluated molecular genetic results for 113 Black South African men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer to find evidence for increased and potentially unique genetic testing recommendations.

The researchers point out that, according to the GLOBOCON 2020 studies, the regions of the world most impacted by prostate cancer mortality include populations with significant African ancestry, such as the Caribbean and the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, with mortality rates 3.4- and 2.5-fold greater, than reported for the United States, respectively. Within the United States, African American men are at 2.3- to 5-times increased risk for prostate cancer associated death than their non-African American counterparts.

"Although men of African ancestry have the highest incidence rates for aggressive prostate cancer and associated death globally, due to lack of available data, no tailored testing criteria have been established for such populations at increased risk" said lead researcher Kazzem Gheybi, MD, Ph.D., of The University of Sydney in Australia. "This study opens the door to begin to establish new criteria, providing men of African ancestry with hope that germline testing can change current disparities in clinical outcomes."

"The African diaspora is highly diverse, so I caution against regarding the most genetically diverse population in 'singular' terms," added senior researcher Vanessa M. Hayes, Ph.D., also from The University of Sydney and the University of Pretoria in South Africa. "What is required is concerted effort for inclusion that takes a grassroots approach. We need to build criteria based on population-specific knowledge. We encourage cancer care and germline screening providers to establish a research and development arm tailored specifically for African inclusion. We need to move away from the one-size-fits-all model for prostate cancer care; African solutions should address African-relevant disparities in prostate cancer outcomes."

The study included a close examination of 21,899 single-nucleotide variants, 4,626 small insertions and deletions, and 73 structural variants across 20 genes from the 113 patients. After initially excluding variants that were known not to be cancer-causing, they found 38 mutations across 52 patients. A total of 17 pathogenic (4) and potential oncogenic (13) variants were identified. The 5.6% rate of rare cancer-causing variants in this population was significantly lower than the established rate of 11.8% for non-African patients with confirmed metastatic prostate cancer, suggesting decreased sensitivity of current gene panels for risk assessment in this patient population.

"This study highlights the poor clinical utility (30%) of the currently most-utilized germline testing panels in men of African ancestry, largely due to minimal inclusion of these groups in the development of the panels," commented Samuel L. Washington III, MD, MAS, Assistant Professor of Urology; Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, who was not involved in this research.

Dr. Washington, who is also a Member of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Panel for Prostate Cancer Early Detection, continued, "This study emphasizes two crucial domains: 1) it provides further evidence of the need for greater inclusivity in genetic panel development and 2) it recognizes that disparities in outcomes for men of African ancestry can't be explained solely by the findings in 113 Black South African males.

"Although the NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Early Detection identify Black/African American identity as a risk factor, the panel notes the contributions of poor access to care, social determinants of health/social risk, and heritable genes to these observations. I look forward to further research in this area that examines how the limitations of our current tools can be improved to better reflect the populations we serve."

More information: Kazzem Gheybi et al, Evaluating Germline Testing Panels in Southern African Males With Advanced Prostate Cancer, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2023). DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7097

Provided by National Comprehensive Cancer Network
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Lauren Raine, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Department of Medical Sciences at the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, researches how covid pandemic has impacted body mass index of pre-teens and older adults, in the ISEC building. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

The term "pandemic pounds" had already been coined when Lauren Raine and colleagues reopened their lab at Northeastern's Center for Cognitive and Brain Health to participants in August of 2020.

Even so, they were taken aback by the stark differences a few months of isolation had made in the fitness levels of children and adults they study as part of a federal brain health research project.

"It had only been four to five months (of isolation) and people were drastically different," Raine says.

She led a team of researchers in quantifying the results for a study published in Frontiers in Public Health that documented increases in the body mass index of participant groups studied before and during COVID shutdowns, as well as decreases in their cardiovascular fitness.

"I don't think we quite realized the impact" of the shutdowns, when gyms were closed and even parks marked off by caution tape, says Raine, an assistant professor whose co-authors include Northeastern's Arthur Kramer and Charles Hillman.

Steps taken to reduce people's exposure to the novel coronavirus may have inadvertently reduced their physical activity levels to the point of unhealthiness, says Raine, who works in the department of physical therapy, movement and rehabilitation sciences and the department of medical science.

"People in the physical therapy department will tell you that if you stop exercising, you see declines very quickly," she says.

"But people in the general population may say, 'What's the big deal if I sat around for two weeks?'" Raine says. "It is a big deal."

Cardiovascular fitness measured as participants exercised on a treadmill showed the level for older adults declined by 30%. For children, the decline was even worse53%.

Her study compared the aerobic capacity and body mass index of 493 adults aged 6580 before the pandemic with 100 adults in that age range during the pandemic.

The children were all located within one-hour's drive of Boston, while the adults were located at three sites in Boston, Kansas and Pittsburgh, Raine says.

Body mass index also rose in both age groups, she says.

In older adults it went from 29.5 to 31.3, which "is definitely an increase," Raine says.

In children, BMI went from 18 to 19.3, but she says it's tricky to assess the significance of that gain due to children's rapid growth rates and changing body composition.

What's concerning is that previous reports indicate children in the heaviest weight categories seem to bear the brunt of the shutdown BMI increases, and "our data falls into line with that," says Raine

Collaborative ongoing research measures health metrics on the two age groups for research on exercise and brain health.

Americansold and youngwere suffering high rates of overweight and obesity before the pandemic, she points out, adding that public health strategies should emphasize not just regaining but overtaking lost ground.

"We need to have some public health strategies to help people get back on the right trajectory," Raine says.

And before the next pandemic appears on the horizon, there should be plans on how to prevent loss of fitness, Raine says.

It won't be a one-size-fits-all solution, she says.

Some families have access to online exercise classes, others don't, Raine says. "We just have to be creative and thoughtful."

More information: Lauren B. Raine et al, Cardiorespiratory fitness levels and body mass index of pre-adolescent children and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, Frontiers in Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052389 Journal information: Frontiers in Public Health
YBO - The Yen Bai provincial Peoples Committee has held a conference reviewing emulation and commendation work in 2022 and launched tasks and the patriotic emulation movement for 2023.

On behalf of the State President, Do Duc Duy, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, and head of the National Assembly deputies delegation of Yen Bai, presents the Independence Order and Labour Order to collectives and individuals.

Responding to emulation movements launched by the Government and the province in 2022, all-level authorities, sectors, localities, agencies, units, enterprises, and people of all social strata in Yen Bai province strived to make reforms and innovations to practically and effectively contribute to each socio-economic development and life aspect.





Meanwhile, the commendation work became more substantive as seen in the granting of rewards to grassroots-level collectives and workers, those with prominent achievements in different fields, and role models in emulation campaigns.









On behalf of the State President, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Do Duc Duy presents the second-class Labour Order to Vu Quynh Khanh, Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Council, in recognition of the latters outstanding achievements in the 2017 - 2021 period that contributed to the socialism building and national defence.





At the conference, the provincial Emulation and Commendation Council presented the Independence Order and Labour Order to three collectives and seven individuals, the Meritorious Artisan title to three individuals, the Governments emulation flag to 11 collectives, and the Prime Ministers certificates of merit to three collectives and 24 individuals.





It also handed over the emulation flag from the Chairperson of the provincial Peoples Committee to 38 collectives, the Yen Bai provincial Artisan title to 14 individuals, the certificates of merit from the Chairperson of the provincial Peoples Committee to 12 exemplary collectives and 13 individuals in 2022, and the certificates of merit from the Chairperson of the provincial Peoples Committee to 10 outstanding citizens of Yen Bai last year.





For 2023, all-level authorities, sectors, and localities in Yen Bai will continue seriously and effectively implementing the Government and the provinces directives and plans on emulation and commendation; carry out emulation campaigns in tandem with the implementation of all-level Party congresses resolutions, as well as the provinces resolutions, action plans, projects, policies, and political tasks; and pay attention to reforming the content, forms, and methodology of organising emulation movements to create momentum for socio-economic development.





They will work to fruitfully implement the emulation movements launched by the Government and the provincial Peoples Committee; stay determined to successfully and comprehensively achieve the targets set in the provincial Party Committees Action Programme No 135 and the provincial Peoples Councils Resolution No 43 on the socio-economic development plan for 2023; push ahead with the implementation of the provincial Party Committees Resolution No 51 on digital transformation for 2021 - 2025, with a vision to 2030; and concurrently step up economic restructuring, growth model reform, and improvement of the local economys productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness.




Visit Bahrain has signed agreements with numerous travel and tourism organisations around the world that will bring 28,000 European visitors to the kingdom between September 2023 and March 2024, a senior official said.

Visit Bahrain CEO Ali Amralla said these agreements were signed concurrently with Visit Bahrain's participation in ITB Berlin, the world's largest travel trade fair which took place in the German capital, Berlin.

He also noted that these agreements are the largest in the company's history and that they will primarily draw tourists from Germany, Russia, and Britain, as well as other European nationalities.

The visit of these tourists often lasts six days, according to Amralla. Accommodations are provided at several hotels in Bahrain, including The Grove in the Amwaj Islands, which is run by Visit Bahrain.

The tours of these European visitors will include a variety of heritage and historical locations, retail destinations and more.

"These agreements are part of a larger strategy that Visit Bahrain has implemented to attract tourists from all over the world, but specifically from Europe. The company initiated a programme in January to bring 4,500 German tourists to Bahrain in 2023, and over the past few weeks, about 1,800 of them visited Bahrain in groups, according to Amralla.

"The Ministry of Tourism and BTEA provided us with full support during our recent participation in ITB Berlin, and the Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Mrs Fatima bint Jaafar Al-Sairafi, personally attending this event had a significant impact on fostering cooperation with our partners from tourism agents around the world," he said. - TradeArabia News Service
When Paula Chestnut needed hip replacement surgery last year, a pre-operative X-ray found irregularities in her chest.

As a smoker for 40 years, Chestnut was at high risk for lung cancer. A specialist in Los Angeles recommended the 67-year-old undergo an MRI, a high-resolution image that could help spot the disease.

But her MRI appointment kept getting canceled, Chestnuts son, Jaron Roux, told KHN. First, it was scheduled at the wrong hospital. Next, the provider wasnt available. The ultimate roadblock she faced, Roux said, arrived when Chestnuts health insurer deemed the MRI medically unnecessary and would not authorize the visit.

On at least four or five occasions, she called me up, hysterical, Roux said.

Months later, Chestnut, struggling to breathe, was rushed to the emergency room. A tumor in her chest had become so large that it was pressing against her windpipe. Doctors started a regimen of chemotherapy, but it was too late. Despite treatment, she died in the hospital within six weeks of being admitted.

Though Roux doesnt fully blame the health insurer for his mothers death, it was a contributing factor, he said. It limited her options.

Few things about the American health care system infuriate patients and doctors more than prior authorization, a common tool whose use by insurers has exploded in recent years.

Prior authorization, or pre-certification, was designed decades ago to prevent doctors from ordering expensive tests or procedures that are not indicated or needed, with the aim of delivering cost-effective care.

Originally focused on the costliest types of care, such as cancer treatment, insurers now commonly require prior authorization for many mundane medical encounters, including basic imaging and prescription refills. In a 2021 survey conducted by the American Medical Association, 40% of physicians said they have staffers who work exclusively on prior authorization.

So today, instead of providing a guardrail against useless, expensive treatment, pre-authorization prevents patients from getting the vital care they need, researchers and doctors say.

The prior authorization system should be completely done away with in physicians offices, said Dr. Shikha Jain, a Chicago hematologist-oncologist. Its really devastating, these unnecessary delays.

In December, the federal government proposed several changes that would force health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and federal Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, to speed up prior authorization decisions and provide more information about the reasons for denials. Starting in 2026, it would require plans to respond to a standard prior authorization request within seven days, typically, instead of the current 14, and within 72 hours for urgent requests. The proposed rule was scheduled to be open for public comment through March 13.

Although groups like AHIP, an industry trade group formerly called Americas Health Insurance Plans, and the American Medical Association, which represents more than 250,000 physicians in the United States, have expressed support for the proposed changes, some doctors feel they dont go far enough.

Seven days is still way too long, said Dr. Julie Kanter, a hematologist in Birmingham, Alabama, whose sickle cell patients cant delay care when they arrive at the hospital showing signs of stroke. We need to move very quickly. We have to make decisions.

Meanwhile, some states have passed their own laws governing the process. In Oregon, for example, health insurers must respond to nonemergency prior authorization requests within two business days. In Michigan, insurers must report annual prior authorization data, including the number of requests denied and appeals received. Other states have adopted or are considering similar legislation, while in many places insurers regularly take four to six weeks for non-urgent appeals.

Waiting for health insurers to authorize care comes with consequences for patients, various studies show. It has led to delays in cancer care in Pennsylvania, meant sick children in Colorado were more likely to be hospitalized, and blocked low-income patients across the country from getting treatment for opioid addiction.

In some cases, care has been denied and never obtained. In others, prior authorization proved a potent but indirect deterrent, as few patients have the fortitude, time, or resources to navigate what can be a labyrinthine process of denials and appeals. They simply gave up, because fighting denials often requires patients to spend hours on the phone and computer to submit multiple forms.

Erin Conlisk, a social science researcher for the University of California-Riverside, estimated she spent dozens of hours last summer trying to obtain prior authorization for a 6-mile round-trip ambulance ride to get her mother to a clinic in San Diego.

Her 81-year-old mother has rheumatoid arthritis and has had trouble sitting up, walking, or standing without help after she damaged a tendon in her pelvis last year.

Conlisk thought her moms case was clear-cut, especially since they had successfully scheduled an ambulance transport a few weeks earlier to the same clinic. But the ambulance didnt show on the day Conlisk was told it would. No one notified them the ride hadnt been pre-authorized.

The time it takes to juggle a prior authorization request can also perpetuate racial disparities and disproportionately affect those with lower-paying, hourly jobs, said Dr. Kathleen McManus, a physician-scientist at the University of Virginia.

When people ask for an example of structural racism in medicine, this is one that I give them, McManus said. Its baked into the system.

Research that McManus and her colleagues published in 2020 found that federal Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plans in the South were 16 times more likely to require prior authorization for HIV prevention drugs than those in the Northeast. The reason for these regional disparities is unknown. But she said that because more than half the nations Black population lives in the South, theyd be the patients more likely to face this barrier.

Many of the denied claims are reversed if a patient appeals, according to the federal government. New data specific to Medicare Advantage plans found 82% of appeals resulted in fully or partially overturning the initial prior authorization denial, according to KFF.

Its not just patients who are confused and frustrated by the process. Doctors said they find the system convoluted and time-consuming, and feel as if their expertise is being challenged.

I lose hours of time that I really dont have to argue  with someone who doesnt even really know what Im talking about, said Kanter, the hematologist in Birmingham. The people who are making these decisions are rarely in your field of medicine.

Occasionally, she said, its more efficient to send patients to the emergency room than it is to negotiate with their insurance plan to pre-authorize imaging or tests. But emergency care costs both the insurer and the patient more.

Its a terrible system, she said.

A KFF analysis of 2021 claims data found that 9% of all in-network denials by Affordable Care Act plans on the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, were attributed to lack of prior authorization or referrals, but some companies are more likely to deny a claim for these reasons than others. In Texas, for example, the analysis found 22% of all denials made by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and 24% of all denials made by Celtic Insurance Co. were based on lack of prior authorization.

Facing scrutiny, some insurers are revising their prior authorization policies. UnitedHealthcare has cut the number of prior authorizations in half in recent years by eliminating the need for patients to obtain permission for some diagnostic procedures, like MRIs and CT scans, said company spokesperson Heather Soules. Health insurers have also adopted artificial intelligence technology to speed up prior authorization decisions.

Meanwhile, most patients have no means of avoiding the burdensome process that has become a defining feature of American health care. But even those who have the time and energy to fight back may not get the outcome they hoped for.

When the ambulance never showed in July, Conlisk and her mothers caregiver decided to drive the patient to the clinic in the caregivers car.

She almost fell outside the office, said Conlisk, who needed the assistance of five bystanders to move her mother safely into the clinic.

When her mother needed an ambulance for another appointment in September, Conlisk vowed to spend only one hour a day, for two weeks leading up to the clinic visit, working to get prior authorization. Her efforts were unsuccessful. Once again, her mothers caregiver drove her to the clinic himself.

Do you have an experience with prior authorization youd like to share? Click here to tell your story.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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PHILIPSBURG, Mont.  Water samples taken from the drinking fountain the station replaced had a lead concentration of 10 parts per billion  twice Montanas legal limit for schools of 5 parts per billion for the toxic metal.

Thomas Gates, the principal and superintendent of the small Philipsburg School District, worries the new faucets, sinks and filters the district installed for roughly 30 water sources are temporary fixes. The high school, built in 1912, is likely laced with aged pipes and other infrastructure, like so much of this historic town.

If we change faucets or whatever, lead is still getting pushed in, Gates said.

The school in Philipsburg is one of hundreds in Montana grappling with how to remove lead from their water after state officials mandated schools test for it. So far, 74% of schools that submitted samples found at least one faucet or drinking fountain with high lead levels. Many of those schools are still trying to trace the source of the problem and find the money for long-term fixes.

In his Feb. 7 State of the Union address, President Joe Biden said the infrastructure bill he championed in 2021 will help fund the replacement of lead pipes that serve 400,000 schools and child care centers, so every child in America can drink clean water.

However, as of mid-February, states were still waiting to hear how much infrastructure money theyll receive, and when. And schools are trying to figure out how to respond to toxic levels of lead now. The federal government hasnt required schools and child care centers to test for lead, though it has awarded grants to states for voluntary testing.

During the past decade, nationwide unease has been stirred by news of unsafe drinking water in places like Flint, Michigan. Politicians have promised to increase checks in schools where kids  who are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning  drink water daily. Lead poisoning slows childrens development, causing learning, speech and behavioral challenges. The metal can cause organ and nervous system damage.

A new report by advocacy group Environment America Research & Policy Center showed that most states fall short in providing oversight for lead in schools. And the testing that has happened to this point shows widespread contamination from rural towns to major cities.

At least 19 states require schools to test for lead in drinking water. A 2022 law in Colorado requires child care providers and schools that serve any kids from preschool through fifth grade to test their drinking water by May 31 and, if needed, make repairs. Meanwhile, California leaders, who mandated lead testing in schools in 2017, are considering requiring districts to install filters on water sources with high levels of lead.

As states boost scrutiny, schools are left with complicated and expensive fixes.

As it passed the infrastructure bill, Congress set aside $15 billion to replace lead pipes, and $200 million for lead testing and remediation in schools.

White House spokesperson Abdullah Hasan didnt provide the source of the 400,000 figure Biden cited as the number of schools and child care centers slated for pipe replacement. Several clean-water advocacy organizations didnt know where the number came from, either.

Part of the problem is that no one knows how many lead pipes are funneling drinking water into schools.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates between 6 million and 10 million lead service lines are in use nationwide. Those are the small pipes that connect water mains to plumbing systems in buildings. Other organizations say there could be as many as 13 million.

But the problem goes beyond those pipes, said John Rumpler, senior director for the Clean Water for America Campaign at Environment America.

Typically lead pipes connected to public water systems are too small to serve larger schools. Water contamination in those buildings is more likely to come from old faucets, fountains and internal plumbing.

Lead is contaminating schools drinking water when there arent lead pipes connecting to a municipal water source, Rumpler said. Because of their complex plumbing systems, schools have more places along the way where lead can be in contact with water.

Montana has collected more data on lead-contaminated school water than most other states. But gaps remain. Of the states 591 schools, 149 havent submitted samples to the state, despite an initial 2021 deadline.

Jon Ebelt, spokesperson with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, said the state made its deadline flexible due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is working with schools that need to finish testing.

Greg Montgomery, who runs Montanas lead monitoring program, said sometimes testing stalled when school districts ran into staff turnover. Some smaller districts have one custodian to make sure testing happens. Larger districts may have maintenance teams for the work, but also have a lot more ground to cover.

Outside Burley McWilliams Missoula County Public Schools office, about 75 miles northwest of Philipsburg, sit dozens of water samples in small plastic bottles for a second round of lead testing. Director of operations and maintenance for the district of roughly 10,000 students, McWilliams said lead has become a weekly topic of discussion with his schools principals, who have heard concerns from parents and employees.

Several of the districts schools had drinking fountains and classroom sinks blocked off with bags taped over faucets, signs of the work left to do.

The district spent an estimated $30,000 on initial fixes for key water sources by replacing parts like faucets and sinks. The school received federal COVID money to buy water bottle stations to replace some old infrastructure. But if the new parts dont fix the problem, the district will likely need to replace pipes  which isnt in the budget.

The state initially set aside $40,000 for schools lead mitigation, which McWilliams said translated to about $1,000 for his district.

Thats the one frustration that I had with this process: Theres no additional funding for it, McWilliams said.

Q&A: Why is drinking water so important? Why do our bodies need water? How much of the human body is water? It might surprise you to learn that water makes up about 60% of our body weight. And what does water do for the body? The benefits of drinking water are many: Its vital for almost every function in the body. Water acts as a building block, a solvent for chemical reactions and a transport material for nutrients and waste. Water also helps maintain blood volume and allows proper circulation, helps regulate our body temperature and acts as a shock absorber for our joints and our brain. There are still more health benefits of water: It helps lubricate the linings of our inner organs and maintains healthy kidney function. How much water should you drink a day? The amount of water you need to drink will depend on several factors, including your age, gender, activity level and more. However, heres a good general guideline when it comes to recommended daily water intake: Women should drink at least 2.21 liters per day and men should drink three liters per day. Increase your daily water intake as you increase your activity level. Be sure to always drink filtered water to avoid toxins found in tap water. As you age, you will likely feel less thirsty and thus be prone to drinking less fluid. However, hydration is as important as ever in old age, so be sure to keep water on hand and drink regularly throughout the day, even if you dont feel thirsty. Need help drinking more water? Keep track of your water intake by measuring your progress with a cup or water bottle placed in a spot you will see throughout the day. Set goals for yourself at time points throughout the day to make sure you are drinking enough. Why should you drink water? Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body functioning at its highest capacity. Staying hydrated can help you to: Improve physical performance. During physical activity, our bodies use up a lot of water. So, staying hydrated before, during and after exercise helps to protect your body from harm and perform better. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue, improve endurance, lower your maximum heart rate and more. It can also help you to be less sore after exercise. Help you to lose weight. Are you having trouble with your weight loss efforts? Increasing your water intake may help you achieve better results. Studies show that people who are on diets lose more weight when they also increase their water intake. In one study, people on weight loss diets who drank 500 milliliters of water before each of their three daily meals for 12 weeks lost 4.6 more pounds on average than people who did not drink the additional water. Boost your mood. People who drink more water also tend to have better moods. One study found that when people who regularly drank less than 1.2 liters of water per day increased their intake to 2.5 liters per day, the participants experienced significantly less confusion, bewilderment, fatigue and sleepiness. On the other hand, for people who regularly drank two to four liters of water per day who were then restricted to one liter per day, the reduced water intake led to negative effects on mood, including decreased contentedness, calmness and positive emotions. Boost your brainpower. Several studies have shown that people drinking water during cognitive tasks performed much better than people who did not drink water during the tasks. These results have been found in both adults and children. Studies suggest that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function in the short term. Prevent headaches. Water deprivation is a very common cause of headache. In most cases, rehydrating can provide relief from a headache. For some people, dehydration can also trigger a migraine, so be sure to keep your water intake regular if you are prone to getting migraines or headaches. Protect against disease. Proper hydration may be a useful tool in preventing a variety of health conditions and diseases. Staying hydrated may protect against kidney stones, constipation, asthma, urinary tract infections, coronary heart disease and even possibly some cancers.
When Carole Lindstrom stumbled upon an old photo of her grandmother and two great-aunts, she had no idea it would change her life.

At first glance, Lindstrom thought the photo was weird. The three women wore smocks, and their hair was cut short.

They looked like they were trying to be alike, Lindstrom recalled.

When Lindstrom asked her mom about the photo, her mother told her that it was from when Lindstroms grandmother and great-aunts attended boarding school. Lindstrom wanted to learn more, but her mother didnt know much else about it.

So Lindstrom, who is Ojibwe and Anishinaabe/Metis, did her own research. She learned that from the late 1800s to 1970s, Native children were taken from their homes and separated from their families to attend Christian-run boarding schools, operating under the explicit mission to kill the Indian; save the man. Tribes struggled with language and culture loss as a result and historical trauma from these schools persists today.

Things began to click for Lindstrom.

It made so much sense to me  about where my language went, where my culture went, why there was so much shame, she recalled. Why I didnt know who I was for so long.

After learning more about the photo, Lindstrom said she knew there was a place for this story on the shelves.

Lindstroms childrens book, My Powerful Hair, celebrates Indigenous hair and the significance it holds. It comes out on March 23.

The book follows a Native girl who cant wait for her hair to grow. She thinks about her Nokomis (grandmother in Ojibwe) who couldnt grow her hair long in boarding school. As she grows older, the girl learns that her hair connects her to her memories, ancestors and Mother Earth and is a source of strength. She sees her hair as a sort of scrapbook, taking note of how long it is during big life events.

When the childs Nimishoomis (grandfather in Ojibwe) dies, she cuts her hair, as is customary in many Indigenous cultures. At the end of the book, she and her mother begin to grow their hair long again, together.

Though the book is for children, it touches on some heavy topics, including boarding schools and death. Lindstrom said those details were necessary for the story, and shes confident that children can handle it.

I have a son and I know how to talk to him about important things in life and how to be part of the world, she said. These types of things are factual. Theyre actual. Theyre history.

Growing up, Lindstrom said some children would bully her for being Native, saying things like, The only good Indian is a dead Indian.

Those were children telling children, she said. So if I was told those things when I was in grade school, children can handle understanding where our pain comes from, and perhaps empathy can be a big part of their life.

Lindstrom said the book symbolizes advancements in Native representation.

People that are non-Native need to see that we are still here, she said. We are still part of the world. We dont exist in buckskin, shooting bows and arrows. We write books. We are artists. We are entrepreneurs. We are lawyers, doctors. We are everything.

Steph Littlebird, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, illustrated the book. The pages are filled with her drawings that reflect sophisticated concepts, showing long, Native hair spilling into rivers and braids that connect ancestors. One scene shows a white hand cutting an Indigenous womans braid during the boarding school era.

Littlebird said she hopes readers will gain a sense of empathy for other cultures.

(The book) is about reclaiming your identity and also about how inter-generational trauma really does impact us in these invisible ways that are hard to explain to outsiders, she said.

Littlebird said the book is coming out at a pivotal time, alluding to a Supreme Court case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act. The act, commonly known as ICWA, establishes how Native children are placed in foster or adoptive homes. It came in response to U.S. government policies, like boarding schools, which explicitly sought to separate Native children from their families.

The reason that children of Indigenous descent need protection is because historically speaking, we have not been protected, Littlebird said, adding she hopes the book will raise awareness for ICWA. Its an important story historically, but its also (about how) Indigenous kids futures are endangered, and we need to remember why.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the ICWA case before July 1, and two bills concerning ICWA are advancing through the Montana Legislature. One, proposed by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, would create a Montana version of ICWA. And one, proposed by Sen. Dennis Lenz, would apply some concepts of ICWA to all children in Montana.
BOSTON  Evena Joseph was unaware how much her 10-year-old son was struggling in school. She found out only with help from somebody who knows the Boston school system better than she does.

Her son, J. Ryan Mathurin, wasn't always comfortable pronouncing words in English. But Joseph, a Haitian immigrant raising him by herself, did not know how far behind he was in reading  in the 30th percentile  until a hospital where her son was receiving treatment connected her with a bilingual advocate.

"I'm sad and disappointed," Joseph said through an interpreter. "It's only because I was assigned an educational advocate that I know this about my son."

It's widely known from test scores that the pandemic set back students across the country. But many parents don't realize that includes their own child.

Schools have long faced criticism for failing to inform certain parents about their kids' academic progress. But after the COVID-19 school closures, the stakes for children have in many ways never been greater.

Opportunities to catch up are plentiful in some places, thanks to federal COVID aid, but won't last forever. It will take better communication with parents to help students get the support they need, experts say.

"Parents can't solve a problem that they don't know they have," said Cindi Williams, co-founder of Learning Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to improving communication between public schools and parents about student academic progress.

A 2022 survey of 1,400 public school parents around the country by Learning Heroes showed 92% believed their children were performing at grade level. But in a federal survey, school officials said half of all U.S. students started this school year behind grade level in at least one subject.

At home, J. Ryan races through multiplication problems at his dining room table. His mother watches as he lingers for several minutes on a paragraph about weather systems and struggles to answer questions about the reading.

"Sometimes I can't understand the writing or the main idea of the text," J. Ryan said after putting away his homework.

The struggles that ultimately brought J. Ryan to the hospital for mental health treatment began in third grade, when he returned to in-person school after nearly a year of studying online. His teacher called frequently, sometimes every day. J. Ryan was getting frustrated, disrupting lessons and leaving the classroom.

J. Ryan displayed these behaviors during English language arts and other classes including Mandarin and gym, according to his special education plan shared with The Associated Press. He happily participated in math class, where he felt more confidence.

Joseph changed her work schedule at a casino to the night shift so she could talk with teachers during the day. The calls continued in fourth grade. But Joseph said teachers never mentioned his problems reading.

Last spring, she sought treatment for what was becoming obvious: Her son was depressed. She was teamed up at the hospital with the parent advocate who speaks English and Haitian Creole.

The advocate, Fabienne Eliacin, pushed to get J. Ryan's scores from the tests given each fall to monitor student learning. She explained to Joseph what it meant to be scored in the 30th percentile. It's not good, Eliacin told her. He can do better.

To Joseph, it suddenly made sense why J. Ryan was acting out in English class. But why, she wondered, were his teachers only focused on her son's behavior if his trouble reading was causing his distress?

"They don't really care how much they learn, as long as they stay quiet," Joseph concluded.

Boston Public School officials wouldn't comment on J. Ryan's case.

There are many reasons teachers might not talk to parents about a student's academic progress, especially when the news is bad, research shows.

"Historically, teachers did not get a lot of training to talk to parents," said Tyler Smith, a school psychology professor at the University of Missouri. School leadership and support for teachers also make a difference, he said.

Many districts have poured their federal pandemic recovery money into summer school offerings, tutoring programs and other interventions to help students regain ground lost during the pandemic. But the uptake hasn't been what educators hoped. If more parents knew their children were behind academically, they might seek help.

Once Joseph and her advocate learned J. Ryan was so far behind in reading, they asked his school for small-group tutoring, an intervention believed by experts to be one of the most effective strategies for struggling students.

But they were told the school didn't offer it. They moved him in November to another school that said it could give this help. J. Ryan says he likes the new school, since they're learning more advanced long-division. "I like challenging math," he said. But he isn't understanding the texts he reads much better.

Joseph isn't getting phone calls from the teacher complaining about his behavior, which she attributes to her son getting adequate treatment for his depression. But she hasn't received a report card this year or the test scores the district says it's now sending to families.

"I'm still concerned about his reading," she said.

How federal COVID-19 educational aid was awarded to every state How federal COVID-19 educational aid was awarded to every state The present concern now is whether the need will outlast the funds Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
As Congress prepares a budget for the coming year, Montana tribal leaders say it needs to be mindful of treaty obligations made to the first people of the continent.

Speaking to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and related agencies this week, leaders from three reservations said that Congress has failed to adequately fund basic services like law enforcement and health care.

You know, we're the first people of this country, yet we're still treated like secondhand citizens, always overlooked or stepped over, always an afterthought, said Jeffrey Stiffarm, Fort Belknap Indian Community president.

Stiffarm said the reservation's law enforcement budget has remained relatively unchanged since 1997 when the tribes received enough money to hire 10 officers at $10 an hour. The southern end of the 600,000-acre reservation didnt have an ambulance for several years.

The basic needs, public safety, health, housing, court systems, things like that. You know, we really need you guys to really think about that, Stiffarm said. When the money that you guys sent overseas is over $40 billion, and this was a couple years ago, it's probably a lot more now, what you guys are sending over to foreign countries, compare it to what you're spending on the poorest people in this country.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican representing Western Montana, told subcommittee colleagues it's important to recognize the interests of each individual tribe as unique, but also important that there be consensus among tribes.

We also need consensus among the nations of what to do. It gets complex because it's very difficult. Its hard in Congress to get consensus, Zinke said. The point that I learned is that every nation is different. You know, it's easy to combine and say, well, the Indian issue problem. Well, each nation is a sovereign nation and they're different.

Carole Lankford, speaking for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes said leaders on the 1.2 million-acre Flathead Reservation in northwest Montana have set a goal of eradicating homelessness. The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly hard for the CSKT as the tribes lost elders, the speakers of their language and the carriers of their beliefs. There was also a significant forest fire on tribal land in 2021. Like the buffalo, Lankford said, the CSKT is turning into the storm.

We face an ever-growing epidemic of untreated mental illness and substance abuse. We also faced threats to our homeland, water, forest and animals from fire and other natural disasters, as well as from invasive species, Lankford said. Our tribal council has endeavored to tackle the challenges head on. Like the bison, our people have been in a relationship for thousands of years. We must turn into the storm. To that end, our tribal council has resolved to eradicate homelessness, to address and treat mental illness and dependence on drugs and alcohol, to make our forests and fields resilient to fire and other natural disasters, and to prevent the introduction of invasive species that destroy our homeland, private property and economies.

Lankford said the Indian Health Service needs to be fully funded and that tribal forest firefighters deserve pay equal to what federal firefighters are paid.

Assuring the Indian Health Service has enough funding to offer complex health services and not just painkillers is essential, said Floyd Azure, chairman of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes of Fort Peck Reservation.

Drug addiction is the major challenge on Fort Peck, Azure said. For the longest time it was said that IHS was the biggest drug dealer on the reservation, because it offered painkillers in place of treatment when poorly funded. But IHS now offers procedures like hip replacements and knee surgeries. The next step is drug treatment and, separate from Indian Health Service, housing, and social services, Azure said.

A key factor in keeping families together and healthy is housing," Azure said. "Our reservations dire need of housing is masked by the fact that we have families living in overcrowded situations, Azure said. Thus, when someone is asked Do they have housing? they answer. Yes. I live with my grandmother. What they do not disclose is that sometimes four or five other families live in that house. And it's usually a two-, or three-bedroom home.

Azure said better social services are needed to keep Indigenous children out of foster care. Indigenous children comprise 35% of Montana children in foster care, though tribal young people are only 10% of the state population.
" " One way to give back to the community and explore your interest in criminal justice is to volunteer with the local police force. iStockphoto .com/RMAX

Reality shows are everywhere, but crime dramas still remain powerhouses on TV, with multiple shows regularly appearing in the top 10 broadcast programs [source: Nielsen Media Research]. There are good reasons why these crime dramas are so popular. The United States is a nation fascinated by crime stories, live courtroom coverage and 24-hour cable news stations.

One reason shows like the "CSI" series are so popular is that they give viewers a window into how detectives and scientists handle trace evidence. At one time, "evidence" was not so solid. According to the Innocence Project, 237 convictions have been overturned with DNA evidence since 1989 [source: TIP]. These belated exonerations often shock the public and lead to questions about personal safety. It's now been proven that the innocent can be thrown in prison for crimes they didn't commit. That's scary stuff.

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So what can you do about it? Get involved. One way to give back to the community and explore your interest in criminal justice is to volunteer with the local police force. As with most any volunteer work, there is training involved. And yes, you'll need to have spare time to dedicate to the cause. But if you're interested in taking your curiosity about "CSI" to the next level, you don't have to make a complete career change. You can volunteer at your local police station, doing any number of basic tasks. You can truly make a difference, and that feels good.

In this article, we'll take a look at the requirements, available programs and the benefits of volunteering with the police. Ready to give back to the community? Read on to learn about the basic requirements.
" " Money Scam Image Gallery The pickpocket appears to be engrossed in a magazine while sneaking a hand from under his jacket into the mark's purse. See more money scam pictures.

Pickpocketing is one of the oldest and most widespread crimes in the world. The appeal is its relative safety: A skilled pickpocket can make off with just as much money as an armed robber, without much danger of confrontation or risk of being identified in a line-up. By the time the victim realizes what's happened, the pickpocket is long gone. And since no weapons are involved, pickpockets who do get caught face minimal jail time.

All of this is bad news for the rest of us. When you're traveling, a pickpocket can easily ruin your trip, lifting your money, credit cards and identification in a few seconds. And there's very little hope of getting any of it back. In this article, we'll see how these thieves can rob people blind without them even knowing it. We'll also find out what you can do to avoid being a "mark" (a con or pickpocket target) and what you should do if your wallet is stolen.

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" " The "sandwich" technique: The stall stops suddenly, and the pick bumps into the mark from behind, lifting her wallet.

There are all sorts of pickpockets in the world, working at various skill levels. The lowest level is made of simple opportunists. They don't employ any special technique; they just seek out people who've left themselves vulnerable. For example, college students often study in crowded public areas, with their backpacks sitting open next to them. A pickpocket simply sits nearby and surreptitiously reaches into the victim's backpack. Opportunists also target people sleeping at the beach and waiting around with their luggage in airports.

Getting a wallet out of somebody's pocket or purse is a little more difficult because the pickpocket has to touch the mark or something close to the mark's body. The basic approach is to mask the illegal contact with expected, benign contact.

In a crowded subway car, for example, it's normal for strangers to press against you, so you don't notice something pressing against your pocket or purse. If the pickpocket is good, you never feel a thing. Usually, pickpockets carry jackets or newspapers to cover their hands.

The same approach works in less crowded areas as well. A pickpocket team might casually sandwich you between them in order to press against your body. In a standard scheme, the "stall" suddenly stops in front of the mark so that the mark bumps into her. The "pick" pretends to accidentally bump into the mark from behind and graciously apologizes while removing the mark's wallet. It might seem strange that the stall suddenly stopped, but the pick seems completely innocent, so the mark doesn't notice she's been robbed.

Next, we'll take a look at exactly why this works.
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" ruled the night at Sunday's Oscars. At least eight people are dead after two boats capsized off a San Diego beach in a suspected human-smuggling operation. The NCAA Tournament bracket is set.

It's Jane-Onyanga-Omara and Julius Lasin, Daily Briefing authors. Feeling that lost hour of sleep from Daylight Saving Time? Here are some of the best Sleep Week deals at Amazon.

Now, here's Monday's news.

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' has a banner night at Oscars

The multiverse-hopping sensation, "Everything Everywhere All at Once," ruled the night at Sunday's Academy Awards, winning seven honors including best picture, best actress (Michelle Yeoh), supporting actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), supporting actor (Ke Huy Quan), directing and original screenplay.

Yeoh's historic win: With her best actress prize, Yeoh became the first Asian-identifying actress to win the honor at the Academy Awards. "Thank you, this is for all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight," Yeoh said. "This is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof, that if you dream big, dreams do come true."

Who else made history? From Jamie Lee Curtis' first win to pregnant Rihanna's performance, Sunday night will be remembered for many firsts. But even more so, some nominees and movies are breaking records in the 95-year-history of the awards show.

Ke Huy Quan's and Jamie Lee Curtis' emotional speeches: Both Quan and Curtis shared heartfelt speeches after winning awards for their supporting roles. Quan looked back at the journey that brought him to the Oscars, while Curtis thanked everyone who has supported her personally and professionally.

Brendan Fraser proves nice guys finish first: Fraser's comeback story got even better at Sunday's show, with his best actor win for his role in "The Whale."

Best and worst moments: Although the Oscars didn't have nearly as many surprises as last year's show, there were many memorable moments and performances.

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(L-R top row) Jamie Lee Curtis, winner of the Best Supporting Actress award, Ke Huy Quan, winner of the Best Actor In A Supporting Role award, James Hong, Jonathan Wang, winner of the Best Picture award, Michelle Yeoh, winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role award, Stephanie Hsu and (L-R bottom row) Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, winners of the Best Director and Best Picture award for "Everything Everywhere All at Once," pose in the press room during the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

8 dead in 'one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies' off San Diego beach

At least eight people were dead after two migrant smuggling boats capsized off a San Diego beach in a suspected human-smuggling operation, authorities said. "This is one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies that I can think of in California, certainly here in the city of San Diego," said James Gartland, chief of the lifeguard division in San Diego. Gartland said a woman called 911 at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, saying she was on a boat that made it to the shore but a second small fishing boat had capsized, and eight people were in the water. Recovery efforts resumed on Sunday after heavy fog hampered the search. Authorities said some survivors may have escaped on land. Read more

Boat salvager Robert Butler picks up a canister in one of one of two boats sitting on Blacks Beach on March 12, 2023, in San Diego.

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US, UK governments take extraordinary steps to prevent bank panic

The U.S. and British governments stepped in to stop a potential banking crisis after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank. U.S. regulators worked all weekend to try to find a buyer for the California-based bank, whose collapse was the second-largest bank failure in history. Those efforts appeared to have failed Sunday. But U.S. officials assured all depositors that they could access all their money quickly. The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the bank to fail could spread  regulators announced that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed and was being seized on Sunday. British officials worked throughout the weekend to find a buyer for the U.K. subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank. HSBC said it will acquire Silicon Valley Bank UK Ltd for one pound ($1.21). Read more

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen: No bailout for Silicon Valley Bank; focus is on helping depositors.

A customer stands outside of a shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters on March 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Silicon Valley Bank was shut down on Friday morning by California regulators and was put in control of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

US turns to new ways to punish Russian oligarchs for war in Ukraine

The U.S. has begun an aggressive new push to inflict pain on Russias economy and specifically its oligarchs with the intent of thwarting the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine. U.S. officials will focus on efforts to legally liquidate the property of oligarchs, expand financial penalties on those who facilitate the evasion of sanctions, and close loopholes in the law that allow oligarchs to use shell companies to move through the U.S. financial system. Meanwhile, a leading think tank says Russias advance seems to have stalled in the campaign to capture Bakhmut. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said late Saturday that there were no confirmed advances by Russian forces in the eastern Ukrainian city. Read more

Soldiers of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army hold their positions at the front line near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, on March 11, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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March Madness: NCAA men's bracket winners, losers

The bracket is set, the wagers are being placed and soon we will tip off the 2023 men's NCAA Tournament. Gosh, we missed March Madness. Now before you fill out your bracket and then tear it up by midday Thursday, we wanted to break down who was treated well and who wasnt by the selection committee Sunday. Mens rankings have been all over the place this year, and while Alabama certainly seems to be peaking at the right time, theres no clear favorite. That makes all of us winners. The best way to enjoy this tournament each year is to lean into the madness. Heres the list of the biggest winners and losers throughout the 68-team bracket.

North Carolina Tar Heels fans celebrate after defeating the Duke Blue Devils during the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four semifinals at Caesars Superdome.

One more thing

Photo of the day: See Lady Gaga, Janelle Monae, Rihanna and more stars on the Oscars carpet

Before heading into the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and dodging quips from show host Jimmy Kimmel, the stylish stars struck a pose in a range of attire including white gowns and dramatic, high-volume dresses.

See our gallery of stars in all their finery at the 95th Academy Awards.

Rihanna

Support journalism like this  subscribe to USA TODAY here.

Associated Press contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' Oscars, Silicon Valley Bank, Ukraine
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be met with a cold shoulder by senior members of the royal family if they do confirm their attendance at the coronation this spring.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle indicated that they have received email correspondence about King Charles III and Queen Consort Camillas coronation on 6 May, but have not disclosed their decision about whether they will attend.

However, if they do make the journey from California to London for the ceremony, a source has suggested that their reception will be frosty.

It has been reported that some members of the family do not want to socialise with the couple after the release of Harrys tell-all memoir Spare and their Netflix docuseries, Harry and Meghan.

A source close to the family told the Daily Mail: They will be given the cold shoulder by very many relatives. One said to me, I hope theyll be seated in Iceland.

Many of the family just want nothing more to do with them. If they have to see them at the coronation then so be it, but they do not want to socialise with them.

It comes as a separate report by The Telegraph suggested that Harry and Meghans children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, have not received their invitations to the coronation yet.

They were reportedly informed that the inclusion of Archie and Lilibet would be discussed if the couple confirm their own attendance. Staff at Buckingham Palace have been told to make preparations on the assumption that they will be present.

Harry, who recently appeared in a livestreamed interview with trauma expert and author Gabor Mate to talk about his book, opened up about the lack of physical affection he received as a child.

He wrote about the lack of hugs he received from members of the royal family in Spare, and previously said his father, the King, had always given an air of not being quite ready for parenthood.

(Getty)

The duke also said that one of his main criticisms of his father was that too often your interests are sacrificed to his interests, certainly when it comes to the press. Harry accused the royal family of leaking and planting certain negative stories about Meghan in order to distract the press and public away from unwanted attention on other royals.

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He is understood to be seeking an apology from the King and the Prince of Wales before making any commitment to attend the coronation.

Last week, it emerged that the King asked Harry and Meghan to vacate their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, and reportedly offered the keys to the disgraced Duke of York instead.

The move sparked further questions around whether the couple will attend the coronation. The ceremony also falls on the same day as Archies fourth birthday and it is unknown if the Sussexes will choose to stay home in California to celebrate it or fly the family to the UK.

It was reported that Charles offered the family a suite of rooms in Buckingham Palace that previously belonged to Prince Andrew, so that they have a place to stay if they travel to London.

The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Lukas Gage says hes an open book about most things in my life, but when it comes to publicly identifying his sexuality, hes going to do it on his own timeline.

While speaking to The New York Times for a recent interview pegged to his new film Down Low, the White Lotus and You star addressed previous criticisms that hes taking roles from LGBTQ actors. The performer, who previously tweeted to one critic that You dont know my alphabet, said that he still faces pressure to label himself, including by members of his own team.

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All the time, the actor said. An agent that dropped me was like, Stop dyeing your hair, stop wearing weird clothes and pick a lane: gay, bi or straight. Its too confusing.'

The actor added that while he understands representation and voices that need to be heard, he simply doesnt want to discuss that element of his life and identity on anyones accord but my own.

Let me do it when Im ready, he continues. And its acting. I feel like everyone should get the opportunity to play whatever they want.

During the interview, the actor also addressed speculation that he is dating hairstylist Chris Appleton following photos of the duo on vacation in Mexico, telling the outlet: if they want to think that, they can.

Im a pretty open book about most things in my life, but I have a problem with the culture of everyone needing to know everybodys business and nothing can be sacred, he added. Its a weird line that Im still trying to figure out.

A line he already has figured out is around print and TV commercial work. The actor recalled that when he was a teen, he was being told that things were wrong with my face and people were commenting on his body shape.

As a teenager, that really makes you crazy, he said. I had to stop commercial auditioning when I was younger because it was making me dysmorphic.

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DREXEL  Billing itself as church, but not as you know it, Messy Church is an intergenerational, nondenominational movement built around the values of creativity, hospitality and celebration. Now two local churches are bringing the international movement to Burke County, starting new ministries for members, neighbors or anyone else in the community interested in taking a fresh look at faith.

At Christ United Methodist Church in Drexel, church leaders have changed the name to Fiesta Church because of negative connotations around the word messy in the Spanish language. The concept, however, is the same as every other messy church in the world with one unique twist.

On the third Thursday of every month, around 30 people, a mix of church members and neighbors, gather in the fellowship hall of Christ United Methodist Church in Drexel for a meal. Following the meal is a unique church service designed to bring people of all ages together.

There is one difference at Christ United Methodist, though. The service is designed to bridge language and cultural gaps as well. As far as Christ UMCs pastor, the Rev. Cindy Wechter, knows, it and one other Fiesta Church in California are the only ones doing the program in multiple languages.

We do everything so that Spanish-speaking and English-speaking people can understand, she said. We do some things in Spanish, we do some things in both languages, like with the Lords Prayer, everybody says it together in their own language.

She said sometimes there will be Spanish words spoken, but English words on the screen and other times it is the other way around and sometimes they use pictures to make sure everyone can understand.

In Morganton, at Salem United Methodist Church, leaders are seeing similar results at its Messy Church program that takes place on the first Monday of every month.

Pietro Magri, a Messy Church leader at Salem, said the creativity is what makes Messy Church special.

Well set up four or five tables with different activities that are tied to a story thats in the Bible, he said. After the activities, we have a little skit.

He said there is also a celebration time with songs, videos and a short message that ties everything together. After the celebration time, everyone shares a meal together.

Salems pastor, the Rev. Norman Jones, first encountered the idea at a conference in February 2020. After two years of COVID-related delays, Salem finally launched its first Messy Church services in August of last year. Jones sees it as an innovative way for the church to connect with kids and families.

We were looking for ways to offer options for kids, he said. This seemed like a great way not just to focus on one demographic but bring everyone together and capitalize on their natural curiosity.

While the program is not just for kids, Magri said its intended to be kid friendly.

In many ways, a lot of people think of it as made for kids, he said. Its geared with the idea to bring kids in and brings their parents in with them.

Magri said he also loves how the program appeals to those who may not feel comfortable in a traditional church setting.

Its a kind of worship for people that have left the church or for whatever reason dont feel comfortable at the church, he said.

For Wechter, this appeal is exactly what makes Fiesta Church a perfect way to fulfill her vision for the church to make connections with its neighbors and transform into a hub of community activity.

And its not just the Thursday evening services. Wechter said her church also has begun to engage in what she calls Messy Church extras.

Fiesta Church pastor the Rev. Raymundo Villanueva and church member Bobby Hallyburton have started going to nearby Drexel Elementary School to mentor some of the Spanish speaking children there. On Sunday mornings, Villaneuva also teaches Spanish to church members interested in learning how to communicate with families Fiesta Church is bringing to Christ UMC.

Villanueva also leads a Bible study for employees at a nearby Mexican restaurant on Sunday mornings.

I tell them, you cant go to the church, so I bring the church to you, he said.

The Fiesta Church Service only happens once a month, Wechter said. But we have ministry going every week.

Fiesta Church takes place on the third Thursday of each month at Christ United Methodist Church in, located at 2314 Starnes Road in Morganton.

Messy Church at Salem United Methodist Church happens the first Monday of each month at 5:45 p.m. Salem United Methodist Church is located at 1200 Salem Church Road in Morganton.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said Monday in a press release he has secured $9,752,250 for Bear Paw Development to finance expanded meat and poultry processing in five regions across Montana.

Bear Paw Development has partnered with Headwaters RC&D, Butte; Sweetgrass Development Corp., Great Falls; Montana Business Assistance Connection, Helena; and Snowy Mountain Development Corporation, Lewistown. The loan was awarded through USDA Rural Developments Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program, which was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Too many folks in Washington dont understand the challenges small business owners in rural America are facing, said Tester. Montanas ranchers raise some of the best beef in the world, and Ill always fight to ensure they can process that beef right here in their own backyard.

Tester helped negotiate ARPA, $1 billion dedicated for the expansion and diversification of independent processing capacity.
Emerson Weirick, born in Philadelphia, came to Montana in 1882 when he was about 22 years old. He was clearly focused on becoming a banker.

After a short tenure in Livingston, Weirick became the assistant cashier at the First National Bank of Miles City in 1885, advancing to cashier in 1888 before moving on to the National Bank of Montana in Helena.

A bank cashier was far more than a teller in those days, overseeing the banks books and responsible for most of the legal notices. Together with the bank president, the cashier signed bank notes issued by local national banks.

Weirick worked for the national bank in Great Falls from 1895 to 1897, where his wife Lenore established her prominence in local society. She brought that role to Butte when Emerson came to be the cashier at the First National Bank of Butte with offices on North Main Street.

Lenore was a leader in the Homer Club, one of the most prominent womens clubs in Butte and still active today. By 1903 she was holding club meetings at her home at 827 West Park Street and was known as one of Buttes most active women in philanthropic and charitable work.

Emerson continued as cashier at the First National Bank of Butte for 15 years, until in 1912 he was appointed Vice President. During much of that time he served as a trustee of the Butte school district, and his family appeared frequently on the Society pages of the Butte newspapers, including a photo of his and Lenores daughter on the occasion of her sixth birthday.

Emerson served as vice president of the Montana Bankers Association in 1906, and retired from banking in 1916 when the family moved to Hollywood, California. They maintained connections with Butte and visited frequently, and it was just days after such a visit that he died of a heart attack in Portland, Oregon, in 1925.

The lot on West Park Street that Weirick purchased for his home in 1897 reportedly cost $30. The house was designed by prominent Butte architect William A. OBrien, who also designed the Napton and Leonard Hotels and the School District Administration Building at 111 North Montana.

The Weirick house was one of several upscale mansions in the 800 block of West Park, but they were eclipsed in 1906 by the $20,000 Kelley Mansion next door to the Weirick home. Elegant though it was for the time, the Weirick house probably cost less than $4,000 for OBriens partner contractor Fergus Kelley to build in 1897.

---

Photo: Maudie Weirick, Butte Daily Post, 28 December 1901
MUSCATINE  Although its Veterinary Technician Program has been well established at Muscatine Community College (MCC) for years, the departments team hope to continue making students  especially those who may be considering a career in the veterinary field  aware of the opportunity.

On Tuesday, March 21, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Muscatine Agricultural Learning Center, 3200 Lucas St., MCC will be holding a special visit day. This day will give interested students and attendees a chance to explore the Learning Centers many features, meet some of the programs skilled instructors and speak with admissions counselors.

Additionally, attendees will also have the chance to learn about the details of the curriculum being offered at MCCs program, the differences between vet techs and veterinarians as well as what these different career paths look like, allowing students who may still be on the fence about it to decide whether or not they want to continue pursuing a career in the vet field.

For those who do wish to apply for MCCs vet tech program, they will learn how to care for both small and large animals and will be taught through hands-on training by experienced vet techs and veterinarians. They will also have access to the facilitys many features, such as a large indoor arena, horse stalls, farm ground and classrooms.

Students interested in the program may also be able to take advantage of its connection to the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship program, which uses state-funding to help bridge financial gaps for students who are specifically pursuing high-demand career paths, resulting in a tuition-free education for students enrolled in the vet tech program.

Currently, due to what has been dubbed the COVID-19 pet boom, which saw a large surge in pet adoptions, vet techs and veterinarians easily qualify as a high-demand career.

I receive requests weekly from area veterinary hospitals looking for graduates to employ, MCC Vet Tech Program Director, Dr. Dan Drahos stated. We could easily graduate twice as many students and still not meet the demand for vet techs in the area.

The Vet Tech Program visit day is a free event open to any individuals who are interested in the veterinary industry, as well as their parents and families. For more information on the event or the program, residents can visit eicc.edu/vettech.
A western Iowa lawmaker who sponsored a bill to restrict development of carbon dioxide pipelines has filed formal objections with the state board that has the final say over whether those projects proceed.

Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, filed objections Monday with the Iowa Utilities Board to oppose the pipelines proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator CO2 Ventures.

In his two-page letter on House of Representatives stationery, Holt said he does not think the board should grant the companies the right to use eminent domain to force the sale of easements to build the pipelines.

One of our most fundamental liberties as Americans is the right of private property, Holt wrote. To protect this fundamental right, eminent domain should only be used for public use (essential government services), and the CO2 pipeline does not meet that definition.

This pipeline is not an essential government service for public use, but rather it is a private economic development project.

Three companies have applied to the board for state permits to gather CO2 from Iowa ethanol plants, transport it through underground pipelines and sequester the liquefied gas underground  a process that makes the firms eligible for federal tax credits.

Summit proposes a five-state pipeline, with 680 miles in northern and western Iowa, that would end at a sequestration site in North Dakota. The Utilities Board has said the hearing on that project will be between October and January.

Navigator wants to build a 1,300-mile underground pipeline, with 900 Iowa miles stretching from the northwest to southeast corners of the state.

Wolf Carbon Solutions, in its application last month, said it will not seek eminent domain for 95 miles of pipeline from Cedar Rapids to southern Illinois, with an offshoot going to Clinton.

Holt was the lead sponsor of House File 368, which would require a pipeline company secure 90 percent of its land through voluntary easements before being granted eminent domain.

The legislation would prohibit the utilities board from granting a pipeline permit until federal regulators provide new safety guidelines  which could take a year or more. HF 368 was passed by a subcommittee before a March 2 deadline, but similar legislation in the Iowa Senate died.

Holt said Monday the timing of his objections wasnt related to any concerns about or changes in the legislation.

Id been planning to do an objection since the beginning of the session, but Ive just been so busy, he said. Weve always known it would be a challenge to find a legislative solution.

The Utilities Board, a three-person, governor-appointed board, has no guidelines for how to decide whether to approve an eminent domain request, Holt said. He hopes it gives special consideration to the rights of private property owners.

I do not believe that the blunt force of government should be allowed to be used by private individuals seeking eminent domain to seize other peoples property for their own economic benefit, he wrote.

Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, filed an objection with the board in October over Navigators proposal to waive some requirements over topsoil testing and tilling after pipeline construction.

The company rescinded that request days later after constructive feedback from landowners, the Capital Dispatch reported Nov. 2.
More than 50 people came out to be covered in bright-colored powder during the annual Holi Festival Sunday in American Canyon. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most popular and significant festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna.
Over the next few weeks, those around the American Canyon waterfront, or along the southernmost parts of the Napa River by San Pablo Bay, might catch a glimpse of an unusual sight.

A cruise ship. Well, not the kind of ship that carries thousands of travelers to tropical destinations.

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This cruise ship is actually a modern riverboat.

The American Jazz made its West Coast debut on March 3, as it cruised from San Francisco to Sacramento to pick up its first paying passengers. According to the cruise ships owner American Cruise Lines, it could be the first time in 80 years that this type of cruise ship has traveled on the delta.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 345-foot-long boat traveled about 4 miles up the Napa River, near Vallejo and American Canyon. After anchoring in Vallejo, guests were then invited to take luxury transportation (on wheels) to Napa. Experiences included a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, visits to Trefethen Family Vineyard, Artesa Vineyards & Winery or Raymond Vineyards, or shopping in downtown Napa.

Everything we do is destination-focused, said Alexa Paolella, a spokesperson for American Cruise Lines. Our guests choose their excursions and everything is included.

The San Francisco Bay Cruise runs eight days and seven nights. Spread over six decks, it has room for 180 passengers, plus staff. Traveling along the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, southern Napa River and San Francisco Bay, the itinerary includes stops at or planned excursions to Sacramento, Napa, Stockton and San Francisco.

Prices currently start at $6,330 per person and range to more than $11,000 per person.

The first American Jazz bay cruises were originally scheduled for late February but Paolella said the first departure was March 3.

During an interview in September, Paolella said at the time that she believed that the large riverboat would dock or anchor closer to the city of Napa itself, but such a stop is not part of the current itinerary.

When asked about how popular the tours have been so far, Paolella said, The cruises have sold extremely well.

All rooms for March cruises are sold out. In fact, additional San Francisco Bay cruises have been added for November and December.

When asked about the demand, Paolella said that for many cruisers, theres a major desire to go on overnight cruises on luxury riverboats. And for Northern Californians, Sacramento is a convenient launching site. Nothing beats being able to just drive to a port and jump on a ship, she said.

According to Paolella, American Cruise Lines ships are all U.S.-owned and built. The American Jazz previously cruised on the Mississippi River, then traveled through the Panama Canal to the West Coast.

Paolella declined to list the number of employees on such riverboats, but said its usually a ratio of about one crew member for every three guests.

For those who want to see the American Jazz on the Napa River, its not too late. The riverboat embarks on two more San Francisco cruises, each starting March 17 and 24.

New photos and video from the cruise have not yet been released by the cruise ship company. Public social media posts are few, but one video of the ship taken by a Rio Vista woman can be seen on YouTube.

This summer, the American Jazz will travel up the West Coast for Oregon river tours.

Photos: Take a look at the new luxury cruise coming to near Napa Valley Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa Cruise ship docks in Napa The American Jazz riverboat The American Jazz river boat The American Jazz river boat A Napa Valley luxury cruise A Napa Valley luxury cruise A Napa Valley luxury cruise A (near) Napa Valley luxury cruise A Napa Valley luxury cruise A Napa Valley luxury cruise A Napa Valley luxury cruise A (near) Napa Valley luxury cruise A (near) Napa Valley luxury cruise
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday, citing unknown millions of dollars in anticipated liabilities related to pending child sexual abuse claims filed in court over the past three years.

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The church claims unidentified assets between $10 million and $50 million. It also estimated liabilities in the same range.

But with at least 222 lawsuits pending in which the diocese is named a defendant or co-defendant, at least one attorney involved with numerous cases said $50 million would fall short in addressing them.

"This is a bare-bones court filing that telegraphs both the diocese's lack of empathy and understanding of number of survivors and depth of trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse," said Mike Reck, a West Coast attorney for Minnesota-based Anderson & Associates, a national firm engaged in child sexual abuse litigation. "These are not just financial debts. This case is about childhoods crushed."

Santa Rosa Bishop Robert F. Vasa announced the diocese's plan to seek bankruptcy protection in December, amid mounting lawsuits filed during a three-year window in which the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims had been waived.

At least 1,566 cases are now pending in the Alameda County Superior Court, where all Northern California clergy cases are being coordinated through a unified caseload. Similar coordinated efforts are proceeding in San Diego and Los Angeles courts.

Santa Rosa Catholic Diocese to declare bankruptcy in advance of clergy abuse trials The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa plans to file for bankruptcy protection in advance of the first clergy abuse trials resulting from a three-year period that gives adult survivors of child sexual abuse in California until Dec. 31 to file civil suits related to their experiences.

Bishops for both the San Diego Diocese, facing more than 400 cases, and the Sacramento Diocese, facing more than 200, have signaled they also are likely to file for bankruptcy protection.

Attorneys representing numerous plaintiffs in these cases argue the Santa Rosa Diocese, like most others, have systematically worked to reduce access to assets the bishops control by separately incorporating church parishes and other entities and funneling money into endowments and foundations.

But that approach has not been fully tested in court, said Mike Finnegan, another attorney with Anderson & Associates, and many attorneys will be challenging the assertion that those are not diocesan assets.

"The parishes are controlled by the bishop, hard stop," Finnegan said. "They have a bunch of legal entities that they try to create that makes it harder for survivors to collect against that money. But the absolute truth it's always the bishop that is in control."

Six survivors, listed as "John Does," are included on a list of the Santa Rosa Diocese's 20 creditors holding the largest unsecured claims.

Topping the list is the Archdiocese of San Francisco, to which the Santa Rosa diocese owes a debt of $1.41 million.

Bishop Vasa said it was among several loans made by other dioceses in 1999, as the clergy abuse scandal took its toll. He said the Santa Rosa Diocese has worked to pay them back over the past 10 years or more, but still owes San Francisco, even though it and other dioceses "graciously" forgave the interest.

The Santa Rosa Diocese has paid out at least $35 million in settlements for clergy abuse claims since the 1990s, $19 million of it covered by insurance.

Additional creditors include entities such as Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and FedEx.
A man from the US state of Minnesota was charged with fatally beating an elderly man previously convicted of child sexual assault, who he believed had stalked his young daughter in the past, AP reported.

Levi Axtell, 27, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Lawrence V. Scully, 77, who was beaten to death last Wednesday at his home in Grand Marais.

A criminal complaint filed last Friday said Axtell killed Scully with a shovel and a moose antler and then drove to the Cook County Sheriffs office and confessed, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

At a video hearing on last Friday, Axtells bail was set at $1 million.

Defense attorney Dennis Shaw noted during the hearing that Axtell had no serious criminal history until now and his longtime ties to Grand Marais made him a minimal flight risk.

Axtell remains jailed in Cook County. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 10.

In 2018, Axtell alleged that Scully was stalking his 22-month-old daughter and other children in his van, which he parked near her Grand Marais daycare.

Axtell sought an order of protection, which was granted but then dismissed within several weeks, according to court records.

In 1979, Scully was convicted in Kanabec County, Minnesota, of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl, according to Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen. He was released from prison in 1982.
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As long as the ruling Georgian Dream party is in power, it will not allow a "second front" to open on the territory of Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on the air if Imedi television.

"I know that several dozen people came from Ukraine. I want to address them: do not have illusions and do not cherish expectations that something will happen here [in Georgia]," he said.

According to Garibashvili, he wants people participating in combat operations in Ukraine to return to their homes, but calls on them "not to give in to dirty provocations".

As the Georgian PM stated, the concept of "second front" was mentioned for the first time in the context of Georgia by Ukrainian politicians, in particular, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov.

The premier of Georgia slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well for supporting the participants of the protests against the withdrawn Georgian bill "On Transparency of Foreign Influence," according to which non-commercial legal entities and mass media in Georgia were to receive the status of foreign agents if more than 20 percent of their income comes from abroad.

According to Garibashvili, this support of Zelenskyy, who had wished Georgia "democratic success," proves that he is "motivated so that something happens here [in Georgia] and changes."
Negotiations between Stepanakert and Baku are possible only under the conditions of equality of rights of the parties. David Babayan, Adviser to the President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and its former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said this, commentingat the request of Armenian News-NEWS.amon the invitationpublished in the Azerbaijani mediato the second meeting of the Azerbaijani president's office "to the representatives of the Armenian community of Karabakh to continue reintegration contacts, as well as in order to discuss the implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh." It is proposed to hold this meeting in the near future in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital.

"With the proposal it conveyed through the media, Baku shows once again that it is not even going to hold negotiations. First, as for the negotiation process, Artsakh has always been in favor of negotiations and peaceful settlement. But the negotiations can take place only between equal parties, with the participation of international mediatorsin the person of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Armenia format was specified back in 1994.

Second, there is an internationally accepted form. The invitation to negotiations is not given through the mass media, if, of course, they are willing to conduct negotiations instead of creating the appearance of negotiations. The [respective] letter should be delivered through intermediaries or directly, but not through the mass media.

Third, let us remind Baku that there is no Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Artsakh Republic is a state, even if unrecognized. And being unrecognized for Azerbaijan is not an obstacle at all, as evidenced by its ties with the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Taiwan.

Based on the noted, it can be proved that Baku clearly does not want the negotiation process to be restored," Babayan emphasized.

Also, he recalled that international mediators are necessary for minimum security guarantees, bearing in mind that Azerbaijan does not always fulfill the agreements.

"One of the latest [such] examples is the non-implementation of the decision of the UN International Court. The option, in which case the Stepanakert delegation will simply be arrested in Baku, is not cut off from reality. And what? Will the calls start again? Although people may not be alive anymore," Babayan concluded.
Iran pardons 22,000 anti-government protesters

Iran has been rocked by protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Photo: AP

Iranian judicial authorities have pardoned 22,000 people who took part in anti-government protests, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday, according to the official IRNA news agency.



State media reported early last month that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners including some arrested in the protests in a deadly crackdown on dissent.



"So far 82,000 people have been pardoned, including 22,000 people who participated in (the) protests," Ejei said.



He did not specify over what period the pardons were granted or if or when the people had been charged.



Iran has been swept by protests since the death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman in the custody of the country's morality police last September.



Iranians from all walks of life have taken part, marking one of the boldest challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. (Reuters)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 13 (ANI/BusinessWire India): QuantoAgro has announced raising funds through angel/HNI round co-led by SANangels Network with participation from HNIs from UAE and the USA and opened the round for institutional investors. ReHive.Org was the advisor to this round. With circular economy initiatives that generate additional revenue streams and reduce operating costs, QuantoAgro aims to create a sustainable and economically resilient agricultural sector in India and improve smallholder farmer livelihood. It is committed to reducing environmental impact of agriculture, transitioning to chemical-free, regenerative, and commercial-scale farming of aromatic crops to make specialty ingredients like essential oils for pharma, home & personal care, food & beverage, and aromatherapy industries. "We are delighted by the response we are getting from our customers and are rapidly expanding farming and processing capacity to meet their demands. We will use this funding to increase production capacity, diversify product mix, and hire talent to deliver value to our customers," said Dushyant Gupta, the CEO of QuantoAgro. Recently, QuantoAgro acquired 400+ acres of farmland in Maharashtra for expanding its operations and is setting up a world-class essential oil plant including isolate extraction capabilities. In the next 3 years, QuantoAgro aims to generate 1 million employment days in rural India, expand farming to 3,000 acres, use 1,03,175 MT of agricultural waste, sequester 20,000 tons of carbon, and produce 12,50,000 Kgs of sustainable essential oil. "We believe QuantoAgro's ability to streamline a highly fragmented farming and processing value chain, deliver consistently on product quality, and focus on sustainability will be a game changer in the essential oils industry. We are excited with the overwhelming response from our angel investors and look forward to supporting QuantoAgro in their institutional round," said Sanjay Shukla, Co-Founder and CEO of SANangels Network. Globally essential oils industry is valued at USD 22 billion and Indian market is around USD 1.5 billion with some of the segments growing at 7-12% CAGR. The need to replace synthetic components with sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients is driving demand globally. With its innovative approach to sustainable agriculture, QuantoAgro is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing demand. The company's focus on reducing environmental impact of agriculture while delivering high-quality products has caught attention of customers worldwide. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
A term sheet is typically an agreement, largely nonbinding in nature, outlining the basic terms and conditions under which an investment will be made.

The 'Term Sheet' covers the proposed acquisition of land and buildings, and certain machinery and equipment for manufacturing situated at Talegaon Plant.

The automaker, in a release, said the proposed acquisition is subject to the signing of the agreement and fulfillment of conditions precedent and receipt of regulatory approvals from relevant government authorities and stakeholders.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

It currently has 12 car models across segments GRAND i10 NIOS, All New i20, i20 N Line, AURA, VENUE, VENUE N Line, Spirited New VERNA, All New CRETA, ALCAZAR, New TUCSON, KONA Electric and All Electric SUV IONIQ 5.

It currently exports to around 85 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, and Asia Pacific.

To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has 1,333 sales points and more than 1,494 service points across India. In its commitment to providing customers with cutting-edge global technology, Hyundai has a modern multi-million-dollar R&D facility in Hyderabad. The R&D centre's endeavour is to be a centre of excellence in automobile engineering.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor India registered cumulative sales of 57,851 units during the month of February 2023.

Domestic sales were 47,001 units and export sales were 10,850 units during the month.

"Moreover, Hyundai CRETA building on its strong legacy has set a benchmark registering sales of 8.3 lakh units since inception. The overall sales numbers are showing a positive trend across segments and we are delighted to witness the trust of our beloved customers for Hyundai cars in India," Tarun Garg, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor India, earlier said. (ANI)
Lewes (Delaware) [US], March 13 (ANI/BusinessWire India): In 2023, SocialPilot will organize its first staycation for employees. SocialPilot will fully fund a one-month, out-of-country staycation for six employees in 2023. This effectively implies that an employee (and a companion) can select the country of their choosing, and SocialPilot will sponsor visas, airfare, and a 30-day stay. During the staycation, employees will work during local business hours and have the opportunity to explore the new country on evenings and weekends. The employees who won the staycation for this year will also be able to use additional vacation time immediately before or after their staycation. Winners were picked at random during a Zoom call in which all self-nominated names were placed on a spinning wheel. Sreeja Malhotra, one the staycation winners for Jan 2023, said, "I consider myself fortunate to be a part of an organization that recognises its employees' achievements through innovative employee appreciation programmes." Tejas Mehta, Co-founder of SocialPilot, said, "We've worked hard since the beginning to create a rewarding atmosphere that we ourselves would have enjoyed working in after graduating from college. While we have other professionally and monetarily rewarding employee engagement initiatives at SocialPilot, we decided to amp up the appeal this year, especially since Covid had disrupted everyone's vacations the previous two years. We hope that the winners of the staycation initiative will get to travel to new places, learn about new cultures, and have a great time with their travel partners." SocialPilot is forging a new path in rewarding its employees and demonstrating that it genuinely cares for its employees at a time when companies are mass-firing and trimming spending to maximize revenue. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Calling India a strong leader in IT and fintech sector, Minister of Trade and Industry Singapore Gan Kim Yong said that Singapore is interested to explore opportunities and collaborate together in this sector with India. He made this comment after the recent cross-border real-time payment systems linkage of India's UPI and Singapore's PayNow linkage between the two countries. In what is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with another country, India and Singapore last month linked their respective online payments systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore -- for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. The linkage of these two payment systems of both countries would enable residents of both countries to the faster and more cost-efficient transfer of cross-border remittances. People in both countries will be able to send money in real-time via QR-code based or simply by entering mobile numbers linked to the bank account. "India has a very strong leadership, knowledge, skills and innovation in IT and in Fintech as well. This is an area where we are very interested to explore opportunities and collaborate together. UPI and PayNow system, a great venture that we embarked together and this I hope will be the start of many partnerships with other country as Singapore and India can lead the way in the integration of the payment system", said the Minister in an interview to ANI. The cross-border real-time payment systems linkage between Singapore and India was launched earlier in virtual presence of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das, and Ravi Menon, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing ecosystems for fintech innovation and the PM Modi-led government has been instrumental in driving the globalisation of India's digital payment infrastructure. Calling the linkage as an important development, Yong added that his country is also looking for collaboration in areas like Education, Sustainability and Skill upgradation. "This was streamlined between two countries and this is a very important development in the fintech industry. We certainly look forward to more opportunities to collaborate in Fintech as well as many other areas of interest in Education, skill upgrading, in sustainability and these are all opportunities that are emerging and we are looking forward to our partnership with India", he said. The trade minister is in Delhi for the launch event of the 3rd edition of the Singapore-India Hackathon (SIH) 2023 that NTU is taking the lead to organise with the High Commission of The Republic of Singapore in New Delhi as a key partner. SIH 2023 is organised as a follow up of the meeting between Singapore Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Lawrence Wong with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022 during DPM's visit to New Delhi. SIH 2023 will be held as a special initiative in India as part of the G20 to support further building goodwill and bilateral education cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship between start-ups and students in Singapore and India. Speaking about his visit and Singapore - India Hackathon, the Minister said that it is very important as it brings together young people from both countries in terms of leading ideas and innovation. "India is a very important trading partner for Singapore. I am here to meet my counterpart as well as to participate in the various activities. This Hackathon is very important as it brings together young people from both countries especially those who are inspiring us as entrepreneurs, to let them come together in terms of ideas, innovation and this way we forge friendships and partnerships between India and Singapore young people and hopefully this way we can encourage more entrepreneurship to encourage innovative ideas and this is very important for the enterprise of the future," he added. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANI/PNN): Alacard, a one-of-its-kind online to offline phygital gift & greeting card company, plans to deploy 2,000 kiosks by the end of 2025. The company has built India's first-ever personalised greeting card & Gift voucher vending machine. The Alacard vending machine is designed and developed in India and is successfully operating in multiple locations across the country. Using this machine, customers can upload photos from their phone, customise text, colour and font, and also add a branded gift voucher in the card and the machine will print the greeting card in under 35 seconds. Customers also enjoy the option to design the card on Alacard's website and print it at any kiosk at their convenience. They can also get their cards shipped or even share digitally. Alacard has over 400+ greeting card designs and 75+ brands as gift vouchers. Alacard was founded by the entrepreneur Raghav Moolchandani (CEO) and later joined by Co-Founder Sambhav Kumar (CTO). Raghav Moolchandani is a 2nd generation entrepreneur in the gifting industry. Raghav's family founded the largest greeting card company in India in the early 80s and he has worked in the industry for 15+ years. On the other hand, Sambhav has been a dynamic techie for more than 12+ years. Together, they built Alacard to make the gifting process simpler, smoother, and time effective for its customers. Raghav shares, "Alacard concept meets the increasing demand for personalised and meaningful communication in a world dominated by digital messaging." "At Alacard, we are focused on making the gifting process less time-consuming and more personalised than ever," adds Sambhav. India's e-commerce industry has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last few years, thanks to the easy availability of smartphones and affordable internet facilities. At the same time, the online gifting industry has also emerged as a leading component. As per a Technavio report, the personalised gifting market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.85 per cent between 2022 and 2027 with an increase in market size by $13.011 Billion. In this scenario, Alacard is helping customers get personalised gift cards in a hassle-free and cost-effective manner both online and via online to offline instant vending machines. With Alacard, Witness the revival of personalised greeting cards as the millennials and Gen Z customers no longer need to worry about choosing the best gift for their loved ones. With already 10 kiosk launched and successfully tested, the company plans to scale to deploy 2000 kiosk by end of 2025 across large offices, co working spaces, Gift Shops, Universities and even supermarkets. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Mumbai (Maharashtra)/ New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas advised Deakin University, Australia (Deakin University), in setting up of its International Branch Campus. This would be the first international campus of Deakin University. It is also a major landmark for GIFT City, as it marks the entry of the first International University to enter India. The GIFT City Practice of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is advising and providing end-to-end legal assistance to Deakin University for securing approvals and setting up its International Branch Campus under International Branch Campuses and Offshore Education Centres Regulations, 2022 ("IFSCA IBC and OEC Regulations"). The advisory team was led by Ketaki Mehta, Partner, GIFT City; with support from Jinisha Motwani, Associate, and Ishika Jain, Associate. Kunal Savani, Partner, with Bipluv Jhingan, Principal Associate and Lakshya Gupta, Associate advised on the taxation aspects of the matter. Abe Abraham, Partner, with Kriti Singh, Associate advised on employment-related aspects of the matter. Deakin University received in-principle approval to set-up International Branch Campus at the GIFT City, Gujarat, India, by securing approval under the regulatory framework notified on October 11, 2022, by the IFSC Authority, under the IFSCA IBC and OEC Regulations. The first program for the Deakin International Branch Campus will tentatively commence by 3rd quarter of 2024. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
San Jose (California) [US], March 13 (ANI/NewsVoir): Banyan Cloud Inc., USA, today announced that it has joined the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world's leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Banyan Cloud is the Cloud Native Application Protection Platform, which is helping enterprises to be successful in their digital transformation efforts with the next-generation Cyber Security Platform that address the Code to Cloud security of business applications. The Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) protects the cloud misconfiguration on all popular public clouds AWS, GCP, Azure, OCI and IBM cloud. The Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) secure different data storage technologies to protect customer's data privacy on all cloud platforms and On-Premises. On top of a tighter integration of security throughout the application life cycle leads to better security outcomes, versus tacking it on at the end. It aids in resolution of issues in a more efficient and cost-effective manner which leads to faster delivery, improved security posture and greater business success. Platform equipped with real-time security monitoring and compliance check against 30+ Industry Regulations such as SOC2, ISO27001, HIPAA and GDPR etc. "Ours is the most innovative platform designed to simplify cybersecurity governance by enforcing industry-proven security configurations. We are excited to collaborate with Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and its extensive community in the cyber security related research on Cloud, build robust security standards, to combat with potential threats arises with modern technological trends to effectively protect digital assets," says Nagesh Konduru, Founder and CEO of Banyan Cloud. "We are glad to have the Banyan cloud as part of our alliance, who are always pushing boundaries by building a Code-to-Cloud security platform while adapting the best practices in cyber security. We look forward to Banyan Cloud to contribute and elevate the growing awareness of Cloud security with CSA's support ecosystem," says Jim Reavis, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, CSA. Banyan Cloud, Inc. is an American Cybersecurity startup based in San Jose, California with offices in India & Dubai. The core product is a Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP). The platform covers the cybersecurity for code to cloud of Enterprise applications. It is self-serve, agentless, ease of use, onboard with few clicks, truly real-time and cost-effective. Supports Multi-Cloud, and Multi database. Banyan Cloud is exhibiting the product at GISEC, Dubai, between the 14th to 16th of March'23. For further information about the platform, visit us at banyancloud.io. The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world's leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. CSA harnesses the subject matter expertise of industry practitioners, associations, governments, and its corporate and individual members to offer cloud security-specific research, education, certification, events and products. CSA's activities, knowledge and extensive network benefit the entire community impacted by the cloud - from providers and customers to governments, entrepreneurs, and the assurance industry - and provide a forum through which diverse parties can work together to create and maintain a trusted cloud ecosystem. For further information, visit us at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, and follow us on Twitter @cloudsa. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANI/SRV): Sandip University was awarded as the Fastest Emerging University of India at the Industry Leaders Awards 2022. The award was received by the magnanimous personalities named Dr Anil S. Maheshwari (Registrar) & Amit Kr. Srivastava (Business Head) from the mesmerizing Bollywood icon Sonali Bendre. Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, the university has become the thriving hub for higher education in the 21st century and has turned out to be the best place for children to come and gather knowledge. On the award night, Dr Anil S. Maheshwari quoted, "The university is located in a picturesque location with lush green surroundings, a Wi-Fi enabled campus that spans across more than 250 acres and a cutting edge infrastructure for imparting a holistic student experience. We ensure that the students have access to top-notch facilities such as state-of-the-art hostels, hygienic canteens, technically advanced classrooms, a saloon, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, an on-campus ambulance, and 24x7 security facilities. Moreover, our university is in sync with the pulse of global education standards and thus believes in imparting quality education so that our students become the leaders of the future." Further, the education at Sandip University is way ahead of the curve as strong emphasis is laid on the practical aspects of education such as providing certifications related to industry-oriented skills and training that helps the students not only excel in the academic curriculum but also helps them in performing under high-pressure corporate set-ups. The placement rate of the students is absolutely 100 per cent as there is a dedicated placement cell to assist them. The main aim of the faculty and management at Sandip University is to empower students with confidence by enlightening them with a righteous ethical code of conduct. Our students have an impressive track record as they add value to society through their skills and learnings acquired at Sandip University. The students that have been trained here are so intellectually superior to their competition that they hold the mettle for representing India on the global stage. The ILA 2022 awards were organized in a meticulously planned and organized manner by Brand Empower which is proudly owned by Rahul Ranjan Singh, who is the visionary behind this amazing concept and he along with his dedicated team has stamped his authority in the world of business with his innovative strategies, out-of-the-box solutions and wonderful ideas that have helped the business leaders in bringing their businesses in the limelight. This story has been provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)
Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 13 (ANI/NewsVoir): With a new powered approach, HLM Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad's premier education hub, has introduced a new layer and paradigm to modify and upgrade its teaching tools and traditions, called HLM 2.0. In a significant advancement that has garnered an excellent response from the student community, the HLM Group has gone a step ahead to ensure the progress and fulfilment of students by organising career counselling programs, training sessions, and live projects, conducting industrial visits, workshops, webinars, and seminars. This is what it calls the 'assimilation of traditional roots with modern waters', thereby denoting the understanding of conventional academic study through new-age practical learning'. The HLM Group identifies practical learning as one of the essential components of a refined understanding of subjects and papers, especially in high-level studies. The HLM Group periodically organises industrial visits, workshops, webinars, and seminars to equip students with comprehensive practical knowledge and visual understanding so that they can correlate it with what they are studying in books, academic papers, and lecture notes. Building students' career is as important as nourishing students with accurate and proper knowledge. Practising as it preaches, under HLM 2.0, the HLM Group of Institutions has been proactively organising career counselling sessions to guide students in an efficacious manner and apprise them with vast career options based on their academic performance, aptitude, and interests. The HLM Group has hired career professionals and counsellors for students' benefit and also went the extra mile also to host one-to-one training sessions so that students can get mental clarity over which career path they want to pursue professionally. The HLM Group has always propounded that there is a connection between individual happiness and professional progress and satisfaction. The lack of clarity and farsightedness always precipitates feelings of depression and anxiety among students. HLM Group has developed career-guiding toolkits for students to decide and focus on their careers to achieve long-term professional growth. In an extensive row of student-centric solutions under HLM 2.0, the HLM Group hosts training sessions to teach students a new set of technologies and upskill themselves to thrive in an entrepreneurial domain or corporate working zone. With this new initiative, the HLM Group gallops leaps ahead in familiarising kids with modern technological apparatus and gives them a hands-on experience of working in a new-age official working climate. Industrial Visits are one of the prominent characteristics of HLM 2.0. To acquaint students with the working culture of companies and provide a concomitant visual representation of theoretical applications and definitions studied in books, the HLM Group organises various industrial visits to transfigure students' insular understanding into well-surfaced and deep insight and knowledge-gaining process. The Industrial visits also help students in getting lucrative internships and placement opportunities. Highlighting 'Stagnation of Learning' as one of the biggest growth stoppers in attaining brilliance and realising students' full potential, the HLM Group has been organising workshops, webinars, talk sessions, and seminars. The objective is to provide students with skill enhancement, trend observations, and networking opportunities. The opportunities to interact with industry experts and knowledge givers instil students with confidence, clear doubts, and improve their communication skills. It provides them with a 'symbiotic communion' environment and allows them to self-introspect, look at their strengths and flaws, and develop and remove them respectively. The Alumni Meet+Talk Series also act as a platform to express themselves, voice their concerns, meet with like-minded individuals and share a resourceful interaction with them. Under the HLM 2.0, the HLM Group has instituted Corporate Resource Centre - CRC, which manages and coordinates all the placement activities. Campus placement visits are organised on a regular basis to give students outstanding opportunities for removing career doubts and providing working opportunities for its students. The CRC has been dedicated to working towards achieving 100 per cent placement and organises recruitment drives on college campuses. HLM 2.0 is a calibrated effort by the HLM Group of Institutions to offer exciting opportunities for students to grow themselves and their careers to new ascensions and highs. Following the concepts curated by the COO, Tanvi Miglani, HLM 2.0 covers the practical learning aspect of education, along with ensuring the all-rounded development of students across various verticals. Having a rich experience of working across multiple genres, Tanvi has left no stone unturned to take learning in India to greater heights. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 13 (ANI/PNN): Embryology is a branch of science that studies the formation, growth, and development of embryos. Jain University's School of Allied Healthcare and Sciences has introduced a Master's specifically regarding the Clinical study and research of Embryology. Life! The utmost important aspect of existence. Without life the Earth is just a barren planet in the Solar System. Life is the essence of planet Earth. With the advancement of science now we are able to understand and learn more about the scientific background of the process which brings life to Earth. With various scientific advancements over the years nothing seems impossible. People who cannot conceive or have their own children by natural measures due to certain medical or physical limitations or the lifestyle that they are leading today also can be blessed with a child today because of the advance of science. Jain University, after years of excellence in other academic fields is now all geared up to take their paramedical college reach glorious heights in the field of Clinical Embryology. Proudly, presenting to you the new course of Jain University: M.Sc. in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology as a study Embryology is the branch of Biology and Medicine concerned with the study of embryos and their development. Based on a concept called epigenesis, that every organism develops from a seed or an egg in an established sequence, was further developed by Karl Ernst von Baer. An in-depth study involving the foundations of human reproduction, along with scientific and clinical aspects of embryology. The course provides a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and practices, which aids the students when they become professionals. Clinical embryologists are trained medical laboratory professionals who specialise in infertility case treatment using techniques such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). M.Sc. Clinical Embryology in School of Allied Healthcare and Sciences Jain (Deemed-to-be University) Bangalore places significant emphasis on the acquisition of practical laboratory skills along with academic fortification. On completion of this course, the professional will have developed the specialised knowledge and practical skills needed to work and manage human ART clinics. Along with classroom learning, hands-on practical skills will be provided to the students. Their intention is to make the procedure's importance and the science behind it comprehensible for budding embryologists. Students engage in clinical research projects that are designed to enhance the practical and research skills, with hands-on training at cutting-edge research facilities. This equips the students to be industry ready where they can start working in ART clinics or Multi-Specialty Hospitals treating relevant cases. This meticulously crafted course grants embryologists with the ability to perform all the required procedures in andrology and embryology labs and work in tandem with the gynaecologists and andrologists in an ART clinic. Pursue research in reputed institutes at national and international level or provide consultancy services for ART clinics and SOP's for operations and maintenance. Placement Support for Embryologists With Aikya Fertility & Research Centre being one of the leading and top names in the field of clinical embryology in Bangalore and industrial partners with Jain University, they will provide 100 per cent placement assistance in renowned and top hospitals in Bangalore (Karnataka) and clinics like Aikya, Apollo, Aster, Oasis, Cloud Nine, Nova Fertility and many more. Reach out to their official website https://sahs.jainuniversity.ac.in for more details and start enrolling yourself to the life-changing career opportunity! Contact: 9606978661/6366852184 This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], March 13 (ANI/NewsVoir): On March 2nd, 2023, Nagpur, also known as the city of oranges, was adorned in tangerine hues to celebrate the unveiling of the World Trade Center (WTC) Nagpur. Home to Fortune 500 companies, the biggest names in retail and business, and an address that needs no pin code to identify; WTC Nagpur was unveiled to an august gathering at Hotel Center Point, Nagpur. WTC Nagpur's arrival has positioned the city as a hub for global trade, commerce, and retail. Already placed among the top 15 fastest-growing global cities and the top two smart cities in India. Nagpur holds a Guinness World record to its name for building the longest double metro viaduct (3.14 km) at Wardha Road and is the biggest cargo hub and trade center for the entire Vidarbha region, catering to a population of over 2.3 crores. WTC Nagpur is situated at the only interconnecting point of India's two biggest national highways - NH6 & NH7 at Varity Square, Sitabuldi - the oldest and the biggest centre for trade in the entire Vidarbha region, receiving daily footfall of 2 to 3 lakhs. It is the only WTC in India that is connected to a metro interchange at three levels, with an estimated daily metro transit of 4 to 5 lakhs. It also has a shopping mall within its premises, similar to 'The One WTC - New York'. WTC Nagpur is the result of a collaboration between two renowned real estate developers in India, the Goel Ganga Group, and the Viridian RED. During the event, representatives of both companies highlighted the project's strategic importance and the impact it would be creating on Nagpur and the entire Vidarbha region. WTC Nagpur will forever change the city's skyline and offer global exposure to the region, according to Anup Khandelwal, Executive Director, whereas Tarush Goel, Director of Goel Ganga Group had elaborated on the strategic importance of the collaboration. Khair-Ull-Nissa, Vice-Chair, WTCA, emphasized the benefits of being part of a network that supports over one million businesses in 326 WTCs across 92 cities worldwide. It was a gala event that saw a full house of leading real estate investors and channel partners from across India. WTC Nagpur has achieved 100 per cent connectivity through rail, road, air, and metro, with 60-65% of its space already leased out and 30 per cent currently operational. The facility is expected to be fully operational by December 2023, indicating the progress and dedication of the people involved. Neena Roy, Head Sales, WTC Nagpur, assured investors that the project already has some of the most renowned global, national, and local brands in retail and business operating within its shopping mall premises. WTCs have transformed the economic landscape of regions by bringing in investment, businesses, corporates, start-ups, government agencies, and global trade. They create job opportunities, increase the real estate value of the region and become hubs for prosperity and economic growth by offering ancillary support services and premium residential development. This is evident in cities such as New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai, where the entire catchment area around the World Trade Center is now a beacon of superior livelihood, wealth, and influence. Nagpur now has become India's and the world's center for trade and commerce, thanks to the World Trade Center Nagpur. The milestone for economic prosperity for the region has been set, and the beacon has been lit. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 13 (ANI/BusinessWire India): VSPAGY, a leading personalized video interactivity platform, today announced its move to a new office to accommodate its growing team and expanding business. The move comes on the same day as the company's new logo release, marking a significant milestone in VSPAGY's startup journey. VSPAGY is a leading personalized video interactivity platform that is AI enabled and empowers enterprises to improve their digital communication campaigns and help them connect with their customers at scale through engaging video communication. The SaaS platform has, over the years, created some path-breaking consumer engagement campaigns across banking, insurance, financial services, e-commerce, fintech, retail, automobile, travel and hospitality, amongst others. VSPAGY recently crossed over 500 million personalized video interactive streams since its inception in 2019. VSPAGY is trusted by some of India's leading brands that include over 70 marque enterprises like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, AXIS Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Union Bank of India, Yes Bank, Max Life Insurance, HDFC Life, TATA AIG, SBI Life, Royal Sundaram, Hyundai Motors, Hero Motors, IndusInd Bank, Canara HSBC, Bajaj Alliance Life Insurance, AU Small Finance Bank, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, PineLabs, Fastrack, Blackberrys, amongst others. "We are excited to unveil this new logo and brand identity, as we start our foray into international markets like Europe and Americas while continuing to provide a top-notch user experience for our customers," said Pankaj Saxena, CEO and founder of VSPAGY. He further added, "We're thrilled to announce our move to a new office on the same day as our new logo release. This move reflects our commitment to growing and expanding our business while maintaining a fun and collaborative work environment for our team. Our new office will help us attract top talent and further foster our culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation." The new logo features a dynamic design that captures the essence of VSPAGY's platform, which enables users to create personalized video interactivity campaigns that engage and delight their audiences. The logo's bright and vibrant colours evoke a sense of energy and dynamism, reflecting VSPAGY's commitment to helping users create engaging content that stands out in today's crowded digital landscape. Red is often associated with passion, energy, excitement, and urgency. The colour red in the VSPAGY identity signifies the platform's ability to capture viewers' attention and stimulate engagement and action. Blue is a calming and trustworthy colour that represents stability, professionalism, and reliability. The VSPAGY blue suggests the platform's technical proficiency and ability to provide trusted and secure solutions for large enterprise clients. Orange is a warm and cheerful colour that conveys a sense of friendliness, approachability, and enthusiasm. It is often used in branding to evoke a sense of fun and excitement. In the context of VSPAGY, the orange colour represents the platform's ability to make interactive videos accessible and enjoyable for both creators and viewers. By combining these three colours in the new logo and brand identity, VSPAGY aims to create a vibrant and distinctive visual identity that communicates its brand values and mission. The use of bold, contrasting colours also makes the logo more memorable and recognizable. The refreshed look represents the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and providing a cutting-edge user experience. The logo unit depicts personalization screens and reiterates VSPAGY's vision: "To revolutionize the way people consume and engage with video content by providing a personalized, interactive, and immersive experience that transforms passive viewers into active participants, empowering brands and content creators to connect with their audiences in a more meaningful and authentic way." The updated brand identity is reflected not only across the interiors of the new office but will also be rolled out across all VSPAGY's digital and physical assets, including the website, social media profiles, industry events and marketing materials. The new office boasts of modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology to enhance collaboration and productivity. The spacious and swanky office features an open-plan layout, dedicated meeting rooms, and breakout areas that reflect VSPAGY's dynamic and innovative culture. For more information about VSPAGY and its personalized video interactivity platform, visit the company's website at www.vspagy.com or reach out to: info@vspagy.com. https://spa.gy/iI0zQpl Contact us to know more https://spa.gy/linkedin Follow us on: Linkedin | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook #CCM #VideoEngagement #VideoTechPlatform #BrandCommunication #MarketingVideos #Communication #campaigns #marketing #engagement #VSPAGY #personalized #video #interactivity #platform #newbeginnings #AI #SaaS #saasstartup Founded in 2019, the VSPAGY is a leading personalized video interactivity platform that helps enterprises engage with their customers at scale. The AI enabled platform empowers banks, insurance, fintech, e-commerce, retail, automobile, travel and hospitality brands to improve their customer engagements using a suite of personalized Video Interactivity solutions. The SaaS platform helps enterprises create large scale individualised video conversations and engagements with their customers with secured API protocols as well as real time performance analytics dashboard reports for tracking and monitoring the campaigns. VSPAGY works with almost all major leading banks and insurance companies in India. VSPAGY is a registered trademark of Acadian Technologies Private Limited. The company is ISO-27001:2013 compliant, and is also DPIIT/ DIPP certified as part of the Startup India program. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 13 (ANI/NewsVoir): Originating in the timeless city of Banaras (Benaras), the clothing brand Chinaya has gained quite the repute for its focus on the fusion of India's rich culture and heritage with authentic apparel designs. The online retailer offers the finest selection of handcrafted, genuine Banarasi Sarees, Dupattas, and Indo-Western clothing, with each piece reflecting a blend of traditional artistic expression with modern patterns, embroidery, and stitching. With the launch of two new collections - Rangkat and Pichwai - Chinaya Banaras has added more to its characteristic blend of unique textiles and rich heritage. The online retailer also plans to add exclusive kids' wear collection to its line in May 2023. Etching Authenticity, Weaving Tradition Namrata and Vishal Agarwal, Co-founders of Chinaya Banaras, entail the brand Chinaya's journey as a living, breathing tale that still has much more to add along its path. Having spent their entire life in the epoch-making city of Banaras, the duo and their team try to imbibe the rich history and authenticity that the city represents in each of their products. Chinaya was originally conceived by the couple as a branch of the Rupdarshi Heritage, in continuation with the family's love for history and legacy. Today, Chinaya has evolved into a popular online shopping destination for high-end Banarasi sarees and pure fabrics. Behind the world-class products is a group of talented and devoted artisans, working hard to ensure on-time, quality delivery. "In addition to educating people about the magic that occurs behind the looms in Banaras, our goal is to make the art accessible on a worldwide scale," shares Vishal about the ideology of the brand Chinaya Banaras. "The name Chinaya, which is pronounced Shinaya, literally means "lady of great knowledge". The name's origins represent our mission to give every woman access to the captivating fusion of culture, fashion, and art weaved into a garment, keeping the essence of Banarasi roots and traditions alive," Namrata adds. Branching Out with Roots Deep in Place In advancing their brand's visibility and values, Namrata and Vishal are placing India's traditional handloom skills on the global map. Their latest collections are a continuation of the same spirit. Pichwai, for instance, is a collection inspired by Indian Pichwai art, characterized by intricately painted descriptions of religious and folk tales. Pichwai is a style of portrayal that is connected to the biography of Lord Krishna, Shrinathji (an incarnation of Lord Krishna), the genealogy of Vallabhacharya, cows, lotuses, and many other lovely patterns from nature. Chinaya Banaras is now incorporating these motifs onto sarees, kurtas, and dupattas. Given its exquisite and delicate craftsmanship, it is a pattern fit for a genuine connoisseur. On the other hand, Rangkat draws from the extensive traditional handloom weaving and dyeing method with numerous warp and weft adjustments throughout the weaving process. Thanks to its exquisite and delicate craftsmanship, it is a saree for true connoisseurs. The Rangkat, the greatest grade of Kadhiyal weaving from Banaras, is a crossover of strands with color blocking in stripes and a must for every inheritance. This item's surface is frequently decorated with floral or geometric themes (butas). Focusing on printed sarees, Chanderi cotton, and a range of textiles like linen, tussar, munga, khadi, organza, and cotton, Chinaya Banaras also sells other Banarasi silks. The brand has established itself as no less than a byword for tradition and authenticity. "The most vital component of the Chinaya Family is our artisans," shares Namrata. "By building long-term contracts and connections with the weavers and providing them with ongoing incentives, we demonstrate our great regard for our weaver community and our belief in their continued employment and growth," she adds. "On the other side, we specialize in educating the customer about different fabrics and sarees and getting to know their demands so they can make an informed choice," Vishal remarks. "In doing so, we hope to become India's brand ambassadors in the meticulous art of handweaving gorgeous sarees and dupattas right in the roots of the country." Chinaya Banaras have three new announcements for this month: We bring you an exquisite Women's Day Special offer for the whole month. * - Use the coupon code WOMEN10 to Get an Additional 10% Discount for Prepaid orders. This code is applicable on Stitched Suit Sets, Ready to Wear Dresses, fabrics, and Lehengas on a minimum purchase of 10K and also the shipping will be free for any Indian region.- Get the dress materials with FREE stitching on your customized size on Prepaid Orders.- Shop any saree from our website and get the stitched blouse and also with Fall & hemming done on your size at FREE! for Prepaid Orders Note: All these offers are valid until 31st March 2023. T&C apply. www.chinayabanaras.com. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
As per the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), 25 airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been earmarked for leasing over the years 2022 to 2025, the Parliament was told on Monday. The AAI has leased out eight of its airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation, management and development on a long-term lease basis. Out of these, Delhi and Mumbai airports were handed over in 2006. During the last five years i.e. from 2017-18 to 2021-22, the AAI has received revenue of approximately Rs 5,500 crore from Delhi airport and Rs 5,174 crore from Mumbai Airport, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen V.K. Singh (retd) told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. According to the reply, the six airports recently awarded under PPP including Mangaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram have been handed over to the Concessionaires on October 31, 2020, November 2, 2020, November 7, 2020, October 8, 2021, October 11, 2021 and October 14, 2021, respectively and till February 2023, the AAI has received concession fees of approximately Rs 896 crore from the concessionaires for these six airports. Further, the AAI has also received an amount of Rs 2,349 crore in the form of upfront fee towards the capital expenditure incurred by it at these airports. During the PPP process i.e. from March 2018 till handing over the airports to the PPP partner, the AAI spent an amount of approximately Rs 1,970 crore towards capital works at these six PPP airports. This Capital expenditure incurred by AAI has been paid to AAI by the PPP partner. --IANS kvm/vd ( 287 Words) 2023-03-13-20:48:04 (IANS)
'RRR' Tamil version lyricist Madhan Karky expressed happiness and gratitude as his music piece 'Naatu Naatu' bagged an Oscar award in the 'Best Original song' category'. Composed by MM Keeravani, the track sees Ram Charan and Jr NTR doing an impeccably synchronised dance-off with the British. Chandrabose penned the lyrics of the power-packed song. The song was also released in Hindi as 'Naacho Naacho', in Tamil as 'Naattu Koothu', in Kannada as 'Halli Naatu' and in Malayalam as 'Karinthol'. Its Hindi version was sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Vishal Mishra. Chandrabose and M. M. Keeravani accepted the Oscar trophy onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards on Monday. Speaking to ANI, Madhan Karky said, "I am delighted like every person in India and I am additionally delighted because also part of the team. Naatu Nattu is a very special song actually for me. I don't know people would remember but on the first event which happened in Chennai for RRR promo event, I was talking for 5 minutes about the song like How this song effected me and how much song had so much inside it. I am really happy that entire world is connected with what I felt and it transferred to the world." "To create this song we had very less time as we had to complete this song in a day. Just a day we had four lyrics writers working on this song together actually. It was almost like a factory work that was happening. We had the Telugu song ready already shot. I had this challenge of matching the choreography, concept and lip sync that was the one challenge we had to finish in a shorter time," he added. He also appreciated and congratulated the 'Elephant Whisperers' team for win. RRR Lyricist said, "Very happy that boundaries are shrinking and our movies are getting to bigger stages and it's opening doors for a lot of people. Especially those young filmmakers now they don't have the boundary. They can dream big, dream whatever, wherever they want to go. And both these movies have half flown the way. This is an opportunity to the Elephant Whisperers team as well." 'Naatu Naatu' beat a slew of heavy-weight competitors - Lady Gaga's Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick, Rihanna's Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, This Is A Life from Everything Everywhere All At Once, and Applause from Tell It Like A Woman. 'Naatu Naatu' has dominated all the major global awards. Before entering the Oscars, in January, 'Naatu Naatu' won the Golden Globes in the 'Best Original Song' category. Five days later, 'RRR' bagged two more awards at the 28th edition of the Critics Choice Awards. One is for the best song and another is for 'best foreign language film.' Guneet Monga's 'The Elephant Whisperers', on the other hand, a documentary directed by Kartiki Gonsalves paved way for many to believe that India truly can take the centre stage globally. It won the Oscar in the 'Best Documentary Short Film' category against 'Haul Out,' 'How Do You Measure A Year?' 'The Martha Mitchell Effect,' and 'Stranger At The Gate'. (ANI)
According to officials, based on intelligence gathered by Central Intelligence Unit (CIU), Mumbai Customs Zone III, one export consignment destined for South Sudan with declared description as TAMOL-X225 containing approximately 10 lakh tablets, was intercepted and examined.

The test results confirmed it to be "Tramadol" which is a psychotropic substance and export of tramadol is restricted under section 8(c) of NDPS Act, 1985.

These contraband drugs worth US 2.6 million or over Rs 21 Crores in international illicit market were seized, the officials added.

According to officials, searches were conducted at Bengaluru, Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) and Mumbai and three persons have been arrested so far. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

In another incident, gold worth Rs 1.40 crore concealed in undergarments and footwear, was seized from foreign nationals by the Mumbai Customs department.

The seizure was made from three foreign nationals, who had arrived from Addis Abada to Mumbai on Friday.

The gold weighs over 3 kilograms and is valued at around Rs 140 crores.

As per the Mumbai Customs, the accused had concealed the gold in their undergarments and in the sole of the footwear.

The information was given by the Mumbai Customs department in a statement. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the CPI-M and the Congress, which are fighting against each other in Kerala, had united in Tripura against the BJP but it went on to win the polls in the northeastern state. Addressing a party office bearers meeting and then a public meeting in Kerala's Thrissur, he said that the Narendra Modi government had provided Rs 1,15,000 crore to Kerala in the past five years as against the UPA government's Rs 45,900 crore. Listing out other benefits to the state, he said that it had provided Rs 8,500 crore for the rural employment scheme in Kerala - an amount no other state got, as well as Rs 317 crore for the development of Guruvayur temple. Amit Shah said that the Centre had given permission for a 50 MW solar power project in Kasargod district, while an amount of Rs 1,950 crore was sanctioned for for the second phase of development of Kochi Metro. He lashed out at the state government for not dousing the fire at the Brahampuram waste plant even after 11 days, despite the emission of poisonous gases that were making life miserable to the people of the region. He also said that it was the Union Government that made Kerala secure by banning the Islamist outfit Popular Front of India but added that both Communists and Congress leaders would not agree to this. The Congress and the Communists cannot do anything for the development of Kerala, he alleged. He also said the Thrissur public programme is a preparatory programme for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and called upon the people of the state to ensure victory for BJP candidates from the state. He said that if Narendra Modi comes back to power in the country in the 2024 elections, Kerala and India will be taken forward. BJP state General Secretary George Kurien translated the speech of Amit Shah from Hindi to Malayalam. --IANS aal/vd ( 341 Words) 2023-03-12-20:36:02 (IANS)
Army personnel rescued around 400 tourists stranded in Sikkim following heavy snowfall and later provided emergency assistance, including medical care and food, to them, defence officials said on Sunday. Defence spokesman Lt. Col Mahendra Rawat said that around 400 tourists, including 142 women and 50 children travelling approximately in 100 vehicles got stranded on Saturday afternoon while returning from Natu La and Tsomgo (Changgu) Lake and soldiers of Trishakti Corps, in collaboration with police and civil administration, swung into action and launched rescue mission "Operation Himrahat". "The relief and rescue operations continued through late on Saturday night. The tourists were moved to safe areas and provided shelter, warm clothing, medical aid and hot meals. The troops arranged accommodation for the stay of all the tourists," Lt. Col Rawat said. He said that on Sunday morning, the road opening was taken up with assistance of the Army's General Reserve Engineering Force bulldozers and by 9 a.m, the road was cleared to enable movement of the vehicles to Gangtok. The quick reaction by the troops provided relief and comfort to the stranded tourists under inclement weather conditions and ensured early clearance of road to enable movement of vehicles to Gangtok. The stranded tourists and civil administration expressed their deep gratitude for the immediate relief provided by the Army. Indian Army, while guarding the border in super high-altitude areas of the Himalayas, are always proactive in providing assistance to tourists and local population, the defence spokesman said. --IANS sc/vd ( 259 Words) 2023-03-12-20:40:03 (IANS)
A total of 15 militants belonging to Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) led by the outfit's President Tosha Mossang surrendered to the Arunachal Pradesh government and deposited a huge cache of arms and ammunition at a function on Sunday. The militants, active in the state's three eastern districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, laid down their arms and ammunition at a 'Homecoming Ceremony' here at the state police headquarters in presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Addressing the function, Khandu said that the Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to bring all misguided persons, who have taken up arms against the establishment for one or other reason, back to the mainstream and provide them with a normal and better life. "Violence is no solution to any problem. Peace, dialogue and commitment are the solution to every problem," he said. Welcoming the "misguided" militants, he said that with their joining the mainstream would inspire those still underground to shun the path of violence and terror. Khandu pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh has always been a peaceful state and that his government is committed to ensure that it remains so. "With you (ENNG cadres) returning home to normal life, Arunachal Pradesh has made a giant leap towards peace. I hope this step of yours will set the doors open for others to come back home," he said. The Chief Minister informed that the state government has the "Underground Surrender Policy" in place to rehabilitate them as well as facilitate their livelihood. "This financial year (2023-24), we have allocated Rs 5 crore to encourage misguided youths to shun violence and become partners of growth. We assure the surrendered cadres all help to join the mainstream for their meaningful contribution to the State and the country," he said. He lauded the role of Assam Rifles and the state police in pursuing the rebels, encouraging them to surrender, and resuming normal life. He expressed optimism that the forces would continue with their effort to curb insurgency in the region but with a humane touch. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Bamang Felix, Chief sScretary Dharmendra, Director General of Police Satish Golchha, Inspector General Assam Rifles, North, Major General Vikas Lakhera and other officials were present in the function. --IANS sc/vd ( 397 Words) 2023-03-12-22:10:03 (IANS)
However, the future course of the veteran politician from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh will depend on getting an assurance of a suitable position in the saffron party.

His resignation letter, dated March 11 and addressed to the Congress President, comprised a single sentence: "Please accept this letter as my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress."

A former Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Kiran Kumar Reddy took over as the state's Chief Minister from K. Rosaiah on November 11, 2010 when the Telangana statehood agitation was at its peak. He resigned on March 10, 2014, when the Congress decided to bifurcate the state.

Two days later, he formed his own party, the Jai Samikyandhra Party and contested the Assembly polls. However, following his party's miserable performance in the polls, he withdrew from politics until 2018 when he rejoined the Congress. But he was inactive during his second stint in the Congress.

--IANS pvn/vd

( 195 Words)

2023-03-12-22:18:05 (IANS)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party will likely take up the alleged "misuse" of central agencies against opposition leaders in both Houses of Parliament during the second part of the budget session which starts from today, sources informed. K Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS government has been accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing federal agencines after BRS MLC K Kavitha was questioned by ED in connection with an alleged Delhi liquor policy case on March 12. She has been asked to appear again before the ED on March 16. According to sources, the party is likely to protest outside the parliament on Monday. "The party will also ask like-minded parties to join them in their protest," sources informed. On Sunday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MP BV Netha hit out at Prime Minister Modi and accused him of attempting to capture power by "misusing constitutional bodies" in the country. His remarks came after K Kavitha was questione BY Enforecement Directorate. Speaking to media, Netha said that the only aim of BJP under Modi govt is to capture power by misusing constitutional bodies. "We will not be sacred, she (K Kavitha) is the daughter of a fighter. We are ready to face a legal battle. we'll highlight how Modi is trangresing on constitution and take them to public," BRS MP said." We will fight democratically against the BJP-led Central Government," he added. On Saturday, K Kavitha was questioned by Enforcement Directorate in connection with delhi excise police case. Kavitha had asked the federal probe agency to postpone her questioning to Saturday, citing her hunger strike in Delhi on Friday. The central agency agreed to her request and rescheduled the questioning for Saturday.She had arrived in the national capital on March 8, hours after the ED issued summoned for questioning. BRS leader KT Rama Rao on Friday also arrived at the residence of his father in the national capital. Notably, former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia has been arrested by ED in the same case. (ANI)
The incident took place under the police station limits of Muzhakunn situated at Kakkayangad in Kannur district on sunday evening.

"There was an explosion," a police official said, adding that the official confirmation can be disclosed only after the inspection of the scene.

According to police, Santosh and his wife Lasitha, sustained injuries in the explosion.

More details are awaited (ANI).
The Congress tweeted a photograph of 'Fighter Ravi', a rowdy-sheeter, in which he is seen greeting the Prime Minister.

Sources in Congress claimed the photograph, which was allegedly clicked in Mandya on Sunday, had been shared with them.

"It is impossible for any other party in the world to be as shameless as the BJP. Greeting Fighter Ravi with folded hands has brought disrepute to the post of Prime Minister. It is shameful that the BJP which claimed it would not accept rowdies into the party has brought a rowdy-sheeter before the Prime Minister," the Karnataka Congress said in a tweet.

The fresh face-off came a few weeks after the two parties had targeted each other over the induction of rowdy-sheeters into their respective parties.

The BJP has not yet responded to the Congress' allegations.

--IANS pvn/pgh

( 186 Words)

2023-03-12-23:14:03 (IANS)
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers were seen thrashing and smearing a man with ink, visuals accessed by ANI shows. The video has been verified by the police.

The accused, was later handed over to Samta Nagar Police station, in Kandivali, East Mumbai.

According to the police, the accused has been identified as Rajesh Gupta.

On the complaint of the woman leader, the Dahisar police registered a case against an unknown person under IPC sections 354, 509, 500, 34 and 67 and started their investigation.

Explaining the incident, Mumbai police said that a rally was organized in Mumbai's Dahisar area on Saturday evening, in which Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also participated. MLA woman and women leaders welcomed the Chief Minister and joined the rally.

"If women continued to be defamed through such videos, then she would be discouraged to join politics," she added.

MLA added that the Uddhav Thackeray camp had done nothing during their rule. "Now, They want to defame a woman. It is unacceptable."

"There should a war of ideologies in politics. You can disagree with my views. But it is not acceptable to defame a woman by insulting her. People behind such actions should be held responsible," Shiv Sena MLA said.

While participating in the rally, someone made a video, edited it by putting obscene songs and made that video viral on the internet, after which people got angry and demanded to register a case, the police added. (ANI)
Ahead of the start of the second half of the Budget session, the Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Binoy Viswam on Monday, gave the suspension of business notice, under Rule 267, to discuss the "post poll violence" in Tripura. In the letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Chairman, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Viswam stated, "Under Rule 267 of the Rule of Procedure, I hereby give notice to suspend the business of the house for half an hour and to discuss the post poll violence in Tripura." "The series of violent incidents have made thousands of innocent people homeless and several hundreds are injured," he added. Binoy Viswam further added, "As we have seen there, the law and order situation is so worsened, that lives and property of citizens are under severe threat. This needs urgent discussion." Other than Viswam, two Congress leaders have given adjournment motion notices. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the increase in the price of LPG for domestic and commercial use. Congress MP Manish Tewari has also given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the 'border situation' with China. It is pertinent to note that an eight-member delegation of the Opposition parties comprising of the Opposition parties CPI(M), CPI, and Congress which were allies in the Tripura Assembly polls had visited the state to take stock of the situation in the areas where the alleged 'post-poll violence' occurred. After returning from the northeastern state, the leaders held a press conference where it accused BJP of unleashing "unbridled attacks" on the people, particularly Opposition in the name of celebration after the party retained power in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Addressing the press conference, CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem had said, "What we witnessed and heard from the members of victim families were beyond imagination and far more shocking than we apprehended. We are in doubt, whether in any state of the country, such backlash is carried out by the ruling party on the followers of opponents only because they didn't support the ruling party and worked for the opposition in the just concluded Assembly election." The CPI (M) MP further added, "The victims informed us that the entire state sparked with an unprecedented backlash of terror and intimidations just at the moment the BJP got a majority in the counting of votes on 2nd March 2023. In the name of celebration of victory by the ruling BJP, its unruly workers let loose unbridled attacks with inhuman ferocity on the people particularly targeting the opposition leaders, workers, and supporters that resulted in the loss and destruction of huge number properties. The CPI (M) MP claimed that the policemen were present on the spot of the alleged incident did not take any action and remained a "mute spectator". Kareem further alleged that their team faced an attack in the Sepahijala district from a group of people chanting "religious slogans". Meanwhile, the Budget session of 2023 will resume after a month-long recess. The recess was for enabling the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to examine the demands for grants and make reports relating to their ministries or departments. The second part of the Budget Session beginning on March 13 will continue till April 6. During this period, the demand for grants will be discussed and the Union Budget, which was presented on February 1, will be passed. The government will be also list a number of the key legislations for introduction and passage. (ANI)
Two persons were arrested for allegedly circulating a morphed video of Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve and a woman party leader, the police informed on Sunday. The accused have been identified as Manas Kuwar (26) and Ashok Mishra (45). Based on the complaint of the woman leader, the police registered against unknown accused under sections 354, 509, 500, 34 and 67 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and started investigation into the matter. The matter pertains to Saturday evening, when a rally was organized in Mumbai's Dahisar are, which was also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde During the event, Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve and the woman leader welcomed the chief minister on stage. As per allegations, during the rally some miscreants made a video of the MLA Surve and the woman leader. They allegedly edited the video, put obscene songs into it and made it viral on internet, the police said. After the video went viral on Saturday night, leaders and workers of the Shinde faction reached the Dahisar police station and demanded an investigation against the accused. The woman leader, whose alleged morphed video has been made viral, told ANI that she has been on the receiving side of hate for a long time. Talking to ANI, she said, "The attacks on me started when my friends and I started working with CM Eknath Shinde. We have been subjected to abusive messages and derogatory comments on social media." The leader said that she always chose to ignore the hate, but the situation escalated, when the morphed video was made viral. She added, "During a rally, our local MLA Prakash Surve, CM Eknath Shinde and several BJP leaders were present. At that time, someone made a video, morphed it and made it viral on social media." She also claimed that no woman will enter politics if such things happen. "They are trying to assassinate the character of woman who are working in politics. There are women working as a journalist, woman going to office, if this is how the character of women is assassinated, no woman will come in politics," she said. She also alleged that the two accused who have been arrested are "office bearers of Thackeray faction". "I complained to the police about the matter, after which two people were arrested who are office bearers of Thackeray group, so there is nothing to say," she alleged. Further investigation is underway in the case and more details are awaited. (ANI)
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury are present in the meeting.

Congress Lok Sabha Sabha and Rajya Sabha members are participating in the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting to decide the strategy for Budget session.

Meanwhile, opposition parties will also attend a joint meeting at Congress national president Kharge's office on Monday, said sources.

On Sunday, sources had said, "Leaders of like-minded opposition parties will be meeting at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament premises tomorrow morning."

As per the sources, the like-minded Opposition party leaders will meet at Rajya Sabha LoP Kharge's office in Parliament at around 10:00 am today.

The Budget session of 2023 will resume after a month-long recess. The recess was for enabling the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to examine the demands for grants and make reports relating to their ministries or departments. (ANI)
Ahead of the start of the second half of the Budget session on Monday, the Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti (BRS) Rajya Sabha MP Keshava Rao has given a suspension of business notice under Rule 267 demanding discussion on the alleged "abuse" of central agencies by the government. In the letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Chairman, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, BRS MP Keshava Rao said, "I desire to move the Motion, under Rule 267 (suspension of Business) of Rules of conduct of Business in the council to discuss the abuse of Central agencies like CBI and ED by the Government". Rao further added, "I therefore move the following motion: That this house suspends the rule, pertaining to business listed in today's (13.03.23) Agenda as per the relevant Rules of conduct of Business in the council; and take up its discussion". This follows after BRS MLC and Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday. Kavitha was questioned in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. She had also asked the federal probe agency to postpone her questioning to Saturday, citing her hunger strike in Delhi on Friday. The central agency agreed to her request and rescheduled the questioning for Saturday. Earlier, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Binoy Viswam also gave the suspension of business notice, under Rule 267, to discuss the "post poll violence" in Tripura. Viswam stated in the letter, "Under Rule 267 of the Rule of Procedure, I hereby give notice to suspend the business of the house for half an hour and to discuss the post poll violence in Tripura." "The series of violent incidents have made thousands of innocent people homeless and several hundreds are injured," he added. Binoy Viswam further added, "As we have seen there, the law and order situation is so worsened, that lives and property of citizens are under severe threat. This needs urgent discussion." Other than Viswam, two Congress leaders have given adjournment motion notices.Congress MP Manickam Tagore has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the increase in the price of LPG for domestic and commercial use. Congress MP Manish Tewari has also given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the 'border situation' with China. It is pertinent to note that an eight-member delegation of the Opposition parties comprising of the Opposition parties CPI(M), CPI, and Congress which were allies in the Tripura Assembly polls had visited the state to take stock of the situation in the areas where the alleged 'post-poll violence' occurred. After returning from the northeastern state, the leaders held a press conference where it accused BJP of unleashing "unbridled attacks" on the people, particularly Opposition in the name of celebration after the party retained power in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the Budget session of 2023 will resume after a month-long recess. The recess was for enabling the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to examine the demands for grants and make reports relating to their ministries or departments. The second part of the Budget Session beginning on March 13 will continue till April 6. During this period, the demand for grants will be discussed and the Union Budget, which was presented on February 1, will be passed. The government will be also list a number of the key legislations for introduction and passage. (ANI)
The Board of Secondary Education in Assam (SEBA) has cancelled the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination of General Science subject which was scheduled for March 13 in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. "Next date will be announced in due course," Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said in a tweet last night. "General Science examination of the on going HSLC examination scheduled for 13/03/2023 has been cancelled by SEBA in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. Next date will be announced in due course," the minister said. In this regard, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam has also released a notification on Sunday. "News is telecasted in a section of media today evening that a handwritten model question paper of HSLC examination of General science C3 subject which is to be held on 13th March 2023 is available in the hands of some candidates and it spread on the social media. We have a belief that such news may create confusion in minds of the candidates and keeping in view of this, the examination of the General science C3 subject which is to be held on 13th March 2023 is cancelled," the notification said. An enquiry has been initiated into the matter, it said. Meanwhile, the Assam Director General of Police GP Singh said that a criminal case has been registered and CID Assam will investigate the matter. "Reference media reports of leakage of General Science (C3) question paper of HSLC examination scheduled for March 13th 2023 conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Assam - A criminal case has been registered and would be investigated by CID Assam. We would bring the culprits and conspirators to law," DGP GP Singh tweeted. (ANI)
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned shortly amidst protests after Parliament recomenced after a month-long recess. Leader of the House Piyush Goyal in his speech targetted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks in London, following which there were heated arguments between treasury and oppostion benches. Goyal alleged that one Opposition leader tried to show the country in a poor light while travelling abroad. Goyal demanded that Rahul Gandhi should come to the Parliament House and should offer an apology to the members of the house and to the people of India. The Opposition members questioned Goyal even as Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said everyone has a right to place their views in the House. While speaking to the media outside the house, Goyal said, "India is the mother of democracy a proud and glorious country. A prominent Opposition leader goes abroad and attacks Indian democracy. He has insulted the people of India and the Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should apologise in Parliament over the comments. There is freedom of speech in India and MPs can speak in Parliament. Goyal further stated that Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the speaker of the House over his comments where he had stated that opposition voices are being stifled in the Indian parliament. The union minister said, "Our democracy works on sound principles. He has humiliated the Indian parliament on foreign soil. I strongly condemn the comments he made about our Parliament. Again I will say he should come back and apologise to the House and the Speaker". While addressing a lecture at Cambridge University in London , Rahul; Gandhi has said, "Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy." The second-half of the Budget session has resumed from Monday after a month long recess.The first half of the Budget session also faced repeated disruptions and adjournments due to protest by Opposition and demand for JPC probe in the Adani issue. (ANI)
Slamming Rahul Gandhi for "insulting India in London," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday demanded in Lok Sabha that the Congress leader should be asked to "apologise before the House." "Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of this House, insulted India in London. I demand that his statements should be condemned by all members of this House and he should be asked to apologise before the House," Singh said in the lower house of the Parliament. During interaction at the Chatham House in London recently, Gandhi alleged that the microphones of Opposition leaders in Parliament are often silenced. He attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre and levelled several allegations. Gandhi even said that Europe and the US are not doing enough to restore democracy in India as they are getting trade and money from the country. The Congress leader also alleged that 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," Gandhi said. He also termed the RSS a "fundamentalist" and "fascist" organisation alleging that it has captured pretty much all of India's institutions. (ANI)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday, said that the party will work hard to win maximum seats in the upcoming state assembly elections and Lok Sabha polls next year to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes PM again. Talking to ANI, the BJP leader said, "PM Modi has confidence in me and I have confidence in him. For making sure that Modi Ji becomes PM again, we will work hard towards winning maximum seats in Karnataka assembly elections and also Lok Sabha elections". "The public's response is in favour of the BJP. We will get an absolute majority and form government in Karnataka," he added. Karnataka is slated to undergo Assembly elections before June, as the term of the 224-member Karnataka Assembly is set to end on May 24. In the 2018 Assembly elections, BJP won 104 seats and emerged as the single largest party, while the Congress and JD(S) bagged 78 and 37 seats, respectively. Attacking Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in London, the BJP leader said that nobody will appreciate his statements. "It is unfortunate. No one expected Rahul Gandhi to speak about such things during his visit to other countries, particularly to London. Nobody will appreciate his statements," Yediyurappa added. Congress leader Rahul, while addressing a lecture at Cambridge University in London had alleged that the basis structure of Indian democracy is "under attack". "Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," Rahul said. During an interaction at the Chatham House in London recently, Gandhi alleged that the microphones of Opposition leaders in Parliament are often silenced. Levelling several allegations at the centre, the Congress leader said that Europe and the US are not doing enough to restore democracy in India as they are getting "trade and money" from the country. The Congress leader also alleged that various institutions in the country were under threat. He also termed the RSS a "fundamentalist" and "fascist" organisation alleging that it has captured pretty much all of India's institutions. "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," Gandhi added. (ANI)
Amid the escalating attack against Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in UK, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday came out in his support and said that there is nothing for which former needs to apologise. While talking to mediapersons in the Parliament premises, Tharoor said, "This is blatant kind of politics because Rahul Gandhi didn't say what he's accused of. He specified that 'we'll solve issues internally and just want everyone to be aware, Indian democracy is global public good'. There's nothing that he needs to apologise for." On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed Rahul Gandhi for "insulting India in London," Singh demanded in Lok Sabha that the Congress leader should be asked to "apologise before the House." "Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of this House, insulted India in London. I demand that his statements should be condemned by all members of this House and he should be asked to apologise before the House," Singh said in the Lower House of the Parliament. Today, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal in his speech targetted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks in London, following which there were heated arguments between treasury and oppostion benches. While speaking to the media outside the house, Goyal said, "India is the mother of democracy a proud and glorious country. A prominent Opposition leader goes abroad and attacks Indian democracy. He has insulted the people of India and the Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should apologise in Parliament over the comments. There is freedom of speech in India and MPs can speak in Parliament." During interaction at the Chatham House in London recently, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the microphones of Opposition leaders in Parliament are often silenced. He attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre and levelled several allegations. He even said that Europe and the US are not doing enough to restore democracy in India as they are getting trade and money from the country. The Congress leader also alleged that 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. He also termed the RSS a "fundamentalist" and "fascist" organisation alleging that it has captured pretty much all of India's institutions. (ANI)
The elections for the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) seats in Andhra Pradesh started in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam on Monday morning. The polling is being held from 8 am to 4 pm, through the ballot system, the officials said. Meanwhile, YSRCP candidate Seethramraju Sudhakar cast his vote at booth number 251 in Visakhapatnam. BJP Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narsimharao cast his vote at 225 along with his wife in Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam District Collector and returning officer Dr A Mallikarjuna said that voters can cast their ballots from 8 am to 4 pm on Monday. "Arrangements have been done for webcasting at all the 331 polling stations. Polling material was sent to the districts. Counting will be done on March 16," he said. Earlier on Sunday, the officials had said that the security arrangements are in place for the elections. Talking to the media, the Tirupati District Collector Venkataramana Reddy told the media, after inspecting the polling booths in Padmavati Degree College, that all precautions have been taken to ensure that no untoward incidents take place during the polls. "There are 138 polling booths in the district where two ballots are provided for each box and booth. The voters will exercise their right to vote without any issue. All the steps have been taken to make sure that no one is able to do fake voting," he said. Earlier, the Godavari sub-collector Surya Teja told the media, "Ahead of the MLC elections to be held on Monday in Narasapuram sub-division of West Godvaari district, the necessary arrangements are in force. He said that there are a total of 229 voters in this sub-division. "All 229 voters will exercise their right to vote in the polling booth set up by Narsapuram Mandal Parishad. Only the voters will be allowed inside, and the rest will have to stay away from the barricades placed so that they are 100 metres away from the polling booths," he said. The sub-collector also said that the ballot boxes will be moved to Eluru after the polling is done. "In this polling booth, MLAs from Narasapuram Palakollu Achanta Tanuku constituency along with ZPTCs from Mogalthur, Narasapuram, Yalamanchili Palakollu Rural, Poduru, Achanta, Penugonda, Iragavaram, Tanuku mandals and Narasapuram councillors will vote," he further said.(ANI)
After being summoned by the Delhi Police in connection with the death of veteran actor Satish Kaushik, businessman Vikas Malu's second wife has said that she won't cooperate in the investigation, until the investigating inspector with "suspicious role" is changed. Vikas Malu's second wife, who levelled serious allegations against her husband has been summoned by the Delhi Police to record her statement in connection on Monday. "Whereas the above mentioned complaint filed by you on 11.03.2023, is being enquired by the undersigned. There are reasonable ground to examine you to ascertain facts and circumstances in relation to the enquiry of the above mentioned complaint. Therefore, you are requested to join the enquiry before the undersigned on 13.03.23 at 11 am, at your home or any other place convenient to you," the Delhi Police stated in the notice. However, the woman's lawyer Rajendra Chhabra has told ANI that Vikas Malu's wife won't cooperate in the investigation pertaining to the "suspicious" role of the investigating officer. Talking to ANI, Rajendra Chhabra said, "The role of the inspector, under whose supervision the whole investigation is taking place, is already under scanner. My client (Vikas Malu's wife) will not join the investigation till the inspector is changed". The lawyer said that they have also sent an email to the Delhi Police Commissioner regarding this and has told about the "suspicious" role of the Inspector "The woman had made rape allegations against her husband Vikas Malu, and it was the same inspector investigating the case. But, he was removed from investigation for allegedly tampering with the evidence. Now, again after the complaint of my client, the same inspector has been appointed for investigation, which is surprising," Chhabra added. Vikas Malu's wife has levelled serious accusations against her husband. She alleged that actor Satish Kaushik and her husband had business links and there was a monetary dispute between the two. Speaking to ANI, she had said, "I have got a complaint registered in connection with Satish Ji's death. He had come to my husband's farmhouse for a party, where his health deteriorated. Some objectionable medicines have also been found from the farmhouse. Satish Ji and my husband had business connections as well. In August 2022, an argument broke out between Satish Ji and my husband, where Satish ji demanded Rs 15 crores that he had earlier given to him. But, my husband said that he will give the money in India." She further alleged, "When I later asked from him about the money, my husband said that he borrowed the money from Satish ji, but the money went for loss during the Covid period. My husband was not in the mood to return the money, he even said that he will use blue pills and Russian girls to do away with Satish Kaushik. That's why I have brought this angle to the police for fair investigation." However, Satish Kaushik's wife Shashi Kaushik reacted strongly to the allegations and refuted the claims of financial transactions. She also asked Vikas Malu's wife to withdraw the case. In an interview with ABP News, Shashi Kaushik said her husband had gone to Delhi to attend the Holi party. "Satish Kaushik and Vikas Malu were good friends and they would never fight. Shashi Kaushik said Vikas Malu is very rich, so there will be no situation where he needs money from Satish Kaushik. She said the allegations of money transactions are baseless," she said. Shashi Kaushik said that the post-mortem report has confirmed that the late actor had 98 per cent blockage in his arteries and no drug was found in his sample. "The Delhi Police has verified everything but she does not understand how Vikas Malu's wife is claiming that the actor was drugged and killed. I do not understand why she is trying to defame my husband after his demise. She has some agenda, maybe because she wants money from her husband and she is now involving Satish into this," Shashi Kaushik told ABP News. After his wife levelled accusations of his involvement in the death of veteran actor Satish Kaushik, the farmhouse owner Vikas Malu alleged that his name is being used in "wrong light". He also urged the media to respect everyone's sentiments. The matter pertains to the death of veteran actor, Satish Kaushik who died on March 9 allegedly due to cardiac arrest Satish Kaushik celebrated Holi with his friends, and danced, after which he went to sleep at around 9:30 pm and at around 12 am his health deteriorated. He called the manager and told him that he was having difficulty in breathing. His manager took him to Fortis Hospital in Gurugram where he died at 1.43 am despite being given Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The Delhi Police said that it is examining seven hours of CCTV footage at the farmhouse in Delhi where the actor celebrated Holi. The police also said that the detailed post-mortem report of Kaushik confirms that the death was a "natural" one and occurred due to 'cardiac arrest'. Satish Kaushik had a medical history of hypertension and sugar, the police said. Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
Before the assembly proceedings, the Congress MLAs staged a sit-in protest outside the Vidhan Sabha. Congress MLAs demanded that a CBI inquiry should be initiated into alleged irregularities in several recruitment examinations in the state.

Congress MLAs were seen sitting on the steps of the assembly premises holding placards demanding CM Dhami solve the issue of unemployment in the state. After persuasion by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, all the Congress MLAs went to the house.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami on Monday said the state budget will help in contributing to the state's development.

"Budget session will start today. Our Government vision for the Uttarakhand state is reflected in this budget. We hope all the leaders will contribute to the development of the state," he said.

Chamoli district administration on Monday banned procession activities from Diwalikhal to Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha in view of the budget session. Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the area from Diwalikhal to the Assembly premises. (ANI)
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is working continuously to assist the state and central government in building a strong infrastructure for the advancement of technologies and research to assist the general public at large. Furthering the idea that quality healthcare is a human right, IIT Guwahati is working on developing world-class and affordable medical facilities at the doorstep along with its thrust for innovations and adaptation of newer technologies, which will ensure that the healthcare ecosystem in Assam is at par the best. With the same spirit, IIT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Ahmedabad and Rajkot run by Prashanti Medical Services and Research Foundation (PMSRF) to foster Cardiac research and provide digital transformation, upgradation and information sharing related to the cardiac diseases. The MoU was virtually signed between Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT Guwahati, and Manoj Bhimani, Managing Trustee, PMSRF, in the esteemed presence of Justice M.R. Shah, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Sandeep Mehta, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, and Prof. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Head, Jyoti & Bhupat Mehta School of Health Science and Tech., IIT Guwahati. Speaking during the MoU signing event, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT Guwahati, said, "IIT Guwahati is honored to partner with PMSRF for this noble cause of providing a better healthcare facility to cardiac patients. With combined efforts under the purview of the Government of Assam, North-East part of the country is improving in every sector including healthcare, education, tourism, and skill development, among others. IIT Guwahati will be setting up a multi-specialty connected hospital and have already started working on the R&D and data collection part related to Cardiac, Cancer and Pediatric care among others. IIT Guwahati looks forward to adding value to the healthcare services." It is notable that this collaboration will help in strengthening the capacity of the State Government health institutions in Pediatric cardiac care, he added. The MoU has been signed for a period of 2 years and can be further extended on mutual agreement of both the stakeholders. "I am sure this collaboration will not only benefit the cardiac patients in Assam, but will also create a future perspective of sharing the information amongst other states in the country. Research is a constant requirement in the medical field. I am humbled by Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital's human spirit and approach to provide free treatment of various cardiac diseases to needy patients, particularly for the children facing congenital heart problems across the country. I am sure, this collaboration between IIT Guwahati and PMSRF will further assist this noble cause," said Chief Justice of Assam, Justice Sandeep Mehta. Speaking about the 'Dill without Bill' initiative, Justice M.R. Shah, Judge, Supreme Court of India, said, "The 'Dill without Bill' is a unique concept and I am glad that IIT Guwahati is now a part of this noble initiative. The advancement of technology has brought the world closer particularly in the field of knowledge and information sharing. My best wishes for the collective efforts from all the stakeholders for this endeavour." "In collaboration with IIT Guwahati, we are looking forward to proceed with a R&D-led approach to find the cause of cardiac diseases and prevent it by sharing knowledge with respective stakeholders. We also hope to encourage the young research scholars at IIT Guwahati to do cardiac engineering research to build a strong healthcare ecosystem in the country," Manoj Bhimani, Managing Trustee, PMSRF said in a event. The Government of Assam has also inked an MoU with PMSRF to conduct sophisticated heart surgeries upon 500 children and an equal number of adults belonging to the disadvantaged sections of the society and requiring treatments within a period of two years. This collaboration between the Assam Government, IIT Guwahati, and PMSRF will provide affordable healthcare services to the state's residents. (ANI)
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha faced disruptions on Monday as the House adjourned for the day amid pandemonium over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in London on democracy in India with government seeking his apology and the Opposition party objecting the matter against the rulings. It was the second adjournment of the House that was announced by the Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar as the members of both the treasury benches and the Opposition continued raising slogans against each other creating ruckus. As soon as the Rajya Sabha assembled at 2 pm after first round of adjournment over Gandhi's remarks in London on democracy in India during his visit to Cambridge, same matter again resonated the House. Leader of House in Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal, in a veiled attack said "this is a matter of grave concern and he (Rahul Gandhi) should be strongly condemned." Goyal accused that the Lok Sabha member insulted India during his visit to abroad, and sought his apology in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge read two separate rulings and pointed that matter related to a member in another House cannot be raised in this House and demanded that "whatever the Leader of the House said in the House should be expunged." Amid the din, Rajya Sabha Chairman adjourned the House till 11 am on March 14. Earlier in the day, soon after the papers were laid on the table, Goyal had also raised the issue, saying one of the leaders from Opposition party spoke against India's judiciary, Army and media. Goyal termed the statement a murder of India's democracy, and demanded that the leader (Rahul Gandhi) "should come in the Parliament and apologise." "It is unfortunate that from the soil of London, questions are being raised on Indian democracy," Goyal had said. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge then also said "it is wrong to comment on someone who is not a member of this House." The House was then adjourned till 2 pm as ruckus continued despite the Rajya Sabha Chairman's attempt to resolve the issue for smooth functioning of the House proceedings. Gandhi's comments at his alma mater Cambridge University -- that Indian democracy is under attack and several politicians, including himself, are under surveillance -- have become the latest flashpoint between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP has accused him of "defaming" the country abroad after repeated electoral defeats. Gandhi has hit back, alleging that it is the Prime Minister who discredited the country's achievements since Independence. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital and said that the latter assured him of full support for the development of the state. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manik Saha was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tripura for the second consecutive term on March 8. "Glad to meet Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji in New Delhi. Hon'ble Prime Minister conveyed warm regards to brothers and sisters of #Tripura and also assured for full support in development of State. Grateful to him for his blessings, warm wishes and continued guidance," CM Saha said. Manik Saha on Saturday met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital. "Glad to meet Hon'ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri @AmitShah Ji at his residence in New Delhi. Hon'ble Union Minister assured all possible support for development in #Tripura & also conveyed his warm regards to everyone in the State," Tweeted CM Saha. The swearing-in ceremony of the CM took place at the Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala. Earlier on March 9, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Bharatiya Janata Party's big win in the recent assembly polls in Tripura, the Chief Minister said "Tripura's future under PM's vision is bright." In the 60-member Tripura assembly, the BJP won 32 seats. Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats, Congress three and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) bagged one seat. BJP returned to power in the state by winning an absolute majority. The CPI(M) and the Congress, came together in the Northeast state this time in a bid to oust the BJP from power. The BJP, which had never won a single seat in Tripura before 2018, stormed to power in the last election in alliance with IPFT and ousted the Left Front which had been in power in the border state for 35 years since 1978. The CPI(M)-led Left Front ruled the state for nearly four decades, with a gap between 1988 and 1993 when the Congress was in power. (ANI)
A bench headed by Justice MR Shah said that it did not see any reason to interfere with the judgment of Allahabad HC.

However, the court granted liberty to petitioner Waqf Masjid High Court to make a representation to state for allotment of land in the nearby area.

The top court granted three months' time to demolish the construction by the petitioners and if the construction is not removed within a period of three months from today, it will be open for authorities including the HC to have them removed or demolished.

Waqf Masjid High Court has pleaded against Allahabad High Court's decision to demolish the mosque on its premises.

Allahabad High Court in its 2017 order has directed to remove the mosque Waqf Masjid High Court from its premise.

The court noted that it was a lease property, which had been terminated and hence petitioner can't claim the right. (ANI)
A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna listed the matter for further hearing in July.

Meanwhile, Telangana Police informed the Supreme Court that they have not handed over papers and documents relating to the investigation to CBI.

Telangana Police has approached the Supreme Court against the state High Court order. Telangana High Court has ordered to transfer MLA poaching case to CBI.

Following a complaint by TRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy on Wednesday, an FIR was registered at the Moinabad Police Station under Sections 120-B, 171-B r/w 171-E 506 r/w 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 8 of Prevention of Corruption Act-1988.

In the FIR, Pilot Reddy alleged that Ramachandra Bharati who came to Hyderabad from Delhi, and Nanda Kumar of Hyderabad, both belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, had met him and offered him Rs 100 crore to join the BJP.

According to the FIR, MLA Rohith Reddy also alleged that they were threatened that criminal cases will be foisted against him and raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if they did not join the BJP.

The BJP has moved to the Telangana High Court seeking a CBI probe into the allegations. (ANI)
Over seventy men in uniform, including officials from Royal Bhutan Government, participated in two back-to-back sensitisation workshops on Preventing Wildlife Crime and Illegal Wildlife Trade organised by country key border guarding force, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in two BoP on India-Bhutan border. These workshops were organised with support from Aaranyak with an objective to create synergy with Bhutanese authorities in checking the malady that has become a global menace transcending geographical frontiers. Over 30 Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB) officials and two Additional Superintendents of Royal Bhutan Police Major Tshering Tobgye and Major Karma Tshewang participated in the workshop held at the SSB 64th battalion base at Samdrup Jhankar on March 10 where the DIG of the SSB, Jagdeep Pal Singh called upon coordinated efforts from SSB personnel as well as Royal Bhutan authorities to mount vigil against wildlife crime and illegal trade across the international border. Battalion Commandant N K Tamta appreciated Aaranyaks' cooperation in organising the workshop on transboundary canvas. He also lauded Aaranyaks' sustained efforts to sensitise the important role that the border guarding personnel can play in preventing wildlife crime and illegal trade in the greater interest of the conservation of the precious flora and fauna in the biodiversity-rich Eastern Himalayas. In a similar workshop held on March 11 at 6th Battalion SSB BOP at Dadgiri, Commandant Lokesh Kumar Singh said "It is important to understand that when we enter the forest, we have entered the home of these wild animals. We have to be respectful to them and make sure they are safe. If we do not save wildlife and the environment, our future generations will have nothing to call home." He urged his SSB officials to make sure they pledge to protect the biodiversity to their capacity.The over 35 SSB officials and two officials from Royal Bhutan authority -- Relations officers from BIFA (Bhutan-India Friendship Association) attended the workshop that was marked by engaging interactions among the participants and Aaranyak resource persons, Senior Manager Dr Jimmy Borah and Project Officer Ms Ivy Farheen Hussain from Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD) of the organisation.The officials from Royal Bhutan Government attending both workshops appreciated the presentations of Aaranyak resource persons as very enlightening and an eye-opener to the burgeoning wildlife crime and illegal trade that has volume-wise become the fourth largest illegal global trade after drugs, human trafficking ad arms. The resource team from Aaranyak while making their elaborate presentations harped on that wildlife crime and illegal trade is not only posing a grave threat to global biodiversity but also to the national security of the countries as it is in some cases found linked to terrorism, drugs and arms smuggling. They, therefore, stressed urgent coordination among nations across the geographical frontiers to prevent it. Resource person Dr Jimmy Borah flagged the modus operandi of the global network of wildlife (both flora and fauna) criminals and traders and how China and Vietnam stand out to be primary destinations illegal wildlife parts. He elaborated on surface and air routes used by these criminals to dodge the security measures across nations. He said transboundary areas like the Indo-Bhutan frontier are hot spots of wildlife crimes richness in biodiversity and difficult terrain for close monitoring. And hence required cross-border coordination. He mentioned about the need for hi-tech coordinated surveillance, especially in airports and red routes on the surface for detection and checking of illegal wildlife trade. Another resource team member Ivy Farheen Hussain made a presentation on the regional perspective of wildlife crime and trade with a focus on often poached/traded species like tiger, rhino, elephant, pangolin, tokay gecko, Himalayan black bear, white owl etc. She detailed the SSB and Royal Bhutan officials on how the hunters operate in the region. Both the resource persons stressed the need for proper evidence collection in case of wildlife poaching and trade cases and scientific investigation that requires knowledge of prevalent laws in vogue. (ANI)
Saha said that the Prime Minister has assured full support for the development of Tripura.

"Glad to meet Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji in New Delhi. Hon'ble Prime Minister conveyed warm regards to brothers and sisters of Tripura and also assured for full support in development of State. Grateful to him for his blessings, warm wishes and continued guidance," Saha said in a social media post.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tripura for the second consecutive term on March 8 in the presence of PM Modi in Agartala.

Earlier, Manik Saha on Saturday met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital.

"Glad to meet Hon'ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri @AmitShah Ji at his residence in New Delhi. Hon'ble Union Minister assured all possible support for development in #Tripura & also conveyed his warm regards to everyone in the State," Tweeted CM Saha.

The swearing-in ceremony of the CM took place at the Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala.

Earlier on March 9, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Bharatiya Janata Party's big win in the recent assembly polls in Tripura, the Chief Minister said "Tripura's future under PM's vision is bright."

In the 60-member Tripura assembly, the BJP won 32 seats. Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats, Congress three, and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) bagged one seat.

BJP returned to power in the state by winning an absolute majority. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai till March 16, in connection with the probe into the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case. Special Judge Vikas Dhull on Monday allowed ED application for further extensions of the remand of Arun Ramchandra Pillai. ED further informed the court that it has again issued summons to Hyderabad-based chartered accountant Butchibabu Gorantla to confront him. Butchibabu was recently granted bail by the same court in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. Advocate Manu Sharma for Pillai opposed the further remand plea of ED and submitted that "in light of the fact that 29 times I have given a statement and six times in custody clearly they want me to say something and in such case, they may intimidate me in this light. I had asked a lawyer to be allowed to be present during the interrogation. He (lawyer) may not hear anything, he may sit in a corner." Pillai was arrested last Monday following his day-long questioning by the ED officials in the case. The agency has so far arrested 11 persons in the case. After Pillai's arrest, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also arrested by the ED in the same case. Sisodia is also presently on ED remand. The central agency has recently also arrested liquor businessman Amandeep Dhall concerning the Delhi excise policy case. The Court on Monday also sent him to judicial custody. Dhall, the owner of Brindco Sales Private Limited, was allegedly involved in the conspiracy to formulate and implement an excise policy that extended favours to liquor manufacturers and distributors, said the ED. In February, the federal agency also arrested Rajesh Joshi, owner of Chariot Production Media Pvt Ltd, in the case. The agency earlier arrested Punjab-based businessman Gautam Malhotra, son of former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Deep Malhotra, in the case last month too. The agency last year filed its first chargesheet before a court in the national capital in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case naming liquor businessman Sameer Mahandru as one of the accused. The agency said it has so far undertaken nearly 200 search operations in this case after filing FIR after taking cognisance of a CBI case which was registered on the recommendation of the Delhi lieutenant governor. The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of the Delhi chief secretary's report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials had said. In October, the ED had raided nearly three dozen locations in Delhi and Punjab following the arrest of Sameer Mahendru, managing director of Delhi's Jor Bagh-based liquor distributor Indospirit Group, in the case and arrested him later. The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, licence fee was waived or reduced and 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. (ANI)
The activists of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Monday burnt the effigy of Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu in Sonitpur's Biswanath over the leakage of the question paper of High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination of General Science subject. The Board of Secondary Education in Assam (SEBA) has cancelled the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination of General Science subject which was scheduled for March 13 in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. The Board of Secondary Education in Assam (SEBA) cancelled the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination of General Science subject which was scheduled for March 13 in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. The AASU activists shouted slogans against the Assam Education Minister and SEBA for the paper leakage incident and demanded the resignation of the state education minister. However, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said later on Monday that General Science paper, which was cancelled on Sunday following reports regarding paper leak, will now be held on March 30. He further said that the cancelled English examination in JR Higher Secondary School, Ganirgram will now be held on March 28. "The cancelled examination of General Science scheduled today (13/3/23) will now be held on 30 March 2023. On the other hand, the cancelled English examination in JR Higher Secondary School, Ganirgram will be held on 28th March. SEBA has issued notice," the minister said in his tweet. HSLC or Matric Science exam was scheduled for March 13 but was cancelled in view of media reports of leakage of the question paper. Meanwhile, the Assam Director General of Police GP Singh said that a criminal case has been registered and CID Assam will investigate the matter. "Reference media reports of leakage of General Science (C3) question paper of HSLC examination scheduled for March 13th 2023 conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Assam - A criminal case has been registered and would be investigated by CID Assam. We would bring the culprits and conspirators to law," DGP GP Singh tweeted. (ANI)
Lauding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the law and order in the state, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the state is witnessing massive development with pouring investments. Gadkari laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 18 projects of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Gorakhpur on Monday. Addressing the gathering at the occasion, Gadkari said, "Uttar Pradesh will soon emerge as the most prosperous state under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath." The Union Minister said that "Ramrajya" is being established to remove poverty and ensure public welfare. Gadkari further compared Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Lord Krishna while praising the UP CM on the parameters of law and order and development. He said, "just as Lord Krishna has said in Bhagwat Geeta that whenever the influence of evil tendencies, harmful to the society, unjust and tyrannical people increases, he incarnates himself to protect the people. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, Yogi ji has taken tough steps against the evil forces to protect the common man." Recalling his earlier statements of making UP roads like that of the US, the Union Minister said that after 2014, the length of national highways in Uttar Pradesh has doubled and by the end of the year 2024, road works worth Rs 5 lakh crore will take place in the state. The Union Road Transport Minister gave detailed information about the completed, under construction and proposed projects of National Highways in Uttar Pradesh. Gadkari said, "These projects either being inaugurated, or its foundation stones being laid on this holy land of Baba Gorakshnath will encourage investment in Uttar Pradesh and boost industrial development. New employment opportunities will be created. We are committed to the overall development of Uttar Pradesh by building national highways under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath." (ANI)
Kandan Plakil Asmabeevi (32), a native of Narikuni, was arrested at Kozhikode airport.

The Air Customs officials seized two packets weighing 2,031 grams containing mixed gold, skillfully hidden inside her undergarments.

As per the officials, the passenger arrived from Dubai on an Air India Express flight.

The investigation into this matter is underway. Further information is awaited.

Earlier in January, two passengers were held for allegedly smuggling 4.65 kilograms of gold estimated to be worth Rs 2.55 crore hidden inside their luggage.

"2.326 kilograms of gold was seized from a juice maker utensil, rice cooker and fan in the baggage of a passenger, identified as Abdu Rauf Nanath, belonging to Arimbra and 2.324 kilograms of gold was recovered inside a rice cooker and an air fryer from the luggage of another passenger, identified as Ismail Kannancherikandi, a native of Kappad," officials said. (ANI)
The contest was organised in New Delhi on March 1 and 2.

Congratulating her on this feat, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of pride that girls of the state were excelling in various fields and bringing laurels to the State by exhibiting their talents.

Congratulating her for this feat, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of pride that girls of the state were excelling in various fields and bringing laurels to the State by exhibiting their talents.

"The success of Aastha Sharma will inspire the society and youth in particular," Sukhu added.

Aastha, a resident of Loshta village in Shimla district, delivered a speech on the topic "Shared Future Youth in Democracy and Governance".

She had earlier won district and state-level contests before being selected for this national-level youth parliament declamation contest.

Aastha Sharma hails from village Loshta of Kotgarh in Shimla district and is student of Sanjauli College of Excellence.

Industries Minister, Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ashish Butail, MLA, Neeraj Nayyar were also present on the occasion amongst others. (ANI)
YSR Telangana Party chief YS Sharmila on Monday announced to conduct a peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to the Parliament in the national capital tomorrow demanding action against alleged corruption in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in the state. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project or KLIP is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally, Telangana Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Sharmila expressed disappointment against the authorities for not initiating any action, audit, or investigation into the alleged irregularities which she claimed was "already in public", she said that she had to resort to this step to draw the attention of the entire nation and the Parliamentarians towards the "biggest fiasco of Telangana". "Tomorrow, I will walk from Jantar Mantar to the Parliament House to let the entire country realise the magnitude of the scam and our tireless fight in the last two years. The project cost was escalated from Rs 38,500 crores to Rs 1.20 lakh crores but yesterday, the BRS minister claimed only 1.5 lakh acres of land had been irrigated. This shows that Kaleshwaram is the biggest flop show but filled the pockets of one contractor and one family," she alleged. "KCR's redesign conspiracy itself was motivated by his intention to loot the exchequer, and the project quality was so poor that it crumbled within three years. While 2 TMCs per day could be utlised, they did not even close it with half-a-TMC, proving that the entire 1.20 lakh crores of rupees were down in the drain," Sharmila added. She alleged that Chief Minister KCR is "full of lies and dishonesty". "Besides, the debt servicing cost and power bills are all forcing Telangana to bleed. KCR is full of lies and dishonesty while the late YSR even ensured canal works were almost complete. All KCR had to do was continue the original plan and execute it," she said. "Today, entire India has the right to seek an explanation, as every Indian's money was looted to give contract to one company, the favourite one with KCR. The Central finance institutions extended debt to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore, so the country is at a loss," the YSR Telangana Party chief added. She dubbed the Kaleshwaram project as a "disaster and a blot" and alleged KCR's change of stance on the project. "The Kaleshwaram project is such a disaster and a blot that KCR who had earlier flaunted it as a monument and a tourist destination, today doesn't let media or the opposition anywhere closer to it. The opposition leaders in the state are mum, and so are the central ministers who do lip service but won't act. Are all these people taken care of by Megha Krishna Reddy?" she said. Stating that only the YSR Telangana Party is the only party to fight against the project, she said that she will continue the "war" until the Parliament takes up the matter. "We have been the only party fighting against the project. We met everyone, from the ED to the CAG. We will continue to wage this war until the Parliament takes it up. I invite all Telangana MPs to join me in this fight for the 4-crore people of Telangana. While the nine BRS MPs are puppets in their boss's hands, I am sure the others can join, extend solidarity, and give hapless farmers a ray of confidence and hope," she said. She appealed to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MPs to take a stance on the issue. "I appeal to the BRS MPs to introspect and take a stance. You could relentlessly fight for your CM's tainted daughter, but won't show the same commitment for the people who have voted for you. Aren't you shameless? The Taliban of Telangana is looting the state and attacking those who are raising their voices," she said. (ANI)
The court ordered the Kochi Municipal Corporation to produce the contract documents and also asked the civic body to provide information on the amount spent on waste management during the seven-year period.

High Court also criticized the Ernakulam District Collector for not coming directly to the court when the Brahmapuram matter was considered. Collector appeared virtually. The High Court criticized and said that "it is not child's play".

At the same time, the local self-government secretary informed the court that a war room will be opened in Kochi for solid waste management.

In the matter, the court criticized the Pollution Control Board and asked the board what action it would take against the plant operators. The board informed the court that compensation will be charged to the corporation.

However, the High Court also asked whether the people's suffering would be solved if the compensation was paid and deposited in the bank. The court also held that the name Brahmapuram was literally rewritten.

The court's response came after hearing the explanations of the District Collector, Pollution Control Board, Kochi Municipal Corporation Secretary and local government secretary.

High Court was hearing the suo motu petition initiated by it in connection with the fire at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant. (ANI)
A petition has been moved in the Supreme Court challenging the Jammu and Kashmir High Court decision relating to the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) to proceed with the selection process of Junior Engineer (Jal Shakti Department) and Sub-Inspector (Home Department). The petition has been moved by Advocate Yugandhara Pawar Jha, Advocate-on-Record and Advocate Satya Sabharwal. The Special Leave Petition has been moved against the judgment and final order dated March 10, 2023 passed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu. According to the petitioner, on March 10 the Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu without discussing the merits of the case, disposed of the appeals and remit the writ petition back to the single-judge Bench Writ Court for deciding the matter afresh and has directed that interim direction dated December 9, 2022 shall remain in force. The petitioner further said Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board [JKSSB] shall proceed with the selection process of Junior Engineer (Jal Shakti Department) and Sub-Inspector (Home Department), however, the result of the same shall await further Orders from the High Court. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) youth wing leader Santanu Banerjee who was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the teachers' recruitment scam case, has been sent to the custody of the central agency for 11 days. The TMC youth leader was produced in the City session court on Monday by ED. He will be produced again before the court on March 24 after his 11 days of ED custody. ED, on Friday, arrested Santanu Banerjee after interrogating him for eight hours in Kolkata. The case was registered on the orders of the Calcutta High Court against the then Minister-in-charge, Department of School Education, West Bengal, and others on the allegations of illegal appointment of Assistant Teacher for classes of 11th and 12th standard. It was further alleged that the then Advisor of West Bengal Central School Service Commission was part of the network which was involved in illegally accommodating undeserving candidates for appointment in SSC scam cases. Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and his aide Arpita Mukherjee are facing a probe into the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam. Last year, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had filed a prosecution complaint against eight accused including Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee in the Teachers Recruitment Scam in West Bengal before the PMLA Special Court, Kolkata. In October 2022, the CBI filed a chargesheet against 12 persons, including the former chairman of the WBCSSC, Subiresh Bhattacharya, in connection with the alleged illegal appointment of assistant teachers through the WBSSC. The CBI also named a former assistant secretary of the WBCSSC, an ex-advisor, two former program officers of the commission, and six others in the chargesheet submitted before an Alipore special judge. The accused in the chargesheet were identified as Santi Prasad Sinha, Ashok Kumar Saha, Kalyanmoy Ganguly, Parna Bose, Samarjit Acharya, Prasanna Kumar Roy, Pradip Singh, Jnui Das, Md Azad Ali Mirza, Imam Momin and Rohit Kumar Jha. (ANI)
Maharashtra Government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegedly morphed viral video of a Shiv Sena woman leader. "The Maharashtra government has formed an SIT to investigate the morphed video of a woman Shivsena Spokesperson. Six teams led by an IPS officer to investigate the matter with the help of Cyber Police," said minister Shambhuraj Desai in the State Legislative Assembly. "So far four people have been arrested and out of the four, one accused is connected to the social media team of the Uddhav Thackeray faction," added the Minister. The matter pertains to Saturday evening when a rally was organized in Mumbai's Dahisar are, which was also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. During the event, Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve and the woman leader welcomed the chief minister on stage. As per allegations, during the rally, some miscreants made a video of the MLA Surve and the woman leader. They allegedly edited the video, put obscene songs into it and made it viral on the internet, said Mumbai Police said. After the video went viral on Saturday night, leaders and workers of the Shinde faction reached the Dahisar police station and demanded an investigation against the accused. Based on the complaint of the woman leader, the police registered against the unknown accused under sections 354, 509, 500, 34 and 67 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and started an investigation into the matter. The woman leader, whose alleged morphed video has been made viral, told ANI that she has been on the receiving side of hate for a long time. Speaking to ANI, she said, "The attacks on me started when my friends and I started working with CM Eknath Shinde. We have been subjected to abusive messages and derogatory comments on social media." The leader said that she always chose to ignore the hate, but the situation escalated, when the morphed video was made viral. She added, "During a rally, our local MLA Prakash Surve, CM Eknath Shinde and several BJP leaders were present. At that time, someone made a video, morphed it and made it viral on social media." She also claimed that no woman will enter politics if such things happen. "They are trying to assassinate the character of woman who are working in politics. There are women working as a journalist, woman going to office, if this is how the character of women is assassinated, no woman will come in politics," she said. She also alleged that the two accused who have been arrested are "office bearers of Thackeray faction". "I complained to the police about the matter, after which two people were arrested who are office bearers of the Thackeray group, so there is nothing to say," she alleged. Further investigation is underway in the case and more details are awaited. (ANI)
The family of an Imam in a mosque cannot claim any rights in the property of the Mosque, as the property vests in the Waqf and the Imam is merely appointed for the purposes of conducting prayers and taking care of the Waqf property, the Delhi High Court said while dismissing a petition seeking the de-sealing of a property next to Masjid Zabta Ganj, near India Gate. Considering the duration of the illegal occupation of the premises and the location of the property, the petitioner shall pay a sum of Rs 15,00,000 to the Delhi Waqf Board within a period of eight weeks, the High Court directed. In addition, a sum of Rs 2,00,000 shall be deposited as costs with the Delhi Waqf Board, within 8 weeks, it added. Justice Prathiba M Singh in the a judgment said, "The petitioner having been an unauthorized occupant and an encroacher in the subject property has no legs to stand in the present writ petition. The writ petition is devoid of any merit and is liable to be dismissed. The Petitioner who was the son of the Imam, being merely a family member, has himself occupied and has permitted others to occupy this property for several decades without any rights. An independent Imam was appointed in the said property/mosque in 1981. However, in an illegal manner the Petitioner continued to encroach and occupy the property next to the mosque, the court held. The bench said that the Imam occupies the property in a capacity that is fiduciary in nature on behalf of the Waqf and any attempt to claim independent rights in the property would be impermissible. The petitioner and the three individuals whom he represented, were clearly unauthorized occupants and encroachers, who had no right in the said property, the Court said. The property is a prime property. Photographs have been placed on record which show that unauthorized construction has been carried out. An electricity meter is also visible in the photographs. A number of persons were in occupation of the said property illegally, the Court observed in the judgment of March 6. In view of the fact that, admittedly, the petitioner has been unable to show any title to the property in question and keeping in mind the nature of the property which is a place of worship allotted to the Waqf, in order to uphold public policy and to curb illegalities of this nature, this Court holds that the Petitioner is liable to pay occupation charges to the Waqf Board for unauthorised occupation as also costs of the litigation, the high court said. The present petition relates to a prime property located next to the Masjid Zabta Ganj, Man Singh Road, India Gate, New Delhi. The Petitioner, Zahir Ahmed, had sought a direction for de-sealing of the said property, which admittedly consists of one room, kitchen, bathroom, and some space adjacent to the mosque. Further, he seeks a restraint order against alleged harassment being caused to him. Petitioner further seeks permission to make reconstruction of the said property. The case of the Petitioner in the writ petition is that he and his family have been living in the said property for several decades and the property was separated from the mosque by a wall constructed between the mosque and the said property. The grievance of the Petitioner is that in 2005, Mohd. Asad, the current Imam of the Masjid, along with others accused, demolished the wall which separated the said property from the Waqf property/Mosque. A First Information Report ('FIR') was also registered in this regard by the occupants of the said property. However, it is stated that after the intervention of the police, the petitioner could reconstruct the wall that was demolished. Finally, various orders were passed by this Court in Writ Petitions filed by the occupants as also by the Petitioner leading to proceedings under the Waqf Act, 1995. The Petitioner avers that since 2009 various notices for eviction have been issued by the Waqf Board and eviction orders have been passed by the Waqf Board and the SDM, the details of which have been given in the petition, against the workers/employees of the Petitioner, namely, Zainul, Sainul and Nafees. As per the Petitioner, no such eviction notices have ever been issued against the Petitioner in respect of the said property. Hence, the Petitioner seeks reinstatement in the said property. The Court noted that as per the Eviction Order passed by the CEO of the Waqf Board dated 6th March 2009, against Zainul, the Petitioner Zahir Ahmed had appeared on behalf of Zainul and was unable to show any authority under which both Zainul and Zahir Ahmed were occupying the said property. Accordingly, the CEO of the Waqf Board directed that Zahir Ahmed, Zainul, and all other encroachers were liable to be evicted. The Petitioner also challenged the Order of 2nd March 2020 directing the occupant to vacate the said property by March 5, 2020, and the Order of 5 March 2020 passed by the SDM, Chanakyapuri. It was recorded that an eviction drive was undertaken in respect of the said property and the possession of the said property was handed over to the Delhi Waqf Board. Advocate K Z Khan, Counsel appearing for the Petitioner submitted that the Petitioner has had continuous and uninterrupted possession of the said property, since the last several decades, and hence the Petitioner was not liable to be dispossessed. On behalf of the Waqf Board, Advocate Wajeeh Shafiq submitted that the Petitioner's father was discharging the duties of an Imam in the Mosque and he had come into possession of the said property due to his father's position of Imam. The Mosque was allotted by way of a Gazette notification issued in terms of the agreement registered on 3 July 1945, by the Delhi Administration, in favour of the Delhi Waqf Board. (ANI)
Recently,Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with around 62 well-known charity private hospitals which have not started medical education and asked them to start undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses..

Hospitals include Apollo hospitals, Amrita Hospitals, Anandamayi, Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Jaslok hospital in Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital hospitals had attended the meeting.

"We have urged these widely topmost hospitals to start medical colleges for medical education to Indian students so that they do not go abroad for medical studies," Mandaviya said on Monday.

In the meeting, they also discussed about the documentation and criterion of the government related to land, beds etc.

"Some of the norms to enable also relaxed of these charity hospitals to start medical colleges for medical education," he further said.

The Minister has also undertaken one round of meeting with hospitals and it is expected that 12- 13 hospitals may start medical education this year. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla attended the 14th Tribal Youth Exchange Program at the historic Gaiety Theater in Shimla on Monday and called upon the people to unitedly move ahead on the path of duty with a dedicated spirit and contribute significantly towards building a self-reliant India, informed an official release. The governor while addressing the public said, "This [14th Tribal Youth Exchange Program] is an effort to know and recognize Indian culture and civilization through the program. This program is being organized to spread information about the development that India has achieved in the last 75 years and the new pace of development that the tribal society has achieved." According to the Himachal Pradesh governor, with the participation of the Central Armed Forces, the mutual coordination, cooperation and brotherhood of the tribal youth with them will further increase. With this, the tribal population will be able to contribute more to the development of the country. The Governor said that the journey of the next 25 years is very important for the country, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called 'Amrit Kaal'. The 'five vows' that the Prime Minister has called for in this nectar period include a developed India, freedom from every thought of slavery, pride in heritage, unity and togetherness and citizens performing their duties. He said that every citizen needs to make a valuable contribution to implementing them. He said that in 'Amrit Kaal' we need to work at a faster pace to fulfil the expectations of our freedom fighters. He said that to achieve the goals of 'Amrit Kaal', there is a need to move ahead with the spirit of 'everyone's effort and everyone's duty'. He said that innumerable people of tribal society have made their supreme sacrifice in the freedom struggle. Extending his best wishes to all the participants of the programme, he said that through such programs exchange of high culture, traditions and customs of the tribal society can be ensured. He said that tribal youth from all over the country have come to Himachal and tribal youth from the state should also go to their districts. In this way, the dream of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat can be realised. He said that tribal youths know very well the importance of water, forest, land and reservoirs as they understand the importance of leading life in harmony with nature. He said that tribal societies take essential resources from nature and serve nature with equal devotion. This sensitivity has become a global imperative today. It needs to be explained to everyone and guide through. The Governor also honoured the Secretary, Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Inspector General, Indo-Tibetan Border Force, Prem Singh and Dean, Department of Law, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Sanjay Sindhu. Later, the Governor flagged off the Adivasi Yuva Yatra. As many as 200 tribal youths will participate in the program. The 14th Tribal Youth Exchange Program is being organized in Shimla from March 12 to March 18 through Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Himachal Pradesh. In this program, 200 tribal youths from different districts of the country are participating, especially from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. In this program CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB. K20 escorts are also participating and these Central Armed Forces are giving full cooperation in making this program successful with their important participation. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, in an all-party meeting on Monday, appealed to the Assembly members to run the House peacefully during the Budget Session. This year's Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will start on March 14 and will continue till April 6. An all-party meeting was convened by Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania today ahead of the State Budget Session. In the all-party meeting, the ruling party and the opposition were urged to run the session smoothly, sources said. This is the first budget session of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, but even before the session, the ruling party and opposition have already been engaged in a war of words. Moreover, the ruling party and the opposition are at loggerheads over the closure of the institutions opened by the previous government, the heat of which will be seen inside the House as well. Speaker Pathania, on the all-party meeting in the Assembly, said that the opposition has been urged to run the house peacefully. He expressed hope that both the ruling and opposition will cooperate. "We have called all party meetings here. I have appealed to both to run the house peacefully and smoothly. The opposition will be given full opportunity to speak in the House and whatever issues are related to the public interest will be discussed. Now let us see what the attitude of the opposition inside the house is. Till now the Assembly has received a total of 1,000 questions and more are being submitted by March 22. I have assured that time will be given to the members to represent their issues in the assembly," the Speaker said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan was also present at the meeting. He said that the government is fully prepared to run the House. Whatever question the opposition and other members ask will be answered in the House. On the other hand, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, while expressing his intentions on behalf of the opposition, said that answers will be sought from the government in the House on several issues. "We will be taking up issues and answers will be sought from the government regarding the closure of institutions, along with other issues of public interest will be raised. Now it is up to the speaker of the assembly to decide whether to give time to the opposition as per the demand or not," Thakur said. "The opposition will give full cooperation in running the House," the former CM said. (ANI)
Hailing from Kinnaur, Amit Negi scaled Mount Everest (8848.86 meters) in 2021 and is the first civilian hiker from the Hill State to conquer the world's third highest peak Kanchenjunga (8546 meters) in 2022.

Revealing his itinerary to the Chief Minister, he said that he will be scaling the highest peaks of Annapurna with a height of 8091 meters, Makalu Peak (8481 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters) and Dhaulagiri peak (8167 meters) from March 15.

Wishing him luck for his new venture, CM Sukhu said that Amit Negi has brought laurels to the State with his feat and has displayed his courage and competence by scaling the highest peaks of the world.

Referring to Negi, CM Sukhu said that he was an icon for the youth, particularly amongst the adventure enthusiast and hoped that Amit would add many feathers to his cap in his future endeavours.

Tribal Development Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, MLA, Lahaul-Spiti Ravi Thakur, MLA Chamba, Neeraj Nayyar, MLA Bhoranj, Suresh Kumar and others were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
A joint team of District Force, Special Task Force (STF) and the intelligence unit of CRPF's CoBRA out of anti-naxal operation on March 12 arrested three ultras from forest close to village Tondamarka, said a statement issued by Sukma Police.

The arrested accused were identified as Barse Pojja (35), Podiyam Deva (35) and Sodi Bheema (24), said the statement, elaborating that in another case, the team arrested Podiyam Mukka alias Mukesh (24) from forest near village Pidmel.

Barse Pojja was active in the banned outfit as militia platoon commander and carrying bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head, informed the police statement.

Other arrested naxals were lower rank cadres, added the statement.

According to the police, three cadres arrested from the forest of Tondamarka were allegedly involved in killing of 14 jawans in Kasalpad encounter under Chintagufa police station limits (that took place in 1 December 2014). Similarly, the cadre nabbed from Pidmel forest was allegedly indulged in planting IED in March last year.

The arrested ultras were produced in a local court from where they were sent to judicial custody. (ANI)
A Mumbai court on Monday sent four accused, arrested for allegedly making a morphed video of a Shiv Sena woman leader, to police custody till March 15. "The arrested 4 accused were produced in the court where the court has sent them to police custody till March 15," Dahisar police said. However, the Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. "The Maharashtra government has formed an SIT to investigate the morphed video of a woman Shiv Sena spokesperson. Six teams led by an IPS officer to investigate the matter with the help of Cyber Police," said minister Shambhuraj Desai in the State Legislative Assembly. "So far four people have been arrested and out of the four, one accused is connected to the social media team of the Uddhav Thackeray faction," added the Minister. Mumbai's Dahisar police is interrogating Sainath Durge, a member of Uddhav Thackeray faction's Yuva Sena core committee, in connection with the matter. The matter pertains to Saturday evening when a rally was organized in Mumbai's Dahisar, which was also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. During the event, Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve and the woman leader welcomed the chief minister on stage. As per allegations, during the rally, some miscreants made a video of the MLA Surve and the woman leader. They allegedly edited the video, put obscene songs into it and made it viral on the internet, said Mumbai Police said. After the video went viral on Saturday night, leaders and workers of the Shinde faction reached the Dahisar police station and demanded an investigation against the accused. Based on the complaint of the woman leader, the police registered against the unknown accused under sections 354, 509, 500, 34 and 67 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and started an investigation into the matter. The woman leader, whose alleged morphed video has been made viral, told ANI that she has been on the receiving end of hate for a long time. Speaking to ANI, she said, "The attacks on me started when my friends and I started working with CM Eknath Shinde. We have been subjected to abusive messages and derogatory comments on social media." The leader said that she always chose to ignore the hate, but the situation escalated, when the morphed video was made viral. She added, "During a rally, our local MLA Prakash Surve, CM Eknath Shinde and several BJP leaders were present. At that time, someone made a video, morphed it and made it viral on social media." She also claimed that no woman will enter politics if such things happen. "They are trying to assassinate the character of women who are working in politics. There are women working as journalists, women going to office, if this is how the character of women is assassinated, no woman will come into politics," she said. She also alleged that the two accused who have been arrested are "office bearers of the Thackeray faction". "I complained to the police about the matter, after which two people were arrested who are office bearers of the Thackeray group, so there is nothing to say," she alleged. Further investigation is underway in the case and more details are awaited. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that sustainability has been at the core of the G20 agenda for several years, but it is a way of life for India. The Minister's remarks came while inaugurating the CII Partnership Summit 2023, organised by CII, in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Goyal who is the chairman of the CII Partnership Summit 2023 said that sustainability in India may go back thousands of years and Indians hold every element of nature in high reverence. "It is important that we build resilience in our economies and enforce sustainability while focusing on inclusivity. Partnerships between citizens, communities and countries, when working together in the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and sometimes competition, collectively can contribute to a more stable and prosperous future," he said. The Minister mentioned the Oscars award and said India is proud for bagging two of them. "We are a proud nation today for winning two Oscars. The Elephant Whisperers highlights sustainable development and harmony with nature. But it also gives us a sense of women's development in India, with both the director and producers being women," he said. "My compliments to the entire cast of Naatu Naatu for being selected as the best original song in Oscar 23. I congratulate the entire cast of RRR, including Ram Charan, Junior NTR, and the screenwriter, who is now a member of the Rajya Sabha with me," he added. Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan said that the health and growth of the financial sector are important to support trade and investment, and to enable our transition to a low-carbon future. Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Canada stated that it is clear that partnerships between governments and industry will continue to drive national economic prosperity and in turn global economic prosperity. "The seamless exchange of goods, services, and investment between trading partners helps to create prosperity for both countries and their people," she said. Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Republic of Cuba noted that there is a major need to strengthen the political will of nations to go forward in the path of economic integration, so nations can achieve their developmental interests and reduce asymmetries, with partnerships focussing on the fair integration of economies into the international trade. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Trade, Republic of Indonesia stressed that Indonesia looks up to India in terms of information technology, as well as health and pharmaceutical and is ready to explore further cooperation in these areas. Dukgeun Ahn, Minister for Trade, Republic of Korea said that India is playing a prominent role in the IT sector, including Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, as the world's largest source of human talent and outstanding engineers. The Minister observed that India has been successful in creating favourable conditions for businesses with its 'Make in India' and 'Self-Reliant India' policies, playing a pivotal role in establishing a stable global supply chain. Soodesh Satkam Callichurn, Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mauritius said that developing skills and economic structures that make us resilient in the face of unexpected economic and social crisis cannot be relegated to future generations. Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade & Industry, Republic of Singapore said that businesses must accelerate to become responsible, innovative, sustainable and equitable, but must also identify partnerships to achieve these goals. "Beyond the extensive and friendly relations between the governments of India and Singapored, they also share deep and enduring friendships, kinships, and shared histories and cultures," he said. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, United Arab Emirates said that global issues require global solutions and cannot be resolved by a single nation or a small group of nations, and require significant concrete actions. "UAE is dedicated in collaborating with international partners bilaterally and multilaterally in order to tackle the world problems and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all," he said. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World, United Arab Emirates said that more needs to be done across the world to unlock potential emerging market opportunities and to ensure equitable economic opportunities. "Meeting physical and digital infrastructure needs can reduce transport costs and build efficient and sustainable transport networks," he said. Sanjiv Bajaj, President, CII and CMD, Bajaj Finserv Limited said that the development journeys of many countries depend on stable and peaceful global political environment, free and open trade, conducive business ecosystems, and policies that will foster global inclusion. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII moderated the Inaugural Session. Over 145 speakers, including 65 international speakers from 24 countries, will share expert thoughts during the Summit, which is being attended by more than 400 delegates from 67 countries. (ANI)
Pune City Police arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly creating a nuisance and manhandling a CISF officer at the Pune airport on Sunday morning. According to officers of Pune city police, the accused, an engineer employed at an IT company in the city, was travelling to her hometown in West Bengal and was about to board her flight when the incident took place at gate no 1 of Pune airport. The accused allegedly bit the woman CISF) officer and slapped her during an argument. "The woman reached Pune airport by cab and did not have enough change on her to pay the fare. She wanted to pay the fare through UPI but the driver didn't have a digital wallet to enable such a payment. A quarrel soon ensued between the two, prompting the on-duty CISF officer to intervene. The officer asked the woman passenger to pay the cab fare in cash. She even offered to give her change to pay off the fare but the woman lost her cool and started hurling abuses at the former. She then bit and slapped the CISF officer. The incident was reported to the local police station," a police officer said. On the complaint filed by the CISF, the passenger was arrested and a case registered at Vimantal police station under IPC sections 353, 332 and 504. "The woman created a nuisance while being produced in court. Later, following her production in court, it came to be known that she is mentally ill. After verifying her medical report, the court granted her bail," the officer added. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Superintendent of Police, Rajesh Kumar Singh, said the girls were returning from a fair when they were allegedly gang-raped.

"All the accused persons have been arrested and a case has been registered against them," the SP said, asserting that strict action will be taken against the culprits.

The investigation is underway and further details are awaited.

Earlier, on March 5, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by five people in Aligarh district, police said.

Sharing details of the incident, Aligarh SP (City), Kuldeep Singh Gunawat said, "A 15-year-old girl lodged a complaint against five people of her village on March 4, accusing them of taking turns to rape her on March 3."

"Acting on her complaint, we immediately sent her to the hospital for medical examination and a case under relevant sections was registered against the accused," Gunawat added.

In a similar incident on March 3, three youths were arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, the police said.

Officials said that the victim had been to her maternal place and was on her way home when she was intercepted by the accused.

Finding her all alone in the deserted area, the accused trio offered to drop her home, police said, adding that when she refused, the accused allegedly dragged her to an isolated place and raped her. (ANI)
In what could be seen as the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) electoral entry into Rajasthan, a Tiranga Yatra was taken out in Jaipur in which AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also participated. At a public meeting held at Ajmeri Gate after the Tiranga Yatra, Kejriwal said that he had heard that Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot share a strong friendship. When Gehlot faces a crisis, Vasundhara makes the entire party stand by him. Similarly, when the BJP was taking action against Raje, Gehlot made the Congress stand by her. He said that since independence till date, the Congress has ruled Rajasthan for 48 years and the BJP for 18 years. Now the BJP-Congress cannot say that they did not get a chance. The condition of Rajasthan is pathetic. Farmers are committing suicide, papers are getting leaked, war widows are being insulted. From 1993 till now, you have given a chance to the BJP and the Congress alternately and both have looted Rajasthan alternately, he said. Kejriwal stated that "there is a mutual setting between the Congress and the BJP. They accuse each other of scams during elections. After the elections, no action is taken against a single person. Our setting is for the public. We will expose the scams of both," he added. Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was sent to jail because he is teaching poor children for free. The work that we did in Delhi is now being done in Punjab. We gave 27,000 government jobs in one year. Contract workers were regularised. Do you want this to happen in Rajasthan, he asked. Punjab CM Mann said that God has sent a broom to sweep away the Congress and the BJP. The people of Rajasthan are also ready to sweep. Now the third option has come to Rajasthan, he announced, indicating the AAP to be the third choice after the Congress and the BJP in the state. Maan said that if you want to change your luck, then change the button in the EVM. At the same time, it will work to change the fate of your children. Double corruption is happening due to double engine (government). That's why there is a need to stop the double engine. There should be a discussion on the broom (AAP poll symbol) and Kejriwal in every house, he added. --IANS arc/bg ( 412 Words) 2023-03-13-20:32:02 (IANS)
In a big jolt to the Shiv Sena-UBT, party leader Subhash Desai's son Bhushan Desai on Monday joined the Shiv Sena headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Soon afterwards, Desai, a close confidante of the late Balasaheb Thakeray, and his son and former CM Uddhav Thackeray and the family for over five decades, expressed anguish over his son's move to join the Shiv Sena, and asserted how "he (Bhushan) has nothing to do with either politics or Shiv Sena". "This is very painful news for me. His (Bhushan) joining any party will not have any impact on the Shiv Sena-UBT. My loyalty to the 'Matoshri' will not be shaken. At this age, I cannot say much, but henceforth I shall continue my work along with many Shiv Sainiks till complete justice is done and the party regains its past glory," Desai, also served as a minister in the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government which was toppled by Shinde after the rebellion in June 2022, said. Shinde and other Sena leaders welcomed Bhushan Desai to the party fold at a function this evening. On his entry to the Sena, Bhushan Desai told media persons that he was "impressed by the functioning style of CM Shinde" and claimed that after discussing it with his father, he decided to join the party. "I had made up my mind to join the Shiv Sena which runs on the ideals of the late Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeraya I shall take up whatever responsibility the party gives me," he said. Shinde and other senior leaders lauded Bhushan Desai for his move, offering him a party flag and other symbols marking his entry to the Shiv Sena. --IANS qn/vd ( 298 Words) 2023-03-13-21:06:05 (IANS)
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks during his London visit, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said while he abused Indian Parliament on foreign soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises his motherland wherever he goes. Speaking at a 'Vijay Sankalp' rally at Gangavathi in the Koppal area of poll-bound Karnataka on Sunday, the Assam CM said, "PM Modi is working for the development of Karnataka and the rest of the country. When he travels to London or America, he praises our country. But when Rahul Gandhi visited London, he abused our Parliament." Sarma's remark followed Rahul's recent lecture at the prestigious Cambridge University where he claimed that the basic structure of the Indian democracy was under attack. "Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy -- Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around -- all are being constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," the Congress MP alleged. In a dig at the Congress leader, Sarma said Rahul came to Karnataka for 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and then talked about 'Bharat Todo' (destroying India's image) in London. "He (Rahul Gandhi) came to Karnataka for 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and then talked about 'Bharat todo' in London. When he came to Karnataka for the yatra, I asked him who broke India in 1947? Your maternal grandfather did it," said Sarma. Urging the people of Karnataka to vote the BJP back to power in the upcoming Assembly elections, the Assam CM said under the leadership of PM Modi, the country will become a 'Visva Guru' (world leader). "We've to bring the BJP back to power in Karnataka. The Vidhan Sabha election is the semi-final. Our main objective is to play the final and make Modi-ji the Prime Minister for the third time in a row. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India will become a Vishwa Guru during the 'Amrti Kaal' (golden era)," the Assam CM said. Karnataka is scheduled to go to polls before June, as the term of the 224-member Assembly is set to end on May 24. In the 2018 Assembly elections, BJP won 104 seats to emerge as the single largest party, while the Congress and JD(S) bagged 78 and 37 seats respectively. While Congress and the JDS came together to form the government, the BJP later reclaimed the hustings after prising out several legislators from the ruling parties, thereby reducing the previous government to a minority. (ANI)
Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway wins acclaim for boosting integration on 5th anniversary

Xinhua) 15:19, March 12, 2023

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)

ADDIS ABABA, March 11 (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.

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)

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.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Kou Jie)
The slugfest over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's statements in UK is likely to continue as the BJP is adamant on an apology from him while the Congress is citing past statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi abroad. The opposition parties will meet on Tuesday again to derive strategy at the floor of the house. Hitting out at PM Modi, Congress chief and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted: "I want to remind you of your statement made in China. You said - "Earlier, you felt ashamed of being born Indian. Now you feel proud to represent the country" Was this not an insult to India and Indians? Tell your Ministers to refresh their memories! "In South Korea, you had said - "There was a time when people used to feel that what sin they committed in their past life which resulted in taking birth in India, is this what you call a country..." First see the 'Mirror of Truth', before lecturing the Congress party!" The Congress is blaming government for the disruption in Parliament as there is no issue of a statement made outside the house. The BJP charge against the Congress was been led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in the Rajya Sabha with both demanding an apology from Gandhi. Opposition parties however termed it as the government's diversionary tactics as the BJP do not want to hear about the JPC. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Parliament was adjourned for the day because the government simply didn't want it to function. It created a completely bogus diversion to keep the attention away from the combined Opposition demand for a JPC into PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam." Earlier, the Opposition members staged a march towards Vijay Chowk and Kharge said that there is no rule of law under Prime Minister Modi. Addressing a press conference at Vijay Chowk outside Parliament, soon after both Houses were adjourned over protests related to Gandhi's remarks, Kharge said, "There is no rule of law and democracy under Modi ji. They are running the country like a dictatorship, and then they talk about democracy." Those "crushing and destroying democracy" are talking of saving it, he added. Over the Adani issue, Kharge said: "We are demanding the constitution of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Adani stocks issue. When we raise the issue, then mikes are switched off and a ruckus erupts in the House." However, he asserted that the Opposition is united and will continue to demand the JPC on the Adani issue. --IANS miz/vd ( 444 Words) 2023-03-13-22:12:02 (IANS)
Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday hinted at the next plan of action in case of his arrest, reported Geo News. "In case I am arrested we have a plan ready which will be shared with the nation when the time is right," he said hours after postponing his party's election rally in Lahore on Sunday. As the possibility of Imran Khan's being taken into custody is well in the debate, he revealed that a plan has already been prepared without sharing key details. Defending his decision to defer the rally, Khan said that he got scared after seeing the turnover of the PTI supporters and was afraid that there might be bloodshed if everybody came out, reported Geo News. Earlier today, the PTI chief postponed the party's election rally in Lahore after the Punjab caretaker government imposed Section 144 (ban on public gatherings) in the provincial capital. Earlier on Saturday, he announced a fresh rally in Lahore today after which the district administration banned public gatherings through the invocation of Section 144 in the Punjab capital, citing concerns in the wake of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match in the city, reported Geo News. While they termed their decision to call off their rally a move to ensure peace is maintained in the country, the PML-N leaders call them out for being "cowards". Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz called Khan a "jackal" for his decision to postpone the party's election rally, reported Geo News. "Those who cancel movements and prefer to hide inside their houses due to the fear of the police are called jackals," Maryam said on her official Twitter handle. Pakistan at the moment is engulfed in political chaos and economic crisis due to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's desperation for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the ruling coalition's delaying tactics to defer elections and prolong its tenure as much as possible. (ANI)
In an apparent protest over a regular South Korea-US combined military exercise to begin this week, North Korea fired two "strategic cruise missiles" from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend, state media said on Monday, reported Yonhap News Agency. The missiles were fired from 8.24 Yongung in waters off Kyongpho Bay in the East Sea in an underwater launching drill held at dawn Sunday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "The drill confirmed the reliability of the weapon system and examined the underwater-to-surface offensive operations of submarine units that constitute one of the other major forces of the DPRK nuclear deterrent," the KCNA said. The missiles precisely hit preset targets in the East Sea after "traveling the 1,500 km-long eight-shaped flight orbits for 7,563 to 7,575 seconds." "The drill...verified the current operation posture of the nuclear war deterrence means in different spaces," the KCNA said. Earlier in the day, South Korea's military said it detected an unspecified missile launched from a submarine in waters off the North's eastern coastal city of Sinpo on Sunday morning. It did not immediately provide other details. "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message sent to reporters. The latest launch came on the eve of the allies' major Freedom Shield exercise, which kicks off Monday. The North has decried the exercise as "preparations for a war of aggression" against it. At a key military meeting presided over by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the North has decided to take "important, practical" measures for the "offensive use" of war deterrents, according to the KCNA. It was widely expected that North Korea would conduct weapons tests timed with the allies' combined military exercises, which Pyongyang has long denounced as a rehearsal for an invasion. Earlier, North Korea decided to take "important, practical" measures for the "offensive use" of war deterrents with the United States and South Korea set to launch their joint military exercise this week, reported Yonhap News Agency. The decision was made at an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), presided over by leader Kim Jong-un, according to KCNA. Washington and Seoul are scheduled to kick off the Freedom Shield (FS) exercise Monday for an 11-day run, along with a large-scale field manoeuvre, called the Warrior Shield. (ANI)
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday postponed by-polls on 37 National Assembly (NA) seats -- scheduled for March 16 and 19 -- in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan and Islamabad, in compliance with the orders issued by various courts, reported Geo News. By-polls were scheduled to be held on over 60 NA seats this month. ECP had said that all pending elections for the NA seats would be held this month. The NA seats fell vacant as the electoral watchdog de-notified Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers after Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted their resignations, reported Geo News. More than 120 MNAs belonging to the PTI tendered their resignations en masse after Imran Khan's government was ousted through a no-confidence motion in April last year. The ECP has postponed the by-elections on as many as 24 National Assembly seats scheduled to be held this month in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Sindh, by-elections scheduled to be held in nine NA constituencies have been postponed by the electoral watchdog. The ECP has postponed the by-election in the NA-265 Quetta-II constituency by complying with the order of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) till further the court. Meanwhile, in pursuant to the order of the Islamabad High court (IHC), the ECP has postponed the by-polls on the three NA constituencies till further order of the court. Pakistan at the moment is engulfed in political chaos and economic crisis due to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's desperation for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the ruling coalition's delaying tactics to defer elections and prolong its tenure as much as possible. Earlier in the day, PTI Chairman postponed party's election rally in Lahore after the Punjab's caretaker government imposed Section 144. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Imran Khan said that it appears that Section 144 has been imposed "illegally solely" on PTI election campaign as all other activities are ongoing in Lahore. Imran Khan tweeted, "It seems again Sec 144 has been imposed illegally solely on PTI election campaign as all other public activities are ongoing in Lahore. Only Zaman Park has been surrounded by containers & heavy police contingent. Clearly, like 8 March, Punjab CM & police want to provoke clashes. Defending his decision to defer the rally, Khan said that he got scared after seeing the turnover of the PTI supporters and was afraid that there might be bloodshed if everybody came out, reported Geo News. (ANI)
The US Treasury, Federal Reserve Board, and the Financial Deposit Insurance Corporation on Sunday (local time) announced that depositors of the failed Silicon Valley Bank will have access to all of their money starting from today, March 13. In a joint statement released by Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H Powell, and FDIC Chairman Martin J Gruenberg announced they would "fully protect" all depositors who had funds in Silicon Valley Bank, just days after regulators took control of the institution. "Depositors will have access to all of their money starting Monday, March 13. No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer," read the statement. After receiving a recommendation from the boards of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, and consulting with the President, Secretary Yellen approved actions enabling the FDIC to complete its resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, in a manner that fully protects all depositors. In addition, Signature Bank, a New York bank, was also closed by regulators over the weekend. Signature depositors will also be made whole. "We are also announcing a similar systemic risk exception for Signature Bank, New York, New York, which was closed today by its state chartering authority. All depositors of this institution will be made whole. As with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, no losses will be borne by the taxpayer," added the statement. Shareholders and certain unsecured debtholders will not be protected. Senior management has also been removed. Any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law. Finally, the Federal Reserve Board on Sunday announced it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. "The US banking system remains resilient and on a solid foundation, in large part due to reforms that were made after the financial crisis that ensured better safeguards for the banking industry. Those reforms combined with today's actions demonstrate our commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that depositors' savings remain safe," added the statement. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden lauded Yellen and National Economic Council Director for working "diligently with the banking regulators to address problems at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank." "I am pleased that they reached a prompt solution that protects American workers and small businesses, and keeps our financial system safe. The solution also ensures that taxpayer dollars are not put at risk," said Biden on actions to strengthen confidence in the banking system. "The American people and American businesses can have confidence that their bank deposits will be there when they need them. I am firmly committed to holding those responsible for this mess fully accountable and to continuing our efforts to strengthen oversight and regulation of larger banks so that we are not in this position again," added Biden. California regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after depositors rushed to withdraw money last week amid concerns about its balance sheet. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed receiver, and regulators are working to find a buyer for the institution, which ranked as the 16th-largest bank in the US before its failure. The collapse of the 40-year-old bank, which catered to the tech industry, is the largest financial institution since the failure of Washington Mutual in 2008. The collapse, the second largest bank failure in US history, roiled Wall Street for Monday morning's opening of the stock market. (ANI)
India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations will be co-hosting two special events on Monday and Thursday in the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women. "In the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN will be co-hosting 02 special events! See below. Thank you @w20org and @unwomenindia for the fantastic collaboration!," India's Permanent Mission to UN tweeted. The first event, an India Roundtable with the theme 'Leveraging Public-Private Commitment for Women's Greater Access to Technology and Education', will be held on March 13 from 3:00 pm-4:15 pm (EST) at Conference Room -B, UNHQ. Another roundtable on the theme 'Grassroots leadership and transformation: Charting the path of empowerment through technology and skill development', will be held on March 16 from 3:00 pm-4:15 pm at Conference Room-2, UNHQ. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj recently said that India is ready to take its place at the global top tables including G-20 and the UN Security Council presidency as the country is willing to bring solutions to the table. During a press briefing, when asked about UNSC reforms and India's permanent seat at the security council, Kamboj said, "India is ready to take its place at the global top tables as a country that is willing to bring solutions to the table. One of the central tenets of our foreign policy is human-centric and which will remain the same." India has been one of the leading voices for the long-standing reforms due in the UNSC, stating that it surely deserves a position at the highest level of the UN as a permanent member. Proposals to restructure the security council which now has five permanent members and ten elected to two-year terms, have been around for over two decades, but have hit a stalemate in the UN General Assembly. Ambassador Kamboj told reporters that even as the world grapples with a pandemic and multilateralism is under stress, India has emerged on the international stage as a rallying point of hope. "In the last 2 years when the world was going through a crisis, India has always been there as a solution provider. Like during COVID and more such matters, India is already ready to take its place at the global top table," she added. (ANI)
Over 60 Tibetans and their supporters in Japan on March 11 held a demonstration through busy downtown Tokyo to mark the 64th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day. They remembered the sacrifices of those who had laid down their lives trying to thwart the military takeover of Tibet in 1959. The demonstrators, who carried posters of his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, shouted slogans asking China to leave their homeland, and for the Communist Party of China to stop its human rights violations in Tibet. The activists also protested outside the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, urging China to respect the cultural and religious rights of Tibetans. In the evening, they held a solemn candlelight vigil to remind the world of the dire situation in Tibet and Tibetan areas of China. One of the participants pointed out that at the ongoing session of China's rubber stamp parliament, three out of four delegates nominated by the central authorities to the Tibetan delegation were powerful Han Chinese linked to the security services, while the Tibetans in the group were very junior, with no power. Tibetans on March 10 also protested in front of the Chinese Embassy in Vienna, Austria. They held the protest against the Chinese Communist Party. Tibetan Uprising Day, observed on March 10, commemorates the 1959 Tibetan uprising against the presence of the People's Republic of China in Tibet. The protest started at 10.00 hrs and continued till 11.00. Around 150 Tibetan diaspora members participated in this protest. At 11:00, a peaceful march from the Chinese embassy to Stephanplatz, Vienna was organised. At Stephanplatz, a one-hour demonstration against the atrocities committed by CCP in Tibet were highlighted and anti-China pamphlets were distributed. Also senior community members spoke about the current situation of Tibet and how CCP is executing minorities in China and suppressing the basic human rights by denying freedoms speech, freedom of worship and right to protest. Tibetan diaspora was led by President Nawang Lobsang Taglung. A Vienna based NGO Voices against Autocracy also supported this protest and its members participated in this demonstration. Nawang said that the fight for Freedom of Tibet will continue in future. Meanwhile, the Central Tibetan Administration issued a statement on the 64th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day and expressed the Tibetan people's sincere gratitude and appreciation to India for providing them a second home and its unwavering support as well as to the United States and other Governments, Parliamentary Tibet Support Groups including the newly-formed Parliamentary Tibet Support Groups in Mexico and Spain following the Eighth World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet, Tibet Support Groups and individuals who supported truth and justice. (ANI)
A group of Russian wives and mothers have called on President Vladimir Putin to stop sending their husbands and sons "to the slaughter" by forcing them to join assault groups without adequate training or supplies, CNN reported. Independent Russian Telegram channel SOTA shared a video in which women said their loved ones had been "forced to join assault groups" at the beginning of March despite having just four days training since their mobilization in September. The video shows the women holding a sign in Russian that reads, "580 Separate Howitzer Artillery Division," dated March 11, 2023. One woman in the recording said: "My husband... is located on the line of contact with the enemy." "Our mobilized [men] are being sent like lambs to the slaughter to storm fortified areas, five at a time, against 100 heavily armed enemy men," she continued. "They are prepared to serve their homeland but according to the specialization they've trained for, not as storm troopers. We ask that you pull back our guys from the line of contact and provide the artillerymen with artillery and ammunition," she said as quoted by CNN. CNN could not independently verify the claims made by the group of women in the video. According to CNN, Russia's move to send hundreds of thousands to fight on the battlefields of Ukraine has generated dissent and protest and prompted many Russians, young men in particular, to flee the country. "We ran away from Russia because we want to live. We are afraid that we can be sent to Ukraine," said one man who asked not to be identified. Families of drafted Russian men have criticized the mobilization, saying it is beset by problems such as discipline issues and lack of leadership from mid-ranking officers, non-existent training as well as logistical difficulties like insufficient uniforms, poor food and a lack of medical supplies. Meanwhile, Asia Times recently reported that Russian success in Ukraine would align with China's goals of reshaping global politics and power and could help facilitate China's own rise as an economic and military leader. In the backdrop of China's goals of reshaping global politics and power that would bolster its superpower status, Beijing might arm up Russia's war, wrote Michael A Allen, Professor of Political Science, Boise State University in Asia Times. In February 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They issued a joint document calling for reshaping global politics. The lengthy statement details shared values and a vision for a world without the United States as a major leader, and where China and Russia gain more control and influence. (ANI)
Nepal Telecom has reached a maintenance agreement with Asian Info, a Chinese company that has repeatedly caused problems in the billing system, EPardafas reported. According to EPardafas, Nepal Telecom has entrusted the company with maintenance at a cost of 3 billion rupees for four years, with a provision that the agreement can be extended for one year. Asian Info had connected the current billing system with Telecom. The company has continuously been getting responsibility for the maintenance of the system. However, a recent investigation report by Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, showed that the company has installed a decade-old 'outdated billing system', due to which the telecom network has been going down several times. According to Nepal Telecom sources, it has been found that more than three billion rupees are not reflected in the billing every year due to problems in the billing system. Because of this, the income has been affected and the telecom itself has reached a state of collapse. As 1 to 1.5 per cent 'variation' is considered normal in the billing system, currently, up to 10 per cent variation occurs in telecom and sources say that high officials of the Nepal Telecom are involved in this. Telecom has been billing more than 32 billion rupees annually. According to 10 per cent of which, more than 3 billion 20 million rupees are missing, according to EPardafas. There was a problem in Nepal Telecom's postpaid SIM account management system, a few weeks ago. Due to this problem, the postpaid user's amount was deducted. Even before that, due to problems in the billing system itself, the telecom network was disrupted across the country. After the problem came to light, the Ministry of Communications formed an inquiry committee. The committee, drawing the conclusion that the billing system is not only old but also non-standard, suggested that the billing system in Nepal Telecom should be changed. Managing Director of Telecom, Sunil Paudel has, however, signed a maintenance contract with the same Asian Info Company for five years. (ANI)
Senior Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel was on Monday sworn in as the President of Nepal. Acting Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki administered the oath to 78-year-old Paudel at a special ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, the President's Office. A provision in Nepal's constitution specifies that the President before assuming office shall take the oath of office and secrecy from the Chief Justice. Ram Chandra Paudel was on Thursday elected as the new Nepalese President. Paudel secured 33,802 electoral votes while his rival Subash Chandra Nembwang secured 15,518 electoral votes, according to Nepal's Election Commission. Further, according to Nepal's Election Commission, 313 members of the federal parliament took part in the voting while 518 members from the provincial assemblies also participated in the electoral process to pick the next president. The voting took place at Nepal's Parliament building in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu. The Election Commission in the Himalayan nation had set up two separate polling stations for federal parliamentarians and the Province Assembly members at the Hall. Lawmakers from all provinces 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. Paudel was supported by eight parties while Subash Chandra Nembang, the sole candidate from CPN-UML, was tipped to be backed by independent lawmakers. Paudel on Thursday said that he has experience in governance and the functioning of state mechanisms which makes him suitable for the new post. In a conversation with ANI, Paudel, who was also a former house speaker during the monarchy, said he has gained experience in governance and the functioning of state mechanisms. "I have earlier also undertaken various governmental roles. I also have been to the royal palaces during the monarchy, became the house speaker, and used to visit the palace once a week. That's why the role that I will undertake won't be new for me. I also have been in meetings with former Presidents as well and also know the functionalities there. I am not new to the role and duties," Paudel said after casting his vote earlier on Thursday. Apart from being a former House Speaker, Paudel has spent over a decade in jail. He has, till now, become a lawmaker six times and minister five times. A senior leader of the Nepali Congress, Paudel had lost the intra-party election but now he has been elected the third president of the country. Paudel had the backing of ten parties on Thursday's election. (ANI)
A district and sessions court in Islamabad reserved its verdict on Monday against Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who filed a petition asking for an exemption from the hearing in the Toshakhana case against him, The News International, reported. A non-bailable arrest warrant for the former prime minister issued by a lower court in the nation's capital in the Toshakhana case was suspended last week by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The PTI leader's appeal against Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal's ruling had been allowed by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, who ordered Khan to make sure he appears before a lower court on March 13. A report published in The News International read, Imran Khan's legal team filed a request for release from the case and a new exemption request at the beginning of today's hearing, both of which were justified by security risks. Judge Iqbal heard the case and postponed rendering a decision on Khan's attorney Khawaja Haris's request until today at 3:15 pm. "Imran Khan is not purposefully avoiding the courtroom. He has security threats against him," the lawyer said. Moreover, Haris submitted a petition asking the court to dismiss the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) complaint against the PTI leader. The PTI chairman was required to appear before the sessions court for his indictment in the matter. Khan's attorney did however say that the PTI chair would not show up in court today. Before issuing an arrest warrant, it should be determined whether the case is acceptable, according to Khan's attorney, who also claimed that the proper legal procedures were not followed when the complaint was filed against the defendant. The district election commissioner, not the Election Commission, filed a complaint against Imran Khan, he claimed, adding that the complaint contained instructions to take action against the PTI leader. He noted that the former premier could be the subject of a complaint from the Electoral Commission. While filing a complaint against Khan, there was no need for an affidavit, and the complainant's signatures on the statement and the affidavit were different, Haris continued. A complaint against corrupt behaviour and criminal procedures might have been submitted within 120 days as required by law, but in this case, it was filed after three years, according to Khan's attorney. Haris stated that IHC has ordered to continue the legal process while suspending the warrant until today.The primary topic of discussion, according to Saad Hasan, counsel for the Election Commission, is Khan's arrest warrant. There is no problem if the court determines that the complaint is inadmissible, he continued. Hasan stated that the warrant's suspension by the IHC had come to an end today and that Khan had been ordered by the high court to appear in court today. The session court should determine whether the warrant can be executed. In the meantime, Khan's attorney claimed that there is no justification for filing charges against the former prime minister, according to The News International. He continued by saying that all prior hearings would be unconstitutional if the ECP was required to make arguments regarding the complaint's admissibility. Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), claimed that Imran Khan is breaking the law while speaking to the media. He added that the PTI leader should be detained in accordance with the IHC's directives and that the court's warrant against Khan should be carried out. "Imran Khan must account for the theft he committed and he is evading the court too," Randjha said. The PML-N politician, Berat Khan, claimed that the PTI leader had devastated the country. During his three-year presidency, "Imran Khan did not plan any project in the country," he bemoaned. The PTI chairman should appear in court, according to Ranjha, and take part in the proceedings. He is a thief, not Sadiq or Ameen, the man declared, The News International reported. (ANI)
Bumchu, the Tashiding holy water vase ritual, is a unique and important occasion that draws travellers from all over the world. Annual performances of this ancient ceremony are held at the Tashiding Monastery, located in the western part of Sikkim. The fascinating history behind Bumchu's roots can be traced back several centuries ago. The Tashiding Monastery is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, located on a hilltop overlooking the Rangeet River in Sikkim. Legend has it that during his journey to Sikkim in the eighth century, Guru Padmasambhava, better known as Guru Rinpoche, the great Buddhist guru who brought Buddhism to Tibet, blessed the location of the monastery. A Nyingma teacher named Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing later founded the monastery in the 17th century. The Bumchu festival commemorates a supernatural occurrence that took place in the 18th century under Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. A legend says that a Lama was told by a deity to visit a nearby spring and gather water in a vase. The Lama followed the instructions and found that no matter how much water was used, the water level in the vase never dropped. The Lama understood that the vase was scary and that its water had healing properties. The vase was delivered to the Tashiding Monastery, where it was revered as a holy object and served as the centrepiece of the Bumchu festival. Bumchu means "pot of sacred water" in Tibetan. The vase is opened during the event, and the water inside is shared among the worshippers. The water is thought to have healing qualities and to grant luck and riches to those who drink it. The celebration takes place on the 14th and 15th of the first lunar month, which often falls in February or March. In Sikkim, the Bumchu festival is a time of intense delight and celebration. At the event, pilgrims travel to Tashiding from all around India as well as from close by nations like Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The celebrations feature complex rituals, colourful processions, and traditional music and dance displays. Sacred rituals are carried out by monks and nuns, who also recite prayers and offer gifts to the gods. The Bumchu festival is a significant cultural celebration that showcases Sikkim's distinctive cultural heritage in addition to being a religious occasion. People gather and celebrate their traditions and customs during the festival. The Bumchu celebration serves as a reminder of Sikkim's enduring faith and its deep spiritual origins. The celebration gives pilgrims a chance to seek blessings and healing from the Bumchu vase's holy water. The Bumchu festival honours Sikkim's rich cultural and spiritual legacy in a distinctive and vibrant way. (ANI)
A district and sessions court in Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI chairman Imran Khan on Monday in a case pertaining to using threatening language against a woman additional district and sessions judge and senior police officers, Dawn reported. Senior Civil Judge Rana Mujahid Rahim has instructed the police to arrest the former prime minister and present him before the court by March 29. He also said that the court will hear arguments on Imran's petition seeking to be dismissed from the case in the next proceedings. The PTI chairman had on August 20 condemned the police as well as the judiciary the over alleged custodial torture of Shahbaz Gill and announced that his party would file cases against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akbar Nasir Khan, the DIG and Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry, as per the report by Dawn. Initially, Imran was booked under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Besides, Islamabad High Court (IHC) also initiated contempt of court proceedings against him. Later, the IHC removed the terrorism charges against Imran and also pardoned him after he tendered an apology in the contempt case. However, a similar case, filed after the registration of a first information report (FIR) against him for threatening the judge, is pending before the sessions court. As the hearing resumed today, the PTI filed a plea requesting an exemption from personal appearance for Imran. However, Judge Rahim issued a warning that non-bailable arrest warrants could be issued for the former premier if he failed to appear before the court today. Dawn reported that after a brief recess in the hearing, Imran's counsel Naeem Panjotha filed another petition seeking the acquittal of his client in the case. He said the in-person appearance of an application was not mandatory in the acquittal plea. After hearing arguments, the judge reserved judgment on the exemption plea and said it will be announced later today. Separately, another district and sessions court in Islamabad had earlier today reserved its verdict on a petition filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan seeking an exemption from appearing before the court in the Toshakhana reference. The verdict is expected to be announced by Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal till Monday. Imran Khan has skipped indictment hearings in an Islamabad sessions court in the case, thrice. He is accused of concealing, in his assets declarations, details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana -- a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept. The judge had then issued arrest warrants for Imran and adjourned the hearing till March 7. On March 5, an Islamabad police team was sent to Lahore to arrest Imran with the court summons. However, it returned empty-handed after the PTI chief evaded the arrest. Subsequently, Imran had approached the Islamabad High Court last week seeking the cancellation of his arrest warrants. On March 7, the IHC had suspended Imran's non-bailable arrest warrants till March 13 and instructed him to appear before the sessions court. ADSJ Zafar Iqbal conducted a hearing into the case on Monday. At the outset of the proceedings, Imran's counsel Khawaja Haris informed the court that his client was not able to appear today. "He is not refusing to appear, but due to security threats he cannot be present," he said. Haris said similar appeals had also been filed before the Lahore High Court and the Islamabad High Court. The ex-PM's counsel also raised objections to complaints filed by the ECP against the PTI chief in the case. He recalled that the IHC had asked the sessions court to initiate legal proceedings against the PTI chief as per the law if he failed to appear before the court on March 13. "Examining the matter in accordance with the law means that the court should also assess the admissibility of the complaint," Haris stated. He went on to say that around 40 cases had been registered against Imran across the country. He said former premier late Benazir Bhutto was also not given the security that she should have been given. "What happened to Liaquat Ali Khan is also a part of history." Meanwhile, ECP counsel Saad Hassan, while presenting his arguments, said the case remained admissible for hearing until a decision was announced by the court. He insisted that the ECP suspended Imran's arrest warrants just for a few days and asked him to appear before the court. He said the PTI chief's arrest warrants were still "on the field". Here, the court asked the ECP counsel if he wanted more time to file a reply on a plea challenging the maintainability of the commission's complaints. The lawyer replied in the affirmative. Imran's lawyer urged the court to hear the plea today and announce its verdict. As the arguments concluded, the judge reserved the verdict on the plea for Imran's exemption and said that the decision would be announced at 3:15 pm. (ANI)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Monday demanded the disclosure of details of the Toshakhana gifts received by military generals and judges, Dawn reported. Chaudhry's statement comes a day after the government revealed details regarding the foreign gifts retained by public office holders from 2002 to 2022. On Sunday, the details of Toshakhana were updated on the website of the cabinet division. Prominent personalities who benefitted from the gifts included Pakistan President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former PM Imran Khan, ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, ex-president Asif Ali Zardari, military dictator Pervez Musharraf and others. Established in 1974, the Toshakhana is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division and stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries. Gifts/presents and other materials received by people to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the cabinet divisions, according to Toshakhana rules. In a video statement posted on PTI's official Twitter handle, Pakistan's former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that the list of Toshakhana gifts had revealed how the "Sharif and Zardari families looted the Toshakhana," as per the Dawn report. Chaudhry said, "This list is another evidence of the way these families betrayed the people of Pakistan. In the last 15 months, these people levelled a string of accusations against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi related to Toshakhana." He further said, "But the reality is that if there was anyone who opted for a legal way to retain the Toshakhana gifts, it was Imran Khan." Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan had retained the least number of gifts. In the video statement, he claimed that the Zardari and Sharif families "blatantly misused the law" and retained gifts worth millions. They didn't even leave a box of pineapples." PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the list released by the government was "incomplete" as it only included records from 2002. He also requested the Lahore High Court to create an independent judicial commission to determine if the payments of the gifts were made according to the law and whether they were declared. "A list of gifts retained since before 1988 should be released and along with that, the gifts of generals and judges should be included in the list," Fawad Chaudhry said as per the Dawn report. "I believe that the idea of sacred doctrine should come to an end in Pakistan and with politicians, the gifts of judges and general should also be disclosed," he added.In his video statement, Fawad Chaudhry said, "Khawaja Asif has retained watches worth millions of rupees ... has he shown these watches in his tax records? Does the FBR (Federal Bureau of Revenue) have the record of all these [gifts]?" He stressed that an independent commission should investigate the matters related to the Toshakhana gifts, as per the news report. On Sunday, the Pakistan government made the record of Toshakhana gifts since 2002 public, Daily Pakistan reported. The 446-page document contains the record of the period from 2002 to 2023. It reveals the list of gifts received by presidents, prime ministers and federal ministers. During 2023, the current coalition government received 59 gifts from different countries. According to the records released by the government, 224 gifts were received in 2022, 116 gifts in 2021, 175 gifts in 2018 and 91 gifts in 2014 while government officials received 177 gifts in 2015, as per the Daily Pakistan report. The document includes records of gifts retained by later former president Gen (retd) Parvez Musharraf, former prime ministers Shaukat Aziz, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Parvez Ashraf, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. (ANI)
Iriadullah, the mastermind behind the attack, was gunned down after the CTD acted on a tip-off near the Northern Bypass in the Manghopir area of the metropolis, Geo News reported.

The two terrorists, including the mastermind, were killed during an exchange of fire, while two others were arrested, the CTD officials said.

Iriadullah, according to the CTD, was a commander of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Karachi, while the second terrorist killed was identified as Abdul Waheed.

Last month, three terrorists with suicide jackets entered the multi-storey KPO building. In the hours-long operation that followed, police commandos and paramilitary soldiers cleared the building.

The attack began at 7.10 pm on February 17, while police and Rangers personnel cleared the five-story building in phases, finally sweeping the entire office by around 10.46 pm.

All the three terrorists were killed in the operation and four persons, including two policemen and a Sindh Rangers sub-inspector, also died in the nerve-racking operation that lasted for more than four hours.

As per Geo News, at least 17 other people, including police and Rangers personnel, were also injured in the terror attack, which occurred after a deadly suicide attack at a Peshawar Civil Lines mosque that left at least 85 dead.

DIG East Muqadas Haider, DIG South Ifran Baloch, DIG Rapid Response Force (RRF) Nasir Aftab, Special Security Unit (SSU) and Sindh Rangers had participated in the tense operation. The Pakistan Army had also assisted the law enforcers.

A case was later registered against the TTP at a CTD police station. (ANI)
Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will visit India from March 14-17 to boost bilateral economic ties, particularly cooperation on ports, and decentralised cooperation between local governments. He is currently the Mayor of Le Havre, France's largest commercial port city, the French Embassy in India said in a press release. During his visit, Edouard Philippe will travel to Delhi and Mumbai. Philippe will hold a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to exchange views on tackling major global challenges at a time when India holds the G20 Presidency and the outlook for the France-India strategic partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. He will meet with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to discuss ports cooperation, particularly with regard to the implementation of the Indo-French Roadmap on the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, according to the press release. In order to promote business opportunities between France and India, Philippe will meet several leading Indian investors, and preside as the guest of honour over the business awards ceremony hosted by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During his visit to Mumbai, Edouard Philippe will meet Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to discuss cooperation opportunities between the two port cities of Le Havre and Mumbai. He will also visit Nhava Sheva port, where the French container shipping company CMA-CGM recently won a 30-year concession, according to the French Embassy in India press release. A delegation of HAROPA, a combination of the port authorities of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris will accompany Philippe. People-to-people ties being at the heart of the Indo-French relationship, Philippe will also share his experience as Prime minister at two major academic institutions in India. He will deliver a lecture on the quest for balance in an imbalanced world at St Xavier's College in Mumbai. At St Stephen's College in Delhi, he will discuss how literature and politics are intertwined, as per the press release. This being his first official visit to India, Philippe will seek to gain deeper insights into the history and the cultures of India. He will meet renowned Indian writers, historians and artists as well as representatives of civil society. Notably, Edouard Philippe served as the Prime minister of French President Emmanuel Macron's government from April 2017 to July 2020. During that period, the two nations witnessed a remarkable deepening of the Indo-French strategic partnership and the launch of France's Indo-Pacific strategy, according to the press release. In his tenure as French Prime Minister, he also oversaw major economic reforms that have made France the most attractive destination for foreign investments in Europe. Philippe is also a author of novels (L'Heure de verite, Dans l'ombre) and non-fiction (Des Hommes qui lisent) as well as essays on governance (Impressions et lignes claires). (ANI)
An international conference on "Shared Buddhist Heritage" will be held on 14-15 March, with a focus on India's civilizational connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) nations 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, a first of its kind, under India's leadership of SCO (for a period of one year, from 17 September, 2022 until September 2023) will bring together Central Asian, East Asian, South Asian and Arab countries on a common platform to discuss "Shared Buddhist Heritage". The SCO countries comprise Member States, Observer States and Dialogue Partners, including China, Russia and Mongolia. More than 15 scholars and delegates from China's Dunhuang Research Academy, Kyrgyzstan's Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnology, Russia's State Museum of the History of Religion, Tajikistan's National Museum of Antiquities, Belarusian State University and Myanmar's International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, etc will be presenting research papers on the topic. The two-day programme is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of External Affairs and the International Buddhist Confederation, as a grantee body of the Ministry of Culture. A number of Indian scholars of Buddhism will also participate in the event. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour some of the historical sites of Delhi. The aim of the Conference is to re-establish trans-cultural links and seek out commonalities, between Buddhist art of Central Asia, art styles, archaeological sites and antiquity in various museums' collections of the SCO countries. One of the natural marvels in this world is the evolution and spread of ideas since time immemorial. Crossing effortlessly, formidable mountains, vast oceans and national boundaries; ideas that find a home in distant lands; getting enriched with the existing cultures. So is the uniqueness of Buddha's appeal. Its universality crossed both time and space. Its humanistic approach permeated art, architecture, sculpture and subtle attributes of human personality; finding expression in compassion, co-existence, sustainable living and personal growth. The Conference is a unique meeting of the minds, where countries from different geographical regions but with a common thread connecting them based on a shared civilization legacy, strengthened by Buddhist missionaries who played a significant role in integrating various cultures, communities and regions in the entire Indian subcontinent and Asia will discuss for two days' different themes, chalking out ways to continue the age-old bonds into the future. (ANI)
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has deleted a tweet that she made in 2018, expressing concern that unless fossil fuels are abolished by 2023, climate change "will wipe out all of humanity," reported Russia Today. In the post, Thunberg cited a "leading climate scientist" who claimed that unless we cease burning fossil fuels within the next five years, "climate change will wipe out all of mankind." Unknown as to when the self-described "autistic climate justice warrior" removed the tweet, US Republican commentator Jack Posobiec first became aware of it on Saturday. Her tweet contained a link to a defunct website, according to Russia Today. Posobiec received no response from Thunberg herself, but a slew of right-wing commenters joined in to let her know that the world did continue to exist. According to US rights activist Brigitte Gabriel, Greta Thunberg deleted this tweet because it revealed her to be a fraud. "Make sure that everyone sees it." It's possible that Thunberg didn't foresee the extinction of humanity in 2023. She might have been saying that if fossil fuels weren't phased out by this year, the human race will go extinct at some unspecified point in the future, as some commenters noted. The Swedish activist has previously made predictions along these lines. She asserted that unless carbon emissions can be cut by more than 50 per cent by 2030, "Irreversible chain reactions beyond human control" will occur in a 2019 speech at the United Nations. A year later, she made the following statement while addressing the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos: "Humanity has eight years to entirely divest from fossil fuels." Environmental activists have a history of making ominous forecasts. Experts warned that global cooling would make much of North America uninhabitable in the early 20th century, and in the 1970s, biologist Paul Ehrlich predicted that rising temperatures would result in mass hunger in the UK by the year 2000. In his 2006 documentary "An Inconvenient Truth," former US Vice President Al Gore predicted that by 2013, hundreds of millions of people would have to flee their homes due to the melting of the polar ice caps. His staff referred to the date as a "ballpark" one when it seemed unlikely that his forecast would come true. Notably, climate activist Greta Thunberg was among climate activists detained during protests against the expansion of a coal mine in Luetzerath on January 18, earlier this year, Russia Today reported. (ANI)
A delegation of the French Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs led by its chairman Jean-Louis Bourlanges held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar at Nirvachan Sadan today. Taking to its official Twitter handle, the Election Commission of India stated, "A delegation of French Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs led by Mr. Jean-Louis Bourlanges, Chairman of the Committee called on CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar at Nirvachan Sadan on 13th March 2023." Earlier this month, Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France visited India and attended the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and the Raisina Dialogue. During her visit to India, Catherine Colonna held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Jaishankar appreciated her support for India's G20 Presidency. Jaishankar tweeted, "Great meeting with FM @MinColonna of France. Appreciated her support for our G20 Presidency. Agreed to coordinate more closely on global and multilateral issues. Also reviewed our bilateral relationship." Speaking at the unveiling of the Villa Swagatam Initiative on March 3, Catherine Colonna said that France will stand side by side with India over the next decades. She stressed that India and France share links in security, defence and various sectors. Colonna said that France is keen on engaging with new artists, writers, academics, and scientists which she stressed are the backbone of India-France ties. She noted that the people-to-people exchanges between two nations are strategic and structural. "As we celebrate through this year, the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, now is the time to show even greater ambition. And you will see soon what I mean by that, it will be quite visible," Colonna said. "Over the past 25 years, we have sided with India for the protection of our respective sovereignty, we are two countries proud to be independent and we share these links in security and defence, and lots of fields of cooperation. And over the next decades, we will continue to stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder with India," she added. (ANI)
A group of US lawmakers recently drafted a resolution criticizing South Africa's government for its close relations with Beijing, including its use of Chinese technology, and called on President Joe Biden to review Americans' relationship with Pretoria, South Africa, Global Security reported. The resolution was introduced in the US House of Representatives as South Africa conducted naval exercises with China and Russia in February. There are US concerns about the surveillance risks of Chinese telecommunications, but some analysts say it falls on each government to responsibly use technologies, and China is not the only player in the tech industry. The US has already banned Chinese technology company Huawei at home, saying it's a risk to national security. There is also a push on Capitol Hill to ban the Chinese social media app TikTok. In sub-Saharan Africa, where less than 30 per cent of people use the internet, most governments welcome China's investment in digital infrastructure, a part of the Belt and Road Initiative dubbed the "Digital Silk Road." Because of Chinese government subsidies, they see it as a cheaper path to greater connectivity, Global Security reported. The US resolution mentioned two South African companies with links to Chinese tech that the lawmakers felt were of concern. One of them, Vumacam, operates about 2,000 cameras in Johannesburg, with the technology intended to crack down on the rampant crime that plagues the commercial capital. The US concern is Vumacam "has partnered with Chinese company Hikvision for the cameras' hardware," the resolution said. The sale of Hikvision products was also recently banned in the US. Global Security wrote quoting the Voice of America, that when contacted by VOA about its use of Hikvision, Vumacam responded: "We can confirm that we have multiple hardware vendors and not one single vendor. ... Any hardware is susceptible to penetration risk if not properly managed, regardless of its brand or country of origin. Vumacam's focus is therefore firmly on system security, and as such, Vumacam's network is run by its own proprietary platform, which undergoes rigorous and regular testing." The US resolution also pointed to Telkom, South Africa's partly state-owned telecom operator, which "launched its 5G network throughout the country in October 2022 using technologies from Huawei technologies." Neither Telkom, a spokesperson for South Africa's state security agency, nor a spokesperson for the Government Communication and Information System responded to requests for comment. The US faces an uphill battle in vying for telecommunications influence in Africa. Washington has been trying to catch up to China's vast network in Africa, announcing last year that US-backed telecom company Africell had invested to deliver a 5G network in Angola. But globally, Huawei dominates. Its subsidiaries own up to 70 per cent of all 4G networks. Last year, Ethiopia rolled out its first 5G network powered by Huawei. Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda have a Huawei Smart Cities program and Hikvision cameras in public spaces are installed there. Insurgency-wracked Nigeria recently announced it was planning to buy Chinese cameras to monitor its borders. "China has signed resolutions to increase cooperation in areas like counterterrorism, safe city projects, border security and cybersecurity," Bulelani Jili, a South African cybersecurity fellow at Harvard University, told VOA. "China also supplements this promise with commitments to offer finance, technical assistance and training to African governments on topics ranging from digital forensic techniques to cybersecurity." Digital watchdogs, however, often label China as one of the worst abusers of internet freedoms domestically, and observers from the West worry that African regimes with undemocratic tendencies could adopt not just Chinese tech but the way China uses it to monitor dissent. Already in Zambia and Uganda, the governments were found to have used Chinese technology to spy on the opposition and critics. In Zimbabwe, there are concerns it will be used to do the same ahead of elections later this year. China also made headlines in 2018 with reports of Beijing having bugged the Chinese-built African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. China stridently denied the allegations. In some parts of Africa, Jili said, technology and the potential of its risks are tied to local and geopolitical factors. "What is clear is that digital surveillance devices do not simply constitute smooth-functioning systems that provide the means of socially equitable and competent policing. Rather, they are complex assemblages that are entangled in broader economic, legal and political arrangements," he said. "And the risks of using them with inadequate laws are great, particularly in a region with established problems at the intersections of inequality, crime, governance, race, and policing. ... The implementation of robust regulatory frameworks rarely accompanies the adoption of new technologies on the continent," he added. Some China experts say the risks from Chinese tech to Africa are overblown and the focus should be on all the players in the tech arena, including European and American firms. As well as Vumacam, US firm IBM also has a contract with the city of Johannesburg for digital surveillance, said Iginio Gagliardone, an associate professor at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University and author of the book China, Africa and the Future of the Internet. In terms of spying on opponents, he said, there's evidence a previous Ethiopian administration spied on dissidents in the diaspora, using software from a number of European companies. Meanwhile, Israeli spyware firm Pegasus has also been used by African governments. Whether such technology is used to clamp down on opponents is not up to China, Gagliardone argued, but rather the African governments who utilize it. "China with no doubt is an autocratic regime. ... At the same time, China has not tried to impose or suggest that other countries follow in its footsteps," he told VOA. Gagliardone said it's important to hold all large and powerful actors to account when it comes to the possible misuse of tech in Africa. "The responsibility is really widespread. ... If we just focus on China, we miss the bigger picture," he said. (ANI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the G20 summit in India later this year, but no decision has yet been made, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday. "It cannot be ruled out," the Kremlin spokesman said when asked if Putin's participation in the summit in India was being considered. "But no decision has been made yet," Peskov clarified, Russian news agency TASS reported. The G20 summit is scheduled to take place in India in September. When asked if Putin's participation in the summit in India was being considered, "It cannot be ruled out," the Kremlin spokesman said but no decision has been made yet, Peskov clarified. "Russia continues its full participation in the G20 format, we intend to continue it," Peskov pointed out. He further said that the Group of Seven (G7) format does not reflect the global economy as a whole, which is why Moscow focuses on the G20 and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), Peskov told reporters on Monday. Asked to comment on Western analysts' report saying that the share of BRICS nations in the global GDP has surpassed that of G7 countries, he said: "Irrespective of the findings by these experts, it is safe to say that the economic clout of BRICS countries in the global economy is constantly growing. Russia believes that the G7 format "obviously" fails to reflect the economic wants and needs of the planet because the global economy is far from being limited to G7 nations. "The broader grouping, the G20, far more closely reflects the real state of affairs, which is what we are concerned with," he added. The G7 is an integration of developed countries, which consists of the UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, France, and Japan. It mainly focuses on searching for solutions to global political and social problems. The organization existed in a seven-member format from 1976-1997. After Russia joined the organization it was called the G8. In March 2014, as a result of the events in Ukraine and the ensuing crisis in relations between Moscow and the West, the organization decided to return to the G7 format. Last year, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov headed the Russian delegation at the G20 leaders' forum. In 2020 and 2021 Putin took part in the G20 summits via video link, and in 2019 he came to the meeting of heads of state, which was held in Japan. (ANI)
Natural disasters in Afghanistan have left over 1,000 people dead, and over 2,000 others injured, according to a Taliban led Disaster Management Ministry official, Khaama Press reported. According to the World Bank report, natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and droughts are exacerbating vulnerability and poverty in Afghanistan. Disasters caused by natural hazards have since 1980 affected nine million people and caused over 20,000 fatalities in the country, the report stated, Khaama Press reported. "Natural disasters have left over 1,000 people dead, and over 2,000 others injured across Afghanistan during the current solar year (1401), according to a Disaster Management Ministry official," Khaama Press reported. According to the Taliban, at least 70 people died due to cold weather in January this year. More than 70,000 cattle are reported to have perished in the Baghlan, Sare-ePul, Frayab, Takhar, Kandahar, Nimroz and Badghis provinces. More than 180 people were killed in flooding in the country during August 2022, the report stated. In June 2022, an earthquake killed at least 1,000 people and injured 1,500 in eastern Afghanistan, according to the document. Natural disasters have left substantial financial losses to the people suffering in the country. Afghanistan is a natural hazard-prone country, including earthquakes, flooding, landslide, and freezing winters, according to Khaama Press. Meanwhile, Tolo News reported that as Afghanistan continues to face the worst humanitarian crisis amid ongoing political chaos, the United Nations (UN) warned that two-thirds of Afghans are facing severe hunger and are in urgent need of aid, with six million facing the risk of famine. With at least six million people facing the risk of famine in Afghanistan due to a reeling economic crisis, the deputy executive director of UNICEF, Omar Abid urged the international community not to forget the basic rights of women and children in Afghanistan, as well as to assist them. The current population of Afghanistan is 41,201,762 as of Monday, February 6, 2023, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. This comes as Afghanistan's most vulnerable citizens have requested assistance from relief agencies. Safar Ali is working as a labourer--transporting materials by wheelbarrow in the capital city of Kabul. "There is no good work now. It was good previously but not now. I can only make 50 Afs per day," he said. Another Kabul resident, Karim Shah also lamented about his situation and said, "There is no work to do, and nothing to do." Tolo News reported citing the economists who stated that a disaster will occur if international institutions do not pay attention to the situation in Afghanistan. (ANI)
Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) of the Bureau for Asia Agency for International Development (USAID), Anjali Kaur is on a visit to India from March 11 to 15. The United States and India are partnering together to solve some of the world's toughest development challenges, including climate change, health access and equity, and inclusive economic growth. Anjali Kaur, is visiting India to advance the US-India development partnership, and meet with government officials, development partners, and visit USAID-supported sites. While in New Delhi, on March 15, DAA Anjali Kaur will deliver a keynote address at an event commemorating Women's History Month and elevate women leaders and youth change-makers that are addressing gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, and reducing barriers to equitable access to health services in their communities. On Thursday, the US (local time) reiterated that India is a global strategic partner of America. In a US State Department press briefing, spokesperson Ned Price said, "our message to India and about India is consistent. India is a global strategic partner of US," while replying on US Secretary of State Antony Blinkenrecent visit to India and his audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Secy did have an audience with PM when he was in Delhi for G20. I'm not in a position to detail what was exchanged between them," said Price. Blinken was in India to take part in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Raisina Dialogue. "The engagements we've had with our Indian partners at the ministerial level, at the leader level, at all levels, have been in furtherance of deepening the already extensive ties between our two countries," said the US State Department spokesperson. He said that the US want to deepen its global strategic partnership with India."There are various ways in which our two societies are intertwined. So every time we have an opportunity to meet with our Indian counterparts, it is an effort to deepen what is that already quite extensive global strategic partnership," said Price. India-US bilateral relations have developed into a "global strategic partnership", based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues. Regular exchange of high-level political visits has provided sustained momentum to bilateral cooperation, while the wide-ranging and ever-expanding dialogue architecture has established a long-term framework for India-US engagement. Today, the India-US bilateral cooperation is broad-based and multi-sectoral, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, high technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and applications, clean energy, environment, agriculture and health. Vibrant people-to-people interaction and support across the political spectrum in both countries nurture our bilateral relationship. Under the new motto "Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go", both countries are trying to enhance cooperation. The officials of both countries are often in touch with each other at political and official levels and have organized a wide-ranging dialogue on global issues that have a direct impact on their growing economies. Under the presidency of Joe Biden, India-US relations can prove to be a defining alliance in the days to come. Both countries are in a position where they need each other as a helping hand. The successful future of the relationship between the two countries will largely depend upon how the US engages with India. Continuing strategic cooperation between both countries will be a win-win situation for India and the US. (ANI)
Two police officials were killed while five others were injured in terrorist attacks on police personnel deployed on census duty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tank and Lakki Marwat districts, Dawn reported citing police and Rescue 1122. Constable Khan Nawab was killed while police constables Shah Nawaz and Aslam Khan, Levies official Bismillah, Frontier Constabulary official Abdullah and driver Eid Jan were injured in an armed attack from terrorists on a police van deployed for the security of census staff in Tank's Kot Azam area. The injured officials retaliated and forced the attackers to retreat who later escaped from the site. A contingent of police reached the site, cordoned off the area and began a search operation, as per the news report. The injured were taken to District Headquarters Hospital Tank for medical treatment where their condition was stated as being stable. In another attack, two terrorists targeted Constable Dil Jan deployed on census duty in Lakki Marwat's Parwala village near Sadar police station, as per the Dawn report. Dil Jan died on the spot and terrorists managed to escape after the incident. A heavy police contingent arrived at the site and initiated a search operation. Last week, a police personnel was killed while four others were injured in a terrorist attack targeting a census team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district. The outlawed terrorist group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, as per the Dawn report. Pakistan's law and order situation has worsened over the past few months, with terrorist groups launching attacks with near impunity across the country. The TTP has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and areas bordering Afghanistan since the terrorist group's talks with Pakistan broke down in November last year, as per the Dawn report. According to the statistics revealed by Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, January 2023 remained one of the deadliest months since July 2018, as 134 people lost their lives and 254 received injuries in at least 44 terrorist attacks across the nation. (ANI)
"There is concern over the increasing incidents of violence in Pakistan," the congressman said in a video statement, shared by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab's former information secretary Musarrat Cheema on Sunday.

He reminded Pakistan's government about its obligation to take action against those who violate human rights. "We will not hesitate from raising our voice against human rights violations," he said. Sherman, who has been fulfilling responsibilities in the foreign affairs committee for 26 years, further said that Pakistan should allow its citizens to express themselves and hold peaceful protests, The News.pk reported.

The politician asserted that it is important for the United States of America to stand with human rights in Pakistan and around the world.

He deemed Pakistan a significant partner and friend of the US and clarified that Washington has no interest in meddling in its internal affairs.

"We respect the Constitution of Pakistan completely," he said.

Commenting on the politics of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the American politician said: "I have no interest in supporting Imran Khan or any political party, and have disagreements with him on many issues."

Taking to Twitter, Congressman Sherman wrote about discussing the recent developments in Pakistan with the Democratic candidate for Congress Dr Asif Mahmood, The News.pk reported.

The Democrat also mentioned speaking with the PTI chief in his tweet.

"Also pleased that former PM Khan took the time to discuss issues with us by phone," he wrote. (ANI)
Strained relations between China and the USA have taken an even frostier plunge during the first annual session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), which ended on 13 March. Chairman Xi Jinping has signalled that he will not make any placatory moves, despite China being caught out over the spy balloon saga and its alleged contemplation of supplying lethal aid to Russia's war against Ukraine. The nine-day series of choreographed meetings saw Xi cement his dominance over the five-yearly transition of leading lights in the government. Of course, Xi had already confirmed his preeminence over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the 20th Party Congress last October, but this latest session demonstrated Xi's control of the legislature and executive branch of government as well. It culminated in an announcement of the president and vice president of China, and appointees to the State Council. Xi received a third five-year term as president, but that was a foregone conclusion. Naturally, the vote was 2,952 in favour, with not a single objection. Xi was unanimously returned as head of the Central Military Commission too, which controls the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi and other candidates who were awarded posts are believed to have been unopposed in a predetermined, highly secretive election process. Han Zhen, former executive vice president of the State Council, was appointed vice president of China, a largely ceremonial position. Xi has total monopoly on power, and he is using that to persuade China's population to resist the West and plant seeds of war preparation. Xi warned in a speech, "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 nation's development." Subsequently, Xi called for the country to "more quickly elevate the armed forces to world-class standards". Alongside regime security, a priority for Xi is to fortify China and its economy to handle prolonged tensions and strategic competition with the West. Instead of forging closer ties with the world as Deng Xiaoping once did, Xi is erecting a great wall once again around China. This is not to say he is closing the door to foreign trade, but he is circling the wagons to prevent foreign influence and to reduce reliance on the outside world. He is intent on making the populace fear the USA as a threat, and for the CCP to give them a sense of security. The USA, Xi argues, is China's enemy, as he manipulates public opinion to his own ends. It is patently clear that the Deng Xiaoping era of reform and opening up that commenced four decades ago is truly over. Xi has demolished many tenets that Deng worked so hard to implement after the chaos of Mao Zedong. An example is collective leadership, where Deng sought never to return to the excesses of one-man dictatorship. With CCP officials in charge at every level during Mao's reign, the results were disastrous. That is why Deng ceded a degree of control, allowing the government to manage the economy and administer the country. Now, however, those in government are mere office managers with rubber stamps, while Xi decides everything. Xi has blurred the line between party and government, narrowed opportunities for the private sector, done away with term limits for himself as leader, and centralized decision-making. Xi is directly confronting capitalism with his own model. Furthermore, he is boldly promoting aggression in the face of unexpected black swan events and gray rhinos, the latter a phrase that refers to highly obvious yet ignored threats. Xi has shunned the power-sharing approach of his forebears, and clamped down on factional competition, corruption and policy drift. Obedience and austerity are his watchwords, while he remains suspicious of market forces, the West and seeks a return to absolute party control, even over foreign companies operating in China. On 6 March, Xi introduced a 24-character phrase that could become China's new foreign policy mantra. In the face of challenges, Xi urged China to "be calm, stay determined, seek progress and stability, be proactive and achieve things, unite [under the CCP banner] and dare to fight". Compare this with Deng's 24-character strategy of "observe calmly, secure our position, cope with affairs calmly, hide our capacities and bide our time, be good at maintaining a low profile, and never claim leadership". Interestingly, Qin Gang was elevated to the State Council just two months after being named as new foreign minister. It took Wang Yi five years to achieve the same after he was appointed foreign minister. This is yet another indicator that the foreign affairs system has been elevated in China's thinking. Yet Qin Gang wasted no time in creating a combative tone for relations with the USA. He warned in his very first press conference, "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." His harsh, undiplomatic language showed that China's "wolf warrior diplomacy" is alive and well. "Such competition is a reckless gamble, with the stakes being the fundamental interests of the two peoples and even the future of humanity," Qin intoned. Demonstrating the same flair for mistruth, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying recently tweeted, "With China and Russia working together, the world will have the driving force toward multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations, and global strategic balance and stability will be better ensured." Russia and China leading the charge to greater democracy? Such twisted logic defies explanation. One can only be reminded of George Orwell's statement, "War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength." The first session of the 14th NPC saw ministers and ten members of the State Council executive committee appointed. The State Council is a body that manages 31 provincial administrations and 26 ministries. While the Politburo is the body that possesses real power, the State Council has previously enjoyed some leeway in implementing central government policy, including economic affairs. This has changed, however. Xi ensured that the council executive committee's top ten members are all brand new first-timers, representing an unprecedented turnover of personnel. Indeed, Xi has assembled a team of senior party apparatchiks loyal to him. Technocratic skills are not necessarily their most important characteristic, but ideological purity and personal fealty are. As Cheng Li, Director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, and Mallie Prytherch, a research assistant at the same institute, noted: "Loyalty to Xi was clearly the first and most important criterion for elite promotion, as demonstrated by the makeup of the Politburo and Politburo Standing Committee." The ten members of the executive committee are: Li Qiang as premier; Ding Xuexiang as executive vice premier; He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong as vice premiers; Wu Zhenglong as state councillor and secretary general; Shen Yiqin as state councillor (incidentally, the only female); Qin Gang as state councillor and foreign minister; Li Shangfu as state councillor and national defense minister; and Wang Xiaohong as state councillor and public security minister. Li Qiang had no experience as vice premier, yet he has been elevated to premier. However, a plus from Xi's perspective is that Li ruthlessly imposed COVID lockdowns on Shanghai. The US-based academics Cheng and Prytherch wrote of commonly perceived trends in the State Council's make-up: "Namely, 1) Xi is surrounded by 'yes men'; 2) the new leadership is preoccupied with state security and social stability over economic issues; and 3) policy priorities in Xi's third term focus on the development of state- owned enterprises at the expense of the private sector. These views have truth to them, but they should be subjected to a more balanced and foresighted analysis." The two academics examined each premise in depth. Firstly, is Xi surrounded by "yes men"? While the authors acknowledged that loyalty to Xi is a prerequisite for promotion, "Every member of the State Council will be within Xi's circle of trust, but each member differs in their degree of loyalty. New factions and new splits between loyalists will arise as they compete to fulfill Xi's priorities. Additionally, since Xi has surrounded himself with people whom he considers deeply trustworthy, he is more likely to give them room to manoeuvre, implement experimental policies and make their own governance decisions. Moreover, one may argue that elite recruitment in China, while not primarily driven by meritocracy, rarely allows inept officials to reach its highest ranks." What about the second premise that the leadership is preoccupied with state security instead of the economy? Certainly, Xi in last October's report mentioned "security" a startling 91 times, whereas the "economy" warranted only 60 mentions. Cheng and Prytherch noted: "The makeup of the State Council reflects the renewed focus on state security and sociopolitical stability. Half of its members have a security or military background, including Wang Xiaohong, who spent his entire career in the public security apparatus." However, it is the case that most incoming members have extensive provincial-level experience in economic leadership. It should be remembered that social stability and economic livelihood are firmly intertwined in China too. With China experiencing just 3% economic growth last year, this is far less satisfactory compared to the 8-10% that most middle-class Chinese are used to. What about the premise that Xi will focus on state-owned enterprises (SOE) rather than the private sector in his third term? Four members are defense industry technocrats: Zhang Guoqing spent much of his career at Norinco; and Liu Guozhong and Wu Zhenglong were educated as military engineers. Cheng and Prytherch assessed: "The State Council's balance of leadership experience in both industrial policy and market reform ensures that SOE development, while a priority, may not necessarily come at the expense of the private sector. Yet Xi's assumption of full control of the party-state has created a vulnerability: He and his handpicked leaders must deliver on their promises. Xi will be lauded for his accomplishments and blamed for his failures. To escape the middle-income trap, China's leaders will strive toward the goal of "common prosperity" - primarily to enhance the Chinese middle class." The academics believe the State Council's leadership "will be vigorously tested in the coming months and years as to whether it can successfully frame 'common prosperity' as neither anti-market nor anti-growth. Rather, China's emphasis on domestic economic growth and support for the middle class necessitates market dynamics and openness. There's more going on in China's leadership than conventional media caricatures suggest; the outlines of the new State Council may be visible, but the picture has not yet been painted." In his farewell to senior officials, state-run CCTV failed to air outgoing Premier Li Keqiang's remarks that appeared to make a dig at Xi. Li warned, "Heaven is looking at what humans are doing. The firmament has eyes." Literally, Li Keqiang was praising the work of State Council workers and urging them to continue under the new premier, but a deeper meaning was present. The State Council was once a Li stronghold, but now it is Xi's entirely. Li repeatedly referred to the "people's voice" and "people's power", with hints of scepticism at Xi's policies that have frittered away the people's role and caused decline in the State Council. Li, from the opposing Youth League faction, has impeded some of Xi's policies, so it is highly likely that the latter's policies will be implemented more quickly now that Xi controls the State Council. Instead of taking advice from local government, think tanks and stakeholders, Xi will more easily push through his own agendas. Yet this could prove dangerous, as local officials fail to vocalize objections or raise contrary ideas. Xi has created an echo chamber, where officials are too afraid to voice dissent. At the same NPC session, Li Shangfu was confirmed as national defense minister. Unfortunately, he has been under US sanctions since 2018 over China's purchase of Su-35 fighters and S-400 air defense systems from Russia. This will make it extremely difficult for him to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin! (ANI)
Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Union Ministry of Education's All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) today launched the third edition of the Singapore-India Hackathon (SI Hackathon) 2023, marking its return since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the AICTE NTU press release. Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong launched this year's Hackathon competition at The Imperial hotel in New Delhi today. The finals of the hackathon competition will be held in Gujarat's Gandhi Nagar on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Minister's meeting from August 3-4 in partnership with Singapore's High Commission in New Delhi, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Enterprise Singapore, SGInnovate and NTUitive. Notably, the first SI Hackathon was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 during his official visit to Singapore to harness and showcase the inventiveness of Indian and Singaporean students, AICTE and NTU said in the press release. At the launch of the India-Singapore Hackathon, Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Education is one of the priority areas of the G20. Initiatives like the SI Hackathon would bring out the innovation and entrepreneurship of our students in front of the world." He stressed that India and Singapore working together will further create opportunities for students and enhance employability and help create next-generation entrepreneurs, according to the press release. Dharmendra Pradhan said, "India and Singapore working together further will create unprecedented opportunities for our students, enhance employability and help create next-gen entrepreneurs. AICTE and NTU Singapore will handhold the substantive outcomes of SI Hackathon 2023 and help in monetising out-of-the-box innovations converting them into start-ups creating value and jobs for society." At today's launch, Gan Kim Yong said, "I am especially glad that each group in the Singapore-India Hackathon will be formed from three students from India and three from Singapore. Do seize this opportunity to learn from one another new ways of seeing and doing that stem from our diverse cultures, traditions and social experiences." Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU Vice President (Industry) and Co-Chair for SI Hackathon 2023, said, "The SI Hackathon 2023 will enable students and start-ups to develop cross-country bonds, learn from each other's strengths, and develop more innovative solutions for global challenges collectively." Lam Khin Yong further said that the event offers a unique opportunity for both nations to further "deepen their strong bilateral partnership in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, science & technology, according to the NTU AICTE press release. AICTE Vice Chairman Dr Abhay Jere praised PM Modi for promoting the culture of hackathons in India. Jere stated that hackathons have become one of the biggest problems for solving the problems of the country. He said that the Ministry of Education and AICTE now runs the Smart India Hackathon, which is the world's biggest open platform for innovators or entrepreneurs. "All the credit goes to Prime Minister Modi for aggressively promoting the culture of hackathons in India. In the last five to six years, hackathons have become one of the biggest platforms for solving the problems of the country," Dr Abhay Jere said as per the press release. More than 150 leaders in corporations, start-ups, investors, policymakers, academics and students attended the launch event of SI Hackathon 2023 and participated in thought leadership discussions on solutions around global fintech innovations, environmental, social and governance (ESG), and sustainability. Senior officials from the private and public sectors, including Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India, Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), AICTE Vice Chairman Dr Abhay Jere and Chief Innovation Officer of the Ministry of Education, Neil Parekh, Chairman of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and Amita Chaudhury, Group Head of Sustainability at AIA attended the event, according to the press release. A total of 120 students participated in the first Singapore India Hackathon in 2018. Following its positive reception, another SI Hackathon was organised at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 2019. Both events were attended by PM Narendra Modi and senior Singapore ministers, AICTE, NTU said in the press release. Singapore India Hackathon 2023 aims to foster collaboration between students and start-ups from both countries in the areas of fintech, sustainability and ESG. Over 200 participants from both nations will collaborate and work together in teams to develop impactful solutions for addressing climate change, financial connectivity and inclusion. 24 start-ups and 12 student teams from both countries will compete in the final event where prizes will be awarded to the top four winners in each category. The winning teams will demonstrate their solutions to select global dignitaries in the grand finale of the hackathon in Gandhinagar. The winner of the start-up category will gain an automatic entry into the Singapore Fintech Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the world with awards totalling S$1.5 million, as per the press release. "The SI Hackathon 2023 will deploy the NTU Singapore triple helix model of bringing together universities, public agencies and industry partners for mentoring students and start-ups to ensure their success," Professor Lam Khin Yong said. Lam Khin Yong further said, "As one of the world's top 20 global universities, NTU has a long tradition of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. We are proud to support this hackathon as it aligns with our mission to create global solutions through cutting-edge research and education." Professor Louis Phee, NTU Vice President (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and Dean, College of Engineering, and Co-Chair for SI Hackathon 2023 said, "I believe that the SI Hackathon 2023 will be an excellent opportunity for our students and start-ups to learn from each other and test how ideas are scaled up to have a wider impact and be adapted to different contexts and cultures to solve global challenges." Participants of the Hackathon will have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, including cloud computing platforms, data analytics tools and artificial intelligence frameworks. Mentors and experts who are highly regarded leaders in their fields from both nations will provide guidance and support throughout to students and start-ups of the Singapore India Hackathon 2023. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said, "Fintech and ESG are co-embedding to define the future of finance. I am glad these are the challenge focus at the SI Hackathon 2023." Mohanty stated that Singapore's "vibrant financial centre" and India's "advanced market ecosystem" provide an opportunity for top talents from both nations to develop creative solutions which are commercially deployable. MAS Chief Fintech Officer stressed that addressing substantial unmet social needs and reversing the climate crisis are the twin global challenges that need urgent attention from bright talents. (ANI)
Pakistan government on Sunday revealed details regarding foreign gifts retained by public office holders, including presidents, prime ministers, cabinet members, politicians, bureaucrats, retired generals, judges and journalists from 2002 to 2022. The details regarding Toshakhana were released on the Cabinet Division's website, Dawn reported. Prominent leaders who benefited from the Toshakhana gifts included Pakistani President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former prime minister Imran Khan, ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, ex-president Asif Ali Zardari, late military dictator Pervez Musharraf, former premier Shaukat Aziz, ex-PM Yousuf Raza Gilani, ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, ex-PM Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and others. According to the documents, most of the gifts were retained by the office holders free of cost except for new ones. Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif received one bulletproof vehicle each during their visits and retained them after paying some money to the Toshakhana, as per the Dawn report. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife received five precious wristwatches, ornaments and other items. He received five precious wristwatches, including a Graff watch worth PKR 3.8 million. He retained these gifts in October 2018 after making a payment of PKR 0.754 million, as per the news report. In September 2018, Imran Khan retained a Graff wristwatch worth PKR 85 million, a pair of cufflinks worth PKR 5.6 million, a pen worth PKR 1.5 million and a ring worth PKR 8.75 million after paying PKR 20 million for these items. Imran Khan received a rolex watch worth PKR 1.5 million and retained it after paying an amount of PKR 294,000 for it. In 2018, he retained another Rolex wristwatch worth PKR 900,000 after paying a sum of PKR 338,600 for the watch and some other items, as per the Dawn report. In October 2019, the former Pakistan PM Imran Khan retained a boxed watch, assessed at PKR 1.9 million after paying PKR 935,000. In September 2020, he kept another Rolex watch, assessed at PKR 4.4 million after paying a sum of PKR 2.4 million for the watch and a number of other gifts. In the same month, Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi kept a necklace worth PKR 10 million, a bracelet worth PKR 2.4 million, a ring worth PKR 2.8 million, and a pair of earrings worth PKR 1.85m after paying an amount of PKR 9 million for these gifts. Meanwhile, Pervez Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz retained hundreds of foreign gifts without paying a penny. In return for the gifts received from foreign dignitaries, these public officeholders gave away gifts worth millions of rupees to the foreign delegates, according to the Dawn report. According to the details, Asif Ali Zardari retained one BMW 760 Li white (security version) on Jan 26, 2009. The value of the car was fixed at Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 27.3 million and the former president retained it after paying over PKR 4 million. In March 2011, he retained a wristwatch worth PKR 1 million after making a payment of PKR 158,250 for the watch and some other items. In June 2011, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari retained a wristwatch worth PKR 1.25 million after paying PKR 189,219 for the watch and some other items. In Oct 2011, he retained a Cartier wristwatch worth PKR 1 million after paying a sum of PKR 321,000 for the watch and a gun. According to the details, Nawaz Sharif received a Mercedes Benz car on April 20, 2008, which was worth PKR 4.25 million and retained it after paying a sum of PKR 0.636 million, as per the Dawn report. Pakistan President Arif Alvi's wife, Samina Alvi, retained a necklace worth PKR 1.19 million in October 2019 after paying PKR 865,000 for it and other items in the jewellery box. Alvi retained a Rolex wristwatch worth Rs2.5m in February 2022 after paying a sum of PKR 1.2 million. Meanwhile, Sheikh Rashid retained dozens of gifts, including two gold coins after paying PKR 3,420. In 2005, Khurshid M Qasuri received several gifts and retained these items free of cost. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf retained a Graff wristwatch assessed at PKR 890,000 and retained it after paying a sum of PKR 218,000 for it and other items. (ANI)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is considering to visit Moscow for a summit with Russia's president in the coming months as Vladimir Putin wages war in Ukraine and portrays himself as a standard-bearer against a US-led global order, the Wall Street Journal reported. There is a speculation that Xi may visit in April or in early May when Russia celebrates its World War II victory over Germany, an event that the Kremlin last year used to liken Ukraine's elected leaders to Nazis, it reported. According to a report published in Wall Street Journal, Xi's plans to hold a meeting with Putin as a part of a push for multiparty peace talks and allow China to reiterate its calls that nuclear weapons not be used. Western capitals have expressed skepticism about China's diplomatic initiative, the broad outlines of which were first previewed last week by the country's top diplomat, Wang Yi, at the Munich Security Conference. Putin ordered his armies into Ukraine last year, the war has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and sent shock waves through energy markets and the global economy. Wang arrived Tuesday afternoon in Moscow, in a trip Beijing's Foreign Ministry had billed as an opportunity to discuss China-Russia relations and "international and regional hot-spot issues of shared interest." Wang initially met with Nikolai Patrushev, the powerful secretary of the Russia Security Council, according to accounts in both Russian and Chinese state media that both cited cooperation between the countries, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to China's Xinhua News Agency, the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation and make more efforts to improve global governance, while opposing the introduction of a "Cold War mentality." Xinhua's brief report said the two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. It didn't elaborate. According to Russian state media, RIA Novosti, Wang was more declarative. "Sino-Russian relations are solid as a rock and will withstand any test of the changing international situation," Mr. Wang told Mr. Patrushev, according to RIA. Russia's state news agency TASS said the two men spoke about the importance of deepening Russian-Chinese coordination. The agency cited Mr. Patrushev as saying that "the course toward developing a strategic partnership with China is an absolute priority for Russia's foreign policy. Our relations are valuable in themselves and are not subject to external conjuncture." US Vice President Kamala Harris, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, cautioned that growing Chinese support for Russia in Ukraine will simply "prolong the killing" and "further undermine a rules-based order." Wang's peace proposal was met with mistrust by Western authorities. China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, but on Saturday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described China's proposals as "quite vague" and pointed out that China hasn't yet decided whether to denounce Russia's attack on Ukraine, which he described as a violation of the most fundamental tenets of the United Nations charter. A report published in Wall Street Journal read, early in the new millennium, China made its most significant attempt to play the role of world peacemaker when it started the six-party talks aimed at reducing North Korea's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for help.(ANI)
A 446-page record of gifts from 2002 to March 2023 has been released, which includes the details of gifts received by the presidents and prime ministers, including Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, Asif Ali Zardari, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

All of them took away jewel class sets and other gifts by paying minimal or no costs at all, The News reported.

Shehbaz Sharif is the only ruler who retained no expensive or jewel-class gift from the Toshakhana and surrendered them, revealing the latest Toshakhana record from 2002 till now, The News reported.

Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Asif Ali Zardari and Shahbaz Sharif were also gifted jewel-class sets containing a watch, a pair of cufflinks, a pen and a ring.

It is pertinent to mention that the famous Makkah design watch gifted to former prime minister Imran Khan contained the same set type.

The same kind of set was gifted to Nawaz Sharif Toshakhana's department.

Likewise, Nawaz Sharif's wife took a jewel-class gift which was worth over Rs 54 million at that time from their own government.

The latest record reveals that Asif Ali Zardari took 181 gifts, Nawaz Sharif 55, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi 27, Imran Khan 112 and Gen Pervez Musharraf 126 from Toshakhana.

Asif Ali Zardari as president of Pakistan retained all gifts that he received while holding the office, The News reported.

--IANS san/pgh

( 268 Words)

2023-03-13-19:38:03 (IANS)
The University of Birmingham is launching a fully-funded scholarship for Indian students, offering the winner a mentoring opportunity with the university's Indian-origin Chancellor Lord Karan Bilimoria. The Lord Karan Bilimoria (Chancellor's) Scholarship will include a full tuition fee waiver and accommodation costs up to the duration of the programme for the winner, as well as four runner-up awards of 5,000 pounds tuition fee waiver. It is open only to Indian students applying for postgraduate study programmes at the University's campuses in Birmingham and Dubai. "I am hugely proud of the University of Birmingham's education partnerships in India and delighted to launch this exceptional opportunity to encourage outstanding individuals to join us - whether at our iconic new campus in Dubai or our beautiful historic campus in Birmingham," Lord Bilimoria said while launching the scholarship. "I look forward to meeting the successful candidate and it will be a particular pleasure to mentor them as they set out on their voyage of educational discovery with the University of Birmingham and become successful leaders." According to a university statement, candidates should have an excellent academic track record and demonstrate that they have overcome challenging circumstances. They should also have an innovative idea that can solve some of the complex challenges facing both the UK and India. "I am delighted that the University of Birmingham is further strengthening its engagement in India with this scholarship. What a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate in being mentored by an icon of UK-Indian business, Lord Bilimoria," Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said. The University's relationship with India dates to 1909 when the first cohort of Indian students arrived in Birmingham to study for degrees in Mining and Commerce. It now boasts of more than 2,000 Indian alumni. Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, is also the Founding Chairman of the UK India Business Council, a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, a former Chancellor of Thames Valley University (now the University of West London). A founding member of the Prime Minister of India's Global Advisory Council, Lord Bilimoria was awarded the Pravasi Bharti Samman by the President of India in 2008. --IANS mi/pgh ( 373 Words) 2023-03-13-19:48:04 (IANS)
Russia is training its military on the territory of Belarus to participate in the war against Ukraine

Read also: Contingent of trained Russian forces and military equipment moving from Belarus to Donbas

Belarus continues to support Russia, providing its military infrastructure, airspace and military bases, Demchenko said.

About 9,000-10,000 Russian soldiers are present in Belarus. They are involved in joint military drills or training. Those units that have already undergone training are being deployed to the territory of Russia to strengthen the Russian troops grouping in the east of our country. New units will be transferred to the territory of Belarus for training.

Demchenko added the situation on the border with Belarus remains fully under control, but the enemy cannot be underestimated.

There is no group on the other side of the border that is large enough to be able to invade the territory of Ukraine, the official said.

Read also: No imminent threat of Belarus invading Ukraine, US says

We dont record the movement of Russian personnel or military equipment near the border. But the enemy cannot be underestimated. We must be ready for the development of any situation. We continue to strengthen the border line so that all units have every opportunity to repel any attack.

Directly prior to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko provided Belarusian territory as a staging ground for the invading forces. The troops gathered in Belarus were primarily used to attack the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. The Russian army also continues to launch missile strikes at Ukraine from Belarus.

Read also: Russia lacks forces and means to invade from Belarus in coming weeks  Ukraines intel

Belarusian troops do not directly participate in hostilities. However, experts have warned that it is possible for Belarus or Russia to attempt another attack on Kyiv from the north.

Ukrainian Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant-General Serhiy Nayev said on Feb. 22 that Russia does not have the resources needed for an offensive in the north of Ukraine.

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Zac Efron in "The Iron Claw." A24

A24 had a major 2023 Oscars with seven wins, including best picture for "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Here's what the studio has planned for 2023 and beyond.

The slate includes Joaquin Phoenix playing an old man, a Nicolas Cage comedy, and Zac Efron as a legendary pro wrestler.

"Beau is Afraid" (April 21)

"Beau is Afraid." A24

"Midsommar" director Ari Aster's third movie with the studio has him teaming with Joaquin Phoenix in this anticipated drama in which Phoenix plays a man coping with the sudden death of his mother.

"Past Lives" (June 2)

Celine Song's "Past Lives." A24

Celine Song's feature-directing debut wowed audiences at Sundance Film Festival. It's a romantic story in which two childhood friends (Greta Lee and Teo Yoo) reconnect and look back on their past, as well as their own lives.

"Showing Up" (April 7)

Michelle Williams in "Showing Up." A24

Michelle Williams teams with director Kelly Reichardt for the fourth time ("Wendy and Lucy," "Meek's Cutoff," "Certain Women") in this drama in which Williams plays an artist who finds inspiration through the chaos of her life as she prepares for a career-changing art exhibition.

"Talk to Me" (July 28)

Danny and Michael Philippou's "Talk to Me." A24

The studio acquired this horror at Sundance from YouTube creators Danny and Michael Philippou (aka RackaRacka).

Marking the directorial debut of the twin brothers, we follow a group of friends who conjure evil spirits using an embalmed hand.

"All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" (TBD)

Raven Jackson's "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt." A24

Here's another title that wowed audiences at Sundance. Director Raven Jackson chronicles the growth of a Black woman in Mississippi from her youth through adulthood.

"The Deepest Breath" (TBD)

Laura McGann's "The Deepest Breath." A24

Released later this year on Netflix, this documentary chronicles the dangerous yet beautiful sport of free diving.

"Civil War" (TBD)

Kirsten Dunst. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

From writer-director Alex Garland ("Ex Machina," "Annihilation"), his latest sci-fi tale stars Kirsten Dunst. Specifics on the movie are being kept under wraps for now.

"The Iron Claw" (TBD)

Zac Efron in "The Iron Claw." A24

The tragic lives of the pro wrestling family, the Von Erichs, are brought to the big screen by "The Nest" director Sean Durkin. The movie stars Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White.

Story continues

"Priscilla" (TBD)

Sofia Coppola. Focus Features

Sofia Coppola adapts Priscilla Presley's memoir with Cailee Spaeny playing Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis. The movie wrapped production late last year.

"Dream Scenario" (TBD)

Nicolas Cage. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for NEON

This comedy produced by Aster and directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Nicolas Cage as a professor who becomes a celebrity overnight when he appears in everyone's dreams.

Michael Cera, Julianne Nicholson, and Tim Meadows also star.

"Wizards!" (TBD)

Pete Davidson. Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

In this comedy from David Michod ("Animal Kingdom," "The King"), Pete Davidson and Orlando Bloom play two beach bar owners who get into trouble when they stumble across some stolen money.

Read the original article on Insider
From left to right: Hong Chau, Florence Pugh, and James Hong attend the 2023 Academy Awards. Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/Getty Images ; Arturo Holmes/Getty Images ; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Some celebrities attended the 2023 Academy Awards wearing outfits with hidden details.

James Hong's and Daniel Kwan's outfits paid tribute to "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

Florence Pugh's Valentino gown had black shorts, and Hong Chau's Prada dress had a custom collar.

Halle Bailey wore a turquoise tulle gown in a nod to her upcoming role in Disney's remake of "The Little Mermaid."

Halle Bailey attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Bailey appeared in a strapless, turquoise tulle gown with a corset top and full skirt by Dolce & Gabbana.

"I was excited to wear this pouffy dress to go into the fairy-tale world and give princess for one day," Bailey told E! News. "I'm loving it."

Hong Chau's pink Prada dress included a custom collar as a nod to her heritage.

Hong Chau attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

"I asked them if they could add a little Mandarin collar as a little shout out to my roots and they were happy to oblige," Chau, who was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "The Whale," told E!. "So it just feels like a really modern dress. I feel beautiful in it. But I also feel like I can move and I'm nimble so it feels very me."

The dress also had a back cutout and feathered train.

Florence Pugh's Valentino look featured black shorts with pockets.

Florence Pugh attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The shorts were concealed beneath her grey strapless gown with oversized, off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Pugh voiced Goldilocks in "Puss In Boots: The Last Wish," which was nominated for best animated feature film.

Harry Shum Jr.'s tuxedo jacket included a sash reminiscent of a traditional Japanese obi.

Harry Shum Jr. attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

The "Everything Everywhere All At Once" star described his Adeam look as "East meets West," according to The New York Times.

Malala Yousafzai attended the Oscars in a shimmering silver Ralph Lauren gown that included a built-in headscarf.

Malala Yousafzai attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Yousafzai, who produced the Oscar-nominated documentary "Stranger at the Gate," told Variety that she was most excited to see Rihanna.

"Rihanna is such a powerful, incredible woman," she said. "She has inspired so many generations of girls and she is just stunning and she sings so beautifully, so I will be stunned to see her performance."

Story continues

Designer Monique Lhuillier created Chloe East's black strapless gown with sustainable fabric.

Chloe East attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The bodice of East's dress was recycled from Monique Lhuillier's Autumn 2019 Collection, according to Innovation in Textiles, and the rest of the look was made with biodegradable Tencel fabric made from plants.

East wrote on Instagram that she was "very excited to be supporting sustainable fashion" as an ambassador of The Academy's Red Carpet Green Dress initiative through RCGD Global.

Bailey Bass also wore an eco-friendly gown designed by Zac Posen Couture.

Bailey Bass attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Bass' white halter dress with billowing sleeves was made with sustainable Tencel fabric in partnership with The Academy's Red Carpet Green Dress initiative through RCGD Global. She paired the look with Nicole Rose jewelry and a Kate Spade bag.

"CODA" star Troy Kotsur wore a pin in the shape of the American Sign Language sign for "I love you."

Deanne Bray and Troy Kotsur attend the 2023 Oscars. ABC/Contributor/Getty Images

Kotsur, who won best supporting actor last year, presented this year's category with fellow 2022 winner Ariana DeBose.

James Hong paid tribute to "Everything Everywhere All At Once" with googly eyes on his blue bow tie.

James Hong attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

In "Everything Everywhere All At Once," Ke Huy Quan's character, Waymond, regularly sticks googly eyes on items, much to the annoyance of his wife, Evelyn, played by Michelle Yeoh.

Hong, 94, who attended the Oscars for the first time, also wore a black tuxedo and royal-blue shirt.

Daniel Kwan's red suit with gold detailing on the arms and "PUNK" written across the back also referenced "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

Daniel Kwan attends the 2023 Academy Awards. Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

Kwan's red suit paid tribute to the red sweater that Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) wears at the Lunar New Year party in "Everything Everywhere All At Once." The film swept the Oscars, winning a total of seven awards including best picture.

Melissa McCarthy's Christian Siriano dress was entirely remade days before the Oscars after the designer's studio flooded.

Melissa McCarthy attends the 2023 Annual Academy Awards. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

McCarthy's red gown made a statement on the champagne carpet with its high neckline, shoulder pads, and full, ruffled skirt.

Siriano said he had to remake the dress just days before the ceremony after a pipe burst in his studio, joking in an interview with E! that the experience was "traumatizing to my life."

"I wasn't gonna say anything about what really happened because I don't want the actress who's wearing something to know that her dress was fully remade," he told E!.

Ruth E. Carter matched her acceptance-speech notes to her yellow strapless gown.

Ruth E. Carter accepts the Oscar for best costume design at the 2023 Academy Awards. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Carter won her second Oscar for best costume design for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." She previously won the same award in 2019 for her work on the first "Black Panther" film, making her the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards.

Read the original article on Insider
Maria Moskaleva

The father of a Russian teenager who drew an anti-war picture at school faces having his child taken away from him.

Alexei Moskalev, who has also been detained for his own anti-war comments, is accused of shirking parental duties by local authorities.

Child services of the provincial town of Yefremov, 290 kilometres south of Moscow, urged a court to limit his parental rights to 13-year-old Maria, a volunteer group said on Monday.

The court case, the first of its kind in modern Russia, has echoes of the Stalin era when children of the so-called enemies of the people were placed into orphanages while their parents were sent to labour or re-education camps.

Over 100,000 people have signed an online petition opposing the move.

The family first got in trouble last April when Maria went to an art class in her school where a teacher asked the children to draw something in support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Marias father Alexei Moskalev said the schools arts teacher and principal were unnerved by his daughters drawing

The Year 8 student drew a picture, showing a woman standing underneath a Ukrainian flag, shielding her child from rockets flying towards them, with a Russian flag painted below.

Mr Moskalev in an interview with OVD-Info earlier this year said the schools arts teacher and principal were unnerved by the girls drawing.

They kept saying: You see what youve been teaching your child? Just look what she drew, he said, quoting a conversation when he was summoned to the school the following day.

(Maria and I) were led into the police car and students were watching. It was as if we were terrorists who were being detained.

Police scoured through Mr Moskalevs social media and found a video captioned The Russian army rapists among us.

A local court found him guilty of discrediting the Russian armed forces, a vague term authorities have been using to go after all forms of anti-war protests and fined him 32,000 rubles (350).

Alexei Moskalev has not seen his daughter Maria since security services brought charges of discrediting the Russian army

The family soon left Yefremov for another small town a 90-minute car drive away as the girl, who reportedly had panic attacks and was afraid of going to school, switched to homeschooling.

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In December, security services raided the Moskalevs new home and brought criminal charges of discrediting the Russian army against the single father.

He was arrested at his home on March 1.

Maria told an activist friend in a video: He was just about to go to work - and the police showed up at the flat and just took him away.

Maria, whose mother does not have custody over her, was sent to a temporary child facility earlier this month.

The court ordered a house arrest for the man, but child services did not return Maria home and have been blocking activists attempts to visit her or even pass her a mobile phone to call her father.

In its petition quoted by local media, the Tula regions child services ruled to place Maria under temporary protection away from her father whom it described as a bad influence on her moral and spiritual education. They also cited the girls poor grades.

States revenge for anti-war position

Limiting parental rights is a temporary injunction that is supposed to be revisited six months later. If the parents are found engaging in the same behaviour, child services can file a lawsuit to strip them of parental rights altogether.

Viktor Shenderovich, a renowned Russian writer living in exile, described the proceedings as the states revenge for the familys anti-war position and an extension of the machine of repression that Vladimir Putin has been overseeing.

With people such as jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Putin is dealing personally, Mr Shenderovich told the Khodorkovsky Live channel, but here this is clearly not about Putin himself.

Its the machine of repression he built that has to keep going and get more vicious just to show how efficient it is.

Svetlana Davydova, head of the local Commission for Childrens Rights, insisted that the lawsuit was not related to the mans anti-war stance and accused the father of violating the childs rights by not doing enough to keep her in school and also for getting fined for a misdemeanour.

The next court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
In this article, we will discuss the 15 Biggest Private Security Companies in the World. You can skip our industry overview and go directly to the 5 Biggest Private Security Companies in the World.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes private security companies as firms that are primarily engaged in providing guard and patrol services, such as bodyguards, guard dogs, parking security, and security guard services to their clients. Additionally, such companies provide ancillary services, including cyber security, background screening, investigation, risk analysis, and security consultancy services. Many of them will even provide advanced special operations services if the client demands them. Examples of services provided by these companies include the prevention of unauthorized activity or entry, traffic regulation, access control, and fire and theft prevention and detection. Often deemed as the muscle for hire organizations, these companies deliver as promised.

In May 2021 the operator of New York Citys subway system announced a plan to spend $2.2 million a month on private security officers to address crime and improve public safety on its subways. This announcement was just another among a growing trend across the United States for local governments to contract private security officers to supplement or replace police officers. This shift seems similar to the one that occurred a decade earlier when the impact of the 2008 financial crisis led to a cut in municipal budgets, which in turn gave rise to contracts for private security officers to fill in the gaps. This time, however, the demand is occurring after a period of social unrest and terror attacks, alongside continuing calls to defund the police in the United States.

Private Security Industry Outlook

The private security services market is set to grow by $56.33 billion between 2021 to 2026, with an accelerating growth momentum at a CAGR of 4.81% during the forecast period, according to a report presented by Technavio. As a whole, the market size of security services in the United States has increased exponentially since 2014 and reached almost $52 billion in 2022. In the outsourced contract security industry alone there were approximately 830,000 security guards reportedly employed within this field. This has demonstrated the sheer size of the security market, as the fastest-growing private security company, Vanta, increased its revenue by over 13,000% this past year.

The popularity of virtual security systems is a major trend that is influencing the growth of private security services. Recognized as a cost-effective tool for deterring and reducing criminal activities compared to deploying a high number of manned guarding personnel, virtual security systems play a critical role in the functioning of small businesses that require security services. Some common applications of virtual security systems include retail security, construction security, residential complex security, parking lot security, hotel security, and government institution security. In that same realm, however, private security service providers are facing a shortage of skilled private security personnel, which affects their financial health. While virtual security systems seem to be aiding the sectors growth, the expansion of private security services is still greatly dependent on manned security services.

15 Biggest Private Security Companies in the World

lsantilli/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

For our list, we have shortlisted the 15 biggest private security companies in the world after analyzing their scale of operations, growth prospects, and product portfolio. To present a more accurate picture to the reader, we looked specifically at the data available for these companies as of 2021. All the companies included in this list are ranked in ascending order of their approximate 2021 revenue. Revenue data was collected from various reputable sources, including RocketReach and MacroTrends, alongside available 2021 financial reports.

Biggest Private Security Companies in the World

15. Chubb Fire & Security Group

2021 Revenue: $5.6 million

A subsidiary of APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG), Chubb Fire & Security specializes in fire protection and security systems. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Chubb has approximately 13,000 employees globally and a sales and services network spanning 17 countries serving more than 1.5 million customer sites in Asia Pacific, Canada, and Europe. The business is a globally recognized fire safety and security services provider, offering customers complete and reliable services from design and installation to monitoring and ongoing maintenance and recurring services.

14. Axis Communications AB

2021 Revenue: $1.3 billion

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras, access control, and network audio devices for the physical security and video surveillance industries, focusing on applications such as remote monitoring, security surveillance, and document management. Its product line consists of network cameras, video encoders, network audio systems, video management software, and related accessories.

13. Constellis

2021 Revenue: $1.7 billion

Constellis is a leading provider of risk management, security, and operational support services to governments, multinational corporations, and private clients worldwide. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Constellis has a global footprint, with operations in over 30 countries and a workforce of over 17,000 employees. The company provides a range of services, including security and risk management, training and advisory services, logistics and life support, and complex mission support.

12. Unity Resources Group

2021 Revenue: $39 million

Unity Resources Group is a global provider of risk management, security, and support services to governments, multinational corporations, and private clients worldwide. Founded in 2000 as an International Advisory Consultancy and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the company has operations in over 25 countries and a workforce of more than 1,500 employees. The company offers a variety of services, including risk assessments, security consulting, security training, and security operations in addition to specialized services such as mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and canine security.

11. CACI International Inc.

2021 Revenue: $6.04 billion

CACI International Inc. is an American multinational professional service and information technology company headquartered in Northern Virginia. The company provides services to many branches of the US federal government including defense, homeland security, intelligence, and healthcare, earning its first contract in 1963 to research and simulate inventory operations for the U.S. Navys Ships Parts Control Center. With a presence in over 120 locations worldwide and employing more than 23,000 people, CACI International Inc. plays a vital role in US national security.

10. ICTS International N.V

2021 Revenue: $324.9 million

ICTS International N.V. is a Dutch firm that develops products and provides consulting and personnel services in the field of aviation and general security. It was established in 1982, by former members of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, and El Al airline security agents. Known for its expertise in aviation security and advanced security technologies, the company has been involved in the development and implementation of several security measures, such as behavioral detection techniques and biometric identification systems.

9. The Brink's Company

2021 Revenue: $4.20 billion

The Brink's Company is an American private security and protection company headquartered outside Richmond, Virginia, that operates as a provider of security services to banks, retailers, governments, mints, and jewelers. Founded in 1859 by Perry Brink of Chicago, Illinois, The Brink's Company business evolved from a provider of local armored transportation services to contributing towards corporate financial logistics and international secure transportation.

8. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

2021 Revenue: $7.86 billion

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. is a management and technology consulting firm that provides services to various government agencies and private sector clients. An American security firm and military contractor, specializing in intelligence, Booz Allen Hamilton offers a broad range of services, including strategy, technology, and engineering consulting, cybersecurity, data analytics, and risk management to businesses and the US government. The company's clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and various intelligence agencies, as well as commercial clients in industries such as healthcare, finance, and energy.

7. Control Risks

Revenue as of 2021: $300 million

Control Risks is a global risk consulting firm that provides services related to political, security, and integrity risks in complex and hostile environments. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in London, Control Risks offers a broad range of services, including risk assessments, crisis management, security training, due diligence, and investigations to multinational corporations, governments, and non-governmental organizations.

6. GardaWorld Corporation

2021 Revenue: $2.71 billion

GardaWorld Corporation is a Canadian private security firm, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, with 120,000 employees as of January 2022. GardaWorld International Protective Services, the international division of the company, began operations in 1984. One of the largest privately owned integrated physical security, cash management, and risk management companies in the world, the company runs physical security guard and armored car services around the globe.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Biggest Private Security Companies in the World.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Biggest Private Security Companies in the World is originally published at Insider Monkey.
In this piece, we will take a look at the 16 countries that produce the best nurses. For more countries, head on over to 5 Countries that Produce the Best Nurses.

Nursing is one of the more important and underrated industries in the healthcare sector. While most attention, particularly in America, is often focused on doctors and the high fees that they pay for medical school only to make high salaries in an expensive healthcare system, nurses are the backbone of any hospital. While a doctor's job is to diagnose a patient, it's the nurses that are involved in taking care of sick people and ensuring that the treatments prescribed by the doctors are actually administered.

At the same time, it's not easy to become a nurse. In fact, according to the American Nurses Association, there are several qualifications that are required to become a nurse and become eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN. These range from a simple diploma to a two year associate's degree, or a four year bachelor's degree. Yet, this isn't the end of nursing education, as those interested can even pursue postgraduate programs such as a Master's or even a Ph.D. These varying levels of education also result in different kinds of nurses, with each having a fixed set of educational qualifications. These include simple Registered Nurses who perform simple exams and administer medications, Licensed Practical Nurses who check for vital signs and ensure patient comfort, and Advanced Practical Registered Nurses who are required to hold a Master's degree and can prescribe medication, administer anesthesia, and provide gynecological care.

Within the industry itself, the job requirements are changing as well. Gone are the days when a nurse could only take your blood pressure and ensure that your bedding was comfortable and your medication was timely administered. Now, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while there is no entry level education required to become a nursing assistant or an orderly, with the annual median pay being a rather low $30,290, the demand for Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, as well as their salary, is booming. The agency outlines that on a median level, an anesthetist, midwife, or nursing practitioner made a cool $123,780 per year in 2021. At the same time, the minimum entry level education required for this career is a master's degree, and more importantly, there is a severe shortage of these practitioners since while the average rate of job growth for the healthcare sector is 5%, for nursing specialists, the growth rate is nearly eight times this as it is expected to sit at a strong 40% between 2021 and 2031, with 118,600 jobs added over the forecasted period. If you're curious about the job market for Registered Nurses, the BLS outlines that, on the median, a registered nurse made $77,600 annually in 2021 and the field requires a bachelor's degree as its entry level education.

Building on this, the National Academy of Medicine points out that advances in the nursing sector have also transformed hospitals' ability to manage their daily tasks and improve the quality of patient services. It reveals that some changes that good quality nurses have helped with are reducing the time duration of hospital stays, decreasing physician workload, improving healthcare access for the underprivileged, providing greater access to specialty care, and enabling a greater role of technology within hospitals. These changes have also been spurred by the growing role of technology in nearly every sector, with nurses now playing a crucial role in informatics across intra hospital workflow management, by pursuing jobs such as informatics manager, informatics analyst, clinical analyst, and nursing and clinical informatics specialist.

Finally, in terms of monetary value, Data Bridge Market Research believes that the nursing care market was worth $1.1 billion in 2021 and will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% between then and 2029 to sit at $1.79 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth will be driven by a larger chunk of the elderly population, as well as severe health disorders among the elderly.

16 Countries that Produce the Best Nurses

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

We used Quacquarelli Symonds's (QS) list of the world's top nursing universities to pick out which countries have the best nurses. After all, a quality practical education is synonymous with quality practitioners. We scanned the QS university ranking for nursing schools covering the top 75 institutions, to sift out countries with the most top quality universities. In case of a tie, the universities' H-index Citation scores were used, and if the tie persisted, then the employer reputation of their graduates was relied upon to finalize the list. The H-index is a useful tool for evaluating quality since it measures the citational impact of an institution's research and removes uncited papers in determining rankings.

16 Countries that Produce the Best Nurses

16. Kingdom of Spain

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

The Kingdom of Spain is a European country with a $2.2 trillion GDP and a per capita income of $46,511. The Universitat de Barcelona is the only Spanish university in the top 75 universities, and it is also one of the oldest universities in the world as well since it was set up in 1450. Overall, the university ranks 184 in the QS ranking, indicating that the nursing school is better than the university as a whole.

15. Denmark

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

Denmark is a prosperous European country with a $411 billion GDP and a high per capita income of $69,273. Its Aarhus University ranks at 51 on the QS list, and it offers a Master's degree in nursing. Registered nurses in Denmark are required to have a BA degree, and overall, nurses in the country can earn as much as 43,000 kroner per month.

14. Republic of Korea (ROK)

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

Republic of Korea (ROK), or South Korea, is an Asian country commonly known as South Korea. South Korea's Seoul National University is ranked high in the world's list of best nursing schools, and it offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. To qualify for a nursing exam, an individual must take either a three year diploma or a four year degree. At the same time, South Korea has fewer nurses when compared to other OECD countries.

13. New Zealand

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean with a GDP per capita of $50,851. According to the government, senior nurses in New Zealand can earn up to $144,000 per year, and registered nurses in the country are required to complete an approved bachelor's program. The University of Auckland is ranked at 42 in the QS list, and its School of Nursing offers bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees.

12. Federative Republic of Brazil

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

The Federative Republic of Brazil, or simply Brazil, is a South and Latin American country with a $3.9 trillion GDP - one of the largest in the world. Brazil also has one of the largest nursing workforces in the world, with more than two million nurses working in the country. Nurses in Brazil can make as much as 117,996 BRL a year, and generally require a three to four year academic degree.

11. Republic of Finland

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

The Republic of Finland is a European country. Its University of Turku is quite highly ranked, placed at 28 in the global list of best nursing schools. Turku is Finland's first English language university and its Department of Nursing Science offers bachelor, master's, and doctoral degrees. Registered nurses require at least 3.5 years of study,

10. Kingdom of Belgium

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 1

The Kingdom of Belgium is a European country with a $723 billion GDP. Nurses in Belgium are required to have a diploma at the minimum, and Belgium's Ghent University is one of the highest ranked nursing schools in the world in terms of research. It offers a master's program in nursing and midwifery.

9. Republic of Ireland

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 2

The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign European nation with a $633 billion GDP and the third highest per capita income in the world. Nurses make 45,000 Euros on average in Ireland, and their starting salary which stands at approximately 31,109 Euros is higher than the starting salary of nurses in the U.K. - Ireland's closest neighbor.

8. Republic of Singapore

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 3

n The Republic of Singapore is one of the most prosperous countries in the world through its purchasing power parity GDP per capita of $131,580 - the second highest in the world. Singapore's National University of Singapore (NUS) is among the top forty nursing schools in the world, and its Alice Lee Center of Nursing Studies offers several undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs. Nurses can earn up to 60,000 Singaporean dollars a year in Singapore.

7. Kingdom of Sweden

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 3

The Kingdom of Sweden is another prosperous European nation, which is also one of the most developed countries in the world. Its Karolinska Institutet is among the top twenty best nursing schools in the world, and it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Sweden requires a three year education for a nursing career, with starting salaries as high as 30,000 Krona per month.

6. Republic of China (ROC)

Number of Universities in QS Top 75 List: 4

The Republic of China (ROC), commonly known as Taiwan, is an island region in the South China Sea. It has four nursing universities in the top 75, with two of these being in the top 50. Nurses in Taiwan have to complete at least a three years degree program in order to become registered nurses.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Countries that Produce the Best Nurses.

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Disclosure: None. 16 Countries that Produce the Best Nurses is originally published on Insider Monkey.
When Zachary Willmore received an HIV-positive diagnosis in February, he said he felt like it was the end of the world.

I really did feel like my life was over in that day, the 19-year-old San Diego State University student told NBC News. Its just so stigmatized when people hear that they have HIV and its forever.

Willmore flew home to Missouri from school shortly after his diagnosis, seeking comfort in the company of friends and family. After taking time to process privately, he decided to go public, creating daily updates about living with HIV for his TikTok platform of 1.7 million followers.

Its Friday, Feb. 17. Im 19 years old. And yesterday, I found out that I got diagnosed with HIV, Willmore said as he put on makeup in the inaugural post of his TikTok video diary.

I feel drained emotionally, physically, everything, he continued.

Since creating these day-in-the-life videos, which have amassed millions of views on TikTok. Willmore has harnessed his social media power to educate others about the auto-immune disease, including sharing content about how the disease is spread, the science of HIV medication and a video paying homage to pioneering HIV activists and scientists.

People are scared of the unknown, Willmore said. Information is power, so I really wanted to help people understand.

Although he recorded the videos as he was motioning through day-to-day life, he did not post until a week after his diagnosis, coinciding with when he began to take medication. Advances in science and technology have allowed people living with HIV to be undetectable and untransmittable.

a goofy zoomer who gets HIV being able to envision a future of getting a few extra tests and taking a couple of daily pills is one of the greatest triumphs of medical science in human history and we should give daily thanks to god that it happened, one Twitter user wrote, referring to Willmores content.

Many have flooded his comments with praise and affirmations.

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The perspective youre offering will help a lot of people deconstruct their biases and ease the stigmas that have literally killed so many people, one commenter wrote.

Willmore noted that some have criticized him, saying hes an attention-seeker, in part because of his cheery disposition as he talks about a disease that is often associated with doom.

When I seem happy in my videos, it is because I am, he said. He added that he doesnt want people to think hes taking the disease lightly. Rather he wants to highlight that an HIV diagnosis does not preclude living a normal life.

He said he creates these videos to support those living with HIV, who may feel they need to keep their condition a secret.

Theres so many people who will live with this disease and who are going through that in silence, he said.

Initially, Willmore said, he was concerned that creating content about his HIV diagnosis would obscure other aspects of his identity and life.

Ultimately, though, he said these videos have felt freeing.

This has been a healing process for me. Its how Ive been coping with it, and just talking through it has been really helpful, Willmore said.

He said he wants to show that, contrary to his initial reaction, having an HIV diagnosis is not the end of the world. After this week, he will be transitioning from daily video updates to weekly updates.

Still, he said, he has thought about having HIV every day since the diagnosis and gets sad at times. He added that he will be processing for a while.

The first week after, I really wanted to be over it. I really wanted to be good, Willmore said. I will be OK, but Im still a work in progress.

This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Police lights

Casa Grande police arrested two men in connection to a shooting that left a man dead early Saturday morning near Casa Grande Mountain, police said.

Police identified the victim as Julian Reynolds, 30, of Arizona City. The two suspects were identified as Roberto Barrera, 21, and Victor Leal, 20, both of Casa Grande.

Police said they received a 911 call just after 4:30 a.m. about a shooting on Isom Road near the Elzy Pearson Shooting Range in Casa Grande.

Police found Reynolds with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the location.

Detectives said after talking to a witness and developing leads they determined Barrera, Leal and a 16-year-old who was with them were driving thorugh the area and ran out of gas.

Police said they asked someone else to bring them gas and as they waited Barrera and Leal stole a car they found, which belonged to Reynolds, police said.

According to police, Reynolds was nearby collecting brass casings. He confronted Barrera and Leal, which led to the shooting.

Barrera and Leal fled the scene in their car after taking some of Reynolds property, police said. The 16-year-old also ran away.

Police found Barrera and Leal and took them into custody on Sunday. Both were booked into Pinal County Adult Detention Center and are facing charges of first degree murder, third degree burglary, and tampering with evidence, according to police.

Police found out another 16-year-old teen assited in hiding evidence. Police said charges of tampering with evidence will be submitted to the Pinal County Attorneys Office.

The teen who ran away from the crime scene was interviewed and released to his parents with no charges, police said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2 arrested in connection to Casa Grande homicide
Running March 10-19, and now hosting the Spanish Screenings Content, the Malaga Film Festival is now firmly established as Spains biggest movie event in the early part of the year. Strategically positioned fairly sharp on the heels of the Berlinale, the Spanish event offers top Spanish titles at the German festival the chance to consolidate their reputations while often producing new discoveries, especially from first-time directors.

Many titles, from a Spanish film industry whose younger directors are highly social conscience and favor art-house, are issue driven.

More from Variety

Theres a search for identity, whether a young trans girls exploration of gender identity or young leads to understand the world they live in, or the search for love and a sense pf strangeness, of being a stranger to oneself, Juan Antonio Vigar, Malaga Film Festival director said of this years main Competition. Following, a brief breakdown of its titles.

20,000 Species of Bees, (Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren, Spain)

The 2023 Berlin Festival best leading performance winner and a major triumph for Cannes Critics Week winner (Chords) Urresola on her fiction feature debut. Estibaliz Urresola Solagurens accomplished debut feature treats its eight-year-old protagonists gender crisis with care and compassion, but is also attentive to wider familial rhythms and conflicts, Variety said.

Catalonias Inicia Films (La Maternal) produces with Gariza Films (Nora. Malagas Competition frontrunner. Sales: Luxbox.

20000 Species of Bees

Bajo Terapia, (Gerardo Herrero, Spain)

Argentine Matias Del Federicos first and multi-prized play, staged in a score of countries, gets a big screen makeover from Herrero, whose Rough Winds won Malagas top Golden Biznaga in 2006. Three couples are summoned by their psychologist for group therapy which pushes them to wash increasingly dirty linen in public. A choral comedy driving deep into marriage flashpoints. Sales: Latido

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Las Buenas Companias, (Silvia Munt, Spain, France)

The latest from actor-director Munt, teaming regional powerhouses Irusoin and Oberon Cinematografica, partners on Spanish Oscar entry The Endless Trench, Frances Manny Films and La Fidele Production. Spain 1976: As the country hurtling towards democracy, Bea joins the feminist cause and, to her surprise, falls in love with another girl, from Spains upper classes, setting the personal and politics on collision course. Sales: Filmax.

Empieza El Baile, (Marina Seresesky, Argentina, Spain)

Two Argentine greats, Dario Grandinetti (Talk To Her) and Mercedes Moran (An Unexpected Love), star as a once world famous tango couple who have lost their passion. They embark on a road trip to reencounter a past theyve avoided, and find life and nothing less as they do. Argentine scribe-helmer Marina Seresesky (Lo Nunca Visto) directs.

Les Encantats, (Elena Trape, Spain)

Directed by Trape, whose The Distances swept Malagas Golden Biznaga for best picture as well as director and actress (Alexandra Jimenez) in 2018, an introspective drama starring Laia Costa, fresh off a Spanish Academy Goya for Lullaby,as a separated mother who retreats to her family house in the Pyrenees to think through her life. Sales: Latido

The Fantastic Case of the Golem, (Juan Gonzalez, Fernando Martinez  Burnin Percebes)

Produced by Aqui y Alli Films and Sideral, a star-spangled cast for the surreal fantasy second feature of one of Spains most intriguing duos who burst on the scene with 2020s La Reina de los lagartos. Here, after a night of drinking, Juan sees a friend fall several storeys to hit a car bonnet, smashing into a thousand pieces. Only Juan seems overly surprised. Sales: Sideral

The Fish Bowl, (La Pecera, Puerto Rico, Spain)

A Sundance 2023 World Cinema Dramatic Competition entry from Puerto Ricos Glorimar Marrero Sanchez, an intimate drama with environmental overtones, in which Noelia, a 40-year-old Puerto Rican visual artist whos seen her cancer returning goes back to her native Vieques in Puerto Rico, and claims her freedom to decide her own fate. Spains Solita Films and Auna Producciones and Puerto Ricos Canica Films produce. Sales: Visit Films

La Pecera

Girl Unknown (Pablo Maqueda, Spain)

A big buzz title going into Malaga, a chilling grooming thriller with a twist and market potential from Maqueda, a longterm producer (Manic Pixie Dream Girl) and director of Herzog tribute Dear Werner (Walking on Cinema). Produced by Sideral and La Fragua Audiovisual. Sales: Filmax.

Matria, (Alvaro Gago, Spain)

Alvaro Gagos Berlin 2023 Panorama player, a feature version of his 2018 Sundance winning short, expanded and modified by star Maria Vazquezs much more assertive central performance to portray the battle of a Galician woman, Ramona, 42, for economic independence. An inimitable sense of place, a Galician town on the coast, and a woman, explored in her multiple contradictions. Produced by Alcarras backers Avalon, and Elastica Films, and Matriuska and Ringo Media. Sales: New Europe Film Sales.

The Punishment, (El Castigo, Matias Bize, Chile)

The second film to see the light in 2022 for Bize, the multi-prized director of In the Bed, The Life of Fish, and The Memory of Water, having won at Malaga with lockdown inspired Private Messages. Here, a couples seven-year-old son is missing, having been left momentarily by the side of the road as a punishment. Set in a forest and played out in real time, the boys parents search for him. Ceneca lead produces. A confident and courageous mise-en-scene and clockwork script by Coral Cruz, says Luis Renart, at sales agent Bendita Sales.

Rebellion, (Jose Luis Rugeles, Colombia, Argentina, U.S.)

From Jose Luis Rugeles whose Alias Maria played Cannes Un Certain Regard and was Colombias Oscar submission, drifting through moments in Colombian salsa giant Arroyos life and psyche from childhood through to life end, exploring memory, addiction, and Arroyos deep connection to song composition.

Lead produced by Federico Duran, a film that reflects our continuous support for movies that present a directors vision and can advance storytelling in very creative ways, says sales agent Latido Films Antonio Saura.

Rebellion

Red Shoes, (Carlos Eichelmann Kaiser, Italy, Mexico)

From first time director Eichelmann Kaiser, produced by 101 Distribution and co-produced by Mexicos BHD Film. A farmer father travels from mountains in Mexico to retrieve his dead daughters body. A film about redemption, specifically spiritual redemption as profound as a return to our origins; a redemption that defies death itself, said 102s director of distribution Tommaso Cerqueglini. Sales: 102 Distribution

Saudade Became Home Inside, (Saudade fez Morada aqui Dentro, Haroldo Borges, Brazil)

A potential prize contender if it performs true to past form, the second feature from Brazils Borges (Son of Ox) follows the heartbreaking experience of a young, father-less Brazilian teenager confronting a degenerative eye disease. A metaphor for Brazil which has to learn to re-see, says its director, in 2022 the production, though missing out on prizes at Ventana Sur, swept Malaga WIP, BoliviaLab and Guadalajara Construye, claiming three prizes at each of the events including Malagas Jury Prize for best Latino project and Guadalajaras WIP Paradiso Prize. Sales: Habanero Film Sales.

Sica, (Carla Subirana, Spain)

Playing Berlins Generation 14plus, the first fiction feature of documentarist Subirana (Kanimambo), a classic coming of age tale, set on Galicias treacherous Costa da Morte where a daughters search for her drowned fathers body leads her to a larger understanding of a wider world. Atmospheric and skilfully constructed, like Alcarras, a film which deals with big issues but with a memorable sense of place. Alba Sotorra Productions produces with Galicias Miremira: Sales: Latido Films.

Sister & Sister, (Las Hijas, Kattia Gonzalez Zuniga, Panama, Chile)

Seen at IFF Panamas Primera Mirada, and Decembers Ventana Sur, where it won a Copia Final Percepciones Textuales Award, and now playing SXSW, the directors feature debut, about two teen sisters who travel from Costa Rica to Panama to look for their estranged father. Ceibita Films (La Picada) lead produces. Sales: Pluto Films.

Tregua(s), (Mario Hernandez, Spain)

The feature debut of a consistently prized short filmmaker, a 2016 Valladolid Festival best short winner for Slow Wine, reflecting Hernandezs parallel career as a playwright and theater director. A two-hander chamber piece, two ex-lovers, now locked in serious relationships with other partners, re-meet at a film festival, but cant slough off the lies and nostalgia of their current lives.

Unicorns, (Alex Lora, Spain)

Few new movies at Malaga have Unicorns credentials. The awaited fiction feature debut of Alex Lora, a Variety 2014 Spanish talent to track, from Inicia Films Valerie Delpierre, producer of Schoolgirls and La Maternal from director Pilar Palomero, who co-writes Unicorns. Greta Fernandez (A Thiefs Daughter) stars. A sexually-charged drama-thriller focusing on hedonist Isa, into sex but not relations, fascinated by the next brief fix, the superficial, social media  a symbol of the age. Sales: Filmax

Upon Entry, (Alejandro Rojas, Juan Sebastian Vasquez, Spain)

One of Malagas biggest buzz films, a Tallin Fipresci prize winner boarded by Charades and Anonymous Content, now also playing SXSW in the Narrative Spotlight Section. Described as a gripping psychological thriller, it turns on the a Spanish couple with U.S. residence visas subjected to an aggressive second vetting by border guards at Newark Airport. Produced by a pedigreed Spanish alliance of Carles Torras for Zabriskie Films, Carlos Juarez for Basque Films, Xose Zapata, Sergio Adria and Alba Sotorra. Sales: Charades

I Wake Up With a Dream, (Desperte con un sueno, Pablo Solarz, Argentina, Uruguay)

From Solarz, a hugely popular mid-brow comedy scribe (Un novio para mi mujer, Me case con un boludo ) turned director of wider ranging fare, such as 2018s The Last Suit or I Wake a personal tale of self realization and Berlinale Generation Plus contender, about young teen Felipe who dreams of becoming an actor, takes classes, an audition, hides his ambition from his mother. Pampa Films, Mutante, Aramos Cine and Bocacha Films produce.

Out of Competition:

Someone Who Takes Care of Me, (Daniela Fejerman, Spain)

The Malaga Festival opener, a celebration of acting, its passion craft and legacy, starring Emma Suarez (Julieta); Aura Garrido (What the Future Holds) and Magui Mira (El rey del mambo). Fejerman directs from a story by Manolito Gafotas author Elvira Lindo. Latido Films

Como Dios Manda, (Paz Gimenez Diaz, Spain)

A Warner Bros. Espana release in Spain and vehicle for comedian Leo Harlem who plays a patriarchal tax inspector suddenly fined at work and transferred to a sexual equality program. Sales: Film Factory

Ed Meza and Callum McLennan contributed to this article.

Unicorns

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(NEXSTAR)  From coffee mugs to a cardboard box, swag from the now-failed financial institution Silicon Valley Bank is attracting bids on eBay.

Along with those who appear to be manufacturing items with the SVB logo and tongue-in-cheek Bank Run 2023 FDIC 250K OR Risk Management Department messages, there are number of other singular items for sale.

A branded corporate swag tumbler and bottle set surpassed $75 Monday with nearly seven days before the auctions close. Bidding for a hat and 12-ounce tumbler set reached $100.

Tom Bradys retirement sand auctioning off for $99,990 on eBay

The seller of a $50 used, blue SVB coffee mug claims to have been an employee at the failed bank:

I worked for Silicon Valley Bank in the Enterprise Business Analytics team as a data scientist, the alleged former employee wrote. I am utterly shocked by what has happened and am extremely concerned about the future. Buying this mug helps me out but also gets you a piece of history to one of the fastest banking failures in US history. This mug was used on the day to day and shows signs of wear. But those knicks (sic) in the powder coating just tell my story of grinding, analyzing, and ultimately failing to help the bank use data to help the bank and its customers have success.

Standing out from the tumblers, T-shirts and hats, however, was a teal cardboard box with the white and black SVB logo.

As of Monday, bidding had reached $201 for the box.

Box received after getting offer letter one month before the bank blew up, A message from the seller reads. Limited edition. Need to pay rent this month, please bid.

U.S. regulators closed the Silicon Valley Bank on Friday after depositors rushed to withdraw their funds all at once. It was the second largest bank failure in U.S. history, behind only the 2008 failure of Washington Mutual. New York-based Signature Bank also collapsed in the third-largest failure in the U.S.

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The Treasury has set aside $25 billion to offset any losses incurred. Fed officials said, however, that they do not expect to have to use any of that money, given that the securities posted as collateral have a very low risk of default.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gwinnett police announced at least 26 people have been indicted after a year-long investigation into gang activity. All but one of them are now in police custody.

The 210-count indictment includes violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, violations of the gang act, and counts of malice murder, felony murder and multiple counts of armed robbery, aggravated assaults among other charges.

Gwinnett police say the charges are connected to several shootings and other violent crimes across the metro Atlanta area.

[PHOTOS: 25 arrested on gang charges in Gwinnett racketeering indictment, 1 suspect on the run]

The charges range from RICO charges to murder charges and other charges, said Officer Hideshi Valle with the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Back in August 2021, police investigated multiple shootings along Boggs Road in Duluth. Investigators discovered that these cases were related to ongoing violence between the Blitxtz and the 56 Gang.

On Aug. 29, 2021, police said 56 Gang members shot and killed 18-year-old Jeremiah Pretto of Duluth. Authorities discovered other violent crimes were linked to the 56 Gang.

TRENDING STORIES:

These incidents were carried out against each other and sometimes innocent people, Valle said.

Such crimes included multiple armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated assaults.

Investigators said in December 2021, the case turned into a RICO investigation against the 56 Gang, as authorities began charging numerous members with what police said were even more violent cases.

Investigators said they discovered that 56 Gang was working with the Drug RIxh gang.

On Jan. 25, 2023, police said a Gwinnett County grand jury indicted the top leaders of 56 Gang: 22-year-old Ladavion Smith, aka Chicago, of Lawrenceville, and 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton, aka XG, of Clarkston.

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Police said the same grand jury also indicted Drug Rixh founding members: 24-year-old Dalemonte Neshawn Stilley, aka Drug Rixh Hect, of Stone Mountain, and 27-year-old Zaion Sharif Martinez, aka Drug Rixh Peso, of Stone Mountain.

Investigators said 22 additional members of both gangs were indicted on RICO charges.

According to the police, 25 out of 26 defendants have been arrested. The last outstanding defendant, 22-year-old Khari Kelley, aka RX Yano, of Decatur, has an active felony warrant in this case. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Police say they worked diligently to make the arrests in their effort to keep gangs out of Gwinnett County.

We do know gang criminal activity poses a threat to our community and to our citizens and to our schools, Valle said.

Police say they some of the crimes spanned across the metro area and some were charged in counties as far away as Carroll County.

Anyone with information regarding Kelleys whereabouts is asked to contact the Gwinnett County Police Department detectives at 770-513-5300.

Gwinnett police say the charges are connected to several shootings and other violent crimes across the metro Atlanta area.

Back in August 2021, police investigated multiple shootings along Boggs Road in Duluth. Investigators discovered that these cases were related to ongoing violence between the Blitxtz and the 56 Gang.

On Aug. 29, 2021, police said 56 Gang members shot and killed 18-year-old Jeremiah Pretto of Duluth. Authorities discovered other violent crimes were linked to the 56 Gang. Such crimes included multiple armed robberies, carjackings and aggravated assaults.

GALLERY OF SUSPECTS:
Mark Ruffalo in Avengers: Endgame, Elijah Wood in Lord of the Rings and Kate Winslet in Titanic' (Marvel Studios/New Line Cinema/Paramount)

Amid the praise for Quentin Tarantinos film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, one eagle-eyed celebrity viewer spotted a glaring historical inaccuracy in the blockbuster flick.

The moment occurs towards the end of the film, when Leonardo DiCaprios character Rick Dalton is reported to have arrived back in Hollywood from Europe on a Boeing 747. But it was John Travolta, who is a plane enthusiast and trained pilot, who said that this would have been impossible given the film is set in 1969.

Well, the 747 had its test flight in February 1969, but it went into service in January 1970. Theyre nine months off! He would have been on a Boeing 707! he said.

We can forgive Tarantino for that. But its hard to believe that some slip-ups  whether its Judy Garland without her ruby red shoes in The Wizard of Oz or Julia Roberts eating a croissant that gets swapped for a pancake in Pretty Woman  actually made it through the editing process.

According to the website Movie Mistakes, Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson  features no less than 60 errors over its two-hour duration.

Is there a film where somebody hasnt screwed up?

Here, we list 29 mistakes in films that you might not have caught.

Batman (1989)

Batman 1989: 'Gentleman Let's Broaden Our Minds, Lawrence!'

The Tim Burton-directed superhero film has multiple mistakes, but a major one happens when Joker and his crew deface paintings at a museum. One of his gang members slaps a painting with his hands that are covered in red paint, but in the next shot, the handprints have disappeared from the artwork.

Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (2019)

Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood' (Sony)

Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, flies back to Hollywood on a Boeing 747. But it would have been a 707. The film was set in 1969 and the 747 went into service in January 1970.

The Graduate (1967)

(Embassy Pictures)

Dustin Hoffmans character drives in the wrong direction across the Bay Bridge in San Francisco on his way to Berkeley, California. He is travelling on the top deck of the bridge for traffic going from California to San Francisco.

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Pretty Woman (1990)

There is a continuity issue at breakfast when Julia Robertss character takes a bite out of a croissant. Shes in the hotel room with her co-star Richard Gere, but when the camera pans back to her, it transforms into a pancake. Then when she takes a second bite out of the pancake, there is only one bite mark in it.

Pretty Woman (Rex Features)

North by Northwest (1959)

(MGM)

One of the children playing an extra in Alfred Hitchcocks film covers his ears a few seconds before Eva Marie Saints character unexpectedly fires a gun at Cary Grants character in the Mount Rushmore cafeteria.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

(Rex Features)

Bullet holes can be seen in the walls of the apartment where John Travolta and Samuel L Jacksons characters go to get a briefcase, but its before the shoot-out has happened.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

(Warner Bros)

John Connors Cessnas plane numbers keep changing in the film. When he is in the hanger on the runway it is N3035C, but once its flying, the numbers change to N3413F.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (MGM)

Judy Garland isnt wearing her iconic ruby red slippers in the scene where the trees pelt Dorothy and the Scarecrow with apples. Instead, she can be seen wearing plain black shoes.

American Sniper (2015)

The baby that Bradley Cooper holds while adapting to civilian life after the Iraqi War is plastic. In fact, it looked so fake, even he admitted it was nuts.

Independence Day (1996)

(Claudette Barius/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock)

When computer expert David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum, is throwing a tantrum in the hanger housing the captured alien craft, he knocks over a bin that is labelled Art Dept. Clearly, a set designer left it there by mistake.

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

(Univeral Pictures)

In a scene when Jesse and Tran race, Tran is wearing a shirt with sleeves, but in the next shot hes in a tank top. Didnt anybody notice when they edited it?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  Part 2 (2011)

(Warner Bros)

We were always told that Harry Potter had his mothers blue eyes. But when we see Lily Potter as a child, she has brown eyes.

Star Wars: Episode IV  A New Hope (1977)

Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope' in 1977 (Rex Features)

As a group of stormtroopers enter a control room, one of them accidentally bangs his head on a door. The actor responsible, Laurie Good, couldnt believe it made it into the final film.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

(Rex Features)

There is a crew member wearing a cowboy hat and looking out to sea behind Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow on the pirate ship.

Quantum of Solace (2008)

(Rex Features)

A street cleaner behind Daniel Craigs James Bond is pretending to sweep the road but is holding his broom several inches off the ground.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

(Buena Vista Pictures)

When Bianca accidentally shoots a gym teacher with an arrow, an extra, who is playing a student, runs off to get urgent help  but once she thinks she is out of shot, she stops and looks back at the camera.

Braveheart (1995)

(Rex Features)

There is a modern car in the background of a big battle scene. Considering the film is set in the 13th century, its hard to imagine how it stayed in the final cut.

Django Unchained (2012)

(TWC)

Leonardo DiCaprio accidentally cut his hand while filming a scene in which he slams his hand on the table and breaks a glass. But rather than shout cut, he carried on in character. Tarantino liked it so much that he kept it in the film.

Captain Marvel (2019)

(AP)

Many of the mistakes are related to the films 1990s time period. These include computers using a wrongly dated version of Windows and Carol Danverss memories being jogged by a Nirvana song that wasnt out until after she left Earth.

Spider-Man (2002)

(Rex)

Toby McGuires Spider-Man saves Kirsten Dunsts Mary Jane from a group of attackers. He throws them through a set of windows before he kisses her upside down in the rain. But during their romantic embrace, the windows behind her are perfectly intact.

Halloween (1978)

(*)

John Carpenters slasher film starring Jamie Lee Curtis was set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, but all the cars have Californian number plates and there are shots of palm trees, as the film was shot in Southern California.

The Goonies (1985)

(Rex Features)

At the end of the cult film, Data tells news reporters that the octopus was really scary, but this actually refers to a deleted scene. It was only added back in for the Disney Channel version.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

(*)

Eagle-eyed fans have noted that Ant-Man can be seen in two places at once during the final battle scene  in the van, and in his giant form, fighting alongside the other Avengers.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

(Rex)

Merry and Pippin are captured by the Orcs at the start of the film, and Pippin is seen in handcuffs. But he doesnt have them anymore in the fight scene. And then they reappear on his wrists a few moments later.

Gladiator (1999)

(Rex)

Ridley Scotts epic film took place many centuries before fuel-powered vehicles. But during the Battle of Carthage, a gas canister can be seen on the back of a chariot when it flips over.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

(Rex)

There is a mix up over whether it is day or night at the beginning of the stock market heist scene in Christopher Nolans film. It is clearly daylight, but suddenly, after the police chase, its pitch black.

Titantic (1997)

(Rex)

When Jack (Leonardi DiCaprio) is painting a naked Rose (Kate Winslet) and tells her to go over by the bed, and then says he means the couch, it was DiCaprio flubbing his lines. But James Cameron kept it in the film because it was funny.

Jurassic World (2015)

(Rex)

The blockbuster featured about 33 mistakes, including a scene in which lead actor Chris Pratt talks to co-star Bryce Dallas Howard without his mouth moving. In another scene, a phones broken screen suddenly appears fixed
Almost two months after an arrest warrant was issued in a January Broward County double shooting that left one man dead, suspect Leronte Smith was found and arrested.

But one of the men Smith is accused of shooting is now listed as a fugitive by the Florida Department of Corrections.

As for the 34-year-old Smith, hes listed as an inmate in Broward County Jail, held on no bond after being charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Hes not yet charged with being a felon with a firearm, despite his felony battery conviction in 2010 that sent Smith to prison for five months.

Broward also is holding Smith for Palm Beach County, where law enforcement also wanted Smith on burglary and petit theft charges.

READ MORE: A double shooting kills one man in a Broward residential neighborhood

Online court records dont list an attorney for Smith after the Broward County Public Defenders Office filed to be excused from the job. The office pointed out its representing the two men Smith is accused of shooting on Jan. 9, 33-year-old Brandon Dessalines and 26-year-old DeWitt Butler, as well as one of the witnesses in other cases. That legal commitment remains through Dessalines death in the shooting.

Arrest paperwork says Butler was shot in the leg and was in Broward Health Medical Center until at least Jan. 13. But on Sunday, the Florida Department of Corrections website lists Butler as being under community control probation until Feb. 1, 2024, after grand theft auto and as an Absconder/Fugitive.

DeWitt Butler is listed as a fugitive by the Florida Department of Corrections

Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

An arrest warrant says two ShotSpotter alerts from a home brought deputies to the 1400 block of Northwest 27th Avenue at 2:39 a.m. Jan. 9. Deputies found Dessalines dead and Butler with a gunshot wound to a leg. They also found five 9mm casings from Sig Sauer, Blazer and I-USA. Butler eventually told BSO detectives that he and Dessalines were sitting at a bus stop when a black Mercedes pulled up and people inside began shooting.

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The arrest warrant also said surveillance video from nearby homes showed a black four-door Mercedes with a spoiler added after the car was driven off the lot. About a half mile away and seven hours after the shooting, Fort Lauderdale police investigating a theft found two Sig Sauer 9mm casings outside the passenger side of a black Mercedes with an after-market spoiler.

Surveillance video showed the Mercedes being parked there, in the 2300 block of Northwest 16th Court, since about three minutes after the shooting. While investigators were there, a 27-year-old man walked up and said he was there to pick up the Mercedes for his brother, the registered owner, who had rented it to someone else. The 27-year-old said he got a phone call to meet with someone in the 1600 block of Northwest 24th Avenue to get the keys to the car.

The arrest warrant says when detectives searched the car, they found a bank statement from Navy Federal Credit Union for Leronte J. Smith. Butler, the warrant says, later identified Smith in a photo lineup as the person who shot him and killed Dessalines.
A 3-year-old is in critical condition after he was found unresponsive in a hotel pool, Tennessee police say.

The boy was found in the indoor pool of a Nashville hotel on the evening of Friday, March 10, Nashville police said in a news release. He was hospitalized in very critical condition.

Police said the boy and his brother were at the pool with their mothers friend while their mother took a nap. The friend is accused of leaving the pool area for an unknown amount of time.

When the friend returned to the pool area, the toddler was unconscious, police said.

The Nashville Police Departments Youth Services Division is investigating the incident. It is unclear if anyone will face charges.

11-week-old boys body found in car seat after flood sweeps car away in WV, cops say

Dad couldnt grab boy swept away in river  so bystander jumps in, CA officials say

Swimmers cry for help at Arizona lake, cops say. Then rescuers find their shoes
A group of 62 Democrats in the House is pressing the Biden administration to take more aggressive action to combat child labor law violations, following reports of widespread abuses at prominent U.S. companies.

The lawmakers, led by Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), said in a letter to former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra that the administration needs to take more steps to make sure children are not illegally employed in the U.S.

We are concerned with new investigative reporting alleging migrant children are illegally working in factories across the United States for major corporations in the automotive, processed food and textile industries, the lawmakers said in the letter. This is unacceptable and must end immediately. Children should be in school, not working in dangerous factory jobs.

Walsh left the Biden administration at the end of last week. Kildees team confirmed that the Labor Department acknowledged its receipt of the letter for Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su.

The pressure from House Democrats comes after the federal government revealed last month that child labor violations have been on the rise since 2015. The administration has announced some high-profile investigations into companies and levied a $1.5 million fine on Packers Sanitation Services Inc., one of the countrys largest food safety sanitation companies.

Labor and Health and Human Services officials also announced last month several joint initiatives to snuff out labor violations, including an interagency task force between Labor and Health and Human Services, which will enhance information-sharing between the departments.

Lawmakers nodded to the actions the departments are taking, but said they were not enough.

We appreciate the latest initiatives by the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) to partner and use enforcement tools to combat child labor, the lawmakers said. However, we are frustrated by the lack of timely action. We ask your agencies to take additional immediate actions to stop child labor abuses.

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The lawmakers asked the Labor Department to use a provision in the Fair Labor Standards Act to stop the shipment of goods from factories that use illegal child labor.

This will ensure companies do not profit from the sale of products made while using illegal child labor and encourage companies to scrutinize their supply chains more closely, lawmakers said.

They also asked that Health and Human Services be much more aggressive in following up when children make a complaint or request assistance because of their work environment.

Updated at 5:05 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kevin Winter - Getty Images

The 2023 Academy Awards have come to a close, and with a few surprisesLady Gaga did actually perform!they went pretty much as expected.

That doesn't mean Oscars night wasn't exciting, though. There were numerous moments that were historic, including Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Ruth E. Carter's wins. Read on for all the ways the 95th Academy Awards made history:

1. Michelle Yeoh won Best Actress, becoming the first Asian woman to win the award.

Kevin Winter - Getty Images

Yeoh was the first Asian woman to win in the Best Actress category, and only the second woman of color to ever take home the award. (Halle Berry was the first in 2002.)

"For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities," Yeoh said in her acceptance speech. "This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, dont let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime. Never give up."

2. Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor, becoming the first actor born in Vietnam to win an Oscar.

ABC - Getty Images

"My journey started on a boat, I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow, I ended up here, on Hollywood's biggest stage," an emotional Quan said in his speech. Quan's family fled Vietnam in 1978 and ended up in a refugee camp in Hong Kong; they arrived in the United States in 1979.

He was the second Asian actor to ever win in the category; Haing S. Ngor, a Chinese Cambodian refugee, won in 1984 for his performance in The Killing Fields.





3. Ruth E. Carter becomes the first Black woman to win two Oscars, after winning for costume design.

Arturo Holmes - Getty Images

"Nice to see you again," Carter said in her acceptance speech. "Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the superhero that is a Black woman. She endure, she loves, she overcomes, she is every woman in this film. She is my mother."

In 2019, Carter also made history when she was the first Black designer ever to win the Oscar for costume design. On making history tonight, she said, "I feel that this win opens the door for other young costume designers that may not think this industry is for them."

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4. A24 became the first studio to sweep the top six awards: Best Picture, Best Director, and all four acting awards.

Five out of six of those came from Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the sixth came from Brendan Fraser winning for The Whale.

PATRICK T. FALLON - Getty Images

"I'd like to thank the Academy for this honor, and studio A24 for making such a bold film," Fraser said in his acceptance speech.

5. "Naatu Naatu" became the first Telugu song to win best original song.

PATRICK T. FALLON - Getty Images

The song, from Indian action epic RRR, beat out Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Dianne Warren to take home the top prize, making Oscars history in the process: It became the first Telugu song to win, and the first song from an Indian film to win. RRR also became the first Indian feature film to win in a category that is not Best International Film.

"Thank you Academy. I grew up listening to the Carpenters. And now, here I am with the Oscars. There was only one wish on my mind....," Keeravani sang in his acceptance speech.

PATRICK T. FALLON - Getty Images

Earlier in the evening, actress Deepika Padukone introduced the performance, saying, "Do you know Naatu? Because if not, you're about to."



VALERIE MACON - Getty Images

The 87-year-old actor broke the record for longest gap between Oscar nominations when he was nominated for his role in The Fabelmans: 41 years and 341 days, breaking the record previously set by Henry Fonda. Hirsch is also the second-oldest ever acting nominee ever.

The Oscars acting categories also made history, more broadly: 16 out of 20 total nominees in the acting categories were newcomers, the largest group of first-time acting nominees ever.

7. Guillermo del Toro became the first person to win Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Animated Feature in Oscars history.

Allen J. Schaben - Getty Images

Guillermo del Toro took home the first prize of the night, winning Best Animated Film for Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. He previously won Best Picture and Best Director for The Shape of Water in 2017.

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Bring everything you need to the beach with an Amazon beach bag.

 Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

A fantastic beach day is not complete without a good beach bag to haul all of your items to and fro. If you like to travel in the summer, whether it be to the beach or on a road trip, you need a good bag to carry your essentials. To help you prepare for the adventures ahead, we went ahead and compiled our favorite beach bags on Amazon to support all of your summer travels.

Shop beach bags at Amazon

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1. Shylero Waterproof Pool and Beach Bag

Keep all of your items dry.

If youre carrying the entire familys towels along with the umbrella to the beach, you'll be a huge fan of this spacious, waterproof and durable beach bag. Its interior space can hold all of these items, which can be secured with the magnetic-close feature. The two outside pockets are ideal for chapstick, snacks and sunblock, and there is even a built-in bottle opener for your favorite drinks! It is offered in a few different patterns, such as blue-and-white stripes and pretty green zig zags.

$50 at Amazon

Amazon deals: Score major savings on iRobot, Apple, Keurig and Samsung

2. F-color Mesh Beach Bag

Spacious enough for your favorite sun essentials.

Lightweight and durable, this solid beach bag is built for a large group of family or friends. Its ripstop mesh and durable build can hold up to 160 pounds in weight, yet it weighs just under one pound. Easily carry it with the two comfortable shoulder straps and store your favorite pair of sunglasses and snacks in one of the eight breathable pockets and other compartment spots. There is even a waterproof zipper on the inside to separate wet clothes from dry items, but some reviewers say that the bottom of the bag doesnt fully protect your items from getting wet. Therefore, you should place this bag on dry ground.

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$15 at Amazon

3. Yeti Camino Boat and Beach Tote Bag

Heavy-duty and easy to handle.

This Yeti Camino bag has five solid stars, which isnt a surprise. Yeti in general makes very durable travel products, and are known for their insulating properties. This tote bag is resilient to punctures and abrasions. It is made of duffel nylon fabric and vinyl lining and includes an EVA molded base that is sturdy and waterproof. Not only that, this bag is lightweight and easy to carry with either its handle or shoulder strapsmaking it the perfect bag for carrying road trip, hiking or beach gear.

$150 at Amazon

4. Lilly Pulitzer Mercato Beach Tote

The perfect large purse to bring to tropical places.

If you love Lilly Pulitzer, then youll want to check out this simple and stylish beach tote. And yes, it is pretty simple, but it offers a lot of space for those sunglasses of yours that you cant seem to leave the house without, as well as a towel, bathing suit, snacks and more. It has the iconic Lilly Pulitzer floral design with blue and pink flowers, which will fit right in with your surroundings if youre heading to Hawaii. The zip top secures your belongings, and the striped webbing is both durable and fashionable.

$98 at Amazon

5. Red Suricata Mesh Beach Bag

A great beach bag for him.

This is the best tote bag for carrying multiple items to the beach, such as a frisbee, water bottle, change of clothes and umbrella. It is a very large tote bag that is easy and comfortable to carry with the handles that have a cushioned grip, which is great for those long hauls on sand to your favorite beach spot. This bag even has a breathable mesh lining to keep your items cool and a zipper to keep them secure.

$50 at Amazon

6. Bluboon Beach Pool Bag

Choose from several colors and prints.

Made of polyester with nylon lining, this lightweight beach bag can easily be carried to the gym with your workout items or the beach for a day of rejuvenation. It is both durable and waterproof, making it ideal for being by the water. The smooth carry straps make it easy to travel to and from your destination. This bag even has a front pocket, hidden inner pocket, and protective pocket for your wet items. Although this beach bag is spacious, some customers find it to be a little too bigif you tend to overpack, this could be the one for you.

$25 at Amazon

7. Aloha Collection Pinstripe Day Tripper

Flight friendly and easily fits your belongings.

This flight-friendly bag is made of a 100% coated technical material that provides greater protection for your belongings. The zipper on the top expands to create more space, and the interior includes a zip pocket for your most valuable items, such as your passport and keys. There is also an outside zip pocket for easy-to-grab items, such as your snacks. This bag comes in multiple prints and colors to match everyones taste, such as black palm trees or white and blue stripes.

$74 at Amazon

8. Hoxis Beach Tote

A simple, sleek beach bag that'll fit in your suitcase.

For the flight catcher who enjoys tropical island getaways, this simple and elegant beach bag is for you. It is a basic, budget-friendly and lightweight bag that is ideal for traveling. It doesnt close, but many reviewers find it to be very spacious. Bring your wallet, phone, sunglasses and other small items down to the hotel pool or beach easily in the built-in pocket. This bag is also made of polyester and breathable nylon to keep your items cool. You can carry it along with you anywhere thanks to its comfortable shoulder strap.

$17 at Amazon

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Best beach bags: Shop Amazon for summer totes and bags
Some eagle-eyed viewers couldn't help but notice that some big names were left out of the in memoriam tribute during the Oscars broadcast on March 12.

Before the segment began, John Travolta gave a brief introduction and a nod to his "Grease" co-star and friend, Olivia Newton-John, who died in August at age 73. Lenny Kravitz then performed the song "Calling All Angels."

The tribute paid homage to a number of stars, including Newton-John, Ray Liotta, Kirstie Alley, Robbie Coltrane and others. But the segment left some viewers wanting more.

Actor Lydia Cornell tweeted the following message in response to the segment: "Can anyone explain why this happens every year?"

The "Too Close for Comfort" star then listed a few names that she noticed were missing, including Paul Sorvino, who died in July at age 83; Anne Heche, who died at age 53 in August from injuries sustained in a car crash; and Tom Sizemore, who died earlier this month at age 61, days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Sorvino's wife, Dee Dee Sorvino, shared a statement with NBC News criticizing her husband's exclusion from the tribute.

Paul Sorvino was one of the greatest actors in cinematic history in Hollywood. It is unconscionable that he would be left out of the 'IN MEMORIAM' segment of the Oscars. Its a three-hour show, they cant give a couple more minutes to get it right?" she said.

During Kravitz's performance, viewers were able to scan a QR code that linked out to a more robust online list of actors who died over the last year. The list includes Paul Sorvino, Heche and Sizemore, among others.

Dee Dee Sorvino, who said her husband was "loved by all," argued that the names listed online should also have been shared during the on-air segment.

"Paul was not the only deserving soul left out, and a QR Code is not acceptable. The Academy needs to issue an apology, admit the mistake and do better. Paul Sorvino deserves better, the audience deserves better, is the Academy so jaded they forget people who are loved, who have given their hearts to this industry? Shame on the Academy if this is not corrected. Mistakes are made, this was a big one. Please do something to make it right, she said.

Story continues

Paul Sorvino's daughter, Oscar-winning actor Mira Sorvino, also shared her disappointment via a tweet.

"It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!" she wrote.

A spokesperson for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement amid the backlash.

"The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars In Memoriam segment. An executive committee representing every branch considers the list and makes selections for the telecast based on limited available time. All the submissions are included on A.frame and will remain on the site throughout the year," the statement read.

Charlbi Dean, who starred in the Oscar-nominated film Triangle of Sadness and died in August at age 32, was also among the actors included in the online list but not part of the in memoriam broadcast segment. Other actors who were left out of the on-air segment included "Laverne & Shirley" star Cindy Williams, who died in January at the age of 75, and "Boogie Nights" star Philip Baker Hall, who died at the age of 90 in June.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
By Bhanvi Satija and Svea Herbst-Bayliss

(Reuters) -Billionaire investor Carl Icahn is pushing for three board seats at Illumina, criticizing the biotechnology company's acquisition of a cancer test developer that cost investors $50 billion.

Icahn, who owns 1.4% of Illumina, told other investors in a letter on Monday that he plans to nominate three director candidates to the company's nine person board, after weeks of private discussions with the company "failed to gain traction."

Illumina in 2021 closed a deal to buy Grail, which develops cancer detection tests, in spite of antitrust opposition from the Federal Trade Commission in the United States and the European Union.

Icahn wants the board seats for fear that Illumina's current directors will "pursue Grail until the end of time without regard to the amount of value destruction they leave in their wake." The decision to close the deal in the face of European regulators objections "created a staggering amount of risk," he wrote in the letter.

The Icahn candidates - Vincent Intrieri, Jesse Lynn and Andrew Teno - would help keep Illumina from "sinking further."

Illumina said CEO Francis deSouza and board chair John Thompson spoke with Icahn several times, and that his candidates were interviewed. But the company determined they lack "relevant skills and experience."

"Icahn was explicit and unyielding in his demand that any resolution should give him outsized influence and control," the company said in a statement.

The company also said that Icahn's letter does not recognize the value Grail can bring to Illumina shareholders.

Illumina's size shrunk from roughly $70 billion to $30 billion in market capitalization as investors worried about the takeover. On Monday, the stock jumped 16%.

The European Union in December unveiled details of a planned order which would force Illumina to unwind its $7.1 billion acquisition of Grail, fearing the deal would hurt consumer choice. While Illumina is appealing the planned order, it is also exploring options for next steps if the EU indeed forces it to divest Grail, it said.

Story continues

Icahn said he fears the company could lose $800 million in operating costs annually if the Grail deal is not unwound.

Icahn's sabre rattling at Illumina lays the ground work for one of the year's most high profile proxy contests after Nelson Peltz ended his contest for a seat at Disney and Daniel Loeb reached and agreement with Bath & Body Works. A handful of activists are still pressuring Salesforce to make changes.

At age 87, the billionaire remains one of the industry's most feared activist investors after having taken on iconic American companies including CVR Energy and Netflix over decades as an investor.

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru and Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Rhode Island; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Devika Syamnath and Maju Samuel)
Actor James Martin who went back to working his part-time day job as a Starbucks barista after starring in An Irish Goodbye, has become the first person with Down syndrome to win an Oscar for his role in the live-action short film.

Martin leads the 23-minute drama short as Lorcan, a young man whose mothers passing reunites him with his estranged brother Turlough (Seamus O'Hara).

On Sunday (12 March), the 31-year-old, joined his co-star OHara and directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White on stage to accept the award for Best Live Action Short.

At the end of Berkeleys speech, he announced that it was Martins birthday and asked the audience to join him in singing Happy Birthday.

Of his barista role, Martin told the Daily Mail in an earlier interview that hes been doing that a long time.

Its nice, he said, adding that he helps out with all the customers.

In addition to his job as a Starbucks employee at the chains Belfast branch, Martin is also a chef at a nearby Italian restaurant, Scalinis.

James Martin and Tom Berkeley accept the Best Live Action Short Film award for An Irish Goodbye (Getty Images)

I can make garlic bread, meatballs, salads and mussels, chips and stuff like that, he explained of his second job.

Elsewhere in the interview, he addressed being an actor with Down syndrome, saying: Anybody can act, it doesnt matter if you have Downs syndrome.

Take Stephen Hawking [who had motor neurone disease] in The Simpsons, he said. He was a fantastic actor, he knew what he was doing but you just have to treat him like an adult.

I always say to people never judge a book by its cover.

Later that evening, Irelands president Michael D Higgins hailed the Oscars win as a remarkable year for the Irish film industry.

As a gesture to all that has been achieved, and the important contribution of the film and related industries to Irish life, [wife] Sabina and myself look forward to hosting a St Patricks Day reception celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities at Aras an Uachtarain this Friday, Higgins said.

Read all the talking points from the Oscars night here and the full winners list here.
Three white men serving prison sentences in the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery are asking an appeals court to throw out their federal hate crime convictions, with two of them arguing their histories of making racist comments dont prove they targeted Arbery because he was Black.

Every crime committed against an African American by a man who has used racist language in the past is not a hate crime, defense attorney Pete Theodocion said in an appellate brief written on behalf of defendant William Roddie Bryan.

Arbery, 25, was chased by pickup trucks and fatally shot in the streets of a Georgia subdivision outside the port city of Brunswick on Feb. 23, 2020. His killing sparked a national outcry when cellphone video Bryan recorded of the shooting leaked online more than two months later.

The killing of Ahmaud Arbery

Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, armed themselves with guns and pursued Arbery after he was spotted running past their home. Bryan joined the chase in his own truck and recorded Travis McMichael shooting Arbery at close range with a shotgun.

RELATED: Ahmaud Arbery killing: Greg McMichael transferred to Augusta State Medical Prison in Georgia

All three men were sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted them of murder in a Georgia state court in 2021. The following year, they stood trial again in U.S. District Court and were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes in Arberys death. That jury was shown roughly two dozen racist text messages and social media posts by the McMichaels and Bryan.

They all filed legal briefs in their federal appeals March 3 with the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Attorneys for Bryan and Greg McMichael say their hate crime convictions should be overturned because the evidence shows they pursued Arbery thinking he was a criminal, not because of his race.

RELATED: Hearing delayed for ex-DA Jackie Johnson charged in wake of Ahmaud Arbery killing

Story continues

Greg McMichael initiated the chase when Arbery ran past his home because he recognized the young Black man from security camera videos that in prior months showed Arbery entering a neighboring home under construction. None of the videos showed him stealing, and Arbery was unarmed and had no stolen property when he was killed.

Arberys race was a fact of no greater import to Gregory McMichaels calculus than Mr. Arberys biological sex, the shorts he was wearing, his hairstyle, or his tattoos, wrote Greg McMichaels attorney, A.J. Balbo. He said there would have been no chase had the runner been a Black woman.

Bryan didnt know the McMichaels and had never seen the security camera videos. Still, his attorney said that Bryan had every right to assume Arbery was likely a criminal after seeing him run by with the McMichaels in pursuit and ordering Arbery to stop.

RELATED: Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael, William Bryan sentenced for hate crimes in Ahmaud Arbery killing

Arbery never called out for help or gave any signs that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, Theodocion wrote on Bryans behalf.

Travis McMichaels appeal makes no effort to challenge whether racism motivated Arberys killing. Instead, his attorney argues a technicality, saying prosecutors failed to prove that Arbery was chased and killed on public streets  as stated in the indictment used to charge the three men.

Defense Attorney Amy Lee Copeland says documents show that Glynn County officials declined to take over responsibility for the streets of Satilla Shores from a private developer when the subdivision was dedicated in 1958. She argued theres no record that the county ever changed its mind.

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Defense attorneys made the same arguments challenging racial motives and whether the streets were public during the federal trial in February 2021.

Prosecutors argued at the trial that the McMichaels and Bryan chased and shot Arbery out of pent-up racial anger.

Bryan had used racist slurs in text messages saying he was upset that his daughter was dating a Black man. A witness testified Greg McMichael had angrily remarked on the 2015 death of civil rights activist Julian Bond: All those Blacks are nothing but trouble. In 2018, Travis McMichael commented on a Facebook video of a Black man playing a prank on a white person: Id kill that f----ing n----r.

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On the question of whether the streets were public, prosecutors showed 101 service tickets for work the county performed in the neighborhood, mostly dealing with ditches and drainage. Copeland argued nothing showed the county paving or maintaining the streets except in relation to drainage repairs.

The U.S. Justice Department, which prosecuted the hate crimes case, has 30 days to file legal briefs in response to the hate crime appeals. Spokespersons for U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg, the federal prosecutor for Georgias Southern District, and for the Justice Department in Washington declined comment Friday.

The 11th Circuit has not set a date to hear oral arguments in the hate crime appeals. Both McMichaels received life prison sentences in the federal case, while Bryan was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Also pending are appeals by all three men of their murder convictions in Glynn County Superior Court.

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The Biden administration is approving a major oil project on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope that supporters say represents an economic lifeline for Indigenous communities in the region but environmentalists say is counter to President Joe Biden's climate goals.

The decision on ConocoPhillips Alaska's Willow project, in a federal oil reserve roughly the size of Indiana, was revealed Monday.

WHAT IS THE WILLOW PROJECT?

The project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, according to the company  about 1.5% of total U.S. oil production. Willow is currently the largest proposed oil project on U.S. public land. Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said the development could be one of the biggest, most important resource development projects in our states history.

So far this year, around 498,000 barrels of oil a day have flowed through the trans-Alaska pipeline, well below the late-1980s peak of 2.1 million barrels.

ConocoPhillips Alaska had proposed five drilling sites as part of the project. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved three, which it said would include up to 199 total wells. ConocoPhillips Alaska said it welcomed Monday's decision.

The company also agreed to give up rights to about 68,000 acres (27,500 hectares) in existing leases within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, where Willow is located. The action reduces the projects freshwater use and eliminates all infrastructure related to the two rejected drill sites, including approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) of roads, 20 miles (32 kilometers) of pipelines and 133 acres (54 hectares) of gravel, all of which reduces potential impacts to caribou migration and subsistence users, the U.S. Interior Department said.

Using the oil from Willow would produce the equivalent of more 263 million tons (239 million metric tons) of greenhouse gases over the project's 30-year life, roughly equal to the combined emissions from 1.7 million passenger cars over the same time period. It would have a roughly 8% reduction in emissions compared with Houston-based ConocoPhillips favored approach.

Story continues

IS THERE SUPPORT FOR WILLOW?

There is widespread political support in Alaska, including from the bipartisan congressional delegation, Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy and state lawmakers.

There also is majority consensus in support in the North Slope region, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of the group Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, whose members include leaders from across much of that region. Supporters have called the project balanced and say communities would benefit from taxes generated by Willow to invest in infrastructure and provide public services.

City of Nuiqsut Mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, whose community of about 525 people is closest to the proposed development, is a prominent opponent who is worried about impacts on caribou and her residents' subsistence lifestyles. But opposition there isn't universal. The local Alaska Native village corporation has expressed support.

Today, the people of Alaska were heard, said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat who also is Yup'ik. After years of consistent, determined advocacy for this project, from people all across the state and from every walk of life, the Willow Project is finally moving forward."

Ahtuangaruak had said that she felt that voices like hers were being drowned out.

WHAT ARE THE POLITICS OF THE DECISION?

Biden's decision pits Alaska lawmakers against environmental groups and many Democrats in Congress who say the project is out of step with his goals to slash planet-warming carbon emissions in half by 2030 and move to clean energy. Environmentalists say approval of the project represents a betrayal by Biden, who promised during the 2020 campaign to end new oil and gas drilling on federal lands. Environmentalist groups had urged the project's rejection.

Biden has made fighting climate change a top priority and backed a landmark law to accelerate expansion of clean energy such as wind and solar power and move the U.S. away from the oil, coal and gas.

He has faced attacks from Republican lawmakers who blame him for gasoline price spikes that occurred after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

DID THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT WILLOW EARLY ON?

Justice Department attorneys in 2021 defended in court an environmental review conducted during the Trump administration that approved the project. A federal judge later found flaws with the analysis, setting aside the approval and returning the matter to the land management agency for further work. That led to the review released last month that laid the groundwork for Monday's announcement.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said the decision will not only "mean jobs and revenue for Alaska, it will be resources that are needed for the country and for our friends and allies. The administration listened to Alaska voices. They listened to the delegation as we pressed the case for energy security and national security.

WHAT ABOUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS?

Federal officials under former President Donald Trump claimed increased domestic oil drilling would result in fewer net global emissions because it would decrease petroleum imports. U.S. companies adhere to stricter environmental standards than those in other countries, they argued.

After outside scientists rejected the claim and a federal judge agreed, the Interior Department changed how it calculates emissions.

The latest review, under the Biden administration, received pushback over its inclusion of a suggestion that 50% of Willows net emissions could be offset, including by planting more trees on national forests to capture and store carbon dioxide. Reforestation work on federal lands was something the administration already planned and needed to meet its broader climate goals. The reforestation proposal was dropped from the final decision.

The Willow project is about producing oil for decades when the U.S. needs to be on a steep reduction path, said Michael Lazarus, a senior scientist at the Stockholm Environment Institute. I see the political pressure the administration is under, but the science doesnt change."

WHAT ABOUT BIDENS PROMISES TO CURTAIL OIL DRILLING?

Biden suspended oil and gas lease sales after taking office and promised to overhaul the governments fossil fuels program.

Attorneys general from oil-producing states convinced a federal judge to lift the suspension -- a ruling later overturned by an appeals court. The administration ultimately dropped its resistance to leasing in a compromise over last years climate law. The measure requires the Interior Department to offer for sale tens of millions of acres of onshore and offshore leases before it can approve any renewable energy leases.

The number of new drilling permits to companies with federal leases spiked in Bidens first year as companies stockpiled drilling rights and officials said they were working through a backlog of applications from the Trump administration. Approvals dropped sharply in fiscal year 2022.

The Biden administration has offered less acreage for lease than previous administrations. But environmentalists say the administration hasn't done enough.

The decision on Willow, one of the most significant of Interior Secretary Deb Haalands tenure, was signed by her deputy, Tommy Beaudreau, who grew up in Alaska and briefed state lawmakers on the project Monday.

Haaland referred to the project in a video statement on Twitter as a difficult and complex issue involving leases issued by prior administrations.

As a result, we had limited decision space, but we focused on how to reduce the project's footprint and minimize its impacts to people and to wildlife, said Haaland, who had opposed Willow as a New Mexico congresswoman before becoming Interior secretary.

WHAT OTHER ACTIONS IS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TAKING?

On Sunday, the administration announced that Biden would indefinitely place off limits to future oil and gas leasing nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of the Arctic Ocean and impose new protections in the petroleum reserve. The withdrawal of the offshore area ensures that important habitat for whales, seals, polar bears and other wildlife will be protected in perpetuity from extractive development, the White House said in a statement.

The action completes protections for the entire Beaufort Sea Planning Area, building upon former President Barack Obamas 2016 withdrawal of the Chukchi Sea Planning Area and the majority of the Beaufort Sea, the White House said.

The Biden administration also said it plans to consider additional protections for the more than 13 million acres (5.3 million hectares) within the petroleum reserve that are designated as special areas for their wildlife, subsistence, scenic or other values. Details weren't immediately clear. The administration said it would make available the proposed rule for public comment in the coming months.

The Interior Department limited oil and gas leasing in a 2022 decision to 11.8 million of the roughly 23-million-acre (4.8 million of the roughly 9.3-million-hectare) National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and designated the remaining roughly 11 million acres (4.5 million hectares) as closed to leasing.

The petroleum reserve on Alaska's North Slope was set aside a century ago for future oil production.

___

Brown reported from Billings, Mont., and Daly reported from Washington.
Allison Williams striking look on the Oscars red carpet was all glamour.

The M3GAN actor arrived at the big event on Sunday evening wearing a bold, pink-and-silver long-sleeve Giambattista Valli haute couture gown. The extravagant ensemble featured a pink tulle cape train. The gown had floral embellishments and a white feather hem.

Allison Williams on the red carpet at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday in Hollywood.

Allison Williams on the red carpet at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday in Hollywood.

Williams attended the red carpet with her fiance, Alexander Dreymon. The couple welcomed a baby boy in late 2021, according to E News.

In January, the actor described her little one as adorable during an appearance on the Today show.

Im obsessed with him. Its all I think about, she said.

Williams in the Giambattista Valli haute couture gown.

Williams in the Giambattista Valli haute couture gown.

Alexander Dreymon and Williams before the 2023 Oscars.

Alexander Dreymon and Williams before the 2023 Oscars.

Williams joined actors Fan Bingbing and Sofia Carson in bringing bold colors and volume to the red carpet ahead of the 95th Academy Awards.

Bingbing stunned in a regal sparkling silver Tony Ward couture gown that featured a dramatic green sleeve and cape detail. Carson wore a striking off-shoulder princess Giambattista Valli haute couture ballgown.

Fan Bingbing on the red carpet.

Fan Bingbing on the red carpet.

Sofia Carson on the red carpet at the 95th Academy Awards.

Sofia Carson on the red carpet at the 95th Academy Awards.

Related...
In a Chicago hotel room in 1994, the debate over abortion access in the U.S. was changed forever.

There, 12 Black women gathered to create the reproductive justice framework, which formed the bedrock of a movement rapidly gaining momentum today.

Those women were Toni M. Bond Leonard, Alma Crawford, Evelyn S. Field, Terri James, Bisola Marignay, Cassandra McConnell, Cynthia Newbille, Loretta Ross, Elizabeth Terry, Able Mable Thomas, Winnette P. Willis, and Kim Youngblood. And they called themselves the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice.

Happy Women's History Month! My name is Christine Fernando, and I'm a breaking news reporter covering abortion and reproductive rights at USA TODAY. Id like to welcome you to this weeks "This Is America."

Loretta Ross has been a reproductive justice activist for 50 years. She was one of the 12 Black women activists who coined the "reproductive justice." She co-founded the multiracial reproductive justice organization SisterSong and was named a MacArthur fellow in 2022.

Race and justice news we are reading

What are the principles of reproductive justice?

For years, Marsha Jones, executive director of the Afiya Center, a Texas-based reproductive justice organization, has had an Audre Lorde quote as her email signature.

"There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives," the quote reads.

Jones said it sums up the approach of the reproductive justice framework.

Melding human rights and social justice, reproductive justice was a reaction to criticism that the reproductive rights movement was dominated by wealthy and middle class white women, who often ignored the intersectionality of people's identities and struggles against various forms of marginalization, including sexism, racism, queerphobia, and economic injustice.

SOUTH CAROLINA WOMAN ARRESTED: Incident draws attention to criminalization of self-managed abortions

Story continues

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, a multiracial reproductive justice organization, poses for a photo. Simpson said, unlike the more mainstream phrase reproductive rights, the reproductive justice framework goes beyond abortion access.

As a result, the framework, hinging on the human right "to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities," takes a more intersectional approach, said Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, a multiracial reproductive justice organization.

"We can't organize just around single issues," Simpson said. "Our silos are not going to save us."

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS PEN LETTER TO UN: US abortion bans violate international law, 200 human rights groups say

'Following in the footsteps'

Growing up in a school system that rarely acknowledged the history and contributions of communities of color to the fabric of our nation, I've always been hungry to learn more about these often overlooked stories.

Some of the stories I love most are ones that tie our history to our present, that show an intergenerational passing on of knowledge, and depict new generations building on the legacies of those before them. This is one of those stories.

Lupe Rodriguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, poses for a photo. Rodriguez said the mainstream reproductive rights movement focuses on the legal right to abortion, a narrower framework than reproductive justice.

VIEWS ON ABORTION BY STATE: Many Americans living in states where abortion rights are limited want more rights

Lupe Rodriguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, said it is "powerful" for her to look back on the effect this framework has had in history.

"This generation of people working within the reproductive justice framework are definitely following in the footsteps and expanding the movement, growing it and really taking it into the future," she said.

Loretta Ross, one of the founders of reproductive justice, said the framework also built on Black feminist theory that came before them.

"We built upon a legacy more so than totally creating something out of whole cloth," she said. "The next generations are also building on that legacy.

'IT'S TIME FOR US TO BE BOLD': Why six religious leaders are fighting to expand abortion access

--

This is America is a weekly take on current events from a rotating panel of USA TODAY Network journalists with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. If you're seeing this newsletter online or someone forwarded it to you, you can subscribe here. If you have feedback for us, we'd love for you to drop it here.

Contact Christine Fernando at cfernando@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reproductive justice: History of fight for health care, abortion rights
An American Airlines flight headed to Tampa had to divert to Jacksonville International Airport due to a possible mechanical issue, the airline said.

The flight, which left from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 12:34 p.m., landed in Jacksonville at 2:54 p.m., according to FlightAware.

American Airlines said the plane was able to land normally and safely taxied to the gate.

Passengers will re-board a replacement aircraft to continue to Tampa International Airport, the airline said.

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According to FlightAware, the flight is set to leave from Jacksonville at 8:15 p.m. and land in Tampa around 9:40 p.m.

Here is the full statement from American Airlines:

American Airlines flight 2823 with service from Washington D.C. (DCA) to Tampa (TPA) diverted to Jacksonville (JAX) due to a possible mechanical issue. The flight landed normally at JAX and safely taxied to the gate. The aircraft will be inspected by our maintenance team and customers will re-depart for TPA using a replacement aircraft. We never want to disrupt our customers travel plans and apologize for the trouble this may have caused.

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Screenshot: Disney+

It seems like Disney really wants you to know that newly-crowned Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan are going to be in their newest show, American Born Chinese. Rounding out the Everything Everywhere All at Once reunion is James Hong in a guest role and Stephanie Hsu, an Oscar-nominated actress who lost the award to her EEAAO colleague, Jamie Lee Curtis. The whole teaser is exceptionally compelling, blending wuxia drama with teenage struggles.





Worlds Collide | American Born Chinese | Disney+

As Michelle Yeoh explains to the protagonist, Jin Wang (played by newcomer Ben Wang), he will soon be asked to fight in a war between heaven and earth. As he struggles with his identity, gods and monsters of Chinese mythology will continually attempt to sway Jin towards their own ends.

Read more

The show is adapted from the award-winning, 2006 graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, but has been altered to portray a more adventurous and dynamic story. The adaptation looks like a fantastic version of the graphic novel, and with its stellar cast, its likely only going to get better the more we see of it.

American Born Chinese will be available to stream May 24 on Disney+.





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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[Source]

Disney+ has officially announced the release date of its highly anticipated series American Born Chinese in a teaser that features the stars of "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

In the teaser posted ahead of the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday, the streaming service announced that American Born Chinese will be available for streaming starting on May 24.

The 30-second clip, titled Worlds Collide, notably features Oscar winners Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh, who play Freddy Wong and Guanyin, the deity of compassion, respectively.

The video also features Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu, who will be one of the series special guest stars.

More from NextShark: Meet the Japanese Steph Curry' hyping up crowds in Nebraska

Worlds Collide also teases other Chinese mythological deities, including Daniel Wus Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the Chinese epic Journey to the West.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, American Born Chinese follows Jin Wang (played by Ben Wang), a high school student whose life is turned upside down after he becomes entangled in an epic battle between the gods of Chinese mythology.

The upcoming show is a TV adaptation of Gene Luen Yangs 2006 graphic novel of the same name.

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The Disney+ series' regular cast members include Wang, Yeoh, Quan, Wu, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor. Special guest stars include James Hong, Ronny Chieng and Jimmy O. Yang, among many others.

More from NextShark: Chloe Bennet to Star in CWs Live-Action Powerpuff Girls

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Nathan Chens secrets to championship success: stop thinking about the gold, do not bring smartphone
Ships line up at the Port of Corpus Christi, where they are being loaded with crude oil for shipping worldwide, in this handout picture taken July 2022. (Port of Corpus Christi/Handout via REUTERS)

The CEO of America's largest oil export gateway predicts another record year in 2023 as strong global demand continues despite efforts to ditch fossil fuel.

Sean Strawbridge, chief executive officer of the Port of Corpus Christi, says foreign bans on Russian crude boosted exports by about 15 per cent last year. In December alone, that worked out to about 70 million barrels.

The Texas state-run port has snapped its annual oil export record for six consecutive years, Strawbridge says. Volumes have climbed from an average of nine million barrels a month in 2016, the year following a decision by the U.S. Congress to repeal a ban on shipping crude abroad.

"We see an American barrel in higher demand than ever before because it's not being controlled by a cartel like OPEC, or influenced directly by a despot like Putin," Strawbridge told Yahoo Finance Canada at CERAWeek by S&P Global. The annual energy conference in Houston, TX draws executives from some of the world's largest oil and gas companies. However, a significant portion of the dialogue is now devoted to newer, cleaner forms of energy such as hydrogen.

According to the U.S.Energy Information Agency, American oil production nearly doubled between 2009 and 2015. Removing the export ban has allowed producers to charge higher prices relative to comparable foreign grades.

Strawbridge says he was only six months into his tenure as CEO when Congress expanded the market to overseas buyers. To cope with the growth, he implemented "a very aggressive capital investment program" as the global conversation around energy transition was becoming mainstream.

"We opened eight new crude facilities over that period of time," he said. "It's been really fortuitous for us. While we were criticized for building that infrastructure early, now, instead of being reviled, we're revered for having that capacity and being able to."

Strawbridge says while oil, and increasingly liquefied natural gas, are mainstays at the port, he is also "fully embracing" the energy transition.

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"We think hydrogen from hydrocarbons will be first to market, but ultimately green hydrogen is what the ambition is, particularly for the EU with the declarative 20 million tons by 2030," Strawbridge said.

Hydrogen emits only water when burned, but creating it can be carbon intensive. Green hydrogen is the only type produced in a climate-neutral way, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. The European Union aims to produce 10 million tons annually, and import the remaining 10 million.

"It's going to be hard-pressed for them to achieve that goal. But we certainly want to be contributory on that," Strawbridge said.

Port of Corpus Christi is currently in the late stages of the permitting process for the largest desalination facility in the United States. Once completed, Strawbridge says it will significantly enhance the port's position in the hydrogen value chain.

"What nobody is talking about with hydrogen is the water needs," he said.

"Hydrogen is extremely water intensive."

Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist.

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(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos tourism boom is proof the country is safe to travel, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in an attempt to give reassurances after the kidnapping of four Americans set off calls by US lawmakers to crack down on drug cartels.

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The president said Monday than more US citizens than ever have come to live in Mexico while visitors to Cancun, the countrys top tourist destination, are at a record level. Doubts about Mexicos security are vile manipulation attempts, he said, criticizing the US State Department for its warnings about traveling in much of the Latin American country.

Mexico is safer than than the United States and theres no security problem that prevents travel, AMLO, as the president is known, said during his daily press briefing.

In 2020, Mexico had a homicide rate of 28.4 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.5 for the US, according to data collected by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Last week, after four US citizens were kidnapped after crossing the border from Texas, two of them ended up dead. The case, extensively reported by US networks, led some Republican politicians to call for a military intervention of their southern neighbor.

This is a campaign against Mexico by the conservative politicians in the United States who dont want the country to continue transforming for the better, AMLO said.

Read More: AMLO Blasts Republicans Call for US Troops in Mexico

Visitors arriving to Mexico by plane reached nearly 2 million people in January, almost 33% more than a year before, according to data published by the countrys statistics institute on Friday.

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By Clark Mindock and Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The oil industry on Monday cheered the U.S. government's greenlighting of ConocoPhillips' multibillion-dollar oil drilling project in Alaska's Arctic, but court challenges could mire the plans in further delays.

President Joe Biden's administration approved a trimmed-down version of the $7 billion Willow project on federal lands in a pristine area on Alaska's north coast. Biden has been trying to balance his goal of decarbonizing the U.S. economy by 2050 as Russia's war in Ukraine raises worries about global energy security.

ConocoPhillips has held the leases in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska since 1999. Former President Donald Trump's administration approved the project in 2020. But Alaska District Court Judge Sharon Gleason blocked it a year later arguing its environmental impact analysis was flawed.

Now environmental groups are combing through the Biden Interior Department's approval for flaws that could provide them grounds for new lawsuits.

"We have some serious questions about whether this decision actually complies with the court's order from August 2021," said Bridget Psarianos, senior staff attorney at Trustees for Alaska. "We'll be looking closely at how (Interior's) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering alternatives and what its final approvals are."

Judge Gleason had ruled that Trump's Interior Department failed to include projections for greenhouse gas emissions from foreign consumption of Willow's oil and also failed to analyze alternatives to the project.

Trustees for Alaska is also analyzing whether the latest approval complied with federal statutes like the National Environmental Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the 1976 Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, Psarianos said.

Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, another group involved in the previous suits, said Monday's approval for the Willow project is "still inadequate in numerous respects."

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The approval would allow Conoco to develop more than 90% of the oil it had originally aimed for despite limiting the number of well pads, and the administration failed to explain how this was consistent with climate change goals, Monsell said.

She said the analysis did not adequately address cumulative impacts of the oil and gas development, including how greenhouse gas emissions from burning the fossil fuels would impact survival of threatened or endangered animals like polar bears and seals.

"That just adds insult to injury for these species that will be directly harmed by the project through oil spills, habitat destruction, and noise pollution," Monsell said.

Interior said it had no comment.

Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, told reporters the state's lawmakers are prepared to defend the decision against "frivolous" legal challenges.

"We will do so by working closely with the same Alaska stakeholders who brought us this far," Sullivan said. "We are already prepping an amicus brief for any litigation that will come against this decision," he said.

Erik Grafe of Earthjustice, an environmental law firm, called litigation "very likely" and said it "does not look like Interior has fixed the myriad legal flaws that Earthjustice and others identified for the agency prior to its decision".

Jenny Rowland-Shea, the director for public lands at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said another concern was a leak last year of 7.2 million cubic feet of natural gas at ConocoPhillip's nearby Alpine oil field, which forced 300 of the 400 workers there to evacuate. Local regulators are still assessing its causes.

The BLM's environmental impact statement downplayed the risks of such a leak at Willow, but lawyers could make a case that Interior's record of decision did not adequately consider the issue, Rowland said.

Dennis Nuss, a Conoco spokesperson, said the company would not be surprised by another legal challenge but believes U.S. agencies "have conducted a thorough process that satisfies all legal requirements".

WILL DRILLING STILL BE ECONOMICAL?

John Leshy, professor at U.C. College of the Law, San Francisco and a former Interior Department solicitor under former President Bill Clinton, suggested the department did not have much choice in approving the projects. If Interior had not approved Willow then ConocoPhillips would likely have sued the agency saying its lease rights had been taken.

And if the courts side with environmental groups on potential lawsuits it would probably only delay Willow, Leshy said.

But Mark Squillace, a professor at the University of Colorado Law School and former Interior Department lawyer said there were other threats to the project, including potential declining prices for oil as electric vehicles drive the energy transition which could threaten Willow's long-term viability.

"The bigger risk to the project is economic," he said.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner, Clark Mindock, Nichola Groom and Valerie Volcovici; Editing by David Gregorio and Sonali Paul)
By Lawrence White, Sinead Cruise, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro and Stefania Spezzati

LONDON (Reuters) - The swift collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the United States, the nation's biggest bank failure since the financial crisis, initially caught Britain's regulators off guard. But within hours on Friday evening it was clear the window to rescue SVB's UK arm was tight.

Conversations with eight people involved in the discussions reveal the frantic nature of SVB UK's final hours, with at least half a dozen banks looking over the lender's numbers.

On Monday, HSBC, Europe's largest bank with a balance sheet of almost $3 trillion, announced it was buying SVB UK for less than the price of a cup of coffee, emerging as a last-minute white knight after less than 24 hours spent scrutinising its books.

With assets of around 5.5 billion pounds and deposits of around 6.7 billion pounds, SVB UK is a minnow compared to HSBC. But concerns that SVB's potential failure could reverberate throughout the UK's start-up industry resulted in a hasty deal, sealed by deep pockets.

"Whether HSBC's acquisition proves to be successful will largely come down to the asset quality of the loan book, which cannot be assumed to be good, given the early-stage nature of many of the borrowers," said Jerry del Missier, former Chief Operating Officer at Barclays, and now Chief Investment Officer at Copper Street Capital.

While at least one bidder submitted a price above the symbolic one pound ($1.21) that HSBC offered, according to a source, HSBC was preferred because its size and resources meant it would be a more stable owner.

After a run on deposits, the Bank of England kick-started a scramble to salvage SVB UK while seeking insolvency in the event it could not find a buyer.

That complicated the rescue because NatWest, which operated as SVB UK's clearing bank in Britain, had stopped processing its transactions, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

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The situation was urgent because SVB UK had lost almost half of its deposits in the 48 hours leading up to its rescue, the source said.

The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation had also shut off access to the parent company's technology platform, the source said, meaning the potential bidders and treasury officials called both the FDIC and NatWest over the weekend to get SVB UK running again.

The FDIC did not respond to a request for comment, while NatWest declined to comment.

By late on Saturday afternoon, officials had contacted potential bidders to look more closely at SVB UK, giving them access to secure online vaults containing the lenders' financials, five sources with knowledge of the matter said.

As the crisis deepened, on Sunday morning finance minister Jeremy Hunt sought to reassure Silicon Valley Bank's customers in Britain that the government was working on a solution.

Banks including Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Bank of London and OakNorth examined the books to see if an emergency deal could be reached, sources told Reuters.

At least one British bank was put off by some of the lending to the riskier startup sector which the U.S.-owned lender offered, an executive at the bank told Reuters.

For another bank, 75% of the book consisting of loans to private equity and venture capital funds was considered high quality, representing an opportunity.

Still, Treasury officials also continued to work on a "Plan B" in case a sale fell through, which could have seen Silicon Valley Bank UK broken up if no single buyer emerged, multiple sources involved with the talks said.

30 MINUTE DEADLINE

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak battled inconsistent WiFi to remain in contact with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and finance minister Jeremy Hunt during a more than 15 hour flight to San Diego as the talks wore on. HSBC's team including CEO Noel Quinn and UK CEO Ian Stuart began closer scrutiny of SVB UK that afternoon, a source familiar with the matter said.

Boutique investment bank Robey Warshaw - which has previously advised HSBC in its defence against a break-up call by its biggest shareholder - was drafted in an adviser by the bank over the weekend to help them on the SVB UK deal, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

By early evening on Sunday officials from the Treasury gave potential bidders a final 30 minutes to submit their offers, one of the sources directly involved in one of the bids said.

Officials from the Bank of England and Treasury along with board members from SVB UK were then locked in talks.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., regulators moved to protect SVB depositors, as well as implementing wider measures to shore up confidence in the banking system.

RISKS AND LEAKS

HSBC's CEO Quinn was attracted by the potential to bring on at a stroke some 3,000 high-growth technology and startup clients, a source familiar with his thinking told Reuters.

The purely nominal purchase price and SVB UK's underlying health meant the deal also made financial sense, the source said.

Still, HSBC could struggle to accurately value and run those loans due to their niche nature, said Xavier Van Hove, managing director of Nighthawk Partners, a specialist venture debt lender. HSBC also plans to inject 2 billion pounds of liquidity into SVB UK, a spokesperson for HSBC said.

Final preparations continued through Sunday night as the deal needed an exemption to Britain's ringfencing rules. Some of SVB UK's business customers are outside the UK while HSBC's UK ring-fenced business is meant to handle only British-based customers up to a certain size.

A spokesperson for the UK Cabinet Office referred comment to the Treasury Department. The Bank of England declined to comment. Advisory firm Rothschild, which advised SVB UK according to sources, also declined to comment.

The takeover and the US measures did little to assuage investors on Monday that the worst is over.

European bank shares saw their biggest rout since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the STOXX index of 600 lenders falling nearly 6%.

($1 = 0.8296 pounds)

(Reporting By Lawrence White, Sinead Cruise, Amy-Jo Crowley, Stefania Spezzati, Iain Withers, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro, additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in San Diego; Editing by Anna Driver)
Andrew Garfield: beloved actor, two-time Academy Award nominee and originator of Oscars memes.

In the opening monologue of the 95th annual Academy Awards Sunday night, Jimmy Kimmel mentioned several audience members who would be able to protect him from violence, should another Will Smith-esque Oscars slap occur.

Based on the tough fictional characters theyve portrayed, Kimmel shouted out Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Creed), Pedro Pascal (the Mandalorian), Michelle Yeoh (a martial arts acting icon) and Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man).

The camera panned to each star as they were mentioned. As it turned to Garfield, he offered an exaggerated grin/grimace that was quickly celebrated as the potential reaction meme of the night.

Garfield last starred in a Spider-Man movie in 2014, before handing off the reins to the current iteration of the superhero, Tom Holland  though thanks to the multiverse, he did make an appearance in 2021s Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Last year, Garfield delivered another fan-favorite Oscars meme after he was caught texting moments after Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage.

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Enjoy:

angela bassett not winning best supporting actress is just pic.twitter.com/B6JFf9ACMi  juls (@cevansgarfield) March 13, 2023

Me when I didnt hear Stephanie Hsus name announced in best supporting actress winner.



#Oscars#Oscars2023https://t.co/oq51FhFRJX  jas  (@thejaslou) March 13, 2023

less than 20 mins in and andrew garfield already created the meme of the night pic.twitter.com/rMD6azHMv3  nina (@NINAFEELZ) March 13, 2023

Me whenever someone tries to give me a compliment. pic.twitter.com/Tar2LUPfxu  Dandylioness (@ImaDandyLioness) March 13, 2023

Nicole Kidman hearing the Tom Cruise jokes tonight #oscarspic.twitter.com/0nKmDCNsjs  Ringer Dish (@RingerDish) March 13, 2023

Still thinking about when Jimmy Kimmel said Spiderman and then the camera cut to Andrew Garfield and the crowd was silent because they were definitely expecting Tom Holland and then he made this face #oscarspic.twitter.com/73jH7OsByG  BachShitCray (@Bach_ShitCray) March 13, 2023

one thing about andrew garfield, he will always deliver memes at the oscars https://t.co/uZKHToN322  kelly  has pcd (@satellitecherry) March 13, 2023

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Several moments were captured during Sundays Academy Awards, and many centered around Angela Bassett. One was her holding hands with Elvis actor Austin Butler.

The viral clip featured Bassett gripping the actors hand as he anxiously sat through his name called among nominees for Best Actor in a Lead Role.

Twitter user @NadineBabu shared a gif of the heartfelt moment.

Angela Bassett holding Austin Butlers hand while hes nervousis exactly the kind of woman I imagined she was . pic.twitter.com/IPnYniCCux  Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) March 13, 2023

Angela Bassett holding Austin Butlers hand while hes nervousis exactly the kind of woman I imagined she was.

The post Angela Bassett Comforting Austin Butler As Best Actor Oscar Was Being Announced Goes Viral appeared first on Shadow And Act.

This was the 31-year-old actors first time attending the awards. Butler would lose the award to Brendan Fraser for his role in The Whale, but having the icon help him through the moment certainly softened the blow.

Bassett was a nominee in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She ultimately lost to Jamie Lee Curtis, who won for her part in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

As the award show progressed, social media struggled to cope with Bassett losing the award. Her initial somber emotion during the announcement didnt help.

Butlers award category was later in the show. When viewers saw how Bassett supported Butler despite her upset, it confirmed why she is everyones favorite.

More viewers shared their reaction to the 61-year-old actress proving her role as a queen was very fitting.

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Aw. Was that Angela Basset holding on to Austin Butler's hand.   Jerold Chinn  (@Jerold_Chinn) March 13, 2023

Ahh, I didnt see this. He was phenomenal. Now they both know how it feels to throw yourself into an iconic role, kill it and then lose the Oscar. But I cant not love Brendan Fraser. Who knows, maybe he was a little relieved.  Texile Orozco65 (@TexileOrozco65) March 13, 2023

John Travolta getting teary eyed during the memoriam and Angela Basset holding Austin Butlers hand during his category got me in my feels #Oscar  TDiggity_NoDoubt (@tarynw512) March 13, 2023

I loved this moment. She is everyones Auntie  Shes forever loved even more  Michelle Jakubiak (@shellyjpink) March 13, 2023

Austin Butler holding Angela Bassets hands for support   Quartz Jones (@QuartzJones) March 13, 2023

Although the moment had some viewers in their feelings, some were vocal about their displeasure toward both actors being snubbed.

Austin Butler and Angela Basset were robbed!

Same on the #Oscars2023 You suck! So glad I did not watch would have been a waste of time. #ElvisPresleyRIP  Gretchen Monique  (@MadamGretchen) March 13, 2023
Angela Bassett attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood.

Angela Bassett attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood. Credit - Mike CoppolaGetty Images

I did not expect Angela Bassett to win an Oscar for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her career is full of performances that have touched me personally, and the range of roles, from Tina Turner in Whats Love Got to Do With It to Queen Ramonda in Black Panther, has been extraordinary. But I have always been aware that the Academy rarely rewards Black actors for their work.

When Jamie Lee Curtis was announced as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once last night, Bassetts reaction to losing was not particularly noticeable. She did not clap, nor did she weep. Instead a small sad smile flickered briefly across her face. An awards season so soon after the loss of dear friends, including her co-star Chadwick Boseman, must have felt deeply bittersweet, and after months on the awards circuit, she knew going in that the deck was stacked against her. Still, like any of us, she likely dared to hope, dared to dream of being recognized and rewarded for her talent, for her work, for the sheer cultural impact she has had.

For many of us watching at home, her reaction was simply human. You see her absorb in real time what was perhaps almost a foregone conclusion for a Black actress, even one at her level.

Read More: The Best, Worst and Most Heartwarming Moments of the 2023 Oscars

An Academy voter data analysis in 2014 that led in part to the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite by April Reign in 2015 laid bare just how much the voting was influenced by race and gender. Oscar winners were overwhelmingly white and male because the voters for the awards were overwhelmingly white and male. Even now, after attempts to expand Academy membership, 81% of voters identify as white and 67% as male, and they tend to take an interest in people like them. You see this reflected in the anonymous ballots that circulate before the awards as Academy voters glibly acknowledge that they didnt bother to watch the performances of Black actors.

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The history of public racism at the Oscars dates back to Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to win an Oscar, being seated at a segregated table the year that she won for Best Supporting Actress. Progress has removed segregation in seating but not much else. After all, since awards were first handed out in 1929, only 22 Black actors have won, though many more including Bassett have been nominated over the decades.

To be Black in America is to be told early and often that you must work twice as hard to get half as far. For a Black American woman in the arts, that metric is closer to four times as its hard to simply stay afloat, never mind to succeed. This makes Ruth Carters history-making second win for costume design all the more noteworthy.

Read More: Watch the Best and More Talked-About Fashion Moments From the 2023 Oscars Red Carpet

It must have taken a Herculean effort for Bassett to carve out this space, to hold it and try to expand the road that McDaniel opened all those years ago. And to not be enough for reasons that are out of her control? It must be maddening. Today, I cant help but wonder if people asking why she didnt seem more enthusiastic for Curtis know that, in expecting her to clap through her pain rather than feel it, they are relying on social expectations set during Jim Crow that Black people be agreeable and non-challenging in public.

As we have seen with everyone from Michelle Obama to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to Viola Davis, successful Black women are expected to be warm and cheerfully gracious, no matter the offense. They are expected to understand instead of feel. It is dehumanization dressed up as civility. The real problem is not that Bassett did not cheer wildly. Its that she and so many others are expected to pretend that the Academy is voting based on merit and not race and gender.

When Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors presented an award not long after Bassetts loss, they acknowledged her from the stage. Hey auntie, they said. We love you. It was a lovely moment, a nod to what she means to so many of us, and especially young Black actors who have watched her career as they built theirs. But still, she deserves an Oscar.
Tom Sizemore, Anne Heche and Leslie Jordan were among the stars who didn't make it into the 2023 Oscars in memoriam tribute. (Photos: Getty Images)

John Travolta was on hand to introduce the in memoriam segment at Sunday's Oscars, giving a sweet call out to his late Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John before Lenny Kravitz performed his song "Calling All Angels." But it's the actors and filmmakers who didn't make it into the TV tribute that got even more notice  and this year the biggest omissions included Anne Heche, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, Leslie Jordan and Charlbi Dean.

John Travolta introduces this years In Memoriam segment: Theyve touched our hearts. They made us smile and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to.#Oscars#Oscars95https://t.co/OizA2V1EIT pic.twitter.com/GuoCb7cSrP  ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2023

Triangle of Sadness star Dean was the most notable as her film was up for multiple nominations, including Best Picture. The South African actor and model died in August from bacterial sepsis at the age of 32.

Heche, who starred in Six Days, Seven Nights and Donnie Brasco, died the same month from inhalation and thermal injuries after she crashed her car into a house in Los Angeles.

Goodfellas actor Sorvino, who died in July at 83, may not have been remembered during the show, but his Academy Award-winning daughter Mira made sure he wasn't forgotten. After he was snubbed on TV, she shared a tribute on social media. She also wrote, "It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!"

I for one am remembering Dad on this Oscars night https://t.co/h7rZ0994HN  Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) March 13, 2023

It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!! https://t.co/dbgcfb1qy3 via @forthewin  Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) March 13, 2023

The Help and Sordid Lives actor Jordan, who died in a car crash in October at age 67, and Fiddler on the Roof star Chaim Topol, who died March 8 at 87, were also left out. So was Saving Private Ryan actor Sizemore, who died March 3 at age 61 after suffering a brain aneurysm.

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Lost Highway and In Cold Blood actor Robert Blake, who died March 9 at age 89, was also left out. But viewers got a sense that would happen when, ahead of the segment, host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly asked the audience at the Dolby Theatre whether they thought Blake  who went on trial for the murder of his wife Bonnie Lee Bakely in 2001 and was acquitted  should be included.

Quipping that there was a new "interactive part of the show," Kimmel urged the audience, "Everybody please get out your phones, even at home, it's time to vote. If you think Robert Blake should be part of the in memoriam montage, text 'GIMME-A-Blake' to the number on your screen, or to any number."

Others also not included were Gilbert Gottfried, Estelle Harris and Lisa Marie Presley.

It should be noted, however, that many of those left out of the televised tribute  including Sorvino, Heche, Sizemore and Dean  are included in the Oscar's larger online in-memoriam gallery.

Among the stars who were included in the tribute were Raquel Welch, Kirstie Alley, James Caan, Ray Liotta, Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara and composer Burt Bacharach.

Lenny Kravitz performs onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Travolta introduced the segment and got emotional as he referenced his late co-star and friend Newton-John, who died of metastatic breast cancer in August.

"They've touched our hearts. They've made us smile, and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to," Travolta said, barely being able to get out the last few words. "Hopelessly Devoted To You," of course, is a song Newton-John's Sandy sang about Travolta's Danny in the 1978 film.
Former Covid czar Dr Anthony Fauci came to the rescue of a woman who collapsed during a glamorous black tie dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night, according to witnesses.

Chandler Dean, a speechwriter, said the former White House chief medical adviser was the nearest doctor available when someone fell down and struck their head during a reception at the Gridiron Club.

"Last night at the Gridiron Dinner in DC, maybe 10 feet from me and [colleague] Sarah Gruen, a woman collapsed, hit her head on a table, and was laying on the floor without moving," said Mr Dean on Twitter on Sunday.

"People [were] gather trying to help, but no one is sure what to do. Someone goes to find a doctor. They found one." Mr Dean attached a photo showing Mr Fauci in formal wear, apparently in the act of rising from or returning to his chair.

Ms Gruen corroborated Mr Fauci's intervention, as did Politico's daily diary column 'Playbook', which said the woman had fainted elsewhere in the hotel and was not a guest.

Last night at the Gridiron Dinner in DC, maybe 10 feet from me and @sarahagruen, a woman collapsed, hit her head on a table, and was laying on the floor without moving.



People gather trying to help, but no one is sure what to do. Someone goes to find a doctor.



They found one. pic.twitter.com/yIuvVWtZlI  Chandler Dean (@chandlerjdean) March 12, 2023

"Thankfully, she was okay," said fellow speechwriter Eric Schnure. "And the good doctor posed for a photo with her, documenting one of the best 'only in Washington; stories of all time!"

The Gridiron Club is a 138-year-old journalists' association whose annual dinner is among the most prestigious events in the Beltway calendar, usually featuring speeches from the serving president and other politicians.

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This year, former vice president Mike Pence seized the Saturday night headlines by tearing into his old boss Donald Trump, saying history would hold him accountable over the storming of the Capitol in January 2021.

Mr Fauci stepped down from his government positions on 31 December last year, ending a historic 38-year span as the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Having counselled every US president since Ronald Reagan and led the federal government's response to the AIDS crisis, he rose to new prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic as an unflappable scientific adviser and spokesperson to both Mr Trump and Joe Biden.
Matthew Kacsmaryk at the Senate Judiciary Committee's nomination hearing on December 13, 2017. U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is overseeing a lawsuit that challenges the FDA approval of mifepristone.

A ruling could have nationwide implications for the drug's availability.

A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, but the judge hoped to delay publicizing the date, per WaPo.

A hearing for a lawsuit that could have significant outcomes for a government-approved abortion pill, mifepristone, has been scheduled for Wednesday.

But the Texas judge overseeing the case  who is known for his conservative politics and anti-abortion stance  hoped to hide the date of the hearing until right before the scheduled date, The Washington Post reported.

In a call with attorneys on Friday, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said he wanted to delay putting the hearing on the public docket until late Tuesday, people familiar with the call told the Post. The sources requested anonymity because they were not allowed to discuss the call, according to the publication.

The lawsuit was filed by an anti-abortion group that calls itself the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine and hopes to reverse a nearly three-decade-old approval of mifepristone by the Food and Drug Administration.

Kacsmaryck reasoned that he wanted to reduce possible disruptions and protests for the hearing. In addition, he told attorneys on the call that members of the courthouse have received threats due to the lawsuit, the Post reported.

The courthouse, which is located in Amarillo, Texas, is closed on the weekends and could not immediately return a request for comment.

Publicizing the date of a court hearing ahead of time is common practice in the US. According to the report, the Post had attempted to seek information about the date of the hearing before the Friday call but received no response.

Attorneys for medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have said the lawsuit relies on false claims that mischaracterize an otherwise safe drug.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine has described mifepristone in their suit as an "endocrine disrupter"  referencing how the drug temporarily blocks progesterone receptors in the uterus  and could disrupt an adolescent's development.

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But attorneys for the medical groups have called the claims "completely unfounded."

"There is no reason to think, nor is there evidence to show, that preventing the absorption of progesterone for a brief window would have any effects on adolescent development," the attorneys wrote in a brief, responding to the suit.

"Medication abortion including mifepristone is safe and effective. This is not an opinion  it is a fact based on hundreds of medical studies and vast amounts of data amassed over the course of two decades," the attorneys said."Reversing the FDA's approval of mifepristone, in whole or in any part, would cause profound and irreparable harm to patients across the country."

The brief noted that the drug is not just used for abortions but also to treat people who have suffered a miscarriage. Viagra, which is associated with 4.9 deaths for every 100,000 prescriptions, and childbirth are more likely to result in death than mifepristone, the lawyers argued.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs and defendants did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 150 abortion rights supporters gathered in front of the Amarillo courthouse in early February to express support for the pill, according to the Post.

Kacsmaryk's hand in the case in particular has caused concern about the fate of the drug's approval, considering the judge's outspoken views on abortion. In his undergraduate years at Abilene Christian University, Kacsmaryk called Deomcrat's support for abortion an indication of "moral ambivalence" in the party. Years later, he wrote an editorial for the National Catholic Register about how the right to abortion was one way "sexual revolutionaries" removed the "three pillars of marriage law."

A ruling in the case could impact mifepristone's nationwide availability. Any ruling by the federal judge could lead to an appeal on the case and eventually send the lawsuit to a conservative-majority Supreme Court.

When a draft ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in May, protestors descended to the Capitol to condemn what would become one of the rare instances the Supreme Court reversed a landmark decision.

Texas is now one of 13 states that have banned most abortions in the aftermath of the Court's ruling.

Earlier this month, The Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit against the state on behalf of four women who say that they have gone through a near-fatal experience or illness during their pregnancy because doctors did not want to perform abortions out of concern for breaking the law.

One of the women, Amanda Zurawaski, nearly died because doctors in Texas denied treatment for her even after she was told her pregnancy was not viable, the lawsuit claimed.

Texas provides limited exceptions for abortions in the case of medical emergencies but the suit argues that the law provides little clarity on what those cases can be.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The war movie that abhors war has won an Oscar for best international film, along with three other statues.

All Quiet on the Western Front, starring Felix Kammerer and directed and co-written by Edward Berger, earned nine nominations, including best picture.

It also won for cinematography, production design and original score Sunday night.

I think it might feel incredible but I dont quite know yet because I havent processed it yet, Berger said backstage. I'm a little bit on autopilot.

Berger was joined onstage by Kammerer as well as others involved in the film.

This was your first movie and you carried us on your shoulders as it was nothing, he told the 27-year-old Austrian actor. Without you, none of us would be here.

The Netflix film is based on the classic 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. Set during World War I, it follows the life of a young German soldier who enlists in the army with his friends. But the realities of war shatter his hopes of becoming a hero and he focuses on his own survival.

We tried to make a film about our past, about our responsibility in Germany and with our history, Berger said. Our urge was to talk about our guilt and our shame that weve brought and the terror that the two wars have caused in the world. Hopefully, at some point we will stop making the same mistakes in the future.

The German-language film doesn't hew exactly to Remarque's novel. Instead, it deviates into political issues against the backdrop of the war. It premiered last year, when Russia invaded Ukraine in the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II, lending an unexpected relevancy to the movie.

It's absolutely terrible, cinematography winner James Friend said of the war in Ukraine. It's a lesson that we can just sort of learn from really.

"All Quiet on the Western Front won seven BAFTA trophies, including best film.

Berger said he was happy, proud and grateful that Hollywood embraced the movie.

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I think we do have a little bit of an inferiority complex as German moviemakers because we feel like a small country with less stars and less visibility as opposed to England and America, he said. I hope this gives me and a few others a bit of confidence to say, Lets just do it, lets just do our movies.

The original American movie starring Lew Ayres debuted in 1930 and won Oscars for best picture and best director.

It was later made into a television movie starring Richard Thomas and Ernest Borgnine, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

All Quiet on the Western Front beat out Argentina, 1985 from Argentina, Close from Belgium, EO from Poland and The Quiet Girl from Ireland.

___

For more coverage of this years Academy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration said Monday it is approving a huge oil-drilling project on Alaskas petroleum-rich North Slope, a major environmental decision by President Joe Biden that drew quick condemnation as flying in the face of his pledges to slow climate change.

The announcement came a day after the administration, in a move in the other direction toward conservation, said it would bar or limit drilling in some other areas of Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

The approval of ConocoPhillips' big Willow drilling project by the Bureau of Land Management will allow three drill sites including up to 199 total wells. Two other drill sites proposed for the project will be denied. ConocoPhillips Chairman and CEO Ryan Lance called the order the right decision for Alaska and our nation.

The Houston-based company will relinquish rights to about 68,000 acres of existing leases in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

The order, one of the most significant of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's tenure, was not signed by her but rather by her deputy, Tommy Beaudreau, who grew up in Alaska and briefed state lawmakers on the project Monday. Haaland was notably silent on the project, which she had opposed as a New Mexico congresswoman before becoming Interior secretary two years ago, until releasing a video Monday evening.

She described Willow as a difficult and complex issue that was inherited from earlier administrations. Because ConocoPhillips has held leases in the area for decades, Haaland said officials "had limited decision space to block the project but focused on minimizing its footprint.

Haaland defended the Biden administration's record on climate change, saying, I am confident that we are on the right path, even if its not always a straight line.

Climate activists remained outraged that Biden approved the project, which they say puts his climate legacy at risk. Allowing the drilling plan to go forward marks a major breach of Bidens campaign promise to stop new oil drilling on federal lands, they say.

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Monday's announcement is not likely to be the last word, with litigation expected from environmental groups.

The Willow project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, create up to 2,500 jobs during construction and 300 long-term jobs, and generate billions of dollars in royalties and tax revenues for the federal, state and local governments, the company said.

The project, located in the federally designated National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, enjoys widespread political support in the state. Alaskas bipartisan congressional delegation met with Biden and his advisers in early March to plead their case for the project, and Alaska Native state lawmakers recently met with Haaland to urge support.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Monday the decision was very good news for the country.

Not only will this mean jobs and revenue for Alaska, it will be resources that are needed for the country and for our friends and allies, Murkowski said. The administration listened to Alaska voices. They listened to the delegation as we pressed the case for energy security and national security.

Fellow Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan said conditions attached to the project should not reduce Willow's ability to produce up to 180,000 barrels of crude a day. But he said it was infuriating that Biden also had moved to prevent or limit oil drilling elsewhere in Alaska.

Environmental activists who have promoted a #StopWillow campaign on social media were fuming at the approval, which they called a betrayal.

This decision greenlights 92% of proposed oil drilling (by ConocoPhllips) and hands over one the most fragile, intact ecosystems in the world to" the oil giant, said Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen. "This is not climate leadership.''

Biden understands the existential threat of climate change, "but he is approving a project that derails his own climate goals,'' said Dillen, whose group vowed legal action to block the project.

John Leshy, who was a top Interior Department lawyer in the Clinton administration, said Bidens climate goals arent the only factor in an environmental review process that agencies must follow.

Leshy, a professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, called the decision on Willow defensible, adding: I think it reflects a balancing of the things they have to balance, which is the environmental impact and the lease rights that Conoco has.''

Christy Goldfuss, a former Obama White House official who now is a policy chief at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said she was deeply disappointed'' at Biden's decision to approve Willow, which the BLM estimates would produce more than 239 million metric tons of greenhouse gases over the projects 30-year life, roughly equal to the combined emissions from 1.7 million passenger cars.

"This decision is bad for the climate, bad for the environment and bad for the Native Alaska communities who oppose this and feel their voices were not heard,'' Goldfuss said.

The Willow project has been a particularly galvanizing issue for young activists, who flooded TikTok with videos opposing the proposal.

Biden has not commented publicly on the project's approval. However, he talked about climate change with Kal Penn, an actor who served in the White House under President Barack Obama, in an interview that was taped last week and will be aired Monday evening on Comedy Central's The Daily Show."

We're going faster than anyone has ever gone, Biden said when asked about young people who want him to push harder. He said the energy situation got really complicated with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, adding that we're going to need fossil fuel.

So its a matter of transitioning, but its not like you can cut everything off immediately, Biden said.

Anticipating anger among environmental groups, the White House announced Sunday that Biden will prevent or limit oil drilling in 16 million acres in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean. The plan would bar drilling in nearly 3 million acres of the Beaufort Sea  closing it off from oil exploration  and limit drilling in more than 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve.

The withdrawal of the offshore area ensures that important habitat for whales, seals, polar bears and other wildlife will be protected in perpetuity from extractive development, the White House said in a statement.

The conservation announcement did little to mollify activists.

Its a performative action to make the Willow project not look as bad," said Elise Joshi, the acting executive director of Gen-Z for Change, an advocacy organization.

City of Nuiqsut Mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, whose community of about 525 people is closest to the proposed development, has been outspoken in her opposition, worried about impacts to caribou and her residents subsistence lifestyles. "My constituents and community will bear the burden of this project with our health and our livelihoods,'' she said.

But there is majority consensus in the North Slope region supporting the project, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of the group Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, whose members include leaders from across much of that region.

The conservation actions announced Sunday block drilling in the Beaufort Sea and build on President Barack Obamas actions to restrict drilling there and in the Chukchi Sea.

Separately, the administration moved to protect more than 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve, a 23-million acre chunk of land on Alaskas North Slope set aside a century ago for future oil production. Areas to be protected include the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas, which serve as habitat for grizzly and polar bears, caribou and migratory birds.

___

Associated Press writers Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this story.
A delay in the trial of three Tacoma police officers charged with killing Manny Ellis three years ago turned out to be unnecessary, adding to the frustration of relatives and advocates of Ellis who say their wait for justice had already dragged on too long.

About two weeks ago, the day before the three-year mark of the incident, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that a dispute over whether the city of Tacoma should disclose an uncharged officers compelled internal statement as evidence against his colleagues had been resolved by the time it got to justices desks.

Meanwhile, the city continues to pay the three defendants, who have been on administrative leave since June 2020 when the medical examiner ruled Ellis death a homicide. The cost to taxpayers is expected to top $1 million by the time the officers go to trial on Sept. 18, according to pay stubs analyzed by The News Tribune.

The Attorney Generals Office charged officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Shane Burbank with second-degree murder and officer Timothy Rankine with first-degree manslaughter in May 2021, alleging they beat, Tasered and restrained Ellis on a South End street corner on March 3, 2020. He died at the scene.

Ellis relatives and advocates have noted how high-profile cases involving Black men dying in police interactions in other parts of the country seem to move more quickly, such as the January firings of five Memphis officers before they were charged with beating Tyre Nichols to death, or the conviction of ex-Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin within a year of murdering George Floyd.

Ellis, a musician and father of two, would be 36 this August.

It wasnt, and clearly isnt, a priority of theirs, Ellis sister and advocate, Monet Carter-Mixon, told The News Tribune recently, referring to the Pierce County criminal justice system. Three years  its a long time. A lot can happen in three years.

A lot has happened, she said.

Justice delayed?

The most recent lag in the Ellis case came in December when the Washington Attorney Generals Office sought the Supreme Courts review regarding the use of compelled internal interviews of law enforcement officers as evidence against colleagues charged with crimes. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Bryan Chushcoff had declined to reconsider a prior ruling on one officers statement.

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Under a U.S. Supreme Court decision known as Garrity v. New Jersey, internal statements officers are forced to give under the threat of termination cant be used as evidence against them in criminal prosecutions because it violates their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

Prosecutors first subpoenaed the city for 13 officers internal interviews last spring, but city attorneys argued turning them over would undermine the Police Departments ability to conduct internal investigations in the future.

If the State is permitted to circumnavigate Garrity and the Fifth Amendment in this way in this case, it will likely have a chilling effect on all law enforcement officers cooperation with all subsequent IA investigations statewide, deputy city attorney Barrett Schulze wrote in his motion to block the states subpoena.

Chushcoff decided in July that the city should hand over internal statements from all but one uncharged officer, Armando Farinas, who the judge ruled might have incriminated himself. Farinas agreed to provide the transcript upon a court order in January, but Attorney General Bob Fergusons office pleaded for justices to hear oral arguments anyway to set a new precedent for other cases.

Then-interim Tacoma Police Chief Mike Ake exonerated Farinas and a fifth officer, Masyih Ford, of wrongdoing in December 2021, but the Attorney Generals Office has declined to grant Farinas immunity from prosecution in the Ellis case, according to court filings.

Charging and investigative documents show Collins and Burbank hit, choked and used a Taser on Ellis to get him in handcuffs, then Rankine sat on his back while Ford, Collins and Pierce County detective Sgt. Gary Sanders bound Ellis legs in a hogtie. At some point shortly thereafter, Farinas placed a spit hood on Ellis head, which now-retired Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Clark opined was a significant factor in his death, along with the hogtie position and the weight of officers. Only Collins, Burbank and Rankine have been charged with crimes.

Internal investigations of the charged officers are ongoing. The city of Tacoma denied The News Tribunes public records request for the officers statements, citing a court order making them confidential.

Carter-Mixon told The News Tribune she understood some of the risk prosecutors took in an attempt to penetrate the so-called blue wall of silence among police officers but questioned why the trial had to be delayed for several months and whether attorneys and court officials had other options. Until the criminal case concludes, her familys wrongful death lawsuit against the city remains on hold.

Carter-Mixon said she thought the trial would start about six months after the Attorney Generals Office filed charges.

I hope theres no more delays. I hope this is the last thing, Carter-Mixon said on the phone Thursday. Other cities and states have swift justice ... Its hard to make future plans.

Supreme Court review

After the Supreme Court granted review in November, Chushcoff and attorneys on both sides of the case agonized over how to accommodate the high courts lengthy review process. Chushcoff decided that the safe bet was a September trial date and suggested the Attorney Generals Office subpoena Farinas for his statement in hopes of progressing toward trial while the justices conducted their review.

Theres a part of me that just wants to wait and see, said Chushcoff from the bench Dec. 2, but he worried aloud that trial dates would fill up in the interim and push a trial deeper into the fall. Theres no good answer here for me.

On Jan. 3, Farinas agreed to hand over his Internal Affairs statements to the Attorney Generals Office if subpoenaed, according to court documents. He provided the transcript in the first week of February.

The Attorney Generals Office did not file to terminate the Supreme Court review and then fought a Feb. 17 motion from the city of Tacoma to rule the issue moot. Prosecutors argued the Supreme Court should still hear their arguments because of the issues importance to the public.

... If this case is dismissed, it would strain credulity to believe that other local governments and police departments will not follow the Citys lead, the Attorney Generals Office wrote in a filing with the Supreme Court. ... The very fact that the City can make these arguments imposes needless and legally baseless burdens, costs, risks and delays that makes investigating and prosecuting police misconduct harder.

In court papers, the city of Tacoma criticized the Attorney Generals Office for not subpoenaing Farinas sooner or terminating the Supreme Court review, resulting in the stall in the criminal case.

The Supreme Court unanimously terminated its review on March 2 and canceled oral arguments scheduled for March 14.

Attorney Generals Office spokesperson Brionna Aho said prosecutors respect the decision.

We achieved the objective we sought in this case. The officer in question, through his private counsel, chose to provide the statements we were seeking in our case, Aho wrote in an email statement. Despite achieving our ultimate objective, we had hoped the Supreme Court would weigh in to provide clarity about the law in this matter.

Farinas attorney, Ryan Lufkin, declined to comment on the case during a phone call with The News Tribune. Courts documents show Farinas expressed he didnt want to impede the criminal case.

Rankines defense attorneys, Anne Bremner and Mark Conrad, told The News Tribune on Friday that they dont see the September trial date moving up.

We need to stay with the trial that we have based on what we have to do, Bremner said on the phone. Rankine is eager to resolve this matter and he looks forward to clearing his name in court and we look forward to clearing his name for him. ... He did everything he was supposed to do.

Tacoma paying up?

In early settlement talks with the city of Tacoma, Carter-Mixon said officials insulted her family with an offer nowhere near the amount paid to Collins, Burbank and Rankine over the past three years while theyve been on administrative leave.

My brothers life doesnt have a dollar amount, she said. Its draining.

Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore, who joined the department last January, has indicated he wont decide whether to fire the three officers until after their trial, according to public records obtained by The News Tribune.





If the officers were to rejoin the Police Department, their ability to contribute to criminal prosecutions would be undermined by their involvement in Ellis death. The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, which previously declined to charge the officers, added them to a list of recurring witnesses with credibility issues in November and placed the Attorney Generals charging papers in files that must be disclosed to defense attorneys.

Collins and Burbank, who also face lesser first-degree manslaughter charges, received double-digit pay raises last January when the union for rank-and-file officers reached a new bargaining agreement, granting back pay and bringing their hourly rates to nearly $62 as of last fall. The raise for Rankine brought his pay to nearly $58 an hour.

The union contract set the top base hourly rate for officers at $53, but those who have more than two years with the Police Department, special assignments, advanced training, post-secondary degrees or military service can earn additional pay increases.

You have the right to fire them, said Carter-Mixon, Ellis sister.

Carter-Mixon pointed to the recent terminations of a Tacoma police officer who had sex on duty and a Puyallup office who has been implicated in two rapes as examples of local officers who have been disciplined with similar amounts of evidence of misconduct.

Its clear what occurred that night (with Ellis), and he is not here anymore, she said. And I feel like if it would have been in another state, or if he would have been white, or had been more important to some people in power in this state, or city, we would have been through trial. Charges would have been filed quicker. I had to argue my way into getting the governor to pay attention.
Arezzo & Co. reported a strong finish to 2022 as the Brazilian company continued its aggressive expansion.

The firm reported full year gross sales of 5.2 billion reais (or $1.01 billion), up 42% from the prior year and a company record for gross revenue. Adjusted net income was 386 million reais ($74 million), which was up 43% compared to the prior year.

More from Footwear News

The footwear conglomerates brand portfolio includes brands Arezzo, Schutz and Alexandre Birman, among other brands, and a licensed Vans business.

In Q4, Arezzo & Co. reported 1.6 billion reais in gross revenue, 20% higher than Q4 of the prior year. The company also opened a net of 50 new stores in the quarter and sold 10.1 million products, which includes 6.6 million pairs of shoes.

In the U.S., the company achieved 489.7 million reais in 2022 (about $95 million), which marked a 40.9% increase over 2021. U.S. revenues accounted for 9.4% of Arezzo & Co.s sales.

Moving into 2023, Arezzo & Co. said it will focus on sustainable growth, innovating its core brands, expanding its portfolio and growing its women apparel offerings.

Already this year, the company acquired a majority stake in Italian footwear label Paris Texas in a deal announced earlier this month. This deal marked the companys first international acquisition. Arezzo & Co.s CEO Alexandre Birman said in an interview that it was just the first move toward a new direction for the company.

This moment is very important and beyond just one acquisition. Its the beginning of a new era of Arezzo & Co. and of a transformation that we have been studying and planning for years, he said. Birman founded his namesake brand in 2008 after already establishing the Schutz label at only 18 in 1995.

His father Anderson, chairman of Arezzo & Co., and uncle Jefferson founded the namesake brand Arezzo in 1972. Five decades later, the company evolved into a multi-branded group that includes also Anacapri, Fiever, Alme, My Shoes, Baw Clothing, Carol Bassi and the lifestyle arm AR&Co, which includes brands such as Reserva.

The company has been listed on the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange since 2011.
Asheville Regional Airport will likely have a TSA Precheck line in place in early 2019. The Precheck program allows travelers to go through a pre-screening that greatly expedites security checks at airports.

ASHEVILLE - Amid an all-time high of firearms discovered at airports across the country and in the city, Asheville Regional Airport says that anyone found with a firearm at the checkpoint will be criminally cited in addition to possible civil penalties assessed by the TDA.

A March 10 news release cited TSA Administrator David Pekoske, who said that nearly 88% of firearms found at airport checkpoints across the country were loaded.

Coinciding with the national climb, theres been a local one, according to the release.

Related:Answer Man: Asheville Regional Airport is dirty? Can it keep up with passenger increase?

More:After record year, Asheville Airport breaks ground on $55M air traffic control tower

More:Asheville airport on pace for record-breaking passenger numbers, best year ever

In 2022, AVL saw an all-time high for number of firearms at the checkpoint, with 26 guns discovered at security screening, a 100% increase over the previous record year in 2019, it said. Already in 2023, the airport is on pace to see another increase.

Anyone who brings a gun to Ashevilles airport will be charged with carrying a concealed weapon, according to the release. In North Carolina, that charge starts as a misdemeanor but can turn into a felony with repeat offenses.

We believe that through active criminal enforcement, in conjunction with community outreach and ongoing TSA civil penalties, we can reduce the number of firearms that people bring to the TSA screening checkpoint, Public Safety Chief Samuel Sales said in a statement.

Cawthorn's gun charge:Madison Cawthorn pleads guilty to speeding violation, awaits gun charge

More:Rep. Madison Cawthorn tried to board plane with gun; could face fine, status loss

More:Cawthorn faces misdemeanor for loaded gun at Charlotte airport: police; had gun at AVL

He added that the goal of the citations is to drive the trend in the downward direction.

Among the North Carolina flyers who have brought a loaded gun to an airport is Madison Cawthorn, the former Republican congressman for Western North Carolina who lost his reelection bid in a primary race against Chuck Edwards last May, after a series of scandals and missteps.

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Cawthorns next court date for the Class 3 misdemeanor charge of bringing a loaded gun through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport security checkpoint is May 3 in Mecklenburg County, the Citizen Times reported in February. The criminal violation can carry up to 20 days in jail for those with prior convictions. Asheville Regional Airport police have also said that on Feb. 13, 2021, Cawthorn attempted to board a plane with an unloaded gun. Officers brought no charges that time.

Signs posted at the TSA checkpoint warn that no guns are allowed, according to the release.

The airport will focus on this topic in public relations efforts to support education and compliance, the release said.

Ryan Oehrli covers public safety, breaking news, courts and other beats for the Citizen Times. Comments? Questions? Tips? Send them to coehrli@citizentimes.com or 252-944-6816. Follow Oehrli on Twitter at @oehrli. Support local journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Regional Airport to charge people who bring guns
Californians were bracing for another potent storm system from the Pacific Ocean that AccuWeather meteorologists say will lead to widespread travel disruptions, aggravate ongoing flooding problems and add to the record amount of snow over the Sierra Nevada.

The dangerous storm will create a plume of moisture, called an atmospheric river, that will spray heavy rain like a giant firehose from north to south across the storm-weary state into Wednesday.

At least two deaths were reported from the storm this past Friday, which also led to a number of evacuations and caused the National Weather Service to issue two rare flash flood emergencies in Central California.

"This will be another significant atmospheric river event for California and will lead to major flooding problems in parts of the state," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark said.

The storm will deposit a general 1-4 inches of rain across much of the state, with the exception of the deserts in the southeast, forecasters say. Along the west-facing lower and intermediate slopes of the Sierra Nevada, a general 4-8 inches of rain is expected, and an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches is possible.

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"The heaviest rain and worst travel conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area began Monday night and will last through Tuesday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said. "The Tuesday morning commute around San Francisco will be nasty with gusty winds that create a driving rain."

Gusts between 40 and 50 mph are forecast with the rain in San Francisco, but at nearby Point Reyes, gusts could approach hurricane force (74 mph). Even less-intense winds may cause trees to topple over in the saturated soil. As trees come down, the risk of power outages will increase.

"As for the Los Angeles area, the worst conditions in terms of rain and flooding will be from late Tuesday through Tuesday night," Zehr said. "Travel Tuesday night over much of coastal Southern California will be plain old rotten."

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In terms of this atmospheric river's impact on Southern California, when compared to the one from late last week, this storm will be worse due to heavier rain that is forecast to fall and the scope of flooding and mudslides that can be unleashed.

Since the ground is saturated from the frequent winter storms that have bombarded much of California, it will not take as much rain to cause problems. Most of this storm's rain will run off into area streets, streams and major rivers.

With a growing number of reservoirs now releasing water, rather than retaining from drought recovery, water through some streams will flow a force that has not been seen for a few years. Moderate to major flooding is possible along some of the bigger rivers as the new batch of rain pours down and works through the hillsides and into the valleys and streams over the next several days. The additional rain may lead to new evacuations, including one issued in the Southern California city of Grover Beach on Monday.

Some levees may again be stressed, resulting in damage or failure that will further escalate flooding risk.

Motorists should be prepared for high water that may block their route. In some cases, roads and bridges could be washed away, while mountainsides become unstable and give way.

"Like the storm from last week, snow levels will be quite high with this storm and will generally fluctuate between 7,000 and 8,000 feet during the first part of the storm," Zehr said.

This means that rain will fall on top of a deep snow cover that is already loaded with moisture. While last week's storm wiped out a great deal of snow over elevations below 5,000 feet, an extensive amount of snow remains on the ground in some areas, especially from 5,000 to 7,500 feet. Additional rain will melt some of that snow cover, but it will also add weight which may be too much for some roofs to handle. In some cases, roof damage or collapse may occur.

As slightly colder air rotates in on the backside of the storm, a change from rain to snow occurred over Donner Pass, along Interstate 80, on Monday night. Snowfall amounts ranging from 1-3 feet could slow or shut down travel from Tuesday to Wednesday.

The rain and heavy wet snow can significantly increase the avalanche threat in steep terrain.

Over the high country, where temperatures will remain below the freezing mark throughout the storm, a couple of yards of snow will pile onto the tremendous snowpack that has been in the making since late December.

In terms of water content locked up in the snow, this winter has now set a record, surpassing that of the winter of 1982-83 for the southern Sierra Nevada and is only second to that same winter for the central and northern Sierra Nevada, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Source: California Department of Water Resources

There is now about 2.5 times the historical average of water locked up in the snow cover in the southern Sierra, more than double the average in the central Sierra and 1.6 times the average across the north.

The amount of water locked up in the massive amount of snow on the ground will be released during the spring and early summer and should continue to alleviate leftover drought conditions but also contribute to ongoing flooding.

Additional storms will affect California as March progresses, with the next potential significant system forecast to roll in from the Pacific early next week.

AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to provide updates on the current storm and new information on the storms that follow into the spring.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
The White House on Monday announced a highly anticipated agreement to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and increase submarine patrols in an effort to bolster the defense capabilities of a major ally in the Indo-Pacific region as tensions rise with China.

As part of the agreement, the U.S. will give at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines to Australia in roughly a decade.

Washington will also enhance training with Australian submariners, initiate rotational submarine patrols in the waters around Australia and work with Canberra to help it build a nuclear-powered submarine of its own.

President Biden formalized the security agreement at an event in San Diego with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Top of the line submarines are the vanguard of U.S. naval power, Biden said. Our unprecedented trilateral cooperation agreement is a testament to the longstanding ties that unite us and our shared commitment of ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains shared and open.

Albanese touted the thousands of jobs and economic investment that will be created from the agreement.

The Australian prime minister said the pact represents the biggest single investment in Australias defense capability in all of our history, praising the U.S. and U.K. for entering into the partnership.

We embark with great confidence in the capacity and creativity of our people, with optimism for the power of what our partnership can be, he said. And with an unwavering conviction that whatever the challenges ahead, the cause of peace and freedom that we share will prevail.

The new partnership, called AUKUS, was first announced in September 2021, emerging as a path to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines to augment its retiring fleet of conventional submarines while also bolstering an alliance in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese aggression.

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Nuclear submarines are stealthier than conventional ones and would serve as a bigger deterrent to Chinas maritime buildup in the Indo-Pacific.

AUKUS has infuriated Beijing, which says the partnership violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a 191-nation pact that entered into force in 1970 and seeks to limit nuclear weapons production and promote cooperation between nuclear armed nations.

AUKUS will include multiple phases to slowly build up ties between the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Starting this year, Australian military and civilian personnel will work more closely and train with the U.S. Navy and the U.K.s Royal Navy. Regular port visits will begin in 2023 for the U.S. and 2026 for the U.K. In 2027, the U.S. and U.K. will also begin deploying rotational submarine patrols in the waters around Australia.

And Canberra will purchase at least three and up to five nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S., which are expected to be delivered by the early 2030s. The deal will have to be approved by Congress.

The trilateral pact also includes the construction of new best-in-class nuclear-powered submarines, which will be invested in by all three nations.

Referred to as an SSN-AUKUS, the U.K. plans to build one by the end of the 2030s, and Australia by the early 2040s.

At Mondays event in San Diego, Britains Sunak said there was a new reality of heightened threats with adversaries, citing the previously disclosed fact the U.K. will be boosting defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.

Sunak added that AUKUS matches our enduring commitment to freedom and democracy with the most advanced military and technological development.

Nowhere is that clearer than the plans we are unveiling today for the new AUKUS submarine, he said. One of the most advanced nuclear-powered subs the world has ever known.

To meet the demands of an upgraded fleet, Australia will expand infrastructure at a naval base in the western part of the country, HMAS Stirling, and will build a new shipyard employing thousands of workers in South Australia.

More Australian submariners will train with U.S. and U.K. personnel, along with hundreds of scientists, workers and engineers to develop skills required for building nuclear-powered submarines.

Under the arrangement, Australia is committed to never acquire nuclear weapons nor enrich uranium or construct facilities necessary to acquire nuclear weapons.The nuclear fuel provided to Canberra will be distributed in power units that will not need refueling.

China argues the supply of nuclear weapons materials to a non-nuclear state is a clear violation of the accord.

France, a NATO ally, was also upset over AUKUS because it meant the cancellation of a $66 billion contract French officials had with Australia to provide Canberra with conventional submarines.

In a briefing with reporters, national security adviser Jake Sullivan referred to the AUKUS deal as a celebration of the deepening ties among Washington, London and Canberra.

AUKUS represents a look forward, he said. It is an affirmative message to all the countries in the region and frankly to the wider world as well.

Sullivan said the Biden administration has briefed Beijing on the AUKUS deal but declined to speak on how China views the new announcement.

Updated 5:34 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(AP)  An environmental activist who was fatally shot in a confrontation with Georgia law enforcement in January was sitting cross-legged with their hands in the air at the time, the protesters family said Monday as they released results of an autopsy they commissioned.

The family of Manuel Paez Teran held a news conference in Decatur to announce the findings and said they are filing an open-records lawsuit seeking to force Atlanta police to release more evidence about the Jan. 18 killing of Paez Teran, who went by the name Tortuguita and used the pronoun they.

The familys attorneys said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which has been probing the shooting for nearly two months, has prevented Atlanta police from releasing additional evidence to the family. The wooded area where Paez Teran was killed has long been dubbed Cop City by opponents who occupied the forest there to protest the 85-acre tract being developed as a massive police and firefighter training facility.

Manuel was looking death in the face, hands raised when killed, civil rights attorney Brian Spears said, citing the autopys conclusions. We do not stand here today telling you that we know what happened. The second autopsy is a snapshot of what happened, but it is not the whole story. What we want is simple: GBI, meet with the family and release the investigative report.

Read: 23 charged after violent protests at site of proposed Atlanta police training center

In a statement, the bureau said its preventing inappropriate release of evidence to preserve the investigations integrity.

Paez Terans death and their dedication to opposing the training center has vaulted the Stop Cop City movement onto the national and international stage, with leftist activists from across the country holding vigils and prompting some to travel and join the protest movement that began in 2021. A few protests have turned violent, including earlier this month when more than 150 masked activists left a nearby music festival and stormed the proposed site of the training center, setting fire to construction equipment and throwing rocks at retreating law enforcement officers.

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Authorities have said officers fired on Paez Teran after the 26-year-old shot and seriously injured a state trooper while officers cleared activists from an Atlanta-area forest where officials plan to build a huge police and firefighter training center. The investigative bureau says it continues to back its initial assessment of what happened.

Read: Teens accused of dashing and dining from local New Smyrna Beach restaurant, police say

Paez Teran had been camping in the forest for months to oppose building Cop City. Their family and friends have said the activist practiced non-violence and have accused authorities of state-sanctioned murder.

The investigative bureau has said no body camera or dashcam footage of the shooting exists, and that ballistics evidence shows the injured trooper was shot with a bullet from a gun Paez Teran legally purchased in 2020.

Spears said the family commissioned a second autopsy after the DeKalb County Medical Examiners Office conducted an initial one. Officials have not released the DeKalb County report, so its unclear whether it reached a similar conclusion that Paez Teran had their hands raised, the palms facing inward at the time of the shooting.

Manuel loved the forest, their grieving mother, Belkis Teran, said. It gave them peace. They meditated there. The forest connected them with God. I never thought that Manuel could die in a meditation position.

The familys autopsy report describes Paez Terans body as being torn up, shot at least a dozen times and that many of the wound tracks within his body converge, coalesce and intersect, rendering the ability to accurately determine each and every individual wound track very limited, if even impossible.

Read: Police search for suspects responsible for Best Buy vehicle fires

The report also says it is impossible to determine whether the activist was holding a firearm at the time they were shot.

The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Kris Sperry, who was the investigation bureaus longtime chief medical examiner until he abruptly resigned in 2015 after the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Sperry claimed hundreds of work hours at the GBI when he actually was working for clients of his forensic-science consulting firm.

Family members of Manuel Esteban Paez Teran embrace during a press conference, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Decatur, Ga. A press conference was held to give additional autopsy findings in Teran's death. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)

Atlanta City Council approved building the proposed $90 million Atlanta Public Safety Training Center in 2021, saying a state-of-the-art campus would replace substandard offerings and boost police morale, which is beset by hiring and retention struggles in the wake of violent protests against racial injustice that roiled the city after George Floyds death in 2020.

In addition to classrooms and administrative buildings, the training center would include a shooting range, a driving course to practice chases and a burn building for firefighters to work on putting out fires. A mock village featuring a fake home, convenience store and nightclub would also be built for authorities to rehearse raids.

Paez Teran moved from Florida last year to join activists in the woods who were protesting by camping out at the site and building platforms in surrounding trees.

Self-described forest defenders say that building the training center would involve cutting down so many trees it would damage the environment. They also oppose investing so much money in a project which they say will be used to practice urban warfare.

Since Paez Terans death, numerous protests have been held in Atlanta, some of which have turned violent, including when masked activists on Jan. 21 lit a police car on fire and shattered the windows of a downtown skyscraper that houses the Atlanta Police Foundation and.

On March 5, a group threw flaming bottles and rocks at officers as others torched heavy machinery at the construction site where the training center is expected to be built. Twenty-three people are facing domestic terrorism charges in connection with that attack. Activists maintain that those who were arrested were not violent agitators but peaceful concert-goers who were nowhere near the demonstration.

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Photograph: Noah Berger/AFP/Getty Images

When is a bailout not a bailout? Its a question many people are asking after the dramatic collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the USs decision to rescue depositors on Sunday.

Joe Biden and elected and appointed officials all insist the emergency interventions to protect deposits in Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, a second bank that failed on the weekend  or, indeed, any further bank failures  wont come at taxpayers expense.

Related: Big tech has long thought itself above the state. Silicon Valley Banks meltdown is stark proof that it isnt | James Ball

On Monday, Biden was at pains to say that no losses would be borne by taxpayers, and the money would come from the fees that banks pay into the deposit insurance fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

His comments followed those of Janet Yellen, the treasury secretary, who told CBS on Sunday: Let me be clear that during the financial crisis, there were investors and owners of systemic large banks that were bailed out, and the reforms that have been put in place means that were not going to do that again.

Jason Furman, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under Barack Obama, was not convinced. Regulators probably needed to do what they did to prevent potentially chaotic damage across the economy, Furman, now a professor at Harvard, said in a tweet. But make no mistake  it does have an expected cost to taxpayers.

Even Andrew Ross Sorkin, financial columnist for the New York Times and author of Too Big to Fail, the bestselling book about the 2008 financial crisis, thinks its a bailout. It is a bailout. Not like 2008. But it is a bailout of the venture capital community + their portfolio companies (their investments). Thats the depositor base of SVB. It is the right thing to do in the moment, but there will be ramifications + new regs. VCs should say thank you, he wrote on Twitter.

It is easy to see why the Biden administration is keen to avoid the B-word given the general antipathy towards the enormous bailouts that Wall Street banks received during the 2008 financial crisis.



And to be fair there are some differences. Finance officials have said that covering depositor losses from the bank failures would be met, in part, by the deposit insurance fund held by the FDIC  the government corporation that supplies deposit insurance to depositors in US commercial banks and savings banks.

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Unlike in 2008, shareholders and bondholders in the banks will not be compensated. They knowingly took a risk and when the risk didnt pay off, investors lose their money. Thats how capitalism works, Biden said Monday.

Pres. Biden says those who invested in failed Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank will not be protected: They knowingly took a risk and when the risk didnt pay off, investors lose their money. Thats how capitalism works. https://t.co/HWi82gAbJP pic.twitter.com/3hVKFJqmZt  ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2023

But someone has to pay. US banks, particularly regional banks, are believed to be sitting on $620bn in losses from moves in treasury bond prices where they placed customer funds during the decade when the US central banks held interest rates at effectively zero.

At the end of 2022, the FDIC reported that its deposit insurance fund had a balance of $128bn, or about 1.27% of the total insured deposits, and far less than may be needed. The deposit insurance fund is ultimately a banking cost passed on to customers in the form of banking fees.

Funding for the non-bailout bailout will also come from selling off SVB and Signature assets, pegged at $212bn and $110bn respectively. Thus, the theory goes, taxpayers will not be directly affected by the turmoil in the banking sector..

After Biden spoke on Monday offering reassurance that the banking system is not at risk, the markets remained unimpressed. Investor funds flowed into safe harbor US treasuries and out of smaller banking stocks, suggesting other banks could be at risk.

Joe Bidens words of reassurance did little to calm markets as worries raced around that other smaller US banks could become the latest dominos to fall, said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Related: Theres a deeper story to Silicon Valley Banks failure. What can we learn from it? | Robert Reich

The wider banking system will bear the brunt of the bailout of banking customers, as the money will come from fees institutions pay into the deposit insurance fund, Streeter said, but she predicted that the US Treasury will move swiftly to fully guarantee further deposits if more banks turn insolvent.

If that happens, it will get harder to argue that the non-bailout bailout will not ultimately fall on US taxpayers.

Assuming there are wider losses not covered either by SVB and Signature assets or federal deposit insurance funds, part of it should be expected to fall on bank customers indirectly, Morgan Ricks, a banking professor at Vanderbilt Law School, told NBC. But these are uncertain times and he added that its also entirely possible it will cost zero.
Cars sit partially submerged in floodwaters in Watsonville, Calif., Saturday, March 11, 2023.

California is facing yet another atmospheric river that will pummel parts of the state with heavy rain and snowfall tonight through Wednesday, as officials and emergency workers are still responding to the fallout from the most recent storm.

The storm conditions are supposed to intensify Monday night and into early Wednesday. This will bring rain to lower elevations and heavy snowfall on Central and Northern California mountains, according to a National Weather Service alert.

Read more

Expect Power Outages! Make a Plan! the Bay Area National Weather Service station tweeted. As of this writing, there are more than 13,000 outages throughout the state, according to Poweroutage.us. This number may rise as the storm reaches California this evening. Just this past Saturday, more than 41,000 customers across the state were without power, with about 30,000 of those outages in Monterey County, CNN reported.

Officials across the state are working to keep residents safe and prepared. California Governors Office of Emergency Services has begun organizing flooding resources for communities in Central California, according to a press release. Valley Water is offering free sandbags to Santa Clara County residents at several distribution centers. The Governors Office of Emergency Services also recently posted a list of shelters in counties affected by recent winter storms.

An earlier atmospheric river hit the state last week, bringing torrential rain that caused deadly mudslides and flooding in Central California. Thousands of people were under evacuation orders, the LA Times reported. The heavy precipitation also swelled the Pajaro River in Monterey County. The river breached the levees, worsening flooding in the area, NPR reported. A video uploaded to Twitter showed how the California National Guard had to help first responders rescue people from their vehicles last week:

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Cal Guard Soldiers have supported first responders in 56 rescues near the Pajaro river in Monterey County. @CAgovernor @Cal_OES #montereycounty #alwaysreadyalwaysthere pic.twitter.com/VKsKbzsXJ0  The California National Guard (@CalGuard) March 11, 2023

The back-to-back emergencies prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a Presidential Emergency Declaration last Thursday. President Biden approved the request for assistance the next day.



Governor Newsom also declared a state of emergency at the beginning of this month, as counties struggled to dig themselves out from heavy snowfall. Residents across San Bernardino were trapped in their homes, while others were stranded and unable to reach their homes due to the extreme conditions.

Though one storm cant be directly attributed to climate change, research suggests that these atmospheric rivers may be becoming more intense due to rising emissions. Winter storms are supposed to happenbut the frequency and intensity could be affected by climate change.

Atmospheric river

Cars are partially submerged in floodwaters in Watsonville, California, Saturday, March 11, 2023.





Flood rescue

Sonoma County Fires Eric Gromala guides a woman to safety after her vehicle stalled out in deep floodwater near Forestville, California on March 9, 2023.

Inundated homes

Floodwaters stand inside Jose Garcias home on College Road in Watsonville, California on March 10, 2023.

Flooded communities

Corky Beall surveys floodwaters on College Road in Watsonville, California, Friday, March 10, 2023

Snowy California

A person walks a dog near snowbanks piled up from current and previous storms as snow continues to fall in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the wake of an atmospheric river event, on March 11, 2023.

Snow removal

A machine clears snow from a road leading to Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on March 12, 2023 in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Homes under the snow

A vehicle navigates a snowy roadway lined with snowbanks piled up from new and past storms in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on March 12, 2023 in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Snowy emergency response

Mammoth Lakes Fire Department firefighters use a ladder on a snowbank while responding to a propane heater leak and small fire at a shuttered restaurant surrounded by snowbanks on March 12, 2023 in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Snow-covered town

People watch as Mammoth Lakes Fire Department firefighters respond to a propane heater leak and small fire at a shuttered restaurant surrounded by snowbanks, on March 12, 2023 in Mammoth Lakes, California.

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Pioneer National Latex, known for making party balloons, has ceased production at the Ashland facility, eliminating about 80 jobs. The company is keeping about 30 local employees for product packaging and shipping, according to Mayor Matt Miller.

ASHLAND  A company that has brought joy to children worldwide for more than eight decades has ended its Ashland manufacturing operations.

Pioneer National Latex, known for making party balloons, will keep about 30 local employees for product packaging and shipping, according to Mayor Matt Miller.

"This was not a local decision, it was a corporate decision," Miller said. "Company leadership is not in Ashland."

Pioneer National Latex will stay in business, but no more of its balloons will be made here.

"The production is shifting to their other plants," Miller said.

The company makes balloons in factories in Texas, Canada and Mexico.

Balloon Capital of the World?

National Latex opened in 1939 on East Fourth Street.

"Eighty-four years ago, National Latex Products began here in the city of Ashland," Miller said.

The company started by producing rubber party balloons for children. The company was licensed by cartoon companies and brands to turn their iconic images into balloons.

The latex company in 1953 became the first in the world to fashion a vinyl rubber play ball.

The mayor said that after Eagle Rubber opened, Ashland companies were responsible for producing 70% of the world's supply of party balloons.

"During its heyday, Ashland was known as the Balloon Capital of the World," Miller said. "More childrens balloons were made here than anywhere else."

Reason for cutbacks not entirely clear

The city's influence in the balloon market was celebrated as early as the 1950s. Over time, it grew from party balloons to hot air balloons.

"Someone got the idea to do the BalloonFest," Miller said.

The tradition has continued for parts of four decades with no end in sight. The original tradition, though, has been deflated.

Pioneer National Latex remains listed as a community partner, according to Amy Daubenspeck, director of operations for the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. The company's membership there is still active.

She said the chamber reached out to the company about future partnerships, but was not given a clear answer.

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The company told her they eliminated 80 local jobs.

"Theyre blaming COVID," Daubenspeck said. "They would get employees and they wouldnt stay very long."

Balloon maker lost a large contract

It's the mayor's understanding that Pioneer National Latex lost one of its major contracts, which accounted for the majority of the balloons that were made in Ashland.

He is not certain which contract was cut, but he said he was assured it had nothing to do with Ashland or the surrounding area.

"It's because of the nature of their product," Miller said. "It's related to the balloon manufacturing business."

He believes they are keeping 30 local employees for packaging and shipping duties.

"They didnt officially send us a news release or anything," Miller said. "The property owner came in and wanted me to know the space was coming available."

Messages left at the company's Ashland facility have not be returned.

'Quite generous to the community'

The company's legacy has left the city's mayor with a lot of fond memories from over the years.

He said it was founded by Harry R. Gill, then taken over in the 1980s by his son, Harry R. Gill II.

"I worked for him as his lawn boy when I was 16," Miller said of the latter. "He and his wife were extremely successful. They had two Rolls-Royces and a Mercedes convertible. They had a home in California."

He learned a lot from the younger Gill. He would drive the family to the airport, and run errands for them throughout the week.

The mayor said he was thrilled when the family offered him the chance to purchase their family home in 2009. It was an offer he couldn't refuse.

The family's legacy will continue for generations through the Gill Center (Now the Gill Welcome Center) at Ashland University, which they donated.

Although the company is no longer family owned and will no longer make balloons in Ashland, the mayor said the entire region is better because of their longtime presence.

"They were quite generous to the community," Miller said.

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Balloon maker Pioneer National Latex ends Ashland production
Successful completion of high school calculus has long been an unofficial must-have for those seeking admission to the nations top colleges: The course has, for decades, served as a signal to admissions officers that a students coursework has been robust.

But some in education say its time to reconsider this de facto requirement: Many schools  particularly those serving large numbers of Black, Hispanic or low-income students  dont offer the course. And even when they do, its of dubious value, they say.

Alan Garfinkel, professor of integrative biology and physiology and medicine at UCLA, said high school calculus is a complete waste of time and a form of torture for students. (UCLA)

High school calculus is a complete waste of time and a form of torture, said Alan Garfinkel, professor of integrative biology and physiology and medicine at UCLA. The view  that math is a bunch of symbolic expressions, and you bang on them with tricks to get other symbolic expressions, is a bankrupt concept of math, dating from the 19th century.

The course, as its often taught at the high school level, is inaccessible and often perceived as irrelevant to students interests, critics say. Just 16% of high school graduates earned credit for calculus in 2019, according to data culled by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a statistic no doubt shaped by its unavailability.

Only 52% of schools with high student of color enrollment offered the course in 2017-18 compared to 76% of schools with low student of color enrollment, according to a 2021 report from the Learning Policy Institute.

Melodie Baker, national policy director at Just Equations, said taking calculus in high school is not a predictor of college success. (Just Equations)

The study, which analyzed data primarily from the U.S. Department of Educations Civil Rights Data Collection, found the course was also scarce in more impoverished communities: Just 45% of high schools enrolling a high proportion of students from low-income families offered the class compared to 87% of high schools with a low proportion of these students.

In addition to its uneven availability, some say calculus isnt entirely relevant to college-level studies and that other classes, including those in statistics and data science, should be considered just as worthy.

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There is a perception that calculus is required for admission to selective colleges, regardless of the fact that only about a handful of higher ed institutions in the U.S. actually require the course for all students, said Melodie Baker, national policy director at Just Equations, an organization that promotes math policies that support equity in college readiness and success.

The push for calculus, said Dave Kung, director of policy at the Charles A. Dana Center, harkens back to an earlier era in U.S. history: It was all about producing physicists and engineers to beat the Soviets in various ways. Other mathematics, including statistics and linear algebra, took a back seat, he said.

Dave Kung, director of policy at the Charles A. Dana Center, said the focus on calculus harkens back to an earlier era in U.S. history: It was all about producing physicists and engineers to beat the Soviets. Other mathematics, including statistics and linear algebra, took a back seat. (Charles A. Dana Center)

The fact that calculus is the default college math pathway is an artifact of a time thats now long gone, he said. Other branches of mathematics have risen in importance in the digital age, but our curriculum hasnt been updated to reflect that change.

Sarah Spence Adams, professor of mathematics at Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts, said she understands why high school counselors place such power in the course: College admissions officials had come to rely upon it, perhaps unfairly.

Without that stamp of approval, it may be seen as harder and more labor intensive to determine if college applicants have pushed themselves academically, said Spence Adams, who also teaches electrical and computer engineering.

She does not believe a single course is necessary for college success.

I am rightfully worried that the disproportionate focus on calculus is unfairly excluding students, particularly students who come from backgrounds that have been historically excluded  and are still being excluded  from STEM majors and the well-paying careers that can follow, she said.

Learning Policy Institute

Access to the course varies across the country, influenced by race and wealth. Only 27% of New York state high schools with high student-of-color enrollment offered calculus compared to 81% of schools with low student-of-color enrollment, The Learning Policy Institute found. In New Jersey, the organization reported, the difference was 50 percentage points: It was 49 percentage points in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Those who question calculuss importance are not just considering students who wish to pursue the humanities: They say it might not be a necessity for those who want careers in STEM.

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A background in calculus is certainly helpful  and many colleges do expect it for students pursuing STEM degrees  but research shows that deeper mastery of prerequisites for calculus is more important than calculus itself, Baker said. High school students should not rush through the curriculum to take the course. And even most selective colleges can support students who didnt have access to calculus in high school.

Bill Tucker, senior advisor of the Pathways Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said the current sequence of mathematics courses from middle to high school means many students are being placed on a track starting in the fifth grade.

Oftentimes, he said, neither they nor their parents know why, but the availability of algebra at the 7th- or 8th-grade level also can be a predictive factor.

Related: Equity Builder or Racial Barrier: Debate Rages Over Role of 8th-Grade Algebra

Students are on the calculus track  or not, Tucker said, adding all high schoolers should have the option of taking the course.

The Gates Foundation has devoted $1.1 billion over the next four years  the start of a decade-long pledge  with the goal of improving the availability and quality of mathematics instruction to students across the country with a focus on Black, Latino and low-income children.

The money, which arrives after years of pandemic strain and related learning loss  particularly in mathematics  will support the creation and use of high-quality instructional materials designed to increase student motivation, engagement and persistence.

It will also be used to boost the number of teachers prepared to provide top-notch math instruction and to better align the math course pathways leading from high school to college.

Related: The $1.1 Billion Math Solution? Gates Foundation Makes Math Its Top K-12 Priority

Having calculus as the gatekeeper for competitive college admissions doesnt make sense because of all of the inequities  and because it is taking one form of math and giving it a special place, he said. We want to have that equal opportunity but we dont want to make it so every student has to go to that door.

Baker was among several who said the unofficial standard must change.

The focus on calculus in high school is a vicious cycle that needs to stop: Its inequitable and will not lead to a stronger body of college applicants or a stronger society, she said. It will lead to more of the same and delay 21-century advancement that relies on data and technology.

Disclosure: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides financial support to The 74.
Its hard to believe it has been six years since the viral moment a father was photobombed by his wife and two children during a live interview.

Now, professor Robert Kelly has shared a photo with his children and wife to mark the anniversary of the hilarious video.

Some BBC Dad content since the 6th anniversary of the original video was last Friday, he wrote in a tweet on Tuesday.

Marion had a singing performance this past weekend, so we got some nice family pictures. Thanks again to all of you who follow me bc of the video. My family and I flattered by your kindness.

Back in 2017, American professor Kelly was being interviewed by the BBC from his home on the issue of South Korean politics when his daughter, Marion, walked into his office. The four-year-old wearing glasses burst open the door and danced her way into the room, as professor Kelly attempted to push his child away.

Then, she was joined by her nine-month-old brother James, who was in a baby walker. They were quickly followed by Kellys wife, Kim Jung-a, who rounded up the children and tried her best not to be seen on camera. The mother of two was seen on her hands and knees as she dragged them out of his office, but the adorable damage had already been done.

Some BBC Dad content since the 6th anniversary of the original video was last Friday.



Marion had a singing performance this past weekend, so we got some nice family pictures.



Thanks again to all of you who follow me bc of the video. My family and I flattered by your kindness. pic.twitter.com/1SWVtJME5e  Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) March 14, 2023

The interview instantly went viral as viewers declared it possibly the best video of the year.

Todays the sixth anniversary of the BBC Dad video, he tweeted on 9 March 2023. The father of two quote-tweeted a 2022 thread from last years anniversary of the BBC Dad video, in which he gave updates about his now-10-year-old daughter Marion and seven-year-old son James.

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Thanks for all the kind sentiments over the years about our family, he added.

Happy 6th anniversary to the greatest moment in the history of the internet pic.twitter.com/QYAunxfrUR  Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) March 10, 2023

In the Twitter thread marking last years fifth anniversary of the viral interview, Kelly shared that he and his wife remain deeply grateful for all the kindness about our kids over the years.

The professor of political science at Pusan National University in South Korea also took the moment to address some rumours that the viral interview was staged. If youre a BBC Dad Truther who still thinks we staged the whole thing to get famous, we did not, he wrote.

Along with the thread, Kelly shared several family snapshots over the years, including two current photos of his children. Thank you again for all your kind words over the years, he said.

Todays the sixth anniversary of the BBC Dad video



Theres not too much more to add, I think, so I just re-tweeted my brief thread from last year. The pictures included are still pretty accurate to our appearance.Thanks for all the kind sentiments over the years about our family https://t.co/q1vrNEGTmV  Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) March 10, 2023

Speaking to the BBC shortly after his familys viral appearance, Kelly said he was flattered by the videos positive reaction. The professor, alongside his wife and two children, said at a press conference in South Korea that he was happy our family blooper  our family error on television  brought so much laughter to so many people."

Kelly revealed that he spotted his daughter in the reflection on his computer screen when she walked in. "I was hoping that maybe my daughter might sit down and read a book or something, even for 30 seconds until we could just cut the interview, but once my son came in on the little roller, then it was sort of... there was nothing I could do," he told the BBC.

He also admitted that he was concerned the moment had harmed his career, adding: "We [he and his wife] were mortified. We assumed that no television network would ever call me again to speak."
A woman on the beach looking at the sea. Westend61/Getty Images

Women are legally permitted to swim topless in Berlin, the city's authorities said last week.

This comes after a woman was barred from entering a public pool topless in December.

She filed a discrimination complaint. It led to the city declaring that everyone can swim topless.

Women are legally permitted to swim topless in swimming pools in Berlin, the city's authorities said last week.

The announcement came after Lotte Mies, 33, filed a discrimination complaint in December against a pool in the German capital. She said the pool barred her from entry because she was topless, per the German news outlets Suddeutsche Zeitung and Der Tagesspiegel.

While swimming topless was not expressly forbidden in Berlin, the complaint by Mies prompted the city's Senate Department for Justice, Diversity, and Anti-Discrimination to put in place a rule that allows everyone to swim topless.

A press release issued by the department on Thursday said the pool that barred Mies from entering did not have any "gender-specific stipulations" and only asked its patrons to wear "commercial swimwear."

The current rules for swimwear in Berlin are that swimmers must wear "standard swimwear," such as "swimming trunks, swimming shorts, bikini, swimsuit, burkini," per the Berliner Bader, the city's swimming association. But these guidelines had a loophole and did not specify that women must cover their chests. It also did not expressly prevent women from just wearing swimming shorts to the pool, like men.

The city's move to allow topless swimming regardless of gender is meant to create "equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary", said Doris Liebscher, head of the city's ombudsman's office for equal treatment against discrimination, in the press release.

This ruling would provide "legal certainty for the staff" working at pools, she added.

The clarification by the city's government is a nod to Germany's "Freikorperkultur" or "free body culture," which promotes the health benefits of nudity while exercising or being in nature, per CNN.

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Berlin is not the first city in Germany to allow people to swim while topless. Goettingen, a city in central Germany, allowed swimmers of all genders to enter public pools topless on weekends last May, per Euronews.

Over 130 nudist clubs also exist in the country, per the Deutscher Verband fur Freikorperkultur, a German association promoting "Free Body Culture."

Representatives of Berlin's Senate Department for Justice, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, and the Berliner Bader did not immediately reply to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Former President Donald Trump and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Allison Joyce and Win McNamee/Getty Images

Sen. Bernie Sanders is blaming a Trump-era policy for the Silicon Valley Bank run.

Sanders said the 2018 law deregulated the industry and sowed the seeds for the bank's failure.

Sanders said the 2018 law needs to be repealed to "break up too big to fail banks."

Sen. Bernie Sanders has blamed a Trump-era banking law for the Silicon Valley Bank's failure.

"Let's be clear. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank is a direct result of an absurd 2018 bank deregulation bill signed by Donald Trump that I strongly opposed," Sanders wrote in a statement on Sunday.

Sanders was referring to the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which former President Donald Trump signed into law in May 2018.

The bill was seen as a significant rollback of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. At the bill signing, Trump commented on the previous banking reforms, saying "they were in such trouble. One size fits all  those rules just don't work," per The Washington Post.

Trump also said at the time that the Dodd-Frank regulations were "crushing community banks and credit unions nationwide."

Signing the bill into law meant that Trump was exempting smaller banks from stringent regulations and loosening rules that big banks had to follow. The law raised the asset threshold for "systematically important financial institutions" from $50 billion to $250 billion.

This meant that the Silicon Valley Bank  which ended 2022 with about $209 billion in assets  was no longer designated as a systematically important financial institution. As such, it was not subject to the tighter regulations that apply to bigger banks.

Sanders wrote in his Sunday statement that the Trump administration had disregarded all the lessons it should have learned from the 2008 Wall Street crash and the Enron scandal.

"Now is not the time for US taxpayers to bail out Silicon Valley Bank. If there is a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, it must be 100 percent financed by Wall Street and large financial institutions," he wrote.

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Sanders added that the US "cannot continue down the road of more socialism for the rich and rugged individualism for everyone else."

"Let us have the courage to stand up to Wall Street, repeal the disastrous 2018 bank deregulation law, break up too big to fail banks, and address the needs of working families, not the risky bets of vulture capitalists," Sanders wrote.

For his part, Trump has claimed without substantiation that the Silicon Valley Bank run should be blamed on the "economy."

"With what is happening to our economy, and with the proposals being made on the LARGEST AND DUMBEST TAX INCREASE IN THE HISTORY OF THE USA, TIMES FIVE, JOE BIDEN WILL GO DOWN AS THE HERBERT HOOVER OF THE MODRRN AGE," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"WE WILL HAVE A GREAT DEPRESSION FAR BIGGER AND MORE POWERFUL THAN THAT OF 1929," Trump continued. "AS PROOF, THE BANKS ARE ALREADY STARTING TO COLLAPSE!!!"

A Trump spokesman told Insider that "out of control Democrats and the Biden administration have continued to pathetically try to blame President Trump for their failures with desperate lies, such as the CCP spy balloons, the train derailment in East Palestine, and now the collapse of SVB."

"This is nothing more than a sad attempt to gaslight the public to evade responsibility," the spokesman told Insider.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shut down the Silicon Valley Bank on Friday following a catastrophic bank run. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has now become the largest bank failure in the US since the 2008 financial crisis.

The FDIC insures deposits for up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. However, startups with money in Silicon Valley Bank exceeding $250,000 are now in danger of not being able to make payroll next week.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Unlike the iOS ecosystem, where Apple is the only game in town, one of the best things about the Android phone market is the wide range of different devices and manufacturers to choose from. That said, when it actually comes time to upgrade, that wealth of options can make it a bit more difficult to choose the right handset for you. If youre looking for a new phone and dont know where to start, weve got you covered with a selection of the best Android phones for every budget.

What to look for in a new Android phone

Performance

When it comes to picking our favorite Android phones, the main things we look for are pretty straightforward: good performance (both compute and AI), a nice display, solid design, sharp cameras, long battery life and a significant commitment to ongoing software support. For performance, not only do we look at benchmarks and other metrics, but we also evaluate phones based on responsiveness. Regardless of whether youre reading, browsing social media or playing a game, no one wants a device that feels sluggish.

Display

While the specs haven't changed much from last year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is still easily one of the best smartphone screens on the market.

When it comes to displays, we generally prefer OLED panels that can produce rich, saturated colors with at least 600 nits of brightness, though many of our top mid-range and high-end phones can hit 1,000 nits or more. And more recently, most of our favorite devices also support screens with fast refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, which adds an extra level of smoothness and fluidity.

Design

Now we will admit there is a bit of subjectivity when deciding which phones look the best, but there are other design aspects like dust and water resistance or screen durability that can make a big difference to long-term survival. Its also important to consider things like support for wireless charging, power sharing (aka reverse wireless charging) and UWB connectivity, which can have an impact on how your phone interacts with your other devices.

Cameras

The rear cameras on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro produce some of the highest quality images on any phone available today.

Obviously, for photos were looking for sharp, colorful shots in both bright and low-light conditions. And we want video clips with high dynamic range, rich audio and smooth image stabilization. Extra cameras for ultra-wide and zoom lenses are a plus. Its also important to consider features like dedicated night modes, support for various video recording resolutions, and additional photo modes like timelapse, slow motion and more.

Battery and software

Finally, in terms of battery life, were looking for all-day longevity on devices that also delivered great results on our local video rundown test (at least 16 hours on a charge, but more is obviously better). And with people holding onto their phones longer than ever, we like to see companies commit to at least three years of software support and regular security patches.

The Best Android Phones

Best Android phone overall: Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Best Android phone overall Google Pixel 7 Pro The Pixel 7 Pro and the standard Pixel 7 might not be the absolute fastest phones on the market, but what they lack in pure performance they make up for with thoughtful software. $508 at Amazon$749 at Target

The Pixel 7 Pro and the standard Pixel 7 might not be the absolute fastest phones on the market, but what they lack in pure performance they make up for with thoughtful software. Thanks to Googles Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7 series features powerful AI and machine learning capabilities that support things like on-device language recognition and real-time translation. You also get gorgeous OLED displays and the best overall camera quality of any smartphone available today. And with the standard Pixel 7 starting at just $600, Googles latest flagship is an incredible value too. The main differences between the two are that the Pixel 7 Pro has a larger 6.7-inch screen and features a third rear camera with a 5x optical zoom. But regardless of whether you prefer a smaller or larger device, you cant really go wrong with either the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro.

Read our Full Review of the Google Pixel 7 Pro

Best mid-range Android phone: OnePlus 11

OnePlus Best mid-range Android phone OnePlus 11 For those who want a phone with a big screen, solid cameras and great performance, but for less than a traditional flagship, the OnePlus 11 strikes a good balance between budget phones and more premium devices. $700 at Amazon$700 at OnePlus

For those who want a phone with a big screen, solid cameras and great performance, but for less than a traditional flagship, the OnePlus 11 strikes a good balance between budget phones and more premium devices. In a lot of ways, the OnePlus 11 is like a more affordable Galaxy S23+. Not only do you get a similar 6.7-inch 120Hz display, it also features a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a big 5,000 mAh battery. Meanwhile, thanks to OnePlus blazing 100-watt wired charging, it juices up faster than any phone from Google or Samsung. And on the camera side, the companys ongoing partnership with Hasselblad has resulted in notable improvements in image quality.

The main shortcomings of the OP11 are that its IP64 rating for dust and water resistance falls short of what you get from competing devices, and the cameras 2x optical zoom lens feels a bit on the short side. But with OnePlus adding wider carrier compatibility and committing four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches, the OP11 is a well-equipped option that costs significantly less than its rivals.

Read our Full Review of OnePlus11

Best budget Android phone: Google Pixel 6a

Google Best budget Android phone Google Pixel 6a If you just want a simple phone for a good price, the Pixel 6a cant be beat. Starting at less than $500, you get a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED and Googles Tensor chip along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. $267 at Amazon$299 at Target

If you just want a simple phone for a good price, the Pixel 6a cant be beat. Starting at just $449, you get a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED and Googles Tensor chip along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. But the thing that separates the Pixel 6a from other budget phones are its cameras which, thanks to Googles superior image processing, produce pictures that are sharper and more accurate than competitors twice its price. Meanwhile, Googles commitment to software updates means you should get at least three years of OS support and five years of security patches. And thanks to all of the Pixel-specific software features like Call Screener, Hold For Me and the Pixel Recorder app, you can get a very affordable device with a ton of smarts.

Read our Full Review of Google Pixel 6a

Best premium Android phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

SAMSUNG Best premium Android phone Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra The Galaxy S23 Ultra may be very expensive, but it has practically everything you could ever want or need in a smartphone. $1,000 at Amazon$1,200 at Samsung

Starting at $1,200, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is very expensive, but it has practically everything you could ever want or need in a smartphone. It has a huge 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a total of five cameras (main, ultra-wide, 3x zoom, 10x zoom and a selfie shooter) and a built-in S Pen for drawing and note-taking. It also features a huge 5,000 mAh battery that delivers some of the longest runtime weve seen on any phone. And with Samsungs renewed commitment to software support, you can expect a minimum of four major OS upgrades and five years of regular security patches.

Read our Full Review of Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best foldable Android phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

While the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is arguably the most stylish and compact phone on the market, the bigger and more expensive Z Fold 4 is like three devices in one, which makes it a unicorn among mobile devices. When you just need to respond to a text or look up an address quickly, its 6.2-inch exterior cover screen makes that a cinch. But when you want to sit down to watch a movie or play a game, you can open up the Fold to reveal a stunning 7.8-inch flexible display. Its compact when you need it to be, while providing an immersive viewing experience when you dont. And thanks to support for stylus input, you even can use one of Samsungs S Pens designed specifically for the Fold to quickly draw or jot down a note. On top of all that, its OLED display makes the Z Fold 4 great for reading books and comics. And unlike practically any other non-Samsung foldable, the Fold also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In a lot of ways, this thing is the Swiss Army knife of phones. Sure, its a bit bulky, and at $1,800 its not what anyone would call affordable. But its ability to serve as a phone, a tablet, an e-reader and more depending on the situation puts the Z Fold 4 in a category of its own.

Read our Full Review of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Ganga Kalikotay, pharmacist at BestCare Pharmacy in Akron, shows a prescription that is packaged in daily dosages in a bubble pack folder for patients who need assistance with taking their meds.

Ganga R. Kalikotay was doing homework on a bench in front of his familys home when he heard the screaming.

It was his mother, 50, who was on her way to visit a nearby friend. Kalikotay found her around the corner leaning on the wall of their small bamboo hut. He brought her inside, where she described the intense chest pain that provoked her outburst. They hopped on a bike and headed to the nearest clinic.

The clinic was in Beldangi-1, a crowded refugee camp in Nepal that housed Kalikotays family, as well as thousands of other Nepalese individuals who were being "ethnically cleansed," forced out of Bhutan. Looking back, Kalikotay hesitates to call the squat concrete building a clinic as the provider could only be compared to a medical assistant at a doctors office.

Regardless, the family visited the facility, which informed them that Kalikotays mother would need to be transported to a better-equipped facility in a nearby city. So, they sat down in the waiting room and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Five hours later, an ambulance pulled up  lights ablaze  to transport the family matriarch.

Sometime amid the waiting shed died. It wasnt until over two decades later that the family learned it was from a heart attack.

That day, Kalikotay lost his mother but gained a lesson that would shape his entire life.

Ganga Kalikotay, pharmacist at BestCare Pharmacy, verifies a prescription before sending it out at his pharmacy in Akron on Monday.

You can have all the health care and money in the world, but a lack of health literacy can remain your most deadly adversary. It is simply the most important part of how a patient receives care.

If anyone in the family had known, or even suspected, it was a heart attack his mother was suffering from, they would have sold all their belongings and exhausted their savings to purchase a taxi to the hospital, Kalikotay said upon reflection.

Transforming a hard lesson into a dream

But no one knew. Not Kalikotay, not his father, not his sisters or older brothers. Low health literacy means a lower capacity to obtain, read, understand and use health care information to make appropriate health decisions. So, those who have a low health literacy rate are less likely to seek care in an appropriate amount of time.

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BestCare pharmacist Ganga Kalikotay visually verifies medicine against the computer image of the pill markings as he checks a prescription in Akron recently.

Its been 16 years since that day, and Kalikotay, now 33, and his family live a world away in America. They arrived in Tucson, Arizona, in October 2009. Kalikotays father and siblings moved to Kansas 4 years later for better job opportunities, while he continued his higher education in The Grand Canyon State.

The lesson stuck, though. It held him in a vice-like grip during his vocational training through Jobs Corps to become a certified nursing assistant. It didnt let go during undergrad at a community college and the back-to-back 16-hour shifts hed pull at a local nursing home and rehabilitation center each week. It even gripped him while studying at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and the medication therapy management center where he worked at the time.

What is parkour?Nepali athlete keeps breaking Guinness World Records in Akron

At the center, Kalikotay counseled patients on their medications day in and day out. During one of his shifts, he realized that hed been having these exact conversations before  but with his family. Thats when it hit him that by doing similar counseling in his own community, he could make an even greater impact.

Kalikotay decided Akron was the place to have that impact due to its growing Nepali population. The fact that 80% of Kalikotays extended family already lives in Akron, along with his father and siblings plan to move here in the future, helped the decision.

After opening BestCare Pharmacy in Akrons Chapel Hill neighborhood in January 2022, he has finally been able to realize his mission to improve health literacy in former Bhutanese refugees.

A bubble pack folder holds pill for patients who need help with taking their medication.

Low health literacy is associated with patients who are older, have limited education, lower income, chronic conditions and those who are non-native English speakers, according to a journal in The National Institutes of Health. And although several studies have explored health literacy in the general U.S. population, very little is known about the state of health literacy in minority populations.

We are from a community or a cultural background that really did not take any medication or seek any health care before, in Nepal or in Bhutan when my parents were young adults, Kalikotay explained. So, taking medication every day for blood pressure, diabetes or any other chronic condition is a new thing for us  our community is skeptical.

The first of many

BestCare Pharmacy did not have to wait long to become a hub of activity.

In its second week, Kalikotay saw a surge in Afghan clients who had recently been displaced by the humanitarian crisis in their country. ASIA's International Community Health Center (ICHC) began sending them Kalikotays way since many of the Afghans spoke Hindi  one of three languages the pharmacist can communicate in.

Pharmacy tech Deepan Kalikotay pulls medicine for a prescription at BestCare Pharmacy in Akron.

(Akrons immigrant population) need more personalized care and being a pharmacist from their background, I understand, and I am willing to take the responsibility, Kalikotay said. Specifically, because I always think about how I would feel if my dad was living by himself, had to go to a pharmacist, and not being able to communicate with the pharmacist."

Since BestCare Pharmacy is independently owned, Kalikotay can provide that personalized care, which is essential to clients obtaining, keeping and administering the correct medications at the proper time.

The pharmacist does whatever he can to establish at least one line of communication with patients. He makes some home deliveries personally, and, if he doesnt speak a patients language, will utilize an interpreter or translating app to speak with them. Kalikotay also gives them his personal phone number in case they have questions after hours or need a tutorial on how to administer a medication.

Where to get Nepali food in Akron:Momo House in Akron is an adventure in Nepali cuisine | Local Flavor

Being an independent pharmacy also means he can make his medications more affordable. In the past he has sold medications at wholesale price or given them away for free altogether. He also has a special packaging system using blister packs to lower the language barrier between non-English speaking patients and their medications instructions. Practices like these put somewhat of a strain on his resources and workforce, but the payoff is worth it.

In the future, Kalikotay plans to offer medication therapy management, but has already begun administering vaccinations and building up his workforce.

The best thing we can do is have patients feel comfortable with the pharmacy, receive their medication on time (and) make sure when they call us we are able to answer their question, Kalikotay said.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: BestCare Pharmacy brings health literacy to immigrants in Akron
The Biden administration on Monday gave the green light to a sprawling oil drilling project in Alaska, opening the nation's largest expanse of untouched land to energy production.

The multibillion-dollar project will be located inside the National Petroleum Reserve, about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and could produce nearly 600 million barrels of crude oil over the next 30 years, according to the Interior Department.

The department noted in announcing the approval that it reduced the scope of the plan, called the Willow Project, by denying two of the five drill sites proposed by ConocoPhillips, Alaskas largest crude oil producer. The department estimated that the project could produce nearly a quarter of a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The project had received forceful pushback from environmentalists, who pointed to its potential climate and environmental effects. The Native American community closest to the site has also opposed the project, though others have supported it.

Image: An exploratory drilling camp at the proposed site of the Willow oil project on Alaska's North Slope in 2019. (ConocoPhillips via AP file)

The oil industry and Alaskan lawmakers had urged the president to approve the project for its energy production potential and its ability to create jobs.

This was the right decision for Alaska and our nation, said Ryan Lance, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer, in a news release.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said in a statement that she could almost feel Alaskas future brightening after the administrations announcement. ConocoPhillips estimated that the project could create more than 2,500 construction jobs and about 300 long-term jobs.

Nagruk Harcharek, president of the Voice of Arctic Inupiat, a nonprofit that addresses issues that affect the North Slope Inupiat, praised the administration's decision, saying it will grow the tax base that supports the communities on the North Slope.

But Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, said the harm the project will cause "may not ever be able to be undone. This is the equivalent of putting dozens and dozens of coal-fired power plants back online. It makes it almost impossible to understand how the administration will ever meet its promises to reduce emissions from public lands."

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A source familiar with the decision said that the Biden administration had little choice, faced with the prospect of legal action and costly fines. Administration lawyers determined that the courts would not have allowed Biden to reject the project outright, as ConocoPhillips has long held leases on land in the petroleum reserve and could have levied fines on the government, the source added.

The Interior Department announced Monday that ConocoPhillips would relinquish rights to about 68,000 acres of its existing leases in the petroleum reserve, most of which are close to the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, a major habitat for caribou and other wildlife that Native communities rely on. On Sunday, the Biden administration declared about 2.8 million acres of the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean as indefinitely off-limits for future oil and gas leasing. The Interior Department said it is also considering additional protections for more than 13 million acres within the reserve that have significant natural or historical value.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., a champion of efforts to fight climate change, said the decision left an "oil stain" on the administration's climate record.

"Approval of the Willow Project is an environmental injustice," Markey said in a statement. "The Biden administrations decision to move forward with one of the largest oil development projects in decades sends the wrong message to our international partners, the climate and environmental justice movement, and young people who organized to get historic clean energy and climate investments into law last year."

Jealous called the Willow decision a profound break of trust with the environmentalist movement and said it throws all of Bidens promises into doubt. He said the Sierra Club is examining its legal options and will very likely sue the Biden administration to try to block the project.

On the campaign trail, Biden called for an end to drilling on federal lands.

The Bureau of Land Management was required to review the proposed Willow Project after a federal judge found flaws with the Trump administration's review prior to its approval of a project with five drill pads.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Biden administration on Monday gave final approval to a scaled-back version of a controversial fossil fuel drilling project on federal lands in the Alaskan Arctic  a move that drew immediate and fierce condemnation from environmentalists.

The so-called Willow project, led by oil giant ConocoPhillips, is expected to produce up to 590 million barrels of oil over its 30-year duration, and is conspicuously at odds with President Joe Bidens pledge to transition the U.S. away from planet-warming fossil fuels.

The decision allows ConocoPhillips to develop three well pads in Alaskas National Petroleum Reserve, down from the five the company initially proposed. However, the environmental group Earthjustice noted that Mondays decision still allows for the company to access 92% of the oil initially targeted.

This is the wrong decision for our climate future, for protecting biodiversity, and for honoring the frontline communities who have raised their voices against this project, Kristen Miller, executive director of the Alaska Wilderness League, a conservation group, said in a statement. The Willow project is designed to open the door to the development of billions of barrels of oil over decades. Lets be clear: rampant oil and gas development on our nations public lands must stop now.

Environmentalists have described the Willow project as a carbon bomb. The governments own review concluded that the project will result in the release of approximately 9.2 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually, the equivalent of adding 2 million gas-powered cars to Americas roads each year.

Ahead of Mondays approval, the Biden administration unveiled new protections for millions of acres of land and water in the Alaskan Arctic.

Along with ending new oil and gas leasing across 2.8 million acres of the U.S. Arctic Ocean, the administration says it will propose stricter protections for the more than 13 million acres of Alaskas National Petroleum Reserve. The latter rule-making would help protect subsistence uses in the NPR-A, responding to Alaska Native communities who have relied on the land, water, and wildlife to support their way of life for thousands of years, the Interior Department said in a release.

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Although welcome news for environmental and climate advocates, those actions did little to temper the outrage over Willows approval.

Karlin Itchoak, the Alaska senior regional director at the Wilderness Society, called the decision on Willow a crushing step backward, and vowed to continue fighting the project with all means at our disposal.

This decision underscores that the Biden administration needs a climate plan for public lands, Itchoak said in a statement. Its time for the administration to change the way it approaches drilling for oil on public lands if it has any hope of meeting its own climate commitments and leading on the kind of fundamental shift in energy policy that a livable future demands.

On the campaign trail in March 2020, Biden famously promised to take on the fossil fuel industry and rapidly transition the nation away from planet-warming fossil fuels.

No more subsidies for [the] fossil fuel industry, he said at the time. No more drilling on federal lands. No more drilling, including offshore. No ability for the oil industry to continue to drill, period.

But by signing off on Willow, Biden has locked in at least three decades of future drilling on federal lands in the fragile Alaskan Arctic  an area that is already experiencing rapid warming and associated climate effects.

Ryan Lance, chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips, called it the right decision for Alaska and our nation.

Willow fits within the Biden Administrations priorities on environmental and social justice, facilitating the energy transition and enhancing our energy security, all while creating good union jobs and providing benefits to Alaska Native communities, Lance said in a statement.

The $8 billion project has been a top priority of Alaskas congressional delegation, whose members say the project will provide a much-needed economic boost in the region.

We finally did it, Willow is finally reapproved, and we can almost literally feel Alaskas future brightening because of it, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a statement Monday. After years of relentless advocacy, we are now on the cusp of creating thousands of new jobs, generating billions of dollars in new revenues, improving quality of life on the North Slope and across our state, and adding vital energy to [the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System] to fuel the nation and the world.

Related...
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Monday asked U.S. lawmakers to approve legislation to bar airlines from charging family seating fees if adjacent seats are available during booking.

U.S. Transportation Secretary (USDOT) Pete Buttigieg wrote lawmakers and sent them draft legislation that would ban airlines from charging an accompanying adult to sit next to children 13 or younger if certain conditions are met.

Buttigieg wrote USDOT "remains concerned that airlines' policies do not guarantee adjacent seats for young children traveling with a family member and that airlines do not guarantee the adjacent seating at no additional cost."

The draft proposal reviewed by Reuters would apply to families traveling on the same reservation and in the same class of service and would make requirements effective 180 days after passage, subjecting airlines not in compliance to potential fines.

The bill would direct airlines to offer refunds or seats on another flight if adjacent seats were unavailable under certain conditions.

Last week, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines agreed to guarantee in customer service plans not to charge family seating fees if specific conditions are met. USDOT unveiled a government dashboard highlighting airline commitments.

Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Bob Jordan said last week the airline is in discussions with USDOT about the family seating dashboard. Southwest, which has an open seating plan, lets parents traveling with children six or younger board ahead of some other passengers.

Jordan says he believes the percentage of time families cannot find seats together on Southwest "is much, much lower" than other airlines.

Airlines for America, which represents large U.S. airlines, says its carriers do not charge for family seating, but most do not include commitments in customer service plans. Carriers not honoring written commitments can face USDOT enforcement actions.

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USDOT has begun drafting regulations to end all family seating fees but that could take years to finalize.

President Joe Biden in February urged airlines to take the action, saying, "Baggage fees are bad enough - airlines can't treat your child like a piece of baggage."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
By Nichola Groom and Maria Caspani

(Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's administration will approve a major and controversial oil drilling project in Alaska on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The decision to move ahead with the project by authorizing three drill sites in northwestern Alaska would come a day after Biden announced sweeping curbs on oil and gas leasing to protect up to 16 million acres of water and land in the region.

The Willow project, led by energy giant ConocoPhillips, would be located inside the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, a 23 million-acre (93 million-hectare) area on the state's North Slope that is the largest tract of undisturbed public land in the United States.

The project, announced in January 2017, is expected to produce about 600 million barrels of oil equivalent over its life, peaking at 180,000 barrels of oil per day, ConocoPhillips says on its website.

Earlier on Sunday, the U.S. Interior Department unveiled actions to make nearly 3 million acres of the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean "indefinitely off limits" for oil and gas leasing, building on an Obama-era ban and effectively closing off U.S. Arctic waters to oil exploration.

In addition to the drilling ban, the government will put forward new protections for more than 13 million acres of "ecologically senitive" Special Areas within Alaska's petroleum reserve, the administration said in a statement on Sunday.

The area includes the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay Special Areas.

The new moves come as Biden tries to balance his goals of decarbonizing the U.S. economy and preserving pristine wilderness with calls to increase domestic fuel supply to keep prices low.

Willow has support from the oil and gas industry and state officials eager for jobs, but is fiercely opposed by environmental groups who want to move rapidly away from fossil fuels to combat climate change.

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An environmental group said the new protections announced on Sunday did not go far enough and the government should stop oil and gas developments to help fight climate change.

"Protecting one area of the Arctic so you can destroy another doesn't make sense, and it won't help the people and wildlife who will be upended by the Willow project," said Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom in Los Angeles and Maria Caspani in New York; additional reporting by Akriti Sharma and Jose Joseph in Bengaluru; Writing by Maria Caspani; editing by Stephen Coates and Sonali Paul)
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration on Monday approved the controversial Willow oil project, clearing the way for one of the largest new oil and gas developments on federal land in Alaska in 20 years despite fierce opposition from environmental activists.

The move came as President Joe Biden also signaled sweeping future action to bar offshore drilling on 2.8 million acres in the Arctic Ocean in an appeal to critics who said he betrayed his commitment to fight climate change.

The $8 billion Willow project, planned by Houston-based petroleum company ConocoPhillips, marks a shift in the Biden administration's handling of major fossil fuel projects after approving few without congressional or court intervention.

What has been approved?

Where is this? The Willow project is targeted for land within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, an approximately 23-million-acre pristine area on the Beaufort Sea north of the Arctic Circle and about 200 miles west of existing oilfields at Prudhoe Bay.

Scaled back: The Interior Department approved three of five drilling sites proposed by ConocoPhillips. Denying the two others reduced the original size of the 200-well project by about 40% and eliminated 11 miles of roads, 20 miles of pipelines and 133 acres of gravel that would have been required.

Company forfeits 68,000 acres: The company agreed to relinquish 68,000 acres of existing leases in the National Petroleum reserve-Alaska, reducing its footprint in the reserve by one-third.

Environmental "buffer": These steps will create "a buffer" between oil development activities and migration routes for caribou in the area, Interior Department officials said.

What is Biden doing to protect the Arctic?

13 million acres blocked: In anticipation of a backlash from climate activists, the Biden administration on Sunday proposed rules to block future oil and gas leases within more than 13 million acres of the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Habitat protections: The rule would block oil and gas leasing in Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay, which are known for globally significant habitat including grizzly and polar bears, caribou and migratory birds, according to the Interior Department.

Arctic Ocean oil ban: Biden's action to indefinitely bar future offshore drilling on 2.8 million acres in the Arctic Ocean will complete protections for the entire Beaufort Sea, building upon efforts made during the Obama administration.

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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.

Why Biden didn't block the project, according to the White House

The Biden administration was limited by legal restraints in reviewing the Willow oil project, according to a White House official who said the company had valid rights on the land because of decades-old leases.

The administration was convinced the courts would have blocked an outright rejection of the Willow project and potentially imposed fines on the government, said the official, who spoke about the White Houses considerations on the condition of anonymity.

#StopWillow climate activists blast Biden

The approval of the Willow project was met with swift criticism by environmental activists, who had rallied under a #StopWillow hashtag on social media to try to halt the project.

The Biden administrations approval makes it clear that its call for climate action and the protection of biodiversity is talk, not action, said Sonia Ahkivgak, outreach coordinator for the Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, a group of Indigenous environmental justice activists.

President Joe Biden approved the controversial Willow oil and gas development project in Alaska despite fierce opposition from environmental groups.

Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, called Biden's action's "appalling" and vowed to continue fighting to keep Willow from breaking ground.

People and wildlife will suffer, and extracting and burning more fossil fuel will warm the climate even faster," Monsell said. "Biden has no excuse for letting this project go forward in any form."

Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, accused the Biden administration of "betraying its core commitment" of ending runaway climate change.

"ConocoPhillips Willow project shocks the conscience," Dillen said. "It will open up the whole of the Western Arctic to drilling over many decades, devastating a fragile ecosystem and people who depend upon it."

Mixed reviews by fossil fuel industry

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 one-third of the state's annual budget, and allow the state to provide an annual dividend to residents, set at $3,284 last year.

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.

The fossil fuel industry applauded Biden for signing off on Willow but criticized the Arctic protections.

Frank Macchiarola, senior vice president of policy, economics and regulatory affairs at the American Petroleum Institute, said the new rules on offshore drilling send "mixed signals" on energy policy.

"By imposing these restrictions, the Department of the Interior appears to be treating their statutory obligations as a bargaining chip," Macchiarola said. He called on the Biden administration to focus instead on "real solutions" to deliver energy and cut down on emissions.

Marty Durbin, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute, said it is "disappointing" the administration is taking vast amounts of oil and natural gas in the Arctic off the table for production.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has made the importance of U.S. production clearer than ever," Durbin said. "Not only does U.S. oil and natural gas act as a check on those who seek to weaponize energy, it is also better for the environment than gas produced in Russia and other nations."

Contributing: USA TODAY staff writers Trevor Hughes and Nada Hassanein, The Associated Press

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Biden approves Willow project, bars future Arctic drilling